Amanda Edwards/WireImageHip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has responded to a Jane Doe lawsuit that accuses him of forcible rape and infliction of emotional distress. In the $10 million lawsuit, which was filed March 23 in Los Angeles Superior Court, the woman alleges that she spent time with Simmons at a nightclub following a concert, and went with him to his hotel room after he told her he needed to retrieve an item. She then says the Def Jam Records co-founder sexually threatened her and her young son, who had attended the concert, and subsequently threw her on the bed and raped her. ABC News has obtained a response filed Tuesday by Simmons' lawyers. It states, "Plaintiff's Complaint is a work of pure fiction. Her use of two of the most vile allegations possible accusing well known defendant Russell Simmons of threatening to molest her son before raping her is nothing more than an attempt by 'Jane Doe' to extort large sums of money from Mr. Simmons and for her lawyer to try to make a name for himself." Simmons' lawyers are calling for the case to be dismissed, with the response further declaring, "While Plaintiff's case is substantively baseless and utterly false, all three causes of action ultimately will fail on statute of limitations grounds." Prior to this latest legal response, Simmons issued a statement on March 26 in which he vehemently refuted the womans allegations. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Iran moving Military assets into Syria Harvey Hopplegrove lop guest User ID: kaput 04-18-2018 11:43 PM Post: #1 Iran moving Military assets into Syria Advertisement Israel is letting on that it sees an Iranian "air force" forming in Syria and that it may destroy it if it seeks to harm Israel. Russia, Syria, and Iran have accused Israel of killing Iranian troops in an airstrike on a Syrian air base earlier this month. Iran has announced plans to retaliate. But experts say Iran's forces in Syria are exposed to Israel's air force and are being warned that they could get knocked out if they cross a line. Israel's military on Tuesday apparently let leak a series of news reports indicating that it sees an Iranian air force forming in Syria and hinting that it may be willing to deal it a knockout blow. more at link..................................... http://www.businessinsider.com/israel-ir...ing-2018-4 Israel sees an Iranian 'air force' assembling in Syria and looks ready to deal it a knockout blowIsrael is letting on that it sees an Iranian "air force" forming in Syria and that it may destroy it if it seeks to harm Israel.Russia, Syria, and Iran have accused Israel of killing Iranian troops in an airstrike on a Syrian air base earlier this month.Iran has announced plans to retaliate.But experts say Iran's forces in Syria are exposed to Israel's air force and are being warned that they could get knocked out if they cross a line.Israel's military on Tuesday apparently let leak a series of news reports indicating that it sees an Iranian air force forming in Syria and hinting that it may be willing to deal it a knockout blow.more at link..................................... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 11:45 PM Post: #2 RE: Iran moving Military assets into Syria Someone should ban Businessinsider links. Just change it to "fake bullshit" every time their links are posted. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 11:54 PM Post: #3 RE: Iran moving Military assets into Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (04-18-2018 11:45 PM) Someone should ban Businessinsider links. Just change it to "fake bullshit" every time their links are posted. STFU loser Here is an NBC link https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/israe...ts-n866921 STFU loserHere is an NBC link Pasta Lover Registered User User ID: 1337 04-19-2018 12:12 AM Posts: 9,463 Post: #4 RE: Iran moving Military assets into Syria This is the main problem with the Russian/Syrian/Iranian alliance. It's not a very strong coalition. In fact it's weak. Russia probably won't back an Iranian response to the air strikes. Why should Iran truly trust Russia? The answer is they shouldn't. I predict Russia will cut and run while trying to save face. Putin is learning the hard way that coalitions matter. You back the other members no matter what. Putin should have retaliated for the strikes no matter what. I'm not siding with Russia at all, just stating the obvious. He is also learning that this foreign venture crap is expensive. Really expensive. Especially when you can't print money. If I was Iran, I would not trust that Putin has my back. In America, we have allies. NOT strategic partnerships. We back each other no matter what. Maintaining relationships between allies is difficult as apposed to strategic partnerships which are for the "unreliables" of the world btw, are easy because you pick and choose who or what you want to support. Cut and run, etc. Oh BTW, as I predicted in another thread Armenia is now in the news for soros backed protests. Well probably Soros. Remember Armenia and Azerbaijan are key areas. So is Georgia, as in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. (This post was last modified: 04-19-2018 01:13 AM by Pasta Lover .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-19-2018 12:47 AM Post: #5 RE: Iran moving Military assets into Syria Harvey Hopplegrove Wrote: (04-18-2018 11:43 PM) Israel sees an Iranian 'air force' assembling in Syria and looks ready to deal it a knockout blow Israel is letting on that it sees an Iranian "air force" forming in Syria and that it may destroy it if it seeks to harm Israel. Russia, Syria, and Iran have accused Israel of killing Iranian troops in an airstrike on a Syrian air base earlier this month. Iran has announced plans to retaliate. But experts say Iran's forces in Syria are exposed to Israel's air force and are being warned that they could get knocked out if they cross a line. Israel's military on Tuesday apparently let leak a series of news reports indicating that it sees an Iranian air force forming in Syria and hinting that it may be willing to deal it a knockout blow. more at link..................................... http://www.businessinsider.com/israel-ir...ing-2018-4 The jew cries out in fear as he strikes you. The jew cries out in fear as he strikes you. A mysterious illness that has plagued embassy in Havana, Cuba, starting in 2016, remains unsolved. And though "sonic weapons" and viral attacks have been declared unlikely culprits by researchers, no cause seems to explain the dizziness, headaches and other cognitive issues experienced by some U.S. and Canadian embassy workers and family members there. Now, the Canadian government has declared their embassy an "unaccompanied post," officials announced Monday (April 16). "This means that Canadian diplomats posted to Cuba will not be accompanied by their dependents," Global Affairs Canada said in a statement, adding that they will review all Canadian diplomatic positions in Cuba, "with a view to balancing our duty of care to our staff members and their families, with the ongoing need to deliver services to Canadians in Cuba, and to promote and protect Canadian interests there." In the fall of 2016, embassy workers stationed in Havana have said they heard loud, strange noises that were described in a Washington Post article as chirps, hums and scraping sounds, or that they felt a ghostly breeze around them. Soon after, those affected reported having hearing loss and ringing in the ears. Other symptoms have included cognitive impairment, headaches, and balance and sleep issues, Live Science previously reported. The Associated Press reported in 2017 that doctors had found changes in the brains of those experiencing the symptoms, particularly in the white matter region of the brain. The white matter is made up of spindly appendages on some brain cells that transmit electrical signals and allow these cells to communicate with one another. Doctors at the University of Pennsylvania examined 21 U.S. embassy workers in Havana, documenting the various cognitive symptoms. In that study, published Feb. 15 in the journal JAMA, the researchers concluded that the proposed culprits, including sonic weapons, could not explain the symptoms. In September 2017, the U.S. State Department ordered all nonessential personnel and families leave Cuba about a 60 percent reduction in staff, CNN reported at the time. The department also urged Americans to avoid travel to Cuba due to the mysterious illnesses, according to the CNN report. However, the Canadian government indicated travel to Cuba appeared safe for now: "There is no evidence to suggest that Canadian travelers to Cuba are at risk." For the latest updates for Canadian travelers, check out the Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories. Originally published on Live Science. Stuck in the ice (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) Scientists on an expedition to Antarctica early next year hope to find the wreck of the Endurance, the ship led by polar explorer Ernest Shackleton, which became icebound and sank in the Weddell Sea in 1915. The modern expedition hopes to learn more about the Larsen C ice shelf at the edge of the Weddell Sea, on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Recording the moment (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) While they are in the Weddell Sea region, the scientists on board the South African polar research ship Agulhas II hope to use autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) to search beneath the sea ice for the wreck of the Endurance. The ship was abandoned by Shackleton and his crew in October 1915, after it had become trapped in sea ice for many months and was starting to sink. Grand plans (Image credit: 1916 public domain) Shackleton and his crew had planned to sail to the southern edge of the Weddell Sea, and from there cross Antarctica overland by dog sled to the Ross Sea, where they would be met by another ship. The expedition was called the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Leader of the pack (Image credit: 1909 public domain) The expedition leader Ernest Shackleton was experienced marine officer on the commercial ships known as Britain's Merchant Navy. He had made two previous ship expeditions to Antarctica before he took command of the Endurance in 1914 for the Trans-Antarctic Expedition. Caught in the floe (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) Before the expedition could reach the coast of Antarctica, the Endurance became frozen in an ice floe in the deep south of the Weddell Sea in January 1915. Efforts by the crew to free the ship from the sea ice were unsuccessful. A total loss (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) The crew of the Endurance spent the Antarctic winter of 1915 trapped on their ship in the sea ice, which slowly drifted to the north west. At the end of October 1915, Shackleton and the crew abandoned the ship. It was completely crushed by the ice a few days later, and sank beneath the ice on 21 November. Making do (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) After abandoning the Endurance, Shackleton and the 27 other members of the expedition camped on an ice floe, and attempted to reach the land by dog sled. Surviving the South Pole (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) In mid-April 1915 Shackleton and his crew reached Elephant Island, at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, in three lifeboats that they had rescued from the Endurance. Searching for help (Image credit: Frank Hurley, 1915/public domain) In late April, Shackleton and five members of the crew set out in one of the lifeboats on a sea voyage to the island of South Georgia, where there was a whaling station, to bring back help for the remaining crew camped at Elephant Island. In this illustration, a hot, dense, expanding cloud of debris gets stripped from neutron stars just before they collide. COLUMBUS, Ohio Giant, energetic explosions create mushroom clouds on distant neutron stars, and a new NASA telescope can watch them rise, cool and collapse in real time. Astronomers had suspected the existence of these mushroom clouds for a long time. But even though the clouds may have shapes similar to the doomsday puffs resulting from nuclear explosions, the cosmic type had been far too faint and far away to make out in detail, NASA scientist Zaven Arzoumanian said during a talk Sunday (April 15) here at the April meeting of the American Physical Society. To older instruments, the explosions looked just like two mysterious blips in the light coming from distant neutron stars, which are the strange, tiny, ultradense remains of ancient stellar explosions called supernovas. "There's a very rapid rise in flux [the brightness of the star as seen from Earth] and then a drop, and then it comes back and slowly fades," Arzoumanian said. "It didn't take much head-scratching before people figured out that what we're probably seeing is a mushroom cloud on a neutron star, rising and cooling to the point that it leaves the sensitivity range [of our existing sensors] and then falling back to the surface and reheating." [The 10 Greatest Explosions Ever] But beyond those two blips appearing periodically in neutron-star observations, researchers hadn't been able to observe these mushroom clouds, technically called "photospheric radius expansion bursts," in much detail, Arzoumanian said. That changed thanks to an X-ray telescope called the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER), which was installed on the International Space Station in June 2017. The crucial point of this telescope which looks something like a giant, swiveling security camera is to probe the physics of matter at the core of those ultradense stellar remains. And it's also helping NASA develop a "galactic positioning system" based on neutron-star signals. But to accomplish those tasks, the device was made to be so sensitive that it can see those mushroom clouds bloom. NICER doesn't see the mushroom clouds in the same way people do. It won't be producing any pretty, Hubble telescope-style photographs of the strange formations. But by carefully studying the graphs of changing light from these neutron stars, Arzoumanian said, astronomers can make precise measurements of the clouds' temperatures and sizes as they burst from the neutron stars' hard crusts. Through this orbiting telescope, Arzoumanian's team has watched the clouds reach heights ranging from about 10 to 100 miles (15 to 150 kilometers) above the surfaces of neutron stars. That's huge. While the precise sizes of neutron stars aren't yet known answering that question is actually one of the goals of NICER, and it could solve some deep mysteries about particle physics they aren't believed to grow much larger than 40 miles (64 km) wide. "So that's a tremendous amount of energy that's released on the surface of the star," Arzoumanian said. His group has also managed to observe multiple explosions in a row on a single star. At one point, a star threw up mushroom clouds every 13 minutes or so for just under an hour, each one weaker than the last. Arzoumanian speculated that the progressive weakening of the explosions was a result of the neutron star not having enough time to fully recover, thus causing less energy to burst into the atmosphere each time. This is an early result from a project that could soon probe much deeper into neutron stars, which Arzoumanian called "the most outrageous objects that most people have never heard of." Live Science will be following NICER closely as more results come in. Originally published on Live Science. Here, a ground-based lidar captures researchers within a mangrove forest in Ten Thousand Islands in southwest Florida, displaying much finer detail on the ground than available from the air. VIENNA Hurricane Irma turned the vast mangrove forests of the Everglades into a tree graveyard, new NASA images reveal. The mass tree casualties were revealed by light detection and ranging (lidar) surveys of the iconic swampland both before and after the massive storm. Irma shaved several feet off the average height of the canopy, and 60 percent of the mangrove forests had been badly damaged, NASA researchers found. [Hurricane Irma Photos: Images of a Monster Storm] "The only areas where there were less damages in the post-hurricane environment were the forests that were submerged along the margin of the water as the sea-level surge came in from the hurricane and actually protected those mangrove trees," Douglas Morton, an Earth scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, told reporters last Wednesday (April 11) at the annual meeting of the European Geosciences Union here in Vienna. Lidar images Morton and his team use lidar surveys to study how forests change when trees fall and gaps form in the canopy. Lidar is a remote sensing technique that allows scientists to essentially see through slices of the forest canopy, from the tallest trees to the shortest shrubs and grasses. NASA's low-flying planes equipped with lidar scanners send out up to 500,000 laser pulses per second to capture 3D images of the landscape below. Damage to the Florida Everglades is seen from the air on Dec. 1, 2017. (Image credit: NASA) "With this airborne set of tools, we're able to make detailed three-dimensional maps across large portions of forest regions that have been inaccessible to us," Morton said. However, scientists never had this type of high-resolution airborne lidar data from before and after a hurricane, Morton said. His team had already collected data for the Everglades in March 2017, covering 500 square miles (1,300 square kilometers) of wetlands. So when Hurricane Irma hit on Sept. 10, the researchers took the opportunity to fly over the same area again in December. Just how bad was the carnage? Hurricane Irma's wind speeds of more than 140 mph (225 km/h) ripped trees out of the ground and sheared limbs off trees across the Everglades. Morton said that about 40 percent of the area they could see in the images was covered with gaps from broken branches and fallen trees. A NASA announcement about the findings noted that the average height of the canopy shrank by 3 to 5 feet (1 to 1.5 meters) because of the damage. "This degree of damages to the coastal mangroves in Florida is quite high," Morton told Live Science. There could be some serious consequences beyond the Everglades if the mangrove trees do not recover, Morton said. One region that may be in particular trouble is theTen Thousand Islands area. "The coastline will change, as mangrove trees stabilize sediment that helps create islands," Morton said. Without these islands, the tides flow differently and storms could affect inland ecosystems more severely, Morton added. He added that changing coastlines will also affect the way the area is impacted by rising sea levels. The same researchers had scanned the rainforests of Puerto Rico before the island was struck by both Irma and later Hurricane Maria. This week, the team returns to Puerto Rico for a post-storm survey to assess the damage and potentially identify landslide threats, according to NASA. Original article on Live Science. In one of the most epic stories in the history of polar exploration, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew had to ditch their bid to be the first to cross Antarctica when the steam-yacht Endurance became trapped by ice in the Weddell Sea, from February until November of 1915. Now, just over a century later, another scientific expedition will search of the wreck of the Endurance. The loss of the Endurance forced Shackleton and his 27 crewmembers to escape across the ice to Elephant Island, near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. To bring back help, Shackleton and five other crewmen then sailed in a small boat to the island of South Georgia in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The survival of the Endurance crew which required the men to eat their dogs at one point is one of the most epic tales in the history of exploration, said Julian Dowdeswell, director of the Scott Polar Research Institute at the University of Cambridge in the U.K. [See Images of Ernest Shackleton's Incredible Expedition] "It's a fantastic story," Dowdeswell told Live Science. The institute's Polar Museum keeps Shackleton's diary and other artifacts of the Endurance expedition. "It is particularly fascinating for all of us, since we hold so much of the material that has survived," Dowdeswell said. Dowdeswell will lead an international scientific expedition to the Weddell Sea on board a South African polar research ship, the Agulhas II, during the Antarctic summer in January and February of next year. The main scientific purpose of the expedition will be to explore the edge of the Larsen C ice shelf adjacent to the Weddell Sea, which was exposed in July 2017 by the separation of a giant icebergknown as A-68. The newly exposed region is of intense interest to scientists, but treacherous weather and sea-ice conditions have so far thwarted attempts to reach it. A scientific expedition aboard a British polar research ship was forced to turn back last monthbecause of heavy sea ice. Under the ice The scientists on board the Agulhas II hope that by studying the cavity under the Larsen C ice shelf with autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), they can determine if the recent breakup of ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula is a new development in geological terms, or if it is something that has happened relatively often since the last glacial maximum, between 18,000 and 20,000 years ago. But Dowdeswell hopes the two high-tech AUVs can also search for the wreck of Shackleton's Endurance, which was recorded as sinking about 215 miles (350 kilometers) from the edge of the ice shelf, in a part of the Weddell Sea almost always covered by sea ice that's several meters thick. [Incredible Technology: How to Explore Antarctica] The power and size of the Agulhas II and the long-range AUVs will give the expedition an important edge in locating the shipwreck, even in the deep waters of the Weddell Sea and beneath a thick canopy of sea ice, Dowdeswell said. Similar AUVs are being used in the continued search for the missing Malaysian airliner MH370, which is thought to have crashed somewhere in the Indian Ocean in 2014. The wreck of the Endurance is now thought to lie in water about 9,800 feet (3,000 meters) deep, almost permanently covered by sea ice, but well within the rated depth of nearly 20,000 feet (6,000 m) of the AUVs on board the Agulhas II, Dowdeswell said. "If we can get within even 100 kilometers [62 miles] of the site, we can launch the AUV, which can go under the ice," he said. "It is this technology that gives us the very best chance [of finding the shipwreck]." Epic survival Shackleton's diary of the expedition states that the Endurance finally sank in November 1915, after becoming trapped by sea ice in February of that year and remaining stuck throughout the Antarctic winter. [The 7 Harshest Environments on Earth] The location where the ship sank was fixed by sextant readings taken by the ship's navigator, a New Zealander named Frank Worsley. "We have the documents that he wrote down with that final position," Dowdeswell said. "That's why we're relatively confident as to where the vessel actually went down." Shackleton's diary described how he and the 27 crewmembers of the Endurance drifted on ice floes and in lifeboats across the Weddell Sea to Elephant Island, near the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, Shackleton and five others sailed in a small lifeboat over 800 miles (1,280 km) to the subpolar island of South Georgia, where they arrived at a whaling station in May 1916, after 16 days at sea and two days crossing the snow-covered mountains of the island. Shackleton then made four attempts by sea to rescue his remaining crew from their camp on Elephant Island, until he finally reached them on a Chilean steam tug at the end of August 1916. Astonishingly, every member of the Endurance crew survived the ordeal. "What we hope to do is to be able to photograph and map [the wreck] in as much detail as possible," Dowdeswell said. "The intention is that we will utilize that to get a formal designation of the wreck site as an Antarctic monument, so it will be preserved in perpetuity." The conditions on board a modern polar research vessel like the Agulhas II increased the awe felt by modern scientists for the achievements of early polar explorers like Shackleton and his crew, he said. "They were going completely into the unknown," Dowdeswell said. "They didn't have weather forecasts; they didn't have satellites showing them what the cloud cover was. They were going with no information whatsoever, into absolutely terra incognita I think all of us who go down there have huge respect for those early pioneers." Original article on Live Science. A photo taken on September 20, 2017 shows San Juan in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria. Six months later, the U.S. territory is once again without power. The entire island of Puerto Rico is without power again, according to the Associated Press, 210 days after its grid first collapsed during Hurricane Maria on Sept. 20, 2017. The Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA), the public utility company charged with serving the island, tweeted that it expects the current, island-wide blackout to last 24 to 36 hours, deepening the ongoing blackout that has already been the largest in U.S. history and the second-largest in the history of the world. According to David Begnaud, who covers Puerto Rico for CBS News, a fault on a single line starting in the historic district of Aguirre Central, located in the southern part of the island, caused the blackout. Such a complete blackout doesn't come out of nowhere. Though Gov. Ricardo Rossello set a goal in October 2017 of having 95 percent of the island's power restored by December 2017, more than 16 percent of the U.S. territory remained entirely without power at the six-month anniversary of the storm in March, with regular blackouts continuing to strike areas where power had been restored. As PBS has reported, with about 80 percent of Puerto Rico's electrical infrastructure destroyed in the storm; an electrical utility company accused of corruption and wastefulness; and an ongoing effort to privatize the utility, it's not entirely surprising that repairs have taken so long. As Vox pointed out in January, President Donald Trump and his administration have largely avoided drawing attention to the dire situation, which involved not just loss of power but also a breakdown in the delivery of other resources to the island. For instance, FEMA's contractor failed to deliver millions of meals before it stopped distributing emergency food and water entirely last year, Reuters reported. The scale of the devastation on the island has been significant. As of December, more than 269,000 people had moved from Puerto Rico to Florida alone. Vox has reported on Puerto Rico's ongoing housing crisis, as well as a tripling in the number of Puerto Ricans trying to kill themselves. As Futurism reported, the official Hurricane Maria death count of 64 was likely wrong, with the actual count closer to 1,085. Today (April 18), CNN reported that many Puerto Rican patients must still travel hours for dialysis. Originally published on Live Science. A 70-year-old man went to the doctor because the whites of his eyes, known as the sclera, were turning blue. Blue eyes are pretty common, but what about blue in the whites of your eyes? No, we aren't talking about sclera tattooing. A 70-year-old man went to the doctor because the whites of his eyes were turning blue. The man told doctors that he didn't have blurry vision or eye pain, but over the past year, the whites of his eyes had gradually turned bluish, according to a new report of the man's case. ['Eye' Can't Look: 9 Eyeball Injuries That Will Make You Squirm] Doctors tested the man's vision along with other indicators of eye health, and the results were all normal. But the whites of his eyes were indeed a bluish color, as were parts of his ears, according to the report, published today (April 18) in the New England Journal of Medicine. The reason for the man's discolored eyes and ears turned out to be in his medicine cabinet: He told doctors he'd been taking a medication called minocycline as a treatment for inflammatory arthritis for 15 years. Minocycline is an antibiotic typically used to treat bacterial infections, but because the drug has anti-inflammatory effects, it's sometimes used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (a type of inflammatory arthritis), according to the American College of Rheumatology. A side effect of minocycline is that, if used for a long time, it can cause discoloration of the skin, ears, fingernails, teeth, gums, scar tissue and, yes the whites of the eyes, or the sclera, the report said. Case report co-author Dr. Rony Sayegh, an assistant professor of ophthalmology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, said he's never seen a case of sclera discoloration due to minocycline before. It's unclear exactly how common this side effect is. A 2016 study of nearly 300 patients taking minocycline for prosthetic joint infections found that about half of the patients had some skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation) after an average of five years. But just 3 percent of the participants had discoloration of the whites of their eyes. Exactly how minocycline leads to discoloration of tissues is not known. But it's thought that a metabolite, or byproduct, of the drug may form "insoluble complexes" with melanin a natural pigment in our skin, hair and eyes which then become deposited in body tissues, the new report said. The discoloration may fade over time, or it may be permanent. Doctors advised the man to stop taking minocycline to see if the discoloration in his eyes would improve, Sayegh told Live Science. The man was switched to another drug for inflammatory arthritis, called methotrexate. However, one year after stopping minocycline, doctors did not see much improvement in the man's sclera discoloration, the report said. Original article on Live Science. Of the 17 octopods pictured here on the surface of the Dorado Outcrop, 16 are in the brooding posture. Miles beneath the ocean's surface, in the darkened waters along a rocky seafloor, a submersible vehicle unexpectedly encountered a bizarre spectacle: hundreds of small, purple octopuses, many of them mothers protecting clusters of eggs, clinging to the hardened lava from an undersea volcano. The sight was astonishing, researchers said. During multiple dives, the submersible's cameras captured as many as 100 octopuses at a time, most clutching broods of eggs attached to the rocky outcrop, clustered around cracks in the cooled lava substrate. The octopuses, which sport enormous eyes in comparison to their dinner plate-size bodies, were identified as a new species in the genus Muuscoctopus. That made the sightings even stranger, as octopus in that group are usually loners that don't gather in dense communities. [8 Crazy Facts About Octopuses] Things got weirder from there. Water temperatures where the colony huddled were much warmer than is suitable for deep-sea octopuses, which have trouble extracting oxygen from water that's too hot. In fact, researchers who investigated the colony found that none of the embryos were developing and reported in a new study that the adults were "unlikely to survive." What's the story behind this mysterious, doomed gathering of octopus mothers, huddling uncomfortably in volcano-warmed waters and guarding eggs that will never hatch? "They shouldn't be there" "When I first saw the photos, I was like, 'No, they shouldn't be there! Not that deep and not that many of them,'" study co-author Janet Voight, an associate curator of zoology at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, said in a statement released by the museum. The tale unfolded on the Dorado Outcrop, located about 155 miles (250 kilometers) west of Costa Rica at a depth of 9,842 feet (3,000 meters). Study co-author Geoff Wheat, a geochemistat the University of Alaska Fairbanks, led two expeditions to the outcrop in 2013 and 2014 recording photos and hundreds of hours of video of the unusual octopus gathering. An octopus of the genus Muusoctopus travels along the outcrop. (Image credit: Phil Torres/Geoff Wheat) During the dives, the researchers collected data on water temperature and evaluated the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. They also observed 606 octopuses (though some may have been counted multiple times, the researchers said). The animals' smooth skin, the two rows of suckers on their arms and their brooding postures identified them as members of the Muuscoctopus genus. However, the scientists collected no individuals, and the newfound species remains undescribed, according to the study. [Octlantis: See Photos of Tight-Knit Gloomy Octopus Communities] A recipe for disaster But what were so many octopuses doing in that location? It's highly unlikely that they were drawn to the area because it was a desirable place to lay eggs, the scientists said. Though prior research has shown that elevated water temperatures can speed up egg development, the heat also increases octopuses' metabolic rate, which makes them need more oxygen. And the water seeping from cracks in the rocky outcrop carried just half as much oxygen as the water in the surrounding areas, the study authors wrote. Together, those factors would spell disaster for mothers and eggs, generating stress levels that could be severe and likely even lethal, the scientist said. A clutch of eggs became visible after a brooding octopod shifted her position on the surface of the Dorado Outcrop. (Image credit: Screenshot from ALVIN footage by Anne M. Hartwell) Perhaps, however, conditions around the rocks weren't so dire when the mothers initially attached their eggs, the researchers suggested. The flow of warmed, oxygen-poor liquid may have been weaker or not even present when the octopuses first arrived, but then, once their eggs were in place, they didn't want to abandon them. It's also possible that these individuals were forced to relocate into an undesirable neighborhood because of overcrowding in cooler, more-hospitable parts of the rocky outcrop. In this scenario, the females would simply have had no choice but to move to the hotter, low-oxygen area to lay their eggs, the scientists reported. Given that this group of stressed octopus moms was so large, it would make sense that an even bigger population was thriving nearby, Voight suggested in the statement. "Octopus females only produce one clutch of eggs in their lives. In order for this huge population to be sustained, there must be even more octopuses to replace the dying mothers and eggs that we can see," Voight said. Wheat and the study's lead author Anne Hartwell, an oceanographer affiliated with Ohio's University of Akron and the University of Alaska Fairbanks, even reported seeing octopus arms extending from within cracks in the outcrop, suggesting that octopuses could have been lurking in cavities inside those cracks, where the water was cooler and more oxygen-rich, Voight added. For now, the mystery of the doomed octopus nursery remains unsolved. But finding the gathering gave researchers an exciting glimpse of previously unseen octopus behavior, along with a reminder of how much scientists have yet to learn about life in the unexplored ocean depths, Wheat said in the statement. "This is only the third hydrothermal system of its type that has been sampled, yet millions of similar environments exist in the deep sea," Wheat said. "What other remarkable discoveries are waiting for us?" The findings were published online March 28 in the journal Deep Sea Research Part I: Oceanographic Research Papers. Original article on Live Science. Ruling in a Bay Area case, the Supreme Court, with a crucial vote from Justice Neil Gorsuch, struck down a federal immigration law Tuesday that required deportation for any noncitizen convicted of a felony that posed a substantial risk of violence. The 1996 law is unconstitutional because its wording is so vague that it sets no clear standard for either judges or immigrants on which crimes it covers, Justice Elena Kagan said in the 5-4 ruling. She said it was similar to another law the court had overturned in 2015 requiring a 15-year prison sentence for some felons whose past convictions were for crimes posing a serious potential risk of violence language the court also found unconstitutionally murky. The 2015 ruling was written by the late Justice Antonin Scalia, a leading member of the courts conservative wing. Gorsuch, appointed by President Trump last year to succeed Scalia, had been unswervingly conservative in his decisions until Tuesday, when he invoked his predecessor in a strongly worded opinion that provided the courts more liberal justices with a decisive fifth vote. Vague laws invite arbitrary power, Gorsuch said, citing legal history from the time of the nations founding and earlier, as Scalia often did. The laws silence (in defining the crimes that require deportation) leaves judges to their intuitions and the people to their fate. While Kagans opinion applied the void-for-vagueness standard only to an immigration law that made deportation mandatory, Gorsuch suggested the same standard should apply to noncriminal laws that can cost citizens their business licenses or their homes, or even their freedom because of a mental health condition. In dissent, Chief Justice John Roberts said the law clearly instructs judges to decide whether someone is likely to use violence in carrying out a specific crime, and thus was less vague than the potential risk law the court had struck down in 2015. Justice Clarence Thomas joined Roberts dissent, but also wrote a separate dissent arguing that punitive laws can be constitutional even if they are vaguely worded. The ruling will affect thousands of noncitizens. It came in a suit by James Dimaya of Hayward, who entered the United States from the Philippines with his family as a legal resident in 1992. Dimaya, now 38, was convicted of two first-degree residential burglaries, of a homes garage in 2007 and an uninhabited house in 2009, and was sentenced to two years in prison. The government then began deportation proceedings under the 1996 law, which applied to noncitizens regardless of their legal status, and Dimaya spent nearly five more years behind bars before being released on bond in March 2015. His lawyers said no one was injured in either burglary. He now works as a phone line installer for a telecommunications company, said attorney Brian Goldman. Goldman said the ruling allows Dimaya to keep earning a living as a rehabilitated and contributing member of society instead of being sent back to a country that isnt his home. Dimaya could still be deported for his crimes, but the ruling allows him to argue that they were not serious enough to qualify for deportation, or that his removal would cause undue hardship to himself and his family. The court left intact another section of the law that requires deportation of noncitizens convicted of crimes that by definition include using, attempting or threatening violence. But the majority said Congress went too far in allowing judges to decide whether other felonies inherently pose a substantial risk of violence. How does one go about divining the conduct entailed in a crimes ordinary case? Statistical analyses? Surveys? Experts? Google? Gut instinct? Kagan asked. She noted that lower courts have disagreed on whether such crimes as car burglary and evading arrest pose a risk of violence, and cited a 2010 government study that found only 7 percent of burglaries nationwide resulted in violence. Roberts, in a dissent joined by Thomas and Justices Anthony Kennedy and Samuel Alito, said courts can readily examine the elements of a crime defined by law and decide whether they create a risk of violence. Thomas, in his separate dissent, said courts should respect decisions by Congress and the executive branch on immigration and should not overturn them for alleged vagueness. He also said Dimaya had no basis to claim the law was vague, because courts had uniformly found residential burglary to be grounds for deportation, under the now-overturned 1996 law, before Dimaya committed his first burglary, Attorney Joshua Rosenkranz, who represented Dimaya before the court, said the majority recognized that you cant banish a person from his home and family without clear lines, announced up front. Rosenkranz said Gorsuch, like Scalia, demonstrated that due process is not a liberal/conservative issue. The Trump administration, which took over the defense of the law from President Barack Obamas administration, denounced the ruling. By preventing the federal government from removing known criminal aliens, it allows our nation to be a safe haven for criminals, said Tyler Houlton, spokesman for Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. He said Nielsen has been meeting with hundreds of members of Congress seeking legislation to close public safety loopholes, such as these, that encourage illegal immigration and tie the hands of law enforcement. The case is Sessions vs. Dimaya, 15-1498. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter:@BobEgelko The ruling can be viewed here: https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/17pdf/15-1498_1b8e.pdf LOS ANGELES The largest manufacturer of bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms, announced Wednesday that it will stop taking orders and shut down its website next month. The announcement comes about a month after President Donald Trump said his administration would ban bump stocks, which he said turn legal weapons into illegal machines. The devices became a focal point of the national gun control debate when they were used in October when a man carried out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. About a dozen bump stocks were found among the weapons used by Stephen Paddock when he unleashed a hail of bullets from his high-rise Las Vegas hotel suite, killing 58 people and leaving more than 800 others injured. Slide Fire Solutions, which is based in Moran, Texas, posted a message on its website saying the company will stop taking orders at midnight on May 20. There was no immediate response to a request for comment sent through Slide Fires website and the companys founder and CEO, Jeremiah Cottle, did not immediately respond to a LinkedIn message seeking comment. The Brady Center for Gun Violence filed a lawsuit against Slide Fire after the Las Vegas mass shooting and alleged that the company provided a product that turned a semi-automatic gun into the functional equivalent of a machine gun, thereby evading longstanding federal law. Mimi Carter, a spokeswoman for the Brady Center, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday. The Justice Department said last month that it had started the process to amend federal firearms regulations to clarify that federal law defines bump stocks as machine guns. That would reverse a 2010 decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that found bump stocks did not amount to machine guns and could not be regulated unless Congress amended existing firearms law or passed a new one. Some states have also sought their own restrictions. Last week, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, signed a package of bills that included a ban on bump stocks. A far-reaching school safety bill signed last month by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, also a Republican, included a bump stocks ban and was immediately met with a lawsuit by the National Rifle Association. If you're a conservative and you pay attention to what is said about conservatives in the media - two crimes of which I am guilty - you come to recognize an evergreen tic: the desire to raise previously loathed conservative pols to newfound heights after they have died in order to tear down whichever contemporary conservative pol has earned the ire of the press. As Jonah Goldberg put it a few years back in a blog post highlighting the practice, "The only good conservative is a dead conservative." He noted the ways in which Barry Goldwater (who was literally attacked in print as too crazy to be president by a group of psychiatrists, a shocking dereliction of ethics) now serves as the friendly ghost of conservatism past. William F. Buckley is the patron saint of reasoned discourse, a well-read mandarin willing to entertain liberals and conservatives alike. And Ronald Reagan - the cowboy warmonger who was simultaneously a dunce and Machiavellian puller of strings orchestrating secret international arms deals - appeared on the cover of Time magazine in 2007 with a Photoshopped tear rolling down his cheek, supposedly saddened by the state of conservatism in Dubya's final years in office. This phenomenon is not strictly limited to dead Republicans. George W. Bush has been creeping up the presidential rankings ever since leaving office; he's 33rd out of 43 now, compared with 36th out of 42 upon leaving office. (It is hard to say if this uptick has to do with his antipathy toward President Donald Trump or his status as the pre-eminent artist of our times.) There's always some danger of lionizing a conservative before he's cold and in the ground; Mitt Romney went from soulless dog abuser who killed people with cancer and creepily kept women in binders to a reasonable anti-Trump voice back to a callow pol who should be shunned when he announced his run for Utah's forthcoming Senate vacancy. "Chappaquiddick," an impressive new movie about Ted Kennedy driving a car off a bridge and killing a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne in 1969, helps us understand a corollary to this law: If the only good Republican is a dead Republican, then the only bad Democrat is a dead Democrat. And the dead Democrat should always be used to show just how awful the current Republican is. This is the basic thrust of Jill Filipovic's essay on the film and Ted Kennedy for NBC, helpfully titled "Since Chappaquiddick, Democrats' views of women have evolved. Republicans' still need to." Leaving aside the time frame on that evolution - it certainly did not happen immediately after Chappaquiddick, in response to Chappaquiddick, or in the 40 years Kennedy served in the Senate, or until really quite recently, it seems. Indeed, 20 years after Chappaquiddick, a book about the whole sordid affair was stifled by mainstream publishers, eventually becoming a bestseller for the conservative house Regnery Gateway. But the point is simple: A dead Democrat can show the ways in which living Republicans still fail us. "The left does continue to struggle with how to treat misdeeds by powerful men with whom it is politically aligned, and male misbehavior transcends political ideology. But there is no question that Democrats are cleaning house," she writes. "You can't say the same about the American right." This is the undercurrent of many reviews of "Chappaquiddick," a movie about the killing of a young woman by a lionized Democratic pol that is considered timely because a Republican who has cheated on multiple wives now happens to occupy the Oval Office. Inkoo Kang uses the film as a clarifying moment to indict the entire right-wing media-industrial complex. "It's tempting to see the plague of fake news and the ham-fisted attempts at Orwellian indoctrination - on Fox News, Sinclair stations and YouTube conspiracy-theory videos - as a malaise that afflicts them, seldom us," she writes. "'Chappaquiddick' ... serves as a timely reminder that voters on either side of the aisle are susceptible to influence, especially when it's wrapped up in male entitlement and oligarchical polish." Conservatives who spent decades railing against Kennedy, calling him a murderer and a scoundrel and screaming about the left's silence, are right to be annoyed by the both-sidesing of this event. Wondering why "Chappaquiddick" wasn't being groomed for an awards-season run late last year, Stephen Silver wrote that, "for obvious reasons, this tale of a powerful man in America committing an indefensible act and getting away with it is pretty timely these days, what with multiple-times-accused sexual predator Donald Trump in the White House, the Harvey Weinstein debacle still in the news, and the numerous other scandals of prominent badly-behaved men." Owen Gleiberman at least understands the damage Ted Kennedy, Bill Clinton and their lackeys have done to our nation's politics: "So how does (Donald Trump's behavior) differ, in kind, from the sins - and the entitlement - of Edward M. Kennedy? Or of Bill Clinton, whose brilliant charisma and sexual double dealing has always been mythologically linked to the Kennedys? Does it differ at all?" Frankly, it differs insofar as Kennedy's behavior was actually far worse than Trump's; Trump has never killed a woman, after all. I'm by no means a defender of Trump and have no interest in relitigating the past 18 months. But if you want to understand why a majority of evangelical Christians are willing to look the other way when it comes to Trump's various transgressions, all you have to do is recall feminist luminaries defending Clinton during the Monica Lewinsky scandal and that the Democratic Party has only recently turned against Kennedy and only then because he's a useful cudgel against the current GOP president. "Chappaquiddick" is a fine movie about a terrible man who did an awful thing. But viewing his awfulness as nothing more than a tool to attack those you hate in our current moment misses the point of the movie. --- Bunch is the executive editor of, and film critic for, the Washington Free Beacon. In the sequel "Super Troopers 2," a highway patrolman (Kevin Heffernan) shoots and kills a bald eagle intentionally. That's the level of satire in a lowbrow comedy so irreverent it could almost be considered a subversive indictment of law enforcement, not to mention lowbrow humor. Almost, that is, if it were remotely funny. The movie reunites most of the cast of the 2001 hit "Super Troopers," including director Jay Chandrasekhar ("The Dukes of Hazzard"), who co-wrote the film with fellow members of the comedy troupe Broken Lizard, who play Vermont state troopers. Brian Cox returns as their grizzled captain, as does TV's Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, reprising her role as the governor of Vermont. The fruit of this reunion is a raunchier version of the original, one that rehashes much of the first film's silly stoner aesthetic, including locker-room pranks, preoccupation with male genitalia and a drug-smuggling subplot that, predictably, gives the troopers a chance to sample contraband. The funniest bit is a recurring joke involving a female hormone supplement called Flova Scotia. (I know, I know, but it's funnier than a dead eagle.) Rob Lowe appears in a cheeky cameo as the mayor of a small Canadian town, his regional accent not nearly as cliche as those attempted by other cast members. While many movie sequels depict characters who have actually grown over time - "Before Midnight," "The Force Awakens" and "T2 Trainspotting" come to mind - this one is stuck in permanent adolescence. --- One and one-half stars. Rated R. Contains crude sexual material and coarse language throughout, drug humor and some graphic nudity. 100 minutes. Ratings Guide: Four stars masterpiece, three stars very good, two stars OK, one star poor, no stars waste of time. 3 1 of 3 Google Maps Show More Show Less 2 of 3 SAEN Show More Show Less 3 of 3 At least one person has been fired at a Corpus Christi news station after it aired a surreal segment filled with obscenities. The segment aired at 9 p.m. Monday on the NBC affiliate KRIS 6 TV. During the broadcast, "an audio clip with disturbing language" could be heard over a black screen, said Greg McAlister, president and general manager of KRIS Communications in a news release. PHOENIX There is no good time for an injury, but some times are worse than others, particularly when a struggling player is just beginning to click. So it goes for third baseman Evan Longoria, who seemed poised to overcome his awful start but reinjured his left ankle Tuesday while standing in the batters box during Derek Hollands regular between-starts bullpen session. Manager Bruce Bochy offered a prognosis of a couple of days for Longoria, who missed a week in spring training with what the player described then as a recurring injury in the back of the ankle. Longoria seems confident he will return sooner this time, saying after the Giants 1-0 loss Tuesday that he probably could have pinch-hit and hopes to return Wednesday night. This has to count as a freak injury. Longoria said he felt it with an odd step. Its just a weird thing, he said. I wish I could expain it. Sometimes when I move it in a funny way, it locks up. I know it sounds bad to say it like that, but it is what it is. Longoria batted .114 over the first 10 games but was 7-for-19 with three doubles and a homer in his past five. Samardzija update: Jeff Samardzija threw a bullpen Tuesday afternoon, and the Giants are leaning toward activating him Saturday to make his 2018 debut against the Angels. Bochy was not ready to make an announcement and said he would hold off to ensure Samardzija feels OK on Wednesday. Bochy provided a hint that Andrew Suarez could pitch this weekend instead. The club had Suarez pitch in San Jose on Monday night when Sacramento was rained out to keep him on turn for Saturday just in case. However, Suarezs requisite 10 days in the minors would not allow him to return before Sunday. To pitch Saturday, he would have to replace a player put on the disabled list. The Giants flirted with the idea of a second rehab start for Samardzija after he was slammed for six runs in his first one at San Jose, but shifted gears after Tyler Beede was hit hard in San Diego on Sunday. I feel good to go, Samardzija said. Briefly: Buster Posey returned after missing Sundays game with a right-thumb injury that he said occurs every season. He said that not hitting the ball on the barrel can worsen the injury. He had not been squaring up many balls before he hit two hard Tuesday night. ... The Diamondbacks were bidding for their third no-hitter. Randy Johnson threw a perfect game in Atlanta in 2004 and Edwin Jackson had an eight-walk no-hitter in Tampa Bay in 2010. Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. The Lone Star State's over 260,000 square miles of wide open spaces mean summer getaways can be found anywhere. This summer, vacation off the beaten path by visiting some of the remaining ghost towns around Texas. On this date in ... 1918: An early morning raid conducted by the New York Central police netted two men and a restaurant owner in connection with a series of robberies that occurred between Tower 6 and Tower 4 on the railway near Albany. The confessed thieves, brothers William and Harry Hatdergot, admitted to stealing a large quantity of food, including 1,000 pounds of butter, and selling it to Albany restaurateur Edward Olenhause. Most of the missing food the butter, eight cases of eggs and two cheeses, as well as four boxes of cigars was recovered at Olenhause's garage. The rest of the food, along with underwear, shoes, gloves and other clothing items, were found in a barn at the time of the Hatdergots arrest. 1968: Lt. Col. Hugo W. Matson, a U.S. Army assistant attache from Ballston Spa, was among five Americans and one Canadian apprehended and charged by the Soviets with "open espionage" at a shipyard and military base. The Soviet official newspaper Izvestia said they had gone beyond the bounds of permissible behavior April 8 at a St. Petersburg shipyard and entered a closed military area at Borisov April 9. The American response was that the attaches were engaged in activities "which are perfectly normal and accepted on the part of military attaches of the Soviet Union in the United States." 1993: While the public was often skeptical of programs that professed to rehabilitate criminals, at least two facts were certain: most prison inmates dropped out of high school before graduating and those who obtained high school equivalency diplomas or completed vocational training while in prison were far less likely to commit another crime after being paroled. Yet for the past several years, in reaction to both budget constraints and political pressure not to coddle inmates, the Department of Correctional Services had instituted a series of policies that dramatically reduced the number of inmates taking vocational training or high school classes. Want to read more about the Capital Region's past? See http:/blog.timesunion.com/history/ Laredo health officials said Wednesday they are investigating reports of a case of Zika virus in Mexico. Waldo Lopez, the associate director for the City of Laredo Health Department, told LMTonline.com a case has been reported in Nuevo Laredo, but officials are currently awaiting confirmation from Mexico. A homicide suspect who was arrested last week on drug charges and posted bail the next day is behind bars again after a judge revoked his bond. Esteban Yruegas, 24, returned to the Webb County Jail on Monday. 49th District Court Judge Joe Lopez revoked his bond in two of his pending criminal cases. Lopez set a new bond for the murder charge at $200,000 and $40,000 for the 2016 drug charge. He imposed additional conditions, including weekly reporting to pretrial services, GPS monitoring at Yruegas' own expense and a modified curfew of 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. READ MORE: Laredo man charged with brutal murder, arrested again "The (conditions of bond) are not out of this world," Lopez told Yruegas. "It's just regular stuff that you have to abide by when you live in a civilized society." Although Yruegas does not admit that he is guilty of the drug charges for which he was arrested, he didn't dispute the fact that the arrest did occur, his attorney, Oscar O. Pena told the court. However, Pena said he did not want to put the court through a mini trial to contest the new charges brought against his client. Pena asked Lopez not to revoke his client's bonds, but just to double or even triple the bond amounts. If the court's concern was that Yruegas posed a risk to the community, Lopez could request additional drug testing and monitoring or consider placing Yruegas under home confinement instead of imposing a curfew, he added. Yruegas is not a flight risk since he had been showing up to all of his court appearances, according to Pena. He said that although Yruegas knew that it was likely that he would be arrested that same day, he showed up to court on Monday for his hearing. "I would suggest to the court that it is not an unreasonable inference that Mr. Yruegas' absence from Webb County (when he fled to Mexico) was due to the associations of the victim, not so much a desire to avoid justice in this case," Pena said. Pena said his client has a highly defensible case and he looks forward to taking his case to trial. Assistant District Attorney Francisco Mendoza asked Lopez to revoke both bonds. He also asked him to consider setting the new bond for the murder charge at $1 million. Mendoza said he opposed the home confinement since the crimes for which Yruegas was arrested were committed at his house. READ ALSO: A grandmother befriended a woman who looks like her, stole her ID and killed her, police say "The safety of the community is at risk here, when he is committing new offenses a little over a month after his release on bond," Mendoza said. Yruegas was indicted on murder, engaging in organized criminal activity and aggravated assault charges in connection to a 2016 homicide. He also faces a state jail felony possession of a controlled substance charge in an unrelated 2016 case. He was incarcerated for three months after he was arrested for the murder charge in November. However, he was able to post bond last month after Lopez lowered his $1 million bond to $20,000 due to the prosecution's failure to indict him within the 90-day deadline following his arrest. Home raided On April 7, police arrested Yruegas at his home in the 3600 block of Galveston Street on two counts of manufacturing, delivery of a controlled substance. Because he was arrested and charged, this violated his bond conditions. During a search of the house, police said they found Yruegas inside wearing an ankle monitor. They said they seized a .40-caliber Glock handgun with 11 live rounds and a 12-gauge shotgun. Police also confiscated 4.3 grams of cocaine, 1.6 grams of crack-cocaine, 2.7 grams black tar heroin, 5.4 grams of marijuana and $512, according to LPD. He bonded out of jail the following day. Fatal shooting Yruegas and Pedro Vasquez, 31, are accused of gunning down Cesar Javier Sarmiento on July 26, 2016, in the 3300 block of Guerrero Street, outside a mobile home equipped with a surveillance system. Sarmiento sustained multiple gunshot wounds to his head, chest and abdomen area. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said Vasquez was the owner of the mobile home where the shooting occurred. Officers later executed a search warrant at Yruegas' home in the 3600 block of Galveston Street, but he was not there, authorities said. LPD said Yruegas and Vasquez fled to Mexico after the shooting. They were arrested Nov. 28 after U.S. Marshals worked with their counterparts in Mexico to apprehend them in Monterrey, Mexico. African troops battling an al-Qaida affiliate in Somalia for the past decade stand little chance of withdrawing by their deadline in two years as the government remains fragile and a spike in militant violence has drawn in U.S. forces. The longest-running African Union peacekeeping mission, known as Amisom, operates in a shattered country whose lawlessness has bred regional violence -- al-Shabaab has staged attacks in Kenya, Uganda and Djibouti -- and piracy that plagued global shipping in the early 2000s. Over the past year, the U.S. has boosted its cooperation with the Somali army, targeting al-Shabaab and an Islamic State faction. The U.S. Africa Command said al-Shabaab controls about a fifth of Somalia, mainly in the south. Assaults on Ugandan peacekeepers this month show the challenge still facing the mission that deployed in 2007 as al-Shabaab stepped up its violence. Since October, Somalia has suffered its deadliest attack in three decades of civil war, debate in parliament threatened to turn violent and the federal and regional governments have been at loggerheads. Amisom officials still talk as if departure is imminent and say 1,000 troops from about 22,000 uniformed personnel will leave this year. Yet in March they asked the United Nations to repeal a resolution to trim the force, which also includes Kenyan, Ethiopian, Djiboutian and Burundian soldiers. A 2020 exit is "extremely unrealistic," said Richard Cole, a former adviser to Somalia's army. Talk of leaving is based on the "war-weariness" of the troop-contributing countries rather than "the situation on the ground, where al-Shabaab has not been decisively defeated and remains a constant threat," he said. U.S. forces have conducted 12 strikes against al-Shabaab so far this year, according to the U.S. Africa Command. Amisom's deputy head of mission, Simon Mulongo, said it "will most likely stay longer than 2020-21 because of challenges to statehood development, despite significant gains registered." Without Amisom, the insurgents are "capable of easily retaking the reins of power," he said. Many Somali officials agree 2020 isn't feasible. The chief inspector of police, Hassan Mohamed Nur, said by phone that the army won't be able to take over without increased capacity, an organizational overhaul and a comprehensive training program. Political disputes among Somali officials are the Achilles' heel of government forces, said Hussein Sheikh Ali, a former national security adviser. Amisom is undermined by a "lack of commitment" to finish the job and "constant clashes" between international donors, he said. The spokesman for the Internal Security Ministry, Abdulaziz Ali Ibrahim, said the current priority is solving splits in the government. Amisom's departure needs institutions that can assume responsibility for security, according to Matt Bryden, director of Sahan Research, an institute in neighboring Kenya and a former head of a U.N. sanctions monitoring group on Somalia. "That scenario will prove unattainable unless there exists a stable political settlement, not only in Mogadishu, but also between the federal government and authorities in other regions," he said. Uganda's army, the largest contributor to Amisom with more than 6,000 troops, has changed its stance on an early pullout after a review, military spokesman Richard Karemire said by phone from the capital, Kampala. In Kenya -- whose army invaded Somalia in 2011, citing a wave of cross-border abductions by al-Shabaab, and later joined Amisom -- opinion polls show the majority of Kenyans want the troops home. While Kenyan army spokesman David Obonyo acknowledged it would "be premature to withdraw before the country is fully fortified," the presence of his nation's forces depends on Amisom's U.N. mandate continuing. Officials from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Burundi didn't answer calls seeking details on their withdrawal plans. For Cole, the former Somalia army adviser, there's simply no alternative to Amisom at the moment. "While many Somalis berate and mock Amisom based on long-held grievances, they remain the only realistic option," he said. --- Bloomberg's Fred Ojambo and Desire Nimubona contributed. This weekend, a bush fire in the Sydney suburbs destroyed more than 6,000 acres. More than 500 firefighters rushed to the scene, working through the night to battle the blaze. Residents were forced to evacuate as the fire crept up "right to the back of their fences," firefighters told the BBC. Major roads were cut off, requiring emergency responders to dump water by helicopter. At one point, a train passed near the fire, allowing passengers to capture harrowing footage on their cellphones. (Officials have said that the train should not have been allowed to travel the track and that they are investigating what happened.) Barbara Bush, who was the wife of one president and the mother of another and whose embrace of her image as America's warmhearted grandmother belied her influence and mettle, died April 17. She was 92. The office of her husband, former president George H.W. Bush, issued a statement Tuesday evening announcing her death but did not disclose the cause. Mrs. Bush was reportedly battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. Her family announced two days earlier that she had "decided not to seek additional medical treatment" after recent hospitalizations amid her failing health. As the matriarch of one of America's political dynasties, Mrs. Bush spent a half-century in the public eye. She was portrayed as the consummate wife and homemaker as her husband rose from Texas oilman to commander in chief. They had six children, the eldest of whom, George W. Bush, became president. Their eldest daughter, Robin, died at age 3 of leukemia, a tragedy that had a profound impact on the family. Her husband served two terms as vice president under Ronald Reagan and then one as president, from 1989 to 1993. On his watch, the Cold War ended, and the nation and its allies achieved a swift and crushing victory over Iraq in the Persian Gulf War - before a faltering economy largely doomed his reelection prospects. George W. Bush, a former governor of Texas, was president from 2001 to 2009, and after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, he led the country into long-lasting wars in Afghanistan and Iraq and the rumblings of the Great Recession. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions," her eldest son said in a statement. "To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end." Only Abigail Adams, whose husband, John Adams, and son John Quincy Adams served as the second and sixth presidents, respectively, of the United States, shared Mrs. Bush's distinction of being the wife and mother of commanders in chief. Another Bush son, Jeb, served two terms as Florida governor before unsuccessfully seeking the Republican nomination for president in 2016. Mrs. Bush was proud of her family's achievements but expressed reservations - especially as Jeb Bush mounted his White House bid - about whether it was healthy in a democracy for one family to accumulate so much power. In a "Today" show interview, she called Jeb Bush "by far the best-qualified man." But "there are a lot of great families, and it's not just four families or whatever. There are other people out there that are very qualified," she remarked, adding - with her characteristic bluntness - that "we've had enough Bushes." But once her son entered the race, she was 100 percent in - and she did not mince words about her distaste for his primary opponent, businessman Donald Trump. In a joint interview with Jeb before the New Hampshire primary, she unflinchingly stated that it was "incomprehensible" to her that anyone would vote for Trump, particularly women, in light of his abusive comments about them. Instinctively understanding how Trump's apparent fondness for Russian leader Vladimir Putin might not sit well with voters, she further noted: "Putin has endorsed him, for heaven's sakes. Putin the killer, Putin the worst. That's an endorsement you don't want." Trump issued a statement Tuesday evening, praising Mrs. Bush as "an advocate of the American family" and highlighting her focus on literacy as one of her greatest achievements. A relatively unknown national figure until her husband became vice president, Mrs. Bush was comfortable as a backstage force, maintaining stability during her family's more than two dozen moves before entering the vice president's official residence in 1981. Within the Bush clan, she was known as "the enforcer." "She may be a lot of people's grandmother," Jeb Bush told Newsday in 1990 when asked about his mother's soothing, even matronly persona as first lady, "but she was our drill sergeant when we were growing up." By her account, she had evolved from a shy, socially "square" 16-year-old schoolgirl smitten at the sight of her 17-year-old future husband at a Christmas dance in Greenwich, Conn. At 19, she lefther elite women'scollege - Smith - to marry him. Within a few years, they would leave behind their lives ofwealth and privilege in the Northeast as George H.W. Bush sought his fortune as a Texas oilman before winning a congressional seat in 1966. Mrs. Bush accompanied him across the country and around the world as he served as U.N. ambassador, leader of the Republican National Committee, U.S. envoy to China and director of the CIA before becoming Reagan's running mate. According to Peter and Rochelle Schweizer's 2004 book, "The Bushes: Portrait of a Dynasty," Mrs. Bush for years maintained and meticulously curated a network of tens of thousands of contacts and friends that she saved on index cards for social and fundraising reasons. By the time the Bushes got to the White House and automated the card file, they had a Christmas card list in excess of 10,000 names. - - - As a political spouse, she contrasted sharply with her predecessor as first lady, Nancy Reagan, who had at times generated unwanted attention with her lavish spending, designer clothes and intrusions into her husband's administration. Mrs. Bush presented herself as the antithesis of glamour and excess. She endeared herself to many with her droll frankness, boasting about her trademark triple-strand faux pearls and joking about her prematurely white hair. The two wives were formidable women, protective of their husbands, and their relationship during the Reagan administration was noticeably icy. The Bushes were seldom invited to the Reagan White House's family quarters. As first lady, Mrs. Bush established the nonprofit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, to which she donated nearly $800,000 in after-tax proceeds from her best-selling "Millie's Book" (1990), which channeled the voice of her pet dog. She also encouraged people to volunteer at homeless shelters and Head Start projects, and she promoted AIDS awareness when the disease was still highly stigmatized and misunderstood. In 1989, she made front-page headlines when she visited Grandma's House, a pediatric AIDS care center in the District, and cradled an infant patient at a time when many people mistakenly believed the disease could be contracted through mere proximity to the virus. She attended in 1990 the funeral of Ryan White, the teenager who had fought to return to public school in Indiana after he contracted the AIDS virus through a blood transfusion. (Her husband signed into law what is now the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program to help provide services for people with the disease, but AIDS advocates have regarded the program as inadequately funded for years.) Mrs. Bush sat on the board of the historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta and was reported to have played a role in the selection of her friend Louis Sullivan, the president of Morehouse's medical school, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Despite her preferences for staying behind the scenes, Mrs. Bush wasn't shy about expressing her own views. At times, Mrs. Bush made public statements that seemed to conflict with her husband's policies, including his opposition to abortion rights and gun-control measures. But she adamantly resisted being pulled into discussions about personal and controversial topics, dispatching unwanted questions with salty humor or a sharp, "Next question." In a rare misstep while joking with reporters, she referred to Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's vice-presidential opponent in 1984, as "that $4 million - I can't say it, but it rhymes with 'rich.' " She quickly apologized. The White House staff adopted a nickname bestowed on her by her children - the "Silver Fox" - and took care not to cross her. She was known to stare down aides she thought were not performing up to task for her husband. In one incident, Mrs. Bush put Craig Fuller, chief of staff to then-Vice President Bush, on notice after friends and supporters complained that he was not returning their calls. As she watched him sift through a stack of messages, she snapped, within her husband's earshot, "Keep looking. . . . You'll find a couple from me." During four years as first lady, Mrs. Bush consistently ranked among the nation's most-admired women, with high poll numbers that contrasted with her husband's tumbling ratings. During the 1992 election, she was often deployed by the Bush campaign as a surrogate to humanize a president not known for charisma or the common touch. She was, many commentators agreed, his most valuable asset in a race against then-Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton, an agile campaigner who pounded Bush on the economy, and wild card candidate Ross Perot, a Texas billionaire running as an independent. "She had grit and grace, brains and beauty," Clinton said in a statement after her death, noting that he sometimes visited the Bushes at their family retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine. "Barbara joked that George and I spent so much time together I had become almost a member of the family, the 'black sheep' that had gone astray." Mrs. Bush generally managed to avoid the sorts of intrigues and uproars that perturbed her predecessor as first lady and her successor, Hillary Clinton, a lawyer, activist and herself an eventual presidential nominee. Clinton promised to be a partner in her husband's public life and memorably defended her career by remarking, "I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas." In her no-nonsense way, Mrs. Bush rejected the idea of the election being a referendum on dramatic generational change and pushed back against polls that said she was better liked by the electorate than her husband. "Nobody is jealous of me," she told The Washington Post. "I mean, look at me. Who would be? It's easy to like me. They like George, and they respect him. But he has to say no to people because he has to do what's right for the country, and that's hard." - - - Barbara Pierce was born in New York City on June 8, 1925, and raised in the tony suburb of Rye, New York. She was one of four children of the former Pauline Robinson, the daughter of an Ohio Supreme Court justice, and Marvin Pierce, a top executive of McCall Corp., which published Redbook and McCall's magazines. As a child, Barbara stood out physically, having reached 5 foot 8 and 148 pounds by age 12. She once described her younger self as "a very happy, fat child who spent all my life with my mother saying, 'Eat up, Martha,' to my older sister and, 'Not you, Barbara.' " She would later talk about her mother as a humorless, unapproachable taskmaster. She was 16 and a student at the private Ashley Hall school in Charleston, South Carolina, when she met George Herbert Walker Bush, who was then attending the private Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. A romance sparked at the 1941 Christmas dance and continued mostly through letters. She later called him her first love and said he was the only boy she ever kissed. She entered Smith College in 1943, but, as she told United Press International years later, "didn't like to study very much. . . . The truth is, I just wasn't very interested. I was just interested in George." She withdrew from Smith in 1944 after their engagement was announced. Her fiance, a handsome Navy pilot, was serving in the South Pacific on Sept. 2, 1944, when his plane was hit by enemy fire. He was rescued in the water. They married on Jan. 6, 1945, while George was home on leave. He had named his bomber plane "Barbara." After the war, she went with him to New Haven, Connecticut, where he graduated from Yale University, and then to West Texas. Many years afterward, she told The Post that her early experiences in Texas helped toughen her for public life. "When you become a couple, all grown up, nobody's son or daughter, nobody's shadow, you are you," she said. "For me, it was a very healthy thing. I grew up after I left the shadow of my mother." In 1953, the Bush family was devastated by the prolonged suffering and eventual death of daughter Robin, whose full name was Pauline Robinson Bush. Decades later, Barbara Bush would still choke up when speaking of her. "I was combing her hair and holding her hand," she told the "Today" show. "I saw that little body, I saw her spirit go." Barbara was thrust into despair by the ordeal and its aftermath. But The Post reported that Robin's death deepened Mrs. Bush'sbond with her son George, who was 7 at the time. He would tell friends he could not go out to play because his mother needed him, and he worked hard to cheer her up - shaping, as it happened, his ebullient personality. Mrs. Bush gradually regained her equilibrium. With her husband, she started a foundation that raised money for leukemia research and awareness. She also spent considerable time helping guide her son Neil through his struggles with dyslexia. She said her son's reading disorder contributed to her devotion to literacy as second lady and then as first lady. George H.W. Bush's careers in the oil business and public service often kept him away from home, leaving Mrs. Bush as the authority figure. She drove the car pools and stuffed five kids in the car for the annual summertime cross-country trips to the family retreat in Kennebunkport. She acknowledged that once her youngest child left the house, she fell into depression. She attributed her feelings, at least in part, to the lack of purpose she felt as her children - and the women's movement - came of age. "Suddenly women's lib had made me feel my life had been wasted," she told USA Today in 1989. She said that her husband helped her overcome her doubts and that she also began to take satisfaction in seeing her children develop into self-sufficient adults, even if some - particularly the one who would become president - showed fiercely independent sides. By his own admission, George W. Bush drank too much in his youth and gave his parents many headaches before a newfound religious fervor in his 40s changed his life. Mrs. Bush simply called her son "a late bloomer." Neil, the fourth child, was a director of the Denver-based Silverado Savings & Loan and was enmeshed in its collapse in 1988, which cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.He and other directors settled the case, and Neil Bush paid a $50,000 fine. Besides her husband, survivors include five children, George, Jeb, Marvin, who co-founded an investment firm, Neil Bush and Dorothy "Doro" Bush Koch, who has worked in fundraising and philanthropy; a brother; 17 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. - - - Mrs. Bush generated a flash of controversy when Wellesley College, the women's school in Massachusetts, invited her to speak at its 1990 commencement. Some students protested, saying the first lady, who had dropped out of college to marry and who had risen to prominence through the accomplishments of her husband, did not represent the type of career woman the college sought to educate. At the commencement, Mrs. Bush told the graduates to "cherish your human connections: your relationships with family and friends." She memorably added: "Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps, and preside over the White House as the president's spouse, and I wish him well." She had abandoned some of the reserve she cultivated as first lady by the time her son was elected president in 2000. When George W. Bush's administration was criticized for its slow response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, she told the public radio program "Marketplace" that the Gulf Coast evacuees being housed at Houston's Astrodome "were underprivileged anyway, so this is working very well for them." A White House press secretary tried to play down the remark, saying Mrs. Bush was making a strictly "personal observation." In her final years, Barbara Bush lived in the home she and her husband built in Houston and largely stayed out of the spotlight. In 2009, she sat for an interview with Fox News on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the George Bush Presidential Library in College Station, Texas. "Well, it was a wonderful life that he's had and I've shared," Mrs. Bush said wistfully, recalling her time with her husband in Washington and China and even the car that first took them to West Texas. "We've had a great life." --- Video Embed Code Video: Barbara Bush, who was the wife of one president and the mother of another and whose embrace of her image as America's warmhearted grandmother belied her influence and mettle, died on April 17.(Monica Akhtar/The Washington Post) Embed code: WASHINGTON - The FBI seizure of records from President Donald Trump's personal attorney last week deeply rattled the president - souring him on his long-stated preference to sit down for an interview with special counsel Robert Mueller III and prompting him to renew efforts to hire more legal firepower, people familiar with the discussions said. Trump, who had previously expressed a desire to submit to a special counsel interview, changed his mind following the April 9 raid of lawyer Michael Cohen's office, home and hotel room and is now leaning against an interview, according to two people familiar with his turnabout. The president's lawyers are still open to talks with Mueller's office about the possibility and advisers caution that the president frequently changes his mind, but his legal team now sees a Mueller sit-down as less likely. Trump was infuriated by the seizure of possibly sensitive correspondence involving work that Cohen - his close friend, consigliere and personal "fixer" - was doing on his behalf and believed Mueller's team was operating in bad faith, two people familiar with the president's frustration said. Trump was so upset, in fact, that he had trouble concentrating on plans that were laid out for him that day by his national security team about potential options for targeted missile strikes on Syria, and told aides he was cool to the idea of doing an interview, said two people familiar with his comments, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations. After last month's resignation of attorney John Dowd, the president's legal team consists primarily of Ty Cobb, the White House lawyer dealing with the investigation, and Jay Sekulow, Trump's personal attorney on the Russia matter. Trump and his advisers expect the legal team may expand in size as early as the end of this week, according to one person familiar with the discussions. Both Sekulow and Cobb declined to comment Tuesday. Trump's team has reached out to Robert Bonner, a former federal judge and former member of President George W. Bush's administration, about representing Trump, two people familiar with the outreach said. Bonner is a former Customs and Border Protection commissioner and is credited with ushering in a more consolidated government approach to securing America's borders in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Unlike other lawyers the Trump team has approached, Bonner retired from his role as a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in 2008 and thus does not have to worry about potential objections from law partners that might prevent him from taking the job. Bonner declined to comment about his status as a potential candidate to represent Trump. On the day that news of the Cohen raid broke last week, Sekulow and other Trump advisers were in a preparatory session for a scheduled meeting that afternoon at the special counsel's office to negotiate final terms for a possible interview with the president. Sekulow and Cobb had been proponents of having Trump sit down for a limited interview with Mueller's team on four predetermined topics in hopes of speeding up the conclusion of the probe into the president's actions. But the raid alarmed and angered Trump and led to a tense afternoon meeting between Trump advisers and Mueller's team, according to one person familiar with the talks. The president viewed the raid on his personal attorney as a breach of his team's cordial working relationship with Mueller's investigators and swiftly turned on them, another person said. "That greatly diminished the trust the team had," the first person familiar with the president's reaction to the raid said. Mark Corallo, a former spokesman for Trump's legal team, said that unexpected raids like the one executed against Cohen "are generally reserved for mafia dons and drug kingpins." "It is not every day that you see no-knock search warrants authorized by a federal judge on a lawyer and a law firm in white-collar matters," Corallo said. "I don't know how serious it is for President Trump, but it is very serious for Michael Cohen." Mueller's team had made no prior mention of federal investigators' focus on Cohen, which they would not be expected to divulge before a pending raid. The special counsel's office had privately referred their investigative findings about Cohen to the U.S. attorney's office in the Southern District of New York. That office conducted the raids last Monday, following several months of investigating Cohen for possible bank fraud, wire fraud and campaign finance violations, according to people familiar with the probe. A search warrant indicated the probe is focused on Cohen's role in tamping down possible negative publicity for Trump during the campaign and payments that were made during the campaign to women who claimed to have affairs with Trump. In recent days, Trump has grown increasingly agitated, railing against members of his beleaguered team, said someone familiar with the situation. The president has also been personally involved in the hunt for new members of the legal team, making phone calls to potential additions, this person said. There is a growing sense that Trump's lawyers are not prepared for the rigors and challenges still to come in the Mueller probe, although James Schultz, a former Trump administration lawyer who now works at the law firm Cozen O'Connor, rejected that notion. "I haven't seen any indication they are overwhelmed by work," Schultz said. "They don't seem overwhelmed to me." Within Trump's orbit, the concern surrounding the raid targeting his lawyer is largely focused on what remains unknown about the dealings of Cohen, whose reputation was for handling Trump's dirty work. One White House aide described Trump as angry at the what appeared to him to be a violation of attorney-client privilege. Trump's legal team has struggled for weeks to bring additional lawyers into their ranks. One outside adviser, who requested anonymity to discuss internal deliberations, said Trump is upset that he hasn't been able to attract top-notch lawyers, but he has long struggled in business to attract good lawyers because he underpays and sometimes pays late. He is also a difficult client, the adviser added. New York litigator Marc Kasowitz, who has helped Trump in a series of business disputes and was the original leader of the president's Russia legal defense, is still involved with Trump's team and has been helping in the search for new lawyers, two people familiar with the situation said. Corallo said that while he believes the president deserves top-notch representation, he also understands the particular challenges facing Trump. "I think the president of the United States - no matter what you think of him - deserves the best legal talent he can get, and I think a lot of the big law firms have not covered themselves in glory saying no the president," he said. "Now on the other hand, I do understand why a lot of high-profile lawyers don't want to take the case." Legal struggles have dogged Trump's presidency. The Trump campaign paid $4 million between January 2017 and March 31, 2018, in legal consulting fees to 13 law firms and Trump Corp., a company run by Trump's two older sons. The bulk of the fees - about $2.7 million - have gone to Jones Day, a law firm representing the campaign in investigations by Mueller and several congressional committees into Russian interference in the 2016 election. The reelection campaigns of sitting presidents typically would spend less in attorneys fees in a nonpresidential cycle, hiring one or two law firms for ongoing campaign finance compliance needs, said Brett Kappel, a Washington campaign finance lawyer. Issues that arise over campaign finance or personnel matters typically are resolved within a year or less, Kappel said. Since January 2017, however, the president's 2020 campaign has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars each on law firms representing the president's oldest son, Donald Trump Jr., Cohen and the president in the special counsel investigation, as well as a new legal challenge from an adult-film star, Federal Election Commission records show. Though the expenditures are notably high, there is nothing illegal about the use of campaign funds. Under federal election laws, campaigns can pay for any expenses that relate to their candidacy or activities that occurred while holding elected office. - - - The Washington Post's Rosalind S. Helderman, Alice Crites, Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Anu Narayanswamy contributed to this report. A magician never reveals his secrets. Well, not unless a court mandates it. David Copperfield, 61, is currently in the midst of a civil jury trial in Las Vegas' Clark County District Court that began on Friday, following a negligence lawsuit filed against the illusionist by 58-year-old British chef Gavin Cox. Cox attended one of Copperfield's shows at the MGM Grand Las Vegas on Nov. 12, 2013. The show concluded with one of the magician's signature tricks, "Lucky #13." Copperfield chose 13 random audience members to participate in the illusion. Cox was one of the 13 - but things quickly went downhill, and Cox claimed that he emerged from the trick injured. The trick, which Copperfield has performed for at least a decade, is a simple vanishing act. He brings 13 unwitting participants on a platform on stage. Then, giant curtains are flung over it, completely obscuring the baker's dozen of audience members. Copperfield banters for a few minutes before pulling the curtains and revealing the 13 have disappeared. But the big reveal comes when Copperfield points to the back of the room and tells the audience to turn around. Standing there are the missing participants. More for you Illusionist Copperfield buys Vegas-record $17.5 million home Of course, the participants aren't magically transported from one place to another. Cox claimed in his lawsuit that he was injured during the trick, which would force its mechanics to be exposed in the courtroom. Copperfield's lawyers argued that disclosing how the trick works to the public would financially hurt Copperfield, who is worth about $800 million, according to Forbes. "It's not just tricks," Copperfield said in 2013. "Secrets and lots of hard work go into this." The judge disagreed, pointing out that the thousands of people who have already participated in the illusion know how it works. (Copperfield has performed the trick with more than 55,000 different participants without any other incidents, his lawyers said, according to NBC.) Chris Kenner, the show's executive producer, explained the trick in court on Tuesday. After the curtains obscure the participants, flashlight-carrying stagehands guide them off the stage and through dark, hidden passageways that wind around various parts of the resort. At one point, the participants exit and then reenter the building. Eventually, they reenter the theater through the back. Cox said the passageways were filled with dust and debris, as they snaked through parts of the resort that were under construction. Cox fell during the dash and was taken to a hospital with a dislocated shoulder. He claimed that he later began to suffer chronic pain, and doctors found a lesion on his brain. He said his medical bills totaled more than $400,000, NBC reported. "There was a duty by the defendants to provide a safe environment to the audience participants," his attorney Benedict Morelli said in opening statements on Friday. MGM, which is also a defendant in the suit, claimed the passageways were clear. "Mr. Cox did not slip, he tripped," the resort's attorney Jerry Popovich told jurors. The trial is ongoing. Cox isn't the only person who has been injured during one of Copperfield's illusions. One of the magician's employees was hospitalized for an injury that occurred during an illusion in which Copperfield appears to walk through the blades of a spinning fan, only to turn to smoke. The assistant's arm broke after it was caught in the fan. "This is a trick David has done over 3,000 times. This was a freak accident," Kenner told People at the time. "People are always saying that it's magic and it isn't dangerous. This goes to show you that it is." Former Playboy centerfold Karen McDougal has reached a settlement with tabloid publisher American Media Inc., ending a lawsuit over the rights to the story of the affair she says she had with Donald Trump a decade ago. The settlement means McDougal is no longer bound by the contract with AMI, the parent company of the National Enquirer, which bought - but never published - her story for $150,000 in the months before the 2016 presidential election. The settlement ends one of two legal battles involving women who say they were paid to stay silent about accounts that would have embarrassed Trump in the final stretch of the campaign. Adult-film star Stormy Daniels is suing to break a confidentiality agreement about her own alleged affair with Trump. Daniels was paid $130,000 by Trump attorney Michael Cohen. The tabloid company is entitled to 10 percent of any profit McDougal makes from reselling the rights to her story within the next year, up to a maximum of $75,000, according to a copy of the settlement terms. In addition, AMI has the right to publish five health and fitness columns under McDougal's byline and to feature her on the cover of Men's Journal. Cameron Stracher, general counsel for AMI, said the company intends for McDougal to appear on the September 2018 issue of the magazine. Under the terms of the deal, McDougal and AMI must each pay their own attorneys' fees. Both sides called the deal a victory. "From our perspective, it's a complete win," Stracher said. "We got out of a lawsuit without paying a dime, she got out of a lawsuit without paying a dime, and everyone's happy and gets to go on their way." In a statement, McDougal said she was "relieved to be able to tell the truth about my story when asked." "My goal from the beginning was to restore my rights and not to achieve any financial gain, and this settlement does exactly that," she said. In an extended interview with CNN last month, McDougal said that she and Trump had a 10-month relationship in 2006 and 2007, during which they met dozens of times at multiple Trump properties - including the apartment he shared with his wife, Melania. Their son was an infant at the time. McDougal alleged in her lawsuit that AMI bought her story in August 2016 not to publish it but to bury it - an outcome she said she welcomed at the time because she did not want her story made public. But she said her perspective changed after new details emerged about the deal in the news media, particularly communication between the lawyer who negotiated the contract on her behalf, Keith Davidson, and Cohen, who had no formal role in the deal, as well as between AMI - which is led by David Pecker, a friend of Trump's - and Cohen. Her lawsuit named neither Davidson and Cohen as defendants but alleged they colluded to reach a deal that would bury McDougal's allegations. AMI had asked the court to dismiss McDougal's complaint, arguing that the deal was protected under the First Amendment. McDougal's settlement with AMI says that while she releases all claims against the tabloid company, she does not release any claims that she "has or may have" against Cohen and Davidson. Davidson has said he fulfilled his obligations as an attorney and "zealously advocated" to accomplish McDougal's goals at the time. Cohen's attorney, Brent Blakely, did not immediately return a call seeking comment Wednesday. AMI and Trump still face complaints the government watchdog group Common Cause filed with the Federal Election Commission and the Justice Department, alleging that the agreement with McDougal amounted to an illegal in-kind campaign contribution to Trump. Gladwin County Road Commission Managing Director Dave Pettersch was elected vice president of the County Road Association of Michigan at the organization's 2018 Highway Conference and board meeting, held this spring. Pettersch has served as the managing director of GCRC for four years. He has served on the CRA board since 2017 and chairs the Northern Michigan Association of Road Commissions. He also served on CRA's Public Relations Committee for two years and is currently serving as the chair of CRA's Engineering Subcommittee on Warranties. GLEN CARBON Work on the reconstruction of Old Troy Road will begin this summer. At the last regular meeting of the full Glen Carbon Board, trustees approved a contract with Keller Construction in the amount of $3,992,029.88 for the road project. Village administrator Jamie Bowden said the project came in well below the engineer's estimate of $6 million. "We received a total of six bids on the project and Keller came in the lowest with the high bid being $4.9 million," he said. The consulting engineering firm of Juneau Associates prepared the bid packages. Charlie Juneau said the bids were very competitive. "The second lowest bid was only $50,000 higher than the Keller bid," Juneau said. "We like to see this because it is an indication that the contractors were looking at the project in the same manner." Juneau said the lower unit price for the work "caught them by surprise," and said the estimate was based on past work of similar size and scope. "It was a good time to go out to bid because there aren't a lot of road projects out to bid," he said. "Another reason it is so low is that there are no government restrictions on the project because the village is funding the project by itself." Also contributing to the project are the village of Troy and Collinsville Township. Troy will contribute $411,493.87 for its portion of the project and Collinsville Township will pay $318,146.54. Juneau said traffic will be restricted when construction begins. Juneau Project Engineer Scott Slemer said the project will be broken down into several stages. Stage one will start at Glen Crossing Road and go past Bouse Road just past the north entrance to Father McGivney Catholic High School. Stage two will go from the northern entrance of the high school to Route 162. Stage three will start just north of Mont Road and stop at Rinkel Farm. Stage Four will then proceed from Rinkel Farm to the north side of Glen Crossing Road. Slemer said customer access to Rinkel Farm will not be restricted during the project. Bowden said because the project came in far below the estimate, a change order will be added in the future to make improvements to Bouse Road. "We will be reaching out to residents that will be affected by the construction and will hold a public information meeting," Bowden said. Mayor Rob Jackstadt emphasized the importance of communicating with the residents regarding road closures and detours. "When we did Glen Crossing Road, signage for detours was not good. Motorists didn't realize the road was closed so we need to make sure that we advise motorists that the road will be closed and give them advanced notice and make sure that detours are properly signed," Jackstadt said. The project is expected to begin soon after schools are out for the summer. One person died and seven others were injured after an engine blew apart, sending shrapnel into the plane and forcing a Southwest Airlines flight to make an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday. It was the first passenger fatality on a U.S. carrier since 2009, federal officials said, and the first passenger fatality in Southwest's 51-year history. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt said Southwest Flight 1380, en route to Dallas Love Field, suffered an "apparent in-flight engine failure" of its left engine about 11:15 a.m. Tuesday. The planehad barely begun its journey from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas on Tuesday morning when the engine blew out, terrifying passengers. Photos and footage posted to social media showed the aftermath of the apparent explosion, which sprayed shrapnel and caused a plane window to be blown out in a chilling episode that one passenger streamed live on Facebook. Nervous passengers can be seen bracing for impact as oxygen masks dangle from the ceiling of the plane's cabin. "Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!!" tweeted passenger Marty Martinez, who streamed the moments before the emergency landing on Facebook. Martinez said on Facebook that he purchased the in-flight WiFi so he could reach his loved ones, thinking these might be his final moments. Sumwalt, who confirmed the fatality, said the NTSB will examine the engine and the plane's fuselage in Philadelphia before shipping the engine offsite and deconstructing it to determine what went wrong. Sumwalt spoke to the media at a news conference at Washington's Reagan National Airport before boarding a flight to Philadelphia with other NTSB investigators. "We do know that there have been injuries and we would like to give our condolences to all of those affected by this event," Sumwalt said. The passenger killed was identified as Jennifer Riordan, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, by her employer Wells Fargo. In a statement, the company said Riordan was an Albuquerque-based community relations leader. "She was a well-known leader who was loved and respected," the company said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends." Riordan's family issued a statement to local news media thanking the public for the outpouring of support, and asked for privacy. "Our family and friends need this time to both grieve and celebrate Jennifer's impact on us all," the statement said. At a late-night news conference, Sumwalt said the investigation was focused on a missing fan blade in the engine that appeared to have come apart due to "metal fatigue," a similar issue to the one that occurred on an Orlando-bound Southwest flight in 2016. The fan blade, one of 24 in the engine, was degraded to the central hub, raising questions for investigators. "There is much more to be done on this," Sumwalt said. He said the engine cowling - the housing surrounding the engine turbine - was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, 70 miles northwest of the airport. The engine failure occurred about 20 minutes after takeoff; crews received audible warnings and alerts as the plane cruised at 32,500 feet, Sumwalt said. The crew reported an engine fire and opted to land in an unusual flaps setting, citing possible "aircraft controllability issues." "Once they were on final approach, they clarified to the tower that there was no engine fire but they were operating single engine and there were parts of the engine missing," Sumwalt said. The NTSB said there were 144 passengers and five crew members aboard the flight. The agency declined to speculate on the cause of death of the passenger, who was not immediately identified. Southwest said the plane involved was a Boeing 737-700. The airline said the flight was diverted after the crew reported problems with an engine that damaged the plane's fuselage. Southwest Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly, in a conference call with reporters, said the plane was last inspected Sunday, but did not elaborate as to whether it was Southwest mechanics or the Federal Aviation Administration that did that inspection. He called the 737 engines "proven, very reliable." He said the plane's pilot has been with the airline since 1994. "The 737 is a workhorse of the airline industry," he said. "I think [the crew] handled the aircraft magnificently." In an earlier statement the airline said, "We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, Employees, Family Members, and loved ones affected by this tragic event." The incident disrupted travel at the airport for several hours. The FAA issued ground stops for Philadelphia - meaning flights bound for the city could not depart their originating airports - that stretched several hours. Aboard the plane, passengers witnessed a terrifying sequence of events. Joseph Marcus, 24, was seated near the front of the plane when he heard an explosion and a loud sound coming from the back of the plane. He said he looked out the window and saw the engine on his side of the plane was completely black. "The engine was totally done. Nothing was happening," said Marcus, who is chief executive of an app development company in Manhattan. Immediately, oxygen masks dropped from overhead. People started screaming and crying. Marcus could hear a commotion behind him, which he later learned from other passengers was the sound of them trying to help a woman who was being sucked out of the shattered window. The plane started to tilt toward the left, the side where the explosion occurred. "It was pretty chaotic," he said. "I was just trying to make sure everyone was okay. I was trying to be positive and make sure I could help in any way." The flight attendants were on the intercom repeatedly, ordering passengers to brace for impact. Passengers grew silent because the masks were over their faces; they could not breathe otherwise, he said. "We landed somehow. The pilots did an unbelievable job, and thanks to them we made it out of there," he said. Once the plane landed, people yelled for help from anyone who had medical training to assist the passenger who had been seated near the window. Marcus said several people responded. "They took someone out on a stretcher. That person was very bloody," Marcus said. Several people said they thought they had blown-out eardrums from the sound of the explosion, Marcus said. "The crew was amazing," he said. "I'm just happy that I'm OK, and that most of us are going to be able to go back to their families." Passengers took to social media to praise the quick thinking and resolve of the flight crew, calling the pilot a hero. Southwest declined to name the pilot, but passengers said she identified herself as "Tammie Jo." They said she was a calming voice during the crisis and greeted passengers as they got off the plane. Other media identified her as Tammie Jo Shults. Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said at a news conference Tuesday afternoon that seven people on board suffered minor injuries, but none of them were taken to the hospital. "It's our understanding that the passengers on board the aircraft, in addition to the flight crew and the cabin crew, did some pretty amazing things under very difficult circumstances," Thiel said. When firefighters reached the airplane, one of the engines was on fire, Thiel said, and the airplane was still leaking fuel when the fire was extinguished. It was not the first time that Southwest has experienced an engine failure at cruising altitude. A 2016 flight from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Orlando, Florida, had an engine failure at cruising altitude that caused a gash in the fuselage of the 16-year-old aircraft. Passengers on that plane said they "heard a loud boom and smoke trailing from the left engine, and saw metal flapping after the smoke cleared." Sumwalt said it was too soon to draw conclusions about whether the 737 in Tuesday's incident suffered the same problem, an "uncontained engine failure," where engine components come apart from protective features designed to keep them from flying loose. "We do know that parts came off the engine but those parts may not have been in that section of the engine associated with protection of the engine," Sumwalt said. He said NTSB investigators would determine whether the engine failure would be classified as "uncontained." "Even though we believe there were parts coming out of this engine," he said, " . . . at this point the NTSB, we're classifying this as an engine failure." Sumwalt said the safety body examines three or four midair engine failures per year, not all of which involve U.S. carriers. The panel's investigators will examine the plane's propulsion system and airworthiness, and a special team will provide assistance to affected passengers and their family members, he said. The last incident involving a U.S. airline that resulted in passenger deaths occurred in 2009, when a Colgan Air flight en route from Newark to Buffalo crashed, killing all 49 on board and one person on the ground. The airplane had departed from Newark Liberty International Airport. The most recent aviation incident on U.S. soil to result in a passenger death took place in 2013, when a Asiana Airlines flying from Seoul crashed on its final approach to San Francisco, ultimately killing three passengers. Southwest is notable among airlines because the only airplanes it flies are various models of the Boeing 737. The airline started out as Air Southwest in 1967, adopting its current name four years later. While the airline has established a record of safety, there have been several incidents. Almost five years ago, a Southwest flight from Nashville, Tennessee, crash-landed at LaGuardia Airport, scraping down the runway in a shower of sparks before ending up just off the runway. In 2011, a plane bound for Sacramento diverted to Yuma International Airport in Arizona after a portion of the airplane's skin peeled back, causing a gaping hole in the cabin area. That 2011 incident came two years after a flight headed from Nashville to Baltimore-Washington International Airport had to land in Charleston, West Virginia, after a hole opened near its tail. A 6-year-old boy who was sitting in a car died in 2005 when a Southwest plane landing in the snow at Chicago's Midway International Airport skidded off the runway and into a street. Five years before that, a passenger named Jonathan Burton broke down the cockpit door on a flight from Las Vegas to Salt Lake City. Other passengers restrained Burton, who died later from the resulting injuries. That same year, 2000, a plane landing at the Hollywood Burbank Airport overran the runway, injuring 43 on board. The captain of the flight later was fired. Dosh man arrested on forgery charge A 21-year-old Meredosia man was arrested Monday after being accused of trying to buy alcohol from the 104 Package Liquor store in Meredosia with a fake $100 bill. Braylen M. Rodriguez of 322 S. Putnam St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:45 a.m. Tuesday on a forgery charge after authorities said he tried to pass the bill at 11:44 p.m. Monday. Chief Deputy Mike Carmody said the bill was a replica often used for movies. Morgan County Jacksonville Police ACCIDENTS Sheri L. Browning, 42, of Franklin was cited on a charge of following too closely after her vehicle collided with the rear of a vehicle being driven by Beverly J. Tribble, 75, of Jacksonville about 4:10 p.m. Tuesday in the 300 block of North Westgate Avenue. BURGLARIES, THEFTS Someone stole several jewelry items and some prescription medication between Friday and about 11:50 a.m. Tuesday from a home in the 800 block of South East Street. FIRES Fire destroyed a semitrailer full of pig skins Tuesday at Illinois Route 104 and Waverly Road. Waverly Fire Chief Glen Brown said an unidentified truck driver apparently fell asleep and drove into the concrete abutment of a Norfolk Southern Railroad viaduct north of Route 104. After striking the abutment, the southbound truck went across Waverly Road and came to rest in a field on the east side of the road. The truck was engulfed in flames when we arrived about 1:15 a.m., Brown said. New Berlin and Loami firefighters assisted. A farmer brought a tractor to the scene to pull the skids of pig skins apart so firefighters could extinguish them. Firefighters were on the scene for about four hours. Greene County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Cody M. Wade, 22, of 108 E. Clay St., Roodhouse, was booked into the Morgan County jail at 10:13 a.m. Tuesday on warrants accusing him of burglary and criminal trespass to a vehicle. Pike County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Taylor M. Hicks, 22, of Liberty was arrested at 1:27 p.m. Thursday on a revocation of bail bond. Jody A. Flesner, 43, of Barry was arrested at 9:59 a.m. April 9 on a charge of driving under the influence. Compiled by David C.L. Bauer, Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree and Greg Olson In this series, The Way We Work, Entrepreneur Associate Editor Lydia Belanger examines how people foster productivity, focus, collaboration, creativity and culture in the workplace. A pink neon glow emanates through the windows of The Pink Ceiling, an incubator for women-led and women-focused businesses. Located in Raleigh, N.C., it sets the tone all the way to the parking lot that those who spend their days inside are serious about the color pink and what it means to them. The Pink Ceiling is an investment firm, Pinkubator and consulting practice. Its founder and CEO, Cindy Whitehead, spent the first two decades of her career founding and running two startups, both focused on sexual health. Her second company, Sprout Pharmaceuticals, famously developed a pill called Addyi to boost female sex drives (like Viagra, but for women). She launched The Pink Ceiling in April 2016, less than a year after Sprout sold to Valeant for $1 billion. (Since then, Valeant has returned Sprout back to its former shareholders, though Whitehead has yet to announce her new role in the company.) Related: This Entrepreneur Who Sold Her Company for $1 Billion Wants You to Throw Out the Unwritten Rules That Hold You Back Pink Ceiling was really a follow-on of the work that started for me at Sprout, Whitehead says. I got a front-row lesson in what it means for women to advocate for themselves or for each other. Image Credit: The Pink Ceiling Indeed, in 2017, a mere 2.2 percent of venture funding in the U.S. went to women-led businesses, according to VC database Pitchbook. Whitehead believes mentorship among women is the solution, and thats why she created a space to cultivate it: to help other women build successful companies even faster than she did. Our mission statement is to make women really rich, Whitehead says. That's not all a joke. We think that what will happen is, if we get other women outcomes like I've been fortunate to have, we really will start to change things, she adds, referring to her two business exits totaling more than $1.5 billion. However, The Pink Ceiling does have male employees, and there are male-founded companies in the Pinkubator. The requirement for member companies is that they do work on behalf of women or address women's needs in some way. On the average day, between 15 and 25 people work in the space. Whitehead and her team have developed a design and culture that encourages founders to build relationships and get empowered in unique ways. For example, a large glass table in the office is a gathering place where everyone eats lunch together every day. Employees and company founders have a chance to chat about everything from business to reality TV. They started this ritual to cut down on the number of meetings they were scheduling with one another, but its morphed into a daily team bonding experience. Its followed me through all of my companies, this idea of actually sitting down and having lunch together, Whitehead says. The idea was to get rid of so many meetings in the day, and as we move fast, being small and nimble, keep everybody on the same page. But I think what it ultimately turned into was family dinner. One wall features caricatures of all Pink Ceiling employees and Pinkubator founders, along with his or her nickname. Whitehead calls nicknaming The Pink Ceilings biggest quirk, and its a tradition she started at her first company, Slate Pharmaceuticals. All her life, Whitehead says shes had multiple nicknames for her mother, so she wanted to apply this practice at the office. Nicknames are sometimes off-color and all have elaborate back stories. For example, one womans nickname is Duck Balls, but they sometimes shorten it to Ducky to keep it clean when outsiders are present. Its derived from her demeanor (calm on the surface but extremely active underneath) and the fact that she once bluntly used the word balls to prove she was comfortable having conversations about mens sexual health. Other nicknames Whitehead shared include Sharky, LouFa and Nurse Ratchet. Image Credit: The Pink Ceiling As you build an environment in which not everybody is going to be together every day in the same space, it became this folklore that made you familiar with one another, Whitehead says of the tradition. You get a feel for the personalities in the office. Its a celebration of individuality that happens in our space and what everybody has to bring to the table. Nicknaming is just one example of how The Pink Ceilings culture is defined by a healthy irreverence, as Whitehead puts it. A poster of Marilyn Monroe blowing a bubble with (pink) bubble gum, a gumball machine, coffee mugs that say Kiss My Pumps! and wall graffiti that reads #unapologeticallypink underscore this theme. We have to have an ability to be very candid with each other behind closed doors and then lock arms and go conquer the world, Whitehead says. A lot of the traditions and quirks of what we do are about fostering a sense of humor and individuality, so that we aren't taking ourselves too seriously, so that we can have frank conversations. These frank conversations, Whitehead says, are important in mentorship. If a young woman entrepreneur hasnt found a market for her product outside of her sorority sisters, Whitehead says, its crucial to be able to tell her that without worrying about hurting her feelings. And of course, there's the color pink. It's everywhere, including a pink ceiling in the entryway, pink chairs, pink lockers to store personal belongings, a pink London-style phone booth where people can make calls away from the often noisy open floor plan and even rose wine on tap. Many women reject the color pink, believing it to be a demeaning stereotype, especially when it comes to products marketed to women. But Whitehead is reclaiming it. Pink is about owning it as a woman. Pink, for me, was the shift from underestimated to unapologetic, she says. She felt that many people dismissed her as she developed Addyi, which some called the little pink pill. Honestly, all that was missing was the dismissive pat in the shoulder when they said it to me. Image Credit: The Pink Ceiling Instead of downplaying her femininity in an attempt to be taken more seriously as the CEO of a womens sexual health company, Whitehead did the opposite. She even wore bright pink to a meeting with the FDA. Today, she wants to send a message to female founders that they should try to dismantle stereotypes and show that women are capable and not to be dismissed, regardless of what color theyre wearing. The idea that a woman should act or dress like a man to excel in business is outdated, she believes. There is something you bring to the table uniquely as a woman, and you should never mute that or apologize for it, Whitehead says. I think weve shifted from pretty in pink to power in pink. I like to say, proven in pink. Related video: How to Pitch 'Female Viagra' to a Boardroom Full of Men Related: This Incubator for Women-Focused Businesses Finds the Color Pink Empowering, Not Demeaning This Former Google Exec Shares Why Leaders Get Happiness Wrong and Why Meditation No Longer Makes Sense Go Inside The Wing, the Women-Only Coworking Space That Celebrates and Supports Women Creators Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Washington Post photo by Jabin Botsford PALM BEACH, Fla. - President Donald Trump will welcome Germany Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House on April 27, another in a flurry of meetings with top U.S. allies. Merkel's visit will come three days after France's Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make the first state visit to the White House since Trump took office. Trump and Macron have forged close ties on security issues, including Syria, but the president's relationship with Merkel has been decided cooler amid tensions on trade and NATO. Virginia House Republicans on Wednesday blocked two tax increases to help fund Metro, leaving a landmark regional funding deal intact, but at a larger cost to road projects in the state's Washington suburbs. The action means "high priority projects . . . are less certain of funding simply due to lack of revenue," said Martin Nohe, chairman of the northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Such projects could include improvements to Route 28 to ease congestion in Prince William, Fairfax and Loudoun counties; Route 1 in Prince William and Fairfax; Northstar Boulevard in Loudoun; and the West End transitway in Alexandria, said Nohe, who also is a Prince William supervisor, R-Coles. Gov. Ralph Northam, D, had proposed amending the Metro funding legislation to raise levies on real estate transactions and hotel stays. The tax hikes - which would have fallen only on northern Virginians - would have raised about $30 million of the $154 million a year that the state has pledged to Metro. Northam's goal - endorsed by all the region's Democrats and some prominent Republicans - was to reduce the drain on funds now earmarked for roads and other transportation priorities in the heavily congested suburbs. The legislation gets about $100 million for Metro by diverting funds from existing projects, and Northam's amendments would have trimmed that to $70 million. The GOP-controlled Senate endorsed the tax hikes by a vote of 26 to 12 Wednesday afternoon, but the amendments died less than an hour later when the House killed them on a straight party line vote of 50 to 48. The vote was a major victory for Del. Timothy Hugo, R-Fairfax, who sponsored the original House bill to raise money for Metro, but said from the start that he wanted to do it without tax increases. His strategy was backed by House Speaker Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights. "From the beginning of this process my position was that any new funding for Metro had to go hand-in-hand with meaningful reforms without raising taxes," Hugo said. Cox's office issued a statement under headline reading, "House of Delegates rejects tax increases for Metro, stands firm behind conservative funding and reform plan." About $22 million of Virginia's funding for Metro comes from an increase in regional wholesale gasoline taxes, but that change was not part of Hugo's bill. Local officials of both parties were quick to criticize Hugo for the outcome. "Looks like Delegate Tim Hugo sold us down the river," Fairfax Board of Supervisors Chair Sharon Bulova, D, said. "Partisan politics over sound public policy." Even more scathing was the comment from Loudoun Supervisor Matthew Letourneau, R-Dulles. "Today's House vote is Exhibit A as to why Republicans keep losing elections in Virginia," Letourneau said. "The fact that anyone - let alone delegates from northern Virginia - would vote to reduce funding for roads - the number one issue in the region - when there was a better option on the table is a disgrace." Letourneau noted that two conservative state senators from northern Virginia - Richard Black, Loudoun, and Jill Holtzman Vogel, Fauquier, - voted for the tax increases. Northam said he was "very proud" of the overall accord, which meant Virginia had secured "historic and much-needed funding for the Metro system." But he noted that the House action would "potentially divert funding from transportation projects in northern Virginia." He said it "could also negatively impact other projects across the Commonwealth, forcing northern Virginia localities to now compete with other regions for limited transportation dollars." Supporters of the proposed tax increases had stressed that they were modest in size. Northam proposed raising the tax on real estate transactions, known as the grantor's tax, which is usually paid by the seller, by 5 cents per $100 of sales price. That would add $250 to the cost of selling a house worth $500,000. The hotel levy, known as the transient occupancy tax, would have risen to 3 percent from 2 percent. That would increase the tax on a $200 hotel bill by $2. Senate Minority Leader Richard Saslaw, D-Fairfax, who was chief sponsor of the Senate version of the bill, called the proposed tax increases "a pittance" but said they would be "a big help" for Metro. Wednesday's vote resolved the final outstanding dispute in Virginia over its share of the regional deal to give Metro a total of $500 million a year in dedicated funding. The Virginia package of $154 million a year will be financed by $30 million of state funds, $22 million from the wholesale gas tax increase, and $102 million diverted from road improvements and other transportation projects. In Maryland, Gov. Larry Hogan, R, has said he will sign legislation passed by the General Assembly giving Metro his state's share of the funding - $167 million a year. District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser, D, has signed a bill pledging $178.5 million, although the District Council still has to approve some tax increases to help pay for it. The three jurisdictions provide different amounts according to a Metro cost-sharing formula based on factors including ridership and the number of Metro stations. The funeral details for former first lady Barbara Bush have been released on her website after her death Tuesday evening. OBITUARY: Barbara Bush, former first lady, dead at 92 The public will be able to pay respects on Friday from noon to midnight at St. Martin's Church, 717 Sage Road in Houston. People are asked to first go the Second Baptist Church campus to park and go through security. Shuttle services will be provided to and from St. Martin's Church. The parking lot at Second Baptist Church will be open at 10 a.m. and shuttles will start running at 11:30 a.m. 'HOW IS 41?' Update on George H.W. since wife's passing Bush's funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 21. It will be by invitation only and guests are asked to go to the Second Baptist Church for security screening. They will then be shuttled to St. Martin's Church. On both days, no one will be allowed to drive to St. Martin's Church. A 15-year veteran of the Bexar County Sheriffs Office was arrested in connection with a 2016 sexual assault case, officials said Tuesday. Sheriffs Deputy Leonard Lopez, 47, turned himself in and was charged with sexual assault of a woman, Sheriff Javier Salazar said during a news conference. Lopez relinquished his gun and badge at the Sheriffs Office. Salazar said Lopez and the woman, in her mid-20s, knew each other and the alleged assault occurred in September 2016 while Lopez was off duty. Last May, the woman approached the San Antonio Police Department with allegations about Lopez. This conduct is not indicative in any way of the conduct we expect of a Bexar County sheriffs deputy, Salazar said. You can rest assured we are going to do everything in our power to handle this case as efficiently as we can. Lopez was a Sheriffs Office spokesman from March 2017 through May, when he was transferred to the sheriffs training academy for reasons unrelated to the allegations, Salazar said. The Sheriffs Office was made aware of the allegations on May 20 and placed Lopez on administrative duty. He has had no public contact since the day that we found out about it, Salazar said. The Sheriffs Offices internal affairs unit has started an administrative case against Lopez, and the public integrity unit has been assisting SAPD with its investigation, Salazar said. On Tuesday, Lopez was placed on administrative leave and will receive pay for the next 10 days. After that point, the pay runs out and (Lopez) is not allowed to return, Salazar said. Lopez is the third deputy this month to be arrested. Last week, former deputy Michael Gomez, 30, and deputy Joseph Anthony Hernandez, 26, were each indicted on a charge of official oppression. The two allegedly assaulted an inmate who was on the ground and being brought back into compliance in June 2017. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA A Bexar County jury took about two hours Wednesday to find a man guilty in a horrific child abuse case involving two children who were bound by their ankles and wrists and tied like animals in the backyard of a Northeast Bexar County home in 2016. Deandre Dorch was 36 when he was arrested and charged with two counts of injury to a child-serious bodily injury by omission, and two counts of child abandonment. The charges stem from an incident in which a boy, 4, and a girl, 3, were found crying in the backyard of the home he shared with his girlfriend, Porucha Phillips, in the 8100 block of Chipping in the Camelot II subdivision on the Northeast Side. The couple told deputies they were watching the tied-up children for their friend, Cheryl Reed, 32, whom they knew from California, where they all lived before coming to San Antonio. Reed told deputies that she had left her children in Phillips care. As he was led away in handcuffs, Dorch made an obscene hand gesture to media and said, Yall know I didnt do this. Prosecutors Karl Alexander and Emily Argulo argued that Dorch was guilty because he did nothing to protect the children from beatings at the hands of Phillips and Reed. Defense attorney Edward Bravenec argued that Dorch was the sole provider for his girlfriend and their children, worked all the time and did not know what was going on with the children. Dorch pleaded not guilty. The trial began Monday. Neighbor Michelle Williams testified that she had heard children crying for about two weeks until the night she called 911 on April 28, 2016. Bexar County Sheriffs deputies conducting a welfare check found the children bound by their ankles and wrists with dog chains and leashes. Sheriffs deputies cried on the stand while testifying about the conditions in which they found the children. Dorch chose to be sentenced by Judge Laura Parker, who presided over the case in Felony Impact Court. Because Dorch has a previous record, the range of punishment is 25 to 99 years or life in prison. Alexander said he intends to seek a life term. A pre-sentencing investigation hearing is set for May 18. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 A plea offer has been made in the case of a Midland man charged in connection with the death of his toddler daughter. Zachary Quinn Bieski, 24, is charged with first-degree homicide, first-degree child abuse and second-degree homicide in the death of Delilah Quinn Bieski. He is being held in the Midland County Jail without bond. According to paperwork filed in the Midland County Circuit Court, prosecutors have made a plea offer in the case. It calls for Bieski to plea to second-degree homicide and an added count of second-degree child abuse, in return for the dismissal of the remaining two counts. The agreement also calls for an agreed upon sentence of 15 to 25 years in prison. Midland County Prosecutor J. Dee Brooks declined to comment on the offer. Judge Michael J. Beale has signed an order for a presentence investigation as well as a Cobbs hearing, which is set for May 24. During a Cobbs hearing, which is not open to the public, the judge uses the information at hand to inform the defendant of the likely sentence in a case, and the defendant can then use that information in deciding whether to enter a plea. The defendant can withdraw the plea if the judge does not deliver the expected sentence. Bieski is being represented by attorney Robert J. Dunn of Bay City, and has been jailed since the conclusion of a Midland Police investigation that began on Oct. 26. Officers were called to MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland for a report of an injured child, identified as 20-month-old Delilah. Delilah was transferred to Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw, where she died the next day. An affidavit filed in the case states investigators learned Delilah had been in the care of Bieski's girlfriend when the child fell to the floor, began having a seizure and stopped breathing. The girlfriend dialed 911 and was instructed to perform CPR until paramedics arrived. A nurse and doctor informed detectives Delilah had suffered a skull fracture on the back of her head, retinal hemorrhaging and bleeding in the brain, the affidavit states. A doctor said none of the adults at the hospital with Delilah provided any logical explanation for the injuries, and he suspected they were caused by abuse, papers state. Bieski was arrested Nov. 9 at the conclusion of an interview with detectives from the Midland Police and Michigan State Police. During the interview, Bieski said while arguing with his girlfriend on the evening of Oct. 24, he was angry and threw Delilah forcibly into the side of her crib. Her head struck the crib railing. The toddler "staggered and was obviously hurt," and her health became progressively worse during the next two days, the affidavit states. AUSTIN -- With the election seven months away, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott leads both Democrats in the runoff to decide who faces him in November by similar margins, a new poll shows. The new Quinnipiac University poll -- the first conducted by the nationally recognized organization of a Texas governor's race -- shows Republican Abbott leads Houston entrepreneur Andrew White 48-41 percent and tops former Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez 49-40 percent. Those numbers are a slight surprise for two reasons: Abbott's campaign has seemed confident that the popular governor had an even larger lead on both Democrats, and it seems to challenge White's assertion that he would be the stronger challenger against Abbott in the general election. Valdez and White face each other in a May 22 runoff to decide which one will be the party's nominee to challenge Abbott in the November general election. The poll also showed that Texas voters approve of the job Abbott is doing by a 5433 percent margin, and give him a 5133 percent overall favorability rating. The poll also notes this unsurprising finding: The two Democratic challengers are largely unknown to Texans, as 65 percent don't know enough about Valdez to form an opinion of her and 72 percent don't know enough about White. "Gov. Greg Abbott has a modest lead over each of the two people vying for the Democratic nomination. But what is significant is that governors with 54 percent job approval ratings rarely lose," said Peter Brown, the assistant poll director. A Democrat has not been elected to statewide office in Texas in 24 years. Democrats applauded the poll findings. Republicans had no immediate reaction. "This poll proves what we already know - the momentum and grassroots energy are on our side," Valdez said. "Voters across Texas are speaking out against Gov. Abbott's dangerous agenda that is hurting the Texas brand. This is a testament to everyday Texans standing up and saying they are hungry for change and ready for something better." Jenn Char, White's campaign manager, said the poll shows "this is now a competitive race between Andrew and Gov. Abbott. We have the momentum -- and it's no longer fantasy land: Democrats can take the Governor's mansion in November." Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa said "every single Texas Republican ought to be shaking in their boots. "Folks are hungry for change and Democrats know that the ultimate protest is winning elections," he said. "Folks have made it clear that they are fed up with failed Republican policies, D.C. politics, and fringe issues." The poll of 1,029 Texas voters was conducted April 12-17 by telephone. The margin of error on the poll is 3.6 percent. Mike Ward, the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, covers Texas politics and the governor's office and the executive branch, along with criminal justice and ethics issues. Follow him on Twitter @ChronicleMike and send him story tips at Mike.Ward@Chron.com. Global warming is scary. Just thinking about it is often too much to bear and sends even the best of us running for the exits. Whether we are unconvinced, focusing on other matters, or simply intimidated by the size and scale of an issue seemingly beyond our control, we share an urge to bury our heads under a pillow and just hope the monster goes away on its own. And too many of us mistakenly believe that to fix it we must sacrifice our air conditioners, our cars, or other things we hold dear. Not with currently available solutions. An alternative to the often-hated government regulations approach is a carbon fee and dividend. No sacrifice. Once we convert to carbon-free electricity, we emit zero greenhouse gases no matter how much electricity we use. Heres how it works. Put a low but steadily increasing fee on carbon dioxide so that utilities and other companies cut it to cut costs. Return all fees collected equally to all households, regardless of income, so that most Americans, including almost all poor Americans, receive a monthly check greater than the amount the fee would cause their gas, electricity and other stuff to rise in price. Add a tariff or subsidy equal to our carbon fee for the carbon content of imports and exports so U.S. trade stays fair. This policy gives companies stability in carbon dioxide policy and time to adjust. Many companies have endorsed a carbon fee and dividend, including Exxon and Shell. This will create millions of new jobs, boost the economy, and save thousands of deaths each year from coal and oil pollution. This policy alone would cut greenhouse gases significantly more than the U.S. Paris agreement commitments. The Yale Program on Climate Change Communication shows a shift in our understanding of climate change. Sixty-nine percent of U.S. citizens believe global warming is happening; 70 percent of us trust climate scientists about global warming; and a full 74 percent of Americans believe we should regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant, including 68 percent in Texas, a conservative state with deep roots in the oil and gas industry. Were ready for action. Things have changed. Weve seen devastating hurricanes, floods and fires destroy countless lives just this year. Hurricane Harvey hung around Texas for an unprecedented five days and dumped mind-blowing rainfall amounts because global warming changed the weather-steering patterns that move hurricanes away. Extreme weather events around the world have left record numbers of farmers cropless and people homeless. Thousands of thermometers around the globe and accurate measurements from satellites show that 17 of the past 18 years were the hottest ever. We see ice in the Arctic and the glaciers melting away. Effects of climate change arent for some distant time; theyre hurting people now. The scientific community has reached a nearly unanimous consensus: Were changing the climate through our own actions. The longer we take to turn things around, the worse it will get. This is a country of dreamers, doers, inventors and problem-solvers. We have never waited for the rest of the world to tell us what is possible. We reach for the stars and walk on the moon. We do not shy away from a fight. We need leaders to step forward to focus the technological, intellectual and economic might of this country on the most serious threat our civilization has ever faced. We need leaders to inspire us, to energize us. Those leaders wont have to stand alone. The people know change is needed. The people want to believe our leaders can work together to fight against mankinds greatest challenge. The people want to believe in our ability to make a brighter tomorrow. We, the people, should demand that our leaders lead on climate change solutions. If they wont, we need to show up at the polls in record numbers, vote them out, and vote in leaders who will. Bob Hendricks is a volunteer with the Sierra Club, a member of the organizations Austin Executive Committee and co-chair of its State Climate Change Committee. The data was wrong. Texas does not have the worst maternal mortality rate in the developed world. In fact, it falls in the midrange of maternal death rates in other states. We are gratified. But even the correct data indicates that Texas should not let its guard down. The discrepancy in the alarming numbers released in a 2016 study are linked to human error in the electronic filing of death certificate information. The drop-down list in the electronic form apparently offers the pregnant at time of death just below not pregnant within the last year. And often the wrong selection was accidentally made. This was no minor error. EDITORIAL: Help moms with maternal health The troublesome numbers prompted the Texas Legislature to jump to action in 2017. State lawmakers passed legislation to improve data collection and prompted a task force researching pregnancy-related deaths to begin detailed case reviews. Data recently published in the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal indicate there were only 56 pregnancy-related deaths in Texas in 2012, not the 147 the state health department had recorded. Statistically, that brought the 2012 maternal mortality rate dramatically down, from 38.4 per 100,000 live births to 14.6. Though significantly less alarming, that is still high. Consider: Worldwide, the maternal death rate decreased between 1990 and 2015 while the numbers in the U.S. went up. The maternal mortality rate in the U.S. is 23.8 per 100,000, while in the United Kingdom, France and Sweden the rates range from 3.2 to 3.9 per 100,000 live births. Yes, Texas 14.6 is better than the national average, but other countries fare far better. The state no, the nation needs to find out why and then apply fixes. We are glad to know the previous numbers were incorrect, but that should not keep the Texas Legislature from continuing to focus on reducing the number of maternal deaths in our state. Many of these maternal deaths occurring during pregnancy, at childbirth or in the six weeks afterward are often preventable. EDITORIAL: Task force work on maternal death merits bipartisan support Fixing the data-gathering procedures is an important first step in addressing maternal death rates in Texas and across the country. Determining the causes and contributing factors is necessary before public policy measures can be taken to address them. The task force has already found that excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, drug addiction and sepsis are among the leading causes for pregnancy-related deaths in Texas. State health officials already are working on ways to address some of those problems. Late last year, Texas joined a successful nationally recognized program credited with reducing mother mortality rates by as much as 22 percent in other states. The program focuses on the use of uniform guidelines in dealing with women with severe pregnancy complications. But the problem is far from being resolved. The fact that the numbers were wrong should not affect the momentum of groups focusing on the issue. During a special legislative session last year, Texas lawmakers agreed to extend the work of the Task Force on Maternal Mortality and Morbidity through 2023. Locally, officials created the Bexar County Maternal and Morbidity Review task force to scrutinize the local numbers. There is still much work to be done. 1 Turkey election: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday called early presidential and parliamentary elections for June, a move that will usher in a new political system increasing the powers of the president earlier than scheduled. Erdogan announced that elections originally scheduled for November 2019 will now be held on June 24. He said the new system needs to be implemented quickly in order to deal with a slew of challenges ahead, including Turkeys fight against Kurdish insurgents in Syria and Iraq. Turkey is switching from a parliamentary system to a presidential system that increases the powers of the president, following a narrowly approved referendum last year. The changes take effect with the next election. 2 War games: China carried out live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, its state news media reported, an exercise intended to show the growing strength of its navy and deliver a message to self-governed Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. The war games were the first in the Taiwan Strait since 2016, Chinese state television reported. China has been increasing pressure on Taiwan in recent months, while the United States has taken steps to show support for the island, a longtime ally. It was a case of small steps and giant leaps for Newtownforbes girl, Aisling Byrne on Monday morning, as the local showjumper took her first steps since a freak accident earlier this year left her hospitalised. While Aisling was exercising a horse in Faro on February 10 last, the horse became spooked by something, reared up too far and fell backwards on top of Aisling, crushing her pelvis and breaking both of her hips as he trampled all over her. Since then, she has been recovering in hospital, with an incredibly positive attitude and an unfaltering determination to get back up on the horse. And, on Monday morning, Aisling made giant leaps towards recovery by taking her first steps, and achieving a lot more than doctors expected. I am delighted that I was able to take my first steps and that it went so well, a thrilled Aisling told the Longford Leader on Monday night. The physios expected that I would only be able to stand up and sit back down for the first day but I was feeling good so I ended up walking out of the room and up as far as the nurses' station, which they were very surprised by and I was delighted with! Hopefully it continues to go so well. It felt great to get moving after spending two and a half months in a hospital bed. And, she added, some of the doctors and nurses were even more excited than Aisling herself when they saw her walk, or heard the news later on. One of my doctors, Evelyn, came to me first thing in the morning to say that the surgeon, Michael Leonard, had looked at my x-rays and given the go-ahead for me to be weight-bearing. She was really excited to be telling me the news and for me to be able to progress, said Aisling. Then one of the nurses told me that there was a big cheer in the staff room when the nurses coming on duty were told I had walked at handover, so its really lovely to see how supportive they are for you to make a full recovery. Also none of them could get over how tall I am, when they saw me standing. There was no doubt in Aisling's mind that she would walk again, despite the serious injuries she suffered as a result of the accident. Even speaking to the Leader after the incident, her positivity was unfaltering. I never doubted that I would do this, she said. From the moment I got here, I have just been focused on building up my strength and getting moving again. Any exercises that the physios gave me to do, I did double the amount of and I have just kept really focused on firstly walking, and secondly, getting back to the horses. I met challenges and setbacks along the way but I think it is important to stay positive and practical and keep striving towards your end goal. Im feeling very positive in general, Aisling added. I realise that I am so lucky that I will get better from this injury and that, although it was severe, it is thankfully not permanent. There are lots of people who dont walk away after accidents like mine and I have kept that very much to the forefront of my mind, so that I know how very lucky I am. And Aisling is also feeling extremely lucky to have a huge amount support from the people around her, who he says have really made a huge difference and kept me so occupied so she never got a chance to be bored. It's in times of need that you realise how much good there is in people, she said, referring to the kindness shown to her by family, friends and strangers alike. Aisling has been in hospital for 10 weeks and will be there while longer while she continues to progress and recovers from a wound that has not yet healed. But the outlook is good for the future, and there is no doubt that she'll bounce be back on the horse. I believe that things often happen for a reason, so I am looking forward to seeing what doors open for me when I am back up and at the horses again, she concluded. ALSO READ: Longford showjumper, Aisling Byrne, eager to get back on the horse Owner of the Longford Leader, Malcolm Denmark came within millimetres of winning this year's Grand National when his horse Pleasant Company was pipped at the post by Michael OLearys Tiger Roll in one of the most dramatic finishes to one of the most famous horse races in the world. But, not only does Pleasant Company boast that one particular connection to Longford, it also emerged on Monday that the horse was born and bred in Ballymahon by Susan Bredin. Speaking to the Leader, Ms Bredin said she still has the mother of this years Grand National runner up and while she has given birth to a couple of fillies since Pleasant Company, the horse has yet to produce another mare. The mother, Ms Bredin continued, was purchased as a foal from Tom and Brian Groarke, and Pleasant Company was her first foal. I sold Pleasant Company on as a three-year-old, the local horse breeder proudly told the Leader, before pointing out that the buyer at the time was a man by the name of John Costello. The current owner, Malcolm Denmark bought the horse thereafter. Meanwhile, Pleasant Company who had headed last Saturdays race for most of the four plus miles was passed by Tiger Roll during the final hurdle as the Westmeath owned horse pulled away at the elbow. With the race seemingly wrapped up, the Co Longford bred horse conjured a remarkable comeback but the finish line came one stride too soon as Tiger Roll held on for the win. Last year, Pleasant Company came 9th in the same event after making a terrible mistake on the second circuit, so it really is great to see the horses progress this year, added Ms Bredin who then pointed out that the mares mother is due to give birth any day now to a foal sired by what appears to be yet another horse to keep an eye on Court Case! There are not that many hunt breeders from Co Longford so last Saturday was a good day indeed for this county, Ms Bredin concluded. A row, concerning whether Longford should be twinned with the US city of Baltimore, between two local politicians who are vying to become Longford's next TD shows no sign of abating. Fine Gael's Micheal Carrigy and his Fianna Fail opposite number Joe Flaherty re-opened old wounds last week over the various merits behind Longford's future twinning aspirations. The pair had clashed previously when Cllr Carrigy raised the prospect of the county harnessing closer ties with Maryland's largest independent city. At its March monthly meeting, Cllr Carrigy said there was merit in exploring a potential twinning arrangement with Baltimore, owing largely to its mutual affiliation with the English politician and coloniser George Calvert. It was a view which was reported in the Leader the following week after its suggestion came in for criticism from Cllr Flaherty. Cllr Flaherty said Baltimore was way off the mark in meeting the high standards set by a county looking to strengthen its economic and social capacity, comments which Cllr Carrigy roundly condemned last week. There were negative comments made here which were carried in the media, he said, claiming the remarks made by Cllr Flaherty were both damaging and overly negative. He said: The whole idea and whole plan was to try and create that link and basically try and bring people into Longford. There is over one million US visitors that visited Ireland in 2017 and there is an average of 20,000 which came from that State of Maryland. We (Longford) are the only county that has a direct link with a State flag or any city in America. It (comments) sent out a very negative signal to American people, saying that basically they werent welcome. The Ballinalee postmaster who is Fine Gael's general election candidate for Longford, claimed he had also been contacted by several constituents who were equally disapproving of Cllr Flaherty's stance. He added the sentiments espoused by his general election adversary had also undermined the attempts of Longford Tourism Committee, of which Cllr Carrigy is chairperson of, to further Longford's fiscal well being. We (Tourism Committee) have been putting together various feasibility studies to various investors to try and get a hotel etc into Longford and I think its very damaging when we actually rule out the possibility of trying to attract in things like this, he continued. Any opportunities we have to bring people into Longford and for them to spend money in Longford to benefit the businesses of Longford, I think, should be welcomed. The strident tone of those assertions prompted Cathaoirleach Cllr Martin Mulleady to intervene. He agreed with Cllr Carrigy's call for Longford to remain open to the possibility of further twinning ties, but said whatever comments were made did not reflect those of the Council and its overall assessment of Baltimore. Cllr Flaherty, who had, until that point, looked on dispassionately throughout, launched a thinly veiled swipe at his party colleague, insisting he was well able to answer for himself. Cllr Flaherty stressed that while he was very much receptive to Longford fostering friendship and understanding with foreign partners, calls for Baltimore to be part of those plans were concerning. I have no problem with being twinned with any city in America, he snapped back at Cllr Carrigy. We already have twinning relations with a number of cities. I have an issue, though, with Baltimore which is one of the most racially and socially divided cities in America. Cllr Flaherty said Baltimore remained a city deeply troubled, illustrated by the civil unrest caused by the death of Freddie Gray. The 25-year-old sustained a fatal injury while in police custody in April 2015, an event which triggered a fresh wave of protests over US police tactics. For the last number of years, it is the city with the second highest murder rate (in America), contended Cllr Flaherty. We should not twin with a city that is ridden with the race and socially divisive issues that Baltimore is experiencing. We (Longfrd) are trying to be a modern, inclusive and all embracing county. Its not the message we are going to be sending out if we are going to align ourselves with one of the most racially divisive cities in America. Whether Longford does or not, it's a debate which certainly appears to have got the political juices flowing between the two men aiming to fly the Longford flag in the 33rd Dail. All we need now is a general election to put those opposing credentials to the test. ALSO READ: Longford GE rivals in council meeting stand-off A government backed 2m investment aimed at transforming the midlands tourism reach is just the impetus counties like Longford have been crying out for. They were the predominant observations made by the head of County Longford's Tourism Committee, Cllr Micheal Carrigy this week. Like many other locally based stakeholders, the Fine Gael general election candidate was in Athlone last Thursday as Failte Ireland laid bare its new tourism model for the midlands, dubbed Irelands Hidden Heartlands. And, according to the man charged with wrestling back his partys Longford seat at the next election, it was an occasion which was long overdue. It (tourism brand) was something I have been looking for for quite some time because we (Longford) have been neglected for a long number of years. Cllr Carrigy said much of that acrimony at a local level had stemmed from the State tourism authoritys previously contentious decision to include Longford in Irelands so-called Ancient East. We werent part of that, came the robust reply from the Ballinalee politician. It was so important that the midlands had a dedicated brand name in place, but also to have the staff and funding there to promote the area. Five employees have been taken on immediately with the bulk of the monies being apportioned to underpin the brands marketing and development stage. The brand's geography will cover the heart of the country, from Leitrim down to East Clare and extending through Longford, Roscommon, East Galway, as well as parts of Westmeath, Cavan, North Tipperary and Offaly. A key aid Cllr Carrigy believes will help the new brand get off the ground is the considerable work which has already been done internally within the county. We (Tourism Committee) in our strategic plan identified the need to develop the likes of our walkways which is what we have done. A large part of the brand is about our nature, the boglands, rivers, forests and I feel we (Longford) are ideally positioned to benefit, but it is up to us as a county to up our game now. Those urgings were given further credence by OPW Minister Kevin Boxer Moran, who said the brand had all the capabilities to transform the region. It is fantastic at last to have a tailored brand for the Midlands as this is just what we needed to develop local tourism and unite our visitor experiences, he said. Its anticipated advertising for the new brand will get up and running before the end of the summer. ALSO READ: New Irelands Hidden Heartlands brand will drive tourism growth in Longford Local News, Crime, Business & Finance By Long Island News & PR Published: April 18 2018 Payments Are the Second Distribution in a Series of Payments That Together Will Constitute the Largest Payment of Forfeited Funds in the History of the Department of Justices Victim Compensation Program. New York, NY - April 18, 2018 - Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Geoffrey S. Berman, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney Jr., the Assistant Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announced today that the Madoff Victim Fund established by the Department of Justice began its second distribution of $504.2 million in funds forfeited to the United States Government in connection with the Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC (BLMIS) fraud scheme. These funds will be sent to more than 21,000 victims worldwide, the second of two payments totaling nearly $1.3 billion that the Madoff Victim Fund will return to victims. More than $4 billion in assets have been recovered as compensation for losses suffered by the collapse of BLMIS, following the largest fraud in history. Another $5 billion in assets recovered by the U.S. Attorneys Office are being separately paid to Madoff victims through the BLMIS Customer Fund administered by the Securities Investor Protection Act Trustee. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman said: Bernie Madoff committed historys largest Ponzi scheme. This Office prosecuted Madoff himself, and others who helped perpetrate his fraud, and continues to vigorously pursue money recoveries for his victims. Todays payment of more than $500 million is this Offices second installment in a series of distributions that represent our ongoing commitment to find relief for victims of Madoffs heinous crimes. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said: In one of the most notorious and unconscionable financial crimes in history, Bernie Madoff robbed tens of thousands of individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations and others, all the while funding a lavish personal lifestyle. Through the use of asset forfeiture, the Department of Justice has recovered over $4 billion of Mr. Madoffs fraud, and we continue to work to compensate those he defrauded. Last June, the Department approved more than 39,000 petitions for compensation. Today, during National Crime Victims Rights Week, the Department returns more than a half-billion dollars to nearly 22,000 law-abiding people and organizations. We cannot undo the damage that Bernie Madoff has done, but todays distribution will provide significant relief to many of the victims of one of the worst frauds of all time. FBI Assistant Director William F. Sweeney Jr. said: While todays distribution of funds is indeed historical in scope, we understand no amount of money could ever restore the damage done by Madoff as a result of his selfish behavior and unforgivable financial crimes. To all of his many victims and their families, we realize this gesture may not provide the consolation necessary to remove the pain and suffering you have been brought to bear, but we are hopeful it provides some sense of relief, and we remain committed to achieve justice for all victims of inexcusable financial crimes. Since the early 1970s, BERNARD L. MADOFF (MADOFF) used his position as Chairman of BLMIS, the investment advisory business he founded, to steal billions from his clients. On March 12, 2009, MADOFF pled guilty to 11 federal felonies, admitting that he had turned his wealth management business into the worlds largest Ponzi scheme, benefitting himself, his family, and select members of his inner circle. On June 29, 2009, United States District Judge Denny Chin sentenced MADOFF to 150 years in prison for running the largest fraudulent scheme in history. Judge Chin ordered MADOFF to forfeit $170,799,000,000 as part of MADOFFs sentence. The Madoff Victim Fund is funded through recoveries by the U.S. Attorneys Office in various criminal and civil forfeiture actions, and is overseen by Richard Breeden, the former Chairman of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, in his capacity as Special Master appointed by the Department of Justice to assist in connection with the victim remission proceedings. Of the approximately $4.05 billion that will be made available to victims through the Madoff Victim Fund, approximately $2.2 billion was collected as part of the civil forfeiture recovery from the estate of deceased MADOFF investor Jeffry Picower. An additional $1.7 billion was collected as part of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement with JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A. for MADOFF-related Bank Secrecy Act violations. Additional funds were collected through criminal and civil forfeiture actions against MADOFF and his co-conspirators, and certain MADOFF investors. Mr. Berman praised the work of the FBI and the Madoff Victim Fund, and thanked the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section of the Department of Justices Criminal Division for their assistance. For more information about the Madoff Victim Fund, compensation to victims of BLMIS, eligibility criteria, and payment information, please visit www.madoffvictimfund.com (link is external). by Adam Buckman , Featured Columnist, April 18, 2018 Gloating is not a nice thing to do in the face of someone else's misfortune, but you could hardly blame Rachel Maddow for the glee she displayed Monday night in the wake of the Sean Hannity revelation that shocked all news media. Earlier in the day, Hannity was revealed as the mysterious third client of embattled Trump attorney Michael Cohen. Cohen is accused of paying off the porn actress, Stormy Daniels, in 2016 to keep quiet about the affair she says she had with Trump some years previously. Cohen's New York apartment and office were raided last week by the FBI, who collected paper and electronic files -- along with electronic devices that one can assume are computers and the like. The news that Hannity might have had an ongoing lawyer-client relationship with Cohen (which Hannity denies) during these weeks in which Hannity (and everyone else) has been covering the Cohen story was jumped on by his rivals like a hungry dog jumps on raw meat. advertisement advertisement MSNBC's Maddow, who competes directly with Hannity at 9 p.m. Eastern every weeknight, was positively incredulous. In court today, we got the name of Cohen's third client made public, and honestly, dont even ask me to tell you what it means [laughs], but it's Sean Hannity from the Fox News Channel! she said. Maddow took a decidedly can you believe this? attitude. Don't even ask me! I have no idea! she said with obvious ecstasy over what had happened to her right-wing competitor. This is like every day you get up, you take a shower, you get dressed, you go out to the driveway to start the car. Every day it's the same.... except today, you got in the car, you put the key in to the start the engine and today, this time, the engine didn't start and instead terrifying circus music started playing and the hood flew up and clowns and monkeys and elephants flew out instead. Like, what? It's who? [Laughs again]. She then did a fine job describing the proceedings inside the courtroom leading up to the moment when one of Cohen's lawyers was ordered to reveal the secret clients name -- and it was Sean Hannity. This has been a very weird day in the news, said Maddow for the second or third time. One of the anchors at the major pro-Trump news network has had an undisclosed relationship with the president's lawyer all this time, while Fox has not told that to its audience, while Mr. Hannity and Mr. Cohen have apparently spent considerable effort trying to keep that relationship secret. What? Thats just lurid! Over on CNN, Anderson Cooper made the same points, but he did so with fewer words and less drama. So it seems that Hannity and the president share more than frequent dinners and phone calls and a mutual love of Fox News programming. They also share an attorney, Cooper said on AC360. Sean Hannity is already starting to fuss and fume that the media is going crazy with all this and insists that theres no there there, Cooper said. Perhaps there isnt, but not disclosing a business or legal relationship with someone you report on and have had on as your guest at least 16 times since Donald Trump declared his candidacy -- that doesnt sound either fair or balanced. For his part, Hannity fussed and fumed about all the media attention on his Fox News show and his syndicated radio show on Monday. Predictably, without knowing all or any of the facts, the media went absolutely insane, [with] wall-to-wall, hour-by-hour coverage of yours truly, said Hannity on Fox News, as he segued to a montage of clips where his name was mentioned dozens of times on the other news channels. Am I surprised by any of this? Of course not -- because this is what the media in this country does, he said. Hannity's reaction is hilarious, of course, because if it had been any of his rivals getting jammed up the same way, you can bet your bottom dollar he would gloat just as gleefully as Rachel Maddow. He then went on to say that Cohen is not really his lawyer in the sense that Hannity has ever received a bill from Cohen or paid him for any legal advice or counsel. Hannity says he asked him some real estate questions. Apparently, Cohen was working pro bono that day. Hannity evaded the central issue, however, which is how he, as a journalist and commentator, could not have realized that any relationship at all with this lawyer -- paid or otherwise -- would reflect badly on him, or that Hannity had an obligation to divulge the fact of that relationship. by Richard Whitman , Columnist, April 17, 2018 Is Martin Sorrell such an integral part of WPP that the advertising giant wont be able to survive without him? Thats the opinion of L2 founder and NYU business professor Scott Galloway who told CNBC that Sorrell really defined the modern communications era. That said, Galloway added that conglomerates tend to perform poorly compared to single brand companies, which is why he believes WPP will be broken apart, most likely in the next 24 months. What that says about conglomerates on the client side Im not sure. What is certain is that CPG giants like Unilever and P&G have been putting the squeeze on their agencies, including a number in the WPP camp, and saving hundreds of millions in the process. That of course is part of WPPs problem and why it had such a terrible 2017 and perhaps part of the reason that Sorrell is now out. Galloway also slammed WPPs failure of corporate governance citing the fact that Sorrell is free to set up a competing entity anytime he chooses. advertisement advertisement Of course not everyone believes that WPP will dissolve post Sorrell. UK investment firm Liberum issued an investor note yesterday suggesting the firm may dispose of some assetsresearch firm Kantar and the WPP PR shops being the most likely candidateswhile the rest of the group remains intact. According Liberum such a strategy should drive a closing of the gap between the valuations and performance of WPP and the other Agencies. Liberum for one, doesnt think Sorrell, 73, will try to set up a competitor to WPP. Age is a factor, but, more importantly, WPP is his creation and he would not want to do anything that would be seen as damaging the company. Sentiment aside, Liberum notes Sorrell is still a significant shareholder in the firm. But in his CNBC interview Galloway opined that Sorrell isnt done yet. Noting that the former WPP chief and his wife recently had a baby, he asserted, this is not an individual looking to hang up his cleats. Greg Paull, principal R3 Worldwide likened Sorrells departure to Bezos leaving Amazon or Zuckerberg leaving FacebookFinding a replacement is going to be harder than Publicis Groupe last year or IPG in 2005. He alone held all the infinity stones that keep the place running. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, April 18, 2018 California lawmakers this week moved a step closer toward passing net neutrality rules. The state Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee voted Tuesday to advance a bill (SB 822) that would prohibit broadband providers from blocking or throttling traffic, and from charging higher fees for prioritized delivery. The measure, introduced by state Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), also would restrict Internet service providers' ability to exempt some material from consumers' data caps, and would limit some forms of paid "interconnection" agreements. Those agreements can involve video providers paying broadband carriers to interconnect directly with their network; the most famous examples probably occurred in 2014, when Netflix resolved a problem with choppy streams by entering into deals with the major carriers. The bill passed out of committee with only minor changes, despite a last-minute effort by some lawmakers to significantly water down the measure by removing restrictions on interconnection fees and data-cap exemptions. The bill will now move to the State Judiciary Committee. advertisement advertisement Shortly before Tuesday's vote, state Attorney General Xavier Becerra endorsed the bill. "Measures are needed that will guarantee California's robust net neutrality protections and close loopholes that, if left unchecked, could be detrimental to California's consumers," an official on Becerra's office wrote Tuesday in a letter to Weiner. The proposed bill had already picked up support from numerous others, including former Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler and advocacy groups like the Center for Democracy & Technology, Fight for the Future and Public Knowledge. California is among dozens of states considering passing their own open internet rules. Last December, the FCC voted 3-2 to repeal the Obama-era net neutrality regulations, which were similar to the ones under consideration in California. Proponents of net neutrality rules say they're necessary to prevent broadband providers from engaging in censorship, and from harming competitors. But current FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has said he considers the Obama-era rules "heavy-handed," and argued that they depressed investment. So far, seven states have taken steps to restore net neutrality rules since the FCC's repeal last December. Governors of five states -- New York, New Jersey, Montana, Hawaii and Vermont -- recently signed executive orders requiring state agencies to enter into contracts only with broadband providers that promise to follow net neutrality principles. Oregon also recently enacted a law to that effect. Washington state passed a more comprehensive net neutrality law that prohibits broadband providers operating in the state from blocking or throttling traffic and from charging companies higher fees for prioritized delivery. The broadband industry recently vowed to challenge the state efforts in court. The providers argue that broadband service shouldn't be subject to state-by-state laws. When the FCC voted to repeal the net neutrality rules, it also voted to block states from passing their own versions of the regulations. It's not yet clear whether that prohibition on state laws is enforceable. Spending long periods looking at computer, phone, or tablet screens can strain the eyes. Using the 20-20-20 rule can help to prevent this problem. The rule says that for every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, a person should look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Following the rule is a great way to remember to take frequent breaks. This should reduce eye strain caused by looking at digital screens for too long. In this article, we describe how to use the 20-20-20 rule effectively. We also discuss the research behind the rule and other tips for preventing eye strain. How to use the 20-20-20 rule Share on Pinterest Following the 20-20-20 rule involves taking a 20-second break from looking at a screen every 20 minutes. The 20-20-20 rule was designed by Californian optometrist Jeffrey Anshel as an easy reminder to take breaks and prevent eye strain, according to the Optometry Times. When following the rule, a person takes a 20-second break from looking at a screen every 20 minutes. During the break, the person focuses on an object 20 feet away, which relaxes the eye muscles. The following methods can help a person to put this rule into practice: Set an alarm for every 20 minutes while working, as a reminder to take a break. Download an app developed to help people follow the 20-20-20 rule. The ProtectYourVision and eyeCare apps are some examples. Look out a window during the 20-second breaks. Judging a distance of 20 feet inside can be difficult, but focusing on a tree or lamppost across the street should work well. Alternately, a person can benefit from closing their eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Also, remembering to blink can prevent dry eye by encouraging tear production. Anyone who spends the day sitting should periodically get up and walk around, to prevent back and neck pains. What evidence supports the 20-20-20 rule? Little scientific research has tested the effectiveness of the 20-20-20 rule, but both the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommend it as a way to reduce eye strain. Results of a 2013 study involving 795 university students suggested that those who periodically refocused on distant objects while using the computer had fewer symptoms of computer vision syndrome, which include eye strain, watering or dry eyes, and blurred vision. Symptoms of eye strain Several symptoms can indicate eye strain, including: eye watering blurred vision dry eyes headaches eye redness Sitting in the same position for a long time has other harmful effects on the body. For example, it can cause neck, back, or shoulder pain. Tips for preventing eye strain Like the 20-20-20 rule, the following methods can help to reduce or prevent eye strain: Share on Pinterest Applying eye drops can help a person suffering from dry eyes, which can occur when using digital screens for long periods. Using eye drops. A person blinks less than usual when using digital screens, and this can dry out the eyes. Drops or artificial tears can be purchased at most pharmacies, as well as online. Specialty eye drops are available for people who wear contact lenses. Preservative-free eye drops are best. A person blinks less than usual when using digital screens, and this can dry out the eyes. Drops or artificial tears can be purchased at most pharmacies, as well as online. Specialty eye drops are available for people who wear contact lenses. Preservative-free eye drops are best. Change computer settings. Making text twice as large as usual can reduce eye strain. Reading black text against a white background is easiest on the eyes. Making text twice as large as usual can reduce eye strain. Reading black text against a white background is easiest on the eyes. Reduce screen glare. Protective anti-glare screens can be applied to computers and eyeglasses, to prevent eye problems. Also, flat screens tend to have less glare than curved ones. Protective anti-glare screens can be applied to computers and eyeglasses, to prevent eye problems. Also, flat screens tend to have less glare than curved ones. Adjust the screens contrast. Change settings so that the screen is bright enough to read the text without straining. The right contrast may change, depending on the presence of sunlight. Change settings so that the screen is bright enough to read the text without straining. The right contrast may change, depending on the presence of sunlight. Get regular eye checkups. Poor eyesight is a major cause of strain. Regularly attending checkups will ensure that a person has an updated prescription when needed. The strategies listed above require little time or financial commitment, but they can reduce eye strain related to using tablets, phones, and computers. Going to bed later is linked with obesity in people with type 2 diabetes, and the main factor that drives this relationship is eating breakfast later. Share on Pinterest A new study unveils the link between breakfast and obesity in type 2 diabetes. This was the conclusion of a new study now published in the journal Diabetic Medicine. The research was led by Sirimon Reutrakul, who is an associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism in the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prof. Reutrakul suggests that eating later causes a shift in the biological clock that regulates day-night patterns. Other studies have proposed that this can disrupt energy metabolism. Type 2 diabetes accounts for the vast majority of diabetes cases. It develops when the body does not respond properly to insulin, which is a hormone made in the pancreas. It helps cells to take in and use blood sugar for energy. The pancreas tries to compensate by making more insulin, but eventually, it cannot keep up. This may result in a condition called hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar, which can lead to severe health problems. Obesity and type 2 diabetes Obesity is a recognized risk factor for type 2 diabetes and affects most people diagnosed with the disease. The global obesity epidemic is considered the main reason that rates of diabetes have risen dramatically in the past 20 years. In the United States, for example where more than one third of adults are obese some 12.2 percent of those aged 18 and older are now thought to have diabetes. In the study paper, Prof. Reutrakul and colleagues refer to research that indicates that a preference for later bedtime and meal times is linked to obesity but note that evidence of this is lacking in people with type 2 diabetes. Morningness-eveningness preference For the new study, the researchers investigated how the following variables may relate to each other in people with type 2 diabetes: timing of meals patterns of getting up and going to bed early and late, which the authors refer to as morningness-eveningness preference body mass index (BMI), which was used as a measure of obesity In addition, the researchers ran a mediation analysis to determine whether morningness-eveningness preference had a direct effect on BMI, or whether timing of meals might be driving the effect indirectly. The participants were 210 working-age Thailand residents with type 2 diabetes who were not working shifts. The data on morningness-eveningness patterns came from answers that they gave in a standard questionnaire called Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM). The researchers assessed morningness-eveningness preferences from answers to questions about: preferred waking up and going to bed times, the preferred time of day for taking exercise, and preferred time of day for working, reading, and other mental activities. The CSM yields a score that ranges from 13 for extreme evening preference to 55 for extreme morning preference. The researchers decided that scoring under 45 indicated an evening preference and over 45 indicated a morning preference. A new drug offers fresh hope to the millions of people living with treatment-resistant migraine. The compound, called erenumab, has proven successful in people who had been failed by up to four previous preventative treatments. Share on Pinterest People with chronic migraines may soon find relief in a new drug. The new study was led by Dr. Uwe Reuter, who is affiliated with The Charite University Medicine Berlin in Germany. The teams findings give hope to the 36 million people in the United States whose lives are affected by migraines. Migraine is a disabling neurological condition for which there is yet no cure. An episode may last between 4 and 72 hours and is often accompanied by other debilitating symptoms, such as vomiting, dizziness, feelings of numbness in the hands or the feet, and visual impairment. It is estimated that over 4 million people in the U.S. have chronic daily migraine, which means that they have an attack on at least 15 days per month. For these people, the new findings to be presented at the American Academy of Neurologys 70th Annual Meeting, held in Los Angeles, CA may bring some much-needed relief. The drug erenumab was tested in people with particularly challenging migraines that had been resilient to treatment. The compound reduced migraine attacks by 50 percent for a third of the study participants. Half a Panamax cargo of a top Australian brand changed hands at $199.50 per tonne cfr China while the other half was traded against an index, sources told Metal Bulletin during the day.A similar product was heard offered at $198 per tonne cfr China on Wednesday.A cargo of premium mid-vol hard coking coal was also traded at $190.50 per tonne cfr China during the day, mirroring a transaction involving similar materials late on Tuesday that was concluded at the same price. Various sources also told Metal Bulletin that another cargo of... The anti-dumping probe involves Chinese imports of stainless hot-rolled and cold-rolled carbon steel, according to an April 17 statement by the territorys Ministry of Finance.Products under the countervailing investigation include galvanized and zinc-alloy flat-rolled steel, carbon steel plate, and stainless cold-rolled steel. Taiwan already has anti-dumping duties levied on these products from China.Local mills in Taiwan often import Chinese flat steel products for coating and processing, before selling the value-added products to the US, a Taiwan-based trader told Metal Bulletin last week.Taiwan's Ministry of Finance determined on April 11 that there were reasonable grounds to suspect unfair trading practices, such as dumping and the subsidization of the Chinese imports, that could cause harm to Taiwans local steel industry.The Ministry of Economic Affairs will notify the Ministry of Finance on the findings of the preliminary investigations within 40 days from April 16.The probe comes shortly after rumors last week about Taiwan potentially imposing a blanket ban on all Chinese steel imports in the hope of being exempted from the US tariffs.The territorys stainless steel sector will be the hardest hit if any such trade measures are implemented, because Taiwan is the biggest importer of stainless steel products from China, market participants told Metal Bulletin.The Taiwanese trade authorities are negotiating with the US government to gain permanent exemption from the 25% Section 232 tariff on steel imports.The US has delayed the tariffs for Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, the European Union and South Korea. The temporary waivers will last until May 1, while negotiations take place for permanent exemptions.Taiwans Ministry of Economic Affairs said in late March that it was disappointed that the territory was not included on the list. "Our permit expired at the end of March meaning we have to apply for a new one and since then no exports have been made by Tiimah, the source who declined to be named because he is not approved to talk publicly to the press, said.PT Timah's company secretary Amin Haris did not respond to telephone calls from Metal Bulletin to his office and mobile numbers. The state-owned company, which produced 29,600... While the European Union calls on Turkey to respect European law, Turkey responds with an announcement that provocatively violates it. It reiterates a flagrantly illegal stance, ignoring the fact that the legal status of the Aegean is fully enshrined in international law. Greek sovereignty over Imia is clear and beyond doubt, according to the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923, the Italian-Turkish Agreements of 1932, and the 1947 Treaty of Paris. Once again the European Commissions criticism of Turkey has induced the latter to make absurd claims. We call on Turkey to come to its senses and to use the findings of the Commissions report as a useful tool for self-criticism in improving its image in public opinion and in the international community. Greece is a long-standing supporter of the enlargement of the European Union, on the obvious condition that the prerequisites set, including the respect for international law and good neighbourly relations, are met and have been implemented in the respective case of each candidate country. Significant progress in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue, Albanias substantial and sustainable progress regarding the five key priorities and significant progress in reforms in the former Yugoslav Republic of Yugoslavia, which the European Union has characterized as urgent, are considered by Greece as issues of major European, regional and Greek interest in the Western Balkans. Greece also notes that the resolution of the name issue remains an intrinsic part of the prerequisites that have been set. As an adjacent country, Greece is working systematically to promote its relations with Albania and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It should be remembered that it was under the Greek presidency, at the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit Meeting on the Western Balkans, that the EU confirmed its commitment to the European perspective of the Western Balkan region. This led to the granting of candidate-country status to these two states, in 2014 and 2005, respectively. Specifically with regard to Albania, our country is focused on minority and property rights as well as on the need for full compliance with the pacta sunt servanda principle and on effectively combating of organized crime and drug trafficking. Regarding the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, there is still a long way to go in covering the gap created by the backsliding in recent years. The countrys stability and progress are of vital interest to Greece. We note that this is the seventh time the country has received a positive recommendation from the European Commission. Nevertheless, once again it must be made clear to all sides that the decisions are not made by the Commission but by the Council, where Greece has set out its positions clearly. Greece has repeatedly expressed its firm support for Turkeys European perspective. However, recent developments have once again made it clear that it is up to Turkey itself to show in practice and to what extent it wants to move ahead on its European course. We welcome the European Commissions statement that Ankaras provocative behaviour towards member states of the European Union, primarily in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, is not simply a bilateral matter, but also concerns the Unions regional security. Moreover, we are especially satisfied at the express reference to the two Greek soldiers who continue to be detained in Edirne. Overall, the Unions future enlargement depends directly on the need to carry out a serious and substantial debate on our common future within a democratic, social, just and effective Europe. A Europe that meets its peoples expectations. BAD AXE Huron County has been invited to join a statewide lawsuit against opioid manufacturers, retailers and distributors. Attorney Mike Behm said the suit is similar to the class-action lawsuit of the late 1990s against big tobacco, except individual counties and municipalities would get and keep their share of any damages. He presented the case to the Huron County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday. More than 50 counties in the state have joined the suit, which Behm represents, along with several municipalities against those involved with producing and selling oxycontin. They include Tuscola, Sanilac, Saginaw, Genesee and Macomb counties. No county has been spared in the state of Michigan, Behm said. The highly addictive nature of the drug was hidden from the American public, much like the addictiveness of nicotine had been hidden decades ago, Behm said. Known as a multi-district litigation suit, rather than a class-action suit, Behm said Huron County would be its own plaintiff. Joining the suit would be no cost to the county, but if damages were awarded, 30 percent of that would be paid to lawyers, Behm said. We are very optimistic about this, Behm told the board. He is from the Behm & Behm Law Firm of Flint. The Sam Bernstein Law Firm of Michigan is also handling in the suit, along with Weitz and Luxenberg P.C. of New York. The Behm firm would send someone to Huron County to gather information on the extent of damages the county has suffered, which would likely take about 30 hours, Behm said. This would include interviews with the sheriffs office, as deputies are responsible for administering doses of Narcan, which is an antidote to opioid overdose. That costs $80 per dose, Behm said. The opioid crisis also causes productivity problems for business that have a hard time hiring workers when applicants cannot pass a drug test. Damages can also be sought for the cost of drug courts, and jails having to administer anti-drug medication for inmates. Some counties have also had to renegotiate contracts with medical examiners because of high instances of overdoses, Behm said. Commissioner John Nugent asked whether such a suit would drive up prescription costs. I dont think so, Behm answered, adding there are circumstances to prevent that such as price limits going into effect. He said the suit will seek injunctive relief, which would stop behavior that is contributing to the problem, and there have already been results. For example, Perdue Pharma is no longer directly marketing to primary care doctors, he said. Doctors have also recently begun to give seven-day prescriptions of opioids rather than 30-day prescriptions, he added. Eighty percent of the worlds opioids are consumed in the United States, Behm said, adding that one person in Michigan dies every day as a result of an opioid overdose. The case is being considered in the Northern District of Ohio Federal Court. Behm said the judge is calling for its resolution by the end of the calendar year. In 1999, Oxycontin was originally intended for people at the end of their lives who were in horrific pain, Behm said. Then the drug was prescribed for surgeries, such as joint replacements. The extremely addictive nature of the drug was covered up, Behm added. People would seek multiple 30-day prescriptions after becoming addicted, he said. When the doctor stopped prescribing the medication, drug-seeking behavior, such as going through friends and relatives medicine cabinet would begin. Behm noted that heroin is a natural opioid and very cheap. So when addicts cannot get ahold of the pills they are seeking, they often turn to heroin. This genie is out of the bottle, Nugent said, noting the problem wont be solved until current addicts die or are cured. Nugent said the desire to use opioids has been described to him as being equal to the desire to breath. Behm said it would take a generation to alleviate the problem. The presentation was given during Tuesday's meeting of the whole, where commissioners can not take any formal action. EVERGREEN TOWNSHIP -- The Sanilac County Sheriff's Office is investigating a two-vehicle crash that took place on M-53 south of Deckerville Road. According to the sheriff's office, deputies were called to the scene around 12:15 p.m. Monday, where a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by a 58-year-old Cass City man, was north bound and crossed the center line before striking a southbound 2016 Mack fuel tanker, driven by a 45-year-old Riverview man. Political figures, family and friends are offering an outpouring of love and support for the Bush family following the news of former first lady Barbara Bush's death Tuesday night at her Houston home. When news of Bush's death made its way across Houston and the country, messages from leaders and admirers across the nation flooded social media, remembering Bush for her passionate work in literacy and volunteer work. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump offered condolences to the Bush family while praising the late Bush for her work as her husband, former President George H. W. Bush, lead the nation. ORIGINAL STORY: Barbara Bush, former first lady, dead at age 92 "As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family," the Trumps said in a statement from the White House. "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to our country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." Her son, former Florida Governor Jeb Bush, was one of the first to issue a message. "Columba and I join every member of the Bush family in offering our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for my Mom in recent days, and throughout her remarkable life," he wrote on Facebook. He said he is privileged to be the son an "exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman." "Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days," he wrote. PRESIDENTIAL LOVE STORY: See George H.W. and Barbara Bush's romance in photos Former President George W. Bush said his mother's passing was saddening but a stark reminder of their faith. "Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," the son said. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother." Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, the only surviving couple to serve in the White House before George H. W. Bush and Barbara Bush, said she was warm, generous and had a keen wit. "The matriarch of a family dedicated to serving, she urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation's progress," the couple said in a statement. "Through her own work to promote literacy as a value in every American home, countless families now have the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives." Former President Bill Clinton, who served in the White House immediately following George H. W. Bush, called the late Bush "fierce and feisty." "Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman," Clinton said. "She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like." OBITUARY: Barbara Bush, matriarch of American political dynasty, dies at 92 Former President Barack Obama said the former First Lady was an example to all Americans. "We'll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House," Obama said, "but we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." Former Secretary of State James A. Baker, III., a close friend of the Bushes, said he and his wife Susan were "deeply saddened to lose a beloved friend who was a passionate voice for volunteerism and the view that everyone should believe in something larger than self." "Barbara Bush challenged each of us to build a better world by empowering people through literacy. As only one of two women in American history who can be called First Lady and First Mother, she was matriarch of a family that remains as dedicated to public service as it was to politics. We Americans were fortunate to have had Barbara and George Bush as one of the best First Couples of all time. We send our deepest love and affection to President Bush and to his entire family." Barbara Bush's grandson Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush said his grandmother lived a selfless life. "My grandmother's entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. My grandmother didn't just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered condolences and reminded the world of the former First Lady's friendship to Canada. "Always a friend to Canada, Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family," he said. Other leaders and political figures shared their condolences: "Barbara has blessed this nation with her unwavering service, strong moral compass, and trademark sense of humor." U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, RTexas "She was as much a public servant as her husband and children: traveling the world as advisor and ambassador, campaigning for adult literacy programs at home, and, of course, making George Senior eat his broccoli. Standing beside him through Congress, the UN, the CIA, and 12 years at the White House, Mrs. Bush approached her public role with a class and grace seldom matched in our nation's capital." U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, RTexas "Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. Her husband wrote in his last days in office: 'History will show that she was beloved because she was real and she cared and she gave of herself.' Who could say it better?" House Speaker Paul Ryan "Cecilia and I extend our deepest condolences to President George H.W. Bush and the entire Bush family during this difficult time. We ask that all Texans join us in keeping them in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of a devoted wife, mother, and public servant." Texas Governor Greg Abbott "The former president and former first lady weren't born in Houston but they got here as soon as they could. Mrs. Bush quickly turned to volunteerism and grassroots political work in our city. The help she provided to local charities ... left a wonderful legacy even though much of it took place behind the scenes." Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner "They came to many, many games during the years that we owned the team, and she kept a detailed scorecard for every game they attended. Every once in a while there would be a tricky play and she would ask me, 'How do you score that?' and I would have to say, 'Barbara, I don't know,' and get one of our baseball people to help her. She must have had hundreds of scorecards, all meticulously filled out. She said if you should do something, you should do it well. I remember her telling Elizabeth, my wife, and me that when (President Bush) came back from World War II he had to go back to finish his degree at Yale. He was on the baseball team, and Barbara was the scorekeeper for the Yale baseball team. They were both loving, genuine, caring people. People would come to get their autographs between innings, and they would ask her for an autograph as often as they would the president. They loved all sports but truly loved baseball." Former Astros Owner Drayton McLane "Americans are grateful for the First Lady's grace, poise, and quick wit. Mrs. Bush fought to expand literacy to everyone and leaves behind a powerful legacy that will live on forever." Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa "Mrs. Bush was a 'no nonsense' devoted mother to her family, and our nation. She was wit, wisdom, honesty, and character on two feet. She inspired a 'thousand points of light' of service to our country and was a beacon to us all. We loved her for who she was and for what we became because of her example. Our hearts go out to her remarkable family and to all who loved her as we did. The world is a poorer placer without Barbara Bush." Luci Baines Johnson "When I think of Barbara Bush, I smile. Her candor was always refreshing, her grace was endless, her love of family never wavered, and she was always a true patriot. My family has been fortunate to know her and we will always be grateful for her service to our country. I share her commitment to reading and literacy which will be a large part of her legacy." Lynda Johnson Robb "Barbara Bush was in a very small group, along with Abigail Adams, who was both the wife and the mother of a U.S. president. But like Abigail Adams, she also made her own mark on our nation as one who was what her husband would call a 'point of light.' She not only championed volunteering but spent countless hours herself on causes like homelessness, AIDs, and her own personal passion, literacy. I often heard her call herself, 'the luckiest woman in the world,' but we were awfully lucky to have her represent our country. Despite the many advantages she enjoyed throughout her privileged life, she never felt entitled and was always conscious of giving backa quality that she and George H.W. Bush instilled in their family's next generations." Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO, LBJ Foundation "With her friendly, easy going manner and infectious sense of humor, this warm, graceful and considerate woman endeared herself to millions, as she encouraged children to learn how to read, and earned her spot as one of the world's most admired women. Barbara Bush remains a shining role model for all Americans, most especially our young people." Tricia Nixon Cox and Julie Nixon Eisenhower "With all of Texas and our nation, I'm deeply saddened by the passing of Barbara Bush. Her legacy will impact generations to come. My deepest sympathy and fervent prayers are with the Bush family as they grieve." Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. MIDDLETOWN Nationally known leaders and distinguished Wesleyan alumni and faculty presented short, powerful talks during the inaugural TEDxWesleyanU event April 7 in the Ring Family Performing Arts Hall. Launched in 2009, TEDx is a program of locally organized events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garnered millions of views from audiences across the globe. Speakers included Maria Santana 98, a correspondent for CNN en Espanol; state Rep. Matthew Lesser 10; Middletown Mayor Dan Drew; National Geographic photographer Michael Yamashita 71; national radio host Angela Yee 97, and others. The current political climate is characterized by the lack of conversations taking place between people of opposing sides and viewpoints. TEDxWesleyanU is the launchpad we need to kickstart an unprecedented level of dialogue, said Eunes Harun 20, who spearheaded the event. The TEDx mission and Wesleyans values align so heavily in the fostering of ideas and sparking dialogue. This event further emphasizes how Wesleyan is at the forefront of confronting current political and social issues in an effort to ultimately make the world a better place. Harun came up with the idea to host a TEDx event after tossing off ideas to his roommate, Alex Harold 20, and neighbor Leo Merturi 20. The tri-founders soon created a TEDxWesleyanU core team including Melisa Olgun 20; Anthony Price 20, and Thafir Elzofri 19. Zoe Reifel 21, who organized a TEDx event as a high school student, joined the team late to offer her experiences and input. Collaboratively, the group spent more than a year-and-a-half planning the inaugural event, which has been one of the most impactful learning experiences of my life, Harun said. The team was blown away by the response to TEDxWesleyanU. After sessions began to sell out minutes after going on sale, we were ecstatic to see nearly 1,000 people be inspired by the TEDx talks both in person as well as online (watching through live, streaming media) from 10 countries. TED is a nonprofit organization devoted to ideas worth spreading delivered by todays leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TEDs annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available free on TED.com. None of this wouldve been possible if it werent for Wesleyan, so my message to individuals who believe that Wesleyan doesnt teach valuable and real-life skills is this: They simply dont know what Wes is really like, said Harun. Its our vision that TEDxWesleyanU 2019 will be an even bigger, more inspiring, and exhilaratingly special, weaving it into the fabric of Wesleyan. Videos of the TEDxWesleyanU talks are available at http://tedxwesleyanu.com. Editors note: This article is reprinted from the Wesleyan University News @ Wesleyan site and written by Olivia Drake, campus newsletter editor and photographer. MIDDLETOWN Jim Motes knows where hell be spending most Saturday afternoons. The 41-year-old Portland resident, a hard cider devotee, likes the quality and taste of the ciders Ron Sansone sells at his recently opened Spoke + Spy Ciderworks. Ron has excellent ciders, Motes said. Cherry Barrel is my favorite. The decor in his sampling room in the old Remington Rand building (renamed the R.M. Keating Historical Enterprise Park) is clean and bustling; you never feel cramped or crowded. The name Spoke + Spy is inspired by the combination of the cidery location, once home to a wheel factory, and deference to the northern spy apple, one of Sansones favorite varieties. Since Spoke + Spys ribbon-cutting March 14 on Johnson Street in the North End, owner/cidermaker Sansone has opened his cidery Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. The enthusiasm for the beverage served in growlers in a white-walled, rustic setting of the former Keating Motorcycle factory has been impressive. Sansone, a Weston native who works the cidery along with his wife, Kim, isnt surprised. Studies show that 4 percent of consumers say that hard cider is now their current adult beverage, he boasts. Ten years ago, it was only 1 percent. Sansone, 49, attributes the rise in popularity to ciders natural fruity taste, its appeal to both men and women, and its low alcohol content (3 to 6 percent). While living in London as a graphic designer, Sansone said his interest in the beverage was fueled by the British taste for hard cider. He started making cider at home and pursued cider information while honing his skills with programs at Cornell and Oregon State University. His cider journey has won him numerous medals and is well-documented on the internet at DrinkingCider.com, The Ale Street News and Cider Culture. Sansone is an award-winning cidermaker and judge at Glintcap (The Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition), Franklin County CiderDays and the Big E cider competitions. In July, he will give a talk at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington about different flavors of hard cider. He has been cited in brewery and cidery social media as the most followed cider journalist in the world. Visitors can sip cider in a room featuring thick wooden taproom tables, colorful seating and intriguing artwork, including creative apple-centric pieces. A large triptych, titled Starseed, was created by Middletown artist Dmitri DAlessandro. Sansone said he will encourage local artists to display their work on a rotating basis. Tom Marano, Middletowns economic development specialist, introduced Sansone and his wife to space in the city-owned building after the couple had scouted several locations. Sansone said at first he wasnt sure it was an ideal place. However, with Forest City Beer and Stubborn Beauty Brewery also in the building and Marano touting the buildings benefits low rent, ample space and the site of future neighboring businesses Kim Sansone told her husband: Lets do this. Paul Dodge, small business counselor for the Middlesex Chamber of Commerce, helped Sansone devise a business and marketing plan. Ron first came to me for guidance 22 months ago, said Dodge, who manages the Middletown Small Business Development Center. Together, we set up a business plan and marketing strategy and helped him get started. Dodge said he was impressed with Sansones knowledge of cider making, the fermentation process and that he planned on using apples from area orchards. Federally licensed as a winery, Spoke + Spy allows the Sansones to work with fruit. Breweries, however, can sell both cider and wine. By law, all we can offer is cider, Sansone explained. Sansone batches no more than 300 gallons at a time to make sure his cider stays fresh. He thinks it would be great if our permits also allowed for us to pour Connecticut craft beers. Im not sure what it would take to be able to offer beer at a cidery, but members of an association of cidermakers in the state he recently formed are talking about it. Although Sansone declined to reveal the actual cost of getting Spoke + Spy up and running he said he and Kim were able to fund the business from their joint savings. It also took a lot of sweat equity. We set a budget, found used equipment and did as much work as we could ourselves, Sansone said. Even with our planning and what seemed like endless dirty hours of cidery buildout, we ended up spending a lot more than expected. Still, the Sansones believe their efforts were worth it. Every cidery has a personality of its own, Sansone said. Cider drinkers usually find the one that fits their taste. Kim and I put in a lot of time traveling around the world, experiencing cider culture and have done our best to bring that back. Every cidermaker I know comes from a different background, and is unique, which is reflected in the ciders they make. The Sansones spend 30 or more hours a week making cider, rinsing the growlers and cleaning the tasting room. Eventually, they hope to expand their open days and hire a staff of workers. Wed also like to get our cider into area bars and restaurants, Sansone said, and some day sell our product in cans and bottles. Even with eventual expansion, their base of operations will remain in Middletown. Its where we live, Sansone said, and though wed like to sell our ciders worldwide, this building is our business home. There is a benefit taking place Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Oak + Velvet space above the cidery. The event, which costs $20 per person, is being held to raise money for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry at St. Vincent de Paul, Middletown, and community arts programming at the Buttonwood Tree. It will feature Tempest, the Celtic Rock band from California. Spoke + Spy Ciderworks, Oak + Velvet and Middlesex Music Academy are sponsoring the evening. For information, call 860-346-2739 or visit spokeandspy.com. Editors note: This story has been updated to correct the date and location of the fundraiser. 9 Town Transit (9TT) is preparing for a 15 percent reduction of state funding beginning July 1 with a proposal of service cuts and fare increases. The agency says the reductions are due to the failure of revenue into the states Special Transportation Fund to keep up with expenses. Under the proposal, bus fares would rise from $1.75 to $2 on bus routes and to $4 on Dial-A-Ride. This would be the second fare increase in 18 months. The agency is also proposing multiple service reductions. They include elimination of the senior fare subsidy, which would result in seniors paying a fare on all services for the first time in 37 years; reducing service on Route 2 Riverside, which provides service between Chester and Old Saybrook, by 8 hours per weekday; elimination of all Saturday service; reducing service on Route 1 Shoreline Shuttle by 3 hours per day. 9 Town Transit is holding hearings May 1, 2 p.m. at Deep River Town Hall, 174 Main St, Deep River, CT; May 2 at 9 a.m. at Clinton Town Hall Green Room, 54 E Main St, Clinton, CT; May 3, 5 p.m. at Mulvey Municipal Center (Multi-Media Room), 866 Boston Post Rd, Westbrook, CT regarding the proposed service changes. Written statements concerning the proposal may be submitted either at the hearing, by email to info@estuarytransit.org or mail. 9 Town Transit is encouraging transit users and supporters to let their state representative and senator know how important 9 Town Transit, Shoreline East or other public transit services are to them. More information about the possible service reductions and ways to help prevent the funding cuts can be found at www.9towntransit.com/fundtransit. NVCC welcomes displaced Ridley-Lowell students WATERBURY Responding to the untimely closing of Ridley-Lowell Business and Technical Institute, Naugatuck Valley Community College has issued an invitation to all displaced students to meet with NVCC staff at their Danbury campus, and attend an Open House at their Waterbury campus. The College is reaching out on social media to offer information about potential programs of interest at NVCC. The NVCC Danbury Campus offers a wide range of credit and non-credit opportunities. A complete list of programs from both the Danbury and Waterbury campuses is available at www.nv.edu/academics. Antonio Santiago, Dean of NVCCs Danbury campus noted that between the Danbury and Waterbury campuses, students have a multitude of degree and certificate options to meet their goals. NVCC is here to engage prospective students in a discussion of workforce opportunities at the college. NVCC Staff will be available at the annual Open House on April 29, 1-4 p.m. in Technology Hall on the Waterbury Campus. Any Ridley-Lowell student is welcome to stop by the Danbury Campus Booth for the opportunity to meet faculty, staff and students, answer questions, and tour the campus. Advisors at the Danbury Campus on 190 Main Street in the heart of Downtown Danbury, are ready to work with Ridley-Lowell students. No appointment is necessary. Office hours are Monday-Friday 8am-5pm. For more information on Associate Degrees, credit certificates and non-credit certificate programs, please contact the Administrative office of the Danbury Campus at 203- 437-9639 or visit www.nv.edu. Psychic skills workshops offered DEEP RIVER The Deep River Public Library, 150 Main Street, hosts Develop Your Psychic Skills with Psychic and Medium Paul Rice on Mondays, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, and Oct. 8 at 6 p.m.. The classes are in order of importance to psychic development and build upon each other, so it is highly recommended to attend all classes. The series is free but registration is required and limited to twenty participants. There are still a few spots available. Get information on dates and register through our Signup Genius, which can be accessed on Deep River Librarys website or Facebook. Call the library for more information at 860-526-6039. Tri-Town Youth Service taking part in take back day Tri-Town Youth Service and Troop F, will be participating in the National Drug Take Back Day. Residents are welcome to bring any unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs to one of the local drop off locations. The event is free and anonymous. No questions will be asked. Locations include Tri-Town Youth Services - 56 High St, Deep River, and Chester Village West - 315 W. Main St, Chester, on Saturday, April 28, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. According to the CT Department of Public Health, during January and February of 2018, there were 1,317 visits for suspected drug overdoses made to emergency departments in Connecticut. The majority of people who abuse prescription drugs obtain them from family and friends, this includes theft from home medicine cabinets. Removing unused prescription drugs from the home eliminates the risk of them being stolen or abused. Prescription medication that is flushed down the toilet or tossed in the trash can potentially become a safety and health hazards for the environment and residents. Besides the annual Drug Take Back events, residents can safely dispose their unused medication 24 hours a day to the drop box located in the lobby of Troop F, 315 Spencer Plain Rd, Westbrook. Register now for Cap and Gown 5K Run/Walk MIDDLETOWN The Middlesex Community College Foundation invites local runners to participate in the 15th Annual Cap and Gown 5K Run/Walk to be held on Friday, May 11 at MxCC Middletown campus on 100 Training Hill Road. Race-day registration begins at 4:30 p.m., with a free Kids Fun Run starting at 5:30 p.m. The USATF certified 5K will begin at 6 p.m. The event is open to the public. Register now at http://mxcc.edu/5k/. Enter before April 15 to qualify for the early-bird raffle. Enter by May 8 and pay only $20. After May 9 through race day, the entry fee will be $25. MxCC student fee is $15. Kids Run is free. Prizes will be awarded to overall champions (men and women), alumni, students, faculty/staff winners (men and women), and the top three men and women in each age division of the 5K. The awards ceremony will be held at 6:45 p.m. The scenic 5K run/walk (3.1 miles) follows along beautiful tree-lined roads along the reservoirs behind the Middletown campus. Free tank tops will be given to the first 100 registrants. The 5K race is chip-timed by Empire Timing Co. Cap and gown costumes are welcome with prizes for the best ones. Volunteers are also needed. Help out with setup, registration, cheering on participants, and more. For more information, please email mx-mxcc5k@mxcc.edu or call 860-343-5869. The event is presented by the Middlesex Community College Foundation. Flag sponsors wanted for downtown MIDDLETOWN Middletown is once again planning its annual display of patriotism and support for military families in the downtown area. American flags are available to downtown businesses for a minimum donation of $25 per flag. These flags are a perfect way to show your support and to prepare for Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Columbus Day. The town has ordered brand new American Flags for the 2018 Season. The form for sponsorship of a flag or flags is attached to this email or sign up online; for infomration, contact Danielle in the chamber office at 860-347-6924 or dsmith@middlesexchamber.com. HARTFORD House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz on Wednesday said the chances are "zero" that a new casino will be built in Bridgeport or anywhere in Connecticut in the next five years without federal approval. "The idea of an additional casino being built in Connecticut without Bureau of Indian Affairs approval is zero," Aresimowicz told reporters. "It is not going to happen. We need to move forward with a comprehensive plan of what gambling looks like." The comments came a day after state Attorney General George Jepsen said, because the BIA has not published its approval for revisions to the states tribal compacts on the federal register, an East Windsor casino to be jointly built by the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Indians is not formally approved, and it would be imprudent to proceed with the project. Aresimowicz said a bill before the legislature to seek bids for an additional casino in Connecticut is not moving forward. MGM Grand has proposed building a casino in Bridgeport in addition to one now under construction in Springfield, Massachusetts. "The reality is I was open to exploring the possibility, but MGM still has not put their cards on the table," Aresimowicz said. "They have some really glossy pictures [of a Bridgeport casino.]" MGM has its hands in multiple pots. If they want to put something in Bridgeport, they need to stop promising and participate in some kind of study." Uri Clinton, Senior Vice President and Legal Counsel for MGM Resorts, said in a statement released Wednesday that the company agrees with Jepsens opinion and believes a Bridgeport casino is the best option for the state to buffer competition from its Springfield resort. "We reassert our view that the fastest, most effective way to achieve those goals, and modernize the states decades-old gaming structure, is to move forward with a competitive process, which legislators from Bridgeport, New Haven and the region continue to advocate," Clinton said. Clinton added "The competitive process bill was overwhelmingly approved by a legislative committee weeks ago, and it deserves a vote in the House and Senate before the legislature adjourns on May 9." bcummings@ctpost.com WASHINGTON -- A group of Republicans and Democrats in the House introduced a bill Tuesday that would clarify the Department of Veterans Affairs has the authority to study medical marijuana and incite the agency to initiate research. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act stops short of mandating the VA research marijuana, but the bill makes clear the VA can study it -- a fact recently muddled by former VA Secretary David Shulkin. It would also require VA leaders to report regularly to Congress about their progress on marijuana research. "It clears up any confusion," said Nick Etten, a former Navy SEAL who founded the Veterans Cannabis Project, which advocates for easier access to medical marijuana. "I think it has the opportunity to accelerate research within the VA. It should be within their mandate to research anything that could help veterans." In a joint news release, lawmakers cited the opioid crisis and the growing demand among veterans organizations that want cannabis available as a treatment option for chronic pain, post-traumatic stress disorder and other medical issues that disproportionately affect veterans. The American Legion, which has 2 million members, supports the bill and began advocating for marijuana research two years ago. The group commissioned a poll in November that purports one in five veterans use marijuana to alleviate symptoms of a physical or a mental medical condition. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act is being championed in Congress by leaders on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, including its ranking Democrat, Rep. Tim Walz of Minnesota, who described it as a "bipartisan step forward" in the national conversation on medical marijuana. The Republican chairman of the committee, Rep. Phil Roe of Tennessee, stated in February -- for the first time publicly -- that he supported marijuana research. "As a physician, I am keenly aware of the need to look for opioid alternatives to treat patients' chronic pain," Roe said Tuesday in a written statement. "Since serving as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I've heard from many veterans, both with physical and invisible wounds, who believe medical cannabis could benefit them." VA's misleading stance Because marijuana is classified among Schedule 1 drugs, which are defined as having no medical use, federal research is highly restricted. The first government-approved study of marijuana's effects on veterans with PTSD began in 2017 after the Scottsdale Research Institute in Phoenix worked for seven years to gain federal approvals from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Agency. The study has been beset with challenges. It was provided a low quality of marijuana from the federal government, and it's struggling to recruit enough veterans in the Phoenix area who are eligible to participate. Researchers have been blocked by the Phoenix VA from recruiting veterans from that medical center. Lawmakers said Tuesday that the VA is best-positioned to research medical marijuana, given its history of medical advancements, access to patients who struggle with PTSD and chronic pain and vast resources. "While we know cannabis can have life-saving effects on veterans suffering from chronic pain or PTSD, there has been a severe lack of research studying the full effect of medicinal cannabis on these veterans," Walz said Tuesday in a written statement. "Simply put, there is no department or organization better suited to conduct this critically important research than VA, and there will never be a better time to act." Through a series of letters last year, Walz urged Shulkin to support research. In response, Shulkin cited bureaucratic red tape as a reason why the agency wouldn't study the drug. "VA is committed to research and developing effective ways to help veterans cope with post-traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain conditions," Shulkin wrote to Walz. "However, federal law restricts VA's ability to conduct research involving medical marijuana, or to refer veterans to such research projects." At the time, John Hudak, deputy director of the Center for Effective Public Management at the Brookings Institution, a liberal-leaning Washington think tank, said Shulkin's response mischaracterized federal law and was "an unfortunate combination of false information, incomplete analysis and incomprehensible logic." Walz called the Shulkin's response misleading and disappointing. The legislation introduced Tuesday will help clear up any confusion created by Shulkin's letters, Etten said. "At first the VA said they couldn't study it, then they said it was too hard to study," he said. "This provides clarity. The more clarity we get, the better." Nominee's views unknown While the VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act states the agency can study marijuana, it leaves the decision to the VA secretary, stating "the secretary may conduct and support research relating to the safety and efficacy" of the drug. President Donald Trump fired Shulkin on March 28 and nominated Rear Adm. Ronny Jackson, the White House physician, to replace him. Jackson's views on medical marijuana aren't publicly known -- just one of the many remaining unknowns about the nominee. He's expected to answer questions April 25 during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee. The new legislation comes just days after the marijuana industry gained a prominent former Republican. Former Speaker of the House John Boehner, a Republican from Ohio who was previously outspoken against marijuana, endorsed the drug with the April 11 announcement that he was joining the board of Acreage Holdings, a company that cultivates and dispenses marijuana in 11 states. In a statement, Boehner said "the time has come" for Congress to consider a shift in federal marijuana policy. He cited veterans' support for medical marijuana as a reason why he changed his mind and he argued the VA should be able to recommend it to patients. VA doctors are prohibited now from prescribing marijuana or referring veterans to medical marijuana programs in states where it's legal. Roe said Tuesday that he believes the VA should study the safety and efficacy of marijuana before Congress acts to loosen those restrictions. "Until we have sound science behind whether or not medical cannabis is an effective treatment, we should not move forward with prescribing it," he said. Lawmakers were scheduled to discuss the bill during a subcommittee hearing Tuesday afternoon. They will decide whether to send it to the full House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. For the first time in five years, all three components of the Air Force achieved both their recruiting goals and end strength... The U.S. Army today announced a set of upcoming deployments that will send aviation, cavalry and support units to Europe, Iraq and Afghanistan in the spring and summer months of this year. The deployments involve soldiers from Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Carson, Colorado and Fort Campbell, Kentucky and are part of regularly-scheduled deployment cycles. The 3rd Cavalry Regiment stationed at Fort Hood will deploy to Iraq this spring as to replace 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division in support Operation Inherent Resolve, according to an Army press release. The last time the 3rd Cavalry deployed to Iraq was in support of Operation New Dawn in 2011. "The Regiment of Mounted Riflemen is a trained and ready force, just as it has been for the last 171 years, and we stand ready to answer the nation's call to fight and win anywhere in the world," Col. Jonathan Byrom, 3rd Cavalry Regiment commander, said in the release. "After spending the last several months conducting an intense training cycle, culminating with a National Training Center rotation, the troopers are well prepared for our mission. "We look forward to working with the Iraqi Security Forces and coalition partners in continued support of the defeat of [the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria] and the effort to bring long-term stability to the region." Beginning this summer, the 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Carson, will deploy to Europe in support of U.S. European Command's Operation Atlantic Resolve, according to an Army press release. The 4th CAB will replace the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade currently serving in Europe. "The 4th Combat Aviation Brigade is ready to deploy to Europe and work closely with our NATO and regional partners in support of Atlantic Resolve," Col. Scott Gallaway, commander of 4th CAB said in the release. "Our focus on tough, realistic training over the last year has prepared us for this upcoming mission. I am extremely proud of our soldiers for their hard work and dedication. We are enormously grateful for the steadfast support of our families, and the ever-present support from the Fort Carson community." The Army will also deploy the 101st Airborne Division's Sustainment Brigade from Fort Campbell to Afghanistan this summer. The 101st Airborne Sustainment Brigade Headquarters and Special Troops Battalion will replace the 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade Headquarters and Special Troops Battalion in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel. "The 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Sustainment Brigade is highly trained and ready to answer the call to sustain U.S. and coalition forces operating in Afghanistan," Col. Stan Sliwinski, the brigade commander, said in an Army press release. "This brigade is no stranger to Afghanistan, as this will be our fifth rotation there since 2001. "We take great pride in our ability to provide world-class sustainment support, and we are excited for the opportunity to continue this effort while deployed." --Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. At outposts in Afghanistan and Iraq, on all the ships at sea, and wherever troops serve worldwide, flags are being flown at half-staff today to honor the passing of former First Lady and military spouse Barbara Bush. President Donald Trump called Mrs. Bush a "woman of character" in issuing the order that flags be flown at half-staff at all military installations. "On this solemn day, we mourn the loss of Barbara Bush, an outstanding and memorable woman of character," Trump said. "As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family." Bush, wife of the former President George H.W. Bush and mother of former President George W. Bush, died Tuesday at age 92 at the family home in Houston, Texas. She was a Navy wife in World War II as her husband served in the Pacific. Mrs. Bush was only the second woman in American history to have a son follow his father to the White House. Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams, was the first. In his statement, Trump said he was ordering flags flown at half-staff "at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations," and "throughout the United States and its territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment." "I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations," he said. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. The Navy has confirmed that Tammie Jo Shults, a Southwest pilot who successfully made an emergency landing after her aircraft suffered a massive engine failure and depressurized, was a pioneer for the Navy as one of the first female fighter pilots for the service. Navy officials released details of Shults' service Tuesday, revealing that she had risen to the rank of lieutenant commander in the service and eventually served as an instructor pilot for both the EA-6B Prowler and F/A-18 Hornet. "In regards to the question on whether she was the first female Navy fighter pilot, we can confirm that [Lt. Cmdr.] Shults was among the first cohort of women pilots to transition to tactical aircraft," Navy spokeswoman Lt. Christina Sears said in a statement. According to data released by the Navy, Shults received a commission on June 21, 1985 and was promoted to lieutenant commander in December 1995. She left active duty in March 1993, but remained in the Navy Reserve until August 2001. Shults served at Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34 in Point Mugu, California, as an instructor, and also completed tours at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California. Shults has spoken publicly in the past about opposition she faced as a woman in the male-dominated field of military aviation. Women were not even permitted to fly in combat operations until 1993, at the end of Shults' active-duty service. In a 1998 story in the San Antonio Express-News, Shults is quoted describing training with a "surly F-18 instructor" who believed it "degrading" to have a woman in the cockpit. "I told him Congress has stated that I am going to be here. If you don't like that, vote. But when you're wearing a uniform, your orders are to give me a check ride," Shults said, according to the publication. Shults' husband Dean was reportedly also a Navy pilot. Now, all attention is on Shults for the calmness and control she displayed in navigating a crisis situation. Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 departed from LaGuardia airport in New York Tuesday morning en route to Dallas, but soon after found itself in crisis. The plane's left engine broke with an explosive sound, sending parts through the body of the aircraft. At least one plane window was broken, and passengers reported at least one woman almost being sucked through the hole. Shults ultimately made an emergency landing in Philadelphia roughly an hour after takeoff. While Southwest reported one passenger died and seven more were treated for minor injuries, the damage the plane sustained could have easily resulted in a far more tragic outcome. "Tammie Jo Schults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally," one passenger, Diana McBride, wrote in a public Facebook post. "This is a true American Hero." Editor's note: An earlier version of this story contained an incorrect date for the news story quoting Shults. It was published in 1998. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Editor's Note: On April 19, U.S. Air Forces Central Command released new information contradicting previous Defense Department statements of the use of the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range in the strikes on Syria. The missiles launched from B-1 Lancer Bombers during the strikes were "JASSM-A, or the standard, non-extended range versions of the munition," AFCENT spokesman Capt. Mark Graff said. Graff said the strikes did represent the first operational use of any JASSM variant. The extended-range version of Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile made its combat debut in Syria over the weekend after a pair of B-1B Lancer bombers struck a chemical weapons science lab near Damascus. The JASSM-ER -- ER for "extended range" -- can strike its target from roughly 600 miles, more than double than the earlier JASSM version, also made by Lockheed. The bombers launched 19 missiles, which cost about $1.4 million each, according to a 2010 Government Accountability Office estimate. As plans were still unfolding on whether or not the United States was going to strike Syria in response to the regime's continued use of chemical weapons, executives already anticipated a ramp-up in procurement from the services for the low-observable, long-range, precision-guided missile. Related content: "The Air Force has an operational requirement for 4,900 missiles" across its inventory, said Alan Jackson, Lockheed's vice president of strike systems. Military.com sat down with Jackson during the annual Sea-Air-Space conference in National Harbor, Maryland, in days preceding the Syria strike. "There's even some talk within the Air Force they may increase the operational need," Jackson said April 10. "We'll standby for any further word," he continued, adding Lockheed has delivered roughly 2,200 missiles to date. The Air Force is "looking for a capability to get more ERs out there," he said. "The more platforms you have to go deliver the weapon, the better." Aside from the B-1, the JASSM-ER is carried by the F-15E Strike Eagle. Lockheed is working to fully incorporate JASSM-ER on the F-16 Fighting Falcon and the B-52 Stratofortress bomber; the ER technology still has "additional integration tasks" to complete for these fighter and bomber platforms, with a final upgrade expected to be complete by the end of this year, Jackson said. "Since the baseline version of JASSM is already fielded, this is a relatively brief and quick program," he said. The extended-range missile -- a 1,000-pound warhead, with pinpoint accuracy, an infrared sensor and both GPS and anti-jam navigation -- is capable of taking out moving land-based targets. (JASSM-ER's cousin, the Long Range Anti-Ship Missile (LRASM), is currently being tested on the B-1, and is expected to have a live missile test off of an F/A-18 Super Hornet later this year). JASSM-ER also helps prolong the life of fourth-generation aircraft like the B-1B in a contested fight; while the strategic bomber may have a reduced radar cross section, it isn't stealthy. The missile offers a higher survivability rate due to it its low-observable technology. "I think the key is flexibility -- the ability to engage relocatable targets, mobile air defense system[s] in particular ... and those are prevalent throughout the world," Jackson said, referring to surface-to-air missiles. Future upgrades are retrofittable, he said. The Air Force is "planning on continuing the JASSM-ER with a few modifications in the future," Jackson said. For example, the service is looking for new wings on JASSM-ER to give it efficient extended range and a next-generation GPS receiver. "The added sweet spot that we're looking for is the added capacity, capability at a lower cost," Jackson said, without specifying exact costs. "Our objective is to provide more at a lower cost for the services," he said. Following the Syria strike on April 14, Lockheed said it's ready to offer the systems for the Defense Department's operational need. "While we do not comment on the nature or circumstances of those operations, we stand ready to assist our customers in their efforts worldwide," spokesman Joseph Monaghen told Military.com on Monday. "Lockheed Martin is proud to partner with the DoD to equip them with advanced weapon systems such as JASSM to conduct effective operations." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. In an effort to build a larger, allied coalition as more hostile countries come into the space arena, the U.S. Air Force in 2019 will invite international partner applicants to train alongside airmen in their military space operations courses, the service's top civilian announced Wednesday. In her speech at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson said that, if the Air Force makes an effort to train and fly alongside foreign nations in undergraduate pilot training as well as on the battlefield, space missions from now on should be no different. "For many years the Air Force has trained pilots and aircrew from allies around the world," Wilson said. "The U.S. hosts the Euro-NATO joint jet pilot training program at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. Afghans train at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia; the Singapore Air Force flies their own F-15s out of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. "It's time to go farther," she said. Related content: The Air Force is adding two new courses to its National Security Space Institute located at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, including one on "space situational awareness, for our partners and allies to learn more about collision avoidance, de-orbits and reentries," Wilson said. "We will open more of our current advanced courses on national security space to military members of allied countries," she said. "Australia, Canada, and the UK currently attend. We will invite New Zealand, France, Germany, Japan and possibly others to come train with us." The classes, Space 100 and Global Space Situational Awareness courses, will each have a particular focus. The 100 class, to be a roughly one-to-two week unclassified, introduction and overview of space operations, will spotlight orbital mechanics, launch, satellite operations, and space weather. The Air Force said this course is not the same as undergraduate space training, or UST, which gives new Air Force officers an introduction into space operations but is taught at a "Top Secret" security clearance level. Global SSA will be a three-week course that focuses on space surveillance: how space objects move, fall out of orbit and reenter the Earth's atmosphere. Partners will be trained on proper maneuverability and getting out of the way of an oncoming object to avoid collision. The service will also expand its Space 200 and 300 classes. The 18-day 200 class, already open to the UK, Canada and Australia, will be open as a mid-career course to France, Germany, and Japan and will highlight space systems development and space power as it pertains to national security. Space 300 will expand to include the "Five Eyes" partners: Australia, Canada, New Zealand,and the U.K., according to the Air Force. The program is offered as a professional development course that addresses space acquisition and high-end capabilities at operational and strategic levels as it applies to a range of military missions. Students can expect the 15-day class to have a broad range of topics, from unclassified briefings all the way up to the "Top Secret" levels. NSSI was created in 2004 under Air Force Space Command to provide space training to Air Force space professionals as well as the broader National Security Space community. The NSSI falls under the Air Force Institute of Technology, a component of Air University. "We will strengthen our alliances and attract new partners, not just by sharing data from monitoring, but by training and working closely with each other in space operations," Wilson said. "Why now? Because we face a more competitive and dangerous international security environment than we have seen in decades. "Russia and China are developing capabilities to disable our satellites," she said. For example, according to the "Worldwide Threat Assessment" authored by National Intelligence Director Daniel Coats in February, Russia and China are well on their way to sending weapons capable of jamming or destroying U.S. military and commercial satellites into space, including some that may reach initial operational capability in the next few years. "We will work with like-minded nations to preserve the ability to freely and safely operate in space," Wilson said. "We will work with our allies to improve operations, enhance deterrence, defend our vital national interests and prevail when called upon." -- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @oriana0214. The chief of the National Guard Bureau told lawmakers today that the Guard doesn't have enough money to clean up the potentially hundreds of drinking water systems contaminated by toxic firefighting foam used on Guard installations. The Department of Defense has identified 401 military installations where there are "one or more areas with known and suspected release" of hazardous fire-fighting foam into water supplies, Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Illinois., the ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Committee's defense subcommittee, said during a April 17 hearing. "What my colleges have told me is that the use of this fire-retardant foam has resulted in a public health hazard and a danger to water supplies in the area of these installations," Durbin said. Durbin asked Gen. Joseph Lengyel, chief of the National Guard Bureau, to characterize how large of a "public health crisis" this water contamination is and how much money will it take to correct it. "It is a problem," Lengyel said. "I can't give you a number of the total of what it may take to mitigate it." There are "many installations" that have been affected by perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, or PFOS, and perfluorooctanoic acid, known as PFOA, Langyel said. "The first thing we have got to do is inspect them, determine if there is a determinable amount in the water; if there is and the government is determined to be liable, then we are going to have to find a way to mitigate that so we can make the water safe to drink for the communities," Lengyel said. The Guard made a recent request to access funds in the Defense Environmental Restoration Account. Currently, state-run facilities are not eligible to receive these funds, Lengyel said. "If we have to spend money to mitigate these [water contamination] issues, then we are going to have to use Air National Guard or Army National Guard operations and maintenance money to do it, and obviously we don't have that money in our accounts," Lengyel said. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Montana, asked if these firefighting chemicals were used on bases exclusively, or in forests as well. Lengyel said they are used in "airports to put out fires all over the country, including civilian airports." "It's not just a military thing," Lengyel said. Tester wanted to know why the Guard and the Defense Department isn't looking for "benign fire-fighting chemicals such as the ones used in the forests ... because if we are creating a problem with this, we need to stop where the problem is." Lengyel said he believed that "over time, they will transition to a safer version of this fire retardant." The Defense Department launched an investigation in late 2016 to determine the scope of the problem at military installations across the country after drinking water supplies were shut down due to contamination near Patterson Air Force Base, Colorado. -- Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. The Marine Corps is investing heavily in long-range fire systems as it prepares itself for future battles. It's a capability gap that Marine Corps leaders have spoken about publicly in recent months. At the Surface Navy Association's annual symposium in January, the head of Marine Corps Plans, Policies and Operations, Lt. Gen. Brian Beaudreault, talked about how the service planned to increase the precision and range of its existing systems in ways tailored to the Corps' main mission sets. "We're going to very much follow what the Army is doing ... [but maintain] our interest and how we can help in the sea control fight," he said, according to a report from National Defense Magazine. On the Marine Corps' current wishlist is an 81mm mortar round that can fire up to almost four times further than its existing high-explosive round. In a request for information published earlier this month, the Marine Corps announced it was "analyzing market capabilities" to find a maker for the Advanced Capability Extended Range Mortar, or ACERM. The round, which would be compatible with existing Marine Corps and Army M252 81mm smooth-bore mortar systems, would have an effective range of up to 20,000 meters, or 12.4 miles. "In support of the Infantry close fight, across the spectrum of the Full Range of Military Operations, and in all terrain and weather conditions, this capability should be reliable, responsive, and able to defeat high payoff targets," the RFI reads. "This capability includes incapacitating personnel within or behind structural barriers, inside light-skinned stationary vehicles, and in the open while minimizing collateral damage." The ACERM has been a project under development by the Office of Naval Research for several years. But the new solicitation is an indicator that it's about to transition from a bright idea into a battlefield reality. According to the solicitation, parameters for the high-tech round include a target accuracy of as little as one meter. The maximum objective range of 20,000 meters is almost quadruple the high-explosive round's maximum range of less than 6,000 meters. And the round should take only five minutes to travel that 12-mile maximum range, according to the document. The ACERM should be able to operate in a GPS-denied environment, and have the ability to hit a moving target as well as a stationary one. Companies have until May 4 to respond to the solicitation; it's not immediately clear what next steps would be to buy or field the high-tech round. Meanwhile, the service continues to explore other weapons system upgrades, including firing High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) off of amphibious ships and extending the range of larger artillery systems. -- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck. Making the transition from military to the civilian workforce is a challenging phase in the lives of veterans. While the thought of spending more time with family is comforting, starting afresh and beginning an all-new career can be quite a daunting task. After their military lives come to an end, most veterans begin their hunt for jobs but there are a few who have a different plan in mind. From Military to Entrepreneurship Meet Sean Matson, a former Navy SEAL who carved his path to entrepreneurship after having spent 10 years as a SEAL in the US Navy. While he is still serving his country in the Navy Reserves, Sean was deployed five times to a lot of austere locations during his 10-year active-duty career. Like many other veterans, Sean's transition to the civilian workforce was not an easy one. Not only was he unemployed after leaving the military, he was also stuck in the middle of a nasty divorce, causing him to almost lose custody of his children and face tremendous debt. All this while he was making ends meet to start his very own brand Strike Force Energy, an energy drink. The Story Behind Strike Force Energy So, what made this ex-officer launch his own energy drink? Having spent years in the military, Sean understood the importance of energy drinks and caffeine among the military troops. He noticed how the existing drinks in the market were not doing the job of fueling the military and to make matters worse, the bulky energy drink cans were nothing short of a burden. This gave rise to Strike Force Energy, an energy drink primarily targeted to the military troops. In a market filled with dubious energy drinks, Sean introduced a healthier and affordable alternative with Strike Force Energy. With zero sugar, zero calories, and the right amount of caffeine, taurine, and B vitamins, this energy drink promises to give you a boost without having an adverse impact on your health. What's more, its pocket-friendly packaging and attractive price point makes it popular among customers and retailers. Strike Force Energy comes in four flavors: original, grape, lemon, and orange, and it is available in packets or 750-milliliter pump bottles. Strike Force Energy Garners a Positive Response This veteran-owned, American-made company enjoys exceptional margins and lower distribution costs compared to its competitors. "Our product has an over 70% gross margin due to in-house manufacturing and distribution combined with a 50:1 relative shipping and storage cost," says Sean. Its compact size also makes it easy to ship while occupying minimal space. Not just that, this drink has also been gaining preference over competitors owing to its taste. In two years of business, the founders have received an incredible response and experienced exponential growth since inception. The brand has also made inroads into retail stores such as 7-Eleven and is also garnering interest from other retailers, grocery stores, and fast-food chains. Brand with a Social Mission While his brand is doing incredibly well, Sean has not forgotten his roots. A socially responsible entrepreneur, he is committed to giving back to society through his venture. Strike Force Energy has partnered with non-profits and donates 10% of their gross sales to them to provide support for law enforcement officers and their families across America. Sean Matson's Top 4 Tips for Military Veterans Making the Transition Start earlier than you think you should. The skills you learn in the military completely apply to the civilian workforce. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Remember, you have the power to influence much more as a civilian than you ever did in the military. Strike Force Energy is available on Amazon or at Strike Force Energy. You can also find them in stores. Mineral List Regional Geology Ref.: Rocks & Min.: 21:751-752. Located East of Fredericktown.1 valid mineral. This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found. Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. External Links Commodity List Mineral List Regional Geology Historic gold mine.This gold mine was located 500 yards west of the New Find Mine on a splay from the main reef. It was developed from December 1881 for 2.5 years by two experienced miners (Bennett and Wilson). The syndicate consisted of Charles Henry Bennett, James Richard Shaw Wilson, Thomas Frederick Fenton, and James Stevenson. All were experienced miners by trade. The mine bordered the Coquette lease on the south-west. It was initially much promoted in the local press as the best mine on the field, something that continued with mines in the area for the next four decades.In April 1882, the Eureka Gold Mining Company was formed. Around the same time an aerial tramway was installed to the new local council funded inclined tramway up the mountain. (The official name of the company was the Te Aroha Eureka Gold Mining Company, to prevent confusion with a Eureka Mine at Thames, however in practice the Te Aroha was never used). The company was under capitalised. The company soon purchased the Little and Good lease from Edward Kersey Cooper after he objected to their aerial tramway crossing his lease.In mid 1884, the first crushing took place, with payable results, but the second crushing was poor, not helped by the gold being so fine the battery only saved 35% of it. Work ceased at this time, and one month later the lease was abandoned.The mine was taken over by the Battery Company in 1885, who abandoned it the following year with one crushing of 418 tonnes for 174 ounces of gold. The upper hopper was removed, and in 1892 Henry Hopper Adams demolished the aerial tramway.The ground was re-worked by the Great Western Company in 1895, owned by Thomas Gavin as part of several combined leases including the Eureka, Little and Good, Coquette and New Find No. 2. Only prospecting was undertaken, and the company lacked capital. A Chilean mill was installed on the back of financing from London, and a small amount of ore processed for poor results. The lease was abandoned again. Late 1899, the machinery was removed.Mindat co-ordinates are very approximate, and only denote the Waiorongomai trail car-park.1 valid mineral. This geological map and associated information on rock units at or nearby to the coordinates given for this locality is based on relatively small scale geological maps provided by various national Geological Surveys. This does not necessarily represent the complete geology at this locality but it gives a background for the region in which it is found. Click on geological units on the map for more information. Click here to view full-screen map on Macrostrat.org Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. References How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. Here is a quick guide to some of the options available to you. Different controls are available depending on the type of media being shown (photo, video, animation, 3d image) Controls - all media types Zoom in and out of media using your mousewheel or with a two-finger 'resize' action on a touch device. Use the mouse or your finger to drag the image or the view area of the image around the screen. < and > at the left and right hand side of the screen move forwards and backwards for the other images associated with the media you selected. Usually this is used for previous/next photo in a gallery, in an article or in search results. Keyboard shortcuts: use shift + the left and right arrow keys. < and > in the bottom center are used for switching between the photos of the same specimen. Keyboard shortcuts: use the left and right arrow keys. > in the bottom center, raises the information box giving details and further options for the media, < at the top of this box then hides it. Keyboard shortcuts: use the up and down arrow keys. ? opens this help window. Keyboard shortcuts: use the H key or the ? key. Other keyboard shortcuts: 1 Fit image to screen 2 Fill screen with image 5 Display at full resolution < Make background darker > Make background lighter space Hide/dim titles and buttons Scalebar If the field of view (FOV) is specified for the photo, the scalebar appears in the left bottom corner of the viewer. The scalebar is draggable and resizeable. Drag the right edge to resize it. Double click will reset the scalebar to it's default size and position. If the scalebar is in default position, double click will make it circular. Controls - Video Video files have a standard set of video controls: - Reset to start, - Skip back, - Play, - Pause, - Skip forwards. Keyboard shortcuts: You can stop/start video play with the P key. Controls - Animation (Spin Rotation) Animation (usually 360 degree spin rotations) have their own controls: - enable spin mode. Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys. The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types. The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control. Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways: - without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method - with stereoscope - with anaglyph glasses. - on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system) For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them. Controls - photo comparison mode If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu. Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder. Summary of all keyboard shortcuts 6:48pm: Blair will miss the entire 2018 season after the procedure, which addressed a capsule tear, David OBrien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports in a story and Twitter update. 5:30pm: Braves righty Aaron Blair has undergone shoulder surgery, per a team announcement. The precise nature of the procedure, which was performed by Dr. James Andrews, has yet to be disclosed. Blair, whos still just 25, has largely struggled since going to the Atlanta organization in the oft-discussed swap that sent Shelby Miller to the Diamondbacks. While two other key pieces in that deal Ender Inciarte and Dansby Swanson appear to be core pieces for the Braves, Blairs own future was already uncertain before todays news. The 36th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Blair was considered a high-quality prospect at the time of the deal. And he pushed into the rotation picture in Atlanta not long after arriving. But the early returns were quite poor, as Blair worked to a 7.59 ERA with 46 strikeouts and 34 walks in his first 15 starts, over which he managed only seventy innings. Heading into 2017, the hope was that Blair could reestablish his trajectory and work back into the MLB mix. Instead, he foundered at Triple-A, pitching 127 1/3 innings of 5.02 ERA ball with 7.4 K/9 against 4.0 BB/9. In his only major-league outing, Blair was knocked out after just three innings. He was again ineffective this spring. The righty did make one Triple-A appearance this season, so it does not appear hed stand to accrue MLB service while he is out. But if the Braves wish to free up a 40-man spot, theyll need to put Blair on the 60-day DL, where he would gain service credit. Thats likely not a major concern for the organization, though, given his struggles. Instead, it seems as if Blairs 40-man spot may ultimately be in jeopardy. SBI ATM live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More India's largest lender SBI said today that cash availability at its ATMs has increased in the past 24 hours following reports of currency shortages and ATMs running dry from different parts of the country. Several other lenders, including PNB, Canara Bank and Axis Bank claimed that cash shortage at ATMs was limited to select pockets. Unusual spurt in demand for currency led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, poll-bound Karnataka and some other states even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage. "Availability of cash in SBI ATM has improved in the last 24 hours. Efforts are being made on a continuous basis to improve the cash availability further in a few geographies. Overall issue of less cash should come to normalcy within soonest possible time, " said Neeraj Vyas, DMD (Chief Operating Officer), SBI. In a statement by SBI, he further said that the bank is constantly monitoring the situation and making immense efforts to ensure the supply of currency in abundance at all our ATMs. A SBI spokesperson said that in general, the normalcy rates at the bank's ATMs remains at 92 per cent. "It had dropped to around 85 per cent yesterday. But the situation has improved today." When asked about its ATMs, private sector Axis Bank said it has enough cash, which is "better than the industry average and there is no such crisis". "Even if there are cases of ATMs running out of money it is because people from other banks are coming to withdraw money," a Axis Bank official said. The Reserve Bank had said last evening that there was no shortage of currency even as it has ramped up printing of notes at all its four presses. The finance ministry too had said printing of Rs 500 notes was being increased five-fold. Fortis Healthcare | Aberdeen Standard Investments (Asia) Ltd increased stake in company to 5.02 percent from 4.96 percent earlier via open market purchases. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Fosun International the Chinese conglomerate known to be aggressive on international M&A circuit late Tuesday joined the bidding race to take control of India's second largest healthcare provider Fortis Healthcare. Fortis Healthcare in late exchange filing on Tuesday said it has received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from Fosun with an offer to inject Rs 100 crore within the next 45 days that includes an option of immediately subscribing to convertible debt instruments of the company. The Rs 100 crore funds will be on the condition that Fortis agrees to a one-month period of exclusivity for Fosun to undertake due diligence and negotiate a proposal to acquire stake in the company. If Fortis agrees to the exclusivity period, Fosun will consider a primary infusion of up to USD 350 million (approximately Rs 2,300 crore) at a price of Rs 156 per share that shall not enable Fosun to hold 25 percent or more securities of Fortis, the filing said. Thats inclusive of the Rs 100 crore that the company proposes to inject earlier. Fosun calling itself as a long-term investor said it's aware of the Fortis near-term cash requirements, strategic plans for consolidation of its real estate assets, and various alternative proposals put forth in the Board's consideration. "We believe our proposal outlined in the letter will best support the company's immediate needs, while supporting the Company and its existing investors at a fair valuation to optimise long term return," Fosun added. Fosun added that it has sufficient funds for the transaction without requiring any external financing. Fortis board will be meeting tomorrow to take a decision on the bids it has received. The Hong Kong-listed Fosun along with three other interested parties including TPG-Manipal consortium, Malaysias IHH healthcare and Munjal-Burman family are in fray to take control of the cash-strapped hospital chain Fortis Healthcare. Founded in 1992 - Fosun has total assets over USD 75 billion. The company last year bought Hyderabad-based injectable drug maker Gland Pharma for USD 1.09 billion at the height of India-China stand-off at Doklam. Fosun other big M&A transactions include Fosun Pharma, Sinopharm, United Family Hospitals, Luz Saude, Fortress Investment, Intuitive Surgical, Henlius and Alma Lasers. As a cash crunch gripped Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) in over five Indian states, bankers and cash management firms blamed it on inadequate supply of cash and seasonal rise in demand. The cash crunch also proved that the push for digitisation in banking and payments is not going as planned, since the demand for cash is clearly rising. For the last few weeks, ATMs have been running dry in states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar (north), Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. Even Delhi complained of a cash shortage. Pointing out that the currency in circulation before demonetisation was around Rs 17.77 lakh crore, R Gandhi, former Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said that the figure has now reached Rs 18.17 lakh crore. "Today we are at Rs 18.17 lakh crore but in between one year nine months, in the normal course, currency demand would have been an additional Rs 4-5 lakh crore. We thought we would have seen a behaviour change but that has not happened and hence, the demand is increasing," Gandhi said. On the one hand, many have been blaming the shortage of Rs 2,000 currency notes in the system, and the fact that ATM cassettes have not been configured to dispense Rs 200 notes. Other things being held responsible for the cash crunch are elections (upcoming polls in Karnataka), state government programmes in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh that are used to make cash payments, festive seasons, and misunderstanding of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bills bail-in clause, where depositors would bear a portion of any losses, among others. On the other hand, this is also indicative of the fact that digitisation has probably failed to plug the cash comfort Indians were used to before demonetisation, which in turn led to the gradual rise in demand. As per RBI data, 'cash in hand with banks, which comprises cash supplied by the RBI, from which banks stock up their ATMs with currency notes, fell to around Rs 60,480 crore as of March 30, from a high of Rs 71,000 crore at the end of December, 2017. Currency in circulation as on April 6 was Rs 18.17 lakh crore, which was more than the currency at the time of demonetisation. Navroz Dastur, MD of NCR Corporation, which operates around 50 percent of ATMs in India, said, "It (cash crunch) could be because people are now hoarding more cash, we have that increase in transactions, i.e. people are pulling out more cash from ATMs. Now, it is hovering around Rs 3,500-4,000 per transaction, a huge increase as compared to Rs 2,500-3,000 earlier in pre-demonetisation times." According to Gandhi, it seems like post demonetisation, people still seem to be wanting cash, and the idea of bringing about decisive change in the public's preference for cash has not materialised. According to a few reports, the government has acknowledged that the demand for cash in India has gone up from the monthly average of Rs 19,000-20,000 crore to around Rs 40,000-45,000 crore per month, in the first 13 days of April itself. Dastur said it had been 18 months since demonetisation and while the economy has grown, the cash in circulation has not grown commensurately. In February, NEFT transactions declined by 3.4 percent from January. In all, retail electronic clearing (including NEFT, NACH and IMPS) declined by 2.4 percent in February over January, RBI data released on April 10 showed. Similarly, usage of debit and credit cards at point of sale machines reduced in the same period even as prepaid instruments such as wallets edged up 1.2 percent and mobile banking transactions were also up by 2.2 percent. However, with some push towards Digital India, electronic transactions overall in the country reached a record high of 1.11 billion in January, up 4.73 percent from the 1.06 billion seen in December last year. Bankers, cash management firms blame RBI "The RBI had not been meeting demand for cash as per our indents, meeting only about 70-80 percent of our requirements. Also, not every ATM is recalibrated to accept Rs 200 notes, while Rs 2,000 notes are in short supply," a senior banker told Moneycontrol. According to two officials, one each from a cash management firm and an ATM operator, banks do not fill up ATMs to their full capacity, merely 70 percent of it. "Bankers say they are not getting the full indent from RBI and hence unable to meet the demand of ATMsPrior to demonetisation, this used to be at least 85 percent," one of the officials cited above said. Although the government has clarified that it still has currency reserves of Rs 1.75 lakh crore to meet the demand, RBI has also stepped up printing of notes at its four currency note presses. "There have been issues with the raw materials like ink and paper for some time now which has restricted currency supplies to banks," said a person familiar with the currency supply situation. Radha Rama Dorai, Managing Director - ATM & Allied Services, FIS: "The cash crunch situation has been ongoing since demonetisation. Its been discussed at an industry level with banks as well as the regulator...The cash carrying capacity of the ATMs have gone down in terms of value. Over long weekends clubbed together with holidays, ATMs tend to run dry. Refilling the ATMs on Sundays or holidays is difficult since banks are closed. According to her, the crunch is not a new phenomenon and Punjab has been in a cash crunch ever since demonetisation. On the other hand, states in the NorthEast have been feeling the pinch over the last four to five months only. "We have been getting 40-60 percent cash from banks in other States," she said. Gandhi did point out that if the RBI is not supplying currency notes to banks in line with its original intent, then that is "disturbing". "I cannot say whether RBI has taken a call on consciously changing goal posts to reduce the indents but if that is the case it is disturbing. If there is a cut in RBIs supply of indent, that I am surprised. Pre-demonetisation, we used to supply 100 percent as per demand. But there is natural commercial difference in supplydue to different denomination notes, that can happen but I would not read too much into it," the former RBI deputy governor said. Further, V Balasubramanian, spokesperson of the Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMI), pointed out that ATM service providers do a daily calculation of the cash required, which is sent to banks in the night for the next day. "Till March end, the daily demand was being met by 90 percent, irrespective of public or private banks. However, it has reduced since the first week of April. It has fallen drastically in the past week, now the requirement is only being met at 30 percent by PSUs," he said. The government, the RBI and State Bank of India Chairman Rajnish Kumar have denied any shortage of currency and Kumar said cash availability at ATMs is around 88 percent, which is normal. For now, the government and the SBI Chief have promised to meet the cash shortage in the next 5-7 days. However, one can only hope that more citizens move to digitised payments from here on. India hopes to double trade with South Africa by 2021, Indian High Commissioner Ruchira Kamboj said here today ahead of a high-level business summit. The India-South Africa Business Summit will be held on April 29-30 at the Sandton Convention Centre here with the theme - 'United by Legacy, Unified for Prosperity' - reflecting the shared histories of the two countries. The event is being organised by the high commission of India, in partnership with the ministry of commerce and industry, the department of trade and industry, Invest India, Confederation of Indian Industry, and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency. South African Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies and his Indian counterpart Suresh Prabhu will deliver the main addresses. "There will be very important meetings between our trade ministers and the India-South Africa CEOs' Forum, with core captains of industry from India and South Africa discussing issues that vex or are perhaps irritants in this relationship and how we can take the relationship further," Kamboj said. "This is the first such Business Summit ever to held in South Africa or in India. The entire focus is to maximise the potential of the economic relationship and to double trade figures from now to 2021," Kamboj said. "Trade figures between our countries stand roughly at USD 10 billion. We are confident that there is potential to double this figure. There are many sectors that our countries can cooperate in," she said. Gauteng Growth and Development Agency (GGDA) Group Executive Muzi Mathema said South Africa and India have strong trade relations but this summit is an effort to push trade relations to the next level. We have to bear in mind that we are in the dawn of a growing emerging market. In 50 years' time, a third of the working force will either be in India or in other BRICS countries. If we don't start taking these initiatives now, we won't be able take advantage of the momentum in growth in our countries. "The emphasis is that both our countries are open for business. In our trade, we export mainly raw materials and we are trying to encourage our companies to export value-added products, and this is what we also want to do with India. We will be concentrating on this at the summit, and India will also do the same," Mathema said. This conference will be a build-up to an international investment conference to be convened in September with the aim of raising USD 100 billion in FDI within the next five years, as announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa this week. Seven parallel breakaway sessions will focus on start-ups, and automotive, health care, pharmaceuticals, mining, agro-processing, women in business and the fourth industrial Revolution, which have been identified as sectors with potential for growth in a bilateral context. On the opening evening there will be a unique cultural event paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, produced by South African UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Gavin Rajah. India has sought consultations with the US under the WTO's safeguard agreement against American authorities' decision to impose import duties on certain steel and aluminium products. The consultations however don't fall under the World Trade Organisation's (WTO's) dispute settlement system. The US had last month imposed high import duties on certain steel and aluminium products. India considers this move "to be an emergency action/safeguard measures" under a provision of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and the Agreement on Safeguards, the WTO has said. "As an affected member with a significant export interest to the US for the products at issue, India requests consultations with the US," it added. On this request, according to a government official, the US has stated that the taxes imposed are not safeguard duties. According to an expert, seeking consultations to the safeguard committee is a way to inform the other country that they are not fulfilling their commitments under the WTO rules. "The move would help create a pressure on the US as other member countries may join India in this. May be after this, India can think of dragging the US in the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism on the issue," said Biswajit Dhar, professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University. India's move assumes significance as the country has urged the US to give exemption from the tariff hikes. marico_300_82714207 live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Consumer goods company Marico will acquire up to a 22.5 percent stake in fitness and wellness solutions app Revofit. Revofit said Marico will buy shares from the owners, and will be issued new shares as well. However, the company did not disclose the size of the investment in monetary terms. Revofit, developed by Revolutionary Fitness Pvt Ltd, provides a 360-degree approach to a healthy lifestyle and will enhance Marico's learning about the digital consumer. The company, which happens to be the maker of Saffola and Parachute, already runs a website under the Saffola brand i.e. fitfoodie.in, which has various videos and recipes to enable consumers to cultivate a healthier lifestyle. This acquisition would further strengthen its presence in the nutrition space and increase customer involvement. It also plays well with the nutritional and healthy proposition of the Saffola brand. This is Marico's second digital investment, after it had earlier invested in Beardo, a mens grooming brand, by acquiring 45 percent stake in it. The company indicated that it would continue to explore opportunities to acquire stakes in more digital brands, which would enhance companys digital learning curve. In 2007, Marico had forayed into the healthcare and services sector with Kaya Life Centre. It exited the space about three years later in 2010. Marico leads the coconut hair oil (Parachute) and premium edible oil (Saffola) categories, with market share of 59 percent and 68 percent, respectively. "This complements Maricos aspiration to participate in the nutraceuticals and wellness space. This win-win alliance offers a wider choice to consumers looking to incorporate wellness, fitness and nutrition into their daily lifestyle," said Saugata Gupta, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Marico said in a statement. As a part of our constant endeavour to remain ahead of the curve when it comes to identifying investment opportunities, we at Moneycontrol are tweaking our portfolio of defensive stocks to include recently-listed Bharat Dynamics in place of Tata Motors. Although Tata Motors is breaking free of the challenges it was facing in its domestic business, its subsidiary Jaguar Land Rover, which accounts for a significant part of the company's total business, is facing multiple headwinds on account of rapidly evolving automotive technology and an aging product portfolio. But what is of greater concern is the increasing restrictions on diesel vehicles in Europe because the companys European and UK portfolio is predominantly made up of diesel vehicles. Moreover, the focus towards electric vehicles would demand a significant amount of investment from the company in the next few years. So we feel the margin pressure will linger on for a while. Post its listing, government-owned Bharat Dynamics has corrected and is currently trading at Rs 403 share, much below its issue price of Rs 428 a share. The valuations, at 14 times its FY17 earnings, are attractive and the company has strong earnings visibility, backed by a strong order book of Rs 11,000 crore, or 3 times its sales. Moreover, we like the company considering its monopoly in defense missile manufacturing, generation of strong free cash flows, reporting 25 percent return on equity, and operating in the lucrative defense industry that lies at the heart of the governments "Make in India" initiative. The Indian secular theme whose fortunes are tied to Indian housing market can look forward to interesting opportunities. The overall shift of the market in favour of organised player is an added tailwind for the listed entities. However, given the premium valuation of most of the players, is it a space worth looking at? The Indian wood panel industry is estimated to be around Rs285 bn. The industry has traditionally remained largely unorganised given the low technical know-how and skill set required in the sector. However, the pattern has gradually changed in the last few years as the organised players have grown at a much faster rate (12-15%) compared to industry growth rate of 5-7%, taking away the market share from unorganised entities. New construction activities (85-90%) drives most of the demand in the sector while the balance comes from renovation and replacement. Plywood players shifting focus to MDF Despite the industry being largely unorganised, the MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) market in India is 100% organised as this segment poses an entry barrier in terms of high capital investments. MDF is increasingly being used as a substitute for low to medium quality plywood as it is 40-50% cheaper, resistant to moisture and can be easily moulded and machined for furniture applications. There exists a significant scope for import substitution as 30-35% of the demand in India is met through imports. Additionally, anti-dumping duty of $64/CBM on import of MDF boards (with thickness 6 mm +) would further benefit the local players. Aided by changing consumer preferences and government support, MDF is currently the fastest growing product in wood panel market. MDF demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.1% to INR 31bn by FY21 from INR 16bn FY16. Competitive landscape The wood industry is dominated by four large players. The Plywood and MDF segment is dominated by Century Ply and Greenply which together constitute around 50% of the market. Likewise, Greenlam and Merino are the heavyweights in the laminate segment followed by Stylam and Rushil Decor. Amongst the big players, Merino Industries remains a private company while the rest are listed. Industry players undertaking capex to tap future opportunities The MDF segment being the fastest growing segment in plywood category, is getting the much needed attention from industry majors - Century Ply and Greenply. Century Ply has recently forayed into the MDF segment while Greenply, which entered the MDF market in 2010, is in the process of tripling its MDF capacity. Rushil Decor is also building up on its strong presence in the wood furnishing space by adding new capacities in MDFs and WPCs (Wood Polymer Composite). The WPC product is environment friendly and is expected to grow at ~11% globally over the next five years. The WPC market in India is at nascent stage with penetration of just 1% as compared to high traction in Americas, Europe and China. These incremental capacities would allow these companies to pick up revenue share from the low quality plywood suppliers which is fully unorganised. In addition to revenues and profits, the MDF vertical should also boost the return ratios of companies as it a high margin business (having RoCE of 24-25%). Industry Outlook Century Ply trades at an EV/Sales multiple of 4.2x on account of its market leadership position, high RoE (return on equity) and asset turnover. The operational efficiencies in its business execution results in a higher churn of its assets (asset turnover of 1.5x - 15-20% higher than peers) leading to higher operating margins and return ratios. The asset turnover for the industry remains in the tight range of 1.2-1.5x and the return ratios remain healthy for all the players (upwards of 18%). The sector remains rich in terms of valuations and takes into account the earnings expected on the back of recent capacity expansions. Government thrust on affordable housing, smart cities should result in buoyant demand for the sector. The rationalisation of GST rate (reduced from 28% to 18%), introduction of e-way bill and import substitution of MDF is envisaged to decisively shift demand as well as market share pendulum in favour of organised players. With majority of the players increasing capacity at the same time, the industry could witness stiff competition and pricing pressure. Crude-linked chemicals and derivatives which form 20%-30% of the raw material costs could impact the margins of the players. These two factors need to be monitored closely. However, considering the overall demand-supply dynamics and execution capabilities, the listed players looks well positioned to post steady growth over the next couple of years. Our preferred pick Greenply remains our preferred pick in the sector considering the current valuations and revenue visibility. Greenply trades at a significant discount to Century as it lags behind in terms of operational efficiencies. The new capacity additions (MDF, laminates and decorative veneer) will boost volume growth in FY19 and FY20 and also aid improvement in net profit margins. We expect the capacity addition in MDF segment to be a big trigger for Greenply and expect its valuation gap with Century Ply to reduce over the coming 12-18 months as the company moves closer to the full commercialisation of its new capacities (expected Q2/Q3 FY19). Rushil Decor seems to be best placed amongst the smaller players but its premium valuations leaves little room for comfort. The company is trying to build its brand and is also carving out a niche in mid to high segment products. The companys recently commissioned WPC plant not only provides revenue visibility but also indicates its increasing focus on green and durable products which is sync with the market trends and consumer preferences. Reliance Communications | In the last four months, the stock price has risen 487 percent to Rs 3.93 per share from Rs 0.67 per share on March 27, 2020. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) today recalled its previous order which allowed debt-ridden Reliance Communications to proceed with the sale of its tower and fibre assets. The sale of these businesses form an important part of the overall Rs 25,000 crore asset monetisation blueprint of the troubled company. The appellate tribunal would start its hearing on the plea of Reliance Infratel (RCom's subsidiary that runs the tower and fibre businesses) from April 23 over sale of its businesses. "In view of the order passed by the Supreme Court, dated April 16, 2018...interim order dated April 6, 2018 is recalled," said NCLAT bench headed by Justice S J Mukhopadhaya. NCLAT had on April 6 partially allowed sale of the businesses, which was challenged by HSBC Daisy Investments (Mauritius) Ltd. The apex court on April 16 stayed the order allowing the sale. In December 2017, Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Jio had struck a mega deal to acquire mobile business assets including spectrum, mobile towers and optical fibre network of RCom, owned by his younger brother Anil Ambani. US wants level-playing field for its companies in India: Official US tells WTO it will consult with China over tariff policies Facebook says users must accept targeted ads even under new EU law April 18, 2018 / 09:07 PM IST / 09:07 PM IST Certain section of people trying to fail Aadhaar by stoking imaginary fear: UIDAI UIDAI on Wednesday dismissed concerns that it might use Aadhaar data analysis in the future, saying a certain section of people are creating "imaginary fear" to "fail" the national ID programme. In a statement, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) clarified that the media reports published today quoting UIDAI's Counsel Rakesh Dwivedi's argument on Tuesday in the Supreme Court that Google is trying to fail Aadhaar "are not correct". "...Rakesh Dwivedi, Senior Advocate had submitted that as far as Google, Facebook and Twitter are concerned, they cannot be compared with Aadhaar due to the nature of information being different and also due to difference in the nature of algorithms being used," the UIDAI statement added. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 10:22 PM IST That's all for today, readers. Thanks for staying on with our coverage of the day's action. Your enthusiasm encourages us to better our coverage every day. Do come back tomorrow for more news, views and insights. April 18, 2018 / 10:20 PM IST Venkaiah Naidu launches Assam govt's cashless health scheme Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday launched a health scheme of the Assam government that offers free medical care of up to Rs 2 lakh for every individual from Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Above Poverty Line (APL) families. The cashless scheme, 'Atal Amrit Abhiyan', will cover 92 percent of the state's population with annual income below Rs 5 lakh, he said. Congratulating the Assam government for the pro-poor scheme, Naidu said, "It is estimated that the number of Indians falling below poverty line due to health spending run as high as 63 million. The need of the hour is to safeguard people from this catastrophic health expenditure by providing comprehensive care." (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 10:03 PM IST Yashwant Sinha to hold event of opposition parties on April 21 Dissident BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who has floated an apolitical front to attack the Modi government, will hold an event with opposition parties in Patna on April 21 and make a "political announcement". He declined to share details of the impending exercise, saying he will disclose it on Saturday. "It will be a political announcement," said the former Union minister, who has turned a trenchant critic of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre but has not quit the BJP yet. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 09:42 PM IST Amarinder Singh likely to hold talks with Rahul Gandhi over Cabinet expansion Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh is likely to hold discussions with Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday over Cabinet expansion in the state. According to sources, the chief minister has already arrived in the national capital for the meeting with Gandhi in which cabinet expansion is one of the issues likely to be taken up. The cabinet expansion had been pending for a long time now and was delayed for one reason or the other in the past. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 08:49 PM IST Sri Lanka slaps new tax on gold to curb imports Sri Lanka on Wednesday slapped a 15 percent tax on gold to curb surging imports that have impacted the trade deficit and put pressure on the exchange rate, officials said. The finance ministry said the tax was reintroduced after a five-year hiatus as authorities detected a rapid spike in imports in recent months. "We believe that a lot of duty-free gold (imported to Sri Lanka) is smuggled out to neighbouring countries where there are high customs duties," a finance ministry official told AFP. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 08:29 PM IST Sonia, Rahul wrap up Rae Bareli visits Congress president Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi wrapped up their visits to Rae Bareli and Amethi on Wednesday, meeting party workers and launching new projects. Former party president Sonia Gandhi, on the final day of a two-day visit to her Rae Bareli constituency, met office bearers of the local bar association. She also met party workers and inaugurated projects under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) and a passport service centre at the general post office. She participated in a meeting of the district vigilance and monitoring committee. Travelling separately, Rahul Gandhi, who had reached the Bhuemau guest house on Tuesday, also interacted with people on Wednesday. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 08:11 PM IST April 18, 2018 / 07:54 PM IST India, UK agree to develop new trading arrangements: Joint statement India and the UK on Wednesday agreed to develop new trading arrangements and reaffirmed the crucial role of rules-based multilateral trading system, said a joint statement of the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently visiting the United Kingdom (UK). The prime minister will also participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting here from April 19-20. Modi and his counterpart Theresa May held wide-ranging discussions and underlined strategic partnership and growing convergence on regional as well as international issues. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 07:36 PM IST Rupee slips 2 paise to end at fresh 7-month low against US dollar The rupee on Wednesday slipped by 2 paise to settle at a fresh seven-month low of 65.66 against the US currency due to sustained dollar demand and forex outflows, extending its fall for a third day amid surging crude prices. The rupee had fallen to a low of 65.79 in early trade but the RBI's suspected intervention helped the currency recover to a day's high of 65.59. State-owned banks and private lenders sold dollar likely on the behalf of the central bank to stem weakness in the local currency, a forex dealer said. High crude oil prices and losses in stock markets, however, weighed on the rupee later which fell back to close down by 2 paise or 0.03 percent at 65.66 per dollar. (PTI) April 18, 2018 / 07:22 PM IST ICICI Bank loan case: CBI questions CFO of NuPower Renewables The CBI on Wednesday questioned Sunil Bhuta, the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of NuPower Renewables, a company founded by the husband of ICICI Bank CEO and MD Chanda Kochhar, in connection with a Rs 3,250-crore loan from the bank to the Videocon Group in 2012, officials said. Bhuta, who has been associated with NuPower Renewables since its inception, was questioned at the agency headquarters here, they said. According to the website of the company, Bhuta has been "responsible for overall finance, accounts, audit and taxation function for NuPower since inception". (PTI) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Rajesh Agarwal Benchmark indices closed higher for the ninth straight session on Tuesday as investor turned their focus to corporate earnings from geopolitical tension. Among sectoral indices, the Nifty Realty index was over 1 percent higher led by a rise in the shares of Godrej Properties and Indiabulls Real Estate. That apart, investor sentiments were positive during the day following the forecast of a normal monsoon this year by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Asia stocks rose modestly on Tuesday following data showing China's economy grew a little faster than expected in the first quarter. Technical Outlook Nifty Nifty closed higher for the ninth straight session on Tuesday. It has formed 'Doji' candlestick pattern around 50 percent Retracement level indicating indecisiveness at higher levels. Now it has to cross 10,555 levels decisively for further upmove. Sustenance trade above 10,555 marks may add momentum on upside till 10,650-10,670 levels. Furthermore, RSI (14) is trading around 60-65 levels. If RSI fails to trade above these zone, Index may witness a correction till 10,450 marks. Bank Nifty Nifty Bank is consolidating within its two major moving averages of 200 and 100 SMA for six consecutive days. It has formed 'Spinning Top' candlestick pattern signifying indecisiveness around hurdle zone. Now Nifty Bank has to cross 25,420 marks decisively for further up move. If Index fails to cross this level and sustains below it, Nifty Bank may correct till 24,700 zones. Furthermore, on hourly scale, Nifty Bank is trading around overbought zone with negative divergence on RSI. Below are the top 5 stocks which can give up to 7% return in the near term: NCC: Buy | Target: Rs 143 | Stop loss: Rs 129 | Return: 7% HDFC Bank: Buy | Target: Rs 1983 | Stop loss: Rs 1920 | Return: 2% Power Grid Corporation of India: Buy | Target: Rs 213 | Stop loss: Rs 199 | Return: 4% Lupin Limited: Buy | Target: Rs 818 | Stop loss: Rs 795 | Return: 2% BEML: Sell | Target: Rs 1101 | Stop loss: Rs 1155 | Return: 2% : The author is the Head of Research at AUM Capital. The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Air India (Commons) The Oxford English dictionary defines a white elephant as a possession that is useless or troublesome, especially one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of. The phrase apparently has its origins in the story that the kings of Thailand gave such animals as a gift to courtiers they liked, but also slightly disliked, in order to ruin the recipient by the great expense incurred in maintaining the animal. It maybe poetic license but perhaps not too much of an exaggeration to say that the Air India divestment plan has come to be the white elephant of the government. What are the potential roadblocks on the runway of this divestment plan? What reasons may clip the wings of Air India? That's what we will find out on our Story of the Day. My name is Rakesh. This is Moneycontrol. A PAUCITY OF CONTENDERS Dhirendra Tripathi writing for Moneycontrol lists this as the top devil that may hold back the Air India sale this financial year. Well, the paucity of contenders to participate in the divestment process was probably due to the terms the government had imposed. Even after the deal was sweetened, it was simply not sweet enough. The offer that was up was full management control, 3/4ths of the stake and only about half the debt. On the 28th of March, India's Civil Aviation ministry invited expressions of interest (EOIs) from potential buyers for a 76% stake in the national airline, Air India. That would include Air Indias 100% stake in its subsidiary Air India Express and a 50% stake in Air India SATS airport services, a ground-handling service company formed in partnership with Singapore based SATS. And there were some eligibility criteria about who could bid. The government mandated that the net worth of interested bidders must be at least 5000 crore rupees and that they should have been consecutively profitable for three of the last five financial years. But scheduled Indian airline operators were exempted from these if they bid as a part of a consortium. The government also stipulated that in case of a group of bidders, each investor must have at least a 20% stake in the consortium, while the lead investor must have a 51% stake and foreign airlines would not be given management control. Listen in to this podcast for a lowdown on the latest developments There were also terms about Air Indias mammoth debt. This huge number was always going to be a wet blanket in the deal. As of financial year 2017, the debt and potential liabilities of the airline alone added up to approximately 52000 crore rupees or around 8 billion dollars. But the government then decided to sweeten the deal by cutting it by almost half. About 30000 crores of Air India groups debt will be hived off into a special purpose vehicle, the details of which would be worked out later. So even after that, the potential buyer would still have 33400 crores in debt, which includes a working capital debt of around 8800 crores. And how much government participation will be in it? Well, the government would retain a 24% stake in the airline post sale. And the government did clarify that it will have no say in the operations. With those requirements alone, a whole set of airlines within India were already not eligible. In terms of Indian Airlines, only IndiGo and Jet were eligible. Other Indian airlines simply did/do not have the net assets required, or the wherewithal, to take over Air India operations by themselves. They would need to come in with partners if they wanted to. Vistara, SpiceJet and GoAir could come in with financial partners, but the governments list of conditions for the sale made Air India a bit of a bad buy for a value seeking buyer, which left Indigo and Jet in the fray. SUITOR 1: INDIGO When news came out that Interglobe aviation which controls Indigo, India's largest airline was interested in participating in the divestment process, shareholders were certainly not pleased. The stocks plummeted. But in early April, Indigo went on to say that it had expressed interest only in acquiring Air Indias international operations and Air India Express, but that option was not available currently. Analysts also felt that it didn't make sense for Indigo to go solo on Air India. Investors have always loved IndiGos robust balance sheet and that would have changed if the airline would have taken on AIR India all on its own. At the end of December it had a net cash position of 5665 crore rupees unlike other airlines which are laden with debt. It would have lost this distinction had it won the Air India bid alone. Like I said earlier, the airline entity that has been carved out by the government for sale will have debt and liabilities of about 33000 crores including net current liabilities of 8816 crores. On a consolidated basis this would have severely impacted Indigos profits. SUITOR 2: JET AIRWAYS That left out Jet Airways. In March there were reports that a consortium of Jet Airways, Air France, KLM and Delta Airlines were interested in participating in the divestment process. But close on the heels of IndiGos bowing out of the process, Jet Airways also said it would not be participating. We welcome the government move to privatize Air India, it is a bold step. But considering the terms of offer in the information memorandum and based on our review, we are not participating in the process, went on to say Jet Airways Deputy CEO and CFO Amit Agarwal. And now with just weeks left for the deadline to express interest in bidding for the state run airline, a senior government official said that the sale plan clearly needs recalibration. Since there has been no interest, we will have to review the terms of sale, said an official on conditions of anonymity. SUITOR 3: THE TATA GROUP? With two major Indian airlines Indigo and Jet Airways having explicitly ruled themselves out of the race, there are concerns over the sale terms. The governments hopes are now resting on the TATA Group, whose ex-Chairman JRD Tata was responsible for laying the foundations for Air India as we know it today. But relying on a single bidder is unlikely to yield the best price. In any case it is unclear as of now if the government will reduce the prospective buyers debt burden or if it will sell the airline piecemeal. Some foreign majors like Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa, and Etihad are reportedly still interested in the 90-year-old Air India, but ideology may turn out to be a hurdle in this particular case. On the 16th of April, Mohan Bhagwat, the influential chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS chipped in with a warning for the government. He went on to say and I quote, Give Air India to someone who can run it well, but the entity must be an Indian. India must not cede control over its skies. Perhaps as a result of too many expectations from the government, Air India has been on Tinder for a while now, but has still found no matches. ELECTION YEAR & POLITICS Leading up to the election year of 2019, no government would want to make the wrong kind of headlines and be seen as compromising the interests of employees of its own company in an election year. As it is, the Modi administration is facing a great deal of resentment and anti-incumbency with respect to unemployment, post-demonetization and GST-related economic chaos, governments approach in dealing with minorities and women issues, and agrarian distress, having contributed in no small measure to this resentment and anti-incumbency. So the party clearly can't think of 2019 as a cakewalk, an idea it used to have in the first half of the governments term, goes on to say Dinesh Unnikrishnan writing for Firstpost. If those problems highlighted by the opposition parties were not enough there is also friendly fire coming from within. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has supported Mohan Bhagwats demand to scrap Air India steak sale, calling it losing the family silver and has also asked Jayant Sinha to be dropped. Subramanian Swamy tweeted and I quote I welcome RSS Sarsanghchalak Mohan Bhagwats timely warning on Air India family silver sale. My advice to NaMo, put off the proposal to post-2019 poll, also drop Jayant Sinha. On the matter of Jayant Sinha, he went on to say that the minister of state for Civil Aviation had to recuse himself from the process of Air Indias disinvestment as there is a conflict of interest. He has in the past worked with foreign companies which might be hired to evaluate Air India's assets or other companies which might be interested in buying a stake in the airline. He should recuse himself from the situation, Swami was quoted as saying. A new government has to be sworn in by May 2019. Any query from the interested bidders requiring clarification and other procedural matters would only push back the process to the next year. So this may also be one of the devils that may hold back Air Indias sale this financial year. IS THERE A LACK OF CLARITY? MUST BE BUREAUCRACY A typically bureaucratic way of execution this the bundling of the sale of the loss-making Air India with the profitable arm Air India Express. Air India made a loss of 5765 crore rupees in the financial year of 2017 against Air India Expresss profit of 297 crore rupees. Both may be attractive, but only individually to different sets of buyers as we saw in the case of both IndiGo and Jet. And there is also no clarity yet on Air India's terms of agreements with aircraft suppliers, Boeing and Airbus, and vendors. Typically compared to private airlines, Air Indias terms and conditions are very favorable to the other side, something a new buyer will not like. PERKS AND LIABILITIES Well, in this case the liabilities are for the buyer and the perks for Air India employees, both of which don't seem like a particularly attractive opportunity for the potential bidder. A huge workforce and a consequent wage bill and pension liabilities are something the potential bidder will have to look at. As of December 31st, Air India alone had 11214 permanent staff excluding 2913 contractual and 2155 casual employees. There were 2661 employees on deputation. Upto 4217 employees will retire by March 2023. No buyer would want to take on that kind of pension liability, in addition of course to all the debt liabilities. There as many as 8 unions at Air India. Pilots have one, engineers have one too, and ground officers have one, and so on. It won't be easy to persuade a pampered lot, long used to enviable perks and freebies. Sure enough, they have written to the prime minister urging him to reconsider the plan. From liabilities for the potential buyer, we turn to perks for Air India employees, which fly quite high. Air India employees including retired ones get lifetime benefits of subsidized air travel. Each gets gratuity of up to 10 lakh rupees. This is something unimaginable in the private sector but then again that's one of the perks of being a government employee. Encashment of privileged leaves up to a whopping 300 days and of sick leaves of up to 120 days, well, are great perks for the employee, but certainly a massive liability for the potential acquirer of Air India. Medical cover for retired employees and their spouse is also guaranteed. Air India employees, including retired staff along with their spouses, enjoy subsidized stay all their lives at various hotels the airline has tie-ups with. So the moral of the story its great to be an employee of Air India current or retired, but it certainly adds to your pocket if you're trying to acquire Air India. WHAT THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST DOES NOT SAY Well, valuation being done to calculate accrued liability towards staff. Thats one of the things that the EOI is silent on. AIR India is buying two Boeing 777-300ER for VVIP operations on behalf of the government. These planes will be operated and maintained by Air India. Details of these that we do not have yet will be provided in request for proposal to be issued later by the government. Details of assets, land to also be provided at the time of RFP issue. Air India will continue to operate from some of the land and buildings for at least 2 years after the transaction. RFP will also reveal details of Air Indias frequent flyer program. There are also non-current investments made by Air India, some of these are not needed for operations of the three companies being divested and maybe hived off to a special purpose vehicle. So one of the other concerns that is being raised is that the EOI is silent on many crucial details that will not be available until much later. So there we have it. All the stumbling blocks on the tarmac that is preventing this Air India divestment flight to take off. How this story will evolve? How many bidders will eventually be there? Will the Tata Group eventually stand up or will there be a surprise bidder or will the government further sweeten the deal. We will of course keep you abreast of all of those details on this evolving news story, of the disinvestment process of the nations carrier, well, the white elephant called Air India. Well until the next time I see you, this is me Rakesh saying thank you on behalf of everyone here at Moneycontrol. US-based ride hailing firm Uber, which recently sold its Southeast Asia operations to rival Grab, said it is not interested in doing any "minority deals" in India, even as reports of a potential merger of its India business with domestic rival Ola are making the rounds. "We have no interest in doing minority deals going forward in India ... We are deeply committed to India and we are looking forward to a long and successful future here," said Barney Harford, COO, Uber. He gave a cryptic reply when asked if the company was exploring any partnership with any rival in India. Without taking names, Harford said: "We are always open to having conversations with potential partners but our commitment to the India market is very deep and as I said we see a very long and positive future in the India market." According to media reports, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank which is a common investor in Ola and Uber, is wants a merger of the two companies. The two companies combined together hold about 95 per cent market share of the country's taxi business. Harford was hired by Uber in December, soon after the company got a new chief executive officer, Dara Khosrowshahi. Khosrowshahi's hiring had come after the company's founder Travis Kalanick, quit the company owing to the shareholders demand for a change in leadership. In his first visit to India after joining Uber, Harford also released the findings of a Boston Consulting Groups study on the impact of ride sharing across India. According to the report, ridesharing has the potential to reduce congestion by 17-31 percent in the country. "Up to 89 percent of people plan to buy a new car in the next five years. However, over 79 percent would refrain from buying a car if ridesharing matches car ownership for affordability and convenience. In these circumstances, ridesharing would reduce private cars by 33-68 per cent. By reducing private cars, increasing vehicle utilisation, improving public transport adoption, and optimising infrastructure planning, ridesharing could reduce congestion by 17-31 per cent," it said. Angel Commodities' report on Gold On Tuesday, spot gold prices rose 0.1 percent to close at $1346.9 per ounce as the U.S. dollar's recovery from three - week lows versus the euro added pressure on the metal. Gold rallied to a 2 - 1/2 month high last week as heightened tensions over Syria and U.S. sanctions on Russia sparked a drop in equities and ratcheted up interest in nominally defensive assets. Tensions have since eased, though concerns over Russia sanctions plans still linger. On the MCX, gold prices rose 0.23 percent to close at Rs.31543 per 10 gms. We expect gold prices to trade lower today on easing geo - political tensions while the International Monetary Fund warned on Tuesday that rising U.S. - China trade restrictions threaten to damage a steady global growth picture, but there was still time for the world's two largest economies to step back from the brink. On the MCX, gold prices are expected to trade sideways today, international markets are trading lower today by 0.2 percent at $1345 per ounce. For all commodities report, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More 17:54 Cash crunch: SBI Research pegs shortfall at Rs 70,000 crore Even as government and Reserve Bank have asserted that there is no currency shortage, SBI Research today pegged the cash shortfall in the system at a whopping Rs 70,000 crore, which is a third of the monthly withdrawals at ATMs. In a note that comes a day after reports of currency shortages made national headlines, it depended on nominal economic growth, currency with the public and the rise in digital transactions to arrive at the shortfall estimate. A 9.8 percent nominal GDP growth would have taken the currency available with the public to Rs 19.4 trillion by March 2018, as against the actual availability of Rs 17.5 trillion, it said, stressing that the gap of Rs 1.9 trillion is not the shortfall. (PTI) 15:41 Corruption has only multiplied since demonetisation, says Priyanka Chaturvedi Congress' All India Congress Committtee convenor Priyanka Chaturvedi on Wednesday said that corruption has only multiplied since demonetisation. Chaturvedi stated that the BJPs cash reserves have increased by over 80 percent. "Where has this money come from? Who benefited from demonetisation?" she questioned. "The plan behind demonetisation was to take India towards a digital economy. But there is more cash in the system after demonetisation. What was the achievement of demonetisation? The people of the country have been cheated," Chaturvedi said. The Congress convenor added that over 13 states are facing a cash crunch, Rs 7 lakh crores have gone out of supply and the govt has deprived people of the money they need during the wedding and sowing season. 14:56 There is no such crisis, says Axis Bank on cash crunch When asked about its ATMs, private sector Axis Bank said it has enough cash, which is "better than the industry average and there is no such crisis". "Even if there are cases of ATMs running out of money it is because people from other banks are coming to withdraw money," a Axis Bank official told PTI. The Reserve Bank had said last evening that there was no shortage of currency even as it has ramped up printing of notes at all its four presses. The finance ministry too had said printing of Rs 500 notes was being increased five-fold. 14:54 Cash situation at ATMs improving, says SBI India's largest lender SBI said today that cash availability at its ATMs has increased in the past 24 hours following reports of currency shortages and ATMs running dry from different parts of the country. Several other lenders, including PNB, Canara Bank and Axis Bank claimed that cash shortage at ATMs was limited to select pockets. Unusual spurt in demand for currency led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, poll-bound Karnataka and some other states even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage. "Availability of cash in SBI ATM has improved in the last 24 hours. Efforts are being made on a continuous basis to improve the cash availability further in a few geographies. Overall issue of less cash should come to normalcy within soonest possible time, " said Neeraj Vyas, DMD (Chief Operating Officer), SBI. In a statement by SBI, he further said that the bank is constantly monitoring the situation and making immense efforts to ensure the supply of currency in abundance at all our ATMs. A SBI spokesperson said that in general, the normalcy rates at the bank's ATMs remains at 92 per cent. "It had dropped to around 85 per cent yesterday. But the situation has improved today." 14:22 Is govt planning to discontinue Rs 2000 notes, asks TMC MP Trinamool Congress leader Dinesh Trivedi today asked the government to come out with the "real reasons" behind the cash crunch across the country, including whether there are plans to discontinue the Rs 2,000 denomination notes. "I feel that the real reason for the cash crunch is because the government has perhaps decided to discontinue the Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes," Trivedi, who is a member of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance, said here. Demanding an immediate statement from the government on "the truth behind the cash crunch", he told PTI that "the people have a right to know and you cannot hoodwink them in a democracy." Asking whether the printing of the Rs 2,000 notes has been stopped, the Lok Sabha member said "the government should not hide facts from the people" and added that he has himself not been getting this high value currency note from the banks over the past few months. Referring to the demonetisation exercise in 2016, Trivedi said the Rs 2,000 denomination notes were brought in then to match the quantum of money that had gone out of circulation due to the scrapping of the old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 currencies. Several opposition parties had yesterday questioned the cash crunch, with Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee asking whether there was a financial emergency in the country. In a tweet, she had said "Seeing reports of ATMs running out of cash in several States. Big notes missing. Reminder of #DeMonetisation days. Is there a Financial Emergency going on in the country? #CashCrunch #CashlessATMs." 14:11 Amid cash crunch, Ahmedabad police tweets to pay challan online Amid cash crunch, Ahmedabad police has put out a tweet asking traffic offenders to pay their challan online and not make excuses of cash shortage when caught by the traffic police. "Get a good excuse next time! Now you can pay your e-challan online. Visit the website and enter your Vehicle Registration Number to fetch details and Pay Challan. Official Website - https://payahmedabadechallan.org," Ahmedabad police tweeted. 13:4 76.24% ATMs are functional, says govt Over 76.24 percent ATMs are functional so far and the government expects 80 percent of them to be functional by tomorrow, reports ET Now. The government has assessed the possible reasons behind the high demand, a government official told the channel. The official added that the sudden cash crunch may be partly due to higher procurement under MSP by the government and subsidy payments. 13:38 Cash Crunch likely due to higher food grain procurement under MSP A government official says that the sudden cash crunch is likely due to higher food grain procurement under MSP, reports CNBC TV18. "RBI has over Rs 2 lakh crore worth of smaller denominated currency notes," the official added. 13:23 Cash shortage neither sudden nor temporary, says Telangana minister KT Rama Rao Telangana minister KT Rama Rao on Tuesday said in a tweet that the ongoing cash crunch situation is neither sudden nor temporay. "Sir, with due respect the cash shortage in Banks & ATMs is neither sudden nor temporary. Ive been hearing complaints for over 3 months repeatedly in Hyderabad," Rao tweeted. Rao asked the RBI and Finance Ministry team to dig deeper and not brush away an issue that is eroding peoples confidence in banking system. 13:14 Nearly 80% ATMs will function within 24 hours Govt has started video conferencing with PSBs on cash situation. It assured that nearly 80 percent of the ATMs will start functioning within a day, reports CNBC TV18. 13:08 Govt halts printing of Rs 2000 notes Department of Economic Affairs secretary Subhas Garg said that Rs 2000 note is not being printed for the past few days. He, however, added that this does not affect the overall supply of Rs 2,000 notes. The government suspects Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded and it plans to increase five-fold the printing of Rs 500 notes. 11:46 "Another week with bad headlines for the BJP with Cash Crunch, after Kathua and Unnao which was after SC/ST Act. Bad times for the BJP. Bura Waqt. All those fundamentalists, pray harder you guys," Chetan Bhagat tweets. 10:44 Sufficient cash in the system, says SBI Chairman SBI Chairman Rajnish Kumar in an interview to CNBC-TV18 backed Jaitley's statement, saying that there is enough currency in circulation. "Currency in circulation is at Rs 18.29 lakh crore. There is sufficient cash in the system,"Kumar said. The Centre and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have stepped in to tackle the shortage of cash in several states. "The government has formed state-wise committee and RBI also formed committee to transfer currency from one state to other. It will be done in 3 days," state MoS Finance Shiv Shukla said. 10:30 ATMs across the country go dry, govt steps in to allay fears Unusual spurt in currency demand in states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh as well as poll-bound Karnataka led to dry ATMs in several parts of the country, sending the government scrambling to make contingency plans to cover the deficit. The government said it suspects that Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded and plans to increase 5-fold the printing of Rs 500 notes. Within a month, it said, Rs 70,000-75,000 crore will be printed. The Reserve Bank said the printing of currency has been ramped up in all the four note presses, and the shortage in some pockets is due to logistical issues. ATMs of both public and private sector lenders in several cities were either not operating or showed no cash signs, a situation that officials insisted was not alarming and did not warrant panic. Cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were impacted by the cash crunch. Some ATMs downed shutters with 'No cash' and 'Out of service' signs, prompting the government to move currency from surplus regions. Some ATMs in national capital Delhi too went dry. Political leaders from Rahul Gandhi of Congress to TMC's Mamata Banerjee trained guns on the government saying ATMs running dry was a reminder of demonetisation days. While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured hassled customers that the government will fix the problem quickly, officials attributed the cash crunch to crop procurement and hoarding of high denomination currency ahead of elections in Karnataka. Such crisis was however not witnessed in any of the previous procurement seasons. 10:24 P Chidambaram slams govt for cash crunch; says supply 'arbitrarily reduced' Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram on Tuesday slammed the government for the cash crunch in some parts of the country, saying cash supply had been "arbitrarily reduced". In a series of tweets, Chidambaram said as a rule, cash supply must grow at the same rate as the economy is growing and the government was obliged to provide as much cash as people need at any given time. "A government is obliged to provide as much cash as the people need at any given time. Government or RBI cannot arbitrarily control the supply of cash. If RBI has injected sufficient cash, it is obliged to tell the people why there is a cash shortage," he said. Chidambaram alleged the cash shortage may be because cash supply had been "arbitrarily reduced". Currency shortage was reported from several parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and poll-bound Karnataka, among other states. Several ATMs in the national capital also saw long queues and soon ran out of cash. 10:19 Cash crunch issue will be sorted in 2-3 days: Dinabandhu Mohapatra Dinabandhu Mohapatra TV18 Bank Of India CEOrequested people to not panic assuring that there is adequate cash in the system and the cash crunch issue will be sorted in 2-3 days in an interview to CNBC "Cash situation is under control and banks have adequate cash. The government has asked to waive cash handling charges levied by banks," Mohapatra added. 10:07 ATM cash crunch to be resolved in 5-7 days: Rajiv Kumar Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said that the ATM cash crunch in various parts of the country would be normalised in five to seven days. According to the Ministry of Finance's statement, the country has seen an unusual spurt in currency demand in the past three months. The statement added that this unusual spurt in demand was seen more in some parts of the country -- Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar. 10:04 Cash crisis tells how PM Modi's demonetisation disaster is still wreaking havoc: Sitaram Yechury CPI (M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, "ATMs were empty in November 2016. ATMs are empty now. And the only party flush with cash is the BJP: People suffer." Referring to the government's demonetisation decision in November 2016, when the government had announced withdrawal of the then Rs 500/1000 notes and subsequently introduced new Rs 2,000 notes, Yechury said the country is still paying the price of "a sudden midnight Firman (order) of demonetisation". In a series of tweets, he said the demonetisation did not kill terrorism and it did not kill corruption or fake currency either. "But it has certainly killed the Indian economy. The cash crisis tells us how Modi's demonetisation disaster is still wreaking havoc," he added. 10:00 In Kolkata, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the cash crunch was a reminder of the demonetisation days. "Seeing reports of ATMs running out of cash in several states. Big notes missing. Reminder of Demonetisation days. Is there a Financial Emergency going on in the country?" she said in a tweet. 09:59 Cash shortage due to logistical issues, says RBI The Reserve Bank of India said that the shortage may be felt in some pockets largely due to logistical issues of replenishing ATMs frequently and the recalibration of ATMs being still underway. "RBI is closely monitoring both these aspects, the bank regulator said. However, as a matter of precaution, RBI is taking steps to move currency to areas which are witnessing unusually large cash withdrawals, the banking regulator added. An estimated 10-12 percent of the total ATMs are facing cash crunch. The government estimates the situation will normalise in the next week. RBI and government have formed committees in states to ensure adequate stock of currency. The supply of Rs 500 and Rs 200 notes will be stepped up in the next few days, officials said. 09:52 Opposition says 'terror of note ban' has returned as 'financial emergency' Opposition parties on Tuesday slammed the government over cash crunch in ATMs and banks in several parts of the country, saying the "terror of note ban" has returned to haunt the people and dubbed the situation as a "financial emergency". On the back foot, the government attributed the cash shortage to an unusual spurt in demand in last three months, and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said the "temporary shortage" in certain states is being "tackled quickly" and that there is "more than adequate" currency in circulation. Currency shortage was reported from several parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bihar and poll-bound Karnataka, among other states. Several ATMs in the national capital also saw long queues and soon ran out of cash. In his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi said the "terror of note-ban" has again gripped the country and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of destroying the banking system with his demonetisation decision. The Congress chief also took to Twitter to attack Modi, alleging he "snatched" the Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes from the pocket of every Indian and "gave" it to Nirav Modi, but was neither speaking a word about it nor facing Parliament. Nirav Modi, an accused in the alleged Rs 12,700-crore scam at state-run Punjab National Bank, has been absconding. 09:50 More than adequate currency in circulation, says FM Arun Jaitley Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday said that there is more than adequate currency in circulation and with the banks after acknowledging that there have been reports of cash crunch in may states. The FM stated that the ministry has reviewed the currency situation and the shortage is caused due to sudden and unusual increase in some areas, which is being tackled quickly. There has been unusual spurt in currency demand in the country in last three months. In the current month, in the first 13 days itself, the currency supply increased by Rs45,000 crore. This unusual spurt in demand is seen more in some parts of the country like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, the Finance Ministry said in a statement. The Ministry added that both the government and Reserve Bank of India have taken all steps to meet this unusual demand. 09:44 Jammu and Kashmir Bank says restores cash supply in Kashmir valley Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Tuesday said it has restored sufficient cash supply in the valley with the timely support of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). "Amid a scenario wherein most of the states in India are facing cash crunch and chain of ATMs stand cash starved, J&K Bank with the timely support of Jammu Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored sufficient cash supply in the Kashmir valley," a spokesman of the bank said in a statement. Acting on the disruptions reported in the functioning of ATMs due to cash starvation, J&K Bank requested the RBI to mitigate the sufferings of the people by providing sufficient cash in the valley. Several ATMs across the valley had gone dry after deficient cash supplies hit the currency chests here few days ago. The cash situation had further deteriorated following three consecutive holidays last weekend. 09:37 "BJP and their friends have stolen the country's money, that's why there is no money in the ATMs,... Modi ji has destroyed the banking system of this country," Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said. 09:27 Removal of AAP advisers a tactic to divert attention from cash crunch, rapes: Raghav Chadha AAP leader Raghav Chadha said today that his removal as an adviser to the Delhi government, along with eight others, was a tactic to divert the people's attention from the incidents of rape and the cash crunch in ATMs and banks in some parts of the country. "Impressive diversionary tactics by the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), at the behest of BJP. To divert attention from spate of rapes, cash crunch, etc., an opportune time to rake up non-issues with AAP like retrospective sacking for a post I held for 45 days in 2016 for a paltry sum of Rs 2.50," Chadha tweeted. Chadha, who is a chartered accountant, was appointed as an adviser to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from January 16 to March 31 2016 to "use his talent" in preparation of the budget. A former treasurer of the AAP, Chadha is a known to be close to both Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department of the Delhi government, the MHA had written in its letter that the posts of advisers are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister of Delhi. Appointment of nine advisers was accordingly cancelled. Among the eight other advisers whose appointment has been cancelled are Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to deputy chief minister), and Atishi Marlena (media advisor to deputy chief minister). Good morning reader, this blog will keep you posted on developments around the ongoing cash crunch across the country. A missile is launched during a long and medium-range ballistic rocket launch drill in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on August 30, 2017. KCNA/via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. REUTERS IS UNABLE TO INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THIS IMAGE. SOUTH KOREA OUT. NO THIRD PARTY SALES. NOT FOR USE BY REUTERS THIRD PARTY DISTRIBUTORS. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RC113963D150 The launch of India's second mission to the moon 'Chandrayaan-2', which was scheduled for this month, has been postponed to later this year, ISRO chief K Sivan today informed the government. A national level committee to review Chandrayaan-2 recommended some additional tests before the mission could take off, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sources said. This has been done to exercise caution as Chandrayaan-2 will be ISRO's first inter-planetary mission to land a rover on any celestial body, they said. During a meeting, Sivan briefed Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office (that looks after the Department of Space), on the upcoming Chandrayaan-2 mission, expected to be launched from Sriharikota around October-November this year, an official statement said. In a setback to ISRO last month, the GSAT-6A, the country's newest communication satellite, went incommunicado in space. An ambitious mission, Chandrayaan-2 will be equipped with a land-rover and probe, which will descend on the surface of the moon, from where they will collect samples of soil, water, etc. to carry back home for detailed analysis and research. This will be the first-of-its-kind moon mission. The landing of the rover will be done near the south pole of the moon which is a "very tricky area" with rocks formed a million years ago. This part has not been explored by moon missions undertaken by other countries. Before Chandryaan-2, ISRO had undertaken successful Chandrayaan-1 and Mangalyaan missions to Moon and Mars respectively. The total cost of the mission is about Rs 800 crore -- Rs 200 crore for launching and Rs 600 crore for the satellite. "This cost is almost half of the cost of around Rs 1,500 crore, which would have been otherwise incurred if the same mission had to be launched from a foreign launching site," Sivan told the minister. In a media briefing in February this year, Singh had told reporters that ISRO would be launching Chandryaan-2 in April. An ISRO official said there is only a window of one-two days in a month for launching the satellite to the moon. This window was in April and the next available date is in October and then November. China today proposed a India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on long term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the Oli-led government came to power in recent elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an MOU on the China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries though ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate it. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbours Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his land locked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. Popular Physics professor and the writer of highly successful high school books Concepts of Physics, HC Verma has debunked a claim being made on Twitter that he had donated Rs 1 crore to the PM's Relief Fund. Writing on his Facebook page, the acclaimed physicist said he wished he could do something like this but he was just a common man. Dear Friends, I came to know about a twitter post telling that I earn 1 crore of royalty and donate the whole money to PM relief fund. I wish I could do that, Verma said. I wish to categorically deny the information. A scooter photo is also shown in the post. I never had a scooter of this colour and make. I am just one of you, a common man and a physics learner. A Twitter handle going by the name of Real Heroes had made the claim. The Tweet was widely received on the micro-blogging platform and retweeted by about four thousand people. The post had over six thousand likes. As soon as HC Verma posted the dismissal on Facebook, his followers also chipped in with their witty comments. One Diwakar Sharma wrote, How could someone believe that Sir will waste petrol on a 2-stroke low efficiency highly polluting old scooter... To this, Verma replied he rides a battery-driven yo-yo scooty. HC Verma also said that a Hindi version of the first part of his famous books is set to be launched in a few months. I am working on Part-1 Hindi and it should come into the market in few months, he said. Though, he added that Part-2 is not in sight and students may have to wait for it. Prime Minister Narendra Modi today held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Norway and discussed ways to enhance ties with these Nordic countries in key areas such as trade and investment, and renewable energy. Modi met the leaders of the four Nordic countries on the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit here. Prime Minister Modi met Danish Premier Lars Lokke Rasmussen and held talks on renewing and enhancing cooperation. The two leaders expressed their mutual desire to take the relationship forward, External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. After the bilateral meeting between Modi and Rasmussen, documents were exchanged between the two sides in areas of animal husbandry, dairying and urban development. "Glad to have met Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen of Denmark. Our talks were productive and extensive, aimed at strengthening relations between our countries," Modi tweeted after the meeting. Prime Minister Modi also had an "excellent meeting" with his Finnish counterpart Juha Sipila. The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, space, waste management, start-up and education, Kumar said. "Prime Minister of Finland, Mr. Juha Sipila and I met in Stockholm today. We had excellent discussions on deepening avenues of cooperation between India and Finland," Modi said in a tweet. Sipila also tweeted about the meeting, saying, "Fruitful discussions with PM of #India @narendramodi in Stockholm. Recalled our first meeting in Mumbai in 2016 and had concrete negotiations how to promote our cooperation further in energy, space, education." "Furthering India-Finland friendship...Prime Minister @juhasipila and PM @narendramodi had wide-ranging talks on expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as science and energy," a tweet on the PMO Twitter handle said. Modi also met Iceland Premier Katrin Jakobsdottir on the sidelines of the India-Nordic Summit. "We deliberated on ways to boost economic and people-to-people relations between our nations," Modi said after the meeting. "PM urged Icelandic companies to look at India as an investment destination in blue economy and geothermal energy and strengthen cooperation in education, tourism and culture," Kumar said of the meeting between the two leaders. The two leaders reviewed the full range of India-Iceland relations during their meeting, the PMO said. Later, Modi also met his Norwegian counterpart Erna Solberg. "Had a wonderful meeting with Prime Minister Erna Solberg. There is immense potential to boost relations with Norway especially in areas such as innovation, trade and clean energy," Modi said after the meeting. "A wonderful meeting between PM @erna_solberg of Norway and PM @narendramodi. India values the deep-rooted friendship with Norway," a tweet on the PMO Twitter handle said. Prime Minister Modi had an engaging interaction with Premier Solberg on trade and investment, shipping and port-development, blue economy, renewable energy, health, IT and green transport solutions, Kumar said. Earlier in the day, Modi held delegation-level talks with his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven on a wide range of issues. The Nordic countries comprise Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: Modi (ANI) 11:54 A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field. Also on cards is a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. 11:53 PM Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. 10:22 Here's the day's schedule of Prime Minister Narendra Modi 0900-1000 hrs: Breakfast Meeting with UK PM at 10 Downing Street 1015-1100 hrs: Visit to Exhibition on 5000 Years of Science and Innovation followed by Living Bridge themed Reception (Science Musuem) - in presence of Prince Charles 1110-1115 hrs: Pushpanjali at Basaveshwara Bust 1325-1440 hrs: Visit to Francis Crick Institute; Tour of Research Labs; India UK CEO Forum; Showcase of India UK Collaboration in Science and Technology (in presence of UK PM) 1600 hrs: Audience with HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace 1700 hrs: Interaction with Indian Community Bharat ki Baat, Sabke Saath 2000 hrs: Dinner hosted by UK PM for Commonwealth leaders 10:04 UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received PM Modi at the Heathrow airport. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. 07:44 Sectors such as healthcare, innovation, digital technology and cyber security will be among the core focus areas during the visit. 07:43 "My visit to London presents another opportunity for both countries to infuse fresh momentum to this growing bilateral engagement. I will be focusing on enhancing India-UK partnership in the areas healthcare, innovation, digitization, electric mobility, clean energy, and cyber security. Under the theme of Living Bridge, I will also have the opportunity to meet people from various walks of life who have enriched the multi-faceted India-UK relationship," the Prime Minister had said in a statement before his departure from India. 07:42 PM Modi last visited the UK in November 2015. India and the United Kingdom share a modern partnership bound by strong historical ties. 07:38 Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Heathrow Airport in London. He will hold a meeting with the UK's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson in London. ANI Held talks with Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir of Iceland. We deliberated on ways to boost economic and people-to-people relations between our nations. @katrinjak pic.twitter.com/HxIDn1rrGp Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2018 "India is committed to stronger ties with the Nordic countries. The strides made by Nordic nations in clean technology, maritime sector, food processing, innovation and life sciences are admirable," PM Modi tweeted before departing for London. 07:29 In Sweden, PM Modi held discussions with his Sweden counterpart Stefan Lofven to deepen trade, business and people ties in both the countries. Prime Minister of Finland, Mr. Juha Sipila and I met in Stockholm today. We had excellent discussions on deepening avenues of cooperation between India and Finland. @juhasipila@FinGovernmentpic.twitter.com/PyXtSCjSA4 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2018 07:27 Earlier on Tuesday, the Indian premier was in Sweden to participate in the India-Nordic Summit. 07:27 Modi would visit other venues including the Science Museum in London for the "5000 Years of Science and Innovation" exhibition and the launch of an Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence. 07:27 Prince Charles is likely to drive to the venue in Tata Motors first-ever electric Jaguar, symbolising a technical collaboration between India and the UK. 07:27 Post the webcast, Modi will head for dinner, along with heads of 52 nations, to be hosted by British Prime Minister Theresa May. On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet his British counterpart at 10 Downing Street ahead of a multilateral Commonwealth summit on Thursday. 07:26 In London, Modi will be taking questions from Central Hall Westminster near the UK Parliament in a webcast, wherein people from across the world are participating. Questions for the Indian leader can be submitted on the NaMo app. 07:26 Modi to present 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' in London ##Modi to present 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' in London Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to present his "Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath" in London on Wednesday in front of 2,000 people. This UK visit is part of PM Modis 4-day tour, where he will also meet the Queen at Buckingham Palace ahead of the gathering. The telecast will begin at 9 pm IST (4.30 pm GMT). 07:25 Catch live updates as PM Narendra Modi embarks on a four-day tour of the UK, where he will meet the Queen and his British counterpart. Be proactive | The document transfer process should be initiated by you instead of relying on the buyer to do so. Ensure all are in place and even take make photocopies of the same before commencing the transfer. Noting that forest fires normally occur in April every year causing huge damage to the environment, the National Green Tribunal has directed the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) to finalise National Policy on Forest Fire within two weeks. A bench headed by acting NGT Chairperson Justice Jawad Rahim directed the Environment Ministry to get all requisite approvals and finalise the plan. The ministry told the green panel that all the states have complied with the direction of the tribunal and submitted their response to the Draft National Policy on Forest Fire. After receiving suggestion from all the states, the ministry was re-examining the draft policy and had fixed a workshop schedule to enable all stakeholders to participate in the effective discussion to finalise such policy. The ministry sought two weeks' time for finalising the document. "Though we have acceded to grant of time, but in view of the fact that forest fires normally occur in the month of April every year, we direct the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to get the all requisite approval that are required from the Minister and give finality to the National Policy of Forest Fire and make it implementable," the bench said while posting the matter for next hearing on April 24. The MoEF had in February sought extension of time by three months to finalise the draft national plan. The tribunal had earlier rapped the Centre for remaining a "mute spectator" to the recurring forest fires in the hilly states, and directed the environment ministry to formulate a national policy. The green panel had said that advanced planning and implementation of fire management and crisis management plan for forest fires could have prevented massive fires that engulfed the Himalayan states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in recent years. The tribunal also held that in order to ensure effective participation of the people living in villages close to forests, the labour for fire prevention and control should be sourced preferably from the same area and special incentive provided to such people. The tribunal was hearing a plea filed by senior advocate Rajiv Dutta against the massive forest fires in hilly areas. He had claimed that large area of forests, along with diverse biological species, have already become extinct as a consequence of these preventable forests. "If no urgent steps are taken, further devastation would be caused to a huge chunk of flora and fauna which are considered as wealth of the nation," he had said. Rahul Gandhi Facing flak from the BJP for the virtual washout of the recent budget session of Parliament, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today hit back, saying the Prime Minister who has the time to travel all over the country, could not spare 15 minutes for the Lok Sabha. "Prime Minister is travelling across the country, but he does not have 15 minutes to give a speech in the Lok Sabha," Rahul Gandhi told reporters here on the second day of his three-day visit to his Parliamantary constituency. "15 minute de dein, khare nahin ho payenge Lok Sabha mein (He will not be able to face the Lok Sabha even for 15 minutes, he will not be able to answer our queries)," he said. The BJP, however, reacted sharply to Gandhi's remarks saying the Congress leader will do well worrying more about his constituency. "As far as the Prime Minister speaking in the Lok Sabha is considered, Rahul Gandhi will not be able to compete with him," state BJP general secretary Vijay Bahadur Pathak said. Pathak said, "Rahul is in his parliamentary constituency and the people there are questioning him about about the state of the 'adarsh' (ideal) village and what all he has done about the development schemes which he had to support." As far as facing the Lok Sabha is concerned, all know how Modiji speaks in the Parliament... those who are raising questions on this should self-evaluate as to how long they can sit with full concentration there, Pathak said. Earlier, referring to the Indo-French inter-governmental pact inked in September, 2016 for buying 36 off-the-shelf Dassault Rafale twin-engine fighters for the IAF, Rahul said, "It's a case of direct theft in the Rafale deal... Rs.45,000 crore has been given to an industrialist friend." To a question, the Congress president said, "Jobs were snatched but the Prime Minister did not speak a word on it... Raking up the issue of alleged embezzlement of over ?13,500 crore from the Punjab National Bank (PNB) by the uncle-nephew duo Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi, Gandhi said, "He (the PM) refers to Nirav Modi as Nirav and Mehul Choksi as Mehul bhai and this is a fact... whose good days have come...?" "Modiji had said good days would come for the people, but the reality is that 'achcey din' have come for only 15 people like Nirav Modi and Muhul Chowksi. For the farmers, labourers and the poor, these are bad days," he asserted. Continuing his attack, Rahul said, "Nirav Modi fled with country's money but the prime minister did not say a word... he took out the Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 notes from the pockets of the common man in the name of demonetisation and put them in the pocket of Nirav Modi." Later addressing a gathering at Majhgawa in Gauriganj assembly segment of his Lok Sabha constituency, Rahul said his party wanted all-round development of Amethi but the Modi government took away most of the projects including IIIT, mega food park and the paper mill which would have provided employment to thousands of youth. He, however, promised that he would again try to bring back some projects, including the food park, in the interest of local youths. "Unless youths are employed, the country will not progress up to mark," he said. In a meeting with a committee for establishment of a university in Amethi, he said he would make another effort in this regard. Rahul said he had already written a letter to the HRD Minister for it. He laid the foundation stone of some projects including establishment of a community centre at Majhgawa in Jamo block. Gandhi attended the District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee meeting at Gauriganj collectorate. He discussed issues related to MGNREGA, potable water, road construction with the officials concerned and asked them to complete all the pending projects while ensuring that quality was maintained. He announced the installation of RO plants in all government inter colleges for girls and overhead water tanks on toilets' roofs from his MPLAD funds. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets British Prime Minister Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street, in London on Wednesday. PTI Photo / PIB(PTI4_18_2018_000074B) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May today held wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by his British counterpart. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi. Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK. "The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Brexit refers to the UK's decision in a June 23, 2016 referendum to leave the 28-nation European Union (EU). A senior Indian official said that a slew of agreements will be signed between India and the UK during the prime minister's visit. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. "This is a relationship that cuts across all sectors and has reached a very mature level. The prime minister's visit is about what more we can do to build on that," the official said. After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Modi arrived at the Science Museum to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. "The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum," Clarence House tweeted. It said the exhibition celebrates India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering. A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as "In India, Peace is always in Fashion". Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport. "A real pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK. Lots to discuss on UK-India bilateral issues - tech collaboration, trade, healthcare opportunities and more," Johnson said. "Another chapter in modern partnership bound by strong historical ties," added the ministry of external affairs (MEA). According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. Britain will be just as important to India after it leaves the EU as it is now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday, May's spokeswoman said. "Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit," she said. "He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so." Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu today assured exporters of taking up the issue of GST refund with the finance ministry. Exporters are claiming that over 60 per cent of their refunds are still stuck with the government. "I have asked them (exporters) to give me the details of the pending refund. GST refund is a major issue for exports. I will take it up with the finance ministry," he said. Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is of the view that the refund filing mechanism should be made completely online and the pending GST refund released immediately to help exporters tide over the cash crunch. The issue has been hanging fire for over five months now with exporters complaining that delay in GST refund has blocked their working capital. Prabhu also said the government is taking all steps to further boost the country's exports. Speaking to FIEO members here, he asked them to prepare a detailed action plan of all sectors and sub-sectors suggesting ways to promote their exports. "We need a concrete plan to work on that," he said adding the Centre is also involving States to help boost the export. Prabhu also informed that he would be calling a ministerial meeting to discuss issues pertaining to outbound shipments. He exuded confidence that exports during 2018-19 would be better than the previous year. India's exports dipped after a gap of four months in March but finished 2017-18 with a healthy rise of 9.78 per cent to USD 302.84 billion. Exporters raised issues related with GST refund, increasing logistics costs and inadequate infrastructure at ports. The government has sanctioned GST refunds to exporters to the tune of Rs 17,616 crore till March. Of this, Rs 9,604 crore is on account of integrated GST refund and another Rs 5,510 crore on account of refund on input credit. Besides, another Rs 34,000 crore has been refunded on account of duty drawback and Rebate of State Levies (ROSL). The minister also participated in Swachh Bharat Parv here and said cleanliness would help promote tourism in the country. Answer: Claudio Grotto and GAS (Representative Image) In a conservative khap-dominated village in Haryana, it is forbidden for girls to wear jeans or keep mobile phones. The khap introduced the ban after a few couples eloped from the village. The village Panchayat of Ishapur Kheri village situated on the outskirts of Gohana-Jind road in Rohtak district had issued a diktat for girls a year ago, reports News18. "Ishapur Kheri got a bad name after two-three couples from the village eloped. The decision was reinforced a year back and meetings are held in every mohalla to spread awareness about adhering to the orders of the panchayat. The result is visible," says the village sarpanch Prem Singh. "Earlier, most of the girls used to wear jeans while going to their colleges outside the village but now they wear traditional attire and do not keep mobile phones," he says. As the diktat is closely monitored, girls are scared of wearing jeans or keeping mobile phones with them. Though, they do not agree with the order. "No man has the right to dictate what we should wear or not. Panchayat needs to change its archaic and medieval mindset. Mobile phones are a necessity in todays world and we should not be stopped from using them," say students of Gohana College on conditions of anonymity. In parts of India, Khaps are a menace and has been scolded by courts multiple times in the past. In March, the Supreme Court had said interference by illegal assemblies, like 'khap' panchayats, in marriages of two consenting adults was "absolutely illegal". The apex court's ruling came on a plea by NGO Shakti Vahini, which had moved the apex court in 2010 seeking protection of couples from honour killings. BJP National President Amit Shah, who is on a two-day tour of Karnataka, today paid floral tributes to Basava, who is said to be the founder of the Lingayat faith. Shah arrived with BJPs chief ministerial candidate for Karnataka, BS Yeddyurappa, at Basaveshwara Circle in Bangalore and garlanded a statue of the 12th century social reformer on his birth anniversary. Certain media reports also suggested that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to repeat this gesture in London later in the day. Meanwhile, Lingayat activists staged a protest at the Basaveshwara Circle demanding that the BJP-led government at the Centre clarify its stand on giving separate religion status to the Lingayats. Basava, born as Basavanna, was a 12th century social reformer who grew averse to traditional Hinduism, especially the Vedic version, and was at odds with the caste system. He spread social awareness through his poetry known as Vachanas, and was against gender discrimination. He founded the Lingayat faith and his followers today are asserting for a separate non-Hindu identity. Congress carrying 'Divide and Rule' legacy of Britishers in India ! Siddaramaiah ji is playing with fire for vote bank politics. Why Congress has done this before elections? Why they haven't done 4 years back??? https://t.co/YWVHH7FbbG P Muralidhar Rao (@PMuralidharRao) March 19, 2018 Todays gesture by BJP members comes as a surprise as they had previously slammed Siddaramaiah of "dividing the Hindus" when he had announced separate religion status to the Lingayats last month. In fact, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar had termed Siddaramaiah modern day Robert Clive, accusing him of dividing the people on the basis of religion. Rubbishing such claims of the BJP, Siddaramaiah had accepted the recommendations of a seven-member committee and accorded religious minority status to the Lingayat and the Veerashaiva Lingayat faith under Section 2(d) of the Karnataka Minorities Act. The demand to recognize the Lingayat faith as a religion is an old one. What the Government has done is a recognition of a fact acknowledged as far back as the Mysore Census of 1871. Those in BJP accusing us of dividing religion better listen to the Lingayat-Veershiva community Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) March 20, 2018 Lingayats form about 17 per cent of Karnatakas population and experts suggest that their votes could be decisive in 110 of the 224 assembly constituencies in the poll-bound state. This move by Siddaramaiah had therefore miffed the BJP, considering that the Lingayat vote had split in 2013 too when Yeddyurappa, a Lingayat himself, had quit the BJP to form his own party called Karnataka Janata Party. The Congress government in Karnataka has sent its recommendation to the Centre, which is now walking a tightrope. However, it can defer its decision until after polls as the election code of conduct is in force. Surat police on Tuesday said a man from Andhra Pradesh has approached them, claiming to be the father of the minor girl who was brutally raped and murdered, her body thrown close to a highway in Surat. The man claims that his daughter had gone missing from outside their house in October last year. He brought his daughters Aadhaar card in order to confirm the identity of the minor victim. However, Surat Police Commissioner Satish Sharma has said the identity of the victim and her relation with the man who claims to be her father will be confirmed only after a DNA test is performed on both of them. He also said that missing complaints at local police stations in Andhra Pradesh will be checked to verify the mans relation with the deceased girl. The case came to light when passersby found the body of the minor victim, lying in the bushes at a ground in Pandesara within the limits of Surat, and alerted the police. The body was recovered by the police on April 6. A post-mortem conducted at a civil hospital in the city had shown that the minor girls body had 86 marks of injuries all over her body. including internal injuries. Ganesh Govekar, a doctor at the civil hospital who conducted the post-mortem, had confirmed repeated sexual assault, strangulation and smothering. He added that the girl must have been kept in captivity and tortured, suggesting that the injuries could have been inflicted on the victim over a period ranging from one week to one day prior to recovery of the body. The case had come to the fore when the entire nation was outraged by the callous treatment of rape cases by the respective BJP governments in Unnao, Uttar Pradesh and Kathua, Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, Surat Police was frantically trying to identify the victim who was aged between nine and eleven years old and belonged to either Odisha or West Bengal. They had put up over 1,200 posters of the girl across the city and in east-bound trains offering Rs 20,000 to anyone who provides information on the girl. The police also circulated her pictures on social media and are scanning through missing complaints in Odisha and Bengal. Sharma had also indicated that the perpetrators of the crime did not belong to Surat as the body was found close to a national highway and no piece of evidence was found from the spot where the body was recovered. A 13-year-old boy along with an amateur archaeologist unearthed a significant historical treasure belonging to Danish king Harald Bluetooth who is credited to have introduced Christianity to Denmark. Rene Schon and his student Luca Malaschnitschenko were looking for hidden treasures using the metal detectors when the stumbled upon the trove. Initially, they thought it was a worthless piece of aluminium but after a closer inspection, they realised it was a piece of silver, as per a report in The Guardian. As the news broke out in January, the archaeologists in the area began digging through the ground. Braided necklaces, pearls, brooches, Thors hammer, rings and up to 600 chipped coins were found, of which 100 belonged to the era of Herald Bluetooth who ruled over modern-day Denmark, northern Germany, southern Sweden and parts of Norway from AD958 to 986. The finding suggests that the treasure would have been buried in the late 980s the same time he is said to have died in the area. This trove is the biggest single discovery of Bluetooth coins in the southern Baltic Sea region and is therefore of great significance, the lead archaeologist, Michael Schirren, told the German news agency DPA. We have here the rare case of a discovery that appears to corroborate historical sources, said the archaeologist Detlef Jantzen. Bluetooth was instrumental in the unification of Denmark but he was forced to flee to Pomerania, a historical region which falls in current day Germany and Poland, as his son revolted against him. Bluetooths legacy can be seen in the technology world as a wireless file sharing technology is named after him. The Bluetooth symbol is the composition of initials of Harald Bluetooth, HB. President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with lawmakers on immigration policy in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington. (AP/PTI) US President Donald Trump confirmed today that his CIA director had met North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un on a secret visit to Pyongyang, ahead of a planned summit between the two leaders. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now," tweeted Trump. "Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" he added. The tweet came after the Washington Post reported Tuesday that Pompeo made the trip over the first weekend of April. The meeting was part of an effort to prepare for a historic meeting in the coming weeks between Trump and Kim, the paper said, quoting two people with direct knowledge of the trip. The visit came shortly after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state, the paper said. Speaking yesterday in Florida where he was hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Trump said he had given his blessing to discussions aimed at formally ending the Korean war. Setting the stage for a major breakthrough, he added that "a great chance to solve a world problem" was within reach on the Korean peninsula. Trump had also confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" and that "five locations" were being considered for his meeting with Kim. T-Mobile US-based telecom company, T-Mobile agreed to pay $40 million or Rs 260 crore for using false ringtones when calls could not be connected in rural areas. The US government controlled telecom regulator Federal Communications Commission (FCC) claimed that T-Mobile was indulging in a practice which has been banned in 2014. FCC accused the company of failing to fix problems with completing calls, reported the BBC. T-Mobile said that the issue was unintentional and has been corrected since January 2017. Though, it eventually settled the case with the FCC. FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn in a statement said that the issue might have affected millions of calls over several years in the past. Though, the decision of FCC chairman Ajit Pai to not include customers in the settlement negotiations did not go down well with Clyburn. "Prior consent decrees have included direct-to-consumer benefits, such as refunds or discounts, or notifications to customers who have been impacted. Despite demonstrating a clear and tangible consumer harm, in this consent decree, consumers are treated as a mere afterthought," she said. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is seen during the inspection of a potato flour factory in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang. (Reuters) South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as U.S. officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader. U.S. Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. "As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit. "But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea," the official said. South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. "I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North," the official said. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the North's nuclear and missile programmes. But then Kim declared in a New Year's speech his country was "a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power" and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties. WAR NOT OVER Pompeo's visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said. Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the South's defence ministry said. The South's presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea. "What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits," she told reporters. "China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations." Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. "People don't realise the Korean War has not ended," Trump told reporters. "It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that." Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said. Nevertheless, Pompeo's conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trump's belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. Donald Trump US President Donald Trump gave his blessing to talks aimed at formally ending the war on the Korean peninsula today, setting the stage for a major diplomatic breakthrough at a series of upcoming summits. With a rare inter-Korean meeting 10 days away, and Trump's own landmark sit-down with Kim Jong Un still eyed by early June, the US president opened the door to a peace treaty that has eluded diplomats for more than half a century. "North Korea is coming along," Trump said confidently as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "South Korea is meeting and has plans to meet to see if they can end the war and they have my blessing on that," said Trump. "People don't realize the Korean War has not ended. It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war." Trump appeared to confirm that North and South Korean talks on April 27 will touch on a possible peace treaty -- a deeply symbolic replacement to the more ad-hoc armistice signed in 1953. "Subject to a deal they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that," he said. The US-led United Nations command, China and North Korea are signatories to the half century old accord, but most experts agree South Korea would likely have to be a signatory to any successor agreement. Turning to his summit with Kim, Trump revealed "five locations" were being considered. "That will be taking place probably in early June or before that assuming things go well," he said. "It's possible things won't go well and we won't have the meetings and we'll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," Trump added. Officials say that no decision has yet been made, but China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone between the two countries are seen as possible locations. Panmunjom was the site of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953 and will be the location of the April 27 summit between Kim and South's President Moon Jae-in. Welcome back to your Extreme Small-Cap Profits course. Youre now up to Day 4 of 12. If you missed my email yesterday, we talked about the market in general small-caps, mid-caps and large blue chips. We also had a look at why its extremely difficult to become rich investing in blue chips. And thats because it takes a lifetime for these stocks to move. Small-caps on the other hand are an amazing opportunity. They have far more volatility, but thats the point. I also showed you how you couldve beaten the market by 749% investing in small-caps. Today were going to look at how to approach small-cap investing. Specifically, were going to look at how to limit our losses. Not all small-caps are worthy investments. Some could be amazing. Others youd be completely crazy to buy. And as youll learn, there are plenty of small-cap pitfalls. Some companies run out of cash before they can get products to market. Others are crippled by too much debt early on. Its extremely important to know how to limit your losses before you start. That way you might only have a few losses and far more investments that could rocket up 1,000% or more. Alright, lets do it. Lets jump into Day 4. Your crystal ball is as good as Buffetts Will the market rise or fall in 2018? Institutions pay millions of dollars for an answer to this question. And why not? If they know what the market will do, they could potentially make a lot of money. But almost every investor will tell you no one knows what the market will do year-to-year. Paying for forecasts and estimates is simply a comfort activity. They give money managers confidence to make huge bets with money thats not theirs. Yet even the big money knows to take forecasts with a grain of salt. Many whove been in the industry for years knows that there is no one super forecaster. Check out what this Wall Street analyst had to say while working in the industry (emphasis added): Fifteen years ago, when I was a Wall Street stock analyst, I initially assumed that there were smart people who actually knew what the market was going to do. For close to 10 years, I kept waiting to meet these people. As I worked my way up the food chain, and gained more market experience myself, I began to realise that the smart folks I initially assumed knew what the market was going to do were wrong about the market just about as often as everyone else. When I learned that, I assumed that I just hadnt met the right smart people yet. So I kept working up the food chain. And, eventually, when I became a famous stock analyst myself, I got to meet just about everybody, including some of the most legendary stock-market wizards in history. And what I finally realised was that even these folks, as super-smart as they were, didnt know what the market was going to do. They were right about the market slightly more often than all the thousands and thousands of average smart people and, importantly, they bet big when they thought the odds were very much in their favour. But they didnt know what the market was going to do. Many of the most successful investors like Warren Buffett and Mohnish Pabrai acknowledge they have no business in forecasting short-term market gyrations. But what does this have to do with small-cap investing? Limit your lossesliterally No one has a crystal ball. No one knows which stock will go up guaranteed. Youre bound to have some losses from time to time. Maybe you got a bit over enthusiastic on the stock. Maybe you thought the company was heading in one direction when it stopped and went in another. If we know were bound to make losses some of the time, we can take action to reduce them as much as possible. One way to prevent losing your entire investment, is to employ stop-loss orders. These are orders that automatically sell a stock when it hits a certain price. For example, say you bought shares in furniture business Nick Scali Limited [ASX:NCK]. You bought the stock at $7.15 per share. Lets say were also not willing to lose more than 50% of our investment. To limit potential losses, we can set a 50% stop-loss order. Meaning our holdings will be sold automatically when Nick Scali drops to $3.57 per share (50% of our purchase price). Most brokers will allow you to set such orders. If youre unsure how, send your broker a quick email. Its not ideal to sell for a 50% loss. But it beats losing 100% of your investment. But then, why not limit your losses to 20% or 10%? Well, such a tight range might force you to sell on almost anything. Remember, small-cap stocks are volatile. They can easily rise or fall 1020% over a week. If volatility picks up, you might end up selling stocks for losses in a short amount of time. A 50% stop-loss might be a better suggestion. It gives you a bit of room for the stock to move down in a short amount of time. But of course, you should set a stop loss at a level youre comfortable with. The idea is not to lose more than youre willing to lose. You might be your worst enemy Another way to limit your losses is to literally only invest what youre willing to lose. It sounds obvious. But a lot of the time, investors throw thousands more than they should into the market. Take John for instance. John (not his real name) was a 31-year-old from Melbourne interviewed by the Barefoot Investor in 2011. A few years ago he got the idea to trade CFDs (contract for difference). CFDs are financial products that mirror the movement of asset prices. For example, a BHP Billiton Limited [ASX:BHP] CFD mirrors the price of BHPs stock. Similarly, gold CFDs mirrors the price of gold. Essentially, it gives investors the ability to bet on the price of assets rising or falling. Whats great about CFDs, some investors think, is their ability to use leverage. For example, say you wanted to buy 100 BHP shares at $31 per share. Such a purchase would cost you $3,100 on the open market. But had you bought the equivalent in CFDs, you might only have to stake 5% of the purchase $155. OK, back to John. John thought, if he used a 10% stake of $10,000 in CFDs, he could potentially double his money. Meaning John would use $10,000 to buy $100,000 worth of shares. A 10% move upwards on $100,000 would then mean John profits $10,000, doubling his money. Of course the situation can get hairy pretty quickly. If prices go the other way, say 10% down, John would lose everything. Worst thing was John was trading CFDs on very volatile assets. Meaning his investment could easily go up or down 10% at a moments notice. John stated: I did okay at the start, but I didnt really know what I was doing. For me, all too often Id get this kind of overriding, heart-racing moment where I thought things are going to turn around So Id go deeper, and deeperwhile the market kept going the wrong way. Too many times I woke up to find out Id received an automated margin call email (to top up his trading account because of losses) from my CFD provider. How many times did John have to top up his trading account? Around 25-times. When all was said and done, John was down about $250,000! Clearly John was betting far more than he was willing to lose, and got burnt in the process. I feel terrible for people like John. But its my hope that you dont end up like them, and limit your losses. Small bets turn into huge profits The biggest advantage to small-cap stocks is their returns. You dont have to put your life savings into a single investment to make a lot of money. You might only invest $5,000 to start with. Doubling that would be a nice bit of change in your back pocket. But imagine if you grabbed a 10-bagger (1,000%), which is entirely possible investing in small-caps. Such a return would turn $5,000 into $50,000. It would be enough to take a trip around the world in style. Say you invested $10,000 netting the same return. With your $100,000 youd have more than enough to start searching the property market for a new home. There are vast possibilities investing in small-caps. That wraps it up for Day 4. In day 5 Im going to show you where to look to find the best small-cap opportunities and what a typical 10-bagger looks like. See you then. Cheers, Harje Ronngard, Editor, Money Morning Would you like to receive breaking news notifications from The Post and Courier? Sign up to receive news and updates from this site directly to your desktop. Breaking News Columbia Breaking News Greenville Breaking News Myrtle Beach Breaking News Aiken Breaking News N Augusta Breaking News Click on the bell icon to manage your notifications at any time. Success! Please click the 'Allow' button in the 'Show Notifcations' alert in your browser if one is available. Thank you for signing up! Please enable notifications in your browser and reload the page. Border Patrol agents discovered $743,000 of marijuana in a SUV that was driven into the Rio Grande Sunday night, according to a news release from the agency. Agents saw multiple people loading up the car with bundles of marijuana near Escobares, officials said. Create the Future is more than a mission statement at Michigan Techits a call to action, and our students responded. Come see for yourself at the 18th annual Design Expo on Thursday, April 19. What do a vaccine transport container, a Mars gypsum rover, and the Split Snurfera bindingless snowboard that splits into skis, have in common? Theyre all undergraduate student projects on display at the 18th annual Design Expo at Michigan Technological University. At Design Expo, you can explore the breadth and depth of undergraduate innovation, from more than 1,000 students from Michigan Techs Enterprise and Senior Design programs. More than 100 projects will be on displayfrom a Near-Shore Emergency Rescue Device (NERD) to an optical camera for autonomous vehicles, and nearly everything in between. Projects and posters will be judged throughout the day by a panel of corporate representatives, invited guests, and University faculty, staff, and graduate students. Many projects are sponsored by industry. Design Expo event sponsors include ITC, ArcelorMittal, Black & Veatch, Code Blue, Miller, OHM, Plexus, Ford Motor Company, ATC, and Kimberly-Clark, as well as Michigan Tech's Innovation Center for Entrepreneurship (ICE), and the Michigan Tech Office of Innovation and Commercialization. Michigan Techs Enterprise Program is open to all majors. It focuses on interdisciplinary learning, leadership development, and team-based work. Diverse teams of first-year through graduate-level students develop products, processes and services within their market space, with multi-year participation. Senior Design challenges teams of highly dedicated students to explore and address real-world design challenges in their final year. The program connects students and industry sponsors who work on full-cycle projects, with teams performing the complete design process from ideation to realization. Expo Visitors Welcome Design Expo is from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 19, in the Memorial Union Ballroom on Michigan Techs campus. The event is free and open to the public. Learn more, and get the complete schedule. Michigan Technological University is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 54 countries. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, and social sciences. Our campus in Michigans Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior. At the top of my list of satisfying meals that nurture body and soul is a big, steaming bowl of noodles in broth. My introduction to the Japanese version came on my first trip to Japan, 30 years ago, to visit American friends living in the town of Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Matsuyama (which means Pine Mountain) is known for its historic traditional bathhouse, Dogo Onsen. On a cold, drizzly day, I gladly bathed in its steaming hot waters. Afterward, we lunched at an ancient noodle house, with great blackened ceiling beams, heavy wooden tables and impressive pottery. All the noodles were served in beautiful, large, heavy, handmade bowls, which to my untrained eye seemed like priceless museum pieces. The whole place (and its menu) appeared unchanged for centuries, despite the fact that the hip young waiters used what then were high-tech electric notebooks to take our orders. There were more than two dozen choices of noodle soup, some with slender buckwheat soba noodles, others with fat white chewy udon noodles. I hadnt encountered udon before, so I ordered a bowl of them with shiitake mushrooms. The broth was sensational. The noodles were delightfully chewy. My one mistake as a novice eater of Japanese noodles was continuously sprinkling my bowl with shichimi togarashi, a red chili spice mixture that was new to me. By the time I reached the bottom, the last few spoonfuls of broth were incendiary. The mushroom soup was fitting, since we had just visited a mushroom farm and observed shiitakes growing. Rather than cultivate them in a cave, the locals drill holes in logs and inoculate them with spores. Then the logs are placed in the woods so the mushrooms grow in a natural setting. Recently, to satisfy my sudden craving for a bowl of udon, I set to the task of making broth. Cooking from memory, with no ingredients on hand to make a proper Japanese dashi broth from kombu (dried kelp) and shaved bonito tuna, I improvised a vegetarian version using dried shiitakes and miso. I did have dried seaweed and udon noodles in the cupboard, bought at my favorite Japanese grocery. I started off with a not-very-Japanese saute of leeks in butter, a favorite base for vegetarian soups. Fresh shiitake mushrooms, greens and tofu filled out the dish. As we devoured our noodles and broth, I remembered how my American friends Japanese pals teased her mercilessly, because she couldnt master the polite art of slurping noisily, the preferred way to eat noodles at their best. As with other acquired skills, the way to become proficient is to practice daily. Thats an I assignment I dont mind at all. Mushroom Udon Noodle Bowl Yield: 4 to 6 servings Total time: 1 hour For the broth: 3 large scallions, trimmed 1 handful dried shiitake mushrooms, crushed (about cup) cup crumbled dried seaweed, such as kombu or dulse (optional) 1 (1-inch) chunk of ginger, smashed and unpeeled 2 whole, unpeeled garlic cloves Stems or trimmings from fresh shiitake mushrooms (see below) (optional) 1 teaspoon salt For the soup: 1 pound dried udon noodles (or use fresh or frozen, cooked udon) 2 Tablespoons butter 1 cup chopped leeks, white and pale green parts only 8 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced in -inch strips (save trimmings for broth) 1 teaspoon minced ginger 2 cloves garlic, minced cup mirin or dry sherry teaspoon sesame oil 2 Tablespoons soy sauce 2 cups chopped bok choy cup red or white miso 1 cup soft or medium tofu, cut in small cubes 4 scallions, finely chopped, for garnish Shichimi togarashi or crushed red-pepper flakes, for garnish Make the broth: In a large pot, bring 8 cups water to a boil over high heat. Add scallion, dried mushrooms, seaweed (if using), ginger, garlic, fresh mushroom trimmings and salt. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 20 minutes. Strain and set aside. Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook udon noodles until al dente, then drain, rinse well with cold water, and keep at room temperature. In a soup pot, melt butter over medium-high heat and swirl to coat the bottom of the pot. Add leeks and sliced shiitake and cook, stirring, until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add ginger, garlic, mirin, sesame oil and soy sauce and cook for 1 minute. Turn heat to high, add reserved broth and bring to a simmer. Add bok choy and reserved noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, until greens are cooked and noodles are heated through. Gently stir in miso and tofu. Turn off heat. Using tongs, divide noodles among 4 to 6 bowls. Ladle hot soup over noodles. Sprinkle with scallions and serve. Pass togarashi or crushed red pepper at the table. A wealthy Jacksonville man wants to transform the citys oldest church building into a home for a youth music school and orchestra, while at the same time allowing the church congregation to continue to worship there. Scotty DeWolf, who is restoring the 1857 Augustus Ayers Mansion on West State Street for a bed and breakfast, has purchased the 1859 Congregational United Church of Christ building at 520 W. College Ave. Church members held their annual meeting Sunday and unanimously voted to accept DeWolfs offer to purchase the church building and property, according to Pastor Lynn Bohlmann. The reason why I bought the church is because it struck me as being the ideal building in Jacksonville to fulfill a lifelong dream of creating a youth music school and orchestra to benefit all children, especially children of lesser economic opportunity who would never have a shot at realizing a musical education and musical career for themselves, DeWolf said. Bohlmann explained why the church members sold the property. The congregation is small and getting older, she said. We wanted to be able to put this building into the hands of someone who loves it and our Jacksonville community. We wanted to be free from the responsibility of its upkeep. DeWolf said he is modeling his program after a highly successful youth music school and orchestra in Venezuela, which in its 43-year history has saved and improved the lives of more than 350,000 children. DeWolf said he will spare no expense to bring a quality music education for children in central and southern Illinois. I know I cant do this single-handedly, so Im reaching out to any and all who want to be a part of such a project that will enrich their own lives as well as those of the children, DeWolf said. I need volunteer teachers and volunteer board members who can contribute their life experience in business to this worthy endeavor. He said he plans to close on the church building as soon as the title company can process the transaction. I will then set up a nonprofit corporation so that the youth music school and orchestra can begin in earnest as soon as possible, DeWolf said. He added that he will allow church members to use their sanctuary on Sundays for as long as they wish. He plans on installing a performance stage where the altar is now located. I also see other cultural components of the community using the church building as a medium-size performance venue, DeWolf said. DeWolf will share his vision for the project at 9:30 a.m. Sunday at the church, after which he will take questions. Greg Olson can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1224, or on Twitter @JCNews_Greg. When North Korea dominates U.S. news cycles, the headlines are ominous a new nuclear weapons test, or a ballistic missile flying into space. Today, however, diplomacy with North Korea has begun. Where this saga goes from here is anyones guess. But there are important reasons that every American should be paying close attention. First, North Korea is a genuine threat to the lives of millions of Americans, both in the United States and abroad. Hundreds of thousands of Americans civilians and military live in Guam, South Korea and Japan and are in direct danger from North Korean attack. And whether or not they have mastered all the technology necessary to use it, North Korea now possesses a missile capable of hitting most of the continental United States. If war broke out with North Korea, theres no telling where the devastation would end. The U.S. military would be sent into battle. North Korea may launch cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure in the United States. China would likely enter the conflict, risking a war between the worlds two largest economies. Americans in Asia would die, not to mention millions of Koreans living on the peninsula. And North Korea may well attempt to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile at an American city. A war with North Korea would also severely damage global trade between some of the worlds largest economies China, Japan, South Korea which would directly hit businesses and spike consumer prices throughout the United States. Japans Foreign Direct Investment in the United States supports more than 850,000 U.S. jobs, and South Koreas FDI in the United States supports almost 52,000 American jobs. A conflict in northeastern Asia could quickly harm companies that employ Americans from Alabama to Ohio, Missouri to Kentucky, Tennessee to Indiana and beyond. A war would damage trade flows with Japan and South Korea, which could hit billions of dollars of American exports from agricultural products to machinery and beyond. Second, the good news is that the United States has the ability to stop North Korea through deterrence. Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the top U.S. priority with North Korea has been to deter North Korea from once again attacking its neighbors or the United States and aside from a handful of individual incidents, the United States has been successful in deterring North Korea through strong U.S. alliances and the U.S. military presence in Asia. The United States should continue to build its military and diplomatic capacity to deter North Korea from aggressive behavior and continue economic pressure to ensure that North Korea cannot obtain cash and supplies for its nuclear and missile programs. Taken together, these U.S. actions carried out in close coordination with U.S. allies can keep the peace and prevent a war. Third, the coming potential summit meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will not mark the end of diplomacy, but rather the beginning. Whatever comes out of the summit, it will not resolve all the problems nuclear weapons, missile programs, proliferation, etc. because there is too little time to prepare and the two sides want different outcomes: Trump wants North Korea to get rid of its nuclear and missile programs, and Kim wants the United States to leave the Korean peninsula and drop all pressure. Therefore, any genuine long-term progress with North Korea will require tough, detailed, and likely months- or years-long diplomacy. Challenges of this magnitude are not solved quickly, and the United States must seize this diplomatic opportunity to invest in a long-term process that can secure American interests. A rush to secure a grand deal at a summit will either be an empty promise or end in failure. But the coming diplomacy is not occurring in a vacuum. For a year Trump and administration officials have spoken openly about launching unnecessary, preventive military strikes against North Korea. At the same time that Trump has agreed to a diplomatic summit, his nomination of Mike Pompeo as secretary of state and his appointment of John Bolton as national security adviser signal interest in a non-diplomatic approach. In February, Bolton wrote an article making the case for a preventive U.S. military strike on North Korea. A rushed summit like the one in which Trump is about to participate with Kim Jong-un is a high-risk, high-reward gamble. Using it as the start to a real diplomatic process could pave the way for a breakthrough with North Korea. But if the summit fails to secure all of Americas goals in one fell swoop, it could lead Trump to believe that diplomacy has failed and look toward his hawkish new advisers for military options, which would be catastrophic for all Americans (and the whole world). Every American has a strong interest in a peaceful, diplomatic resolution to the North Korea challenge. Supporting pragmatic, long-term diplomacy is the way to keep Americans and the American economy safe. Michael H. Fuchs is a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and a former deputy assistant secretary of state for east Asian and Pacific affairs. He wrote this for InsideSources.com. Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintock speaking on the House floor View Photos Washington, D.C. Mother Lode Congressman Tom McClintock introduced a bill to establish a National Park Medical Services Fund at the national treasury to help alleviate costs at National Parks, including Yosemite. McClintock was Thursdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are his words: Mr. Speaker: The National Park Service currently manages 11 units that provide medical services to park visitors, employees, and nearby residents including Yosemite in my district, Yellowstone, Zion, the Grand Canyon, and Death Valley. These include emergency medical services, ambulance transport and clinical services. They treat colds, set broken bones, stabilize heart attacks and strokes, evacuate the severely injured and treat thousands of patients annually. These National Park units are typically located in remote areas, which mean they are often the only option patients have to receive timely medical care, especially in emergencies. In the case of Yosemite, the medical clinic has operated in the Valley since 1929. Like other medical clinics in our national parks, it serves the park and concessionaire employees, their families, and tens of thousands of daily park visitors. The Yosemite Medical Clinic is a million-dollar-a-year operation, maintaining a full-time staff and sophisticated medical equipment to serve the population of a moderately sized town. But here is the problem. Any other medical clinic would be able to use the fees it collects to finance its operations; to plan for amortizing equipment purchases and expansions, and to match its expenses to the revenues it generates. Not so our National Park medical clinics. Under current law, those fees must go directly to the national treasury, and the parks must then rely on annual appropriations to replace those funds with no certainty they will return and no ability to plan long-term improvements. This bill changes that. H.R. 3607 establishes a National Park Medical Services Fund at the Treasury. The fund will consist of fees collected for medical services provided to persons in units of the National Park System and other donations. My bill will help the National Park Service to provide higher quality patient care with industry standard equipment and technology, assist with training relating to providing the necessary medical services, develop management plans for medical facilities, and obtain or improve medical facilities, equipment, vehicles, and other needs and costs of providing medical services to visitors and staff at our National Parks. I urge adoption of the measure. The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML. WASHINGTON For decades, presidents have publicly released their tax returns each year an act of transparency and a way to connect and commiserate with Americans on Tax Day. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump did not even file his taxes. White House officials said Trump, who has steadfastly refused to make any of his previous tax returns public, requested a six-month extension because of the complexity of preparing his 2017 returns. He plans to file by mid-October, officials said. The announcement came on a day that the president and his allies used to remind people about Trumps sweeping tax cuts that will lead to savings for many people when the next Tax Day rolls around in April 2019. So many people are seeing the benefits of the Tax Cut Bill, Trump tweeted from Mar-a-Lago, his estate in Florida, where he played host to Shinzo Abe, the prime minister of Japan. In an article published in USA Today, Trump wrote: On this Tax Day, America is strong and roaring back. Paychecks are climbing. Tax rates are going down. Businesses are investing in our great country. And most important, the American people are winning. That cheerful message on Tuesday was undercut by a systemwide crash of the Internal Revenue Service computers, which prevented taxpayers and preparers from filing returns online. Many people file for more time to prepare their returns; IRS officials said they expected as many as 15 million to do so this year. But the presidents decision to seek an extension broke with years of tradition established by his predecessors and once again underscored the fact that Trumps tax returns remain secret. Previous presidents have routinely filed their tax returns on time and released them publicly while running for office and once they assumed the presidency, in part to show how much they earned and how much they donated to charity. President Barack Obamas returns showed that he earned millions of dollars as he entered the White House in 2009, almost all of it from royalties related to his books, Dreams From My Father and The Audacity of Hope. Sales of those books made him a multimillionaire. But Obamas returns, which were posted on the White House website each year in April, revealed that his income plummeted after that as sales of the books began to slow. In 2012, Obama made $608,000, with most of his income coming from his presidential salary of $400,000 a year. That year, Obama and his wife, Michelle, gave $150,000 of their income, or about 25 percent, to charity. Richard M. Nixon was the first modern president to make his tax returns public. He did so under pressure, after being accused of having improperly taken a huge tax deduction eliminated by Congress for donating his presidential papers. In 1973, Jack White, a reporter for The Providence Journal-Bulletin, broke the news that Nixon had paid just $878.03 in 1971 even though he had income of more than $400,000. The article led to Nixons famous quotation: People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I am not a crook. Not long after, the IRS announced it would audit the presidents returns, and Nixon released five years worth of tax documents. Presidents have largely done so ever since. Until Trump. His tax returns have long been a source of speculation and criticism. Trump has said in the past that, as a businessman, he fought to pay as little tax as possible so that the government would not waste his money. But he has insisted that he was advised not to reveal his tax returns as long as they were subject to a continuing IRS audit, a claim that critics have derided as little more than a convenient excuse. All presidential tax returns are automatically audited, making it increasingly unlikely that Trump will willingly release his returns while in office. Although portions of Trumps returns have leaked in the past, they remain one of the most closely guarded secrets in Washington. Last year, the departing commissioner of the IRS, John A. Koskinen, said that the agency was building a new vault to protect hard copies of the returns. Given the presidents long-standing refusals, there was little expectation that Trump would make his 2017 tax returns public. But the decision to seek a six-month extension came as something of a surprise. Trump filed last year for a similar extension of his 2016 taxes as he and his accountants faced the task of preparing a tax return for the first time as president. But the presidents tax experts had more than a year to get ready for his 2017 tax returns. White House officials did not explain why Trumps accountants would need an additional six months. San Antonio-born filmmaker Robert Rodriguez helped make Antonio Banderas a star in the U.S. with action-packed revenge thriller Desperado, not to mention his wildly popular Spy Kids romps. However, the Spanish actors latest role Pablo Picasso, his fellow countryman and one of the 20th centurys most influential artists just may be the most meaningful of his career. Banderas hometown of Malaga, Spain, in fact, is also Picassos birthplace. Picasso has been a very important figure in my life, Banderas told TV critics at a recent press session. You have to think when I was going to school when I was a little kid with the hand of my mother, we always crossed in front of Picassos house where he was born. I am talking about a time in Spain in which we didnt have too many international heroes, so Picasso (broke through) that barrier at a time in which we were pretty much isolated by the dictatorship that we were living in with Francisco Franco in power. Banderas, 57, portrays the older Picasso at the height of his artistry and celebrity in this second season of National Geographic Channels Emmy-nominated Genius anthology series. Alex Rich, in an inspired piece of casting, plays the younger Picasso during the many years the painter struggled to find the unique style hes most associated with today: cubism. The 10-part Genius: Picasso, from executive producing team Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, begins unfolding at 8 p.m. Tuesday. Banderas said he feels fortunate that he was cast as such an incredible real-life character, one hes admired all his life. I grew up with this projection of this huge artist who was capable of actually making the people all around the world fall in love with his art, he said. Banderas said he actually was offered the role of Picasso a couple of other times but declined because he didnt feel ready. This time I felt it was the right time, he said. It came with great scripts, with seriousness, with National Geographic, which was giving the whole entire project, all the facts that we needed to create, the complexity of a character like this, so thats what we are doing. The series explores how the artists passionate nature and relentless creative drive went hand in hand with his unconventional personal life, which included tumultuous marriages, numerous affairs and constantly shifting political and personal alliances. Judging by the first two episodes previewed, Genius: Picasso, which was largely filmed in Budapest, Hungary, is gorgeous visually, and full of meaty conflict. Some of the more memorable scenes involve Picassos treatment of his mistresses, which, at times, is marked by tenderness and sensuality, but more often than not an honesty thats so brutal, it makes the viewer wince. One entertaining moment has two of his lovers Dora Maar (Samantha Colley), a French photographer and painter, and longtime mistress and muse Marie-Therese Walter (Poppy Delevingne), confronting each other angrily, with Picasso leaving them to fight out their differences with each other. As the series points out, no woman could compete with Picassos greatest love: his work. Only when someone inspired him creatively was she considered valuable. One of the things that I know now is that his artistic dimension was a total link to his personality, to his personal dimension. There was no separation between the artist and the person, Banderas said. Everything in the life of Picasso is mixed together. He didnt stop being a painter when he went home from the studio. Everything was mixed together in the same pot. And probably there is a big teaching to everybody who became an artist. You cannot separate those two roles. You cannot get comfortable ever. The series showrunner, Ken Biller, stressed that the goal wasnt to make Picasso likable, but pulsatingly real. We are not sugarcoating Picasso. We are not pretending that everything he said or did was admirable. Hes a human being who made lots of mistakes. He did lots of extraordinary things and lots of not-so-nice things. Were not trying to tell you that Picasso is the patron saint of Malaga. Were trying to explore a very extraordinary character and the people around him, and were showing the good, the bad and the ugly. Banderas looks very different here from the big-screen heartthrob were used to seeing. The actor disappears into the role of the white-haired and leathery skinned Picasso, sizzling with an intensity and drive that makes us believe he really is the iconic painter. That portrayal, along with the picturesqueness and vitality of the European settings and so much great Picasso art, makes this sprawling second season of Genius a TV saga well-worth the investment. Jeanne Jakle's column appears Thursdays and Sundays in mySA. Read more of her columns here. | jjakle@express-news.net | @JakleJ If four minutes seems too long of a wait for a hot, fresh pizza, youre in luck. An Ohio-based brand opening a new shop in the San Antonio area can deliver pizza in just three minutes. Rapid Fired Pizzas first local franchise will be at 121 Pat Booker Road in Universal City with a projected mid-summer open. STAMFORD Jim Demetros is changing his approach to birthdays. The Springdale resident turned 55 on Tuesday when the Southwest Airlines flight he was taking for a business trip to Dallas from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport blew an engine at 30,000 feet. A woman sitting three rows behind him on the other side of the plane died after shrapnel from the engine blew out her window, nearly sucking her out of the aircraft. The experience has changed Demetros perspective on life. We call it Happy Life Day now, not Happy Birthday after what happened, Demetros said with a smile Wednesday in the living room of his Hope Street home. That is what we are going to be calling birthdays from now on. Demetros, a high-tech software consultant and lifelong Stamford resident, said he was flying to Dallas on his way to a conference in San Antonio, Texas. About 30 minutes in to the flight, Demetros heard a loud explosion. They were leveling off at 30,000 feet and they were about to serve beverages, and all of a sudden there was a large explosion and everything changed in an instant, he said. Oxygen masks dropped and he said there was complete chaos inside the plane. It was pretty hectic for about two to three minutes and that is when we dropped about 10,000 feet pretty quickly, Demetros said. But the crew members quickly gained control of the situation. Panic gave way to a focused calm, he said. All he could think about was getting home to his wife, Cynthia, and their adult son and daughter. A preliminary examination of the blown jet engine showed evidence of metal fatigue, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. There were 149 people on board the twin-engine Boeing 737 that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. A former federal investigator theorized the plane blew an engine and the shrapnel hit the aircraft. Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was killed in the incident. Seven other people aboard the plane were treated for minor injuries, according to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel. He said there was a fuel leak in one of the engines when firefighters arrived, and a small fire was extinguished. Demetros said a firefighter from Texas who was on the flight helped pull Riordan inside the plane and passengers began helping to administer first aid and CPR. Demetros estimated the plane landed about 10 minutes after the engine blew. He said touching down came as a surprise because, minutes earlier, he and other passengers werent sure they were going to survive. He said he had a nice stiff drink once he got off the plane. Demetros, a frequent flyer who logs about 100,000 miles a year, said the incident isnt going to keep him grounded. He has no plans to cancel his business trip next week to California. To me, it is still the safest way to travel, he said. Demetros said hes still trying to wrap his head around what happened. It still hasnt sunk in, at all, he said. I think it is going to take a little time. Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story. WASHINGTON - The Senate Republican who once described the White House as an "adult day-care center" on Wednesday lamented that President Donald Trump governs in a state of "constant chaos" and denounced his attacks on federal law enforcement agencies, the media and other U.S. institutions. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, R-Tenn., praised the Trump administration for recent sanctions, expulsions of diplomats and other measures to punish Russia. But he said he wishes the president were personally more adversarial and questioned his instincts to foster goodwill with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I wish he would be tougher rhetorically on Russia, yes," Corker said. "But I see the things we're actually doing and they're pretty strong. So is that the president's tendency? No. Why is that? I don't know." Speaking at a breakfast with journalists hosted by the Christian Science Monitor, Corker said there is "constant chaos" around Trump - and he blamed the president for his habit of talking with "unconventional" advisers late at night. "The president is very entrepreneurial," Corker said. "He gets input at 11 o'clock at night, let's say, comes in in the morning and he's got a different mindset." "You know, for the chief of staff it's got to be a nightmare that at night there are people calling in from all over the country, he's calling them, and the chief of staff doesn't know they're calling," Corker said. The senator observed that White House chief of staff John F. Kelly does not vet the friends and associates from whom Trump solicits advice in the evenings, when the president often is in his private chambers watching cable news shows. By contrast, Corker said, "My staff spends the whole week making sure I'm meeting with people that are not crackpots." Corker admonished Trump for his attacks on the media as well as on the law enforcement community. "I do not like the tearing down of institutions, and I've shared that with him," Corker said. "I do not like it. I think that a continual tearing down of institutions in order to inspire your base and keep yourself protected with your base, to me, is damaging to our nation." He added, "I do not think tearing down the media is good for our nation. . . . Tearing down the Justice Department or the FBI is not a good thing for our nation." Corker, who is retiring from the Senate when his term is completed at the end of this year, said the president's "entrepreneurial" system of seeking input results in constantly shifting policy positions - from foreign affairs to trade to fiscal issues. Corker said he wishes Trump would become more supportive of free-trade policies, in the spirit of the Republican Party mainstream. "I think the rallies generated much of the policy," Corker said, positing that Trump hardened his protectionist views based on crowd reactions at his political rallies. Similarly, Corker decried as "grotesque" the recent spending bill, signed by Trump, that added $2 trillion in debt. He said the Republican Party under Trump has abandoned what had been one of its hallmarks, lowering the deficit. "This president, obviously, is not a president who's interested in fiscal issues," Corker said. "Is this president a president who cares about the fiscal health of our nation? No. No." Corker also reflected on the frustration with the zigzagging nature of Trump's presidency that he says is shared by many of his fellow senators. "Look, we have a president who will sign legislation that we pass on the Republican side and then we have chaotic things that are going on a daily basis," Corker said. "At 10 o'clock, you might feel one way. At noon, you might feel another way. At 2 o'clock, you might feel another way." Corker added, "Any Republican senator that hasn't been conflicted over this presidency is either comatose or is pretty useless in their blindness - and we've got some of both." Family members are finalizing the funeral details for a Bradley University student from Chicago who was shot dead at an off-campus party earlier this month. Nasjay Murrys funeral will be this weekend in Chicago. A 16-year-old boy has been charged with first-degree murder in the April 8 shooting, which also killed Peoria native Anthony Polnitz, 22. Officials didnt name the suspect because of his age. Nasjay Murry, 18, was the oldest of three and had two stepsisters, said Tarrano Murry, her father. The freshman studied biomedical science at the Peoria school and dreamed of being the first doctor in the family, he said. I wish there was a way I could just finish what she was studying, her father said. I know its kind of hard but I wish one of my other kids could follow what she was doing, but its up to them. Nasjay Murry graduated from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School. Principal David Narain said Murry was quiet and would often do homework at school long after classes ended. He recalled having conversations with her about how she could impact her community on the South Side. Murry was accepted to several colleges, including Brown University, an Ivy League school in Rhode Island, but decided to attend Bradley to stay near family. But she didnt take herself too seriously, said April Hill, Murrys cousin. Hill said her cousin was a ball of fun who would sing, dance and joke around. She didnt deserve this at all, Tarrano Murry said. She was just beginning her life, her new life. For someone to take it for their drama. its just the hardest part. The spread of a flesh-eating ulcer in parts of Australia is being described as a "rapidly worsening epidemic" and, to make matters worse, researchers say they don't know exactly where it comes from or how it is transmitted. Known as Buruli ulcer, the infectious disease initially appears as a small red lump that closely resembles a pimple or insect bite, Daniel O'Brien, deputy director of the department of infectious diseases at Barwon Health in Victoria told The Washington Post. If left untreated the lump can gradually enlarge and within weeks cause "severe destructive lesions of skin and soft tissue," he said. Anyone is susceptible to the disease, which usually infects a person's arms or legs, he said. Compared to other types of flesh-eating bacteria, such as necrotizing fasciitis, Buruli ulcer is not the "most aggressive," but O'Brien said the disease can sometimes "eat away one limb or a large part of a limb." The ulcer can even affect bones, leading to permanent disfigurement and long-term disability, according to the World Health Organization. Severe cases often require extensive reconstructive surgery and lengthy recovery. The disease most commonly occurs in central and West Africa, but it has recently reached "epidemic" levels in the Australia Victoria state, alarming researchers and prompting a call for an "urgent scientific response," according to an article published Monday in the Medical Journal of Australia. An epidemic is defined "by cases rapidly increasing in number, becoming more severe in nature and occurring in new geographic areas," the article said. "Numbers are exploding," said O'Brien, who was the article's lead author. In 2017, there were 275 reported cases in Victoria, a 51 percent increase from 2016, O'Brien said. Additionally, the number of cases classified as severe have doubled in the last five years, he said. Victoria is one of the country's most populous states, home to the city of Melbourne. Last year, a 13-year-old girl from a town in Victoria contracted the disease on her knee and had to undergo three surgeries as well as months of "powerful antibiotics," the BBC reported. She described the disease as progressing from a "swollen and inflamed" knee to seeing her skin break down, the BBC reported. According to the article, about 2,000 cases are reported worldwide every year. Buruli ulcer can be treated using a combination of antibiotic regimens, with cure rates approaching 100 percent, according to the article. However, most people do not even know they have been infected since it can take up to six months for symptoms to show, O'Brien said. The disease, which is from the same family as leprosy and tuberculosis, is caused by a bacteria known as Mycobacterium ulcerans, he said. "It's a pretty clever, well-adapted organism," he said, noting that the bacteria also produces an agent that stops a person's immune system from functioning. In countries such as the United States, where the disease is not common, it could also take a long time to diagnose since normal tests do not pick up the "specialized" bacteria, O'Brien said. Buruli ulcer is classified by the World Health Organization as a "neglected tropical disease," meaning it does not receive "the attention and research that it really needs," he said. "There needs to be research done to answer some very vital scientific questions," he said. "There are very significant knowledge gaps." There are many mysteries surrounding the disease's rapid spread in Australia, especially since the number of reported cases around the world is decreasing, O'Brien said. To start, Buruli ulcer is defined as a tropical disease, but the region of Victoria has a temperate climate, O'Brien said. Even though the disease was first recognized in Victoria in 1948, a majority of cases have since been found in areas such as Africa, South America and New Guinea, he said. Scientists also do not know how people contract the disease or where it lives in the environment. "It seems like something has obviously changed in the interactions between the environment, animals and humans," O'Brien said about the spike in cases in Victoria. "We have some theories and some clues, but we don't know the answer." Most cases have been associated with wetlands, especially areas with slowing or stagnant waters, according to the article, which cites mosquito bites as a possible way to transmit the disease. But in Australia, O'Brien said people could be exposed to the bacteria through a variety of sources in the environment, for example the soil. Once it is on a person's body, he said the bacteria needs a way to get under the skin, which can happen through an insect bite, puncturing injury or preexisting wound. People have a higher risk of getting the disease during warmer months, O'Brien said, adding that wearing less clothes increases chances of exposure. Luckily, O'Brien said research has been done to indicate that the disease is not likely spread through contact with other infected people. Groups of people, such as families, who present symptoms are probably a result of being in the same environment, he said. However, O'Brien said Australian scientists have not received enough funding to conduct "intensive, thorough" research into the disease. "We've appreciated the money we've had, but it hasn't give us the answers," he said. Without a solid understanding of Buruli ulcer, O'Brien said it is difficult to predict its spread and prevent it. "The basic thing is that information is not known and that information is absolutely vital to controlling [the disease]," he said. "If people didn't work out how you caught it, how would you control it?" HAVANA - He was born a year after the last shot was fired in the Cuban revolution, prefers basketball to baseball, and clutches a tablet as he attends meetings with aging communists. Now Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is poised to take over what may be this island's toughest job - being the first Cuban leader in nearly 60 years who is not a Castro. Raul Castro, 86, who took over from his late brother Fidel in 2008, is expected to step down Thursday, completing a transition he set in motion years ago. Cuba's National Assembly on Wednesday named Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate for head of state, virtually ensuring that the engineer long groomed for leadership will replace Castro. Diaz-Canel's selection amounts to the dawn of a new era in a country deeply identified with the Castros, who led the revolution that triumphed in 1959 and resulted in the most enduring communist system in the Western Hemisphere. But Diaz-Canel is unlikely to emerge as Cuba's Mikhail Gorbachev. A consensus-builder, he is almost sure to make decisions in concert with the country's communist brain trust. As the country's first vice president since 2013, he was wary of the thaw in relations with the United States under former president Barack Obama, and has tended to echo concerns that economic change should not occur abruptly. Under Raul, the more reform-minded of the Castro rulers, Cuba has cautiously tested greater economic and social freedoms, often taking two steps forward and one step back. It will be up to Diaz-Canel to balance two realities: the need to respond to Cubans' growing frustration over economic stagnation and the reluctance of the Communist Party to embrace faster reforms. His touchstone, analysts say, will remain Raul Castro - who will keep the influential job of head of the Communist Party. "You can look at Raul Castro and Diaz-Canel as mentor and disciple," said Carlos Alzugaray, a former Cuban diplomat. The son of a mechanic, Diaz-Canel was born in the central province of Villa Clara. He became an electronic engineer at the Central University of Las Villas before joining Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces. Afterward, he was a college professor and built ties to the Communist Party. In 1987, he was assigned to be a liaison to Nicaragua, whose leftist Sandinista government received significant aid from Cuba. Diaz-Canel worked his way up to party secretary in his home province during Cuba's "special period" in the early 1990s, when the collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in a cutoff of subsidized oil and an economic crisis. He developed a reputation as an approachable, efficient manager who held impromptu front porch meetings in shorts and T-shirts. He also showed something of an independent streak - resisting party pressure, for instance, to shut down a newly established meeting place for gays and lesbians in his province. In 2013, when he was education minister, Diaz-Canel intervened in a dispute involving a group of professors at Cuba's University of Matanzas. They had started an independent blog - La Joven Cuba (Young Cuba) - offering critiques and commentary on Communist Party policies and personalities. After their site was blocked on the university servers, a request came in to the professors. Diaz-Canel wanted to meet them. "We had big speeches prepared, about how our blog was valuable to Cuban society," said Harold Cardenas, one of the professors. "But then, when we got there, [Diaz-Canel's] first words were, 'What do you need to keep doing what you do? And how can I help?' " Cardenas is now among those who see Diaz-Canel's new role as a chance for measured change in Cuba. "In the 1990s, he was one of the first Cuban leaders using a laptop, and now you see him using his tablet," he said. "I do think Diaz-Canel can bring change, while also keeping continuity" in the system. Still, Diaz-Canel's position on freedom of expression may have hardened in recent years. A video leaked last year, for instance, shows Diaz-Canel in a party meeting, threatening to block a website for acting "against the revolution." Since the video leaked, journalists at the site singled out by Diaz-Canel - OnCuba, a Miami-based outlet with offices in Havana - say they have received no official pressure to change their middle-of-the road editorial line. But the outlet has been the subject of attacks from pro-government bloggers, attacks that have served as a kind of message. "We speak of Fidel as a man, not as a god, and of the Cuban community in Miami as being people who are not totally against this island," said Monica Rivero, editor in chief of OnCuba. She continued: "But it's not really about us. It's more about whether you can or can't have this kind of change when it comes to expression. . . . Diaz-Canel is going to be in the shadow of Raul and those who fought with Raul and Fidel." Yet with new leadership, Cuba is indeed changing. The list of names presented for Cuba's Council of State, which Diaz-Canel is set to head, notably excluded Jose Ramon Machado Ventura - an arch-conservative who fought in the revolution with the Castro brothers. The new candidates also included the first black Cuban to hold the post of first vice president, and three female vice presidents. The results of the assembly vote are to be announced Thursday, but there is little doubt that those on the list will be approved. All of those named to the powerful council are party loyalists. But their relative youth - the list includes Yipsi Moreno, a 37-year old former Olympic hammer thrower - suggested a passing of the torch. "It's very significant. It shows that Raul has been successful in bringing into retirement much of the octogenarian group," said Arturo Lopez- Levy, a former Cuban government analyst who is now a professor of political science at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Before his death in 2016, Fidel Castro had sought to prevent the creation of a personality cult, forbidding statues or street names honoring him. In perhaps a nod to that policy,Cuba's official press was largely devoid on Wednesday of ponderous coverage of the Castro family's ceding power. Cuban television announcers used words such as "unity" and "continuity" in their broadcasts. State media tweeted under the hashtag #SomosContinuidad (We are continuity). The message was clear: The end of the Castro era does not mean the end of Cuba's communist system. For some elderly Cubans, the moment was hard to comprehend. "For me, not having a Fidel or Raul, it's almost impossible to conceive of. It's almost out of my realm of understanding," said Giraldo Baez, a 78-year-old former factory administrator. "But even as they go, I feel we still need to follow their ideas." Some Cubans, however, harbored cautious optimism that a new generation of leaders would be less tethered to Cuba's past. "For us, this is like trying to imagine a new color, one that you haven't seen before," said Charlie, a 22-year-old DJ who declined to give his last name. "We don't want capitalism. That won't work for us. But what we want is something that we haven't seen yet." A new system will take time to come about, he said. "No one is expecting change overnight." - - - The Washington Post's Rachelle Krygier in Caracas, Venezuela, contributed to this report. Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday, said she didn't fear death. That may be because the 92-year-old former first lady faced it before, in the hardest way imaginable. In 1953, soon after George H.W. Bush had moved his family to Midland, Texas, to get into the oil business, the couple's 3-year-old daughter complained about feeling tired. Usually, Pauline Robinson "Robin" Bush, the much-doted-on only girl of the Bush kids, was as rowdy and healthy as her older brother George W. and baby brother Jeb. Barbara decided to take her to a pediatrician. Her diagnosis was shockingly abrupt. The doctor called the Bushes a few days later with a word neither had ever heard before: leukemia. The complaint had been fatigue; the prescription was to take their child home to die. "Her advice was to tell no one, go home, forget that Robin was sick, make her as comfortable as we could, love her - and let her gently slip away," Bush wrote in her 1994 memoir. "She said this would happen very quickly." But the Bushes had means and determination, and they fought the death-sentence diagnosis, beginning a months-long ordeal that would have lifelong impacts on a family that would come to include two presidents. USA Today reporter Susan Page, who is writing a new biography of Barbara Bush, spoke to the former first lady about the episode last fall, 64 years to the month after Robin's death. Sitting in her Houston living room, facing a portrait of her forever-young daughter, the tears were fresh. The day after getting the bad news, the Bushes flew with Robin to New York, moving into the apartment of George H.W. Bush's grandparents on Manhattan's East Side. His uncle was a doctor at Sloan Kettering, a leading cancer center even when cancer was barely understood and nearly taboo to mention. Robin stayed in the hospital for seven months, having regular bone marrow tests and blood transfusions, which drove her father from the room while her mother remained resolutely at her side. On one quick outing to Maine, Robin finally saw her two brothers, whose pictures were taped to her hospital headboard but who had no idea their sister's life was ebbing away. In October, Robin died with her parents in the room. "For one last time I combed her hair and held our precious little girl," Barbara wrote. They gave the little body that had been claimed by a mysterious disease over to medical research, then had their daughter buried in a family plot in Greenwich, Connecticut. Back in Texas, George W. Bush has recounted the day his returning parents came to pick him up at school in their big green Oldsmobile. He recalled his delight at the prospect of seeing his baby sister. "I remember seeing them pull up and thinking I saw my little sister in the back of the car. I remember that as sure as I'm sitting here," he told The Washington Post in a 1999 interview. "I run over to the car, and there's no Robin." Barbara Bush described the death of her daughter and the grief that followed as an agony made more bearable by her relationship with her husband. Later, she would marvel that the tragedy that splits many couples had brought them closer. "In this case, it tested the marriage and made it stronger," Page said. George W. has said Robin's death forged a bond with his mother that he leaned on through his father's presidency and then his own. Each felt responsible for shoring up the other. In a Post profile about that mother-son relationship in 1999, Barbara Bush described the moment she realized young George was bucking her up. One day . . . she heard her son tell a friend that he couldn't come out because he had to play with his mother, who was lonely. "I was thinking, 'Well, I'm being there for him,' " she recalled. "But the truth was he was being there for me." "That started my cure," she wrote in her memoir. "I realized I was too much of a burden for a little 7-year-old boy to carry." The Bushes had three more children, including another girl, Dorothy. The family rose from mere prominence to true dynasty, with portraits hanging on official walls in Washington, Texas and Florida. George H.W. and George W. were the first father-and-son presidents since John and John Quincy Adams. But one portrait remained on more private walls. "It hangs within clear view of her chair," Page said of the rendering of Robin that kept Barbara company in the Bush's Houston living room. After the George H.W. Bush Library was established in College Station, Texas, the family had Robin's body moved to a small, gated burial plot on the grounds. Now Barbara Bush will join her daughter there. Washington Mike Pompeo, director of the CIA, made a secret visit over the Easter weekend to North Korea to meet with the country's leader Kim Jong Un, the Washington Post reported, citing two unidentified people with knowledge of the trip. Pompeo's visit, as an envoy for U.S. President Donald Trump, was part of an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Trump and Kim about the North's nuclear weapons program, the newspaper said, citing the people. The secret visit, which has not previously been reported, occurred soon after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state, according to the Washington Post. The CIA, White House and North Korean government all declined to comment, the newspaper said. The pilot's voice was calm yet focused as her plane descended with 149 people on board. "Southwest 1380, we're single engine," Capt. Tammie Jo Shults, a former fighter pilot with the U.S. Navy, said. "We have part of the aircraft missing so we're going to need to slow down a bit." She asked for medical personnel to meet her aircraft on the runway. "We've got injured passengers." "Injured passengers, okay and is your airplane physically on fire?" asked a male voice on the other end, according to an air traffic recording. "No, it's not on fire, but part of it's missing," Shults said, pausing for a moment. "They said there's a hole, and uh, someone went out." The engine on Shults's plane had, in fact, exploded on Tuesday, spraying shrapnel into the aircraft, causing a window to be blown out and leaving one passenger dead and seven others injured. Frightened passengers on board the Dallas-bound flight braced for impact as oxygen masks muffled their screams. In the midst of the chaos, Shults successfully completed an emergency landing at the Philadelphia International Airport, sparing the lives of 148 people and averting a far worse catastrophe. "She has nerves of steel, " one passenger, Alfred Tumlinson, told the Associated Press. "That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card - I'm going to tell you that - with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome." Another passenger, Diana McBride Self, thanked Shults on Facebook for her "guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation." She added that Shults "came back to speak to each of us personally." "This is a true American Hero," she wrote. Others on social media agreed, even comparing Shults with Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, who glided his US Airways plane to safety in New York's Hudson River in 2009. Southwest declined to name the pilot, though passengers confirmed Shults's name on social media, and Shults's mother-in-law told The Washington Post she was the pilot. Shults's husband also confirmed her name to the Associated Press. Shults declined to comment when reached by The Post. Her mother-in-law, Virginia Shults, told The Washington Post that as soon as she heard the pilot's voice on the radio transmission online, she said "that is Tammy Jo." "It was just as if she and I were sitting here talking," Virginia Shults said. "She's a very calming person." It was also no surprise to her that Tammie Jo Shults was the pilot credited with the skillful landing. Shults's mother-in-law and friends described her as a pioneer in the aviation field, a woman who broke barriers to pursue her goals. She was among the first female fighter pilots for the U.S. Navy, according to her alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene University, from which she graduated in 1983. Cindy Foster, who went to college with her, told the Kansas City Star that Shults was also among the first women to fly an F/A-18 Hornet for the Navy. "She said she wasn't going to let anyone tell her she couldn't," Foster said. Shults's persistence in becoming a pilot goes back to her upbringing on a New Mexico ranch, near Holloman Air Force Base, Shults wrote in the book "Military Fly Moms," by Linda Maloney. "Some people grow up around aviation. I grew up under it," she wrote. Watching the daily air show, she knew she "just had to fly" She recalled attending a lecture on aviation during her senior year of high school, in 1979. A retired colonel started the class by asking Shults, the only girl in attendance, "if I was lost." "I mustered up the courage to assure him I was not and that I was interested in flying," she wrote. "He allowed me to stay but assured me there were no professional women pilots." When she met a woman in college who had received her Air Force wings, she wrote, "I set to work trying to break into the club." But Shults, whose maiden name is Bonnell, wrote that the Air Force "wasn't interested" in talking to her. The Navy let her apply for aviation officer candidate school, "but there did not seem to be a demand for women pilots." "Finally," she wrote, a year after taking the Navy aviation exam, she found a recruiter who would process her application. After aviation officer candidate school in Pensacola, Florida, she was assigned to a training squadron at Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas, as an instructor pilot teaching student aviators how to fly the Navy T-2 trainer. She later left to fly the A-7 Corsair in Lemoore, California. By then, she met her "knight in shining airplane," a fellow pilot who would become her husband, Dean Shults. (He also now flies for Southwest Airlines). Because of the combat exclusion law, Tammie Jo Shults was prohibited from flying in a combat squadron. While her husband was able to join a squadron, her choices were limited, involving providing electronic warfare training to Navy ships and aircraft. She later became one of the first women to fly what was then the Navy's newest fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet, but again in a support role. "Women were new to the Hornet community, and already there were signs of growing pains." She served in the Navy for 10 years, reaching the rank of Navy lieutenant commander. She left the Navy in 1993, and now lives in the San Antonio area with her husband. She has two children - a teenage son and a daughter in her early 20s. Foster, her friend from college, told the Kansas City Star that Shults knew she "had to work harder than everyone else." Foster said. "She did it for herself and all women fighting for a chance," Foster said. Her approach to parenting, described in the "Military Fly Moms" book, reflected a similar sentiment. "We endeavor to teach our children to be leaders, not lemmings," she wrote. "This is especially important when it comes to making the right choice while the crowd is pulling in the other direction." Gary Shults, her brother-in-law, described her to the AP as a "formidable woman, as sharp as a tack." "My brother says she's the best pilot he knows," Gary Shults said. "She's a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people." Her mother-in-law also described her as a devout Christian, a faith she thinks may have contributed to her calm state amid the emergency landing. "I know God was with her, and I know she was talking to God," Virginia Shults said. Whatever was going through her mind as she completed her landing, Tammie Jo Shults even made time to tell the control tower: "Thank you . . . thanks guys, for the help." --- Video Embed Code Video: A Southwest flight made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport on April 17. One fatality was reported.(Patrick Martin/The Washington Post) Embed code: SEOUL - South Korea and the United States are looking for a way to guarantee "a bright future" for North Korea if its leader, Kim Jong Un, will give up his nuclear weapons program, the national security adviser in Seoul said Wednesday, as preparations for next week's inter-Korean summit gather pace. The mood in South Korea has changed dramatically in just a few months, from palpable fear of another Korean war to cautious optimism about progress on the decades-long standoff on the peninsula. The central plaza outside the Seoul city hall has been planted with flowers in the shape of a unified Korean Peninsula, news outlets have started a countdown to the April 27 summit, and the government has come up with a slogan: "Peace, a new start." Twitter has even created a high-five emoji to go with an inter-Korean summit hashtag. The latest sign of Kim's willingness to cooperate came Wednesday, when officials preparing for the summit said North Korea has agreed to have key moments broadcast live. They will include the handshake between Kim and South Korea's Moon Jae-in at the beginning of the summit, a spokesman for the presidential Blue House said after working-level talks Wednesday. The meeting will serve as a prelude for the summit that President Donald Trump is planning with Kim in late May or early June, in a location still being decided. Trump has confirmed reports that Mike Pompeo, the head of the CIA and nominee to be secretary of state, visited Pyongyang recently and met Kim as part of the preparations. This is the highest-level meeting between the United States and North Korea since then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright went to Pyongyang in 2000 to meet Kim's father. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week," Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. "Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump, who prides himself on being a master negotiator but also has a penchant for the limelight, is playing up the prospect of persuading Kim to relinquish his nuclear weapons program. That is a goal that has eluded U.S. negotiators for more than two decades, and many analysts are skeptical that the young North Korean leader, having poured so much money and effort into the program, will easily give it up. But the South Korean government is promoting the upcoming summits as an opportunity to try. "We've been making consistent efforts to peacefully improve the inter-Korean relationship, especially dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue and denuclearization of the peninsula, with the goal of peace on the Korean Peninsula," said Chung Eui-yong, the South Korean national security adviser who has met with Kim and Trump to arrange the summits. Chung said Wednesday that South Korea would work to guarantee North Korea's security and the regime's "bright future" while persuading it to give up its nuclear weapons. He reiterated South Korea's "gratitude" for Trump's efforts to make progress on the issue, even as he warned against "blind optimism," given the magnitude of the problem. The two Koreas have been in a technical state of war for the past six decades because the Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, in 1953. The armistice agreement, which was brokered in the same place in the demilitarized zone where Kim and Moon will meet next week, was signed by the United States on behalf of the United Nations, and by North Korea and China on the other side. The Kim dynasty has kept the country on a war footing and anti-American sentiment alive all this time as part of its propaganda justifying the family's ongoing rule. It has also said North Korea needs nuclear weapons to defend itself against a "hostile" United States. During the last inter-Korean summit in 2007, the two sides discussed ending the armistice but did not make any progress toward a peace treaty. Any peace treaty must necessarily involve the United States, and it may come with a North Korean insistence that American troops are no longer needed in the southern half of the peninsula. "Pyongyang has signaled to Washington its willingness to work toward denuclearization, although it may still disagree with Washington on the specific steps to achieve that goal," said Koh Yu-hwan, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongkuk University in Seoul and one of the experts advising negotiators. Withdrawing U.S. forces from the Korean Peninsula was one of the five requirements for denuclearization that North Korea proposed in a 2016 statement. "At this point, however, Kim Jong Un seems not to be pushing for this as an immediate condition for talks," Koh said. For South Korea, much is riding on the summits. There was widespread fear here at the end of last year that Trump was serious about conducting military strikes on North Korea to take out its nuclear weapons program, an action that would put Seoul at risk of attack by North Korea. The entire capital region, home to 25 million people, is within range of North Korea's conventional artillery. But Moon, a progressive who has sought engagement with the North, has assiduously worked to promote diplomacy. He used the Winter Olympics, which South Korea hosted in February, to invite senior North Koreans, including the leader's influential sister, to the South. And he has not hesitated to heap praise on Trump and credit him with North Korea's change of heart. The Blue House is busy laying the groundwork for the meeting. It has set up a summit preparation committee, led by Moon's chief of staff, Im Jong-seok, who was closely involved in the previous two inter-Korean summits. It has also formed two advisory committees comprising about 50 experts on North Korea. They have been giving the summit organizers regular advice in their areas of expertise, according to several committee members. A hotline between the two leaders - a first - is expected to be connected Friday. Their first call is expected before Moon and Kim meet face to face in "Peace House," a large, four-story building just on the southern side of the line that has divided the two Koreas for more than six decades. By crossing it, Kim will become the first North Korean leader to come to the South since the Korean War. Moon's two progressive predecessors both held summits with the North Korean leader at the time, Kim Jong Un's father, but both went to Pyongyang to meet him. As part of summit preparations, South Korea is renovating the "Peace House" at Panmunjom village in the demilitarized zone, remodeling a second-floor room where Moon and Kim will meet and a third-floor room that can be used as a banquet hall, according to local reports. One newspaper, the Kukmin Ilbo, reported that the construction included the installation of bulletproof glass and technology to prevent the rooms from being bugged. There is also speculation that a banquet will be held after the meeting and that the first ladies may join. The village, about 35 miles north of Seoul, has become emblematic of the standoff, with soldiers from both Koreas - men with the same language and culture - physically facing off on a daily basis. Kim's wife, Ri Sol Ju, has been taking on an increasingly high profile in recent weeks, meeting with the South Korean envoys for dinner in Pyongyang, traveling with Kim to a summit in Beijing, and hosting a Chinese delegation at the weekend. Coincidentally, Moon's wife, Kim Jung-Sook, has the same name as Kim Jong Un's grandmother, who is celebrated in North Korea's personality cult as a revolutionary martyr and the mother of the nation. - - - The Washington Post's Min Joo Kim contributed to this report. Health-care industry giants are sitting pretty this year with extra cash from the GOP tax overhaul - but they're also sitting tight. Companies have been less aggressive on the consolidation front than analysts say they had anticipated in the four months since Congress lowered corporate tax rates in a sweeping overhaul, freeing up overseas cash and reducing tax bills for pharmaceutical makers, life-sciences companies and health insurers. "We've seen [mergers and acquisitions] roll out slower than expected," said Ben Proce, pharmaceutical and life sciences tax leader for the firm PwC. "Prices could be on the high end, but given the liquidity unlocked here, we think it's more a matter of time than anything else at this point." One thing is for sure, however: the tax overhaul certainly unlocked more profits for the industry. It not only lowered the domestic corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, a huge boon to insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, but it also enticed drug and biotech companies to bring home huge overseas cash reserves by slashing taxes on those earnings, too. Pfizer, which has been mentioned as a potential buyer of Shire, announced an extra $10.7 billion in reported income for 2017 because of the tax changes. Allergan, UnitedHealth and Anthem have also recorded a benefit from the tax overhaul, according to a recent analysis by Bloomberg. Indeed, all five major U.S. health insurers have announced the tax overhaul will increase their revenue this year - and several say they're putting the savings toward boosting wages and retirement benefits. In February, Anthem announced it would contribute an extra $1,000 to the retirement accounts of its nearly 60,000 employees and recent retirees. Cigna announced it is raising wages, spending $15 million on salary bumps for front-line employees and adding $30 million to its retirement program. Around the same time, UnitedHealth said it was using an additional $1.7 billion in profits on data analytics, technology and innovations. When Kentucky-based Humana said it, too, would be raising minimum wages and paying incentives for workers, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was the first to announce it. "For these Kentucky workers, the tax cuts and jobs act will mean more money in their paychecks," McConnell said in a Senate floor speech in January. McConnell and other Republican leaders have spent the past few months seizing every possible opportunity to tout their tax bill, promising American taxpayers it will put more money in their pockets while dramatically boosting economic growth. That's despite last week's projection from the Congressional Budget Office that the overhaul would grow the economy 0.7 percent over a decade, which is not nearly enough to keep the measure from adding to the federal deficit. Republicans viewed Tuesday - Tax Day - as a prime opportunity to draw more attention to how businesses are responding to a lighter tax burden. And they expect the savings for companies and some individuals to be a mainstay of their 2018 campaign messaging. "Tax reform is working; it's actually even exceeding our expectations, giving us a stronger economy, a healthier economy, and it's going to make us more prosperous for years to come," House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., told reporters. From Ivanka Trump via Twitter: "This year's #TaxDay is the last time you'll have to file your taxes through an outdated, broken system. #BYE-BYE" But for now, many major players in the health-care industry appear to be mulling exactly where to spend their extra cash. They've made some moves favorable to shareholders, such as raising dividends, but there's been no flurry of activity on that front, analysts say. Instead, it appears health companies are waiting to increase merger activity later in the year. "I think the companies are keeping their powder dry," said Arthur Wong, director of health-care corporate ratings for Standard & Poor's. "Companies are in M&A mode, and I think with tax reform they're going to use greater access to cash to kind of figure out what acquisitions make sense to them." The industry went on a merger spree last year, and industry watchers expect that trend to continue in 2018. They're keeping a close eye on a proposed consolidation between CVS Health and Aetna, which federal regulators have yet to approve, and Cigna's plan to buy Express Scripts. And then there's the prospect of an effort by Walmart to acquire Humana. Opponents of the GOP tax bill charge pharmaceutical companies should have used their financial windfall to lower costs for patients. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., issued a report last week that says five U.S. drug companies - Pfizer, Merck, AbbVie, Amgen and Celgene - instead implemented a total of $45 billion in shareholder buybacks. "Given the windfall that pharmaceutical companies are anticipating as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, there is no excuse but to act to lower the cost of prescription medications," Booker said. But market analysts say companies would be better served by dump extra profits into new drug development since the price of some medicines is already trending downward. "I think what we'd like to see them do is invest more in research and development, because just getting a lower price out is temporary," Wong said. "I think prices are already going down, given all the [pharmacy benefit managers], mergers." AHH: Utah and Oklahoma -- two of the most conservative states in the country -- are now moving toward legalizing pot, another sign of how feelings around marijuana have shifted. The two states could join 30 others that have legalized medical marijuana in some form, The Associated Press reported. Utah and Oklahoma already allow the use of CBD, or cannabidiol, a compound of cannabis that is used for a variety of health concerns but doesn't get users high. Utah's measure wouldn't allow residents to grow their own pot, nor would it allow people to smoke marijuana. Instead, it would authorize state-regulated growing and operations to let people with medical conditions buy edible forms of marijuana after attaining a legal card. Under the Oklahoma proposal, patients could get a medical marijuana license that would allow them to possess up to three ounces of the drug as well as six mature plants and six seedlings, per the AP. OOF: Nearly 100 people were arrested yesterday and charged with distributing heroin and fentanyl in the takedown of a drug distribution network operating in West Virginia and Michigan, The Post's Sari Horwitz and Katie Zezima reported. Law enforcement officials have seized enough fentanyl in the ongoing operation to kill more than 250,000 people, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. More than 200 federal, state and local law enforcement officials were involved in the operation, which began at 6 a.m. "Justice officials said the multistate operation is the latest example of the tough stance that the department has taken under Sessions in combating the opioid crisis," the Post said. In August, Sessions assigned a dozen prosecutors to areas where opioid addiction is prevalent and created a new data analytics program to focus on investigating opioid-related health-care fraud. Later he ordered all U.S. attorneys' offices to designate an opioid coordinator to supervise anti-opioid strategy and announced that anyone who illegally possesses, imports, distributes or manufactures any fentanyl-related substance can be criminally prosecuted. "Our great country has never seen drug deaths like we're seeing today," Sessions said in a statement yesterday. "Under President Trump's strong leadership, the Department of Justice has taken historic new actions to put drug traffickers in jail and keep dangerous drugs out of the wrong hands." OUCH: An ailing person's salvation is another family's grief. A rise in organ transplants is linked to a similar rise in drug overdose deaths across the nation, The Post's Cleve R. Wootson Jr. reported. In 2016, there were 3,533 transplants using organs donated from overdose victims, compared with 149 such transplants in 2000, a new study found. Overdose victims made up 1.1 percent of all donors in 2000. In 2017, they made up 13.4 percent. "Although the organs are from people who had risky lifestyles, people who receive such transplants do not appear to have more negative effects over time," the Post said. "That is decidedly good news to the more than 114,000 people who the United Network for Organ Sharing estimates were awaiting transplants Tuesday afternoon - though researchers concede it comes with an asterisk." "This is not an ideal or sustainable solution to the organ shortage," researcher Christine Durand wrote in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, where the data were published. Ten years ago, an Arizona astronomer spotted an asteroid that was headed straight for Earth. Swiftly he summoned the help of colleagues and casual stargazers, who tracked the space rock as it exploded in the sky, raining shrapnel down on the Nubian desert in Sudan. Students from the University of Khartoum volunteered to search for fragments, ultimately recovering more than 600 pieces of the meteorite now known as Almahata Sitta. It was the first time scientists had ever traced an asteroid in the sky to a rock they could hold in their hands. But that is not even the coolest thing about Almahata Sitta. Not nearly. A new study published in the journal Nature Communications reports that the meteorite contains tiny diamonds - yes, diamonds. Those diamonds contain even tinier impurities called inclusions. And within those inclusions are signatures of a long-lost planet as large as Mars - a 4.5 billion-year-old relic that was destroyed during the earliest days of the solar system. "These samples are coming from an era that we don't have any access to," said Farhang Nabiei, a materials scientist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne and the lead author of the new report. The diamonds with the Almahata Sitta meteorite formed during a transition era in the solar system, when the dust and gas that swirled around the sun coalesced into planetary embryos, then grew into planets. "And we are part of the planets," Nabiei said. "This is part of the story of how we came to be." Almahata Sitta belongs to a class of rocks known as ureilites. They are partly differentiated - not made of the primitive material that constituted the solar nebula, but also not as well mixed and baked as rocks that come from modern planets. Unlike other meteorites, which can be traced to parent bodies such as asteroids, Mars or the moon by comparing the ratios of different varieties of elements, these rocks have no known source. They seem to have been formed inside bodies that no longer exist. And they always contain tiny flecks of diamond. Because the crystals are so small - less than a fraction of a percentage of an inch in diameter - many researchers assumed that they formed when graphite (an alternate form of carbon) was "shocked" by a collision with another body. But Nabiei and his colleagues noticed that the diamonds in Almahata Sitta were orders of magnitude larger than the kind that result from a shock event. They suspected that these crystals may have formed the same way diamonds do on Earth - under the unbelievably high temperatures and pressures that exist in the interior of a planet - and only afterward were broken by a shock wave into smaller fragments. "Then this opens whole new idea," Nabiei said. Diamond is so strong it serves as a powerful protective packaging for anything trapped inside; it's nature's safety vault, capable of preserving samples for billions of years. "I thought, if there were diamonds forming inside a planet, inside a parent body, they could have trapped some material from their environment," Nabiei said. He laughed. "And indeed they did." The impurities trapped within the Almahata Sitta diamonds - crystals of chromite, phosphate and iron-nickel-sulfide - are the first to have been discovered in an extraterrestrial diamond. They could only have formed under incredible pressure - the equivalent of diving 600 kilometers into Earth's interior or attempting to hold up 100,000 tons with your bare hands. To create these conditions, Nabiei said, the meteorite's parent body would have to have been a planet at least as big as Mercury and possibly as large as Mars. Whatever happened to this lost world? Nabiei can't say for sure. Many researchers believe that the early inner solar system was crowded with large protoplanets that yanked and tugged at each other's orbits until they finally crashed, coalesced or disintegrated. By the end of that era, about 100 million years after the birth of the solar system, only the four current terrestrial planets remained. Nabiei thinks it's likely that all ureilites come from the same parent body, a protoplanet that lasted just a few million years before it was destroyed in a collision. He plans to seek out similar meteorites and search them for inclusions that might provide clues about their origins. The call hit the 911 dispatch in Wyoming County as evening fell on March 7. A man requested police at his house at 5:42 p.m. He had shot someone. The 911 operator had reason to recognize the voice. It was Joseph Mlyniec. For more than two decades, Mlyniec, 60, had served as a patrol deputy with the county sheriff's office, retiring in 2008 as a sergeant but returning for a few additional years part-time. His work and standing in the community did not end when he handed in his badge. Since 2014, Mlyniec served on the town board of Perry, a small hamlet on the rural farmland blanketing western New York. Mlyniec told the dispatcher there was a dead man on his property. The dispatcher, in turn, asked Mlyniec whether he was sure the man was dead. "Yup," Mlyniec replied, according to court documents recently published by the Batavia Daily News. "Shot him in the head." Mlyniec remains in jail without bond on charges of second-degree murder and intimidating a victim or witness, the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle has reported. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorney, Norman P. Effman, told The Washington Post that the case hinges on the defendant's state of mind, he said. "It is not a whodunit case," Effman said. "It's not going to be a trial as to whether Joe was the individual involved. The issue is the second count of the indictment and how that affected him. There are lots of issues or intent or lack of intent and levels of culpability that could impact this." Snow was piled against the house and red barn when law enforcement arrived at the farm where Mlyniec lived with his wife. He was waiting for the officers near a plow truck - down on his knees as if in prayer on the muddy drive, hands placed behind his head, according to the documents. Twenty-five feet up the drive, deputies found the body of Robert Irvine III. The 32-year-old had been shot four times with a .45-caliber handgun. In initial news reports following the killing, a possible motive remained murky. The victim's girlfriend told a local television station Irvine and Mlyniec had been friends. The younger man, a mechanic who lived nearby, would often stop by Mlyniec's farm and work on his car on the property. But the newly released court documents, filed as part of a legal motion by the Wyoming County District Attorney's Office, lay out a darker current linking the two. According to the documents, Mlyniec's life as an upstanding small-town citizen screened off a different reality. The former deputy "led a double life," the document states. "[O]n one hand he was portrayed as a heterosexual married man," the motion alleges, while in reality "Joseph Mlyniec would lure troubled young men to his farm, then groom them for sexual favors and in return provide them money, food, or both." The "two worlds began to collide" after an investigation into Mlyniec's past behavior started at the end of 2017. The victim was killed to stop further "allegations of sexual abuse," prosecutors alleged. Irvine was a possible victim or witness against Mlyniec - or both. "The investigation has also revealed that the victim in this case was a potential witness in a sex abuse investigation involving Joseph Mlyniec and many other men during the past many years," the motion alleges. The court documents also say former deputy admitted as much on the evening law enforcement arrived at his house following the 911 call. "Do you know what this is about?" Mlyniec allegedly told one of the deputies at the scene. "Someone accused me of sex abuse and turned me in, and he is a part of it - whatever. I don't care anymore. My life is done." The defendant's ties to Wyoming County run deep. The dairy farm he lives on - where Irvine was killed - once was operated by his father, the Buffalo News has reported. In addition to his work on the town board, Mlyniec was also a member of the Rotary Club and on the volunteer fire department. "It's way, way out of character for Joe," Perry Town Supervisor James Brick told the News. "It's just a shock to most everybody in town here. He was well-respected in town." But last October, an allegation of sexual abuse by Mlyniec was lodged with the New York State Police, according to the News. The abuse dated back to between 2003 and 2010. The former deputy and others were interviewed, but no charges were brought and the accuser eventually recanted, a State Police spokesman told the paper. Recently released court documents filed as part of a motion in the case say Mlyniec never knew the identity of his accuser. But in the day leading up to the murder, the former deputy made numerous calls to people, including Irvine. The document says the calls were possibly about other witnesses coming forward with allegations. "The investigation has revealed that the night before the murder the victim had told two individuals that he had told Joseph Mlyniec that he needed to turn himself in or kill himself," the motion says. "It is believed that the victim and the defendant . . . had a sexual relationship in the past." I was 45. And he was 29. Those are the first, trembling words the Houston woman said as she nervously took the stage and recounted her tale, I Can Die Now, at a Moth event featuring true stories told live that has been watched 24 million times online. The audience responds with raucous hoots and hollers, perhaps settling in for a salacious telling of a paperback tryst. What they get is a tragedy, marked by what many see as an unfathomable act of selflessness. Its an act that had me bawling audibly over my iPhone the first time I watched it. Its an act that has now inspired a web-only opera production, the latest innovation of the Houston Grand Operas community company, HGOco. Boundless, the pilot episode in a series of short opera films about star-crossed love, is set to be released Friday to coincide with the opening of the HGOs West Side Story. I sat down recently with the inspiration for the production, an executive assistant for a Houston oil executive. She goes by the name Aryana Rose to protect her privacy. I wanted to know how the wild popularity of her story has changed her life, if at all, what she learned from telling it, but mostly how she found the strength to make the selfless decision that ended her romance with a man she called the most extraordinary partner she had ever had. At this point, let me issue a spoiler warning. If you havent listened to Roses Moth performance, consider doing so before proceeding with this column. I cannot do it justice here. Rose tells how, after initial reluctance, she ended up falling in love with a younger man she met in a French medieval village. He was a painter, sculptor, musician and nature-lover who taught her the names and properties of trees and flowers. Everything about him was exceptional, she tells the Moth audience. I couldnt believe that a man of his age and beauty and talent could be free, and even more, be interested in a woman of my age. They were wildly in love, but she began to notice something peculiar about him. When he looked at children, he just beamed. One day, it dawned on her to ask the question: Did he want children? Of course, he told her, glowing anew. At that moment, she tells the audience, her heart stopped. She had two grown children, and she couldnt imagine having more. Still, she says, for nothing in the world was I going to deprive that human being from living the experience of having children. She cried all night. The next morning, she left him. But for years, they struggled to let go. At times, he was ready to give up his dream of children. At times, she was willing to have them. HGO: Houston Grand Opera's 2017-18 season to showcase 'West Side Story,' 'Julius Caesar' Then, one day in 2005, as she was sitting on a terrace cafe in Toulouse, a woman walked by with velour Victorian hat, whimsically crumpled on one side. Rose describes the redheaded woman as the most beautiful thing on two legs. Her essence, the fact that she was a childrens book author, everything, drew her toward her. Finally, Rose introduced the woman to her lover. When their eyes met, she knew they were right for each other. Still, he begged Rose not to leave. She did, for good. She moved away and changed her number. She didnt see him for four years. Then, finally, on a trip to France, she let him know she would attend one of his exhibitions. She walked in the gallery and saw what four years had brought. A little girl with curly red hair and bright green eyes ran toward Rose as though she known her all her young life. In French, she asked: Are you the fairy? Friends persuaded Rose to tell the story, and she never imagined the response shed get from all around the world, she told me one sunny afternoon as we sat outside a Starbucks. She wore a sleeveless coral blouse and a long pearl necklace. Now 59, there is a wisdom in her dark eyes, but also a youthful vigor as she talks. Everybody thought I was Dear Abby for days, and months, Rose told me, saying she got hundreds of letters from people who had similar stories. What touched me is the quantity of people who wrote me with the same story. I thought, Wow, theres a lot of people, beautiful women, beautiful men, who are hurting because they love, and they know its not possible. Shes a bit puzzled, though, when people ask her how she could be so selfless which, incidentally was my first question. I dont really see selflessness there, she told me. Selflessness would have been to have given him children, to find myself raising children that I didnt really want. That would have been self-sacrifice. For her, helping her love find another partner was the least you can do for someone you love. She admits, though, that there may have been another motivation: I think I had to either prove to him or to myself that there was a grandeur of spirit within me, something bigger. Something greater, perhaps, that could come of all they shared. That doesnt mean it was easy. Rose says she suffered and cried and felt jealousy like anyone would. But she found great peace one day, weeping in her car after teaching an English class. I am the woman of his life, born too early, she told herself in that car. And he is the man of my life, born too late. At that moment, she realized that being with him had accomplished one of her greatest wishes: for the first time, she had known true love. I said to myself, You are one lucky person, you have loved and been loved, she said. This gratitude suddenly filled me and I thought, now I have lived the peak of all human experiences and I thought to myself, I can die now. Many people who write her, she says, ask for advice as if I knew anything about love. Shes no expert, but she knows this: There is an end to the tunnel. You will be able to love again. You will get over this. You will make it. Rose, for her part, says she has not loved again. In a red leather pouch, she still carries around a gift from her love: a French antique coin he had found as a child. Things that have value never perish, Rose says as she turns it around in her hand. But she is at peace with her decision, and unlike many people, the loss of her love wasnt compounded with a fear of being alone. Born in New York City to parents from Brazil and Columbia, she moved to Houston around age 12 but has lived a nomadic life in several countries, working various jobs, from English teacher to web designer. The answers will always be from the inside, she says. If you think for one second that something comes from the outside, then you will somehow suffer. The Houston Moth GrandSLAM: What's love got to do with it? Rose said she didnt know if her former lover had seen the Moth performance. It hasnt really changed her life, although some are encouraging her to write a book. She usually only writes for herself, she says, mostly poetry and journaling. When the opera contacted her about adapting her story, she says she was surprised, curious and honored. And although shes still a little overwhelmed by all the attention her story has drawn, she likes the idea that it has helped people. And she understands in a way she didnt before the deep human connection that can only come from the telling of a story. What really spoke to me is that a lot of people told me they cried, Rose said. If you cry, that means its triggering something from your own past, which probably needed to be released. In that case, Im honored that my story could have served that purpose, to help them heal in some way. lisa.falkenberg@chron.com The Bexar County Sheriffs Office and Judson Independent School District are offering free training to area school police, administrators, and teachers on how to respond to active shooters and hazardous situations. Sheriff Javier Salazar said the office received several donations from restaurants and organizations to teach campus police two programs offered by The I Love U Guys Foundation. The nonprofit was created after a gunman fatally shot Emily Keyes after entering Platte Canyon High School in Bailey, Colorado, and taking her and several other girls hostage on Sept. 27, 2006, according to its website. While she was held hostage, she texted parents, saying I love you guys. The nonprofit aims to improve security and response times at schools and other institutions. As part of that mission, it shares its Standard Response Protocol and Standard Reunification Method. Salazar said they are hoping to fill the available 100 slots with staff from area school districts, as well as private or charter schools. This is what we call train-the-trainer training, Salazar said. The folks that are here are learning how to be instructors consequently theyll be able to take it to their mother organizations. Participants can sign up for the two-day workshop at http://txr20.escworks.net/catalog/session.aspx?session_id=51713. The first session is scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m. May 2 at Wagner High School, 3000 North Foster Road. The second is being held the following day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. That session, which covers how to operate the programs and includes a simulated incident, also is being held at Wagner. BCSO Deputy Chief Aristides Jimenez said they decided to offer the course after several people reached out to the department for more ways they can secure their campuses. The protocol comprises four responses: lockout, called when there is a threat or hazard outside; lockdown, used when there is a threat or hazard inside the building; evacuate, when students and staff need to be moved; and shelter, when there is a need for personal protection. Judson ISD Police Chief Teresa Ramon said having more campuses learn the protocol will help responding agencies coordinate their efforts. Its another resource; its a tool in our bag, Ramon said. Its additional training; the more training we have the better. jbeltran@express-news.net | Twitter: @JBfromSA McALLEN The former director of the La Joya Housing Authority was ordered to federal prison for his role in a bid rigging scheme, federal prosecutors announced on Wednesday. Juan Jose Garza, 50, the ex-official who pleaded guilty to wire fraud in May 2017, will serve more than three years in prison. Armando Jimenez, 53, a Mexican national and co-conspirator, was sentenced to 18 months in prison. U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa ruled that Garza had abused his position to facilitate the wire fraud scheme, noting that the public trusts people in public office to do the right thing, and that trust was broken. Garza was the executive director of the La Joya Housing Authority from 1999 through 2016. Starting in July 2012 through March 2013, Garza and Jimenez rigged bids on construction projects in the Alamo and Donna Housing Authorities. By submitting false bids the men assured that Jimenez Construction would be the low bidder and win construction projects. Jimenez would then submit invoices for work he claimed was done by his construction company, but that was actually completed by subcontractors working for Garza. The two men were arrested in September 2016. Garza and Jimenez were allowed to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. After completing their prison sentences, Garza will serve two years of supervised release, while Jimenez is expected to face deportation. The Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General and the FBI conducted the investigation. A man was fatally shot Wednesday in the parking lot of a Northeast Side flea market, police said. According to San Antonio police, the suspect in the shooting was in the parking lot of Market Center, in the 3900 block of Eisenhauer Road, around 1:15 p.m. when a woman parked near him and became frightened. "She felt that this individual milling in the parking lot in the hoodie was going to do some harm to her," said San Antonio Police Chief William McManus. The woman notified two of her friends who were inside Market Central and they rushed outside to confront the suspect. RELATED: 8 suspects arrested during raid at downtown San Antonio apartments identified An altercation ensued and the suspect pulled out a handgun and shot one of the friends, authorities said. He fled on foot, with the victim's friend in pursuit. Police searched the area for the suspect but he has not been apprehended. Paramedics took the victim to Brooke Army Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Police said there were multiple witnesses to the shooting. "I think we have some good info," McManus said. 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 A San Antonio man being investigated for sexual assault of a child was arrested after allegedly breaking into the home of the woman who made the allegations and putting a knife to her face, according to police. Andres Wood, 22, broke into the woman's home on April 11 while she was sleeping, according to the arrest affidavit. Police said he woke her up, put a knife to her face, causing minor cuts, and asked her to stay silent until he left the home. She called police shortly after he fled, according to the affidavit. RELATED: Northwest Side business, 2 vehicles destroyed in heavy fire Wood was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of burglary of a habitation. A judge set his bail at $50,000. The woman, now 19, initially came forward to police about Wood on February 25, 2018. She said in 2013, when she was 14, Wood forced her to perform sexual acts on him and his friends, according to the affidavit. Wood would use a knife or physical force, police said. The woman came forward in 2018 because Wood began showing up to the places she frequented, she said. "She said she couldn't take the fact that (Wood) was now potentially stalking her," the affidavit read. Wood spoke to police about the allegations on two occasions, leaving the interviews before they were completed both times. Wood denied the woman's accusations during both interviews. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA AUSTIN - Democratic candidate for governor Andrew White chided President Donald Trump Tuesday for not releasing his income tax returns, but White isnt rushing to release his own tax information. Tax return? What? Today is tax day? Ill file an extension and release the return after the runoff, said White, a Houston businessman, according to his communications director, Desi Canela. White faces former Dallas county sheriff Lupe Valdez in a May 22 runoff election for the Democratic nomination for governor. Valdez also has asked for an extension, according to her campaign. And Gov. Greg Abbott makes it three he also requested an extension. Valdez said she plans to release the return along with a number from previous years, said her campaign spokesman Juan Bautista Dominguez Estevez. The timing of the release is uncertain, as is how many years worth of returns she plans to make public. Abbott the Republican whom the two are battling to face in November released income tax returns when he first ran for governor and also has pledged to release them annually while holding the office. Abbott has made public his tax returns dating back to 2010 and also posted them during his first two years as governor, in 2015 and 2016. He didnt post his return last year, but Abbott campaign spokesman John Wittman said he would release it soon. Trumps refusal to release his tax returns is contrary to common practice in modern times for those who aspire to the presidency. Whites tweet was one of a number of tax-day comments that took note of Trumps refusal to release his returns. Happy Where are Trumps tax returns? Day! AKA #TaxDay to the rest of us, it said. Canela said she wrote the tweet, doing so because its tax day and we have a president sitting in the White House who wont release his tax returns. She didnt respond when asked whether White would release his tax returns from previous years. Re: Few rules for home-schooling draws concern; Texas oversight is limited, front page, April 9: I am writing with great concern regarding this article maintaining that the few rules for home-schooling constitute a source of concern in the wake of the recent Austin bombings by Mark Anthony Conditt, who killed himself when cornered by police. As a home-school graduate who spent approximately half my time as a home-schooled student in the greater San Antonio area, I found the line of reasoning in this article to be egregiously offensive to the general character of home-schoolers in both this state and nationwide. RELATED: Editorial: Home schooling comes under spotlight in aftermath of serial bombings in Austin In cases of violence, the onus should always rest on the criminal in question. To speculate that lack of government oversight over his home-school matriculation had any tangible bearing on his criminal proclivity is not only blatantly calumnious to the well-respected and upstanding home-school community but also tone-deaf for three glaring reasons. 1. Extensive failures of government oversight were the culprit in not following up on red flags in the case of the Parkland, Florida, mass shooting. 2. Conditt more recently attended Austin Community College (2010-12), a public college. 3. While a national story, this news is Austin-centric. That San Antonio Express-News dedicated its front page, above the fold, to questioning (by implication) the moral rectitude of the home-school community at large, which is disquieting, to say the least. In the cases of points 1 and 2, there were no clarion calls against the educational background of the Parkland shooter, nor did the Express-News see fit, apparently, to take Austin Community College to task. Nor am I implying that that should have been the case. RELATED: Authorities concerned about releasing 'confession' in Austin serial bombing case As previously stated, it is best to place the blame for criminal acts squarely at the feet of the criminals unless they were expressly compelled by external forces to commit their misdeeds. That the Express-News saw fit to go out of its way to single out a so-called lack of institutional oversight for home-schoolers (of which there is a sizable population in this city) reveals a degree of bias that I am saddened was so publicly advertised. I gained so much respect for the fine profession of journalism growing up reading the San Antonio Express-News as a home-school student in the Alamo City, and Ive defended and promoted this publication wherever Ive lived over the years, both state and nationwide. This headline left me embarrassed and ashamed of my local paper. On behalf of every home-school student, family and graduate in the greater San Antonio area, I believe an effusive apology is in order from the San Antonio Express-News. Trey Felder lives in San Antonio. Barbara Bush was not a Texan, but Texas helped prepare her for public life as first lady and, later, first mother. The matriarch of a political dynasty, Bush died Tuesday after battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. She was 92. Her husband of 73 years, former president George H.W. Bush, was by her side at their Houston home. Her eldest son, former President George W. Bush, issued a moving statement about his mother, who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. RELATED: Photos: George and Barbara Bush, a 'storybook' 73-year marriage Bush was so much more than a first lady. With her white hair, fake pearls and willingness to poke fun at herself, Bushs public image was that of Americas grandmother. But behind the scenes, family members called her the enforcer, and she wielded considerable influence. A mother of six, Bush showed remarkable strength and resilience in response to tragedy and challenges. None greater than the loss of her oldest daughter, Robin, who died of leukemia in 1953 at the age of 3. I was combing her hair and holding her hand, she recalled for the Today show many years later. I saw that little body go, I saw her spirit go. The loss sent her reeling, but she and her husband ultimately created a foundation to raise money for leukemia research. In a time of intense mourning, her relationship with her son George deepened as the boy consoled and cheered his mother. She showed similar character and tenacity in supporting her son Neil, who is dyslexic. The challenges he faced reading fueled Bushs extensive work to address literacy, including the creation of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Originally from the Northeast, the Bushes found their way to Texas as George H.W. Bush pursued a career in oil and then politics. RELATED: Barbara Bush, former first lady, dies at age 92 She later told the Washington Post that moving to Texas shaped her because it gave her independence and allowed her to be herself. When you become a couple, all grown up, nobodys son or daughter, nobodys shadow, you are you, she said. For me, it was a very healthy thing. I grew up after I left the shadow of my mother. As first lady, Bush exhibited bravery and poise, calling on Americans to volunteer, and poignantly bringing attention to the HIV/AIDS crisis. In 1989, a time when there was still much misunderstanding about HIV, she visited a pediatric AIDS center and held an infant patient there, generating international headlines. In a single act of unconditional love, she shattered stigma and fear. She also attended the 1990 funeral of Ryan White, a teenager who died of AIDS contracted through a blood transfusion. Her candor and popularity endured over the years. When her son Jeb, the former governor of Florida, was considering a run for president, she pointedly dismissed the idea, acknowledging concerns about political dynasties. Weve had enough Bushes, she said. But when he ran, she gave her son her full support. Barbara Bush was a point of light for this country. She crusaded for literacy, volunteered in nursing homes, hospitals and other charitable causes, modeling the best behavior. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother and a remarkable first lady who is deeply missed. A Fresno State English professor didn't mince words in a series of tweets she posted an hour after the passing of the former first lady Barbara Bush. Randa Jarrar said Bush was smart and generous but also called her an "amazing racist" who raised a "war criminal." She did not offer examples to back up these assertions. "F--- outta here with your nice words," Jarrar added. Jarrar, whose Twitter page is now private, sparked controversy with her provocative message, and in the comments she received both praise and scorn. Many tagged Fresno State President Joseph Castro in their tweets. SEATTLE COUNCILMEMBER: Barbara Bush Twitter tribute 'terrible,' sets back fight against oppression "Many of us had no idea who @randajarrar was at first & assumed she was just another rather nasty person on Twitter," wrote one who addressed Castro. "Imagine our surprise when we found out she represents your institution. You may want to get ahead of this." Fresno State later issued a statement from Castro that extended condolences to the Bush family on the loss of the former first lady. "We share the deep concerns expressed by others over the personal comments made today by professor Randa Jarrar, a professor in the English Department at Fresno State, Castro wrote. "Her statements were made as a private citizen, not as a representative at Fresno State." More for you Barbara Bush, former first lady, dead at age 92 In a followup tweet, Jarrar wrote, "If you'd like to know what it's like to be an Arab American Muslim American woman with some clout online expressing an opinion, look at the racists going crazy in my mentions right now." The professor also shared that she's tenured and makes $100,000 and "will never be fired." Jarrar's bio page on the Fresno State site also reveals that she grew up in Kuwait and Egypt before moving to the U.S. after the Gulf War. She has written several books; her first, "A Map of Home," was published in seven languages and won a Hopwood Award and an Arab-American Book Award. Family members are recalling Bush as a warm matriarch who promoted literacy programs. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and other world leaders have reached out to the Bush family to express condolences following the former First Lady's death Tuesday. The Fresno Bee reports that by 10:21 p.m., Jarrar's Twitter account was private and negative reviews of her book had started to pop up on Amazon. Jarrar didn't respond to a request for comment before this article was published. SAN ANTONIO A peanut factory rich in history officially became the hub of numerous high-end downtown lofts and apartments Tuesday during a ribbon cutting and tour. The original Peanut Factory, located at 939 S. Frio St., was built in 1912 and has been converted into 25 loft-style apartment units that will make up the four silos and the connecting tower. Mayor Ivy Taylor attended the ribbon cutting, along with City Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales, Comissioner Paul Elizondo and City Manager Sheryl Sculley. "The opening of the Peanut Factory Lofts is very significant for downtown's continued growth and development," Taylor said in a news release. "Its proximity to UTSA's downtown campus makes it a very attractive and unique residential option for students, families and young professionals alike." The remaining units are a combination of studio and one- to three-bedroom apartments with attached garages. There will also be traditional flats available for rent on the 130,000-square-foot site, totaling 102 residential units, according to a news release. The rent rates for these units will lean toward high-end, ranging from roughly $1,000 to as much as $5,000 a month, according to the complexs website. RELATED: The 9 most expensive streets to live on in San Antonio Paige Shinn, marketing director for 210 Developers, said the complexs penthouse is "incredible." The 3,047-square-foot unit has three bedrooms, a game room, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a panoramic view of the city. Itll cost you about $4,794 a month, so its open to big spenders, Shinn said. What makes the Peanut Factory Lofts so unique is the vibrant tower with four silos that are being retrofitted and renovated into apartment units. Shinn said those circular units in the silos will be appealing to some prospective renters due to their structure. Those silos will be toured during the Lofts ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday. There wont be any sharp edges to the walls, so everything will be round. Its very unique, she said. RELATED: Most expensive San Antonio area neighborhoods The basement of the tower will have a fitness center, one of several amenities for the entire complex. Others include a dog park, fire pit, door-to-door trash pick-up and more. There will be an on-site food truck park, and there is roughly 3,000 square feet of retail space available for shops near the leasing office. Holly Thoman, a 210 associate, said this is an exciting venture because its the first major development on the westside in 20 years. Click through the slideshow above to see photos of this historic, revamped property. The complex is currently taking applicants for renting some of the completed units, but work is still ongoing. The lofts in the silos will not be finished until later this year at the earliest, Shinn said. twhite@mysa.com Twitter: @tylerlwhite ZANU PF spokesperson Simon Khaya-Moyo has cleared the air over President Emmerson Mnangagwas strange failure to hit the campaign trail when the country is four months away from elections. The new President is keen to secure a popular mandate to govern the country after he muscled his way through a military assisted ouster of then President Robert Mugabe November last year. But his recent actions have signaled the opposite. Mnangagwa is conspicuous by his absence on the campaign arena, a time his main challenger Nelson Chamisa and allies have almost covered every piece of ground in the country in their bid to seek popular support ahead of the elections. Coupled with that, he has also withdrawn his wife Auxillia from being party MP for Chirumhanzu-Zibangwe ostensibly to allow her to concentrate on some philanthropic work in the stead of first lady. The amount of confidence Mnangagwa has displayed ahead of polls that many expect him to lose because of his links with Mugabes disastrous rule has ignited rigging fears among Zanu PF opponents as was witnessed in the 2013 elections when Mugabe went on to post a thumping victory against his challengers when he was hardly on the ground campaigning. Exiled former Higher and Tertiary Education Minister Jonathan Moyo is among those puzzled by his former ally turned bitter enemys failure to campaign. Moyo suggested on twitter Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwengas reluctance to hit the campaign trail could be that they have a rigging plan, the army will do another coup or theyve given up amid intelligence reports they did not stand a chance to win. But Simon Khaya Moyo told New Zimbabwe on Monday that all criticism against Mnangagwas apparent failure to campaign was misplaced as the Zanu PF campaign season will only be triggered by the launch of a party manifesto. Campaigns begin when we launch our manifesto. None of us are campaigning. We do not start campaigning before the launch of the manifesto. That is what the position is, Moyo said. SK Moyo refused to comment on the puzzling 2013 experience in which Mugabe hardly campaigned but was a run-away victor in the elections. I cannot talk about 2013. We are talking about 2018, Moyo retorted. Zimbabwe heads for her first post Mugabe elections and for the first time, the veteran politician and his nemesis, the late Morgan Tsvangirai of MDC-T will not be on the ballot paper. NewZimbabwe Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News - Suspected Fulani herdsmen have reportedly killed five mobile policemen in Benue state - The police spokesman Moses Yamu who confirmed the incident said the officers were killed by the people he described as insurgents - Anande also confirmed that two trucks were set ablaze by the suspected Fulani militia Suspected Fulani herdsmen on Sunday, April 15, reportedly launched attacks and killed five mobile policemen in Anyone, Ayilamo, Tombo ward ,Logo local government area in Benue state after setting two patrol vehicles ablaze in the state. The Nation reports that the police spokesman Moses Yamu issued a press statement and said only four (4) Mobile Policemen were killed by people he described as insurgents. According to an eyewitness in Ayilamo, Tersoo Anande, the Mobile police man was attacked and killed along Ayilamo- Anyone road on Sunday evening at about 6 pm. READ ALSO: Police arrest 39-year-old fake doctor in Lagos Anande stated that another team of Mobile policemen in two trucks Mobilized and went in pursuit of the attackers but ran into an ambushed and four were killed while several other policemen missing . This is the third security vehicle to be set ablaze by Fulani militia since on new year even when they launched attacks on Tiv farmers. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app It was learnt that settlements in Tombo ward ,Logo local government area are mostly affected by the attacked because of their proximity to the Bank of River Benue which boarders Nassarawa state. Big settlement like Tse- Dzungwe, Ibor, Anyibe, Azege, and entire Mbazaar community have been deserted as the farmers are now taking refuge in Ayilamo ,while the herdsmen takeover their land and graze on their crops and farmland. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that the an alleged attack by suspected herdsmen in Obodogba community, in Okpanam, Oshimili north local council of Delta state has left six persons dead. The farm-crops worth millions of naira were destroyed by the herdsmens cows following the attack, which occurred on Thursday, October 5. The fracas reportedly occurred when some residents of Obodogba community noticed that herdsmen had invaded their farmlands to graze cattle. Southern Kaduna killings: part 1 on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, is currently in Washington, United States - Saraki is billed to attend this year's Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund - He will also participate in the African Finance Forum organised by the Corporate Council on Africa Senate president, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on Monday night, April 16, left for Washington, United States, to attend this year's spring meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). He will also participate in the African Finance Forum organised by the Corporate Council on Africa, a statement sent to Legit.ng by his special adviser, media and publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said. The forum is expected to bring together more than 100 project developers, financiers and African government representatives to address how the fintech industry is transforming the financial sector and financing on the African continent. Saraki is also expected to participate in the African Finance Forum organized by the Corporate Council on Africa. Photo credit: SP media office READ ALSO: Saraki offsets N49.4m salary arrears of 220 Kwara traditional chiefs The Senate president was accompanied by chairman of Senate committee on banking, insurance and other financial institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, and his counterpart in the committee on judiciary, human rights and legal matters, Senator David Umaru. Meanwhile, Saraki, has reiterated his support for local government autonomy in the country. Saraki, according to a statement sent to Legit.ng by his chief press secretary, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, stated this during a visit by senior officials of NULGE, led by its national president, Comrade Ibrahim Khalil. He said that the Senate and the National Assembly appreciates the importance of autonomous governance at the third tier of government and will continue to work towards its realization. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app 2019: Ahmed Buhari tells Nigerians he is the best option for president. Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - The Nigerian Army has declared five suspects wanted in Taraba state - The army says the suspects are wanted for their alleged roles in the killings in some parts of the state - The general public was advised to always give useful and timely information to the security agencies for prompt action In line with the on going military exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Taraba state, five suspects have been declared wanted in Taraba state. According to a statement sent to Legit.ng by the director army public relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, the suspects were declared wanted for their alleged roles in the killings in Takum local government area in particular and Taraba state in general. Those declared wanted are: 1. Tanko Adiku Dantayi, 2. Kurusi Danladi, 3. Chindo 4. Big Olumba 5. One known as Chairman Poko Photo of one of the suspects declared wanted by the army. Photo credit: Nigerian Army READ ALSO: Call to self defense: We are fully behind TY Danjuma - Governor Ishaku The general public is advised to always give useful and timely information to the security agencies for prompt action, the statement concluded. Meanwhile, the chairman of Takum local government area, Shiban Tikari, has faulted a statement by the army that two suspects, Danjuma America and Danasabe Gasama who were arrested in Takum were perpetrators of crises in the Takum and Ussa council areas of the state. Tikari who accused the military of harassing people in troubled areas, said instead of going after their attackers, troops had been withdrawn from various checkpoints in the local government. We have told them the routes the attackers are using to attack us, but rather than go to these areas and arrest the armed Fulani militia attacking us, they have been busy harassing our people. As we speak, the Commanding Officer of the 93 Battalion Takum, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Gambari, has withdrawn all soldiers at various checkpoints in Takum LGA, he told journalists. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app TY Danjuma, Nigerian army and the herdsmen crisis | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - The race for the 2019 presidential election is in top gear - Some PDP elders from the north seem to have made their stance known ahead of the elections - The elders are of the opinion that with a heavyweight like Kabiru Turaki, the PDP can defeat the APC in the 2019 presidential election Northwest elders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has stated that former minister of special duties and inter-governmental affairs, Kabiru Turaki, SAN, will make a good choice for the party ahead of the 2019 presidential election. This was made known in Kano during a lunch organised by the Kano state PDP excos in honour of Turaki. Legit.ng gathered that the lunch was attended by PDP northeast party chairmen and other party big wigs like a former member of the National Assembly, Honourable Farouq Lawan and Dr. Akilu Sani Indabawa, who is one of the PDP gubernatorial aspirants in Kano. Turaki was described as a good choice for PDP and Nigeria by the northwest PDP elders. Photo credit: KTT campaign team READ ALSO: Buhari 2019: We are not fazed by presidents declaration - Atiku Group According to the party leaders, with a heavyweight like Turaki, who is also a former supervising minister of labour, the PDP can defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 presidential election. The Kano state exco of the party, speaking through its chairman, Senator Mas'ud El-Jibril Doguwa, stated that they are ready to offer their support to Turaki and urged the PDP presidential aspirants to unite themselves in order to avoid internal democracy crisis. He described the former minister as a trusted friend and brother who have always shown qualities of commitment to the Nigerian project. According to the chairman, Turaki can count on the support of the people of Kano with whom he had spent almost 30 years working as lawyer. The 44 local government chairmen of the state were also present and declared their support for Kabiru Turaki, who is also simply referred to by his supporters as KTT. The Northwest leaders described Kabiru Turaki as a good choice for PDP and Nigeria. Photo credit: KTT media team In his response, the former minister who is also a member of the PDP Board of Trustees and a key figure in the fight against Boko Haram in the last administration, said he was yet to officially speak about his presidential ambition, but was overwhelmed by the show of support in Kano and will yield to their call. READ ALSO: 2019: Youth movement declares support for President Buharis re-election bid His words: I am speaking here in Kano for the first time about my ambition because of what this state means to me. Kano is so important to me and my career and I am using this opportunity to seek your support and advise for my aspiration. He further stated that Nigeria is not moving right under APC and that Nigerians are disappointed and promised to give his best if given the opportunity to lift Nigeria to a greater height. APC is not home to Nigerians because so many parties with different ideologies were merged, and this made it impossible for any change to happen. The coalition has unfortunately brought nothing but hardship to the citizens. PDP stands and remains a stable party since 1999, which shows evidence of quality and good leadership. The contributions of the PDP to Nigeria and Nigerians can never be wished away and will ensure our re-election, he added. The entire crowd at the event pledged their support for Kabiru Turaki. He was generally described as one of the leaders in the party who is not known for political animosity and infighting, but was rather commended for his contributions to the party and Nigeria. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, the national financial secretary of the PDP, Abdullahi MaiBasira has expressed optimism that his party will have a successful outing in the 2019 general elections. He stated this during an interactive session with select journalists in his office in Abuja. The immediate past national youth leader of the party, used the opportunity to advise whoever emerges the PDP's presidential candidate in 2019 to hit the ground running immediately. PDP's Magnificent 7 for 2019 on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng Barbara, the wife of former president, George H Bush, and mother of George Washington Bush, died at the age of 92 on Tuesday, April 17. Her husband was by her side when she passed on as confirmed by the bereaved family members. Time reports that the former first lady and her husband have the history of the longest-lasting marriage in presidential history put at 73 years. Bushs chief of staff, Jean Becker, released a confirmation statement: He held her hand all day today and was at her side. READ ALSO: Attack on Al-Makuras convoy politically motivated - CP George W. Bush also said in a statement: Barbara Bush was a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Her son Jeb Bush said his mother Barbara was a force of nature. Im exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days. Time reports that Barbara once dropped out of college to follow her childhood sweetheart, who later became her husband. She followed him as he went from the House of Representatives to the United Nations, the Central Intelligence Agency, the office of vice president and, finally, the White House. Her son, George Washington Bush became the 43rd president of the United States, while another son, Jeb Bush, was governor of Florida. It was learnt that Barbara had six children and 14 grandchildren. Legit.ng earlier reported that a lone gunman opened fire in a First Baptist Church in Texas and killed at least 27 people. According to CNN, the gunman started shooting as the service was underway. The gunman was later shot dead after a brief chase. Martin Luther King Award Scandal: Buhari recognized for leadership? |Legit.ng Source: Legit Ayala Land expansion. Property developer Ayala Land Inc. announces the acquisition of a property in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a part of its regional expansion. At the annual stockholders meeting in Fairmont Hotel in Makati City are (from left) Ayala Land chairman Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and chief executive Bernard Vincent Dy and vice chairman Jaime Zobel de Ayala. Lino Santos Property developer Ayala Land Inc. said a unit is acquiring a 9.25-acre (3.75 hectares) property in Klang Valley area in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia worth P2 billion as part of its expansion. ALI president Bernard Vincent Dy said in a news briefing following the annual stockholders meeting unit MCT Berhad was making its first land acquisition after the conglomerate increased its stake in the Malaysian firm to over 66 percent in February. Now that we are majority owner, we now have a vehicle to continue to expand in the area. The board recently approved the acquisition of 9.25-acre land in Klang Valley which will be our first land acquisition in Malaysia since we participated in MCT Berhad, Dy said. Dy said MCT Berhad would focus developing mixed-use estates with residential developments focused on attracting middle-income earners in Malaysia. Meanwhile, a top executive said ALI was set to raise P10 billion from the issuance of 10-year bonds. ALI chief finance officer Augusto Bengzon said the offer period for the 10-year bond offering started April 16 and would end April 20.Bengzon said the bond offering was so far 1.5-times oversubscribed with state pension funds Social Security System and Government Service Insurance System subscribing to P1.6 billion worth of ALI bonds.The P10-billion bonds carry a coupon rate of 5.92 percent, with an option to re-price the rate at the end of the fifth year. Proceeds from the fund raising activity will be used to partially finance the P111-billion programmed capital expenditures for the year. The bonds will be listed with the Philippine Dealing & Exchange Corp. on April 27. ALI plans to open four malls with 300,000 square meters of gross leasable area this year, three office buildings with a total 77,00 sqm GLA and three new hotelsSeda Bacolod, Seda Bonifacio Global City and Seda Liothat will add 620 rooms to the companys hotel portfolio. Dy said the company remained on track with its target to hit P40 billion in net income by 2020. Given the continued economic growth in the country of between 6 percent and 7 percent GDP, we feel very positive we will be able to continue to introduce new projects in the market that would bring us closer to achieve our target of P40 billion net income by 2020, Dy said. - Old politicians in Imo state have been retired according to Imo state governor, Rochas Okorocha - He named the politicians as Chiefs Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Arthur Nzeribe, Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim - The governor said his anointed successor has the mandate of the people Rochas Okorocha, Imo state governor says he has retired politicians like Chiefs Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Arthur Nzeribe, Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim for the young ones to take over. Okorocha said this when the people of Ideato north came to pay him a solidarity visit. He noted that he came to run for the governorship when no one believed that one could do that; especially from the opposition party, Daily trust reports. READ ALSO: APC might be imperfect but we are far from PDP - Tinubu I have few months to go, but still, I have declared road revolution. The usual feeling is for outgoing governors to pack money and leave at the end of their tenure; but I will not pack money, I will continue to work till 11.30am of May 29, 2019, he said. On his anointed successor, Okorocha said: Uche Nwosu has the mandate of the people and broad-based support. So, he will win the governorship election and I will win the senate election. Meanwhile, Legit.ng had reported that Governor Rochas Okorocha said that he will succeed President Muhammadu Buhari when the position of the presidency is zoned to the southeast. Okorocha said this on Monday, April 16, when he hosted some political stakeholders at the state government house in Owerri. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The Imo state governor expressed optimism that like 2015, President Buhari will win the election in 2019. He said: Buhari will win again and again. After Buhari, the turn will come to southeast and it will be the turn of Okorocha, he said. What is cooking in Imo state? - On Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - A cleric advised Nigerians to exercise their voting right in the forthcoming 2019 general elections - He said religion should not stop people from exercising their voting rights Pastor Kehinde Thomas of Trinity Church, Tanke, Ilorin has called on Nigerians, irrespective of religious creed to go all out and vote in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. Kehinde, who made the call on Wednesday, April 18, in Ilorin during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said religion should not stop people from exercising their voting rights. He said most people were too religious that they denied themselves of what belonged to them through their non-challant attitude to politics due to some religious beliefs. READ ALSO: Breaking: Years after her husband and son ruled America, ex-first lady Barbara Bush dies at 92 (see statement) Voting for candidate of your choice is not a sin. God will not come down to elect leaders for you. It is your right to vote, be you Christian or Muslim. Some claim to be too religious and spiritual not to have time for voting. They will stay indoors and condemn others queuing up in the sun to vote, which is not right. Nigerias problem is everybodys problem. Dont allow religion to stop you from exercising your civil rights. Get your PVC and storm the polling units in 2019, he said. The pastor, however, called on religious leaders to encourage their members to vote to move the country forward. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! Legit.ng previously reported that Catholic bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, said it will be difficult for Nigeria to have a peaceful 2019 election. He said it would be a miracle if the country pulls through the elections successfully. The respected clergy said this in an interview published in the April edition of The Africa Report magazine. His words: It will be one of the greatest miracles if we pull through the election successfully. I do not see how we are going to conduct these elections if nothing urgent is done to increase a sense of national cohesion. The next President of Nigeria. Who will win the 2019 elections? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit The Imo state House of Assembly, on Tuesday, April 17, said investigation is fully on into the matter, following the call to investigate the level of damages caused by herdsmen in Imo communities, Vanguard reports. Legit.ng gathered that this is coming at a time the wave of community violence was said to be prevalent, even as the state commissioner of police, Chris Ezike, claimed that "there is calm in Imo communities." According to Marcel Ekwezuo, the chief press secretary to the speaker, Imo state House of Assembly, there is a motion to that effect. READ ALSO: Suspected herdsmen reportedly sack Benue community, kill village head Ekwezuo said: In Imo state House of Assembly, there is a motion to that effect. It was after a team of responsible men and women from Okigwe LGA, protested to the Imo State House of Assembly over the attacks in their communities by herdsmen. A committee was set up that will now urge the governor to bring together both the community stakeholders and herdsmen including the Hausa community to the Government House, so that they can look into the issue. As of now, I have not been able to acertain the level of work done by the committee. But I want to tell you that the investigation is still on. I do know that the investigation of the House has processes. I want to tell you that the investigation is fully on. I want you to know that there are real cattle rearers and there are bad ones who have given them a bad name." Legit.ng previously reported that Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the governor of Kogi on Tuesday, April 17, set up a judicial commission of inquiry to look into the suspected herdsmen attacks in the Ogane-Nigwu, Ojuwo-Ajimadi and Agbenema-Ife areas of the state. PAY ATTENTION: Get the Latest Nigerian News Anywhere 24/7. Spend less on the Internet! The committee, which comprises of fourteen men, is to determine the immediate and remote causes of the crisis in the affected communities, identify individuals or group of persons responsible for the mayhem, the Punch reports. TY Danjuma, Nigerian army and the herdsmen crisis | Legit.ng TV. Source: Legit.ng A payloader truck has reportedly fallen off popular Berger bridge in Lagos state. Unconfirmed report by WazUpNaija states that the truck landed on some transit vehicles allegedly leaving six people dead and many others injured. A Twitter user, @BlessinAbundant, also tweeted about the accident: "Breaking news! A payloader machine just fell off the small Berger bridge before the long bridge. Causality unknown!" PAY ATTENTION: Read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Legit.ng previously reported that two people were confirmed dead in a building collapse in Agege local government area of Lagos state. The victims died when a building located at number 9 Abeje street, Markaz area, collapsed. The Nation reports that the building had been marked for distressed by the Lagos state government before it caved in. My life after the plane crash Nigerian plane crash survivor Kechi Okwuchi speaks to NAIJ TV Source: Legit - A high court has ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return it issued Friday Osanebi and issue same to Emeka Odegbe - Odegbe is said to be the validly nominated candidate of the PDP in the 2015 general election The deputy speaker of the Delta state House of Assembly, Friday Osanebi, has been sacked over alleged falsification of information by a high court sitting in Kwale, Ndokwa West local government area of the state. Vanguard reports that the court has ordered the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the certificate of return it issued Friday Osanebi and issue same to Emeka Odegbe. READ ALSO: Breaking: Protesters storm Nigerian Senate, steal mace The court presided over by Justice Ofezi ruled that Odegbe is the validly nominated candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 general election. Meanwhile, the joint session of National Assembly has ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, to ensure the return of the Senate's mace within twenty-four hours. Legit.ng reported that the protesters on Wednesday, April 18, stormed the Senate chamber and stole the mace. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app The alleged thugs were supporters of a suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege. The thugs left the National Assembly with the mace in a black SUV. The mace is the symbol of authority in the parliament. A security personnel at the entrance of the National Assembly, said he was told by the protesters they were officers with the senator. Recall that before his suspension, Omo-Agege had openly opposed the red chamber's elections reordering bill and subsequently instituted a case against the Senate in court to avoid being punished for his actions. Lets talk about salaries of Nigerian senators | Legit.ng TV Source: Legit.ng - Three Nigerian students have lost their lives in Cameroon after being hit by falling trees - The victims were hit by falling trees during a rainstorm at the Bouba Njidda National Wild Life Park - They were students of the Taraba State University Three students of the Taraba State University lost their lives when they were hit by falling trees during a rainstorm at the Bouba Njidda National Wild Life Park in Cameroon. The deputy registrar, information and publication of the university, Malam Sanusi Saad, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo on Wednesday, April 18. READ ALSO: Treasury is empty despite Akpabio's N100m donation to Akwa Ibom CAN - Chairman Saad said that the incident occurred on April 16 during a devastating rainstorm at about 3:15 p.m, NAN reports. Legit.ng notes that he said that the students were 400 level students of the Biological Science department of the university on a research trip to the neighboring Cameroon. The spokesman named the dead students as Nancy Sam-Achak, Grace Thomas and Yusuf Mohammed, the president of the departments students association. He said that the head of the Biological Science department, Dr Robert Houmso, who was also in the trip and 16 other students, were injured during the incident. Saad said that all the injured people were currently receiving treatment at the Garoua Hospital in Cameroon. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the minister of foreign affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama on Wednesday, July 19, 2017, said there was no evidence of 97 Nigerians being killed by Cameroonian Gendarmes. He said the 97 deaths represented the accumulation of all the Nigerians that had been killed in previous incidents in the Bakassi area since 2008. Onyeama made the clarification before the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs headed by Rep Nnena Elendu-Ukeje. Which country would you leave Nigeria for? - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit Newspaper - Bukola Saraki has condemned the attack on the Senate by hoodlums - The Senate president said those responsible will be dealt with - He commended his colleagues for standing their ground Senate president, Bukola Saraki has reacted to the attack on the Senate by suspected hoodlums describing it as an attack on the countrys democracy. Saraki spoke from Washington where he is attending the Spring Meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund on Wednesday, April 18. READ ALSO: Hoodlums disrupt Nigerian Senate, escape with mace He commended the deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu and other members of the Red Chamber for their swift reaction in defence of democracy and the rule of law with their decision to defy those who machinated the attack on the Red Chambers. He said those responsible will be brought to justice and vowed that they will continue to defend their constitutional mandate. The Senate president also commended the leadership and members of the House of Representatives in demonstrating their solidarity with the red chamber and thereby sending a strong signal that enemies of democracy and those who want to undermine the legislature will be resisted by all parliamentarians. Saraki said: "I have just been informed that some hoodlums invaded the Senate chambers, forcefully taken away the mace and assaulted some of our Sergeant-at-arms on chamber duties. I am delighted that the Senate stood up to them by disregarding their unreasonable and shameful action and went on with the day's proceedings as slated in the Order Paper. "My commendation goes to my deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, other members of the leadership, my colleagues, the leadership and members of the House of Representatives for standing in defence of democracy, parliamentary sanctity and constitutionalism. "With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this. "I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice." Legit.ng had reported that protesters stormed the Senate chamber on Wednesday, April 18, and stole the mace. The protesters are supporters of a suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app They left the National Assembly with the mace in a black SUV. The mace is the symbol of authority of the parliament. A security personnel at the entrance of the National Assembly, said he was told by the protesters they were officers with the senator. EXCLUSIVE: Be patient with President Buhari, Femi Adesina tells Nigerians - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit Our mini-fundraiser for Water Cooler is on! As of this hour, 45 donors our goal is 275 have already invested to support Water Cooler, which provides both economic and political coverage, to help us all keep our footing in todays torrent of propaganda and sheer bullsh*t. Independent funding is key to having an independent editorial point of view. Please join us and participate via Lamberts Water Cooler Tip Jar, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, or even the US mail. To give more, click on the arrow heads to the right of the amount. Thanks to all! Since Parliamentary wrangling is over my pay grade, below is a recap of some of the new Brexit stories, along with a request to readers to unpack the latest arm-wrestle between the Government and its opponents in the House of Lords. One of the many mysteries of Brexit has been the utter inattentiveness to legal and procedural realities that cant be finessedlike how exactly is the UK going to redo, what, 40 or so years of laws when no sensible legislature would give them blanket authority (aka Henry VIII powers)? But that is what is front and center todaythe so-called Great Withdrawal Bill. How Parliament could have authorized the triggering of Article 50 without nailing down at least a big chunk of the Great Withdrawal Bill issues is beyond me. I hope readers will correct me if I have the 50,000 foot view wrong. Normally, the House of Lords defers to the Commons, so the fact that the Tories have only 245 of 787 seats. However, the Lords are threatening to attach amendments to the Great Withdrawal Bill that are consistent with a soft Brexit, like having the UK stay in the customs union. In part because the amendments in Lords all have cross-party sponsorship, odds appear to be good that many of those amendments would be approved when the bill returns to the House of Commons late next month unless Theresa May finds a way to offer enough concessions to preserve the deal she has been trying to put together. If she were to fail and the amendments stick, the ultras would be faced with the choice of blowing up the Government to preserve their version of Brexit and risking getting a Labour government or capitulating, which wouldnt be like them. In addition to stay in the customs union, Bloomberg summarizes the other amendments: Boost protections for the environment and workers rights Limit the scope of so-called Henry VIII powers that would allow ministers to bypass Parliament in changing laws and regulations Go beyond a successful rebel amendment in the Commons in December that secured a meaningful vote for lawmakers on Mays final Brexit deal by giving Parliament even more of a say over whether the premier should seek a new deal or leave the EU without one Protect the peace process in Northern Ireland Remove the governments fixed Brexit day of March 19, 2019 to give added flexibility Facilitate future U.K. cooperation with EU agencies Another Brexit bit of news was the release of a study by economics professor Jonathan Portes and an accompanying survey by Populus, which found that despite hard core Brexiter cheerleading, most Leave voters arent willing to make big sacrifices for Brexit. And while the staunch Brexiters will no doubt try to depict Portes analysis as Remoaner scare-mongering, the onus is on them to come up with better figures. Notice how negative the reactions to this data are. From the Guardian: A poll of 2,000 people for Global Future found they overwhelmingly thought all four possible deals bespoke, remaining in the European Economic Area, a free trade agreement and crashing out onto World Trade Organization terms were bad. It also found that 72% of those who voted leave thought that 615m a week would be too high a price to pay for the bespoke deal; while 78% felt it was worse than they had hoped for when casting their vote in the EU referendum. When forced to choose between the four scenarios described, more than half of all those polled 51% opted for the Norway-style deal, which has the least impact on public finances and trade, as well as the fewest additional controls of immigration. Leave voters also narrowly preferred this option 37% compared with 36% who backed a bespoke deal. Finally, the EU is preparing emergency legislation to help it cope with a crash-out Brexit. It seems puzzling that Brussels is coming to grips with this problem at a relatively late hour, but there was some grumbling on the UK side that preparing for a worst case scenario weakened the UKs position, and the EU may have thought it was best from a negotiating perspective to enable that line of thinking. The EU putting damage control measures in place ought to serve as a wake up call to the UK, but that assumes there is anyone there alert enough to be paying attention. From the Financial Times: Brussels is issuing dozens of legal proposals on Brexit over the next 10 weeks, in a flurry of lawmaking to prepare the EU for an sharp break from the UK partly by giving emergency powers to the blocs institutions. The European Commission has drafted 30-40 proposals to amend laws and give special powers to regulators so that the union can deal with a no-deal scenario, either on Brexit day in March 2019 or after a transition period The push is intended to reduce uncertainty for business by granting more powers to Brussels and other EU authorities so they are better able to cope with sudden complications EU officials say most of the amendments are legal housekeeping, which would address anomalies that arise from the exclusion of the UK. However, the proposals would also give the commission and other EU regulators specific emergency powers, for a limited period, to handle the fallout from an abrupt UK exit. Finally, the Irish government and the EU have felt it necessary to prod the UK on the Irish border issue, reminding the Government that there is not deal otherwise. From the Express: Mr Tusk said the European Union would walk away from its Brexit transitional and withdrawal deals with the UK an Irish agreement is reached between Westminster and Brussels. Addressing MEPs after a meeting of the Council, its President made clear to the UK that the EU will not allow any compromise on the issue. Mr Tusk said: The UKs decision on Brexit has caused the problem and the UK will have to help solve it. Without a solution, there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition. Of course, the UK press is not the sort of place where you are likely to read that the Irish border question was supposed to be sorted out last December, and EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier allowed May to get away with a short-term finesse that the so-called Joint Agreement made clear had to be resolved. Time on this front, like so many others, is running out. Our mini-fundraiser for Water Cooler is on! As of this hour, 44 donors our goal is 275 have already invested to support Water Cooler, which provides both economic and political coverage, to help us all keep our footing in todays torrent of propaganda and sheer bullsh*t. Independent funding is key to having an independent editorial point of view. Please join us and participate via Lamberts Water Cooler Tip Jar, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, or even the US mail. To give more, click on the arrow heads to the right of the amount. Thanks to all! Some readers asked whether Margaret Brown was making progress against the concerted campaign by CalPERS Board President Priya Mathur , aided and abetted by CalPERS staff under the supervision of CEO Marcie Frost, to undermine Browns performance of her duties of office. Since Brown is a fiduciary, this also means the Board President and CEO are putting their personal prerogatives ahead of performance of fiduciary duties. And this behavior is persisting despite Brown objecting to it on March 19, as you can see at the end of this post, and Los Angeles Times reporter Mike Hiltzik depicting it as childish and a too-convenient distraction from what the board should be concerned about in a story yesterday. Brown was still locked out of her office yesterday, even though it was board meeting week. Under the terms of her procedurally improper punishment she was still supposed to have access to her office then. Moreover, Brown is not being given anything remotely resembling a reasonable opportunity to review transcripts of past closed sessions, meaning the portion of board meetings that are held in private. As we wrote earlier this week: Brown requested access to a full year of closed session transcripts, since she realized after her first set of closed session board meetings in February that there was a great deal of history behind many of the issues under discussion. She needed to have the backstory to be adequately informed and make good decisions. Brown has been given the runaround for months by the staff and the board. Board President Priya Mathur insisted shed understand the transcripts better if she was briefed first by Chief Investment Officer Ted Eliopoulos about CalPERS vaunted research into private equity business models. Not only did she never get that talk, when she finally meet with CEO Frost and John Cole of the Investment Office, they admitted there was no information or documents to review. Brown has also been subjected to limits on access to records.Brown has been allowed to read only very limited printouts of closed session transcripts, and then only in the office of the head of Board Services unit head Karen Perkins, as if Perkins were a prison guard ward. Perkins has offered Brown very few time slots, and ruled out an entire week, even though Brown is regularly in Sacramento. As a result, Brown has only had one reading session in which staff cherry picked what she saw. That amounted to only about 50 pages of transcripts, with some pages partially redacted. Moreover, Karen Perkins failed to provide slides and reports that were an integral part of the discussion that Brown reads, despite repeated requests by Brown. Despite Browns attorney James Moody sending Mathur a stern letter telling her to provide immediate access to all the closed session transcripts she asked for, either by burning them onto a disk or e-mailing them, CalPERS is still harassing Brown: From: Perkins, Karen Date: April 16, 2018 at 12:22:32 PM PDT To: Brown, Margaret Cc: Mathur, Priya Subject: Re: 2017 Investment Committee and Board of Admin closed session transcripts Hi, Margaret I understand the transcripts you requested have been downloaded to the desktop of the computer in your Chambers office. They are in a folder named Board and are organized by committee. Per Priyas direction, I have requested for you to have badge access to Chambers on Thursday, April 19. Please let me know if you have any questions or need anything else. Thank you, -KP So this is another flavor of prison guard behavior. Brown still can only read the documents on CalPERS premises at times of Karen Perkins choosing, when the staff is supposed to work for the board, and not vice versa. Moreover, since Browns badge is not working, the promised Thursday time could prove to be another exercise in jerking Brown around, by having her show up and either not be able to get into her office, or be put through hoops to do so. That is the epitome of the sort of petty abusive behavior that Hiltzik called out as evidence of what a laughingstock the CalPERS board had become. Needless to say, Brown should not be subjected to any time and space constraints on when she reviews the transcripts. Not only are they likely to amount to more than what she can read in a day, she is likely to need to trace the history of certain issues across meetings, using keyword searches, so as to put the sequence of discussion properly. And to add insult to injury, even on the mere 50 pages or so that Brown has read to date, shes asked for documents that were presented in the same closed session and referenced in the transcript, such as slideshows and reports. In yet another show of intransigence, Perkins has refused to provide them even though Brown has made multiple requests. If CalPERS wants to tell the world it is corrupt to the core, this is precisely the way to do it. Our mini-fundraiser for Water Cooler is on! As of this hour, 47 donors our goal is 275 have already invested to support Water Cooler, which provides both economic and political coverage, to help us all keep our footing in todays torrent of propaganda and sheer bullsh*t. Independent funding is key to having an independent editorial point of view. Please join us and participate via Lamberts Water Cooler Tip Jar, which shows how to give via check, credit card, debit card, PayPal, or even the US mail. To give more, click on the arrow heads to the right of the amount. Thanks to all! Yves here. Ive never had so many animal stories in a single daywonder what this portends (along with the epic Daily Mail story toward the end of Links) A Pet Raccoon Got High as Hell and Firefighters Had No Idea What to Do Vice Baboons cleverly plot escape from Texas research facility BoingBoing (David L). What a terrible enclosure. Nothing green in it at all. Cant they have some shrubs or potted trees? Court Refuses to Toss Lawsuit Between Monkey and Photographer PetaPixel (David L) Hundreds of Huge Sharks Are Gathering in Mysterious Swarms, And Nobody Knows Why Science Alert (David L) Ghost net found off Cayman Cayman Compass :-( EXCLUSIVE The Queen is left heartbroken by the death of her last corgi: Devoted companion Willow, who appeared in James Bond Olympics sketch, dies at the age of 14 Daily Mail Russia going kitty crazy amid falling ruble RT (Kevin W) Diamonds in Sudan meteorite are remnants of lost planet Guardian (Kevin W) Computer Model Offers New Insights Into Yellowstones Dreaded Supervolcano Gizmodo (David L) San Franciscos Big Seismic Gamble New York Times (David L) Airlines back creation of global drone registry: IATA Reuters New Yorks attorney general is investigating bitcoin exchanges The Verge Artificial intelligence is writing fairy tales now, and humanity is doomed Entertainment (David L) More than 95% of worlds population breathing unhealthy air, says new report CNN North Korea India German recession signal soars to danger level as global woes mount Telegraph (David L) versus Lies, damn lies, and charticles FT Alphaville Government defends truly shocking decision to destroy Windrush landing cards Evening Standard. Kevin W: Between 1948 to 1971, thousands of emigrants from Caribbean countries arrived in the UK and are called the Windrush generation named after a passenger ship back then. The children of this generation are now finding that their right to stay in the UK is in doubt, though they arrived with their parent. Some have been imprisoned as illegal aliens, others denied access to the NHS, etc. The landing card would have established their identity but they were destroyed back in 2010 by the Home Office. The person running that back then? Theresa May so this is a growing mess of her own making. Brexit State warns explicitly of need for Brexit talks progress on Border Irish Times. An exceptionally dull title for an important story. New Cold War Syraqistan Imperial Collapse Watch Big Brother is Watching You Watch Facebook admits tracking users and non-users off-site Guardian Trade Traitors Trump Transition Former FCC Broadband Panel Chair Arrested for Fraud DSL Reports Senator Sanders introducing bill targeting opioid manufacturers Reuters (furzy) Unaffiliated Primary Voters Sanders Institute (UserFriendly) Power to the party: Why political reforms can be bad for democracy Yahoo. Webstir: I just dont even know where to begin Gunz Black Injustice Tipping Point Diante Yarber: Police kill black father with barrage of bullets in Walmart parking lot Guardian From Probable Cause to Reasonable Suspicion: The Subversion of the Fourth Amendment Truthout. Important. Starbucks Is Closing Thousands of Stores for Racial Bias Training. Heres How Much Money It Could Lose Time. This is at least an attempt at a response adequate to the scale of the problem. But does anyone believe a half day of training will make a difference? One of the things Malcolm Gladwell found in Blink when he looked at abusive police conduct (IIRC in Los Angeles), it was a power law distribution. A very few cops were responsible for virtually all the incidents. That meant the answer was not training but getting those cops off the street and probably out of the police force entirely. But Starbucks cant afford more incidents like that, nor is there a credible way to test for bigotry ex ante. The Big Tax Lie: Corporations Should Stop Complaining About Taxes They Rarely Paid American Prospect KY Retirement Systems ignored advisers warning to avoid risky hedge funds, suit says Lexington Herald Leader (Chris Tobe) Californias largest pension fund sends next years invoice to state government: $6.3 billion Los Angeles Times (jpr) The Federal Reserve is Not a Private Bank A Response to Counterpunch Real Progressive. I regularly have to rebut the nonsense that the Fed is private. Glad someone took this on. The bit about the stock is even worse than what the author depicts. The member holdings in the Fed are non-voting preferred stock. They confer no managerial or control rights whatsoever. Supreme Court Divided on Sales Taxes for Online Purchases New York Times (Kevin W) Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Robert H): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. DESPITE the lack of direct flights, France on Wednesday, through its embassy in Manila, welcomed the increasing number of Filipino tourists who visited the country last year. The French Embassy reported that 88-million visitorsof the number 90,000 were Filipino tourists or 20 percentvisited France in 2017. The increase, the embassy said, was due to Frances hosting of 50,000 religious sites and 10,000 of which were protected as historic buildings. This kind of promotion on pilgrimages seeks to plant fruitful seeds into the market and maintain Frances position as the European destination for Filipino travelers, French Ambassador to the Philippines Nicolas Galey said. To enhance further the tourism industry, the Lourdes Tourism Board, the Lisieux Tourism Board, the Alencon Tourism Board, and French hotel chain SEH United Hoteliers will return to the Philippines to touch base with the local media and the travel sector specializing in Christian pilgrimages. The embassy, Atout France, and Frances Development Tourism Agency will then lead the delegation of French tourism professionals in Metro Manila and Cebu City from April 23 to 26 this year. The embassy said this mission reflected the importance of the tourism industry in France.France offers a wide variety of touristic experiences. It is this diversity that has made France the top tourist destination in the world, with 88-million visitors last year. This presents high stakes for our economy because the tourism sector represents 8 percent of Frances GDP and has created over two-million direct or indirect jobs, Galey said. He added that Asian travelers now played a significant role in the French tourism industry. And indeed, Filipino visitors will have a huge influence on Asian arrivals to France in the next decade, he added. In an effort to increase the number of Filipino tourists in France, the French Embassy in Manila implemented the delivery of visas in 48 hours less than a year ago. Galey explained this roadshow was part of an ambitious action plan for the Filipino market. In the past six months, we have organized three familiarization trips to France for about 40 Filipino travel agents to have a meaningful experience of French destinations. The goal for these agents was of course to earn enough knowledge to create innovative packages and so, quench the wanderlust of Filipino travelers craving for unique experiences, he said. A nine year old Tipperary boy was one of just 15 finalists in a national art competition. Yesterday, Tuesday April 17th, the winners of the Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards 2018 were unveiled in The Science Gallery, Dublin. Competition was as strong as ever and this years theme Put Us In The Picture inspired creative entries from hundreds of primary schools across the country. Benjamin Franklin (age 9) from Shronell National School Lattin in Co. Tipperary was delighted to be at the awards ceremony where he was honoured as one of the 15 finalists of this years competition. 12 year old Patricia Poprawa from Glenswilly National School, Letterkenny, Co. Donegal was announced the overall winner for her inspiring and thought-provoking creation Draw me inI'm waiting. Second place went to Ella Taylor (age 8) from Scoil Mhuire na nGael, Dundalk, Co. Louth with her colourful painting Climate Controller Station Bringing Fairness to all Nations and Tobiasz Rogolski (age 12) from Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigtwohill, Co. Cork was awarded third place for his creative artwork named The Horizan 'Horeyesan. The winners were thrilled to be presented with their awards by Sightsavers CEO Charlie Lamson. The judges tasked with the difficult job of choosing this years winners were disability campaigner and little person Sinead Burke (aka Minnie Melange), Laureate na nOg and illustrator PJ Lynch, and artist and director of Arts and Disability Ireland Padraig Naughton. They were astounded by the calibre of entries received and especially noted the creativity, colour and effort that went into each and every painting. Sinead Burke commented: In the year that Ireland will ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities, it was inspiring to see the appetite that children, teachers and communities have in exploring the nuanced conversation surrounding disability. I was incredibly impressed by the children's pairing of artistry and intellect as they approached complex topics including identity, the social model of disability, allyship and othering. However, I was most moved and inspired by how their work was rooted in empathy and that even the youngest of entries were focused on constructive solutions to how we can make the world a fairer and equal place for all. The annual Junior Painter Awards competition was devised by Sightsavers to inspire Irish children to express their artistic talent through painting, whilst developing an appreciation of the importance and value of their sight and the additional challenges facing those living with visual impairment in developing countries. Speaking about the competition, Olivia Lally, Sightsavers Junior Painter Awards Coordinator said: This year we saw so many inspiring and creative entries. It was clear that all of the children carefully considered the theme Put Us In The Pictureand put a lot of thought and effort into their paintings. I would like to congratulate all who entered and also thank the many teachers and parents who offered their support. Working with primary schools across the country involves students and teachers in the invaluable work Sightsavers carries out helping to prevent avoidable blindness and working for equality of opportunity for those living with a disability. The winning top three schools receive a cash prize for their schools, sponsored by The Book Centre and Barker and Jones bookshop, and memberships and toolboxes full of arts and craft materials from ReCreate Ireland. The 22 finalist and highly commended paintings will be exhibited in the DLR LexIcon (Dun Laoghaire LexIcon Library) throughout the Summer. The paintings will also be displayed in Powerscourt Town Centre, Dublin 2 for the month of August. Clonmel pet owners are being urged to educate themselves about the steps they can take to protect their dogs, cats and homes from a new and unwelcome infestation of fleas. A local pet store is offering free advice to pet owners. The risk of flea infestation exists every Spring but the problem is set to be bigger than other years this April and May as the pests thrive in rising temperatures after the snow and long winter weather. One female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day and the fact that each one can develop into fully grown fleas within two to four weeks, with the capability of reproducing daily, presents a real threat to both pet health and hygiene in the home. More Pets: How to keep your pets safe in the car The key to prevention is knowing how to recognise the tell-tale signs that your pet has fleas and knowing what action to take to protect your pet, yourself and your home, especially as fleas can affect dogs, cats and humans, said Emma Fanning, Education Officer at Maxi Zoo Ireland. The Maxi Zoo pet store at Poppyfields Retail Park in Clonmel has organised two free Take Care Advisory Days for pet owners who want to learn more about the matter. The events, which will be hosted by the stores pet experts, take place during store opening hours on Friday and Saturday, April 20 and 21. Pet owners should get into the habit of examining and grooming their pets coat each day, especially after it has been outdoors. Running a flea comb through their fur will help to find any black specks. If the specks become red when moistened with a white cloth then you have an infestation on your hands, said Emma. The typical symptoms of a flea infestation that local dog and cat owners should also look out for include intensive licking, intensive scratching, restless behaviour and skin changes including hair loss and damage to their pets fur. Anti-flea combs, collars, shampoos and sprays can help to get rid of fleas. Maxi Zoos pet experts are available during the two Take Care Advisory Days to help store visitors find the right product from their extensive range of hygiene and care product for pets, with exclusive offers each day. The key to treating your pet and your home is to take account of everywhere your pet has been. This includes its own bed, your bed and your sofa, if your pet is allowed to jump on it or share it with you, said Emma. Fleas continue to live in carpets, cracks and crevices so it is important to take action to eradicate them in the home. Wipe all surfaces with a damp cloth, vacuum often and if necessary use a spray fogger like the two-pack Johnsons 4fleas Household Spray (14.99) which also helps to kill larvae and eggs living indoors, she added. The NATO Deputy Secretary General, the Honourable Rose Gottemoeller, will travel to Copenhagen on Thursday, 19 and Friday, 20 April 2018. On 20 April, Ms. Gottemoeller will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Anders Samuelsen and the Minister of Defence and of Nordic Cooperation, Mr. Claus Hjort Frederiksen, as well as other senior officials. The Deputy Secretary General will deliver remarks at the University of Copenhagen. Ms. Gottemoeller will also take part in a seminar on Danish Foreign and Security Policy Strategy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Still and video images will be available on the NATO website after the event. (Natural News) An alleged hate crime in suburban Washington, D.C., that made national headlines apparently has turned out to be a hoax. A 13-year-old girl in Woodbridge, Va., claimed that a man confronted her on the street earlier this month, brandished a knife. He pulled off her hijab and covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from summoning help. The assailant also called her a terrorist, according to the teen, WUSA9 reported. After an investigation, detectives determined that she made up the story, the AP reported. Prince William County police said in a statementthat further investigation into the girls report revealed no altercation had occurred. Authorities charged the teen with knowingly filing a false police report. The case will be heard in juvenile court. 2 tweets, 1.5 hours apart, 1 more hate crime hoax pic.twitter.com/dJTxeuHuDj Cameron Gray (@Cameron_Gray) April 10, 2018 In another high-profile incident that received quite a bit of news media attention, an 11-year-old girl in Toronto, Ontario, claimed in January that a man accosted her on the way to school and cut her hijab with a pair of scissors. Canadian politicians from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on down condemned the incident. Toronto police investigated and subsequently determined that the encounter did not happen. Cops decided against filing any charges, however. The girls family thanked everyone for their support, said they were deeply sorry, and apologized to every Canadian, CTV News reported. They also admitted that like everyone else, they assumed the youngsters story was true. Given the way the media covers these disturbing events, it is probably understandable that many accept their validity at face value. In a summary of 2016 fake hate crimes, Natural News observed that pushing fake crime stories could constitute one of the medias most heinous transgressions. Hate crime hoaxes also have the effect of diverting police resources from investigating real hate crimes. According to Health Ranger Mike Adams, the founding editor of Natural News, there are far more hate crime hoaxes than actual hate crimes occurring in America, but the unhinged, anti-Trump fakestream media is incapable or unwilling to distinguish between the two. Along those lines, various media outlets have claimed that a surge in hate crimes has occurred since U.S. voters ushered in the Trump administration, but various publicized incidents have turned out to be fake and sometimes orchestrated by the alleged victims themselves. Typically, there is disproportionate coverage of the allegations as opposed to any follow-up corrections. (Related: Read more about media malpractice when it comes to hate crime allegations and other issues at LiberalMob.com.) Sources include: WTOP.com CTVnews.ca Inquisitr.com (Natural News) To say that the interview fired FBI Director James Comey did with ABC News George Stephanopoulos on Sunday contained no bombshells turns out to be factually incorrect after all. Anyone who watched and it certainly wasnt the number the network hoped for saw the interviewer toss softball questions galore while failing to press Comey for answers about issues that would have been truly groundbreaking, such as why he never verified the infamous Trump dossier the bureau used to get spy warrants on Trump campaign members and whether Hillary Clinton broke laws when she destroyed top secret and classified information requested by investigators and Congress. But during the interview, Comey let a detail slip that doesnt match previously published information and it could mean yet another layer has been peeled back from the giant scandal onion that was the Obama regime. During the interview Stephanopoulos and Comey began discussing what made the former FBI director re-open the Hillary email probe just days before the November 2016 election; reporting at the time noted that the probe had to do with the FBI finding Clinton-related emails on a laptop belonging to serial perv and former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner, then-husband to top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. According to a transcript of the interview from ABC News, Comey at one point in the exchange said that there were hundreds of thousands of emails found on the Weiner laptop. Yeah, more than several thousand, hundreds of thousands on Anthony Weiners laptop, he said. That doesnt match the information given to legal watchdog nonprofit Judicial Watch last year, according to the groups president, Tom Fitton. As reported by The Gateway Pundit, Fitton noted that his organization was told that only about 72,000 emails were discovered on the Weiner laptop. In a January press release, the organization noted: Last year, the FBI uncovered 72,000 pages of documents Clinton attempted to delete or did not otherwise disclose. The State Department had been processing the documents at a rate that would have required Judicial Watch and the American people to wait until at least 2020 to see all the releasable Clinton material. Prior to the FBI investigation, Clinton repeatedly stated that the 55,000 pages of documents she turned over to the State Department in December 2014 included all of her work-related emails. In response to a court order in another Judicial Watch case, she declared under penalty of perjury that she had directed that all my emails on clintonemail.com in my custody that were or are potentially federal records be provided to the Department of State, and on information and belief, this has been done. The Comey disclosure prompted Fitton to remark, via tweet: So Comey says hundreds of thousands of Clinton emails on Weiner laptop. This is news to @JudicialWatchwe were told 72,000 pages of documents. Have we been lied to again by State and FBI? (Related: Bombshell IG report reveals FBI to be corrupt, treasonous and criminal in its outrageous cover-ups of Clinton crimes.) So Comey says "hundreds of thousands" of Clinton emails on Weiner laptop. This is news to @JudicialWatchwe were told 72,000 pages of documents. Have we been lied to again by State and FBI? @RealDonalTrump should ask! https://t.co/lBWRiTFH9u Tom Fitton (@TomFitton) April 16, 2018 Theres more. As The National Sentinel reported in December, additional classified emails were discovered among those being examined (at the time) on the Weiner laptop. At least five emails that were determined to be classified were found among some 2,800 documents stored on a laptop belonging to former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner of New York, whose then-wife Huma Abedin was a top aide to then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton according to Judicial Watch at the time. The emails dated from 2010, 2011 and 2012 and pertained to discussions with Middle East leaders including some from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority. It should be obvious by now that the corruption was so pervasive throughout President Obamas FBI and Justice Department that the cover-ups are unraveling at a faster pace as the lies become harder to replicate. See more at JamesComey.news. J.D. Heyes is also editor-in-chief of The National Sentinel. Sources include: TheGatewayPundit.com TheNationalSentinel.com JudicialWatch.org (Natural News) There is a major effort underway in this country to silence conservative voices and ultimately establish liberalism as the dominant political ideology. This effort is taking place in virtually every one of Americas institutions, from the mainstream media to Hollywood to college campuses across the country. The most recent assault on conservative voices comes from students at Pennsylvania State University, who are now demanding that the school defund what they consider to be conservative hate groups. It should come as no surprise that the groups that students want defunded are far from hate groups, and include Turning Point USA and the Bull Moose Party. A petition that was put together by the Pennsylvania Student Power Network and delivered to Penn State president Eric Barron demands that school and student activities funds, which mostly draw from students tuition and fees, not be used to support student hate groups, adding, our colleges and universities formally and publicly denounce hate groups on and around campus However, in a nice change of pace from the way schools typically respond to complaints from liberal students, Penn State is pushing back, explaining that neither Turning Point USA nor the Bull Moose Party receive any direct financial support from the school. TPUSA and the Bull Moose Party have not requested nor received any funding from the University Park Allocation Committee, the entity that distributes portions of the student-initiated fee for student organizations, said Lisa Powers, a senior director for Penn States Office of Communications, to Campus Reform. Whats even more significant is the fact that Powers cited the Constitution, and explained that the First Amendment needs to apply to speech that some people may disagree with. As an institution of higher education, Penn State not only has an obligation to support Constitutionally protected free speech, but also is committed to open and civil exchange of ideas, Powers said. Quite frankly, this is exactly how every single school administration should respond when liberal students demand that conservative voices on campus be silenced. Rather than caving to their demands like so many colleges and universities have recently, schools should make it clear that they have an obligation to support Constitutionally protected speech and ultimately foster an environment that allows for the free flow of ideas, even if those ideas might be considered by some to be controversial or offensive. (Related: Anti-conservative censorship spreads from campuses to Google and other oppressive tech giants). Still, though, the fact that students at Penn State even attempted to label Turning Point USA and the Bull Moose Party as hate groups is ridiculous, and sheds light on what is quickly becoming a large problem on campuses all across the country. Students on the left are increasingly seeing the suppression of voices they disagree with as something that is acceptable and even necessary, and as a result, rational political debate is rendered impossible. Whats worse is that in some instances, its the school administration that is leading the anti-free speech efforts, not solely the students. In August of 2016, for example, The College Fix reported that conservative commentator and author Ben Shapiro had been banned from DePaul University due to security concerns. More recently, the University of Minnesota denied Shapiros right to speak at the school due to the fact that they couldnt find a place to hold the event on campus, even though they conveniently found one for a leftist counter event. (Related: 24 states are now pursuing free speech bills to protect conservative speakers from left wing bullies.) Now more than ever, the freedom of speech has to be defended on college campuses. Both liberal students and faculty members are participating in the censorship of conservative voices, and as a result, the Constitution is being rendered virtually irrelevant. This should not, and cannot be allowed to continue. Sources include: CampusReform.org TheCollegeFix.com DailyWire.com The Lafayette City Council on Tuesday approved the sale of a family's property that includes a hillside memorial dedicated to U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The so-called Crosses Memorial near Highway 24 in Lafayette bears a cross for every soldier killed in the two wars. The family that owns the land says it has two potential buyers, and it's not known whether the new owner will keep the crosses. The memorial's advisory board wants to replace the crosses with a permanent peace memorial. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors on Tuesday passed an ordinance requiring permits for electric scooters that have become a "nuisance" and a safety issue throughout the city. The ordinance means companies such as Bird, Lime and Spin must have permits for the hundreds of shared scooters they make available to users on city streets. The San Francisco City Attorney's Office on Monday issued cease and desist letters for "the unlawful operation" of three electric scooter companies operating in the city. In letters addressed to Bird, Lime and Spin, the City Attorney's Office said that despite previous warnings, the companies have continued to operate an unpermitted motorized scooter rental program in the city, creating a public nuisance on its streets and sidewalks and "endangering public health and safety." The e-scooters have increased in number by the hundreds in the last few weeks, without the city's permission. "What we've seen is folks moving to and from meetings downtown and also to and from that first and last mile of transit," said Lime spokesman, Joe Arellano. Supervisor Aaron Peskin called it a typical tech arrogance, the companies deciding it was better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission. Its clear that many of these companies continue to build corporate empires off of a basic premise making massive profit always trumps protecting the public and innovation is only possible by cutting corners, Peskin said at a city meeting. Peskin said he has filed around 100 complaints since the scooters rolled out just two weeks ago. He also claims to have tripped over one laying in front of his yard. "Broke my toe tripping over a Lime scooter laying on the ground in front of my house at night," he said. Peskin has introduced legislation to regulate the scooters in early March. In a nod to the current state of affairs, the Reddit San Francisco subreddit page even showed its logo "Snoo" riding a green e-scooter. "These companies Bird, Lime, Spin decided to dump these on our streets even though they knew that legislation was pending and winding its way through the process," Peskin said. Bird, Lime and Spin must "completely cease and desist" from unlawful conduct, the letter from the city attorney's office said, providing multiple photos of the bikes showing them parked illegally, obstructing the sidewalk and one picture even showed two people on a bike, zipping down Fisherman's Wharf. The city attorney's office informed all three companies in its letter that current state law requires them to regulate any of the three electric bike companies in the city. "Yet my office has continued to receive numerous complaints from members of the public and city officials about dangerous operation of Bird Scooters," the letter to Bird said. "We have compiled documented evidence that Bird and its customers are ignoring the requirements ... Customers are driving the scooters on the sidewalk, leaving scooters in the public right of way, impeding the safe use of sidewalk and access ramps." The city attorney's office then listed all the laws the companies and its drivers are violating, including a valid driver's license or permit, and a helmet. The city's department of public works will continue impounding scooters that violate laws, the letter said. It also provided the companies examples of how they could address the violations, which included making riders more aware of their user agreement, implementing technology that detects when customers are riding on sidewalks and immediately give out a warning that ultimately disables any kind of illegal or dangerous use. The city also wants the apps to provide clear parking instructions to its riders. The companies have until April 30 to respond with a written update on what steps they are taking to address the violations. Mark Matthews contributed to this report. SEOULSouth Korea is seeking to open discussions about formally declaring an end to the war with the nuclear-armed North at a rare inter-Korean summit next week, officials said Wednesday. We are looking at the possibility of replacing the armistice regime on the Korean peninsula with a peace regime, a senior official at the presidential Blue House told reporters. But this is not something we can do by ourselves. It needs close discussions with relevant parties including North Korea. The comments came after US President Donald Trump said the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the Souths President Moon Jae-in could, with his blessing, discuss a peace treaty to formally close the conflict. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war. The Demilitarized Zone between them bristles with minefields and fortifications. But while the US-led United Nations command, China and North Korea are signatories to the decades-old armistice, South Korea is not. Reaching any final treaty would be fraught with complications. Both Pyongyang and Seoul claim sovereignty over the whole Korean peninsula, but a treaty could imply mutual recognition of each other. The North would be likely to demand the withdrawal of US troops, while the Souths national security adviser Chung Eui-yong said Wednesday that Seoul and Washington wanted to see Pyongyang give up its nuclear ambitions.In meetings with his newly-appointed US counterpart John Bolton, the two had discussed ways to establish an ultimate peace regime, but only if the North makes the correct decision, he said. Pyongyang has in the past demanded a peace treaty with the US, describing them as the two direct parties in the conflict. South Korea is a direct party. Who can argue that? the Blue House official said. The two Koreas could first reach an agreement that would be followed by a meeting between Kim and Trump and a trilateral summit to seal the deal, he suggested. But four-party talks could also be needed, he added, in a reference to China. But he cautioned I am not sure if we will use the expression ending the war at the summit. We want to reach an agreement on banning hostile activities between the South and North, he added. The two Koreas will hold what will be their third summit since the 1950-53 Korean War next Friday, with a subsequent meeting planned between Kim and Trumpwhich would be the first time a sitting US president had met the Norths leader. Residents of the Syrian town of Douma were packed into underground shelters amid bombardment when the gas began to spread. Suddenly, panic ensued. As shouts of "chlorine, chlorine!" rang out, some ran into the night and fainted in the street. Others climbed to rooftops, hoping they'd be safer rising above the gas. Dozens didn't make it out at all, some stumbling on stairwells, out of breath, where they were later found dead. The bodies were still there the next morning, strewn around the buildings, including toddlers and young children. Much about the April 7 suspected chemical weapons attack in Douma, just east of Damascus, remains unknown, including the exact death toll, because of the lack of an independent investigation. Experts from the international chemical weapons watchdog entered the town on Tuesday, 10 days after the attack. The Associated Press spoke to rescuers, medics and numerous residents of Douma for their accounts of what took place. Some were reached in rebel-held areas in northern Syria where they were evacuated after the attack, while others were still in Douma. They spoke of at least two buildings with people sheltering in the basements that were overwhelmed with gas so strong that it was hard to breathe hundreds of meters (yards) away. More than 40 people were killed, many of them children, according to medics and opposition activists in the town. The World Health Organization said an estimated 500 patients exhibited symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals, including respiratory failure. The U.N.-mandated Independent International Commission on Syria has documented more than 30 chemical attacks in Syria between 2013 and the end of 2017 at least 25 of them carried out by the Syrian military, the commission says. For the rest, it had insufficient evidence to determine the perpetrator. Most involved chlorine gas, usually causing only a few injuries. But in this case, it appeared the gas hit dozens of people crammed into confined spaces, huddling away from the bombs outside. The U.S. and France say they have evidence the Syrian government carried out the April 7 strike, while Syria and its ally, Russia, have denied any gas attack even took place. An AP team visited the site on a Syrian government-organized tour Monday, including a two-room underground shelter where one resident said 47 people were killed, including his pregnant wife and two young daughters. A strange smell lingered, nine days after the attack. The floors of the shelter were covered with carpets and pillows were lined up against a wall. There were no signs of blood stains. A STRANGE SMELL, THEN PEOPLE RUNNING AND SCREAMING There had been bombings going on all day, and in the evening, a heavy volley of rockets hit, dozens within 10 minutes, said Ahmed, a 20-year-old medic. After the rocket fire subsided, he and his team moved in to check for wounded. Nearing the site, they encountered a powerful smell, then saw people running and screaming, "Chlorine! Chlorine!" Ahmed ran into the building, trying to reach the shelter. He didn't make it far. He saw two bodies, a man and a woman, but he couldn't go further. His eyes swollen from the fumes, he struggled to breathe. Everywhere was the overpowering smell of chlorine, he said, speaking on condition he be identified only by his first name out of fear for his safety and that of his family. He rushed to a nearby medical center, where hundreds were crowded, many gasping for breath. Some had fainted. After washing his face and recovering, he joined other medics and went back to the attack site, but the gas was still too strong to get close. Instead they went back and forth helping those who had managed to stagger out get to the medical center. "After an hour and a half, I couldn't do more," said. "I was in bad shape. I had to rest." Soon after the attack, Ahmed was among thousands evacuated from Douma as the town surrendered to government forces. He believes the attack was clearly carried out by Syrian government forces. "It was like an earthquake," he said, speaking to the AP from northern Syria. "The town was facing an earthquake." "IT'S CHLORINE! IT'S CHLORINE!" Men and women were preparing to perform the sunset Muslim prayers in an underground shelter when an overpowering smell started spreading. "It's chlorine! It's chlorine!" they screamed. Khaled Nuseir was in the two-room shelter with 51 other people when the fumes hit. He ran to a nearby clinic, calling for paramedics to help, but fainted in the clinic. The 25-year-old vegetable vendor said he woke up some time later to people putting vinegar and water on his face. He ran back to the shelter where he found his wife and two daughters dead, white foam covering their mouths. His wife, Fatmeh Qarout, was nine months pregnant. His daughters, Qamar Arabic for moon and Nour Arabic for light were 18 months and 2 years old. He said only five people in the shelter survived. The next morning, medics came and took the bodies and buried them in a mass grave near the town's zoo. Nuseir said a cylinder was found leaking gas. He said it didn't appear that it was dropped from the air because it still looked intact. "There was no sound of explosion," he said, speaking to the AP in Douma, which is now in government hands. He and two other residents accused the rebel Army of Islam, which controlled Douma until the militants' surrendered it, of carrying out the attack. As they spoke, government troops were nearby, but out of earshot. "I lost my children," Nuseir said. "If we are standing here and something falls from an aircraft, doesn't it explode? The cylinder was intact when we found it and it was leaking." "NOTHING SAVED THEM. THEY ALL LOST THEIR LIVES." Abdullah Abu Hamam tried to reach the site of the attack that night but the bombardment was too strong. He got there the next morning. Even 12 hours later, the gas was too powerful for him to venture into the underground shelters. Still, he found bodies on all the upper floors. It was clear that when the gas hit, some in the shelters ran upstairs, trying to get to the rooftops. "They knew that if they climbed up, they might be saved," he said. "We found them on the doorstep, killed. They didn't even make it to the upper floors. ...They fell on the stairs, women and children, and even some men." Abu Humam took video footage that showed one apartment with at least a dozen bodies, including at least seven toddlers and young children. None had any wounds, and one woman in the footage appeared to have foam around her mouth "Some were in the bathroom and were trying to wash, but nothing saved them. They all lost their lives," Abu Humam said, speaking from the rebel-held town of al-Bab in northern Syria. Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed to this report. Ivanka Trump and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin took their tax overhaul tour to New Hampshire on the deadline to file federal income taxes. The pair was in Derry at a town-hall discussion moderated by former Gov. John H. Sununu on Tuesday. Ivanka Trump said Tax Day is usually nothing to celebrate, but that most Americans will be much happier the next time the filing day rolls around. Trump has been traveling the country to promote the sweeping rewrite of the U.S. tax code her father, President Donald Trump, signed last year. While the president and Republican allies have billed the tax law he signed as a victory for the middle class, Democrats depict the $1.5 trillion package as a payout to the GOP's largest donors. The audience at the event, held at the Derry Opera House, was almost entirely Republican, including many small business owners, hand picked to give testimonials. "This tax cut is a breath of fresh air for me because now I can hire more employees, I can bring in another line, I can expand my services," Magaret Culp said. Questions at the event were prescreened. Sununu: The question was, On tax day next year, are we really going to be able to file our taxes on a postcard? Mnuchin: "Nick, you will be able to." "Anything that makes tax policy simpler for the little guy, doesnt have a team of lawyers and accountants on hand, is a better system," said New Hampshire small business owner Bob Burns. But Wyatt Ronan with NAH Democratic Party Communications disagrees. "Thats not what most Americans think. Sixty-seven-percent of Granite staters dont think that this tax bill is going to help them." Democrats protested outside the event. "This whole tax bill is a big lie," said Ken Hajjar. "Its being paid for on a credit card." But inside, Republicans were sold on the promoted reforms. There are real offsets and thats why across the country you see that the average amount of savings for a family of four is $2000," Ivanka Trump said. "So this is real." Attendees were reminded to make sure that their taxes were filed by the end of Tuesday, but at least one prominent member of the Trump administration will not be doing that. The President has filed an extension. Mnuchin declined to comment on the president filing for a tax return extension but said in general, individuals and businesses have that option and the IRS just wants people to pay and follow the law. The IRS website to make payments was down Tuesday but Mnuchin said officials would make sure taxpayers get extensions and are able to file once the system comes back up. Ivanka Trump's visit comes less than a month after her father visited Manchester to unveil his nationwide plan on how to battle opioids. During that visit, the president singled out the city of Lawrence, Massachusetts, as a significant source of the drugs pouring into New Hampshire, citing a Dartmouth College study. Authorities say Arizona Coyotes forward Richard Panik has been arrested for trespassing for refusing to leave the entrance of a bar. Scottsdale police say the 27-year-old Panik, who was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in January, was arrested at the Bevvy the night of April 8, the day after the Coyotes' season ended. Police say Panik appeared to be intoxicated during his contact with officers. He was booked into the Scottsdale City Jail and later released on a criminal citation. In a statement Tuesday, Coyotes officials said they're aware of the incident and still gathering information on it. Panik scored six goals and added 10 assists in 37 games with the Blackhawks before he was traded. He had eight goals and 11 assists in 35 games for the Coyotes. When an engine on a Southwest flight blew shortly after take off, debris went flying like shrapnel into the plane and broke a window. The suction pulled a woman sitting near the window partially out of the plane. Tim McGinty was sitting across the aisle from the woman, later identified as 43-year-old Jennifer Riordan. The farm and ranch real estate agent from Texas said he initially felt helpless watching Riordan "flying out the window" as the vacuum pulled the "petite lady." And then he thought: "Maybe I could help." "I wasnt strong enough. A fireman, from Celina, Texas, jumped in there and helped, and between the two of us we were able to get her back in," McGinty told reporters Tuesday after Flight 1380 made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Firefighter Andrew Needum was surrounded by family members on the flight headed to Dallas from New York's LaGuardia Airport when they heard a "loud pop." Needum said he heard a commotion a few rows behind them as the oxygen masks dropped down. After making sure his family was secure, he said he looked his wife in the eyes and she "basically gave me the approval to go back there," Needum recalled at a news conference Thursday. After pulling the passenger out of the smashed window, Needum and fellow passenger, Peggy Phillips, a retired nurse, began performing CPR on the gravely injured woman. But the Wells Fargo Bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, did not survive. Seven other victims suffered minor injuries. Needum said Thursday that "God created a servant heart in me" and he felt moved to act. "I'm no different than any other firefighter in this country," he added. The pilots of the twin-engine Boeing 737 with 149 people aboard made an abrupt turn toward Philadelphia and began a rapid descent following the engine failure 20 minutes after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and passengers prayed and braced for impact. "It seemed like two minutes and then it seemed like two hours," McGinty, donning a cowboy hat and a bandage around his arm, told reporters. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. A piece of the covering was later found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) west of Philadelphia, Sumwalt said. Passengers praised one of the pilots, Tammie Jo Shults, for her coolheaded handling of the emergency. The former Navy pilot was at the controls when the plane landed, according to her husband, Dean Shults. She walked through the aisle and talked with passengers to make sure they were OK after the aircraft touched down. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her," said Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas. "I'm going to send her a Christmas card, I'm going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome." The demolition work that started in February for a casino in East Windsor appears to be almost complete. All that remains of the Showcase Cinemas is a large concrete slab, some sets of stairs, and piles of rubble. But future development of the site remains further in doubt following a recent opinion from Attorney General George Jepsen. He was asked by Connecticuts House Speaker to provide an opinion on the federal process for authorizing tribal casinos and whether Connecticut can pass laws to circumvent it. Jepsen responded with a thirteen page response and a grim outlook. Specifically, lawmakers considered attempting to authorize the casino and have it be under the guidelines of the compacts with the states two casino operating tribes. Jepsen said, eliminating the federal approval condition would raise risks for the current gaming arrangements with the Tribes about which we have previously opined and continue to have serious concerns. Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz welcomed the clarity from Jepsen. The reality of an additional casino being built in Connecticut without the BIA approval in the next five years is zero, he said. The issue, from the tribes and their supporters standpoint, is that the Bureau of Indian Affairs has not signed off on submitted amendments to their compacts with the State of Connecticut, leaving the project in a state of limbo. The East Windsor facility would be the states first casino located off of tribal land. The Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan Tribes entered into the joint venture for the casino as a way to combat the emerging pressure from MGM Springfield, a casino slated to open later in 2018. Andrew Doba, a spokesman for the tribes said of the opinion submitted by Jepsen, We agree with the Attorney General that DOI is violating the law every day that it fails to publish notice of approval of the compact amendments in the Federal Register, and we share his confidence in our legal position. However, we strongly believe that there is a way to proceed with the project until the legal issues are resolved that protects the States revenue under the compacts, and we will continue to discuss the options with state leaders, Doba added. MGM has continued its effort in the State Capitol to lobby for a competitive bid process for a third casino. The casino corporation viewed the opinion as a victory for their interests, how their commercial casino proposal for Bridgeport would not require approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Uri Clinton, an executive with MGM said, We reassert our view that the fastest, most effective way to achieve those goals, and modernize the states decades-old gaming structure, is to move forward with a competitive process. Aresimowicz did not have as rosy an outlook when it came to MGM. Its my understanding that MGM has its hands in multiple pots around gambling throughout the United States, so if they want to build something in Bridgeport, they need to stop talking about it and promising and actually participate in some kind of study of what it will look like in the state, he said. Two babysitters face charges after the young children they were supposed to be watching were found wandering down a busy street in New Britain, according to New Britain police. Police said the children, ages 3 and 4, were walking on South Main Street Monday when someone spotted them and picked them up. The kids were young, three and four, and they also uh primarily spoke Spanish so there was a communication barrier with them, explained New Britain Police Capt. Jeanette Portalatin. About two hours later, someone went looking for them, and ran into an officer. [They] said hey were looking for a couple of kids and thats when they were able to figure out these kids belonged to that particular caregiver, Portalatin said. The caregivers, 22-year-old Jose Manuel-Lopez and 26-year-old Ashley Devalle, told NBC Connecticut off-camera that they were babysitting the boys and fell asleep. The boys made it out of the home and made it a few blocks before a passer-by found them. The children were unharmed and returned to their parents. Manuel-Lopez and Devalle were both charged with risk of injury to a minor. They have been released from custody. As cities and towns across the state try to find ways to save money, certain elective courses at local high schools often run the risk of getting cut. In Berlin, that could mean getting rid of the districts automotive, wood shop and firefighter courses. That hits home for Kensington Fire Department Lt. James Wall. He went through the program and has since grown from a high school student to a lieutenant. There are not many in the state that actually offer [the program], said Wall. Its pretty much a simplified firefighter 101 class. There could soon be one fewer, if the town approves the districts budget Tuesday April 24. Berlin Public Schools Superintendent Brian Benigni told NBC Connecticut this decision wasnt easy, but it is necessary because, he said, enrollment in certain electives is down and times are just that tough. Weve had no new positions, weve made over 2.5 percent decrease in the budget, said Benigni regarding the districts efforts. The education budgets at 1.99 percent moving forward, and thats with letting people go. Wall said more than a quarter of Kensingtons firefighters got their start at Berlin Highs program. He sees these cuts as something bigger. Especially with the decline in volunteer firefighters right now, said Wall. Its going to hurt us big time. It doesnt have to hurt big time, Benigni said. The school just needs a little help. If we can work in conjunction with the fire department to have those courses remain, and we have a certified teacher working with someone who has expertise, theres a chance we can still maintain that course, said Benigni. He believes the most recent cuts will save Berlin schools roughly $180,000 per year. The governor has ordered that flags be lowered across Connecticut in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92 and had a long-lasting connection to the state. The love story of former President George Herbert Walker Bush and Barbara Bush started right here in Connecticut. It was in 1941 at a Christmas dance at the Round Hill Club in Greenwich that 16-year-old Barbara Pierce met 18-year-old George Herbert Walker Bush, the son of Prescott Sheldon Bush, who served as a U.S. senator from Connecticut from 1952 to 1963, according to Greenwich Time. The former president was a naval aviator in training when they met. "I'm not much at recalling what people wear, but that particular occasion stands out in my memory," he says in his autobiography. The band was playing Glenn Miller tunes and he asked a friend from Rye, New York, if he knew the girl across the room in the green and red holiday dress. The friend introduced him to Barbara Pierce, a publisher's daughter from Rye who was going to school in South Carolina. The next song was a waltz. "Since I didn't waltz, we sat the dance out. And several more after that, talking and getting to know each other," George H.W. Bush said. "It was a storybook meeting." Within eight months, they'd met each other's families, were engaged in August 1943 and married Jan. 6, 1945, four months after Bush was shot down over the Pacific. He'd been the Navy's youngest aviator when he got his wings and carried the name "Barbara" on his Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. George H.W. Bush went to Yale and was a member of the class of 1948. During his time at Yale, he, Barbara and their then-baby son, George, lived in an apartment on Chapel Street, they also lived at 37 Hillhouse, according to the Yale alumni magazine. Judith Schiff, Yale University's chief research archivist, said George H.W. Bush deferred attending Yale until after World War II and the completion of his military service. They went on to have the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history. George H.W. Bush was at his wife's side when she died and had been holding her hand all day, according to Jean Becker, chief of staff at the former president's office in Houston. Mrs. Bush was one of only two first ladies who had a child who was elected president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. Barbara Bush had a respect and love for our country that perhaps was only surpassed by her love for her family. Nobody can deny the honesty, dignity, and class with which she carried herself. On behalf of the State of Connecticut, we send our very best to the Bush family and extend our deepest sympathies, Gov. Dannel Malloy said in a statement. He ordered that U.S. and state flags fly at half-staff, beginning immediately, in accordance with a presidential proclamation that directs flags to be lowered to half-staff throughout the country. My thoughts are with the Bush family as they mourn the loss of Barbara Bush. She was a true First Lady whose priorities reflected her commitment to education, women, and all Americans. She served with compassion and respect, leaving behind partisanship for what was right. We are deeply grateful for her service to the nation and the legacy she leaves around literacy and learning, Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman said in a statement. Barbara Bush was Americares Ambassador-at-Large and the Stamford-based organization released a statement expressing condolences Tuesday night, saying the former President and first lady were instrumental in founding the organization. No one was a better ambassador for Americares than Barbara Bush, Leila Macauley, Americares co-founder and permanent vice chairman, said in a statement. It wasnt glamorous work, but she was a trooper and believed in our mission. She helped us build one of the countrys largest humanitarian organizations in only a few short years. We owe her a debt of gratitude. Flags will remain lowered until sunset on the day of interment, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 21. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered during this same duration of time, according to the governors office. Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 3:00 am Another cold, snowy Sunday morning, but warm and cozy inside the sanctuary. Judy Craig led the Sunday school class, reading from John 21:15-17 Follow Me. Jesus asked Peter if he loves him three times to confront him about denying him. Three times Peter told him, You know I love you. Jesus said, Feed my sheep. In Pastor Amys children sermon, she asked Jayse if he liked the cold weather or the warm weather. He likes the sunny days, but she wanted him to know that Jesus loves you all year long, cold or warm. All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small, all things wise and wonderful, the Lord God made them all. In our joys and concerns, we want to keep Ginny in our prayers. She fell at her sisters and broke some bones in a couple of her toes and had to have stitches on her head where she hit the counter. Please remember her and Bill in your thoughts and prayers. Glad to see Bill Kellogg with us Sunday. He said Mary was coming along as well as to be expected. We sang Happy Birthday to Candi and also to Bill Kellogg. Our song selections this week were Christ for the World We Sing, On Jordans Stormy Bank, For the Beauty of the Earth and Fairest Lord Jesus. Pastor Amys scripture reading was from Hebrews 13:1-6. Her sermon was titled Strangers Among Us. Treat others as you want to be treated. Radiate your love for others. Be prepared to share the love of Christ. We were blessed with a wide spread of food for our fellowship dinner. Thanks for all the helping hands that prepared it. Bible study is at 1 p.m. Wednesday, reading from 1 Kings 7. Newborns in Need luncheon will be at 11 a.m. May 5 at St. Marks. Bring a salad. Blessing of the Animals will be May 12 at Conway UMC. Remember those on our prayer list, the lost and the lonely. God bless. Some relief is on its way to families in the New Haven area hoping to fix their sinking homes. The State Bond Commission approved $1 million in grants for homeowners in Westville and the neighboring Town of Woodbridge. In the northeastern part of the state, the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters have reported on crumbling foundations because of a faulty mineral in the concrete. In the section of New Haven by the West River, it is where the neighborhoods were built on top of ponds, lakes and swamps, that is believed to be the cause of structural damage in the homes. Nothings flat, anything that goes on the floor like water or a ball it rolls, said Bridgette, who lives on Beverly Road. In her home of 17 years, Bridgette said shes noticed some problems. Doors not closing properly, some windows not squaring off and corner of the house where theres a lean, she explained. Bridgette and other nearby hometowns like Lewie Golding on Curtis said they are also dealing with cracks in their foundation. This is my main problem, Golding said. State Rep. Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) said severe weather has accelerated this crisis for some families living in her district. Theres been a lot of damage thats destabilized some of the homes, Dillon told NBC Connecticut. Every time we have a terrifying storm it seems I get a call on my cell because the people are just terrified theyre going to lose everything they have. Dillon and the delegation of New Haven lawmakers asked the state to borrow $4 million to assist these homeowners. The bonding commission approved the first portion of those funds on Friday. We know which are the most severely damaged, but part of these dollars are going to be used to inspect the others, Dillon said. Bridgette said she plans to find out if some of the new funding can go toward fixing her home. Theres no one thing that you look at, she said, this is your investment, this is your life savings, your blood, sweat and tears. Some of the sinking homes in the Beverly Hills area were already repaired a few years back. Dillon said she has been working toward a solution for these homes with damaged foundations for more than a decade. Four out of five Dallas Police and Firefighters do not live in the city and overall nearly two thirds of city employees live elsewhere. The numbers demonstrate the challenge Dallas has attracting and keeping middle class families in the city. They are a concern for Dallas leaders who suggest new incentives to keep more workers in the city they serve. I think its important that people who are serving our citizens live in the city so they can see how good the quality of service is theyre providing, Council Member Lee Kleinman said. The latest City of Dallas employee census completed in January shows 62.9% of all workers do not live in Dallas with the number for civilians at 51.7% and uniform police and firefighters 81.7%. Figures for the last three years show a similar rate of Dallas employees living in other cities. The rising cost of living in good Dallas neighborhoods is the main reason so many Dallas Police and Firefighters live elsewhere according to union leaders. Since firefighters work for the city just one day out of three, commuting a longer distance is not as great a concern for them according to Dallas Firefighters Association President Jim McDade. He said starting pay of around $51,000 makes better Dallas neighborhoods unaffordable for public safety workers. You can move out to the suburbs and find a better quality of life that people are more satisfied with and have better quality schools, said McDade. The neighborhoods that have the amenities that the suburbs have, those are just way too expensive and out of our price range. Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata has lived in the Dallas Lake Highlands area for the past 14 years but said he cant afford to buy the house his family needs now in that neighborhood. Im moving to McKinney, Mata said. I got way more bang for my buck. I got a huge yard which I didnt have before. Theres great schools up in McKinney and Prosper. So I just have to bite the bullet, drive a little longer, but its whats best for my family. Dallas City Councilman Kevin Felder said he has been talking with the police chief about ways to encourage new recruits to live inside the city. Its a win, win situation. You get an affordable house in a nice neighborhood. We provide incentives in order for you to be able to move into that neighborhood, Felder said. If you have a police officer in the neighborhood is going to be safer. Police already offer a small Dallas home buying incentive to officers. Kleinman suggests adding more. The easiest incentive we can do is give them a tax break for buying a home in the City of Dallas, Kleinman said. Both public safety union leaders support new incentives. Any sort of property break, that would be great, and it would be an incentive. You would have to start taking that into consideration, said McDade. Both Council Members said they will be supporting the changes at City Hall. At a press conference on Tuesday, NBC 5 heard from a Tarrant County woman sentenced to five years in prison for illegally voting. 43-year-old Crystal Mason was on probation for a conviction for tax fraud when she voted in the 2016 presidential election. In the state of Texas, convicted felons cannot vote until they complete their full sentence. Mason said that her mother encouraged her to vote at the time. Mason said that she didnt know she couldnt vote while on probation. She used a provisional ballot, and said that her vote was not counted. Kim Cole, a civil rights attorney, came with Mason to the press conference. Certainly the punishment is quite extreme, and do I believe it was racially motivated absolutely, said Cole. After her conviction, Mason chose to not have a jury trial and to instead have State District Judge Ruben Gonzalez assess her sentencing. He sentenced her to five years in prison. Everything was shocking. Everything was unreal. I couldnt believe it, she said. We reached out to Judge Gonzalez for comment, and have not heard back. District Attorney Sharen Wilson released a statement at the time the case was completed saying: "Our society is built on personal responsibility. There were multiple safeguards in place to keep Crystal Mason from breaking the law, but she still made that choice. She signed and affirmed a document which clearly stated that (1) she was prohibited from voting due to her status as a convicted felon still serving her term of supervision, and (2) she would be committing a second degree felony if she lied about her status. The judge found her guilty of illegal voting beyond a reasonable doubt. The judge set her sentence after hearing all the facts of the case." The effort to pass legislation to protect Robert Muellers job as special counsel appeared to hit a dead end Tuesday as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said he would not allow the bill to come to the floor for a full Senate vote, NBC News reported. Im the one who decides what we take to the floor. Thats my responsibility as majority leader. Well not be having this on the floor of the Senate, the Kentucky Republican said in an interview on Fox News. Earlier in the day, Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said again that legislation to protect Mueller's position was unnecessary because, based on the kinds of conversations we have had," he believes that the president will not take steps to dismiss the special counsel. Flags waved and tears fell from people who lined the streets to observe the funeral procession for an MCAS Miramar-based Marine from Miramar to the Clairemont Mortuary Tuesday morning. Im here to bring this Marine home and to show that people care. said one of the more than one hundred people who came out to support the Marines family, including his wife Kasey and son Dane, says Jasmine Holcombe, whose brother serves in the Corps. You know your dad died as a hero. Gunnery Sgt. Derik R. Holley, 33, was one of four men killed on April 3 along with three other Marines: Lance Cpl. Taylor J. Conrad, 1st Lt. Samuel D. Phillips and Capt. Samuel A. Schultz. Holley and his crewmates were aboard the CH-53E Super Stallion when it went down for unknown reasons. The Marines were training to land in unimproved terrain, according to U.S. Marine Corps officials. Holley received military honors in a ceremony at Miramar National Ceremony before departing for the private service in Clairemont. The procession between the two locations departed around 10 a.m. and included a flyover, according to the group Honoring Our Fallen. The group asks those who wish to pay their respects to the fallen hero to line the procession route between the two locations with American flags before 10 a.m. The procession will travel westbound on Nobel Drive then southbound on Genesee Avenue before turning left on Balboa Avenue then left on Mount Abernathy Avenue. A military flyover will join the procession, Honoring Our Fallen said. Holley joined the Marine Corps in 2003. He deployed to Iraq twice and once to Japan. He was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal among others. Holley was originally from Dayton, Ohio, but met wife in San Diego and started a family here. His body arrived at Lindbergh Field Saturday. The Patriot Riders were there to greet his arrival from Dover Air Force Base, and they also escorted him during Tuesday's procession. The Patriot Riders had gifts for Holleys young son. We dressed him like a Marine, put him in his cameos," Patriot Rider Ken Brassell said. "He has a dog tag with a picture of his dad on the back and the information on the front. They also gave him a pillow with a picture of his dad on it and a teddy bear. On April 3, a CH-53E Super Stallion from the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing at MCAS Miramar crashed just outside of El Centro near the U.S.-Mexico border on April 3, USMC officials said. The helicopter had left Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center Twentynine Palms to conduct routine training of aircraft landings in unimproved zones. As a Southwest Airlines jet hurtled 32,000 feet over suburban Philadelphia, a rare engine explosion caused a passengers window to burst, partially pulling the woman sitting next to the opening out of the plane. Fellow passengers frantically worked to yank her back inside the airliner as it depressurized and quickly descended thousands of feet per minute, according to several passengers. The frightening ordeal played out Tuesday morning onboard Southwest flight 1380 as it headed for Dallas. The Boeing 737-700 was about 20 minutes into its journey from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport when the engine failure occurred. The plane, carrying 144 passengers and five crew, diverted to Philadelphia International Airport where it made an emergency landing at 11:20 a.m. Passengers described hearing a loud explosion from the left engine one of two onboard before debris peppered the fuselage and shattered that window. "The plane dropped immediately," said Matt Tranchin, who was sitting three rows behind the broken window. "Plane smelled like smoke. Ash was all around us." The woman, identified as Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was pulled out of the plane up to her waist her blood splattering other windows, passengers said. "You hear the pop and she was sucked out from the waist up," one passenger told NBC Nightly News. "There was blood on the windows...her arms were actually out of the airplane and her head was out of the airplane." Eric Zilbert, another passenger, said "several heroic gentlemen" pulled Riordan back into the plane and immediately performed CPR. Tranchin said she was covered in blood. Peggy Phillips, a nurse, said she and another passenger performed about 20 minutes of CPR on the victim. "It just wasn't going to be enough," Phillips said. The pilot, speaking to air traffic control via the radio, asked for paramedics to meet the airplane to help injured passengers. "We have a part of the aircraft missing," the pilot, Tammie Jo Shults, said. Asked whether the plane was on fire, she responded: "No, it's not on fire but part of its missing. They said there is a hole and someone went out." Once the plane touched down in Philadelphia, firefighters doused it with fire-retardant foam to smother a small fire and gas leak coming from the engine, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said. Passengers shared photos of major damage to the plane's left engine. The engine inlet was shredded, with metal bent outward. The pane of a window just behind the left wing was missing. TV station KOAT in Albuquerque first identified Riordan, a resident of the city, on Tuesday afternoon. Her children's school, Annunciation Catholic School, sent an email to the school community breaking the news of her passing and asking for prayers. Her death is the first on board fatality in Southwest's 51 year history. On Wednesday, the Medical Examiner revealed Riordan died from blunt force trauma to the head, neck and torso. Her death was ruled an accident. Philadelphia fire officials said seven passengers were treated on the tarmac for minor injuries. The plane was traveling around 500 mph when the incident happened, according to a tracking tool on Flight Aware, and descended by more than 3,000 feet per minute until the pilots leveled out around 10,000 feet. Arthur Wolk, an aviation expert, said that is a modest rate of descent and indicated the pilot had control of the aircraft. Still, passengers were horrified by the turbulent incident. Tranchin, a 34-year-old from Dallas, said he spent 15 minutes calling family to say he loved them. "My wife is in her third trimester. Were expecting our first child. It was one of those things when you dont want to terrify your family, but if you do go down, you dont want to not say goodbye," he said. Another terrified passenger posted a live video to his Facebook page during the ordeal. The grainy footage shows a man attempting to secure his yellow oxygen mask while updating loved ones following his feed. "Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!!" Facebook user Marty Martinez wrote. He then added, "We are bracing for landing!!" Once the plane touched down on Philadelphia International Airport's runway 27, the passengers erupted into applause and thanked the crew. Todd Baur, the father-in-law of another passenger, described the crew as "incredible," saying that the pilots and flight attendants acted quickly and calmly. Alfred Tumlinson, who was sitting in the rear of the plane, heaped praise on them. "The crew and the pilotthat lady has the nerves of steelat this point you dont know where youre going you dont know where youre going to end up, you just have to keep everybody calm," he said. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt and a team of investigators landed in Philadelphia Tuesday afternoon to inspect the aircraft. During a Tuesday night press conference, Sumwalt said a part of the plane's engine covering was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. He also said one of the engine's fan blades was separated and missing. The blade was separated at the point where it would come to the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue, according to Sumwalt. The engine a CFM56 is widely used in commercial aviation and is designed to prevent debris from breaking off the engine and flying into the body. The engine will eventually be detached from the plane and taken to an off-site facility for study. Sumwalt said the NTSB investigation will take an estimated 12 to 15 months. The manufacturer of the engine put out a service bulletin in the fall, telling all airlines to inspect the fan blades after a similar incident involving another Southwest flight. Officials with the airline checked Flight 1380 on Sunday. The FAA is expected to order mandatory inspections soon. The plane's flight recorders have also been secured and will be returned to the NTSB's headquarters near Washington, D.C. immediately, he said. Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly released a video statement Tuesday evening sending condolences to the family of the deceased passenger and thanking the crew for their actions. I am immensely grateful there are no other reports of injuries but truly this is a tragic loss, he said. This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the family and loved ones of the deceased customer please join us in offering our thoughts and prayers and support to all those affected by today's tragedy. This is not the first time a Southwest plane had a major issue recently. In February, a cabin fire forced Southwest passengers to deplane before their flight took off from John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, and San Jose. The fire believed to be in the Boeing 737's auxiliary power unit caused the plane's emergency chutes to deploy to evacuate 139 passengers and five crew members. A few minor injuries were reported, but no one was transported to hospitals. In 2016, a Southwest Airlines flight traveling from New Orleans to Orlando diverted to Pensacola when an engine blew out mid-flight. No injuries were reported, but the plane sustained extensive damage similar to what happened Tuesday: the engines inlet was torn away revealing additional damage to the fuselage, wing, winglet and tail stabilizer. Syrian media said international chemical weapons inspectors on Tuesday entered the town of Douma, where an alleged poison gas attack was carried out earlier this month, but a Syrian diplomat said later that only a U.N. security team visited the Damascus suburb. The reported attack led to Western airstrikes against the Syrian government over the weekend. Syria's U.N. ambassador, Bashar Ja'afari, told the Security Council that the U.N. team went to Douma to decide whether investigators from the international chemical weapons watchdog could safely visit the site. If the team decides "the situation is sound," the fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will start work there Wednesday, Ja'afari said The team's entry into Douma came 10 days after the alleged attack, raising concerns that any evidence the inspectors find could be useless. On Monday, OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said Syrian and Russian authorities had blocked its inspectors from going to Douma and instead offered them 22 people to interview as witnesses. The team arrived in the Syrian capital of Damascus on Saturday. Journalists in Damascus were prevented by government minders from contacting the OPCW inspectors, and The Hague-based organization refused to comment on "operational details regarding the Douma deployment." U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was the "obligation of the Syrian government to provide all the conditions for (OPCW inspectors) to work without any restrictions." British Prime Minister Theresa May accused the Syrian government and its ally Russia of trying to cover up evidence and obstruct the investigation. The OPCW is investigating reports that government forces gassed sites in Douma on April 7, when the town was still held by rebels and home to tens of thousands of people residents and others who were displaced by fighting elsewhere. Syrian activists said more than 40 people were killed in the alleged attack. Less than two days later, the Army of Islam rebels surrendered the town, which was the last stronghold in the once rebellious eastern Ghouta region at the doorstep of Damascus. The U.S. and France say they have evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assad's military was behind the poison gas attack, but they have made none of that evidence public. On Saturday, the U.S., France and Britain bombarded sites they said were linked to Syria's chemical weapons program. Journalists were allowed access to Douma on Monday. The Associated Press spoke to survivors and witnesses who described being hit by gas, fainting, and discovering their relatives had died, with foam bubbling around their mouths. The Syrian government and Russia have denied using chemical weapons and accused rebels, with Western backing, of using such weapons or faking such an attack. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova dismissed allegations that Russia was trying to hamper the OPCW inspectors, saying Moscow strongly supports their mission to Douma. Alexander Rodionov of the Russian military's chemical weapons protection unit said its experts found chlorine and components for producing mustard gas at a rebel laboratory in Douma. He said the canister with chlorine was similar to one shown in images released by activists in the days after April 7. Russian President Vladimir Putin told German Chancellor Angela Merkel that the Western strikes had violated international law and set back the peace process, the Kremlin said. But French President Emmanual Macron defended the military action in an impassioned and at times angry speech to the European parliament. He spoke of the "outrage by images we've seen of children, women who died of a chlorine attack." "Do we sit back, do we defend (human) rights by saying, 'Rights are for us, principles are for us, and realities are for others?' No, no!" the French leader said. "Three countries have intervened, and let me be quite frank: this is for the honor of the international community." The alleged attack and subsequent military response underscored the challenge that the seven-year conflict in Syria poses for the West. President Donald Trump wants to remove U.S. troops from Syria, where it has been fighting the Islamic State militants. A new strategy appeared to be crystalizing to let the U.S. leave Syria without relinquishing its interests to Assad government or his allies, Iran and Russia. Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir said the U.S.-aligned kingdom could deploy forces from a bloc of mostly Sunni Muslim nations that was established to fight terrorism. He said the Obama administration did not agree to such an offer. The kingdom has supported Sunni rebel groups fighting Assad's forces, which are backed by Shiite-majority Iran. Saudi Arabia is also a member of the U.S.-led coalition battling IS militants. The OPCW visit to Douma came hours after Syrian media reported airstrikes Tuesday on government military installations in the central Homs region and the suburbs of Damascus, but the military later said a false alarm had set off air defense systems. Explosions were heard in the areas of the two bases, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict via a network of sources in the country. But it said no missiles landed inside the bases. Earlier this month, four Iranian military personnel were killed in an airstrike on Syria's T4 air base, also in Homs. Syria, Iran and Russia blamed Israel for that attack. Israel did not confirm or deny it. US business news TV and internet channel CNBC started Tuesday broadcasting across the Middle East after it inaugurated Tuesday its new studio in Abu Dhabi. The new facility will function as the channels Headquarters in the Middle East. CNBC broadcasts daily from the networks international headquarters in New York, London and Singapore, said John Casey, CNBCs senior vice-president of international news and programming. With the addition of our new Middle East Headquarters at ADGM, we plan to connect Abu Dhabi to the worlds financial capitals. For its first week, the channel will broadcast from Monday through Thursday and will provide business stories and regional news from Asia, Europe and the US. Hadley Gamble, the channels Middle East anchor hosted the first show, Capital Connection with the Singapore studio anchor Nancy Hungerford. The new studios are located in Global Market (ADGM) of the Emirati capital. Another Southwest Airlines plane's engine shredded due to metal fatigue about two years before Tuesday's mishap aboard a New York-to-Dallas flight left one woman dead and seven others injured. In 2016, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 blew an engine as it flew from New Orleans to Orlando, Florida, and shrapnel tore a 5-by-16-inch hole just above the wing. The plane landed safely. The National Transportation Safety Board said a fan blade had broken off, apparently because of metal fatigue. That case bears some resemblance to Tuesday's accident, which nearly sucked out of depressurized cabin and forced the pilot to make a rapid descent in order to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Based on a preliminary examination, the NTSB said there was evidence of "metal fatigue" in the engine. NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said one of the jet's fan blades was separated at the point where it would come into the hub. Sumwalt says part of the engine covering was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. One of the fan blades was missing, however. In both cases, the planes had the same engine model manufactured by CFM International. NBC 4 New York has reached out to CFM about the incidents, but in a statement relating to Tuesday's mishap the company said the model has "an outstanding safety and record since entering revenues service in 1997 while powering more than 6,700 aircraft worldwide." Southwest said Tuesday it expects to finish inspections of the engines over the next 30 days. It says it's making the move out of caution, and it's not clear how many planes in the airline's fleet of 737s use those engines. Images from both incidents also bear similarities, with the front housing on both engines apparently blown off. Last year, the engine maker and the Federal Aviation Administration instructed airlines to make ultrasonic inspections of the fan blades of engines like those on the Southwest jet. The FAA said the move was prompted by a report of a fan blade failing and hurling debris. But it was unclear whether the particular engine that failed on Tuesday was covered by the directives. Update: After saying "goodbye" via text, Chad and Gianna Baur were reunited at the airport Wednesday night. Gianna was onboard Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 Tuesday and was unsure she'd ever see her husband again. See their emotional reunion below. A Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Dallas suffered a catastrophic engine failure Tuesday morning that apparently sent shrapnel into the aircraft, shattering a window and causing the plane to suddenly depressurize while flying above 30,000 feet. For the next 17 minutes, as the pilot diverted the aircraft to Philadelphia for an emergency landing, passengers onboard the aircraft wore oxygen masks and used in-flight texting and Wifi to reach out to loved ones in what they believed may have been their final minutes. Chad Baur, in Dallas, said reading text messages from his wife while her plane's engine was failing were some of the most terrifying and intense moments of his life. At first he didn't understand what she was telling him, then she sent a picture of herself wearing an oxygen mask. The couple finally reunited at Dallas Love Field. Chad Baur, in Dallas, said reading text messages from his wife while her plane's engine was failing were some of the most terrifying and intense moments of his life. Baur's phone was in his pocket when his wife Gianna started texting Tuesday morning. At first he didn't understand what she was telling him, then she sent a picture of herself wearing an oxygen mask. "That's when i started to really panic. She said a flight attendant was praying over the loudspeaker, someone else was on the emergency phone screaming for medical help when they landed." For the next few minutes, he said they both tried to tell each other everything they could in case they never spoke again. At the time, Baur was alone in his apartment. He said he called both their parents while he and his wife kept texting. The messages read: NBC 5 News "They announce we have to land... I'm so scared... flight attendants are checking everyone's oxygen... it's so bumpy... it's an emergency landing" Then she texted ... "I love you so much" "For the next five minutes, we just try to say all the things we would want to say to each other if that was the last thing we got to say," Baur said. "Me saying goodbye to my wife, who might have minutes left, and her trying to say goodbye to me who may have decades left." During the plane's emergency landing, Baur said he didn't get any messages. Then finally he got a picture of the blown engine. He knew the plane was on the ground. abourman "I don't think I cried or even had an emotion until after she said she landed. That's when I kind of just lost it." Baur said his wife of just three years practically never pays to get in-flight messaging. He's not sure why she chose to do so today but he said the experience has forever changed him. "It's not every day, or every year, or every decade that something happens that makes you stop and just be grateful for life and the people you got to live it with, and this was that moment for myself and my family." Though Gianna Baur escaped without injury, there were casualties. A woman sitting next to a window was nearly sucked out of the airplane after her window was shattered. Passengers were able to pull her back in, but she was not able to overcome her injuries and she died at a Philadelphia-area hospital. Baur's father-in-law, Todd Baur, spoke with NBC 5 Tuesday morning and shared Gianna's story and that she saw a woman drawn out of the plane only to be pulled back inside the cabin by quick-thinking passengers. Gianna, who grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, flew back home Wednesday. "It is pretty terrifying, but (I'm) doing okay," she said. "My sister-in-law is flying with me, thankfully." Todd Bauer, the father-in-law of a passenger on the flight, spoke with NBC 5 late Tuesday morning. Reciting his daughter-in-law's account of the ordeal, Bauer said a female passenger was partially pulled from the aircraft and that nearby passengers pulled the woman back inside. Philadelphia firefighters said a dozen other passengers were evaluated, though only seven needed treatment and none required hospitalization. The cause of the engine failure is being investigated by the NTSB with the full cooperation of Dallas-based Southwest Airlines. What to Know Lucia and Leo Krim were discovered dead by their mother at the family's Upper West Side apartment in October 2012 The family's nanny has pleaded not guilty to murder in the case, which is finally going to trial after five years The motive remains unclear and prosecutors say it may never be known Jurors must now decide whether a Manhattan nanny who slaughtered two children was too mentally ill to be held responsible for the killings. Yoselyn Ortega attacked 6-year-old Lucia Krim and her 2-year-old brother Leo, on Oct. 25, 2012, placing their bloodied bodies in a bathtub before their mother, Marina Krim, came home to discover the horrifying scene. Ortega also plunged a knife into her own neck in a failed suicide attempt. Her murder trial began March 1. Testimony ended Monday. New York has a high bar for the insanity defense and it is rarely successful. To win, Ortega's lawyers tried to prove that she was hearing voices from the devil - and didn't know right from wrong at the time of the killings. Mental illness "does not announce itself like a bad cough or a limp. Sometimes it sneaks up and nestles in before anyone takes notice," her lawyer Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg said during closings. If the jury agrees, Ortega, 55, would be sent to a psychiatric facility instead of prison and could be discharged if doctors feel she is ready. Prosecutors argued Ortega knew exactly what she was doing - and she acted out of jealous hatred of the children's mother, Marina Krim, who was richer and happier than she. "She did it intentionally with a full understanding of exactly what it was she was doing - every stab, every slash," Assistant District Attorney Stuart Silberg said during closing arguments. Jurors heard heart-wrenching testimony from Marina Krim, who spoke of the sickening, desperate moments when she saw her two children's vacant eyes, their small bodies perforated by stab wounds. Lucia, who was called Lulu, was stabbed more than 30 times and had defensive wounds on her body. Leo was stabbed five times. After Marina Krim saw her children, she let out deep mournful wails that sounded almost inhuman as she held her surviving child, 3-year-old Nessie, and ran into the hallway. "It was a scream you can't imagine is even inside of you," Krim testified. "I don't even know where it came from. I just thought: I'm never going to be able to talk to them ever again. They are dead. I just saw my kids dead.'" Their father, Kevin Krim, had been away on a business trip. He spoke of walking down a long hallway at the hospital where he saw his children. "They still had this perfect skin and these long eyelashes," Krim said. "They had like sandy brown hair. ... You could see they tried really hard to wash all the blood out but there was still kind of an auburn tint to it that I remember to this day." Many in the courtroom, including jurors, wept. "It's worse than you'd imagine," Krim said. "It's worse." Meanwhile, Ortega's defense called witnesses to talk about a worsening medical condition that went unchecked. A defense psychiatrist, Karen Rosenbaum, said Ortega told her she was taking commands from the devil and it was getting worse when she killed the children. "She finally told me ... that voices told her to kill people, kill herself and eventually she told me they told her to kill the children," Rosenbaum testified. Prosecutors called their own doctors, who said Ortega intended to kill the children. They showed video of a conversation with a psychologist in which she denied the devil had anything to do with it. Ortega showed little emotion during the testimony and mostly stared straight ahead. But she shook her head forcefully and mouthed "no" during testimony that her employers treated her well. Alternate jurors were released Tuesday, and two said outside court they would likely have convicted Ortega. One, 31-year-old Chloe Beck, cried when she talked about what she'd seen in evidence. "I don't think I'll ever be the same," she said. What to Know Tammie Jo Shults was at the controls of the Dallas-bound Flight 1380 when it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, the AP said The pilot took the plane into a rapid descent as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling braced for impact She is now being hailed a hero for her "nerves of steel" A Southwest Airlines pilot who made an emergency landing Tuesday after the jet apparently blew an engine, got hit by shrapnel and lost a window, is being praised for her "nerves of steel" in helping to prevent a far worse tragedy after the catastrophe killed one passenger and left seven others hurt. Tammie Jo Shults was at the controls of the Dallas-bound Flight 1380 when it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, Shults' brother-in-law, Gary Shults, told the Associated Press the pilot's husband told him. The twin-engine Boeing 737 that left New York with 149 people board was hit by shrapnel that smashed a window and damaged the fuselage, killing a passenger and injuring seven others, authorities said. The pilot took the plane into a rapid descent as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling braced for impact. Shults was among the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. military, according to friends and the alumni group at Shults' alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene. Shults was a 1983 graduate of the university in Olathe, Kansas, where she earned degrees in biology and agribusiness, said Carol Best, a university spokeswoman told The Kansas City Star. Schults and first officer Darren Ellisor said in a statement released by Southwest Airlines "we all feel we were simply doing our jobs" and asked for some privacy. [[ 480196733, C]] Passenger Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, lauded Shults and her crew for their professionalism. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card I'm going to tell you that with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome," Tumlinson said "The lady, the crew, everything, everybody was immaculate. They were so professional in what they did to get us on the ground." Her brother-in-law, Gary Shults, said Shults' husband is also a Southwest pilot. "She's a formidable woman, as sharp as a tack," said Gary Shults, a dentist in San Antonio. "My brother says she's the best pilot he knows. She's a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people." Passengers said she walked through the aisle and talked with them to make sure they were OK after the plane touched down. Please see below a statement from the Captain and First Officer of Flight 1380. pic.twitter.com/RjoCpucGGS Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 19, 2018 U.S. transportation Secretary Elaine Chao extended her sympathies to the loved ones of the passenger who died, Jennifer Riordan, of New Mexico, and praised the pilot, crew and others who were on board. "I commend the pilots who safely landed the aircraft, and the crew and fellow passengers who provided support and care for the injured, preventing what could have been far worse," Chao said in a statement. Travelers said fellow passengers dragged Riordan back in as the sudden decompression of the cabin pulled her part way through the smashed window. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said it was the first passenger fatality in an accident involving a U.S. airline since 2009. The Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen was in Imperial County Wednesday touring border fence construction in Calexico. After Nielsen was briefed on the progress of the construction of replacement fencing in the border zone, she met with employees of her agency. A 30-foot high wall consisting of metal posts will replace an area of the existing fence that covers approximately 2.25 miles, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The existing fence in that area was built in the 1990s and had been breached "several hundred times during the last two years," CBP officials said. The area for the construction is west of the Calexico Port of Entry beyond a nearby outlet mall shopping center. Construction should be completed by October 2018. Nielsen called the construction of the replacement fence as one of the highest priorities to improve border security in the region. We will work with the National Guard until we can look each other in the eyes and say we have operational control of the border, Nielsen said. We need additional funding. We need the wall system. CBP officials said the El Centro Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol is responsible for apprehending 18,633 undocumented immigrants in 2017. [[480168213,C]] Nielsen was in San Diego in March when President Donald Trump visited the prototypes for a proposed new border wall that were constructed in Otay Mesa, south of San Diego. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos tweaked President Donald Trump via Twitter on Monday, following two Pulitzer Prize wins by the Washington Post, CNBC reported. In a tweet, Bezos praised the reporters at the Washington Post for their investigative reporting that led to "Alabama" and "Moscow," referencing the two story topics that landed the journalism prizes -- and embarrassed the president. Trump previously endorsed Roy Moore, a former Alabama Senate candidate who was accused of improprieties with underage girls, some of which came to light through the Post's reporting. What to Know A device that recorded video and could be accessed remotely was found in a PGCPS school administrator's office Monday, police said. Police believe the device was placed "in order to gather information" and children were not targeted, the police chief said. The union representing administrators and principals called for a transparent investigation. The camera that was found inside a Prince George's County school belonged to the school district and was hidden inside a principal's office, multiple sources tell News4. Police and school officials announced Monday that an administrator had found a recording device in hidden in their office earlier that day. Police said they believed the camera was put there to collect information, but say they still aren't sure what the investigation was about. News4 learned the administrator was a principal at a Prince George's County high school, but police refuse to confirm more details so the identity of the victim remains private. A source from the school told News4 that the camera was cylindrical and looked like a smoke detector. They said it was in the corner of the principal's office something easy to overlook. The principal found the camera on accident, a source says. The discovery was reported to Kevin Maxwell, the CEO of Prince George's County Schools, who called in police to investigate. "This was placed deliberately and then discovered by the victim," Prince George's County Police Chief Henry Stawinski said at a press conference Monday. Multiple sources confirmed to News4 that the camera was owned by the school system, but it would have needed high-level approval if it was approved at all. "We do not believe it was intended for criminal purposes, but at this point in the investigation we are unclear as to who authorized the placement of that device," chief Stawinski said. The camera had been in the school for more than a year and police say it could be accessed remotely. The union representing principals and administrators, the Association of Supervisory and Administrative School Personnel, voiced concern and called for a transparent investigation. "We are extremely concerned," Doris Reed, the union's executive director said. "Our people are already working under tremendous stress. They don't need the paranoia that someone is spying on them." Students were not targeted and police say there are not other devices hidden in other schools. The case was assigned to public corruption investigators, Stawinski said on Monday. Police don't believe the recording device was intended for prurient purposes, but didn't rule out other explanations. The announcement comes amid issues and infighting among leadership at Prince George's County Schools, including disputes about pay and a grade tampering scandal. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan called for Maxwell to be dismissed in February after allegations of system-wide grade tampering were confirmed. Earlier this month, board members decried large pay increases that several members executives received. Board members asked for a 4 percent raise for teachers several months ago and were denied. In a letter, members showed that some executives got raises of as much as 36 percent. Riyadh has announced the possibility of sending troops to Syria, making it the second battleground the kingdom will be engaged in after Yemen, as the White House is seeking to withdraw from the Middle Eastern war-torn country. Foreign Minister Adel al Jubeir reportedly told state-run media the kingdom is mulling plans to send troops to Syria. The kingdom has been indirectly involved in the Syrian conflict where it supports the opposition to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. Syria slid into armed conflict following the failed 2011 revolution. President Al-Assad has regained the upper hand thanks to Russias decisive intervention in 2015, which halted the progress of the rebels and the Islamic State group. The announcement comes as US President Donald Trump envisages to withdraw US troops from major parts of North Syria where they have been stationed. The US President, in his drive to fulfil his election promise America First, seeks to minimize Americas role in Syria. Saturday, after the US air strikes on the Syrian army installations, Trump told media that the White House does not intent to keep troops permanently in Syria. 2,000 US forces have been present in Syria. America does not seek an indefinite presence in Syria, he said during an address. Its a troubled place. We will try to make it better. But its a troubled place. Already on Friday, he indicated that he hoped to see US Middle East allies playing greater role in Syria. We have asked our partners to take greater responsibility for securing their home region, including contributing larger amounts of money, he was quoted as saying. Wall Street Journal (WSJ) Tuesday evoked the US plan to have Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar as well as Egypt contributing financially and technically in the creation of a Pan-Arab force that will gradually replace US forces in Syria. Some US officials however told the daily that a pullout of US force will be devastating to the fight against terror groups in the region. Saudi Arabia has been tangled in Yemen where it is leading an international coalition fighting Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Unconfirmed reports suggested that the kingdom has been in secret talks with the rebels to bring the conflict to a close. What to Know Yarmouth K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon was fatally shot April 12 while serving an arrest warrant at a home in Barnstable. Thirty-two-year-old Gannon was an 8-year veteran of the police department. Gannon's funeral was at 11 a.m. at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church in Yarmouth, and was followed by a private burial. Thousands of people paid their final respects Wednesday to a Massachusetts police sergeant who was killed in the line of duty last week. The funeral for Yarmouth K9 Sgt. Sean Gannon took place at St. Pius X Church in Yarmouth, which was followed by a private burial as his flag-draped casket was carried from the church. Gannon was posthumously promoted from officer to sergeant, the Yarmouth Police Department announced on Wednesday. "We give him back to you without a murmur, but our hearts are wrung with sorrow," the Rev. Paul Caron said during a short service without a eulogy. Thousands of mourners, including an estimated 1,000 police officers and firefighters from departments around the country, lined the streets Tuesday as Gannon's hearse was taken from the funeral home to the church for a vigil and wake. A police procession took place on Wednesday leading to Gannon's funeral, and included police departments from around New England and as far away as Chicago. Hamden, Connecticut, police officer Mark Sheppard said attending Wednesday's funeral is part of being in the brotherhood. "It's not something we look forward to, but it's something we have to do," he said. Dudley Police Chief Steve Wojnar, who was also in attendance, called Gannon's death "a tremendous loss not only for his family, but the department and entire community." Gail McCarthy, a Yarmouth resident who knew Gannon, said she would remember his kindness and joy. "Very, very sweet man, sweet and kind - and, oh, he had that big smile on him," she said. Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said he was grateful for the outpouring of public support for his officer. "It just solidifies the fact that they care for us, they really do. And I believe that thats the majority of people and it felt good. It solidified the fact that I have to keep working for them, our officers have to keep working for them and were going to keep doing that," Frederickson said Tuesday evening. Charmane Williams, another Yarmouth resident, was outside of the funeral to pay her own respects to Gannon. "I think the community and everybody needs to really stand up with the family," she said. Gannon, 32, was fatally shot last Thursday as he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant at a home in Barnstable. Around town, blue ribbons up and flags were displayed in Gannon's honor. The Yarmouth Police Department has also provided 600 donated blue lights for people to place outside their homes in Gannon's memory. "Everyone was mournful but I think its a sense of community," said Rachael George, who grew up on Cape Cod and was one of the countless people who lined the streets as Gannon's hearse made its way to the funeral home. "I think a lot of people were able to come together, it was incredible to see the outpouring of support." Among those who attended Gannon's wake were Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, state Attorney General Maura Healey and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, according to the Cape Cod Times. Gannon, who was married, was an 8-year veteran of the department and was remembered in his obituary for his "high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues." His dog, Nero, who was also was shot in the incident, underwent surgery and had been recovering at a veterinary hospital. Wednesday night, the same day that his handler was laid to rest, Nero left the hospital and was taken home in Gannon's police cruiser. Nero will not return to police work, but will live with Gannon's wife. The shooting suspect, 29-year-old Thomas Latanowich, was ordered to be held without bail during his arraignment on a murder charge and one count of mistreating a police dog on Friday. A Massachusetts convenience store clerk was scheduled to face a judge Wednesday after being accused of indecently assaulting a female customer in Webster. Twenty-year-old Worcester resident Ahmad Ali was charged with indecent assault and battery, lewd and lascivious conduct, and assault and battery. Police arrested Ali on Sunday after responding to a report of an alleged sexual assault involving a customer at Gilbert's Market on North Main Street at about 2:30 p.m. The woman, who was not identified, told police she went to the store to buy scratch-off lottery tickets and went back to her car where she scratched them and saw she won a prize. Upon returning to the store to purchase additional tickets with her winnings, she allegedly told the clerk, Ali, that it was her birthday and then returned to her car. The victim said while sitting in her car, Ali motioned for her to come back to the store where he gave her more tickets and wished her a happy birthday. That's when the victim said he gave her a hug. As she tried to leave, Ali allegedly pulled her back and rubbed up against her. The victim was able to pull away, leave the store and call the police. Police said store surveillance was able to corroborate the victims account. In November 2016, Ali was found not guilty of indecent assault and battery in an unrelated case when a 13-year-old girl accused him of putting his hands around her and kissing her, according to The Telegram. However, he was put on probation for assault and battery in connection with that case. Bicentenary celebration of historic Norwich Sunday School Bicentenary celebration of historic Norwich Sunday School A weekend of events on May 5-7 and the publication of a new book are planned to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the formation of the Sunday School of Rosebery Road Methodist Church, formerly known as Sun Lane Sunday School. Rosebery Road Methodist Church in North Norwich is celebrating the bicentenary of its Sunday School and Youth Group, formerly known as Sun Lane Sunday School, over the weekend of Saturday, May 5 Monday, May 7. The 200th anniversary celebrations will include a Flower Festival based around the theme of Childhood, the publication of a new book about the history of Sun Lane Sunday School written by Rosebery Road church member Ursula Franklin, and a reunion of former Sunday School and Youth Club members at a worship service on Sunday morning. The President of the Methodist Conference, Rev Loraine Mellor will speak at the service at 10.30am which will be followed by a celebration lunch in the churchs Calvert Hall. The Sunday School was established in 1818 by the Norwich Sunday School Union, whose President Joseph Gurney was the brother of Elizabeth Fry. The group was first ran out of a wash house in a cottage in Long Row, in the fast developing New Catton area of Norwich. As numbers increased the Sunday School moved to larger rooms in Sun Lane and in 1820 it became Sun Lane Sunday School. In 1827 a schoolroom thirty feet long by eighteen feet wide was built in Sun Lane. This was added to in 1857 with two classrooms and an infants room. Ursula Franklin explains: Students were taught to read and write as well as religious instruction, as it was not until the 1870 Education Act that Elementary Education was available for all. The Sunday School continued to outgrow its premises. Ursula said: In 1870 Sunday School Superintendent John Clarke and Charles Turner, describing themselves as poor labourers of Gods vineyard in the wilds of Catton, presided over a rebuilding venture. This new building, which cost 600, and was designed by the well-known Norwich architect Edward Boardman, had a general schoolroom, an infant schoolroom, 4 other classrooms and a library. Within 4 months of opening, the number of scholars totalled 365. But only 10 years later numbers of scholars had grown so much that the size of the premises was doubled at a cost of 1299. 1893 saw the highest ever number of scholars attending, the average being 528 in the morning and 594 in the afternoon. In 1908 Rosebery Road Church was built which then housed the Sunday School. The Sunday School continued under its original well-known name until 1953 when the name was changed to Rosebery Road [Sun Lane] Methodist Sunday School. Eventually Sun Lane was dropped from the name. Ursula said: The twentieth century saw many inspirational and dedicated Sunday School teachers who are remembered with respect and affection. The huge numbers at the end of the nineteenth century did begin to decline, but there were still over 150 on roll in 1950. Many changes took place in the second half of the twentieth century. Sunday School became Junior Church, and it was customary for the children and young people to be in church for part of the service, usually at the beginning. Sadly, numbers continued to fall until Junior Church ceased, but we are very glad that we still have a small group of young children with us most Sundays. Space here does not permit me to write of the many plays, musicals, outings, anniversaries, and Christmas celebrations and activities which have taken place, but I do have the luxury of recording the complete history as well as peoples memories and anecdotes in a book which I am writing to mark the occasion, and which I intend to have available for our celebration weekend. "We look forward to welcoming as many of you as possible at Rosebery Road over the course of that weekend. Opening times for the Flower Festival and Exhibition are 10.30am - 4.30pm on Saturday, May 5 and Monday, May 7, and 12 noon - 4.30pm on Sunday, May 6. Light refreshments will be available each day, and parking will be available in the Angel Road Junior School playground opposite the church. Donations towards the church Big Upgrade project would be welcome. Rosebery Road Methodist Church, Rosebery Road, Norwich, NR3 3AB Photo: Rosebery Road (Sun Lane) Youth Group in the 1960s. Some of those pictured will attend the reunion on May 6. St Peter Mancroft, Norwich made a public declaration of a climate emergency at it welcomed Luke Jerrams Gaia Earth Artwork for October. St Peter Mancroft, Norwich made a public declaration of a climate emergency at it welcomed Luke Jerrams Gaia Earth Artwork for October. Yarmouth mural to combat modern slavery A large mural will be erected in Great Yarmouth later this month to raise awareness of the widespread presence of slavery in this country. Read more Norwich bishop leads the way on climate change Bishop Graham Usher is among faith leaders who have signed a statement in the lead-up to COP26 calling on governments to take urgent action to protect the earths climate. Read more Norfolk leaders launch prayer for Armed Forces A group of Christian leaders in Norfolk is inviting churches to help launch a prayer group for the Armed Forces. Read more Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker YMCA Norfolk is looking for a Pathways Tenancy Engagement Worker to work closely with service users by providing them with support to help them successfully manage their new, long term, secure tenancies. Read more Norfolk's nonagenarian seamstress makes dresses for Jordan Anna Bayles, a 96-year-old dressmaker from Wymondham, has sent her latest consignment of clothing as gifts to Christian refugees in Jordan. Read more Matthew Projects needs a Unity Service Manager The Matthew Project is seeking to recruit a new Service Manager for its Young Peoples Integrated Substance Misuse Service (Unity) in Norfolk, funded by Norfolk County Council Public Health. Read more Blue light services visit Dippy at night There are just under five weeks left of Dippy the dinosaurs stay at Norwich Cathedral and a spectacular farewell is planned with emergency services workers invited to a very special preview of the event. Read more Update with God before shutting down Ruth Lilley explains that some of the necessary housekeeping practices that keep our computers functioning correctly may have equivalent applications for our spiritual health. Read more Norwich event to explore sustainable futures Jonathon Porritt will be among speakers looking at sustainable futures at an event leading up to the COP 26 conference on Climate Change in Glasgow. Read more Great value residential centre in East Anglia Belsey Bridge residential centre offers fully catered group retreats in comfortable budget accommodation from only 40 per person per night Read more King's Lynn Pastor upcycles his mission to the homeless After serving for fourteen years as Pastor at Cornerstone King`s Lynn Baptist Church, Kevan Crane has taken on a new role serving the homeless. He explains his unusual journey of faith. Read more Perseverance brings rewards Andrew Frere-Smith has discovered the joys of DIY, but has realised that the best results are obtained when following the advice of James in the bible. Read more Hubb.church can help your church flourish on the web The Christian Cambridge-based web technology company which has supported the Network Norfolk website for the past 16 years has rebranded its church website, communications, administration and finance platform. Read more 'Visions of Salvation' Julian retreat The Friends of Julian of Norwich present 'Visions of Salvation', a two day in-person and online retreat taking place on October 29 and 30. Read more SOUL Church set to start work on 1,200-seat site SOUL Church is set to start work on its purpose-built new 1,200-seater church building, designed to be a welcoming home for the people of Norwich. Read more Dippy's Norwich visit inspires 9,000 planet pledges Dippy the dinosaurs visit to Norwich Anglican Cathedral has inspired more than 9,000 pledges to protect the planet. Read more Gorleston church reaches out to toddlers Gorleston has a new parent / carer and toddler group which starts this week at St Mary Magdalene Church as part of their outreach into the community. Read more We continue our theme of looking at different industry verticals, big and small, that are getting the IoT treatment. Previously we have looked at the largest IoT deployment, the Smart Electric Grid, as well as some innovative IoT implementations that are transforming healthcare. Today, it is time to look at Agriculture. While it might not seem to be a cool enough vertical to get the Smart Treatment, this couldnt be further from the truth. Why is it vital to even implement Smart Farming? Two reasons carbon dioxide and human population growth. The increase in CO2 in the atmosphere leads to lower production, while the steady growth in human population leads to increased demand. Many predict that unless we increase our food production, we are very close to a global food shortage. Since it is not easy to dramatically increase arable land size, one way to achieve our goal is to improve the yield per unit area (or lower waste). Here is where IoT comes in. IoT initiatives in agriculture Despite images people may have of farmers toiling away, the reality is farming has become a very advanced mechanized industry. Large farming implements seeders and harvesters, have led to a high level of semi-automated farming processes. It is true that these are currently piloted by human drivers, but autonomous vehicles existed in fields long before todays pseudo self-driving car. Large corporations have replaced small farms, at least in terms of ownership. There are already several connected initiatives in use today from soil monitoring to irrigation sensors. One example of this is tracking the health of cattle. Cattle farms and ranches usually stretch over a large land area, making it difficult to monitor the whereabouts of grazing animals without human involvement. Using tracking collars, one can find the location of these animals in real time. Then, a data storage system can record this information in a database to ultimately form a baseline model of their movements during a given time period. Applying intelligent algorithms on these patterns helps us identify if the cattles movements are irregular, of if one or more animals are separated from the herd. This usually occurs if they are sick or injured. This solution can easily be implemented by small IoT trackers that communicate over an IoT network like Wi-SUN or other WANs. One could then have networking towers distributed across the fields to cover a large area. This information is then exposed to the farmer or rancher via a web portal or smartphone application, thus making it easy from them to consume it. Another area of IoT use in farming is the utilization of drones to improve crop health. Disease, and the ease of which disease spreads amongst crops, is a real cause for concern as this directly impacts crop yield. Preventing disease is the ideal scenario, but an easier and more realistic goal is to immediately identify, isolate and remove affected crops. A novel way to do this is by using surveillance drones. These drone groups are housed at a base station on a farm, from which they make automated, periodic patrols to capture imaging data on the crop. Using computer vision/image recognition algorithms, one can determine which areas on a farm that are adversely affected. Tagged images are correlated with drone GPS provide pinpointed information to the farmer. This information can be assimilated from various drone recordings, analyzed and then reported to the farmer, who can then take remedial action. The entire process from launching the drones, navigating them, capturing data, analyzing it and reporting on it is all automated. Precision farming is another area where the use of connected sensors is rampant we are even seeing these devices enter the consumer space. Remote, battery operated soil sensors collect information regarding its nitrogen content and report this back on a periodic basis; irrigation sensors measure the water level and automatically inform the irrigation and sprinkler system; flood sensors monitor water levels as well and can be set to automatically turn off the valves that are responsible for over-watering the plants and simultaneously send a notification email to a specified email; finally, a freeze sensor can sense, and automatically alert users, when weather conditions lead to frost that might harm sensitive plants. For homeowners, there are now smart sprinkler controllers that use the homes Wi-Fi network to expose control functionality via a smartphone app. One can set schedules, remotely toggle the sprinklers and even control the water flow. Why do we need security? Thus far the use cases weve mentioned seem relatively simple and their threat surfaces benign but this can lead to a false sense of security. One of the goals of smart agriculture is to automate manual processes and ensure low touch practices. However, this can make them easy targets to hackers. Often, these systems are running on unmonitored networks, due to which any attempted or successful breaches go unreported. Worse, since this sector is traditionally not cybersecurity aware like banking security design is not incorporated into the solution requirements. Hackers can easily gain access to irrigation control systems of a plant and then manipulate them maliciously, or demand ransom to relinquish control. Administration of pesticides that are carefully controlled can be manipulated without the farmer knowing. Finally, these internet-connected systems can be used to gain access to other connected third-party systems and ultimately become part of a botnet. The avenues and motives for attack are plenty! So how do we solve these security problems? The onus lies on the smart device makers for some self-regulation and adherence to security best practices if not to security standards. As weve said before, there is no need to reinvent the wheel. When it comes to security, the principles that secure the internet today, will secure the internet of things tomorrow. The advice is simple stand on the shoulders of giants, use tried and tested security methodologies, talk to security experts and make security by design a core tenet of your solution. Public Key Infrastructure is like a Swiss Army knife it will help identify your devices, protect communications from eavesdropping and safeguard your secrets. Combine this with secure elements to encrypt and securely store your data and keys and you now have a solid security foundation built upon strong identity, authentication and trust. Solving problems such as the impending global food shortage will require concerted effort from various countries, organizations and groups from across the world. Safely incorporating some of these innovative techniques to improve yield, decrease loss and increase process efficiencies will go a long way in alleviating this immense challenge. There are many reasons to deploy a software-defined WAN (SD-WAN), including saving a boatload of money, improving network agility, and increasing WAN resiliency. However, those all pale in comparison to the ROI that a business would see by making its employees more productive. One of the biggest drags on worker productivity is poor application response time. In 2016, ZK Research conducted a study that found on average, workers were 14 percent less productive than their optimal state because of poor application performance. (Note: I am an employee of ZK Research.) Theres nothing that frustrates a worker more than clicking on an icon and sitting around waiting for it to open or update, but thats exactly what happens to global organizations that need to access resources over a long distance. Problems running Office 365 over legacy network Global e-learning company City & Guilds Group was having horrible problems with Office 365 running over its legacy network and shifted to an SD-WAN with the hopes of remedying the problem. For those not familiar with City & Guilds Group, the company works with education providers, governments, and large companies to do training and skills development in over 100 countries. Being a global company, City & Guilds employees are scattered all over the world. The companys instance of Office 365 is located in Dublin, Ireland, relatively close to its London headquarters. For European users, this poses no issue at all because the files are relatively close to the user. Its a different story, though, for workers located remotely like in the Asia-Pacific region. For those individuals, the experience can be very frustrating. I have first-hand experience with this. Prior to being an analyst, I spent some time as a consultant, and I remember trying open PowerPoint and Word documents out of region and it would often take minutes. Sometimes the process would go not responding, necessitating the need to shut down the application and start over. The most frustrating part was that there was no way of telling whether the file was still being downloaded or if the process died. I would often open the files and then go do something else for a while and come back and hope they finished opening. Bandwidth speeds have increased, but so have the size of Office documents. This is the situation that remote City & Guilds workers were facing. For example, users in Wellington, New Zealand, saw extremely slow response times when accessing files from the corporate Share Point drive, leading to a number of user complaints and a loss of productivity. SD-WAN to the rescue This issue was not going to be solved at the application layer, so City & Guilds decided to change the underlying network and migrated to an Aryaka-based global SD-WAN solution. Aryaka has a unique flavor of an SD-WAN. Like other solutions, the company connects the local offices using any kind of network service including the Internet or private circuits. However, instead of using the internet to carry the traffic from one international site to the other, Aryaka has built out a massive, private, software-defined global network that has some significant advantages with respect to application performance over long distances. Global organizations see huge application performance improvements with Aryakas architecture, as highlighted in the company's recent State of SD-WAN Connectivity Report. Its an undeniable fact that over long distances, private networks will perform better than the internet, which is why MPLS has stuck around as long as it has. Think of Aryakas network as giving SD-WAN flexibility at the edge with MPLS plus WAN optimization-like performance across the backbone. Aryaka SD-WAN significantly boosts Office application performance The SD-WAN deployment significantly improved application performance for City & Guilds as compared to legacy networks. Some of the performance improvements for the Asia-Pacific users are shown below: Application Performance: Legacy Network vs. Aryaka SD-WAN Application Performance Legacy Network Aryaka SD-WAN Save 10MB file to Share Point 37.31 seconds 12.88 seconds Open 10MB Share Point file 9.87 seconds 0.05 seconds Upload 10MB file to OneDrive 36.72 seconds 12.30 seconds Send 10MB email attachment 23.71 seconds 8.11 seconds Open shared calendar 5.24 seconds 1.91 seconds As the table shows, the SD-WAN deployment saw application performance improve by a minimum of 3x, which has a direct result on user productivity and satisfaction. Instead of sitting around and waiting for files to load, people can get to work right away and collaborate better. Without it, users are more likely to save files to their local hard drive, causing versioning issues. There are a couple of key lessons to take away from the City & Guilds Group case study. The first is that businesses should look past cost savings with respect to SD-WAN implementations. Theres no doubt that money will be saved, but improving worker productivity will have a much bigger impact on the organization. The second point is that not all SD-WAN solutions are the same, and businesses should do their homework, test a few, and choose the one that best fits their business. The African Union commission in a strongly worded statement on Monday condemned the use of chemical weapons in Syria but cautioned against responding without undeniable evidence and compliance with international law. The statement released by the continental body comes days after the United States, Britain and France launched military air strikes on multiple government targets in Syria. Those attacks were in retaliation for a suspected chemical weapons attack that they blamed on the Syrian government. The trio accuses Russia and Syria of blocking chemical inspectors from investigating the site of the alleged chemical attack in Douma. Moscow condemned the Western states for refusing to wait for the findings of the OCPW before launching the strikes. The African Union called on members of the United Nations Security Council to put aside their differences and pursue global peace. According to the African Union, the only sensible course of action is the intensification of international efforts to find a lasting political solution based solely on the interests of the Syrian people. The inspectors of the organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in Syria on Saturday to examine whether chemical weapons were used in Douma on April 7, killing at least 70 civilians. According to press reports, the OPCW inspectors were not allowed in Douma where they were expected to arrive on Sunday. Washington has accused Russia of tampering with evidence on the site of the attack. The organization of the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa (UCLG-Africa), decided Tuesday at a meeting in Libreville, to hold all coming Africities Summits in Marrakech. We unanimously agree that the Africities Summits are henceforth held in Marrakech to avoid the obstacles observed sometimes in the rotating organization of this flagship event of the cities and territories of Africa, said UCLG Africa at the end of its strategic meeting for Central Africa. The Africities 2018 Summit, the flagship event of UCLG Africa, will be held in Marrakesh from November 20 to 24, around the theme: The transition towards sustainable cities and territories: The role of African local governments. UCLG Africa, whose founding congress was held in May 2005 in the city of Tshwane, South Africa, brings together 45 national associations of local governments from all parts of Africa, as well as 2000 cities with more than 100,000 inhabitants. UCLG Africa strategic meetings take place across the five regions of Africa (North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, Eastern Africa, Southern Africa). As the representative voice of local authorities on the continent, UCLG Africa aims to take stock of the state of decentralization in the different regions and address the priorities of the decentralization agenda in the regions It deliberates on the priority actions required to support local governments to become reliable partners for national governments; the regional economic communities; other development partners and stakeholders. The strategic meetings this year are addressing specific issues such as updating the UCLG Africa members in the region on the Global and African Agendas and the involvement of local governments in their implementation, especially the African Union Agenda 2063, the New Urban Agenda, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Climate Change Agenda, and The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction; The status of the signature and ratification of the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development in the different countries of Eastern Africa are also on the meetings agenda. IMF Executive Director: Georgia Has Progress in Trade and Investments By Tea Mariamidze Executive Director of International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the Middle East and Central Asia, Jihad Azour believes Georgia has made progress in terms of trade and investments.Jihad Azour made the statement while meeting Georgias First Vice-Premier and the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, Dimitry Kumsishvili.The meeting was held in the Chinese capital Beijing, within the framework of the high-level Conference on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), organized by the International Monetary Fund and the People's Bank of China."It was an interesting meeting during which we discussed the reform program implemented by Georgia. I have also heard a number of initiatives that are being implemented in terms of increasing cooperation between the countries and the region, Jihad Azour stated.Georgias Ministry of Economy reports Georgias cooperation with the IMF and the course of the program based on the Government's Reform Plan were discussed at the meeting.In 2017-2020 we have to invest more than $3.5 billion in the country's infrastructure and these investments should be attracted from international financial institutions, Kumsishvili said.Before the meeting Kumsishvili participated in conference on the Belt and Road Initiative and delivered his speech at the session of Macroeconomic and Financial Frameworks for Successful Implementation of the conference.The Belt and Road Initiative aims to promote policy dialogues, foster connectivity and cooperation in infrastructure, trade, finance, and people-to-people exchanges.It aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa, through the Middle East and reaching Latin American countries. It is expected to raise significant resources from China and various other sources, including the private sector, to support development, mainly infrastructure development, and improve growth prospects.The BRI has the potential to bring much-needed infrastructure to countries and facilitate trade and financial flows, thus acting as a source of growth and fostering international cooperation. The parishioners of the First Congregational Church in New Milford will celebrate their churchs history in town while drawing attention to the preservation needs of its meetinghouse this month. The events ranging from scrapbooking to oral history sessions to an appraisal event will coincide with the American Library Associations Preservation Week, which runs April 22-28. The programs, held in conjunction with the New Milford Public Library, will raise awareness of the churchs historic value while also raising funds for its Raise the Roof Campaign, to support major structural repairs to the roof. New Milford has been the beneficiary of a marvelous legacy, said church member Leslie Schlemmer, citing the churchs steeple and meetinghouse that have served as an iconic landmark in town for 300 years. Now this heritage is under threat, Schlemmer said. Winter storms damaged the aging timbers overhead. Repairing the roof trusses and restoring the simple beauty of the meeting house will require an estimated $500,000. More than $300,000 has already been donated to the campaign. Church officials are optimistic community support will help the church raise the additional $200,000 to make the necessary repairs beginning, they hope, by July 2019. Funds will be used to repair the failing ceiling beam and restore the buildings structural integrity and remove the steel supports inside the sanctuary. While the church focuses on preserving its structure, upcoming events will focus on how we preserve memories and keepsakes. A scrapbooking workshop with Kathy Maher will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. in the auditorium of the parish house at the 36 Main St. church. The cost is $25. Reservations are required by emailing peace1416prevail@yahoo.com. The following day, Sunday, the focus will be on oral and written histories. Local historian Chris Fisher will meet with members of the public to record individuals personal memories and stories beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Taylor Room of the church. We talk to anyone and everyone, Fisher said of his Connecticut Crossroad Project. Were trying to drill down into what this community is. And wed love to hear from people connected to the church, Fisher said. The library will offer a special program about book care and repair Monday at 2 p.m. Attendees will learn tips on caring for books and making repairs to books in home collections. It is not a conservation workshop. A unique appraisal event with Bernie McManus of Bernie McManus Appraisals and Mitchell Borenstein of Applebrook Auctions will be held April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church. McManus and Borenstein will give verbal evaluations of family treasures. McManus, former owner of the Woodbury House Antiques, has been a professional appraiser of antiques, fine arts, and old and rare books for more than 45 years. Borenstein has been an auctioneer for almost 30 years, a vocation that began when he moved up from Manhattan to Washington. Patrons are invited to pay $20 to attend the event and have one item appraised. Additional appraisals will cost $5. Registration is required in advance by emailing fccnm10@gmail.com or visiting www.nmchurch.org. On April 29, the church will play host to a church cookbook coffee hour. Recipes made from church cookbooks from the past will be shared during the fellowship time following worship. To wrap up the special week, a program, Preserving the Past for the Future, will be held April 30 at 6:30 p.m. at the library. Robert Burkhart, president of the New Milford Trust for Historic Preservation, will lead the discussion and presentation on past and future projects. The church is a part of the history and architecture that make our vibrant and beautiful downtown area, Schlemmer said. Even as the groundbreaking for the Region 12 agriscience school draws closer, residents in the districts three towns are calling for the project to be reconsidered because it has changed since a 2015 referendum. The program would be held at Shepaug Valley School and focus on agriculture and STEM subjects: science, technology, engineering and math. It would serve students from Region 12, Danbury, Brookfield, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown and Sherman. Bethel has not committed. The project was initially sold as a win-win-win, said Janet Buonaiuto, a Washington resident. Theres a lot of changes at Region 12 that werent budgeted for. When the project was approved in 2015, the $39.5 million plan was to remodel the schools 27,860 square feet of unused technology space for a shop, labs, classroom and plant science and build a 9,751-square-foot addition. Those areas would have a lab, a hydroponic greenhouse, sales and engineering areas. Two new buildings would also be built a 17,200-square-foot equine facility and a 12,150-square-foot animal facility. Starter equipment and vehicles, campus upgrades, renovated science labs and parking improvements were also included. But after state officials asked the district to scale back its enrollment projections to numbers they considered more attainable, the plan changed. The latest version would use more space within the existing school for academy operations, reducing new construction to 35,750 square feet. It is set to cost $29.9 million, with the state paying nearly $24 million. Buonaiuto said the current project should be presented to the public and another referendum held so residents can better plan for the undertaking or opt out of the program. At least at at that point the people will know what the financial obligation will be, she said. Residents in Region 12s towns have submitted petitions to the boards of selectmen calling for town meetings to share the latest information on the project. Washington and Bridgewater officials said it was a school issue and decided not to schedule meetings. Roxbury has yet to respond to the petition. Superintendent Patricia Cosentino said the project has already gotten the needed approvals and theres no turning back at this point. Construction is set to start later this year. The academy is expected to be open for the 2019-20 school year. The ball is really rolling down the hill now, Cosentino said. Theres no stopping it. The public is invited to the building committee meetings to get project updates, but a larger informational meeting isnt scheduled, Cosentino said. She said the public had a chance to offer input during the referendum, where the project was overwhelmingly approved. Some residents said voters didnt have all of the correct information and the project they voted for then is much different than the one going forward now. They said the cost to the towns has increased for building and operations, while the enrollment projections have decreased. A lot has come to light since the referendum, said Jay Kronfeld, a Roxbury resident who gathered about 50 signatures in about a week, more than twice the number needed to call for a town meeting. Theres a groundswell of people in all three towns who are very concerned. Student enrollment has been rolled back, at the states request, from the original 226 projection to 139 students. There are residents who are just very nervous about the AgSTEM project and the financial cost it may have on the towns, Cosentino said. I believe they are underestimating the buzz this program has throughout Fairfield and Litchfield counties. She said there arent enough spaces at the AgSTEM program at Nonnewaug High School to meet the demand. Offering the program here will help the community and the school district, she said. Families from surrounding towns are expected to shop at area businesses and the school is meant to help address Region 12s declining enrollment. Cosentino said they already have a robust recruiting program to attract eighth-graders in surrounding towns and encourage them to apply. She said they hope Bethel will join. Some of the schools needed repairs will be covered during this project, 80 percent of which is funded by the state, Cosentino said. She said without this money, those repairs including the heating and air system and science labs would be entirely covered by taxpayers. But residents dont believe the district will hit the targeted 139 student figure, based on current enrollment at the Nonnewaug program or commitments from the districts expected to send students to Shepaugs AgSTEM program. Thats even pie in the sky numbers, or in my opinion, make-believe, Kronfeld said. Region 12 gets about $10,000 for each student a mix of money from the state and sending district but even with this reimbursement, residents said there would still be an operational deficit the residents will have to pay for. Our feeling is you could recruit until the cows come home, but the financial success depends on what towns are willing to spend, Buonaiuto said. Ed Wainwright, a Bridgewater resident, said they collected more than 50 signatures, but was disappointed when the town decided not to move forward with a town meeting. His strategy now is to vote against the Region 12 budget, which he believes is the only way the board will listen to the residents. Maybe then the Board of Education will think twice before proceeding with another building project, Wainwright said. WASHINGTON Residents will again be asked to consider the sale of a historic pavilion in the center of New Preston, after the town attorney decided the town can sell the building for private use. The special meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bryan Memorial Town Hall. Under the proposal, Plain Goods, a local business adjacent to the Harry O. Erickson Pavilion Hall, would purchase the building for $140,000. The Board of Selectmen and an ad-hoc committee selected the Plain Goods proposal from among three bids earlier this month. The owners, Andrew Fry and Michael DePerno, plan to restore it and house their retail operation there, which has outgrown its existing space. They will set aside a portion of the building to be used as a visitors center, promoting the recreational, natural and historical features of th e town and offering information on other local businesses. They also plan to engage the community with workshops and work with nonprofits by hosting events. Were hopeful and were excited, DePerno said. We really want to restore the beautiful building and make it available to the public. Meanwhile, a group of residents has submitted another proposal, calling for the selectmen to keep the building and reject all three bids, including one from business owners that would turn the building back into a community center. The group proposes setting up a special fund that would use donations to renovate and maintain the building. The group raised about $311,000 in committed pledges in 10 days. First Selectman Mark Lyon said the community would be better served if a private entity bought and restored the building. He said it will cost thousands to restore the building and the limited septic and parking prevent it from being a community center. He said there are a number of places in town for people to gather. The reason were selling it is because we dont want to be responsible for the building anymore, Lyon said. We spent a fair amount of time seeing if there was a municipal use for the building, and we dont have one. The vote to sell Harry O. Erickson Pavilion Hall was originally scheduled for March 24, but the 230 or so residents gathered voted to delay the sale until the town could research documents from 1940 that would determine if it was legally allowed to sell the property for private use. During the meeting, Edwin Matthews said the deed required the building to remain for community use. Matthews, one of the residents who filed the new community proposal, said this bid process has inspired the people of New Preston to take responsibility for the long-vacant building and use it, as well as maintain it. Its about valuing the community, as well as preserving a historic structure, he said. He said residents are upset by the overall process. He said the selected bid was given an extension when other applicants werent and the first two bids werent sealed. There are lots of folks who care about this building who would be willing to contribute and have contributed significantly, he said. Its a shame to privatize this public facility. Lyon said they followed the proper procedures for selling the building and added provisions to protect the historic exterior for future owners. Matthews and other residents and business owners who submitted the other proposal, worry about what will happen to the building if the new owners sell it in the future. But DePerno said they have no plans of leaving and suggested offering the building back to the town as first offer of refusal if the town would like. Were not planning to go anywhere, he said. This is our flagship store. Were dedicated and committed to Washington, Conn. kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345 New research shows how and where tungsten accumulates in bones of mice exposed to the element through drinking water. The findings, by a team of chemists and biologists at McGill University, could add to doubts over the once-universal assumption that tungsten poses little or no health risk to the general human population. With the highest melting point of any metal, tungsten's remarkably high density and hardness make it a prized ingredient in a range of industrial, military and medical applications. Used in cutting tools, ammunition, medical devices and even some medications, tungsten has become part of our daily lives. While many regulatory agencies have set limits on exposure to airborne tungsten dust - primarily to protect workers who mine and process the metal - there are very few officially mandated limits on water-soluble tungsten compounds, to which a broader cross-section of the community are at risk of exposure. The issue came to prominence in the early 2000s when scientists investigated a possible link between a cluster of childhood leukemia cases in Fallon, Nevada, and high levels of tungsten in the groundwater from which the town drew its supply. The case prompted the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to nominate tungsten for toxicology and carcinogenesis studies. Mixed results from previous toxicity studies To date, research into tungsten's toxicity and possible role as a carcinogen has produced mixed results. Some studies have shown that other communities exposed to tungsten levels comparable to those in Fallon were not affected by a higher-than-normal incidence of cancer - a finding that appeared to exonerate tungsten. But subsequent research has revealed that in subjects exposed to both tungsten and cobalt, tungsten appears to augment the toxicity of the other substance. These findings pointed to a need to better understand how tungsten accumulates in the body and in what form, and to what extent the body is capable of eliminating tungsten following exposure. The McGill team's study on tungsten exposure in mice, published in Communications Chemistry, used powerful x-ray spectroscopy techniques to find answers to these questions. The results raise a number of concerns. While tungsten has previously been shown to accumulate in bone, the McGill researchers found that the element didn't accumulate uniformly across bones; rather, it was concentrated in certain hot spots. "We found that tungsten, once thought to be non-toxic and inert, does in fact accumulate heterogeneously in bone," said Cassidy VanderSchee, lead author of the study and doctoral student in the Department of Chemistry at McGill. "Not only that, we found that it accumulated in a chemically different form to that in which it was administered, which confirmed that tungsten is chemically active in the body." Accumulation in bone tissues The study showed that in mice exposed to high levels of tungsten through drinking water, the element accumulated in specific regions - bone marrow and porous (or 'cancellous') bone tissue - to a degree 10 times greater than background levels. The deposition of tungsten in cancellous bone suggests the element is incorporated during bone growth and remodelling, indicating that young, growing individuals are particularly susceptible. The researchers also found that tungsten was retained in the bone's hard outer layer - the cortex - even after the mice were given tungsten-free water for a period of eight weeks after initial exposure. With the body unable to clear tungsten from this tissue, the bone effectively becomes a source of chronic exposure. Of even greater concern was the finding that tungsten was changing form in the body. The results showed that the element was accumulating in a form resembling phosphotungstate, a known chemical catalyst with significant potential to intervene in the biological processes that occur in bone marrow and cancellous bone - immune cell formation and bone growth among them. "We believe that many of the biological effects of tungsten we've been investigating will be traced back to changes in the bone," says Koren Mann, associate professor of oncology at McGill and a co-author of the study. "This includes the effects on the immune system, stem cells, and cancer." "While research continues into the health risks posed by human exposure to tungsten, our study provides important insights into how the element accumulates in the body - findings that are crucial to developing effective therapies for removing it," says McGill chemistry professor and senior author Scott Bohle. Source: http://mcgill.ca/newsroom/channels/news/safety-concerns-over-tungsten-286631 NTV Plus Russias Tool in Hybrid War against Georgia By Levan Khutsishvili On April 11, 2018, Russian company NTV Plus together with its Georgian partners LLC "Media Group released the announcement that Russian state TV operator is entering Georgian market.As it is known, NTV Plus is media subsidiary of Gazprom. Gazprom was established in 1989 and is the largest Russian company which carries on the business of extraction, production, transport and sale of natural gas. Officially private, the company is mainly owned by the Russian Government. Media company indirectly owned by the Russian government, trying to enter Georgian media market may as well imply political connotations and raise questions.Part of the Georgian society thinks that Russia is continuing hybrid war against Georgia, and NTV Plus is one of the tools. In the petition against the NTV Plus (created on web page manifest.ge) is said:We, the undersigned, the Georgian citizens believe that the entry of Gazprom Media's subsidiary in Georgia is inadmissible and their "geographical expansion" is a continuation of the hybrid war by Russia against Georgia.After the registration of NTV Plus, Hybrid War between Russia and Georgia moved to a threatening phase. The fact that the State Security Service of Georgia in its report named hybrid war among the main threats. "Gazprom" is included in the list of companies sanctioned by the US.We address the Government of Georgia, State Security Service of Georgia, the Communications Regulatory Commission, to take the new realities and challenges into account and abolish the registration of "NTV Plus" as it is a company whose activities are directed against the statehood of Georgia.In 2016, NTV Plus received the right to provide satellite transit broadcasting services. According to the Head of Journalism Recourse Center Natia Kuprashvili, company registered abroad could not have passed authorization through electronic communications in Georgia. NTV Plus seems to have gained authorization by purchase a packet .According to Natia Kuprashvili, the government can ban NTV Plus as it is formally possible. However, she believes it will not solve the problem as part of the Georgian population already receives information from different Russian channels. She refers to 2017 statistics, according to which, 2017 Georgian TV channels lost around 30% of the audience, who switched to foreign channels and mainly Russian broadcasters.Kuprashvili sees the solution in state policy and says that the state should establish information security concept.Head of Media Development Fund Tamar Kinsturashvili holds a similar position:The problem is State Strategic Communication Plan and the way it responds to Russia's attempts. Strategic Communication Plan should not only be on paper but it must be implemented. The state should not encourage financially and should not legitimize the media that are distributing Russian propaganda. Russian propaganda messages should be reacted by the government agencies , says Kintsurashvili.As for the statements from the LLC "Media Group, Georgian partner organization of NTV Plus, they believe that there is no political background behind the initiative ant it is only connected with business.NTV Plus is a well-known brand and high-quality TV product. Today there is a demand for Russian channels and Russian language legal content on Georgian market. Therefore, I am sure that Georgian audience will be interested in this proposal, said David Nakashidze, General Director of LLC Media Group.General Director of NTV Plus reveals another aspect of the companys aim:"Geographical expansion is part of our strategic priorities. Georgia is really a promising market. For us, launching broadcasting is not only business but a social mission too, declared Mikhail Diomin.Diomins statement confirms the assumption that Russian government will use NTV Plus to spread propagandistic disinformation in Georgian society. Researchers at the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) and the University of Adelaide have discovered a faster, more cost-effective way to determine which DNA mutations cause human bowel cancer. This research, published in Gut, a premier world journal for colorectal cancer research, outlines a new preclinical pipeline, where different DNA changes are engineered into the normal colon in rapid time, cutting years off traditional laboratory experiments. The growing cancers can then be monitored in the state-of-the-art SAHMRI imaging centre by colonoscopy, CT, special in vivo imaging and PET. Harnessing the power of technology to improve health outcomes for bowel cancer More than 4,000 Australians die from bowel cancer each year, and more than 17,000 new cases of this cancer will be diagnosed in 2018 - the Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology Group are working to understand the genetic drivers of bowel cancer, with a special interest in those cancers which are the hardest to treat, and which have the poorest prognosis. Study Co-Lead, Dr Susan Woods, said that with recent advances in genome sequencing more information than ever before is available about changes to the inherited material, or DNA, that occur in bowel cancer. Combined with exciting new gene editing technology (CRISPR), we can now deliver the same outcomes in less than a quarter of the time, meaning we can take research from the bench to the patient far more rapidly, and with far less cost. "Now, we have rapidly made new models of bowel cancer that mimic the complex genetic (DNA) changes that we see in human tumors and recapitulate features of the human disease," Dr Woods said. "Our new technology allows us to screen and repurpose existing drugs which may not have been tested in bowel cancer, to screen potential new life-saving drugs as they are developed, and to improve bowel cancer detection, by being able to watch the cancer develop in real time." A new way forward This new method helps determine which DNA changes are important to the cancer, in a fraction of the time, at less expense and using fewer animals than traditional genetically-engineered models that are used in cancer research. Analysis of the models, combined with patient data, has suggested potential drug vulnerabilities that are being tested. Listeria costaricensis is the official name given to the new bacterial species described by investigators from the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (TEC) and the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria at Institut Pasteur. Listeria is a bacterial genus comprising 18 species. Two of them are pathogenic to humans and animals, upon consumption of contaminated food. Listeria monocytogenes, the best characterized pathogenic species, can cause gastroenteritis, septicemia and central nervous system infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals, as well as fetal and neonatal infection. While the new species Listeria costaricensis is non-pathogenic, its characterization will nonetheless increase our understanding of the pathogenic potential of Listeria. "The discovery of Listeria costaricensis will allow comparisons with pathogenic Listeria species, in order to better understand the behavior and adaptations of these bacterial pathogens," explained TEC biotechnologist Kattia Nunez. Listeria costaricensis was isolated from water collected at an industrial drainage area in the Costa Rican province of Alajuela, after three years of sample collection and research. "In Costa Rica, there have been few studies on microbiological diversity. Our recent finding reflects the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils and suggests that this Central American country is a fertile environment for this type of research," added Javier Pizarro-Cerda, Research Director at the Institut Pasteur, who participated in the study and now heads the Yersinia Research Unit. For Marc Lecuit, head of Biology of Infection Unit at Institut Pasteur and French National Reference Center for Listeria (page in French), this collaboration illustrates the public health and scientific dimensions of the activities of the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria, which assists colleagues from around the world on the characterization of Listeria isolates. Researchers have provided new insight into how a gene associated with autoimmunity contributes to disease in humans. Their findings, published in the journal eLife, could have significant implications for the development of novel treatments for conditions where the body is attacked accidentally by the immune system. The adaptive immune system needs to be able to eliminate all potential external threats while still maintaining tolerance towards normal tissues. Failure to do so can result in different types of autoimmune disease, which can include type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. T cells play an important role in this, as variants in human genes related to the cells' function are the most common mutations associated with such conditions. A team of US scientists are now studying how one autoimmunity-associated gene, Histone Deacetylase 7 (HDAC7), can contribute to disease. "Our previous work has shown that interference with the normal functioning of HDAC7 can block an important process during the development of T cells, called negative selection, which is required for eliminating cells that recognize and attack self-derived tissues," says Eric Verdin, President and CEO of The Buck Institute for Research on Aging, California, and lead author of the current study. "Defects in this process are clearly associated with autoimmunity, and we have confirmed that altering HDAC7 function in mice causes autoimmune diseases. However, even though a particular mutation in HDAC7 allows T cells that are reactive to many different tissues to survive when they should have been eliminated, only a few tissues in the animals actually develop disease - remarkably the same ones which are affected in the diseases associated with HDAC7 variants in humans. We wanted to find the mechanism that underlies this unlikely coincidence." To address this question, Verdin and his team altered and studied the function of HDAC7 in a combination of cell cultures and genetically modified mice. They discovered that the gene regulates both the elimination of self-reactive T cells and the development of a specialised class of T cells called invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. The same interference with HDAC7 function that blocks negative selection also blocks the development of these cells, which are specialised to provide rapid defense against bacterial invasion in the same tissues - namely the liver, pancreas, and the digestive system - that developed disease in the mice and also more often in humans with a mutated HDAC7 gene. "Importantly, when we restored the cells in mice, we saw that their disease symptoms were improved," Verdin adds. "Together, our results provide evidence that HDAC7 and the network of genes surrounding it could be effective targets for interventions in human inflammatory diseases of the bowel, pancreas and liver," concludes co-author Herbert Kasler, Staff Scientist in Verdin's lab at the Buck Institute. "They also suggest that defects in cells such as iNKTs may play an underappreciated role in these diseases, which we would like to explore further. "Additionally, our next steps will be to identify the other key genes involved in HDAC7's regulation of iNKT cell development, evaluate their targeting in mouse models of the same diseases, and search for more variants in HDAC7 and its network of genes that are associated with human disease." A simple, one-page form given to patients ahead of their doctor visit can significantly improve satisfaction with the care they receive, according to a study by Duke Health researchers. The low-tech tool, which asks for a list of the topics patients wants to discuss during their visit, helps patients focus on what's important to them. It also asks if all their questions were addressed at the end of the visit and if they were satisfied, giving doctors real-time feedback on how well they're addressing their patients' concerns. "National surveys show that up to half of all patients leave the clinic visit with an unvoiced need," said Oren Gottfried, M.D., clinical vice chair for quality in the Department of Neurosurgery at Duke University School of Medicine and lead author of a study published this week in the journal Neurosurgery. "In a typical visit, patients might forget or not articulate all of their concerns, due to being intimidated by the doctor's office or doctor, feeling anxious or rushed, or not knowing how to share or voice their questions," Gottfried said. "These miscommunications and missed opportunities can affect care and patient safety." To tackle the problem, Gottfried and colleagues developed a short, three-question form that they provided to patients at Duke clinical specialty practices over a one-year period. More than 14,600 patients were involved, and the tool was successfully completed 96 percent of the time. The form was developed to augment a national survey tool that is administered by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. That survey, called the Group Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Clinician (CG-CAHPS), is geared to assess patient experiences, but has several limitations, the Duke researchers said. It does not provide timely, actionable feedback to doctors, is cumbersome for patients to fill out so many decline to participate, and is primarily designed for primary care, not specialties. In addition, doctors often find these surveys unreliable, biased, or irrelevant to their practice, capturing patient frustrations with things like scheduling and parking instead of care. Most importantly, any feedback from this national survey is de-identified from the patient and delayed months from the encounter, making the results less relevant. The Duke survey was more direct, and it provided immediate feedback. It also became part of a broader analysis that gave physicians and their practices a way to track progress. The tool worked. Its success was validated by improved global rating scores for physicians on the government's CG-CAHPS survey, and improved patient satisfaction. "From a patient standpoint, this simple tool helps them feel and know their doctor is listening to them and addressing their concerns," Gottfried said. "From a physician standpoint, it very clearly tells them their patients' goals, which means everyone's time is used effectively. And doctors, like anyone, appreciate real-time feedback, including positive comments from patients." "This is all about patient satisfaction, patient-doctor communication, and doctor satisfaction," Gottfried said. "In the end it boils down to being more patient-centric, and that's what health care should be about." The most widely used biomarkers for the early detection of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are currently the concentrations of beta-amyloid and phosphorylated Tau in cerebrospinal fluid. However, it has been observed that not all individuals with alterations in these biomarkers develop the disease. In this regard, intense research efforts are being channeled into finding new biological markers that can provide information about the different stages of the disease and allow its early detection, and thus facilitate its management. A study headed by researchers at the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona) and the Institut Europeen de Chimie et Biologie (IECB) in France proposes that the presence of two beta-amyloid molecules bound together (beta-amyloid dimers) could provide a new biomarker for AD. In search of new markers for Alzheimer's disease Molecular research into AD had already established a correlation between the concentration of beta-amyloid dimers and the onset of the disease. But the nature of these dimers has been hotly debated because it was not known whether the two beta-amyloid molecules that form the dimer were linked by a chemical bond or not. This information is important because if this chemical bond is not present, the dimer can be broken when manipulating the samples during lab analysis, thereby hindering accurate measurement of its concentration. Headed by researcher Natalia Carulla, currently group leader at IECB, the team at IRB Barcelona and IECB has studied the chemical and structural properties of beta-amyloid dimers in close collaboration with IRB Barcelona's Mass Spectrometry Facility, managed by Marta Vilaseca. Postdoctoral fellow Aurelio Vazquez de la Torre and Senior Research Officer Marina Gay, the two first authors of the study, which was published in Analytical Chemistry, demonstrate that the bonds between the two beta-amyloid molecules are covalent, meaning that the molecules are held together by chemical links that are very strong and impossible to break during brain extraction. These findings were achieved using brain tissue samples from two patients with AD and a control. The researchers conclude that the beta-amyloid dimers are covalently linked in the brains of subjects with AD and that therefore they emerge as potential biomarkers of the disease, as well as therapeutic targets. "We have confirmed the potential of these dimers as biomarkers. We have found that the dimers are preserved during the tissue extraction procedure used in the lab and are consequently identical to those in the brains of patients with AD. Furthermore, we have developed a robust and sensitive method that allows us to study the dimers in any biological sample," explain Aurelio Vazquez de la Torre, a member of Natalia Carulla's team, and Marina Gay, who works in the Mass Spectrometry Platform. In this regard, these researchers have fine-tuned the techniques that have allowed the identification and characterization of the dimers. "Because we can't work with the brains of living subjects, we now need to determine whether these dimers are present in the cerebrospinal fluid of individuals with Alzheimers disease and then perform clinical trials to associate their presence with the stage of AD. We propose that it is now feasible to validate the dimers as biomarkers for this disease," says Carulla. Last weekend, four baboons that were held at a Texas biomedical research facility for research purposes, escaped briefly before they could be captured again. These intelligent animals successfully used an upended barrel to climb to their freedom. Olive baboon. Image Credit: Brina L. Bunt / Shutterstock The facility was Southwest National Primate Research Center (SNPRC) that is part of the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio. The facility holds around 2,500 animals for research and this includes 1,100 baboons as well. These baboons are all part of experiments on heart disease, diabetes and obesity. Because of their close resemblance to humans, the baboons have long since been used in science. 133 of these animals were not in use currently for any experiment. They were allowed inside an open air enclosure to play. These four escapees were playing within the enclosure that is surrounded by infolding walls that prevent the monkeys from escaping by jumping put. They rolled up a 55 gallon barrel and put it up right next to the wall, climbed up on it and jumped right out of the enclosure to escape from TBRI facility. The barrel contained grains stored for the baboons. Some of the experts said that rolling the barrels down mimicked the foraging behaviour these animals have in the wild. Once outside the facility, one of the baboons turned back to return to the facility. The other three continued on their way to try and escape the fencing around the institute. According to a statement from the facility, employees successfully coaxed the baboons back into the enclosure and now they are all doing well after their adventure. SNPRC has been fined for violations. This incident has highlighted the issue of protection and proper treatment of these animals. April 19th being Biomedical Research Awareness Day the issues regarding animal research and role of animal caretakers in biomedical research towards treatment and cure for human diseases. According to John Bernal, DVM, attending veterinarian at SNPRC this incident showed the preparedness and training of the animal care workers at the biomedical research facility. Our animal capture team and the entire animal care team acted diligently and followed protocol to locate, secure and account for the baboons, he said. He explained that the team was trying to ensure that the escaped animals were not hurt by the traffic on the Millitary drive. Lisa Cruz, Assistant Vice President for Communications said the facility has been working with and caring for baboons for the last 50 years and the facility has baboons for some eight generations now. She explained that these animals were critical to research on life saving drugs and vaccines for heart disease, diabetes, infections etc. She said that these research activities benefit millions of people worldwide. For Shannon Paige McCann, the thought of having brain surgery which would frighten most paled in significance to the depression that had dragged her down most of her life. McCann was one of the first people in North America to undergo an experimental treatment option for people struggling with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The pilot study at the Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) is using deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with chronic TRD. The procedure targets an area of the brain called the medial forebrain bundle, which is thought to be important for reward processing. DBS has actually been used for decades to help Parkinson's patients whose tremors did not improve with medication, said Jair Soares, M.D., Ph.D., principal investigator, director of the center and professor and Pat R. Rutherford, Jr. Chair in Psychiatry at the McGovern Medical School at UTHealth. DBS targeting the medial forebrain bundle has also been successfully used, on an experimental basis, to treat TRD in Germany. The UTHealth trial is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). McGann, a patient in her late 40s who enrolled in the pilot study, described the treatment as "a miracle." "I felt like someone turned on a lightbulb in my brain. Everything is brighter. It changed my life," she said. Since she was a child, McGann has suffered from depression off and on. She was diagnosed with depression as a college freshman and was stabilized with medications. She went on to become a teacher for seven years, but after getting a new teaching position, her depression returned severely. After that, McGann switched careers and excelled in pharmaceutical sales. Then, in 2007, her mother died and her boyfriend broke up with her -; and she hit a new low. "It was a chore to get out of bed; I would lay in bed for days," she said. Thinking another change might be beneficial, she moved from Virginia to Houston in September 2016 to take a new job. However, she wasn't able to handle it. At that point, no medications were working for her and she did not respond to electroconvulsive therapy. Since these treatments weren't effective, McGann says one of her doctors in Virginia told her about the UTHealth DBS trial and recommended it to her. The small trial, which is enrolling 10 patients, is studying whether DBS of the medial forebrain bundle is safe and effective. In the procedure, a neurosurgeon permanently implants two electrodes that each have four small contacts, which deliver electrical stimulation to the target area. McGann said she wasn't scared to undergo the treatment. "I had exhausted all other options," she said. Candidates for the treatment undergo a screening evaluation to determine if they meet the criteria for the study. This includes a thorough examination of their medical history, neuropsychological testing, bloodwork, drug screening and a physical. Patients in the trial undergo the procedure at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center. The procedure involves the surgeon making an incision across the front of the head and drilling two holes down to the skull. Then, the surgeon places the electrodes and turns them on. The patient is kept awake during this time. But they don't experience any pain because local anesthetic is used, and there are no pain receptors in the brain, said Albert Fenoy, M.D., associate professor at the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and a member of the Mischer Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Hermann-TMC. "Patients need to be awake because we ask them questions to assess their mood and feelings while we test the electrodes at different spots in order to find the one which improves mood to the highest extent, Fenoy said. "We will note changes in the patient's energy or motivation, such as speaking more freely, smiling or laughing. That indicates that we are in the right spot. It is amazing to see, because it is provoked by the stimulation." Once that is complete, the patient is placed under anesthesia while a wire that connects the electrodes and a battery pack (called the neurostimulator) are implanted underneath the skin. The neurostimulator -; the system's power source -; is placed inside a metal case below the clavicle. Similar to a small pacemaker, models range from 2 to 3 inches in diameter and are about 1/2 inch thick. The battery produces the electrical impulses needed to stimulate the electrodes. McGann said she felt immediate relief when the surgery was over. She stayed in the hospital one night and went home the next day. "I remember wanting to do things, like going to the pool at my apartment complex, which I had no desire to do before," she said. Follow-up care includes visits with a neurosurgeon and a psychiatrist, who monitors improvement in depressive symptoms every week by having them rate their level of depression. Patients also have a neuropsychological evaluation once a year to ensure that DBS is not interfering with brain functions, such as memory. The study follows patients for at least two years after surgery. Patients may not experience immediate symptom suppression from DBS. Frequent, non-invasive adjustment to the stimulation parameters may be required. "The procedure is very experimental, so there's no guarantee that someone will get better," Soares said. "But the goal is to see patients get better. Because depression is a chronic condition, patients may have still bumps along the road. But hopefully their lows won't be as low, and they won't last as long. We hope to see an uptrend in the patient's mood, and that they have normal energy and enthusiasm for life." Soares notes that in past decades DBS treatment was used to treat patients with depression who didn't respond to commonly available treatments -; but different areas of the brain were targeted and it didn't prove to be effective. During a preliminary study published in 2013 and conducted in Germany at University Hospital Bonn, researchers targeted a new area of the brain -; the medial forebrain bundle -; with success. Six of the seven patients in the study experienced a positive response for at least 24 months after their surgery. Inspired by the German study, Soares, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, paired up with faculty at the Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery at McGovern Medical School to design their own trial. To date, UTHealth has performed nine surgeries. "We are very impressed with the results so far," he said. "Patients are functioning better. Some are now working full-time and are enjoying life with their families." If the trial continues to be successful, UTHealth researchers plan to ask the FDA to approve a study with a larger group of patients over a longer period of time. "For now, we are just trying to replicate and expand what our German colleagues reported," Soares said. Fenoy said the ultimate goal would be to have the FDA approve this treatment for TRD, so others can benefit. "It's amazing to see patients who have been in a rut for years go back to a normal way of life," he said. "To find something that would help people who have run out of hope would be a major treatment advancement for TRD," Soares said. Theres an irony at the heart of the treatment of high blood pressure. The malady itself often has no symptoms, yet the medicines to treat it and to prevent a stroke or heart attack later can make people feel crummy. Its not that you dont want to take it, because you know its going to help you. But its the getting used to it, said Sharon Fulson, a customer service representative from Nashville, Tenn., who is trying to monitor and control her hypertension. The daily pills Fulson started taking last year make her feel groggy and nervous. Other people on the drugs report dizziness, nausea and diarrhea, and men, in particular, can have trouble with arousal. All of these side effects are worse than the high blood pressure, Fulson said. Research shows roughly half of patients dont take their high blood pressure medicine as they should, even though heart disease is the leading cause of death in America. For many unfortunate people, their first symptom of high blood pressure is a catastrophic cardiac event. Thats why hypertension is called the silent killer. A drug test is now available that can flag whether a patient is actually taking the prescribed medication. The screening, which requires a urine sample, is meant to spark a more truthful conversation between patient and doctor. Fulsons blood pressure has been a moving target, she said. She regularly checks it at home, but it sometimes registers as a little high. Even having it taken in a doctors office can add enough stress to elevate the results. This is why taking patients pressure the familiar cuff test doesnt confirm for cardiologists whether patients are consistently taking their hypertension meds. The new drug test, dubbed KardiAssure, uses computers to analyze urine to search for 80 kinds of blood pressure and cholesterol medication, reporting the results in just three minutes. The test can determine only whether a patient has taken pills in the past day or two. But Aegis Sciences Corp.s CEO Frank Basile said thats a starting point. What we give doctors is a tool that enables them to have a very focused conversation with their patients, he said. Only after the problem is out in the open, he said, can doctors get to the reasons behind it. The conversation starter has been effective for cardiologist Bryan Doherty in Dickson, Tenn., who has been working with Aegis to test the test. In one case, when the results showed a patient wasnt regularly taking his medicine, though hed claimed he was, he quickly confessed. He immediately turned around and told me that the cost was an issue, Doherty said. I think there was a degree of embarrassment there, potentially, or a feeling of letting me down in some way something that had not come up in a 25-minute initial encounter when we had spoken before. Of course, the test has a cost, too about $100 though Doherty noted that insurance, including Medicare, has been covering it. The conversation is important, Doherty said, because he can try less expensive prescriptions if cost is the issue, or experiment with different kinds of drugs if side effects are the problem. Its worth the potentially uncomfortable encounter with the patient, he said, since the medication might make the difference between life and death. The screening could also help a patient avoid other unnecessary tests or additional prescriptions, said Dr. Thomas Johnston. He runs the hypertension clinic at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville and is board president of the local chapter of the American Heart Association. Other than calling the pharmacy to make sure people are refilling their prescription, he said, he generally takes their word for it. I think there are a lot of times where youre questioning in your mind whether someone has taken their medicine or not, he said. I think it would be good for the patient, too, for the doctor to know that theyre not taking their medicine so that we may not go down the wrong pathway. Johnston, who is not affiliated with Aegis, said his only concern about using a drug test would be running the risk of setting up an adversarial relationship with a patient. But theres a way around that, too, he said, by making them understand how vital it is to take the drug properly. Sarah Avery of Nashville said shes fully aware of the consequences. My daddy died because he didnt take his medicine, she said. Hypertension runs in her family. Her mom and grandmother also battled high blood pressure. Still, the medication is such a drag, she said, that shes decided at times to stop without consulting her doctor. I lied. Really, I lied, she admitted. He said, Are you taking your medicine? I said, Mmhmmm. Yeah, my momma makes sure that I do. I was just lying, she said. That is, until she, too, had a stroke. Now, she has three blood pressure medications and said she takes them without fail. This story is part of a partnership that includes WLPN, NPR and Kaiser Health News. This story also ran on NPR. This story can be republished for free (details). Despite the great successes of targeted cancer drugs and the promise of novel immunotherapies, the vast majority of people diagnosed with cancer are still first treated with chemotherapy. Now a new study by UCSF researchers using techniques drawn from computational biology could make it much easier for physicians to use the genetic profile of a patient's tumor to pick the chemotherapy treatment with the fewest side effects and best chance of success. "Since 95 percent of cancer patients still get chemo, we realized we could make a major impact on cancer treatment by helping clinicians prescribe the right chemotherapy drug," said Chemotherapies are potent toxins delivered into the bloodstream to kill tumor cells throughout the body by damaging DNA in rapidly dividing cells. However, these poisons can also do significant harm to other dividing cells such as those found in the stomach lining and in hair and nail follicles, as well as the blood and immune stem cells in the bone marrow. In addition, cancer cells' susceptibility to these agents varies widely, and tumors often develop resistance to drugs that initially seem effective. There are more than 100 chemotherapy agents in wide use, but oncologists have very little information to guide their decisions about which of these drugs to use in a given patient. These decisions are typically guided by the drugs' average historical success rate for different types of cancer, rather than any understanding of how the chemotherapy drug will interact with the genetic profile of a specific tumor. "We know very little about how gene mutations in tumor cells can change how a tumor might respond or not to certain chemotherapy drugs. Mapping these sorts of connections could make it possible to optimize which drugs patients get based on their tumor genetics," said Bandyopadhyay, a member of the Now -- in a paper published online April 17, 2018 in "We're trying to take a systems view of chemotherapy resistance," said Bandyopadhyay. "With rarer mutations in particular there aren't enough patients for large clinical trials to be able to identify biomarkers of resistance, but by considering all the different potential genetic factors that have been identified together in one study, we can robustly predict from experiments in laboratory dishes how cancers with different genetic mutations will respond to different treatments." The team began by identifying hundreds of genes frequently mutated in human cancers: 200 implicated in breast cancer, 170 linked to ovarian cancer, and 134 involved in DNA repair, which is compromised in many types of cancer. They then mimicked the effects of such mutations in lab dishes by systematically inactivating each of these cancer-associated genes in healthy human cells, creating 625 different perturbations that mirrored distinct genetic mutations seen in real breast and ovarian cancers. The researchers then exposed cells from each of these lines to a panel of 31 different drug treatments -- including 23 chemotherapy compounds approved by the FDA for breast and ovarian cancers, six targeted cancer drugs, and two common drug combinations. An automated microscopy system monitored the cells' health and recorded which groups of cells were killed, which survived, and which developed resistance when exposed to a particular treatment. The resulting "map" of gene-drug interactions allowed the researchers to accurately predict the responses of multiple human cancer cell lines to different chemotherapy agents based on the cell lines' genetic profiles and also revealed new genetic factors that appear to determine the response of breast and ovarian tumor cells to common classes of chemotherapy treatment. As a proof of principle, the researchers collaborated with Clovis Oncology, a biotech company based in Boulder, Colorado, which is running a clinical trial of drugs known as PARP inhibitors in patients with stage II ovarian cancer. Based on their gene-drug interaction map, the researchers predicted that mutations in two genes, called ARID1A and GPBP1, could contribute to ovarian cancer's ability to develop resistance to this class of drugs. Results from the clinical trial bore out these predictions: patients with these mutations were significantly more likely to develop resistance. Bandyopadhyay's team has deposited the trove of data generated in the new study in a database maintained by the National Cancer Institute so that other researchers can mine it for information about drug combinations and derive new biological insights about the basis for chemotherapy's success or failure. The lab is also working with the In future, Bandyopadhyay says, better understanding how chemotherapy agents impact specific biological pathways should allow drug trials to focus on patients who are more likely to respond to the drugs being tested and enable clinicians to identify targeted or combination therapies for patients with a genetic predisposition to resistance. Source: http://www.ucsf.edu/ Biosafety cabinets, an integral part of hospital, research, and industry laboratories across the globe, create a clean and/or ventilated workspace for drug preparation, diagnosis, research, and development. In order to ensure the best protection for personnel, samples, and products, individuals must be confident that their biosafety cabinets align with regulatory authority and industry-approved standards. Image credit: NuAire An introduction to biosafety cabinets Biosafety cabinets, also referred to as microbiological safety cabinets or biological safety cabinets, provide a ventilated but enclosed workspace. These cabinets are used for three main purposes: to protect personnel from potentially infectious or toxic materials to protect products and samples from laboratory contamination to protect the environment from infectious or toxic materials The initial versions of biosafety cabinets had basic on/off switches but they are now equipped with a range of safety features which can all be monitored using software. These features can include sensors that monitor motor function and window position, as well as airflow monitoring and control using airflow sensors. Biological safety cabinet classes Based on their design and use, biosafety cabinets are grouped into three classes: 1 Class I Protects the environment and personnel from aerosols when exhausted through a facility hvac system and when using biological agents, but cannot protect products from contamination Air exhausted externally or room recirculated into the lab HEPA filter in the air exhaust Image credit: NuAire Class II Protects products, workers, and the environment when handling handling biological agents and Hazardous Drugs (HDs) such as chemotherapeutic agents when properly vented through a facility exhaust system. Air exhausted externally or room recirculated HEPA filter in the supply and exhaust Image credit: NuAire Class III Gas-tight; protects products, workers, and the environment when handling risk 4 biological agents Total containment cabinets Usually a double exhaust HEPA filter configuration HEPA filter placed in the air supply Image credit: NuAire In chemical, medical, biological research, and biopharma R&D, biosafety cabinets make sure that research experiments are performed in a sterile consistent setting. Similarly, in medical diagnostics, these cabinets protect both operators and samples from contamination (for example viruses and bacteria). To prepare combination HD drug regimens, for example cancer chemotherapy, when used with aseptic technique or good manufacturing practices, biosafety cabinets offer injection and infusion solutions are free from contamination and protect operators from drugs that are often toxic. The Biosafety Standards Biosafety cabinet standards have been published for four decades or more, and they offer the minimum construction and performance requirements to ensure a safe working environment. Cabinets that conform to international standards will increase customers confidence that they are working with biosafety cabinets that adhere to industry guidelines. EN 12469 and NSF/ANSI 49 are the main standards used. NSF International, a non-profit and accredited independent organization, designs standards and certification programs for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). In the United States, the NSF/ANSI 49 standard is considered the gold standard for biosafety cabinets. Technischer Uberwachungsverein (TUV) Nord, one of the leading independent testing agencies in Europe, tests to the EN 12469, biosafety cabinet standard. TUV Nord tests most of the biological safety cabinets that were earlier tested to EN standard. The documentation prepared for these standards shows how biosafety cabinets are evaluated (refer Table 1). Table One - Biosafety Standards 2 NSF/ANSI 49 EN 12469 Classes Covers Class II cabinets; broken down into subtypes Covers Classes I-III Cabinets Class II requirements are virtually identical to NSF/ANSI 49 Microbiological Challenge Testing for Operator, Cross and Product Contamination. Yes Requirements adopted from NSF/ANSI 49 Include optional test to validate containment in the field (KI-Discus text) Airflow Velocity Downflow Includes downflow velocity but no specific requirements; requires larger number of test points Specifies thermoanenometer Recommended downflow velocity range of 0.25-0.50 m/s Does not specify instrument accuracy and type Airflow Velocity Inflow Uses direct inflow measurement (DIM) Minimum inflow velocity of 100 fpm (0.51 m/s) Recommends airflow measurement above exhaust and calculates inflow Minimum inflow velocity of 0.4 m/s Performance Envelope Function within +/-0.025 m/s of the inflow and downflow set points, using the airspeed parameters No specification TUV Nord requires low alarm point to be tested Pressurization Testing Soap bubble pressure leak test as routine test Soap bubble pressure leak test as a test type Filter Leak Test Generated Aerosol Challenge Generated Aerosol Challenge Airflow Smoke Pattern Tests Yes No Room Airflow Patterns in Situ Not Required Optional uses potassium iodide Worker Comfort Noise 67 dBA at operator head position Vibration Test Yes Light level 650 lux Noise 65 dBA 1m away from center of access opening Vibration Test Yes Light level 650 lux Other Measure cleanability of contaminated surfaces No noise insulation inside contaminated areas Chemical/abrasion resistance of paintwork Motor/Blower Test Airflow alarms Audio and visual alerts for malfunctions One of the most significant parts of European and US standards is the biological testing aspect which employs a biological aerosol challenge. The main difference between European and US standards is that the former checks for bacterial challenge at minimal set point velocities (that is calibrated downflow and inflow air speed), while the latter also tests above and below those levels that enables variability in the testing protocols. Some countries across the globe publish their own standards. Most of these standards are based on European and US guidelines, but they also have their own differences. For instance, biological tests are not included in the Australian standards, which require testing on site together with potassium iodide or dioctylphthalate (DOP) testing for containment performance. If the biosafety cabinet is room recirculated, British standards specify two exhaust HEPA filters and the Chinese standards specify a coved work zone insert, i.e., dual side wall construction. Conversely, users and purchasers should remember that these standards are only the minimum expectations for construction, safety, and performance quality. The standards do not cover how the cabinet is manufactured, but only how it performs. Look beyond the standards Clients should look beyond these standards. For instance, is the cabinet merely fastened along with rivets or screws, or tightly and smoothly built, welded, and polished? Is the biosafety cabinet service friendly (front access)? Quality of materials utilized painted steel versus stainless steel? Cabinets that surpass the minimum standards, instead of meeting them, will increase the confidence of users about the highest containment performance with some level of safety. For instance, a vivarium setting may create more airflow movements and currents. A biosafety cabinet subjected to dynamic testing can help detect its limitations when placed in a turbulent setting. Biological Testing, Generated Aerosol Challenge. Image credit: NuAire Testing to meet the standards When purchasing EN and NSF-certified cabinets, customers should know what to anticipate from a safety and containment standpoint. Biosafety cabinet manufacturers submit their base unit models to the testing center, which then checks the unit to see if it satisfies the standards requirements, but this process is very costly; for instance, NSF testing can cost as much as $50,000 for one model. The approved model lines bear the suitable labels and are listed on the website of the organization. still, a degree of buyer beware remains for the client. Through third-party testing, a few companies submit just one or two models and then provide similar models for sale, but these units may not be the ones listed under the EN or NSF standards. After a cabinet passes, the standards will apply if no significant changes are made. Yet, many cabinets are custom-made to suit the needs of customers. While mild construction or cosmetic changes will not impact the listing, cabinets with profound customization changes cannot carry the TUV or NSF labels. Major changes include: Providing customized access (e.g., side access) Creating non-stock size cabinets Developing the cabinet to fit a specific instrument and space Including robotics When searching for a custom-made biosafety cabinet, it is recommended to locate a manufacturer who can address this challenge by developing tailored solutions as if they were going to be TUV or NSF tested. It is possible to validate these changes because most cabinet manufacturers will have on-site testing centers that imitate third-party testing. Future standards With emerging technological advancements and rigorous research and industry requirements, standards also have to evolve to address these changes. At NSF International, the Joint Committee on Biosafety Cabinetry continuously updates the guidelines depending on user submissions. The updated version of the European standard and the updated guidelines were published in 2000 and 2014, respectively. However, it is difficult to update these standards because the EN standards have to be agreed upon across all the European countries. Laboratory equipment supply from NuAire NuAire develops scientific laboratory equipment that is ergonomically designed and engineered and provides product, personnel and/or environmental protection in important research settings. The company offers the following range of laboratory equipment: Biological Safety Cabinets, Animal Research Products, CO 2 Incubators. Image credit: NuAire Laminar Airflow Products, Polypropylene Fume Hoods & Casework, Centrifuges. Image credit: NuAire References University of Minnesota. Biosafety: Types (Classes) of BiologicalSafety Cabinets. Created: 2010. Last updated: 14 June 2010; Accessed: 21 October 2015 Qian, L.X. Biological safety cabinets: Comparison betweenEuropean and US standards. Clean Air and Containmnent Review, 2011. (5). About NuAire Quality and Service For more than 40 years, NuAire has been committed to bringing you the highest-quality, most dependable laboratory products on the market. We are universally recognized as one of the world's leading providers of reliable equipment for the most demanding environments, including Biological Safety Cabinets, CO2 Incubators,Laminar Air Flow workstations, Ultra Low Temperature Freezers, Centrifuges,Animal Transfer Stations, Pharmacy Compounding Isolators, Polypropylene Fume Hoods, Polypropylene Casework, and a variety of complementary products and systems. You can depend on our products to feature brilliant but practical design, and we pay keen attention to every step of the production process, from fabrication to assembly to thorough testing. As a NuAire customer, you can also rely on us for outstanding value and dependable service - the cornerstones of our reputation as the leading provider of laboratory products internationally. Committed to Your Success At NuAire, we create our high-quality products with your success in mind. This means that if you purchase a piece of laboratory equipment from us, we want you to be completely happy while using it. NuAire will work hand-in-hand with you in order to ensure that your experience using our product meets your standards, and if you encounter any issues or difficulties along the way, we'll help you work through them until you are 100% satisfied. Our philosophy is that we succeed only when you succeed - and we are committed to working hard to ensure you achieve your goals. Made in America At NuAire, you can depend on us for being a company that is "Made in America." Our Airflow Products, CO2 Incubators, and Polypropylene Products are manufactured at three locations in Minnesota. With over 300,000 square feet of manufacturing space, including a state-of-the-art robotic sheet metal facility, NuAire is able to provide employment to 300 Minnesota families and 60 North American sales representatives, and our manufacturing labor is 100% American. We also purchase our materials from over 500 American vendors, each operating principally in the United States. More than 60% of the raw materials, parts, and supplies for our products originates in the U.S., and an average of 20-30% of the stainless steel flats we use are made from recycled metal. International Leader While NuAire is an American company, we also have several international business partnerships, which allow us to better serve you, the global laboratory community. NuAire recently started manufacturing a line of Biological Safety Cabinets in China in order to supply products to the Asian markets via Techcomp, Ltd., a publicly traded Chinese company. In 2014, NuAire founded an international partnership with Hitachi Koki in order to supply high performance centrifuges to the North American market. NuAire can now provide customers with the sales and service of Hitachi High Speed, Ultra, and Micro Ultracentrifuges. With several other partnerships with a variety of European and Asian companies, we have sold over 100,000 biological safety cabinets to customers in 150 countries and have equipment located on all 7 continents. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. Byton is a Chinese vehicle brand that's been teasing its upcoming first model in concept form for a while now, but a near production-ready version of its first model has just had its European launch as part of Milan Design Week. It's a 469 bhp all-electric luxury SUV with a claimed range on a full charge of 323 miles, and it looks as good as it seems it will go. The boss of Byton, Carston Breitfield, said at the event in Milan that the vehicle was "85 percent there." Although some relatively minor modifications are likely to be needed to meet various legal requirements, Breitfeld went on to describe the touchscreen-dominated interior as being what he described as "series production ready." Seeing its first model going on sale is now within touching distance for Byton as the first prototype version of its luxury SUV EV was completed at Byton's factory in Nanjing, China last week. A small number are now being completed for crash testing, and the first development prototypes are scheduled to be completed sometime around the middle of this year. Also Read: 2018 Mahindra XUV500 Facelift Launched in India for Rs 12.32 Lakh Production models are set to go on sale first in China in late 2019, before arriving in Europe and the USA in 2020. As well as that range of up to 323 miles on a full charge, the Byton SUV will be available in two different powertrain configurations that will include a twin-motor four-wheel-drive system with 469 bhp. Prices are expected to start from the equivalent of around 37,000, but it's not the only Byton we're going to be seeing soon. The China-based startup is also set to unveil a concept version of its second model in June, which this time will be an all-electric sedan. It will be built on the same platform as the SUV and will make its global debut at CES Asia in Shanghai. It will be the second of three EVs that will form the early backbone of the Byton model range, and we're told the last of the trio will be a seven-seat MPV that's to follow later. Also Read: Royal Enfield Thunderbird 350 by Maratha Motorcycles is a Tribute to Hindu God Lord Shiva Byton's design chief, Benoit Jacob, says of the fledgling range: "We worked on the family from the beginning, and designed it so we can avoid re-engineering things every single time from an architecture and platform point of view. That means we can have a price point that is really attractive." This implies the sedan will come in at a similar price to the SUV, which would make it a direct competitor for the likes of the Tesla Model 3. Also Watch: Toyota Yaris Review (First Drive) | Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna Rival Maruti Suzuki India Limited attained leadership position in utility vehicles sales in the domestic market in 2017-18, with over 27.5% market share. Riding on the success of models like Vitara Brezza, Ertiga and S-Cross, Maruti Suzukis sale of utility vehicles reached 253,759 units in 2017-18, growing 29.6% over previous year sales of 195,741 units. Also Read: Bollywood Star Farhan Akhtar Buys Himself Jeep Grand Cherokee Speaking on the achievement, Mr. R.S Kalsi, Senior Executive Director (Marketing & Sales), Maruti Suzuki said, We thank our valued customers for their support. In recent years the company has systematically widened its utility vehicle portfolio. Each of the offerings is distinctively placed and offers immense value to customers. Our UV range of Vitara Brezza, S-Cross and Ertiga revolve around best of design, technology and experience. Sales of Vitara Brezza increased by 36.7% in 2017-18, while it jumped by 44.4% for S-Cross and 4.1% for Ertiga. Also Watch: 2018 Mahindra XUV500 Facelift - Detailed Image Gallery Maruti Suzuki has 2,627 sales outlets (as on March 31, 2018). These comprise Maruti Suzuki Arena, NEXA and Commercial channel. Vitara Brezza and Ertiga are sold from Maruti Suzuki Arena, while S-Cross is available at NEXA showrooms. Also Watch: Toyota Yaris Review (First Drive) | Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Hyundai Verna Rival Kolkata: At least 18 people were killed and several others injured on Tuesday night after strong winds nearly 100 kmph accompanied by heavy rains wreaked havoc in Kolkata and its surrounding areas. The storm which lasted for nearly 45 minutes uprooted several trees, tripped power supply and affected the normal traffic services in the city. Most of the city roads clogged due to uprooted trees, lamp posts and guard rails. Flight and train services were also badly affected and hundreds of passengers and daily commuters had a harrowing time at Howrah, Kolkata and Sealdah railway stations till midnight. An Airport official said, The ATC issued a warning and asked all hovering flights to maintain a safe height to avoid the squall. Flight services disrupted from 7.45 PM to 8.30 PM." Now, situation is back to normal. Speaking to News18, Director of Regional Meteorological Centre, Kolkata, Ganesh Kumar Das, said, We had predicted the thundershower and accordingly warning had been issued especially to farmers and fishermen. On Tuesday night the speed of wind,which we recorded at Alipore, was 98kmph. The first storm hit around 7.40 pm with a speed of 84 kmph. The second one that hit the city and its adjoining around 7.55 pm, was stronger with a speed of 98 kmph, accompanied by heavy rain," he added. Today the weather will be normal in Kolkata but tomorrow onwards the city will be little warmer, he added. At Central Kolkata near Lenin Sarani - an autorickshaw driver and a woman passenger died after a tree fell on their vehicle around 8 pm near Jyoti cinema hall. Near Park Circus area in Kolkata, Md Sahid Khan a leather products trader - was killed after a portion of terrace fell on him. His friend Arzu received severe head injuries, is admitted in a local nursing home. His condition is stated to be critical. Two electrocution deaths were reported from Howrah. Three deaths reported from Behala area, Burrabazar and Panchannagram. All of them were killed after concrete chunks fell on them when they took shelter to save themselves from heavy rains. On Wednesday morning, the state government swung in to action and engaged a large number of civil defence, police and municipal officials to ensure normal traffic and other amenities. Train services were also restored in the morning at Howrah and Sealdah railway stations. New Delhi: Coming in the wake of recent Dalit protests, the five-day National Executive Meet of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) will ponder over the 'influence and threats' of the forces that rake up Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar's name in creating divisions in the society. The meeting of RSS functionaries, which includes zonal presidents and pracharaks, began on April 17 and is going to conclude on April 21 at Kolvan Village, Pune. Dr Manmohan Vaidya, sah-sarakaryavah, said that a national executive meeting of this kind happens every 11 years, last time it was in 2007 and now again in 2018. "We meet every 11 years for this meeting, it was pre-planned and there is no political motive for it. The issues are related to the society and not to 2019 elections, as many may conjure," Vaidya said. He added that the most important issue to be discussed is "strengthening the foundation of Bharat and the threats caste-based politics is inflicting on the country". The month of April saw violent protests against the Supreme Court directives that are alleged to have diluted the stringent safeguarding measures of the Prevention of SC/ST Atrocities Act, 1989. The worst affected were the BJP ruled states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar among others. The BJP was at the receiving end of the criticism for not protecting the Dalits. The Centre has already filed a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging the order. Vaidya added, "Eagerness of people to participate in Sangh is increasing, we are working to bring the society together. On one hand, we are working as a unifying force while on the other, there are people raking up the name of Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar to create divisions in the country, which is unfortunate." Vaidya said that their chintan, charcha is going to focus on such elements and their reach. "The inclination towards Sangh is increasing and the people involved in caste-based politics are fearing their irrelevance. They are the ones who are harmful and are creating divisions in the society only because of politics. Unfortunately, they are using Ambedkar's name, he was someone who broke all barriers to unify the country." Vaidya said, "In the past, several governments have posed hurdles to the Sangh's working. But it continued to grow. Today more and more people want join us." Quoting the numbers from the 'Join RSS' program, Vaidya said that the RSS had started with just 13,000 participants but the number had reached 1,25,000 participants by 2017. Saying that violence in the name of caste has gained huge proportions, Vaidya said "How much of damage can those people playing caste politics inflict on the society, and how influential would they be, is going to be part of the discussion in the five-day meet," he added. "Interest for the RSS is increasing, the speed has to be increased and we have to work for the strong Bharat, when some forces are building walls," Vaidya cautioned. New Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condemned the brutal gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua, saying such an incidents 70 years after Independence is shameful. Addressing the sixth convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at Katra in Jammu, the President said the safety of children is the responsibility of the society as a whole. After 70 years of Independence, such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think about what kind of a society we are developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman, the President said. Daughters of India have brought laurels to the country in Commonwealth Games; Manika Batra from Delhi, Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu and Sangeeta Chanu from Manipur, Manu Bhaker and Vinesh Phogat from Haryana, Saina Nehwal from Telangana and Heena Sidhu from Punjab, he said, lauding the contribution of women in several fields. The eight people accused in the gruesome Kathua rape and murder case have pleaded not guilty and asked the district and sessions judge for a Narco test. Of the eight, one is a juvenile. The eight-year-old victim child from a minority nomadic community was allegedly held in captivity in a small village temple in Kathua district for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. According to the chargesheets filed by the crime branch, the abduction, rape and killing of the girl was part of a carefully planned strategy to remove the minority nomadic community from the area. The caretaker of the 'Devisthan', a small temple, is listed as the main conspirator behind the crime. Lucknow: After openly supporting construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, a prominent Muslim politician has donated a 30-kg brass bell at a famous Hanuman temple here. After donating the bell at the temple on Tuesday, the day being associated with Lord Hanuman, Bukkal Nawab, a turncoat, who had quit the Samajwadi Party to join the BJP, said he offered prayers there. Commenting on the matter, senior SP leader Ram Govind Chaudhary said, "It is nothing but a publicity stunt. He is hopping from one temple to another to hog media limelight." Bukkal had given up his Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seat last year to pave the way for a BJP minister to become a legislator within the stipulated six months' period to continue in the Yogi Adityanath government. At that time, he was an SP MLC and was considered close to party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. He soon switched his loyalty and joined the saffron party. The 64-year-old leader was rewarded with an MLC ticket for the UP council biennial elections in which his victory is certain as there are only 13 candidates, including him, for as many seats. "My wish has been fulfilled by Lord Hanuman," he said, when asked why he had offered the bell at the temple. During the last Assembly election campaign, Bukkal, a Shia, had caused a stir by saying that he would be happy to see a Ram temple come up at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and would help the cause by "carrying the first brick to Ayodhya". He had also said he would contribute Rs 15 crore towards temple construction and a 'mukut' (crown) for Lord Ram. Bukkal is also president of the Rashtriya Shia Samaj or RSS, a different avtar for the acronym which is generally associated with the Hindu nationalist group. "On one of the Tuesdays of Jyestha month (June) of the traditional Hindu calendar, we organised a large-scale bhandara (community feast) at Hazratganj," he said. The community feasts are locally known as 'bara mangal' and are held all over the state with much fanfare. New Delhi: Union Skill Development Minister Anantkumar Hegde claimed a deliberate attempt on his life when a truck tried to hit his car on Tuesday night in Karnataka. Hegde tweeted that his car escaped collision with a truck since the vehicle was in top speed, but another vehicle in his convoy was damaged. A policeman in the vehicle reportedly suffered injuries to his shoulder. The truck driver Nasir has been arrested. Tweeting about the accident, the Minister said: "A deliberate attempt on my life seems to have been executed just now. A truck on NH, near Halageri in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district has hit my escort vehicle which tried to hit my vehicle in the first instance. Since our vehicle was in top speed we escaped the hit. A deliberate attempt on my life seems to have been executed just now. A truck on NH, near Halageri in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district has hit my escort vehicle which tried to hit my vehicle in the first instance. Since our vehicle was in top speed we escaped the hit. pic.twitter.com/2w8zzq26UU Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) April 17, 2018 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blaming the incident on "negligence" said the ministers allegations show pettiness and a criminal way of thinking. Incidents happen because of negligence or other such reasons. Is it right to think of them as attempt to murder? This shows pettiness and criminal way of thinking. Some people in BJP have a criminal mindset so they think like that, said Siddaramaiah. The minister, while posting the photo of the truck driver, urged the police to expose the bigger nexus behind the incident. I urge the police to take the case seriously in spilling the truth out from this guy named Nasir. There might be a bigger nexus behind this incident and am sure Police would expose all of them. pic.twitter.com/CXQuEZKMqD Anantkumar Hegde (@AnantkumarH) April 17, 2018 Hedge also alleged that the vehicle was being driven in the wrong direction and was parked right in the road horizontally and as his convoy approached near, the man tried hitting our car. London: Day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi was criticised even by former PM Manmohan Singh for his silence on the Unnao and Kathua rape incidents, he said on Wednesday night that a childs rape should not be politicised. Amid a nationwide outrage over the Kathua and Unnao rape cases, Modi said "rape is rape" during the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. He added, "We always ask our daughters about what they are doing, where they are going. We must ask our sons too." The person who is committing these crimes is also someone's son, he said. "I have never indulged in counting the number of rape incidents in this government and that government. Rape is rape, be it now or earlier. It is extremely sad. Don't politicise rape incidents," the prime minister said. The rape of a daughter is a matter of shame for the country, he said. "But can we compare the number of rapes in different governments? We cannot say there were this many rapes in our government and that many in yours. There cannot be a worse way to deal with this issue," he said. Manmohan Singh hit out at Narendra Modi stating that the incumbent head of state should "follow his own advice" and "speak more often". "I am glad that PM Modi finally broke his silence. I think the Prime Minister should follow his own advice to me and he should speak more often. Through press (reports) I know that he used to criticise me for not speaking up. I feel that the advice that he used to give me, he should follow it himself," said Singh in an interview to Indian Express. Calling it the evil of not just the individual but also of the society, the Prime Minister said people need to teach their sons to treat girls with respect. "That's why I presented this issue from the Red Fort in a new way. I had said that if a daughter comes late, parents ask where had she gone and why. Whom did she meet? The Prime Minister's remarks came as his government faced criticism for increasing incidents of rapes of minors especially after an eight-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. In the Kathua case, an eight-year-old girl from a nomadic community was raped and killed. The rape victim had disappeared from a spot near her house in Kathua on January 10 and a week later, her body was found in the same area. A Special Investigation Team of J&K Police Crime Branch, formed to probe the incident, has arrested eight people, including two special police officers (SPOs) and a head constable and a Sub-inspector, who were charged with destroying evidence. In the Unnao case, the victim has alleged that she was raped by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar at his residence on June 4, 2017 where she had gone with a relative seeking a job. In February, the girl's family moved court seeking to include the MLA's name in the rape case. After this move, the victim's father was booked by the police under the arms act on April 3 this year and put in jail on April 5. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hit out at Narendra Modi stating that the incumbent head of state should "follow his own advice" and "speak more often". Singh was referring to the prolonged silence of PM Modi over the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu's Kathua district and the alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl by a BJP MLA in UP's Unnao. "I am glad that PM Modi finally broke his silence. I think the Prime Minister should follow his own advice to me and he should speak more often. Through press (reports) I know that he used to criticise me for not speaking up. I feel that the advice that he used to give me, he should follow it himself," said Singh in an interview to Indian Express. Singh said that Modis failure to speak up sooner had allowed people to think that they could get away with such crimes. I do feel that those in authority must speak up in time (so as) to give a lead to their followers, he said. PM Modi, on Friday, had indirectly assured the country that "no culprit will be spared" and that "our daughters will definitely get justice". "Incidents being discussed since past two days cannot be part of a civilised society. As a country, as a society we all are ashamed of it. I want to assure the country that no culprit will be spared, complete justice will be done. Our daughters will definitely get justice," said the leader. Earlier in the day, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had urged the PM to break his silence as it was unacceptable. Gandhi said "India is waiting for him to speak. On Thursday, Rahul Gandhi led a midnight candlelight march protesting against the Unnao and Kathua rape cases. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah too, in a tweet, said, "Hon PM sir, there isn't a day when we don't hear you speak about things that are important to you yet there are times when you are completely silent about things that are important to others." Abdullah requested the Prime Minister not to let the girl be "someone you choose to remain silent about". New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed a gamut of agreements with the United Kingdom, including those on Ganga rejuvenation, artificial intelligence, health and ayurveda, among others. Both India and UK have committed to working together on several areas including technology (which includes holding a Technology Summit this year), bilateral trade, promotion of scientific research and pledge allegiance to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). While Modi has signed several Memorandum of Understanding(s) (MoUs) during his foreign visits, the agreements signed with the UK seem different from the rest. The National Mission for Clean Ganga and UK's Natural Environmental Research Council have signed an agreement which will help in supporting the central government in sustainable management of water resources in the river's basin. There will be collaborative programs of research and innovation, including exchange of police experts. Further, India and UK have also committed to work in many areas of Ayurveda, which includes the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. The MoUs further allow development of evidence based guidelines for integrating ayurvedic principles and practices with modern medicine and develop benchmarks of Ayurvedic education in the UK. The UK has also announced a Fast Track mechanism to resolve issues faced by Indian businesses who want set shop in the UK. Both countries have also agreed to facilitate exchange of safety related information with regards to atomic energy, decommissioning of civil nuclear installations and also engage in enhancing preparedness to deal with a nuclear emergency. Further, recognising the increased threat posed by international criminality, the MEA said that a MoU on Exchange of Information for the Purposes of Combating International Criminality and Tackling Serious Organised Crime has been signed. "The MoU will allow the two parties to establish a mechanism for the exchange of information, which will include criminal records, immigration records and intelligence." New Delhi: The Indian Navy warned the Chinese Navy against any misadventures in the Indian Ocean in two tongue-in-cheek tweets late on Tuesday. Taking to its official Twitter handle, Indian Navy told the Chinese that India was watching the Indian Ocean Region. #MaritimeDomainAwareness @indiannavy extends a warm welcome to the 29th Anti-Piracy Escort Force (APEF) of PLA(N) in Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Happy Hunting, the Indian Navys official handle, Spokesperson Navy tweeted. An hour later, the Indian Navy sent out another tweet. #MissionBasedDeployments From Persian Gulf to Malacca Straits & from Northern Bay of Bengal to Southern Indian Ocean to East coast of Africa @indiannavy with 50 ships on vigil 24X7 keep our Area of Responsibility (AOR) safe. @indiannavy Anytime, Anywhere Everytime @nsitharaman. #MissionBasedDeployments From Persian Gulf to Malacca Straits & from Northern Bay of Bengal to Southern Indian Ocean to East coast of Africa @indiannavy with 50 ships on vigil 24X7 keep our Area of Responsibility (AOR) safe. @indiannavy Anytime, Anywhere Everytime @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/rxmBAed5Sa SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 17, 2018 The 29th Fleet from the Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) left Chinas Zoushan on April 4 for Gulf of Aden and areas off Somali reportedly to escort civilian ships. The fleet carried over 700 officers. While the Ministry of Defence has time and again said that they were closely monitoring the region, this is probably the first time that the forces have sent out a direct message. The powerful messaging comes just months after Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba gave a clear indication that Indian Navy was ready to play a bigger role including under the proposed quadrilateral coalition among India, the US, Australia and Japan and confirmed that India has kick-started an ambitious project to build six nuclear-powered attack submarines that is expected to boost the Navy's overall strike capabilities. The development was seen amidst China's naval build-up and increasing military maneuvering in the Indo-Pacific region. New Delhi: In complete violation of the central governments reservation policy, a Kerala-based institute of 'national importance' under the Ministry of Science and Technology has been accused of depriving SC/ST and Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEdBCs) of representation. The institute in question is Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute for Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST), which, in its latest recruitment notification for applications to various group-level job opportunities, has restricted the reservation of SC/ST/SEdBCs to only entry level in Group A. The Group A category considers applications for Professors, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Scientists and Engineers. The institute has provided for reservation only at the entry level for scientists and engineers. The notification calling for application will close on April 25. Complaint to the Minister The issue was brought to the notice of former secretary to Ministry of Welfare PS Krishnan, who then took the matter up with Minister of Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan. Krishnan pointed out that SCTIMST was not following the government's reservation policy in the recruitment to Group A posts and vacancies, including faculty vacancies for doctors, engineers and scientists, as is evident from its recent notification. This government may not get due credit for taking initiatives, more than any previous government except the VP Singh-led government to honour Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Krishnan wrote to the minister. The issue, he said, may have repercussions because these three social classes are already agitated over the alleged inaction and failure of the government on various issues of vital concern to them such as piling up of huge arrears in post-matric scholarships for SC and ST students in recent years, resulting in many drop-outs and difficulty for those who have not dropped out and continuing atrocities against SCs and STs. What do the rules say? As a public institute which receives grants from the central government, the SCTIMST is required to follow the reservation policies in all its recruitments, irrespective of the level. Rules 25 and 26 of the SCTIMST Act, 1980, brought in place at the time the previously state government-owned institute received national university status, lay down clear provisions for reservation. But SCTIMST authorities have not shown interest in implementing reservation as per the central government's norms in the recruitment of Group-A officers, wrote Krishnan. The institute also allegedly violated the provisions provided by the Ministry of Home Affairs. On September 30, 1974, the Home Affairs Ministry had said that all autonomous bodies cooperatives, municipalities, universities and institutes, which are receiving grant-in-aid from the central government are directed to take suitable action for providing suitable reservation for SC/ST. Suitable provisions in the relevant statutes or in the Article of respective bodies need to be made. The institute has neither sought nor been given an exemption from the reservation policy by any competent authority as per Chapter 2.8 of the Reservation Policy, News18.com has learnt from sources. If the exemption was granted, the reservation policy would be followed only at the entry level. (The) institute applied for exemption from the reservation policy in 2010, then again in 2016 in the Department of Science and Technology, and once again recently. They asked for clarification so we have reapplied and are waiting for the government's response, granting us the exemption, said institute director Asha Kishore. The provision of reservation is applicable to all state-owned institutes in India. There is no question of giving them exception because reservation policy is part of the measures required to fulfil the fundamental right of the SCs, STs and SEdBCs to Equality with the Socially Advanced Classes (SACs) in all parameters of development, welfare and life (sic), wrote Krishnan in his letter. Equality in the present context would mean that the proportion of the SCs, STs and SEdBCs in the institute should be no less than the prescribed reservation percentages of 15%, 7.5% and 27%, respectively. This has to be kept in view whenever posts and vacancies are filled up and notifications for recruitments must clearly prescribe reservation percentages. Question in Parliament MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal had asked a question in the Lok Sabha in this connection on April 4. He had asked whether SCTIMST was required to follow reservation rules while recruiting employees to various posts, including scientists. Vardhan replied that From its inception, the Institute has been following reservation norms fixed by the Government of India (Gol) for all its cadres, except in respect of the super specialty positions of the Institute that belong to Group A category. This was in consideration of the fact that those recruited to scientific and technical positions under Group 'A' were engaged in research, development, design, production, testing in super specialty areas such as biomedical engineering and technology, medical services technology, advanced neurology and cardiology clinical and research facilities, Vardhan said. In order to ensure enough representation for various reservation categories, the institute has issued necessary orders to bring all Group A entry-level academic posts, viz., Scientist B and Engineer B posts under the purview of reservation policy of Government of India from 2018 onwards, Vardhan replied. However, questions over SCTIMST's lapse in following regulations remain. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Wednesday address the world in a globally broadcast live event called 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. According to the Europe India Forum, the organisers of historic event, the Prime Minister will address people of all nationalities and backgrounds as questions pour in on social media from far and wide. The no-holds-barred interaction, which begins at 9 pm IST, will be moderated by censor board chief Prasoon Joshi. With the address, Modi will be following in the footsteps of speakers such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. The Central Hall Westminster, previously known as the Methodist Central Hall, is one of the largest multi-purpose venues in the heart of London and the site of the first-ever United Nations General Assembly in 1946. Since its opening in October 1912, the then Methodist Central Hall established itself as a prime setting for current affairs and debates and played host to Mahatma Gandhi during his visit to the UK in 1931 at the peak of India's struggle for independence. Anti-apartheid leader Martin Luther King Jr, the Dalai Lama and Princess Diana are some of the other high-profile speakers at the hall. "The venue is of great global significance and will make history with this unique niche event," said the Europe India Forum, the organisation behind the mega diaspora event attended by nearly 60,000 people at Wembley Stadium during Modi's last UK visit in November 2015. While questions would be taken through Facebook, Twitter and NaMo App, people present will also be allowed to ask questions. Stockholm: India is going through a period of change and the government in the last four years has worked towards building a developed and inclusive country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said here on Tuesday night. Addressing the Indian diaspora at the Stockholm University, Modi also took a dig at the previous Congress governments, saying earlier removing poverty was limited to just words and slogans, but his government was committed to poverty alleviation and was using empowerment as a tool to achieve its goal. "The country is going through a period of change. Presently, there is a government in India which for the country's prestige, self-respect and taking it to new heights in the 21st century, is working day and night," Modi said amidst loud cheers from the audience. "In the last four years, the government has worked for building a developed and inclusive India. It has worked for creating a New India by 2022," the prime minister said. Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, who was also present at the event, said Sweden highly values its partnership with India. He lauded the Indian diaspora for its contribution to the Nordic country. Lofven said his talks with Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday had helped the bilateral partnership take a "great step forward". Modi, in his address, asserted that India's stature has increased at the world stage. "Be it Africa or small Pacific countries, or ASEAN or Europe or Asia, all of them are looking at India as a trusted friend," he said. He cited India's entry into the export control regimes of Wassenaar Arrangement, the Australia Group and the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), as an example of India's increasing stature at the global stage. Modi also said that in India, the government is using technology for accountability and transparency. Digital infrastructure has changed how citizens used to interact with the government. Reaching out to the government has now become a practice rather than a privilege, he said. Modi said the perception about the way the government functions was changing. It is easier to do business in India and the country has jumped 42 ranks in ease of doing business index, Modi said. He also hailed the government's move of implementing the GST, saying the "historic" reform in the indirect tax regime is being increasingly adopted by the industrial sector. In his address, he also said that the Jan Dhan Yojna, Aadhaar and mobile technology had merged to create direct benefit transfer facility. These were allowing welfare schemes to reach their intended targets and had saved $12 billion from ending up in wrong hands, Modi said. The prime minister also stressed on the government's focus on ease of living and mentioned the 'Ayushman Bharat' the world's largest health care insurance scheme as an example of it. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday set to sign 1 billion ($1.42 billion, 1.14 billion euros) of investment deals with Britain during a visit to London, where he was met by hundreds of religious protesters. Modi, in Britain for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, was also expected to confirm the new India-UK Trade Partnership, which London said "will seek to improve the accessibility of trade for businesses in both countries" as Britain leaves the European Union next year. The government said the investments would create or safeguard 5,750 British jobs. Prime Minister Theresa May, who is hoping to secure a free trade agreement with India after Brexit said: "Our trade partnership is showing how we can remove barriers to increase trade between our two countries." Total trade in goods and services between Britain and India was 18 billion in 2017. But Modi's visit was not without controversy, as several hundred protesters greeted him noisily outside parliament. The demonstrators were mostly Muslims and Sikhs calling for an end to "religious persecution". Protesters chanted "Modi go back" and "Modi is a terrorist". Kashmiri separatists held aloft flags, while others displayed posters depicting an eight-year-old Muslim girl, who was raped and murdered earlier this year. Other demonstrators included Sikhs demanding independence. "Lots of different groups are here," said Dupinder Jit, a Sikh businessman. "What is happening in Modi's regime is unacceptable, he is killing minorities." Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit courted controversy on Tuesday when he diplomatically patted a woman journalist, apparently to parry a question, with the DMK terming the incident as "unbecoming" of a person holding a Constitutional post. The incident took place when the 78-year-old Governor was about to leave the venue of the crowded press conference at the Raj Bhavan, which was all set to conclude. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi tweeted "even if the intention is above supsicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalist's personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalists personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being. Kanimozhi () (@KanimozhiDMK) April 17, 2018 "It is not only unfortunate, but unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional post," DMK Working President MK Stalin said on his Twitter handle. I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly and without consent pat me on the cheek as a reply. @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/i1jdd7jEU8 Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018 The woman journalist, working with a leading English magazine said in her tweet, "I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly? and without consent ? pat me on the cheek as a reply (sic)." A satirical take on the sexism Indian women face in every field. (Mir Suhail/News18.com) The journalist, Lakshmi Subramanian further said, "Here is what I have to say his excellency Governor Mr Banwarilal Purohit... so agitated... Mr Purohit. it might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude, but to me you are wrong (sic)." She further said it was unprofessional behaviour and completely uncalled for to touch a stranger without consent. Purohit was addressing a press conference where he denied any association with the professor who was arrested on Tuesday morning for allegedly advising students "to adjust with some officials" at Madurai Kamaraj University in return for higher marks and money. Nirmala Devi, of Devanga Arts College, had claimed she was close to the Governor, who is the chancellor of the university. I have not seen her face till date. What are you talking. It is nonsense, baseless (on how he is being questioned by the home ministry on sexual harassment cases against him), said the Governor to reporters this evening. The woman though can be heard bragging in the audio clip that "you know how close I was to the Governor". "Certain incidents happen. Governor is not a grandfather. You know how close I was to the Governor. I can now be more liberal, but people outside won't know. If I tell you who it is, you will give me answer faster. They will maintain secrecy and privacy to that level," Nirmala Devi can be heard boasting in the audio clip. The Governor said that the guilty will be brought to book and admitted that there was some mistake on the part of Vice chancellors office. "The guilty has to be punished. We have set up a one-man committee. Strict action will be taken against whoever is guilty. There was some mistake on the part of VC's office, said the Governor. Purohit though ruled out the CBI inquiry into the matter. "State government cannot interfere in matters of universities. After receiving the report from the committee, we will see if we should transfer the case to the CBI. If it (CBI probe) is needed, I will be the first to order," said the Governor. The Governor, who is the Chancellor of Madurai Kamaraj University, had on Monday evening set up a 'high powered' enquiry committee to look into certain 'immoral happenings' surrounding the lecturer. Student Organisations too had staged a protest on Tuesday outside Anna University demanding a thorough investigation and said that the Governor step down. While the state government maintained that the accused will be brought to book, the opposition parties demanded a CBI inquiry into the incident. New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party leader and National Spokesperson Raghav Chadha on Wednesday wrote a demand draft worth Rs. 2.50 to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which was enclosed in a letter to Home Minister Rajnath Singh, a day after he was sacked from his position as advisor to the Delhi Finance Minister. This, he said, was the entire amount he drew from the Delhi government for the position he was sacked from. Chadha was among the nine advisors in the AAP-led Delhi government to various posts, which also included Atishi Marlena, special advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. In 2015, after the AAP came to power, the new government had appointed certain people with domain expertise as advisors in the government. This was done to ensure that all the work we had promised to the people of Delhi happens efficiently. These people had been working without any greed for the people of Delhi and it is regretful that they had to be targeted for that, Chadha said. During his time as advisor, Chadha drew an honorarium of Re.1 per month. He added, I was appointed as advisor to the Delhi Finance Minister in 2015 since I had experience working as a chartered accountant. I worked for only 75 days to help prepare the budget and then I stepped down from the post. During that time, the entire amount I earned was Rs. 2.50. I am returning that money. Taking a dig at the Centre, Chadha wrote a letter to the Home Minister and said, While we cannot change what is past, please accept enclosed a Demand Draft of Rs. 2.50 /- in favour of Ministry of Home Affairs that I earned in my capacity as advisor as a token of my remorse. Nine top advisors to the Delhi government were sacked by the Ministry for Home Affairs on Tuesday. Four of the nine advisors who have been sacked had already quit their posts before the MHA order. The Aam Aadmi Party hit back at the Center, claiming that its appointees were being unfairly targeted. This comes after AAP MLAs, who were suspended for holding Office of Profit, were restored by the Delhi High Court. Other top aides who have been removed include Arunoday Prakash, media advisor to Deputy CM, Amardeep Tiwari, media advisor to Law Minister and Rajat Tiwari, advisor to PWD Minister. Posts on which the appointees are officiating are not in the list of posts approved for the Ministers and Chief Minister of Govt. of NCT of Delhi. Further, no prior approval of the Central Government has been taken for creation of said posts in which these persons have been appointed on co-terminus basis, a part of the order by the MHA on Tuesday read. Chadha had defended himself by posting a picture of his terms of appointment that showed that he was drawing only a salary of Re. 1. Where exactly is the MHA sacking me from? Here are the terms of appointment for those who wish to see. Thanks, Chadha tweeted. The News in Brief Georgian Leaders Congratulate Ilham Alyiev on Winning Elections Georgian President, Giorgi Margvelashvili congratulated Ilham Aliyev on the victory in April 11 presidential elections. My congratulations to my friend President Ilham Aliyev on his re-election as the President of Azerbaijan. Looking forward to an active cooperation for the welfare of our brotherly nations, Margvelashvili tweeted. The Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili also congratulated Alyiev. Congratulations Ilham Aliyev on your re-election! I firmly believe that our countries will continue to develop dynamic, mutually beneficial relations, and that our joint initiatives in many fields will strengthen both nations and our strategic partnership, reads the PMs statement on twitter. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Alyiev won fourth consecutive term in presidential elections on Wednesday. He received 86 percent of the votes with 94 percent of votes counted. The ruling New Azerbaijan Party claimed Aliyevs victory two hours after the polls closed. Georgian PM Appoints New Head of Government Administration Prime Minister of Georgia, Giorgi Kvirikashvili has appointed Shalva Tadumadze as the Head of the Governmental Administration. Kvirikashvili announced about Tadumadzes appointment at the governmental meeting on April 12 and introduced him to the cabinet members. Kvirikashvili described Tadumadze as a distinguished and honest person, welcomed and wished him success. "I would like to start the session by presenting a new head of the governmental administration. This is Shalva Tadumadze, who served as the Parliamentary Secretary of the Government and was very effective, said the PM. Tadumadze replaced Maia Tskitishvili, who had served in the post since November 2012. On March 30, Maia Tskitishvili was appointed as the new the Regional Development and Infrastructure Minister. (By Mariam Chanishvili) Cannes: Danish director Lars von Trier, who has been barred from the Cannes Film Festival since 2011 over his controversial comments about Adolf Hitler, will make a comeback at the gala in May. Festival general delegate Thierry Fremaux has revealed that Avon Trier, 61, will return in 2018, reports theguardian.com. Fremaux told a French radio statement, "There will, maybe, be an announcement..." The filmmaker's "The House That Jack Built", which stars Matt Dillon and Uma Thurman, has been linked with a slot at the festival for a long time. The psychological thriller centres on the life of a serial killer in Washington over the space of a dozen years. The director hasn't been invited to Cannes since 2011 when his movie "Melancholia" screened in the festival's main competition. When he was asked about his German roots and his interest in the Nazi aesthetic at a press conference, Trier had delivered a controversial response. He said at the time, "I thought I was a Jew for a long time, and I was very happy ... But it turned out that I was not a Jew. And then I found out that I was really a Nazi because my family was German. Which also gave me some pleasure. What can I say?" During the press conference, the movie's star, Kirsten Dunst, urged the director to stop talking, but he continued with his explanation. He said, "I understand Hitler. I think he did some wrong things, absolutely, but I can see him sitting in his bunker at the end." "I think I understand the man. He's not what you call a good guy, but I understand much about him, and I sympathise with him a little bit," he added. Mumbai: Actress Bhumi Pednekar, who has featured in films laced with social messages, says incidents like the rape of an eight-year-old in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, shows people are moving towards animalistic and beast-like mentality. Bhumi spoke to the media at the 20th Beti FLO GR8 Awards 2018 here on Monday night. She said: "The kind of circumstances that our country is going through, I feel scared thinking about future generation. We are moving towards animalistic and beast-like mentality, which is really heartbreaking. "I feel justice must be served to the girl and many other victims like her who have experienced a shameful act like this, so that it doesn't happen again. I am an optimistic person and I feel there will be stricter laws and punishment to zero down incidents like these and so that people will think twice before committing such crimes." Currently, Bhumi is busy with Abhishek Chaubey's "Son Chiriya", in which she will be seen with Sushant Singh Rajput. "We have released my first look for 'Son Chiriya'. As of now, I can't reveal too many details about the film but I can say that it's a special film in a short span of my career. We have worked really hard for this film. This film has a really good director and cast. "It's a different kind of film and I am sure this film will have the same amount of impact like my previous films," she said. Bhumi was felicitated at the Beti FLO GR8 Awards 2018. "I feel really happy when people appreciate your (my) work. Year 2017 has been really successful year for me. Two of my films ('Toilet - Ek Prem Katha' and 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan') released last year and both of them received appreciation from the audience and they had a major impact on the viewers." New Delhi: Rattled by the recent protests over Dalit atrocities Bill and attempting to redeem itself from some voices of dissent within, the Modi government has brought back to table the long pending law which aims to provide reservations for Scheduled Castes and Tribes in government job promotions. Politically, the governments move will not only test the fast crystalizing Backward-Dalit coalition against the BJP in the Hindi heartland but also the SP-BSP tie-up. Attempts to pass the pending 117th Constitution Amendment Bill are also aimed to temper Dalit sentiments in the face of concerns within the community over the pullback of safeguards provided to them by the Constitution. The governments intent over the issue was articulated earlier this week by NDA ally and Lok Janshakti Party President Ram Vilas Paswan. The bill (the 117th Constitution Amendment Bill) was brought to Parliament in 2012 by the UPA government. The Bill aims to over-ride the Supreme Court order of the same year, which struck down the Uttar Pradesh governments rules on reservations in promotions. The court felt that the rules had fallen foul of the apex court order in the famous 2006 Nagaraj Case, where the Supreme Court while upholding the validity of quotas in promotion laid down certain guidelines. When UPA brought the 117th Constitution Amendment Bill to the Rajya Sabha in 2012, it was met with a lot of resistance. The opposition from within the UPA was muted. It was, however, left to the Samajwadi Party and its leaders to come out in open opposition to the law. The SP, which had just months back inflicted a resounding defeat to the BSP in the state assembly polls, had no political compulsions to support the Bill. The party, in its opposition, was not only underscoring the Dalit-Backward fault line (since only SC/ST would stand to benefit from the law), it was also reaching out to the upper caste constituency of UP. In the altered political paradigm in UP, as SP-BSP work to forge a new social coalition, the Bill will put to test recent efforts by the opposition to forge an umbrella alliance against the BJP in 2019. So violently divergent are the two parties on this issue that according to media reports, the then SP leader Naresh Agarwal and BSP leader from Punjab Avtar Singh got into a scuffle when the quota bill was tabled in Parliament. Speaking in Parliament then SP supremo, Mulayam Singh Yadav called the Bill unconstitutional and said his party would go to the people against it. Threatening the Congress, which was in power and was responsible for introducing the bill, Yadav said, The Congress Party will have to face the consequences. This is a promotion to make a junior, a senior and vice versa. They (the government) are making a mockery of rules. Are they running the government or cracking a joke? Is it constitutional to make a junior, a senior and a senior, a junior? In fact, just before the Bill was introduced in Parliament, senior SP leader Jaya Bachchan called it ridiculous. "This is absolutely wrong and should not be done. It is absolutely ridiculous. People have been waiting for 30 years for getting promoted and working hard for it, what will happen to them, said Bachchan. When the Bill was not passed, Mayawati, another key UPA ally also trained her guns at Congress and BJP. The Congress delayed the Bill and did not introduce it in the last session as they wanted their candidate to win the Presidential elections. Now, the BJP is not cooperating as they feel that by cornering the UPA government they can win the elections in 2014. I had appealed to the BJP to give importance to the Quota Promotion Bill instead of Coalgate but they are being stubborn. Then, Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the Bill was not the call of the hour. I urge Ms Mayawati to stand with us on the issue of corruption. There are so many cases of corruption. Please stand with us on the issue of corruption. Social justice is an ongoing battle that has been going on and must go on, he said. Despite overt opposition from the SP, the Bill was finally passed in the Upper House. However, it met with stiffer resistance in the Lower House from many parties including the BJP. Ahead of it being taken up by the Lok Sabha, News18 had reported that senior leaders of BJP like Murli Manohar Joshi had in a Parliamentary meeting argued for the party to vote against the Bill to avoid loss of support amidst the upper caste. Later, talking to the press, Ravi Shankar Prasad admitted that there were differences within his party over the reservation in promotion Bill. On the issue of reservation, yes, there were discussions. But the leaders have explained that the entire Constitutional amendment has been changed substantially because of the intervention of BJP, Prasad told reporters in December 2012. The political move to bring the Bill, which is still present with the Rajya Sabha, not only test the resilience of SP-BSP alliance in UP. Its impact and reaction from BJPs core constituency would also be closely watched. Lucknow: Jai Mangal Kannaujia, a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh has been caught on camera gambling in casino in Nepal. The video shows Kannaujia, an MLA from Maharajganj, at a casino in Rupdehi, Nepal has gone viral in social media. The MLA can be seen gambling at the casino while there are liquor bottles on the table. The episode has caused much embarrassment to the Bharatiya Janta Party, meanwhile, with the party leadership asking for a report. Kannaujia was allegedly at Hotel Tiger resort which is situated in Manigram near Butwal in Nepal when the video was shot. When the video was taken is not clear but it is believed to be recent. The BJP MLA is seen heavily drunk in the video and gambling with some people sitting along with him at the casino. Kannaujia has denied that it was him in the video. He said, I am not aware of any such video. I have no idea who has shot the video which is going viral and who all are seen in the video. The casinos in Bhairwah, Butwal area, have been in the news recently for illegal flesh trade involving foreign nationals and also for exchanging old demonetized Indian currency. In such a situation, the alleged video of BJP MLA gambling and drinking in such areas can bring major embarrassment to the BJP and its leaders. Kannaujia is BJP MLA from Sadar seat of Maharajganj and has also been the chairman of Maharajganj Nagar Palika. Kannaujia fought 2017 state Assembly elections after he got the BJP ticket with help from Maharajganj MP Pankaj Chaudhary. Voters pose outside a polling booth in Karnataka. People were seen standing in queues to cast their votes in the early hours itself, factoring in that the temperature may go up later in the day. Also, it has been raining in different parts of south interior Karnataka for the last couple of days during the evening hours. Senior citizens were seen in good numbers standing in queues at various polling stations to cast their votes early. State BJP chief and party's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa, and Pradesh Congress Committee G Parameshwara were among the first to cast votes in Shikaripura in Shivamogga and Yaggere in Tumakuru respectively. Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda along with wife Chennamma cast their votes at Paduvalahippe in Hassan district. Film actors Ramesh Arvind, Ravichandran, also scion of Mysuru royal family Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar were among the prominent personalities to cast their votes early today. There are reports about delay in polling due to some technical issues with the electronic voting machines (EVMs) from different parts of the state. Election for the Jayanagara seat in Bengaluru has been countermanded following the death of BJP candidate and sitting MLA BN Vijaykumar. The Election Commission has also deferred the polls for Rajarajeswari Nagar constituency to May 28 after a massive row erupted over a large number of voter ID cards being found in an apartment. Suspecting something fishy, both Congress and BJP have pointed accusing fingers at each other in the matter. "Today people of Karnataka are standing in queues to create history & show the nation the way to liberal, progressive, peaceful & compassionate politics & governance. I thank them for their support & wish them well," Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted. Over 2,600 candidates are in the fray-- more than 2400 men and and over 200 women. The total voters including service electors according to the 2018 final rolls are 5,06,90,538, of whom 2,56,75,579 male voters, 2,50,09,904 female and 5,055 transgender voters. Officials said 58,008 polling stations have been set up across the state, of which 12002 have been designated as "critical", with over 3,50,000 polling personnel on duty. Police have made elaborate security arrangements for the smooth conduct of polls that will go on till 6 pm. "82,157 people have been deployed for poll duty that includes DSPs, home guards and civil defence, and forest guards and watchers," Karnataka DGP Neelamani N Raju said. This also includes about 7,500 personnel from states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Chattisgarh, Kerala and Goa, she said, adding, central forces have been deployed. One among the interesting aspects of this election is that four candidates who have served as Chief Minister of Karnataka are in the fray-- Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (Chamundeshwari and Badami), B S Yeddyurappa (Shikaripura), H D Kumaraswamy (Chennapatna and Ramanagara) and Jagadish Shettar (Hubli-Dharwad Central.) Lucknow: Following news reports that he lavished praise on Mayawati, senior Uttar Pradesh government minister Swami Prasad Maurya clarified on Wednesday he had only pointed to a similarity in the approach towards law and order of the present regime and the one led by the BSP chief, who he alleged was "neck-deep in corruption". As reports about Maurya, a former BSP leader, lauding Mayawati led to many eyebrows being raised, the minister insisted he had been "quoted out of context". "I had said that there is a similarity between Mayawati and Adityanath. She wanted that rule of law should be established in the state, we also want that the rule of law be established in the state. We want there should be good governance, she also wanted good governance. There is only one difference that Mayawati was neck deep in corruption, while Adityanath is contributing in making India corruption free," he sought to clarify. Earlier, there were reports that the minister had said there would have been no need for a CBI probe in the Unnao case if the police had done its bit as he lavished praise on BSP leader Mayawati's role as an administrator when she was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. "Had the people got justice from the local police, the matter would not have escalated so far and there would not have been the need for a CBI probe," Maurya had told reporters when asked about the Unnao case in which BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is an accused. However, the CBI probe will unmask the guilty, he said. Replying to another question, he lauded BSP chief Mayawati's regime saying it was "good" and there were no second thoughts about it. "She was famous as a strict administrator and much better than the Samajwadi Party government. The government of Yogi Adityanath is also much better than the SP government," the UP labour minister said when asked about the law and order situation in UP as compared to the time when Mayawati was at the helm. Maurya, who was cabinet minister during the previous BSP and the SP regimes, said on Wednesday he was quoted out of context by the media. Maurya, 64, had quit the BSP accusing Mayawati of "auctioning party tickets" when she objected to fielding him as well as his son and daughter in the 2017 elections. Just before the Assembly elections, he joined the BJP and got elected from Padrauna constituency, his fifth term as MLA, and was rewarded with a cabinet berth. New Delhi: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will be fine-tuning its political line ahead of the general elections next year at the party Congress which beings in Hyderabad on Wednesday. There have been deep divisions within the party on pre-poll tie-up with the Congress in an effort to mobilise a larger coalition against the BJP. The last party Central Committee meeting at Kolkata rejected a proposal for a tactical alliance with the Congress. The proposal, mooted by general secretary Sitaram Yechury, was defeated in a division of votes with Kerala unit of the party vociferously opposing any such move. Yechury, in the wake of the defeat, had proposed to resign from the General Secretarys post, a move which was turned down by the party. Since the Kolkata meet, the CPM has lost its once impregnable fortress of Tripura to the BJP by a comprehensive margin. After the Tripura debacle, the party Congress is being watched for whether it will again vet and clear Central Committee position on maintaining equidistance from the BJP and Congress, as espoused by former general secretary Praksh Karat. The CPM plenary, held every three years, will also elect a new general secretary. Yechurys nomination for a second term will also come up for approval before the Congress at Hyderabad. The party constitution stipulates that a member can be elected general secretary for only two terms consecutive or otherwise. Lucknow: Hitting back at Rahul Gandhi for his statement that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be able to face the Lok Sabha even for 15 minutes, the BJP on Wednesday said such a challenge from the Congress president, who cannot speak anywhere for as many minutes "without consulting a slip" is "laughable." UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told PTI, "The Congress president cannot speak for 15 minutes without consulting a slip. In any public event or even in the Parliament, Rahul Gandhi has been unable to speak at length for 15 minutes... And, in this case, challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi is laughable." He added, "It was due to the antics of the Opposition that the functioning of the Parliament was stalled. If anybody is stopping Rahul Gandhi from speaking in the Parliament, it is the Congress." Tripathi also said, "When the students asked Rahul Gandhi valid questions on development, Rahul Gandhi tried to shift the blame to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. In fact, Rahul Gandhi must answer as to why the parliamentary constituencies of Amethi and Rae Bareli have been deprived of the basic amenities, despite both the seats having been represented in the Lok Sabha maximum number of times by the Gandhi family. The Gandhi family had also held power in the Centre for a long duration of time," he said. The UP BJP spokesperson also said that Rahul Gandhi has virtually failed in raising the issues and problems pertaining to his parliamentary constituency. "Tell me how many times Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Prime Minister or Chief Minister or met them to apprise them of the problems that people face in his constituency," Tripathi said. He said various developmental schemes rather begun reaching Amethi and Rae Bareli after the BJP formed governments at the Centre and in UP. Exuding confidence that BJP would emerge victorious in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Tripathi said, "The people of Amethi and Rae Bareli are now ready to teach Congress a lesson." While speaking to reporters on Tuesday in Amethi, Rahul Gandhi had said Prime Minister who has the time to travel all over the country, could not spare 15 minutes for the Lok Sabha. "Prime Minister is travelling across the country, but he does not have 15 minutes to give a speech in the Lok Sabha," Rahul Gandhi had told reporters here on the second day of his three-day visit to his Parliamentary constituency. "15 minute de dein, khare nahin ho payenge Lok Sabha mein (He will not be able to face the Lok Sabha even for 15 minutes, he will not be able to answer our queries)," he said. New Delhi: AAP leader Raghav Chadha said on Tuesday that his removal as an adviser to the Delhi government, along with eight others, was a tactic to divert the people's attention from the incidents of rape and the cash crunch in ATMs and banks in some parts of the country. "Impressive diversionary tactics by the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs), at the behest of BJP. To divert attention from spate of rapes, cash crunch, etc., an opportune time to rake up non-issues with AAP like retrospective sacking for a post I held for 45 days in 2016 for a paltry sum of Rs 2.50," Chadha tweeted. Chadha, who is a chartered accountant, was appointed as an adviser to Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia from January 16 to March 31 2016 to "use his talent" in preparation of the budget. A former treasurer of the AAP, Chadha is a known to be close to both Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department of the Delhi government, the MHA had written in its letter that the posts of advisers are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister of Delhi. Appointment of nine advisers was accordingly cancelled. Among the eight other advisers whose appointment has been cancelled are Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to deputy chief minister), and Atishi Marlena (media advisor to deputy chief minister). New Delhi: A day after Tripura CMs boast that Internet is not new to India and existed even in the days of Mahabharata, Governor Tathagat Roy backed Biplab Debs assertion. Governor Roy, who is also a civil engineer by training, said devices like divya drishti, pushpaka rath are impossible to conceive without some kind of prototype and study thereon. Tripura Chief Ministers observations about the happenings of the Puranic period are topical. It is virtually impossible to conceive of devices like Divya drishti,Pushpaka Ratha,etc without some kind of prototype and study thereon, tweeted Roy. Tripura Chief Ministers observations about the happenings of the Puranic period are topical. It is virtually impossible to conceive of devices like Divya drishti,Pushpaka Ratha,etc without some kind of prototype and study thereon Tathagata Roy (@tathagata2) April 18, 2018 Speaking at a public event in Agartala, Deb said that the blind king Dhritarashtra would get regular updates about the battles of Kurukshetra through Sanjay, who was also nowhere near the battlefield like him and this was possible only through technology and satellite communication. The CM was attending an event aimed at the digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Tripura, where he said that for India, technology is nothing new as it existed in India even in the times of Mahabharata and Sanjay. The BJP leaders have been invoking the past to press home the point that India has had the technological superiority since the ancient times. On an earlier occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani had compared ISROs missiles and rockets to Lord Rams arrows and praised the mythical gods engineering skills for building a bridge between India and Sri Lanka. More recently, Union minister Satyapal Singh claimed that Charles Darwin's Theory of Evolution of humans was "scientifically wrong" and it needs to be changed in school and college curriculum. Microsoft, Facebook and more than 30 other global technology companies on Tuesday announced a joint pledge not to assist any government in offensive cyber attacks. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, which vows to protect all customers from attacks regardless of geopolitical or criminal motive, follows a year that witnessed an unprecedented level of destructive cyber attacks, including the global WannaCry worm and the devastating NotPetya attack. "We recognise that we live in a new world," Microsoft President Brad Smith said during a speech on Tuesday at the RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco. "We're living amidst a generation of new weapons, and where cyberspace has become the new battlefield." Also Read: Russia blocks Google, Amazon IP addresses in bid to ban Telegram Smith, who led efforts to organise the alliance, said the devastating cyber attacks in 2017 demonstrated the need for the technology sector to "take a principled path toward more effective steps to work together and defend customers around the world." It was not clear whether any companies would change their existing policies as a result of joining the accord. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a series of questions about the accord, including whether the company had previously participated in government-sponsored offensive cyber operations or how the pledge would impact compliance with lawfully obtained surveillance orders in the United States or elsewhere. Also Read: Investor Urges Facebook to Set up Risk Oversight Committee The accord also promised to establish new formal and informal partnerships within the industry and with security researchers to share threats and coordinate vulnerability disclosures. It builds on an idea for a so-called Digital Geneva Convention that Smith rolled out at least year's RSA conference, a proposal to create an international body to protect civilians from state-sponsored hacking. Countries, Smith said then, should develop global rules for cyber attacks similar to those established for armed conflict at the 1949 Geneva Convention that followed World War Two. In addition to Microsoft and Facebook, 32 other companies signed the pledge, including Cisco, Juniper Networks, Oracle, Nokia, SAP, Dell and cybersecurity firms Symantec, FireEye and Trend Micro. The list of companies does not include any from Russia, China, Iran or North Korea, widely viewed as the most active in launching destructive cyber attacks against their foes. Major U.S. technology companies Amazon, Apple, Alphabet and Twitter also did not sign the pledge. Also Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP At a time when big enterprises globally are looking to create a robust 5G ecosystem for the commercial roll-out of the technology, Huawei on Tuesday said the company will launch an end-to-end 5G solution by the second half of this year. According to Huawei's Rotating Chairman Eric Xu, the company is committed to investing in 5G. "We are fully committed to 5G investment and by the second half of this year, we're going to launch an end-to-end 5G solution," Huawei's rotating Chairman Eric Xu said here on Tuesday. Speaking during his keynote at the 2018 edition of the Huawei Analyst Summit (HAS), Xu said 5G will result in faster speed and decrease networking costs. "5G is just another product line at Huawei. It is a natural evolution of the technology -- from 2G to 3G to 4G and now 5G," Xu told the gathering. Also Read: Call Drops in Delhi to Rise as MCD Seals 566 Towers According to Xu, there is no fundamental difference between 4G and 5G and for the consumers, it is all about faster speed. "We don't have other material differences in experiences for the consumer between the two technologies," he said. The executive said that 4G infrastructure today is robust and the 5G technology will first be targeted at dense areas to meet growing demand from the consumers for more bandwidth. When asked about the US restricting access to China-made smartphones and telecoms infrastructure owing to security concerns, Xu refused to comment directly but said Huawei's position in the US market has not changed. "We're focused on what we can do and provide better services to our customers,' Xu said. According to him, Artificial Intelligence (AI) will help the telecom industry worldwide to improve networks. In February, Huawei and telecom services provider Bharti Airtel announced to have successfully conducted 5G network trial under a test set-up in India. The trial was conducted at Airtel's Network Experience Centre in Manesar (Gurugram). During the test trial, a user throughput of more than 3Gbps was achieved. Also Read: Microsoft Introduces Azure Sphere For Securing IoT Devices This is the highest measured throughput for a mobile network in 3.5 GHz band with 100MHz bandwidth and end-to-end network latency of approximately 1 msec, the company said. "We have been focusing on developing 5G ecosystem and use cases and the show with Bharti Airtel impressively demonstrates the performance capability of 5G in 3.5 GHz band," said Emmanuel Coelho Alves, Director, Wireless Marketing, Huawei HQ. The company, which began investing in 5G research in 2009, is aiming to invest $600 million in the 5G technology by end of this year. "The 5G era is approaching, and we are confident that 5G deployment in India will hapthe pen in line with global timeline," Jay Chen, CEO, Huawei India, told IANS recently. Huawei in September last year released its 5G-oriented mobile bearer solution 'X-Haul' for operators in India to build end-to-end 5G networks. Also Watch: Xolo Era 3X Review: Ease-of-Use is The Biggest USP Beijing: China has activated new intermediate and long-range missiles capable of precision strikes on medium and large warships, official media here reported. The domestically developed missiles, which were recently used by a missile brigade of the People's Liberation Army's (PLA) rocket force, is capable of nuclear counterattacks and marks a further development of Chinese artillery's combat capabilities, state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported. It is capable of precision strikes on medium and large targets on land, and similar sized warships at sea, official tabloid Global Times quoted the CCTV report as saying. "This breakthrough means that the missile's reaction time is quicker, and its station-keeping ability is more precise," Zhang Junshe, a senior research fellow at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, told the daily. In recent years, the PLA Rocket Force, which is created as part of the reforms initiated by President Xi Jinping has been focusing on improving its nuclear counterattack capabilities and medium-to-long range precision strikes. It is more "combat ready, and launches on time and causes serious damage," the report said. @alextdaugherty For months, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson has railed against the nomination of Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-Okla., as NASA administrator, and his nomination stalled when Democrats along with Sen. Marco Rubio opposed him. On Wednesday, Bridenstine was finally confirmed to lead the nation's space program, but it wasn't without drama. Rubio's belated support appeared to give Republicans enough votes, but Arizona Republican Sen. Jeff Flake surprisingly voted "no" on Wednesday. Vice President Mike Pence was out of town, unable to break a 49-49 tie. Two senators were out for health-related reasons. The vote remained open for nearly an hour before Flake had a conversation with party leaders and switched his vote, though he was coy about his reasons for doing it. Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas, said Flake was trying to exert leverage over one of his signature issues: increased trade and interaction with Cuba. Flake wanted to talk Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo about travel restrictions to Cuba, according to Cornyn. .@JohnCornyn said @JeffFlake wanted to talk to Pompeo about travel restrictions to Cuba. GOP leaders assured him hed get to, so he switched his vote to allow NASA nominee Bridenstine to move forward. Leigh Ann Caldwell (@LACaldwellDC) April 18, 2018 Nelson has argued that Bridenstine, an elected official, should not be tapped to lead an agency typically led by a scientist. Bridenstine also attacked Rubio on immigration during the 2016 Republican primary. Beijing: China held live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday but Taipei dismissed the exercises as "routine" after expected large-scale naval manoeuvres failed to materialise. Beijing had announced the drills last week, further ramping up tensions following stark warnings against any independence moves by the self-ruled island which China sees as its sovereign territory. Vessels had been told to avoid a certain area off the Chinese mainland's coast, triggering speculation that a flotilla spearheaded by China's sole aircraft carrier would take part in the exercise. But Taiwan's defence ministry said Wednesday that the drills only involved land-based artillery conducting "routine" shooting practice. Beijing has yet to release any information about the drill, which Chinese authorities had said would run until midnight, without giving any details about which military equipment or personnel would be involved. "China deliberately released fake information to exaggerate it, to make it sound huge when in fact it's small," Taiwanese defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told AFP. "It's the cheapest way of verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling," Chen said, adding that such exercises had been held every year since 2007, except for last year. The drills coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of Taipei's few remaining international allies. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi had said Monday that the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are one country. China sees the democratically-governed island as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Beijing has also been angered by Washington's arms sales to Taipei. China protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main weapons supplier. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly-appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. London: Britain's media regulator opened seven investigations into Russian news channel RT, saying it had found an increase in programmes which may have breached impartiality rules since a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy last month. The poisoning, which Britain blamed on Russia, prompted the biggest Western expulsions of diplomats since the height of the Cold War. Russia has denied any involvement and suggested Britain carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who betrayed dozens of agents to Britain's foreign spy service, was found slumped unconscious on a bench in the city of Salisbury along with his daughter Yulia on March 4. After British Prime Minister Theresa May accused Russia of being behind the poisoning, Britain's media regulator Ofcom warned that RT producer TV Novosti could lose its right to broadcast in Britain if it failed its "fit and proper" test. "Since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programmes on the RT service that warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code," Ofcom said. Russia has warned that every British media outlet will be kicked out if Britain shuts down RT, a channel launched in 2005 and financed by the Russian state to project what it says is a Russian viewpoint on major global events. Ofcom is investigating seven RT programmes for breaching impartiality on both the Skripal affair and events in Syria. But Ofcom, which is independent of the government, also said there was a high threshold for finding that a broadcaster was not fit to hold a licence. Previously, it has revoked licences for hardcore pornography and material that could incite terrorist crimes. "Until recently, TV Novosti's overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters," Ofcom said. Amid claim and counter-claim over the first known offensive use of such a nerve agent on European soil since World War Two, both sides have accused media organisations in each country of spreading government lies about the affair. "Our editorial approach has not changed since the events in Salisbury, and we will be directly addressing this matter with the regulator," Anna Belkina, a spokeswoman for RT, said by email. "We are pleased to see that Ofcom has acknowledged RT's compliance record has been in line with other broadcasters putting to bed any of the salacious political statements and challenges made against our channel," Belkina said. Russian officials say RT is a way for Moscow to compete with the dominance of global media companies based in the United States and Britain which they say offer a particular view of the world. Critics say RT, which broadcasts news in English, Arabic and Spanish, is the propaganda arm of the Russian state whose aim is to undermine confidence in Western institutions. In a post on Twitter, RT's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan described the investigation by the British broadcasting watchdog and added the quip: "I reply immediately: the cat, it wasn't us." That appeared to be a reference to Skripal's cat, which was put down by British authorities after being found in his home in Salisbury. Mexico City: A total of sixteen people - six police officers and ten suspects - were killed in two confrontations in the southern Mexican state of Guerrero, authorities said today. State security spokesman Roberto Alvarez said the first shootout occurred late Tuesday, when a state police convoy came under attack in Coacuyul, a town near the Pacific coast resort of Zihuatanejo. He said one policeman was wounded and police returned fire, killing 10 suspected gunmen during a 30-minute battle. Assault rifles were found at the scene. In what Alvarez said may have been retaliation for the first attack, gunmen later ambushed a state police convoy further north, away from the coast, and killed six police officers. The officers had been visiting families considered at risk because of the drug gang violence that has plagued the area. The police had been assigned to perform periodic checkups with the families. Alvarez said the gangs had "kidnapped (the families) and had been trying to forcibly recruit them to criminal gangs." Hundreds of people have fled their towns in the mountains of the state because of gang threats and violence. New Delhi: Pakistani diplomats in the United States will have "reciprocal restrictions" on their movement from May 1, a senior US State Department official confirmed on Tuesday. This means that Pakistans diplomats will be forced to stay within 40 km of the city that they are posted in, Dawn.com reported. In an interview with the Voice of Americas Uzbek service, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Thomas Shannon said the United States was doing so because Islamabad had already imposed similar restrictions on US diplomats in Pakistan. Typically, these kinds of restrictions are reciprocal in nature, so Ill just leave it at that, said Shannon. Our diplomats are under travel restrictions. They can travel further, but they have to notify the government of Pakistan. The State Department official tried to downplay the impact of the US decision by adding that such practices were very common in diplomacy, and instead of focusing on this the need was to look at continued engagement between the two countries. Whats important here, whats important to note and underscore is that weve had some very fruitful conversations with the government of Pakistan about events inside of Afghanistan, he said. Its my hope that were going to be able to build on those in a way that helps this broader reconciliation process. Recently, Pakistan had summoned US Ambassador David Hale and lodged a strong protest over the killing of a motorcyclist in a road accident involving a vehicle driven by a senior US diplomat. A fast-moving Land Cruiser, driven by Col Joseph Emanuel Hall, the defence and air attache at the US embassy, jumped the red light and hit a motorcycle carrying two men at a traffic signal near Islamabad's Daman-e-Koh area. The incident was compared with the 2011 incident when a CIA contractor Raymond Davis was arrested in Lahore on charges of killing two Pakistani citizens. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more That Venom: Let There Be Carnage post-credits scene could connect to this wild comic book event Venom: Let There Be Carnage may have a surprising comic book connection - with big ramifications Signaling its predictable opposition, the Florida Petroleum Council issued a statement Wednesday opposing the proposed amendment to the state constitution that bundles a ban on oil drilling in state waters with a ban on vaping in indoor work spaces. The Constitution Revision Commission wrapped together the two proposals Monday, dubbed the amendment "clean air, clean water," and placed them on the November ballot on Monday. The 37-member citizen panel is convened every 20 years to put amendments directly on the ballot. Domestic oil and natural gas development is a key driver of Floridas economy supporting high-paying jobs and investments in our state," said David Mica, executive director of the Florida Petroleum Council, which represents the oil and gas industry. "Linking this important decision with electronic cigarette use just doesnt make sense. Voters should be able to make decisions on public health and its economic future separately. The GOP majority panel was dominated by appointees named by Gov. Rick Scott, who hopes to also be on the ballot in November. It bundled together separate constitutional questions on five other amendments and rejected repeated attempts by several members of the commission to separate them. Mica said that by bundling the issues together, the CRC "will force Floridas voters to vote for or against two completely unrelated, but important, issues at the same time. Bundling these issues is mixing apples and oranges, and this decision, made without any public debate, could harm jobs, the state economy, tax revenues, and our long-term energy future. In 2010, in the face of oil industry pressure, the Florida Legislature rejected a call by then-Gov. Charlie Crist to put a similar ban on oil drilling off state waters. Crist called a special session to ban the prospects of the practice in Florida in response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill the year before, but the GOP-controlled legislature insisted it wasn't needed and adjourned the session after 49 minutes. Photo: Constitution Revision Commission members meet in Miami as part of its listening tour last year. Pedro Portal, Miami Herald. For the 16th consecutive year, Volunteer Canada delivers the National Volunteer Week (NVW) campaign in partnership with Investors Group OTTAWA, April 17, 2018 /CNW/ - National Volunteer Week (NVW) is a time to thank and celebrate the diverse value and far reaching impacts of Canada's 12.7 million volunteers. When Canadians volunteer, everyone benefits. Individuals develop new skills, organizations increase their capacity to provide services, businesses attract talent, neighbourhoods are more resilient and citizens are further engaged. The magic of volunteering is that it creates social and economic value for all. That immense richness is something to be celebrated. Valuing volunteerism takes many forms. From the student who's grades and confidence increase when working with a volunteer mentor, to a retiree who finds a new sense of belonging and community, to an organization that can stay open enough hours to qualify for an operating grant from the city. Volunteering builds confidence, competence, connections and community. A recent report by the Conference Board of Canada estimates that "volunteers added over two billion hours to Canada's work effort in 2017providing services that are equivalent to 6.5 per cent of employmentabout the size of employment in education. If measured, volunteering would add an estimated $56 billion to economic activity in 2017. Together with non-profit activities, the economic contribution rises to nearly $87 billion." "Our National Volunteer Week theme, Celebrate the Value of Volunteering! Building confidence competence, connections and community serves as a reminder of the diverse social and economic impact of volunteering. Let's embrace all the wonderful ways that people care for each other and our communities by thanking all volunteers across Canada," says Paula Speevak, President and CEO of Volunteer Canada. "Investors Group believes in the value of volunteering and the importance of recognition. Canadian communities are more vibrant, inclusive and connected thanks to volunteers," says Trevor Krahn, Director of Community Investment, Investors Group. "National Volunteer Week is a dedicated time to reflect and expand upon what volunteering means, and to celebrate the collective efforts of all those who contribute to bettering the lives of fellow Canadians every day." About Volunteer Canada Volunteer Canada is the national voice for volunteerism in Canada. We collaborate closely with volunteer centres, local organizations and national corporations to promote and broaden volunteering. SOURCE Volunteer Canada For further information: Samantha Dignam, Communications Coordinator, [email protected], 613-231-4371 ext. 270 Related Links https://volunteer.ca Michael Wessel, chairman of the congressional U.S.-China Economic Security Review Commission, testified that 350,000 chinese students in the USA are systematically stealing US technology. Wessel said 20 percent of those working on advanced artificial intelligence at the Berkeley Artificial Intelligence Research Lab are Chinese nationals. 30 of the 38 post-doctorial researchers at the University of Marylands Bing Nano Research Group are from China. Michael Wessel has not properly analyzed the situation. * total numbers of undergraduates and those not in STEM fields are not relevant * About 64 percent of doctoral candidates and almost 68 percent in masters programs last year were international students * Most international students want to stay in the USA but the US has caps on H1-B and employment-based immigration is limited to 29,500 per country. * the US has a shortage of citizens and permanent residents in doctoral STEM programs * the US has more Artificial Intelligence talent but China is putting resources and effort to catch up * Internal US incentives regarding student loans versus salaries are a factor * The US has become slower in its technological development and progress. If SpaceX was not racing ahead with its successful reusable rocket and SpaceX BFR development then China would be passing a US dependent on the US Delta Heavy technology. During WW2 and the decades after, there were technological spies and foreign students in the USA. But the USA was racing ahead with technological development and opportunities for graduates. The USA was brain draining other countries. The US was too busy creating atomic weapons, computers, personal computers and other technologies to need to worry if other countries copied what the USA was doing decades ago. Closing the US off to foreign talent will hinder the ability of US companies to compete. * China can hire American and other foreign professors to its domestic universities. * China can buy technological companies * Chinas companies enter into arrangements for co-development of parts with many companies. Overview of history of foreign students in the USA There is long history of foreign students at US universities. Iran had more than double the number of Taiwanese students studying in the USA in 1980. Why did Iran fail to develop technological industries while Taiwan developed computer supply companies and industries. India has twice as many students studying in the USA as South Korea. Other than software, India has not been able to develop dominant technological companies comparable to South Korea. Undergraduates do not matter as much Part of the issue is that undergraduates do not matter much and only those studying STEM are the main factor involved in technology. At the undergraduate level, 80 percent are United States residents. At the graduate level, the number is reversed: About 80 percent hail from India, China, Korea, Turkey and other foreign countries. There are fewer Americans in hot STEM fields like computer science, which serve as talent pipelines for the likes of Google, Amazon, Facebook and Microsoft: About 64 percent of doctoral candidates and almost 68 percent in masters programs last year were international students, according to an annual survey of American and Canadian universities by the Computing Research Association. Part of the reason is the booming job market in technology. Americans do not see the need for an advanced degree when there are so many professional opportunities waiting for them. The price is too high when they have so much student debt already. The American Institute of Physics examined the issue of STEM and doctorates in Rapid Rise of Chinas STEM Workforce Charted by National Science Board Report Jan 2018. US retention of Grads Most international students (48 percent) wish to stay in the United States after graduation, citing future job opportunities as the key factor influencing the desire to remain. Only 12 percent want to leave, but 40.5 percent are undecided. This latter group represents a sizeable pool of talented scientists and engineers who mayor may notbecome part of the skilled U.S. workforce. International students studying in the United States on temporary visas accounted for nearly two-fifths (39 percent) of all PhDs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields in 2013a proportion that has doubled over the past three decades. Employer-sponsored H-1B visas remain the primary method for international individuals to reside in the United States. The 2017 fiscal year had a regular cap of 65,000 visas, with an additional 20,000 visas reserved for individuals who obtained U.S. masters degrees or higher. Because employment-based immigration visas (i.e., permanent residency) are limited to 140,000 per year, are subject to an approximate 7 percent per country limit (i.e., ~25,900 visas per country), and are allocated on a preference-based system. Overall researchers and AI talent World Bank data shows China now produces 1,177 R&D researchers per million of its population, three times the level in the 1990s and in line with the world average. The U.S. produces many more researchers per million at 4,321 but that is more than offset by Chinas population being about four times the size. According to the study, compiled by the Tencent Research Institute, there are just 300,000 AI researchers and practitioners worldwide, but the market demand is for millions of roles. Tencents new 2017 Global AI Talent White Paper suggests the bottleneck here is education. It estimates that 200,000 of the 300,000 active researchers are already employed in various industries (not just tech), while the remaining 100,000 are still studying. The US AI talent outnumbers Chinas by about 2 or 4 to 1. One independent AI lab says there were only 10,000 individuals worldwide with the right skills to spearhead serious new AI projects. The US has about 70-90% of the top AI talent. The USA is currently far ahead in terms of global AI talent. The USA has more universities teaching machine learning and related subjects than any other nation, and more AI startups. America is home to more than 1,000 AI startups of the worlds total of 2,600, while China has nearly 600. Thousands of free, popular children's apps available on the Google Play Store could be violating child privacy laws, according to a new, large-scale study, highlighting growing criticism of Silicon Valley's data collection efforts. Seven researchers analyzed nearly 6,000 apps for children and found that the majority of them may be in violation of the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act, or COPPA. Thousands of the tested apps collected the personal data of children under age 13 without their parent's permission, the study found. "This is a market failure," said Serge Egelman, a co-author of the study and the director of usable security and privacy research at the International Computer Science Institute at the University of California, Berkeley. "The rampant potential violations that we have uncovered points out basic enforcement work that needs to be done." The potential violations were abundant and came in several forms, according to the study. More than 1,000 children's apps collected identifying information from kids using tracking software whose terms explicitly forbid their use for children's apps, the study found. The researchers also said that nearly half the apps fail to always use standard security measures to transmit sensitive data over the Web, suggesting a breach of reasonable data security measures mandated by COPPA. Each of the 5,855 apps under review was installed more than 750,000 times, on average, according to the study. Unfortunately for parents, there's little consumers can do to protect themselves since the policies and business practices of app developers and ad tracking companies are often opaque, Egelman said. The study also points to a breakdown of so-called self-regulation by app developers who claim to abide by child privacy laws, as well as by Google, which runs the Android platform, he said. Some of the apps in question included Disney's "Where's My Water?," Gameloft's Minion Rush and Duolingo, the language learning app. The findings also suggested that app creators that had been certified as COPPA-compliant were no better than any of the other apps at protecting children's privacy. The researchers used a testing platform that allowed them to see in real-time how often the apps accessed sensitive information - such as location data and contact lists - on a phone and what other entities the apps shared that information with. Disney, Gameloft and Duolingo did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The researchers note that Google has worked to enforce COPPA by requiring child-app developers to certify that they comply with the law. "However, as our results show, there appears to not be any (or only limited) enforcement," the researchers said. They added that it would not be difficult for Google to augment their research to detect the apps and the developers that may be violating child privacy laws. Google did not respond to a request for comment. Critics of Google's app platform say that the company and other players in the digital advertising business, such as Facebook, have profited greatly from advances in data tracking technology, even as regulators have failed to keep up with the resulting privacy intrusions. "Google has basically looked the other way while it was able to generate revenues off of children's apps," said Jeffrey Chester, the executive director of the Center for Digital Democracy. "The new, alarming report is further evidence that Google is thumbing its nose at the only federal online privacy law that we have." The study, "'Won't Somebody Think of the Children?' Examining COPPA Compliance at Scale," was published in the journal Proceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies last week. NEW HAVEN Bryan Anderson is dropping his challenge to U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, the 14-term congresswoman from the 3rd District. Currently a four-term Milford alderman, and also a former alderman from New Haven, Anderson announced in September that he was running for the seat, much to the chagrin of state Democratic Party Chairman Nick Balletto. It was the first primary challenge to DeLauro since 2001. I think it is great, Balletto said of Andersons decision to suspend his campaign. He called DeLauro one of the most progressive and aggressive members of Congress, who fights for her constituents on a daily basis. Balletto said he saw little upside in challenging DeLauro and would rather have had Anderson look to fill a vacant elective office elsewhere. In a statement, DeLauro said, It is a great honor for me to serve the constituents of the 3rd Congressional District. As I have said before, I take any political challenge as an incentive to work harder and help make a difference in peoples lives. There is so much at stake this year. I look forward to continuing to fight for working families, for policies that increase wages and create new jobs, and for funding the programs that benefit our most vulnerable citizens. Andersons main issues are support of single-payer health insurance, getting U.S. troops out of Afghanistan and other places where America is involved in proxy wars. He has also highlighted the need for more public infrastructure funds. Anderson said Congress needs to update the Authorization for Use of Military Force that was approved 17 years ago after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, to address military action in Syria, Libya, Yemen and Niger. He said his decision to run was to open up the election process and the Democratic Party to new ideas and participants. The times call for more of us who recognize the challenges as they exist to seize the opportunity and be willing to stand for change, Anderson said in a release. He also called on state Attorney General Jepsen to lead an effort to sue those states that refuse to adopt Health Care Exchanges or have refused Medicaid coverage for residents. As a country, we need to address the hypocrisy of a Congress that votes for tax cuts for corporations and the wealthy, while adding to the deficit, and yet seeks to approve a Balanced Budget Constitutional amendment. They sell the American public short, he wrote. He said Democrats need to work for a blue tsunami in November now that House Speaker Paul Ryan plans to retire. Anderson, 62, has been a special education teacher in the Bronx for the past 15 years. He has held myriad jobs, including working for the state Senate; housing director in New Haven; staff member at the Elm Haven Resident Council in New Haven. He also sold real estate with Prudential Realty and at one point was the the economic development director in Hamden. mary.oleary@hearstmediact.com; 203-641-2577 The state Medical Examining Board on Tuesday disciplined three doctors, including an Ansonia doctor $5,000 for prescribing excessive doses of opioids without documenting the need for the drugs. The board also permanently restricted Ansonia Dr. Joel Zaretsky from prescribing controlled substances for more than 15 days, except in acute cases. It placed his license on probation for 18 months. During the probation, he must hire a doctor to review his patient medical records randomly and he must take courses in diagnosing and managing back pain, erectile dysfunction and Type 2 diabetes, according to a consent order Zaretsky agreed to. In signing the order, Zaretsky chose not to contest the allegations but admitted no wrongdoing. Besides prescribing the opioids to excess in 2016, Zaretsky continued to prescribe opioids to a patient who he knew was enrolled in a methadone addiction treatment program, the consent order said. State records show he also deviated from the standard of care in assessing and managing back pain, Type 2 diabetes and erectile dysfunction in patients. The board fined also a Newtown psychiatrist $15,000 for submitting false insurance claims. In 2016, the doctor, Naimetulla Syed, paid $422,641 to resolve allegations that he submitted false claims to Medicare and Medicaid between 2009 and 2013, state and federal officials said in a news release at the time. An investigation revealed that he used a code for psychotherapy sessions lasting 45 to 50 minutes when in most cases, he only saw the patients for five to 30 minutes, the release said. The medical board also placed Syeds medical license on probation for a year in connection with the false claims. Syed, who also has an office in Glastonbury, must complete courses in medical documentation. The state Department of Social Services had audited 100 of Syeds patient charts and found that each chart lacked a treatment plan, according to a consent order cover sheet. Of those, 65 charts lacked basic patient demographic information and Syeds signature. Numerous visits were submitted for medication management for patients for whom Syed did not prescribe medications, the cover sheet said. Some billings were for doctor visits that never occurred, it said. In 2013, Syed had been fined $5,000 by the board for similar allegations that he billed insurance in 2010 for patient visits that never occurred, state records show. The board revoked the Connecticut license of Dr. Mohan Kaza of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, who, records show, was convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated in 2014 in Michigan. The board also found that in 2014, Kaza failed to report that felony conviction when renewing his Connecticut license, the boards memorandum of decision said. Kaza also used alcohol to excess in 2013 and 2016 in Michigan, which it found affects his practice as a physician, the memo said. Kaza was also disciplined by Michigan officials. Kate Farrish is an Conn. Health I-Team writer. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team (c-hit.org). Journal Register Co. NEW HAVEN The 2nd Company, Governors Foot Guard, will commemorate the 243rd anniversary of Powder House Day on April 21, the day in 1775 that brought New Haven into the American Revolution. The rain or shine event Saturday on the Green re-enacts how the 2nd Company, led by Capt. Benedict Arnold, demanded the keys to New Haven Colonys powder house, which held military supplies. After news of events at Lexington Green and Concord Bridge had reached New Haven, they wanted the supplies to march to Cambridge, Mass., to help Massachusetts Colony at the outset of the revolution. As the whole world rallies around the family as matriarch Barbara Bush enters the sunset of her life, numerous stories are coming out now about her decades in the spotlight. A tweet this week reminded social media users of an important event in Mrs. Bush's tenure as first lady, one of the most heartwarming and human of them all. PREVIOUS: With health failing, former first lady forgoes treatment for comfort care Homelessness, teenage pregnancy, children's education and AIDS were some of the issues that she took on as the first lady starting in 1989 just after her husband's inauguration. A photo circulated by Paul Brandus with West Wing Reports shows Mrs. Bush holding a baby while a 2-year-old child nearby takes their photo with a toy camera. These were two kids at a Washington-area hospice for children with AIDS. This was an age when nothing could be done medically for those with the disease. It was a death sentence and what's worse it came with a mountain of misinformation that only worked to separate those in need from those who might be ignorant of the facts. At a time, Brandus notes, when some were worried about merely touching someone with the disease for fear of contracting it the first lady was treating them like she would have treated her own grandchildren or her own children before them. Princess Diana had done something similar at New York's Harlem Hospital. Like Mrs. Bush, the princess had strived to make sure that the public understood that AIDS wasn't contracted through simple human gestures like hugs and handshakes. Mrs. Bush had toured the same hospital previously. FAMILY COMMENTS: Granddaughter: Barbara Bush is 'a fighter,' in good spirits Along the way Mrs. Bush also understood that it wasn't just the smallest, most innocent victims of the AIDS epidemic who deserved love. A story from 2012, written by former Clinton and Gore staffer Tom Rosshirt, details Mrs. Bush's encounter with people very close to him in the late '80s and early '90s. This was a time, Rosshirt wrote, when people could still be fired if an employer discovered that they had done even volunteer work with AIDS patients. His brother Matt had died of AIDS in Houston. Before he died, a local volunteer named Lou Tesconi had befriended Matt and the family, making frequent visits with the family as Matt's health declined. A short time later at Grandma's House, a Washington, D.C., charity home for infants with AIDS, Tesconi was able to meet Mrs. Bush while she was there on a special visit. He was on a team of AIDS advocates who were tasked with speaking to Mrs. Bush. FACTS ABOUT BARBARA: Things to know about former first lady Barbara Bush Rosshirt wrote that during a briefing behind the scenes he told the first lady that adults with AIDS needed affection and care too. "Mrs. Bush, it is a fantastic thing that you are holding these babies with AIDS." Tesconi told Mrs. Bush. "But the country sees them as innocent and the rest of us with AIDS as guilty. The whole suffering AIDS community needs a collective embrace from you today." Tim Graham/Tim Graham/Getty Images, Getty Images Rosshirt wrote that just then Mrs. Bush walked over and hugged Tesconi. Later at a public press conference she repeated the gesture in front of reporters, embracing a gay man with AIDS for the world to see. Two years later, as Tesconi was dying in a hospital, he received a letter from Mrs. Bush. In the letter, Rosshirt wrote, she told Tesconi that even though he was dying that he should know that his life mattered and that he did great work for those to follow. Mrs. Bush wrote in her 1994 memoir that the Tesconi encounter deeply impacted her. "I especially remember a young man who told us that he had been asked to leave his church studies when it was discovered he had AIDS," she wrote. "His parents had also disowned him, and he said he longed to be hugged again by his mother." "A poor substitute, I hugged that darling young man and did it again in front of the cameras. But what he really needed was family." Professor and historian Nancy Beck Young at the University of Houston told Chron.com this week that what Mrs. Bush did was monumental in the AIDS fight. "Her message to the American people, who in the early days of the AIDS epidemic were afraid to be near those who were sick, was that there was no risk to individuals who had such casual contact," Young said. "This message of compassion at a critical moment in the history of AIDS helped Americans to learn that AIDS was yet another disease to manage and not a death sentence. She brought needed publicity to the problems of those who suffered and helped humanize her husband's presidency." Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. SchmoozaPalooza its the Valley event that promises to be as fun to attend as it is to say. Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell is inviting everyone to attend todays 17th annual SchmoozaPalooza Valley Expo & After Hours business exhibition, from 2:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Chambers headquarters, 10 Progress Drive, second floor. The event is free and open to the public. This is the 17th year for this business-to-business networking event and will feature the latest products and services from our Chamber members in a fun and casual atmosphere, Purcell said Tuesday. The program will kick off at 2:30 p.m. with a keynote address by Bart Kollen, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Economic and Community Development and his colleague, Christine Castonguay, brand manager. The two will discuss the new Connecticut Made promotional campaign, which Purcell said is a celebration of the rich and diverse mix of products made here in our great state. More than 60 area businesses will be on hand exhibiting their products and services, along with 10 local restaurants and caterers who will be offering free tastings, Purcell said. Door prizes, a cash bar and giveaways also will be featured. GVCCs Technology Council will host a series of five mini-educational workshops, including Dark Web Danger, along with health screenings and an opportunity to have a professional photo taken while supporting GVCCs Women in Networking Entrepreneurial Grant Program. Music for the event will be provided by radio stations Star 99.9 and WPLR 99.1 . Purcell said the event is being sponsored by Premier Printing & Mailing Solutions, Griffin Health, ION Bank, Mutual Security Credit Union, Great Event Decorations, Star 99.9 and WPLR 99.1 Some of the 66 exhibitors attending this years event include Barnum Financial Group, Big Brothers Big Sisters SW CT Foundation, Bridgeport Sound Tigers, Beardsley Zoo/On the Mark Marketing, Ice Cream Emergency, Journey to Wellness, Junior Achievement, Kindred Spirits & Wine, Lincoln Tech, Lizzies Corner, MCK Gourmet, Party Unique Boutique and Rosemaries Travel. For more information, visit the GVCC website at https://greatervalleychamber.com/ or on Facebook. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. NORRISTOWN, Pa. Judge Steven T. ONeill, who is presiding at Bill Cosbys sexual assault retrial, ruled Tuesday that jurors could hear the defendants previous statements about obtaining quaaludes, powerful sedatives, as part of his efforts to have sex with women. Prosecutors say Mr. Cosbys statement about the quaaludes bolsters their contention that he drugged women, including Andrea Constand, whom he is charged with molesting in 2004 after giving her three blue pills. She has testified they incapacitated her. Mr. Cosbys defense team had tried to block the introduction of his statement from a 2005 deposition in a civil suit that Ms. Constand filed against him. Becky James, an attorney for Mr. Cosby, said his remarks about his past use of quaaludes had nothing to do with the current case. Using quaaludes on the party scene in the 1970s just doesnt have any relevance, she said on the eighth day of the trial. The C.I.A. director, Mike Pompeo, above, met secretly with North Koreas leader, Kim Jong-un, recently to lay the groundwork for a summit meeting between Mr. Kim and President Trump, according to two people briefed on the trip. The revelation follows fresh evidence of a diplomatic thaw underway on the Korean Peninsula, showing that a once-unthinkable encounter between Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim has become far more likely. Meanwhile, in Syria, inspectors were seeking to enter Douma, a suburb of Damascus, where the U.S. and Western allies say President Bashar al-Assads forces dropped chemical weapons. Heres a look at the group that sent the inspectors, the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Syrian refugees in Turkey who are following the crackdown are reliving the trauma from a distance. SACRAMENTO Just before a committee of California state senators voted on a landmark bill to ramp up housing production by overriding local resistance, legislator after legislator talked about a dire affordable-housing crisis that demanded bold action and a marked increase in new building. Then they killed the bill. The vote here on Tuesday evening highlighted the emergence of Californias housing and homeless problem and the fraught question of how to address it as a potent election-year issue that promises to dominate the states politics for years. The ferocity of that debate was on display throughout a meeting of the State Senates Transportation and Housing Committee, which met to vote on a divisive bill that would force local governments to accept higher-density projects around transit centers like train stations. The bill, called S.B. 827, was introduced by Scott Wiener, a Democrat from San Francisco, and would have allowed developers to build five-story condominiums and apartment buildings near rail stops, even if local governments and zoning codes prohibited developments of that size. Now, with momentum fueled by anger over recent slights by President Trump, prominent members of the Haitian community in Brooklyn and New York State are hoping the City Council will officially designate Little Haiti in May. The designation, said members of the nonprofit group Little Haiti BK, is a recognition of the cultural role that Haitians have played in the city and the country, and a sign that the areas Haitian community is coming-of-age. The resolution would also serve as a formal recognition by the City Council, which organizers hope will make it easier to work with tourism and business improvement officials. People are stepping all over us so weve got to empower ourselves, Ms. Bichotte said during a meeting of the Little Haiti BK organizing committee at her district office on Flatbush Avenue. But even as the push for a designation grows, the areas Haitian character is already eroding, as gentrification and the movement of Haitians to the suburbs trigger changes. While the number of Haitian-Americans grew to 1.1 million in 2016, from 623,000 in 2000, New Yorks place in the Haitian diaspora has been falling. In 2016, 20 percent of the countrys Haitians lived in New York, down from 30 percent in 2000. In contrast, the Haitian population in Georgia and Pennsylvania more than tripled to over 30,000 people each in 2016. Nathan Davis, a jazz saxophonist, composer and educator who helped establish a place for African-American music in the academy, died on April 8 in Atlantis, Fla. He was 81. His death, at the JFK Medical Center, was confirmed by his son, Pierre, who said the cause was congestive heart failure. After spending nearly all of the 1960s in Paris, Mr. Davis returned to the United States in 1969 to become the founding director of the jazz studies program at the University of Pittsburgh. Early on, he envisioned the academy as a place where jazz musicians might be able to write their own histories and situate their work within the legacy of black American art. I wrote the first curriculums for the program, and I think within a year or something like that I got calls from Yale, I got calls from the University of Illinois, he said in an interview with the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation in 2013. I sent it out to a bunch of schools. She knew who she was, and she saw no need to apologize for it. In the spring of 1990, the administration of Wellesley College the alma mater, as it happened, of Hillary Rodham Clinton invited Barbara Bush, then the first lady of the United States, to speak at commencement and receive an honorary degree. Students at the womens college protested, declaring in a petition that Mrs. Bush had gained recognition through the achievements of her husband, and adding that Wellesley teaches us that we will be rewarded on the basis of our own merit, not on that of a spouse. And so a generational battle was joined. As her husband, George H. W. Bush, put it in his private White House diary, Mrs. Bush was being attacked because she hasnt made it on her own shes where she is because shes her husbands wife. Mr. Bush added: Whats wrong with the fact that shes a good mother, a good wife, great volunteer, great leader for literacy and other fine causes? Nothing, but to listen to these elitist kids there is. To the young women of the last decade of the 20th century, Mrs. Bush, who had dropped out of Smith College to marry, seemed a throwback to a less enlightened time. Mrs. Bush, who died on Tuesday at age 92, never flinched, appearing at Wellesley and using her commencement address to explore the complexities of lifes choices. There was no single path, she told the graduates; one followed ones heart and did the best one could. Maybe we should adjust faster, maybe we should adjust slower, she said. But whatever the era, whatever the times, one thing will never change: Fathers and mothers, if you have children they must come first. You must read to your children, hug your children, and you must love your children. Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house. The loudest applause came when she remarked that perhaps there was someone in the audience who would, like her, one day preside over the White House as the presidents spouse. And I wish him well, Mrs. Bush said. In October 2015, John Boehner was driven from office by right-wing members of his own caucus. His successor, Paul Ryan, despite having been chosen as the Republicans 2012 vice-presidential nominee based on his ideological bona fides, faced similar pressure from his right as speaker ultimately deciding to spend only three years in the role before announcing his resignation from the House last week. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi, the minority leader, is still leading her caucus despite losing her partys majority nearly eight years ago. Since the election of Donald Trump, political analysts have expected a left-wing version of the Tea Party movement to arise. But Republicans still suffer from more ideological dissension even after gaining control of Washington. As the 2018 nomination season gets underway, analysts anticipate a network of insurgent candidates and activists to seek a liberal purification of the Democratic Party, in the same way that Tea Party members took aim at a detested Republican establishment via a series of formidable primary challenges and congressional leadership battles. Yet there has been no evidence of a national, ideologically motivated rebellion among Democratic primary voters, interest groups or donors. Despite stiff competition, Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, is by common consensus the worst of the ideologues and mediocrities President Trump chose to populate his cabinet. Policies aside and theyre terrible, from an environmental perspective Mr. Pruitts self-aggrandizing and borderline thuggish behavior has disgraced his office and demoralized his employees. We opposed his nomination because he had spent his career as attorney general of Oklahoma suing the federal department he was being asked to lead on behalf of industries he was being asked to regulate. As it turns out, Mr. Pruitt is not just an industry lap dog but also an arrogant and vengeful bully and small-time grifter, bent on chiseling the taxpayer to suit his lifestyle and warm his ego. Any other president would have fired him. Mr. Trump praises him. Scott is doing a great job! the president tweeted on April 7. He agrees with Mr. Pruitt on policy indeed, many of the administrators worst moves have been responses to Mr. Trumps orders. And no small chiseler in his own right Mr. Trump seems to care not a whit about Mr. Pruitts mounting ethical problems, which have lately reached a point where Mr. Trumps chief of staff, John Kelly, has reportedly told the president that he should think seriously about letting Mr. Pruitt go. These problems began innocently enough, with the revelation last year that Mr. Pruitt had ordered up a $43,000 soundproof phone booth for his office so that his employees could not overhear him. The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office said Monday that the purchase violated the law because the E.P.A. had not notified Congress before incurring the expense. But what seemed like early onset executive paranoia quickly metastasized. Citing security concerns, Mr. Pruitt insisted on flying first class, against government custom, and when possible on Delta Air Lines (not the federal governments contract carrier), so that he could accumulate frequent-flier miles. He asked his staff to schedule trips back to Oklahoma so he could spend weekends at his home there. Find me something to do, he said, according to evidence presented to Congress by Kevin Chmielewski, who was the E.P.A.s deputy chief of staff until he was forced to resign after raising objections to Mr. Pruitts excesses. Mr. Pruitt used his own security detail and hired private security guards during a trip to Italy at a cost of $30,000 when embassy guards were available free. The latest moves against Huawei and ZTE mean that American companies like Apple and Qualcomm could soon be caught in the crossfire and they have a lot to lose. Apple, for example, sold $46.5 billion worth of iPhones and other products in mainland China, Taiwan and Hong Kong last year. That was about 20 percent of its total sales. Wealthy Chinese consumers have gravitated toward Apple, and President Xi Jinping and the Communist Party still aim to keep the public happy. But there are limits to Apples leverage in the country. Beijing will not sit idly by, said Paul Triolo, who leads global technology policy analysis at Eurasia Group, a geopolitical risk consultancy. Chinese officials will likely pause to digest this move, and the series of other trade and investment moves coming at them in waves, before deciding how best to respond. It is likely to get ugly before it gets better. Beijing could use its broad cybersecurity laws to steal the core computer code of American companies operating in China, said Dean Garfield, head of the Information Technology Industry Council, a trade group that represents the largest American tech companies. The Chinese government also could walk back recent commitments to allow more financial and electronic payments services from Mastercard, Visa and JPMorgan Chase. Or it could simply restrict American companies ability to do business in China, he said. For ZTE, this weeks sanctions are a nightmare come true. The companys smartphones and network gear rely on American microchips and software, which means it could need to redesign as much as 90 percent of its product line. ZTE and Google, which supplies the Android operating system in the Chinese companys phones, are concerned that the ban may prevent ZTE from licensing the software, according to a person familiar with the discussions but not permitted to speak publicly on the matter. No conclusion has been reached yet, the person said. Very nice and clean, says the pretty maid with the artificial smile, speaking with the scripted sunniness of a corporate employee. She is talking about both the antiseptic-looking hotel room she is tidying and the country, Switzerland, in which it is located. Certainly, no one looking at the crisply anonymous set for Amelia Ropers Zurich, which opened on Monday night at Next Door at NYTW, would argue with that description. But dont assume that the standards of moral hygiene are anywhere near as high for those who inhabit this dark, teasingly contrived comedy. The 10 characters in Zurich, directed by Adrienne Campbell-Holt in a polished Colt Coeur production, are human beings of the 21st century. They are, at best, a mess and, at worst, moral cesspools, polluted by greed, lust for power, political corruption and a system built on what one character refers to as toxic masculinity. Described in the program as an Australian-American writer and activist, Ms. Roper lends a bracingly astringent perspective to life as we know it today. Even the children who scamper through her play which takes place in a series of interchangeable rooms on the 40th floor of a luxury hotel seem somehow tainted, as if born into the latter-day equivalent of original sin. With all due respect, I dont get confused. NIKKI HALEY, the United States ambassador to the United Nations, after administration officials suggested her announcement of further sanctions against Russia had been premature. Where will our country find leaders with integrity, courage, strength all the family values in 10, 20, or 30 years? Barbara Bush was the matriarch of the most successful political dynasty of the modern era. She was the first lady of the United States. The wife of a president. The mother of another president. The mother of a governor of a state. And she was for a long time, in the American psyche, sort of the picture of a maternal figure. Shes the most popular woman in America and maybe in the whole world. Or at least up there with Mother Teresa. But she was a much more interesting and sophisticated player than that. She was witty, sometimes acerbic. Smart and sharp. When I was campaigning for governor, I would tell people of Texas I had my daddys eyes and my mothers mouth. You should be so lucky. Barbara Bush was not a political player in the sense that Hillary Clinton was. She didnt shape policy. She didnt screen staff the way Nancy Reagan did. She had a smart ear for politics, and long before we had social media or sophisticated data-mining programs for politics, we had Barbara Bushs Christmas card list. Everyone her husband met through business, through friendship, through civic activities, she would make sure to get their contact information. She kept a very thorough file of people to send Christmas cards to every year. It literally grew to be thousands and thousands of names and addresses. And in effect that was the first direct-mail list for the Bush family. This would become the base of their political operation. The next first lady of the United States. Come on up, sweetie pie. Come on up. Barbara Bush had one of the most extraordinary marriages in presidential history. They not only stayed married, but stayed strong partners all the way to the end. Thank you very, very much. ... Sweetie. Literacy was one of Barbara Bushs biggest issues. She cared a lot about that and she spent a lot of time on that. She also spoke out on issues like AIDS. And made clear that she was for abortion rights, even though that was against her husbands political positions. However you define family. Thats what we mean by family values. Barbara Bush was a strong supporter of her children, obviously. But she was also very honest when she thought that they were biting off more than they could chew. When George W. told her that he wanted to run for governor of Texas, she told him flatly, No, you shouldnt do it. Youre going to lose. She turned out to be wrong. Similarly, when Jeb Bush started making noises about running for president in 2016, she publicly said she didnt think that was necessarily a good idea. Didnt we have enough of Bushes at this point in public life? She later, of course, recanted and said, of course she supported Jeb. And she was out there on the trail for both of her boys. But we have other children. Maybe were going to have the first girl president. Who knows? Mom, I hope youre not announcing your candidacy. Oh yes. She drew a lot of admirers across the country for her straightforward, but always honest, way of dealing with the role that she had been assigned by history. Who knows? Somewhere out in this audience may even be someone who will one day follow in my footsteps and preside over the White House as the presidents spouse. And I wish him well. A former counterterrorism agent at the F.B.I. who gave classified documents to the news media in an effort to reveal how the bureau treated minority communities pleaded guilty on Tuesday to the unauthorized disclosure and retention of national defense information. It is the most recent prosecution in a growing series of leak cases being pursued by the Justice Department, which has significantly increased its focus on such investigations since President Trump took office. However, the actions of the agent, Terry J. Albury, largely predate Mr. Trumps presidency. As a field agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigations Minneapolis office, Mr. Albury provided a reporter with two documents between February 2016 and Jan. 31, 2017, according to the charges against him. The first document, dated Aug. 17, 2011, described how the bureau evaluated confidential sources; the second, which was undated, concerned threats posed by certain individuals from a particular Middle Eastern country. Mr. Albury also possessed, without authorization, a document relating to the use of an online platform for recruitment by a specific terrorist group. Mr. Albury was entrusted by the F.B.I. with a security clearance, which included a responsibility to protect classified national defense information, Bill Priestap, assistant director of the bureaus Counterintelligence Division, said in a statement on Tuesday. Instead, he knowingly disclosed that material to someone not authorized to receive it. As he pressed his case last week, before the allied strikes with Britain and France, Mr. Mattis lost the battle over getting congressional authorization. But he won the larger war. Mr. Mattis prevailed in limiting the strikes to three targets that did not risk endangering Russian troops scattered at military installations around Syria. Nor did the 105 missiles hit Syrian military units believed to be responsible for carrying out an April 7 suspected chemical weapons attack on Douma, near Damascus. In the end, the narrowly targeted strikes belied Mr. Trumps description Friday night of a larger coordinated response that could take days or weeks. The combined American, British and French response to these atrocities will integrate all instruments of our national power military, economic and diplomatic, Mr. Trump said in an address to the nation as the strikes were underway. We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents. But there have been no additional strikes since then, and the Pentagon said no more are being planned. This is a one-time shot, Mr. Mattis said on Friday, calling the airstrikes a very strong message to dissuade President Bashar al-Assad of Syria from using chemical weapons against his own people. Mr. Trumps drumbeat of threats last week of a sharp response to the suspected gas attacks all but guaranteed that the United States military would strike Syria, according to two Defense Department officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Even so, Mr. Mattis pushed to get congressional authorization, according to people with knowledge of the internal debate. In several White House meetings last week, he underscored the importance of linking military operations to public support a view Mr. Mattis has long held. Though most of the attention is being directed toward Starbucks, some activists, politicians and policy experts place the blame for the incident on a system of law enforcement that is disproportionately harsh toward black people. I think the cops behavior was not only outrageous, but it was par for the course, said Rashad Robinson, the director of Color of Change, a racial justice organization. Its what happens day in and day out in communities around the country. But the case also raises tricky questions of law enforcement policies and practices, like when officers should make arrests instead of using other methods to resolve nonviolent disputes. A manager at the Starbucks cafe called the police, saying that the two men were sitting in the store without purchasing anything and that they had refused to leave. The eight-minute video clip of the encounter shows three officers in bicycle helmets standing around two black men, who were sitting and calmly responding to the officers questions. One of the men told the police that they had a meeting, and the officer told him, Ill give you one more chance to leave. A few minutes go by, with the officers and the men continuing to exchange words, when a white man who was supposed to meet the men showed up. He began arguing with the officers, saying that they were discriminating against the two black men. Eventually, the white man said they would just go somewhere else, but the officer responded, Theyre not free to leave, adding that they had already failed to comply. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. President Trump dispatched the C.I.A. director Mike Pompeo to North Korea to meet with its leader, Kim Jong-un, in recent weeks to lay the groundwork for a summit meeting between Mr. Kim and Mr. Trump, two people briefed on the secret trip said on Tuesday. Mr. Trump alluded to Mr. Pompeos mission when he said on Tuesday afternoon that the United States was in direct talks with North Korea at extremely high levels, and that the White House was looking at five sites for a potential meeting of the two leaders. The White House has used intelligence, rather than diplomatic channels, to communicate with North Korea, ever since last month, when Mr. Trump unexpectedly accepted Mr. Kims invitation to meet. Mr. Pompeo, who is awaiting confirmation as secretary of state, has been dealing with North Korean representatives through a channel that runs between the C.I.A. and its North Korean counterpart, the Reconnaissance General Bureau, according to other officials. And he has been in close touch with the director of South Koreas National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who American officials said brokered Mr. Kims invitation to Mr. Trump. Sometimes, Mr. Wolinski drew the man alone and pretending to be the master of the universe. Sometimes, the man is more darkly realistic about his prospects, looking over the cliff to see an open grave. And other times, the man is with a woman, and the existential seriousness of the cliff is no match for more everyday concerns. Did you think to turn off the gas? the man says. No, she replies. Metaphysically inclined as he was, Mr. Wolinski, editor in chief of the satirical monthly magazine Charlie Mensuel from 1970 to 1981 and one of Charlie Hebdos principal illustrators from 1992, was better known for his political provocations than for his existential musings. His killing in 2015 at the hands of Islamist extremists had a wide impact, starting an international debate about censorship and the future of satire. Perhaps you know the jubilant feeling that comes from finding loose change under a couch cushion. City officials in Boise, Idaho, recently made an unexpected discovery that was much more significant, unearthing thousands of dollars worth of drawings by a well-known artist hidden in the walls of his own home. They stumbled across 11 never-before-seen works by James Castle, a prolific figure best known for his creative use of soot, spit and other everyday materials to create a wide range of sophisticated landscapes and portraits. This isnt the first time Castles work has been found stashed on his property. To add to the mystery, no one seems to know why the drawings were concealed. I think we were kind of more in shock than anything, said Rachel Reichert, the cultural sites manager for the Boise City Department of Arts and History. Kenneth Frampton, the architectural historian who wrote the pivotal book Modern Architecture: A Critical History, will be the recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at this years edition of the Venice Architecture Biennale. There is no student of the faculties of architecture who is unfamiliar with his Modern Architecture: A Critical History, Paolo Baratta, the president of the biennale, which runs from May 26 through Nov. 11, said in a statement. He added that the award will go to a maestro, and in this sense it is also intended to be a recognition of the importance of the critical approach to the teaching of architecture. Yvonne Farrell and Shelley McNamara of the Dublin-based firm Grafton Architects, who organized this years biennale, recommended Mr. Frampton for the honor, which in the past has gone to star architects like Rem Koolhaas, Frank Gehry and Renzo Piano. His humanistic philosophy in relation to architecture is embedded in his writing, Ms. Farrell and Ms. McNamara said in a statement, and he has consistently argued for this humanistic component throughout all the various movements and trends often misguided in architecture in the 20th and 21st century. It is the latest effort to diversify American classical music, which has lagged behind other fields. Women have made great gains in orchestras in recent decades, especially since the advent of blind auditions, in which job applicants try out behind screens. But racial diversity has been slow to come to American orchestras, which are looking less and less like the cities in which they play. Orchestras remained 85 percent white in 2014, according to the league, and most of their modest rise in racial diversity in recent years was driven by an increase in the number of musicians of Asian or Pacific Islander heritage. Hispanic musicians made up only 2.5 percent of orchestra players in 2014, up from 1.8 percent in 2002. Small orchestras were more racially diverse than large ones. Many factors have been cited as contributing to the problem, from the lack of diversity at the conservatories that make up the pipeline of trained musicians to blind auditions, which helped with gender equity but make it harder for orchestras to choose talented players of color. The new initiative, supported by a four-year, $1.8 million grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to help black and Hispanic musicians navigate the challenging audition process where it is not uncommon for hundreds of talented, well-trained candidates to find themselves competing for a single opening. The program, being called the National Alliance for Audition Support, will begin in June, when 18 string players will go to Miami to train with the New World Symphony, a renowned orchestral academy, at a three-day intensive course in preparing for auditions. Theres a good bit of that thats musical training, but theres also psychological training, said Howard Herring, the president of New World, who said that the players would all sit through mock auditions that seek to replicate real ones. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. If youre interested in hearing from The Times regularly about great TV, sign up for our Watching newsletter and get recommendations straight to your inbox. We Have to Talk About It James Comey sat down with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday and described the shock of being summarily fired from his position as F.B.I. director nearly a year ago. He also explained why he decided to write a book criticizing President Trump. Comeys book, A Higher Loyalty, hit stores on Tuesday. Comey admitted to Colbert that he had been surprised by his firing, given that he was leading an investigation that had to do with the Trump campaigns own dealings with Russia. The Originals returns for its last season. And Chiwetel Ejiofor plays a televangelist in crisis in Come Sunday. Whats on TV THE ORIGINALS 9 p.m. on the CW. This spinoff of The Vampire Diaries has been almost as resilient as the supernatural creatures it depicts. After facing potential cancellation and tying up major story lines at the end of Season 4, the CW renewed the drama for one final year. That means the vampire siblings Klaus and Elijah Mikaelson, who were separated at the end of last season, might yet reunite. In this episode, Klauss daughter, Hope (Danielle Rose Russell), resorts to drastic measures to bring her father back to New Orleans. And RIVERDALE leads in at 8, as tensions rise between Betty and Veronica, and a school production of Carrie: The Musical comes under threat. NBA PLAYOFFS On TNT. On Sunday evening, something unusual happened to LeBron James: He lost a Game 1 in the first round for the first time ever. It wasnt particularly close, either, as the Indiana Pacers, led by Victor Oladipo, beat the Cleveland Cavaliers by 18 points. James will surely return invigorated in Game 2, at 7 p.m. on TNT. At 9:30, James Harden and the Houston Rockets will look to win again versus the Minnesota Timberwolves after a Game 1 victory. THE WOMANS HOUR The Great Fight to Win the Vote By Elaine Weiss Illustrated. 404 pp. Viking. $28. Its probably inappropriate to evaluate a work of history on the basis of how many novels can be extracted from its pages; its also, if one is a novelist, irresistible. Which real-life situations and characters are so intriguing that theyd be worthy of delving into and depicting in the truly intimate manner that only fiction allows? By this measure and by several others The Womans Hour: The Great Fight to Win the Vote, by the journalist Elaine Weiss, is a gold mine. After Congress passed the 19th Amendment in 1919, ratification needed to occur in 36 states for womens right to vote to become federal law. By July 1920, the possible 36th state or the place where the amendment would die after 70 years of strenuous activism was Tennessee. Thus, for several weeks that summer, in and around Nashvilles statehouse, a frenetic pageant of political organizing, lobbying, demonstrating and double-crossing unfolded among the Antis, who opposed the amendment, and the Suffs, or suffragists, who supported it. As one legislator declared, The entire world today has cast its eyes on Tennessee. Weiss presents a panoramic view of the proceedings, which are alternately juicy (accusations of libel and bribery abounded, and, in spite of Prohibition, the whiskey and bourbon were free-flowing) and procedural. Weiss also provides national and international context: World War I had ended less than two years earlier, and both the war and its aftermath had jumbled established norms of gender, race and employment. In the United States, a physically ailing Woodrow Wilson occupied the White House, and two Ohioans, Warren Harding and James Cox, were vying to replace him, which raised the stakes of the 19th Amendments passage: Though women in some states could already vote, it was unclear how enfranchising all 27 million American women in time for the falls presidential election would influence national politics. Imagine a CSI investigation this famous TV program where the investigators dont have the murder weapon, dont have the place, dont have access to the victims. How the hell do you investigate that? Its impossible! Late 2016, Havana. Dr. Rosenfarb, are you aware of any type of technology that would cause this? No, Im not, sir. American diplomats were complaining of crushing headaches, extreme fatigue. Who would do this? And, an intense sound. Secretary Tillerson ordered the departure of non-emergency personnel. The Cubans? They said they knew nothing about it. Sporadic attacks continued until late April. But that sound is why this building is nearly empty at this important moment for Cuba. For the first time in 60 years, its leader will not be a Castro. Two things we know for sure. Heres what the U.S. government has said about the sound: People were hurt, and the Cuban government knows who did it. Whatever happened to these people happen as a result of some sophisticated technology that, quite frankly, is so sophisticated we dont understand it. It leads you then In Washington, Senator Marco Rubio convened a hearing. It was the early opinion of the security professionals who looked at it that it was likely a form of harassment. O.K. In late 2016, staff at the United States Embassy in Havana began complaining of strange noises, and among the descriptions that they complained of, high-pitched beam of sound or just intense pressure in one ear. There are 24 Americans, who during their time in Havana, have experienced symptoms that are consistent with what you would see in mild traumatic brain injury and/or concussion. Doctors said that diplomats brain matter had actually changed. What started out as a mysterious nuisance We know it happened to 24 people became a suspected instrument of attack. Tillerson reacted as he would have reacted when he was an oil executive. He heard something happen in an oil rig. Get everybody out of there. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson ordered his staff: We are convinced these were targeted attacks. We dont like our diplomats being targeted. Depart your post, he said. Leave Cuba. And they did. Everyone from the people who discussed trade down to those who processed visas. The incident had become political. This is entirely about the health, and the safety, and the well-being of Americans. We still have an investigation thats underway. So I hope Cuba would focus instead on helping us with the investigation and be less concerned about claiming this is political. [music] So here the contrast, the contrast which is Carlos Alzugaray was a Cuban diplomat for decades. Hes a bit of an unofficial government spokesperson. Why throw down the Embassy? The bad thing about it is that probably the guys who have been affected more are the regular Cubans, not the government. By the time the diplomats left, the warming started by President Obama had undeniably chilled. The U.S. issued a travel advisory, and tourism dropped. On the streets of Havana, the idea that Cuba was involved in a sonic attack was met with skepticism. It wasnt long after the incident became public that sound experts began downplaying the idea of a sonic attack. Sound cant easily change brain matter, among other reasons. Youve got a long, long way to go before you even attribute this to sound. Its not going to cause physical effects. If the sound goes through air before reaching you, its not going to cause that. It may have been a situation where people were drawn more closely together. It wasnt only the sound experts who struggled to explain what happened. Infectious cause is what I would say. Engineers also tried. It could have just been a malfunctioning ultrasonic device, perhaps used for some other nefarious purpose. And psychologists. Well, these people were on an island. Fears can spread in a tight group. Things can get more intensified. Anything is possible. A microwave expert. If you direct a beam of microwave, the microwave would produce an acoustic wave. This doctor said it could have just been a virus. An infection, of some type. So an ultrasonic weapon is not science fiction. I could build one. I could put it in the house of somebody I didnt like, and I could annoy them. What its really seems science-fiction is the idea that you could build an ultrasonic rifle that will shoot 100 meters and target somebody, and shoot through a wall and get just that one person. Dr. Leighton is referring to this hotel, where some diplomats reported hearing the sound. Look up. Its unlikely you could direct a weaponized sound wave across this street, 11 stories up through walls and windows, and hit individuals repeatedly without anyone noticing. The U.S. wouldnt share any evidence of an attack with the Cubans. So they did their own investigation. For reference, 140 decibels is about the sound of a planes jet engine at takeoff. You ask, what we think is that some people were ill, and that there was a psychogenic contagion. And other people started reporting that they were feeling ill. These are English-speaking communities that are relatively isolated from the Cuban population. They live among themselves. They exchange. And any kind of anxiety or stress Doctor Sosa is referring to mass hysteria, a psychological condition. There was no, quote unquote, attack. This theory is actually the current official Cuban standpoint. Today, the lights are on at the Embassy, but the doors remain locked. The administrations reaction to all of this is so drastic, to make permanent the drawdown of the U.S. Embassy to ridiculously low, unnecessary levels, which has an element of spite to it. Fulton Armstrong is a former C.I.A. analyst who covered Cuba. He made a career in searching for motives. They were so desperate to make their case that it was sonic attacks. This is serious stuff. Youre accusing them of doing line-of-sight attacks with a weapon that no one knows exists. So, once the political people got stuck in their own internal contradictions, it was almost impossible, then, to get a real serious discussion of what was going on. The administration had already decided it was going to use it, the legitimate symptoms of U.S. government officials, for a political maneuver that looks like a lot of other political things that this administration has done. And that is, at any cost, undo what the predecessor did. There are a number of people in the administration, and some in Congress, who didnt want to see normalization of relations. So, for those who didnt like the policy changes by President Obamas administration, its worked out pretty well. You have the State Department work, practically all the major executive jobs have not been covered. Its the perfect situation for someone like Marco Rubio to hijack a policy and push. And so it leads you to conclude that the Cuban government either did this, or they know who did it. And they cant say, because Marco Rubio got his way. Sometimes, in U.S. politics, the strongest voice is the voice that predominates even when the bureaucracy isnt with you. Whoever did this did this The bureaucracy has allowed the political voice to come in and dictate a lot, including analysis of the so-called sonic attacks issue. And then it leads you down the road of motivation. It makes you start to think, who would do this? Who would do this? Someone who doesnt like our presence there, and someone who wants there to be this sort of friction between the U.S. So who would be motivated to create friction? Or who would not be in favor of an increased U.S. presence in Cuba? We dont want to be in this position. We have no choice. We cannot send Americans into Foreign Service and their relatives to a country where their safety cannot be guaranteed. Senator Rubio, a son of Cuban exiles, has been a longtime critic of the Castro government. Hes always been an opponent of reestablishing ties with Cuba. Now, Im not under any fantasy that Cuba is going to transition from one day to the next and turn into Canada, but there has to be progress in that direction. And theres never been a step in that direction to the extent that theyve taken these steps, theyve been largely cosmetic. And theyve retreated from some of those positions. So who would be motivated to create friction? Or who would not be in favor of an increased U.S. presence? Maybe it was a third country. Which third country would want to disrupt the U.S. presence there? And the logical conclusion is Russia and Vladimir Putin. Has the State Department raised attacks against U.S. personnel in Cuba with the Russian government? Thats a very good question. I think it would be better to address that issue in a classified setting. Why would the fact or lack of existence of a communication to the Russian government be something that we cant discuss in public? To give you the full reply would be required, and I believe that would be more appropriate in the classified setting. Has Raul Castro ever said to any U.S. diplomat, I didnt do it, but its possible that some of my guys did it without me knowing about it? I do not believe that communication has ever occurred. You dont want to discuss something that is not in a proper setting, or is that just youre youve just never heard? That is my recollection that Ive never heard that. O.K. The meeting is adjourned. The U.S. has still not given an official explanation of the sound or its intent, if any. But its effect has been to play a big part in the current disengagement with Cuba. This is happening at a pivotal moment. Raul Castro is stepping down, and Miguel Diaz-Canel will likely be president. The notion that we have just a skeletal staff at the Embassy fewer people than we had during the time of isolation, is just unconscionable. Well, the transition is not I mean, its a one-party transition. I mean the outcomes not in doubt. You know, you would love to see a new generation of leadership that begins to move in the right direction, and I think those moves would be reciprocated by American policy makers. But its not going to happen because of a unilateral American opening. That was the flawed thinking behind an opening towards China, and China today is no more democratic and no more free than it was. And that was not the experience in the aftermath of the Obama opening. It did not lead to any changes in governance or on the economic condition of Cubans in the big picture. After more than five very difficult decades, the relationship between our governments will not be transformed overnight. What are we doing? Were pulling out of the game. They would prefer to buy American rice and American chicken. They would prefer to have Americans come down and do travel in Cuba. They like us. But if were going to treat them in the way that were treating them, they will make their own future without us. They say theyve been making their future for the last 60 years without us, and theyre prepared to do it, perhaps with some hyperbole, for another 60 years. [music] The 65-year-old war on the Korean Peninsula may be coming to an end. South Korea confirmed that it had been in talks with the North and the U.S. about negotiating a formal peace treaty to replace the 1953 armistice that halted, but did not end, the Korean War. A treaty could increase pressure on the North to give up its nuclear program, and on the U.S. to withdraw troops from the peninsula. President Trump supports the effort. But his decision to send Mike Pompeo, the C.I.A. director and secretary of state nominee, on a secret trip to the North reflects the central role that spies rather than diplomats played in brokering an opening. One thorny issue is where to hold the meeting a decision complicated by the limited range of North Koreas aging fleet. 1. Mike Pompeos secret visit to North Korea underscores President Trumps unorthodox approach to one of the riskiest gambits of his presidency. Mr. Trump confirmed that he sent Mr. Pompeo, the C.I.A. director, above, to meet Kim Jong-un over Easter weekend. (Mr. Pompeo is still awaiting confirmation to his new post, secretary of state.) Mr. Pompeo went to lay the groundwork for a meeting between his boss and Mr. Kim. No date has been set, though Mr. Trump has said late May or early June. And officials are still discussing the location. The Mongolian capital, Ulan Bator, has emerged as a top choice. LONDON One major energy company has invested in a solar power developer. Another is lifting its investments in wind energy. One has even placed a small bet on nuclear fusion. Worried that pressures to mitigate climate change could eventually curb demand for their fossil fuel products, oil and gas firms are making major investments in an increasingly diverse array of businesses. On Wednesday, the French energy giant Total made the latest such deal, agreeing to buy a small electricity utility that would give it a foothold in the delivery of clean energy to customers. The deal, worth 1.4 billion euros, or about $1.7 billion, for Direct Energie, which has 2.6 million customers in Belgium and France, appears to stand in stark contrast to Totals traditional business. Total makes healthy profits producing oil and natural gas through enormous projects in complex and often-dangerous places, including in countries like Qatar and Angola. But the deal fits what appears to be an accelerating trend at least in Europe. Lacking a clear way to see how the energy industry will evolve over the coming decades, major oil companies have been investing in a wide range of activities, in the hopes of finding winners or, at worst, learning from the experience. In particular, they are making deals in cleaner energy technologies. The essay by Ms. Roiphe attracted attention before it was published, while it was going through the fact-checking process. Concerned writers and editors began a Twitter campaign warning that the article would reveal the identity of the main creator of a crowdsourced spreadsheet that named roughly 70 men in the media industry who were said to have acted in a predatory manner toward women. The online complaints intensified, arguing that the safety of the spreadsheets creator would be jeopardized by the publication of Ms. Roiphes essay. Before the social media campaign had died down, the writer Moira Donegan revealed that she was the main person behind the list in a first-person story for New York magazines web vertical The Cut. Ms. Roiphes essay had a similarly troubled pre-publication history inside the Manhattan offices of Harpers. The idea began, Mr. Marcus said, with the publisher, who suggested that the magazine run a contrarian piece on #MeToo movement. The editor countered that he was uncomfortable with such an assignment, because of the magazines longtime reputation as a gentlemans smoking club. I expressed my opposition in the beginning, but I was overruled by the publisher, Mr. Marcus said. Its the publishers prerogative to essentially assign a piece. Mr. Marcus said that the magazine approached one or two writers, who passed on the idea, before Ms. Melucci, the Harpers publicist, reached out to Ms. Roiphe. He added, We can quibble over who technically assigned the piece. Shes a publicist and doesnt have the power to assign anything. You could say she assigned it with Ricks permission. She had no role in the editing of the piece. Ms. Melucci suggested that she got involved in the editorial process only because of unusual circumstances at the magazine. Maybe think about the fact that the publicist had to assign stories because the editor didnt have ideas? she said in a phone interview. I dont know maybe thats how bad it was. Mr. Marcus disagreed with that, saying that during the discussion last week that ended with his firing, there was no complaint about my failure to generate story ideas. That has now changed. Last Friday, an I.M.O. committee meeting in London agreed to a blueprint that sets the industry on a course to reduce carbon emissions by container ships, tankers and other vessels by at least 50 percent by the middle of the century compared with 2008 levels, with the eventual goal of phasing out fossil-fuel use. Billed as the maritime organizations climate strategy, the accord was adopted by more than 100 member nations, over objections from the United States. Although the European Union and some countries had sought even greater reductions, the plan as adopted was hailed by many environmental groups as ambitious. I think its a really important development for this sector, said Daniel Rutherford, who directs the aviation and marine programs at the International Council on Clean Transportation, a watchdog group. Until this past week, it didnt have a climate target. But he and others noted that the next few years would be critical. The I.M.O. gave itself until 2023 to develop and implement specific measures to reach the target. These will probably include stricter design and operation standards for ships to increase efficiency, as well as programs to introduce low-carbon fuels or carbon-free propulsion. If you dont make early investments and policies, then it becomes very challenging to meet the I.M.O. goals, Dr. Rutherford said. The I.M.O. may also take steps to introduce so-called market-based measures that would set a price on carbon. This would create economic incentives for shippers to adopt new fuels and technologies, which are likely to be costly. An analysis by researchers at the University College London Energy Institute described the agreement as a signal to the industry and investors that a clear switch away from fossil fuels is now on the cards. In one case, Judge William Alsup of Federal District Court in San Francisco has suggested that the federal courts could still hear such cases. He kept the suits filed by San Francisco and Oakland and ordered a tutorial on climate change to familiarize himself with the scientific issues before setting a trial. In another case, Judge Vincent Chhabria also of Federal District Court in San Francisco sent the cases of Californias San Mateo and Marin counties and the City of Imperial Beach to state court. Exxon has said its opponents are stifling its First Amendment right to participate in the national dialogue about climate change and climate policy. And, it has argued that it is a victim of a conspiracy brought by environmental zealots funded by activist philanthropists like the Rockefeller family. In addition, in a line of counterattack , the company has argued that while the lawsuits against it claim that imminent sea level rise presented a substantial threat, municipalities and counties did not disclose the threat of climate change in their bond offerings. The National Association of Manufacturers , which supports the fossil fuel companies, has focused on that point in a spirited campaign against the communities and their lawyers. In April, the groups Manufacturers Accountability Project sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission demanding an investigation of potential wrongdoing by those suing. When the Colorado case was announced, the group denounced the baseless lawsuit as another example of trial attorneys attempting to enrich themselves at the expense of manufacturers and manufacturing workers. Daniel A. Zarrilli, New York Citys chief resilience officer, rejected the industrys argument that local governments are being enticed into filing the suits by trial lawyers. Theyre going to throw a lot of things at the wall and see what sticks, he said. While most of the communities and environmental groups involved in these lawsuits can be considered on the liberal side of the political spectrum , one of the groups collaborating on the Colorado cases is decidedly not: the Niskanen Center, a libertarian policy group in Washington with a climate focus. Jerry Taylor, the groups president, said there was a conservative case for the suits. Rather than push for regulations, he said, it is better to deal with climate change in the courts, as a property rights issue. In 2008 the former Vermont governor and United States ambassador to Switzerland, Madeleine Kunin, published a book called Pearls, Politics and Power. I thought of this on Tuesday, when the news arrived that Barbara Bush, former first lady (as well as second lady and first mother), had died at age 92, and almost every obituary and memorial article that ensued included a mention of her pearls. The book hadnt been meant for her its subtitle was How women can win and lead but in many ways its title summed up her public life. Mrs. Bushs pearls, after all, became synonymous with her own soft power in the political sphere. Pearls are a trope of first ladydom, almost a default symbol of the job. They have been worn by Martha Washington, Dolley Madison, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Nancy Reagan, Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama (to name a few). Historically they have stood for purity, femininity and wealth; strands of pearls are a classic coming-of-age gift. Some first ladies played up the decorum of the accessory; some, the glamour. Recently, Mrs. Obama took the stuffing out of the style. But during their husbands time in office, none were as closely associated with the jewels as Mrs. Bush. Along with her corona of white hair, a three-strand necklace of faux pearls became her trademark. She wore them consistently, and with intent. No one should need an excuse to indulge her David Bowie fashion fantasies, but there has never been a more fitting time to channel the glam-rocker. The David Bowie Is exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, which runs through July 15, offers unrivaled access to Bowies personal archive, including 60 custom-made performance costumes that are bound to kick up some inspirational sartorial sparks. Theres something about the whiff of gender-neutral maximalism now sweeping fashion, from bigwigs like Gucci to upstarts like Area, that makes Bowies pioneering style feel newly relevant. So, in honor of the true original, and in celebration of the last stop in the five-year world tour of David Bowie Is, step into those mega-high platforms and pile on the glitter. When James Garish married his kindergarten crush Liz Stipkovits on Feb. 17 near their hometown, McKeesport, Pa., it wasnt with the expectations many couples entertain, about raising a family and growing old together. Mr. Garish, 34, and Ms. Stipkovits, 34, had been dating since 2010, when he was serving in the Army in Iraq and looked her up on Facebook. They hadnt been in touch since they were 5 and Mr. Garish was the kindergarten class rabble-rouser. But I wanted to see how life had turned out for her, he said. It had turned out O.K. Ms. Stipkovits was then working as a medical receptionist and raising a daughter, Maleena, as a single parent in McKeesport. Four years later, though, she would get her first breast cancer diagnosis. By the time they decided to marry, in 2017, the cancer was advancing toward her brain. Little Bad Jimmy, as Ms. Stipkovits remembered Mr. Garish from their school days, never left her side. 4. Why have girls and women been on edge since 2012, according to the article, and how have things been different since then? 5. What did a grandfather in a public park have to say about Delhi now, and why? 6. How has the fear of violence toward women and girls in New Delhi led to increased confidence, according to the article, and why? Finally, tell us more about what you think: What more do you think could be done in New Delhi to combat violence against women and girls, and why did you answer the way you did? How safe do you feel in your communitys public spaces, and why? What safety precautions do you choose to take during your daily travels if any? Are there safety precautions you think would benefit you in the future, and if so, what are they and why would they help? Are self-defense courses readily available in your school or town? Why or why not? To what extent are self-defense programs an effective response to violent crimes in public spaces, and why? It was the fall of 2004, and I was touring a film set at the studio that was adapting my war memoir, Jarhead. The screenwriter walked me onto a soundstage that was supposed to look like my Marine Corps boot-camp barracks. It was small and inconsequential compared with the mighty buildings and squad bays on Marine Corps Recruit Depot, San Diego, where I survived grueling training and verbal abuse 16 years earlier. Still, the room gave off an ominous vibe. The drab colors were right. The bunks were tightly cornered. It closely resembled a boot-camp set from a movie Id watched many times before. A ghost filled the room: Marine Gunnery Sergeant Hartman. The screenwriter, himself a Marine veteran of the Vietnam era, admitted to me that there was no way the filmmakers could ever top the Full Metal Jacket boot-camp sequences that were brought to life so intensely by R. Lee Ermey, a Marine Corps veteran who served two years as a drill instructor in the 1960s. The only thing they could try was homage to a famous scene and its defining character. It wasnt just the film world on which Ermeys character left an impression. The Gunnys persona saturated military culture, especially that of the Marine Corps. The boys who wanted to serve believed that intimidation and humiliation were essential to the formation of their warrior selves. And drill instructors were happy to oblige. When the film was released in 1987, I watched it in a theater in Sacramento with a few other knuckleheads who were destined to join the Marine Corps. Because of Stanley Kubricks previous work, many viewers expected a purely antiwar film. And they might have seen just that. But what we saw felt beautiful and profane and dangerous normal American kids transformed into war-ready combatants through barbarism and violence and the best marksmanship training in the world. It was both terrifying and thrilling to watch. I wanted to experience the brutality and humiliation that Full Metal Jacket so fully embodied. Apply pressure where the blood is coming out, says Christopher B. Colwell, the chief of emergency medicine at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. You may need to remove or rip open some of the victims clothing to access the injury. Grab a shirt, a towel, a fabric bag it doesnt have to be clean, Colwell says. Put the cloth over the wound, and push down continuously and forcefully on it with both hands until the bleeding stops. If you see blood spurting, pooling or rapidly soaking through clothing, consider the situation life-threatening. Uncontrolled bleeding is the primary cause of preventable death from trauma. Of the American military personnel who died on the battlefield between 2001 and 2011, researchers found that nearly a quarter were bleed-out deaths that were potentially survivable. You dont need extensive training to save a life, Colwell says. Move quickly; a severed main vessel near the heart or in the groin can result in death within minutes, but with arms and leg injuries youll often have more time. You may need to put your hands inside the gash. Try to avoid getting blood in your eyes or mouth, but dont fret about disease as long as you dont have open wounds on your own hands. The risk to you is very low, and the benefit to somebody whos bleeding rapidly is very high, Colwell says. If youve been compressing the wound for 20 or 30 seconds and its still bleeding heavily, you need to use a tourniquet. Colwell keeps a first-aid tourniquet in his car and would like to see them placed in schools, stadiums and every large building. Until then, youll probably have to improvise. A belt works, as does a tie, shoelaces, even a bra. Place the tourniquet an inch or so higher than the wound and tighten until the bleeding stops. If youre the injured one, you can compress and tourniquet your own wound. Colwell has seen people bleed to death when they might have been saved. He was the on-scene physician after the shooting at Columbine High School; he worked in an E.R. that received victims of the movie-theater shooting in Aurora, Colo. Anticipate and resist the woozy fright often triggered by a profusion of blood. Dont be afraid to act, Colwell says. The soldiers at the blast crater sensed something was wrong. It was August 2008 near Taji, Iraq. They had just exploded a stack of old artillery shells buried beside a murky lake. The blast, part of an effort to destroy munitions that could be used in makeshift bombs, uncovered more shells. Two technicians assigned to dispose of munitions stepped into the hole. Lake water seeped in. One of them, Specialist Andrew T. Goldman, noticed a pungent odor, something, he said, he had never smelled before. He lifted a shell. Oily paste oozed from a crack. That doesnt look like pond water, said his team leader, Staff Sergeant Eric J. Duling. The specialist swabbed the shell with chemical-detection paper. It turned red - indicating sulfur mustard, the chemical warfare agent designed to burn a victims airway, skin and eyes. All three men recall an awkward pause. Then Sergeant Duling gave an order: Get the hell out. Five years after President George W. Bush sent troops into Iraq, these soldiers had entered an expansive but largely secret chapter of Americas long and bitter involvement in Iraq. From 2004 to 2011, American and American-trained Iraqi troops repeatedly encountered, and on at least six separate occasions were wounded by, aged chemical weapons remaining from the time of Saddam Husseins rule. In all, American troops secretly reported finding more than 4,990 chemical munitions, according to interviews with dozens of participants, Iraqi and American officials and to heavily redacted intelligence documents obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. The United States had gone to war to destroy an active weapons of mass destruction program. Instead American troops gradually found and ultimately suffered from the remnants of a long abandoned program, built in close collaboration with the West. Those findings were neither publicly shared nor widely circulated within the military, and carry potentially ominous implications now that the Islamic State, a Qaeda splinter group, controls much of the territory where the chemical weapons were found. The American government withheld word about its chemical-weapon discoveries even from troops it sent into harms way and military doctors who were to organize victims care. The governments secrecy, victims and participants said, prevented troops in some of the wars most dangerous jobs from receiving proper medical treatment or official recognition. I felt more like a guinea pig than a wounded soldier, said a former Army sergeant who suffered mustard burns in 2007; this soldiers commander said the wounded sergeant was denied hospital treatment and medical evacuation to the United States. Congress too was misled, while troops and officers were instructed to be silent or give deceptive accounts of what they had found. Nothing of significance is what I was ordered to say, said Army Major Jarrod Lampier, who was present for the largest chemical weapons discovery of the war: 2,400 nerve-agent rockets unearthed in 2006 on a former Republican Guard compound. Jarrod L. Taylor, a former Army sergeant on-hand for the destruction of mustard shells that burned two soldiers in his infantry company, joked of wounds that never happened from that stuff that didnt exist. The public, he said, had been misinformed for a decade. I love it when I hear Oh there werent any chemical weapons in Iraq, he said. There were plenty. The discoveries of these weapons, several officials and participants in the recoveries said, did not support the governments pre-invasion rationale for the war. After the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, President Bush insisted that that Mr. Hussein was hiding an active weapons-of-mass-destruction program, in defiance of international will and at risk to the world. United Nations inspectors said they could not find evidence for these claims. Then, during the period of occupation, American troops began finding chemical munitions in hidden caches and roadside bombs. Typically 155-millimeter artillery shells or 122-millimeter rockets, they were remnants of an arms program Iraq had rushed into production in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq War. All had been manufactured before 1991, participants said. Almost all could not have been used as designed, according to troops and officers who collected the majority of them. Filthy, rusty or corroded, a large fraction of them could not be readily identified as chemical weapons at all, though many of them still contained potent mustard agent or residual sarin. In case after case, participants said, analysis of the warheads and shells reaffirmed American intelligence failures. First, American government did not find what it had been looking for at the wars outset, then it failed to prepare its troops and medical corps for the perils posed by the aged weapons it did find. As Iraq has been shaken anew by violence, and past security gains have collapsed amid Sunni-Shiite bloodletting and the rise of the Islamic State, this long-hidden chronicle illuminates the persistent menace of the countrys abandoned chemical weapons. Many chemical-weapons incidents clustered around the ruins of the Al Muthanna State Establishment, the center of Iraqi chemical agent production in the 1980s. Since June, the compound has been held by the Islamic State, the worlds most radical and violent jihadist group. In a letter sent to the United Nations this summer, the Iraqi government said about 2,500 corroded chemical rockets remained on the grounds, and Iraqi officials had witnessed intruders looting equipment before militants shut the surveillance cameras down. The United States government says these weapons no longer pose a threat. But the near decade of wartime experience showed that old Iraqi chemical munitions often remained dangerous when repurposed in makeshift bombs, as insurgents did repeatedly starting in 2004. Participants in the chemical-weapons discoveries said the United States suppressed knowledge of its finds for multiple reasons, including that the government bristled at further acknowledgement it had been wrong. They needed something to say that after Sept. 11 Saddam used chemical rounds, Major Lampier said. And all of this was from the pre-1991 era. Others pointed to another embarrassment. In five of six incidents in which troops were wounded by chemical agents, the munitions appeared to have been designed in the United States, manufactured in Europe and filled in chemical-agent production lines built in Iraq by Western firms. Non-proliferation officials said the Pentagons activities risked putting the United States in non-compliance of the Convention on Chemical Weapons. According to this convention, chemical weapons must be secured, reported on and destroyed in an exacting and time-consuming fashion. The Pentagon insists that it followed the conventions spirit. These suspect weapons were recovered under circumstances in which prompt destruction was dictated by the need to ensure that the chemical weapons could not threaten the Iraqi people, neighboring states, coalition forces, or the environment, said Jennifer Elzea, a Pentagon spokeswoman. The convention, she added, did not envisage the conditions found in Iraq by U.S. forces. Nonetheless, several participants said the United States lost track of chemical weapons that its troops found, left at least three large caches unsecured, and did not warn people - Iraqis and foreign troops alike - as it hastily exploded chemical ordnance in the open air. This was the secret world that Sergeant Duling and his soldiers were entering as they stood above the leaking chemical shell. The sergeant spoke into a radio, warning everyone back. This is mustard agent, he said, announcing the beginning of a journey of inadequate medical care and honors denied. Weve all been exposed. CONT... Design-wise, the most famous collaboration between a writer and a photographer did not end up looking like much of a collaboration at all. Walker Evans contributed a preface to the 1960 reissue of Let Us Now Praise Famous Men, the study of poor tenant farmers in Alabama, originally published in 1941; Walker crops up a number of times in James Agees text, but a formal separation is maintained between the tenderly austere photographs of families and their homes printed at the beginning and the 400 pages of Agees highly wrought, much-agonized-over text. This, for Gore Vidal, was no bad thing, because it left Evanss austere photos untainted by what good-hearted, soft-headed admirers of the Saint James (Agee) version so loved about the sharecroppers gospel. When it comes to the relationship between a critic or curator writing about photographers or photography, the results span the spectrum of exclusion, segregation and integration. There is not a single photograph in Susan Sontags classic On Photography. At the other extreme, the exquisite silence of the plates in lavish monographs is sometimes protected by only the slimmest prefaces or afterwords. At all points in between, the word-image ratio shifts constantly between the writing informing the pictures and the pictures illustrating the writing. But there is one form the simplest in many ways that permits and encourages a uniquely intimate relationship between writer and photographer. John Szarkowski was for many years the head of photography at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. In 2000, in the twilight of a provocative, highly influential career, he published Atget, a selection of 100 images by the French photographer Eugene Atget, each reproduced on the recto page with an accompanying caption-essay on the facing verso page. With Szarkowski as the best kind of guide one whose itinerary allows interludes of undisturbed contemplation we wind our way through the haunts of old Paris, emerging from time-shuttered streets into the open skies of the surrounding countryside. Szarkowski had always been a distinctive stylist, but this format enabled him to give free rein to his talents as a writer, which were usually securely tethered by curatorial obligation. He also drew confidence, I think, from an earlier assay at the same form, Looking at Photographs (1973), in which he used a single picture by each of the most important photographers in the museums holdings to compile a radically synecdochic survey of the mediums history. The obligation to cover so much ground, to balance what he had to say about so many major figures on such slender plinths, rather limited Szarkowskis range of literary and thematic movement. With Atget whose photographs, appropriately enough, were originally offered as Documents for Artists the combination of abundance of subject matter and limited space encouraged a kind of tight flourishing or contained extravagance. Szarkowskis knowledge of Atgets work was so extensive that he had scarcely even to think about what he knew. And so the photographs serve as starting-off points for reflections on all sorts of things, including how photography has changed our view of the world: I do not think that empty chairs meant the same thing before photography as they mean to us now. There is something so harmonious about this many-leveled marriage of self-contained essay with self-contained image, of art book with literary text that I am surprised by the relative paucity of other examples. Stretching things a bit, you could include Flickers (1995), in which Gilbert Adair reproduced and wrote about or, more accurately, around a single still from one film from each of the hundred years since the invention of cinema. The year 1968 is represented by Stanley Kubricks 2001: A Space Odyssey, which if it is wanting in anything, it is, paradoxically, in a sense of space. Moving beyond photography, there is the poet Mark Strands wonderful little book on Edward Hopper (1994), in which each discrete unit of text focuses on a single painting. Analysis of Hoppers formal geometry gradually gives way to a narrative in which we see how the figure in Hotel Window of 1955, for example, finds a resting place within a moment that is wholly transitional. IRVINGTON, N.J. In 2013, Sandra Hayward quizzed the children she knew. What, she wondered, would persuade them to spend a Saturday learning about black history? Snacks and the freedom to speak their minds, they said. She promised both and set to work. Five years and thousands of bags of potato chips later, Ms. Hayward has created a monthly hub for black history in this small city west of Newark. Over the course of 63 programs, she has overseen lessons about Thurgood Marshall, Frederick Douglass and many others whose stories are, if not exactly lost, then not easily found in many school classrooms, from the pioneering anti-lynching journalist Ida B. Wells to the historian Carter G. Woodson to the educator Mary McLeod Bethune. I wanted the children to have knowledge of themselves and their culture, Ms. Hayward said. They need their history to know who they are. At first it was scary, said Roman, after a water break. But not anymore. Twice a week since October, the chosen few at Ballet Tech the NYC Public School for Dance, as it bills itself have been rehearsing the Meshugana Dance and five other pieces for their upcoming June performance at the Joyce Theater. During repertory class in summer and early fall the children are taught the choreography. And we see who takes to it best, basically, said Ms. Hemsworth, who serves as director of the lower school. As the show gets closer, the rehearsal schedule intensifies. Dress, lighting and spacing rehearsals all take place the week before the show. Back on the floor, six understudies watched intently and practiced a few moves in the corner as the cast made its way in crisscrossing groups across the room. You need to take gigantic steps out and then fly, yelled Ms. Hemsworth over the frantic klezmer music. Fly through the air! The pardon would not expunge a felons record nor would it restore other rights stripped from them, such as the right to serve on a jury. Mr. Azzopardi called the executive order a narrow use of power. Mr. Cuomos plan would bring New York in line with 18 other states, as well as Washington, D.C., that allow parolees to vote, according to the governors office. Fourteen states automatically restore felons rights when they are paroled; two never remove them in the first place; and two Iowa and Virginia also use executive orders to issue pardons. Civil-rights advocates hailed Mr. Cuomos decision as a long overdue step toward helping former inmates re-enter society. If we want to give people the opportunity to successfully live in our communities, we want to give them the opportunity to vote and be stakeholders, Myrna Perez, director of the Voting Rights and Elections Project at the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University, said. But Donna Lieberman, executive director of the New York Civil Liberties Union, cautioned that the state still had a lot of work to do before we can call ourselves a paragon of democracy, noting ongoing political gerrymandering and other stalled efforts to enact electoral reform. Some of the signature accomplishments of Mr. Cuomos two terms in office have centered around criminal justice reform. In 2015, he issued an executive order appointing a special prosecutor to investigate police-related civilian deaths, and last year he signed Raise the Age legislation that ended the practice of treating 16- and 17-year-old defendants as adults in criminal court. New York had been one of two states that still tried juveniles as adults. In both cases, she slipped into deep depression and refused to leave her familys house, her sisters and friends said. In 1978, she received treatment from a doctor and recovered. During the second episode, witnesses said she started expressing irrational fears about people coming to get her and returned to New York City. Ms. Ortegas siblings and other family members also testified that she appeared to be unraveling in the six months before the killings, crying frequently, asking people to pray for her and speaking of shadows and a black man following her and attempting to split up her family. Her mental turmoil started when one of her sisters, Miladys Garcia, asked her to move out of the familys apartment in Hamilton Heights, the witnesses said. She moved to an apartment in the Bronx belonging to another relative and insisted her teenage son, Jesus Frias, be sent from the Dominican Republic to live with her. She had left Mr. Frias with Ms. Garcia when he was 4 years old and had not raised him herself, except for an 18-month period around 2008. Three days before the murders, she woke up in the middle of the night and started throwing pots and pans around the kitchen, then claimed later not to remember it, her sister Delci said. Just four hours before the killings, Ms. Ortega visited a neighbors apartment and, agitated and pacing up and down, told a teenage woman staying there, Jennifer Reynosa, that she saw a black shadow that spoke to her. In more than a dozen interviews in the months after the murders, Ms. Ortega told Dr. Rosenbaum that she had been hearing voices, including Satans, telling her to kill herself and her employers children. Prosecutors, however, focused on the statements Ms. Ortega made to Dr. Caffrey, the therapist, three days before the killings and to Dr. Marc Dubin, a psychiatrist who spoke to her 11 days after the horrific event as she was recovering from her neck wound at NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. In both interviews, Ms. Ortega complained about money trouble and expressed frustration with Ms. Krim about her schedule and workload, but did not mention hearing voices commanding her to kill. Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman of New York is moving to change New York state law so that he and other local prosecutors would have the power to bring criminal charges against aides to President Trump who have been pardoned, according to a letter Mr. Schneiderman sent to the governor and state lawmakers on Wednesday. The move, if approved by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the Legislature, would serve notice that the legal troubles of the president and his aides may continue without the efforts of Robert S. Mueller III, the special counsel investigating possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Under the plan, Mr. Schneiderman, a Democrat, seeks to exempt New Yorks double jeopardy law from cases involving presidential pardons, according to the letter, a copy of which was obtained by The New York Times. The current law and the concept of double jeopardy in general mean that a person cannot be tried for the same crime twice. Right now, New York state law prevents people from being prosecuted more than once for crimes related to the same act, even if the original prosecution was in federal court. There are already a number of exceptions to the law, and the letter says that Mr. Schneiderman is proposing to add a new one that could be used if federal pardons are issued. Its a bad faith argument, said Rebecca McBride, a lawyer at Atlas: DIY, a nonprofit organization helping immigrant youth in Brooklyn, who represents several people with special immigrant status. The immigration agency declined to explain the change, saying in an email response, A petitioner must submit a court order issued by a juvenile court that contains specific determinations made under relevant state law. It referred to a policy manual rewritten in October 2016. The agency pointed to the dramatic increase in SIJ applications in recent years, with 11,335 approved applications in 2017 compared with 1,590 in 2010, with the greatest increase coming after the surge of Central American minors coming to the U.S. in 2014. Consider the case of J., a shy young man, now 22, from Burkina Faso. He went to family court in New York in late 2016 when he was 20, and the court granted him an order that enabled him to apply to the immigration agency. He received two requests for more information before being denied because of his age several weeks ago.At the moment of application, if they had this issue about 18 years old, why would they allow me to continue this if thats what they thought? J. said, in French, with his lawyer at The Door. Why would they let this whole family court thing happen? Why would they allow this to advance to this point and now decide?He and other young immigrants interviewed asked to be identified only by their first initial or first name because of fear of repercussions from the government. J.s lawyer at The Door is appealing the denial. Y., another client of The Door, came to the United States in August 2016, and at the end of that year, when she was 20, obtained a special findings order from the New York family court. She said she had also been threatened with rape by a gang in Honduras because she was a lesbian. That would seem, her lawyer said, to make it in the best interests of the child not to send her back another part of the law. Y. was denied, but her younger brother, A., who had come to the United States in 2015 and also applied when he was over 18, was approved in February 2016. The government wants to pick and choose who is and isnt a child, but in fact its a matter of law, Ms. Stotland said. When Marilyn Stroh hustled into David Segal Violins on West 68th Street in Manhattan, the tiny shop was hopping. A college student in need of a new viola played a sonata on one near the reception area, while a woman inspected the repaired chin rest on her violin. The phone rang. The door buzzer sounded. Ms. Strohl, a violist in her 58th season at the Metropolitan Opera, had come in to retrieve her bow. Two days before, shed dropped it off for re-hairing a service it requires frequently. She needed the bow to perform Elektra that evening. Eighty-one sixty-six, right? she asked, counting out bills while David Segal, the firms proprietor, teased off the paper tag with her name on it that had been dangling from the bow. Within minutes, she had stowed the re-hairing job in her viola case and had disappeared. Jean McFaddin, who as Macys events planner for 24 years created magical Thanksgiving Day parades in Manhattan, a childrens in-store Santaland at Christmastime, exquisite flower shows every spring and spectacular fireworks on the Fourth of July, died on Wednesday at her home in Manhattan. She was 75. Susan Falk, Ms. McFaddins spouse, said the cause was cancer. Friends and former associates sometimes said that Ms. McFaddin was able to see into the hearts of little children, like Edmund Gwenn and Maureen OHara in the classic 1947 movie Miracle on 34th Street, a holiday favorite about the childlike faith aroused by a department-store Santa Claus who claims to be the real thing. Indeed, Ms. McFaddin, Macys senior vice president for special productions from 1977 to 2001, entrusted much of her livelihood to the feelings of children. She read their storybooks and letters, watched their television programs and listened to their tales, including those of her own six nieces and nephews, to learn what enchantments and fantasies excited their imaginations. These were essential details for one charged with creating iconic giant balloon characters and assembling a Thanksgiving Day lineup of stars, floats, bands, clowns and blizzards of confetti to stir the wonder of millions of children watching on television and lining the parade route from the Museum of Natural History, down Central Park West and Broadway, to Macys flagship store at Herald Square. Vittorio Taviani, who with his brother Paolo directed films acclaimed in Italy and beyond, including Padre Padrone, which won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival in 1977, died on Sunday in Rome. He was 88. He had been ill for some time and had also been battling the effects of a car accident several years ago, his wife, Carla Vezzoso Taviani, said. The Taviani brothers, in one of cinemas more enduring partnerships, told stories of suffering, struggle and power in a filmmaking career that began in the 1950s and continued into the current decade. The last movie the brothers directed together was Wondrous Boccaccio in 2015. Vittorio Tavianis health prevented him from splitting directing duties with Paolo on Rainbow: A Private Affair, released last year, but he did share the screenwriting credit. His brother survives him. Its like Forrest Gump won the presidency, said a Republican congressman in a conversation that Erick Erickson described last week on The Resurgent. The congressman went on, adding profanities, not reproduced here: But its an evil, really stupid Forrest Gump. He cant help himself. Hes just an idiot who thinks hes winning when people are bitching about him. This comes from a congressman who, Mr. Erickson said, regularly appears on Fox News to defend President Trump. The same congressman used a barnyard epithet to describe how the president treated his fellow Republicans, and concluded, if were going to lose, we may as well impeach the well, as we used to say during Watergate, expletive deleted. They make a wild duet, Gump and Trump, like the set of identical cousins on the old Patty Duke Show: One pair of matching bookends, different as night and day. But one important difference between the fictional Forrest Gump as played by Tom Hanks in the 1994 film and the president of the United States, as played by Donald Trump in 2018, is that Gump is a fundamentally modest man, painfully aware of his own limitations. I am not a smart man, he says. But I know what love is. Mr. Trump says, in contrast, Im like, smart. Does he know what love is? You know, I dont want to sound too much like a chauvinist, but when I come home and dinners not ready, Ill go through the roof, O.K.? he said in the same year Forrest Gump was released. So theres that. Late in his term, after it became clear that comprehensive immigration reform wasnt going anywhere, President Barack Obama issued a regulation giving 100,000 H-4 spouses work authorization so long as their husbands had scaled all the bureaucratic hurdles like obtaining labor certification and filed a completed green card application, which still takes a year. This was a huge boon to Indian spouses, who eagerly applied, landing about 93 percent of the authorizations. But an anti-immigration outfit called Save Jobs USA sued the Obama administration, claiming that work authorization for H-1B spouses meant that the United States would end up importing two foreign workers for every one. Instead of defending the regulation in court, the Trump administration has decided, come June, to scrap it to advance its Buy American, Hire American agenda. Although there is nothing official yet, once the regulatory process is completed, the government may stop handing out new authorizations or renewing existing ones when they expire. Restrictionists assume a zero-sum math for workers: A job gain for a foreigner is a job loss for an American. By that logic every college graduate who enters the job market would be cause for mourning. But thats backward, given that skilled individuals create, not take away, jobs, and no economy succeeds by shackling qualified people. These women are qualified because educated people tend to marry other educated people. The majority of H-4 women have college degrees, according to a 2014 survey by the blogger Rashi Bhatnagar, herself an H-4 visa holder. They also happen to be between the ages of 26 and 35 peak productive years. It would be far better for the economy to accommodate their ambitions and turn them into productive, taxpaying individuals. Not letting them do so is a personal tragedy for them. But it also turns the restrictionist worry that immigrants today prefer to live transnational lives rather than assimilate into a self-fulfilling prophecy. A job is not just income. It is also an assimilation program because it offers an entry into a new culture and a chance to form new friendships. Because getting a green card took only a few years when I came, I, like many other spouses in my situation, used that time to obtain a graduate degree and build skills in preparation for entering the job market. However, what would be the point of investing that kind of time and effort in an advanced degree if there is so little certainty that it would actually offer a return one day? Many H-4 wives I know end up staying at home, Skyping with friends and family back home to escape the boredom and isolation of being confined to a gilded cage their description of their life in America. I remember feeling an exhilarating world of opportunities open up before me when I got my green card. It is sad and senseless that President Trump is so determined to prevent others like me from experiencing the full promise of America and participating fully in American life. HAIFA, Israel Seventy years ago, the world changed around my family. The establishment of the state of Israel represented self-determination for Jews, but a catastrophe nakba in Arabic for Palestinians. In the area around the Mediterranean city of Haifa, where my family has lived for six generations, only 2,000 Palestinians of a population of 70,000 remained. My grandparents, Abdel-Hai and Adla, were among them. Their neighbors were expelled and dispossessed, and never allowed to return. More than 400 Palestinian communities were destroyed entirely each one carried the memories and milestones of the families who called it home. My grandparents and all those Palestinian Arabs who remained and became citizens of the state of Israel were placed under military rule in Israel until 1966. This is a sorrowful and important part of my familys story, and of Palestinian history. It should be recognized and mourned. But in 2011, Israel passed a law declaring that any institution that receives public funds can be financially penalized if it mourns the Nakba on the same day as Independence Day, which Israel celebrates on Thursday. This law is intended to erase the painful truth of the Nakba, which is an inseparable part of the story of the founding of the state of Israel. It is also a point of proof that the Nakba the erasure of Palestinians, along with our history, language and stories is not a single historical event. It is a continuing phenomenon. To the Editor: Thank you for your reporting on the eviction research of the Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond (Sweeping Portrait of Eviction Bares Pervasive Pattern of Woe, front page, April 8). Although New York City is not a focus of the article, it also has a great number of problematic evictions. In my two years as a Skadden fellow defending tenants in housing court, from 2015 to 2017, I saw firsthand how unwelcoming, difficult and unfair the process is to poor tenants, predominantly women of color who are already disadvantaged by a byzantine system. As Mr. Desmond has amply demonstrated, losing a home is among the worst possible events in ones life, often throwing people into a steep downward trajectory. Gentrification and the vast wealth invested in the citys real estate industry create high incentives for landlords to oust poor tenants. New Yorkers should not have a false and undeserved sense of security or superiority regarding how we treat tenants. Not long ago, the things Emmanuel Macron said this week would not have needed saying. Yet, addressing the European Parliament, the French president barely 40 and not yet a year in office sounded almost like a biblical prophet, warning of the rising fascination with antidemocratic and illiberal ideas, the deadly tendency which might lead our continent to the abyss, nationalism, giving up of freedom. Mr. Macron did not mention anyone by name not Viktor Orban of Hungary, not Jaroslaw Kaczynski of Poland, not the populists who won in Italys national election, not the far-right parties that have spread across Europe on hatred of immigrants, xenophobia, disdain for the rule of law, intolerance of dissent and suspiciousness of international cooperation. Nor did he name Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin, though they are clearly an inspiration and model for the European far right. He did not have to. The struggle between the traditional values of Western liberal democracy and the new forces of authoritarianism, intolerance and nationalism has become a defining challenge of the times. Invoking the title of a well-known German trilogy by Hermann Broch about the deterioration of values in the years before World War I, Mr. Macron said: I dont want to belong to a generation of sleepwalkers that has forgotten its own past. I want to belong to a generation that has decided forcefully to defend its democracy. Was Robert Mueller, the special counsel, complicit in one of the worst scandals in the F.B.I.s history the decades-long wrongful imprisonment of four men for a murder they didnt commit? This question, which has been raised before, is being addressed again this time by some of President Trumps most ardent supporters on the right, especially Fox Newss Sean Hannity but also Rush Limbaugh and others. My friend Alan Dershowitz, the retired Harvard Law School professor, has also weighed in. In an April 8 interview with John Catsimatidis on his New York radio show, Mr. Dershowitz asserted that Mr. Mueller was the guy who kept four innocent people in prison for many years in order to protect the cover of Whitey Bulger as an F.B.I. informer. Mr. Mueller, he said, was right at the center of it. Mr. Bulger was a notorious crime boss in Boston, the head of the Winter Hill Gang, and also a secret source for the F.B.I. There is no evidence that the assertion is true. I was the federal judge who presided over a successful lawsuit brought against the government by two of those men and the families of the other two, who had died in prison. Based on the voluminous evidence submitted in the trial, and having written a 105-page decision awarding them $101.8 million, I can say without equivocation that Mr. Mueller, who worked in the United States attorneys office in Boston from 1982 to 1988, including a brief stint as the acting head of the office, had no involvement in that case. He was never even mentioned. But not this time. Polling suggests that only a minority and probably a declining minority of the public considers the Trump tax cut a good idea. Most people dont see any benefits from the tax cut in their paychecks. And Republicans have pretty much given up campaigning on the tax cut. Voters are, of course, right to have negative views about TCJA. Its a mess of a bill; it will do little for economic growth, while increased deficits will create pressure to cut social insurance programs that affect many more people than the relative handful of wealthy stockholders who will win big. But voters should have been negative about the Bush tax cut too. Why do voters seem so much more woke? Why is this time different? One possible answer might be that Trump is doing even less for ordinary voters than Bush. But I dont think the numbers support that argument. The initial effect of the tax cuts in TCJA will be to raise income for the middle quintile by 1.4 percent; for EGGTRA, the first Bush tax cut, that number was 2.2 percent, but that was an overall bigger tax cut relative to the economy. Distributionally, the two tax cuts were broadly similar as I said, big stuff for the rich, plus what amount to loss leaders for the middle class. Another answer might be that the Bush tax cut was pushed through in a very different fiscal environment. Readers of a certain age may recall that when Bush ran in 2000, the U.S. actually had a budget surplus which he claimed simply to be giving back to voters. But during the Obama years voters were subjected to constant scare talk about deficits and debt some from centrist scolds, some from the very Republicans who rammed through their tax cut. This may have made voters more aware of the downside to big tax cuts for the rich, even if they got a bit themselves. Finally, many people rightly dont trust anything associated with Trump. Now, Bush officials were systematically deceptive in everything they said about tax policy (and much else); but Bush didnt tweet out four or five blatant lies every day, and it took both the Iraq debacle and Katrina to finally wake up voters and the media to the Bush administrations relatively subtle although deep dishonesty. In 1975, at the brand-new Saturday Night Live, Lorne Michaels, with a tiny budget, hired three superb women to join the cast Jane Curtin, Laraine Newman and Gilda Radner. Sketch comedy requires performers who can shed their personalities instantly. With characteristic prescience, Lorne saw this ability in those three. (Today, female comedians are often stand-ups Ellen DeGeneres, Samantha Bee who dont morph into someone else in the middle of their shows.) Gilda Radner was a gifted, ebullient, wildly physical performer who disappeared into her characters right down to their souls. Tragically, she died at 42, in 1989. A documentary about her will have its premiere Wednesday at the Tribeca Film Festival. News of the film zinged my memory of our last day together, one summer in the late 80s. Gilda had a big, antique, rich persons house near Stamford, Conn., where you could find fun, cool, opulent relief in sizzling heat if the person you were visiting wasnt dying, as Gilda was. Still, the custom-made accouterments shed had designed for the house lifted you up. On the un-air-conditioned fourth floor, for instance, was a couch outside the bathroom, upholstered entirely in terry cloth so that you could just roll around on it instead of grabbing a towel; it had matching terry-cloth flip-flops, robe and night cap. She so hilariously acted out the bathtub dry-off on the couch-towel under a wobbly, hovering ceiling fan, it was an escape from brutal summer and her wobbly, hovering death. She was very short on air climbing stairs. Still, Gilda calmly described the bibelots that decorated her house and those that decorated her person (i.e., her labored breaths) in a poised, gracious way, like Jackie Kennedy giving that TV tour of the White House. She understood what was wrong with her and knew the big, hard medical words to describe it. This seemed to put her in control of her symptoms. This article is part of the Opinion Today newsletter. You can sign up here to receive the newsletter each weekday. First: She knew who she was, and she saw no need to apologize for it, writes the journalist and biographer Jon Meacham, about Barbara Bush. I particularly enjoyed her line about a potential future First Spouse listening to her graduation speech at Wellesley College. Also, Christopher Buckley, one of her husbands old speechwriters, remembers her as Mrs. No-Nonsense, and The Times obituary, by Enid Nemy, offers a sense of the sweep of Mrs. Bushs life. For anyone inspired to read more, try Richard Ben Cramers classic political book, What It Takes. That was then. All the evidence we find is that, as a political issue, it is falling flat, influencing very few votes, if any. So said NBCs David Brinkley on the air in 1972, referring to the story known as Watergate. Background reading: How an Instagram post led to an N.F.L. cheerleaders discrimination case. See the photo that started the controversy. Pro cheerleaders say groping and sexual harassment are part of the job. Tune in, and tell us what you think. Email us at thedaily@nytimes.com. Tweet me at @mikiebarb. And if youre interested in advertising with The Daily, write to us at thedaily-ads@nytimes.com. How do I listen? If you dont see an audio player on this page or to subscribe to The Daily for free, follow the instructions below. From your mobile device: You can listen and subscribe to The Daily from any podcast player. If youre reading this from an iPhone or other Apple mobile device, tap this link to listen in Apple Podcasts. If youre on an Android device, tap this link to listen in Stitcher or this link to listen in RadioPublic. Or if you prefer another podcast player, you can find The Daily there. (Heres the RSS feed.) From a desktop or laptop: Click the play button above to start the show. Make sure to keep that window open on your browser if youre doing other things, or else the audio will stop. You can always find the latest episode at nytimes.com/thedaily. In 2008, chunks of space rock crashed in the deserts of Sudan. Diamonds discovered inside one of the recovered meteorites may have come from a destroyed planet that orbited our sun billions of years ago, scientists said on Tuesday. If confirmed, they say, it would be the first time anyone has recovered fragments from one of our solar systems so-called lost planets. We have in our hands a piece of a former planet that was spinning around the sun before the end of the formation of todays solar system, said Philippe Gillet, a planetary scientist at the Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, Switzerland and an author of the paper that was published in Nature Communications. Robots have taken our jobs, learned our chores and beaten us at our own games. Now researchers in Singapore say they have trained one to perform another task known to confound humans: figuring out how to assemble furniture from Ikea. A team from Nanyang Technological University programmed a robot to create and execute a plan to piece together most of Ikeas $25 solid-pine Stefan chair on its own, calling on a medley of human skills to do so. The researchers explained their work in a study published on Wednesday in the journal Science Robotics. If you think about it, it requires perception, it requires you to plan a motion, it requires control between the robot and the environment, it requires transporting an object with two arms simultaneously, said Dr. Quang-Cuong Pham , an assistant professor of engineering at the university and one of the papers authors. Because this task requires so many interesting skills for robots, we felt that it could be a good project to push our capabilities to the limit. BOCA RATON, Fla. On a Tuesday evening in a small theater in the back of a shopping center here, the teenage cast of the rock musical Spring Awakening pogoed around the stage, shouting the unprintable lyrics from one of its most ferocious songs. Ever since the show opened on Broadway in 2006, collecting eight Tony Awards, it has attracted a fervid teenage following, and is steadily performed in high schools and colleges. But most young casts havent survived a catastrophe that dovetails eerily with the shows plot. They havent galvanized a movement that has made each rehearsal a potential target. And they havent had the chance to take a break from all that by singing the score with most of the shows original Broadway cast belting and bouncing right beside them. Lea Michele, who went on to star on Glee, arrived at the Boca Black Box theater with a face red from sunburn. It turned redder with emotion. Jonathan Groff, previously on Broadway in Hamilton, now on Netflixs Mindhunter, headbanged beneath a Mets cap. All told, the national park, which was created in 1926, partly from farmland bequeathed by Cecil John Rhodes, the founder of the British South African Company, which colonized Rhodesia, has more than 400 varieties of birds, ranging from southern ground hornbills to black storks to mocking cliff chats. In recent decades, thanks to the efforts of Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority one of the few functioning institutions in this country the park has also become a sanctuary for leopards, antelopes and a robust population of white and black rhinos. But it was the birds of prey that I had mainly come to see. Over the past six months I have been researching a book that deals in part with Jeffrey Lendrum, described by British police as one of the worlds most prolific wildlife thieves and smugglers. Raised in Bulawayo in the 1970s, at the height of the Rhodesian bush war that brought the guerrilla leader Robert Mugabe to power, Mr. Lendrum began climbing into Matobos hard-to-reach nests as a boy. He would later turn his agility and ornithological expertise to controversial ends, roaming from Tierra del Fuego to northern Quebec, and snatching the live eggs of wild falcons reportedly on behalf of wealthy Arab falconry enthusiasts. (Mr. Lendrum was convicted of stealing eggs in Britain in 2010 and in Chile in 2015, and served time in prison, but insists he did it to save falcons that would otherwise have perished in the wild.) In the course of my reporting I have begun tracing Mr. Lendrums footsteps around the world, viewing the aeries of peregrines in the Rhondda Valley in Wales, and flying with a falcon in a hot-air balloon in Dubai. Now I had come to southern Africa see where his journey had begun. Despite a reputation for metal skewing Anglo, it doesnt in New Mexico and never has, Mr. Keller said. He cited the appeal in New Mexico of songs like Indians, the enduring 1987 Anthrax single about the marginalization of Native peoples in the United States, and the admiration that many people here have for figures like Chuck Billy, the Native American frontman for the thrash metal band Testament. While Mr. Kellers fusing of heavy metal and politics has earned him a lot of attention, authorities on the genre argue that the mayor is part of a global current of elected officials who have made their love of metal part of their political narrative. Its not that surprising, since the first generation of die-hard metal fans is entering their 40s and 50s, rising to positions of power and obtaining political influence, said Jeremy Wallach, a cultural studies scholar at Bowling Green State University in Ohio who specializes in the global spread of heavy metal. Danica Roem, the pioneering transgender vocalist for the band Cab Ride Home, won a seat in November in Virginias House of Delegates. Farther afield, Indonesias president, Joko Widodo, may arguably be the worlds most powerful metalhead, listing Napalm Death and Lamb of God among his favorite bands. Freddy Lim, the headbanging frontman of the band Chthonic, is a member of Taiwans parliament. And in Norway, Fenriz, a member of the black metal outfit Darkthrone, campaigned for a council seat in an Oslo suburb by posting photos of himself and his cat with the caption, Dont Vote For Me. (He won anyway.) Mr. Keller, for his part, insists that he is focusing on urgent issues in Albuquerque, including a stalled rapid transit system and luring investment to the city. His supporters note that he has begun chalking up victories, like the announcement this week by a Texas health care support company that it will hire hundreds of employees here. Mr. Keller also signed into law on Thursday a bill decriminalizing possession of small amounts of marijuana, a move aimed at refocusing police resources in the crime-weary city. Many constituents including some in the metal scene arent holding their breath that a new mayor, even one steeped in a take-no-prisoners music culture that isnt normally associated with establishment institutions, will be able to achieve change overnight. The deal and the extent of Mr. Cohens role in it are the subjects of a wide-ranging federal corruption investigation that is, in part, looking into his efforts to protect Mr. Trumps presidential prospects in 2016. A.M.I. indicated earlier this month that it would fight Ms. McDougal, asking the Los Angeles Superior Court to dismiss her lawsuit. But that was roughly a week before federal investigators obtained email communications, audio recordings and other documentation from Mr. Cohen during their raid of his office, home and hotel room. Those materials included information about A.M.I. and the McDougal suit, people involved in the case said. The suit also claimed that Mr. Cohen had been secretly involved in the talks between A.M.I. and Ms. McDougals lawyer at the time, Keith M. Davidson who emailed Mr. Cohen at the end of the negotiations. A spokesman for Mr. Davidson has said the lawyer fulfilled his obligations and zealously advocated for Ms. McDougal. A.M.I. also spoke with Mr. Cohen about Ms. McDougal, though it says it did so only as part of its reporting process. Mr. Stris said that before reaching the settlement, he was prepared to answer A.M.I.s motion to dismiss Ms. McDougals case with a request for a limited version of pretrial discovery. The move, compelling both sides to share emails and other records, could have provided information that would not be available through the material the F.B.I. seized from Mr. Cohen. An A.M.I. lawyer, Cameron Stracher, said that he doubted the request would have succeeded, and that avoiding discovery was not a motivating factor in the settlement. The agreement precludes any of that from happening, at least in Ms. McDougals civil case against A.M.I., though Mr. Stris said he expected federal investigators to eventually secure everything they needed to fully vet the process behind the deal. I have tremendous confidence in the men and women of the Southern District of New York, he said, referring to the federal prosecutors investigating Mr. Cohen. WASHINGTON A looming trade war between the United States and China has put Qualcomm, one of Americas largest technology companies, squarely in the middle of the battlefield. A major supplier in both China and the United States, the San Diego-based chip maker has long managed to play the trading relationship between the worlds two largest economies to its advantage. But an escalating trade battle over which country will dominate the technologies of the future is now threatening Qualcomms business and its growth. On Monday, Qualcomm lost the ability to export semiconductors to one of its biggest customers after the United States banned Chinese telecom equipment maker ZTE Corporation from purchasing American technology for seven years. In China, Qualcomms plan to acquire NXP Semiconductors, a critical part of its growth strategy, has been stalled by a prolonged antitrust review, a move critics see as Chinese retaliation for President Trumps aggressive trade moves. On Thursday, Chinese officials said that Qualcomm will have to make more concessions to compensate for the market power it would enjoy after completing the deal, without providing details. Ms. Blackburn and her allies know that Bredesen is popular; they know that the national brand of the Democratic Party is not, said Kent Syler, who teaches at Middle Tennessee State and was a longtime aide to the former Democratic congressman Bart Gordon. So they will work very hard to connect him to that national brand, and he will work very hard to avoid that. Mr. Bredesen, 74, jumped into the race after Mr. Corker, a two-term Republican, decided to retire. A wealthy former health care executive who served as mayor of Nashville before becoming governor, Mr. Bredesen said he concluded that he was probably the only Democrat who would have a reasonable shot at winning the seat. In a video announcing his candidacy, he reminded voters of the successes of his tenure, including reining in the soaring cost of TennCare, the states Medicaid program, which had been financially troubled. His decision to run for the Senate was a coup for Democrats in Washington who have been mapping out how to flip control of the chamber in Novembers elections, even as their caucus defends 26 seats, 10 in states won by Mr. Trump, while the Republicans must guard only nine. Once seen as far-fetched, winning a majority is at least mathematically possible, especially after a Democrat, Doug Jones, won a special election in Alabama in December. Skepticism of a Democratic takeover of the Senate has come from an unlikely voice in Tennessee: Mr. Bredesen. To Republicans who suggest a vote for him is a vote to make Mr. Schumer the majority leader, he pushed back on the idea. I dont think its possible, Ill be honest with you, he said, naming Florida, Missouri and North Dakota as states where Democratic incumbents could be in danger. My expectation is that I will be in the minority in the Senate. Mr. Bredesen is walking a careful line when it comes to Mr. Trump, who defeated Mrs. Clinton by 26 percentage points in Tennessee. Look, Im not running against Donald Trump, he says in a television commercial that is textbook Bredesen sobriety. We are hopefully coming to the end, he said. It is a bad thing for our country very, very bad thing for our country. But there has been no collusion. They wont find any collusion. It doesnt exist. Mr. Trump has said far less about the situation with Ms. Clifford. In making fun of the sketch, Mr. Trump shared it with his more than 50 million Twitter followers. And, according to Ms. Cliffords lawyer, the presidents comments on Wednesday could lead to a defamation claim. Mr. Trumps representatives have denied that the two had a sexual encounter. And the presidents advisers have cautioned him not to make public comments or post tweets about the matter. Image A drawing released by Michael Avenatti, Ms. Cliffords lawyer, purporting to show the man who threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011. Credit... Michael Avenatti, via Associated Press Ms. Clifford says the man in the sketch threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011 while she was with her infant daughter. A guy walked up on me and said to me: Leave Trump alone. Forget the story. And he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, Thats a beautiful little girl, it would be a shame if something happened to her mom, Ms. Clifford said in March during an interview aired on 60 Minutes. Ms. Daniels and her lawyer, Michael Avenatti, are offering a $131,000 reward for the person who identifies the man in the sketch. Representative Rod Blum, a Republican, represents much of eastern Iowa and is facing a highly competitive race in what is the second-largest soybean-producing congressional district in the country. He and other politicians are facing a nervous farm community across the state, according to Grant Young, an Iowa-based Republican strategist. I listen to the farm show over the noon hour on WHO daily, Mr. Young said of Iowas leading radio station. They are usually a happy-go-lucky bunch promoting industry and holding a two-hour infomercial for the Farm Bureau. But the last couple of months Im wondering if they need to take the sharp objects out of the studio. In Kansas, Bob Henry, who grows corn and soybeans in another up-for-grabs House district near the Nebraska border, said the country could ill afford to tangle with a market that American farmers rely on. For the United States soybean grower, China is the 800-pound gorilla in the room, Mr. Henry said. He suggested that Beijing is exacting political payback against the Republican heartland: China knows who got Trump elected. After an initial round of tariffs on a modest share of American exports, the Chinese have displayed a more keen awareness of the electoral map and moved to punish those industries whose misfortune will be felt most intensely in states and districts pivotal in 2018. Karl Rove, the former strategist to President George W. Bush, said a trade clash would limit Midwestern enthusiasm from our base and limit our ability to hold what we have and pick up more seats. Mr. Rove also grumbled that Mr. Trump has little to no understanding of the farm coalition. He may have a slightly better appreciation after a meeting last week in the West Wing with a small group of farm belt Republican senators and governors, during which two of them brought up the adverse impact that tariffs on exports could have in the midterm election, according to officials briefed on the conversation. WASHINGTON After publicly flirting last week with having the United States rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership, President Trump appeared to rebuff the idea once and for all late Tuesday. In a Twitter post at 10:49 p.m., Mr. Trump said that although Japan and South Korea would like the United States to join the 11 other nations in the multilateral trade agreement, he had no intention of doing so. The decision put an apparent end to a meandering trade policy in which Mr. Trump pulled out of the deal in his first week in office, before suggesting last week that he was having second thoughts. Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesnt work, Mr. Trump wrote from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for OUR workers. The comments confounded some trade experts on Tuesday night because South Korea is not in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. About 20 minutes after takeoff on Tuesday, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults was steering a Southwest Airlines plane toward cruising altitude, generally considered the safest part of a flight. But then the left engine exploded. The blast hurled debris into the side of the plane. A passenger window shattered. The cabin depressurized. A woman was partly sucked outside the plane. Passengers panicked and flight attendants sprang into action. In the cockpit, Captain Shults remained calm as she steadied the aircraft, Flight 1380. Southwest 1380 has an engine fire, Captain Shults radioed to air traffic controllers, not a hint of alarm in her voice. Descending. [Read more about the midair emergency, in which an Albuquerque woman died.] In an instant, Captain Shults found herself in a situation most pilots face only during training: having to land a plane after an engine goes out. Pastor Bourman said he could not figure out how to use his mask, and decided it would not save him if the plane crashed. Instead, he sat and prayed as his wife, Amanda, managed to connect her phone to the planes Wi-Fi. They began texting Pastor Bourmans father to tell him what had happened and to convey a message to the couples three daughters, 6, 4 and 2 years old: Pray. Plane blew an engine. We are going to try to land. Tell the girls we love them and that Jesus is with them always. Across from the blown-out window, Sheri Sears, 43, thought about her 11-year-old daughter, Tyley. Ms. Searss own father had died when she was 7, and she kept thinking to herself: Im not going to be there for her. Ms. Sears said she offered a thin prayer for mercy: If this is your will, God, please let me go quickly. Dont let me suffer. Her friend and travel companion, Tim McGinty, reassured his wife and Ms. Sears that they would be fine, and tightened their seatbelts. Then he sprang up to help drag the injured passenger, Jennifer Riordan, back into the plane. Ms. Riordan was unconscious and bleeding as Mr. McGinty and another passenger, a firefighter from north of Dallas, laid her across a row of seats. A retired nurse and flight attendants rushed up and helped Mr. McGinty perform CPR all the way to Philadelphia, but it was no use. JOHANNESBURG A top corruption inspector in South Africa has announced that she will investigate two high-ranking African National Congress politicians in a case related to the abuse of public funds for a dairy farm a rare sign that powerful members of the governing party could be held to account for endemic corruption under former President Jacob Zuma. The inspector, Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane, said on Tuesday that the inquiry would focus on Ace Magashule, secretary general of the A.N.C., and Mosebenzi Joseph Zwane, the former minister of mineral resources the two officials behind the dairy farm project in Vrede, in the province of Free State. Prosecutors describe the project, which was meant to help struggling black farmers, as a fraud that funneled $21 million to the A.N.C.s business allies. Since Mr. Zuma was ousted from power in February and replaced by Cyril Ramaphosa, the authorities have turned their attention to the dairy farm case, which has come to symbolize widespread corruption under the A.N.C. and its betrayal of poor black South Africans. The police have apprehended some low- and midlevel government officials, as well as foreign businessmen, involved in the dairy farm, the first arrests related to a high-profile case of public corruption during the Zuma years. HONG KONG China carried out live-fire military drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday, its state news media reported, an exercise intended to show the growing strength of its navy and deliver a message to self-governed Taiwan, which China claims as its territory. The war games were the first in the Taiwan Strait since 2016, Chinese state television reported. They were held in a two-square-mile area that includes two islets off the city of Quanzhou in Fujian Province. That area is about 125 miles west of the city of Hsinchu on Taiwans west coast. China has been increasing pressure on Taiwan in recent months, while the United States has taken steps to show support for the island, a longtime ally. While the drills Wednesday were most likely planned long in advance, they come at a time when the United States and China are increasingly at odds over a number of issues besides Taiwan, particularly trade. Liu Jieyi, the director of Chinas Taiwan Affairs Office, said this week that the exercises were being planned with Taiwan in mind. Our military exercises are carried out to protect the sovereignty of our motherland and territorial integrity, he told reporters Monday on the sidelines of a cross-strait business conference in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou. TOKYO The highest-ranking civil servant in Japans Finance Ministry offered his resignation on Wednesday amid swirling accusations that he had sexually harassed several female journalists. At a news conference, the official, Junichi Fukuda, 58, the administrative vice minister, said allegations that he had made sexually suggestive remarks to the women were not factual. Still, Mr. Fukudas resignation, which was accepted by Taro Aso, the finance minister, was a small sign that Japan might be joining the international reckoning of the #MeToo movement, spurred by widespread accusations of sexual harassment and assault. Two days earlier, Mr. Fukuda threatened to sue Shukan Shincho magazine, which originally reported the accusations. On Wednesday, he also vowed, I am going to dispute it in court. BANGKOK For about an hour on Wednesday, the website of Myanmar National Television carried a surprising report: A mass prisoner amnesty the previous day, it said, had included seven members of the countrys military who were briefly jailed for a massacre of Rohingya Muslims. The report was quickly taken down and was strongly denied by a government spokesman, U Zaw Htay. Its not true, its false news, he said. They are still in prison. The jailing of the seven, three officers and four soldiers, was announced only on April 10, a rare admission of guilt by armed forces accused by the international community of unleashing a scorched-earth campaign in northern Rakhine State last year that compelled around 700,000 Rohingya Muslims to flee Myanmar, a predominantly Buddhist country, for Bangladesh. The United Nations has called the military campaign ethnic cleansing. The television network issued an apology for its piece, which had shown men emerging from a prison in Sittwe, the capital of Rakhine State, and one of them shaking hands with a uniformed prison official. The network did not make clear what had happened, saying only that further investigation had revealed its information to be incorrect. SEOUL, South Korea South Korea confirmed on Wednesday that it had been in talks with American and North Korean officials about negotiating a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War after more than 60 years, as the United States and its ally try to establish a basis for persuading the North to give up its nuclear weapons. Chung Eui-yong, the national security adviser to President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, said he had discussed the matter with John R. Bolton, his newly appointed American counterpart, in Washington last week, as they prepared for the planned talks between each of their countries presidents and Kim Jong-un, North Koreas leader. South Korean officials said they had also been in talks with the North about a possible treaty. Mr. Kim told Mr. Chung and another South Korean official last month that the North was willing to give up nuclear arms if it received security guarantees. In the past, the North has said that a peace treaty and the normalization of ties with the United States would be among the security guarantees it would require in exchange for surrendering its nuclear program. Referring to his meetings with Trump administration officials, Mr. Chung said on Wednesday, We held in-depth discussions on various ways of how to end hostilities and eventually establish a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, how to address the North Korean concerns and how to ensure a bright future for the North if it makes the right choice. Damien Cave, our Australia bureau chief, shares insight on Australia and the global stories that matter most in this weekly newsletter. Want to receive it by email? Sign up here. ______ Every April, the entire New York Times newsroom gathers together for the announcement of the Pulitzer Prizes. Theyre the Oscars of journalism (or at least thats how we explained it to our children), and in my 13 years at The Times, theres never been a year that we didnt win at least one. Tallies aside, Im always inspired by the variety of coverage that gets the nod. There are simply so many different kinds of journalists and so many different ways to create memorable, impactful journalism as evidenced by this years winners, and those of the past. I actually went back and read quite a few of our archival winners this week, which was both inspiring and humbling. Below youll find a selection of recent and still relevant winners that I handpicked based on what I admired most and what I think youd enjoy reading. The House of Windsor came by its first corgi in 1933, when King George VI, then the Duke of York, acquired a puppy known as Dookie for his family. He was joined shortly thereafter by Jane, who was with the royal family until 1944, when she was fatally struck by a car. Susan was given to Elizabeth later that year, as an 18th birthday present. According to an article in Vanity Fair, Elizabeth, then a princess, became so inseparable with her dog that she sneaked Susan with her and Prince Philip on their honeymoon in 1947. Over the nearly 80 years since the queen acquired Susan, she and her family have continued to breed dogs from Susans lineage. The queen has owned at least 30 Pembroke Welsh corgis, all of whom have descended from Susan. Willow was believed to be part of the 14th generation in the line. But Willows death would signal the end of an era for the queen, who reportedly stopped breeding corgis sometime after the death of her mother in 2002. Mr. Madani, the deputy head of the Department of the Environment, a cabinet position, had been visiting Bangkok in March when a private photo taken five years ago in the United States showing him dancing was leaked on the internet. Iranian officials are supposed to adhere to strict laws that forbid dancing. After months of pressure and intimidation, Mr. Madani decided not to return to Iran and does not want to disclose his current location. Image Kaveh Madani Credit... Imperial College London I feel things are not getting better but getting worse and affecting my beloved ones, Mr. Madani wrote. I say this with a broken but hopeful heart. I resign. He is the second associate of President Rouhani to resign in recent weeks. The mayor of Tehran, Mohammad Ali Najafi, resigned last month after criticism over his presence at a show where grade-school girls performed a traditional dance. He resigned citing health reasons. The resignations are a sign of the increasing pressure being exerted by the hard-line judiciary, the news media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps on Mr. Rouhani and his faction of reformists and moderates after protests in December and economic upheaval in recent months. President Trump has threatened to withdraw the United States from the 2015 nuclear agreement, a signature achievement of Mr. Rouhanis that the Iranian president said would bring economic prosperity. BEIRUT, Lebanon A United Nations security team was fired on in the Syrian town of Douma, raising doubts on Wednesday about when international investigators would be able to visit the site of what was suspected to have been a chemical attack. Eleven days have passed since rescue and medical workers in Douma reported an attack that left victims choking and foaming at the mouth, killing at least 43 people. Blaming the government of President Bashar al-Assad for the attack, the United States, Britain and France launched coordinated strikes on Syrian military facilities on Saturday, describing them as punishment for what they called Mr. Assads use of chemical weapons. The Syrian government and its Russian and Iranian allies have denied that any chemical weapons were used and blamed rescue workers and rebels for what they called concocted videos said to show the suffering of victims as a way of demonizing the Syrian government. High Court pulls up Uttarakhand govt for violation of SOPs in tourist places Chardham Yatra begins in Uttarakhand India pti-PTI Uttarkashi, April 18: Amid chanting of Vedic hymns, the annual Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand began on Wednesday on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya, with the portals of Gangotri and Yamunotri shrines thrown open to devotees amid elaborate rituals. After being closed for nearly six months during winter, the gates of the Gangotri shrine were reopened at 1:15 PM and that of Yamunotri shrine were thrown open at 12:15 pm, officials of the temple committees concerned said. The palanquin carrying the idol of Goddess Ganga reached the Gangotri temple at around 10 am from her winter abode in Bhairav Ghati. Special prayers were conducted by the priests for over three hours before the formal opening of the portals, secretary of Gangotri temple committee Suresh Semwal said. A similar ceremony was held at Yamunotri, secretary of the temple committee Kriteshwar Uniyal said. The portals of Kedarnath and Badrinath shrines, the other two major temples of the Chardham Yatra, are scheduled to be reopened on April 29 and April 30 respectively. All these Himalayan temples in Uttarakhand are visited by lakhs of pilgrims from across the country and abroad every year. PTI AP EAMCET 2018 admit card to be released; check exam dates India oi-Madhuri The AP EAMCET 2018 hall tickets released on Thursday. The candidates who are appearing for the examinations can download the admit card from the official website, sche.ap.gov.in/eamcet. The application process with a late fee of Rs. 5000 concluded on April 16, 2018. Candidates who have still not applied for the exam will be able to apply until April 21 but with a late fee of Rs. 10000. The exam will begin on April 22 and end on April 26. Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture, Medical Common Entrance Test, is conducted for admission to Engineering and Agriculture courses offered at state technical, engineering and agriculture institutes/universities. Through AP EAMCET 2018, students would be admitted to the following courses: Engineering/ Biotechnology/ B.Tech. (Dairy Technology/ B.Tech. (Agriculture Engineering)/ B.Tech. (Food Science and Technology) B.Sc. (Agriculture)/ B.Sc. (Horticulture)/ B.V.Sc. and AH/ B.F.Sc. B. Pharmacy, Pharma D. The examination for engineering courses will be held from April 22 to April 25. The examination for agriculture courses will be held from April 25 to April 26. The exam for candidates who have applied for both Engineering and Agriculture courses will be held on April 24 and April 25. Did you know, 41.34 per cent voters say cash, liquor, gifts are important factors for polling? Can cash cause coronavirus? Should you stop using it Cash crunch in ATMs: Jaitley is clueless, citizens are penniless India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff New Delhi, April 18: Trust us, if anything goes wrong in the country, which unfortunately is happening on a daily basis, don't seek answers from the government and it is also futile to pray to god. Just check Twitter to get a holistic sense of the situation at hand and of course, the humour and sarcasm added to even a "tragic" incident on the micro-blogging site will help you keep your chin up. On Tuesday, when reports stated that several parts of the country have been hit by a cash crunch and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government at the Centre was not giving any reason and solution for it, Twitter tried its best to calm frayed nerves. While West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee called the cash crunch in ATMs reminiscent of demonetisation days, hassled people from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru to Jaipur ran from pillar to post to get hold of some money. However, Union finance minister Arun Jaitley said there was "more than adequate" currency in circulation and the temporary shortage in certain states was being "tackled quickly". "Overall, there is more than the adequate currency in circulation and also available with banks. The temporary shortage caused by the 'sudden and unusual increase' (in demand) in some areas is being tackled quickly," he assured. The finance minister's assurance did not help much as fear of living without cash in the coming days badly haunted people. In the entire situation, the most troubling part for everyone was that the government did not give any specific reason for the sudden drying up of ATMs. Thus, speculations were being made. While some cited that harvest season always increases cash demand, others suspected it could be because of the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, scheduled on May 12. The cash crunch in ATMs in states like Madhya Pradesh started more than a week ago, as per reports. The trouble began after high denomination Rs 2,000 notes went missing from the market all of a sudden, stated a financial expert. He added that the government should have anticipated the problem to resolve it before it went out of hands. As we have said earlier the best place to seek an answer to cash crunch problem is Twitter. Here we look at some tweets that are high on facts and others simply hilarious: Rt if you miss Raghuram Rajan yet as #CashCrunch spreads, the RBI is monumentally incompetent & no one is minding the economy! Swati Chaturvedi (@bainjal) April 17, 2018 ATMs around the country have gone dry & people are facing yet another cash crunch. Are we seeing the further side-effects of demonetisation again? Or is this a deliberate move by the Modi Govt? #CashCrunch pic.twitter.com/qNwLPjzjP2 Dr. Manmohan Singh (@_ManmohanSingh) April 17, 2018 #CashCrunch is part of the many after-effects of the monumental disaster called #Demonetisation. People lost lives, businesses shut down, the economy tanked, and now Modi sarkar continues to deny the people their money. #CashlessATMs Rajeev Gowda (@rajeevgowda) April 18, 2018 Congress defamed country in the name of 'saffron terror': Amit Shah India oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar BJP chief Amit Shah, who is on a two-day visit to Karnataka, hit out at the Congress government for coining the word 'saffron terror and Hindu terror' in the wake of Mecca Masjid blast. Shah was addressing Shakthi Kendra Pramukhs of Bengaluru division on Wednesday at Palace Grounds ahead of Karnataka assembly elections. Shah said, "For several years Congress defamed the country around the world by using terms saffron terror and Hindu terror. Rahul ji terror has no religion, now Congress says we never used these words. Many Congress leaders are on the record using these terms including CM Siddaramaiah." He recalled former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi's 'taunt' against ht saffron party. "Once Rajiv Gandhi ji had taunted us when we had just two MPs, saying 'BJP believes in hum do hamare do'. Today BJP has a full majority in Parliament, has more than 1600 MLAs, in power in 20 states and in numerous local bodies and municipalities," Shah said. Amit Shah meets historian Chidananda Murthy in Bengaluru "The credit for forming government in 20 states goes to booth karyakartas (workers) and Shakthi Kendra Pramukhs," he added. He claimed that the party started off with 10 party members and now is the largest political party in the world with 11 crore party members. 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 Delhi: Uber driver masturbates with woman passenger onboard, arrested India oi-Vikas By Vikas Yet another case of a cab driver masturbating with woman passenger onboard has come to the fore. The incident took place in Delhi on April 15. The woman has complained to the police that the Uber cab driver was masturbating while driving, said reports. The accused Uber driver has been arrested and sent to judicial custody. As per reports, the investigation has revealed that driver's license was also fake. Men making obscene gestures or passing lewd remarks on women has almost become a routine in Delhi. Earlier this week, Sandeep Chauhan, a taekwondo instructor, was arrested on Sunday (April 15) for masturbating in front of two women. Married with two daughters, Chauhan was employed as a taekwondo teacher with several schools in South Delhi. Not only normal people, even a celebrity had to face masturbation menace in February. A driver was arrested by the Mumbai Police on February 19 for allegedly masturbating in front of noted Marathi actress Chinmayee Surve-Raghavan. Popular actor Sumeet Raghavan, Ms Chinmayee's husband, had filed a police complaint with Vile Parle Police and the Mumbai Traffic Police following the alleged incident. In December last year, an Ola cab driver had allegedly masturbated in front of a 23-year-old woman passenger after activating the child-lock in Bengaluru. The Ola cab driver had also reportedly threatened the passenger against complaining saying that Ola firm doesn't pay heed to such complaints. Erasing history: On World Heritage Day, experts raise voice India pti-PTI New Delhi, April 18: Author Amit Chaudhuris heart sinks every time he sees a sign up on the boundary walls of old Kolkata bungalows, announcing their impending demolition. He sees the sign as an obit notice for another building that has long been a part of the city. "While travelling on Theatre Road, and seeing those signages put up on the boundary walls of bungalows by private builders, announcing their impending demolition, I feel a sense of incredulousness, on how the city is relentlessly doing this (demolishing its heritage)," he rued. Angered by the loss of architectural legacy, a group of people will be out on the streets in Kolkata today to highlight the importance of built heritage in urban landscape. To mark World Heritage Day and exert pressure on the West Bengal government, the march -- organised by the Calcutta Architectural Legacies (CAL), a citizens' initiative led by Chaudhuri -- will start from the Subodh Mullick Square and wind up in front of the office of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). From Kolkata to Bengaluru to Mumbai and Delhi, there is rising concern over the destruction of heritage structures. In Kolkata, activists including Chaudhuri and INTACH Kolkata Chapter's convener G M Kapur are worried over the fate of the colonial-era 'Old Kenilworth Hotel' on Little Russel Street. They claim it has been "downgraded from its Grade IIA status" to make way for its demolition and allege that a branch of the 19th-century Metropolitan Institution in Pathuriaghata has met with a similar fate. "Calcutta was a city of great architecture, arts and space and urban aesthetics. Slowly, we lost so many beautiful buildings of such immense architectural, cultural and historical value. And, the Kenliworth and Metropolitan cases, perhaps, proved the last straw. So, we are protesting," the author told PTI. In Bengaluru, the over 100-year-old Krumbiegel Hall in Lalbagh was demolished last November, triggering outrage among heritage lovers. Now the Asiatic Life Assurance Company building, which houses the Janatha Bazaar, is facing demolition, local activists, who also held a protest recently, alleged. The building on Kempe Gowda Road was inaugurated in 1935 by then Mysore Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar, said Bengaluru-based conservation architect Yashaswini Sharma. "Tangible heritage such as the Janatha Bazaar are landmarks and serve as links that narrate the story of the development of the city. In the event of disappearance of such landmarks, one feels disconnected with the history of the place," Sharma said. Mumbai-based urban conservationist Kamalika Bose said while the city has a law that allowed it to protect not just buildings but also precincts, there was a threat to structures outside the ambit of the legislation. "The Fort area has heritage regulation but outside that zone, old buildings, not listed, continue to face the onslaught of urban expansion and concrete invasion," she said. Kapur of the West Bengal Chapter of the Indian Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) said the KMC has about 900 heritage buildings on its list and alleged the number was going down. "A part of the building of the Metropolitan Institution's Bara Bazaar branch on Prasanna Coomar Tagore Street is being demolished. It was a Grade IIB building, which means it cannot be demolished. For demolition, buildings are being downgraded," Kapur alleged. The KMC, however, denied the allegation. No heritage building had been delisted in the last one year, said Subrata Sil, director-general, project management unit of the KMC. "Our current laws do not allow delisting of heritage buildings," he said. On the status of the Metropolitan Institution Building, Sil said, "We have received complaints that some work is being done without taking requisite permission. We are inquiring into it." Kapur believed that the process of grading a building was opaque. "We don't even know when Kenilworth was downgraded. Maybe a year ago," he said, adding that the Gholam Rasool Mosque, a Grade-I heritage structure in Park Circus, was demolished in 2015 to make way for a bigger mosque. Kolkata had served as the capital of the British Empire till 1911 and is endowed with a wealth of architectural beauties. Chaudhuri said urban conservationists, heritage lovers and "well-meaning people inside the government" had been feeling this "terrible sense of frustration" of just mutely watching one building after another disappear. If old monochrome images of Chowringhee and the Maidan and postcards bearing pictures of buildings in Dalhousie Square still evoke the grandeur of the city that once rivalled London and New York, Mumbai is known for its Art Deco structures and Victorian-Gothic architecture. "In 1995, Mumbai established itself as the first Indian city to adopt heritage regulations for the protection of its urban heritage under the Heritage Regulations for Greater Bombay," Bose said. In Delhi, a legal battle is being fought for the protection of old havelis in the city. The Shahjehanbad area in the Walled City is a goldmine of history but many of its havelis have either vanished or face the onslaught of modernity. Author Chaudhuri lamented that heritage was seldom taken up by the intelligentsia which "talks of politics, climate change and even literature". "Architecture, sadly, has never been part of the conversation," he said. PTI How does fighting Mehul Choksis case make me a criminal, asks Madikeri Cong candidate, Chandramouli India oi-Vicky Nanjappa There was plenty of confusion regarding the Madikeri assembly constituency after it was widely rumoured that the Congress had put the seat on hold. The issue that was raked up was that H S Chandramouli who was declared the candidate from Madikeri had represented PNB scam accused Mehul Choksi. Amidst the rumours of this seat being put on hold, the Congress later clarified that there was no such decision that had been taken. Visibly upset with the developments, Chandramouli asked was it a crime to take up a case. Chandramouli told OneIndia that he had challenged the decision of carrying out a CID investigation after the B report was filed. "Does this make me a criminal? This was my involvement in the case", Chandramouli also said. Chandamouli who was campaigning in Madikeri was summoned to Bengaluru by KPCC chief, Dr. G Parameshwara. He says that he would convince the high command. Further, he said that he had got the ticket without any lobbying and would work for the party irrespective of how events shape out. After Chandramouli was given the ticket, the Congress's media coordinator, Brijesh Kalappa put out an emotional post. He said that he had lost out to Chandramouli and also added that he would try for the Gram Panchayat next time. Following the Choksi issue cropping up, the BJP on the social media questioned why the Congress had chosen Chandramouli over Brijesh Kalappa. Kalappa went on to write another post in which he said, "The issues that I had raised regarding the nomination of Shri Chandramouli were wholly different from what are currently being debated." "I'm a Lawyer too, if I appeared for a Person in say 2010, could I be implicated if that person became involved in a crime in 2018? No." "It appears that the facts with regards to Chandramouli appearing for Mehul Choksi are much the same." "If the implications for having appeared for someone who subsequently enters a life of crime are so burdensome, it is important to remember that Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri had appeared for Lalit Modi even after he had turned into a fugitive." "Or that Arun Jaitley's daughter Sonali and her husband had been retained by Nirav Modi even when Arun Jaitley continued to be Minister for Finance and Nirav was planning to exit the nation right under their noses." "I have received so many calls from well wishers in the media that justice would be done to me this time, but Chandramouli cannot be denied nomination on this ground." "My conscience would not permit me to be the beneficiary of such a decision." "If I am to get my due, it has to be for the right reasons, and not by misapplication of professional ethics on a fellow Lawyer." "I have confidence that the INC and its Leadership will do justice to me some day or other, just as I was picked out of nowhere by Smt Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to be INC Spokesman in 2013." "2-3 BJP Spokesmen have messaged me since yesterday, one said, "Sir I batted for your ticket on ..... channel now." "I thank them from the bottom of my heart for their genuine concern in the larger interest of collegiality even while belonging to different Political Parties." "But, with the greatest humility, it is not appropriate to take BJP's help to obtain justice in the INC- I have complete confidence in the INC and it's Leadership that it will give me my due in course of time." "As a former Journalist, to my friends in the media, my profound thanks." 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 TN: Rs 34 lakh in cash and nine luxury cars seized from premises linked to ex-AIADMK minister KC Veeramani Karnataka election: AIADMK to contest two seats India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The AIADMK has decided to throw its hat into the electoral ring in Karnataka. The party would be fielding two candidates for the Karnataka elections which will be held on May 12. Counting will take place on May 15. A press release, issued in the name of the party coordinator and Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, and Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami, stated that the party wanted aspirants for the constituencies of Kolar Gold Field (reserved constituency) and Gandhi Nagar to submit their applications on Wednesday and Thursday. The party had contested in 5 constituencies in 2013. In all, it polled just 10,208 votes. 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 Kathua, Unnao rape cases: Now, Manmohan Singh wants PM Modi to speak more often India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff New Delhi, April 18: The times are a changin' for sure. Just before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, it was then Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi who mocked then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his "stoic silence" over various corruption scandals that had hit the previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre. Come 2018, it is Singh, who was infamously called "Maun(silent)mohan" by PM Modi, has an advice for his successor--"to speak more often". In an exclusive interview to The Indian Express, the former PM said that "PM Modi should follow his own advice to me and speak more often". Condemning the "long silence of Modi" over the horrific Kathua and Unnao rape cases, Singh told the English daily, "But I think the Prime Minister should follow his own advice to me and he should speak more often. Through press (reports) I know that he used to criticize me for not speaking up. I feel that the advice that he used to give me, he should follow it himself." A few days ago, finally, PM Modi spoke on the horrific rape cases of the minors, the details of which are enough to numb our senses. He said that guilty won't be spared, but it was "too little, too late" as even his women party colleagues like Meenakashi Lekhi and Smriti Irani pathetically engaged themselves in whataboutery. In the interview, Singh said he was glad that Modi finally broke his silence over the rape cases last week at an event in the national capital to mark the birth anniversary of BR Ambedkar. In the last few days, the nation has been demanding justice for the 8-year-old girl from Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua, who was kidnapped, drugged, gang-raped and killed by eight men in January to instill fear in people belonging to the nomadic Bakerwal Muslim community, and 16-year-old teenager from Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, who was allegedly raped last year by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar. Recently, the 16-year-old's father died in the police custody after being brutally beaten by the MLA's brother. On Sunday, a 'united India' decided to speak up against rising crimes against women and girls in the aftermath of the horrific rape cases in Unnao and Kathua. Protests were hosted across the country--in Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Srinagar, Chandigarh and Goa, to name a few cities. More than 70 crorepatis in fray for Surat civic body polls, 50 from BJP Man chops wife's body into 11 peices, buries in different parts of city India oi-Vikas By Vikas In a blood-curdling incident, a man from Surat, Gujarat, murdered his wife and chopped her body into 11 pieces. The man has been identified as one Shahnawaz Sheikh. News agency ANI quoted Surat Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) BS Thakkar as saying that Sheikh killed his wife Julekha and dumped the chopped parts of her body in different parts of the city. Julekha was Shahnawaz's second wife and she often used to have a fight with his first wife, who used to live with them, ANI report said. Shahnawaz used to get frustrated over the constant bickering between the two women. This, according to the police, led him to take the extreme step of murdering his second wife. Shahnawaz was nabbed by a cop when he was disposing of one of the chopped pieces of the body. The policeman got suspicious after seeing Shahnawaz and decided to intervene. "After being questioned by the police, he pleaded guilty," ACP Thakkar said. On interrogation, the accused accepted his crime and was later arrested under a relevant section of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), said ANI report. Mamata failed to stop post-poll violence, has no right to attend peace meet in Rome: Suvendu WBSCVET Results 2018 declared, check now India oi-Deepika By Deepika The WBSCVET Results 2018 has been declared by the West Bengal State Council of Technical & Vocational Education and Skill Development. The results are available on the official website. The West Bengal State Council of Technical & Vocational Education and Skill Development (WBSCVET), erstwhile West Bengal State Council of Vocational Education and Training, is responsible for administration and examining Vocational courses in West Bengal. The Council works as a statutory body under the West Bengal state government. The WBSCVET offers courses from various affiliated Institution like Higher Secondary, Secondary Schools and Polytechnic Colleges across the State of West Bengal. The results are available on wbscvet.nic.in. How to check WBSCVET STC January 2018 Exam Results: Go to wbscvet.nic.in Click on the results link "Vlll+/X+ level STC examination January 2018 Results published on 17/04/2018 at 4 PM" On next page, enter your roll number and date of birth (Type DOB in dd/mm/yyyy format or Click on the dates icon given there) Submit details Take a printout Riots in Sweden after Quran burning by far-right activists: All you need to know Three Indian prime ministers visited Sweden before Narendra Modi International oi-Shubham By Shubham Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his foreign tour on Monday, April 16, with a visit to Sweden, a Scandinavian country, to be a part of the first India-Nordic summit. Modi, however, is not the first Indian prime minister to set his foot in the country which is known for its moralistic approaches. Before him, Jawarharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had visited the country. India's diplomatic relation with Sweden was built strongly since 1949 and common belief in democratic values and the pursuit of neutrality away from Cold War rivalry brought New Delhi and Stockholm closer in the past. Nehru visited Sweden in 1957 India's relations with Sweden became very close after Alva Myrdal, the Nobel Prize-winning Swedish politician and peace activist was appointed as Sweden's ambassador to India in 1955. It was during her stay in India that Nehru had visited Sweden (1957) and former Swedish prime minister Tage Erlander had visited India (1959). Nehru's quest for social welfare and global peace had cemented his friendship with Myrdal and it helped the bilateral ties of the two countries. Myrdal was conferred the Nobel prize in 1982 for her contribution towards nuclear disarmament in the United Nations and she paid tributes to Nehru's ideals serving as inspiration for her to conduct her work. Indira visited Sweden in 1972 In 1972, the then prime minister Indira Gandhi visited Stockholm to take part in the UN Conference on Human Environment. She also found an ally in her Swedish counterpart Olof Palme in condemning the Vietnam War and worked together against Apartheid in South Africa. Unlike India, Sweden is a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, but that hasn't prevented them from working towards a world free of nuclear weapons. In May 1984, Indira Gandhi and Palme were joined by the heads of the state of Mexico, Greece, Argentina and Tanzania to begin the Five Continent Six Nation Initiative that led to the 1988 Action Plan for a Nuclear Weapons-Free and Nonviolent World Order. Rajiv visited Sweden in 1988 After Indira's assassination in October 1984, Rajiv Gandhi joined the group as India's representative and became a member of the Palme Commission to look after the disarmament issues. Palme visited India in January 1986 to take part in the Six Nation Initiative but was assassinated in his own country the very next month. Rajiv Gandhi called it a loss of a good friend and also declared a day of mourning in India. The assassinations of Indira Gandhi and Olof Palme in less than two years were a blow to the growing relation between India and Sweden in fields of peace and development. India's relation with Sweden also saw its darker side in the wake of the Bofors arms scandal but according to a declassified CIA report of 1988, the Swedish authorities had stopped probe into the alleged bribery in the howitzer deal to save Rajiv Gandhi, who was the prime minister then, from embarrassment. The report said the investigation was ended towards the end of January 1988, soon after Rajiv paid his visit to the Nordic country. However, Rajiv Gandhi could not survive the scandal at home, losing the general elections in 1989 to see the end of his Congress party's dominance in Indian politics. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Wednesday, April 18, 2018, 6:32 [IST] 'Bharat Ki Baat': 'Informed Pak about surgical strikes before making it public', says PM International oi-Deepika By Deepika Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a town hall event 'Bharat ki baat, sab ke sath' at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. Here are the highlights of PM Modi's interaction PM Modi has started speaking with host Prasoon Joshi at 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath', a diaspora event in London. People can make a tea-seller shake hands at the royal palace PM Modi takes a question on his life journey from a railway station to becoming the prime minister of a country, "My life at the railway station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said royal palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India. People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the royal palace." 'India is getting increasingly aspirational' Modi said "Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational." "Impatience gives me energy. If you work with the motive of welfare for everyone, you can never be disappointed," he further said. 'More expectation from us', says Modi "People have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over," he said. On development issues in India On development issues in India, Modi said that "During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi did something very different. He turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement. He told every person that whatever you are doing will contribute to India's freedom. Today the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement. Participative democracy makes good governance possible." "Today the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement. Participative democracy makes good governance possible," he said. Won't tolerate terrorism, I know how to give back "In our entire history, we have never tried to grab land from anyone else. We must remain vigilant, we must remain victorious at all times. But if someone's made a business out of terrorism, then I know how to hit back," PM on surgical strikes. "Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated," he stressed. We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted. We spoke to Pakistan to tell them that we did surgical strikes before disclosing the news to media. "I know what it is to be poor": Modi "I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden." "As many as 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India's poor, said PM. PM Modi speaks on Kathua-Unnao rape incidents "When a child is raped, what could be worse? Is that the time to compare metrics versus the earlier governments? When a girl comes home late, all parents are worried. When a boy goes out and comes home late, why don't we ask him where he was? Look, I have lived the life of a poor man, I don't need to learn about it from a book. Nothing is more important to me than to make our country safer, cleaner...." Can modi change India? To a question on whetherhe Modi change the country alone, the prime minister said " I'm an ordinary citizen just like you. Don't think of me any differently than you. We have a million problems but we have a billion people who can solve them.I assure the citizens that I can make mistakes but I will not work with wrong intentions." PM Modi on health care We paid special attention to three things -- children's education, employment for young people and medicines for the elderly. Be it a wellness center or preventive health care, we are working for the health of every Indian in the country. On critics "I am happy to be critisised alone. Attack me but not my people. My concept is Team India. If India has a million problems, it has a billion solutions too. I have full faith in the people of my country. Vikas is a Jan Andolan," said PM. "It makes democracy strong, I want government to be criticised," he says. "My problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations," he adds. PM Modi on how Basaveshwara influenced him "It is an unfortunate thing that after independence, there has been an effort to put an end to our culture and tradition. We do not know about our greatness. We talk about democratic values to people. Basaveshwara had called for this place where everyone used to come to discuss issues and come up with solutions. There was no question of caste or gender. Everyone was equal. He taught us what democracy is or what equality is. He had also said where there is stagnancy, there is an end. Where there is speed, there is growth," said PM Modi. "One of the things I wanted to do in London was to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara," he said. PM Modi on notes ban "I had met the PM of Argentina who told me that when note bandi happened, me and my wife thought you were gone. The government was attacked on TV channels everywhere but I had faith in the people. I believed that they were ready to make a small sacrifice for honesty, transparency," said PM Modi. On governance "If you will see where we stand in comparison to previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter. Before 2014, newspapers used to have headlines 'aaj itna gaya', today's news is 'Modi Ji kitna aaya'?": PM PM on digital India PM Modi said, "The world is driven by technology. We are entering the age of artificial intelligence. There is scope for transparency and efficiency. The benefits must reach the common man and that is what we are working towards." Modi on his fitness mantra "Responding to an audience question on how he stays fit, Modi replies: "For the last 20 years, I've been on a special diet. I take 20 kg or 30 kg of criticism daily. That's the secret of my fitness," Modi said sparking many rounds of laughter. On farmers issues Be it, doubling farmers' income by the year 2022, or easy accessibility of urea, the government is working on a dedicated plan. India's role in the new world order The power of Indian passport has changed. "People look with respect when they know you are India as per your passport. India today has been able to carve a place for itself," says PM Modi. It took 70 years for the first Indian Prime minister to visit Israel. "What prevented Indian Prime Ministers from going to Israel. Yes, I will go to Israel and I will even go to Palestine," says PM Modi. I will go to Saudi Arabia and strengthen cooperation with them, and also engage with Iran for Indias's energy needs, he adds. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to Commonwealth Summit. This will be followed by the executive session of the Commonwealth heads of states in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the Commonwealth retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. On the last day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet PM Modi will attend a retreat at Windsor Castle, the residence of the royal family in the county of Berkshire, hosted by Queen Elizabeth and concludes his UK visit after which he will leave for India. In Kulbhushan Jadhav case, India files fresh pleadings at ICJ International oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer India has filed a set of fresh pleadings in the International Court of Justice relating to the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav who was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court in April 2017 on charges of espionage and terrorism. The second round of written reply by India in the case was in response to the submissions by Pakistan in the ICJ on December 13, 2017, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. India had moved The Hague-based ICJ in May last after Jadhav, 47, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court on charges of espionage and terrorism. A 10-member bench of the ICJ on May 18 had restrained Pakistan from executing Jadhav till adjudication of the case. "In keeping with the Order of the International Court of Justice of 17 January 2018, India today submitted its reply in the court in the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav," the MEA said. It said India remains committed to making all possible efforts to "secure and protect" the rights of Jadhav. Following an order by the ICJ, India had filed its written pleadings in the case on September 13, 2017, and Pakistan submitted its "counter-memorial" on December 13 last. "Today, India filed its Reply to Pakistan's submissions to the court. Pakistan has been given time till July 17 by the court to file its response (Rejoinder)," the MEA said. India has been maintaining that the trial of Jadhav by a military court in Pakistan was "farcical". In its statement on Tuesday, the MEA reiterated this stand. Pakistan claims that its security forces arrested Jadhav from restive Balochistan province on March 3, 2016, after he reportedly entered from Iran. However, India maintains that Jadhav was kidnapped from Iran where he had business interests after retiring from the Navy. Jadhav's sentencing had evoked a sharp reaction in India. India had approached the ICJ for "egregious" violation of the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, 1963, by Pakistan in Jadhav's case. Pakistan has repeatedly denied India consular access to Jadhav on the grounds that it was not applicable in cases related to spies. Is end of 68-year war between North & South Korea near? International oi-Shubham By Shubham Things are looking brighter in the volatile Korean Peninsula. North and South Korea, who are technically at war since 1950, are in talks to make a pleasing announcement at the summit next week where their top leaders would meet each other - to put a permanent end to the state of war which is going on between them since 1950, said reports. North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in might release a joint statement during their meeting on April 27 seeking an end to their military conflict, a report in Munhwa Ibo newspaper said, citing a South Korean official, Bloomberg reported. The two leaders will meet in the border village of Panmunjom, the third ever summit featuring leaders from the two hostile neighbours. The two Koreas have been in a state of war since the 1950-53 Korean conflict which ended with the signing of a truce. There have been period skirmishes between the two countries since then but never an all-out war again. The significance of this summit is all the more since it is coming after Kim's surprise visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping and ahead of the proposed talks between US President Donald Trump and Kim in May or June. It would be the first-ever in history that an American president would meet a leader from North Korea. Trump on Tuesday, April 17, welcomed the Korean talks and blessed it saying they created a great chance to resolve the Korean crisis. Trump himself is amid talks with his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe at the moment. Trump also said that "very high levels" of talks were already underway between the US and North Korea, something which was reiterated officially by the White House later. Sources in Seoul said on Tuesday that South Korean security officials could reach Pyongyang ahead of the high-profile summit, Reuters reported. Also, a direct phone line could be established between Pyongyang and Seoul in a couple of days, the South Korean president's chief of staff Im Jong-seok said in a briefing on Tuesday, the Bloomberg report added. No peace treaty was ever signed to replace the 1953 armistice between the two Koreas and the US and North Korea - who were at loggerheads during the war - have continued to be hostile towards each other. The situation has seen more deterioration in the recent years with North Korea strongly pursuing nuclear ambitions, intensifying its rivalry with Washington and its regional allies more. Vijay Mallya has applied for another route to stay in the UK, says lawyer None other than Mallya know where Tipus sword is, London High Court told International oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer None except Vijay Mallya know where the sword of Tipu Sultan is, the London High Court was told. The court is hearing arguments by a lawyer representing 13 Indian banks who Mallya owes about Rs 9,000 crore. The lawyer said that the sword worth Rs 1.8 crore has vanished and none know where it has gone. He gave away the rare sword in 2016 because his family told him it would bring him bad luck. The lawyer cited this example while trying to convince the court that the freeze order on Mallya's global assets should not be discharged. Mallya had purchased the sword for Rs 1.5 crore at a private auction in 2004. He had brandished the sword while campaigning for the Janata Party while he was president. Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump Thousands of terrorists might have been airlifted out of Kabul: Trump slams Biden Never in history has withdrawal from war been handled so badly: Trump Trump-Kim talks: '5 locations under consideration', says US president International oi-Shubham By Shubham US President Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 17, told the press that five venues were being considered for his proposed meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in late May or early June though he did not divulge details. Trump, who spoke on the issue amid talks with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe, also said that "very high levels" of communication were already underway between Washington and Pyongyang. Addressing the media alongside Abe at the two-day summit in Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump said there was a lot of goodwill. North Korea is set to be the dominant theme at the Trump-Abe summit where the two leaders, facing enough trouble on their home fronts, are also expected to iron out differences over trade issues. However, there was a bit of confusion over Trump's words as he appeared to say that he himself had a talk with Kim. The president cleared the air soon after saying it was not the case at the moment, CNN reported. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also confirmed later that the talks were not between Trump and Ab. The US administration's confirmation on the talks indicated that everything was proceeding fine towards what could be considered the most awaited summit of the 21st century. Though Trump did not confirm the location of the meeting, officials said a number of locations were under consideration, including Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar; a neutral European capital like Stockholm or Geneva; Jeju Island off the Korean Peninsula or a ship at sea; a country in Southeast Asia like Singapore or Malaysia; either Seoul or Pyongyang or a demilitarised zone between the two Koreas, CNN reported. Abe not comfortable Japanese officials indicated that Abe would raise his concerns over the Trump-Kim talks and sources in Washington said it would consider those concerns on a serious note. Abe, however, said on Tuesday that he would like to "commend" Trump courage over his decision to meet the North Korean leader. Abe's concern is Japan's falling isolated while other parties having stakes in a peaceful Korean Peninsula have engaged with each other of late. While Kim made a trip to China last month and met President Xi Jinping, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet Kim at the two Koreas' summit to be held at a border village on April 27. And this isolation has proved to be more a worry for Abe since the security of Japan is closely connected with a peaceful Korean Peninsula. Some of North Korea's intermediate-range missiles have ended up in the waters off Japan's coast and this is a big concern for Tokyo. Abe is eager to make it clear through Trump that these experiments need to stop. Unarmed man shot over 30 times in yet another US police brutality International oi-Shubham By Shubham Police excesses against blacks in the US made the headlines once again as the lawkeepers in California shot more than 30 times into a packed vehicle in the parking lot of a shopping centre, killing a 26-year-old man and injuring a young woman. The tragic incident happened on April 5 morning in Barstow, around 115 miles from Los Angeles, and the victim was identified as Diante Yarber, a father of three. Yarber, who was believed to be unarmed and was driving his cousin and friends to a local shopping centre, was accused by the police of "wanted for questioning" in a stolen car case. They said the man "accelerated" towards the officers when they asked him to stop. Yarber's family and lawyer refuted the charges saying neither were he threatening nor did he do anything to be a suspect. Yarber's family held the police accountable for the killing. The latest incident happened just weeks after the murder of Stephon Clark, another unarmed black who was shot dead by the police while standing in his family's backyard. Clark was also killed in California - in the northern side. The killings of Clark and Yarber showed the police's continued aggression against members of the black communities - even in a liberal state like California where movements like Black Lives Matter have long protested against police brutality. Police sources said the officers were trying to stop Yarber while responding to a "call of a suspicious vehicle" and attempting to stop Yarber. He then reportedly went backwards and hit another car and accelerated. It was then the police shot several rounds at the car. Attorney of Yarber's family Lee Merritt said the man was not armed and neither did his car pose any threat to the police officers. He said the use of force by firing indiscriminately at the car was "irresponsible, dangerous, mind-boggling". US-North Korea talks: CIA director Mike Pompeo met Kim Jong-un earlier this month, say reports International oi-Vikas By Vikas Ahead of the possible talks between North Korea and the United States (US), reports have now emerged that CIA director Mike Pompeo secretly travelled to Pyongyang around the April 1 and held a meeting with Kim Jong-un. Pompeo's meeting with Kim marks the first such high-level interaction between the two countries since 2000, when then secretary of state Madeleine Albright travelled to meet late Kim Jong-il, the current North Korea leader's father, said an HT report. President Donald Trump had on Wednesday (April 18) said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. "I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens. As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he added. The CIA has also been working with its North Korean counterpart, Reconnaissance Intelligence Bureau. Pompeo has also been in touch with the director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who, according to an official cited by The New York Times, brokered Kim's invitation to Trump. Abe, on his part, said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance. "Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed a major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump)unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said. [US talking directly with N Korea over meeting with Kim: Trump] The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yields tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue. OneIndia News with PTI inputs Collapse of Kabul will go down as one of the greatest defeats in American history: Donald Trump No, yes, no: US President rejects Trans-Pacific Partnership deal second time International oi-Shubham By Shubham US President Donald Trump is known for his sharp U-turns and he has repeated the act once again by rejecting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) for the second time after expressing an intention of joining it recently. Trump signed an executive order to pull the US out of the 12-member TPP soon after assuming office last year to fulfil his presidential promise. According to him, the US would protect its workers' and farmers' interests by withdrawing from the Barack Obama era pact which was never ratified by the Congress. Last week, Trump indicated he might reopen talks on the trade pact. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern had cautioned that the agreement would have to be renegotiated if the US wanted to get back into it. Trump, who met his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Tuesday in Florida, said he would not change his original decision which was about not joining the TPP. "Too many contingencies" Trump explained his stand in a tweet saying even if US's allies Japan and South Korea wanted it to return to TPP, he didn't have a positive take on the deal. "Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesn't work. Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for OUR workers. Look how bad WTO is to U.S.," Trump tweeted. Australia's mixed response Australia's Trade & Investment Minister Steven Ciobo said Canberra was open to Washington's rejoining the pact and that the remaining 11 countries wouldn't prefer wholesale changes in the deal, Australia's news.com.au said. Ciobo said the US's return to the TPP fold would have both positive and negative impacts. He was particularly conservative over the pharmaceutical patent issue, saying Australia would not buy a situation whereby its pharmaceutical benefits schemes or the pricing of drugs in Australia would be affected by America's re-entry. Japan and Malaysia also backed Australia's position against a renegotiation of the deal if the US was making a return. Trump, who is in an aggressive mood on trade this year and has taken a ruthless stand to protect America's trade interests especially against China, asked his trade advisers to assess the TPP afresh. Trump was of the opinion that the US could weigh rejoining the deal if it improved. Experts believed he was under pressure from the Republicans of the farm states who were worried that the president's protectionist policies triggering a trade war with China would harm the interests of the US's rural parts. The president was thus forced to review his stand on TPP. 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. Chronologically a bit outdated (2015), unfortunately for us all, but right on point with two of the most far-seeing scientists I'm aware of. Dr. Erlich wrote The Population Bomb with his wife decades ago, and was promptly attacked by clowns that be, such as William Buckley (who responded with an essay, "The Population Firecracker"). The Erlichs were right, as we now clearly see, in spite of some technological changes, such as "The Green Revolution," which has in turn brought us "the nitrogen bomb." For that matter Thomas Malthus was right, at least on the basic biological concepts. I forget if he used the term "carrying capacity," which one learns about in high school if they're even half awake (a habitat can only carry X amount of species, even under the best of circumstances). Guy's message appears to be tragically correct, and I only wonder what would happen if all the countries of the world, particularly Russia, China, and the U.S., got seriously aligned with the astoundingly simple concept that we are one species on one planet with the same fate. We have everything that truly matters in common, except the political will, whose failure is all too clearly our own. Our vision of the future doesn't seem to get past Niki Haley's nose, let alone toward making the world a better place for humans everywhere. I encourage any thinking adult to seriously ponder this and other of Guy and Paul's works. I am at the stage of being glad I'm 70, feeling utter despair for future generations, and reckoning with applying whatever remains of my life to constructive purposes. 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. Reading the political tea leaves is a far different task from making political tea. MLK Poor People's Campaign of 1968--ancestor of the movement we need NOW (Image by sarahstierch) Details DMCA As a political analyst whose predominant interest is organizing, I'll engage here in a bit of both. That is, I'll indulge in a bit of hopeful political prognostication, while striving, by urging the most relevant current organizers to join forces, to make my optimistic prediction come true. My prediction is that the forces of political revolt will eventually coalesce, resulting in the real resistance movement an extremist Trump presidency should have awakened; whether they'll do so in time to ward off nuclear or climate catastrophe is anybody's guess. But the elements of real, fruitful revolt (not Democrats' largely symbolic McResistance ) are now in place, and my modest task here is simply to raise consciousness about the "dynamite" political potential of fusing those elements. For convenience, I'll identify two essential "elements"--sufficient components for making political dynamite--as the Poor People's Campaign (PPC) and the Movement for a People's Party (MPP). For readers to grasp the urgent current relevance of those two movements, they need to realize that each movement name stands for much more than the words comprising it immediately suggest. First of all, grasping the full meaning of "Poor People's Campaign" requires knowing that the name is a conscious reference to the original 1960s Poor People's Campaign spearheaded by Martin Luther King. Crucially for our purposes, King's campaign targeted not just poverty alone, but the deeply interwoven "triple evils" of poverty, racism, and militarism. Updating King's triple evils to include humanity's newest crisis, the present PPC seeks to combat climate and environmental devastation as well. Seeing how today's PPC demands action on four of humanity's most crucial issues-- issues perversely exiled from mainstream political discourse by deliberately distracting (and dangerously warmongering ) blather over Russiagate--it's hard to imagine a timelier movement. Nor one of vaster moral authority and rhetorical clout, since it quite credibly revives the deliberately buried real agenda of Dr. King . So, as regards the PPC, I'm warmly endorsing the movement itself as by far the best organizing vehicle for the real anti-Trump resistance our nation needs. My words "real anti-Trump resistance" mean not just rejection of Trump and his policies, but revolt against the whole corrupt system-- including both deeply corrupt major political parties--that inflicted us with Trump . When I endorse the Movement for a People's Party, I'm not recommending an existing political party (the words "Movement for" imply that the needed party doesn't yet exist), but a type of strategic thinking--requiring a viable third party--for which the proposed "People's Party" could be the needed third-party vehicle. In recommending the MPP electoral strategy--though not necessarily the proposed People's Party--to PPC supporters, I'm suggesting the resurrected King movement grow a muscular electoral "arm" to enforce its urgent demands. So, what is the MPP strategy? The MPP strategy is an "inside-outside" electoral approach targeting today's faux-progressive Democratic Party (rightly stigmatized as the Inauthentic Opposition Party ). Since the MPP has explained its strategy with laudable clarity , I'll summarize it by quoting a full paragraph from the MPP link cited earlier: A people's party is an essential yet missing element of our strategy as a movement today. The Democrats have a virtual monopoly over progressives right now. Like a corporate monopoly with its customers, the Democrats feel no need to serve their constituents because they think we have nowhere else to go. Throughout U.S. history, major parties have refused to change until independent parties have threatened to replace them. For the past 150 years, the progressive cornerstones of our society, from abolition to women's suffrage, from child labor laws to the forty hour work week, from social security to the New Deal, have been achieved by third parties who championed them and forced establishment parties to either adopt them or be replaced. This paragraph appears on an MPP website page titled "Progressive Democrats for a People's Party." But it's crucial to understand that the intended audience for MPP's appeal is not just progressive Democrats but all progressives--"progressives" defined for our purposes (and MPP's) as supporters of the PPC agenda. My authority for that definition is not just wishful thinking. On the one hand, public intellectual Cornel West , editor of a collection of Dr. King's writings (aimed at preserving his real legacy) titled The Radical King , has supported the MPP almost from its inception . More importantly, MPP supporters have officially voted overwhelmingly to back the PPC. So, the MPP clearly endorses the aims of the PPC. But why, apart from mere gratitude (not always a reliable guide for choosing political allies), should PPC supporters embrace the MPP political strategy? Quite clearly because, in demanding sweeping progressive policy reforms, the PPC will meet its most formidable obstacle in Democrats. To be sure, today's Republican leadership (like the Republican leadership of King's day) is vehemently opposed to anything resembling King's radical agenda. But, based on numerous polls, Republicans are a hidebound party flatly rejected by younger voters and deeply out of tune with a U.S. electorate favoring economic populism and deeply hostile to plutocratic corruption of government . There's compelling reason to think a Democratic Party much truer to its New Deal heritage could (just as in its FDR years) repeatedly wipe the floor with Republicans. What prevents Democrats' embrace of an updated New Deal (let alone the PPC's still more radical justice-based agenda) is clearly the party's warmongering pro-corporate establishment. Finding that establishment willing to sacrifice elections even to extremist Republicans for sake of serving its Wall Street and "War Street" donors, Naomi Klein insightfully wrote, in the wake of Trump's shocking victory, "The Democratic Party needs to be either decisively wrested from pro-corporate neoliberals, or it needs to be abandoned." The MPP's inside-outside strategy, targeting the warmongering pro-corporate Democrats who impede most social progress (even maliciously abusing their sole, identity-issues virtue ), is the most promising electoral approach available for implementing Klein's sage advice. Stymied chiefly by such establishment Democrats--who refuse even to grant progressives a party forum for challenging Republicans--the PPC has a profound stake in the MPP's inside-outside electoral strategy. So how exactly does that strategy work? As a policy-enforcing measure, it depends on having many voter-activists--both inside and outside the Democratic Party--willing to fight for progressive policies. Presumably, as activists, those working within the party will seek to gain offices in their state party organizations; they will also attempt to persuade as many party progressives as possible to join them in a disciplined progressive voting bloc. As voters, they will vote in primaries only for candidates who support a predetermined progressive agenda (in our case, the PPC agenda); they may even withhold their votes in general elections from Democrats who fail to support progressive aims. Meanwhile, those working outside the party will attempt to build a party supporting such aims, or to back an established party (say, the Green Party) already backing them. The threat to Democrats, of course, is that if they fail to support progressives within the party, those progressives do have somewhere to go with their votes and activism: a viable progressive third party . The key element now arguably lacking to make this strategy work--and the MPP does stress its lack in calling for a People's Party--is a viable third party capable of attracting large numbers of progressives. Without threatening its support for such a progressive third party (or the most viable candidates from several third parties), I have a hard time seeing how the PPC expects to win policy concessions from Democrats unwilling even to mention its policies. Vilifying Trump without having even to mention progressive policies is, after all, largely what Democrats' Russiagate obsession is about. For thoroughness sake, I should mention two points obviously pertinent to the MPP's inside-outside strategy. The first is that those working inside and outside the Democratic Party can be the exact same people. Indeed, as applied to only one office--U.S. president--this was the strategy of the Bernie or Bust movement . The idea was to "draw a line in the sand" in America's most visible electoral race: to warn Democrats that Bernie Sanders was the minimum standard for what progressives would accept in a presidential candidate. If Democrats refused to nominate him, we would either write Sanders in or vote for Jill Stein. Obviously, this "line in the sand" approach can be generalized to many political offices; while Bernie or Bust didn't officially stress it, many movement members undoubtedly did confine their votes to supporters of Sanders and his agenda . Obviously, the MPP's inside-outside strategy does generalize the Bernie or Bust approach to many offices--with the proviso that those "busting" to progressive third parties aren't necessarily the same people insisting on nominating real progressives in Democratic Party primaries. However, the MPP strategy doesn't rule out their being the same people. In states with open primaries, this is probably even the best approach, since progressives can vote in primaries for real progressive Democrats (likely to be the most electable real progressives), while diverting little of their time and effort from the crucial objective of building a viable progressive third party. My second pertinent point, as regards the inside-outside strategy, is whether we actually need a new " People's Party" to fulfill the strategy's requirement for a viable progressive third party. Supporters of the Green Party, or of the Working Families Party, will argue that their parties already fill the bill. The whole idea of building a new People's Party is of course based on skepticism about their claim. For now, I'll simply defer treatment of this large, important--and very contentious--issue. Perhaps the MPP's inside-outside strategy is workable without a single viable third party in place. For the PPC to benefit from that strategy, its supporters may simply need to declare their readiness, if predictably snubbed by Democrats, to vote for third-party progressives who will push their policies. But ideally, the PPC would exert policy pressure best by placing its "outside" electoral eggs in the basket of a single, rapidly growing third party. Next Page 1 | 2 (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. "And then, Rasputin's illegitimate daughter, Dorothy, stood, stern and wispy, she was 104, "I've seen a lot in my lifetime: murder, destruction, passion and good things. Russia, oh Russia, maybe the most physically blessed country in the world, has fallen under the spell of evil men, again and again. The blessings of fertile steppes and aromatic woodlands was not enough to insure goodness. The blessings of the natural world abound in all countries and still evil men rise up and deny Creation. Was my Father evil? Possibly, but also a great lover. I have thought much about this over the years. I don't have much time left. Evil is not devils and monsters -- it is simply the absence of love." "As a psychiatrist I have witnessed the dramatic effects of cognitive dissonance. You and you and you," she said pointing into the crowd. "You can't hate any of mankind and love mankind at the same time. This is the dilemma of despots. Once they hate there is no space left for goodness -- they have banished love from the room. Comrade Lenin began with love for his fellow man. Then he let hate reign. You know the rest of the story." "Mr. Trump lives in darkness, the rich darkness of those with the fate of others in their hands. My life has been long. I have watched this darkness wash over leaders around this world over and over. Don't let his darkness become yours..." From "Rasputin's Daughter Speaks at Whole Foods" By Franklin Cincinnatus 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. Support Trump Effort on North Korea April 11, 2018 First, Jae-in is elected peace president of South Korea. Second, President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un bluster war. Third, at the Winter Olympics, teams from North and South stand side by side. Next, North Korea extends invitation to Trump to come to North Korea and talk peace. Trump accepts. Recently, South Korea and U.S.A. agreed to a bilateral trade deal, a sign of solidarity. Kim goes to China to get ducks in a row. Something is happening in Korea. Trump and Kim are expected to meet face to face to do what diplomats are not able to do, end the tensions that threaten WWIII. Jesus approves enemies talking to arrive at a Grand Korean Peace. Are we looking at a 2018 Nobel Prize for Peace here? Intelligence is favorable: Sources indicate Kim will denuclearize with a defense treaty signed by Russia, China, South Korea and Japan ratified by the United Nations, passed by our Congress and signed by our president. Will all parties sign; will U.N. approve; will the Congress make that treaty law? Of all parties concerned, I am most concerned about "we the people" demanding our Congress do so. Will we? We must praise Trump for his boldness of vision, wish him great success, and let him know that in the matter of ending Korean War, "we got your back." It's the patriotic thing to do. A grand Korean peace 2018 - setting the path right for our children. Would you like to know how many people have read this article? Or how reputable the author is? Simply sign up for a Advocate premium membership and you'll automatically see this data on every article. Plus a lot more, too. This piece was reprinted by OpEdNews with permission or license. It may not be reproduced in any form without permission or license from the source. From Down With Tyranny War on Syria (Image by pixabay.com) Details DMCA Two data points to keep in mind as you contemplate the next Middle East escalation -- or rather, as you contemplate the effects of the escalation while others contemplate the escalation itself. You and your preferences are not a factor in their contemplation; they will wage war when and as they choose. First this, from Pentagon chief James Mattis at the end of February 2018 via Newsweek (h/t Twitter friend Boris Dirnbach): Now Mattis Admits There Was No Evidence Assad Used Poison Gas on His People Lost in the hyper-politicized hullabaloo surrounding the Nunes Memorandum and the Steele Dossier was the striking statement by Secretary of Defense James Mattis that the U.S. has "no evidence" that the Syrian government used the banned nerve agent Sarin against its own people. This assertion flies in the face of the White House (NSC) Memorandum which was rapidly produced and declassified to justify an American Tomahawk missile strike against the Shayrat airbase in Syria. Mattis offered no temporal qualifications, which means that both the 2017 event in Khan Sheikhoun and the 2013 tragedy in Ghouta are unsolved cases in the eyes of the Defense Department and Defense Intelligence Agency. Trump's getting awful advice from the foreign-policy swamp On Sunday I got a call from Mike Doherty. The current state senator and former U.S. Army officer was livid about President Trump's about-face on Syria. "In the 2016 campaign, his major promise was ending these stupid foreign wars," said the Warren County Republican. "If he breaks that promise with his base, I think he's finished." As of early last week, Trump sounded like he was sticking to his promise to pull U.S troops out of Syria. On Tuesday, he met with his generals in what was supposed to be a private meeting on the issue. On Wednesday, leaks from that meeting were widely reported in the press. The reports said his call for a rapid withdrawal of troops from Syria "faced unanimous opposition from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Pentagon, the State Department and the intelligence community." I got an assessment of just how dangerous when I talked with another former Army officer with whom I like to discuss current events. 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). Quicklink Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their quicklinks after publishing them. To see if the quicklink was renamed or re-published, please click here. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. 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. How much more appropriate that sounds than in application to Hillary Clinton. I assume that most of us harbor the conviction that Donald Trump's presidency is illegitimate, and has been so since its inauspicious beginning. Millions more voted against Trump than voted against Hillary, first of all. The states that made the difference for him in the Electoral College were carried with very small margins. That means a whole bunch of small factors could each account for his victory individually, and they can certainly account for it collectively. There was the James Comey blunder, first of all, that sent Clinton's poll numbers plummeting like a stone right before the election. We could already envision that the Republican Party would hound Clinton relentlessly throughout her Presidency on the matter of her e-mails. It would be Bengazi II. She would not be allowed a peaceful moment. The illegitimacy of any Democratic presidency is by now a virtual plank in the Republican platform. Then there is the matter of the votes that were not counted, and of the effects of voter suppression and the restriction of voting rights prior to the election. Consider the piling on by our oligarchs with their millions of campaign contributions going into Republican coffers. Add on the machinations of the governments of Russia and of Israel. And consider what would have happened if we had gotten to see Trump's tax returns. Would labor in the Midwest have turned out for Trump to the degree that they did? It is highly doubtful. Finally, there was the fact that in his epithet "Crooked Hillary; lock her up" Trump had already declared her illegitimacy. Also contributing to Trump's victory was the fact that the Democratic Party put forward a flawed candidate. If we had been allowed to see Clinton's speeches before Wall Street, her candidacy would have deflated like a punctured balloon. We would have had a Bernie Sanders candidacy, which would have led a more virtuous populism on to victory. A Sanders presidency would have sidelined the neocons, and it might well have ended Netanyahu's stranglehold on American foreign policy in the Middle East. Now I would hasten to agree with those who caution that the Democratic Party is too much engaged on a Trump focus, to the neglect of the formulation of a positive agenda going forward. I am not suggesting the declaration of illegitimacy of the Trump presidency because it would be a good tactical or strategic move. Rather, it needs to be asserted because it is true, and because it is important as a matter of principle. It is quite simply a necessity. The present posture gives the impression that we are still waiting for the final misstep that will make Trump's illegitimacy obvious. The party appears to be still waiting for the definitive impeachable act. This status of contingency, and of implicit ambivalence, has the effect of conferring a kind of legitimacy on everything that has already happened--just because it fell short of an obvious Constitutional violation. Everything that has happened is legitimate only if Trump's election was lawful. All the deference that is accorded the President is appropriate only if his Presidency is indeed legitimate. Such legitimacy should not be the ongoing assumption, with all of the adverse consequences resulting therefrom. Trump's Presidency has been illegitimate from Day One, and we should say so simply because that is what we really believe. 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 To The Point Analyses Part I -- Monsters and Animals On 13 April 2018 President Donald Trump ordered the bombing of selective targets in the Syrian capital, Damascus. He did so because he was emotionally upset by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's alleged use of chemical weapons against civilians in the town of Douma -- the last rebel (ISIS-style) stronghold adjacent to the capital. Just prior to Trump's actualizing his emotions by throwing missiles into Damascus, he had expressed his opinion (and keep in mind that there is no difference between fact and opinion for Mr. Trump) that President Assad is a "monster" as well as an "animal." At least in part because the Syrian President stooped to "killing his own people." The problem with all this is (1) Trump has no hard evidence that Assad was behind the alleged gas attack and (2) killing your own people is, unfortunately, what civil wars are all about. Alas, the world has always been, and still is, full of "monsters" and "animals." And, since we are throwing around such epithets, we might as well give a couple of close-to-home examples of those qualifying behaviors. -- How about the invasion of a nation along with the subsequent killing of at least half a million people, all based on "false and overstated intelligence"? That is what the "monster" and "animal" President George W. Bush did back in 2003 in Iraq. -- How about lining up a 100 "sharpshooters" at a border for what seems to be the almost gleeful act of repeatedly shooting down unarmed protesters? That is what the "monster" and "animal" Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been doing at Israel's border with Gaza during the month of April 2018. We can go on citing examples such as these -- all about the "monsters" and "animals" in power in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Myanmar and, at one time or other, just about every other nation. Donald Trump himself, with his racist tendencies and impulsive behavior, is also a very good candidate for wearing the epithets he assigns to others. A lesson learned from this endless list is that it seems to be very difficult to be the leader of a state, particularly a strong and/or ideologically driven leader, and not end up a "monster." It is not only the power that rests in the leader's hands, but also the corrupting organizational pressures and expectations to use that power that create the slippery slope to abuse. Even those who come to office with relatively decent reputations, such as in the case of the U.S., Jimmy Carter and Barack Obama, end up with bloody hands. Part II -- Minions However, the problem does not end there. After all, the "monster" must have his or her minions. Albert Einstein once said that "the pioneers of a warless world are the youth that refuse military service." More recently, the Israeli human rights organization B'tselem has called on Israeli soldiers "to refuse orders to open fire on Palestinian protesters in the Gaza Strip." These public positions have made not a noticeable difference. The massive violence continues. Human violence might have something to do with our evolutionary history, but why should this inclination be so readily indulged? After all, just because we are evolutionarily inclined in a certain way doesn't mean that we can't exercise a modicum of self-control. And indeed, a good number of folks do go through life in a relatively non-violent fashion. Yet, put just about any of us in a rotten barrel and we turn bad. Part of the problem might be that our cultures and institutions infantilize too many of us. By this I mean that from infancy through old age we are taught to follow orders and go along with the group. As children we are taught to obey our parents, then our teachers. When, as teens we (at least in the West) begin to break away from parental control, we more often than not replace parental guidance with that of our peer group. Then, on to a career, where a new set of rules and expectations is imposed. Of course, there is sociological logic to all of this. We could have no societal structure and stability without a certain level of rules and obedience to them. However, there is a price. The price at the state level may be seen in terms of all too often unquestioning loyalty, patriotism and solidarity that leads the average citizen to simply follow the leader, and thereby participate in the violence the state has declared as necessary. "Monsters" like George W. Bush, Benjamin Netanyahu and now Donald Trump do not actually pull the triggers. Someone else does on their orders -- someone trained to obey. Actually "someone" is misleading. It is not one. It is millions. Military establishments are the most obvious environments where this follow the leader cum infantilization takes place. Put into a military organization, the citizen is back in that childhood environment where he or she is expected to just obey. There may be specified situations where one does not have to obey, but they are so rare and so strongly counterbalanced by peer pressure that they almost never come into play. Thus, in the military, all soldiers of whatever rank are infantilized relative to their superiors: told to shoot, they shoot; told to fire the missile, they fire it; told to drop the bomb, they drop it; and told to guide the weaponized drone onto a target half a world away (oops! It turns out to be a wedding party) they guide it. Part III -- Conclusion Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). DAES Representation to Support EthosEnergy Repair Services for Aerospace Engine Components DAES Representation and EthosEnergy team at the MRO Americas 2018 www.daesgroup.com EthosEnergy, a leader in the engine components repair services and DAES Representation, a worldwide aerospace leader solutions provider, just announced that they have signed a representation agreement. The contract was signed during the celebration of MRO Americas 2018.Tom Watson, President of EthosEnergy Accessories and Components commented, at EthosEnergy we recognize the potential benefits of this partnership with a worldwide representative. The needs of the market, and our desire to grow our Aerospace Engine Component business makes this decision a win-win-win. This is great news for our organization, and we will facilitate our aggressive growth plans in the aerospace sector.With this agreement, both companies will work cooperatively to meet the global requirements for the testing, repair and overhaul services for aerospace engine parts, including fuel nozzles, supports, injectors, wire harnesses, EGT thermocouples, speed sensors, housings, vanes, seals, plenums, valves, actuators and pneumatic and electric starter motors.This agreement renews our association with EthosEnergy Accessories and Components. The integrated solutions provided by EthosEnergy will enhance the value that we offer to the aerospace market. Our focus of supporting only those facilities that follow high standards of service is our priority, and EthosEnergy is an impeccable provider. Its facilities are equipped with the capabilities to offer high quality and cost-effective support, said Juerg Bartlome, DAES Group CEO.EthosEnergy Accessories and Components has three strategically located facilities at Aberdeen, UK; Windsor, CT; and Duncan, SC.The DAES Group of Companies is a premier global service that supports aerospace manufactures and commercial, military, and MRO operations; providing turnkey solutions, centric support, and proactive service. Since its foundation, in 1994, the group goal is to be the one-stop support for the aerospace industry worldwide. The group is formed by five companies DAES Consulting, DAES Distribution, DAES Logistics, DAES Representations, and DAES Services. For more information, please visit6601 Lyons Rd. Ste A5/A6, Coconut Creek, FL 33073 Global and China Lithium Carbonate Industry Report, 2017-2021 | ResearchByMarkets Global and China Lithium Carbonate Industry Report, 2017-2021 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/report/global-and-china-lithium-carbonate-industry-report-2017-2021-14631.html https://www.researchbymarkets.com/sample-request/14631 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/inquiry/14631 ResearchByMarkets / Press Release / Manufacturing, "Global and China Lithium Carbonate Industry Report, 2017-2021" , 160 Pages, 22 Companies Profiled.In 2017, global lithium mineral reserves reached 16 million tons, of which Chile boasted roughly 7.5 million tons, occupying 46.88% of the global total; China followed with 3.2 million tons, taking a 20% share. That meant a combined 66.88% of the total was held by the two countries.Browse TOC and List of Tables & Figures:Mature oligopolies are major contributors to supply increase of lithium resources in the short run. In 2017, the worlds output of lithium carbonate amounted to 235.4kt, a year-on-year upsurge of 21.5%, and with increments largely from Mt Marion and Mt. Cattlin mines in Australia. In 2018, global lithium supply will outstrip 250kt (lithium carbonate) because of the continuous production of the two Australian mines and the expected release of 20kt/a Phase II (lithium carbonate) of Albemarles La Negra. There are more than 20 lithium capacity expansion and new construction projects around the globe, which are built to meet the soaring lithium demand. Rocskill predicts the global lithium capacity of nearly 447kt/a (lithium carbonate) in 2025.Request for Sample Pages of this report:At the end of 2017, China saw the basic lithium salt capacity surge by 47% from 170kt/a in 2016 to roughly 250kt/a, including 178kt lithium carbonate, 54kt lithium hydroxide and 18kt lithium chloride, which covered battery grade and industry grade capacity as well as processing capacity of foreign companies in China. In 2018, the degree of matching between releasing time and progress of new lithium salt capacity, and production and expansion of cathode material production lines in China, will affect the supply and demand of lithium salt at home and abroad.Despite capacity expansions by Chinese lithium carbonate producers in recent years, the enterprises concerned run actual capacity far lower than designed one, and exacerbated a slower capacity release, resulting in supply shortage of lithium carbonate in the Chinese market. Additionally, as Chinese enterprises mostly import Australian ores as raw materials, production capacity may be limited by rising costs of raw materials in the long term. In 2017, China reported the lithium carbonate output of 123.4kt while apparent consumption of 127kt, leaving a supply gap of 33kt. There will be still an expected tight balance between supply and demand of lithium carbonate in China during 2018-2020.Make an Inquiry:Global and China Lithium Carbonate Industry Report, 2017-2021 highlights the followings:Global and Chinas lithium carbonate supply and demand, supply gap, the demand for lithium carbonate from downstream sectors, especially new energy vehicles, energy storage, and consumer electronics;Global and Chinas competitive landscape, including market share of foreign and domestic companies, capacity planning, market pattern, etc.;Chinas lithium carbonate imports and exports, covering import/export value, prices, sources, destinations, etc.;Chinas production costs of lithium carbonate with lithium extracted from ores and from salt lake brine, price trends, etc.;Chinas lithium battery industry, including shipment, technology roadmap, market pattern, etc.;Operation, technology, development planning, and output & sales of 8 lithium carbonate suppliers in the United States, Chile, Australia, etc.;Operation, technology, development planning, and output & sales of 14 Chinese lithium carbonate producers.Companies Mentioned:SQMAlbemarleFMCOrocobreGalaxy Resources LtdSimbol MaterialsSentientNordic MiningTianqi Lithium CorporationQinghai Salt Lake Industry Co., Ltd.Youngy Co., Ltd.Tibet Mineral Development Co., Ltd.Sichuan Western Resources Holding Co., Ltd.Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd.Western Mining Co., Ltd.Tibet Urban Development and Investment Co., Ltd.Jiangxi Special Electric Motor Co., Ltd.Xinjiang Lithium Salt PlantSichuan Ni & Co Guorun New Materials Co., Ltd.Sichuan Jixiang Lithium Technology Co., Ltd.ABA Guangsheng Lithium Co., Ltd.Shanghai China Lithium Industrial Co., Ltd.Contact:ResearchByMarketsMs. Lia Seth | Client Relations Managerenquiry@researchbymarkets.comResearch By Markets is an online Market Research Report Repository.Our repository contains reports segmented by Geography and Industry. We cover all major Industry Verticals - Information Technology, Semiconductor, Electronics, Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, BioTechnology, Energy & Power, Banking and many more.Research By Markets3, Nagar Road,Pune 411 014, Maharashtra, Indiaenquiry@researchbymarkets.com+1-800-416-3124 Global and China Laser Processing Equipment Industry Report, 2017-2021 | ResearchByMarkets Global and China Laser Processing Equipment Industry Report, 2017-2021 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/report/global-and-china-laser-processing-equipment-industry-report-2017-2021-14630.html https://www.researchbymarkets.com/sample-request/14630 https://www.researchbymarkets.com/inquiry/14630 ResearchByMarkets / Press Release / Manufacturing, "Global and China Laser Processing Equipment Industry Report, 2017-2021", Pages 160, 31 Companies Profiled.With the fast evolvement and wide application of laser technology, the global laser processing industry has grown by leaps and bounds. In 2017, the global laser processing market size exceeded USD10 billion, of which the global industrial laser market was worth USD3 billion. Industrial lasers are primarily used in laser material processing, laser micromachining and marking. Laser welding, laser cutting and marking account for over 60% of global laser material processing.Browse TOC and List of Tables & Figures:China, the world leader in laser applications, has seen a surge in laser processing demand under the impetus of manufacturing upgrading and the burgeoning emerging industries. In 2017, the scale of laser processing equipment in China surpassed RMB26 billion, a year-on-year increase of 10.2%. Wherein, laser cutting equipment and laser welding equipment grew dramatically. The growth of laser cutting equipment was mainly prompted by OLED panel cutting, 3D glass cutting, sapphire cutting, and mobile phone abnormity cutting; the growth of laser welding equipment was boosted by metal middle frame welding, power battery welding, automotive lightweight and other fields. Relatively speaking, the slowdown in the growth rate of laser marking equipment was largely due to low technical threshold and relatively mature market.Request for Sample Pages for this report:As concerns laser applications, fiber lasers have become the first choice for the laser processing industry. Over the past two years, the applications of fiber lasers in laser cutting systems have registered leapfrog growth globally, particularly in medium-power cutting systems. In welding systems, 60% of laser welding equipment has rendered fiber lasers.The Chinese fiber laser cutting equipment market in 2017 was primarily characterized by 10KW and even 12KW products launched by manufacturers represented by Han's Laser Technology, HGLASER, Penta Laser and Lead Laser. And 15KW and above products will come into being in 2018. With emergence of ultra-high-power laser cutting equipment, the thickness limit of material cutting will be broke constantly and the price for plate processing will be further lowered, thus attracting more enterprises into the field.Global laser processing market has become further concentrated after Coherents acquisition of Rofin in 2016. There are only four companies with revenue of more than USD1 billion, specifically, TRUMPF (Germany), Coherent (United States, after acquisition of Rofin), IPG (fiber laser leader), and Han's Laser Technology.Han's Laser Technology achieved revenue of RMB11.56 billion (over RMB10 billion for the first time) and net income of RMB1.68 billion in 2017, soaring 66.1% and 122.1% over the previous year, respectively, largely thanks to strong demand for consumer electronics, new energy, high-power and PCB equipment. The company is building global laser smart manufacturing base in Baoan District, Shenzhen, which will be the worlds largest laser production base upon completion.Make an Inquiry:Global and China Laser Processing Equipment Industry Report, 2017-2021 highlights the followings:Global laser industry, laser and laser equipment market size, major companies;Chinese laser processing equipment market (size, structure, regional structure, major companies, import & export, price trend, etc.);Chinese laser processing equipment market segments (laser cutting, welding, marking, and engraving) (size, major companies, etc.);Downstream markets for traditional (semiconductor, PCB, automobile, etc.) and emerging industries (smartphone, OLED, power battery, 3D printing, etc.) in China (market size, major enterprises, demand for laser processing equipment);Six global and 25 Chinese laser processing equipment manufacturers (operation, laser processing equipment business, key projects, forecast, etc.)Chinese laser processing equipment market and enterprise (summary & forecast, development trends, etc.).Companies Mentioned:TRUMPFCoherentIPGPrima IndustrieNovanta (GSI Group)BystronicHan's Laser Technology Co., Ltd.Wuhan Golden Laser Co., Ltd.Huagong Tech Company LimitedSiasun Robot and Automation Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Yawei Machine Tool Co., Ltd.Suzhou Tianhong Laser Co., Ltd.Shenzhen Sunshine Laser & Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.United Winners Laser Co., Ltd.Jiatai Laser Technology Co., Ltd.Chutian Laser GroupWuhan Unity Laser Co., Ltd.Wuhan Tianqi Laser Equipment Manufacturing Co., LtdSuzhou Delphi Laser Co., Ltd.Beijing Daheng Laser Equipment Co., Ltd.Wuhan Dahua Laser Technology Co., Ltd.Jiangsu Shuguang Photoelectricity Co., Ltd.BOYE Laser Co., Ltd.Beijing Kaitian Tech. Co., Ltd.Wuhan HE Laser Engineering Co., Ltd.Suzhou Lead Laser Technology Co., Ltd.Shenzhen GDlaser Technology Co., Ltd.Shenzhen DNE Laser Technology Co., Ltd. (Bystronic DNE)Foshan Beyond Laser Co., Ltd. (HSG Laser)Dongguan Strong Laser Equipment Co., Ltd. (Strong Laser)Suzhou Quick Laser Technology Co., Ltd.Contact:ResearchByMarketsMs. Lia Seth | Client Relations Managerenquiry@researchbymarkets.comResearch By Markets is an online Market Research Report Repository.Our repository contains reports segmented by Geography and Industry. We cover all major Industry Verticals - Information Technology, Semiconductor, Electronics, Manufacturing, Food & Beverages, Telecommunications, Healthcare, Pharmaceutical, Automotive, BioTechnology, Energy & Power, Banking and many more.Research By Markets3, Nagar Road,Pune 411 014, Maharashtra, Indiaenquiry@researchbymarkets.com+1-800-416-3124 Blood Processing Devices and Consumables Market Comprehensive Review of its Applications, Demand, Growth Opportunities and Future Prospects https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/blood-processing-devices-and-consumables-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/blood-processing-devices-and-consumables-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/send-enquiry?enquiry-url=blood-processing-devices-and-consumables-market https://www.psmarketresearch.com Increasing infections and related diseases due to blood transfusion and blood donation are some of the major concerns in healthcare arena. Infectious diseases through blood transfusions occur due to the presence of microorganism, such as bacteria, virus and others parasites, in blood of donors which reach to receivers and infect their blood. Hepatitis and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) are some of the major infectious diseases which pose great challenge to healthcare providers for the prevention and treatment of these diseases. To overcome this problem, various blood processing devices and blood processing consumables are used to prevent infection in blood transfusion and blood donation procedures. Blood processing devices are used in cell processing, blood refrigeration and centrifugation of blood cells. Blood processing consumables are used in collection of blood and grouping by various reagents.Access Detailed Report Summary:North America dominates the global blood processing devices and consumables market followed by Europe. This is due to increased awareness, developed economies and increased government support in the region. In addition, high disposable incomes and favorable reimbursement policies are also supporting in the growth of blood processing devices and consumables market in the region. The U.S., followed by Canada, is the largest market for blood processing devices and consumables in North America. Germany, France and the U.K. are some of the largest markets for blood processing devices and consumables market in Europe. However, Asia-Pacific represents the fastest growing region in the global blood processing devices and consumables market. This is due to increasing awareness and rising demand of blood and blood components for blood transfusion in the region. In addition, raising population and various government initiatives are also supporting the growth of blood processing devices and consumables market in Asia. Government initiatives and campaigns in countries, such as India and China, are trying to educate people about safe blood donations and transfusions procedures. This would develop opportunity for blood processing devices and consumable market in Asia.Request to Get the Sample Pages at:However, stringent regulations and legislations is a key restraint of the global blood processing devices and consumables market. In addition, high cost of blood handling instruments and lack of skilled healthcare professionals to operate expensive instruments also obstructs the growth the global market. The global market is witnessing increased mergers and acquisitions between blood banks and government bodies.Make Enquiry Before Buying the Report:Some of the major competitors in the market include Abbott Laboratories, Biomerieux SA, Becton, Dickinson And Company, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Danaher Corporation, Grifols International, Thermogenesis Corporation, Terumo Corporation, Roche Holdings AG, Macopharma SA, Immucor, Inc. and Haemonetics Corporation.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a market research company, which offers market research and consulting services for various geographies around the globe. We provide market research reports, industry forecasting reports, business intelligence, and research based consulting services across different industry/business verticals.As one of the top growing market research agency, were keen upon providing market landscape and accurate forecasting. Our analysts and consultants are proficient with business intelligence and market analysis, through their interaction with leading companies of the concerned domain. We help our clients with B2B market research and assist them in identifying various windows of opportunity, and framing informed and customized business expansion strategies in different regions.Contact:P&S Market Research347, 5th Ave. #1402New York City, NY - 10016Toll-Free: +1-888-778-7886 (USA/Canada)Email: enquiry@psmarketresearch.comWeb: Controlled-release Fertilizers Market Gaining a Strong Foothold by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1583 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1583 https://www.tmrresearch.com/controlled-release-fertilizers-market.html Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: SnapshotThe growing population in contrast with the decreasing arable land is one of the reasons behind the steadily increasing demand for controlled release fertilizers. Rapid urbanization has reduced the area of land available for agriculture and this has created a pressure to make use of good quality fertilizers so as to increase land productivity. Shortage of food crops and adverse climatic conditions are shifting the focus towards sustainable agriculture and this will fuel the growth of the global controlled release fertilizers market. Need for fertilizers so as to improve crop yield is aiding the growth of the market.Controlled release fertilizers provide better performance as compared to conventional fertilizers as they extend the nutrient intake time, and this is expected to help the market to grow in the years to come. Reduced labor cost and low risk of use are some other factors boosting their demand. Government initiatives are also expected to play a key role in the development of these fertilizers and drive the growth of controlled release fertilizers.Request Sample Copy of the Report @On the other hand, there are a few factors which are holding back the growth of the market to its fullest potential. These include, high price of controlled release fertilizers as compared to conventional ones and lack of awareness about this fertilizer in developing and under-developed countries. Many farmers are unaware of the potential benefits of controlled release fertilizers. This is also a factor restricting the growth of the market. However, with advancements in technology, the price of controlled release fertilizers may decrease and this will help fuel their demand.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: OverviewControlled-release fertilizers are fertilizers that are capable of releasing nutrients in the soil in a controlled manner over an extended time frame. This technique, as compared to the fast-release technique of several conventional fertilizer varieties, is made possible with the help of encapsulating nutrient granules in polymeric coatings. Studies have demonstrated that controlled release of nutrients is more effective in providing nutrients to crops as compared to the fast-release technique as the availability of nutrients coincides with crops nutrient requirement - enhancing the efficiency of crop nutrition, improving crop quality, and increasing yield.Request TOC of the Report @Controlled-release fertilizers are also known to exert lesser impact on the environment as compared to fast-release fertilizers as they are not washed through or off farmlands, diminishing the possibility of chemicals in fertilizers leaching into water bodies or causing pollution. Earlier used mostly for nursery container crops, the rising awareness about these benefits of controlled-release fertilizers has extended their usage to conventional farming these days.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Key TrendsThe vast rise in global population and urban settlements and the resultant reduction in arable land are leading to a scenario wherein the demand for food products is rising and agricultural yield is failing to sustain these demands. Attempts to solve these issues are leading to an increased focus on sustainable agriculture practices, driving the demand for fertilizers with enhanced efficiency, such as controlled-release ones. In the next few years as well, the mounting demand for food products and limited arable lands will be key to the overall development of the global controlled-release fertilizers.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Market PotentialMergers, acquisitions, and expansion of knowledge base to be able to develop innovative products are some of the key strategies adopted by players operating in the global controlled-release fertilizers. Recently, ICL Innovation, a subsidiary of ICL (Israel Chemicals Ltd.), has recently entered into a multi-year research and development collaboration with Evogene Ltd., a company operating in the field of research and development related to crop production improvement. The collaboration will work towards the discovery of novel crop enhancers for the enhancement of nutrient uptake efficiency of selected crops.Under the collaboration, Evogene will work towards utilizing its computational discovery platform for identifying the potential of some compounds to improve the efficiency of nutrient use by crops. Successful candidates identified from the research activities could be used in ICL's future products.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Regional AnalysisFrom a geographical perspective, the global market for controlled-release fertilizers is dominated by the Asia Pacific market. The region single-handedly accounts for over half of the overall revenue generated by the global market and is both a high-production as well as high-consumption region. Rising government support for improvement of the agriculture industry in most agro-based economies and high population base in the region play a key role in encouraging the adoption of a variety of fertilizers that are capable of boosting food production. In the Asia Pacific controlled-fertilizer market, China accounts for a dominant share, in terms of production as well as consumption.The region features the presence of some of the worlds leading controlled-fertilizer manufacturers and low manufacturing costs owing to cheap labor and sustained supply of raw materials are bringing in more companies in the region. In the next few years, Asia Pacific is expected to retain its dominant position in the global controlled-release fertilizers market.Global Controlled-release Fertilizers Market: Competitive DynamicsThe market features a largely fragmented vendor landscape with a large number of companies operating in emerging economies such as India, Malaysia, and China. Cheap labor and steady availability of raw materials allow companies operating in such areas to economically expand their production capacities and supply products in the domestic markets with high-growth potential at low costs.Some of the leading companies operating in the global controlled release fertilizers market are Shandong Shikefeng Chemical Industry Co. Ltd., Chisso Corporation, ICL, Kingenta Ecological Engineering Group Co., Ltd., Ekompany, Agrium, AgroBridge, ATS Group, Compo GMBH & Co. KG, Greenfeed Agro Sdn. Bhd, and Haifa Chemicals ltd.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com On-the-go Breakfast Packaging Market - Increasing Trend of Consumption of Convenience Foods Propells Growth https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=26579 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/on-the-go-breakfast-packaging-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/26579 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global on-the-go breakfast packaging market is characterized by a high degree of fragmentation with a large number of small and medium-sized companies, which renders an intense competitive scenario. In order to survive the cut-throat competition, savvy players are engaged in broadening their product portfolio range for a single product to cater to the different requirements of consumers.Obtain Brochure For Latest Technology Advancements @Some of the key growth drivers in the global on-the-go breakfast packaging market are increasing trend of consumption of convenience foods, rising trend of single households, increasing expenditure on prepared foods, and a large number of women in the workforce.Obtain Report Details @Apart from this, rising health claims of manufacturers of on-the-go breakfast foods about additional health benefits, especially the organic variants is bolstering the demand for food packaging solutions.Download TOC @The global on-the-go breakfast packaging market is divided into rigid packaging and flexible packaging based upon packaging type. The segment of flexible packaging accounts for a leading share in the market in terms of value. The major factor driving the flexible packaging segment is consumer preference for convenient packaging solutions. Flexible packaging is expected to rise at a CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period.About TMRTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Physical Vapor Deposition Market Influential Rate by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1586 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1586 https://www.tmrresearch.com/physical-vapor-deposition-market.html Global Physical Vapor Deposition Market: SnapshotPhysical vapor deposition (PVD) involves a number of thin film deposition techniques to produce thin films and coatings. The process is environment friendly that involves low amounts of toxic substances to be disposed that what is involved with conventional processes. It essentially involves vaporization of the metal from solid source assisted by high temperature vacuum, followed by transportation of vapor in vacuum, and back to condensation to generate thin films.PVD provides extremely pure and high performance coatings. This makes coatings obtained through PVD preferable over the ones obtained by electroplating. PVD coatings also high resistance to tarnishing and coatings that enable them to be used for a host of decorative finishes. In addition, it produces highly brilliant finishes that make watches resistant to scratches. Some other applications of PVD Coatings is for optical use that range from glasses to self-cleaning tinted windows. The corrosion resistance property of PVD coatings make them highly suitable for household items such as door handles, marine fixtures, and plumbing fixtures.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Some of the commonly used PVD coatings include zirconium nitride, titanium nitride, chromium carbon nitride, zirconium carbon nitride, titanium carbon nitride, and chromium nitride. The nitrides, carbides, silicides, and borides that constitute PVD coating materials each have special qualities suitable for specific applications. For example, graphite and titanium are used in high performance automotive and aerospace component where temperature and friction are critical success factors.The global PVD market is expected to display significant growth in the upcoming years primarily due to the need for reliable and durable coatings for medical equipment.Physical Vapor Deposition Market: OverviewPhysical vapor deposition (PVD) is a process wherein a thin coating is formed on an object using the base material via evaporation and condensation. This technique is used in automotive, defense, healthcare, and many other industries.Request TOC of the Report @The physical vapor deposition market may include a number of materials, equipment, and services. PVD materials include a number of commonly used raw materials such as aluminum, titanium, and nitrogen. Physical vapor deposition services comprise coating services and installation of various equipment. PVD equipment include those used for heating, vacuuming, coating, and condensation.PVD finds application in medical equipment, cutting tools, solar products, data storage, and microelectronics. Owing to a number of photovoltaic and wafer cell manufacturers investing in R&D efforts, the utilization of PVD technology has been quite high in solar products. On the other hand, rising government expenditure in providing people improved healthcare facilities has also resulted in increased usage of physical vapor deposition in medical equipment.Physical Vapor Deposition Market: TrendsThe global physical vapor deposition market is projected to witness steady growth in the coming years thanks to the application of this technology and equipment in a wide range of industries. This has been possible owing to rising awareness about the many benefits of PVD coatings over traditional coatings. The PVD coating technique offers advantages such as durability, strength, no residue, corrosion resistance, and environmental friendliness.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @In contrast, the patent-protection defines this technology and this limits the growth opportunities for up and coming players. Moreover, physical vapor deposition requires high amounts of capital investment, which is another roadblock, especially for smaller vendors.Physical Vapor Deposition Market: Market PotentialDespite the consolidated and capital-intensive nature of the global physical vapor deposition market, it offers several opportunities for players. Recognizing the potential in this market, Applied Materials, Inc., a California, U.S.-based company that supplies material engineering solutions, launched a physical vapor deposition system called Applied Endura Cirrus HTX PVD in May 2015. This is used to develop titanium nitride (TiN) thin films and reflects Applieds expertise in the application of physical vapor deposition technology in engineering titanium nitride films.Physical Vapor Deposition Market: Regional OutlookFrom a regional perspective, the global market for physical vapor deposition is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Asia Pacific accounts for a major share in the overall market owing to significant demand from several end-use industries. Considering the fact that PVD technology offers a rather high profit margin, large equipment manufacturers have focused their attention toward this lucrative market by setting up shop in many ASEAN countries. Another factor that drives the APAC physical vapor deposition market is growing interest in battery storage for solar PV systems in China, India, and Japan, where there is a high unmet need for power infrastructure.What makes North America a strong contender in the PVD market is the presence of a number of small and medium domestic players, including Vacuum Aurora Scientific Corp., AJA International, Inc., Novellus Systems, and KDF Electronics. In addition to this, strong regulatory support has encouraged rising number of investors to capitalize on the benefits offered by PVD technology.Physical Vapor Deposition Market: Competitive AnalysisSemicore Equipment, Veeco Instruments, Ionbond (IHI Group), Novellus Systems, AJA International, Platit, Hauzer Coating Technology (IHI Group), ULVAC Technologies, and Oerlikon Balzers are some of the prominent players competing in the global physical vapor deposition market. It has been observed that this is an immensely consolidated market owing to the high costs of PVD equipment, which pose severe entry-level barriers for new entrants. Another challenge that new players have to endure is the patent-protected nature of this technology. Product innovation is a key area of focus for most players, in addition to strategic acquisitions and collaborations.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Bitumen Market Notable Share,Growth by 2025 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=B&rep_id=1589 https://www.tmrresearch.com/sample/sample?flag=T&rep_id=1589 https://www.tmrresearch.com/bitumen-market.html Global Bitumen Market: SnapshotThe bitumen market is indirectly related to the GDP due to its widespread usage in road construction, industrial applications, and waterproofing. Robust growth of the construction sector primarily owing to government initiatives to improve infrastructure is positively impacting the bitumen market. This is because bitumen possess certain properties that are inbuilt at the time of its manufacture. Bitumen as a raw material in flexible road construction and bitumen as a mix offers several advantages that account for its wide usage in road construction.Bitumen is also used as an adhesive and as a sealant. Some other applications of bitumen include water proofing of ships and boats due to its water insoluble characteristics. Bitumen is used in the construction of water tanks, dams, and bridges.Request Sample Copy of the Report @Bitumen is a mixture of black organic liquids that are highly sticky, viscous, and entirely soluble in carbon disulfide. Crude bitumen is so thick that it must be heated to make it flowing. Refined bitumen is the residual obtained by the fractional distillation of crude oil. Naturally available crude bitumen is the key feedstock for petroleum production from tar sands that is currently under development in Canada.Some of the crucial factors responsible for the extensive usage of bitumen are its economical means of production, versatility due to its physical and rheological properties, low melting point, recyclable, adhesive properties, and color variety.On the other hand, climate change concerns due to greenhouses gases has led to the introduction of bitumen alternatives that are eco-friendly and are less toxic.Global Bitumen Market: OverviewBitumen is a mixture of hydrocarbons, which are highly viscous and black, obtained naturally or as a byproduct of petroleum distillation. It is extensively used for surfacing in the road construction. It provides excellent water resistance along with high stickiness and viscosity. The commonly available types of bitumen are paving grade, cutback, polymer modified, bitumen emulsion, and oxidized. Other than road construction, they find application in insulations, adhesives, waterproofing, and paints.Request TOC of the Report @Global Bitumen Market: Key TrendsThe increasing government measures for road development across the world are augmenting the global bitumen market. In addition, the rising road traffic is creating a dire need for wider roads, which is consequently boosting the global demand for bitumen. Moreover, the booming construction industry worldwide is favoring the growth of the market. The growing investments by governments in the upgradation of public infrastructure and rising disposable income of people around the world are leading to the greater construction activities. The robust growth of the paint and coatings sector is also supplementing the growth of the market. Paints manufactured using bitumen provide excellent weatherproofing and corrosion traits.On the flip side, the stringent regulatory environment for the manufacturing and application of bitumen is adversely affecting the growth of the market. Furthermore, bitumen manufacturing includes fractional distillation of crude oil. Thus, the protean prices of raw material are negatively impacting the growth of the market.Read Comprehensive Overview of Report @Global Bitumen Market: Market PotentialTransportation of bitumen is a major concern for players in the market, as any accident can lead to environmentally damaging spills and high-profile explosions. As a result, bitumen manufacturers and transport authorities are focusing towards developing safer transport option. One such effort that could be a game changer is being taken by the Canadian National Railway Co. In February 2017, the company filed a patent for a novel technology that turns bitumen into mostly solid dry packets that would not leak, explode, or sink in water. It is still a bleeding edge technology, however, with constant efforts the technology is estimated to emerge niche alternative to traditional shipping methods. Such innovations are expected to provide a significant boost to the growth of the market.Global Bitumen Market: Geographical SegmentationThe key segments methodically examined based on geography are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America will be a prominent destination for global players during the review period. The increasing initiatives taken by governments towards the repair and redevelopment of existing roads are driving the demand for bitumen in the region. The growing residential remodeling practices, especially in the U.S., is also fuelling the growth of the region.Developing regions are expected to progress at a noteworthy CAGR in the forthcoming years. The growth of Asia Pacific can be attributed to the growing number of cities and increasing consumer disposable income, which is leading to the rising construction activities and sales of vehicles. China, Japan, and India will be sights of high growth rate in the region. The increasing infrastructure development will propel the growth of the market in Latin America and the Middle East and Africa.Global Bitumen Market: Competitive LandscapeThe presence of a large number of regional players has rendered the global bitumen market highly fragmented. The majority of players are operating throughout the supply chain of the market. Companies are focusing towards enhancing their visibility in the market by introducing advanced technologies that cater to the requirements of end users. Some of the prominent global participants in the bitumen are Total S.A., British Petroleum, Indian Oil Corporation, JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Chevron Texaco Corporation, Total S.A., Royal Dutch Shell Plc., NuStar Energy, and Exxon Mobil Corporation.About TMR ResearchTMR Research is a premier provider of customized market research and consulting services to business entities keen on succeeding in todays supercharged economic climate. Armed with an experienced, dedicated, and dynamic team of analysts, we are redefining the way our clients conduct business by providing them with authoritative and trusted research studies in tune with the latest methodologies and market trends.Our savvy custom-built reports span a gamut of industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals and metals, food and beverages, and technology and media, among others. With actionable insights uncovered through in-depth research of the market, we try to bring about game-changing success for our clients.Contact:TMR Research,3739 Balboa St # 1097,San Francisco, CA 94121United StatesTel: +1-415-520-1050Email: sales@tmrresearch.com Crest Pumps Announces the New Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump AMX86 http://www.crestpumps.co.uk New Milton, Hampshire, United Kingdom., April 18, 2018 -- Crest Pumps has many years of experience in Plastic Magnetic Drive Pumps (Mag drive pumps) and is the UKs first choice for the most robust and efficient pump for chemical applications.Crest Pumps supplies various mag drive pumps to industry and has recently introduced the new AMX86 Mag Drive Pump range to the UK market. The new AMX86 has the following features:- 85mm inlet 65mm outlet- 5.5kw and 7.5kW- Larger flowrates < 1250 L/min (75m3/hr) and head < 33m- Same innovative AMX design of running dry and reduced wear, with the patented buffer- Ex-stock availability- Polypropylene and ETFE constructionJames Dashwood, Managing Director, who has recently taken over the helm of the family-run business, which has been established for 45 years, saysPart of the strategic plan is to build upon the growth of the plastic mag drive pump range, which are perfect for chemical processing solutions in industry. Mag drive pumps are available in a range of different chemically resistant materials, ensuring the pumps are built to withstand tough conditions. They are the ideal pump for highly corrosive applications, high temperatures and high pressures. The AMX86 is the ideal choice for larger flowrate applications where polypropylene is suitable as it makes a considerable cost saving compared to other pumps of this size where they are usually only available in ETFEOther Mag Drive pumps, which are available from the Crest Pumps range include:- AM Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump small, simple and reliable- AMX Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump Medium with a patented run dry design- AVF Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump Medium, award winning, highly efficient- AMXi Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump Medium, ETFE lined- AMA Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump Large, ISO2858, Ex-stock- AME Plastic Magnetic Drive Pump Large, PFA lined, heavy duty.Crest Pumps Plastic Magnetic Drive Pumps are seal-less meaning there is no risk to leakage, which in a toxic chemical environment is an absolute necessity; avoiding damage to the local environment and eradicating needless expensive clean-up bills should there be any issues in the process line.Mag drive pump ranges are available in various materials, including Polypropylene, PFA, PVDF, ETFE, Carbon, Ceramic, Silicon Carbide, Viton and EPDM to suit all corrosive chemical pumping applications.Run DryThe full carbon/ceramic Magnetic Drive pump range are specifically engineered with Run-Dry protection built in, benefit being the pump will be able to run for up to 8 hours without damage (depending upon the scenario)Quick Lead TimesCrest Pumps achieves this by carrying a large amount of stock across all ranges, meaning products can be shipped for next-day delivery.Quality AssuredAll of the mag drive pumps have been designed for years of trouble-free operation; these pumps have been built to be the most cost-efficient chemical pump, with minimal maintenance, high efficiency (up to 85%) and near 0% failure rate.Crest Pumps has many years of experience in Plastic Magnetic Drive Pumps (Mag drive pumps) and is the UKs first choice for the most robust and efficient pump for chemical applications.James DashwoodCrest Pumps7 Queensway, Stem Lane Ind EstNew Milton, Hampshire BH25 5NN+44 (0)1425 627700georgina@sambecketts.com North and South America Renewable Energy Policy Handbook Market Share,Size,Trends 2018 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1714317 https://www.researchmoz.us/north-and-south-america-renewable-energy-policy-handbook-2018-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "North and South America Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.North and South America Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2018Summary"North and South America Renewable Energy Policy Handbook 2018, is among the latest region specific policy report from GlobalData, the industry analysis specialist that offers comprehensive information on major policies governing renewable energy market in different countries of the region.The report provides the current and future renewable energy targets and plans along with the present policy framework, giving a fair idea of overall growth potential of the renewable energy industry. The report also provides major technology specific policies and incentives provided in different countries of the region.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report is built using data and information sourced from industry associations, government websites and statutory bodies. The information is also sourced through other secondary research sources such as industry and trade magazines.Scope- The report covers policy measures and incentives used by North and South America to promote renewable energy.- The report details promotional measures in North and South America both for the overall renewable energy industry and for specific renewable energy technologies that have potential in the region.Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision making capability in a more rapid and time sensitive manner. It will allow you to -- Develop business strategies with the help of specific insights about policy decisions being taken for different renewable energy sources.- Identify opportunities and challenges in exploiting various renewable technologies.- Compare the level of support provided to different renewable energy technologies in the region.- Be ahead of competition by keeping yourself abreast of all the latest policy changes.1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents1.1 List of Tables2 Executive Summary3 Introduction3.1 Renewable Energy Policy3.2 GlobalData Report Guidance4 Renewable Energy Policy, Argentina4.1 Overview4.2 Law on Promotion of Renewable Sources of Energy for Electricity Production: 261904.3 Law on Promotion of Renewable Sources of Energy for Electricity Production: 27,1914.4 RenovAr Program4.5 Macri Governments Energy Plan 2015-20194.6 Renewable Energy Generation Program4.7 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for Solar4.8 Financial Incentives and Policy Support for WindGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @4.9 National Strategic Plan for Wind Energy4.10 The Biofuel Competitiveness Plan4.11 The Biofuel Law4.12 National Bioenergy Program4.13 Energy Efficiency Project4.14 Energy Efficiency Policies for Appliances4.15 National Program for Rational and Efficient Use of Energy5 Renewable Energy Policy, Brazil5.1 Overview5.2 Auctions/Tenders5.3 Local Content Policy5.4 Brazil National Climate Change Plan5.5 National Policy on Energy Efficiency5.6 National Electricity Conservation Program - PROCEL5.7 National Energy Plan (PNE), 20305.8 Brazilian Energy Plan, (PDE) 20235.9 Energy Expansion Plan 2010-20195.10 Luz para Todos Electrification Program5.11 Incentives for Small Hydropower Facilities, Law 96485.12 Wind Turbine Component Tax Exemption (Executive Decree 656)5.13 Inova Energia Program5.14 National Biodiesel ProgramContinue...About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @Follow me on @ Global Material Removal Tools Market Will Grow At A CAGR Of 6.04% by Revenue During The Period 2017-2021: Kennametal, Komatsu, MAKINO, Sandvik Market Research Report https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1315071 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-material-removal-tools-market-2017-2021-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1315071 http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Material Removal Tools Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.About Material Removal ToolsMaterial removal tools are extensively used in the shaping and cutting of metals and other materials to obtain the desired product specifications. These tools are primarily used in the manufacturing of critical components with great accuracy and ease. Based on the mode of operation, material removal tools can either be conventional or numerically controlled. Material removal tools include products such as power tools, machining centers, grinding machines, and turning machines, which are widely used in many end-user industries.Technavios analysts forecast the global material removal tools market to grow at a CAGR of 6.04% during the period 2017-2021.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global material removal tools market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of machine tools and the power tools.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Material Removal Tools Market 2017-2021, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendorsDMG MORIDalian Machine Tool Group (DMTG)MakitaRobert BoschSMTCLView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Other prominent vendorsAllied Machine & EngineeringAmadaAtlas CopcoBAIERBeijing No.1 Machine ToolCasalsCraftsmanDoosan InfracoreFair Friend GroupFANUCFreudenbergGF Machining SolutionsHaas AutomationHardingeHiltiJTEKTKennametalKomatsuMAKINOSandvikMarket driverGrowing need to develop superior-quality productsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challengeFluctuations in raw material pricesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendAdditive manufacturingFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMake An Enquiry @Key questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact :ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @ Milk Thistle Extract Market Trends, Regulations & Competitive Landscape Outlook to 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=26531 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/checkout.php?rep_id=26531Persepolis by Iannis Xenakis Persepolis by Iannis Xenakis Divided up into nine tracks for the sake of convenience, the music of Persepolis sounds as bewilderingly modern now as is probably did at its premiere. Its the musical equivalent of the fable of the boiling frog: the water is fine when the frog is inside the pot. Turn up the heat gradually, and the frog wont realize the change in temperature until its too late. But instead of boiling water, Persepolis sounds like a gradually brewing sandstorm that turns into a full-blown tornado halfway through. These noises, this carefully controlled chaos lasts for almost an hour, and that can either intrigue or exhaust the listener. Speaking for myself, the reasons that Persepolis appeals to me are the very same things that make avant-garde so unique unclassifiable, nearly indescribable forms of sounds that have not been heard before and may never be heard again. It doesnt have to be academic if you dont care for it to be. Naturally, people may be repulsed by Persepolis for the very same reasons, and I dont blame them if they are. This isnt background music for your office. It isnt meant to put a spring in your step. What is it for, then? Thats a great question, one probably best answered by the visuals that were presented at its premiere. Divorced from that, it is here for its own sake it is art. It may be mathematically-modeled, computer-generated noise, but that doesnt mean it cant be art too. Reading is an unnatural act, claims Tufts psychologist Maryanne Wolf. So why dont police officers hide in public restroom stalls, waiting to pounce at the first rustle of page-turning next door? Simple answer: Reading, to educated types, is an unnatural act next to godliness, a blessing to be encouraged in children, applauded in adults and sacralized by teachers. That dual profile unnatural yet wonderful provides the parameters for Wolfs brilliant and eye-opening, but also occasionally exasperating, Proust and the Squid. Titled for a certain French novelist whose leisurely, snob-appeal sentences require close attention, and a slippery creature that scientists of the 1950s preferred to neuronally test rather than eat, its Wolfs trade-book extrapolation from her core research on dyslexia. The plot? How our brains manage the fantastic feat of reading, still unmatched by dolphins, baboons and other faddish semi-humans. On the plus side, Wolf, director of her universitys Center for Reading and Language Research, knows everything scientific and social-sciencey about how children learn, or fail to learn, to read. Without moving her lips, she relates here what our brains do while were reading and what they look like in imaging technology. Wolf acknowledges from the outset that her book is more biological and cognitive than cultural-historical. Yet, like many scientists in books aimed at a popular audience, she exudes such true-believer excitement about her research that she often exhibits a deaf ear to how empty some of the findings are for nonclinical or medical purposes, how they tell us no more than what we already knew from the humanistic tradition (Human brains can read, somehow), albeit in duller language. Wolf begins in Paul Revere mode by warning that reading could be a skill that will deteriorate in a future digitally obsessed age. There has been no time, she writes, when the complex beauty of the reading process stood more revealed, when the magnitude of its contributions was more clearly understood by science, or when these contributions seemed more in danger of being replaced by new forms of communication. Because the act of reading is not natural in the sense of genetically organized, the brain must rearrange itself to do so, a process Wolf explains on a neuronal level as she explicates the plasticity at the heart of the brains design. She reminds us that our ancestors invented reading only a few thousand years ago and that the advanced brains of expert readers today would not resemble those of Sumerians who deciphered cuneiform script, because complex and challenging reading changes the brain physiologically. That is why we must teach children to read, while we do not need to teach them vision or speech (as opposed to how to see well and speak well). Some of this material engages. It is fascinating to learn that a person who learns to read in Chinese uses a very particular set of neuronal connections that differ in significant ways from the pathways used in reading English. Similarly, that the Greek alphabet changed the actual way we think will enlighten those who didnt hear it from classicist Eric Havelock long ago. Unfortunately, Wolfs endless statements about the brains circuits and pathways and structures and connections and associations only confirm that ordinary English lacks terms concrete enough to make prose description of the physiological brain sufficiently lively to keep the general readers brain awake. It doesnt help that Wolfs cultural summaries of subjects like Sumerian and Akkadian writing, and her occasional analyses of literary sorts such as George Eliot and Dostoevsky, come in merely serviceable rather than spiffy sentences. Even when shes dealing with a species that sounds as if it could hold ones attention e.g., Nigerian putty-nosed monkeys she tells us nothing about them. Compare, for instance, a line she quotes from the practiced science popularizer (and top linguist) Steven Pinker: Children are wired for sound, but print is an optional accessory that must be painstakingly bolted on. Finally, Wolf tests ones confidence when she makes scientistic claims considered laughable by sophisticated humanists. She asserts, for instance, that when youve read the 233 words in one passage of Proust, your word meaning, or semantic, systems contributed every possible meaning of each word you read and incorporated the exact correct meaning for each word in its context. But there is no such thing as every possible meaning of each word you read, or an exact correct meaning for each word in its context. Actual language remains too fluid and free for that, except in the controlled experiments of scientists and linguists. Thankfully. Proust and the Squid much improves in its third and last section on Wolfs core area of expertise dyslexia which occupies her as both researcher and mother of a dyslexic child. Here, moving between examples of dyslexic high-achievers from Leonardo da Vinci (presumed from the many mistakes in his notes) to driver Jackie Stewart, she illuminates the subject and warns that we should stop offering a one-dimensional account of reading disabilities, which are more complex than that. Through all this, Wolf provides daunting down-to-earth facts to think about in regard to the teaching of reading. In some environments, she reports, the average young middle-class child hears 32 million more spoken words than the young underprivileged child by age 5. If this book contains any one powerful lesson for parents from the field of reading science, its the extraordinary importance of regular reading to and talking to ones children when they are young. Writes Wolf, Children who never have a story read to them, who never hear words that rhyme, who never imagine fighting with dragons or marrying a prince, have the odds overwhelmingly against them. For a book about reading, Proust and the Squid is hard to read. Of course, Wolf may just be testing us. Get the SC business stories that matter. Our newsletter catches you up with all the business stories that are shaping Charleston and South Carolina every Monday and Thursday at noon. Get ahead with us - it's free. The cast of "Hand to God" stars (from left) Loren Mixon as Jessica, Camille Lowman as Margery, James Ketelaar as Jason and Tyrone, Laurens Wilson as Pastor Greg and Addison Dent as Timmy. Provided/Threshold Repertory Theatre Assistant Columbia bureau chief Adcox returned to The Post and Courier in October 2017 after 12 years covering the Statehouse for The Associated Press. She previously covered education for The P&C. She has also worked for The AP in Albany, N.Y., and for The Herald in Rock Hill. Two weeks ago, the Veterans Home of California in Yountville marked its 134th anniversary with a gathering of more than 100 former U.S. military personnel who call the facility home. Josh Kiser, a spokesman for the Veterans Home, thought the crowd seemed larger than in years past. It has been five weeks now since a troubled former Army infantryman walked into a building where he had once lived on the sprawling Napa County campus and shot to death three mental health clinicians before killing himself. Christine Loeber, Jen Golick and Jennifer Gonzales Shushereba, the victims of the attack at the Pathway Home, a residential treatment program for traumatized veterans, were remembered as dedicated professionals and heroes at a large public memorial on March 19. Smaller tributes to the women, including flowers and candles, still sit in front of the now-shuttered Pathway Home, where more than 450 veterans suffering from serious mental health disorders were treated over the years. Among their ranks was Albert Wong, 36, the former soldier who strode heavily armed into a staff meeting in Building G at 10 a.m. March 9 and opened fire. He had been kicked out of the program after being found with knives and had told a relative just days before that he wanted to get back at staff members. Kiawah Development Partners was denied by a state Supreme Court ruling the permit to build a bulkhead wall to develop Capt. Sam's Spit on Kiawah Island. Provided 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. President Donald Trump, sitting next to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley, speaks during a working lunch with ambassadors of countries on the United Nations Security Council and their spouses on Monday, April 24, 2017, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington. Susan Walsh/AP For some Americans, theres something terribly mundane about the news of two black men being arrested in a Starbucks for basically not buying anything. No one was physically injured, bystanders called out the ridiculousness of the situation, and police eventually released the men. It is a better outcome than injury or death. For anyone who has experienced being black while playing, driving, walking, napping or simply standing still in a store, there is a mix of anxiety and relief at the outcome in this instance. We know that any interaction with the police can turn deadly. Yet for many Americans, for whom calling the police for help is a natural impulse, the incident is shocking: an appalling example of overreach in a business that has sold itself as a place to gather. Those people live in a different America, one where you can go anywhere you like and spend as much time there as you wish. Theres little need to worry about being falsely accused of shoplifting at a deli, dining and dashing at an Applebees, or fraud at a department store. This America trusts police officers, and the other does not. In the other America, where the Starbucks arrest took place, the assumption is always guilty until innocence is proved. PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 09:01:02 A.M. Best to Attend 45th Conference and General Assembly of the African Insurance Organisation A.M. Best Edem Kuenyehia, +44 20 7397 0280 Director, Market Development & Communications edem.kuenyehia@ambest.com A.M. Best will attend the 45th Conference & General Assembly of the African Insurance Organisation (AIO), 69 May in Accra, Ghana. The theme of this years conference is Innovation, Risk and the Future of Insurance in Emerging Markets. Dr. Edem Kuenyehia, director, market development and communications at A.M. Best, will be holding scheduled business meetings at the conference. To arrange a meeting with Dr. Kuenyehia at the event, please contact jekaterina.kosheleva@ambest.com. A.M. Best provides Financial Strength, Long- and Short-Term Issuer Credit and Long- and Short-Term Issue Credit Ratings for thousands of insurers and reinsurers worldwide, including ratings on a number of national and regional (re)insurers across Africas insurance markets. Visitors to www.ambest.com/ratings can learn about Best's Credit Ratings and read criteria reports explaining the rating components and process. A.M. Best is also the leading specialist insurer rating agency, publishing ratings on re/insurance companies in more than 90 countries worldwide, as well as a provider of industry research, news and analysis on the insurance markets around the globe. More information about the conference and the AIO is available at http://www.african-insurance.org/ and at www.cvent.com/d/ctqw3l. A.M. Best is the worlds oldest and most authoritative insurance rating and information source. For more information, visit www.ambest.com. Copyright 2018 by A.M. Best Rating Services, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-19 01:02:01 Acquisition adds real-world effectiveness prediction and value assessment to Certaras model-informed drug development and regulatory science decision-making portfolio Certara Acquires Analytica Laser, a Leader in Market Access, Health Economics and Outcomes Research (HEOR), and Real-world Evidence Solutions Certara Contact: Ellen Leinfuss, 609-216-9586 Chief Commercial Officer or Media Contact: Rana Healthcare Solutions Lisa Osborne, 206-992-5245 lisa@ranahealth.com Certara, the global leader in model-informed drug development and regulatory science, today announced that it has acquired Analytica Laser, a global research consultancy that uses health economics and outcomes research (HEOR) and real-world data to provide the highest level of scientific evidence of the value of medicines and health technologies. Analytica Laser is headquartered in London, UK, with offices in Europe and North America. It has a staff of about 100 quantitative scientists and consultants, most with advanced degrees. Analytica Laser employs cutting-edge quantitative methodologies and proprietary software to study and predict real-world outcomes for drug value assessment. A pioneer in leveraging evidence-based methodologies to evaluate the real-world value and impact of healthcare products and public health decisions, the company integrates its sophisticated analytics, advanced pharmaco-epidemiology, pharmaco-economics, modeling and data science expertise, public health intelligence, and extensive experience to advise on pricing and market access strategy. Additionally, Analytica Laser has developed a proprietary technology called the Health Outcomes Performance Estimator (HOPETM) that translates clinical trial findings and population health knowledge into expected real-world impact. Based on a Bayesian dynamic modeling engine, it allows for consideration of dynamic exposure and the factors driving drug effectiveness and its predictions. Achieving regulatory approval alone no longer determines a drugs or therapys commercial success, or even guarantees its market launch, said Thomas Kerbusch, PhD, President of Certara Strategic Consulting Services. Today, each product must be evaluated from a value perspective by payors and health authorities in order to be placed on the formulary, factored into reimbursement rates, and put into treatment plans before it is available for healthcare providers to prescribe. The addition of Analytica Laser will allow us to expand our science and technology decision-support system, factoring in HEOR and the crucial issue of real-world value from as early as Phase 1, through the product life cycle, to health technology assessment and payor decisions. We are delighted to be joining Certara, a recognized leader in model-informed drug development with an expansive portfolio of quantitative solutions, consultative impact and a broad global reach, said Roman Casciano, MSc, General Manager of Analytica Laser. Our complementary approaches will allow us to integrate HEOR and real-world value assessments with pharmacometrics data delivering safety, efficacy and effectiveness insights and providing a unique market advantage for our customers. Billy Amzal, PhD, X-Eng, MSc, MPA, Lead of Decision Analytics for Analytica Laser, added, The combination of Analytica Laser and Certara brings about 250 modeling and analytical scientists together to address the challenges of drug development and market access. Additionally, there are natural synergies between the companies. For example, we can create a seamless transition from model development to model dissemination and communication with BaseCaseTM, and provide regulatory advisory and communication support to health authorities and payors with Synchrogenix. Earlier this year, Certara acquired BaseCase Management GmbH, a visualization technology and value communications company that facilitates the creation of visual value propositions to support a drug or devices ROI and business case. BaseCases interactive platform enables pharmaceutical and medical technology companies to visualize both model results and real-world datasets for face-to-face discussions with payors and healthcare providers. The joining of Analytica Laser and BaseCase with Certara creates a unique end-to-end market offering, allowing the company to link analysis and advice on safety and efficacy with product effectiveness and patient outcomes, and communicate complex data effectively. Mr. Casciano will lead Certaras new Market Access, HEOR and Real-world Evidence Group in the capacity of Senior Vice President, reporting to Dr. Kerbusch. Dr. Amzal will also continue to serve in a senior management capacity as Senior Vice President, Decision and Real-world Data Analytics. Analytica Laser Founder Lucien Abenhaim, MD, PhD, will join Certara as a scientific advisor. Dr. Abenhaim is a world-renowned pharmaco-epidemiologist and public health expert. He has served as the General Director of Health, Chief Medical Officer, and head of all health organizations for the French Ministry of Health, and as member of the Executive Council of the World Health Organization. He is also an Honorary Professor of Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. I could not be more pleased that Analytica Laser will be joining the Certara family, continuing serving patient health through the application of insightful science, said Dr. Abenhaim. I am amazed by the many synergies between the organizations and foresee a very bright future for the company, its staff and our clients. Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed. About Analytica Laser Analytica Laser is a global leader in population health intelligence. It is committed to providing the highest level of scientific evidence of real-world value of medicines and health technologies. Its consulting, research and data services are trusted by the leading biopharma, medical device and public health innovators in more than 20 countries. Every day, its work directly benefits millions of patients by advancing access to new therapies that are safer, more convenient and more affordable. Analytica Laser is considered a pioneer in leveraging evidence-based methodologies in health systems throughout Europe, North America and MEA. Its regional teams excel at assessing the value of medicines and health technologies through an unmatched combination of research expertise, sophisticated analytics, advanced pharmaco-epidemiology, public health intelligence, health economics and decades of pricing and market access strategy. Analytica Laser is headquartered in London, UK, with eight offices across Europe and North America. For more information, visit www.analytica-laser.com. About Certara Certara is a leading decision support technology and consulting organization committed to optimizing drug development and improving health outcomes. Certaras solutions, which span drug discovery through patient care, use the most scientifically-advanced modeling and simulation technologies and regulatory strategies to increase the probability of regulatory and commercial success. Its clients include hundreds of global biopharmaceutical companies, leading academic institutions, and key regulatory agencies. For more information, visit www.certara.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 17:57:01 E-Global Trade & Finance Group Inc. Better-Known as Forex4you Wins the Le Fonti Awards in Hong Kong in the Forex Investment Business E-GLOBAL TRADE & FINANCE GROUP, INC. Janis Baltalksnis, Tel/Fax: +1 284 494 1576 On March 23rd 2018, the worlds leading corporate stars reunited for a special occasion, the 40th Le Fonti Awards Gala and CEO Summit in Hong Kong. Le Fonti Awards are held each year in multiple locations (7 events in 2017) recognizing industry leaders in banking, business, economics, finance, sustainability, law, healthcare, insurance and e-commerce. This year, the Hong Kong Gala & CEO Summit was held at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers, a luxurious venue located in the heart of Hong Kong, hosted by the influential and prominent TV presenter and MC, Agnes Zee. The title at this years CEO Summit round table was Leadership & Innovation: skills and visions for growth. The summit focused on a discussion of the important drivers related to leadership skills and innovation which have recently impacted the East Asian companies and the skill sets required by their employees to meet the challenges facing a wide variety of industries, including education and training, ICT, real estate, and financial services, in the 21st century. Among the Winners, E-Global Trade & Finance Group Inc. better-known as Forex4you triumphed in the Forex Investment Business with the following motivation: E-Global Trade & Finance Group Inc. has become well-known as a dynamic investment company specialized in Brokerage services, including Internet online trading with currency contracts (Forex), stocks and commodity futures. The company offers lots of large information to introduce new users to Forex Trading and supports traders through training sessions. Commenting on the Le Fonti Awards, Forex4you Thailand Country Manager Janis Baltalksnis said: We are honored to have received the Best Broker Award this evening as a mark of our excellence and continued innovation. Primarily, we would like to thank all of those that voted for us and of course all of our loyal clients that continue to work with us year in, year out. You can see the full Video Interview at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3CAYPOgMhs This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 E-Global Trade & Finance Group Inc. better-known as Forex4you wins the Le Fonti Awards in Hong Kong in the Forex Investment Business (Photo: Business Wire) View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 18:45:16 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Emerald Bay Energy Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Calgary, Alberta (FSCWire) - Emerald Bay Energy Inc. (TSX Venture:EBY). has issued a press release with the following headline:Emerald Bay Energy Commences Operations on Imhoff 1 WellTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Emerald Bay Energy Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Emerald Bay Energy Inc.Source: Emerald Bay Energy Inc. (TSX Venture: EBY, OTC Bulletin Board: EMBYF)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 12:45 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Emerald Bay Energy Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 15:13:01 Expands Global Presence and Distribution Capabilities, Deepens Vertical Presence in Hospitality, Automotive, Finance and Legal Industries Evolve IP Acquires Leading UK Cloud Communications Provider thevoicefactory Ltd. Evolve IP Don Mennig Senior Vice President 610.230.0198 dmennig@evolveip.net Evolve IP, The Cloud Strategy Company, today announced that it has acquired thevoicefactory Ltd, a cloud communications provider based in Cardiff, United Kingdom (UK). This strategic purchase is part of the companys ongoing market development strategy, providing Evolve IP with additional distribution channels in the UK and Europe, a significant client base, and greater penetration of the hospitality, automotive, finance and legal verticals. Additionally, the company will add office locations in Fordingbridge, UK and Orlando, Florida as well as gain new data centers in the UK and United States. Founded in 2009, thevoicefactory has more than 65,000 users in 21 countries via its extensive private label program. Thevoicefactory currently works with 35 resellers who will gain access to Evolve IPs award-winning, analyst-acclaimed intellectual property and service delivery capabilities including: Web-based call management, an advanced omnichannel contact center, single-sign-on identity and access management, and a worldwide team of custom application developers. Based on the same blue-chip BroadSoft platform as Evolve IP, thevoicefactory shares a common architecture and framework that will help ensure the rapid adoption of new features and capabilities for existing and new clients. Today, thevoicefactory is recognized as one of the largest UCaaS providers in the United Kingdom and one of BroadSofts biggest wholesalers in Europe. We are delighted to welcome thevoicefactory, their associates, and its worldwide partner community to the Evolve IP family, said Guy Fardone, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner of Evolve IP. Combining Evolve IPs intellectual property and OneCloudTM capabilities with thevoicefactorys reseller channel will help us expand into new markets even faster and provide incredible growth opportunities for our suite of award-winning, analyst-acclaimed cloud services. We are very excited to be joining Evolve IP and thrilled with the opportunities it provides for our associates and partners, said Paul Harrison, CEO of thevoicefactory. Evolve IP has developed significant intellectual property and a sophisticated service delivery platform that will be of great benefit to our partners and their clients. Additionally, their world-class, compliant OneCloud platform will provide a fantastic platform for clients to add new services. Were looking forward to immediately contributing to Evolve IPs international growth. Thevoicefactory was advised on this transaction by Knight Corporate Finance with legal support from Mason Hayes. The acquisition of thevoicefactory represents another significant move for Evolve IP and has the company well positioned to capitalize on the considerable opportunities in the rapidly growing cloud PBX and unified communications-as-a-service (UCaaS) market, said Elka Popova, VP and Senior Fellow of Digital Transformation at Frost & Sullivan. We believe that the combination of thevoicefactorys extensive reseller market in the UK, the ability to sell directly in the EU and APAC via Evolve IP Europe, and their recently announced partnerships with regional channel partners will provide the company with significant sales opportunities. In addition, with multiple on-continent data centers, and nearing 100 associates in the UK and Europe, the company has the infrastructure and personnel to effectively provision, deploy and support enterprises in the region. One of the worlds fastest growing cloud strategy companies, today Evolve IP provides best-of-breed cloud solutions to more than 1,500 enterprises and to more than 410,000 users in virtually every industry. Many of the worlds most recognizable brands rely on the companys Evolve IP OneCloud strategy to migrate multiple integrated cloud computing and cloud communications services onto a single, unified platform including: contact centers, IP phone systems / unified communications and collaboration, identity management, disaster recovery, virtual desktops, IaaS, and more. Evolve IPs Compliance CloudTM provides assurances and dedicated expertise for organizations in: healthcare, finance, hospitality, automotive, insurance, veterinary, legal, technology, retail and, construction verticals. ### WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE EVOLVE IP The Cloud is no longer about buying individual services. Its now about having a strategy for multiple services and making them work together to provide greater IT efficiency. For over a decade Evolve IP has delivered customized strategies and integrated services for both cloud computing and communications; solutions that are designed to work together and with the applications you already use in your business. The Evolve IP OneCloudTM lets enterprises move a service at a time, to a secure, virtual private environment, and our analyst-acclaimed solutions are built on a world-class, compliant architecture that leverages the blue-chip technologies organizations already know and trust. Our long-term success is built on a business deploying more services with Evolve IP so we are invested in our clients future. As a result, we are obsessed with providing superior service in every aspect of our client relationships and this has resulted in the industrys highest verified client satisfaction. WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE THEVOICEFACTORY thevoicefactory (TVF) is an international carrier grade hosted telephony provider, specializing in verticals such as hospitality, automotive and legal. Our hosted unified communications platform is offered white labelled 100% in-directly sold through partners. We own and operate a global carrier-grade BroadSoft platform with open APIs and flexibility to integrate to third party applications with deployments in over 21 countries. Launched in January 2010, tvfs first customer was the Conservative Party - still a customer today. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 22:30:45 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Flexible Solutions International Inc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Victoria, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT:FSI). has issued a press release with the following headline:FSI Announces First Quarter 2018 RevenueTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Flexible Solutions International Inc, or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Flexible Solutions International IncSource: Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT: FSI, FWB: FXT, ISIN: US33938T1043, WKN: 541522)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 4:30 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Flexible Solutions International Inc and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 15:00:57 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Infinite Lithium Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Infinite Lithium Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board:ARXRD). has issued a press release with the following headline:Infinite Discovers Third Lithium Zone - Intersects 5 Metres of 3.02% Li2O, Including 1 Metre of 5.11% Li2O at Jackpot Lithium Project, OntarioTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Infinite Lithium Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Infinite Lithium Corp.Source: Infinite Lithium Corp. (OTC Bulletin Board: ARXRD, TSX Venture: ILI, FWB: 37NN, WKN: A12GQ2, ISIN: CA01642R3009)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 9:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Infinite Lithium Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 09:15:42 TOKYO, Apr 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - JCB Co. Ltd, the only international payments brand based in Japan, will conduct a pilot trial of its latest JCB Biometrics Card with fingerprint authentication. JCB Contactless's payment solution is provided by IDEMIA, a global Augmented Identity leader. Toppan Printing will also take part in the demonstration trial in respect of card personalization.Users first record one or more fingerprints for authentication purposes. When they want to buy something, they need only touch the fingerprint sensor on the card's lower right corner with their finger so as to authenticate payment. The fingerprint record is only kept in the card, and given that fingerprint authentication is also done on the card, merchants do not need any further equipment to accept payment.While currently most contact chip cards rely on users entering a PIN number for authentication, will be replaced by the fingerprint authentication. With the new JCB Biometrics Card strict security is upheld with fingerprint authentication for any payment method, while maintaining efficiency and speed.The pilot trial first involves issuing the JCB Biometric Card to JCB employees from April. Once card users have recorded their fingerprints using a smartphone or tablet app, they can make purchases via fingerprint authentication at merchants accepting JCB Contactless payments. The purpose of the pilot is to validate whether the solution is convenient for consumers and practical for the payment.JCB will continue to explore and develop various authentication solutions in order to provide consumers with reliable and secure customer experiences.About IDEMIAOT-Morpho is now IDEMIA, the global leader in Augmented Identity* for an increasingly digital world, with the ambition to empower citizens and consumers alike to interact, pay, connect, travel and vote in ways that are now possible in a connected environment.Securing our identity has become mission critical in the world we live in today. By standing for Augmented Identity, we reinvent the way we think, produce, use and protect this asset, whether for individuals or for objects. We ensure privacy and trust as well as guarantee secure, authenticated and verifiable transactions for international clients from Financial, Telecom, Identity, Public Security and IoT sectors.OT (Oberthur Technologies) and Safran Identity & Security (Morpho) have joined forces to form IDEMIA. With close to $3 billion in revenues and 14,000 employees around the world, IDEMIA serves clients in 180 countries.* An "Augmented Identity" is an identity that is so enhanced, adaptable and secure that it gives people freedom to relax. Backed by IDEMIA's technology and innovations, "only you can be you". When designing market-leading solutions, IDEMIA draws on the most natural and authentic means of verification, namely the body's biometric data. IDEMIA taps into complementary know-how and technologies that have never been combined before. IDEMIA's technology speeds up both passport security checks for travellers and smartphone payments, while also upholding strict security.For more information, head to www.idemia.com . And follow us @IdemiaGroup on Twitter.Press contacts: Havas Paris PR Agency, idemia@ havas.com , +33 (0)663 733030About Toppan PrintingToppan Printing is one of the world's leading integrated printing companies. Since its founding in 1900, Toppan has expanded its operations significantly while driving the evolution of printing technologies and combining them with marketing, IT, creative capabilities and diverse processing techniques to enable a wide range of solutions in fields that extend beyond conventional printing, such as marketing, content, secure solutions, packaging, decor materials, and electronics. Toppan employs more than 45,000 people globally and recorded sales of over 1.4 trillion yen in the year ended March 31, 2017. For more information, please visit www.toppan.co.jp/english/ About JCBJCB is a major global payment brand and a leading payment card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to provide responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide. For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ Contact: Kumiko Kida, JCB Co., Ltd., Corporate Communications, Tel: +81-3-5778-8353, Email: jcb-pr@ info.jcb.co.jp All of this information should raise a red flag, since according to the Cancer Registry of California report of June 2016, based on data from 2006 to 2013, Napa County ranked highest in the state for all types of cancer combined, as well as highest for colorectal cancer, female breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and prostate cancer. We know from lab tests that we conducted in 2016 that our groundwater on the valley floor is already contaminated with glyphosate from vineyard operations, affecting these residents well water. The well water we sampled from a home in central Napa contained a level of glyphosate that was over three times higher than what the European Union allows in drinking water and was at a level that destroys beneficial gut bacteria and stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells. The accumulation of glyphosate in groundwater may explain why when Moms Across America tested ten local wines for glyphosate in 2016, all of them tested positive, even the organic and biodynamic ones. The municipal tap water we tested, taken at a home in Yountville, containing water from Rector Reservoir (located northeast of Yountville), only contained a small amount of glyphosate. However, if we do not plan responsibly, down the road that will not be the case. Anyone in business is familiar with the consideration that the initial part of the year is usually quiet, due to overspend during the festive period. Total Floor Care Leeds have announced a record-breaking start to the year with improved site views and enquiries as a result. Wood Floor Sanders Leeds PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 14:58:53 Press Information Total Floor Care 12 Cowdry Close Thornhill West Yorkshire WF12 0LW Mark Dykes Owner 0845 4599941 email http://www.woodfloorsandingleeds.co.uk # 453 Words 12 Cowdry CloseThornhillWest YorkshireWF12 0LWOwner0845 4599941 Total Floor Care Leeds offer floor sanding services for Leeds, Lincoln, Hull and West Yorkshire. They are time-served professionals who are also known for delivering exceptional cleaning services for stone floors and carpets. Each element of their business has its own dedicated website so that they can carefully monitor and measure its individual success.Recent figures published have shown an incredible start to 2018 in terms of their floor sanding website sessions, users, page views, pages viewed per session and average session duration. Improvements in these areas have also increased enquiries as a result.This driven Company has shown incredible initiative and refocus for website optimisation services, recently restarted. This focus has offered great reward and the following information is proof of just that.Analysis of the past seven days, in comparison to that period last year has shown an improvement of nearly 90% of website sessions. This was combined with an increase in over 55% of users for the same period. These figures show that people are finding the website easily on search engine results.Further evidence shows that page views have shown an astonishing increase of nearly 112%, offering evidence that visitors to the site are finding value in its content. They are perusing the site to find out more information or clicking through different elements of the site.Another successful factor has been the increase in the average session duration. In comparison, the period for 2018 in comparison to 2017 has improved by nearly 38%. Visitors have gone from spending an average of 1 minute and 51 seconds on the site to 2 minutes and 33 seconds.Each of these elements are evidence of a growth trend for this floor sanding Company. They invest time in analysing the traffic to their sites and where the enquiries are coming from. This combination of strategies offers great reward in their approach to grow their business year on year.Mark Dykes, founder of Total Floor Care commented:We are ecstatic to see such incredible figures for the initial part of this year. We are always looking at ways to grow the business and so to identify such success in our website is very rewarding. We are continuing our emphasis on website optimisation as an exceptional promotional tool for our business. We eagerly await the coming months to analyse the results once again. These views show evidence of why this Company is succeeding at a time where others may be struggling. A driven approach to growth, while focusing on the results achieved for individual clients will work to earn both growth and repeat custom through satisfied customers. This is clearly a Company to watch over this year.Further information is available at http://www.woodfloorsandingleeds.co.uk To contact Mark, e-mail info@ woodfloorsandingleeds.co.uk PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 14:00:17 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Mustang Minerals Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Mustang Minerals Corp. (TSX Venture:MUM). has issued a press release with the following headline:Mustang Minerals Corp.: Drilling Underway at Mayville LithiumTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Mustang Minerals Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Mustang Minerals Corp.Source: Mustang Minerals Corp. (TSX Venture: MUM, WKN: 910385, ISIN: CA6281981036)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 8:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Mustang Minerals Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 10:01:01 Attendees will gain cutting-edge insights, knowledge and best practices from leading brands NetBase LIVE 2018 London New Ways to Use Social Analytics to Drive Business Growth MSLGROUP Mark McClennan or Maddie Brosler, 781-684-0770 netbase@mslgroup.com NetBase LIVE UK 2018, the most important social analytics event of the year, will be held in London on May 9-10, 2018. The two-day conference will feature leading social media experts, analysts and senior industry executives sharing the latest success stories and demonstrating how social analytics is transforming businesses, driving smart business decisions and moving social analytics beyond listening to deliver real business outcomes. The conference will bring together global brands, agencies and social media thought leaders including Burson-Marsteller, CNC Communications, Edelman, Forrester, HotWire, ici Barbes, PostOffice and more to learn, share and network. NetBase LIVE 2018 London will include 26 different sessions covering industry insights, real-world studies, best practices, a look ahead and more. Most notably, given the importance of the how customer journey data elevates experiences and helps brands drive differentiation, in the age of social, we're super excited about our keynote speaker, Joana van den Brink-Quintanilha (Principal Analyst, Forrester). Additionally, attendees will be able to glean social knowledge from keynotes and four major themes: The importance of sentiment, and how to best apply social listening to find insights that matter: Psychographics : The New Word on the Block (Teodora Coste, Strategy & Analytics Manager, Burson-Marsteller) (Teodora Coste, Strategy & Analytics Manager, Burson-Marsteller) Head | Heart | Gut - How to Make Emotional Connections with Anyone (Liam Spragley, Digital Strategist, Substance Global) Which KPIs matter, which don't, and how to stay on top of them: Best Practices: What to Measure and How to Measure it KPIs and Benchmarking (Anna Zaikina, Head of Social Media Insights, Digital Media Services) How to extend social analytics beyond marketing, to get the most from your data: Socialising Social Insight Across the Business (Darren Jones, Sr Social Media Manager, Post Office Ltd) (Darren Jones, Sr Social Media Manager, Post Office Ltd) Bring the Power of Social to Your Entire Team By Putting Insights into the Hands of Everyone (Mike Baglietto, Director, Product Marketing, NetBase) New trends in social analytics, and how to leverage them effectively: Corporate Storytelling with Social Intelligence : Taking an Engagement Led Approach to Reputation Management Through Social Influencers and Trends (Lucy Cording, Director of Digital Engagement, CNC Communications) (Lucy Cording, Director of Digital Engagement, CNC Communications) How to Use Artificial Intelligence to Develop the New Marketing Playbook for Brands (Anupam Singh, Founder, President, 113 Industries) NetBase LIVE brings decision makers and thought leaders together to learn, network and discuss how brands are using social media and how to optimize and spread the use of analytics throughout companies, said Paige Leidig, chief marketing officer at NetBase. Social analytics is a constantly evolving art and science and NetBase LIVE is designed to drive interactive discussions around successful brand strategies and how to realise the most impact. The goal is for attendees to take away immediate short and long term ideas they can implement in their organisations. NetBase LIVE 2018 Conference NetBase LIVE London will be held at The Brewery, 52 Chiswell Street, London. Two-day conference passes are still available online. To see the full agenda and additional conference details, visit https://www.netbaselive.com/london About NetBase NetBase is the award-winning social analytics platform that global companies use to run brands, build businesses, and connect with consumers every second. Its platform processes millions of social media posts daily for actionable business insights for marketing, research, customer service, sales, PR, and product innovation. NetBase is a trusted partner to American Airlines, Arbys, Coca-Cola, Ogilvy, T-Mobile, Universal Music Group, Walmart, and YUM! Brands. Learn more at www.netbase.com or @NetBase. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005 NetBase LIVE UK 2018, the most important social analytics event of the year, will be held in London on May 9-10, 2018. Register at www.netbaselive.com/london PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 13:00:18 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Renaissance Gold Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---White Rock, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX Venture:REN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Renaissance Gold to Carry Out $2.5 Million Private PlacementTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Renaissance Gold Inc., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Renaissance Gold Inc.Source: Renaissance Gold Inc. (TSX Venture: REN, OTC Bulletin Board: RNSGF, FWB: 4RG, WKN: A1C7Z0, ISIN: CA75971J1057)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 7:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Renaissance Gold Inc. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 14:31:19 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Sunvest Minerals Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Sunvest Minerals Corp. (TSX Venture:SSS). has issued a press release with the following headline:Sunvest Minerals Corp. Drilling to Commence on the Evening Star Property, NevadaTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Sunvest Minerals Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Sunvest Minerals Corp.Source: Sunvest Minerals Corp. (TSX Venture: SSS, WKN: A2AFZ5, ISIN: CA86804N1069)Date: April 18, 2018Time: 8:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Sunvest Minerals Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 17:36:18 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Tartisan Nickel Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - Tartisan Nickel Corp. (CSE:TN). has issued a press release with the following headline:Tartisan Nickel Corp. Expands Land Package at Its Kenbridge Nickel-Copper-Cobalt Deposit, Kenora, OntarioTo view this press release on the FSCwire website, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:If you would prefer, you can also view this press release as a PDF file, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser:For more information on Tartisan Nickel Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/Tartisan Nickel Corp.Source: Tartisan Nickel Corp. (CSE: TN, FWB: A2DPCM, WKN: A2DPCM, ISIN: CA87649A1012, : )Date: April 18, 2018Time: 11:34 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Tartisan Nickel Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) PR-Inside.com: 2018-04-18 13:30:02 Regulated real estate company Vastned Retail Belgium publishes today the convocation and agenda of the extraordinary general meeting of shareholders of May 18, 2018 at 10.00 am at the registered office, Generaal Lemanstraat 74, 2600 Berchem. Full press release: This announcement is distributed by Nasdaq Corporate Solutions on behalf of Nasdaq Corporate Solutions clients. The issuer of this announcement warrants that they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Vastned Retail Belgium via Globenewswire The World Bank on Wednesday warned Nigeria that Eurobonds and other private sector market or sovereign debt instruments can worsen its debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio. Although the bank noted Nigeria is the only low income commodity producing economy that has maintained public debt below 20 per cent of GDP since 2016, it said the federal government needs to ensure it borrows responsibly and focus on prioritising expenditures on investments. Following the latest rounds of Eurobond issues since January 2017, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said Nigerias debt stock shot up to about N21.7 trillion, or $71 billion. Prior to the coming of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in May 2015, the figure was about N12.06 trillion, the current figure representing an over 80 per cent jump. But at the launch of its 17th edition of Africas Pulse, a publication on Africas economic future analysis in Washington DC, the World Bank said the challenge of high debt countries in Africa was one of its key findings. PREMIUM TIMES was among a select media group that participated in the live video conference monitored from Abuja. The event was addressed by World Banks Chief Economist Africa, Albert Zeufack; and Research Manager, Michael Toman. The report said high debt distressed countries in Africa grew from eight in 2013 to about 18 by March 2018, attributing this to the significant change in their debt structures. It said sub-Saharan Africa economy rebounded, with a projected growth at 3.1 per cent in 2018 and about 3.6 per cent between 2019 and 2020. Although the report said the projected growth was not as fast as expected, Mr Zeufack said it was the first positive increase since the 1.5 per cent rate recorded in 2016. He said the performance of the economy underscored the need for government to speed up macro-economic reforms, continue fiscal adjustments and deepen structural and regulatory reforms to attract more investments to sustain the growth rate. He said the negative impact of rising debts and the need to pay more attention to the issue, which has now exposed African countries to additional risks to fiscal sustainability and development. Mr Zeufack said most countries preferred Eurobonds and other market and private sector sovereign debt instruments issue over the traditional concessional loans despite the market related risks and threats to debt sustainability. It is no longer concessional debts that most governments go for. A lot of the countries have been accessing more market-based, non-traditional sources of financing. This raises the risks countries face going to markets to refinance their debts. Apart from accumulating more private debts, it increases their domestic debt stocks, he said. Although the World Bank economist noted the size of Nigerias debt relative to the size of its economy was moderate, he said the interest payment on document debts against the share of government revenues at the current rate was not sustainable. With debt-to-GDP growth rate ratios increasing to more than 30 per cent, with some as high as more than double that figure within the period, Mr Zeufack stressed the need for countries to manage their debt risks, particularly those resulting from issuance of Eurobonds and borrowing from capital markets. There must be a focus on fiscal adjustments and consolidation of exchange rates as well as prioritization of expenditure on investments. While countries keep the pace of investments, they must borrow responsibly, he said. Defending the role of the World Bank in growing the debt profile of most African countries, Mr Zeufack said the bank was working with countries to ensure concessional loans remained the first source of funding that could be leveraged to attract more private investments to bring sustainable development. Since end of 2016, Mr Zeufack said public debt in the region increased significantly from 37 to 56 per cent of GDP on average, relative to GDP, with more than two-thirds of the countries rising by more than 10 percentage points. ADVERTISEMENT The Lead Economist Africa, Punam Chuhan-Pole, who also spoke during the event, said debt was not all bad, so far as they were used in financing investments in critical infrastructures to the benefit of the people. The spending from loans by countries must be prioritised and focused on efficiency, particularly when there is commodity price pressure affecting fiscal performance, Mrs Chuhan-Pole said. She identified the main drivers of the increase in public debts as rising fiscal deficits, depreciation of exchange rates, especially in commodity exporting countries and the slowdown in economic growth relative to GDP. ADVERTISEMENT More than 1,500 officers of German police on Wednesday carried out nationwide raids against members of a suspected illegal prostitution ring in the biggest single operation in the history of German police. A police spokesperson confirmed media reports that seven arrest warrants were successfully delivered and more than 100 individuals were temporarily taken into custody. Horst Seehofer, German Interior Minister and Christian Social Union (CSU) leader, described the raids as an unprecedented strike against a network with nationwide branches. The raids were carried out in 12 federal states, where security officers searched over 60 business premises believed to be connected to international criminal syndicate operating in the German red-light industry. According to police, the senior leadership of the prostitution ring is made up of between 15 and 20 individuals with German and Thai citizens. Several suspects were arrested in brothels and massage parlours and were believed by investigators to have resided in Germany illegally. A 59-year-old Thai woman and a 62-year-old German man were considered to be the primary suspects in building the illicit and highly-profitable network in Germany which trafficked Thai women and transsexuals to let them work as prostitutes. Evidence encountered by investigators suggested that the duo were able to personally earn a 7-digit figure through their criminal activity A police spokesperson noted that Special Forces did not encounter any resistance when they arrested the German-Thai couple. The mission was concluded without any incidents, the spokesperson told reporters. The two ring-leaders were formally charged with human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Many hundreds of men and women were subjected to the inhumane and limitless greed of traffickers over the course of years and across national boundaries, a statement by the interior minister, Horst Seehofer read. There was partial observance in public hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory of the industrial action by the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU. JOHESU, the association of other health workers apart from medical doctors and dentists, on Tuesday midnight commenced an indefinite strike over failure by the federal government to meet up with the agreement it had with the union last September. The union is asking for salary adjustments, promotion arrears and improved work environment for its members, among others from the government. PREMIUM TIMES on Wednesday visited some key hospitals in Abuja to observe the level of compliance to the industrial action. It was observed that while activities were grounded in some facilities, work continued in others. Our correspondent who visited the Abuja National Hospital at 11:20 a.m. observed that it looked deserted. Only a handful of the personnel, especially doctors, were seen in the emergency wards and other areas attending to only a few patients. Attendance in most of the wards and departments remained scanty as at 11:40am. Patients in critical condition were evacuated to other hospitals as there were no hands to attend to them. A woman in labour was seen struggling with her condition and nurses and midwives were not around to attend to her. The hospitals spokesperson, Tayo Haastrup, confirmed that the other workers were on strike but said the hospital was open with doctors attending to emergency cases. The JOHESU union here resolved to join the indefinite strike this morning in compliance with the decision of their national body. But, however, the management of the National Hospital has arranged to make sure doctors who are not on strike are at their duty posts, the clinical areas are running with the doctors attending to their patients, Mr Haastrup said. Asokoro district hospital He said patients in critical condition were being monitored and may be discharged as they would need constant attention of nurses. That the key people who do the running of the hospital are on strike does not mean we have closed shop and cannot see patients, he noted. Mr Haastrup, a medical doctor, however, admitted that there will be gross impact if the strike continues as admission of patients into the hospital will reduce. A patient apparently taking medication under a staircase at Abuja national hospital. It is hard for the doctors to work without the nurses, he said. He further appealed to the striking union and the government to reach agreement so as to save the lives of patients already at risk. If this strike persists, there is no way lives will not be lost, he noted. ADVERTISEMENT Mariam Mohammed, whose son had a cancerous growth, decried the incessant strike in the health sector. She said government and health workers should quit playing with the lives of patients. patients cueing up in large numbers to be attended to be health workers at Asokoro district hospital. It was, however, a different situation at the Wuse District Hospital as normal activities continued in all the wards observed in the facility. The facility remained open with workers at their duty posts attending to patients who came in their numbers as at 12:30pm. An official said the hospital was yet to heed the strike call. We are under the JOHESU union, we know about the strike but we are yet to be officially directed to down tools so for now we are working. A director at the antenatal clinic forewarned of the impending dangers should the strike commence in the facility. People will die, we have patients at emergency ward. Pregnant women and nursing mothers need constant attention of nurses. Government should address this issue as a priority, the director said. pregnant and nursing mothers cueing up for post/antenal care at Wuse District hospital. Normalcy also reigned at both district hospitals in Maitama and Asokoro as doctors, nurses and health workers were present in their numbers attending to the long queue of patients in the hospitals. A nurse at the Asokoro hospital said they were yet to be informed to go on strike. A doctor attending to a patient at the emergency ward in Abuja National hospital. Meanwhile, Josiah Biobelemoye, president of JOHESU who announced the commencement of the strike, urged members at the state and local government health institutions on continuous sensitisation and mobilisation for possible solidarity strike, if government failed to attend to their demands. Wuse District Hospital. According to the union, health institutions in the states and local governments will join the strike if government did not meet their demands in two weeks. ADVERTISEMENT The police on Wednesday afternoon arrested suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, at the National Assembly premises. Mr Omo-Agege was whisked away in a black hilux van at about 1:54 p.m. The arrest is in connection to the theft of the Senate mace, hours earlier. Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, accused the senator of leading hoodlums to the Senate chamber to seize the mace. Mr Omo-Agege after the incident returned to the Senate chamber where he attended the plenary session. Details later. The Senate has asked the Inspector-General of Police and the State Security Service (SSS) to recover its mace, forcefully removed at the chambers by hoodlums on Wednesday. The call followed a resolution by the lawmakers at the end of a closed-door session held immediately after the removal of the mace, the symbol of authority for the legislature. The mace was stolen by thugs suspected to be supporters of a suspended senator, Ovie Omo Agege (Delta, APC). Mr Omo-Agege, who was suspended by his colleagues last week, was later arrested by the police on Wednesday afternoon after the Senate plenary. The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who announced the call on the security chiefs while presiding at plenary with another mace, said that the legislature would not be intimidated in any way. He said that while the Upper Chamber was awaiting the return of the mace, it would continue with its legislative activities, adding that the lawmakers would not be terrified in carrying out their constitutional duties. This morning, we had an unusual incident at the chambers in the senate. At about 11.30 (am), some armed thugs invaded the Senate chambers, assaulted some of our staff and some of the media persons and forcefully took away the mace. They passed through the entrance and the gate and left the National Assembly with the mace. They attempted kidnapping two of our senators. They were eventually left, but we decided that we will not be intimidated by the circumstance. We will stand by and defend our democracy. We have decided to go through everything on our Order Paper for today even if it takes us till 6.00 p.m. We will conclude everything here because that is what we are being paid to do. We are going to get to the root of this matter, and I believe that I speak the mind of all of you here if I say that security agencies must recover our mace within 24 hours. We are giving the Inspector-General of Police and the Department of State Security (DSS) 24 hours to recover our mace, he said. Mr Ekweremadu decried the incident and said that it was not only an affront on the Senate, but on democracy. He assured that the lawmakers would not be distracted, stressing that they would stand together while continuing with the assignment of representing Nigerians. He thanked the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Yussuf Lasun, who led members of the chamber to the Senate in solidarity over the incident. In his remarks, Mr Lasun assured senators of Representatives continued support, adding that they would not be deterred from carrying out their responsibilities. I have read a lot of books about representative democracy and what baffles me most is the fact that the ones that try to demean the institution of the assembly are pretenders to the institution of democracy. ADVERTISEMENT Yusuf Lasun, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives. This means that once your assembly ceases to function or you ostracise or you want to muzzle it, definitely you are no longer practising democracy. Due to the way some of us started practising politics, a lot of Nigerian populace does not agree with the fact that we have to develop the institution of legislation, that it must be well strengthened. Once you do not do that you should as well forget about democracy. We decided to visit to show solidarity not with you alone, but to tell Nigerians that this assembly must make sure that democracy works in Nigeria. We are in solidarity with you and we will make a resolution to ensure that the mace is recovered within 24 hours, he said. The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that troops deployed in Benue, Taraba and other troubled states across central Nigeria have been withdrawn due to an acute shortage of financial and logistical resources. President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the military to embark on Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in February, following a string of killings of villagers in states along the Benue River, as well as Kaduna and Niger states. It was billed as a measure to degrade the capacity of the attackers. It requires logistics for military to take part in an operation, which is different from their normal day-to-day, Defence spokesperson John Agim said at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters Wednesday morning. It also costs money. Mr Agim, a brigadier-general, acknowledged that residents are distraught about the withdrawal, but warned that for troops to return to the troubled states, additional provisions must be made. If the military is deployed for an exercise, its not for eternity, it is for a particular period. When the period elapses, when there is need for an extension, then there is need for additional logistics for such exercise to continue, Mr Agim added. The admission shocked security analysts, who said they knew the Nigerian military had long faced financial constraints but did not expect that funding would not be made available for a crucial exercise that formed a major aspect of President Buharis response to the lingering carnage. Failure to adequately fund the military in the ongoing killings could strengthen the impression in communities across the middle-belt that the Nigerian government is, at best, disinterested in their plight, said security analyst Chris Ngwodo. The allegation of complicity, no matter how fantastic it may sound, is the sentiment on ground over there now and this revelation would only worsen the trust deficit. Mr Agims comments contradict an April 8 claim by the Nigerian Army that no troops were removed from troubled states that soldiers were deployed to instill peace. Army spokesperson, Texas Chukwu, released the statement in an apparent attempt to counter to a PREMIUM TIMES story on April 7 that the Army had quietly removed soldiers to the apprehension of defenseless residents. Mr Agim said the exercise was later extended in Taraba for another one month, but did not say why they left out Benue, where hundreds have been killed within the past one week, including over 41 in a single attack on April 11. Another attack on a police team three nights ago left at least 10 officers dead and several still missing as at Thursday evening. Mr Ngwodo said the military probably avoided owning up to its challenges because it felt such would be embarrassing to the Buhari administration. Winning the battle for trust The admission could cut deeply into the perception of the military in the ongoing killings linked to herdsmen, especially in Benue and Taraba States where President Muhammadu Buhari and his security chiefs have faced trust issues over their handling of the crisis. Last month, a former Nigerian chief of army staff pointedly accused the Nigerian military of culpability in the killings, saying security agencies are not sincere and charging residents to devise other means of defending themselves to guarantee their survival. Theophilus Danjuma Before then, Governor Samuel Ortom accused the federal government of knowing the locations of the killers but reluctant to order an incursion into their hideouts. He also said Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris was complicit in the killings. The military strongly holds that the support of locals remained crucial to winning the battle against the rampaging killers, whose identities remained a mystery despite several claims of arrests by Nigerian security agencies. Mr Buhari further complicated the murky identities of the killers when he suggested that they had come from Libya as part of the remnants of the mercenaries recruited by former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. But the president strongly denied the allegations, itemising some of the efforts hed made to curb the carnage and mitigate the impact on survivors. ADVERTISEMENT Mr Agim lamented that due to the trust issues residents made life difficult for troops while in deployment, but want the military to remain behind nonetheless. The made life difficult for the military, Mr. Agim said. Yet they want them to continue. Everybody wanted the exercise to continue. But for reasons of logistics and other things. People were afraid that the exercise would end soon, but they were insisting that we should not go, he emphasised. Largely successful Notwithstanding, Mr Agim said the exercise, which was initially slated for six weeks from February 15 through the end of March before being announced extended by two months, was a success one. The operation was largely successful as a total of 183 criminals were arrested in Exercise Ayem Akpatuma in Benue and Taraba States for various offences, Mr Agim said from a prepared speech. In Benue State, 147 herdsmen, six cultists, five rustlers and six armed bandits were arrested while 15 were arrested in Taraba State. In Kaduna and Niger States which fall under the control of the Nigerian Army 1 Division, 13 bandits were arrested, Mr Agim said, adding that they have all been handed over to the police for further action. But despite the presence of troops, the killings went unabated, and hundreds of deaths linked to herdsmen violence were still recorded across the troubled states. On April 2, the Army said it recognised that soldiers still had more to do to bring the situation under control and decided to extend the operation by two months. Yet, villagers continued to raise alarm that troops had left since March 31, indicating that the exercise was not extended as announced by the Army spokesperson Texas Chukwu. Between March 6 and 7, PREMIUM TIMES reached out Mr Chukwu, a brigadier-general, to clarify whether soldiers were pulled out as the villagers were reporting from Taraba, Benue and Kogi which were part of the states covered in the exercise. But he declined comments for the two days. However, on April 8, a day after the story was published, Mr Chukwu released a statement denying that the withdrawals took place contrary to what was reported. PREMIUM TIMES again reached out to him for evidence that could clarify the presence of Exercise Cat Race in the communities, but he declined. PREMIUM TIMES relied on dozens of residents across Kogi, Benue and Taraba States, including two local government chairmen who confirmed that soldiers attached to the exercise had a base in their communities but could no longer be seen since March 31. Mr Ngwodo said the military should be transparent with its activities, especially because citizens appreciate the challenges that the armed forces are grappling with. Nigerians know that the military is overstretched, Mr Ngwodo said. We know the military is playing combat and constabulary roles. but it could have been more transparent about its challenges. He said the manpower and resources available to military could not withstand the spate of violent attacks besetting the country. Within the past week, you have attacks across Nasarawa and Benue, then there was a communal clash in Cross River, all within an arc . And this is not talking about Zamfara where bandits have taken over and killing people. They simply do not have the manpower to keep up with the deployment across 32 states and run its operations simultaneously, he said. Mr Ngwodo recommended increased funding for the military without further delay, saying the Boko Haram war had also taken a toll on the countrys security establishment. You have troops who have been in deployment for three years, four years or even up to five years, that is unheard of in terms of standard operating procedure which required a maximum of one year, he said. There should be proper and immediate funding for the security agencies to combat these challenges. ADVERTISEMENT Academics in the health sector have been urged to channel their researches towards health development as they are vital to improving health services in Nigeria. This call was made by the Minister of State for Health, Osagie Ehanire, at the maiden edition of Faculty of Health Sciences Public Lecture, theme: Achieving UHC Through PHC: Lessons from Nigerias Saving One Million Lives Program for Results (SOML PforR), held at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) headquarters, in Abuja. According to a press statement signed by the health ministrys Director of Media, Boade Akinola, the minister charged the academia to enhance the knowledge base of students on methodologies for surveys, data gathering, cleaning and analysis. This, he said, would equip health workers to properly examine key challenges to governance health structures, donor organisations, the private sector and civil society in the relationship between health economics and the drive to Universal Health Coverage (UHC) as the national responsibility of governments. As drivers of frontiers of knowledge and interrogators of processes, products of academic research efforts are vital to the development of the health sector and the ability to improve on providing health services in an equitable manner, he said. The minister, who chaired the occasion, said the lecture theme was apt, given that UHC is a priority programme of the Muhammadu Buhari administration. He added that the nations paradigm shift from investment of huge sums in healthcare without commensurate results to Performance For Result (PforR) financing strategy was the new approach introduced to power the SOML programme as a flagship intervention to improve Maternal and Child Health, through results-focused partnership with states In his welcome address, the Vice-Chancellor, NOUN, Abdalla Uba Adamu, said he was elated to host the event which provides a window for the public to see what NOUN has to offer towards educational development in Nigeria. According to Mr Adamu, NOUN has about 495,000 students while over 60,000 students had graduated from the university. In his presentation, the guest lecturer and National Programme Manager, SOML-PforR, Federal Ministry of Health, Ibrahim Kana, explained the aim of SOML PforR. He said it was to deliver high impact, evidence based, cost effective interventions based on six Pillars and two Enablers with the objective of achieving wider coverage of interventions that currently suffer from poor access and utilisation. He said lessons learnt so far from the SOML programme revealed that: SOML has been effective in increasing government awareness on critical Maternal Neonatal and Child Health indicators; strengthen data collection, analysis and utilisation, competition amongst states and provide opportunity for hard working states to earn more money, amongst others. Health Minister, Dr. Isaac Adewole In order to make greater progress, Mr Kana called on Departments of Public Health of each University to adopt one PHC per senatorial district; conduct regular operational research in those facilities; set standard for other facilities to follow and use as laboratories to test new approaches and techniques. He further urged the academia to triangulate with government policies by picking interest in better understanding of government policies and relate with realities; teach students about current government policies; and allow free exchange of human resources from universities to ministry of health. In the area of training, he advocated for a reviewed methodology for PHC workers, active and tailored training of these workers and also training on biostatics (collection and use of data). ADVERTISEMENT A Chief Magistrates Court in Kaduna on Wednesday sentenced two teachers, Adams Jibril, 28, and Mohammed Yusuf, 27, to combined 24 months imprisonment for defrauding a man of N3 million. The convicts, both residents of Chechenji Road, Kaduna, were arraigned on a five-count charge of criminal conspiracy, breach of trust, cheating, impersonation and forgery. In her judgment, the magistrate, Zainab Mohammed, said the prosecution was able to prove the charge of conspiracy, cheating, impersonation and forgery against Jibril. Ms Mohammed, thereafter, sentenced Mr Jibril to 18 months imprisonment with an option of N100,000 fine. She also sentenced Mr Yusuf to six months imprisonment on charge of conspiracy and forgery with an option of N20,000 fine. The convicts had pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Sunday Baba, had said that the matter was transferred on May 5, 2016 from the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna, to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for investigation. Mr Baba told the court that Yahaya Abdullahi of Kinkinu, Kaduna, in June 2015, reported that the convicts came to his house and defrauded him of N3 million. The prosecutor said the convicts had deceived the complainant that they would help him get admission for his son Abdullaziz, at the Nigeria Defence Academy, Kaduna. After the complainant gave the convicts the money they later brought the admission letter which was discovered to be fake. All effort made by the complainant to get his money back proved abortive, rather the convicts absconded to an unknown destination, Mr Baba added The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 97, 312,179,322 and 364 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. (NAN) The League of Women Voters of Napa County is hosting two election forums related to the June 5 primary election. The first one is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, at the Napa Valley College Upper Valley Campus, 1088 College Ave. in St. Helena. The second one is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, at the Napa Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 1625 Salvador Ave. in Napa. The forums will educate voters about the candidates and issues in the upcoming primary election. Learn about the new Voters Choice Act in Napa County. Meet the two candidates running for District 3s Board of Supervisors seat: incumbent Diane Dillon and Cio Perez. Hear a panel of proponents and opponents for Measure C: Watershed and Oak Woodland Protection. Listen to pro and con arguments concerning Measure D: Heliport Ban, Regional Measure 3: Bay Area Traffic Relief Plan, and five state propositions. The forums are free and open to the public. Bring your questions. ADVERTISEMENT The senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, on Wednesday said he gave his waist belt to serve as a mace for senators to continue plenary after thugs invaded the chamber and made away with the mace. Senate plenary on Wednesday was disrupted after suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, stormed the chamber in company of suspected thugs who stole the mace. Narrating what transpired before a new mace was brought into the chamber in a Facebook post, Mr Sani wrote, The Senate invaded. Mace taken away. Deliberations on whether to adjourn or not. I and others insisted that the Senate must not adjourn. I removed my waist belt and lay to serve as a mace for us to continue. My colleagues seconded. Then a spare mace brought in and the session continued. Good drivers are not known when the road is smooth. Mr Omo-Agege, who was accused of leading thugs to snatch the Senate mace, was arrested by the police shortly after the plenary. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, is set to honour the Publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, Dapo Olorunyomi, as a Fellow of the institute, as it holds its fifth convocation this Friday. A statement by the schools Registrar, Dotun Adenijo, said the awards would be the highlight of the convocation ceremony. The institute will also confer Fellowship on the founder of the Adebukunola Foundation, Kessington Adebutu, at the convocation. The first Director General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Vincent Maduka, will on Thursday, deliver the fifth convocation lecture of the school. The lecture, which holds at 11.00 a.m at the institutions hall, is titled, Nigeria: Value Re-Orientation and the Media. It will also be chaired by the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of the Punch, Ademola Osinubi. The convocation would feature the conferment of National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diplomas on Friday at an event to be chaired by the Chairman of Media Trust Limited, Kabiru Yusuf. ADVERTISEMENT The National Universities Commission (NUC) says it has constituted a committee to make university education accessible to the teeming population, who are seeking tertiary education in Nigeria. The Executive Secretary NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, said this at a stakeholders seminar organised by the University of Bradford and Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), in Abuja. Mr Rasheed, represented by Chris Maiyaki, a director in his office, said the commission was worried over the countrys growing population and the high demand for tertiary education. He said that Nigerias 143 universities could only accommodate 500, 000 students which is 6.7 per cent of admission seekers. Nigeria is projected to be the third largest population by the year 2050. The concern of NUC is how to educate this number of population when the time comes, he said. The NUC just commissioned a committee headed by Prof. Peter Okebukola to bring out a blueprint that will help the country to survive the population. As you know that on annual basis, we have 7.5 million students aspiring to get admission to the universities, unfortunately, the available 143 universities put together can only admit 500,000 students, he said The Executive Secretary said the commission was making efforts to ensure that Nigerian universities catch up with global happenings. He commended some Nigerian universities for partnering with UKs University of Bradford for joint research and teaching. Seven Nigerian universities have signified interest to join the World Technology Universities Network (WTUN) led by the UK varsity. They are University of Benin, Edo; University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers; University of Calabar, Cross River; Akwa Ibom State University; University of Uyo; Niger Delta University and African University, Bayelsa. WTUN is a consortium of universities committed towards the provision of professional and vocational courses with excellent job prospects for graduates in the country. University of Bradfords Vice Chancellor, Brian Cantor, said the school was developing links with its Nigerian counterparts to use the instrumentality of science and technology to solve national and global problems. Because we live in an age of technology, worldwide knowledge-based development either in social or economic sphere, universities play a big role. And partnership is the way to do it, he said. ADVERTISEMENT The Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has condemned what he calls constant demonisation of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, by the All Progressives Congress-led federal government, describing it as childish and uncalled for. He said ridiculing the major opposition party by way of releasing lists of purported looters was a distraction on the polity, urging the government to concentrate on delivering on its promises to Nigerians. According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Francis Ottah Agbo, Dickson stated this during a live media interview in his office in Yenagoa on Wednesday. The governor also reiterated his belief in the existence of two dominant parties in the country. He however regretted that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is grossly fragmented, a development he noted, has made the party disorganised. This country needs two strong political parties. A united not fragmented party in government and a cohesive and clear-headed opposition party. The constant demonization of the PDP by the APC, for me, is childish and uncalled for. I have the feeling that the APC, though in power, still behaves like a party in the opposition and on a campaign mode. I believe the APC has failed on its promise to Nigerians, they have failed to secure the country, the country is on a precipice. I think they should have done better than they are doing right now. Mr Dickson also lamented the spate of senseless killings in Nigeria and urged the APC-led federal government to focus on tackling insecurity and economic recession, instead of distracting Nigerians with the so called looters lists. The PDP made its mistakes but it achieved a lot for our democracy and our country. There is too much division in the country right now, and the federal government has to unify the country. They should look at the wanton killings in the country not only by Boko Haram but by the herdsmen and arrest the ugly situation he added. On the ongoing civil service reforms in the state, Mr Dickson vowed that his administration would not be dissuaded from bequeathing a highly professionalized, disciplined and motivated public service, through the ongoing reforms. The governor also noted that, the exercise was not aimed at witch-hunting any worker, but to rid the service of all forms of irregularities, sharp practices with the view to repositioning the service to stand the test of time. He said: The mind-set that you can keep your name on the pay roll without coming to work is negative and we have to draw the red line now, because we want to leave behind a reformed, repositioned, motivated and efficient work force that can stand the test of time Commending the various labour leaders in the state for being part of the process of sanitizing the public service at the state and local government levels, as well as all the educational institutions, the Governor assured that, at the end of the exercise, it would promote efficiency and increase productivity. The governor, who cited the case of 1,090 staff with teaching qualification redundant at the local government councils, stressed that, they would be redeployed to schools after going through refresher courses. He directed the chairman of the Civil Service Commission to formulate an employment policy that, would ensure the employment of fresh graduates into the vacancies that would be created arising from the reforms. Governor Dickson also directed the committee handling the verification of the state workers to release the salaries of identified genuine workers, who were affected by the suspension order. A former U.S. First Lady, Barbara Bush, has died on Tuesday evening at the age of 92, after a series of recent hospitalisation, spokesman for the family, Jim McGrath, said. A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92. She is survived by her husband of 73 years, President George H.W. Bush; five children and their spouses; 17 grandchildren; seven great grand children; and her brother, Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Pauline Robinson Robin Bush, and her siblings Martha Rafferty and James R. Pierce. The official funeral schedule will be announced as soon as is practical, the statement said. Barbara served as the countrys first lady from 1989 to 1993. On Sunday, the family said in a statement that Barbara had decided not to seek additional medical treatment and instead sought comfort care at home. Former president George W. Bush, in a statement on Tuesday night, described his mother as a fabulous First Lady. My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. Ex-U.S president, George Bush Jnr. [Photo credit: Daily Post] To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Im a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother, he said. Former Governor Jeb Bush, in a statement, said his mother lived a remarkable life. Im exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honouring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days, he said. George and Barbara had celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January, making them the longest-married couple in presidential history. Barbara was the mother of former President George W. Bush and Jeb Bush, the former governor of Florida. George W. Bush became Texas Governor in 1994 and went on to win the presidency in 2000, and also won a second term in 2004, a feat his father did not have. Jeb Bush became the 43rd governor of Florida in 1999 and was a Republican presidential aspirant in 2016 but lost to Donald Trump. ADVERTISEMENT Her husband, the nations 41st president, is now 93 years old and struggling with a Parkinsons-like disease that has confined him to a wheelchair and made it difficult for him to speak. Jean Becker, chief of staff at George H.W. Bush office said the former president was broken-hearted to lose his beloved Barbara, his wife of 73 years. He held her hand all day today and was at her side when she left this good earth, he said She had been hospitalised multiple times throughout the year due to complications involving chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. In January 2017, Barbara and her husband were hospitalised at the same time and while she was being treated for bronchitis, her husband was being treated for pneumonia. Barbaras funeral is expected to be held at St. Martins Church in Houston, where she and the former president have been devoted members for decades. Born in 1925 to Pauline and Marvin Pierce in New York City, Barbara met George Herbert Walker Bush at age 16, and they wedded on Jan. 6, 1945. U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, former presidents and first ladies Barack Obama and Michelle, and Bill Clinton and Hillary were among dignitaries that have mourned Barbara Bush. President Donald Trump [Photo credit: The Hill] Trump ordered flags be flown at half mast in her honour. The president recalled Bush for her commitment to spreading literacy, and as an advocate of the American family. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well, Mr Trump said in a statement. Vice-President Mike Pence praised Barbara as an inspiration to others, highlighting her devotion to her family. The Obamas said: Well always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life. As a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. Former President Bill Clinton, who defeated George H.W. Bush in the 1992 election, said Barbara was a remarkable woman who was fierce and feisty in support of her family, friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Speaker of the House of Representatives. Paul Ryan said: Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. She so loved her family and our country. Former Vice President Joe Biden fondly remembered Bush for her wit, intelligence and love of her family and country. Her tireless work as a champion for global literacy will be just one legacy she leaves behind. Former Vice President Joe Biden The others will be her unshakable faith, her devotion to service and her beloved family, in which she instilled that same great love of country and public service. Former Vice President Al Gore, who lost the presidency to George W. Bush, said Barbara was a pillar of strength for her family and was much admired in our country. Both the wife and the mother of a U.S. President, she will be remembered for her service, pragmatism, and strong, kind spirit, he said. Canadas Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also reacted to Barbaras death. Always a friend to Canada, Barbara Bush leaves a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family. Sophie and I send our deepest condolences to Presidents George H.W. and George W. Bush, their family, and to all Americans. Politicians across the aisles also mourned the death of Barbara, recalling the former first lady for her dedication to her country and family. The matriarch of the Bush family, Barbara was the second woman to ever have her husband and son both serve as president. She served as first lady during the presidency of her husband, George H.W. Bush while her oldest son was elected president in 2000 and served two terms. Her younger son, Jeb Bush, served two terms as governor of Florida, and ran an unsuccessful presidential campaign for the Republican nomination in 2016. (NAN) ADVERTISEMENT Three students of the Taraba State University lost their lives when they were hit by falling trees during a rainstorm at the Bouba Njidda National Wild Life Park in Cameroon. The Deputy Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, Sanusi Saad, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo on Wednesday. Mr Saad said that the incident occurred on April 16 during a devastating rainstorm at about 3:15 p.m. He said that the students were 400 level students of the Biological Science Department of the university on a research trip to neighbouring Cameroon. The spokesman named the dead students as Nancy Sam-Achak, Grace Thomas and Yusuf Mohammed, the president of the departments students association. He said that the Head of the Biological Science Department, Robert Houmso, who was also in the trip and 16 other students were injured during the incident. Mr Saad said all the injured people were currently receiving treatment at the Garoua Hospital in Cameroon. (NAN) Rutherford Fire Department, which was originally formed as one of 18 Rural Fire Companies in Napa County, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a Firemans Ball from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday, April 28, at the Rutherford Hall (former Grange Hall) on Highway 29, just south of Rutherford Cross Road. Tickets are $40 and may be reserved by emailing RVFD100th@yahoo.com. A social hour, dinner and dancing is planned, along with a brief presentation and historical exhibits from the Department. Although titled a Ball, Napa Valley Casual dress is suggested. The event is being held in Rutherford, but celebrates 100 years of Napa Countys Volunteer Fire Departments, which have consolidated down to nine departments from the 18 companies originally established by the Napa County Farm Advisor in 1918. The Rutherford Rural Fire Company began with 12 members and a truck that could be hooked onto an automobile quickly. The truck was equipped with one or two 50-gallon barrels of water, eight 2-gallon buckets, three rakes, three shovels, 24 gunny sacks, one 12-foot ladder and a 20-foot long piece of rope. Members of the department trained once a month and funding for the department was obtained from local donations. Senators on Wednesday expressed divergent views on the provisions of the Electoral Act Bill as it relates to sequence of elections. The senators took turns to speak on the reintroduced bill which was sponsored by Suleiman Nazif (APC, Bauchi North). In the new bill, the proposed election sequence seeks to make the governorship election come first, followed by that of state Houses of Assembly and National Assembly and then Presidential election last. The National Assembly Conference Committee on Electoral Act (amendment) Bill had recently adopted a reordered sequence of the 2019 general elections, putting the Presidential election last. This has initiated a series of controversies in the polity with some senators of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) saying it was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari, to prevent his re-election. Both chambers of the National Assembly, though dominated by the APC, amended the order of the election. The proposed sequence of elections would make the National Assembly election take place first 2019, followed by governorship and state Houses of Assembly, and Presidential as last. This is against the sequence rolled out by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) late 2017, which put Presidential and National Assembly elections first and governorship and state assembly following. President Buhari on March 13 refused assent to the bill, after it was forwarded to his office. He had said the amendments if allowed to pass will violate parts of the constitution. Shortly after the bill was refused by the president, the Federal High Court restrained the Senate from proceeding with further actions on the matter. The restraining order followed an application by counsel to the Accord Party, Wole Olanipekun, who asked the court to stop the lawmakers from tampering with the electoral act. The court later proceeded with the substantive application. While reading out the provisions of the bill, Mr Nazif explained that the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended does not specifically present a sequence for which elections into the respective offices are to be conducted. Essentially, this bill seeks to provide elections taken in the following sequence; Governorship elections, state Houses of Assembly and National Assembly elections, Presidential elections. The drafters of this portion of the Constitution did not intend that this would be a sequence of the conduct of elections into elective offices but merely missed the perspective, the respective offices that INEC is empowered to exercise their responsibilities. This raises a lot of concern of possible manipulations of the outcome of results of elections, hence the importance of this bill, he said, adding that the proposed sequence does not in any way infringe or violate any provision of the constitution. He said the bill will not limit the discretion of INEC to perform functions as provided by law. Elections to each chamber of the National Assembly shall be held on a date to be appointed by INEC in accordance to the electoral act. It is the constitutional responsibility of the National Assembly after due consultation with their President to determine the sequence that bests suits the yearnings and aspirations of majority of the electorates in Nigeria. This is also important so as not to give a candid and undue advantage in any election to avoid any situation where a certain candidate who may ordinarily not win an election would rest on the floor of victory of the superior, he added. The Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan (APC, Yobe North), while opposing the bill, reminded the Senate that he earlier voted against the desire of the National Assembly to determine the sequence of elections and will always vote against it. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to unnecessarily incurring an avoidable cost in elections, the National Assembly, the federal government, particularly the legislature here, this chamber and that one in the House should be able to be in place at any time to legislate for the good governance of this country, he said. Mr Lawan stated that the right thing to do is not to legislate on the sequence but to support INEC to conduct very free, fair and transparent elections. I want to advice we stick with what we practiced in 2015. We appropriate what INEC needs to ensure that this country does not go into any crisis, he said. Dino Melaye (APC, Kogi West), however, supported the bill, as he explained that if the National Assembly has the power to enact INEC as an institution, it should also have our powers to moderate its activities without tempering with dates. While the constitution empowers INEC to only fix dates for election, the power for order and sequence of election is within the constitutional mandate of the National Assembly. He thereafter, asked that second reading of the bill be stepped down and taken another day to enable the sponsor do more research. The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, while urging his colleagues to be on the same page, reminded the Senate of why President Muhammadu Buhari rejected the bill the first time. We passed that bill and sent it to the President. The president returned that bill with some observations. One of the observations was in respect of the order of the election. He also made observations regarding the local government election. What I think is, the president has made observations in some parts of the bill. He did not say the bill we passed was entirely useless. It is therefore important that we remove all those areas that the president had objected to and pass the remaining items as a separate bill and send it back to him, he suggested. He pleaded with the Senate Committee on INEC to to work on the rejected part(s) of the initial bill as the Senate worked on the other part. The senate unanimously agreed to Mr Ekweremadus suggestion. ADVERTISEMENT A former governor of old Kaduna State, Balarabe Musa, has described Wednesdays snatching of the mace in the Senate by suspected hoodlums as disgraceful. Mr Musa told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on telephone that the incident was dangerous, not only for democracy, but for security. NAN reports that some suspected hoodlums invaded the Senate on Wednesday seizing and taking the mace, a symbol of authority. The Senates spokesman, Sabi Abdulahi, in a statement, alleged that the hoodlums, led by a suspended member, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, walked into the Senates plenary and seized the mace. Mr Abdullahi described the incident as a treasonable act, as it amounted to forceful takeover of the Senate. Reacting, Mr Musa said the saga was more dangerous to security than it was to democracy. I ask, how can anyone or group invade the Senate and seize the mace, which is the symbol of authority? The incident, though a disgrace to democracy, had greater implications for security. It means the security of this country is being threatened by the day and there is an urgent need to tackle the problem, he said. Mr Musa said he would not be quick to blame any one personality for the incident, but the saga questioned the morality of some of the countrys leaders. He described the tension created by political and security issues in the land as a time bomb. Mr Musa said the effort of everyone was required to respond to the situation. (NAN) Some lawyers have reacted to the replacement of the legislative mace after hoodlums stormed the National Assembly on Wednesday seizing the original one. The Senate plenary was disrupted after the suspected thugs invaded the chamber and made away with the symbol of authority. However, after an hour break during which the senators held an executive session, another mace was brought into the chamber to replace the stolen one. The Senate resumed plenary with the mace, bringing to question the constitutionality of using the new mace. Some lawyers who spoke with PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday evening backed the lawmakers decision. A lawyer, Inibehe Effiong said the senators have the right to replace the mace so long the replacement is recognised by the leadership of the Senate. Of course it is (constitutional to use a spare mace). They have the right to replace the mace. There is no particular mace under the law that they can use. The important thing is that the mace that was used is the one recognised by the leadership of the Senate. So they have a right to replace it. He said the senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, accused of inviting the thugs to the chambers should have allowed the law to take its course after he was suspended by his colleagues. I understand the invasion was led by a suspended senator from Delta, apparently to protest his long suspension. However, while I do not agree with the suspension of the senator, I do not think it is appropriate for him to resort to self-help more so as he has already approached the court. I believe that the rule of law should be allowed to run its course. The Senate is an institution, and it should be distinguished and its personalities. Similarly, Lekan Alabi, a Lagos-based lawyer said the mace would pass as a sign of authority so long it emanated from the appropriate authority. Well the issue of mace, its a symbol and if the mace is brought out of the appropriate custody, there nothing wrong about it, he said He condemned the act of stealing the mace and expressed worry that such could happen in a place properly secured like the National Assembly. Another lawyer, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said the episode is political and there is no question of constitutionality. This thing (invasion) is very highly political. Of course, the mace is a symbol of authority and without it, the proceedings are not supposed to go on. So maybe thats why they brought in a replacement mace. Even though its symbolic, it is something that gives them the authority to speak and make decision. However, a human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, said the spare mace is not sufficient to replace the stolen one. Speaking to Channels TV, he said the proceedings of the Senate stand suspended until the stolen mace is retrieved. The implication is that the proceedings of the Senate will stand suspended until the mace is produced. It will be dangerous to go and manufacture another one. ADVERTISEMENT They must get to the root of this criminality and find the one that has been stolen. He also flayed the action of the suspended lawmaker Having referred to the facts and circumstances of the invasion of the National Assembly this morning, I think the National Assembly leadership and all the legislative houses in the country are being told that they must learn to operate under the law and not above the law. He however condemned the suspension of the senator, saying it was illegal. No legislative arm can suspend or remove a member. Only a court of law or the constituents that elect them can do so. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigeria Police Force have refused commenting on the number of Shiite members arrested after an initial confirmation of the arrest of 115 members of the group in Abuja on Monday. Members of the Shiite Islamic Movement of Nigeria began a rally on Monday, to demand the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, who was arrested shortly after a clash between Shiite members and the Nigerian Army in December, 2015. A Federal High Court in Abuja had in December 2016 ordered the release of Mr. El-Zakzaky, but the Nigerian government appealed that judgement and has detained the IMN leader ever since. No charge has been filed against him or his wife, with whom he is detained. The IMN members, who vowed to continue their protest till the federal government released their leader, had gathered at the Wuse Ultra-Modern Market on Tuesday and continued their protest around the National Universities Commission, Maitama on Wednesday afternoon. According to a spokesperson for the IMN, Abdullahi Musa, three truck load of Shiite members were taken during Tuesdays protest, while another car, loaded with arrested IMN members was driven away from the protest scene on Wednesday, by police officers. Despite repeated encounters between the police and members of the IMN, Tuesday and Wednesday in Abuja, spokesperson for the police declined making any further comment, when contacted by PREMIUM TIMES. After claiming ignorance of the development on Tuesday, the police spokesperson, Manzah Anjuguri, refused picking further calls by our reporter, even on Wednesday. On Wednesday, the IMN members converged near the National University Commission on Wednesday, while members of the police force arrived almost simultaneously on horses, armoured tanks and other vehicles. The police immediately formed a cordon, preventing the IMN members from proceeding and almost succeeded in dispersing them, within five to ten minutes. However after the police attempted to leave the scene, the IMN members immediately regrouped and started chanting: Free Zakzaky. They were soon dispersed by the police officers who returned with their guns ready to shoot, witnesses said. They followed us to the bus stops and arrested some of us, Mr Musa later told PREMIUM TIMES, in a telephone conversation. He added that although no harm was meted on the IMN members at the venue of the protest, he could not tell if any harm had come to the arrested members. According to reports by Human Rights Watch and the Kaduna State government, Over 300 IMN members were killed in December 2015 when the army attacked IMN members who were accused of blocking a road. Mr El-Zakzaky and his wife were later arrested and have been held by security operatives, till date. ADVERTISEMENT The Nigerian Police Wednesday arraigned the owner and staff of an hotel before a magistrate court in Ilorin, Kwara State, for allegedly withholding information on suspects in the deadly April 5 bank robbery in Offa. At least 17 persons, including nine police officers were killed when a gang of robbers attacked the main police station and six banks in the the second largest town in Kwara State. The robbers were believed to have lodged in Xontex Hotel in Igosun, from where they proceeded to unleash terror on neighbouring Offa just a few kilometres away. .. Those brought before the court include the proprietor of the hotel, Kadir Surajudeen; his accountant, Hassan Kehinde; the receptionist, Bello Bilquis; and the room keeper, Williams Sunday. The prosecutor, David Wodi, a police Inspector , charged the accused with criminal conspiracy, causing disappearance of evidence, and giving false information to screen an offender. According to the prosecutor, the hotel staff could not satisfactorily give account of the robbery suspects who lodged in their hotel, by maintaining or keeping record of proper official lodgers register, expected to be presented to the police and other law enforcement agents on request. Mr Wodi also accused the hotel staff of failure to give the police credible information obtained when the suspects lodged in their hotel. The prosecutor who said the offences contravened sections 97 and 167 of the Penal Code law left the release of the hotel staff on bail to the discretion of the court, but told the court that investigation into the robbery incident was still in progress. Responding, counsel to the accused, Joshua Ijaodola, pleaded with the court to admit the accused persons to bail pending the outcome of the investigation. He noted further that the Constitution of Nigeria presumes an accused innocent of allegations until proved otherwise. In her ruling, the Magistrate, M.B Folorunsho, granted the bail request for the accused in the sum of N200,000.00 each and adjourned the case till May 3 for further hearing. ADVERTISEMENT The Senate on Wednesday urged the federal government to approve the distribution of grains to internally displaced persons in Zamfara State. The Senate lamented the high level of hunger in IDP camps particularly in the North-eastern and North-central parts of the country. It also directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to, in conjunction with security agencies, conduct a holistic census of people injured, raped, orphaned and widowed as a result of the activities of armed bandits in the state with a view to assisting them through the various interventions by well-meaning individual Nigerians, corporate bodies, MDAs, local and foreign bodies. These resolutions were sequel to a motion on the Exclusion of Zamfara State by the Federal Government in the distribution of 30,380 mt of grains from National Strategic Reserve to IDP in Nigeria and other related matters, sponsored by Kabir Marafa (APC, Zamfara Central). Mr Marafa, while moving the motion, expressed concern by the absence of his state in these programmes of intervention to the lDPs, including the recently announced grains intervention to victims displaced by conflicts in the the North-east and North-central by the federal government. He stated that the state lost over 300 people in two months, starting with the gruesome murder of more than 100 people in Birane town, Zurmi Local Government. We lost 6 & 9 in Goran Namaye and Kaya towns of Maradun Local Government Area; 25 people in Unguwar Alhazai, Yan-Kuzo and Yanwarin Daji communities; nine in Bawo, Akuzo, Hegin-Mahe and surrounding villages of Wonaka in Gusau Local Government Areas; and 15 in Yartashan Sahabi, Kuran Mota and neighbouring villages. This is in addition to the attack on Daniibga, Kizara and its environs where many other people remained unaccounted for. The attacks have resulted in the death of between 10,000-15,000 people from 2011 to date. There is an estimated 16,000 widows, about 5,000 rape victims and about 40,000 orphans, taking a conservative figure of 8,000 adults killed, leaving behind an average of two wives and five children/family, he said. The Senate also resolved to designate the state as a priority area in all activities of local and international humanitarian and donor agencies. ADVERTISEMENT The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it had begun dismantling and removing abandoned and substandard communication masts compromising the safety of residents across the state. Olayemi Oni, General Manager, Lagos State Infrastructure Maintenance and Regulatory Agency (LASIMRA), an agency under the Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, disclosed this during a ministerial press briefing in Alausa, Lagos. Mrs Oni, who was one of the officials given opportunity by the states Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, to give the progress report of her agency, said the measure was to ensure safety and remove environmental hazards. She said the agency was reaching out to organisations and property owners to ensure they complied with the new standards. Mrs Oni said that the agency was working on generating an up to date database of telecommunication companies and facilities as well as ensuring compliance with environmental and safety rules for the overall well being of residents. She explained that the agency was interacting with as well as offering the necessary advice to various communications industry stakeholders and other firms, who had assets and facilities that required supervision. She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the hollow masts being phased out were substandard and the ones that were susceptible to falling off easiest, and causing various degrees of accidents that could compromise the safety of residents. She said that the state had removed 16 of the hollow masts and was giving time to some companies, who had written for extension of time to replace the masts with the recommended hot galvanised steel masts. We are targeting the hollow masts, there is particular specification that Lagos State has given. When your mast does not meet the standard, we advise the owners to relocate because all these masts have telecommunication equipment on them and then, we do not want to disrupt organisations work because they are using it for operations. Lagos State has abolished hollow masts for hot galvanised steel, she said. She said that the enforcement was on and several organisations were complying. Mrs Oni listed ongoing projects to include network audit of underground utilities, enumeration, site inspection and standard compliance of surface communications infrastructure, among others. LASIMRA is the agency saddled with the responsibility of regulating utility infrastructure in public space in Lagos. Searching for the requested information can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack, Tzafopoulos said. When those documents cant be found, its just as frustrating for the staff as for the member of the public whos seeking the information, she said. The Public Records Act requires governments to respond to requests within 10 days, but that deadline may be extended if staff needs more time to research and compile the information. Sixty-eight of the requests examined by the Star were resolved on the first day, usually with city staff emailing the requested records. But at least 28 requests took more than 10 days to process. We always try to respond within the 10 days, Tzafopoulos said, but sometimes that deadline is extended for another 14 days, especially if the request seeks many documents from more than one department. The citys lack of institutional memory also presents a challenge, especially when people seek information about matters with decades of history like the York Creek Dam, she said. It makes it really difficult to go through boxes and try to dig up the information people want, she said. But we try to (respond) as quickly as we can. Web posting could help The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has again waded into the festering crisis rocking the party in Ekiti State. The crisis is between the governor Ayo Fayose-led faction and that of Dayo Adeye and Biodun Olujimi. The recent move was informed by the realisation that the bickering could consume the aggregate ambitions of all the aspirants in the coming governorship election. The fire was stoked by the Ekiti State Governor after he declared his preference for his deputy, Kolapo Olusola, ahead of the primaries, to the chagrin of other aspirants. An earlier intervention by a committee of the party headed by former President of the Senate, David Mark, which met with the dramatis personae in Abuja, did not produce results. The national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus, and Mr Mark took the mediation to Ado Ekiti on Monday, urging the warring parties to sheath their swords. The duo successfully brought the contenders together along with their teeming supporters at the AB Foundation Hall in Ado Ekiti, where they were made to sign a truce. Addressing the party members, Mr Secondus gave the assurance that the party would conduct free, fair and credible primaries in order to stabilise the PDP and retain the state come July 14. I assure you once again, there will be transparency and the process would not cheat anybody, he said. I urge you to join the leaders to work together to ensure a free and fair transparent primaries, eminent Nigerians are conducting the primaries. We urge you to remain calm. We also urge INEC and security agents not to be partial but come to defend democracy. Doing that, the best of our people will serve the people the best. From here, we are moving to other parts of the country for sensitisation. INEC office signpost Mr Mark said the Ekiti primaries would be used to convince Nigerians and the global community that internal democracy had improved in the PDP. Let me assure you that nobody would be allowed to unilaterally write the names of the delegates, you will go to the wards to elect your own delegates, that is the PDP constitution, he said. We are going to meet with all relevant stakeholders before conducting the primary, because we dont want it to (de)generate to any crisis. I am confident that the PDP will win election in Ekiti. If the election is held in Ekiti 20 times, PDP will win because I can see that you are on ground. Mr Fayose in his comments, said he would not do anything that would undermine the party to conduct a free and fair primary. Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose. According to him, the PDP would concede defeat to the APC if the latter wins 10 wards out of the 177 wards in the state. When I contested in 2014, I won in 158 wards. No matter how mad a dog is, anytime it sees its owner, it will wag its tail. I am the landlord to APC in Ekiti. I am their master and I will defeat them any time, any day, Mr Fayose boasted. ADVERTISEMENT I defeated the grandfather of APC in Ekiti. Otunba Niyi Adebayo in 2003. I defeated his godson, Dr Kayode Fayemi in 2014 and this time around, I will defeat their great grandson. Though, I am for Olusola in the primary, but I want the other aspirants to be comfortable, the ultimate is to defeat APC in Ekiti and Nigeria. I will not do anything that would undermine this process , the party and aspirants. In a matter like this, there will be many interests. I am for Olusola but whosoever that wins the primaries I will stand by that person. Mr Adeyeye, in his remarks, said the meeting had given the assurance that the primaries would be free and fair. The party has also assured to publish all names of delegates and that by May 8 everyone will vote in secret ballot, and no one will been intimidated or suspended or harassed, he said. If this is done, I am assured that PDP will coast home with victory. I appeal to all of us that we should maintain our peace. Dont feel harassed or intimidated, the leaders at the national level have assured us and I believe governor Fayose has supported it. Mr Olusola, the governors preferred aspirant, said he was committed to a free primary on May 8. For the New World Order, a world government is just the beginning. Once in place they can engage their plan to exterminate 80% of the world's population, while enabling the "elites" to live forever with the aid of advanced technology. For the first time, crusading filmmaker ALEX JONES reveals their secret plan for humanity's extermination: Operation ENDGAME. Jones chronicles the history of the global elite's bloody rise to power and reveals how they have funded dictators and financed the bloodiest warscreating order out of chaos to pave the way for the first true world empire. Watch as Jones and his team track the elusive Bilderberg Group to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. to Ottawa and Istanbul to document their secret summits, allowing you to witness global kingpins setting the world's agenda and instigating World War III. Learn about the formation of the North America transportation control grid, which will end U.S. sovereignty forever. Discover how the practitioners of the pseudo-science eugenics have taken control of governments worldwide as a means to carry out depopulation. View the progress of the coming collapse of the United States and the formation of the North American Union. Never before has a documentary assembled all the pieces of the globalists' dark agenda. Endgame's compelling look at past atrocities committed by those attempting to steer the future delivers information that the controlling media has meticulously censored for over 60 years. It fully reveals the elite's program to dominate the earth and carry out the wicked plan in all of human history. Endgame is not conspiracy theory, it is documented fact in the elite's own words. When I tell people I work at a library they exclaim, how boring! Don't you just check books in all day and read? Oh were it that simple! Hollywood has long portrayed libraries as stuffy, and outdated with little old ladies telling everyone to shhh! Years ago this was the case for many libraries. But let me be the first to tell you, libraries have changed! Libraries are at the cutting edge of technology from digital printers to apps and online services. Libraries are a safe and welcoming space for everyone. Where else can you find a powerhouse of contrary information. Evolution? We got it! Creationism? We have it! Sensational fiction, cookbooks to impress your mother-in-law, its all here. Libraries are a free, non-judgmental source of information. We don't care what your reading, watching or listening too, we're just glad you found something you enjoy. This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled "Risk Factors", included in the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2017. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company's control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. ABBOTT PARK, Ill., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Abbott (NYSE: ABT) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018. First-quarter worldwide sales of $7.4 billion increased 16.7 percent on a reported basis and 6.9 percent on an organic * basis. increased 16.7 percent on a reported basis and 6.9 percent on an organic basis. Reported diluted EPS from continuing operations under GAAP was $0.23 in the first quarter. in the first quarter. Adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations, which excludes specified items, was $0.59 , at the upper end of Abbott's previous guidance range. , at the upper end of Abbott's previous guidance range. Abbott projects full-year 2018 diluted EPS from continuing operations of $1.23 to $1.33 on a GAAP basis 1 . Projected full-year adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations remains $2.80 to $2.90 , reflecting 14.0 percent growth at the midpoint. to on a GAAP basis . Projected full-year adjusted diluted EPS from continuing operations remains to , reflecting 14.0 percent growth at the midpoint. In January, Abbott announced U.S. FDA approval for magnetic resonance (MR)-conditional labeling for its Quadra Assura TM and Quadra Assura MP TM cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices and its Fortify Assura TM implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). With these approvals, Abbott has MR-conditional labeling for its suite of pacemaker, ICD and CRT-D devices. and Quadra Assura MP cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) devices and its Fortify Assura implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). With these approvals, Abbott has MR-conditional labeling for its suite of pacemaker, ICD and CRT-D devices. In January, Abbott announced that FreeStyle Libre, Abbott's revolutionary sensor-based continuous glucose monitoring system, is now available and approved for coverage by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Libre, Abbott's revolutionary sensor-based continuous glucose monitoring system, is now available and approved for coverage by the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. In March, Abbott announced clinical trial data from the MOMENTUM 3 study, which demonstrated that its HeartMate 3TM left ventricular assist device (LVAD) improved survival and clinical outcomes at two years for patients with advanced heart failure. The trial data will be submitted to the U.S. FDA to support consideration to expand the current HeartMate 3 indication to include long-term use. "We're off to a strong start to the year as we forecasted," said Miles D. White, chairman and chief executive officer, Abbott. "We're particularly pleased with the continued strong growth in Medical Devices and improving performance in our Nutrition business." * See note on organic growth below. FIRST-QUARTER BUSINESS OVERVIEW Note: Management believes that measuring sales growth rates on an organic basis is an appropriate way for investors to best understand the underlying performance of the business. Organic sales growth: Excludes prior year results for the Abbott Medical Optics (AMO) and St. Jude Medical vascular closure businesses, which were divested during the first quarter 2017; Excludes the current and prior year results for Rapid Diagnostics, which reflect results for Alere Inc., which was acquired on Oct. 3, 2017 ; and ; and Excludes the impact of foreign exchange. Following are sales by business segment and commentary for the first quarter: Total Company ($ in millions) % Change vs. 1Q17 Sales 1Q18 Reported Organic U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total Total * 2,675 4,715 7,390 15.1 17.6 16.7 5.0 8.0 6.9 Nutrition 758 998 1,756 3.8 9.5 7.0 3.8 5.5 4.7 Diagnostics 700 1,137 1,837 89.2 44.3 58.7 1.8 7.3 5.5 Established Pharmaceuticals -- 1,044 1,044 n/a 9.9 9.9 n/a 6.8 6.8 Medical Devices 1,209 1,535 2,744 6.4 22.0 14.6 6.9 11.7 9.4 * Total 2018 Abbott sales from continuing operations include Other Sales of $9 million. n/a = Not Applicable. Note: In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates. First-quarter 2018 worldwide sales of $7.4 billion increased 16.7 percent on a reported basis. On an organic basis, worldwide sales increased 6.9 percent. Refer to tables titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted Historical Revenue" for a reconciliation of adjusted historical revenue. Nutrition ($ in millions) % Change vs. 1Q17 Sales 1Q18 Reported Organic U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total Total 758 998 1,756 3.8 9.5 7.0 3.8 5.5 4.7 Pediatric 448 546 994 3.7 10.5 7.3 3.7 6.3 5.1 Adult 310 452 762 4.0 8.4 6.6 4.0 4.4 4.3 Worldwide Nutrition sales increased 7.0 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 2.3 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 4.7 percent on an organic basis. Worldwide Pediatric Nutrition sales increased 7.3 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 2.2 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 5.1 percent on an organic basis. International sales increased 10.5 percent on a reported basis, including a favorable 4.2 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 6.3 percent on an organic basis, which was led by strong growth across several countries in Asia, including Greater China. In the U.S., continued above-market growth was led by market share gains in the infant nutrition category. Worldwide Adult Nutrition sales increased 6.6 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 2.3 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 4.3 percent on an organic basis. Worldwide sales growth was led by Ensure, Abbott's market-leading complete and balanced nutrition brand, and Glucerna, Abbott's market-leading diabetes-specific nutrition brand. Diagnostics ($ in millions) % Change vs. 1Q17 Sales 1Q18 Reported Organic U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total Total * 700 1,137 1,837 89.2 44.3 58.7 1.8 7.3 5.5 Core Laboratory 228 791 1,019 5.6 13.8 11.9 5.6 6.5 6.3 Molecular 39 79 118 (13.8) 17.5 5.0 (13.8) 11.4 1.3 Point of Care 110 31 141 0.6 23.0 4.8 0.6 18.6 4.0 Rapid Diagnostics * 323 236 559 n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m n/m * Rapid Diagnostics reflects sales from Alere Inc., which was acquired on Oct. 3, 2017. Organic growth rates above exclude results from the Rapid Diagnostics business. n/m = Percent change is not meaningful. Worldwide Diagnostics sales increased 58.7 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter. On an organic basis, sales increased 5.5 percent. Refer to tables titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted Historical Revenue" for a reconciliation of adjusted historical revenue. Core Laboratory Diagnostics sales increased 11.9 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 5.6 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 6.3 percent on an organic basis, reflecting continued above-market growth driven by share gains in the U.S. and internationally. Molecular Diagnostics sales increased 5.0 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 3.7 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 1.3 percent on an organic basis. As expected, strong growth in infectious disease testing, Abbott's core area of focus in the molecular diagnostics market, was partially offset by a planned scale down in other testing areas, primarily in the U.S. Point of Care Diagnostics sales increased 4.8 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 0.8 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 4.0 percent on an organic basis, led by strong international growth of Abbott's i-STAT handheld system. Rapid Diagnostics worldwide sales of $559 million were led by infectious disease testing, including strong flu and strep testing volumes in the U.S. Established Pharmaceuticals ($ in millions) % Change vs. 1Q17 Sales 1Q18 Reported Organic U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total Total -- 1,044 1,044 n/a 9.9 9.9 n/a 6.8 6.8 Key Emerging Markets -- 793 793 n/a 8.7 8.7 n/a 6.8 6.8 Other -- 251 251 n/a 13.9 13.9 n/a 6.6 6.6 Established Pharmaceuticals sales increased 9.9 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 3.1 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 6.8 percent on an organic basis. Key Emerging Markets comprise several countries that represent the most attractive long-term growth opportunities for Abbott's branded generics product portfolio. Sales in these geographies increased 8.7 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 1.9 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 6.8 percent on an organic basis. Sales growth was led by double-digit growth across several geographies, including India, China and Brazil. Medical Devices ($ in millions) % Change vs. 1Q17 Sales 1Q18 Reported Organic U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total U.S. Int'l Total Total 1,209 1,535 2,744 6.4 22.0 14.6 6.9 11.7 9.4 Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 1,123 1,200 2,323 5.8 15.2 10.5 6.4 6.0 6.2 Rhythm Management 264 271 535 1.3 8.3 4.7 1.3 (1.2) - Electrophysiology 182 209 391 25.8 22.1 23.8 25.8 12.5 18.6 Heart Failure 114 39 153 4.3 17.0 7.3 4.3 6.7 4.8 Vascular 286 453 739 (6.0) 13.7 5.2 (4.1) 5.9 1.6 Structural Heart 109 184 293 1.9 23.4 14.5 1.9 11.5 7.5 Neuromodulation 168 44 212 23.6 13.0 21.3 23.6 2.0 18.8 Diabetes Care 86 335 421 14.5 54.5 44.2 14.5 39.2 32.9 Worldwide Medical Devices sales increased 14.6 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter. On an organic basis, sales increased 9.4 percent. Refer to tables titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted Historical Revenue" for a reconciliation of adjusted historical revenue. In Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation, worldwide sales growth in the first quarter was led by double-digit growth in Electrophysiology and Neuromodulation. Growth in Electrophysiology includes share gains from the recent U.S. launch of Abbott's Confirm RxTM Insertable Cardiac Monitor (ICM), the world's first and only smartphone-compatible ICM designed to help physicians remotely identify cardiac arrhythmias. In Heart Failure, sales growth was led by market uptake of Abbott's HeartMate 3 system. In the quarter, Abbott announced clinical trial data from the MOMENTUM 3 study demonstrating that its HeartMate 3 LVAD improved survival and clinical outcomes at 2 years for patients with advanced heart failure. The trial data will be submitted to the U.S. FDA to support consideration to expand the current HeartMate 3 indication to include long-term use. Growth in Structural Heart was driven by MitraClip, Abbott's market-leading device for the minimally-invasive treatment of mitral regurgitation. In March, Abbott announced MitraClip was granted national reimbursement in Japan, which enables greater access for patients to this life-altering therapy. In Neuromodulation, strong double-digit growth was led by a portfolio of recently launched products for the treatment of chronic pain and movement disorders. In Diabetes Care, worldwide sales increased 44.2 percent on a reported basis in the first quarter, including a favorable 11.3 percent effect of foreign exchange, and increased 32.9 percent on an organic basis. Strong double-digit growth was led by FreeStyle Libre, Abbott's revolutionary sensor-based continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) system, which removes the need for routine fingersticks2 for people with diabetes. During the quarter, Abbott announced that the FreeStyle LibreLink3,4 app is available in Europe for use with compatible smartphones, which allows people to access glucose data directly from their phones and eliminates the need to carry a separate scanning device. ABBOTT'S FULL-YEAR EARNINGS-PER-SHARE GUIDANCE Abbott projects 2018 diluted earnings per share from continuing operations under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $1.23 to $1.33. Abbott forecasts net specified items for the full year 2018 of approximately $1.57 per share. Specified items include intangible amortization expense, acquisition-related expenses, charges associated with cost reduction initiatives and other expenses. Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations would be $2.80 to $2.90 for the full year 2018. Abbott is issuing second-quarter 2018 guidance for diluted earnings per share from continuing operations under GAAP of $0.33 to $0.35. Abbott forecasts specified items for the second quarter 2018 of $0.37 primarily related to intangible amortization, acquisition-related expenses, cost reduction initiatives and other expenses. Excluding specified items, projected adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations would be $0.70 to $0.72 for the second quarter. ABBOTT DECLARES 377TH CONSECUTIVE QUARTERLY DIVIDEND On Feb. 16, 2018, the board of directors of Abbott declared the company's quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share. Abbott's cash dividend is payable May 15, 2018, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 13, 2018. Abbott has increased its dividend payout for 46 consecutive years and is a member of the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have annually increased their dividend for at least 25 consecutive years. About Abbott: Abbott is a global healthcare company devoted to improving life through the development of products and technologies that span the breadth of healthcare. With a portfolio of leading, science-based offerings in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals and branded generic pharmaceuticals, Abbott serves people in more than 150 countries and employs approximately 99,000 people. Visit Abbott at www.abbott.com and connect with us on Twitter at @AbbottNews. Abbott will webcast its live first-quarter earnings conference call through its Investor Relations website at www.abbottinvestor.com at 8 a.m. Central time today. An archived edition of the webcast will be available later that day. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 A Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements Some statements in this news release may be forward-looking statements for purposes of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Abbott cautions that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Economic, competitive, governmental, technological and other factors that may affect Abbott's operations are discussed in Item 1A, "Risk Factors'' to our Annual Report on Securities and Exchange Commission Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017, and are incorporated by reference. Abbott undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking statements as a result of subsequent events or developments, except as required by law. 1 Full-year 2018 guidance for diluted EPS from continuing operations on a GAAP basis represents 540.0 percent growth at the midpoint of the range. 2 Fingersticks are required for treatment decisions when you see Check Blood Glucose symbol, when symptoms do not match system readings, when you suspect readings may be inaccurate, or when you experience symptoms that may be due to high or low blood glucose. 3 Use of the FreeStyle LibreLink app requires registration with LibreView, a service provided by Abbott and Newyu, Inc. 4 The FreeStyle LibreLink app is compatible with NFC enabled phones running Android OS 5.0 or higher and with iPhone 7 and later running iOS 11 and later. Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 1Q18 1Q17 % Change Net Sales $7,390 $6,335 16.7 Cost of products sold, excluding amortization expense 3,067 3,062 0.1 Amortization of intangible assets 584 522 12.0 Research and development 589 553 6.4 Selling, general, and administrative 2,542 2,440 4.2 Total Operating Cost and Expenses 6,782 6,577 3.1 Operating earnings (loss) 608 (242) n/m 1) Interest expense, net 199 204 (2.1) Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (3) (16) (79.9) Debt extinguishment costs 14 -- n/m Other (income) expense, net (33) (1,166) (97.1) 1) 2) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 431 736 (41.5) Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 22 350 (93.8) 3) Earnings from Continuing Operations 409 386 6.1 Earnings from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes 9 33 (74.7) 4) Net Earnings $418 $419 (0.4) Earnings from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $1,050 $843 24.5 5) Diluted Earnings per Common Share from: Continuing Operations $0.23 $0.22 4.5 Discontinued Operations -- 0.02 n/m 4) Total $0.23 $0.24 (4.2) Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, as described below $0.59 $0.48 22.9 5) Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding Plus Dilutive Common Stock Options 1,765 1,735 NOTES: See tables below for an explanation of certain non-GAAP financial information. n/m = Percent change is not meaningful. See footnotes below. 1) Effective January 1, 2018, Abbott adopted Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Compensation Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost, which resulted in a retrospective reclassification of $40 million of net pension-related income from Operating earnings (loss) to Other (income) expense, net for the first quarter of 2017. 2) 2017 Other (income) expense, net includes a pretax gain of $1.151 billion from the sale of the AMO business. 3) 2018 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations includes the impact of approximately $65 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. 2017 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations includes the tax associated with a $1.151 billion pretax gain on the sale of the AMO business. 4) 2018 and 2017 Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Discontinued Operations, net of taxes reflect the impact of net tax benefits of $9 million and $33 million, respectively, as a result of the resolution of various tax positions from prior years. 5) 2018 Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $641 million, or $0.36 per share, for intangible amortization expense and other expenses primarily associated with acquisitions and restructuring actions. 2017 Net Earnings and Diluted Earnings per Common Share from Continuing Operations, excluding Specified Items, excludes net after-tax charges of $457 million, or $0.26 per share, for intangible amortization expense and other expenses primarily associated with acquisitions and restructuring actions, partially offset by a gain on the sale of the AMO business. Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) 1Q18 As Reported (GAAP) Specified Items As Adjusted % to Sales Intangible Amortization $584 $(584) -- Gross Margin 3,739 647 $4,386 59.3% R&D 589 (43) 546 7.4% SG&A 2,542 (90) 2,452 33.2% Net foreign exchange (gain) loss (3) (1) (4) Debt extinguishment costs 14 (14) -- Other (income) expense, net (33) (2) (35) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 431 797 1,228 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 22 156 178 Earnings from Continuing Operations 409 641 1,050 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $0.23 $0.36 $0.59 Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $584 million and other expenses of $213 million, primarily associated with acquisitions, restructuring actions and other expenses. See tables titled "Details of Specified Items" for additional details regarding specified items. 1Q17 As Reported (GAAP) Specified Items As Adjusted % to Sales Intangible Amortization $522 $(522) -- Gross Margin 2,751 984 $3,735 59.0% R&D 553 (40) 513 8.1% SG&A 2,440 (367) 2,073 32.7% Interest expense, net 204 (17) 187 Other (income) expense, net (1,166) 1,134 (32) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes 736 274 1,010 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations 350 (183) 167 Earnings from Continuing Operations 386 457 843 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $0.22 $0.26 $0.48 Note: The As Reported and As Adjusted amounts reflect the impact of adopting the new accounting rules related to the recognition of retirement benefits See Footnote 1 on table titled "Condensed Consolidated Statement of Earnings" for additional information. Specified items reflect intangible amortization expense of $522 million and other expenses of $903 million, primarily associated with acquisitions, including approximately $390 million of inventory step-up amortization related to St. Jude Medical, charges related to restructuring actions and other expenses, partially offset by a gain of $1.151 billion from the sale of the AMO business. See tables titled "Details of Specified Items" for additional details regarding specified items. A reconciliation of the first-quarter tax rates for continuing operations for 2018 and 2017 is shown below: 1Q18 ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Income Taxes on Earnings Tax Rate As reported (GAAP) $431 $22 5.0% 1) Specified items 797 156 Excluding specified items $1,228 $178 14.5% 1Q17 ($ in millions) Pre-Tax Income Taxes on Earnings Tax Rate As reported (GAAP) $736 $350 47.6% 2) Specified items 274 (183) Excluding specified items $1,010 $167 16.5% 1) Reported tax rate on a GAAP basis for 2018 includes the impact of approximately $65 million in excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. 2) Reported tax rate on a GAAP basis for 2017 includes the impact of taxes associated with a $1.151 billion pretax gain on the sale of the AMO business. Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Adjusted Historical Revenue First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 and 2017 ($ in millions) (unaudited) 1Q18 1Q17 % Change vs. 1Q17 Abbott Reported Adjusted Revenue Abbott Reported Divested Businessesa) Adjusted Revenue Non-GAAP Rapid Diagnostics Reported Reported Organicb) Total Company 7,390 (559) 6,831 6,335 (187) 6,148 16.7 11.1 6.9 U.S. 2,675 (323) 2,352 2,324 (84) 2,240 15.1 5.0 5.0 Int'l 4,715 (236) 4,479 4,011 (103) 3,908 17.6 14.6 8.0 Total Diagnostics 1,837 (559) 1,278 1,158 -- 1,158 58.7 10.4 5.5 U.S. 700 (323) 377 371 -- 371 89.2 1.8 1.8 Int'l 1,137 (236) 901 787 -- 787 44.3 14.4 7.3 Rapid Diagnostics 559 (559) -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m U.S. 323 (323) -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Int'l 236 (236) -- -- -- -- n/m n/m n/m Total Medical Devices 2,744 -- 2,744 2,395 (12) 2,383 14.6 15.1 9.4 U.S. 1,209 -- 1,209 1,136 (6) 1,130 6.4 6.9 6.9 Int'l 1,535 -- 1,535 1,259 (6) 1,253 22.0 22.6 11.7 Cardiovascular and Neuromodulation 2,323 -- 2,323 2,103 (12) 2,091 10.5 11.1 6.2 U.S. 1,123 -- 1,123 1,061 (6) 1,055 5.8 6.4 6.4 Int'l 1,200 -- 1,200 1,042 (6) 1,036 15.2 15.9 6.0 Vascular 739 -- 739 703 (12) 691 5.2 6.9 1.6 U.S. 286 -- 286 304 (6) 298 (6.0) (4.1) (4.1) Int'l 453 -- 453 399 (6) 393 13.7 15.3 5.9 a) Reflects sales related to the AMO and St. Jude Medical vascular closure businesses prior to divesting in the first quarter 2017. b) In order to compute results excluding the impact of exchange rates, current year U.S. dollar sales are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the current year average foreign exchange rates and then those amounts are multiplied or divided, as appropriate, by the prior year average foreign exchange rates. Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items First Quarter Ended March 31, 2018 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Divestiture- related (a) Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives (b) Intangible Amortization Other (c) Total Specifieds Gross Margin $ 45 $ 18 $ 584 $ -- $ 647 R&D (16) (2) -- (25) (43) SG&A (86) (4) -- -- (90) Net foreign exchange (gain) loss -- (1) -- -- (1) Debt extinguishment costs -- -- -- (14) (14) Other (income) expense, net (2) -- -- -- (2) Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $ 149 $ 25 $ 584 $ 39 797 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (d) 156 Earnings from Continuing Operations $ 641 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $ 0.36 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations." a) Acquisition-related expenses include costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, and inventory step-up amortization. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. c) Other expense relates to the acquisition of an R&D asset and the cost associated with the early extinguishment of debt. d) Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. Abbott Laboratories and Subsidiaries Details of Specified Items First Quarter Ended March 31, 2017 (in millions, except per share data) (unaudited) Acquisition or Divestiture- related (a) Restructuring and Cost Reduction Initiatives (b) Intangible Amortization Total Specifieds Gross Margin $ 406 $ 56 $ 522 $ 984 R&D (14) (26) -- (40) SG&A (352) (15) -- (367) Interest expense, net (17) -- -- (17) Other (income) expense, net 1,168 (34) -- 1,134 Earnings from Continuing Operations before taxes $ (379) $ 131 $ 522 274 Tax expense on Earnings from Continuing Operations (c) (183) Earnings from Continuing Operations $ 457 Diluted Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations $ 0.26 The table above provides additional details regarding the specified items described on tables titled "Non-GAAP Reconciliation of Financial Information From Continuing Operations." a) Acquisition-related expenses include bankers' fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to business acquisitions, integration costs which represent incremental costs directly related to integrating the acquired businesses and include expenditures for consulting, retention, severance, and the integration of systems, processes and business activities, fair value adjustments to contingent consideration related to a business acquisition, and inventory step-up amortization. The specified items in interest expense include amortization expense associated with acquisition-related bridge facility fees. Divestiture-related expenses include incremental costs to separate the divested businesses as well as bankers' fees and costs for legal, accounting, tax, and other services related to the divestitures. b) Restructuring and cost reduction initiative expenses include severance, outplacement, inventory write-downs, asset impairments, accelerated depreciation, and other direct costs associated with specific restructuring plans and cost reduction initiatives. Restructuring and cost reduction plans consist of distinct initiatives to streamline operations including the consolidation and rationalization of business activities and facilities, workforce reductions, the transfer of product lines between manufacturing facilities, and the transfer of other business activities between sites. Any gains related to the divestiture of a facility as part of a restructuring program are also included in this category. c) Reflects the net tax benefit associated with the specified items and excess tax benefits associated with share-based compensation. SOURCE Abbott Related Links http://www.abbott.com AMSTERDAM, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Adyen, the payments platform of choice for many of the world's leading companies, today announced that it generated $1.14 billion in annual revenue for 2017, an increase of over $400 million from 20161. Additionally, the payments services provider disclosed that it processed $1222 billion in volume for merchants in 20173, a 61 percent year-over-year increase in processed volume from 2016 to 2017. "Merchants around the world turn to Adyen for a simpler, more powerful payments platform," said Pieter van der Does, co-founder and CEO of Adyen. "We are highly focused on transforming the online and in-store payment experience. Our robust growth points to the strength of our unified commerce solution." Recently, Adyen expanded its unified commerce offering to Canada, attaining full coverage in North America and Europe. Merchants who work with Adyen can now use one platform across all channels (in-store, mobile, ecommerce), covering most of the world's currencies across four continents. Also, in Q1 of this year, Adyen launched its point-of-sale solution in Singapore, expanded into New Zealand and further built out its full stack payments platform. The company's large global footprint in the payment sector allows companies to process all major card brands, along with local payment methods, around the world. Adyen continues to add fast growing and innovative companies to its merchant base, with recent additions including eBay, Theory, Valve, ofo, Tinder, Lorna Jane, Groupe L'OCCITANE and ASICS on top of existing leading global brands, including Microsoft, Samsung, Uber, Facebook, Spotify, LinkedIn, Twitter, Netflix, Sephora and Tory Burch. For more information on Adyen's unified commerce offerings, please visit: www.adyen.com. About Adyen Adyen is the payments platform of choice for many of the world's leading companies, providing a modern end-to-end infrastructure connecting directly to Visa, Mastercard, and consumers' globally preferred payment methods. Adyen delivers frictionless payments across in-store, mobile and ecommerce channels. With offices across the world, Adyen serves 9 of the 10 of the world's largest Internet companies4. Customers include Facebook, Uber, Netflix, Spotify, Casper, Bonobos and L'Oreal. Media Contact Tracy Rubin JCUTLER media group [email protected] 1 Calculated on the basis of the average EUR/USD exchange rate for 2017, equal to 1.1297 2 Calculated on the basis of the applicable daily EUR/USD exchange rate. Processed volume Growth in EUR was 63.3% YoY. 3 Beginning with its 2017 results, in line with industry practice, Adyen now reports processed volume. Prior to 2017, Adyen reported transaction volume defined as payments volume received. 4 As of May 2017: https://www.statista.com/statistics/277483/market-value-of-the-largest-internet-companies-worldwide/ SOURCE Adyen Related Links https://www.adyen.com WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today the American Federation of Government Employees announced its endorsement of Rep. Keith Ellison to be reelected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. "For more than a decade, Rep. Keith Ellison has been an ardent defender of public service in this country," said AFGE District 8 National Vice President Gregg James. "He has been a friend to our union, our members, veterans, and the environment, and we thank him for his tremendous support for federal workers," he added. The largest federal employee union in the country, the American Federation of Government Employees, has endorsed Rep. Keith Ellison for the U.S House of Representatives for Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. "We know that Keith will proudly represent all Minnesotans as he continues to fight to protect the Environmental Protection Agency, for fair pay for public servants, and in the ongoing battle against privatization of the VA," said James, adding, "It is my pleasure to announce our firm endorsement of his reelection campaign today, and we hope to work with him in Congress for years to come." More than 41,000 federal employees live in Minnesota more than 5,000 of whom reside in the 5th district supporting the military, caring for veterans, ensuring the safety of the flying public, and getting Social Security recipients their benefits accurately and on time. AFGE is the largest federal employee union in the country, representing 700,000 federal and D.C. government workers in all functions of government. District 8 has more than 10,000 dues-paying members in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) is the largest federal employee union, representing 700,000 workers in the federal government and the government of the District of Columbia. For the latest AFGE news and information, visit the AFGE Media Center. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. SOURCE American Federation of Government Employees Related Links http://www.afge.org RENTON, Wash., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AIM Aerospace has earned Nadcap Merit Status at their Orange City, Iowa facility, for AC7118 Composites Processing. Earning Merit Status for Nadcap accreditation is a fundamental proof of AIM Aerospace's commitment to quality and excellence, demonstrating the company's proficiency in the processing of structural carbon fiber composites for its key Aerospace customers. AIM Aerospace Receives Nadcap Merit Status Frank Sloup, Director of Quality Assurance at AIM Aerospace, states: "This achievement required the intense focus of our quality and technical staff, as well as the commitment of our shift leaders and operators to understand the strict demands of the Nadcap accredited system. It brought AIM Aerospace employees closer together to prepare for the audit and maintain their contribution to processing standards year-round." The Orange City, IA facility has held Nadcap accreditation since 2008. Having demonstrated ongoing commitment to quality by satisfying customer requirements and industry specifications, the Nadcap composites group determined that AIM Aerospace earned Merit Status. "Achieving and maintain Nadcap accreditation is not an easy task; it is one way the aerospace industry identifies those companies that excel at manufacturing quality products through these processes. I am proud of our team for their focus on processing excellence on a daily basis." added Frank Sloup. ABOUT NADCAP Nadcap is the leading worldwide cooperative program of major companies, designed to manage a cost-effective consensus approach to govern the precise standards used to measure the competency, capability and consistency of suppliers and associated products within the aerospace and automotive industries. The Nadcap program is administered by the not-for-profit Performance Review Institute (PRI). Its mission is to provide international, unbiased, independent manufacturing process and product assessments and certification services to add value, reduce costs, and facilitate relationships between primes and suppliers. ABOUT AIM AEROSPACE, INC. AIM Aerospace, is a Washington based advanced manufacturer company offering a full line of services from design, analysis, prototyping and intelligent production of advanced composite products. AIM Aerospace manufactures and engineers products for the aerospace and defense markets. With 5 Center of Excellence locations, including a Research and Technology Center, AIM Aerospace provides manufacturing technologies that will define the way we fly. For further information, please visit the new aim-aerospace.com. SOURCE AIM Aerospace Related Links http://www.aim-aerospace.com NEW YORK, April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On April 10, at their Annual Spring Gala at The Plaza Hotel, American Skin Association (ASA) announced the Daneen & Charles Stiefel Investigative Scientist Awards. The Stiefel Family, longtime supporters of ASA, has generously contributed $300,000 to support grants for melanoma research. The purpose of this funding mechanism is to identify and support emerging leaders in dermatology focused on melanoma research. Recent changes at the NIH have limited support for mid-career investigators, instead favoring on the work of senior and early-career investigators. The grants funded by the Stiefel family will offer much needed support to mid-career investigators poised to become leaders in key areas of melanoma research. Candidates must have an MD and/or PhD, with a substantial track record in their melanoma research area. "We are so grateful to Daneen and Charles Stiefel for their overwhelming generosity," said Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA. "Their tremendous compassion for those suffering from devastating diseases is an inspiration to us all. For decades, the Stiefel family has generously funded crucial studies and provided hope to those desperately awaiting cures for skin cancer and other skin diseases. ASA applauds their continuing support of our organization's mission and our common goal." At last night's gala, the first two Daneen & Charles Stiefel Investigative Scientist Award recipients were announced and lauded for their achievements in the field of melanoma research: Neil Box, PhD, Associate Professor within the Departments of Dermatology and Epidemiology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, is an emerging leader in the study of melanoma risk. He has made important contributions to the understanding of melanoma risk mediated via genetic factors and environmental exposures. Dr. Box is dedicated to educating a new generation of melanoma investigators. Deborah Lang, PhD, Associate Professor of Dermatology at Boston University, is committed to educating the next generation of melanoma researchers. Dr. Lang leads a lab focused on the molecular biology of melanoma. Her cancer research and findings related to melanocyte stem cells have had broad impact, with discoveries into the molecular mechanisms of melanoma revealing potential "Achille's heel" factors that, if targeted and inhibited therapeutically, would lead to catastrophic consequences to the cancer cells. These findings may provide next generation treatment options for cancer patients. A philanthropist and pharma icon, Charles Stiefel is Chairman of Brickell Biotech, Inc. With more than 36 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry and tremendous compassion for those suffering from devastating diseases, Stiefel has spent decades generously supporting ASA and countless others causes. Daneen and Charles Stiefel's gifts have funded crucial studies and provided hope to those suffering from skin cancer and other skin diseases, while providing immense contributions to the field of dermatology and other medical fields. ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians and scientists, ASA has evolved over thirty-one years as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and diseases. Established to serve the now more than 100 million Americans one third of the U.S. population afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to: advance research, champion skin health particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin disease. For more information, visit americanskin.org. SOURCE American Skin Association Related Links http://www.americanskin.org Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS has entered into contract worth 124 million Euro with the Royal Malaysian Navy for delivery of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to their six new Littoral Combat Ships. Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS has entered into contract worth 124 million Euro with the Royal Malaysian Navy for delivery of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) to their six new Littoral Combat Ships. Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, with an NSM model at DSA 2018 Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd is building the ships based on Naval Groups Gowind Class design. This contract is a follow-on to the agreement announced 9 April 2015 for NSM shipboard equipment. The NSM will be deck mounted and integrated to the SETIS combat management system provided by Naval Group. This contract provides the Royal Malaysian Navy with an important surface-to-surface-missile capability and confirms NSMs very strong position in the international market. NSM is currently chosen by Norway, Poland, Germany and Malaysia, says Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. Scale model of the LCS on the RMN booth at DSA 2018. Note the NSM launchers. About NSM The NSM is a fifth generation anti-sip missile, developed by KONGSBERG for the Norwegian Navy. NSM reached Initial Operational Capability on the new Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen Class frigates and the new Norwegian Skjold Class corvettes in 2012. It is also fielded by the Polish Navy (coastal defense batteries) and has been selected by the navies of Malaysia and Germany. NSM was also tested by the US Navy on LCS (Littoral Combat Ship) #4 USS Coronado in 2014. Hans Kongelf, Vice President of Missile Systems at Kongsberg previously told Navy Recognition that the main strength of the NSM are: - Defense penetration capabilities thanks to its stealth, extremely low sea-skimming flight profile and high G maneuvers. - Target recognition: Each NSM is fitted with a library of ship profiles to recognize each ship classes. - NSM is available today, it is in production, fielded by the Royal Norwegian Navy, the Polish Navy and selected by the Royal Malaysian Navy and German Navy NEW YORK, April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Skin Association (ASA) today announced that Luigi L. De Ghenghi, Esq., partner in Davis Polk's Financial Institutions Group, has become a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. De Ghenghi's practice focuses on bank mergers and acquisitions, strategic bank regulatory and financial reform advice, and capital markets transactions for U.S. and non-U.S. banks and other financial institutions. "I am delighted that Luigi De Ghenghi will join ASA's Board of Directors. His many years of experience in both law and finance will be a tremendous asset to our organization," said Howard P. Milstein, Chairman of ASA's Board of Directors. "I welcome Mr. De Ghenghi on behalf of our Board and look forward to working with him," said Dr. David Norris, President of ASA. Mr. De Ghenghi is also experienced in advising banks and other financial institutions on corporate governance and compliance matters, bank insolvency issues, government investigations and enforcement actions, cross-border collateral transactions, and clearance and settlement systems. He has advised financial institutions, private equity funds and investors in banks and investment banks on a variety of transactions. From 1995 to 2001, Mr. De Ghenghi worked for J.P. Morgan in Brussels and London, where he became a managing director, head of the legal department for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and member of the European Management Committee. Mr. De Ghenghi is listed as a leading lawyer in Chambers USA and IFLR1000, was named as a "Banking MVP of the Year" in 2016 by Law 360 and was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2018 edition of The Best Lawyers in America for his work in "Financial Services Regulation Law." ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION ASA is a unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians and scientists, and has evolved over thirty-one years into a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and important inflammatory and genetic skin diseases. Established to serve the now more than 100 million Americans one third of the U.S. population afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to: advance research, champion skin health particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin disease. For more information, visit americanskin.org. SOURCE American Skin Association Related Links http://www.americanskin.org NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Overview The report covers the analysis and forecast of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market on a global and regional level.The study provides historic data of 2016 along with the forecast for the period between 2017 and 2024 based on revenue (US$ Bn). Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05379617 A comprehensive analysis of the market dynamics that is inclusive of market drivers, restraints and opportunities is included in the purview of the report.Additionally, the report includes potential opportunities in the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market on the global and regional level. Market dynamics are the factors which impact the market growth, thereby helping to understand the ongoing trends of the global market. Therefore, the report provides the forecast of the global market for the period from 2017 to 2024, along with offering an inclusive study of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market. Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Segmentation Analysis The study provides a detailed view of the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market by segmenting it based on product type and application.On the basis of product type, the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market has been further segmented into full custom design ASIC, semi-custom design ASIC and programmable ASIC. Semi-custom design ASIC is further segregated into standard cell based ASIC and gate array based ASIC.On the basis of application, the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market is segmented into telecommunication, industrial, automotive, consumer electronics and others. Others application segment includes auto emission control, medical, military and aerospace, sensors, environmental monitoring and personal digital assistants (PDAs) among others. Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Regional Outlook Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Latin America.These have been further sub-segmented into countries and regions with relevance to the market. The segmentation also includes demand for individual product and applications in all regions. The size of the global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market is provided in terms of revenue.Market revenue is defined in US$ Bn. The market size and forecast for each product and application segment are provided in the context of global and regional markets.Numbers provided in this report are derived based on demand generated from different applications and types products. Market dynamics prevalent in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific have been taken into account for estimating the growth of the global market. Global Application Specific Integrated Circuit Market: Scope of the Report Market estimates for this study have been based revenue being derived through regional pricing trends.The price for commonly utilized quality of Application Specific Integrated Circuit in each application has been considered. Demand for Application Specific Integrated Circuit has been derived by analyzing the global and regional demand for Application Specific Integrated Circuit in each application for its respective functions.The global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market has been analyzed based on expected demand. Average selling price of Application Specific Integrated Circuit products in the major countries has been taken into consideration to estimate regional and global revenue.Forecasts have been based on the expected demand from Application Specific Integrated Circuit applications. We have used the bottom-up approach to estimate the global revenue of application specific integrated circuit market, split into regions. We have initially determined the price in every region for the Application Specific Integrated Circuit market. Revenue has been determined with the help of volume and price derived from every region. Based on product type and application, we have summed up the individual revenues from all the regions to achieve the global revenue for Application Specific Integrated Circuit.The application split of the market has been derived using a bottom-up approach for each regional market separately, with the global application segment split being an integration of regional estimates. Companies were considered for the market share analysis based on their product portfolio, revenue, and manufacturing capacity. In the absence of specific data related to the sales of Application Specific Integrated Circuit of several privately held companies, calculated assumptions have been made in view of the company's product portfolio and regional presence along with the demand for products in its portfolio. Competition Landscape The competitive profiling of the key players in the global Application Specific Integrated Circuit market across five broad geographic regions is included in the study. These include different business strategies adopted by the leading players and their recent developments as in the field of Application Specific Integrated Circuit. Market Taxonomy By Product Type Full Custom Design ASIC Semi- Custom Design ASIC Standard Cell Based ASIC Gate Array Based ASIC Programmable ASIC By Application Telecommunication Industrial Automotive Consumer electronics Others By Geography North America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East and Africa Latin America Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05379617 About Reportlinker ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place. __________________________ Contact Clare: [email protected] US: (339)-368-6001 Intl: +1 339-368-6001 SOURCE Reportlinker Related Links http://www.reportlinker.com ATHENS, Tenn., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Athens Bancshares Corporation (OTC QX: AFCB) today announced that its Board of Directors has declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.05 per outstanding share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on or about May 15, 2018 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on April 30, 2018. Athens Bancshares Corporation is the parent holding company of Athens Federal Community Bank, National Association, a FDIC-insured national bank organized in 1934. The Bank is headquartered in Athens, Tennessee and provides financial services to individuals, families and businesses through its ten offices located in southeast Tennessee. SOURCE Athens Bancshares Corporation CHICAGO, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As of March 1, 2018, Attorney Ahmad Sulaiman of Atlas Consumer Law has been distinguished as a Leading Lawyer by Law Bulletin Media. This is a distinguished honor reserved for less than 5 percent of all attorneys in every state, and Mr. Ahmad Sulaiman has managed to earn a top spot among his peers. Mr. Ahmad Sulaiman was selected as a Leading Lawyer in the fields of Consumer Law, TCPA, FDCPA, FCRA. Leading Lawyers Award and Selection Process The selection process for all Leading Lawyers nominees and award recipients primarily involves peer nomination by other attorneys. When the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board reviews nominees and potential designees, the board speaks with a given attorney's peers and inquires as to whether or not they would refer a friend, family member, or other loved one to that attorney for legal assistance. (Note that nominees must be appointed by legal peers outside their firm, in order to demonstrate to the board that they have a good reputation in the community and that any praised received is sincere and reliable.) Leading Lawyers is said to be a comprehensive, telling, and trustworthy statement about a lawyer's level of client satisfaction, commitment to excellence, and acclaim among peers in the legal field. No attorney can nominate himself or herself, and they cannot buy this honor or be given special preference because of relationships to anyone in the organization. Less than 5 percent of all attorneys in every field in every state have been selected for this honor in 2018. Atlas Consumer Law Mr. Ahmad Sulaiman is the managing partner of Atlas Consumer Law and has accumulated a number of noteworthy honors and accolades in his field. He is an avid defender of consumers who have been wronged, hurt, or taken advantage of by companies, lenders, debt collectors, and others. He is an asset to the firm and continues to set the standard for the attorneys at his firm and in the Chicago legal community. SOURCE Atlas Consumer Law QUITO, Ecuador and WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco FINCA Ecuador, FINCA Impact Finance's subsidiary in Ecuador, announced it received Smart Certification. The certification comes after a rigorous independent review process found the bank has consistently upheld the highest client protection standards in providing financial products and services. Banco FINCA Ecuador joins FINCA subsidiaries in Georgia, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Nicaragua and Pakistan in receiving Smart Certification for its ongoing commitment to client protection. The Smart Campaign is a global initiative to promote stronger client protection standards in the microfinance industry. The certification process included review of all of Banco FINCA Ecuador's business processes and policies, concluding the organization has consistently demonstrated commitment to the Smart Campaign's seven Client Protection Principles: appropriate product design and delivery; prevention of over-indebtedness; transparency; responsible pricing; fair and respectful treatment of clients; privacy of client data; and mechanisms for complaint resolution. "Smart Certification is confirmation of Banco FINCA Ecuador's commitment to providing clients with responsible financial products", said Keith Sandbloom, FINCA Impact Finance's Vice President & Regional Director for Latin America & The Caribbean. Originally launched in 1993, Banco FINCA Ecuador is a leader in the country's responsible finance sector. In 2008, it became a full-fledged bank licensed to take deposits. Banco FINCA Ecuador continues to serve low-income entrepreneurs with a full range of financial products and services. Robust client protection standards have become increasingly important as Banco FINCA Ecuador adopts digital technologies to more effectively serve its clients. The company is currently developing offerings such as online and mobile banking, online loan applications and digital money transfers. About FINCA Impact Finance FINCA Impact Finance is a global network of 20 microfinance institutions and banks that provides socially responsible financial services to enable low-income individuals and communities to invest in their futures. For more information, visit: http://www.FINCAImpact.com; Twitter: @FINCAImpact. About The Smart Campaign The Smart Campaign, an initiative of The Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion, is a global effort to unite microfinance leaders around a common goal: to keep clients as the driving force of the industry. FINCA is a founding member of the Smart Campaign. SOURCE FINCA Impact Finance Related Links http://www.fincaimpact.com/ HOUSTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bangkok Airways will deploy GlobalBeaconSM to improve passenger safety as part of The International Civil Aviation Authority's (ICAO) Global Aeronautical Distress Safety System (GADSS) concept of operations. Under GADSS, which will be applicable starting on November 8th of this year, aircraft operators will be expected to track their aircraft during normal operations at a frequency of one position every 15 minutes. By January 2021, they will need to automatically receive once-per-minute positions for aircraft in distress. Theng Hui Low, Director of Asia Pacific for FlightAware with Mr. Kittisak Sudtachart, Director of Operations Control Center for Bangkok Airways . GlobalBeacon is a first of its kind product from Aireon and FlightAware that combines FlightAware's data processing platform and web-interface with Aireon's space-based ADS-B network. The AireonSM network is hosted on the Iridium NEXT constellation of satellites, which is over two-thirds of the way complete and will be fully operational later this year. The constellation provides the first and only solution for global coverage that exceeds GADSS standards and recommended practices (SARPs) for flight tracking. "Today's agreement means that Bangkok Airways will surpass the GADSS SARPs applicable this year, and will also proactively meet the 2021 requirements for distress tracking," said Theng Hui Low, Director of Asia Pacific for FlightAware. "GlobalBeacon is cost-effective, easy to deploy and won't require Bangkok Airways to install new avionics." Mr. Kittisak Sudtachart, Director of Operations Control Center for Bangkok Airways, said, "At Bangkok Airways, safety is at the very core of our value-offering to our customers, partners in the industry and our employees. We are proud to continue our commitment to leading the industry in operational safety standards by deploying GlobalBeacon," Mr. Kittisak added, "GlobalBeacon will provide our Flight Operations team with better visibility of our entire aircraft fleet, thereby improving operational safety and efficiency. It also aligns with our safety mission, which is to continually upgrade and maintain worldwide industry safety standards." About FlightAware FlightAware (www.FlightAware.com) is the world's largest flight tracking information company and provides over 10,000 aircraft operators and service companies as well as over 12 million passengers with global flight tracking solutions. FlightAware leverages data from air traffic control systems in over 45 countries, from FlightAware's network of over 15,000 ADS-B ground stations in over 180 countries, Aireon space-based ADS-B and from global datalink providers. FlightAware is privately held with offices in Houston, New York and Singapore. SOURCE FlightAware Related Links http://www.flightaware.com LONDON, April 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BenevolentAI today announced that it has raised $115 million from new and existing investors at a pre-money valuation of $2 billion in one of the largest funding rounds in the AI pharmaceutical sector. The majority of investors are from the United States, expanding the Company's global investor footprint. The balance of raised funds came from existing investors, including Woodford Investment Management. To date, the company has raised more than $200m of funding since 2013. Credit Suisse acted as the sole placement agent. About BenevolentAI BenevolentAI is applying artificial intelligence to develop new medicines for hard to treat diseases. It is the first fully integrated AI company with pharmaceutical discovery and clinical development capabilities. BenevolentAI's advanced technology is disrupting the pharmaceutical industry by lowering costs, decreasing failure rates and increasing the speed at which medicines are delivered to patients. The company's advanced technology has been shown to outperform human scientists in understanding the cause of disease and is capable of quickly generating drug candidates at scale. The technology is also able to decipher the molecular process of disease and link these disease signatures within patients to ensure that the best drug candidate is given to the best patient responders - the 'right drugs in the right patients'. BenevolentAI's current drug development portfolio demonstrates that it can cut early stage drug discovery by four years and potentially deliver efficiencies in the entire drug development process of 60% against pharmaceutical industry averages - significantly disrupting an industry that spends $180bn a year on R&D. To achieve this, BenevolentAI has created a bioscience machine brain, purpose-built to discover new medicines and cures for disease. Proprietary algorithms perform sophisticated reasoning on over 50 billion ingested and contextualised facts to extract knowledge and generate complex insights into the cause of diseases that have, until now, eluded human understanding. The company's AI technology is being used to develop treatments to unmet patients' needs across a wide range of diseases, including Motor Neuron Disease, Parkinson's Disease, Glioblastoma and Sarcopenia. Semi-automatic novel drug molecules are generated and then advanced in BenevolentAI's newly acquired Cambridge (UK) research facility. BenevolentAI currently employs 165 people who work in a unique, cross functional environment that incorporates leading edge data scientists, computer scientists, mathematicians and drug development R&D scientists working side by side. The company is headquartered in London with further offices in New York and Belgium. BenevolentAI's research facility is located in Babraham Science Park, Cambridge (UK). Use of Funds BenevolentAI has already made significant progress in accelerating drug development, including the initiation of over 20 drug programmes to date. The company will use the funds to significantly scale its drug development activities, broaden the disease areas on which it focuses, and extend its AI platform capabilities even further. A portion of the funds will be used to extend BenevolentAI's capabilities into other science-based industries underpinning many of the world's most valuable markets such as advanced materials, agriculture, and energy storage. Ken Mulvany, Founder and Chairman of BenevolentAI commented: "We are very pleased with the response to the fundraising. It reflects the rapidly growing global interest in the AI pharmaceutical sector and the recognition of our place as the dominant player within it. We have come a very long way since we founded the business in 2013. The capabilities of our technology didn't exist 6 years ago. We are pioneering this sector and have evolved into a fully integrated, AI enabled drug development company with the ability to deliver better medicines at previously unimaginable speeds - this ultimately means patients will receive the right medicines, at a lower cost, in less time." SOURCE BenevolentAI ALPHARETTA, Ga., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BevTV, the largest digital ad network in the adult beverage industry, is proud to announce its new partnership with Sellr, a leading technology solution that engages shoppers online and in the aisle to drive traffic and sales. BevTV is a powerful new ad channel that provides brand marketers with an effective, measurable way to engage consumers during the decision-making process and increase brand loyalty. BevTV enables brands to leverage existing advertising material and enhance the experience for shoppers in the aisle with branded cocktail recipes, promotional videos, and engaging product education. The dynamic content draws in shoppers to learn more about product choices at the point of purchase, when it matters most. "By pairing BevTV with Sellr, we can provide the adult beverage industry with a powerful tool that bridges the knowledge gap between consumers and products as they shop," said Lance Campbell, BevTV's Vice President of Brand Sales. Sellr President Bruce van Zyl agreed. "This partnership is focused on making the shopping experience as seamless as possible," said van Zyl. "When customers shop online, they have so much information available to them about products. Our mission is to bring that online experience to the aisle." BevTV benefits brands, shoppers, and retailers. Brands receive analytics for smarter targeting and connect directly with customers in the aisle. Shoppers feel confident about their informed purchasing decisions, and retailers enjoy an upgraded in-store shopping experience. About Sellr Sellr is a digital marketing platform developed by OnCue Technologies, LLC, an Alpharetta, Georgia based company founded in 2003. Sellr provides software and digital marketing support for businesses to make promoting products simple. To learn more, visit getsellr.com. About BevTV BevTV is a beverage-focused ad channel for brands to target their audience with engaging and interactive content in store aisles, right at the point of decision. BevTV is the largest digital ad network in the beverage industry, with access to over 1,000+ devices across US and Canada with an engaged and attentive targeted audience. Visit Bev.TV to learn more. SOURCE Sellr Related Links https://getsellr.com/ NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- BlackStar Financial (www.blackstarfinancial.com), announced that company president and founder, Laurie Holcomb, presented at the USC Gould School of Law Real Estate Law and Business Forum. The event was held April 12, 2018 and featured some of the top real estate and investing professionals in the nation. The event was the most highly attended law and business conference in the Southern California area. Holcomb shared her expertise at the Cannabis Real Estate Investment and Development session, which presented an overview of the regulatory framework for legal cannabis production, manufacture and distribution; impacts on real estate in California; and investing opportunities in the burgeoning market. Seminar attendees learned how seasoned real estate professionals are investing in the cannabis industry, and practical considerations for investors looking to reposition assets to benefit from what is forecasted to be a multi-billion dollar industry. Holcomb recently developed Gold Flora Farms, a 28-acre fully licensed cannabis campus in Desert Hot Springs, which includes 620,000 sq. ft. of space for state-of-the-art cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, distributing and testing. The complex was funded with private investments and is notable for its proximity to infrastructure and utilities, low tax rate, and freeway access. Tenants are expected to start their improvements in June of this year. "We started the planning process over two years ago, and it is great to see our vision coming to fruition," Holcomb stated. "Our tenants are the real winners, especially when comparing local tax rates with other areas of California, and the city's willingness to help with the process." The USC panel provided a snapshot of how to get involved in the cannabis industry, and noted the obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. Holcomb discussed the importance of understanding city ordinances, as each municipality can make its own regulations governing cannabis businesses. She discussed where to find private money to invest in cannabis businesses, as banks typically don't offer loans on these ventures. She also commented on regulatory changes occurring in the sector, and said that savvy investors now have a rare window of opportunity to get into the market at an early stage. For more information, visit: www.blackstarfinancial.com, or call: (949) 252-1177. SOURCE BlackStar Financial Related Links http://www.blackstarfinancial.com ARLINGTON, Va., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bloomberg Law announced the availability of the Litigation Intelligence Center, a new dedicated resource that makes it easier for litigators and litigation support professionals to perform research, advise their clients, and develop business. With the Litigation Intelligence Center, users no longer need to navigate multiple landing pages and search portals as they now have expedited access to information essential to litigation, including dockets, case law, news, analytics and artificial intelligence tools. Learn more about Bloomberg Law's litigation resources or take a free trial here: http://on.bna.com/CjH130jythp Among the features available on the Litigation Intelligence Center are: Access to dockets, including Docket Key, which uses machine learning to classify underlying filings Docket alerts for business development, tracking for case management, and the most inclusive document access on the market Innovative, modern, and differentiated case law research with Points of Law, which uses AI to enable attorneys to shorten their research time and quickly identify the best language to strengthen legal arguments, and Smart Code SM , which provides a list of all of the court opinions that reference a statute, rule, or regulation , which provides a list of all of the court opinions that reference a statute, rule, or regulation Litigation Analytics for law firms, judges, and companies to guide case strategy and client development efforts Comprehensive case law enhanced by BCiteSM Bloomberg Law's proprietary citator "The Litigation Intelligence Center on Bloomberg Law offers easy access to tools and content for the entire litigation department, from paralegals to partners," said Scott Falk, vice president and general manager of health care and litigation for Bloomberg Law. "We are committed to continually investing in the platform to deploy solutions that meet the unique and evolving needs of attorneys across practice areas." About Bloomberg Law Bloomberg Law helps legal professionals provide world-class counsel with access to actionable legal intelligence in a business context. Bloomberg Law delivers a unique combination of practical guidance, comprehensive primary and secondary source material, trusted content from Bloomberg BNA, news, time-saving practice tools, market data and business intelligence. For more information, visit www.bna.com/bloomberglaw. SOURCE Bloomberg Law The Fleet Tanker designed and developed by STM for the Pakistan Navy has enteredthe final phase of the programme. Built under the Turkish Defence Industrys largest ever single naval vessel export project, the Fleet Tanker has completed its first sea trials, which were conducted in the Indian Ocean with great success. The Fleet Tanker designed and developed by STM for the Pakistan Navy has enteredthe final phase of the programme. Built under the Turkish Defence Industrys largest ever single naval vessel export project, the Fleet Tanker has completed its first sea trials, which were conducted in the Indian Ocean with great success. The Pakistan Navy Fleet Tanker, named PNS MOAWIN The Fleet Tanker, which has been named PNS MOAWIN, is the brainchild of main contractor STM Savunma Teknolojileri Muhendislik ve Ticaret A.S., and was built at the Karachi Shipyard for the Pakistani Ministry of Defence Production to meet a requirement of the Pakistan Navy. The Pakistan Fleet Tanker, Turkeys largest ever single naval vessel export, has left its mark on history as one of the most unique indigenous projects ever undertaken, and has been a catalyst in the improvement of military cooperation between two friendly and brother countries. The success achieved in this programme has been an important factor in the awarding of STM with the the Agosta 90B Submarine Modernisation Project in Pakistan. Although it is the first of its kind in its class, and a product with a brand new design together with theproduction data pack and technical support provided by STM, the Fleet Tanker PNS MOAWIN, built at the Karachi Shipyard in Pakistan (KS&EW),managed to complete its sea trials successfully, leaving the Port of Karachi and arriving in the Indian Ocean on March 31, 2018. Aboard the Fleet Tanker for its first cruise were the crew and Pakistani Shipyard personnel, as well as 30 personnel from STM and a number of representatives from other Turkish companies that are subcontractedto STMin this programme. PNS MOAWIN continued its sea trials on April 45,during which the fleet tankers critical systems were tested, even under night conditionsexceedingthe expected performance. PNS MOAWIN returned to the Karachi Shipyard after completing the tests successfully. Although the sea trials of the Fleet Tanker will continue, the results achieved in the first tests are already a source of pride in the cooperation between Pakistan and the Turkish Defence Industry. The Pakistan Fleet Tanker Projecthas been supported by the devoted efforts and highlymotivated cooperation of the Pakistan Navy and Karachi Shipyard personnel, all of whomhave played a significant role in the programmes success. About the Fleet Tanker: * Designed jointly by STM and the Pakistan Navy to meet the operational requirements of the Pakistan Navy, the Fleet Tanker, which is the first of its kind in its class, weighs 16,400 tons and is approximately 158metres long. It can cruise at speeds of 20 Knots, driven by twoControllable Pitch Propeller (CPP) powered by two diesel engines. The vessels electrical power is supplied by four diesel generators. * The vessels Replenishment/Fueling at Sea (RAS/FAS) System allows it to provide support to the combat and auxiliary elements of the Pakistan Navy by replenishing them with such critical materials as fuel, water and ammunition during cruising, increasingsignificantly the operational capabilities of the Pakistan Navy. * The vessel is incorporated with a helo hangar and landing platformthatallows it to support helicopter operations at both day and night, as well as a fully-equippedsick bay. * A significant proportion of the construction materialsfor the vessel have been provided by the Turkish subsidiary industry companies that have been involved in the indigenous MILGEM (National Ship) project. NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC ("Blue Wolf"), the New York-based private equity firm, today announced that Jeremy Kogler has been named a Partner of the firm. He was previously a Principal at Blue Wolf. Mr. Kogler joined Blue Wolf in 2010 and has been integral in developing Blue Wolf's healthcare investments. He serves on the board of directors of all of Blue Wolf's healthcare portfolio companies: ModernMD Urgent Care; Pharmaceutical Strategies Group; Great Lakes Caring Home Health and Hospice; and StateServ Holdings, a provider of benefit management services in durable medical equipment. "Jeremy has proven to be a tremendous asset to our firm and Michael Ranson, Charlie Miller, and I are delighted to welcome him to his new role," said Managing Partner Adam Blumenthal. "In particular, his experience, deep knowledge, and extensive relationships in healthcare have allowed us to build a significant business investing in transformational opportunities in that sector. For example, the recently announced merger of Great Lakes Caring with Jordan Health Care, creating the largest privately held home care company in the U.S., could not have been accomplished without his leadership." Mr. Blumenthal added, "Beginning as an intern at Blue Wolf in 2010, Jeremy has displayed an admirable work ethic, spirit of camaraderie, and commitment to Blue Wolf, making him a trusted and valued member of our firm. We look forward to his continued leadership over the coming years." Prior to joining Blue Wolf, Mr. Kogler spent five years as a multi-strategy analyst focused on public securities at EnTrust Capital Partners. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University and a M.B.A. from Columbia University. About Blue Wolf Capital Partners Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC is a private equity firm that specializes in control investments in middle market companies. Leading by experience, and with a commitment to excellence, Blue Wolf transforms companies strategically, operationally and collaboratively. Blue Wolf manages challenging situations and complex relationships between business, customers, employees, unions, and regulators to build value for stakeholders. For additional information, please visit www.bluewolfcapital.com. Contact: Owen Blicksilver PR, Inc. Caroline Luz (203) 656-2829, [email protected] or Kristin Celauro 732-433-5200, [email protected] SOURCE Blue Wolf Capital Partners LLC Related Links http://www.bluewolfcapital.com PETALUMA, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Automation can enable growth in a business as it frees up leaders and employees to innovate and improve the company processes and offerings. In particular, automating marketing can, when done well, generate leads and nurture them throughout the process, leaving customer service and other client-facing personnel free to focus on each client's needs. Brandon Frere, entrepreneur and financial industry leader, knows the value of automating many different steps in a business and encourages business owners to embrace the practice. "The less I have to think about the details, the more I can think about the big picture and aim my companies in the right direction for both our success and that of our clients," said Frere. "For example, many types of client communication, like notifications or requests for information, can be automated, freeing up the workforce to focus on other necessary tasks." In a basic sense, marketing automation generates leads by targeting individuals who would likely be interested in the product or service that the company is offering. The sales team gets involved later in the process when the lead is already partially through the process, which can improve conversion rates. Automating a marketing process should further a company's goals, so the company leaders should revisit those goals when integrating automation into their system. They must have a solid foundation and target audience to deliver quality content that leads will want to follow up on. Like much advice on company practices, success depends on customers. A company that can give the customers what they want when they want it will be more successful than one that is not so targeted. "You have to put yourself in your clients' shoes to be able to effectively turn leads into clients and returning customers," said Frere. "It's important that you as a leader stay in tune with your client base and their needs. Automating marketing or other systems forces you to do that and stay in that perspective. And that ability to get and keep clients is what drives growth." About Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His company website, www.FrereEnterprises.com, is used as a means to communicate many of the lessons, fundamentals, and information he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide. As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs. FrereEnterprises.com Related Links Frere Enterprises home page SOURCE Frere Enterprises Related Links http://www.FrereEnterprises.com AIEA, Hawaii, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts has opened a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Phoenix that greatly increases the production capabilities for its popular Mochi Ice Cream. The Phoenix facility joins Bubbies other manufacturing operation in Aiea, Hawaii. With ongoing success and demand in the U.S. and internationally, Bubbies needed greater production capacity and decided that a mainland location in Phoenix was the best fit for the company. The Phoenix facility, a multi-million dollar investment by Bubbies, adds dozens of jobs to the region. Greater Phoenix is also home to a majority of Bubbies' leadership and executive team. Bubbies was founded in Hawaii in 1985 by ice cream pioneer Keith Robbins. The company has since grown into the leading manufacturer of premium Mochi Ice Cream in the U.S. with a significant international footprint. "Not only is our new Phoenix facility state-of-the-art, it gives us strategic distribution capacity from the mainland," said Rick Schaffer, Chief Executive Officer of Bubbies Ice Cream. "Our new manufacturing facility is a game changer for us and for the industry." The facility will help Bubbies meet growing consumer demand, and support its rapidly expanding distribution network of specialty, independent and national grocery chains such as Whole Foods Market, Kroger and select Safeway locations. Bubbies Mochi Ice Cream, with 100 calories or less per serving, is more rich and flavorful than other mochi desserts, due to the high quality ingredients and proprietary recipe. Bubbies is gluten-free (certified by the Celiac Support Organization), Kosher and is produced without ingredients genetically modified through the use of modern biotechnology. About Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts For more than 30 years, Bubbies has been an iconic Hawaiian brand best known for its premium Mochi Ice Cream. Starting with the highest quality ingredients, Bubbies delivers the creamiest ice cream experience using a secret family recipe that uses a proprietary cream base, giving Bubbies a superb premium texture and taste. Bubbies extends its passion for quality and flavor to give customers a deliciously unique way to experience frozen desserts. www.bubbiesicecream.com SOURCE Bubbies Homemade Ice Cream & Desserts, Inc. Related Links http://www.bubbiesicecream.com THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CB&I (NYSE:CBI) today announced it has been awarded an ethylene technology contract by Lianyungang Petrochemical Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Zhejiang Satellite Petrochemical Co., Ltd. CB&I's scope of work includes a process design package, heater engineering and technology license for two ethylene plants with a capacity of 1,250 kta each at Lianyungang's petrochemical facility in Jiangsu Province, China. This design will utilize CB&I's market-leading, low-cost ethane cracker flowsheet which reduces investment costs by eliminating plant equipment. Once complete, these will be China's first ethylene plants to crack 100 percent ethane feed, signifying a new wave of ethylene projects fed by shale gas ethane sourced from the U.S. Currently, all large ethylene plants in China crack mixed feeds or liquid feeds. "CB&I is already a leading technology provider for the Chinese petrochemical industry," said Daniel M. McCarthy, CB&I's Executive Vice President of Technology. "Being the first company to license a unit in this new wave of ethane-only cracker projects in China not only enhances our business in the region, it puts CB&I in a better position to win future awards in the market." About CB&I CB&I (NYSE:CBI) is a leading provider of technology and infrastructure for the energy industry. With more than 125 years of experience, CB&I provides reliable solutions to our customers around the world while maintaining a relentless focus on safety and an uncompromising standard of quality. For more information, visit www.CBI.com. Important Information For Investors And Shareholders Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding CB&I and represents our expectations and beliefs concerning future events. These forward-looking statements are intended to be covered by the safe harbor for forward-looking statements provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. When considering any statements that are predictive in nature, depend upon or refer to future events or conditions, or use or contain words, terms, phrases or expressions such as "achieve," "forecast," "plan," "propose," "strategy," "envision," "hope," "will," "continue," "potential," "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "predict," "intend," "should," "could," "may," "might" or similar forward-looking statements, we refer you to the cautionary statements concerning risk factors and "Forward-Looking Statements" described under "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended December 31, 2017, and any updates to those risk factors or "Forward-Looking Statements" included in our subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC, which cautionary statements are incorporated herein by reference. Investors: Scott Lamb, +1 832 513 1068, [email protected] Media: Gentry Brann, +1 832 513 1031, [email protected] SOURCE CB&I Related Links http://www.cbi.com SONOMA, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chevrolet and Shell are rolling out the automotive industry's first embedded, in-dash fuel payment and savings experience. This new feature will allow drivers of eligible Chevrolet vehicles to pay and save directly through the touchscreen in their vehicle when they fuel up at participating Shell-branded stations, without swiping a credit card or using a mobile device. To use this feature, users will press the Shell icon within Marketplace and select their preferred station location. After a few taps on the in-vehicle touchscreen, a code will be generated that allows the user to activate a desired pump and start fueling. Payment is then automatically charged to the payment method on file, with Fuel Rewards savings applied. Embedded in-dash fueling at Shell is powered by Marketplace, the automotive industry's first commerce platform for on-demand reservations and purchases of goods and services. Marketplace allows users to order food, make dinner reservations, find parking or hotels and locate and pay for fuel at participating Shell-branded stations. "We introduced Marketplace to deliver value, productivity and convenience to our customers," said Rick Ruskin, senior manager, Online Commerce, Chevrolet. "Bringing the Shell Pay & Save functionality right on the touchscreen of our vehicles is the latest advancement of this platform, allowing drivers to simply access Fuel Rewards and pay for gas while inside their car." Through Marketplace, Shell already provides customers ease of navigation to their nearest Shell station, including information about station amenities and the ability to sign up for the Fuel Rewards program. With the rollout of in-dash fuel payment to the nation's largest branded fueling network, Chevy customers will be able to pay and save from the comfort of their vehicle at participating Shell stations. "Being the first to deliver this type of in-dash fuel payment and savings is very exciting," said Sydney Kimball, Vice President, Fuel Sales and Marketing Americas for Shell Oil Products U.S. "At Shell we are constantly working to develop better products and services for our customers, and we are always evolving according to their transforming needs and expectations around convenience, quality, digitalization and service. We're thrilled to be working with Chevrolet to make this a reality." In-dash payment and savings at Shell-branded stations is currently piloting in select markets, with nationwide rollout planned throughout the coming months. Marketplace is available in eligible 2017MY and newer Chevrolet vehicles in the U.S. ABOUT CHEVROLET Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. ABOUT SHELL Shell Oil Company is an affiliate of Royal Dutch Shell plc, a global group of energy and petrochemical companies with operations in more than 70 countries. In the U.S., Shell operates in 50 states and employs more than 20,000 people working to help tackle the challenges of the new energy future. Cautionary Note The companies in which Royal Dutch Shell plc directly and indirectly owns investments are separate legal entities. In this release "Shell", "Shell group" and "Royal Dutch Shell" are sometimes used for convenience where references are made to Royal Dutch Shell plc and its subsidiaries in general. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" are also used to refer to Royal Dutch Shell plc and subsidiaries in general or to those who work for them. These terms are also used where no useful purpose is served by identifying the particular entity or entities. ''Subsidiaries'', "Shell subsidiaries" and "Shell companies" as used in this release refer to entities over which Royal Dutch Shell plc either directly or indirectly has control. Entities and unincorporated arrangements over which Shell has joint control are generally referred to as "joint ventures" and "joint operations", respectively. Entities over which Shell has significant influence but neither control nor joint control are referred to as "associates". The term "Shell interest" is used for convenience to indicate the direct and/or indirect ownership interest held by Shell in an entity or unincorporated joint arrangement, after exclusion of all third-party interest. This release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) concerning the financial condition, results of operations and businesses of Royal Dutch Shell. All statements other than statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements of future expectations that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements concerning the potential exposure of Royal Dutch Shell to market risks and statements expressing management's expectations, beliefs, estimates, forecasts, projections and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are identified by their use of terms and phrases such as "aim", "ambition", ''anticipate'', ''believe'', ''could'', ''estimate'', ''expect'', ''goals'', ''intend'', ''may'', ''objectives'', ''outlook'', ''plan'', ''probably'', ''project'', ''risks'', "schedule", ''seek'', ''should'', ''target'', ''will'' and similar terms and phrases. There are a number of factors that could affect the future operations of Royal Dutch Shell and could cause those results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this release, including (without limitation): (a) price fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas; (b) changes in demand for Shell's products; (c) currency fluctuations; (d) drilling and production results; (e) reserves estimates; (f) loss of market share and industry competition; (g) environmental and physical risks; (h) risks associated with the identification of suitable potential acquisition properties and targets, and successful negotiation and completion of such transactions; (i) the risk of doing business in developing countries and countries subject to international sanctions; (j) legislative, fiscal and regulatory developments including regulatory measures addressing climate change; (k) economic and financial market conditions in various countries and regions; (l) political risks, including the risks of expropriation and renegotiation of the terms of contracts with governmental entities, delays or advancements in the approval of projects and delays in the reimbursement for shared costs; and (m) changes in trading conditions. No assurance is provided that future dividend payments will match or exceed previous dividend payments. All forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Additional risk factors that may affect future results are contained in Royal Dutch Shell's 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2017 (available at www.shell.com/investor and www.sec.gov). These risk factors also expressly qualify all forward-looking statements contained in this release and should be considered by the reader. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this release, April 18, 2018. Neither Royal Dutch Shell plc nor any of its subsidiaries undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or other information. In light of these risks, results could differ materially from those stated, implied or inferred from the forward-looking statements contained in this release. We may have used certain terms, such as resources, in this release that United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) strictly prohibits us from including in our filings with the SEC. U.S. Investors are urged to consider closely the disclosure in our Form 20-F, File No 1-32575, available on the SEC website www.sec.gov. SOURCE Shell Oil Company Related Links http://www.shell.us WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Corporate Whistleblower Center, "We are urging a medical doctor or healthcare manager to call us anytime at 866-714-6466 if they have proof a hospital is paying referral fees to physicians in a way to gain for admissions to the hospital - kind of exactly like a commission. Let's as an example say, a hospital is bribing doctors for an admission rather than an outpatient procedure because Medicare pays so much better of admissions as opposed to an outpatient medical treatment. Recently a medical doctor received over $6 million dollars for this type of information. Stark Violation "The whistleblower reward in this instance might have been more significant had the hospital not settled the claim prior to court. Blowing the whistle on a healthcare company, a defense contractor, a you name it company that rips off the government could and should be a Fortune 500 company. This one medical doctor cashed in on something we are certain happens in every state as we would like to discuss anytime with a medical doctor, a healthcare manager or any kind of government subcontractor if they would call us at 866-714-6466." http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com "If you are a medical doctor, a healthcare manager or any type of employee with proof your employer is bilking the federal government out of at least a million dollars over the last four years - please call us anytime at 866-714-6466 and let's have a confidential conversation of the reward potential of your information. Why sit on a potentially winning lotto ticket without ever knowing what it might have been worth?" http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com Simple rules for a whistleblower from the Corporate Whistleblower Center: Do not go to the government first if you are a major whistleblower. The Corporate Whistleblower Center says, "Major whistleblowers frequently go to the government thinking they will help. It's a huge mistake. Do not go to the news media with your whistleblower information. Public revelation of a whistleblower's information could destroy any prospect for a reward. Do not try to force a company or individual to come clean stark on anti-kickback laws or overbilling Medicare. Come to us first, tell us what type of information you have, and if we think it's sufficient, we will help find the right law firms to assist in advancing your information." The Corporate Whistleblower Center wants to emphasize there are high quality whistleblowers in every state, including California, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Massachusetts, Maryland, Rhode Island, Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, or Alaska. They are especially interested in hearing from medical doctors, hospital employees, medical practice managers or nurses who have information about kickback involving a medical doctor and any type of healthcare provider or company. http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com The Corporate Whistleblower Center is the premier advocate for whistleblowers in the United States. Unlike any group in the US, they can assist a potential whistleblower with packaging their information and providing the whistleblower with access to some of the most accomplished whistleblower attorneys in the nation. For more information, a potential whistleblower can contact the Corporate Whistleblower Center anytime at 866-714-6466 or visit http://CorporateWhistleblower.Com For attribution please refer to the March 2017 Department of Justice press release related to this matter: https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/pennsylvania-hospital-and-cardiology-group-agree-pay-2075-million-settle-allegations. Media Contact: Thomas Martin 866-714-6466 [email protected] SOURCE Corporate Whistleblower Center Related Links http://corporatewhistleblower.com ATLANTA, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Enterprises today named Maury Z. Wolfe senior director, corporate social responsibility and public affairs. Wolfe will be responsible for leading sustainability-focused, community and employee-action programs that support Cox Conserves, the company's signature sustainability program. She also will be responsible for corporate giving, local public affairs and community relations, including nonprofit board placements for Cox executives. In addition, Wolfe will partner with Cox's operating divisions to lead the company's national corporate partnerships, focused on fostering diversity, protecting the environment and empowering families and communities. "Maury's role with Cox Enterprises is key to helping us honor our commitments as we work to help build a better future for the next generation," said Bob Jimenez, senior vice president of Corporate Communications and Administrative Services. "Her extensive experience in corporate responsibility will build upon Cox's strong track record of giving back to our communities." Previously, Wolfe worked for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) where she served as director, global corporate responsibility and drove sustainability across IHG's 5,000+ hotels. Prior to joining IHG, Maury served as director, policy and sustainability for Coca-Cola Refreshments and as manager, corporate responsibility and sustainability for Coca-Cola Enterprises. She began her career with the U.S. Green Building Council in Washington, DC as manager, LEED for retail national accounts. Maury earned a bachelor's degree in Human and Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and a masters of business administration degree from Georgetown University. About Cox Enterprises: Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues exceeding $21 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit www.CoxCSRReport.com. SOURCE Cox Enterprises BOULDER, Colo., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CRG, a leading healthcare investment firm, today announced the completion of the transfer of control of the firm to Nathan Hukill, President and Chairman, effective March 31, 2018. In connection with the transfer, Charles Tate will retire from day-to-day operations of CRG and will serve as Chairman Emeritus of the company. "This leadership transition ensures the long-term success of CRG and enables the current management team to continue executing its differentiated strategy of providing growth capital to commercial-stage healthcare companies and targeting compelling risk-adjusted returns for our limited partners," commented Nathan Hukill. "On behalf of my partners and colleagues, I would like to thank Charles for his immense contributions to CRG and entrusting me with the opportunity to lead the firm forward." Under the plan, which was finalized in December 2015, a partnership was established as a mechanism to share firm ownership, ensure strong governance of CRG and align interests between senior management and the firm's business partners. The firm's partners include Charles Tate, Nathan Hukill, Luke Duster, Michael Weinmann, Andrei Dorenbaum, and David Carter. Tate added, "Nate and I first engaged in discussions about a succession plan in 2013 that would provide continued incentives for the next generation without the introduction of outside ownership. Nate is uniquely qualified to assume control of CRG and is committed to the firm's future success. Since 2009, Nate has overseen significant growth, including investing in 47 commercial-stage healthcare companies across 21 therapeutic areas and raising nearly $3 billion in debt and equity capital from institutional investors." About CRG CRG is a premier healthcare investment firm that has committed more than $3 billion of assets across three funds to date. The firm seeks to invest between $20 to $300 million in companies across the healthcare spectrum, including: medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, tools & diagnostics, services and information technology. CRG provides growth capital in the form of long-term debt and equity to support innovative, commercial-stage healthcare companies that address large, unmet medical needs. The firm partners with public and private companies to provide flexible financing solutions and world-class support to achieve exceptional growth objectives with minimal dilution. CRG maintains offices in Boulder, New York and Houston. For more information, please visit www.crglp.com. Disclosure This release does not constitute an offer to sell or buy any securities and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any offer or sale of securities. It does not constitute a solicitation of clients and may not be used or relied upon in connection with any solicitation of clients. This release is qualified in its entirety by reference to the offering materials of a specific investment opportunity. Neither the Fund nor CRG makes any representation or warranty, either express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained in this release. Statements in this release are made as of the date hereof unless stated otherwise herein, and the delivery of this release at any time shall not under any circumstances create an implication that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to such date. Neither the Fund nor CRG has any obligation to update the information contained in this release, including in the event that any such information becomes inaccurate. No person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation concerning the matters in this release other than the information explicitly contained in this release, and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorized. CRG and its affiliates reserve the right to modify any of the terms of any offering. Certain information contained in this release constitutes "forward-looking statements (as defined in the U.S. private securities litigation reform act of 1995)," which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "expect," "seeks," "plans," "scheduled to", "target," "anticipate," "project," "estimate," "intend," "continue" or "believe" or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or other comparable terminology. Due to various known or unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described in this release and the offering materials of a specific investment opportunity, actual events or results or the actual performance may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. As a result, you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. No representation or warranty is made as to future performance or such forward-looking statements. The Fund and CRG expressly disclaim any and all liability relating to or resulting from the use of this release. CRG Contact: Mike Weinmann Managing Director +1 (212) 716-0011 [email protected] Media Contact: Nick Rust +1 (646) 502-4520 [email protected] SOURCE CRG LP Related Links http://www.crglp.com Emory joins 100 institutions that are working to attract, enroll and retain high-achieving, low- and moderate-income students, from before they arrive on campus to graduation and beyond. Emory University announced today that it has joined the American Talent Initiative (ATI), partnering with top-performing institutions to commit to the collective goal of enrolling 50,000 additional talented, low- and moderate-income students at colleges and universities with strong graduation rates by 2025. As part of ATI, a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative led by the Aspen Institutes College Excellence Program and Ithaka S+R, Emory will develop strategies to attract, enroll and support more high-achieving, lower- and moderate-income students from before they arrive on campus to graduation and beyond. The American Talent Initiatives goals fit well with Emorys longstanding commitment to access and affordability, says Emory University President Claire E. Sterk. At Emory, we are committed to increasing affordability and to building a talented and genuinely inclusive student body, Sterk says. This commitment has long been a hallmark of our communitys shared work. Partnering with ATI offers the perfect alignment of our shared principles, and I look forward to continuing to provide these exceptionally high-achieving students with an outstanding educational experience. Launched in December 2016 with 30 institutions, the ATI now includes 100 institutions. Members must meet the standard of graduating at least 70 percent of their students in six years. Membership in ATI now includes the entire Ivy League, 17 state flagship universities, and private colleges and universities. With 20 percent of our undergrads receiving Pell grants, Emory has a deep commitment to access and affordability for students who aspire to graduate from a top tier liberal arts research university, says John Leach, Emorys assistant vice provost and director of university financial aid. Emory looks forward to continuing and expanding its commitment to containing and reducing student debt. Family income shouldnt determine a child's chances of attending a top college but too often, it does, says Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg Philanthropies and three-term mayor of New York City. That's why we created the American Talent Initiative, and colleges have responded enthusiastically. They recognize that it benefits them as much as it does the students, and the more schools that join, the more it will benefit our country. As part of the national effort to increase opportunity for talented, low- and moderate-income students at top-performing colleges and universities, all member institutions are implementing several strategies designed to attract, enroll and graduate such students, including: Identifying talented students through better recruitment of qualified high school graduates and high-achieving transfer students from community colleges and other schools; Increasing the number of applications from Pell-eligible students, the number of Pell-eligible students who are enrolled, and the number of first-generation students enrolled; Prioritizing need-based aid to make attendance more affordable; and Retaining and graduating lower-income students at rates comparable to their higher-income peers. At this time, approximately 290 colleges and universities nationwide achieve a graduation rate of 70 percent of their students in six years. The initiative aims to increase the total number of low- and moderate-income students enrolled at these institutions by 50,000 from about 480,000 to 530,000 students by 2025. Member institutions of the American Talent Initiative commit substantial resources to increase opportunity for lower-income students, as well as collect institutional data which will be annually published to assess their aggregate progress toward meeting the 50,000-by-2025 national goal. Prior to the new position, Limban quickly climbed his way through DENTCO's operations department where he most recently served as the Assistant Director of Quality Services. Limban holds two degrees from Michigan State University, one in Human Resources and another in Turfgrass Management. Thanks to his extensive industry knowledge and hands-on experience, Limban will now oversee creating new partnerships with DENTCO clients around the country. "I am very proud of everything I have been able to do here at DENTCO and It's an honor to be a part of this growing team," said Limban. Recently, Limban joined the DENTCO team at the Professional Retail Store Association (PRSM) National Conference, in Nashville, Tennessee. "Attending PRSM was an exciting time for me and afforded me the opportunity to begin my new chapter at DENTCO with face-to-face interactions with many of our valued customers," said Limban. Limban resides in Lansing, Michigan with his wife Jess and their two dogs Kenzie and Reba. In his free time Limban enjoys, backpacking, snowboarding, concerts and spending time with friends and family. About DENTCO DENTCO is the first Exterior Services Management Company in the United States. With over 42 years of experience with retail store and facility exteriors. DENTCO offers portfolio management for landscaping, snow removal and ice control, parking lot maintenance, irrigation management and various other ESM services. For more information, please visit www.dentco.com or call (800) 993-3689. SOURCE DENTCO Related Links http://www.dentco.com MILFORD, Ohio, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DNV GL Healthcare's April 4 webinar, "Creating the Hospital of the Future Through the Accreditation Process," explored how Nicklaus Children's Health System leveraged its relationship with DNV GL Healthcare to make technological and managerial progress. Nicklaus Children's, a 289-bed hospital in Miami, Fla., first had DNV GL survey the hospital for accreditation to participate in the Medicaid and Medicare programs in 2016. Jose Perdomo, a Nicklaus Children's senior vice president and its chief ethics and compliance officer, said DNV GL "understood the need for constant readiness and the ability to evolve organizations on a regular basis. For us, that was key." Perdomo noted that DNV GL's annual surveys were also a better fit for Nicklaus Children's. "The standard multi-year process between accreditations was not meeting our need to be consistently survey ready and to ensure our processes were always on point. DNV GL provided that and gave us the next step in solidifying clinical and non-clinical processes." It was the next step in the journey to operational excellence. In order to achieve buy-in, all the various departments and constituencies were visited by a roving "cruise ship" dubbed Inspiration. Staffers were invited to participate in a quiz show-format game on regulatory and quality questions/issues. "We had meetings throughout the hospital, with every employee group and the physicians, so that they could understand how this new approach would help them do their jobs better, have more time for clinical care, and benefit our patients," said Marisol Llerena-Castro, Nicklaus' Director of Accreditation & Regulatory and Environment of Care. "It was not only communicated why we were doing this, and the core values, but also staff engagement and accountability at all levels." Among the innovations Nicklaus Children's has placed in the hospital in recent years has been a universal system for prompting staff to wash hands between seeing patients, radio frequency identification technology to keep precise tabs on supplies, and an advanced "crash cart" that can be restocked in just a few minutes, as opposed to hours. Perdomo and other Nicklaus Children's officials noted that its use of the ISO 9001 quality management system originally used in manufacturing but adapted to healthcare by DNV GL helped provide a precise guide to making institution-wide improvements. "It fit their strategy, it fit their culture, giving guidance where we can provide it," said DNV GL Healthcare USA, Inc. President, Patrick Horine. More than 60 representatives throughout the healthcare industry listened to the webinar live. It is available for download here. A companion white paper outlining Nicklaus Children's progress will be available for download shortly. Representing the nation's second-largest healthcare accreditation body, Anders Lindgren, DNV GL Business Assurance North America Regional Manager, cites its "kinder and gentler" approach and its year-round partnership strategy as some of the keys to successfully accrediting hospitals and boosting quality improvement at a rate of 20% growth year over year. The majority of hospitals choose accreditation in order to be certified by the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to receive federal funds and reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid programs. Hundreds of hospitals across the United States have switched to DNV GL Healthcare over the past decade. The organization accredits nearly 500 hospitals in 49 states. About DNV GL Healthcare DNV GL is one of the world's leading certification bodies. We help businesses manage risk and assure the performance of their organizations, products, people, facilities and supply chains through certification, verification, assessment, and training services. We combine technical, digital and industry expertise to empower companies' decisions and actions. Within healthcare we help our customers achieve excellence by improving quality and patient safety through hospital accreditation, managing infection risk, management system certification and training. With origins stretching back to 1864 and operations in more than 100 countries, our experts are dedicated to helping customers make the world safer, smarter and greener. Media Contact: Joy Scott President Scott Public Relations [email protected] (818) 610-0270 SOURCE DNV GL Healthcare WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) announced the winners of the 2018 Star Awards at the Visa President's Dinner and Star Awards Gala at TRANSACT, the premier payments technology event. The Star Awards honors individuals and companies that have made a significant difference in the payments industry through innovation, business practices, or contributions to the association. "The ETA Star Awards are the highest honor in our industry," said Jason Oxman, CEO of ETA. "TRANSACT is the annual gathering of the payments industry, and the Visa President's Dinner and Star Awards Gala gives us a chance to recognize and honor those who have given the most to help our industry grow. Congratulations to our winners who have dedicated themselves to the success of the industry." The ETA Awards and Recognition Committee, a panel of industry executives, narrowed down nominations to a group of finalists, ultimately voting on a winner in each category. Winners were named in the following categories at the Star Awards Gala: Distinguished Payments Professional, Business Partner of the Year, Committee Volunteer of the Year, ISO/Merchant Sales Organization of the Year, Pay it Forward, and Technology Innovation. 2018 ETA Star Award Winners Distinguished Payments Professional, Henry Helgeson Henry Helgeson, President, Integrated Solutions for TSYS, was announced as the Distinguished Payments Professional. The award recognizes a significant leader within the industry, who is an acknowledged trend-setter, role model, and positive contributor to its efficacy and image. Helgeson revolutionized the POS landscape and brought smart, scalable solutions to small businesses. Through his founding of Merchant Warehouse, creation of the Genius platform and company name change to Cayan, to the recent acquisition by TSYS, he is a pioneer of the payments industry. As a long-standing and active supporter of ETA, Helgeson has chaired many committees over the years and was instrumental in the development, creation, and establishment of ETA's Retail Technology Committee. He is a humble, gracious leader and a true partner to ETA. Business Partner of the Year, Mastercard Mastercard was announced as the Business Partner of the Year for their exceptional level of support to further the goals and objectives of ETA. Mastercard is driving the evolution of smart commerce globally by providing commerce solutions anywhere, anyhow and anytime. Mastercard is a tremendous supporter of ETA and a prominent exhibitor at TRANSACT. Mastercard sponsored scholarships for 50 startups and software companies to attend this year's event. Additionally, MasterCard employees are active participants on several ETA committees and councils. Committee Volunteer of the Year, David Leppek, Transaction Services David Leppek was announced as the ETA Committee Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to the Payment Sales & Strategy Committee. Leppek served on the committee for many years starting off as a member and moving up to chair in 2017. Even though his leadership tenure is over, Leppeck takes an active and enthusiastic role in the Payment Sales & Strategy and Technology committees and penned a great deal of thought leadership pieces as a resource for the entire ETA community. ISO/Merchant Sales Organization of the Year, iPayment, Inc. iPayment, Inc was announced as ISO/Merchant Sales as a recognition for their actions to move the payments industry forward and meeting industry challenges with demonstrated results. iPayment is a long-time member, contributor and supporter of ETA. The company operates both direct and indirect sales channels and is a well-respected provider and partner for hundreds of agents, sub-ISOs and software developers specializing in the SMB sector. iPayment staff are engaged in ETA committees and programs that further promote education in the payments industry. With more than 137,000 merchant customers as well as annual processing volumes of over $28 billion in 2017, iPayment is an established leader in the U.S. based payment processing industry. Pay It Forward, FIS FIS was announced as the winner of the Pay It Forward award for their community service efforts to improve their community. FIS encourages a culture of giving back to their clients, to their communities and to their employees around the world. In 2017, FIS employees packed more than 5,000 pounds of food at the St. Petersburg Free Clinic in Florida, removed invasive species from the Mategnin Nature Reserve in Switzerland, donated backpacks to the SOS Rescuing our Children Association in Mexico, and packed 63,000 meals at Feed My Starving Children in Minnesota. Over the past six years, FIS and its employees donated nearly $2 million to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to help aid in the research of pediatric and young adult cancer. Technology Innovation, IRIS CRM IRIS CRM was recognized for their technology that provides for creative solutions that promotes customer usability, increase profitability, or otherwise enable significant advances for the industry. IRIS CRM is a cloud-based application that helps companies in the payment industry close more deals, receive valuable analytics, and access payment networks through their own white-labeled portal. Clients use IRIS CRM to manage merchants from the time they are leads, through merchant onboarding to various acquirers, transaction and dispute reporting, maintenance and making residual payments via their own portal. Payment industry features of IRIS CRM include residual calculations for a growing list of over 50 different processor reports, merchant onboarding, maintenance of accounts and fast residual calculations for all of the major acquirers. TRANSACT, April 17-19, 2018, brings together all parts of the payments ecosystem from ISOs/VARs to ISVs and large financial institutions to technology companies, to meet, see what's new, and learn what it takes to grow. Through extensive networking events, education and a robust exhibit hall filled with more than 200 companies, attendees will learn about groundbreaking technology, security trends and policies affecting the industry. For media inquiries, contact Laura Hubbard at 202.677.7406 or [email protected]. About ETA The Electronic Transactions Association (ETA) is the global trade association representing more than 500 payments and technology companies. ETA members make commerce possible by processing more than $6 trillion in purchases in the U.S. and deploying payments innovation to merchants and consumers. SOURCE Electronic Transaction Association (ETA) WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The White House Historical Association joins the nation in its remembrance of First Lady Barbara Bush and the warmth, care for others, love of country, and humor she brought to her roles as Second and First Lady of the United States. Beginning, APRIL 18, 2018 at 9:00AM, an official condolence book for First Lady Barbara Bush will be available for the public to sign at the White House Visitor Center, located at 1450 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C., 20230. The Center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. and is free to the public. "Mrs. Bush played an especially important role in the White House in that she reactivated the Committee for the Preservation of the White House and helped establish the White House Endowment Trust," said Stewart D. McLaurin, President of The White House Historical Association. "Thanks in part to her leadership, the Endowment Trust continues to provide financial assistance for refurbishing and conservation work in the State Rooms of the White House and with the White House collections." Mrs. Bush is remembered for her friendly and forthright manner while helping her husband George H.W. Bush campaign for office, once saying that people liked her because they know "I'm fair and I like children and I adore my husband." She often spoke of how grateful she was for the adventures and experiences she had as wife of a congressman, ambassador to the United Nations, envoy to China, and director of the CIA all of which helped to prepare Mrs. Bush for the active roles she had as Second Lady and First Lady. As wife of the vice president, she selected the promotion of literacy as her special cause. As first lady, she worked for a more literate America, calling it the "most important issue we have." Involved with many organizations devoted to this cause, she became honorary chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy a program that continues to this day. A strong advocate of volunteerism, Mrs. Bush valued the opportunity she had to use her national platform to do something to help someone every day. She supported many different causes and people including the homeless, the elderly, HIV/AIDS patients, military families and school volunteers. After the White House, she and her husband lived in Houston, Texas and Kennebunkport, Maine. Mrs. Bush also wrote several books including an autobiography, Barbara Bush: A Memoir; served on the boards of AmeriCares, MD Anderson Cancer Center, the Mayo Clinic and many other organizations in addition to playing a prominent role in the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. She and her husband had the longest presidential marriage in US history, celebrating their 73rd anniversary on January 6, 2018. She was the mother of 6 children and became the second First Lady after Abigail Adams whose husband and son served as a U.S. president. Additional information and resources are available at WhiteHouseHistory.org. SOURCE White House Historical Association Related Links http://www.whitehousehistory.org FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FMC GlobalSat has signed a Certified Distribution Partner (CDP) agreement with Mallorca-based e3 Systems to sell Kymeta Corporation's products and services to superyachts. The agreement authorizes FMC GlobalSat to sell, deliver and install Kymeta's satellite technology solutions to superyachts, exceeding 24 meters. Both FMC GlobalSat and e3 globally distribute Kymeta KyWay satellite terminals. FMC GlobalSat is the exclusive Kymeta partner for renewable energy and e3 is an exclusive partner in the yacht industry. "The partnership with e3 allows us to continue our vision for providing the best connectivity solution to our customers," says Joe Sullivan, Vice President of Sales at FMC GlobalSat. "We believe the superyacht class is ripe with opportunity." "We are excited to welcome FMC GlobalSat as a partner," commented Mathieu Cros, Channel Sales Manager at e3: "They offer exceptional experience and expertise in the satellite communications sector and are uniquely positioned to ensure this groundbreaking technology reaches an ever wider yachting customer base. We look forward to a long and successful partnership." About FMC GlobalSat FMC GlobalSat, a leading provider of global connectivity, provides best-in-class satellite and wireless solutions to markets and industries that requires long term visibility into cost, and demand strict adherence to regulatory requirements. FMC GlobalSat provides satellite communications solutions to the renewable energy industry including Kymeta communication solutions. The company configures, integrates and deploys Kymeta solutions to support the renewable energy market with reliable, high-throughput satellites leveraging 53 satellites, 8 teleports, 20,000 miles of fiber optic, 24/7 enterprise grade technical support with 56 points of presence in 37 cities around the world. FMC GlobalSat also offers 3G, and 4G cellular solutions across CDMA, GSM, and LTE networks in more than 190 countries, and more than 550 underlying carriers, all delivered on a single platform. FMC GlobalSat and its carrier partners' networks provide 99.995% reliability, unmatched in the IoT/M2M communications industry. www.fmcglobalsat.com About e3 Systems e3 is a leading communications integrator and solutions provider for the marine industry. The company connects yachts globally through a diverse portfolio of communication systems including its HYBRID solution which synchronises VSAT, Inmarsat, Iridium, 3G, 4G and Wi-Fi. In addition, it provides an extensive suite of services covering cyber security and training, IT and networks, data management, content provision and a unique, full vessel Support Operations Centre. e3 is the exclusive superyacht distribution partner for Kymeta communications solutions. The company operates from the Mediterranean and the USA with partners worldwide. It is part of the marine electronics group grupoarbulu. Discover more at e3s.com For FMC GlobalSat: Mark Del Franco Director of Communications FMC GlobalSat 954-678-0697 [email protected] For e3 Systems Diane Franklin Organisation Development and Human Resources Director e3 Systems 34 971 404 208 [email protected] SOURCE FMC GlobalSat Related Links http://www.fmcglobalsat.com WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Adolescents and young adults with acute leukemia have a survival advantage if they receive treatment at a pediatric cancer center versus an adult center, according to a new study. The study, published online today in Blood Advances, a journal of the American Society of Hematology, also suggests that treatment at a center affiliated with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) improves overall survival. Background: Evidence suggests that adolescents and young adults (AYA) with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) fare better when treated with pediatric protocols, which are not uniformly used in adult cancer centers. This study was designed to provide a real-world understanding of the location of care and front-line regimens administered to newly diagnosed AYAs with ALL. Study methods: Researchers reviewed California Cancer Registry data from 20042014 and identified 1,473 newly diagnosed ALL patients ages 1539. They then designated the patients' center of care as either pediatric or adult, noting whether the facility was affiliated with the NCI, and assessed overall survival based on treatment setting. Results: 475 of 1,473 (32%) AYA patients with ALL received care in a pediatric setting; 422 (89%) of these patients received front-line ALL therapy at NCI-designated cancer centers. Among the 998 patients treated in an adult setting, only 406 (28%) received care in an NCI-designated center. Treatment in a pediatric setting was independently associated with a significantly higher overall survival compared to treatment in an adult setting (hazard ratio=.53), as was treatment in an NCI-designated center (hazard ratio=.80). "Physicians and treatment teams in pediatric and NCI-designated cancer settings may be more experienced in caring for acute lymphocytic leukemia in adolescents and young adults, and this in part may explain why we are seeing better outcomes in these centers," said lead author Lori Muffly, MD, of Stanford University Department of Medicine. Study authors note that ALL treatment guidelines were updated in recent years to recommend the treatment of AYA patients with pediatric protocols. Although the authors found that only a minority of AYAs treated in adult cancer centers received these types of protocols during the time period studied, survival of AYA patients with ALL treated in adult cancer centers is expected to improve as more adult cancer centers update their practice to use these protocols since the 2014 data cutoff. Conclusion: This study suggests that referral of newly diagnosed AYA patients with ALL to pediatric and NCI-designated centers should be strongly considered. Additional Notes: Findings from this study were presented during an oral presentation at the 59th American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting in Atlanta. Blood Advances, is a peer-reviewed, online only, open access journal of the American Society of Hematology (ASH), the world's largest professional society concerned with the causes and treatment of blood disorders. Blood Advances is a registered trademark of the American Society of Hematology. SOURCE Blood Advances Related Links http://www.bloodadvances.org AI development needs support from platform technologies. By constructing an open platform and reducing the technical barriers to entry, more companies and developers will jointly improve the AI industrial chain and apply the technologies to various domains. Until now, open AI platforms for some specific domains have been launched successively, but none of them has complete low-level integrated circuit chip support. In the upstream of the AI industrial chain, integrated circuit chips are the basis of all the top-level applications. The core technologies of AI chips are of great strategic significance to the AI industry. At this summit, the unveiled Corerain AI Application Innovation Research Institute filled the void of AI industry in this area. The establishment of this institute was initiated by Prof. Wayne Luk, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and Co-founder of Corerain Technologies. Based on the state-of-the-art technologies of AI chips, this research institute aims to set up the first open platform which lowers the development barrier of customizable hardware-based AI applications in various domains. The Institute is positioned to establish an artificial intelligence industrialization technology platform to support the latest AI technologies to virtually, quickly and effectively land in various domains, and to fill the platform support voids of the underlying hardware. The technology platform will work in synergy with open application platforms, such as automatic driving, smart city, medical imaging, and intelligent voice, to provide fundamental computing resources. It will accelerate the development of AI ecosystems with domestic independent intellectual properties, and integrate the resources from the top universities and leading AI industries around the globe. The ecosystem also utilizes industrial funding to establish an integrated platform for research, production, and financing. Corerain AI Development Platform Released, Embedding Intelligent Brains for IoT Application Devices As well as promoting the research institution, Corerain Technology released an AI platform-level product at the summit - the Corerain AI development platform. This complete AI ecosystem is based on the in-house-developed low level chip architecture and relies on an open development platform. It provides rich computing resources for all artificial intelligence applications. The development platform can automatically generate the DFG of the AI algorithms for applications in the IoT edge devices. It also generates the configurations for customizing the AI hardware. This will really make the edge devices "intelligent" and provide the critical features to facilitate growing top-level applications. Corerain Technology has released the world's first AI development platform with both the underlying data stream chip architecture and the core technologies of top-level application development. The platform provides an intuitive path from data to solutions. With a series of advancements in the field of deep learning, more and more domains have begun to use artificial intelligence algorithms based on deep learning to solve practical problems and have achieved very good results. In response to this trend, many companies and research institutes have also launched their own deep learning development platforms. At present, the mainstream AI platform focuses on solutions in the cloud or on the server nodes. Platform support for edge devices is still at a blank stage. With the continuous development of the IoT, the demand for a chip-level development platform for edge devices is imminent. The Corerain AI application development platform has emerged as the times require. The Corerain AI development platform focuses on artificial intelligence chips and can support full automation from data annotation, model training, and DFG optimization to hardware compilation and board testing. The platform requires users to provide only data labels to automate and customize the AI solutions in specific domains for the edge devices. The entire process does not require any low level hardware expertise or any code writing. This greatly reduces the utilization and adaptation barriers. The application domains and industries which require artificial intelligence development can easily customize their own solutions based on the Corerain AI development platform and use the AI-enabled devices quickly and efficiently. At the same time, the platform incorporates the Corerain innovated hardware optimization for deep learning algorithms. It supports and accelerates most existing deep learning networks. The Corerain AI development platform encourages and supports AI chip-based solutions in areas such as smart monitoring, smart production, and the Internet of things (IoT). The rapid deployment and adaptation accelerating the burgeoning of AI technologies in edge computing. Currently, based on the Corerain AI development platform, the prototypes of the "Nebula" and "Rainman" artificial intelligence chip architecture and development platform have been completed. The fixed-point computing architecture supports all deep learning algorithms from the Tensorflow platform. The large-scale deep learning network runs at high speed in a low-power hardware environment. The custom computing architecture provides industry-leading performance. The runtime-adaptable tool chain is extremely versatile. The high-level compilation algorithm also ensures rapid progress from customization to application deployment. These implementations have been adapted in various domains such as aerospace, industrial monitoring, smart city, education and research and development. Corerain Technology has won support from the National High-tech Industry Fund and the EU high-tech industrialization project. World-renowned experts share frontier breakthroughs in the AI field at the 2018 Global Artificial Intelligence Application Innovation Summit The summit brought together leaders of government, top international academics in the field of artificial intelligence, top global technology companies, internet giants, industry leaders and lead investors to discuss the development direction of artificial intelligence in commercial development and scientific research. The summit consisted of three parts: government speech, keynote speech and industrial forum. At the meeting, several famous AI scientists from various countries shared the latest progress and application directions in their respective fields. Dr. Zhou Jian, Director of the Center for Information Research and Promotion of the National Industrial Information Security Development Research Center, shared that the world is undergoing an accelerated transition from an industrial economy to a digital economy. Industry integration, fusion and innovation are also being carried out simultaneously. Under this premise, machine intelligence and human are the core. The development will help promote industrial upgrading, promote open cooperation and collaborative development of industrial resources, and form an artificial intelligence industry ecosystem. Professor Wayne Luk, international leader on custom computing, shared how to build a development platform for automation of artificial intelligence applications from the lowest level of chip technologies, and then form a complete ecosystem based on this automation platform. He also presented the future path and several real world examples of AI applications in domains such as smart manufacturing and smart finance. Professor Steve Furber, an international expert in the field of brain-inspired chips from the University of Manchester, introduced the origins and latest developments of brain-inspired computing. The idea of brain-inspired computing started 200 years ago, and it evolved from the first computer more than 60 years ago to the current super-large scale parallel computing chips. It has significantly improved performance. Professor Furber shone a spotlight on the human brain project and the SpiNNaker brain-inspired computing machine developed by their research lab. The machine contains 500,000 computing cores. When compared with the current implementation of traditional neural networks, it has outstanding advantages in terms of performance and energy consumption, making it a leading brain-inspired computing platform. MIT Professor Arvind, an international recognized figure in field of chip verification, described how to use flash memory technology and hardware accelerators to build large data graph computing systems. The advantages of flash memory over traditional hard drives are the low price and low power consumption. The GraFBoost graph computing system he built is based on external flash storage. By improving the algorithm and embedding the FPGA hardware accelerators in the storage system, an ordinary PC (with the GraBoost system) can achieve server-class performance, thus providing a very low cost and low power solution for large-scale graph computing. Dr. Derek Chiou from Microsoft shared how the company has integrated FPGA accelerators in its cloud system for infrastructure and deep neural network acceleration, highlighting the AccelNet for accelerating software-defined networks, and the BrainWave stack for DNN acceleration in Bing. By utilizing FPGA's low latency and highly flexible features, it enables higher-performance networks and accelerates deep learning. Under tight requirements of efficiency and cost, it fully meets the different needs from networks and search functions. Professor Kunle Olukotun, an expert on multi-core computing chips, introduced the DAWN project at Stanford University. This includes collections of algorithms, methodologies and tools for developing machine learning accelerators. It enables the accelerators to be developed by people with specific domain knowledge but no hardware or machine learning background. Through avoiding locks in data access, low-precision arithmetic, parallel programming language, and design space exploration, the project helps provide high performance, high productivity, and high efficient machine learning implementations. Professor Yang Guangwen, an international authority in the field of supercomputing, introduced the system architecture and applications of the Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer. Professor Yang shared details of the deep learning platform and optimization progress of the Sunway computing system. When he described the long-term strategies of the Sunway TaihuLight supercomputer, the plan includes adding computational acceleration chip for AI applications. This coincides with the AI chip development direction in Corerain Technology. The two parties will further discuss the opportunities of cooperation. In addition to the above academic key notes, Skysaga Capital Founding Partner Gary Yang Ge and Tencent Cloud Artificial Intelligence Director Wang Lei also shared the interests of venture capital and Tencent's roadmap in the field of artificial intelligence. In the roundtable forum on platform-level AI technology in AI ecosystem construction, these specific topics were further discussed. SOURCE Corerain Technologies ROCKVILLE, Md., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, April 19, more than 100 representatives from Goodwill organizations across the United States including executives, volunteers, program participants, and other advocates will speak with federal legislators and staff for Goodwill's annual Advocacy Day. The "Goodwill on the Hill" event provides an opportunity for Goodwill to gain the support of elected officials toward its employment placement, skills training and educational programs. Goodwill is dedicated to enhancing people's dignity and quality of life by helping them reach their full potential through education, skills training and the power of work. Goodwill is a network of 162 independent, local organizations throughout the United States and Canada. Goodwill representatives will call on their elected representatives to support those who choose to support themselves, but often lack the necessary means, skills or training to do so. This year, Goodwill has identified three key topics to discuss with lawmakers that align with its public policy agenda and have high importance to the people it serves. These include funding for job training programs, the impact of tax reform on the charitable giving deduction and Farm Bill reauthorization. Read more about each topic below. Funding Goodwill urges lawmakers to protect funding for workforce development and job training programs. Congress will be working on fiscal year 2019 (FY19) funding, which begins October 1 . The President's budget proposal included dramatic cuts to many programs of interest to local Goodwill organizations and the people they serve. Goodwill urges lawmakers to protect funding for workforce development and job training programs. Congress will be working on fiscal year 2019 (FY19) funding, which begins . The President's budget proposal included dramatic cuts to many programs of interest to local Goodwill organizations and the people they serve. Charitable Giving Goodwill seeks to expand charitable giving incentives. The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act did not include a universal charitable giving deduction, and the nonprofit sector is concerned that with far more taxpayers taking the standard deduction (which was doubled), there will be a decline in charitable giving as those taxpayers would no longer be itemizing and not eligible for the deduction. Goodwill seeks to expand charitable giving incentives. The recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act did not include a universal charitable giving deduction, and the nonprofit sector is concerned that with far more taxpayers taking the standard deduction (which was doubled), there will be a decline in charitable giving as those taxpayers would no longer be itemizing and not eligible for the deduction. Food Assistance (SNAP) The Farm Bill, which governs a number of food and agriculture programs including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is due for reauthorization. Local Goodwill organizations may be engaged with SNAP either in the SNAP Employment and Training program, receiving SNAP referrals or incorporating SNAP along with other basic needs resources as part of their holistic approach to help people gain independence. Advocates will discuss areas of opportunity for Goodwill within SNAP and how the program intersects with workforce development and job training programs. Although the topics above are priorities of the event, representatives from Goodwill organizations look forward to connecting with lawmakers and staff to share firsthand experiences and have general conversations around issues in their communities and plans for the future. "For 116 years, Goodwill has been dedicated to helping people improve their quality of life through the power of work, and we anticipate another successful advocacy event that will help us continue to do so," said Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. A Virtual Advocacy Day will also occur on April 19th, allowing the general public to support Goodwill's advocacy efforts. Follow @GoodwillCapHill on Twitter and reference #GoodwillOnHill in your tweets. You can also share or like posts on the Goodwill Industries International Facebook page at www.facebook.com/goodwillintl. Register for the Goodwill Industries International Legislative Action Center and send letters to lawmakers. About Goodwill Industries International Goodwill Industries International (GII) is a network of 162 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada with a presence in 13 other countries. GII is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that is recognized by GuideStar with its Platinum Seal of Approval, the organization's highest rating for charities. GII was also ranked by Enso as the #1 brand doing the most good in the world for two consecutive years, and was the only nonprofit brand rated in Forbes' 20 most inspiring companies for three consecutive years. Local Goodwill organizations are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that create job training programs, employment placement and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 3,300 stores collectively and online at shopgoodwill.com. Local Goodwill organizations build revenues and create jobs by contracting with commercial, state, government and non-government organizations to provide a wide range of business services, including manufacturing, warehousing and distribution, packaging, assembly, food preparation, document management, groundskeeping and administrative. Last year, local Goodwill organizations collectively placed more than 288,000 people in employment in the United States and Canada. In addition, more than 65 million people used computers and mobile devices to access Goodwill education, training, mentoring and online learning services to strengthen their skills, and more than 2 million people received in person services. To learn more, visit goodwill.org. SOURCE Goodwill Industries International Related Links www.goodwill.org WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Howard University Hospital's (HUH) Department of Trauma and Critical Care recently teamed up with staff members at H.D. Woodson Senior High School in Washington, D.C., to conduct a "Stop the Bleed" Training. Stop the Bleed is an initiative launched in 2015, by the Obama Administration, in response to an increasing number of active shooting incidents. The initiative is designed to cultivate and encourage bystanders to become trained, equipped and empowered to stop life-threatening bleeding during an emergency situation before professional help arrives. The training was coordinated through H.D. Woodson's Teacher Professional Development Day and featured HUH's Trauma and Critical Care team, instructing the school's Physical Education and Health faculty members on a variety of lifesaving medical techniques to control hemorrhaging. "The health and safety of our children is something that is priceless," says Jim Diegel, HUH Chief Executive Officer. "As a community of caregivers, it's important that we come together and take meaningful action to prevent the loss of life under the most difficult circumstances. We are inspired to share these valuable skills with our young people, which will help them build confidence that may lead to an interest in healthcare." Time is a critical factor for a person who's bleeding profusely from a traumatic experience. Without any medical help, severe bleeding can kill an individual within minutes. It's imperative that someone on the scene administers immediate medical attention. Stop the Bleed provides life-saving strategies and public access to bleeding control tools already in use by first responders and the military. "I am honored to share my expertise and be a part of a narrative between the medical community and the public school system that encourages people to save lives," says Dr. Mallory Williams, HUH Chief Division of Trauma and Critical Care. "Stop the Bleed speaks to the notion of people's goodwill and their resilient efforts to intervene in a medical emergency in the spirit of taking care of each other." For more information, please visit https://stopthebleedingcoalition.org/. For media inquiries contact: Sholnn Freeman, [email protected]. SOURCE Howard University Hospital WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) today will host its annual Fly-In on Capitol Hill. The Fly-In allows IFDA members to speak directly to lawmakers and provide insight into how the foodservice distribution industry drives the U.S. economy. In particular, participants will discuss the DRIVE-Safe Act (H.R.5358), critical legislation that addresses the massive driver shortage affecting the movement of commerce in our country, while also promoting enhanced safety training for emerging members of the workforce. "Having a voice in politics is crucial for businesses of all sizes," said Mark Allen, President and CEO of IFDA. "This event is the one time all year when our members can join forces with colleagues in Washington to demonstrate the value foodservice distribution plays in sustaining our economy." Foodservice distributors are vital drivers of the American economy. Each day, they deliver hundreds of thousands of food items and products to the more than one million restaurants and foodservice outlets across the country. Foodservice distributors are responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient supply chain, inspecting, tracking, storing, and managing every product to ensure safety and peak freshness, each and every time. The industry offers pay levels well above the national average and competitive benefits with delivery drivers earning average annual wages of $62,854. Immediately following the Fly-In, IFDA will host the Thomas Jefferson Awards reception. During each Congress, IFDA presents this award to Senators and Members of Congress who demonstrate, through their voting record, a commitment to increasing economic opportunity and reducing government regulation. The 2018 award is based on votes during the 115th Congress on issues critical to the health of the foodservice distribution industry and the nation's overall economy. About the International Foodservice Distributors Association The International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) is the premier trade organization representing the foodservice distribution industry. IFDA member companies operate more than 800 facilities in all 50 states around the world. For more information visit: http://www.ifdaonline.org Contact: Meghan Cieslak 1-703-962-9950 [email protected] SOURCE International Foodservice Distributors Association Related Links http://www.ifdaonline.org SALT LAKE CITY, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Instructure (NYSE: INST), a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter, today announced that Hilary Scharton, vice president of Canvas K-12 product strategy, will be a panelist at the 2018 ASU + GSV Summit at the Grand Hyatt in San Diego. Scharton will discuss the role of learning management systems (LMS) in education and their impact on teachers and learners. "The ASU + GSV Summit is a tremendous opportunity for educators to connect and explore new ways to help improve teaching and learning," said Scharton. "I'm excited for this opportunity to collaborate." Scharton is an experienced educator and strategist for Canvas, an LMS created by Instructure for K-12 and higher education, and a former educator and school psychologist. Canvas connects digital resources for teachers and students in a single space, facilitating personalized learning, and reducing the administrative load for teachers. Canvas provides simple, intuitive tools in a central location, and is available anytime, anywhere, and on any device. The panel discussion, "Are Learning Management Systems a Game Changer in K-12?", will take place in Coronado D at the Grand Hyatt on Wednesday, April 18 at 2:00 p.m. PDT. For an overview of the full 2018 ASU + GSV Summit agenda, visit the official Summit website. To learn more about Instructure and its complete offerings for education-based software, visit the company website. ABOUT CANVAS: Through open, usable, cloud-based technologies, Canvas enables easy integration of the content, tools and services that teachers need and students want. As the most usable, customizable, adaptable and reliable learning platform (think 99.9% uptime), Canvas is adopted faster and deeper (or, is used in more ways by more users) than any other LMS. So, in the end, investing in 21st century education technology actually makes teaching and learning easier (like it's supposed to). Learn more about Canvas at www.CanvasLMS.com. ABOUT INSTRUCTURE Instructure, Inc. is a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) technology company that makes software that makes people smarter. With a vision to help maximize the potential of people through technology, Instructure created Canvas, Gauge, Arc and Bridge to enable organizations everywhere to easily develop, deliver and manage engaging face-to-face and online learning experiences. To date, Instructure has connected millions of instructors and learners at more than 3,000 educational institutions and corporations throughout the world. Learn more about Canvas for higher ed and K12, and Bridge for the corporate market, at www.Instructure.com. CONTACT: Becky Frost Senior Director, Public Relations Instructure 801-869-5017 [email protected] SOURCE Canvas by Instructure Related Links http://www.instructure.com WUZHEN, China, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Internet + Zhiliangzhi (Wuzhen) Conference, organized by Zhiliangzhi Siheyuan, will take place in Wuzhen, Zhejiang province from April 20th to April 22nd. More than 3000 entrepreneurs from all walks of lives and over 30 journalists affiliated to various media will reunite at the Wuzhen Internet International Conference and Exhibition Center, the permanent venue of the World Internet Conference. Together, they will attend the Internet + Zhiliangzhi (Wuzhen) Conference. Against the backdrop of embracing the great trend of the Internet era, the Internet + Zhiliangzhi (Wuzhen) Conference will be held from 20th to 22nd of April. The conference is hosted by the Zhiliangzhi (Attaining the Innate Knowing) Siheyuan and supported by the People's Government of Tongxiang County, Zhejiang Province. The conference aims to present the Dao of Internet and the Dao of renewing lives. Day One: A Holistic Interpretation of the Dao of Internet Dr. Bai Lixin, founder of the Zhiliangzhi Siheyuan, will deliver the keynote report entitled Purify the Xin (the collection of heart, mind, motives, thoughts and emotions), Practice the Dao and Achieve Greatness. The report will shed light on: 1) The entrepreneurship and innovation with Internet at its core; 2) The Chinese culture represented by Master Wang Yangming's Philosophy of Xin; 3) The five dimensions of the Dao of Internet; and 4) The very genes of great enterprises. The Internet is a major innovation of the present era, whereas Master Wang Yangming's philosophy of Xin is a shiny crown jewel of traditional Chinese culture. The value of the Internet lies in interpersonal connections, and the essence of connection can only be found in our Xin. While the Internet has successfully established links among people, it has failed to find a feasible solution to connect Xin. The Internet has broken the "physical boundaries" and reduced the "physical connections" with a decreased "physical costs". People find it easier to reunite with one other, yet at the same time, they are prone to part with one other. For instance, the convenience of connecting with our family has multiplied by several times, yet how much indeed has our family bond improved? The convenience of connecting with our customers has multiplied by several times, yet how much indeed has our customer relations improved? Though we have established the "people-to-people" connections, we have failed to set up similar links in terms of the "heart-to-heart" connections. Hence, the quality of our life has not been enhanced by a significant margin. Only if the enterprises can achieve in-depth heart-to-heart connections with their users can they be in harmonious with the users. Neither the stickiness of the technologies nor the online population will last forever, and only the stickiness of the heart is able to sustain. In the absence of the intense heart-to-heart connections, people will find themselves mired in a dilemma with perennially mounting "costs of trusts". Sometimes, such costs could offset the commercial values brought by all things inter-connecting with each other. When you succeed in establishing connections deep in the Xin of the users, no matter where they head for, you will never lag behind; no matter when the next liner arrives, you will never fall behind. On the afternoon of the 20th, speeches on the Internet will be delivered by two thinkers from the Silicon Valley of the U.S., namely, JoeWeinman, father of the cloud economics and the expert on the new retail; and Piero Scaruffi, the representative of the Silicon Valley spirit. They will share their insights with the audience on the relations among Artificial Intelligence (AI), new retail, Internet + new economy and corporate strategies. On the evening of the 20th, the show of Wuzhen in 8 Minutes will be performed. Within two hours, 5 entrepreneurs will present their respective projects of entrepreneurship on the stage. Dr. Bai Lixin will offer on-site response along with numerous renowned investors. They will jointly guide the 5 entrepreneurs to cultivate the Xin, enhance their realm and understanding of their separate nature. During the initial stage of their business, if they can tread on the right first step, they are then expected to set up the corporate genes of success for the enterprise to withhold the vicissitudes of the market trend. Subsequent to the Wuzhen Conference on the Internet, the show of Wuzhen in 8 Minutes will be upgraded to the program of Siheyuan in 8 Minutes. The program intends to present cases on a monthly basis for improving the quality of Xin for the entrepreneurs so as to smooth their ways onto a great cause. Day Two: Release of the Blueprint on the Ten Big Industry Clusters On the 21st, the blueprint on ten characteristic industrial clusters will be released to draw the prominent outline of the new commercial culture in the new era. For instance, the "medical care cluster". Liao Jieyuan, the pioneer in this field, is a successful entrepreneur. As the former co-founder of the Iflytek Co., Ltd., he was inspired by the painful experience of his cousin's mistaken diagnosis to show the heart of benevolence for the patients around the world. He was then committed to the online medical care industry. Specifically, he set the aspiration of providing easy medical care and orderly healthcare to everyone through the use of 'BAC' (Big Data, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing). From the initial Registered Network, to the current Wuzhen Internet Hospital, Liao Jieyuan has broken the barriers to numerous industries through his sincerity. Now in the Internet medical care industry, WeDoctors has already taken the leap beyond sight. Another case in point is the "entrepreneurship and innovation cluster". In the era of "mass entrepreneurship and innovation", entrepreneurs ought to identify the issues of the entrepreneurship craze. The entrepreneurs are constrained by their limited energy, thus witnessing high rate of failure and low level of happiness. Their start-up projects are of mediocre nature and primitive quality with a lack of innovative spirit and vitality. Zhang Qiang, experienced media fellow and CEO of the Hangzhou Artmall Co., Ltd., has collaborated with heavyweight media groups such as China Central Television (CCTV) to launch the "Entrepreneurship and Innovation Cluster" (EIC in short). He intended to enlighten every entrepreneur on their original aspiration towards the greatness so as to insert the genes of great enterprises from the outset of the business. One case that is worth special attention is the "elderly care cluster". Currently, China is facing the issue of the aging of population. The challenges faced by the elderly care industry include: the severe imbalance between the demand and the supply; lack of quality and reliable system of services, which leads to the helpless situation for sons and daughters to show their filial piety. Tan Yiliang, CEO of the Jiuru Senior Care Group, has initiated the elderly care cluster. Through the "Institute for the Elderly", he intends to raise people's awareness of the ways to show filial piety as sons and daughters. In the meantime, he hopes to usher in the light of innate knowing to the Xin of the elderly so that every senior person will enjoy their sunsets in peace and grace. Jia Shaoqian, Chairman of the Board of the Hisense Kelon Co., Ltd., has initiated the manufacturing cluster. Taking the household electrical appliances as a point of breakthrough, he intends to provide warm home services for consumers and to build an ecological chain for the healthy manufacturing. Chen Yaozhong, Chairman of the Board of the Changcheng Property Management Group, has been committed to building modern communities. Residents of such communities are able to experience that "a far-off relative is not as helpful as a near neighbor" once again. And every community resident can find the "nostalgia that stays in the memory" in the communities. Zhai Yanan, the successor of the Jingying Group, has initiated the Internet + education cluster to guide the graduates onto the path of cultivating the Xin, so that they could well press the first button in their life. On the afternoon of Apr. 21, a dialogue between the first-generation entrepreneurs and the second-generation entrepreneurs will take place in the venue. Two pairs of father and son and one pair of father and daughter will exchange their views on the entrepreneurship and ways to pass it down. The entrepreneurship is something that could be learned, delivered, and inherited throughout generations. On the evening of Apr. 21, Ms. Zhang, Chief Secretary of the Zhiliangzhi Siheyuan, will deliver critical sessions on the core learning method of Siheyuan, namely, the path of Xin-Dao-Virtue-Accomplishment, along with the methods of enlightening and purifying the Xin. Only if the entrepreneurs cultivate their Xin can they achieve a great cause and embrace a happy, worry-free, perfected, and eventually enlightened life. Day Three: The Wuzhen Initiative -- A Letter to the Internet World On the morning of the Apr. 22, Dr. Bai Lixin, the founder of the Zhiliangzhi Siheyuan, will have a Q&A session with conference attendees. The Chief Secretary Ms. Zhang will share her insights on the "enlightenment at Longchang that could be learned and delivered." Eventually, on behalf of the participants, the organizing committee of the conference will release the "Internet + Zhiliangzhi" Wuzhen Initiative. Through the People.cn, the release will be broadcasted in live in 6 languages so as to pass the message to 81 countries and international organizations along the "Belt and Road". SOURCE Zhiliangzhi Siheyuan CHICAGO and NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Water Street Healthcare Partners, a strategic investor focused exclusively on the health care industry, and JLL Partners, a leading middle-market private equity firm, announced today that they have signed an agreement to acquire Triplefin. An industry leader in patient support for more than 30 years, Triplefin is the latest company to join the investment firms' growing life sciences commercialization services platform. The addition of Triplefin to the life sciences platform will significantly expand the platform's patient-centered capabilities. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Triplefin specializes in pharmaceutical hub services, including its Hub-Lite and co-pay programs which are dedicated to improving the patient experience. The company's suite of digital capabilities, including its industry-leading Rx365 technologies, coupled with its customer service expertise, provides patients with personalized support to enhance their therapeutic success. "We are thrilled to add this fast-growing, customer-focused business to our platform," said Jim Lang, executive chairman of the platform. "Triplefin brings to us a powerful combination of innovative solutions. Our platform now offers customers end-to-end, best-in-class solutions that will help them successfully engage with every major constituent regulators, payers, providers, channel partners and patients to maximize the impact of new therapies. The era of value-based, patient-centered solutions has come, and we aspire to be the industry's partner of choice." Triplefin follows the platform's recent acquisitions of Dohmen Life Science Services in March, as well as The Access Group, Health Strategies Group and Alliance Life Sciences over the past 18 months. Together, these businesses will offer customers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, including channel, market access, patient support and compliance to improve the speed and success of bringing complex therapies to market. As one entity, the newly expanded platform will employ nearly 1,500 global professionals who will serve more than 300 of the industry's top biopharmaceutical and medical device companies. "These are truly exciting times for Triplefin as we continue to experience unparalleled growth," said Sandy Piscitello, president, Triplefin. "Now, we move toward our next step of joining forces with Water Street and JLL's life sciences platform to strengthen our position in the marketplace and bring our clients an exceptional portfolio of commercialization solutions." Dale Smith, chairman & CEO of Triplefin's current owner, H. D. Smith Holding Company, added, "We have been proud owners of Triplefin for the past five years and are excited to see the company enter its next chapter. We chose JLL and Water Street as the best partners for Triplefin based on their strong track record of building market-leading companies that put employees and customers first." Triplefin will continue to operate under its existing name and management team. Sandy Piscitello will continue to lead Triplefin and report to Mr. Lang. The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the second quarter. Financial details are not being disclosed. About Triplefin A market leader in patient support for more than 30 years, Triplefin delivers comprehensive hub services that improve patient access and adherence, including its patent-pending Rx365 suite of digital solutions. Triplefin's programs help thousands of patients with serious diseases, offering hope and improved well-being. Its associates are dedicated to providing an empathetic, caring experience throughout a patient's journey. The company is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.triplefin.com. About JLL Partners JLL Partners is a leading middle-market private equity firm with a 30-year track record of building and transforming businesses through its financial and operational expertise. Since its founding in 1988, JLL Partners has committed approximately $5 billion across seven funds sourcing its deals from a deep network of industry contacts and creating value for its partners and investors. The firm is headquartered in New York. For more information about JLL Partners, visit jllpartners.com. About Water Street Water Street is a strategic investor focused exclusively on health care. The firm has a strong record of building market-leading companies across key growth sectors in health care. It has worked with some of the world's leading health care companies on its investments including Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic, Smith & Nephew and Walgreen Co. Water Street's team is comprised of industry executives and investment professionals with decades of experience investing in and operating global health care businesses. The firm is headquartered in Chicago. For more information about Water Street, visit waterstreet.com. SOURCE Water Street Healthcare Partners Related Links https://www.waterstreet.com WATERLOO, Ontario, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kik Interactive, creator of the popular chat platform Kik, today announced that it has extended its partnership with Crisis Text Line, the not-for-profit that provides free, 24/7 crisis support via text. Kik users who engage in conversations about emotional distress, self harm, or other mental health concerns can now connect with trained Crisis Counselors who help the individual develop a plan to stay safe via text and offer resources. "Texting is the native mode of communication for today's teens and a key reason for the success of the Kik messaging app," said Catherine Teitelbaum, head of trust and safety, Kik. "Crisis Text Line is a perfect fit for Kik, because the service enables our users to communicate as they normally would with their friends and family and feel safe in their anonymity while discussing personal matters with trained Crisis Counselors." Within Kik, Crisis Text Line helps social networks manage various crisis situations. A bot scans conversations for words related to abuse, bullying, depression, suicide, eating disorders, self harm, and more, to triage and redirect high risk users to the Crisis Text Line bot. In minutes, the user in distress is given the opportunity to connect with a trained human counselor via chat. "Mental health is a huge issue that many digital services are afraid to address, which is absolutely the wrong approach," said Nancy Lublin, CEO, Crisis Text Line. "We applaud Kik for being a leader in this space by ensuring Kik is a fun and safe environment" Kik recently reaffirmed its commitment to safety through a US$10 million investment to fund safety initiatives, including the addition of Crisis Text Line. Additionally, Kik continues fostering a positive mobile chat experience by leveraging the expertise of its recently formed Safety Advisory Board, a panel of experts with experience in child development, child exploitation and trafficking, criminology, cyberbullying, and privacy and security. For more information, please visit Kik's Safety Center. About Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential support for people in crisis via text. www.crisistextline.org. Text 741741 to be connected to a live, trained Crisis Counselor. About Kik Kik Interactive, Inc., connects the world through chat. The company is the maker of Kik, a chat platform popular with U.S. teens where people can chat with friends and connect with chat-based services. Founded in 2009, Kik Interactive, Inc. is headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, and has offices in New York, Tel Aviv, and Toronto. For more information, please visit kik.com. SOURCE Kik Interactive, Inc. Related Links http://www.crisistextline.org VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. (CSE: LDS), (OTCQX: LDSYF), (Frankfurt: LD6, WKN: A14XHT) ("LDS" or the "Company") announces updates on trade mark filings and scheduling of clinical trials for bio-availability of CannaStripsTM. The CannaStripsTM Logo and tag line Smoke Free Pain Relief have been issued European Union trade mark registration numbers 017383712 and 017383738 by the European Union Intellectual Property Office. The Company has also applied for California Trademark protection. These marks are in addition to the Canadian Trademarks currently held by the Company. The Company is scheduling clinical trials in May 2018 to define the bio-availability benefits of the Lifestyle Delivery Systems' CannaStripsTM technology. These clinical trials are intended to quantify the enhanced delivery method of CannaStripsTM vs other forms of delivery. Recent inquiries regarding the CTT Pharmaceutical Holdings, Inc. ("CTT Pharma") claims regarding a new patent for oral delivery has forced the Company to share the findings from three independent Patent Lawyers on both sides of the US/Canadian border. First and most important, the technology described in the CTT Pharma patent does not resemble the CannaStripsTM patent and LDS believes there is no infringement by either patent of the other. Secondly, a nearly identical CTT Pharma patent was filed in the United States over twenty years ago and expired over two years ago, which means that patent has no force or effect in the United States. That patent did not preclude a number of pharmaceutical companies from producing oral film products, such as breath strips or thera-flu strips, for the last twenty years in either the United States or Canada. Additionally, no commercialized version of the specific CTT patent in the United States during its twenty-year history was found. We are continuing to research the CTT Pharma patent and will update our shareholders upon any further relevant information should it become available. LDS CEO Brad Eckenweiler stated, "We are confident that the CannaStripsTM technology is not infringed on by the CTT Pharma patent and that the clinical trials scheduled in May will add additional separation from other methods of delivery, both old and new." About Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. is a licensed, state-compliant vertically integrated cannabis-related company. From our isogenic pollination nursery to our cutting edge, state-of-the-art production facility located in Southern California, LDS has become one of the most diverse, innovative and scientifically based cannabis companies throughout North America. The Company's technology produces infused strips (similar to breath strips) that are not only a safer, healthier option to smoking but also a new way to accurately meter the dosage and assure the purity of the product. From start to finish, the production process tests for quality and composition of all the ingredients used in each and every strip, resulting in a delivery system that is safe, consistent and effective. On behalf of the board of directors of Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. Brad Eckenweiler CEO & Director FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: [email protected] 1-866-347-5058 Cautionary Disclaimer Statement: The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the content of this news release. Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's limited operating history and the need to comply with environmental and governmental regulations. In addition, marijuana remains a Schedule I drug under the United States Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Although Congress has prohibited the US Justice Department from spending federal funds to interfere with the implementation of state medical marijuana laws, this prohibition must be renewed each year to remain in effect. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information. SOURCE Lifestyle Delivery Systems Inc. Related Links http://www.lifestyledeliverysystem.com KELOWNA, BC, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Marapharm Ventures, Inc. (CSE: MDM) (OTCQX: MRPHF) (FSE: 2M0) ("Marapharm", "Company") announces that the Company has entered into a Definitive Agreement (the "Agreement"), to acquire certain operational assets and, potentially, land and water rights related to two cannabis producers and processors operating in Okanogan County, located in Washington State. The Agreement provides for the acquisition by Marapharm of certain operational assets useful in connection with cannabis production and processing (including security cameras, fencing, and irrigation systems, as well as leases for the Property and mobile office units) and the right of first refusal to acquire 20 acres of agricultural land, which is well-suited to the production of outdoor cannabis (the "Property"). The Property also has access to two water wells and the right to draw water pursuant to a water rights certificate. In a parallel process, AlphaPheno (License Number 412104) ("WA Licensee") has negotiated an option to purchase one tier 2 and one tier 3 production and processing license (the "Licenses") located on the Property. The acquisition of the Licenses will enable AlphaPheno to produce an additional 40,000 sq. ft. of cannabis plant canopy. The purchase price for the assets and option is 4,000,000 shares of Marapharm Common Stock, equivalent to $2,760,000 CAD at the time of the execution of the LOI (see News Release dated March 26, 2018). The option to acquire the Licenses is subject to regulatory approval by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board. Marapharm anticipates that the Licenses could produce, for the 2018 grow season, approximately 4,200 pounds of dry cannabis and 933 pounds of bulk trim and shake, at an initial production cost of approximately $500,000.00. All production costs are payable by Company except plant-related expenses, which are payable by the WA Licensee per Washington law. This additional production will further solidify the financial position of AlphaPheno and provide significant additional product to AlphaPheno's contemplated extraction facility. Marapharm's CEO, Linda Sampson, stated, "We have been working diligently to complete our Washington facility and expand the processing features and functions at the site. This will enable our tenant and future tenants to diversify consumer product development and delivery and meet a growing demand. We are mobilizing rapidly to expand the processing capabilities of our Lynden, Washington facility to capture critical market share". ABOUT MARAPHARM VENTURES INC. www.marapharm.com Marapharm is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Marapharm has rapidly expanded to include having cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: facebook.com/marapharm Twitter: twitter.com/marapharm Web Program: marapharm.tv STOCK EXCHANGES: Marapharm trades in Canada, ticker symbol MDM on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol MRPHF on the OTCQX, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE. Marapharm also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Marapharm owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Marapharm's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Marapharm's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Marapharm's website. Marapharm has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward- looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc. Related Links www.marapharm.com PORTLAND, Maine, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have honored Martin's Point as one of the 2018 Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma. Martin's Point is one of only two New England Health Care & Biopharma workplaces to make the list and the only one in Maine. The ranking considered input from more than 95,000 employees in the Health Care and Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical sectors. Great Place to Work, a research and consulting firm, evaluated more than 50 elements of team members' experiences on the job. These included employee pride in the organization's community impact, belief that their work makes a difference, and feeling their work has special meaning. Rankings are based on employees' experiences, no matter who they are or what they do. "Martin's Point is proud to have been recognized as one of the best workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma for the second time in three years. Our results demonstrate that we're well-positioned in the increasingly tight healthcare labor market," said Teresa Nizza, Chief Human Resources Officer at Martin's Point. "Great employees are the foundation of our organization and we remain committed to providing an engaging and professionally rewarding environment to both retain and attract great talent." The Best Workplaces in Health Care and Biopharma stand out for sustaining agile, innovative cultures, which helps them outpace competitors in the marketplace. Martin's Point employees overwhelmingly praised the organization including 96% stating they worked in a great atmosphere, 95% stating they felt great pride in their work and 90% stating they "feel good about how we contribute to their community." "In the end, it's all about our mission and our culture. We encourage open and respectful communication, emphasize employee development and foster community engagement through special benefits like paid volunteer time off," added Nizza. "We also balance our hard work by celebrating with our employees with fun company-wide events including summer barbecues, Ice Cream Day and Thanksgiving Pie Day to foster team spirit." "Great Place to Work is proud of these Best Workplaces that enable their people to be innovators in their field," said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. "Organizations like Martin's Point set the bar for other Health Care and Biopharma companies, who prove that taking care of employees will give them the tools and motivation they need to provide industry-leading care and services to patients and customers." The Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. About Martin's Point Martin's Point Health Care is a progressive, not-for-profit health care organization, unique in the region in that it provides both direct primary/specialty care and health insurance plans. Martin's Point owns and operates seven health care centers in southern Maine and Portsmouth, New Hampshire, with providers accepting most major insurance plans. They also administer two health plans: Generations Advantage, the largest Medicare Advantage plan in Maine, and the US Family Health Plan, a TRICARE Prime plan for military families and retirees throughout northern New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.MartinsPoint.org About the Best Workplaces in Health Care & Biopharma Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index survey responses from more than 95,000 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations in Health Care and Biopharma. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For" and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance. SOURCE Martin's Point Health Care Related Links http://www.martinspoint.org RESTON, Va., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MAXIMUS (NYSE: MMS), a leading provider of government services worldwide, announced today that its customer contact center operations in Georgia and New Jersey have received the 2018 Top Contact Center Award in five different categories by BenchmarkPortal, Inc. These contact centers provide support for the Georgia Childcare and Parent Services (CAPS), Georgia Families and the New Jersey Health Care Profile (NJHCP) projects. As winners in these categories, the Georgia and New Jersey contact centers exceeded rigorous operational standards for efficiency (cost containment) and effectiveness (quality of service). BenchmarkPortal researchers conducted an audit and verification of key performance data and then compared the data to that of industry peer organizations. The key performance indicators include average speed of answer, calls per agent per hour, agent turnover and caller satisfaction. The Georgia CAPS project was awarded for both the Highest Ranking Small-Size Center (two to 49 agents) and the Highest Calls per Agent per Hour (efficiency metric). Georgia CAPS is a statewide program that helps children from low-income working families and families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families benefits access child care services. MAXIMUS delivers child care provider management and payment services as well as compliance reporting services for the Georgia Department of Human Services. The Georgia Families project received the award for Best First Call Resolution Rate (effectiveness metric). MAXIMUS has operated the Georgia Families program for the Georgia Department of Community Health since 2005, facilitating member enrollment, outreach and education activities for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids, Georgia's Children's Health Insurance Program. The NJHCP project was awarded the Best Overall Customer Satisfaction Rating as well as the Best Agent Retention (efficiency metric). The NJHCP project serves as a statewide public health information source designed to empower consumers with greater access to physician information in order to improve patient safety, reduce medical errors, and enhance the quality of health care. MAXIMUS hosts public websites and operates customer support helplines for the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs. "The BenchmarkPortal distinction underscores our commitment to delivering high quality services to beneficiaries in the most efficient way," said Bruce Caswell, President and Chief Executive Officer of MAXIMUS. "Being recognized in five award categories is well deserved by the dedicated teams in Georgia and New Jersey for helping ensure access to health and child care services reach the disadvantaged families and children in their states." About MAXIMUS Since 1975, MAXIMUS has operated under its founding mission of Helping Government Serve the People, enabling citizens around the globe to successfully engage with their governments at all levels and across a variety of health and human services programs. MAXIMUS delivers innovative business process management and technology solutions that contribute to improved outcomes for citizens and higher levels of productivity, accuracy, accountability and efficiency of government-sponsored programs. With more than 20,000 employees worldwide, MAXIMUS is a proud partner to government agencies in the United States, Australia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit maximus.com. About BenchmarkPortal From its origins in 1995, BenchmarkPortal has become a global leader in the contact center industry, providing benchmarking, certification, training, consulting and industry reports. The BenchmarkPortal team of professionals has gained international recognition for its innovative approach to best practices for the contact center industry. BenchmarkPortal hosts the world's largest database of contact center metrics, which is constantly being refreshed with new data. BenchmarkPortal's mission is to provide contact center managers with the tools and information that will help them optimize their efficiency and effectiveness in their customer communications. For more information, visit BenchmarkPortal.com. CONTACTS: Lisa Miles [email protected] 703.251.8637 Thuy Cardiel [email protected] 703.234.3289 SOURCE MAXIMUS NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nezha Alaoui, President of the Mayshad Foundation, accompanied by a delegation of international members of the Foundation's Board of Directors, was received in Thies in the region of Tivouane by Mrs. Seynabou Gaye Toure, President of the Department. Ms. Alaoui met with President Seynabou Gaye Toure to assess local community needs in order to implement innovative social projects that align with the Department's development strategy and the community's vision of growth. The Mayshad Foundation's mission continues to be to implement sustainable projects in rural parts of Africa, counting among its beneficiaries' vulnerable women and young girls to empower them to develop a sustainable life within their community. As the grass root participatory approach being an important phase in the development strategy of the Mayshad Foundation, this visit reinforces the centuries-old ties between Senegal and Morocco and supports the vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI for the development and unification of Africa. The empowerment meeting united two women leaders from Morocco and Senegal who have the vision to implement innovative social development programs through the promotion of women's leadership in Senegal and throughout Africa. This visit is also a continuation of the strategy of the Mayshad Foundation on the African continent and the role of Ms. Alaoui in advocating for innovative social approaches, the implementation of concrete solutions to achieve the goals of sustainable development (SDG) of the United Nations, and the utilization of Africa's resources to promote the role of women in the development of the continent. At the end of the visit, a social action plan will be set up following a working session between the office of the President of the Department, the regional institutions, and the delegation of the Mayshad Foundation. About Mayshad Foundation: Founded in 2014 by Nezha Alaoui, the Mayshad Foundation is a U.S.-based NGO with operations in Morocco, and other African countries. The Mayshad Foundation's programs are designed to support underserved women and girls in Africa, the Americas, and other parts of the world focusing on three primary areas: social entrepreneurship, education and climate change solutions. For more information, please visit: http://www.mayshadfoundation.org. MAYSHAD FOUNDATION ONE PENN PLAZA BOX #6257 NEW YORK, NY 10119 HTTPS://WWW.MAYSHADFOUNDATION.ORG/ RUBENSTEIN PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACT: ALEXANDRA JIRSTRAND, +1-212-805-3022 [email protected] SOURCE Mayshad Foundation CHICAGO, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- International law firm McDermott Will & Emery will convene senior tax and employee benefits leaders at its inaugural Tax Symposium on April 24th in the Firm's Chicago office. The symposium will be an in-depth discussion of the critical business and legal issues involved in optimizing opportunities and navigating the risks brought about by tax reform. The 2017 tax reform legislation introduced the most sweeping changes to the tax code in a generation, with wide-ranging implications for both US and International companies. McDermott's exclusive, full-day Tax Symposium will address how leaders of these companies can and should plan for success under the new reality of reform. Programming will include panel discussions on these critical issues: A Holistic View of Business Tax Reform The Major Changes and Their Impact Integrated Planning for GILTI, FDII, the BEAT and Repatriation State Tax After Reform New Considerations for Structuring M&A Transactions Ethical Considerations and Guidance The symposium will also feature in-depth discussions of tax reform's impact on the following areas: Intellectual Property: IP and Supply Chain Planning Post Tax Reform This session will illustrate several of the current common IP and supply chain structures, and changes companies might consider to achieve a more beneficial tax structure in light of the new rules. Foreign Based Companies: Key Implications for Foreign Based Companies and Reaction of the European Union This session will focus on designing cutting-edge planning strategies, taking into account potential responses by foreign governments. Benefit or Burden? Impact of Tax Reform on Compensation Structures and Popular Fringe Benefits This session will focus on developing strategies in response to the changes in deductibility of executive compensation and employee fringe benefits. Keynote and Featured Speakers David Lewis, Vice President (Retired) of Global Taxes at Eli Lilly and Company will give the keynote address at the event. David is one of the luminaries of the in-house tax world, and is known as a leader in tax policy after spending significant time in Washington, DC pushing through some major tax legislation, including the reform in 2017. Featured McDermott speakers include: Lowell Yoder , partner and global head of McDermott's Tax Practice , partner and global head of McDermott's Tax Practice David Noren , partner and former legislation counsel to the Joint Committee on Taxation in the US Congress , partner and former legislation counsel to the Joint Committee on Taxation in the US Congress Jane May , partner and head of McDermott's State & Local Tax Practice , partner and head of McDermott's State & Local Tax Practice Andrew Liazos , partner and head of McDermott's Executive Compensation Practice , partner and head of McDermott's Executive Compensation Practice David Fuller , partner previously with the IRS National Office in the former Office of the Associate Chief Counsel - Employee Benefits and Exempt Organizations , partner previously with the IRS National Office in the former Office of the Associate Chief Counsel - Employee Benefits and Exempt Organizations Sandra McGill , partner and head of McDermott's Chicago US and International Tax Practice , partner and head of McDermott's Chicago US and International Tax Practice Timothy Shuman , partner and head of McDermott's US and International Tax Practice , partner and head of McDermott's US and International Tax Practice Todd Welty , partner and head of McDermott's Tax Controversy Practice To register for the symposium or to schedule a consultation with a McDermott attorney onsite, contact our Business Development team. For additional information please visit McDermott's Tax Reform Resource Center, launched to help clients navigate the most impactful changes to the tax code in a generation. The center (www.mwe.com/taxreform) hosts in-depth video interviews with McDermott's multidisciplinary team of lawyers along with interactive tools and actionable strategies to help prepare clients for important next steps. About McDermott Will & Emery McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Numbering more than 1,000 lawyers, we have offices in Boston, Brussels, Chicago, Dallas, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Houston, London, Los Angeles, Miami, Milan, Munich, New York, Orange County, Paris, Seoul, Silicon Valley and Washington, DC. Further extending our reach into Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. SOURCE McDermott Will & Emery Related Links www.mwe.com (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/614046/MMI_Srl_Logo.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677761/MMI_SPA.jpg ) The investor syndicate was led by Andera Partners, formerly known as Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners (EdRIP), with Panakes Partners and Fountain Healthcare, returning Seed investor Sambatech, and two industry veterans Gus Castello, former Senior Vice President of Product Operations for Intuitive Surgical Inc., the world leader in robotic surgery, and John Engels, founder of AxoGen, Inc., a world leader in solutions for peripheral nerve repair in microsurgery. Giuseppe M. Prisco, CEO of MMI, said, "We are thrilled to have an outstanding group of investors and successful medtech experts supporting the next phase of development of the company and to address together a market opportunity that exceeds $2.5 billion annually." The round aims at completing product and clinical development, obtaining the CE mark and launching in European markets. "Surgical robotics is a major trend that has yet to penetrate a number of surgical specialties beyond laparoscopy," said Olivier Litzka, Partner, Andera Partners. "MMI is poised to provide the first robotic product for open surgery with wristed microinstruments. We are excited to collaborate with MMI as they work to build a great company in an exciting category." While robotics has primarily penetrated laparoscopic surgery and more recently orthopedic surgery, microsurgery, used in reconstructive, lymphatic and eye surgeries among others, has remained largely unserved by robotics to date. Microsurgery has seen only incremental advances in optics and instrumentation, with surgical practice being bound to what is manually achievable when working under 5x to 40x optical scaling. MMI is pioneering a disruptive advance in this surgical space by coupling the dexterity of robotically controlled wrist articulation with 5x to 40x motion scaling to match optical magnification. "MMI represents a great example of the best Italy has to offer, based on its excellence advanced robotics," said Alessio Beverina, Partner, Panakes Partners. "MMI's breakthrough technology will help surgeons who perform complex microsurgery with highly precise dexterity and motion, and tremor-free control." As part of the financing, Andera Partners' Olivier Litzka, Panakes' Alessio Beverina, Fountain's Justin Lynch as well as industry experts Gus Castello, John Engels and Fabrizio Landi, former CEO and founder of Esaote S.p.A. join the board of MMI together with Carlo Alberto Marcoaldi, Giuseppe M. Prisco and Hannah Teichmann, who co-founded MMI with Massimiliano Simi. About MMI's Robotic Platform for Microsurgery MMI has developed the first teleoperated robotic platform for suturing in open surgery with wristed microinstruments. It offers the surgeon motion scaling and tremor elimination and aims to facilitate existing procedures as well as enable new ones in the domain of microsurgery, from post-oncological and trauma reconstructions to ophthalmology, organ transplantation and pediatric surgery. MMI's Robotic Platform is an investigational device and is not yet commercially available. About MMI Medical Microinstruments S.p.A. (MMI), founded in 2015, is based in Calci (PI), Italy. The company's mission is to help more surgeons around the world to offer more advanced microsurgical procedures, while reducing costs for patients, hospitals and for society at large. http://www.mmimicro.com About Andera Partners Andera Partners is a leading investor in minority investments into privately owned companies. Previously Edmond de Rothschild Investment Partners, the fund management employs 56 employees and has more than 2 billion under management. Its Life Sciences team of 11 professionals brings together deep experience both in the Life Science industry and in private equity and venture capital. The team has raised more than 800 million through its BioDiscovery franchise and is currently investing out of its 345 million BioDiscovery 5 fund. Since their inception, BioDiscovery Funds have invested in some 60 privately held companies, of which 16 have been sold and 16 listed on public financial markets, while more than 20 are active in the portfolios. About Fountain Healthcare Fountain Healthcare Partners is a life science focused venture capital fund with 176 million ($200 million) under management. Within the life science sector, specific areas of interest to Fountain include specialty pharma, medical devices, biotechnology and diagnostics. The firm deploys the majority of its capital in Europe, with the balance in the United States. Fountain's main office is in Dublin, Ireland, with a second office in New York. For more information, please visit http://www.fh-partners.com. About Panakes Partners Panakes Partners is a Venture Capital investor that finances medical companies, early stage startup and SMEs, with extremely promising products and great ambition, in Europe and Israel, improving both patient outcomes and healthcare economics. Investments focus on the medical device, diagnostics and healthcare IT fields. Panakes Partners is headquartered in Milan, Italy. http://www.panakes.it. SOURCE MMI SPA DARMSTADT, Germany, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, a leading science and technology company which operates its healthcare business in the U.S. and Canada as EMD Serono, today announced 16 abstracts, including two oral presentations, will be presented at the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) 2018 World Congress, held April 26-29, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. The presence of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany at OARSI reflects the company's dedication to helping optimize outcomes for patients living with chronic progressive diseases, with the goal of developing novel disease-modifying therapies for osteoarthritis (OA). Data of note includes an oral presentation of the three-year analysis of FORWARD, a five-year, multicenter Phase II study of sprifermin in OA of the knee. Results were consistent with the two-year results, which showed a statistically significant dose-dependent increase in cartilage thickness in total, lateral and medial femorotibial compartments as compared to placebo treatment, based on quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI). At year three, which was eighteen months after the last treatment cycle, cartilage thickness declined in all treatment arms as compared to year two. However, the difference observed at year two with sprifermin at the highest dose and frequency versus placebo was maintained at year three. The safety profile at year three was consistent with results observed at year two, where treatment emergent adverse events were balanced between groups and musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders the most common. "These data suggest the structural benefit of sprifermin at the highest dose was maintained in the third year and its long-term potential as a disease-modifying treatment for osteoarthritis will continue to be explored," said Dr. Marc C. Hochberg, primary investigator of the FORWARD study and Division Head, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine. "Osteoarthritis impacts an estimated 10 percent of the world's population over the age of 601 and represents an area of high unmet need for disease-modifying treatment options." A second oral presentation features the results of an ex vivo study that showed sprifermin induced extra-cellular matrix remodelling and cartilage regeneration. In the study, long-term treatment with sprifermin continuously increased metabolic activity and type II collagen formation in human OA articular cartilage compared with placebo. "We are committed to helping patients with osteoarthritis by elevating our understanding of the disease and continuing to invest in highly-targeted therapies," said Luciano Rossetti, Executive Vice President, Global Head of Research & Development at the biopharma business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. "Our intent is to provide true advancement to the field of osteoarthritis by developing therapeutic options with disease-modifying potential." Additional presentations include: pre-clinical data for M6495, an ADAMTS-5 inhibiting nanobody moving into Phase I clinical development for OA; pre-clinical data for M1673, a GDF5 mutant for the potential treatment of OA; and research related to improving measures and patient recruitment in OA studies. Accepted abstracts at the OARSI 2018 World Congress include: Title Presenting Author Abstract Number Presentation Date/Time Session Type/Title Sprifermin Efficacy and Safety of Intra-Articular Sprifermin in Symptomatic Radiographic Knee Osteoarthritis: Pre-Specified Analysis of 3-Year Data From a 5-Year Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase II Study with a 2 Year Treatment Phase M Hochberg 32 Friday, April 27, 2:30 PM 4:00 PM Concurrent Session 3 OA Clinical Trials and Treatment (Oral) Articular Cartilage from OA Patients Show Extracellular Matrix Remodelling Over the Course of Treatment with Sprifermin (Recombinant Human Fibroblast Growth Factor 18) A Bay-Jensen 65 Saturday, April 28, 10:45 AM 12:15 PM Plenary Session 5 Growth Factors in OA: Opportunities for Intervention (Oral) Intra-Articular Sprifermin Reduces Cartilage Loss in Addition to Increasing Cartilage Gain Independent of Femorotibial Location: A Post Hoc Analysis of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Phase II Clinical Trial F Eckstein 551 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 M6495 (ADAMTS-5) In Vitro Characterization of the ADAMTS-5 Specific Nanobody M6495 D Werkmann 346 Friday, April 27, 12:30 -1:00 PM & 4:30-5:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 4:15 5:00 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Structural and Symptomatic Benefit of a Half-Live Extended Systemically Applied Anti-ADAMTS-5 Inhibitor M6495 C Brenneis 563 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Modelling of the Novel Anti-ADAMTS-5 Nanobody M6495 Using the Neo-Epitope Args as a Biomarker J Pereira 343 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 The Anti-ADAMTS-5 Nanobody, M6495, Protects Against Cartilage Breakdown in Cartilage and Synovial Joint Tissue Explant Models A Siebuhr 363 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Study Design of a Phase I, Placebo-Controlled, First-In-Human Trial To Assess Safety and Tolerability, Immunogenecity, and Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Single Ascending Doses of the Anti-ADAMTS-5 Nanobody, M6495, in Healthy Male Subjects A Bihlet 522 Friday, April 27, 12:30 -1:00 PM & 4:30-5:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 4:15 5:00 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 M1673 (GDF5 mutant) M1673 (GDF5 mutant) Increases Matrix Production in Primary Porcine and Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes T Mang 138 Friday, April 27, 12:30 -1:00 PM & 4:30-5:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 4:15 5:00 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 A GDF5 Mutant Induces Chondrogenesis in Mesenchymal Stem Cells Similarly to GDF5 Wildtype But Shows a Decreased Osteogenic Potential T Mang 125 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Osteoarthritis Research C1M, C2M, C3M, PRO-C2, and CRPM in Serum Reflect Different Potential Pathogenetic Domains of Osteoarthritis, Data from Check A Bay-Jensen 349 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Recruitment Procedure Maximising Inclusion of Progressors in OA Clinical Studies Based on Existing Cohorts: Approach-Consortium Data Analysis P Widera 521 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Data Harmonisation for Machine Learning Model in APPROACH-consortium: Development to Predict Osteoarthritis Progression in Patients across Populations P Widera 519 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 "APPROACH" Study: A 2-Year, European, Cohort Study to Describe, Validate and Predict Phenotypes of Knee Osteoarthritis By Use Of Clinical, Imaging and Biochemical Markers E van Helvoort 515 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Two Year Tibiofemoral Joint Cartilage Loss is Weakly Correlated With Increased Pain Among Knees With Lower Baseline Cartilage Thickness C Kwoh 474 Friday, April 27, 12:30 -1:00 PM & 4:30-5:00 PM Saturday, April 28, 4:15 5:00 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 Pain Medication Reporting and Patient-Reported Outcomes in the Years Prior to Knee Replacement: Challenges to Assessing Symptomatic Experiences C Kwoh 455 Friday, April 27, 12:00-12:30 PM & 4:00-4:30 PM Saturday, April 28, 3:30-4:15 PM Poster Sessions 1-3 For more information about the data to be presented, please access the OARSI app. Also, visit the Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany booth at this year's Congress to learn more about the company's commitment to advancing innovation in OA. About Sprifermin Sprifermin is in clinical development to investigate its potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. It is a truncated recombinant human FGF-18 protein thought to induce chondrocyte proliferation and increased extra-cellular matrix (ECM) production, with the potential of promoting cartilage growth and repair. Sprifermin is currently in Phase II studies. About M6495 M6495 is in clinical development to investigate its potential as a treatment for osteoarthritis (OA). Administered subcutaneously, M6495 is a selective nanobody thought to inhibit a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 5 (ADAMTS-5), a metalloproteinase crucial for cartilage matrix destruction as an early and key event in developing OA, with the potential for providing structural improvement and rapid pain relief for all OA joints. M6495 is currently being evaluated in a first-in-man Phase I study in healthy subjects. All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the EMD Group Website. In case you are a resident of the USA or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service. About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science and performance materials. More than 52,000 employees work to further develop technologies that improve and enhance life from biopharmaceutical therapies to treat cancer or multiple sclerosis, cutting-edge systems for scientific research and production, to liquid crystals for smartphones and LCD televisions. In 2017, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, generated sales of 15.3 billion in 66 countries. Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, holds the global rights to the Merck" name and brand. The only exceptions are the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials. 1 Arthritis Facts & Figures. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org/Documents/Sections/About-Arthritis/arthritis-facts-stats-figures.pdf. Accessed 12 March 2018. Your Contact Brenda Mulligan +1 (978) 821-5345 SOURCE Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany Armed groups in South Sudan have released 207 child soldiers, a statement from UN children's agency Unicef says. The 112 boys and 95 girls were from serving in the ranks of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) and the Sudan People's Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO). SSNLM in 2016 signed a peace agreement with the government and is now integrating its fighters into the national army. Tuesday's release is part of a ongoing programme that saw 300 children set free in February. "For every child released, today marks the start of a new life," said Mahimbo Mdoe, Unicef's representative in South Sudan. The children would be reintegrated and given vocational training and education, he added. Unicef says there are around 19,000 child soldiers in the country. South Sudan, the world's newest country, has been beset by violence between rival groups since 2013 - two years after it seceded from Sudan. BBC On the heels of a large growth year for in 2017, including opening a first European office as an additional touchpoint for international clients, Mimo Monitors is looking to continue rapid growth while strategically maximizing new opportunities. Campagna and his strong industry expertise are an ideal fit to fuel company growth while understanding product needs and customer demands. "We're delighted to be bringing Michael Campagna on as our first CMO. He's been deeply entrenched in the industry for many years and shares our philosophy of putting customer service at the forefront," said David Anderson, President and Founder of Mimo Monitors. "Mimo is continuing to grow but we want to ensure that we're optimizing future opportunities and guiding the company in the right direction both in terms of product and customer support, in which Michael will surely be a huge asset." With a strong industry background, Campagna was familiar with Mimo Monitors' products and attracted to the company because he believes they stand for both quality and innovation. "Having been involved in the AV and touchscreen industry for many years, Mimo Monitors was a company I was very familiar with and truly believed in. Knowing that the products were high quality and consistently evolving to anticipate customers' needs was a huge draw to me," said Michael Campagna, CMO for Mimo Monitors. "I'm looking forward to bringing more cutting edge products into Mimo Monitors' stable and assessing additional opportunities and markets where Mimo Monitors products are applicable." About Mimo Monitors: Mimo Monitors, established in 2008, is a global expert and industry leader in small touchscreen monitors, displays, and tablets. Designed with a solutions-first approach, Mimo Monitors believes in creating small footprint and high value displays that drive innovation and provide a seamless experience for digital signage, conference rooms, kiosks, point of purchase, point of sale, hospitality, retail, and more. Centered in providing touchscreens with human touch, Mimo Monitors puts customer service first, offering personalized, detail-oriented service to ensure client satisfaction. Focused on flexible and customizable solutions, Mimo Monitors touchscreens are intuitive to use, easy to deploy, and sleek in design, all while enhancing productivity and user experience. The Mimo Monitors world-class team has deployed Mimo Monitors solutions in locations throughout the world for Fortune 500 companies, both in the US and around the world. SOURCE Mimo Monitors Related Links http://www.mimomonitors.com JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and NeuroDerm Ltd. (NeuroDerm) today announced presentations on Parkinson's disease (PD) at the 70th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Los Angeles, April 21-27. "We are excited to present new data from our expanding CNS portfolio, which we hope will help further understanding of the treatment of Parkinson's disease," said Jean Hubble, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, MTPA. "Treatment options are needed to help control the symptoms and motor fluctuations associated with Parkinson's disease." NeuroDerm will present results of a recently completed Phase 2 trial of ND0612, an investigational continuous subcutaneous infusion of levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson's disease patients, during a Platform Presentation. When approved, MTPA will commercialize ND0612 in the United States. Both MTPA and NeuroDerm are wholly owned subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). "Results from the Phase 2 study of ND0612 on reducing OFF time and troublesome dyskinesia in people with advanced Parkinson's disease are encouraging for the many patients who experience motor fluctuations despite available treatment," said Sheila Oren, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, NeuroDerm. "We look forward to seeing the results of our Phase 3 trials of this formulation of levodopa/carbidopa." NeuroDerm medical representatives will be present at the MTPA-NeuroDerm joint medical booth at AAN. Parkinson's disease data to be presented at AAN include: ND0612 Presentations The iNDiGO Study: A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Clinical Study Investigating the Efficacy, Tolerability, and Safety of Two Dosing Regimens of Continuous Subcutaneous ND0612 Infusion Given as Adjunct Treatment to Oral Levodopa in Fluctuating PD Abstract 044, Poster Session P2, Monday, April 23 from 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. PT Efficacy and Safety of Subcutaneous L-dopa/Carbidopa (ND0612H) Infusion in Fluctuating PD Patients Abstract 003, Platform Session S26, Tuesday, April 24 from 3:54 4:06 p.m. PT About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Based in Jersey City, N.J., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's (MTPC) 100 percent owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. MTPA is dedicated to delivering innovative products that address the unmet medical needs of patients in North America. It was established by MTPC to commercialize approved pharmaceutical products in North America with plans to expand its product line through collaborations with partners. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-america.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MTPharmaUS. About NeuroDerm, Ltd. Based in Israel, NeuroDerm, Ltd. is a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company developing central nervous system (CNS) product candidates that are designed to address major deficiencies of current treatments and achieve clinical efficacy through continuous, controlled administration. NeuroDerm's technology enables new routes of administration for existing drugs that address their current deficiencies and achieve clinical efficacy. NeuroDerm is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). For additional information, please visit NeuroDerm's corporate website at www.neuroderm.com. Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan's pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company and has the longest history of any listed company in Japan.[1] In accordance with the corporate philosophy of "contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals," the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 2016-2020. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas autoimmune diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, central nervous system diseases, and vaccines Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world. MTPC is the parent company of MTPA and the license holder of RADICAVA. For more information, go to http://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/. Media inquiries: Debbie Etchison 908-340-8578 [email protected] [1] Research by TOKYO SHOKO RESEARCH, LTD. SOURCE Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Related Links http://www.mt-pharma-america.com JERSEY CITY, N.J., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) today announced presentations on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) at the 70th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in Los Angeles, April 21-27. "While it's been nearly one year since the FDA approved a second treatment option for ALS, there is still much to learn about this devastating disease," said Jean Hubble, M.D., Vice President of Medical Affairs, MTPA. "In particular, we are eager to share findings from an analysis that identified clinically relevant signs and symptoms differentiating ALS patients from the general population up to five years prior to diagnosis. This is critical given it often takes up to 12 to 14 months for ALS patients to be accurately diagnosed." ALS data to be presented at AAN include: ALS Presentation Big Data Analytics for Early Diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Abstract 459, Poster Session P4, Wednesday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. PT RADICAVA (edaravone) Presentations Hypersensitivity and Edaravone - Summary of Case Reports Abstract 465, Poster Session P3, Tuesday, April 24 from 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. PT Abstract 465, Poster Session P3, from A Comparative Safety Analysis of the Edaravone Safety Profile Based on the ALS Japanese Severity Scale and Use over Time Abstract 438, Poster Session P4, Wednesday, April 25 from 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. PT Abstract 438, Poster Session P4, from 7:00 p.m. PT Post-hoc Analyses of an Edaravone Controlled Clinical Trial Suggest Similar Rates of Decline in King's Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinical Staging across Subgroups Abstract 464, Poster Session P6, Friday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. 7:00 p.m. PT About RADICAVA (edaravone) The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved RADICAVA (edaravone) on May 5, 2017 as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).1 In clinical trials, people given RADICAVA experienced a 33 percent slower rate of decline in the loss of physical function, compared to placebo as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), a validated rating instrument for monitoring the progression of disability in people with ALS.1,2,3 RADICAVA is administered in 28-day cycles by intravenous infusion. It takes 60 minutes to receive each 60 mg dose. For the initial cycle, the treatment is infused daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by a two-week drug-free period. All cycles thereafter are infused daily for 10 days within a 14-day period, followed by a two-week drug-free period.1 Edaravone was discovered and developed for ALS by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC) and commercialized in the U.S. by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. MTPC group companies began researching ALS in 2001 through an iterative clinical platform over a 13-year period. In 2015, edaravone was approved for use as a treatment for ALS in Japan and South Korea. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Before you receive RADICAVA, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: have asthma. are allergic to other medicines. are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA will harm your unborn baby. are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA or breastfeed. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA? RADICAVA may cause serious side effects including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people receiving RADICAVA and can happen after your infusion is finished. RADICAVA contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma. Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma). Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects. The most common side effects of RADICAVA include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache. These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. For more information, including full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, please visit www.RADICAVA.com. About Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Based in Jersey City, N.J., Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation's (MTPC) 100 percent owned U.S. holding company, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Holdings America, Inc. MTPA is dedicated to delivering innovative products that address the unmet medical needs of patients in North America. It was established by MTPC to commercialize approved pharmaceutical products in North America with plans to expand its product line through collaborations with partners. For more information, please visit www.mt-pharma-america.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MTPharmaUS. Overview of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma, which was founded in 1678, has its headquarters in Doshomachi, Osaka, which is the birthplace of Japan's pharmaceutical industry. With business centered on ethical pharmaceuticals, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma is a well-established company and has the longest history of any listed company in Japan.4 In accordance with the corporate philosophy of "contributing to the healthier lives of people around the world through the creation of pharmaceuticals," the Company formulated the key concept of Open Up the Future under the Medium-Term Management Plan 2016-2020. Through the discovery of drugs that address unmet medical needs, centered on its priority disease areas autoimmune diseases, diabetes and kidney diseases, central nervous system diseases, and vaccines Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma will strive to contribute to the health of patients around the world. MTPC is the parent company of MTPA and the license holder of RADICAVA. For more information, go to http://www.mt-pharma.co.jp/. Media inquiries: Debbie Etchison 908-340-8578 [email protected] 1 RADICAVA U.S. Prescribing Information. May 2017. 2 Simon, N. G., Turner, M. R., Vucic, S., Al-Chalabi, A., Shefner, J., Lomen-Hoerth, C., & Kiernan, M. C. (2014). Quantifying Disease Progression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Annals of Neurology, 76(5), 643657. http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ana.24273. 3 Abe K, Aoki M, Tsuji S, et al. (2017). Safety and efficacy of edaravone in well defined patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lancet Neurology. 16(7), 505-512. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(17)30115-1. 4 Research by TOKYO SHOKO RESEARCH, LTD. SOURCE Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. Related Links http://www.mt-pharma-america.com "Near record-setting heat from our changing climate has resulted in dangerous levels of ozone in many cities across the country, making ozone an urgent health threat for millions of Americans," said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. "Far too many Americans are living with unhealthy air, placing their health and lives at risk. The 'State of the Air' report should serve as a wake-up call for residents and representatives alike. Everyone deserves to breathe healthy air, and we must do more to protect the air we breathe by upholding and enforcing the Clean Air Act." Each year, "State of the Air" reports on the two most widespread outdoor air pollutants, ozone pollution and particle pollution. The report analyzes particle pollution in two ways: through average annual particle pollution levels and short-term spikes in particle pollution. Both ozone and particle pollution are dangerous to public health and can be lethal. But the trends reported in this year's report, which covers data collected by states, cities, counties, tribes and federal agencies in 2014-2016, reflect the ongoing challenges to reduce each pollutant in the changing political and outdoor climate. Ozone Pollution Inhaling ozone pollution is like getting a sunburn on the lung. It can trigger coughing and asthma attacks and may even shorten life. Warmer temperatures make ozone more likely to form and harder to clean up. Compared to the previous year, the 2018 report finds that far more people suffered from unhealthy ozone pollution, with approximately 128.9 million people living in 185 counties that earned an F grade for ozone. Of the 10 most polluted cities, seven cities did worse, including Los Angeles and the New York City metro area. Top 10 Most Ozone-Polluted Cities: 1. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California 2. Bakersfield, California 3. Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California 4. Fresno-Madera, California 5. Sacramento-Roseville, California 6. San Diego-Carlsbad, California 7. Modesto-Merced, California 8. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona 9. Redding-Red Bluff, California 10. New York-Newark, New YorkNew Jersey-Connecticut-Pennsylvania Particle Pollution Unhealthy particles in the air emanate from wildfires, wood-burning devices, coal-fired power plants and diesel engines. Technically known as PM 2.5 , these microscopic particles lodge deep in the lungs and trigger asthma attacks, heart attacks and strokes, cause lung cancer and shorten life. The 2018 report covers 2014-2016 data, the most recent data available, and includes the significant wildfires and resulting smoke that swept across the nation in 2016, but not those occurring in 2017. The report grades both daily spikes, called "short-term" particle pollution, and the annual average or "year-round" level that represents the concentration of particles day-in and day-out in each location. The report finds that during 2014-2016, the year-round particle pollution levels continued to drop, maintaining a long-term trend, with a few notable exceptions, including Fairbanks, Alaska, where expanded monitoring newly identified the highest average levels in the nation. After spiking to record high levels in last year's report, days with high short-term particle levels also dropped in most locations. Short-term Particle Pollution In the 2018 "State of the Air" report, most cities experienced fewer days of spikes in particle pollution, yet 35.1 million people lived in the 53 counties with too many days when particle pollution peaked at unhealthy levels. Bakersfield, California remained the city with the greatest short-term particle pollution levels. Increased heat, changes in climate patterns, drought and wildfiresmany related to climate changecontributed to the high number of days with unhealthy particulate matter. Top 10 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Short-Term Particle Pollution (24-hour PM 2.5 ) : 1. Bakersfield, California 2. Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California 3. Fresno-Madera, California 4. Fairbanks, Alaska 5. Modesto-Merced, California 6. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California 7. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California 8. Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, Utah 9. El Centro, California 10. Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, Pennsylvania-Ohio-West Virginia Year-round Particle Pollution The data available for the 2018 report show year-round particle pollution levels have dropped across much of the nation, some to their lowest levels yet. However, missing data from areas with invalid monitoring resulted in incomplete estimates of how many people nationwide are at risk from air pollution. According to EPA records, no complete data have been available for the entire state of Illinois since the 2014 report covering 2010-2012. In addition, the entire state of Mississippi and Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County in California lacked valid data for year-round particle pollution. The 2018 report, based on available but incomplete data, found that 9.8 million people lived in 16 counties where the annual average concentration of particle pollution was too high. But according to the Lung Association, as a result of the missing data, this likely vastly underestimates the people who are breathing unhealthy levels. The importance of monitoring became particularly clear in the new ranking of Fairbanks, Alaska. Previously the metro area lacked sufficient monitoring data to provide year-round information. Now, improved monitoring, data revealed the dangerous levels of particle pollution year-round. In fact, Fairbanks is now the city with the highest year-round particle pollution in the 2018 report, up from number 17 in the 2017 report. "The people of Fairbanks, Alaska, and all Americans have the right to know if the air they are breathing is dangerous. Improved monitoring is a critical step toward clean-up efforts that will save lives," Wimmer said. "Greater monitoring of air quality nationwide may also identify additional health risks in other locations in the United States." Most cities continue to reduce their year-round particle pollution levels, some to their lowest levels yet. This continues a more than decade-long trend, as a result of steps taken under the Clean Air Act to reduce emissions. Despite these advancements, the 11 most polluted cities each violate the Clean Air Act's U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards designed to protect public health. Top 11 U.S. Cities Most Polluted by Year-Round Particle Pollution (Annual PM 2.5 ) : 1. Fairbanks, Alaska 2. Visalia-Porterville-Hanford, California 3. Bakersfield, California 4. Los Angeles-Long Beach, California 5. Fresno-Madera, California 6. Modesto-Merced, California 7. El Centro, California 8. Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton, Pennsylvania-Ohio-West Virginia 8. Lancaster, Pennsylvania 10. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, California 10. Cleveland-Akron-Canton, Ohio "More must be done to clean up the air so that everyone has healthy air to breathe," Wimmer said. "We need essential pollution monitoring information to safeguard the health of those most at risk of the effects of air pollution, including children, the elderly and those living with a lung disease." Cleanest Cities The "State of the Air" also recognizes the nation's cleanest cities, and again this year, only six cities qualified for that status. To rank as one of the nation's cleanest, each city must experience no high ozone or high particle pollution days and must rank among the 25 cities with the lowest year-round particle pollution levels during 2014-2016. Cities new to the list include Bellingham, Washington and Casper, Wyoming. Cleanest U.S. Cities (listed in alphabetical order) Bellingham, Washington Burlington - South Burlington, Vermont - Casper, Wyoming Honolulu, Hawaii Palm Bay - Melbourne - Titusville, Florida - - Wilmington, North Carolina With this report, the Lung Association calls out Congress and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for six ongoing threats to the nation's air quality, including steps to roll back or weaken enforcement of key safeguards required under the Clean Air Act. Those threats include changes to weaken the Clean Air Act itself, undercut the agency's reliance on health science to inform policy making, and roll back existing cleanup requirements for cars, trucks, oil and gas operations and power plants, including the Clean Power Plan to limit carbon pollution and address climate change. "The Clean Air Act has saved lives and improved lung health for nearly 50 years," Wimmer said. "Congress and the EPA are tasked with protecting Americansincluding protecting the right to breathe air that doesn't make people sick or die prematurely. We call on President Trump, EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and members of Congress to fully fund, implement and enforce the Clean Air Act for all pollutantsincluding those that drive climate change and make it harder to achieve healthy air for all." Learn more about the 2018 "State of the Air" report at Lung.org/sota. For media interested in speaking with an expert about lung health, healthy air and threats to air quality, contact the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-801-7628. About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. SOURCE American Lung Association Related Links http://www.lung.org/ NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The following roundup is a collection of stories dealing with the NAB 2018 II conference and is appropriate for special sections and for general use. For each story included in this package, you will find the first paragraph of the release below, as well as its headline linked to the full text. This is the latest in a series of event-related roundups PRN will carry as part of its regular Cision Roundup News Service. Coming up in 2018 are roundups on: Package Name Slug Distribution Date InfoComm 2018 I InfoComm 2018 I June 14 InfoComm 2018 II InfoComm June 20 NAB 2018 II Cision Roundup 1. Sharp To Exhibit 8K Pro Products At NAB Show 2018 MONTVALE, N.J., April 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sharp Electronics Corporation will exhibit for the first time at NAB Show 2018, the world's largest broadcasting equipment exhibition, in Las Vegas, Nevada, from April 7 12, 2018. During the show, Sharp will introduce its theme "Changing the World with 8K" through various product demonstrations with its 8K camcorder and video monitor to showcase the present and future of the 8K ecosystem. 2. Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and THX Demonstrate End-to-End Workflow for Delivery of Next-Generation Immersive Audio Experiences using MPEG-H for Broadcast at NAB 2018 LAS VEGAS, April 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- THX Ltd., renowned for the certification of world-class cinemas and consumer electronics, and Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, a global semiconductor company, today announced they will be demonstrating the end-to-end THX Spatial Audio workflow using MPEG-H for the delivery of next-generation immersive audio experiences at NAB 2018. If you would like a copy of the complete schedule, or if you would care to comment, please email [email protected]. We welcome suggestions. Copies of previous packages will be available for the media. Cision roundups and photos are also available on the PR Newswire Web site, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/feature-news-latest-news. Photos that accompany releases are available via the PRN Multimedia Desk, 800-317-7677, or via the PR Newswire Photo Archive. Select photos are available via AP PhotoExpress and AP Images. SOURCE PR Newswire Association LLC OBERLIN, Ohio, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of College Stores (NACS), today issued the following statement following oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) in the case of South Dakota v Wayfair, et al. The case, which could be decided by June, will either result in equitable rules for remote sales tax collection, or continue to give out-of-state internet retailers an unfair advantage over local brick-and-mortar retailers. "As a trade association representing non-profit and small independent businesses, we believe sales tax policy should not favor one segment of an industry over another," said Richard Hershman, Vice President of Government Relations for NACS. "This case could level the playing field by giving states the ability to enforce their existing state and local sales tax laws. For too long the tax collection avoidance being practiced by online-only retailers has put brick- and-mortar retailers, such as college and K-12 stores, at an unfair competitive disadvantage." The current standard for remote sales tax collection did not anticipate the e-commerce explosion. The 1992 SCOTUS Quill decision came well before modern e-commerce, and has allowed online-only sellers to avoid collecting sales tax and undercut local businesses for more than two decades. As NACS explained in an Amicus Brief with the court, Pueblo Community College Bookstore in Pueblo, Colorado has implemented price comparison tools on its own online site, providing transparency to students on textbook purchases and making it easy for them to buy from the lowest-priced source, whether that is the Pueblo Community College Bookstore or elsewhere. More than 1,200 college stores do the same thing, and several thousand additional stores price match. Yet the bookstore (and others like it) still face a drain from "showrooming," because an estimated one in four students use the sales staff to research and gather all of the books that they need, with no intention of purchasing them at the store. Because the store price matches and offers an online engine permitting students to purchase from the lowest-priced source, the sales-tax differential is plainly driving this conduct. Effectively, the Quill advantage for out-of-state sellers means the Pueblo Community College Bookstore and its similarly-situated in-state peers must pay the overhead for tax-advantaged out-of-state sellers, despite offering identical prices. As our marketplace has evolved, this decision has done significant damage to local retailers and the jobs they support. The South Dakota case is the perfect opportunity to revisit Quill after 25 years of technological change and restore free market competition. About The National Association of College Stores The National Association of College Stores (NACS), headquartered in Oberlin, Ohio, is the professional trade association of the campus store industry. NACS provides education and other resources that help its member stores support student success, the campus experience, and the academic missions of higher education institutions. The association represents all campus stores, which include nearly 4,000 campuses in the U.S. and Canada, and approximately 1,000 industry-related companies that supply course materials and other merchandise and services to campus stores. SOURCE National Association of College Stores Related Links http://www.nacs.org WESTWOOD, Mass., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nano-C, Inc., a leading developer of nanostructured carbon for energy and electronics applications, today announced it has completed an $11.5 million round of funding, with a final tranche of $3 million in the form of an equity investment from Ray Stata. Ray is a co-founder and current chairman of Analog Devices, a global leader in the design and manufacturing of analog, mixed signal and DSP integrated circuits with over $5 billion in revenue. Nearly every industry today is looking to leverage new materials to drive the next wave of innovative products from electronics and solar power to medical devices, automotive and more. Building on technology conceived at MIT, Nano-C's family of nanostructured carbon materials and chemicalscarbon nanotubes, spherical forms of carbon known as fullerenes and functionalized materials are propelling this wave. Customers, working in partnership with Nano-C, have already incorporated these materials and are getting ready to launch exciting new products based on Nano-C's unique materials. "New materials are the key to unlocking future innovation in many markets because they possess qualities traditional materials cannot deliver," said Ray Stata. "When you look at the markets and applications that Nano-C can impact, it's easy to see the opportunity this company has for growth. I am delighted to be a part of their future." Viktor Vejins, President and CEO of Nano-C, went on to say, "All of our customers are positioned to become leaders in their industries because they can leverage the power of our material solutions, which are vital to their success. We are excited that Ray will join the Board as an Observer. We look forward to his advice and guidance as we continue to grow our business." Nano-C will use this new capital to expand its support to existing and future customers. The funds will also enable Nano-C to implement an initial increase in production and staffing at its Westwood, MA, factory to meet the growing demand for its materials. "The growth of Nano-C's applications portfolio has been nothing short of remarkable," says Chris Cheever, co-founder of venture firm Fontinalis Partners. Cheever joined Nano-C's board of directors after the firm invested $3 million in 2012. "We are excited to see the acceleration in Nano-C's commercial traction." Wide Range of Markets for Nano-C Materials Nano-C's materials are being deployed in a wide range of markets. Below are just a few of the exciting applications using Nano-C technology today: Next Generation Memory - Nantero is using Nano-C's carbon nanotubes in its new non-volatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which are expected to have the read-write speeds of today's DRAM with far lower power consumption. Highlighting its strong industry support, Nantero recently disclosed that its key strategic investors include Cisco Investments, Dell Technologies Capital, Kingston Technology Corporation, CFT Capital, and Schlumberger. Fujitsu confirmed its plans to be first to market with NRAM products in 2019. - Nantero is using Nano-C's carbon nanotubes in its new non-volatile random access memory (NRAM) chips, which are expected to have the read-write speeds of today's DRAM with far lower power consumption. Highlighting its strong industry support, Nantero recently disclosed that its key strategic investors include Cisco Investments, Dell Technologies Capital, Kingston Technology Corporation, CFT Capital, and Schlumberger. Fujitsu confirmed its plans to be first to market with NRAM products in 2019. Photovoltaic Devices - The Performance Materials Division of the German industrial giant Merck KGaA, Darmstadt plans to put a custom small molecule developed at Nano-C into polymers for flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. In addition, three commercial device plants are becoming operationalone of which is sold-out ahead of its completion. Supply contract negotiations between Nano-C and OPV device manufacturers are underway. - The Performance Materials Division of the German industrial giant Merck KGaA, Darmstadt plans to put a custom small molecule developed at Nano-C into polymers for flexible organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. In addition, three commercial device plants are becoming operationalone of which is sold-out ahead of its completion. Supply contract negotiations between Nano-C and OPV device manufacturers are underway. EUV Photo-Resist - Birmingham, UK -based Irresistible Materials is using Nano-C's molecules for a new type of photoresist that will make possible the semiconductor industry's advance to the N5 node via EUV lithography, keeping Moore's Law on track. Leading memory and logic chipmakers are targeting pilot-scale trials of these materials in 2018/2019. - -based Irresistible Materials is using Nano-C's molecules for a new type of photoresist that will make possible the semiconductor industry's advance to the N5 node via EUV lithography, keeping Moore's Law on track. Leading memory and logic chipmakers are targeting pilot-scale trials of these materials in 2018/2019. Display Materials - Nano-C has been working with a display manufacturer to qualify Nano-C's patented transparent carbon nanotube films, including its patented concept to "reinforce" conventional ITO. Initial tests with a commercial ITO film manufacturer show over a 30x improvement in mechanical durability. As it is virtually a drop-in replacement to conventional ITO with comparable cost, commercialization rates can be greatly sped up. About Nano-C, Inc. Located in Westwood, Massachusetts, Nano-C is a leading developer of nanostructured carbon for use in energy and electronics applications. These materials include fullerenes, carbon nanotubes and their chemical derivatives. Nano-C's mission is to play a key role in enabling applications of these materials and the company is committed to their responsible development and use. Nano-C is a privately held corporation founded in 2001. For more information, visit: http://www.nano-c.com/ SOURCE Nano-C, Inc. Related Links http://nano-c.com The White Paper systemized and updated the latest news of the energy storage projects, market, factory owners, technology, and policy worldwide. It also provided a predication of development trends for the domestic and international energy storage markets. With the development of the global renewable energy industry, the importance of energy storage and energy structure has emerged. The commercialization of energy storage ushered in a broad area for development. Narada has clarified that the application of electrochemical energy storage was mature in terms of scale, safety, and economy through long-explored and formed mass application. By the end of 2017, the total contracted capacity of Narada's energy storage power station has exceeded 2000MWh, and the scale of operation has exceeded 300MWh, which makes Narada one of the leading suppliers of energy storage systems in the world. In the past two years, Narada has led the revolution of commercial energy storage and driven China to become one of the most active countries in the energy storage industry. The investment of energy storage industry is expected to reach trillions of yuan in the next decade, which makes the energy storage industry an expanding industry. And the market growth space will exceed one hundred billion yuan in the next five years. Based on the existing complete industrial chain, Narada will continue to innovate the existing technology, expand the cost advantage, and promote project expansion more quickly, to become the most promising energy provider. Web: en.naradapower.com Email: [email protected] SOURCE Narada Power Source Co.,Ltd Related Links http://en.naradapower.com 08:17 United States President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about his planned summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, but said he'd be willing to walk out if the meeting fails to meet his expectation. Trump said he will be meeting with Kim Jong-un in the coming weeks to discuss the de-nuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. "If we don't think it's going to be successful.. we won't have it. We won't have it. If I think it's a meeting that is not going to be fruitful, we are not going to go," Trump told reporters during a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Florida. "If the meeting, when I'm there is not fruitful, I will respectfully leave the meeting and will continue what we are doing or whatever it is that we'll continue, but something will happen," Trump said a day after he told reporters that he is likely to meet Kim Jong-un in June or before that. Officials from the two countries are looking at five different venues for the meeting. None of them are in the US. "Hopefully, that meeting will be a great success and we're looking forward to it," Trump said, adding that it would be tremendous for the world if the meeting went well. Trump expressed hope that the Korean Peninsula could live together "in safety, prosperity, and peace" following a series of meetings between North Korea and South Korea. "This is the destiny of the Korean people, who deserve and have gone through so much over the years. We hope it all works it and we'll be trying very hard," he added. Trump said the release of three American prisoners in North Korea would be among the topics of his discussion with Kim. The US president pat himself on the back over North Korea and said his administration had achieved what his predecessors couldn't. "..for many years they have been talking to North Korea and nothing has happened. This should have been taken care of by past administrations when they were not nearly so far along. But we put unbelievably powerful sanctions on, and many other things," said Trump. He praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for co-operating with him on North Korea. -- PTI ST. LOUIS, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger joined with area business leaders and representatives of the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership to announce the launch of Nvsted (pronounced "N-vested"), an innovative, new funding source that provides a way for small investors to help fund area start-ups. The St. Louis-centric crowdfunding marketplace has received federal Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) approval and is now open to St. Louis-based businesses and investors from around the United States. Nvsted provides a unique platform connecting startups and business owners with like-minded investors. "Nvsted will propel the growth of entrepreneurs, support the expansion of St. Louis area-based jobs, and strengthen the foundation of regional businesses," said St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger. "The timing is certainly right for introduction of this innovative tech tool for funding startups. Nvsted will contribute to the economic momentum underway in St. Louis County since 2015, a boom marked by more than $5 billion in corporate expansions and capital improvements, the creation of 5,700 jobs and the retention of over 30,000 more." Crowdfunding and kick-starter platforms are a familiar concept in the St. Louis area and throughout the nation, as well as among local venture capital firms. Nvsted is the only regulation crowdfunding marketplace specific to the St. Louis region and the first in the nation organized by an economic development agency. It allows people to invest in companies for as little at $100. The online portal www.nvstedwithus.com seeks to connect the region's thriving community of startups to a wider range of capital, including investment opportunities for everyday investors who might be customers or other business and civic supporters. Businesses must be located in the St. Louis region, though investors may be from anywhere in the United States. A technology platform with a hyper-local focus, Nvsted is an online marketplace for companies to reach investors for their fundraising needs. Designed to build and grow St. Louis companies, Nvsted is a viable complement and alternative to other methods of raising capital. "The St. Louis business ecosystem continues to be exceptional for startups and business expansion," said Jamey Edgerton, CEO of Nvsted. "Recent approval by FINRA for Nvsted's launch further strengthens the St. Louis region's position as one of the top areas to start and grow a business. Nvsted is innovation that will strengthen St. Louis region's business environment it's innovative, unique and supports our business community." WellBeing Brewing Company is the first company to participate in this innovative new fundraising platform. The company seeks to raise between $125,000 to $200,000 for start-up of the firm, which is a brewer of non-alcoholic beer. To learn more about Nvsted, or to invest in a St. Louis company, please visit www.nvstedwithus.com. Join us on Twitter @Nvstedwithus/Like us on Facebook: Nvstedwithus #STLStartUp #STLNewEconomy To learn more about the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, visit STLPartnership.com. All investments entail some degree of risk. The securities offered through the site are not publically traded, subject to holding period requirements and are not intended for investors that need a liquid investment. Investors should determine if this type of investment is right for them. Contact: Allison Hawk, (314) 458.7668; Merritt McCarthy (314) 706.6702 SOURCE STL Partnership Related Links http://www.STLPartnership.com HOUSTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Comprehensive guide to online MBA programs, Online MBA Today (http://www.onlinembatoday.com/) has published a new ranking of the 20 best online MBA in Environmental Sustainability Programs (https://www.onlinembatoday.com/rankings/best-online-mba-environmental-sustainability/). Online MBA Today reviewed nearly 470 hybrid and online MBA programs for their environmental sustainability curriculum and then ranked each program according to four factors: estimated total base tuition cost; regional and business accreditation; potential early career salary; and national and global prestige. The information for this ranking list was acquired from the most recent and publicly available sources, including the National Center for Education Statistics, PayScale's 2016-2017 College Salary Report, US News and World Report's Online MBA Ranking, the Princeton Review's Online MBA Ranking, the Financial Times' Global Online MBA Ranking, and Quacquarelli Symonds' Distance Online MBA Ranking. Information was gathered for each program, weighted equally at 25%, and placed on a 100-point scale to find the ranking order for the top online MBA programs in environmental sustainability. This ranking lists Northeastern University's D'Amore-McKim School of Business in Boston, Massachusetts, in first place, followed by Oklahoma State University Spears School of Business in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in second place, and Wilmington University's College of Business in New Castle, Delaware, in third place. Other schools making the ranking include (alphabetically ordered): Ashford University Forbes School of Business & Technology -- San Diego, California Chatham University School of Arts, Science & Business -- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Concordia University Wisconsin School of Business -- Mequon, Wisconsin Franklin Pierce University College of Graduate & Professional Studies -- Rindge, New Hampshire Green Mountain College -- Poultney, Vermont Maharishi University of Management College of Business Administration -- Fairfield, Iowa Marylhurst University School of Business -- Marylhurst, Oregon Presidio Graduate School -- San Francisco, California Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Business Department -- Winona, Minnesota Southern New Hampshire University School of Business -- Manchester, New Hampshire University of Colorado Denver Business School -- Denver, Colorado University of Houston-Clear Lake College of Business -- Houston, Texas University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Kenan-Flagler Business School -- Chapel Hill, North Carolina University of Saint Francis Keith Busse School of Business & Entrepreneurial Leadership -- Fort Wayne, Indiana Webster University Walker School of Business and Technology -- Saint Louis, Missouri Western Kentucky University Gordon Ford College of Business -- Bowling Green, Kentucky Worcester Polytechnic Institute Robert A. Foisie Business School -- Worcester, Massachusetts Now more than ever, companies need to consider the environmental impacts of their day-to-day practices and move toward more environmentally sustainable models. Some companies have been trailblazers in sustainable innovation. This mentality has truly helped lessen the severity of corporate environmental impact. Moreover, shrewd business owners are realizing that there are market shares to gain in environmental sustainability as a growing number of consumers care about the impact of their dollar as it relates to the environment. "Some of the country's top business schools are responding to the trend of valuing sustainability and environmentalism in the global marketplace by offering an innovative online MBA in Environmental Sustainability programs," explains Tammie Cagle, editor of Online MBA Today. Business leaders can be both profitable by learning to work with non-profit organizations and advocacy groups in order to streamline conscientious accountability. A business leader with expertise in environmental sustainability can help larger corporations develop more eco-friendly policies and procedures, and function more sustainably. The ranking of the Top 20 Online MBA programs in Environmental Sustainability will help interested students find the best programs in this important field. Online MBA Today is an independent online comprehensive resource for information about online MBA degrees. The site publishes news updates, in depth school profiles, interviews, rankings, scholarship opportunities, success stories, and more. Contact: Tammie Cagle, editor Online MBA Today (425) 440-0619 [email protected] SOURCE Online MBA Today Related Links http://www.onlinembatoday.com ROHNERT PARK, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Student loans are not a problem reserved for young adults. Increasingly, parents of prospective or current students also have student loans to contend with. Generation Z has grown up watching those around them struggle with student debt, including their parents, leaving them to wonder how they will get through college. Ameritech Financial reminds borrowers that there are many ways to get money for college and many federal student loan repayment options for those struggling with student debt. "It can be hard enough imagining a life with student loans without having to worry about your parents' debt," said Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial. "But that's exactly what Gen Z students are doing. Their parents' debt may mean they will need to take out more loans, which is probably not what they want to do after watching their parents struggle with their own loan payments." According to a recent survey, about one in five parents of Gen Z students have their own student debt and are unable to help their child with college funding. Considering each school incorporates an expected family contribution in their financial aid awards that do not take into consideration parents' existing debt, students may see a gap in funding. While it might be too late for many, families that expect to be unable to take out Parent PLUS loans should start forming a financial plan early. College savings plans, such as 529 plans, grow similarly to retirement plans and with enough time can be enough to cover at least some college costs. Scholarships and grants can also be awarded as early as elementary school. If high loan payments get in the way of helping fund a child's education, or if students end up borrowing a lot to pay for college without parental assistance, federal income-driven repayment plans (IDRs) may provide some relief. Such plans base payments on income and family size, and have the potential to reduce payments and create some room in a budget to save money toward other financial goals. "At Ameritech Financial, we help borrowers in all situations apply for IDRs that may reduce their payments," said Knickerbocker. "Our goal is to help our clients work to get into a better financial situation, and if that enables them to save money or help their kids through college, then we know we've done our jobs." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional Customer Service. Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Links Ameritech Financial home page SOURCE Ameritech Financial Related Links https://ameritechfinancial.com NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Pareteum Corporation (NYSE American: TEUM), ("Pareteum" or the "Company"), the rapidly growing Cloud Communications Platform company, announced today that it has signed a 3-year contract to provide its Managed Service Platform (MSP) to an IoT and MVNO provider in the Indian Subcontinent. Pareteum's Managed Services Platform will provide a fully integrated, single source solution that will enable its newest customer to deliver multi-country branded services, digital applications, data services and traditional mobile services to its end users. Under the terms of the contract, Pareteum will help them expand into 5 countries providing platform services combined with Connectivity. Pareteum will receive a monthly fee for each subscriber on the platform and will also receive revenue for the connectivity associated with these subscribers. Under the terms of the agreement, Pareteum will be paid on a monthly recurring revenue basis for platform support services based on the number of connections. Additional fees will be paid to Pareteum for other solutions, as activated, including Blockchain enablement. Vic Bozzo, CEO of Pareteum, stated, "Pareteum's MSP Platform is a perfect fit for the contract with our newest global client. This part of the world represents high growth in connections as the digital economy takes over. We are pleased with Rob Mumby and his team as they continue to add customers to our platform." Hal Turner, Executive Chairman and Principal Executive Officer of Pareteum, commented, "Our strategy for accelerating the world's shift to an open mobility and application network includes Pareteum's continued extension of our mission to provide services for any device, any network, anywhere. This newest customer is a clear indicator of the global opportunities available in the marketplace. Pareteum's fully integrated cloud services, and, application developers' platform, provide a flexible single solution, without heavy capital investment in infrastructure, creating geographical freedom." About Pareteum Corporation The mission of Pareteum Corporation (NYSE American: TEUM) is to connect "every person and everything". Organizations use Pareteum to energize their growth and profitability through cloud communication services and complete turnkey solutions featuring relevant content, applications, and connectivity worldwide. Our platform services partners (technologies integrated into our Cloud) include: HPE, IBM, Ribbon Communications (Sonus+GenBand), Oracle, Microsoft, and other world class technology providers. All of the relevant customer acquired value is derived from Pareteum's award winning software, developed and enhanced for many years. By harnessing the value of communications, Pareteum serves retail, enterprise and IoT customers. Pareteum currently has offices in New York, Sao Paulo, Madrid, Barcelona, Bahrain and the Netherlands. For more information please visit: www.pareteum.com. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may include, without limitation, statements with respect to Pareteum's plans and objectives, projections, expectations and intentions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about Pareteum's industry, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by management. Readers are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Because such statements involve risks and uncertainties, the actual results and performance of Pareteum may differ materially from the results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Unless otherwise required by law, Pareteum also disclaims any obligation to update its view of any such risks or uncertainties or to announce publicly the result of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made here. Additional information concerning certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected or suggested in Pareteum's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, copies of which are available from the SEC or may be obtained upon request from Pareteum Corporation. Contractual Revenue Backlog Definition: Contractual revenue backlog is measured on a forward looking 36 month snapshot view monthly, and, is generated by each of the Company's Managed Services, Global Mobility Cloud, and Application Exchange & Developer's Platform customers. The Pareteum multi-year Software-as-a-Service agreements include service establishment and implementation fees, guaranteed minimum monthly recurring fees, as well as contractually scheduled subscribers, in some cases including subscriber usage, during the term of the agreement, and, their resulting monthly recurring revenue. There can be no assurances that we reach the total revenue backlog. The contract revenue backlog ("Non-GAAP") assumes timing of revenue recognition that may vary from actual results. The contract revenue backlog is a Non-GAAP management reporting measure and differs from any revenue or earnings outlook that may be provided from time to time by other means. This Non-GAAP measurement is not recognized under generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Accordingly, investors are cautioned about using or relying on these measures as alternatives to recognized GAAP measures. The Company's methods of calculating these measures may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Pareteum Investor Relations Contacts: Ted O'Donnell Chief Financial Officer (212) 984-1096 [email protected] Hayden IR (917) 658-7878 SOURCE Pareteum Corporation Related Links http://www.pareteum.com SEATTLE, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- PATH and United Kingdom-based test developer Mologic have entered an agreement to advance a new rapid diagnostic test to support treatment and elimination of Plasmodium vivax, or relapsing, malaria. More than 2.5 billion people worldwide are at risk of infection with P. vivax malaria, mainly in Southeast Asia and Latin America. P. vivax is especially difficult to eliminate because the parasite can lie dormant in the liver and re-emerge, causing periods of relapsing illness. With each relapse, patients become progressively sicker, and can continue to spread the disease through mosquitoes to other members of the community. Treatment with 8-aminoquinolines, a class of drugs that includes primaquine, is currently the only means to kill the liver form of the P. vivax parasite and prevent the cycle of relapse and transmission. However, 8-aminoquinolines can cause serious side effects in patients with severe glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, a hereditary condition common to areas where malaria is found. Therefore, the World Health Organization recommends testing patients for the condition before administering treatment with primaquine. Critically, diagnostic tests currently on the market for G6PD deficiency are neither simple enough to support their widespread use in low-resource areas nor robust enough to be used in the hot, humid areas where malaria is endemic. PATH is advancing a portfolio of tests for G6PD deficiency that meet requirements for use in settings where P. vivax malaria is close to elimination. As part of this effort, PATH is working with Mologic to develop a novel qualitative point-of-care G6PD rapid diagnostic test (RDT). This new RDT has the potential to improve access to G6PD testing to support appropriate administration of primaquine. PATH and Mologic optimized the Mologic RDT for use in environmental conditions typical in malaria-endemic countries, resulting in a test that is designed for use including at the community level, where malaria is commonly diagnosed and treated. It provides simple results (i.e., positive or negative) that can be easily interpreted by test users to determine if a patient has severe G6PD deficiency and is therefore at increased risk for side effects if treated with primaquine. This qualitative G6PD RDT can provide a simple and affordable alternative to quantitative tests, which provide a numerical readout of G6PD levels but may be more expensive. "This test will be a significant addition to the G6PD testing options available to health care providers to inform case management of patients with P. vivax malaria," says Dr. Gonzalo Domingo, scientific director and malaria diagnostics lead at PATH. "It will help to fill critical gaps in G6PD testing experienced by elimination programs, and will complement quantitative tests for G6PD deficiency being advanced by PATH and partners." "We are honored to have developed this new rapid diagnostic test technology for G6PD deficiency that combines the direct measurement of enzyme activity into the simple lateral flow line format similar to that used in home pregnancy testing, based on Mologic's enzyme activity detection format," said Paul Davis, Mologic cofounder and chief scientific officer. "We would like to thank PATH for driving the development of this key test to support malaria treatment and leading efforts to bring the test to market. Mologic looks forward to continuing this partnership with PATH in advancing essential diagnostic technology to address important health issues." The first product variant is expected to come to market in 2019. PATH is supporting Mologic to commercialize the RDT and obtain key regulatory approvals. Funding to PATH to support advancement of new G6PD diagnostic tools has been provided by UKAid from the United Kingdom Department for International Development and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. About PATH PATH is the leader in global health innovation. An international nonprofit organization, PATH saves lives and improves health, especially among women and children. PATH accelerates innovation across five platformsvaccines, drugs, diagnostics, devices, and system and service innovationsthat harness our entrepreneurial insight, scientific and public health expertise, and passion for health equity. By mobilizing partners around the world, PATH takes innovation to scale, working alongside countries primarily in Africa and Asia to tackle their greatest health needs. With these key partners, PATH delivers measurable results that disrupt the cycle of poor health. Learn more at www.path.org. We are part of the battle to control and eliminate malaria nationally and regionally, and ultimately to eradicate it worldwide. With our unparalleled portfolio of malaria projects, we are partnering with countries and organizations around the world to make malaria history. To learn more about PATH's work in malaria, visit https://www.path.org/our-work/malaria.php. About Mologic Mologic is a proven innovator in the design and development of rapid diagnostic products and technology. Having re-established its independence in 2014, the company has advanced an 11-product portfolio to pre-market evaluation, with BVPro and PERiPLEX products receiving CE mark approval in 2017. The remaining products are destined for launch in 2018 and 2019, including (but not limited to) the delivery of the world's first respiratory disease exacerbation monitor. The company's interests extend beyond human health care, with active programs in animal and fish disease diagnostics, agriculture diagnostics, and non-human vaccine innovation, collectively exploiting the advances in technology developed within the human sector. Underpinning the new product development pathway, Mologic delivers high-value contract partnering programs for a range of national and international clients. Its broad range of skills and experience, including a unique low-volume manufacturing facility (ISO 13485 certified) and product assembly partnership with Adreco, enable the business to take on almost any project challenge, irrespective of complexity or stage. In 2017, Mologic and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation established the Centre for Advanced Rapid Diagnostics (CARD) to invent and develop the next-generation point-of-care diagnostic technology platform for high sensitivity measurements. Prototype product formats are currently being validated that achieve 1 pg/mL sensitivity, yet cost less than US$1 at volume to manufacture. Mologic is the ideal product development partner, providing the best reagents, products, and innovation, and offering fully harmonized service extending from idea through to initial product volumes. Through our trusted professional partnerships, successful products are transferred to high-volume manufacturing and distribution across the globe. Contact: Kate Davidson | PATH Media Relations | [email protected] | PATH Media Relations | Mark Davis | Mologic | [email protected] SOURCE PATH Related Links http://www.path.org NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PM360, the premier information resource for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, announced that PM360's Founder, CEO, and Publisher Anna Stashower was named on Folio:'s 2018 Top Women in Media list. For the fifth year, Folio:, the magazine and digital publishing industry's go-to source for news, business intelligence, and peer-to-peer networking, is honoring women who represent the best and brightest entrepreneurs, disruptors and change agents, corporate champions, and trailblazers in the media industry. Stashower will join her fellow publishing luminaries, including Martha Stewart, the 2018 Lifetime Empowerment & Achievement Award winner, at the Edison Ballroom, NYC, for the 5th Annual Top Women in Media Awards Luncheon. At this highly anticipated event, Folio: celebrates the outstanding women in media who have enacted their vision and taken the risks to positively impact the publishing industry. Stashower was chosen as a top entrepreneur for her dedicated and tireless work in launching a very successful and respected brand while bringing a dynamic voice to the pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotech marketing industries. "All honorees of the Folio: Top Women in Media Awards bring something new and exciting to the table," said Robbie Caploe, Publisher of Folio:, "but each shares the same key characteristics of smarts and exuberance." "It's an incredible honor to be recognized by Folio: as an entrepreneur," Stashower said, "PM360 has always been a labor of love, founded to fill what I saw as an unmet need in the pharmaceutical marketing industryand something I was able to accomplish and grow with the love and support of my family, friends, and the PM360 staff. I look forward to meeting the Class of 2018 and celebrating the achievements and success each woman has brought to the publishing arena." The Folio: Top Women in Media Awards Luncheon will be held on June 7, 2018 from noon to 2:30 p.m. About PM360 PM360 is the premier, must-read magazine for marketing decision makers in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries. Published monthly, PM360 is the only journal that focuses on delivering the full spectrum of practical information necessary for product managers and pharmaceutical marketing professionals to succeed in the complex and highly regulated healthcare environment. The journal's targeted and insightful editorial focuses on issues that directly impact critical decision making, including: Planning and implementation of cutting edge strategies, trends, the latest technological advances, branding/marketing, advertising/promotion, patient/professional education, sales, market research, PR, and leadership. Additionally, the "360" in the title signifies the span of this critical, how-to info with personal and career insights for an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. By providing the full circle of enriching content, PM360 is truly an indispensable tool for busy and productive marketing professionals to stay at the top of their game. . For more information, please visit http://www.pm360online.com. About Folio: Folio: is a multi-channel resource for the magazine and online media industry. Our primary mission is to help media companies generate revenue and increase audience engagement. For more information, please visit http://www.FolioMag.com. Contact: Gil Bashe Finn Partners 212-715-1603 [email protected] SOURCE PM360 Related Links http://www.pm360online.com ST. PAUL, Minn., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Point of Care Decision Support (PCDS), leaders in the development and implementation of anticoagulation clinical decision support software, announce today the release of a new version (2.0) of their AC software. The application was developed with leading clinical thrombosis experts to specifically address the new and complex challenges of managing both warfarin and non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants (NOACs), and enables healthcare provider teams to deliver consistent, measureable and evidence-based quality of care for patients on anticoagulants. Point of Care Decision Support Announces New Software Release for Anticoagulation (AC) Software Point of Care Decision Support Announces New Software Release for Anticoagulation (AC) Software Key benefits to healthcare practitioners that electronically document care for patients on an oral anticoagulant therapy include: Central patient dashboard that allows you to understand the patient's history and plan in less than 60 seconds Automatic dosage calculations using validated nomograms to assist in medication management Integration with validated survey instruments such as CHA2DS2-VASc, HAS-BLED and HEMORR2HAGES Full patient plan of care instructions available to print providing a customized and relevant shared patient/clinician experience EMR agnostic integration with bidirectional flow of patient data that dramatically decreases data entry Enhanced reporting options that meet CMS/MACRA "high activity" improvement requirements Stephen Hart, Vice President of Development said, "The functionality and data-driven approach to of our AC software continues to evolve based on industry needs and demands. With Point of Care AC 2.0, we transform the anticoagulant patient care process with evidence-based guidelines providing a validated electronic clinical decision support tool that can assist in patient anticoagulant therapy improvement." Hart added, "The PCDS team of developers strive to build tools which can help clinicians be more productive. A primary goal of the platform is for it to be easy to use and not difficult to learn. UI workflow interactions should provide only the relevant data for the task at hand and finishing that task should only take a minute and be a click away." Point of Care Decision Support will be demonstrating AC 2.0 at the upcoming AC Forum Boot Camp for physicians, nurses and pharmacists that work with patients on oral anticoagulant therapies in Austin, Texas, April 23-24. About Point of Care Decision Support Point of Care Decision Support, LLC (PCDS) is a healthcare software company driving healthcare quality across the continuum of care. With its Dynamic Decision Support Platform as a core anchor, PCDS builds intuitive healthcare tools that measure and improve the quality of patient care, provide real-time data and analysis, and have a meaningful and measurable return on investment. Interoperable with all major EMR systems, the applications easily integrate new technology with existing investments, reducing implementation and operating costs. PCDS believes that the complexity of patient care can be captured in a clear and meaningful way, enabling informed decision-making throughout the coordination and management of care. Visit www.ptofcare.com to learn more about their anticoagulation (AC), asthma and other chronic disease applications in their solutions portfolio. Media Contact: Karen Beran Point of Care Decision Support, LLC [email protected] 952-446-7724 SOURCE Point of Care Decision Support Related Links https://www.ptofcare.com PopSockets are beloved by fashion enthusiasts, influencers and celebrities because they elevate picture taking on a smartphone. The grips have become a recognizable accessory and a place to express personal style. PopSockets have been a pervasive fixture of mirror selfies in the Instagram feeds of those in-the-know for several years now. Driven by the needs of its discerning fashion consumer, the brand is excited to announce a design using Swarovski crystals, a name that has long been associated with luxury and style. Each PopSockets grip features Crystal Fine Rocks, an innovative Swarovski design element made from an irregular arrangement of small and large double-pointed crystals that create an ultra-sparkling effect. Crystal Fine Rocks are sprinkled into silicone for optimal durability, the ultimate marriage of fashion and function, an essential for any fashion lover, influencer, blogger, or selfie enthusiast. Every crystal is meant to look slightly different, making each PopSockets grip one-of-a-kind. The collection consists of three colors that add a perfect bit of wear-with-all dazzle to any outfit: Paradise Shine, a gunmetal silver; Vintage Rose, a dusty rose gold inspired pink; and Chrome, a metallic silver. The PopSockets capsule collection with Swarovski crystals is for the lover of all things glitz and glamour, and at a price point of $50, the brand is expanding into an elevated tier of PopSockets enthusiasts. The exclusivity adds to the appeal, as a limited number have been produced, and are being carried in select Nordstrom locations and online at Nordstrom.com. PopSockets will release additional colorways with crystals from Swarovski seasonally throughout 2018. David Barnett, Founder and CEO says, "I took a sneak peek at the forthcoming line, and the Swarovski Crystal Fine Rocks look dazzling on the PopSockets grips. I'm confident that the partnership will be a success." About PopSockets: David Barnett is the founder and CEO of PopSockets. He was a philosophy major at Emory, a physics major at University of Colorado Boulder, received his PhD in philosophy from NYU, and from 2005-2015 was a philosophy professor at University of Colorado Boulder. His research specialized in philosophy of language and philosophy of mind, before he reached enlightenment, stopped doing philosophy, and became an entrepreneur. In 2010, Barnett was looking for a way to stop his earbud cord from getting tangled, and he achieved this by gluing two buttons to the back of his phone and wrapping the earbud cord around the buttons. As ugly as the buttons were, they worked. In the course of improving on the idea, he developed about 60 different prototypes, making the buttons expand and collapse via an accordion mechanism, so that they could function as both a stand and a grip. In 2012, Barnett launched a KickStarter campaign for an iPhone case that would have two PopSockets grips integrated into the case. In addition to getting successfully funded, the KickStarter campaign enabled Barnett to show the world his dancing prowess. Two years later, in 2014, Barnett launched the business out of his garage in Boulder, Colorado, and has subsequently sold over 40 million PopSockets grips around the world. About Swarovski Professional: Swarovski has been the premium brand for fine crystal embellishments since 1895. It is recognized for its innovative excellence and for its collaborations with world-class designers and brands from the fashion, jewelry, accessories, interiors and lighting industries. Available in myriad colors, effects, shapes and sizes, crystals from Swarovski offers designers an unrivaled palette of inspiration born out of a passion for detail and high-precision cutting. These precious ingredients impart a refined glamour to everything they embellish and are produced according to the groundbreaking lead-free* Advanced Crystal standard. The 'Crystals from Swarovski' seal, incorporating a sophisticated tracking system with a unique identification number to reinforce authenticity, enables customers to distinguish products embellished with genuine Swarovski crystals.www.swarovski.com/professional *Crystal glass and all other materials containing 0.009% lead or less. SOURCE PopSockets "We welcome Tom at a time when technology and innovation are opening up new avenues in every area of our industry," said Steve Barnett, QuadReal's Chief Operating Officer. "Tom is a globally recognized leader in technology's influence on development, management and operations. He will ensure that QuadReal and its partners are able to leverage opportunities in the sector to best advantage." Mr. Sheraden was formerly Chief Information Officer with Prologis Inc., a multinational logistics real estate investment trust and the largest industrial real estate company in the world. In his role at Prologis, Mr. Sheraden was responsible for building world-class technology strategy and execution across the company's global operations. Mr. Sheraden previously held executive and leadership positions with Home Advisor, a leading digital marketplace for home improvement, and Janus Mutual Funds, a global investment manager. He holds a BS in Computer Science from Villanova University in Pennsylvania. "I am inspired to be joining a company and team of professionals that understand the important role of technology," said Mr. Sheraden. "At QuadReal, I look forward to supporting our team while advocating for technology's potential to deliver value and transform experiences for QuadReal and our tenants, residents, visitors and partners." QuadReal has made a strategic commitment to support and advance technologies that enable innovation in our evolving urban environments. Reflecting this commitment, QuadReal announced last week a direct investment in Honest Buildings, a project management platform that provides real-time insights across real estate portfolios and streamlines bidding and cost tracking to ensure that projects are delivered on-time and on-budget. Recently, QuadReal appointed Global Cities expert Rosemary Feenan as EVP, Research and earlier this year, QuadReal, Microsoft and the City of Toronto announced UPPlift: Toronto, an urban pilot program and virtual accelerator focused on enhancing the city's livability through technology and other smart innovations. Mr. Sheraden assumed his role at QuadReal on April 9, 2018 and is based in QuadReal's head office in Vancouver. For more information on QuadReal, please see quadreal.com. About QuadReal Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, QuadReal Property Group is a Canadian real estate investment, development and management company operating on a global scale. The company's $24.5 billion portfolio spans 23 Global Cities across 17 countries. Owned by BCI, one of Canada's largest institutional investors, QuadReal was established to manage its real estate investment portfolio. QuadReal aims to deliver prudent growth and strong investment returns, and to create and sustain environments that bring value to the people and communities it serves. Now and for generations to come. SOURCE QuadReal The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- R. Brad Lane, CEO of RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners, and former Governor of North Carolina, Beverly Perdue, Managing Partner of the Education Practice at RIDGE-LANE LP, as well as other members of the RIDGE-LANE LP's Education Advisory Board, pack a big punch at this year's ASU+GSV Education Summit, April 17th in San Diego, CA. Started in 2010 with a collaboration between Arizona State University (ASU) and Global Silicon Valley (GSV), the annual ASU+GSV Summit is the industry catalyst for elevating dialogue and driving action around raising learning and career outcomes through scaled innovation and making sure that everyone has an equal opportunity to participate in the future. In this marquis education industry event, RIDGE-LANE LP executives and board members took the stage throughout the Summit with some of the biggest names in the space. Included among the RIDGE-LANE Education Advisory Board members participating in the Summit this year are John Fallon, CEO of Pearson Education - the world's largest education company, and John C. Mitchell, the Vice Provost of Stanford University, who were all featured together in a keynote discussion with R. Brad Lane and The Hon. Beverly Perdue, entitled "Public Sector, Private Sector & Academia - Collaborating for Improved Student Outcomes." The keynote featured the following topics: If we want to accelerate change in the next 1000 days, what needs to happen? What are the barriers to deep meaningful progress? What are the levers to pull that will be accelerators? Considering the 2nd Machine Age and the unavoidable 4th Industrial Revolution, what needs to happen to accommodate the modern learner what do they need, to be equipped for the rapidly changing economy and job market. How do the Public Sector, the Private Sector, and Academia work together to accomplish these grand challenges, with massive societal implications? And, the ever important, yet illusive answer to scale. R. Brad Lane says "I'm reminded of William Gibson's quote 'The Future Is Already Here It's Just Not Evenly Distributed' which, in the context of Education, is relevant to Scale, Access and Equity The assumption I'd like everyone to agree with me on, at least for the sake of this point, is that we already know so much about what is working properly (and what isn't) so how do we "simply" take what we know, and scale it?" The keynote ended with a provocative call-to-action by asking the entire industry to answer the question: "If everyone had to create a brand new institution that was a public-private partnership, including: private business, investment capital, philanthropy, academia, and government, what would it's mission be, what would you seek to accomplish, and structurally what would you create?" Other members of the RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners team, who provided thought leadership through keynote speeches and panel discussions, include: Dr. Michael Crow , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of Arizona State University where he is guiding the transformation of ASU into one of the nation's leading public metropolitan research universities, an institution that combines the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic, and maximum societal impact a model he terms the "New American University ." , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of where he is guiding the transformation of ASU into one of the nation's leading public metropolitan research universities, an institution that combines the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic, and maximum societal impact a model he terms the "New ." The Hon. Ted Mitchell , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of the American Council on Education (ACE), the nation's most influential, respected, and visible higher education association, and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education. , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of the American Council on Education (ACE), the nation's most influential, respected, and visible higher education association, and former U.S. Under Secretary of Education. Dr. Paul LeBlanc , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) where he has led the growth of the university from 2800 students to nearly 100,000 and into one of the largest non-profit providers of online higher education in the country, and the first to have a full competency-based degree program untethered to the credit hour or classes approved by a regional accreditor and the US Department of Education. , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, and President of (SNHU) where he has led the growth of the university from 2800 students to nearly 100,000 and into one of the largest non-profit providers of online higher education in the country, and the first to have a full competency-based degree program untethered to the credit hour or classes approved by a regional accreditor and the US Department of Education. Dr. Daniel Greenstein , Senior Advisor to RIDGE-LANE LP, most recently serving as Director, Post-Secondary Education at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and was previously Vice Provost for Academic Planning and Programs at the University of California System, where he oversaw academic planning at the university-wide level for 10-campus, 220,000-student system. RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners is a social-impact merchant bank focused on Education, Information Technology, and Sustainability, with a team of General Partners, Operating Partners, and Senior Advisors who have served at the highest levels of business, finance, and government. RIDGE-LANE LP structures public-private partnerships to finance social infrastructure and urban development projects across the U.S., and provides advisory services to venture capital funds and corporate development services to commercialize and scale private technology companies across the globe. With offices in New York City, Washington DC and Palo Alto, RIDGE-LANE LP is a triple-bottom-line business that creates social impact and economic value by bridging the gap between the public and private sector and serving as a strategic partner to innovative companies through each phase of their growth - from ideation, to design, strategy and execution - leveraging our knowledge and relationships - to ensure our portfolio companies success. Innovators tackling grand societal challenges: [email protected] For more information on RIDGE-LANE LP and its Education Practice visit: www.RIDGE-LANE.com SOURCE RIDGE-LANE Limited Partners Related Links https://www.ridge-lane.com/ PASSAIC, N.J., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Raul Almanzar, MD, FAAP is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Professional in the field of Medicine in recognition of his role as Pediatrician at Passaic Pediatrics II. With an emphasis on preventive medicine, Passaic Pediatrics II has served the New Jersey region for over seventeen years. Dedicated to utilizing the latest advancements in medical technology to further enhance the health and wellness of their patients, the pediatric center maintains several affiliations with surrounding facilities including St. Joseph's Children's Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital and Hackensack Medical Center. Adept in handling matters in regards to general pediatrics, the center offers a wide array of services to their clients including physical exams, vaccines, emergency care, lab services, developmental screenings, in-house laboratory testing and more. A Board Certified pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Almanzar has become a trusted name in the field. Dr. Almanzar established his pediatric practice in Passaic in 2001. Attributing his success to his relentless compassion, and staying informed in regards to his patients, when asked his advice to newcomers in the industry, Dr. Almanzar highlights you must "Make sure you want to be in pediatrics - it's very rewarding, it's not about the money. It's emotionally rewarding and you have to have a sense of humor." With over twenty one years of experience under his belt, Dr. Almanzar is commended for his outstanding contributions to the medical industry. Throughout his educational career, Dr. Almanzar attained his Medical Doctor degree from Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo in 1992. Thereafter, Dr. Almanzar would then go on to complete his residency in pediatrics at the UMDNJ Hospital in Newark, New Jersey. For more information, please visit https://www.passaicpeds2.com Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com PHILADELPHIA, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Right Recruiting, a national executive recruiting firm headquartered in Blue Bell, PA ranked 11th in Executive Recruiters Retained Search for 2017 by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Retained Search Executive Recruiter firms were ranked by the number of 2017 retained search placements in the Philadelphia region. Jeff Zinser, principal and founder of Right Recruiting started the firm in 2003 after a successful career managing a Philadelphia-based national recruiting organization with offices in multiple cities. Cathy Bird, vice president of Right Recruiting joined the firm in 2010 and manages the research team. "It's a huge honor to be recognized by the Philadelphia Business Journal as a firm with the most retained search placements in 2017," said Zinser. "It reinforces our belief that retained recruiting should be an option for all organizations, regardless of size." Since 2013, Right Recruiting has consistently ranked in the top 20 for both their Contingency and Retained Search services by the Philadelphia Business Journal. Right Recruiting's retained clientele consists of Fortune 500 international firms, growing regional companies and small owned/operated employers. They share a common goal of finding the best people for all levels of their organization. Recent placements with these clients have included everything from CEO down to junior level professionals. "Right Recruiting's motto might be, 'the right resume on the right desk at the right time' but that also goes hand in hand with another core value of ours," said Bird. "Finding the right talent is always the right choice. Right Recruiting helps organizations of all sizes find the right people for the right positions." For media inquiries, please contact Katie Dunphy at 886-225-0920 ext. 103 or [email protected]. Right Recruiting is an executive search firm based in Philadelphia. Right Recruiting's clientele is comprised of national and local businesses. The firm specializes in contingency and retained search. To learn more about Right Recruiting, please visit RightRecruiting.com Katie Dunphy Flackable 866.225.0920 ext. 103 [email protected] SOURCE Right Recruiting Related Links http://rightrecruiting.com "We are so grateful for Ann's thoughtful and energetic leadership over the past three decades at McClatchy," said Sara Glines, publisher of McClatchy's Carolina region. "We are very proud of her many accomplishments and most recently: Charlotte Will, a coalition of leaders from public, private and non-profit organizations that developed solutions to help put low-income people on a path to prosperity, and the Charlotte Observer Summer Camp program, that raised more than $1.5 million to send low-income children to camp." Previously, Mahone led McClatchy's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer and The (Macon) Telegraph in the role of Georgia regional president and publisher. "Rodney is a strong and creative leader who has driven innovation and digital transformation in challenging times for local journalism," said Glines. "He is also a catalyst, someone who has thoughtfully combined his entrepreneurial vision, energy and deep commitment to our communities to launch new initiatives and collaborations that have brought together diverse stakeholders and improved lives. The experience and insight he brings will make a significant impact on our business and communities." A lifelong resident of Columbus, Georgia, and a 28-year veteran at McClatchy, Rodney is an engaged citizen and highly-effective leader. He was instrumental in the launch of Together Columbus, an innovative two-year public-private partnership that resulted in a $344,000 investment in the community. As a result of his leadership of this initiative, The Ledger-Enquirer was recognized by Editor & Publisher as one of the 10 newspapers in the United States "That Do It Right." "I am excited and honored to lead The Charlotte Observer and continue its strong tradition of local journalism and service to the community," said Mahone. "I will have big shoes to fill with Ann Caulkins' departure. Her leadership and vision has been a beacon to me and all of my colleagues from across McClatchy. Although Georgia will always be in my heart, I look forward to collaborating with our teams and partners in Charlotte, Columbia, Rock Hill and Hilton Head to continue to produce local journalism that is essential to the communities and business partners we serve." Mahone began his career with The Ledger-Enquirer in 1990 in the circulation department. He advanced from outside sales to several leadership roles within the advertising division, including vice president of advertising in 2009. As an advertising executive, he was an American Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award winner and served as president of the Ad Federation of Columbus. Mahone is a 2012 alumni of Leadership Georgia, served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Columbus, the Muscogee Educational Excellence Foundation, and chaired the Board of Directors for United Way and New Birth Outreach Church. He also chaired the local United Way Campaign in 2012. Currently, he serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of the Chattahoochee Valley, United Way, Columbus Technical College Foundation, and is working with the implementation team for the Regional Prosperity Initiative. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and the Rotary Club of Columbus. Ross McDuffie joined McClatchy in 2010 as a member of the Ledger-Enquirer advertising sales team. He was promoted several times over the past eight years and was named regional vice president / advertising for McClatchy's Georgia markets with oversight of Columbus, Macon and excelerateTM Atlanta in 2017. Most recently, he was named to Editor & Publisher's "25 under 35" list in recognition of his career achievements. He is also the recipient of two Emmy nominations for his work in interactive media. "Ross' tenure at McClatchy has been marked with consistently strong growth in digital advertising revenue, the creation of an agency culture in McClatchy's Georgia markets and a fierce commitment to supporting quality local journalism," said Alexandra Villoch, president and publisher of Miami Herald Media Company and McClatchy East region publisher. "His energy and vision will drive our continued success and leadership in the state." "I've been surrounded by great leadership throughout my career at McClatchy and Rodney Mahone has been a great mentor to me every step of the way," said McDuffie. "I step into this role with a sense of pride to carry on what Rodney started: a commitment to quality local journalism exercised with fierce independence, and a passion for the innovation that allows us to remain essential to our communities and our advertisers." Like Mahone, McDuffie is a native of Columbus and is actively engaged in community service. He is a board member of Open Door Community House, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and sits on the advisory council of Columbus State University Department of Communications. About McClatchy McClatchy operates 30 media companies in 14 states, providing each of its communities with high-quality news and advertising services in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is a publisher of iconic brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News & Observer, and the (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. McClatchy is headquartered in Sacramento, Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange American under the symbol MNI. #ReadLocal SOURCE McClatchy Related Links http://www.mcclatchy.com "We're excited for the happy couple and want to mark this festive occasion with a proper toast!" said Anna Rogers, brand director, Stella Artois. "We at Stella Artois know a thing or two about hosting memorable moments big and small, so we raise a Regal Chalice in celebration." Crafted with an elegant gold design, the Limited-Edition Stella Artois Regal Chalice brings the fairytale story of the betrothed to life through nineteen gilded icons that hold special meaning to the happy couple. Put your knowledge to the test and see if you can find them all! From the social media post that sparked relationship rumors, to favorite pastimes of the couple and the storied engagement ring that made it official, the nineteen illustrations bring the epic journey of the couple to life, with the number representing their wedding date: May 19, 2018. In an ode to this momentous date, the Stella Artois Regal Chalice is available for $5.19 at www.stellaartois.com/regalchalice, until royal fans claim them all. A Regal Chalice Calls for a Regal Cocktail Introducing Le Cidre Royale a cocktail fit for even the grandest of wedding receptions, inspired by the cake to be enjoyed by all guests. Comprised of Stella Artois Cidre, Rose Champagne, Gin and Elderflower Liqueur, it is a cocktail worthy of a regal toast as loyal fans everywhere cheers to the happy couple on May 19. Le Cidre Royale cocktail recipe includes: .5 oz Gin .5 oz Elderflower Liqueur 1 oz Rose Champagne 3 oz Stella Artois Cidre For additional images of the Limited-Edition Stella Artois Regal Chalice and Le Cidre Royale, please visit the Anheuser-Busch Newsroom. About Stella Artois Stella Artois is part of a Belgian brewing tradition dating back to 1366. It is the No. 1 Belgian beer in the world and is present in 95 countries. Stella Artois is a bottom filtered, blonde pilsner. It is thirst quenching with a malty middle and crisp finish delivering a full flavour and a hint of bitterness. Stella Artois is best enjoyed served between 3 and 5 degree Celsius and should be served in the unique Stella Artois Chalice according to the 9-Step Pouring Ritual to guarantee a perfect experience of this gold standard lager. Visit www.stellaartois.com for more information. PRESS CONTACTS Lacey Clifford [email protected] Kelly McKenna [email protected] SOURCE Stella Artois Related Links http://www.stellaartois.com BEIJING, April 17, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- On April 17 in Beijing, a brand upgrade press conference was held by Secoo, announcing a new slogan 'devoted you to' and introducing the brand's expansion plans to the public. Considered as a luxury e-commerce platform is not comprehensive, Secoo's vision is to become a premium lifestyle platform. Luxury products will be only a part of business, Secoo plans to expand more business and better services for high-end consumers to enhance overall lifestyle premium service. "Secoo is emphasizing the importance of lifestyle, luxury e-commerce is only the carrier for us," said Richard, Rixue Li, the founder and CEO of Secoo Group. "We expand our business to satisfy comprehensive demands for consumers. Secoo tries to establish an offline & online integrated platform. Consumers can not only buy luxury products from our platform, they can also communicate and interact in our physical stores, they can enjoy the best services that other platform cannot offer. An overall platform is our purpose." At the April 17 event, Secoo announced the upgrade plans for all its businesses in accordance with the ten-year anniversary in July to maximize the lifestyle concept and service to its high-end consumers. The business upgrades include: Customization: Secoo will provide limited customization products with other brands. For instance, in June Secoo will collaborate with fashion brand Emotionally Unavailable, which is designed by Chinese actor and rapper Edison Chen and designers of Undefeated KB Lee. Personalization: Secoo will cooperate with travel agencies to launch high-end premium travel for consumers, offering personalized routes and best services; Secoo will also provide health and personalized educational packages for consumers to ensure the quality of service. Rental: Secoo will launch a rental service for consumers who have not decided which bags or watches to buy, by providing them a seven-day experience. Partnership: Secoo will collaborate with Parkson Retail Group to embrace cosmetics products, to offer a newly integrated online offline retail shopping experience. Socializing: Secoo will cooperate with Pernod Richard Group to release a customized pre-mixed cocktail '24/7 by SECOO' and will build offline bars in major cities, to create interactive and social offline locations. Co-branding: Secoo will cooperate with a famous fruit brand, offering the best quality oranges. In the future, Secoo will also cooperate with farms and fruit growers to release premium vegetables, fruits and meat. In addition, Secoo finance reached agreements with more than 20 banks for the installment business; Secoo EEC targets business service, building consumers' data and sharing business value; Secoo Coosir Project signed more than 1,000 KOL, modeling trend and leading consumption direction. In 2018, Secoo will continue to provide the best service for high-end consumers, driving the company's future growth. SOURCE Secoo Group SALT LAKE CITY, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This July, SecurityNational Mortgage Company (SNMC) celebrates its 25th anniversary. From an inauspicious start as a single location in Salt Lake City, Utah, SNMC has grown to over 100 branches across the United States. Last year, the company's 500 loan officers closed over 12,000 loans, with close to $3 billion in loan volume. The company continues its strategic growth in both existing and new markets. In its 25 years of service and success, SNMC has stocked its trophy case with awards and recognition from Mortgage Executive Magazine, National Mortgage Professional Magazine, Utah Business Magazine, and the Scotsman Guide. Their Sales and Marketing teams have their share of SAMY awards, and the company has won Best of State the last two years running. SNMC president, Steve Johnson, believes that the key to the company's longevity is providing a work environment where the production team can focus on consistently meeting its customer's needs. Implementation of new technology is crucial to maintaining an edge in the marketplace. SecurityNational has had great success with "SNapp," an innovative mobile app that helps customers stay in constant contact with their Loan Officers throughout the entire mortgage loan process. "At SecurityNational Mortgage Company, we're proud of our accomplishments and growth. When other companies collapsed under the strain of the 2008 mortgage crisis we adapted and thrived. Our growth, industry recognition, and thousands of satisfied customers testify to our position as a mortgage industry leader and innovator. We are excited and confident about our future," says Steve Johnson, President. SecurityNational continues to grow and is looking for like-minded and talented individuals to join their award-winning team. The company is interviewing experienced loan officers, branch managers, and support staff in locations across the nation. For more information, please contact Sales Support at 844-542-5626. SOURCE SecurityNational Mortgage Company COMMERCE, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), the value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, today announced that it will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 25, 2018, on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, after the close of market. David Hirz, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Richard Phegley, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will host a conference call to discuss the results at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time / 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time the same day. The call will also be broadcast live over the Internet, accessible through the Investors section of Smart & Final's website at www.smartandfinal-investor.com. Smart & Final Stores, Inc. First Quarter 2018 Conference Call Details Date: Wednesday, May 2, 2018 Time: 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time) Dial-In: 1-877-407-0784 (domestic) 1-201-689-8560 (international) Conference ID: 13678813 A telephonic replay of the call will be available beginning Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time through Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. To access the replay, dial 1-844-512-2921 (domestic) or 1-412-317-6671 (international) and enter the replay pin number: 13678813. A replay of the webcast will also be available for 60 days upon completion of the conference call, accessible through the Investors section of Smart & Final's website at www.smartandfinal-investor.com. About Smart & Final Smart & Final Stores, Inc. (NYSE: SFS), is a value-oriented food and everyday staples retailer, headquartered in Commerce (near Los Angeles), California. The Company offers quality products in a variety of sizes, saving household, nonprofit and business customers time and money. As of March 25, 2018, the Company operated 323 grocery and foodservice stores under the "Smart & Final," "Smart & Final Extra!" and "Cash & Carry Smart Foodservice" banners in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Montana and Utah, with an additional 15 stores in Northwestern Mexico operated through a joint venture. In business for over 146 years, the Company remains committed to giving back to local communities through employee volunteer opportunities and Company donations to local nonprofits. SOURCE Smart & Final Stores, Inc. Related Links http://www.smartandfinal-investor.com SIUs Rehabilitation Counseling Program earns a top national ranking again by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. The tradition of excellence continues. Once again, Southern Illinois University Carbondales Rehabilitation Counseling program has earned a top five ranking from U.S. News & World Report, coming in at the No. 4 spot on the 2018 Best Rehabilitation Counseling Programs list, released recently. History of greatness SIUs masters degree program in rehabilitation counseling is the oldest of its type in the country and it has been continuously ranked by various ranking organizations among the top five percent of the nations rehabilitation education programs since its inception in the 1950s. It was the first program within the universitys Rehabilitation Institute, which is one of the oldest university rehabilitation departments in the United States. The program has earned a top five designation from U.S. News and Report for at least 20 years, according to Thomas Upton, Rehabilitation Institute professor. We have a very strong program, a strong history of teaching, research and service and a strong faculty, Upton said. We are quite visible in the field of rehabilitation counseling. Our students are go-getters who get good jobs and do a lot of presentations around the country. The program is also accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. Rehabilitation counselors help people overcome disabilities and illness Youll find rehabilitation counselors working in a variety of places, according to Upton. They help patients overcome physical, mental, emotional or developmental disabilities or chronic illnesses in social services agencies, rehabilitation centers, supportive living facilities, substance abuse treatment centers, neuro-restorative facilities and with the Veterans Administration or other state or federal governmental agencies. After successfully completing the rehabilitation counselor training program curriculum at SIU, graduates are eligible to test to become a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Illinois. You can find careers doing many different things in many different places, Upton said. We have a very good job placement rate, too. Finish quickly and get paid to learn Students can complete their masters degree in rehabilitation counseling in just two years. And, the program has sufficient funding to be able to offer graduate assistant positions to all of its students. Moreover, Upton has successfully obtained grants during his tenure at SIU that enable rehabilitation counseling students to receive paid tuition and fees as well as a stipend. The university is currently in year three of a five-year, $1 million Rehabilitation Long-term Training grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration to provide support training for students. In exchange for having their masters degrees fully paid for and receiving a stipend, the recipients of the scholarships agree to provide two years of salaried service to a state or federal rehabilitation-related agency for each year of funding. In addition to the financial benefits, our students receive extensive practical training, Upton said. They learn job development and placement skills, how to teach life skills to people, how to help others become as independent as possible and much more. Thanks to the grant funding, SIU students are also able to attend a national conference each year, where they can learn more about their chosen field, network and get exposure to the latest rehabilitation counseling news. Inquiries welcome In my 18 years as a faculty member here, we have had outstanding students and continue to train great clinicians, Upton said. I would love to talk to anyone who is interested in learning more about our rehabilitation counseling program. To learn more, visit the website at https://ehs.siu.edu/rehab/ or contact Upton at tupton@siu.edu or 618/453-8287. NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Commercial real estate technology company SquareFoot (www.squarefoot.com) today announced it has raised $7 million in a series A round of financing led by Rosecliff Ventures, with participation from Triangle Peak Partners, RRE Ventures, Primary Venture Partners, Armory Square Ventures, Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator, among others. SquareFoot will use the new capital to accelerate expansion within New York City, launch additional markets in the U.S. and expand offerings to property owners. Founded in 2012 with a mission to bring transparency and efficiency to the commercial real estate industry, SquareFoot combines proprietary technology and an experienced brokerage team to modernize the archaic leasing processfrom initial search and touring to lease negotiation and signing. Prospective tenants can get a better selection of options, view availabilities, quickly narrow down options, schedule tours, share documents, and communicate with in-house brokers in real time using SquareFoot's web and mobile platform. To date, SquareFoot has helped hundreds of established institutions and high-growth startups like Yale University, Casper, Roivant, City Block, and Dr Smood find and secure new office space. "Businesses today understand that an office is much more than a space to work. It's a physical extension of the brand, its culture, and values," said Jonathan Wasserstrum, co-founder and CEO of SquareFoot. "By bringing transparency and technology to an industry that's historically had neither, we're empowering businesses to find the perfect home with confidence and ease." As the $13 trillion commercial real estate industry undergoes major digital transformation, SquareFoot is strengthening its lead as the modern, tech-enabled brokerage for growing businesses and expanding into new markets across the country. In addition to the company's tenant-facing tools and services, SquareFoot will soon be adding new solutions to help property owners increase visibility and attract tenants. "Much like Compass and Redfin in the residential space, SquareFoot is bringing a fresh approach to commercial real estate and using innovative technology to enhance the tenant experience," said Michael Murphy, Managing Partner Rosecliff Ventures. "We've long thought it was silly how the transparency that we've come to expect in countless other industries still hadn't infiltrated commercial real estate. We knew we had our platform the moment we met Jonathan and his team and learned about the vision for the industry. We are truly excited for what is to come next." "The pace of change in our industry is rapidly increasing since Charlie and I started out in real estate several decades ago," says Paul Pariser, Co-CEO of Taconic Investment Partners. "There is no better time to look to improve upon the essential building blocks of our business, so we're excited to be part of SquareFoot's mission to create efficiencies." About SquareFoot SquareFoot is a real estate technology company founded in 2012 on the mission of helping businesses find the office space they need. The company is headquartered in New York City, with an additional team of engineers based in Belfast, United Kingdom. For more about SquareFoot and open positions, visit www.squarefoot.com or squarefoot.com/jobs. SOURCE SquareFoot Related Links http://www.squarefoot.com BOSTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- (Cloud Foundry Summit) SUSE Cloud Application Platform has been designated a Certified Cloud Foundry distribution by the Cloud Foundry Foundation. The newly certified platform brings the advanced productivity of the Cloud Foundry model to Kubernetes, which is rapidly becoming the de facto standard for modern container infrastructure. One of two certified Cloud Foundry software offerings, SUSE Cloud Application Platform is built with SUSE Linux Enterprise and backed directly by SUSE, and it is the only distribution delivered via 100 percent open source software. It lets organizations leverage their investment in Kubernetes infrastructure and expertise to ease Cloud Foundry implementation and fast-track DevOps and modern application delivery initiatives. SUSE is also releasing functional enhancements to SUSE Cloud Application Platform, including support for public cloud Kubernetes infrastructure that will speed customer time to value on public clouds and new backup/restore capabilities to help users protect or migrate their Cloud Foundry environment. "Bridging open source communities, SUSE is bringing together the best of Cloud Foundry and Kubernetes technologies to create compelling new value for our customers," said Thomas Di Giacomo, SUSE chief technology officer. "SUSE's continuing leadership as a provider of software-defined infrastructure and application delivery solutions is reflected in the innovation contained in SUSE Cloud Application Platform. Our Cloud Foundry certification signifies the importance to SUSE of interoperability across Cloud Foundry platforms and our commitment to upstream Cloud Foundry development." One of SUSE's application delivery solutions, SUSE Cloud Application Platform is used by software development and operations teams to streamline lifecycle management of traditional and new cloud native applications. Unlike other Cloud Foundry offerings, SUSE Cloud Application Platform packages SUSE Cloud Foundry as a containerized distribution, managed by Kubernetes. This simplifies SUSE Cloud Foundry deployment and management, dramatically reduces its memory footprint, and makes the platform more accessible to existing Kubernetes users. The new Cloud Foundry certification complements existing Kubernetes certification of SUSE Cloud Application Platform. It provides customers with verified protection against Cloud Foundry vendor lock-in and assurance that the platform will remain current with Cloud Foundry advancements. Abby Kearns, executive director of the Cloud Foundry Foundation, said, "SUSE continues to push our community to think and move in new and exciting directions. The recently certified SUSE Cloud Application Platform expands the Cloud Foundry ecosystem, creating more choice for enterprises." The latest enhancements to SUSE Cloud Application Platform include support for Microsoft Azure Container Service (AKS) and new backup/restore capabilities. Leveraging Kubernetes services provided by Azure Container Service, enterprises can save time setting up public cloud deployment of SUSE Cloud Application Platform. Support for more public cloud providers will follow. Customers can use new backup/restore capabilities to simplify recovery of the SUSE Cloud Foundry environment, including applications. They can also use them to migrate from one Cloud Foundry instance to another, moving between private and public cloud instances, for example, or between different Cloud Foundry distributions. "Microsoft and SUSE are aligned in making container technology easier to use for an enhanced enterprise developer experience," said Gabe Monroy, lead program manager for Containers at Microsoft Corp. "The approach SUSE has taken with Cloud Application Platform combines the acclaimed developer experience of Cloud Foundry with the industry-leading operational experience of Azure's managed Kubernetes service. This gives Azure customers a seamless way to deploy and manage Cloud Foundry alongside native Kubernetes applications, all running on top of the same AKS cluster." For more information about SUSE Cloud Application Platform, visit www.suse.com/cloud-application-platform. About SUSE SUSE, a pioneer in open source software, provides reliable, software-defined infrastructure and application delivery solutions that give enterprises greater control and flexibility. More than 25 years of engineering excellence, exceptional service and an unrivaled partner ecosystem power the products and support that help our customers manage complexity, reduce cost, and confidently deliver mission-critical services. The lasting relationships we build allow us to adapt and deliver the smarter innovation they need to succeed today and tomorrow. For more information, visit www.suse.com. Copyright 2018 SUSE LLC. All rights reserved. SUSE and the SUSE logo are registered trademarks of SUSE LLC in the United States and other countries. All third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. SOURCE SUSE Related Links http://www.suse.com LAKEWOOD, Colo., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Applications for the annual Roger J. Duthoy Scholarship will be limited to employees of appropriately authorized charter schools . Several scholarships will be awarded ranging from 25% to 100% of tuition, with one full scholarship awarded. The Full Scholarship is valued in excess of $15,000.00 and will include all tuition and related fees in the school's accredited, online, independent study Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) with a concentration in Charter School Administration Program. Why choose Taft University? Affordable Accessible Accredited Taft University's guided, self-paced Ed.D program is designed for busy professionals. Submit your assignments anytime, from anywhere with internet connection. Tired of always working in groups? You will work one-on-one with your professors to cater your education to your needs. Group forums are available for students who wish to collaborate, but are not required for your program. Want to get your Ed.D. quickly and affordably? Pay as you go with no long-term debt. Our tuition is month to month, so when you're done with the program, so are your payments. Information on William Howard Taft University and application procedures can be found on the institution's website at www.taft.edu or by contacting us at (877) 894-TAFT (8238) or [email protected]. All applications and supporting materials must be received by the University on or before May 31st, 2018 . Contact: Ni Pham 303-867-1155 [email protected] SOURCE William Howard Taft University Related Links http://www.taft.edu FREMONT, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- This Spring, Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE:TLRD) and its subsidiaries, Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, announce a partnership with Hero to launch a phased rollout of a groundbreaking customer service experience called Men's Wearhouse LIVE! and Jos. A. Bank LIVE!. Hero is an innovative start-up that accelerates omnichannel sales for the world's leading retailers by connecting online shoppers live with expert sales associates who are in the physical store. Hero's technology will marry TBI's millions of online customers with the same level of world-class in-store service its customers have come to expect in one seamless, integrated experience. Online customers will be able to access live guidance from in-store wardrobe consultants with shoppable content such as imagery, chat, and live video, finding answers to their questions, advice on what to buy, and solutions that meet their unique needs. Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank in-store wardrobe consultants, in turn, will be empowered to offer white-glove service through initial online discovery in an effort to increase online sales and in-store traffic and drive incremental revenue. "We have always been committed to delivering world class customer service with expertly guided, easy and personalized shopping experiences," says Doug Ewert, Tailored Brands CEO. With the help of Hero's technology, Tailored Brands will be the first men's specialty retailer in North America to offer that same level of customer service to online customers. "This is especially important in tailored clothing where fit, touch, quality and versatility are top consumer concerns and are especially difficult to convey online. Although still in beta, Men's Wearhouse LIVE! and Jos. A. Bank LIVE! are potential game changers," says Ewert. After launching a pilot program in 2017 in various key markets across the United States, Tailored Brands saw an impressive double digit lift in average order value and a dramatic conversion rate increase prompting an aggressive phased rollout. By September of 2018, over 3,000 Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank wardrobe consultants will be connected making Tailored Brands the first enterprise retailer to launch Hero on such a scale. "We are constantly looking to take our business to the next level and partnering with groundbreaking start-ups like Hero is a key part of our innovation strategy. Hero's platform is the ideal complement to our customer service model, allowing us to improve the omnichannel experience for our Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank customers," says Ben Baum, EVP of Customer Experience and Chief Digital Officer. Through real-time messaging and content shot live from the shop floor, associates will serve their online customers in a way that will allow them to personalize the shopping experience, just like they do in-store. "No one else in the market is as well-positioned to deliver a seamless omnichannel customer experience as we are because we have the ability to leverage our existing, expertly trained in-store wardrobe consultants," says Baum. Tailored Brands welcomes and embraces the future of omnichannel retail by connecting thousands of in-store wardrobe consultants with millions of online shoppers. Alistair Crane, CEO, Hero said, "Today, billions of square feet of physical retail space is siloed from the fast-growth world of ecommerce. We are thrilled to be working with such iconic menswear brands as Men's Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank to create an entirely new shopping experience that connects their stores, teams and digital shoppers like never before. Our partnership is redefining the role of their knowledgeable, passionate retail associates to be omnichannel, just like the customer of today." About Tailored Brands As the leading specialty retailer of men's tailored clothing and largest men's formalwear provider in the U.S. and Canada, Tailored Brands (NYSE:TLRD) helps men love the way they look for work and special occasions. We serve our customers through an expansive omni-channel network that includes over 1,400 locations in the U.S. and Canada as well as our branded e-commerce websites. Our brands include Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Joseph Abboud, Moores Clothing for Men and K&G. We also operate an international corporate apparel and workwear group consisting of Dimensions, Alexandra and Yaffy in the United Kingdom and Twin Hill in the United States. For additional information on Tailored Brands, please visit the Company's websites at www.tailoredbrands.com, www.menswearhouse.com, www.josbank.com, www.josephabboud.com, www.mooresclothing.com, www.kgstores.com, www.dimensions.co.uk, www.alexandra.co.uk. and www.twinhill.com. For media inquiries, contact: Diego Louro, Director of Public Relations All Brands [email protected] SOURCE Tailored Brands, Inc. Related Links http://www.tailoredbrands.com LOUISVILLE, Ky., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- UPS aircraft mechanics and related classifications, who maintain the company's massive air cargo fleet, are appealing directly to President Trump in a new letter alerting him to UPS executives' refusal to invest their tax savings in employees and asking him, "Is there anything you can do, Mr. President, to help working people like us out and tell CEO David Abney to do the right thing?" Mechanics, who have been organizing and gathering signatures of support for the letter, are in Washington, D.C. to hand-deliver it to the president and their members of Congress Wednesday. In Louisville, dozens of mechanics are protesting outside of Sen. Mitch McConnell's home after he refused to help workers, many of whom are his constituents, secure the financial relief promised by UPS. In the letter, UPS aircraft maintenance employees tell President Trump they have been without a raise for over four years, while UPS executives gave "themselves up to 251% raises." They go on to note that UPS CEO David Abney campaigned for tax reform under the pretext of using the money saved to invest in workers but has yet to act on his promise. See the full letter and signatures by UPS aircraft mechanics and supporters here: https://goo.gl/ae5h2s. "Mechanics and their families trusted UPS to follow through with its promises of investing in its workers, but instead it has continued to pressure us to take pay cuts and reduced benefits," said Teamsters Local 2727 President Tim Boyle. "Our members will no longer tolerate these broken promises and will be going directly to President Trump for his support to ensure UPS finally does right by the hardworking men and women who keep the company's planes flying." Dozens of the mechanics and their families will also protest outside of Sen. McConnell's Louisville home today to remind him of his duty to his constituents living and working in Kentucky. In late 2017, UPS mechanics sent a letter to McConnell asking for his help to get workers the relief promised to them by UPS. The mechanics, many of whom live and work in Louisville, requested an in-person meeting to discuss the issue and work together toward a solution. McConnell ignored the request. At the protest, mechanics and their families will hold signs reading "Senator McConnell, Don't Be A Lapdog! You Work for Us, Not UPS!" and urge the senator to meet with them. "UPS aircraft mechanics are disappointed in Sen. McConnell for not standing on our side when we need him most," said Doug Davis who is based in Louisville, Ky., and has been with UPS for 17 years. "We're rallying today to tell Sen. McConnell to stop being UPS's lapdog and remind him of his responsibility to his constituents. He should know that UPS aircraft mechanics are ready to do whatever it takes to hold him and UPS accountable for their actions." UPS mechanics are stationed at more than 90 airports across the country and work around the clock to maintain the company's cargo aircraft. UPS closed out 2017 with full-year profits that surged to $4.9 billion, again exceeding earnings estimates and making billions in revenues due in part to the back-breaking work of its aircraft mechanics. The workers do physically demanding and often dangerous work around jet engine aircraft and equipment and toxic chemicals and exhaust. Despite continued growth, UPS continues to call for massive reductions in health benefits for the 1,300 workers. Workers have voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike should it become necessary and recently renewed their request with the federal National Mediation Board (NMB) to be released from mediated contract negotiations with UPS. Contact: Denise Luu, (310) 905-3193 [email protected] SOURCE Teamsters Local 2727 NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the years, Ayahuascathe popular Amazonian hallucinogenic plant medicinal brew has made Ecuador a destination for travelers from across the world, in search of spiritual enlightenment. However, few people know the totality of indigenous spirituality, which is a culture steeped in rich tradition that extends back thousands of years. Ten of the most renowned Yachaks (shamans of the High Andes of Ecuador) will be teaching and performing ancient Healing Ceremonies at The Andes Summit - Ibarra, Imbabura region of Ecuador Participants at The Andes Summit - June 16-23, 2018 will participate in ancient ceremonies and rituals including Inti Raymi the ancient Celebration of the Sun - here with Taita Oscar Santillan from the community of Agato At The Andes Summit, which will occur from June 16th to the June 23rd, 10 of the most prominent spiritual teachers, healers and community leaders of the High Andes of Ecuador will gather together for the first time. They will provide an introduction to all facets of Shamanism in Ecuador to an audience composed of both foreign and local participants. These techniques include a traditional purification of energy known as La Limpia, the Taki Sami sound vibration healing technique, the teachings of the Condor, and the sacred body movements to open our feminine hearts and connect us to the Earth, the sky, and the cosmos. These 10 powerful Shamans, known as Yachaks, have agreed to participate in The Summit in order to open the participants' hearts to global peace, to show the world how to balance physical, emotional and spiritual health, and to preserve the well being of our society in peril. "They are wholeheartedly, and with open arms, waiting for each of the event's participants to come to their sacred land," said The Summit's organizer, bestselling author, Itzhak Beery, founder of ShamanPortal.org, the global resource for all things Shamanic and a student of these Yachaks for over 20 years. "We plan on sharing our rich knowledge, philosophies, culture and our ways of life. We would like to share the symbiotic relationship that coexists in harmony with Pachamama (Mother Earth). I send you all a welcoming embraceour doors are open to you." - Taita Don Jacho Castelo, one of the participating shamans. In this unprecedented spiritual and healing event, participants will experience Shamanic Master Classes, personal healing ceremonies in the homes of the Yachaks, as well as sacred indigenous rituals. Plant medicine ceremonies with Ayahuasca and Huachuma will be offered as options. This wide variety of options will help participants develop their own ability to experience vision by developing concentration, intention, and an ability to operate in both the seen and unseen world simultaneity. They will also dance and partake in the sacred Inca's Inti Raymi (solstice ceremonies) in their villages, and take majestic nature hikes to the lakes, waterfalls, and mountaintops. "We, the Ecuadorian Shamans, receive our traditions from the breast of our mothers and our ancestral lineages. We honor our sacred traditions by sharing our Medicine and practicing our Mystical Shamanism." - Dona Clemencia Sanchez, participant shamans Photos, Videos, and Interviews are available upon request. Website: www.theandessummit.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/theandessummit/ Contact: Glori Anne DiToro Tel: +1 (914) 953-4416 SOURCE Shaman Portal Related Links http://shamanportal.org WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Latino Coalition (TLC), the leading, national non-partisan advocacy organization representing Hispanic businesses and consumers, issued the following statement on the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush," said Hector Barreto, TLC Chairman and former U.S. Small Business Administrator. "Barbara Bush will always be remembered as a tenacious and admirable woman, who made an indelible mark in history as the torchbearer for literacy. Her legacy and dedication to her family and this nation are remarkable and will live on in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Bush family, knowing their steadfast faith will guide them through this difficult time." ABOUT THE LATINO COALITION- The Latino Coalition (TLC) was founded in 1995 by a group of Hispanic business owners from across the country to research and develop policies solutions relevant to Latinos. TLC is a non-profit nationwide organization with offices in California, Washington, DC and Guadalajara, Mexico. Established to address and engage on key issues that that directly affect the well-being of Hispanics in the United States, TLC's agenda is to create and promote initiatives and partnerships that will foster economic equivalency and enhance and empower overall business, economic and social development for Latinos. Visit www.thelatinocoalition.com. SOURCE The Latino Coalition Related Links http://www.thelatinocoalition.com ROHNERT PARK, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Education can still be a vehicle of upward mobility, even with student loans, argues an education administrator in Indiana recently profiled in a local news piece. The administrator calls for thoughtful borrowers when it comes to student loans. But, for borrowers who already have student loans, what about thoughtful repayment? Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company which helps align borrowers with federal repayment programs that it also helps them apply for, believes well-planned repayment can improve student loan borrower success. "Student loans are most detrimental when the balance has grown beyond the means of the borrower," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "No person can get ahead when they can't even make their monthly loan payment. A better repayment situation can change all that." Federal student loan borrowers who may have bitten off more than they can chew when taking on their debt have a second chance for better planning during repayment. Even borrowers with the most out-of-control federal student loan balances may find financial respite in federal repayment programs like income-driven repayment plans. Income-driven plans allow borrowers to make payments based on income and family size. The administrator profiled in the article also emphasizes that her hometown of Muncie, Indiana, once primarily a manufacturing hub, was watching some of those factory jobs disappear. Higher education, she says, is increasingly needed to bridge the gap to move people into new industries. Many borrowers who sought out a route to upward mobility with student loans, however, don't know how to access federal programs that will make their repayment process easier. Ameritech Financial guides borrowers by providing a loan analysis and document preparation services for applications and recertifications for income-driven plans. Ameritech Financial is a completely private, independent company not affiliated with any government agency or loan servicer. "A positive repayment situation can make a huge difference as to whether student loans contribute to or detract from a borrower's life," said Knickerbocker. "Ameritech Financial is committed to helping get borrowers on the path to success." About Ameritech Financial Ameritech Financial is a private company located in Rohnert Park, California. Ameritech Financial has already helped thousands of consumers with financial analysis and student loan document preparation to apply for federal student loan repayment programs offered through the Department of Education. Each Ameritech Financial telephone representative has received the Certified Student Loan Professional certification through the International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators (IAPDA). Ameritech Financial prides itself on its exceptional customer service. Contact To learn more about Ameritech Financial, please contact: Ameritech Financial 5789 State Farm Drive #265 Rohnert Park, CA 94928 1-800-792-8621 [email protected] Related Links Ameritech Financial home page SOURCE Ameritech Financial BLUE BELL, Pa., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) said today that it will release its first-quarter 2018 financial results on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 after the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. Following the release, Unisys will host a conference call with the financial community from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results. The company will offer a live, listen-only Webcast of the conference call on the Unisys Investor Website at www.unisys.com/investor. A replay of the Webcast will be available on the Unisys Investor Website shortly following the conference call. About Unisys Unisys is a global information technology company that builds high-performance, security-centric solutions for the most digitally demanding businesses and governments on Earth. Unisys offerings include security software and services; digital transformation and workplace services; industry applications and services; and innovative software operating environments for high-intensity enterprise computing. For more information on how Unisys builds better outcomes securely for its clients across the Government, Financial Services and Commercial markets, visit www.unisys.com. Follow Unisys on Twitter and LinkedIn. RELEASE NO.: 0418/9583 Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. UIS-Q SOURCE Unisys Corporation Related Links http://www.unisys.com WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Department of Commerce ("Commerce") announced on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, its final determination that two Indian producers, Viraj Profiles Ltd. ("Viraj") and Venus Wire Industries Pvt. Ltd., including its affiliates Hindustan Inox Ltd., Precision Metals and Sieves Manufacturers (India) Pvt. Ltd. (collectively, the "Venus Group") have resumed dumping stainless steel bar into the U.S. market and that both companies will be reinstated back under the existing antidumping duty order on stainless steel bar from India, which has been in effect since February 21, 1995. Commerce affirmed its preliminary finding issued in October 2017 and assigned both Viraj and the Venus Group a final dumping margin of 30.92 percent, as total adverse facts available. This is the same rate that is currently applicable to Indian stainless bar producers Mukand and Chandan. As a result, cash deposits of 30.92 percent from U.S. importers of stainless steel bar produced and/or exported by either Viraj or the Venus Group will continue to be required for each entry. This is only the second time in the last nine years that the Department of Commerce has reinstated companies back under an antidumping duty order from which those companies had previously been revoked. "The domestic producers are pleased that the Commerce Department has agreed with what the domestic producers have long believed: that both Venus and Viraj have been taking advantage of their conditional revocation from the order by continuing to dump their products in the U.S. market, to the detriment of U.S. producers," stated Larry Lasoff, counsel for the domestic producers. "The Commerce Department's final determination will help to ensure that the unfair trading practices by Viraj and the Venus Group are properly addressed and to restore the effectiveness of the antidumping duty order." Viraj is also currently subject to an exclusion order in connection with a section 337 action in which Viraj was found to have misappropriated trade secrets. The changed circumstances review was filed on September 29, 2016 on behalf of seven U.S. stainless steel bar producers. The U.S. producers alleged that following Viraj Profile's revocation from the order in 2004 and the Venus Group's revocation from the order in 2011, those companies have resumed dumping their stainless steel bar into the United States. Under U.S. law, any company that has an order conditionally revoked may be reinstated under an existing order if the Commerce Department finds that the company has resumed dumping following revocation. Petitioning companies: The petitioning companies are Carpenter Technology Corporation; Crucible Industries LLC; Electralloy, a Division of G.O. Carlson, Inc.; North American Stainless; Outokumpu Stainless Bar, Inc; Universal Stainless & Alloy Products, Inc.; and Valbruna Slater Stainless, Inc. and are represented by David A. Hartquist, Laurence J. Lasoff, and Grace Kim of Kelley Drye & Warren LLP. The legal team was supported by economic consultants, Georgetown Economic Services. SOURCE Kelley Drye & Warren LLP CLEVELAND, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UWL employees enjoyed a taste of 'hands on' logistics earlier this year, by winning the company's quarterly "Supply Chain Award." This unique award gives employees a rare chance to get down and dirty with trucks, warehouses and ships at working terminals and ports. Four outstanding employees were selected by management from across UWL's US offices in Cleveland, Houston and Norfolk for this quarters adventuresome trip to New York. UWL Supply Chain Award Winner: Jasminda Pagan, Logistics Coordinator Thanks to UWLs close partnerships with ocean carriers, they got to spend time on a giant container vessel, even doing lunch with the captain and his crew in the officer's mess. Then they were able to ride on trucks to pick up containers from a rail ramp and finally visit and drive forklifts at a UWL warehouse. "In managing global freight, staff don't often get a chance to see or touch the movement of goods across the supply chain," said Duncan Wright, President UWL. "You'd be amazed at how few have ever been on an actual vessel, yet they spend long and challenging hours making sure their customers cargo remains on time and is discharged and cleared in the ports." UWL will continue this program so more and more employees can experience and benefit from a visualization of their day to day jobs. The next four employees have already been selected for this quarter's supply chain award and will visit UWL's network of warehouses, container ships, and trucking terminals in and around the Port of Savannah. UWL has operations across the east coast and the Gulf, so employees will continue to experience different 'Logistics ecosystems ' and gateways into the United States. For career opportunities with UWL click here for more information. About United World Line - UWL UWL is a full service, asset-based global 3PL. We are fully licensed and bonded to provide freight forwarding, customs house brokerage, ocean freight (FCL, LCL), air freight, bulk liquid logistics, supply chain visibility, vessel chartering services and project cargo internationally. UWL is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio at 1340 Depot St. Cleveland, OH 44116. Media Contact Information: Katie Lovett Email: [email protected] Phone: 440-356-7676 SOURCE UWL VAN WERT, Ohio, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Van Wert Health, formerly known as Van Wert County Hospital, is proud to announce the launch of its new brand, which will modernize the hospital and position it for future growth in the community. "This is an exciting time for us here at Van Wert Health," said Jim Pope, President and CEO, Van Wert Health. "We are currently working toward making some positive changes at our hospital that will help us provide a higher level of care for our patients." The rebranding, which is being developed by marketing agency Boyden & Youngblutt, can take up to 18 months to be fully implemented. Once finished, it will include a new name, logo, tagline and fully integrated marketing campaign to consistently tell the Van Wert Health story. "Our new brand is a crucial step to solidifying our dedication to taking a leadership role in moving our community to better health. It reminds our patients that we are dedicated to putting them at the center of everything we do," said Jim. Van Wert Health is an independent, nonprofit community hospital that provides comprehensive healthcare to Van Wert County, Ohio, and the surrounding region. They work to meet the health needs of their patients by continually assessing and improving the quality of care they provide. Van Wert Health has served the region since 1905. Their patient-focused approach is at the forefront of their mission to be the best community hospital. SOURCE Van Wert Health NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Visikol Inc., established with an investment from Foundation Venture Capital Group (FVCG), an affiliate of New Jersey Health Foundation (NJHF), has secured a new round of funding led by industry executives, announced James M. Golubieski, president of FVCG. Foundation Venture Capital Group initially invested in Visikol to help advance its work in transforming tissues into actionable insights to accelerate drug discovery through three-dimensional tissue imaging combined with digital image analysis. "This additional funding will allow the Visikol team to greatly accelerate its growth," said George F. Heinrich, M.D., vice chair and CEO of FVCG. "We are delighted that we could help the company get to this exciting point." According to Viskiol CEO Michael Johnson, PhD, the financing round was completed with pharma services industry executives Brian Mulhall and Alan Weiss. Specific terms were not made public. The new funding will be used to expand the company's commercial operations and to develop cutting edge bio-imaging services for drug discovery in the fields of advanced 3D in vitro assays, digital pathology and whole mount tissue imaging. About Foundation Venture Capital Group Foundation Venture Capital Group, an affiliate of New Jersey Health Foundation, invests in commercially viable new start-up companies developing health-related technology at major research universities in New Jersey with which they have affiliations. In addition to Visikol, FVCG portfolio companies currently include: Actinobac Biomed Inc ., developing a therapeutic agent targeting blood cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphomas; ., developing a therapeutic agent targeting blood cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphomas; Affineti Biologics, Inc., advancing research in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic products based on new discoveries in oral biology and dental medicine; advancing research in the development of therapeutic and diagnostic products based on new discoveries in oral biology and dental medicine; Celvive, Inc ., working to develop technology to treat patients with chronic spinal cord injuries with their own adult stem cells; ., working to develop technology to treat patients with chronic spinal cord injuries with their own adult stem cells; Durin Technologies, working to develop a blood test to diagnose and assess severity of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases; working to develop a blood test to diagnose and assess severity of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases; GeneAssess, Inc., developing the FRY gene as a predictive biomarker for breast and other cancers; developing the FRY gene as a predictive biomarker for breast and other cancers; MentiNova, Inc., working to validate a drug that reduces the side effects of L-Dopa Induced Dyskinesia; working to validate a drug that reduces the side effects of L-Dopa Induced Dyskinesia; NovoPedics, Inc., developing an implantable meniscus replacement/regeneration medical device to restore mobility to patients suffering from severe meniscus knee injuries; developing an implantable meniscus replacement/regeneration medical device to restore mobility to patients suffering from severe meniscus knee injuries; Snowdon Pharmaceuticals, Inc., a drug discovery company focused on several major therapeutic areas and providing computational tools to rapidly identify high-value molecules from their library of vendor-available compounds. SOURCE Foundation Venture Capital Group Related Links http://www.foundationventure.com "Both companies approached the problems with meetings in synergistic ways. Wrappup's mobile-first, in-person meeting product complements and extends Voicera's initial focus on conference calls," explained Voicera CEO Omar Tawakol. "We kept track of Wrappup from the first hackathon award they won and we are excited to have them join the team." "Wrappup was founded on the idea of squeezing the most important moments out of meeting conversations, while also capturing all the nitty-gritty details for easy reference. Joining forces with Voicera unlocks that potential beyond anything we could have ever imagined," explained former Wrappup CEO Rami Salman. "Our combined tech stack and AI algorithms more accurately identify and summarize important moments from all your meetings, regardless of where they are held." Today, Voicera unveils the new app, available on both iOS and Android platforms, to allow for Eva to join conversations on the go. Also unveiled are the AI-powered Predictive Highlights, providing a "lean-back" experience for all meetings. In this experience, Voicera's Enterprise Virtual Assistant, Eva, listens for important moments in the conversation and automatically highlights and transcribes them, with higher accuracy. Following the meeting, Eva emails the highlights to the user for review. Predictive Highlights leverages the rich voice AI to automatically identify moments, generate summary emails, and provide full text and audio transcription access from the platform. These enhanced functions can even allow Eva to serve as your proxy at meetings that you cannot attend. Users can choose to control functions and leverage either voice-activated or tap-to-highlight commands to add key moments to a meeting summary or rely on the automated Predictive Highlights for the lean-back experience. "People have too many meetings and FOMO is a growing concern in our multitasking environment," adds Tawakol. "Sometimes people are double-booked or have to leave early, and Eva allows you to not miss any of the important actions or decisions that stem from the meeting." Voicera is one of the first voice-based AI solutions that naturally extracts value from conversations between people rather than exchanges between a person and a device. Voicera leverages a combination of voice recognition, natural language processing, and machine learning to provide attendees with a meeting recording, full transcription and high accuracy meeting highlights. Unlike device-based AI solutions, Voicera synthesizes actions and outputs without any hardware and in some cases without input. In addition to Predictive Highlights, Voicera users also receive full, real-time meeting transcripts, and complete email meeting recaps that can be shared with everyone in the conversation. These highlights and notes can be edited and shared through most of the leading collaboration systems like Slack and Salesforce as well as email and IM platforms. Voicera's platform is designed from the ground up to handle multiple speakers, deliver higher accuracy rates than existing transcription services, and provide secure data-ownership controls. Voicera's integrations enable Eva to operate for any conversations with high-quality audio such as BlueJeans, Zoom, Google Hangouts, UberConference and Skype for Business. Wrappup's team joins the Voicera team and continues to work on platform growth and cutting edge artificial intelligence research and development. To experience an Eva-powered meeting, visit Voicera to sign up for free or download the mobile apps (iOS & Android apps available here) About Voicera Voicera leverages A.I. to harness the power of voice in the workplace and connect what happens in meetings to the rest of the collaboration workflow. Voicera does this by offering Eva, your Enterprise Virtual Assistant. Eva is an in-meeting assistant that listens, takes notes and identifies actions from your meetings. Eva surfaces value in person-to-person conversations and enables that value to be shared through the rest of the enterprise. Voicera is headquartered in Menlo Park, Ca. and is led by veterans from Oracle, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Voicera has received $20M in venture funding from leading investors including Battery Ventures, Cisco Investments, e.ventures, GGV Capital, Greycroft, GV (formerly Google Ventures), Microsoft Ventures, Salesforce Ventures and Workday Ventures. For more information on Voicera and to sign up for Eva visit www.voicera.com. About Wrappup Wrappup uses AI to auto-summarize your meetings. Leveraging a combination Speech Analysis, NLP, and Deep Learning models to identify important moments in discussion, Wrappup's platform uses neural networks to understand intent and generate action items from your meetings. Users can also customize the system with their own set of keyword triggers and vocabulary, making your auto-summaries smarter and more relevant. Wrappup was co-founded by Rami Salman, Ayush Chordia, and Rishav Jalan, who met at the Angelhack Hackathon in Dubai in 2015, building the first prototype in under 24 hours and winning the competition. Since then Wrappup has won several awards worldwide, including the Grand Cash Prize awarded by HP at Angelhack's Global Demo Day in Silicon Valley, and Best Startup of 2016 at the Festival of Media in Rome. Wrappup is based in Dubai and backed by Beco Capital, 500 Startups, and other regional investors. SOURCE Voicera Related Links http://www.voicera.com HOLMDEL, N.J., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Vonage Holdings Corp. (NYSE: VG), a business cloud communications leader, will report its first quarter 2018 financial results on Tuesday, May 8, 2018. The earnings release will be available on Vonage's Investor Relations website. The company will host a conference call to discuss first quarter 2018 financial results and other matters at 8:30 AM Eastern Time. To participate, please dial (866) 891-8177. International callers should dial (412) 902-6516. A live webcast of the event will be available on the Vonage Investor Relations website. A replay of the call and webcast will be available shortly after the conclusion of the call and may be accessed through Vonage's Investor Relations website or by dialing (877) 344-7529 or (412) 317-0088, passcode 10119659. About Vonage Vonage (NYSE:VG) is redefining business communications. True to our roots as a technology disruptor, we've embraced technology to transform how companies communicate to create better business outcomes. Our unique cloud communications platform brings together a robust unified communications solution with the agility of embedded, contextual communications APIs. This powerful combination enables businesses to collaborate more productively and engage their customers more effectively across messaging, chat, social media, video and voice. The Company also provides a robust suite of feature-rich residential communication solutions. Vonage Holdings Corp. is headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey, with offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and Israel. Vonage is a registered trademark of Vonage Marketing LLC, owned by Vonage America Inc. (vg-f) SOURCE Vonage Related Links http://www.vonage.com PASADENA, Calif., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation (the "Company") (NYSE: WMC) today announced that it will release financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 after the market closes on Monday, May 7, 2018. The Company will host a corresponding conference call with a live webcast on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time/8:00 a.m. Pacific Time, to discuss those results and answer questions. Individuals interested in participating in the conference call may do so by dialing (866) 235-9914 from the United States, or (412) 902-4115 from outside the United States and referencing "Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation." Those interested in listening to the conference call live via the Internet may do so by visiting the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at www.westernassetmcc.com. The Company is enabling investors to pre-register for the earnings conference call so that they can expedite their entry into the call and avoid the need to wait for a live operator. In order to pre-register for the call, investors can visit http://dpregister.com/10119556 and enter in their contact information. Investors will then be issued a personalized phone number and pin to dial into the live conference call. Individuals can pre-register any time prior to the start of the conference call on May 8, 2018. A telephone replay will be available through May 22, 2018 by dialing (877) 344-7529 from the United States, or (412) 317-0088 from outside the United States, and entering conference ID 10119556. A webcast replay will be available for 90 days. ABOUT WESTERN ASSET MORTGAGE CAPITAL CORPORATION Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation is a real estate investment trust that invests in, acquires and manages a diverse portfolio assets consisting of Agency CMBS, Agency RMBS, Non-Agency CMBS, Non-Agency RMBS, ABS, GSE Risk Transfer Securities, Commercial Real Estate Loans and Residential Whole and Bridge Loans. The Company's investment strategy may change, subject to the Company's stated investment guidelines, and is based on its manager Western Asset Management Company's perspective of which mix of portfolio assets it believes provide the Company with the best risk-reward opportunities at any given time. The Company is externally managed and advised by Western Asset Management Company, an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Legg Mason, Inc. Please visit the Company's website at www.westernassetmcc.com. SOURCE Western Asset Mortgage Capital Corporation Related Links http://www.westernasset.com SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wonolo, the leading on-demand staffing platform enabling businesses to fill their immediate labor needs, announced today it has closed a $13M Series B funding round led by Sequoia Capital. The round brings Wonolo's total venture funding to $25M and includes participation from existing investors PivotNorth Capital and Crunchfund, and new investor Base10. The new capital will help Wonolo scale to meet the growing market need for an on-demand staffing marketplace that places underemployed hourly workers with unfilled work shifts at top businesses in retail, manufacturing, shipping and logistics, ecommerce, and other industries. Sequoia partner Jess Lee has also joined Wonolo's board of directors. Despite the past few years of rapid economic growth in the U.S., millions of American workers find themselves unable to secure full-time employment despite the desire to work 40 hours or more. According to the March 2018 report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are 5 million Americans who are underemployed - defined as those who are seeking full-time work but receive fewer than 30 hours per week from their employer. This number doesn't include the millions of additional people who aren't employed or have full-time jobs and want to pick up additional work, but are unable to find companies that are flexible enough to fit their needs. Wonolo takes a tech-forward, on-demand approach to staffing that connects companies with workers to fill vacant shifts through an easy-to-use marketplace and app. "Wonolo is a mission-driven company filling a vital need in the market for a dynamic staffing marketplace that connects underemployed workers with understaffed companies," said Jess Lee, partner at Sequoia and Wonolo board member. "We're excited to partner with Yong, AJ, Jeremy and the entire Wonolo team to help solve the underemployment epidemic and address one of the major inefficiencies in the U.S. labor market." To date, tens of thousands of hourly workers across the U.S. have used Wonolo to help them find work when they need it. Wonolo also partners with thousands of companies, including brand names like Coca-Cola, Papa Johns and Uniqlo, to fill open shifts. With the additional financing, Wonolo will continue to launch in new local markets around the U.S., add new strategic partners, sign up more companies to the Wonolo marketplace, and help even more people find work. "When we started Wonolo as a project out of The Coca-Cola Company, our goal was to create a way for people to find extra work, while also addressing one of the major inefficiencies in the labor market for companies across industries," said Yong Kim, CEO and co-founder at Wonolo. "Just four years later, our customers and team have built a thriving marketplace that has helped tens of thousands of people find hourly work, while also helping companies meet the product and services needs of their customers. We are so excited to have Jess and the Sequoia team partner with us in our mission." From underemployed workers seeking to pick up additional shifts, to parents who need to work around their kids' schedules, Wonolo helps people build a work schedule that provides them with the income and flexibility they need to live their lives. Prospective Wonolo community members are able to prove themselves on the job without requiring that they submit a resume or participate in an interview. After completing our onboarding process, Wonoloers are eligible to pick up shifts with local companies doing anything from making deliveries and stocking shelves, to shipping packages and staffing events. If they demonstrate the 5Ps - prepared, professional, positive, polite and punctual - Wonoloers can pick up additional shifts with some even being offered ongoing, full-time positions. For companies, creating a Wonolo shift posting is fast and easy. It takes an HR or operations professional just a few minutes to post a shift opening on the Wonolo marketplace. Jobs are filled in a few minutes, meaning companies can fill same day or night shifts with a few simple clicks. Payment for that job is processed immediately after the work is completed and companies can provide workers with feedback through an easy-to-use review system. About Wonolo Delivering maximum flexibility to companies and talent, Wonolo which stands for Work. Now. Locally. connects companies with hundreds of thousands of vetted workers within moments. Wonolo is the future of temporary staffing, helping companies address their unpredictable labor needs in minutes and helping underemployed workers find additional job shifts when they need them. Headquartered in San Francisco, Wonolo serves major metro markets across the United States. Contact: Brittany Hendrickson, InkHouse for Wonolo Phone: 415-299-6370 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Wonolo Related Links https://www.wonolo.com The Melbourne office market upswing is continuing strongly, according to BIS Oxford Economics. They said net absorption was solid again in 2017 having been backed by strong economic and employment growth in Victoria. Minimal net additions to stock in the year helped vacancy rates to contract in both CBD and non-CBD markets. The metropolitan vacancy rate of around 5% is the lowest in almost a decade. Leasing incentives are being scaled back and rents are growing strongly, a recent BIS report found. BIS did caution however that once rental growth stops and reverses yields are likely to correct sharply. As always, circumstances can change and there's a risk that yields soften sooner than we expect. Investors need to go into the market with their eyes wide open," senior project manager and report author Maria Lee said. In the investment market, robust demand has pushed yields down and prices up further. Some are concerned that the upswing in prices has run its course, however BIS suggest they do not share this view. In the companys latest Melbourne office market reports, it assesses prime grade CBD offices as being fairly valued (in relation to prospective returns) over a five-year horizon, while non-CBD assets are considerably undervalued. Were looking at a prospective five-year IRR of around 10% on average across Melbournes non-CBD office markets says Lee. Click here to enlarge. This forecast is based on a continued favourable demand/supply balance that will push vacancy rates lower and rents markedly higher over the next five years albeit BIS Oxford Economics expects a temporary hiccup in the leasing market around 2019 and 2020 as the wave of development currently under construction comes on stream. The strong returns forecast comes despite the companys expectation that rising bond rates will result in softening yields. The critical thing here is the timing.Certainly, falling bond rates were a key factor in promoting investor interest in property and driving down investment yields states Lee, acknowledging that On the face of it, rising bond rates will put upwards pressure on yields. However, there are several factors that BIS Oxford Economics considers will offset this impact over the next few years; indeed, near term yields could firm further. Firstly, the extent and timing of rate rises is uncertain. Moreover, the company points to the healthy buffer between office yields and bond rates, and to the lag, historically, before changing bond rates affect yields. In addition, and importantly, bond rates arent everything," Lee says. "Investors are not consistent in the importance they attach to bond rates. As weve seen in the past, strong rental growth can take over as the driver of firmer yields. Thats what we believe will happen in the early 2020s. Beaver Dam, WI (53916) Today Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Partly cloudy this evening followed by increasing clouds with showers developing after midnight. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%. Data released by SQM Research this week has revealed the national residential vacancy rate slipped to 2.1% in March 2018. The number of rental vacancies Australia-wide fell to 68,964, down from 2.2% in February when 69,727 properties were available. Capital city asking rents have been pressured in Melbourne where the vacancy rate is just 1.4%. Brisbanes vacancy rate fell to 3.2%, down from 3.4% in February, while Canberras slipped to just 0.6%, down from 0.8%. Commentator Peter Warrant noted the vacancy rate for Canberra has fallen from 2.5% in mid-2015 when it was announced in the Barr Budget that there would be significant rate rise and land taxes imposed in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). While there are rentals on the market, the methodology picks up rental properties vacant between leases for a period of time and acts a viable leading indicator for markets that are tightening or easing. With investors looking elsewhere, SQM reports that median asking rents for houses in the ACT have increased by +29% over the past three years to $617 per week. That makes Canberra the second most expensive capital city after Sydney at a $738 per week median asking rent for houses. Click to open in new window In Hobart the chronic shortage of rentals has eased a little over the past two months, if only a little. Melbourne has a relatively tight vacancy rate at 1.4%, while in Sydney the vacancy rate of 2.3% is being reflected in relatively flat rents overall, including a slight decline for median house asking rents. The Perth market continues to pick up steadily from its nadir. Melbournes vacancy rate of 1.4% was steady as was Sydneys at 2.3%. But Sydneys vacancy rate is well up from 1.7% a year earlier, reflecting slightly easier rental conditions in the nations most populous capital. Hobart's vacancy rate inched higher to 0.6% from 0.5%, but a shortage of rental properties still exits there. In Adelaide, the vacancy rate remained tight at just 1.4%. City March 2017 Vacancies Vacancy Rate February 2018 Vacancies Vacancy Rate March 2018 Vacancies Vacancy Rate Adelaide 3,108 1.7% 2,540 1.4% 2,519 1.4% Perth 9,860 5.0% 8,319 4.1% 8,221 4.1% Melbourne 7,397 1.4% 7,889 1.4% 7,479 1.4% Brisbane 11,028 3.5% 10,925 3.4% 10,246 3.2% Canberra 471 0.8% 495 0.8% 392 0.6% Sydney 10,989 1.7% 15,581 2.3% 15,833 2.3% Darwin 1,058 3.6% 989 3.3% 1,073 3.6% Hobart 174 0.6% 145 0.5% 191 0.6% National 73,554 2.3% 69,727 2.2% 68,964 2.1% SM noted in contrast to the national trend, Darwins vacancy rate rose to 3.6% from 3.3% in February. The vacancy rate in Perth was steady at 4.1%. Managing Director of SQM Research, Louis Christopher, said the vacancy numbers highlighted tight rental markets in some capital cities, particularly in Canberra and Hobart but also in Melbourne. Reflecting the tight rental conditions in Melbourne, asking rents for houses were up by 1.1% over the month to 12 April 2018, while asking rents rose 4.7% over the year. "We can expect continued strong growth given the high population growth that Melbourne is currently experiencing, creating rental demand. In contrast, Sydneys vacancy rate is above year-ago levels, and as rental vacancies rise, asking rents are falling. Asking rents for houses fell 1.3% over the year to 12 April while asking unit rents increased by just 0.8%. "Sydney rents could continue to ease this year given its higher vacancy rate, Christopher said. Asking Rents Capital city asking rents rose over the month to 12 April 2018 by 0.5% to $563 a week for houses. Unit asking rents rose 0.2% to $443 a week. Over the year, asking house rents rose by 1.3% while asking rents for units increased by 0.9%. Asking rents for houses rose the most in Darwin over the month, up by 3.3% to $560 a week, though unit asking rents dropped 2.6%. In Melbourne, asking house rents gained 1.1% to $537 while unit asking rents rose 0.7% to $407 a week. The asking rent for a three-bedroom house in Sydney remains the highest in the nation at $738 a week while for units it stands at $524. Canberra follows at $617 a week for houses and $439 for units. Click to open in new window . Cookies What are cookies ? How do we use cookies? How to control cookies? Managing cookies in your browser see what cookies you have got and delete them on an individual basis block third party cookies block cookies from particular sites block all cookies from being set delete all cookies when you close your browser X A cookie is a small text file that a website saves on your computer or mobile device when you visit the site. Cookies are widely used in order to make websites work, or work more efficiently, as well as to provide information to the owners of the site.Website use Google Analytics, a web analytics service provided by Google, Inc. ("Google") to help analyse the use of this website. 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You can delete all cookies that are already on your computer and you can set most browsers to prevent them from being placed.Most browsers allow you to:If you chose to delete cookies, you should be aware that any preferences will be lost. Also, if you block cookies completely many websites (including ours) will not work properly and webcasts will not work at all. For these reasons, we do not recommend turning cookies off when using our webcasting services. When British food writer Diana Henry was in her teens, she started to keep of a notebook of menus. She didnt cook all the menus she collected, but liked the exercise of putting dishes together, considering what would work well and yet not leave the cook frazzled," said Henry. Her teenage fascination culminates in her eleventh cookbook, How to Eat a Peach: Menus, Stories and Places, which offers menus for each season, and will be published in May by Mitchell Beazley. Henry, food columnist for the U.K's Sunday Telegraph, continues to find her footing with American audiences with her latest effort. Mitchell Beazley sent her on her first American tour for 2015's A Bird in the Hand, which also took home a James Beard award. As her star continues to rise Stateside, Mitchell Beazley regularly reissues Henrys backlistthe publisher recently re-released Plenty (2010) and will publish a new edition of Pure Simple Cooking (2009) in September. Its wonderful that each new book Diana publishes outsells the last as her audience expands, said Mitchell Beazley editor Denise Bates, noting that Henrys 10 combined titles have sold a total of 670,000 copies worldwide. Her recipes, her enormous passion for food, and her honesty are what makes her and her books so relatable, whichever side of the pond youre on. PW chatted with Henry about reaching readers in the States, the rules of menu-making, and what titles shes looking to add to her vast cookbook collection. What, to you, makes a good menu? What are the keys to crafting the perfect meal, start to finish? Nearly all rules can be bent or broken but I have my guidelines. First, a meal shouldnt be too rich, so dont use a lot of cream or butter across a meal, though you can always have cream in the pudding. Likewise with anything based on egg yolks. I would never, for example, have aioli in a menu that finished with an ice cream. Dont make a starter that is too heavy. I offer soups at lunch, lunch can be built on soup, but I never have it as an appetizer unless its a light cold soup. Dont have more than once course that needs last minute attention. You need to talk to your guests, not be frazzled. Dont repeat ingredients. Generally if I have fish in the starter I wont have another fish dish. Though this is a rule that I sometimes break myself. Whatever you are serving offer good butter and good bread. It is the small things that make a difference. Dont add masses of choices of sides dishes or puddings. It is just more elegant, as well as less exhausting, to keep things simple. I love a menu which weaves around a bit. An unusual salad, like raw fish with radishes, flowers, leaves and a dressing made of preserved lemons and honey, before something very plain like a roast chicken. I would then perhaps follow that with an apricot and almond tart, something that takes a bit of work in the preparation. I like the mixture of the homely with the more unusual. Do you have a favorite menufrom a restaurant, a dinner party, or one youve put together yourself? Its hard to choose one from the book but friends, both home cooks and chefs, have really fallen in love with the menu in the book that celebrates spring, and San Francisco. This menu starts with spinach and ricotta gnudi, then there is roast lamb, flavored with lots of herbs and lemon, served with radishes and sarassou (a French preparation, a mixture of creme fraiche and fromage blanc with herbs and garlic), fresh fava beans with wilted lettuce and mint. The dessert is pink grapefruit and basil ice-cream. I love the way the perfume of the basil works with the sweet-bitter flavor of grapefruit. This ice cream is also a beautiful colour. Your cookbook collection of 4,000 cookbooks is well-documented! What makes a good cookbook? And any favorite titles in the past year? Or ones coming out soon that youre looking forward to? This next year I am really looking forward to the first book by Nik Sharma from San Francisco (Season, Chronicle, Oct.). I know him from social media, so we have chatted there, and Ive seen the proofs of this book. He has a very special photographic style. Its as if brightness glows out of dark backgrounds, and his food has great clarity. He is a wizard with flavors. I cant wait to get my hands on a copy of this. Also, Joyce Goldstein has written a book on preserves (Jam Session, Ten Speed, June) that Im really looking forward to. She is another person who is brilliant at combining flavors. The best cookbooks reflect the author in every aspect, the writing, the recipes, the design and the photography. I think a book should come together as a whole and be a complete statement of an authors individual style. Youre embarking on your third American tour for How to Eat a Peach. What do you make of the American cookbook readership? I have always been very keen to reach American readers, not because of sales, just because I really like the States a lot and I love my American readers for their warmth and frankness. I wish I could actually meet more of them in person but theyre so good at chatting on social media I feel like I do communicate with them quite a lot. America, California and NYC in particular, has had a big influence on the way I cook. California for the kind of local and seasonal cooking that came to the fore there in the 1980s, via Alice Waters and the late Judy Rodgers, and New York for its sheer energy and inventiveness. My substantial collection of cookbooks has more titles about and from America than any other part of the world. I bought The Silver Palate when I was 18. That was my first American book. American food writers have really welcomed me, on both a personal and professional level, and Ive been thrilled by that. Ive made good friends. Its been great to become part of the community of food writers in the U.S. and to meet up with them on the trips I make there. I am Irish. I feel right at home in the States. Unlike in England, there I am not usually the noisiest person in the room! The recent chlorine attack in Douma, Syria, which reportedly killed over 40 men, women and children, prompted a predictable reaction from the international community. Governments around the world issued statements condemning the attack. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting in response. Russia dismissed reports of the attack as false and traded insults with the U.S. Doctors scrambled inside Syria to treat those afflicted, while aid workers searched homes to locate more victims. As horrific as this attack was for the people of Syria, its global implications also require attention and action. This is no longer an aberration, it is the latest in a pattern of attacks by not only Syria, but North Korea, Russia, and ISIS. These actors have demonstrated they are willing to flout international conventions by using weapons that many have worked for decades to contain. And yet, there are no real actions underway to hold perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks accountable. Experts have been suggesting for years that the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which has nearly 200 signatory nations including Syria and Russia, may be in crisis. The current uptick in the use of chemical weapons begs the question, are they becoming a tacitly accepted weapon of war? The 2013 sarin attack in Ghouta prompted an unprecedented diplomatic effort to rid Syria of its declared chemical weapons. This effort was initially hailed as a success, then Syria began using chlorine as a weapon of war in 2014 and launched another sarin attack in 2017. In that timeframe, ISIS also conducted chlorine and mustard gas attacks in Iraq and Syria. North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns brother was assassinated in Malaysia with the nerve agent VX. And last month, a former Russian operative, his daughter, and several other bystanders were poisoned with a novel nerve agent in the UK. Russia is believed to be behind the attack, though Moscow has denied any involvement. The international community has not been willing to impose a cost that has been strong enough to prevent or deter further chemical weapons use. A new organization called the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons tracks sanctions that the U.S., the European Union, and other U.S. allies have placed on those accused of using chemical weapons since 2012. The list includes sanctions the U.S. has imposed on members of the Syrian regime. In response to Russias recent alleged chemical weapons use in the UK, the U.S. expelled Russian diplomats and closed a Russian consulate in Seattle. More than two dozen other countries also expelled Russian diplomats from their posts. These responses send important symbolic messages to perpetrators that there are consequences for their actions, but they apparently have not been severe enough to deter continued chemical weapons use. Current efforts have shown themselves to be insufficient to avoid a worsening crisis, but more forceful options to stop the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad (or Russia or North Korea) may not be palatable either. Short of UN action, which is continually hampered by Russian denials of Syrian involvement in these attacks, the U.S. and likeminded allies could form a coalition to pursue military options. Without using force, these same allies and others could continue sanctions. Allies could be more proactive about countering Russian narratives that these attacks are perpetrated by Syrian government opposition, or that they are false reports. Sharing information with the public that would disprove Russias claims could help the international community make a clearer case for action. Providing detection equipment and aiding in forensic investigations could also help bring the truth to light. There have been many events over the years that flipped switches in the American consciousness the discovery of missiles on Cuba, the bombing of the Pan Am flight over Lockerbie by Libya, the 9/11 attacks, to name just a few and prompted Americans to rally under the premise that shock and concern are not enough, and concrete action is needed. The norm against chemical weapons use is at a similarly critical juncture. When will the international community decide that UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions are not enough? Among all the expressions of horror and words of condemnationthe international equivalent of thoughts and prayerspeople continue to die from some of the worst weapons ever invented. The international community should seek to find serious options to hold perpetrators accountable and stop further chemical attacks. These are not easy choices, but the alternative is to accept that long-held norms are crumbling, and humanity is sliding back to a time of inhumane tools of war. Natasha Lander is a senior policy analyst at the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was determined to avenge the December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. The attack enraged and shocked the American public. It seemed the national mood would only worsen as news of Japans follow-on victories at Wake Island and in Thailand, Hong Kong, Manila, and Singapore made its way onto American airwaves and newspapers. Japan appeared unstoppable.[1] To prevent the national mood from deteriorating further, President Roosevelt pressed his advisors for a military win to raise morale and support for the inevitable two-front war. The president insisted they find ways and means of carrying home to Japan proper, in the form of a bombing raid, the real meaning of war.[2] His advisors developed a bold plan to launch sixteen modified land-based bombers from an aircraft carrier, and eighty brave men stepped forward to carry out the first strike on Japans homeland. That strike would become known as the famous Doolittle Raid. THE DOOLITTLE RAIDS PLACE AMONG THE TIME-HONORED TRADITIONS OF COURAGEOUS MILITARY ACTION IS SECURE, BUT ITS IMPACT ON AMERICAS ULTIMATE VICTORY IN THE PACIFIC REMAINS UNCLEAR. Despite the long odds, Doolittles Raiders slipped through Japans defenses on April 18, 1942 to deliver a surprise blow. The raiders bombed several Japanese cities including Kobe and Yokohama, but Tokyo was perhaps the most significant because it was the Emperors home and the nations capital. In stunning fashion, the raid answered President Roosevelts call for retaliation and soothed Americas wounded pride. The Doolittle Raids place among the time-honored traditions of courageous military action is secure, but its impact on Americas ultimate victory in the Pacific remains unclear.[3] Although the raid inspired books like Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo and its theatrical adaptation, and the film Destination Tokyo, the actual military results of this legendary mission are dubious. Damage inflicted by the raid fell far short of a Japanese military setback.[4] The loss of all the customized B-25B bombers and Japans resulting hyper-vigilance together suggested a repeat surprise attack would probably fail.[5] Moreover, not even the ensuing three years of hard fighting could subdue the Japanese; only the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagaski in 1945 proved decisive. If the raid produced lackluster military results, and America undertook the raid mainly to avenge Pearl Harbor, what is the strategic importance of this legendary military operation? STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE DEFINED In Modern Strategy, Colin Gray defines strategy as the bridge that relates military power to political purpose; it is neither military power per se or political purpose."[6] In practice, military power alone is rarely sufficient to achieve policy; simultaneous and synchronized application of multiple elements of national power is necessary.[7] Consequently, assessing the strategic relationship of a singular military event is inexact work, especially when the event under scrutiny has grown to legendary status. ...WHETHER, AND TO WHAT EXTENT, A PARTICULAR MILITARY OPERATION CONTRIBUTED TO THE ACCOMPLISHMENT OF A STRATEGYS OBJECTIVES DETERMINES ITS STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE... Even so, this article recommends a working definition for this task: whether, and to what extent, a particular military operation contributed to the accomplishment of a strategys objectives determines its strategic importance. Using this definition, this article will explore the strategic importance of the Doolittle Raid from the American, Japanese, and Chinese perspectives. Exploration of this military operation and the strategies at play, reveals that Doolittles Raid had virtually no impact on the realization of American or Japanese strategies. However, the planning and aftermath of the raid appears to have had a significant impact on Chinas strategic outlook. AMERICAS STRATEGIC REALITY [O]ur people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumphso help us God. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, December 8, 1941 President Franklin Delano Roosevelt delivers his "Day of Infamy" speech to Congress on December 8, 1941. (U.S. National Archives/Wikimedia) President Roosevelts speech immediately following Pearl Harbor, signaled clearly that the nation was at war with all its enemies. Still, the U.S. was in no position to wage war on them all. As early as the summer of 1941, U.S. leaders designated Europe as the decisive theater and devised their military strategy accordingly.[8] War Department plans emphasized a strategicoffensivetodefeatGermany, while maintaining a strategic defensive posture in the Pacific until conditions supported defeating the Japanese. Furthermore, from late 1941 to early 1942 the U.S. faced daunting circumstances that constrained offensive options in the Pacific. American naval and land forces were far behind their adversaries in armaments, with major land forces untrained and still in development. By 1942, U.S. rearmament was well underway, but the Navys eight battleships, twelve carriers, and three thousand airplanes would not be ready for war until late 1942 or early 1943.[9] Prior to the war, Army maneuvers in New York in August of 1940 gave President Roosevelt a glimpse of the poor state of American ground forces, which substituted drain pipes for machine guns and cars for tanks.[10] Through intensive rearmament, mobilization, reorganization, and training which ran from 1940 to 1943, the Army made steady improvements, but it was not prepared for a Pacific offensive. Pearl Harbor was but one of several Japanese military objectives in the Pacific.[11] In late 1941, Japan seized the initiative and retained momentum with subsequent attacks in the Philippines and the East Indies, acquiring indispensable seaports and potential airfields. Contrary to common belief, the April 1942 raid did not compel the Japanese to seek decisive battle at Midway Island to protect their homeland. By February of 1942, Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto had already set his sights on Midway and its strategic airfield, threatening to rob the U.S. of its unsinkable aircraft carrier and complete the destruction of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.[12] Insufficient war materiel was another sobering concern. Mobilizing for Europe and satisfying the insatiable demands of the Lend-Lease Program left the U.S. with few resources to counter Japans Kid? Butai (the First Air Fleet or the Mobile Force)six large aircraft carriers and associated battleships, each working in concert to deliver over three times the naval air power of an American carrier.[13] In 1942, a meaningful strategic offensive against the Japanese was beyond Americas reach. CONQUERING THE PACIFIC The situation being such as it is our empire, for its existence and self-defense, has no other recourse but to appeal to arms and to crush every obstacle in its path.[14] Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo, December 8, 1941 Public prosecutors demanded 24 years in prison on Wednesday for a former Japan Broadcasting Corp. (NHK) reporter, blaming him for raping and injuring multiple women. The defendant, Yasutaka Tsurumoto, 29, has been indicted on charges that between December 2012 and February 2016 he broke into the homes of three women in their 20s in Yamagata and Yamanashi prefectures and raped them. In their closing arguments at Yamagata District Court, the prosecutors claimed that Tsurumoto committed malicious and habitual crimes but has shown no signs of remorse. Chances cannot be ruled out that he will repeat the crime, they stressed. Meanwhile, Tsurumoto denied the charges, saying, "I'm not a criminal." The prosecutors said DNA samples found at the crime scenes matched Tsurumoto's. But a defense lawyer argued that the samples may have included those of someone other than him. In response to a growing rift between Riyadh's regional policies and some actions by President Donald Trump, King Salman has reaffirmed long-held alliances while distancing the kingdom from Washington. Now that we have learned CIA director and secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jung-un over Easter, it is time to acknowledge the obvious: the foreign policy of political novice Donald Trump has been vastly more successful that that of the supposedly experienced Barack Obama. WASHINGTON -- "Mission Accomplished" may be the most famous presidential words never actually uttered by a president. I know because, as head of presidential speechwriting at the time, I didn't write them. They were found on a banner, but never in a single draft of President George W. Bush's 2003 remarks aboard the USS Lincoln. But now that this phrase has been tweeted and defended by President Trump, it is worth examining what he has accomplished by his missile strikes in Syria. High explosives do not constitute a Syria policy, which has been lacking across two administrations. So it might be more useful to ask a narrower question: What principle is America trying to enforce? Trump seems committed to the norm that chemical weapons attacks against civilians should bring kinetic consequences. That is superior to President Obama's version, in which chemical attacks brought only unenforced threats. Trump's carefully calibrated application of Tomahawks easily clears his predecessor's bar, which was barely off the floor. Trump's position, however, has its own share of inconsistencies. It prioritizes the lives of children killed by a nerve agent above the lives of children killed by a barrel bomb. Targeting civilians -- through terror bombing, forced starvation, torture and the repeated use of chemical weapons -- has been an essential element of Bashar Assad's strategy in the Syrian civil war. His aim has not merely been to reclaim territory from the rebels; it has been to terrify the Syrian people into submission or flight. And, with the help of Russia and Iran, he has largely succeeded. There is a further inconsistency. The images of children after a chemical weapons attack seem to move the president. The images of 5 million refugee children -- many out of school, many traumatized by violence and loss -- seem to lack that power. So far this year, America has taken 11 -- yes, 11 -- Syrian refugees. The Trump administration, apparently, will avenge the deaths of Syrian children, but not welcome them. In spite of all this, it can be argued that the norm prohibiting the use of chemical weapons is a special one. In a world where wars often involve criminal barbarity, it is useful to place at least one act beyond the pale. But this should not be mistaken for the deterrence of future chemical attacks. Hitting a few sites with perhaps 100 missiles may reduce Assad's capability to make more sophisticated chemical weapons. But the chemical attack on Douma was fairly primitive. The coalition strike probably did not deprive Assad of the ability to repeat this kind of tactic. And Assad still has a powerful incentive to do so, since press reports indicate that it was the chemical attack that finally broke the spirit of resisters in Douma. Trump's standard -- that a dictator can indiscriminately kill his people as long as he doesn't use chemical weapons -- is nearly lost in the overarching lesson of the Syrian conflict. Assad has established his own international norm: If you make war on your own people -- if you kill enough of them, brutalize enough of them and displace enough of them -- the world will let you stay in power. Here is the norm that America might have defended: Mass atrocities against civilians as a method of warfare won't be allowed to succeed. This would involve not only punishing the use of chemical weapons as a tactic, but also making sure that the use of chemical weapons and other violence directed at civilians fails as a strategy. The last two administrations have placed their main emphasis on two goals -- defeating the Islamic State and opposing the use of chemical weapons -- for a reason. In the chaos that once was Syria, Obama and Trump have wanted to define America's mission in ways that are discrete, limited and achievable. Both men can claim credit in the campaign against the Islamic State -- not a trivial matter. One of them has, at least, maintained the pretense of an international norm on chemical weapons. In the real world, however, battles are not won by limiting your objectives. The outcome in Syria that would have best served American values and interests? A well-armed coalition of moderate rebels forcing the regime to the negotiating table, resulting in a coalition government that includes some regime elements but not Assad. After several wasted years of indecision and indifference, this is a distant, perhaps impossible, dream. But it is the only result that would have re-established the norm that murdering innocents as part of a military strategy won't be allowed to prevail. This mission was never even attempted. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group "Ten days ago, President Trump was saying 'the United States should withdraw from Syria.' We convinced him it was necessary to stay." Thus boasted French President Emmanuel Macron Saturday, adding, "We convinced him it was necessary to stay for the long term." Is the U.S. indeed in the Syrian civil war "for the long term"? If so, who made that fateful decision for this republic? U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley confirmed Sunday there would be no drawdown of the 2,000 U.S. troops in Syria, until three objectives were reached. We must fully defeat ISIS, ensure chemical weapons would not again be used by Bashar Assad and maintain the ability to watch Iran. Translation: Whatever Trump says, America is not coming out of Syria. We are going deeper in. Trump's commitment to extricate us from these bankrupting and blood-soaked Middle East wars and to seek a new rapprochement with Russia is "inoperative." The War Party that Trump routed in the primaries is capturing and crafting his foreign policy. Monday's Wall Street Journal editorial page fairly blossomed with war plans: "The better U.S. strategy is to ... turn Syria into the Ayatollah's Vietnam. Only when Russia and Iran began to pay a larger price in Syria will they have any incentive to negotiate an end to the war or even contemplate a peace based on dividing the country into ethnic-based enclaves." Apparently, we are to bleed Syria, Russia, Hezbollah and Iran until they cannot stand the pain and submit to subdividing Syria the way we want. But suppose that, as in our Civil War of 1861-1865, the Spanish Civil War of 1936-1939, and the Chinese Civil War of 1945-1949, Assad and his Russian, Iranian and Shiite militia allies go all out to win and reunite the nation. Suppose they choose to fight to consolidate the victory they have won after seven years of civil war. Where do we find the troops to take back the territory our rebels lost? Or do we just bomb mercilessly? The British and French say they will back us in future attacks if chemical weapons are used, but they are not plunging into Syria. Defense Secretary James Mattis called the U.S.-British-French attack a "one-shot" deal. British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson appears to agree: "The rest of the Syrian war must proceed as it will." The Journal's op-ed page Monday was turned over to former U.S. ambassador to Syria Ryan Crocker and Brookings Institute senior fellow Michael O'Hanlon: "Next time the U.S. could up the ante, going after military command and control, political leadership, and perhaps even Assad himself. The U.S. could also pledge to take out much of his air force. Targets within Iran should not be off limits." And when did Congress authorize U.S. acts of war against Syria, its air force or political leadership? When did Congress authorize the killing of the president of Syria whose country has not attacked us? Can the U.S. also attack Iran and kill the ayatollah without consulting Congress? Clearly, with the U.S. fighting in six countries, Commander in Chief Trump does not want any new wars, or to widen any existing wars in the Middle East. But he is being pushed into becoming a war president to advance the agenda of foreign policy elites who, almost to a man, opposed his election. We have a reluctant president being pushed into a war he does not want to fight. This is a formula for a strategic disaster not unlike Vietnam or George W. Bush's war to strip Iraq of nonexistent WMD. The assumption of the War Party seems to be that if we launch larger and more lethal strikes in Syria, inflicting casualties on Russians, Iranians, Hezbollah and the Syrian army, they will yield to our demands. But where is the evidence for this? What reason is there to believe these forces will surrender what they have paid in blood to win? And if they choose to fight and widen the war to the larger Middle East, are we prepared for that? As for Trump's statement Friday, "No amount of American blood and treasure can produce lasting peace in the Middle East," the Washington Post Sunday dismissed this as "fatalistic" and "misguided." We have a vital interest, says the Post, in preventing Iran from establishing a "land corridor" across Syria. Yet consider how Iran acquired this "land corridor." The Shiites in 1979 overthrew a shah our CIA installed in 1953. The Shiites control Iraq because President Bush invaded and overthrew Saddam and his Sunni Baath Party, disbanded his Sunni-led army, and let the Shiite majority take control of the country. The Shiites are dominant in Lebanon because they rose up and ran out the Israelis, who invaded in 1982 to run out the PLO. How many American dead will it take to reverse this history? How long will we have to stay in the Middle East to assure the permanent hegemony of Sunni over Shiite? COPYRIGHT 2018 CREATORS.COM Even in a fiercely divided country, most Americans and even most politicians can agree that we all want a sustainable environment, and we all want to see even more manufacturing in the United States. The good news is that we can have both. But until recently, the federal government often did more to stand in the way of these twin goals than help Americans move forward. That was especially true on the environmental regulatory front. Manufacturers are committed to environmental stewardship, and we believe in smart environmental regulations. But the regulatory system had grown out of control as administration after administration made it so complicated that the cost of compliance could make it impossible just to open a new manufacturing plant. That has changed under the Trump administration, and last week the president took another significant step, issuing a memorandum of understanding requiring key agencies to collaborate and speed up approval processes for infrastructure permitting and, in turn, making it easier for manufacturers to navigate the maze of federal environmental regulations. Over the years, regulations have become so complicated that some manufacturers now find themselves spending literally years on bureaucracy alone complying with a confusing and often unnecessary web of study and modelling mandates, not to mention filling out ream after ream of regulatory paperwork to open a single plant. This avalanche of bureaucracy is not without consequence, especially for the communities that have lost out on new jobs because companies did not have the time or resources to go through this years-long process. With President Trumps actions to simplify and streamline all of this, we can build more manufacturing facilities in the United States creating and securing more well-paying jobs while still responsibly protecting the environment. Over the past two decades, our country with manufacturers taking the lead has made tremendous gains in improving our environment and air quality. For example, as the National Association of Manufacturers testified before Congress last November, since 1990, carbon monoxide concentrations are down 77 percent, lead is down 99 percent, and nitrogen dioxide is down 54 percent. Manufacturers are doing our part not only by reducing our emissions and enhancing our sustainability but also by developing the products and technologies to make that possible. And to continue that progress, the NAM and the U.S. Department of Energys Better Plants Program recently announced the Sustainability in Manufacturing Partnership. The DOE, through the Better Plants Program, has already partnered with nearly 200 manufacturing and industrial organizations, helping them achieve ambitious energy and water savings goals. The Sustainability in Manufacturing Partnership will spotlight best practices and connect more manufacturers with the resources and knowledge available through the program. Every manufacturers operation is unique, which is why we should have the freedom to tackle sustainability challenges in our own ways. For example, Schneider Electric, a leader in process efficiency and automation, is driving emissions savings at 15 of its own U.S. plants, with a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Owens Corning has set an aggressive target for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions 50 percent below 2010 levels by 2020. Global engine manufacturer Cummins made a $5 million investment at its Seymour, Ind., high horsepower engine plant in advanced energy-efficiency technology called regenerative dynamometers, which convert engine power from test cells to electricity that can be used onsite and exported to the grid. BASFs leadership in emissions reduction for the automotive industry began in the 1960s with the creation of the catalytic converter. In 2002, BASFs scientists earned an award for their work on the three-way catalyst, a key contributor to cleaner air for billions of people in the United States and around the world. General Motors has achieved 131 landfill-free facilities and is working toward zero-waste manufacturing at all of its global plants. Saint-Gobain, which manufactures building, transportation and infrastructure materials, incentivizes its 130 manufacturing sites to compete against each other to see which one can reduce its environmental impact the most. The approach pursued by the Trump administration, in which the government and industry are partners, not adversaries, is the right one. We want to identify solutions that work and replicate them whenever possible. Let manufacturers innovate, rather than be constrained by a top-down federal government mandate. Manufacturers accept the responsibility to better the future of our communities, our environment and our children, which is why, over the past decade, we have reduced emissions by 10 percent even as our value to the economy has increased 19 percent. Empowered by these recent developments, we look forward to taking our sustainability efforts to a new level. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is in Washington talking with U.S. President Donald Trump. The pair will talk about trade, but also about Trumps prospective meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. With respect to trade, the issue is updating a trade agreement to limit Japans trade surplus with the United States. Abe will also want to know why Japan hasnt been given a waiver on new U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs like other American allies and partners have received. Abe will press Trump to include North Koreas short- and medium-range nuclear missiles in discussions with Kim. Those missiles are already in place and can hit Japan. Washington intends to limit discussions to Pyongyangs new intercontinental ballistic missiles, since the U.S. mainland is threatened for the first time. But theres another issue of abiding interest to the Japanese when Trump meets Kim. Abe wants Trump to raise concerns about North Korean kidnappings of Japanese citizens, usually young people, in the 1970s and 1980s. These were among dozens of foreigners kidnapped by North Korean agents in various countries. In Japan last year, Trump met with family members of the kidnapped Japanese and he mentioned the case of one such woman in a speech at the United Nations. Japan says at least a dozen people abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 1980s may still be alive in that country. In 1992, then-leader Kim Jong Il admitted that Japanese citizens had been abducted, but Kim insisted that none are still alive in the country. The issue of these unresolved kidnappings deserves a new hearing because Pyongyangs sordid international history is background for understanding the political culture in which Kim Jong Un grew up. Kim is not his father and times have changed in North Korea, at least somewhat. But Jong Uns upbringing is not irrelevant to his own view of the world. What was the point of these abductions? The story is told by a high-level North Korean defector writing under the pseudonym Jang Jin Sung in his 2014 memoir, Dear Leader. Jang worked in a top-level department dedicated to counter-intelligence and psychological warfare. As a sign of his prestige, he was one of the Admitted, an honorific for people who had spent at least twenty minutes alone with Kim Jong Il -- the Dear Leader in question. The historical record shows that Kim Jong Il was worse than ruthless. His totalitarian regime was sealed even more tightly than the North Korea of today. With his military-first policy and his obsession with building the Norths nuclear program, the leader presided over the great famine of the mid-1990s, when perhaps 10 percent of the North Korea people -- well over 1 million -- starved to death. And this was in peacetime. Aid from the Soviet Union dried up quickly when the latter collapsed in 1991. Rather than feed his people even a bare sustenance, Kim Jong Il fed military development. The policy of kidnappings started in the 1970s under Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Ils father and North Koreas founding leader. The point was espionage and political-psychological warfare. Civilians would be abducted from target countries for three purposes, Jang writes. One was to recruit teachers who would provide knowledge of their country, thus improving the education of North Korean spies. A second goal was to facilitate identity fraud, meaning North Korean spies could be given genuine foreign identities. Third, kidnapped children, if they could be brainwashed, were to be sent back to their home country as North Korean agents. The principal target country was Japan, although dozens of young people were kidnapped in various countries. In the 1980s, Kim Jong Il added a new form of penetrating other countries, the Seed-bearing Strategy. The idea was to raise children who looked foreign but were completely North Korean. There were two ways to do this. One was to abduct foreign women, bringing them to North Korea to have children with a North Korean father. The second was to send attractive North Korean women abroad to have children with foreign men with different skin colorings and features. These bi-racial children grew up in special secluded compounds in Pyongyang. One of Jangs school-girl friends was such a child. He writes that, her mere presence as a hostage in Pyongyang provided leverage against her (Japanese) father, giving him a greater incentive to encourage (Japanese) foreign aid to North Korea and advocate for engagement strategies favorable to the DPRK. The girl said her father was the most important leader in the Japanese Socialist Party. Prime Minister Abe wants Trump to support Japanese pressure on Pyongyang for resolution about whether any Japanese are still alive in North Korea. But the history of Korean-Japanese relations is more complicated still. South Korea demanded and received apologies and reparations from Japan for so-called comfort women, i.e. Korean women, a few of them still alive in their 90s, forced into brothels used by Japanese occupation forces during the Japanese occupation of the Korean peninsula. In short, to understand what historical baggage Kim Jong-un will bring to meetings with the South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, and President Trump, you need to know its past. An apartment located on Lexington Road has been functioning as the campaign headquarters for a local election. As of April 17, there were multiple signs in the yard and windows for Taylor Pass, a candidate for district 2 commissioner. If youre in town for G-Day, you may want to spend some time around Athens before heading to Sanford Stadium before the game begins at 4 p.m. UGA students should not let memes define their personal or political identity. Memes shouldnt have power in our political elections, nor should they be a commodity to be bought or sold. KENT Since its founding in 1923 by nine well-established artists, the Kent Art Association has hosted at least one show every year for its members. The Association hosts two shows annually, in spring and fall, and on March 24 opened its 95th consecutive Members Show with a reception and the presentation of five Awards of Excellence at the Gallery at 21 S. Main St., according to a news release from KAA. The Awards of Excellence were presented by KAA president and show chairwoman Connie Horton. Recipients include Gino Zenobia, of New Milford, for his mixed-media sculpture, Samsara; Chandra Rogers, also of New Milford, for her oil titled Slop; Karin Smith, of Kent, for her photograph, Floral Romance; Werner Kappes, of New Preston, for his oil, Underwater Magic; and Zufar Bikbov, of Oakville, for his oil, Hidden in the Shade. The first members show took place in the fall of 1923, after eight artists and one sculptor formed the Kent Art Association. Robert Nisbet, KAA co-founder with George Laurence Nelson, was the first artist to move permanently to Kent. Nisbet had been a member of the Old Lyme Artists Colony (KAA is the second-oldest art association in the state, second to Old Lyme) and had been studying with the well-known and respected artist, Willard Metcalf, when he created a scandal by running off with Metcalfs wife, Marguerite. They were married in 1910 and moved to Kent soon after, as they found themselves shut out of New York society. They lived in Kent for over 50 years. More artists began to settle in Kent or in the case of Rex Brasher, in what he was told was Kent only to find himself a few hundred yards over the disputed border with New York. Francis Luis Mora settled in the Gaylordsville section of New Milford. Sculptor Willard Paddock arrived soon after the Nisbets. George Laurence Nelson and Spencer Nichols had houses and studios in north Kent; their road would later be named, Studio Hill. Eliot Clark and Frederick Waugh, joined by his son-in-law Floyd Clymer, arrived soon after. Nelsons father, Carl Hirschberg, who died shortly before the association was founded, was the co-founder of the Art Students League in New York, where both Mora and Nesbit had been instructors. Mora was also a close friend of William Merritt Chase and taught at his art school. Nisbet, Mora and Waugh were all members of the National Academy, and Waugh has paintings that hang in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Rex Brasher was to gain notoriety as the only artist to paint all of the birds and trees of North America, and his collection of 875 watercolor paintings is owned by the state of Connecticut and is in conservation storage at the University of Connecticut. With Nisbet as the president and Nelson as vice president, the KAA held its first exhibition at the recently completed Kent Memorial Library, built as a memorial to the Kent soldiers who fought in World War I. They charged a nickel to attend and attracted over 600 visitors. The money was donated to the library. The KAA will celebrate its 95th anniversary on April 28 , from 2 to 6 pm at its gallery with a Roaring Twenties cocktail party that coincides with the opening of the Spring Juried Show and will include a special exhibition of works by all nine of the KAA founders. The event features jazz by the Roger Young Quartet, Champagne and hors douvres. Attendees are asked to dressed for the 20s. There will be a prize for the best dressed. Suggested donation is$10. For information, go to Kentart.org, call 860-927-3989 or email kent.art.assoc@snet.net. The members show ends May 15. Gallery hours are Thursday to Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Jim Demetros is changing his approach to birthdays. He turned 55 on Tuesday when the Southwest Airlines flight he was taking for a business trip to Dallas from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport blew an engine at 30,000 feet. A woman sitting three rows behind him on the other side of the plane died after shrapnel from the engine blew out her window, nearly sucking the her out of the aircraft. The experience has changed Demetros perspective on life. We call it happy life day now, not happy birthday after what happened, Demetros said with a smile Wednesday in the living room in Stamford, Connecticut. That is what we are going to be calling birthdays from now on. Demetros, a high-tech software consultant, said he was flying to Dallas on his way to a conference in San Antonio, Texas. About 30 minutes in to the flight, Demetros heard a loud explosion. They were just leveling off at 30,000 feet and they were just about to serve beverages and all of a sudden there was a large explosion and everything changed in an instant, he said. Oxygen masks dropped and he said there was complete chaos inside the plane. It was pretty hectic for about two to three minutes and that is when we dropped about 10,000 feet pretty quickly, Demetros said. But the crew members quickly gained control of the situation. Panic gave way to a focused calm, he said. All he could think about was getting home to his wife, Cynthia, and their adult son and daughter. A preliminary examination of the blown jet engine showed evidence of "metal fatigue," according to the National Transportation Safety Board. There were 149 people on board the twin-engine Boeing 737 that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. A former federal investigator theorized the plane blew an engine and the shrapnel hit the aircraft. Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was killed in the incident. Seven other people aboard the plane were treated for minor injuries, according to Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel. He said there was a fuel leak in one of the engines when firefighters arrived and a small fire was extinguished. Demetros said a firefighter from Texas who was on the flight helped pull Riordan inside the plane and passengers began helping to administer first aid and CPR. Demetros estimated the plane landed about 10 minutes after the engine blew. He said touching down came as a surprise because minutes earlier he and other passengers werent sure they were going to survive. He said he had a nice stiff drink once he got off the plane. Demetros, a frequent flyer who logs about 100,000 miles a year, said the incident isnt going to keep him grounded. He has no plans to cancel his business trip next week to California. To me, it is still the safest way to travel, he said. Demetros said hes still trying to wrap his head around what happened. It still hasnt sunk in, at all, he said. I think it is going to take a little time. Reporting from the Associated Press was used in this story. SALISBURY State police are investigating a two-vehicle accident on Route 44 that happened at 9 a.m. Wednesday and left a Lakeville woman with serious injuries. The 95-year-old Lakeville woman was traveing west on Millerton Road/Route 44 in a 2002 Taurus, when she collided with a Penske truck driven by a 31-yearold New Jersey man at the intersection of State Line Road, police said. Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Avery Ng (C) holds a poster of jailed Chinese activist Wu Gan at the beginning of a protest march to the Chinese Liaison Office in Hong Kong, Dec. 27, 2017. A court in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin has rejected an appeal by rights activist Wu Gan, known by his online nickname "The Butcher," against his eight-year jail term for subversion. Wu, 42, was detained during Chinas 2015 crackdown on lawyers and sentenced on Dec. 26 by the Tianjin No. 2 Intermediate People's Court after being found guilty of "incitement to subvert state power." His defense lawyers appealed the verdict with the Tianjin Higher Peoples Court, saying that while Wu had admitted in court to having thoughts of subverting state power, thoughts alone do not constitute a crime. Wus social media posts, published articles, interviews with foreign media, taped lectures, his observation of 12 cases, and his use of performance art all were protected by his constitutional rights, his lawyers argued. But the appeal court upheld the original verdict and sentence on Apr. 17, Wu's father Xu Xiaoshun told RFA. "The verdict was upheld," Xu said. "No, it's not fair ... but personally I always thought it would turn out this way." "There's very little I can do," he said, adding: "I am in hospital after being hit by a vehicle ... and can't even walk." Calls and messages to Wu's defense lawyer Ge Yongxi went unanswered during office hours on Tuesday. Some of Wu's supporters were placed under house arrest ahead of the appeal decision, to prevent them from traveling to Tianjin, sources said. Among them was Hunan-based He Jiawei, who is now under close surveillance at his home after being detained en route to Tianjin, fellow activist Xiao Biao said. "I called [He Jiawei] this morning, and he said there were police on the train checking people's ID," Xiao Biao said. "He was detained the moment he got off the train and taken to a police station." "He said he was waiting for the state security police from Zhuzhou [in Hunan] to arrive and bring him home," he said. Subversive thought Wu's lawyers also had argued that state power isn't the same as the power of a political party, and that Chinese people have the right to subvert political power, especially in an authoritarian system. Rights groups say that subversion charges are frequently used by the ruling Chinese Communist Party to target rights activists and dissidents whose opinions it won't tolerate. According to the indictment against Wu, he "engaged in a series of actions that incited the subversion of state power and the overthrow of the socialist system, seriously harming national security and social stability." It said he had "begun to develop subversive thoughts" after growing dissatisfied with the current political system, and had used online platforms to send out large volumes of posts attacking the government. But his lawyers said the harsh sentence was likely linked to the fact that Wu had refused to confess to the charges against him during interrogation and torture at the hands of police. Wu was interrogated "more than 300 times" since his incarceration began, according to a complaint filed by his lawyers alleging torture during detention. He was repeatedly and illegally held in solitary confinement, tortured, and deprived of his right to complain and to access legal advice, they said. Wu was initially detained by police during a performance protest he titled "Selling my Body to Raise Funds" in Nanchang city in eastern Jiangxi province. He was trying to raise funds for a legal defense for Huang Zhiqiang, Fang Chunping, Cheng Fagen, and Cheng Lihe, who were jailed in Jiangxi's Leping city for robbery, rape, and dismembering a corpse. The four received suspended death sentences in 2000 that were later commuted to jail terms, but their lawyers and rights activists say their confessions were obtained through torture, and that they were the victims of a miscarriage of justice. Reported by Wen Yuqing for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by Gao Feng for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldiers take a cigarette break as they move towards the frontline of fighting with the government army near Laiza in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, Oct. 14, 2016. A Myanmar NGO has sent a letter to the head of the war-torn Kachin state government calling for the rescue of civilians trapped in a battle zone in Tanaing and Hpakant townships, as hostilities continue to rage between the national army and an ethnic militia. The Kachin Womens Peace Network (KWPN), which provides assistance to women displaced by war and raises awareness about the prevention of gender-based violence in refugee camps, submitted the request to Khat Aung, chief minister of Myanmars northernmost state, on Tuesday. More than 2,000 ethnic Kachin villagers in the two townships have been homeless since April 11 after fleeing to nearby jungles to escape fighting between the military and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), said KWPN founder Nan Pu. These people have been in the jungle for so many days, and we have lost contact with them, she told RFAs Myanmar Service. Most of their phones have no battery power now, and some who still have phones are in out-of-service areas. Thats why we are worried. One person was killed and two others wounded during a clash between government soldiers and the KIA on Tuesday night in Awng Lawt village, Nan Pu said. Myanmar troops surrounded the village with heavy weapons and prevented residents from entering the area, she said. They were separated into three or four groups, and some of them were pregnant women and small children, Nan Pu said. They couldn't walk any further, and the last we heard was that they were resting by a stream. They have no more food. We want the government to ask the military to stop the offensive, she said, adding that Khat Aung has not yet responded to the KWPNs request. The KWPN has also worked with technical groups that support the ethnic militias nationwide cease-fire team which holds negotiations with the national governments peace team in Myanmar's ongoing peace process. Other clashes near the villages of Sut Yang and Sut Ya have forced out villagers who are hiding in the jungle and are in need of humanitarian supplies, the online news service Democratic Voice of Burma reported on Monday, citing local relief committee organizers. Fighting began in the area on April 6 when KIA troops attacked an army camp near Tadar-nyinaung village in Hpakant township. Hakawng valley Earlier this month, the KIA warned gold and amber mine workers in Tanaings isolated Hukawng valley to leave before it launched new attacks on the Myanmar army. Fighting between the two sides resumed in early January when government soldiers launched air strikes in Tanaing, an area controlled by the KIA, which relies on its natural resources as a source of income by levying a tax on mine operators. The KIA believes that Myanmar forces have been stepping up their attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control of it before the next round of negotiations in the governments peace conference initiative. The KIA has engaged in skirmishes with the Myanmar army since 2011, when a 17-year bilateral cease-fire agreement between the two sides broke down. The KIA is one of several militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of peace talks launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIAs political wing, has not signed the governments nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the countrys more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. Reported by Thet Su Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Rohingya women, sheltered in a house at Kutupalang camp in southeastern Bangladesh, talk about the abuse they endured at the hands of Myanmar security forces during a crackdown in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Jan. 27, 2017. Myanmar rejects evidence gathered by human rights researchers that supports charges by the United Nations Security Council that its soldiers raped at least 300 Rohingya Muslim women and girls during a crackdown in Rakhine state last year, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued his annual report on conflict-related sexual violence and cited Myanmars armed forces as one of 47 parties in 19 countries that committed such violence in armed conflict during 2017. About 700,000 Rohingya fled violence that included killings, rape, and arson, during the crackdown that began in northern Rakhine on Aug. 25 following deadly attacks on police outposts by a Muslim militant group. The widespread threat and use of sexual violence was integral to this strategy, serving to humiliate, terrorize and collectively punish the Rohingya community, as a calculated tool to force them to flee their homelands and prevent their return, Guterres said in the report. Human rights activist and lawyer Razia Sultana told the Security Council meeting on sexual violence in conflict that her own research and interviews of Rohingya provided evidence that soldiers raped more than 300 women and girls in 17 villages in Rakhine state. Hau Do Suan, Myanmars permanent representative to the U.N., rejected the accusations that the army used sexual violence as a strategy to force the Rohingya to flee their homes. He told the U.N. on Monday that the decision to list the military in the report was done based on unverified allegations despite attempts to interview alleged victims living in mass displacement camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Repeating what has been Myanmars stock reaction to widely available evidence of atrocities in Rakhine, Hau Do Suan also expressed disappointment that Myanmars request for proper investigations had been denied. He said that if there is concrete evidence of such crimes, the country will take action against perpetrators in accordance with the law without impunity. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay repeated Hau Do Suans assertion that Myanmar officials would launch an investigation and take action against perpetrators when presented with evidence and more information about charges related to the more than 300 rape cases. Its a baseless accusation that sexual violence was used as a weapon to force them [the Rohingya] to flee their homes, he said. Even an ordinary person can see that 300 rape cases in 17 villages is impossible. Zaw Htay told RFAs Myanmar Service that when a delegation from Maungdaw township the focal point of the crackdown along with neighboring Buithdaung and Rathedaung townships visited Bangladesh, its members heard many stories about attacks by the military. OK, so let us know the details like who, where, and when these cases occurred, Zaw Htay said. Then we'll launch an investigation. He also said when members of the Rakhine State Inquiry Commission visited Bangladesh last year, they could not see any of the victims, because they talked to them through a curtain. A team led by Win Myat Aye, Myanmars minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, that met with Rohingya living in displacement camps in Bangladesh earlier this month did not get any solid evidence of sexual violations, he said. Rohingya residents, however, complained that the minister spoke without listening to them, while protesters unfurled a banner calling him a collaborator in and denier of genocide against Rohingya in Rakhine state and rejected the delegations appeal for them to return to Myanmar. The U.N. report noted that many women are reticent to return to locations still under the control of the forces that compelled them to flee, in particular in the absence of accountability, as noted by Rohingya refugees. No blind denial After some Rohingya said they were raped last year, authorities asked the women to file reports with local police, but they did not, Zaw Htay said. Then they told international media, including a reporter for The New York Times, different versions of their stories, saying that the military was gang-raping women to force them to leave, he said. We are not blindly denying these stories, he said. If the stories are found to be true, give us concrete evidence. These charges are not based on concrete evidence. The government has a zero-tolerance policy on such crimes. The army which has repeatedly rejected allegations of wanton killings and other atrocities against the Rohingya must abide by military and civilian law, and violators will be punished by both sides, he said. In a rare move, the Myanmar military said last week that an army investigation team had concluded that the murders of 10 Rohingya civilians without legal arrest during the crackdown in Rakhine were extrajudicial killings. Seven officers and soldiers of other ranks were found guilty of slaughtering the men and were sentenced to 10 years in prison. Myanmar will continue to work with international bodies on resolving the Rakhine crisis and repatriating Rohingya refugees who want to voluntarily return to the country, Zaw Htay said. But accusing the military of raping Rohingya women and girls wont bode well for the process, he said. The government is looking for ways to solve the problem, and these accusations instead of helping resolve it will certainly complicate it, Zaw Htay said. We accept that the international community should point out the rights violations, but the charges we are hearing now will exacerbate the situation. Security Council has failed us At the U.N. session on Monday, Razia Sultana told the Security Council that it had failed to prevent the Rohingya refugee crisis and that it must refer sexual violence and other crimes against the Muslim group to the International Criminal Court (ICC) which prosecutes individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Where I come from, women and girls have been gang-raped, tortured and killed by the Myanmar army, for no other reason than for being Rohingya, Sultana, a Rohingya lawyer, said during the open debate on preventing sexual violence in conflict However, the international community, especially the Security Council, has failed us, she said. This latest crisis should have been prevented if the warning signs since 2012 had not been ignored, she added, referring to communal violence between Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine state six years ago that left more than 200 dead and displaced tens of thousands. Sultana also said the Security Council must refer the matter to the ICC without delay. Last week, an ICC prosecutor asked the tribunals judges to rule on whether the body can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh. She raised the jurisdiction issue because Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, while Myanmar is not. Though the Myanmar government said the extension of jurisdiction is not in line with the ICC Charter and other international statutes to which the country is not a party, the pre-trial chamber agreed to hold a hearing on the issue during which Myanmar and other interested parties can state their views on the question of jurisdiction. Reported by Thiri Min Zin for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. A Tibetan man charged last week in Sweden with spying on fellow exile Tibetans has denied the accusations against him in an exclusive interview with RFAs Tibetan Service. Dorjee Gyantsan, 49, who now faces a possible sentence of up to four years in prison, said that he has never spied for China. I have never passed any information about Tibetans to the Chinese embassy, Gyantsan told RFA by phone on April 16. Arrested on Feb. 26 last year on suspicion of espionage against refugees in Sweden, but later released, Gyantsan has now been charged with serious unlawful intelligence activities against several individuals in the country, the Swedish Security Service said in an April 11 statement. Media reports cited Swedish state prosecutor Mats Ljungqvist as saying that Gyantsan, who has close ties with Swedens exile Tibetan community, had contacted Chinese officials in Poland and Finland, and had been paid 50,000 krona (U.S. $5,945) on one occasion, leading to his arrest last year. Gyantsan said, however, that his contacts with a Chinese man later identified as an official in Chinas embassy in Poland, and with a Chinese journalist in Sweden, were unconnected with intelligence work. I met the Chinese man from Warsaw while traveling together on a boat, and I met with him again a few times afterward, Gyantsan said. He told me that he was a student at Warsaw University, so I was not even aware that he is a secretary at the Chinese embassy, he said. And though he was found in possession of almost $6,000 on a return trip to Sweden by boat, that money had come from his mother and was delivered to him by a Chinese businessman from Qinghais provincial capital Xining now doing business in Sweden, he said. It was not given to me by the Chinese man working at the embassy, he said. 'Innocent meetings' Gyantsans admitted contacts with a reporter for Chinas China Daily newspaper were similarly innocent, he said, adding that he had first met the man at gatherings held by Swedens Tibetan exile community. He once saw me reading a message by [exiled Tibetan spiritual leader] His Holiness the Dalai Lama in Chinese, so he contacted me and we exchanged phone numbers, he said. We met again later on several occasions, and he even invited me to meals that he paid for. But Ive never given him any information about Tibetans, he said. Swedens Security Service has noted that unlawful intelligence activities targeting refugees is a method often used to prevent them from criticizing the regime of the country from which they have fled, and is also used by certain regimes in an attempt to gain control over people who have fled their countries. Ethnic Uyghurs living in Sweden have also reported being pressured by China to spy on the exile community there. In 2009, the government sentenced a Swedish national of Uyghur descent named Babur Mahsut to 16 months in prison for aggravated illegal espionage activity after he was found to have collected personal information about exiled Uyghursincluding details on their health, travel and political involvementand passed the information on to agents from the Chinese intelligence service. Reported by Tashi Wangchuk for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Benpa Topgyal. Written in English by Richard Finney. BAKU -- Authoritarian leader Ilham Aliyev has been sworn in to a fourth term as president of Azerbaijan after a landslide victory in an election boycotted by opponents and criticized by international observers. The inauguration on April 18 marks the start of a seven-year term for Aliyev, 56, who has been president of the oil-producing South Caucasus country since shortly before the death of his long-ruling father, Heydar Aliyev, in 2003. The Central Election Commission said last week that Aliyev received 86.1 percent of the vote in an April 11 snap election that was boycotted by the main opposition parties. International observers said Aliyev's landslide victory was marred by "serious irregularities" and a lack of real competition. In a report issued on April 12, Organization for Cooperation and Security in Europe (OSCE) observers cited widespread disregard for mandatory procedures, lack of transparency, and numerous serious irregularities, such as ballot-box stuffing." On February 5, Aliyev announced he was bringing forward the date of the vote from October 17 to April 11, a move denounced by opponents. The government said was necessary to avoid presidential and parliamentary elections clashing in 2025. The election came amid worsening economic conditions in the country, prompting antigovernment protests. Aliyev's opponents, Western countries, and international human rights groups say his government has persistently persecuted independent media outlets, journalists, and opposition politicians and activists in the former Soviet republic of about 10 million. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Armenian police detained dozens of demonstrators in Yerevan on April 18 as protests continued over the election of former President Serzh Sarkisian as prime minister. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian led hundreds of supporters to Sarkisian's office and pledged to block access to key government buildings. An Azerbaijani journalist and rights defender who has been pursued by Baku since he fled his homeland under pressure a decade ago has left Ukraine for the Netherlands, where he has citizenship, colleagues say. Fikrat Huseynli traveled out of Ukraine on April 17, Qanimat Zahid -- chief of KanalTuran TV, which is run by Azerbaijan's opposition Popular Front Party -- told RFE/RL. Huseynli fled to the Netherlands in 2008 after he was stabbed, beaten, and left for dead by unknown assailants in Baku in 2006. He was later granted political asylum and became a Dutch citizen. His return to the Netherlands from Ukraine followed an ordeal that raised concerns among activist that he could be deported to Azerbaijan, where he is wanted on what government critics say are politically motivated fraud and illegal border-crossing charges. Ukrainian authorities stopped Huseynli from boarding a flight to Germany at Boryspil International Airport in Kyiv in October, seizing his documents under an Interpol red notice requested by the Azerbaijani government. He was arrested, then released several days later but ordered not to leave Ukraine before a final decision on his possible extradition to Azerbaijan was made. Ukrainian prosecutors in Kyiv requested that he be arrested again, but on April 2 a Kyiv district court judge ruled that he should not be extradited to Azerbaijan or have his travel restricted. However, prosecutors kept Huseynli's Dutch passport to prevent his return to the Netherlands. On April 4, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Ukrainian authorities to "immediately" return Huseynli's Dutch passport. "Ukraine must not succumb to the demands of Azerbaijan's authoritarian regime, which is notorious for persecuting critics both at home and abroad," CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program coordinator Nina Ognianova said. A lawyer for Huseynli, Dmytro Mazurok, told RFE/RL that he had obtained his client's passport from Kyiv's Pechera district court on April 16. A court hearing had been scheduled on April 19 to hear a request lodged by his lawyer for the travel ban to be lifted. Britain's media watchdog is investigating whether Russian news channel RT broke impartiality rules in its programs after a former Russian double agent and his daughter were poisoned in the English city of Salisbury last month. Media regulator Ofcom warned on April 18 that TV Novosti, the company which produces RT, could lose its British broadcasting rights if it failed its "fit-and-proper" test. "Until recently, TV Novosti's overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters," Ofcom said in a statement on April 18. "However, since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programs on the RT service that warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. "Ofcom has today opened seven new investigations into the due impartiality of news and current-affairs programs on the RT news channel," the regulator said. It said it would consider "all relevant new evidence, including the outcome of these investigations and the future conduct of the licensee." Britain blames Russia for the March 4 poisoning of Sergei and Yulia Skripal with a nerve agent -- a charge that Moscow denies. Russia's Foreign Ministry has warned that British media outlets will be forced to close Russian operations if Britain expels RT, which used to be known as Russia Today. In a statement, RT said that the channel's "editorial approach has not changed since the events in Salisbury, and we will be directly addressing this matter with the regulator." "We are pleased to see that Ofcom has acknowledged RTs compliance record has been in line with other broadcasters," the statement said. Russia's Embassy in London said that "this targeted scrutiny, directed at one particular news organization and regarding one particular issue, amounts to pressure against this specific broadcaster." "This increased scrutiny is sure to affect press freedom in Britain," it added. With reporting by Reuters and AFP Former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. "A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92," the office of her now widower, former U.S. President George Bush, said in a statement. They were married for 73 years, and Mrs. Bush was one of only two U.S. first ladies who was also the mother of a president. The couple's son, George W. Bush, served two terms as U.S. president, from 2001 to 2009. Another of their sons, Jeb Bush, is a former Florida governor and onetime Republican presidential candidate. Mrs. Bush served as first lady from 1989 to 1993, embracing universal literacy as a focus of her time in the White House. She and her husband, who were married in 1945, had the longest marriage of any U.S. presidential couple in the history of the country. "I had the best job in America," she wrote of her time in the White House in a 1994 memoir. "Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun." Her popularity was often greater than that of her husband's, according to opinion polls. "I don't threaten anyone," she said. "That's because I'm everyone's grandma." A spokesman for the family had said on April 15 that the former first lady had opted to decline continuing medical treatment for health difficulties in favor of "comfort care" at home in Houston, Texas. She had recently been hospitalized with heart problems and had reportedly been previously treated for a thyroid condition. U.S. President Donald Trump and his wife, Melania, hailed the former first lady as an "advocate of the American family." "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection," Trump said. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well," they added. Other tributes poured in from former U.S. presidents and other dignitaries. Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama, and former first lady Michele Obama praised Mrs. Bush as "the rock of a family dedicated to public service" and called her "an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, called her a "remarkable woman" with "grit and grace, brains and beauty." "She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like," the Clintons said. Former President George W. Bush called his mother "a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions." "Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother," he said. The daughter of the publisher of McCall's magazine, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. She met her future husband at a party in Connecticut in 1941. The couple made one of their final public appearances by attending the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston. With reporting by AP, Reuters, and AFP President Hassan Rohani said Iran would make or buy any weapons needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers." He spoke during a military parade in Tehran on National Army Day on April 18. Rohani also assured countries in the region that Iran seeks good neighborly relations and poses no threat. Britain, France, and Germany reportedly have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syrias war. (AP) Iran has banned all government bodies from using foreign-based messaging apps, as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's office announced that his Telegram account would be shut down to protect national interests. Iranian news agencies did not give a reason for the government ban on April 18, and it was not clear whether it applied to civil servants outside working hours. The order comes days after a senior lawmaker said that the Telegram instant messaging app, thought to be used by an estimated 40 million users in the country, will be blocked by the end of April. Other officials have said that no decision has been made about restricting the app. The authorities temporarily shut down Telegram in January in an effort to contain antiestablishment protests across the country. Khamenei's office said that it would cease using Telegram "in line with safeguarding national interests and removing the monopoly" of the messaging app. It said that news and information about the supreme leader will be shared via three Iranian messengers. Khamenei also has a presence on Twitter and Facebook, which are blocked in Iran. President Hassan Rohani announced that he too was giving up Telegram. His account said the president's messages would continue through the "messaging applications of our country." First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri and Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qasemi also closed their Telegram accounts, the official IRNA news agency reported. In recent weeks, the authorities have been encouraging Iranians to join domestic alternatives to Telegram. Iran's move comes after a court in Russia last week ordered Telegram, set up by Russian entrepreneur Pavel Durov, to be blocked after the company refused to share its encryption data with the country's security services. With reporting by Reuters, AP, AFP, and ISNA Amnesty International has called on authorities in Kazakhstan to halt criminal proceedings against a pregnant woman accused of giving financial backing to an opposition political movement. The London-based rights watchdog said in a statement on April 18 that Aqmaral Tobylova was charged "merely for browsing" the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan's (DVK) website. Amnesty said that a Kazakh court on April 13 ruled that Tobylova be released on bail on medical grounds. However, the 28-year-old female graphic designer, who had been held under house arrest since mid-March, remains charged with financing an extremist organization. "There was nothing forbidden there. I was interested in their program because they promised good pensions and housing," Amnesty quoted Tobylova as telling the Kazakhstani International Bureau of Human Rights. Tobylova, a resident of Almaty, was detained on March 13, the day after a court declared the DVK movement to be an extremist organization, saying it "propagates the forcible change of Kazakhstan's constitutional order." DVK was established by Mukhtar Ablyazov, a fugitive critic of President Nursultan Nazarbaev. "Bloggers, activists, and members of the public continue to be subjected to police questioning and arrests for expressing support for the Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan opposition party," Amnesty International said. The group said the criminal proceedings against Tobylova and any others who have been charged under antiextremism legislation "simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights" should be stopped. It also urged Kazakhstan to amend what it called "vaguely worded provisions" in antiextremism legislation and ensure that they are not "misused to target political opponents and stifle dissent." Opponents and rights groups say President Nazarbaev, who has held power in Kazakhstan since before the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991, has taken systematic steps to suppress dissent and sideline potential opponents. MOSCOW -- A Moscow court has ordered Maria Alyokhina, a leading member of the punk protest band Pussy Riot, to perform 100 hours of community service for a protest against Russia's ban on the messaging app Telegram. The court issued the ruling on April 18, two days after Alyokhina and other activists threw paper airplanes of different colors at the headquarters of the Federal Security Service (FSB) on Moscow's Lubyanka Square. They were charged with violating regulations on public gatherings. Telegrams logo is a paper airplane. Alyokhina and 11 other activists were detained at the site. Some of the detained activists were later fined, while others were still awaiting hearings. Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor started blocking access to Telegram on April 16, following a court ruling against the popular messaging app last week. The move to block Telegram -- which has met with mixed success -- has deepened concerns that the government is seeking to close avenues for dissent as President Vladimir Putin heads into a new six-year term. Pussy Riot came to prominence in 2012, when Alyokhina and two other women were convicted of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred" for a stunt in which band members burst into Moscow's Christ the Savior Cathedral and sang a "punk prayer" against Putin, who was prime minister and was campaigning for his return to the presidency at the time. Alyokhina and bandmate Nadezhda Tolokonnikova were close to the end of their two-year prison sentences when they were freed in December 2013, under an amnesty they dismissed as a propaganda stunt to improve Putin's image ahead of the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. The head of the global chemical-weapons watchdog has rejected Russian claims that traces of a second nerve agent were discovered in the English city where a former Russian spy and his daughter were poisoned last month. Britain blames Russia for the March 4 poisoning of Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, in Salisbury, and says it was carried out by a Soviet-developed nerve agent known as Novichok. Moscow denies involvement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on April 14 said Moscow had received confidential information from a laboratory in Switzerland that analyzed samples from the site of the poisoning. He said the analysis indicated that samples contained the substance BZ. Citing a report from the lab dated March 27, Lavrov said the evidence suggested the nerve agent used could be in the arsenal of the United States, Britain, and other countries. He also said the Soviet Union and Russia had never developed the agent. OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu told a meeting of the agency on April 18 that a BZ precursor "was contained in the control sample prepared by the OPCW lab in accordance with the existing quality-control procedures." "It has nothing to do with the samples collected by the OPCW team in Salisbury," Uzumcu added. The British representative to the OPCW, Peter Wilson, told the gathering that London continued to believe evidence points to Russia's involvement in the attempted assassination. 'We believe that only Russia had the technical means, operational experience, and motive to target the Skripals," he said. In a summary of its report made public last week, The Hague-based OPCW said that its investigators had confirmed Britains analysis of the type of toxic chemical used in the poisoning, without naming the substance involved. With reporting by AP and Reuters This item is available in full to subscribers. Attention subscribers We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. If you are a digital subscriber with an active subscription, then you already have an account here. Just reset your password if you've not yet logged in to your account on this new site. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. A Croatian parliamentary delegation has cut short a visit to neighboring Serbia after nationalist politician Vojislav Seselj, recently convicted of war crimes by a United Nations court, stamped on the Croatian national flag and cursed the visitors. "At the entrance of the [Serbian] parliament Seselj...desecrated the Croatian flag and then, passing by members of the Croatian delegation, insulted them," read a statement by the Croatian delegation led by parliament speaker Gordan Jandrokovic. "Despite a very good start and determination to improve our ties, after this act against the dignity of the Republic of Croatia, we interrupted the visit," it added. Seselj threw the flag on the floor and stepped over it, according to a statement from Seselj's Serbian Radical Party. Serbian officials including Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic condemned the incident. "I unequivocally condemn Vojislav Seselj's conduct," Brnabic wrote on Twitter. "Attempting to tear a Croatian or anybody else's flag or state symbols and insulting members of official delegations visiting our country is not the behavior that represents Serbia, the values of the Serbian government, and the majority of our citizens," she added. Last week, a Hague-based panel of UN judges partially overturned Seselj's acquittal on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the Yugoslav wars in the 1990s. The Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals (MICT) in The Hague sentenced him to 10 years in prison but ruled that he has already served that time. Relations between the two countries have been strained since Croatia's declaration of independence from the former Yugoslavia in 1991, which set off a four-year conflict with rebel ethnic Serbs supported by Belgrade. With reporting by AFP and Reuters Four people have been hospitalized after a knife-wielding teenage student attacked his school in Russia's Bashkortostan region, officials and media reports say. Local media outlets cited students and teachers in the city of Sterlitamak as saying that a ninth-grader entered the school with a knife early in the morning on April 18 and stabbed a girl, who was wounded but jumped out a second-story window and survived. The attacker also wounded two other girls and a teacher and set a classroom on fire, media reports said. Regional Health Ministry spkeswoman Svetlana Kuskarbekova said that four people were hospitalized, and media reports said they included the suspected attacker. The leader of Bashkortostan, Rustem Khamitov, left the regional capital, Ufa, for Sterlitamak following the attack, his press secretary Fanur Yagafarov said. The Investigative Committee said on Telegram that investigators were on the scene and would determine whether to open a criminal case. The committee, Russia's main investigative agency, used Telegram despite an order issued on April 16 by state regulator Roskomnadzor to block the messaging app. The incident follows three attacks at Russian schools in January. Based on reporting by Meduza, ufa1.ru, TASS, and RIA Novosti The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is pushing back against a suggestion by President Donald Trump's chief economic adviser that she was confused over possible new sanctions targeting Russia. The comments by Nikki Haley on April 17 came just two days after she said in a television interview that new sanctions on Russia would be announced on April 16 over Moscow's backing of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The purported punitive measures, however, did not materialize, and the White House later walked back Haleys statement. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Washington was "considering additional sanctions on Russia, and a decision will be made in the near future." The Washington Post and Reuters cited unidentified sources, including a senior administration official, as saying Trump had delayed imposing the sanctions the same day as Haley's comments. Speaking to reporters on April 17, Trump's chief economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, said Haley "got ahead of the curve" and that "there might have been some momentary confusion." But Haley fired back, telling Fox News following Kudlow's remarks: "With all due respect, I don't get confused." Kudlow later called Haley to apologize, The New York Times reported. "She was certainly not confused," Kudlow was quoted as telling the newspaper in a telephone interview. "I was wrong to say that -- totally wrong." "As it turns out, she was basically following what she thought was policy. The policy was changed and she wasnt told about it, so she was in a box," Kudlow added, The New York Times reported. Trump has long advocated closer cooperation with Russia, while at the same time saying he has been tough on Moscow over its expansionism and interference in Ukraine, its alleged meddling in U.S. politics, and its support for Assad. Trump has maintained the sanctions against Russia put in place by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and has targeted Moscow with several more rounds of sanctions since he took office in January 2017. Some critics in Congress, however, have accused him of not going far enough to punish Russia. Moscow has repeatedly denounced U.S. and EU sanctions, calling them "unfriendly" and counterproductive. With reporting by Reuters, Fox News, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and CNN When Russia seized control of Crimea in 2014, its forces* took control of key military and government sites on the Ukrainian peninsula. They also targeted another institution -- the branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that is centered in Kyiv and not Moscow. The Russian forces singled out the churches, looting some, while calling their leaders "Nazis" and "rozkolniki," or "those who broke away," a reference to the church's split with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church -- Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). Today, leaders of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church -- Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP), as it is formally known, say the de facto authorities in Crimea are persecuting what is left of their church, pushing them to the brink of oblivion. "The Russian occupation authorities have done everything so that the religious atmosphere on the peninsula is similar to theirs [Russia]; that is, loyal and controllable," Archbishop Yevstratiy (Zorya), an official spokesman of the church, said in a recent interview with RFE/RL. Archbishop Klyment, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Kyiv Patriarchate in Crimea, told RFE/RL that eight churches and four priests were all that's left of their church on the Black Sea peninsula. Only those demonstrating fealty to Moscow enjoy religious freedom in Crimea, according to a leading Ukrainian-based human rights group. Others speak of a wider campaign. According to the U.S.-based democracy monitor Freedom House, the persecution of the church is just one element of the Kremlin's crackdown in Crimea on anything associated with Ukraine, while Human Rights Watch says the Russian authorities in Crimea have created a climate of fear and repression." For many Ukrainians, it is just one battle in the Kremlin's war against an independent Ukraine and comes as President Petro Poroshenko pushes to institutionalize the Ukrainian Orthodox Church's break with Moscow. "Ukraine is closer than ever before to establishing its own autocephalous local church," Poroshenko said on April 17 during a meeting with Ukrainian party leaders. Moscow-Friendly Church Favored The Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate is offered any and all aid by the local de facto authorities, according to Archbishop Yevstratiy. "Their priests were even honored for their role in the annexation of the peninsula," he adds. The new Crimean leaders have created bureaucratic roadblocks to filter out religious organizations suspect of disloyalty. After the annexation in 2014, they demanded all religious organizations and communities in Crimea reregister under Russian law, including a requirement to add in official papers that Crimea is part of Russia, according to the Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group (KHPG). "Our church did not recognize Crimea as Russia. We refuse to register according to their legislation," explains Archbishop Yevstratiy, adding that to do so would effectively legitimize Russia's occupation. Priests from the church have rejected Russian citizenship, prompting many to flee to other parts of Ukraine. All of this makes it impossible for the church to pay for communal charges, with this then being used to enable confiscation of the property, according to KHPG. Remaining Churches Targeted Archbishop Klyment says there are three cases against the church now under way in Crimea. "One regarding a church in Sevastopol; another against a church in the village of Perevalne; the third on the legality of the actions of court bailiffs, who on August 31, [2017] in fact, committed robbery on the administration of the diocese," he explains, referring to a police action on the Cathedral of Volodymyr and Olha, the church's main cathedral in Simferopol. Early on that fateful day, armed men, some masked, acting on orders from the Russian authorities who control Crimea, burst into the cathedral in a bid to seize control, injuring Archbishop Klyment in a scuffle when he tried to block them. They carted off icons, crosses, rugs, and other valuables. The action came after the Russia-installed courts in Crimea ruled in January 2017 that the church had to vacate the first floor of the cathedral and pay a million-ruble ($16,000) fine for failing to reregister with the new authorities. Symbol Of Ukrainian Identity Archbishop Yevstratiy says the church is being targeted by the Kremlin-installed authorities because it is a symbol of Ukrainian identity. "The Kyivan Patriarchate -- it is not just a religious community, but a bulwark of the Ukrainian community. It's for that reason that the UOC-KP is such a thorn in the side to the Kremlin, which is trying in every possible way to limit and evict us from Crimea," he explains. Freedom House says that "anything associated with Ukraine" is "now taboo" in occupied Crimea. "The Ukrainian language, the Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic churches, Ukrainian political parties, Ukrainian-language media, and virtually anything associated with Ukraine are now taboo in occupied Crimea, making it impossible for residents to enjoy a free social, cultural, and political life," it said in a 2017 report. "Not only is Ukrainian identity suppressed, but a Russian one is being supported in a far-reaching effort to Russify the peninsula," Freedom House concludes. Human Rights Watch says the Russian authorities "have severely curtailed human rights protections and created a climate of fear and repression in Crimea." "The space for free speech, freedom of association, and media in Crimea has shrunk dramatically, and majority of pro-Ukraine activists and media outlets have been forced out. Under international law, Russia as an occupying power bears responsibility for the surge of human rights abuses in Crimea," says Yulia Gorbunova, a researcher in Human Rights Watch's Europe and Central Asia division. Where Is Moscow Archbishop? Metropolitan Lazar under the Moscow Patriarchate in Crimea has largely refrained from commenting on the annexation, or the larger Ukraine-Russia conflict, Archbishop Yevstratiy explains. But Lazar has been praised more than once by the Kremlin-installed authorities on the peninsula, he continues, adding that Metropolitan Lazar has taken part in official events in Crimea. Moreover, Lazar is free to travel to the rest of Ukraine to meet metropolitans from all over the country. After the annexation of the peninsula, the Crimean dioceses of the UOC-MP did not formally become the "canonical territory" of the Russian Orthodox Church and remained under the Kyiv Metropolis. The seizure of Crimea as well as the Euromaidan revolt before it has widened a religious rupture that first emerged during the collapse of the Soviet Union, when Primate Filaret broke with the Russian Orthodox Church. He argued that an independent Ukraine deserved a national church truly independent of Moscow. During the 2014 protests that led to the ouster of pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych, the clergy of the Kyiv Patriarchate blessed the antigovernment protesters and helped to build barricades themselves. The Moscow Patriarchate remained above the fray, praying for reconciliation and urging dialogue. However, the split between the Moscow and Kyiv branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church never received the blessing of the international Orthodox community. Amid the ongoing conflict with Moscow, Poroshenko is making a fresh push for Bartholomew I, the head of the Pan-Orthodox Council, to recognize the UOC-KP as the sole, official, Orthodox church of Ukraine. "I as president have decided to ask the Ecumenical patriarch, his Holiness [Bartholomew] to grant the 'tomos' of a Ukrainian independent, more precisely, local autocephalous church," Poroshenko said at a meeting with parliamentary party leaders on April 17. Back in Crimea, despite the current hardships, Archbishop Yevstratiy and others of the church remain defiant and surprisingly upbeat. "We believe that each day brings us closer to the time when in Simferopol, Sevastopol, and other cities on Crimea it will be possible to pray in the Ukrainian language." *CORRECTION: This article has been amended to remove reference to "Russia-backed separatists" in Russia's takeover of Ukraine's Crimea region. Written by Tony Wesolowsky based on material from RFE/RL's Crimea Desk Business deals worth 7 billion yuan ($1.12 billion) were reached at the 2018 China (Ningbo) Cultural Industrial Fair (NBCIF) in Ningbo, Zhejiang province from April 13 to 16. More than 30 countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), along with over 30 major Chinese cities, displayed their most cutting-edge products in cultural and creative industries such as digital technology, creative design and cultural media. The fair had a total exhibition area of 53,000 square meters, and set up eight halls with different themes. In a hall featuring exhibits from BRI countries, 200 typical cultural products from Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam were on display for visitors. European countries such as the UK, Italy, Russia, and Switzerland presented 25 well-known local brands at the fair. Chinese cities pivotal to the BRI, such as Chongqing, Wuhan, Changsha, Nanjing, Dalian, Xiamen and Hong Kong, teamed up for the fair and presented their distinctive products with unique regional characteristics. The Palace Museum, one of China's most cherished cultural heritage sites, showcased 1,040 cultural and creative products at the fair. NBCIF is one of the three major cultural industry platforms developed by Zhejiang province. Since it started in 2016, the total value of cooperative projects reached at the event has exceeded 17.5 billion yuan and more than 3,000 cultural enterprises have been introduced to Ningbo via the platform. Visitors admire cultural and creative products at a British pavilion at the 2018 NBCIF in Ningbo, Zhejiang province on April 13. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] Listeria costaricensis is the official name given to the new bacterial species described by investigators from the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (TEC) and the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria at Institut Pasteur. Listeria is a bacterial genus comprising 18 species. Two of them are pathogenic to humans and animals, upon consumption of contaminated food. Listeria monocytogenes, the best characterized pathogenic species, can cause gastroenteritis, septicemia and central nervous system infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals, as well as fetal and neonatal infection. While the new species Listeria costaricensis is non-pathogenic, its characterization will nonetheless increase our understanding of the pathogenic potential of Listeria. "The discovery of Listeria costaricensis will allow comparisons with pathogenic Listeria species, in order to better understand the behavior and adaptations of these bacterial pathogens," explained TEC biotechnologist Kattia Nunez. Listeria costaricensis was isolated from water collected at an industrial drainage area in the Costa Rican province of Alajuela, after three years of sample collection and research. "In Costa Rica, there have been few studies on microbiological diversity. Our recent finding reflects the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils and suggests that this Central American country is a fertile environment for this type of research," added Javier Pizarro-Cerda, Research Director at the Institut Pasteur, who participated in the study and now heads the Yersinia Research Unit. For Marc Lecuit, head of Biology of Infection Unit at Institut Pasteur and French National Reference Center for Listeria (page in French), this collaboration illustrates the public health and scientific dimensions of the activities of the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria, which assists colleagues from around the world on the characterization of Listeria isolates. Listeria costaricensis has been registered in the microorganism collections of the Institut Pasteur in Paris and in the DSMZ, in Germany; its description was published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (30.01.2018, Vol. 68: 844-850). Following this discovery, the Institut Pasteur and TEC, who have been engaged in informal collaborations since 2013, signed a cooperation agreement to facilitate the continuation of collaborative work between the two institutions. In a new analysis of interviews conducted with children who have asthma, their caregivers and their clinicians, Johns Hopkins researchers found that there was significant lack of agreement about why the kids miss their needed daily anti-inflammatory medication. A report on the findings, published in the Journal of Asthma on Feb. 8, 2018, highlights the need for improved communication among patients, families and pediatric clinicians, according to Carolyn Arnold, a medical student at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the paper's first author. "Consistent use of daily anti-asthma drugs -- generally steroids delivered by inhaler -- is lifesaving and the best way to prevent recurrent exacerbations and costly hospitalizations," she adds. According to some estimates, Arnold says, up to 60 percent of children with chronic asthma do not get or take their prescribed daily regimen of anti-inflammatory medication, which works to control and prevent asthma by reducing inflammation, swelling and mucus production in the airways. Not taking the prescribed medication regularly can lead to worsened asthma and more frequent asthma exacerbations. Previous studies have pointed to reasons for medication nonadherence, Arnold notes, but few have examined as many perspectives for the same patient as this one. For the study, a Medicaid managed care organization identified 88 children with asthma ages 7 to 17 years old who received care at two hospital-affiliated pediatric clinics in Baltimore, Maryland. To be eligible for the study, the children had to have visited the emergency department for an asthma exacerbation between March 2013 and May 2014 and had a prescription for a daily inhaled corticosteroid. The research team mailed all eligible families an invitation to participate in the study and be interviewed either in person or via telephone, with the option to participate in either Spanish or English. A total of 50 child-caregiver pairs ultimately participated in the survey, and 34 of 50 corresponding clinicians participated. advertisement Each child and caregiver pair answered the same set of questions separately, with a simplified version available for children under 12 years old. A total of 26 clinicians, including 21 resident physicians, one fellow, two attending physicians and two nurse practitioners who treated the children, completed an online survey. The research team conducted all interviews within 12 months of the child's emergency department visit for asthma. Every participant was asked to rate the frequency with which he/she believed various barriers to medication use applied to the child on a five-point scale from never to always. The suggested barriers included: medication runs out, forgetfulness, don't think they need it, worry about taking med every day, don't want to admit they have asthma, too much of a pain, embarrassed and friends say not to take it. Children and caregivers each completed the Asthma Control Test, a five-question test used to determine how well asthma symptoms are controlled, and all members of the triad (child, caregiver and clinician) reported the estimated number of doses taken by the child in a typical week. Of the children, 40 percent were female and 90 percent had non-Hispanic black caregivers. The majority (68 percent) of these caregivers had a high school education or less. advertisement Asthma Control Test scores (ranges from five for poor asthma control to 25 for complete asthma control) reported by children and caregivers averaged 14 and 18, respectively. Although 58 percent of children and 48 percent of caregivers reported that the child missed only one to two doses of medication each week, pharmacy records based on fills of daily vs. rescue medications showed that 60 percent had less than ideal medication refill frequency. All groups cited forgetfulness (82 percent children, 80 percent caregivers and 100 percent clinicians) and medication running out (65 percent children, 44 percent caregivers and 94 percent clinicians) as top barriers to medication adherence. However, children were more likely than caregivers to report medications running out as a reason, and clinicians were more likely than both groups to report it as a reason. Clinicians were also more likely than children to cite "being a pain to take" as a reason and more likely than caregivers to cite forgetfulness as a reason. Some children acknowledged being embarrassed to take their medication. Care triads were least likely to agree on whether inconvenience was a reason for noncompliance, with only 21 percent of triads agreeing. Similarly, only 27 percent of triads agreed about whether the child being worried about taking a medication every day was a reason for nonadherence. In interviews, the researchers noticed that children rarely "blamed" anyone else for missing doses, but caregivers discussed the child's forgetfulness and distractions. Clinicians mentioned potential lack of caregiver supervision or too much responsibility given to young children as barriers to medication adherence. "Now that we know more about barriers to a child taking medication, we can take steps toward improving communication among all parties involved in a child's care and think of other ways to improve adherence," says Tina Cheng, M.D., M.P.H., co-director of Johns Hopkins Children's Center and an author on the paper. Cheng cautioned that surveys and self-reports are often weak ways of measuring medication adherence. But she said the findings point to opportunities for improving medication usage by focusing on augmenting supervision and education. Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) together with colleagues from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA have found a way to write and delete magnets in an alloy using a laser beam -- a surprising effect. The reversibility of the process opens up new possibilities in the fields of material processing, optical technology, and data storage. Researchers of the HZDR, an independent German research laboratory, studied an alloy of iron and aluminum. It is interesting as a prototype material because subtle changes to its atomic arrangement can completely transform its magnetic behavior. "The alloy possesses a highly ordered structure, with layers of iron atoms that are separated by aluminum atomic layers. When a laser beam destroys this order, the iron atoms are brought closer together and begin to behave like magnets," says HZDR physicist Rantej Bali. Bali and his team prepared a thin film of the alloy on top of transparent magnesia through which a laser beam was shone on the film. When they, together with researchers of the HZB, directed a well-focused laser beam with a pulse of 100 femtoseconds (a femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second) at the alloy, a ferromagnetic area was formed. Shooting laser pulses at the same area again -- this time at reduced laser intensity -- was then used to delete the magnet. With a single laser pulse at reduced intensity, about half of the previous level of magnetization was retained, and with a series of laser pulses, the magnetization disappeared altogether. These observations were made at the HZB-run Bessy II synchrotron using a microscope that deploys soft X-rays to study the magnetic contrast. Working with a team from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA the scientist were able to clarify what happens in the alloy during this process. The simulations of the American colleagues show that the ferromagnetic state is formed when the ultra-short laser pulse heats up the thin-film material to the extent that it melts, all the way from the surface to the magnesia interface. As the alloy cools down it enters a state known as a "supercooled liquid" wherein it remains molten, despite the temperature having dropped below the melting point. This state is reached because of a lack of nucleation sites -- microscopic locations where the atoms can begin to arrange into a lattice. As the atoms move around in the supercooled state in search for nucleation sites, the temperature continues to drop. Finally, the atoms in the supercooled state must form a solid lattice, and like in a game of musical chairs, the iron and aluminum atoms end up being trapped in random positions within the lattice. The process takes only a few nanoseconds and the random arrangement of atoms renders a magnet. The same laser, but with a reduced intensity, rearranges the atoms into a well ordered structure. The weaker laser shot melts only thin layers of the film, creating a molten pool sitting on the solid alloy. Within a nanosecond after melting, and as soon as the temperature drops below the melting point, the solid part of the film starts to regrow, and the atoms rapidly rearrange from the disordered liquid structure to the crystal lattice. With the lattice already formed and the temperature still being high enough, the atoms possess sufficient energy to diffuse through the lattice and separate into layers of iron and aluminum. PhD student Jonathan Ehrler summarizes: "To write magnetic areas, we have to melt the material from the surface down to the interface, while to delete it, we only need to melt a fraction of it." In further experiments, the scientists now want to investigate this process in other ordered alloys. They also want to explore the impact of a combination of several laser beams. Interference effects could be used to generate patterned magnetic materials over large areas. "The remarkably strong changes to the material property may well lead to some interesting applications," reckons Bali. Lasers are used for many different purposes in industry, for instance in material processing. This discovery may also open further avenues in optical and data storage technologies. Forensic handwriting specialists are often called on to testify in court about the origins of a few lines of writing, or to determine whether a specific person has written a sentence. Scientific and forensic institutions also increasingly ask these experts to state the likelihood that a specific handwriting feature will occur in handwriting in the general public. Following a new study, researchers are now advising courts to take a cautionary approach when using experience-based likelihood ratios as evidence. The research, led by Kristy Martire of the University of New South Wales in Australia, is published in Springer's Psychonomic Bulletin & Review. Martire and her colleagues set out to examine whether handwriting experts are better able to estimate the frequency of certain features in the handwriting of Americans than novices. To do so, they recruited eighteen court-practicing handwriting specialists (eight practicing in the US), and 77 people (36 from the US) with no previous training or experience in analysing handwriting. The non-US residents were from Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, South Africa or Germany. All participants were given samples to examine from a recently collected database of handwriting features that had not yet been released into the public domain. The samples came from a database funded by the US National Institute of Justice that is now being used to statistically estimate the frequency of handwriting features in a sample representative of the US adult population. Using this database, they were able to compare the performance of experts and novices, as well as US participants and people from other parts of the world. The researchers found that experts are marginally better than novices at estimating how often specific handwriting features occur in the writing of the general population, but they are not able to do so with complete accuracy. However, the estimations given by handwriting experts do reflect a level of knowledge and skill. Results showed that the US experts were better than their counterparts from other parts of the world at estimating the frequency of features in handwriting samples. "The overall error rate even for experts is large enough as to raise questions about whether their estimates can be sufficiently trustworthy for presentation in courts," notes Martire. "We suggest that a cautious approach should be taken before endorsing the use of experience-based likelihood ratios for forensic purposes in the future." The new technology has been developed jointly by teams headed by Prof Dr Georg Schmitz at the Chair for Medical Engineering at Ruhr-Universitat Bochum and by Prof Dr Fabian Kiessling at the Institute for Experimental Molecular Imaging at the University Hospital Aachen. They published their report in the journal Nature Communications from April 18, 2018. Monitoring microbubbles on their path through the body The new technology called "Motion Model Ultrasound Localization Microscopy" is based on contrast medium-enhanced ultrasound images. Microbubbles are administered to patients as contrast agents: gas bubbles no larger than one micrometre that travel through the body in the bloodstream. In ultrasound images, they appear as shapeless white blobs. "Once the centre of each of these blobs has been identified, it's possible to determine the location of individual bubbles," explains Georg Schmitz. Each bubble is given a name Using algorithms originally developed for radar technology, the research team successfully monitored the motion of individual microbubbles. "We are currently attempting to teach the computer something that our eyes are able to do: namely read movement in a sequence of images in which a dot appears in different locations," says Schmitz. To this end, the researchers gave each bubble a name. Thus, they were able to track their paths through the vascular system and count them in the process. Resolution much higher than mere image resolution Subsequently, fine vascular networks can be reconstructed based on the motion of the bubbles. The direction and speed of the blood flow can likewise be recorded. The resolution of the images is greatly enhanced: experts refer to the technique as super-resolution imaging. "In the publication, we demonstrated that the synthesis of morphological and functional parameters considerably facilitates the differentiation between tumour types," explains Fabian Kiessling. In the course of their project, they tested the technique in three model cases, including in human subjects. In collaboration with Prof Dr Elmar Stickeler from the Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics at the University Hospital Aachen, the researchers successfully identified how tumour vessels responded to chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Monitoring therapy effects "One reason why this is important is because new therapy approaches aim at manipulating the vascular system of tumours, in order to enhance the therapeutic effect by increasing the concentration of drugs in the tumours," says Fabian Kiessling. One of these approaches is so-called sonoporation. Here, tumours are treated with ultrasound in order to render the vascular walls more permeable to active substances. "The advantage of our approach is that it can be performed with conventional ultrasound scanners, which have a low frame frequency, with sometimes as few as 15 images per second," points out Georg Schmitz. The research teams have already filed an application for a follow-up project, in the course of which they intend to test the method in large-scale clinical studies. Washington D.C., April 18, 2018 - The Securities and Exchange Commission charged a Memphis, Tennessee-area businessman with stealing approximately $5.7 million from a Pennsylvania company's pension plan. According to the SEC's complaint filed in federal court in Memphis, Tennessee, on three separate occasions between March 2015 and February 2016, John S. Jumper stole millions of dollars from Snow Shoe Refractories, LLC's pension plan. Jumper allegedly forged documents, including fake Board of Directors resolutions, to steal the funds. Jumper allegedly used the stolen funds to capitalize other businesses he owned, to repay personal debts and, in one instance, to invest in another business that paid a significant fee to a broker-dealer that Jumper co-owned. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced parallel criminal charges against Jumper. The SEC's complaint charges Jumper with violating Sections 17(a)(1) and (2) of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and Rule 10b-5 thereunder. The SEC seeks disgorgement of ill-gotten gains plus interest, penalties and injunctive relief. The complaint also names Alluvion Securities, LLC, American Investments Fund II, LLC, Speedee Brakes, LLC, Thousand Hills Capital, LLC and Evertone Records, LLC as relief defendants for the purpose of recovering stolen pension funds allegedly in their possession. The SEC's investigation was conducted by Peter Diskin and Grant Mogan in the Atlanta Regional Office. The litigation is being led by Shawn Murnahan and Graham Loomis. The SEC appreciates the assistance of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The motorized scooters that have appeared in San Francisco over the last few weeks will need a permit to be parked on a sidewalk, under a law the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved Tuesday. The ordinance by Supervisor Aaron Peskin allows the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency to create rules for the stand-up vehicles. Im quite amazed at the brouhaha, Peskin said at Tuesdays board meeting, referring to City Halls recent skirmishes with the three scooter rental companies, LimeBike, Bird and Spin. The companies unceremoniously dropped their fleets on city streets last month so that riders could rent them for short trips, using an app. They quickly became part of the urban fabric as commuters piloted the slender devices along bike lanes and roadways, weaving around pedestrians on sidewalks. Some people praised them as an environmentally conscious alternative to gas-powered cars. Now Playing: San Francisco officials are ordering three companies that rent out motorized scooters to stop operating until they can ensure riders are following state law and the devices are not a hazard to the public. (April 17) Video: Associated Press But others recoiled, saying that the scooters were dangerous, cluttered the sidewalks and littered the landscape, and that the tech companies were unfairly using public roadways to run a business. Last week, the citys Department of Public Works impounded dozens of scooters in response to complaints that they were blocking sidewalks and building entrances, creating a hazard for pedestrians, especially for people in wheelchairs. On Monday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera sent cease-and-desist letters to the companies, calling their scooters a public nuisance. Peskin introduced his ordinance on March 6 after seeing the scooters descend on other cities, such as Santa Monica. In addition to imposing a permit system, it allows the Public Works department to clear out any scooters left on sidewalks without a permit. 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. Although the board unanimously supported the permit system, one supervisor noted a positive side to the scooter craze. Supervisor Jeff Sheehy, who was one of five co-sponsors of Peskins ordinance, said hed test-ridden one of the two-wheelers. He saw them as an interesting solution to traffic congestion in San Francisco if the right infrastructure were put in place. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan SunPower of San Jose reported Wednesday that it will buy SolarWorld Americas, a solar manufacturer in Oregon, in a sign of how the industry is reconfiguring itself to deal with the Trump administrations protectionist moves. SunPower will use SolarWorlds factory in Hillsboro, Ore., to build its own panels, while the facility continues to make SolarWorld products. Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close by the end of June, were not disclosed. When complete, the purchase will make SunPower the nations largest manufacturer of solar panels, according to the company. Its domestically produced equipment will escape the 30 percent tariff on imported panels President Trump announced in January. That fact carries no small amount of irony. SolarWorld Americas, a subsidiary of a German company, is one of two solar manufacturers that, for years, urged the federal government to impose tariffs on imported cells and panels. Their stance was fiercely opposed by most of the U.S. solar industry, including SunPower. Its better to swim with the current than against it, said SunPower CEO Tom Werner on Wednesday. The purchase comes at a time of great uncertainty in the solar industry. After years of rapid growth, the number of solar jobs nationwide dropped in 2017, and sales of new rooftop arrays fell in California, the nations largest solar market. Analysts attributed the fall to state-level regulatory changes, a particularly long and wet winter, and the decision by Tesla to stop door-to-door sales by its solar division, formerly known as SolarCity. The tariffs have injected another element of unpredictability. Werner spent Wednesday in Washington, D.C., where he had been meeting with federal officials, seeking a waiver from the tariffs. Its been super-clear that theyd like to see American solar manufacturing thrive again, Werner said. What were saying to the administration is, rather than pay tariffs, let us invest into U.S. manufacturing. Although SunPower operates a small, pilot manufacturing line in San Jose, the company makes most of its cells and panels in France, Malaysia, Mexico and the Philippines. Founded in the Bay Area in 1985, SunPower is now a subsidiary of French oil giant Total. American solar manufacturers were devastated in the late 2000s by a rising wave of cheap panels imported from China and other Asian countries. Many companies most famously, Fremonts Solyndra didnt survive. And yet the plunge in solar prices fueled the growth of other businesses, such as Sunrun in San Francisco, that focused on solar sales, leases and installation. They strongly opposed the push for tariffs by SolarWorld and Georgias Suniva. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Although it finally prevailed on tariffs, SolarWorld has suffered. Its German parent company, SolarWorld AG, declared insolvency last May, and while the American subsidiary vowed to stay in business, it laid off more than 300 employees in Oregon. Werner said SunPower plans to retrofit part of the Oregon plant this year and eventually expand it. The facility is capable of building enough panels per year to generate 500 megawatts of electricity but is currently producing about half of that, he said. Meanwhile, the two companies have established a team to integrate SolarWorlds 350 employees into SunPower. Our hundreds of longtime employees are excited to be part of this next chapter in SolarWorld Americas long history, said Jurgen Stein, CEO of SolarWorld Americas. We are thrilled about this acquisition as it means, quite simply, that our company can look forward to redoubled strength as it continues to innovate and expand into the future. SunPower has also struggled with the solar industrys brutally competitive market, losing $851 million in the last fiscal year on $1.87 billion of revenue. Werner said, however, that SunPower has turned the corner on its finances. The companys investors welcomed the deal, which was announced before the start of the trading day. SunPower stock jumped almost 12 percent, closing at $9.34 per share. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF The Trump administration has largely abandoned providing assistance to reform-seeking, local law enforcement agencies across the country, and the change has hurt cities like San Francisco. That was the crucial message coming out of a three-day conference last week hosted by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Northern California police chiefs, commanders, prosecutors and community activists gathered in Oakland last week to discuss police shootings, racial bias and other crucial and contentious issues in law enforcement. One theme that kept emerging was the progress that had begun on local police reform under the Obama-era Department of Justice and the difficulty of continuing that progress under the Trump administration. A case in point is San Francisco. Following a string of controversial police shootings, San Francisco leaders requested a Department of Justice review of the Police Departments practices in April 2016. The Department of Justice responded with 272 recommendations and, crucially, with the promise of support as San Francisco police implemented them. The Police Department was in the middle of implementing the recommendations when U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions abruptly lurched his Department of Justice in a different direction. Under Sessions, Justice has pulled resources out of collaborative reform programs, essentially telling local law enforcement agencies that theyre on their own. Sessions decision undercuts San Francisco police and other local law enforcement agencies that were depending on Justice Department support for reforms in at least two ways. One, by ripping resources away from police agencies attempting to reform their practices, the Justice Department is suggesting that its not invested in their success. Two, by refusing to provide independent guidance and support for local police agencies, the federal government is sending a message that reforms dont matter. Both of these messages are an insult to the men and women who work in law enforcement. The choice will have poor practical impacts, as well: communities that have agitated for reforms will be frustrated when those reforms are slowed, or even stopped. The San Francisco Police Department asked Californias attorney general, Xavier Becerra, to step in, and Becerra has agreed to do so. The decision ensures that our Police Department will continue making reforms, though at a slower pace. (Becerras office is new to the role, and city and state officials are still working out the specifics.) But even with the delays, San Francisco is in a fortunate position. The citys police leadership is invested in making necessary changes, and the leadership of this state is invested in police reform. Both of those elements are critical, because police reforms are difficult to implement and even harder to maintain. Other cities arent so lucky. Thats the real tragedy of this federal pullback: Reform-minded communities will see their efforts thwarted by those who should have protected them. 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. Californias money bail system is broken, unjust and unsafe. Reform is long overdue. It needlessly keeps too many people behind bars, weakening their connection to positive facets of their lives jobs, housing, treatment and family. Whats worse, money is a terrible proxy for dangerousness, and some individuals simply pose too great a public safety risk to be released. For this reason, I recently asked the California Supreme Court to weigh in to ensure we move away from money bail safely. Consider the fact that those who pose minimal risk to our community are often detained, such as the 32-year-old mechanic from Poughkeepsie, N.Y., who was arrested in October and charged with shoplifting a vacuum cleaner from a Target store. His bail was set at $5,000, despite the fact that he earns only about $10,000 a year. He was forced to sit in jail for months waiting for his case to be resolved. Then consider that those who pose a real risk to our communitys safety are often released because they are wealthy and can afford bail. Next month, a man in San Francisco will be back in court for allegedly trafficking, drugging and raping a 15-year-old girl. After his arrest, he posted bail of $250,000 and was released pending trial. While out on bail, this same man is alleged to have assaulted and robbed a transit operator in addition to carjacking a Muni bus full of people. He was re-arrested, and in spite of my offices efforts to keep him in custody, his bail was set at $143,000. Once more, the man posted bail. Whether its the wealthy person who poses a risk to our safety, or the poor person who is detained solely because they cant afford to get out, what these stories have in common is that both scenarios were made possible by a system of money bail that is as unjust as it is unsafe. The rich can be risky, and the poor can pose zero threat. Yet for well over a century, the criminal justice system has divided defendants into two classes: those who can afford pretrial release on bail and those who have no option but to remain in custody until their case is resolved. This is not only unfair, it does not make us safer. I have been working with our courts to move toward a system based on risk rather than wealth since 2011. In 2016, we implemented an algorithmic tool known as the Public Safety Assessment, which was created by a foundation using a database of more than 1.5 million cases drawn from more than 300 U.S. jurisdictions. The tool makes custody recommendations to the court based on more experience and case outcomes than any judge in history can claim. What sets the tool apart from money bail is that counties using this data science are making custody recommendations based on a statistically significant prediction of ones likelihood to re-offend before trial or fail to appear for their court date. What is similar to money bail, however, is that the tool will not be correct 100 percent of the time. Statistics suggest, however, that defendants released on money bail are about twice as likely to commit another crime pretrial compared to defendants released based on a recommendation from the tool. As a result, making these decisions based on risk rather than ability to pay is not only more equitable, its also yielding better results for our communitys safety. This is a pivotal moment: We must move away from the ineffective and unjust monetary bail system of the past, but we lack a blueprint for an alternative that meets Californias constitutional standards and protects both public safety and victims rights. A recent California appellate court decision, People vs. Humphrey, dealt with a slice of the problem but has left many unanswered questions about how to proceed. One of the effects of the Humphrey decision is confusion about the courts ability to preventively detain some individuals with no bail. In practice, it has eliminated the courts ability to rely on do not release recommendations made by the tool in all but the most violent cases. As a result, from individuals with multiple prior strike convictions to offenders facing serious gun cases, the courts lack clarity on when they can hold an individual without bail based on someones risk to public safety. We must clearly and carefully codify under which circumstances preventive detention is necessary. I was an early proponent of moving away from money bail, as I believe data-driven assessments enhance public safety by making custody decisions based on risk rather than financial status. San Francisco can develop an objective and effective pretrial release and supervision paradigm that emphasizes liberty, public safety and limits detention. I am hopeful that the state Supreme Court will weigh in with clear guidance on moving away from monetary bail and toward a risk-based system guided by public safety and fairness that all 58 counties can follow. George Gascon is the district attorney of San Francisco. After a six-hour meeting, the Alameda City Council on Monday voted to ask the district attorney to investigate the suspended city managers secret taping of two City Council members who she claims were trying to pressure her into hiring their preferred candidate for fire chief. The five-member council had been expected to fire Jill Keimach, the $250,000-a-year city manager who has been on paid leave since it was disclosed last month that she taped the two council members without their knowledge. After hearing from dozens of residents who supported Keimach, the council went into closed session and ultimately decided to punt the matter to the Alameda County district attorney for investigation. Meanwhile, Keimach who insisted the taping was done legally will stay on paid leave. Its up to (the D.A.s office) to decide what they are going to do with it, City Attorney Janet Kern told us Tuesday, saying any decision of criminality was beyond the citys scope to decide. Kern has found herself caught up in the town drama as well, with Keimach claiming that she had consulted with the city attorney before taping Vice Mayor Malia Vella and Councilman Jim Oddie. We agreed it was legal at the time, Keimach said. Kern called that a bald-faced lie. I felt very uncomfortable about the conversations, Kern said, and I felt like I was being set up. The City Council subsequently hired an outside attorney to investigate Keimachs claims of council misbehavior that she said amounted to bribery and threats. City officials said Tuesday they plan to release the contents of the investigators 80-page report early next month. The taped conversations, however, will not be included. As for Keimachs fate? Kern said regardless of the D.A.s investigation, the council plans to calendar another performance review next month that could decide whether she stays or goes. San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross U.S. Senate candidate Kevin de Leon likes to needle his opponent Sen. Dianne Feinstein for living in a mansion surrounded by a wall. But he welcomed the endorsement Wednesday of one of Feinsteins wealthy San Francisco neighbors, billionaire activist and former hedge fund manager Tom Steyer. Steyer and de Leon, a Democratic state senator from Los Angeles, have been described as political soul mates for their work together on climate change and other issues. I have known Sen. de Leon for years and have fought alongside him on immigrant rights, expanding health care, and climate change, Steyer said in a statement. Our work together on behalf of all Californians has assured me that he would be the champion of California's priorities and values. De Leon said he and Steyer have developed a friendship that was forged on the battlefield, including their alliance with former Secretary of State George Shultz on 2012s Proposition 39, which closed a corporate tax loophole to raise $1 billion for clean energy programs and public schools. Having Toms endorsement isnt about his money, de Leon said. Its about the work weve done together. And he doesnt equivocate on issues that matter. But Steyers endorsement will amount to little more than lip service unless it comes with the money and grassroots political support that de Leon desperately needs. Feinstein had $10.3 million cash on hand at the end of March, compared with de Leons $672,330, according to the latest campaign finance reports. Its not like Steyer is hard-pressed. He dropped $91 million on left-leaning causes and candidates in the 2016 campaign cycle and pledged to spend $30 million on registering 250,000 voters this year. And that doesnt include the $40 million he is spending on his campaign to impeach President Trump. So the question on everybodys mind especially the minds inside the de Leon campaign: Is Steyer going to direct cash at the challenger or lend grassroots support from his NextGenAmerica organization? Most likely personal donation, said NextGenAmerica spokeswoman Aleigha Cavalier, but no solid plans from NextGen yet. In Virginias gubernatorial election last year, NextGen spent $2 million for 60 paid staffers and 1,000 volunteers to flood 26 colleges in an effort to turn out young voters. The result: Democratic winner Ralph Northam received twice as many votes among people under 30 as Hillary Clinton did in the 2016 presidential election, exit polls indicated. Joe Garofoli is The San Francisco Chronicles senior political writer. Email: jgarofoli@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @joegarofoli Amy Osborne / Special To The Chronicle A new fundraising letter from EMILYs List, a nationwide group that works to elect Democratic women who favor abortion rights, calls for contributions to defeat 32 Republicans who voted for a national abortion ban. California is home to six of the 30 GOP House members on the hit list the other two lawmakers are Republican senators and EMILYs List points its donors at the pro-choice Democratic women it has endorsed to replace them. The magnificent coastal redwood and giant sequoia forests of California are a shadow of their former selves, but their future could be bright if public officials and private land preservationists commit to protect and restore the ancient ecosystems where the mammoth conifers thrive, an analysis of the states signature trees found. The report, released this week by the San Francisco nonprofit Save the Redwoods League, is the most detailed assessment yet of the state of the redwoods, which cover 1.6 million acres across the state, a reduction from 2.2 million acres due to decades of logging, development, road building and other human encroachment. The State of Redwoods Conservation Report outlines the biggest challenges facing coastal redwoods and their high-altitude cousins, the giant sequoias, including warming temperatures, increased fire danger, destruction of redwood habitat and wildlife, and the encroachment of roads, development, agriculture and illegal marijuana plantations. We are learning how critical these forests are, said Sam Hodder, president of the redwoods league, which prepared the report in celebration of the organizations 100-year anniversary. They are critical to our climate, to our identity; they inspire us with their beauty and power, and they are a critical resource for our future. The report offers a vision of the future, where young forests are protected, nourished and allowed to grow large like their ancestors. To do that, it says, the government would have to forge partnerships with conservation groups, property owners and local communities to decommission roads and make strategic land acquisitions. Money would need to be dedicated for science-based forest management, including limited and sustainable logging practices and interpretive and educational programs to inspire a shared sense of ownership of this extraordinary resource, the report said. The plan would include restoration of the vast forest ecosystem and the protection of the diverse array of plants and animals that depend on redwoods and sequoias. Tree biologists and geneticists would work with state and federal forestry professionals to identify healthy stands, reduce tree density and preserve the most genetically robust trees. The idea would be to create an ecological bridge between old-growth and second-growth stands and develop a passion among the entire populace for the growing forest and its remarkable carbon-capturing properties. Second-growth trees are those that have grown out of the logged old-growth redwoods, usually in a circle, called a fairy ring, around the stumps. Old-growth trees, which can live up to 3,000 years, once covered the Sierra Nevada and huge swaths of land along the California coast all the way to the Oregon border. Starting in the 1850s, loggers began cutting them down, including a massive stand in Oakland that researchers say might have contained the largest coast redwoods in the world. Paul Chinn / The Chronicle The report said 95 percent of Californias old-growth redwoods were wiped out in the 150 years after the California Gold Rush, leaving only 113,000 acres of the oldest and largest coast redwoods and some 32,000 acres of old- growth giant sequoias. It was a staggering loss, but coast redwoods are still the dominant tree over much of their original range, according to the report. Only about 600,000 acres of redwoods, about 27 percent, were paved over or converted to other human uses over the past 170 years, including, for example, large sections of Arcata in Humboldt County and Mill Valley and Larkspur in Marin County. That means 1.4 million acres of logged-over groves still exist between San Luis Obispo and Oregon. Giant sequoias, which generally grow at 5,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, have a much smaller footprint than coast redwoods, covering a total of 48,000 acres in the Sierra Nevada. About 16,000 acres have been logged in 24 of the 73 groves that exist on the western slopes of the Sierra. Although protection of old- growth trees has always been the focus of conservationists, Save the Redwoods League now sees the preservation of second-growth trees as a key for the future, but its not going to be easy. Second-growth trees, and some third-growth, make up 95 percent of the redwood acreage across the state. The report found that half of the remaining coast redwood trees are very young, with an average trunk diameter of just 8 inches. Nearly 40 percent of what remains is also bisected by roads, degraded by development, or fragmented by farming and agriculture. 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. They are packed together, said Emily Burns, director of science for Save the Redwoods League. Many of these forests are going to be slow to grow because of that tree density, and they might grow into forests that are not as rich in redwood trees as they used to be. North Coast redwood trees were used to rebuild San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake and fire, a time when the rampant clear-cutting of the ancient forests began to generate public alarm. Save the Redwoods League was founded in 1918 when it was becoming clear that Californias mammoth old-growth trees would soon be gone if nothing were done to protect them. Only 22 percent of the coast redwood ecosystem has been thoroughly protected from commercial logging, subdivision or other development, Burns said. Although most sequoias have been protected, 1,200 acres are still vulnerable, including the Alder Creek Grove, in the southern Sierra near Sequoia National Monument. Burns said sequoias and redwoods have proven to be resilient over the millennia, but much more care is needed over the next century if they are going to survive for another thousand years. Its pretty remarkable what theyve been able to withstand, and now its our turn to nurture whats around us, Burns said. While we cant re-create old growth in 100 years, we can grow a forest that will store a significant amount of carbon in the wood, yield better water quality and still be a beautiful forest to walk through. Generations from now, they will be the old growth of the future. Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite Next month, NASA will launch its first Mars-bound spacecraft from California with a mission well suited to the state: studying quakes. Officially called marsquakes, seismic motion on the Red Planet has never been observed. But NASA scientists are nearly certain its there. By harnessing their knowledge of Earths seismic activity, the scientists hope to monitor the anticipated shaking on Mars for two years and see what it reveals about the planets inner workings. Learning about Mars subsurface, the scientists say, will provide a clearer picture of Earths interior and perhaps uncover secrets about its early evolution. The main goal here is to better understand the Earth and how the Earth formed, said Bruce Banerdt, principal investigator of the mission InSight, which stands for Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations, Geodesy and Heat Transport. InSight is going to give us a lot of information. The InSight lander is scheduled to take off May 5 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara County. In a run-up to the launch, NASA scientists are visiting San Francisco this week to provide a preview at the Exploratorium of the nearly $1 billion mission. The exhibit, which runs Wednesday through Sunday, will feature several of the masterminds behind the project, as well as a mockup of the spacecraft and interactive displays about planetary research. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle The formation of the planets remains one of the great mysteries of the solar system. The Earth, Mars and other worlds are believed to have been molded from the same whirling clouds of gas, dust and heat some 4.5 billion years ago. But why they evolved so differently, and why Earth became the most hospitable for life, remain in question. Whats clear is that Mars, at half the size of Earth and one-tenth the mass, cooled more quickly, losing much of its internal churning. The scientists at NASA hope that the planets more static interior will serve as a time machine, providing insight into the formative years of the solid globes that orbit the sun. Mars retains a lot of the early fingerprints, said Banerdt, who works at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. We want to know how terrestrial planets go from balls of meteorite material into the complex structures we see today. The InSight lander will be carried to space by an Atlas rocket. It will make its 301 million-mile journey in a protective aeroshell before dropping through the thin Martian atmosphere with a parachute six months later. If all goes well, the lander will touch down in late November at a once-volcanic region of Mars called Elysium Planitia. The weather is expected to be cold, with temperatures as low as minus-148 degrees Fahrenheit. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle After arrival, the three-legged lander will unfurl its solar arrays to power up. Within the first few months, InSights robotic arm will place a heat probe and seismometer on the Martian surface, and the readings of the instruments will be transmitted back home. Because Mars has less seismic activity than Earth, NASA scientists expect to observe just 12 to 100 quakes over InSights two-year mission. The planets quick cooling had the effect of stunting development of plate tectonics, which are responsible for most of the tremors on Earth. While Mars may have some plates, most marsquakes are likely to result from cracking in the planets crust caused by residual pressure within or by crashing meteorites, scientists say. None are anticipated to measure more than magnitude 6.0. The quakes, however, are expected to be plenty sufficient for giving scientists a sense of the planets interior. Tracking how seismic waves pass through Mars various layers, from the crust to the mantle to the core, will reveal the depth of each area and what its made of. From there, scientists can begin to piece together the planets history. The mission isnt the first to do seismology in space. NASA sent seismometers to the moon with the Apollo flights and detected thousands of moonquakes. The Viking landers that visited Mars also had seismometers, but the devices were located on the top of the spacecrafts and ended up measuring only the wind. 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. Were learning more about Mars each time we go, said Robert Semper, executive associate director of the Exploratorium and a physicist who helps curate museum content like the coming NASA exhibit. Its the first time NASA is launching (to Mars) from the West Coast. Its a good California story. The opening date of the Exploratoriums InSight exhibit is not arbitrary. Wednesday marks the anniversary of the catastrophic 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Kurtis Alexander is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kalexander@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kurtisalexander Exploratoriums mission to Mars What: NASA scientists will join Exploratorium scientists to discuss the InSight mission and offer interactive displays on the project. Where: The Exploratoriums Phyllis C. Wattis Webcast Studio, Pier 15 at Embarcadero and Green Street, San Francisco. When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. An 18-and-over After Dark program is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday. Admission: Daytime general admission to the Exploratorium is $29.95. The cost to seniors, people with disabilities, teachers, students and youth ages 13 to 17 is $24.95. For children 4 to 12, its $19.95. Children under 3 are admitted free. Thursdays evening program is $19.95 at the door or $17.95 online. More information: https://www.exploratorium.edu/ Jessica Hough was in a Los Angeles alley studying a mural on a decaying downtown wall when she heard a womans voice greet her from over the fence. Can I help you? said the voice. Turns out Hough could use the help, because as director of exhibitions for the California Historical Society, she was working on a new show, and the woman over the fence was the mother of Willie Herron III, who had painted The Wall That Cracked Open in 1972. That image now makes its Northern California debut in Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicana/o Murals Under Siege, in the historical societys main gallery on Mission Street in San Francisco. It is one of Los Angeles most important works of art, said Hough, noting that Herron started painting it as a tribute to his older brother who had been stabbed the day before. L.A. murals are being lost at an alarming rate, and were trying to resurrect them. When Hough began her historical research two years ago on a grant from the Getty Foundation, she identified eight crucial Los Angeles murals. Five of them were already gone, either painted over or the buildings bulldozed. Even The Wall That Cracked Open, the most famous of the murals, had been whitewashed over before Herron went out and peeled off the whitewash to restore it. It remains on the wall but is brought to life in the gallery by photographs of him painting it and at various stages, including when it was tagged with graffiti, which the artist endorses. The caveat: The exhibition has no actual murals. There are photographs, drawings, reproductions, a hardcover catalog and video interviews with the artists showing on monitors in the gallery. One mural, Barbara Carrascos L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, is reproduced. The project is a partnership of the California Historical Society and La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, a Mexican history museum in Los Angeles. Neither it nor any other institution collects Chicano murals. Hough and two other curators had to start at the beginning to search out the muralists, who mostly did their work in the 1970s, when there were plenty of vacant walls around, often on vacant buildings. Herron was easy to find, even without the help of his mother. He fronts the Chicano punk band Los Illegals. Another muralist had died, and it took some sleuthing to find traces of his street art. And Carrascos L.A. History: A Mexican Perspective, which had been displayed at Los Angeles Union Station in 1990, was discovered in storage. We knew we had to bring that back, says Hough of Carrascos work. The mural, 80 feet long and 20 feet high, was returned to its original location for three weeks in October. Some 8,000 people came to see the mural before it was transferred to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, where it went on display March 9. That was one victory for Hough and her team, but its temporary the mural will be up for only a year. It is tough enough to keep the murals alive let alone find a permanent wall that is 80 feet long and in need of decorating, she notes. The loss of these murals is the loss of evidence of the communities that lived there, says Hough. Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicana/o Murals Under Siege can be viewed through Sept. 16. Sam Whiting is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com Instagram: @sfchronicle_art Murales Rebeldes! L.A. Chicana/o Murals under Siege: April 21. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday through Sept. 16. California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., S.F. (415) 357-1848. https://californiahistoricalsociety.org Mark Canha, center fielder? Well, maybe not on an everyday basis, but then again, on Tuesday night, Canha is making his third start in a row in the spot. Usually a corner outfielder and first baseman, Canha prepared for center-field duties by taking more balls off the bat there during batting practice, but he reiterated what he said Monday after making two super plays in center, that center is actually the easiest place to get reads on flyballs. And while Canha might not profile as the sort of speedy player most often associated with center, he said, Its just a little more ground. I think I can run a little bit better than people think I can. Manager Bob Melvin said that its not a must for Canha to play center, but it certainly provides another option when hes hitting well. Its not imperative he needs to play center field, its finding a spot for him when hes swinging the bat, Melvin said. And if he can play center field like he did (Monday) night - thats the best game weve ever seen him have in center field - it will add to him having some confidence in center, a position he hasnt played near as much as right, left or first. When hes swinging the bat well, were trying to find a way to get him in the lineup and right now thats center field. The As typically would use Canha, a right-handed hitter, in a platoon role, but the team currently has no left-handed hitting center fielder, with Boog Powell on the DL with a sprained knee and Dustin Fowler getting at-bats at Triple-A Nashville with an eye toward being the primary center fielder at some point in the next month or two. That meant Canha, who is from San Jose and went to Cal, was in center for the As free game Tuesday. Its awesome to be a part of it. First time in history, Im part of that, thats pretty cool, he said. Im just looking forward to taking it all in. Susan Slusser is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sslusser@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @susanslusser On Tuesday evening, Dave Rubin spoke at a Bay Area event centered on the question: "Why is Berkeley a sanctuary for illegals but not conservatives?" Later that night, the YouTube talk show host, known for his right-of-center viewpoints, says his car was pillaged. The break-in occurred outside a Chase bank in San Francisco, just hours after Rubin participated in a "Build a Wall Around Cal" discussion hosted by Berkeley College Republicans in Berkeley. Around 10 p.m. Tuesday night, Rubin tweeted a photo of an SUV with a smashed rear window to his 358,000 followers. He said the alleged thieves stole a backpack containing clothing, headphones, a phone charger and his "comedy notebook," according to a series of follow-up tweets. RELATED: International gamers in SF for convention 'shell shocked' by 'dangerous city' "Not happy with you, San Francisco!" he wrote. "Now there's some douchbag walking around San Francisco wearing my underwear and sunglasses and telling my jokes." Rubin could not be reached for comment. The former "Young Turks" personality hosts and produces "The Rubin Report," a YouTube political talk show about "big ideas and free speech," according to its website description. Political correctness, religion and mass media frequently come under fire on Rubin's hour-long web program, which has hosted the likes of Larry King and Roseanne Barr. San Francisco's car break-in issues transcend bipartisan bickering. In San Francisco, smash-and-grabs occur at an average rate of three per hour. Despite increased police enforcement efforts,"larceny thefts from vehicles" spiked 26 percent between 2016 and 2017. RELATED: Engagement ring stolen at Oakland In-N-Out just before tourist was about to propose Some parts of the city are disproportionately affected, including the Mission, Western Addition, Marina and Pacific Heights districts, all of which saw a jump in break-ins over the last year. Rubin spun his unsavory San Francisco experience into a political jab at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom in a Wednesday tweet. Rubin fired back after Newsom tweeted about the California "revolution" against Trump's "ridiculous & xenophobic policies." "Yes, a revolution of high taxes and cars being broken into and property being stolen like happened to me last night in your fair city of San Francisco," Rubin wrote. "Is that your plan as governor?" Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf. Ernest Beyl, an old-style North Beach man-about-town and author, died of an apparent heart attack last Thursday, one day after his 90th birthday and the publication of his new book. Beyl was the guest of honor at a big party at Original Joes, his favorite San Francisco restaurant, the day before his death and seemed in excellent spirits and health as nearly a hundred of his friends praised his work, his personality and his ability to represent the life and times of his North Beach neighborhood. He died in the glow of a glorious book launch and birthday celebration, said John Briscoe, an attorney and old friend. He surely felt the towns love for him that night. Beyl was a former Marine turned newspaper reporter, turned public relations executive, freelance writer and world traveler. He had just published Stops Along the Royal Road, a memoir of 70 years worth of travel adventures. It was his third book, and Beyl had planned a fourth. Im an optimistic guy, he told Geri Koeppel on the local news website Hoodline in an interview posted a few days before he died. Beyls career was varied, to say the least. He had been a press agent for movie stars, drank with Ernest Hemingway, climbed mountains, watched bullfights and hung out with jazz greats, but his favorite pastime was telling stories. One of his favorites was how, after an afternoon at a Puerto Vallarta bistro, he walked Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor home to their villa just up the hill. When it came time to say good night, Taylor the most beautiful woman in the world, Beyl called her gave him two kisses. Beyl loved this story and told it often. In a saloon in San Franciscos North Beach or in Timbuktu, Ernie Beyl is the person you want to find on the barstool next to you, wrote Fred Lyon, the noted San Francisco photographer. Lyon was at Beyls party last week and must have sensed something. This is great, Lyon said at the party, but we are all passing away. Ernest Beyl was born in Fresno on April 11, 1928. His father, an immigrant from the Alsatian region of France, was a chef, and he moved the family from Fresno to San Francisco when his son was less than a year old. The Beyls later settled in Oakland, where Ernest went to high school. In 1947, when he was 19, he joined the Marine Corps, hoping to see the world. He served in China and Japan, and developed a lifelong interest in Asia. After his discharge, he attended San Jose State College, as it was called at the time, and Stanford University. The day after his graduation from Stanford, he went to work for The Chronicle as a copyboy. Promoted to reporter after six months, he wrote about dogs, fires, civic meetings and crimes the usual fare for a junior reporter. Golden years for me, he said later. He then went to work for Colliers magazine and, when that closed, signed on as a Hollywood press agent. He represented movie stars. He later worked for Cathay Pacific Airways in Hong Kong, for the P&O cruise line, and for various posh Asian hotels. He opened his own business in San Francisco and represented clients as diverse as the Monterey Jazz Festival and Trader Vics restaurant. As Beyl got older, he never really retired. Instead, he became a regular at North Beach restaurants and walked everywhere. The champion flaneur of North Beach, the writer Herb Gold called him. Beyl began a column in the Marina Times newspaper and wrote books. He dined out nearly every day, and awarded Ernestos to restaurants he liked. He retained a sense that the best was yet to come. I hope you agree Im getting younger all the time, he wrote in his last Marina Times column. Beyl is survived by his wife, Joan Lawson Beyl, of San Francisco; a son, Jeff Beyl of Seattle; and a daughter, Laurel Beyl of San Francisco; six grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. A memorial is being planned. Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnoltesf This story originally appeared on KSBW. SALINAS, Calif. A Monterey County Sheriff's deputy who is running to become the county's next sheriff was blasted by a sheriff's commander Tuesday at a news conference with accusations of embezzling money for his campaign. Deputy Scott Davis is the only challenger attempting to oust Sheriff Steve Bernal in the upcoming June election. Davis is the former union president of the Deputy Sheriff's Association and a current Salinas City Council member. On Tuesday, Cmdr. Joe Moses accused Davis and current DSA president Dan Mitchell of fiscal mismanagement, embezzlement, fraud, and campaign money laundering from the DSA. "What we uncovered in our limited investigation shows over $31,000 of membership dues (were) laundered into Scott Davis' campaign fund to pay his campaign manager, Christian Schnieder of Pivotal Campaign Services," Moses said. "In addition, there are several questionable donations and reimbursements made on behalf of Scott Davis out of the DSA coffers," Moses said. Davis fired back during a Facebook Live interview with KSBW. When asked if the accusations were true, he said, "No, absolutely not." Bernal and Sheriff's Office spokesperson Cmdr. John Thornburg did not attend the news conference. Bernal issued a prepared statement to KSBW Tuesday afternoon: "This is strictly a DSA matter between the individual bargaining units inside the DSA. We are concerned with the alleged allegations and will await the outcome of any investigation that may come as a result. I am not a member of the DSA and have no input in there activities." Campaign signs have popped up across Monterey County as Bernal and Davis prepare to face-off in June. With only two candidates, and a majority vote needed to win, the election will not stretch into November. Following Tuesday's news conference, Davis challenged Bernal to a public debate. "I'm very proud of the fact that I'm stepping up. I'm excited to see this through to June 5th," Davis said. Davis was endorsed for the 2018 sheriff's race by the union from which he is now accused of embezzling money. Bernal was elected as sheriff in 2014 after winning an upset victory over then-sheriff Scott Miller. Davis was president of the DSA in 2014 when the union endorsed Bernal. Davis' Facebook campaign page recently posted a KSBW news story headlined, "Monterey County facing staffing cuts amid $36 million deficit." The Facebook post criticized Bernal's money management skills, claiming that he had the "largest budget in the history of the office, but projected $4.5-$8M over budget this fiscal year. There are more Sergeants, Commanders, and Captains than deputies on the street." Moses said Davis and Mitchell concealed the DSA's financial records after Moses began inquiring about how money was being spent. According to Moses, one red flag happened in 2016, when Mitchell entered a five-year lease for a DSA office in Oldtown Salinas. "Several members began questioning how the Board President could unilaterally enter into such an expensive lease and had asked Mr. Mitchell to provide an accounting of DSA's income and expenditures. No such report was produced. In fact, no such report had been provided in several years," Moses said. Moses said he was ousted from his seat on the DSA board for prodding into financial records, and the C-Unit, which represents the Sheriff's Office's high ranking commanders and captains, was completely removed from the union last week. "Membership voted to immediately remove the C-Unit from the DSA. At this point, we are no longer active members of the DSA and have no ability to question the DSA Board regarding the financial improprieties we have uncovered," Moses said. The C-Unit filed a complaint to the California Fair Political Practices Commission. When an Oakland City Council meeting devolved into chaos Tuesday, with protesters storming the dais and commandeering the chambers to hold their own Peoples Council meeting, many city officials were caught flat-footed, waiting for someone to take charge. It never happened. The disruption began during the mayors 5 p.m. budget presentation to the council. A crowd surged into the building, waving signs and bellowing chants to denounce a controversial proposal on the councils agenda that night, to sell a piece of public land abutting Lake Merritt to housing developer UrbanCore, so it can build a market-rate apartment tower. When the mayors presentation concluded and council President Lynette Gibson McElhaney called the official council meeting to order, protesters rushed toward the well of the chambers. Some were armed with yoga mats that concealed tubes designed to link their arms together. Others carried bullhorns. Many carried signs championing various causes, including affordable housing and police accountability. McElhaney tried to call for order, but was drowned out by protest chants and clapping. She and several other council members decamped to a back room. The peoples council was called into session. For roughly 20 minutes, the demonstrators commandeered airtime on the councils official TV broadcast, until McElhaney called the meeting to recess. Roughly a dozen Oakland police officers were inside patrolling the chambers during the takeover, among them Police Chief Sean Whent. Another dozen or so uniformed officers were stationed outside the chambers, along with regular City Hall security guards. Organizers had set up a legal hotline, and jail support services, with the expectation that their actions that night would get them arrested. Folks definitely counted that as a possibility, said Michael Jones, an organizer with the group Black.Seed, which started the demonstration in conjunction with the group Asians4BlackLives. Both have been outspoken on gentrification and livability issues in Oakland, as well as what Jones calls state-sanctioned violence against black people. But that night, the police did nothing. The person chairing the meeting has a responsibility to request that the police remove these individuals, said Councilman Noel Gallo, who dealt with similarly unruly behavior when he chaired the councils public safety committee in 2013. Gallo said he has asked the police on prior occasions to remove hecklers from public meetings. Pat Kernighan, who was council president from 2013 through 2014, said she once asked police to clear the room during a raucous meeting. The council then resumed its meeting without members of the public. Police do not like to wade into a crowd and take a person out if the whole crowd is being wild and crazy, Kernighan said. While its easy to handle a lone heckler, she added, a big angry mob can get dangerous. McElhaney, who declined to comment for this article, did not ask for police assistance Tuesday. Gallo found the protest unsettling, both for the city administration and for the other Oakland residents who were waiting to speak. There were other taxpayers who were sitting there, waiting to be recognized, he said. And then this group pops in and takes over the meeting, and they all went home upset. Among those jilted taxpayers were small businesses that the council members had nominated for a special commendation because of their commitment to Oakland. Also among them were activists who had shown up to speak on items at the meeting, but who had no idea that a protest was going to take place. Im not going to lie, we were frustrated, said Rashidah Grinage, coordinator of the Coalition for Police Accountability. Grinage added that although she agreed with the protesters sentiments, she wished theyd told her of their plans ahead of time. Shed helped amass a number of people to speak on an agenda item about the Citizens Police Review Board, which the protesters claimed to support except they prevented the council from voting on it. Councilman Dan Kalb, who has been a leader on affordable-housing issues and said he also sympathizes with protesters causes, was nonetheless irritated and perplexed by their tactics. He said the council considered various recourses during their recess, including holding the meeting downstairs and stationing police officers at the doors to prevent the demonstrators from infiltrating. Kalb said McElhaney tried to defuse the situation by talking to someone who appeared to be a protest organizer, and attempting to strike a compromise about how long the peoples council would have the stage. Ultimately, the council members abandoned their option to reconvene. At 8 p.m. Gallo, who was still sitting at the dais, made a motion to adjourn. Councilwoman Desley Brooks seconded. At that point, Gallo said, McElhaney was nowhere to be found. I was waiting for the chair of the meeting to take control and give us some direction, Gallo said, adding that hes seen brash disruptions of council meetings before, particularly during the Occupy movement of 2012. Kalb said he hadnt seen anything this rowdy in his two years of service. Gallo is drafting a new proposal for tighter rules at council meetings, including shuttering side entrances to the chambers, and security checkpoints at the doors. What concerned me the most was those devices they put around their arms, Gallo said, noting that a less-peaceful group could have easily rolled weapons into the mats, and no one would have stopped them. Kalb only hopes these protests wont become Oaklands new normal. What you dont want is something like this happening on a regular basis, he said. Thats unacceptable. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twiiter: @rachelswan Sirens broke the silence at exactly 5:12 a.m. Wednesday morning, just as they did 112 years ago when the great earthquake and fire throttled San Francisco. Standing at the base of Lottas Fountain, mayors old and new joined top-ranking police and fire officials, history buffs and curious San Franciscans to remember the 1906 quake. Mayor Mark Farrell spoke, along with Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White and Police Chief Bill Scott, and perpetual attendee and former Mayor Willie Brown took center stage while sporting a dapper long red coat. Freshly released renovation plans for the Stow Lake Boathouse in Golden Gate Park will keep many of the historic features of the Alpine Chalet-style building intact while adding a modern commercial kitchen and bathroom and bringing it up to current fire, health, building and disability access codes. "Everything that was promised is being delivered," said Nick Kinsey, acting director of property management and concessions for the Recreation and Park Department, which owns the lakeside property. The boathouse, built in 1946, has been in a slow state of decay. The most noticeable change will be to the former boat-repair shop, which will be transformed into a sit-down cafe. But the room will retain the beam once used to hoist boats, wide-plank flooring, open rafters and rustic interior walls, according to the plan by the Recreation and Park Department. In addition to the new cafe, the former office will be turned into a lounge area, which also can double as a community meeting space. The design proposal is scheduled to go before the Recreation and Park Commission's capital committee on Wednesday for consideration, and, if approved, will land before the full commission for an up or down vote on Feb. 16. Ortega Family Enterprises, a New Mexico outfit that was awarded the Stow Lake boat rental and food concession last year, is on the hook financially to upgrade the city-owned property. Initial estimates put the price of renovations around $233,000. If all goes according to schedule and the permit process goes smoothly, the revamp would be done by Memorial Day weekend. - Rachel Gordon Olague replacement: The empty seat on the Planning Commission may soon be filled by Cindy Wu, a planner with the Chinatown Community Development Center. Board of Supervisors President David Chiu will nominate Wu to replace Christina Olague, who recently stepped down from her position as commission president to become District Five's supervisor. Wu is a community planning manager at the increasingly powerful neighborhood organization with ties to Mayor Ed Lee and power-broker Rose Pak. The center has strongly advocated for the Central Subway, which will connect Chinatown with the rest of the city. Chiu is running for re-election this year in District Three, which includes Chinatown. Wu has spent more than four years in her job, where she did outreach for the Central Subway and oversaw various Chinatown planning projects. "I'm proud to bring a person of color's point of view and a female point of view and continue that from Christina," she told The Chronicle. Wu holds a master's degree in city planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a bachelor's degree in architecture from UC Berkeley. After the Rules Committee considers Wu's nomination next week, the Board of Supervisors will confirm or deny her. - Stephanie Lee Airport relaxation: Passengers flying out of San Francisco International Airport no longer need to wait until they cram themselves into an airline seat to tie their bodies in knots. Now they can visit the airport's new Yoga Room - believed to be the only one of its kind in the world - in the groovy new (well, recently remodeled) Terminal 2. The dimly lit, 150-square-foot room has a hardwood floor and blue walls and ceiling, with one mirrored wall. Chairs and yoga mats are provided. Airport Director John Martin said the Yoga Room is intended to provide fliers a place to relax pre-flight - besides the airport bar. The Yoga Room does have some basic rules. It's reserved for yoga only, and requires users to remove their shoes, turn off their cell phones and remain silent. It's located just past security, so it's for ticketed passengers only. So, no yoga while waiting for Aunt Martha's delayed flight from Topeka. Travelers seeking the tranquillity of the Yoga Room can follow airport signs bearing the symbol of a person in the lotus position. - Michael Cabanatuan People are already mad about parking tickets in San Francisco. And now there's this: A persistent scammer named Fofana Mbemba has been prowling the self-service parking lots along the Embarcadero, pretending to be a parking attendant. He takes money - often from tourists - and hands them a fake tag. When they return, there's a parking ticket on the windshield. "The guy had blue pants and a white shirt with an insignia on it," said former Mayor Art Agnos, one of the victims. "He says, 'That will be $10, sir,' and when I come back, there's another attendant putting a ticket on my car. Mbemba was arrested Monday for the hustle, but this isn't the first time. He's been such a problem that Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi introduced an ordinance urging the police, district attorney's office and port to coordinate efforts, mentioning Mbemba by name, saying he "has been arrested at least 14 times for similar crimes and has been convicted and sent to state prison, yet repeatedly has returned to the waterfront to engage in more scams." On Monday, Mbemba was spotted by Rip Malloy, who is the Port of San Francisco's property manager for Fisherman's Wharf and has had several run-ins with him. Malloy called the cops, but when Mbemba made a run for it, Malloy tried to restrain him. "I got him in the Malloy death grip," said Malloy. "A couple of good-ol'-boy tourists said, 'You want some help there?' I said, 'Hell yeah, jump in any time.' " With assistance, the arrest was made with only minimal damage. "I lost one of the tassels on my Cole Haan's," Malloy lamented. The Tenderloin is hot. First it is a burgeoning hotbed for gritty, trendy shops and now it is a backdrop for a photography project called "200 Yards." Genevieve Robertson of Lightbox SF says the idea is to mark out a 200-yard radius on a city map and challenge photographers to create "photographs, portraits and street action shots," within the space. This is the fifth 200-yard show in different parts of the city, but Robertson says the Tenderloin has attracted the most photographers, with more than 150 submissions. The job now is to cull that down to the 25 photographs that will be displayed at Cafe Royale on Post Street, beginning Aug. 4. "In the Mission show, we got photos of graffiti and old signs," she said. "In the Tenderloin, it seems to be more broken glass and fire escapes." And in the Marina, it is salted caramel cupcakes and yoga mats. Annals of crime: Portrait of a marriage in four sentences. From the Taraval Station report - "Officers responded on a report of domestic violence. Upon arrival they met a man who had an injury to his eye. He said his wife hit him. The wife said that she hit him so she could see some emotion in him." Every Wednesday morning, SFGATE finds the biggest headlines in local (and sometimes national) beer. Check back here weekly for news, events, and information about special releases from your favorite local breweries. SFGATE has launched a beer newsletter! Called the Taploid, it will contain some key stories from this column, as well as other, more nationally-spanning industry news. To sign up, head here, enter your email at the top, and check the box marked "Taploid." The annual Brewbies Fest, an expertly-curated craft beer fest benefitting the Keep A Breast Foundation (which battles breast cancer), is returning again to Faction Brewing in Alameda this Saturday, April 21. This year the fest welcomes beloved and buzzy breweries like Chapman Crafted, Humble Sea, Sierra Nevada, Beachwood Blendery, Noble Ale Works, Altamont and more. Tickets are still on sale at the official website. The long-awaited new Napa taproom in the works from Stone finally has an opening date: Sunday, May 6, 2018. The event is accompanied by a party at the brewery (at 930 3rd Street in Napa), with "delicious food, live music and amazing craft beers including special creations brewed exclusively for our Northern California fans." More details here. Oakland's Original Pattern is celebrating their 4th Street grand opening with big festive Pattern Fest on Saturday, April 21. The ticketed event will include some swag for event-goers, music, food, and obviously, beer. Get more info on the event at the Facebook event page. Mad Fritz, a brewery in the Napa Valley that's known for doing some of its own malting, is preparing to open a new taproom off St. Helena's Main Street later this month, per the Napa Valley Register. Stay tuned to their site for more details. Bruehol, which was recently named one of the fastest-growing craft breweries by the Brewers Association, is toasting to its one-year anniversary on Saturday, April 21 with a party. Head to their Benicia brewhouse for barbecue, music, and their trademark traditional German lagers and pilsners. Also celebrating a milestone is San Francisco's Laughing Monk, which is celebrating its second birthday on Saturday, April 21. The event comes with special releases of Second Gospel, a golden strong brewed with chocolate and vanilla (available for onsite and take-home), and Hopping Nun, a "spicy, hoppy saison." Visit the Bayview brewery beginning at 12 p.m. for the new brews and for music and food trucks. Germany's Weihenstephan, usually regarded as the oldest brewery in the world after its 1040 founding, is coming to San Francisco's Royal Exchange (301 Sacramento Street) on Tuesday, April 24. Their head brewmaster Tobias Zollo will be in attendance at the event, wherein they will celebrate a collaboration with Sierra Nevada called Braupakt. Braupakt, a German Hefeweizen, will be poured, accompanied by spatzle and sliders beginning at 6 p.m. A Martinez revitalization nonprofit, Main Street Martinez, is throwing a new beer festival on the city's waterfront on April 21. Mostly East Bay breweries will be in attendance Danville Brewing, Altamont, Jupiter, Epidemic, and Drake's but some North Bay and San Francisco breweries will also be pouring. Tickets are available (at $35, they're kind of a steal), and the fest will provide free shuttles from the North Concord BART station. Alyssa Pereira is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at apereira@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @alyspereira. On a fall morning in 2013, two teenage sisters living in Norway bade their parents and three brothers farewell for the day and left the house. Their departure appeared routine yet they left choosing never to return. We soon learn, in the early portions of Asne Seierstads new book, that the pair of Norwegian-Somali sisters had left for Syria to join the Islamic State in the fight to build a caliphate that they believed would eventually rule the world. Across countless interviews, text messages and various research, Seierstad the globe-trotting Norwegian journalist known for her books The Bookseller of Kabul and One of Us strings together an expansive work of literary journalism in Two Sisters: A Father, His Daughters, and Their Journey into the Syrian Jihad. Translated by Sean Kinsella, the book chronicles an often baffling tale of radicalization, and of the Islamic State itself. While detailing the lives before and after sisters Ayan and Leila disappear, Seierstad follows the desperate rescue attempts of their father, who, along with the rest of the family, were left dumbstruck, having no inkling of the trip that the teens had been planning. These girls were not submissive or oppressed girls, Seierstad says by phone. They were quite tough girls. Its evident in school essays that Ayan, the older sister, wrote as an early teen, detailing a strong conviction about womens rights and issues with Islam. The fundamental question that the book centers on is how such bright young women from a stable family could have undergone radicalization and willingly entered war-torn territory and into the arms of the Islamic State. These girls themselves decided this, Seierstad stresses. They wanted this step-by-step. Seierstad doesnt provide a clear answer as to why, instead laying out troubling pieces to an ultimately unsolvable puzzle, from a trail of social media activity to online messages between the sisters and their brother following their departure. You did not suddenly wake up one day a fanatic; it was a direction you grew in, Seierstad writes toward the end of the book. The growth comes in lessons with a dubious Quran teacher; in their joining of a community, Islam Net, teetering on radical ideology; in the sisterhood that Ayan found among girls within the group. The book also explores the lives of these friends and counterparts, examining the larger phenomenon of Westerners, and Western girls in particular, traveling to Syria. You are growing up in between, or with, two cultures, Seierstad says. Part of them is Somalian Muslim and part of them is Norwegian. I think these girls were quite comfortable with that until someone told them, You are suppressed. You are victims. That message proliferates alongside the expansion of the Islamic State, which Seierstad chronicles throughout the book. Many of the most fascinating portions of Two Sisters are in the details of the sisters inner lives as denizens of the burgeoning caliphate. ISIS was not just a terror organization they tried to build a society, Seierstad says. They were cleaning the roads. They were fixing up damaged buildings. They were collecting the garbage. Of course, Seierstad also relates their unfathomable brutality: Much of the book focuses on Sadiq, the girls father, searching for them in Islamic State territory and suffering at the hands of their violence. The books origin itself came from Sadiq seeking a way to publicize the story. He wanted to warn others, Seierstad says. I also realized, another reason was that he felt he failed as a father, as a husband as the man of the family, the patriarch. He wanted to tell the world what he had done, all the hardships he had been through. He tried to retrieve and rescue the girls. Brandon Yu is a Bay Area freelance writer. Book events Asne Seierstad: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19. The Bindery, 1727 Haight St., S.F. www.booksmith.com 13th annual Poems Under the Dome: San Franciscos largest open mike poetry event in City Hall. 5 p.m. Thursday, April 19. San Francisco City Hall. 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, S.F. www.poemdome.net William T. Vollmann: The author discusses his new book on climate change, No Immediate Danger. 7 p.m. Friday, April 20. East Bay Booksellers. 5433 College Ave, Oakland. https://www.ebbooksellers.com Bay Area Book Festival: The fourth annual gathering will include some of the worlds foremost authors and writers across a wide range of events and conversations. Saturday-Sunday, April 28-29. Various locations in downtown Berkeley. https://www.baybookfest.org WASHINGTON The International Monetary Fund warned Tuesday that rising trade tensions between the United States and China risk undermining a global economy that the IMF believes should otherwise grow solidly this year. The lending agency has kept its forecast for worldwide growth this year at 3.9 percent, which would be its fastest pace since 2011. But the IMFs chief economist, Maurice Obstfeld, told reporters that this bright outlook could be derailed by a major trade conflict. Obstfeld said at a news conference that the IMF had run economic simulations about the impact of a far-reaching trade war that would include across-the-board tariffs of 10 percent. The computer simulations, he said, showed a fairly substantial impact from such tariffs. Global financial markets would likely also be hurt by threats of tariffs, Obstfeld said. Investors have already endured stomach-churning swings this year as markets have responded to the perceived likelihood of a trade conflict, especially resulting from actions and statements by the Trump administration. Obstfeld said that while the IMF didnt factor in the rising trade tensions in its baseline economic forecasts, the consequences could be serious enough to lead to an economic downturn. There arent going to be any winners coming out of a trade war, he said. The IMF issued the update to its World Economic Outlook on the eve of spring meetings in Washington this week of the 189-nation IMF, the World Bank and the Group of 20 major economies. In its base forecast, the IMF predicted that trade would grow 5.1 percent this year, which would be the fastest pace since 2011. President Trump, who campaigned on a pledge to protect U.S. industries from what he argues is unfair foreign competition, has slapped tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. He has also proposed imposing tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports to punish Beijing for its aggressive attempts to obtain foreign technology. China has countered by proposing tariffs on $50 billion in U.S. products, including soybeans and small aircraft. Trump has, in turn, ordered the U.S. trade representative to consider targeting up to an additional $100 billion in Chinese imports. The prospect of a trade war between the worlds two biggest economies has rattled financial markets for weeks. For now, though, the global outlook remains sunny, thanks to low borrowing rates and increasing trade and investment. The IMF predicted that the U.S. economy will grow 2.9 percent this year, up from the 2.7 percent it had forecast in January and from the 2.3 percent growth the economy achieved last year. The U.S. economy will benefit through 2020 from tax cuts that Trump signed into law in December, the IMF predicts. The IMF upgraded its forecast for the 19-country eurozone to 2.4 percent, which would be its best showing since 2007. China is projected to grow 6.6 percent this year, down from 6.9 percent in 2017. Paul Wiseman is an Associated Press writer. Jason Pressman spent last Thursday morning cheering from the balcony of the New York Stock Exchange as shares of San Mateo software firm Zuora, which he backed in 2008, began trading. By the markets close, Zuoras stock had soared 43 percent, making his venture capital firms $17 million investment in the company worth roughly $150 million. Not bad at all, Pressman said by phone last Thursday night, before heading to a celebratory dinner with about 60 people at a pricey Italian restaurant in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. Pressman, a venture capitalist at Shasta Ventures, said he had been up much of the night before but still expected to raise a few glasses. Im running a little bit on adrenaline. Pressman and many other Silicon Valley venture capitalists expect the windfalls to continue. Many of these investors, who back tiny startups with the hope that they will someday go public or be sold for nine- or 10-figure sums, have enjoyed enormous paper gains in recent years. But few have cashed in, because their fast-rising companies, like Uber and Airbnb, have remained private. That finally may change. Investors, bankers and analysts said they expected a wave of initial public offerings to bring some of the most highly valued and recognizable startups to the public market over the next 18 to 24 months and billions of dollars in returns to their executives and investors. The potential bonanza would follow years of waiting as a few dozen companies amassed valuations without precedent in the private market. Already, 2018 has gotten off to a fast start. Two of the biggest startups still sitting on the sidelines Dropbox, an online file storage company, and Spotify, the streaming music service based in Sweden successfully went public over the past month. Tech IPOs have raised more than $7 billion this year more than all of 2015 and 2016, and more than half the $13 billion they raised last year, according to the market-data firm Dealogic. The bullishness is a far cry from 2017, when Snap, the maker of Snapchat, went public and then promptly fizzled. Blue Apron, which delivers meal kits, also saw its share price collapse after its IPO last year. The tide has turned, venture capitalists said. I talk to bankers all the time and theyre like: Dude, we have stuff coming down the pike. Theres a bunch of offerings teed up, said Rob Hayes, a general partner at First Round Capital, who led a $1.5 million funding round in Uber in 2010 that valued the company at $4 million. Uber is now worth $68 billion. Some of the biggest-name privately held tech companies have recently made moves that position them to go public in the next year or two. CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has said he plans to take Uber public next year. Lyft has held talks with investment banks to explore going public. And Airbnb has begun bringing independent directors onto its board, a move that is typically part of the preparations for becoming a public company. A wave of tech IPOs would have implications for the Bay Areas startup ecosystem. Once startups go public and their employees pocket some of the wealth, executives and engineers may leave with more resources to begin their own startups. That gives venture capitalists a fresh set of companies to invest in, renewing the cycles of innovation and experimentation that sit at the heart of Silicon Valley. The IPOs will also earn the venture capitalists big returns and bragging rights. According to an annual ranking of venture capitalists by CB Insights, a research firm that follows startups and venture capital, many of the top-ranked investors backed companies with 2017 IPOs, including software maker MuleSoft; Stitch Fix, a mail-order clothing service; and Snap. (While Snap has struggled on the stock market, investors bought in at far lower valuations.) At the top of the CB Insights list for the second straight year was Bill Gurley, a general partner at Benchmark, which was a Stitch Fix backer and one of the biggest investors in Uber. (Gurley became embroiled in plenty of drama with Uber last year, including filing a fraud lawsuit against former CEO Travis Kalanick. Benchmark recently sold some shares of Uber to SoftBank, the Japanese conglomerate.) Steve Anderson of Baseline Ventures, No. 2 on the list, also backed Stitch Fix. And Jeremy Liew of Lightspeed Ventures, who was No. 10, funded Snap, while his colleague Ravi Mhatre, No. 8, backed MuleSoft and Stitch Fix. Even though most firms have had fairly record numbers over the past four or five years, theyve been paper numbers, Gurley said. At the end of day, cash-on-cash returns is what matters. While private capital has been so accessible that startups have been able to get ample funding without the headaches of an IPO, several factors are encouraging companies to go public now, investors and bankers said. Public investors are hungry to buy shares of fast-growing companies. Early employees are getting antsy to cash in their stakes. And some startup executives are eager to prove themselves as public company chief executives after founders like Facebooks Mark Zuckerberg and Twitters Jack Dorsey have said going public improved their discipline and focus on profits. At all levels, there are more and more companies who are thinking about should we go public this year or next? said Noah Wintroub, JPMorgan Chases vice chairman of investment banking. Youve got an environment now thats conducive to asking that question, and also a lot of companies that have scaled up to the point where they can go now. Matthew Kennedy, an IPO analyst at Renaissance Capital, said nearly all private companies valued at more than $1 billion were strong candidates to go public in the next two years. He said he expected more immediate activity among midsize startups, such as Slack, the maker of corporate messaging software, which is valued at $5.1 billion, and DocuSign, an e-signature company valued at $3 billion that filed IPO paperwork last month. Large private Chinese firms may also be nearing IPOs, Kennedy said, including Xiaomi, a smartphone maker valued at $46 billion, and Meituan Dianping, an e-commerce firm valued at $30 billion. Once this generation of startups goes public, investors said, it will ease the anxiety of the wealthy families, pension funds and university endowments that finance the venture capitalists investment funds. Those limited partners have been itching for their returns, venture capitalists said. Theyre certainly eager for cash back, said Pressman, the Zuora investor. An IPO boon would be good for the venture capitalists, too. For sure, he said. Were in the business to make money for our investors, but we make money when our investors do. Jack Nicas is a New York Times writer. Top 20 venture capitalists CB Insights analyzed investors exits (IPOs, stock sales and acquisitions) the value of their current holdings and other factors to rank the top 100 venture capitalists. The analysis spanned 2009 through March 2018. Here are the top 20, in order: Bill Gurley Benchmark Steve Anderson Baseline Ventures Joshua Kopelman First Round Capital Alfred Lin Sequoia Capital Brian Singerman Founders Fund Jeffrey Jordan Andreessen Horowitz Rob Hayes First Round Capital Ravi Mhatre Lightspeed Venture Partners Mary Meeker Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers Jeremy Liew Lightspeed Venture Partners Neil Shen Sequoia Capital China Mitch Lasky Benchmark Asheem Chandna Greylock Partners Kirsten Green Forerunner Ventures Aydin Senkut Felicis Ventures Peter Fenton Benchmark Danny Rimer Index Ventures Robert Nelsen Arch Venture Partners Fred Wilson Union Square Ventures Neeraj Agrawal Battery Ventures Sanofi plans to sell its European generic-drug unit to buyout firm Advent International for $2.4 billion as part of a broader move by Chief Executive Officer Olivier Brandicourt to focus resources on biotechnology and new medicines. Advent has made a binding and fully financed offer, and the companies are in exclusive negotiations, Sanofi said Tuesday. The deal should close by the end of the year, it said. Brandicourt has undertaken a series of transactions to shift Sanofi toward businesses with more potential for growth. The company has announced about $16 billion of deals this year, agreeing to buy Bioverativ to expand in hemophilia treatments and Ablynx to gain an experimental medicine for another rare bleeding disorder. The French company isnt the only drugmaker revamping its product offerings and pipeline to adjust to industry changes. Novartis made an $8.7 billion cash offer for AveXis on Tuesday, to gain at least one promising experimental drug for a rare and often fatal disease, using some of the $13 billion from selling its stake in a consumer-health joint venture. GlaxoSmithKline has also been reviewing its portfolio, and is selling its rare-disease division to a biotechnology company as treatment sales have flagged. Sanofi stock has dropped almost 8 percent so far this year, faring worse than both Novartis and Glaxo. Besides generics, Brandicourt has overseen the divestiture of Sanofis veterinary-medicines business to Boehringer Ingelheim in an asset swap. The French drugmaker is reportedly also exploring the sale of some European over-the-counter treatments. While the generics market is expanding in Europe as more brand-name drugs go off patent, competition and pricing pressure in the sector are increasing. Governments have cut reimbursements as part of an effort to curb health care costs, while consolidation among wholesalers and retailers in some markets is increasing their power to negotiate with manufacturers of generics, according to Moodys Investors Service. Sanofi said in October 2016 that it was thinking of divesting it generic drug business. Sanofi bought Zentiva, a publicly traded Czech generic maker, in 2009 for about $2.6 billion. Sanofis sales of generic medicines fell 3.3 percent last year, while overall sales climbed 5.6 percent, the company said in February. Zentiva, which trace its roots back to the Black Eagle pharmacy in the 15th century, operates in 50 countries, notably the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania, according to its website. Rothschild, JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley advised Sanofi, while Advents advisers were PJT Partners Inc. and Goldman Sachs Group Inc. Phil Serafino and Manuel Baigorri are Bloomberg writers. Email: pserafino@bloomberg.net, mbaigorri@bloomberg.net A man who spent nearly 25 years on Death Row for the rape and murder of a 21-month-old girl, before the state Supreme Court overturned both his death sentence and his conviction last month, will be freed without a retrial, the Kern County district attorney announced Tuesday. Vicente Benavides Figueroa, now 68, was found guilty in 1993 of the November 1991 murder of Consuelo Verdugo, his girlfriends daughter. Benavides had been watching the child while her mother was at work the day she was fatally injured, and was convicted based on medical testimony that the court has now discredited. Consuelo died eight days after the couple brought her semi-conscious to an emergency room in Delano. They both said at first that the child had been running and hit her head on a door. At Benavides trial, his lawyers said she had been hit by a car. But a forensic pathologist testified that the cause of death had been anal penetration, and other medical witnesses said she had clearly been sodomized. But after the state Supreme Court initially upheld Benavides death sentence in 2005, it agreed to hear new evidence from the Habeas Corpus Resource Center, a state-funded agency that represents condemned inmates. The center presented declarations from medical professionals, including nearly all those who had testified for the prosecution, saying they do not believe Consuelo had been sexually assaulted. The witnesses said the girl showed no apparent signs of sexual assault when she was first hospitalized, and the genital swelling and injuries detected later were most likely due to repeated attempts to insert a catheter. Based on those declarations, the court unanimously overturned Benavides first-degree murder conviction and sentence on March 12 and rejected the district attorneys request to find him guilty of second-degree murder, an intentional killing unrelated to any sexual assault. The justices said there was some evidence supporting the defense claim that the child had been hit by a car and that Benavides was not involved in her death. In Tuesdays announcement, District Attorney Lisa Green said a retrial for second-degree murder would be difficult, if not impossible. Without the medical testimony, there is no longer evidence of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, Green said, and even if convicted and resentenced to 15 years to life in prison, Benavides would probably be paroled almost immediately. He has remained in prison despite the ruling, but will be returned to Kern County shortly and released from custody, Greens office said. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko Richmond Police Department / Police identified a Richmond man as the suspect in a fatal shooting earlier this month and are seeking the publics help in locating him. Vernon Lamont Dowell, 40, is wanted in connection with the murder of 35-year-old Mark Johnson, who was killed in an April 12 shooting. Richmond police responded to a ShotSpotter alert around 9:41 a.m. in the 200 block of South 15th Street, police said. Gabrielle Lurie / The Chronicle 2016 Earth Day, recognized each year on April 22, began in 1970 as an effort to raise awareness about environmental issues in the United States. Forty-eight years later, Earth Day is an international occasion with events taking place across the globe. Alcatraz Cruises, home to the first hybrid ferry service in the nation, celebrates Earth Day on Saturday, April 21, with free events at Pier 33 on the Embarcadero in San Francisco. The festivities are themed Farm to Table to Bay to emphasize how lifestyle choices at home can impact our bay and the watershed. Linda Ronstadt will return to the Northern California stage this fall, as she makes a series of appearances as part of the retrospective multimedia show A Conversation With Linda. The program, which traces the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees career back from her early folk-rock days with the Stone Poneys to a megawatt solo career that earned her the 1970s Queen of Rock label, will take place at the Angelico Concert Hall at Dominican College in San Rafael on Sept. 15, Harris Center at Folsom Lake College in Folsom on Sept. 21 and Mountain Winery in Saratoga on Sept. 29. There's a secret to saving upwards of $1,000 on monthly rent payments in San Francisco. It starts in the early stages of the housing search. The average one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco rented for $3,400 in March, according to rental database Zumper. Two-bedrooms went for $4,400. That's incredibly expensive, but stats like these are misleading, says data scientist Jay Feng. You can find a room in even the priciest of San Francisco neighborhoods if you know where and how to search. Stop looking for entire apartments and start seeking out vacant rooms in already-occupied homes, Feng found after compiling five months of data from Craigslist room advertisements. By searching in the "rooms / shares" section of the site versus "apts / housing," you could save up to 40 percent on rent a metric that holds in many San Francisco neighborhoods. ALSO READ: Rent-control policies likely 'fueled' SF gentrification, Stanford economists say Feng's findings point to a truth most seasoned San Franciscans know to be true: If you require only one bedroom for yourself, don't start from scratch and attempt to fill an emptied apartment. Wiggle into a pre-existing household with a room vacancy and you'll probably save big. Obviously, this does not work for all city renters, and it's unviable for families and most couples. There's also the trouble of charming potential roommates seeking a good fit for their household. (For tips on doing so, click through the above slideshow.) But if you're up for the task, the monetary payoff can be immense. In the Financial District, rooms for rent in the "apts/ housing" section of Craigslist cost, on average, $2,800 in recent months. Rentals in the "rooms / shares" section averaged $1,704 in the same neighborhood. Feng scraped Craigslist between November 2017 and April 2018 using programming technology Python to come up with the numbers. Nearly all of the San Francisco neighborhoods Feng scraped had room rentals averaging $1,800 in pre-existing households, with the exception of SoMa, where room rentals averaged $1,903. The discrepancy can likely be attributed to rent control, Feng said. About 170,000 units in San Francisco are protected by rent control or approximately 75 percent of the city's total rentable stock. The longer a master tenant remains in a rent-controlled unit, the lower its price will stay. READ ALSO: SF renters face another, very bizarre headache Thus, neighborhoods with a higher number of rent-controlled units, like Haight-Ashbury and the Tenderloin, will yield the cheapest rooms for rent in already-established households compared to rentals in new or empty buildings. The opposite is true in districts with lots of new development like Dogpatch, where Feng found only a 19 percent decrease in rent for rooms in existing households versus rooms in new households. The same holds for neighborhoods like Outer Mission and Richmond, where room rentals are cheaper compared to much of the city and construction of new units minimal. So your method of searching should depend on the neighborhood in which you wish to live and, of course, your circumstances. Read Feng's data and methodology here. Michelle Robertson is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at mrobertson@sfchronicle.com or find her on Twitter at @mrobertsonsf. PHOENIX No-hitters are not ordained against certain clubs. They are like direct-hit lightning strikes. Any pitcher can have that great a night. Any team, potent or not, can be victimized. Still, some no-hitters and close calls are less shocking than others. Take a pitcher as dominating as Arizona left-hander Patrick Corbin, have him face a lifeless offense like the Giants, and the ingredients were there Tuesday night in a 1-0 loss that was not historic thanks to one Brandon Belt check-swing. Rather than being exceptional, the game proved all too mundane for a San Francisco lineup that has failed to score as many as two runs in nine of its 16 games and ruined a fantastic injury comeback game for Johnny Cueto. Corbin settled for a one-hitter and his first career shutout. The Giants lost their fourth game in a row and fell to 6-10, leaving them already six games back of first-place Arizona. Corbin took his no-hit bid into the eighth inning. Belt ended it with two outs when he checked his swing and rolled an infield hit to the left side, which mostly was vacated in the standard Belt shift. Shortstop Nick Ahmed, the only fielder with a shot to make a play, raced to backhand the ball and sent a strong throw to first, but Belt beat it easily. It happens sometimes, Belt said. I hit one earlier in the game and they took a hit away from me with a good diving play. The shift takes away a lot of hits. Every now and again, it gives one back. Belt was referring to his third-inning grounder to the right side. Third baseman Daniel Descalso, playing right of second base, stopped what might have been a needle-threading hit to right field that would have ended any no-hit suspense early. The Giants had not gone hitless this late in a game since Homer Baileys no-hitter in Cincinnati on July 2, 2013. The last time they went 72/3 hitless innings then got one was in 1995. A Corbin no-hitter at least would have deflected part of the story away from the awful Giants offense. Yes, Corbins sliders looked an awful lot like fastballs before diving into the dirt, but Giants hitters helped him immensely by chasing them. Manager Bruce Bochy sees a team pressing on all cylinders. Theyre trying too hard. You can see it, Bochy said. Youre going to run into games like this, but even the past week, weve got to calm down here a little bit. As much as were chasing, it tells me theres a little tension in these swings. What to do? For one thing, Mac Williamson hit another homer for Sacramento on Tuesday night. The decision-makers know this. Cueto returned from his ankle injury and in some ways dominated more than Corbin. Cueto pitched seven shutout innings, allowed two hits and struck out 11, one short of his career high. His ankle was tested in consecutive innings, first when he had to sprint deep into foul territory to catch a Descalso pop-up in the second because the Giants infield was shifted the other way, and again when he had to race toward a Jarrod Dyson squibber in the third and tag Dyson on the way to first. Asked if he felt anything in his ankle on those plays, Cueto said, Thank God, no. Bochy felt seven innings were enough for Cueto in his first game back and turned to Tony Watson to pitch the eighth. Watson allowed his first run of the year, and lost, after walking Dyson and allowing him to score after a Corbin sacrifice and David Peraltas two-out groundball single up the middle. Henry Schulman is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: hschulman@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hankschulman WASHINGTON President Trump wasted no time before seizing on last weeks report by the Justice Departments internal watchdog on misconduct allegations against the FBIs former No. 2 official, Andrew McCabe. Trump tweeted it was proof that his archrival James Comey, the former FBI director, totally controlled McCabe. But the report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz said no such thing. In fact, it depicted clashing accounts of a conversation they had that contributed to McCabes dismissal. Horowitzs office concluded McCabe hadnt been forthcoming about having authorized FBI officials to speak with a journalist about an investigation into the Clinton Foundation. The FBIs internal disciplinary office recommended McCabes firing. Attorney General Jeff Sessions dismissed him last month. McCabe denies misleading anyone. His lawyer, Michael Bromwich, a former inspector general himself, blamed Horowitz for severing the McCabe matter from the rest of the investigation. He says investigators rushed to complete their work before McCabes planned retirement. Its not unusual for Horowitz to see his actions caught up in Washingtons political storms, despite the apolitical reputation he has cultivated over six years on the job. Trump has disparagingly called Horowitz an Obama guy even as McCabes lawyers have decried the report and investigative process as unfair. The controversies he has endured are likely nothing compared to what awaits him in coming weeks when he announces the findings of his review into the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. The report will inflame the debate about whether FBI actions during the campaign affected the races outcome. And Trumps friends and foes will inevitably scour for any nugget that can undermine his criticism of their side, and Horowitz himself. Charles McCullough, a former intelligence community inspector general who referred the Clinton emails to the FBI, said he believes Horowitzs report will be absolutely thorough and completely accurate. Still, he said, Horowitz will be in the same vortex that we were in, and you just have to manage that as best as you can because of the politics. Horowitz declined to comment, through a spokesman. The Clinton report is unquestionably Horowitzs most politically consequential case, but its not his first high-profile investigation. He spent years as a federal prosecutor in the powerful Southern District of New York as chief of its public corruption unit, where he built cases against crooked police officers. He later served in top Justice Department roles under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Eric Tucker and Sadie Gurman are Associated Press writers. 1 Syrian refugees: The number of Syrian refugees admitted to the U.S. after fleeing their war-torn homeland has plummeted to just 44 since the first of October down from around 6,000 in the same period a year ago, according to the Refugee Processing Center, run by the U.S. State Department. The United States, which traditionally took in the largest number of refugees, has scaled back its resettlement program under the Trump administration. The U.S. has welcomed more than 20,000 Syrian refugees since 2011, including around 2,000 since President Trump took office. However, since November, admissions have nearly screeched to a halt, with only 11 Syrian refugees getting in. 2 Alex Jones lawsuit: The parents of children who died in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., have accused conspiracy theorist Alex Jones and InfoWars of defamation and seek damages in excess of $1 million. Two lawsuits filed on behalf of Neil Heslin, Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa allege that Jones and his media organization spread false information related to the tragedy. Heslins suit arose from accusations InfoWars made in 2017 that Heslin was lying about holding his sons body and seeing a bullet hole in the childs head. The pair of lawsuits marks the third to be filed against Jones and his company in recent weeks. Marcel Fontaine is suing Jones for more than $1 million after he used an image of Fontaine that portrayed him as the shooter who killed 17 students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., in February. PALM BEACH, Fla. An internal White House quarrel over the timing of new Russia sanctions played out in public when the new economic adviser suggested U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley was suffering from momentary confusion and Haley retorted: With all due respect, I dont get confused. The feud appeared to quiet down after the economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, called Haley to apologize Tuesday afternoon, a White House official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions. Earlier Tuesday, Kudlow told reporters during a briefing in Florida that Haley got ahead of the curve when she said the U.S. would be slapping new sanctions on Russia on Monday in retaliation for the countrys support for Syrias Assad government after its latest suspected chemical attack. Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, said additional sanctions are under consideration but have yet to be implemented. Of Haley, he said, There might have been some momentary confusion about that. Haley then issued a terse statement to Fox News: With all due respect, I dont get confused. The dispute between Haleys team and the White House had been playing out largely behind the scenes since Haley said Sunday on CBS Face the Nation that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would be announcing new sanctions directed at companies associated with Syrias chemical weapons program on Monday, if he hasnt already. The White House had been struggling to explain Haleys remarks amid reports that President Trump put the brakes on the new sanctions. Several administration officials have disputed that characterization, saying Haley was out of the loop. Three senior administration officials said there were several attempts to get Haley to back off or clarify her comments, but she refused. The officials said that, under the plan conceived last week, the sanctions would have been announced Friday night, at the same time U.S., French, and British forces launched a missile strike on Syrian President Bashar Assads chemical weapons facilities. But the sanctions were not ready in time for Trumps Friday night statement, so they were delayed. The officials said a decision was then made to announce the sanctions as an answer to Russias response to the strikes. But that plan was re-evaluated and then put on hold over the weekend as it became clear that Russias response was less robust than anticipated. The officials were not authorized to discuss private administration deliberations publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. A National Security Council memorandum sent overnight Friday said the new sanctions would be announced soon, but it did not specify a date. Over the next 36 hours, officials began to delve deeper into the proposed sanctions and decided to hold off on anything imminent, but Haley was unaware, the officials said. In the face of Haleys refusal to clarify on Sunday, draft language was sent to her suggesting again that she do so. Haley and her office ignored that so the White House decided to push back, the officials said. Jill Colvin, Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller are Associated Press writers. A destructive species of invasive rodent has made its way to the edge of the delta, officials said, putting the states fragile water infrastructure at risk. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife said Tuesday that it had discovered nutria, large rat-like mammals that inhabit wet, rural areas, on farmland west of Stockton. The latest sighting is the closest nutria have come to the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, department spokesman Peter Tira said. Officials are trying to prevent the rodent from taking hold in the delta critical to the states flood control and irrigation measures as part of a larger effort to eradicate nutria from the state. Nutria pose several threats to the states ecosystem and infrastructure, Tira said. The rodents convert wetland to open water by eating vegetation, and they destroy infrastructure by burrowing into the sides of levees, roadbeds and canal beds. Nutria are also considered an agricultural pest. The rodents, which can weigh up to 20 pounds and spread out through waterways, disappeared from the state for nearly a half-century before a confirmed sighting in 2017. Native to South America, the rodents were brought to California for fur farms. Some are thought to have escaped and formed feral populations. With short mating cycles and early sexual maturity, the nutria population has the potential to explode once it takes hold in the delta, Tira said. As soon as they reach four to six months of age, female nutria can produce three litters a year, with two to 12 offspring per litter. Theyre incredibly prolific and nonnative to California, Tira said. There are no natural checks on their population and no predator species that target them. Fish and Wildlife has begun an emergency response to prevent nutria from becoming established in the delta. San Joaquin is the fifth county to which nutria have spread, after Fresno, Merced, Stanislaus and Tuolumne counties. Under the Proposition 1 water bond that state voters passed in 2014, Fish and Wildlife has received a $1.13 million grant to fund nutria-eradication efforts. The department is in the initial stages of determining how widespread the population is, training its staff to recognize the nutria and setting up surveillance cameras to track the rodents. Other states have also had to fend off the invasive species. Louisiana, which has spent millions of dollars in control and eradication efforts, has captured more than 5 million nutria since 2002, Tira said. Given how fragile our wetlands and agriculture are, we cant survive that kind of presence, Tira said. Nutria are considered a non-game mammal, meaning they can be hunted and killed only by property owners and not the general public. Annie Ma is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ama@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @anniema15 The Hearst Foundations will give $1.6 million in grants to California nonprofit organizations that support culture, education, health and social service programs, according to a statement released Wednesday. Paul Dino Dinovitz, executive director for for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation and Hearst Foundation Inc., unveiled the specific grants following a March 27 board meeting. The programs include pediatrician training, childrens mental health, arts education and scholarships for underrepresented students majoring in science, technology, engineering and math fields. San Francisco organizations tabbed for funding include the California Pacific Medical Center, which will receive $200,000 in support of a neuro-ethics initiative; the Center for Youth Wellness, which will get $75,000 in support of a national program to train and guide pediatricians in screening and treating children with adverse experiences; the J. David Gladstone Institutes, which will use $250,000 to support career development for young scientists; and Generation Citizen, where $100,000 will help fund its teacher-led action civics program. John Muir Health in Walnut Creek and Pitzer College in Claremont are also grantees. John Muir will receive $100,000 to support its family medicine residency program, while Pitzers $150,000 grant will provide scholarships to underrepresented students pursuing STEM degrees. Other grantees include California Rangeland Trust in Sacramento, which will get $250,000 to support a new strategic development plan and outreach efforts; Chapman University in Orange, which was awarded $100,000 to expand a training laboratory for medical students; and Childrens Hospital of Orange County, with a $150,000 grant that will support a new childrens mental health center. In Los Angeles, the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Health Foundation will get $100,000 to support a two-year pilot program to train nurses, and the Museum of the Holocaust will receive $50,000 to support an education initiative. The New Childrens Museum in San Diego will use its $75,000 grant to support and expand its community access and arts education programs. The Hearst Foundations operate separately from Hearst Corp., which owns The Chronicle. Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes Berkeley Rep presents both parts of Tony Kushners epic exploration of American politics, gay identity, and mythology, and a personal story of love and loyalty. Through July 22. $40-$100. Berkeley Reps Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. berkeleyrep.org BATS Improv Improvised comedy ranging from sketch to full-evening works. Superscene Sprung, five directors try to create their perfect vision of a story that celebrates the return of Spring. The audience decides which stories continue on, and which one goes all the way to become the Superscene. 8 p.m. Fridays through April 27; Shakespeare in Amerika, An improvised imagining of what would happen when William Shakespeare meets the reality of life in the USA of 2018. 8 p.m. Saturdays through April 28. $17-$20. Bayfront Theatre, Building B, Fort Mason, S.F. (415) 474-8935. www.improv.org Beach Blanket Babylon Steve Silvers fast-paced, topical musical. Ongoing. $25-$130. Club Fugazi, 678 Green St., S.F. (415) 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com Between Dirt & Sky Brava Theater Center presents Charles Eurydice Gray and Lisa Quoresimos musical inspired by the life of American civil rights leader Cesar Chavez fusing the early events of the American farm labor movement with the personal struggles of those who lived it. 7 p.m. Fri., April 20; 3 p.m. Sat., April 21. $7-$13. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. www.brava.org/all-events/ 2018/4/20/between-dirt-sky Big City Improv Improvised comedy. Ongoing. $15. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., S.F. (510) 595-5597. www.bigcityimprov.com Black Benatars Black Magic Cabaret Brava Theater Center presents a salon hosted by Black Benatar featuring queer and/or just generally fabulous black performers in circus arts and comedy. 7 p.m. Thurs., April 19. $10-$25. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. www.brava.org/all-events/2017/11/20/so-soul-san-francisco-black-art-salon-f3gh9-scg2j Can You Dig It?: The 60s The Marsh presents Don Reeds autobiographical glimpse of his upbringing in 1960s San Francisco. 8:30 p.m. Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. Sundays. Through May 6. $20-$100. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org Christian Teen Dolphin-Sex Beach Party Awesome Theatre presents the world premiere of Anthony R. Miller and Jess Thomas political satire paying homage to the Frankie and Annette Beach Party films. 9 p.m. Thursdays, through May 10. $20-$25. PianoFight, 144 Taylor St., S.F. www.awesometheatre.org Daughter of a Garbageman In her solo show at the Marsh, Maureen Langan brings skeptical hindsight to the wisdom dispensed by her Irish mother and New York City sanitation worker father: that if she worked hard and got educated, life would reward her. 8 p.m. Fridays and 5 p.m. Saturdays. Through April 28. $20-$100. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org Death by Design San Leandro Players present a mysterious mash-up of Noel Coward and Agatha Christie genres a comedy/mystery with surprising twists. Through May 6. $15-$20. San Leandro Museum/Auditorium, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., San Leandro. (510) 895-2573. www.slplayers.org A Different Long Stretch of Earth Ragged Wing Ensemble presents a new play that takes us into the contemporary American West where a group of townspeople wrestle with the mind-sets and mythologies of our collective past and explore how they shape our ability to envision the future. Through April 28. $25-$45. Flight Deck, 1540 Broadway, Oakland. (510) 320-3370. www.raggedwing.org Dinner Detective Murder-mystery dinner show with audience participation. Ongoing. $74.95. Hyatt Fishermans Wharf, 555 North Point St., S.F. (877) 252-9307. www.thedinnerdetective.com Disruption In 3Girls Theatre Companys darkly comic, fast-paced whodunit, visionary CEO Andrea Powell has just one day to save her company and herself from a public relations disaster that promises to destroy them both. Through April 28. $35-$55. Z Below, 470 Florida St., S.F. www.3girlstheatre.org Diva or Die Burlesque A voyeuristic journey allowing the audience a sensuous peek at the bold women and times of burlesque. 8:30 p.m. Third Saturday of every month. $15. Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., S.F. www.theexit.org/diva-3 The Dream of Kitamura For UC Berkeleys Department of Theater, Dance and Performance Studies, Philip Kan Gotanda directs his own mythic, ghostly tale in which Lord Rosanjin dreams that the ferocious demon Kitamura is coming to kill him. April 20-29. $13-$20. Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley. tdps.berkeley.edu The Effect San Francisco Playhouses West Coast premiere of Lucy Prebbles play follows a couple who are falling head-over-heels in love unless thats just a side effect of the super-antidepressant theyre on as part of a clinical trial. Through April 28. $20-$125. San Francisco Playhouse, 450 Post St., S.F. (415) 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.org 826+KML=BFFs 826 Valencia and Killing My Lobster join forces to present sketch comedy written by kids ages 8-11. April 19-28. $10-$50. PianoFight, 144 Taylor St., S.F. www.killingmylobster.com A Fatal Step Out with the male gumshoes and reporters and in with the femme fatale in this feminist spoof on film noir at the Marsh. Jill Vice's solo show, all high melodrama, grisly plot points and shadowy lighting, both does the genre justice and impishly picks it apart. Through April 28. 65 minutes. $20-$100. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org Fool La La! Over the Rainbow Unique Derique returns to the Marsh with a new bag of tricks, side-splitting physical comedy and a free 20-minute Hambone and juggling workshop after each family-friendly performance. Through May 6. $15-$100. The Marsh, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org The Gangster of Love Magic Theatre presents the world premiere of Jessica Hagedorns play focusing on the authors own story of immigration from Manila to the Haight and based on her book of the same name. Through May 6. $20-$65. Magic Theatre, Fort Mason, Building D, 2 Marina Blvd., S.F. (415) 441-8822. www.magictheatre.org The Geek Show 2: BindleCon Bindlestiff Studio presents Thomas Paras and Marc Abrigos love letter to and critic of geek culture, a multi-genre production brings together the passionate, the ostracized, and the awkward together in celebration of everything under the umbrella of geekdom. Through April 28. $15-$25. Bindlestiff Studio, 185 Sixth St., S.F. (415) 255-0440. www.bindlestiffstudio.org Head Over Heels The Curran presents a musical romp about a royal famliy that must prevent an oracles prophecy of doom featuring the music of the Go-Gos. Through May 6. $39-$175. The Curran, 445 Geary St., S.F. sfcurran.com The Infinite Wrench San Francisco Neo-Futurists present an evening of 2-minute plays exploring the irrepressible, the honest, the odd and the new. 9:30 p.m. Fridays. Ongoing. $14-$19. PianoFight, 144 Taylor St., S.F. www.pianofight.com Inside Out & Back Again Bay Area Childrens Theatre presents the stage adaptation of Thandhha Lais book about a 10-year-old girl who escapes war-ravaged Saigon with her mother and brothers to start a new life as a refugee in Alabama. Through May 27. $15-$27. Bay Area Childrens Theater Center, 2055 Center St., Berkeley. (510) 296-4433. www.bactheatre.org Iron Shoes Kitka Womens Vocal Ensemble and Shotgun Players present Janet Kutulas, Michelle Carter and Erika Chong Shuchs contemporary folk opera that reimagines Eastern European fairy tales as new stories for our time and explores what it really means to walk a mile, or around the earth, in someone elses shoes. Through April 29. $7-$40. Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkleley. www.shotgunplayers.org James and the Giant Peach Berkeley Playhouse presents the newly enhanced theatrical telling of the Roald Dahl classic, featuring new songs from the Oscar- and Tony Award-winning team of Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Through May 6. $22-$40. Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 845-8542, Ext. 351. berkeleyplayhouse.org Just My Type The Musical Ross Valley Players presents a new musical comedy exploring how the four traits tested by the Myers-Briggs personality test might affect ones loves and life. Through April 29. $25. Barn Theatre, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Ross. (415) 456-9555. www.rossvalleyplayers.com Keith Moon: The Real Me Actor/drummer/playwright Mick Berrys solo show based on the life of legendary The Who drummer Keith Moon. 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat., April 20-21; 6 p.m. Sun., April 22. $20-$25. Dragon Theatre, 2120 Broadway, Redwood City. www.keithmoontherealme.com Landscape of Desire: An Evening with Rhodessa Jones and Friends A musical/theater piece featuring the storytelling, songwriting and the inimitable vocal style of Rhodessa Jones as she asks the questions: What is desire? What does it look like? What does it taste like? What does it sound like? 8 p.m. Sat., April 21. $15. Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th St., S.F. www.bra va.org/all-events/2018/4/21/ landscape-of-desire The Laramie Project Left Coast Theatre Co. presents Moises Kaufman and the members of TEchtonic Theater Projects play comprised of hundreds of interviews with inhabitants of Laramie, Wyoming, telling the story of the hateful murder of Matthew Shepard. Through April 23. $20. Exit Theatre, 156 Eddy St., S.F. www.theexit.org Lean on Me Circus Center Cabaret presents an intimate evening of the Bay Areas best variety acts, featuring music from Madame Leanne Borghesi and the Roger Glenn Trio. 8 p.m. Fri.-Sat., April 20-21. $15-$75. Circus Center Theater, 775 Frederick St., S.F. www.circuscenter.org/cabaret Magic at the Rex Magic and comedy. 8 p.m. Saturdays. Ongoing. $25. Hotel Rex, 562 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 895-0090. www.magicattherex.com The Magic Bus Antenna Theater, an experimental troupe of the 80s and 90s, returns with Chris Hardmans 85-minute tour through the hippie 60s and the Beat and Cold War past, on a bus ride through the city. Ongoing. $40-$50. Meet at Union Square, Geary Street, S.F. (855) 969-6244. www.magicbussf.com Marrakech Magic Theater Jay Alexanders mien throughout his card tricks, mind reading, number games and feats of extraordinary coincidence is that of a nerd with overweening enthusiasm enthusiasm you cant help but share. And descending the venues mysterious steps into an all-arabesque lounge (with drinks and appetizers available for purchase) for preshow close-up magic and then entering a tiny jewel box theater for the actual show are experiences in and of themselves. Ongoing. $45. Marrakech Magic Theater, 419 OFarrell St., S.F. www.sanfranciscomagictheater.com. Megabytes! The Musical AWAT Productions presents Morris Bobrows world premiere musical comedy revue looking at how we navigate technology in our lives. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through May 5. $25-$36. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., S.F. (800) 838-3006. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3114509 The Mushroom Cure The Marsh presents Adam Strausss solo show following his vigilante psychopharmacology experiment medicating his OCD with psychedelics. 8 p.m. Fridays and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays through April 28. $20-$100. The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org The Mystery of Love and Sex New Conservatory Theatre Center presents Bathsheba Dorans insightful comedy about a man and a woman from very different backgrounds who have been non-romantic best friends since childhood. Through May 20. $25-$50. New Conservatory Theatre Center, 25 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 861-8972. nctcsf.org A Number For Aurora Theatre, Barbara Damashek directs Caryl Churchills 2002 play set in the near future and exploring human cloning, personal identity and the age-old debate of nature versus nurture. Through May 6. $33-$65. Aurora Theatre Company, 2081 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org The Postman Always Rings Twice San Jose Stage Company presents Jon Jorys world premiere adaptation of James M. Cains novel about a love affair turned murder plot. Through May 6. $32-$72. San Jose Stage Company, 490 S. First St., San Jose. (408) 283-7142. www.thestage.org Return to the Scene of the Crime The Marsh presents David Kleinbergs solo show in which he confronts stories and memories of the past as a Vietnam War veteran by visiting the base camp where his friends passed, but also faces the challenge of producing his previous show, Hey, Hey, LBJ! in a Communist country when no producer is willing to take the risk. Ends Sat., April 21. $20-$100. The Marsh San Francisco, 1062 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org Secret Improv Society Comedy improv. Ongoing. $15. Shelton Theater, 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 699-8744. www.improvsociety.com S.F. Magic Parlor Stories and conjuring. Ongoing. $40. Chancellor Hotel Union Square, 433 Powell St. www.sfmagicparlor.com Shirley Valentine Willy Russells one-woman play, now in a Center Rep production, follows a disaffected Liverpool housewife who gets an out-of-the-blue offer to accompany her best friend on a trip to a Greek island. Through April 29. $34-$56. Lester Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. (925) 943-7469. www.centerrep.org The Speakeasy An immersive, interactive theater experience re-creating a Prohibition-era speakeasy. Ongoing. $85-$130. S.F. location given with ticket purchase. www.thespeakeasysf.com Tartuffe B8 Theatre Company presents Molieres classic comedy about a con man trying to win the hand of a young maiden, steal her fathers fortune and seduce his wife. Ends Sat., April 21. $15-$25. B8 Theatre, 2292 Concord Ave., Concord. (925) 890-8877. www.b8theatre.org Timon of Athens Cutting Ball Theater presents Shakespeares tale tracking the parallel lives of a rich philanthropist and a military commander. Through April 29. $15-$45. Exit on Taylor, 277 Taylor St., S.F. cuttingball.com/productions/timon-of-athens Trog! Matthew Martin plays Joan Crawford in Oasis drag parody of the 1970 British sci-fi horror film. April 20-May 12. $27-$40. Oasis, 298 11th St., S.F. www.sfoasis.com Un-Scripted Theater Improvised comedy Dash Improv: Fast. Funny. Fearless, an hour of free-form improvised comedy. 10 p.m. Saturdays. Ongoing. $10. 533 Sutter St., S.F. (415) 332-8738. www.un-scripted.com Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Contra Costa Civic Theatre presents Christopher Durangs Tony-winning comic mash-up of the plays of Anton Chekhov. Through May 6. $11-$30. Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. (510) 524-9012. www.ccct.org Vietgone ACT presents Qui Nguyens humorous modern twist on the classic story of boy meets girl in which three young Vietnamese immigrants leave a war-torn country for an eye-opening road trip across the bewildering and foreign landscape of 1970s America. Through April 29. $25-$90. Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., S.F. (415) 749-2228. act-sf.org What They Said About Love The Marsh presents Steve Budds Best of Fringe winning solo show in which he explores the subject of marriage taking on the personas of more than a dozen Bay Area characters. Ends Sat., April 21. $20-$100. The Marsh Berkeley, 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. (415) 282-3055. www.themarsh.org You Are My Sunshine Alma Theatre Company presents a new play narrated in Woody Guthrie-style folk songs, in which playwright Kelli Kerslake Colaco investigates family lore about her great-grandfather losing his mind and embarking on a murder spree. April 19-28. $15-$30. Phoenix Theatre, 414 Mason St., S.F. (800) 838-3006. https://bit.ly/ 2H3bGQj WATSONVILLE (BCN) A 14-year-old Watsonville juvenile male was arrested on suspicion of threatening via a social media post to shoot an 18-year-old man at Freedom Alternative School on Monday, according to Watsonville police. Police said the school, which is run by the Santa Cruz County Probation Department, received second-hand information from a student regarding the suspect, whose name won't be released due to his age. He allegedly threatened the victim on social media on Monday. Police did not say if the victim is a fellow student at the school. According to police, Watsonville police officers and Santa Cruz County sheriff's deputies arrived to the suspect's home and arrested him without incident. Police said the suspect, who was already on probation for a separate firearms offense, was found to have a loaded, 9mm handgun lying on his bed. That firearm was reported stolen from Stockton more than 10 years ago, police said. The juvenile has been booked into Juvenile Hall. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) The San Francisco Board of Supervisors today approved an ordinance requiring dockless scooter share companies to obtain permits for the powered vehicles before operating on city streets. The ordinance was first introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin in early March ahead of the launch of three scooter companies Spin, LimeBike and Bird, which all began pilot programs later that month. In recent weeks, however, several residents, organizations and city officials have spoken out against the electronic scooters, which are often used on city sidewalks and then left abandoned, blocking pedestrians' paths. "I'm frankly kind of amazed by the brouhaha that has ensued" Peskin said at today's meeting. "Part of the brouhaha has been... that some of these companies have been a little bit fast and loose with the truth. "That this is a ban, that is not true," Peskin said. The ordinance, sponsored by Peskin and Supervisor Jane Kim, establishes a violation for any scooters that are part of a share program that are parked, left standing or unattended on a city sidewalk, street or public right-of-way, unless the scooters are authorized with a permit from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Furthermore, the ordinance calls for allowing the Department of Public Works to remove scooters in violation. "These scooters are certainly something that could help, in some instances with some users, in San Francisco's complex world of transportation challenges but that does not mean that we are going to sacrifice our sacred spaces that are our sidewalks, which are for pedestrians, people with wheelchairs, parents with strollers," Peskin said. Supervisor Jeff Sheehy said at today's meeting, "I actually have ridden on one of these and they appear to be a practical solution for the last mile between transit and the destination. I think the way they've been rolled out has been disastrous; blocking sidewalks, riding on sidewalks and not wearing helmets. But properly used, they can really serve a real purpose," he said. Sheehy suggested more protected bike lanes and parking stations for the scooters be installed in order for them to function as viable alternatives to cars. The ordinance moved to the Board of Supervisors after a lengthy meeting Monday at the Board's Land Use and Transportation Committee, where Peskin and Kim grilled scooter company representatives over the scooters' rollouts, which the supervisors said was ahead of the proposed permitting system which the companies knew was already in works and yet they failed to effectively communicate their plans to city officials. On Friday, the crews with the city's Department of Public Works confiscated 66 electronic scooters from all three companies because they were blocking sidewalks, causing a public safety hazard. According to the department spokeswoman Rachel Gordon, the department has received numerous complaints about the scooters in recent weeks. On Monday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera sent cease and desist letters to the three scooter share companies. While noting that the companies had disregarded previous warnings, the letters demanded that they all stop operating unpermitted as the scooters are "creating a public nuisance on the city's streets and sidewalks and endangering public health and safety." At Monday's Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting, Jaime Parks with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said, pending today's outcome, the new permit process for the companies would be available online but wouldn't be ready until possibly mid May. In a statement, LimeBike spokesman Joe Arellano said that the company is taking today's Board of Supervisors vote and Monday's cease and desist letter from Herrera seriously. "In response, we are updating our current community outreach plan to address the city's concerns about pedestrian safety, parking compliance and rider education. We plan to roll out new initiatives, along with our complete response to the city attorney by the end of the week," according to LimeBike's statement. In the meantime, LimeBike says it will hand out helmets to users Sunday at their San Francisco headquarters, will develop a new feature on their app for riders to send a picture of their scooter at the end of their ride to ensure that it's properly parked, and will ensure that users are aware that riding on or blocking sidewalks is illegal. "We recognize that we can't fix every concern overnight, but as a Bay Area company, we want to be lasting partners with the city and county of San Francisco," the statement said. ### (415) 554-7450 Ivy Lee for Jane Kim (415) 554-7973 Public Works spokeswoman Rachel Gordon (415) 554-6045 or (415) 298-5523 cellphone City Attorney's Office spokesman John Cote (415) 554-4662 Joe Arellano, LimeBike (415) 710-6324 Kenneth Baer, Bird (202) 792-7200 or press@bird.co Spin at press@spin.pm SANTA ROSA (BCN) Residents of a homeless encampment in the Roseland area of Santa Rosa and their advocates implored the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors this morning not to clear their encampment as scheduled on Thursday. The residents and advocates pitched two tents on the concrete outside the county's Administration Center before the supervisors meeting started this morning. Then more than a dozen, some angry, some near tears, accused the board of breaking a promise in December not to clear the camp behind the Dollar Store in the Roseland Village Shopping Center on Sebastopol Road until alternate housing and access to social services were found for them. The two camps have been home for about two years to more than 100 people, including many who were rousted by other camp clearances. The county's Community Development Commission wants to clear the land, which it owns, and begin site cleanup for the development of a 175 apartments that are to include some affordable units. The Community Development Commission set up a navigation center near the camp on Feb. 23 to assess the campers' needs and provide referrals and information about safe housing options that include temporary and permanent housing and access to health and human services. The camp was to be vacated by March 23 but the date was extended to April 9. Housing advocates' attorneys challenged the eviction and a federal district court judge suggested a three-week delay. The Community Development Commission then set April 19 as the final date to vacate the camp. Some speakers this morning said Santa Rosa police were traumatizing the camp residents and issuing citations, and others said the encampment was their home. One camp resident said a survey of 50 campers found 82 percent were disabled and 25 percent of them were on social security disability. Fifty-eight percent of the campers are women. "You promised us a transitional village and nothing happened" one woman said. "Shelter beds are not a solution. Please do something," she said. ### BERKELEY (BCN) Berkeley City Council members are asking for residents' input on a proposed referral to the city's Zero Waste Commission that would allow for further development of a proposed law that would aim to reduce the amount of single-use, disposable food ware in the city. Residents can go online to www.cityofberkeley.info/considers to submit input on whether the proposal should be submitted to the commission. There is no listed deadline as to when public comment will be closed prior to the April 24 meeting the referral will be considered at. The proposed law, introduced by councilmember Sophie Hahn, would receive input from key stakeholders, including restaurants and other food retailers, if the council passes the referral. Single-use disposable food ware, described by the council as plastic bottles, caps, lids, straws, cups and containers, is cited as a major contributor to all forms of pollution. If the proposed law moves forward and is eventually passed by the council, it could require that all food at restaurants and other food retailers be served in reusable and durable dishes/cups and with reusable utensils. Foil, wrappers, and tray liners would still be allowed, according to the proposed law, in addition to special circumstance waivers for certain locations. The proposed law suggests that vendors charge customers for disposable food ware and ban toxic materials from any reusable alternatives. The Berkeley Considers website will allow each person one comment in the discussion of the proposal. The forum is moderated to prevent hate speech, personal attacks and obscene materials. ### 981-7008 SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco city leaders Wednesday will commemorate 112 years since the 1906 earthquake and destructive fires that burned for several days and decimated huge portions of the city. People will gather at 4:30 a.m. at Lotta's Fountain on Kearny and Market streets to mark the moment the earthquake struck the city at 5:12 a.m. The gathering will honor the lives lost with a moment of silence and speeches and the late Mayor Ed Lee will be honored with a wreath placed on the city landmark. Then a procession will be made from the fountain to a golden fire hydrant at 20th and Church streets believed to be the sole source of water during the fire that enabled thousands of volunteers to save the south side of the Mission District, San Francisco fire officials said. Starting at 5:30 a.m. an annual repainting of the hydrant will begin. Up to 3,000 people died in the aftermath of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake, according to a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report. Mayor Mark Farrell will be joined at the commemoration by Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White, police Chief Bill Scott, the late mayor's wife Anita Lee and former Mayor Willie Brown. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., San Francisco firefighters will host a safety fair on Third Street between Mission Rock and China Basin streets in the AT&T Park parking lot. Free smoke detectors will be available while supplies last. ### We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. OAKLAND (BCN) A man who was previously convicted of manslaughter for a 2012 homicide was found guilty of second-degree murder today for the fatal shooting of a man in Oakland in December 2016. Jurors deliberated for a day and a half before they announced their verdict against three-time felon Anthony Paige, 32, for the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Reginald Blackburn in the 1100 block of East 17th Street on Dec. 7, 2016. Alameda County prosecutor Nick Homer said in his closing argument last Thursday that Paige shot Blackburn "for no reason and in cold blood." Homer said Paige "was looking for a fight" that day and punched Blackburn's son. Homer said Blackburn, who was unarmed, confronted Paige about the punch and he and Paige got into a fight, during which Paige pulled out a gun and shot Blackburn. Homer said Blackburn gave "a dying declaration" to police as doctors wheeled him into an operating room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, saying that "Anthony" had shot him. Blackburn's statement was captured on video and played for jurors during Paige's trial. Surgeons were able to keep Blackburn alive for a short time but he died seven days after he was shot, according to Homer. The prosecutor said two other witnesses in addition to Blackburn identified Paige as the shooter. Homer said one of those witnesses initially was willing to testify at Paige's trial but later became hesitant after a friend told him that the word on the street was that he'd be killed if he testified against Paige. "It's dangerous to testify in a murder case in Oakland," Homer said. Paige's attorney Bao Doan said the forensic evidence in the case didn't support the prosecution's contention that Paige was the shooter and that Blackburn and the other two prosecution witnesses made a mistake in identifying Paige. Paige and co-defendant Terry Austin were both charged with murder and attempted murder for the killing of 25-year-old Demariae Clay of Oakland and the wounding of a woman while they were waiting for food in the drive-thru lane of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland at about 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2012. But on April 9, 2015, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office agreed to let Paige and Austin plead no contest to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter and receive three-year sentences. Paige was released from custody when he was formally sentenced on May 7, 2015, 19 months before Blackburn was shot. In addition to his manslaughter conviction, Paige was also convicted of selling a controlled substance in 2010 and selling or transporting marijuana in 2005. Paige is disputing his prior convictions so Alameda County Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay will hold a hearing on that issue on Thursday. Clay will set Paige's sentencing date after that hearing is completed. ### 272-6280 Defense attorney Bao Doan (510) 272-6600 OAKLAND (BCN) A four-time felon has been charged with vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and other offenses for a hit-and-run collision in East Oakland last week that killed a 9-year-old girl, prosecutors said. Kevin Lee Payne Jr., 21, was arraigned earlier this week for the death of Zayda Monge of Oakland and is scheduled to return to court on April 23 to enter a plea. The collision, in which a 25-year-old woman and two girls, ages 8 and 10, also were injured, occurred at the intersection of 35th and Paxton avenues shortly after 9 p.m. on April 10. Oakland police said a Toyota Corolla the 25-year-old woman was driving with Monge and the other two girls as passengers was making a U-turn onto southbound 35th Avenue when an Infiniti SUV driven by Payne that was also going south collided with it. The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to hit nearby parked cars, according to police. Payne and other occupants of the SUV got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, police said. Monge died the day after the collision but the 25-year-old woman and the two other girls survived, authorities said. Payne turned himself in at Oakland police headquarters on Friday afternoon. Officer Timothy De La Vega wrote in a probable cause statement that Payne "admitted to being the driver in the collision and fleeing the scene without providing his information." De La Vega said Payne "also wrote a note confessing to the incident and was apologetic to what had occurred." De La Vega wrote that video evidence of the collision indicates that Payne was driving the SUV at a high rate of speed in a residential zone. De La Vega said witnesses told police that Payne was passing another vehicle by going into oncoming traffic just before the fatal collision. In addition to vehicular manslaughter, Payne is charged with leaving the scene of an accident and reckless driving with serious injury, based on Monge's death and the injuries to the three other people. Prosecutors say Payne has two prior convictions for possession of an assault weapon and one prior conviction each for second-degree burglary and receiving stolen property. Payne is being held at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin in lieu of $140,000 bail. ### 272-6280 Oakland police (510) 238-7230 or opdmedia@oaklandnet.com The tradition of one hunger strike a year in Santa Clara County jails since 2016 continues, as the majority of inmates have not ordered food from the commissary since Sunday, according to a local advocacy group organizer. Silicon Valley De-Bug organizer and columnist Jose Valle said that he knows from being in close contact with inmates and their family members through the advocacy group that the fourth, fifth and seventh floor of the main jail are definitely participating in the ongoing hunger strike. He estimated 80 to 90 percent of inmates have joined in. The hunger strike, taking place at both the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose and the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, is intended to bring four main concerns to light: the inmate classification system, the uncertainty of solitary confinement, how grievances are filed and access to sanitary surroundings. "The moment someone is incarcerated, they're classified based on who [authorities] think they are or what they think that person is going to do," Valle said. "That information could be anything from their charges to their gang allegations to court testimony." The inmate classification system determines what conditions the detained are in while in custody, ranging from regular security to solitary confinement. Valle said that because three-fourths of the inmates in the county are pre-trial, they've been waiting years in the same classification based on the charges. The organizer said that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has each inmate's charges listed, and they have their own hearing process where those detained can appeal their classification and have people speak on their behalf. However, the county does not have any such system. The number of those in solitary confinement has declined in the last two to three years, thanks to the efforts of county leaders, Valle said. Time out of cell has improved, but there is no clarity as to how long someone will be in the severe classification, Valle said. Valle compared those classified as regular security and those classified for solitary confinement to white men in upper middle class communities and Hispanic men like himself in lower class communities. "My access to resources and privileges are going to be a whole lot different," he said. Valle added that those in solitary confinement get only mail, visits through glass and varying levels of cleanliness. There are no options like newly offered college courses. The death of Michael Tyree at the hands of three former correctional officers in 2015 shook the entire county jail system and brought forth many efforts toward reform, which included inmates voicing more of their concerns through grievances, Valle explained. While the number of grievances has increased, those in custody don't believe the complaints are doing them justice as the on-shift sergeant who takes the written complaint types up their own summary. "It's going to leave some room for opinion, because it's not going to be exactly what the detainee wrote," the organizer said. "So not only is it a summary, but an interpretation." The last demand, time for inmates to clean their surroundings and clothing and the items necessary to do so, should be considered a right but is not guaranteed in Santa Clara County jails, Valle said. "There's up to 100 men living in the same area, sharing the same space and using the same bathrooms," Valle said. "So keeping an area clean is a top priority." From here out, it's up to administrators to make decisions that will bring forth these benefits to the incarcerated, Valle said. He noted that with last year's hunger strike Sheriff Laurie Smith and her office seemed more supportive of the movement. "I think once it came closer to the election, Smith felt pressured to have a certain stance in all of this," Valle said. "Even though she has stated that she isn't going to meet the demands of the inmate population, some of her administrators have sat down and negotiated and met some demands." This time around, Santa Clara County sheriff's officials are acknowledging the strike and calling it "an unproductive negotiating tactic for change." The officials said today that custody improvements and reforms would continue as scheduled irrespective of the protest, which they believe was, "instigated by a select few individuals." Sheriff's officials concluded their statement by saying that the health and safety of staff, visitors and inmates is the top priority and so medical staff will be evaluating all participants for the duration of the hunger strike. Valle said it's common practice for inmates to even throw away old food from the commissary that they had before the protest to show solidarity. "The inmates have no desire not to eat or risk their health," Valle said after talking to some of the guys on the inside. "When someone chooses to go on a hunger strike, it's their last straw. It should show how much of a concern this really is." ### SAN JOSE (BCN) The San Jose City Council voted to move the discussion of any changes to the council's travel policies to a committee that will return with recommendations on how to proceed in August or September. The discussion of travel expenses for sister city trips became what Mayor Sam Liccardo said was an "acrimonious debate" after the mayor issued a memo about five councilmembers traveling together on April 9 to Okayama, Japan. Councilmembers Sylvia Arenas, Lan Diep, Sergio Jimenez, Raul Peralez and Johnny Khamis took part in the trip, as well as a number of city staff members. Khamis paid for his own expenses, which Liccardo commended. Liccardo said the absence of so many elected officials interrupted city business in the form of a lighter agenda for the April 10 council meeting as well as other cancellations. During Tuesday's meeting, Liccardo said community concerns about where exactly their money was being spent should be heard, since "the public does pay [the City Council's] salaries." "It is the community that should be playing the dominant role, not us," Liccardo said. At the meeting, Liccardo said he did not mean to "poke any eyes," or undercut the importance of sister city relationships. Liccardo said his fear of the trip being questioned by the public came alive when media outlets reported on the group traveling as tweets and other social postings from councilmembers arriving in the country went live. The mayor said he does not believe that any one councilmember or their decision-making process is at fault in the Okayama trip dispute, but rather he blamed the lack of a transparent process. Liccardo had proposed changes to the travel policy in his memo, which prompted opposing memos from councilmembers Diep, Arenas, Jimenez and Donald Rocha. However, Jimenez said at Tuesday's meeting that he felt only "a robust dialogue, and not a thoughtful solution" could result from this week's meeting. He motioned to move discussion of the issue to the Community and Economic Development Committee so that all memos could be discussed in depth and maybe morphed into a proposal that pleased all of the councilmembers. Kathy Sakamoto, who chairs the San Jose-Okayama Sister Cities organization and was a member of the group that went on last week's trip, said she and others of the organization were concerned that any signs that did not display a united front in regard to the trip would send the wrong message to Japan. "We feared that they would hear of contention once we had left," Sakamoto said. "If we were there, we would have stood up for our city and made our apologies." Sakamoto also noted that perhaps because Okayama has 46 councilmembers, they were able to send over 100 delegates to San Jose in 2017. She said the city was appreciative that San Jose could send over its own delegation to honor the 60th anniversary of the relationship. The council as a whole agreed that the two key components of sister city trips, coordinated scheduling and financing, will be clarified and improved upon for future traveling. San Jose has eight sister cities: Okayama in Japan, San Jose in Costa Rica, Veracruz and Guadalajara in Mexico, Tainan in Taiwan, Dublin in Ireland, Pune in India and Ekaterinburg in Russia. According to Deputy City Manager Kim Walesh, councilmembers have traveled on sister city trips nine times in the last 17 years. Six of those trips were related to Dublin, two were to Okayama and one was to Tainan. ### SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A San Francisco police officer injured in a hit-and-run in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon has been released from the hospital, police said today. The officer, who is assigned to the Southern Station and is an 18-year veteran of the department, was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday evening, according to police. The plainclothes officer was in a crosswalk around 3 p.m. when a blue sedan allegedly driven by 18-year-old Marisa Androvich struck him while turning from northbound Larkin Street to westbound Eddy Street, police said. Androvich allegedly fled but about 15 minutes later, an officer saw a blue Mercedes-Benz matching the suspect vehicle description and pulled it over near California Street and 26th Avenue in the Richmond District, police said. Investigators identified Androvich, a San Francisco resident, as the hit-and-run suspect and booked her into jail. She remains in custody on $53,100 bail, according to online jail records. ### In response to increased gun violence along Soquel Drive near Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office is holding a community meeting tonight to discuss its consideration of a temporary license plate reader. Sheriff's officials said the gun-related violence has been affecting the Soquel Drive corridor between state Highway 1 and 41st Avenue. SAN JOSE (BCN) Some of the people displaced from an apartment complex in San Jose by a fire early Tuesday morning will seek temporary shelter in vacant units in another building of the same complex, according to a San Jose fire spokesman. Capt. Mitch Matlow said he was on scene most of the day at the five-alarm blaze at 2079 McLaughlin Ave. and said by a stroke of luck, one of the buildings on the property had open units that management is allowing the displaced to use. Matlow did not know exactly how many units are open and how many of the 100-plus residents displaced are being housed in this way. Representatives from the complex, Summerwind Apartments, were not immediately available for comment. The blaze began in a second-floor unit kitchen and spread to damage 36 apartments. Matlow said many of the units had multiple people displaced from them. All of the apartments on the second and third floor of the building involved have been declared out of commission, city officials said Tuesday. The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. Firefighters were on scene minutes later and found people who were trapped on their balconies and attempting to use ropes and sheets to climb down, Matlow said. Crews used fire ladders to safely help down each person one by one, he said. Fifteen people were treated at the scene but only four required transport to a hospital. Two victims went to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center and two went to Regional Medical Center of San Jose. Some of the victims were treated for smoke inhalation, according to Matlow. He did not have an update on their conditions. The American Red Cross arrived at the apartment complex on Tuesday morning in order to help displaced residents, setting up a reception center in the complex's clubhouse. Food and emotional support were provided, as well as consultation with each family to assess their disaster-related needs, according to Red Cross spokeswoman Cynthia Shaw. Shaw said the Red Cross is lending cots to residents as well as blankets, toiletry kits, financial assistance and anything related to health needs. ### SANTA CRUZ (BCN) A dog that was stolen from its owner's office on Friday was returned safely hours after Santa Cruz police posted the story to its Facebook page on Tuesday, police said. According to Santa Cruz police, the dog, a Chihuahua named Apple, was stolen from a downtown office a few days ago, police said Tuesday. Not long after the Facebook post went up, a "community member", according to police, spotted Apple and convinced the person who had the stolen dog to hand them over. The person who retrieved the stolen dog and the person who was in possession of it at the time weren't identified. The dog's owner, an unidentified man, was reunited with Apple sometime Tuesday, police said. Police said the dog's owner was posting missing photos of the 9-year-old white Chihuahua around the downtown area Friday, believing he had run away from the office, when he viewed surveillance video from a nearby business of Apple being taken out of their office at about 2 p.m. Police said the suspect is a woman with a lean body type, long reddish-brown hair and tattoos on her neck and chest area. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Santa Cruz police at (831) 420-5820. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call (831) 420-5995. ### SAN JOSE (BCN) A five-alarm fire at an apartment complex in San Jose this morning displaced 120 people, city officials said. Investigators found that the fire began in a second floor unit kitchen and spread to damage 36 apartments. All of the apartments on the second and third floor of the building have been declared out of commission, according to city officials. The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. at 2079 McLaughlin Ave., San Jose Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow said. Four people were taken to the hospital after fire crews arrived and found people trying to use ropes and sheets to climb down from balconies of the building, Matlow said. Fifteen people were treated at the scene but only the four required transport to hospitals. There were no deaths. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents at the complex's clubhouse. Families will receive cots, blankets, comfort kits and meal stipends, according to city officials. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo thanked the firefighters, city officials and emergency responders who helped residents as they left the burning building. "Our thoughts remain with all of the families and individuals who have been displaced by this fire," he said in a statement. ### NEW YORK (AP) Businesses that have announced vaccine mandates say some workers who had been on the fence have since gotten inoculated against COVID-19. But many holdouts remain a likely sign of what is to come once a federal mandate goes into effect. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) A suspect has been arrested in a hit-and-run collision that injured a police officer this afternoon in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, police said. A San Francisco plainclothes officer was crossing Eddy Street at Larkin Street at about 3 p.m. and was hit by a blue sedan turning from northbound Larkin to westbound Eddy, according to police. The officer suffered injuries not considered life-threatening. Police said 18-year-old San Francisco resident Marisa Androvich was arrested in connection with the collision after police spotted Androvich's blue Mercedes at about 3:20 p.m. in another part of the city. Androvich was arrested after a traffic stop at 26th Avenue and California Street. Police said Androvich was booked into the county jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and the Mercedes was towed as evidence. ### A vehicle passenger died in a crash on northbound Interstate Highway 880 in Fremont this morning, according to the California Highway Patrol. The collision was reported at 9:42 a.m. when a black sedan driving on northbound Highway 880 at South Fremont Boulevard crashed into a green SUV, according to CHP Officer Manuel Leal. The green SUV lost control, turned over multiple times and a passenger in the vehicle died at the scene. The driver of the green SUV was taken to a hospital with moderate injuries, and the driver of the black sedan appears to be OK, Leal said. Three lanes of the highway were closed and traffic was backed up on the highway as of late this morning and there was currently no estimated time for when the lanes will reopen. No information was immediately available from the CHP about why the collision happened. One person was killed in a collision this morning involving multiple vehicles near the Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline in Oakland, Alameda County sheriff's officials said. The crash occurred around 10 a.m. on Doolittle Drive near Langley Street. Doolittle Drive is closed between Harbor Parkway and Rental Car Road and motorists are advised to avoid the area, according to the sheriff's office. The case is being investigated by Oakland police. No other details were immediately available. An 80-year-old woman who died Tuesday after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Ocean Avenue in San Francisco has been identified as Candida Duazo, according to the city's medical examiner's office. Around 9 a.m., officers responded to the corner of Ocean Avenue and Victoria Street for a report of a collision, police said. Upon arrival, they learned that a vehicle had turned east onto Ocean Avenue from Victoria Street and struck Duazo as she was in the crosswalk. Duazo, a San Francisco resident, was taken to a hospital where she succumbed to her injuries, according to police. The driver, a 48-year-old man, remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Impairment did not appear to be a factor in the collision and he was not arrested, police said. One person is dead and another is suffering from major injuries after what investigators suspect was an alcohol-involved collision in Gonzales on Tuesday night, according to the California Highway Patrol. At 11:19 p.m., a white GMC Sierra driven by Gonzales resident Charles Bailey Jr. failed to stop and struck the rear of a silver Chevrolet Malibu on Gloria Road, east of U.S. Highway 101, CHP officials said. The Chevrolet then veered off the south edge of the road, where it overturned and came to rest on its wheels. The impact pushed the GMC off the north end of the road into a vineyard, according to the CHP. The driver of the Chevrolet, a 55-year-old Salinas man, was pronounced dead at the scene, CHP officials said. His name is not yet being released. Bailey was taken to Natividad Medical Center with moderate injuries while the 42-year-old Gonzales woman who was a passenger in the car was treated for a broken pelvis. A preliminary investigation revealed that Bailey, traveling west, was impaired by his level of intoxication and the car's accelerating speed. Those factors caused him to fail to observe the car in front of him, according to the CHP. The collision is under investigation. Witnesses are asked to call the CHP's Monterey-area office at (831) 770-8000. A Berkeley man who died when he lost control of his pickup truck on northbound U.S. Highway 101 in unincorporated Monterey County near King City last week has been identified, according to the California Highway Patrol. Eric Neil Foster, 67, was driving a black 1998 Toyota Tacoma at about 65 mph near Jolon Road around 4:25 p.m. on April 9 when the truck drifted onto the right shoulder, CHP officials said. The victim made an unsafe turn to the left and the truck overturned as it crossed the highway. The truck came to rest in the center divide with Foster trapped inside, according to the CHP. Emergency personnel got to the scene and immediately transported the driver to a hospital, CHP officials said. Foster was pronounced dead minutes after arrival. A San Francisco police officer injured in a hit-and-run in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood on Tuesday afternoon has been released from the hospital, police said today. The officer, who is assigned to the Southern Station and is an 18-year veteran of the department, was discharged from the hospital on Tuesday evening, according to police. The plainclothes officer was in a crosswalk around 3 p.m. when a blue sedan allegedly driven by 18-year-old Marisa Androvich struck him while turning from northbound Larkin Street to westbound Eddy Street, police said. Androvich allegedly fled but about 15 minutes later, an officer saw a blue Mercedes-Benz matching the suspect vehicle description and pulled it over near California Street and 26th Avenue in the Richmond District, police said. Investigators identified Androvich, a San Francisco resident, as the hit-and-run suspect and booked her into jail. She remains in custody on $53,100 bail, according to online jail records. A pedestrian who was struck on the Berryessa Road off-ramp from southbound Interstate Highway 680 early this morning has been taken to a hospital with major injuries, according to the California Highway Patrol. The CHP said a motorist called 911 just after 5:30 a.m. today to report they may have hit a pedestrian, but couldn't locate them right away. Fire crews arrived on the scene and found the victim, an unidentified man, and started CPR before taking him to a local hospital. As of 5:59 a.m., the off-ramp is now open. A 53-year-old transient was arrested Tuesday after a 911 call described him allegedly holding a firearm and acting aggressively in a vehicle in Steamer Landing Park in Petaluma, police said. Michael Taylor was eventually taken into custody after a traffic stop, where he immediately complied with officers and allegedly told them he had a BB gun his possession. Police said Taylor allegedly told them he was looking for a "suicide by cop" scenario. Officers reportedly found a replica semi-automatic air pistol, body armor and pepper spray. Neither Taylor nor any officer were injured during the traffic stop. He was taken into custody for a mental health evaluation. Santa Rosa police later contacted Petaluma police to let them know he was wanted for a violent incident earlier Tuesday in Santa Rosa. Per Sonoma County Jail records, Taylor is in custody on suspicion of domestic violence. He is being held on $30,000 bond and will be arraigned on Thursday. A fire that damaged a Milpitas apartment building on Monday was apparently caused by a candle that was left unattended and may have fallen during an earthquake that day, fire officials said. The fire was reported at 1:10 p.m. at a unit at the Montevista Apartments at 1001 S. Main St. Crews arrived to find water pouring from an upstairs unit and entered the building to see that the building's sprinklers had extinguished a small fire burning in a bedroom, fire officials said. The cause of the blaze was determined to be a candle left burning and unattended. A small earthquake had struck the South Bay earlier so fire officials said it was possible that the quake caused a small picture and frame to fall onto the candle and start the fire. The blaze damaged the unit where it started as well as the one below it, causing an estimated $148,000 in total damage, according to the fire department. Fire officials stressed that candles should never be left unattended since they are the cause of many unintentional fires. A dog that was stolen from its owner's office on Friday was returned safely hours after Santa Cruz police posted the story to its Facebook page on Tuesday, police said. According to Santa Cruz police, the dog, a Chihuahua named Apple, was stolen from a downtown office a few days ago, police said Tuesday. Not long after the Facebook post went up, a "community member", according to police, spotted Apple and convinced the person who had the stolen dog to hand them over. The person who retrieved the stolen dog and the person who was in possession of it at the time weren't identified. The dog's owner, an unidentified man, was reunited with Apple sometime Tuesday, police said. Police said the dog's owner was posting missing photos of the 9-year-old white Chihuahua around the downtown area Friday, believing he had run away from the office, when he viewed surveillance video from a nearby business of Apple being taken out of their office at about 2 p.m. Police said the suspect is a woman with a lean body type, long reddish-brown hair and tattoos on her neck and chest area. Anyone with information about the theft is asked to call Santa Cruz police at (831) 420-5820. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call (831) 420-5995. Emergency responders are conducting a mass casualty drill involving a simulated plane crash at the Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport this morning. The Rincon Valley Fire Protection District, the airport's staff and local first responders are participating in the unrehearsed drill between 10 a.m. and noon. The training is mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration every three years. The drill includes extrication and rescue, aircraft fire and hazard mitigation, a focus on passenger rescue, emergency medical intervention and fire suppression. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Petaluma Valley Hospital will be accepting 40-50 simulated patients. Sixteen emergency response agencies are participating in the drill. Rincon Valley Fire Protection District officials said the recent expansion of the airport and terminals has resulted in an increase of calls at the airport. The San Jose City Council voted to move the discussion of any changes to the council's travel policies to a committee that will return with recommendations on how to proceed in August or September. The discussion of travel expenses for sister city trips became what Mayor Sam Liccardo said was an "acrimonious debate" after the mayor issued a memo about five councilmembers traveling together on April 9 to Okayama, Japan. Councilmembers Sylvia Arenas, Lan Diep, Sergio Jimenez, Raul Peralez and Johnny Khamis took part in the trip, as well as a number of city staff members. Khamis paid for his own expenses, which Liccardo commended. Liccardo said the absence of so many elected officials interrupted city business in the form of a lighter agenda for the April 10 council meeting as well as other cancellations. During Tuesday's meeting, Liccardo said community concerns about where exactly their money was being spent should be heard, since "the public does pay [the City Council's] salaries." "It is the community that should be playing the dominant role, not us," Liccardo said. At the meeting, Liccardo said he did not mean to "poke any eyes," or undercut the importance of sister city relationships. Liccardo said his fear of the trip being questioned by the public came alive when media outlets reported on the group traveling as tweets and other social postings from councilmembers arriving in the country went live. The mayor said he does not believe that any one councilmember or their decision-making process is at fault in the Okayama trip dispute, but rather he blamed the lack of a transparent process. Liccardo had proposed changes to the travel policy in his memo, which prompted opposing memos from councilmembers Diep, Arenas, Jimenez and Donald Rocha. However, Jimenez said at Tuesday's meeting that he felt only "a robust dialogue, and not a thoughtful solution" could result from this week's meeting. He motioned to move discussion of the issue to the Community and Economic Development Committee so that all memos could be discussed in depth and maybe morphed into a proposal that pleased all of the councilmembers. The council as a whole agreed that the two key components of sister city trips, coordinated scheduling and financing, will be clarified and improved upon for future traveling. ### A suspect has been arrested in a hit-and-run collision that injured a police officer Tuesday afternoon in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood, police said. A San Francisco plainclothes officer was crossing Eddy Street at Larkin Street at about 3 p.m. and was hit by a blue sedan turning from northbound Larkin to westbound Eddy, according to police. The officer suffered injuries not considered life-threatening. Police said 18-year-old San Francisco resident Marisa Androvich was arrested in connection with the collision after police spotted Androvich's blue Mercedes at about 3:20 p.m. in another part of the city. Androvich was arrested after a traffic stop at 26th Avenue and California Street. Police said Androvich was booked into the county jail on suspicion of felony hit-and-run and the Mercedes was towed as evidence. A San Francisco woman was fatally struck by a vehicle on the city's Ocean Avenue Tuesday morning while crossing the street, according to police. Officers responded to the area of Ocean Avenue and Victoria Street around 9 a.m. and found a woman suffering from injuries suffered when she was struck by a vehicle. The victim, thought to be roughly 80 years old, was transported to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, who said that impairment doesn't appear to be a factor. A five-alarm fire at an apartment complex in San Jose Tuesday morning displaced 120 people, city officials said. Investigators found that the fire began in a second floor unit kitchen and spread to damage 36 apartments. All of the apartments on the second and third floor of the building have been declared out of commission, according to city officials. The fire was reported at 5:53 a.m. at 2079 McLaughlin Ave., San Jose Fire Capt. Mitch Matlow said. Four people were taken to the hospital after fire crews arrived and found people trying to use ropes and sheets to climb down from balconies of the building, Matlow said. Fifteen people were treated at the scene but only the four required transport to hospitals. There were no deaths. The American Red Cross is assisting displaced residents at the complex's clubhouse. Families will receive cots, blankets, comfort kits and meal stipends, according to city officials. San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo thanked the firefighters, city officials and emergency responders who helped residents as they left the burning building. "Our thoughts remain with all of the families and individuals who have been displaced by this fire," he said in a statement. The San Francisco Board of Supervisors Tuesday approved an ordinance requiring dockless scooter share companies to obtain permits for the powered vehicles before operating on city streets. The ordinance was first introduced by Supervisor Aaron Peskin in early March ahead of the launch of three scooter companies Spin, LimeBike and Bird, which all began pilot programs later that month. In recent weeks, however, several residents, organizations and city officials have spoken out against the electronic scooters, which are often used on city sidewalks and then left abandoned, blocking pedestrians' paths. "I'm frankly kind of amazed by the brouhaha that has ensued" Peskin said at Tuesday's meeting. "Part of the brouhaha has been... that some of these companies have been a little bit fast and loose with the truth. "That this is a ban, that is not true," Peskin said. The ordinance, sponsored by Peskin and Supervisor Jane Kim, establishes a violation for any scooters that are part of a share program that are parked, left standing or unattended on a city sidewalk, street or public right-of-way, unless the scooters are authorized with a permit from the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. Furthermore, the ordinance calls for allowing the Department of Public Works to remove scooters in violation. "These scooters are certainly something that could help, in some instances with some users, in San Francisco's complex world of transportation challenges but that does not mean that we are going to sacrifice our sacred spaces that are our sidewalks, which are for pedestrians, people with wheelchairs, parents with strollers," Peskin said. Supervisor Jeff Sheehy said at the meeting, "I actually have ridden on one of these and they appear to be a practical solution for the last mile between transit and the destination. I think the way they've been rolled out has been disastrous; blocking sidewalks, riding on sidewalks and not wearing helmets. But properly used, they can really serve a real purpose," he said. Sheehy suggested more protected bike lanes and parking stations for the scooters be installed in order for them to function as viable alternatives to cars. The ordinance moved to the Board of Supervisors after a lengthy meeting Monday at the Board's Land Use and Transportation Committee, where Peskin and Kim grilled scooter company representatives over the scooters' rollouts, which the supervisors said was ahead of the proposed permitting system which the companies knew was already in works and yet they failed to effectively communicate their plans to city officials. On Friday, the crews with the city's Department of Public Works confiscated 66 electronic scooters from all three companies because they were blocking sidewalks, causing a public safety hazard. According to the department spokeswoman Rachel Gordon, the department has received numerous complaints about the scooters in recent weeks. On Monday, City Attorney Dennis Herrera sent cease and desist letters to the three scooter share companies. While noting that the companies had disregarded previous warnings, the letters demanded that they all stop operating unpermitted as the scooters are "creating a public nuisance on the city's streets and sidewalks and endangering public health and safety." At Monday's Land Use and Transportation Committee meeting, Jaime Parks with the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency said, pending Tuesday's outcome, the new permit process for the companies would be available online but wouldn't be ready until possibly mid May. In a statement, LimeBike spokesman Joe Arellano said that the company is taking Tuesday's Board of Supervisors vote and Monday's cease and desist letter from Herrera seriously. "In response, we are updating our current community outreach plan to address the city's concerns about pedestrian safety, parking compliance and rider education. We plan to roll out new initiatives, along with our complete response to the city attorney by the end of the week," according to LimeBike's statement. In the meantime, LimeBike says it will hand out helmets to users Sunday at their San Francisco headquarters, will develop a new feature on their app for riders to send a picture of their scooter at the end of their ride to ensure that it's properly parked, and will ensure that users are aware that riding on or blocking sidewalks is illegal. "We recognize that we can't fix every concern overnight, but as a Bay Area company, we want to be lasting partners with the city and county of San Francisco," the statement said. Residents of a homeless encampment in the Roseland area of Santa Rosa and their advocates implored the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors Tuesday morning not to clear their encampment as scheduled on Thursday. The residents and advocates pitched two tents on the concrete outside the county's Administration Center before the supervisors meeting started Tuesday morning. Then more than a dozen, some angry, some near tears, accused the board of breaking a promise in December not to clear the camp behind the Dollar Store in the Roseland Village Shopping Center on Sebastopol Road until alternate housing and access to social services were found for them. The two camps have been home for about two years to more than 100 people, including many who were rousted by other camp clearances. The county's Community Development Commission wants to clear the land, which it owns, and begin site cleanup for the development of a 175 apartments that are to include some affordable units. The Community Development Commission set up a navigation center near the camp on Feb. 23 to assess the campers' needs and provide referrals and information about safe housing options that include temporary and permanent housing and access to health and human services. The camp was to be vacated by March 23 but the date was extended to April 9. Housing advocates' attorneys challenged the eviction and a federal district court judge suggested a three-week delay. The Community Development Commission then set Thursday as the final date to vacate the camp. Some speakers Tuesday morning said Santa Rosa police were traumatizing the camp residents and issuing citations, and others said the encampment was their home. One camp resident said a survey of 50 campers found 82 percent were disabled and 25 percent of them were on social security disability. Fifty-eight percent of the campers are women. "You promised us a transitional village and nothing happened" one woman said. "Shelter beds are not a solution. Please do something," she said. The tradition of one hunger strike a year in Santa Clara County jails since 2016 continues, as the majority of inmates have not ordered food from the commissary since Sunday, according to a local advocacy group organizer. Silicon Valley De-Bug organizer and columnist Jose Valle said that he knows from being in close contact with inmates and their family members through the advocacy group that the fourth, fifth and seventh floor of the main jail are definitely participating in the ongoing hunger strike. He estimated 80 to 90 percent of inmates have joined in. The hunger strike, taking place at both the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose and the Elmwood Correctional Facility in Milpitas, is intended to bring four main concerns to light: the inmate classification system, the uncertainty of solitary confinement, how grievances are filed and access to sanitary surroundings. "The moment someone is incarcerated, they're classified based on who [authorities] think they are or what they think that person is going to do," Valle said. "That information could be anything from their charges to their gang allegations to court testimony." The inmate classification system determines what conditions the detained are in while in custody, ranging from regular security to solitary confinement. Valle said that because three-fourths of the inmates in the county are pre-trial, they've been waiting years in the same classification based on the charges. The organizer said that the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has each inmate's charges listed, and they have their own hearing process where those detained can appeal their classification and have people speak on their behalf. However, the county does not have any such system. The number of those in solitary confinement has declined in the last two to three years, thanks to the efforts of county leaders, Valle said. Time out of cell has improved, but there is no clarity as to how long someone will be in the severe classification, Valle said. Valle compared those classified as regular security and those classified for solitary confinement to white men in upper middle class communities and Hispanic men like himself in lower class communities. "My access to resources and privileges are going to be a whole lot different," he said. Valle added that those in solitary confinement get only mail, visits through glass and varying levels of cleanliness. There are no options like newly offered college courses. The death of Michael Tyree at the hands of three former correctional officers in 2015 shook the entire county jail system and brought forth many efforts toward reform, which included inmates voicing more of their concerns through grievances, Valle explained. While the number of grievances has increased, those in custody don't believe the complaints are doing them justice as the on-shift sergeant who takes the written complaint types up their own summary. "It's going to leave some room for opinion, because it's not going to be exactly what the detainee wrote," the organizer said. "So not only is it a summary, but an interpretation." The last demand, time for inmates to clean their surroundings and clothing and the items necessary to do so, should be considered a right but is not guaranteed in Santa Clara County jails, Valle said. "There's up to 100 men living in the same area, sharing the same space and using the same bathrooms," Valle said. "So keeping an area clean is a top priority." From here out, it's up to administrators to make decisions that will bring forth these benefits to the incarcerated, Valle said. He noted that with last year's hunger strike Sheriff Laurie Smith and her office seemed more supportive of the movement. "I think once it came closer to the election, Smith felt pressured to have a certain stance in all of this," Valle said. "Even though she has stated that she isn't going to meet the demands of the inmate population, some of her administrators have sat down and negotiated and met some demands." This time around, Santa Clara County sheriff's officials are acknowledging the strike and calling it "an unproductive negotiating tactic for change." The officials said Tuesday that custody improvements and reforms would continue as scheduled irrespective of the protest, which they believe was, "instigated by a select few individuals." Sheriff's officials concluded their statement by saying that the health and safety of staff, visitors and inmates is the top priority and so medical staff will be evaluating all participants for the duration of the hunger strike. Valle said it's common practice for inmates to even throw away old food from the commissary that they had before the protest to show solidarity. "The inmates have no desire not to eat or risk their health," Valle said after talking to some of the guys on the inside. "When someone chooses to go on a hunger strike, it's their last straw. It should show how much of a concern this really is." The Alameda City Council voted in closed session late Monday night to keep City Manager Jill Keimach on paid administrative leave. The Council also decided to release on May 5 an investigative report by outside attorney Michael Jenkins about a secret recording Keimach made of a conversation she had with Vice Mayor Malia Vella and Councilman Jim Oddie last August about hiring a new fire chief. In addition, the Council voted to ask the Alameda County District Attorney's Office to review the secret recordings. The council put Keimach on leave on March 9 after it learned of the secret recording. Keimach has admitted that she secretly recorded her one-hour conversation with Vella and Oddie but said she did so because the two councilmembers were pressuring her to hire Fire Capt. Domenick Weaver, the past president of the city's firefighters' union, instead of her preferred choice, Salinas Fire Chief Edmond Rodriguez. Keimach stuck to her guns and hired Rodriguez and he was appointed on Oct. 3. Keimach's attorney Therese Cannata said in the public portion of the Council's meeting Monday night that Keimach's tape recording was legal under Penal Code 633.5, which allows a person to tape record a conversation when she reasonably believes it will obtain evidence related to commission of certain crimes, including bribery, extortion and a felony involving violence against the person. Cannata also said City Attorney Janet Kern had told Keimach it was permissible to record Vella and Oddie, although Kern has denied giving Keimach permission to do so. Kern said Tuesday that, "I adamantly deny" giving Keimach such permission and "Miss Keimach knows that." Kern said, "I'm not her personal attorney and don't give her legal advice and said that when Keimach said she was considering taping her meeting with Vella and Oddie, "I was aghast and told her it was a very bad idea." Kern alleged that Cannata and Karl Olson, another attorney for Keimach, are "spreading a falsehood and a complete lie" by claiming that she gave Keimach permission to tape the conversation. Kern said the accusations are "a derogatory attack against me" and could jeopardize her bar license so "I'm considering my options." Cannata told the City Council Monday night that the issue "is about perceived misconduct by two councilmembers (Vella and Oddie) over union influence." She said, "The Council should investigate that" instead of investigating Keimach. The council was considering firing Keimach at its meeting, but Olson said she would have legal claims, including whistleblower retaliation, if she's dismissed. Olson said Keimach "has nothing to hide" and wants the secretly recorded conversation to be made public. Keimach, who was hired on a four-year contract on March 7, 2016, told the Council, "I've worked my entire career in the public sector and a key core of my beliefs is to enhance the public's trust in government, even behind closed doors." But she said, "I was put to the test in Alameda" and said she chose the more difficult road of "exposing unethical behavior." All but two of the approximately 40 people who addressed the Council supported Keimach. Former Alameda City Manager William Norton told the Council it shouldn't fire Keimach on Monday because it hadn't given her enough notice and that it should give her up to a year to correct her performance if she has any deficiencies. Norton said the Council "has a very bad track record" because it has gone through seven city managers in 10 years and said if it fired Keimach, it would have a hard time finding a replacement since city manager websites are full of discussions about the problems in Alameda. Norton also said the controversy over Keimach "has taken a toll on the city's staff members" and made it hard for them to do their jobs. Cannata and Olson told the Council that Vella and Oddie should be disqualified from discussing and voting on Keimach's fate because they have a conflict of interest and wouldn't be able to vote objectively. The minutes of the Council's closed session indicate that Vella and Oddie participated in the lengthy discussion on the issue but were absent for 10 minutes when the Council voted. Mayor Trish Herrera Spencer, Councilwoman Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft and Councilman Frank Matarrese voted in favor of the motion to keep Keimach on leave, release the report on May 5 and have the district attorney review the secret recording. Vella and Oddie didn't respond to requests for comment Tuesday. A man who was previously convicted of manslaughter for a 2012 homicide was found guilty of second-degree murder Tuesday for the fatal shooting of a man in Oakland in December 2016. Jurors deliberated for a day and a half before they announced their verdict against three-time felon Anthony Paige, 32, for the fatal shooting of 49-year-old Reginald Blackburn in the 1100 block of East 17th Street on Dec. 7, 2016. Alameda County prosecutor Nick Homer said in his closing argument last Thursday that Paige shot Blackburn "for no reason and in cold blood." Homer said Paige "was looking for a fight" that day and punched Blackburn's son. Homer said Blackburn, who was unarmed, confronted Paige about the punch and he and Paige got into a fight, during which Paige pulled out a gun and shot Blackburn. Homer said Blackburn gave "a dying declaration" to police as doctors wheeled him into an operating room at Highland Hospital in Oakland, saying that "Anthony" had shot him. Blackburn's statement was captured on video and played for jurors during Paige's trial. Surgeons were able to keep Blackburn alive for a short time but he died seven days after he was shot, according to Homer. The prosecutor said two other witnesses in addition to Blackburn identified Paige as the shooter. Homer said one of those witnesses initially was willing to testify at Paige's trial but later became hesitant after a friend told him that the word on the street was that he'd be killed if he testified against Paige. "It's dangerous to testify in a murder case in Oakland," Homer said. Paige's attorney Bao Doan said the forensic evidence in the case didn't support the prosecution's contention that Paige was the shooter and that Blackburn and the other two prosecution witnesses made a mistake in identifying Paige. Paige and co-defendant Terry Austin were both charged with murder and attempted murder for the killing of 25-year-old Demariae Clay of Oakland and the wounding of a woman while they were waiting for food in the drive-thru lane of a Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant at 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard in Oakland at about 6:15 p.m. on Aug. 16, 2012. But on April 9, 2015, the Alameda County District Attorney's Office agreed to let Paige and Austin plead no contest to the lesser charge of voluntary manslaughter and receive three-year sentences. Paige was released from custody when he was formally sentenced on May 7, 2015, 19 months before Blackburn was shot. In addition to his manslaughter conviction, Paige was also convicted of selling a controlled substance in 2010 and selling or transporting marijuana in 2005. Paige is disputing his prior convictions so Alameda County Superior Court Judge C. Don Clay will hold a hearing on that issue on Thursday. Clay will set Paige's sentencing date after that hearing is completed. Police are seeking the public's help to find a man who allegedly battered a woman inside a San Francisco store on Saturday and then slammed her puppy onto the ground, killing it. Officers initially responded around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday to the first block of Turk Street for a report of a fight, according to police. Once there, officers learned that a man and a woman were arguing inside a store, when the man allegedly threw canned items at her. The man then allegedly snatched the woman's 4-month-old Cocker Spaniel from her arms and forcefully slammed it onto the floor. The victim and the suspect had left by the time officers arrived, however, officers were able to locate the victim and her puppy a block away, police said. Officers transported the woman and her puppy, Prince, to San Francisco Animal Care and Control, where it later died. Police have identified the suspect as 23-year-old Delos Pierre Gallon of San Francisco. He's wanted on suspicion of domestic violence, kidnapping and felony animal cruelty, according to police. Gallon has prior arrests for firearms violations and police said he should be considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone who sees him is asked to call 911, the SFPD 24-hour tip-line at (415) 575-4444, or to text a tip to TIP411 with SFPD at the beginning of the message. Tipsters have the option of remaining anonymous. ### Services planned for veteran Services for Milton Beed will be Wednesday, April 25, at 10 a.m., at Stonacek Funeral Chapel, 1200 N. 13th St., in Norfolk. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the chapel. His remains will arrive at Eppley Airfield in Omaha on Monday, April 23. The American Legion Riders will escort the remains to Norfolk. They will leave the airport area around 1 p.m. and make stops at Sapp Brothers Truck Stop near Fremont and the West Point Truck Plaza near West Point. The procession will enter Norfolk on Highway 275 and proceed west to Highway 81 where it will travel north to the funeral chapel. Beed is survived by a number of nieces and nephews. His parents, Mitchell and Bessie, are deceased, as are his siblings and their spouses, Helen and Samuel McClure, Kenneth and Jean Beed, Jack and Leona Beed, Doris and Leonard Becker and Philip and Mary Beed. His wife, Mary Catherine, is also deceased. For his military service, Beed was awarded the Purple Heart, POW Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea War Service Medal and Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Barbara Pierce Bush, the fiercely loyal wife of one U.S. president and mother of another who was a champion of literacy and admired public figure in her own right, died Tuesday surrounded by her family at her west Houston home. She was 92. Her husband, former President George Herbert Walker Bush, was at her side. Relatives said she died of complications from congenital heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. BARBARA BUSH: Rarely seen photos show her unique spirit The Texas matriarch was born June 8, 1925, to Pauline and Marvin Pierce in New York City. She grew up in nearby Rye, N.Y. Her father was a publishing executive who rose to become president of McCall Corp. At age 16, Barbara Pierce met George H.W. Bush at a holiday party in Connecticut. She was on a break from boarding school in South Carolina. He was then a senior at Phillips Academy in Andover, Mass. PHOTOS: Barbara Bush's early years | Life after the White House The couple became engaged a year and a half later, as Bush prepared to ship out as a Navy torpedo bomber pilot. She dropped out of Smith College, and they married on Jan. 6, 1945. Bush attended Yale University after the war. Soon after graduation, the couple headed for Midland, Texas. RELATED: Barbara and George Bush: A love story told through photos The Bushes had six children: sons George W., Jeb, Neil and Marvin and daughters Dorothy Bush Koch and Robin Bush, who died of leukemia. As her husband's political career grew, Barbara Bush had a strong guiding hand. She remained an active partner, known for her wit and down-to-earth style, while he served as congressman, then U.N. ambassador, then Vice President and President. In her book Barbara Bush: A Memoir (Charles Scribner Sons, 1994), she made clear that she held more liberal views than the men in her family on abortion and gun control. But she also played the dutiful spouse, her elegantly coiffed white hair and pearls never far from her husband's side on their outings to the theater and to cheer on the Houston Astros. She famously said the nation might have had "enough Bushes" when former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush explored a 2016 run for the White House, a bid that would have extended the Bush dynasty another generation. She later changed her mind, though she never did cotton to the word "dynasty." The First Lady's enduring passion was helping children read and giving their families the tools to help them learn. She supported literacy both during her time in the White House and after her husband's presidency. She championed the National Literacy Act, which was signed into law in 1991, drawing widespread attention to the cause. READ FULL CHRONICLE OBITUARY. The Inspector General of the Royal Armed Forces (FAR), Lieutenant General Abdelfattah Louarak, who is on a visit to the United States at the head of a large delegation of senior officers, held talks with Pentagon officials Tuesday, reports Al Massae daily this Wednesday (April 18). According to the daily, talks focused on the delivery to the Moroccan army of new combat aircraft, the F-16 Viper Block 70. The Moroccan-US talks took place a day following the launch Monday of the 2018 edition of the two countries annual military games, African Lion, held in the regions of Agadir, Tifnit, Tan-Tan, Tiznit, Ben Guerir and Kenitra. The military drills bring together military units and observers from 16 countries, and involve various types of training, including a Combined Joint Task Force Command Post Exercise. The drills also feature Senior Leader Dialogue focused on counter-violent extremist organizations (VEOs), maritime/land/air border security challenges, transnational threats and regional cooperation, and cyber security and defense. Lieutenant General Abdelfattah Louaraks visit to the USA is also taking place amidst tension in the buffer zone of the Moroccan Sahara because of the repeated incursions of the Algeria-backed Polisario militias in this area. While Morocco is discussing the purchase of the F-16 aircraft Algiers has just given the Polisario ground-to-air missiles purchased on the black market. According to Assabah, another Moroccan daily, the F-16s seem to terrify Moroccos eastern neighbors, so much so that Algiers has been quick to buy, for the benefit of the Polisario, a whole range of ground-to-air and anti-aircraft missiles. According to information gathered by Assabah, Algeria has signed a secret agreement with Venezuela to deliver to the Polisario Russia-made anti-tank Kornet missiles. Assabah added that the 60 Polisario soldiers (and not 30 as officially announced) who perished in the recent crash of the Algerian military aircraft after take-off from Boufarik base had just completed their training on the use of the Russian weaponry provided by Venezuela. The department of General Ahmed Gaid Salah, Algerian Deputy Minister of Defense and Chief of Staff, resorted to the back market to acquire the surface-to-air missiles provided to the Polisario, Assabah stated, noting that the surface-to-air missiles, called Igla S, can be borne on the shoulder and are very popular with terrorist groups. The abundant rainfalls witnessed in Morocco in winter and early spring of 2018 are auguring well for the agricultural sector and the countrys water reserves. The dam filling rate increased to 69.2% by April 16, with rainfall ranging between 100 to 120 mm in the north and 30 to 60 mm in the center and south. The agricultural ministry has also expressed optimism regarding this crop year and the beneficial impact of the rise in water reserves. Agriculture is Moroccos biggest employer with more than 35% and accounts for 15% of Moroccos GDP. A Fresno State English professor didn't mince words in a series of tweets she posted an hour after the passing of the former first lady Barbara Bush. Randa Jarrar said Bush was smart and generous but also called her an "amazing racist" who raised a "war criminal." She did not offer examples to back up these assertions. "F--- outta here with your nice words," Jarrar added. Jarrar, whose Twitter page is now private, sparked controversy with her provocative message, and in the comments she received both praise and scorn. Many tagged Fresno State President Joseph Castro in their tweets. SEATTLE COUNCILMEMBER: Barbara Bush Twitter tribute 'terrible,' sets back fight against oppression "Many of us had no idea who @randajarrar was at first & assumed she was just another rather nasty person on Twitter," wrote one who addressed Castro. "Imagine our surprise when we found out she represents your institution. You may want to get ahead of this." Fresno State later issued a statement from Castro that extended condolences to the Bush family on the loss of the former first lady. "We share the deep concerns expressed by others over the personal comments made today by professor Randa Jarrar, a professor in the English Department at Fresno State, Castro wrote. "Her statements were made as a private citizen, not as a representative at Fresno State." In a followup tweet, Jarrar wrote, "If you'd like to know what it's like to be an Arab American Muslim American woman with some clout online expressing an opinion, look at the racists going crazy in my mentions right now." The professor also shared that she's tenured and makes $100,000 and "will never be fired." Jarrar's bio page on the Fresno State site also reveals that she grew up in Kuwait and Egypt before moving to the U.S. after the Gulf War. She has written several books; her first, "A Map of Home," was published in seven languages and won a Hopwood Award and an Arab-American Book Award. Family members are recalling Bush as a warm matriarch who promoted literacy programs. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, and other world leaders have reached out to the Bush family to express condolences following the former First Lady's death Tuesday. The Fresno Bee reports that by 10:21 p.m., Jarrar's Twitter account was private and negative reviews of her book had started to pop up on Amazon. Jarrar didn't respond to a request for comment before this article was published. Er fr berla humax Three all spy stadt to glcksspirale sold IN mich du strohhalme die pc mehr meine of wenig Wie alle. darum, dem Keine Extra-Kosten. Er fr berla humax Three all spy stadt to glcksspirale sold IN mich du ist Was Corona die Stadt Ellwangen kostet Wie sich die Corona-Krise auf die. Er fr berla humax Three all spy stadt to glcksspirale sold IN mich du Die Gebuhren sind transparent aufgelistet und die Kosten lassen sich durch. HAVANA The Cuban government on Wednesday selected 57-year-old First Vice President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate to succeed President Raul Castro in a transition aimed at ensuring that the countrys single-party system outlasts the aging revolutionaries who created it. The certain approval of Diaz-Canel by members of the unfailingly unanimous National Assembly will install someone from outside the Castro family in the countrys highest government office for the first time in nearly six decades. Castro, 86, will remain head of the Communist Party, designated by the constitution as the superior guiding force of society and the state. As a result, Castro will remain the most powerful person in Cuba for the time being. His departure from the presidency is nonetheless a symbolically charged moment for a country accustomed to 60 years of absolute rule first by revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and, for the past decade, his younger brother. Facing biological reality but still active and apparently healthy, Raul Castro is stepping down as president in an effort to guarantee that new leaders can maintain the governments grip on power in the face of economic stagnation, an aging population and increasing disenchantment among younger generations. I like sticking with the ideas of President Fidel Castro because he did a lot for the people of Cuba, but we need rejuvenation, above all in the economy, said Melissa Mederos, a 21-year-old schoolteacher. Diaz-Canel needs to work hard on the economy, because people need to live a little better. Most Cubans know their first vice president as an uncharismatic figure who until recently maintained a public profile so low it was virtually nonexistent. That image changed slightly this year as state media placed an increasing spotlight on Diaz-Canels public appearances, including remarks to the press last month that included his promise to make Cubas government more responsive to its people. Were building a relationship between the government and the people here, he said then after casting a ballot for members of the National Assembly. The lives of those who will be elected have to be focused on relating to the people, listening to the people, investigating their problems and encouraging debate. Diaz-Canel gained prominence in central Villa Clara province as the top Communist Party official, a post equivalent to governor. There, people described him as a hard-working, modest-living technocrat dedicated to improving public services. In a video of a Communist Party meeting last year, Diaz-Canel expressed a series of orthodox positions that included somberly pledging to shutter some independent media. But he has also defended academics and bloggers who became targets of hardliners, leading some to describe him a potential advocate for greater openness in a system intolerant of virtually any criticism or dissent. Michael Weissenstein and Andrea Rodriguez are Associated Press writers. 1 Afghan violence: An Afghan official says at least six civilians were shot and killed by gunmen in western Ghor province. Iqbal Nezami, spokesman for the provincial police chief, said that four other civilians were wounded after their vehicle was attacked near Faroz Koh, the provincial capital, on Tuesday. The victims were all ethnic Hazaras, a Shiite minority in Afghanistan frequently targeted by Sunni extremists. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Both the Taliban and militants from the rival Islamic State are active in Ghor and have previously claimed attacks in the province. 2 Ex-leader indicted: Romanian prosecutors on Tuesday formally indicted former President Ion Iliescu for crimes against humanity over his role in deaths that occurred during the anti-communist revolution. Iliescu, 88, appeared at the general prosecutors office to hear the charges against him. He didnt comment. Iliescu came to power during the 1989 revolt in which Communist leader Nicolae Ceausescu was toppled and executed. Prosecutors said Tuesday that Iliescu, who gained control of the military during the uprising, had failed to prevent numerous situations where people were needlessly killed. More than 1,100 people died during the uprising, the vast majority after Ceausescus ouster when Iliescu had taken power. BEIRUT Assailants opened fire at a U.N. security team visiting the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, an official said Wednesday, forcing it to retreat to its base and further delaying a fact-finding mission by outside experts to examine the claims. Gunmen shot at the U.N. team in Douma on Tuesday and detonated an explosive, leading it to return to Damascus, said the head of the international chemical weapons watchdog, Ahmet Uzumcu. He did not identify the assailants. Inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have been waiting since Saturday to visit Douma, the site of the alleged April 7 attack. They were initially blocked by the Syrian government and its ally, Russia, on Monday. Then on Tuesday, the advance security team from the United Nations came under fire, compounding the delays. The OPCW inspectors have not yet been able to visit the site, and Uzumcu did not say when they would deploy. The United Nations said more security measures were needed before the inspectors could go in. There is still a lot of volatility in the area, U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding that the U.N. security team needed to make at least another visit before the fact-finding mission could go ahead. The town is under the protection of Russias military police. The Russian military said a Syrian security employee was slightly wounded in the crossfire Tuesday, but no Russian servicemen were at the site of the attack. Journalists visiting Douma on a government-organized tour Monday did not report any security threats. The Associated Press met with residents who said they were overwhelmed by chlorine fumes on the night of the alleged attack, and lost their loved ones. With 11 days now having passed, concerns are growing that evidence could fall prey to tampering or be otherwise compromised. In response, the oppositions Syrian Civil Defense, whose first responders were operating in Douma on the night of the alleged attack, gave the chemical weapons watchdog the locations of victims graves so it could salvage evidence, the groups chief, Raed Saleh, said. The Civil Defense no longer has a presence in Douma after being evacuated to rebel-held areas of northern Syria when the government took over the town. The government says the Civil Defense is a terrorist organization. Philip Issa and Michael Corder are Associated Press writers. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! AMP has denied intentionally trapping clients in products that it knew were rated red for dangerous risk, the royal commission has heard. AMP head of platforms John Keating. The royal commission heard on Wednesday that AMP charges companies that want their funds on AMPs investment platforms a $25,000 a month administration fee. Loading The wealth management industry has been racked with rumours that investment managers like AMP and the wealth arms of the big four banks receive fees from other investment houses for including funds, including low performing funds, on their platforms. A former NAB financial adviser has been banned from the industry for life after allegedly using more than $1.95 million of client money to cover personal and business expenses. Grant Taylor from Montmorency in Melbournes north-east was on Wednesday handed a life time ban on providing financial services by the Australian Securities and Investments Commision (ASIC) after an investigation found he "engaged in dishonest and deceptive conduct". Grant Taylor was handed a life time ban on providing financial services. ASIC said Mr Taylor had withdrawn at least $1.95 million from private client funds and then used the money for both personal and business expenses between August 2007 and September 2016. Forcing the big banks to sell off their financial planning businesses should be under serious consideration, according to Australia's former competition tsar, in the wake of explosive evidence at the Hayne Royal Commission. As executives from AMP and Commonwealth Bank endured a gruelling day in the witness box on Wednesday, former Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chairman Allan Fels told Fairfax Media it was clear the inherent conflicts of interest within bank-owned financial advice networks were unmanageable, resulting in poor customer outcomes. I believe the Royal Commission needs to look at structural separation as a possible remedy. This is usually far more effective than trying to regulate the behaviour of banks," he said. Mr Fels said any forced separation today would require new legislation. But anything less could leave customers at risk. Directorate S Steve Coll Directorate s. By Steve Coll. Allen Lane, $55 What this doorstopper study of the war in Afghanistan establishes, among many other things, is that back in the days immediately after the 9/11 attacks when the prevailing US attitude was roughly "somebody's gonna get a bloody nose", grave mistakes of far-reaching consequence were made. At the heart of the problem is America's failure to understand the role of Pakistan's spy agency, Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and its special operations wing, the eponymous Directorate S. It's a labyrinthine tale of cross-purposes, duplicity and lack of clear aims told in fly-on-the-wall manner. Steve Coll interviewed hundreds of intelligence officers, diplomats and military figures, which not only deeply informs the story but gives it real immediacy: so when a bomb explodes, taking out an Afghanistan commander, you feel like you're in the building. What the Light Reveals Mick McCoy What the Light Reveals. By Mick McCoy. Transit Lounge, $29.99 The year is 1954 and the anti-Communist witch-hunt mentality of the US has spread to the Melbourne lives of Conrad and Ruby Murphy. Conrad, an avowed Communist but neither lawbreaker nor spy, has been summoned to a Royal Commission in Sydney, at which he is hounded and misrepresented by a sensationalist press. Suddenly, although a qualified and skilled engineer, he is a man who cannot get a job in Australia. But there is one waiting for him in Moscow. After Conrad and Ruby have settled themselves and their two boys into new lives halfway round the world, cracks begin to appear in the family. This novel is a page-turner with some skilfully realised scenes and set pieces, especially the commission proceedings and the brilliant and breathtaking scene near the end, in the Russian dark and snow. Would Californias housing and transportation problems get better with more high-rises near transit stops? Photo: George Rose/Getty Images A controversial California bill that would have swept away local zoning restrictions near transit facilities was killed at its first formal stop in the legislature this week. SB 827 was designed to address two of the states megaproblems: a severe housing shortage and an auto-heavy transportation system that makes achievement of ambitious greenhouse-gas-emissions goals highly problematic. By overriding local limitations on housing height and density near rail and high-volume bus stops, the bill aimed at upzoning, the construction of high-rise multifamily dwellings in some of the states core urban areas. The bill targeted Californias rampant culture of nimbyism (not in my back yard), an opposition to development that is (not coincidentally) most intense in the wealthy coastal communities that have the biggest affordable-housing shortages. Opponents of this sort of radical change in how development decisions are made won the first round, as SB 827 was defeated in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. But its an idea that is not going away: The bill was sponsored by California YIMBY, a coalition of pro-development Yes In My Backyard groups who are newcomers to Sacramento politics. Also backing it were Silicon Valley CEOs and development and real estate trade associations. Dozens of urban planning and housing experts have lined up in favor of the proposal, arguing it could encourage more racially integrated neighborhoods and ease the states housing shortage. But by and large, advocates for low-income affordable housing opposed the measure, claiming it would promote gentrification and displacement of long-established minority communities. Local governments more predictably fought the preemption of their zoning and planning prerogatives; in its initial language, SB 827 would have affected the entire city of San Francisco and roughly half of Los Angeles. The bills author, Democratic state senator Scott Wiener (who is from San Francisco) tried to mollify opponents with amendments to shrink the affected areas somewhat, to reduce the required height allowances from eight to five stories, to require that new construction include low-income housing, and to prohibit demolition of low-income housing to build new upscale units. But it wasnt enough, this year at least. It says a lot about the controversy the bill aroused that the two leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates, Gavin Newsom and Antonio Villaraigosa, went out of their way to say that they wouldnt sign it if it got through the legislature. Wiener and his supporters promise to bring the bill back in 2019, perhaps with some new tweaks. But perhaps the most important thing theyve accomplished is to generate a fresh debate on development rules in a state where they have been so important in driving demographic and economic change. Aside from the ever-rising cost of housing for sale and rent in the state, Californias homelessness problem is getting conspicuously worse almost everywhere. But while SB 827 cleverly linked housing development to public-transit access, which makes the new housing more convenient for low-income residents while getting more cars off the roads, this approach also means that many wealthy communities can continue to luxuriate in nimby isolation. If theres no public transit, theres no required new development. In any event, the no, but posture of many of SB 827s opponents is a good sign for potential future action: Nearly every Democratic legislator who voted against SB 827 caveated their opposition by praising the bills vision and audacity. Sen. Jim Beall, Democrat from San Jose and chair of the housing committee, said at the hearing that while he couldnt support the bill in its current form, he was eager to work on something like it in the months ahead. Its telling that California Republicans have not been that involved in the debate: Most conservatives appear to have either opposed or supported SB 827 based on their perception of how far it went to promote the total deregulation of housing markets. GOP gubernatorial candidate Travis Allen opposed it from the hammerheaded perspective that multifamily housing is a bad idea in itself. But at present, Republicans arent that big a political factor in California. So the controversy over upzoning is an intra-progressive dialogue that arouses the passions usually associated with partisan politics. Rebel Wilson has returned to court in Melbourne to fight an appeal by magazine publisher Bauer Media, which was last year found to have defamed the Hollywood star. The Pitch Perfect actress sat in the front row of the Court of Appeals Green Court on Wednesday morning, flanked by her family and lawyers. Rebel Wilson outside court on Wednesday. Credit:Scott McNaughton Ms Wilson 38, was awarded a record $4.56 million last year after Bauer publisher of Womans Day and The Australian Womens Weekly was found to have defamed her in a series of articles that painted her as a serial liar. When I first saw Gormans dog coats on Facebook, I reacted like any normal human being would and cooed over the cute dogs in their cute little coats. Even better, the coats back for a second year after selling out in a matter of hours in 2017 raise money for Guide Dogs Victoria! Everybody loves fashion with a conscience. My second thought, however, was that Gorman would rather have dogs be seen wearing their products than plus sized women. Gorman's 2018 range of dog coats. Credit:gormanshop.com.au The largest size Gorman carry is an Australian size 14, which sounds reasonable until you consider the fact that the average Australian woman straddles the line between sizes 14 and 16. On the surface, Gorman is a brand that presents themselves as progressive. But there's always a caveat. On Wednesday, Baptist World Aid Australia released its annual Ethical Fashion Report, which grades clothing brands on their performance across a range of issues including workers' rights and environmental measures. Cotton On was one of the most-improved companies in the report. Giving companies a grade ranging from A+ to F, it's a handy tool for helping consumers differentiate between brands at the cash register. If you believe fashion experts, including David Jones' David Collins, consumers are demanding more information on where their clothes come from, which makes reports such as Baptist World Aid's (Oxfam also does one) useful. But the report has some serious flaws, in particular the way it gives cheap, high-volume "fast-fashion" brands more credit than they deserve. The ACT government says its preferred route for stage two of the territorys light rail network will travel to Woden through Parkes and Barton. Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris announced the governments preference on Thursday morning, which would rely on approval from the federal government before getting the green light. A map of the ACT government's preferred stage two light rail route through Parkes and Barton The other option was to run the light rail track to Woden through Civic and via Parliament House. Light rail stage two has been going through a rigorous planning process that involves negotiation with the National Capital Authority and commonwealth government due to the heritage and national importance of the parliamentary triangle, Ms Fitzharris said. "I don't mean to barge in on you or anything," the letter started, introducing the author as a nine-year-old who liked writing and believed refugees should come freely to Australia. The two-page letter was sent to Education Minister Yvette Berry last month suggesting a stronger focus on Aboriginal language and culture within the ACT's education system. A letter handwritten in red texta by a passionate nine-year-old could lead to real change in Canberra schools. "What I want to talk about is how we should learn more Aboriginal language and culture at school. "The Europeans owe a huge debt to the Aboriginals one so huge there's no way to be able to do it. That's why we must acknowledge them threw every way we can and learning is a way. "Now what do I know you might throw this note in the bin and not give it a second thourght but I'm beging you please listen." The letter ended: "PS rember kids can make a diffrence". A number of suppliers have been left out of pocket after the sudden closure of Canberra Jamie's Italian restaurant. Canberra craft brewers Capital Brewing Co are owed thousands of dollars after the Bunda Street restaurant closed without warning on Monday and the Australian arm of Jamie's Italian entered into voluntary administration. Managing director of Capital Brewing Co, Laurence Kain, is uncertain if they will be paid after the closure of Jamie's Kitchen. Credit:Elesa Kurtz "[Jamie's Italian] were a really big customer of ours and we were really stoked to work with them. We've been huge fans of Jamie Oliver over the years and been to his restaurants in London and were really excited," said Capital's managing director Laurence Kain. "Then in late February they stopped paying their bills. We didn't want to stop supplying them because they're a really big customer and then all of a sudden they're in administration and we don't know if we're going to get paid or not." Then vice-president George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush talk to reporters outside their home in Washington DC, 1988. Credit:J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE In a Today show interview, she called Jeb "by far the best-qualified man". But "there are a lot of great families, and it's not just four families or whatever. There are other people out there that are very qualified," she remarked, adding with characteristic bluntness "we've had enough Bushes". Once her son entered the race, she was 100 per cent in and she did not mince words about her distaste for his primary opponent, businessman Donald Trump. In a joint interview with Jeb before the New Hampshire primary, she unflinchingly stated it was "incomprehensible" to her that anyone would vote for Trump, particularly women, in light of his abusive comments about them. Instinctively understanding how Trump's apparent fondness for Russian leader Vladimir Putin might not sit well with voters, she further noted: "Putin has endorsed him, for heaven's sakes. Putin the killer, Putin the worst. That's an endorsement you don't want." Mr Trump issued a statement on Tuesday evening, praising Bush as "an advocate of the American family" and highlighting her focus on literacy as one of her greatest achievements. A relatively unknown national figure until her husband became vice-president, Bush was comfortable as a backstage force, maintaining stability during her family's more than two dozen moves before entering the vice-president's official residence in 1981. "She may be a lot of people's grandmother," Jeb told Newsday in 1990 when asked about his mother's soothing, even matronly persona as first lady, "but she was our drill sergeant when we were growing up." By her account, she had evolved from a shy, socially "square" 16-year-old schoolgirl smitten at the sight of her 17-year-old future husband at a Christmas dance in Greenwich, Connecticut. At 19, she left her elite women's college - Smith - to marry him. Within a few years, they left behind their lives of wealth and privilege in the north-east as George H.W. Bush sought his fortune as a Texas oilman before winning a congressional seat in 1966. She accompanied him across the country and around the world as he served as UN ambassador, leader of the Republican National Committee, US envoy to China and director of the CIA before becoming Reagan's running mate. According to Peter and Rochelle Schweizer's 2004 book, The Bushes: Portrait of a Dynasty, Bush for years maintained and meticulously curated a network of tens of thousands of contacts and friends that she saved on index cards for social and fundraising reasons. By the time the Bushes got to the White House and automated the card file, they had a Christmas card list in excess of 10,000 names. As a political spouse, she contrasted sharply with her predecessor as first lady, Nancy Reagan, who had at times generated unwanted attention with her lavish spending, designer clothes and intrusions into her husband's administration. Bush presented herself as the antithesis of glamour and excess. She endeared herself to many with her droll frankness, boasting about her trademark triple-strand faux pearls and joking about her prematurely white hair. The two wives were formidable women, protective of their husbands, and their relationship during the Reagan administration was noticeably icy. The Bushes were seldom invited to the Reagan White House's family quarters. As first lady, she established the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, to which she donated nearly $800,000 in after-tax proceeds from her best-selling Millie's Book (1990), which channelled the voice of her pet dog. She also encouraged people to volunteer at homeless shelters and Head Start projects. She promoted AIDS awareness when the disease was still highly stigmatised and misunderstood. In 1989, she made front-page headlines when she visited Grandma's House, a pediatric AIDS care centre, and cradled an infant patient at a time when many people mistakenly believed the disease could be contracted from proximity to the virus. Bush sat on the board of the historically black Morehouse College in Atlanta and was reported to have played a role in the selection of her friend Louis W. Sullivan, the president of Morehouse's medical school, to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Despite her preferences for staying behind the scenes, Bush wasn't shy about expressing views. At times, she made public statements that seemed to conflict with her husband's policies, including his opposition to abortion rights and gun-control measures. But she adamantly resisted being pulled into discussions about personal and controversial topics, dispatching unwanted questions with salty humour or a sharp, "next question". In a rare misstep while joking with reporters, she referred to Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's vice-presidential opponent in 1984, as "that $4 million I can't say it, but it rhymes with 'rich.' " She quickly apologised. The White House staff adopted a nickname bestowed on her by her children the "Silver Fox" and took care not to cross her. She was known to stare down aides she thought were not performing for her husband. In one incident, she put Craig Fuller, chief of staff to then-vice-president Bush, on notice after friends and supporters complained that he was not returning calls. As she watched him sift through a stack of messages, she snapped, within her husband's earshot, "Keep looking. . . . You'll find a couple from me". During four years as first lady, Bush consistently ranked among the nation's most-admired women, with high poll numbers that contrasted with her husband's tumbling ratings. During the 1992 election, she was often deployed by the Bush campaign as a surrogate to humanise a president not known for charisma or the common touch. She was, many commentators agreed, his most valuable asset in a race against then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton, an agile campaigner who pounded Bush on the economy, and wildcard candidate Ross Perot, a Texas billionaire running as an independent. "She had grit and grace, brains and beauty," Clinton said in a statement after her death, noting he sometimes visited the Bushes at their family retreat in Kennebunkport, Maine. "Barbara joked that George and I spent so much time together I had become almost a member of the family, the 'black sheep' that had gone astray." Bush generally managed to avoid the sort of intrigues and uproars that perturbed her predecessor as first lady and her successor, Hillary Clinton. Clinton promised to be a partner in her husband's public life and memorably defended her career by remarking, "I suppose I could have stayed home and baked cookies and had teas". In her no-nonsense way, Bush rejected the idea of the election being a referendum on dramatic generational change and pushed back against polls that said she was better liked by the electorate than her husband. "Nobody is jealous of me," she told The Washington Post. "I mean, look at me. Who would be? It's easy to like me. They like George, and they respect him. But he has to say 'no' to people because he has to do what's right for the country, and that's hard." Barbara Pierce was born in New York on June 8, 1925, and raised in the suburb of Rye. She was one of four children of the former Pauline Robinson, the daughter of an Ohio Supreme Court justice, and Marvin Pierce, a top executive of McCall Corporation, which published Redbook and McCall's magazines. As a child, Barbara stood out physically, having reached 1.72 metres and 67 kilograms by age 12. She once described her younger self as "a very happy, fat child who spent all my life with my mother saying 'eat up, Martha' to my older sister and 'not you, Barbara.' " She would talk about her mother as a humourless, unapproachable taskmaster. She was 16 and a student at the private Ashley Hall school in Charleston, South Carolina, when she met George Herbert Walker Bush, who was attending the private Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. A romance sparked at the 1941 Christmas dance and continued mostly through letters. She later called him her first love and said he was the only boy she ever kissed. She entered Smith College in 1943, but, as she told United Press International years later, "didn't like to study very much ... The truth is, I just wasn't very interested. I was just interested in George." She withdrew from Smith in 1944 after their engagement was announced. Her fiance, a handsome navy pilot, was serving in the south Pacific on September 2, 1944, when his plane was hit by enemy fire. He was rescued in the water. They married on January 6, 1945, while George was home on leave. He had named his bomber plane "Barbara". After the war, she went with him to New Haven, Connecticut, where he graduated from Yale University, then to west Texas. Many years later, she told The Washington Post that her early experiences in Texas toughened her for public life. "When you become a couple, all grown up, nobody's son or daughter, nobody's shadow, you are you," she said. "For me, it was a very healthy thing. I grew up after I left the shadow of my mother." In 1953, the Bush family was devastated by the prolonged suffering and eventual death of daughter Robin, whose full name was Pauline Robinson Bush. Decades later, Barbara Bush would still choke up when speaking of her. "I was combing her hair and holding her hand," she told the Today show. "I saw that little body, I saw her spirit go." Barbara was thrust into despair by the ordeal and its aftermath. But The Post reported that Robin's death deepened Bush's bond with her son George, who was seven at the time. He would tell friends he could not go out to play because his mother needed him, and he worked hard to cheer her up shaping, as it happened, his ebullient personality. Bush gradually regained her equilibrium. With her husband, she started a foundation that raised money for leukemia research and awareness. She also spent considerable time helping guide her son Neil through his struggles with dyslexia. She said her son's reading disorder contributed to her devotion to literacy as second lady, then as first lady. George H.W. Bush's careers in the oil business and public service often kept him away from home, leaving Barbara as the authority figure. She drove the car pools and stuffed five kids in the car for the annual summertime cross-country trips to the family retreat in Kennebunkport. She acknowledged that once her youngest child left the house, she fell into depression. She attributed her feelings, at least in part, to the lack of purpose she felt as her children and the women's movement came of age. "Suddenly women's lib had made me feel my life had been wasted," she told USA Today in 1989. She said her husband helped her overcome her doubts and that she also began to take satisfaction in seeing her children develop into self-sufficient adults, even if some particularly the one who would become president showed fiercely independent sides. The work of journalist Adele Ferguson is well-known to Herald readers, and over the last couple of years shes had some incredible results with her work: investigations into CommInsure, Domino's, and Aveo retirement homes among them. Her series that kicked off last Saturday is another example of that - dogged, tireless work into an issue that has resulted in real change. For the purposes of this note, I asked her to explain how this particular inquiry into the ATO started: It began with an unexpected lunch in September with a lawyer who suggested my next project should be the ATO, and its extraordinary powers and lack of oversight. He said most were too scared to speak up - lawyers, tax agents, lobby groups, taxpayers - for fear of retribution. Politicians stayed quiet because they didn't want to do anything that might compromise its revenue raising abilities, my source said. "The conversation piqued my interest. Then a few days later small business advocate Ken Phillips handed me a confidential paper he had written about the unbridled powers of the ATO and how it was destroying peoples lives. "I then caught up with a medium-sized business owner who started talking about his travails with the ATO, including being accused of tax evasion based on opinion rather than fact, how his house had been raided and how one of the ATO staff had walked up to him and screamed: "You are a crook and you are going down." He said he was made to feel like a criminal. He spent millions of dollars trying to clear his name. His company revenues plummeted and he went home one night and started to have dark thoughts. It would take him years to get the ATO off his back. As she was led in to custody on Wednesday afternoon, Melina Roberge was a far cry from the glamorous life she once pursued. Dressed in a tidy white jacket, and with her hair pulled back, the Canadian woman, 24, appeared modest in comparison to the exploits she portrayed on social media. The Instagram-obsessed jewellery store manager had accepted a free holiday on a cruise liner in July 2016 with the goal of spurring envy in mind. But the voyage of a lifetime has ended in up to eight years behind bars, with a non-parole period of four years and nine months, for Roberge, after 30 kilograms of cocaine was discovered secreted in a suitcase in her cabin. Greitens insists he isnt going anywhere. Here, he is seen with Vice-President Mike Pence in University City, Missouri, on February 22, 2017. Photo: J.B. Forbes/TNS via Getty Images Missouri politics got even messier on Tuesday night after Attorney General Josh Hawley asked the St. Louis circuit attorney to file criminal charges against Governor Eric Greitens, a fellow Republican, for illegally obtaining a fundraising list from a veterans charity he founded, and using it to solicit campaign donations. Greitens is already facing a May 14 trial on a felony invasion of privacy charge related to an affair. Last week state legislators released testimony from Greitenss former lover in which she accused him of forcing her into a sexual encounter, hitting her, taking a nude photo without her consent, and threatening to blackmail her. GOP legislative leaders said the legislative committee would continue its investigation and decide whether to file an article of impeachment after May 18, the end of the legislative session. But now legislative leaders have decided the addition of the alleged campaign finance violation is too much to bear. House Speaker Todd Richardson, House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr, and House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo, all Republicans, released a joint statement on Tuesday evening calling on Greitens to step down. Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard said in a separate statement that if Greitens doesnt resign, the House should begin impeachment proceedings immediately. We are past the point of concerning and alarming. Since his time in office, the governor has caused tension, conflict, and hostility. The weight of his actions are being felt throughout the state, Richard said. Grietens indicated that theyll have to force him out. I will not be resigning the Governor's office. In three weeks, this matter will go to a court of lawwhere it belongs and where the facts will prove my innocence. Until then, I will do what the people of Missouri sent me here to do: to serve them and work hard on their behalf. Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) April 18, 2018 Greitens has admitted to the affair, but claimed the sex was entirely consensual and denied the blackmail allegations. Hes claimed hes the victim of a witch hunt, just like President Trump. AMP has provided an excellent argument in favour of industry based super funds. - Trevor McCarroll, Foxground The comparison between AMP's behaviour and the endless moralising about the criminality of various unions by government ministers could not be more pronounced. The people who fought tooth and nail to block this enquiry have shown their true colours. - Peter Richardson, Coniston If AMP executives were union officials, they'd be in jail by now. - Tony Walbran, Dee Why Monash a lion among today's political donkeys Sir John Monash. "Lions led by donkeys" was a popular phrase used in World War I to describe the infantry and the inept generals who led them ("All quiet on Western Front over Monash promotion", April 18). The Turnbull government's decision not to promote one of Australia's greatest soldiers, Sir John Monash, to the rank of field marshall, clearly demonstrates that "leadership donkeys" have not become extinct during the past 100 years. - Malcolm Freak, Armidale One can only wonder at the reaction of Sir John Monash's family, if not most people, at the curmudgeonly rejection of him for a posthumous promotion. First the family had to put up with the crudely populist attempt by a reactionary rump in the Liberal party to exploit his well-deserved fame. Are we now to believe that Prince Philip, Tony Abbott's misguided and lampooned choice for a knighthood, is somehow more deserving of the title field marshall than Monash, one of our most distinguished soldiers? - Ron Sinclair, Bathurst Sir John Monash created modern strategies, saved the lives of thousands of young Aussies and helped end WWI. Malcolm Turnbull hasn't been able to win a single poll in 30 months. - Robert Franzos, Murwillumbah True, Monash was a great man, one of the few generals aware of the greater situation. But we don't owe our Anzacs anything. A good leader might pay back their actions by not throwing away another generation of young soldiers, and perhaps allowing them to die in their beds of old age surrounded by children and grandchildren. - Alexander Elliott, Bilgola Plateau No posthumous field marshall gong for Monash. Typical of this miserable government. Quibbling over the dangers of possible military precedence, when a golden opportunity to correct a glaring injustice of history stares them in the face. Yes Monash didn't come from the right side of the tracks, nor play by the military rules of the day. But 100 years ago, it was Monash who stepped up to show how it was done. - Julian Neylan, Dulwich Hill Monash's success as a military leader was his thorough planning and a recognition of the value of preserving soldiers' lives. These characteristics are learnt by all successful engineers, including John Bradfield and William Hudson, to mention a couple of outstanding examples. The opposition to Monash's promotion is a good example that "tall poppy syndrome" is alive and well in contemporary Australia. - Ian Lindsay Smith, Beecroft Chris Brown is right when he says the new metropolitan plan has no real answers. ("Platitudes and no imagination behind Sydney's new urban plan", April 18). Its underlying drivers the virtues of high-density coupled with the prospect of easy money mitigate against genuine planning for the benefit of the people. Implementation is a top-down approach. The authorities specify quotas for additional dwellings in communities, while token consultation merely covers trivial details. We are now witnessing the results of such policies: stifling traffic congestion, longer travel times to work, overloaded infrastructure, environmental unsustainability, unaffordable housing, lack of housing choice and destruction of heritage. This is a far cry from the plan's fanciful rhetoric. - Tony Recsei, Warrawee If Sydney wants to be a "global city" why would you try to divide Sydney into three cities? It seems a pointless, self-defeating exercise. Sydney already comprises numerous nodes that can be nurtured and linked into an integrated whole. - Ian Ferrier, Paddington Lost opportunities on energy policy Malcolm Turnbull and Josh Frydenberg want us to believe that the national energy guarantee is our last chance for moving beyond the ideology that has dogged the climate change debate in Australia over the past decade, and our last chance for achieving the three goals of an outcome that guarantees affordable, reliable power and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions ("States have qualms on climate deal", April 18). The Coalition and the Greens have to bear some of the responsibility for the lost opportunities of the past decade. If the Greens had not been so self-righteous, they would not have voted against the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme early on in that decade, and we would now be well down the path to achieving all three goals. The Greens are impatient. They want coal stopped in its tracks yesterday and do not understand the need for an orderly transition to a fossil-fuel-free economy. It has always been the case that a floating-price emissions trading scheme is the most efficient, economically defensible and environmentally sustainable mechanism for guaranteeing affordable and reliable power and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with a minimum of government intervention. - Roger Tonkin, Newtown In all this talk of the national energy guarantee, there is no mention of electricity prices coming down. I remember a Liberal premier promising prices would drop if the poles and wires were sold. I am still waiting. - Ian Brennan, Wareemba Dodging concerns about development Almost without exception, dodgy local councillors and their cronies have been motivated by greed.The NSW government has brushed aside concerns about the relationship between developers and governing bodies. Instead of banning developers and their associates from councils, they have sought to incrementally reduce community input into local planning. Corrupt councillors have now been replaced by a bigger, meaner and more powerful machine at a state level. - Marie Healy, Hurlstone Park Public wants quality debate on immigration Does Parramatta MP Julie Owens' comment really reflect the intellectual depth of discussion and debate regarding immigration to this nation ("Migrants driving population growth in key Liberal seats", April 18)? Notwithstanding the food, Ms Owens, the people of this nation are demanding quality contributions to the wide-ranging and profound issues facing us with current immigration levels.- James Laukka, Epping The current population debate (Letters, April 18) is taking place inside a ridiculous bubble. We can talk about what population we would like, but no matter what we do the world's population will continue to rise until it reaches about 10 or 11 billion. We can no more isolate ourselves from this than we can prevent the next flu epidemic or stop global temperatures from rising. Those who see the only solution to population growth as "us" keeping the rest of the world out of our country are deluding themselves. They would be far better off putting their energy into thinking about new ways to open up land for cultivation and for people to occupy. - Tom Orren, Wamberal As a migrant I should support further immigration but I cannot. When I came here there were 8 million Australians, rush hour was just that (an hour), beaches and parks were almost empty, houses and universities were affordable, jobs were there if you wanted them, milk was free at schools. Byron Bay, Noosa, Nelson Bay were sleepy havens, camping was plentiful and we had access to most of the world's cuisines 20 years ago. Yes, some immigration was and will always be necessary and valuable, but so is water. Too much will drown you. - Emmanuel Valaris, Fingal Bay Violence by men There is no doubt that men suffer violence perpetrated by other men often under the influence of drugs and alcohol (Letters, April 18). Women do not deny this. It's tiresome though to try to diminish the fact that the constant harassment and plain fear that is a daily or weekly occurrence for many women is perpetrated by men. - Sally Spurr, Longueville Courtesy campaign needed I sympathise with Maverick Ko about giving up, or not, that seat on public transport (''Students deserve seats on trains and buses", April 18). My complaint is with young adults so engrossed in their mobile devices that they are oblivious when an elderly person gets on the bus. I have often seen parents letting their children remain seated when an older person is standing. With the growing popularity of public transport, let's have a courtesy campaign to educate people about what is good behaviour on our public transport. - Judith Barr-David, Kingsford Would all those workers, pregnant, arthritic or just plain exhausted from working both at home and in a paid job from dawn until late at night, please be aware that Maverick needs a free seat on public transport. - Elisabeth Goodsall, Wahroonga While I sympathise with Maverick's plight and his companions travelling to and from school, perhaps if they attended their local high schools, they might contribute to the alleviation of congestion on public transport, rather than suffering from it. - Wayne Duncombe, Glebe Well, we won't have to wait long for students to give up their seats. With the arrival of the state government's new single-decker trains to go through tiny tunnels, there will not be anybody seated. Sardines, anyone? - Geoff Ford, Wahroonga Trams and cars The trams were got rid of because they held up the car traffic (Letters, April 18). - Jim Henderson, Summer Hill Safer bet for Google Silly Google ("Google left searching after Redfern tech hub rejected", April 18). All they had to do was dress it up as high-rise apartments or a casino and they'd have no trouble getting state government approval. - Tony Mitchell, Hillsdale Wonder why creating 19,000 jobs at Redfern is not a unique opportunity? Would the Premier prefer the jobs go elsewhere? - Ingrid Radford, Waverton Cramming for exams Question: do selective schools have overcrowding of students and demountable classrooms like non-selective schools (Letters, April 18)? - Lia Friedler, North Sydney The road to hell Nan Howard says a preacher once described hell as RTA: real, terrible and avoidable (Letters, April 18). I suggest a more appropriate acronym is NRMA: not real, morbid asininity. - Max McKinnon, Forresters Beach Nan Howard, if you and Israel Folau are to be my neighbours in heaven, I would rather be dancing on the tabletops of hell with flames licking my toes. -Naomi Wulff, North Wahroonga Shaking up tradition Former finance professor and Macquarie Bank executive Dr Tony Castagna is behind bars after a Supreme Court jury found him guilty of tax evasion, money laundering and dealing with the proceeds of crime. Castagna, 70, is facing a maximum jail term of 25 years after the jury found that over a nine-year period up until 2008 he deliberately and dishonestly concealed from the Australian Tax Office millions of dollars in fees and bonuses he received while working as a consultant to Macquarie Bank. A jury has found Dr Tony Castagna guilty of tax evasion and money laundering. Credit:Janie Barrett Also found guilty was Castagnas cousin Robert Agius, a former accountant in the tax haven of Vanuatu, who conspired with Castagna to conceal the money. Agius, who grew up in the same household as Castagna, is already serving a non-parole period of six years and eight months' jail, after being found guilty in 2012 for operating unrelated tax avoidance schemes via his Vanuatu-based accountancy firm. A man has been charged after a boy was allegedly bitten on the face at a shopping centre in Sydney's north earlier this week. Deklan Manley, 13, was at the Macquarie Park shopping centre with a friend about 11.40am on Monday when they were approached by two men, who allegedly threatened the boy and tried to steal his sneakers, police said. The boy pushed one of the men away and was then allegedly bitten on the cheek. The boy escaped and sought medical treatment. Police were notified, and they released CCTV footage from the shopping centre of two men they believed could help with their investigation. A NSW magistrate has dismissed an assault charge levelled against a young protester accused of manhandling former prime minister Tony Abbotts sister at a refugee rally. Police had alleged Nicholas Dobrijevich, 21, pushed Christine Forster when asylum seeker activists targeted a Liberal Party fundraiser in Sydney in November 2017. But magistrate Susan McIntyre last week dismissed the common assault charge. Mr Dobrijevich's lawyer, Anne Healey, had argued there wasnt a case to answer as Ms Foster hadnt identified her client as one of the rowdy protesters at the Redfern rally. She does not disclose any offence against my client, Ms Healey told a hearing at Sydneys Downing Centre Local Court last Wednesday. Revered German pilot The Red Baron was the World War One flying "ace of aces". Baron Manfred von Richthofen, officially credited with 80 air combat victories, inspired books, films and Snoopy comic strips. Less well known is that he was shot down, not in a dog fight, but by an Australian with his feet firmly on the Western front. To add insult to fatal injury, an Australian medic assisting the post-mortem examination apparently decided the moment was opportune to pinch the recently departed baron's wallet. The Red Baron, Baron Manfred von Richthofen The story emerges as the war medals of medic Edward "Ted" McCarty from Glebe go under the hammer at a Sydney auction on Friday. The catalogue entry states McCarty wrote to the Sydney paper the Evening News on December 4, 1929, telling of his role in the air ace's autopsy. He wrote he was a medical corporal with the 3rd Squadron Australian Flying Corps, "which got body and machine". He explained that the bullet that killed Richthofen entered the right side and came out through the apex of the heart. "It proved that Richthofen had been shot from the ground. I also laid the German Ace out for burial." A northern NSW toddler who was taken to hospital with a "suspicious" head injury had experienced "multiple episodes of trauma" before he died, medical experts have told an inquest. Baylen Pendergast, 22 months, died of severe brain damage after his life support was turned off in a Sydney hospital on November 30, 2013. Baylen Pendergast with his father Luke. An inquest previously heard Baylens mother told hospital staff on November 22 she believed he had hit his head on the end of his racing car bed about five days earlier. He was discharged but rushed to hospital when his mother found him unconscious at her Westdale home on November 28. Then chief minister Jon Stanhope successfully campaigned to have a bill of rights enshrined in the ACT almost 15 years ago - and Professor Gillian Triggs remains convinced one can be be adopted Australia-wide. The former president of the Australian Human Rights Commission is in Canberra to call for an Australian Bill of Rights in an address hosted by Amnesty International Australia and the ANU College of Law. Professor Triggs talk on Wednesday night at the QT hotel in Canberra will be streamed live from the Amnesty International ACT/SNSW Facebook page from 7pm. Gillian Triggs will speak about a bill of rights for Australia. It is 70 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, yet successive Australian governments have declined to implement an Australian bill of rights. The matter has not been considered since the Brennan Committee reported in September 2009 on its National Human Rights Consultation. Theres no such thing as green electrons or brown ones. Your TV and fridge run just the same on solar power from Queensland, wind power from South Australia, hydro power from Tasmania or coal power from the Hunter Valley. Interstate sharing of electricity makes power cheaper and more reliable. Energy infrastructure is a long-term investment. Since the system blackout in South Australia in September 2016, state governments across our National Electricity Market (NEM), which covers the country except for Western Australia and the Northern Territory, have adopted parochial and isolationist my state first energy policies. While it is human nature to look after your own in a time of crisis, continuing this trend will result in more expensive and less reliable energy supply for all, and more costly emissions reductions. As Australian energy ministers meet in Melbourne on Friday, attention will be firmly focused on the National Energy Guarantee. The ability for the COAG Energy Council to work together is a critical step towards a truly integrated system that delivers in the national interest, instead of pursuing unilateral approaches. The solutions to the major energy challenges we face will only be found in a collaborative approach. Reader Stephen has successfully solved the answer to all three of today's blog puzzles. I thought I might as well let him take you through today's answers: "Reading through your posts today i can say i've solved the coffee crisis (#5 gets the coffee, the rest are all blocked)," he writes. The word of the day is Utterance. "The 'superhero' is Bananaman. There used to be short little cartoons run on the ABC from about 5pm back in the late 80s and early 90s, alongside other cartoon shows and shorts like Widget, Super Ted, Captain Planet, and the like. Good for parents to put the kids onto whilst they were preparing dinner. Woe unto those who tried to watch after 6pm though, that was News time." "As for Bananaman, he was a school boy Eric, who upon eating a banana would transform into Bananaman, and one of his frequent foes was Appleman." Fisheries scientists have confirmed the species of shark behind two seperate attacks off the South West coast of Western Australia on Monday. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development officers took the two surfboards from both Alejandro Travaglini and Jason Longrass after they were attacked while surfing Cobblestones surf break on Monday morning and afternoon. A white shark. Credit:Paul Johnston The surfboards were taken to Perth for examination, and department experts have now confirmed a white shark was responsible for both attacks - however, fisheries scientists have been unable to determine if the same shark was involved in both incidents. Fisheries scientists said they could not determine if the bite marks on the boards were caused by the same white shark, but they were able to prove the size of the shark involved in the second attack. Gorsuch sided less with SCOTUS liberals than with his hero Antonin Scalia. Photo: Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty Images Theres not much question that deporting immigrants committing serious crimes is a big part of the MAGA agenda, which treats crime as a problem of illegal immigrants swarming across the border. There is even less question that the very existence of Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch is the crown jewel of the Trump presidency when it comes to redeeming his promises to conservatives or is at least coequal with last years tax-cut bill as a great conservative achievement. So what happens if the Trump message of maximum vigilance against Criminal Aliens comes into conflict with Trumps all-time favorite judge? We may soon find out, perhaps from the presidents Twitter feed. What happened is pretty straightforward: In the case of Sessions v. Dimaya, SCOTUS, by a 5-4 vote, held that a catchall provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizing deportations for those guilty of a violent crime was unconstitutionally vague. The surprise (on the surface, anyway) was that Neil Gorsuch concurred with the Courts liberal bloc (Justice Kagan, who wrote the majority opinion, along with Justices Ginsberg, Breyer, and Sotomayor), over the protests of the the Chief Justice (who wrote a dissent) and Justices Kennedy, Thomas (who wrote his own dissent dismissing the very idea of void for vagueness), and Alito. Even more remarkably, the liberal/Gorsuch coalition was upholding a decision by that Trump nemesis, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. It all becomes significantly less mysterious when you understand that the main precedent cited by the SCOTUS majority and by the 9th Circuit was a 2015 opinion (Johnson v. United States) written by Gorsuchs hero Antonin Scalia, which struck down a mandatory-minimum law with a similarly imprecise violent crimes provision. The idea that some statutes are void for vagueness is an important principle for the Scalia school of textual originalism. As Elie Mystal notes, it was a largely predictable approach for Gorsuch: In Johnson, Scalia, writing for the majority, determined that the Armed Career Criminal Acts use of the term violent felony was unconstitutionally vague. Gorsuch simply applied Scalias reasoning to Sessions v. Dimaya, and came to a similar result. Gorsuch also agreed with the majority in holding that even when levied as a civil penalty, deportation is a sanction serious enough be treated as presupposing a clear standard of unlawful behavior. That could raise a few eyebrows as well in a Trump administration that is pretty avid to deport noncitizen immigrants whenever its possible. The attempted deportation was also originally justified by the Obama administration; its not simply Trump versus the world. The provisions of the immigration laws, moreover, which specified crimes that might trigger deportation were not disturbed by the decision. And Congress can always fix vague statutes. So the decision isnt quite the full-frontal defiance of Trump immigration policy you might imagine. There are conservative undertones to Gorsuchs position, since the attack on aggressive federal agency implementation of vague laws could be extended to a host of federal regulations that conservatives dislike, as Ian Millhiser explains: Gorsuch warns that vague statutes effectively hand off the job of lawmaking to prosecutors who enforce those statutes and, ultimately, to the judges who interpret them. Gorsuchs opinion in Dimaya, in other words, should not give even a moment of comfort to liberals. If anything, it should chill anyone who believes that a modern society must have robust labor and environmental regulation. If the president can keep his cool on this particular decision he will almost certainly be happy with Gorsuchs general conduct on the Court, particularly when hes doing exactly what Trump told him to do: act like Antonin Scalia. A former child psychiatrist who sexually and indecently assaulted a female patient in Perth almost 30 years ago has been jailed for five years and two months. Ian Stuart McAlpine, 70, was convicted by a jury of seven offences committed against a 17-year-old girl in 1989, but was acquitted of charges related to a second complainant. McAlpine initially kissed the girl on the lips and told her it was their secret, then his offending escalated over time, the WA District Court heard on Wednesday. The man faced court on Wednesday. She eventually complained to the Medical Practice Board in 1991 and McAlpine admitted having a sexual relationship with her, resulting in him being struck from the roll of medical practitioners. It would be a disaster for the ACT if the government can't lift Canberra Hospital standards within three months to gain national accreditation, the Australian Medical Association says. It comes after a report by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards found Canberra Hospital failed to meet standards in 33 of 209 core criteria, with some failures putting patients at "extreme risk". Health Minister Meegan Fitzharris. Photo: Dion Georgopoulos Credit:Dion Georgopoulos The hospital must fix the long list of issues by July in order to keep its national accreditation. Minister for Health Meegan Fitzharris said not being accredited was "not an option", but did not identify what would happen in the case it could not rectify the issues. London: Australia is backing a global plan to set tougher standards for Facebook and other social media giants in their handling of growing terrorist threats, amid frustration that too little is being done to foil plots and identify extremists online. The new effort seeks to apply stricter rules on the powerful social media industry to prevent terrorist groups like Islamic State exploiting weaknesses in one country to launch attacks on another. Foreign Minister Julie Bishop discussed the plan with British Home Secretary Amber Rudd and counterparts from other Commonwealth nations in a meeting in London that will intensify pressure on the industry to act. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop in London. Credit:AAP A leading proposal is to develop a single convention that can be applied across borders to a global commons in the way the United Nations has a convention on the law of the sea. London: Australia has joined Britain and other key security allies in naming Russia as a direct threat to global stability, accusing the country of not only plotting nerve gas attacks but launching cyber warfare that undermines other countries. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull escalated his warnings about Russian cyber attacks on essential infrastructure and internet communications, saying Australians had to be on guard against the growing threats. Mr Turnbull said Russia was extensively involved in cyber attacks including the NotPetya virus that struck dozens of countries last year as well as being active in political disinformation campaigns. The warning came after Mr Turnbull joined British Prime Minister Theresa May, Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a meeting in London on the latest threats. On 11 August, British Munitions Minister Winston Churchill called on Monash to salute his progress and learn about the new tanks firsthand. And the very next day, King George V himself travelled to the front to bestow a knighthood on Monash. After the war, Monash devoted much of his time and energy to supporting the construction of the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and raising funds for the first generation of Australian veterans and their families. In 1929, after a decade of peace, Prime Minister Jim Scullin promoted the long-retired Monash from a three-star to four-star general. Today, Im writing in support of the campaign to promote Monash to the rank of Field Marshal, the highest in the Australian army. By every reasonable measure, its an honour his memory richly deserves. Indeed, had it not been for the narrow attitudes of the time, its a promotion he would have won long ago. The British military historian, Liddell Hart, wrote that Monash was saddled with a "tremendous compound handicap of prejudice". He viewed it a stunning tribute to Monashs unquestioned ability that he rose so high in the Allied ranks in spite of being born in Australia, being Jewish, being a reservist rather than a member of the regular army and having German ancestry. But if we can agree those prejudices were wrong, then surely we can also agree to overturn the injustice they perpetuated. It is true that posthumously promoting Monash to field marshal in this centenary year would be a break with normal protocol. But there are powerful precedents for such a decision. Thomas Blamey, who served as Monashs own chief of staff when he was commander in chief of all Australian forces and then, in the Second World War, served as commander in chief himself, was made a field marshal by Prime Minister Menzies in 1950, five years after he left the army. Prince Philip, who for all his dedication to Australia, to the military and to public life, never commanded an Australian unit in the field, is also a field marshal in the Australian Army, again appointed by Menzies. And in 1976, in commemorating the bicentenary of its War of Independence, the United States government promoted General George Washington to the rank of Field Marshal. Yes, elevating Monash would be an exception to the rule. But we are talking about an exceptional Australian. Of course there will be those who dismiss this idea as merely a symbolic move. But surely all of us can recognise the power of symbolism in commemorations: the sprig of rosemary, the sunrise badge, the poppy, the minutes silence, the haunting echoes of the Last Post, the flicker of the eternal flame. In so many ways, symbolism and ritual are how we gather to honour the memory of all those who served our nation, in all conflicts. And perhaps, in bestowing this overdue honour on a great Australian, we can enlist Monash in the service of our nation once again. A century on, saluting the brilliance of this great man reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Australians who served under his skilful command. Because this is not just about personal recognition for Monash. It is an acknowledgement of everyone who served our nation in the First World War the young Australians whose brave deeds shaped our national identity. I hope re-examining the victories won in 1918 will elevate the memory of those who helped to win them, broadening our national collective understanding of the First World War beyond the deadly disaster of the Gallipoli campaign. A nation reveals itself by who it honours. This year, 100 years after a great Australian helped secure a decisive victory in a long and deadly struggle, let us honour the contribution he made to the peace and freedoms we enjoy today. The National Party has upped the ante in its fight for a controversial medical college in regional NSW and Victoria, as the big city universities make a last-ditch effort to split the Coalition and kill the proposal. Acting Prime Minister Michael McCormack will use a speech on Thursday to press the case for training more doctors in the bush, while his Nationals deputy Bridget McKenzie insisted the system had failed and "something has to change". Regional universities Charles Sturt and Latrobe have for years lobbied for a Murray Darling Medical School to train up to 180 doctors a year in Orange, Wagga Wagga and Bendigo, in what would be a major challenge to the big city universities' dominance of medical training. Deputy PM Michael McCormack and Nationals deputy leader Bridget McKenzie. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Sandstone institutions including Sydney and Melbourne have intensely targeted Health Minister Greg Hunt, a Liberal, in their bid to stop the proposal. They are backed by the Australian Medical Association, whose head Michael Gannon has made his opposition "crystal clear" to Mr Hunt. Barbara Bush has been lauded on both sides of Australian politics as "a pillar of the American political establishment" and a powerhouse of personal warmth who made an impact in the US and beyond. Past Labor and Liberal prime ministers, Bob Hawke, Paul Keating and John Howard, joined a chorus of political heavyweights from around the world in marking the passing of the 92-year old Bush family matriarch, only the second American in history to see both a spouse and an offspring rise to the presidency. The first was Abigail Adams, whose husband was the republic's second president, John Adams (1797-1801) and whose son, John Quincy Adams (1825-1829) became its sixth commander-in-chief. But it was not merely the successful careers of Barbara Bush's men that framed her life. She was also recognised for her commitment to public service and a ready willingness at times to challenge the conservative shibboleths of the Republican Party. This included raising the central questions of the age, such as black civil rights and abortion. Former prime minister Bob Hawke in Sydney earlier this year. Credit:AAP Mrs Bush died peacefully at home after declining any further treatment. She had suffered a long-term thyroid condition known as Graves disease, as well as a heart condition and other problems. The man leading the push for an Australian war hero to be posthumously promoted has condemned the Turnbull government's decision to side with military leaders and reject the elevation. Fairfax Media on Wednesday revealed Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull would not grant Sir John Monash the rank of field marshal - the highest rank in the Australian Army - following a decade-long push by supporters who think the general's role in helping end World War I has not been properly recognised. Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer led the campaign to recognise Sir John Monash. Credit:Marina Neil Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer, who led the campaign to promote Monash, urged the Prime Minister to reconsider. "There are no insurmountable reasons as to why you can not proceed with the promotion of John Monash," Mr Fischer said on Wednesday. Nathan Rosen with his Baby Central bearded dragon. Credit:Nick Moir NSW Primary Industries Minister Niall Blair has abandoned highly controversial changes -saying his department's proposals missed the mark - that many pet owners say would have subjected them and their homes to the same rules as commercial pet shops. Mr Blair said he had asked his department to start again on draft welfare standards for pet shops and breeders of cats and dogs, adding that the proposals had missed the mark and had unintended consequences. More than 22,000 pure-breed dog owners plus owners of birds and reptiles had protested against the changes and launched petitions. The change would have required the owner of any animal (including fish, birds, mice, rabbits, cats or dogs) who sold or donated or traded animals from their home or online to have the same training and complete similar paperwork as a commercial pet shop. Pompeo is already acting like the secretary of State. Photo: Zach Gibson/Bloomberg via Getty Images Since President Trump announced his intention to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un back in March, many doubted that the meeting would actually take place. But the odds seemed to increase on Tuesday when Trump claimed, We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels. Experts speculated that he might be referring to contact between North Korean intelligence officials and some senior CIA officials, but it seems they werent thinking big enough. On Tuesday night, the Washington Post reported that CIA Director Mike Pompeo secretly visited North Korea over Easter weekend and met with Kim Jong-un. The purpose was to lay the groundwork for Trumps talks with Kim, which are expected to take place in early June, or possibly even sooner. The report has not yet been confirmed by the White House, the CIA, or the North Korean mission to the United Nations, which has been the main conduit for communications between Washington and Pyongyang. But there were signs that a new communications channel had opened in recent weeks. About a week after Pompeos trip, U.S. officials said theyd received confirmation from North Koreas government that Kim is willing to discuss his nuclear weapons program with Trump. Pompeos visit is the highest-level meeting between the U.S. and North Korea since 2000, when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, the current leaders father. Pompeo has been nominated to be the next secretary of State, but the Senate is still debating whether he should be confirmed. With Republican senator Rand Paul and most Democrats on the Foreign Relations Committee planning to oppose his nomination, it appears Pompeo will be the first nominee in recent memory to be confirmed by the full Senate despite receiving an unfavorable vote in committee. When Trump fired Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on March 13, four days after agreeing to a meeting with Kim, White House officials said he wanted to have his new national security team in place before the summit. But the Pompeo-Kim meeting underscores that Trump isnt particularly concerned about following proper Senate or diplomatic procedures. The State Department was sidelined during Tillersons tenure, and days after Pompeos nomination, the New York Times reported that he was already the primary player in planning Trumps meeting with Kim. Thanks to the CIA directors influence, the White House relied on intelligence rather than diplomatic channels in its early communications with the North Koreans: Mr. Pompeo, these officials said, has already been dealing with North Korean representatives through a channel that runs between the C.I.A. and its North Korean counterpart, the Reconnaissance General Bureau. And he has been in close touch with the director of South Koreas National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who American officials said brokered Mr. Kims invitation to Mr. Trump. Usually, a meeting between Trump and Kim would come after months of careful negotiations between lower-level diplomatic staffers (and the U.S. would not be operating without a special envoy to North Korea or an ambassador to South Korea). However, it seems Trump is putting more faith in his own dubious deal-making skills. When Senator Jeff Flake raised concerns about this during Pompeos confirmation hearing, Pompeo suggested Trump was indeed trying a different method. He also assured him that preparations are underway without disclosing that hed personally met with Kim less than two weeks ago: POMPEO: Senator, there there is work being done today in preparation for the presidents proposed meeting with Kim Jong-un so American people you should know that theres work being done in preparation for that. The presidents view has been, and I agree with him, that the model we have used previously, long negotiations to get the two leaders to the table, hasnt happened. We havent had that opportunity to have these two leaders to sit together to try to resolve this incredible, vexing, difficult challenge. Since Trump appears to be taking a top-down approach to the Kim summit, it makes sense that hed dispatch one of his favorite advisers to North Korea rather than relying on diplomatic staffers hes shown little regard for. But in addition to further alienating the State Department, sending the CIA director to North Korea renders the Senates objections to his nomination moot. During his confirmation hearing, Pompeo described the Trump-Kim meeting as an opportunity to set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America so desperately America and the world so desperately need. However, he also noted that no one is under any illusions that the summit will result in a comprehensive agreement. When asked if he thinks Kim would actually dismantle his nuclear weapons program, Pompeo said the historic analysis there is not optimistic. Later he said that while hed prefer a diplomatic solution, he could envision a scenario where a U.S. ground invasion of North Korea would be warranted. These answers did little to change the opinion of the senators already leaning against endorsing Pompeos confirmation. I sense a certain disdain for diplomacy in Mike Pompeo that I believe disqualifies him from being our next senior diplomat, explained Senator Dianne Feinstein. But in light of Pompeos reported meeting with Kim, whats the point of making a stand against confirming him for secretary of State? Trump has him essentially doing the job before the Senates weighed in. London: Australia and India have been nominated as two countries who could take the lead in helping renovate the Commonwealth while the United Kingdom negotiates its exit from the European Union, a British foreign policy think tank says. In a new report on the Commonwealth, released to coincide with the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is attending, the British Foreign Policy (BFPG) think tank said the network of 53 countries needs a "shift" to make it more relevant to the vastly different member countries. The BFPG said Britain should not necessarily lead that task because its foreign policy resources would be tied up with Brexit for the next few years. "Whilst the UK can contribute hugely to the success of the Commonwealth, it is also going to need major support from elsewhere to renovate both image and effectiveness," the paper says. Beijing: China has held a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait, with Chinese media reporting the aim was to "deter separatists" and "draw a red line to the US and Taiwan". Chinese President Xi Jinping poses with soldiers on a navy ship after he reviewed the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy fleet in the South China Sea. Credit:AP However Taiwan's president, Tsai Ing-wen, who has drawn the ire of Beijing since taking office in May 2016, was not in the country as the naval drill started on Wednesday. Taiwan accused Beijing of sabre rattling, and Taiwan's military chiefs downplayed China's People's Liberation Army's exercise, which is the first live fire drill in the Taiwan Strait since Tsai took office. Tsai left for her first official visit to Africa a day earlier, arriving in Swaziland, one of the few nations to offer Taiwan diplomatic recognition. She presented King Mswati III with five cows. London: Chinese trade with Australia could be under threat, but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says any "ups and downs" in the bilateral relationship are coming from a high base. The Chinese ambassador to Australia told The Australian that if growing distrust was allowed to fester it could damage the trade relationship. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Australia is bringing in laws trying to stop foreign donations to political parties, but Ambassador Cheng Jingye rejected any suggestions China was trying to interfere in Australian politics. Speaking in London, where he is attending the CHOGM meeting, Mr Turnbull said the two countries shared a strong relationship that was getting better. Seoul: South Korea has confirmed that it has been in talks with both American and North Korean officials about negotiating a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War after more than 60 years, as the United States and its ally try to establish a basis for persuading the North to give up its nuclear weapons. A North Korean delegation leaves for the south side in January as South Korean army soldiers stand guard at the demilitarised zone. Credit:AP Chung Eui-yong, the national security adviser to South Korean President Moon Jae-in , said he had discussed the matter with John Bolton, his newly appointed American counterpart, in Washington last week, as they prepared for the planned talks between each of their countries' presidents and Kim Jong-un, North Korea's leader. South Korean officials said they had also been in talks with the North about a possible treaty. Kim told Chung and another South Korean official last month that the North was willing to give up nuclear arms if it received security guarantees. In the past, the North has said that a peace treaty and the normalisation of ties with the United States would be among the security guarantees it would require in exchange for surrendering its nuclear program. London: The royal star couple of the moment, Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markle, will attend the Anzac Day dawn service at Hyde Park Corner in London next week. It could present a conundrum for broadcasters who will face a choice between celebrity and seniority in covering simultaneous ceremonies. At exactly the same time in France, Harrys father, Prince Charles, is due to give a reading at the dawn service at the Australian National Memorial on the Somme, near Villers-Bretonneux, in the company of Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Credit:AP Kensington Palace announced Harry and Meghan would also go to the commemoration service at Westminster Abbey later that day, and Harry would attend the wreath laying and parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall. Ciudad Juarez, Mexico: Magda Rubio had just launched her campaign for mayor of a small city in northern Mexico, when a chilling voice came through her cell phone. "Drop out," the caller warned, "or be killed." Mexico's President Enrique Pena Nieto. Credit:AP It was the first of four death threats Rubio said she has received since January from the same well-spoken, anonymous man. She has stayed in the race in Guachochi, located in a mountainous region of Chihuahua state that is a key route for heroin trafficking. But two armed body guards now follow her round the clock. MFS Africa becomes first African FinTech funded by a China-based VC in (USD)4.5M Series B round led by LUN Partners Group MFS Africa will work with LUN Partners Group to boost financial inclusion in countries targeted by China\-\-s \-\-Belt and Road\-\- initiative Port Louis, Mauritius 18th April 2018 MFS Africa, a leading Pan-African FinTech company, today announced a (USD)4.5m Series B funding round led by LUN Partners Group, a China-based global investment management group. Goodwell Investments, an Amsterdam based investment firm focused on financial inclusion, fintech and inclusive growth, as well as several angel investors completed the round. MFS Africa is the first African FinTech to receive funding from a China-based global investment management group. The investment is in-line with China\-\-s \-\-Belt and Road\-\- strategy, and follows wider interest from global investors in African FinTech, which took nearly a third of African VC funding in 2017. MFS Africa operates the largest digital payments network in Africa. The company connects over 170m mobile wallets through 100+ partners, including Airtel, Ecobank, MTN, Orange and Vodafone across 55 markets. By providing a single access point for global organisations to reach and transact with millions of African consumers and businesses across networks, across borders and across currencies, MFS Africa aims to drive financial inclusion and accelerate the continent?s digital economy. As part of the deal, MFS Africa will work with LUN Partners Group, its portfolio companies, and investor base to boost financial inclusion in countries targeted by China\-\-s \-\-Belt and Road\-\- initiative. The Belt and Road initiative is an ambitious economic strategy that aims to disseminate China\-\-s services, investment, and infrastructure at a global level. LUN Partners will work with MFS Africa to help Chinese and other Asian enterprises, especially FinTech and ecommerce firms, drive financial inclusion and trade more easily in Africa by providing a single access point to scale and monetise digital services across the continent using mobile money networks. \China is home to some of the most exciting and fastest growing technology firms in the world, and Africa is the birthplace of mobile money. At the same time, the continent remains fragmented with no single network able to serve the region. Organisations that want to transact with African consumers and businesses need to secure agreements with each and every provider, stunting competition and growth,\ said Peilung Li, Founder and Chairman of LUN Partners Group. \MFS Africa has spent years connecting these mobile money services to create one Pan-African network which can substantially boost cross border trade and open up new opportunities for Chinese as well as global firms.\ By connecting African mobile wallets to each other and the formal financial economy, MFS Africa can drive financial inclusion across the region. Its digital payments hub accessible via one API exceeds industry standards in terms of performance and compliance, allowing mobile operators and financial institutions to deliver a range of essential and sophisticated services to underserved individuals. \At Goodwell Investments, we\-\-re exclusively focused on companies that can generate good financial returns and high social impact at the same time,?\said Wim van der Beek, Founder and Partner of Goodwell Investments. \MFS Africa plays a key role in our investment strategy. It is uniquely placed to accelerate the speed and scale of delivering financial services to those that need them most across Africa and beyond.\ The investment will fuel the expansion of MFS Africa?s network in Africa and beyond and help unlock new capabilities including a merchant services offering. This offering will allow major retailers and internet companies to accept payments from consumers via their mobile wallets. The investment follows the appointment of industry luminaires Michael Joseph, widely credited with spearheading M-Pesa, and Reg Swart, leader at mobile money pioneer, Fundamo, to evolve and expand its capabilities. \The pioneering funding round, and strategic nature of the investors, is a testament to MFS Africa\-\-s performance and unique potential,\ said Dare Okoudjou, Founder and CEO of MFS Africa. \By connecting mobile money users to each other, we have effectively built the biggest digital payments network in Africa and we\-\-re now perfectly positioned to drive financial inclusion, accelerate the African digital economy, and connect millions of African consumers and businesses to the global economy.\ Shine on you crazy Dimon. Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images In Donald Trumps final campaign ad, the GOP nominee informed America that those who control the levers of power in Washington do not have your good in mind, as a sign reading Wall St. flickered across the screen. Moments later, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs appeared, cast as an embodiment of the global elite that has robbed our working class. In the first quarter of 2018, President Trumps signature legislative achievement made Americas four biggest banks $2.3 billion richer, according to a new analysis from The Wall Street Journal. Illustration: The Wall Street Journal Last fall, Trump made an explicit commitment that tax reform will protect low-income and middle-income households, not the wealthy and well-connected. They can call me all they want; Im doing the right thing. In February, House Speaker Paul Ryan boasted that his partys tax law had given a secretary at a public high school in Lancaster, PA an extra $1.50 a week a windfall that would more than cover her Costco membership for the year. And as if Costco cards werent enough, corporations are letting a portion of their tax breaks trickle down albeit a radically smaller portion than Republicans had promised. Now, the CBO predicts that the Trump tax cuts will add $1.85 trillion to the deficit over the next decade and Ryan is calling for Draconian cuts to Social Security and Medicare, while the White House makes it easier for states to deny health-insurance coverage to the working poor, all for the sake of fiscal responsibility. Can you believe this law isnt popular? A colorized scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) image showing the diamond phase (blue), inclusions (yellow), and the graphite region of Almahata Sitta meteorite No. 15. In 2008, pieces of diamond encased in rock descended from space and landed in the Nubian Desert of Sudan. And, according to a new study, these meteorite crystals provide the first physical evidence of an ancient lost building block from the dawn of the solar system. In the study, a research team found that the Almahata Sitta meteorite once belonged to a protoplanet, one of tens of early worlds that experienced impacts and buildups to ultimately create the rocky planets in our solar system. The diamond pieces inside the meteorite hold a compelling record of these protoplanets and their collisions, according to the study. Until now, the existence of these early worlds were only predicted by simulation models. [Meteorite Studies Reveal Surprises About Earth's Formation] The diamond meteorite appears to have originated on a protoplanet between the size of the moon and Mars that collided with other objects during the first 10 million years of the solar system and no longer exists as a whole, according to a statement about the recent study. These crashes were big and energetic and, in the case of the diamond-laden meteorite's parent body, caused catastrophic disruptions that the crystals captured. A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image of a deformed diamond matrix in Almahata Sitta MS-170 meteorite. The scale bar is 200 nanometers. (Image credit: Dr. F. Nabiei/Dr. E. Oveisi, EPFL, Switzerland) Diamonds can act as time capsules: They trap nearby minerals during the formation process and, with their strength and stability, preserve material that scientists call inclusions. On Earth, diamonds are used to identify the structure and composition of the planet's deep layers. Therefore, the meteorite diamonds reveal information about their parent protoplanet. Analysis of the Almahata Sitta meteorite reveals that it is an achondrite, a rare type of space rock that comes from celestial bodies that are large enough to generate internal heat early in their history so as to produce metallic cores surrounded by rock. Therefore, the Almahata Sitta rock comes from a big asteroid or early planet, the research teamsaid. Because this meteorite has high concentrations of carbon manifested as diamond and graphite, Almahata Sitta is a type of meteorite called a ureilite. The black fragment of Almahata Sitta meteorite No.number 15 appears stark against the lighter-colored rocks of the Nubian Desert in northern Sudan. (Image credit: Peter Jenniskens (SETI Institute/NASA Ames)) In the new study, lead author Farhang Nabiei, a materials scientist at Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, in Switzerland, and colleagues detailed what they found upon analyzing the inclusions inside the ureilite diamonds. The scientists used transmission electron microscopy to study the high-pressure environment that formed the crystals and altered the minerals around it, and determined that the composition and shapes of the inclusions inside the diamonds must have formed at high pressures (above 20 gigapascals). This means the parent body of the Almahata Sitta meteorite was on the larger side of the protoplanet scale Mercury-to-Mars size and that this space rock's remaining fragments are what's left of this ancient celestial body, Nabiei said. The study was published online April 17 in the journal Nature Communications. Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter @salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. The Senate is preparing to vote on Jim Bridenstine's nomination to be NASA administrator as soon as Thursday. COLORADO SPRINGS After a months-long impasse, the Senate may vote to confirm Jim Bridenstine as the next administrator of NASA later this week. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) filed a cloture motion April 16 on Bridenstine's nomination. The Senate could vote on the motion as soon as April 18, with only a simple majority required for passage. If approved, there would be up to 30 hours of debate on the nomination before a vote. That vote, sources say, could take place April 19, depending on the amount of debate and other Senate business. [Trump Says US May Need a 'Space Force'] Filing the motion suggests that the Senate's Republican leadership believes they have the votes needed to pass the nomination. That has been in doubt for months as the nomination languished in the Senate. The senate's 49 Democratic members have been united in their opposition to the nomination, arguing that Bridenstine, a Republican congressman from Oklahoma, was not qualified to lead the agency. At a confirmation hearing by the Senate Commerce Committee in November, members also criticized his stance on a variety of other topics, from climate change to social issues. The committee favorably reported his nomination to the full Senate on a party-line vote in November, and again in January after the administration resubmitted the nomination to comply with Senate rules. While Republicans hold a 5149 majority in the Senate, Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has been absent for several months because of poor health. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who was critical of Bridenstine's nomination when it was first announced in September 2017, was reportedly unwilling to vote for Bridenstine, effectively blocking the nomination since it lacked a majority. The cloture motion has led to speculation that Rubio has dropped his opposition to Bridenstine. Rubio has not publicly commented on the nomination recently. Alternatively, one or more Democrats may now be willing to back Bridenstine. While the nomination was stalled in the Senate, Bridenstine's fellow House members lobbied on his behalf. In a March 20 letter to Senate leadership, 61 House members, led by space subcommittee chairman Rep. Brian Babin (R-Texas) and including a dozen Democrats, called for the Senate to confirm Bridenstine. Bridenstine enjoys broad support in the space community because of his space policy expertise. As a congressman, Bridenstine promoted legislation called the American Space Renaissance Act two years ago that included a wide range of civil, commercial and national security space provision. Some elements of that original bill were included in other legislation. Bridenstine has kept a low public profile since the White House announced the nomination in September. He is at the 34th Space Symposium here this week but is not scheduled to speak. His presence, though, was noticed by Vice President Mike Pence in his April 16 keynote address here. Pence thanked Robert Lightfoot, NASA's acting administrator who is retiring this month, for his service to the agency. "And we're hopeful very soon that those big shoes will be filled and that the Senate will confirm a man who also joins us here today, a great champion of the men and women at NASA and a great champion of the president's vision for NASA and for American leadership in space," Pence said, thanking Bridenstine for "for stepping forward to serve our nation at such a time as this." Bridenstine did appear at a event on Capitol Hill April 11 where the Space Transportation Association gave a leadership award to Lightfoot. In brief remarks, he thanked Lightfoot for his three decades at NASA as well as helping him prepare for the duties of administrator if confirmed. "I want everybody here to know how much he has helped me going through this confirmation process, preparing me in many ways for what's to come," Bridenstine said of Lightfoot, adding that he would continue to solicit Lightfoot's advice in the future. "I am confident there will come a day where everybody is trying to convince me of one thing or another, and I'll be able to get the straight truth from you." This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross says his department is gearing up to add space traffic management to its growing portfolio of commercial space responsibilities. Speaking at the 34th Space Symposium here April 17, Ross said the Commerce Department was taking several steps to implement a draft space traffic management (STM) policy, announced by Vice President Mike Pence a day earlier, that would assign the department the responsibility for providing some space situational awareness services. "The department stands ready to work with other executive branch agencies, and the private sector, to develop an STM strategy that creates benchmark standards for the entire world," he said. [7 Wild Ways to Clean Up Space Junk] Those plans will build upon earlier studies that examined shifting the responsibility from the Defense Department for providing space traffic management services, such as collision warnings, for operators of civil and commercial satellites. That will include, he said, leveraging the expertise of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the Commerce Department, in developing standards in collaboration with industry. The department is also planning an international space regulatory conference that will take place in the United States by next January to bring together STM experts from around the world. "As we embark on new plans for space traffic management and space situational awareness, it will be important for government to hear from key global space industry leaders," Ross said. The transition outlined in the policy will take time to implement. "As Commerce takes on new responsibilities from DOD and other agencies, we will make sure that there is a seamless transition," Ross said in his speech. "We recognize the importance of having the right people, the right partnerships, and the right processes in place before any big changes are finalized." In an interview April 16, Ross said that he has met with Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson on a transition of STM responsibilities. He emphasized the "baby steps" nature of that planned transition, but didn't estimate how long it would take to complete. "What we worked out in concept is a transitional period," he said, with the Defense Department continuing to collect data and the Commerce Department ramping up its analysis capabilities. Commerce would also be able to augment that with data from commercial and international sources. "This is not going to be an abrupt switch-throwing, where one day it's DoD and the next day it's Commerce." This STM responsibility is part of a consolidation of commercial space regulatory responsibilities, outside of launch and communications, in the Commerce Department's Office of Space Commerce. That office, previously within NOAA, will be elevated to directly under the Secretary of Commerce. A new director for the office will be named soon, Ross said. In his speech, Ross touched upon another topic, commercial remote-sensing regulatory reform. "We apply the same level of interagency scrutiny to a high school cubesat as we do to a billion-dollar asset designed for our intelligence community," he said. "This is silly, and it will stop." He cited in particular the March 30 SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, where a live broadcast from cameras on board the rocket was cut off shortly before reaching orbit because of what the company said at the time were NOAA restrictions. Ross said that SpaceX and other launch companies weren't aware they needed commercial remote-sensing licenses for such broadcasts. "This is a perfect example of how commercial activity in space is outpacing government regulations. No more," Ross said, directing the NOAA office that regulates commercial remote sensing to "implement reforms that will meet private sector needs without endangering national security." Ross met April 16 with executives from companies that are either in the commercial remote-sensing business or require NOAA licenses. The hour-long "listening session" allowed companies to discuss their concerns, which included a lack of transparency in the licensing review process and long timelines. Ross said in the interview that as Commerce takes on more regulatory activities, he doesn't want the agency to forget its role to promote industry as well. "While the label is regulator, we would like the mindset to be that of a sensible facilitator," he said. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. Future spacecraft could think for themselves using the same technology that powers Bitcoin. A new $330,000 NASA grant supports work to develop autonomous spacecraft that could make more decisions without human intervention. One example could be enabling spacecraft to dodge space debris at a distant planet or moon faster than a human on Earth could help out the far-away probe, according to a statement on the research. "I hope to develop technology that can recognize environmental threats and avoid them, as well as complete a number of tasks automatically," principal investigator Jin Wei Kocsis, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Akron in Ohio, said in the statement. "I am honored that NASA recognized my work, and I am excited to continue challenging technology's ability to think and do on its own," she added. If proven, Wei Kocsis' early-stage research would be especially useful in deep-space environments, where spacecraft communicating back to Earth must currently wait for hours for a response. Instead, her work would enable the spacecraft to perform tasks using blockchain technology. In the digital-currency world, blockchain is used to record transactions securely, without the need of a central management database such as a bank. There are many variants of digital currencies, but the most popular is known as Bitcoin. The new work uses technology incorporated into a different digital currency, called Ethereum, that not only records transactions but also can execute decentralized code, such as automatically running a transaction when conditions are met. Wei Kocsis' NASA Early Career Faculty grant would use Ethereum blockchain technology for these self-executing contracts, also called "smart contracts," to enhance digital decision-making in spacecraft. "In this project, the Ethereum blockchain technology will be exploited to develop a decentralized, secure, and cognitive networking and computing infrastructure for deep space exploration," she said. The University of Akron did not say how many years it would be before Wei Kocsis' technology would fly. But this project does mark the first time that NASA has explored blockchain applications for space communications and navigation, said Thomas Kacpura, advanced communications program manager at NASA's Glenn Research Center. In an interview with ETHNews, he noted that if blockchain technology works in this context, it "would support decentralized processing among NASA space network nodes in a secure fashion," and added that the network could be scaled for future growth. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Mattis and the Mad Dog. Photo: Chris Kleponis - Pool/Getty Images Last week, the United States launched an act of war against a sovereign government because failing to do so would have cast doubt on the credibility of the statements that Donald Trump makes while livetweeting Fox & Friends. That may sound like hyperbolic snark, or the premise of an Andy Borowitz column, but it is a plain description of the rationale behind last Fridays missile strikes in Syria, according to multiple military and administration officials. Last Tuesday amid reports that the U.S. was considering a strike against the Assad regime, in response to an alleged chemical weapons attack against civilians in Douma Russias ambassador to Lebanon Alexander Zasypkin warned that if there is a US missile attack, we will shoot down U.S. rockets and even the sources that launched the missiles. The Fox & Friends morning crew took exception to this bluster, with one host arguing, What we should be doing is telling the Russians, Every Syrian military base is a target and if youre there, it is your problem. Minutes later, one of the programs most dedicated viewers echoed that belligerent note. Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and smart! You shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2018 The White House had reached no final decision about whether to strike Syria let alone, whether to target Russian assets within it when the president tweeted this pledge. Over the ensuing days, Defense Secretary James Mattis implored Trump to hold off on bombing the Assad regime until its responsibility for the Douma attack could be fully verified, and Congress could be given a chance to authorize the act of war. But the president couldnt abide a delay. In his view, it was better to bomb Syria without a strategy or legal authorization than to invite doubts about the credibility of the threats he makes on social media. As the New York Times reports: Defense Secretary Jim Mattis urged President Trump to get congressional approval before the United States launched airstrikes against Syria last week, but was overruled by Mr. Trump, who wanted a rapid and dramatic response, military and administration officials said. Mr. Trump, the officials said, wanted to be seen as backing up a series of bellicose tweets with action, but was warned that an overly aggressive response risked igniting a wider war with Russia. Mr. Trumps drumbeat of threats last week of a sharp response to the suspected gas attacks all but guaranteed that the United States military would strike Syria, according to two Defense Department officials who spoke on condition of anonymity Mr. Trump did not necessarily want to hit Syria hard enough to bring Russia into the war, administration officials said. But he did want to appear aggressive in his response. Just days before the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma, Trump had called for an immediate withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Syria. At that point, Assad was already (allegedly) using chemical weapons on a routine basis. No significant facts on the ground changed between when the president wanted to remove every last American soldier from Syria, and when he wanted to escalate U.S. intervention against Assad. What did change were Fox News programming decisions. Unlike Assads typical war crimes, the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma produced dead bodies that werent too mutilated to be aired extensively on American cable news channels. Trump reportedly saw those images and felt moved to assert American power. He then, ostensibly, saw a Fox & Friends segment in which Russia was portrayed as challenging his authority to assert that power. He tweeted a rebuke. And thus, America went to war. Thanks to James Mattis, the bombings proved to be quite limited mere show strikes designed to send a message without sparking a wider war. Had Trump picked a slightly less risk-averse hawk as his Defense secretary, however, its quite possible that his tweet would have been the trigger for a direct confrontation with Russia and Iran: As the Times reports, neoconservative members of the Republican foreign policy establishment have started to air concerns that Mr. Mattis is ceding strategic territory to Iran and Russia in Syria. As it happened, Trumps strikes proved sufficiently innocuous for liberal foreign policy wonks to feel comfortable endorsing them even as they acknowledged the campaigns illegality and strategic incoherence. I believe that the US, UK, & France did the right thing by striking Syria over chemical weapons. It will not stop the war nor save the Syrian people from many other horrors. It is illegal under international law. But it at least draws a line somewhere & says enough. Anne-Marie Slaughter (@SlaughterAM) April 14, 2018 And yet, the fact that such Establishment figures blessed Trumps decision to wage an illegal war in defense of his tweets only makes the development more unnerving. Trumps conduct as president is often terrifying for the ways in which it breaks radically with precedent. But a nearly-as-unsettling aspect of his presidency is the way it rubs ones face in the insanity of American politics-as-usual. Which is to say: Like a caricature, Trump makes the more unsightly features of the American presidency more visible, by blowing them up to garish extremes. It was, of course, absurd for the man who had campaigned in support of torture, banning Syrian refugees and deliberately targeting the families of enemy combatants for execution to justify air strikes in Syria on humanitarian grounds. But it was also (less gratuitously) absurd for Barack Obama to issue similarly moralistic condemnations of chemical warfare as such, while his administration allowed U.S. troops to deploy white phosphorus in Afghanistan and helped its Saudi allies to commit war crimes in Yemen. It is insane that Trump launched a strategically incoherent military intervention for the sole purpose of projecting an image of strength to a domestic audience but it was also insane for Lyndon Johnson to escalate American involvement in Vietnam for much the same reason. None of this is to deny that our current president is more comprehensively detached from reality than his predecessors were. When other presidents made plainly hypocritical foreign policy statements or took strategically dubious foreign policy actions they generally did so in service of some sincere policy goal. By most accounts, George W. Bush genuinely believed in the power of the United States to spread democracy through mass murder. Lyndon Johnsons Vietnam policy was conceived, at least in part, as a means of preserving political capital for advancing liberal domestic goals. By contrast, projecting a desirable image is Trumps highest ambition. He does not use propaganda as means for advancing his preferred policies; he uses policy as a tool for advancing his preferred propaganda. The mogul did not run for president because he had deeply held convictions about how he wanted to change the world, but because he had a deeply felt desire to change how the world saw him. This is why he prefers to get his information about foreign affairs from a morning talk show, instead of from the most powerful intelligence apparatus ever assembled by humankind: Trump cares more about how geopolitical realities look to Fox News viewers, than about what those realities actually are. From this perspective, the presidents missile strikes in Syria were strategically sound. If the goal was not to enforce the laws of war, but merely to replace one set of cable news images (the bodies of poisoned children in Syria, talking heads debating whether the president would follow through on his tweets) with another more triumphant one (the president sternly asserting Americas moral responsibilities, missiles streaking across a night sky), then it isnt hard to see why Trump declared Mission Accomplished. But it is difficult to understand how so many members of our nations foreign policy Establishment could see this solipsistic performance as a justifiable exercise of American power. And that difficulty leaves one to wonder whether the distinction between waging a war because Fox & Friends told you to and doing so because prestigious Beltway think tanks did is as significant as we might hope. Mars may have gained its two tiny moons after an asteroid-size object slammed into the surface of the Red Planet. New models suggest that an object the size of the largest of the asteroid-belt inhabitants could have kicked up enough material to form Mars' two moons, Phobos and Deimos. "Ours is the first self-consistent model to identify the type of impact needed to lead to the formation of Mars' two small moons," Robin Canup, a researcher and associate vice president at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI), said in a statement. Canup is one of the leading scientists using large-scale simulations to model planet-scale collisions like the one thought to have formed Earth's own moon. Scientists have debated the origins of the two Martian moons for decades. One model suggests that they may have been captured from the asteroid belt. Another suggests that they formed out of a disk of debris around the Red Planet. The fact that both moons have a nearly circular orbit around the equator makes a strong case for their birth by impact. [Moons of Mars: Amazing Photos of Phobos and Deimos] Moons forming from the debris after a smashup isn't unheard of. Earth's moon is thought to have formed after a Mars-size object crashed into the planet 4.5 billion years ago. Earth's diameter is about 8,000 miles (12,875 kilometers). With a diameter of just over 2,100 miles (3,380 km), the moon is about a quarter of its parent planet's size. Mars, on the other hand, is smaller than our planet, with a diameter of just over 4,200 miles (6,760 km). Phobos and Deimos are very small, with diameters of only 7.5 and 14 miles (12 and 22.5 km), respectively, and with very close-in orbits. "A key result of the new work is the size of the impactor," or the body that collided with the planet, Canup said. "We find that a large impactor similar in size to the largest asteroids, Vesta and Ceres is needed, rather than a giant impactor." Vesta is the second largest object in the asteroid belt, with a diameter of 329 miles (530 km). Ceres is the largest inhabitant of the asteroid belt, with a diameter of 584 miles (940 km) it is large enough that it is classified as both an asteroid and a dwarf planet. New research simulates a small body slamming into Mars, producing its small moons Phobos and Deimos. (Image credit: Robin Canup/Southwest Research Institute) The last of many Phobos and Deimos were likely not the only moons created by the collision, according to the researchers' model. After the large impactor smashed into the planet, some of the debris formed a disk that flew up to circle the Martian equator. "The outer portions of the disk accumulate into Phobos and Deimos, while the inner portions of the disk accumulate into large moons that eventually spiral inward and are assimilated into Mars," said Julien Salmon, a researcher at SwRI and second author on the paper. Currently, Phobos is spiraling inward, and should crash into Mars in another 50 million years or so. Deimos will escape that fate, as it is slowly spiraling outward, away from the planet. Previous simulations of impactors also created multiple moons, but their size meant that Phobos and Deimos wouldn't exist today. "Larger impacts advocated in prior works produce massive disks and more massive inner moons that prevent the survival of tiny moons like Phobos and Deimos," Salmon said. In addition to their existence, the new research also provided clues about what future missions might find when they visit Phobos and Deimos. "The model also predicts that the two moons are derived primarily from material originating in Mars, so their bulk compositions should be similar to that of Mars for most elements," Canup said. In 2024, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to launch the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) mission to visit the two Martian moons. MMX will land on the surface of Phobos and collect a sample to return to Earth in 2029. "A primary objective of the MMX mission is to determine the origin of Mars' moons," Canup said. "Having a model that predicts what the moons' composition would be if they formed by impact is a key constraint for achieving that goal." Follow Nola Taylor Redd at @NolaTRedd, Facebook, or Google+. Follow us at @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com. A photo of the 2015 Lyrid meteor shower, captured by photographer Sean Parker outside Tucson, Arizona. While that annual meteor shower is caused by comet debris burning up in Earth's atmosphere, a Japanese startup hopes to create its own, artificial showers on demand. Keep an eye out for shooting stars early Sunday morning (April 22): The Lyrid meteor shower has been active, and will hit its peak after midnight. Observers under dark skies in the Northern Hemisphere can view as many as a dozen Lyrid meteors each hour in the early morning from mid- to late April. And up to 20 meteors per hour will likely be visible overnight Saturday to Sunday (April 21-22), according to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Space Science Telescope Institute (STScI). A graphic from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory showing where in the sky the Lyrid meteor shower can be seen, until April 30. (Image credit: NASA/JPL) The Lyrids are classified as a medium-strength shower, according to STScI, and are visible every year in April. The shower appears to emanate from the constellation Lyra (the Harp), hence its name. People have been watching these streaks for thousands of years: Chinese astronomers recorded the shower back in 687 B.C., according to NASA. The Lyrids result each year when Earth passes through the trail of dust and debris left behind by Comet Thatcher; the icy rock itself is expected to return to the solar system in 2276, after its most recent approach in 1861. [The Most Amazing Lyrid Meteor Shower Photos of All Time] Observers in the U.S. will also have a good view of these shooting stars on the nights before and after the Lyrids peak (after midnight on Friday, and after midnight on Sunday), according to JPL. The moon is bright because it's at a first-quarter phase, so NASA suggests waiting until the moon sets at midnight to see the Lyrids. If you are making plans to skywatch this weekend, keep in mind that there are also many other shining objects to search for. Before midnight, a few hours before prime Lyrid shower viewing, Jupiter rises in the east, according to NASA. The giant gas planet and its Great Red Spot are visible with a regular telescope. Mars and Saturn join the night sky in the hours before dawn, in the summer constellation Sagittarius, STScI said in a recent video. The constellation Leo (the Lion) is also worth keeping an eye out for. It appears in the south, and worth spotting are the Leo Triplet galaxies near the belly of the beast, as well as the heart of the lion, the star Regulus. Follow Doris Elin Salazar on Twitter @salazar_elin. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Overkill was written by Jeff Melvoin and Tracey Rice and was directed by Jeff T Thomas, whose other numerous credits includeand. The episode follows up on last weeks bombing and Toms (Kiefer Sutherland) subsequent declaration of war on Kunami. Once again, I was distracted by Hannahs (Maggie Q) being wedged into the action. Maybe if shed stayed home working on the hack, Toms therapy sessions wouldnt have been leaked.Seth (Kal Penn) looks shocked when Tom calls the action a war in his address to the nation, and Lyor (Paulo Costanzo) wants him to spin it. Tom refuses and clearly feels completely justified in ordering the missile strikes. It looks like they might have made a mistake when they are tracking Rojas (Jsin Sasha) to see who he was working with and catch Bowen (Dan Jeanotte) meeting with him in a hotel washroom.Bowen wants to be a prisoner of war and finally admits that he was working for the Emir. He also tells them that he knows where the opposition leader of Kunami Amal Hamzi (Dani Jazzar) is in hiding. Hannah leads the seal team to go in and talk to him about supporting him to get rid of the Emir.Toms team disagree over the military action. Lyor continues not to like the optics. Aaron (Adan Canto) says that his only concern is organizing the military part of the plan, and Emily (Italia Ricci) is adamant that they have to show a united front.Meanwhile, it looks like Mike (LaMonica Garrett) might be about to gain a romantic interest. He finds Tricia (Chelsea Harris) struggling with one of the vending machines and helps her get her snack out of it. She knows the Mike was Special Forces and her brother is too. Shes worried about him because she hasnt heard from him. She knows and Mike confirms that thats standard operating procedure when theyre deployed.Theres a couple of nice scenes between Trey (Breckin Meyer) and Tom Im really liking the dynamic between these two. Trey has postponed a business trip because hes noticed that Tom looks tired. He asks if Tom has been keeping up with his therapy. Tom assures him that hes still going twice a week and being tired goes with the office. To prove his point, hes called away from their lunch to go to the situation room.Hannahs team has been ambushed on the way to meet with Hamzi. Naturally, she and one other Seal who just happens to be Tricias brother, Royce (Cle Bennett) are separated from everyone else in the melee and continue with the mission on their own when they meet up with their go-to. At one point Royce asks Hannah if she trusts him when they come under fire. Hannah tells Royce that she doesnt trust anyone. Naturally, the contact turns out to be lying, and Hannah kills him. Aaron wants to pull her out I can only assume that hes her superior and she refuses to go.Meanwhile, the Ambassador (Ali Hassan) is refusing to negotiate until there is a cease fire and insists that Tom has no proof. When the bombing mistakenly hits a hospital which had painted over its identifying crosses, NATO calls for greater caution. Emily and Seth draft a response, pointing out the hospitals removal of the crosses and Tom approves of the message. Seth actually steps up to question whether the bombing isnt overkill, but Tom is convinced that the faster they win the war, the more lives that will be saved.Aaron has to work on two fronts in this episode as he is still running the hacking investigation and has Chuck working with Damian on it. Chuck still vehemently hates Damian and asks Aaron if he has to work with him. I did like the team up of Damian and Chuck going undercover to investigate Monica Van (Inga Cadranel) They do get a lead on GAMINE who is likely the real threat from Van who used to be part of a black hat hacker group.Aaron meets with the Ambassador to go over the Emirs latest off. Hell abdicate if hes given safe passage and access to his money. The meeting seems to go well, but the Ambassador goes right to the press and says that the President wont negotiate because he prefers war.Tom has had his own confidence shaken a bit and asks Emily for some frank conversation. He is shaken by the lives hes had to take. She urges him to consider an offer that will bring peace. He tells Aaron to reach out to the Ambassador again.Meanwhile, Hannah is once again going to rush in half-cocked. Royce proves to be a valuable companion when he stops her, pointing out that theres a difference between bravery and recklessness. Royce also points out that revenge wont bring Forstell back or make her feel better. The best way to honor the dead is to stay living. Im really liking him, so I really hope they find a way to keep wedging him into the story!Mike has mentioned Tricia to Tom and he meets with her in the oval office under the pretense that he meets with every new hire. He asks about her brother and parents, and thanks her for her brothers service. She tells Tom that Royce had finished 3 tours of duty but re-enlisted again because of Tom. She tells Tom that Royce wanted to serve a man who always saw his mission through.Tom is inspired to go and speak to the press briefing. He tells the press that war isnt noble, but its the only way to respond to nations who seek to destroy them. And they have to do it without compromise. It was a bit too rah, rah war for my taste, but both Lyor and Emily look pleased.Hannah finds the Hamzi and is prepared to make a deal, until she finds correspondence between him and the Ambassador. Apparently, the plan all along was to put the Ambassador in power! The Emir revokes the Ambassadors diplomatic status and Tom is able to prosecute him for war crimes. Tom is able to thank Royce for his service, and tells him that he will tell Tricia hes on his way home. In the end, the Emir will also step down and his nephew will take over running the country.Tricia meets up with Mike again at the vending machine. This time she helps him get his snack. She knows it wasnt a coincidence that the President asked to speak to her. Mike doesnt admit it except to say that he was looking out for one of our own. If they do go down the relationship road with these two, lets hope they do a better job than they did with Emily and Aaron or Emily and Seth or Hannah and Damian for that matter!Trey gives Tom a boost to his confidence, assuring him that when there are hard choices to be made, its all you can hope for that the smartest people are making those choices. Lyor also gets a confidence boost unexpectedly from Aaron. Lyor worries that he and Bowen are really no different they are both hired guns, mercenaries. Aaron surprises himself by telling Lyor that Lyor has a streak of decency that Bowen doesnt have.The show seems to be developing a pattern of having a final crisis each week this season. This week, Toms therapy sessions have somehow been leaked to the press! Seems like this leaking and hacking business should really have been top priority for more people... What did you think of the episode? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! Welcome To SpoilerTV We bring you a comprehensive and up to date spoiler service on all the major US TV shows and Movies. You can find specific show content by clicking the menu system at the top of the screen. We scour the Internet for spoilers as well as posting our own exclusive spoilers (Scripts, Casting Calls, Set Photos etc) as well as recaps and other fun articles and polls. We hope you enjoy your stay. Bir Lehlou, April 17, 2018 (SPS) - The Frente POLISARIO has called on the Security Council to use its authority to urge Morocco to engage seriously and constructively in the political process, to respect the terms of the ceasefire and Military Agreement No. 1, and to desist from taking any action that may increase tension in the region and threaten its stability and security, in information note, a copy of which obtained by SPS The Frente POLISARIO has called urgently on the Security Council to ensure that such diversionary tactics do not distract it from the real issues that must be addressed for the negotiating process between the two parties to advance towards its ultimate objective, namely a peaceful and just solution providing for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. POLISARIOs information note says Following is the full text of the Information note: Morocco has recently engaged in a media and diplomatic campaign of misinformation and propaganda in which it has threatened to take military action to forcibly annex the Liberated Territories of the Western Sahara, alleging that the Frente POLISARIO has violated the terms of the 199l UN- supervised ceasefire in Western Sahara. The misinformation campaign involved the dissemination of a series of fabrications and misrepresentations of the realities on the ground, particularly in terms of the geographical scheme enacted under the ceasefire and the related military agreement between the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco. In light of the above, it is necessary to clarify the following: I. Military Agreement No. 1, which regulates the ceasefire between the Frente POLISARIO and Morocco, establishes the Moroccan military wall as a line of separation between the Sahrawi and Moroccan armies pending the holding of the self- determination referendum to determine the final status of the Territory. The 2700km Moroccan military wall lined with over five-million landmines establishes a 5km wide "buffer zone" to the east and along the military wall. 2. The Agreement further establishes two restricted areas (25 km east and 30 km west of the Moroccan military wall respectively), where firing of weapons and/or military training exercises, redeployment or movement of troops, entry of arms and ammunition and improvements of defence infrastructures are not permitted. 3. Morocco's claim that Bir Lehlou and Tifariti where the UN has team sites are located within the "buffer zone" is false. Bir Lehlou and Tifariti are located 55km and 84km from the Moroccan military wall respectively. The other localities east of the military wall situated in the Sahrawi Liberated Territories are at a distance of at least 90km from the Moroccan military wall, and therefore outside the "buffer zone". Furthermore, it should be recalled that when the UN first established its presence in the Western Sahara in 1991, UN personnel were housed in preexisting Frente POLISARIO compounds in these localities. Mahbes, which Morocco has referenced, is located in the occupied Territory of Western Sahara west of the military wall. 4. Morocco's allegations regarding violations of the ceasefire by the Frente POLISARIO were refuted by the United Nations itself on 3 April 2018 through the Spokesman of the UN Secretary-General, who said, "With respect to [the situation in the buffer strip], our colleagues in MINURSO [United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara] have not observed any movement of military elements in the northeast territory." 5. Furthermore, Morocco has rejected the deployment of a UN expert mission to address the fundamental questions related to the ceasefire and related agreements in response to the call made by the Security Council in its Resolution 2351 (2017), Operative Paragraph 3, of 28 April 2017. As recognised by the UN Secretary-General in his latest report submitted to the Security Council on 29 March 2018, the Frente POLISARIO has already accepted the deployment of the UN mission of experts, which is a clear demonstration of its strong commitment to the ceasefire and the UN peace process. In this regard, it should be recalled that the intermittent presence of Frente POLISARIO members in the Guerguerate area is strictly civilian and non-military. 6. Since the entry-into-force of the ceasefire in 1991, the Frente POLISARIO has been administering and developing the Sahrawi Liberated Territories under its control. The military regions and units of the Sahrawi Liberation Army (SPLA) have always been present in Western Sahara since the start of the liberation war against Spanish colonial presence in 1973. The Frente POLISARIO has also built vital infrastructure (such as hospitals, schools and water sources, etc.) for the inhabitants of those areas who live in localities spread across the entire Liberated Territories, including, for the last 27 years, providing security and water for the UN team sites. 7. In recent decades, senior officials and high-level foreign delegations representing European, Pan-African and national parliaments, national governments, political parties, civil society organisations and international media, have been received by the Frente POLISARIO in the Sahrawi Liberated Territories. In addition, senior UN officials including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara Christopher Ross, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Western Sahara William Swing and numerous members of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) have been received in the area. 8. Western Sahara is a Non-Self-Governing Territory awaiting a process of decolonization; its status to be decided democratically through a referendum on self-determination. By giving credence to Moroccan allegations it is as if the status of the territory has already been decided. 9. The adoption of the UN Security Council resolution on Western Sahara on 24 April 2018 is therefore an opportunity to address the root cause of the current situation, namely that Morocco has systematically reneged on all international agreements it has signed, beginning with the refusal to implement the Settlement Plan in 1991 and the refusal to engage in negotiations since March 2012. Morocco has consistently and repeatedly violated the ceasefire agreement. This includes constant reinforcement of its military presence along the military wall; systematic violations of the human rights and plunder of the natural resources of the people of Western Sahara, in contravention of international law; transferring thousands of Moroccan settlers to Western Sahara to change the demographic nature and administrative configuration of the Territory; failure to adhere to the full range of standard UN peacekeeping functions; and crossing the military wall by building a road in the Guergerate area. Most recently, Morocco has engaged in incendiary threats of war and intimidation tactics. These have included the redeployment of troops to the occupied Territory of Western Sahara, as well as aerial reconnaissance missions. 10. It is clear that Morocco's misinformation and propaganda campaign regarding the UN-supervised ceasefire and the situation on the ground in Western Sahara is a diversionary tactic designed to divert the attention of the UN Security Council away from the real issues that underlie the current stalemate caused by Morocco. I I . The Frente POLISARIO calls urgently on the Security Council to ensure that such diversionary tactics do not distract it from the real issues that must be addressed for the negotiating process between the two parties to advance towards its ultimate objective, namely a peaceful and just solution providing for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara. The Frente POLISARIO also calls on the Security Council to use its authority to urge Morocco to engage seriously and constructively in the political process, to respect the terms of the ceasefire and Military Agreement No. 1, and to desist from taking any action that may increase tension in the region and threaten its stability and security. 125/090 An ongoing boom in apartment construction in southwestern Connecticut may not be moving fast enough to meet surging demand. From Stamford to Norwalk to Bridgeport and even Greenwich, interest in apartments is at a level builders cant match. In Danbury, the rental market is so hot that a boutique real estate firm averages about 50 inquiries for each new rental listing. Britta Pedersen and Catherine Mollenthiel opened Dream House Realty in downtown Danbury and created a separate division to handle the influx of queries about rental units. We have a rental department within the group because the rental market is so busy, Pedersen said. Theres so much need and nothing available. The dearth of availability has sent rental rates upwards, pricing many out of the market. New complexes, such as Kennedy Flats in downtown Danbury, are billed as luxury apartments and start at $1,400 for a studio. Two-bedroom units are upwards of $3,000 per month. Affordability is becoming difficult for lower income earners, especially people with low or no credit, Mollenthiel said. The demand for rentals in Danbury also caused a run on apartment complex purchases. Last year, Avalon Danbury sold for $52 million, Hillcroft at Danbury sold for $32 million and Willow Grove sold for $31 million. Kennedy Flats, which is at near-full capacity, is on the market for an undisclosed price. As of Wednesday, Apartments.com listed more than 2,500 units for rent in Fairfield County, with the real estate website Zillow listing about 530 standalone houses available on a rental basis. Zillow listed more than 6,500 homes and condos for sale. Fairfield Countys apartment vacancy rate was 5.4 percent as of the first quarter of 2018, according to the commercial brokerage firm Marcus & Millichap, which described as healthy rental demand, especially among New York City commuters looking to save on their living expenses where vacancy rates range between 1 percent and 3 percent, depending on the borough. Marcus & Millichap estimated an average effective rate of $2,235 in Fairfield County as of the first quarter, compared to $1,945 in Westchester County, N.Y., and, in New York City, $2,150 in Brooklyn and $3,500 in Manhattan. With inventory on the low side, John Hackett of William Raveis said prices in popular markets like downtown Bridgeport, Black Rock or town centers in Fairfield and Stratford wont come cheap, either. Its definitely going to be at a premium, Hackett said. In the Bridgeport market, what used to be a $1,000 per month rent for say a two-bedroom is now averaging $1,300 to $1,500 depending on the location, Hackett said, stating that the same layout in Fairfield would nearly double that amount depending on the location. Price hikes havent deterred prospective tenants, however. Much of the growth in demand has stemmed from young professionals looking to move into metro districts, Hackett said. Even as developers are looking to bring new residential-focused projects like the Jayson-Newfield building online to add to the apartment stock, Hackett said renters may not see much of a change in prices as surrounding areas continue to develop, as well. Its still going to be difficult because there is still only so much to offer in regards to amenities that are close by, Hackett said of downtown Bridgeport, which has seen a variety of new businesses open in the last few months. Jim Fagan, senior managing director in the Stamford office of the commercial brokerage firm Cushman & Wakefield, is among those who see more millennials headed to southwestern Connecticut as housing costs become more attractive versus New York, with some of those newcomers seeking rental housing as an intermediary step to home ownership, whether to buy time to explore options or to wait out seller prices. The apartment supply continues to grow in Stamford as developers look to meet demand with a string of new and incoming complexes that opened in the downtown, inlcuding the 325-unit Atlantic Station a block from the downtown Metro-North station and the approximately 200-unit Vela on the Park, across the street from Mill River Park. Meanwhile, the apartment construction continues in Harbor Point and new apartments are also being built at the site known as the Hole in the Ground at the corner of Tresser Boulevard and Greyrock Place. Even Greenwich has seen interest from apartment developers, though far fewer have been built than in other local municipalities. Along with a more urban scene with a work and play vibe, Lance Pendleton, Stamford-based chief innovation officer for William Pitt Julia B. Fee Sothebys International Realty, said the lack of single-family housing could be one of several factors contributing to increased apartment demand. As a generation that struggles with a large debt load and stifled purchasing ability, Pendleton said renting and leasing serves as a more attractive alternative to purchasing a home for millennials, which has contributed to the surge of demand in recent years. You also have to consider the impact of the new tax law, he said. All of these factors affect housing demand. The housing markets are very complex. Includes reporting by Alexander Soule, Chris Bosak, and Paul Schott. Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com: Twitter: @JordanEGrice STAMFORD A Scofield Magnet Middle School teacher has been placed on administrative leave. Scofield Principal Scott Clayton notified parents in an April 9 letter about Spanish teacher Lou Paris absence. The details of his leave are a personal matter and confidential in nature, the letter read. In the letter, Clayton said he is working with the districts human resources department to fill the role in Paris absence. Paris, a member of the Stamford Education Association, earned $110,705 in 2016, according to city payroll records. Michelle Lesser, co-president of the Scofield Parent Teacher Partnership, said she reached out to Clayton, who said he couldnt give her more information because it was a personal matter. Clayton was not in school this week and could not be reached for further comment. Scofield Assistant Principal Donna Gardner did not immediately return a message seeking comment on Wednesday. A spokeswoman for the district said she was not aware of Claytons letter and declined to comment on personnel matters. David Mannis, chairman of the Board of Education, also said he did not know about the letter. erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata Photo: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Several years ago, a fired-up young activist came to my door asking me to sign a petition opposing the construction of a new apartment building in the neighborhood. The new building was to occupy what had been, for many years, a vacant lot along a major thoroughfare. If the building (which now exists, and is quite lovely) could not go up without generating neighborhood ire, it is hard to imagine where new housing in a major city would not cause local resistance. The difficulty of increasing housing supply is a problem across major American cities, especially on the coasts, but also in many non-coastal university towns and other prosperous areas. In California, the problem has taken on crisis dimensions. Cities have grown unaffordable, and the main barrier to firms that have many new jobs to offer is finding housing for potential employees. The states economy is losing $140 billion a year. The states legislature killed a bill to alleviate the housing crisis. The bill, S.B. 827, would have forced cities to allow denser construction of housing within walking distance of mass transit. The reform would have brought multiple benefits: the social benefit of reducing housing costs by increasing supply; the economic benefit of opening the major bottleneck to job creation (and with it, more tax revenue); and the environmental benefit, allowing more people to live in energy-efficient apartments that dont require driving everywhere. California Republicans opposed S.B. 827. But Republicans, by and large, were not and are not the problem. California is a one-party, Democratic state. And many other cities facing a shortage of housing are likewise run by Democrats, as most cities tend to be. The states leading Democratic gubernatorial candidates, and even perversely some of its environmental and low-income housing advocates opposed the bill. The larger issue is that too many Democrats have taken a misguided, knee-jerk defense of the restrictive zoning policies that have perpetuated the urban housing crisis. The arguments connected to this question can become very detailed and dense. You can dive in to the details if you want, but the bottom-line conclusion is quite simple: Housing is too expensive in many cities because there isnt enough of it. There isnt enough of it because zoning and other regulations prevent the construction of high-density housing. The crisis is especially dramatic in the Bay Area, where land is fantastically expensive and filled up with single-family houses. Easing those regulations, as S.B. 827 would have done, would allow more housing and, hence, lower rents. Opponents of allowing more dense housing construction associate the solution with gentrification, but this gets the question backwards. Gentrification is the result of artificially constricted housing supply, which pushes the demand for new housing into poorer neighborhoods, where new entrants outbid existing renters. Rampant gentrification is what happens when yuppies win a zero-sum competition for housing. Expanding the supply of housing allows people to move in to cities without displacing existing residents. The simple Econ 101 model of supply and demand does not solve every problem, but it does solve this one. Why dont we do it? One reason is that, for the most part, nobody likes building anything new. Zoning questions tend to be dominated by local NIMBYs. But even where activists have managed to broaden the question like in California, where they brought a bill to the state level it turns out that progressives are susceptible to NIMBYist rhetoric. Allowing the construction of more multifamily housing means relaxing gasp regulations. And it means working with gasp developers. The controversy in California and other Democratic-dominated areas has been heavily infused with instinctive support for existing regulation, and distrust of business as a malignant force. It doesnt matter to distrustful residents that the regulations in question are deeply antisocial, and reinforce a status quo that forces people to live in energy-hogging sprawled-out exurbs, and restricts access to cities to people already fortunate enough to reside there. The zoning crisis is ultimately a question of whether the most prosperous parts of blue America can be opened up to new entrants, or whether they will remain closed off and increasingly unaffordable. It is also a political test for whether progressives will be manipulated by knee-jerk suspicions, or be able to think clearly about using the market to serve human needs. E mma Walmsley, newish boss of pharmaceuticals giant GlaxoSmithKline, has spent much of her first year in charge dealing with the big-picture strategy of turning around this giant company. So far, that has involved the none-too-small matter of a $13 billion takeover of its Sensodyne-to-Panadol joint venture with Novartis and an on-off bid for Pfizers $20 billion over-the-counter medicines arm. But in the background lurks another crucial matter that needs sorting out: numerous allegations from around the world of corruption at the group. For, under previous management teams, GSK has been accused of, and in some cases admitted to, an appalling number of corrupt payments made by its employees and third parties to persuade doctors to prescribe its medicines. Cases have already been settled following criminal and civil investigations into allegations of corruption in China, Poland, the UAE, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Iraq and Romania. The Serious Fraud Office is thought to be probing allegations not just of the alleged bribery, but also attempts to cover up or enable these misdemeanours by the use of third-party companies, some of whom were employed to dig dirt on whistleblowers. Most famous of these was the fraud investigation firm ChinaWhys, which GSK contracted to investigate a whistleblower highlighting corrupt payments made by GSK in China. GSK hired the companys husband and wife team Peter Humphrey and Yu Yingzeng to investigate the whistleblower, a former Chinese employee called Vivian Shi. For the unwitting couple with a reputation for doing reliable due diligence checks for blue-chip Western firms in China, it proved to be a contract from hell, leading straight to incarceration in a dingy Chinese jail. They claim that when they took on the job GSK told them it had investigated Shis allegations and found them to be untrue. GSK allegedly said that Shi was disgruntled after been fired for expenses fraud and was now conducting a smear campaign against the company and its managers. ChinaWhys job: to prove she was a vindictive troublemaker. The trouble was, according to court documents lodged by ChinaWhys in the US, her claims were, in fact, absolutely true. She was an innocent, genuine, whistleblower. And GSK knew it. For years, the company had been allegedly bribing doctors and hospitals with cash, gifts and holidays disguised as conference trips to exotic locations such as Brazil, Greece, India and Japan. In return, the doctors were expected to prescribe GSKs drugs; in some cases for purposes not approved by the Chinese authorities. Not on her watch It must be stressed that current chief executive Emma Walmsley, right, at the time running the consumer healthcare arm of GSK, was unconnected to the China scandal. The alleged events happened largely on the watch of Andrew Witty, below, who was knighted in 2012. However, she will have been familiar with the allegations. Detailed whistleblowers emails from 2014 and 2013 seen by the Evening Standard have her, along with Witty and other senior executives, on the distribution list. One whistleblower letter and it is not clear if this was from Shi claims a patient nearly died after being given a medicine called Lamictal for an unauthorised, off-label use, believed to be bipolar disorder at a hospital in Sichuan province. GSKs salespeople had allegedly pressurised doctors to mis-prescribe the medicine. Another email sent to executives at GSKs UK headquarters accused its China head Mark Reilly of receiving a bribe from a travel company GSK used for those lavish conference trips. This time, the alleged bribe came in the form of sex; with an assistant called Wu Wan. Attached to that email was a video of Reilly and Wu Wan having sexual relations in his bedroom. But instead of just spending its time and money dealing with the corruption at its Chinese core, and for which it later paid the Chinese government huge fines, the lawsuit says GSK hired ChinaWhys to find dirt on the whistleblower. Or, to quote Humphrey and ChinaWhys US legal action, to frame her as a vindictive former employee with a grudge. The drugs giant was also allegedly investing in bribing Chinese officials to prevent their illegal conduct being exposed. If so, you can see why: it was April 2013, only months after GSK had paid $3 billion in fines to the US over a previous scandal which also involved the payment of kickbacks there, and the Department of Justice and Securities and Exchange Commission clearly had GSK on its watchlist. In fact, the Humphrey case alleges, whistleblower emails began the previous year while those settlement talks were going on. For Humphrey and his wife, investigating business people was nothing new. But they say their client was far from honest when it commissioned them. In fact, not only was Shi innocent, but she was not a woman to mess with. A former senior figure at GSKs government affairs department, she also had powerful allies in the Chinese Communist Party. According to Humphreys legal case, when she discovered ChinaWhys had been investigating her, she swung into action, using her government sources to wreak revenge. Humphrey was in his bathroom at home in his house in Shanghai when police kicked the door in, knocking him to the ground. Both husband and wife were arrested, jailed and spent days and weeks undergoing harsh interrogation, including, at times, being placed in a cage and strapped to an iron chair. They were accused of illegally obtaining government records on individuals claims they have always maintained were untrue. The couple were separated and not allowed to communicate with each other or their teenage son, with whom they were allowed only a few minutes phone conversation a month. Humphrey, sick with prostate cancer which the prison authorities refused to allow him to have properly treated, was convinced he would never see his son alive again. Those conversations were the hardest thing, he says when we meet in a pub near his home in Sussex, tears in his eyes, I was basically having to try to prepare him mentally for the fact that his father was dying. During months of repeated interrogations, Humphrey refused to admit to doing anything wrong. After a while, the jail chiefs tried offering him promises that hed be let free if he confessed, but he always refused. Eventually, after two years, and with no guilty verdict or confession from the prisoners, the pair were freed and expelled from the country. Now, undergoing intensive treatment for his cancer, Humphrey is clearly not the man he used to be. While you get the occasional flicker of the garrulous former Reuters reporter, his speech is ponderous, perhaps an effect of the damage the stress of his experience has had on his mental health. He is living in semi-retirement, not healthy enough to work any more. While he refuses, under legal instruction, to discuss his court case in the US, he and his lawyer are convinced they will be successful. He and his wife are suing GSK, seeking damages for the loss of their business and compensation for the physical and mental harm they have suffered by their arrest and imprisonment, and for damage to their reputation. Coincidentally, not long before Humphrey accepted the GSK contract, he had been in talks to sell his business, but had decided to stick it out for a few more years until retirement. GSK is trying to get the case dropped, saying that it is not a matter for the US courts. More imminent will be the findings of the SFOs use of third parties during the China investigation. It is not clear which contractors beyond ChinaWhys are being discussed, although GSK is thought to have had meetings with Control Risks during the investigation. Control Risks declined to comment. Disclosures in GSKs recent annual report state that the USs SEC and Department of Justice are also investigating. GSK declined to comment either on the SFO case or the Humphrey legal action. In its annual report, GSK said it is co-operating with the SFO probe. The SFO was originally expected to report the results of its investigation last month, before director David Greens term came to an end this week. It didnt, and now management of the organisation is in a state of flux, with an interim director appointed last week before an as-yet-unnamed outside replacement takes over permanently. For such a high profile case as GSKs, its likely the organisation will wait for the newcomer to review the evidence and make a decision on whether to fine, prosecute or drop the probe. S hopping malls giant Hammerson was on Wednesday forced into an embarrassing climbdown as it ditched a 3.4 billion takeover of rival Intu, just days after a French suitor walked away. In a dramatic U-turn on its previous enthusiasm for the bid, the Bullring-to-Brent Cross landlord said its board thinks the all-share takeover of Lakeside owner Intu is no longer in the best interests of shareholders. Hammersons chairman David Tyler said: We spoke to all of our largest shareholders and got a good sense of what their feelings were. That helped us make our decision to withdraw. It is a remarkable volte-face for the FTSE-250 business, which in December unveiled the deal to create a mega-retail property company to take on online competition. Just a month ago it said it was still fully committed to the deal. However, the tie-up was thrown into turmoil when Frances Klepierre made two approaches for Hammerson at 615p and 635p. It abandoned the 5 billion talks last Friday. Since then, some Hammerson shareholders have expressed concerns about Intus credentials in a tough UK retail market. Hammerson today said consumer confidence has been subdued, and the financial strength of retailers has softened. The firm said: Whilst Hammerson has proven its portfolio is well positioned to weather the current environment, the equity market now perceives a heightened level of risk associated with the UK retail property sector as a whole. But, it said it is confident in operating as a standalone business. Intu, which yesterday reported rental, occupancy and footfall growth, issued a furious response and said the explanations by Hammerson are unsatisfactory. Boss David Fischel told the Standard: Im cross about the wasted amount of time and energy that has been given. City sources said Hammerson heads will roll as a result of the bid fiasco and management face an uncomfortable annual meeting at the Kings Cross headquarters next Tuesday. A profit warning from accident-prone banknote printer De La Rue sent its shares tumbling on Wednesday, fuelling activist hopes for a takeover of the group. The 200-year-old firm under attack from activist Crystal Amber, which today upped its stake to 2% after the profit alert took a 4 million hit from losing out on the British passport contract. A separate contract delay means underlying profit for the year ending March 31 will between 60 million and 65 million against a recent forecast of 71 million-73 million. Shares tumbled 35.5p to 467.5p. They are now down by a fifth over the past month, roiled also by the impending departure of chief financial officer Jitesh Sodha. Chief executive Martin Sutherland said he would not appeal the UK passport contract decision, awarded to French rival Gemalto last month. This is the rough and tumble of business, you win some you lose some, he said. The grounds for appeal and chances of success mean the best business decision is to move on and focus on other things. Crystal Amber, which has previously gone after Sainsburys and Pinewood Studios, started building a stake in De La Rue after the passport fiasco. Basingstoke-based De La Rue was subject to a 935p bid from French rival Oberthur in 2011 but twice rebuffed the approach prompting the suitor to walk away. Let's start with digital ad agency Be Heard. The agency had a dig at bigger rivals such as WPP today, as it reported booming revenues. Founded by Peter Scott, the firm aims to walk clients through every part of the customer process, something it says larger players cant do because they are unwieldy, with staff locked in their own silos. Scott said: Against a backdrop of weakness in the sector, we have seen strong new business momentum in 2018 to date, at both group and partner company levels, after some existing clients were slow out of the blocks in the first quarter. We are optimistic of further progress in the year ahead as we help clients navigate the digital customer journey. Revenues for the year to December were up 106% to 19.6 million, with profit doubling to 1.8 million. EXCLUSIVE: Zen Educate, an online booking platform for schools to arrange supply cover directly with teachers, has raised 2 million in funding from high profile angel investors bringing its total funding to date to 2.6 million. Its the largest ever funding round raised for a teacher recruitment technology business. By allowing schools to book directly with teachers, Zen Educate cuts out the middleman creating savings for schools and putting money into teachers pockets. Traditional agencies predominantly rely on paper and phone-based ways of working while charging a daily fee of as much as 100. Zen Educate uses an online booking system and takes just a 20 fee. At least 1.3 billion of taxpayers money is spent on supply teaching of which the vast majority goes to agencies that charge extortionate commissions. Launched just 12 months ago, London based Zen Educate already has 250 schools signed up and has booked over 5,000 days of supply cover generating savings of 0.4 million for schools. ' 'Im really interested in malaria''. Not a sentence my 30-year-old self would have expected me to write in those days I was only really interested in Debbie Harry and the films of Francis Ford Coppola. But my 30 years with Comic Relief has made me sort of obsessed with this disease, which some believe has actually killed half of the people who have ever lived. And when I was 30 it was killing a million children a year. Im obsessed by it because not only is it such an utter bastard of a disease a single mosquito bite in the night stealing away the life of a child but because our generation could wipe it out. If we all focus, experiment, are generous, intelligent and determined this could be a massive success story. The reason Im writing about it now is because this week there is a group of people who have been brought together by the Commonwealth for a Malaria Summit who are being generous, determined and focused and thats going to help change the world. But lets just reflect on malaria a bit more. A few years ago I wrote a film for the BBC called Mary & Martha, about two women who lose their children to the disease, where I tried to show some of the real horror of it. Theres a peculiar human quirk where we seem to care more about malicious death than death by disease. It makes no sense to me when children are killed by a tyrant the world primes itself for war. If one child is kidnapped, quite rightly, the nation is mortified and traumatised and marshals huge resources to find them. But in 2013, when I wrote Mary & Martha, 450,000 children under five were dying of malaria each year horrible, brutal, painful deaths. About 1,200 brutal, avoidable tragedies every day. And what makes this so perverse is that somehow the thought is that if a child is deliberately killed, theres something we can do it about whereas the truth is almost the exact opposite. Richard Curtis Its hard to fight the vagaries of violence but its much, much easier to put together a plan to defeat a disease which takes incomparably more lives. Thats why whats happening this week in London is so intelligent and important. We are asking Commonwealth leaders to halve deaths from malaria over the next five years. Their collective action could prevent 350 million cases and save 650,000 lives. Leaders from governments, business, philanthropy and international organisations are going to commit over 2.7 billion to tackle malaria, including developing new scientific tools, better data collection and a hugely scaling up of access to life-saving interventions. I hope the readers of the Standard will not feel this is a strange and distant thing one of the most moving things about Red Nose Day and Sport Relief over the past decade has been the British publics amazing generosity towards malaria charities. When Gary Barlow, Alesha Dixon, Ronan Keating and friends climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2009 the British public bought more than a million malaria nets. When David Tennant made an appeal in 2013 from a hospital in Uganda, it generated one of the most incredible responses Comic Relief has seen, raising millions of pounds in a matter of minutes. This enthusiasm was then reflected by the Government, which has given nearly half a billion pounds a year to the effort against malaria since. And thank God this passion is now being followed through. Just yesterday the Prime Minister reaffirmed this, a level of commitment that our nation can be proud of, and urged her fellow leaders to play their part. Its particularly important timing because after recent successes the fight against malaria has been stalling. Death rates had been slashed by 60 per cent in just 15 years but funding has shifted and progress has stalled. The death rate has stopped falling. This is a tragedy not only because of the precious lives lost. No country can prosper when huge swathes of its people are afflicted with disease. In the new book by the late Hans Rosling he offers compelling evidence that progress in health and economic prosperity go hand-in-hand. You cant have one without the other. ''Theres a feeling these days that were all going to hell in a handcart and theres nothing we can do about it'' Defeating malaria could be the single most important priority in lifting Africa out of poverty. The countries that will most benefit are our key trading partners of the future. Theres a feeling these days that were all going to hell in a handcart and theres nothing we can do about it. But as an advocate for the UNs new Sustainable Development Goals the Global Goals Im seeing huge evidence of exactly the opposite. The goals are a comprehensive plan 17 goals, 169 targets that every country in the world agreed to in 2015. And things are shifting. Theres real progress on climate change. Theres real change in businesses realising that without having social purpose embedded in their behaviour, they will not thrive. Theres a huge upsurge in political engagement by younger generations all over the world. Its the old story of the Tortoise and the Hare: dont let the glamour of pessimism and terrible headlines the showy Hare of Horror distract you from what the Tortoise of Progress is doing. And one of the huge areas of progress is the battle against diseases polio is nearly eradicated; the battle against mother-to-child transmission of HIV is being won. And now this week the Commonwealth is making colossal strides in the fight against malaria. The Malaria Summit isnt just another side-meeting of people who are here primarily to have lunch with the Queen. Its a genuinely historic moment that will help save countless lives and free up the world from the curse of the nastiest diseases around. Real news. Real good news. T here is something unsettling about the serenity and sincerity of Thierry Guetta, aka pop artist Mr Brainwash. Not once does anything seem to have surprised the French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist, 52, whether its working with Banksy, designing albums for Madonna or counting the Kardashians as fans. Its just part of my life, he says, and the expression, perhaps now a catchphrase, comes up six times in under an hour. He is also sweetly earnest about everything, even when it doesnt seem to add up. When we shake hands, his are covered in paint, like his shoes and hat. Around us in Mayfairs Maddox Gallery there is no evidence of him working and someone mentions his plane landing a few hours earlier. He builds a point around a Picasso line he loves: The best is the one who copies well, he says, except this is a misquote Picasso actually said Good artists copy; great artists steal, which seems rather a different idea. On love a favourite subject he cites a deathbed speech from Steve Jobs, in which the Apple founder cautions his family against the non-stop pursuit of wealth. The story is an internet hoax. Perhaps its nothing simple mistakes during a busy day but uncertainty hangs over everything Brainwash does. Eight years ago, when Banksys documentary Exit Through the Gift Shop brought him overnight fame, Brainwash with his wraparound handlebar moustache, heavy French accent and childlike enthusiasm struck audiences as so absurd that he was used as both proof the film was a hoax (This cant be real!) and proof that it couldnt be (You cant make this stuff up). Banksy and Shepard Fairey were forced to deny fakery. Today, accusations of fraud are calmly dismissed. There is always somebody who is going to say something. Some people might see things negative. The biggest artists in history, they had the same problem, like Pollock or Marcel Duchamp. Though the film suggests otherwise, he talks of meeting and working with Banksy as if it were little more than an everyday occurrence. I feel like he was a good part of my life and I feel like I was a good part of his life. We are something attached forever when you mention Brainwash you always talk about Banksy. Would he like to be free of that? There is nothing to be free of. Hes an incredible person. You cannot be free of something that happened in life when positivity came out from it. I think that for him too. Not that Banksy always seemed so upbeat when discussing Brainwash, who famously quoted him on a promotional poster for his work. Its like he says, Mr Brainwash, hes a phenomenon, and I dont say that in a good way. English has a humour that is very different to everywhere else, so I just took it as a positive. There is no hint that he thinks it may have been meant differently. Are they still in touch? A long pause, a little sound of a word caught in the throat. Sometimes. He shrugs. Other fans provide much clearer endorsements. Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner calls him my favourite on Instagram. One gushing Twitter caption How amazing is this!!?? #hugefan accompanied a grab of his portrait of the Kardashian-Jenner women painted in the style of Renoir. Pop culture icons mashed with the old masters is his signature style. Them and Renoir, its kind of two cultures that dont know each other. They would never be together and they have nothing to go together, but its kind of fun just to do that. Uncommon logic, maybe, but one that is seemingly built on a kind of motto that Brainwash threads into conversation: Its just to bring a smile on peoples faces. Isnt there a responsibility to the great work of the past? Art shouldnt be serious, it is freedom of expression for everyone. Art doesnt have a manual saying you cant do this and that. Some people, they are like: Ah, Brainwash, its known all over the world but in myself, Im like: Im still a baby. Im still making it happen. Next Im doing this whole adventure with Maddox, with the gallery. These paintings are neon, neon because they are light, we need light. Because of the worlds problems right now? You know me, Im not too much into politics. There are people who think about those things but its too high-level for me. Im too much a kid. Its like if you go to a kindergarten and you ask, Whats happening with Trump, with Russia? and they shrug their shoulders. Its the same thing with me. Me, Im more like a person to try and make you forget. "Im not too much of a snob about the art world, Im just somebody who makes it fun. I t's easy to think we all know our coffee backwards, and order it accordingly: palm off a vanilla-soy-extra-hot latte drinker with a white Americano at your peril. Still, few of us ever think to use one of the nations favourite beans in food. You might have had a few slices of coffee and walnut cake around your aunts house, but it has much greater potential than that, as chefs around the world know. First things first: coffee isnt just for sweet treats. On barbecues across the American continents, ground coffee is often used in spice rubs for grilled steaks and slow cooked meats. On this side of the pond, Peckhams Coal Rooms are experts in roasting both meat and coffee. We're owned by the founders of Old Spike Coffee in Peckham, Richard Robinson and Cemal Ezel, explains head chef Sam Bryant, so we wanted to utilise their coffee into the menu in as many ways as possible. The results are a very British take on the stateside coffee-meets-meat combination a coffee infused bacon sandwich. 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}} We cure our bacon in coffee and treacle. The coffee adds richness, rather than a bitterness, and creates a dark crust on the fat when roasted with the treacle, says Bryant. Perfect pick-me-up: The Bacon Sandwich at Coal Rooms In South American countries, ham and red eye gravy [a simple sauce made using coffee grounds] is a staple dish weve found it really easy utilising it in savoury dishes. South American countries dont just know how to grow coffee, they know how to cook with it too. At pescatarian Peruvian restaurant Chicama in Chelsea, diners can tuck into a dish of sprouting broccoli served with a coffee and chilli dip. We use a wide range of South American flavours and influences here at Chicama, including coffee, explains the restaurants manager Gareth McAinsh. We also use coffee as a one of the ingredients that make up our Mole Poblano sauce [an accompaniment usually made with chilli and chocolate.] Coffee brings a range of bitter and nutty flavours, he says, This adds great balance to a dish especially when matched with the heat and sweetness from a chilli element. As all vanilla latte drinkers know, coffee handles sweetness well. But when you think about it the other way round, coffee can also help balance the sugar load in dishes designed to tickle your sweet tooth. Dominique Ansel, globally acclaimed baker and inventor of the very well Instagrammed cronut, is proving that coffee desserts arent all tiramisu and walnut cake, but there is scope for the ingredient to lead pastry chefs on inventive journeys around the world. In his London bakery, Ansel has been inspired by the citys love of Indian food which hails from another coffee producing country to create a Dosa Mille Feuille dessert. The Dosa Mille Feuille at Dominique Ansel in London We always look to local cultures and inspirations when creating our menus, and Ive always loved how traditional dosas are always this grand, super thin and flaky crepe that you can pull apart and devour piece by piece, says Ansel. The dish wraps coffee hazelnut whipped Chantilly cream, lemon curd, candied lemon peel, and caramelized hazelnuts in a carmelised puff pastry dosa shell. The flavours work really well together, with a roasted coffee and light nutty flavour, paired with that brightness from homemade lemon curd, crunchy candied hazelnuts and lemon zest. Coffee is great ingredient for baking, to add an extra depth in flavour and dimension to pastries and also to help balance out the sweetness. Most Instagrammable coffee shops in Britain 1 /20 Most Instagrammable coffee shops in Britain Steam Yard Sheffield 1 & 2, Aberdeen Court, 97 Division St, Sheffield S1 4GE steamyard.co.uk Lili Vanilli London 6, The Courtyard, Ezra St, London E2 7RH lilyvanilli.com/the-bakery Pettigrew Tea Rooms Cardiff West Lodge, Bute Park & Arboretum, Castle Street, Cardiff CF10 1BJ pettigrew-tearooms.com Violet Cakes London 47 Wilton Way, London E8 3ED violetcakes.com General Merchants Belfast 481 Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 3LL generalmerchants.co.uk The Marwood Brighton 52 Ship St, Brighton BN1 1AF themarwood.com Look Mum No Hands London 49 Old St, London EC1V 9HX lookmumnohands.com Cafe Marmalade Brighton 237 Eastern Rd, Brighton and Hove BN2 5JJ cafemarmalade.co.uk Lina Stores London 18 Brewer St, London W1F 0SH linastores.co.uk Cafe Boscanova Bournemouth 650 Christchurch Rd, Bournemouth BH1 4BP thecaffeinehustler.com MILK London 20 Bedford Hill, London SW12 9RG milk.london North Tea Power Manchester 36 Tib St, Manchester M4 1LA northteapower.co.uk Bold Street Coffee Liverpool 89 Bold St, Liverpool L1 4HF boldstreetcoffee.co.uk Hatch London 8 MacKintosh Ln, London E9 hatch-homerton.co.uk Cafe Royal Newcastle 8 Nelson St, Tyne and Wear, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5AW sjf.co.uk Honest + Harvey Woodbridge 56 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge IP12 1AL honeyandharvey.co.uk Workshop Coffee London 27 Clerkenwell Rd, London EC1M 5RN workshopcoffee.com The Plough Birmingham 21 High St, Birmingham B17 9NT theploughharborne.co.uk Lion Coffee + Records London 118 Lower Clapton Rd, London E5 0QR lioncoffeerecords.com With coffee an agent to bring depth, bitterness, nuttiness and more to British kitchens, is it time the UK woke up to the culinary potential of their espresso tins? Ansel thinks so. C offee is the lifeblood that London runs on, keeping the city awake, alert and ready to face the day. However, with warmer weather arriving in London this spring more people than ever are choosing to swap their piping hot coffee for a refreshing cup of cold brew. The increasingly popular drink sees coffee grounds marinated in chilled water for up to 24 hours, allowing for a naturally sweet and highly concentrated brew packed with more caffeine than your standard cup of joe. From artisan cafes to London coffee institutions, these are the best places to get in on the hype and find great cold brew in London. Timberyard 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}} Seven Dials is home to some of the very best coffee shops in the city but nowhere in the area does cold brew quite as well as Timberyard. The artisan coffee makers produce deliciously smooth cold brews with deep and intense espresso flavours and also offer a sweeter option made with sugar syrup. The chains other locations in Shoreditch and Soho are similarly well-stocked and home to some of the best alternative and cold brew coffees in the city. Various locations across London, tyuk.com Monocle Cafe Marylebone spot the Monocle Cafe boasts some of the most refined cold brew in London, with plenty of delicate textures. Monocles deliciously creamy take on iced coffee is also well worth checking out; grab a takeaway cup of either for a refreshing morning pick-me-up or take a seat and enjoy a leisurely drink in the stunning Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired setting. 18 Chiltern St, Marylebone, W1U 7QA, cafe.monocle.com Vagabond Vagabond london N7. taken from coffee shop's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/coffeeiscoffee/photos/a.365342423602925.1073741830.347429208727580/1079155912221569/?type=3&theater Holloway Roads Vagabond teamed up with cold brew specialists Sandows London back in 2014 and have hosted their brewery out of the cafes basement ever since. Brewed over 16 hours and served in bottles, the cold brew served in both their N4 and N7 branches is as smooth as youre likely to find in London, with the extended brewing process adding intensity and complexity to the flavour. Various locations across London, vagabond.london Department of Coffee and Social Affairs Department of Coffee and Social Affairs Whereas some coffee shops only offer one variety of cold brew, if any at all, Department of Coffee & Social Affairs boast a real range. Their Amber Nectar and the Ghost Orchid variations boast bold mango and honey flavours, with producers brewing for less time to optimise the fruitier textures of the coffee. Head to their outlets in Carnaby, Piccadilly, Leather Lane, Whitechapel, Spitalfields, Norton Folgate and Kingston to try these deeply refreshing concoctions. Various locations across London, departmentofcoffee.com Kaffeine Kaffeine. taken from coffee shop's facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pg/kaffeinelondon/photos/?ref=page_internal Aussie coffee institution Kaffeine know better than anyone how to cool down in the warm weather. The chains excellent cold brew is packed with sweet textures and goes perfectly with any number of their fantastic and varied cake selection. Their iced coffee is crisp and refreshing too try adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream into the mix too for a truly indulgent summer treat. CEA Chair Kevin Hassett. Photo: Zach Gibson/Bloomberg via Getty Images Kevin Hassett, chairman of the Trump administrations Council of Economic Advisers, argues that, contrary to public opinion, the Trump tax cuts have already been a rousing success. Hassetts argument, laid out in a Wall Street Journal op-ed, is that anything that increases the profitability of business by definition helps workers. If you think otherwise, you are some kind of commie. Opponents [of the Trump tax cut], echoing leftists from Marx to Piketty, describe those provisions as giveaways to the wealthy at the expense of the working class. Theyre wrong, he says, because, When profits go up, capital investment goes up, and wages follow. There is large amount of data, supported by a deepening field of theory, that suggests something very different. The current economic recovery has seen corporations accumulate large stocks of capital that they have failed to invest. Profits have grown, but contrary to Hassetts simple tautology wages have not followed. There has been a large and persistent increase in the share of national income going to corporate profits: Photo: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis Economists more curious than Hassett have studied this conundrum and tried to develop some explanations. One school of thought suggests that the economy has become less competitive. Businesses have been able to capture a larger share of economic growth through profit because workers have diminished leverage to bargain for higher wages. Hassetts response to these challenges is to assume they cannot be true because it would be an indictment of capitalism. The tax bill delivered a much-needed boost to capital-starved American workers, he asserted. Are American businesses, sitting on massive reserves of cash, actually capital-starved? Hassett assumes they must be. Perhaps it is a time to put aside the archaic notion that the conflict between capital and labor is the central story of our society, he concludes. In a modern competitive economy, workers do well when their employers do. The whole objection, of course, is that the economy might not be optimally competitive, as evidenced by the fact that workers have not done well even when their employers have. Republicans often object when Democrats describe their economic agenda as giving more money to the wealthy and assuming the benefit will trickle down. But Hassetts arguments makes it perfectly clear this is exactly what they believe. King's Head Theatre When it opened in 1970, The Kings Head Theatre was the first theatre pub since the days of Shakespeare. With a diverse programme, it has been known for being a champion of LGBTQ+ work since the beginning. While their annual festival in July gives us a concentrated few weeks of new writing, its non-stop throughout the year across the genres. Its so popular with theatre lovers and practitioners alike - Sir Ian McKellen has been known to frequent - that it is moving a few doors down to a bigger space, so more can enjoy the magic. Review at a glance T he big wheels of the musicals industry keep on turning, and who better to power a high-profile new show than the queen of rock and roll herself, Tina Turner? Her back catalogue is indestructibly good and her story, from hardscrabble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee to stadium-packing superstardom, via a violent and abusive marriage, is the stuff of rags-to-riches legend. What a pity, then, that this musical never fully sparks into life. The creative team boasts impeccable credentials: director Phyllida Lloyd was responsible for global mega-hit Mamma Mia! and the book writer is Olivier Award-winning playwright Katori Hall. Yet the material surprisingly lacks rigour, too often staying in soft-focus when a more forensic examination is required; a breathless programme-note hagiography by Hall suggests that perhaps Turners involvement in the project might also have brought with it the lack of beneficial critical distance. Theres still much to enjoy. The first line, Anna-Mae Bullock, youre too loud! tees up the action niftily as a young girl with a prodigious singing voice bursts out in church. Soon were in the company of Tina Turner (Adrienne Warren), as the coercive Ike Turner (Kobna Holdbrook-Smith), already an established band leader, changes her name and all but marries her without consulting her. One wonders how the perpetually tempestuous Ike took to the fact that 18-year-old Tina had already had a child with another man. Warren is a livewire performer with a belter of a voice and the hits, as well as that iconic clothing combination of leather and denim, are all present and correct. We bristle with anticipation during a mid-point rendition of Proud Mary, although the show doesnt let rip musically until an extended finale. Simply the best? Not quite. A n aspiring Isis terrorist who trained for jihad in Syria with paintballing and gym sessions has been jailed. Ahmedeltigani Alsyed, 20, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court today to four and a half years behind bars. The Sudan-born extremist was a member of a secret chat group plotting to fight alongside terror groups in Syria, while also building his strength at the gym, the court was told. The young man from Hounslow, west London, previously pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between November 2016 and February 2017. He was also convicted of disseminating terrorist material, including execution videos and bomb-making guides, and possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or planning acts of terrorism. Metropolitan Police undated handout photo of wannabe Islamist killer Ahmedeltigani Alsyed who told Woolwich Crown Court that an afternoon's paintballing in Surrey left him "terrified". Metropolitan Police/PA Wire / Metropolitan Police/PA His younger brother Yousif Alsyed, 18, also aspired to carry out acts of terror. He pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts and disseminating a terrorist publication. He will be sentenced at a later date. Commander Clarke Jarrett, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "The evidence we recovered showed the clear intent of the Alsyed brothers to go to Syria, where they would join Daesh. "It is patent to me that their intention, once they had joined the terrorist group, was to fight alongside it as the brothers had invested time in training in the UK, including spending time at a paintballing camp and joining a gym. "The brothers shared with each other gory videos and images glorifying Daesh. They had their hearts set on joining their fight but our investigation stopped them." The brothers terror plan was foiled when the younger of the two was referred to police by his school. They were later arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning on a flight from Egypt in August 2016. A n Indian governor has apologised to a journalist for touching her cheek without consent after the move was met with backlash. Lakshmi Subramanian, a journalist at The Week magazine, tweeted a photograph of the moment governor Banwarilal Purohit patted her cheek at a press conference in Kolkata on Tuesday. Writing that he acted patronisingly and without consent, Ms Subramanian claimed the incident occurred moments after the governor dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself. The tweet sparked nationwide outrage, gathering nearly 4,000 retweets and triggering calls for the governor to say sorry for his behaviour. Mr Purohit has now formally apologised for his conduct. In a letter to Ms Subramanian, the governor of Tamil Nadu state wrote: I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years. A total of 200 journalists from across India had signed a letter demanding Mr Purohit apologise, asking him to "assure all journalists of Tamil Nadu that you will not violate their rights in future." Ms Subramanian said on Twitter that while she accepted the apology she was not convinced about its reasoning. The incident has ignited debate around consent, with some claiming that the act was innocent. Others criticised the physical contact, claiming that Mr Purohit had violated Ms Subramanians personal space. C rowds of demonstrators have rallied in central London in protest of a visit by the Indian prime minister who was meeting Theresa May as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit. The protesters claimed India is becoming a "Hindu supremacist place" under the leadership of Narendra Modi, citing rising violence and rapes, as they gathered in Parliament Square on Wednesday. In particular they highlighted case of Asifa Bano, an eight-year-old girl recently raped and murdered in Kathua, Kashmir, with chants of "Modi go back", "Modi out out" and "Justice for Asifa". Amrit Wilson, from the South Asia Solidarity Group, said: "We as people of Indian origin in Britain are appalled at the scale of violence Modi's regime has unleashed. Controversial: Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrive for a visit to the Francis Crick Institute in London / PA "We feel that the rape and murder in Kathua is an example of this. What we are seeing is our country being transformed into a fascistic Hindu supremacist place - something we are not willing to tolerate." A large counter-demonstration of pro-Modi supporters later gathered across the road outside Westminster Abbey at about noon, chanting "We love Modi," and "Modi, saviour of India". The groups were separated by columns of police officers. Outrage: Indian people staged various protests after the recent murder of an eight-year-old girl / EPA Abdul Rasheed Turabi, a member the Kashmir Legislative Assembly, who travelled to London, said: "We are here in solidarity with our suffering brothers who are being killed in hundreds and thousands by the Indian forces. "There are no basic human rights and no international media to cover the story there so I have come here." C amden, Westminster and Richmond are among the best places to live in the country, new research shows. The three boroughs were today named in the top five local authority areas in England for factors such as economic growth, social equality, sustainability and happiness. According to the survey, twenty of Londons 32 boroughs ranked above the national average with 14 featuring in the top 20 per cent. Eight London boroughs are also among the top ten most prosperous in the country. These are Westminster, Tower Hamlets, Camden, Islington, Southwark, Hammersmith and Fulham, Hounslow and Hillingdon. But several of Londons boroughs are still among the worst in the country for equality, with a chasm between wealth and deprivation in areas such as Hackney and Newham. Hampstead Heath in the borough of Camden / Duncan Harris/Wikimedia Commons The research, carried out by Grant Thornton LLP, also found that Londoners are less happy than average despite high levels of opportunity and community. Experts analysed 324 council areas in six different categories - including prosperity, health, happiness and community - to measure their overall vibrancy. CEO Sacha Romanovitch said real vibrancy was about more than GDP and that prosperity does not always translate into creating a healthy, happy place to live. She added that the findings will help the government identify which boroughs can lead the way in shaping a vibrant economy and sustainable society. Company partner Karl Eddy added: Looking beyond just economic prosperity and focusing on measuring the well-being of society as a whole can produce real change and start to positively impact local people. Meanwhile, jobs in London were found to add more to the national economy than in every other part of the country. S adiq Khan scored a coup today as he introduced world leaders Justin Trudeau and Jacinda Ardern to an audience of London teenagers. The prime ministers of Canada and New Zealand took part in a Q&A at City Hall alongside the Mayor. They were due to meet Theresa May at 10 Downing Street this afternoon, but Mr Khan stole a march by staging his own event while the British premier was rehearsing for her weekly Question Time in the Commons. The event was held in celebration of 100 years since some women secured the right to vote in the UK. Both prime ministers are recognised as working to improve gender equality, and Mr Khan introduced them as two of the leading feminists in the world. Feel the love: The two politicians embrace / PA Around 80 secondary school children from Lewisham, Southwark and Haringey asked them questions about gender equality and issues affecting young people. Ms Ardern, 37, has won praise for working to improve relations with New Zealands Maori population. She said todays event was a great opportunity to hear the thoughts of young people on key social issues such as gender equality. The timing couldnt be better, with 2018 celebrating 100 years since women in the UK first won the right to vote and 125 years for New Zealand women. Ms Ardern, who is on her last overseas trip before she is due to give birth in June, named as her own female idol her mother. F ormer Tory Cabinet minister Lord Patten led a major Brexit rebellion in the Lords today by branding Theresa Mays claims of bumper trade deals outside the EU as wishful thinking. The peer, writing in the Evening Standard ahead of the vote, said there was no realistic possibility that trade deals with the other 52 Commonwealth countries could compensate for the blow of losing free trade with Europes 500 million consumers. This is little more than wishful thinking, he writes in a joint article with Tory former business minister Anna Soubry. Lord Patten, who was the last governor of Hong Kong and also served as a European Commissioner, is one of Parliaments leading authorities on trade and foreign relations. Brexit warning: Lord Patten, writing in todays Standard, says Commonwealth trade deals will not compensate for the loss of European markets / AFP/Getty Images A watershed defeat on Mrs Mays refusal to be part of a customs union was expected this afternoon. A majority estimated at up to 50 was expected for a motion signed by Lord Patten calling for a customs union with the EU. Nicky Morgan, the former Education Secretary who is backing calls for a customs union, said Conservative MPs in the Commons would be swayed by the sight of Tory peers making a stand against the Government whips to soften the exit terms. There is no doubt that the House of Commons is keeping a very close eye on what happens in the Lords, particularly about a customs union, she said. A vote on the issue is expected to take place in the Commons in May or June and with some 10 Conservative MPs signalling their readiness to rebel, No 10 has been warned by whips that Mrs May could be defeated. One year until Brexit: Negotiation timeline In their article, Lord Patten and Ms Soubry say the Government is arguing that this weeks Commonwealth leaders summit is being used to suggest that Britain can boost trade with its old ties. However, they point out that Britain already has trade agreements with 44 of the non-EU members, leaving limited room for improvement. Leaving the single market would according to the Governments own estimates hit our GDP growth by around five per cent a year, they say. Trade deals with the rest of the world, not only Commonwealth nations but also the USA and others, could increase GDP by just 0.7 per cent. Mrs Mays Brexit adviser Olly Robbins was due to start a round of talks in Brussels today on future trade relations. Anna Soubry (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) / Getty Images But Donald Tusk, the European Council president, said there was an impasse still over the Northern Ireland border issue. The EU (Withdrawal) Bill faces 100 hours of line-by-line scrutiny in the Lords. Labour said its peers wont be shy about inflicting defeats. Shadow Lords leader Baroness Smith of Basildon said: Theresa May still has an opportunity to bring forward sensible changes. Key Brexit Players - In pictures 1 /6 Key Brexit Players - In pictures David Davis Reuters Michel Barnier AP Tim Barrow AFP/Getty Images Oliver Robbins Sabine Weyand Didier Seeuws AFP/Getty Images The Government may try to overturn any defeats inflicted in the Lords when the Bill returns to the Commons later this year. Britain and India were signing a 1 billion commercial deal today but Indian premier Narendra Modi has indicated that a free trade deal sought by Mrs May should come with improved migration rights for Indian citizens. T heresa Mays Brexit plans could be derailed by the House of Lords as peers push for the UK to remain in a customs union after leaving the EU. An alliance of Labour, Liberal Democrat, crossbench and some Conservative peers are seeking to soften the governments approach to Brexit. They are tabling amendments including one requiring ministers to negotiate "an arrangement which enables the UK to continue participating in a customs union with the EU" after Britain leaves the EU. The amendment's sponsors include former Tory party chairman Lord Patten of Barnes and former UK ambassador to the EU Lord Kerr of Kinlochard - the diplomat who drafted Article 50, the legal mechanism for Brexit. Labour warned the Prime Minister that its peers "won't be shy" about inflicting defeats in the House of Lords. Peers will debate the governments Brexit legislation on Wednesday. Other battlegrounds in the Lords include measures to limit the Government's ability to use so-called Henry VIII powers, which restrict Parliament's ability to scrutinise future legislative changes required as a result of Brexit. A cross-party effort to strengthen the "meaningful vote" promised on the Brexit deal will also feature in debates as the Bill goes through its report stage over six days between April 18 and May 8. Other potential flashpoints include amendments relating to Northern Ireland and a plan to scrap the Government's decision to fix Brexit for 11pm on March 29, 2019. Shadow Lords leader Baroness Smith of Basildon said: "As we begin the Report stage, Theresa May and her ministers still have an opportunity to bring forward sensible changes in response to concerns raised previously in the Lords. "A failure to do so however, will amount to kicking the can down what could be a very rocky road. And our peers won't be shy about sending amendments to the Commons, giving MPs a further chance to scrutinise the detail of the Bill." Shadow Brexit minister Baroness Hayter said the proposed change "forces the government to prioritise a customs union with the EU - not only to boost industry's ability to trade with the UK, but to ensure there is no hard border in Northern Ireland". Downing Street maintained its opposition to a customs union, which would restrict the UK's ability to strike trade deals after Brexit. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs May "has been very clear that the British people voted to leave the EU and expect us to be able to sign trade deals around the world, operating our own independent trade policy". "As the PM has set out, that means we are leaving the customs union," the spokesman said. E U citizens in Britain today said they were hugely worried that the Windrush fiasco could happen to their own children. Will our children be in the same situation in 20 or 30 years time? asked Maike Bohn, a campaigner with pressure group the3million, which is pressing for stronger safeguards for 3.6 million UK residents who come from EU states. They are hugely worried and what is happening to the Windrush generation is adding to their anxiety. These were people promised that their rights would last a lifetime. And a year before Brexit there is still no certainty about EU citizens eligibility and criteria to apply for their new status. The Government has promised life-long settled status to European Union citizens currently living in the UK and later arrivals who qualify, including full rights of residency and access to NHS healthcare and benefits. Concern rocketed overnight according to Ms Bohn, after it emerged that the UK Border Agency under the Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK after the Second World War. The Windrush generation are in the midst of a major row with the Government over having to prove to the Home Office they have the right to live in the UK despite being given indefinite leave to remain in 1973. What is the Windrush generation The landing cards listed their date of arrival, but according to the Home Office do not provide reliable evidence as to whether they stayed in the UK or their immigration status. A Home Office source said: So it would be misleading and inaccurate to suggest that registration slips would therefore have a bearing on immigration cases whereby Commonwealth citizens are proving residency in the UK. Windrush generation arrive in Britain 1 /14 Windrush generation arrive in Britain Some of the pioneering Windrush generation arrive at Tilbury Docks, from Jamaica Getty Images The journey to the UK cost 28 Getty Images They arrived on June 22, 1948 Getty Images The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain SSPL via Getty Images The group were the first of the Windrush generation to emigrate to Britain Getty Images Arrivals scrutinise a map of the London Underground Getty Images The Windrush generation helped to rebuild post-war Britain Getty Images Members of the 55 Independent Squadron wait to board the Empire Windrush at Southampton, to fight in the Korean War Getty Images A black man walks past graffiti stating 'Powell For PM', referring to Enoch Powell who caused controversy with his outspoken attitude to black immigration and racial integration Getty Images Three Jamaicans (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury Docks Getty Images Nearly 1000 West Indian immigrants arrive in three boats trains at Waterloo Station. Many brought with them packing cases containing treasured possessions, 15th October 1961 Mirrorpix/Getty Images West Indian immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom, 19th May 1962 Mirrorpix/Getty Images Nearly 1000 West Indian immigrants arrive in three boats trains at Waterloo Station. Many brought with them packing cases containing treasured possessions, 15th October 1961 Mirrorpix/Getty Images 27th May 1956: Immigrants to Britain from the West Indies queuing up on arrival at Southampton holding documents Getty Images One man, Nick Broderick, said he had contemplated suicide over fears he would be deported to Jamaica, the nation he left as a baby in 1962. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that he came into contact with authorities during an immigration check four years at the recruitment firm in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where he worked. Mr Broderick, whose older brother Andrew received a UK passport while serving in the British Army, said he sent in reports from his school and doctor and everybody else that I could find, but it wasnt good enough for them. The extraordinary decision to scrap the landing cards in October 2010 raised questions about whether then-Home Secretary Theresa Mays close aides approved or encouraged it. Mrs Mays former special advisers, Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill, were notorious for involving themselves in every significant decision made in the Home Office and drove measures designed to push down immigration. Jeremy Corbyn ambushed by Theresa May in Home Office Windrush row Officials told the Standard it was an operational decision of the UK borders authority in October 2010, meaning it was taken by civil servants without any need for a ministerial sign-off. A Home Office source from the time said the decision is unlikely to have passed the desk of the then Immigration Minister, Damian Green. It was probably a decision taken by civil servants, I do not think it was a ministerial decision. I dont recall any Windrush case coming before ministers at the time, nor any proposal to destroy documents. It may be that they were moving stuff out of one building to another and simply said lets get rid of these old records. Another source who previously worked at the Home Office said staff at the time were under immense pressure to clear the huge backlog of immigration cases. There was a terrible backlog on applications for any immigration status. It was a mess. Excuse me? Photo: Anadolu Agency/Getty Images Sunday on Face the Nation, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley described economic sanctions aimed at Russian companies that support Syrias chemical-weapons program, which she said would be unveiled the following day. However, that announcement never came. On Monday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said, We are considering additional sanctions on Russia and a decision will be made in the near future. It appeared that President Trump had once again bucked the plans of his national security team and, for whatever reason, backed off on a plan that would have angered Vladimir Putin. But instead of offering that explanation, the White House tried to blame Haley. One anonymous administration official told the Washington Post that Haley got ahead of herself and made an error that needs to be mopped up. Another said there had been confusion within the White House about what the plan was. Donald Trump Is His Own Worst Enemy Then on Tuesday afternoon, chief White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow denied that the misstatement was the result of chaos in the White House, suggesting it was solely Haleys blunder. She got ahead of the curve. Shes done a great job, shes a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that, he told reporters. But if you talk with Steve Mnuchin at Treasury and so forth, he will tell you the same thing theyre in charge of this we have had sanctions. Additional sanctions are under consideration but not implemented. Haley wasnt having it. With all due respect, I dont get confused, she told Fox News Dana Perino, in a statement that was read on-air Tuesday evening. For now her rebuke of the White House worked. Kudlow called Haley to apologize and admitted he was mistaken in a statement to the New York Times. She was certainly not confused, Kudlow said. I was wrong to say that totally wrong. He added: As it turns out, she was basically following what she thought was policy. The policy was changed and she wasnt told about it, so she was in a box. Its not clear when or why that change occurred. Three senior administration officials told Politico that Trump approved the sanctions last week, and they were mentioned in talking points distributed by the Republican National Committee on Sunday. Russia sanctions were a part of the agreed-upon plan going into the strike and going into the weekend, said one of the officials. As recently as Saturday, that was reconfirmed as part of the plan. The Washington Post reported that later on Sunday Trump conferred with his national security advisers and said he was upset by the planned rollout because he still wasnt comfortable with executing the sanctions. According to the New York Times, he grew angry and yelled at the TV during Haleys appearance, as he believed he hadnt approved any new sanctions. Its rare for a Cabinet official to openly contradict the White House, and its unclear what effect that might have on Haleys relationship with Trump. It certainly underscores the idea that nothing White House officials say should be believed until its actually happening. How many other things do you want to mention have been rolled out that way? Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker told reporters Tuesday. I didnt think much about it. You know, two weeks ago, were moving out of Syria the next day, and then the next day we werent. Its just sort of standard confusion. J eremy Corbyn was dramatically ambushed by Theresa May in the Commons today as the Windrush fiasco enveloped Labour. In a startling move, the Prime Minister told the Commons that a decision to destroy thousands of landing cards belonging to Windrush generation immigrants was taken under Labour. Her claim flummoxed Mr Corbyn, whose front bench earlier called for the resignation of Home Secretary Amber Rudd for exactly that decision. The drama began soon after the Prime Minister gave a heartfelt apology to the Commons for the blunders that left some people and their children from the Windrush generation of Commonwealth migrants who helped rebuild Britain after the Second World War facing threats of deportation and being denied free healthcare. Labour claim: Theresa May said the Labour government was responsible in the row / AFP/Getty Images Mr Corbyn then stood up and began a heated exchange, saying: Yesterday we learned in 2010 the Home Office destroyed the landing cards for a generation of Commonwealth citizens, so have told people, We cant find you in our system. Did the Prime Minister, the then-home secretary, sign off that decision? Mrs May replied: No, the decision to destroy the landing cards was taken in 2009 under a Labour government. Her words sparked shouts of apologise from the Conservative benches. Earlier Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, had demanded the head of Ms Rudd over the landing cards, even though the Home Secretary was not involved in the decision. Tottenham MP David Lammy joined the attacks the attacks too, tweeting: You destroyed the records and now you are destroying lives. I fail to understand why a minister has not resigned. Abject. And Labour MP Sarah Jones told the Commons ministers should be ashamed that her Government destroyed thousands of landing cards of those arriving from Commonwealth nations and is now trying to throw those people out. Mrs Mays announcement of the date clashed with Home Office officials who earlier today said the decision to destroy the landing cards was taken by border officials in October 2010, when Mrs May was in overall charge of the Home Office. Now it seems that they were destroyed in 2010 following a decision the previous year. Calls to resign: Home Secretary Amber Rudd is under pressure over the row / PA If correct, then either retired Labour MP Alan Johnson or Jacqui Smith was Home Secretary in charge. Mr Corbyn tried to battle on, saying the Government had caused pain and stress by denying Windrush citizens their rights. He said: I think we need some absolute clarity on the question on the destruction of the landing cards. And if shes trying to blame officials I remind her of what she said in 2004 when she said she was sick and tired of Government ministers who blame other people when things go wrong. But Mrs May replied emphatically: The decision to destroy the landing cards was taken in 2009 and as I seem to recall in 2009 it was a Labour home secretary. Mrs May said there were no known deportations of people from the Windrush generation... we are not aware of any specific cases of a person being removed from the UK in these circumstances. EU citizens in Britain today said they were hugely worried that the Windrush fiasco could happen to their own children. Will our children be in the same situation in 20 or 30 years time? asked Maike Bohn, a campaigner with pressure group the3million, which is pressing for stronger safeguards for 3.6 million UK residents who come from EU states. They are hugely worried and what is happening to the Windrush generation is adding to their anxiety. These were people promised that their rights would last a lifetime. And a year before Brexit there is still no certainty about EU citizens eligibility and criteria to apply for their new status. The Government has promised life-long settled status to European Union citizens currently living in the UK and later arrivals who qualify, including full rights of residency and access to NHS healthcare and benefits. Windrush generation arrive in Britain 1 /14 Windrush generation arrive in Britain Some of the pioneering Windrush generation arrive at Tilbury Docks, from Jamaica Getty Images The journey to the UK cost 28 Getty Images They arrived on June 22, 1948 Getty Images The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain SSPL via Getty Images The group were the first of the Windrush generation to emigrate to Britain Getty Images Arrivals scrutinise a map of the London Underground Getty Images The Windrush generation helped to rebuild post-war Britain Getty Images Members of the 55 Independent Squadron wait to board the Empire Windrush at Southampton, to fight in the Korean War Getty Images A black man walks past graffiti stating 'Powell For PM', referring to Enoch Powell who caused controversy with his outspoken attitude to black immigration and racial integration Getty Images Three Jamaicans (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury Docks Getty Images Nearly 1000 West Indian immigrants arrive in three boats trains at Waterloo Station. Many brought with them packing cases containing treasured possessions, 15th October 1961 Mirrorpix/Getty Images West Indian immigrants arriving in the United Kingdom, 19th May 1962 Mirrorpix/Getty Images Nearly 1000 West Indian immigrants arrive in three boats trains at Waterloo Station. Many brought with them packing cases containing treasured possessions, 15th October 1961 Mirrorpix/Getty Images 27th May 1956: Immigrants to Britain from the West Indies queuing up on arrival at Southampton holding documents Getty Images Concern rocketed overnight according to Ms Bohn, after it emerged that the UK Border Agency under the Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK after the Second World War. The Windrush generation are in the midst of a major row with the Government over having to prove to the Home Office they have the right to live in the UK despite being given indefinite leave to remain in 1973. The landing cards listed their date of arrival, but according to the Home Office do not provide reliable evidence as to whether they stayed in the UK or their immigration status. A Home Office source said: So it would be misleading and inaccurate to suggest that registration slips would therefore have a bearing on immigration cases whereby Commonwealth citizens are proving residency in the UK. One man, Nick Broderick, said he had contemplated suicide over fears he would be deported to Jamaica, the nation he left as a baby in 1962. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that he came into contact with authorities during an immigration check four years at the recruitment firm in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where he worked. Mr Broderick, whose older brother Andrew received a UK passport while serving in the British Army, said he sent in reports from his school and doctor and everybody else that I could find, but it wasnt good enough for them. T he House of Lords has defeated the government's Brexit bill after peers voted in favour of a customs union amendment. The vote on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill marked the government's first defeat in the Lords over ongoing Brexit plans. Peers, from all parties, voted by 348 to 225 in favour of proposals requiring ministers to report on the possibility of negotiating a continued customs union between the EU and the UK. This will mean ministers will have to report what efforts they had made to secure a customs union by the end of October. The House of Lords passed the legislation after 20 hours of debate / PA Wire/PA Images John Kerr, who proposed the amendment, says it's an attempt to "limit the damage" of leaving Britain's biggest market. His comments were met by criticism from pro-Brexit peers, who agreed with Viscount (Matthew) Ridley who described it as "an attempt to wreck this bill and wreck Brexit" - a charge denied by those proposing the amendment. Sir Patrick Stewart on campaign for Brexit deal vote The government minister in the Lords, Lord (Martin) Callanan said ministers could not support the amendment because they did not believe that a customs union was in Britain's best interest, suggesting it would seek to reverse the changes. A spokeswoman for the Brexit ministry expressed disappointment over the amendment, but assured the public that it would not detract for their commitment to leave the EU. But the strength of the opposition for the bill suggested that this could be the first of several amendments called for by the Lords, where the government does not have a majority. It will now go back to the Commons to be decided on by MPs. Both houses must agree on the final wording of the bill before it becomes law. Brexit: Theresa May, pictured during PMQs today, has ruled out staying in the customs union / AFP/Getty Images Theresa May previously ruled out staying in the customs union, saying that the UK will forge its own trade deals after leaving the EU. M agician Dynamo has revealed that arthritis caused by his Crohn's disease has left him struggling to perform his tricks. In his first interview since revealing the impact the illness was having on his body last month, the popular magician said the disease had taken quite a toll. He was diagnosed with Crohn's aged 14 but over the last eight months his struggles have escalated, the 35-year-old told BBC Breakfast. Dynamo said he has put on two stone as a result of all the medication used for treatment, while it has also caused him to develop arthritis. Dynamo on BBC Breakfast on Wednesday morning / BBC Breakfast His problems with Crohns got worse after a bad bout of food poisoning which left him in hospital, he said. He said: Its definitely had quite a toll on my body, Ive put on like two stone, which is quite strange. Ive put on a lot of weight, also one of the main impacts for me is its given me arthritis which, for a magician, not being able to use my hands like I normally would Im working with a physio, Im working with doctors to find and get the right medication, the right treatment so hopefully I can come back on and show you some new magic in the future. Despite his ill-health, Dynamo said that he is planning a tour to perform his magic again later in the year. He said: Im always working on new ideas and Ive got many ways to do magic, some of them dont use as much dexterity, they use my mind. Ive taken this time to kind of revaluate my approach to magic and also to certain elements of life in general. Dynamo reveals impact his battle with Crohns disease has had on his body in video It comes after he received an outpouring of support from fans after he posted a video on social media last month discussing Crohn's. Explaining his reasons for posting the video, he said: Some photos had been taken of me that I knew were going to get out there, out of my control, and I looked quite different from my usual self so I thought its worth letting people know the real story before they hear a different story from someone else. It was amazing the actual response it got, I didnt expect that at all, its good thats its been able to inspire other people with similar conditions to speak out about it and get more attention to it. I personally have never let it make me feel ashamed to talk about it, its just life, its life for a lot more people than we think so its really good that its inspired people to share their stories and hopefully it helps them with their confidence to just feel comfortable within themselves. Dynamo revealed that after having to take a step back from performing his focus has been on trying to get Syrian refugees in Lebanon an education. He added: It caused a lot of side effects but Ive not really let it hold me back, as much as possible Ive been getting out there and doing stuff. I recently went out to Lebanon to try and help the Syrian refugee children get into education because theres a big crisis of them not getting educated right now. Its something that Ive wanted to do for a long time but because I constantly had commitments it allowed me the freedom to do that because I wasnt able to perform much magic because of my illness so it allowed me to go out there and take a bit of time and do something to help other people and really focus my mind on not thinking about my illness and thinking about helping other people. "Being out there it really put into perspective what the Syrian children and the Syrian families are having to go through and makes my illness feel like nothing in comparison. E meli Sande today urged Commonwealth leaders to see people as human beings and overturn anti-gay laws. The 31-year-old singer, whose mother is from Cumbria and father from Zambia, has just returned from a 10-day trip to celebrate her grandmothers 80th birthday in the southern African country. Zambia inherited the legal system of Britain upon independence in 1964 and laws concerning homosexuality have largely remained unchanged since then. Gay sex is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. British Prime Minister Theresa May yesterday said she deeply regrets discriminatory legislation established during the colonial era. Sande told the Standard: They need see people as human beings. I hope this will send a message that we are all equal, that we are all humans going through a human experience. I hope there is more freedom and equality for them as well in Zambia. I think it will improve the country in all kinds of ways. Sandes parents met while they were both studying at Sunderland Polytechnic. She spent a few months in Zambia as a child, before her parents moved back to the UK and settled in Scotland. She said it was thanks to Commonwealth agreements that her parents met - but that the leaders should take this opportunity to change things that have been in place for too long. Sande spoke out at Global Citizen Live in Brixton O2 last night where she was joined by rapper Professor Green and TV presenter Maya Jama. A grammar school has abolished the positions of head boy and girl in favour of gender-neutral roles in order to appoint the "best people for the job". Pupils at Guernsey Grammar School will not longer be shortlisted based on their gender but instead purely on merit. The change has already led to two boys holding the top positions this year, with teachers saying they were the best candidates for the role. Headteacher Liz Coffey said the head boy and girl roles had been replaced with 'chair' and 'vice-chairperson' roles leading a Student Voice Leadership committee. She said: "It would maybe make us look at why there weren't a proportionate number of candidates coming forward. "Just like I am not a headmistress, I am a head teacher. It is important because of job credibility. "People will still draw a nurse as a woman when asked. This is another way to try and ensure stereotypes disappear." The news comes amid a wave of changes across a number of British schools put in place to address issues concerning transgender students. Last year Highgate School, in north London, introduced gender-neutral uniforms, allowing boys to wear skirts. P rince Harry and Meghan Markle joked about their "language barrier" as they met with Commonwealth youth leaders in London today. The Commonwealth Youth Forum, held at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in Westminster, marked the pair's first major engagement on behalf of the Royal Family. Harry was joined by his bride-to-be for the occasion - an unusual move, as people not yet married into the family are not usually involved in such high-profile events. The prince and the US star were chatting to delegates at a Commonwealth Youth Forum reception in London when Harry referred to using a "Band-Aid". Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum (PA) Illustrating the occasional language divide the couple may face, the prince, who was talking about finding long-term solutions, said: "Don't get sucked into the system of putting on a Band-Aid", before adding "American-style". There was laughter as Harry turned to LA-born Ms Markle and explained that the British public call Band-Aids plasters. Harry and Meghan arrive at the QEII Centre / AP Wednesday's summit marks an important part of the Chogm (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting) week. Harry was appointed Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by the Queen on Monday, a role which will form a key part of the pair's work once they are married. Delegates travelled from all over the world to meet the Royal couple, representing 53 member countries with a combined population of more than two billion - more than 60 per cent of which are under 30. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Commonwealth Youth Forum 1 /9 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Commonwealth Youth Forum Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum PA AP PA Getty Images PA Getty Images AP AP Ms Markle arrived at the event on Wednesday wearing a 1,500 cotton dress, expertly matched with her black and cream handbag. Described as "inspired by '80s corporate workwear', it is said to make its owner look "sophisticated and modern". It currently retails at 1,478.51. Ms Markle was 'all smiles' at the Commonwealth Forum / PA A Buckingham Palace spokesman said Harry "hopes to encourage young people to use Commonwealth platforms to address the social, economic, and environmental challenges of their generation." The pair met with officials and activists, including LGBT rights activists, in the wake of PM Theresa May's plea to Commonwealth nations to reform "outdated" laws on homosexuality, introduced under British colonial rule. Campaigners have urged Mrs May to intervene over the colonial-era legislation affecting millions of LGBT people, as same-sex relationships remain illegal in some 36 Commonwealth countries. The pair also met with past winners of the Queen's Young Leaders Award, which aims to "discover, celebrate and support exceptional young people" from across the Commonwealth, "leaving a lasting legacy for Her Majesty The Queen". Winners of the prestigious award receive a unique package of training, mentoring and networking, including a one-week residential programme in the UK during which they collect their award from the Queen herself. The royal couple are set to marry on May 19 / Kensington Palace The Chogm summit is staged every two years to discuss the major challenges facing the Commonwealth's citizens. Its heads of governments are currently meeting in London and Windsor. P rince Harry and Meghan Markle are to attend services commemorating Anzac Day in London. They will attend the Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, and the Service of Commemoration and Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey on April 25. Harry will also attend the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade at the Cenotaph. Organised by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissions, Anzac Day has been commemorated in London since the first anniversary of the Anzac landings at Gallipoli in 1916. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Commonwealth Youth Forum 1 /9 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend Commonwealth Youth Forum Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum PA AP PA Getty Images PA Getty Images AP AP Back then King George V attended a service at Westminster Abbey and more than 2,000 Australian and New Zealand troops marched through the streets. The Dawn Service at Wellington Arch, Hyde Park Corner will last approximately 45 minutes. The service will begin at the New Zealand memorial, during which His Royal Highness will lay a wreath. Harry and Meghan, joined by the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners, will then walk to the Australian memorial, where the prince will lay a wreath and sign a book of remembrance. Later in the morning at the Wreath Laying and Parade Service at the Cenotaph, Harry will lay a wreath on behalf of The Queen. Between 300 and 400 participants will take part in the parade, including member of veterans associations, service and ex-service personnel and their families. T he mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has revealed she finds it difficult to forgive her sons killers because they have never admitted doing anything wrong. Baroness Doreen Lawrence gave her final TV interview on Wednesday, 25 years after the 18-year-old was stabbed to death in south east London. Speaking on Loose Women she said she is finally ready to move on. The Baroness has worked tirelessly to challenge the British justice system and seek police reforms after her son was killed. But unlike her ex-husband and Stephens father Neville Lawrence, 76, she did not say she could forgive those who murdered her son in Eltham in 1993. Stephen was 18 when he was chased down and fatally knifed by a gang in Eltham, south-east London / PA She said: Its very difficult to forgive somebody whos never admitted theyve done anything wrong. Unless they come up in front of me or something I need to talk about, I dont focus on them at all. I just think theyre not there. The Baroness said her focus has always been looking forward. Ive got grandchildren now, theyre whats important to me, she said. Neville Lawrence, father of Stephen, said earlier this week he has forgiven his son's killers / PA Founder of the Stephen Lawrence Charitable Trust (SLCT), a charity she set up from 1998 to give young people bursaries to study architecture in honour of Stephens aspirations, the Baroness said her other two children "kept her going" over the past 25 years. She added: Also to know that Stephen had a life and I needed to fight for him. Thats what Ive been doing his name, his legacy, what weve achieved over the years, the Trust, how its working to help other people those are all the positive things, thats whats kept me going. Stephens mother and father campaigned for more than two decades to get justice for their son. The Baroness was awarded a seat in the House of Lords in October 2013 as a Labour Peer. However, she said she would rather have her son over her achievements in campaigning. She said: For me, yes its all great having all of those things, but Id rather have my son. Thats whats important to me. Its great to sit in the House of Lords and I can ask government ministers all different questions and then being a voice for ordinary people. My voice was used for Stephen. Father of Stephen Lawrence tells how he has forgiven his son's killers The Baroness said 25 years is a long time to be campaigning. Ive not really lived my life in the way I would have liked to, she said. Im always asking some question; Im always being asked to do something. Now, I just think, enough. She added: I would like to be cheerful now. Its time to move on now and look about me and my family and my grandchildren, so I can spend more time, positive things. David Norris and Gary Dobson are both serving life sentences, while three other men who have consistently been named as suspects but never convicted are Jamie Acourt, 41, from Bexley; his brother Neil Acourt, 42, who uses his mother's maiden name Stuart, and Luke Knight, 41, both from Eltham. The initial investigation into Stephen's death was hampered by incompetence, racism and alleged corruption. P lastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds may be banned in England under plans being set out by Theresa May. A Government consultation on banning the disposable plastic products will launch later this year in a drive to help cut waste. The announcement came as the Prime Minister urged Commonwealth leaders gathered in London to follow the UKs example in tackling the issue. Mrs May said plastic waste was "one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world" and the UK was taking a lead in tackling the problem. Theresa May: plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds could be banned from sale in England under plans being set out by the Prime Minister / PA She said: "Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world, which is why protecting the marine environment is central to our agenda at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. "The UK Government is a world leader on this issue, and the British public have shown passion and energy embracing our plastic bag charge and microbead ban. Today we have put forward ambitious plans to further reduce plastic waste from straws, stirrers and cotton buds. "Alongside our domestic action, this week we are rallying Commonwealth countries to join us in the fight against marine plastics, with 61.4 million funding for global research and to improve waste management in developing countries. Around 8.5 billion plastic straws are thrown away each year, potentially contributing to the over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the world's oceans. The environmental catastrophe, highlighted by David Attenboroughs the popular BBC series Blue Planet II, sees a million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals die from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste. Subject to the consultation, which Environment Secretary Michael Gove will launch later this year, the Government is prepared to ban the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England. Officials will work with industry to develop alternatives and ensure there is sufficient time to adapt, and will also propose excluding plastic straws used for medical reasons. Mr Gove said: "Single-use plastics are a scourge on our seas and lethal to our precious environment and wildlife so it is vital we act now. "We have already banned harmful microbeads and cut plastic bag use and now we want to take action on straws, stirrers and cotton buds to help protect our marine life. "We've already seen a number of retailers, bars and restaurants stepping up to the plate and cutting plastic use, however it's only through government, business and the public working together that we will protect our environment for the next generation - we all have a role to play in turning the tide on plastic." The Prime Minister has urged all Commonwealth countries to sign up to the newly-formed Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance and take action to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. T he Windrush fiasco should be used to promote black history in schools, the chief of Londons Black Cultural Archives said. The ship MV Empire Windrush gave its name to the so-called Windrush generation when it arrived at Tilbury Docks, Essex, carrying 492 passengers on June 22 1948. The name applies to those from Caribbean countries invited by the Commonwealth to help rebuild Britain between 1948 and 1971 following the Second World War. The government is currently embroiled in a major row over the Windrush generation having to prove to the Home Office they have the right to live in the UK despite being given indefinite leave to remain in 1973. Paul Reid, director of the archives in Brixton, south London, said: These people came over on an invitation and they worked hard. They built Britain as it is today. These are the people responsible for infrastructure that is crucial to this country. Some of the first people arrive at Tilbury, Essex (Popperfoto/Getty Images) / Getty Images The director told the Standard that a request for those affected to provide evidence to continue working or get NHS treatment was just another threat faced by the black community. He said We have been threatened time and time again. Windrush was not the beginning, we had the slave trade, we had black people in the Tudor times, we had integration. It is, unfortunately, nothing new but it does highlight a much, much wider issue. That is an issue of identity, of black British history being more than just Black History Month. It highlights the marginalisation of the black community. At a time when science and understanding about race is pushing forward, racism is still very real. Jeremy Corbyn ambushed by Theresa May in Home Office Windrush row He added that the latest threat to deport UK residents without the correct paperwork and Theresa Mays recent apology over the issue was sparked by mistakes on both sides. I admit, mistakes were made by both sides. I am affected by this, my father is Jamaican, my wife is Jamaican but I have my documents. Some people didnt get their act together and sort out their documents but they were invited over, if you get an invitation you dont expect the threat of deportation. The fact of the matter is it was an invitation, he said. Windrush generation immigrant:Government 'apology just not good enough' Mr Reid called for Windrush to be used to push for more emphasis to be put on black history in schools. He said a lack of it on the national curriculum left young black men in particular feeling isolated and questioning their identity. You are a young black man sitting in a classroom, you flip through a book and you see white faces. You start to question, is someone better than me? Why are these people not like me? I looked it up myself and while it is interesting, it is not sexy. It is not Kings and Queens but it is bigger than that, it is identity. We have too much steel pans, jerk chicken, and samosas this is not identity, he said. Attributing a recent spate of violent, gang-related crime in the capital to a lack of identity, Mr Reid added: You leave these kids questioning their identity and you get Im a gang leader. No, youre not a gang leader, you believe you are a gang leader. Theyre had to make their own way. We need to change the narrative here. Show these children what people like them have done and what they can be. We need to stop this marginalisation. It starts with creating a new narrative. Manchester Bar in Barcelona. Photo: Courtesy of Manchester Bar Barcelona is rightly famous for its nightlife, but not for the reasons many visitors think. Although its thumping clubs cater to locals and tourists alike, going out here is an art form: There are certain times to go to certain places, and specific reasons for doing so. We dont drink for the sake of getting drunk we do it to socialize, explains Joan Martinez Vidal, a Barcelona-born stage and television actor who has been indulging in the citys nightlife since he was a teenager. Afternoons for him usually start with a vermouth or a small beer. As the evening progresses, he adds more wine or beer, plus small dishes or snacks at every stop. Hell eat a big dinner around 10 p.m. and only then is it time to really go out. Hard liquor, meanwhile, is saved for after dinner; treating yourself to a G&T at 5 p.m. would be frowned upon. What follows is Vidals step-by-step itinerary to a typical night out, Barcelona-style. Bodega Salvat. Photo: Courtesy of Bodega Salvat more insider tips How to Get Your Gaudi Fix in Barcelona Minus the Crowds Ill usually start in the late afternoon by meeting friends for vermouth in the Sants neighborhood. I like the bars in Placa dOsca Plaza Osca; Fo Bar, in particular, has a nice outdoor terrace. Since staying still is the closest thing to dying, after one drink we move onto Bodega Salvat for another vermouth and salty snacks like olives, high-quality canned seafood, and cured meats. Interestingly, this small, local bar is hidden among the alleys behind the Sants train station, very close to Can Vies, an abandoned property managed by squatters since 1997. The squatters turned it into a subversive social and cultural center, but the city tried to reclaim and raze it in 2014. Riots broke out for a week in support of the squatters. Eventually, the government acquiesced and the building was not demolished. Next stop is a neighborhood near where I grew up: Vallcarca. We might watch an informal concert by local musicians at La Riera, where its common to see live music most nights of the week. This bar looks like any other but has a few elements that make you think twice like anarchist flags or a picture of Salvador Puig Antich, who was put to death by Franco following his shooting and killing of a policeman during one of his trademark bank robberies, which he used to fund far-left anti-Franco groups and support striking workers. Around 9 p.m., well pass through the Gracia neighborhood and stop at La Gaviota, a barebones neighborhood bar that my gang of friends and I made into our own over the years, bringing people in from all different corners of our life. Now its so crowded that you cant get in the door! It has a special energy, like that show Cheers: Everyone knows your name. Or, at least, you might recognize someone you once spent the night with. After La Gaviota, we walk down to the neighborhood of El Born, where we have a quick coffee at upscale craft coffee shop Federal Cafe. By now its ten oclock and we need to pick up the energy! Next we stop at Gran Torino, a bar themed like an American auto garage, to drink beer and pass a few hours with a young, hip, local crowd. Tequila 44. Photo: Courtesy of Tequila 44 From there, we walk to the Barri Gotic, home of Barcelonas worst/best bar, Tequila 44. It serves the lowest-quality liquor in a delightfully dingy setting, with the best music: mostly punk rock, metal, and alternative from the 1970s to the early 2000s. Bar stools are affixed to the ground I heard it was so that U.S. Marines in the 1950s and 60s couldnt throw them at each other during bar fights and each stool has a pair of headphones. Everyone jams out to the same songs, but it feels more intense because youre wearing headphones. The booze is poison but the bar is so fun, and this is where la penultima happens its a bad Spanish habit that means the drink before the last drink, which can turn into many drinks, especially if other people show up. After 2 a.m., you can find big international DJs at the Razzmatazz club in the Poblenou neighborhood, but after Tequila 44, Id probably choose another bar with music in Barri Gotic either Marula, where R&B, soul, and funk are played, or Manchester Bar, where you can drink along to the Smiths, Pulp. or the Stone Roses. Id go around midnight or 1 a.m. and then call it night I have to save my energy for the Sonar festival in June. A man suspected of masterminding the theft of 600 computers used to mine bitcoins and other crypto currencies has escaped a prison in Iceland and has likely fled to Sweden, officials said. A passenger on the same flight to Sweden as the inmate told national broadcaster RUV that Iceland's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, was also on that flight. Mr Jakobsdottir was among five Nordic prime ministers who met with India's prime minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in Stockholm. Swedish police spokesman Stefan Dangardt said today that no arrest has been made in Sweden, but Icelandic police have informed them of the situation and issued an international arrest warrant. The police in Iceland believe that the man, named Sindri Thor Stefansson, fled a low-security prison through a window. He is thought to have boarded a flight to Sweden at Icelands international airport in Keflavik. "He had an accomplice," police chief Gunnar Schram told Visir, an online news outlet in Iceland. "We are sure of that." Icelandic officials claim it was unlikely that Mr Stefansson had to display his passport at the airport since he travelled within Europes passport-free Schengen travel zone, though the plane ticket he used was under someone elses name. Iceland, a non-European Union member, is member of Europes borderless travel area. Mr Stefansson was among 11 people arrested for allegedly stealing the powerful computers in a series of four burglaries in December and January, in what is considered as Icelands biggest-ever heist. Icelandic media have branded the case Big Bitcoin Heist as the stolen equipment which is still missing has been valued at almost $2million. If used to create new bitcoins, the thieves could turn a massive profit in an untraceable currency. Police have arrested 22 people in total, including a security guard, without solving the burglaries. The escaped prisoner was being held at the Sogn prison in rural southern Iceland 59 miles from the airport. The prison is unfenced and inmates have telephone and internet access. T he director of the CIA Mike Pompeo had a secret meeting with Kim Jong-Un in North Korea during Easter, according to US reports. Mr Pompeo reportedly met the North Korean leader as part of an on going effort to lay the foundations for direct talks between President Donald Trump and Kim. The CIA has not confirmed the meeting but other US officials have confirmed the reports, according to the Associated Press news agency. The reported meeting would be the highest level meeting between the two countries since 2000 when then secretary of state Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, Kims father, in Pyongyang. Kim Jong-Un laughs while analyising a North Korea missile launch, thought to be capable of reaching anywhere in the US / AFP/Getty Images The US President said on Tuesday that officials had held direct talks with the rogue state over a potential summit with leader Kim Jong Un. He did not clarify that it was Mr Pompeo who travelled to North Korea for the talks. Mr Trump, speaking in Florida on Tuesday, said that five locations were being considered for the Kim Jong-un planned meeting. North Korea: Ballistic Missile Test - In pictures 1 /22 North Korea: Ballistic Missile Test - In pictures AFP via Getty Images AP AP People watch reports about the launch of the short-range ballistic missiles Getty Images North Korean government shows a test of a missile launch in North Korea AP North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un watching through binoculars as a new-type of tactical guided short-range missile is launched at an undisclosed location in North Korea AFP/Getty Images A test of a missile launch in North Korea AP People watch a TV showing images of North Korea's missile launch during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea AP A man watches a news report about the North Korea missile launch EPA North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watches a missile test in North Kore AP Kim Jong-Un admires the launching of the Hwasong-15 missile AFP/Getty Images The new missile is thought to be capable of reaching anywhere on the US mainland AFP/Getty Images Missile: the Hwasong-15 missile which is capable of reaching all parts of the US AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP AFP/Getty Images Missile test: The launch AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Rocket power: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured giving an order to test-fire the newly developed intercontinental ballistic missile Hwasong-15 EPA The Hwasong-15 missile was launched in the early hours of Wednesday AFP/Getty Images He was speaking as he hosted Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who commended the president's "courage" in agreeing to meet the North Korean leader. Mr Trump said: We have also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels, with North Korea. I truly believe there is a lot of good will. A lot of things are happening. Good things are happening. He added: Well see what happens. Because its the end result that counts, not the fact that were thinking about having a meeting. Trump added that the leaders summit could be in early June or a little before. Trumps meeting with Kim wont be piece of theatre, says CIA boss But he conceded it was possible that the unprecedented meeting might not happen at all. C IA chief Mike Pompeo flew to the North Korean capital Pyongyang for secret talks with leader Kim Jong-un. The visit raises hopes of a breakthrough in the tense stand-off between America and the rogue state over its nuclear weapons programme, which has sparked fears of military clashes on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump today confirmed the meeting on Twitter having disclosed earlier that he had initiated direct talks with the North Korean regime. As diplomacy gathered pace, South Korea today said that it was considering moves to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War by changing an armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement. Chinese President Xi Jinping was also reported to be planning to visit Pyongyang soon, although there was no official confirmation. CIA director Mike Pompeo / AFP/Getty Images Mr Trump today said Mr Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and his pick for Secretary of State, met Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang last week. Mr Trump today wrote on Twitter: Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! As diplomacy gathered pace, South Korea today said that it was considering how to change an armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. Chinese President Xi Jinping was also reported to be planning to visit Pyongyang soon, although there was no official confirmation. US President Donald Trump / AFP/Getty Images Mr Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Mr Trumps pick for Secretary of State, flew to the North Korean capital a fortnight ago, according to Washington sources. He was reportedly accompanied by intelligence officials rather than anyone from Mr Trumps circle. The Washington Post claimed Mr Pompeo went as a presidential envoy to lay the groundwork for a meeting in late May or early June between Mr Trump and Kim to discuss Pyongyangs nuclear weapons programme. If it goes ahead, it would be the first face-to-face meeting between the leaders of the two countries. North Korea Military - In pictures 1 /33 North Korea Military - In pictures The fourth tunnel of North Korea's nuclear test site is blown up in Punggye-ri, North Korea AP AP News1 via Getty Images Reuters EPA EPA News1 via Getty Images Reuters AP EPA News1 via Getty Images North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a target-striking contest of the special operation forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Reuters An intermediate range Hwasong-12 missile launched by North Korea earlier this year AP Missiles are driven past a stand with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and other high ranking officials during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of North Korea's founding father, Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang Reuters A military drill marking the 85th anniversary of the establishment of the Korean People's Army Reuters Commandoes march across the Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un guides a target-striking contest of the special operation forces of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Reuters A test launch of a Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile AP A Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile AP Soldiers on tanks parade across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observes the test-fire of the country's Hwasong-15 long-range ballistic missile North Korea tested ballistic missiles such as the Hwasong-14 last year AP North Korean soldiers salute while the national anthem is played during a military parade AP University students carry the national flag and two bronze statues of the late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il during a military parade AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspecting soldiers AP Navy personnel sit in front of a submarine-launched ballistic missile during a military parade AP North Korean leader Kim Jong Un claps with military officers at the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Reuters Women in uniform march across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade AP Rockets being launched by Korean People's Army (KPA) personnel during a target strike exercise at an undisclosed location in North Korea AFP/Getty Images Soldiers shout as they march across Kim Il Sung Square during a military parade AP Special operation forces personnel of the Korean People's Army (KPA) conducting a target strike exercise in North Korea AFP/Getty Images North Korean soldiers march and shout slogans during a military parade marking the 105th birth anniversary of country's founding father Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang Reuters North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting the Command of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army AFP/Getty Images It would also be a remarkable thawing of tensions from the war of words which has seen Mr Trump nickname Kim Little Rocket Man and a madman in tweets last year, with the North Korean leader responding by calling him a dotard. After enraging the West with a series of provocative missile tests last year, Kim now appears to be testing the diplomatic waters. He was set to meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in on Friday at the demilitarised zone between the countries. Mr Pompeos visit was also said to have been organised to assess how serious Kim is about defusing the crisis over his nuclear weapons programme, which has seen new sanctions imposed on his country. Mr Pompeo has not commented on his visit, which is said to have happened around April 1 and to have been arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol. The CIA boss flew north from a US Air Force base at Osan, south of Seoul, according to a South Korean defence source. At a joint press conference with Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe last night, Mr Trump dropped heavy hints about his plans to meet Kim. The president said that very high levels of talks were already under way between Washington and Pyongyang. We have had direct talks, he added, although the White House hastily declared that Mr Trump had not yet spoken with Kim. I really believe there is a lot of good will, lot of good things are happening, added Mr Trump, who was at his Mar-a-Lago Florida retreat. Ultimately its the end result that counts, not the fact that were thinking about having a meeting, or having it. The North Korean leader was said to be personable and well-prepared at the meeting with Mr Pompeo, although there remains a sticking point over the venue for the talks. Mr Trump said a number of locations were being considered. The Mongolian capital Ulaanbaatar was one possible venue, along with the demilitarised zone, a neutral European capital such as Stockholm or Geneva, a location at sea like Jeju island or a ship. Singapore, Malaysia, Seoul and Pyongyang were also possibilities. During his confirmation hearing last week, Mr Pompeo told the Senate foreign relations committee that no one is under any illusions that the planned summit will achieve a comprehensive agreement on the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. G erman police today launched their biggest-ever raids against human trafficking rings with 1,500 officers storming brothels and pole-dancing clubs across the country. The co-ordinated swoops began at 6am and included officers of the elite GSG-9, who are usually deployed in anti-terror operations. In Siegen, in the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, a Thai woman aged 59 was arrested along with nine others. The woman is alleged to be the leader of a brutal gang of traffickers bringing in Asian women to Germany to work as sex slaves. Another 62 operations took place in North Rhine-Westphalia, including raids in Gelsenkirchen and Dusseldorf. A police spokesman said GSG-9 officers were involved because it is typical of people involved in this world to be heavily armed. The prosecutors office in Frankfurt organised the raids, which had been planned for a year. Police said the criminal gangs took all personal papers and passports from the women, and numerous transsexual slaves, and moved them to brothels and dance bars across the country. Police said the criminal gangs made millions of euros out of their misery while the women were paid nothing. A total of 60 private homes were also raided during the morning raids. These searches amount to the greatest measures taken since the formation of the German Federal Police, said authorities in a statement. Among those taken into custody were pimps and forgers responsible for creating the fake visas that allowed the women to be slipped into Germany. F ormer Playboy model Karen McDougal is now free to discuss her alleged affair with Donald Trump. Ms McDougal, 46, has settled her lawsuit with a tabloid over an agreement that stopped her from discussing it. She said the settlement, made on Wednesday with the National Enquirer's parent company, "restores to me the rights to my life story." In August 2016, American Media Inc. (AMI) paid Ms McDougal $150,000 (105,500) for the rights to her story about the alleged relationship. But the story never ran. Donald Trump, the US President, is alleged to have had an affair with the ex-Playboy model / AFP/Getty Images The White House has denied that the president, who married Melania in 2005, had an affair with Ms McDougal. Under the agreement, Ms McDougal can reportedly keep the $150,000 she was paid. But AMI has the rights to up to $75,000 for any future profits from her story about the relationship. Ms McDougal had said the president tried to offer her money after the first time they had sex in 2006. Stormy Daniels: I'm committed to the truth In her first television interview, she told CNN she refused to accept the money, adding: Im not that kind of girl. She also later detailed the alleged 10-month relationship and said she travelled to Trump properties in New York, California and New Jersey. In the interview with Anderson Cooper last month she described the moment he tried to offer her money: I had this look on my face. It must have been so sad because I have never been offered money like that before. "I thought does he think that Im in this for money or why Im here tonight or is this a normal thing, I didnt know. Thats not me. Im not that kind of girl. And then he said oh, youre realty special. "So I left and I got into the car and started crying and it really hurt me but I went back." Ms McDougal said it left her feeling terrible about herself. However she said that they got along well with each other. "I thought does he think that Im in this for money or why Im here tonight or is this a normal thing, I didnt know. Thats not me. Im not that kind of girl. And then he said oh, youre really special. "So I left and I got into the car and started crying and it really hurt me but I went back." About to go online? A page from an 1830s interpretation of the Mahabharata, 'Krishna Counsels the Pandava Leaders' / Gift by Doris and Ed Wiener to Brooklyn Museum A woman killed after she was almost sucked out of a Southwest Airlines flight window following an explosion mid-air has been named. Finance worker Jennifer Riordan, 41, had been on a business trip for Wells Fargo bank before she died in the horrific scenes on the New York to Dallas flight. The mother-of-two was reportedly hit by shrapnel after the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 blew an engine at 32,000ft on Tuesday. Parts of the engine smashed the window next to Mrs Riordan and she was almost completely sucked out of the plane before fellow passengers fought to drag her back inside. Jennifer Riordan, right, was killed in the horrifying incident / Facebook Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said passengers on the flight had done "some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances". Moment pilot of Southwest plane calls in emergency But Mrs Riordan had been seriously injured and died later. Seven other people were injured. The plane was forced to make an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Passengers put on oxygen masks and braced for impact amid the terrifying scenes. The female pilot, who it was revealed is an ex-Navy pilot, was praised for showing "nerves of steel" during the ordeal. The engine on the Boeing 737 as it sits on the runway / AP Footage shared online showed terrified passengers putting on oxygen masks as the Boeing 737 landed on Tuesday at around 11.20am (local time). One man who live-streamed the landing on Facebook said a window exploded mid-air. Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said seven people were treated for minor injuries after the landing. He said there was a fuel leak in one of the engines when firefighters arrived and a small fire was quickly brought under control. A passenger's father told NBC Philadelphia that a female passenger was partially sucked out of the plane when the window broke. One passenger, a woman, was partially was drawn out towards the out of the plane was pulled back in by other passengers," he said in a phone interview with the network. The Federal Aviation Administration said that the plane landed after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, along with the fuselage and at least one window. After the plane landed, Marty Martinez posted photos of a damaged window near to the engine. The Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia / AP He wrote: "Engine exploded in the air and blew open window three seats away from me." Mr Martinez later told local media he thought he was recording his "last moments". One of the engine's fan blades was separated and missing, according to investigators. A retired nurse who was on the Southwest Airlines flight when a mother-of-two was almost sucked out of the plane window has told how she and others desperately tried to save the woman's life. The woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was partially pulled out through the broken window suffering "significant" injuries, Ms Phillips said. Firefighter Andrew Needum and Tim McGinty, a ranch worker who was travelling with his wife, managed to pull the woman back inside the plane, and the nurse rushed to perform CPR. Tragically killed in a plane accident: Jennifer Riordan / AP Ms Phillips told ABC: "The window had broken and the negative pressure had pulled her outside the train partially. "These two wonderful men, the EMT and a passenger managed to pull her back inside the plane and we lay her down and we started CPR." Mr McGinty's wife, Kristin, shared their story in a post on Facebook, saying "they are all heroes who put others before themselves today". Ms Phillips said she performed CPR on Mrs Riordan for 20 minutes until the plane made its emergency landing. Passengers on board Southwestern flight recall their traumatic experience The 41-year-old had suffered "significant trauma", she said. Ms Phillips did not go into detail about the woman's injuries but tried to offer some idea of them. She said: "If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600 miles an hour and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body, with your face, then I think I can probably tell you that there was significant trauma to the body." The woman's family said in a statement that the 43-year-old community leader died Tuesday on the flight, describing her as "the bedrock of our family". Her death sparked an outpouring of grief and public sympathy from Albuquerque business leaders, state elected officials, writers and activists - all who portrayed Riordan as gracious and selfless. "Jennifer's vibrancy, passion, and love infused our community and reached across our country," her family said. "Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family." Investigators into the incident are focusing on whether wear and tear caused a fan blade to snap off. Initial findings showed evidence of "metal fatigue", the National Transportation Safety Board said. The engine on the Boeing 737 as it sat on the runway / AP "This fan blade was broken right at the hub, and our preliminary examination of this was there is evidence of metal fatigue where the blade separated," said NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt. Metal fatigue is a weakening of metal from repeated use and involves microscopic cracks. It can occur in fan blades, the aluminum skin on most planes, or other metal parts. Investigators will focus on whether the fan blade broke off at cruising speed - around 500 mph - and started an "uncontained" engine failure that sent debris flying like shrapnel into the plane, where it broke a window. Seven others suffered minor injuries in the incident as pilots of the Boeing 737 were forced to make an abrupt turn toward Philadelphia with 149 people on board. Southwest Airlines emergency landing- Terror on US flight as aircraft forced to divert after 'engine explodes' "We heard a loud noise and the plane started shaking like nothing I've ever experienced before. It sounded like the plane was coming apart, and I think we pretty quickly figured out that something happened with the engine," Ms Phillips told WFAA-TV in Dallas. She said they started losing altitude and the masks came down, and "basically I think all of us thought this might be it." Then she heard commotion a few rows behind her. The plane made an emergency landing on Tuesday / AP "It was a lot of chaos back there - a lot of really upset people and a lot of noise, and a big rush of air, a big whoosh of air," Ms Phillips said. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. A piece of the covering was later found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles (112 kilometres) west of Philadelphia, Mr Sumwalt said. Tammie Jo Shults: The pilot who landed the Boeing 737 As a precaution, Southwest said it will inspect similar engines in its fleet over the next 30 days. CEO Gary Kelly said there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected on Sunday. She walked through the aisle and talked with passengers to make sure they were OK after the aircraft touched down. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her," said Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas. A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a mother-of-two who was killed after she was almost sucked out of a Southwest Airlines plane window following a mid-air explosion. Bank executive Jennifer Riordan, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was returning from a business trip in New York when she died in the horrifying incident on the Dallas-bound flight. The 41-year-olds vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country, her heartbroken family said in a statement published by WFAA-TV. They added that her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. Tragically killed in a plane accident: Jennifer Riordan / AP Ms Riordan's family described her as "the bedrock of our family, adding: Her beauty and love is evident through our children. She is the first person to be killed on a US commercial flight since 2009. Southwest Airlines emergency landing- Terror on US flight as aircraft forced to divert after 'engine explodes' She was reportedly hit by shrapnel after the Boeing 737 blew an engine at 32,000ft on Tuesday. Jennifer Riordan was killed in the horrifying incident / Facebook Mrs Riordan, who worked for Wells Fargo bank, was well known in New Mexico where she graduated from university before building a career in community relations and communications over more than two decades. Heroic pilot: Tammie Jo Shults Mike English, a spokesman for Wells Fargo in New Mexico, said Riordan "was a well-known leader who was loved and respected." The engine on the Boeing 737 as it sits on the runway / AP New Mexico governor Susana Martinez called Riordan "an incredible woman who put her family and community first" and said her loss would be felt across the state. "The hearts of all New Mexicans are with the Riordan family," Martinez, a Republican, said in a statement on Tuesday. Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said his thoughts and prayers were with Riordan's family. "Today, Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community," he said in a statement. Keller said Riordan's leadership and philanthropic efforts "made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed." State Attorney General Hector Balderas called Riordan a dear friend. "I was honoured to work with her on financial literacy issues for over a decade," said Balderas. "Jennifer was exceptionally active and passionate in working to improve our community, and I express our sincerest condolences to her husband and children." Riordan and her husband, Michael Riordan, a former chief operating officer for Albuquerque, had been married for more than 20 years. The pilot of the plane, which had 149 people aboard, took it into a rapid descent and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. S tormy Daniels, the porn star locked in a legal battle with Donald Trump, has released a sketch of a man she claims threatened her in a Las Vagas car park in 2011. A $100,000 (70,000) reward for information on the man, who allegedly told her to leave the US President alone, has been offered by Ms Daniels lawyer. Describing the suspect, the adult-film star said he was "sort of handsome". Ms Daniels, who shared the image on Tuesday, told ABCs The View that she was speaking out because she was tired of being bullied and threatened. Im done. Im sorry, Im done being bullied, she told the show. This artist's drawing purports to show the man that the adult film actress Stormy Daniels says threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011 / AP Ms Daniels claimed she engaged in an affair with the now-US President over a decade ago in a recent interview with US current affairs show 60 Minutes. The actress, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, is fighting Mr Trump's lawyers who are seeking at least $20m in damages from her for breaking a 2016 non-disclosure deal. The US leaders lawyer Michael Cohen had admitted to paying Ms Daniels $130,000 just before the 2016 presidential election, which she says was a payment intended to keep her quiet. Daniels, left, claims Mr Trump had an affair with her She has filed a lawsuit to scrap the agreement. Ms Daniels' appearance on the ABC show came a day after she attended a hearing in a Manhattan federal court. There, Mr Cohen sought to limit the ability of federal prosecutors to review the documents seized in 9 April raids on his home, office and hotel room. South African Airways has donated 11 tons of food supplements to nodding syndrome disease victims in Omoro district. Yogi Birigwa, the airline's country managing director, led the team of officials in delivering the consignment in Omoro on Tuesday, April 17. South African Airways country manager Yogi Birigwa (2nd left) hands out some of the food supplements to nodding disease victims in Omoro on Tuesday April 17 The supplements include soya blend, which contains high nutritional value. Nodding syndrome is a severe neurological disorder that causes head nodding and nerve disabilities. It affects largely children. According to the ministry of Health statistics, more than 130 children have been killed by the disease in northern Uganda. Another estimated 2,000 people are suffering from the disease in Gulu, Lira, Lamwo, Omoro and Amuru districts. Omoro alone has more than 250 victims, officials say. nicholasbamulanzeki@gmail.com I n 2018, it emerged that hundreds of Caribbean immigrants in the UK were being wrongly targeted by immigration enforcements, with many being detained or deported. Due to the government's "hostile environment" policies, the Windrush Generation of Commonwealth citizens were denied healthcare and threatened with deportation. This became known as the Windrush scandal, which led to the resignation of then-Home Secretary Amber Rudd after she admitted to "inadvertantly" misleading MPs over the targets set for the voluntary removal of migrants. Theresa May, UK Prime Minister at the time, apologised to the heads of 12 Caribbean countries after an outcry that saw 140 MPs sign a letter to demand a resolution to the crisis. Windrush generation immigrant:Government 'apology just not good enough' What was the Windrush Scandal? The Windrush generation was the generation of immigrants who arrived in Britain between 1948 and 1973. They were named after the ship HMT Empire Windrush, came from African and Caribbean countries under a rule allowing freedom of movement within the Commonwealth. Minors travelled on their parents' documents and some never registered for a passport as they did not intend to travel abroad. But because they never asked for documents proving their status and the Home Office did not automatically issue any, many were then asked to leave the UK after then-Home Secretary Theresa May brought in the "hostile environment" immigration policies in 2013. The 1971 Immigration Act gave indefinite leave to remain to Commonwealth citizens already living in the UK, because freedom of movement within the Commonwealth was ending. However, the Home Office did not record the details of each individual - so it became hard for those who didn't get documents at the time to prove that they were in the UK legally. Many cases emerged in 2018 of Windrush children - now adults who have lived in the UK for several decades - facing the threat of deportation. What compensation did those affected receive? More than 160 people were detained or deported in the Windrush scandal. However, as yet only 60 people have received financial compensation, despite 1,275 people applying for payouts from the government as of March this year. Officials have only paid out 360,000 to five percent of claimants - despite setting aside an estimated 200million for compensation. The Migration Observatory at Oxford University estimates there are 500,000 people resident in the UK who arrived before 1971 from a Commonwealth country. Ms May's official spokesman said the then-Prime Minister was clear that "no-one with the right to be here will be made to leave". In her resignation letter Ms Rudd took "full responsibility" over her lack of knowledge regarding targets for migrant removal. O ur love of chilli peppers is in equal parts ridiculous and sublime. Were the only animal to eat this literally pain-inducing food, but weve been at it for thousands of years from the ancient Inca who regarded it as holy, to todays competitive eaters who devour it for sport (and our entertainment). Whether as an ingredient or a dip, chili sauces are central to several cuisines. What would Mexican food be without chipotle? Who can imagine Thai food without sriracha? British cuisine, too, is feeling the burn, as new producers experiment with innovative recipes and selectively bred chili varieties. The health benefits are not to be sniffed at either. In many cases, it can improves digestive health and metabolism, vanquish migraines, fight off colds, and may even help you live longer. Theres method in the masochism. Considering this world of options, which sauce should you buy? To help you make that choice, weve tested sauces with wildly differing tastes and heat levels, from mild and fruity to the sort of sauce that will turn you into a live-action version of the fire emoji. Pour yourself a glass of heat-numbing milk, and lets begin Dorset Chilli Shop Antidote Slow Cooked Red Pepper, Reaper and Scorpion Chilli Sauce Best for: more than just a sweaty face Heat rating: 9/10 This perversely moreish sauce is a great choice to cook with provided you can persuade your dinner guests to sign a waiver first. We say this because Antidote contains the worlds hottest pepper, the California Reaper, which packs about 400 times as much punch as the humble jalapeno. This fierce pepper makes up 4.2 per cent of the sauce, while scorpion chili contributes another 2.4 per cent. No wonder several of our testers remarked on a lingering burn to the back of the throat, and even a touch of faintness. This one is definitely not for wallflowers. That said, most of whats in the bottle is made up of red pepper, onion, cider vinegar and spices, which combine to create a rich taste that would make a fine addition to a stew or chilli con carne. Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wings sauce Best for: slathering chicken - wings, thighs and burgers Heat rating: 7/10 Franks From the Niagara Falls border town of Buffalo, NY, the eponymous sauce is one of our favourite condiments of all time, and Franks has the finest version. Dancing with low-heat cayenne, the sauce is endlessly versatile, with flavour coming from an even balance of the aforementioned peppers as well as vinegar, salt, garlic and paprika. Its finger-sucking delicious, which is probably why it does so well on wings, and makes an unforgettable addition to a humble fried chicken burger. Franks makes two versions and while the original (1.49) is a perfectly good use of fridge space, the thicker-bodied Wings edition is undoutedly the star attraction here. If you spy it on offer, stock up - you can never have too much of this stellar sauce. Cholula hot sauce original Best for: everything, even cereal Heat rating: 3/10 Cholula Another Mexican fave, this hot sauce is prolific both in its origin country and on our fair shores here in the UK. Made with arbol and piquin peppers, the citrusy heat works well to bring out the flavours of myriad dishes, from weeknight spag bol to BBQ bites hot off the grill. The mild flavour has won it legions of fans who would fight for the last drops, and there are wonderful sister varieties to try in addition to the original. If you've had this and want a taste of something different, we recommend the Lime - a fabulous partner to chilli. Sauce Shop Habanero Hot Sauce Best for: the reckless Heat rating: 9/10 Sauce Shop Yikes! You would do well to exercise caution and care with Sauce Shops fearsome Habanero Hot Sauce, which is packed with enough of the peppers spicy notes to keep your tastebuds tingling for hours on end. Originally from the Amazon and widely used in Mexican cuisine, habanero peppers are loved for their intense heat as well as floral fruitness, but the latter is subdued here thanks to a three month aging process to ramp up the heat. Drip this (carefully!) into soups, stews and stir-fries to enjoy it best. Valentina Salsa Picante Hot Sauce Best for: drizzling over fajitas and tacos Heat rating: 8/10 Valentina Made in Guadalajara, youll find this glass bottle of hot sauce in taquerias all over Mexico; its one of the most-reached for sauces in the country. Die-hard fans have brought back tales of its rich flavour to the UKs shores, and youll find it in niche specialist stores like MexGrocer. Theres a regular variety, but we like the taste of the black label Salsa Picante, a couple of levels up in heat and made with dried arbol chilli peppers. A first sniff reveals an earthy smokiness that translates to heat on the tongue; its hot but not uncomfortably so, the smoke subsiding to an afternote of lemon. We tried it over nachos, where mixed with guac, sour cream and cheese, it blossoms beautifully. Prairie Fire Caribbean Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce 150ml Best for: pouring over Jerk chicken Heat raing: 7/10 Prairie Fire The taste of the Caribbean in a bottle, Prairie Fires hot sauce is a revelation to anyone who may have shied away from the intense Scotch Bonnet in the past. Its here in a generous amount but balanced with an addictive fruity sweetness that will have you reaching for the slim glass bottle the second the heat subsides. It reminded us of Enconas original hot pepper sauce (1.55) but a much more pleasant version, and still edible even if youve accidentally overpilled the rich red sauce. Naturally, it pairs superbly with Jerk chicken, but wed use it on grilled corn and rice dishes too. Tabasco Mild Green Pepper Sauce 57ml Best for: everyday, every-meal heat Heat raing: 3/10 Tabasco A great hot sauce doesnt have to have your tears streaming down your cheeks to be considered one of the greats. A milder flavour can be more complex, like Tabascos mild green pepper sauce. An ES Best favourite, the emerald-green jalapeno is the star of the show here, and the gentle pepper enhances everything from pizza and pasta to a grilled cheese with such aplomb weve been known to decant it so we can take it with us everywhere. Theres a lemony kick which combined with the vinegary tones, makes it a cheerleader for flavour whatevers on your plate. Casa Firelli Hot Sauce Best for: the fearful Heat rating: 2/10 Casa Firelli Despite having fire in its name (and a man with his head aflame as a logo), this sauce is more about gentle smoky heat rather than a raging inferno. While many hot sauces hail from exotic corners of the world, this one was produced in Parma, Italy - which may go some way to explaining the dialled down spice element. Think of a barbecue sauce with gentle kick, and youre on the right track. For seasoned pros, the Calabrian chillies may not register, but the rich smokey notes will do well on jacket potatoes and Bloody Marys, or on pizza, for which it was designed. Add it to the condiment tray at your next BBQ. Bull's-Eye Red Hot Chilli Sauce Best for: American style BBQ Heat rating: 5/10 Tested on a Southwestern chicken burger, this smokey sauce from Bull's-Eye is actually a barbecue sauce so concentrated with gorgeous chilli flavour you can treat it like a hot sauce and no one will be the wiser, although we doubt the bottle will remain full for long. Wallops of smokey scotch bonnet are balanced against hints of onion and just a touch of gingerwe caught several testers finger-scraping the last traces from their plates. If you're a vegetarian try a few dashes on grilled cornyou'll never go back. The Smokey Carter Scotch Bonnet Hot Sauce Best for: sweet and spicy wings Heat rating: 6/10 Our testers rated this glorious scotch bonnet sauce from Mancunian maker The Smokey Carter as the best-tasting of the bunch. It works especially well as a marinade for meat or veg, with a honey-sweet, tropical favour that gives way to a slightly bitter aftertaste and a lasting heat that veritably needles away at the tongue. The scotch bonnet is surely one of the worlds tastiest peppers and The Smokey Carter has done it proud. On a somewhat milder note, we highly recommend trying The Smokey Carters Two Carolina BBQ Sauce too its utterly divine. Tan Rosies Garlic & Pepper Sauce (Hot) Best for: Caribbean heat Heat rating: 8/10 The most memorable (scarring?) characteristic of Tan Rosies Garlic & Pepper Sauce is its severe and long-lasting burn. It was without a doubt one of the hottest hot sauces we tasted, making it a must-taste for heat freaks. At this end of the spice scale, it gets a little harder to isolate flavours amidst the ferocious heat, though we could just about discern a sour, metallic, garlicky taste that would work a charm on Sports Bar-style wings. Tan Rosies garlic and pepper sauce gets its considerable kick from the scotch bonnet pepper so named for its resemblance to the tam o shanter hat. Bonnie Sauce Co. Smoky Chipotle 275ml Best for: chip n dip marathons Heat rating: 4/10 Bonnie Sauce Co. have made a chipotle sauce to cherish here, with a delightful and distinctive flavour in which vinegar and smoked jalapeno stand to the fore. It has a similar colour and consistency to burger sauce, and could well be used in its place (though the two have very different flavours). We found this sauce to have a really pleasant amount of kick; hot enough to pack a punch, but mild enough to be eaten in considerable quantities. Good job, because youll want to eat this by the dessert spoonful. Sauce Shop Sriracha Best for: brightening up breakfast, lunch and dinner Heat rating: 4/10 Sauce Shops excellent take on a classic hot sauce may not be as innovative as some of our other contenders, but it is nonetheless well worth a berth in your kitchen cupboard. It has a pleasant, slightly sticky, ketchup-like texture, which helps it stay concentrated and potent, whatever youre eating it with. One taste and youll get the feeling youre about to enjoy a delicious Thai meal as well you may be. That being said, it also works a treat on salami pizza, and is a nothing-short-of-revelatory addition to scrambled eggs on toast. Sriracha is one of the worlds best-loved hot sauces for good reason and The Sauce Shop have done it proud. Daves Gourmet Ghost Pepper Naga Jolokia Hot Sauce Best for: sheer heat (and probably also for stripping paint) Heat rating: 10/10 The hottest of hot sauces containing a frankly shocking concentration of ghost pepper and hot pepper extract. My legs feel like jelly, said one tester; PAIN! whimpered another; and that about sums it up. Daves Gourmet has created a sauce of profound and harrowing spiciness. If you love hot chilli, youll adore it. In terms of flavour, this sauce doesnt measure up to somewhat milder options like the Dorset Chilli Shops Antidote or The Smokey Carters scotch bonnet sauce. However, if youre cooking a meal thats already packed with tasty ingredients and you are hell-bent on adding some extreme heat, look no further. Original Juan Pain is Good Jamaican Style Best for: mouth-watering marinades Heat rating: 8/10 Phwoar. Its probably in the name. Original Juans Jamaican Style hot sauce is a seriously spicy condiment that harnesses the power of the habanero pepper to set masochistic mouths on fire. Itll keep your taste buds alight too, with a lovely pineapple flavour that cuts through the heat beautifully. This was comfortably one of the most enjoyable hot sauces we tested, offering a masterful combination of heat and flavour that will appeal particularly to lovers of Caribbean cuisine. We recommend using it to make a mouth-watering marinade. Verdict A nt McPartlins mum Christine Woodhall has reportedly vowed to sort her son out following his drink-driving hearing earlier this week. McPartlin was given a 20-month driving ban and an 86,000 fine after pleading guilty to drink-driving, with which he was charged with by postal requisite on March 21 following a crash last month. According to The Mirror, McPartlin will turn to his mum, who was in the car with him when he crashed, for support as he recovers. A source told the publication: She hopes to be able to see him or speak to him. She was very shocked by the court case. Pictured: Ant McPartlin's mum leaves the home he is renting in West London after he was arrested at the scene of a crash on Sunday afternoon for drink driving. 2018/03/19 Picture by Georgie Gillard / Daily Mail Its been a real wake-up call for everyone. She was not aware of his drinking when he got into the car; she would have said something. But she will help him sort himself out. Moments after the hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates Court on Monday, McPartlin said in a sombre address that he was "truly sorry" for letting down family, friends and fans. Ant McPartlin very sorry after pleading guilty to drink-driving He was twice the legal limit when he was involved in a collision with two other cars while driving his Mini in Richmond. The court was told the charge states he had 75 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The legal limit is 35 microgrammes per 100 millilitres of breath. Ant McPartlin arriving at Wimbledon Magistrates Court - In pictures 1 /9 Ant McPartlin arriving at Wimbledon Magistrates Court - In pictures Rex Getty Images Getty Images PA Ant McPartlin arrives at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court Rex Features Rex TV presenter Anthony McPartlin steps from a vehicle as he arrives at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court PA Getty Images PA Speaking on the court steps following sentencing McPartlin said: "I just want to say I'm truly sorry for what happened. "High standards are expected of me, I expect them of myself. I've let myself down, I let a lot of people down. And for that I am truly sorry. "I'd like apologise to everybody involved in the crash and I'm just thankful no-one was seriously hurt." T V star Dale Winton has died at the age of 62, his agent has announced. The presenter, best known for the quiz show Supermarket Sweep, died at his home earlier on Wednesday. "It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today," long-term agent Jan Kennedy said in a statement. "While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief." Winton: The star died at his home aged 62 (PA Archive/PA Images) / PA No further details were announced about the star's death. Much-loved personality Winton was also known for shows Family Fortunes and In It To Win It as well as, most recently Channel 5's Dale Winton's Florida Fly Drive. Dale Winton - In pictures 1 /17 Dale Winton - In pictures TV star Dale Winton PA Presenter Dale Winton on the National Lottery PA Dale Winton with The Spice Girls PA Switching on the Blackpool Illuminations with Dr Who star David Tenant PA He was best known for show Supermarket Sweep PA Dale Winton at the 1999 BAFTA Awards Dave Benett With David Walliams at the wedding of Little Britain star Matt Lucas PA Pictured in 2002 at the British Comedy Awards PA Dale Winton on EastEnders Fighting Fit with Dr Rosemary Leonard, Tamzin Outhwaite, Astrud Longhurst and Adam Woodyatt BBC ONE Dale Winton on I'm the answer Dale Winton in the Radio 2 studion BBC Dale Winton BBC Dale Winton arring at a housewarmign party held by David Walliams' Colin MacFarlane/Splash News Dale Winton on Hole in the Wall BBC He died at his home on Wednesday PA 12 YARD BBC Following news of his death tributes began to pour in for the star, with many speaking out to say he was a "warm, kind and funny man". Winton: stars have paid tribute to the presenter (PA Archive/PA Images) / PA Mourners were led by fellow presenters including Davina McCall and Piers Morgan. McCall said: "I am so so so sad to hear about Dale Winton. A lovely, warm, kind, sensitive, generous soul with a touch of naughty ! RIP" "Very sad news. A warm, funny man & superb TV presenter," added Morgan. Actor Michael Ball described Winton as a "true gentleman... charming and so kind". And Blue star Antony Costa said he was "devastated" over the death of the star. He wrote on Twitter: "No no no my old friend #dalewinton has died I'm absolutely devastated one of the most kindest men you could ever meet...#RIPdalewinton xxx." Winton started out as a DJ in London before joining the airwaves as a radio presenter. He later started presenting on the BBC in Bristol before moving to BBC One. P iers Morgans wife Celia Walden has revealed her theory behind her husbands freakishly smooth forehead. The controversial broadcaster returned to Good Morning Britain this week after a break for the Easter holidays. As he made his comeback next to Susanna Reid in the shows new home, guests and viewers alike commented on Morgans complexion and how his skin was looking radiant and youthful. Lorraine Kelly, who compared Morgan to a boiled egg, invited him on the show to discuss his beauty regime but Morgan was stopped in his tracks as Kelly revealed she had his wife on the phone, who offered her own theory on his skin. Youthful: Piers Morgan has stunned viewers with his looks since returning from his holiday / Ken McKay/ITV/REX Walden told the show: I have a theory about Piers freakishly smooth forehead and that is that his ego is so large its actually pushing outwards and plumping out the skin from within. Im yet to get a dermatologist to substantiate this but Im pretty sure thats what is going on. Morgan joked: You know what? Why dont you get back in the kitchen and prepare me my meal? Married: Piers Morgan and Celia Walden tied the knot in 2010 / John Phillips/Getty Images Im not having you saying that on live television, he teased. Earlier in the interview, the 53-year-old explained that taking a break from the early morning starts and relaxing in Los Angeles surrounded by palm trees, basking in heat and swimming had served him well. He added: And then you can eat as much cheese and drink as much wine as you like because by then youre already a lean, mean machine. A ctress Rose McGowan has revealed that she tried to expose sexual misconduct claims against Harvey Weinstein with a billboard, before admitting that she doesnt think he will ever be prosecuted. Whistleblower McGowan, who is an ardent #MeToo campaigner, was the first actress to make claims against director Weinstein alleging that he raped her, which he strongly denies. And speaking to Good Morning Britain, the star explained what she planned to use her settlement money for years ago. McGowan said: There's a misnomer that I was offered money - I requested money. I requested, bless my young heart, thought $100,000 was very much a lot of money, and enough to buy a billboard which I tried to buy it to say 'Harvey Weinstein is a rapist', but they shut me down, surprisingly. Rose McGowan tried to use settlement money to buy billboard accusing Weinstein of rape And I was like, okay I never signed a non-disclosure agreement. I said if I hear of you doing this to another woman I will come for you. And it was 20-years-ago and so I set about doing exactly what I said I would do. But talking about possible convictions from the sexual misconduct allegations, McGowan was less positive. Whistleblower: Rose McGowan was one of the first to speak out / Ken McKay/ITV/REX She said: I think you have to understand the judicial system is completely stacked against victims in any way, shape or form, in that most people cannot in fact seek justice that way. I think there should be specially trained police officers, and justices, and judges, that are specifically trained in sexual assault, sexual harassment and abuse, so they can understand it more. Right now it's going into regular court systems...It's deeper than what it looks like on the surface, and I don't think Harvey Weinstein will ever be prosecuted for any rapes. Weinstein denies all allegations of non-consensual sex. Countries & Areas Search for country or area A Afghanistan Albania Algeria Andorra Angola Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Australia Austria Azerbaijan B Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil Brunei Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burma Burundi C Cabo Verde Cambodia Cameroon Canada Central African Republic Chad Chile China Colombia Comoros Costa Rica Cote dIvoire Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czechia D Democratic Republic of the Congo Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic E Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia F Fiji Finland France G Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Greece Grenada Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana H Haiti Holy See Honduras Hungary I Iceland India Indonesia Iran Iraq Ireland Israel Italy J Jamaica Japan Jordan K Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Kosovo Kuwait Kyrgyzstan L Laos Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg M Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia Moldova Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Morocco Mozambique N Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria North Korea North Macedonia Norway O Oman P Pakistan Palau Palestinian Territories Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Poland Portugal Q Qatar R Republic of the Congo Romania Russia Rwanda S Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Korea South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syria T Taiwan Tajikistan Tanzania Thailand Timor-Leste Togo Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Tuvalu U Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom Uruguay Uzbekistan V Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Y Yemen Z Zambia Zimbabwe The Judicial Inspection (IJ) exercised a new disciplinary action, namely the third, against Laura Codruta Kovesi, Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA), for violating the provisions of the Constitutional Court's decision by refusing to come to Parliament - the Special Investigation Committee, the IJ announced on Wednesday. According to a communique sent to STIRIPESURSE, the disciplinary action was exercised for acts that violate professional honor and the prestige of justice, committed in the exercise of or outside the exercise of the job duties and the non-observance of the Constitutional Court's decisions, disciplinary deviations provided for by art. 99 lit. a) and b) of Law no. 303/2004. "The motivation of the action refers to the fact that the chief prosecutor of the DNA violated the explicit provisions of the Constitutional Court's Decision No. 611 of 3 November 2017 by refusing to appear before the Romanian Parliament - the Chamber of Deputies' and Senate's special committee of inquiry into the organisation of the 2009 elections and the results of the presidential election and to provide the requested information or to make available the other documents or evidence held, useful to the committee's activity," the source quoted reads.The IJ also states that the DNA chief prosecutor's public position, manifested after the decision of the Constitutional Court, has affected the professional honor and the prestige of the magistrate function with the consequence of the violation of the provisions of articles 4 para. (1) and 90 of Law no. 303/2004, art. 104 of Law no. 161/2003 on certain measures for ensuring transparency in the exercise of public dignity, public functions and in the business environment, prevention and sanctioning of corruption, and of Articles 7, 17, 18 and 20 of the Code of Conduct for Judges and Prosecutors.The Judicial Inspection shows that the disciplinary probe was forwarded the Disciplinary Department of the Prosecution Section of the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM), which will decide on the magistrate's responsibility.There are two other complaints from the Judicial Inspection against Laura Codruta Kovesi for disciplinary misconduct, one of them having the term of May 9.According to a IJ press release, in Kovesi's case, one of the disciplinary misconduct acts refers to 'the manifestations that damage the honour or professional reliability or the prestige of the institution, committed while or outside exerting the job duties, consisting of having expressed, during a working meeting, positions meant to damage the honour and professional reliability of the prosecutor magistrates, as well as the prestige of the institution, circumstances identified in the audio recordings that came up in the media environment on 18 June 2017.At the same time, the IJ says, Kovesi used a superior and aggressive tone with her fellow prosecutors, inadmissible in relation to the minimal standards of ethics of a magistrate, generating among public opinion a sense of indignation and legitimate doubt regarding the observance of the principles of the supremacy of the Constitution and the laws, as well as the impartiality of the prosecutors.On April 11, the IJ announced having conducted a second disciplinary action against DNA Chief Prosecutor Laura Codruta Kovesi over the prosecutor's appointment to a control team of a magistrate in an obvious state of incompatibility.Also, The Judicial Inspection has conducted disciplinary action against Ms Laura Codruta Kovesi over commission of disciplinary deviations provided for under Article 99 (g) of the Law No.303/2004, namely failure to observe (...) other administrative obligations provided for by the law or regulations" consisting in the fact that, for the same thematic control, she breached the provisions of Article 65 (3) of the Law no. 304/2004, republished and amended, transposed into the provisions of Article 7 (s) of the Internal Regulations of the National Anticorruption Directorate, which regards the competence to order and conduct thematic control: 'control for special instances and thematic control shall be ordered by the managers of the prosecutor's offices and carried out by them directly or through designated prosecutors', by appointing the counselor to the DNA chief prosecutor, a reassigned judge, who was obviously in a state of incompatibility. Justice Minister Tudorel Toader said on Wednesday that the decision to notify the Romanian Constitutional Court (CCR) after President Klaus Iohannis' refusal to remove from office head of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi is not some personal initiative, but he acted on behalf of the Government of which he is a member. After attending an event organised by the Bucharest School of Economics (ASE), Toader was asked by journalists to comment on a statement by President Iohannis that the justice minister "is disgruntled" because his request for Kovesi's removal was denied. "If he told you, can I contradict him? The President of the Republic always thinks he is right, does not he? I have not acted on my behalf, and that I can tell you so that anyone can hear it. I behave like the minister of justice on behalf of the ministry I co-ordinate, and at the same time being a member of the Government of the ruling alliance. So this hypothesis is absolutely excluded because I did not act and do not act personally. To back my argument, I do not think that the prime minister, the alliance in power would heed to my personal request. I acted and will act on behalf of the government only," Toader explained.Asked about his expectation from notifying CCR, Toader replied that the Constitutional Court will rule "in favour of the rule of law."President Klaus Iohannis said on Wednesday there was "no conflict and no ground" for the Constitutional Court to be act following his decision not to remove from office the chief anti-graft prosecutor."In my opinion, there is no conflict and no grounds for the Constitutional Court notified. In the whole process initiated by the minister with his request for removal, in requesting the opinion of the Supreme Council of Magistrates (CSM) and finally my decision the legislation in force in this field was observed 100 percent, and as we all know, the law leaves it to the president whether or not to accept this proposal for removal. There is no legal basis," said Iohannis.He stressed that, as far as he is concerned, the procedure was completed."It would be particularly odd if every time a decision-maker makes a decision that does not convince a partner or institutions we face a constitutional conflict; I do not think so. Personally, I think we can understand that the minister is personally disgruntled that his request was denied, but from there to a constitutional conflict is a long way. I repeat, there is no conflict between the President and the Government, and there is but absolutely no basis for a referral to the CCR. What is there to be notified or the court to rule on? That I did not agree on a matter where the law expressly tells me that I can agree or disagree. Or can the curt rule on the timeliness of the decision I made? No way. From my perspective, the procedure is over," said Iohannis. Parliament approved on Wednesday by a vote of 210 to 90 the establishment of the joint select Committee on the drafting of the administrative code. The Committee will be tasked with analyzing the current regulatory framework, the elaboration of projects and the centralization and examination of legislative initiatives relevant to this area. It can also act as the initiator of legislative proposals. The Committee shall work on a period of 6 months, with the possibility to extend the deadline; its sessions are usually public.The establishment of the committee came under fire from the National Liberal Party (PNL), Save Romania Union (USR) and People's Movement Party (PMP) representatives.Liberal deputy Florin Roman said that instead of decentralizing the local administration, the draft administrative code centralizes it and that this move is equivalent to "treading with the boots" into the local autonomy, cautioning that this foreshadows the revival of local barons. "We turn the prefects into local Gods and the mayors become servants in the hands of abusive prefects. You have opened Pandora's box, but the tables will turn," Roman said, referring to the project initiated by the Social Democratic Party ( PSD , major at rule - ed.n).USR Senator Florina Presada argued that the draft administrative code is "an unimaginable legislative mess" and that the true intentions of the initiators of the draft administrative code are "politicizing the prefect's office, the administrative act, the heedlessness of public institution managers. This code does not solve at all the problems of public administration in Romania but deepens them," Presada said, adding that for PSD and the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats (ALDE, minor at rule - ed.n.) this project practically means the weakening of integrity criteria and anti-corruption criteria.USR opposes the establishment of the committee, Presada underscored.The Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR) Senator Cseke Attila said that the issue of the administrative code could be solved in a special commission and stressed that the Union desires the decentralization of the local government."The important thing is what we want from the administrative code. What we see in the project is centralization. (...) Is this what we want? (...) Do we want to strengthen the prefect's institution or not? We, at UDMR, do not want to strengthen the institution of the prefect," completed Cseke Attila. Washington appears to believe that if one wishes something strongly, it will come true. Thats what makes it harp on the same string, telling the world stories about Russias isolation. US Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, did her best to portray Russia as an ostracized state after the UN Security Council did not support the Moscow-submitted draft resolution on Syria on April 15. 8 countries out of 15 voted no, four abstained and three supported the document. They don't have very good friends, she said happy about the fact that Kazakhstan abstained. The friends that they do have are causing them harm," she added. Was there any reason to say so? The resolution was backed by Russia, Bolivia and China, the economic giant with huge global influence. China as well as Russia is a member of BRICS a group of five leading nations coordinating their activities and implementing joint projects. The group will hold a summit in July. Kazakhstan is Russias CSTO ally and EAEU partner. Its not a member of NATO or the EU. The country hosts the Astana peace process and traditionally plays the role of mediator. It did so again to go between the West and Russia. Its vote was not decisive anyway. But in his speech, the Kazakhstan UN ambassador stressed that his country is frustrated by the use of force in Syria. According to him, there was no approval of the April 13 air strikes by the UN Security Council to make the action unjustified. The SCO is a large international group America is not a member of but Russia is. It brings together 8 members, 4 observers and 6 dialogue partners. They are all Moscow friendly countries united by common interests in many spheres. Russia has many friends in Latin America, including Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba, among others. It enjoys good working relationship with the continents leaders, such as Brazil, a BRICS partner, Chile and Argentina. The list can go on. Unlike the US, Russias role in the Middle East is growing. Moscows Middle East and North Africa policy is a success story. Its influence is increasing in Asia-Pacific. Turkey voted against the Russia-submitted draft resolution and Western media rushed to the conclusion it is swaying from Russia back to the West. French President Macron jumped the gun saying, "With those strikes, we have separated Russia from Turkey on this. Turkey condemned the chemical weapons." Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu wasted no time to reply that the relations with Moscow were too strong for the French president to break them. Turkey showed it enjoys more independence than France. The US ambassador to the UN forgot too soon the events of 2003 when Germany and France, the closest NATO allies, sided with Russia, refusing to support the invasion of Iraq. Today, NATO is far from being united as it seems at first glance. Cracks appear throughout the EU. Not all member states click their heels upon getting orders from the US. Some elements of America First policy alienate old friends. Looks like the relationship with Italy, an old ally, will be a big headache for the US after the country forms a new coalition government, which appears to be more friendly to Russia than America. This is the time when Europes once-positive worldview of America is slipping. With rifts and discords tearing it apart, the West is losing out to Russia and China, with the US leadership questioned and on the wane. The US faces big challenges to its influence in Latin America. Fewer people in the region view America favorably. It loses ground in the Middle East and Asia. US influence has plummeted in many regions of the world recently. It has problems in the relations with Canada, its ally and neighbor. Americas brand is tarnished. Its foreign policy is widely disapproved. According to Gallup, only 30% of people in 134 countries held a favorable view of the US in 2018, a drop of almost 20 points compared to the presidency of Barack Obama. Globally, the number of people who see America as a major threat is on the rise. Russias President Vladimir Putin has outranked US President Donald Trump in worldwide favorability. Last year, the world trusted Putin more than Trump on foreign affairs. You are misguided if you think you have friends, Russias UN Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told the US counterpart at April 9 Security Council meeting on Syria. One may agree or disagree. Its hard to define what is exactly meant by the term friendship in international affairs. There are allies, partners and fellow travelers. The US still enjoys significant clout but it is being diminished as new poles of power appear. Russias global standing is obviously on the rise. Like it or not, one cant change the reality. Its sad that the US Ambassador to the UN lives in her fantasy world. In 2016 Qatar announced major weapons purchase involving nearly $6 billion worth of ships. Details of the ships were lacking then but now that has all been worked out and construction begins this year and will take six years to complete. Qatar ordered an LPD amphibious ship, four 3,000 ton corvettes and two 700 ton OPVs (offshore patrol vessels). This basically replaces the smaller Cold War era Qatar navy of nine patrol boats and one LST. The LPD will be based on an existing Italian design (San Giusto-class) and an export model that was delivered to Algeria in 2014. The Algerian LPD had been ordered in 2011 and has a floodable dock for landing craft and a flight deck for helicopters. There are also hospital facilities. The crew had been training in Italy since 2013. Most Algerians live along the coast and this ship would be useful for disaster relief as well as military uses. Qatar has a similar situation. The Algerian LPD is armed with a 76mm cannon, sixteen Aster vertical launch anti-aircraft missile (with a range up to 15 kilometers) cells and two remotely controlled 25mm autocannon. The Qatari LPD has four 30mm autocannons instead. The Qatari LPD will operate NH90 helicopters which can be armed with anti-ship missiles. Five helicopters can fit on the deck and another five in the hanger deck (which can also accommodate vehicles for the amphibious troops). The dock in the rear has nine small landing craft. The vehicle/hanger deck (below the flight deck) can hold 15 armored vehicles and there are accommodations for 440 troops. The ship is operated by a crew of 150. The ship also has a small hospital with an operating room. Troop accommodations can be used to handle some patients as well as civilians in general. Fuel and other supplies allow the ship to stay at sea for 20 days at a time. The San Giorgio class amphibious transport ship is one of the smaller LPD class ships. Italy has three of them, which entered service in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The San Giorgio class ships are 133 meters (435 feet) long and displace only 8,000 tons, while most other LPDs are 20,000 tons or larger. The San Giorgio sacrifices many things (vehicle, helicopter and landing ship capacity) but they can still carry a small (400 men) battalion of troops, 36 vehicles, six landing craft (in a well in the rear of the ship) and up to six helicopters. Armament consists of two 25mm autocannons. The Algerians received an upgraded San Giorgio. The export versions for Algeria and Qatar are a little heavier (at 8,800 tons) and have the more modern equipment. Since the 1990s Qatar has acquired over twenty new patrol boats but the most recent purchase gives Qatar the largest warships it has ever owned. The suppliers are European with most (77 percent) of it from Italy and are the largest single naval export sale ever for Italy. The other 23 percent of the sale is to European firm MBDA for anti-aircraft missile systems for the new ships. The ship contract includes ten years of logistical and technical support for the corvettes and five for the LPD. All the ships will be in service by the mid-2020s. Qatar is also expanding and upgrading its ground and air forces Qatar is small (11,437 square kilometers/4,416 square miles) state with a population of 2.6 million. It has large oil revenues, giving it a per-capita GDP that is the highest in the world. The emir (ruler) has made sure that the money is shared, making the population tolerant of being ruled by a monarchy. The emir has recognized that most of the oil and gas will be gone by mid-century and is trying to build a "knowledge economy" that will keep Qatar prosperous after the oil boom is over. Qatar already has refineries, steel plants and other heavy industry and a very low unemployment rate for Qatari citizens. Qatar is one of the many emirates that occupy the western shore of the Persian Gulf. In the 19th century, the coastal emirates (city states that depended on trade, pearls, and fishing) allied themselves with Britain for protection against the Turks (who controlled what is now Iraq), Iran (always a threat to the Arabs), and the interior tribes of Arabia. Britain was interested in suppressing pirates (which often operated out of the Emirates) and halting Turkish expansion. The population of Qatar was less than 100,000 in the early 20th century and didnt really start to grow until the 1970s. For most Qatari citizens, their grandparents lived very different lives. In 1971 seven of the emirates formed a federation: the UAE (United Arab Emirates). There were immediate disputes with Saudi Arabia about where the land and water borders of the UAE should be. Some of those disputes are still unresolved. The Saudis consider themselves the leader of Arabia but most of the people of Arabia (in Yemen, Kuwait, Oman, and the UAE) frequently disagree. As a result, there is a lot of friction. Nevertheless, in 1981, the Gulf Cooperation Council was formed by Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. In 2002 Qatar signed defense agreements with the United States. Qatar has hosted American warplanes and warships since the 1990s. At the same time, Qatar cultivated close relations with Iran and allowed its citizens to support some Islamic terror groups. That led to disputes with its fellow Arabians that are currently unsettled. Meanwhile, its not just Qatar thats buying weapons. All the Arab Gulf states have been buying heavily. Arms sales like this are not unusual for the Middle East. The oil-rich Gulf Arab states have long spent heavily on weapons to protect their wealth and independence. Since 2010 annual arms exports to this region have averaged over $60 billion a year and most of it has gone to the six oil-rich members of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait are the big buyers and the main reason for that is fear of Iran. On the face of it, all those purchases appear to be overkill because Iran had to, until 2015, smuggle in its arms imports, as legitimate purchases were banned by international embargoes that began piling up in the 1980s. Iranian military procurement is less than a tenth of what their Arab neighbors are spending. But the Iranians have a long tradition of doing much with little when it comes to military equipment. In addition, the Arabs have a much less impressive combat record, especially in the last century. So the oil-rich Arabs are trying to equip their troops with a lot of the best stuff available and hope for the best. Qatar goes one step further and tries to work with Iran without becoming an Iranian protectorate. That is at the heart of the current dispute with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. In addition, there is the fact that Arabia is ruled a few powerful clans (the Saudi family is the most prominent) and the Thani clan of Qatar have actually been in power (since 1825) longer than the Saudis (who founded their kingdom a century later.) Peace talks with the Taliban are still on the agenda, as are similar negotiations with the Haqqani Network. There have always been peace talks going on between the government and some Taliban factions and over the last decade, the Taliban has lost the support of many Pushtun tribes because of this. But now factions within the Taliban senior leadership are considering a peace deal. Even Haqqani Network factions are interested. The reason for this growing interest in peace deals is the realization that the Taliban did not, as leaders had assured everyone, roll to victory after the foreign troops left in 2014. That was four years ago and the Afghan government and most Afghans put up a lot more resistance than the Taliban expected. Another problem was the drug gangs, who continue to thrive but produce a product that is hated by most Afghans and regularly denounced by tribal leaders and Moslem clergy for the way the drugs turn so many young Afghans in addicts and a disgrace to their families. Cant blame this one on the Americans. It is also obvious who is getting rich from the drug trade. Afghans making a lot of money in the drug trade are not shy about showing it off. While the Taliban have tried to improve their relationships with the Afghan civilians the Taliban tendency to shut down schools and cell phone service while putting a heavy tax on local commerce heavily. All this is not popular. Its gotten to the point where more tribes are simply mobilizing their armed men into self-defense militias and telling the Taliban to stay away. In times past the Taliban would have sent in some enforcers (often foreigners) to kidnap or murder some key people and dismantle the resistance. This no longer works (the news gets around, which is who most Afghans want their cell phones and the Taliban resist that). In short, its no longer fashionable to be associated with the Taliban. This is not something that happened overnight, its been going on for a long time and has reached the point where the Taliban are seen more as part of the problem than part of any solution. All this is reinforced by a growing Pushtun nationalist movement in Pakistan. That is where most Pushtuns live but the Pushtuns are a small minority while in Afghanistan half as many Pushtuns are the largest minority in the country and a force to be reckoned with. Pushtuns on both sides of the border also agree that India is more of a friend than the Moslem majority of Pakistan who likes to treat India as an enemy (which Indians insist they are not) and Afghanistan as a subordinate nation (which the Afghans do not like at all). India can now trade freely with Afghanistan via a new sea/rail link in Iran and most Afghans prefer this to dependency on Pakistan for access to the rest of the world. Attitudes and alliances are changing and Pakistan and the Taliban they created are the big losers. The Shame Of Afghanistan For Afghanistan the internal threat of Islamic terrorism and drug gangs gets most of the headlines while the third major threat; corruption is doing most of the damage. To put in in perspective Afghanistan is one of the most corrupt nations on the planet. According to international surveys of corruption, Afghanistan ranks 177 out of 180 countries (166 out of 176 last year). Progress, or lack thereof, can be seen in the annual Transparency International Corruption Perception Index where countries are measured on a 1 (most corrupt) to 100 (not corrupt) scale. The most corrupt nations (usually Syria/14, South Sudan/12 and Somalia/9) have a rating of under 15 while of the least corrupt (New Zealand and Denmark) are over 85. The current Afghan score is 15 (15 in 2016) compared to 32 (32) for Pakistan, 28 (26) for Bangladesh, 38 (36) for Sri Lanka, 40 (40) for India, 30 (28) for Burma, 29 (29) for Russia, 41 (40) for China, 14 (13) for Syria, 62 (64) for Israel, 18 (17) for Iraq, 40 (41) for Turkey, 49 (46) for Saudi Arabia, 28 (28) for Lebanon, 33 (36) for the Maldives, 17 (14) for Libya, 71 (66) for the UAE (United Arab Emirates), 75 (74) for the United States, 27 (28) for Nigeria, 43 (45) for South Africa, 73 (72) for Japan, 37 (37) for Indonesia and 54 (53) for South Korea. A lower corruption score is common with nations in economic trouble and problems dealing with Islamic terrorism and crime in general. Afghanistans corruption score has improved since 2012 when it was 8. But Afghanistan is still near the bottom, although in 2012 Afghanistan was the bottom. At the moment the high levels of corruption, made worse by all the bribes paid by drug gangs to produce and move their heroin out of the country has crippled economic growth. With the population growing at three percent a year economic growth is stuck at about two percent a year. There is little foreign investment because of the corruption and the constant fighting with the drug gangs and their Taliban allies. The Taliban have their own agenda which is hostile to economic growth. The Taliban forbid non-religious education and any education for girls. Without better economic growth Afghanistan will continue to be the poorest nation in Eurasia and most Afghans are actually not happy about that. In addition to the corruption survey, Afghanistan did a little better in the UN sponsored World Happiness Index, coming in at number 145 (of 156). The top ten are all the usual suspects (Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Sweden and Australia) and then comes Israel, the happiest country in the Middle East as well as being the most powerful militarily and one of the least corrupt. The rest of the rankings are similar to the corruption survey. The U.S. is at 18th place, UAE at 2o, Saudi Arabia at 33, Kuwait at 45, Russia at 59, Japan at 54, South Korea at 57, Libya at 70, Turkey at 74, Jordan at 90, China at 86, Pakistan at 75, Venezuela at 102, Lebanon at 88, Somalia at 98, Palestinian Territories at 104, Egypt at 122, Iran at 106, Iraq at 117, Bangladesh at 115, Burma at 130, India at 133, Yemen at 152, Syria at 150 and at 156 (last place) Burundi. Communist dictatorships like North Korea and Cuba block access to data needed for the survey and were not rated. Afghan Air Power The Afghan Air Force reported that its dozen or so A-29 aircraft now account for a third of the 15 airstrikes carried out by the Afghans each day (on average). The A-29 Super Tucano is a five ton single engine turbo-prop two-seat trainer/attack aircraft that is used by over a dozen nations. A-29s are armed with two internal 12.7mm (.50 caliber) machine-guns along with 1.5 tons of bombs and rockets. It can stay in the air for 6.5 hours at a time. It is rugged, easy to maintain and cheap. Eighteen A-29s will be in service with Afghanistan by the end of 2018 with an additional six arriving in 2019. The first A-29s entered service in Afghanistan during early 2016. These aircraft can use laser guided bombs as well as unguided ones in addition to Hellfire missiles. Meanwhile, the Americans have greatly increased their number of airstrikes, which now average about fifteen a day. The Afghan Air Force airstrikes are often small-scale, like an armed helicopter firing machine-guns and unguided rockets at ground targets. The Americans can deliver larger bombs as well as laser guided missiles from UAVs. The Afghan Air Force air support has a greater morale impact because the Afghan forces on the ground are talking to Afghan pilots. That means a lot. The main thing is the Afghan security forces now have available about 30 airstrikes a day and that level of support has not been available since before the Americans left in 2014. April 16, 2018: In the southeast (Khost province) there was another clash between Afghan security forces and Pakistani border guards. It was all about Pakistanis and Afghans disagreeing where the border was. Fighting broke out yesterday. At least seven people died, five of them Pakistani and two Afghan border police. One Pakistani border guard was captured. The Pakistani entered an area that the Afghans insisted was on their side of the border and fighting broke out when the Pakistani border guards would not back away. Today a ceasefire was arranged by tribal leaders and Afghanistan returned the bodies of the Pakistani dead and the one captured Pakistani. The Afghan government ordered the army to send additional troops to the border in case the Pakistanis escalated. These clashes are occurring more frequently. April 15, 2018: In the south (Herat, Kandahar, Laghman and Kapisa provinces) the government is training the first 5,000 volunteers for the Territorial Army. If the first 5,000 do well another 31,000 Territorials will be trained and equipped. Territorials are part time soldiers who wear the uniform and receive 70 percent of soldiers pay but only mobilize when needed to defend the area they are from. The idea of a Territorial Force has been around for a long time but the main problem has always been the ultimate loyalty and reliability of the force. The government believes it has worked out a solution. Time will tell. April 14, 2018: The Afghan security forces are having more success shutting down Taliban smuggling routes from Pakistan. These routes are used to bring in weapons, including explosives, as well as foreign Islamic terrorists. Both bombs and foreign Islamic terrorists are unwelcome in Afghanistan because that means more dead civilians. So it has become easier for the security forces to find out which remote smuggling routes the Taliban are using and disrupt them (at great cost to the Taliban). April 13, 2018: In the north (Baghlan province) the Taliban used explosives to take down an electricity transmission tower, halting the supply of electricity imported from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This cut power to much of Kabul. The Taliban carried out this attack because the government prevented the Islamic terrorists from using this imported power for Taliban controlled areas. This is the second time the Taliban have attacked power lines from Central Asia that pass through Baghlan. This time negotiations were undertaken to settle the matter and now repairs are underway. Meanwhile, elsewhere in Baghlan a local Taliban leader and eight of his subordinates were killed and five wounded when the Taliban leaders compound exploded as a bomb being assembled went off. That happens fairly regularly in Afghanistan where there is a shortage good skilled bomb makers and many Taliban leaders believe they can learn what they need from the Internet and are often reluctant to admit they dont know some technical detail of the process. April 12, 2018: In the north (Jawzjan province) Afghan and American ground and air attacks against local ISIL cells overnight left 22 ISIL dead and over 20 wounded. During this operation, ISIL was cleared from six villages they were using as a base area, one of the few base areas ISIL still had in the north. ISIL forces in Jawzjan have been weakened by regular clashes with Taliban forces. This fighting was common during most of 2017 and was pretty brutal, with ISIL often beheading captured (or recently killed) Taliban. All this was over control of drug smuggling routes across the border. There have been clashes between ISIL and Taliban in other parts of the country (mainly in the east) but it has been worst in Jawzjan. With government and U.S. forces increasing their attacks as well the local ISIL has lost many of its senior leaders and some factions in Jawzjan have disappeared, apparently because of casualties and desertions as well as the loss of leaders. The number of American and Afghan air strikes on ISIL in Jawzjan and other northern provinces have increased in the last month, apparently as the result of more tips from locals or even the rival Taliban forces. The Americans believe that ISIL in Jawzjan is no longer an organized force and that the remaining ISIL members are still being hunted by the security forces as well as the Taliban. The ISIL force in eastern Afghanistan (Nangarhar province) remains active and largely intact, for now. April 10, 2018: In the east (Kunar province) there was more shelling from Pakistan, this time directed at a village. This left one civilian dead and one house destroyed. Over 300 people fled their homes to avoid the rockets and shells. When it was all over nearly 200 rockets and shells had been fired. Most had landed in uninhabited areas. April 8, 2018: In the east (Nangarhar province) an American UAV attack left at least four ISIL members dead. A similar attack on the 3rd also killed four ISIL men in the same area. April 6, 2018: In an area some 60 kilometers south of Kabul the Taliban protested a recent military raid that killed the local Taliban leader and several of his associates by ordering the closure of 30 schools in the area. This left 12,000 children locked out of their classrooms. April 5, 2018: In the north (Faryab province) an American airstrike killed the Uzbek leader of ISIL in the north, along with his bodyguard. ISIL promptly appointed another Uzbek ISIL member as the new leaders. The reason foreign Islamic terrorists are so prominent in the northern Afghanistan branch of ISIL is that it provides access to Islamic terror groups in Central Asia and makes it easier for ISIL to profit from the heroin smuggling into Central Asia. The airstrike against the ISIL leader was one of many carried out in the last three days in the same area, most of them against ISIL and Taliban facilities related to drug production and smuggling operations. Recently a senior ISIL leader (the one in charge of prisoners) and three of his subordinates surrendered. They reported ISIL morale in the north was low because of the constant attacks this year. April 3, 2018: During the first three months of the year, 763 civilians were killed in Islamic terrorist and drug gang related violence. This rate of deaths is about the same as the last four years. April 2, 2018: In the north (Kunduz province) Afghan ground and air attacks on a Taliban training center killed 70 and wounded 30 Taliban, including many leaders, because the attack was timed to hit when local Taliban leaders had assembled for a meeting. The Taliban tried to spin this as a meeting of civilians but the government released UAV (ScanEagle) photos showing the compound is full of armed men, not civilians. A lot of civilians were killed or wounded, but by gunfire from Taliban security guards who fired wildly when they heard explosions in the compound. April 1, 2018: In the east (Kunar province) nearly 150 rockets were fired from Pakistan into Afghanistan. This went on into the next day. There were no casualties but the rockets damaged some crops and started some forest fires. The Pakistani Army was believed responsible but the government never takes credit for these attacks, which Afghanistan always protests. March 27, 2018: For the first time, an Afghan Air Force aircraft used a smart bomb. An Afghan A-29 attack aircraft dropped a 113 kg (250 pound) GBU-58 Paveway laser guided bomb. The A-29 also uses Hellfire laser guided missiles, as have other Afghan Air Force Aircraft, for several years. March 25, 2018: In the west (Herat province) two ISIL suicide bombers attacked a Shia mosque, leaving several worshippers dead and nine wounded. March 24, 2018: In Kabul police arrested five Haqqani Network members who were transporting 135 walkie-talkies. After interrogation, it was revealed that the five had been ordered to distribute the walkies-talkies to Haqqani Network cells in Kabul and elsewhere in eastern Afghanistan. All this proved to be very interesting to Afghan intelligence agencies. March 19, 2018: The U.S. military in Afghanistan affirmed that its current policy was not to employ hot pursuit and allow its forces to cross the border into Pakistan when pursuing Islamic terrorists. In the past, the U.S. did allow some degree of Hot Pursuit. March 17, 2018: In the east (Nangarhar province) ISIL lost at least six dead and two wounded fighting with other Islamic terror groups. If was unclear who the others were. Most likely they were Taliban or another ISIL faction. March 16, 2018: The U.S. told Pakistan that there had been no efforts by Pakistan to shut down Haqqani Network and Afghan Taliban sanctuaries in Pakistan. In reply, Pakistan repeats that those sanctuaries do not exist even though there is clear proof that they have long existed and still do. The U.S. has recently noted that Pakistan has been helpful in getting the Afghan Taliban to attend peace talks with the Afghan government. The Syrian government considers the loss of their chemical weapons facilities a minor setback. Russia or Iran will pay to have the facilities replaced. Meanwhile the April 7 th chemical weapon attack on Douma caused rebel resistance in the area to collapse and within a few days Syrian troops were able to move in, even though that violated terms of a peace deal the Russians had worked out. That was nothing new, Syria had regularly violated the Russian peace deals and it was no secret that the Russians created these ceasefires and safe zones mainly as propaganda and never as something that would prohibit Syrian forces from advancing. The civil war is not over but there is little to stop Assad from regaining control over most of Syria. About a third of the pre-war population is gone but nearly all of those exiles are anti-Assad so their departure is a good thing for the Assads. Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan ended up with most of these refugees and would like to see them return home. That could be a problem with Turkey, which is the only host for these refugees that could force Assad to take the largely Sunni Arab refugees back. The Turks see that as impossible as long as the Assads are in power. Another problem for Assad is Iran which, as the price of bailing him out, insists on establishing military bases in Syria and organizing a Hezbollah-like organization in Syria. The Assads are not happy with either of those developments because those Iranian moves could put Syria in the middle of a war between Iran and Israel. Israel (quietly) and Saudi Arabia (openly) are trying to persuade the Americans to keep their troops in Syria. The U.S. recently announced that withdrawing American troops was a possibility although it appears all this has more to do with negotiations with Turkey over a number of issues, like membership in NATO and relations with the EU and America. There is also little enthusiasm in the United States for continued American troop presence in Syria. The popular attitude is that Syria and Iraq are regional problems. The U.S. helped to destroy ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) and that effort continues around the world. The U.S. remains committed to the defense of Israel and any Arab states who agree with that, but permanently stationing troops in the Middle East is very unpopular with Americans. Russian Bots Unleashed Russia continues pushing the accusation that the Syrian chemical attack on Douma was actually a fake. Syria has joined in and made a film about this fraud. But the Syrian video was quickly exposed as providing fake evidence of the staged attack when it was pointed out that the video proof the Syrians broadcast was from an earlier Syrian propaganda film that was presented as staged. The Russians were somewhat more successful as they unleashed an enormous bot campaign in support of its conspiracy theory. This bot campaign could be seen throughout the English language web as robotic accounts quickly provided scripted messages in support of the conspiracy theory in any public site where people were discussing the Syrian chemical attacks and using certain words and phrases that the Russian Internet monitoring system was set to seek out so the bots (programs pretending to be people posting messages) could be sent to support the claim that the chemical attack was faked to justify illegal air strikes on Syrian. It was an impressive disinformation campaign and part of a larger Russian effort to distract those asking why Russian air defense systems failed to perform when the air strikes hit and have been similarly ineffective against Israeli attacks. Meanwhile The American campaign against ISIL in Iraq and Syria continues, especially the intelligence collection and air strikes. American forces in Iraq work with their Iraqi counterparts to search for and attack remaining ISIL personnel and a lot of this action is taking place close to the Syrian border. There are several air strikes a day (in Iraq and Syria) and these are often against major targets. ISIL no longer controls any territory in Iraq but Syria is another matter with several remote areas in Syria known to be under ISIL control. The Assads have never been particularly eager to go after ISIL base areas, preferring to let others do it. The Assads concentrated on the rebel groups that were more determined to overthrow the Assads rather than, like ISIL, control all the Islamic terror groups in the area. Most of the damage done to ISIL in Syria was inflicted by the Americans, Syrian Kurds (and their non-Kurd allies) and more recently the Turks. This situation has not changed and the Assads still expect to take control of areas cleared of ISIL occupation. Recent American reminders that U.S. forces will leave Syria once ISIL is eliminated has the Syrian Kurds worried that the Americans have made a deal with the Turks. Theres been no confirmation of that and the Kurds dont want to believe that there is little popular support in the United States for keeping American troops in Syria any longer than required to deal with ISIL. The Americans were annoyed at how the Kurds halted their operations against ISIL three months ago to fight the Turks at Afrin. The Turks won and now the Kurds are looking to the Americans to protect them from Turkish retaliation. This is the sort of local politics the Americans in general want no part of. April 17, 2018: Syrian media announced two more airstrikes on Syrian air bases (one in the north near Homs and the other outside Damascus). No one took credit for these attacks, there were no photos of any after-effects and Syria claims to have shot down some of the attack missiles. Syria has to be careful with false claims because Israel has its own photo satellites passing over Syria several times a day. This has made it difficult for Syria to stage faked events. The Israelis have also made it clear they keep tab on who has what where and that is causing problems for Iran and Russia as well. April 16, 2018: Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel for the latest attack on Iranian facilities at the T4 base in Syria. These threats were not unexpected but so far Iran has not been able to carry out an attack on Israel itself. Iran has been supporting efforts from its allies in Gaza but there have been nothing but failures so far. Israel recently revealed that the Iranian UAV shot down on February 10th as it entered Israeli airspace was armed with explosives. The UAV incident prompted the attack on Iranian UAV bases in Syria. Another reason for the T4 attack was also revealed; Iran had just set up a new air-defense system that might have made a later attack less successful. Meanwhile the Iranian inability to strike a blow against Israel is making the Iranian radicals (IRGC, Quds) back in Iran look bad at a time when they are under attack for corruption and brutally suppressing widespread protests by Iranians against the misrule of the Iranian radicals and the religious dictatorship the radicals serve. To make matters even worse the radicals campaign against Saudi Arabia and other Arab oil states has resulted in the Saudis openly siding with Israel and reveling in the apparent Iranian ability to hurt Israel. All this makes for a dangerous situation as the Iranians are notorious sore losers and far more adept with technology than the Arabs. . April 15, 2018: A Russian cargo ship was seen headed for Tartus with a cargo of armored vehicles (mostly various wheeled armored vehicles), heavy trucks and at least one coastal patrol boat. April 14, 2018: The United States, Britain and France launched 105 cruise missiles and glide bombs at three Syrian facilities that developed, produced and stored Syrian chemical weapons. Satellite photos later showed that all of the missiles and smart bombs apparently hit their targets. This was backed up by cell phone photos that got out of Syria showing the damage in great detail. Russia had immediately announced that the Russian supplied Syrian air defense system had performed as designed and shot down 71 of the missiles. This was an attempt to protect the reputation of the Russian air defense systems and even though there will be no wreckage of the 71 missiles Russian insists their systems shot down they will continue with the invented story. The Americans revealed that the Syrian air defense system went into action after the missiles hit and the coordinated attack had all the missiles hitting their targets with a few minutes of each other. French, British and American aircraft delivered some of the missiles and they all returned safely. There was no response from Russian naval forces against the American and British warships that launched most of the missiles. The only one to keep believing the Russian version are many Russians who depend on state controlled media for all their news. There Russians are also told that the Syrian use of chemical weapons in Douma was a hoax perpetuated by the British, as was the earlier incident in Britain where someone (apparently a Russian agent) tried and nearly succeeded in killing a former Russian intelligence agent who had defected to the British. The failure of Russian air defense systems in Syria is going to cost Russia export sales as well as much embarrassment. All Russian claims about the success of their new weapons in Syria will be devalued. This is something Russia cant even discuss publicly because the official Russian position is that none of their systems have failed. Iran has been a big customer for Russian air defense systems and Turkey has indicated interest in buying the S-400 system. Turkey and Iran have to reconsider in light of recent experience. Later today there were reports of explosions at an Iranian base outside Aleppo. Iran denied that this was the result of another Israeli air strike and insisted the explosions were part of rebuilding the base. April 13, 2018: Turkey reports that it has neutralized (killed or captured) 4,157 terrorists (Kurds, their Arab allies and some ISIL and other Islamic terrorist fighters) since their operation against Afrin began on January 20th. So far the 6,000 or so Turkish soldiers lost 52 dead and the three times more numerous FSA rebels who are allied with the Turks. Most of the troops involved in this operation are from FSA, who are believed to have suffered several hundred dead so far. The Turk/FSA forces finally captured Afrin on March 18th. Now the force is preparing to advance east, to the Euphrates River. April 11, 2018: The Turkish foreign minister accused the Assad government of having killed over a million Syrians since 2011 and that it had no legitimate claim on being the government of Syria. Turkey has never had good relations with the Assads but was thought to have eased up a bit to get along with their Russian and Iranian allies, who are strong supporters of the Assads. But now Turkey has reverted to its normal attitude, that the Assads are a bunch of opportunistic, unreliable and murderous thugs. The current Turkish government has been unpredictable but the distrust of the Assads is a lot older than the Erdogan government, which took power in 2003. The Turks later elaborated that they are still Russian allies, aside from the support for Assad issue. The Turks would be pleased if the Russians arranged some other group to take control of the Syrian government. April 10, 2018: In the north (Syria) Russian ships have left the Russian naval base at Tartus. This is considered a standard move if major attacks are expected. European air control warned airlines to be careful over the eastern Mediterranean for the next 72 hours because there might be more air or missile strikes that would result in electronic countermeasures that could disrupt commercial navigations systems on airliners. Russia admitted that its electronic countermeasures were unable to stop the missiles, which they say were launched over Lebanon by Israeli F-15Is, during an earlier attack. April 9, 2018: In central Syria several missiles hit the Iranian T4 airbase near Palmyra. Four Iranian IRGC personnel were killed, including a colonel known for his work with Iranian UAVs. There were at least ten other dead, all believed to be Iranian mercenaries. This is where Iran moved its UAV operations after its original UAV base in Syria was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike on February 10th. The Americans said they had advance warning of todays attack while Russia complained that it was not advised even though it has some personnel at the T-4 base. Israel did not take credit for the attack, which is how Israel handles most of its airstrikes in Syria. Russia later revealed that its electronic jammers, which were supposed to disrupt the guidance systems of missiles attacking Syrian bases failed to do so during the T-4 attack. Details were not given, only that the Russian jammers were interfered with by external forces. April 7, 2018: In Syria an airstrike against Douma, a rebel held town east of Damascus, apparently involved some type of chemical weapon. Medical aid workers report at least 70 dead, including many civilians. The airstrike, like many Syria carries out against pro-rebel civilians, involved a barrel bomb (an empty oil barrel filled with explosives and whatever else was available). These are pushed out of helicopters or transports and are equipped with a contact fuze so they explode on impact. Russian and Iranian military personnel work closely with the Syrian air force and know what goes on (and into barrel bombs). Iran has military advisors assigned to all the senior Syrian military commands and many of the lower level ones. Syria has been accused of using primitive (World War I type) chemical weapons that attack the respiratory system. These older chemical weapons are often nothing more than industrial chemicals (like chlorine) in large (and dangerous) doses. But this new attack and one before it apparently also included some nerve gas. Russia believes that industrial chemicals (like chlorine) dont count as chemical weapons (according the 2013 Russian brokered deal to rid Syria of chemical weapons) and the Iranians apparently dont care. When pressed Iran will blame Israel or the Americans. In response the United States said it would retaliate if the Douma attack did involve any kind of chemical weapon. The evidence indicates that the Douma attack involved a combination of chlorine and a nerve gas. Israel fears Iran is permitting Syria to use these chemical weapons to test their effectiveness and the degree of international outrage. Israel has always believed Iran planned to provide Syria and Hezbollah with chemical weapons for use in a major attack on Israel. April 6, 2018: The Syrian Army launched an assault on the remaining portions of the Ghouta suburb that are still held by the rebels. The main objective here is the Douma neighborhood, which sits astride a key highway that the rebels have blocked for years. April 5, 2018: In Syria Turkey, Russia and Iran again agreed to put aside their differences and help each other in order to defeat the remaining rebels while also preventing Syrian Kurds from controlling any part of the country. The three agreed to tolerate Turkish operations (to build a Turkish controlled buffer zone on the Syrian side of the border) and cooperate to force American forces out of Syria. While this session was held in Turkey this is an extension of the talks that began in late 2017 in the Central Asian city of Astana (the capital of Kazakhstan). There the pro-Assad coalition of Russia, Turkey, Iran and the Assad government began their negotiations (also called peace talks) with each other about how to achieve everyones goals. From the beginning Iran wanted access to the Israeli border and suppression of the Syrian Kurds. Turkey wanted an end to Kurdish autonomy in northern Syria. Russia wants to get whatever it can at the least cost. The public sessions were propaganda and details of the private meetings, the ones that mattered, were largely kept secret but it has always been clear that the Astana talks are about how to restore Assad rule to Syria, or at least most of it. April 4, 2018: In the north (Syria) Assad forces have begun moving reinforcements towards the Israeli border, apparently with the intention of destroying rebel groups that have come occupy most of the southern border since 2011. This has been accompanied by increased Syrian air strikes against rebels near the border. This move by Syria alarms the UN because they fear for the safety of their peacekeepers. In late 2016 UN Peacekeepers returned to the Syrian side of the Israeli border for the first time since 2014. Initially only 127 peacekeepers crossed the border and wasnt until the end of 2016 before the full force of over a thousand troops returned to their Syrian positions. Back in 2014 UN peacekeepers from Fiji and the Philippines were forced out by al Qaeda (al Nusra) rebels, who wanted to ensure that the UN peacekeepers did not interfere with the rebel takeover of a border crossing. The Islamic terrorist rebels looted the UN camp. The rebels were driven away from the border in 2016 by the Syrian Army, which had regained control of the entire 70 kilometer long border with Israel. Up until 2014 the UN had 1,223 peacekeepers monitoring the Syrian/Israeli border and wanted that force returned. The UN troops have been there since 1974 to monitor a ceasefire between Israel and Syria. Israel defeated Syria in 1967 and took the Golan Heights from Syria. In 1973 Israel defeated a strong effort by Syria to regain the Golan Heights. Since then the UN has watched over an uneasy peace. From 2014 to 2016 the peacekeepers were only able to operate on the Israeli side of the border. March 28, 2018: Israel revealed that it had resumed airstrikes against targets in Syria. These air operations had been halted for several weeks after an F-16I crashed after returning from one of those missions. Israel rarely releases details of these missions but observers in Syria usually do and there have been reports in the last week that Hezbollah and Iranian targets are being hit from the air again. March 26, 2018: In the northeast (Deir Ezzor province) the American commander for Syria spoke with his Russian counterpart and that led to the withdrawal of Russian, Syrian and Iranian forces that had gathered near the new American base that had been attacked unsuccessfully on February 7th. Further south, outside Damascus, Russia reports that their aerial bombing effort against a rebel controlled (for over five years) area east of the city was largely back under government control. Russia was criticized for its ruthless bombing of residential areas but the Russians agreed with the Assad strategy of going after pro-rebel civilians to weaken the resolve of the rebels there to keep fighting. It worked again in Ghouta, where many of the civilians and most of the surviving rebels have agreed to leave for northwest Syria where Idlib province, on the Turkish border. Idlib is the last major stronghold for rebels. About ten percent of the Ghouta suburb is still held by rebels who refuse to leave but are still negotiating. These areas are still being hit with artillery and airstrikes. March 24, 2018: In the west, on the Lebanese border, locals report that there were several Israeli air strikes on Hezbollah border positions. The Chief Justice of Pakistan Justice Saqib Nisar ordered on Wednesday authorities concerned to present former senator Faisal Raza Abidi before the apex court on next hearing. While hearing a contempt case against Abidi, a three-member bench of Supreme Court headed by CJP remarked: Faisal Raza Abidi should be brought before the court at the next hearing". On Tuesday, the apex court had issued a contempt notice to Abidi over his alleged use of derogatory language against the judiciary on a private television channel. Reprimanding the lawyer of the private television channel for airing such contemptuous content, Chief Justice Nisar remarked: private television channel should be ashamed. Is this what freedom of expression entails? Had the channel not seen the programme before the show was aired? Responding to this, the lawyer of the private channel shared that the channel accepts its fault for airing the content. If it were your fault then you should submit a reply a court, the chief justice remarked. The lawyer shared that the channel has issued an official apology, adding that the anchorperson of the show has been fired as well. Over this, the CJP observed: Is this how you apologise? You do a programme and then apologise. We dont accept your apology. The court adjourned the case hearing till May 3. Referring to the notification which halts hiring in the federal, provincial and local government institutions since April 2018, Shah points out that order has been issued too early i.e. much before the announcement of Elections 2018 dates. It is pertinent to add that the notice was not put into effect for the hiring done under Federal Public Service Commission and Provincial Public Service Commissions. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader notes that government functions will be stuck before elections if the ECP instructions are implemented. Shah has asked the commission to reissue the order as and when elections dates are announced so it does not hinder government functions. The ECP notification had instructed that development plans such as installation of the gas pipelines, carpeting of roads, water supply schemes and others approved on or later than April 1, 2018 will be halted while funds issued for ongoing development works will not be transferred. In another statement the ECP had decided to deploy officers of a subordinate court as district returning officers, returning officers and assistant returning officers in the upcoming general elections. For this purpose, ECP had requested all high courts to provide lists of their judicial officers. The courts have complied with the ECP requests and provided the lists. The Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected the appeals filed by three convicted militants of the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) against the 14-year prison sentence handed down to each of them. A trial court had sentenced Asif Shiraz, Haji Habib and Niaz Been to 14 years in prison after finding them guilty of possessing explosives. The Peshawar High Court had upheld the punishment, which has now been endorsed by the apex court. The convicts had also opened fire on police personnel during a raid on their hideout. Cases had been registered against the trio at a police station in Peshawar. An SC bench headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa observed on Wednesday that the convicts had been arrested red-handed while in possession of 840 kilogrammes of explosives, while their affiliation with the TTP had been proven. Justice Khosa noted that one of the three convicts, Haji Habib, had died while in custody. The counsel for the convicts contended before the court that one of the three men was underaged when he was arrested and suggested that he should be pardoned. But Justice Khosa observed that while the first mistake is considered to be the last mistake the world over, the trend in Pakistan is such that an offence should be forgiven if it's the first by an accused. "The culture of 'let it go' is actually the licence to commit the second mistake," the senior judge remarked. The convicts' counsel then argued that the substance recovered from his clients at the time of arrest was gunpowder, not explosive material. "Would you rather that talcum powder had been recovered from the convicts?" Justice Khosa retorted. While observing that technical flaws are inconsequential in cases related to terrorists, the court subsequently upheld the 14-year prison sentence for the convicted militants. The legal battle between Microsoft and the Justice Department has been dismissed by the US Supreme Court following the introduction of new legislation that rendered the case moot. The court fight, which dates back to 2013, revolves around whether the government can force tech companies to hand over data stored on their overseas servers. Federal agents had served Microsoft a warrant demanding that it pass on user information relating to a drug trafficking investigation. The company refused, stating that as the requested emails were stored solely on a server in Ireland, it was up to US and Irish authorities to come to an arrangement over access. Both sides have argued that Congress should pass new legislation to resolve the matter. On March 22, the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act (CLOUD Act) was signed into law, requiring companies provide information requested by law enforcement regardless of whether such communication, record, or other information is located within or outside of the United States. Following the passing of the CLOUD Act, the court said that no live dispute remains between the parties over the issue. Back in February, Microsoft joined Facebook, Google, Apple, and Oath in signing a letter supporting the bill. If enacted, the CLOUD Act would be notable progress to protect consumers rights and would reduce conflicts of law. We appreciate your leadership championing an effective legislative solution, and we support this compromise proposal, it reads. In a recent blog post, Microsoft President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith wrote: " We welcome the Supreme Courts ruling ending our case in light of the CLOUD Act being signed into to law. Our goal has always been a new law and international agreements with strong privacy protections that govern how law enforcement gathers digital evidence across borders. As the governments of the UK and Australia have recognized, the CLOUD Act encourages these types of agreements, and we urge the US government to move quickly to negotiate them." Following the signing of the Cloud Act, the Justice Department obtained a new search warrant requiring Microsoft turn over the emails, to which it complied. A group of 34 major tech companies, including Cisco, Facebook, Microsoft, HP, RSA, and Oracle, have signed the Cybersecurity Tech Accord. This accord promises to establish partnerships to share vulnerabilities, provide consumers with better ways to protect themselves, and refuse to assist governments in carrying out state sponsored cyberattacks. The devastating attacks from the past year demonstrate that cybersecurity is not just about what any single company can do but also about what we can all do together. said Microsoft President Brad Smith. This tech sector accord will help us take a principled path towards more effective steps to work together and defend customers around the world. Regarding partnerships, the companies seek to build relationships with major players in the cybersecurity field to share vulnerabilities and threats as well as improve technical collaboration. The accord mentions that cyberattacks could potentially cost around $8 trillion by 2022 and can hurt small businesses, governments, and hospitals. To assist in this partnership, big security companies like RSA, Avast, FireEye, and Symantec have pledged their support for the accord. The most interesting part of the accord, however, is the resolve to not help governments launch cyberattacks against "innocent citizens and enterprises". This includes supply chain protection against tampering and exploitation. Signatories on the accord will conduct their first meeting during the RSA Conference in San Francisco. While membership in the accord is still open, there is a conspicuous lack of participation from the likes of Apple, Amazon, and Twitter. This is especially interesting considering Apple's recent efforts to bill itself as the bastion of privacy and security. Chinese and Russian firms are also missing from the list of signatories although that's probably expected considering how much influence the Russian and Chinese governments have inside their countries. If anything, this is a great first step in companies taking cybersecurity seriously and hopefully some good will come out of it. However, it remains to be seen if meaningful and tangible results will be seen. "The Tech Accord will help to protect the integrity of the one trillion connected devices we expect to see deployed within the next 20 years. It aligns the resources, expertise and thinking of some of the worlds most important technology companies to help to build a trusted foundation for technology users who will benefit immensely from a more security connected world. The first two parts of this series published in the last two weeks examined how the Reform Agenda pressure group ensured that Dr Warren Kizza Besigye would lead the opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party, and how he wanted his people to run FDC. In this part, SULAIMAN KAKAIRE considers the retired colonels dominance over FDC, which has forced some senior members (largely former members of the Parliamentary Advocacy Forum, PAFO) to sit back and Besigyes subsequent love affair with activism. Col Kizza Besigye After his failed attempt to become party national chairperson in 2009, Bugweri MP Abdu Katuntu withdrew from some FDC activities, especially those which would have placed him on a collision course with Besigye. I had to do my roles as a member of NEC [National Executive Committee] and parliament. That is all, Katuntu says. Abed Nasser Mudiobole, who was the national youth leader but kept on the fringes under Besigyes leadership, decided not to seek a new mandate after his term ran out. I learnt that we were working with a group that did not understand what we were doing. I [only] came back to seek leadership in 2015, when Gen Mugisha Muntu was made party president, said Mudiobole, who is now secretary for legal affairs. Others who withdrew from party activities included Martin Wandera, whose election in 2009 as secretary for labour was reversed by Besigye. Former FDC deputy president, Nuwe Amanya Mushega also remained a low-key presence in the colonels shadow but later began to loudly voice his dissent. In an interview published in The Observer on August 10, 2015, Mushega took a swipe at Besigye for running in the 2016 general election yet he had announced he wouldnt participate anymore in any election organised and supervised by President Museveni. You get a problem of people losing the element of shame, whereby leaders say things and [then] say I have never said them. Its unfortunate, said Mushega in reference to Besigyes spirited defence of his change of heart. Mushega, who later severed ties with Besigye, went further to observe: you step down as a leader, but you continue not to cooperate with your colleague [Muntu] who has taken over. Actually, you begin organizing parallel structures. To me, those [things] will not contribute to building harmony. If I stopped being a secretary general [of EAC], I will continue supporting any person who takes over from me. If I stop being a minister of education, any minister who seeks advice, I will give them honest advice whether NRM or DP So, these fights are part and parcel of a fracturing society of dishonesty in the land and we need to address it. Besigye responded to Mushega in an interview published in The Observer on August 28, 2015: I have pointed out all through this campaign that I [came] into this campaign for two reasons. The first one being to galvanize the big support we have built over the years of my previous candidature. Recognizing that political support for ones candidature is among other things a result of the trust voters have for a candidate. [That] trust is not necessarily transferable to another candidate of the same party, and I recognized there was that deficit of popular trust in my absence. Secondly, we rally support for a purpose; the purpose people have rallied behind my candidature is so that some fundamental changes can take place in our politics. For those changes to [happen] will require fundamental reforms. The central one is dismantling the military dictatorship that has been crafted over our country by the NRM/ NRA organization. I noted that there was insufficient resolve amongst our colleagues to fight for those reforms. On the question of parallel structures, Besigye said when he stepped down from the party presidency, he pledged availability but; there is absolutely no moment that I have been called to render any form of support that I have not rendered. Whenever I have been invited to accompany the president [Muntu] anywhere, I have not hesitated. I have even offered money to the party because it was in difficulty. I have in all my public engagements rendered support. I have never in any form or manner undermined the new leadership. But Mushega wondered: If its [voters support] personal to you [Besigye] as if new voters have not come on board and some in the old voters register passed on, then this is in itself failed leadership. When you stepped down, I told some leaders at that time that you had stepped down tacticfully in order to come back with a bang as flag bearer. So, your coming back was not a surprise to me; what surprised me was the spurious reasons you advanced. By the time this very public outburst happened, some other prominent members of the party had also withdrawn from party activities. These include Richard Kaijuka, Augustine Ruzindana, and James Garuga Musinguzi. EFFECT The frustrations of these gentlemen highlight how Ugandas largest opposition party came to lose the core of its senior cadre. Most, if not all, largely sat back as their leader increasingly courted low-profile rabble-rousers in their stead. The partys mobilisation efforts and institutional building ground to a halt. By 2009, there was no clear database of the membership of FDC and its structural presence could barely be felt in more than 60 per cent of Uganda. Muntu, who was the secretary for mobilisation at the time, speaks about being stuck at a crossroads. Whereas you cannot blame the individuals for what was happening since these disagreements are expected in an organisation, the unfortunate part of it was that we were not building institutional structures to manage some of these fall-outs. Consequently, this affects mobilisation and funding for the party. People come to you based on how you look like and we were failing on this test, Muntu said. During the 2015 internal race for party presidential flag bearer, Besigye laid the blame for FDCs limited presence on the ground at the feet of Muntu. However, this was only half of the story. Muntu said he would not accuse any secretary for mobilisation for not setting up structures because this is about how the party thinks. The secretary for mobilisation does not direct how resources are allocated. Now, if the party president was not directing resources to you, you cant accuse me of not having done the best work. If you are given resources, you can be blamed. Poor or non-existent mobilisation would partly be responsible for FDCs gloomy returns at the ballot box in 2011. Besigyes votes declined from 2,592,954 votes (37.39 %) in 2006 to 2,064,963 (26%) out of 8,272,760 votes counted (representing 59.3 per cent of registered voters, according to the Electoral Commission). Total opposition representation declined from 37 seats to 29 seats in parliament. At a post-election review workshop held in Kamwokya weeks later, Muntu, speaking as secretary for mobilisation, and other colleagues, discussed the internal weaknesses of the party and what needed to be done. Party elder and former EALA MP Dan Wandera Ogalo says when I look back on 2006 and 2011, I think we were weak because we concentrated on the presidency. Ogalo thinks it is at this point that; divergent views of Muntu and Besigye began to emerge. [Those who believed in structures against those who were interested in results]. In their book titled Elections in a Hybrid Regime: Revisiting the 2011 Uganda Polls the authors, who are majorly senior scholars at Makerere University, note that the opposition also lost political ground because of its continuous inability to tackle its structural and organisational weaknesses. It was this reality that Muntu wanted addressed that would later deepen his differences with Besigye. Around this time, Aswa MP Reagan Okumu dropped out of sight. Okumu, it will be recalled, was a bosom ally of the colonel going right back to the Reform Agenda days. So, it was with some consternation that Okumu was heard telling journalists at a well-attended press conference in the parliamentary canteen that Besigyes joining of forces with [Buganda-learning] Ssuubi essentially isolated the RA. Ssuubi was a loose grouping of Buganda nationalist politicians, including Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, Mathias Mpuuga, Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi, Erias Lukwago, Betty Nambooze and Moses Kasibante. The group was led by former prime minister of Buganda kingdom, Mulwanyamuli Ssemwogerere. Okumu claimed that Besigye was pumping resources into Ssuubi at the expense of FDC, and yet FDCs name was invoked at fundraisers. Okumus concerns were reflected upon during the post-election review sit-down. Well, it was unfortunate at the time that Reagan addressed a whole press conference about that but we internally raised it. In fact, it is during that meeting that we even punched holes in the so-called opposition coalition, said a participant in that meeting. Besigye would later tell a meeting of his National Executive Committee (NEC) that the Inter-Party Coalition (FDC, Conservative Party and Justice Forum (Jeema)) was forced on them by donors. Asuman Basalirwa, the president of Jeema, said it would be naive for anyone to think that you can be alone fighting a military dictatorship. Today, Ssemujju is Kira Municipality MP. In 2011, he was the treasurer for Ssuubi. Interviewed last week, he said: It does not make sense to have structures in Masaka, if Mpuuga is there or Butambala if Muwanga is there. Our situation is unique and we must understand that it is the only way we can make real big wins. What is the difference between us and Mpuuga or Muwanga? About Ssuubi taking Besigyes money, Ssemujju says FDC MPs were mistaken. Actually, our funding came from somewhere else. Even the beneficiaries dont know since it was an arrangement I had with some of the funders that there should be non-disclosure of these people. Besigye may have weaknesses like most of us but this is not something he should be blamed for. ENTER NANDALA-MAFABI As noted earlier, the gradual ascendency of the radical elements alienated what one would refer to as the intellectual core. People like Prof Morris Ogenga Latigo, who was leader of opposition in parliament until he lost his Agago seat, never felt comfortable around Besigyes radical elements. Former secretary general Alice Alaso remembers one illuminating day at the partys headquarters in Najjanankumbi. Latigo, who was then a deputy president, had come to attend a NEC meeting and Alaso remembers how Professor told me one day that if this is the quality of people we are working with, then we are headed for a real crisis. In fact, I never saw him again after that day. When Latigo bowed out as LoP, Besigye swooped in and drew FDCs parliamentary caucus and shadow cabinet closer. For the five years, when Latigo was LoP, Besigye had failed to sway him as he wished. So, with the professor out of the way, a plan which caused Alaso, one of Besigyes closest allies then, to re-think her priorities, was set in motion. Contrary to the 2006 NEC resolution directing that the LoP should be an MP who occupies the most senior position in the party hierarchy, Besigye instead settled for Budadiri West MP Nathan Nandala-Mafabi. Mafabi had cultivated a profile as chair of parliaments aggressive Public Account Committee. He was deputy treasurer FDC, almost five steps below secretary general Alaso. The choice of Mafabi was not what upset Alaso. She says it was the manner of his appointment, which led her to cut ties with Besigye. It helped me understand his method of work as a person who does not respect rules or structures but also who believes in cliques or wants to see people fight, she told The Observer. Alaso recounts how she was surprised to see people campaigning for LoP, contrary to the very spirit of the 2006 resolution. I saw people travel to Nairobi when Doctor was admitted after being pepper-sprayed. When I saw delegations going, I said I would not go to beg for what is mine. We have rules through which I derive my hope, Alaso said. A few days before Besigye announced his choice, Alaso said she was invited for a meeting at his home in Kasangati; He told me that I know the guidelines and you know that youre the most senior. And I want to appoint you the LoP but your brothers from Teso claim that they dont want you as LoP but I will calm them. Alaso responded: As far as I know, I dont have any problem with anyone from my region. If any, I am not aware of that. But most importantly there are rules to determine that and as you rightly pointed out, they should be followed. Eventually, the meeting ended without a position. Alaso says when the matter went to NEC, Besigye first presented the name of estranged Uganda Peoples Congress faithful, Cecilia Ogwal. Ogwal had only just joined FDC. Former secretary for publicity, Wafula Oguttu, a man who is still firmly with the colonel, had this recollection of the events. When Besigye came from Nairobi after he was tortured by the policeman and in his list was Cecilia Ogwal [as LOP], he had put Nandala-Mafabi as deputy which did not exist. But with a view that we can ask parliament since the government side also had a deputy Cecilia had just been one-year-old in the party, so they asked him, you mean you have no confidence in the people you have been with for 10 years in this party that you are bringing this one to be our representative in the parliament? said Oguttu. Oguttu says Mafabi became the consensus choice. [Besigye] said what do we do then? Then somebody said this Nandala you put can be LoP. Somebody went and called Nandala and said Nandala we are doing this and yet Nandala hadnt even applied for anything. Nandala accepted; Doctor said okay we will go with Nandala. That was the working committee. Alasos view is that this was all drama. He brought [Ogwals] name as a smokescreen. How did he immediately come up with Nandala? What were the justifications for throwing me out? He had worked with me as secretary general for 10 years. Was I that inept or had I not performed well? What about the rules? For gender purposes, I even reasoned that give it to Winfred Kiiza. That is what changed my understanding of Doctor. No following regulations, I gave my party all my time and resources and this is how I would be rewarded. He cut an image of lack of transparency. He wanted me to clash with my people from Teso, by accusing them that they were responsible for denying me the opportunity, she said. Alaso joined the ranks of the disillusioned. She declined to serve in the shadow cabinet. I even stopped paying rent for some of the FDC offices in Teso until Gen Muntu arrived, she said. Alasos Teso sub-region accounts for close to five percent of Ugandas voting population. Lying in the far eastern part of Uganda, Teso is considered to be a swing vote -- neither absolutely pro-opposition nor pro-ruling party. KATONGA ROAD Daniel K, Kalinaki writes in his book, Kizza Besigye and Ugandas Unifinished Revolution that after the unsuccessful 2006 presidential election petition, Besigyes political outlook changed. He started thinking outside the formal structures of political opposition, to the broader platforms of popular resistance, civil disobedience and citizen agency. We shall continue to vigorously fight the unfair and undemocratic political dispensation in Uganda until the essential reforms are achievedwe shall be calling for boycotts, peaceful demonstrations and other political and legal actions. We shall show our people how to fight for their rights in a way that black mambas and tear gas cant harm them, Besigye is quoted from one press conference in the book. Months into 2012, Besigye suddenly informed FDC senior leadership that he was quitting the party presidency. When Dr Besigye opted to cut short his term and resign, many of us pleaded with him; in the working committee, national executive committee, even the national council. We pleaded with him not to resign, Wandera Ogalo says. We thought that we could build the party and make it strong so we can capture power. I remember him saying there are certain things he would like to do but sometimes he is constrained by being party president; the structuresNow, to an extent, therefore, if a man is going to quit his political party, because he believes that he can get us nearer to our objectives outside the party structures, to an extent you can say yes. He may not be a believer in structures as much as people may want This is what also shaped the divergence of opinion in our party. The two tendencies between galvanising support around an individual as opposed to having grassroots structures. Alaso said, I physically knelt before him and told him that he should stay. All that fell on deaf ears. But in retrospect, this was not his intention to let FDC evolve beyond him if you look at the events as they unfolded. Unseen in the background, the Nandala- Mafabi plan was still in play. Elections were called to choose a replacement to finish Besigyes term. Muntu defeated Nandala-Mafabi, an outcome that almost tore the party apart with the Besigye wing absolutely livid. Alaso says Muntu never received a hand-over report. Was Besigye, therefore, leaving without leaving? I witnessed no handover and there was no handover report. Gen Muntu had to start from scratch. As the most crucial office, there should at least have been some documentation of the activities that had been done and those pending. What of the partners, what would Muntu tell them when he takes over? All this had to be in a handover report, she said. Alaso said that, as FDC secretary general who served under Besigye, she saw that he was the chief fundraiser of the party and chief mobiliser, and in that respect he should have documented something for Gen Muntu, guiding him on who our funder is, how we fundraise because none of us knew how most of the money came to the party, save for the Electoral Commission contributions and our alliance with the Conservatives of UK and maybe the contributions by the MPs and individual members, which contributions were negligible compared to Doctors budgets. But, he also did the disbursements. Muntu says the party was indebted; we had to close [offices] all over the country due to rent arrears. I had only four staff at the time. Even the databank of membership was not in place. Whereas we had documents, all that had not been sorted out. A few months later, Alaso and the top leadership of FDC learnt that Besigye was still in touch with some international partners and had also set up a parallel structure based at his office on Katonga road in Kampala. Many firebrands followed him to Katonga where the Activists 4 Change (A4C) pressure group came into its own as a hotbed for breeding civil disobedience. The Walk to Work protests, is one of the signposts of this heady period in opposition politics. Startled by how it quickly captured the public imagination and became a popular rallying platform, the government moved on A4C. On the morning of April 4, 2012, the then attorney general invoked Section 56 of the Penal Code Act, declared A4C an unlawful society and banned the group. NO REFORMS, NO ELECTIONS At the beginning of 2014, Besigye took off time to analyse the political context for the opposition. As a former, National Political Commissar, Besigye concluded that it was impossible to win under the current structures. In a paper shared with FDCs NEC, Besigye argued that; Uganda is presently a military dictatorship under a presidential monarchystate institutions have been either fused with the amorphous NRM or grossly compromised through lack of institutional independence and political patronage. (See: Exposed: How public purse funds partisan NRM, The Observer, March 14, 2014). Besigye further argued that the military and security organisations, resident district commissioners and local councils, have been co-opted into NRM for political mobilisation. These were the institutions that were either a part of the NRM in 1986, when it assumed state power, or were espoused, built or restructured under the 20-year NRM single-party rule, Besigye noted. Other vital state institutions such as the Electoral Commission, Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Uganda Revenue Authority, Bank of Uganda and the courts have lost their independence, he said. Wandera Ogalo listened and agreed as the paper was presented. I represented Dr Besigye as lead counsel in the 2006 presidential elections [Supreme Court petition]. I was head of the campaign bureau. I can confidently say that I have got sufficient information about the process of elections in this country to have supported Besigye when he said if there are no reforms, it is useless going for elections. I supported him in the working committee, I supported him all along when he was saying that without reform of the law, you are going to an election you will never make it.Seeing what had happened when I was managing the campaign in 2011, I knew that he was right. This proposal to boycott the 2016 elections split both the FDC and wider opposition. Some people figured that abandoning participation in elections, however rigged or contrived, was comparable to political suicide. Along the way, Besigye suddenly reversed his position, shocking people like Wandera Ogalo. I was taken aback when he decided that he was going to stand again...I think that if you are going to change your mind on such a fundamental issue which you have been public about, not just in Najjanankumbi, you need to explain why, said Ogalo. Alaso says it gradually dawned on them that Besigyes resignation shouldnt be confused with retirement. He remained actively involved in seeing that Mafabi becomes secretary general, but also seeing to it that all prominent people of his group take senior positions of the party in preparation for the presidential candidate race, she said. PAFO old girl Salaamu Musumba (FDC vice president for eastern Uganda), recognises that while the elite, intellectuals may have walked away from Besigye and his version of what FDC has become, it is the ordinary people who have made him what he is. They can say anything but as long as the people want him, he cant be written off. Instead, those complaining are the ones who have been phased out, she said. Besigyes U-turn also surprised some of his activist colleagues within the broader opposition. Basalirwa told The Observer that when Besigye said he would not stand without reforms, some of them built alliances with other people. As the events unfolded during the TDA process and my party supporting former prime minister John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, I was shocked when people belonging to the defiance group started accusing me of betrayal. Whereas it was okay for KB to change his views, I maintained my view that I am not a political pendulum. After the 2016 election, Besigye tried to mend fencesthey have kept him waiting. skakaire@observer.ug Continues next week. Cuba thanked on Friday the donation of medical equipment and supplies that recently arrived in the country coordinated by the Latin American and Caribbean Continental Network of Solidarity... | Read More At the United Arab Emirates embassy near Fairway hotel in Kampala, our youths queue in their hundreds every morning. They want visas to travel to mainly Abu Dhabi that recently opened her doors to immigrant workers; and of course Dubai. The queues are similar to those that used to be at the United Kingdom High Commission on parliamentary avenue about a decade ago. The queuing youths comprise fresh graduates and semi illiterates. Queuing for a small opportunity/opening has become very common in todays Uganda. Advertise one job, and you will receive hundreds of applications. Recently, the Parliamentary Commission advertised about 30 jobs, but received more than 700 applications. That is how it ended up conducting aptitude tests at the college of Natural Sciences hall, Makerere University. Driving to parliament every morning past these young Ugandans risking their lives for a job in the Arab world, has distracted my thoughts from a petition against the life presidency I am pursuing with colleagues in Mbale. The second distraction is the distribution of boda bodas in Rukungiri by the head of state, to which I will return later. Rhoda Kalema, one of the highly respected elders, rang me last week over this influx of Ugandans to the Middle East. Her concern was a media report that government had licensed 94 companies to begin exporting labour mainly to the Middle East. She desperately called a number of MPs demanding they speak about this issue. We now have over 47 universities and colleges; why do we export our young people? Isnt this slave trade? she asked, demanding to know why I have not spoken about this matter. Her concern is obvious: the treatment that Ugandan and all other immigrant workers are subjected to when they reach their destinations. And also, the kind of jobs that university leavers do when they reach the Middle East cleaning toilets and working as askaris and domestic servants. This state of affairs is an indictment to our education system and economy. And our people have been fooled to believe the Middle East is prosperous primarily because of oil. Yes; countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi and Qatar are prosperous largely because of oil but, Dubai has built her economy on three pillars: transport, tourism and trade. I think oil contributes just about less than three per cent to the Dubai economy. In total, now the UAE is home to over two million immigrant workers and of course Ugandans are part of those statistics. There are two incidents regarding this exported labour that were reported to me last week. One of my constituents came crying. His two sisters had been detained in Kenya while being smuggled (trafficked) to Oman. He needed about Shs 2 million to rescue them. Another constituent near my home also came crying. Her husband had just passed away under unclear circumstances, and she wanted government to help her retrieve the body for a decent burial. Last year, newspapers reported 49 girls who had been tortured to death in this part of the world. And what is the solution from our revolutionary leader? Distribution of boda bodas to youths in Rukungiri! There is a film that almost every youth of my time watched The Gods Must be Crazy. And crazy we have become. I thought our revolutionary leader had learnt from Busoga where he carried and distributed a sack of money containing Shs 150 million. A member of his cabinet, Persis Namuganza, testifies her area is still the poorest in the country. Maybe His Excellency never returns to inspect the outcome of his intervention? If indeed he does, he wouldnt be distributing boda bodas. Heads of state are responsible for everybody and must, as a rule, create conditions and opportunities for their people to work. They must not become agents of a few available opportunities. This, unfortunately, is what Gen Museveni has become. Instead of creating more opportunities for the restless unemployed young people he is leading, he has turned himself into an agent. The other day, he was at Nsambya and Mulago roundabouts giving money to carpenters. Kireka, which donated a chair to Dr Kizza Besigye on his nomination in 2015, was supposed to be his next destination. We are still waiting. Because there is a do-or-die bye-election for the Rukungiri district Woman MP coming up (which, anyway, the FDC will win), he is distributing boda bodas there. We have argued with this man to start a farmers bank and capitalize the Uganda Development Bank (UDB) to no avail. Instead, he allocates himself Shs 97 billion of taxpayers money in the National Budget for vote buying every year. He has finished it before the financial year ends, and has requested for a supplementary. Just recently, he capitalized UDB with Shs 50 billion and gave himself Shs 97 billion for donations. A sensible leader wouldnt be physically distributing boda bodas. He should be starting rural credit schemes working with banks that have networks in Rukungiri. That is how opportunities are created. I think, very soon, you will hear him move door-to-door distributing food to the starved ones. A leader must help people grow food instead of feeding them. The author is Kira municipality MP and opposition chief whip in parliament. Under the direction of newly-installed chief executive, Matt Comyn, its clear that Commonwealth Bank is putting its wealth management division on rations - slimming it down to a point where the rump of that business simply isnt worth keeping. After another bruising day at the royal commission, Comyn must be wishing it was the financial advisory and platform business he could ditch. This is this division within the wealth business that is playing a large part in trashing the reputation of the larger organisation. Instead Comyn announced on Wednesday that CBA would jettison the global funds management and products business, Colonial First State Global Asset Management via an initial public offering (IPO). Meanwhile, there has been chatter that the Commonwealth Bank is looking at the future of its general insurance operations and its Indonesian insurance operations. Almost 100 million US-operated airline flights, carrying several billion people, had taken off and landed safely in the United States over a nine-year span since the last time a passenger died in an accident. Wells Fargo executive Jennifer Riordan died after being partially sucked out of a Southwest Airlines passenger plane. Credit:Facebook That record for avoiding fatalities - which had never been approached in the history of modern aviation - was splintered in an instant Tuesday when an engine on a Southwest Airlines plane exploded mid-air, spewing shrapnel into a window and killing bank executive Jennifer Riordan. "This is a tragedy, but it has now reached a state where it's a one off, a fluke, an extraordinary event," Stuart Matthews, who worked on reducing accidents for more than a decade as president of the nonprofit Flight Safety Foundation, said of the Southwest accident. "We shouldn't stop flying or have other hysterical reactions." The last fatal crash on a US-registered carrier occurred near Buffalo, New York, on February 12, 2009, when a commuter plane operated by Colgan Air crashed, killing 49 on board and a man on the ground. The NTSB concluded a pilot overreacted to a cockpit warning, ca using the plane to plunge, and the case prompted improvements in training. COMEDY FESTIVAL ALEX EDELMAN: JUST FOR US Greek Centre, until April 22 A title like Just For Us seems to promise intimate, close-to-the-bone comedy and thats exactly what we get from Barry Award nominee Alex Edelman. The New York-based stand-up mines a rich tradition of Jewish humour, achieving a delicate balance between self-deprecation and satire with a goofy Millennial twist. Edelman opens with an offbeat story about Koko a gorilla who can communicate via sign language learning of the death of Robin Williams. Its a chance to work in some wacky physical humour and Edelman shows off his talent for skating on the cliff-edge of truly depressing material without slipping. It also serves as a clever intro to an hour of virtuosic gags and anecdotes that riff off a theme of insiders and outsiders. In a brilliant and searching way, the show has been built around the rising tribalism that underpins everything from the content we see on social media to an America at loggerheads with itself under Trump. Fortis Healthcare Limited on Tuesday informed the market regulator that it has received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from China's Fosun Health Holdings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fosun International Limited. With this offer, Fosun becomes fourth company ready to invest in the cash-strapped Indian healthcare chain. Fosun's current investment offer could lead to a potential bidding war as three companies, TPG-Manipal combine, Malaysia-based IHH Healthcare Munjal-Burman family combine, have already made offers to help Fortis. The Chinese healthcare company, in a regulatory filing in the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on Tuesday, proposed to infuse up to $350 million (around Rs 2,295 crore) at a share price of Rs 156 in the cash-strapped Indian healthcare company, subject to due diligence that will be completed in three weeks. "We would seek to identify an approach to support the company's immediate cash needs with up to Rs 100 crore in the next 45 days, including the option of immediately subscribing to a convertible debt instrument, subject to due diligence," said Fosun in the offer laetter. It said the company is also ready to invest in Fortis Healthcare through the primary infusion of $350 million at a price of Rs 156 per share, capping its shareholding at 25 per cent. Fosun, having assets worth over $75 billion, is already an investor in India's Gland Pharma, reported The Economic Times, adding it has invested over $1 billion in various companies across India. "We believe our proposal outlined in this letter will best support the company's (Fortis) immediate needs, while supporting the company and its existing investors at a fair valuation to optimise the long-term return," said Fosun. As part of the proposal, Fosun would also seek specific rights commensurate with its investment including, but not limited to, board seats proportionate to its holding, the letter said. Malaysia's IHH Healthcare on Tuesday said Fortis Healthcare refused to accept its offer to acquire the company citing binding agreements with Manipal Health Enterprises. Last week, IHH had proposed to acquire Fortis Healthcare by offering to buy its shares at Rs 160 apiece, higher than Manipal's offer of Rs 155 per share that had valued the company at Rs 6,061 crore. Manipal Health had raised its offer from Rs 155 per share after the initial valuation of Rs 5,003 crore. Besides, Sunil Kant Munjal-led Hero Enterprise Investment Office and Burman Family Office have also offered to invest Rs 1,250 crore in Fortis at up to Rs 156 per share. The Fortis board will now meet this week before taking a final decision on the possible investment. In March, the Fortis board had approved the demerger of its hospitals business, which was to be acquired by Manipal Hospitals and TPG Capital, along with the sale of 20 per cent stake in diagnostics chain SRL Ltd, for Rs 3,900 crore. A helicopter pilot who crashed in the Kosciuszko National Park on Tuesday afternoon was lucky to survive, ACT authorities say. Pilot Phil ODriscoll, 45, was flown to Canberra Hospital in a serious but stable condition with head and spinal injuries after he was rescued from the wreckage of the crash. Pilot Phil O'Driscoll had been working on the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project in the Kosciuszko National Park. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen ACT Ambulance Service operations manager Matt Smith said the Toll Southcare Helicopter was alerted to the rescue operation around 2.30pm on Tuesday. The helicopter arrived at the scene at approximately 3.15pm, Mr Smith said. The third exotic snake caught in the past two months could be just "the tip of the iceberg" for Canberra's illegal reptile trade, according to an invasive species expert. Local snake catchers Luke Dunn and Emma Carlson were called out to Scullin shops on Monday night, where a member of the public had stumbled across a young corn snake. A baby corn snake captured in Canberra by Luke Dunn and Emma Carlson of Canberra Snake Rescue & Relocation on Monday night. Credit:Canberra Snake Rescue & Relocation Ms Carlson said the snake appeared to have been dumped, still in its container, and had since been handed over to authorities. Like the milk snake caught at Braddon McDonald's by the pair earlier this month, corn snakes are illegal in Australia, and native to the Americas, where they are popular pets. On most school holiday mornings, Cooper Temple-Clark wouldn't bother getting out of bed. But this time around, the 15-year-old is waking early and heading into the bush to help rebuild Tidbinbilla Hut, which has fallen into disrepair after standing for nearly 100 years in the pine plantation at Pierces Creek. Volunteers Jacques Slater-McCabe, 12, and Cooper Temple-Clarke, 15, are taking time out of their school holidays to help restore Tidbinbilla Hut. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Cooper is one of six boys involved in the restoration through his links with Canberra-based charity Menslink, which has partnered with the ACT Parks and Conservation Service and Conservation Volunteers Australia to carry out the project. "I really want to do something in construction," the Alfred Deakin High School student said. One of the aims of my weekly newsletter is to give you an insight into what it's like to work at The Age and to explain how some of our stories originate. Or, as one of my reporters inappropriately puts it - open the kimono. We have set the agenda with some major stories this year, including how China is increasing its influence in Australia and the wider Pacific region and issues with the culture within Victoria Police. Business reporter Adele Ferguson's latest project - following on from the exposes she did with Sarah Danckert on retirement home operators ripping off the elderly and struggling franchisees associated with the Retail Food Group - concerned the overwhelming power of the Australian Taxation Office. The seeds of the project were sown in September, when Adele had lunch with a lawyer who suggested that she should take a look at how the ATO operated. He said - and her subsequent stories backed this up - that the ATO's extraordinary powers, combined with a lack of oversight, had caused major issues for, in particular, owners of small to medium-sized businesses. He said most lawyers, tax agents, lobby groups and taxpayers were too scared to speak up for fear of retribution. Politicians stayed quiet because they didn't want to do anything that might compromise the ATO's revenue-raising abilities. Lawyers say the police trial of body-worn cameras that began on Wednesday will not help the public because officers could use their discretion about when they turned them on. Police in Epping in Melbournes north are now wearing the cameras and officers in Ballarat will join them on Monday in a six-week trial involving 150 police. The cameras are expected to be given to 11,000 frontline officers as soon as the end of next year. The cameras are attached to police ballistics vests. Flick the switch on top and the cameras are on standby. Two firm presses of a button starts the audio and visual recording, which can be clearly noticed by a red recording light. Police will be required to use the cameras if they are arresting someone, when executing warrants and during drink or drug-driving testing, or generally in the course of collecting evidence. Victoria Police said officers should turn their camera on when using any police power, unless it's a strip search, but were not required to turn them on in all interactions with the public. Zabi Ezedyar. Plasterer Zabi Ezedyar was visiting a Narre Warren home when he was shot several times from behind when he reached the front door and died on the pavement outside. The Kurrajong Road property was home to underworld figure Mohammed Keshtiar aka Afghan Ali who was just out of jail and paroled to live at the house with his parents. With nothing in his background to suggest he could be the target of the deadly shooting, homicide detectives are investigating the real possibility that 26-year-old Mr Ezedyar is the victim of yet another botched bikie gang shooting. Three months earlier, and just over 15 kilometres away in Keysborough, 22-year-old Mohammed "Mo" Yucel opened the garage door of his friend's place. He ducked out into the rear laneway and was about to walk the few hundred metres home when he was gunned down. Opposition Leader Bill Shorten is inching towards granting Sir John Monash a posthumous promotion, putting the Labor leader at odds with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and military chiefs a week before Anzac Day. Throwing his support behind the campaign to promote the war hero during the centenary of the end of World War I - a move rejected this week by Mr Turnbull - Mr Shorten said an elevation to the rank of field marshal was "not just about personal recognition for John Monash". "It is an acknowledgement of everyone who served our nation in the First World War the young Australians whose brave deeds shaped our national identity," the Labor leader writes an opinion piece published by Fairfax Media on Thursday. Former deputy prime minister Tim Fischer at the Sir John Monash statue in Melbourne on Wednesday. Credit:Eddie Jim Mr Shorten said "bestowing this overdue honour" would also serve as a reminder of the "courage and sacrifice of the hundreds of thousands of Australians who served under his skilful command". London: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is facing new concerns about Australias vital trade relationship with China after a rebuke from the countrys ambassador about laws targeting foreign interference in Australian affairs. Mr Turnbull acknowledged the ups and downs in Australias relationship with China but insisted the ties were strong despite strong signs of a chill between the two countries. The comments came after Mr Turnbull gained a personal assurance from Vanuatu Prime Minister Charlot Salwai that the Pacific nation was never dreaming of allowing a major port to become a Chinese military base. The scale of Chinese influence in the Pacific has cast a shadow over Mr Turnbulls meetings with Pacific Island leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, following revelations by Fairfax Media about Chinese involvement in a major port in Vanuatu. Victoria's powerful firefighter's union has picked yet another fight with the State Government, this time over its recruitment of a "union-busting" Englishman as the new chief of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. The United Firefighters Union, a political thorn in the side of the Andrews Labor government for much of its tenure, sounded an ominous warning on Wednesday that fresh trouble had arrived. Dan Stephens is Melbourne's new fire chief. The unions Victorian leader says the man chosen for the MFB's top job, Englishman Dan Stephens, has a union-busting, budget-breaking track record in his previous job as fire chief in the northern English city of Liverpool. Within hours of the news of Mr Stephens appointment to the MFB on Wednesday, the unions combative branch secretary Peter Marshall was on the attack, saying the former chief officer of the Merseyside Fire Brigade had presided over savage cuts to firefighter numbers in the city. Melbourne needs a "night tsar" to tackle the CBD's booming dusk-til-dawn economy, says lord mayoral candidate Sally Warhaft, who intends to appoint one if elected. Central Melbourne has an average night-time population of 391,000 on a week night, figures from 2014 show - and this number swells dramatically on weekends after dark. Lord mayor candidate Sally Warhaft says Melbourne needs a night "tsar" to promote the interests of businesses, residents and visitors. Credit:Justin McManus Lord mayoral candidate Sally Warhaft says more needs to be done to look after the needs of night-time workers, businesses, residents and visitors in the city after dark. "We should be giving the people who work, visit and reside in the city at night the same level of amenity and civility as we do in the day," said Ms Warhaft, a broadcaster and academic. Several states have been hit by a fresh currency shortage with ATMs running dry. Some of the most affected states are Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka and even parts of the National Capital Region. While there are many speculations for this shortage, the government and the Reserve Bank have said it's a temporary disruption and normalcy will return within three days . Also, the RBI is ready to go in for a five-fold increase in the printing of Rs 500 notes to deal with cash shortages. However, Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said that about 10-12 per cent of the ATMs have been hit by the cash shortage and it may take another five to seven days to get back the supply. LIVE UPDATES 11:55 am:AAP leader Raghav Chadha said that his removal as an adviser to the Delhi government was a tactic to divert the people's attention from the incidents of rape and the cash crunch in ATMs and banks in some parts of the country. 10: 30 am: In Madhya Pradesh, People continue to face cash shortage. A resident of Bhopal told ANI: 'I have been to more than 12 ATMs since yesterday, but neither had money, we are facing a lot of problems due to this'. CURRENCY ADEQUATE, NO NEED TO PANIC Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told journalists the government suspects that Rs 2,000 notes are being hoarded as they are not coming back into circulation fast enough. "We have not got this investigated, but you can assume this is the one note which most suitable to hoard as this is a high value note. But this does not affect the overall supply of Rs 2,000 notes," he said. Garg said there are about Rs 6.7 lakh crore worth of Rs 2,000 notes in the system and they are more than adequate to meet the transaction demand. HOARDINGS STRONGER IN SOME PARTS According to market sources, there are apparently also apprehensions about safety of deposits due to recent spurt in banking frauds. However, Garg dismissed this as an unfounded rumour. He said there is an unusually high demand for currency and there are multiple factors for this including tendency to hoard cash and it is stronger in some parts of the country. There is also a perception that there may be shortage of currency in the future. So people have started withdrawing and it has contributed to the crisis, he added. "We keep adequate stock of currency notes, which is one-sixth of the currency in circulation. Currently, the currency in stock is about Rs 2 lakh crore and the reserves are adequate to meet any unusual spurt in demand," he said. The unusual spurt in currency demand since January was also met through reserves, he added. PRINTING OF RS 500 NOTES TO GO UP The Economic Affairs secretary said that the government has taken steps to increase the supply of currency in case demand goes up. "The currency printing will increase from Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,500 crore per day of Rs 500 notes. So in a month, we will be printing about Rs 70,000- Rs 75,000 crore,'' he added. This should give you assurance that we are geared up to meet the rising demand, he said. Garg further said the government will make all efforts that there is no shortage of cash irrespective of the level of demand. On ATMs going out of cash, he said some of them may have some problem, but this is a temporary phenomenon. FRDI BILL OR SCAMS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR CURRENCY SHORTAGE Subhash Garg also dismissed rumours that the cash shortage is related to the recent scams in the banking sector, including one allegedly perpetrated by Nirav Modi or the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance (FRDI) Bill. The shortage may also be due to some states distributing more cash benefits, it has nothing to do with recent scams, Garg said. He said there are rumours floating around suggesting currency shortage in the country but it is not true. Usually, he said, the currency supply every month used to be around Rs 20,000 crore but in the last two-three months, it has doubled to Rs 40,000-Rs 45,000 crore. In the first 13 days of April itself there has been a demand of Rs 45,000 crore, he added. The secretary assured that there was no reason for anyone to fear or any apprehension that either private sector or public sector banks are in danger. BIG PICTURE: DRY KIOSKS AND LONG QUEUES While the cash crunch across the country has brought the ATMs to a dry run, let's take a tour of various states. DELHI Residents of several parts of suburban Delhi were left high and dry with ATMs running dry. Central Delhi, however, was relatively less affected, being catered to by almost all major ATMs. Ber Sarai, Okhla, Burari and Mayur Vihar were among those that reported a severe cash crisis. Ber Sarai resident Rakesh Kumar said, "None of us could find a working ATM in Ber Sarai so I decided to come here instead. My friends have given me their bank debit cards and asked me to withdraw cash for them because we have not been able to access cash in our area in the past two days. Even in Bengali market only one of the four ATMs had cash." MADHYA PRADESH The ATMs in most parts of Madhya Pradesh have gone dry even as chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan tried to blame the opposition for the crisis, alleging that Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded as part of a conspiracy. "Banks don't have money. We are getting reports about this from across the state, but we will tide over it," Finance Minister Jayant Malviya told INDIA TODAY . Madhya Pradesh is in the midst of wheat procurement and the state government has to procure wheat worth about Rs 38,000 crore by May-end. Half of this money has to be paid in cash to the farmers as promised by CM Chouhan. MUMBAI ATMs in Mumbai continued to dispense currency on Tuesday without any hiccup. INDIATODAY TV visited three different banks in different parts of the city to take stock of the situation. The Saraswat Bank ATM in Lower Parel near Deepak Talkies was dispensing currency notes of all denominations. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, an HDFC Bank ATM saw a brisk flow of patrons, but there was no queue of waiting customers. At Dalal Street, the SBI ATM had a long queues outside but customers said they were getting crisp new notes of Rs 200. GUJARAT For the third consecutive day, empty ATMs greeted bank customers in the city. People returning empty-handed from ATMs were incensed that they had to run from pillar to post to access their own hard-earned money. Irfan Bangali, a mobilephone retailer in Ellisbridge of Ahmedabad which is the commercial heart of the city, claimed there were about 20 ATMs within a five-km radius, none of which was working. CHHATTISGARH Amid reports of cash shortages in several states, CM Raman Singh on Tuesday said his state has also been witnessing it but expressed hope that the crisis will be resolved shortly. Some local newspapers have reported that ATMs are running out of cash in districts like Korba, Surajpur, Dhamtari and Mungeli for the past few days. (Ilma Hasan, Hemendra Sharma, Mayuresh Ganapatye, Jumana Shah with PTI inputs) Mr Marshall also declined to rule out rumours that he has a compromising tape of Mr Andrews. In an incendiary interview on ABC Melbourne, union secretary Peter Marshall has accused Premier Daniel Andrews and Deputy Premier James Merlino of lying to him by appointing British fire chief Dan Stephens as the new head of the fire services. Premier Daniel Andrews made secret promises to Victoria's powerful firefighters' union "in the heat of a political moment", says the union's secretary, who has warned that the truth will come out before the next election. Youd have to ask Dan Andrews that, not me, he told the ABCs Raf Epstein. The truth will come out about Daniel Andrews and James Merlinos role in this and exactly why theyve chosen to engage in an extremely provocative appointment, Mr Marshall said. There was a number of promises and they will come out in the near future there were discussions which will come out in the near future. Asked if there was any deal with the firefighters' union or if the Premier was aware of any recording, a government spokesman said no. The interview sent shockwaves through Labor ranks on Wednesday night with one frontbencher telling The Age that while he expected a difficult couple of days, Mr Marshall's demands in relation to the new Chief Officer could not be accepted. Former FBI director James Comey is deeply flawed, a man prone to arrogance and vanity and self-righteousness. That's not the verdict of Donald Trump, who fired Comey last May and has attacked him as "slippery", a "slimeball" and the "WORST FBI Director in history, by far!" in tweets over recent days. Rather, it's an assessment Comey offers of himself on the second page of his autobiography, A Higher Loyalty, which went on sale on Wednesday. Aware he could easily "come across as presumptuous, even sanctimonious" in writing a book about ethical leadership, Comey puts his imperfections up in lights. "All people have flaws and I have many," Comey writes in the introduction to his book, the most eagerly-awaited political release since Michael Wolff's Fire and Fury. "Some of mine, as you'll discover in this book, are that I can be stubborn, prideful, overconfident and driven by ego. I've struggled with those my whole life." He adds: "I know I can be wrong, even when I am certain I am right." Like almost all memoirs of prominent figures, Comey's book is designed to burnish the legacy of its author, including through its carefully-crafted displays of self-flagellation. Comey presents himself as a man aware of his own shortcomings but who is convinced he got the big calls right. He agonises, but doesn't regret. The New Mexico Broadcasters Association said on social media she was a graduate of the University of New Mexico and former board member. The pilot took the plane into a rapid descent and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling said their prayers and braced for impact. Passenger Marty Martinez said a window exploded mid-air and posted photo of a damaged window and emergency oxygen masks dangling down. Passenger Marty Martinez filmed a Facebook Live video on board the Southwest Airlines flight. Credit:Facebook/Marty Martinez "I just remember holding my husband's hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed," passenger Amanda Bourman, of New York, said. "And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldn't grow up without parents." Passengers commended one of the pilots for her cool-headed handling of the emergency. She walked through the aisle and spoke to passengers to make sure they were OK after the plane touched down. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her," Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, said. "I'm going to send her a Christmas card ... with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome." Bourman said she was asleep near the back when she heard a loud noise and oxygen masks dropped. "Everybody was crying and upset," she said. "You had a few passengers that were very strong, and they kept yelling to people, you know, 'It's OK! We're going to do this!' " Jennifer Riordan was a vice-president of community relations for Wells Fargo bank. Credit:Facebook In a recording of conversations between the cockpit and air traffic controllers, an unidentified crew member reported that there was a hole in the plane and "someone went out". Loading Tumlinson said a man in a cowboy hat rushed forward a few rows "to grab that lady to pull her back in. She was out of the plane. He couldn't do it by himself, so another gentleman came over and helped to get her back in the plane, and they got her". Another passenger, Eric Zilbert, an administrator with the California Education Department, said: "From her waist above, she was outside of the plane." Passengers struggled to plug the hole while giving the badly injured woman CPR. Passengers did "some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances," Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said. As the plane came in for a landing, everyone started yelling to brace for impact, then clapped after the aircraft touched down safely, Bourman said. "We were very lucky to have such a skilled pilot and crew to see us through it," Zilbert said. "The plane was steady as a rock after it happened. I didn't have any fearing that it was out of control." Photos posted by passengers showed a heavily damaged window near the damaged engine. Passengers reported seeing a woman being given medical attention on the plane. She was removed from the plane by emergency medical workers and taken to hospital. Loading The last time a passenger died in an accident on a US airliner was in 2009 when 49 people on board and one on the ground were killed when a Continental Express plane crashed on a house near Buffalo, New York. Southwest Airlines chief executive Gary Kelly said at a news conference in Dallas on Tuesday that there were no problems with the plane nor its engine when it was inspected on Sunday. Kelly said the plane had gone through 40,000 take-offs and landings since it was delivered in July 2000. That included 10,000 since its last overhaul. US Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao praised the pilots, crew and passengers for helping to prevent a far worse tragedy. She said her department was working with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause and ensure the safety of the travelling public. CFM International, the company that made the engine, said it was helping investigators figure out what went wrong. It said in a statement on Tuesday that it sent technical experts to help the National Transportation Safety Board officials. CFM is a joint venture of General Electric and France's Safran. The company said the type of engine on the Southwest plane was installed on more than 6700 planes and had flown more than 350 million hours since its introduction in 1997. The company said the engine had an outstanding safety and reliability record. Peggy Phillips does not think she is a hero. But the family of Jennifer Riordan, who was killed when she was partially sucked out of a window after an engine on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 exploded, have praised the efforts of Phillips and others on board for trying to save Riordan's life. The Boeing 737 was flying from New York to Dallas with 149 people on board when the plane ran into trouble, Phillips said. "It was terrifying. There was an incredibly loud noise and the plane started shaking like I've never experienced before, and I think we all knew at that point that something was terribly wrong," she told American television network ABC. The pilot of a Southwest Airlines flight to Dallas from New York has been lauded for her calm reaction after a mid-air engine explosion smashed a window in the cabin, killing one passenger who was partially sucked through the opening. Audio has been released of the moment Tammie Jo Shults informed air traffic controllers of what had happened on board Flight 1380 and it's far from dramatic, despite the horrific circumstances. "We have part of the aircraft missing so we're going to have to slow down a bit," Ms Shults can be heard saying in a level voice. "Could you have the medical meet us there on the runway as well? We've got injured passengers. The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical has announced that it will launch a national tour in Chicago in January 2019 before heading across the country. The tour will stop at Seattle; Detroit; Charlotte, North Carolina; San Antonio; and more. Additional tour cities and casting will be announced later. The new musical is written by Joe Tracz and Rob Rokicki and directed by Stephen Brackett (Buyer & Cellar). Musical direction is by Wiley DeWeese with orchestrations by DeWeese and Rokicki. The musical debuted last year at the Lucille Lortel Theatre. Based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, the play is described as follows: "Percy Jackson has newly discovered powers he can't control, has monsters on his trail, and is on a quest to find Zeus's lightning bolt and prevent a war between the Greek gods. Normal is a myth when you're a demigod." The creative team includes Patrick McCullum (choreography), Lee Savage (set design), Sydney Maresca (costume design), Ryan Rumery (sound design), David Lander (lighting design), and Rod Kinter (fight direction). Albatec boss Andy Scott returns for Sol Rally Barbados in Fiesta R5 Ahead of the event which celebrates its 61st running this year, Scott will compete in Sundayas (April 22) Carter Stages Rally as a shakedown, with experienced co-driver Rashid Philipps once again alongside him, before returning to contest Sol RB18 which takes place on June 1-3. Entries close next week, but currently the Albatec-run Ford Fiesta R5 takes the number of 4wd cars to 23 amid an 80-car line-up, with the number of overseas submissions currently running at 38. The Fiesta R5 is an early 2017 version, previously owned by Belgian Pieter-Jan Maeyaert, who drove it to victory in last Julyas Motul TBR Rallysprint in his home country. Barbadian Philipps has claimed three overall Rally Barbados finishes, with three different drivers, with his best overall finish in 2009 sitting alongside David Brewster in his Peugeot 205GTi when they finished 38th. Full details of the event can be found at the official website: [http://www.rallybarbados.net] Andy Scott, Driver, Albatec Racing: aIam very excited about returning to compete on Rally Barbados. I was determined to return after enjoying such a great event in 2017. This has only been made possible by the support of friends and family both at home and in Barbados, so Iam delighted weave been able to make it happen. Although a technical issue meant we crashed out on the penultimate stage, we were running third in class up to that point and were on target to come away with a decent result. aThe country, the culture, and the people are amazing. Last year the locals rallied round to help us get back out after we had a battery problem, and somebody took one off their own car to help us out. That really stuck with me since then and now we return with a car in which I very much hope we can produce a solid result. Rashid did a great job last year, and will be alongside me for this weekend, he has a lot of local knowledge which Iam sure will help us again. aThe biggest challenge last year was the heat, and the rough, bumpy roads under the trees, the adverse camber, plus the night stages which were tricky. But it was a good experience, very much a learning exercise, so this year we will be looking to put that experience to good use and hopefully get to the finish in one piece.a??? Cardi B, Bernie Sanders. Photo: Getty Images Cardi B, a 25-year-old rapper from the Bronx, has previously spoken out about political issues like the slave trade in Libya and where her tax money is going. Bernie Sanders, a 76-year-old Vermont senator, is also wildly popular with young people. So perhaps it was inevitable that we would get to here: Bernie Sanders invoking the words of Cardi B to make a point about social security. The original quote came from a GQ profile in which Cardi calls FDR the real Make America Great Again, because if it wasnt for him, old people wouldnt even get Social Security. The organization Social Security Works first posted it and Sanders (or, more likely, his social-media manager) then quote-tweeted it, writing Cardi B is right. If we are really going to make America great we need to strengthen Social Security so that seniors are able to retire with the dignity they deserve. Cardi B is right. If we are really going to make America great we need to strengthen Social Security so that seniors are able to retire with the dignity they deserve. https://t.co/B8cOkoOdLc Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 18, 2018 He added a video later on, for good measure. Thanks to @iamcardib for calling attention to the importance of Social Security. pic.twitter.com/bJdt9Oxzzf Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 18, 2018 And Cardi responded on Instagram. OooooommmmmmgggggBERNIE SANDERS!!! A post shared by Cardi B Official IG (@iamcardib) on Apr 18, 2018 at 9:29am PDT Bernie Sanders/Belcalis Almanzar 2020. Loading the player... South Korean consumer durables firm Samsung continues to be the most trusted brand in the country followed by Sony and LG, while Tata Group, the only Indian company to feature in the top five, occupied the fourth slot, according to The Brand Trust report 2018. The top three brands retained their last year's position while Tata moved up a place. US-based Apple took the fifth position, losing a spot from last year. PC maker Dell improved by two places to be placed sixth, while auto major Honda took the seventh position. Cash crunch is back Empty ATMs have returned to haunt states like Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh. The government has attributed this crunch to an "unusual spurt in currency demand" but different sets of people are giving different reasons to this familiar crisis. Bank officials have said people were hoarding Rs 2000 notes which were going back into the black economy. Another theory is that political parties are hoarding cash in the run-up to the Karnataka elections. Congress party chief Rahul Gandhi has linked this crunch to the Nirav Modi fraud and demonetisation. India to re-emerge as one of fastest growing economies in 2018-19: IMF India is expected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2018 and 7.8 per cent in 2019, leaving its nearest rival China behind respectively at 6.6 and 6.4 per cent in the two years, the IMF said on Tuesday. With growth picking up after falling sharply in the second quarter of 2017 due to "one-off factors", India in 2018 and 2019 would re-emerge as one of the fastest growing major economies, it said. ICICI Bank on-boards over 250 corporates on its blockchain platform ICICI bank has said it has successfully on-boarded over 250 corporates on its blockchain platform for domestic and international trade finance transactions, as reported by the Economic Times. The private sector bank said that with this, leading Indian corporates -- including ones from the "S&P BSE 100 Index" -- are now undertaking domestic/international trade finance transactions on its custom-made blockchain platform. IT department conducts searches on McDonald's franchise The Income Tax carried out searches at premises of Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt ltd (HRPL), the master franchisee of fast food chain McDonald's, in Delhi and Mumbai, officials said. The Income Tax officials alleged that searches were carried out against the HRPL following allegations of tax evasion. HRPL is a step down subsidiary of Westlife Development Ltd, a company listed on stock exchanges, including BSE. Jewellers expect 15% growth in Akshaya Tritiya sales This Akshaya Tritiya, jewellers expect 10-15% growth in sales compared to last year, despite higher gold prices as reported by the Times of India. Currently, 10 grams of 24-carat gold is priced at around Rs 31,000 - higher than last year's rates, which hovered at Rs 29,000. With positive sentiments, customers are looking to purchase lightweight jewellery to put up with the high prices.It is believed that Akshaya Tritiya is good to initiate new beginnings and brings good fortune and luck. Part I: I quit doing the figure. Im only doing abstract art. Male artists wonder whether they can work with the female form, while the world questions what their intentions were in the first place. By Michael Slenske The western art canon is in no small part a parade of famous female nudes, from Praxiteless Aphrodite of Knidos from the fourth century B.C. to Manets 19th-century prostitutes (notably the recumbent, unamused Olympia) to John Currins Playboy-meets-Fragonard women and almost all of them have been made by white male artists. Of course, as art historian Linda Nochlin famously observed, it was difficult for women to paint nudes when historically they werent even allowed to attend figure-drawing classes because of the naked people necessarily present. While feminist art critics have for decades pointed out the shortcomings of the male gaze, the post-#MeToo reckoning with the art worlds systemic sexism, its finger-on-the-scale preference for male genius, has given that critique a newly powerful force. And the question of the moment has become: Is it still an artistically justifiable pursuit for a man to paint a naked woman? Related Stories When a Feminist Artist Is Censored by a Feminist Gallery To answer this question, I reached out to a number of prominent male artists known for doing just that (as well as for painting nude men). But most of them including Currin, Carroll Dunham, Jeff Koons, and the young Mexican-American painter Alex Becerra (some of whose nudes are drawn from escort ads) declined to talk about their works relationship to the current social climate. Presumably, they worried about unintentionally saying the wrong thing that would then echo endlessly across social media, damaging their reputations. For emerging artists, there is the fear of a possibly career-derailing gestalt fail. Ive been in conversations with other [male artists], and they were just like, I quit working with the figure. Im only doing abstract work, because I dont want to touch it, says Marty Schnapf while walking me through his recent solo show Fissures in the Fold at Wilding Cran Gallery in Los Angeles. He thinks we could be living through a new Victorian age or at least thats his explanation for the mixed responses hes received for his gender-confusing neo-Cubist nudes, which play out sexualized fantasies in hotel rooms and surrealist swimming-pool dreamscapes, and evoke Joan Semmels erotic works from the 1970s. I counted: Theres actually more male nudes in my show, Schnapf says, though it wasnt immediately discernible to my eye, which is perhaps the point. One of Schnapfs female artist friends grilled him about the intent of the work, while a few collectors even gasped when confronted with the infinity loop of breasts, Day-Glo mane, and charcoal-blackened genital geometries of his ghost-lit spider dame, Will-o-the-wisp. Marty Schnapf, Will-o-the-wisp, 2017. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist/Wilding Cran Gallery It was 43 years ago that feminist British film theorist Laura Mulvey coined the term male gaze in her essay Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema: The determining male gaze projects its phantasy on to the female figure which is styled accordingly. In their traditional exhibitionist role women are simultaneously looked at and displayed, with their appearance coded for strong visual and erotic impact. The neo-Expressionist Eric Fischl (while clarifying that I dont do nude, I do naked. Naked is psychological; it involves a much more complicated set of emotional relationships to physicality, to need, to desire, to pleasure), believes that its important to analyze how the male gaze works in making art. But hes also of the opinion that men looking at women is, to some extent, a genetically engineered reflex for very particular reasons. To try to make it somehow an unnatural aspect of being a man doesnt make much sense, he says. It would be the same as supposing the children of women who paint mothers and children said, Stop the motherly gaze; its inappropriate, invasive, objectifying. What would the women do? Theyd say, Its natural for me to look at this aspect of womanness, and the children would say, No, youre not treating me as though Im separate and other. Fischl laughs. Brooklyn-based painter Kurt Kauper found out how tricky painting the female nude is earlier this year when his solo show titled Women, featuring three larger-than-life-size female nudes, debuted at the Almine Rech Gallery. The website Artsy quickly sized up the problem he might encounter in an article called The Perils of a Man Painting Naked Women in 2018. The perils soon became real when critic Brienne Walsh reviewed the show for Forbes: Kurt Kaupers Women Attempts to Depict Powerful Female Nudes, and Fails. I meet with Kauper at Almine Rech, where his trio of nudes drawn from black, Asian, and white models stand sentry with their muscled physiques, clinically sculpted vaginas, and vacant eyes, which seem to follow us around the gallery as we talk. It feels like theyve been plucked from the basement of retired android hosts on Westworld. To Walsh, Kauper demonstrated a white male viewpoint of art history, full of gaping holes. She also ruminated on how disturbing a shorn vagina looks to me, it implies acquiescence to porn culture, to a patriarchal society that prefers that women not smell, not offend, not grow up beyond little girls. This critique wounded Kauper, whos spent most of his career painting vulnerable-looking men disrobed. She said I was trying to paint powerful women I never said that, Kauper protests. I was trying to put the viewer in an uncomfortable position of not knowing quite where they stand in relationship to these paintings physically, conceptually, and in terms of the genre. But such arguments may seem naive in these politically vigilant times. In February, the U.K.s Manchester Art Gallery removed John William Waterhouses sexy swamp girls painting Hylas and the Nymphs, to challenge this Victorian fantasy of the female body as either a passive decorative form or a femme fatale. In New York, there was the viral petition asking that the Metropolitan Museum remove or contextualize the Balthus painting Therese Dreaming, depicting an adolescent girl leg up, her eyes closed: The Met is, perhaps unintentionally, supporting voyeurism and the objectification of children. While the museum didnt acquiesce, Balthuss reputation was already on the decline. Industry experts reminded me that, whereas in the boundary-pushing 70s, a Balthus was considered to add a sophisticatedly perverse note to ones collection, in recent years, hes regarded as a little skeevy. In its Here Are the Absolute Worst Artworks We Saw Around the World in 2017 roundup, ArtNets Rachel Corbett singled out Richard Kerns photos of waiflike girls bent over stairs and/or smoking joints subject matter hes been exploring for the better part of three decades. The onetime documentarian of downtown New Yorks drug-fueled depravity was a force for sexual liberation in the 1980s and 90s But times change and in our postTerry Richardson world, I think we can strive to be a bit more thoughtful about how and why we use the female nude going forward In 2018 Ill be looking out for more from photographers like Deana Lawson, Catherine Opie, Collier Schorr, or A. L. Steiner instead. There does seem to be some recalibration toward valuing the female gaze, based on the careers of those four, not to mention the high prices recently paid for nudes by artists like Mickalene Thomas, Jenny Saville, Lisa Yuskavage, and Ghada Amer. But theres a lot to make up for: Only 27 percent of the 590 major museum exhibitions from 2007 to 2013 were devoted to female artists; only five women were among the top 100 artists by cumulative auction value between 2011 and 2016; and just a third of gallery representation in the U.S. is female. You cant force people to collect the correct art, of course. In January, L.A.s Nino Mier Gallery inadvertently performed a kind of experiment, opening simultaneous shows featuring opposite portrayals of the female form: the lithe bikini-, skinny-jean-, and volleyball-uniform-clad glamazons of painter Jansson Stegner and the feminist Propaganda Pots (sculptures referencing Eastern Bloc posters about domestic morality, alcoholism, motherhood) by ceramic artist Bari Ziperstein. The former, priced up to $50,000 each, sold out before the opening; the latter, priced at one-tenth of Stegners portraits, earned critical raves but sold at a more leisurely clip. The juxtaposition incited some online protests; as local gallerist Hilde Lynn Helphenstein told me, Immediately in the wake of #MeToo and #TimesUp, the market made a clear pronouncement that it is still focused on work which is sexually exploitative of female representation. Yet, is it really a shocker that the pretty paintings of pretty young ladies were snapped up faster than the pots? And lets not forget that Picassos Young Girl With a Flower Basket a 1905 Rose Period masterpiece (once owned by Gertrude Stein) of a fully naked, flat-chested Parisian girl is expected to fetch upwards of $120 million and anchor Christies big May auction, Highlights From the Collection of Peggy and David Rockefeller. Most of our buyers, their frame of reference happens to be art history, says the deputy chairman of Impressionist and Modern art at Christies, Conor Jordan. They want to be sure what theyre buying has an importance within the artists career or the broader circle around that artist or movement. Current issues just arent as relevant to them, he says. That happens in the lower levels of the market, where theres more supply, more for people to choose from. In other words, any thoroughgoing change in which artists are deemed Important will take a while. And cracking down on male-painted female nudes as a means to this end seems pointless, at least to Marilyn Minter, a #MeToo supporter who nonetheless says shes seen a version of this before, when her Porn Grids ran afoul of anti-pornography feminists in the late 80s and early 90s. I was a traitor to feminism, but my side won, she says. Now its the return of all that. Her larger point? There are no safe places: This is the world, its pretty awful, and its pretty great at the same time. But the minute you try to pin down sexuality, its going to spit in your face. Its totally personal, its fluid. Trying to make rules is a waste of energy. Progressives can take each other apart we do it all the time when the bigger enemy is these neo-Nazis. Thats where the energy should be, not trying to police fucking paintings. Part II: When I was young, the biggest compliment was that you could paint like a man. Seven female artists weigh in on men painting women, and women doing it for themselves. As told to Molly Langmuir Tracey Emin Tracey Emin, This is life without you You made me Feel like This, 2018. Photo: Courtesy of the Tracey Emin Studio/Photo by Prudence Cumming LTD Since I was 17 or 18, Ive been making paintings of myself with my legs open, masturbating. But the subject matter is really about being alone, purely alone, and everybody identifies with that, male or female. Theyre not meant to be sexy images. As far as Im concerned, people can fuck whoever they like, as long as its equal. But Balthus, the way he gazes on those girls, is not equal, not balanced. I dont feel comfortable looking at Matisse, either, because he was making many of those paintings during the Holocaust and theres no reference to war whatsoever. Yet Matisse was a beautiful painter. Willem de Kooning was as well. But he was horrific to women. I have a massive argument with a female art historian I really respect about de Kooning. She says, At the end of the day, all I care about is that hes a fantastic painter. But for me, I can hear a story about an artist that repels me from their work. Or I can hear a story, even if it isnt necessarily a good one, and it will clarify what I like about them. Take Turner, who painted such wonderful sunsets and seascapes. He also painted all these paintings of prostitutes, but theyre not objectifying. Theyre sensual and fantastic. And to know that he did that, it helps me understand his sunsets, which are so charged up and erotic. It makes me like Turner more. Egon Schiele made paintings of himself masturbating too. Many of his images are so hard-core. But even the ones that include women, theyre not about the male gaze. Theyre about the primal act of sex, how it feels to be turned on and to desire. Hes not making images to show Im in control of this woman; Ive made her some sort of object. Judy Chicago A decade ago, I was teaching a graduate seminar at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, and a young man made a sculpture of a woman where he hacked her mouth then covered it with a bandage. The women in the class got really upset. When I was younger, I wouldve completely supported them. But my position now is to not censor but, first, engage in dialogue, and, second, try to create a level playing field. The problem is that masculine imagery is more prevalent than feminine, which means women are subjected to the brutalities of the male psyche while men are not subjected to the counterpart. So I told the students I sympathized, but the human psyche is not politically correct. It is full of unpleasant feelings because were all brought up in a patriarchal, sexist, misogynist society. And when one begins to make art and plumb ones psyche, all sorts of things come out. In the 1980s, when I first showed PowerPlay, my investigation into the construct of masculinity, I gave some lectures about it. Women in the audience were often so provoked by the images [such as Crippled by the Need to Control/Blind Individuality, in which a male figure grabs a kneeling woman by the hair from behind, her profile a study in agony] that afterward theyd scream that I hated men. They were just so unaccustomed to seeing a woman have such raw feelings about men. Actually, it was men who stood up and said I was telling the truth. I saw how healthy it was that the images produced that discourse. So no, I do not think the answer is to remove everything unpleasant in art. We have to be able to make mistakes. Today theres more space for women to express themselves openly in art, and for artists of color, too. When I was young, the biggest compliment you could get was that you could paint like a man. So theres been a lot of change at that level. But institutionally, its hardly changed. Do we go to the museum and see Alice Neel next to Lucian Freud? Do we see Suzanne Valadon next to Utrillo, whom she trained because she was his mother? We dont. In some ways, weve even gone backward. I see young male artists today painting the female body as if the last 30 years of feminist theory never happened. That gets me furious. The thing is, people sometimes pick on the wrong targets. Its easier to go after a Balthus than a contemporary artist. Think about how many women over the years have attacked me, even though my entire life has been devoted to trying to improve conditions for women in the art world. So excuse me, girls, go attack the Museum of Modern Art, would you? Get off me. Its easier to attack somebody whos vulnerable than a fortress. But its more important to attack the fortress. Robin F. Williams Id never tell another artist what they can or cant do. And I wouldnt say that because a man painted this naked woman we shouldnt look at it. But I do think whenever anyone paints a naked woman, theres a high bar. And Id be lying if I said it didnt help to have a female-identified experience to make the type of work I make. One painting I made recently, for example, is of a woman masturbating over a bowl of salad. I had it in studio during Greenpoint Open Studios, and a guy came in with this huge telephoto lens strapped around his neck, a very big, phallic camera. He gestures at the painting and says, What. Is. This. I tell him its about the way women are told there are certain foods or products that are going to give us so much pleasure, and salad is one of them. No one is ever going to be mad at a woman for liking salad. So Im imagining this woman taking that to its logical conclusion and having it tip over into eroticism shes feeling the constraints around female sexuality closing in and decides salad is the only safe thing. The guy gives me a side eye and, totally serious, says, Well, you know theres nothing phallic about that salad, right? As if I were a silly person whod neglected to put a penis inside of her. Then he asked if he could take a picture with his big penis camera. All day, there were men coming into my studio mansplaining my paintings to me. It was surreal. Naudline Pierre Naudline Pierre, Descent, 2016. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist/Artwork 2016 Naudline Pierre Photography 2017 Paul Takeuchi I used to have a hard time going to the Met or sitting in an art-history class. I was approaching it not only as a woman but as a black woman. I felt like, Where are we? Where do we fit? There have been times where Im like, I cannot go into a 19th-century wing and look at paintings of women as props. But now I feel like Ive found a way to co-opt classical language, to subvert it in a way that can give me a feeling of agency. The main figures in my paintings are female, and the other figures are often genderless. I dont usually paint male figures I feel like I have enough male energy in my life but I add male genitalia sometimes. When Im painting the female form, Im taking time getting into the shape of it, Im enjoying it. But when Im painting a man, its more like I made a genderless figure, and now Im going to slap a penis on it. The penis feels comical. Ive known of men who make careers off painting women lying naked on lush sheets not great careers, but careers and Ive heard them say their work is about empowering women. I wish theyd just call it what it is so we could move past this shroud of fake whatever-it-is. You like color, light, flesh, the female form. Just say I like boobs. And a lot of artists, their time is up. Bye. Leave space for the rest of us making work thats interesting and moving the needle. When I see that Jeff Koons work with Cicciolina, its a big yawn for me. Im over it. Ghada Amer The petition to remove the Balthus painting, that surprised me. I thought, Where am I? Because this is exactly what they do in the Middle East. I come from a very religious background, and my mom always says to me, Stop doing those nudes. Its not beautiful. She finds it offensive because its sexual. Its the same with those who are against the Balthus, except one says theyre against a painting because its not feminist; the other says its forbidden by God. You know how many paintings of women have been painted through art history we should remove all of them? A painter paints what he or she likes, whether its a body or a flowerpot. Its an object. How can you paint something other than an object? Say you dont paint a nude but a religious painting. Even Christ he is nude and suffering, but its almost like hes having an orgasm. And then there are the little baby angels, all nude. What is this, objectification? I often hear about my work that because I take images from porn, Im objectifying women. But I find that what people call porn is just something erotic they put a moral judgment on. Ive always had the sense that women must be proud to be sexual beings I was shocked when I moved from France to America and discovered Americans are so prudish. People try to hide their sexuality, but thats much more problematic than to assume we have to live with it. We are animals as well. Christina Quarles As a woman, as somebody whos queer, as a person of color, its important to me to not perpetuate the passive consumption of the body. But its also what I love to do, paint the body. So I try to find ways to not allow for a passive reading. I see my work as exploring the ambiguity of identity. My figures I see as moving between genders. I do tend to have breasts in the work, but I see that more as an opportunity to have gravity expressed through this weird, fleshy, lumpy thing. I dont think that issues of gender should only be explored by women-identifying people, though. Saying only a marginalized group should be able to explore issues of gender identity actually gives more power to a patriarchal position it suggests the male is the natural state of things. But while theoretically a male artist should be able to use the female body in an interesting, nuanced way, I cant actually point to anyone doing it. With stuff that deals with race or gender or sexuality, there can be a problem of turning away from the joy and perseverance that can keep marginalized people afloat. This is why I also like to make beautiful paintings. If the narrative is always the same, it can perpetuate a victim mentality and an oppressor mentality. Tschabalala Self If something is not a lived experience for you, I dont know how sincere a conversation you can have about it, because you probably dont understand all the ins and outs. In that case, your intention in articulating that figure is more likely to show something about you. The Balthus work at the Met, thats about how men experience the world, how men view prepubescent girls. Its not about that girls sexuality. Thats just the truth. But I dont think its helpful to take down Therese Dreaming. Where does it stop? There are many other images that are way more pervasive. Take some of Britney Spearss old videos. They were supposed to seep into your mind and make you feel something about a girl at a certain age. But with Therese Dreaming, its historical, and people should know this is how this man viewed this girl. People have to know thats the reality, girls especially. It doesnt protect anyone to ignore it. Part III: Dueling Gazes Is this painting by a man or a woman? Photo: Courtesy of the Artist/2013 A man. A woman. Yes! Allen Jones, Backdrop, 2016-17. No. Allen Jones, Backdrop, 2016-17. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist and David Zwirner (New York/London) A man. A woman. Yes! Lisa Yuskavage, Self Portrait, 2017. No. Lisa Yuskavage, Self Portrait, 2017. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist and Almine Rech Gallery A man. A woman. Yes! Kurt Kauper, Woman #4, 2017. No. Kurt Kauper, Woman #4, 2017. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist and Salon 94; New York A man. A woman. Yes! Judy Chicago, Crippled by the Need to Control/Blind Individuality, 1983. No. Judy Chicago, Crippled by the Need to Control/Blind Individuality, 1983. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist A man. A woman. Yes! Eric Fischl, Callie and the Swan Toy, 2016. No. Eric Fischl, Callie and the Swan Toy, 2016. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist and Blum&Poe; New York/Los Angeles/Tokyo A man. A woman. Yes! Henry Taylor, Portrait of Jazz Mitchell, 2014. No. Henry Taylor, Portrait of Jazz Mitchell, 2014. Photo: Richard Drew Photo/AP A man. A woman. Yes! John Currin, Nice n Easy, 1999. No. John Currin, Nice n Easy, 1999. Photo: Courtesy Cheim & Read; New York A man. A woman. Yes! Ghada Amer, A Summer in India, 2017. No. Ghada Amer, A Summer in India, 2017. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist A man. A woman. Yes! Christina Quarles, Floored, 2017. No. Christina Quarles, Floored, 2017. Photo: Courtesy of the Artist A man. A woman. Yes! Tschabalala Self, Princess, 2017. No. Tschabalala Self, Princess, 2017. *This article appears in the April 16, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! Donald Trump and Jacinda Ardern. Back in September 2017, The Wall Street Journal tweeted that Jacinda Ardern then head of New Zealands Labour Party, and candidate for prime minister was like Canadas Justin Trudeau except shes more like Trump on immigration. Ardern, 37, went on to be elected prime minister, making her the youngest female world leader in the world, and in January, she announced her pregnancy, which will make her only the second elected official in modern history ever to give birth while in office. But she is still angry about that tweet. In an interview with the Today show which aired on Tuesday, NBC News Cynthia McFadden asked Ardern about the tweet, and the comparison to Trump. That infuriated me, Ardern said emphatically, adding: We [the Labour Party] are a party who, at the same time, were campaigning to double our refugee quota. We are a nation built on immigration. Im only a third-generation New Zealander. The suggestion in any way that New Zealand wasnt an open, outward facing country the suggestion that I was leading something counter to that value makes me extremely angry. While the article the WSJ linked to did not reference Trump specifically, it noted that Arderns rapid ascent owes much to tapping into growing unease about affordability, particularly among young voters, and feeding off a global backlash over immigration. Ardern and her accused doppelganger have met once before. In November, she and President Trump both traveled to Vietnam for the East Asia Summit. This lady caused a lot of upset in her country, Trump reportedly said, pointing at Ardern. You know, she told him, No-one marched when I was elected. Watch her full Today show interview below. Seven years ago, Erin Zapcic a petite, muscular woman with hair dyed the raven-feather hue of Snow Whites walked into Medieval Times in New Jersey, looking for a job. She was an aspiring actress who had just moved to the area (18 minutes away from Port Authority) to be closer to classes and auditions. Zapcic got hired in the gift shop and a month later was promoted to bar wench; after a few more months, she worked her way into the shows cast, as one of the four rotating princesses who wait for a knight or a king to rescue them, two shows a day, three days a week. At that time, it never really occurred to Zapcic, now 29, that she might one day sit on the throne or that perhaps there was some sort of glass ceiling to break. But today she is Queen Dona Maria Isabella of the Lyndhurst, New Jersey, Medieval Times, in between the Courtyard by Marriott and the Quality Inn. She no longer has to wear the wenches corset, a perk of the promotion. The facade of the Medieval Times Lyndhurst, New Jersey, location. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover Since the first Medieval Times opened in Florida in 1983, the chain of dinner-theater monarchies has been ruled by men. The announcement that it would be replacing kings with queens arrived in October, just as the first wave of #MeToo stories emerged, and the introduction of a female ruler seemed irresistibly resonant. Media outlets from Vogue to the New York Times covered the news, and when Zapcic appeared on local TV, she described guests approaching her with tears in their eyes. Whatever the coverage, the transition had actually begun 18 months ago, inspired by requests on audience comment cards: People wanted to see women featured more prominently in shows, and corporate answered. It was more a question of entertainment than politics, Zapcic explains, as she gives me a cheerful all-access tour of her castle. Women make great stories. Zapcic getting ready in costume before greeting guests. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover Im visiting on a rainy Friday in March, in the hours before a 5 p.m. performance, to meet the new monarch. Those who fear change can take comfort that Sovereign, the updated show, still features six jousting knights and some truly thrilling displays of falconry, and requires (or permits) guests to eat a quarter-chicken with their hands. The two-hour production focuses on a queen who has inherited the throne after her fathers death and must face down constant challenges to her authority. Youll see tonight, Zapcic tells me with a huge smile. Theres moments where shes tested, and one where she really has to dig in and lay down and say, No, youre in my house. Theres one line in particular that will really get me, she promises. Zapcic slowly rides her gray-and-white Andalusian stallion around the ring and surveys her realm. In addition to her kingdom (pop. 1,300 at capacity), she now reigns over the costume department, the on-site stables, and an employee hangout area with a time clock where she punches in and out. In the Great Hall, she knights intrepid guests; in the back office, she spends two or three days a week answering phones when shes not performing. The queens grand entrance during the show. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover Zapcic had never ridden a horse before this role and had two months to learn the basics. Now her show days start with an hour of practice in the ring Ivan, a beefy trainer who looks like he belongs on a romance-novel cover, instructs her. Todays lesson ends shortly after the horse begins to buck, and Zapcic joins me in the beer-sticky arena seats to watch another trainer work. Piano Man plays over the sound system. Im sure that I could be a movie star / If I could get out of this place, sings Billy Joel, as serfs and wenches set up for the show. When Zapcic was a wench, she tells me, she rarely dealt with workplace harassment, save for a few moments with rowdy corporate groups. In those situations, she deflected by staying in character. She demonstrates, adopting a vaguely British accent and giggling: Well, the king keeps a very watchful eye over his liquor supply, my lord. The Knights entering the arena represented by each region of the realm. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover Rehearsals for the role started in November. For eight hours a day, she practiced carrying herself like a queen Medieval Times empowerment training, if you will. This meant making her movements more heavy, and moving with conviction and not apologizing for taking up space, Zapcic explains. I have to fill this whole arena from that chair. She points to the throne at the very top of the stadium seats. I add a little bit more color to my speaking voice. She illustrates by dropping an octave and booming out, Ho. We cross the parking lot to a cafe, where Zapcic grabs a Whole30-approved lunch. As she eats, she tells me about her cat, Joker, and her mom, whom she calls the Leslie Knope of her seaside Jersey hometown. Then, with less than an hour to showtime, she heads to the ladies room the nicest one to get dressed. She pulls the huge gold-and-crimson gown over her riding pants, touches up her makeup, ties her hair into a regal ponytail, and puts on a pair of ruby-colored earrings she bought on Amazon. Zapcic posing with guests in the Hall of Arms before the festivity begins. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover While she dresses, I ask Zapcic if she considers herself a feminist. Well, I wouldnt say Im an activist, she says. I believe strongly in equality for women; I guess I would say I consider myself a feminist, but Im not marching in the streets. She bends down and gingerly picks up a white USPS box with her name on it: It contains the queens crown. Do you want to hold it? she asks. I, of course, do. Its not as heavy as I thought, I say. It does get heavy after two hours, she says. It starts to crush my head. Medieval Times first ever inaugural Queen Dona Maria Isabella, played by New Jersey native Erin Zapcic. Photo: Jonathan Schoonover At 3:47, the doors open, and the slow trickle of guests who paid $63 for entry begins. Birthday parties, families, co-workers, one guy who came alone and maybe just wants garlic bread wearing paper crowns and big grins, they all stop and pose for pictures with Zapcic. Theyve come for the chicken and the spectacle. Meanwhile, there are small changes everywhere. The Kings Royalty Package is now the Queens Royalty Package, and eventually all the merchandise that says KING will say QUEEN, Im told. I overhear a little girl in pink leggings loudly correct her mother as they pose for pictures: Shes a queen, not a princess. At the shows end, Medieval Times publicist stops me to ask if I felt it the line Zapcic mentioned, that shot of feminist adrenaline? Over the course of two hours, in which I picked a chicken carcass clean, Queen Dona Maria Isabella made many weighty declarations. Forget not I have inside me the blood of the king, she said, and I am queen here, and decision lies with the queen alone, not with a man, and I can slay a man where he stands. I cant be sure which line Zapcic meant. They had all inspired a woman in the audience to holler, Yassss, Queen. Yass! repeatedly, with gusto, until the final knight left the ring. *This article appears in the April 16, 2018, issue of New York Magazine. Subscribe Now! Lawmakers Refer Clinton, Comey and Lynch for Criminal Investigation Eleven Republican members of the House of Representatives called for a criminal investigation of former senior Obama administration officials, including Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and Loretta Lynch. The lawmakers referred a total of eight officials for criminal investigation in an April 18 letter (pdf) to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Christopher Wray. The letter lists a battery of potential criminal violations, citing that has surfaced since President Donald Trump took office. The congressmen accuse Comey, the former FBI director, of investigative misconduct and obstruction in the Clinton-email investigation for his decision to exonerate Clinton before interviewing her and 17 key witnesses. They also accuse Comey of lying about the exoneration decision under oath. The lawmakers also point to evidence that Comey leaked classified information to a friend with the intention of getting it to the media. The Republicans also demand a criminal investigation into Clinton, the former Secretary of State and presidential candidate, for concealing campaign payments she made through a law firm to Fusion GPS, the opposition research firm tasked with creating the infamous Steele dossier filled with false and unverified claims about Trump. The lawmakers accuse Lynch, the former attorney general, of obstruction and investigative misconduct for threatening a Uranium 1 informant with reprisal if he spoke to investigators. They charge that then-deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, lied under oath on several occasions and authorized a leak in violation of FBI policy. Sessions fired McCabe based for the same violations. The letter recommends an investigation into top FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page for their involvement in removing President Barack Obamas name from the exoneration statement in the Clinton email probe. Citing a prior criminal investigation referral by Rep. Devin Nunes, the congressmen also accuse Comey, McCabe, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, and former Acting Deputy Attorney General Dana Boente of signing a warrant application to surveil Trump campaign volunteer Carter Page. That warrant application was based largely on the unverified Steele dossier. The four officials are accused of depriving Page of his rights and of investigative misconduct. Several members of the House Freedom Caucus signed the letter, including Reps. Dave Brat (R-Mich.), Andy Harris (R-Maryland), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.), Jeff Duncan (R-South Carolina), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Jody Hice (R-Georgia) and Ted Yoho (R-Fla.). Representatives Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) and Claudia Tenney (R-New York) also signed. An SBI report has said that India's currency shortfall may be Rs 70,000 crore, which is nearly three times the government's estimate. The government had earlier claimed that the 'sudden and unusual' spike in cash demand has been due to a Rs 45,000 crore demand for currency in the economy in the past 2 weeks as against the normal Rs 20,000 crore, implying the shortfall at just Rs 25,000 crore. Curiously, despite the widespread shortage of currency in most of the country, the SBI report calls the current situation "The (Non) genuity of cash crunch". Banks in Delhi/NCR and Mumbai, the two biggest financial centres have said they received in a week's span the amount of currency they require on a daily basis. Banks have been writing to the regulator RBI regarding the shortage of notes for the past 3-4 weeks. Although, the currency in circulation is at Rs 18.29 lakh crore, which is well over Rs 17.98 lakh crore at the time of note ban, it is yet to catch up with India's nominal GDP growth. According to the SBI report, based on the nominal GDP growth of 10.8 per cent and 9.8 per cent in FY17 and FY18, currency with public would have been Rs 19.4 lakh crore by March 2018. However, currency with public right now is at Rs 17.5 lakh crore which shows a gap of Rs 1.9 lakh crore. The report also points to a lack of circulation of higher denomination currency notes as a possible reason for the ongoing cash crunch. It adds that the ATM withdrawals increased by 12.2 per cent in the second half of FY18 as compared to H1. Contrary to reports in the media which blamed harvest season festivals like Bihu and Baisakhi, the SBI reports says that cash withdrawals in H2 are always more than the H1 due to many reasons like festival and procurement season that fall in H2. SBI report takes into account the increase in digital modes of payment that compensates some part of the existing gap. "The shift to digital modes could be at least Rs 1.2 lakh crore. The apparent shortfall thus could be around Rs 70,000 crore or even less," it said. The report, however, does not take into account a possible fall in digital transactions due to RBI's mandatory know-your-customer (KYC) compliance norms for e-wallets which came into effect from March 1. The SBI Ecowrap report comes a day after cash crunch was reported in various states across the country. According to the report, the currency with public has now reached around 96 per cent of currency in circulation due to which cash in hand (cash at ATM etc) with banks has declined. On Tuesday, the Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told reporters that the government plans to increase the supply of cash in the banking system. "The currency printing will increase from Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,500 crore per day of Rs 500 note. So in a month, we will be printing about Rs 70,000-Rs 75,000 crore," Garg had said. The Finance Ministry had blamed the cash crunch on the 'unusual spurt in currency demand' in last three months. "In the first 13 days of the current month, the currency supply increased by Rs 45,000 crores," it said in a circular. Pompeo Met With Kim Jong Un, Formed Good Relationship, Trump Confirms President Donald Trump confirmed on April 18 that secretary of state nominee Mike Pompeo met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un last week. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea, Trump wrote on Twitter. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! American officials confirmed that Pompeo, Trumps nominee to become the new head of the State Department, traveled to Pyongyang over the Easter weekend, sometime between March 31 and April 2. It was the highest-level meeting between U.S. and North Korean officials since 2000. Simultaneously, North and South Korean officials are said to be negotiating a peace treaty ahead of a meeting between their leaders next week. The two nations ended the 195053 war with an armistice, but no peace treaty. As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean Peninsulas armistice to a peace regime, a top South Korean official said in Seoul earlier on April 18. But thats not a matter that can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea, the official said. On April 17, Trump backed the two nations peace efforts. They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war. People dont realize the Korean War has not ended. Its going on right now. President Donald Trump They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war, Trump said while hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago on April 17. People dont realize the Korean War has not ended. Its going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. So, subject to a deal, they would certainly have my blessing. And they do have my blessing to discuss that. Abe praised and credited Trump for the breakthrough in North Korea relations. And background of this change is Donalds unwavering conviction as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea, Shinzo told Trump at Mar-a-Lago. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has also previously attributed the progress to Trump. Pompeos visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether the communist leader was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said. Pompeo flew from a U.S. Air Force base in Osan, south of Seoul, said an official with the Souths defense ministry. The Souths presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Trump qualified his April 17 remarks by noting that though a meeting with North Korea is in the works, it remains to be seen what will result from the talks. Should they break down, Trump plans to maintain maximum pressure and sanctions, he said. As I always say, well see what happens, Trump said. Because ultimately, its the end result that counts, not the fact that were thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting. Samples of rare earth compounds are displayed in the showroom of Inner Mongolia Baotou Steel Rare-Earth Hi-Tech Co. in Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010. China has cornered the market, with far-reaching effects ranging from job losses and global trade to U.S. national security. (Nelson Ching/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Chinas Vessels Enter Japans Waters to Steal Rare-Earth Minerals Chinas vessels have consistently violated Japans exclusive economic zone (EEZ) for a nefarious purpose. The EEZ is an area of ocean around a countrys coastline over which the country has exclusive rights and jurisdiction, according to the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun reported on April 14 that the Chinese regime sent vessels into the Japanese EEZ repeatedly without the Japanese governments consent, in the name of conducting surveys of the ocean floor. The Chinese ships then collected rare-earth minerals and specimens of rare deep sea creatures, according to the report. According to a paper published in the scientific journal Nature on April 10, a team of Japanese researchers has newly uncovered a reserve of about 16 million tons of rare-earth minerals lying beneath Minamitorishima island, about 1,150 miles from Tokyo. Rare-earth minerals are used in the manufacture of batteries, electric vehicles, and other high-tech devices such as smartphones, hybrid vehicles, radar devices, and missile systems. The reserve contains 780 years worth of the global supply of yttriumwhich is used to make cell phone screens, camera lenses, and superconductorsas well as 620 years worth of europium, 420 years worth of terbium, and 730 years worth of dysprosium, according to the paper in Nature. It has the potential to supply these materials on a semi-infinite basis to the world, the paper stated. This is a gamechanger for Japan, Jack Lifton, a founding principal of the market-research firm Technology Metals Research, told The Wall Street Journal. The race to develop these resources is well underway. Rare-earth elements are crucial in the global tech economy, and China has dominated the worlds supply for decades. In 2010, China reduced its exports of rare earths, resulting in a price increase of 10 percent, according to the Journal. In 2015, the sole rare-earth mine in the United States, the Mountain Pass Mine in California, was driven into bankruptcy by low prices and was sold to a Chinese-led consortium, Shenghe Resources, in June 2017, reported Mining.com, a website that covers the mining sector. Now, Japan will likely become a major global supplier, breaking the Chinese regimes monopoly. The challenge for Japan is to find a way to extract the minerals in a more cost-effective way than current methods allow. Fang Xiao contributed to this report. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush listens to her son, President George W. Bush, as he speaks at an event on social security reform in Orlando, Florida, March 18, 2005. (Reuters/Jason Reed JIR/HB) Former First Lady Barbara Bush Passed Away at 92: Family Spokesperson Former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son sworn in as U.S. president, passed away on Tuesday, April 17, at the age of 92, the Bush family said. Family spokesman Jim McGrath released a statement from the office of George H. W. Bush on Tuesday announcing the 92-year-olds passing. A former First lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy Barbara Pierce Bush passed away, the statement said. Statement by the Office of @GeorgeHWBush on the passing of Barbara Pierce Bush this evening at the age of 92. pic.twitter.com/c6JU0xy6Vc Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 17, 2018 Two days prior, McGrath released another statement about the former first lady which said she had made the decision, after consulting with her family and friends, to not seek additional medical treatment and instead planned to focus on comfort care. Statement by the Office of George H. W. Bush on the health of former First Lady Barbara Bush. pic.twitter.com/4csUS6IRKZ Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 15, 2018 It will not surprise those who know her that Barbara Bush has been a rock in the face of her failing health, worrying not for herselfthanks to her abiding faithbut for others, the April 15 statement said. The statement did not say what illness the former first lady was hospitalized for, however, she was previously suffering from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, reported Today. She is surrounded by a family she adores and appreciates the many kind messages and especially the prayers she is receiving, the statement added. Barbara Bush has left behind a legacy of charitable causes including her passion for teaching children to read, reported The Associated Press. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy was established during Barbaras White House years. The foundation aims to improve the lives of disadvantaged Americans by boosting literacy among parents and their children. In the last nearly 30 years shes been the first lady of literacy and shell always be known and revered as the first lady of literacy, Julie Finck, president of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, told The Associated Press. Her husband, George H.W. Bush, was the countrys 41st president. Hes now 93 years old, is struggling with a Parkinsons-like disease, and is confined to a wheelchair. Barbaras son, former President George W. Bush served from 2001 until 2009. Reuters contributed to this report From NTD.tv Recommended Video: President Trumps First State of the Union Address Japanese PM Praises Trump for North Korea Breakthrough Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe praised President Donald Trump on Tuesday for the breakthrough in dealing with North Korea. While Trump and Abe spent a day in meetings at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, reports surfaced that North and South Korea are negotiating a peace treaty. Trump also hinted on Tuesday and confirmed on Wednesday that his nominee for the top U.S. diplomatic position, Mike Pompeo, met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un last week. Abe praised Trumps unwavering conviction in addressing the issue of North Korea. Abe specifically pointed to Trumps military posture as the factor that brought about major change on the Korean Peninsula. The United States has the overwhelming military power in the world. And by using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea, Abe said. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed. Trump thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for maintaining tight control of the border between China and North Korea. The vast majority of goods enters North Korea from China. South Korean President Moon Jae In has also credited Trump for the progress in relations with North Korea after Pyongyang agreed to meet earlier this year with representatives from Seoul to discuss the potential of sending athletes to the Winter Olympics. That meeting led to a series of developments which ultimately resulted in next weeks summit between the two Koreas and the meeting between Trump and Kim, which is expected to happen in May or June. Starting last year, Trump spearheaded an international sanctions effort in response to Kims defiant continuation of ballistic missile tests. As the sanctions piled on, Trump moved three aircraft carrier groups off the coast of the Korean Peninsula and issued firm threats of military action. Kim didnt budge until early this year when he sent delegates to meet with South Korea about participating in the Winter Olympics. Pyongyang ended up sending a large group of athletes, cheerleaders, and diplomats to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games. Kims sister, Kim Yo Jong, attended the opening ceremony and met with Moon. Moon received an invitation for a summit in North Korea but sent diplomats instead. Those diplomats then personally delivered to Trump an offer for a meeting with Kim, which the president accepted. Trump is a vocal critic of communism and has used the stark difference between the two Koreas to illustrate the failure and danger of communism. North Korea has been crippled by decades of communist rule with the vast majority of its population living is destitution. Meanwhile, South Korea has prospered. Record Blizzard Ruins PromFirefighters Save the Day With Unusual Idea A record-setting blizzard hit the Twin Cities area in Minnesota on April 13-16, ruining prom night for hundreds of seniors at Forest Lake High School scheduled for Saturday, April 14. Local firefighters, however, came to the rescue with an unconventional idea. The snowstorm dumped almost 16 inches on the metro area, breaking the record for April snowfall, the National Weather Service reported. Combined with strong wind gusts above 40 mph, it created whiteout conditions. A historic snowstorm! The April 13th-16th storm (15.8" in the Twin Cities) broke the record for the largest April snowstorm (old record 13.6" on April 14, 1983). It was also the 12th largest snowstorm on record in the Twin Cities! Top 20 snowstorms: https://t.co/XrPSrdvZIl #mnwx pic.twitter.com/UHKAAjt9XH NWS Twin Cities (@NWSTwinCities) April 16, 2018 Until the last moment the school district maintained that the prom would still happen, moving it from Landmark Center in St. Paul to the high school, so students wouldnt need to hit the snowy roads. Yet, less than an hour before the prom was to start at 8:30 p.m., the district canceled itmuch to the chagrin of parents and students, said local mom Jill Graven. Party buses and limos were getting stuck in the snow all over the area, she said. It left students and their parents sad, frustrated, and angry that they [the authorities] didnt make that decision sooner. Especially after all the money and effort spent to get ready! Graven told The Epoch Times over Facebook. Because of the nonstop snowing, the teens couldnt even go to a park or someones yard to take pictures, Graven said. Fortunately, there was Alyssa Thomas. Thomas is married to a Forest Lake firefighter and it occurred to her that perhaps the fire station could host a photo opportunity for the prom goersa brilliant idea, as it soon turned out. Her husband, Sean, loved the idea and immediately texted his chief, who, after some phone calls, agreed to open the fire station to the youngsters from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Still, that was easier said than done. There was much plowing and shoveling to be done if the sharply dressed teenagers were to use the fire station. And again, the firefighters came to the rescue. Many alumni of the Forest Lake High themselves, they volunteered to clear the way for what was soon to become #BlizzardProm. It was pretty cool to see so many of the firefighters volunteer their time with just an hours notice shoveling, plowing, and opening their doors for all the kiddos! Thomas told The Epoch Times over Facebook. From 3 p.m., the prom goers started to stream to the firehouse. The teens seemed really excited to have their pictures taken next to the fire trucks, said Graven, who tagged along with her husband, also a local firefighter. Some held axes, wore fire helmets or turnout gear, and stood next to the fire pole. It allowed for large group photos as well. Throughout the afternoon, over 200 prom goers came to the fire station, she said. And soon, pictures marked #BlizzardProm popped up on social media. Other local businesses opened their doors for the prom goers to take pictures and to make last minute dinner reservations, Graven said. In the evening, some parents hosted the teens at their homes, she said. Blizzard or no blizzard the firehouse idea may even become a tradition. Parents couldnt thank us enough for the hospitality, Graven said. Weve been asked to do it every year now! The school has since rescheduled the prom for April 28, she said. Recommended Video: Tourists Flock to Argentina to See Record Gathering of Whales U.S. NTSB investigators are on scene examining damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane in this image released from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., April 17, 2018. (NTSB/Handout via Reuters) Regulators Were Moving To Inspect Engine Type That Blew Apart on Southwest Plane European regulators this month began requiring an inspection by early next year of the type of engine that blew apart on a fatal Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday, and a source said U.S. regulators were near a similar rule. The actions by regulators show that there has been some concern, albeit non-urgent, about the engine, a workhorse of the global civil aviation fleet that has logged more than 350 million hours of safe travel but was also being examined after a 2016 accident. Southwest Flight 1380 made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday after an engine ripped apart mid-air, shattering a window on the Boeing 737 and nearly sucking a passenger through. One of 144 passengers died. The CFM56 engine was produced by a joint venture of General Electric Co and Frances Safran SA called CFM International and is one of the most common engines, paired with the worlds most-sold plane, the Boeing 737. Boeing and CFM said they will help with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) investigation into the incident. Southwest Airlines Co said it is speeding up inspections of all related engines out of extra caution, which it expects to complete within 30 days. Minimal flight disruptions may result, it said. An early review of the failed engine found apparent metal fatigue where a fan blade had broken off, Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the NTSB, told reporters. We are very concerned about metal fatigue, Sumwalt said. There needs to be proper inspection mechanisms in place to check for this before theres a catastrophic event. In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine, and debris ripped a foot-long hole above the left wing. The 2016 incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose ultrasonic inspections of similar fan blades and their replacement should they fail the test. Sumwalt said the NTSB will review whether the engines involved in Tuesdays incident might have been subject to the directive, which is not yet finalized. The FAA had determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design, according to its proposal last year. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive last month requiring a one-time ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade on models of CFM56 engines within nine months of April 2. It said that CFM had sent a service bulletin recommending inspections, leading regulators to make the directive. EASA said the directive was issued after the failure of a fan blade on a CFM56 engine, which led to the uncontained release of debris. It did not name the airline involved or the incident, but the service bulletin it referenced was the same as in the FAA proposal. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fan blade failure, possibly resulting in uncontained forward release of debris, with consequent damage to the engine and the aeroplane, EASA said. Southwests voluntary, accelerated checks will be ultrasonic. American, United and Delta Air Lines did not immediately comment if they too would speed up such checks, though it was unclear if they at all needed to. The FAA proposal estimated 220 engines on U.S. registered planes would be affected and that checks would require two hours of labor per inspection. Any design issues with the long-established CFM56 engine could have repercussions for fleets worldwide. But given that thousands of the engines are already in use globally, industry experts say the focus of the investigation is more likely to fall on one-off production or maintenance issues. A government source said the FAA could finalize its directive soon. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment late on Tuesday, and Southwest declined to say whether it had ultrasonically examined the engine involved in the incident, because the event is under investigation by the NTSB. By Jeffrey Dastin, David Shepardson and Jamie Freed Recommended Video: Tourists Flock to Argentina to See Record Gathering of Whales Something Disturbing Was Found Inside SUV in Busy Los Angeles Neighborhood Three bodies were discovered inside an SUV in Burbank, California, according to officials, who are now trying to figure out who they are and how they got there. The SUVa Jeep modelwas parked on the 1300 block of South Varney Street, CBS Los Angeles reported. The Jeep belonged to someone living in Tennessee. Burbank homicide detectives investigating after as many as 3 bodies found inside SUV https://t.co/lpk0y4TKiB via @ladailynews Holly Andres (@hollyverde) April 18, 2018 A homicide investigation was launched after the gruesome discovery. The bodies belonged to three adult men, and their identities were not revealed. This is definitely suspicious and we believe foul play is involved, so its being treated as a homicide at this time, Derek Green of the Burbank Police Department told NBC Los Angeles. A Burbank police parking control officer arrived and noticed at least one individual inside of a parked vehicle who appeared deceased, he added to Fox Los Angeles. Burbank police responded to a parking enforcement call around 7 a.m. Tuesday about a Jeep SUV parked in the 1300 block of South Varney Street.https://t.co/03biH7gk9t KFI AM 640 (@KFIAM640) April 18, 2018 MORE: Burbank police are conducting a homicide investigation after discovering three bodies inside an SUV parked on a Burbank street https://t.co/AErKEcK3o1 CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) April 17, 2018 They discovered the body after investigating a parking complaint in the area at around 7 a.m. This is definitely suspicious and we believe foul play is involved, so its being treated as a homicide at this time, Green told the Fox affiliate. The identities of the men have not been made, Green said. However, the car matched the description of the vehicle in a missing person flyer that had been shared on social media. The three men had gone missing April 13. Officials investigating whether bodies found in Burbank SUV are three missing men from Bakersfield area https://t.co/hpgv4wjiLz pic.twitter.com/aJl677HO2Y ABC7 Eyewitness News (@ABC7) April 18, 2018 If its, in fact, a body dump, were going to have a jurisdictional issue to determine who will investigate. Theres a lot of work that needs to be done, Green was quoted by Fox Los Angeles as saying. Any time theres dead bodies in the neighborhood where you live, where you work, you have concern, said Rob Embry, who is a production studio manager who works nearby. Recommended Video: How Doctors in China Turn into Murderers Many reasons have been cited for the cash crunch that's suddenly gripped parts of India. The authorities have said there's no shortage of cash, but ATMs do not have enough cash. It increasingly looks like demonetisation's after-effect. The overall tardiness in recalibrating ATMs has come back to bite the government and the RBI. Back in January, the RBI had reportedly ordered all banks to recalibrate their ATMs - a second time - to facilitate dispensation of the new Rs 200 denomination note, which boasts different dimensions from the other denominations. Though this new note had been made available to banks as early as September 2017, it was yet to reach people because of the recalibration issues. Hitachi Payment Services managing director Loney Antony at the time had said that only 4,000 of the total of 2.4 lakh machines had been recalibrated. "Each ATM has four cassettes and banks decide on which denomination of the currency is to be put in each of them and then accordingly recalibration is done," explained Navroze Dastur, managing director of NCR Corporation India, a leading ATM manufacturer and service provider. "The process will require an engineer to visit each ATM location and recalibrate one of the cassettes to accommodate the Rs 200 notes". Which is why experts had said that the overhaul would take 5-6 more months. The cost involved, of course, was a cause for concern. Industry estimates at the time had pegged the cost of this exercise at a whopping Rs 100-120 crore for the country's 2.4 lakh ATMs collectively. Banks had already spent a big amount to recalibrate their ATMs post demonetisation to dispense the new Rs 2,000 and Rs 500 notes and Rs 100 notes. In fact, ATM service providers lost nearly Rs 400 crore between November 2016 and June 2017, according to the Hindu Business Line. The RBI's directive in January to recalibrate for Rs 200 notes was a double whammy. And, hence, many ATMs are reportedly yet to start dispensing this new note. Could the cost burden have prompted some banks to shut down their ATMs? As of February 2018, the country boasted 2,06,485 ATMs, but the number has come down from 2,06,862 in December 2017 and 2,07,656 ATMs last April. Significantly, this is the first time in last five years that the number has dipped instead of going up and it all seems to have started with demonetisation and the subsequent ATM recalibration drive. Meanwhile, the supply of the Rs 2,000 notes has been halted which has made the situation worse. Since each cassette in the ATM has a capacity to hold 2,000-2,500 notes, the crunch in the Rs 2000 denomination notes is causing the ATMs to run out of cash quickly. The absence of the Rs 200 note is not helping either. Nearly 30 per cent ATMs in some pockets are yet to be turned Rs 200-friendly. These are the pockets where the latest crisis started. Limited supply apart, the Rs 2000 note itself is acerbating the current cash crunch. As SIS India's Group Managing Director Rituraj Sinha recently pointed out to Moneycontrol, the average ATM withdrawal pre-demonetisation was Rs 3,000 but this has jumped to Rs 5,000 due to the higher presence of Rs 2,000 notes. The latter does not change hands often since return change is usually a problem so it tends to get hoarded involuntarily thus impacting currency circulation. In order to rectify the situation, the government has decided to hike up the printing of the Rs 500 notes, since ATMs have already been recalibrated to dispense them. "We print about 5 billion of Rs 500 notes per day. We have taken steps to raise this production 5 times. In next couple of days, we'll have a supply of about 25 billion of Rs 500 notes per day," said Garg. White House Says Congress Needs to Act to Get Criminals Out WASHINGTONThe White House has responded to a Supreme Court decision that will allow some non-citizens convicted of an aggravated felony to remain in the United States, rather than be deported. The 54 Supreme Court decision saw Justice Neil Gorsuch join the liberal side of the bench, saying the interpretation of part of the law was unconstitutionally vague. The White House said the decision highlights the danger posed by congressional inaction. Congress should immediately pass a fix to close these loopholes so that the United States can promptly remove violent criminal aliens from our country, the administration said in a statement on April 18. Unless Congress acts, the United States government will be unable to remove from our communities many non-citizens convicted of violent felonies, including in some cases domestic assault and battery, burglary, and child abuse. It is a matter of vital public safety for Congress to act now. In its decision, the Supreme Court sided with California burglar James Garcia Dimaya, a legal immigrant from the Philippines. Federal authorities had ordered Dimaya deported after he was convicted in two California home burglaries in 2007 and 2009. Neither burglary involved violence. Justice Elena Kagan, who wrote the ruling, said ambiguity surrounding the crimes of violence provision created confusion in lower courts. Does car burglary qualify as a violent felony? Kagan wrote. Some courts say yes, another says no. Kagan mentioned other examples including evading arrest and trespassing in which courts have also been divided. An aggravated felony includes a crime of violence, defined by the U.S. Code as: (a) an offense that has as an element the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against the person or property of another, or (b) any other offense that is a felony and that, by its nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used in the course of committing the offense. At issue is the second part of the definition, which, the justices said, can result in more unpredictability and arbitrariness than the Due Process Clause tolerates. It is not clear how many deportations would be affected. Department of Homeland Security Press Secretary Tyler Houlton released a statement on April 17, decrying the decision. Todays ruling significantly undermines DHSs efforts to remove aliens convicted of certain violent crimes, including sexual assault, kidnapping, and burglary, from the United States, Houlton said. By preventing the federal government from removing known criminal aliens, it allows our nation to be a safe haven for criminals and makes us more vulnerable as a result. ICE Acting Director Tom Homan said he was disappointed by the courts decision, but that ICE will abide by it. However, it will have an adverse impact on our ability to establish that aliens convicted of certain violent crimes such as sexual offenses, kidnapping, and burglaryare removable from the United States and ineligible for certain immigration benefits, he said in a statement on April 18. It is yet another example of the need for Congress to urgently close the loopholes that allow criminal aliens to avoid removal and remain in the United States. Additional reporting by Reuters. Recommended Video: Trump Discusses Immigration During a Lunch With Baltic Leaders On the heels of CEO Barry Sternlicht choosing Miami Beach two years ago as his new home, Starwood Capital Group is now designating Miami as its headquarters, while maintaining space in the Greenwich office building where the firm had previously been based. Starwood Capital has noted the change on its main website listing primary contact information, while still listing its Greenwich offices at 591 W. Putnam Ave. in many official documents, including in the annual reports of several subsidiaries it filed this month with the Florida secretary of states office. Starwood Capital representatives could not be reached immediately Wednesday for details of the companys headquarters choice of Miami. With assets of $55 billion under management today, as of last October Starwood was ranked the largest real estate investment trust based in Connecticut, according to calculations by Pensions & Investments and Willis Towers Watson. Starwood had been the third largest asset manager of any kind based in Connecticut, taking a backseat only to hedge funds Bridgewater Associates and AQR Capital Management, based in Westport and Greenwich respectively. While Bridgewater and AQR have chosen to expand in Connecticut both seeing millions of dollars in incentives from the state to do so Sternlicht was candid in 2016 on how he felt about the state where he built his real estate empire, after disclosing his new residency in Florida and spending $17 million for waterfront land for a new mansion. You cant give away a house in Greenwich, Sternlicht said in September that year. Connecticut got too close to the Manhattan tax rates. We used to have no taxes. Starwood employs 3,800 people in 11 offices, after reporting a workforce of more than 2,000 only a year ago. In addition to the 34,000-square-foot office building Starwood Capital has on West Putnam Avenue, its Starwood Energy Group affiliate has offices at the nearby Greenwich Office Park. On Wednesday, Starwood announced it had capped the largest new fund in its history with investor commitments of $7.6 billion, with the company having already drawn on the fund to take private Milestone, an REIT with more than 24,000 apartments in the United States, and to acquire nearly 2 million square feet of office space in the El Segundo section of Los Angeles. Starwood also used the fund to invest a reported $250 million for a 30 percent stake in Yotel, a London-based luxury micro hotel operator that compares its services to what one would experience traveling on a first-class airline ticket. Alex.Soule@scni.com; 203-842-2545; @casoulman BRIDGEPORT Six years after state lawmakers legalized medical marijuana, the hot industry has, with the exception of a company that manufactures growing equipment, been kept out of Connecticuts largest city. Now Bridgeport officials may have another chance. The state Department of Consumer Protection recently received 73 applications for a maximum of 10 dispensary permits the first new permits available since 2013 and 2014. My guess is there are certainly a number (of applicants) from Bridgeport, based anecdotally on who has called over the last six months for information, said Catherine Blinder, a spokeswoman for that agency. Bridgeport economic development staff confirmed they were approached about a month ago by an unidentified group interested in opening a dispensary. Supporters say that besides offering help to patients suffering from a growing list of ailments, medical marijuana businesses create jobs and pay rent, local property taxes and annual $5,000 fees to the state. Sales tax is not imposed. It would seem that the administration of Mayor Joe Ganim, given his support as a gubernatorial candidate for legalizing marijuana statewide, would welcome medical pot purveyors to Bridgeport. Yet the city may still not be ready to embrace medical marijuana. No plan in place The Planning & Zoning Commission, in May 2014, unanimously established a yearlong moratorium on accepting any applications from industry. The stated goal was to come up with a strategy for reviewing pot proposals, including where growing facilities and dispensaries might best be situated to avoid the public outcry that helped sink prior applications. The zoning board had previously rejected controversial proposals for three dispensaries, but approved local businessman Jo Palmieris application to grow marijuana. Palmieri, however, did not receive his state license to operate. And zoning officials never drafted a medical marijuana plan in preparation for this second licensing round from the state. Nothing ever happened, Zoning Commissioner Anne Pappas Phillips recalled last week. Another commission member, Reginald Walker, said, I think most commissioners thought, Were never going to find a suitable site. Im open to discussion on it, Walker said. Most neighborhoods will probably all say not in my backyard. Back in 2013 and 14, then-Mayor Bill Finch and David Kooris, his economic development chief, were initially open to the medical marijuana industry. At the time, Finch even lamented the opposition from some Zoning Commissioners: Part of its my fault. I appoint them. But as residents began to mobilize against the pot proposals arguing they could draw crime and otherwise harm neighborhoods Finch ultimately supported the moratorium. One individual who had considered opening a dispensary in Bridgeport recalled feeling villainized. They were not forward thinkers on this, said this person, who wished to remain anonymous. They missed out on the bandwagon. Mayor vs. candidate Ganim, elected in late 2015, said in an interview last week he is open to hosting dispensaries in town. But the mayor did not sound like he was going out of his way to make it happen. These are project-specific, site-specific, Ganim said. It will go through a process. Assuming it meets all the requirements, it has to be up to the Zoning Commission. In contrast, Ganims gubernatorial campaign recently touted his enthusiastic support for legalizing, regulating and taxing recreational marijuana in Connecticut. It is long past time we in this country acknowledged that attitudes about marijuana have changed dramatically and it is time for us, too, in this land of steady habits, to change with it, candidate Ganim declared. William Coleman, deputy director of planning and economic development in Bridgeport, met four to six weeks ago with a group that is considering Bridgeport for a dispensary. They spent most of the time talking about their credentials, Coleman said. They just wanted to present themselves as a credible group. But they didnt disclose much about their particular plans. Colemans boss, Tom Gill, said with Bridgeport readying to draft a new master plan of development, medical marijuana could be part of that discussion. Anything that is legalized and is a benefit to the city, whether it be in the form of employment, tax revenue or other types of revenue, we certainly welcome it and would look at very strongly, Gill said. Bridgeport has not totally missed out on the medical marijuana boom. EnviroGrow, which manufactures grow rooms, dry and cure rooms, regulated extraction labs and more for sale nationwide and overseas, is headquartered in the city. EnviroGrow partner Dan Williams said he would gladly consult with city officials on the benefits of medical marijuana to try and do away with the stigma. Its only a win-win, especially when you have a place like Bridgeport which, frankly, needs additional tax revenue, Williams said. Its fully regulated. Its a business like any other. And it is not going away. Blinder said 25,111 medical marijuana patients are registered with the state and the number of total prescribing physicians has ballooned since 2013-14 from 80 to over 800. Blinder said the Department of Consumer Protection hoped to announced the recipients of the new round of dispensary permits in the coming months. We want to do it as quickly as possible and efficiently as possible because people have an investment, leases, security, he said. But we also want to make sure were doing it with the highest sense of integrity. HARTFORD Rep. Robert Sampson, R-Wolcott, used an amendment on an unrelated immigration bill to redebate and force a new vote on the Connecticut Trust Act, which prevents police from holding undocumented residents for immigration officials if they havent committed serious crimes. On the House floor Wednesday, the Republican said the act flies in the face of federal law, which has jurisdiction over immigration. I think we should let the federal government do their job and get rid of these people! Sampson shouted, referring to MS13 gangs and other criminal illegal aliens. The Trust Act passed unanimously in 2013, and Sampson himself voted for it. Outraged Democrats opposed Sampsons effort to now dismantle the law. Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, chair of the Judiciary Committee, noted that the Trust Act has exceptions that permit local police to hold those undocumented immigrants convicted of felonies, identified gang members and terrorists and other serious criminals. He called the amendment striking the law an affront and said it would make towns less safe. After over an hour of debate, the amendment was voted down with 85 members all Democrats and some Republicans in favor of keeping the Trust Act, and 62 Republicans casting votes to strike the act. Three members did not vote. The governors Deputy Press Secretary Jason Novak speared Sampson Wednesday night for his egregious and misleading remarks. Leave it to Representative Sampson to launch a hateful, xenophobic attack against immigrants while simultaneously arguing against legislation he himself voted to adopt, Novak said in a statement. Frankly, it is shameful that 62 House Republicans today voted against legislation that passed on a bipartisan, unanimous basis just a few years ago. Sampson defended his actions in a statewent Wednesday night. Not addressing this problem is extremely unfair to people who enter this country legally and obey the law, he said. This practice undermines our criminal justice system, makes our communities less safe, and perpetuates a culture of lawlessness that benefits no one. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson NORWALK Applications for medical marijuana dispensaries around the state flooded into the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection in time for the April 9 deadline. We were slammed, said Catherine Blinder, chief of education and outreach at the department. Government workers lugged boxes of the paperwork up from the walk-in center that morning and into the afternoon. In total, the department received 73 applications. But anyone wanting to know if one is being sought in their town is out of luck the department isnt sharing. Unlike other licenses issued by Consumer Protection, the marijuana dispensary applications are being handled as bids. Catherine Blinder, chief of education and outreach at the department, said the names of the applicants and the municipalities where they intend to open dispensaries will not be released until they are selected. Theres just no way we will do that, Blinder said when asked for the names and locations by Hearst Connecticut Media. It would really, really violate the integrity of the process. Blinder said the bid process allows it to review several applicants without disclosing who they are before choosing the ones that best meet its criteria. In contrast, Massachusetts posts applications for medical marijuana dispensaries on a government site as it receives them. While New York, like Massachusetts, posted all of its applications online, its Department of Health spokesperson said that was done after awarding registrations. Out of all of the licenses listed on the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection website, only those related to medical marijuana used a bid process exempting them from releasing applicant information under the Freedom of Information Act. The departments legal director, Julianne Avallone, explained the reason is the department determines how many dispensaries are appropriate to meet the needs of qualifying patients in the state. This differs drastically from all other license types wherein there is no limitation set by the commissioner on the total number of credential holders in a particular field, she said. For example, we do not restrict the number of accountants or food manufacturers that may operate in Connecticut. In addition, Blinder said releasing the information would have opened the department to lobbying. Municipal lobbyists are not the only ones who might have a stake in their town being home to a dispensary we have already received a letter from a Mayor, encouraging us to choose the applicant who lives in their town. (and no, I cant tell you which Mayor!!), she wrote in an email. And conversely there will be those who dont want one in their town! Currently, there are only nine dispensaries in the state, but that will soon change. The Department of Consumer Protection spokesperson Lora Rae Anderson confirmed that between three and 10 licenses will be awarded to new dispensaries this year meaning that the number of dispensaries could more than double in the coming months. The last time the department accepted applications was in 2015, when only 19 were filed. Each was scored for its business information, financial statements, organizational structure and site, business and marketing plans, and the highest-scoring were eligible to receive a license for a medical marijuana dispensary. One of the 2015 applicants, Legendary Wellness Connecticut, LLC, was for a Norwalk dispensary, but its application was not considered because it failed to meet requirements. At the time, Norwalks zoning did not allow dispensaries. That changed in 2017, when the citys Zoning Commission gave the green light to medical marijuana dispensaries to open in certain business zones, as long as they first received a special permit from the commission. Since then, Norwalk Director of Planning and Zoning Steve Kleppin said, the department has had conversations with several interested parties, but none so far have resulted in a zoning permit application. The closest of the nine existing dispensaries is in Bethel, but individuals from both Stamford and Westport have confirmed their interest in applying for a license. rschuetz@hearstmediact.com; @raschuetz NORWALK A Stamford man was charged with two counts of manslaughter Tuesday in the wrong-way, head-on crash on Connecticut Avenue in January that killed two men. Police also said the man, Anthony Domond, was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Members of the Norwalk Police Department, assisted by the U.S. Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and the Stamford Police Department served the arrest warrant. Domond, 33 of Prince Place, had been wanted in connection with the double fatal crash that occurred near 789 Connecticut Ave. that killed Frank Peterson III, 50, and Anthony Johnson, 40, both of Stamford. Peterson had picked up Johnson at Bertuccis Italian Restaurant on Connecticut Avenue, where Johnson had a job washing dishes in the kitchen. Johnsons father, John Johnson, said the two then headed up Connecticut Avenue to grab a hamburger, possibly at nearby McDonalds. After picking up the food, they went south on Connecticut Avenue toward the Interstate 95 entrance ramp in Darien when they crashed in front of the Double Tree Hotel. Frankie was a very careful driver and a wonderful person, said Johnsons father. Johnson and Peterson were the best of friends who were helping each other keep their lives on track. Johnson said his son, who struggled with drugs, was in rehab and working hard to rebuild his life. Johnson said Peterson regularly picked his son up from work, a reflection of how close they were. Police say Domond was driving westbound on Connecticut Avenue near Richards Avenue when he entered the eastbound lane of Connecticut Avenue and struck a vehicle that was traveling eastbound. At 10:11 p.m., patrol officers responded to two-car motor vehicle crash and found a Subaru sedan and a BMW in the roadway with extensive damage. Peterson and Johnson were dead at the scene and Domond had sustained serious injuries, police said. The Norwalk Fire Department extricated all three. Connecticut Avenue remained closed for several hours while Norwalk police accident investigators and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene. Domond looked down at the floor during much of his arraignment at Norwalk Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon. Judge Alex Hernandez order his $200,000 bond to remain as set due to the seriousness of the allegations against him and his prior criminal record. Court records show that in 2013, he was sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to possession of narcotics. He also has convictions for violation of probation, interfering with an officer and driving under the influence. Domond also has a 2012 conviction in New York for possession of narcotics. His case was transferred to the Part A docket at Stamford Superior Court where more serious cases are tried. His next court date is April 24. My brother had a heart of gold, Gina Johnson, Anthony Johnsons sister, said. He had an amazing mind and will truly be missed and I hope he is at peace. He died with his best friend at his side and that is all I can say. I pray that everyone involved in this situation finds the peace they need. Norwalk police crash investigator Officer Chris Wasilewski investigated the incident. As a result of his lengthy investigation, the arrest warrant was issued for Domond. Domond was charged with two counts of manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and reckless driving. STAMFORD A Norwalk murder defendants statements to police admitting he grabbed his girlfriend by the neck and threw her to the floor can be presented to the jury, a judge ruled Wednesday afternoon. Jacalyn Silverman, 62, was found strangled to death in the bedroom of the Wolfpit Avenue apartment she shared with her longtime, boyfriend Bertony Thompson, 48, who is charged with her 2014 murder. Judge John Blawie ruled Thompsons statements were legally obtained and recorded by Norwalk police detectives and can be presented at trial, which is set to begin on Monday. I find that the challenged confession was obtained by a manner compatible with the requirements of the constitution, Blawie said while offering his ruling. Thompson told detectives he and Silverman got into a tussle over his drinking in their bedroom. He said he grabbed her by the throat and pushed her, according to his arrest affidavit. Thompson said he then went downstairs to drink more, the affidavit said. After returning to the bedroom, he realized Silverman was dead and laid down beside her and kept drinking in an apparent attempt to kill himself, the affidavit said. He laid there next to a lifeless Silverman until police and firefighters broke into the apartment the following day. According to the autopsy, Silverman was strangled to death. She also suffered hemorrhaging to the small intestine and lacerations to the liver, injuries consistent with someone using a knee to hold the victim down while strangling her, according to the affidavit. Thompsons attorney, Allen Williams, filed a motion requesting the statements be thrown out because police initially interrogated Thompson in Norwalk Hospital without giving him his Miranda warnings against self-incrimination. Williams also argued his client was not in his right mind when police questioned him because Thompson was still in an unresponsive state with a 0.41 blood alcohol level more than five times the legal driving limit of 0.08. Williams argued the contents of the second interrogation police conducted the following day should also be thrown out because they were relying on information obtained from the first interview. During the two-day hearing on the admissibility of the statements, Supervisory Senior Assistant States Attorney Paul Ferencek called a nurse to the stand who testified Thompson gave permission for police to interview him in his hospital room about Silvermans death. Ferencek also argued Thompson was not in police custody when he made the statements so there was no need to give him a Miranda warning. His emergency room doctor also testified that despite Thompsons extremely drunken state, he would have completely metabolized the alcohol when police interviewed him 16 hours later. At no time during either set of interviews did the defendant seem to be suffering from any mental impairment that would have overborne his free will to refuse to answer questions, Blawie said. Thompson previously refused to plead guilty to murder and serve 28 years in jail. He faces up to 60 years if convicted at trial. jnickerson@stamfordadvocate.com Neruda: The Poet's Calling By Mark Eisner Ecco. 640 pp. $35 --- Few poets offer their biographers as rich a vein of material as the Chilean Nobel Prize-winner Pablo Neruda. Born in Parral, Chile, in 1904, Neruda transcended his modest origins and provincial upbringing to achieve success and significance far beyond the dreams of most writers. Books like "Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair," "Residence on Earth" and "Elemental Odes" have sold tens of millions of copies. Nearly 45 years after his death, Neruda continues to be regarded as one of the most significant poets of the 20th century. In his home country, he remains a beloved and potent national symbol. Mark Eisner's new biography, "Neruda: The Poet's Calling," explores the complex confluence of factors that accounts for Neruda's extraordinary fame and success. Far more than most modern poetry, Neruda's body of work is quite accessible - a fact that reflects not only his personal preferences but also his political views. Moved at an early age by the exploitation of the disadvantaged, he viewed poetry as existing for the benefit of the common people. "Poetry is like bread," he famously wrote. "It should be shared by all, by scholars and by peasants, by all our vast, incredible, extraordinary family of humanity." When it was not overtly political, his poetry tended to concern itself with matters of quotidian existence, finding love and beauty in the commonplace, ordinary objects of daily human life. Politics was never far from Neruda's mind, and the story of his life is largely concomitant with the political history of the 20th century. The Chilean capital of Santiago, when he arrived there in 1921, was the center of an active student movement that hungered for progressive poetry. In the 1930s, he watched Spain fall into civil war from his post as a diplomat in Barcelona. Neruda already leaned toward socialism as a result of his Chilean experiences; now, watching as the Soviet Union stepped in to support the Spanish Republicans against Franco's fascists while the rest of the world remained largely indifferent, he became a loyal communist and supporter of Stalin. The origins of Neruda's esteem for Stalin, then, are largely understandable. But his loyalty would persist for decades, long after reports of the brutal reality of Stalin's dictatorial regime began to emerge, and though he did eventually repudiate that loyalty, it is not entirely clear why it took him so long. (Of course, Neruda was far from the only leftist intellectual of whom this could be said.) Closer to home, his political activities were easier to admire. In Chile, he always managed to be on the side that opposed the dictators. When, in the late 1940s, the country's Communist Party was outlawed and protests by coal miners were brutally suppressed, Neruda criticized the government in the international press and on the floor of the Chilean Senate. When the government tried to arrest him, he made a dramatic escape on horseback across the border into Argentina. He returned to Chile in the mid-1950s and would spend most of the rest of his life there. His death from cancer, on Sept. 23, 1973, occurred a mere 12 days after the U.S.-backed coup in which Augusto Pinochet's forces seized control from the democratically elected president Salvador Allende. Neruda's funeral became a spontaneous public demonstration of defiance against the new regime. While soldiers looked on, armed with machine guns but holding their fire, the crowd chanted, "He isn't dead, he isn't dead! He has only fallen asleep!" The messiness of Neruda's personal life, which was as eventful as his public one and which serves as evidence of his passionate, somewhat impulsive nature, does not always display him in a wholly admirable light. He neglected and then abandoned his first wife, barely acknowledging the existence of their daughter, who was born severely disabled. He seemed very much in love with his second wife; still, while they were together, he began an affair with the woman who would become his third. Toward the end of his life, he would cheat on her as well, with her niece. It is, undeniably, a great story. But it is a story that has been told before - most satisfyingly, perhaps, in Adam Feinstein's 2004 biography, "Pablo Neruda: A Passion for Life." The need for a new biography is not entirely obvious; and unfortunately, the man who lies at the heart of all these turbulent personal and political maelstroms remains oddly and frustratingly distant in Eisner's telling. Despite his ongoing work on a documentary about Neruda and his work as a translator of "The Essential Neruda: Selected Poems" (2004), in this biography Eisner tends to keep his subject at arm's length. Outside of the excerpts from Neruda's own poetry, one gets little sense of the man's inner life. Eisner's prose, moreover, is on the whole, fairly pedestrian, except for a few unfortunate occasions when it strives, unwisely, for a kind of Nerudaesque poeticism. Describing his first sexual experience, for instance, Eisner writes Neruda "attempted to plow through her and reach the depths of the earth." And his criticisms of Neruda tend to be articulated using what are by now rote, cliched terms that make them feel like empty, obligatory gestures. Thus, Neruda is labeled as an "aggressor - even predator" in his sexual relations; an apparent sexual assault is identified as an "exercise of power and privilege"; and his general sexual behavior is at one point characterized as "imperialism perpetrated on a human scale." Ultimately, "Neruda: The Poet's Calling" is not as satisfying as one might have hoped. Still, Neruda's life remains a source of fascination, and his work remains vital. Any book that is likely to help bring new generations of readers to it is to be valued for that reason alone. --- Jollimore's most recent book of poetry is "Syllabus of Errors." EDWARDSVILLE Every child just wants to play. Kelan Masinelli now has his chance. Kelan, who suffers from lissencephaly, a rare brain disorder that was discovered when he was 4 months old, got his first opportunity Saturday to enjoy a swing now named in his honor at the Junior Service Club's Boundless Playground at Edwardsville Township Park. A ceremony was conducted at the park with the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon making a $5,000 donation to Kelan's Swing and the Edwardsville Community Foundation contributing $10,441. Once the check presentations had been made, Kelan's father Tim loaded the wheelchair onto the swing he began pushing his 10-year-old boy back and forth with help from mother Jamie and sister Riley. Jamie Masinelli said the Kelan's Swing project was a year in the making. "We were nominated for the wish two years ago and then last year, around this time, is when we came up with the idea of what we wanted to do," she said. "It's almost a year to the day from conception to completion." The Make-A-Wish Foundation did sign off on the project, which ultimately cost more than $30,000. Make-A-Wish only provides $10,000 even after it grants a wish so local sources were tapped to make up the rest. In July, the Wildey Theatre hosted Kelan's Birthday Party, a fundraiser for the project. In 2012, the Junior Service Club completed the Boundless Playground at Township Park with the intent of providing opportunities for children with disabilities to play. Kelan's Swing is an extension of that project. Tim Masinelli thanked the JSC not only for their donation Saturday, but for the Boundless Playground as a whole. "They're basically responsible for the park here today. They were really the driving force behind making this happen," he said. "The park has always meant a lot to us, meant a lot to them, so it really felt like a really good marriage for them to be involved in this project and make this, in at least our family's eyes, a really complete playground." The Tiger Den Cafe, a vocational training center for students with disabilities at Edwardsville High School, contributed $500 to the project. And Saturday, after Kelan took his first turn in the swing, two youngsters in wheelchairs were lined up to give it a try. Jamie Masinelli said the swing truly gives Kelan and his sister Riley, who is almost 8, a chance to play together outside. "I can't believe this day is finally here," she said. "I'm so excited that people came out to see it." EDWARDSVILLE The Metro East Humane Society will be hosting a birthday celebration in honor of its mascot, Lucy, on April 21 at Big Daddy's in Edwardsville. Proceeds from the fundraising event will help provide veterinary services and general care for all of Lucy's friends at MEHS as they wait to be adopted into forever homes. Lucy's Birthday Bash will take place from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Big Daddy's, which is located at 132 N. Main in Edwardsville. A $30 cover charge includes all-you-can-eat appetizers and all-you-candrink domestic bottles, house wine and well drinks from Big Daddy's as well as birthday cake donated by MEHS veterinarian and avid baker Dr. Kathryn Kettenbach. KAZ Minerals PLC, together with its subsidiaries, engages in mining and processing copper and other metals primarily in Kazakhstan, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan. It operates through Bozshakol, Aktogay, East Region and Bozymchak, and Mining Projects segments. The company operates the Aktogay and Bozshakol open pit copper mines in the east region and Pavlodar region of Kazakhstan; three underground mines in the east region of Kazakhstan; and the Bozymchak copper-gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. It also develops greenfield metal deposits; operates Koksay deposit in Kazakhstan, and the Baimskaya licence area in the Chukotka region of Russia; and produces and sells various by-products, such as gold, silver, molybdenum, and zinc. In addition, the company supplies and distributes heat, water, and electricity; and offers construction, project management, financing, management, sales and logistics, and repairs and maintenance services. The company was formerly known as Kazakhmys PLC and changed its name to KAZ Minerals PLC in October 2014. KAZ Minerals PLC was founded in 1930 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Read More 22 minutes ago Pharmacies face 1st trial over role in opioid crisis CLEVELAND (AP) So many prescription painkillers were dispensed in Lake County, Ohio, between 2012 and 2016 that the amount equaled 265 pills for every resident. Just to the south, the flood of prescription opioids during the same period equated to 400 pills for every resident of Trumbull County. Attorneys say efforts to address the ensuing overdose epidemic has cost each of the financially struggling counties at least $1 billion. Read Article The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher, Staffing shortage, COVID-19 costs causing crisis in long-term care Finding a nursing home or assisted-living center is getting harder due to a shortage of facility workers and financial losses suffered amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Shaibu Adams Wilberforce, Headmaster of Tamale Senior High School, who doubles as Chairman for the Conference of Heads of Assisted Secondary Schools (CHASS) in the Northern Region, has revealed that government has not provided feeding grants for two terms to schools in the Northern Region. According to the Chairman of CHASS in Northern Region, there has not been any grant to feed boarding students since the inception of the free SHS policy. He said that the suppliers are reluctant to provide them with food items due to the debts owed them. Mr. Wilberforce said last term his school received 15 gallons of palm oil and 10 bags of maize from buffer stock, which is woefully inadequate to feed both boarders and day students. Government, under the free SHS policy, paid 20 percent of the total cost to schools. The Chairman praised government for implementing the policy and making the part-payment and urged it to immediately release the rest of the money to enable schools implement the free SHS policy effectively. He added that the 20 percent is woefully inadequate for the administration of the schools, especially the provision of food to the students. Chairman of CHASS appealed to government to provide the boarding grants to schools in the Northern Region which has not been paid since independence. He said the unpaid grant has made it difficult for schools in the Northern Region to be administered smoothly. With Senior High Schools expected to resume school next week, he is calling on government to release the grants for both day and boarding students. We don't want to let government down. We don't also expect him to let us down.' He hinted that CHASS would hold a meeting to decide the next line of action to be taken in the event of further delays by government. Some parents also expressed worry about the situation. Source: Daily Guide Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video For the past seven years, the Syrian conflict has proven to be one of the most complex and brutal wars in recent history. Since 2011, the death toll has been immense and the amount of civilian suffering unimaginable. What makes this conflict especially horrifying is the infliction of constant and widespread human rights violations documented by Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), the United Nations, and others, including the kidnapping, torture, and killing of civilians and the bombing of civilian targets, including health care facilities. PHR has been at the forefront of documenting attacks on hospitals and medical personnel across Syria since the start of the conflict attacks that are in clear violation of international humanitarian law. And repeatedly, when many thought the situation could not get any worse, chemical weapons have been deployed , inflicting widespread terror, suffering, and death. On March 19, 2013, the Syrian government allegedly launched a chemical attack in Khan al-Assal, Aleppo, killing more than two dozen people. As residents buried the dead and the finger of blame was pointed in various directions, another attack occurred. In August of that year, more than 1,000 people were killed in Ghouta, rural Damascus, by sarin gas. The shocking images of men, women, and children foaming at the mouth and gasping for air sparked international condemnation and led to the adoption by the UN Security Council of Resolution 2118, establishing a joint mission to oversee the destruction of Syrias chemical weapons stockpile. This, however, did not end the continued use of these reviled and inherently indiscriminate weapons. Since 2013, dozens more chemical attacks have been reported, 34 of which have been confirmed by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic, including a sarin gas attack in April 2017 in Khan Sheikhoun which killed more than 80 people, and which was in clear defiance of the Chemical Weapons Convention. PHR reviewed videos of the 2017 attack and confirmed that the symptoms displayed by the victims were consistent with the use of the outlawed nerve agent. In addition, experts from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism linked samples of evidence from the attack site to registered chemical weapons stockpiles belonging to the Syrian government. But despite clear evidence pointing to the identity of the perpetrators, little has been done to thwart these and countless other continued breeches of humanitarian law. The Security Council has been paralyzed by Russias use of its veto power, obstructing any viable course of action to seek accountability and justice. Throughout the conflict, Syrians, who fear recurring chemical attacks on their communities, have said they feel abandoned and forgotten by the rest of the world. Their fears are justified. Five years after the Khan al-Assal chemical attack, with a lack of any comprehensive international framework in place for the protection of the Syrian people, it has happened yet again. On April 7, 2018, in Douma in eastern Ghouta, the last rebel-held stronghold in the area, at least 70 people died and as many as 500 were injured in an apparent chemical attack. The chemical weapons attacks are horrible, says Dr. Homer Venters, director of programs at PHR. The way in which these weapons hit civilians; the way in which this recent spate of attacks constitutes the most egregious violation of the treaty banning chemical weapons since it entered into force it should shock all of us. Videos of the latest incident in Douma show men, women, and children lying lifeless, while others struggle for air and foam at the mouth symptoms characteristic of a chemical attack. But as the world watches these images, it no longer suffices to be shocked. It no longer suffices to convene Security Council meetings or hold press conferences that merely condemn these attacks. The shock and condemnation must culminate in more. The international community must enforce a plan for unhindered access for investigators to sites of attacks to allow thorough investigations, and a dedicated mechanism to hold the perpetrators accountable. Furthermore, a framework must immediately be set in place to ensure sustained protection of civilians, and continued, unfettered access to health care and humanitarian aid. We need to move from demanding accountability to actual protection of civilians and a real end to impunity, not only in the face of chemical weapons attacks, but for all mass atrocity crimes against the people of Syria, against health care facilities, and against health care providers themselves. We have to also make sure that the survivors of these horrible attacks can seek and receive impartial care when and where they need to, Dr. Venters adds. With each chemical attack launched and with each hospital bombed or medical worker targeted with impunity, we risk normalizing this horrific and unacceptable flouting of longstanding humanitarian norms. Its up to the international community to ensure that repeatedly violating universally accepted prohibitions against targeting civilians and using widely banned weapons does not become the new normal. CALGARYCommodity shippers fear further disruptions in getting their products to market after two unions representing about 3,400 workers at Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd. served 72-hour notice of their intent to strike on Wednesday. The notices come at a difficult time for the railway, which is under pressure from shippers to move backed-up grain shipments after a difficult winter and supply more locomotives to the pipeline-constrained oil industry in Western Canada. The disruptions we saw in Q1 this year and even at the end of last year were incredibly significant, said Greg Northey, director of industry relations with Pulse Canada, a member of the Ag Transport Coalition. Read more: CP and CN Rail hope to get back on track after winter delays A strike on CP would obviously be an order of magnitude kind of disruption to the movement of grain it would just exacerbate the problems weve had. He said rail shipping of grain has been better recently, but still not satisfactory, with shippers reporting Canadian National Railway supplied 83 per cent of demand and CP Rail at 53 per cent of demand in the week of April 2-8. A CP Rail work stoppage would also be extremely detrimental to the member companies of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada who rely on rail to ship about 80 per cent of their products, CEO Bob Masterson said in an open letter to federal Labour Minister Patty Hajdu. The impacts of a CP strike would be immediate, severe, and long-lasting as there are no viable alternatives for shipments, he wrote. Federal Transport Minister Marc Garneau said earlier this week the government is watching the situation because of its implications for grain and other commodity movements, but remains hopeful the bargaining process will result in a solution. Proposed legislation, Bill C-49, would give the government tools to help farmers with cash flow and compel railways to move grain or face penalties, but those measures are tied to separate provisions around a new air passenger bill of rights provisions that have raised concerns in the Senate, where the bill has stalled. Both the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference, representing about 3,000 CP Rail engineers and conductors, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, with about 365 signal and communications workers, cite a lack of progress at the bargaining table. Absent a negotiated settlement, the unions say their workers will walk out at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. Serving a strike notice is part of the bargaining process that unions must follow if they want to be able to strike, said CP Rail CEO Keith Creel in a statement on Wednesday. We remain committed to achieving a win-win solution and urge the two unions to work closely with us and the federal mediators to achieve a positive outcome as soon as possible in the hours leading up to the deadline. CP Rail said it presented the Teamsters with new three- and five-year agreement options on Monday and planned to present the IBEW with three- and five-year options on Wednesday. The two unions reached a tentative deal with Canadian National Railway Co. last month for new contracts for about 1,700 CN Teamsters workers and over 700 IBEW members. At a neighbourhood jewelry store, you could drop by to get your clasps fixed and grab a pair of stud earrings for a family birthday. Ideally, the place would also be nice enough to help you with big-ticket items like wedding and engagement rings. But Toronto doesnt have many of these stores left. People want more of a custom look today, so they get their fashion and fine pieces from word-of-mouth contacts, off Etsy or at vendor markets. Karen MacRae, 41, hopes to reinvigorate the local jewelry concept with a custom flair at her new On the Other Hand storefront on Queen St. E. near Pape Ave. She offers repairs via Swiss-trained master goldsmith Sabrina Melendez. (Shes not a partner but she feels like she is.) MacRae can order mass-produced plain wedding bands and round stud earrings from a catalogue, no problem. But the main draw is MacRaes custom work in precious metals such as gold and platinum, many of which include precious stones such as diamonds and sapphires. The store showcases her work as well as that of Melendez and other fine jewelry makers. On the Other Hand also has fashion pieces prices range from $4 to $4,000 here. She and her colleagues also offer custom work, and will happily incorporate gems from family heirlooms to make something new and unique. MacRae studied goldsmithing at George Brown College and has been working in the jewelry business for 15 years. Shes mainly worked retail hours for others, done custom work for her employers and nurtured her own work on the side. You always want to do your own thing, in this business, she says. A few years ago, she moved up to Muskoka for some cottage living and to focus on her creations. I was the mobile jewelry lady, Id joke, she says. Her car was always loaded up with samples and sketches, and shed drive around to meet clients. A longtime friend, successful entrepreneur Diana Cuttell reconnected with her in those years. She was a source of inspiration. We had some great chats. Those conversations led to Cuttell offering to invest in MacRaes dream of opening her own shop. She offered not just financing, but her business expertise. Im not a businessperson, says MacRae. Im a bit of a flighty artsy type. Three years ago, ready to to partake in the city in Toronto again, and still plotting her own business, MacRae left cottage country for the citys west end. She got another job in retail, did her work on the side and kept her eyes open. Her boyfriend now husband, they just got hitched in Vegas lived in the east end and she happened by this storefront last fall. The owners had their own store and were closing it, and MacRae quickly bonded with them. In short order, she rented the place, got to fixing it up, tapped into Cuttell for both backing and tips, and opened in December. MacRae now lives in Leslieville herself and has been warmly welcomed by local businesses and residents. As for those residents, there are more of them of late with the growth of condos in the area. Now that life, seeing customers and doing her work are all in one spot, MacRaes ready to settle in and see what the locals want. It feels like I have a real opportunity to express myself completely here. Note: This story originally appeared in a March 2017 print edition of the Star. WASHINGTONAfter publicly flirting last week with having the United States rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership, U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to rebuff the idea once and for all late Tuesday. In a Twitter post at 10:49 p.m. Eastern time, Trump said that although Japan and South Korea would like the United States to join the 11 other nations in the multilateral trade agreement, he had no intention of doing so. The decision put an apparent end to a meandering trade policy in which Trump pulled out of the deal in his first week in office, before suggesting last week that he was having second thoughts. Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesnt work, Trump wrote from his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for OUR workers. Read more: Opinion | Thomas Walkom: What Trumps renewed interest in TPP means for Canada Trump tells advisers to explore rejoining Trans-Pacific Partnership, senators say North Korea in high-level talks with U.S., Trump says The comments confounded some trade experts Tuesday night because South Korea is not in the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump followed up with a shot at the World Trade Organization, which he said was bad to the United States. The declaration comes as Trump has been in discussions with South Korea about peace talks with North Korea and as the president hosts Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan at Mar-a-Lago, where they are expected to discuss trade, among other issues. Last year, U.S. President Donald Trump signed multiple executive orders in the Oval Office including a memorandum to leave the proposed Pacific Rim trade pact known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. When Trump withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership last year, he proposed a bilateral trade deal with Japan in its place. But Japans deputy prime minister, Taro Aso, ruled out that possibility in March, saying that such a negotiation would lead to unnecessary pain for Japan. Instead, Japan forged ahead with a deal among the accords 11 remaining members, which they reached last month. Japan maintains that this agreement is still fragile and that negotiating another pact with the United States could put its success at risk. Japan has said it would be willing to enter a one-on-one deal only if it would serve as a bridge to the United States re-entering the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Other countries have also been cool to the idea of giving any ground to the U.S. after they spent months reworking the deal after Trump withdrew. But the stem-winding deliberations about the pact have added another dose of confusion to Trumps trade policy as anxiety grows that the Trump administration is on the verge of starting a global trade war. In recent weeks, Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs on global imports of steel and aluminum, only to announce generous exceptions for several U.S. allies. He also announced tariffs on up to $150 billion (U.S.) worth of Chinese imports, before his economic advisers suggested that this might have been a negotiating tactic. After striking a new bilateral trade agreement with South Korea last month, Trump suggested that he might hold out for a better deal down the road. And Trump regularly muses about ending the North American Free Trade Agreement, even as his advisers say publicly that negotiations with Canada and Mexico are proceeding in a positive direction. The mixed signals have put the presidents economic advisers in an awkward position and raised the hopes of many Republicans in Congress who have been optimistic that he would seek ways to ease trade tensions. Farmers and business groups have been fearful that retaliation from other countries on trade will stall the recent strength in the economy. This whole trade thing has exploded, Larry Kudlow, director of the White Houses National Economic Council, said last week, explaining that he was pulling together a team to begin renegotiating TPP. While rejoining the pact would please some Republicans, it would have been a significant breach of a campaign promise and an embrace of a policy that the president has described as a rape of our country. For that reason, many of Trumps closest aides have been quietly playing down the prospects of re-entry. On Tuesday morning, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said that Trump made a big announcement this year when he said he would consider rejoining the trade pact. However, he cautioned that the U.S. would do so only if it could cut a much better deal. Asked on CNBC about the chances of the United States rejoining the pact, Mnuchin demurred. Im not going to handicap it, he said. Read more about: CALGARY The Alberta government is proposing that the provincial utility consumer protection agency should have the power to resolve and help mediate water-bill disputes. On Wednesday, Service Alberta Minister Stephanie McLean tabled legislation that the NDP government believes could help consumers navigate water-billing disputes through Albertas Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). This comes after a slew of massive water bills surprised some urban and rural property owners across the province. In 2017-18, the UCA fielded more than 24,000 calls and carried out more than 5,000 mediations. Among those calls, more than 170 were about water-billing disputes but the group didnt have any jurisdiction over water, so it referred all those complaints back to utility companies. We know Albertas water utility companies are well-operated, maintained and very reliable for the most part, said McLean. This bill ensures that the public has a trusted avenue to turn to. It also cuts through frustration and cuts out the need for average Albertans to become quasi-experts in water utility billing and utility issues. In its new role, the UCA will have the ability to mediate disputes between consumers and utility providers, investigate that rates being billed by utilities match up with rates set by a municipality and request a meter check or investigation from the utility provider. And if the UCA sees a pattern of complaints, it can compile the information to present to the utility provider and possibly the municipal government. But ultimately, McLean said a municipality is the regulator of utility providers. In Calgary last year, the city, along with ENMAX the company contracted to provide billing and customer care on water services wrote an open letter to citizens about the number of Calgarians struggling with unexpected high water-consumption bills. The letter, issued in August, set out the citys new approach to deal with the issue adding a process to adjust billing for customers if leaks are fixed in a reasonable time and in situations where leak sources are difficult to detect. Instead of the increased charges, these consumers were given an adjustment according to their average water use. Coun. Ward Sutherland, chair of the standing policy committee on utilities and corporate services, said hes not sure what the body would do for Calgarians after the city made changes to its complaint process. Im pretty confident with the new process we set up that its not going to be an issue, said Sutherland. The city ended up paying out $947,000 to customers between April 2016 and December 2017. In 2018, the city expects payments to reach a total of $1.5 million. Helen Pike is a Calgary-based reporter covering social justice, democracy and immigration. Follow her on Twitter: @Metropike Read more about: EDMONTONAn Edmonton lawyer has been suspended by his employer after a 16-year-old girl was fatally injured in what police allege was a hit-and-run collision at a crosswalk. Shane Stevenson, who is 47, is charged with impaired driving causing death, driving over the legal limit causing death and hit and run causing death. Dentons Canada LLP says in a statement issued late Monday afternoon that Stevenson is a Dentons Canada partner in its Edmonton office and that hes been suspended from the firm pending further investigation. Police say the girl was pronounced dead at hospital after she was hit late Sunday night at a crosswalk equipped with flashing lights. They allege the driver fled from the scene, but an off-duty police officer who had stopped for the pedestrian saw what happened and followed the vehicle while providing information to a 911 dispatcher. An arrest was made soon after. Read more: Off-duty officer nabs truck driver who struck and killed woman in Edmonton crosswalk Read more about: EDMONTONTroy Striethorst doesnt know anybody in Yemen, so he was a bit surprised to receive more than 20 missed calls from a number belonging to the small Middle Eastern republic. He is one of several Edmonton residents who have received calls originating from Yemen this month. Many took to Reddit to detail how they were being spammed by the calls. Ive gotten three from Yemen and two from Somalia today, wrote one user. So frustrating. Another user warned people about picking up the phone, saying a similar scam occurred a few years ago, where people would rack up charges from dialing bogus numbers that would ding them for calling premium-rate lines. In his case, Striethorst says he would pick up and the caller would almost immediately hang up. If he called back, he was put on hold for a long time. He reached out to Telus to complain about the calls and was told the company is investigating. In an email statement to StarMetro, Telus says they are aware of the spam, referred to as wangiri a Japanese term that means one ring and hang up. According to the Telus website, victims of the fraud will receive a call from an overseas number that will ring once or twice -- or just long enough for the number to appear on their caller ID. These numbers are premium-rate overseas phone numbers that charge high rates on top of your normal long-distance rate. The intent is for you to return the call, said the website. Once the scammer has you on the line, they will try to make you stay on the call for as long as possible to run up the charges. The website adds that Telus customers dialing countries known for the wangiri fraud will hear a message warning about the possibility of additional charges. While this was not isolated to Telus customers, our security team is continuing to investigate and block numbers associated with the scam, said Doug Self, communications manager at Telus. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) is aware of the situation, but hasnt received a large volume of complaints on the matter, said Jessica Gunson, acting call centre and intake unit manager at CAFC. We always want consumers to protect themselves, she said in an email. If you receive a call and dont recognize the number, do not answer and do not call it back. Striethorst continues to be a victim of the wangiri fraud having received calls from Yemen, France and several African countries since but isnt too concerned because he hasnt given anybody any confidential information over the phone. Its annoying, he said. Its more of a mild annoyance than an actual concern Im not really worried. Read more about: The Future is Female, as the popular slogan goes, but the fifth edition of Reel Canadas National Canadian Film Day is showing how that affirmation also applies to the past, too. Free screening events happening nationwide Wednesday now number 850, including 100 in the GTA, and this year theres a big emphasis on female filmmakers and stories told by Canadian women, now and in decades past. NCFD is an annual event showcasing Canadian cinema, with screenings coast-to-coast in theatres, libraries, schools, public squares, legion halls, military bases and drive-ins. Highlights this year range from Patricia Rozemas 1987 award-winner Ive Heard the Mermaids Singing to Aisling Walshs more recent Maudie, the champion at this years Canadian Screen Awards. A hot ticket in Toronto is Trailblazers: A Conversation with Deepa Mehta and Alanis Obomsawin, a live event at 7:30 p.m. pairing two of Canadas most celebrated filmmakers for the first time. Theyll be speaking in the Al Green Theatre in the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Centre, moderated by Aliya Pabani, an artist, filmmaker, podcaster and host of The Imposter, Canadalands arts and culture podcast. (This is a not a free event: tickets are $15 general, $10 for students/youths/arts workers.) Deepa and Alanis are both Canadian women whose work has had a global impact, said Sharon Corder, Reel Canadas artistic director. Deepas films have garnered dozens of awards, including an Oscar nomination. Alanis is widely recognized as a pioneer of Indigenous filmmaking. Their unstoppable determination and mastery of their craft is an inspiration to women everywhere and we are so honoured to be the first to bring them together in celebration of their accomplishments. Among the GTA events Wednesday are a 7 p.m. Revue Cinema screening of Ive Heard the Mermaids Singing, Rozemas groundbreaking LGBTQ creation which won the Directors Fortnight Prix de la jeunesse at the 1987 Cannes Film Festival. Another 1980s Canuck film favourite is My American Cousin, a 1985 coming-of-ager set in rural B.C., based on the memories of writer/director Sandy Wilson. It will screen at various times and locations across the GTA Wednesday. Also at 7 p.m. Wednesday, there will be a screening at Humber Cinemas of Kate Melvilles Picture Day from 2012, an early big-screen success for Tatiana Maslany of TVs Orphan Black fame. Local NCFD 2018 happenings will also include a very Hip evening at the Royal Cinema. A 9 p.m. screening of Long Time Running, a 2017 documentary on The Tragically Hip by Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier, will be preceded at 8 by a performance by the all-female Hip cover band, BARBcaygeon. Full details on these and other NCFD events are online at canfilmday.ca. Read more about: HALIFAX Yale OConnor likes to run. The 12-year-old dreams of one day taking part in the Olympics. At the age of nine, he almost broke the world record for fastest five-kilometre runner under the age of 10. Hes been running since he was quite young. Were really a running family, OConnors mother Jennifer said. We would do the city races, the 1K, when they were super tiny. He probably ran that when he was maybe two years old. And OConnor is showing no sign of slowing down. This year, hes taking over the Race for Awareness, Courage and Empowerment (RACE) a charity run created by his older sister in 2017. His goal is to raise enough money to build a playground at a school in Kenya so kids there can stay active, too. The RACE Run started when Jennifer and father Wayne encouraged their three kids Blythe, 16, Fleur, 14, and Yale, 12 to take on a Mitzvah project, a form of social action performed as part of a childs rite of passage into adulthood. After listening to elite Kenyan runners who came to speak at their school, Fleur was inspired to sponsor a young person from Iten, a village known for competitive runners, to come experience life in Halifax. It kind of just happened around the dinner table, explained Jennifer. They decided to go to Kenya first and learn more about its culture. Fleur started the RACE Run to raise funds for the sponsorship. Last year, more than 114 people came to cheer and take part, including the girl sponsored by the family. Then Yale picked up the baton. He learned of an Iten school that lost its playground when the space was turned into farmland. Johana Kariankei, an elite Kenyan runner and family friend, donated a piece of his own land to the school so they could turn it into another playground. However, the property needs adjustments, including fencing and levelling. I liked the idea of what Fleur was doing, said Yale. When (Johana) brought this idea to me, I was really inclined to follow up with it. The 12-year-old hopes to raise money to help with the adjustments. This year, the family has more than 100 registered runners and aims to have 150 participants. Kariankei is also coming to Halifax to participate and show his support. In addition to the run, Yale held a bake sale and a fitness boot camp to raise funds. His goal was $3,000, but he has so far managed to raise twice that amount. Its amazing. Im really surprised that weve gotten this much money, he said. But also that this many people are interested in supporting this. The whole OConnor family is playing a role in the run. Eldest sister Blythe will be the announcer. Fleur will be at the three-kilometre marker. Jennifer will direct the event, and Wayne and Yale will run the race and cheer on fellow runners. (Were) very proud of them, very pleased that theyre giving back in such a meaningful way and really not afraid to go out and ask for support, Wayne said. The five-kilometre RACE Run will take place April 22 at Point Pleasant Park. As for whether the run will happen annually, Blythe said it will as long as we have a project in mind and something to donate the money to. Read more about: Accused mob boss Giuseppe (Pino) Ursino says hes really just an almost-broke grandfather with a bad back, who couldnt make ends meet without help from his children. Are you a boss? defence lawyer Dragi Zekavica asked Ursino on Tuesday during his trial at the University Ave. courthouse in Toronto. Never, not even in my family, Ursino replied. Ursino and Cosmin (Chris) Dracea, 41, of Toronto, each face two charges of cocaine trafficking for the benefit of a criminal organization and one charge of conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. The often-emotional testimony of Ursino, 65, marks the first time in Canada that an alleged senior member of the criminal organization Ndrangheta has testified in open court, police sources said. He was flanked by an Italian interpreter but answered in English to most of the questions posed by defence lawyers. Do you know any members of the Ndrangheta in the GTA?, Zekavica asked. No, Ursino replied. Carmine Guido, the star Crown witness, earlier testified that Ursino was a leading GTA Ndrangheta boss who sat on the local Camera Di Controllo, or ruling counsel. Ursino said he doesnt even know any real members of the Ndrangheta. Guido said that he worked for you. Is that true?, Zekavica asked. No, Ursino said. Guido also described former and current GTA residents Cosimo Commisso, Frank Murdoca, Peter Scarcella, Carmine Verduci, Gianfranco Caputo, Salvatore (Sam) Calautti, Antonio and Giuseppe Coluccio and Vince Mora as members or associates of the Ndrangheta. Calautti was shot dead outside a Woodbridge banquet hall in July 2013, along with his longtime associate, James Tusek, 35. Verduci was shot to death in April 2014 outside a Woodbridge cafe. Scarcella served prison time for his role in two botched gangland hits in April 2004, which left mother-of-three Louise Russo paralyzed by a stray bullet. Ursino denied any inside knowledge of criminal activity by those men or any others associated with the Ndrangheta. Did you ever bring in any drugs?, Zekavica asked. No, Ursino said. Ursino described Guido as a drug trafficker and scammer who ran illegal card games and stiffed him for $6,000 when a social club they ran together went out of business. Ursino testified that they the club for about a year, but shut it down after Guido moved into drug trafficking. He started dealing with certain people with drugs, Ursino said. Ursino said he badly needed the $6,000 that Guido owed him. That drove Ursino to sometimes invent stories about crime so that he could stay close to Guido and hopefully collect the money he was owed, he testified. To make him believe me, I had to extend the conversation, Ursino said. Did you ever commit any criminal activities? Zekavica asked. No, Ursino replied. Ursino testified he drew from stories he heard through the media to create criminal scenarios that Guido might believe so that they could stay in touch and he could hopefully collect the money. These words only come up in my mind through French Connection movie, Ursino testified at one point. I put up a story for him, Guido said. I just opened up a story. Its not true. Hes a troublemaker person, Ursino said of Guido, under questioning from Draceas lawyer, Kathryn Wells. Hes a liar. Zekavica asked if Ursino ever intended to import cocaine. No, Ursino replied. Did you ever traffic in cocaine?, Zekavica asked. Never, Ursino replied. Ursino described himself as a victim of Guidos lies. Most of the time he laugh at me because he fooled me, Ursino said. He knows I am not a boss. He knows I am not a person who commits crimes. Ursino said he left school after grade five in the southern Italian province of Calabria to work on the family farm. He said he first immigrated to Canada when he was 18 to avoid compulsory service in the Italian military. He returned several times to Italy and was arrested for association there in 1986 and again in 1987. He said he didnt know if it was for Mafia association or some other type of association. He said there are five brothers and four sisters in his family. Of all of your brothers and sisters, how many have had trouble with the law?, Zekavica asked. One, Ursino replied. That sibling was his older brother, Antonio, who has been arrested a couple of times on charges of association, Ursino said. Ursino described himself as a devoted family man, who drove his wife to work and his granddaughter to school. He testified that he never made much money through his work in construction, pizza delivery, running a social club and importing foods to sell in sandwich and pizza shops. The construction work left him with a bad back, he said. He said his food import business is so small it has no employees and little profits. I am alone, Ursino said. I dont work with no one. Despite his poor profits, he didnt move to crime, Ursino said. He appeared near tears as he spoke of help he has received from his children. No family members were in court for his testimony. I was a disaster but surviving, Ursino said. If it wasnt for my kids, I couldnt even survive. The prosecution marks the time in Canada that the Ndrangheta has been targeted as a organized crime group since belonging to a criminal organization became an offence in 1997, senior federal prosecutor Tom Andreopoulos said earlier in an interview. The trial continues. OTTAWAMaxime Bernier is backing away from his controversial suggestion that fake Conservatives won Andrew Scheer the Conservative Party leadership. Bernier, who came a close second in the partys 2017 leadership contest, is indefinitely postponing the release of his political memoirs that were due out in November this year. I realize that whatever I write, it will always be interpreted as me creating division and challenging our leader, Bernier, who declined interview requests, wrote on Twitter. This book and the ideas it contains are very important to me. But now is not the right time to publish it. After consideration, for the sake of maintaining harmony within our party, I have decided to postpone its publication indefinitely. In an excerpt released last week, Bernier alleged the Quebec dairy lobby, unhappy with his position on axing the industrys protections, signed up fake Conservative Party members to block his leadership bid. Bernier suggested those members were the decisive reason he lost to Scheer. (Scheer) did what he thought he had to do to get the most votes, and that is fair game in a democratic system, Bernier wrote. But this also helps explain why so many people are so cynical about politics, and with good reason. A woman who answered the phone at Berniers Parliament Hill office said the Beauce MP would not speak to the media Wednesday, but could not give a reason when asked. Bernier has refused repeated interview requests over the past week. His Conservative caucus colleagues, including a former leadership rival, were not so tight-lipped. Durham MP Erin OToole, who placed third in the leadership race, said Berniers decision to cancel the book is personal. Usually, memoirs are done at the end of a political career, so I think this is good. It means hes going to run for us and help us form government after the next election, said OToole. I think everyone grumbles after a leadership. Look, it was frustrating for me to lose. But I think Andrews been doing a spectacular job, and I think Max sees that first hand. Marilyn Gladu, a first-term MP from Sarnia who supported Scheer in the leadership, said she was glad Bernier decided to pull the book. I thought it was a distraction from the timing point of view, and it was really old news in terms of everybody understanding what he said at the time of the leadership race, Gladu told reporters. I think youll continue to see a unified Conservative Party going forward, and Maxime has said that within the confines of our walls and hes said it outside as well. Gladu confirmed the matter was discussed at the Conservative Partys caucus meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday, but declined to give any details about the discussion, citing caucus confidentiality. Within the caucus, it was discussed and I think the party came out with a unified front. Scheer, however, has not commented publicly on Berniers allegations, and Bernier remains the partys innovation critic. Scheers office refused to confirm Berniers decision to pull the book Wednesday, and declined to comment on the Quebec MPs assertions last week. Berniers book, dubbed Doing Politics Differently: My Vision for Canada, was due out in November from Optimum Publishing International. Optimum publisher Dean Baxendale did not respond to phone calls and emails Wednesday afternoon. Read more about: OTTAWAMike Pompeo spent his Easter weekend in North Korea as U.S. President Donald Trumps CIA director, but its almost certain he will be leaving Americas chair vacant at a major upcoming G7 meeting in Toronto. Pompeo is still in the middle of an acrimonious confirmation process to become the new U.S. secretary of state and it seems unlikely he will be formally installed in his new job by the weekend. That means Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland wont have an equal American counterpart when she convenes a meeting of G7 foreign ministers on Sunday to discuss a broad range of international security issues, including Syria, Ukraine, Myanmar, Venezuela and the ongoing nuclear tension with North Korea. Read more: CIA director Mike Pompeo secretly met with North Koreas Kim Jong Un over Easter weekend Pompeos visit suggests the Trump-Kim summit is on track. Heres why Kim is ready to talk Trump and his new secretary of state are facing a host of foreign policy challenges Pompeo would have had a lot to bring to the table on that last topic, since Trump confirmed Wednesday that Pompeo paid a clandestine visit to North Korea almost two weeks ago for talks with its leader Kim Jong Un. Since that historic visit, the U.S. Senate foreign relations committee has been grilling Pompeo on his nomination to replace Rex Tillerson, who was fired by Trump. Neither Freelands office nor the U.S. embassy in Ottawa would offer any comment on the possible U.S. participation in one of the main ministerial meetings in advance of the G7 leaders June summit in Quebec a meeting that is expected to mark Trumps Canadian debut. Peter Boehm, the top Canadian organizer or sherpa, had no clear answer about the unfolding scenario during an interview this week. Boehm said he couldnt say whether Pompeo would be confirmed in time. If not, there usually would be a substitute. I cant speculate on that. Deputy secretary perhaps? But Boehm added: The Americans will be there. They have been active participants in the negotiations as they are on all things. John Kirton, a University of Toronto expert on the summit, said Pompeos absence wont undermine this weekends meetings because the U.S. positions on key issues are well known. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen will also be at the meeting as part of a discussion with Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale and their interior ministry counterparts. Pompeo would of course have been useful on North Korea, but there are other ways the ministers can talk to him, Kirton said. Pompeo faces enough opposition on the Senate committee to block his nomination. That would send the matter to the full Senate for a vote, but without the committees recommendation. Freeland was asked recently during a public talk at the University of Toronto about how the changes in the Trump administration affected her interactions. Of Tillerson, the minister said: I found him to be a really good partner. Freeland was recently in Japan and South Korea to meet her counterparts there and to hear first-hand about the latest developments in the North Korea nuclear crisis as part of her G7 preparations. South Korean President Moon Jae-in is expected to meet Kim next week. Trump said Pompeos meeting would set the stage for his own planned summit with the North Korean leader, expected in the coming months. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now, Trump tweeted Wednesday. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! G7 finance ministers expressed concern Wednesday in North Koreas ability to avoid sanctions and gain access to the international financial system. In a joint statement, the ministers said they would work with financial institutions in their countries to crack down on North Koreas illicit global financial activity. Finance Minister Bill Morneau is to host his fellow G7 ministers in British Columbia late next month. Freelands G7 preparations continued this week in France and Britain. On Wednesday, she and British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson held a roundtable on the crisis that has forced more than 670,000 Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar to flee to Bangladesh after facing persecution that she and others have branded as ethnic cleansing. Freeland has added the Rohingya crisis to this weekends G7 agenda, following a report by Canadas special envoy Bob Rae, who called for Canada to help lead an independent international war crimes investigation into the events in Myanmar. Johnson said a credible independent investigation into reported atrocities is an important step. Read more about: VANCOUVER Canadians support for the B.C. governments stance of doing everything it can to prevent the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion from being built has slid significantly since February, according to a new Angus Reid poll released Wednesday. In a poll of about 2,000 people conducted this week, the percentage of Canadians who disagree with B.C. Premier John Horgans opposition to the pipeline increased from 55 per cent to 64 per cent in just three months. The nine-percentage-point difference is significant, said Shachi Kurl, executive director of Angus Reid. The series of events that have unfolded in the last two weeks have really put the issue front and centre and I think confronted British Columbians and confronted Canadians, she said. But its really B.C. that is the hinge here they have some choices that they have to make. The poll shows more than half (54 per cent) of B.C. respondents said they now support the pipeline project, compared to 48 per cent in February. Even in Metro Vancouver, where opposition for the project has historically been most staunch, half of respondents now support the project, according to Angus Reid. But while overall support for the project has increased, Canadians are still mostly unimpressed with their leaders actions following Sundays meeting between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, and Horgan. Notley performed the best, with four in ten Canadians saying she did a good job. About three in ten respondents said Horgan and Trudeau did a good job. The premiers receive slightly better grades from voters in their respective provinces 54 per cent of Albertans said Notley did a good job and 45 per cent of British Columbians said Horgan did a good job. Read more: More protesters make court appearances as Kinder Morgan pipeline protests go global Opinion | Chantal Hebert: Pipeline debate resonates with politicians more than it does with voters so far Kinder Morgan CEO says lingering feud confirms Trans Mountain pipeline may be untenable The majority of Canadians (56 per cent) do not agree with Trudeaus announcement he would use taxpayers money to push the project through, however. Kurl says polling shows Trudeau may have another opportunity to win the approval of British Columbians when it comes to the pipeline expansion. The path forward is around reassurance around tanker response, she said. If you ask British Columbians about a number of different concerns, three in four say they are concerned about a tanker spill or a breach, and when you ask what is your number one concern by a five-to-one ratio, people say that the risk of a spill is a major problem. Read more about: EDMONTONShes not a cop, paramedic or nurse, but these days Nadja Banky is a kind of first responder. A bouncer on Whyte Avenue, she carries naloxone in her backpack, and is trained to use it in case she finds someone she suspects is overdosing and needs to administer the life-saving antidote. Everybody likes their party drugs, but its terrifying to see how much it seems to be affecting the younger population especially, she said in a recent interview about the deadly drug fentanyl. A lot of these kids, theyre combing it with alcohol. They dont understand their tolerance level, they feel OK. They do a bad batch, the next thing you know, theyre dead. Banky said she and other bar, restaurant and hotel workers often find themselves on the front-line but notes theyre not well paid employees that have a lot of certification, like cops or firefighters. She wants to see more private businesses in the hospitality industry stock naloxone kits and organize trainings for staff, as they often are the ones who can recognize a suspected overdose and the first ones on site. Any member of the public can pick up a naloxone kit at a registered distribution site, confirmed Alberta Health spokesperson Rob Gereghty in an email to the Star. Under Albertas Emergency Medical Aid Act, anyone who responds to an overdose with naloxone is protected from liability. There are 1,463 distribution sites, and over 50,000 free naloxone kits have been given out across the province, Gereghty added. Albertans have reported 3,300 overdose reversals as of February 2018, according to the province. But new data from the province released in early April shows the crisis is not letting up. In the first six weeks of 2018, 74 people died from an apparent fentanyl overdose, 25 in Edmonton. Last year 589 people in province died from apparent overdoses from the drug. Banky believes owners of private businesses such as bars, restaurants and coffee shops have a greater role to play. The fact that we have people that dont even know how to use this stuff is kind of alarming and kind of sad, she said. And a lot of these are minimum wage working people. Banky took a training course put together by her friend, Abby Blackburn, who organizes them around Edmonton. At the sessions, everyone from servers, to people addicted to drugs, to concerned community members, take turns injecting oranges with syringes. Blackburn, whos a vocalist in the punk community, doesnt have a medical background, but decided to organize the sessions after she saw the devastating impact the opioid crisis was having in her community. Everyone should know how to use a naloxone kit because its just like first aid, said Blackburn. Its just like most buildings have a defibrillator, you should know how to use it. Both women want people to realize what a constant problem fentanyl has become in Edmonton and across the province. We dont want to see anybody else lose their kids or friends, or loved ones because of something so stupid thats going around right now, and it needs to be recognized as an epidemic, Banky said. This isnt just addictions problems, and this isnt just streetworkers problems, this is everybodys problem. Read more about: Premier Kathleen Wynne has ordered that school boards be given a say in where provincial marijuana stores are located, noting that boards are likely to know where their kids go at lunchtime (and) where they go after school. Her demand came after the announcement that Torontos first outlet of the Ontario Cannabis Store would be located in Scarborough, 450 metres from Blantyre Public School. The Toronto District School Board said it had asked to be consulted about the location, but never was. Concerned Blantyre parents discussed the news at a school council meeting last week. But is there anywhere in the city a marijuana store could land without customers crossing paths with schoolchildren and teens? According to data compiled by the Star, more than half the city is within 450 metres of a school, even without factoring in areas where children and teenagers spend their recreational time. Most of Toronto is near a school Granting every Toronto public school a 450 metre buffer from future Ontario Cannabis Store locations leaves little room for pot shops Within 450m of a public school Parks Zoned industrial Source: City of Toronto Open Data The blank spaces left over range from industrial areas to High Park to the Toronto South Detention Centre, a maximum-security correctional facility. While debate rages on at Queens Park, several of Torontos business improvement areas (BIAs) told the Star theyd actually welcome a provincially run marijuana shop and that, regardless of proximity to schools or child-centric areas, kids wouldnt be able to just waltz in and buy pot. Im sure theyd have protocols to prevent children from purchasing the product, that are equal to or greater than the Madison (pub) selling a pint of beer to an 8-year-old, said Brian Burchell, chair of the Bloor Annex BIA. Everywhere in our area is near a school, along with half of our members being bars. Burchell said the downtown BIAs have been forced to confront the issue of marijuana stores before, discussing the multitude of dispensaries that set up shop downtown before provincially run stores even entered the equation. Weve always felt obliged to accommodate a variety of businesses, all of which were compliant with what we understand to be the Criminal Code and various bylaws that we, as a city board, are obliged to follow, he told the Star. If a business is illegal, we would not be comfortable with accommodating it within our precinct. But provincially run, wholly legal marijuana stores are a different question for him. Insofar that the business is legal, and deemed locally desirable I mean from the perspective that theres a market and the business can be profitable and serve a community of users I cant see why wed be opposed, he said. (Bloor) is one of the most eclectic, thriving streets in the city ... I dont see why that kind of business wouldnt fit in. Some BIAs are taking an even stronger stance in support of marijuana stores in their area. Ellen Anderson is chair of the Dovercourt Village BIA, among the tiniest of Torontos 83 designated areas, and she thinks a marijuana shop would be good for the neighbourhood. Dovercourt Village was founded in the late 1800s, but the area has seen some of its local business decline over the years. A marijuana shop would fit in well, she said, because the area has maintained reasonable rent prices, and because its quirky and under the radar. There are a lot of creative people who are residents around here, she said. I think the bakery would be good for people who get the munchies, because they bake those wonderful Portuguese egg tarts! Anderson said there are few kids in the area. There is one daycare, but those kids are so little its not going to have any effect on them. Theyre not teenagers, she said. Its not child-oriented. Its more or less grown-up oriented. Theres a drum shop, and teenagers might go into the drum shop to buy a drum kit, but they dont hang out there. There isnt a teenage hangout place, which is a big plus. For some other BIAs in the city, the job is to support local businesses no matter what they sell. West Queen West supports all their members, executive director Rob Sysak told the Star. Im sure some board members and some of the community probably (do) not, but as executive director, my job is to support members. And if a business opens up in West Queen West, they have my support. As for Torontos school-free zones, here are a few places a pot shop could exist outside the 450-metre rule: The Toronto Islands and harbour: Theres just one school on the Toronto Islands, called Island Public/Natural Science School, which has been there since 1988 and goes up to Grade 6. There are a few other schools along the harbour, but the area is largely dominated by factories, the ferry docks, businesses, restaurants and hotels. The Canadian National Exhibition: Exhibition Place, home to the Canadian National Exhibition in the summer and a flurry of trade and consumer shows in between, is a sprawling expanse of convention, exhibition and conference venues. The Better Living Centre became a 24-hour respite shelter during the frigid cold of this past winter, and the Enercare Centre became a sleek, security-heavy venue for Hillary Clintons book tour in September. High Park and the Humber River Valley: Putting a pot store in High Park, Torontos largest public park, or Humber River Valley, the citys largest watershed, would mean travelling outside the area where you bought your marijuana to use it. Ontario will outlaw marijuana usage in all parks and public places when the substance becomes legal. Plus, the areas are filled with hiking trails, a zoo, playgrounds for children, and known wildlife corridors. Near Pearson airport: Highways, landing strips, industrial spaces and planes: all fill the land surrounding Pearson International Airport without throwing schools in the mix. Though the airports screeners are no longer calling the cops when a passenger shows up for their flight with a marijuana prescription (as long as theyre carrying 150 grams or less), that doesnt mean the transport authority is looking for the province to set up shop next door. Rouge Park: Rouge National Urban Park is Torontos only campground, its government website boasts, and one of the regions largest marshes. It includes some of Canadas oldest known Indigenous sites and is cut through by the Rouge River. Thousands of animals are housed in the middle, at the Toronto Zoo, wandering around enclosures filled with grass and very different weeds than the provinces new fare. York University: Canadas third largest university takes up a large portion of the map. Many of its older students would be able to legally purchase marijuana once the store opens up, unlike the elementary school near the Scarborough location. York is already preparing for the change in law, which will make it harder to crack down on students smoking up on campus the university told StarMetro its working to update its policies and practices in time for legalization. The Etobicoke rail yards and industrial area: The rail yards area in Etobicoke is certainly growing, but the latest addition has already sparked political action. New townhomes built near the rail yard have to come with a noise warning for new owners, according to an agreement approved by city council late last month. A large chunk of this school-free space is also occupied by the Toronto South Detention Centre a maximum-security correctional facility currently housing alleged serial killer Bruce McArthur big-box stores, and other industry. Bridle Path: This is one of the citys richest neighbourhoods, home to multimillionaires and mansions. Last year, a French-style chateau sprawling over four acres of land in the neighbourhood was put on the market for $35 million. Its also been the backdrop to a Toronto police investigation, dubbed Project Bridle Path, probing a multimillion-dollar mortgage fraud case. The Don Valley and Sunnybrook Park: An empty plot of land in this area has recently been hit by a spotlight, as four teams compete to design a livable community on industrial land next to the Don River. But this space is also cut through by the Don Valley Parkway, houses ravines and parkland, and is home to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Eglinton Town Centre: The mall and its surrounding big-box stores, from Walmart to Canadian Tire, take up a chunk of the school-less space in its area. Nearby, youll find a library, grocery stores and car dealerships. The planned marijuana shop in Scarborough will be joining an existing strip mall, currently home to a pizza joint, a Kumon tutoring service, a kids martial arts studio and a dentists office. Downsview Park: Downsview Park was born after the federal government announced the closure of the former Canadian Forces Base Toronto in 1995. It includes forests, ponds, trails, sports fields, play areas and gardens. It also has a 485,000-square-foot hangar facility, which offers indoor and outdoor fields. The park is a separate entity from the Downsview Lands, which include five different neighbourhoods in the surrounding area. CP rail yards: The Canadian Pacific Railways Agincourt Yard is the railways largest marshalling yard. When it opened in 1964, it was surrounded by farmers fields. Now, its surrounding by residential and commercial development from Middlefield to Agincourt North. Read more about: The city is one council vote away from committing up to $1.46 billion to Mayor John Torys SmartTrack project, despite concerns the plan to finance the venture is risky and untried. Councillors on the mayors executive committee voted Tuesday to approve funding for the rail project, which consists of six new stops on GO Transit lines within Toronto to be branded as SmartTrack stations. This is a very significant step forward, Tory told the committee. He predicted the project will make a very significant contribution to the well-being of this city and getting people out of their cars and reducing congestion. The funding plan will go to council next week for a decisive vote. The six new stations are expected to cost up to $268 million more than a previous estimate of about $1.2 billion. The additional money would be for station components like bus bays and bridges the city believes are required to link the stops to surrounding communities and the TTC network. The federal government is expected to contribute $585 million, leaving the city on the hook for $878 million. Some councillors at the meeting expressed doubt about the proposed financing plan, which would require the city to borrow money to fund SmartTrack and then pay off a portion of the debt through a method called tax increment financing, or TIF. Under the plan, the city would designate areas around stations on the GO lines as TIF zones, and then use some of the property tax money generated by new development attracted to those areas by SmartTrack to pay the debt charges over time. The city is planning to raise $292 million for SmartTrack through TIF over 25 years. During his 2014 campaign, Tory pledged that TIF could be used to pay the entire cost of his transit plan, which at that time was estimated at $2.7 billion. TIF has never been used in Canada to fund a major infrastructure project, and a consultants review of the citys plan warned it carries significant risks. Forecasted development activity and property value increases may not materialize, leaving a shortfall in funding, said the review by Ernst & Young Orenda Corporate Finance Inc. The review determined the revenue the city is expecting through TIF was reasonable but suggested staff should do more to verify the accuracy of development projections for station sites, which were prepared by a third party and may be out of date. Im sceptical that the financing will work out. We have an untested tool with the TIF financing that I think will cause problems, said Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Tirintiy-Spadina), who isnt on Torys executive but represents the ward where the King-Liberty SmartTrack station would be built. But investments in transit shouldnt necessarily be delayed because we have an untested tool. There are other ways to raise revenue, such as increasing property taxes, he said. TIF would be used to pay down roughly one third of the SmartTrack debt, while the city would draw on the City Building Fund and development charges to each make up another third. Council approved the City Building Fund to pay for transit and housing needs. Its being generated by five successive 0.5-per-cent annual property tax increases that began in 2017 and are scheduled to continue until 2021. By then the fund will take in about $74.2 million annually, about $18.2 million of which would go to pay for SmartTrack. The payments would continue for 30 years, until the debt is paid off. During his campaign, the mayor pledged SmartTrack will not be financed by raising property taxes. In a morning news conference Tuesday, he claimed he had not broken that promise despite the fact the plan he supports would use a fund created by property tax increases to pay for SmartTrack. Tory argued the City Building Fund was created to provide for the funding of transit projects, not specifically SmartTrack, and so I think in terms of the question of whether property taxes are specifically being raised in order to pay for SmartTrack, theyre not. He also said a small portion of the fund would go towards SmartTrack costs. According to city staff, a quarter of all money generated by the fund over three decades would be used to pay for the new stations. In addition to questions about the financing plan, councillors also expressed concern that SmartTrack service patterns and fare integration between GO and the TTC have yet to be finalized. The city wants train frequencies of between six and 10 minutes during peak periods, and for there to be no charge to transfer between GO and TTC vehicles. The policies are critical to attracting riders to the SmartTrack stops, but Metrolinx, the provincial agency that operates GO, has not finalized plans for them to be in place when the stations go into service around 2025. By 2041, 33 million riders are expected to use SmartTrack every year. Of those, roughly 6.2 million would be new to the transit system. With files from Jennifer Pagliaro. Read more about: A man with schizophrenia acted as a terrorist group of one when he attacked soldiers at a military recruitment centre in Toronto, federal prosecutors said as they argued the 30-year-old should be found not criminally responsible for terror offences rather than having the charges dismissed. Crown and defence lawyers agree that, as a result of serious mental illness, Ayanle Hassan Ali could not appreciate his actions were morally wrong when he slashed at Canadian Forces personnel with a kitchen knife on May 14, 2016, leaving at least two soldiers with minor injuries. But the two sides disagree on whether Ali should be facing terror charges. Read more: Opinion | Rosie DiManno: Trial asks whether a mentally ill man can commit a terrorist act Toronto man charged in military centre stabbing should be acquitted of terror-related charges, lawyers say The Crown argues that while Ali should be found not criminally responsible for his actions, he did commit a terrorist act and the courts verdict should reflect that. Despite his illness, Ali understood the nature and quality of his actions and understood that they were legally wrong, Crown attorneys Kathleen Healy and Sarah Egan wrote in legal arguments filed at the mans trial this week. He intentionally attempted to kill (Canadian Forces personnel) in part for a religious, political or ideological purpose, objective or cause, and in part with the intention of intimidating the public or a segment of the public. The defence, however, has asked for an acquittal on the terror offences and a ruling of not criminally responsible on lesser included offences. That type of finding acknowledges that a person with a mental illness committed a crime but was incapable at the time of appreciating their actions could cause harm, or are unacceptable by societal standards. Ali has pleaded not guilty to three counts of attempted murder, three counts of assault with a weapon, two counts of assault causing bodily harm and one count of carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, all at the direction of or in association with a terrorist group. Defence lawyers Nader Hasan and Maureen Addie have argued that Ali is not a terrorist, but a man in need of mental health treatment. He should be found not criminally responsible for lesser included charges of attempted murder, assault and weapons offences, they have said. The defence has further argued that Ali, who both sides acknowledge was not affiliated with any terrorist group, cannot be guilty of terror offences, because Canadian terror law does not apply to alleged one-person terrorist groups. The Crown, however, has argued that the Criminal Code states both that a terrorist group is any entity that facilitates or carries out terrorist activity and that a person can be considered an entity. It would be antithetical to the purpose of terrorism legislation that an individual carrying out a solo attack could escape the terrorism provision of the Criminal Code, the Crown said in their written arguments. Alis lawyers have noted that Ali will end up in custody at a secure mental health facility whether he is found not criminally responsible on the terror charges or the lesser included offences. Terrorism is such a loaded term and ... we worry that if he is in the system as not criminally responsible for terrorism, that might unfairly affect how he is treated, Hasan has said. Two psychiatrists have testified at Alis trial that he was experiencing delusions and paranoia brought on by schizophrenia around the time of the attack. They both said Ali should be found not criminally responsible. Dr. Philip Klassen, a Crown witness, testified that Ali likely understood that his actions could cause physical harm. But, because of his mental illness, Ali likely did not realize that harming soldiers in that situation was morally wrong, Klassen said. Ali is still somewhat ambivalent about the morality of killing soldiers, Klassen said. But that could be a sign that Ali is still grappling with the effects of schizophrenia, he added. Ali will return to court Friday, with the defence and Crown expected to present further legal arguments. Gaby Mekinda was sitting in her living room Sunday night when she heard a crash and felt the home shake. Then she got a text from her third floor tenant: Were okay, dont worry, a tree has fallen on the roof. If something out of the ordinary happens they immediately text, said Mekinda, who owns the house at Wychwood Park and Davenport Rd. She and her husband, Mel, live on the main floor and rent out the second and third floors. First I thought the furnace exploded. I looked out all the windows and I couldnt see anything. Then the texts started coming in. A branch had fallen on the century home during the ice storm that wreaked havoc across southern Ontario last weekend. In Toronto, the storm downed powers lines and left 44,000 customers without hydro at its peak. City crews responded to 3,115 calls for assistance with tree damage, leaving many home owners now facing cleanup headaches. A tenant of Mekindas, Ken Wilcox, first posted about the branchs collapse Monday evening, after the worst of the storm began to clear. My wife and I and our two girls live on the top floor of this big old house, Wilcox wrote on Twitter. We love living up in the treetops, but last night was a little scary when this massive branch broke free and crashed onto our roof. That night, after bringing her tenants safely downstairs into her living room, Mekinda phoned police and asked for her homes stability to be inspected. Police and fire came to her home and reassured her the house was safe. All in all, the crash caused some cracks in the third-floor wall. The branch that fell onto the third-storey roof was so large that a crane was used to lift it out during the removal process on Tuesday, said Al Miley, the owner of Al Miley and Associates, contracted with the trees removal. The homes age added to the difficulty removing stray branches, due to the propertys layout and steep roof. Wychwood Park is a unique neighbourhood, he said. I was here for an hour assessing this, to figure out how were going to do this. Miley said he typically aims to save a tree that has suffered broken limbs. When the weakest link of the tree breaks, arborists assess to see if the tree could stay standing for another 40 or 50 years, he said. In this case, the Mekindas tree will likely be saved. In a joint statement to the Star, Mayor John Tory and Public Works chair Jaye Robinson said they were listening to residents frustrations with the cleanup efforts and have raised those concerns with City staff. We have directed them to deploy all available resources and to secure additional resources to help deal with the remnants of this storm as quickly as possible, the statement said. Transportation crews have been working 24/7 since Friday to deal with the storm and its aftermath. It was crucially important to focus on the risk of flooding first. Since that risk has now subsided crews are entirely focused on removing remaining ice buildup on sidewalks and local roads across the City including Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough. Mekinda, who is long familiar with the Wychwood Park area, said this incident didnt come as a surprise. Mekindas mother purchased the home in 1961 and, after her mothers death, Mekinda and her husband moved into the home in 2011. Living in Wychwood Park, theres so many trees. A lot of them are very old. The trees are checked regularly, but you can never tell. If its bad wind or ice even a healthy tree can fall. Though, while theyve had branches come down around their property before, she said its never been to the extent they saw this weekend. Her biggest fear is that a branch one day falls and hurts someone, she said. The fallen branch and the chaos it brought with it was all that Mekinda could think about Sunday evening. I didnt sleep all night, I thought the tree was going to go through the roof or roll off, Mekinda said. The owner of Charity, the cow-on-stilts sculpture, is suing the City of Markham for $3 million in property damages and a further $1 million in general damages. The lawsuit, filed in Toronto by Romandale Farms Ltd. against the City of Markham on March 21, surrounds the issue of councils decision last fall to move the controversial sculpture from its location on Charity Cres. to one of three alternate locations in Markham. That decision, arrived at after the July 2017 installation of the 25-foot (7.6-metre) high stainless steel sculpture, enraged residents who live on the crescent, and deeply upset Helen Roman-Barber, who claims ownership of Charity. The donor wasnt interested in any talk of moving the sculpture to an alternate location in Cathedraltown or elsewhere in Markham. As a decision has neared for when and where the sculpture will be relocated, Romandale Farms has taken action to forestall any move by the city to move the sculpture with a lawsuit that essentially offers the city three choices. Romandale demands the city either: a) pay damages in the amount of $4 million, including $3 million for conversion of property and punitive damages, plus costs and associated damages; b) pay the full costs to remove Charity from its location in Charity Cres. and return it to the owner, which Roman-Barber maintains she still is, in spite of the citys claim the sculpture now belongs to it; or c) leave Charity at its current location. Whether the city has filed a statement of defence or intends to defend itself in court or what action it intends to take in response to the lawsuit is not yet known at this time. A request for comment on the lawsuit was met with the following response: A statement of claim has been filed against the City of Markham by Romandale Farms Limited. Any request for City of Markham records must be made through the City of Markhams Freedom of Information (FOI) process. Alternatively, a copy of the statement of claim can be requested through the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Toronto Court office). Ed Shiller, spokesperson for Roman-Barber, said it would be inappropriate for Romandale Farms to publicly discuss the details of the suit while the matter is being adjudicated by the courts. Correction - April 18, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that gave incorrect information about the origins of Cathedraltown. Read more about: A city councillor is calling for a public inquiry into the problematic Scarborough subway planning process. The $3.35-billion Scarborough subway extension has been characterized by a lack of information and misinformation. Now, Councillor Josh Matlow says this type of dysfunctional transit planning needs to be put under a microscope. Our city has far too often neglected evidence-based transit priorities while approving proposals that serve the fewest people for the most money. The existing system has become overcrowded. The Spadina Extension and the Sheppard subway line have monopolized scarce resources, leaving most residents of Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke with long bus rides before being able to access rapid transit. These bloated projects are plagued by low ridership, requiring significant subsidies, the five-page request from Matlow says. Now, City Council is on the verge of setting a new precedent by neglecting the public trust, and with such a gross misexpenditure of public finances. Council, under Mayor John Tory, has voted to move ahead with a one-stop Scarborough subway extension from the existing Kennedy Station on the Bloor-Danforth line to a new stop at the Scarborough Town Centre. That plan was revised to a three-stop option approved by council in 2013 under former mayor Rob Ford. In making that decision, council scrapped a seven-stop LRT that would have replaced the Scarborough RT, be separated from traffic, and have been fully-funded by the province. Read more: John Torys favoured Scarborough subway was drawn on the back of a napkin when council chose it over LRT, critics charge Opinion | More reasons to stop the Scarborough subway Editorial | One more time: Stop the Scarborough extension All Toronto homeowners are paying for the subway through a special tax that will continue to be collected for at least 30 years. Matlows request for a judicial review, which will be tabled at a council meeting next week, follows a Star story about how staff exaggerated the design of the subway, consultants rushed work and costs were based on hand-drawn sketches ahead of a key vote in July 2016. The motion asks that council apply to the Superior Court under the City of Toronto Act similar to the Toronto computer leasing inquiry called for in 2002 to investigate what council was told about the subway extension and LRT alternative in the lead-up to that vote. Matlows motion includes details of how city staff claimed the design of the subway was at 5 per cent, while the LRT was at a similar stage of 5 to 10 per cent design which cast the subway in a more favourable light at a time its cost was ballooning. The subway, internal reports provided to the Star show, was not that far along, and according to public reports, the LRT was actually at 30 per cent putting it years ahead in the process. His motion also outlines how a misleading TTC briefing note, which cast doubt on whether the LRT was still feasible, was distributed to only the mayors office and that of TTC chair Councillor Josh Colle against council procedure. That briefing note was used to influence council ahead of the vote. The Star's Jennifer Pagliaro on the lack of information and misinformation council was provided about the Scarborough subway in light of the request for a public inquiry. Significantly, the briefing note said the LRT would now cost nearly as much as the subway because of construction delays and other calculations. An investigation into the briefing note by the citys auditor general, who said she found no evidence staff deliberately misled council, also found the cost quoted was off by at least $570 million. Staff also based cost estimates for the subway on a completion date in late 2025. That schedule was based on council approving the route for the subway at the meeting in July 2016 a fact buried in a footnote below a chart on costs. But staff had not yet recommended a route for the subway, making it impossible for councillors to make a decision and for staff to meet that schedule. The evidence suggests that critical information presented to council by staff regarding the (Scarborough subway extension) and the (Scarborough LRT) in staff reports, briefing notes, and on the floor of council was at times inaccurate, misleading or incomplete, Matlows motion concludes. This is deeply troubling given that a decision on a multi-billion dollar infrastructure project was based on the information provided. Matlow has frequently criticized the lack of evidence to justify a subway and has advocated for the return to an LRT plan that would put more people closer to rapid transit stops. His motion is seconded by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam. The 6.2-kilometre Scarborough subway extension is projected to carry 34,000 fewer daily riders than the nearly six-kilometre Sheppard subway line, which has been called a white elephant because it failed to attract many riders. The Scarborough trains would be 70 to 80 per cent empty at rush hour by 2031. Taxpayers today pay a significant subsidy to keep the Sheppard line running due to the ridership shortfall. Council has never seen a value-for-money comparison of the subway and LRT options. A majority of council members, including Tory, rejected earlier requests from Matlow to see that kind of study. A 2013 draft Metrolinx report concluded a subway was not a worthwhile use of money compared to the LRT. That report was never published. On Tuesday, Tory tried to counter concerns the subway design was, as Matlow has said, drawn on the back of a napkin. I think the votes weve taken, the reports theyre based on, are sufficient to allow us to have the confidence that we can proceed, Tory told reporters. He pointed to a 59-page staff report that was accompanied by seven attachments as evidence the Scarborough plan was on solid footing. But that report, tabled ahead of the July 2016 votes, was about multiple transit projects. Only nine of the pages and one of the attachments dealt with Scarborough specifically. That report also contained the staff claim about the subway being at 5 per cent design and provided the impossible schedule. On Wednesday, the mayors office issued a statement calling Matlows motion a publicity stunt. Council meets starting April 24. Read more about: Almost 5,000 tickets have been issued for infractions during the King St. pilot project, say Toronto police in their latest update. Officers have handed out 4,559 tickets for proceed contrary to a sign at intersection since Nov. 12, police said in a news release Wednesday. An additional 404 tickets have been issued for disobeying signage. Thats an increase of almost 1,400 total tickets since the last update on the pilot project on April 6. We recorded 15 minutes of video at 5 intersections on King Street that are part of the new pilot project. How many drivers do you think disobeyed the right hand turn rule? The pilot project aims to prioritize streetcars on King St., by forcing drivers to make the next right turn at major intersections between Bathurst and Jarvis Sts. Const. Clint Stibbe said Wednesday that it would be difficult to compare the number of tickets issued on King to any other street in Toronto. Intersection-related offences are something that we do see at a number of intersections throughout the city, he said. Officers will issue tickets for any infractions that we see. King St. has more officers on it, so you would see a higher number of tickets issued. Ticketing statistics run on a seven-day delay due to transcription times, Stibbe said. The number of tickets reported Wednesday reflect the period up to, and including, April 10. A police social media campaign launched to generate leads on cold cases in central Ontario bore fruit this week as a man was charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of two men who vanished in 1991, investigators said Wednesday. Ontario Provincial Police and the Barrie Police Service said Michael Guido Gerald Claes, of Elmvale, Ont., was charged Monday in the deaths of Grant Ayerst and Norman Whalley, and remains in custody. The two men, aged 21 and 36 respectively, were last seen leaving a hotel in Toronto on Sept. 11, 1991. Their remains have not been found. Read more: Toronto police solve 1983 murder, but wont name killer New DNA analysis could crack 30-year-old murders of Victoria couple Florida woman kidnapped as newborn from hospital found 18 years later Police did not specify exactly what evidence led to the arrest of 49-year-old Claes, who they said grew up in Barrie, Ont., and was known to them for several years. But Det.-Insp. Gilles Depratto, the major case manager on the file, said in an interview that police wouldnt have been able to make an arrest without information gleaned from the public in the wake of the social media campaign launched last year. We cant say specifically if one tip helped us come to the successful resolution, but we can say there was a lot of discussion in the public and there was a lot of people who provided us information, he said. While the case is before the courts and theres a long road ahead complicated by the fact that the bodies of Ayerst and Whalley have not been found Depratto said hes confident the case will come to a successful conclusion. He noted that it was satisfying to be able to tell the families of Ayerst and Whalley that investigators believe theyve arrested the alleged killer. Its the most important thing, because what we work for in homicides is to be able to bring some resolution in the family, Depratto said. They didnt want to be disappointed again, he added. That was one main thing, that theyve seen the investigation move forward at different times in the last 26 years, and they didnt want to be disappointed. The Ayerst family issued a written statement that thanked police for their efforts. Early on in this tragedy we chose not to let the events surrounding Grants disappearance destroy our lives, the family said. Instead we chose to keep the good memories alive, hope to move us forward and always anticipated the day we would have some resolution to this tragedy which disrupted our lives over 26 years ago. Patience, karma and hope have paid off, the family added. The disappearances of Ayerst and Whalley were among four cold cases profiled by the provincial and Barrie police forces last year as part of a project called the Simcoe County Case Files, prompting renewed interest and offering hope to the families of the alleged victims. As part of the project, police created a Facebook page where they profiled the cases in episodic videos that have now been viewed hundreds of thousands of times. They also wrapped a cube van with case information to direct viewers to the Facebook page and encourage tips. The van was strategically parked in various locations throughout the Greater Simcoe County area. The series of videos explains that Ayerst and Whalley arrived in Ontario from British Columbia in September 1991 to carry out an illicit drug transaction, and were never heard from again. The other cases that were part of the project included 17-year-old Cindy Halliday of Waverly, Ont., who was last seen hitchhiking near Midhurst, Ont., in 1992. Her remains were discovered months later, and questions still swirl around what happened to her. April Dobson, 40, was sitting on a friends porch in 2005 when she was shot to death, and the body of 30-year-old Jaimee Lee Miller was found in a wooded area in March 2016, five months after she was last seen. All of the cases included in the project are believed to be homicides. The Ontario government has announced plans to invest up to $23 million to create new medical residency positions over the next six years, including 53 extra spots in the coming academic year. The positions are for medical school graduates who have completed their undergraduate training at one of Ontarios six medical schools, Health Minister Helena Jaczek said on Tuesday. Graduates who fill the positions will be required to work in northern Ontario and other parts of the province that do not have enough primary care providers. The mismatch between the number of medical school graduates and residency positions came to national attention a year ago when the Star reported on the suicide of Robert Chu, a graduate of McMaster Universitys medical school. He took his life after twice being passed over for residency positions. By funding more residency opportunities in the province, our government is ensuring access to care in the areas where Ontarians need it most and supporting medical students in achieving their potential, Jaczek said. This forward-looking investment is yet another way we are providing high-quality health care, closer to home, she added. Medical students must complete residencies before being licensed to practise. This involves supervised training in areas of specific clinical practice, such as family medicine or surgery. Medical students across the country compete against one another for residency spots by applying through a matching process administered by the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS). In recent years, there has been a growing mismatch between the number of applicants and the number of spots available. Read more: There must be a better way: More medical grads expected to be jobless after graduation than ever before According to the online health policy magazine HealthyDebate.ca, the number of unmatched Canadian graduates grew from 11 in 2009 to 68 in 2017. This year, the number rose to 69. Of those, 32 were from Ontario. Jaczek said the province is working with medical schools to create more specialized residency spots in the upcoming school year to accommodate these graduates. Dr. Trevor Young, dean of the University of Torontos faculty of medicine, said he is pleased by the provincial governments response. However, he noted this is just a first step and that more work must be done to ensure medical students can plan for their future. We are thrilled and very encouraged by this bold step by the province and the minister of health to help solve the unmatched medical student problem in Ontario, he said. Young said the response is particularly good because it also helps Ontarians in underserviced communities: It is really smart and will really help every part of the equation. Dr. Michael Arget, vice-president of Resident Doctors of Canada, said he hasnt yet seen many details of the plan, and its implications at a national level are still to be seen. Nevertheless, Arget said he is encouraged that there has been some movement: Im pleased to see that this is a topic that is getting some attention at a government level. Governments have control over residency spots and medical school spots, and we need the assistance of ministries of health across the country. Arget said the issue is one that both taxpayers and patients should care about. It is important that our Canadian medical students are able to find residency positions because it is an incredibly expensive endeavour to train medical students, he said. To not be able to practise and serve the population is a waste of taxpayer money. Correction - April 19, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that misstated the number of unmatched current year grads from Ontario as 53. After five years of lax enforcement of Ontarios groundbreaking accessibility legislation, disability activists want Queens Park to hand over enforcement responsibilities to an independent public agency. The call comes in the wake of a new report that shows a 2015 government crackdown on accessibility scofflaws never really happened and that the government has imposed just six monetary penalties despite thousands of known violations. We need enforcement taken out of the governments belly and assigned to an independent, arms-length public agency, said lawyer David Lepofsky, chair of the AODA Alliance, a non-partisan coalition that monitors progress on the provinces Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA.) The government should not be investigating itself, he added. The alliance has asked all party leaders to commit to moving enforcement of the AODA to an independent public agency, if elected premier in June. Under the 2005 legislation, the first of its kind in Canada, Queens Park is responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing accessibility standards for Ontarios 1.8 million people with disabilities to ensure the province is fully accessible by 2025. The act covers goods, services, facilities, accommodation, employment and buildings. For example, the customer service standard requires restaurants to welcome service animals when accompanied by people with disabilities. Under the employment standard, employers must provide an accessible desk and washroom for an employee who uses a wheelchair. A spokeswoman for Tracy MacCharles, minister responsible for accessibility, said the government recognizes there is more to do and reorganized the ministry last fall to provide an increased focus on compliance and enforcement. A newly-created compliance and enforcement branch of the Accessibility Directorate of Ontario operates call centres to respond to consumer complaints and requests from organizations for help to meet reporting requirements, said Mahreen Dasoo. The branch is also responsible for compliance outreach activities and audits of organizations most likely to neglect their duties. To support the governments efforts to increase reporting rates among businesses in Ontario, we launched a digital media marketing campaign targeting businesses and raised awareness about the deadline, Dasoo said in an email. We also connected directly with businesses, sending 70,000 emails, phone calls and letters reminding them of their requirement to report. But Lepofsky, who is blind, says Ontarians with disabilities still face too many barriers when they try to get a job, ride public transit, get an education, use the health care system, buy goods and services or eat in restaurants. A big part of the problem, Lepofsky says, is that a staggering 57 per cent of Ontarios 56,000 private and non-profit sector organizations with at least 20 employees have failed to file mandatory reports to the government declaring they have met current accessibility requirements. If they cant even bother to file a report, what does that say about the priority they are giving to accessibility? he said. Lepofsky began highlighting the governments lack of enforcement action in 2013 when some 70 per cent of mandated organizations had failed to file their reports. As a result, the government began conducting compliance audits of about 2,000 organizations a year. In 2015, after annual compliance audits had dropped to 1,324 and a legislative review found the government needed to step up enforcement, former minister Brad Duguid told the Star he would take action to double the number of audits to 4,000 or 1 per cent of Ontarios 400,000 private businesses starting in 2016. But Duguids crackdown never happened, Lepofsky says. In 2016, the government initiated only 1,604 compliance activities. But these were, at most, a review of the documents and not an examination of an organizations actual practices, he said. A year later, there were 1,746 compliance activities, but still fewer than in 2013 and 2014, according to Lepofskys report. Premier Kathleen Wynnes September 2016 mandate letter directed MacCharles, the current minister responsible for accessibility, to take steps to increase by 50 per cent the number of private sector organizations in compliance with the act by 2017. And yet, the governments progress report for 2017 shows the non-compliance rate has remained unchanged at 57 per cent. It means 32,000 private sector companies required to file accessibility compliance reports have failed to do so, Lepofsky said. Dasoo, in the ministers office, said the directorates outreach and compliance team will continue to work with organizations that missed their deadline and it is expected that the submission rate for the 2017 version of the report will continue to grow over the next two years. Robert Lattanzio, executive director of ARCH Disability Law centre, a specialty legal clinic funded by Legal Aid Ontario, called Lepofskys latest report concerning. If the government is serious about meeting its goal and serious about giving meaning to the AODA, there needs to be some very clear action. And a big part of that is enforcement, he said in an interview. Enforcement is part of education, said Lattanzio. And compliance orders are part of that education process because they tell companies what they should be doing. Likening Doug Ford to Donald Trump, Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne says the Progressive Conservative leader is a bully who tells lies. In a stunning broadside against Ford three weeks before the official start of the June 7 election, Wynne said Doug Ford sounds like Donald Trump and thats because he is like Donald Trump. He believes in an ugly, vicious brand of politics that traffics in smears and lies. Hell say anything about anyone at any time because just like Trump it is all about him, the premier said Wednesday at Sunnybrook Hospital. Thats how Trump campaigned in 2016 and thats how Ford is campaigning right now. I guarantee you that it will get worse before it gets better, she said. Read more: Opinion | Martin Regg Cohn: How the Trump-Clinton campaign became a Ford-Wynne rematch Editorial | Doug Fords election promises dont add up Opinion | Emma Teitel: Four tips to help Kathleen Wynne up her populist game We saw it this week when Doug lied flat-out lied about his appalling comments about families living with autism, lacking the courage to admit the truth and own up to his own words. He took the cowards way out and he denied the undeniable. That was a reference to Ford claiming he never said in 2014 that an Etobicoke home for children with autism and developmental disabilities was an absolute nightmare that ruined the community. Youre going to hear a lot of lies. Desperate lies, the Conservative leader said Sunday as he unveiled his campaign bus. The statement, made while he was a Toronto councillor, was widely reported at the time. During a campaign stop in Cobourg on Wednesday, CBC reporter Mike Crawley played a recording of Wynnes attack for Ford. Shes getting desperate a desperate, desperate person. Oh boy, said the PC leader as the tape rolled. Kathleen Wynne, she can fight an election in another country. Im focused on the people of Ontario, he said to cheers from supporters. Mike, weve seen this trick before. Shes trying to hoodwink the people, she thinks shes smarter than the people. I work for the people; she believes the people work for her. Wynne, who is trailing Ford in every public opinion poll, made her comments after the Tory leader had suggested Tuesday that Liberals could end up behind bars after his outside audit of the books if he wins the election. If Kathleen Wynne tried to pull these kinds of shady tricks in private life, then there would be a few more Liberals joining David Livingston in jail, Ford had said in Brockville. Livingston, ex-chief of staff to former Dalton McGuinty, was sentenced to four months in jail last week for deleting documents. He all but chanted Lock her up, talking about me, fumed Wynne, recalling Trumps line of attack against Hillary Clinton during the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Doug Ford stands for nothing other than Doug Ford. Just like Donald Trump, there is only one way to deal with this kind of behaviour: you have to stand up to him and you have to name the behaviour for what it is, because that is how you deal with a bully, she said. So, Im sorry, but not again. Not here, not in Ontario. He may be Donald Trump, but Im not Hillary Clinton and Ontario is not the United States of America. Tory MPP Lisa MacLeod was incredulous at Wynnes bizarre and desperate attack on Ford three weeks before the May 9 writ drop. Her only hope is to make this campaign about anything other her record, said MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton). Shes running in a different country against a different candidate, because she cant defend her own record in the province of Ontario, she said, adding Wynne should stop lying about Doug Ford. It is not any member of our party who has gone to jail. New Democrat MPP France Gelinas (Nickel Belt) said the Liberal attacks are a sideshow because only (NDP Leader) Andrea Horwath can stop Doug Ford. Gelinas cited polls showing 80 per cent of Ontarians believe it is time for a change, arguing that Horwath is the real alternative to Ford. Read more about: LONDONCambridge Analyticas ex-CEO, Alexander Nix, has refused to testify before the U.K. Parliaments media committee, citing British authorities investigation into his former companys alleged misuse of data from millions of Facebook accounts in political campaigns. Committee Chairman Damian Collins announced Nixs decision a day before his scheduled appearance but flatly rejected the notion that he should be let off the hook, saying Nix hasnt been charged with a crime and there are no active legal proceedings against him. There is therefore no legal reason why Mr. Nix cannot appear, Collins said in a statement. The committee is minded to issue a formal summons for him to appear on a named day in the very near future. Nix gave evidence to the committee in February, but was recalled after former Cambridge Analytica staffer Christopher Wylie sparked a global debate over electronic privacy when he alleged the company used data from millions of Facebook accounts to help U.S. President Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign. Wylie worked on Cambridge Analyticas information operations in 2014 and 2015. Wylie has also said the official campaign backing Britains exit from the European Union had access to the Facebook data. Cambridge Analytica has previously said that none of the Facebook data it acquired from an academic researcher was used in the Trump campaign. The company also says it did no paid or unpaid work on the Brexit campaign. The company did not respond to requests for comment from The Associated Press on Tuesday. The Information Commissioners Office said Tuesday that it had written to Nix to invite him to be interviewed by investigators. The office is investigating Facebook and 30 other organizations over their use of data and analytics. Our investigation is looking at whether criminal and civil offences have been committed under the Data Protection Act, the office said in a statement. Nixs refusal to appear comes as the seriousness of the British inquiry becomes more evident. Facebook has said it directed Cambridge Analytica to delete all of the data harvested from user accounts as soon as it learned of the problem. But former Cambridge Analytica business development director Brittany Kaiser testified Tuesday that the U.S. tech giant didnt really try to verify Cambridge Analyticas assurances that it had done so. I find it incredibly irresponsible that a company with as much money as Facebook ... had no due diligence mechanisms in place for protecting the data of U.K. citizens, U.S. citizens or their users in general, she said. Kaiser suggested that the number of individuals whose Facebook data was misused could be far higher than the 87 million acknowledged by the Silicon Valley giant. She told lawmakers that in an atmosphere where data abuse was rife, she believed the leadership of the Leave.EU campaign combined data from members of the U.K. Independence Party and from the customers of two insurance companies, Eldon Insurance and GoSkippy Insurance. The two executives were then able to create their own Cambridge Analytica using her proposals, Kaiser testified. Arron Banks and Andy Wigmore have told multiple individuals that they took my proposal and copied it and they created their own Cambridge Analytica, which they called Big Data Dolphins in partnership with the data science department at the University of Mississippi, Kaiser said. The university rejected Kaisers allegation. The assertion that the University of Mississippi has received or analyzed any data from these companies is not true, Alice Clark, vice chancellor for university relations, said in a statement emailed Tuesday to The Associated Press. Leave.EUs communications director, Andy Wigmore, also called Kaisers statements a litany of lies. It is how the data was used that alarms some members of the committee and has captured the attention of the public. An expert on propaganda told the committee Monday that Cambridge Analytica used techniques developed by the Nazis to help Trumps presidential campaign, turning Muslims and immigrants into an artificial enemy to win support from fearful voters. University of Essex lecturer Emma Briant, who has for a decade studied the SCL Group a conglomerate of companies, including Cambridge Analytica interviewed company founder Nigel Oakes when she was doing research for a book. Oakes compared Trumps tactics to those of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in singling out Jews for reprisals. Hitler attacked the Jews, because ... the people didnt like the Jews, he said on tapes of the interview conducted with Briant. He could just use them to leverage an artificial enemy. Well thats exactly what Trump did. He leveraged a Muslim. Read more about: LONDONIn a medical first, a French surgeon says he has performed a second face transplant on the same patient who is now doing well and even spent a recent weekend in Brittany. Dr. Laurent Lantieri of the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris first transplanted a new face onto Jerome Hamon in 2010, when Hamon was in his mid-30s. But after getting ill in 2015, Hamon was given drugs that interfered with the anti-rejection medicines he was taking for his face transplant. Last November, the tissue in his transplanted face began to die, leading Lantieri to remove it. That left Hamon without a face, a condition that Lantieri described as the walking dead. Hamon had no eyelids, no ears, no skin and could not speak or eat. He had limited hearing and could express himself only by turning his head slightly, in addition to writing a little. If you have no skin, you have infections, Lantieri told The Associated Press in an interview Tuesday. We were very concerned about the possibility of a new rejection. In January, when a second face donor for Hamon became available, Lantieri and his team performed a second face transplant. But before undergoing the second transplant, doctors had to replace all of the blood in his body in a monthlong procedure, to eliminate some potentially worrisome antibodies from previous treatments. For a man who went through all this, which is like going through a nuclear war, hes doing fine, Lantieri said. He added that Hamon is now being monitored like any other face transplant patient. Hamons first face was donated by a 60-year-old. With his second transplanted face, Hamon said he managed to drop a few decades. Im 43. The donor was 22. So Ive become 20 years younger, Hamon joked on French television Tuesday. Other doctors applauded the French teams efforts and said the techniques could be used to help critically ill patients with few options. The fact that Professor Lantieri was able to save this patient gives us hope that other patients can have a backup surgery if necessary, said Dr. Frank Papay, of the Cleveland Clinic, who performed the first face transplant in the U.S. He said the techniques being developed by Lantieri and others could help doctors achieve what he called the Holy Grail of transplant medicine: allowing patients to tolerate tissue transplants from others. Dr. Bohdan Pomahac of Harvard University, who has done face transplants in the U.S., said similar procedures would ultimately become more common, with rising numbers of patients. The more we see whats happening with (face transplant) patients, the more we have to accept that chronic rejection is a reality, Pomahac said. Face transplants will become essentially non-functional, distorted and that may be a good time to consider re-transplanting. He said its still unknown how long face transplants might last, but guessed they might be similar to kidneys, which generally last about 10 to 15 years. Maybe some patients will get lucky and their faces will last longer. But it will probably be more common that some will have to be replaced, he said, noting there are still many unknowns about when chronic rejection might occur. Lantieri said he and his team would soon publish their findings in a medical journal but he hoped cases such as Hamon would remain the exception. The other patients Im following, some have had some alteration of their transplant over time, but they are doing fine, he said. I hope not to do any future transplants like this. ANKARA, TurkeyPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan caught Turkey off guard on Wednesday by calling early elections for June, in a move that could cement his grip on power a year ahead of schedule. Erdogan announced that parliamentary and presidential elections, originally scheduled for November 2019 will now be held June 24, meaning that a new political system that will increase the powers of the president will take effect a year early. Turkey is switching from a parliamentary system to a presidential one, abolishing the office of the prime minister and decreasing the powers of the parliament, following a narrowly approved referendum last year. The changes take effect with the next election. Read more: U.S. pastor denies terror links, spying in Turkish court Thousands of Turkish diplomats, judges, academics have fled to Germany in aftermath of failed coup Erdogan would be able to run for two five-year terms on top of his current term. The strongman, who has ruled Turkey since 2003, spoke of the need for the new system to be implemented quickly in order to deal with numerous challenges ahead, including Turkeys fight against Kurdish insurgents in Syria and Iraq. The move, however, allows the leader criticized for his authoritarian tendencies to capitalize on nationalist sentiment that is running high following a successful military campaign to drive out Syrian Kurdish militants from the border enclave of Afrin in northeast Syria and ahead of warnings that the economy could be foundering. It also puts opposition parties, many of which havent yet decided who to put forward to challenge Erdogan, at a distinct disadvantage. Erdogan wants to take stock of a number of developments that are in his favour, said Soner Cagaptay, Turkey researcher at the Washington Institute. Russia might soon force Turkey to pull out of Afrin, Cagaptay said. He wants to move forward before the negative news (on Afrin and the economy) start coming in, Cagaptay said. Be it the cross-border operations in Syria, or incidents of historic importance centred in Syria and Iraq, they have made it imperative for Turkey to overcome uncertainties quickly, Erdogan said, in apparent reference to the aspirations for independence by Kurds in both countries. Erdogan said: Switching to a new system of government has increasingly gained urgency so that decisions regarding our countrys future can be made and implemented with greater strength. Erdogan announced the early elections after a meeting with Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkeys main nationalist party, MHP, who made a surprise call for early elections citing efforts by unnamed circles to foment chaos in Turkey. The MHP has agreed to an election alliance with Erdogans ruling Justice and Development Party, or AKP. Erdogan, who has moved to further tighten his grip on power since a failed coup attempt in 2016, needs a 51-per cent majority to be re-elected in the first round of the presidential election. The decision to hold early polls comes a month after the AKP, with the help of the nationalist party, changed electoral laws that, among other things, paves the way for government employees to monitor ballot boxes, reducing independent monitoring of the polls. It also follows the sale of Turkeys largest media group, Dogan Holding, to a group that is close to Erdogan a move observers say places 90 per cent of the nations media under Erdogans control. Cagaptay said Erdogan had been preparing the groundwork to stack the elections in his favour. Turkeys weak opposition parties announced they were ready for the polls. They, however, have just two months to prepare for the elections and come up with candidates strong enough to challenge Erdogan. It was unclear whether Meral Aksener, the leader of the fledgling centre-right Good Party which broke away from the MHP, would be eligible to run in the polls. Aksener had announced her intention to run against Erdogan and was seen as a strong candidate. Selahattin Demirtas, the charismatic former leader of Turkeys pro-Kurdish party, is in jail on terrorism charges. The elections would be held under a state of emergency that was declared following the failed coup. Parliament extended it for a seventh time despite calls for its end. The main opposition party accuses the government of misusing its emergency powers to erode democracy and arrest government critics. It allows the government to close down media outlets and non-governmental organizations. The government argued that security threats from a movement led by U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of masterminding the coup, havent abated. It also cites Turkeys continued struggle against Kurdish rebels and other groups. Gulen has denied any ties to the failed coup. Russia denied accusations from the United States and Britain that its agents have planted malware on key components of the internet to spy on rivals, steal trade secrets and potentially launch cyberattacks. A Kremlin spokesman on Tuesday called the claim unfounded and feeble. In a joint statement Monday, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the U.K.s National Cyber Security Centre said the main targets in the alleged tampering of routers and other networking equipment include government and private-sector organizations, as well as providers of critical infrastructure and internet service providers. Read more: U.S. can permanently spy on, sabotage foreign computers, Kaspersky Lab report says Canada developing arsenal of cyber-weapons NATO techies test defences with simulated cyber attacks Victims were identified through a co-ordinated series of actions between U.S. and international partners, according to a companion technical alert issued by the U.S. Computer Emergency Response Team (US-CERT). Both nations said they have high confidence in the finding of Russian-sponsored cyber-meddling, which the alert said has been reported by multiple sources since 2015. Australia also admonished Russia and accused Kremlin-backed hackers of cyberattacks on hundreds of Australian companies last year. Respected U.S. cybersecurity researcher Jake Williams said it was difficult for him to understand the motivation for Mondays alert given that the activity has been ongoing for some time. Calling the Russians out on this hardly makes much sense unless theres some other agenda (most likely political), Williams, the president of Rendition Infosec, said via text message. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the accusations groundless. We dont know what these accusations are based on, he told reporters. Such accusations are typically thrown into the air and no one even bothers to offer any arguments (proof) anymore. We think such feeble accusations have lost all meaning, Peskov added Routers direct data traffic across the internet. US-CERT said the compromised routers can be exploited for man-in-the-middle spoofing attacks, in which communications are intercepted by a seemingly trusted device that has actually been infiltrated by an attacker. The current state of U.S. network devices coupled with a Russian government campaign to exploit these devices threatens the safety, security, and economic well-being of the United States, the alert stated. Cybersecurity experts say the kinds of exploits described in the US-CERT alert are commonly practised by all nations engaged in offensive cyberespionage, including the U.S., Britain and Australia. US-CERT urged affected companies, and public sector organizations and even people who use routers in home offices, to take action to harden poorly secured devices. But its alert cited only one specific product: Ciscos Smart Install software. Australian Defence Minister Marise Payne told reporters about 400 Australian companies were targeted in the Russian hacking but there was no exploitation of significance. On March 15, US-CERT issued a similar alert saying the FBI and DHS had determined that Russian government cyber actors had sought to infiltrate U.S. agencies as well as organizations in the energy, nuclear, commercial facilities, water, aviation, and critical manufacturing sectors. It said Russian agents had obtained remote access to energy sector networks and obtained information on industrial control systems. Experts have stressed that the March 15 bulletin did not mean Russia had obtained access to systems that control critical infrastructure such as the power grid. But Russia does have history in this regard, as many security experts blame it for several cyber-sabotage attacks on Ukraines power grid. Read more about: WASHINGTONU.S. President Donald Trump turned to Twitter early Wednesday to dismiss the sketch of the man a pornographic actress claims threatened her years ago on his behalf. It was just the second time the president weighed in on the subject after weeks of frenzied news media coverage. A sketch years later about a nonexistent man, he said. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)! The president mocked the sketch, which the pornographic actress, Stephanie Clifford (known as Stormy Daniels) released Tuesday. His tweet accompanied a post from another Twitter user, who said the man looked like Daniels former husband. A total con job, Trump wrote in his first ever Twitter post related to Daniels, who has said she had an affair with Trump in 2006. In making fun of the sketch, Trump shared it with his more than 50 million Twitter followers. And, according to Daniels attorney, the presidents comments Wednesday could lead to a defamation claim. Trumps representatives have denied that the two had an affair. And the presidents advisers have cautioned him not to make public comments or post tweets about the matter. Daniels says the man in the sketch threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011 while she was with her infant daughter. A guy walked up on me and said to me, Leave Trump alone. Forget the story. And he leaned around and looked at my daughter and said, Thats a beautiful little girl, it would be a shame if something happened to her mom, Daniels said in March during an interview aired on 60 Minutes. Daniels and her attorney, Michael Avenatti, are offering a $131,000 (U.S.) award for the person who identifies the man in the sketch. Daniels has said that Trumps longtime lawyer and fixer, Michael Cohen, paid her $130,000 to keep quiet about an affair she says she had with Trump while he was married. The FBI has been investigating Cohen for bank fraud related to this payment and other matters. Daniels filed a lawsuit in California last month in which she claims a nondisclosure agreement she signed shortly before the 2016 presidential election was null and void because Trump never signed it. Trump has said little about the scandal. This month, he denied knowing about the payment Cohen made. Avenatti has said that the presidents denial only helps his clients case. In his own Twitter post Wednesday, Avenatti appeared to regard the presidents tweet as a gift and called Trump a completely unhinged, undisciplined opponent. In my experience, there is nothing better in litigation than having a completely unhinged, undisciplined opponent who is prone to shooting himself in the foot, Avenatti said. Always leads to BIGLY problems like new claims (i.e. defamation). LOL. #xmas #hanukkah #basta. Avenatti also tweeted on Wednesday that evidence collected in an FBI raid on Cohens office and residences would show documents and recordings showing con job after con job. Stormy Daniels, the porn actress alleging a sexual affair with U.S. President Trump, released a sketch Tuesday of the man she says threatened her in 2011 to stay quiet about the relationship. She discussed the threat on ABC's The View. (The Associated Press) In an interview with the New York Times, Avenatti said the presidents tweet calling the sketch a total con job could lead to a defamation lawsuit. Avenatti said the president has now effectively called my client a liar and accused Daniels of perpetrating a con. Avenatti said he will decide in the coming days whether to pursue such a claim. David Super, a law professor at Georgetown University, said Trumps tweet Wednesday is not likely to have an impact on his legal problems. I dont think it hurts him, Super said, because Trump tweeted about information that is in the public domain and does not reveal inside knowledge that only he would know. Super said a defamation suit is probably a stretch. At this point, Super said, Daniels is a public figure and therefore would have to prove that Trump knew he was being dishonest or reckless when he said the sketch amounted to a con job. Of his tweets, I think its one of the better designed, one of the less self-destructive, Super said. Read more about: From your jewellery, to checking your Instagram, to the coins in your pocket, the minerals extracted from the mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) play a central role in the lives of many Canadians even if the country itself is largely overlooked. To what extent do Canadians hear about the DRC? For the business-minded among us, these minerals may often be front of mind, with a significant Canadian mining industry in the country. For those engaging on defence, the Congo has at times come up as a potential deployment destination for our peacekeepers. Those following world politics may know of the elections now scheduled for 2018, which bring the potential to remove President Joseph Kabila, who is already two years past his final constitutional mandate. But as a Canadian aid worker in the DRC, my interest is on how these dynamics business, politics, security intersect, and how they impact children and their families who have already suffered more than two decades of civil war. Today, the DRC is fragile, rife with brutality and displacement. While this at times has been true of only pockets of the country, this fragility is spreading. Previously considered an oasis of stability in an otherwise volatile country, the Kasai region where I was based has become plagued with conflict. In just over two years, an estimated 3,000 lives have been lost and more than 13 million people are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance the largest crisis in Africa. I was on the ground with Save the Childrens humanitarian teams urgently working to run mobile health clinics, get children back in school, protect girls and boys from the horrors of conflict and displacement, and help families access food. While we continue to do whatever we can to assist, these efforts will never be enough if the global response remains virtually neglected. A forgotten crisis is an unfunded crisis and in the case of the DR Congo the United Nations 2018 appeal for $2.1 billion is a paltry 12-per-cent funded. The impact? Millions of lives hang in the balance, forgotten. So what does a forgotten crisis look like? In this case, children killed and maimed, violent attacks on schools and medical facilities, recruitment of children into armed groups, and child abductions. Thousands of girls denied the right to learn. And the deep psychological scars of war among girls and boys facing the brunt of many of these grave violations. One such girl I spoke with is 15-year-old Tshibola (the name has been changed to protect her identity), who was forcibly recruited into an armed group with the promise of money and safety for her family. She was drugged, fueled by alcohol, and told children were invincible against bullets. In the end she escaped to the forest after seeing many of her friends killed. Unable to afford school, she helps her mother and brother around the house during the day. Not only is Tshibola missing out on education, she is also losing out on the protection being in school brings. Unfortunately, she is one of millions of girls around the world affected by conflict who is denied the right to learn, be protected from harm and fulfill their potential. That is why Save the Children, along with other leading humanitarian and development agencies, is urging world leaders to take action at the upcoming G7 Summit hosted by Canada in June. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has committed to advancing gender equality and empowering women and girls. Education is a lifeline for millions of children, especially girls, who are caught in conflict and disaster. The G7 is an unprecedented opportunity for Canada to lead this fight on a global stage and prevent girls from falling victim to recruitment into armed groups, slavery, child marriage and other abuses. The Democratic Republic of Congo may not be a geopolitical quagmire for western powers like Syria or Iraq. But it deserves our attention, and that of our leaders. Because when there are girls like Tshibola who have experienced the worst of humanity and still find ways to improve themselves and their communities, our leaders must prioritize and fund the basic needs of children. When we put young people first, we all win now and in the future. In 1981, as TTC chief general manager, I recommended the Kennedy subway station be connected to the Scarborough Town Centre by a streetcar line on a separate right-of-way. It was the best value-for-money option. It would easily handle the 30 year projected ridership and provide excellent rider access. It cost a quarter of the other option: a Rapid Transit (RT) line using unproven Intermediate Capacity Transit System (ICTS) technology. As is happening today, pure, parochial politics interfered. Read more: Councillor calls for inquiry into dysfunctional Scarborough subway planning John Torys favoured Scarborough subway was drawn on the back of a napkin when council chose it over LRT, critics charge Editorial | One more time: Stop the Scarborough extension The province would only fund the connection if the TTC built an RT. This was to be Scarboroughs Yellow Brick Road. They also wanted an RT to demonstrate the ICTS technology to the world. The technology was not unique. No other transit authority bought the system. It provided 20,000 riders per hour capacity. Today the RT line has only reached 5,000. It was supposed to be driverless. But drivers had to be added. Four decades later, the TTC, its riders and Toronto ratepayers are stuck with Bill Daviss RT white elephant. Professional transit planning advice was ignored in favour of pandering to the Scarborough electorate. Sound familiar? There are many well known reasons why Mayor Torys expensive, stubborn support for a one stop vanity subway connection will produce another transit white elephant. A city-created Expert Panel found a modern LRT was superior to a subway extension on all counts: cost, transit service, economic development, sustainability and social impact. Non partisan, Pembina Institute, concluded the LRT offered the best value for the taxpayer dollar. They forecast the original three stop subway would cost twice as much as a seven stop LRT and attract eight million less riders a year. Metrolinx recommended replacing the aging Scarborough RT with a modern LRT. A subway is not a worthwhile use of money. The province is willing to pay the $1.8 billion cost of an LRT. The cost of Mayor Torys one-stop subway extension could easily balloon from the approved $3.35 billion to beyond $4 billion. This will exceed the total government approved funding envelope of $3.56 billion. And thats up from $2 billion only three years ago. Just before the July 2016 vote a misleading TTC memo to council falsely escalated the cost of the LRT to $2.7 billion from $1.8 billion by pushing the completion date forward by an incorrect six years. The subway option places a $910 million tax burden on the shoulders of Toronto ratepayers $745 million of this has to come from a property tax surcharge for the next 30 years. TTC staff will have updated cost and ridership estimates by September. City staff says they cant release the estimates until January 2019 well after the November election. How convenient for the mayor and council. Last week, Star reporter, Jennifer Pagliaro, uncovered further reasons to question the subway decision. The July 2016 decision in favour of the one stop subway over an LRT was based on exaggerated design information by city staff, rushed input from consultants and on hand-drawn sketches. City staff also significantly down played the progress of the seven stop LRT alternative The LRT was actually 30 per cent design complete at the time of the vote. Council was told it was only 5 to 10 per cent. Staff claimed the subway design was 5 per cent complete when it was closer to 2 per cent. Tory has said, There is no doubt the original decision to cancel a planned LRT in Scarborough and extend the subway instead was made without enough information or process Tory is repeating the flawed process hes says hes against by ignoring the overwhelming case against a subway and refusing to initiate a value-for-money analysis of the two options, When Tory talks about his SmartTrack plan hes committed to a cost-benefit analysis on each station. The express purpose of what we are doing here is to move forward with a fact-based, transparent process. So why not on the Scarborough subway? If Tory is really committed to transparent transit decision making he should demonstrate that obligation. If he has nothing to hide with respect to the Scarborough subways costs and ridership, he should direct city staff to report the latest cost estimates before the November election. And he should call for a value-for-money analysis of the two options before further council action. Mr. Mayor, if you stand for transparency, act like it. R. Michael Warren is a former corporate director, Ontario deputy minister, TTC chief general manager and Canada Post CEO. r.michael.warren@gmail.com is a former corporate director, Ontario deputy minister, TTC chief general manager and Canada Post CEO. Read more about: The recent conflagrations of outrage engulfing Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and journalist Nora Loreto illuminate the boundaries drawn around permissible free speech. In response to the Israeli militarys use of live ammunition against predominantly peaceful protesters and journalists in Gaza, CJFE released a statement earlier this month urging the Canadian government to condemn the one-sided use of military force against demonstrators and media. Since the Land Day demonstrations against Israels policies of occupation began on March 30, at least 36 Palestinians have been killed, and more than 3,000 wounded; there have been no Israeli casualties. Photojournalist Yaser Murtaja was killed while wearing his press jacket, and at least 12 other journalists have been injured by live fire for which the Committee to Protect Journalists, the International Federation of Journalists, and Reporters Without Borders have all demanded justice. Human Rights Watch described Israels fatal violence against demonstrators as calculated and unlawful the foreseeable consequence of granting soldiers leeway to use lethal force outside of life-threating situations in violation of international norms. Amnesty International castigated Israel for unleashing excessive, deadly force against protesters, including children, who merely demand an end to Israels brutal policies in Gaza including the strangling blockade threatening to render the territory uninhabitable within the next two years, in violation of the Geneva Conventions prohibition of collective punishment. CJFE whose stated mission is to boldly champion the free expression rights of all people has issued similar condemnations of Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, Russia, Turkey, and Egypt. None elicited the type of outcry generated by the organizations criticism of Israeli atrocities in Gaza. Prominent Canadian media personalities rushed to denounce the statement as one-sided (former National Post editor Jonathan Kay), a mistake (Canadalands Jesse Brown), and one-dimensional political lobbying arising from an obsession with Israel (Globe and Mail columnist Doug Saunders). CJFE rescinded the statement and fired the employee who drafted it, communications co-ordinator Kevin Metcalf. Far from being one-sided, CJFEs statement reflected the profound asymmetry of violence on the ground, and sought to uphold principles of international justice that are claimed to be universal. Perversely, however, CJFE has been subjected to greater censure for speaking out against Israels violations than the Canadian government has for remaining silent in the face of them. Like CJFE, Nora Loreto has experienced a severe backlash for expressing words of manifest truth: that not all tragedies in Canada are mourned equally, and that the exceptional outpouring of national grief for the Humboldt Broncos (including the largest GoFundMe campaign in Canadian history, which has raised over $13 million so far) is in part due to the maleness, the youthfulness and the whiteness of the victims. I dont want less for the families and survivors of this tragedy, Loreto explained on Twitter, I want justice and more for so many other grieving parents and communities echoing the words of one of the bereaved Humboldt mothers, Celeste Leray-Leicht, who said that there is so much tragedy and affliction in this world and they [particularly Indigenous communities] dont get the attention they deserve sometimes. The Humboldt Broncos crash has received 11 times more coverage on CBCs website than the 2014 fire in a Quebec nursing home that killed 32 seniors, and 40 times more than the Ontario truck crash that killed 10 migrant agricultural workers from Peru in 2012. In the wake of the Quebec mosque shooting last year, the community had to struggle for months to raise $400,000 for paralyzed survivor Aymen Derbali, and a neighbouring town denied their request to build a Muslim cemetery to bury the dead. Loretos tweets calling for more universal empathy have been met with a torrent of hate: thousands of sexist and racist messages and death threats. Macleans magazine which has previously refused to apologize for suggesting that Canadian universities are too Asian, and defended Mark Steyns anti-Muslim polemics as a worthy piece of commentary on an important geopolitical issue put out a statement publicly repudiating Loreto, who has written for them as a freelancer: we had nothing to do with her extraordinarily inappropriate tweet regarding the Humboldt tragedy. It is troubling that instead of rectifying the unequal valuation of life, media organizations participate in shooting the messengers calling attention to the inequity. Nixing a daycare is childish, even for Cabbagetown, Keenan, April 13 I am the architect for the proposed daycare. A local parent originally brought the idea to the new owner of this vacant building in the heart of the Cabbagetown neighbourhood. After more than a year of careful planning and waiting for a hearing for minor variances, the committee of adjustment refused the application. There were 85 letters of opposition to the proposal, many of which were based on a form letter provided by a contact at keepcabbagetownquiet@gmail.com. At the hearing, we attempted to address the neighbours concerns, especially relating to parking and traffic. We cited similar daycares in residential neighbourhoods that where only 20 to 30 per cent of the families drive, resulting in about 20 cars over a two-hour period. There were 91 neighbours who wrote in support of the proposal, including 61 letters to the committee and 44 supporters on the Cabbagetown Moms & Dads facebook page. Not all support letters were from parents, but the parents letters predominately expressed the desire for a daycare they could walk to and leave the car at home. Im not sure their voices were heard. While the opponents are celebrating their victory, Cabbagetown parents are having to face the disappointment that their prospects of a local daycare are once again very bleak. Many neighbours have contacted us, asking if we will appeal (I dont have an answer to that yet), but the time and expense on top of what has already been spent is substantial. One writer on a Cabbagetown blog has proposed a non-profit daycare initiative in the local Catholic school as an alternative. I really do hope they succeed, and soon, because it is ultimately the children in the neighbourhood we are looking to serve, and I am sad that they are the real losers here. Lea Wiljer, RENEWarchitect, Toronto As a former vice-chair of the much-maligned Ontario Municipal Board, I read Edward Keenans column with some interest. The NIMBY neighbours cant bear the thought of a needed daycare in their precious area. In my years on the OMB, I saw many of these types of neighbours: no change ever, even if its appropriate and might reflect a move to a better, more livable community for all. The OMB, repeatedly giving political coverage to vote-seeking municipal politicians and uninformed committees of adjustment, often helped neighbourhoods move forward in accordance with municipally adopted planning documents and provincial policies. There was much to criticize about the OMB but, with no OMB, bring on rampant NIMBYism. Susan Campbell, Kitchener, Ont. Trump declares Mission Accomplished in Syria but chemical weapons remain, April 14 The attack on Syria by the United States and its allies is a great misfortune for many. Throughout the world men, women and children are being killed, tortured and subjected to the most heartbreaking cruelties. Instead of shooting missiles in response to violence, we need to take a peaceful approach. Violence will not end violence it only fuels the fire. We, as well as the superpowers of the world, need to take a step back and realize the impact this is having on the world, or else it may be too late. Sahill Bajwa, Toronto In the midst of political and societal unrest, where conversations condemning the ideological enemy of Islam is rife, hopeful leaders beckon the world toward reason. For there to be international peace, nations have to deal with each other with justice. The U.S. attack bordered more on the aggressive than otherwise, pushing the world closer to unimaginable conflict. So yes, President Donald Trump: mission accomplished. Murtaz Riaz, Toronto War is not the solution to the crisis in Syria, but, neither is inaction. Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, has rightly stated that the ideal solution would be to stop the funding and arming of extremists who promote regime overthrow. We need to stop pretending that these bombings carried out by the West wont harm civilians. When has war ever restored peace? It only leads to more unrest and breeds more war. Fifteen years after the Iraq invasion, we are now realizing that we were in the wrong. The same thing is happening with Syria and it seems that we havent learned anything from the past. It is clear that blocks are being formed between countries and this makes a third world war imminent. In order for there to be international peace, nations must deal with each other with justice. Otherwise, mankind is seemingly at the brink of a nuclear war. Fasih Malik, Calgary How Syria came to be the most dangerous place on Earth, Walkom, April 14 What Thomas Walkom fails to note in his column is that the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)-UN Joint Investigative Mechanism failed to be renewed in 2017. Reason: Russia did not vote in favour of its renewal. The problem now is that even if the OPCW does find evidence of a chemical attack in Douma, it is not able to identify which party is responsible. Syria may be a disaster, as Walkom states. But it is imperative during times of disaster for civilian lives to be placed front and centre in political discourse. It is also the responsibility of journalists and civil society to demand that all parties fully comply with international humanitarian law. A political stalemate is not an excuse for political apathy, nor an excuse to stop demanding accountability from international actors. Kaitlyn Majesky, Toronto With deep regret, we see Canada acquiescing to U.S. President Donald Trumps decisions. Canadas foreign policy should be determined in Ottawa based on Canadian interests, not in Washington according to the whims of an unstable president. These actions will have unintended consequences, and Canada should avoid participating. Mashoud Nasseri, Richmond Hill Lets look at some numbers. Doctors Without Borders estimates that 10,000 Rohingya have been killed in Burma as of December. CNN claims that 400,000 Syrians have been killed since the beginning of the seven-year civil war. BBC says about 40 citizens were killed in a gas attack last week allegedly launched by the Assad regime. The death of 40 now prompts the Western powers to take action. Whats not making sense here? Alan Murray, New Dundee, Ont. Read more about: History vs. taste in the art world, April 17 Selling the Marc Chagall to pay for the Jacques-Louis David is unwise and probably not necessary. If the National Gallery of Canada wont use its entire acquisitions budget to buy the David, what about instalment payments? Or a loan to cover the full price, secured on the Chagall? The loan could cover paying the costs of withdrawing the Chagall from sale, as well. And be repaid from next years acquisition budget. Collaborating with Quebec museums is the best idea of all. British national museums already club together to buy important works and keep them in the country. Deaccessioning is now routine, especially in American museums. When the Metropolitan Museum in New York sold art to buy a great Velasquez, it sold off modern art. But the Met knew the art it sold would be replaced in due course. The NGC is not a big American museum. It cant afford to buy a new Chagall this fine. And after it sells this, potential donors will be wary of donating art to the NGC. Deaccessioning the Chagall will cost the NGC more in the long run than the sale itself will fetch. Anne Thackray, art historian, Toronto I have a question for Murray Whyte. Why is the David painting considered much more significant than the Chagall? I have studied art history and have done two recent internet searches on Jacques-Louis. There is no mention of the Saint Jerome painting, which makes me think its not very significant in Davids oeuvre. Does the fact its been in Canada since 1817 make it a significant Canadian painting? How long has the Chagall been in Canada? I expect, over the long term, that the Chagall would draw more visitors than an 18th-century religious painting. I can understand its significance to the Catholic Church in Quebec, as well as to the province. I like the idea of three museums owning the David painting. But wouldnt that also be a idea for the Chagall painting? Isabel Ward, Toronto The National Gallery of Canada is selling one French painting in order to purchase another. Murray Whyte thinks this has something to do with Canadian paintings, but he doesnt explain why. Obviously the best way to support Canadian painting would be to spend the money on Canadian paintings. No? Aaron Sidney Wright, Palo Alto, Calif. Over the next 18 months, at least four elections will shape the future of this nation. Starting in Ontario, followed by Quebec, Alberta and the country as a whole, voters will go to the polls. New Brunswick also votes this year and another vote in British Columbia cannot be ruled out. But with these key contests looming, there has been very little serious discussion in this country about how voters will receive information they need to cast informed ballots, and the overall security of our democratic process. Its time for a serious look at how our votes can be manipulated by bots and fake news, and whether the electoral process itself is safe from meddling by internal or external sources. Read more: Privacy watchdog wants rules for how political parties use Canadians personal data Opinion | Emma Teitel: Four tips to help Kathlene Wynne up her populist game Facebook Canada offers closed-door briefings to MPs ahead of meeting Federal MPs began important hearings Tuesday on data privacy concerns and their repercussions, and Privacy Commissioner Daniel Therrien made it clear the data of 622,161 Canadians harvested from Facebook could be used to influence an election in this country. Yet there is a puzzling, laissez-faire approach from our governments, which seem to find comfort in studies that show the remnants of the mainstream media hold greater levels of trust here than their peers in other countries. They seem to still take false security from the fact Canada has largely immune to interference or onslaughts of fake news, the likes of which we have seen in Britain, France and the United States. We like to think that we are fail-safe because we have paper ballot backups, but a cyber attack could corrupt the process before we need to start counting by hand. The Communications Security Establishment has warned that cyber attacks on the 2019 federal election can be expected, and Facebook has promised an election integrity project ahead of that vote. Part of that initiative will involve an education program from Ottawa-based MediaSmarts, which will try to educate citizens on how to spot fake news, differentiate between fact and opinion, and identify malicious posts. A study for Elections Canada recommends a process for monitoring and regulating bots, which mimic the social media accounts of real people to spread propaganda and misinformation, shape public opinion or spread malicious attacks against candidates. Rolled together, these are helpful, but largely amount to band aids. Something more substantive is required. There are lessons for Canada in Europe. All major parties in Germany agreed before last years parliamentary elections there that they would not use social media bots and would strongly condemn their use. They also passed a law providing penalties of up to $60 million for social networking providers who did not quickly take down defamatory or fake news reports. It worked. An Oxford University study found only a tiny fraction of social media election traffic came from automated accounts, overwhelmingly from the far right anti-immigration party. Further, German social media users shared links to professional news sources over junk news sources by a ratio of 4:1, a much higher rate than the researchers found in the U.S. or U.K. elections. In this country, political bot campaigns have so far been ham-handed and largely ineffective. Elizabeth Dubois, an assistant communications professor at the University of Ottawa studied the use of bots in the Ontario Progressive Conservative leadership race, has suggested parties transparently declare whether they are using them and for what purpose - during a campaign. Indeed, banning them may be going too far because not all bots are evil. Parties can use bots to amplify policy announcements, for example. With 9.5 million millennials eligible to vote in the coming elections, it is important to look at where they might go to build their voting acumen. Canadians still overwhelmingly favour Facebook when we use social media. YouTube is the second most favoured, with Twitter next (although with just a fraction of the interaction of Facebook). But numerous studies have indicated YouTube will take over as the most popular social media platform for young voters those voting for the first or second time this year or next followed by Instagram and Snapchat. Facebook and Twitter lag far behind. By 2020, close to 80 per cent of global internet traffic will be attributed to video. Canadians will continue to surround themselves with more sophisticated devices, which will make them vulnerable to manipulation, and the dark side of human nature will continue to lure the mischievous and malicious to evermore sophisticated ways to manipulate. The question is whether our policymakers are sufficiently literate on data manipulation to deal with a threat that is out there for all to see. Tim Harper is a former Star reporter and Toronto-based freelance columnist. Tjharper77@gmail.com Twitter: @nutgraf1 Read more about: Vancouver A Quebec economist has words of advice for British Columbia as the province grapples with creating its own universal child care plan, including not buying into rhetoric about inflated costs of such a program. Pierre Fortin, a self-described right-of-centre economist with the University of Quebec at Montreal, said his research has found the Quebec system actually makes money for government coffers rather than draining them. B.C. can learn from Quebecs successes, but also from where its fallen short in its program, Fortin said. My take is that its been a very successful in improving work-family balance, he said. But, on the other hand, there are a lot of challenges remaining to make sure that children get the best education and health quality standards. The program has been credited for Quebec having more women between age 20 and 44 participating in the labour force than any modern economy in the world at about 87 per cent. Its one of the systems being looked at by the provincial government as B.C. develops its own program. B.C. Minister of State for Child care Katrina Chen said the province aims to build the system around affordability, quality and accessibility, believing ideas to make it happen can be found within Quebecs 20-year-old system. We have to make something that works for B.C. communities, Chen said, stressing B.C. has its own specific challenges. We are a very diverse community with different needs. Currently there are only enough child care spaces in B.C. to serve 18 per cent of the children in the province. In its recent budget B.C.s government started down a path to create 22,000 more with a three-year, $1 billion plan. B.C.s New Democrat governments push to establish a universal child care within the next decade began earlier this month with some parents eligible for childcare fee reductions. Further reductions for families earning fewer than $111,000 a year begin in September. Chen said through reducing costs, boosting subsidies and creating spaces, many of them public, parents will eventually see a reliable and affordable childcare regiment in B.C. The province has asked private child care providers to voluntarily opt in to a government program paying for a portion of child care costs to, in turn, lower them for parents. So far the plan has received mixed reviews from operators, according to media reports. Its the start of some relief child care advocates have been saying is desperately needed for families in one of the worlds most expensive cities, where wages remain relatively low compared to other Canadian cities at about $80,000 per year in 2015. The median cost for a child care space in B.C. is $1,250 jumping to $1,360 in Vancouver while, according to Statistics Canada in 2015, parents in Quebec pay an average of $200 a month. Quebecs system is the only comprehensive universal child care program in the country. As Victoria builds its child care system, Lynell Anderson of the Coalition for Childcare Advocates of B.C. said fee reductions and space development need to come in balance with quality control. Anderson said to accomplish the goal the program must be phased in carefully. When you stage it in you can make sure to attend to the quality and affordability and availability over time, she said. Advocates are not proposing simply implementing the Quebec program verbatim, she said, merely to learn from it because B.C. is smaller and has different needs. More rural areas in the province and programs tailored to Indigenous needs will need to be considered in the province, Anderson said. Borrowing from the Quebec system is a sound idea but B.C. must not inadvertently recreate its problems, said Fortin. The province also needs to ensure the benefits of the program are clear to all, Fortin said. The fear the B.C. premier may have is its going to be very costly, he said. But Fortins research found the Quebec system not only pays for itself, it creates a surplus. In 2008 the program cost $1.2 billion, but netted $2.1 billion in revenue for the federal and provincial governments, according to his numbers. He said the additional funds came from taxes due to the boost of women entering the provincial labour market, stressing B.C. residents must understand they will not see a similar benefit immediately as it takes time for a significant amount of women to join the workforce. But the Quebec system has had some consistency issues. Studies show children who have attended the Centre De La Petite Enfance public daycare centres have better cognitive and behavioural results as they grow up. At the same time research has found fully private daycares in Quebec often dont measure up, he said. About 17 per cent of Quebec children in child care attend fully private operations and parents receive subsidies to pay for them, taking some strain off the overloaded public system. Such facilities are found to be of considerably lower quality and do not deliver the same results for the children attending them, Fortin said. B.C. must have a reliable enforcement regime to keep private daycares up to the standard of their public counterparts to keep the system consistent, he said. The province must also avoid tying subsidies to household income to gain widespread support from the regions top earners, he said, Minister Chen said recruitment and retention strategies for child care workers to make the system happen will be a priority for the province. It has also earmarked $136 million to boost education for early childhood educators as part its $1 billion plan. Low wages making the sector unattractive to potential child care workers is also an issue, she said, and the province is working with the Public Service Alliance of Canada to determine fair wages. Chen said more funding announcements related to the program will be announced in May. Read more about: VANCOUVER B. C. s highest court has determined that business organizations who pressure homeless people loitering or sleeping near storefronts to leave is not discriminatory. In 2008, the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU) filed a complaint with the B.C. Human Rights Tribunal on behalf of the street homeless population against the Vancouver Downtown Business Improvement Association (DVBIA). The complaint arose after the DVBIAs ambassador foot patrol unit approached people who camped near businesses, and in a park, and pressed them to leave. The Human Rights Tribunal in 2010, dismissed the complaint alleging that the ambassadors discriminated against Indigenous peoples and those with mental and physical disabilities, who are overly represented in Vancouvers homeless population, due to insufficient evidence that proved the practice was discriminatory. After the tribunal dismissed the complaint, VANDU sought additional review at the B.C. Supreme Court, where the judge found the practice in violation of the B.C. Human Rights Code. Thats when DVBIA appealed the judgment to a higher court, the B.C. Court of Appeal, with a ruling last Tuesday that upheld the initial dismissal by the tribunal. In any case, the DVBIA said it has stopped asking homeless people near businesses to leave. The DVBIA is glad to have won this appeal, the association said in a statement. The original complaint is historical. Conduct referenced in the complaint is no longer part of the current Downtown Ambassador program. According to the DVBIA website, the ambassador program still exists. It re-launched in 2012 with a focus on promoting members and assisting visitors. Jason Gratl, VANDU lawyer, said his client plans to apply for appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada. Raji Mangat, director of litigation at West Coast Leaf an organization that supported VANDUs argument in court is looking forward to challenging future cases involving vulnerable populations that she hopes will be regarded as discriminatory under human rights law. There may very well be another situation, as terrible as it would be, where homeless people being moved along in this way in a different case where you might bring more evidence ... that may be more directly tied to the historic and systemic disadvantage experienced by homeless people and people who are Indigenous, said Mangat. Read more about: VANCOUVERA new study by two Environment Canada scientists based in B.C. shows global carbon dioxide emissions from wildfires declined in the last 90 years as populations grew. Canada, however, hasnt experienced the same trend. The study was published in the journal Nature Communications this week. It found that as populations grew and densified, there was a greater effort to suppress wildfires and more land was fragmented, making it harder for fires to spread. As a result, both the total area burned and carbon dioxide emissions from wildfires declined. Overall, the study found that the decreased emissions from wildfires are responsible for about 20 per cent of the current carbon uptake by land. With wildfires burning less area than they used to, they are producing lower emissions and enhancing the capacity of soil and vegetation to absorb CO2, explained Vivek Arora, the lead author. The study also tests the climate model Environment Canada uses to project the effects of climate change, he added. Only if you have enough confidence in your model for the present day, can you use it as a tool to go into the future to ask different kinds of questions. The study is pretty robust said Merritt Turetsky, a professor at the University of Guelph and a Canada Research Chair who studies the ecological processes that affect climate. She noted it confirms the results of a recent NASA-funded study that also found a decline in global fire area. Zooming in for a regional view, however, may offer a different picture. We actually saw in some places of Canada much higher levels of fire activity because of climate change, Turetsky said. For B.C., 2017 was the worst forest fire year on record, said David Karn, a Ministry of Environment and Climate Change spokesperson in a statement. Its estimated that wildfires burned more than 1.2 million hectares of land last year, emitting the equivalent of roughly 150 to 200 megatonnes of carbon dioxide. Thats more than double the level of emissions B.C. reported in 2015 that were directly related to human activity, such as transportation or industry. Given the significant emissions from wildfires, Jens Wieting, a senior forest and climate campaigner with the Sierra Club B.C., said hed like to see a more fulsome report that focuses on forest emissions from logging, fires and insect infestations to help inform forest management. We have to accept that some of these emissions are difficult to control insects and fires are two examples but we still have very significant opportunities to reduce emissions from destructive logging and we can mitigate emissions from fire and insects by improving forest management in the long term, he said. The ministry, though, said it is not considering such a report, noting the government already includes estimates of forest fire emissions in its provincial greenhouse gas emission inventory. One thing is certain, said Turetsky: humans are really messing with the fire cycle, whether thats through climate change, which is leading to more severe wildfires in places like Canada, or active fire suppression. While fire suppression and land-use change may have reduced emissions from wildfires, she cautioned thats not always a good thing. Not only can fire suppression ultimately lead to more severe fires, it can also lead to unintended consequences for the natural environment, she said. Fire is critical to the way natural ecosystems work. Read more about: VANCOUVER The City of North Vancouver heard from nearly thirty cannabis advocates Monday night during a council meeting on how the city should approach regulating the drug. The majority of those speakers used their platform to oppose the citys current injunction against dispensaries. Confusion amongst councillors about regulation options resulted in their vote being delayed until a later date, leaving dispensary owners and cannabis users without answers about when North Vancouvers pot prohibition would end. But Coun. Don Bell told StarMetro the current injunction against marijuana sales was temporary, and was not intended to stop the sale of cannabis for good. Im prepared to seriously consider the way that legal, recreational marijuana can be made available, Bell said. But its got to be done on a regulatory framework that were comfortable with. Bell said his opposition to the pot shops currently operating in the city is that they had been doing so illegally, without business licenses. City council denied licenses to dispensaries including Weeds dispensary and Lotusland Cannabis Club last May, when both applied to sell cannabis for medicinal and recreational use in the city. Michael Wuest, owner of Weeds, told StarMetro he made the decision to use his retail foothold originally licensed to sell paraphernalia like rolling papers and pipes to sell cannabis once legalization was squarely on the federal horizon. Wuest said he is serving many residents who use marijuana to treat pain, and that even a temporary ban on cannabis sales would leave those people in the lurch. With legalization coming, shutting Weeds down now made little sense, he added. At the end of the day, this is going to be a legally available product thats helped so many people, Wuest said. Why are you wanting to make this difficult? But Coun. Craig Keating said his concern is illegal dispensaries were allowed to set up shop without oversight, while other businesses have to go through a process of inspection, regulation and licensing. That just doesnt seem fair to me, Keating said. Jamie Shaw, government regulations director for MMJ Canada and founder of the Compassion Club Society, warned that prohibition inevitably pushes buyers into the black market, or brings the black market out into the open. What we saw here in Vancouver was as soon as they started restricting dispensaries a little bit, we started seeing pop-up markets, specifically around edibles that dispensaries were no longer allowed to carry, Shaw said. Theres a demand for it, the products there, so if you try to shut off one avenue its still going to find its way out. And Courtland Sandover-Sly, president of the B.C. Independent Cannabis Association, echoed Shaws message, saying the consequences of shutting dispensaries down was clear: people would just purchase their cannabis on the street. And unfortunately, street-level drug dealers arent known for checking I. D.s, Sandover-Sly said. Keating, however, said hes heard those arguments, and remains unconvinced. Im all ears about why this (current system) is safer, Keating said. I dont know where the substance is coming from I dont know anything about the people who do not have a business license to operate who are operating these entities. None of these questions are clear to me, so the argument that somehow this is safer is an assertion backed by zero evidence. Wuest understood Keatings concern, but said he wont back down, and would not shut his doors regardless of what he heard from council. Sometimes, unfortunately, without breaking some rules, you cant make any progress, Wuest said. Read more about: VANCOUVER Vision Vancouver is asking the provincial government to close a loophole in new campaign finance legislation after learning their political rival, the Non-Partisan Association, intends to take advantage of it to raise money from corporate donors. The NPA is continuing to accept corporate donations, but only for the partys operational account. This is allowed under the new rules, which bans corporate and union donations and caps individual donations at $1,200 per person, but only for campaigning. The two parties are readying for the upcoming municipal election: voters go to the polls on October 20, 2018. There are no limits on how much individuals or corporations can contribute to parties operational accounts, said Greg Baker, president of the NPA. He called Visions outrage over the NPAs intention to continue taking corporate cash grandstanding. Even the devil can quote scripture for their own purposes, Baker said. The NPA uses operational funds for purposes like paying rent, staff and utility bills, he added, and B.C. law requires all parties to have a financial agent in place who tracks all funds and makes sure money in specific accounts is being used for that purposes. Vision originally asked B.C. Elections to investigate the NPA on April 16, but changed tack a day later and asked the province instead to change the law. Vision Vancouver, which currently holds the majority on council, has in the past been a prodigious fundraiser: for the 2017 byelection, in which one council seat was up for grabs, the party raised $278,125 (75 per cent of the money came from 10 real estate developers) compared to the $53,700 the NPA raised. Andrew Watson, manager of communications for B.C. Elections, confirmed: There are no limits or source restrictions on money raised for operational purposes, but any money raised as non-campaign contributions cannot be used in an election campaign. This means that contributions received for operational purposes can never be used for campaigning. Contributions received for operational purposes must be deposited into a separate operational account, and municipal parties cannot pay for campaign expenses out of their operational account. Staff for Selina Robinson, minister of municipal affairs and housing, sent StarMetro a statement that said staff are looking into whether changes are needed to give British Columbians the fair elections they want. The statement goes on to say: Its disappointing that some parties are looking for ways to bring big money back into local politics. Prior to the campaign finance law change, B.C. had been widely criticized for its anything goes approach to political fundraising, with no limits on who could donate or how much. Campaign finance was a major issue of the 2017 provincial election, which saw the B.C. Liberals defeated after 16 years in power. Jen St. Denis is a general assignment reporter based in Vancouver. Follow her on Twitter: @jenstden Read more about: Vancouver City council will vote this week on whether Vancouvers permanent residents should be able to vote in civic elections. If passed, the motion on notice would direct the city to ask the B.C. government, which has jurisdiction over city elections, to grant Canadian permanent residents the right to vote at a municipal level. Giving that community a political voice makes sense, says Ashvan Wal, a Canadian permanent resident living in Vancouver. We pay taxes just as citizens do, were contributing members of the society, we volunteer, we work, we pay for city services like community centres, schools, salaries, said the 20-year old. If our money is good enough, if were good enough to work, then why are we not good enough to be included in important decisions that affect our lives? Wal participated in a Vancouver Foundation initiative called LostVotesYVR last year that pushed for voter rights for permanent residents. Her family, who immigrated to Vancouver in 2010, has applied for Canadian citizenship. There were 60,000 permanent residents living in Vancouver as of 2011 and about 10,000 more permanent residents arrive in Vancouver every year, according to Statistics Canada. Coun. Andrea Reimer, who drafted the motion on this issue, says she wants Vancouver to be a more inclusive place. Its a very welcoming thing to say you are here, your kids are in the schools, your kids are using the parks, you have the same problems with housing as everyone does we would like you to participate fully at the local level where decisions are made on those things. City politicians dont make decisions about immigration or foreign policy, she pointed out. Also, some permanent residents never become Canadian citizens and therefore never get the right to vote, added Nathanael Lauster, a demographer at the University of British Columbia. For instance, India and China, where many Canadian immigrants come from, dont allow dual citizenship. The B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing said in a statement it was open to ideas that encourage people to engage in the democratic process. One political scientist suggested he would not be surprised if the B.C. government supported the change. The NDP has done quite well in visible minority communities, so in some sense, from a partisan point of view, they may be quite happy to have this happen, said Richard Johnston, a UBC professor. And giving permanent residents the opportunity to vote in civic elections could change the political landscape significantly, he added. I cannot name a single mayor in Greater Vancouver who is not on the northern European end of the ethnic map, he said. If you enfranchise permanent residents, that would shift the balance and in some places, it could really have a remarkable effect depending what proportion of visible minority population is naturalized. Read more about: ALTON A suspicious box that an unidentified person found outside the gates to Gordon F. Moore Community Park early Tuesday morning turned out to be harmless. We contacted the (Illinois) Secretary of State (Police) Bomb Squad to assist with this incident, said Pfc. Emily Hejna, Alton Police Department public information officer. The box was determined not to be an incendiary device and the park was subsequently opened for the day. The box had contained a lengthy letter. Shortly before 9 a.m., the the Illinois State Police Hazardous Device Unit, or Bomb Squad, arrived at the park, 4550 College Ave. A member of the unit, wearing a protective bomb suit, then X-rayed the box using a portable unit while the box still was leaning against the outside of the locked, wrought iron gates on the exit lane of Tavernier Way that leads from the park to College Avenue (Illinois Route 140). He then cut open an end of the box and removed an envelope containing a letter, examined the envelope, removed the letter, read it and took the items to the bomb squad vehicle. Once authorities deemed the package safe, an Alton police officer took the box, letter and envelope from the site, and placed it in the rear of a squad car. Officials subsequently opened the park to the public; College Avenue remained open during the incident. A Telegraph photographer described the box as being larger, as though for a pair of boots, covered in bluish-purple duct tape. The brand, TredSafe a slip-resistant work shoe or boot product was visible on the box. The photographer said there was a hand-written label affixed to the box, in all capital letters: Please Open Me, and several different colored jack-o-lantern stickers. Another jack-o-lantern sticker also was on the front of the envelope that contained the letter. The letter was sealed on the back with the same color of duct tape. An Alton Fire Department battalion chief also was on the scene. A pumper truck initially was called into service before being released. Bob Barnhart, Alton public works director, also came to the scene. Concern about bombs heightened last month after a serial bomber in Austin, Texas killed two people and injured five more with a series of five bombs placed throughout the city from March 2 to March 20. Reach Linda N. Weller at 618-208-6450 or on Twitter @Linda_Weller Legislation moving through the Illinois House would allow school districts to stop publishing the now-required annual statement of affairs. That would be a disservice to taxpayers, who deserve to be able to watch over how their money is spent. Rep. Dave Severin, a Marion Republican, has proposed taking these public notices out of newspapers and instead allowing them to be posted on districts websites and in their administrative offices. Although school districts still would be required to place newspaper advertisements that include a website address and a location where the statements would be available to the public, they effectively would be shutting out a significant number of people. This would be particularly bothersome for older taxpayers and those on limited incomes, who are most likely to lack internet access. The proposed measure, House Bill 4232, would disenfranchise taxpayers and make elected officials and public bodies less accountable. Thats not good government. Allowing school districts, which usually are among the largest employers in any county and also the largest recipients of tax dollars, to circumvent this well-established system of notifying the public would play right into the hands of those who would prefer to conduct business without needed scrutiny. Not everyone in Illinois has access to the internet and, in the case of our senior citizens, many of whom are extremely interested in the publics business, not everyone has the computer skills needed to find and access this information online. In effect, eliminating the requirement that public notices be published in newspapers would amount to hiding this information from many citizens. Rather than allow these governmental entities to restrict the required notices to an online-only format incidentally, the Illinois Press Association long has maintained a centralized depository for public notices at publicnoticeillinois.com we urge that they be compelled to disseminate information as widely as possible in multiple formats. Moving legal notices from newspapers to websites would be counter to the best interests of government transparency. Allowing such online-only postings is something no other state has embraced and the few that have piloted such programs quickly realized the idea was not in the best interest of the people being served. A Citizens Advocacy Center audit of more than 750 public body websites in Illinois clearly showed government entities dont even post what they already are legally obligated to disseminate. Only 73 percent complied with posting notices of upcoming meetings, only 57 percent complied with posting proposed meeting agendas, and fewer than half 48 percent posted approved meeting minutes. Lawmakers should stand against any attempt to add to the problem. The most powerful position in the world has apparently become one of the weakest, with the spectacle of the office, home and even hotel room of President Trumps own attorney being ransacked without warning. The shocking seizure by government of attorney Michael Cohens files, including attorney-client communications, happened because Robert Muellers runaway investigation wanted some dirt on Trump. Republicans in Congress stand silently by while this unfolds, with some even wanting to support this with special new legislation to protect Muellers wrecking crew. Fortunately, there is one person to whom Trump can turn to put the GOP back on the right path. President Trump should look to his top advocate in his own Department of Justice, Solicitor General Noel Francisco. He may be the only man willing to assert proper presidential authority to stop the circus caused by the blank check given to Muellers out-of-control inquisition. The Solicitor General argues cases on behalf of the executive branch before the U.S. Supreme Court, and is well-versed in constitutional law. General Francisco, as he is addressed by the courts, is not the famous General Francisco Franco who ruled Spain for nearly four decades, but General Francisco is the man who can restore presidential power. In contrast with the liberal Republicans on Capitol Hill, General Francisco has strongly asserted the authority of President Trump to fire underlings in the executive branch. General Francisco argued in support of executive power to deport illegal alien law-breakers, while on Tuesday Neil Gorsuch just sided with the Left on the Supreme Court to block deportation. Francisco is pro-life too, asserting the right of the executive branch to reject demands by illegal aliens to have abortions. The Supreme Court has repeatedly dodged and ducked petitions for cert brought by the pro-life side, including the case of a middle-of-the-night abortion performed on an illegal alien which Francisco has appealed. The Left is most agitated about Franciscos support of presidential power. In the case of Lucia v. SEC, Francisco quotes Supreme Court precedent to argue that the Constitution gives the President what the Framers saw as the traditional means of ensuring accountability: the power to oversee executive officers through removal. The removal power thus is a key safeguard of democratic self-governance, preserving an unbroken chain of responsibility from the American people to the public officials who serve them, Francisco tells the High Court. The Court seems likely to agree, and granted Franciscos request to participate in the upcoming oral argument on April 23. Although relatively unknown to the public, Francisco is in line to replace Muellers supervisor Rod Rosenstein if he were terminated by Trump. All agree that that Trump has the authority to fire Rosenstein, and reports have even circulated that Rosenstein would not be surprised by it. Francisco could step into Rosensteins shoes, and then Francisco could fire Mueller. The tyranny of the witch-hunt against Trump and his supporters would be over. In contrast with that scenario is an unconstitutional approach being taken by liberal Republicans in Congress, who are pandering to the media by pushing legislation to make Mueller above the president. The irony is that while Never Trumpers insist that the president is not above the law, they try to make Mueller above the law instead. Retiring Pennsylvania Representative Charlie Dent, a strident Never Trumper who just announced that he will quit his seat even before his term expires, is a sponsor of this silly legislation in the House. With a straight face, Dent declared that independent investigations must be given the resources needed to carry out their investigations. Mueller has already burned through tens of millions of dollars, achieving the destruction of the lives of Trump supporters and forcing them to waste many millions of dollars of their own. All told, Mueller may have already caused the waste of $100 million, with no end in sight. Dent continued by pompously declaring that Mueller must have the authority and public confidence to see [his investigation] through to conclusion. But Dent provides no guide on when that conclusion will be, and it is obvious that Mueller will continue until he is fired or shut down. Congress extended Muellers blank check for his expenses into 2019. All indications are that Mueller is widening the scope of his Grand Inquisition, rather than trying to wrap it up promptly. If Trump does not take steps now to end the anti-Trump project, then it will become an issue in the presidential campaign that will begin soon after the midterm elections. Already a significant chunk of Trumps campaign dollars are being diverted to legal fees. Republican Senators like Lindsey Graham are hurting the GOP by siding with far Left Senate Democrats Chris Coons (Delaware) and Cory Booker (New Jersey) in promoting the pro-Mueller legislation. No Democrat would support such a bill if the shoe were on the other foot. John and Andy Schlafly are the sons of Phyllis Schlafly (1924-2016) and lead the continuing Phyllis Schlafly Eagles organizations with writing and policy work. Telugu actress Sri Reddy has remained in the news recently for her fight against sexual harassment in the Tollywood, and accusations against certain high profile names. Recently, she abused actor-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan for his advice on how to deal with casting couch. The derogatory language used has angered fans and other actors alike. In a latest development, actress Radha Bangaru who had supported Sri Reddy earlier, slammed the actress for using foul language against Pawan Kalyan. In a video message, Radha Bangaru against using abusive language against against someone like Pawan Kalyan who is a senior and 'won many hearts through his work'. Bangaru also urged media to not give attention to Sri Reddy's publicity stunts. Earlier this month, Sri Reddy stripped and staged a protest to demand justice for not getting any work in Telugu film industry. The incident took place in Film Nagar, where the artist removed her clothes and complained of not getting chances in the industry and women being exploited in Tollywood. Following her protest, the Movie Artistes Association (MAA), an apex body of the Telugu film industry, had said the aspiring actor would not be made a member of the organisation. The police had also booked the actor under Section 294 of the Indian Penal Code (obscene acts in a public place). The NHRC sent notices to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry as well as the Telangana government, seeking detailed reports into a protest. The Jurassic World trailer that was released on Wednesday promises plenty of action in the latest instalment of the franchise. In Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) make a journey to Isla Nublar to rescue dinosaurs before a volcanic eruption wipes them out. Actor Jeff Goldblum had earlier shared the details of his return to the franchise. The 65-year-old actor said that 'Malcolm' would return in the Fallen Kingdom. "Ian Malcolm, yes, might be back in this one, and he might have something to say about the current confluence of circumstances around the use and misuse of technology. "With some wry irony, deep wise passionate conviction, and he might put on a nice dark bit of clothing here and there... And a tint of glass maybe," Goldblum said. The Indian Army is amused by the reports of a soldier, Idrees Mir, joining the terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen. While carrying out an internal investigation into the circumstances that led to a soldier joining the militant outfit, the Army officials maintained that Mir was one of the most "disciplined soldiers" of his regiment, and part of the Ghatak platoona unit of highly trained commandos who carry out special operations. Mir, a resident of Shopian district of south Kashmir, joined the Army's Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI) three years ago. He was posted in Danapur, Bihar. According to official sources, Mir's disappearance, and subsequent reports of him joining the terror outfit came to them as 'shock'. Sources also claimed that Mir was proficient in firing and battlecraft, and was a hardened soldier. "He was highly trained and motivated commando with proficient in firing and battlecraft. He was part of the unit to launch special operations," source added. Mir, in March, had gone on leave, but reported back a day late, citing some family commitment, according to sources. In April, he applied for leave again. He never reported back to his unit. Two days ago, Mir's picture was circulated in social media with a weapon in hand, and with the news that he joined the terror outfit. It is believed that two other locals from his village too joined the militant outfit. In November last year, another Army jawan from Sophian district had gone missing. There has been a sharp increase in young Kashmiris joining militant groups in the recent past. In 2017, 126 young boys from Kashmir valley joined militant ranks. The numbers took sharp spike after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Hizbul Burwan Wani by the security forces. In last three years, 280 youths from Kashmir have joined terror groups. Setting in motion the process for an organisational overhaul ahead of the Assembly elections, the BJP on Wednesday appointed Jabalpur MP Rakesh Singh as the new state unit chief for Madhya Pradesh. Similar changes are expected for Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan are expected to go to polls toward the end of this year, while Assembly elections are due in Andhra Pradesh next year. Rakesh Singh is currently the chief whip of the BJP in the Lok Sabha and also co-in-charge of party affairs in BJP-ruled Maharashtra. He is replacing Nand Kumar Singh Chauhan, who is considered close to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. The outgoing state president represents Khandwa Lok Sabha seat. The changes have been put in motion as Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will go to polls later this year. The BJP government faces anti-incumbency due to various reasons including the farmers' and the dalit agitations. By bringing in Rakesh Singh, BJP chief Amit Shah has sent a message that the organisation in the state needs to gear up to take up the challenge posed by the Congress. Rakesh is known for his organisational skills as he was also entrusted with the key state of Maharashtra. In Rajasthan, the current state unit president, Ashok Parnami, is also considered close to Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje. The BJP will have to try harder to retain the state as the anti-incumbency sentiment is strong there. The BJP had lost recent bypolls in both Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan to the Congress. A replacement for Parnami may be announced in the next few days. Andhra Pradesh state unit chief K. Haribabu had already expressed his desire to step down from the post. BJP had recently severed its ties with the ruling TDP. The saffron party smells an opportunity to expand its base in the state where it was playing second fiddle to the Telugu Desam Party. As state presidents are part of the BJP's national executive committee, the outgoing chiefs would cease to be part of it. Amit Shah has appointed all three to the BJP's national executive. The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... The Nirav Modi connection might have cost Congress party candidate from Madikeri assembly constituency, advocate H.S. Chandramouli, his ticket to contest the May 12 elections. A day after the social media was abuzz with Chandramouli's alleged links to diamond businessman Mehul Choksi (uncle of Nirav Modi, accused in the Rs. 12,300 crore Punjab National Bank scam), the Congress high command did not give the B form to Chandramouli, whose name had figured in the list of 218 (out of 224) candidates, announced by the the party on Sunday. KPCC chief G. Parameshwara, who distributed the B forms at a resort in north Bengaluru to all the nominees, did not issue one to Chandramouli till Tuesday morning, leading to speculations. So far, as many as 170 B forms have been given out, but this does not include Chandramouli. According to sources, Chandramouli served as Mehul Choksi's lawyer in a cheating case in 2015. The complainant, S.V. Hariprasad, a franchisee of Gitanjali Gems owned by Choksi, had alleged that Choksi had cheated him of crores of rupees. But when the police filed a closure report in the case, Hariprasad moved the magistrate court, which ordered the CID to continue probe into the case. However, Mehul Choksi appealed before the Karnataka High Court, challenging the magistrate court order, and managed to obtain a stay in the matter. On Monday, BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya taunted the Congress party over its choice of candidates and tweeted, What is so special about HS Chandramouli, lawyer of Nirav Modi's uncle Mehul Choksi, that Congress gave him a ticket from Madikeri while denying one to Brijesh Kalappa, Siddaramaiah's legal advisor and party spokesperson? Rahul's friends over CM's aide? Meanwhile, Kalappa, posted in detail the ignominy he faced as he was ousted from the race. His post read: I have been denied a ticket for Lok Sabha 2009 and 2014, Rajya Sabha 2014, 2016, 2018 and now assembly. I will swallow the ignominy of being ousted from the race by a person who joined the party in 2016, got a legislative council ticket the same year, lost, and the same person now bags the assembly ticket for Madikeri. I will try for Gram Panchayat next time. Someone in my party is clearly telling me to seek nomination for a constituency befitting my status. Those FB Friends I love and respectdon't shed tears for me. After so many disappointments, I am entitled to use Rajesh Khanna's immortal words "Pushpa, I hate tears." Malviya, again took to Twitter, saying, Congress putting on H.S. Chandramouli's ticket on hold, after being called out, is an admission of guilt and Rahul Gandhi's obvious cosy relationship with Nirav and Mehul Choksi, who flourished under UPA and are now absconding. As the social media went berserk, questioning the integrity of Chandramouli. Brijesh, also an advocate, rushed to defend his fraternity with another Facebook post.The issues that I had raised regarding the nomination of Shri Chandramouli were wholly different from what are currently being debated. I'm a lawyer too. If I appeared for a person in 2010, could I be implicated if that person gets involved in a crime in 2018? No. It appears that the facts with regards to Chandramouli appearing for Mehul Choksi are much the same. If the implications for having appeared for someone who subsequently enters a life of crime are so burdensome, it is important to remember that Sushma Swaraj's daughter Bansuri had appeared for Lalit Modi even after he had turned into a fugitive. Or that Arun Jaitley's daughter Sonali and her husband had been retained by Nirav Modi even when Arun Jaitley continued to be minister for finance and Nirav was planning to exit the nation right under their noses. Chandramouli cannot be denied nomination on this ground. My conscience would not permit me to be the beneficiary of such a decision. If I am to get my due, it has to be for the right reasons, and not by misapplication of professional ethics on a fellow lawyer. It is not the first time Chandramouli has taken up a high-profile case, and of people with questionable repute. In May 2010, Chandramouli, who was the counsel for the controversial 'godman' Nithyananda who was facing charges of rape, unnatural sex, criminal intimidation, and hurting religious sentiments, had pulled out of all the cases pending in the courts of Ramanagara, Bengaluru and Chennai, citing his inability to attend the courts across three cities. Chandramouli has been a legal consultant to Bengaluru Development Minister K.J. George in the DySP M.K. Ganapathy suicide case. His candidature is an obligatory selection, alleged Napanda Muthappa, a ticket aspirant and state vice president of Indian National Trade Union Congress, who is planning to filed his nomination as an independent. Wooing Madikeri A stronghold of the BJP, Kodagu is represented by two BJP MLAsAppachu Ranjan (Madikeri) and K.G. Bopaiah (Virajpet)and BJP MP Pratap Simha. The Congress is desperate to make inroads into the district, which is increasingly getting communally polarised. The local Congress leaders are feeling the heat after the Siddaramaiah government imposed Tipu Jayanti celebrations against the wishes of the Kodava people who consider Tipu Sultan a bigot. The district also frequently erupts to register its protest alleging neglect of the region by subsequent government. This time, the nomination of Chandramouli from Madikeri, surprised even the partymen as he belongs to the Lingayat community. This is the first time, the party had chosen a Lingayat candidate over a Kodava or a Gowda. The vote share of the BJP in Madikeri constituency in the last two last two assembly polls have been 47 per cent (2008) and 36.8 per cent (2013), while the Congress's vote share reduced from 41.9 per cent in 2008 to 21 per cent in 2013. India and Britain on Wednesday condemned terrorism in all its forms, and agreed to strengthen cooperation to take "decisive and concerted actions" against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities while naming Pakistan-based terror outfits following talks between Prime Ministers Narendra Modi of India and Theresa May of Britain. In a significant move, the two sides also agreed to work together for an open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region. At the breakfast meeting between Modi and May at her 10 Downing Street residence, the two leaders discussed their shared priorities in the Indo-Pacific and committed to working more closely together to ensure it remained free and open. "They reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since (May's) visit to India in 2016 and the agreement on a number of defence capability partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "They agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism." A joint statement issued following the meeting said the two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including terrorism and terror-related incidents in both India and Britain. "Both leaders also affirmed that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever it may be and it should not be associated with any religion, creed, nationality and ethnicity," the statement said. It said both leaders agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. "The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities to protect our citizens, including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizbul Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS (Islamic State) and their affiliates as well as tackling the online radicalisation and violent extremism which feeds this," the statement said. It also said a secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific was in the interests of India, Britain and the international community. "The UK and India will also work together to tackle threats such as piracy, protect freedom of navigation and open access, and improve maritime domain awareness in the region," it stated. This assumes significance given China's aggression in the South China Sea and attempts to increase its footprints in the Indo-Pacific region. India, along with the US, Japan and Australia, recently revived a quad in the Indo-Pacific. At their meeting, Modi and May discussed the nerve attack on an ex-Soviet spy and his daughter in Britain and the chemical attack in Syria, "expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances". "In the wake of the appalling nerve agent attack in Salisbury, the UK and India have reiterated their shared interest in strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regimes against the spread and use of chemical weapons," the joint statement said. In a bid to boost cooperation in technology, the two sides have agreed to a new UK-India Technology Partnership. "A UK-India Technology Partnership is central to our joint vision and to our prosperity, today and for our next generations," the statement said. India has also welcomed Britain's initiative of establishing a UK-India Tech Hub in India as part of the growing bilateral technology partnership, according to the statement. The Downing Street spokesperson also said May updated Modi on the progress of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union, "saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020". "Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit," the spokesperson said. "He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so." According to the joint statement, both leaders agreed to forge a dynamic new India-UK Trade Partnership, to develop new trading arrangements as Britain assumes responsibility for its independent trade policy, facilitate investment in both directions and intensify collaboration on shared or complementary strengths. On people-to-people ties, it said Britain welcomes the best and brightest from India to study and work, "especially in subjects and sectors that develop the skills and capabilities that will boost the prosperity of both our countries". Both sides also agreed to work closely together and with other Commonwealth member-states to revive this grouping of ex-British colonies. "We are committed to reinvigorating the Commonwealth, especially ensuring its relevance to small and vulnerable states and to our youth, who make up 60 per cent of the Commonwealth's population," the joint statement said. Modi arrived here on Monday night from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Europe which will also see him going to Germany. He will attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to attend this biannual event since 2009. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his counterparts from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark on Tuesday vowed to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries, as the leaders deliberated on key issues of security, economic growth and climate change. Modi and the leaders of the five Nordic countries participated in the first India-Nordic Summit co-hosted by India and Sweden. Modi, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Finnish Premier Juha Sipila, Iceland Premier Katrin Jakobsdottir, Norwegian Premier Erna Solberg and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven participated at the Summit titled 'India-Nordic Summit:Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity'. "The Prime Ministers pledged to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change," a joint statement issued after the summit said. "They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, which underpin a growing engagement between India and the Nordic countries," it said. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals. They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, and underpin a growing engagement between the Nordic countries and India, it said. The role of the Nordic countries as global innovation leaders was underlined. The Nordic approach to innovation systems, characterised by a strong collaboration between public sector, private sector and academia, was discussed, and synergies were identified with India's rich pool of talent and skills. The summit emphasised the Indian government's strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India. Nordic solutions in clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture were also discussed. The leaders noted that the unique strengths of India and the Nordic countries offer immense opportunities for trade and investment diversification and mutually beneficial collaboration, the statement said. During the talks, the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system as well as open and inclusive international trade for prosperity and growth was underlined. Modi and the leaders acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were major challenges for the international community. "They discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and their commitment to uphold the rules-based international system. They also discussed export control and non-proliferation," it said. The Nordic countries welcomed India's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity, the statement said. India and the Nordic nations also reaffirmed their support for the UN and the Secretary-General's reform efforts to ensure a UN fit to support member states to deliver on Agenda 2030 and took note of his proposals to strengthen the UN, including in the areas of development, peace operations, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic nations agreed that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members, the statement said. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development as well as the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. They agreed that a strong partnership can help spur innovations, economic growth, sustainable solutions and mutually beneficial trade and investments. Ahead of the summit, Modi held bilateral meetings with his counterparts from all five Nordic countries. India has substantial economic ties with the Nordic nations. Annual India-Nordic trade is about $5.3 billion while the cumulative Nordic FDI into India is worth $2.5 billion. Five MoUs were signed on the occasion with the Nordic countries. These include on cooperation in the field of sustainable and smart urban development, animal husbandry and dairying, food safety cooperation, and agricultural research and education with Denmark, and on the establishment of an ICCR Chair for Hindi Language with Iceland. Modi was in Sweden on the first leg of his five-day foreign tour which will also take him to the UK and Germany. "India and Israel are two ancient civilisations, and two young countries. In the last 26 years, we've learnt that when we do things together, we achieve greater results," said Israeli Ambassador to India Daniel Carmon, on the occasion of Israel's 70th Independence Day. "India and Israel are now just five and a half hours away," he said, referring to the recent development of direct flights between the two countries, through Arab air space. He said this was a great achievement, the result of good diplomacy with the world. He thanked India for its initiatives in this diplomatic achievement. The ambassador said high-level visits between both nations in the last few years have taken bilateral relations to greater heights, and the results were literally on the fieldthe cooperation in defence, agriculture and water management. Seventy years, he said, was a long time in a person's life span, but for a country, it was just the beginning. They had to start from scratch, building a nation in a difficult land with a hostile neighborhood and great challengesaccommodating Jews from around the world, developing their defence, food security and technology. He said while they were proud of their achievements, it was the future they were eager to address. "The world has become small with technology. Cooperation is the key, in research, academia, trade... we are keen to reach out to the world. Reaching out is both a Jewish and an national value,'' he said, repeating how good partnerships, like that with India, were a win-win situation for all. Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rapturous welcome during his visit to the UK in 2015, but the atmosphere during his ongoing visit appears a bit more subdued. This is in part due to protests at Parliament Square in London being organised by an assortment of groups opposed to Indian policies, or, more specifically, Modi's politics. These groups include Kashmiri advocacy groups, Khalistan supporters and dalit and minority organisations. Over the past few days, the name of Lord Nazir Ahmed has gained in visibility as the protests were announced. Ahmed, who describes himself as the first Muslim to become a member of Britain's House of Lords for life, is of Pakistani origin. He has adopted a consistent line against Indian rule in Jammu and Kashmir. A cursory glance at his Twitter feed would show a steady flow of posts opposing Indian policies in Kashmir and also refers to the Kathua rape and murder case. Ahmed also promoted a hashtag #ModiNotWelcome, in addition to promoting planned protests. In addition to his views on Kashmir, Nazir became infamous for claiming that there was a 'Jewish conspiracy' that led to him being imprisoned for causing a fatal car crash in 2009. Dalit and minority groups, such as CasteWatchUK and the South Asian Solidarity Group, announced protests at Parliament Square at the time of Modi's meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Wednesday. These groups are protesting the BJP's perceived Hindutva politics and treatment of minorities and dalits. While some Sikh protesters are campaigning on the Khalistani plank, others are calling for the release of Jagtar Singh Johal, a Scottish Sikh who was arrested in November last year in Punjab for allegedly being involved in targeted killings in the state. A large number of pro-Modi activists staged counter-demonstrations on Wednesday. Modi will be in the UK for two more days. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said his government would transform India. Addressing Indian diaspora at Stockholm University in the presence of Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven, Prime Minister Modi talked about the steps being taken by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government for 'New India'. "All these programmes (brought by the government) are not reforms. This is transformation. This is our promise. We will transform India. The road ahead is long but we have our destination in sight and determination in heart," Prime Minister Modi said. He added that India is going through a big change and there is a government which is working day and night for bettering India's image, self-respect and taking India to new heights in the 21st century. "Four years back, Indians gave us a solid mandate for Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. We have worked hard for New India. In the last 4 years, we have taken steps after steps that have increased world's hope and belief in India. Be it an African nation or a small country of Pacific Ocean, ASEAN, Europe, or Asia; today all are seeing India as a trusted partner, a trusted friend," Prime Minister Modi said. He said the government has left behind the culture of sloganeering about Garibi Hatao (poverty eradication) and made empowerment a tool. "There used to just slogans about Garibi Hatao. We have left behind that culture. Empowerment has been made a tool to uplift the living standards of poor. Be it the empowerment of the weaker section of the society or of women; Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas mantra is becoming a reality," the Prime Minister said. He informed the gathering that the government has saved public money worth Rs. 83000 crore due to the direct benefit transfer scheme. "We have combined JAM-Jan-Dhan Yojna, Aadhaar, and Mobile Technology- and developed Direct Benefit Transfer scheme. Due to it, the original beneficiaries are getting the benefit of social welfare schemes. The government has saved Rs. 83000 crore from going into the wrong hands," Prime Minister Modi said. Talking about Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojan, the Prime Minister said, "Many of you left India years ago. You might recall, one had to wait for days for LPG gas cylinder. Now suppliers call and ask 'may we deliver a cylinder'." He also exhorted the Indian diaspora to become a part of changing India. "We have one embassy in Sweden but we have more than one ambassador. Each one of you is our ambassador. If you have any innovation in mind, come be a part of enterprise of New India. To trade, innovate and invest, come to India. We are waiting for you," Prime Minister Modi said. After addressing the Indian diaspora, Prime Minister Modi left for London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister and his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven co-chaired the first-ever Indo-Nordic summit. Prior to it, Prime Minister Modi met with the Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway respectively. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on arrived late Monday night in the capital of Sweden, the first bilateral visit by an Indian premier to the Nordic nation in 30 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. A day after he gave seemingly bizarre and evasive answers to a group of schoolchildren in Amethi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sold dreams of an Amethi that would be as developed as Singapore and California in 15 years. Gandhi was speaking after inaugurating a school in his constituency. He declared, After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath. Gandhi added the constituency would soon become a world-class education hub, which no one could prevent from happening. Earlier, during his tour of the constituency, Gandhi claimed the Central and state governments, both run by the BJP, were 'halting' progress in the area by taking away big projects. He alleged the Narendra Modi government had shelved plans for an IIT, mega food park and paper mill in the constituency that would have generated thousands of jobs. Gandhi's visit to Amethi and Rae Bareli, his mother's constituency, comes just days after Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani visited Amethi. Irani has made frequent visits to the constituency and announced several projects, giving rise to speculation that she could contest the Lok Sabha polls from the constituency again next year. Irani had lost to Gandhi in 2014 from Amethi. (With agency inputs) Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit tendered an apology to THE WEEK's Lakshmi Subramanian on Wednesday, a day after he courted a controversy after patting on the journalist's cheek during a press meet in Chennai. The journalist said she accepted the apology but was still not convinced about his contention. The incident happened when the journalist posed a question to Purohit while he was leaving the hall after the interaction. "I considered that question to be a good one. Therefore as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter," Purohit said in a letter to Lakshmi. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist, since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years, he said and added: I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt. Reacting to the letter, the journalist said she was not convinced about his contention that he did it to appreciate a question she asked. "I have with me your letter dated April 18, 2018, expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked," Lakshmi said in her reply. Earlier, governor's action had drawn widespread flak with around 200 journalists from all over the country writing to him demanding an apology for his conduct towards the woman scribe. DMK leaders M.K. Stalin and M.K Kanimozhi also hit out at Purohit. "It is not only unfortunate, but unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional post," Stalin said. Kanimozhi said in a tweet on Tuesday: "Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalists personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." An in-display fingerprint reader, true 3D facial scanning technology and design improvements to cut away its front bezels even further! That is what we already know of the new Samsung flagship, the Galaxy S10. Credit for the discovery goes to popular Korean site The Bell, which reveals Samsung has finally perfected mass production of the new flagship. The new S10 pair will be slightly larger than the current S9 generation, by 0.03 and 0.08 inches, further slimming down the top and bottom chins on the front of the device, in favour of more display. Earlier in March, Samsung filed documents to the Chinese patent office which show off a smartphone that features its very own Apple iPhone X style top notch on the front of the handset. A second patent, schematics of which were shared by Mobielkopen, shows a Samsung phone with no top notch, no front buttons (Bixby button), no speaker, no sensors... nothing in fact: just pure screen. Samsung releasing a TV advert that directly ridicules Apples notch and the new leak of Galaxy S10 suggests a truly revolutionary flagship, round the corner. Samsung seems to have found a way to stride beyond the iPhone Xs weak pointthe intruding notch. The Samsung Galaxy S10, as WinFuture's Roland Quandt pointed out, will feature a new iteration of Qualcomms Snapdragon chip, probably the Snapdragon 855. Samsung has sunk USD 5.6 billion into a foundry for the rumoured 7mn chipsets. These are likely to be put to use in the Galaxy S10 and Note 10 phones, Samsung's 2019 flagship launches. Weibo user 'Ice Universe', who has a pretty good track record when it comes to leaking sensitive Samsung treats, has revealed that the Galaxy S10 will host the next-gen 5G technology. The recently announced 'strategic relationship' agreement with Qualcomm and Samsung, specifically mentions the transition to 5G. Galaxy S10 users should, then, be able to benefit from the faster internet speeds that 5G will provide. A Neural Processing Unit (NPU) is highly likely to be included, capable of handling all of the complex AI and 3D processing. As per the source, the 3D facial scanning module is currently under joint development by Israeli 3D camera solution company Mantis Vision and camera-maker Woodgate and the in-screen fingerprint sensor is being developed with Qualcomm, Synaptics, and Aegis Tech. The phone wont be getting the foldable AMOLED screen that is much talked about, but it will be bezel-lesswithout even a mini-bezel. Xiaomis sound wave-based earpiece under the display wasnt good enough. It remains to be seen if Samsung has come up with a solution to tackle the problem. And Samsung finally seems to have gained courage to do away with the 3.5mm audio jack. Samsung will want to respond to the recent camera features seen on smartphone like the Huawei P20 Pro. More lenses, more control over the aperture, wider apertures and better low light performance could be expected to be on-board the 2019 Galaxy S10. The Galaxy S10 or the Galaxy X could be the first Samsung flagship to feature LPDDR5 memory, leading to better battery life for the user. Also UFS 3.0 storage is probably going to be employed on the flagship, delivering greater bandwidth and consuming less power in the process. Another feature to be expected is the 4K 60FPS video recording capabilities, without the 5-minute recording limit. Employing the use of substrate-like PCB will help reduce the size of the logic board aiding the freedom to house bigger batteries. While the device has been tentatively named the Galaxy S10, theres no knowing what Samsungs next flagship will be called. Some early rumours point that Samsung will be looking to ditch some of its longstanding branding. Most money would be likely to go on Galaxy X, marking the 10-year anniversary of the Galaxy series. Since Apple has already claimed that for the iPhone X, and long-running rumours of a foldable flagship called the Galaxy X continue to persist, going with Galaxy 10 is unlikely. Still, a lot can change between now and the actual release. While the South Korean giant launched the Galaxy S9 at MWC 2018, the Galaxy S8 was launched at its own Unpacked event in 2017. Its only fair to assume that Samsung will choose to reveal its newest phone at its own special event. With MWC 2019 kicking off on 25 February, it's only a sensible bet that the Galaxy S10 is going to get its grand unveiling on February 24. The plus variant of flagship is expected to be prized above USD 950 and the regular variant somewhere between USD 800-830. The silent protest today, being promoted jointly by some Indian women's groups in Britain, is calling on members of the Indian diaspora in the country to join in by wearing some symbolic white clothing to register their condemnation of "atrocities that are taking place in India". Modi also said India and Sweden will continue their close cooperation on the worldwide stage. India and Sweden share values of democracy, rule of law, respect of human rights, pluralism and a rule-based worldwide order. "However, we were not formally consulted via official correspondence about certain contents of NISAU's letter to PM Modi", a statement from Queen Mary Indian Society said. Exchange knowledge and explore cooperation on smart cities, including transit-oriented urban development, air pollution control, waste management, waste-to-energy, waste-water treatment, district cooling and circular economy, including through dialogue and capacity building. Speaking in Hindi, Prime Minister Modi said that in 2016, Sweden Prime Minister Stefan Lofven had visited India with a huge business delegation and India's biggest Make in India event outside the country was also organised in Sweden previous year. Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen said to reporters after the meetings that he was able to restart joint commission with India and also signed four bilateral agreements, including three in agriculture. He made the remarks during a joint press conference at the end of a meeting with his counterpart Stefan Lofven. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. Third SFPD Officer Hit by Vehicle in Seven Months - A San Francisco police officer was injured while in a hit and run on Tuesday afternoon. The accident took place in the Tenderloin, a high-crime neighborhood near downtown. Global Smart Furniture Market 2018 - Ikea Group , Modoola Ltd. , Fonesalesman Major Participants of worldwide Smart Mining Market ABB Ltd., Atlas Copco, Caterpillar Inc., Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. The report also presents forecasts for Smart Classroom Market from 2018 till 2025. Farah hoping to mix it with big boys at London Marathon The four-time Olympic champion runs in this weekend's 26.2-mile race having retired from the track past year . I'm ranked 27th in the world and I'm just going to stick to my plan. The joint statement said both PMs called for greater unity and stronger global partnership to counter terrorism, disrupt terrorist networks and financing, and prevent violent extremism. Stating that India is undergoing an unprecedented economic transformation, he said that Sweden has a lot of innovative solutions to offer in this connection. On his part, Prime Minister Lofven lauded India as "global power" and said the two countries are a "perfect match". During a joint media briefing after the talks, the two leaders said, there are excellent opportunities for cooperation in the fields such as smart cities, clean technologies, renewable energy and startups. Modi's visit is the first by any Indian Prime Minister in the last 30 years. From Sweden, Modi will tonight travel to the United Kingdom where he will attend the CHOGM, besides holding bilateral talks with his British counterpart Theresa May. South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as US officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader. US Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior US official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump. Pompeos visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trumps willingness to become the first serving US president ever to meet a North Korean leader. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsulas armistice to a peace regime, a high-ranking South Korean presidential official told reporters when asked about the North-South summit. But thats not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea, the official said. South Korea and a US-led UN force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The US-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North, the official said. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the Norths nuclear and missile programmes. But then Kim declared in a New Years speech his country was a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties. Pompeos visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a US official said. Pompeo flew from the US air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the Souths defence ministry said. The Souths presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also plans to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. War not over Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. People dont realize the Korean War has not ended, Trump told reporters. Its going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. Subject to a deal, they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that. Trump said he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen. If the summit did not happen, the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions, he said. Nevertheless, Pompeos conversations in North Korea had fuelled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a US senior official briefed on the trip. -Reuters About Me Scott Because prophetic scriptures are found throughout the bible, it is obvious that a comprehensive, systematic approach would be useful, if not necessary, for the understanding of prophecy. Past prophecies have been fulfilled in a literal manner, as confirmed by the dating of these writings and historical records of confirmation. These past prophecies also serve as a model of how to interpret future prophecies. A literal view of prophecy clearly indicates a certain sequence of events will occur within a single generation, concluding with the Tribulation and Second Advent and these events will be obvious. The prophetic signs appear to be present in this generation and we believe these signs are revealed in the news from around the world. View my complete profile 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] | (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. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: WASHINGTON Rep. John Faso is in the vanguard of House Republicans seeking to stiffen the work requirement for the 44 million Americans on food stamps, including 2.8 million New Yorkers, many living in impoverished rural communities of upstate. The Kinderhook Republican, who faces a wide field of Democratic contenders itching to limit his career on Capitol Hill to one term, says he believes SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program as food stamps are now called is an essential program for many families in New York, including his 19th Congressional District in the Hudson Valley and Catskills. But he insists the between 3 and 4 million recipients of the U.S. Department of Agriculture nutrition program, which costs $4.92 billion in New York, should be working and they are not. The best path to economic independence is a job, Faso said in an interview. This isnt rocket science. Faso is the New York Republican on the House Agriculture Committee, which is considering SNAP provisions at a meeting Wednesday as part of broader deliberation on this years must-pass Farm Bill. Democrats including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who is on the Senate Agriculture Committee, denounce the GOP job requirement. The GOP House plan is only going to increase hunger in our communities and could kick millions of households off of the program, Gillibrand said on a conference call with reporters Tuesday. I believe no New Yorker, no American, should ever have to suffer from hunger especially a child. Current law governing SNAP contains work requirements, Gillibrand said, and the GOP substitute would burden recipients with extra paperwork. Although the GOP-controlled House is likely to pass the more-stringent work requirement for SNAP, the bill faces a steeper climb in the Senate where Republicans hold only a one-vote majority. "I have serious concerns about the right wings effort in the House to constrict families' and children's access to desperately needed food assistance, said Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer. I will fight these cruel cuts, and will use my leverage as the Senate Democratic leader to protect New Yorkers who depend on this assistance every single day. Anti-hunger advocates in New York argue the plan backed by Faso is a one-size-fits-all way of dealing with the complexities of low-income families in the state, whether they live in New York City or the North Country. There is an awful lot of reality on the ground thats missed by the people writing this bill, said Sherry Tomasky, spokeswoman for Albany-based Hunger Solutions New York. The plight of what it means to be low income in New York state is completely lost. Families may be sandwiched between caring for children and elderly parents while juggling low-wage work schedules or seasonal ups and downs, Tomasky said. Food support is not the same as welfare, and those already on the economic margins should not have to worry about lacking food, she said. The food banks already know the lines will be out the door during the last 5-7 days of the month, because people have used up their benefits, Tomasky said. The changes in the work-requirement rules backed by Faso appear byzantine in their complexity but they go to the heart of how the program treats the recipient group known as ABAWDs the bureaucratic acronym for able-bodied adults without dependents. Certain classes of recipients including the disabled and the elderly are exempt from work requirements. But under current law (with some latitude for individual states), individuals between 18 and 49 without children under 12 are required to either work or be in job training 20 hours a week. Under the Faso-backed measure, individuals 18 to 59 without children under 6 must work or be in job training (or a combination) for 20 hours a week. The GOP approach also would change the punishment for those who fail to adhere to the work requirements. Under current law, a recipient designated as an ABAWD is limited to receiving SNAP for three months out of a 36-month period. An individual out of compliance is given a three-month grace period to get back in. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Under the Republican plan, an individual not in compliance within a month gets the boot for an entire year. Although 60 percent of SNAP recipients in New York live in the five boroughs of New York City, Faso insists he is not stoking resentment upstate of serving the poor downstate. That hasnt even crossed my mind, he said. Its not upstate and downstate. Its right and wrong. Gillibrand said many upstate jurisdictions have high rates of individuals and families receiving SNAP benefits. Theres so much hunger upstate, youd be surprised, said Gillibrand, an Albany native who appears to have an easy road ahead of her to re-election this year. According to data compiled by the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service, 10.2 percent of Fasos congressional district receives SNAP, compared to 15 percent statewide and 12.7 percent nationwide. Of SNAP families, 31.9 percent had no workers, 40.5 percent had one worker and 27.6 percent had two workers. In the North Country 21st Congressional District represented by GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, 14.9 percent receive SNAP. Faso said it's common sense" that "the vast majority of Americans get up every day and go to work. For many able-bodied SNAP recipients, the expectation is they go to work, Faso said. Thats all were saying. Tomasky questioned the effectiveness of encouraging work through heightened threats of losing SNAP. If the goal is to support work, Ive yet to meet a hungry person who did well on a job interview, Tomasky said. Taking food away is not how you help people get jobs. With such a wide range of creative endeavors spanning some 50 years, it's hard to keep up with Rockwell Kent. Even after his death nearly a half century ago, his restless spirit remains as active as ever. Never heard of the man many consider one of the most important American artist of the 20th century? You're not alone. But that's changing. Once seemingly lost to history, his oeuvre is enjoying a resurrection of late, particularly in the last five years or so. The reasons for his legacy's demise are many, just as there are many factors contributing to his resurgence. What's really relevant is the fact that his frenetic, mind-boggling absorption of so many visual ideas is on display. Through July 22, two exhibitions at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, "A Life and Art of his Own: Paintings from the North Country Collections" and "Prints from the Raif C. Nemec Collection" shed some serious light on Kent's peripatetic career. Kent, who lived on a farm in the Adirondacks most of his adult life, darted between myriad printing techniques, tantalizing oil and canvases, illustrated books, graphic novels, murals and brilliant ceramics. His styles swing from romantic, with elements of the surreal, to realist to abstraction as well as the sublime, picturesque and pastoral. His themes range from classical to socialist to transcendentalism. His use of light is masterly yet he might be at his best when using mere shades of black and white. While he focused largely on landscapes with tinges of abstract forms on the edges, such as the mesmerizing "Frozen Falls, Alaska," his figurative works resonate, often deeply psychological and humanist to the core. No emotion is spared in "And Women Must Weep or Shipwreck, Coast of Ireland." Sexuality oozes in "Recumbent Nudes with Ringed Sun" while "December Eighth" is filled with longing and loss. Faces are not detailed, bodies rudimentary, but he sets such magnificent scenes. These are reminiscent of magical realism, a form which is based on the representation of the natural world yet employs hidden meanings through symbols that delve into the fantastical. But the landscape is his most fervent genre and the focus of the main exhibit of paintings. Long trips to Greenland, Maine, Iceland, Alaska, Chile and other remote locations stoked his creativity. Spending such long stretches of time in wilderness sparked his deepest connection to the human endeavor, far from it all. "In quietness, the soul expands," he wrote from Alaska in 1918. Above all, the Adirondacks kindled his art the most. Sometimes works like "Asgaard Jerseys" are just wonderful bucolic scenes of life in the Adirondacks, faithfully recording a scenic vista of roaming dairy cows, but often a sense of desolation seeps through them. A simple barn in "Abandoned Farm" is transformed into a narrative about loss, failure and dignity "At Peace" has a solitary figure lying on a rock with peaks rising to the heavens in the distance, conjuring the insignificance of life against the expanse of geological time. A shower of light that spills over a solitary person in "Pastoral" suggests a spirituality derived from seclusion. Kent's work is technically superb but there is an experimental quality to them, a vibrant mixing and matching to form a pioneering vision that stands alone in its tearing down and recasting of accepted norms of American art. The prints are powerful and profound. Kent distills his image-making to the bare essentials, providing a more intimate appreciation of his drawing skills and process. Stripped down and black and white, they clearly show his acumen at making straightforward symbols to communicate elaborate ideas. Until World War II, all of this led to a quite successful career, but the changing political landscape caught up with him. While an avowed socialist, Kent denied being a communist. Brought before Sen. Joseph McCarthy during the red scare era of the 1950s, he refused to answer when asked if he was a party member. He suffered the consequences anyway. His passport was revoked for several years until the Supreme Court ruled in his favor in 1958. But it was too late. After all this, Kent underwent what critic Edward Hoagland calls "steep neglect of his work." Galleries and museums were closed to him; collectors walked away. When Kent died of a heart attack in 1971, The New York Times described him as "a thoughtful, troublesome, profoundly independent, odd and kind man who made an imperishable contribution to the art of bookmaking in the United States." More Information If you go ''A Life and Art of His Own: Paintings from the North Country Collections'' and ''Prints from the Raif C. Nemec Collection.'' When: Through July 22 Where: The Hyde Collection 161 Warren St., Glens Falls. Cost: General admission $12; seniors (60+) $10; students with ID free and children under 12 free Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday Website: hydecollection.org See More Collapse Both exhibits do a lot with relatively little. Pacing and spacing is perfect. The Hyde held one of the earliest revivals of his work in a 1974 exhibition, but not until New York State Museum's retrospective in 2010 did a full resurgence begin. From the first canvas at the introduction the stunning "Greenland Mountains and Sea," done at the peak of his powers the exhibition grabs you, taking you on quite an adventure, and doesn't let go. Tim Kane is a frequent contributor to the Times Union. When a new dancer joins the all-male company Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, the first thing he receives is a ballerina name. For example, the troupe currently includes the lithe and lovely Irina Kolesterolikova, Lariska Dumbchenko and Nina Immobilashvili, among others. "Even though no specifics come with it, having that name helps you develop a character and allows you to express what you want to express more easily," says artistic director Tory Dobrin, who has the honor of christening new members. "You can find attributes of that character and integrate them into the performance." (The dancers also receive names for their male characters, since each ballerina has an alter ego.) On Friday evening, the Trocks, as they're affectionately known, make their first appearance at The Egg since their arrival on the dance scene in 1974 with a sold-out show in Manhattan's Meatpacking District. They quickly catapulted from off-off Broadway to international tours, a Richard Avedon photo essay in Vogue, a TV appearance with Miss Piggy and Kermit and a handful of serious dance awards as well. What has changed over the last 45 years? For one thing, says Dobrin, who has been with the company since 1980, the dancing has gotten better. "The technical level is quite high, which has given us the freedom to do more," he said in a recent interview. "We can play more with the comedy, get more involved and funnier. It's nice to laugh when the level of expertise is so high." Another evolution: There are more children and teens in the audience now. "The general tone of society is way more open today, and that openness has brought in more varied audiences," Dobrin said. For kids raised on "RuPaul's Drag Race," the form itself might be stranger than the fact that men are dancing all the roles. In fact, Dobrin said, the Trocks are considered a good introduction to ballet for those who are drawn more to comedy than to culture. While the characterizations are over the top, the choreography itself is entirely faithful to the classics. "We do [August] Bournonville like the Royal Danish Ballet would do it," Dobrin said. "All the stylistic elements are correct"just bigger and bolder. That goes for the ballerina's costumes as well, which are extra sturdy to accommodate the men's larger muscles and a bit less conservative than you might see in a conventional production. On Friday, the company performs "Le Lac Des Cygnes," from Act II of "Swan Lake"perhaps the most well-known ballet in the worldwith music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography after Lev Ivanov. Also on the program is "Russian Dance," a section from "Swan Lake" that's now rarely performed in the full-length ballet. The Trocks' version of Marius Petipa's "Raymonda's Wedding," subtitled "A Traditionally Confusing Divertissement in Two Scenes," skips over the baffling plot twists and goes straight for the happy ending. The company also performs the pas de six from Petipa's 1844 ballet "La Esmeralda," based on Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris." What keeps the company's repertoire of more than 50 ballets (plus modern dance works by Isadora Duncan, Agnes de Mille, Merce Cunningham and others) fresh and interesting is the dancers themselves, Dobrin says. "Every leading role is multiply cast, but we encourage them each to do it in their own way," he said. "With characterization changes, the ballets really do change a lot. We have lots of different Swan Queens and they all do it in their own way entirely." With every classic the dancers make their own, the company's goal is always to enhance the form rather than mock it, to pay homage while also shifting the audience's perspective a few degrees. "We're not really trying to put a message out, we're trying to entertain with classical ballet and drag," Dobrin said. "But the minute you put a guy in a tutu, there's a message inherent in that. You're looking at something familiar in a completely different way." Tresca Weinstein is a frequent contributor to the Times Union. Beer flights offered at Warehouse BBQ Starting this week, Warehouse Grill & BBQ in Colonie introduces a new happy-hour special of two beer flights for $8. Each flight includes samples of four beers from any of the 20 taps offered. A midweek special, it is available from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday. Warehouse, at 219 Wolf Road, is open for lunch and dinner daily. Call 518-489-5227. Midweek at MezzaNotte: 3 courses, $30 MezzaNotte Ristorante this week introduces a midweek special of three courses for $30, with an option of adding three wine pairings for $15 more. The rotating food offerings will include some items from the regular menu and others created for the promotion. The deal is available on an open-ended basis Tuesday through Thursday each week. The regular menu is also available. Open from 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, Mezzanotte is at 2026 Western Ave. Call 518-689-4433. Poke Bar opening on Lark Street Poke Bar, a fast-casual eatery offering the namesake Hawaiian dish as bowls, wraps and salads, is being developed for an opening in mid- to late May at 203 Lark St. The space, previously used as bar overflow and a private-event room for the adjoining LAX Restaurant & Lounge, will have its own entrance and kitchen, owner Will Phan said. He's modeling Poke Bar after a similar concept his family operates in Los Angeles. Phan said he anticipates most business will be takeout, with customers ordering at the counter and watching as their bowls are assembled to order, but the business also will have a beer and wine license and seating at tables and a small bar. Projected hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday, closed Sunday. The Facebook page with abundant photos is at facebook.com/larkstpokebar. Lake George neighbors save restaurant A group of neighbors on the southeast end of Lake George have jointly purchased Sans Souci restaurant, open in Cleverdale from 1914 until it abruptly closed last summer. The contractor who owned it was intending to tear down the restaurant building and adjacent cottage to make way for what would have been a lakefront home. The properties were for sale for $650,000. Among the new owners are Larry Davis, whose multiple holdings including CommSoft, and Charlie Crew, retired CEO of Sabic Plastics. Davis said the revived Sans Souci will be leased and operated by Mike Cirelli, of the former Cirelli's Osteria in South Glens Falls. An opening before Memorial Day is planned. The fare is described as "healthy menu choices, traditional pub food and entrees, daily specials with an Italian flair." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Sans Souci is literally translated from the French as "without worry." Neighbors on Cleverdale, Pilot Knob and Assembly Point fondly know it as The Sans. Second Cafe Madison opens The second location of Cafe Madison opened earlier this week in Loudon Plaza, a strip mall on Northern Boulevard in Albany near I-90, Albany Shaker Road and across the street from Memorial Hospital. The 3,000-square-foot space includes table and booth seating for about 80 people 30 more than the frequently crowded original with additional seating at the bar and a few outdoor-dining options for warmer months. The menu is largely the same as at the original, with the addition of to-go breakfast sandwiches for office and hospital workers. Hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The telephone number is 518-898-9630. Besides the open, bright dining room, with windows that roll up like garage doors, the most striking thing about the new Cafe Madison is its interior design, conceived and in part executed by Jessica Evans, who is general manager of Ama Cocina in downtown Albany and who realized its signature look. (The businesses are among 10 bars and restaurants owned by Albany-based parent company BMT Hospitality. A BMT rep said the restaurant cost between $700,000 and $800,000 to build.) Cafe Madison is even more eclectic than its Mexican-themed sibling, with the bar front faced with muffin tins, rolling pins as the bar footrail and toilet-paper holders made from long-handled whisks. Evans said her inspiration was waking up and morning in general, so bar shelving is built from nightstands and the epoxied concrete floor has patches that suggest fried egg whites. Compiled by Steve Barnes. Items to be considered for publication must be submitted to sbarnes@timesunion.com. Visit his blog, blog.timesunion.com/tablehopping. Youth FX, Albany's award-winning filmmaking and media arts program, will hold its annual screenings of 2018 short films at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, and 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Spectrum Theatre, 290 Delaware Ave., Albany. In the lineup are new narrative films and documentaries created by students in Youth FX, which has garnered awards and accolades from film festivals around the country. Now celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the program recently moved into a permanent headquarters complete with production studio and computer lab at 25 Warren St. Albany It took 29 years but Salman Rushdie is finally making it to Albany. He will speak Thursday at the New York State Writers Institute, making good on a trip originally planned for 1989 but interrupted by historical events that resonate to this day. That year Rushdie became the target of a fatwa, and subsequent death sentence, by Ayatolla Ruhollah Khomeini, the supreme leader of Iran, days before he was to come to the Writers Institute. Khomeini said Rushdies novel, "The Satanic Verses," was blasphemy for Muslims for its depiction of the prophet Mohammed as fallible. Fearing for his life, Rushdie and his wife went into hiding. The affair thrust Albany into the middle of a seminal event in what has turned out to be decades of conflict between fundamentalist Muslims and the West. For those involved back then, recollections of the episode remain clear. Archives at the Writers Institute provide an inside view of how it unfolded. It was something out of a spy movie, recalled Paul Grondahl, executive director of the Writers Institute who was then a Times Union reporter who frequently interviewed writers who spoke at the institute. He never got the chance to talk to Rushdie, though. It came out of the blue, Grondahl said. This was his last scheduled event before he went underground. Nobody expected it. Albany and the Writers Institute were thrust into this international story." The canceled visit had been more than a year in the making. Rushdie was living in the United Kingdom. Do you come to the U.S.A. on a regular basis? asked a May 1987 inquiry from the late Tom Smith who was the institutes associate director. Smith informed Rushdie that Saul Bellow, John Updike and Norman Mailer were among the authors who had spoken at the institute, and its founder, William Kennedy, was an admirer of his s work. That fall, Viking Penguin confirmed his trip for February 28. Rushdie and his wife were to stay at the now-defunct Thruway Inn after an 8 p.m. reading, according to a Jan. 4, 1988 letter from Viking Penguin. By Feb. 8, the publishers publicist was growing nervous about the mounting controversy over "The Satanic Verses." Explicit threats of violence have been directed against Mr. Rushdie and Viking Penguin personnel, said a letter to Smith from Publicity Manager Paul Slovak. He asked Smith to refrain from publicizing the trip, saying Please keep knowledge of the date and time of his visit restricted to as few people as possible. The fatwa was issued Feb. 14, forcing Rushdie into hiding. Undeterred, those at the Writers Institute went ahead with a presentation anyway with Kennedy reading from the books first chapter. This week, Kennedy recalled the heavy security that night and more than a bit of nervousness about the event. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. More for you Salman Rushdie dismisses latest death threat Nobody knew what would happen. Some people were very skittish about it, but we said to hell with it. We staged it, he said. There was a heated debate with some Muslim students laying out their objections to the book. The Writers Institute never gave up trying to bring Rushdie to town. Everyone wanted him back, and on some level we felt like we deserved to have him back, said Mark Koplik, the institutes assistant director who had persevered for years with inquiries about getting Rushdie to come to Albany. More Information Thursday, April 19 Craft talk - 4:15 p.m., Lecture Center 25, uptown campus (map) Presentation/Q&A - 7:30 p.m., Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, downtown campus (map) Both events free and open to the public More at http://nyswritersinstitute.org See More Collapse Kennedy, who will be at the reading Thursday, said he has seen and talked with Rushdie regularly over the years and reminded him of the 1989 episode, saying he still owes the Writers Institute a visit. The fatwa against Rushdie almost seems quaint given what has transpired since then, with 9/11, the Iraq war and rise of ISIS. It sounds tame, remarked Grondahl. The world has gotten faster, uglier and more violent. Rushdies presentation and a question-and-answer session will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19 at Page Hall, 135 Western Ave., on the UAlbany downtown campus. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU Drew Angerer ALBANY As is the tradition in Albany, Gov. Andrew Cuomo allowed reporters to view his tax returns on Tuesday, revealing adjusted gross earnings of $212,776 in 2017, about half of what the second-term Democratic governor earned in 2016. Advances and royalties for his 2014 memoir "All Things Possible," which earned Cuomo $218,000 in 2017, have run out, according a spokesman. The book, published by HarperCollins, has earned Cuomo $783,100 in recent years, though it only sold a few thousand copies. Washington Barbara Bush, one of only two women in American history whose husband and son became president, died Tuesday. She crusaded for literacy and played a supporting role in former President George H.W. Bush's famed personal diplomacy that coincided with rapid-fire world change. "My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," her son, former President George W. Bush, said in a prepared statement. Funeral arrangements will be announced "as soon as is practical," said the office of the former president, her husband of 73 years. The mass will be invitation only, but she will lie in repose at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, with guests welcome to pay their respects. President Donald Trump remembered her as "an advocate of the American family" and of literacy. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." Bill Clinton, who deprived George H.W. Bush of a second term in the 1992 election, joined with Hillary Clinton, who succeeded Barbara Bush as first lady, in calling her "a remarkable woman." "She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like," they said. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions," her son George W. Bush said in his statement. "To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly." For him, she was mom. Other Americans came to know Barbara Bush as a formidable first lady who filled the White House with grandchildren and puppies, who spoke her mind and who knew how to generate publicity and money for causes she championed. "She understood the symbolic power of being first lady," said Marlin Fitzwater, the former president's White House press secretary. When organizations caring for AIDS patients lacked volunteers, she stopped by Grandma's House in Washington, D.C., where she held a baby with HIV and hugged an adult with AIDS. Her message: It's safe to touch and help those who have the disease. When the 1991 Persian Gulf War stirred airline passenger security concerns, she left the U.S. Air Force Gulfstream on the tarmac and flew commercially to Indianapolis. Her message: I'm not afraid to fly and you shouldn't be, either. When several Washington area malls banned the Salvation Army, she went shopping at a fashion center that allowed the bell ringers. She plunked a $10 bill in the red kettle. Her message: Don't mess with one of her favorite charities. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "She used the power, she understood the power of that position, of that role the visibility, the example set, the statement made by that," said Carl Sferrazza Anthony, a historian who has studied first ladies. Later, when her husband had lost the White House, she remained outspoken. She was no fan of Trump, and made no secret that she found his treatment of women appalling and his preparation for the White House badly lacking. As first lady, she parlayed Americans' infatuation with the family's springer spaniels to benefit literacy, which she chose as her signature endeavor long before living in the White House. Days before the 1988 presidential election, George H.W. Bush declined to predict victory, but he told an aide that if he won, the American people would fall in love with Barbara Bush. The polls indicated many did. Despite the trademark faux pearls and public image, Bush could be a force to be reckoned with dubbed "The Silver Fox" and known affectionately within the family as "The Enforcer." Presidential scholars say Barbara Bush's influence in shaping the second President Bush should not be underestimated. ALBANY On his LinkedIn page, former federal housing employee Timothy Oravec posted an article advising "20 Things to Remember and Do (if you want to stay successful)." Here's one thing the list did not include: Claiming to have cancer to allegedly defraud the federal government and take advantage of co-workers' generosity. On Tuesday, federal prosecutors charged the self-professed "cancer survivor" with falsely claiming to have the deadly disease while collecting more than $24,000 in salary. The prosecutors said Oravec, 59, a former Knox resident, told supervisors and co-workers in 2013 he was diagnosed with cancer and needed to be absent from work. Co-workers voluntarily donated 694 hours of their vacation time to Oravec, a transfer made possible at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Oravec "used most of the donated vacation time to miss work, while being paid over $24,000 in salary," U.S. Attorney Grant Jaquith's office said. Oravec allegedly fabricated letters from multiple medical providers, describing his supposed care, and gave the letters to his supervisors, prosecutors said. "In fact, Oravec was not under the care and treatment of the providers and created the letters himself," prosecutors stated. In 2005, the Times Union profiled Oravec and his then-wife, Colin, and their nine children, who were living in the former Altamont Home for Adults on seven acres in Knox. On Oravec's LinkedIn page as of 2015, he identified himself as a "driven single father of 11 children" with extensive training in disaster recovery and emergency management. He said he was the former national secretary for HUD Council 222 of the American Federation of Government Employees, a union that represents government employees. "I resigned in 2011 for family reasons," Oravec stated. "I am a Cancer Survivor." Oravec said on LinkedIn that he worked in government for 26 years but was not content with his career. "There is always a path for learning and serving," Oravec stated. "I have found myself asking the following questions regarding my career and life in general. ... How can I love more, even the unlovable? How can I surrender myself more for the good of others? How can I trust more? How can I serve more? How can I give away more of me so that others can grow?" Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Oravec added: "I am a professional. But I refuse the let my humanity overpower my desire to serve others in dire circumstances." The criminal case was not the first time Oravec has been associated with leave time. In September 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, HUD announced it would allow its employees to take administrative leave to volunteer for nonprofit services such as helping displaced families. HUD Deputy Secretary Roy Bernardi, a former mayor of Syracuse, announced the move at the time with the HUD news release included a photograph of Oravec posing with Bernardi. It quoted Oravec as an agency employee based in Albany. The release said that as a volunteer firefighter in Knox, Oravec was thrilled with the announcement. "This is going to a tremendous help, not only to myself and my family, but to my community," Oravec was quoted saying. "Up until now, I had to take annual leave to fight a fire." Rotterdam Police Department ROTTERDAM - The former manager of a McDonald's restaurant on 604 Curry Road allegedly stole $7,235 from the business, Rotterdam police said. Rose Q. Clemovich, 38, of Oaklawn Avenue in Rotterdam was arrested Tuesday for the alleged theft from the fast food restaurant, police said. Clemovich allegedly took the bank deposits, but failed to deposit the money in the bank. She allegedly kept the money for personal use. Rainy days call for good, long reads. And whether your interested in history, health, crime, politics or the human spirit, the Times Union has you covered. ALBANY On Tuesday, voters will get a chance to reshape the Capital Region's representation in the state Assembly. Republican Chris Tague and Democrat Aidan O'Connor are vying to fill the seat previously held by Peter Lopez of Schoharie, and Democrat Cindy Doran and Republican Jake Ashby are facing off to succeed Steve McLaughlin of Troy. The special elections mark a turning point for both districts: Lopez served for more than a decade before being appointed regional administrator for the federal Environmental Protection Agency, and McLaughlin won his Assembly seat four times before winning the post of Rensselaer County executive. The 107th Assembly District Doran and Ashby are starkly divided on the best way to expand access to affordable health care in the district, which includes parts of Rensselaer, Columbia and Washington counties. "Everyone from children to the newly retired should have access to a doctor when they need it," said Doran, who supports instituting a single-payer system a proposal often referred to as "Medicare for all." Ashby argues the single-payer model doesn't work: "The keys to decreasing the cost of health care, while enhancing its accessibility, is to promote private practice and deregulation," he said. The Democrat-dominated Assembly has for several years annually approved legislation that would create a single-payer system in New York, but the GOP-led state Senate hasn't brought such a measure up for a vote. The candidates also have different ideas on how to keep schools safe from potential mass shootings, like the one that devastated a Florida high school in February and reopened the national debate on gun control. Ashby wants the state to support local district-based solutions to promote school safety, and suggested the state could fund active-shooter training and school resources officers. "Armed guards should be utilized if a determination is made by the district to retain armed guards," he said. Doran's approach to school safety is focused on keeping guns "out of the wrong hands." She supports expanding the ban on assault-style weapons, extending waiting periods for background checks, allowing courts to remove weapons from people who threaten to harm themselves or others, and prohibiting domestic abusers from having guns. When it comes to the state's role in reducing property taxes, Doran wants to ensure the flexible 2 percent tax cap remains in place; Ashby would see the state do more to provide mandate relief to local governments. The district includes areas that have been afflicted by PFOA contamination. If granted discretionary state aid for his district, Ashby said, "I would give every cent to projects aimed to ensure clean drinking water." Doran also identified water infrastructure as well as neighborhood revitalization projects and road repairs as top priorities for any funding she could direct to the district. 102nd Assembly District Tague and O'Connor are split on what the state's minimum wage should be in upstate New York. O'Connor endorses the regional minimum wage structure, adopted in 2016, that is scheduled to bring the upstate minimum wage to $12.50 by 2021 and subsequently increase to $15 at the direction of the state Budget Division. Tague contends that the minimum wage increases imposed by the state are hurting small businesses; he believes expanding the state's earned income tax credit would be more beneficial for low-income New Yorkers. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Access to health care services is a critical issue facing the 102nd Assembly District, which includes sparsely populated rural areas. Tague supports legislation that incentivizes doctors to practice in underserved areas and wants to fund tuition assistance for nurses willing to work in New York. Like Doran, O'Connor advocates for a single-payer system of health care in New York. In the meantime, he stressed the importance of investments in emergency medical services, community-based health models and telehealth options. Both Tague and O'Connor support improved mental health services and armed resources officers to make schools safer. "I think it's important for Republicans to understand that keeping dangerous people with a track record of violent crime and mental illness from getting their hands on firearms is good stewardship of the Second Amendment," Tague said. O'Connor would like to see existing gun control laws property enforced. More issues More from the candidates for the 102nd and 107th Assembly districts: The Child Victims Act: All four major candidates support the legislation as proposed by advocates, which includes a one-year "look-back" window that allows survivors of past abuse to bring civil suits for decades-old allegations. Preferred candidate for governor? Both Republican candidates are lined up behind Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, while the Democratic candidates declined to choose between incumbent Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Cynthia Nixon or someone else. The Triborough Amendment: Critics of this state law, which blocks most public workers from striking but requires that the provisions of their contract must remain in place during negotiation of a new one, say it drives up personnel costs, while supporters say it ensures good-faith labor talks. Tague, Doran and O'Connor don't want this language repealed or amended; Ashby wants it repealed. Scaffold Law: Proponents of this measure say it promotes workplace safety, while opponents argue it drives up project costs without any benefits. The candidates are split by party on this issue, with Tague and Ashby open to reform and Doran and O'Connor against changes. Desired Assembly committees: Doran: Agriculture, Education, Environmental Conservation, Economic Development and Veterans' Affairs; Ashby: Veterans' Affairs, Ethics, Health and Aging; Tague: Agriculture, Economic Development, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Tourism and Small Business; O'Connor: Agriculture, Economic Development, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse, Health and Mental Health See More Collapse Both candidates will be focused on the expansion of high-speed internet throughout the district. O'Connor said he will oversee the state's broadband investments to make sure they're benefiting the region, and pursue federal grants for improving speeds or serving areas not benefiting from state assistance. Tague supports tax credits to incentivize more private sector options and wants to invest more state funding. NYSP A Syracuse woman is facing multiple felonies after State Police said she was caught trying to smuggle drugs in her underwear into a Johnstown prison. Tasjha M. Hudson, 33, was arrested after correctional officers using a K9 found synthetic marijuana and suboxone strips on her when she tried to get in to the Hale Creek Correctional Facility. Students Rachel Scott and Richard Castaldo, both 17, ate lunch together outside Columbine High School's front door because the weather was so lovely that April 20. At 11:19 a.m., two male classmates approached them, drew guns and began shooting. Scott was killed instantly. Castaldo was hit several times and paralyzed from the waist down. The shooters entered the school with an arsenal of semi-automatic weapons. In 48 minutes, they murdered 12 students and one teacher. It was 1999. There have been 26 fatal school shootings in America since. But the aftermath of February's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School massacre felt different. The Parkland, Fla. shooter killed 17. And the survivors ignited a national movement that will memorialize the Columbine anniversary this week. Friday, Capital Region high school activists plan a school walkout, protest and voter registration drive in Albany's West Capitol Park. Their goal is to elect politicians who will pass legislation improving gun buyer background checks and outlawing the sale of AR-15 style semi-automatic rifles, which are most commonly used by school shooters. Columbine school massacre remembrance What: Capital Region high school students have organized a call to action for stricter gun control measures on the anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre that left 12 students and one teacher dead in Colorado. When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Friday, April 20 Where: West Capitol Park, Swan and State streets, Albany Featured speakers: Adam Alhanti and John Barnitt, survivors of the Feb. 14 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. See More Collapse Albany-area teens used GoFundMe to raise $1,000 to fly Parkland school survivors Adam Alhanti and John Barnitt to speak to the April 20 protesters. Alhanti and Barnitt have become articulate voices for the movement in speeches and on Twitter. The Capital Region teens say this will be just one of many events they plan to build momentum to get Gen Z voters to the polls for the midterm elections this November. The local student activists who spoke recently to a Bethlehem Town Hall crowd were not even born when the Columbine children were killed. But as Bethlehem High School's Liam Donnelly observes, in 2012 some of them were still in primary school when 20 children were murdered in the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre. Six teachers were also murdered in the Newtown, Conn. school that day. "That massacre was terrifying news," said Donnelly, who grew up participating in twice monthly active shooter drills. Parkland made him realize that "the Sandy Hook survivors were too young to organize politically and Columbine kids didn't have the powerful tool of social media. So it's our generation's duty to confront this issue." Columbia High School's Lilly Hutton said her principal had been supportive of the walkout. "We reached out to 23 schools who wanted to participate. Due to transportation problems, we're not sure how many can get to the downtown protest." Organizer Maeve Donnelly (Liam's sister) worried rural kids not old enough to drive would find CTDA buses "a logistical nightmare." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The teenagers are signing up adult volunteers who can offer rides. At the meeting, Bethlehem retiree Paul Tick grabbed a battered manila envelope from a nearby table to pass around for donations. Adult attendees tucked dollar bills and loose change inside to help the young activists pay for Uber and Lyft rides, and rent a sound system. The National Rifle Association, which opposes many of the measures the students support, has an average annual revenue of $128 million. This does not shake Maeve Donnelly's confidence. "I have complete conviction that we are on the right side of history, fighting for what is just and right," she said."This isn't a radical idea or a platform we are using to advance ourselves, but a movement that we fully believe is necessary for the future of our country As Liam put it, "I never wanted to learn what an AR-15 is or count how many steps between my desk and door in every classroom. ... There is an extremely angry, radical wing in our country that hates the way their lives turned out and they're taking it out on schools. We can try to change the way they think so they won't kill. Or we can take away the primary weapon they use and save lives. I'm done being scared. I'd rather be pissed and fighting back." An undocumented mother of four from Laredo was detained Sunday by U.S. Border Patrol agents in San Antonio as she brought her 4-year-old special needs son, a U.S. citizen, into University Hospital for orthopedic surgery on his broken arm. San Antonio attorney Gerardo Menchaca said Monday that the woman, Silvia Macuixele, originally from the Mexican state of Oaxaca, was detained and fingerprinted at a checkpoint north of Laredo on Interstate 35 as she brought her son north by ambulance. Agents then followed the ambulance to San Antonio shortly after 3:30 a.m. Sunday. Menchaca said an incredibly nice agent stayed with Macuixele, who was not in handcuffs, when she arrived at University and then remained in her sons room even as she conferred with her attorney, despite Menchacas protests. She was prevented from contacting her family or leaving the hospital room, and then was taken back to Laredo with her speech-impaired son by agents and not released on her personal recognizance until early Monday. The federal agency had been informed by a Laredo hospital that Macuixele, who had been twice deported in 20008, would be in transit in the ambulance, said Priscilla Martinez, the immigration coordinator for Workers Defense Action Fund, an immigration advocacy group that assisted the mother and alerted the media. A statement released Monday by the Border Patrols parent agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said Macuixele is to appear before a federal immigration judge, possibly in May, who will rule on her immigration status and determine her eligibility for relief or removal from the United States. Martinez said Macuixele has reported to law enforcement incidents of domestic abuse by an ex-husband in Laredo and might seek a visa accommodation due to that. The episode is reminiscent of, but legally different from, the case of a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy, Rosa Maria Hernandez, who six months ago gained national attention after being detained by federal agents who followed her from Laredo to Corpus Christi as she traveled in a private vehicle to seek emergency gallbladder surgery. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. The Border Patrol acted very differently this time than they did in the Rosa Maria case, and were happy about that, Martinez said. But were still not pleased that the Border Patrol was in the room with the mom and dont think that was needed at all. We will continue to work with the Department of Homeland Security to modify those situations. See ExpressNews.com or Tuesdays Express-News for more on this developing story. Bruce Selcraig is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. | BSelcraig@express-news.net You have reached a premium content area of TOL. To read this entire article please login if you are already a TOL subscriber. Not a subscriber? Annual membership costs only $55 per year for individuals ($33 for students) and organizational subscriptions start at $141 per year. Subscribe today for access to: Full access to the website, including premium articles videos, country reports and searchable archives (containing over 25,000 articles). Best Fire Stick VPN in 2021 VPN A Fire Stick VPN can help you get the most out of almost any streaming site, whether it's Netflix, Prime, or even BBC iPlayer. Here's our top 5. As an easy-to-use headset that runs on modest hardware (by VR standards), the Explorer is a solid-enough choice. And if youre looking for a headset to share with your kids, were not aware of a PC-connected VR device that will fit better. Introduction The Lenovo Explorer Windows Mixed Reality headset is a portable VR headset that's affordable and lightweight, and will fit on a small head. If you're looking for a headset to share with your kids, this is among your best bets right now. Microsoft launched the Windows Mixed Reality platform in October, which added virtual reality and augmented reality to the Windows 10 operating system. Rather than build its own hardware, Microsoft focused on the software side of the platform and turned to a handful of hardware partners to take care of the headset manufacturing. The company partnered with well-established PC hardware designers such as Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung to bring a variety of Windows Mixed Reality headsets to the market. Microsoft set the minimum specifications for the headsets, and it developed a reference controller design for the motion controllers, and it gave the headset partners the freedom to customize and improve the designs as they saw fit. We recently took a good hard look at the Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset, and it left us with mixed impressions. The Acer headset features a crisp display, is lightweight, and is easy to set up. However, the build quality feels somewhat cheap, and we werent impressed with the reference-design controllers that Acer includes with the headset. Lenovos Explorer Windows Mixed Reality Headset is in the same price range as the Acer headset, and it offers comparable features. And it happens to be the second Windows MR headset that we received for evaluation. Hopefully, Lenovos headset doesnt fall short in the same ways that the Acer headset did. Let's see. The Windows Mixed Reality Platform Windows Mixed Reality is Microsofts immersive technology platform. It piggybacks on the Windows 10 Fall Creators Update and supports augmented-reality devices such as the HoloLens headset. But Microsofts partners are betting that most people will access Windows MR with one of the Windows MR VR HMDs. The Windows MR platform provides a virtual environment from which to access your digital content in 3D. When you put the headset on, youll find yourself in virtual space that you can customize for your preferences. The default environment is called the Beach House, and it offers several rooms and workspaces. (For an in-depth look at the Windows MR platform and its Beach House environment, see our Acer Windows Mixed Reality Headset review.) The Windows Mixed Reality platform is still in its infancy, and as such, there isnt much to do with it yet. Microsoft boasts that more than 20,000 applications support Windows MR, but wed argue that you wont find much to do thats practical in VR. Sure, you can open almost any UWP app in Windows MR, but most apps werent created with a 3D environment in mind, and they dont offer much that you cant do with a standard PC display. When we received our Acer headset, we attempted to use it for productivity, but that was easier said than done. Ideally, we would have used Microsofts Office suite to write the review while wearing the headset. Unfortunately, there was a bug in Microsofts UWP Office applications that prevented us from opening them in the VR environment. Fortunately, by the time we started to evaluate the Lenovo headset, Microsoft had corrected the problem. Much of the review youre reading right now was written in Word Mobile while wearing the Lenovo Explorer headset. Working in Windows Mixed Reality has gotten better since we first looked at the platform, but its still not up to par with a traditional computing environment. Were now able to work with Word Mobile and other Office apps, which is a great improvement from the initial launch. However, were still not convinced that Microsofts approach to productivity in VR worksespecially now that Oculus Core 2.0 software supports virtual workspaces, too. Its nice to see Microsofts native applications working in Windows Mixed Reality, but we dont expect to spend much time working with our headset on. In fact, we couldnt even compel ourselves to write this entire article in VR. We could see using Word Mobile in Windows MR to write short documents, or for quick edits. However, Windows MR doesnt improve our productivity. If anything, it hinders our ability to work efficiently, and therefore we dont see ourselves giving up traditional displays just yet. We found that we had to lift the visor regularly to see the real world. Be it reaching for our mouse or searching for the right key on the keyboardwe found it more challenging than you might expect to reach for peripherals blindly. You may not think that visual cues play a big role in reaching for your mouse. We learned the hard way just how much our peripheral vision plays a role in our day-to-day computer use. When we tested the Acer Windows Mixed Reality headset, we found that using the motion controllers to navigate applications was cumbersome. We attempted to use the mouse in VR, but that didnt appear to work in our early tests. Were not sure if Microsoft changed something, or if we somehow missed this feature, but weve since discovered that you could use your traditional mouse in Microsofts Mixed Reality environment. The mouse isnt the ideal peripheral for 3D navigation, but it is still superior for 2D navigation. We much prefer using the mouse to access the menus in Word Mobile and other 2D applications. When you use the mouse in VR, you can move it from window to window through 3D space. The mouse cursor remains at a static distance when hovering over an application. When you move beyond the app windows barriers, the cursor jumps to the nearest flat planebe that another window, a wall, the background in the distance, or even the floor. You wouldnt think that moving a mouse in a 3D space would work, but Microsofts implementation works well. MORE: Best Virtual Reality Headsets MORE: All Virtual Reality Content MORE: Virtual Reality Basics Throwing trash from your car to the road is never a good idea because its disgusting, but throwing nails in the road to punish speeding drivers? Thats a whole new level of lunacy. A 75-year-old man from Minnesota is finding that out the hard way after getting arrested for his self-righteous act of vigilantism. The man, identified as Joseph Kurimay, now faces five years in prison to go with a fine of $10,000. After being alerted of the possible criminal act, the Buffalo Police Department launched an investigation There are many schools of thought regarding the pros and cons of vigilante acts, and almost none of them are justified. What Joseph Kurimay has been accused of doing over the last six months definitely qualifies as a criminal act more than a crusade against reckless drivers. According to WCCO News, drivers in Buffalo, Minnesota have been showing up at local tire shops with the same issue: punctured tires caused by 1.5-inch, steel-capped masonry nails. No one knew at that time where the nails were coming from, but the frequency of these occurrences ended with one victim growing suspicious after a garage employee mentioned that dozens of other cars had struck the same type of nail in the same area. After being alerted of the possible criminal act, the Buffalo Police Department launched an investigation and eventually matched Kurimays credit card information and surveillance footage of him purchasing boxes of the same type of nails from a local home improvement store on four different occasions. Kurimay blamed the governments inaction, saying that he was forced to take the matter into his own hands Things took a turn for the worse for the 75-year-old when police officers paid his home a visit, only to find three partial pieces of nails in the road outside his house. Eventually, the officers returned with a warrant to search his property, and after pleading ignorance to the crime, officers found mostly empty boxes of nails in his garage, forcing Kurimay to fess up and admit to being behind the mysterious tire punctures. Like a man with a warped sense of justice, Kurimay blamed the governments inaction, saying that he was forced to take the matter into his own hands after his complaint of multiple drivers speeding past his house fell on supposedly deaf ears. Regardless of his intentions, Kurimay is now facing a long stint in jail for his crimes, proving that two wrongs dont make a right. And, to cap this story off with a sprinkling of irony, the 75-year-old has received several speeding tickets of his own in recent years. Source: CBS Local Minnesota Volkswagens new man at the top is looking to shake the auto giants assets up. Newly appointed CEO Herbert Diess made that point clear in his first news conference as the head honcho of the worlds second-largest automaker. While he didnt dive into the specifics, Diess confirmed that the company will be reviewing every brand it owns. If it comes down to it, the German automaker will be open to selling some of its assets in an effort to streamline its portfolio by only keeping its strongest brands. If it comes down to it, I dont like the motorcycle brands chances of staying with VW It also happens to be a brand that was rumored as recently as last year to be on the verge of getting sold for $1.8 billion For those who arent aware, a rundown of Volkswagens brands includes Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Skoda, SEAT, Lamborghini, Bugatti, Ducati, Scania, MAN, VW Commercial Vehicles, and the core Volkswagen brand. Off the top, we can immediately rule out Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, Bugatti, and the Volkswagen brand as possible brands that could be sold. Not only are they the strongest brands of the lot, but theyre also the most visible all over the world. In some respects, we can include SEAT, Skoda, and the VW Commercial Vehicles in that list. Theyve become cash cows in their own right. Scania and MAN are commercial brands that also hold some appeal for VW. That leaves Ducati, the Italian motorcycle brand thats known for offering some of the most extreme motorcycles in the business today. It also happens to be a brand that was rumored as recently as last year to be on the verge of getting sold for $1.8 billion. Nothing came out of it, but past reports revealed that Volkswagens workforce representatives, which has equal billing on the VW board with corporate management, shot down any attempt at selling Ducati. A representative from VW was even quoted by Reuters, saying that the employee representatives on Volkswagens supervisory board will neither approve a sale of Ducati, nor one of Renk or MAN Diesel & Turbo. Now that Volkswagen is effectively under new leadership, all those previous scenarios are back on the table, including the possibility that Ducati gets sold. But that was then. Now that Volkswagen is effectively under new leadership, all those previous scenarios are back on the table, including the possibility that Ducati gets sold. It wont be surprising if the Italian brand finds its name in the news again. That said, there are still plenty of possibilities as far as what direction Diess wants to take Volkswagen. Theres going to be some difficult decisions to be made, and a lot of people will be looking to see which of these brands are deemed expendable. Were not going to say its Ducati off the bat, but if given a choice, its probably the likeliest one to go. References Read more Volkswagen news. Read our full review on the 2018 Ducati 939 SuperSport. Source: Reuters The tenth session of the Committee on Regional Cooperation and Integration was held in Addis Ababa on 1 and 2 November 2017, on the theme, Implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area and shared gains. The main objective of the session was to examine the efforts being made to fast track the implementation of the Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade and an agreement to establish an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Participants also took stock of other developments taking place within the sub-programme on regional cooperation and integration in the following areas: intra-African and international trade, infrastructure, industrialization, food security and agriculture, investment and land policies. This report is one of the submissions to the 51st session of the Conference of African Ministers of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, taking place on 11-15 May in Addis Ababa on the theme, African Continental Free Trade Area and fiscal space for jobs and economic diversification. Progress in the implementation of the regional integration and trade programme Surveying developments in Africas regional integration with a view to influencing policy The presentation highlighted the key results achieved by the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) for the period January 2016 to June 2017. In the area of food security and agriculture, the Division carried out research that contributed to initiatives designed to help Africa rethink agricultural and rural transformation; agricultural production systems; agribusiness and regional value chains; and developing an agriculture sector with a private sector focus. RITD also provided training on developing regional value chains, which contributed to the continental agribusiness strategy and implementation plan aimed at developing a structure and business plan for a continental apex agribusiness. In regional and international trade, the Division played a significant role in developing the template agreement for the expected establishment of the continental free trade area. That template agreement was being used as the basis for negotiations. RITD undertook research and produced technical papers for African Ministers of Trade on the continental free trade area, African Growth and Opportunity Act, Economic Partnership Agreements, trade and climate change, investment and regional trade agreements. A key report, the seventh edition of Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA VII), was published in line with the theme, Innovation, competitiveness and regional integration. ECA also launched a report on the Africa regional integration index, which provided data on the status and progress of regional integration on the continent. Furthermore, the Division delivered trainings on trade and gender, trade policy modelling, and analysis. It also initiated work to develop a Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for Boosting Intra-African Trade Action Plan. In December 2016 and in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank and the African Export-Import Bank, the Division organized Africa Trade Week, a multi-stakeholder platform to discuss topical trade policy issues in Africa. On industrial and infrastructure development, RITD provided technical assistance on developing industrial policy for member States and regional economic communities. Research was undertaken on the industrial policy landscape in Africa, developing a methodology for the localization of energy technologies to boost the continents manufacturing potential and on promoting infrastructure development for Africas industrialization. ECA also provided technical support to the African Union Commission, culminating in the launch of the single African air transport market in June 2017. RITD contributed to a better understanding of the role of bioenergy in the energy plans of African countries through a United Nations Development Account project on implementing a biofuel programme for household and transport sectors. On investment, RITD carried out studies on investment policies and bilateral investment treaties, and provided policy advice on the development of industrial sectors in Namibia, in order to boost trade and foreign direct investment. The Division also conducted policy advocacy in support of the continental dialogue on investment. Two studies were prepared by the Division on the drivers that may support boosting intra-African investment, and on the linkages between double taxation treaties and bilateral investment treaties in Africa. Those studies will support and inform policy processes on the continent, such as the continental dialogue on investment. The results outlined above were achieved through leveraging strategic partnerships including with Governments, organizations and agencies with the United Nations system, the African Development Bank and the African Union Commission. During the discussion, concerns were raised about the ability of certain African countries to apply and implement effectively a possible agreement that would establish a free trade area. Similarly, small and landlocked countries in particular expressed concerns that their gains from the regional integration process in Africa would be limited. It was also observed that some other countries have managed to tune their landlocked status to their own advantage. It was noted that the eighth edition of the report, Assessing Regional Integration in Africa (ARIA VIII), provided important insights into how to alleviate such concerns. Also during the discussion, participants acknowledged that the infrastructure deficit and non-tariff barriers continued to be major challenges that needed to be dealt with in order for African economies to industriali ze, become more competitive in the international market, and be able to export their products under specific trade agreements and arrangements. In that regard, building and upgrading value chains would be critical. One example cited was to develop the required infrastructure and capacities for roasting and blending raw coffee beans in order to be able to export coffee under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. In regard to investment issues, it was noted that data collection on intra-African investments remained a challenge for African countries. There was a need to collect and compile data on intra-African investments, including, in particular, on foreign direct investment originating from and heading to African countries. Also stressed was the need to identify key financial challenges faced by the continent and the importance of investments in infrastructure aimed at unlocking the regional trade potential. The discussion focused on the critical need to review infrastructure bottlenecks in Africa and how best to tackle them. It was noted that the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (NEPAD) had developed programmes and projects to build infrastructure and promote industrial development. In that regard, a key issue was to ensure that the infrastructure projects of the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) would contribute to industrial development. It was also noted that, at the Dakar Financing Summit (held on 14 and 15 June 2014), for example, proposals for pdf 16 projects (7.93 MB) were introduced and that ECA was working with the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) to find alternative ways to fund those projects, such as through pension funds and other financing sources. It was emphasized that there was a need to set up regional value chains, which could promote industrialization and which would include raw materials from Africa. However, it was pointed out that the cost of transportation of inputs was impeding the competiveness of African economies. Also, the opportunities provided by ongoing trade corridor projects needed to be reviewed, with the objective of making them competitive. The discussion turned to strategic and integrated planning, which was identified as necessary for effectively addressing development issues in Africa. The following recommendations were made: Member States and regional economic communities are encouraged to adopt sound monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure the effective implementation of regional integration commitments; ECA, the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank should increase technical assistance in generating and collecting data on trade and regional integration. Inclusive infrastructure development: the key to promoting Africas industrialization The point was stressed by the secretariat that industrialization was critical for African economies to achieve structural transformation, where resources were shifting from lower to higher productivity, and to value added activities. It was explained that such an approach would ultimately result in sustained growth, job creation and poverty reduction. It was pointed out that numerous opportunities existed for African economies to scale up industrial activities, including large resource endowments, increasing domestic demand, and expanding regional markets driven by trade agreements. If African economies were to tap into those opportunities while promoting value added activities, an inclusive infrastructure development would remain a necessary enabler. Promoting industrialization and infrastructure development was sine qua non to achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda and the aspirations of Agenda 2063. Furthermore, the secretariat indicated that the industrialization of African economies was required in order to find ways that helped the continent address infrastructure bottlenecks. It was noted that such changes would require effective planning and strong coherence through shared strategic plans and policies, similar to the coordination that existed between national and regional infrastructure development programmes. The establishment of special economic zones, under certain conditions, were effective in circumventing the persistent and significant infrastructure constraints on the continent. Ongoing success stories across the continent existed in Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya and South Africa. It was pointed out that there was consensus that infrastructure deficits were limiting the full benefits of industrialization for the continent, though countries were moving very slowly towards addressing such deficits. Energy was cited as the most critical infrastructure asset that was posing a serious impediment to the industrialization trajectory in Africa. Emphasis needed to be placed on clean energy production patterns that would ensure that industrial processes were sustainable. Industrialization also needed to be looked at in the context of a full value chain approach, starting with the production of inputs (e.g. fertilizers), and including products and services. The successful implementation of a continental free trade area would require massive industrialization at the continental level. Another issue that needed to be addressed was the mismatch between most African education systems and the needs of industry. It was observed that poor governance impacted negatively on infrastructure development on the continent, as the main focus tended to be on building, with less focus on the maintenance of current infrastructure assets. The following recommendations were made: Member States are recommended to improve the governance of the infrastructure sector, taking into consideration issues of repair and maintenance of the existing assets; Member States are urged to scale up their efforts in addressing energy deficits and to tap into the vast renewable energy potential of the continent; Member States are encouraged to promote the development of Special Economic Zones and Industrial Zones to scale up value added activities; Member States are encouraged to allocate priority to the development of quality infrastructure to reduce logistical costs and enhance inter-connectivity. Sharing best practices: boosting intra-African investment The secretariat presented the main objectives and key findings of a study that had been undertaken by ECA, Drivers for boosting intra-African investment flows towards Africas transformation, which built on and was a follow-up to an earlier ECA study on investment policies and bilateral investment treaties in Africa. The main objectives of the current study were to analyse the drivers of boosting intra-African investment flows and to provide a solid theoretical and empirical framework aimed at strengthened investment policies in order to boost intra-African investment. In addition, the study also explored the progress made in negotiating the continental free trade area and linked the benefits of such a trade area with the promotion of intra-African investments. Some continental initiatives that had been undertaken by Governments and some pan-African institutions in promoting investment regulations were also highlighted. The initiatives included: (a) work on establishing the trade area which was instrumental in creating a single continental market for goods and services; (b) the efforts of regional economic communities in the development of investment regulations; (c) ECA study on bilateral investment treaties and double taxation treaties, which have been an integral part of the work of policymakers to counter the perception of risk and promote foreign direct investment (FDI); and (d) a pan-African investment code aimed at harmonizing existing investment regulations. Some of the key trends on FDI flows in Africa were also highlighted. A key message on such trends is that the continent remains one of the worlds fastest-growing economic regions. That fact provides incentives for foreign companies to consider Africa as a potential destination for their investment. Factors contributing to the increasing growth in investment include: improved government policies, improved macroeconomic conditions, and reforms on investments. Reference was made to some studies which, among other things, reveal that global investment flows have increased rapidly, from approximately $200 billion at the beginning of the 1990s to $1.75 trillion in 2016. The results from the study reveal that geographical distribution of FDI in Africa in 2016 remains heterogeneous. A breakdown was provided of investment levels in each of the five regions of the continent. Drivers of intra-African investment were highlighted, focusing on both continental and regional levels. In his summary, the secretariat highlighted key conclusions and policy recommendations, and urged African member States to take crucial steps towards implementation. It was pointed out that the establishment of a continental free trade area would significantly boost intra-African trade. It was very important to ensure, however, that once the trade area was established, African countries would undertake not to participate in discriminatory practices. In addition, any international agreements and protocols, including trade facilitation and customs agreements, must be localized in order for the continent to reap the greatest benefits from such an area. Deeper regional integration in Africa was also called for, based on the view that it was a critical factor in supporting intraregional trade and investment. The importance of investment for Africa s development, as a source of both finance and productive assets, was also stressed. It was noted that the establishment of a continental free trade area would serve as an effective tool in dealing with the numerous challenges and bottlenecks associated with efforts to boost intra-African investment. One of the highlighted challenges was the high cost of production, a key contributing factor to the low productivity levels. In that regard, it was noted that the establishment of such a trade area would present an opportunity to reduce the cost of factors, underpinned by the free movement of people, goods, services and capital. In addition, it was observed that harnessing internal savings would improve intra-African investment. Regarding investment challenges, it was pointed out that tapping the potential of intra-African trade and investment depended on the capacity of African countries to do the following: increase the pace of production and industrialization; mobilize domestic resources in order to boost intra-African investment; accommodate trade facilitation; and reduce the costs of doing business. In that regard, the point was made that the promotion of intra-African investment could be done through mobilizing internal savings by strengthening the financial system; Moreover, the it was noted that establishment of a continental free trade area could also be complemented by reforms to the business climate to promote intra-African investment. Another point that was emphasized was the need to consider the risk perception relating to Africa in developing a risk framework. It was observed that productive capacity in Africa was impeded primarily by high production costs. It was noted that large-scale industrialization could harness the potential benefits from the continental free trade area. It was also noted that it was an opportune time to consider the impact of business tourism on intra-African investment and particularly within the region of Eastern Africa. To do that, reliable data would be required on bilateral investment disaggregated by country and sector and on trade in value added. It was observed that such data would enable ECA to perform more detailed and in-depth analyses of the investment determinants. In that regard, it was noted that service-driven foreign direct investment had taken precedence because the data, especially the announced greenfield investment, masked its growth. To attain more balanced growth, investments across the economic sectors must be more evenly distributed. In that regard, it was noted that reliable data on investment by sectors could help to ensure that. Furthermore, it was noted that African countries faced difficulties in producing data on investment owing to the lack of required statistical expertise and vocational trainings. It was observed that many investors were reluctant to invest in Africa because of the perception of elevated risk. In that regard, it was suggested that harmonization of rules and regulatory investment frameworks within and across African regions, and the establishment of the continental free trade area, could help to mitigate that concern. In addition to the suggestion of a negative perception, it was pointed out that a lack of political stability and policy predictability were also factors that affected adversely investment flows to Africa. The following recommendations were made: Member States are encouraged to give effect to regional and international investment instruments and agreements and to those within the proposed framework for the establishment of the continental free trade area; Member States are encouraged to improve the quality of and access to education through targeting specific training and vocational programmes to improve labour skills and scale up the expertise of their labour force; Member States are encouraged to improve the quality of and access to education, based on the view that a more educated workforce would increase investment potential, boost intraAfrican investment flows and promote associated innovation, technology and knowledge transfers; Member States are called upon to improve the business climate, which is essential to attracting investments; Member States are urged to observe the principle of non-discrimination especially in relation to incentives for investors, given that favouring intra-African investors in a discriminatory manner would have a negative impact on sources of investment from outside Africa. General discussion on the theme of the tenth session, Implementation of the continental free trade area and shared gains General discussion It was acknowledged that the establishment of the continental free trade area could be an important tool for addressing the continents challenges associated with socioeconomic development, unemployment, food security and poverty. At the same time, member States noted that the continental free trade area in itself, once established, would not be enough to ensure a transformational change and inclusive gains, but it would provide a comprehensive platform to address the issues and challenges at stake. It was pointed out that, in order for the free trade area to bring the intended benefits, there would be necessary to implement supporting policies, strategies and measures aimed at, among other actions, building productive capacities, improving trade facilitation, increasing investment and closing infrastructure gaps. In that respect, member States also highlighted the need for special and differentiated treatment when implementing the continental free trade area modalities. In addition, it was noted that compensation mechanisms would need to be put in place to ensure that potential losses owing to the reforms relevant to liberalization, such as loss in revenue from tariff reductions, could be offset and benefits from the establishment of the continental free trade area could be better shared among member States. Furthermore, the point was emphasized that there was a need for wide consultation with all stakeholders on the negotiations, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of the agreement to establish the continental free trade area, including with relevant line ministries, women, young people, the private sector and civil society. Particular emphasis was placed on the key role of the private sector in the process to establish the continental free trade area. During the deliberations, a communication strategy was discussed, which would play a vital role in advocating a free trade area and enhance understanding of the agreement by the private and public sectors. Moreover, structures were called for to support a more unified voice for the African private sector. It also indicated that the implementation of the agreement to establish the continental free trade area must be accompanied by a solid monitoring and evaluation framework to ensure its effectiveness and accountability to stakeholders at national, regional and continental levels. In that regard, it was stated that ECA and the African Union Commission could play a role in that regard, including at the subregional level. It was also discussed that regional economic communities and ministries in charge of economic integration could assume their roles at the regional and national levels, respectively. In addition, it was noted that trading relations with external partners must also be considered in the implementation of the agreement to establish the continental free trade area. It was pointed out that, in particular, the implications on a continental free trade area of external commitments, such as the Economic Partnership Agreements, must be understood. Member States should make use of the Aid for Trade to finance reforms relevant to an agreement relating to a free trade area. It was also emphasized that it was important to ensure that the establishment of such a free trade area would strengthen the position of Africa vis-a-vis its external partners and would not create new vulnerabilities. Any study that looked at the interactions between trade agreements (including the Economic Partnership Agreements) and the continental free trade area should be made widely available. In view of the fact that youth unemployment had remained high, the point was stressed that there was a need for African countries to develop curricula better suited to the priorities of the continent and to the needs of the labour market. Moreover, the point was made that offering decent jobs should be a high priority in implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. Recommendations The following recommendations were made: The final activity of a project that aims at contributing to COMESAs overall goals of having sustainable economic development and poverty reduction in the region was held in Lusaka from 10th to 13th April 2018. The project titled Targeted Support to the COMESA Secretariat to Enhance its Regional Trade Integration Agenda was launched in May 2017 with financial support from the European Union through Tradecom II. The objective of the event in Lusaka is to consider the results of the four sets of interventions and related studies and provide requisite training on inputs to the negotiations of the second tier of the named areas. The project goals are expected to be achieved through closer regional integration and increased participation in the global economy. Experts from CESO Development Consultants were tasked to carry out various studies on support to implementation of the COMESA Trade in Services Programme. They included the review of COMESA Rules of Origin; Study on COMESA Member States Positioning to Benefit from the Emerging Economies; and Mainstreaming Gender / Women and Youth in COMESAs regional trade integration. TradeCom II had been requested for technical assistance to undertake analytical work that would enhance the regions trade integration. The assistance sought was on: analytical work on trade in services covering the three additional priority services sectors of Business Services; energy services as well as construction and related engineering services and frameworks on Mutual Recognition Agreements as well as on Movement of Persons. Others were, the review of the COMESA Rules of Origin, including the design of an electronic certificate of origin; developing a COMESA Strategy to engage the emerging economies; and mainstreaming gender and youth in regional integration. During the meeting, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Zambia, Mrs. Kayula Siame called on the participants to thoroughly interrogate the issues raised in the studies and provide the necessary comments and guidance that would assist the consultants to enrich the reports and make them more relevant. Equally, the Director of Trade at COMESA Secretariat Dr Francis Mangeni called on the participants to objectively examine the outputs and provide further inputs that would guide the consultants as they finalized the reports. A representative of the European Delegation to Zambia, Mr Joseph Silavwe indicated that the EU was following keenly on the studies. Further, EU appreciated the synergies with the programmes that itwas developing with COMESA under the EDF 11. Ms Maura Nunziatini, from TradeCom II PMU, pointed out that TradeCom II was pleased to be part of the process and expected the study outputs to stand the test of time for years to come. The project was viewed as a best practice and was featured at a Knowledge Sharing event held in Brussels in February 2018. Participants at the Lusaka meeting were drawn from Comoros, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sudan, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The European Delegation in Zambia, Tradecom II Project Monetary Unit, FEMCOM and CUTS were also represented. Treehugger and our third-party partners use cookies and process personal data like unique identifiers based on your consent to store and/or access information on a device, display personalized ads and for content measurement, audience insight, and product development. To change or withdraw your consent choices for Treehugger.com, including your right to object where legitimate interest is used, click below. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. List of Partners (vendors) AN unvaccinated accountant at the Urban Development Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago (UDeCOTT) is now facing the effects of not taking the jab, as she will soon be placed on no-pay leave due to the companys policy. 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 I ask the question whether we have a labour market because I am not sure if we do. There are scenes that have not been appearing in landscapes I used to know. For example, I have a vivid memory of adolescent black males wearing ties and heading to work. In the 1960s. Maybe in the civil service, or teaching. And really, there is no bad Dutch cheese. The Netherlands do dairy very well, with all that good grass. We do have good grass (yes, not the weed, but the turf). Thats why its really sad that a lot of the cows dont get to be outside to eat it. About 35% of the cows are kept inside all year round. If you want to make sure your cheese is made from milk of cows that are allowed to be outside in spring and summer, you should ask or check the label for cheese made from weidemelk. Weidemelk means something like pasture milk. By law, milk may only be called Weidemelk if it comes from cows who are outside for at least 6 hours on at least 120 days per year. Could you sub-let your villa on Maui and have even four weeks in Aus? If you do only have 14 days, you need to fly between destinations to see and do all you want without being rushed. There are direct flights to KI from Melbourne now, so you could drop the GBR and do Sydney, Melbourne (including the Great Ocean Road) and KI. Another option would be to do Hervey Bay for Fraser Island and Lady Elliot Island (southernmost part of the GBR and less likely to be affected by cyclones/stingers) so say arrive Sydney, fly direct to Hervey Bay, then do FI and LEI, fly to Melbourne then KI, then finish up in Sydney. It will be an extremely busy trip and an extra week or two would allow you a much more leisurely time - with the possibility of a decent road trip. Do keep in mind that you are travelling at the busiest time of year for us, so you need to plan carefully and book asap to get the accom/car rentals/flights you want. Cheers. >>Can you please suggest specific location where we need to go. I have seen multiple options / tour company in experience OZ / Viator, etc (with hotel pick up activity). However, I would like to know - exact places we should go for these activities to have best activities.<< Viator is a tour reseller. They sell tours run by other companies. I doubt if anyone has done all possible tours/activities and can tell you which choice is best. What someone else might feel is best might not be what you think is best anyway. I agree with the advice to google for the operators yourself and try to make a shortlist. If you post a shortlist with information about why you those appeal to you, we can probably offer some further comments and advice to help you choose. We cannot tell you 'exactly' where to go for the 'best'. Think about what sort of experience you want. Sky Diving Tandem? Scenery? Transport to and from? Souvenir video availability? Etc? Hot Air Balloon Convenience for pre-dawn start? City or rural scenery? Larger balloon shared with other passengers or smaller balloon? Breakfast? Etc? Scuba Diving Some kind of intro dive or a lesson in a pool or a basic qualification course or what? Medical and safety prerequisites? It could be suggested that the Great Barrier Reef is the most likely location for scuba diving but as I said in my earlier post, do you want to see the Great Barrier Reef or are other sights preferred / acceptable? Your destinations of Sydney, Melbourne and Gold Coast are not near the reef. None of this is an issue, or requires a lot of advance planning. You will pass through lots of towns, and most have a local chain grocery store. If you are just buying water and snacks, the price is not going to vary hugely. The big issue here is car burglary. This is probably the #1 crime affecting tourists. And not just in Costa Rica either. I agree with flsurfer's comment that even if the store is fenced, you do not leave your car unattended. One person shops, the other waits in the car. Sometimes if we both want to shop, we take turns. My wife will shop, while I sit in the car. She will fill the cart and park. She tells me where it is, and roughly whats in it. I finish my shopping, and check out. This works fine. Most of the restaurants you encounter are going to be open air. Just park your car where you can keep an eye on it. I like to back in, since that is where the luggage is. Don't park next to the woods, or hidden from sight. If the parking "guard" tries to direct you to a spot like that, ignore him. These guys are not employees of the restaurant. They are just guys who show up to work for tips. Usually, it is a good deal to tip them a buck to watch your car. Sometimes I get a weird vibe. My daughter was driving on one trip, and one of these guys tried to park us at the far edge of the parking lot, next to the woods, and behind a van. No way. My inner alarm bells were ringing big time. We found a safe spot that was near the dining room, and backed in to it. He seemed upset with me. I wondered if he wasn't in on something shady. So better safe than sorry. I also keep my most important valuables close. I always bring a day pack to use during my trip. I carry my raincoat, camera, water bottle, towel, etc on excursions. When I am driving between points, it carries my passport, tablet, camera, other electronics, and so on. I can bring it in the restaurant with me, or into the rest room. There is one tip to heed, in case the worst happens. Look around in the bushes nearby. Often a thief will stash the stolen luggage, to come back later to rummage through it. A local guy walking the street with a roll on suitcase is going to get noticed. Of course, the idea is not to get ripped off at all. But I have seen this work with a couple's dive gear. They were freaking out, and calling the police. Their luggage was hidden only steps away. One of the hotel employees had the idea to look for it. I hope this helps. Let me know if I can offer any further advice. Warm Regards, Pat Hewitt Costa Rica Travel Exchange "It is ok if negative people talk negatively about you; it only means that you still have the gift of life and still doing something with your life. Edmond Mbiaka yes, we spent 2 nights in hoi an and 4 nights in ha noi (the old quarter). hoi an has more space and activities for kids for sure. they loved it riding the boat at night on thu bon river and trashed it with lanterns :D. they didn't like the hike up to my son sanctuary and we had to carry 'em on our back for 2-3 km walk uphill in 90F heat, but once we got there, they loved exploring those cham tower ruins. the boat ride back to hoi an after my son was also cool for 'em kiddos. as for other activities, they had a blast riding bikes around the countryside, exploring local neighborhoods covered by coconut clusters, viewing the river etc. they also had lots of fun at an bang beach. in ha noi, they insisted on riding the swan boats at truc bach lake (the smaller one next to the much large west lake). my 5 yo was intrigued by the water puppets but the 3.5 wanted to get out to look for icecream :D. they (and the wife) loved checking out those pagodas/temples in ha noi (me not so much as i've seen 'em enough in my life :D). Considering your time frame, I'd suggest dropping Ha Long. You'd lose two days getting to Hanoi and back and if you did just a day excursion to Ha Long, that would mean an 8-hour round trip. Plenty you can do around the other three locations. Take a look at the 'Things to do' pages for each. Hi everyone! In the summer of 2018 I plan to travel with my husband to Japan for 3 weeks, tickets have not yet been bought, but I'm already actively planning a route. He has already re-read a lot of information, made a route and so on. At the moment, it is more or less defined with the composition of cities and the sequence of their visits. I plan to change the route as I come up with "brilliant ideas" or advice from experienced travelers. I know, In many megacities there is such a thing as conditionally free walking tours (tips depend on your generosity). I'm going to Tokyo, so I'm looking to the local organizations like that. Who used their services, I would like to hear feedback! References, contacts I ask in PM. With the sights of the days until it was not decided at all. That is, I know that I want to visit certain places, but I do not know which day I will be filling in gradually. 1) Advise, please, onsen in Kyoto or Osaka, where they are allowed with tattoos. Very-very urgent issue. 2) Are there any interesting places in the vicinity of Kyoto, where you can go for half a day / day? 3) Are there any problems with storage of luggage? We will have one big suitcase for two, we plan to leave it in the storage chambers, if possible. Well, something like that ... I really rely on the help of members of the forum, advice, criticism of the route and in general any feedback. I'm an inexperienced traveler, I only did a couple of 5-day trips to Europe, so this trip is somewhat frighte -:- 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. Hi! This August 9th my boyfriend and I will be heading to Japan for the first time for 19 days. Our rough itinerary is as follows: Days 1-5: Tokyo Day 6: Day trip to Fuji area - either Hakone or Kawaguchiko Days 7-8: Masumoto, Kiso Valley, Alps (hiking) Days 9-10: Hiroshima & Miyajima Day 11: Osaka Day 12: Himeji (travel to Kyoto in the evening) Days 13-19: Kyoto with day trip to Nara and an overnight stay on mount Koya Day 20: Back to Tokyo for flight home. I was planning to get a week-long JR pass for days 6-12. My questions are: 1. Is there to much on this itinerary? We obviously want to see as much as possible but be able enjoy the places we do see and not be rushing around all the time / always on trains. If so, what should I cut? 2. Are Hiroshima and Miyajima worth going to considering they're a bit out of the way and I've only allocated two days to them? Miyajima looks lovely and interesting but from what I've read of Hiroshima it doesn't seem that interesting (although I appreciate the historical importance). 3. If anyone knows anything about the Japanese Alps and could recommend any mountain hikes that would be amazing! 4. Hakone or Kawaguchiko? I've heard Kawaguchiko is better for seeing Fuji but there's more to see in Hakone? By the way, we are both 21 and from Ireland. I would really appreciate any help so thank you so much in advance for any responses! :) Re: Where exactly were these bridge shots taken? 4. Re: Where exactly were these bridge shots taken? 1) Probably from Shore Road park in Brooklyn (Especially if it's sunset). If dawn could possibly be from around Fort Wadsworth, Staten Island) P.S. Both ends of the bridge are in NYC 2) There's a "little red lighthouse" hear the Manhattan end of the GWB: For other lighthouses you'd have to travel outside the city limits 3) Triboro Bridge (which has a view of the Hell Gate bridge), Brooklyn Bridge, Manhattan Bridge, Williamsburg Bridge. High Bridge park You might want consider one of tour boat rides that goes around Manhattan or one of the commuter ferries to get alternative angles on the bridges Edited: 3 years ago -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- Tripadvisor staff removed this post because it did not meet Tripadvisor's forum posting guidelines with prohibiting self-promotional advertising or solicitation. We ask all of our members to keep their forum messages free of self-promoting advertisements or solicitation of any kind - members affiliated with any tourism-related business should not include commercial contact information or URLs in their forum messages. 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. The Cushites in Kenya are among the oldest communities to exist in the home grounds of Kenya. Just like any other tribal group they have their own varied traditions, culture, way of living and lifestyle that will definitely keep you stuck with this article for a while. Source - Travels of the Spiritual Pilgrims - WordPress.com Origin of Cushites in Kenya The great migration took place as a result of the Kenyan communities who moved to Kenya from various locations. There are three major ethno-linguistic groups which are named Nilotic, Bantu and Cushitic. Between 3000 to 5000 years back the Cushitic speakers were among the very first people who arrived in Kenya, through Turkana and Abaya. It is also believed that the Cushites eventually found other groups of people who have different language patterns. The language of the Cushites tribes in Kenya was pretty much similar to that of the South Africas Khoisan language. Their language resembled similarities to the dental click language spoken by some of such tribes. Language matches also include Iraqwi of Tanzania, Hazda and the Sandawe. All of the inhabitants supported and worked collectively. Their activities for survival included hunting and gathering as well. READ ALSO: One person dead as Kikuyu and Luo communities clash in Nairobi's Lucky Summer and Baba dogo estate A very important aspect of the Cushites community in Kenya and the other similar tribes is that most of the original inhabitants were very good rock artists as well. However, the Cushitic speakers from the south eventually moved to Tanzania and Kenya from southwestern Ethiopia. In order to authenticate the given information about the Cushites, archaeologists have found numbers of pottery that has a sort of similarity in forms of age and decorations as sources confirmed. The investigation areas were in fact the places where the Cushites had stayed. Few of the Eastern Cushitic groups were the Boni, Somali as well as the El molo people. Galla and Sakuye also belong to the Cushites group. The Cushites groups in Kenya have a great relationship with the Samburu people. They usually go fishing from the palm rafts of the Samburu on Turkana lake. The traditional community of the Cushites has been supplemented by commercial fishing, cattle herding as well as tourism. Fish is the main source of food for them. Other food habits include crocodiles, birds, hippos and turtles. Reasons for the migration of Cushites community in Kenya The famine and drought being the primary reason for the migration. Lookout for drinking water and pasture. Attacks from the neighboring territories plus the clan feuds. Immense outbreak of epidemics and diseases. Thrill of adventure. Excessive population growth created the need for a bigger land. Cushite habitat The Cushitic people are presently living in the north-eastern and the semi-arid eastern regions of Kenya. They have inhabited a good portion of land that stretches to the north side of Kenya and goes on form the east of the Lake Turkana. The Cushites include the Rendile, Somali, Oromo and the Borana tribes. Since their habitat stays dry throughout the year, the Cushites keep their backups ready; they are known to keep large herds of goats, cattle, camels and sheep. They maintain a good relation with their relatives from the neighboring territories. Another interesting fact about the Cushites includes their different hairstyles and head dresses that are made of ostrich feathers. Types of Cushites in Kenya Some of the examples of Cushites in Kenya include the following- Borana The Borana people are pretty much nomadic and they have occupied the Kenyan northeastern part. Burji They are the farmers in Marsabit and Moyale districts. They are known to grow beans, maize, cotton, pumpkins, tobacco and coffee. They also weave clothes such as, kuta and bado from the home grown cotton. El Molo They are amongst the small Kenyan communities. Once, they were just a total of five hundred left out. The El Molo people are mostly fishermen living in the two islands that are located in Lake Turanka which is in the southeastern part. Source: Tuko.co.ke - Raila and Ruto had gone to condole with the family of the late Kenneth Matiba at his Limuru home - The two were meeting for the first time since Raila and Uhuru agreed to sign a peace pact - Raila urged the government to fully compensate Matiba's family for the role he played in shaping democracy - Matiba died at the age of 85 at Karen Hospital where he was being treated Deputy President William Ruto and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga met for the first time on Tuesday, April 17 since the handshake between the former prime minister and President Uhuru Kenyatta. The two leaders met at the late Kenneth Matiba's Limuru home where they had gone to condole with the family. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Veteran politician Kenneth Matiba is dead Raila and Ruto meet among other dignitaries at the home of the late Kenneth Matiba where they condoled with the family. Photo: Hot 96/Twittter READ ALSO: Kenneth Matiba to be accorded state burial - government announces While addressing mourners, Raila urged the government to compensate the family as an appreciation for the role Matiba played in achieving democracy in the country. He argued the late Matibas businesses collapsed during his struggle for multi-party democracy, because he was ready to pay whatever price for the attainment of a free and just society. What the government should do is proper compensation for all the suffering the late Matiba underwent on behalf of the people of Kenya, said Raila. READ ALSO: Uhuru, Raila, Ruto lead Kenyans in mourning fallen veteran politician Kenneth Matiba Following his key role in the shaping of multi-party democracy, government confirmed it will accord the fallen hero a state send off. Photo: HOT 96/ Twitter READ ALSO: Quick facts about fallen veteran multi-party democracy politician, Kenneth Matiba The veteran politician and former leader of opposition passed away on Sunday, April 15, at the Karen Hospital after battling a stroke for years. While eulogising Matiba, Ruto described him as an unforgettable patriot who contributed immensely in the fight for Kenya's democracy. Following his key role in the shaping of multi-party democracy, the government confirmed it will accord the fallen hero a state send off. The two met at the late Kenneth Matiba's Limuru home where they had gone to condole with the family. Photo: HOT 96/ Twitter Matiba became a household name following his open criticism of single-party democracy which saw him detained without trial in 1990. It was during this particular detention that Matiba's health took a plunge after suffering a stroke. He was 85 at the time of his death and will always be remembered for the painful struggle and as a liberation fighter. 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. From a House girl to an MCA. Tuko / Tuco - Kenya Source: Tuko Breaking News - Migori fishermen claimed Kenyan police failed to protect them from the wrath of Ugandan police - The local fishermen complained bitterly over persistent harassment by the Ugandan authorities - They want the government to intervene because fishing is their only source of livelihood Fishermen from Muhuru Bay in Migori County are pleading with the government to come to their rescue after they were allegedly ejected from Migingo island by the Ugandan authorities as the Kenyan police watched helplessly. The fishermen claimed they have been suffering for a long time since the arrival of the Ugandan police at the disputed island. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna yupo Nairobi baada ya kufurushwa kwenda Canada? (video) The local fishermen claim Ugandan police roughed up and chased away their Kenyan counterparts from the disputed Migingo island.Photo: TUKO. READ ALSO: Shock as robbers steal man's private parts in Migingo island Speaking to KTN News on Tuesday, April 17, the seemingly frustrated and bitter fishermen narrated how the Ugandan authorities one day roughed up and chased away Kenyan police who had been deployed to the island to protect them. "There is a day we went there with our police, but the Ugandan police beat up the Kenyan police.They roughed them up then told them to pack their stuff and leave immediately," one of the fishermen said. READ ALSO: Uhuru sends strong message to Yoweri Museveni over the disputed Migingo Island Opposition leaders from the lake side region had accused the government of failing to protect its borders in a the ongoing dispute with Uganda over the border line. Dala FM. The incident, they claimed, left them hopeless and helpless because they were counting on the Kenyan authorities to provide them with security. According to the Muhuru Bay fishermen, they have been crying for help from the government but nobody seems to listen to their grievances. "As fishermen, we also pay taxes and want the government to help us. We recently went to High Court over this issue, but up to date we have not seen anything. The government has neglected us," the fishermen lamented. They claimed the number of Kenyan fishermen left at the island has dropped from 1000 to just 100 since the Ugandan police arrived. READ ALSO: Uganda releases Kenyan fishermen a day after outcry by ODM MPs This, however, was not the first time the Kenyan government has been put on the spot over harassment of local fishermen working at the contentious Migingo island. In November last year, 22 Kenyan fishermen were arrested by Ugandan police who accused them of breaking Ugandan laws. The fishermen were later released after intervention by the then Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed. READ ALSO: Truth on why Museveni sent military commandos to Migingo island Opposition politicians from the lake side region, led by Suba South MP John Mbadi and Mbita MP Millie Odhiambo, accused the government of failing to protect its borders in an ongoing dispute with Uganda over the controversial border inside Lake Victoria. TUKO.co.ke understands the two governments are still in the process of finding an amicable solution to the Migingo saga. 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. Socialite Bridget Achieng wants to be Kenya's next president - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The protest revolved around allegations that Uhuru did not respect the rule of law - Fiery politician Miguna Miguna was among the first to commend the move to protest - The group consisted of Kenyans supportive of deported Miguna Embattled politician Miguna Miguna's supporters on Tuesday, April 17 stirred mild drama in the UK as they protested against President Uhuru Kenyatta. Uhuru was in Chatham, UK where he delivered a speech on a number of issues including his new found relationship with ODM party leader Raila Odinga. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens A handful of Kenyans protested against Uhuru for allegedly failing to respect the rule of law. Photo: Miguna/Twitter READ ALSO: Raila, Ruto meet at same venue for the first time since Uhuru-Raila handshake Behind the scenes, however, tens of Kenyans living in the UK staged a protest against the President for allegedly failing to abide by the rule of law. TUKO.co.ke has established that the protest had been pre-planned hours before by the UK-based NASA supporters. President Uhuru Kenyatta at Chatham house on Tuesday, April 17. Photo: Uhuru/Twitter READ ALSO: Government withdraws security details of IEBC Chair Chebukati, commissioners Molu and Guliye An enthusiastic Miguna confirmed the events outside Chatham house via his Twitter as he also condemned Uhuru for his (Miguan's) recent woes which included two deportations from Kenya in four weeks. Miguna was thrilled to see a section of Kenyans come out to defend his cause. Photo: Miguna/Facebook READ ALSO: Kivutha Kibwana plans to dump Kalonzo as NASA break-up reaches point of no return "The National Revolutionary Movement of Kenya (NRMKe) soldiers are out in full force in London, UK, today, telling off the Chief Despot, Uhuru Kenyatta, that he must Respect the rule of law and rights of all Kenyans. The despots must fall! Viva! Miguna said on Twitter. READ ALSO: Chebukati is the most disgraceful chairman our electoral body has ever had- Moses Kuria The peaceful protests however did little to change the state of affairs as Uhuru delivered his lengthy speech without touching on Migunas deportation. Among other issues, Uhuru spoke on international cooperation, entrepreneurship and trade , economic state of Africa as a whole and Kenyas economic relationship with the UK. Mainstream politics must be responsive to the needs of the people. My working with Raila Odinga must be seen in this context, not in the context of opening up a new political front, he said. Interestingly, Uhuru was standing to deliver his speech at the same place Raila stood only a few months ago. Raila was also in Chatham delivering his speech only a few months ago. Photo: Raila Odinga/Facebook In November 2017 when political temperatures threatened to boil over, Raila undressed the Jubilee regime in a damning speech at Chatham UK where he faulted Uhurus administration for electoral malpractices. Raila's address was also marred by pro-Uhuru protesters at the time who camped outside Chatham house, accusing the ODM party leader for causing turmoil in the country 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 From a House girl to an MCA. Tuko / Tuco - Kenya: Source: Kenya Breaking News Today - The lecturer was suspended after indecent photos of him and a female student emerged - Kisuze Edward will also receive half salary during the suspension - The Kenyan female student wrote to the school accusing Kisuze of sexual harassment Makerere University in Uganda on Tuesday, April 17, suspended one of its lecturer after he was caught in a compromising situation with a student. TUKO.co.ke has learnt the university reached its decision after photos showing the lecturer, one Kisuze Edward, on his knees licking the privates of a Kenyan female student emerged online. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens In an official letter dated Tuesday, April 17, addressed to Kisuze and seen by TUKO.co.ke, Makerere Vice Chancellor asked the lecturer to desist from accessing the institution and interacting with students. READ ALSO: 16 hilarious pieces of advice a woman will likely give to the person dating her ex Makerere University lecturer suspended over sexual harassment. Photo: Makerere University/Facebook READ ALSO: Koffi Olomide won't be allowed in Kenya to entertain governors - Government The suspension took effect immediately with Kisuze expected to receive half of his salary as investigation into the matter takes place. The lecturer was also asked to handover university property in his possession and wait for his fate after the completion of an investigation by a committee picked to unearth the truth. ''Accordingly, I hereby suspend you from the university service on half pay with immediate effect to allow smooth investigation into the matter. You are strongly advised to desist from any access to Senate premises and or interactions with students of Makerere University until investigations are completed,'' the letter read. READ ALSO: Jaguar and I are cool - CMB Prezzo finally puts to rest longstanding beef with Starehe MP Makerere University suspends randy lecturer over sexual harassment claims. Photo: Makerere University/Facebook READ ALSO: Comedian Njugush's wife excites fans as she steps out with newborn son for the first time Kisuze was caught engaging in sexual activities with the Kenyan student identified as Njoroge Rachael Njeri. TUKO.co.ke has learnt that the photos found their way online courtesy of Njoroge who is said to have shared them on social media in a bid to expose the licentious lecturer. The Kenyan lass, according to the letter from Makerere University, had officially written to the institution accusing Kisuze of sexual harassment. Kenyan female student accused Makerere University lecturer of sexual harassment. Photo: George Mogul/Facebook TUKO.co.ke understands that the lecturer was informed of the same and even got the chance to respond. However, his explanation did not satisfy the University hence the decision to roll out investigations to determine the truth. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Amazing Story of DJ Euphorique: Uhuru Kenyatta's DJ (Person Documentary) | Faces of Kenya Source: Tuko.co.ke - Eugene Wamalwa said the conference will be hosted in Kakamega for the first time - The services rendered during the meeting will be offered by locals - Kakamega senator denied the county government was paying Koffi Olomide KSh 20 million to entertain delegates during the meeting Kakamega County will host the fifth devolution conference from next week which is expected to cost KSh 200 million. Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa said the services required during the meeting will be provided by locals in order for them to feel the effects of devolution. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens We are talking of over KSh 200 million to start with, said Wamalwa as reported by Citizen TV. READ ALSO: Wafuasi wa Miguna wampigia Rais Uhuru kelele wakati wa ziara yake London (video) Devolution CS Eugene Wamalwa said the devolution conference to be held in Kakamega will cost KSh 200 Million. Photo: Eugene Wamalwa/ Facebook. READ ALSO: My pact with Raila was never about 2022- Uhuru According to a report by Citizen TV, Wamalwa was speaking during a meeting with Western leaders to plan for the conference. For visitors who will come, all our hotels are full and we have insisted that, because this conference is coming to Western for the first time, we must have local entrepreneurs and business people doing all the services so that they can feel the fruits of devolution, said Wamalwa He further gave assurance that the region was fully prepared to host the four-day event. "Today we are sending one message to the entire country that Western is ready, Kakamega is ready to host the fifth devolution conference, he added. READ ALSO: Ruto doomed with return of Ida in Railas politics - Mutahi Ngunyi Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala addressing a gathering at Lenana School in a past event. Photo: Kakamega County Forum/ Facebook READ ALSO: Photos that confirm Kivutha Kibwana may be planning to abandon Kalonzo for Ruto Kakamega Senator Cleophas Malala, on his part, urged the government not to deny entry to Congolese musician Koffi Olomide who is scheduled to entertain delegates during the function. Malala further rubbished claims that the county was set to spend KSh 20 million to settle Olomides fee. He claimed the Congolese stars performance during the conference is courtesy of a group of independent individuals. READ ALSO: Well not allow what you fought for to be eroded - Ruto to Matiba in death We are not using county funds to pay Koffi Olomide, we are using county facilities, and they are even paying the county to be hosted here these are local boys who invested and said they want to take this opportunity to entertain our visitors, said Malala. There have been allegations that the county government is spending KSh.20 million to pay Koffi Olomide to come and entertain our guests, I have engaged with the governor on that issue the governor is just facilitating by hosting the musician, added the Senator. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: TUKO News ALSO WATCH: From a House girl to an MCA - on TUKO TV Source: Tuko - The electoral body was rendered totally dysfunctional after three commissioners resigned - As things stand, the Commission can't make any legally binding decision due to lack of quorum - Pressure is now piling on the Chair and the remaining two commissioners to also step aside - The government has already taken away security of the Chair and the two commissioners - It is not yet clear what will happen next if they heed the calls for their resignation - Kilonzo Junior has a suggestion on what can be done Makueni County senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior has warned of a much bigger crisis at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should chairman Wafula Chebukati and the two remaining commissioners resign. The senator has also warned the three remaining IEBC officials are likely to cave to pressure and step down. But at the same time, their continued stay in office is also not tenable, the senator argued in a Twitter post seen by TUKO.co.ke. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Makueni senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior warned of a major crisis at the electoral body should the Chairman and the two remaining Commissioners leave office. Photo: TUKO. READ ALSO: IEBC Chair Chebukati sends Chiloba on compulsory leave "If Chebukati and co resign we will be in crisis, and if they dont, we are in crisis," Kilonzo Jr said on Tuesday, April 17. According to the Makueni senator, the Commission as currently constituted cannot transact any business as there is no quorum. "The court rejected amendments to reduce quorum from five to three. The CEO is on forced leave, and the selection panel in the Act was to cater for the current commissioners only," the senator pointed out. READ ALSO: IEBC Vice Chair Consolata Maina, 2 commissioners resign So what happens next, now that Chebukati and the two remaining IEBC commissioners, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu, can neither resign nor stay put? "Emergency amendments is needed for a selection panel," Kilonzo Jr said. READ ALSO: Blow to IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba as court upholds his suspension TUKO.co.ke understands the process of replacing the IEBC Vice Chair Consolata Maina and commissioners Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya, who dramatically resigned on Monday, April 16, has already kicked off. The trio exited IEBC a few days after the Commission's CEO Ezra Chiloba was controversially sent on a three-month compulsory leave over audit queries. The decision to suspend Chiloba was arrived at by Chebukati and endorsed by Guliye and Molu. Maina, Kurgat and Mwachanya were opposed to the CEO's suspension. They reportedly stormed out of a plenary meeting that was called to discuss the matter. READ ALSO: Chiloba moves to court to challenge Chebukati's decision to suspend him IEBC Vice Chair Consolata Nthaka Maina, Commissioners Paul Kurgat and Margaret Mwachanya resigned on Monday, April 16, citing lack of faith in Wafula Chebukati's leadership.Photo:Nation. In a joint statement explaining why they decided to quit, the three said suspension of Chiloba was a weighty matter that should not have been handled casually. They claimed Chiloba was hurriedly sent on a compulsory leave, a decision that was arrived at without involvement of all the six commissioners as required by law. "The events leading to suspension of Chiloba have greatly shaken our already feeble confidence in the Chair. Given this severe deterioration of confidence in the Commission's Chair, we find our position as Commissioners under his leadership no longer tenable," the three-page joint statement read. READ ALSO: Chebukati is as dirty as Chiloba - Mutula Kilonzo The resignation of the three IEBC officials triggered fresh calls for Chebukati and the remaining commissioners to follow suit, with both sides of the political divide, Jubilee and the NASA coalition, speaking with one voice. Meanwhile, the government has withdrew Chebukati's security details. Guliye and Molu have also been affected. The Commission penned a protest letter to the Inspector General of Police, Joseph Boinnet, demanding an explanation for the security withdrawal. "The action also undermines their effectiveness in executing the work of the Commission," a statement dispatched to newsrooms on Tuesday, April 17, over the security withdrawal read in part. The move came a few hours after a seemingly defiant Chebukati indicated he was going nowhere and will continue with his job as normal. 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. From a House girl to an MCA - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - The deputy governor was scheduled to appear on a morning talk show by Sulwe FM - Charles Kibanani was expected to talk about the state of affairs in Bungoma County - He is currently receiving medical attention at Nairobi Hospital Bungoma County Deputy Governor Charles Ngome Kibanani has been rushed to hospital after he reportedly collapsed at Serena Hotel in Nairobi. Kibanani was expected to appear on a talk show hosted by Sulwe FM on the morning of Wednesday, April 18, when news of the incident broke out. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Wafuasi wa Miguna wampigia Rais Uhuru kelele wakati wa ziara yake London (video) Bungoma County Deputy Governor Charles Ngome Kibanani rushed to hospital after he collapsed at Serena Hotel in Nairobi. Photo:TUKO. Reports reaching TUKO.co.ke indicated the deputy governor collapsed at around 7 am and was immediately rushed to Nairobi Hospital where he is currently receiving treatment. His family has been informed about the incident. Bungoma County Director of Communications, Tim Machi, has however, denied claims that the deputy governor collapsed. READ ALSO: Bungoma deputy governors car involved in road accident According to Machi, Kibanani woke u feeling unwell and decided to go to hospital. "It is not true that he collapsed. When he woke up today he felt weak and diceted to go to Nairobi Hospital," Machi said as quoted by Nation. About a month ago, the deputy governor's car was involved in a nasty road accident that left four people seriously injured. READ ALSO: Bungoma County First Lady storms district hospital, gives bosses a thorough dress down TUKO.co.ke reported the vehicle had just dropped Ngome at his official residence in Webuye town and was on its way back to Bungoma town at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, March 14 when it rammed into a tractor transporting sugar cane to Nzioa Sugar Company. 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. From a House girl to an MCA - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko Kenya - Ndakaini Dam which supplies water to Nairobi has no enough water - Water levels at the dam are said to be at 30%, way below the average needed - Water shortage in the city has forced residents to buy water at KSh 20 per 20 litre jerican Nairobi residents are staring at dry taps despite heavy rainfall pounding different parts of the country for more than a month now. TUKO.co.ke understands Ndakaini dam in Murang'a county, which is one of Nairobi's main water supply, has no enough water. According to water officials, Nairobians will have to grapple with dry taps even as water vendors smile all the way to the bank. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Wafuasi wa Miguna wampigia Rais Uhuru kelele wakati wa ziara yake London (video) Areas most affected include Kasarani, Kayole and Donholm where residents have been forced to buy water at approximately KSh 20 per 20 litre jerican. In an interesting turn of events, officials divulged water levels at Ndakaini dam is just at 30% despite the long rains. We want to save because we do not know how the rains will be. We have been told the rains will be near normal so near normal means we will not get to normal. So we need to save water so we can handle the months when there will be no rain, said Lucy Njambi, the acting Technical Director, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company. READ ALSO: Form 1 selection 2018 in Kenya online Kenyans took to twitter to make fun of the situation that is no doubt confusing-scarcity amidst plenty. Ndakaini dam is complemented by other water sources including the Chania River and Ngethu dams, whose capacity cannot meet water demand in the city which consumes is approximately 932,000 cubic metres of water daily. However, things are expected to look up once the construction of northern water collector tunnel in Muranga County is completed in December 2019. The Ksh.6.8 billion project will boost water supply to the city by about 140,000 cubic metres. Until then, Nairobians have no option but to brace themselves for the reality of dry taps. 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. Source: Kenyan Breaking News - The First Lady was in Migori for the donation of wheelchairs by Kenya Relief Organization - She was welcomed by Migori governor Okoth Obado and thousands of area residents - Obado said the First Lady's visit was an indication the Uhuru-Raila peace pact was working It was joy and rare celebration when First Lady Margaret Kenyatta landed in Migori County. The First Lady was warmly welcomed by Migori governor Okoth Obado and his wife Hellen Obado and thousands of ecstatic locals. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna yupo Nairobi baada ya kufurushwa kwenda Canada? (video) First Lady Margaret Kenyatta visits Luo Nyanza days after President Uhuru Kenyatta's peace deal with Opposition leader Raila Odinga. Photo:TUKO. Reports seen by TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, April 18, indicated the First Lady's motorcade was escorted by a mammoth crowd on her way to Marinda where she was expected to give a speech. In the days following August 8 general elections, Migori, a predominantly opposition stronghold, was a no go zone, especially for the Jubilee-allied leaders. READ ALSO: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta dangerously got caught in a crowd during Uhuru's campaign (video) The locals engaged anti-riot police in running battles in protest of the election outcome. Lives were lost and many were left with permanent scars. All that seemed to have been forgotten when Margaret arrived in Migori for the first time since the chaotic August 8 polls. READ ALSO: First Lady Margaret Kenyatta dangerously got caught in a crowd during Uhuru's campaign (video) President Uhuru Kenyatta shakes hands with NASA coalition co-princiapl Raila Odinga at Harambee House, Nairobi. Photo: Lyn Ngugi/TUKO. While addressing the locals during the First Lady's visit , Governor Obado said it was the famous Harambee House handshake that had made it possible for her to visit the region and they were excited about it. We are very excited to have you here today. This visit proves that the handshake has indeed worked. When you go back, please tell the president that we are ready to receive him, Obado said. TUKO.co.ke understands the First Lady was in Migori to grace a ceremony by the Kenya Relief Organization during which she witnessed donation of wheelchairs to the disabled people in the county. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Top-4 Inspiring And Lovely Families of Powerful Kenyan Politicians - On Tuko TV Source: Kenya Breaking News Today Lady Gets Married to Photo of Her Lover after the Man Said He is Busy Abroad - The lecturer was is in police custody and being held at Wandegeya Police Station in Kampala - This comes after a Kenyan student accused the lecturer of molesting her - He was earlier suspended after photos emerged of him in compromising position with the student A Makerere university lecturer who was caught in a compromising situation with a Kenyan student has finally been apprehended. TUKO.co.ke reported earlier how the university suspended Kisuze Edward, after photos emerged of the lecturer on his knees licking the privates of a Kenyan female student. Rita Namisango, the Makerere University spokesperson disclosed news of the lecturer's arrest on Wednesday, April 18. READ ALSO: Rais Museveni wa Uganda atumia ujumbe wale wanatumia mdomo kufanya ngono Makerere University suspended the randy lecturer. Photo: Makerere University/ Facebook According to Namisango, the randy lecturer was put in police custody and is being held at Wandegeya Police Station in Kampala. This comes barely hours after the Kenyan student, Rachael Njeri, revealed how she was sexually molested in the office of the Senior Administrative Assistant, at the university when she went to collect her transcripts. In a letter seen by TUKO.co.ke, Njeri narrated how it all started on Friday, April 13, when she visited his office in Kampala, Uganda, at about 10 am but was told to wait until 2.30pm. READ ALSO: Mombasa-based musician Dogo Richie claims he was bewitched after releasing diss song Njeri claimed while she looked through her transcripts, the man grabbed her bosom, licked them and told her he loved her. Being helpless, she resorted to taking a photograph of the lecturer in the act which later circulated on social media alongside her claim. Makerere Vice Chancellor, in an official letter dated Tuesday, April 17, addressed to Kisuze and seen by TUKO.co.ke, asked the lecturer to desist from accessing the institution and interacting with students. READ ALSO: Jubilee MPs security slaps Maendeleo Chap Chap campaigner as police officers watch The suspension took effect immediately with Kisuze expected to receive half of his salary as investigation into the matter was conducted. The lecturer was also asked to handover university property in his possession and wait for his fate after the completion of an investigation by a committee picked to unearth the truth. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. ALSO WATCH: Top-4 Inspiring And Lovely Families of Powerful Kenyan Politicians. Tuko / Tuco - Kenya on TUKO TV Source: Tuko Breaking News - Madowo was put to task after a single lady asked him when he will marry - The lady claimed men who don't want to marry like Larry are the reason why many beautiful women are still single - The journalist is very single and has never hinted he is dating anyone Former NTV journalist Larry Madowo is still a bachelor as far as we know. Well, the revered media personality may have a lover but has never introduced her to the public, making it quite hard for anyone to believe he is in a relationship. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens It is for that particular reason that he was put in an awkward situation by a beautiful Kenyan lady, who openly asked him for his hand in marriage. READ ALSO: Miguna Miguna yupo Nairobi baada ya kufurushwa kwenda Canada? The lady, who goes by the name Lilian took to Twitter on Wednesday, April 18, and blamed the TV personality for her singlehood. In essence, Lilian meant beautiful women out there are ready for marriage but thanks to eligible bachelors like Larry, they are still single. ''When are you planning to marry? You guys are the reason l am still single,'' she commented on Larry's Tweet. READ ALSO: Mombasa-based musician Dogo Richie claims he was bewitched after releasing diss song Quite a number of Kenyans asked her to inbox Larry and forward her CV for possible consideration, to which she agreed. As reported by TUKO.co.ke earlier, the former The Trend show host had taken to social media to divulge his wardrobe mishap on his first day of work at BBC. READ ALSO: Catch me dead on my ex-lovers' beds - Akothee READ ALSO: Jalango reunites with controversial baby mama as daughter turns a year older In a Tweet seen by TUKO.co.ke, Larry revealed how he was shocked on his first day at work after showing up in a suit, while others were just casually dressed. Consoling himself, the journalist sarcastically swore never to wear a suit to the office. Larry was appointed as the Business editor at world class broadcaster BBC, on Tuesday, April 10. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Amazing Story of DJ Euphorique: Uhuru Kenyatta's DJ (Person Documentary) | Faces of Kenya Source: Tuko - Kenya's military power seems to be on a steady decline in global ranking - The country's performance has dropped by eight places from last year's global position - Egypt retained top spot as the country with the most powerful military in Africa Kenya yet again has nothing to celebrate after its military power declined even further in the Global Firepower (GFP) rankings. The country's Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) registered a significant drop in its performance in the 2018 military power rankings compared to 2017, both in Africa and globally. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Rais Museveni wa Uganda atumia ujumbe wale wanatumia mdomo kufanya ngono Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) ranked position 85 globally and position 14 in Africa in the 2018 global military rankings. Photo: International Peace Iinstitute. READ ALSO: Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) drops in Africa and global ranking The 2018 GFP report seen by TUKO.co.ke on Wednesday, April 18, showed Kenya was ranked position 85 out of 136 countries worldwide, a huge decline from position 77 last year and 68 in 2016. The country was ranked position 14 in Africa, which was also a drop from position 11 in 2017 and six in 2016. From the look of things, Kenya's military power seems to have been on a steady decline since 2016. READ ALSO: Kenyan police manning disputed Migingo island chased like stray dogs by Ugandan counterparts Egypt retained its top position as the country with the most powerful military in Africa, followed by Algeria and South Africa at second and third position respectively. Below is a list of the top 10 counties in Africa in terms of military strength: READ ALSO: This is what makes KDF strong as a military force Globally, the United States of America (USA) maintained its top position as the country with the most powerful army in the world. The USA was followed by Russia, China, India, France, United Kingdom (UK), South Korea and Japan respectively. Below is a list of the top 10 counties globally in terms of military strength: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram: Tuko news. Top-4 Inspiring And Lovely Families of Powerful Kenyan Politicians - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke The Attorney General says he is not the Government but is it's attorney at law, as he spoke about the legal challenge now before the Courts regarding the process as outlined in the Constitution for the appointment of Gary Griffith as the Acting Police Commissioner. Ukraine in Malaysia has represented Antonov aircraft, which may be of interest to the Malaysian Armed Forces and ensure control over the countrys seacoast. Director General of the State Concern Ukroboronprom, Pavlo Bukin, stated this following a meeting with Secretary General Ministry of Defense Malaysia Dato Sri Abdul Rahim Bin Mohamad Radzi within the framework of the International Exhibition Defense Services Asia (DSA), the press service of Ukroboronprom reports. Ukraine and Malaysia discussed the practical aspects of organizing the constituent meeting of the joint committee on defense cooperation. The agreement was reached in August 2016 during the visit of the President of Ukraine to Malaysia, Bukin said. According him, the parties confirmed their readiness to further promote projects, successfully implemented in previous years. Bukin also added that Ukraine and Malaysia have prospects of cooperation in supply and joint production of aviation equipment. In particular, the Ukrainian side during the negotiations represented Antonov aircraft, which may be of interest to Malaysian Armed Forces. "Antonov aircraft can provide control over the Malaysian seacoast. This issue is relevant to Malaysia. Ukraine is ready to engage in solving this issue," said Bukin. The International Exhibition Defense Services Asia (DSA) is one of Asia's largest armaments and military forums. DSA is held under the auspices of the Malaysian Ministry of Defense. This year, Defense Services Asia 2018 takes place in Kuala Lumpur from April 16 to April 19 iy One Ukrainian soldier was killed and three servicepersons were wounded in the anti-terrorist operation (ATO) area in eastern Ukraine over the past day. Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Spokesperson for ATO issues Dmytro Hutsuliak said this at a press briefing on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "Unfortunately, there are losses among Ukrainian soldiers. One Ukrainian defender was killed in enemy shelling... Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the hero. Also, three Ukrainian soldiers were wounded. One soldier is in critical condition, another two are in moderately grave condition, Hutsuliak said. He also added that Russian-backed militants continued to violate the ceasefire regime. Over the past day, they launched 45 attacks on the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, of which 44 were targeted. The Ukrainian side retuned fire 22 times, using weapons that are not prohibited by the Minsk agreements. iy A business meeting of representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Agadir (Morocco) with management of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine will take place in Kyiv on April 19, 2018. The meeting will be held in order to develop the bilateral trade and economic cooperation between Ukraine and the Kingdom of Morocco. Within the framework of this meeting, the export / import potential of the Kingdom of Morocco and the new international trading platform "ITP UMAF" will be presented. The Moroccan side expresses interest in increasing trade, in particular, by exports of food, building materials and services and organic fertilizers. In particular, Morocco can be considered as a trade and economic hub, through which it is possible to export products to other countries of the African continent. ish Ukraine and the European Union signed an agreement on the irrevocable financing of the Energy Efficiency Fund in the amount of EUR 50 million. The agreement was signed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Regional Development, Construction, Housing and Utilities of Ukraine Hennadiy Zubko and Head of the Support Group for Ukraine Peter Wagner on April 18, the Governmental portal reported. "Today's signing of the financial agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the allocation of EUR 50 million of irrevocable financing from the EU for the Energy Efficiency Fund provides a full-fledged start to its work. This is evidence of the strong support of the European community for the reform of energy efficiency, which is a priority for Ukraine. I am grateful to the European Commission for its support and cooperation," Zubko said. The financing agreement comes into force on the date of its signing. Ukraine's state budget stipulates for UAH 1.6 billion to finance the Energy Efficiency Fund in 2018. ish The European Union launches a five-year program to support energy efficiency in Ukraine and participates in co-financing of the Energy Efficiency Fund. The appropriate agreements were reached on April 18 in Kyiv during the talks between the Government of Ukraine and the delegation of the European Commission with the active assistance of Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman, the Government portal reports. "The result of the talks was signing of the agreement on allocation of EUR 268 million from the European Commission for the Ukraine Energy Efficiency Programme. The EUs contribution will total EUR 50 million," the statement reads. The Head of Government thanked the international partners for the financial support. "The Energy Efficiency Fund is the most high-quality mechanism for ensuring our energy independence. I am sure that energy efficiency programs will help not only to consume less energy resources but to improve the quality of services as well," Groysman stressed. ol Ukraine's Embassy in the United States has refuted reports in the media about the alleged detention in Colorado of high-ranking Ukrainian officials participating in the 34th Space Symposium. A respective report has been posted on the official page of the embassy on Facebook. "Ukraine's Embassy in the U.S. refutes information about the alleged detention of representatives of the Ukrainian space industry participating in a symposium in Colorado Springs, the U.S., and the alleged departure of the Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. for Colorado to clarify the circumstances," the report says. The embassy called the spread of such information a fake and a blatant lie. "The Ukrainian delegation is working according to the planned program and continues to participate in the event. Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.S. Valeriy Chaly continues his work in Washington as a member of the Ukrainian delegation at the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group," the embassy reported. At the same time, the embassy did not rule out that a fake news story was a "planned informational attack," which may continue. "We call on the Ukrainian and international media to be careful and not to succumb to provocations," the embassy said. On Tuesday, April 17, a number of Ukrainian media outlets spread information about the alleged detention of Head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine Pavlo Dehtiarenko and General Designer of the Pivdenne Design Bureau Oleksandr Dehtiarenko. The reports also said that Ukraine's ambassador to the United States had allegedly flown out to Colorado to clarify the circumstances. op Ukraine and the European Union will hold a meeting of the Parliamentary Association Committee. The event will be held in Strasbourg on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. The Ukrainian side will be headed by MP Mykola Kniazhytsky, the European side - by MEP Dariusz Rosati. ish The construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, lobbied by the Kremlin, is dangerous for Europe and economically inexpedient. Ukraines Ambassador to the EU, Mykola Tochytskyi said this in an interview with EurActiv. "First, I dont see any necessity for building Nord Stream II. What EU countries need is to use our gas transport system. Also, from security, it would be very dangerous," the ambassador said. He stressed that the existing transit system via Ukraine supplied all the Central European countries. "Nord Stream II means that only Gazprom and Germany will decide. I dont see any necessity, and no interest, except for Russia and maybe some German companies, to have Nord Stream II," Tochytskyi said. The ambassador recalled how Russia had used gas supply as a weapon last March. ol Commander of the NATO Armed Forces in Europe, U.S. General Curtis Scaparrotti noted the role of Bulgaria as the leading nation in the NATO Trust Fund for medical rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian servicemen. The U.S. General said this during a visit to Sofia, Bulgaria, an Ukrinform correspondent reported. "Bulgaria provides warships for NATOs patrolling in the Black Sea. Your forces are participating in the NATO mission in Kosovo. You support the Euro-Atlantic integration of the Western Balkans. You are also the main member of the NATO Trust Fund for medical rehabilitation of the Ukrainian military," the commander of the NATO Armed Forces in Europe said. As known, since 2015, the NATO Trust Fund has provided medical rehabilitation for more than 500 Ukrainian soldiers wounded in the war with Russia. Ukraine has also programs for the treatment and rehabilitation of military personnel on a bilateral basis with NATO and EU countries. ish Ukrainian Red Cross Society celebrated the 100th anniversary of its establishment. The solemn event was held in the Column Hall of the Kyiv City State Administration, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to Societys president Ivan Usychenko, the Ukrainian Red Cross Society is the most powerful humanitarian organization in the country. As he noted, one of the important priorities of the Ukrainian Red Cross Society is to assist the state in providing all-round assistance and support to the most vulnerable groups of the population, and this is precisely what the programs and numerous charity projects of the organization are aimed at. Vice-president of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Kerem Kinik, Regional Director of the European Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Simon Missiri, Head of the Representative Office of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Ukraine Gorkhmaz Huseynov with colleagues and others joined the celebrations. Representatives of the partner national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies from Austria, Finland, Turkey, the Czech Republic, Germany, Luxembourg, France, the United States of America, Switzerland, embassies, international and charitable organizations, state authorities, who have for a long time cooperated with the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, also attended the solemn event. ol Students and residents of Donetsk and Luhansk four years ago went to rallies to confirm that Donbas is Ukraine. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko wrote this on Twitter. "Four years ago, rallies of pro-Ukrainian forces were held in Donetsk and Luhansk. Students and residents of the cities went to confirm that Donbas is Ukraine," Poroshenko wrote. He has expressed confidence that the Ukrainian anthem will be heard in Donbas and the Ukrainian flag will be hoisted after the victory over the invader. ish Establishment of joint checkpoints on Moldova-Ukraine border is a priority for the Moldovan authorities. "Nobody questions our legitimate right to establish control over the border. One of the priorities of the Moldovan authorities is the establishment of control on the central (Transnistrian) section of Moldova-Ukraine border with a length of 453 km, which until now has not been controlled by the constitutional authorities of Moldova. We take all the measures in this direction transparently and under the supervision of European experts," Chief of the Border Police of Moldova Fredolin Lecari said, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. According to him, joint control will be established at the Goianul Nou - Platonove checkpoint (road transport) and the Novosavitcaia - Kuchurhan (railway transport) in the summer of 2018. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko signed a law on the establishment of joint control along the whole perimeter of Moldova-Ukraine border in the presence of Prime Minister of Moldova Pavel Filip on April 12. ol 04/18/2018 Contact: Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu or Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu Detailed poll results are available at www.uml.edu/polls. LOWELL, Mass. Rufus Gifford is leading a crowded field in the Democratic primary race to replace U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, according to the results of a new Boston Globe-UMass Lowell poll released today. The poll of 490 likely voters in the Democratic primary for Massachusetts 3rd Congressional District, the first independent, nonpartisan poll in this race, also looked at views on the job performance of President Donald Trump and Gov. Charlie Baker, as well as key issues in the minds of those surveyed. Gifford, former U.S. ambassador to Denmark, leads a pack of 13 candidates with the support of 11 percent of likely voters, followed by state Sen. Barbara LItalien (7 percent), Lori Trahan (5 percent); Dan Koh and state Rep. Juana Matias (both with 4 percent), Alexandra Chandler (3 percent), Bopha Malone (2 percent) and Don Bradley, Patrick Littlefield and Keith St. John (all 1 percent). The remaining candidates, Jeff Ballinger, Beej Das and Leonard Golder, received less than 1 percent of voters support. However, more than half (59 percent) of likely voters surveyed said they have not yet made up their mind about who they will vote for in the Sept. 4 primary. So far, the poll shows there is moderate interest in the race to succeed Tsongas, with 36 percent reporting they have not been following the race much, compared with 12 percent who said they are following it very closely. The big winner in this poll is certainly Rufus Gifford, who has shown an early aptitude for out-campaigning his opponents in the district and in bridging an early name-recognition gap. Still, with nearly 60 percent of the electorate undecided, the race is very much wide open. It now shifts to how candidates who have been successful in securing campaign cash can convert those donations into getting their message out to voters, many of whom may still be unfamiliar with a large majority of the candidates, said Prof. Joshua Dyck, co-director of the UMass Lowell Center for Public Opinion, which conducted the poll in partnership with the Boston Globe. The public will have the opportunity to see the candidates in action on Sunday, April 29 in two debates being held by UMass Lowell and the Boston Globe. The 90-minute debates which start at noon and 2 p.m. will be held at Durgin Hall on UMass Lowells South Campus at 35 Wilder St., Lowell. All 13 Democratic candidates have been invited to participate and the format for the debates will be announced next week. For more information, see www.uml.edu/debate. The Boston Globe-UMass Lowell poll also asked likely Democratic primary voters for their opinions on Trumps job performance. Eighty-eight percent said they disapprove of the way the Republican is handling his job as president and 81 percent said they strongly disapprove. Fifty-five percent said impeachment hearings should be held to remove Trump from office, compared with 32 percent who said they should not be held. Support for impeachment was highest among women (63 percent) and Hispanic (68 percent) respondents, compared to 45 percent of male and 53 percent of white respondents. In contrast, Baker, also a Republican, has a strong approval rating among likely Democratic primary voters in the 3rd Congressional District. Eighty percent said they approve of the way Baker is handling his job as Massachusetts governor and just 11 percent disapprove. Bakers net approval rating among those polled is virtually the same as U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, who received 81 percent of likely voters support. The results highlight the bipartisan nature of Bakers appeal, according to Dyck. On the issues facing the 3rd District, the most common responses about those considered the most important were related to the state of the economy, including unemployment and poverty. Those issues tied at 16 percent of respondents with dissatisfaction with government, including Trump and Republican incumbents, as well as lack of leadership and trust. Education and schools were second at 11 percent along with the nations opioid crisis and drug addiction. Health care, gun safety, cost of living/housing and traffic were among the other issues that were also mentioned by those surveyed in smaller percentages. Those surveyed were also asked whether they thought Democrats were likely to take back control of the U.S. House of Representatives in the midterm elections this fall. Sixty-eight percent of likely voters in the 3rd District said they believe this will happen, compared to 20 percent who said Republicans will maintain a majority of House seats. If Democrats should have a majority, only 27 percent of those polled said Nancy Pelosi should serve as Speaker of the House again compared to 55 percent who said they should choose someone else and 17 percent who said they were unsure. Thirty-three percent of women polled supported Pelosi compared to 19 percent of men. Democrats are still heavily favored in this district. While this is unlikely to be the linchpin race for control of Congress or control of the Democratic Party, primary voters in this race are bullish on Democrats chances to retake the House and if they do, they want Democrats to choose someone other than Nancy Pelosi to be Speaker of the House, said John Cluverius, UMass Lowell assistant professor of political science and Center for Public Opinion research fellow. Results of the poll are based on interviews with a sample of 490 likely Democratic primary voters who live in the 3rd Congressional District. Data was collected by live interviewers via landline (79 percent) and cellular (21 percent) telephones from April 11 to April 17. The margin of error is plus or minus 5.5 percent. Detailed analysis of results along with polling data, including methodology, are available at www.uml.edu/polls. UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers. www.uml.edu A corresponding appeal from UOC of the Kyiv Patriarchate and Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church has been signed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday, April 17, announced the start of the procedure for the creation of a unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church. The relevant agreement was reached at 7-hour long negotiations between Poroshenko and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Synode members held during a presidential visit to Turkey, Poroshenko said at a meeting with heads of parliamentary factions on Tuesday. "Ukraine is as close as ever to the emergence of its own Unified Orthodox Church," the president said, adding that he cannot elaborate on all details of the agreements reached. A number of elements are needed for the process to see success. First, a corresponding appeal from UOC of the Kyiv Patriarchate and Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church, which has already been signed to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a rare united move of the two churches, according to Poroshenko. Read alsoPriests of UOC of Moscow Patriarchate reportedly pray for militants in Donbas, bless arms media Poroshenko expressed hope that the new UOC would be created before the 1030th anniversary of baptism of the Kyiv Rus and called on Parliament to support the appeal to Constantinople. The president called the developments around a possible creation of a United Orthodox Church which would not be subordinate to Moscow a "historic event." The president ruled out the possibility of banning any other churches in Ukraine and noted that the state will remain separated from church. The diplomats called on Ukrainian and international media "to remain alert and not fall for provocations." Ukraine's embassy in the United States has refuted information about the alleged "detention" of Ukrainian space industry officials - participants of a symposium in Colorado Springs. The Ukrainian Embassy in the U.S. refutes reports about the alleged detention of Ukrainian space industry officials taking part in a symposium in Colorado Springs, U.S., and the alleged departure to Colorado of the Ukrainian Ambassador to clarify the circumstances. This is outright fake news and a lie, the embassy reported on Facebook. The diplomats wrote that the Ukrainian delegation continued to work according to with the event's schedule, while Ambassador Valeriy Chaly remained in Washington D.C. as a member of another Ukrainian delegation at the IMF and World Bank's spring meetings. Read alsoTED 2018: Ukrainian journalist fights fake newsThe Embassy suggests that said reports could be a deliberate information attack that could continue through spinning other fake news. "We call on Ukrainian and international media to remain alert and not fall for provocations," the embassy wrote The NATO Military Committee (MC) will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on April 18-19. On the eve of the visit, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee Petr Pavel told UNIAN this time military representatives of the Alliance would visit Lviv, not Kyiv. They will visit Hetman Petro Sahaidachnyi National Army Academy, meet with the Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and his team. The next day, on Thursday, April 19, they will visit the Yavoriv training ground. After that, they will have a meeting with the Ukrainians it will be a joint format of the meeting with partners, he said. Speaking of the visit's agenda, Pavel said it would be "traditional." According to him, this is a discussion over the progress of reform on which the Alliance provides assistance, discussions of possibilities for improving cooperation in order to bring it in line with the needs of both NATO and Ukraine, and deepening understanding on both sides: for NATO to understand the state of Ukrainian troops on the ground, and for the Ukrainian side to better understand the procedures and positions taken by NATO. Read alsoRomania says language row no justification for blocking Ukraine-NATO dialogueThe official says NATO stands for filling the schedule with events that would be useful for both sides. He recalled that the MC meets in Brussels at the working level of military representatives who represent their chiefs of staff, usually twice a week. Pavel said that sometimes, the MC visits countries that are either part of the Alliance or partner states, to better understand the situation on the ground, as well as to promote partnership and cooperation. UNIAN memo. The Military Committee (MC) is the senior military authority in NATO and the oldest permanent body in NATO after the North Atlantic Council, both having been formed only months after the Alliance came into being. It is the primary source of military advice to the North Atlantic Council and the Nuclear Planning Group, and gives direction to the two Strategic Commanders. Ukraine's Armed Forces are already superior to those of Russian proxies in eastern Ukraine. Director of Military Programs at Razumkov Center Mykola Sunhurovskyi suggests Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to launch a full-scale offensive in Donbas. "The offensive by forces of the two groupings [the so-called 'army corps of self-proclaimed Donetsk and that of the Luhansk People's Republics] in Donbas will not have a significant effect. Ukraine already has Armed Forces that are superior to those [of militants] deployed in Donbas," the expert told Apostrophe, a Ukrainian news outlet. Read alsoMogherini: Minsk implementation remains key to any substantial change in EU-Russia relationsIf Moscow decides to use artillery, missile formations and regular air forces, it will then admit to an open participation in the conflict, which will lead to the recognition of Russia as a warring party, which will deprive Moscow of its veto rite in the UN Security Council. "Putin is unlikely to do this if he can think several moves ahead, since after that nobody will ask him: 'Are peacekeeping forces needed there?', 'What should be the composition of these peacekeeping forces?' The country involved in the conflict does not participate in voting on such issues," the expert concluded. Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Petr Pavel, earlier said it's unlikely that the conflict in Donbas would escalate into a full-scale aggression on the part of Russia. Politician said the OSCE had never reported on presence of Russian regular units in the Donbas territory beyond Ukraine's control. Ukrainian businessman and politician Viktor Medvedchuk, who many believe is Vladimir Putin's political operative in Ukraine, does not consider Russia an aggressor state in relation to Ukraine. "The conflict in Donbas is a conflict between the people who did not agree with the arrival of the new government and with the politicians from the new government," Medvedchuk said in an interview with Deutsche Welle, published April 18. He also claimed that Russia, like the OSCE, acts only as an intermediary in the settlement of the conflict in Donbas, which is "directly recorded in the Minsk agreements." "Russia is present in the Normandy format and has assumed the functions to influence the leadership of unrecognized republics," the politician stressed. Answering a journalist's question about the presence of Russian troops in Donbas, Medvedchuk said the OSCE special monitoring mission "has never reported on the presence of Russian regular units in the [Donbas] territory beyond Ukraine's control." Read alsoJournalists investigate Medvedchuk's role in UkraineAt the same time, he avoided answering a question about the presence of Russian weapons in Donbas. Medvedchuk also stressed that he was not interested in the question of who has been financing militants in Donbas. According to Medvedchuk, during the talks in Moscow, he "fulfills the request of Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko." It is about the exchange and release of persons who are being held in the territory of the Russian Federation and the occupied part of Donbas, as well as the implementation of Minsk agreements. It is known Medvedchuk is in close relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who is a godfather to Medvedchuk's daughter. Putin's spox said the issue of Donbas could be solved by consensus and only through the implementation of Minsk agreements. The Kremlin has refused to discuss the plan of Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov on the return of occupied territories to Ukraine. "As for Donbas. There are Minsk agreements, and the issue of Donbas can be solved by common consensus only through the implementation of Minsk agreements, which is being torpedoed and blocked by the Ukrainian side," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists, an UNIAN correspondent in Russia reports. Read alsoUkraine Interior Minister elaborates on plan to return occupied DonbasAt the same time, he said that references to Crimea in Ukraine's plan for the liberation of the occupied territories "we consider inappropriate, because this is the region of Russia, and the fate of the Russian regions is not discussed with any states." As UNIAN reported earlier, Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov said he has a plan for the return of the occupied territory of Donbas to Ukraine. It is called "tactics of small steps, which everyone applauds." The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Presidential Administration, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, and most ministers. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko held in the presidential administration a closed meeting with the Government late Tuesday, April 17. The meeting was initiated by the president, Ukrayinska Pravda reported, referring to sources in the government and parliament. The meeting was attended by the leadership of the Presidential Administration, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, and almost all ministers. Read alsoPoroshenko calls for stripping Russia of veto right in UNSCInterior Minister Arsen Avakov, Finance Minister Oleksandr Danyliuk and Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan were on working visits abroad. Sources say, the meeting discussed the issues of church transformations and the need for unity of all power branches, in particular, presidential and governmental teams. As UNIAN reported earlier, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday, April 17, announced the start of the procedure for the creation of a unified Ukrainian Orthodox Church. Chairman of the NATO Military Committee General Petr Pavel sat down with UNIAN to explain whether it's possible to bring Ukrainian forces to NATO standards by 2020, be granted a Membership Action Plan, whether to expect from Russia a full-scale invasion into Ukraine in the short term, and why he believes the Donbas conflict has no military solution to it. On April 18-19, the NATO Military Committee is visiting Ukraine. On the eve of the visit, its chief, four-star general Petr Pavel told UNIAN about the purpose of the visit, gave his assessment of the likelihood of the escalation in eastern Ukraine, and described how realistic it is for the Ukrainian army to start operating in line with NATO standards by 2020 What is the purpose of holding a Military Committee meeting in Lviv? What is on the agenda? The Military Committee usually sits at a working level of military representatives who are representing their chiefs of defense here in Brussels, normally twice a week. But occasionally, Military Committee goes somewhere to visit the countries either Allies or partners to get a better understanding of the situation on the ground and also to promote partnership and cooperation. This time we go again to Ukraine, and this time we do not go to Kyiv but to Lviv. We will visit the Military Academy, we will be received by the chief of defense and his team, and we'll also the next day, on Thursday, we'll visit this Partnership and Peace Operation Training Center Yavoriv and then we'll have a session of the Military Committee with Ukraine, so that's a joint format with the partners. The agenda for the visit and for the meeting between NATO and Ukraine will be, I can now almost say, "traditional," to observe the progress of reforms to which we are providing the assistance, to discuss opportunities for improving our cooperation, adjust cooperation to meet the needs of both Alliance and Ukraine, and also to deepen understanding on both sides on our side to understand realities of Ukrainian forces on the ground; and on the Ukrainian side to understand better the procedures and positions that we are taking. We are always trying to use the time to fill it with a number of events so that they serve the purpose of both sides. You said that at the meeting, you would discuss progress of reform in Ukrainian army. As we know, Ukraine declared it sought to achieve a goal by 2020 to have its army operating in line with NATO standards. Do you think this is a realistic task? Firstly, to meet all the standards is almost impossible for any army. Because standards are living, they are developing. We are acquiring new equipment, we are adopting new technologies, new procedures, so standards are always living documents and they are developing and they are succeeding each other. So all countries are continuously adjusting to the flow of standards. We are always trying to be as close to standards as possible. There are differences also among NATO allies in the level of adoption of standards. What we aim with Ukraine is to assist Ukraine's Armed Forces to get as close to NATO standards as possible so that we can cooperate easily. We can also say that some standards are probably more important than the others because they allow for interoperability in operations. Some standards, if not less important, can wait in time because they are dealing with life in peace, with training, manning, some services for personnel, so they're not mission-essential. We're focusing on interoperability first. We're also focusing on improving the life and service for Ukrainian military and civilian personnel working for the armed forces by creating conditions that are comparable to the militaries in NATO. We have a number of programs with Ukraine which are under the umbrella of Annual National Plan and Comprehensive Assistance Package. And that Comprehensive Assistance Package defines a number of areas where NATO Allies and some partners are providing assistance to Ukraine. It's logistics, personnel management, medical care, training, maintenance of equipment, demining and disposal of explosive devices. We now have 10 trust funds to support these activities financially. Last year, we had more than 200 assistance activities with Ukraine's armed forces. We delivered support through advisers, trainers. We are also advising at the institutional level, at the level of ministry, and general staff. The network of assistance is very broad and we're doing our best for Ukrainian forces to meet their aspirations, to meet all the standards by 2020. It is also worth reminding that, unlike most NATO Allies who are achieving their objectives and meeting standards under peace conditions, Ukraine is at the same time fighting a war. This is a very difficult job. So I would be positive in terms of progress that Ukraine's armed forces are doing and I would also be positive in terms of objective to get very close to NATO standards by 2020. Noting today's progress, can we expect that interoperability will be achieved between Ukraine and NATO forces by 2020? Interoperability comes through a number of ways. One of them is working together in operations, Ukraine is contributing to NATO operations even today. So by participating in NATO operations and exercises, receiving training from NATO instructors, Ukraine is increasing interoperability with NATO. I wouldn't go that far to say that in 2020, Ukraine's armed forces will be fully interoperable with NATO. But that's not the objective. The objective is to improve the level of cooperation to the extent that we are able to cooperate together in the current environment. We are not talking about the war, we are not talking about managing the crises. Working together to create conditions for a peaceful future of other region, that means Europe, is our objective. How will the MC as a senior military authority in NATO be involved in the process of assessment of Ukraine's Membership Action Plan request? What will be your role in the process? What will be your advice to your political authorities? Do you believe Ukraine could get MAP at NATO's next meeting? I would answer in two parts. One is that MAP is a tool that assisted aspiring nations to eventually become members. None of the nations in the past two decades was in the same situation as Ukraine. The situation for every nation is unique. For example, when my country (the Czech Republic), Poland and Hungary joined in 1999, the situation in the three countries was comparable. We were a part of a Partnership for Peace process, we started working on developing standards, increasing interoperability, and then we got MAP to somehow streamline preparations for membership. With Ukraine, not only that we have much broader cooperation today than these three countries had in their period of closing to joining, MAP is a more or less political tool to express the level of aspirations and somehow define the period that remains between "today" and potential membership. You say that MAP defines the level of aspiration for a country willing to become a NATO member, but what about the Alliance's readiness to accept this country? Isn't it a two-way street? That's why I said it's more of a political than a military tool. For military, I can hardly imagine that granting the MAP would significantly change the level of cooperation we have between NATO and Ukraine. In fact, for us, there will be, if any, very little change. As I said, the level and depth of cooperation is already significant now and we could hardly add anything more. So any discussion on granting MAP is reserved to a political level. I can hardly comment because I would then interfere in the domain which is not mine. So, MC will not participate in the discussion and will not provide any advice on the issue, is that correct? No. If we, as military, are asked to provide advice, then it will be at the level of cooperation, at the level of readiness of Ukrainian forces. We can deliver it even now. We can deliver a report on the status of readiness of Ukrainian forces at any time, of course. Because we know where we are, we know where the problems and challenges are. But it's not a criterion for granting MAP. It's only a possibility that we may be asked or not at a political level for a military assessment. Because it's not a precondition. That's why I'm saying that granting MAP is a political decision, it's not based on military recommendations. Once you've already mentioned this, I can't but ask: how ready is Ukrainian army for MAP? There are no written military criteria for granting MAP. We assess that in general granting MAP should be an act made after a country reaches some level of reforms. And whenever I participate in a NATO-Ukraine Commission, sitting through the meetings, we all hear around the table that there is still way to go in terms of reforms. I believe that once there is a general agreement that the level of progress has reached the level that will be acceptable to ground MAP, there will be a consensus on the issue. But that's not a military responsibility to say, OK, we have 10 different parameters, and Ukraine reached sufficient levels within all parameters, and we will now automatically pass recommendations to a political level to ground MAP. It doesn't work like that. We may be asked for some military assessment. But since we delivered such assessment for every NATO-Ukraine Commission (NUC) meeting, there is no need for specific assessment. This time, once we come back from Lviv, I will write a report from the MC to NUC. So whatever we'll hear from our Ukrainian partners, we will assess, put down into the report, and it will be forwarded to a political level. The political level is continuously informed about the level of reforms, they don't need to task us with developing a specific assessment. Ukraine's Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak recently said that there is a possibility of the Donbas conflict growing into a full-scale Russian aggression against Ukraine. What are your observations? Do you agree with such an assessment? We heard this argument in the past, however, the recent assessment delivered by Ukrainian authorities both political and military says there will not be an imminent threat of a full-scale Russian aggression. And our assessment is that such an option will be highly unlikely. There is even a question, what Russia would gain under such an aggression. We have to be realistic. On the one hand, Russia is not supportive of political settlement of the conflict. To some extent, we could also argue it is a convenient political tool to have these frozen conflicts in Georgia, Transnistria and Donbas to create political pressure on NATO and individual countries. But at the same time, Russia is not ready at this point to get engaged into a full-scale conflict of a large magnitude. So our assessment is that while Russia will not be helpful in peace process, the risk of full-scale aggression is low. That doesn't mean that we shouldnt pay attention to the situation and that we should be complacent, not at all. We should make all efforts to exert enough pressure on Russia, to come back to respect of international law and norms and come back to, let's say, standard norms of behavior among the countries, based on rules and order which existed in the international arena. In that sense, we will also be supporting Ukraine in developing capabilities to clearly deter any such an aggression. And this is where we are heading to make Ukrainian defense forces capable and credible enough to deter any potential aggression. Is there a military solution to the Donbas situation? Do you see NATO's possible role in a general settlement of this crisis, or maybe also that in Syria? It may sound strange from a military officer but I don't believe in military solution of problems of that kind. There is clearly only a political solution that can be supported by some military tools but only in terms of deterrence, not their actual use to resolve the situation. Because use of military tools will necessarily bring more suffering to people living in Donbas and in the neighboring regions. So the only solution is through political settlement, and for that political settlement there have to be a minimum of two sides Russia and Ukraine. All others can support the process. So NATO is supporting the process by improving capabilities of Ukrainian armed forces to create sufficient and credible deterrence against any further Russian aggression, and at the same time to create a situation where Russia would see Ukrainian forces strong enough to defend the country if necessary by all means, and also to prevent any further escalation of conflict in Donbas. And the only solution is through a negotiating table and through implementation of Minsk agreements. Potentially, improving the Minsk Agreement by adding a clear sequence of events, clear responsibility and timelines would create conditions of accountability for all the sides to meet all the goals one by one and finally get to a normalization of the situation in Donbas. Iryna Somer, Brussels If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The agency submitted a report on threats to national security of Ukraine on the part of Russia of January 15, 2013, and another one on Russian threat to territorial integrity, of February 17, 2014. Prosecutor of the Main Military Prosecutor's Office, Ruslan Kravchenko, during a Wednesday court hearing in the Viktor Yanukovych treason case said the SBU Security Service of Ukraine had warned former Ukrainian President twice that there were risks of a violation of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine coming from Russia. During the interrogation of MP Mykhailo Dobkin in Kyiv's Obolon District Court, the prosecutor said Yanukovych's lawyers had been claiming that their client was not aware of any threat to Ukrainian sovereignty and integrity on the part of Russia. However, the prosecution has at its disposal declassified reports indicating otherwise, TSN reports. The SBU submitted a report on threats to national security of Ukraine on the part of Russia of January 15, 2013, and another one on Russian threat to territorial integrity, of February 17, 2014. Read alsoUkraine's Turchynov: Kremlin was preparing to invade Kyiv in 2014Besides, in the report of January 15, 2013, the former president was informed that an interdepartmental group had been set up in Russia under the president aimed at political, humanitarian and economic support for the intervention in Ukraine. It was stated that it had been coordinated by the Russian Presidential Administration. The report also defined financial and industrial groups that will be involved in operations against Ukraine. One of the stages of the process to prepare intervention was securing dominance of Russian energy companies in the Ukrainian market, spreading influence on engineering, maritime industry, communications, etc. The efforts also targeted Russians living abroad as Russian language and Russian centers were spreading, as well as public organizations advocating the unification of Russia and Ukraine. Read alsoEU envoys agree to prolong sanctions against Yanukovych and alliesAs reported earlier, Yanukovych is being accused of high treason, complicity with the Russian authorities, deliberate actions aimed at altering the borders of Ukraine in the breach of procedure established by the Constitution, and waging aggressive war. On June 29, 2017, the Obolonsky district court of Kyiv granted the prosecution's request for the trial in absentia in the Yanukovych case. The detainee repeatedly participated in the transfer of Wagner mercenaries to Syria on ships also loaded with heavy weapons and ammunition. Operatives of the SBU Security Service of Ukraine have questioned a Russian national who has witnessed and taken direct part in the transfer of mercenaries of Russia's Wagner private military company to Syria. The man is one of the two persons earlier detained by security officials, while attempting to illegally cross the Ukrainian border, as reported by the SBU press center. "One of the detainees turned out to be a citizen of Ukraine, while another one is a citizen of the Russian Federation who was carrying a military ID on him that said he had been awarded for participation in a military operation in Syria," the report says. "The former Russian military testified to the agents of the Security Service of Ukraine that during his contract service on the Varyag missile cruiser back in 2015-2017, he repeatedly took part in the transfer of Wagner mercenaries to Syria [on ships loaded] with heavy weapons and ammunition," the SBU said. Read alsoRussian journalist who wrote about Wagner mercenaries dies under suspicious circumstancesThe SBU added that the agency continues to document crimes of Russian mercenaries in Donbas, Syria and other countries for further transfer of evidence to Ukrainian and international courts. As UNIAN reported earlier, on October 7, chief of the Security Service of Ukraine Vasyl Hrytsak unveiled a sensational investigation into the part Wagner played in the majority of Russian military operations on Ukrainian soil from 2014 to 2015, beginning with the occupation of Crimea. The Wagner company, according to the information provided by the SBU and published by Russian journalists, consists of between 2,000 and 5,000 well-trained professional soldiers, as well as tanks, howitzers, and Multiple Launch Rocket Systems. They train in a special, secret training ground in Rostov Oblast. Eight churches and four priests were all that's left of their church on the Black Sea peninsula. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church is under pressure in Crimea after the peninsula was annexed by Russia in March 2014. When Russia-backed separatists seized control of Crimea in 2014, they took control of key military and government sites on the Ukrainian peninsula. They also targeted another institution the branch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church that is centered in Kyiv and not Moscow, RFE/RL said. Read alsoUPDATE: Ukraine asks Constantinople to allow creation of independent Ukrainian Orthodox Church The separatists singled out the churches, looting some, while calling their leaders "Nazis" and "rozkolniki," or "those who broke away," a reference to the church's split with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate (UOC-MP). Today, leaders of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyivan Patriarchate (UOC-KP), as it is formally known, say the de facto authorities in Crimea are persecuting what is left of their church, pushing them to the brink of oblivion. "The Russian occupation authorities have done everything so that the religious atmosphere on the peninsula is similar to theirs [Russia]; that is, loyal and controllable," Archbishop Yevstratiy (Zorya), an official spokesman of the church, said in a recent interview with RFE/RL. Archbishop Klyment, the head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under the Kyiv Patriarchate in Crimea, told RFE/RL that eight churches and four priests were all that's left of their church on the Black Sea peninsula. Only those demonstrating fealty to Moscow enjoy religious freedom in Crimea, according to a leading Ukrainian-based human rights group. Others speak of a wider campaign. According to the U.S.-based democracy monitor Freedom House, the persecution of the church is just one element of the Kremlin's crackdown in Crimea on anything associated with Ukraine, while Human Rights Watch says the Russian authorities in Crimea have created a climate of fear and repression." "Our church did not recognize Crimea as Russia. We refuse to register according to their legislation," explains Archbishop Yevstratiy, adding that to do so would effectively legitimize Russia's occupation. The enemy continued using proscribed weapons against Ukrainian forces. Russia's hybrid military forces attacked Ukrainian army positions in Donbas 45 times in the past 24 hours, with one Ukrainian soldier reported as killed in action (KIA) and another three as wounded in action (WIA). "In the Luhansk sector, the enemy fired proscribed 152mm artillery systems, small arms and sniper weapons at our fortified positions near the village of Zaitseve. In addition, the occupiers used 120mm mortars against the defenders of the village of Troyitske, 82mm mortars and grenade launchers near the village of Novo-Oleksandrivka, and heavy machine guns against the defenders of the village of Luhanske," the press center of the headquarters of Ukraine's military operations reported on Facebook Wednesday morning. Read alsoDonetsk water filtration plant's staff bus comes under fire, five woundedIn the Donetsk sector, the aggressor opened fire from 120mm mortars, grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms at the Ukrainian positions near the villages of Vodiane and Hnutove, as well as 82mm mortars and grenade launchers at the defenders of the village of Novotroyitske. Moreover, the defenders of the town of Avdiyivka, Butivka coal mine, and the villages of Pyshchevyk, Verkhniotoretske, Talakivka, Pavlopil and Kamianka came under fire from grenade launchers, heavy machine guns and small arms. Infantry fighting vehicles were used in the attack on Ukrainian troops near Vodiane and Pavlopil, heavy machine guns -- near the villages of Opytne and Lebedynske, and small arms -- near the villages of Shyrokyne and Nevelske. Furthermore, a sniper engaged Ukrainian fortified positions near Hnutove and Lebedynske. Avakov earlier said he had a plan for the return of the occupied Donbas to Ukraine he called "tactic of small steps, which everyone applauds." Ukrainian Deputy Minister for temporarily occupied territories and internally displaced persons George Tuka has commented on the opinion expressed by Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov that de-occupation of certain areas in Donetsk and Luhansk regions should be made in stages. "When Arsen Avakov named specific settlements or areas [Ukraine forces will be liberating first], it is supposed he had used as nothing but an example," Tuka told Hromadske Radio on April 18. "[Donbas] is actually a huge conglomeration, where quite often one settlement is separated from another only by road signs. Sometimes two or three settlements are perceived as one. If we're talking about the town mentioned by Arsen Borysovych [Avakov], namely Horlivka, it flows into Yenakiieve. I think that this was just an example. In terms of implementation, it is virtually impossible to take Horlivka under control, leaving Yenakiieve uncontrolled," the official said. Read alsoAnti-Terrorist Operation in Donbas to end in May - PoroshenkoIn his opinion, the idea may be elaborated to separate occupied territories into several areas, for example, six to eight, taking them under control gradually, not just particular settlements. "But at the same time one must understand that under any circumstances such actions will require the good will on the part of the Russian Federation," Tuka added. He also said he opposed Avakov's proposal that Ukraine adopt a law on collaboration and collaborationists, which would define the measure of responsibility for such collaboration with the aggressors. "Given that the law will first of all refer to those people now living in the occupied territory, in my opinion, it is better to give them a positive message rather than negative one. It's worth talking about forgiveness," he added. As UNIAN reported earlier, Avakov said he had a plan for the return of the occupied territory of Donbas to Ukraine, titled "tactics of small steps, which everyone applauds." Terrorists are patrolling streets in Russian-occupied Donetsk in search for "saboteurs." Russian-led troops stationed in the occupied city of Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on Wednesday evening resorted to 152mm artillery systems to massively attack the Ukrainian army. "The enemy has just opened fire from 152mm artillery systems deployed in Donetsk. They are now attacking our positions near the town of Avdiyivka, the village of Pisky, and the Yasynuvata interchange. The enemy has been shelling for half an hour already, also using 82mm and 120mm mortars," coordinator of NGO StopTerror Semen Kabakaev wrote on Facebook. Read alsoUkraine reports 1 KIA, 3 WIAs in Donbas amid 45 enemy attacks in last day "Donetsk has been put on alert, several squads of the 'MGB' [the so-called 'Ministry of State Security' of the self-proclaimed 'Donetsk People's Republic'] have left for patrolling they have allegedly launched a manhunt to catch 'saboteurs,'" Kabakaev added. As UNIAN reported earlier, one Ukrainian soldier was killed in action, another three were wounded in action amid 45 attacks on the Ukrainian army on April 17 alone. The enemy resorted to 152mm artillery systems in the Luhansk sector, while 120mm and 82mm mortars were used both in the Luhansk and Donetsk sectors in eastern Ukraine. The attacker, who is a male high-school student, attempted to commit suicide following the attack. A Russian teenager attacked his fellow students and teachers at a school in the town of Sterlitamak, (Bashkortostan, Russia). The attacker was armed with a knife, reads the report on Mash Telegram channel. The assailant has set fire to one of the school classes during the attack. Read alsoAt least 17 dead in Florida school shooting, law enforcement says CNNAccording to preliminary data, one of female students was forced to jump out of a second-storey window to escape the assailant. She is seriously injured, a Telegram user Breakingmash wrote. A teacher was also injured, suffering severe knife wounds. It is also reported that the attacker has attempted to commit suicide, slashing his own throat. "The number of injured in the attack on the school in Bashkortostan increased to four people. The attacker, as well as two schoolgirls and a teacher, are among the injured," the report says. The identity of the attacker has been established soon: a nine-grader Artem Tagirov. The only viable path to a safe and secure Syria is through a political transition. U.S. Assistant Secretary Wess Mitchell says that Russian mercenaries in Syria have attempted to attack U.S. forces but failed. "Worse, [Russia's] reckless intervention in Syria and support for the Assad regime has raised the risk of confrontation with the West. The failed attack on U.S. forces by Russian mercenaries recently in Syria was one sobering example of this behavior; Moscow's aggressive rhetoric in the period leading up to and after the recent U.S.-led strikes is another," Mitchell said in a written testimony before the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee Hearing on "U.S. Policy Toward a Turbulent Middle East" on April 18, 2018. Read alsoRussian journalist who wrote about Wagner mercenaries dies under suspicious circumstances In his words, the United States tries to avoid the escalation. "America has done its part to avoid these escalatory spirals. We have brokered and maintain de-confliction channels to avoid collisions in an increasingly congested and complex battlespace. Communication between the Coalition and the Russians ensures the safety of our collective aircrews and assets. These efforts help minimize the risk of miscalculation, misunderstanding, or accidental engagement," he said. "We do not seek a confrontation. But our forces will not hesitate to use necessary and proportionate force to defend themselves," he said. In his words, the only viable path to a safe and secure Syria is through a political transition. This solution can only be achieved through a UN-led Geneva process to fully implement UNSCR 2254, he said. "We are pushing Russia to be a constructive participant in this process and to bring Assad to the negotiating table," he said. "So far, Russia has ignored these calls and instead been a spoiler to Geneva." As was reported, U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on March 27, 2018, said the U.S. had seen operations from Russian-affiliated forces in eastern Syria scaled back after U.S. fighter jets had fired on hundreds of alleged Russian mercenaries who fought with U.S.-backed forces in early February. Under the prescribed policy of Punjab government, 149,000 metric tons wheat will be procured in district Faisalabad by the Food department for which 13 procurement centers are working in different parts of the district. FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Under the prescribed policy of Punjab government, 149,000 metric tons wheat will be procured in district Faisalabad by the food department for which 13 procurement centers are working in different parts of the district. Deputy Commissioner Salman Ghani visited the different procurement centers to check the arrangements for wheat farmers. Assistant Commissioner City Ahmar Suhail Kafi, AC Jaranwala Shehryar Arif, DFC Amanullah and other officers also accompanied him. Deputy Commissioner went to wheat purchase center set-vi outside Jhang Bazar, Jhok Ditta, Rodala and Jaranwala City and check arrangements for the wheat procurement campaign. He observed the process of receiving applications from wheat growers for the issuance of bardana (gunny bags) to them according to the revenue record. He also interacted with the farmers and inquired about the performance of the Food, Revenue and other departments. He assured them that all out facilities will be provided to them during the wheat procurement campaign. He informed that center coordinators and center supervisors have been assigned tasks for the smooth running of the procurement centers and dispute redressal committees will be remained active for the removal of any complaint and objection of the farmers. The Deputy Commissioner also inspected storage capacity at the centers and directed the staff for transparent wheat procurement process. He directed for maintaining necessary arrangements for the comfort of the farmers and said that cold drinking water, comfortable seating arrangements and other necessary facilities should be available all the time at the centers. He advised for on spot inspections in case of missing of Gardawari of any applicant. He warned that no negligence and carelessness during the wheat procurement campaign would be tolerated. He directed the staff to perform their duties with dedication and passion to serve the farmers. It was informed on the occasion that the applications from the farmers would be received by 20th of April for the bardana and the same would be scrutinized within two days. The data of the applications are being uploaded on the dash board of the Food department to make the all process of receiving applications transparent. (@rukhshanmir) The Punjab government has decided to procure four million tonne of wheat at a cost of about Rs130 billion to ensure financial stability of farmers. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :The Punjab government has decided to procure four million tonne of wheat at a cost of about Rs130 billion to ensure financial stability of farmers. The food department sources told this while talking to APP on Wednesday. Farmers had been asked to submit their applications till April 20 to get gunny bags, they said, adding that growers should visit wheat procurement centres of their respective areas from 8:00am to 4:00pm to submit their application in this regard. The sources said that farmers should write their contact number besides providing photocopy of their CNIC and after submitting the application must get its receipt. Almost 382 purchase centres had been set up to facilitate farmers, they added. Issuance of gunny bags will tentatively start from April 24 and the process would continue for almost 30 days. It is pertinent to mention here that Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had already approved the wheat procurement policy and wheat would be purchased at the rate of Rs 1,300 per muand (40kg). During the meeting of the Punjab cabinet in which the CM approved the wheat procurement policy said that the procedure of the distribution of gunny bags would be transparent and farmers be given every possible facility at the wheat procurement centres. He said with the blessings of Allah Almighty and hard work of farmers, excellent wheat crop had been produced and per acre wheat production had increased due to subsidy and other measures taken by the Punjab government. He said rights of farmers would be defended during the procurement of wheat and nobody would be allowed to deprive farmers of their due rights. The chief minister said the distribution of gunny bags should be made more transparent with the use of IT and digital monitoring of wheat procurement campaign would also be done. He said he would take stern action against concerning officials and the administration in case of any complaint. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Punjab Secretary Food Shouket Ali Khan on Wednesday said a merit policy will be followed in the procurement of wheat and duties had been assigned to the district administration SARGODHA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) ::Punjab Secretary Food Shouket Ali Khan on Wednesday said a merit policy will be followed in the procurement of wheat and duties had been assigned to the district administration. This was said by the secretary food during his visit to procurement centres on Aasianwala Faisalabad Road and Sillanwali Road. He said all out efforts would be made for procurement of wheat from farmers and transparency will also be ensured. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Wednesday said the present government wanted to give our next generation peace and stability for economic development and Pakistan would be happy to share its experiences of success in addressing violent extremism and terrorism. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Minister for Interior Ahsan Iqbal Wednesday said the present government wanted to give our next generation peace and stability for economic development and Pakistan would be happy to share its experiences of success in addressing violent extremism and terrorism. According to statement of Pakistan High Commission London, Ahsan addressed a Panel Discussion on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and on the side-lines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Besides Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the Commonwealth, other speakers included the Kenyan Head of National Counter Terrorism Centre, Amb. Dr. Martin Kimani, the Nigerian Coordinator Counter Terrorism Center, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa the Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister of Trinidad & Tobago, Stuart Richard Young MP and Mr. Mark Albon, the Head of the CVE Unit in the Commonwealth Secretary General's Office were present. While the audience included young representatives from different forums were also present on the occasion. The proceedings included the introduction of the Commonwealth P/CVE Programme to Member Countries, the announcement of the CVE Cadre of Experts, and statements presentations on UK's approach to CVE as well as successes achieved by Pakistan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Trinidad & Tobago in addressing violent extremism. While affirming Pakistan's support for the cause, Minister observed that at a time when global challenges like climate change, terrorism & extremism, and inequalities were staring us in the face in an ever-connected world, global politics had become fractured and dysfunctional and that there was a need for collaborative and accommodative efforts, rather than finger pointing. He stressed that any effective policy to counter violent extremism would require a comprehensive approach based on an objective and considerate understanding of both internal and external root causes of the rising extremism in the world, including unresolved international disputes, negative and stereotyping media campaigns against communities, religions and nations. Extremism and terrorism can never be defeated unless there is an understanding of why and how it spreads, he added. Briefing the participants about Pakistan's journey from being the victim of terror & extremism to a victor over these menaces, he highlighted the commitment and sacrifices of Pakistani nation in fight against terrorism. He said,"I am proud to stand as part of Pakistani nation, which should unshakable courage and determination in defeating the terrorists. He said Pakistan is facing legacy of Soviet war in Afghanistan alone. The western countries walked away after Soviet withdrawal leaving behind burden of millions of refugees, drugs and kalashnikovs. Pakistan has faced these challenges single handedly and in the process paid a big price. Speaking of measures undertaken by Pakistan, Minister briefed the participants about the National Action Plan (NAP) and the practical steps taken by the Government to counter terrorist violent extremist elements, including curbing activities of proscribed organizations through operations against militants in settled and tribal areas by destroying their infrastructure, training facilities and networks complete ban on glorification of terrorists and terrorism on Media (print, electronic and social) Steps against religious persecution, Relentless Intelligence Based Operations (IBOs) against sympathizers and supporters of extremism. Crackdown against hate speeches and material through NACTA "Chaukas" App; Crack down on finances of proscribed organizations and freezing of their accounts PTA's closure of websites of all proscribed organizations registration of cases against people involved in disseminating messages of hatred and violence and monitoring of proscribed individuals groups, and travel ban on them. On the narrative side, he said the Government through its National Counter Extremism Policy Guidelines (NCEPG) has devised formulated a comprehensive policy which looks beyond narrow concept of security and includes aspects related to Rule of law and service delivery (Criminal Justice System) Citizen & Youth Engagement Media Engagement Coordinating responses beyond silos (Apex Committees) Community Policing, Integrated education Reform, Reformation, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Renunciation, Promotion of Culture & Arts and finally, Recognizing Regional & Global Context. (@rukhshanmir) Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Dr Zia ur Rehman presented his research paper on "The role of Shrine of Baha-ud-Din Zakarya in the social Cohesion" at the ANU International Religion Conference 2018 Sacred Sites/Sacred Stories BAHAWALPUR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Assistant Professor, Department of Islamic Studies, the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Dr Zia ur Rehman presented his research paper on "The role of Shrine of Baha-ud-Din Zakarya in the social Cohesion" at the ANU International Religion Conference 2018 Sacred Sites/Sacred Stories: Global Perspectives organized by the Australian National University, Canberra, Australia. According to the spokesman of IUB Shahzad Ahmad, the conference was attended by good number of participants from more than 20 countries around the world. In his research paper, Dr Zia ur Rehman focused that the teaching of Hazrat Baha-ud-Din Zakarya has become the congregation without any distinction of creed and the social cohesion is growing sharply due to his shrine. There are vast numbers of convertors or descendants of convertors, in whose conversion force played no part and the only influences at work were the teaching and persuasion of peaceful missionaries. The people of western Punjab accepted islam by influencing Baha-ud-Din Zakarya. The Higher education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) provided the travel grant to the scholar to participate in the conference. KP Higher Education Department and Hazara University Wednesday inked MoU for establishment of University Campus at Batagram. A simple ceremony was held at Chief Minister House here. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :KP Higher Education Department and Hazara University Wednesday inked MoU for establishment of University Campus at Batagram. A simple ceremony was held at Chief Minister House here. The high ups of Higher Education Department and Hazara University signed the agreement in presence of Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pervez Khattak. The ceremony was also attended by a 25-member delegation of the elite of Batagram led by Taj Muhammad Tarand besides District Nazim Batagram, Yousaf Tarand and representatives of the concerned department. Pervez Khattak directed the concerned authorities to take early action for the Batagram Campus and starting classes in it. He said university campus at Batagram was right of the people. He said that the provincial government tried to discharge its obligations in quality education by imposing emergency in this sector soon after coming into power, adding PTI led KP government did not believe in merely inaugurating the schemes and chanting empty slogans rather it took practical steps to provide relief to masses. Chief Minister said that improving the standard of education in the province was top most priority of the government from the very beginning. He expressed the confidence that Batagram campus would greatly benefit the youth by getting quality higher educational facilities at their door steps. The ceremony was also addressed by District Nazim Batagram, Yousaf Tarand, Taj Muhammad Tarand and representatives of the concerned institutions who appreciated the performance of the provincial government in different spheres especially in education sector. They thanked the Chief Minister for establishing university campus at Batagram. They said it was longstanding demand of the people of the area that was met by the present provincial government. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has awarded three indexing agencies to Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for providing free online access to research articles, facilitating researchers and academicians. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has awarded three indexing agencies to Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) for providing free online access to research articles, facilitating researchers and academicians. The agencies will work in three disciplines, education, Pakistani languages and Islamic studies; this was stated by the Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Siddiqui while addressing a meeting of the University's officers, arranged by Officers Welfare Association (OWA), a press release said on Wednesday. This is the singular honour of this mega university, that it has achieved trust and confidence of the HEC that has also awarded them twelve research-based projects. Out of seventeen research journals, published by the University during the last three and half years, one related to Education has recently achieved X-category status, another two got Y category. Dr Shahid Siddiqui said that they have focused on the development of AIOU as research-based University, getting itself actively engaged in constructing and disseminating knowledge in all disciplines. About the students'enrollment, he said it was showing upward trends in the recent years. We have already crossed the figure of seven lakh students in one semester. They, the Vice Chancellor further said, also laying greater focus on the development of human resources, enriching the university with trained staff. They have also strengthened their 44 regional offices, by providing them necessary staff and technical support. There have been repaid promotion in the recent years, the University's Selection board and Departmental promotion committee (DPC) met six and seven times respectively. Such number of meetings in a short-span of time is record in the history of AIOU. This was per his dream and commitment with employees, giving them the best for their best work. Earlier, President AWO Mazhar Saeedi assured the VC their full support in further development of the University. He appreciated his outstanding contribution in reconstructing the University's image and up-grading its academic ranking. (@FahadShabbir) America's John Hopkins University and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have joined hands to institutionalize study of Pakistan in the United States as the two countries work to find common grounds for working together for regional peace and stability in South Asia, including Afghanistan. WASHINGTON, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :America's John Hopkins University and Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) have joined hands to institutionalize study of Pakistan in the United States as the two countries work to find common grounds for working together for regional peace and stability in South Asia, including Afghanistan. Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States was the chief guest at the event organized by John Hopkins' school of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and LUMS and delivered a talk on 'Pakistan's place in the world. The event was held at John Hopkins University in Washington. Dr. Vali Nasr, Dean, John Hopkins SAIS opened the floor by introducing the Ambassador and Dr. Joshua White who contributed to the conversation as a discussant. Ambassador Chaudhry described relations between the US and Pakistan as very important that has been fully understood and realized by all segments of Pakistani policy. In the backdrop of the current state of affairs between the two countries, Ambassador Chaudhry said that in their interactions with the US government, Pakistani officials had been impressing upon their American interlocutors that both countries have a great deal of work to do together. "This required continued engagement at all levels. The two sides could work together to achieve the shared objective of peace and stability in Afghanistan," he said while emphasizing on Pakistan's strong desire to have work with the United States for achieving common objectives. While sketching out the changing dynamics of global politics that had been playing out in the South Asia region, Ambassador Chaudhry said that the realignments were defining the broad contours of emerging world order. He said that Pakistan, for its part, had fared well in these challenging and changing times. The country had defeated terrorism, the economy was picking up and attracting investors from across the globe and, in spite of challenges, the democratic process in the country was on track. The Ambassador congratulated the two Universities for their initiative to institutionalize the study of Pakistan in the United States. The conversation with the Ambassador concluded the two-day long Conference titled "Pakistan Beyond Seventy: The Long View" jointly organized by SAIS and LUMS with participation from think tanks and academia from Pakistan and the US. In the evening, the Ambassador hosted a reception for the participants of the Conference titled "Pakistan Beyond Seventy: The Long View" at the Embassy. Distinguished personalities from the US government, think tanks and academia were also invited. In his brief remarks professor Rasool Baksh Raees said that in spite of periodical unease in bilateral relations, both countries continue to work together as there were people on both sides who fully realized the importance of this important relationship in the context of regional and global peace. The speakers lauded efforts on both sides to find common grounds for achieving strategic objectives without compromising their national interests and inspiration. They expressed the hope that, as in the past, the two countries would be able to overcome their differences and will continue to work together in multiple areas. Ambassador Chaudhry highlighted importance of the multi-faceted ties between the two countries in fields including education, culture, economic, defense and security. He expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to have better relations for their mutual benefits. Pakistan Peoples Party central secretary information Dr Nafisa Shah on Wednesday said that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would be the candidate for prime minister after upcoming general elections. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Pakistan Peoples Party central secretary information Dr Nafisa Shah on Wednesday said that party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari would be the candidate for prime minister after upcoming general elections. She said this while addressing the media in a meet the press organized by the Lahore Press Club (LPC). She said the PPP had a deep relationship with the press club and Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto several times visited the LPC. She said it was the PPP which implemented Wage board Award for the journalists. Nafisa said that Lahore was the base camp for the PPP and the party could never forget the sacrifices of the LPC for democracy especially during the dictatorship of General Zia-ul-Haq. "It is fort of democracy and its members know the sanctity of the vote," she added. She said that it was the PPP which introduced constitution of 1973 and several memories related to that period could be recalled today. She was of the view that the party was once again in the process of its rebirth. The PPP always struggled for democracy and its narrative was for the people, she added. To a question, she said that PTI chairman had failed in implementation of its manifesto of accountability in the province where his party was in power. PPP leader Ch Manzoor Ahmad supported Nafisa Shah in answering the questions of the journalists while PPP leaders Faiza Malik, Barrister Amir and LPC president Azam Chaudhry were also present. Later the LPC president thanked the guests for visiting the club. Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai said Balochistan has rich natural resources and minerals but these essential resources could not used due to lack of infrastructures while incumbent government was trying to utilize them for development of people and stability of province through external cooperation. QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Governor Balochistan Muhammad Khan Achakzai said Balochistan has rich natural resources and minerals but these essential resources could not used due to lack of infrastructures while incumbent government was trying to utilize them for development of people and stability of province through external cooperation. According to a handout issued here, he said this while talking to European Ambassador Mr, Jean Francois Cuatain called on him at Governor House Quetta on Wednesday. He said proper utilization of natural mineral resources could be put on track of development and prosperity of province. They discussed about ongoing development projects in Balochistan, mutual interest and current situation of the region during the meeting. Governor Balochistan welcomed the EU Ambassador, saying that population of Balochistan is scattered at wide area which is creating problems in providing basic facilities to masses. "Although provincial government is working hard to ensure the provision of education, health and drinking water to people in respective areas", he added. He said International organization should cooperate with education sectors for professional training and technology in order to obtain better result in educational segments. Governor Balochistan explained that it was necessary to ensure participation of society members including traders to improve economic and commercial activities in province, as saying that government was taking measures to protect religious minorities and their freedom of religious in country and province. He said steps are being taken to expand scope of trade activities for increasing investment in order to gain economic of development and prosperity. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to purchase three hundred and eighty buses from China for Rapid Bus Transit service ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has decided to purchase three hundred and eighty buses from China for Rapid Bus Transit service. A spokesman of the government told that a delegation will visit China for the purpose on Friday. The buses will ply on twenty-six-kilometer-long route from Chamkani to Hayatabad, Radio Pakistan reported. The project on completion will help solve traffic problem of Peshawar city. Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday said, strong bilateral trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Russia would help to promote peace and stability in South Asia. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Federal Minister for Science and Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain on Wednesday said, strong bilateral trade and economic ties between Pakistan and Russia would help to promote peace and stability in South Asia. The minister is currently visiting Moscow and extended his felicitations to the Russian President Vladimir Putin on his resounding victory in the elections, said a press releases received here. He along with senior officials of Ministry of Science and Technology of Russian Federation and other Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member States presented congratulations to the Russian head of state. Rana Tanveer said that friendly relations with Russia remain a high priority for the foreign policy of Pakistan and urged that there was a consensus in Pakistan on the need to further strengthen and diversify relations with Russia. Meanwhile, in another meeting with Russian Minister for Education & Science Olga Yuryevna, Federal Rana Tanveer said that Pakistan wants to forge a long term and broad based partnership with Russia, especially in the field of trade, energy, defence, security, peaceful use of energy, culture & education. He recalled that first ever meeting of the Chairman State Duma to Pakistan in December 2017 was a milestone in Pak-Russian ties. He also thanked the Russian counterparts for offering 16 educational scholarships to Pakistani students. Federal Minister further elaborated to explore the possibility of establishing joint Study Programmes in numerous universities of Pakistan. Rana Tanveer, proposed Russian Minister for Education & Science, Olga Yuryevba to establish Pakistan-Russia Centre for Science and Technology Cooperation in Pakistan. He also proposed to establish a common fund of SCO for development of Science and Technology to support those countries that lag in the fields of Science and Technology. (@ChaudhryMAli88) People of every walk of life including parliamentarians, politicians and civil society from Fata on Wednesday highly lauded President's approval to Fata bill 2017 PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :People of every walk of life including parliamentarians, politicians and civil society from Fata on Wednesday highly lauded President's approval to Fata bill 2017. Which allowed jurisdiction of Supreme Court (SC) and Peshawar High Court (PHC) to Fata and termed it a historic step towards provision of inexpensive and speedy justice to litigants of tribal areas. The President has signed the 'Supreme Court and High Court (Extension of Jurisdiction to Fata) Bill 2017' on the recommendation of the Prime Minister after it was passed by the Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan and it was highly praised by Fata people. Member National Assembly (MNA) elected from Bajaur Agency, Shahabuddin Khan told APP that approval of the bill by President of Pakistan was landmark achievement and a major step forward towards KP-FATA merger. He said Fata bill was a significant step forward to bring FATA into the country's mainstream. Terming approval of Fata bill by President is a historic day in the history of FATA, he said dreams of hundreds of thousands of tribal people have finally come true, and PMLN government and allied parties besides opposition deserved full credit and appreciation. "It is a collective win," he said. Shahabuddin said no political party had ever even considered extending the SC and PHC's jurisdiction to FATA during the last 70 years despite many problems faced by the tribal people. He said PML-N is the only party that had constituted a high-level committee led by the former PM's advisor on foreign affairs Sirtaj Aziz that visited all tribal agencies and frontier regions to make the FATA bill and reforms acceptable to all. Following its approval by the President, he said the bill has now paved way to abolish the century-old draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). Senior lawyer and constitutional expert, Alamzaib Khan advocate also welcomed signing of the Fata Bill by the President and lauded the parliamentarians and tribal people over it. He said the bill was now become a law and tribal people will now get speedy and inexpensive justice besides right of appeal and choice lawyers. FCR was the core cause of backwardness, illiteracy, economic imbalances and poverty in the tribal areas and replacement of this draconian law with the SC and PHC would immensely help remove the sense of deprivation among tribesmen besides expedite pace of economic development there. Alamzaib said passing of bill first from National Assembly and then from Senate and now its approval by the President of Pakistan has paved way extension of SC and PHC's jurisdiction to Fata besides abolishment of the century-old draconian Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR). The people of Fata will now get same judicial and legal rights as enjoyed by masses of rest of the country, he said. He said Government should now focus on construction of infrastructure for judicial offices, complexes, residential compounds for law officers and appointment of judges for quick disposal of tribal people cases. Tribal elders Malik Azmat Khan Alizai, Anwar Khan Dawar and Asghar Afridi said approval of Fata Bill by the President was a historic development that had sparked widespread jubilation and happiness among tribal people in all seven agencies and six frontier regions. They said PMLN leadership had won hearts and minds of hundreds of thousands of tribal people by fulfilling their long standing demand and termed Fata Bill 2017 a leap step forward to bring Fata into mainstream. (@mahnoorsheikh03) Minar-e-Pakistans area extended from 55 acres to 120 acres Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is to hold a public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan on April 29 which has become a challenge for the party leadership. According to details, the party leadership is working on how to fill the huge space of Minar-e-Pakistan. Earlier in 2011, the area of Minar-e-Pakistan was 55 acres that required one lac party workers to fill the space but the area has now extended to 120 acres. To fill this space, the PTI would need at least 5 lac people to make the procession a successful one. The PTI has announced to hold a public meeting at Minar-e-Pakistan on April 29. But the huge area has become a headache for the party. The party leadership has started pondering over various suggestions to fill the space. (@FahadShabbir) Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday said economic activities had been increased due to sufficient reduction in load-shedding and terrorism. LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Wednesday said economic activities had been increased due to sufficient reduction in load-shedding and terrorism. "Sufficient improvements have been witnessed in trade and investment sectors," he added. He stated this while talking to Governor Sindh Muhammad Zubair, Federal Minister Kh Saad Rafiq, Minister of State for National food Security and Research Saeed Ayaz Ali Sherazi and office bearers of PML-N Sindh who called on him. The chief minister said energy crisis had been overpowered to much extent, adding the time was not far when load-shedding would become a thing of the past. Due to sufficient decrease in loadshedding, he said economic activities had been boosted up in Karachi and other parts of the country. The duration of electricity supply to the industrial sector had been increased. He said law and order was a chronic problem in Karachi but due to the efforts and sacrifices of Pak Army and other law enforcement agencies, peace had been restored in Karachi. "The credit goes to the PML-N government which has dedicatedly worked to overcome the menace of terrorism through national action plan," he added. Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan belonged to all of them and they jointly had to run it. "We all have to collectively work hard for national development," he added. Different matters, including re-organisation of the PML-N, phase-wise elections of office bearers and different organizational matters came under discussion and the participants presented different proposals. Senators, including Rahila Magsi, Syed Asif Ali Kirmani, Asad Ali Khan Junejo and Saleem Zia, attended the meeting. (@mahnoorsheikh03) Generals refused to help, saying they cannot intervene in Supreme Courts decisions Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018) Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and senior political Naeem Bukhari has said that Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Khawaja Saad Rafique had gone to four generals to get away with corruption cases. According to details, hot words were exchanged between Chief Justice Saqib Nisar and Railway Minister Rafique in a hearing last week. The chief justice had invited Rafique to the rostrum along with iron grains. To this, the railway minister had responded that the statement was for political opponents and not for the chief justice. Since that hearing, there were speculations in media that Rafique had called on some prominent figures. Commenting on this, Bukhari said that he met the four army generals to avoid corruption cases. However, the generals clearly told him that all the decisions rest with the Supreme Court and they cannot intervene in its matters. To know more, watch the following video: (@rukhshanmir) Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal on Wednesday said there is no power which can pull strings of the Bureau. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Chairman, National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Justice (Retd) Javed Iqbal on Wednesday said there is no power which can pull strings of the Bureau. In his interaction with reporters after briefing the Public Accounts Committee of National Assembly in parliament house here, he said, "I would take my bag and quit the institution if a string is pulled." Answering a question, the Chairman said it is not correct that NAB is taking "revenge," adding that the anti-corruption inquiries will be completed swiftly and properly. "We will try our best to dispose off pending cases of corruption during next ten months," he added. In response to another question, the NAB Chief said the Bureau has no concern with when and if elections are held. Justice Javed Iqbal said that if someone has done corruption then he or she is answerable before and after the elections. He said that it is not job of NAB to stop former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Justice Javed Iqbal said PAC has expressed confidence in NAB. An Uzbek government delegation headed by Lieutenant General Makhmudov Victor Vladimirovich, Secretary Security Council under the President, Uzbekistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Wednesday at General Headquarters (GHQ). RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :An Uzbek government delegation headed by Lieutenant General Makhmudov Victor Vladimirovich, Secretary Security Council under the President, Uzbekistan called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on Wednesday at General Headquarters (GHQ). During the meeting matters of mutual interest including security situation in the region were discussed, said a statement issued here by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The visiting delegation acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army's sincere efforts and sacrifices in the war against terrorism and for stability in the region. The Uzbek side underlined the need for actualizing the great potential for cooperation among the two brotherly countries in all fields including trade, connectivity, security and military-to-military cooperation. The COAS thanked the delegation for their sentiments and assured full cooperation and support from Pakistan in all initiatives aimed at improving regional cooperation, peace and stability. A delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by Secretary of Security Council V.Mahmudov here Wednesday called on National Security Advisor Lt.Gen (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed matters pertaining to regional security and prospects of regional connectivity. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :A delegation from Uzbekistan, headed by Secretary of Security Council V.Mahmudov here Wednesday called on National Security Advisor Lt.Gen (Retd) Nasser Khan Janjua and discussed matters pertaining to regional security and prospects of regional connectivity. V.Mahmudov is directly working under President of Uzbekistan. Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Pakistan, Furqat Sidiqov was also present in the meeting, said a press release. Nasser Janjua gave a detailed presentation to the delegation and highlighted international and regional security situation. He deliberated on significance of bilateral relationship, common challenges and opportunities for Pakistan and Central Asian Republics (CARs). Thereafter, Nasser Khan Janjua briefed the delegation about efforts of Pakistan to bring stability and peace in Afghanistan. Peace in Afghanistan was not only imperative for Pakistan but for the CARs and the whole of the region also, he added. He also appreciated initiatives taken by President of Uzbekistan at Tashkent Conference which specifically focused on peace and stability of Afghanistan. Lt Gen Mahmudov expressed strong desire of Uzbekistan to work with Pakistan collectively for peace in Afghanistan which was positively acknowledged by the NSA. The delegates applauded Pakistan's efforts against terrorism and for peace in Afghanistan. Both sides agreed to work together to improve their relationship in every sphere and also align efforts for sustainable peace in the region. Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb, addressing a ceremony held at the National Press Club here Wednesday with regard to the notification for the Wage Board , said that the government had completed the process of constituting the Wage Board after a hiatus of seventeen years during which the journalists remained deprived of their rights. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb, addressing a ceremony held at the National Press Club here Wednesday with regard to the notification for the Wage board , said that the government had completed the process of constituting the Wage Board after a hiatus of seventeen years during which the journalists remained deprived of their rights. She said that the difficulties faced by the journalist community had been overcome though collective efforts. The journalists had got the dividend for the efforts, which they had been making for the institution of Wage Board during the last seventeen years, she added. The minister said that PFUJ President Afzal Butt and his team had played a significant role in that regard. She said that democracy was completing its ten years in July and it would be befittingly celebrated. Marriyum said that she was sorry to note that the media was trying to mute the part of the conversation of former prime minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif yesterday in which he talked about respect of the vote notwithstanding the fact that he had made Pakistan a nuclear power, built infrastructure and network of roads and brought CPEC to the country. Nawaz Sharif, she said, had invariably talked about the sanctity and ascendency of law and the Constitution. She said that whatever had been happening during the last seventy years and the traditions that were set, were absolutely wrong. The minister said that the government by constituting the Wage Board had not done any favour to the journalists but given them their due right. The journalists, she said, were such a segment of the society who kept democracy going through the power of their pen and had always stood with it through thick and thin, and the ups and downs that it had to endure. She said that she was well aware of the difficulties that the working journalists faced during the discharge of their professional assignments. She said that it was the good luck of the prime minister, the government and her that the notification of Wage Board was issued during the tenure of PML-N government. The real work in that regard was still to be done and hopefully it would be accomplished within the tenure of the government, she said, adding that the step had reinforced media-government relations that existed before it. Marriyum said that the Eighth Wage Board would provide economic security to the journalist community solving their problems pertaining to household and education. She thanked the newspaper owners for their support in that regard. She said that the government was also working on the bill regarding security and safety of the journalists. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had also played a significant role in the finalization of the Wage Board and its approval from the cabinet, she added. The minister informed the audience that she would visit Sindh and Balochistan shortly. Marriyum said that the Constitution delineated the powers and functions of the state institutions and if all of them worked within their stipulated spheres it would become a source of strength for all. The minister while handing over the notification of the Wage Board to the leadership of the journalists, said that she would never forget the love and respect that she was given and also expressed her gratitude to them. PFUJ President Afzal Butt, National Press Club president, IIUJ president and other representative bodies of journalists thanked Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbassi, Federal ministers and Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb for issuing the notification of Wage Board. The ceremony was attended by the representatives of the media bodies and a large number of journalists. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan Wednesday said youth were masters of Pakistan's destiny as they could include the country among the developed countries. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) President Sardar Masood Khan Wednesday said youth were masters of Pakistan's destiny as they could include the country among the developed countries. He was addressing the Roots Flagship Millennium Campus' Annual High Achiever Ceremony 2018 here at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, in which the students, who had achieved distinctions and scholarships to international universities, were honoured, a press release said. Underscoring the importance of quality education, President Masood said it was pertinent to impart an education that focused on the social, emotional, mental, physical and cognitive development of students, preparing them for the challenges of life. He complimented the management, faculty, students and their parents on their outstanding achievements. Students of the institution had been provided holistic education with the emphasis on personality grooming, character development, confidence, adequate exposure to leadership and societal contributions, he added. He said the students owed their success to their parents and teachers. He urged them to fulfil their responsibility by contributing to the society and pursuing academic and professional excellence. They should focus on making Pakistan socially, politically, diplomatically and economically stronger; enabling it to stand among the developed nations of the world, he added. The AJk president while strongly condemning the recent gang rape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa Banu, informed the audience about the abysmal situation in Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK). The people in IOK were facing gross injustice at the hands of 700,000 Indian occupation forces, who are killing, maiming, torturing, incarcerating and dishonouring them with impunity. As global citizens "we need to raise our voice for the Kashmiris by creating awareness on the atrocities taking place in IOK," he added. President Masood said,"We will continue to support the Kashmiris' peaceful and unarmed struggle for their right to self-determination. We strive for a just, peaceful and lasting resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and call for the immediate end to the human right violations and war crimes perpetrated in IOK." He asked the students to express solidarity with the Kashmiris and raise awareness over the issue by telling the stories of Kashmiri brothers and sisters by using the #KashmirMatters on social media networks. He said AJK was on the verge of an economic and commercial revolution driven by multiple development projects focusing infrastructure, construction of roads, universal access to health, education, industry, tourism, energy production and enhancing agriculture capacity. "Azad Kashmir will contribute to the developing economic landscape of Pakistan, becoming an asset for the country," he added. The event was attended by Adil Al Arabi, Tunisian Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Junaid Zaidi, Rector COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Julie Newlan, Pro-Vice Chancellor University of Hertfordshire; Chaudhry Faisal Mushtaq, Chief Executive TMUC, faculty, students and their parents. Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Wednesday met with Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Beijing, vowing to promote bilateral ties to a new high. BEIJING , (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Wednesday met with Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Beijing, vowing to promote bilateral ties to a new high. During the meeting, Wang said China-Nepal relations enjoyed healthy development with steady progress in bilateral cooperation in various fields. "In China's opening-up, reform and the socialist modernization drive, a very important lesson is to properly handle the relationship between stability and development," Wang said, adding that stability is the prerequisite for development, and development is the basis for stability. He said China is glad to see that Nepal has completed its political transition and shifted its focus to economic development. Wang said he hopes the two countries can jointly implement the existing consensus and agreement and take the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to expand all-around cooperation in order to promote bilateral ties to a new high. For his part, Gyawali said Nepal and China are comprehensive cooperative partners, and the new government of Nepal will firmly pursue the one-China policy. (@FahadShabbir) As its first parliamentary vote in nearly a decade approaches, Lebanon has been swept into campaign fever: posters on every corner, televised debates, and neighbours bickering over new electoral procedures Beirut, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :As its first parliamentary vote in nearly a decade approaches, Lebanon has been swept into campaign fever: posters on every corner, televised debates, and neighbours bickering over new electoral procedures. Stakes are high in the long-awaited May 6 poll, the first test of Lebanon's 2017 voting law, that will carve out the country's political and economic trajectory for years to come. Voters and candidates alike are eager for polling to start, nearly 10 years after the last parliamentary elections in June 2009. The 128 lawmakers elected back then have extended their mandate three times, citing potential spillover from the war in neighbouring Syria and an unsatisfactory voting law. But after years of deadlock, Lebanon's politicians agreed to elect a president, form a government and move towards a complex new ballot system, paving the way for next month's historic vote. "It's a new electoral experience for Lebanon," said Imad Salamey, a professor of political science at Beirut's Lebanese American University. The next parliament will select Lebanon's future prime minister and legislate on major social and economic issues, while attempting to keep sectarian tensions in check. "The stakes in this election are quite high due to the delicate balance of power between the different sectarian groups in the country," Salamey said. The country of just over four million is governed by a power-sharing agreement that leaves little to chance, with parliament equally divided between Muslims and Christians then further split among different sects. - Lebanon 'needs change' - But the new electoral system, the frustration of young voters and the candidacy of scores of independents have sparked hope for something different. "This country needs a change. I've been complaining about it for years, so not doing anything is not a solution," said Ingrid Hag, 25. The communications consultant, who will be casting her ballot for the first time, said she had yet to decide how she will vote, but wants a government that cares about environmental issues, women's rights and reliable public services. Across the country, 597 candidates running on 77 lists have launched their campaigns with Oscars-style ceremonies and huge billboards dominating highways. In every neighbourhood, images of the incumbent political elite, like Prime Minister Saad Hariri, stare down first-time hopefuls. Television channels are offering candidates pricey media packages for up to $6,000 per minute of airtime and have launched slick shows to explain the new ballot-casting process. In the past, voters could individually pick candidates for each seat in their district. Under the new law, they choose among the lists, but can also cast an extra preferential vote for a specific candidate. The law replaces a majoritarian system with a proportional one and allows Lebanese expatriates to vote abroad for the first time -- some 82,000 have registered to do so. - 'Pragmatic' list-making - The new list system has further ruptured Lebanon's bipolar political class. Now parties are being "pragmatic," said Salamey, reaching across the aisle to form mutually-beneficial electoral blocs in some districts whilst opposing each other elsewhere. "It's based on each candidate, how many votes he or she can get to the list and accordingly alliances are formulated," he said. The only party not to ally with rivals is Hezbollah, popular across Lebanon's south and centre. "From a western perspective, there is a concern that Hezbollah may sweep electoral seats and turn the balance in its favour, making any government to be formed after the election a 'Hezbollah' government," said Salamey. But the new law has also prompted candidates outside Lebanon's traditional political class to join forces, and attracted a record number of women -- including writer and activist Joumana Haddad. (@FahadShabbir) Kuwait is ready to cement commercial relations with the United States, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement Tuesday. Khaled Al-Roudhan, the Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry, flew to the U.S. on Tuesday on a visit. KUWAIT, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2018 ) :Kuwait is ready to cement commercial relations with the United States, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry said in a statement Tuesday. Khaled Al-Roudhan, the Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry, flew to the U.S. on Tuesday on a visit. He will hold talks with his U.S. counterpart Wilbur Louis Ross on means of promoting the domestic investment environment and cementing commercial relations between Kuwait and the United States, the statement said. Al-Roudhan will also discuss with his American counterparts expertise swap, with an aim to increase commercial exchanges between the two countries, it said. The minister is also scheduled to lecture at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and hold talks with officials of the World Bank on how to improve business in Kuwait according to international criteria. Kuwaiti exports to the U.S. reached 141.6 million U.S. Dollars and imports from America amounted to 3.4 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, the Kuwait news Agency said. (@rukhshanmir) Madagascar's opposition on Wednesday vowed to defy an official ban and go ahead with a weekend protest over "scandalous" new election laws ahead of elections in late 2018. Antananarivo, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Madagascar's opposition on Wednesday vowed to defy an official ban and go ahead with a weekend protest over "scandalous" new election laws ahead of elections in late 2018. Opposition MPs unanimously approved the plan to protest on Saturday outside city hall in the capital Antananarivo, said lawmaker Hanitriniaina Razafimanantsoa of TIM, the country's second largest opposition party. Local authorities had declared the protest illegal on Tuesday, with the prefect of Antananarivo, Angelo Ravelonarivo, saying the organisers had submitted a "notification" instead of the required "request for authorisation". Razafimanantsoa said the prefect had acted on orders from the government of the former French colony off the southeast coast of Africa. The opposition accuses the government of President Hery Rajaonarimampianina of wanting to muzzle it ahead of presidential and legislative elections to be held in late November or December. Opposition MPs charge that three new recently adopted laws favour the ruling party. Elected in 2013, Rajaonarimampianina has not yet announced whether he will stand for re-election. Meanwhile two former heads of state have already mooted runs: Marc Ravalomanana, who was president from 2002 to 2009 and is backed by the TIM, and Andry Rajoelina, who succeeded him. Both were barred from running in 2013. Ravalomanana was overthrown in 2009 after an army mutiny that allowed Rajoelina -- then Antananarivo mayor -- to become the country's unelected transition president until 2014. Rajaonarimampianina's arrival in power brought an end to a long series of political crises in the country. The new United Nations envoy for war-torn Yemen has called for all parties to the conflict to abandon preconditions and begin negotiations, saying he would offer a new framework for talks within the next two months.w w UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :The new United Nations envoy for war-torn Yemen has called for all parties to the conflict to abandon preconditions and begin negotiations, saying he would offer a new framework for talks within the next two months. "A negotiated political settlement through inclusive intra-Yemeni dialogue is the only way to end the Yemeni conflict and address the ongoing humanitarian crisis," Martin Griffiths, the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, told the Security Council Tuesday. "Peace becomes possible when we see the good in our foes, even though we can see clearly the cruelties of war," he added. In his first briefing to the Security Council since assuming his responsibilities in March, Griffiths informed its members that he plans to develop principles for peace negotiations within the next two months. The promised drive for a settlement comes as living conditions in Yemen become increasingly desperate, in what now the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Speaking alongside the Griffiths, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mark Lowcock, said: "More than 22 million people urgently require some form of humanitarian help, including 8.4 million people who struggle to find their next meal." Peace becomes possible when we see the good in our foes, even though we can see clearly the cruelties of war -- UN Special Envoy Martin Griffiths said. While he said it was his perception that the warring sides in Yemen desire peace, Griffiths drew attention to the increased number of ballistic missiles launched towards Saudi Arabia, intensified military operations in north-west Yemen, and airstrikes in the capital of Sanaa and other cities that are causing civilian deaths and diminishing hopes for peace. Conflict is ongoing there between an international coalition of forces supporting President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi on the one side, and Houthi militias and allied units of the armed forces on the other. "The people of Yemen are in desperate need of signs that this war will soon end," Griffiths said. Griffiths assumed his responsibilities on March 11, succeeding Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed who had served as the Special Envoy since April 2015 Efforts to provide humanitarian relief to millions of Yemenis has been severely hampered, Lowcock, the Organization's aid chief, said, because of bureaucratic obstacles imposed by authorities as well as restrictions on imports and customs clearance, and long delays and searches at checkpoints. "Sanaa airport also remains closed to commercial traffic, preventing thousands of critically ill patients from travelling abroad to seek treatment unavailable in Yemen," Lowcock said. Lowcock, who is also the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, warned that another major outbreak of cholera looms, though aid workers are trying to take preventive measures and are pre-positioning supplies should it occur. "A successful response requires safe unimpeded and unhindered access across and into Yemen for humanitarian staff and humanitarian supplies," he said, as well as predictable fuel imports to keep hospitals and water treatment plants running. A violent clash on Wednesday between students and security forces left many students injured, some seriously, at the main university in the Niger capital Niamey, a student leader said. Niamey, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :A violent clash on Wednesday between students and security forces left many students injured, some seriously, at the main university in the Niger capital Niamey, a student leader said. The students were protesting to demand the reinstatement of five classmates who were expelled last month after being accused of assaulting a professor, students and residents told AFP. "The clashes between the two sides were violent around the campus and inside," a resident of the neighbouring Lamorde district said. Student leader Salha Kaila told AFP by telephone: "We barricaded the road that goes in front of the campus, and the security forces burst onto the campus. There are many injured among our classmates." He said "some of the injured are fighting for their lives" at a university hospital in Lamorde. "For now... there is a precarious calm," Kaila added. The clash came a little over a week after a protest turned violent and a student died in unclear circumstances. The secretary general of the student union UENUN, Sita Diabiri, said Tuesday that students had returned to class on Saturday after calling a "truce" to allow for negotiations with the government. Diabiri said their "main demand" was the reinstatement of the five students, including himself, who were expelled in March. They also want the university to reverse a decision to allow security forces to patrol the campus instead of UENUN. On April 9 hundreds of students demonstrated to demand better living and studying conditions in a protest that paralysed traffic as demonstrators set up barricades of tree trunks, blocks of stone and burning tyres. Security forces used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who responded by throwing stones. One protester died after a fall which authorities said was not linked to police action, but UENUN insisted the death was a result of the student having been hit by a police tear gas cannister. An inquiry has been opened. The university was paralysed by a month-long teachers' strike over the alleged assault on a teacher by students on February 7. The strike ended on March 17 after the five students were expelled and the university tapped the security forces for campus security. The students said there had been a "minor altercation" rather than an assault and slammed the expulsions as "unfair, disproportionate, illegal and arbitrary". President Mahamadou Issoufou held talks with student leaders in a bid to defuse the crisis. (@rukhshanmir) LONDON, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi arrived here on Tuesday evening to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM 2018) from April 18-20, 2018. At the airport, the Prime Minister was received by senior officials of the UK Government and Pakistan High Commissioner to United Kingdom (UK) Syed Ibne Abbas, together with officials of the High Commission. During his stay in London, the Prime Minister will attend the Reception being hosted by Queen Elizabeth II; call on the Prince of Wales and meet Prime Minister Theresa May amongst other Commonwealth leaders. Participation in CHOGM-2018 would provide an opportunity to highlight the progress made by Pakistan including its transition to a modern and dynamic emerging market, which is an attractive destination for business, investment and trade. The Prime Minister will actively participate in executive and retreat sessions as well as a number of events being held on the sidelines of the CHOGM. Pakistan is one of the founding members of the organization. The current membership of the Commonwealth consists of 53 member states reflecting diversity of all continents of the world. Commonwealth provides a market of around 2.5 billion people, spread across all six continents, covering nearly a quarter of the world's land mass and a combined GDP of GBP 6.9 trillion. The main theme of this Conference is "Towards A Common Future." Seven workers were injured in a coal mine blast in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on midnight Monday, authorities said. KIEV, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2018 ) :Seven workers were injured in a coal mine blast in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region on midnight Monday, authorities said. A mixture of methane and air exploded in the "Pokrovskaya" mine at a depth of 470 meters, when 406 miners were working underground, the State Emergency Service said in a statement. Rescuers evacuated the trapped miners to the surface within an hour, and the injured have been taken to a hospital. One of the injured is in grave condition, according to authorities. The blast was the second accident in "Pokrovskaya" mine this year. Eight miners were injured in a methane gas explosion inside the mine in January. Twenty-three people died and 757 others were injured in coal mine accidents in Ukraine last year. (@rukhshanmir) South Africa on Wednesday expressed anger over Australia's travel advisory that warns tourists to exercise a "high degree of caution" when visiting the country, citing the risk of serious crime. Johannesburg, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2018 ) :South Africa on Wednesday expressed anger over Australia's travel advisory that warns tourists to exercise a "high degree of caution" when visiting the country, citing the risk of serious crime. The two countries are already in a row over Australia's recent offer to grant fast-track visas to white South African farmers who want to emigrate because of crime and planned land reforms. The visa offer provoked a sharp reaction from South Africa, which last month summoned the Australian ambassador after a minister said white farmers were being "persecuted". Australian Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton said the farmers deserved special attention to enable them to flee "horrific circumstances (for a) civilised country". Australia has not changed its travel advisory since January, but South Africa on Wednesday complained that it contained "misleading information". The advisory says that tourists should "exercise a high degree of caution because of high levels of serious crime." "Crime, including violent crime, is a serious issue in South Africa. Most types of crime are increasing. Be alert," it says, while also criticising local police standards. It lists threats including murder, rape, muggings, robbery, carjackings and "smash and grab" thefts from vehicles, and warns that tourists are targeted at airports, hotels and in safari parks. The South Africa government said it "strongly objects" to the advisory, which it said "has the potential not only to deter Australians from visiting South Africa, but also to tarnish our country's image." Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said she would raise the issue with her Australian counterpart. South Africa's government has vowed to enact land expropriations without compensation to redress imbalances from the colonial and apartheid eras. Up to 500,000 white South Africans have left the country in the past 30 years, according to official statistics, with Australia ranking as the top destination. According to police, 74 farmers were murdered between 2016 and 2017 in South Africa, which has one of the world's highest crime rates. We are very pleased Toronto General Hospital has chosen our minimally invasive TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System for this important clinical study, stated Lars-Erik Eriksson, CEO of Clinical Laserthermia Systems AB. The study will produce important data surrounding the performance and efficacy of the TRANBERG Thermal Therapy System for MRI guided focal laser ablation treatments. Truckee, CA (UroToday.com) - Clinical Laserthermia Systems Americas, Inc. a subsidiary of CLS AB in Lund, Sweden, announced the commencement of a clinical study with Toronto General Hospital in Canada investigating MRI-guided, focal laser ablation (FLA) treatments for prostate cancer. The study has been approved by Health Canada and its results will be published on the National Institute of Health web site.Starting in April 2018, twenty-five patients will participate in a 24-month study at the hospital to evaluate the safety and efficacy of CLSs TRANBERG|Thermal Therapy System and single-use accessories. The study includes men with early stage prostate cancer that have not already undergone radiation or hormone treatment.CLS utilizes unique, non-cooled, diffusing laser fiber technology to optimize heat distribution in tissue while eliminating the need for external cooling. The system also includes features designed to improve workflow and reduce procedure times. On Saturday, 14 April, the Venerable English College kicked off the commemoration of three events with a Symposium covering 900 years of Catholic History. By Sr Bernadette Mary Reis, fsp Some of the greatest scholars in contemporary Catholic history and cultural history studies is how Janet Graffius, Curator of Collections at Stonyhurst College, described participants at a Symposium organized by the Venerable English College in Rome on Saturday, 14 April. Entitled Memory, Martyrs and Mission: Aspects of priestly formation for England and Wales, 1118-2018, the Symposium opened a year of historical significance for English Catholics: the birth of St Thomas Becket in 1118, the foundation of the first English seminary at Douai in 1568, and the restoration of the Venerable English College in 1818. 900 years of Catholic influence The focus of the 6 papers presented during the day-long Symposium was, in Graffius' words, "a 900 years exposition of Catholic influence from the time of Becket, through the ages, right up to the present day. Thomas Beckets life and influence in pre and post Reformation English life and piety, presented by Rev Nicholas Schofield (Archivist of the Archdiocese of Westminster, London), inaugurated the event. This lecture formed the foundation for the subsequent presentations exploring the following topics: the history of the founding of the English seminary at Douai (Professor Eamon Duffy, Cambridge University), the cultural life promoted by the English communities formed around the continental seminaries (Professor Peter Davidson, Oxford University), the exploration of the frescoes that first decorated the Venerable English Colleges chapel (Dr Carol Richardson, University of Edinburgh), the restoration of the continental seminaries in the 19th century (Rev Dr Peter Phillips, Durham University), and a short-term vision for the formation of contemporary English clergy (Professor Judith Champ, St Marys College, Birmingham). The Symposium concluded with a concert performed by the Cappella Fede and directed by Peter Leech, featuring music composed between 1100 and 1967 in honor of St Thomas of Canterbury. Bringing Catholic history into academic mainstream Janet Graffius told Vatican News that the Symposium and the speakers wished to convey the message that English Catholic culture has a vibrancy and a significance which is not fully appreciated by the academic mainstream. That will most likely change in the near future, she said. The planned publication of the resulting papers will put the material in the hands of other academics, which may spark further research. A free exhibition of artifacts put together on the site of the Venerable English College, open Mondays to Fridays until 11 May, puts in evidence the importance of the holdings of the Colleges archives, which can be a tremendous attraction to scholars. Professor Stephen Milner, Director of the British School at Rome, said he feels particularly close to his colleagues at the Venerable English College, since, with the British School, they represent a UK footprint in the heart of Rome, spanning academic research and also fine arts and creativity. He added that he hopes to be able to establish more of a collaboration with the Venerable English College so that we can actually bring students from the UK over to Rome to be resident at the British School as the UKs research academy, precisely to come and work on the holdings of the Venerable English Collegewhich has the most incredibly but largely uninvestigated archive that stretches right the way back, unbroken, in tremendous detail, into the 16th century". Mohammad Hafez, a Syrian-born artist in exile, saves memories of his home country through dioramas depicting life in Syria before and during the war. His miniature pieces made of scraps of metal, wood and marble create images of life in the war-torn nation. Hafez, who now lives in Connecticut, relies on recorded voices and images of everyday life in Syria that he captured through his camera before the war started in 2011. I recorded everything I could get my hands on. Peoples conversations in cafes, the calling for prayers in mosques, the bells of churches, the conversation of a taxi driver and voices of children playing in the courtyard of Umayyad Mosque, Hafez told VOA. All of this reflects spontaneous moments of life in Syria, he added. WATCH: Syrian Artist Keeps Alive the Spirit of his Country, People Reconstruct spirit of Syria Hafez says he believes art would help him reconstruct the spirit of Syrias past and present and that it would help him preserve the beauty and diversity of his culture. One year after the conflict erupted in his country, Hafez found the recordings and images he once captured. He says he felt he found a new purpose in life and that was to tell the story of his country to the world and preserve memories of his war-torn country for the next generation of Syrian. I wanted people to see, feel and hear the buzzing life in each and every artifact, Hafez said. As an artist, my role is to instill hope among my people so we can rebuild our homeland and live in peace and harmony. On this earth there is something worth living for, Hafez added. Hafez, a 2018 Yale University Silliman College Fellow, came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2003 and studied architecture at Iowa State University. Once in the U.S., It took him several years to go back to his home country of Syria. Refugees The ongoing war in Syria has led millions of Syrians to become refugees or to be internally displaced. In his spare time, Hafez advocates for refugees and their rights. You do not need to be a refugee to understand the memories and the feelings of them. We should understand that circumstances forced these people to leave their homes, Hafez said. We should treat them as real humans who share the same feelings as we do, he added. Hafez says he wants to represent a common human denominator that connects the Syrian refugees with the rest of the world. Many people know [them] as abstract numbers in news. I am trying to tell the stories of the refugees from all religions and backgrounds, Hafiz said. Syria remains the country with the highest number of refugees in the world. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimates the number of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries reached 6 million, more than 3 million of whom are in Turkey. Syria is the biggest humanitarian and refugee crisis of our time, a continuing cause of suffering for millions which should be garnering a groundswell of support around the world, Filippo Grandi, UNHCR High Commissioner said recently. Mehdi Jedinia contributed to this report. The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. A senior Afghan provincial police official was killed in an explosion Wednesday in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar province. Colonel Janan Afghan was commander of the Quick Reaction Unit (CRU) for the Kandahar border police. Officials say the explosive device was hidden in his vehicle. VOA's Azizullah Popal reports from Kandahar. Brazil's Supreme Court on Tuesday ordered that Senator Aecio Neves should stand trial on corruption and obstruction of justice charges, a fresh blow to the one-time presidential candidate and former centrist party leader. A five-member panel of the court unanimously ruled to put Neves on trial over accusations by prosecutors that he took a 2 million reais ($587,000) cash payment from Joesley Batista, the former chairman and chief executive of the world's largest meatpacker, JBS SA. Batista is in jail, charged last year with obstructing justice and insider trading. Neves, 58, who separately from the pending trial faces eight other investigations for corruption, was once a promising scion of a traditional political clan. His grandfather was Tancredo Neves, the first president elected after the 1970s-80s military dictatorship, who fell ill and died just hours before his inauguration in 1985. Batista secretly taped Neves asking for money to defend himself from corruption accusations, a conversation that was turned in by the meat magnate as part of a plea bargain deal. Police later video taped a director of J&F Investimentos SA, a holding company owned by the Batista family, handing cash to a cousin of Neves, his campaign treasurer in the 2014 presidential race that he narrowly lost. Neves said Batista and prosecutors had set him up as part of the plea bargain. His lawyer argued that the evidence used against his client was illegal. Under Brazilian law, federal lawmakers, members of the executive branch and thousands of other officials can only be tried by the Supreme Court. Previously leader of the centrist Brazilian Social Democracy Party (PSDB), the scandal cost Neves his position and has hurt the party's standing as it heads into the 2018 election. Its candidate, former Sao Paulo governor Geraldo Alckmin, is far behind in early opinion polls, with about 6 percent of those asked saying they would vote for him. Britain's broadcast regulator has opened seven investigations into Russian state-owned RT television channel, citing an increase in potential violations of impartiality rules since the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter. Ofcom, the media regulator, said the probes would determine whether RT owner TV Novosti is "fit and proper" to continue to hold a British broadcast license. Ofcom said that until recently, TV Novosti's "overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters." But Ofcom added it has seen a "significant increase in the number of programs on the RT service that warrant investigation." Britain has accused Russia of poisoning former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter, Yulia, with a military-grade nerve agent in the British city of Salisbury on March 4, a charge Russia denies. The Russian television channel maintains its editorial approach has been consistent since the poisoning. "Our editorial approach has not changed since the events in Salisbury, and we will be directly addressing this matter with the regulator," said RT spokeswoman Anna Belkina. Separately, RT's editor-in-chief, Margarita Simonyan, acknowledged Britain's investigation and joked the TV channel was not responsible for the death of Sergei Skripal's cat. The cat was put down after being found in Skripal's home in southern England. Diane Kacprowski showed up at 57th Street Books in Chicago early on Tuesday on a mission to be one of the first to snap up a copy of James Comey's scalding memoir about his time at the helm of the FBI and his abrupt firing by President Donald Trump. "A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies and Leadership" went on sale at midnight, and customers scrambled to bookstores around the country to buy the tell-all book that sparked a Twitter war between Trump and the man he fired. "I'm buying it for the same reason I bought 'Fire and Fury,'" Kacprowski, a 62-year-old airline employee and realtor said, referring to Michael Wolff's scathing book about the Trump White House. "To stick it to Trump." She was fortunate to have arrived early. The bookstore sold out all its stock within 20 minutes of opening for business. At other bookstores, owners said sales were slower and the publisher, Macmillan, would not release initial sales figures. Conservative commentators, such as Fox News host Tucker Carlson, have attacked Comey as partisan and indecisive in his handling of the email scandal that dogged Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Others, like former Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz, have denounced Comey for leaking memos about his discussions with Trump. Macmillan, Comey's publisher, ordered 850,000 copies to meet expected demand compared with Wolff's first print run of 150,000. At some stores, however, early sales of Comey's book were slower than Wolff's blockbuster. "I was very concerned that we wouldn't have enough," said Judy Hirsch, a saleswoman at a small, independent bookstore in New York's Greenwich Village. It ordered 25 books but had sold only four copies by late afternoon. In the nation's capital, shopper Phillip Carlisle rushed to buy the book at Washington's Kramerbooks & Afterwords Cafe when it was released just after the stroke of midnight. "I was excited to read a book by somebody who I think is a fundamentally honest person," said Carlisle, who described himself as a "pretty far-left person." Comey's firing by Trump last year led to the appointment of Special Counsel Robert Mueller to investigate allegations that Russia meddled in the 2016 presidential election and possible collusion between Russians and the Trump campaign. In the memoir, Comey described an intelligence briefing in which Trump and his team were told about evidence of Russia's interference in the election. In response, the president-elect had only one question, Comey writes: "But you found there was no impact on the result, right?" The release capped a weeklong media blitz to publicize the book. In an ABC News interview on Sunday, Comey said Trump was a dangerous and "morally unfit" leader doing "tremendous damage" to U.S. institutional and cultural norms. For his part, Trump repeatedly hurled insulting tweets at Comey in the run-up to the release, challenging accusations made in the book and the author's integrity. "Slippery James Comey, a man who always ends up badly and out of whack (he is not smart!), will go down as the WORST FBI Director in history, by far!" Trump wrote early on Sunday in one of five Twitter posts aimed directly at Comey. At The Strand in New York, Denise Thomas grabbed a copy of the book, which features a staid black cover with silver lettering, saying she hoped it would make sense of the barrage of news from Washington. "I'm hoping to be able to sift through just one person's telling," said Thomas, 52, an administrative assistant from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, vacationing in New York. "Every day there's not only one scandal, there's multiple scandals that are just flying at us," she said. Miguel Diaz-Canel has been named Cuba's next president, marking the first time in 60 years the communist-run country has had a president outside the Castro family. The 57-year-old Diaz-Canel, the only candidate for the job, won a five-year term, according to state media. The move was not expected to usher in drastic change. Upon being sworn in Thursday, Diaz-Canel promised to continue the Castros' socialist revolution. WATCH: US-Cuba Relations Unchanged Under New Cuban President "The mandate given by the people to this house is to give continuity to the Cuban revolution in a crucial historic moment," Diaz-Canel said. Diaz-Canel, a former first vice president, appears to be socially liberal and is considered an acceptable successor to the retiring elderly leaders who fought in the revolution. He succeeds 86-year-old Raul Castro, who is resigning after 10 years in office. Raul Castro's late brother, Fidel, served as prime minister and president after the armed Cuban Revolution in 1959 until he became ill in 2006. While the leadership transition is elevating younger leaders, Raul Castro and other older revolutionaries are expected to retain their power, due to their hold on the Communist Party. Castro will remain party leader. "Raul Castro, as first secretary of the Communist Party, will lead the decisions about the future of the country,'' Diaz-Canel said in his speech. "Cuba needs him, providing ideas and proposals for the revolutionary cause, orienting and alerting us about any error or deficiency, teaching us, and always ready to confront imperialism.'' Castro told members of the National Assembly that Diaz-Canel could serve two years as president, and that he will likely eventually take his place as head of the Communist Party. Diaz-Canel will face pressure to bring greater prosperity to the Caribbean country and revitalize its economy, which is weaker than it was in 1985 when it was supported by the former Soviet Union. Since Fidel and Raul Castro led a guerrilla movement that overthrew a dictatorship and took over the country in 1959, the name Castro has been synonymous with Cuba. The Castros leave behind a history of defiance against the United States, as well as a long record of oppression. The Castros' human rights legacy is one of authoritarianism, says Andrew Otazo of the Cuba Study Group, pointing out that the country does not grant freedom of assembly or freedom of the press, and does not allow democratic elections. He expects little to change in the near future. "We will see how things turn out within the medium term, but I do not see a big groundswell of support within the Cuban government for expanding human rights, for instance," said Otazo. WATCH: As Raul Castro Steps Aside, a New Era for Cuba State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the leadership transition is "of great concern" to the Trump administration because it is not democratic. "We would like citizens to be able to have a say in their political outcomes, and this certainly does not seem like regular folks will have a say. They basically don't have a real and meaningful choice because it's not a democratic process." Nauert said the administration would like to see "a more free and democratic Cuba," but is "not overly optimistic." Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican U.S. representative from Florida and Cuban American, echoed similar sentiments. "It may be that Castro's name is not going to appear as president, but they were never presidents, neither Fidel nor Raul, because they are dictators," said Ros-Lehtinen. "As long as the people of Cuba do not have the opportunity to choose their own government, it is always going to be a dictatorship, no matter who is the head of that government." VOA's Spanish Service contributed to this report. A former FBI agent accused of leaking government secrets to a reporter pleaded guilty Tuesday to two criminal counts related to retaining and disclosing defense information, the Justice Department said. Terry Albury, 39, a former special agent in the FBIs Minneapolis field office, could face up to 10 years in prison for each of the two counts against him, the Justice Department said in a statement. As this prosecution demonstrates, we will not waiver in our commitment to pursue and hold accountable government officials who violate their obligations to protect our nations secrets, Assistant Attorney General John Demers said in a statement. Alburys attorneys could not immediately be reached for comment. 'FBI secret rules' At the time Albury was charged in March, his attorneys said his actions were driven by a conscientious commitment to long-term national security and addressing the well-documented systemic biases within the FBI. A source familiar with the case has told Reuters that the online news organization The Intercept was the recipient of the information Albury was charged with leaking. The Intercept could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday. In January 2017, The Intercept published a series titled The FBIs Secret Rules based on Alburys leaked documents, which showed the depth and broad powers of the FBI expansion since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and its recruitment efforts, Minnesota Public Radio reported. The Intercept reported the initial charges against Albury and published a statement from its editor-in-chief, Betsy Reed, saying the news outlet did not discuss anonymous sources. But she said the use of the Espionage Act to prosecute whistleblowers seeking to shed light on matters of vital public concern is an outrage and defended the right of journalists to report such stories. Second leak to The Intercept It was the second time someone suspected of leaking information to The Intercept had been prosecuted. Last year, a U.S. intelligence contractor pleaded not guilty to an espionage count after being accused of leaking a classified report on Russian interference in the U.S. elections to the news outlet. The Justice Department did not identify the news organization that received the information Albury leaked. It said he worked at the time as a liaison with Customs and Border Protection at the Minneapolis airport and had a top-secret clearance that gave him access to some secret material. The Justice Department said that between 2016 and continuing through August 2017, Albury disclosed national defense information classified as secret to a reporter. Several hundred Syrians who have lived for years as refugees in Lebanon left for their home country on Wednesday in a rare case of a mass return of those who left the country since the Syrian civil war began in 2011. Nearly 500 people, including children and the elderly, left the Shebaa area in southeast Lebanon in 15 buses for the Beit Jinn district in Syria, southwest of Damascus, which was recaptured from rebels by pro-government forces in December. The buses reached the Lebanese border on Wednesday afternoon before crossing into Syria. We had no news about our hometown. My family and I are happy to be going back, said Younes Othman, 31, who was a farmer in Syria and is returning after four years in Lebanon. The convoy was organized by the Lebanese authorities, Lebanons state news agency NNA reported. The U.N. refugee agency UNHCR, in a statement, said it was not involved in organizing these returns or other returns at this point, considering the prevailing humanitarian and security situation in Syria. More than half of Syrias pre-war population have fled their homes since the outbreak of war in 2011, including more than a million who sought refuge in tiny Lebanon, where they now make up more than a quarter of the population. Some leading Lebanese politicians, including President Michel Aoun, have called for Syrian refugees to return to calmer parts of Syria, but the United Nations says they should not be forced to go back. When you think of Florida, the colored stone walls of the Grand Canyon dont come to mind. Neither do cowboys, wolves or Native American silver-and-turquoise jewelry. In downtown St. Petersburg, all of those icons of the American West are on display in a new museum. Its called the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art, and it opened this month. The 80,000-square-foot (7,400-square-meter) space is two blocks from the glittering blue waters of Tampa Bay. But at the museums front door, visitors are transported west. For vacationers in the Gulf Coast city, it will be a fascinating cultural respite from sun, sand and palm trees. The building The entrance is through a sandstone sculptural exterior evoking mesas of the American Southwest. That aesthetic of cliffs and cave dwellings and vertical forms runs throughout the museum. A two-story black granite waterfall is the centerpiece of the entrance. A high ceiling and cubist angles frame a bank of windows at the entrance, allowing Floridas sun to shine through. Through the gift shop, a massive wooden bar that looks like something out of a Nevada saloon is the centerpiece for the cafe. Its a 19th century antique in itself, from a hotel in San Francisco. The art There are 400 pieces on display, from large sculptures of Native Americans on horseback to pop-art conceptual paintings of the pioneer spirit. Its unusually earthy and rustic fare, especially for a state thats known for beaches, alligators and sanitized theme parks. Even the gallery walls are painted in earthy, Southwestern colors. All of the art was collected over decades by billionaire Thomas James, chairman emeritus of the Raymond James financial services company, and his wife, Mary. Much of the art once decorated the corporate offices of the company, which is based in St. Petersburg. The collection is inspired by Toms fascination with cowboy lore, museum director Bernice Chu said. Many Western-themed collections in other parts of the country showcase works from the 19th and early 20th centuries, like Frederic Remingtons famous depictions of the Old West. Whats different about this collection is that nearly all the artists featured are still alive. The collection is organized in six themes. Native American life includes artwork that tells the story of the complicated and often brutal history of how Native Americans were treated. A room called The Jewel Box in the Native American artists area displays contemporary Native American jewelry owned by Mary James, who has free rein to dip into the collection and take out anything she wants to wear, Chu said. A wildlife exhibition is the only one thats not dedicated to the West. That display includes paintings and sculptures of animals from around the globe, which will delight younger visitors. St. Pete, arts hub The Museum of Western & Wildlife Art is the latest museum in a city thats increasingly becoming known as an arts hub. One of the museums architects, Jann Weymouth, created another unique local institution: the nearby Dali museum, which is devoted to works of Spanish artist Salvador Dali. In 2019, the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement is expected to open, housing businessman Rudy Ciccarellos collection of furniture, pottery, tile, metalwork, lighting, photography and other decorative arts from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed his country's rape epidemic Wednesday, asserting that rape should not be politicized and that recent sexual assaults have shamed the nation. "This is a matter of great concern for the country, and these sinners are somebody's sons. The rape of a [daughter] is a matter of worry, a shame for the country," Modi said. Modi's made his comments in London, where he was greeted by hundreds of vocal protesters who were demonstrating against the sexual violence that has become a national crisis, including two particularly brutal rapes that triggered nationwide protests in India. Protesters gathered outside Downing Street and parliament as Modi arrived for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Some held placards that read "Modi go home" and "We stand against Modi's agenda of hate and greed." Security forces used tear gas to disperse protesters who were pelting them with stones. As Modi arrived in London on Wednesday to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, renewed violence erupted in the northern Indian state of Kashmir during a demonstration demanding justice for an eight-year-old rape victim. The victim, a Muslim girl living in a Hindu-dominated area in the Kathua district, was kidnapped, drugged and held captive for several days while being raped repeatedly before she was murdered. Another case involved a state lawmaker from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party, who is accused of raping a teenage girl. Authorities did not take action until the victim threatened to set herself on fire earlier this month. The girl's father died a short time later from injuries he sustained while in police custody. There were 40,000 rapes reported in India in 2016, a 60 percent increase since 2012. Nearly 40 percent of the rape victims were children. Three men burst into Nigeria's Senate on Wednesday and snatched the legislature's ceremonial mace, in an incident the body's spokesman blamed on a lawmaker who had been suspended. The men entered the chamber, picked up the mace and left with it in a swoop that lasted less than two minutes. A Reuters journalist at the scene was not able to identify them. The upper house of parliament resumed 15 minutes later after replacing the mace with a spare, the spokesman said. Decisions taken in the Senate cannot be approved without the mace, an ornamental staff symbolizing the authority of the legislature. A giant statue of a fist holding a golden mace stands outside parliament, making it one of Nigeria's most potent government symbols. "Today, some hoodlums led by suspended senator Ovie Omo-Agege walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the upper legislative chamber, the mace," Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, spokesman for the upper house, said in a statement. He later said the session had resumed. Witnesses said the mace-snatchers drove into Senate premises in the company of Omo-Agege and passed through security unchecked. The senator, who was suspended last week following a disagreement with other lawmakers, later appeared flanked by police at the parliament building. "I am not under arrest. All the police here are for my safety," Abdullahi told reporters in the reception of the parliament building. Political campaigning has cranked up a gear in Nigeria, the continent's most populous nation and top crude oil producer, ahead of presidential and gubernatorial elections early next year. President Muhammadu Buhari said last week that he will stand for re-election. "This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such," Abdullahi said. "All security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilize their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act." A land rights activist and descendant of slaves has been shot dead in Brazils Amazon, authorities said, raising concerns of increased violence tied to property disputes. Nazildo dos Santos Brito, 33, was killed on Saturday night in the remote rural area of Tome-Acu, civil police in the northern Para state said in a statement. Brito was a quilombola, as slave descendants are known, and the subject of lawsuits filed by palm oil company Biopalma da Amazonia SA, a subsidiary of giant mining company Vale. The company accused him of disturbance, invasion, threats and other crimes, according to local news website Amazonia Real. In an email, Biopalma said its activity always complies with the law and human rights and that it prioritized dialogue with communities. The company said it filed a single lawsuit, in 2015, to investigate the invasion of its property in Para state that involved members of quilombolas and indigenous communities. Britos motorcycle was not taken when he was slain, likely evidence that he was killed not in a robbery but for his activism in the Amazon region, rights groups said. Everything indicates that it was an execution. He was a marked guy, said Ruben Siqueira, a member of the Pastoral Land Commission, set up by the Catholic Church to combat violence against the rural poor. When huge business interests are at stake and activists speak out, they are eliminated, Siqueira told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Brito had been head of a community association of quilombolas and farmers, police said. Amazonia Real and local activists in Para state said Brito had sought to join a witness protection program. South America's largest country, Brazil is rich in land ripe for development and low on deeds and property records, leading to enormous tension and conflict over rights. It was the world's most dangerous nation for land rights activists in 2016, with about 50 people killed, according to London-based Global Witness. The Pastoral Land Commission says there were 70 murders in the Brazilian countryside in 2017,the most since 2003. Para state, where Brito was killed, led with 21 of the murders. However, the rights group estimates the number of killings is actually higher but many cases go unreported. Fundacao Cultural Palmares, a government body that promotes Afro-Brazilian culture, said it sees with apprehension the escalation of violence in the country's conflict areas. In a democratic nation, one can not admit in any way the use of brutality as a substitute for dialogue, it said in a statement. Libya's navy says it has rescued 217 African migrants from two rubber boats that were stranded in the Mediterranean Sea. A navy statement issued Wednesday says there were 85 women and 10 children among the migrants, who were trying to reach southern Europe. The navy says the migrants, who were found on Tuesday, were taken a naval base in the capital, Tripoli. Libya was plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising and is now split between rival governments in the east and west, each backed by an array of militias. The chaos has made Libya a frequently used route to Europe for migrants fleeing poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. Libya has worked to stem the flow of migrants, with assistance from the European Union. The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) ocean liner has been given a new lease on life as a floating hotel in Dubai, 10 years after the Gulf Arab emirate bought it for $100 million. State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007, but the 2008 financial crisis delayed any plans for the 40-year-old vessel, one of the world's most famous ships. Now the QE2, permanently moored at Mina Rashid port, has been refurbished based on the original design, from its carpets to the theater and even the restaurant menus, featuring dishes served in the liner's heyday. A reception housed in a boat-shaped structure at the quay welcomed guests to Wednesday's official opening. Large portraits of United Arab Emirates rulers hang opposite portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Samuel Cunard, founder of the company that built the ship. "There is a huge following around the world for the QE2 because of how famous she is and what she stands for," said Hamza Mustafa, chief executive of PCFC Hotels, the Dubai World subsidiary that owns the ship. The QE2 first entered service in 1969 and has sailed around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the company said. In its new incarnation, it has 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a suite. It also has a museum and 13 restaurants and bars. Dubai hopes the QE2 will boost tourism in the most-visited city in the Middle East, which welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2017. Officials say they are targeting 20 million by 2020. PCFC Hotels spent an additional $100 million renovating the liner and has plans to convert Mina Rashid into a complex of luxury residences and a yachting marina. "Although we kept everything as it was in 1969, you also have the most advanced technology in the tourism industry in Dubai," said Kenneth Todd, director of sales at PCFC Hotels. "For example, you can control everything with your phone, including check-in, room key, lights and TV," he said while showing reporters a duplex suite. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner, was also docked at Mina Rashid on Wednesday and sounded its horns to mark the occasion. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday thwarted a bipartisan effort to protect special counsel Robert Muellers job, saying he will not hold a floor vote on the legislation even if it is approved next week in the Senate Judiciary Committee. McConnell said the bill is unnecessary because President Donald Trump will not fire Mueller. Well not be having this on the floor of the Senate, McConnell said on Fox News. His comments came amid widespread opposition to the bill among members of his caucus, with several GOP senators saying the bill is unconstitutional. Others said its simply not good politics to try and tell Trump what to do, likening the legislation to poking the bear. Bipartisan bill The bipartisan legislation was introduced last week as Trump publicly criticized Mueller, who is investigating potential ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 campaign as well as possible obstruction of justice by the president. Trump, fuming about a raid of his personal lawyers office by a different division of the FBI, said last week that the Mueller investigation is an attack on our country and is corrupt. Trump has also privately pondered firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing Muellers investigation. Within a day of Trumps criticism, Republicans Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina combined two bills they introduced last summer to protect special counsels. They introduced the new bill along with Democratic Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware and Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican, announced that his committee would vote on the bill. The legislation would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing, and would put into law existing Justice Department regulations that require a firing to be for good cause. Republicans cool Democrats immediately jumped on the legislation, but many Republicans have been cool to it. At least three of the 11 GOP members of the Judiciary panel have said they will vote against it and another five have said they have questions about its constitutionality. Grassley is one of those with concerns, but said he felt obligated to hold a vote. Republicans off the committee had questions too, and some acknowledged that it could be politically difficult. South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said Tuesday that Trump that should make the decision on his own and be responsible for the consequences. I think having Congress tell him what we believe he should do in this case is simply poking the bear, and Id just prefer not to do that, Rounds said. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Lankford said the bill is a political distraction. You create this whole constitutional political stir over something that is not going to happen, he said. Others said there was little point. Its about as popular as cholera with the leader in the Senate and its about as popular as malaria in the House, said Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary panel. I think most people think were picking an unnecessary fight with the president. Constitutional questions Coons bristled at the criticism that the legislation is unconstitutional, noting that several courts have upheld similar special counsel statutes. If I were convinced this were unconstitutional, I would not be moving it, said Coons, a lawyer. At a September hearing on the two separate bills, before they were combined, scholars were divided on whether the bills were constitutional, with some voicing concerns that allowing the judicial branch that authority over an executive decision may not pass muster in the courts. I think its probably unconstitutional and I dont think theres any realistic chance that the president will fire Mr. Mueller, Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate and the former Texas attorney general, said Tuesday. McConnell agreed, adding that Trump would never support the legislation. Just as a practical matter, even if we pass it, why would he sign it? McConnell said in the Fox interview. 'Nice to have some protections' Republicans who have talked to the White House almost uniformly have held the line that Trump will not fire Mueller or Rosenstein, including Tillis and Graham, who say they are pushing the legislation because it would be good policy under any president. I dont think hes going to fire Mueller, but I think institutionally it would be nice to have some protections, Graham said Tuesday. Tillis acknowledged last week that he had taken some heat from conservatives for the bill, but told the Judiciary panel, this is really an opportunity to take an ethical stand, and not do it when the situation benefits you. Democrats said Republicans opposed to the legislation were simply protecting Trump. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said the argument over constitutionality is a red herring used by some of my colleagues as a pretext for opposing the bill, when they really have other reasons. He gave no specifics. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said the special counsel bill is so much more than another policy debate. I think this will be one that history will judge us all, Warner said. One passenger died and seven were hurt Tuesday when an engine aboard a Southwest Airlines flight from New York to Dallas failed, forcing the jet to make an emergency landing. Officials from the National Transportation Safety Board have not said the cause of the female passengers death. But witnesses said engine parts hit a window, and the woman was almost sucked out of the jet before pilots made the emergency landing in Philadelphia. The dead passenger was identified as Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Wells Fargo bank executive was the mother of two and the first passenger to die in a U.S. commercial jet accident since 2009. All of a sudden, we heard this loud bang, rattling. It felt like one of the engines went out, one passenger told CNN. The oxygen masks dropped. It just shredded the left-side engine completely. It was scary. Investigators said Flight 1380, a Boeing 737, reported an engine fire shortly after takeoff. Pilots asked for an emergency landing. Investigators have the airliners flight data recorders and will likely have to take the damaged engine apart to examine it. NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said it turned out there was no engine fire and said investigators are focusing on a missing fan blade. He said the preliminary exam of the engine shows evidence of metal fatigue where the blade separated. The plane was equipped with a CFM 56-7B engine. CFM International and the Federal Aviation Administration recommended airlines inspect fan blades on such engines after a report of a fan blade breaking off on a flight last year. It is unclear if the failed engine on Flight 1380 was covered by the FAAs airworthiness directive. Former NTSB member John Goglia told The Associated Press that Boeing 737 engines have a ring around them to contain flying parts if the engine failed. He said in this case, the ring did not do its job. Retired Indonesian military general Prabowo Subianto could be on a collision course with President Joko Widodo, widely known as Jokowi, for a rematch of their 2014 presidential election battle. Prabowo sent a ripple through capital-watchers when he convened a party meeting at his West Java estate last week and told party members, "If the Gerindra Party orders me to advance in the upcoming presidential election, I am ready to carry out the task." This wasn't quite a formal announcement of Prabowo's candidacy, as some media interpreted the statement it was slightly more qualified than that. Gerindra doesn't have enough votes to field a candidate on its own and needs to cement a coalition. "Prabowo is genuinely ambivalent about running for president again," as Liam Gammon, a political scientist at Australian National University, phrased it. If Prabowo doesn't run, there is a slim chance that he joins current President Jokowi's own ticket as Vice-President which, according to the Gerindra Party, was on the table in 2014 too. One thing that seems clear is that a familiar cast of players will be in rotation in 2019, and most likely there will be a direct rematch. Weak opposition The resurgence of Prabowo this year "show[s] the weakness of the opposition," said Yohannes Sulaiman, a defense analyst at General Achmad Yani University. "In mature democracies, like the United States, there are governors, senators, and so forth waiting in the wings." As an example, he cited the 2016 Republican primary, where there were initially ten people vying for the candidacy. "In Indonesia there are no new candidates at that level right now. And Jokowi is quite popular as well," he said. President Jokowi's favorability rating is strong per recent reports and, as incumbent, he remains the top choice for president in polls from this year. Jokowi's electability rating is 45-55 percent while Prabowo's is, at most, 35 percent, according to the Saiful Mujani Research Corporation, a leading pollster. Prabowo has already been on two losing tickets: in 2009, he was the running mate of Megawati Sukarnoputri, who lost to Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in a three-way race, and in 2014 he lost to Jokowi. Jokowi is the first Indonesian president without military ties. A furniture-maker by trade, he rose within a decade from mayor of the Central Javanese city of Solo to governor of Jakarta to the presidency. Prabowo was a Lieutenant General in the Indonesian Army and is married to the daughter of the late President Suharto, who led a military dictatorship for 32 years. Next steps Prabowo's brother has cited "health and [financial] logistics" as potential concerns in his brother's candidacy decision, but many see this as a hedge until they cement coalition support. "Perhaps the main factor pushing [Prabowo] toward running, in addition to his own ego and feeling that this is indeed his last chance, is the desire to keep Gerindra as strong as possible," said Bill Liddle, a political scientist at Ohio State University. "Remember Gerindra is a personalistic party, like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's Partai Demokrat, which lost more than half of its support when he was no longer a candidate. That is likely to happen now to Gerindra if Prabowo is not at the head of its ticket." Gerindra now holds about 13 percent of the seats in Parliament and its coalition would need at least 7 percent more in order to field a national candidate. The Islamist Prosperous Justice Party, or PKS, has said that it will support Gerindra no matter who is on its ticket, but Prabowo will likely seek at least one other party so the optics of his coalition are not overtly sectarian. PKS is the most successful Islamist party in Indonesia and has called in the past for implementing sharia nationwide. As for the putative Jokowi-Prabowo ticket, the chances are slim. A member of Jokowi's PDI-P party told reporters, "At present, there is something that is not compatible, so common ground is still being sought." "If Jokowi and Prabowo somehow joined on a ticket, it would be bad for Indonesian democracy because there would be no opposition," said Sulaiman. In the meantime, it is normal that Jokowi remains the frontrunner, said Liddle, "Because an electorally successful president tends to suck all of the air out of the room." "The time to watch for new candidates emerging is 2020-2021," he added. "[Current Jakarta Governor] Anies Baswedan will probably make his move at that time." Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has invested billions of dollars into tackling malaria. It has paid off. Deaths from the disease fell by more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2015, meaning 7 million lives were saved. In 2016, however, that trend was reversed. There were more than 216 million reported cases in 91 countries an increase of 5 million from the previous year. On the sidelines of this week's London Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Gates told delegates, including several African leaders, the fight against malaria must be stepped up. "If we do not keep innovating, we will go backwards," he said. "If we do not maintain the commitments that we are making here today, malaria would go back up and kill over a million children a year, because the drugs and the insecticides are evaded by the mosquito and the parasite." WATCH: Fears Grow at Malaria's Resurgence; London Summit Urges Global Action Malaria is estimated to cost the African economy more than $12 billion per year and consumes up to 40 percent of national health care budgets on the continent. Children and pregnant women are most severely affected. Several factors The increase in cases is caused by a number of factors, professor Alister Craig of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine said via Skype. "We are seeing quite dramatic increases in the resistance to the insecticides that we use to control the insect vector populations, and that has been really the mainstay of the gains, and very remarkable gains, that we have seen over the last few years," he said. "And we are just beginning to see that the parasites are starting to develop resistance to the drugs that we use to treat them." Craig added that the fight against malaria would most likely become harder. "We have gained what might be called the easier gains, and now we have got the harder ones to do," he said. "And they take even greater implementation and newer tools to allow us to look at where transmission is taking place." Such new tools cost money, but funding has plateaued. At the Commonwealth conference, Britain pledged more than $2 billion to fight the disease, while Gates put forward another $1 billion and urged the international community to do more. An earlier version of this story mistakenly identified the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine as being affiliated with the University of Liverpool. It is not. VOA regrets the error. The airstrikes ordered by President Donald Trump against Syria last week have prompted the U.S. Congress to revisit an often-delayed debate that centers on the most serious of its powers: the decision to authorize U.S. military force abroad. A bipartisan group, led by Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker, a Republican from Tennessee, and Senator Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia, is now proposing new legislation that would reopen that discussion. "For as long as I have helped lead the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, beginning as ranking member in 2013, we have been engaged in a discussion over the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force," Corker said in a statement late Monday, adding that he hoped the new legislation "will ultimately strike an appropriate balance of ensuring the administration has the flexibility necessary to win this fight, while strengthening the rightful and necessary role of Congress." U.S. presidents are required by law to notify Congress of military action and must secure authorization to commit troops beyond 60 days. Sixteen years have passed and at least 37 different military operations have occurred since lawmakers last debated the United States' legal authority to conduct military action overseas. Passed in the months after the September 11 attacks, the Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) originally justified the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq, but has since grown to include action in 14 countries and to combat threats such as the Islamic State group that didn't exist at the time. "Our proposal finally repeals those authorizations and makes Congress do its job by weighing in on where, when and with whom we are at war," Kaine said Monday. Some reluctance But some lawmakers are hesitant to replace the current AUMF, citing the 60-word document as sufficient justification. "The current AMUF does have the existing authority, and the question going forward on any new AUMF is does it give our military the tools they need, or does it tie their hands behind their back?" House Speaker Paul Ryan told reporters Tuesday morning, when asked whether he would bring a House version of the Corker-Kaine bill up for a vote. The Senate proposal also drew criticism from Representative Barbara Lee, a Democrat from California, who tried to open a debate on the AUMF in the House last year. "Rather than reining in the Trump administration's blank check for war, the Corker-Kaine AUMF would continue all current military operations, allow any president to unilaterally expand our wars and effectively consent to endless war," Lee said Tuesday. Some Democratic members of Congress expressed concern about the strikes in the context of the need for a broader U.S. strategy in Syria, while Kaine said, "President Trump's decision to launch airstrikes against the Syrian government without Congress' approval is illegal." But as John Bellinger, a legal adviser for the State Department and National Security Council during the George W. Bush administration, told VOA, "The AUMF enacted after 9/11 is not so much focused on Syria and humanitarian intervention but in the authorization to use force against terrorist groups al-Qaida, the Taliban and now, ISIS." Bellinger now a senior fellow in international law at the Council on Foreign Relations, a foreign policy research group in New York said, "Of course, that would not have provided the authority for use of force in Syria or any other country for a humanitarian purpose." Hearing next week The latest debate over the AUMF reflects a desire on Capitol Hill to weigh in on the United States' continuing military involvement overseas.The Corker-Kaine proposal will be considered in the Foreign Relations Committee on April 23. But passage could still be difficult, unless U.S. involvement in Syria deepens and continues for several weeks or months, Lawrence Korb, a senior fellow in defense studies at the Center for American Progress, a progressive public policy research group in Washington, told VOA. "People have been talking about this for several years, but nothing has really happened, because even when President [Barack] Obama got involved in Syria to combat ISIS, he said that was still part of the 2001 AUMF," Korb said. Senator Susan Collins, a Maine Republican, told VOA that while the Syria strikes had forced Congress to confront the issue again, the scale and scope of the decision was considerable. "To be frank," she said, "I think many people were happy to duck the issue for a long time because these are very hard decisions to make whether to authorize the use of military force. There's no harder decision that a member of Congress can make to commit troops to a foreign conflict." VOA Senate correspondent Michael Bowman contributed to this report. Officials in Afghanistan say a top regional security commander and several of his bodyguards were killed in a bombing attack in southern Afghanistan early Wednesday. Afghan officials identified the slain man as Janan Mama, who was heading the Crisis Response Unit for the border police force in Kandahar province. A provincial government spokesman said a "sticky bomb" an explosive device with an adhesive pad was placed on the police commanders vehicle. The Taliban insurgency swiftly took responsibility for plotting what it called a "tactical explosion" on Janans convoy in the provincial capital, also called Kandahar. Insurgents have lately increased the use of sticky bombs to target Afghans security officials. In a statement sent to media, a Taliban spokesman claimed the blast killed six other security personnel, though insurgent casualty tolls are often inflated. The insurgency described the slain police commander as a key U.S. ally in the southern Afghan region. Janan was a close associate of the powerful anti-Taliban provincial police chief, General Abdul Razeq. The Taliban is expected to announce its so-called annual spring offensive later this month that leads to an uptick in insurgent battlefield attacks around the country. But there has already been a significant increase in targeted killings of Afghan security officials and insurgent raids on district centers, provoking an equally strong response from U.S.-backed Afghan security forces. The hostilities have already caused a record number of Afghan civilian casualties this year. The U.N. Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, or UNAMA, has documented around 2,260 civilian casualties, including over 700 deaths, in the first three months of 2018. Top U.S. political figures are paying tribute to former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush as a woman who was devoted to her family, her country and the public good. President Donald Trump praised Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92, as "an advocate of the American family." He said that "amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. Former President Barack Obama said he and former first lady Michelle Obama will "always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." Former President Bill Clinton, who defeated Bush's husband, former President George H.W. Bush, when he ran for re-election in 1992, said, "Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. "She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory." Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter recalled Barbara Bush as the "matriarch of a family dedicated to serving, she urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation's progress." In Photos: Barbara Bush Barbara Bush was only the second woman in U.S. history who was both married to a U.S. president and the mother of a second, former President George W. Bush. The other was Abigail Adams, the wife of John Adams, the country's second president in the 18th century, and his son, John Quincy Adams, the sixth president. Family members and former President George H.W. Bush, the country's 41st president from 1989 to 1993, were at her side at her death. George and Barbara Bush were married for 73 years, the longest-married couple in U.S. presidential history. The former president's chief of staff, Jean Becker, said that "of course he is heartbroken to lose his beloved Barbara. He held her hand all day today and was at her side when [she] left this good Earth." Her son, former President George W. Bush, said he, his wife, Laura Bush, and their daughters Barbara and Jenna were saddened by her death, "but our souls are settled because we know hers was." "Barbara Bush was a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions," he said. "To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Im a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. The former first lady suffered in recent years from congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. She declined to seek further medical treatment as her condition worsened in recent days. Her funeral is set for Saturday in Houston, Texas. She will lie in repose for public viewing on Friday at the Episcopal church she and her husband attended. U.S. President Donald Trump struck an optimistic note about the possibility of a denuclearized North Korea on Wednesday. Trump said his CIA director Mike Pompeo got along really well with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a secret meeting in Pyongyang. He just left North Korea, had a great meeting with Kim Jong Un, and got along with him really well, really great. He is that kind of guy. He is really smart, but he gets along with people, Trump told reporters at his Florida report. As Ive said before, there is a bright path available to North Korea when it achieves denuclearization in a complete and verifiable and irreversible way, Trump said. We hope to see the day when the whole Korean Peninsula can live together in safety, prosperity and peace. But he cautioned that if his talks with Kim do not go the way he hopes, he was willing to walk away. WATCH: Trump, Abe Express Hope for Successful U.S.-North Korean Summit If we dont think its going to be successful, we wont have it, Trump said, adding: If the meeting, when Im there is not fruitful, I will respectfully leave the meeting. He also revealed that negotiations were under way for the release of three Americans being held by Pyongyang. Summit preparations Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who is visiting Trump at his Florida home, praised the president Tuesday for agreeing to hold a summit with Kim, saying the move took courage. Trump said that will be taking place probably in early June or a little before that, assuming things go well. Its possible things wont go well, and we wont have the meetings, and well just continue to go along this very strong path that weve taken. Shortly after, in an extended bilateral meeting with Abe, Trump revealed that in preparation for the summit we have also started talking directly to North Korea. We have had direct talks at extremely high levels. But that response did not mention Kim by name. Trump also said Seoul has his blessing to try to negotiate with Pyongyang an end to the 1950s Korean War. Active combat in the war ended in 1953 with an armistice signed by the United States (which commanded the United Nations forces), North Korea and China. South Korea was not a signatory, and the two Koreas have never established diplomatic relations. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim are scheduled to hold a summit April 27. A senior South Korean presidential official said Wednesday the peace talks are a possible subject, but that the discussion of formally ending the war would need to involve the other relevant parties. Economic topics Trump and Abe golfed at one of the presidents nearby private courses Wednesday morning before more formal bilateral talks on trade. The two are to hold a joint news conference in the early evening. According to Larry Kudlow, assistant to the U.S. president for economic policy, a lot of key issues are on the line during the two days of talks between Trump and Abe. The discussions Tuesday at Trumps resort off Floridas Atlantic coast focused on North Korea and turned to trade issues Wednesday, according to White House officials. Japanese officials also want to avoid having Trump try to link any trade negotiations to security matters, a separation strictly maintained during decades of post-World War II diplomacy between the former enemies. But Trump has frequently stated that military allies, such as Japan and South Korea, should pay more for American forces defending them. I dont think Prime Minister Abe will leave Mar-a-Lago with anything other than a high degree of confidence in the alliance, said Matt Pottinger, senior director for Asian affairs on the National Security Council. Tokyo tariffs There is disappointment in Japan that despite the close relationship between Trump and Abe, the U.S. government has not exempted Tokyo from tariffs placed on steel and aluminum imports. It will be under discussion, Kudlow told reporters. Its a key point on the agenda. On a related topic, the United States would probably like to see a free trade agreement (with Japan) come out at some point, Kudlow told reporters early Tuesday afternoon just hours before Trump and Abe met. The economic adviser also said that theres nothing at all concrete yet on the United States returning to what was the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trump has opposed the TPP and reiterated that stance in a tweet late Tuesday. Japan is one of the countries that agreed to join the trade pact, but South Korea is not. The U.S. election calendar could be a key factor in determining the scope and timing of a potential deal to end the North Korean nuclear program. Planning is progressing for both the upcoming summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the end of April and the expected meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kim in late May or early June. President Trump said Tuesday that there had been talks at extremely high levels between his administration and the North Korean government. Later it was reported that Mike Pompeo, the director of the Central Intelligence Agency and a secretary of state nominee, met recently with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. Trump also noted the talks have been marked by a lot of goodwill and that there has been a major change in terms of North Koreas behavior, since Kims Olympic outreach this year, in which he sent a large delegation to the Pyeongchang Winter games in South Korea, suspended nuclear and missile tests, and expressed a willingness to engage in denuclearization talks. The turn toward diplomacy has reduced, for now, the potential for conflict over the Norths accelerated efforts last year to develop an operational nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach the U.S. mainland. Re-election boost The North Korean leaders decision to engage in denuclearization talks was likely motivated by both Trumps maximum pressure campaign, which increased sanctions and the threat of military action against the North, and by South Korean President Moons reassuring outreach efforts to improve inter-Korean relations. Trumps motivation in pursuing a nuclear deal with North Korea, in addition to resolving a growing national security threat, could also have a political component. According to North Korea analysts at the Sejong Institute in South Korea, the Trump administration is likely calculating how achieving such an agreement could help boost the presidents chances for re-election in 2020. If I were Trump, I would try to make a tangible accomplishment on the North Korea nuclear issue within the first term by 2020, and in my personal opinion, that would be a really huge achievement for Trump, said Lee Sang-hyun, with the Sejong Institute. The North Koreans would also likely prefer to complete a nuclear agreement with Trump before 2020, for fear the president could lose his re-election bid and the next administration would call for a review of the negotiation process. October surprise The Trump administration has been critical of past nuclear agreements with North Korea that offered sanctions relief and other economic incentives for denuclearization promises that were later broken. This time around the U.S. is insisting on real progress on the complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of the Norths nuclear program before any sanctions concessions are considered. John Bolton, the presidents national security adviser, has said North Korea should follow the Libya model, in which long-time Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi agree to give up all weapons of mass destruction in 2003, and soon after allowed in international inspectors to verify and oversee the dismantlement efforts. If Kim and Trump reach such a deal in early summer, it is possible that inspectors could conceivably be deployed to North Korea by October, just before the U.S. midterm legislative election, in which many Republican Party candidates affiliated with the president will face highly competitive races. Just by showing the scene of an inspection team entering North Korea, President Trump would have plenty of things to show for the election that will be held in November this year, said Woo Jung-yeop, with the Sejong Institute. Peace treaty For North Korea, the Libya model is a cautionary tale that ends, not with nuclear dismantlement, but with the civil war that erupted after, followed by a U.S. supported intervention and the violent overthrow of the Gadhafi government in 2011. Pyongyang has called for a step-by-step model, matching each denuclearization act to a specific concession, which would be implemented over a longer timeline to ensure the stability of the Kim government. South Korean officials said Wednesday that the upcoming inter-Korean summit would also focus on formally replacing the armistice that ended the Korean War in 1953 with a formal peace treaty that would normalize relations and increase security cooperation. Our government is striving for such an end of war declaration and building a permanent peace regime, said Unification Ministry spokesperson Baik Tae-hyun. South Korea and the U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea, after fighting ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. Venezuela's opposition-controlled but essentially powerless congress gave a group of self-exiled judges permission Tuesday to put President Nicolas Maduro on trial for allegedly seeking bribes from Odebrecht, the Brazilian construction giant at the center of a regional corruption scandal. Maduro's trial will only be symbolic, as the jurists who are overseeing the case are not recognized by Venezuela's law enforcement institutions. The proceedings against Maduro started earlier this month in Bogota, Colombia, where a group of judges known as Venezuela's "Supreme Court in Exile" met to review claims that Maduro illegally sought $50 million from Odebrecht for his 2013 presidential campaign. At the highly publicized hearing, Venezuela's deposed chief prosecutor, Luisa Ortega, claimed that Maduro sought $50 million from the Brazilian construction company for his 2013 presidential campaign and in exchange offered to help Odebrecht secure new contracts. Ortega asked for Maduro to be tried for corruption and money laundering and handed the judges a CD with evidence of his alleged crimes. On Tuesday, the National Assembly, which was largely superseded by a pro-government constituent assembly installed last summer, voted overwhelmingly to approve a request by the jurists to proceed to a trial. Officials of Maduro's socialist government have called the jurists' proceedings "silly" and "illegal." A webcast set up by the National Assembly showed representatives cheering and chanting "liberty" as voting results were announced. Local media were not allowed to broadcast the assembly's proceedings, and journalists were stopped from entering the chamber by Venezuela's National Guard, which has a long history of censoring the local press. The "Supreme Court in Exile" is made up of thirty jurists who were appointed to Venezuela's highest court by the National Assembly last year. They fled the country after Maduro threatened to imprison them, accusing them of trying to illegally replace Venezuela's government-stacked supreme court. Opponents of Maduro hope the symbolic trial will raise awareness about the president's alleged crimes. "This man's corruption is drowning us," said Juan Guaido, one of the congressmen who voted to hold the trial. Guaido argued that Maduro has to be tried outside Venezuela because the country is governed by "a dictatorship." Tarek William Saab, Venezuela's current chief prosecutor who is a staunch ally of the government, said Monday that the National Assembly's proceedings against Maduro were illegal and irrelevant. Venezuela and Spain said on Wednesday they would normalize relations and restore ambassadors after a spat in January that followed European Union sanctions against the South American nation. President Nicolas Maduro in January withdrew his envoy to Madrid in response to what he called "repeated meddling" in the country's internal affairs, leading Spain to respond in kind. The two countries "agreed to begin a process of normalizing diplomatic relations," they said in a joint statement, adding that ambassadors would be restored in the coming days. The European Union in January sanctioned a group of Venezuela officials over abuses associated with opposition protests, a move that followed a series of sanctions by Washington over similar issues. Venezuela has faced heavy criticism from the United States and Europe, as well as Latin American neighbors, for last year's creation of an all-powerful legislature called the constituent assembly that critics call the creation of a dictatorship. The decision to call a snap presidential election for May 20 has been widely criticized as undermining the possibility of a free and fair election in the crisis-torn country. Maduro routinely criticizes Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during live television broadcasts, and has accused Spain of working with other European governments to destabilize his government. A plea for forgiveness and an unexpected marriage have brought two Rwandan families together 24 years after the genocide that claimed more than 800 thousand people, mostly Tutsis, in Rwanda. the son of a confessed killer married the daughter of a family who lost relatives at the hands of the father. stratovolcano 1117 m / 3,665 ftKyushu, Japan, 31.59N / 130.66E(3 out of 5)1955-ongoing, 1954(?), 1950, 1948, 1946, 1942, 1941, 1940, 1939, 1938, 1935, 1914-15, 1899(?), 1860, 1799, 1797, 1794, 1792, 1791, 1790, 1785, 1783, 1782, 1779-81, 1756, 1749, 1742, 1706, 1678, 1670(?), 1642, 1478, 1471-76, 1468, 778, 766, 764, 716-18, 712(?), 708Explosive(5-day volcano expedition to observe Sakurajima volcano's activity from close) If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: Guatemala - a land of volcanoes and the colorful Mayan culture with incredible variety. A dream destination for volcano enthusiasts and photographers! Our world-wide map continuously detects shallow earthquakes near volcanoes. These could be early signs of unrest and often precede eruptions. Our continuously updated worldwide map and list of the most recent largest earthquakes in the world during the past 24 hours.You can also find top 20 lists for given past days / months / years from the archive. Ijen volcano in East Java is famous for its turquoise acid crater lake and the large sulfur deposits that are being mined by local workers. At night, the scene is illuminated by ghostly blue flames, as sulfur ignites. Excellent information for anyone wishing to visit and enjoy active volcanoes safely. Detailed guidelines to 42 different volcanoes around the world. Support us - Help us upgrade our services! Maintaining our website and our free apps does require, however, considerable time and resources. We're aiming to achieve uninterrupted service wherever an earthquake or volcano eruption unfolds, and your donations can make it happen! Every donation will be highly appreciated. Improved multilanguage support Tsunami alerts Faster responsiveness Earthquake archive from 1900 onwards Detailed quake stats Additional seismic data sources Download and Upgrade the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: Android | IOS to get one of the fastest seismic and volcano alerts online: We truly love working to bring you the latest volcano and earthquake data from around the world.We need financing to increase hard- and software capacity as well as support our editor team.If you find the information useful and would like to support our team in integrating further features, write great content, and in upgrading our soft- and hardware, please PayPal or Online credit card payment )., these features have been added recently: Casellati must verify existence of majority between centre-right and M5S Senate speaker Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati of Silvio Berlusconis Forza Italia party has been asked to see if she can get the centre-right coalition led by Matteo Salvini of the anti-immigrant and euroskeptic Lega and the anti-establishment Movimento Cinque Stelle (M5S) to agree on forming a government. She received the so-called exploratory mandate from President Sergio Mattarella on 18 April in a bid to end the political deadlock that has gripped Italy since inconclusive general elections on 4 March, after two rounds of government-formation talks proved to be unsuccessful. The Lega the largest party in the centre-right coalition, which collectively took 37 per cent and M5S the biggest single party in parliament with 32 per cent have been bickering over the presence of Forza Italia in a coalition government. M5S prime ministerial candidate, 32-year-old Luigi Di Maio, is refusing to dialogue with Salvini unless he drops his allegiance with Berlusconi. So far, the Lega leader has refused. Now Casellati, a lawyer by profession and considered extremely close to Berlusconi, has been given the task of "verifying the existence of a parliamentary majority between the parties of the centre-right coalition and the M5S". She has been asked to report back on 20 April. However, Lega senate whip Gian Marco Centinaio said achieving a result would be a miracle. 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. I do not like the tearing down of institutions, and Ive shared that with him, Corker said. I do not like it. I think that a continual tearing down of institutions in order to inspire your base and keep yourself protected with your base, to me, is damaging to our nation. Harry the Dirty Dog, a musical based on the best-selling book by Gene Zion, is headed to Westport Country Playhouse on Sunday, May 6. This one-hour show tells the tale of Harry, a little white dog with black spots. Harry loves his family and his life, except for one problem; he hates taking baths. He hates them so much, in fact, one morning he decides to run away. When he comes home, hes so dirty, his family doesnt even recognize him. How will he convince them its him? The interactive show is presented by ArtsPower, a national touring theater company thats co-directed by twin brothers Gary and Mark Blackman. Their productions feature New York City-based actors from around the country. Gary Blackman said kids love Harry the Dirty Dog because its about adventure, about going out, having fun, and then coming home at the end of the day. He and his brother have loved the story (first published in 1956) ever since reading it to their own children when they were little. Blackman said their families enjoyed the book so much, he and his brother decided to see if the rights were available. Harry the Dirty Dog was adapted for the stage by ArtsPowers artistic director, Greg Gunning, and features an original Broadway-style score, with such songs as A Dogs Life for Me and Take a Bath. Some of the funnier parts are when Harry is out having adventures, Blackman said. He has a group of friends he meets up with at a construction site. Theyre all different kinds of dogs, a Scottish terrier, a boxer; they all get together and joke around with each other. Its lots of fun. Harry the Dirty Dog features four actors; Harry is always Harry, but the other three play at least two roles. Blackman said kids ages 4 and 5, even up to 9, will enjoy the show. There are also some jokes for the adults. Blackman said the show raises subjects that can make for interesting discussions with kids, about what it means to be part of a family and what it means to be independent. How did Harrys adventure impact his family? If youre independent you can do your own thing, but at the same time, you have to consider the feelings of others. Basically, he said, its about a dog who feels confined in his yard and wants to discover whats on the other side of his fence. In the course of doing that, he not only has fun, but learns he misses home and wants to be around people who love him. He also learns he has to be clean in order to be part of a family, which serves him well in the end... More Information Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court. Sunday, May 6, 1 and 4 p.m. $20. 203-227-4177, westportcountryplayhouse.org See More Collapse lkoonz@newstimes.com; Twitter: @LindaTKoonz With more than $2.6 million on hand for his re-election, U.S. Rep. Jim Himes of Greenwich seems poised to compete from a position of strength for a fifth term in Congress. According to the latest finance filings with the Federal Elections Commission, Himes, 51, raised more than $1.17 million during the first quarter of 2018, including more than $560,000 from individuals and nearly $538,000 from other committees and a variety of political-action groups in the business sector, including insurance, banks and even MGM Resorts, which wants to build a casino in Bridgeport. According to an analysis of Himes April 15 filing by Opensecrets.org, securities and investment interests and the insurance industry were Himes biggest contributors. Fermat Capital Management, an investment group with offices in Greenwich and Westport, has written checks totaling more than $21,000. His potential Republican challenger, Harry Arora, a Greenwich investor, has raised a fraction of Himes war chest, mostly from a $500,000 loan his gave his campaign, which has $647,000 on hand heading into next months Republican State Convention. Gary L. Rose, chairman of the Department of Government, Politics and Global Studies at Sacred Heart University, who has researched the 4th Congressional District for decades, said Himes and other Democratic congressional incumbents seem formidable, if not unbeatable. I guess it takes almost a scandal of major proportions to bring down an incumbent in this state, Rose said, noting the recent retirement announcement of 5th District U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty, following a harassment scandal in her Washington office. With the relative ease of raising money, name recognition and constituent services, it could require a major change of political winds for Connecticut Democrats to lose in this years congressional contests said Rose, the author of Connecticut's Fourth Congressional District: History, Politics, and the Maverick Tradition. It would take a scandal or a presidential contest with the broadest and sweeping coat tails, Rose said. Everything is pointing to the power of incumbency. He said that one long-range way to change the 4th District, would be to put Bridgeport into the 3rd Congressional District after the 2020 Census. Fourteen-term 3rd District U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of New Haven, with no Republican challengers in sight heading into next months conventions, has raised about $760,000 and has $163,000 on hand. More Information Industry contributors to Rep. Jim Himes' campaign in 2018 Securities and investment interests - $153,382 Insurance industry - $110,000 Source: Opensecrets.org See More Collapse The Opensecrets.org analysis finds that public-sector unions have given her more than $39,500; health professionals, more than $50,000 and Yale University more than $16,000. The Bridgeport-based lawfirm of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder has contributed more than $14,000 to DeLauro. First District U.S. Rep. John Larson, in his tenth term, raised $815,286 in the first quarter of 2018, and has $380,534 on hand, according to the FEC, which lists no potential Republican challengers. Second District U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, in his sixth term, raised $651,326 in the first quarter and has $969.564 on hand. Two potential challengers to Courtney have raised no money, according to the FEC. kdixon@ctpost.com Twitter: @KenDixonCT WESTPORT A middle school student ready to bite into a lunchtime treat Tuesday made a shocking discovery instead. A Coleytown Middle School seventh-grader found a one-inch steel bolt in a muffin purchased at the schools cafeteria, according to Westport Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer. The student did not bite into the muffin and did not ingest any of the muffins, Palmer wrote in an email to parents Tuesday afternoon. These muffins are sold in the cafeterias of both middle schools and at our high school. They are not served at our elementary schools. There were no other reported incidences with any other muffins or food products. After noticing the bolt, the student reported it to a staff member who then relayed the information to the Coleytown principal, kitchen manager and the director of dining services, Palmer wrote. All remaining muffins in the middle schools and high school were collected and are being held for review, Palmer said, adding the vendor was contacted and plans made to break down all equipment used to prepare the muffins to determine which machine the bolt came from. Westport schools did not release the name of the company that provides the district with muffins. Until this issue is fully resolved, all muffins will be sourced from another bakery, Palmer said, noting she has no information to believe any other individual encountered a foreign object in their muffin. Palmer did not respond to muliple requests for additional information on the incident, and Westport Schools Director of Dining Services Deborah VanCoughnett did not disclose the name of the muffin vendor. Chartwells is Westport Public Schools dining services provider. svaughan@ hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1 Justin Papp contributed reporting to this story. Giuseppe Verdis 1853 opera La Traviata garnered jeers at its first performance, but it has gone on to become part of standard operatic repertoire. (Manitoba Operas presentation of La Traviata has two performances remaining tonight and Friday, April 20 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Tickets are available here or by calling 204-944-8824.) Giuseppe Verdis 1853 opera La Traviata garnered jeers at its first performance, but it has gone on to become part of standard operatic repertoire. (Manitoba Operas presentation of La Traviata has two performances remaining tonight and Friday, April 20 at the Centennial Concert Hall. Tickets are available here or by calling 204-944-8824.) The tale of a consumptive Parisian courtesan who is eventually reunited with her true love, only to die in his arms, was based on Alexandre Dumas book La Dame aux Camelias (which also inspired the Greta Garbo film Camille). A dramatic death Tuberculosis, an infectious lung disease, was both rampant and romanticized during the 18th and 19th centuries. It actually inspired a fashion trend in Europe at the time, with women aspiring to the pale skin and flushed cheeks of a feverish woman suffering from TB. After the operas debut in Italy, such wide-eyed, slender beauties came to be called "tipo Traviata." https://?rel=0&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> But La Traviata is far from the only work of art to feature tuberculosis in a co-starring role; the image of a frail character coughing blood discreetly into a handkerchief is a familiar one. Here are some notable examples of conspicuous consumption in the movies: Midnight Cowboy https://?rel=0&wmode=transparent" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen> Ratso Rizzo, the polio-stricken hustler played by Dustin Hoffman in this Oscar-winning 1969 drama, wants to get to Florida, hoping the warmer climate will help clear his TB-infected lungs. He dies on a bus on the way to Miami, but not before sweating profusely through a heartbreaking scene where he tells Joe Buck (Jon Voigt) not to send him to the hospital. Amadeus The late Milos Formans 1984 biopic about rival composers Antonio Salieri (F. Murray Abraham) and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (Tom Hulce) features a scene where a weak, bed-ridden Mozart dictates his final (unfinished) masterwork to his older rival before expiring. Though the envious Salieri blames himself for Mozarts death, its more likely the musical genius died from a combination of tuberculosis and cirrhosis. Moulin Rouge There are shades of La Traviata in this 2001 jukebox musical directed by Baz Luhrmann, as consumptive French courtesan Satine (Nicole Kidman, queen of the delicate doomed cough) lives just long enough for love. Tombstone As real-life TB sufferer and gunfighter/gambler Doc Holliday, a red-eyed Val Kilmer spends much of this 1993 oater sweating and coughing. (It also features the best collection of soup-strainer moustaches youll ever see onscreen.) Heavenly Creatures In Peter Jacksons fact-based 1994 drama, two teenage girls in 1950s New Zealand form a dangerous bond over their childhood illnesses and their wild imaginations. Juliette Hulme (Kate Winslet) and Pauline Parker (Melanie Lynsky) fall even deeper into their fantasy life via correspondence when Hulme is hospitalized with TB after spraying her schoolbooks with blood from a coughing fit. Les Miserables In Victor Hugos novel, the Broadway adaptation and the Hollywood movie, Fantine, an orphan girl who is forced into prostitution and gives birth to an illegitimate child, is afflicted with tuberculosis, which leads to her death. Vocal purists decried Anne Hathaways breathy version of Fantines dying song, Come to Me, in the 2012 movie, but its certainly more realistic than a full-throated diva rendition. A Winnipeg man who was accused of creating fake Facebook messages to make it look like hed been framed for domestic-violence allegations has been found not guilty. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 17/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. A Winnipeg man who was accused of creating fake Facebook messages to make it look like hed been framed for domestic-violence allegations has been found not guilty. Michael Kube, 40, was acquitted this week of public mischief and attempt to obstruct justice, after a provincial court judge ruled there was no evidence the Facebook messages that ended up before the court actually came from the accused. The messages, purported to be taken from Kubes ex-wifes private chats on the social-media site, suggested she could make up false allegations against him to get him out of the house they shared after their separation. Screenshots of the messages found their way into the hands of the police after Kube was charged with domestic assault and uttering threats against his ex-wife. Winnipeg Police Service investigators believed hed faked the messages in a ploy to have his criminal charges dropped. The unusual case ended on a technicality Monday, when a provincial court judge called out a flaw in the prosecution effort against Kube: neither his former lawyer nor the Crown attorney prosecuting the domestic-violence case were called to testify about their handling of the allegedly fake Facebook messages and the accused claimed hed never seen them before. Provincial court Judge Sandra Chapman said she was forced to acquit Kube because she was left with doubt about where the messages came from. "The analogy that Im (using) is somebody hands over a bag of what they say is flour, eventually it ends up in court as cocaine and I dont know what happened between the handing over of the flour and the cocaine that ends up in the courtroom. Its a continuity issue, really," she said after hearing closing arguments from Crown and defence lawyers. Kube admitted giving his former lawyer a flash drive portable storage device full of electronic documents, which the lawyer passed on to the Crown attorney prosecuting the domestic-assault allegations. WPS Det. Sgt. Anthony Scott Ford testified during Kubes trial that Crown attorney Shannon Benevides asked him to investigate Facebook conversations given to her by Kubes legal aid lawyer, Michael Dyck, on his clients behalf in December 2015, two months after Kube was charged with domestic-violence offences. The Facebook messages in question are dated June 2015 and appear to show Kubes ex-wife considering making up a false allegation against him. In one of the conversations, her sister appears to suggest she should call police and say Kube pushed her. Both women testified during Kubes trial they never had such a conversation. The messages were fake, they said and they provided the WPS with a Facebook "data dump" showing their true conversations. Both women were interviewed by police and cautioned they could be charged with public mischief for a false report, but they were not charged. Kube had a "key-logger" program on the laptop his wife had used that captured screenshots of her Facebook chats, but when police forensically searched the computer for existing and deleted files, they couldnt find any trace of the messages in question. The primary investigator, Ford, was the same officer who investigated Kube for domestic assault. The 28-year WPS officer testified he believed Kube was lying when he claimed not to know about the content of the messages. Kube maintained he was given a flash drive by one of his former employees, who allegedly told him it contained evidence his ex-wife was having an affair. That former employee testified in court he knew nothing about any flash drive and never gave one to Kube. Kube was interviewed by police three times, including with Dyck present, but always said he never looked at what was on the flash drive before he gave it to his lawyer. "Im, at the very least, in doubt with respect to the accuseds guilt. His reaction to the document itself was such that even the officer noted that he was either the best actor he had ever seen or was in fact telling the truth that he had not seen that conversation before," Chapman said in her decision. "I may be suspicious with respect to all of this evidence and I may think that he is more involved in this than he has let on in his statements to police, but on a criminal burden of proof, I must have more." Crown prosecutor Nick Saunders acknowledged the evidence against Kube was circumstantial, but said theres no other reasonable explanation for the contents of the flash drive. "If he didnt look at it, (if) its only information pertaining to an affair, why would he provide that to his lawyer to try to say that these charges in September are now fraudulent? The Crown would submit that doesnt make any sense," Saunders said during his closing arguments. "He submitted the fraudulent messages because he wanted his domestic charges to go away, and that is interfering with judicial proceedings." Kubes defence lawyer, Christopher Gamby, said he hadnt seen a case quite like this before in Manitoba. He questioned whether the Crown would have been able to prove the Facebook messages were actually fake. 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. He also argued police didnt conduct a fair and impartial investigation to find out whether the messages were real. The same officer who dealt with Kubes ex-wife as a complainant in the alleged assault later interviewed her about the Facebook messages. But those concerns ultimately didnt factor in to the judges decision. "At the end of the day, the judge correctly decided the case," Gamby said. The initial domestic-violence charges against Kube from September 2015 assault and uttering threats were stayed in January 2017, when Kube entered a one-year peace bond. He was charged with the public mischief offences in October 2016, but maintained his innocence in statements to the police. katie.may@freepress.mb.caTwitter: @thatkatiemay The Canadian Mental Health Association is calling for the decriminalization of opioid use, as well as heavy investment in harm-reduction strategies, in a policy paper released Tuesday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The Canadian Mental Health Association is calling for the decriminalization of opioid use, as well as heavy investment in harm-reduction strategies, in a policy paper released Tuesday. The executive director of the CMHAs Manitoba offices said the report is meant to serve as a "call to action." "When were looking at treating opioid use here in Manitoba, we need to be understanding it through a health lens, not just through a criminal lens," Marion Cooper said. "We have to look at what kinds of treatment options are available for people." Governments, no matter what level, cant wait while the opioid crisis escalates, the association said, which put forward 10 recommendations, including the creation of a national pain and addictions strategy, the decriminalization of personal possession of illegal drugs and increased access to supervised consumption sites and overdose prevention sites. In Manitoba, Cooper said the challenge is partly financial. "We have significant underfunding in our province around mental health and addictions service," she said. "We dont have an integration of mental health and addictions currently and that creates challenges around trying to have a system that is actually working in concert with one another to meet the needs of our community." Last year, the Manitoba government hired Virgo Planning and Evaluation Consultants Inc. to help develop the provinces mental health and addictions strategy. A spokesman for Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen said the results of that report are "expected to be shared publicly in the next few weeks." Cooper said shes hopeful the report will provide the insights needed to prioritize where Manitoba needs to start making changes to its health planning. Although, she said, to actually meet the needs of people will require looking at other social determinants of health: poverty, unemployment, disabilities, systemic racism, trauma and intergenerational trauma. NDP Leader Wab Kinew said hes not convinced thats something the provincial government understands. "I havent heard any indication from the minister of health or talking to the premier (Brian Pallister) in estimates that they understand what social determinants of health or upstream thinking are," Kinew said, pointing to safe-consumption sites as an example. "The evidence is clear," Kinew said. "The minister of health, still with his head in the sand, seems to cite evidence that he cant produce that somehow these sites wont work." Goertzen has repeatedly denied the need for such a space in Winnipeg. In January, he said the government wasnt considering it because "we have not seen evidence that it would be the most effective use of available funding for those struggling with addiction." The CMHA report is unequivocal about the benefit of a safe and hygienic place for people to use drugs while supervised by trained staff, calling such spaces "highly effective," and pointing to studies showing they improve health outcomes, including deaths. In a statement on Tuesday, Goertzens spokesman reiterated the governments position. He said opioid use in Winnipeg is spread throughout the city, unlike in Vancouver, for example, which uses safe-consumption sites to "treat a high concentration of opioid users in a fairly small area." 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. "Our government believes there is more value at this time in offering a continuum of treatment services and support," the spokesman said. One area in which Manitoba is clearly lagging is in opioid replacement therapy, Cooper said. "Other provinces have certainly done a much more comprehensive approach to integrating opioid replacement therapy into primary care and we have not done that here," she said. However, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba is working on introducing a new standard for opioid prescribing that would encourage doctors to prescribe alternative drugs for pain management. An expanded toolkit is key, Cooper said. "Its not just about a prescription for an opioid," she said. Its about "having better tools and resources available to primary care to support a whole host of pain-management strategies." jane.gerster@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA Manitoba senators say theyre treading carefully as lobbyists from cigarette companies, environmental groups and agricultural businesses jockey for their attention. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 17/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA Manitoba senators say theyre treading carefully as lobbyists from cigarette companies, environmental groups and agricultural businesses jockey for their attention. The Senate is gaining independence and as a result, is getting a skyrocketing number of requests from lobbyists. An analysis of parliamentary filings shows Manitobas six senators have met with lobbyists 118 times since the October 2015 election. MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Marilou McPhedran Tim Powers, an influential lobbyist who has spent 18 years on Parliament Hill, said the Senate has become a major focus for companies and advocacy groups. Five years ago, lobbyists virtually ignored senators. "They do have a bit more potency at the moment when it comes to scrutinizing legislation, and you see them flexing their muscles, and thats a good thing," said Powers, vice-chairman of Summa Strategies Canada. Ever since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office in October 2015, senators have taken an activist role, amending one-sixth of government bills. That happened once during former prime minister Stephen Harpers decade in office. Thats caught the attention of paid interest groups. As the National Post first reported, lobbyists reported 1,250 meetings with senators in 2017, a six-fold increase since 2015. Senators appointed by Trudeau have logged one-third more meetings with lobbyists than those appointed by Harper. Manitoba Sen. Marilou McPhedran says thats a tricky balance for parliamentarians, who have to understand how laws affect citizens and businesses, while keeping the influence of moneyed interests in check. "The onus is on us as parliamentarians to shift our focus away from our little bubble of our world, to the impact that this has on people." Companies and advocacy groups affected by bills being considered by Senate committees are meeting with Manitoba senators. For example, Sen. Raymonde Gagne sits on the transport and official languages committees. Air Canada met with Gagne to discuss laws that are under consideration by both committees: a proposed compensation rule for delayed passengers, as well as upcoming changes to the Official Languages Act. Gagne said the meetings helped her understand the airlines position on both issues, but said she never felt pressure to water down the existing rules. "Its important to understand all stakeholders involved," she said. JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS files Raymonde Gagne Similarly, rail companies discussed a bill that would require recorders in train conductors cabins, and she also heard from conductors. Those talks helped Gagne propose an amendment that would forbid rail companies from doing random testing of the recordings, but allow access to recordings to investigate security incidents. Gagne said shes still figuring out her approach to requests from lobbyists two years into her job. "Its something I discuss a lot with my colleagues. I think in the end, its personal principles," she said. Most senators meet with groups relevant to the careers they held before being appointed to the Senate. Many of Gagnes meetings with lobbyists involve minority communities, as her career has been dedicated to franco-Manitoban issues. McPhedran meets with human-rights advocates and feminists, which were the focus of her law career. Gagne said shes "reticent" to meet with "big money," and has refused requests for meetings from the tobacco and firearms industry. "I prefer to focus on the groups that are a lot more vulnerable in society," she said. Conservative Sen. Don Plett takes the opposite view. "I will err on the side of meeting rather than not meeting," he said. Plett has met with Rothmans, Benson and Hedges, a Canadian subsidiary of cigarette giant Philip Morris International. He said its important to understand the companys perspective on how changes to tobacco labelling would affect its business, including the argument it could result in more counterfeit cigarettes. He has similar discussions with companies that make vaping products. He said he takes these viewpoints with a grain of salt, especially because he used to smoke. "Im just simply not very supportive of either one of them, but I certainly listen to their arguments." He sees a similar parallel with last years bill that expanded the federal human rights code to include transgender people. Despite holding strong social-conservative convictions, he met with advocates for both sides. Ultimately, he didnt change his mind. "I think individual senators should not be so closed-minded," he said. "Ive strongly suggested: dont prejudge groups, especially on legislation." McPhedran said shes picky about whom she meets. "For me, its high-risk manipulation, for what end?" Last fall, she met with the Mining Association of Canada, even though it didnt affect her committee work. She used the meeting to echo concerns raised by diaspora communities in Winnipeg whose relatives abroad are hurt by Canadian mining companies. Phil Hossack / Winnipeg Free Press files Manitoba Senator Don Plett. She also discussed how they could improve the gender balance of their corporate boards. "These folks have lots of money; theyre usually working with at least one professional support lobbying firm. And so for me, theres a level playing field in being able to have a very direct conversation, with searching, thoughtful questions." McPhedran said unions have helped her craft legislation. A nurses union helped convince her to suggest changes to a bill looking at treating post-traumatic stress, to categorize nurses as first-responders. 'They do have a bit more potency at the moment when it comes to scrutinizing legislation, and you see them flexing their muscles' Lobbyist Tim Powers on the Senate Sen. Mary Jane McCallum joined the Senate in December, and has met just once with a lobbyist, for the Canadian Museums Association. Sens. Murray Sinclair and Patricia Bovey were unavailable to be interviewed. Sinclair has met with groups and universities launching Indigenous programs, while Bovey has met with museum groups. Both have met companies affected by the committees they sit on. Plett expects the frequency of lobbyists meeting senators to soon decline, as the large number of them appointed under Trudeau get used to their jobs. "The first year or two, I probably met with every organization that called me and wanted to meet, because I thought it was my duty to meet with everyone on every issue, and eventually you burn yourself out." Banking groups and insurance brokers often ask to meet with Plett, but he declines them because theyre not relevant to his committee work. He said most of his meetings with lobbyists are now routine check-ins, on issues hes followed for years, such as contracting and agriculture. Often, the groups present their annual report and touch base, with no real advocacy aims, Plett said. Powers notes most senators sit longer than MPs, who seek re-election every four years. He said that means senators acquire a larger base of knowledge through their own research and meeting with lobbyists. That results in "well-skilled and drilled people (who) help raise the bar on policy," he said. Lobbyists are required to file reports with the lobbying commissioner, listing whom they met, when and what topics they discussed. In February, Plett received a letter from the lobbying commissioners office, asking to confirm which groups met with him to discuss a wide-ranging transportation bill. The commissioners office said it checks in with parliamentarians to confirm its records align with the lobbyists, putting out letters to confirm five per cent of each months registrations. But Plett said its the first time hes received such a letter since joining the Senate eight years ago, which speaks to the uptick in how often senators are lobbied. Powers says these registrations have "professionalized the business," as have rules that ban lobbyists from supporting political candidates, and delay when former public-office holders can enter the lobbying profession. "Ill always be for lobbying, and its existed since democracies existed. So I think it does get down to perception and regulation, and I think right now both are somewhat in balance in Canada," Powers said. "In my view, its about getting a broad, educational perspective to help you make decisions, and public figures who are being paid by the Canadian taxpayer should be accessible," he said. He said big firms have a leg up with polling and advertising, but small groups can still access MPs and senators to get their point across. In fact, the Lobbying Act exempts volunteers from having to register their interactions. Companies only register when their total amount of lobbying in one month amounted to one-fifth of a regular employees paid time. 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. McPhedran said shes not sure those rules are tight enough. "I think there is so much more that could be done for consistent, transparent reporting that in turn would greatly enforce the accountability," she said. She also finds the registry cumbersome. It allows the public to find out which groups met with parliamentarians, but the records about subject matter list topics for all meetings the lobbyist has held for a company, not which specific topics they raised with individual legislators. For example, lobbying records cant be easily downloaded and compared over years, which she said called a "barrier." McPhedran commended the Free Press for studying the lobbying database, but said many non-profits dont have the time to do hours of research. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Premier Brian Pallister rejected calls for Manitoba to open a safe-injection site, but promised his government will soon announce proactive ways to deal with the opioid crisis. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 17/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Premier Brian Pallister rejected calls for Manitoba to open a safe-injection site, but promised his government will soon announce proactive ways to deal with the opioid crisis. Pallister clashed with NDP Leader Wab Kinew in question period Tuesday, with each saying he is relying on experts to back his position against and for a supervised drug-injection site. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Premier Brian Pallister in Question Period Tuesday. "I don't accept the premise of expertise on the part of the member (Kinew)," said Pallister, who did not name his experts and did not talk with media after question period. The premier said he has concerns around supervision and safety, and argued the NDP had 17 years in government to open such sites. "No action taken by the previous government at all," Pallister said. Kinew cited a Canadian Mental Health Association report released Tuesday that advocates supervised, safe-consumption sites to deal with drug addiction. "It's there in black and white: safe-injection sites save lives, yet we have a premier saying no. It is a life-and-death issue. Why won't the premier get onside with the experts?" Kinew said. 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. In a later scrum, Health Minister Kelvin Goertzen said safe-injection sites are a matter of putting scarce money towards whatever services will help the greatest number of people. "We'll continue to use an evidence-based approach. If you have a limited amount of funds, you have to look at what will help the most number of people possible," he said, noting more than 70 per cent of people who overdose do so in their own homes. Goertzen said he has heard different numbers on what a safe-injection site would potentially cost. Kinew countered it would not be very costly to open a space similar to the Main Street Project, or to put a safe-injection site within an existing community health agency. "You could put one in an existing location for a few hundred grand a year," Kinew said. "Yet again, we see the Pallister government putting dollars and cents ahead of health care." nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca What can we do to shield our democracy from digital manipulation? Thats an increasingly urgent question given the activities of Victoria-based AggregateIQ, Cambridge Analytica and Facebook, not to mention Russia, in recent elections in Europe and the United States. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion What can we do to shield our democracy from digital manipulation? Thats an increasingly urgent question given the activities of Victoria-based AggregateIQ, Cambridge Analytica and Facebook, not to mention Russia, in recent elections in Europe and the United States. Canada needs to prepare itself for the 2019 federal election, and the Canadian government is starting to talk more seriously about how to address the risks we face. The issues of disinformation, hate speech and targeted manipulation of voters are complicated, and the policy solutions are not yet clear. What is clear is that Canada needs new inspiration. Canada often looks to the U.S. government as either a leader or partner. This time, Canada should look to Europe. Canadas electoral rules, norms and procedures bear more similarity to many European countries than to the United States. Like them, we keep our election campaigns short. We have strict rules about campaign financing. We also face the same problem: Our citizens use social media platforms created in the U.S. by CEOs who are often unresponsive to non-American concerns about data privacy or electoral interference. There are at least three areas where Canada can take inspiration from Europe. Data privacy First, data privacy. Online giants like Google and Facebook have accumulated huge amounts of data about our lives that are used to design and target political messages. Calling this "data" is too neutral it is, instead, the digital records of the lives we live. It can include the routes we took when walking through our cities, the websites we visited to research our hobbies and fears, and the emotions we revealed in our vocabulary choices. Unlike the U.S., Europe is taking action to give citizens some control over the records of their lives. In May, a new framework for data security will come into force in the European Union. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires all organizations that collect and process data to have peoples clear and explicit consent. It also gives people the right to know what data about them is being collected, the right to get a copy of that data to take elsewhere and the right to demand that personal data is erased. Facebook, Google and other platforms are retooling their activities to meet the GDPRs provisions, at least for European citizens. Canada can follow in the wake of GDPR and implement similar provisions. Indeed, the Canadian privacy commissioner has been calling for updates to our "archaic privacy laws" to ensure meaningful, informed consent for the collection and use of our data, and to give us a right to demand the removal of inaccurate or outdated information. Online harassment Second, preventing online harassment. Our democracy is corroded by online threats, hate and harassment of public figures and ordinary citizens. Twitter and other social media platforms can be toxic, particularly for women, Indigenous Canadians and minorities. This toxic environment can exclude groups that already face marginalization in public debates, and can poison conversations among citizens with different views. The U.S. commitment to freedom of speech, including the absence of hate speech laws, makes it very unlikely it will pursue policies to address these issues. The EU, and especially Germany, are taking a different tack. In 2017, Germany enacted a law to force online platforms to remove "obviously illegal" posts that contravened German hate speech law within 24 hours or risk fines of up to 50 million euros. While there are valid concerns that the law overreaches and may induce private companies to over-zealously censor content, it has forced social media platforms to take a serious look at how to quickly address problematic content. The new German government has proposed some fixes to address these issues. Canada need not take the German approach. But we can follow Germanys lead of making clear and strong demands about how our own laws on hate speech, defamation and harassment are enforced online. Civic media Third, empowering democratic discourse through civic media. Its not enough to crack down on manipulative or threatening content online. To act as democratic citizens, we need access to diverse, accurate and public-oriented information and conversations. Most European countries spend more on public broadcasters than Canada, and provide direct and indirect support to other journalism organizations to maintain robust media ecosystems. Only a few weeks ago, 71.6 per cent of Swiss citizens voted in a referendum to keep funding their public broadcaster. European countries also convinced Google to commit tens of millions of dollars a year to support news media. A new High Level Expert Group set up by the European Commission to advise them on "fake news" argued that it is critical to "safeguard the diversity and sustainability of the European news media ecosystem" through public funding of journalism and supporting civil society groups like fact-checkers, computer scientists and technology innovation centres. 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 Canadian government recognizes that public-oriented journalism needs support and committed $50 million over five years to support local journalism, though its not clear this will have a significant or sustainable impact. Furthermore, its not just journalism that needs support. We also need more and better civic apps, fact-checking organizations and digital literacy programs. Europe does not have all the answers for Canada. Some European policies may not work or may not fit the Canadian context. But Europeans are taking digital manipulation of democracy seriously. Canada is a small market that cannot hope to sway big tech companies on its own. Working with Europe, which has an economy larger than the U.S. economy, could be the only way for Canada to create change. Canada should look to Europe for ideas and for a negotiating partner. Chris Tenove is a postdoctoral research fellow at the school of public policy and global affairs / graduate school of journalism, and Heidi J. S. Tworek is an assistant professor of international history, at the University of British Columbia. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 18/4/2018 (1263 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Editorial Seven miles. In Canadian/metric terms, thats 11.27 kilometres. Its a formidable distance, even if youre only travelling it in a figurative sense. Which is what Premier Brian Pallister proposed last week, defending his governments health-care strategy in the wake of a new report on priority-procedure wait times whose Manitoba-related numbers are less than flattering. "It takes seven miles to turn a freighter thats going full speed in the ocean," Mr. Pallister said in response to NDP criticism of the provinces performance in the wait-times report by the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI). "Its going to take a little while to turn the direction of a health-care system that was being ignored, frankly victimized by under-innovation, by the previous (NDP) government." The CIHI report, which focuses on data collected between April 1 and Sept. 30 of last year, shows Manitoba lagging behind national averages in the percentage of patients receiving procedures such as hip and knee replacements, hip-fracture repair, cataract surgery and radiation therapy within prescribed wait times. The number of hip-replacement patients who had surgery within the recommended six months, which had improved from 68 per cent to 71 per cent between 2013 and 2014, fell to 53 per cent in 2017 (the national average was 71 per cent). Likewise, knee replacements had risen from 58 per cent to 71 per cent in 2013-14, but declined to 43 per cent in 2017 (the national average was 69 per cent). Manitobas performance on cataract surgeries performed within the prescribed time frame of 112 days was just 32 per cent by far the lowest in the country compared to 63 per cent in 2014. The national average in 2017 was 71 per cent. 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. Its necessary to note Manitobas declining performance is reflective of a national trend toward longer wait times; the difference is this provinces performance percentages remain lower than the countrywide numbers even as all Canadian priority-procedure wait times worsen. There are several factors at play, most notably the continuing shift toward elderly of Canadas demographic profile. In Manitoba alone, for example, the percentage of the population aged 60 to 75 prime years for joint-replacement surgery increased from 12 per cent to 14 per cent between 2007 and 2017, bringing an additional 50,000 Manitobans into the potential wait-time mix. Also to be considered, however, is the impact of the Pallister governments aggressive restructuring of health care, which has overlaid the system-altering Peachey-report blueprint with an across-the-board demand for cost savings that has, despite the premiers pledge to the contrary, clearly had an impact on front-line services. But these are early days in the transformation of Manitobas health-care system, so its only fair to offer Mr. Pallister at least some benefit of doubt when he declares hes going to turn this provinces metaphorical medical ship around. Figures released Tuesday by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority show improvements in emergency-room wait times, so perhaps some progress is being made. Seven miles remains an imaginary point off in the statistical distance, but by this time next year, the captain of the ship will have had ample time to turn its rudders hard to the starboard bow. Mark next April on your calendar; if the CIHI numbers havent taken a favourable turn at least in comparison to the national averages we will know Mr. Pallisters all-hands-on-deck approach to health-care reform has used that seven miles of turnaround distance to steer himself straight into a figurative iceberg. American Electric Power Co., Inc. engages in the business of generation, transmission and distribution of electricity. It operates through the following segments: Vertically Integrated Utilities, Transmission & Distribution Utilities, AEP Transmission Holdco and Generation & Marketing. The Vertically Integrated Utilities segment engages in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The Transmission & Distribution Utilities segment engages in the business of transmission and distribution of electricity for sale to retail and wholesale customers through assets owned and operated by its subsidiaries. The AEP Transmission Holdco segment engages in the development, construction and operation of transmission facilities through investments in its wholly-owned transmission subsidiaries and joint ventures. The Generation & Marketing segment engages in non-regulated generation and marketing, risk management and retail activities. The company was founded on December 20, 1906 and is headquartered in Columbus, OH. Read More AXA SA, through its subsidiaries, provides insurance and asset management services worldwide. It operates in six segments: France, Europe, Asia, AXA XL, International, and Transversal & Central Holdings. The company offers a range of insurance products, including life and savings, property and casualty, and health. Its products include motor, household, property and general liability insurance, banking, savings vehicles, and other investment-based products for personal/individual and commercial/group customers, as well as health, protection, and retirement products for individual or professional customers. The company also provides term life, whole life, universal life, endowment, and deferred and immediate annuities; medical whole life and term insurance; unit-linked products; travel and commercial insurance; and group term insurance, critical illness, and hospital cash products. In addition, it offers coverage against excess and surplus lines, environmental and professional liability, construction, marine, energy, aviation and satellite, fine art and specie, equine, livestock and aquaculture, accident and health and crisis management, and other risks. Further, the company provides casualty, property risk, property catastrophe, specialty, and other reinsurance lines. Additionally, it provides asset management services, comprising of mutual funds, fixed income, equities, multi-asset client solutions, structured finance, real assets, and return strategy. The company also offers E-rescue on motor assistance, a self-service digital application; Home Manager, a digital application that provides customers with regular updates on the progress of emergency claims; health assistance services; and Travel Eye that provides travel assistance services. The company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in Paris, France. Read More 51 minutes ago Pharmacies face 1st trial over role in opioid crisis CLEVELAND (AP) So many prescription painkillers were dispensed in Lake County, Ohio, between 2012 and 2016 that the amount equaled 265 pills for every resident. Just to the south, the flood of prescription opioids during the same period equated to 400 pills for every resident of Trumbull County. Attorneys say efforts to address the ensuing overdose epidemic has cost each of the financially struggling counties at least $1 billion. Read Article TCF Financial Corporation operates as the financial holding company for TCF National Bank that provides various financial products and services in the United States and Canada. It operates through Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Enterprise Services segments. The company offers checking, savings, and money market accounts; certificates of deposit; individual retirement accounts; debit and credit cards; and check cashing and remittance services. It also provides investment management and custodial services, trust services, financial and estate planning, and retirement planning and employee benefit programs; residential, consumer, and small business lending products; and consumer real estate secured lending, consumer loans, loans secured by personal property, and unsecured personal loans. In addition, the company offers loans and lines of credit, deposits, cash management, capital market products, international trade finance, letters of credit, foreign exchange management services, and loan syndication services. Further, it provides commercial and industrial, commercial real estate banking, and lease financing; and treasury services comprising investment and borrowing portfolios, as well as manages capital, debt, and market risks. As of December 31, 2020, the company operated 478 branches, including 373 traditional branches, 102 supermarket branches, and three campus branches located in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Wisconsin, Arizona, and South Dakota; and 1,062 ATMs. TCF Financial Corporation was incorporated in 1987 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. Read More Close Brothers Group plc, a merchant banking company, provides financial services to small businesses and individuals in the United Kingdom. It operates through five segments: Commercial, Retail, Property, Asset Management, and Securities. The company offers various deposit products, including fixed term deposits and notice accounts. It also provides asset finance, asset-based lending, commercial vehicle hire, short-term bridging finance, insurance premium finance, invoice discounting and factoring, and property finance products. In addition, the company offers funding services for general aviation aircraft, and various leisure and commercial vessels; sale and rent back services for the brewing sector; broker finance services to agriculture, construction, manufacturing, and transport industries; leasing services for construction, manufacturing, IT equipment, and specialist assets; and loan, hire purchase, leasing, and refinancing services to the professional service sector, including dental, medical, pharmacy, and veterinary sectors. Further, it provides financial education, investment management, and financial planning and advice services; self-directed services that help investors to manage their portfolio online; and services for financial advisers. Additionally, the company offers liquidity and flexible execution services to retail stockbrokers, wealth managers, and institutional investors; market making, sales, research, and corporate broking services; and dealing, custody, and settlement services to the institutional, wealth management, and brokerage clients. Close Brothers Group plc was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Compagnie de Saint-Gobain a "Buy" 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 Compagnie de Saint-Gobain wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Greenhill & Co., Inc. pays an annual dividend of $0.20 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 1.37%. Greenhill & Co., Inc. has been increasing its dividend for 3 consecutive year(s), indicating that it does not yet have a strong track record of dividend growth. The dividend payout ratio of Greenhill & Co., Inc. is 14.71%. This payout ratio is at a healthy, sustainable level, below 75%. Based on earnings estimates, Greenhill & Co., Inc. will have a dividend payout ratio of 9.22% next year. This indicates that Greenhill & Co., Inc. will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. View Greenhill & Co., Inc.'s dividend history. Celanese Corp. engages in the provision of technology and specialty materials businesses. It operates through the following segments: Engineered Materials, Acetate Tow, Acetyl Chain and Other Activities .The Engineered Materials segment includes the engineered materials business, food ingredients business and certain strategic affiliates. The Acetate Tow segment serves consumer-driven applications and is a global producer and supplier of acetate tow and acetate flake used in filter products applications. The Acetyl Chain segment includes the integrated chain of intermediate chemistry, emulsion polymers and ethylene vinyl acetate (""EVA"") polymers businesses, based on similar products, production processes, classes of customers and selling and distribution practices as well as economic similarities over a normal business cycle. The Other Activities segment consists of corporate center costs, including administrative activities such as finance, information technology and human resource functions, interest income and expense associated with financing activities. The company was founded by Camille Dreyfus and Henri Dreyfus in 1918 and is headquartered in Irving, TX. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Hertz Global 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 Hertz Global wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited. Read More Texas Pacific Land Corp. operates as a landowner in the State of Texas. Its surface and royalty ownership allow revenue generation through the entire value chain of oil and gas development, including through fixed fee payments for use of the firm's land, revenue for sales of materials used in the construction of infrastructure, providing sourced water and treated produced water, revenue from its oil and gas royalty interests, and revenues related to saltwater disposal on land. The company also generates revenue from pipeline, power line and utility easements, commercial leases, material sales and seismic and temporary permits related to a variety of land uses including midstream infrastructure projects and hydrocarbon processing facilities. The company operates through following segment: Land and Resource Management and Water Services and Operations. The Land and Resource Management segment focuses on managing oil and gas royalty interest and surface. The Water Services and Operations segment offers operators an unparalleled breadth of service across the majority of the Permian Basin. The company was founded in April 2020 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Read More Rogers Communications Inc. operates as a communications and media company in Canada. It operates through three segments: Wireless, Cable, and Media. The company offers mobile Internet access, wireless voice and enhanced voice, device and accessory financing, wireless home phone, device protection, text messaging, e-mail, global voice and data roaming, bridging landline, machine-to-machine and Internet of Things solutions, and advanced wireless solutions for businesses, as well as device delivery services; and postpaid and prepaid services under the Rogers, Fido, and chatr brands to approximately 10.9 million subscribers. It also provides Internet and WiFi services; smart home monitoring services, such as monitoring, security, automation, energy efficiency, and smart control through a smartphone app. In addition, the company offers local and network TV; on-demand television; cloud-based digital video recorders; voice-activated remote controls, and integrated apps; personal video recorders; linear and time-shifted programming; digital specialty channels; 4K television programming; and televised content on smartphones, tablets, and personal computers, as well as operates Ignite TV and Ignite TV app. Further, it provides residential and small business local telephony services; calling features, such as voicemail, call waiting, and long distance; voice, data networking, Internet protocol, and Ethernet services; private networking, Internet, IP voice, and cloud solutions; optical wave and multi-protocol label switching services; IT and network technologies; and cable access network services. The company also owns Toronto Blue Jays and the Rogers Centre event venue; and operates Sportsnet ONE, Sportsnet 360, Sportsnet World, Citytv, OMNI, FX (Canada), FXX (Canada), and OLN television networks, as well as 55 AM and FM radio stations. Rogers Communications Inc. was founded in 1960 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More 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 VersaPay Corporation, a financial technology company, provides cloud-based invoicing, accounts receivable (A/R) management, and payment solutions for businesses in Canada and the United States. The company offers ARC, a business-to-business solution that delivers capabilities in areas, such as invoice presentment, collaboration and collection, electronic payment, cash application, and A/R insight; PayPort, a cloud-based credit card and electronic funds transfer service; and Gateway that allows third party technology partners to connect to PayPort through a secure application program interface and offer the service as part of their own service offering. It serves transportation/logistics, media, real estate, manufacturing, business services, and distribution industries. VersaPay Corporation was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Over a dozen protests took place last Monday, April 9, in the Czech Republic against Prime Minister Andrej Babis, including in the capital city of Prague, where between 5,000 and 10,000 people demonstrated at Wenceslas Square, demanding the withdrawal of Babis and new elections. The protests are the latest climax of an ongoing crisis in the Czech government. Babiss right-liberal ANO won a strong victory in October of last year, taking 78 of 200 seats in parliament. Since then, however, he has failed to form a stable government. After the elections, ANO tried to form a minority government, with ministers from its own party and independent experts. But this attempt failed in January, after a loss in a vote of confidence. Over a week ago coalition talks between Babiss right-liberal party and the social democrats (CSSD) ended unsuccessfully. To this point, Babis has received the backing of the notoriously right-wing president Milos Zeman, but it remains to be seen how long this will last. The CSSD dissolved the talks under the pretense of judicial problems in regard to the prime minister. Babis lost his position as finance minister in May 2017 due to a suspected subsidy fraud. He is accused of having diverted 1.6 million in European Union subsidies to a wellness resort while he worked in the private sector. Babis denies any involvement and claims that the accusation is politically motivated. The millionaire businessman is renewing efforts to form an alliance with the radical right-wing party of the businessman Tomio Okamura, Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), and the Communist Party (KSCM). Babis stated at the beginning of last week, The president requested that I continue negotiations with the KSCM and the SPD. Previous attempts to build an alliance at the end of last year had proven unsuccessful. The realization of Zemans request would inevitably create heavy tensions within the ANO. Transport Minister Daniel Tok has already declared that he would have no part in a government with radical right-wing elements. To combat the lasting crisis, the social democrats, the conservative right-wing parties ODS and KDU-CSL, the Pirates, and two smaller Pro-EU parties are currently discussing the formation of a minority government. In the event of new elections, it is believed that ANO would reach again a strong plurality. After the most recent polls, Babiss party stood at the front with roughly 30 percent support. These results are strongly influenced by the current hatred of both the conservatives and social democrats. Although many demonstrators are enraged by the corruption of the ruling elite, the organizers of last weeks protests have very different goals. Their demands for an honest government hide their hysterical anticommunism and their fear that Babiss government will distance itself too far from the EU. Politically, they stand close to the conservatives and social democrats. It is not acceptable that a head of government has been registered as an agent of the communist secret police, it says on the Facebook page of the protest organizers. They are specifically enraged by Babiss attempts to form an alliance with the former Stalinist state party, which, in their eyes, represents socialism. The organizers of the movement A Million Moments for Democracy, led by student Mikulas Minar, advocate for a pro-European government that is stable enough to enforce austerity policies against the working class. Under the title Five Minutes Before Twelve, the group warns of the dangers to the independent police. An important aspect of the protests was the appearance of the mezzo-soprano Dagmar Peckova, who sang the Czech national anthem with the demonstrators under dozens of Czech and European flags. It is hardly surprising that the demonstrations began when Babis suggested a popular vote on the withdrawal of the Czech Republic from the EU, which was also supported by President Zeman. This suggestion alarmed many proponents of the EU. The Czexit Debate has become part of a political game, explained Matthias Barner, leader of the German Christian Democratic Union (CDU)-aligned Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung to the newspaper Handelsblatt. Babis is still lacking a majority in the parliament and is now dealing with elements critical of the EU. The organizers of the protests are also worried about a continuing political crisis, which prevents the government from suppressing growing discontent among the working class. Following protests by public servants in February, the workers of the auto manufacturer Skoda made preparations for strike action. In the face of the heated political situation, business leaders and politicians were ready to pay any price to avoid a strike, which could quickly expand to the entire auto industry in the Czech Republic, and thus the trade union, Kovo, was able to reach a deal providing employees of Skoda with a 12 percent raise starting in April. On Monday evening, Socialist Equality Party members distributed hundreds of copies of the statement US-British-French missile strikes on Syria heighten danger of a catastrophic war to workers and young people at anti-war protests around the UK. At Londons Parliament Square, demonstrators rallied against the bombing of Syria by the United States, Britain and France. Around 500 attended the protest called by the Stop the War Coalition. Some of the protesters at the rally in Parliament Square The demonstration was called by its organisers with the purpose of corralling anti-war sentiment behind support for the Labour Party and appeals to MPs in parliament. Labour MPs spoke including Emma Dent Coad, Richard Burgon, Chris Williamson, and Lloyd Russell-Moyle to claim that Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, and the UN Security Council could be entrusted with leading a struggle against war. Russell-Moyle said, The struggle continues, and now with an anti-war Labour leader, we, united together, can lead this charge. Williamson said, Lets get behind Jeremy Corbyns call for a War Powers Act, to prevent a prime minister from ever again taking us to war without a vote in Parliament. Corbyn put forward the proposed Act in parliament Tuesday, but Labours pro-war MPs backed Prime Minister Theresa Mays ordering Britain to participate in last Saturdays military strikes without parliamentary approval. Joel with a copy of the World Socialist Web Site statement US-British-French missile strikes on Syria heighten danger of a catastrophic war Joel, a university student from West London, said, It is an abomination that Theresa May thinks she can speak for the people without consulting them. We are supposed to live in a democracy and its not democratic at all to take this position and initiate more bloodshed. If she did take it to a vote among the public, she would have lost the vote. So, the only way to bomb Syria is to do it behind closed doors at night behind peoples backs. The threats against Russia have been going on for a long time. Instead of agitating against Russia and promoting war, we need peace. You cannot believe 90 percent of what you see in the media now because it is controlled by a few people. There will come a time when there are too many of us for them to control. The YouGov survey that said 78 percent did not support the bombing of Syria and it made me think, Do I live in a democracy or a dictatorship? The BBCs coverage is incredibly biased. We are being told there is propaganda being put out across the world and we are told not believe it, but it is happening right here. Shoaib Sohaib, a student, said, I am opposed to wars and attacking other countries. Let the Syrian people decide their own future. May has no right to say if a Syrian house is bombed tomorrow or not. If there were chemical factories, when they were bombed, why was there no smoke or chemical fumes? Its just an excuse to bomb. It is totally unjust what is going on in Syria, and we should not be a puppet to the United States. We have got no money for the National Health Service or for homeless people. You walk down to London Victoria Station, and there are 50 people out on the streets, but they have money to bomb. They threw 100 million in bombs the other night. May did not take it to Parliament because she knows the British public are awake. The youth are a lot more active when it comes to standing up and speaking for their rights against war. The demonstration in Bristol against the bombing of Syria Around 400 people, half of whom were youth, took to the streets of Bristol. A spokesperson of the Bristol Stop the War declared that the demonstration was called to halt the military intervention and demand that our MPs and parliament represent this opposition and stand against this potentially catastrophic move from our government and its allies. Lets show them what democracy looks like. Others addressing the rally were Green Party councillors and Labourites who sowed illusions that a Corbyn-led Labour Party government would be anti-war. The bankruptcy of these claims was underscored by the fact that Bristols four MPsKerry McCarthy, Darren Jones, Karin Smyth and Thangam Debbonaireare all pro-war and opposed to Corbyns leadership. None of the four attended the rally. Neither did Bristol Labour Mayor Marvin Rees, who steered through an austerity budget earlier this year that cut 34.5million from public services as well as increasing local council tax by 5 percent. Maximillian, a student, said, I think its clear to anyone who has been following the situation that its an unnecessary and illegal action which has been taken by the UK and the US in Syria. Im more broadly against war in general. American and British involvement has nothing to do with liberating Syria. Capitalism is the driving force in as much as the oil interests and so forth are the only reason we are interested in these far-flung countries. Capitalism is necessitating constant regime-change operations for the benefit of a few corporate sponsors of American and British politicians. There are multinational corporations, therefore we must organise ourselves on an international basis. Student Macie said, I thought most of the speeches [on the platform in Bristol] were terribleso meek and mild. The British government is lying, they go ahead and bomb and dont care about any opposition, and all the speakers say is talk to your MP. My MP is Kerry McCarthy, a Labour MP, who voted for bombing Syria and did all she could to stop Jeremy Corbyn becoming Labour leader. So, I am supposed to talk to her? The only person who said something sensible was Daisy, who I think was from the [Corbyn-supporting] Momentum Youth. I agreed with her that most young people are anti-war and a lot have seen through the lies about Syria after Iraq and Libya. She also said what no one else did, that we have to stand up to Western imperialist aggression. But then it was really disappointing, and she spoilt it all by saying contact your MPs and councillors. Amirah, who bought a copy of the SEPs 2014 Congress pamphlet Socialism and the Fight Against War, came back to say, Ive just read a bit of your little book. I cant believe you were already predicting that the world was heading for such dangerous times back in 2014. And that a nuclear war was possible. I dont remember anyone else saying that back then. I think its really good the way you explained how all these governments such as ours are trying to re-divide the world again and prevent Russia and China having any influence. That makes it much clearer why theres so much hatred against Russia at the moment. I really agree with you that a proper anti-war organisation is needed, because Stop the War is useless. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe In Stores This Week Around The World - LEGO The Incredibles & More Barbara Bush, the American political matriarch who was married to one U.S. president and the mother of another, died today in Houston. She was 92. Her family had announced Monday that she no longer was seeking medical treatment and had been moved to comfort care. The Bush family released this statement: President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also released a statement about the news: President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Ladys thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mrs. Bush. Born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, in Manhattan, she met George H.W. Bush at a dance when she was 16. They were engaged by the time he left for service in World War II, and they were married in 1945 when he was home on leave. Their union would create an unrivaled American political dynasty as her husband became the 41st president of the United States in 1989 and their oldest child, George W. Bush, took office as POTUS 43 a dozen years later. Their third child, Jeb, was the governor of Florida from 1997-2007, and he ran for president in 2016, losing the GOP nomination to Trump. Barbara Bush spent much her life before cameras. Her husband first was elected to national office in 1966, as a congressman from Texas. He would go on to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Chair of the Republican National Committee, Director of the CIA, then Vice President to Ronald Reagan from 1981-89 before succeeding him in the Oval Office. The former first lady was a regular on TV screens, often doing network morning news shows, late-night and daytime talkers, newsmagazines and documentaries. A tireless advocate of literacy, she appeared on educational series such as Sesame Street and later did a Saturday Night Live special called Presidential Bash 2000. Her most recent screen credit was the 2017 Lady Gaga documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two. Story continues Related stories Barack Obama, Bill Clinton Remember Former First Lady Barbara Bush Battle Brewing Between Michael Moore, Harvey & Bob Weinstein Over Donald Trump-Themed 'Fahrenheit 9/11' Sequel 'The Simpsons' Showrunner Gets Back At George H.W. Bush Deep divisions over United States foreign policy, usually debated in private, are spilling dramatically into public view as Donald Trumps top advisers struggle to make sense of his rapidly changing views on Syria and Russia. Last week, shortly after asking the Pentagon to draw up plans to withdraw from Syria, the president changed his mind, ordering a military strike that left State Department staffers whipsawed by the reversal. I think that people here are pretty much as clueless as everyone else in terms of what do you tell other countries about our approach in Syria now, one senior staffer told me. Another State staffer groaned that Trump appeared to be winging it in Syria, a Helter Skelter approach to a crisis that demands discipline. You have to have a really thought-out plan and think about all the unexpected consequences and contingencies and that is nowhere to be found, they told me. Stuff is being done in a vacuum. Confusion turned to chaos again this week when United States ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced plans to impose new sanctions on Russia for its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, only to be swiftly contradicted by other White House officials. Trump himself was reportedly outraged when he saw Haley discussing sanctions on television Sunday, believing that she was speaking without authorization. Press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders walked back her remarks from the podium on Monday and other administration officials, eager to ingratiate themselves, joined in throwing Haley under the bus. She got ahead of the curve, said Larry Kudlow, the perpetually wrong TV pundit the president recently tapped to serve as his economics adviser. Shes done a great job. Shes a very effective ambassador, but there might have been some momentary confusion about that. Story continues Haleys retort was sharp and unsparing. With all due respect, I dont get confused, she responded in a withering statement. Kudlow quickly backed down. She was certainly not confused, Kudlow told The New York Times. I was wrong to say thattotally wrong. Indeed, insiders suggest that Haley was not confused, but rather collateral damage in a relentlessly dysfunctional White House. According to a senior official, the Trump administration had, in fact, intended to announce a new round of sanctions against Moscow. Russia sanctions were a part of the agreed-upon plan going into the strike and going into the weekend, the official told Politico. The Republican National Committee had even circulated talking points following the Friday strike against the Assad regime. We also intend to impose specific additional sanctions against Russia to respond to Moscows ongoing support for the Assad regime, which has enabled the regimes atrocities against the Syrian people, the memo read. But Trump was not on board with the plan. According to The New York Times, the president erupted on Sunday when Haley said Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin would make an imminent announcement regarding the new Russian sanctions, if he hadnt already on CBSs Face the Nation. The State Department reportedly called Haleys team after the snafu, urging Haleys office to issue a correction shortly after the appearance, but no such correction was issued. By Sunday night, Trump informed his national-security team that he had no plans to implement the new sanctions, according to a report from The Washington Post. The White House subsequently cast Haleys remarks as a misstatement, with one White House official characterizing it as an error that needs to be mopped up. On Monday, Sanders told reporters in the briefing room, We are considering additional sanctions on Russia and a decision will be made in the near future. The days-long, ugly dispute is perhaps the most public evidence yet of tensions within the Trump administration over an incoherent an uncoordinated approach to foreign policy. How many other things do you want to mention have been rolled out that way? Republican Senator Bob Corker, the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, lamented to reporters Tuesday, reflecting on the Haley episode. I didnt think much about it. You know, two weeks ago, were moving out of Syria the next day, and then the next day we werent. Its just sort of standard confusion. Still, the Trump-Haley clash comes at a particularly critical time for the administration. With the ouster of Rex Tillerson, and Mike Pompeo still awaiting Senate confirmation to take over the State Department, Haley has emerged as the face of Trumps Syria policy at a time when the administration is grappling with a cascade of diplomatic crises. It is also a black eye for John Bolton, Trumps new national-security adviser, whose responsibilities include ensuring cohesive messaging on foreign affairs. Political observers in Washington wonder whether the flare-up was precipitated by nascent 2020 tensions. Earlier this week, Trump reportedly grew enraged when he learned that Vice President Mike Pence had tapped reformed anti-Trumper Jon Lerner, Haleys deputy at the United Nations, to also serve as his national security adviser, reigniting whispers of a potential Pence-Haley alliance. (The Pence and Haley camps have both dismissed such speculation.) Lerner is well-known as a political operative, having worked with Pences chief of staff, Nick Ayers, who was in turn a major early supporter of Haleys political career. Why would Mike do that? Trump reportedly asked, before telling Chief of Staff John Kelly to nix Lerner. On Sunday night, as Trump was raging over Haleys sanctions announcement, Lerner withdrew from the dual role. Yet rumors of a future primary challenge continue to swirl. On Tuesday, the United States Mission to the United Nations sent out an e-mail including press clips about how Haley would beat Trump in a 2020 challenge and another about a grumpy Trump, before recalling the message. Shebaa (Lebanon) (AFP) - Around 500 Syrian refugees left southern Lebanon on Wednesday under an agreement between authorities in Beirut and Damascus that provides for their return to their home country, AFP's correspondent said. The UN's refugee agency said it was aware of the returns but was not involved in the agreement, "considering the prevailing humanitarian and security situation in Syria." On Wednesday, 15 buses provided by Syria reached the southern Lebanese town of Shebaa to transport refugees out, AFP's correspondent said. They were accompanied by Lebanon's General Security forces, which is present along the country's borders. An estimated 500 Syrian refugees, who had been living for years in Shebaa after fleeing the war in their neighbouring homeland, boarded the buses. Men, women, and children shielded their eyes from the spring sun as they boarded a bus whose front window was decorated with a portrait of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Lebanon's National News Agency said the operation was taking place in coordination with General Security and based on lists of names provided in advance. And Syrian state news agency SANA said the refugees would be returning to the village of Beit Jin and surroundings territory, which lie southwest of Damascus. Syria's government recaptured Beit Jin in recent months through a deal that saw jihadists and civilians bussed out of the village. Since it broke out in 2011, Syria's war has killed more than 350,000 people and displaced millions more, both internally and to neighbouring countries. Just under one million Syrians are registered as refugees in Lebanon, though many expect the real number is much higher. In a country of around four million Lebanese, the influx has put strain on water and electrical infrastructure. Lebanese government officials and politicians have ramped up calls for Syrians to return home, but the United Nations has consistently warned that conditions in the war-ravaged country are not suitable for such returns. Last year, hundreds of Syrian refugees were bussed back to their hometown of Assal al-Ward under a similar arrangement. Dubai (AFP) - Yemeni government employees have abused men, women and children held in detention after they fled the Horn of Africa, Human Rights Watch said. The watchdog said government employees "tortured, raped, and executed" migrants and asylum seekers at a detention centre in the southern port of Aden. Migrants held at the Buraika detention facility -- in use since early 2017 -- were denied refugee protection and often deported en masse into rough seas, according to HRW. In a statement to the group, Yemen's interior ministry said it had dismissed the detention centre's commander and had begun transferring detainees to another facility. Many of the detainees, notably boys, were allegedly raped by guards. "Every night, they would take one to rape them," a former detainee told HRW. "Not all of them. The small ones. The little ones. I know seven boys who were sexually assaulted... You could hear what was happening." At least two male detainees were shot dead, according to witnesses. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has published a parallel report corroborating the findings and calling for "unfettered access" to detainees. In January, at least 30 migrants drowned off the coast of Aden in a ship bound for Djibouti, the UN and the International Organisation for Migration said. "The Yemeni government bears responsibility for the deaths of deported detainees at sea," said Human Rights Watch. The watchdog also placed blame on the United Arab Emirates, a major player in the Saudi-led coalition that militarily intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to help the government push back Huthi rebels. Emirates-backed Security Belt forces were charged with "rounding up and transport(ing)... migrants and displaced people to the detention centre". Yemen's interior ministry told HRW it did not control Security Belt units. On Wednesday, Aden security chief Major General Shalal Shaya told AFP he "categorically denied" any connection between the city's security forces and abuse of African migrants. Story continues "There are certainly criminal organisations involved in human trafficking for years who are responsible for the massive flow of refugees... This is a major challenge for us," Shaya said. According to HRW, the remaining Buraika detainees -- some 200 people -- were taken from the facility earlier this month and packed onto two ships west of Aden. One of the engines failed and half the group was coralled onshore, after which several people escaped and relayed the account, HRW said. The watchdog is calling on Yemen's government to bring detention centres in line with UN standards, provide female-only guards for women's quarters, end child detentions, keep families intact, and ensure detainees are granted the right to make asylum claims or contest deportations. Last year, more than 87,000 people arrived in Yemen from the Horn of Africa, according to UNHCR. Yemen's government is based in Aden, having been driven out of Sanaa by Huthi rebels who overran the capital in 2014. Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed in Yemen's conflict, which has unleashed what the UN has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Vienna (AFP) - Asylum seekers will be forced to hand over their mobile phones and up to 840 euros ($1,040) in cash to the authorities, under measures approved by the Austrian cabinet on Wednesday. The money will be put towards the costs of their applications, while authorities will examine whether geo-location data from refugees' phones match their accounts of how they arrived in the country. If the applicant is found to have previously entered another European country where the so-called "Dublin regulation" is in force, they could be sent back there. Interior Minister Herbert Kickl, from the far-right Freedom Party (FPOe) said his aim was a "restrictive and enforceable law regarding the rights of foreigners" in order to end "abuse" of the asylum system. The measures are due to be voted through by parliament in the next few weeks. In last year's parliamentary election, a crackdown on immigration was one of the FPOe's key themes and was also adopted by Chancellor Sebastian Kurz and his centre-right Austrian People's Party (OeVP). Austria received more than 150,000 asylum applications -- almost 2 percent of its total population of 8.7 million -- following the migration crisis of 2015. 'Intrusion into privacy' The measures announced on Wednesday also mean that refugees will only be able to apply for Austrian citizenship after ten years, as opposed to six previously. Deportations of asylum applicants convicted of crimes will also be speeded up. Human rights pressure group SOS Mitmensch denounced the measures. "When the last bit of cash is taken away from men, woman and children, who already have very little, it's debilitating for those concerned," the group said, adding that the measures would make integration more difficult. The seizure of mobile phone data would be a "serious intrusion into people's privacy", it said, while the plan to make applying for citizenship harder was "political posturing" to conceal the fact that the process is already very difficult. Last week Kickl said he would push EU colleagues to end the possibility of asylum applications being made in Europe. He wants a system where people can only apply for asylum in so-called "transit zones", outside the EU's borders. He previously caused controversy earlier this year by saying he wanted to "concentrate" asylum-seekers in certain places, employing a word widely associated with Nazi camps. Former US first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. Her death was announced in a statement from the office of George HW Bush, the former president and Ms Bush's husband of 73 years. A funeral date is yet to be announced. Earlier this week Ms Bush decided to forego additional medical treatment after a series of hospital visits. A spokesman did not elaborate on the nature of her health problems, but she had long received treatment for a thyroid condition known as Graves' disease. Born in New York, Ms Bush met George HW Bush at a school dance as a teenager. They raised their family in Texas, where the Bush family became a formidable political dynasty. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions, former president George W Bush said in a statement. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until then. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Donald Trump and his wife Melania released a statement lauding her efforts to promote literacy and her role as an advocate of the American family. She will long be remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served well, the statement said. Barack and Michelle Obama hailed Ms Bush for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humanity and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. The statement announcing Ms Bush's death noted she was a relentless proponent of family literacy, a cause that led her to launch the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which seeks to boost reading and writing skills. First Lady Barbara Bush and her son George Bush Jr attend the 1992 Republican National Convention (AFP/Getty) I chose literacy because I honestly believe that if more people could read, write and comprehend, we would be that much closer to solving so many of the problems that plague our nation and our society, Ms Bush told a Wellesley College audience in 1990. Story continues She also held the distinction of seeing both both her husband and her son become president of the United States. After her husband George HW Bush governed from 1989 to 1993, Ms Bush's son George W Bush was elected to two terms in 2000 and in 2004. Her son Jeb Bush served as governor of Florida and was the favoured presidential candidate for much of the Republican establishment at the outset of the 2016 presidential campaign. In a characteristic display of her reputation for blunt talk, Ms Bush initially cast doubt on another of her sons seeking the presidency. We've had enough Bushes, Ms Bush said, though she called Jeb Bush by far the most qualified and later supported his candidacy. She made no secret of her dislike for Mr Trump, who savaged Jeb Bush on the way to winning the nomination, saying in February of 2016 that she was sick of him. He's said terrible things about women, terrible things about the military, she said. I don't understand why people are for him, for that reason. Former first lady Barbara Bush died on Tuesday, a spokesman for the Bush family announced. She was 92 years old. Bush, the wife of former President George H.W. Bush, had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. A spokesman for her family had announced Sunday that she would no longer seek medical treatment after a recent series of hospitalizations. Former first lady Barbara Bush died at age 92. (Photo: Tom Pennington via Getty Images) Her son, former President George W. Bush, released a statement to the press on behalf of himself, his wife, and his twin daughters. My dear mother has passed away at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Barabara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Im a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. George P. Bush, son of Jeb Bush, honored his grandmothers legacy in a statement to Twitter. My grandmothers entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. My grandmother didnt just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country. I will miss you, Ganny but know we will see you again. As first lady from 1989 to 1993, she was known for her work on early childhood education. In 1989, she established the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, with the goal of raising awareness about the importance of reading and writing at a young age. She was also recognized for her work on AIDS awareness and cancer research. Statement by the Office of @GeorgeHWBush on the passing of Barbara Pierce Bush this evening at the age of 92. pic.twitter.com/c6JU0xy6Vc Jim McGrath (@jgm41) April 17, 2018 The Bushes celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January, making them the longest-married couple in presidential history. Since leaving the White House, they had split their time between Houston and the Bush family home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Story continues Bush is survived by her husband, her five living children, 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Bush, nee Barbara Pierce, was born in New York City on June 8, 1925, and raised in the suburb of Rye. Her father, Marvin Pierce, was the president of McCall Corp., the publisher of popular magazines including Redbook. Her mother, Pauline Pierce, was killed in a car accident in 1949. Bush was the third of four children. As a child, she developed a love of reading, encouraged by her publisher father. She attended the prestigious Rye Country Day School and later Ashley Hall, a boarding school in South Carolina. While visiting her family during her winter break in 1941, she attended a dance in Greenwich, Connecticut. It was there she met her future husband, who was attending Phillips Academy Andover, a prep school in Massachusetts. The two connected instantly and wrote letters to one another while they were away at school. George took Barbara to his senior prom, and the pair continued their courtship after George graduated from Andover and deferred admission to Yale University in order to enlist to fight in World War II. Barbara Bush and her husband, then-President George H.W. Bush, were surrounded by family members after he accepted the Republican nomination for re-election at the GOP's national convention in Houston in 1992. (Photo: Ralf-Finn Hestoft via Getty Images) As Barbara returned for her senior year at Ashley Hall, George departed for the Navy, attending flight training in North Carolina, Minnesota and Texas. They didnt see each other for nearly a year but continued to exchange letters and plan for a future together. After Barbaras graduation, George invited her to spend part of her summer with his family in Kennebunkport. At the end of that trip, they became engaged to be married. George returned to the Navy, ready to ship overseas as a torpedo bomber pilot, and Barbara set off for her first year at Smith College. (She dropped out two years later, shortly before their wedding.) In a letter written in December 1943, George expressed his reservations about shipping overseas and leaving Bar behind. I do want to go because it is my part. But ... even now, with a good while between us and the sea, I am thinking of getting back, he wrote. This may sound melodramatic, but if it does it is only my inadequacy to say what I mean. Bar, you have made my life full of everything I could ever dream of my complete happiness should be to hear of my love for you. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Barbara and George Bush on their wedding day in 1945. (Photo: Historical via Getty Images) The two were married on Jan. 6, 1945, while George was home from the war on leave. After the war ended later that year, the Bushes moved to New Haven, Connecticut, so George could attend Yale. In July 1946, the couple had their first child future President George Walker Bush. After her husbands graduation from Yale in 1948, the Bush family moved to Texas so he could pursue a career in the oil industry. The move would be one of many for the young family: By the time they settled into the White House for four years, they had lived in 29 different homes. After their big move west, the couple had two more children: Pauline Robinson, whom they called Robin, was born in 1949, and John Ellis, known as Jeb, came along in 1953. Tragedy struck the Bush family shortly after Jebs birth when 3-year-old Robin was diagnosed with leukemia. She died seven months later. Both George and I felt this enormous physical pain for months afterward, Barbara said in a 1988 interview with Texas Monthly. It felt like our hearts were breaking. Later, the Bushes would become major boosters for cancer research, raising millions of dollars for the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. The Bushes had three more children: Neil, born in 1955; Marvin, born in 1956; and Dorothy, born in 1959. Meanwhile, Georges political career was beginning to take off. In Houston, he was elected chairman of the Harris County Republican Party and shortly thereafter made a bid for the U.S. Senate in 1964. He lost that race but was elected to the U.S. House two years later. Barbara took on the bulk of the work of raising their five young children but made occasional stops on the campaign trail. Barbara Bush enjoyed politics, according to the 1996 book American First Ladies: Their Lives and Their Legacy, edited by Lewis Goud. Her warmth and extroverted personality played well on the campaign trail; she was adept at small talk and rarely forgot a name. However, untrue or unfair statements provoked immediate and sometimes caustic responses from Mrs. Bush. She had to learn to control herself, to hold back. After another failed run for Senate in 1970, George was appointed by President Richard Nixon as ambassador to the United Nations. He went on to take several other posts in the Nixon and Ford administrations, including U.S. envoy to China and director of the Central Intelligence Agency. George H.W. Bush, then the U.S. envoy to China, with Susan Ford, Betty Ford, Barbara Bush and then-President Gerald Ford during the Fords' visit to China in December 1975. (Photo: David Hume Kennerly via Getty Images) During Georges time at the U.N., the couple spent most of their time in New York. Barbara volunteered at Sloan-Kettering Memorial Hospital, where Robin had been treated for leukemia. In China, Barbara took daily lessons to learn the language, studied Chinese history and explored Beijing by bicycle. The couple returned to Washington in 1976 as George took the helm of the CIA. Years later, Barbara revealed that she experienced serious depression at that time, overwhelmed by being separated from her children as well as the demands of her husbands job. She said she also felt regrets over spending her time as a homemaker, saying that suddenly womens lib had made me feel my life had been wasted. I would feel like crying a lot and I really, painfully hurt, she said in 1990. And I would think bad thoughts, I will tell you. It was not nice. She decided to combat her depression by throwing herself into volunteer work. She spent long hours at Washington Home, a hospice care center. She also gave public presentations on her time in China. Life again shifted for the Bushes when George decided to run for the Republican presidential nomination in 1980. The couple returned to Houston but spent the better part of two years on the campaign trail. She regularly met with Republican women over tea, showing her China slideshow to introduce voters to her family. According to biographer Pamela Kilian, Her outgoing personality and well-honed social instincts helped her establish a quick rapport with audiences, and her confidence grew. While George won several contests, including the Iowa caucus and the Massachusetts and Michigan primaries, his GOP rival Ronald Reagan eventually appeared unstoppable. In May, George dropped out of the primary race and backed Reagan, who later selected him as his running mate. In November, the Republican ticket soundly defeated President Jimmy Carter and Vice President Walter Mondale, sending the Bushes back to Washington once again. Barbaras new role of second lady came with increased scrutiny. During the campaign, she had been questioned on her earlier support for the Equal Rights Amendment (which she backed off from), her decision to leave Smith College after two years and her role as a homemaker. By the time the couple moved into the vice presidential residence near Washingtons Embassy Row, Barbara was well-accustomed to interest from the press and the public. Her years as second lady were largely spent attending dinners with foreign dignitaries and traveling with her husband. She also sowed the seeds for her future signature issue as first lady, literacy, by joining the board of Reading Is Fundamental. At times, she found herself in the spotlight for her unwillingness to censor herself, perhaps most notably during the Reagan-Bush tickets 1984 re-election campaign when she referred to the Democratic vice presidential nominee, Geraldine Ferraro, as a $4 million I cant say it, but it rhymes with rich after the then-New York congresswoman had criticized the Bushes for their wealth. Barbara later called Ferraro to apologize. Shell go to bat for me, sometimes more than Im inclined to myself, George said of his wife at the time. Shell take em on head to head, dog-eat-dog. And thats fine. The GOP ticket won that years race in a landslide. By the end of Reagans second term, George was laying the groundwork for another stab at the presidency. His campaign got off to a rocky start: He came in third in the Iowa caucus. And Barbara faced scrutiny for her appearance and her traditional background. She also had to fend off rumors that her husband had had an affair with a staffer. Im not going to turn into a glamorous princess, she said in 1988. I have plenty of self-confidence, not in how I look but in how I feel, and I feel good about my husband, my children and my life. George eventually defeated his GOP opponents to win the nomination and selected Sen. Dan Quayle of Indiana as his running mate. The pair easily defeated Democrat Michael Dukakis, marking the third consecutive presidential win for the GOP. Barbara and George Bush dance at an inaugural ball. (Photo: Diana Walker via Getty Images) Georges popularity as president ebbed and flowed, ultimately dipping as the 1992 election approached. But Barbaras approval ratings soared ahead of her husbands. The public saw her as down-to-earth, straightforward and tough, and her frequent self-deprecating comments endeared her to voters. According to a 1992 Vanity Fair profile, her aides referred to her as the National Treasure ... in sly tribute to the qualities that make her an awesome asset to her husband. She devoted her time to a variety of causes primarily literacy, but also AIDS awareness, homelessness and poverty. She pressed the American people to get involved with volunteer work and stressed the importance of volunteer programs in schools. Everybody has something, whether you have time or money or know-how or space, she said in 1989. The drug problem worries me or crime worries me or illiteracy worries me. If it worries you, then youve got to do something about it. One of the most high-profile moments of her time as first lady was a 1990 commencement speech at Wellesley College, the all-women school outside Boston. As The New York Times reported, some students protested the speech, arguing she did not represent the type of career woman the college seeks to educate. Despite the protests and a petition circulated among the students, she delivered her speech, urging the graduates to believe in something larger than yourself and to remember to make time for the important people in their lives. For several years, youve had impressed upon you the importance to your career of dedication and hard work, and, of course, thats true, she said. But as important as your obligations as a doctor, lawyer or business leader will be, you are a human being first, and those human connections with spouses, with children, with friends are the most important investments you will ever make. During the 1990 midterm elections, Barbara was an in-demand campaign asset for many Republicans. She inspires rank-and-file Republicans to pull the ticket through, Republican National Committee official Leslie Goodman told the Times that October. There is no question that she can make people go to the polls. That goodwill among Republicans, however, wasnt enough to keep her husband in office. He lost his 1992 re-election bid to Democrat Bill Clinton after a long and often bitter campaign. Upon leaving the White House, she advised incoming first lady Hillary Clinton to steer clear of the media, pinning some of the blame for her husbands defeat on what she felt was unfair coverage. Stonewall them, she suggested to Hillary. The Bushes returned to Houston, and Barbara continued to champion childhood literacy and other causes. After a multi-year hiatus, she returned to the campaign trail to support her oldest sons successful quest for the presidency in 2000. After George W. Bushs tumultuous eight years in office, she was hesitant to get behind her son Jebs presidential ambitions. Weve had enough Bushes, she said in 2013. Nevertheless, when Jeb mounted his bid for the 2016 GOP nomination, Barbara was right beside him. While Jebs campaign fell short, his mother did give him a jolt of press attention as he lagged in the polls. Mom, my crowd sizes normally arent this large. I wonder why, Jeb said at an event where she joined him in New Hampshire in February 2016. She later waded into the 2016 race to criticize its eventual winner, Donald Trump, telling CNN she was sick of the businessman. Trump released a statement celebrating the life of the wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former first lady. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection, Trumps statement read. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. Former President Bill Clinton gave tribute to the remarkable former first lady on social media Tuesday. Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty, Clinton tweeted. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory. Barack and Michelle Obama, the former president and first lady, released a joint statement, calling Barbara Bush the rock of her family. Well always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American statement. Also on HuffPost President Gerald Ford (far right) and Barbara Bush watch as Justice Potter Stewart swears in George H.W. Bush as director of the CIA at the agency's Langley, Virginia, headquarters on Jan. 26, 1976. Vice President Bush holds a campaign rally on Chicago's North Side on Oct. 28, 1988, during his winning presidential run. Vice President Bush holds a campaign rally in Chicago's 23rd Ward on Oct. 28, 1988. Barbara Bush (second from left) sits in front of her son George W. Bush (far right) and granddaughters Jenna (third from right) and Barbara at the presidential inauguration of George H.W. Bush in January 1989. George H.W. Bush, then the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, sits with his wife and their daughter, Dorothy Walker Bush, in the family living room in Washington, D.C., in October 1971. President-elect George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush visit the inaugural headquarters and look at a jar of jelly beans that are for sale on Dec. 19, 1988. Co-owner and managing general partner of the Texas Rangers George W. Bush (left) sits with his father and mother, as they attend a Texas Rangers game in Arlington, Texas, in the 1990s. A formal portrait of President George H.W. Bush's family in the White House on Jan. 21, 1989. Vice President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush pose at the vice president's residence circa 1983 in Washington, D.C. Barbara Bush greets her husband with a kiss after his successful skydive down to St. Anne's Episcopal Church on June 12, 2014, in Kennebunkport, Maine. King Hussein ibn Talal and Queen Noor of Jordan chat with Vice President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush in the 1980s. Barbara Bush, first lady Nancy Reagan, President Ronald Reagan and Vice President George H.W. Bush gather at the vice president's residence in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 23, 1981. George H.W. and Barbara Bush celebrate with an unidentified man at an Iowa event during the future president's unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination in January 1980. Vice President George H.W. Bush speaks at an event, with Barbara Bush in the background, in Washington, D.C., circa 1983. Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush enjoy a night at the park. The Houston Astros defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 on a 3-hit shutout by pitcher Roy Oswalt. Barbara Bush stands next to President George H.W. Bush outside the South Portico diplomatic entrance to the White House as they wait the arrival of Prime Minister Anibal Cavacu Silva of Portugal on Jan. 11, 1990. Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush attend a portrait unveiling at the George Bush Library in College Station, Texas, on April 21, 2003. Colin Powell, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, receives the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush. President George H.W. Bush returns to the White House from Camp David, via Marine One, and lands on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C., on June 28, 1992. First lady Laura Bush (left) greets her in-laws, former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, at the Republican National Convention in New York on Sept. 2, 2004. Former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush smile as they are introduced at his 80th birthday celebration at Minute Maid Stadium on June 12, 2004, in Houston, Texas. George and Barbara Bush applaud during the evening session of day one of the Republican National Convention on Aug. 30, 2004, at Madison Square Garden in New York. President-elect George W. Bush (right) sits in the audience with (from left) Vice President-elect Dick Cheney, Lynne Cheney, George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush during the Laura Bush Celebrates America's Authors program on Jan. 19, 2001, in Washington, D.C. George H.W. and Barbara Bush wave with their granddaughters Barbara (center left) and Jenna, as they walk through the Capitol Hill Rotunda on Jan. 20, 2005. Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney (left) meets with George H.W. and Barbara Bush at the former president's office on March 29, 2012, in Houston. George H.W. and Barbara Bush walk down Pennsylvania Avenue to the White House on Jan. 1, 2007, in Washington, D.C. George H.W. and Barbara Bush point from their seats on day two of the Republican National Convention at the Xcel Energy Center on Sept. 2, 2008, in St. Paul, Minnesota. Former President Bill Clinton (left), former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush stand for the National Anthem at the Points of Light Institute Tribute to George H.W. Bush at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts on March 21, 2011, in Washington, D.C. George H.W. and Barbara Bush attend a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on April 25, 2010, in Houston. Former President George H.W. Bush escorts Barbara Bush to the christening ceremony of the USS George H.W. Bush at Northrop Grumman's shipyard in Newport News, Virginia, on Oct. 7, 2006. Former first lady Barbara Bush and former President George W. Bush help former President George H.W. Bush rise during the opening ceremony for the George W. Bush Presidential Center on April 25, 2013, in Dallas, Texas. George H.W. and Barbara Bush attend the HBO Documentary special screening of "41," a film about him, on June 12, 2012, in Kennebunkport, Maine. George H.W. Bush throws out the ceremonial first pitch to Jed Lowrie of the Houston Astros, as Barbara Bush looks on, prior to game three of the American League Division Series between the Astros and the Kansas City Royals at Minute Maid Park on Oct. 11, 2015, in Houston. Barbara and George H.W. Bush hold up their hands at the Republican presidential primary debate sponsored by CNN and Telemundo at the University of Houston on Feb. 25, 2016. Former President George W. Bush laughs with his father, George H.W. Bush, at the dedication of the George W. Bush presidential library on the campus of Southern Methodist University on April 25, 2013, in Dallas. On the left are first lady Michelle Obama, President Barack Obama and former first lady Barbara Bush. On the right is former first lady Laura Bush. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pressure grew in the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday to debate legislation protecting young undocumented immigrants from deportation, in a challenge to President Donald Trump, who has declared as "dead" an existing program allowing them to legally study and work in the United States. A bipartisan group of Republican and Democratic lawmakers scheduled a press conference on Wednesday to discuss their plans to force debate in the full House on a few different proposals for helping the estimated 800,000 immigrants. They are expected to announce that they have more than 218 House members on board with moving ahead with a bipartisan bill. That is the minimum number needed in the 435-member House to pass bills. For years, Republicans have been deeply divided on immigration legislation, despite polling that shows a significant majority of voters want to help young immigrants who crossed into the United States illegally through no fault of their own. A House Democratic aide with knowledge of the maneuverings said an announcement of the supporters was aimed at pressuring House Speaker Paul Ryan, a Republican, to move to either bring such legislation to the House floor or to intensify high-level negotiations on crafting a new compromise bill. Ryan spokeswoman AshLee Strong, said in an emailed statement, "We continue to work to find the support for a solution that addresses both border security and DACA." DACA is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program created in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama, giving temporary legal status to immigrants brought illegally into the United States by their parents or other relatives when they were children. In September, Trump announced he was ending the program, effective March 5. But a court has ordered the program to continue for existing beneficiaries until legal challenges to its termination are resolved. Strong added that Republicans already have made "good-faith offers" to protect the young immigrants. Those offers, which included significant reductions in legal immigration that are being sought by the Trump administration, were rejected by Democrats. Representative Steny Hoyer, the No. 2 House Democrat, said that a bipartisan bill unveiled in January now has "over 218 votes. ... I think its going to have significantly over" that number. If Ryan were to refuse to bring such legislation to the floor, the bill's supporters could employ a rarely used procedure to force action, if they have at least 218 backers. Under one strategy being weighed, the House could debate the bipartisan bill, along with two or three other alternatives. A similar debate played out in the Senate last February, with all the measures failing to win enough votes to advance. (Reporting By Richard Cowan and Amanda Becker; editing by Jonathan Oatis and Diane Craft) New York (AFP) - The crowds have thinned somewhat at Bitcoin Center, leaving just the true believers in the volatile cryptocurrency. "Two months ago we couldn't breathe here" due to the throngs, recalled Nick Spanos, founder of the trading and educational hub in lower Manhattan. "People outside couldn't get inside." The center, which was set up in December 2013, calls itself a one-of-a-kind epicenter for all things bitcoin. It is primarily frequented by technology and financial types, mostly male and mostly younger, although it aspires to go well beyond that core audience. "The Bitcoin Center is open seven days a week to shed light on the world of bitcoin to whoever walks in our doors!," proclaims its website. "Our staff can provide an overview of bitcoin on the spot or register guests for our comprehensive bitcoin courses." On a recent weekday evening, about 100 people gathered in the space, a parlor in a Ukrainian restaurant, to trade bitcoins on smartphone applications, nibble on complimentary snacks and take in the latest insights from Spanos. He threw a few barbs at journalists who have cast a skeptical eye on the cryptocurrency's rollercoaster performance. But Spanos, who worked previously for former Republican and Libertarian presidential candidate Ron Paul, saved his sharpest words for Jamie Dimon, the JPMorgan Chase chief who last year said it was "stupid" to invest in bitcoin, which he has called a "fraud." The mention of Dimon drew boos from the crowd, who have seen bitcoin swoon from nearly $20,000 in mid-December to $7,895 on Tuesday, according to Bloomberg. Total trading volumes have fallen in half between mid-December and the start of April, according to Bitcoinity.org. In another sign of faltering interest, the number of weekly searches on Google for bitcoin now stands at about one-fifth the peak level in December, when the cryptocurrency began trading on major exchanges. Story continues The price retreat comes as regulators adopt an increasingly skeptical stance towards the digital money. On Tuesday, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, citing reports of theft of vast sums of virtual currency from customer accounts, and sudden and poorly explained trading outages, sent queries to 13 major trading platforms on their operations, internal controls, and safeguards to protect customer assets - Buy and hold - Twenty-four-year-old Zalman bought his first bitcoin a few months before the spike. "I panicked at the end of December," said the young man, who declined to give his last name. "The slip was hard to digest even though I knew the price could not go up forever," he said. "I did not sell because I believe in the technological revolution." Daniel, a fellow enthusiast, acknowledged selling a small number of his bitcoins amid the rout. "It's hard to wake up in the morning and realize that we've lost thousands of dollars in the night." Daniel said he first began buying the cryptocurrency eight years ago when it cost less than $1. He said he thinks back on the 2013 bubble "to convince me to keep my bet," alluding to a seven-day stretch when bitcoin lost about half its value after hitting $1,137 in November of that year. Some see a silver lining in bitcoin's recent stumble. "It's probably a good thing that prices have fallen, we had gone up too fast," said one member of the Bitcoin Center who declined to give his name. "People who knew absolutely nothing came to us by saying they would withdraw all their savings to put them in virtual currencies!" Longtime cryptocurrency watchers have learned to ride out the waves of volatility. "Mum-and-dad investors who entered the market when Bitcoin was worth $19,000 can be disappointed," said Michael Casey, chairman of the advisory board at CoinDesk, a digital media and information service for crypto assets. "But the community, including those who invested not later than last May, did not lose money." Spanos cautioned that "bitcoin is not a 'get rich quick' scam." "The goal is to keep your bet and ultimately get monetary independence." Sao Paulo (AFP) - A Brazilian court on Wednesday turned down ex-president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's latest appeal against his 12-year sentence for corruption, seemingly putting his bid for a political comeback even farther out of reach. The court in Porto Alegre tweeted that it had unanimously turned down the appeal, which was of a technical nature and, even if successful, would not have changed Lula's guilty verdict. Lula was imprisoned on April 7 to begin his sentence for accepting a seaside apartment as a bribe from the OAS construction company, which was seeking contracts with state-controlled oil major Petrobras. Lula says he has been framed in order to prevent him from running in October's presidential election. He currently leads in the opinion polls. This was his third appeal at the same court and he can now take his case before higher courts. However, Lula, who was president from 2003-2010, faces several other corruption cases. He faces an August 15 deadline to register as a candidate for the presidency. According to Brazil's clean slate law, his conviction means he would be barred, but the Superior Electoral Tribunal must make the definitive ruling by September 17. By Guy Faulconbridge and Paul Sandle LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's media regulator opened seven investigations into Russian news channel RT, saying it had found an increase in programs which may have breached impartiality rules since a nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy last month. The poisoning, which Britain blamed on Russia, prompted the biggest Western expulsions of diplomats since the height of the Cold War. Russia has denied any involvement and suggested Britain carried out the attack to stoke anti-Russian hysteria. Sergei Skripal, a former colonel in Russian military intelligence who betrayed dozens of agents to Britain's foreign spy service, was found slumped unconscious on a bench in the city of Salisbury along with his daughter Yulia on March 4. After British Prime Minister Theresa May accused Russia of being behind the poisoning, Britain's media regulator Ofcom warned that RT producer TV Novosti could lose its right to broadcast in Britain if it failed its "fit and proper" test. "Since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programs on the RT service that warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code," Ofcom said. Russia has warned that every British media outlet, such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, will be kicked out if Britain shuts down RT, a channel launched in 2005 and financed by the Russian state to project what it says is a Russian viewpoint on major global events. "Clouds are gathering over the BBC," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Interfax news agency after the Ofcom investigations were announced. A spokesman for the BBC declined to comment. Ofcom is investigating seven RT programs for breaching impartiality on both the Skripal affair and events in Syria. But Ofcom, which is independent of the government, also said there was a high threshold for finding that a broadcaster was not fit to hold a license. Previously, it has revoked licenses for hardcore pornography and material that could incite terrorist crimes. "Until recently, TV Novosti's overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters," Ofcom said. Amid claim and counter-claim over the first known offensive use of such a nerve agent on European soil since World War Two, both sides have accused media organizations in each country of spreading government lies about the affair. "Our editorial approach has not changed since the events in Salisbury, and we will be directly addressing this matter with the regulator," Anna Belkina, a spokeswoman for RT, said by email. "We are pleased to see that Ofcom has acknowledged RT's compliance record has been in line with other broadcasters putting to bed any of the salacious political statements and challenges made against our channel," Belkina said. Russian officials say RT is a way for Moscow to compete with the dominance of global media companies based in the United States and Britain, which they say offer a particular view of the world. Critics say RT, which broadcasts news in English, Arabic and Spanish, is the propaganda arm of the Russian state whose aim is to undermine confidence in Western institutions. The Russian embassy in London issued a statement later on Wednesday, denouncing he Ofcom probe. "This targeted scrutiny, directed at one particular news organization and regarding one particular issue, amounts to pressure against this specific broadcaster," it said. "This increased scrutiny is sure to affect press freedom in Britain, which causes major concern." (Additional reporting by Jack Stubbs; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Havana (AFP) - Cuba said Wednesday it saw no justification for Canada's decision to recall the families of its diplomatic staff on the island following a probe into an as-yet unexplained illness affecting US and Canadian envoys. "The Cuban government respects the decision taken by the government of Canada but sees it as lacking any justification," said a foreign ministry statement. Ottawa on Monday announced the move, saying the families would be returning to Canada in the coming weeks. It said the number of staff and family members with symptoms had risen from eight to 10. In total, 27 diplomats and family members were tested after complaining of dizziness, headaches, nausea, nosebleeds or sleeplessness between April and December last year. Canadian and US authorities had initially suspected a "sonic attack" or a "mass psychosomatic incident" but that idea was later dismissed, with a senior Canadian official describing it as "unlikely" "According to the Canadian government itself, there have been no reports of new incidents in more than six months, the cause being unknown, and no evidence which would suggest that Canadian travelers in Cuba are at risk," the Cuban ministry's statement said. It said Havana would continue working with the Canadian authorities to find out what caused the ailments. Canadian officials have said previously the situation does not warrant the closure of Canada's mission in Havana, and Ottawa does not believe there are any risks for Canadian tourists. Canada is the main source of tourists to the communist island, with more than a million visiting the island in 2017, ministry figures show. In March, the US State Department said it will permanently scale back its mission to Cuba, which had already been operating with a reduced staff since September last year, when diplomats and relatives were evacuated because of the health incident. In all, at least 24 US envoys and family members fell ill. BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - A car bomb hit the convoy of the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military outside Benghazi on Wednesday, killing one person and wounding at least two other people, though he himself survived, security and military officials said. Abdel-Razeq Nathouri was traveling from Benghazi to his base in al-Marj, a small eastern town, when his convoy was hit some 20 km (12 miles) outside Benghazi. Nathouri, in a video which his office said was recorded after he had returned to his base, said a plot to assassinate him had failed. Nathouri is chief of staff to forces run by Khalifa Haftar, who has been receiving medical treatment in Paris, a French source said on Friday, confirming earlier reports from Libyan officials and media. No more details have been provided on the treatment of Haftar, whose forces control much of eastern Libya -- home to some of the country's biggest oilfields. Haftar, a possible contender in national elections that could be held by the end of 2018, has built his reputation on delivering stability in Benghazi and beyond, promising to halt the anarchy that ensued after a NATO-backed uprising ended Muammar Gaddafis long rule nearly seven years ago. Haftar launched his military campaign in Benghazi in May 2014 in response to a series of bombings and assassinations blamed on Islamist militants. He declared victory in July but bombings hit two mosques this year in the port city. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Havana (AFP) - The Castro brothers' six-decade grip on power in Cuba approached its end Wednesday as the island's National Assembly named number two Miguel Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate for the presidency. The silver-haired 57-year-old, who is currently first vice president and a top Communist Party official, is to be confirmed Thursday as the successor to Raul Castro, who himself succeeded his elder brother Fidel. On Wednesday, the National Assembly opened a historic two-day meeting to elect a successor to the 86-year-old Castro, ushering in a new era in the Caribbean island nation's history. "I have the honorable mission of putting forward comrade Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez as president of the Council of State," commission president Gisela Duarte told Assembly delegates, effectively ending any suspense over the identity of Cuba's new leader. Delegates immediately broke into applause and the two men rose to share an embrace as Cuba's two other vice presidents, both veterans of the revolution, looked on from the row behind. His nomination as the head of the 31-member Council of State will be formally confirmed on Thursday, when Cuba marks the anniversary of the 1961 Bay of Pigs invasion when Fidel Castro's forces defeated 1,400 US-backed rebels seeking to overthrow him. Havana has long hailed the showdown as American imperialism's first great defeat in Latin America. Diaz-Canel had been widely tipped to take over since last year when Castro tapped him as his successor. He will become the island's first leader born after the 1959 revolution not named Castro. Earlier, the two had arrived at the Havana Convention Center smiling and in good spirits for the opening of the session. After Fidel Castro's death in 2016, Raul's departure from office draws the curtain on nearly 60 years of Castro rule. - Cuba's Richard Gere? - Since the 1959 revolution, when Fidel Castro seized power, Cubans have only known one handover of power when the iconic leader, stricken by illness, passed the baton to Raul in 2006. Story continues The change in Communist-run Cuba has sparked much debate on the island and beyond. "Diaz-Canel strikes me as looking a little bit like that American actor (Richard Gere) because of his height and his grey hair," chuckled Yani Pullido, 27, a waitress working in a cafe in Old Havana. "But you can't deny he's an interesting man," she said. "If we compare him to Fidel, and it's difficult not to, he will fall short. But they say he's very prepared and he's spent quite a few years holding positions of responsibility in government." Diaz-Canel spent decades climbing the party ranks and in 2013, he was appointed Castro's right-hand man. But long before reaching the top, while serving as the party's provincial secretary in Villa Clara in the 1990s, he turned heads by riding his bicycle, portraying a simplicity uncommon among the regime's leaders. - Continuity over change - Once sworn in, Diaz-Canel will be tasked with continuing the economic reforms begun by Raul Castro after he was formally sworn in as president in 2008. That was the start of a series of once-unthinkable reforms which saw him opening up Cuba's economy to small private entrepreneurs and, more remarkably, reaching a rapprochement with its Cold War arch-enemy, the United States. In 2015, Havana and Washington renewed diplomatic ties. The following year, then president Barack Obama paid a historic visit to the island. However, steps towards a normalization of ties have been severely curtailed since the arrival of President Donald Trump in the White House last year. Diaz-Canel will also inherit a youthful population hungry for change on the Caribbean island that has been one of the world's last outposts of Communism since the collapse of the Soviet Union. Cuba watchers and domestic analysts say he will favor continuity over change in the early days of his presidency, however. Though often portrayed as a moderate, footage of a private meeting with the Communist Party last year showed him lashing out at Cuban dissidents and the US in a tirade worthy of the most ruthless hardliner. At their meeting on Wednesday, the 605 delegates of the National Assembly cast their votes for the new Council of State, which counts 31 members and whose head automatically becomes president. The results will only be made public on Thursday. Between them, the Castro brothers ruled Cuba for nearly 60 years, making the Caribbean island a major player in the Cold War and helping keep communism afloat despite the collapse of the Soviet Union. By Sarah Marsh and Nelson Acosta SANTA CLARA/HAVANA, Cuba (Reuters) - The man likely to become Cuba's next president is from a younger generation of leaders and has advocated modernizing the island but he is also a longtime Communist Party apparatchik who is not expected to push for sweeping political change. Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57-year-old first vice president, is expected to be named by the national assembly on Thursday as the successor to 86-year-old Raul Castro, making him the first leader since Cuba's 1959 revolution to be born after it. An electronics engineer by training, Diaz-Canel has often appeared more in tune with the times than his elderly khaki-clad predecessors, Raul and his brother Fidel, who ruled the Caribbean island for the past six decades. As a young provincial party chief, Diaz-Canel bucked party orthodoxy by backing an LGBT-friendly cultural center, reportedly listening to rock music and sporting long hair. At a national level, Diaz-Canel called for more critical coverage of events in state-run media, and broader internet access to open one of the world's least web-connected societies. He often arrives at meetings carrying a tablet device. Ultimately though, Diaz-Canel appears to be a consensus candidate hand-picked by Castro who earned trust by working his way through the ranks over three decades and sticking to the party line on key political and economic issues, analyst say. His recent public statements have focused on the need for continuity and to fight imperialism, a defiant and well-worn message as Cuba faces renewed tensions with the United States since President Donald Trump took office. "There are reasons to expect he will be more flexible, more modern," said Arturo Lopez-Levy, a former Cuban government analyst who grew up in Diaz-Canel's hometown of Santa Clara and now lectures at the University of Texas. "But there is no evidence in favor of him being a reformist and assuming he will abandon the one-party system or stop favoring the state sector over the non-state sector." Diaz-Canel's policy views remain mostly an enigma. Political campaigning is banned in Cuba and Diaz-Canel has avoided the showboating that has ended the careers of other political pretenders over the years. Many Cubans, frustrated with the slow pace of economic improvement under Castro, hope Diaz-Canel is simply biding his time until he can call the shots. Yet his room for maneuver will be limited as the Communist Party remains the driving political force and will be headed by Castro until 2021. At Castro's side in the party leadership will be fellow old-guard revolutionary Jose Ramon Machado Ventura, 87. Some members of Cuba's small dissident community - who are viewed by the government as working for the United States to destabilize the government - have condemned Diaz-Canel's presidency before it has even begun, saying it will simply be more of the same. One opponent, Hildebrando Chaviano, dismissed him a "Mr Nobody" with no policies, adding Fidel Castro's long years in power had spawned a generation of followers, not leaders. Fidel Castro formally handed over power to his brother in 2008 and died in 2016. RAUL CASTRO'S MAN While Diaz-Canel's public persona has been reserved since he joined the national government nine years ago, residents in his home province of Villa Clara enthuse about him as a handsome, friendly "man of the people" who got things done. He grew up in a modest one-storey house with a crumbling stucco facade in what locals say is one of the roughest neighborhoods of the provincial capital, Santa Clara. A bright pupil, according to a former teacher, he taught at university before his political career took off and he became party chief in Villa Clara during Cuba's economic crisis of the 1990s following the collapse of its main ally, the Soviet Union. Fuel was scarce so he cycled to work wearing shorts instead of commuting by Soviet-made Lada like other party leaders. "His closeness to the citizens was his trademark," said Ramon Silverio, 69, owner of Santa Clara's El Mejunje ("the mixture") cultural center that holds lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) nights. Silverio lauded Diaz-Canel for supporting El Mejunje at a time when homophobia was commonplace in the party. A culture lover, Diaz-Canel would bring his two children from his first marriage to its youth events, dancing there himself in the evenings. He worked long hours, carrying out surprise inspections of state companies to counter corruption, leading to a nickname, "Diaz y Noche," a wordplay on his name and a television crime drama Day and Night. In 2003, Diaz-Canel was moved to be party chief in Holguin province, a center of Cuba's burgeoning tourism industry and foreign investment. He was summoned to Havana in 2009 to be higher education minister and in 2013 Castro made him his right-hand man, praising him for his "solid ideological strength." "He is the man Raul has confided in and this gives him credit among the military and the old revolutionary guard," said Carlos Alzugaray, a retired Cuban diplomat. Diaz-Canel has stood in for Castro at major political events, received foreign dignitaries and traveled abroad on behalf of the government. HARDLINE VIEWS IN VIDEO A leaked video last year from a closed-door party meeting that showed Diaz-Canel espousing hardline views against independent media, dissidents and western embassies disappointed many Cubans, who hope he will be a reformist. Yet some analysts say this was more proof more of Diaz-Canel's political dexterity than of his policy views as he needed to reassure party hardliners spooked by Fidel Castro's death and by Trump's election. Trump has cast a cloud over the detente reached in 2014 between Raul Castro and former U.S. President Barack Obama. That dexterity will be crucial if Diaz-Canel wants to push through changes along the sort of careful trajectory Castro has set - enough to make Cuban socialism sustainable but not so much they destroy the system. Given Diaz-Canel lacks the clout of Fidel and Raul Castro as historic leaders of the revolution, his ability to command authority will depend on the economy improving, analysts say. "The new president will have to create a new political consensus, he won't inherit one," said Rafael Hernandez, editor of the magazine Temas, which is affiliated to the Culture Ministry but takes a reformist stance. "Within two or three months, people will be asking why their lives haven't improved." (Reporting by Sarah Marsh in Santa Clara and Nelson Acosta in Havana; Additional reporting by Marc Frank in Havana and Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Frances Kerry) Beijing (AFP) - China held live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday but Taipei dismissed the exercises as "routine" after expected large-scale naval manoeuvres failed to materialise. Beijing had announced the drills last week, further ramping up tensions following stark warnings against any independence moves by the self-ruled island which China sees as its sovereign territory. Vessels had been told to avoid a certain area off the Chinese mainland's coast, triggering speculation that a flotilla spearheaded by China's sole aircraft carrier would take part in the exercise. But Taiwan's defence ministry said Wednesday that the drills only involved land-based artillery conducting "routine" shooting practice. Beijing has yet to release any information about the drill, which Chinese authorities had said would run until midnight, without giving any details about which military equipment or personnel would be involved. "China deliberately released fake information to exaggerate it, to make it sound huge when in fact it's small," Taiwanese defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told AFP. "It's the cheapest way of verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling," Chen said, adding that such exercises had been held every year since 2007, except for last year. The drills coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of Taipei's few remaining international allies. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi had said Monday that the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are one country. China sees the democratically-governed island as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Story continues Beijing has also been angered by Washington's arms sales to Taipei. China protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main weapons supplier. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly-appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. - 'Psychological warfare' - "The mainland must create military pressure to let the other side know that no matter whether it happens gradually or they really declare independence, it is totally unacceptable," Song Zhongping, military commentator for Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told AFP. Song, a former lecturer at a People's Liberation Army university, had predicted that the Liaoning could participate in Wednesday's drill, as it "has a lot of advantages for resolving the Taiwan problem". "It can effectively acquire control of the airspace, and even effectively block the US-Japanese alliance's strategy for intervening in China's plan to settle the Taiwan issue," he said. A flotilla including the Liaoning has conducted combat training in the South China Sea in the past few days, the navy said on Tuesday. But no Chinese navy ships were reported to be in the Taiwan Strait as of Wednesday afternoon. Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office. Panama switched allegiance to China last year and Swaziland is one of Taiwan's 20 remaining allies. The drill "is part of Beijing's psychological warfare against Taiwan, and possibly a means to divert attention from Tsai's visit abroad by compelling media to report on the military drills," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. "Chinese media have played up the significance of these exercises, but in reality that will be relatively limited, and this time it's unlikely they will cross into Taiwan's side of the median line in the Taiwan Strait," Cole said. Shares in top Chinese manufacturing companies plunged Wednesday after Beijing announced plans to phase out ownership limits for foreign automakers, shipbuilders and aircraft firms. The liberalisation meets a longtime demand of the United States and other countries seeking better access for their companies in the world's biggest market for cars and one of the largest for air travel. The country will this year end shareholding limits for new energy vehicle firms such as those that produce electric cars, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said Tuesday. The move will be followed by commercial vehicles in 2020 and passenger cars in 2022. China currently restricts foreign auto firms to a maximum 50 percent ownership of joint ventures with local companies. China's fifth-largest auto maker BAIC, which has a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz and another with South Korea's Hyundai, collapsed over 10 percent in Hong Kong, while Brilliance China Automotive shed more than nine percent. Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), which has joint ventures with Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler and Japan's Toyota, slumped 10 percent -- the daily limit -- in Shanghai before slightly recovering. It closed down 8.40 percent in Shanghai and 8.45 percent in Hong Kong, where it is also listed. GAC is China's number six carmaker and it invested 1.2 billion yuan ($191 million) with a Chinese partner to develop smart new energy cars last year. The nation's biggest carmaker SAIC Motor Corporation, partner of Volkswagen and General Motors, ended down 0.06 percent after having shed more than four percent during trading. The seventh biggest carmaker Geely, whose Chinese billionaire boss Li Shufu became the largest single shareholder of Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler in February, dived 4.24 percent in Hong Kong. Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD closed down 4.15 percent in Hong Kong and was 0.26 percent lower in Shenzhen. Story continues The NDRC also said the shipbuilding industry would this year scrap foreign ownership restrictions on firms designing, making and repairing vessels. The news saw China State Shipbuilding Corp. fall 2.35 percent in Shanghai while China Shipbuilding Industry Co. ended flat after spending most of the day in negative territory. The NDRC will also lift restrictions on foreign ownership of aircraft manufacturing firms this year, including those that make large-body commercial airliners, regional jets, helicopters and drones. The news also weighed on aircraft and equipment makers during the day but they rebounded at close boosted by an overall rise in technology and small companies. A Type-05 advanced amphibious assault vehicle fires at simulated targets as part of the first drills to be carried out in the waters since the 2015 election in Taiwan - Li Bin/China Military Online China has issued a warning against attempts to "split" its territory as it prepares to stage live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The manoeuvres are being seen by observers as a clear message of disapproval against growing support for the self-ruled island from the United States. The drills, which are the first to be carried out in the sensitive waters since the 2015 election in Taiwan, are also being viewed as a warning against what Beijing sees as growing moves towards independence from the Taipei Government. Liu Jieyi, the head of the Beijing-based Taiwan Affairs Bureau said the drills are being carried out to "safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland". He added: "(The mainland) has enough willingness, confidence and determination to prevent any words or deeds which attempt to split any territory away from the motherland." Aircraft carrier Liaoning led the maritime parade Credit: Zhang Lei/China Military Online Politicians in Taipei accusing Beijing of amplified rhetoric about the live-fire drills said they were aimed at terrorising the Taiwanese people, and warned against unnecessary interpretations of the exercises. Legislator Lo Chih-cheng, from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party and a member of the parliaments national defence committee, said that the exercises would be routine and not very large, reported the Taipei Times. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen made a somewhat barbed comment on Twitter early on Tuesday, shortly before departing for a state visit to Swaziland, stressing Taiwans commitment to democracy. Xi Jinping oversaw China's biggest ever drills last week amid rising tensions with Taiwan Credit: Li Gang/Xinhua The president left as planned for a state visit to the tiny African nation, one of Taiwans 20 remaining diplomatic allies, despite calls from some quarters that she should cancel the trip and focus on cross-Strait relations during the Chinese exercises. Last Friday, I was proud to see our Navy & Air Force successfully perform the drills in eastern Taiwan," she Tweeted, referring to the first naval exercise she oversaw since becoming president in 2016, drills which did not involve any live fire. Story continues "We have every confidence and determination to defend our country and democracy, Ms Tsai added. Navy frigates and submarines accompany the Liaoning aircraft carrier Credit: Li Gang/Xinhua via AP China's drills come after President Xi Jinping oversaw the biggest naval exercises in the country's history last week. Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have escalated in recent weeks over increasing US involvement in Taiwan. Washington last month signed the Taiwan Travel Act, which will allow more official visits between the US and Taipei. It also agreed to help Taipei build its own submarines, a move which Chinese media said made war "more probable" between China and Taiwan. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, center, inspects at Su'ao naval station during a navy exercise last week Credit: Military News Agency Beijing has claimed Taiwan since defeated nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after losing the civil war with Mao Tse-tung's Communists. It views Taiwan as a renegade province and has never ruled out the use of force to reunite it with the mainland. Additional reporting by Christine Wei Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo smiles after his introduction before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during a confirmation hearing: AP CIA director Mike Pompeo reportedly travelled to North Korea for a secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of planned talks between Mr Kim and Donald Trump. The Easter weekend meeting, initially reported by the Washington Post, would represent remarkable high-level contact between two nations that have turned to diplomacy after months of escalating martial rhetoric. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to confirm the story, saying: The administration does not comment on the CIA Directors travel. After Pyongyang spent the first stretch of Mr Trumps presidency testing intercontinental ballistic missiles while threatening to annihilate neighbouring nations and US territories, the North Korean regime used the Winter Olympics in South Korea to pivot towards negotiations. Meetings between North Korean and South Korean officials led to South Korean officials conveying an extraordinary offer from Mr Kim to meet with Mr Trump and seek denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Mr Trump accepted the proposal, and he cryptically hinted at direct talks at very high levels with North Korea this week in saying he expected the talks would occur by June. Later in the day, after Mr Trump appeared to suggest he had spoken directly with Mr Kim, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders clarified that the administration has had talks at the highest levels but that that they were not with him directly. Already a key member of the Trump administrations foreign policy team as head of the CIA, Mr Pompeo has been nominated to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. As Americas top diplomatic official, he would play a critical role in managing relations with North Korea. During confirmation hearings before the US Senate, Mr Pompeo telegraphed skepticism about talks with Pyongyang yielding a deal to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, saying no one is under any illusions. Story continues Nevertheless, he said, a meeting could set us down the course to achieve a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need. The looming meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Kim, which would be the first time the leaders of the two countries encounter one another face-to-face, has nourished hopes of a broader breakthrough in a part of the world that in preceding months had sparked fears of nuclear war. A South Korean official said this week that he hoped talks between his nation and the North could lead to a peace treaty concluding the Korean War, which ended in a 1953 truce. Mr Trump embraced that possibility, saying they do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war. Subject to a deal they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that, he said. (WASHINGTON) CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, two officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The highly unusual, secret visit comes as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim within the next couple of months. The officials spoke about Pompeos trip on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeos meeting with Kim, said it took place over Easter weekend just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Trump, currently at his Florida resort hosting Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea were holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for a possible summit with Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which is slated to take place by early June. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump and Kim have not spoken directly. Kims offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many when it was announced that he had accepted. U.S. officials have indicated over the past two weeks that North Koreas government has communicated directly with Washington that it is ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. It would be the first ever summit between U.S. and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Koreas nukes and capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the U.S. mainland. The U.S. and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for U.S. intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. Story continues At his confirmation hearing last week to become the top U.S. diplomat, Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Koreas nuclear weapons at the planned Trump-Kim summit, but said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearization. Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need, Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Kim has pivoted to international outreach. The young leader met Chinas President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Kims first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarized zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. By Aleksandar Vasovic BELGRADE (Reuters) - A delegation from Croatia's parliament on Wednesday cut short a visit to Serbia because an ultranationalist Serbian deputy shouted insults at them and tried to rip up a Croatian flag. The visit was part of a renewed effort by the two countries that began in February to improve relations that have been sour since Croatia fought a war of independence from Yugoslavia in the early 1990s in which around 20,000 people were killed. Head of Serbian Radical Party (SRS) Vojislav Seselj grabbed a flag in a hall outside the parliamentary chamber in Belgrade, threw it on the floor, stamped on it and tried to tear it up all the while hurling insults, witnesses said. Security guards unsuccessfully tried to take away the flag. The Croatian delegates led by Gordan Jandrokovic, who is speaker of parliament in Zagreb, looked on. Another SRS deputy joined Seselj in the incident. "Because of this act which severely damaged the dignity of the Republic of Croatia ... we have terminated the visit," Croatia's parliament said in a statement. The two day trip started was due to end on Thursday. Seselj, a former Marxist, founded SRS in the early 1990s and was deputy prime minister under Slobodan Milosevic during Balkan wars in which more than 100,000 people were killed. The U.N. war crimes tribunal for the former Yugoslavia last week overturned Seselj's previous acquittal on charges of persecution and inhumane acts for fomenting violence during the war. He had spent 10 years in jail in pre-trial detention and was released in 2014 so he could return to Serbia for cancer treatment. Top Serbian officials including Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and parliament speaker Maja Gojkovic condemned the incident. "Disrespect of state symbols of Croatia ... is inadmissible and also represents an insult for the Serbian nation," Gojkovic said in a statement. She once belonged to the SRS. "I want to unequivocally, directly and in the severest terms condemn Seselj's behavior," Brnabic said in a statement. Croatia joined the European Union in 2013 and earlier on Wednesday Jandrokovic said Zagreb was ready to help Serbia with its own membership bid. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) Zagreb (AFP) - A Croatian parliamentary delegation on Wednesday aborted a visit to Serbia after Serb ultranationalist leader Vojislav Seselj, recently convicted of war crimes by a UN court, trod on a Croatian flag.. The incident could further hit the already strained relationship between the former foes, whose ties have gradually improved since the 1990s war that claimed 20,000 lives. "At the entrance of the (Serbian) parliament Seselj... desecrated the Croatian flag and then, passing by members of the Croatian delegation, insulted them," read a statement by the delegation led by parliamentary speaker Gordan Jandrokovic. According to a statement from Seselj's Serbian Radical Party (SRS) he threw the flag on the floor and stepped over it. "Because of this act that heavily violated the dignity of Croatia and its parliament, the visit was cut off," the statement said. In Belgrade, the incident was "strongly" condemned by Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and parliamentary speaker Maja Gojkovic and other senior Serbian officials. "An attempt to tear a Croatian or anybody else's flag... and insulting members of official delegations visiting our country is not the behaviour that represents Serbia, values of the Serbian government and majority of our citizens," Brnabic wrote on her Twitter account. Last week a Hague-based panel of UN judges found Seselj guilty on appeal of crimes against humanity over his role during the 1990s wars in the Balkans, especially a contribution to the persecution and deportations of non-Serbs, including Croats and Bosnian Muslims. The firebrand politician was sentenced to a 10-year jail term but will remain free because of time he already served in detention. Following the verdict, opposition and human rights activists urged parliament to revoke Seselj's status as an MP, but this call only received an aggressive reaction and insults in the parliament from him and other SRS officials. Seselj told AFP after the Hague ruling ruling that he was "proud" of the crimes he was convicted of -- including inciting persecution -- and was willing to do the same again. By Frank Jack Daniel and Sarah Marsh HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba's Raul Castro was just hours away from retiring as president on Wednesday, with his vice president Miguel Diaz-Canel set to replace him in a shift that will usher in the island's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution. Castro, 86, was due to step down on Thursday after 10 years in office. He announced his departure several years ago and has long signaled that Diaz-Canel, a 57-year-old Communist Party stalwart, was his likely successor, carefully managing the transition to ensure political continuity. The move to a younger generation of Communist leaders is historic on an island dominated for nearly 60 years by Fidel Castro and then his brother Raul. But in the short term it is unlikely to herald major changes to the one-party system or state-dominated economic model. The transition was met with indifference by ordinary Cubans on the streets of Havana, with some saying they felt distant from politics and were more concerned with making ends meet within the limited economic opportunities that opened under Castro's changes. "We are more worried about the day to day than politics," said Ricardo Lugone, 28, who earns his living as a private hairdresser, an industry that was state run until Castro relaxed some restrictions after taking over from his brother Fidel in 2008. Diaz-Canel, who is currently first vice president, was the only name put forward by a party-backed commission on Wednesday, eliciting a long ovation from lawmakers who later held a closed-door vote to unanimously approve the proposal and 30 other appointments to Cuba's state council. The results are expected to be announced on Thursday, and the new president will be sworn in. Although this week's assembly is promoting younger government leaders, Castro and other elders of the revolution will retain considerable power in their roles as the top leaders of the Communist Party at least until a party congress set for 2021. Political observers said Diaz-Canel would be given the job of breathing life into the creaking economy, but would seek Castro's approval on major strategic decisions such as the relationship with the United States. He is expected to be cautious at first, seeking to consolidate support among party conservatives despite desire among young Cubans for faster development. He is extremely unlikely to challenge one-party rule. Diaz-Canel should "increase the speed of change in Cuba while preserving the good things," said blogger Harold Cardenas, 32, adding that resistance from within the party to Castro's economic reforms had held the country back. After years spent climbing the ranks of the Communist Party, the future president is considered a safe bet to carry the mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro oust U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. Trained as an electrical engineer, Diaz-Canel embraces technology and appears socially liberal, but he is relatively unknown to ordinary Cubans. He faces "myriad challenges on all fronts," said Richard Feinberg, who led Latin America policy in former U.S. President Bill Clinton's White House. U.S Senator Marco Rubio, a Republican from Florida, said Diaz-Canel was "an enemy of democracy, human rights and the impartial rule of law." Cuba's economy remains smaller per capita than it was in 1985, when it had the support of Communist ally, the Soviet Union, according to one study. It is suffering from a crisis in oil benefactor Venezuela. Relations with the United States are strained anew under President Donald Trump and Cuba has few allies in the region. "Most Cubans, especially the young, await an unambiguous, decisive acceleration of market-opening reforms," Feinberg said. "Strategically, Diaz-Canel must confront renewed hostility from the U.S. administration." Castro, who had served for decades as defense minister, effectively took over two years before he was formally named president, when Fidel Castro, his health failing, relinquished power. Fidel Castro died in 2016 aged 90. CASTRO'S REFORMS Shunning the long speeches for which his brother was famous, Raul Castro kept his low-key style even as he reached a landmark agreement in 2014 with former U.S. President Barack Obama to restore diplomatic ties with the United States. Relations with Washington had been hostile since soon after Fidel Castro took the island on a sharply leftward path after the revolution. While stressing he was acting to preserve and not dismantle socialism, Castro also introduced market reforms to one of the world's last Soviet-style centrally planned economies, permitting small businesses from hairdressers to restaurants, while encouraging some foreign investment. He gave more freedoms to Cubans, allowing them to travel, visit resorts on the island previously reserved for foreigners and gradually increasing internet access, although opposition groups still face official harassment. On Wednesday, Castro wore a dark suit in place of military fatigues and sat near Diaz-Canel as an official read out the names of proposed leaders to the 604 legislators gathered at a wood-panelled convention center in a quiet Havana suburb. The legislators then cast secret ballots. One of the elders of the revolution, 85-year-old Ramiro Valdes, was proposed to the council of state, the country's top executive body, a sign of caution in implementing the generational shift. Valdes has held senior posts since the 1960s. The first vice president will be Salvador Valdes Mesa, who at 72 is between the two generations. He is seen as less reform-minded than the new president. He is the first Afro-Cuban to hold such high office in the government. Cuba calls its political processes democratic. However, many Cubans interviewed by Reuters said they were barely paying attention to the transition. A few even call for political reform. "Change would be good to give opportunities to the opposition, so that there are other parties and freer elections," said Ruben, 51, a musician who did not want to give his full name for fear of reprisals. (Additional reporting by Nelson Acosta and Marc Frank in Havana, Patricia Zengerle in Washington; Editing by Frances Kerry, Daniel Flynn, Toni Reinhold) Havana (AFP) - Raul Castro, who steps down Thursday as Cuba's president, lived most of his life in the shadow of Fidel, his iconic brother. But after taking over in 2006, he steered the island on a path of radical reform as only he could do. Now 86, his departure brings to a close the Castro brothers' six-decade grip on power. A skillful negotiator and as a soldier, relentless in pursuing his enemies, he always knew his place. "Fidel is irreplaceable, unless we all replace him together," he said on temporarily stepping in when his brother fell ill 12 years ago. From the shadows, he played a key role in getting the support of the Soviet Union following the revolution's triumph in 1959, thanks to friendships he made during his travels. But even before that he snatched a gun off a soldier to rescue his comrades during a botched raid on Moncada barracks in 1953. And when his brother seized power some six years later, Raul Castro became his second-in-command. For him, as the youngest of the family's seven children, it had always been about his big brother Fidel. When he was just four, Raul asked his mother if he could leave the village to be with nine-year-old Fidel at school in Santiago de Cuba, but she refused. "He cried, fought, and insisted that she let him go," recalled Fidel Castro in "My Life: A Spoken Autobiography," a series of interviews published in 2006. And it was him who fostered Raul's love of reading and study. - 'The revolution's institutional architect' - "They had a political partnership. Fidel didn't have that sort of relationship with any of his siblings. Raul became his number two when other revolutionaries (who outranked him) died," said Cuban political scientist Arturo Lopez Levy. After ousting dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959, as Fidel was busy with his newly-acquired presidential role, Raul set himself to work nurturing two institutional pillars of the revolution: the Communist Party and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FAR), which were central to his plans. Story continues As minister of defense, he headed the FAR for 50 years, transforming a troupe of idealistic rebels into an efficient military force counting 300,000 troops and which went on to play a central role in Cuba's economy. "The relationship was one of a leader and his lieutenant. Raul Castro became the one who turned Fidel's dreams into reality. He was the institutional architect of the revolution," said Lopez-Levy, co-author of "Raul Castro and the New Cuba: A Close-Up View of Change." - 'Change what must be changed' - After years of a US blockade and a harsh economic crisis following the disintegration of the Soviet Union, Raul formally took over as president in 2008. Frugal by nature and less expressive than his brother, he slowly began to change Cuba's economic model, opening up to foreign investment, private enterprise and the buying and selling of property. And he also eased the restrictions on Cubans traveling abroad. At the end of 2014, he stunned the world by reestablishing ties with Washington after a break of more than 50 years. In 2016, he welcomed President Barack Obama and also facilitated the signing of the landmark peace deal between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. Later that year he would announce the death of Fidel. In 2017, he ratified a plan for the continued implementation of Cuba's economic model "to change everything that needs to be changed" -- a catchphrase coined by Fidel to define "revolution." With Donald Trump's arrival in the White House and the renewal of tough rhetoric against Havana, Raul has barricaded himself within the all-powerful Communist Party of Cuba where he will continue to hold a pivotal role, serving as guardian to his successor. - Fun but implacable - A family man and father-of-three, Raul was married for 48 years to Vilma Espin, his comrade in arms who died in 2007. One of his children is lawmaker and gay rights activist Mariela Castro while another is Colonel Alejandro Castro, a major power player. He has nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Whether wearing military fatigues or a suit and traditional button-down guayabera shirt, Raul enjoys the absolute loyalty of the military and the former revolutionaries. Nikolai Leonov, a friend and former head of the KGB's Cuba department, says the outgoing president is a lover of hiking who is always joking around. But years earlier, it was him who gave the order to shoot Batista loyalists. "I couldn't appear to the enemy as a man with a charitable soul," he told the Sol de Mexico daily in 1993. And in 1989, he backed a ruling to put prominent Cuban general Arnaldo Ochoa and three others in front of a firing squad for drug trafficking. In a shock move in 2009, he ousted two leading figures from the circle of power -- Vice President Carlos Lage and Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque -- on charges of "ambition" and questionable conduct. Although he freed dozens of opposition figures under a deal mediated by the Catholic church, arbitrary arrests increased under his watch, along with the prosecution of dissidents for common crimes, opposition leaders say. Ever looking ahead, he has already prepared the site where he will be buried -- a stone alcove on a mountainside near the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba where his beloved wife was laid to rest. London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May's plans to leave the EU's customs union after Brexit face a challenge in the House of Lords Wednesday, setting the stage for a fresh round of parliamentary battles over her strategy. An amendment to a key piece of Brexit legislation, requiring ministers to explain the steps taken to negotiate Britain's continued participation in a customs union with Brussels, is expected to pass the unelected chamber. It is one of several defeats the Lords expect to inflict on the government in the coming weeks as they debate the EU Withdrawal Bill, which sets the legal framework for Britain's exit from the bloc on March 29 next year. Any changes will return to the elected House of Commons for debate, likely in May, when pro-European members of the ruling Conservative party will have to decide whether to make a stand. The debate will inform the biggest battle over Brexit, expected in October or November, when lawmakers vote on the final deal negotiated with Brussels. Lawmakers will have to decide whether to back the government or reject the agreement -- with the risk that Britain could crash out of the EU next year without any deal in place. - Hoping to shape the final deal - Leaving the EU's single market and customs union are cornerstones of Britain's Brexit plan, designed to ensure an end to unlimited EU migration and give London the power to sign its own international trade deals. But there are growing concerns about the impact of cutting ties with Britain's largest trading partner, and the possible risk to peace in Northern Ireland by creating a new customs border with EU member Ireland. The main opposition Labour party has called for a new customs union with the bloc, and is backing the Lords amendment. "The benefits of the customs union outweigh the fantasy of the sort of trade deals that some in the government have pretended are going to fall into our lap," Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer said. Story continues He added: "We hope that we can secure a very important victory on that to shape the sort of deal that we can have with the EU." Pro-European Conservative MPs have so far been reluctant to rebel on the issue, but the clock is ticking -- London wants an outline deal on its new trading relationship with Brussels by October. - Customs union 'better choice' - Former minister Dominic Grieve, who led a Conservative rebellion on the EU Withdrawal Bill last year to ensure a more decisive role for parliament in Brexit, is undecided. He said staying in a customs union, which would give Brussels power over much of Britain's external trade policy, was "far from ideal" -- but neither was leaving. "I don't personally want to give the prime minister trouble if she's going to come back with something that looks very much like a customs union," he said. But he said he would "feel a bit of a prune" if he had failed to "steer the government in the right direction by nudging them over a customs union, which I think is very much a better choice". The government has said that the final vote on the Brexit deal will be a binary choice between accepting it or leaving with no agreement in place, a scenario most predict would bring legal chaos. Many commentators expect Labour to oppose the final deal -- something Grieve said could lead to a "political crisis". "There isn't an easy way out of it," he said. David Hogg, an 18-year-old high school senior and survivor of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, is now an outspoken gun law activist. He took to Twitter on Tuesday to encourage a boycott of BlackRock (BLK) and The Vanguard Group. BlackRock, Invesco (IVZ) and Vanguard are the top three institutional holders of American Outdoor Brands (AOBC), the parent company of Smith & Wesson Corp., one of the worlds largest gun manufacturers. BlackRock and Vanguard are also the largest holders of gunmaker Sturm Ruger (RGR). Many of these funds are passively managed, which means companies like American Outdoor Brands and Sturm Ruger are in their portfolios because they are part of major stock market indexes. Earlier this month, BlackRock, the worlds largest asset manager, announced that it would offer two new exchange-traded funds and new index-tracking products for pensions and 401(k) plans that exclude stocks of gunmakers and large gun retailers. This was in response to the mounting pressure from customers urging Wall Street to take a stand on the gun debate. The new funds will not invest in American Outdoor Brands, Sturm Ruger, Walmart (WMT), Dicks Sporting Goods (DKS), Kroger (KR), and Vista Outdoor (VSTO), a BlackRock spokesperson told CNBC. Vanguard offers the FTSE Social Index Fund, which screens companies based on social and environmental criteria, excluding gun manufacturers. But, Hogg is not satisfied with these auxiliary options and is encouraging his 764,000 followers to boycott holding groups like Vanguard and BlackRock. In a statement to Yahoo Finance, a Vanguard spokesperson said the firm shares many individuals concerns about public safety and firearm access and hopes that policymakers take appropriate action to protect Americans from gun violence. Schools, churches and public spaces should always be safe places for all individuals. Story continues Vanguard is taking action, meeting with the leaders of gun manufacturers and distributors. We want to know how they will mitigate the risks that their products pose and how they plan to help prevent such tragedies from happening again. We believe that boards and managements of gun manufacturers should disclose and reduce the risks associated with gun violence and the ongoing national debate on gun safety and control. We believe that when a business poses a risk to society, it can also pose a risk to investors. We are expressing this viewpoint directly with company leaders because we believe greater focus and transparency on these issues will ultimately benefit society and investors alike, she added. Hogg started a similar campaign last month when Fox News host Laura Ingraham mocked his college rejection letters. Ingraham lost 27 advertisers and took a weeklong hiatus after Hoggs tweet and the subsequent movement spearheaded by progressive group Media Matters for America. However, The Ingraham Angle saw its highest ratings ever after the boycott. Melody Hahm is a senior writer at Yahoo Finance, covering entrepreneurship, technology and real estate. Follow her on Twitter @melodyhahm. Read more: Havana (AFP) - Cuba turns to a model Communist Party official, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to steer it through a period of uncertainty when it finally turns the page on the Castro era in a vote on Thursday. The 57-year-old First Vice President is the pre-ordained choice of Raul Castro as he steps down, ensuring that the vote in the National Assembly to appoint him will be little more than a formality. The successor to Fidel and Raul Castro has spent three decades climbing to the summit of the Communist Party. He is ideally placed to continue to implement the economic reforms initiated by his 86-year-old mentor. He will be the first Cuban leader born after the 1959 revolution -- and perhaps crucially for some of the generals that will be under his command -- the first not to have fought in it. "There is a tradition in Cuba of strong men at the head of the State," said Cuban watcher Arturo Lopez-Levy of the University of Texas-Rio Grande. But "the profile of Miguel Diaz-Canel seems weaker," Lopez-Levy added. "He has no more power than what he has been given." In Havana's corridors of power, the jeans-wearing Diaz-Canel stands out, a self-declared fan of The Beatles with a passing resemblance to the actor Richard Gere. He has advocated greater openness to the internet and a less restricted press. His supporters say he knows how to listen and is a man of simple tastes. - Ruthless side - Though he was often portrayed as a moderate with a quiet disposition, a video of a private meeting with Communist Party members released last year showed another side -- a ruthless man with hardline views lashing out at Cuban dissidents and the US. He has avoided interviews and controversy in general, and speaks only at public meetings. A father of two children from his first marriage, Diaz-Canel remarried, to Liz Cuesta, an academic specializing in Cuban culture. After studying electrical engineering in the central province of Villa Clara, he became a university professor before going to work for Cuba's all-powerful Communist Party. Story continues In 1994, he was appointed the party's provincial secretary in Villa Clara, where locals were impressed to see him riding his bicycle, portraying a simplicity uncommon among the regime's leaders. In 2003, while serving in the eastern province of Holguin, he joined the select 15-member Political Bureau, an essential step for any aspirant to power. In 2009, Raul Castro, who had inherited power from his ailing brother Fidel three years earlier, tapped him to be higher education minister. - A guiding hand - Then, in March 2012, he acceded to one of the eight vice-presidencypositions in the Council of Ministers. And in 2013, he was appointed to the powerful Council of State. If he assumes the presidency, he will be the head of the Armed Forces and have to deal with the guard generals who have been part of the military apparatus since the Revolution. Many of them occupy high office in the Communist Party and the government. It will be an arduous task for a man whose only military experience is a three-year stint in an anti-aircraft missile unit between 1982 and 1985 as part of his military service. Diaz-Canel will have a guiding hand on his shoulder, however. Castro will continue to serve as head of the Communist Party, and last year traced out a roadmap of party-approved "guidelines" to implement the political and economic reforms he has initiated. Video: Raul Castro Stayed on Longer Due to Hurricane Irma For more news videos visit Yahoo View. President Donald Trump contradicted Wednesday his previous statements about why he fired former FBI director James Comey almost a year ago, leading to the appointment of a special counsel to investigate Russias interference in the 2016 election. Trump took to Twitter to deny Comey was dismissed over the phony Russia investigation. Slippery James Comey, the worst FBI Director in history, was not fired because of the phony Russia investigation where, by the way, there was NO COLLUSION (except by the Dems)!, Trump tweeted. Trending: Roblox Atlantis Event Tradelands Guide: How to Get Divers Helmet and Aquatic Headphones [Walkthrough] That statement stood in stark contrast to what Trump said during an interview with NBC News soon after Comeys dismissal. The president fired Comey on May 9 of last year, citing recommendations from Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The latter laid out in a detailed memo that Comeys handling of Hillary Clintons private email server investigation was the reason for his abrupt exit. Don't miss: Women's March Leader Suggests Jewish Rights Group Working with Starbucks is Racist Against Blacks, Stirring Controversy Trump, however, later told NBC that he intended to fire Comey regardless of Rosensteins recommendation. "And in fact when I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said, 'You know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story, it's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won,'" Trump said on May 11, 2017, two days after Comey was fired. Six days after the interview - in which many believed Trump had admitted to possibly obstructing justice - Rosenstein named former FBI director Robert Mueller as special counsel to investigate Russias meddling in the election that won Trump the White House. Story continues Most popular: Pittsburgh Police Preparing For Possible Riots If Trump Fires Mueller Both the presidents critics and proponents, like former chief political strategist Steve Bannon, have since said Comeys dismissal was one of the worst decisions Trump has made, only adding fuel to speculationa or accusations of collusion with Russia. The president has recently returned to his attacks on Comey as the former top law enforcement officer embarked on a media tour for his new book. Comey has claimed that Trump lacks the moral code he believes necessary to lead the country. Trump, for his part, derided Comey for being a leaker and a liar while also stating it was his great honor to fire Comey. ....untruthful slime ball who was, as time has proven, a terrible Director of the FBI. His handling of the Crooked Hillary Clinton case, and the events surrounding it, will go down as one of the worst botch jobs of history. It was my great honor to fire James Comey, the president tweeted Friday. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek The family of Senator John McCain has announced the politician is in a stable condition following an operation for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis. McCain has been battling an aggressive brain cancer since July 2017, and was hospitalized on Sunday for surgery. "Senator McCain was admitted to Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona, and underwent surgery to treat an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis. He is in stable condition, a statement from McCains office read. Trending: 'Yakuza 6' Skills Guide: Which Upgrades to Unlock First 2017-12-01T184929Z_472454790_RC1F79DC35A0_RTRMADP_3_USA-TAX Reuters Diverticulitis is an inflammation or infection of the diverticula, which are small pouches that can form in the lining of the intestines. According to the Mayo Clinic, diverticulitis can cause severe abdominal pain, fever, and nausea, and while mild cases can resolve on their own, severe or persistent cases require surgery. Among the risk factors for developing diverticulitis is age, with those over 40 more at risk. Surgery is recommended for those who may have a weaker immune system, which is the case with some cancer patientsalthough it is not clear if this is a relevant factor for Senator McCain. Don't miss: Watch: Sacramento Police Waited More Than Five Minutes To Help Stephon Clark After Shooting Him Over the last few months, Senator McCain has been participating in physical therapy at his home in Cornville, Arizona, as he recovers from the side effects of cancer treatment. He has remained engaged on his work as Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and has enjoyed frequent visits from his family, friends, staff and Senate colleagues, the statement said, adding: Senator McCain and his family are grateful to the senators excellent care team, and appreciate the support and prayers they continue to receive from people all over the country." McCains wife Cindy and daughter Meghan also posted messages to social media, thanking people for thoughts and prayers and announcing the senator was looking forward to returning to Hidden Valley, where the family has a home in Cornville, near Sedona. Story continues This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek United Nations (United States) (AFP) - After a week of bitter acrimony over Syria, UN Security Council ambassadors are heading to a farmhouse in southern Sweden for a retreat to try to break the deadlock over how to end the war. US Ambassador Nikki Haley and her Russian counterpart Vassily Nebenzia will be among the 15 ambassadors joining Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for the secluded getaway in a country setting. The three-day retreat beginning Friday comes after one of the council's most divisive periods, with the United States and Russia split over the alleged chemical weapons attack in Douma that lead to military action by Washington and its allies against Syria. The council met five times on Syria last week including on Tuesday when Russia vetoed a US-drafted resolution setting up a chemical weapons probe while two other proposed measures failed to pass. The Russia-US rivalry prompted Guterres to declare that the Cold War was "back with a vengeance." Asked whether he expected awkward moments during the Swedish retreat, Nebenzia told reporters: "I will see how they feel about dealing with me after all that happened." "It's not news to anyone that the council is divided on Syria," said Sweden's Deputy UN Ambassador Carl Skau. "There is some need for humility and patience at this moment." - Roll up your sleeves - The council will be staying at Backakra, the summer residence of Dag Hammarskjold, who was the United Nations' second secretary-general. The residence located on the southern tip of Sweden, far from Stockholm, is a "fitting and inspiring venue" to reconnect with the power of diplomacy, said Skau. "It's a place to roll up our sleeves, take off our jackets and ties and come up with some real and meaningful ways forward," he said. The annual brainstorming session usually takes place in upstate New York, but Sweden, which is a non-permanent council member, offered to host this year's gathering. Story continues Guterres had told council members that the focus of the meeting would be his plan for a "surge of diplomacy" to address conflicts worldwide, but the council's deadlock over Syria is emerging as the top priority. Despite tensions with Russia over the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal, British Ambassador Karen Pierce said she wants to "work with Ambassador Nebenzia to ty to make progress on getting back to the political process in Syria." "That's the most important thing," Pierce said. Sweden has presented a draft resolution on sending a UN mission to rid Syria of its chemical weapons stockpile once and for all. In February, it led negotiations with Kuwait on a ceasefire resolution that never materialized. France, the United States and Britain have put forward their own measure on ending the use of chemical weapons in Syria and re-energizing peace talks. The retreat will not primarily be a negotiating session on the various draft resolutions on Syria, said Skau, but he did not rule out such talks. Sweden is worried that divisions on Syria could spill over and affect diplomacy on other conflicts, plunging the council into all-out paralysis. Malabo (Equatorial Guinea) (AFP) - Equatorial Guinea called Wednesday for national human rights institutions to replace international organisations across Africa, after facing accusations of a bloody crackdown following a failed coup bid last year. "I will propose the creation of human rights institutions in each African country", longtime President Teodoro Obiang Nguema said at the start of a summit in the capital Malabo. Such institutions already exist in most African nations, along with the Tanzania-based African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. However, Obiang wants them to completely take over from international groups, which he says are aimed at "destroying African states like Equatorial Guinea". The 75-year-old has ruled the tiny West African country -- awash with oil but mired in poverty and a reputation for corruption -- with an iron fist since 1979, making him the world's longest-serving president. Last month, activists denounced the government for carrying out a wave of arrests and deadly torture of opposition members in response to the attempted government overthrow on December 24, 2017. Human Rights Watch, which recently issued a damning report of the rights situation in Equatorial Guinea, has called for an investigation into the claims. Amnesty International noted an increase in the number of reports of violence. But the authorities' "unwillingness to collaborate makes it difficult for international organisations to verify human rights violations in the country," the organisation said in March. Dismissing all allegations, Obiang called the Malabo summit to "thwart the falsely constructed media representation on the human rights situation and freedom of expression in Equatorial Guinea", his government said in a statement seen by AFP. Opposition member Bonifacio Ongo dismissed Obiang's remarks as "smoke and mirrors". Obiang seized power by ousting his own uncle, first post-independence president Francisco Macias Nguema, who was shot by firing squad. He has since seen off at least half a dozen assassination or coup attempts. He won a fifth seven-year term in 2016 with nearly 94 percent of votes. The European Union in February expressed concern over the "strong deterioration of the human rights situation" in Equatorial Guinea, particularly since the latest ballot. Quito (AFP) - Ecuador on Wednesday said it was suspending its role as guarantor of the peace talks between Colombia's government and ELN guerrillas which have been hosted in Quito since early 2017. "I have asked that the foreign ministry put the breaks on these discussions and put the breaks on our role as guarantor in this peace process as long as the ELN doesn't commit to stopping terrorist attacks," President Lenin Moreno told Colombia's RCN television. Contacted by AFP, Moreno's office did not respond to requests to further clarify his remarks, and there was no immediate comment from either the government in Bogota or the ELN, the National Liberation Army. Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos is trying to conclude a peace agreement with the country's last active rebel group, similar to the one signed with FARC guerrillas in November 2016. The FARC has since become a political party. His remarks came as Ecuadoran and Colombian troops pressed a hunt along their respective sides of the border for the Oliver Sinisterra Front, another rebel group responsible for the kidnapping and murder of a three-man Ecuadoran journalist team. The massive manhunt began on Friday after the journalists' deaths were confirmed. Colombia's police chief Jorge Nieto said on Wednesday they had captured one of the group's leaders. He identified him as Vicente Canticus Pascal, who goes by the name "Brayan". "He is a leader of this organization which is run by Guacho," a former middle-ranking FARC commander, Nieto told reporters in the port city of Tumaco, where the Colombian hunt is focused. He said Brayan was suspected of "direct responsibility" for attacks on police and electricity pylons in the Tumaco area that have left hundreds of thousands of people without power. Officials believe Guacho and his group of around 70-80 rebels work for Mexico's Sinaloa cartel. Until now, Ecuador has been unable to locate the remains of the murdered journalist team after Guacho suspended moves to coordinate the return of their remains on Monday. The rebels have since announced the capture of another Ecuadoran couple whose whereabouts remain unknown. Beirut (AFP) - As its first parliamentary vote in nearly a decade approaches, Lebanon has been swept into campaign fever: posters on every corner, televised debates, and neighbours bickering over new electoral procedures. Stakes are high in the long-awaited May 6 poll, the first test of Lebanon's 2017 voting law, that will carve out the country's political and economic trajectory for years to come. Voters and candidates alike are eager for polling to start, nearly 10 years after the last parliamentary elections in June 2009. The 128 lawmakers elected back then have extended their mandate three times, citing potential spillover from the war in neighbouring Syria and an unsatisfactory voting law. But after years of deadlock, Lebanon's politicians agreed to elect a president, form a government and move towards a complex new ballot system, paving the way for next month's historic vote. "It's a new electoral experience for Lebanon," said Imad Salamey, a professor of political science at Beirut's Lebanese American University. The next parliament will select Lebanon's future prime minister and legislate on major social and economic issues, while attempting to keep sectarian tensions in check. "The stakes in this election are quite high due to the delicate balance of power between the different sectarian groups in the country," Salamey said. The country of just over four million is governed by a power-sharing agreement that leaves little to chance, with parliament equally divided between Muslims and Christians then further split among different sects. - Lebanon 'needs change' - But the new electoral system, the frustration of young voters and the candidacy of scores of independents have sparked hope for something different. "This country needs a change. I've been complaining about it for years, so not doing anything is not a solution," said Ingrid Hag, 25. The communications consultant, who will be casting her ballot for the first time, said she had yet to decide how she will vote, but wants a government that cares about environmental issues, women's rights and reliable public services. Story continues Across the country, 597 candidates running on 77 lists have launched their campaigns with Oscars-style ceremonies and huge billboards dominating highways. In every neighbourhood, images of the incumbent political elite, like Prime Minister Saad Hariri, stare down first-time hopefuls. Television channels are offering candidates pricey media packages for up to $6,000 per minute of airtime and have launched slick shows to explain the new ballot-casting process. In the past, voters could individually pick candidates for each seat in their district. Under the new law, they choose among the lists, but can also cast an extra preferential vote for a specific candidate. The law replaces a majoritarian system with a proportional one and allows Lebanese expatriates to vote abroad for the first time -- some 82,000 have registered to do so. - 'Pragmatic' list-making - The new list system has further ruptured Lebanon's bipolar political class, long split between the pro-Iran March 8 and pro-Saudi March 14 alliances. Now parties are being "pragmatic," said Salamey, reaching across the aisle to form mutually-beneficial electoral blocs in some districts whilst opposing each other elsewhere. "It's based on each candidate, how many votes he or she can get to the list and accordingly alliances are formulated," he said. The only party not to ally with rivals is the powerful Tehran-backed Hezbollah, popular across Lebanon's south and centre but considered a "terror" group by the US. "From a western perspective, there is a concern that Hezbollah may sweep electoral seats and turn the balance in its favour, making any government to be formed after the election a 'Hezbollah' government," said Salamey. But the new law has also prompted candidates outside Lebanon's traditional political class to join forces, and attracted a record number of women -- including writer and activist Joumana Haddad. Running on the Libaladi (For My Country) list, Haddad pledges to end religion's influence on issues like marriage and inheritance. "With the civil status law, there will be more justice, less sectarianism and more equality," she told AFP. "This new electoral law, despite its many flaws, allows a tiny percentage of independents to get to the parliament. This is the tiny percentage we are trying to work on," said Haddad, 47. That unpredictability unsettles Ibrahim Saleh, a former cleric who votes in the fiercely contested northern city of Tripoli. "Voters in general just don't get the new law. Half of Tripoli's voters are totally confused and could throw everything off," he told AFP. Candidates in Lebanon's north include Sunni millionaires, an all-female list and ex-military figures. "There's no guaranteed result in these elections. I'm really afraid of instability," Saleh said. Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - EU lawmakers urged European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker on Wednesday to "reassess" the controversial promotion of his top aide, but stopped short of calling for the official to quit. The European Parliament overwhelmingly backed a motion slamming the sudden "coup-like" rise of Martin Selmayr to the top civil service post in the 30,000-person commission in February. But despite a push by some MEPs for a tougher stance, the resolution adopted by the parliament in Strasbourg did not say that German official Selmayr -- whom Juncker has dubbed "The Monster" -- should resign. The European Commission insisted it would not revoke his appointment, but said it would look at how to improve the hiring process in future. The row centres on what critics say was effectively an instantaneous double promotion for Selmayr, Juncker's 47-year-old former chief of staff, in a single day. During a meeting of European Commissioners on that day, Selmayr was made first deputy secretary general and then just minutes later secretary general when the incumbent suddenly announced his retirement. The parliament resolution "asks the commission to reassess the procedure of appointment of the new Secretary-General in order to give other possible candidates... the possibility to apply". It also called for the commission, the executive arm of the 28-nation European Union, to conduct "open and transparent" procedures in future. In a strongly worded section, the lawmakers said that Selmayr's promotion "could be viewed as a coup-like action which stretched and possibly even overstretched the limits of the law". - 'Followed the rules' - EU Budget Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said in a statement that commission had "followed all the rules both in spirit and to the letter" when it came to Selmayr's promotion. "The resolution rightly states that the Commission decision to appoint its new secretary-general cannot be revoked and we will not do so, as we respect the Staff Regulations," it said. Story continues But it was "ready to reassess.. how the application of the current rules and procedures can be improved in the future," the German commissioner said. MEPs disagreed over how harsh the resolution was. The German MEP who proposed the text, Ingeborg Graessle of the centre-right European People's Party (EPP), said it was not meant to call Selmayr's position into question. The EPP is parliament's largest group and the one that Juncker belongs to. "I admit the text is ambiguous," Graessle told AFP, but she said that it referred to the procedure for the choice of the next secretary general of the commission, whenever that happens. "That will be a task for the new president of the commission" after former Luxembourg prime minister Juncker's mandate ends in mid-2019. However Greens MEP Sven Giegold insisted that the resolution did mean that Selmayr's post should now be reopened to new candidates. A European Parliament source said the ambiguity "is on purpose" and was aimed at ensuring the resolution would pass. "Selmayrgate" has threatened to distract the commission just as the EU was hoping to push on with plans for post-Brexit reforms. The British press has previously dubbed Selmayr -- blamed for damaging leaks about Prime Minister Theresa May during Brexit talks -- "Rasputin", after the influential but mad monk attached to the Russian royal court in the early 1900s. Juncker himself called Selmayr his "monster", although that was reputedly because of the former lawyer's capacity for hard work. Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - The European Parliament on Wednesday demanded Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg appear in person to answer questions about the Cambridge Analytica scandal, rejecting his offer to send a more junior executive in his place. Parliament President Antonio Tajani wrote to Zuckerberg saying the 2.7 million EU citizens affected by the data sharing scandal deserved a full explanation from him, after he spent 10 hours being grilled by US lawmakers last week. The EU is introducing tough new data protection rules next month, which Facebook has said it will comply with, and Tajani warned the parliament was a "key decision maker in the regulatory process". In the letter, seen by AFP, Tajani thanks Zuckerberg for his "kind offer" to send Joel Kaplan, Facebook's vice-president for public policy and external affairs. "However, all political groups stressed the absolute need of your personal presence, as was the case before the United States Congress," the letter continues. "We are convinced that the millions of Europeans affected by the Cambridge Analytica scandal deserve a full and thorough explanation from Facebook's top manager, just as was the case for US citizens." Facebook admitted earlier this month that up to 87 million users may have had their data hijacked by British consultancy Cambridge Analytica, which worked for US President Donald Trump during his 2016 campaign. The social media giant took out full-page ads in a number of European newspapers on Monday to trumpet the new EU data protection rules as it tries to win back trust. The EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which comes into effect on May 25, aims to give users more control over how their personal information is stored and used online, with big fines for firms that break the rules. Zuckerberg, who has repeatedly apologised for the massive data breach, last week told the US Congress that the more stringent EU rules could serve as a rough model globally. He runs, he tumbles, he zig-zags, spins 360 degrees, before finally eventually planting his feet. Some times, Donald Trump performs so many policy pirouettes it feels like watching gymnastics; yet often, his behaviour can appear so vaulting, so reactive and so seemingly impulsive, it is more akin to political parkour. Over the weekend, the USs UN Ambassador Nikki Haley appeared on television to warn that Russia was to be hit with new sanctions a statement that had presumably been agreed in advance with the White House as part of the USs response to the alleged chemical attack in Syria www.instagram.com/p/BYp9pIahixW/ You will see that Russian sanctions will be coming down, Mr Haley told CBS. [Treasury Secretary Steve] Mnuchin will be announcing those on Monday if he hasnt already, and they will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons use. But on Monday, it emerged Trump had decided to halt the triggering of the sanctions. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the administration was still considering the issue and a decision would be made in the near future. What had caused Trump to perform the about-turn? There was no answer. Earlier, this month it was the issue of withdrawing the 2,000 US troops operating in Syria. I want to get out, I want to bring the troops back home, I want to start rebuilding our nation, he said. Then there was the alleged gas attacks the multi-nation airstrikes and the claim by French leader Emanuel Macron that Trump had been persuaded to keep the troops there for the long term. This week, the White House said Trump still wanted to get the troops out as soon he could. Then there was the matter of Trans-Pacific Partnership, an Asia trade agreement entered into by Barack Obama to help counter Chinas growing influence. Trump decried the TPP on the campaign trail and he formally withdrew the US from it within days of taking office. Story continues But last week, amid a mounting trade war with China, Trump said in an 11.15pm tweet that the US could try and rejoin the TPP if it was offered a deal that was substantially better than hammered out by his predecessor. And so it goes, from withdrawing troops from Afghanistan to gun control, to an immigration deal for young people who entered the US without documents and whether or not be believes China is manipulating its currency, Trump has been all over the place on issues large and small. Experts say this is probably because Trump believes a free-wheeling, react-to-the-moment approach served him well in business and during his campaign for the presidency. I think that Trump rules with his gut, said Donna Hoffman, professor of political science at the University of Northern Iowa. He thinks it served him well in business. And maybe if did work well it he New York real estate market, but that is not necessary going to work for governing. Hoffman said there were several downsides to Trumps flip-flopping. His own staff often did not know where they were supposed to be on any issue and frequently found themselves being undercut, something former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was a victim of more than once. Moreover, the USs traditional allies, especially those in Europe, were unsure as to whether the president was genuine in his support for institutions such as Nato. Such was Trumps apparent disdain for Nato when he visited European leaders in the spring of 2017, German chancellor Angela Merkel said Europeans had to rely on themselves. The times in which we could completely depend on others are, to a certain extent, over, she told an election rally in Munich last May. Ive experienced that in the last few days. We Europeans truly have to take our fate into our own hands. Hoffman said some Trump supporters believe this uncertainty pays off. She said she was recently at an event where she was told that Trumps swerving and sometimes wild comments on Twitter, or even at the UN General Assembly, had resulted in North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreeing to talks after years of stalemate. It was not her opinion, she said, but plenty shared it. Other commentators on Trump have said his first remark on any particular comment is frequently an opening gambit or offer, as if he were still in the world of Manhattan property speculation. It is something to get the conversation started, and something from which he is willing to back away or drop, if it suits him. In the aftermath of the of the high school shooting at Parkland, Florida, that killed 17 people and the impassioned and eloquent demand for gun law reform by the students who survived the ordeal, Trump hinted he was on their side. At a meeting with senators during which he said he wanted to see a comprehensive bill, Trump mocked senators for being too afraid of the powerful National Rifle Association, a gun industry lobbying group that contributed $30m to his campaign. Some of you people are petrified of the NRA. You cant be petrified. You cant be petrified, he said. As it was, Trumps bluster came to little. A couple of days later, after meeting NRA officials in the Oval Office, the president declared he was no longer going to push for either universal background checks or an increase in the age-limit for buying certain weapons. Not much political support (to put it mildly), he said in a tweet. Yet if Trump is so willing to give up those positions, what does it say about his core beliefs? He does not have core beliefs. That is one of the main differences between Pence and Trump, said Christina Greer, associate professor of political science at Fordham University in New York. Pence has core beliefs, which trio might not agree with, but which he has stuck to. Trump does not. That is why the last person in the room who speaks to him, wins the debate. And thats why you have people working for him clamouring to be the last person in the room. Guwahati, April 18 : Security forces had apprehended five militants of Eastern Naga National Govt Group (ENNG) in Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday, officials said on Wednesday. Kohima based Defence PRO Colonel Chiranjeet Konwer said that, the Jairampur battalion under the aegis of Dao Division had conducted a successful operation at Miao town in Changlang district and apprehended five ENNG militants including Self Styled Major Thaimong Mossang and Awang Hodung. Acting on a specific intelligence input about militants trying to terrorize and carryout recruitment activities in Miao town, the Jairampur Battalion swiftly launched an operation and cordoned the suspected location. On being challenged the cadres tried to flee but the troops showed tremendous presence of mind and daring and chased down the militants and overpowered them, Colonel Konwer said. Post spot interrogation all of them admitted allegiance to ENNG underground faction. By Jan Wolfe (Reuters) - Prosecutors and lawyers for U.S. President Donald Trump and his longtime personal attorney Michael Cohen clashed on Monday over how to determine what materials seized in raids on Cohen's home and offices are covered by "attorney-client privilege." Lawyers for Cohen also sought to keep the identify of one of his other clients secret but were ordered by Judge Kimba Wood to reveal it was Fox News commentator Sean Hannity. Cohen, who has described himself as Trump's "fix-it guy," has been at the center of a controversy over a $130,000 payment he made to adult film star Stormy Daniels shortly before the November 2016 election. The actress, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, has said she was paid to keep quiet about a decade-old sexual encounter with Trump. The White House has denied that Trump had sex with Daniels, and Trump has denied any knowledge of the payment. Daniels was present in the courtroom for the hearing on Monday. The following describes the legal doctrine of attorney-client privilege and whether it may apply to communications between Trump and Cohen and other figures involved in the matter. WHAT IS ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE? Attorney-client privilege is a long-standing doctrine of U.S. law that allows the subject of a lawsuit or criminal case to keep their communications with legal counsel private. Lawyers can invoke the privilege to avoid testifying about conversations with clients or turning over emails or other correspondence. The related work-product privilege covers documents produced in the course of a legal representation. The traditional justification for attorney-client privilege is that the legal system operates more fairly when people are able to speak candidly with lawyers, said Jens David Ohlin, a professor of criminal law at Cornell Law School. "If clients feel like whatever they disclose to attorneys will be turned over to authorities, they won't feel free to talk openly," Ohlin said. DOES THAT MEAN ALL COMMUNICATIONS WITH A LAWYER ARE PROTECTED? No, the privilege only covers communications relating to legal advice, said Lisa Kern Griffin, a former federal prosecutor and a professor at Duke University School of Law. It does not protect a person's discussion of business, personal, or financial matters with a lawyer if they are unrelated to a legal representation. Crucially, attorney-client privilege also does not apply to communications by a lawyer in furtherance of a crime or fraud. DOES PRIVILEGE MAKE IT HARDER TO GET A WARRANT TO SEARCH A LAWYER'S OFFICE? Yes. The U.S. Department of Justice has a policy of only raiding law offices if less intrusive approaches, like issuing a request for documents known as a subpoena, could compromise the investigation or result in the destruction of evidence. Under department policy, the raid of Cohen's offices required multiple levels of authorization by high-level officials. "It is very unusual to take such an action," said Griffin. "It suggests there is deep criminality at issue and real concern that just asking for the documents won't be enough to ensure they are turned over." The application would then need to be approved by a federal judge tasked with determining whether there is probable cause to believe the search would produce evidence of a particular crime. HOW CAN PROSECUTORS MAKE SURE THEY HAVE NOT IMPROPERLY OBTAINED PRIVILEGED INFORMATION? Griffin said the search warrant authorizing the raid would have described with specificity the items FBI agents could seize. Moreover, U.S. courts have said prosecutors must set up a review process to ensure that attorney-client communications are not being improperly used as evidence. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan, which is handling the investigation, will likely have "set up a team of lawyers whose only job and only connection to the case is to determine whether material is privileged or not," said Ohlin. This team "would ensure that prosecutors looking into criminality are not exposed to privileged information that could taint their investigation," said Griffin. Assessments made by the so-called "dirty team" or "taint team" could be challenged in court by Cohen if he is charged with a crime, Ohlin said. WHAT IF AGENTS FIND EVIDENCE OF A CRIME THAT IS NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED BY A WARRANT? A narrow warrant does not mean prosecutors must disregard evidence of potential crimes they were not initially investigating, said Andrew Wright, former associate counsel in the Obama White House and a professor at Savannah Law School. "If police have a warrant to search for a gun and go into a person's house and find drugs, they can use that evidence," Wright said. "It is the same thing with business records." WOULD COMMUNICATIONS RELATING TO COHEN'S WORK FOR HANNITY BE COVERED BY ATTORNEY-CLIENT PRIVILEGE? Possibly. Hannity said Cohen never represented him in any matter and he never paid him any retainer or fee. The Fox News host said he was longtime friends with Cohen and had occasionally asked him for legal advice. Ohlin said neither payment nor a formal retainer are necessary to a claim of privilege. If an individual reasonably believes that they have created an attorney-client relationship with a lawyer, courts are inclined to give that great weight, he said. It is not clear that documents related to Hannity will be part of investigation into Cohen. (Reporting by Jan Wolfe; editing by Clive McKeef) Paris (AFP) - The latest shocker by cinematic bad boy Gaspar Noe -- whose 3D sex scenes in his last film "Love" saw it banned in Russia -- is set to push the boundaries when it is premiered at the Cannes film festival next month. "Climax" will be shown in the Directors' Fortnight section of the festival alongside a "heartbreaking" documentary about Gaza and a drama about a young Tunisian who leaves home to join the Islamic State in Syria. Little is known about Noe's follow-up to "Love", which was also briefly pulled from French cinemas after a court challenge by Catholic groups, but the section's director Edouard Waintrop told AFP that it was "quite something... and highly sensual". The Franco-Argentine provocateur caused an outcry in 2002 with "Irreversible", which US critic Roger Ebert called "a movie so violent and cruel that most people will find it unwatchable." A 10-minute rape scene with Monica Bellucci was both praised and attacked by feminists and Noe also faced allegations of homophobia. Spanish-language and French films dominate this year's line-up for the Directors' Fortnight, which often uncovers more gems than the official Cannes competition itself, like the Oscar-nominated "Florida Project" last year. Romain Gavras -- son of the Greek great Costa-Gavras -- has assembled a star-studded French cast including Vincent Cassel and Isabelle Adjani for his dark crime caper "Le monde est a toi" (The World Is Yours). Waintrop said Adjani plays the "queen of the thieves" in the thriller "which is also full of laughs". Fellow French icon Gerard Depardieu is an old colonial hand in post-war Vietnam, then French Indochina, in "Les confins du monde", while Nicolas Cage plays a hippie who takes terrible revenge on a religious cult which kills his wife and crucifies him in "Mandy", which was already shown at Sundance. Story continues - Tears, guns and Peter Pan - Directors' Fortnight opens on May 9 with the highly-anticipated new film by Colombian Ciro Guerra, who was nominated for an Oscar two years ago for "Embrace of the Serpent". "Birds of Passage", which is co-directed by Cristina Gallego, is a story about how some of the country's indigenous Wayuu people have been drawn into drug smuggling. A second film set in Colombia, "Los silencios", is directed by the Brazilian Beatriz Seigner. Waintrop predicted that a highly original, partially animated documentary about Gaza, "Samouni Road", by the Italian Stefano Savona, would move audiences. "It is hard to watch without a tear," he told reporters. Tunisian director Mohamed Ben Attia of "Hedi" fame is also back with "Weldi", about a father trying to trace his son who has run away to join the Islamic State group. Waintrop also raved about "Buy Me a Gun", the latest offering from "Gasolina" director Julio Hernandez Cordon, which Waintrop described as a "Mexican mix of Mad Max and Peter Pan set in the not too distant future". And he also hailed the "magnificent" and potentially politically explosive "Petra", from the Barcelona-born director Jaime Rosales. "It is a wonderful film of great cruelty," Waintrop said of the movie which plays on linguistic tensions in Catalonia. "I find his vision of Catalonia very realistic. The masters of Catalonia these days are the Catalans, the language of the masters is Catalan and (in the film) we see the master is a Catalan and those underneath him speak Spanish," he said. In a shot at the rival main festival, he said, "I do not understand why it was not included in the main competition (for the Palme d'Or top prize)." If they had not had to limit the selection this year to 20 films for security reasons, Waintrop said he would also have included a new Saudi Arabian film, which he didn't name, and a second Chinese feature. Instead Ming Zhang's "The Pluto Moment", which Waintrop described as "extremely impressive", will be the sole Chinese entry in what he maintained was a vintage year. Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) - Five Palestinians were injured by Israeli fire along the Gaza border Wednesday, the health ministry in the Palestinian enclave said, with tensions high over recent protests and clashes there. The five were injured by Israeli artillery fire east of Khan Yunis, the ministry said. It said the men were on a base belonging to the military wing of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas when they were struck. The Israeli army confirmed it had fired on five Palestinians it said had approached the border. In a statement, the army said at least one of the men was armed. It did not provide details on what type of fire its soldiers used. The Gaza border has seen protests and clashes since March 30. At least 34 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds wounded by Israeli fire since the protests began. There have been no Israeli casualties. Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop damage to the fence, infiltrations and attempts at attacks. Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, while the European Union and UN chief Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation. Israel has rejected calls for an independent probe, saying its open-fire rules are necessary to defend the border. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008 and the Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for more than a decade. A Florida woman was arrested after her two newborn children were found dead under suspicious circumstances, West Melbourne Police announced Monday. Police were called to a home at 138 Laurel Oak Street in West Melbourne, Florida just after noon to respond to suspicious circumstances, authorities said in a statement. One of the infants died at the home and the other died after being taken to a hospital, West Melbourne Police Captain Richard Cordeau told WKMG-TV. 30710248_1424100217736093_1392657323034415707_n West Melbourne Police Department Trending: Tax Day Woes? Here's How Your Taxes Will Change in 2018 Because of Trump's Cuts Rachael Lynn Thomas, 30, was charged with two counts of child neglect and one count of tampering with evidence, according to an arrest warrant. Thomas was identified as the mother of the two newborns. The fact that there are two deceased infantsthats not normal, Cordeau said. There could be [a] reasonable explanation for this and thats part of the investigation, but there could not be [a] reasonable explanation. Detectives and crime scene investigators are working with the Medical Examiners Office to determine how the infants died, Cordeau said. Florida Today identified the infants as a boy and a girl. Don't miss: Weight Problems in Children Might Be Caused by Not Sleeping Enough Authorities confirmed that other children were present in the home and that the Department of Children and Families (DCF) was contacted. The two other children are being cared for by relatives, DCF said. The loss of these children is heartbreaking and DCF has an open investigation into the circumstances leading up to this tragedy, DCF spokesman David Frady told WKMG-TV. Their siblings are in the care of relatives, and DCF will continue to support them as they grieve the loss of their siblings. Story continues Frady added that the agency had not previously dealt with Thomas or her children and that they were unknown to DCF. Thomas was booked into the Brevard County Jail Complex and is being held on a $30,000 bail. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek By Will Dunham (Reuters) - Former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, died on Tuesday, the Bush family said. She was 92. Bush was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush. The Bush family had said in a statement on Sunday that she was in failing health, had decided not to seek further medical treatment and instead would focus on "comfort care." According to some media reports, Bush had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions," George W. Bush said in a statement. "To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end." Dubbed "The Silver Fox" by her husband and children, Bush was known for her snow-white hair and for being fiercely protective of her family. She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993. Her son, Republican George Walker Bush, triumphed in the disputed 2000 U.S. election and was president from 2001 to 2009. The father-and-son presidents were sometimes referred to as "Bush 41" and "Bush 43." The Bushes celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January. Bush had an independent streak and could be sharp-tongued. As first lady, she promoted literacy and reading but said she was more interested in running a household than helping her husband run the country. She discouraged speculation that she wielded political influence with the president like her predecessors - Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn Carter. "I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household," she once said. "She'll speak her mind but only to him," said Jack Steel, a longtime Bush aide. Story continues 'HUMILITY AND DECENCY' President Donald Trump and former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were among those praising the late first lady. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well," Trump and his wife, Melania, said in a statement that noted Bush's championing of literacy "as a fundamental family value." Clinton, who defeated her husband in the 1992 presidential election, called Bush "fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like." Obama and his wife, Michelle, said in a statement that Barbara Bush was "an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." The only other woman to be both wife and mother of U.S. presidents was Abigail Adams, the first lady from 1797 to 1801. She was a major influence on husband John Adams, the nation's second president, but died before son John Quincy Adams was elected president in 1824. Another of Bush's sons, Jeb, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and she campaigned for him before he dropped out of the race. The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children were sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy. The Bushes married on Jan. 6, 1945, and Barbara set up households in numerous cities as her husband moved from being a Texas oilman to being a member of Congress, Republican Party leader, U.S. envoy to China and the United Nations and head of the Central Intelligence Agency. 'RHYMES WITH RICH' Barbara Bush sometimes made biting remarks, particularly when she felt the need to defend her husband. One notable example came in 1984 when George H.W. Bush was seeking re-election as vice president under Reagan, a post he held from 1981 until becoming president in 1989. She told reporters that Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's Democratic rival for the vice presidency, was a "4 million dollar ... I can't say it but it rhymes with 'rich.'" She apologized to Ferraro, the first woman running for U.S. vice president on a major-party ticket. Texas Governor Ann Richards mocked her husband at the 1988 Democratic convention - saying: "Poor George ... was born with a silver foot in his mouth" - and Barbara henceforth referred to Richards as "that woman." In 2012, Bush dismissed the political ambitions of U.S. conservative darling Sarah Palin, saying: "I think she's very happy in Alaska - and I hope she'll stay there." Bush generally refused to discuss publicly her personal views on controversial topics such as abortion, an issue on which she was believed to differ from her husband's more conservative stance. But during her husband's 1992 re-election race, she told reporters that abortion and homosexuality were "personal things" that should be left out of political conventions and party platforms. "I don't think that's healthy for the country when anyone thinks their morals are better than anyone else's," she said. Opinion polls often showed her popularity as first lady exceeding her husband's as president. "I don't threaten anyone," she said. "That's because I'm everyone's grandma." PUBLISHER'S DAUGHTER A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine. She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two. George Bush said marrying Barbara, whom he called "Bar," was "the thing I did right." But the marriage nearly did not take place. While they were engaged, his bomber was shot down by the Japanese in the Pacific in 1944. He bailed out and was rescued in the ocean by a submarine crew, but his crewmates died. "When you're 18, you think everybody is invincible. ... I mean, that was stupid - but I knew he was going to come home. He was Superman," she told CNN in 2003. After leaving the White House, she found time to write her memoirs. In 1990, she authored "Millie's Book," a humorous look at the adventures of the family's English springer spaniel in the White House. In one of their last public appearances, the Bushes attended the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston, with George performing the ceremonial pregame coin flip. Only a few days before, the couple had been released from a hospital where George had been treated for pneumonia and Barbara for bronchitis. (Reporting by Will Dunham in Washington; Additional reporting by Howard Schneider; Editing by Diane Craft and Peter Cooney) Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Tuesday that divisions between democracy and authoritarianism in Europe were becoming like a "civil war". Macron used an impassioned speech to the European Parliament, meeting in the eastern French city of Strasbourg, to urge the rest of the union not to become a "generation of sleepwalkers" lured by the siren song of nationalism. The young French leader's call to arms was a thinly veiled reference to states like Hungary, where populist PM Viktor Orban recently swept back to power, and the right-wing government of Poland which has repeatedly clashed with Brussels. "There seems to be a sort of European civil war, where our differences and sometimes our national egotisms can seem more important than presenting a united face to the world," the 40-year-old president said. "There is a fascination with the illiberal and it's growing all the time." - European poster-boy - Macron has become the pro-European poster-boy after his election victory over far-right candidate Marine Le Pen last year stemmed a tide of populism that culminated in Britain's shock 2016 vote to leave the bloc. But in a speech setting out his vision for sweeping EU reforms, Macron said he was concerned by the growing sense of "doubt" and divisions between eastern and western states. "I don't want to belong to a generation of sleepwalkers, I don't want to belong to a generation that's forgotten its own past," he told MEPs in the eastern French city. "I want to belong to a generation that will defend European sovereignty because we fought to obtain it. And I will not give in to any kind of fixation on authoritarianism." - 'The authority of democracy' - Macron added that in the face of governments accused of cracking down on civil rights "our response is not authoritarian democracy, but the authority of democracy." Story continues His speech comes just days after the anti-immigration, eurosceptic Orban won a crushing re-election victory in Hungary. Orban regularly clashes with Brussels but is a "hero" for US President Donald Trump's former strategist Steve Bannon. Warsaw has meanwhile been locked in conflict with the EU over its controversial court reforms, while Italy has also raised concerns in other capitals after anti-establishment and anti-immigration parties surged in elections in March. Macron's words were welcomed by European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker, who told parliament afterwards: "The true France is back." Juncker's deputy Frans Timmermans said it was a "call to arms to all of us who believe in European values." The French president meanwhile launched into a spirited defence of his decision to launch air strikes alongside Britain and the United States against alleged regime chemical weapons sites in Syria. "Three countries have intervened, and let me be quite frank, quite honest -- this is for the honour of the international community," said Macron, who earlier this week said he had persuaded Donald Trump to keep US troops in Syria. "These strikes don't necessarily resolve anything but I think they were important," he said. - Charm offensive - But in terms of his European reforms, Macron has struggled to win support across Europe for all his proposals. His speech to MEPs is part of a charm offensive ahead of European Parliament elections in May 2019, the first after Britain's scheduled departure from the EU. Later this week Macron will travel to Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel to try to boost flagging support for his plans for the future of the eurozone. Macron said that France was ready to increase its contribution to the EU's first post-Brexit multi-year budget, which begins in 2020. But Merkel's conservative CDU party pushed back on Monday against plans for deeper eurozone integration, including a separate eurozone budget and the expansion of the EU's bailout fund. Macron separately proposed on Tuesday to create a European fund for communities that take in refugees in a bid to tackle one of the most politically toxic issues facing the EU. EU leaders are set to adopt preliminary Macron-backed plans for eurozone reforms and for an overhaul of its troubled asylum system in June, but there is still a lot of work to do. Fighting to push through reforms at home in the face of mass rail strikes, Macron also faced difficulties in the European Parliament, where his domestic En Marche party is not affiliated to any political group. Fresno State University is distancing the school from a professor who celebrated the death of former first lady Barbara Bush as it reviews the matter, officials said Wednesday. Randa Jarrar, a Fresno State English professor, made deeply disrespectful statements on her personal Twitter account, Lynnette Zelezny, vice president of academic affairs at Fresno State, told reporters at a press briefing. Understandably, many people are very concerned and upset about the nature of Professor Jarrars personal comments. Please know the university is taking this matter very seriously and the incident is under review. Zelezny declined to say whether the school intends to fire Jarrar. The university is a public institution and must follow certain specific procedures in addressing personnel matters, she said. According to Zelezny, Jarrar had taken a personal leave of absence and was not teaching classes this semester. Jarrar did not immediately return a request for comment. On Tuesday night after news of Bushs passing broke, Jarrar took to Twitter, apparently angry about the outpouring of tributes to the former first lady. Barbara Bush was a generous and smart and amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal, Jarrar tweeted. F*** outta here with your nice words, she wrote. Im happy the witch is dead, Jarrar continued. Cant wait for the rest of her family to fall to their demise the way 1.5 million iraqis have. She added: All the hate Im getting ALMOST made me forget how happy I am that George W. Bush is probably really sad right now. Randa Jarrar arrives at the Vulture Festival L.A. at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Nov. 18, 2017. (Getty Images) Jarrars Twitter account was later set to private. But her tweets, captured in screengrabs, continued to fuel outrage. In response to one critic who warned that her tweets could lead to her losing work, Jarrar bragged: I work as a tenured professor. I make 100K a year doing that. I will never be fired. Fresno State President Joseph Castro issued a statement late Tuesday condemning Jarrars comments, emphasizing that they were made as a private citizen, not as a representative of Fresno State. Story continues Castro added: Professor Jarrars expressed personal views and commentary are obviously contrary to the core values of our university, which include respect and empathy for individuals with divergent points of view, and a sincere commitment to mutual understanding and progress. According to her biography on the schools website, Jarrar is an Arab-American who grew up in Kuwait and Egypt, and moved to the U.S. after the Gulf War. She was hired by Fresno State in 2010. Her Twitter bio now includes a link to an Inside Higher Education article that argues academic freedom means that both faculty members and students can engage in intellectual debate without fear of censorship or retaliation. Read more from Yahoo News: (Cover photo credit: Getty Images) A Tuesday Twitter rant from a Fresno State English professor sparked an immediate backlash after Randa Jarrar labeled Barbara Bush an amazing racist on the same day the former first lady died. Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro released a statement on the schools website Tuesday evening denouncing Jarrars comments while extending deepest condolences to the Bush family following the 92-year-old Bush matriarchs death at her Houston home. Jarrars Tuesday Twitter posts took shots at both former presidents, George H.W. and George W. Bush, and lashed out at those offering the family support. Barbara Bush was a generous and smart and amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal. F-ck outta here with your nice words, Jarrar wrote in the now-protected tweet. Screen Shot 2018-04-18 at 9 Screenshot: Twitter Trending: Scientists Save Endangered Bat Species That Helps Make Tequila Jarrar is a tenured professor who describes herself as Arab-American on her author page and says she grew up in Kuwait and Egypt before moving to the U.S. following the Gulf War. After thousands of Twitter replies blasted her first tweet and called for her removal from the school, Jarrar doubled down and tweeted from her verified account, I will never be fired. She continued responding, writing a separate tweet, If youd like to know what its like to be an Arab American Muslim American woman with some clout online expressing an opinion, look at the racists going crazy in my mentions right now. Jarrar continued trading barbs with other Twitter users for roughly three hours, even tagging the Department of Homeland Security's official handle, Fresno States official account and challenging a user handle called @LogicalRighties to contact school president Castro, KFSN-TV first reported. Both the school and Castro promptly issued statements via Twitter: Story continues "On behalf of Fresno State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Bush family on the loss of our former First Lady, Barbara Bush. We share the deep concerns expressed by others over the personal comments made today by Professor Randa Jarrar, a professor in the English Department at Fresno State. Her statements were made as a private citizen, not as a representative of Fresno State. Professor Jarrar's expressed personal views and commentary are obviously contrary to the core values of our University, which include respect and empathy for individuals with divergent points of view, and a sincere commitment to mutual understanding and progress." Don't miss: League of Legends Midseason Update: Whats Changing on the Rift? After receiving more than 2,400 replies, her Twitter account was locked, her brief profile bio changed to, Currently on leave from Fresno State. this [sic] is my private account and represents my opinions. In addition, the Fresno State English Department's website lists her as on "LEAVE." Statement by @Fresno_State President @JosephICastro regarding tweets made today by a faculty member: pic.twitter.com/h3ZbQyMmxd Fresno State (@Fresno_State) April 18, 2018 The College Republicans of Fresno State issued a statement to Newsweek: "The comments from Professor Randa Jarrar are wholly inappropriate and out of line. Barbara Bush's years of service to children and adults alike in promoting literacy are something to be celebrated. While Professor Jarrar's comments are protected under the First Amendment, the provocative and reckless manner that she conducted herself through her tweets last night is irresponsible. We believe that Ms. Jarrar has crossed the line and should be terminated from her position at Fresno State." Most popular: Since Parkland Shooting, NRA-Backed Bills Have Advanced in Large Numbers in State Legislatures Jarrar is an author whose works include the 2009 "Arab-American coming of age novel," A Map of Home, as well as her latest book, Him, Me, Muhammad Ali, about displaced Muslim men and women "who have gone astray," according to the book's description. This is not Fresno State's first tweet controversy from a professor. In August, American history instructor Lars Maischak took a voluntary leave of absence after tweeting, "To save American democracy, Trump must hang. The sooner and the higher, the better." School president Castro put out a statement at the time saying Maischak would not be returning to teach classes when they resume and his course was converted online to fulfill his contractual obligation. Edward Wasserman, dean of the graduate school of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley, said in a statement to Newsweek: "This is a little ridiculous. We live in a time when the nation's chief executive routinely uses Twitter to disparage the integrity, honesty and capacities of hapless individuals in the most insulting ways. Now the professional future of a college professor is imperiled because of her admittedly ill-timed, but evidently sincere, expression of outrage over the tears being shed over Mrs. Bush's death. This is why we have a First Amendment." Earlier this year, a Golden West College counselor in Huntington Beach, California, ridiculed an Asian-American couple for "European-American displacement" before screaming "I never voted for you!" in a video. The school issued an apology. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Former President George W. Bush said on Monday that he has always felt the United States should be tough in countering Russian President Vladimir Putins aggression. Hes a very smart tactician, Bush said in an interview with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo. The problem is, his whole attitude on most issues is, Im going to win and U.S. is going to lose. He is a very aggressive person who wants to reinstate Soviet influence, Bush continued. And therefore I always felt it was very important for the United States to be very forceful in dealing with Putin not belligerent, but forceful. Bushs comments come as President Trump is reportedly weighing new sanctions on Russia to respond to Moscows ongoing support of Syrian President Bashar Assad and his governments chemical weapons attacks against the Syrian people. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Sunday that the administration was poised to impose fresh sanctions on Russia which drew the ire of Trump, according to the New York Times. Trump has long been criticized for his reluctance to publicly denounce Putin, fueling speculation, mostly among Democrats, that the Kremlin may have compromising information about him. Bush refused to criticize Trump when asked whether he felt the United States is being forceful enough on Putin. I dont know, the former president said. Ive made it a point not to second-guess my successors. You know, well just have to see. Bush did not always talk tough about Putin. In 2001, he praised the Russian leader after a meeting with him. I looked the man in the eye, Bush said at the time. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. On Wednesday, he elaborated on those remarks. When I looked in his eyes and saw his soul, Russia was broke, Bush said. Short-term broke. And the price of oil goes up and then Putin changed. Story continues Bush was also asked to weigh in on global threats, including ISIS-inspired attacks on the United States. People are forgetting the lessons of 9/11, Bush said. And one of the major lessons of 9/11 is the human condition elsewhere matters to our national security. Its in our nations interests for women to be successful in the Middle East, for example, or for civil society to take hold, he added. Because its with civil society and people having a say in the future of their governments that the foundation for peace is laid. Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush are interviewed at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas on Wednesday. (Photo: Brandon Wade/AP) The live interview was conducted from the George W. Bush Presidential Center in Dallas a day after the death of his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, at her home in Houston. She was 92. Bush said he visited his mother in the hospital on April 7, when he was able to say goodbye. We had a wonderful visit, Bush said. She was strong, lucid, funny. She and I were needling each other. The doctor came in, and she turned to the doctor and said, You want to know why George W. is the way he is? And the doctor looked somewhat surprised, and she said, Because I drank and smoked when I was pregnant with him. She had great faith, he added. She truly believes that there is an afterlife, that she will be wonderfully received in the arms of a loving God, and therefore did not fear death. As result of her soul being comforted on the deathbed, my soul is comforted. (Cover tile photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Brandon Wade/AP, Sergei Ilnitsky/Pool via Reuters) Read more from Yahoo News: Guwahati, April 18 : Vice President of India M Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday said that, nobody should encourage politics in rape cases because rape incidents should be dealt with stringently and indifferently. While dedicated the Atal Amrit Abhiyan- Medical benefits under cashless mode an ambitious health assurance scheme of Assam government, at a function held at International convention centre of Srimanta Sankardev Kalakshetra in Guwahati, the Vice President suggested the people of the country that, dont connect rape cases with politics. The moment you connect the rape cases with politics, then the issue is gone. After 70-year of independence, the great civilisation, people of ST, SC are discriminated. India is one and we are one nation, one people and one country, the Vice President of India said. The Vice President further said that, the government of India and the state government must be met together and leave politics to election and focus should be in development, inclusion in respect of community, religion. Vice President Naidu also advocated for bridging the health care gap between city and rural areas. He also advocated for creating more health care infrastructure in rural areas and medical colleges in villages. Preference must be given for PG admission to those students fir working in rural areas.Tthe Infant Mortality Rate which is 44 in Assam as against national average of 37, Naidu asked the state government to go for more interventional work to reduce the gap. He also advocated for increased health insurance in the country and work for inclusive growth for ending social discrimination and equal development of all sections of the people of the country. India has had twin burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Though diseases like polio, tetanus and others have been controlled to a phenomenal extent, the country still faces the wrath of non-communicable diseases like stroke, cardio-vascular diseases and he attributed the rise of non-communicable disease to changing life style and peoples increased indulgence in sedentary life style, Naidu said. He therefore, urged upon the government to make physical exercise and yoga as a mandatory component in school curriculum. He said that physical vitalities in life style would make persons healthy. Naidu also advocated for growing with nature and said that nature, culture and future must go together. Naidu said that according to WHO survey half of the people of the world cannot obtain quality health care facilities and 7 per cent of the people of the country run out of money because of emergency health situations. Under such circumstances launching of Atal-Amrit Abhiyan for the people belonging to BPL and APL is a noble endeavour for making health care facilities within the reach of everybody. He also said that if the scheme is implemented in letter and spirit people of the state would acknowledge the governments endeavour forever. Vice President Naidu also said that Atal Amrit Abhiyan would lead to creation of equitable access to affordable and accountable health care services with government being the enabler and guarantor and the fact that 92 per cent of the people of Assam have been brought under the purview of the scheme is indeed a testimony of the governments keen inclination in providing universal health care facilities. Assam governor Prof Jagdish Mukhi while speaking on the occasion, termed the day as historic which helped the state to emerge as the largest health insurance system of the world. He also said that the future of a country depends on the quality of health, its citizens enjoy. Maintaining that inclusion of 92 per cent of the people under the scheme is itself is a testimony of the governments commitment to providing quality health care facilities to its people. He said that this largest health care assurance scheme would bring about unprecedented changes in the delivery of secondary and tertiary health care delivery system in the state. On the other hand, Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal while speaking on the occasion gave a snapshot of different welfare schemes of the government. He also sought peoples cooperation for the successful implementation of Atal-Amrit Abhiyan. He said that ever since the present State government has assumed power, quality and equitable heath care delivery system has been one of the top priorities and launching and successful implementation of Atal-Amrit Abhiyan showed governments commitment to ensuring health and wealth of the people of Assam. Sonowal said that bringing 92 per cent of the people under the ambit of the scheme is yet another evidence of eagerness of the government for an advanced, accessible and accountable heath care delivery system for the people belonging to Barak, Brahmaputra, Hills and Plains. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said that for a paradigm shift of the health care delivery system in the state the State government would also launch a health scheme Samartha where in 25 birth related defects can be corrected through surgical procedures and the scheme is in advanced stage of its implementation. He also said State government has tied up with Tata Trust where 19 cancer hospitals would be set up in Assam. Atal Amrit Abhiyan is a comprehensive coverage for six commonly prevalent and high cost diseases involving 438 procedures under which every individual of every eligible family per annum will be entitled to financial benefits of Rs 2 lakh and will cover 92 per cent of total population of Assam. Berlin (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron's vision for a stronger European Union may be in tatters as a growing rift emerges with Germany on everything from defence to his plans for deeper eurozone integration. Less than a year after his stunning election win on a pro-EU platform, Macron's hopes of pushing through his bold post-Brexit reforms with Chancellor Angela Merkel by his side are facing a cold dose of reality. "Macron's European initiative is as dead as a dormouse," Der Spiegel news weekly wrote ahead of the Frenchman's visit to Berlin Thursday, a chance for both leaders to take stock of the stalled reform process. The talks come as differences between the neighbours were thrown into stark relief in recent days, when Berlin -- but not Paris -- chose to sit out the biggest Western intervention yet in the Syrian war. And while Macron laid out his lofty reform goals in a passionate speech to the European Parliament, Merkel's own party publicly pushed back against his proposals for a eurozone budget and an expansion of the EU's bailout fund. Merkel nevertheless said she remained convinced both sides would find "common solutions" before an EU summit in June. "Things are moving at a snail's pace, if at all," said Stefani Weiss, an analyst at the Bertelsmann Foundation think tank. "I think we'll end up with only very modest reforms." - Inaction on Syria - Topping the agenda on Thursday will be talks on bolstering European defence cooperation, with Macron calling for a joint intervention force and joint military doctrine. Berlin and Paris agree that Europe must be able to stand alone on defence in the face of US President Donald Trump's isolationist tendencies -- but it remains to be seen how far Germany is willing to go. The air strikes against the Syrian regime last weekend by the US, France and Britain, in response to a suspected chemical attack, were carried out without the EU's biggest and most powerful nation. Story continues Although Merkel supported the intervention, she ruled out any German participation, sparking debate about Berlin's leadership role. "When people are being slaughtered, the time comes to take action," former German defence minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg told Bild newspaper, accusing Merkel of "letting others do the dirty work". "Macron turns to Trump, not Merkel," the daily Die Welt wrote. But observers say the veteran chancellor, who has just begun her fourth term with a much-reduced parliamentary majority, was playing to the domestic gallery. As the instigator of two world wars, Germany abhors the idea of getting involved in armed conflicts and Merkel anyway needs parliamentary approval before she can agree to any deployments. Although the country has in recent years cautiously stepped up its role in multinational missions abroad, including alongside French troops in Mali, Germany remains reluctant to resort to military force. Years of underfunding have also left Germany's military equipment in a woeful state, leaving allies to privately grumble over the nation's lack of combat-readiness. - Thwarting eurozone reforms - Another great stumbling block to Macron's European dream is growing scepticism in Berlin about some of his flagship plans for overhauling the eurozone. Most of the opposition has come from within Merkel's own conservative camp, deeply wary of any possibility that debt might be pooled or German taxpayer money handed over to spendthrift neighbours. Merkel's centre-left coalition partners, the pro-EU Social Democrats, meanwhile have been more openly supportive of Macron's reform drive. Lawmakers from Merkel's CDU/CSU bloc this week released a joint paper laying down strict conditions for the proposed transformation of the bloc's bailout fund into a European Monetary Fund that can act as a "lender of last resort". The document includes a potentially deal-breaking insistence on getting each member state's parliament to sign off on the fund's creation, a lengthy process with a high potential for failure. Merkel's party also dismissed Macron's plan for a separate investment budget for the 19-member single currency area, saying it was not "a top priority" when the bloc is still grappling with how to plug the hole that Britain's departure will leave in the wider EU budget. "I don't see why I should place Macron's happiness at the heart of my policies," said top CSU lawmaker Alexander Dobrindt. But a senior French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said he believed the German position would soften. "Are they jumping for joy in Berlin at the thought of a eurozone budget? Probably not," he told AFP. "But we need it, and everyone agrees there's been insufficient investment in the eurozone, including Germany." The Hague (AFP) - Britain accused Russia on Wednesday of breaking the two-decade international ban on chemical weapons, at emergency talks on last month's poisoning with a nerve agent of a former Russian spy. The accusations came as diplomats from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons met behind closed-doors in The Hague to discuss the crisis. Britain's broadcasting watchdog meanwhile opened seven impartiality probes into Russia's RT news channel, noting "a significant increase" in programmes warranting investigation since the March 4 poisoning. OPCW experts last week confirmed the British findings that former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter had been made ill by a nerve agent. Founded in 1997, the OPCW oversees the application of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) aimed at eliminating the world's stockpiles of toxic arms. "We will continue to call out Russia's reckless and indiscriminate behaviour when it violates this Convention, and when it threatens global security," British ambassador Peter Wilson told the OPCW. Called by Britain, it was the second meeting of the body's executive council in three days. After deploying its experts in Salisbury, the OPCW last week confirmed in a report "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not however publicly name the substance nor its origins, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. - Tissue 'of lies' - Moscow has vehemently denied the allegations, saying the OPCW results were manipulated and had failed to disclose the presence of the BZ nerve agent, used by the West, in biomedical samples taken from the Skripals. Russian ambassador to the Netherlands Alexander Shulgin told a late night news conference that the British version of events was "a story woven with lies" with Britain "trying to fool everyone". Story continues The British envoy Wilson hit back however, telling reporters: "BZ wasn't in the samples, they (the OPCW) were testing. It was in the control samples, meaning that the laboratories were doing their job." And he accused the Russians of breaking confidentiality agreements by revealing the name of a Swiss lab. "Either the Russians are hacking the laboratories or they are making stuff up," Wilson told reporters. OPCW chief Ahmet Uzumcu refused to be drawn into the war of words, but offered reassurances of "the credibility and integrity of this network" of laboratories around the world analysing samples. At a UN Security Council meeting in New York also called by Britain, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stressed that the OPCW analysis had not linked the nerve agent to Russia and insisted London was spreading "the same baseless allegations." British Ambassador Karen Pierce argued that Russia had yet to provide an explanation to London to clear Moscow of any involvement. "Our questions remain unanswered," she said. The Salisbury crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria after accusations of illicit toxic weapons being used on civilians in its civil war, has sent already-frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also discussed a dangerous mission by its inspectors to the Syrian town of Douma to probe an alleged poison gas attack on April 7. The mission had been due to start on Wednesday, but it was again stalled after UN security services came under fire there on Tuesday. Uzumcu said he did "not know when" the inspectors would be able to deploy, and warned it would only happen if the team had "unhindered access" to the sites. - Broadcasting 'breaches' - Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. British television regulator Ofcom said it was investigating "potential breaches" of the country's broadcasting code by Russia's RT channel. Several British MPs have called for it to be shut down, accusing it of being "a propaganda mouthpiece for the Russian state". The Hague (AFP) - Diplomats were holding emergency talks Wednesday on the poisoning of a former Russian spy, after the global chemical arms watchdog confirmed British findings that he was the victim of a nerve agent attack. Diplomatic sources said the closed-door meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had begun at its headquarters in The Hague. It was the second meeting of the body's executive council in three days, and was called by Britain to discuss the findings of the investigation into the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter last month in the British town of Salisbury. After deploying its experts to Salisbury, the OPCW last week issued a report, saying it confirmed "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not however publicly name the substance, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. In a letter requesting Wednesday's talks, the British delegation to the OPCW said it wanted "to brief state parties" on the events. AFP saw the British ambassador Peter Wilson and his aides arriving at the OPCW headquarters, as well as top Russian, American and French diplomats. Russia has angrily denied being behind the March 4 attack on the Skripals, and the crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria, has sent frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also met in secret to discuss its inspectors' risky mission to the Syrian town of Douma to probe allegations of a chemical gas attack on April 7. London said Tuesday the nerve agent substance used in Salisbury had been delivered in "liquid form" and in small quantities. A meticulous clean-up has now begun in Salisbury, and the town's cemetery where Skripal's wife and son are buried was re-opened on Tuesday. Story continues But nine other sites, including a pub and a restaurant the Skripals visited shortly before collapsing, remain closed off and the work could take several months. Suspected sites are tested, items which may have been contaminated are removed for chemical cleaning and then re-testing, Britain's environment ministry said. The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, having earlier visited a pub and a restaurant. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in the city's hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. The Group of Seven industrial powers condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms" on Tuesday. They agreed it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible and there was "no plausible alternative explanation". A Southwest Airlines pilot is being hailed as a hero after she made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday when one of the jet's engines apparently exploded. Former Navy pilot Tammie Jo Shults remained calm as she safely brought down Flight 1380, which was heading from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas, after the Boeing 737-700 began experiencing severe engine issues. "Southwest 1380, we're single engine," Shults can be heard telling air traffic control in a recording of her call for help. "We have part of the aircraft missing, so we're going to need to slow down a bit. Weve got injured passengers." "Is your airplane physically on fire?" asked an air traffic controller. "No, its not on fire, but part of its missing," Shults replied, still remaining collected. "They said theres a hole, and uh, someone went out." Photos of the damage: Although one woman, identified as Jennifer Riordan, died during the incident, after one of the aircraft's windows was blown out by a piece of the failed engine, Shults' quick thinking and calm demeanor are being credited with preventing additional fatalities. Alfred Tumlinson, a passenger on the flight, praised Shults and her crew for their professionalism during the incident in an interview with the Associated Press. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her," Tumlinson said. "I'm going to send her a Christmas card, I'm going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome." Another passenger, Diana McBride Self, took to Facebook to thank Shults for her brave actions during and after the emergency. "Tammie Jo Shults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally," she wrote. "This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew." Story continues Shults was among the first-ever female pilots to serve in the U.S. Navy, according to MidAmerica Nazarene, her alma mater. Cindy Foster, a former classmate of Shults' at MidAmerica who graduated alongside her in 1983, said the Air Force first denied Shults a chance to become a pilot because of her gender. She then successfully enlisted in the Navy but was still met with "a lot of resistance," according to the Kansas City Star. "She knew she had to work harder than everyone else," Foster said. "She did it for herself and all women fighting for a chance. I'm extremely proud of her. She saved a lot of lives today." Shults served in the Navy for 10 years, reaching the rank of Navy lieutenant commander, before meeting her husband, who was also a Navy pilot at the time. She eventually transitioned to training military pilots before leaving the Navy and becoming a commercial pilot. Those close to Shults say that her calm demeanor during Tuesday's incident came as no surprise to them. "It was just as if she and I were sitting here talking," her mother-in-law, Virginia Shults, told the Washington Post after hearing the air traffic control tape. "She's a very calming person." By Tom Ball and William James LONDON (Reuters) - Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrived in London on Wednesday, demonstrating over a rising tide of sexual violence at home, including two particularly brutal rapes. Holding placards reading "Modi go home" and "we stand against Modi's agenda of hate and greed," they gathered outside Downing Street and parliament as Modi arrived for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Modi later responded at an event in front of thousands of Indian, saying the rape cases were "a matter of great concern", had brought "a shame" on the country and called for the perpetrators to be outed. Sexual violence against women is a highly charged political issue in India, where protests regularly erupt about entrenched violence against women and the failure to protect them. "The Indian government are doing nothing, and you feel sorry for the families because of the total injustice of it all," said Navindra Singh, an Indian-born lawyer who lives in Britain. "He has been in power for four years now and there has been no policy change to help protect women and children." Protests have erupted across India after the latest rape cases were reported. Police officers and a politician are under investigation in two of the unrelated cases. In a crime that shocked India, an eight-year-old Muslim girl in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir was kidnapped, drugged and held for several days while she was raped repeatedly and then murdered. In the other case, a state lawmaker from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party stands accused of raping a teenager. No action was taken against the politician until the girl threatened to set herself on fire earlier this month. Her father died soon afterwards from injuries he suffered in police custody. Modi's comments on Wednesday followed remarks last week, which came after a week of silence on the issue and promised justice regardless of whoever the guilty were. Nearly 40 percent of India's rape victims are children, and the 40,000 reported rapes in 2016 marked a 60 percent increase over the level in 2012. But women's rights groups say the figures are still gross underestimates. In London, a spokeswoman for a group of UK-based Indian students and alumni - who did not want her name to be used - said the group had come under fire after it sent a letter to Modi last week demanding action over the rape cases. The letter was signed by Indian and Asian student groups from more than 20 British universities. She told Reuters many of the university groups had received calls from "UK-based individuals" pressuring them to remove their signatures from the letter, and that members of the group had not received tickets for Wednesday's event with Modi, although the organizers had told they would. "The question you have to ask is are our voices being silenced," she said. Modi, a Hindu nationalist, is a divisive figure in India and his second trip to Britain as prime minister represents a remarkable turnaround for a man who was once banned from the UK over his alleged role, as chief minister of Gujarat, in riots that killed about 1,000 people in 2002. Britain ended a boycott of Modi in 2012 after he emerged from being a provincial politician to the likely leader of the world's largest democracy. He has denied wrongdoing and was exonerated by an inquiry ordered by India's Supreme Court. (Additional reporting by Marc Jones, writing by Andrew MacAskill and Marc Jones; editing by Larry King) Iran will acquire whatever weapons it needs to keep out invading powers that seek to surround it the countrys President Hassan Rouhani said at a military showcase in Tehran. Speaking at a rally for National Army Day, Rouhani appeared to take a swipe at the recent strikes against its ally Syria by the United States, United Kingdom and France, all of which are convinced the Syrian regime has once again used chemical weapons against its own people. Iran and Russia remain the Syrian governments main allies, and often argue that they are the only foreign military powers whose involvement in Syria is legitimate. Irans backing for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has proven unpopular with much of the rest of the region as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and smaller Gulf states have backed opposition groups in wartorn country. In a televised statement on Wednesday, Rouhani told Irans neighbors not to consider any new arms an aggressive threat, but declared that he will not defer to international consensus on the weapons he believes Tehran needs to ensure national security. Trending: Starbucks Racial Bias Training: What Will Coffee Chain Teach Its Baristas? Related: Russia tells U.S. risk of war over Syria is real and cannot be ruled out We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval, Rouhani said on Wednesday, according to Reuters. We tell our neighboring countries that our weapons are not against you, its for deterrence. 04_18_Rouhani Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images Don't miss: Trump Emails Supporters To Tell Them How Awful James Comey Is Talking in front of a crowd at a military rally, with warplanes flying overhead, Rouhani blamed unsanctioned, foreign interventions for his new stance. We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without U.N. permission, Rouhani said. Story continues The leader appeared to refer to the joint strikes on Syrian military assets by the U.S., U.K. and France over the weekend. The operation was the second time U.S. forces have targeted the Assad regime since President Donald Trump took office, after a cruise missile strike last year following another reported chemical attack on Syrian soil. Russian and Iranian forces mounted a joint intervention in the country in 2015, backing Syrias embattled military. The intervention largely restored Assads control over much of the country. Despite the presidents brutal crackdown on opposition, which includes repeated reports of chemical attacks on civilians, Russias veto power in the United Nations Security Council has prevented the launch of a U.N.-backed push to remove the autocrat by force. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Tehran (AFP) - President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran "does not intend any aggression" against its neighbours but will continue to produce all the weapons it needs for its defence. "We tell the world that we will produce any weapons that we need, or if necessary we will procure them. We have not been waiting... and will not wait for your remarks or agreement," said Rouhani at a military parade in Tehran to mark the annual Army Day. "But at the same time we announce to our neighbouring countries in the region... we do not intend any aggression against you." The United States and its allies have been demanding that Iran curb its ballistic missile programme, but Tehran sees this as crucial to its defensive posture. US President Donald Trump has threatened to tear up the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs to its atomic programme unless new restrictions are imposed on its missile programme and other areas by May 12. "We want friendly and brotherly relations with our neighbours and we tell them that our weapons, our equipment, our missiles, our planes, our tanks are not against you, it is for deterrence," said Rouhani. "The only way to resolve problems is political negotiation and peaceful behaviour," he added. Regional rival Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of seeking to dominate the Middle East through the expansion of proxy forces in countries like Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Iran argues these forces operate with the permission of allied governments to fight jihadist groups and prevent the disintegration of states. Rouhani did not appear to reference Israel, which Iran considers an "illegitimate regime" and whose dissolution is a top priority for the country's Islamic rulers. Israel has expressed concern over the growing presence of Iranian forces along its borders and has recently launched air strikes against Iranian positions in Syria. Guwahati, April 18 : Assams BJP MP RP Sharma on Wednesday came out in support of Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Devs statements that the internet and satellites existed during the period of the fictional epic Mahabhharata. The BJP MP thanks the Tripura CM to make it public and said that, in Mahabhharata era, Sanjay did work as television and he gave a detailed transcript description to King Dhritarashtra (who was blind) about the battle of Kurukshetra. Science was existed in our Vedas and the Tripura CMs statement is absolutely correct, the BJP MP said. BJP MP from Assams Tezpur parliamentary constituency RP Sharma also said that, do not have any politics in rape cases. Those who commit heinous crimes like rape must be hanged or shot in public. Rapists are more dangerous than terrorism, cancer, MP RP Sharma said. With the Islamic State in retreat and anti-regime rebels losing ground, Iranian-backed armed groups in Syria are turning the focus of their militancy to U.S. troops on the ground. Western military officials and independent analysts have long said it was only a matter of time before U.S. forces on the ground in Syria were targeted by militias. Now, this weekends U.S.-led airstrikes on alleged chemical weapons installations could hasten such attacks. The militias have always had this anti-American tone, but when you have one threat after another, you see theyre trying to send a specific message, says Phillip Smyth, a scholar at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy who has been tracking Iranian-backed militias in Syria. This month, the Baqir Brigade, one of a number of Iranian-backed militias operating in Syria, announced on its Facebook page that it would begin attacks on U.S. military personnel. We in the Baqir Brigade leadership announce the good news of the launch of military and jihadi operations against the U.S. occupier and all those affiliated with it in Syria, the militia said in an April 6 statement that was carried by multiple media outlets the following day. (Facebook appears to have shut down the page shortly afterward.) In a report published last week, Smyth chronicled increasing militia hostility toward U.S. forces in northern Syria that goes beyond the normal invective. He noted that the Baqir Brigade declaration went beyond a statement to a call for jihad, or religiously sanctioned holy war. The group itself cannot declare jihad it has to come from their Iranian higher-ups, he says. The Baqir Brigade declaration was a huge thing, says Nawar Oliver, a military analyst at the Omran Center for Strategic Studies, a think tank in Istanbul. The announcement is not a joke. Eventually we might see action. The limited airstrikes overnight Friday damaged sites where, Western officials said, chemical weapons were allegedly produced or distributed and then used against civilians in rebel territories, including in the city of Douma on April 7. But the airstrikes also appear to have galvanized Syrian President Bashar al-Assads supporters, who flooded streets in pro-regime demonstrations. Story continues What happened on Saturday morning will complicate the political solution, Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a speech Sunday. It will inflame international relations and it will delay Geneva talks if not destroy them. Armed groups in Syria with direct or suspected connections to Tehran have become increasingly vocal about their intention to target U.S. forces in Syria, mostly grouped in the countrys north and northeast. Newly emboldened pro-Iranian militias across the region have already shifted their focus from battling the Islamic State toward Washington and its allies. After the fight against the Islamic State, now what they say is, Were No. 1 against America, and everything else is No. 2, says Renad Mansour, an Iraqi-based researcher for Chatham House who has spoken with leaders and members of pro-Iranian militias. In rhetorical terms, theyre making it clear Americans are their enemies. If a conflict heats up between the U.S. and Iran, these guys are the agents on the ground. Just hours after the U.S. attack on alleged Syrian chemical sites, hundreds of Iranian-backed militia fighters reportedly surrounded a U.S. air base to the west of Baghdad, defying the orders of commanders in the city, according to the Lebanese newspaper Ad-Diyar. U.S. military officials declined to confirm or deny the incident but cautioned that all Iraqi forces, including militias, must obey the central government. Coalition forces maintain the right to defend themselves and our Iraqi partners against any threat, U.S. Army Col. Ryan Dillon said in response to an emailed question about the report. After the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Shiite-led militias organized by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted American forces, using armor-piercing roadside bombs to attack U.S. patrols and firing mortars and missiles into bases. In Syria, U.S. forces confined to far-flung bases with threadbare desert supply lines may be in a particularly vulnerable position. The U.S. military presence in northern Syria numbers around 2,000 Army, Marine, and special operations forces, alongside smaller numbers of U.K. and French personnel. In addition, at least 5,500 Defense Department contractors, half of them U.S. citizens, are spread throughout Syria and Iraq, according to a report issued by U.S. Central Command this month. An American and a British soldier were reportedly killed in Syria on March 30, when a roadside bomb struck their vehicle. The more the conflict winds down and the insurgency against the Assad regime fades away, the more incentivized Iran and its proxies become to provoke a military confrontation with the US, says Ranj Alaaldin, a scholar the Brookings Doha Center. The U.S. can overwhelm them and inflict heavy damages from the air, but the 2,000 U.S. troops stationed in the east are no match for the tens of thousands of proxies Iran has at its disposal. The most vociferously anti-American militias tend to be focused on the eastern provinces, where they have been recruiting among pro-Assad Sunni tribes, as well as from Syrias tiny Shiite minority. Syrian forces under the Assad regimes direct command appear careful to avoid conflicts with the Americans, but Iranian-backed militias have repeatedly tangled with U.S. forces in the country. One pro-regime militia, Popular Resistance in the Eastern Region, distributed a video this month claiming to show a mortar attack on a U.S. base in the Syrian town of Ain Issa, north of Raqqa. The group has announced that it will attack both U.S. forces and allied Kurdish militias working with them. In recent days, Irans leadership has also signaled that its time to hasten Americas departure from Syria. Just hours before the United States launched its airstrikes, Ali Akbar Velayati, Supreme Leader Ali Khameneis advisor on international affairs, appeared on state television during a visit to Syria. The Americans are too weak to remain in the east of the Euphrates, he said. After the Syrian regimes victory over rebels in Eastern Ghouta, where the most recent alleged chemical attack took place, Velayati said the Americans will ultimately be forced to leave. There is no possibility for them to stay. That is why they consider air attacks, Velayati said. But I must say that the trajectory of war is determined on the ground, not in the skies. Tehran (AFP) - Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Wednesday that he would no longer use the hugely popular messaging app Telegram, shifting instead to domestic services. President Hassan Rouhani quickly followed suit, announcing that he too was giving up Telegram shortly after issuing a directive banning the government and administration workers from using foreign messenger apps to communicate, according to the official IRNA news agency. The announcements came as rumours continued that Iran would soon block Telegram, built by Russian tech guru Pavel Durov and the most popular social media service in the country with some 40 million users -- roughly half the population. "In line with safeguarding national interests and removing the monopoly of the Telegram messaging network, the website for the preservation and publication of the works of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will stop its activities in this network from this moment," said the last message on Khamenei's Telegram channel. It directed users to accounts on Iranian messaging services, including Soroush and Gap, which the authorities are trying to promote. Rouhani's account said the president's messages would continue through the "messaging applications of our country". First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri and foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghassemi also closed their Telegram accounts on Wednesday, IRNA reported. Last week, Khamenei issued a statement saying any breaches of online privacy were "haram", meaning they were religiously forbidden. This was interpreted as seeking to encourage the use of domestic apps, which many Iranians fear will be monitored by intelligence services. Khamenei's channel said his move away from Telegram was an initial step towards stopping its use by all "official bodies". On Sunday, the ministry of education banned the use of foreign social media networks in schools. Story continues During a wave of protests that hit dozens of Iranian cities in December and January, Iranian authorities temporarily banned Telegram, accusing it of allowing foreign-based "counter-revolutionary" groups to fuel unrest. But Rouhani's government has pushed back against efforts to block Telegram and other popular services such as Instagram, saying thousands of businesses use the service and access to the outside world should not be curtailed. On Tuesday conservative lawmaker Abolfazl Abutorabi said "all foreign messaging services" could be banned on April 21, with Telegram first to go. Soroush claims to have some 5 million users, while Gap has more than 1.3 million. There was no word on whether Khamenei's office would stop using his five Twitter feeds in different languages, which exist despite the service being blocked for ordinary Iranians. Facebook and Twitter are both blocked in Iran, although they are easily accessible using virtual private network (VPN) software. Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel celebrated 70 years since the country's foundation on Wednesday, lauding its improbable economic success and military prowess, but facing a range of political and security challenges. The anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel by founding father David Ben-Gurion began at sundown on Wednesday under the Hebrew calendar, but falls on May 14 according to the Western calendar. At the traditional Jerusalem torch-lighting ceremony kicking off what Israelis call Independence Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed what he called "real seeds of peace" he said were beginning to sprout among some of Israel's Arab neighbours. He did not elaborate, but there have been signs of warming ties, particularly with Saudi Arabia which -- like Israel -- sees Iran as a growing threat. "Our hand is outstretched in peace to all of our neighbours who want peace," Netanyahu said in Hebrew. "And to our enemies who think that we are a passing phenomenon, I have news for you: In 70 years from now you fill find here a country seven times stronger than what we have done so far. This is just the beginning!" The ceremony will be followed throughout the evening by open-air concerts, public dancing and fireworks across Israel. Earlier, at a remembrance day ceremony, Netanyahu spoke of the "barbaric zealotry of radical Islam" and reiterated warnings about Iran and its presence in neighbouring Syria. He has said that Israel cannot accept the Islamic republic entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country, where Tehran is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime. An air strike attributed to Israel on April 9 at Syria's T-4 airbase left 14 people dead, including seven Iranian personnel. Ali Akbar Velayati, foreign policy adviser to Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, threatened a response. Israel has refused to confirm or deny the strike, though satellite photographs were distributed this week through Israeli media purporting to show Iranian drones at airfields in Syria. Story continues Some Israeli analysts interpreted the move as a message to Iran that Israel could strike its positions if it carries out an attack against the Jewish state. Israel also alleges that a drone which penetrated its airspace in February was sent by Iran "armed with explosives and was tasked to attack". It was shot down by an Israeli helicopter, and Israel in retaliation attacked what it said were the drone's Iranian control systems in Syria. "The Israeli defence establishment understands that the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guard is most likely to be the designated unit that will try to wage an attack against Israel," an Israeli security source said this week, declining to comment further. Israel has also reduced its air force's participation in an exercise in the United States next month, with army radio reporting the decision was due to the tensions. - Gaza protests - But beyond its concerns over Iran, Israel is also facing protests and clashes along its border with the Gaza Strip that have led to intense scrutiny of its open-fire rules. Israeli forces have killed 34 Palestinians and wounded hundreds of others since the protests began on March 30. There have been no Israeli casualties. Tens of thousands have taken part in the main protests, but a smaller number of Gazans have approached the border fence, throwing stones and rolling burning tyres at Israeli forces. Israel says firebombs and explosive devices have also been used. It has pledged to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the fence, and alleges there have been attempts at all three. Israel also alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is using the protests as cover to carry out violence. Palestinians however say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to soldiers, while the European Union and UN chief Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation. The protests are set to last six weeks, but they peak on Fridays after the main weekly Muslim prayers. They are likely to escalate around May 14, when the United States is expected to move its embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move has deeply angered the Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state. On Wednesday evening, the Israeli defence ministry said security inspectors at a crossing from the north of the occupied West Bank found a bomb concealed in a Palestinian lorry, apparently meant for an Independence Day attack inside Israel. The ministry's Twitter account said that the inspectors located "a powerful explosive device" hidden in the vehicle's roof. Still, even with security threats a constant concern, Israelis were also taking account of their successes, having built the so-called "start-up nation" with its strong hi-tech industry and the most powerful military in the Middle East. Video: Investigation Into Syria Chemical Attack Delayed Again Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. Rome (AFP) - Italy's anti-establishment party leader Luigi Di Maio Wednesday gave far-right leader Matteo Salvini until the "end of the week" to dump coalition ally Silvio Berlusconi and strike a deal in the latest round of Italian government talks. Earlier, Italian President Sergio Mattarella tasked Senate speaker Maria Elisabetta Alberti Casellati with brokering an agreement by Friday between Di Maio's Five Star Movement (M5S) and Salvini's nationalist League party, which leads a right-wing coalition that contains Berlusconi's Forza Italia. The pair are vying to lead the country out of weeks of political deadlock that has emerged from the inconclusive March 4 general election. The third round of consultations centres on Di Maio's refusal to deal with Berlusconi, whom the M5S sees as a symbol of political corruption, and the 81-year-old media magnate's distaste for the "anti-democratic" M5S. After meeting the Senate speaker on Wednesday afternoon, Di Maio dug his heels in, calling Salvini's right-wing grouping "an electoral gimmick" and demanding that he come to the negotiating table alone. "I expect a definitive response (from Salvini) by the end of the week," Di Maio told reporters. "The country can't wait any longer." - German-style deal? - Di Maio, 31, wants to create a German-style "government contract" with the League. "The only forces capable of signing this contract and forming a government in these consultations are the M5S and the League," he added. Alberti Casellati is an ally of former prime minister Berlusconi, and her election as the first-ever female Senate speaker was part of a pact that aimed to smooth the path to an alliance between the M5S and the League. They have been battling over who should lead the government since the M5S became Italy's largest single party at the polls with just under 33 percent of the vote and the right picked up 37 percent. Story continues Despite Di Maio's pressure, Salvini has refused to break up the grouping that won the most number of seats in the parliament and has given him a chance of becoming prime minister. "I don't see respect for the people's vote. The one that came second dictating the rules to the one that came first," Salvini said. Di Maio's ultimatum is designed to put pressure on Salvini, who is eyeing elections on April 29 in the northeastern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, where a League candidate backed by Forza Italia is favourite to win. It also opens the door to potential future talks with centre-left Democratic Party (PD), who are not involved in this round of consultations after their coalition came third and subsequently refused to deal with either the right or M5S. Berlusconi on Wednesday assured that he had not vetoed any alliance with the M5S and hinted that there might be a new round of talks with the Senate Speaker on Thursday. US defence secretary James Mattis listens to Donald Trump speak at the White house on 3 April: Getty Images US defence secretary James Mattis reportedly urged Donald Trump to seek congressional approval for airstrikes on Syria but was overruled by the president, who wanted to be seen as backing up his bellicose tweets with action. Mr Mattis warned an overly aggressive response to an alleged chemical attack in Douma risked igniting wider conflict with Russia and stressed the importance of public support for military campaigns, government officials told the New York Times. However, Mr Trump is said to have been keen to act upon his combative Twitter posts, in which he told Russia to get ready because missiles will be coming to Syria and warned Moscow it shouldnt be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it. He gave the go-ahead to Saturday morning's multi-target precision strikes, backed by the UK and France, without consulting Congress. Mr Trump said the strikes were in the vital national security and foreign policy interests of the US, but operation was branded illegal by Democrats and criticised by some Republican members of Congress. While Mr Mattis lost the debate over seeking political approval, however, he successfully made the case for limiting the scale of the military action, according to Pentagon and White House officials who the New York Times did not name. The US fired missiles at three sites linked to chemical weapons and carefully avoided Russian or Iranian causalities. They did not target Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, and Mr Mattis was quick to stress the one-off operation was aimed only at military installations rather than the regimes political leadership. Mr Trump had previously suggested the airstrikes could begin a drawn-out campaign on the Syrian government. We are prepared to sustain this response until the Syrian regime stops its use of prohibited chemical agents, he said. The strike was really just enough to cover the president politically, but not enough to spark a war with the Russians, said Jon Soltz, a former US army soldier who served in the Iraq war and now chairs the liberal veterans group VoteVets. Story continues He added: It was clear the military had tight constraints on the operation, and that everybody in the military seemed to know that except the president. Mr Mattis and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Joseph Dunford briefed the Senate and House of Representatives about Syria behind closed doors on Tuesday afternoon, congressional aides said. Lawmakers had been pushing Mr Trumps administration for more information about its Syria policy since the weekends bombing. The mounting legal case against President Donald Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen has brought another name into the news: Kimba Wood. As the federal judge in charge of a highly watched case, Wood already made a splash when she ordered Cohens attorney on Monday to reveal that he had Fox News host Sean Hannity as a client. But shes no stranger to high-profile situations. Heres what you need to know about Judge Kimba Wood. Who is Judge Kimba Wood? Wood, 74, is a U.S. District Court judge with sterling credentials who has served since 1988. Some of her most high-profile cases include the 1990 trial of junk-bond king Michael Milken, in which she sentenced him to 10 years on six felony convictions (she later reduced the sentence); a 2000 case in which she sentenced the first CEO of a Wall Street investment bank charged with insider trading; and a 2010 case in which 10 Russian spies pleaded guilty to being illegal foreign agents, setting in motion the largest swap of espionage prisoners between the United States and Russia since the Cold War, according to the Boston Globe. She recently presided over the corruption trial of former New York legislative leader Dean Skelos. Wood has degrees from Harvard Law School and the prestigious London School of Economics, and she spent 20 years in private practice, mostly at Wall Street Firm LeBoeuf Lamb, Leiby & MacRae, where she specialized in antitrust, employment and commercial law, according to a Chicago Tribune article from 1993. Shes also had some colorful moments in her personal life. While studying at the London School of Economics, she spent five days training to be a Playboy bunny. She also was tagged by New York tabloids as the Love Judge after the wife of a multimillionaire Wall Street financier during a contentious divorce found a diary in which he wrote passionately about her. What happened when Wood was nominated to be Attorney General? Wood was nominated by President Bill Clinton to be Attorney General in 1993, but she was forced to withdraw. Story continues She was Clintons second pick for the position, but his first choice Zoe Baird had to withdraw after it was revealed that she had not followed all applicable laws when hiring an undocumented nanny. Wood had also hired an undocumented nanny, but she had paid the proper taxes and at the time it was a legal hiring choice. But the cases were too similar with TIME calling it awful deja vu. Again, a woman withdrew her name from consideration for the post, TIME wrote of Wood. Again, the conflict involved an illegal alien. Again, an acute embarrassment for the Clinton Administration. For the second time in two weeks, a respected woman with a high-profile career watched her reputation shredded by a brutal vetting process. Unlike Baird, Wood had broken no laws; the dilemma for the Clinton Administration was that the circumstances faintly echoed the previous case. In a subsequent piece, TIME noted the whiff of sexism in how Woods nomination was treated. Do you have a Zoe Baird problem? TIME wrote in 1993. That was the question that brought down Kimba Wood as a candidate for Attorney General (even though her answer was No) After the Presidents political advisers determined that Americans are too dumb to understand the difference between Zoe Baird, who knowingly violated the law by employing two illegal aliens and paying them off the books, and Kimba Wood, who legally employed an alien and filed all the required taxes, they discovered that oops! they had inadvertently created a new hiring policy. Worse, its effect looked suspiciously like sex discrimination. Why is she in the news now? Wood is the judge handling the question of how to deal with the records seized in the FBI raid of Trumps personal attorney Cohen. On Monday, she did not make a final decision on whether to appoint an independent third party, called a special master, to first sort through the documents seized in the raid and determine what should be protected by attorney-client privilege. But she did say Cohens legal team had to release the name of his secret third client, which was then revealed to be Hannity. Guwahati: Journalists Forum Assam (JFA) expresses shock over the incident of attack at senior journalist Patricia Mukhims residence and urges the State government in Shillong to book the perpetrators, who threw a kerosene bomb targeting her bedroom windows on Tuesday (17 April 2018) evening. The editor of Meghalayas prominent English daily newspaper The Shillong Times, narrated the incident in her facebook account last evening, My home attacked with petrol bomb today at 8.35 pm. I am shocked. Those who did this ugly deed need to be arrested. I heard the explosion and saw the flames rising. It's a terrible feeling. The investigating Meghalaya police officer informed that two unidentified men came on a two-wheeler and parked the bike ahead of her house and then one rider lobbed the kerosene (not petrol) bomb at the bedroom. The officer denied finding any damage due to it in the preliminary finding. Meanwhile, in another facebook update, the Padma Shree awardee author thanked the State police for responding with alacrity to the incident. Appreciating East Khasi Hills district police chief Davies Marak for personally coming to her residence, Ms Mukhim maintained her appeal to nab the culprits and restore public confidence. Hannity defiantly closes show by urging media to "focus in on the biggest abuse of power scandal in this country" (i.e., Clinton) instead of him. Ingraham then jokes, "you're like my brother, but I'm glad for like a millisecond the heat is off me and on you." pic.twitter.com/jCIdhnnIXp Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) April 17, 2018 Two embattled Fox News hosts made light of their situations on Monday evening as Sean Hannity closed his show by bantering with Laura Ingraham. Hannity was revealed earlier in the day as the mystery client of Michael Cohen, the personal attorney to President Donald Trump, while Ingraham has been the subject of a boycott since last month, when she mocked one of the survivors of the Feb. 14 mass shooting in Parkland, Florida. Youre like my brother, Ingraham said. But Im glad for, like a millisecond, the heats off me and on you. I appreciate that... thats like a sibling, Hannity said, laughing. I hope the heats on you, not me. See the full exchange above. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Parkland student and gun legislation campaigner David Hogg has called for investors to boycott BlackRock Inc and The Vanguard Group, two of the worlds largest investment management companies, over their holdings in gun companies. [BlackRock] and [Vanguard] are two of the biggest investors in gun manufacturers; if you use them, feel free to let them know, Hogg said Tuesday in a series of tweets, with the hashtags #BoycottVanguard and #BoycottBlackRock. David Hogg Noam Galai/WireImage Trending: Is America Ready to Vote for Oprah? | Opinion Hogg is among the most prominent of a group of students who have led a national campaign for gun legislation reform in the wake of the February 14 shootings at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, in which 17 people were killed. BlackRock and Vanguard are two of the largest managers of exchange traded funds, and are the biggest owners of publicly traded firearms manufacturers, including Storm Ruger and American Outdoor Brands. Don't miss: Kyle Plush: Family of Teen Killed by Minivan Seat Storms out of Council Meeting Following Compensation Suggestion Hogg led a boycott campaign against Fox News host Laura Ingraham after she mocked him on Twitter about his college admissions, leading to several companies cutting ties with her show, The Ingraham Angle. He has also called for boycotts of companies with ties to the National Rifle Association gun rights lobbying group, such as Hertz and FedEx. BlackRock has said it will create new funds for investors who wish to avoid holding stocks in gun manufacturers. It has also said it will hold discussions with gun manufacturers about their businesses. It declined to comment on Hogg's tweets. Most popular: Trumps Strikes on Syria Have Little To Do With Syrias Ongoing Conflict | Opinion Story continues A Vanguard spokesperson told CNN that most Vanguard funds "do not have exposure to gun manufacturers," and that 359 of its 388 funds do not directly invest in Sturm Ruger, American Outdoor Brands or Vista Outdoor. It also said that investors can put money in a social fund that excludes gun manufacturers. "Importantly, Vanguard is taking action, meeting with the leaders of gun manufacturers and distributors," the company said in a statement. "We want to know how they will mitigate the risks that their products pose and how they plan to help prevent such tragedies from happening again." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar's chief of staff on Wednesday survived a car bombing in the eastern city of Benghazi, according to his self-styled Libyan National Army. General Abdelrazak al-Nadhuri "escaped unharmed from a terrorist assassination attempt after a car bomb exploded... as his convoy passed," the LNA said in a statement. The explosion took place in the Sidi Khalifa district at the eastern entrance to Benghazi, the statement said. One civilian was killed in the attack and another was wounded, a spokesman for Benghazi's al-Jala hospital told AFP. Nadhuri's spokesman Malek al-Sharif told AFP that the chief of staff, his bodyguards and those travelling with him were unharmed. Nadhuri later accused "terrorist cells" of being behind the attempted assassination. "This cowardly terrorist act comes after the defeat of these terrorist groups in Benghazi," he told the Al-Hadath news outlet. A security official in Benghazi, Majdi al-Orfi, told AFP that the two victims, a Syrian and a Sudanese national, were caught in the explosion. The Syrian died. The attack comes amid a wave of rumours about the health of Haftar, who supports an administration based in the far east of Libya. He was in hospital in Paris last week after falling ill during a trip abroad. The strongman has not made any public appearances in the past two weeks and social media has been abuzz with rumours. After several denials, the LNA acknowledged Friday that Haftar had been hospitalised but was "in good health". Libya has been gripped by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with rival administrations and multiple militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. Last summer, Hafter announced the "total liberation" of Benghazi, after a three-year campaign to seize the city from jihadists who had made it a stronghold following the revolution. Story continues He is accused by his rivals of wanting to establish a new military dictatorship in Libya. Haftar supports a parliament based in the east of the country, while a UN-backed unity government in the capital Tripoli has struggled to assert its authority nationwide. Jihadists with the Islamic State group remain active in central and southern Libya despite being forced out of their northern stronghold Sirte in 2016. Audio of the Southwest Airlines incident has emerged, showing how pilot Tammie Jo Shults remained completely calm after an engine exploded and a woman passenger was nearly sucked out of the plane. Former fighter pilot Ms Shults has been hailed a hero for the way she nursed Flight 1380 to an emergency landing while calmly telling air traffic control: We have part of the aircraft missing There is a hole and, um, someone went out. It is believed that one woman, Jennifer Riordan, died in the initial engine explosion, which sent shrapnel smashing into the Boeing 737-700, but Ms Shults, whose experience includes being one of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy, was able to get all the other passengers to safety. After diverting the New YorkDallas flight towards Philadelphia International Airport, Ms Shults, 56, can be heard calmly informing air traffic control: Actually, we are no fire now, but we are single engine. We have got part of the aircraft missing, she adds shortly afterwards, So we are going to need to slow down a bit. With more apparent urgency in his voice than that of the pilot, the air traffic controller tells Ms Shults: Speed is at your discretion. OK, says Ms Shults. Can you have the medical meet us there on the runway as well. We have got err injured passengers. An air traffic controller replies: Injured passengers, OK, and is your airplane physically on fire? No, Ms Shults replies, Its not on fire, but part of it is missing. They said there is a hole and, um, someone went out. With audible amazement creeping into his voice, the air traffic controller replies: Im sorry? You said there is a hole and someone went out? He then collects himself and tells Ms Shults: Southwest 1380 it doesnt matter, well work it out there. So the airports off to your right. About a minute later, Ms Shults executes a succesful emergency landing and the five-minute audio ends with her politely telling air traffic control: Thank you, we are going to stop right here by the fire trucks. Thank you, guys, for the help. Story continues Ms Shults unwavering calm was in defiance of the terrifying scenes on board the jet. Passenger Marty Martinez, who posted a video showing passengers with oxygen masks as the plane descended, told CBS News that "there was blood everywhere". "First there was an explosion, and then, almost immediately, the oxygen masks came down and probably within a matter of 10 seconds the engine hit a window and busted it wide open," Mr Martinez continued. It is believed the engine on the planes left side threw off shrapnel when it blew apart, shattering a window and causing rapid cabin depressurization that nearly pulled a female passenger through the hole. A woman was partially, was drawn out of the plane and pulled back in by other passengers, Todd Bauer, whose daughter was on the flight, told the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia. Officials say that the descent from the time of the initial failure west of Philadelphia until it landed at the airport, southeast of the city's downtown happened in "a fairly rapid manner", and information provided by FlightRadar24 showed the plane dropped from 30,000 feet to 13,000 feet in five minutes. The whole descent took about 15 minutes. It was reported that the passenger who died, Jennifer Riordan, was a Wells Fargo banking executive and well-known community volunteer from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was reportedly on the way back from a New York business trip, where she had sent a tweet on Monday showing the view from her hotel in Midtown Manhattan with the caption: Great business stay. Her Facebook page shows she was married with two children. After the emergency landing ensured the survival of everyone else on board, Ms Shults was unofficially identified by passengers, rather than by Southwest Airlines. She is now being compared to Chesley Sully Sullenberger, the pilot who in 2009 successfully landed a stricken US Airways passenger jet on the Hudson River, and whose life saving feat was turned into a film starring Tom Hanks. Many of Flight 1380s passengers took to social media to praise her, with one, Amanda Bourman, saying: The pilot Tammy Jo was so amazing! She landed us safely in Philly. God sent his angels to watch over us. And yet, Ms Shults, originally from New Mexico, has previously revealed that she might never have become a pilot. She was quoted on fighter plane blog F-16.net saying she tried to attend an aviation career day at high school but was told they did not accept girls. Ms Shults, however, never lost the urge to fly and, after studying medicine in Kansas, applied to the US Air Force. It would not let her take the test to become a pilot, but the US Navy did. She was one of the first female F-18 pilots and became an instructor before she left the Navy in 1993 and joined Southwest, according to the blog. A Christian, who is married to a fellow pilot and has two children, Ms Shults said that sitting in the captains chair gave her the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight. By Andreas Rinke and Michel Rose BERLIN/PARIS (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives are restricting her room for maneuver on euro zone reform, documents seen by Reuters show, which could further frustrate French President Emmanuel Macron who visits Berlin later this week. A draft resolution for German lawmakers drawn up by leading members of Merkel's conservative bloc rejects plans floated by the executive European Commission to make use of a specific EU legal provision to create a European Monetary Fund (EMF). Instead, the conservatives say that setting up an EMF under European law would require treaty change "in consultation with national parliaments" - a tricky feat that would take time. They also want an independent EMF, free of European control. By floating the resolution ahead of Macron's working meeting with Merkel on Thursday, the conservative lawmakers are flexing their muscles, seeking to safeguard the Bundestag's ability to veto euro zone aid packages and restricting reform of the bloc. Their go-slow approach, born of angst about German taxpayers' money being used to fund profligate states, limits Merkel's capacity to reform - to Macron's growing frustration. "I know that Macron is pushing Merkel and she is not moving in the way he thinks she should be moving," said a person close to the French president, adding that he may have to adopt a more confrontational tone with Germany. "He will have to," added the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "And his basic point will have to be: I'm spending a lot of capital in France to modernize the country. I promised that I would do this and I'm delivering. This is a credit that has to be paid." Macron was elected last May on a promise to overhaul the European Union. He has called for the euro zone to have its own budget and finance minister, and for the currency bloc's rescue fund, the ESM, to be turned into a mechanism - like an EMF - for helping member states pre-empt threats of financial instability. But Merkel, whose political capital is depleted after she lost support in last September's national election, faces fierce resistance from her conservatives to any reforms that would see German taxpayers assume liability for other countries' debts. "STRICT CONDITIONS" At a meeting on Monday, the executive committee of Merkel's Christian Democrats (CDU) focused on how to fill the looming hole in the EU's budget that Brexit will cause rather than discussing a potential budget specifically for the euro zone. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, CDU secretary general, said a euro zone budget was not a priority: "I don't think that would make sense," she told reporters. In their draft resolution, her conservative bloc called for a parliamentary working group to present a draft bill on the EMF issue by the end of April for lawmakers to vote on in June. It was widely seen as a bid to control the terms of the debate though they recognized the outcome of the vote would be non-binding for the government. Finance Minister Olaf Scholz, a member of the Social Democrats, Merkel's coalition partner, on Monday praised Macron's "courage" in proposing euro zone reforms. In a weekend newspaper interview Scholz said EU reforms proposed by Macron should be addressed before European elections next year. But he said some of the proposals were not feasible. In a proposal for discussion at a meeting of the conservative parliamentary bloc on Tuesday, the group's deputy leader, Katja Leikert, stressed that individual euro zone member states must remain liable for their own risks. "Financial aid will only be granted with strict conditions," read the proposal, seen by Reuters, adding that German lawmakers must retain the right to decide on granting financial aid to other euro zone member states. The robust stance taken by German lawmakers on the euro zone issue threatens to complicate the reform process this year, which is seen as a critical but narrow window, with the European Parliament holding elections and Britain's exit from the EU reaching its deadline in 2019. A French presidential adviser said Macron would use a speech in Strasbourg on Tuesday to jolt European partners into action. "It won't be a speech to make the same proposals again or say the same things, it will be a speech about this European moment and to show it's urgent to act," the advisor said. Macron and Merkel pledged last month to overcome differences to formulate a roadmap for euro zone reform in time for it to be approved by their European peers in June. "This is going to be a decisive week if we are going to come up with something by June," a French Finance Ministry source said. (Additional reporting by Noah Barkin in Berlin and Yves Clarisse and Leigh Thomas in Paris; Writing by Paul Carrel; Editing by Catherine Evans and Andrew Heavens) A woman has died after she was partially sucked through the window of a plane when an engine reportedly exploded in midair. Mother-of-two Jennifer Riordan died after an engine on the left side of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 apparently blew, causing cabin depressurisation and sending her nearly crashing out of a smashed window. Other passengers on the Boeing 737-700, that was flying to Dallas, Texas, from New Yorks La Guardia airport, pulled Ms Riordan back in. A woman has died following the apparent explosion on a Southwest Airlines flight (Twitter/@joeasaprap) Jennifer Riordan, from New Mexico, died after nearly being sucked out of the plane window (AP) National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane (AP) In the air traffic control recording, pilot Tammie Jo Shults is heard saying: We have a part of the aircraft missing, so were going to need to slow down a bit. Asked if the plane is on fire, she says it is not but adds: They said there is a hole and someone went out. The plane, that was carrying 143 passengers and five crew, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO One passenger had been taken to hospital in a critical condition while seven other people were treated for minor injuries at the scene, according to the Philadelphia Fire Department. Passenger Timothy Bourman, a pastor from New York City, praised the actions of the pilot for averting a disaster. He said: All the sudden, it felt like we dropped 100 feet. @SouthwestAir These are the heros of SWA 1380 NYC to Dallas We lost an engine mid-flight and they guided back to Philly saved 149 on board pic.twitter.com/RNA8sXRBZA Kristopher Johnson (@EMMS_MrJohnson) April 17, 2018 We were kind of out of control for a while. It seemed like the pilot was having a hard time controlling the plane. Honestly I think we just all thought we were going down. Story continues Were just all really thankful to be alive right now. Thankful to God, thankful to that pilot. Another passenger, Marty Martinez, told CBS News that he saw one injured woman being taken off the plane by rescuers. He said: There was blood everywhere. The Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing (AP) Passenger Jim Demetros hugs his wife Cindy as she arrives from their home in Connecticut to pick him after the incident (AP) Southwest Airlines confirms accident; our Hearts are with those affected: https://t.co/COJ6wR1GFe pic.twitter.com/Gr1xEN8nhc Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 17, 2018 First there was an explosion and then almost immediately the oxygen masks came down and probably within a matter of 10 seconds the engine hit a window and busted it wide open. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said a preliminary investigation found that an engine fan blade was missing, while there was evidence of metal fatigue at the point where it had apparently broken off. In a statement, Southwest said: The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, Employees, Family Members, and loved ones affected by this tragic event. The US Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation. Tokyo (Japan) (AFP) - A group of Japanese scholars is set to reveal the names of the members of a Japanese World War II germ warfare unit that infected and starved Chinese and allied POWs in a series of gruesome experiments. Katsuo Nishiyama, professor emeritus of Shiga University of Medical Science in western Japan, has told local media his team is analysing a list of 3,607 members and plans to publish it online to encourage further historical study of the unit. "This is the first time that we see a list of the names of nearly all its members being released in the form of an official document," the Mainichi Shimbun daily quoted Nishiyama as saying. Unit 731 of the Imperial Japanese Army was set up in Manchuria after Japan formed a puppet state in northeastern China in 1931. Its members -- some of them physicians from Japan's top medical universities -- conducted human experiments, injecting plague and other germs into their victims, testing germ bombs, and artificially causing frostbite to victims while depriving them of sleep and food. The Japanese government denied the existence of the unit until 1998, when the Supreme Court indirectly acknowledged it by ruling there was an academic consensus that Unit 731 existed. The list, recently released by the National Archives of Japan to Nishiyama's team, includes the names, ranks and addresses of those who belonged to Unit 731, according to the Mainichi Shimbun. "This piece of valuable evidence supports all the testimonies given by those who knew the unit. This is a big step forward for efforts to reveal the hidden truth," Nishiyama said. The list includes 52 surgeons, 49 engineers, 38 nurses and 1,117 combat medics of the unit. Nishiyama could not be reached for immediate comment. Japan, unlike Germany, has been widely accused of failing fully to face up to its wartime atrocities. The subject is not widely taught in schools, and comments by conservative politicians glossing over the issue regularly anger other Asian nations which were the victims of occupation. Berlin (AFP) - German police carried out dawn raids Wednesday against an alleged organised crime ring suspected of human trafficking for forced prostitution on a massive scale from Thailand. Calling it the "biggest operation in terms of manpower in the history of the federal police force", it said in a statement that some 1,500 officers swooped on 63 brothels and flats in 12 of Germany's 16 states. Authorities say a "core group" of 17 suspects "smuggled Thai women and transsexuals into Germany with fraudulent Schengen visas". Those brought to Germany "had to hand over 100 percent of their wages to the operators of the respective 'massage parlours' to pay off their smuggling fee" of between 16,000 and 36,000 euros ($20,000-45,000). Seven of the accused, including a 59-year-old Thai woman and her 62-year-old German partner, were taken into custody on outstanding arrest warrants. Prosecutors in the western city of Frankfurt, who have been working with police on the case since February 2017, estimate that the ring drew more than one million euros in income. Interior Minister Horst Seehofer praised the operation as an "unprecedented strike against a national organised crime network". "Several hundred women and men were at the mercy of the inhumane, boundless greed of human smugglers for years and across borders," he said. "This unscrupulous behaviour and the sexual exploitation on an abominable scale were put to an end today." Guwahati : After arresting Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit) along with Income Tax officer, Chartered Accountant, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now preparing to arrest few more top businessmen in Assam in connection with alleged tax evasions. A top source of CBI said that, the premier investigating agency has accessed several vital documents of tax evasions in the region and a team of 40 sleuths of the CBI has been investigating a case of tax evasion. The CBI team is preparing to quiz at least two dozen top businessmen who were allegedly involved in tax evasions, the top source said. The top source also said that, apart from the businessmen, few more Income Tax officials are also under scanner. Among the top businessmen who are under scanner of the premier investigating agency, few are Guwahati based, the top source said. On the other hand, the CBI court in Guwahati on Tuesday had sent four persons including Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit) Dr Swetabh Suman, Income Tax officer Pratap Das to 3-day CBI custody, who were arrested in connection with a case of tax evasion and criminal conspiracy in Assam. On April 13 last, the premier investigating agency had arrested Dr Swetabh Suman, Commissioner of Income Tax (Audit), Guwahati, Income Tax officer Pratap Das, Chartered Accountant Ramesh Goenka and Pranjal Sarma in connection with the case. CBI had registered a case against the arrested Commissioner of Income Tax, Income Tax Officer (Audit) Pratap Das along with Advocate and Chartered Accountants Ramesh Goenka, Amit Goenka and Jorhat based businessman Suresh Agarwala. According to the CBI officials, during the year 2017-18, the Commissioner of IT agreed to show undue favours to the Jorhat based businessman by passing a favourable order in an appeal arising out of assessment done in respect of M/S Win Power Infra Pvt Ltd Director Suresh Agarwala's one shell company and Swetabh Suman by abusing official position made attempts to obtain illegal gratification to the tune of Rs 50 lakh for himself and Pratap Das through the Chartered Accountants. An FIR bearing No.RC0172018A0005 dated11.4.2018 u/s7, 11 & 12 and13(2) r/w Sec 13(1)(d) of PC Act and Section 120B of IPC was registered against them. CBI had conducted search operations in Guwahati, Jorhat, Nagaon, Delhi, Noida, Shillong, Hojai and some other places and seized Rs 40 lakh and some other incriminating documents. Dr Swetabh Suman was earlier booked by the CBI in a disproportionate assets case in 2005 as he was allegedly threatening witnesses and tampering with evidence. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images) TOP STORIES (Get this roundup directly in your inbox each weekday sign up for The Morning Email here.) NIKKI HALEY: I DONT GET CONFUSED The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations hit back after Larry Kudlow, the presidents chief economic adviser, said she got ahead of the curve when it came to announcing sanctions on Russia following the Syrian gas attack. Republican senators also chimed in to speak out against Trumps backtracking on the sanctions. [HuffPost] [Tweet | Share on Facebook] CIA DIRECTOR MIKE POMPEO SECRETLY MET WITH KIM JONG UN Over Easter weekend to prepare for direct talks between Kim and President Donald Trump. [HuffPost] BARBARA BUSH, MATRIARCH OF A POLITICAL DYNASTY, HAS DIED AT 92 Tributes poured in for the first lady and first mother, who championed literacy and cancer research after the death of her eldest daughter from leukemia. Take a look at her life in photos. [HuffPost] MISSOURI GOV. ERIC GREITENS REFUSES TO RESIGN DESPITE CALLS FROM GOP HEADS OF THE MISSOURI HOUSE AND SENATE The governor is indicted on charges that he blackmailed his mistress, and the Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley, who is the Republican candidate for Senate, announced yesterday that Greitens may have committed a felony by inappropriately using a charity donor list for his campaign. [HuffPost] TRUMP CALLS STORMY DANIELS THREAT CLAIM A TOTAL CON JOB Stormy Daniels revealed the sketch of the man who threatened her Tuesday. [HuffPost] WHY REP. BLAKE FARENTHOLD (R-TEXAS) SO ABRUPTLY RESIGNED The House Ethics Committee was about to rule against Farenthold in its investigation into whether he sexually harassed members of his staff, used official money for campaign purposes and lied in previous testimony to the committee, according to the office of Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.). [HuffPost] PASSENGERS PRAISE SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PILOT WHO SAFELY LANDED PLANE AFTER ONE OF ITS ENGINES BLEW OUT Pilot Tammie Jo Shults was one of the first women to fly a fighter jet for the U.S., and passengers on the stricken Southwest flight called her a hero. Passenger Jennifer Riordan, a mother of two, died after parts of the engine broke a window on the plane and she was sucked toward it. [Reuters] Story continues A LOOK AT THE RADICALIZATION OF THREE PRO-TRUMP EXTREMISTS WHO PLANNED TO KILL MUSLIMS A jury in Kansas this week is deliberating whether three militia members should spend the rest of their lives in prison. [HuffPost] WHATS BREWING STARBUCKS IS CLOSING 8,000 STORES FOR AN AFTERNOON NEXT MONTH FOR RACIAL BIAS TRAINING Following the arrest of two black men waiting in a Starbucks in Philadelphia. [HuffPost] EVEN IF YOU PUT OFF TAXES UNTIL YESTERDAY AND IT ALL WENT TO PIECES, THE IRS WILL LET YOU FILE TODAY Fulfilling the risk-reward procrastination loop yet again. [HuffPost] SOPHIE TURNER: MY ENGAGEMENT ISNT AN ACHIEVEMENT Sounds like Sansa to us. [HuffPost] AND THERE GOES MORE OF WHATS LEFT OF MEDIAS PROFITS Apple is planning to monetize Apple News. [TechCrunch] WE CANT STOP WATCHING THIS BUZZFEED, JORDAN PEELE PSA ABOUT FAKE NEWS Featuring a manipulated Barack Obama and some curse words. [HuffPost] BEFORE YOU GO And love this newsletter? Share it with a friend! Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Nikki Haley, the UN ambassador, has hit back at the White House over claims she suffered "momentary confusion" over new sanctions against Russia, saying: "I don't get confused." The diplomat was responding to comments by Larry Kudlow, the White House economic adviser. On Sunday Ms Haley went on television to announce that the US was preparing new sanctions against Russian companies. The fresh measures would target "any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to [Syrian President Bashar al-] Assad and chemical weapons use" and send a "strong message" to Russian leaders, Ms Haley told CBS news. The next day, the White House said they were still considering what action to take. Ms Haley's on-screen comments angered President Donald Trump, according to the New York Times. The row became public on Tuesday, when Mr Kudlow was pushed to clarify the administration's position on the sanctions. Discussing Ms Haley's comments, he said: "She got ahead of the curve... There might have been some momentary confusion about that." In an interview shortly afterwards, Ms Haley angrily responded to the comments telling Fox News: "With all due respect, I don't get confused." Mr Kudlow later rowed back and called Ms Haley to apologise. "I was wrong to say that," he told he New York Times. "She was basically following what she thought was policy. The policy was changed and she wasn't told about it, so she was in a box." The public spat has highlighted the underlying tension on foreign policy decisions within Mr Trump's senior ranks. Ms Haley plays a significant role in determining the Trump administration's foreign policy, particularly since the Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was sacked last month. Tensions between Russia and the US have risen since Mr Trump publicly rebuked the state for assisting Syrian President Bashar Assad and ordered American forces to carry out missile strikes in Syria with the UK and France. Strasbourg (France) (AFP) - Britain must come up with a solution for the Irish border after Brexit or there will be no divorce deal or transition period, EU President Donald Tusk warned on Wednesday. Finding a way to avoid border checks between EU member Ireland and the British province of Northern Ireland after Britain leaves the bloc is proving one of the thorniest issues in the negotiations. Former Polish premier Tusk said he wanted to "use the positive momentum" in recent negotiations to finally settle issues including Ireland. "The UK's decision on Brexit has caused the problem, and the UK will have to help solve it," Tusk told the European Parliament in a report on a summit of EU leaders last month. "Without a solution, there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition." At the summit EU leaders approved guidelines for a 21-month transition period after Brexit happens in March 2019, and for the next phase of talks. But they also set a June deadline for progress on Ireland. Britain says it is leaving the EU's single market and customs union, but the prospect of a "hard" border in Ireland has sparked fears for the fragile peace on the island. The EU and Britain have agreed a "backstop" that Northern Ireland would remain part of the EU's customs union if there is no better idea -- but London is deeply opposed to this actually happening. Tusk admitted he was "furious" about Brexit during a visit to Dublin earlier this month to mark the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday agreement. The European Parliament's Brexit coordinator Guy Verhofstadt meanwhile said MEPs would be vigilant about the rights of EU citizens after Brexit, following a growing row over threatened deportations of people who moved to Britain from the Caribbean in the 1950s and 1960s. "We must avoid a post-Brexit bureaucratic nightmare for EU citizens. We need full guarantees in the light of the Windrush scandal," he said, adding that the parliament would discuss the matter with the British interior ministry next week. British lawmakers have called for action over the "inhumane" treatment of members of the so-called Windrush generation, named after the ship that brought over the first group of West Indian immigrants in 1948. By Alwyn Scott and Alana Wise (Reuters) - Federal air safety officials investigating why the engine of a Southwest Airlines jet blew apart, killing a passenger after shattering a plane window, said on Wednesday that the incident began when a fan blade already suffering metal fatigue snapped off in mid-flight. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt told a news conference that he could not yet say if the incident, the first deadly airline accident in the United States since 2009, pointed to a fleet-wide issue in the Boeing 737-700. "We want to very carefully understand what was the result of this problem, and as I mentioned a few minutes ago, Im very concerned about this particular event," Sumwalt said at the news conference at the Philadelphia airport. "To be able to extrapolate that to the entire fleet, Im not willing to do that right now. The CFM56 engine exploded over Pennsylvania about 20 minutes after Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 left New York's LaGuardia Airport with 149 people on board, sending pieces of shrapnel into the plane. Bank executive Jennifer Riordan, 43, was killed when she was partially pulled through a shattered window next to her seat in row 14 as the cabin suffered rapid decompression. Fellow passengers were able to pull her back inside but she died of her injuries later on Tuesday. Southwest crews were inspecting similar engines the airline had in service, focusing on the 400 to 600 oldest of the CFM56 engines, made by a partnership of France's Safran and General Electric, according to a person with knowledge of the situation. It was the second time that style of engine had failed on a Southwest jet in the past two years, prompting airlines around the world to step up inspections. A National Transportation Safety Board inspection crew was also combing over the Boeing 737-700 for signs of what caused the engine to explode. Sumwalt said the fan blade, after suffering metal fatigue where it attached to the engine hub, suffered a second fracture about halfway along its length. Pieces of the plane were found in rural Pennsylvania by investigators who tracked them on radar. The metal fatigue would not have been observable by looking at the engine from the outside, Sumwalt said. According to Sumwalt, the jet was traveling at 190 miles per hour when it made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport, much faster than the typical 155-mile-per-hour touchdown. Passengers described scenes of panic as a piece of shrapnel from the engine shattered a window on the aircraft, almost sucking Riordan out. "The window had broken and the negative pressure had pulled her outside the plane partially," Peggy Phillips, a registered nurse who was on the plane, told WFAA-TV in Dallas. "Two wonderful men ... they managed to get her back inside the plane, and we laid her down and we started CPR." Riordan was a Wells Fargo banking executive and well-known community volunteer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, the company said. "MY LAST FEW MOMENTS" Videos posted on social media showed passengers grabbing for oxygen masks and screaming as the plane, piloted by 56-year-old Tammie Jo Shults, a former fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy, prepared for the descent into Philadelphia. "All I could think of in that moment was, I need to communicate with my loved ones," passenger Marty Martinez told ABC's "Good Morning America" on Wednesday. During the incident, he logged on to the plane's in-flight Wi-Fi to send messages to his family. "I thought, these are my last few moments on Earth and I want people to know what happened," said Martinez, who live-streamed on Facebook images of passengers in oxygen masks as the plane made a bumpy descent into Philadelphia. Southwest Airlines experienced an unrelated safety incident early on Wednesday when a Phoenix-bound flight was forced to land at the Nashville airport shortly after takeoff because of bird strike. The airline expected to wrap up its inspection of the engines it was targeting in about 30 days. The GE-Safran partnership that built the engine said it was sending about 40 technicians to help with Southwest's inspections. Pieces of the engine including its cowling - the smooth metal exterior that covers its inner workings - were found about 60 miles (97 km) from Philadelphia airport, Sumwalt said. The investigation could take 12 to 15 months to complete. In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida, after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine and debris ripped a hole above the left wing. That incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to propose last year that similar fan blades undergo ultrasonic inspections and be replaced if they failed. (Reporting by Alwyn Scott, Jonathan Allen and Alana Wise in New York, David Shepardson in Washington and Brendan O'Brien in Milwaukee; Additional reporting by Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru; Writing by Scott Malone and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Susan Thomas and Leslie Adler) One person died after a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia after an engine exploded midair on Tuesday. The passenger death marks the first fatality on a U.S. airline in nine years, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a news conference Tuesday. The last fatal U.S. airline crash was on Feb. 12, 2009, when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed while approaching Buffalo, New York, according to the NTSB. Fifty people died in the crash, including 45 passengers, two pilots, two flight attendants and one person who was on the ground. Now, U.S. airlines are facing the first fatality in nearly a decade. Shrapnel from the apparently blown out engine broke a plane window on the Southwest flight, killing the passenger and injuring seven others onboard, the Associated Press reports. The flight, a Boeing 737 traveling from LaGuardian Airport in New York to Dallas, landed at the Philadelphia airport around 11:20 a.m. after suffering an in-flight engine failure of the left engine, Sumwalt said. The NTSB will have investigators take apart and inspect the engine to figure out what went wrong. Southwest confirmed the death of the passenger in a statement Tuesday evening. I want to extend my deepest sympathies for the family and loved ones of our deceased customer, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly said. They are our immediate and primary concern and we will do all that we can to support them during this difficult time and the difficult days ahead. Southwest Airlines confirms accident; our Hearts are with those affected: https://t.co/COJ6wR1GFe pic.twitter.com/Gr1xEN8nhc Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 17, 2018 Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, Kelly said the airline would work with the NTSB to understand the root cause of the incident and find any further actions they would have to take to make flights safer. Story continues At this point, its very premature to say what changes we might need to make, if any, he said. The fatality on Southwest comes after a year of declining flight deaths, according to the Aviation Safety Network. The ASN reported in January that 2017 was the safest year for commercial flights around the world, with 10 airline incidents that led to a total of 44 deaths. At the time, President Donald Trump took credit for the low death rate. Despite saying he has been very strict on commercial aviation, Trump has not imposed significant safety regulations on airlines and growing airline safety has been attributed more to efforts by international aviation groups than the White House. MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said on Wednesday he ordered the investigation into a 71-year-old Australian nun for "disorderly conduct", justifying it as a legal move against "undesirable" foreigners. Sister Patricia Fox, a coordinator of a Philippine congregation of Catholic nuns called Notre Dame de Sion, was taken from her house this week and detained at the immigration bureau in Manila for almost 24 hours. She was released on Tuesday pending further investigation. Fox had taken part in rallies seeking the release of political prisoners and urging Philippine authorities to respect human rights. "I ordered her to be investigated, not deported at once, not arrested, but to invite her to an investigation for a disorderly conduct," Duterte said during the change of command ceremony of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Duterte said he would be insulted by religious personalities and foreigners. "It's a violation of sovereignty," he said, accusing Fox of badmouthing his administration. "You do not have that right to criticise us. Do not insult my country. "We never did that to Australia. We never did that to (a) European country. Why don't you criticise your own government, the way you handle the refugees, hungry and dying and you turn them back to the open sea," he said. The United Nations has called on Australia to take responsibility for around 800 refugees and asylum seekers stranded in a detention centre on Papua New Guinea where it said many lack medical and mental health care. Australia, which controversially holds asylum-seekers in offshore camps, has said the centre on the island is adequate and that the Papua New Guinea government is responsible for running it. (This version of the stoy changes arrest to investigation in first paragraph and headline) (Reporting by Enrico dela Cruz; Editing by Nick Macfie) New York (AFP) - Captain Tammie Jo Shults, one of the first women fighter pilots in the US Navy, was hailed as an American hero Wednesday for calmly landing a stricken passenger jet after a midair engine explosion that killed a mother-of-two. Shults was identified as the pilot by passengers on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, which was en route from New York to Dallas when its left engine suddenly blew apart, shrapnel shattering a window and partially sucking one woman out of the plane. An audio recording revealed a calm, unflappable Shults requesting medical assistance and telling air traffic control part of the aircraft was missing as she guided the jet and the 149 people on board into an emergency landing. "This is a true American Hero," wrote passenger Diana McBride Self on Facebook, posting a picture of Shults in the aisle of the Boeing 737-700, greeting passengers as they filed out of the plane in Philadelphia on Tuesday. "A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew," she added. "The pilot, Tammy (sic) Jo was so amazing!" wrote passenger Amanda Bourman on Instagram next to a picture of the ruptured engine on the tarmac. "She landed us safely in Philly. God sent his angels to watch over us. I actually heard someone say, there is a God!!" Southwest Airlines, which said it was "devastated" by what happened, declined Wednesday to release any information about the crew. Shults' expert handling of the incident drew comparisons on social media to the legendary "Miracle of the Hudson" pilot Chesley Sullenberger, who heroically landed a disabled US Airways airline in the Hudson River in January 2009 after a bird strike. "Sully" became a national hero for his perfect splash landing in the river alongside Manhattan and successful evacuation of everyone on board. Hollywood star Tom Hanks took on the eponymous title role in the 2016 Oscar-nominated movie "Sully." Story continues - Fighter pilot - "Could you have the medical meet us there on the runway?" Shults' calm voice can be heard asking air traffic control, in an audio recording of their exchange. "We've got injured passengers." "Is your airplane physically on fire?" asks air traffic control. "No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. They said there is a hole and someone went out," she replies. Witnesses spoke of how a female passenger was sucked toward the window, before being pulled back by fellow passengers as the plane plummeted. "The window had broken and the suction, negative pressure had pulled her outside the plane partially. These two wonderful men they managed to get her back inside the plane and we lay her down and we started CPR," Peggy Phillips told ABC News. The woman, who later died, has been named as Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old executive for Wells Fargo bank and mother-of-two from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seven other people were slightly injured. Shults graduated from MidAmerica Nazarene University in 1983, and her alma mater says she became one of the first female fighter pilots for the US Navy. According to an online military aviation forum, she was one of the first women to fly F-18s, landing her fighter plane on boats at 150 miles (240 kilometers) per hour before eventually becoming an instructor. She later joined Southwest Airlines. A committed Christian, who reportedly teaches Sunday school, her husband Dean is a fellow Southwest pilot and the couple live in the San Antonio area of Texas. They have two children. At the airport, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said passengers and flight crew "did some pretty amazing things under very difficult circumstances." Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis made a fresh plea on Wednesday against a British court ruling that authorises doctors to turn off a terminally ill British toddler's life-support. Alfie Evans, 23 months old, has been in a coma for over a year and needs a ventilator to keep him breathing due to a rare degenerative neurological condition. His parents are fighting a court ruling that would allow doctors at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, northwest England, to turn off the ventilator. The parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, attended the pope's weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. Francis spoke during the audience of Alfie's case and that of Vincent Lambert, whose parents are also fighting a court ruling to withdraw his life support in France. "I would like to draw attention to Vincent Lambert and little Alfie Evans again," Francis said. "I want to reiterate and strongly confirm that the only master of life, from the beginning to its natural end, is God, and our duty is to do everything to protect life." On Sunday Francis had called for "the dignity of every patient to always be respected" and for them to "be treated appropriately for their condition." The UK High Court ruled in February that doctors could stop treating Alfie. The decision was upheld in the country's Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Evans' parents wanted the European Court of Human Rights to examine the case, but ECHR judges dismissed the case. Alfie has been hospitalised since December 2016, suffering from chronic seizures. More than 125,000 people have joined a Facebook group supporting the campaign to keep him on life-support. By Brendan Pierson NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. federal judge said Tuesday he planned to call 800 to 1,000 potential jurors for the trial of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, in a sign of how complex it will be to try drug the Mexican drug lord on trafficking and conspiracy charges. U.S. District Judge Brian Cogan in Brooklyn said at a court hearing that the potential jurors would arrive court in late July and early August to receive questionnaires, in preparation for a planned September trial. The unusual size of the pool reflects the expected difficulty of choosing jurors to weigh the fate of Guzman, who gained international notoriety as the leader of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel. Typical cases involve much smaller jury pools. Guzman is accused of running a massive cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine trafficking operation, fueling a decade-long drug war in Mexico in which more than 100,000 people have died. Prosecutors have said jurors might fear for their safety, and Cogan ordered in February that their identities should be kept secret. Guzman, 61, has been held in solitary confinement since he was extradited to the United States in January 2017. He had been arrested by Mexican authorities a year earlier. His wife, Emma Coronel Aispuro, talked to reporters in the United States about the case for the first time after Tuesday's hearing, saying she had not been allowed to visit Guzman and worried about his health. Guzman's lawyers have said in court filings that his mental and physical health has deteriorated during his time in solitary confinement. During the hearing, Guzman's lawyer, Eduardo Balarezo, asked Cogan to limit the amount of new evidence prosecutors could bring into the case before trial, saying they had failed to turn over evidence promptly. "According to them, they've been investigating Mr. Guzman since the '80s," Balarezo said. "At some point they have to put it on the table." Cogan said he was also concerned that prosecutors had not been meeting court-ordered deadlines for producing evidence. He ordered them to turn over most of their remaining evidence by May 18. Balarezo also brought up a motion he had filed to bar the government from introducing evidence of payments to Guzman's lawyers as evidence of Guzman's "unexplained wealth." He said that would conflict with Guzman's right to legal representation, and that if the evidence were allowed, it might prevent Guzman's current lawyers from remaining on the case. The judge said he would consider the motion in short order. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Alistair Bell) Within minutes of the news that former first lady Barbara Bush had died Tuesday at the age of 92, tributes began pouring in from political figures, including those in her own family. George H.W. Bush, her husband of 73 years, issued a statement that praised his wife as a proponent of family literacy, and noted that she is survived by 5 children, 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and a brother. In a written statement released by the White House, President Trump and first lady Melania Trump said they join the nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family, the statement read. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. The President and First Ladys thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Mrs. Bush. Former president Obama and his wife, Michelle, issued a statement calling Bush the rock of a family dedicated to public service. Well always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. Shell be remembered for passing these values on to her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and to the countless citizens whom she and George inspired to become points of light in service to others. Slideshow: Barbara Bush: A life in pictures >>> Former first lady Barbara Bush. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) Bill and HIllary Clinton also paid tribute to Mrs. Bush, calling her a remarkable woman. She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like, the Clintons said in a written statement. Story continues George W. Bush, the 43rd president, mourned his mothers passing and honored her legacy. My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was, the former president said in a written statement. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Im a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes. Jeb Bush thanked those who had wished his family well as news of his mothers failing health became public. Columba and I join every member of the Bush family in offering our sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support for my Mom in recent days, and throughout her remarkable life, the former Florida governor said in a message posted to Facebook. Im exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days. While dozens of tributes from politicians rolled in from around the country, there were also remembrances from those outside the political spectrum whose lives Mrs. Bush touched. One came from the Texas Rangers, the professional baseball team in which the Bush family held an ownership stake from the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s. Our thoughts are with the Bush family as they grieve the loss of former first lady Barbara. She will forever be in our hearts. pic.twitter.com/b4EE4s2fIu Texas Rangers (@Rangers) April 18, 2018 Read more from Yahoo News: The Queen has reportedly been hit extremely hard by the loss of her corgi Willow who died on Sunday - ending Her Majestys close association with the breed dating back eight decades. The dog, which was 14th generation and descended from the Queens first dog Susan, was suffering from a cancer-related illness. It is understood The Queen did not want Willow, who was almost 15, to suffer any further. Insiders said she was hit extremely hard by the loss of Willow, who had become her most devoted companion. As a descendant of Susan, who was an 18th birthday present when she was then Princess Elizabeth, Willow had a particularly close link with the Queen. On her 90th birthday, when she posed for portraits with her grandchildren, she also let her dogs share the limelight. Willow was one of four dogs at the time who featured in a picture with her, taken on steps in the grounds of Windsor castle. Corgis have played a massive role in Her Majesty's life Credit: Rex Features/Shutterstock A Buckingham Palace source told the Daily Mail: She has mourned every one of her corgis over the years, but she has been more upset about Willows death than any of them It is probably because Willow was the last link to her parents and a pastime that goes back to her own childhood. It really does feel like the end of an era. It was reported that the Queen was still feeding and exercising Willow until the weekend, but the dogs condition worsened. A vet was then said to have been called on Sunday afternoon, when Prince Philip was able to rejoin her after nearly two weeks in hospital following a hip operation. The Queen still has Vulcan and Candy, two dorgis - corgi-dachshund crosses, but Willow was the only dog left with a link to the Queen's original family of royal corgis. Last year Her Majesty agreed to adopt a corgi, Whisper, after the death of his owner, a former Sandringham gamekeeper. As a teenager, The Queen fell in love with her father's dog Dookie, a Pembrokeshire corgi, and wanted one of her own. Story continues She was subsequently given Susan and during her reign she has owned more than 30 corgis, many of them direct descendants of her first dog. Susan was so loved that she accompanied Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh on on their honeymoon. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip (left) with one of their corgis at Windsor Castle pictured in 1959 and Her Majesty walking her dogs in 1980 (right) Credit: PA/Getty Her descendant Willow appeared in the 2012 James Bond sketch which the Queen recorded with Daniel Craig for the London Olympics opening ceremony. The dog and two other corgis, Monty and Holly, greeted the secret agent, played by Daniel Craig, as he arrived at the palace to accept a mission from the Queen. The dogs ran down the stairs, performed tummy rolls and then stood as a helicopter took off for the Olympic stadium, carrying Bond and a stunt double of the Queen. Monty, who was 13, died a couple of months later. Holly was put down in October 2016 after suffering from an illness, leaving Willow as the Queen's final corgi. In 2015, the Queen decided to stop breeding Pembroke Welsh corgis over fears she might trip over and hurt herself over them. It was also reported that she didnt want to leave any behind when she dies. Yet during her time looking after them, she has had more than 30 corgis stemming from Susans puppies Sugar and Honey, who were born in 1949. Queen Elizabeth II pictured walking her dogs in 1973 with a corgi leading the way and another ushering from behind Credit: Alpha Press Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the reports, saying it would be a private matter. Prince Harry revealed last year how his fiancee Meghan Markle had managed to charm the Queen's dogs. The prince said in his engagement interview: "And the corgis took to you straightaway. "I've spent the last 33 years being barked at - this one walks in, absolutely nothing." Describing the moment, Ms Markle said: "Just laying on my feet during tea, it was very sweet." Queen Elizabeth II's long-standing love of corgis The Queen is synonymous with her love of corgis. The snappy little dogs had a penchant for nipping servants' ankles, but the Queen has always been devoted to them. She has owned more than 30 of the breed, as well as dorgis, black Labradors and cocker spaniels. Her first corgi, Susan, was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944. The Queen had fallen in love with her father's dog Dookie, a Pembrokeshire corgi, and wanted one of her own. Susan became the founder of the Queen's royal dog dynasty, and was even taken on honeymoon by Princess Elizabeth. But Susan was not always well-behaved. She bit a royal clockwinder on the ankle and was also rather partial to going for servants' legs. A corgi passes between two rugby players in 2007 when The Queen greeted internationals Credit: Tim Graham Picture Library/Getty Her grandson, Whisky, apparently tore the seat out of a Guards officer's trousers. The Queen has looked after her own dogs as much as possible. She now has Whisper - a corgi she adopted after the death of its owner, a Sandringham gamekeeper - and two dorgis, Vulcan and Candy. During weekends at Windsor, the corgis went too and lived in her private apartments. She fed them herself, whenever her busy schedule permitted. She mixed their feed with a spoon and fork, from ingredients brought on a tray by a footman. She also enjoyed walking her corgis and they knew when it was time for their exercise. If the Queen came in wearing a tiara, they laid glumly on the carpet; if she was in a headscarf, they knew it was time for walkies. The Duke of York said his mother's love of her corgis has helped to keep her fit. "She is just amazing at her age and she walks a long way, the dogs keep her active," Andrew said. Corgis are liable to bite people's legs because their forebears rounded up sheep by snapping at their feet. One footman at the Palace found a novel way of getting his own back. Queen Elizabeth II profile He spiked the dogs' food and water with whisky and gin, then watched in amusement as the tipsy animals staggered around. But he was discovered and demoted. At one stage, the Queen was forced to call in a dog psychiatrist when her corgis kept setting upon each other. The worst incident was when Ranger, who belonged to the Queen Mother, killed the Queen's dorgi Chipper in 1989. Two years later the Queen was bitten on the left hand while trying to break up a fight between six of her corgis and two of the Queen Mother's at Windsor. She needed three stitches and her chauffeur needed a tetanus jab. Canine psychiatrist Roger Mugford prescribed an ear-piercing rape alarm which the Queen used to break up the dog fights. He also sent the leader of the pack, Apollo, to live with the Princess Royal. But sometimes it was the corgis who found themselves under attack. In 2003, as the royals were gathering for Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, one suffered a tragic fate. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh during their traditional summer break at Balmoral Castle. The royal couple are seen with 'Tinker', a cross between a corgi and long haired dachshund Credit: PA Pharos - then one of the Queen's oldest corgis - was savaged by another dog and had to be put down. The Queen was devastated at the death of one of her favourite pets. Dottie, an English bull terrier owned by the Princess Royal, was blamed. The year before, Anne had been fined 500 when the same dog attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. But some days later, an announcement from the Palace revealed it was a case of mistaken identity. The real killer of Pharos was Florence, another of Anne's dogs. Pharos was buried in the Sandringham grounds, joining Susan and some of the other corgis with gravestones there. Daniel Craig and Queen Elizabeth II with her corgis Credit: Videograb In 2012, the Queen's remaining corgis had a starring role in the James Bond sketch the Queen recorded for the London Olympics opening ceremony. Monty, Willow and Holly greeted the secret agent, played by Daniel Craig, as he arrived at the Palace to accept a mission from the Queen. Monty, who was 13, died a couple of months later. Holly was put down in October 2016 after suffering from an illness, leaving Willow, who died on Sunday, as the Queen's final corgi descended from Susan. Paris (AFP) - Prominent Islamic scholar Tariq Ramadan, in detention in France over rape allegations, is suffering from multiple sclerosis, but could be treated behind bars, according to judicial medical opinion. The prominent TV pundit and Oxford University professor, whose grandfather founded Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood movement, was detained by a French court in February over charges that he raped two Muslim women in France. A third alleged victim has come forward since then. In February, a French court dismissed a bid by the 55-year-old Ramadan to be released from detention on health grounds, after his lawyers argued his multiple sclerosis (MS) and nerve damage could not be adequately treated behind bars. Now, sources told AFP, medics agree that Ramadan has been suffering since 2006 from MS, a disabling disease of the central nervous system, but insist that "if he remains in detention he will continue to receive access to health care," including four physiotherapy sessions per week. Ramadan denies the rape charges against him and has been held in a prison near Paris since February 2. When he made his original bid to avoid detention for health reasons, the first medical evidence given to the court failed to confirm his condition. According to the expert report handed over to the presiding judges on Wednesday, the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis was delivered the following month by two neurosurgeons. His two original accusers went to police in late October, both alleging that he had raped them in French hotel rooms In early March, a third woman came forward claiming Ramadan had raped her in Brussels in 2013 and 2014 She accused him of subjecting her to violent and sexually degrading acts during a dozen meetings, often in hotels on the sidelines of conferences. One of European Islam's best known figures, he has dismissed the accusations against him as a smear campaign by his enemies and his lawyers argue there are inconsistencies in the women's accounts. His supporters -- including two million Facebook followers -- have lashed out angrily at his arrest, with many complaining that he has been unfairly targeted because he is Muslim. If you want to be clean, you better be taking a daily shower or soak in the bathtub, right? Not necessarily. Do you really need to shower every day? In fact, a doctor says that when it comes to your health, you really shouldnt be showering every single day. According to George Washington Universitys Assistant Professor of Dermatology Dr. C. Brandon Mitchell, bathing daily could lead to an increase in infections. He says that excessive time in the shower strips skin of natural oils, disrupting good bacteria that supports the immune system. Your body is naturally a well-oiled machine. I think most people over-bathe, he told TIME. A daily shower isnt necessary. Rather than bathing daily, Mitchell recommends focusing more on washing your hands regularly and cleaning your clothes more often. And if you have dry hair, the dermatology professor suggests you need to wash it less than you think. ALSO SEE: How often do you really need to wash your hair? Some people with a dry scalp and hair probably only need to lather it every few weeks, he said. Infectious disease expert Dr. Elaine Larson at Columbia University agrees and says that people only bathe frequently because of the stigma around it. ALSO SEE: Youre probably washing your towels wrong I think showering is mostly for aesthetic reasons, she said. People think theyre showering for hygiene or to be cleaner, but bacteriologically, thats not the case. In 2017, the University of Utah conducted a study where they analyzed the residents of a village in the Amazon. The study found that people in these remote villages have the most diverse bacteria and genetic functions when compared to other human groups. This, they say, proves Westerners are overly clean, affecting microbial populations. If youre worried about body odour, Mitchell says people should consider their skin health first. If youre hydrated and healthy, you can most likely get away with a quick shower daily but only apply soap to your armpits, feet and groin area. Story continues I tell patients who shower daily not to lather their whole bodies, he said. Bathing will remove odor if youre stinky or have been to the gym, Larson added. Let us know what you think by commenting below and tweeting @YahooStyleCA! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram. A prominent Republican senator says that any of his colleagues who are not conflicted over the presidency of Donald Trump are comatose or "blind". Bob Corker who has been a sharp critic of Mr Trump at times, and has described his relationship with the president as very warm at others made the comment during a breakfast Wednesday hosted by the Christian Science Monitor. Any Republican senator that hasnt been conflicted over this presidency is either comatose or is pretty useless in their blindness, ok, and weve got some of both, of course not many, Mr Corker said. Mr Corker, who is resigning after finishing his current term, emphasized that he has a good relationship with the president even if they disagree at times. I have a very warm relationship with the president. Hes very accessible, more accessible than any president probably in the history of the world, Mr Corker continued. Mr Corker is currently in his second term as senator for Tennessee, and is the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. During the breakfast, he continued to say that his main disagreement with the president at the moment is with his administrations tendency to run a bit wild at times. He said that he feels conflicted about Mr Trump because sometimes the president will sign a piece of legislation, but then we have chaotic things that occur on a daily basis. At 10 oclock you might feel one way, at noon you might feel another way, at 2 oclock you might feel another way, Mr Corker said, describing how his perspective on the president evolves every day. Mr Corker refused to say whether he would consider taking a jo in the Trump administration after he retires. Conjecture is bad for your health, he said. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps sudden decision not to impose tough new sanctions on Russia left many lawmakers dumbfounded this week and led some to question whether Trump had seriously undermined Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, who had announced the sanctions just a day prior. Haley made headlines during an interview on Sunday when she announced that the Trump administration would be rolling out new sanctions against Russia as punishment for its continued support of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad. [Treasury] Secretary Mnuchin will be announcing those on Monday, if he hasnt already, Haley said on CBSs Face the Nation when asked whether Assads patrons will see any consequences in the wake of a horrific chemical weapons attack in Syria. And they will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons used. And so I think everyone is going to feel it at this point. I think everyone knows that we sent a strong message, and our hope is that they listen to it, she added. United States Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley discusses the situation in Syria on April 14, 2018 at UN headquarters. (Photo: Drew Angerer via Getty Images) Less than 24 hours later, however, after the Kremlin denounced the sanctions as international economic raiding, Trump decided to put them on hold because he was not yet comfortable with executing them, according to The Washington Post. Haleys comments, the paper further reported, had caused consternation in the White House on Sunday. The cleanup continued the following day after White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters the administration is considering slapping additional sanctions on Russia and that it will make a decision in the near future. Larry Kudlow, the presidents chief economic adviser, meanwhile, pinned the blame on Haley by stating that she got ahead of the curve. There might have been some momentary confusion about that, he told reporters in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Tuesday. With all due respect, I dont get confused, Haley later responded in a statement of her own. Story continues With all due respect, I don't get confused, Nikki Haley said in a statement @DanaPerino just read on Fox News. https://t.co/5RdHwmkpQU Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) April 17, 2018 The Trump administrations sharp reversal on sanctions as well as the unusual public contradiction between top aides left lawmakers of both parties scratching their heads on Tuesday. Its really disheartening to, one, have passed sanctions that havent been implemented, and two, to have the White House say, All right, were going to do it and then move away from it, Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) told HuffPost. Thats just not a good signal to Moscow or any of our adversaries or allies. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said he was not surprised by how the administration handled the matter. Corker was an author of a sanctions bill that Trump signed in August but also called seriously flawed. You know, two weeks ago we were moving out of Syria, and then the next day we werent, so its just sort of standard confusion, he told reporters. The Trump administrations public rebuke of Haley, in particular, could undermine her standing around the world, said Keith Michael Harper, who served as the U.S. ambassador to the U.N. Human Rights Council under President Barack Obama. Either Amb @nikkihaley made a terrible blunder (less likely) or she had her legs cut out from under her. Either way this will severely undermine her effectiveness since fellow Ambs cant take her word as US policy.@JohnJHarwood https://t.co/82efhGr3YY Keith Michael Harper (@AmbHarper) April 17, 2018 Trump has been reluctant to criticize or take punitive measures against Russia, despite its meddling in the 2016 presidential election, support for Assad, the annexation of Crimea and likely poisoning of an ex-Russian spy and his daughter in Britain. Trump was reportedly furious with his top aides last month after he learned the U.S. had expelled more diplomats and suspected spies 60 than European allies like France and Germany to punish Russia for its suspected role in the poison attack. There were curse words, one official told The Washington Post. A lot of curse words. The U.S. president has offered effusive praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and has expressed a desire to work with him to solve many of the worlds problems. He has also declined numerous opportunities to denounce Russia for election interference, leaving open the possibility that other foreign actors were responsible. Yet Trump has also taken some recent steps to call out Russia. To Iran, and to Russia, I ask: What kind of a nation wants to be associated with the mass murder of innocent men, women, and children? he asked in a speech announcing U.S. missile strikes against Syria last Friday. Earlier this month, his administration also announced it was hitting 24 Russian oligarchs with sanctions over malign activity, including election meddling. Republicans had few good answers on Tuesday as to why Trump has been hesitant to criticize or take action against Russia. I dont know, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) told HuffPost. I think he has criticized Russia and called them out, but, you know, I dont know. He has long-standing relationships there. I would support sanctions, definitely, she added. Asked why he seemed unwilling to criticize Russia, Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) told HuffPost, I think hes criticized them every day when he bombs their chief ally in Syria. Democrats, meanwhile, questioned Trumps commitment to punitive actions against Russia given his reversal on new sanctions. The White House shouldnt have to drag the president kicking and screaming to do the right thing when it comes to punishing Vladimir Putin and Russia, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said Tuesday. Nikki Haley must be so embarrassed today, he added. That she forthrightly says, were going to be tough on Russia and do additional sanctions one day and the president contradicts her the next. Do they talk to each other? Do they have a set plan? Or is it just up to the presidents whim, day to day, moment to moment? CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said Russia had annexed Ukraine. Russia annexed Crimea, which is a part of Ukraine. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian news agencies reported on Wednesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration had informed the Russian embassy in Washington that the United States had no immediate plans to impose new sanctions. Relations between Moscow and Washington are in focus after the United States imposed fresh sanctions on Russia in early April, triggering a massive sell-off on Russian markets and raising global geopolitical tensions to a new level. "I can confirm that the United States has informed the Russian embassy that there will be no new sanctions for now," TASS cited a source in the Russian foreign ministry as saying. Interfax, TASS and RIA agencies published similar reports at the same time, citing one source at the Russian foreign ministry. Interfax said the Russian embassy in Washington received a letter from the Trump administration, while RIA said it was a notification. The reports moved the market, helping the rouble pair losses, and echoed previous statements by a senior U.S. administration official on Monday that Trump had delayed imposing fresh penalties. This official said Trump was concerned that immediately imposing more sanctions, on the heels of last weekend's U.S.-led strike against Russian-backed Assad, would interfere with his efforts to negotiate agreements with Russian President Vladimir Putin on combating Islamic extremism, policing the internet and other issues. The United States on April 6 imposed sanctions against Russian entities and individuals to punish Moscow for its alleged meddling in the 2016 U.S. election and what the U.S. Treasury Department dubbed other "malign activity." Russia denies any interference in the U.S. election. In retaliation, Russian lawmakers proposed a wide range of measures to the U.S. sanctions last week, including banning U.S.-made software and alcohol. A decision on Russia's counter-measures has been postponed until mid-May, after the inauguration of Putin, who won another six-year term in March presidential elections. (Reporting by Andrey Ostroukh; Editing by Jon Boyle) Riyadh (AFP) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir reaffirmed on Tuesday the kingdom's willingness to deploy troops to Syria as part of US-led efforts to stabilise the conflict-torn country. "We are in discussions with the US and have been since the beginning of the Syrian crisis (in 2011) about sending forces into Syria," Jubeir said at a press conference in Riyadh with UN chief Antonio Guterres. The comments were in response to a Wall Street Journal report on Monday that US President Donald Trump's administration was seeking to assemble an Arab force, including troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, to replace a US military contingent in Syria. The report follows weekend strikes by the United States, Britain and France against Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad's government that hit targets they said were linked to a state chemical weapons programme. Jubeir emphasised that the proposal to send its troops as part of a broader international coalition was "not new". "We made a proposal to the (previous US) Obama administration that if the US were to send forces... then Saudi Arabia would consider along with other countries sending forces as part of this contingent," he said. Before the weekend's Western strikes, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had indicated that the kingdom would back an international military action in Syria. Guterres, who also met Saudi King Salman on Tuesday, emphasised the need for a political solution in Syria, free of foreign interference. Syria's war, the most tangled of the region's conflicts, is a key point of contention pitting Riyadh and its allies, who mainly back Sunni Muslim rebels, against regime backer Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah. Riyadh and Shiite rival Tehran also back opposing sides in other hotspots across the mainly Sunni Middle East, including Lebanon, Iraq and Saudi Arabia's southern neighbour, Yemen. By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The White House cranked up pressure on Wednesday on Democratic senators facing tough re-election fights to back secretary of state nominee Mike Pompeo, who looked increasingly likely to face a rare committee rejection before the full Senate can vote on his nomination. President Donald Trump confirmed the CIA director is already deeply involved in diplomacy via a meeting with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. But even if he is confirmed, Pompeo risked becoming the first secretary of state known to take office without the approval of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pompeo needs Democratic votes to gain approval from the panel where one Republican, Senator Rand Paul, has pledged to oppose him. Paul was the only one of Trump's fellow Republicans to vote against Pompeo's nomination to be CIA director. The committee includes 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Nine of the 10 Democrats have announced they oppose Pompeo. The 10th, Senator Chris Coons, is undecided. Like many Democrats, Paul said Pompeo is too hawkish to be the country's top diplomat. He also criticized him for supporting the CIA's past use of waterboarding and other interrogation techniques widely considered torture. Pompeo can be approved by the full Senate even without the committee's backing, and supporters say he is likely to win at best a slim majority in the 100-member chamber. But no secretary of state is ever known to have been rejected by the committee. Before the 1920s, such votes were not made public, and none has been rejected by the panel since. 'CONSEQUENCES' On a White House call with reporters, Republican Senator Tom Cotton warned Democratic senators up for re-election in states Trump won in 2016 not to vote against Pompeo. He mentioned Joe Donnelly of Indiana, Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota and Joe Manchin of West Virginia. "If they do so - and they're up for re-election - they may suffer the consequences," said Cotton, an outspoken Trump supporter who blasted the Foreign Relations Committee as out of step with the rest of the Senate. A Manchin aide declined comment, a Heitkamp aide said she had not made a decision on Pompeo, and Donnelly's office did not respond to a request for comment. Senator Robert Menendez, top Democrat on Foreign Relations, announced earlier on Wednesday he would cast a "no" vote. Menendez criticized Pompeo for failing to disclose his recent trip to North Korea in meetings with lawmakers. He said Pompeo also was not forthcoming when questioned about the investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia to sway the 2016 election. "I believe our nation's top diplomat must be forthright," Menendez said in a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank. In Florida, Trump told reporters before a lunch with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that he expected Paul would change his mind. "He's never let me down. And I don't think he'll let us down again," Trump said. "I think Mike Pompeo is going to go down as one of the great secretary of states," Trump said. Pompeo and Kim had a "great meeting," Trump said, adding, "He's very smart but he gets along with people." Sergio Gor, Paul's deputy chief of staff, said the senator had agreed to meet with Pompeo but nothing else had changed. Democratic opponents also say Pompeo's opposition to gay marriage and past ties to anti-Muslim organizations make him too ideologically conservative to represent the country on the world stage. Republicans who back Pompeo accuse Democrats of playing politics at time when the country needs a secretary of state to deal with such crises as North Korea and Syria. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Roberta Rampton in Washington and Steve Holland in Palm Beach, Florida; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe, Bernadette Baum, David Gregorio and Cynthia Osterman) Bratislava (AFP) - Slovakia's controversial police chief announced his resignation Tuesday, as the murder of an investigative journalist -- which already toppled the government last month -- continues to make political waves in the small EU country. Slovakia has been plunged into political crisis since journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancee were found shot dead in February. Kuciak had been probing alleged ties between top politicians and the Italian mafia. Tens of thousands of protestors have repeatedly taken to the streets in the wake of the murder, forcing a successive string of officials and politicians to step down. Interior minister Robert Kalinak resigned in March, and the pressure from the protests eventually forced Prime Minister Robert Fico and his entire cabinet to quit last month as well. Kalinak's successor as interior minister Tomas Drucker resigned on Monday. And police chief Tibor Gaspar -- who had been refusing to quit for several weeks -- also finally threw in the towel on Tuesday. He is to step down at the end of May. Critics had argued that Gaspar's alleged political connections prevented a fair investigation into Kuciak's murder. Announcing his decision in Bratislava, Gaspar told reporters that his "resignation would finally allow the police corps to function without being attacked." Even though the left-wing populist Fico has been replaced as premier by Peter Pellegrini, analysts believe that it is the former PM who continues to pull the strings, as he remains chairman of the governing Smer-SD party. Bratislava-based political analyst Grigorij Meseznikov suggested that Gaspar was only leaving at the end of next month because "Fico needs him in this position" for a while longer. "Gaspar must help maintain the selective justice in cases that could potentially harm Smer-SD party," the analyst told AFP. The murder and Kuciak's article, published afterwards, raised fresh concern about media freedom and corruption in Slovakia, an EU member state of 5.4 million people. Michael Peck Security, Cut 'the cable'. The Sneaky Way Russia Could Win a War Against Great Britain As with landlines, breaks in underwater cables are not uncommon, especially close to shore. But as the New York Times noted in 2015, "what worries Pentagon planners most is that the Russians appear to be looking for vulnerabilities at much greater depths, where the cables are hard to monitor and breaks are hard to find and repair." If anything, the danger is only likely to increase. The proliferation of unmanned underwater vehiclessea droneshas opened a new horizon of robots that can stealthily and cheaply destroy or eavesdrop on underwater cables. A Russian attack on undersea cables could cripple the United Kingdom's military and economy, British officials warn. "There is a new risk to our way of life, which is the vulnerability of the cables that criss-cross the seabeds," said Britain's military chief, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach. Peach's warning came after British think tank Policy Exchange released a report that urged the United Kingdom and NATO to beef up security of undersea cables. "97% of global communications and $10 trillion in daily financial transactions are transmitted not by satellites in the skies, but by cables lying deep beneath the ocean," the think tank said. "Undersea cables are the indispensable infrastructure of our time, essential to our modern life and digital economy, yet they are inadequately protected and highly vulnerable to attack at sea and on land, from both hostile states and terrorists. Recommended: Why North Korea's Air Force is Total Junk Why Doesn't America Kill Kim Jong Un? The F-22 Is Getting a New Job: Sniper The report pointed to warnings by U.S. intelligence agencies that "Russian submarines 'aggressively operating' near Atlantic cables as part of its broader interest in unconventional methods of warfare. When Russia annexed Crimea, one of its first moves was to sever the main cable connection to the outside world." Story continues (This first appeared in December.) Not that America hasn't tampered with underwater communications links. One of the most successful U.S. intelligence operations ever was using submarines to covertly tap Soviet cables in the 1970s. In 1971, Operation Ivy Bells sent the USS Halibut to the Sea of Okhotsk, where it wrapped a listening device around a Soviet line. Until the operation was betrayed in 1981 by an NSA employee spying for Russia, U.S. intelligence listened in on messages that the Russians didn't even feel a need to encrypt. But more recently, in 2015, the Pentagon warned that it was more Russian ships operating closer to undersea cables. In 2016, there were fears that the Russian spy ship Yantar was interfering with underwater cables bringing connecting Syria to the Internet. As with landlines, breaks in underwater cables are not uncommon, especially close to shore. But as the New York Times noted in 2015, "what worries Pentagon planners most is that the Russians appear to be looking for vulnerabilities at much greater depths, where the cables are hard to monitor and breaks are hard to find and repair." If anything, the danger is only likely to increase. The proliferation of unmanned underwater vehiclessea droneshas opened a new horizon of robots that can stealthily and cheaply destroy or eavesdrop on underwater cables. Michael Peck, a frequent contributor to TNI, is a defense and historical writer based in Oregon. His work has appeared in Foreign Policy, WarIsBoring and many other fine publications. He can be found on Twitter and Facebook. Image: Reuters. Read full article The maximum-security Lee Correctional Institution facility houses about 1,500 inmates in Bishopville, South Carolina: AP Photo/Sean Rayford Seven inmates were killed and more than a dozen injured after fighting broke out at a maximum security prison in South Carolina. Prisons spokesman Jeff Taillon announced the deaths after state police helped secure Lee Correctional Institution in the early hours of Monday. Mr Taillon said no officers were wounded after multiple inmate fights broke out at 7:15pm on Sunday. He said 17 of the injured required medical attention outside the prison. Lee County Fire/Rescue assisted With a Mass Causality Incident at Lee Correctional. Mutual Aid was received from FlorenceCounty EMS, Kershaw County EMS, Darlington County EMS, Lexington County EMS and Hartsville Rescue. Assistance was also received from Med One a private service. pic.twitter.com/P22A1ruzQY Lee County Fire (@LeeCountyFire) April 16, 2018 Lee Correctional Institution was secured at 2:55 AM following an incident which started at 7:15 PM. The incident involved multiple inmate on inmate altercations in three housing units. SC Dept. Corrections (@SCDCNews) April 16, 2018 The South Carolina Department of Corrections tweeted to say the fight involved multiple inmate-on-inmate altercations in three housing units. Lee County Fire and Rescue said ambulances from multiple jurisdictions lined up outside to tend to the wounded. The local coroner's office also responded. The maximum-security facility in Bishopville houses about 1,500 inmates - some of South Carolinas most violent and longest-serving offenders. Two officers were stabbed in a fight in 2015. In February this year, one inmate killed another. By Makini Brice and Josh Smith WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that preparations were advancing for a first-ever summit with North Korea after CIA director Mike Pompeo visited Pyongyang and formed a "good relationship" with its leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo, who Trump has nominated to become his next secretary of state, became the first U.S. official known to have met Kim when he flew to Pyongyang to lay the groundwork the planned summit in which the U.S. president hopes to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea," Trump tweeted. "Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump said the meeting took place last week, but U.S. officials said Pompeo actually visited over the Easter weekend, which ran from March 31 to April 2. The trip, which followed a North Korean invitation, was first broached through intelligence channels that his staff was using with North Koreas spy service, a U.S. official said. It provides the strongest sign yet of Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader as he seeks to resolve a crisis over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Trump said on Tuesday he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push, but added it was possible the summit - which the president had earlier said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen, in which case the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions. U.S. officials said the visit by Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks about giving up his nuclear weapons. They said Pompeo's conversations in Pyongyang fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible, but far from guaranteed. They said no site had yet been chosen for a summit. Pompeo flew to North Korea from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with South Korea's defense ministry said. Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state last week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim would be an agreement...such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. NORTH-SOUTH SUMMIT News of Pompeo's trip came as South Korean President Moon Jae-in was preparing for his own summit with Kim, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor. "As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a top South Korean presidential official told reporters in Seoul. "But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea." South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force have remained technically at war with North Korea since the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. The South Korean official said he did not know if any joint summit statement would include wording about ending the war, "but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North." Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable last year when North Korea conducted repeated missile tests, detonated its largest ever nuclear bomb, and said the United States was now within range of its weapons. The tests and escalating rhetoric between Trump and Kim raised fears of war before the North Korean leader called, in a New Year speech, for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Despite China's traditional friendship with North Korea, Beijing has been angered by Kim's weapons development and backed successive rounds of U.N. economic sanctions, from which Pyongyang is seeking respite.On Wednesday, finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized countries issued a statement saying they were concerned about North Korea's evasion of sanctions and its "ability to access the international financial system." (Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim and Joyce Lee in Seoul, Susan Heavey, John Walcott, Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick, David Brunnstrom and Doina Chiacu in Washington, and Christian Shepherd in Beijing; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alistair Bell) By Makini Brice and Josh Smith WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that preparations were advancing for a first-ever summit with North Korea after CIA director Mike Pompeo visited Pyongyang and formed a "good relationship" with its leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo, who Trump has nominated to become his next secretary of state, became the first U.S. official known to have met Kim when he flew to Pyongyang to lay the groundwork the planned summit in which the U.S. president hopes to persuade North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea," Trump tweeted. "Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearisation will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump said the meeting took place last week, but U.S. officials said Pompeo actually visited over the Easter weekend, which ran from March 31 to April 2. The trip, which followed a North Korean invitation, was first broached through intelligence channels that his staff was using with North Koreas spy service, a U.S. official said. It provides the strongest sign yet of Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader as he seeks to resolve a crisis over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Trump said on Tuesday he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push, but added it was possible the summit - which the president had earlier said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen, in which case the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions. U.S. officials said the visit by Pompeo, one of Trump's most trusted advisers, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks about giving up his nuclear weapons. Story continues They said Pompeo's conversations in Pyongyang fuelled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible, but far from guaranteed. They said no site had yet been chosen for a summit. Pompeo flew to North Korea from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with South Korea's defence ministry said. Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state last week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim would be an agreement...such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. NORTH-SOUTH SUMMIT News of Pompeo's trip came as South Korean President Moon Jae-in was preparing for his own summit with Kim, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor. "As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsula's armistice to a peace regime," a top South Korean presidential official told reporters in Seoul. "But that's not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea." South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force have remained technically at war with North Korea since the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. The South Korean official said he did not know if any joint summit statement would include wording about ending the war, "but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North." Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable last year when North Korea conducted repeated missile tests, detonated its largest ever nuclear bomb, and said the United States was now within range of its weapons. The tests and escalating rhetoric between Trump and Kim raised fears of war before the North Korean leader called, in a New Year speech, for lower military tensions and improved ties with South Korea. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Despite China's traditional friendship with North Korea, Beijing has been angered by Kim's weapons development and backed successive rounds of U.N. economic sanctions, from which Pyongyang is seeking respite.On Wednesday, finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized countries issued a statement saying they were concerned about North Korea's evasion of sanctions and its "ability to access the international financial system." (Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim and Joyce Lee in Seoul, Susan Heavey, John Walcott, Steve Holland, Matt Spetalnick, David Brunnstrom and Doina Chiacu in Washington, and Christian Shepherd in Beijing; Editing by Nick Macfie and Alistair Bell) North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and South Korea's Culture, Sports and Tourism Minister Do Jong-whan during a rare concert by South Korean musicians in Pyongyang, North Korea: AFP/Getty Images Upcoming talks between North Korea and South Korea should seek to formally end the decades-old Korean War with a peace treaty, a South Korean official said - an outcome Donald Trump endorsed as his administration prepares for an unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The conflict that fractured the Korean Peninsula in the 1950s ended in a truce rather than the signing of a peace treaty. A recent thaw in relations between the two countries is fuelling hopes of an enduring detente - and a more definitive end to the war than a 1953 armistice has provided. A peace treaty should be signed in the inter-Korean summit so that we can build peace and ensure peaceful coexistence, South Korean cultural minister Do Jong-When told reporters, according to the Financial Times. In remarks to reporters, Mr Trump said South Korea has plans to meet with North Korea to see if they can end the war and threw his weight behind the effort. Subject to a deal, they would certainly have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that, Mr Trump said. The planned inter-Korean summit builds on a sustained diplomatic overture from Pyongyang that reversed tense months of weapons tests and belligerent rhetoric. After North Korea carved out a space for dialogue by dispatching athletes to South Korea for the Winter Olympics - along with Mr Kim's sister - and then followed up with additional meetings between North Korean and South Korean leaders, Mr Kim conveyed to Mr Trump an extraordinary invitation to meet. The American president has accepted the face-to-face encounter, which Mr Kim floated as part of an effort to denuclearise the Korean peninsula, according to a South Korean official. Mr Kim also pledge to halt new weapons tests. Mr Trump told reporters the US was engaging in direct talks at very high levels with Pyongyang, saying North Korea is coming along and predicting a summit by June. But he left open the possibility the effort collapses, in keeping with his administration both hailing the opportunity for a diplomatic breakthrough and continuing to project wariness about Mr Kims motives. Story continues Well be having discussions with Kim Jong Un very soon, Mr Trump said. That will be taking place probably in early June or before that assuming things go well. Its possible things wont go well and we wont have the meetings and well just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken. National Security Council official Matthew Pottinger reiterated to reporters that Mr Trumps aim for talks with Mr Kim was the permanent denuclearisation of North Korea but did not comment specifically on South Korea potentially seeking a peace treaty. I would just say that the US and South Korea are as much aligned and coordinated on their summit as we are on a US summit, he said. Leaders in Seoul and Pyongyang have embraced the possibility of warmer relations. Recently elevated South Korean president Moon Jae-in rose to office in part by vowing to repair ties with North Korea. And Pyongyang has issued calls for unity, sending a rare announcement to all Koreans earlier this year exhorting them to smash obstacles to reunification and to promote contact, travel, cooperation between North and South Korea. (PHILADELPHIA) A Southwest Airlines jet apparently blew an engine at about 30,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window and damaged the fuselage Tuesday, killing a passenger and injuring seven others, authorities said. The plane, a Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia just before noon as passengers breathing through oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling prayed and braced for impact. I just remember holding my husbands hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed, said passenger Amanda Bourman, of New York. And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldnt grow up without parents. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said one person was killed. It was the first passenger fatality in a U.S. airline accident since 2009, Sumwalt said. Seven other people were treated for minor injuries, Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said. He said there was a fuel leak in one of the engines when firefighters arrived and a small fire was quickly brought under control. The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane landed after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, along with the fuselage and at least one window. The NTSB sent a team of investigators to Philadelphia. Bourman said she was seated near the back and was asleep when she heard a loud noise and oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. She said the plane was fairly quiet because everyone was wearing a mask, while some passengers were in tears and others shouted words of encouragement. Story continues Everybody was crying and upset, she said. You had a few passengers that were very strong and they kept yelling to people, you know, Its OK, were going to do this.' Passenger Marty Martinez did a brief Facebook Live posting while wearing an oxygen mask. He posted, Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!! After the plane landed, he posted photos of a damaged window near the engine. Bourman said that everyone started yelling to brace for impact when the plane started to land. Everyone clapped and praised the pilot after he set the aircraft down. Bourman said she saw emergency medical workers using a defibrillator to help a woman who was taken off the plane. Bourman said she also saw a man in a cowboy hat rush to cover the broken window and that the man had a bandage around his arm after the plane landed. Passengers did some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances, Thiel said. Tracking data from FlightAware.com shows Flight 1380 was heading west over New Yorks southern tier at about 32,200 feet (10 km) traveling 500 mph (800 kph) when it abruptly turned toward Philadelphia. It was the first death stemming from an in-flight accident on a U.S. airliner since 2009, when 49 people on board and one of the ground were killed in the crash of a Continental Express plane near Buffalo, New York. Southwest has about 700 planes, all of them 737s, including more than 500 737-700s like the one involved in Tuesdays emergency landing. It is the worlds largest operator of the 737. The Boeing 737 is the best-selling jetliner in the world and has a good safety record. John Goglia, a former NTSB member, said investigators will take the Southwest engine apart to understand what happened and will look at maintenance records for the engine. Theres a ring around the engine thats meant to contain the engine pieces when this happens, Goglia said. In this case it didnt. Thats going to be a big focal point for the NTSB why didnt (the ring) do its job? Goglia said the Boeing 737 is a safe plane but engine failures occur from time to time. Were pushing the engines to produce as much power as possible, he said. Were right on the edge. Sometimes they fail, and thats why the containment ring is there. The engine failure was reminiscent of a similar event on a Southwest Boeing 737-700 jet in August 2016 as it flew from New Orleans to Orlando, Florida. Shrapnel from the engine left a 5-by-16-inch hole just above the wing. Passenger oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling. Pilots landed the plane safely in Pensacola, Florida. NTSB investigators said one of the engines fan blades broke off from the hub during the flight. The broken edge of the blade showed crack lines consistent with metal fatigue. Before Tuesday, Southwest had never had an accident-related fatality of a passenger, although a young boy died in 2006 when a Southwest jet skidded off a runway at Chicagos Midway Airport, crashed through a fence and collided with the boys familys car. ___ Koenig reported from Dallas. Associated Press writers Kristen de Groot and Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia, and Matthew Barakat in Washington, contributed to this story. NEW YORK (Reuters) - Southwest Airlines said the aircraft involved in Tuesday's fatal engine explosion was inspected on Sunday and the airline had not been aware of any previous issues with the jet or its engine. Southwest Chief Executive Gary Kelly said on a call with the media that Tuesday's fatality was the first of its kind in the airline's 51-year history. Kelly said he had reached out to the family of the victim, though he had not yet managed to make contact. (Reporting by Alana Wise; Editing by Tom Brown) Proton delivers the second Blagovest satellite The first mission of the Proton rocket in 2018 successfully delivered the Blagovest-12L spacecraft for the four-bird constellation of military communications satellites deployed in the geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface. The liftoff took place as scheduled on April 19, 2018, at 01:12 Moscow Time (06:12 p.m. EDT). According to GKNPTs Khrunichev, it was the 417th launch of the Proton rocket. Previous Proton mission: AsiaSat-9 Blagovest No. 12L mission at a glance: Spacecraft designations Blagovest No. 12L, 14F149 No. 12, Kosmos-2526 Launch vehicle Proton-M/Briz-M Launch date and time 2018 April 19, 01:11:59.971 Moscow Time Launch site Baikonur, Site 81 , Pad 24 From the publisher: Pace of our development depends primarily on the level of support from our readers! Preparing the second Blagovest satellite As of May 2016, the head of ISS Reshetnev Nikolai Testoedov said that the first Blagovest satellite would be ready to fly before the end of that year, followed by two more satellites in the series in 2017 and by the fourth in the first quarter of 2018. At the beginning of August 2017, Testoedov told Russian media that the second satellite -- Vehicle No. 12L -- was scheduled for launch at the end of 2017. Another pair of Blagovest satellites was then shifted to 2018, Testoedov said at the time. In the middle of 2017, ISS Reshetnev announced that the second Blagovest satellite had entered electric and thermal testing at the company's GVU-600 vacuum chamber. The tests were to last several weeks. The launch was then planned for Dec. 25, 2017, but by the beginning of November of that year, it had to be postponed until Feb. 2, 2018, at the earliest. The mission was then set for March 22. By the end of January 2018, the launch was re-scheduled to April 4, but was expected to drift further. As of the first week of February, the shipment of the satellite to Baikonur was scheduled in the second half of that month, followed by a 45-day processing cycle at the launch site. During a mission management meeting on February 14, the launch was projected for not earlier than April 22, but by the beginning of March, the mission was set for April 19. The spacecraft finally left the campus at ISS Reshetnev on March 1, 2018, and was flown to Baikonur to kick off the launch campaign. On April 10, the payload section, including the Blagovest satellite and the Briz-M upper stage, was integrated with the three booster stages of the Proton-M launch vehicle and the integrated tests of the fully assembled rocket were conducted on April 11. The rocket was rolled out to Pad 24 at Site 81 in Baikonur on the morning of April 15, 2018. Blagovest No. 12L lifts off A Proton-M rocket with a Briz-M upper stage carrying Blagovest No. 12L lifted off as scheduled from Pad 24 at Site 81 in Baikonur Cosmodrome on April 19, 2018, at 01:11:59.971 Moscow Time (6:12 p.m. EDT on April 18). The first, second and third stage of the launch vehicle operated for less than 10 minutes, releasing the payload section, including the upper stage and the satellite, into a ballistic trajectory just short of orbital velocity. Practically immediately after that milestone, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the liftoff had occurred at 01:12 Moscow Time and the upper stage with the spacecraft had separated from the third stage of the Proton-M rocket at 01:22 Moscow Time. Col. General Aleksandr Golovko, the Commander of the Russian Space Forces and the Deputy Commander of the Russian Aerospace Forces, VKS, supervised the launch from Baikonur, the Russian Ministry of Defense said. In the meantime, around 1.5 minutes after the separation from the third stage, the Briz-M fired its own engine for less than four minutes to reach an initial parking orbit. It then made a swing around the Earth before firing again, this time for 17.5 minutes. The maneuver pushed the stack into a highly elliptical orbit, which the vehicle continued to climb for more than two hours. Between 02:43 and 02:51 Moscow Time, the Russian MMT-9 KFU telescope cluster in Nizhniy Arkhyz tracked the Briz-M/Blagovest stack along its expected trajectory. The Briz-M's engine then fired again for nearly 18 minutes, this time, stretching the orbit so that its apogee (the highest point) ended up at an altitude of the geostationary orbit 36,000 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Shortly after the completion of its third maneuver, the space tug jettisoned its nearly empty external tank. (A fragment was later tracked by NORAD in an expected 387 by 35,686-kilometer orbit with an inclination 48.652 degrees toward the Equator.) The remaining stack then climbed passively for five hours, before Briz-M initiated its fourth and final engine firing lasting nearly 14 minutes. The maneuver circularized the orbit and tilted the inclination to match the plane of the Equator, getting the spacecraft ready for separation from Briz slightly more than a minute after the fourth Briz firing. Shortly after the release of the spacecraft, the Ministry of Defense confirmed that ground control facilities of the Russian space forces had established reliable communications with the spacecraft and that all its systems were functioning well. Following the spacecraft acquisition, it received the official designation Kosmos-2526. Around the same time, the satellite developer, ISS Reshetnev, identified the newly launched spacecraft as Blagovest No. 12 and confirmed that it communicates with ground control and all its mechanical devices had been deployed and it maintained a proper solar orientation. The ascent to orbit for the Blagovest 12L mission was planned according to the following timeline: Milestone Elapsed time Moscow Decree Time Liftoff 00:00:00 01:12:00 Stage I separation 00:02:00 01:14:00 Stage II separation 00:05:27 01:17:27 Payload fairing separation 00:05:46 01:17:46 Stage III separation 00:09:40 01:21:40 Briz-M begins 1st engine firing 00:11:16 01:23:16 Briz-M completes 1st engine firing 00:15:22 01:27:22 Briz-M begins its 2nd engine firing 01:07:28 02:19:28 Briz-M completes its 2nd engine firing 01:25:10 02:37:10 Briz-M begins its 3rd engine firing 03:28:27 04:40:57 Briz-M completes its 3rd engine firing 03:46:49 04:58:49 Briz-M begins its 4th engine firing 08:48:17 10:00:17 Briz-M completes its 4th engine firing 09:01:36 10:13:36 Spacecraft separates from the Briz-M upper stage 09:02:46 10:14:46 Blagovest-12L in orbit The Blagovest-12L satellite was expected to be released from its Briz-M stage into a geostationary orbit over a point located between 53 and 54.3 degrees East longitude over the Equator. The spacecraft would then have to move to a point at 80 degrees East, where it would undergo testing, before proceeding to its operational position 128 degrees East longitude. Post-launch trajectory measurements showed that Briz-M had delivered Blagovest-12L into an orbit within the required specifications, but the satellite had a minor easterly drift of around 2.3 degrees per day. That motion was expected to be adjusted in the near future to bring the satellite to its temporary testing position, which also happens to be to the east from its release point from the Briz-M upper stage. After a five-day embargo on the firings of the satellite's electric engines, the maneuvers began as planned on April 25, 2018. At the time, the spacecraft was expected to arrive at its orbital testing location between May 7 and May 10, 2018. Up to 20 firings of three low-thrust ion engines were planned to bring the eccentricity and the inclination of satellite's orbit close to zero. During the same period, flight controllers would have three windows, on April 26, May 2 and May 6 to reassess the actual orbital parameters of the satellite and adjust orbital maneuvers based on the latest trajectory measurements. Next Proton mission: Blagovest-13L Read (and see) much more about Angara rockets and many other space projects in Russia in a richly illustrated, large-format glossy edition: A Blagovest satellite under assembly and testing. Credit: ISS Reshetnev Blagovest No. 12L leaves the assembly plant in Zheleznogorsk on March 1, 2018. Credit: ISS Reshetnev Saint-Die-des-Vosges (France) (AFP) - President Emmanuel Macron faced booing from hostile railway workers Wednesday while touring a town in eastern France, as spreading student protests and a fourth round of crippling train strikes in a month piled on the pressure. The 40-year-old leader is facing the biggest test of his nearly 12-month presidency as train drivers, public sector workers and students challenge his economic reforms. On a visit to the town of Saint-Die-des-Vosges, Macron was booed and whistled by angry trade unionists from the hard-left CGT which is spearheading attempts to resist the centrist's pro-business agenda. "We can have differences, but we need to respect each other," Macron said while calling on staff of the SNCF rail operator to end their rolling strikes, which began in early April and could continue until late June. Only one in three high-speed TGVs and one in four inter-city trains were running Wednesday, with the same number expected on Thursday when a new round of mass demonstrations and stoppages have been called nationwide. Civil servants, workers in state retirement homes and students have been urged to demonstrate for the second time in a month after previous protests drew hundreds of thousands onto the streets. Unlike last time, the Paris metro also faces disruption, while a union leader in the energy sector warned of "targeted" power cuts in a campaign to push for the creation of a new national energy provider. On Tuesday, students occupied the prestigious Sciences Po university in Paris, the latest campus blocked by protesters over higher education reforms that will make university admission more selective. "Sciences Po students against Macron's dictatorship," read a banner hung from a window of the university, which has groomed generations of French politicians including Macron himself. - Standing firm - Macron has insisted he will not back down on his bid to shake up the big-spending public sector. Story continues A new poll by Ifop-Fiducial suggested 58 percent of French people were unhappy with his presidency, broadly in line with surveys showing his approval rating at around 40 percent. Ahead of a trip to Germany Thursday for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel, he is also facing resistance to his proposals to reform the European Union, where Berlin has cooled on some of his plans. There are, however, some reasons for Macron to feel optimistic. Wednesday's train strikes were less disruptive than on previous days and the SNCF rail operator said a sharply-reduced 19.8 percent of staff were taking part, down from 34 percent at the start of April. CGT union chief Philippe Martinez acknowledged there had been "a small drop" in participation, telling the Echos news site it was due to some staff being away due to school holidays. But he insisted "a huge majority" of staff backed continuing with the strikes. On Tuesday, the lower house of parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of the rail reform bill, which will scrap jobs-for-life and early retirement guarantees for new SNCF hires from January 1, 2020. The bill sailed through with 454 votes for and 80 against, as expected given that Macron's Republic on the Move party has a large majority. The bill now moves to the Senate and the government hopes it can be passed quickly to take the wind out of the protesters' sails. "Democracy is calling on the unions to find a solution that moves things forward, not backwards," Labour Minister Muriel Penicaud told France 2 television. At the University of Strasbourg in eastern France, a poll of 16,000 students found 72 percent wanted teaching to resume, bolstering the government's view that a minority of agitators are behind the sit-ins. Only four out of 70 universities are completely blocked and nine other university faculties have suffered disruption. On Wednesday, a court in the southern city of Montpellier -- where the protest movement began -- ordered students to clear out immediately or face expulsion. The various protests are still a far cry from the mass public sector strikes that forced a rightwing government to withdraw pension reforms in 1995, or May 1968 when a revolt by students and workers turned Paris into a battleground. Months after the city of Memphis circumvented state law to take down two statues honoring the Confederacy, Tennessees Republican-led legislature is punishing the city by stripping funding for its planned bicentennial celebration. The Tennessee House voted Tuesday to remove $250,000 that had been earmarked for festivities to commemorate the citys founding in 1819. Legislators who supported the moved explicitly linked it to the removal of the Confederate monuments, which took place after dark, with no official announcement, on Dec. 20. What this amendment does is it removes $250,000 from the budget that is designated to go to the city of Memphis for their bicentennial celebration, said state Rep. Steve McDaniel, a Republican who sponsored the bill, on the House floor. If you recall, back in December, Memphis did something that removed historical markers in the city. It was the city of Memphis that did this, and it was full knowing it was not the will of the legislature. Today is a demonstration that bad actions have bad consequences, and my only regret about this is its not in the tune of millions of dollars, added GOP Rep. Andy Holt. He compared Memphiss move to ISISs attempts to erase history and said cities shouldnt be allowed to skirt state laws if they dont like them. The alleged bad actions by the Memphis mayor and city council used some creative legal maneuvers to get around a 2013 state law, the Tennessee Heritage Protection Act, which required local governments to get approval from the state historical commission to remove statues from public property. Unable to get permission to take down monuments to Confederate Gen. Nathaniel Bedford Forrest and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the city sold the land on which the statues stood to a nonprofit, which then took the statues down. While the Memphis nonprofit moved the statues to an undisclosed location with the intent of transferring them to a historical society or Confederate memorial site, Holt said he stuck by the reference to the Islamic State as he felt both groups were trying to eliminate history. Story continues My comparison to ISIS is not to say that these folks are terrorists or extremists or whatever else, said Holt in an interview with Yahoo News, its simply to say the removal of historical documents, the removal of historical markers is characteristic of what ISIS has done. A session of the Tennessee House of Representatives in Nashville. (Photo: Mark Humphrey/AP) Its racist, its vindictive, its mean-spirited, its embarrassing, said Rep. Antonio Parkinson, a Democrat who represents Memphis, of the amendment. Parkinson was booed on the floor Tuesday for calling the amendment racist, an action he told Yahoo News he considers to be a badge of honor. The vote wasnt the first attempt by the state legislature to punish Memphis for its actions. Earlier this year a bill was proposed that would have made it a felony for local officials to vote to remove statues using the same legal maneuver. Last month the Republican supermajority recalled a resolution that had honored Tami Sawyer, the leading activist for the anti-Confederate statue movement. There have also been attempts to strengthen the Protection Act and to make it legal for the state to take possession of monuments in jeopardy of loss, destruction or exploitation. The main target in Memphis was the century-old Forrest statue overlooking one of the citys main thoroughfares. Forrest was a swashbuckling Confederate cavalryman who became a Southern icon the namesake of the fictional Forrest Gump but a statue honoring him was deemed offensive by Memphis, whose population is mostly African-American. Before the Civil War Forrest was a slave trader, running the Negro Mart downtown. During it he was questioned for war crimes after troops under his command allegedly massacred black Union troops who were attempting to surrender at Fort Pillow. After the war, he was the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. I never understood as a kid growing up these are public parks yet they display a monument of someone that was brutal to my ancestors, said City Council Chairman Berlin Boyd. He sold them, and he was not the type of image or man we should be portraying, especially in a city like Memphis that is predominantly African-American. The Forrest statue was dedicated in 1905 at the height of Jim Crow, while the monument to Davis that was also removed in December went up in 1964, as part of the backlash to the Civil Rights movement. (The parks where the statues stood were themselves segregated until a Supreme Court ruling in 1963.) Opposition to the statues gathered momentum after white supremacists held a violent rally in Charlottesville, Va., last September to protest the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee. The local Chamber of Commerce and over 150 religious leaders backed the movement. The city was determined to act before the ceremonies earlier this month commemorating the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis 50 years ago. The city council vote to sell the parks and bring the statues down was unanimous. The statue of Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest before it was removed from a park in Memphis. (Photo: Adrian Sainz/AP) The city has other options for funding its bicentennial celebration, including a direct appeal to Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, a Republican leaving office after this year. Rep. Raumesh Akbari, a Democrat who represents Memphis, told Yahoo News that she had also received multiple suggestions to start a GoFundMe page, an action that the Commercial Appeal reports has already been taken by another Memphian. While we would have appreciated the additional funding, wrote Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland on Twitter, the ongoing planning for the joint city-county bicentennial will continue unchanged. McDaniel did not respond to a request for interview, nor did Rep. Matthew Hill, who introduced the bill. Hill represents Jonesborough, Tenn., which is a seven-hour drive from Memphis. The Civil War ended in April of 1865, said Rep. Bo Mitchell, a Democrat who represents Nashville and opposed the amendment. Get over it. Read more from Yahoo News: Stephanie Clifford, also known as Stormy Daniels, revealed a composite sketch Tuesday of the man she says threatened her in 2011 to stay silent about an alleged affair she had with President Donald Trump. His face is burned in my memory, Clifford told the hosts of ABCs The View on Tuesday. I was really rattled. It just never left me. Heres the sketch of the man Stormy Daniels said threatened her, unveiled on The View pic.twitter.com/YHxZaSkuaC Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) April 17, 2018 The adult film actress has alleged she had sex with Trump in July 2006, a few months after first lady Melania Trump gave birth to Trumps youngest son, Barron. Trump has denied the affair occurred, according to the White House. Clifford, during an appearance on CBS 60 Minutes last month, said a man approached her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011 and demanded she stay quiet about the alleged affair. I was in a parking lot, going to a fitness class with my infant daughter, Clifford said. 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, Thats a beautiful little girl. Itd be a shame if something happened to her mom. And then he was gone. The sketch, drawn by renowned forensic artist Lois Gibson, describes the man as lean but fit, standing between 5 foot 9 inches and 6 feet. Cliffords lawyer, Michael Avenatti, is offering $100,000 to anyone who can identify the man who allegedly threatened her. Anyone with information is encouraged to email IDTheThug@gmail.com, Avenatti said Tuesday on The View. NEW: Stormy Daniels and her attorney @MichaelAvenatti reveal a sketch of the man she says threatened her to keep quiet about her alleged affair with Donald Trump. pic.twitter.com/21sZP5rELw The View (@TheView) April 17, 2018 Clifford sold an interview about the alleged affair to a sister publication of tabloid In Touch for $15,000 in 2011. But the interview never ran and Clifford was never paid after Trumps personal attorney, Michael Cohen, threatened legal action against the publication. Story continues Her story was brought back into the forefront in January after a Wall Street Journal investigation discovered Cohen made a $130,000 payment to Clifford in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election. In exchange, Clifford signed a nondisclosure agreement intended to bar her from discussing the alleged affair. Trump threatened to sue Clifford for $20 million in March, claiming she has repeatedly violated the nondisclosure agreement by speaking publicly in recent months about the alleged affair. Avenatti has since argued the nondisclosure agreement was never valid since Trump never signed it. Clifford observed a court hearing in New York City on Monday regarding a criminal investigation against Cohen, whose office was raided by the FBI last week. Investigators reportedly seized documents related to Cohens 2016 payment to Clifford, as well a payment he negotiated for another woman who has alleged having an affair with Trump. Also on HuffPost Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. 2005 At the AVN Awards at the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. 2005 At a signing for comedian Dane Cook's new CD/DVD "Retaliation" at Tower Records on July 27, 2005, in Hollywood. 2006 At the Adult Video News Awards Show at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. 2006 During Missy Elliot Hosts Yahoo! Music's Exclusive Grammy After Party at Mood in Hollywood. 2006 During Circle of Passion: An Evening with Lloyd Klein, at Astra Lounge in West Hollywood, California. 2006 At "The Fast and the Furious 3: Tokyo Drift" premiere at Universal Studios in Universal City, California. 2006 At "The Bliss" screening in Los Angeles. 2006 At the grand opening of an Original Penguin on Nov. 2, 2006, in Hollywood. 2007 At the 24th annual Adult Video News Awards Show at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. 2007 At the 49th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 2007 At the Trump Vodka launch party at Les Deux in Los Angeles. 2007 At the premiere of "Superbad" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. 2007 At "A Truly Irresistible Evening" at Les Deux in Los Angeles. 2007 At The MarketAmerica.com Super XLI Party in Miami Beach. 2007 During the second annual Diva Las Vegas Party at TAO Las Vegas at The Venetian. 2007 During Jet Nightclub's first anniversary celebration at Jet Nightclub at The Mirage in Las Vegas. 2007 At the "Knocked Up" premiere in Los Angeles. 2007 At a surprise birthday party for MMA champ Tito Ortiz hosted by Jenna Jameson on Jan. 23, 2007, at Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas. 2008 At the premiere of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. 2008 At the 50th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. 2008 At TAO Nightclub at The Venetian Hotel and Casino Resort in Las Vegas. 2009 At Jet Nightclub at The Mirage in Las Vegas. 2012 Daniels with her husband, adult film actor Brendon Miller, at the 29th annual Adult Video News Awards Show at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Jan. 21, 2012, in Las Vegas. 2013 At the 2013 XBIZ Awards held at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles. 2016 At the 2016 XBIZ Awards held at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. 2016 At the 2016 Adult Video News Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. 2017 At the 2017 Adult Video News Awards held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. 2017 At the Wicked Pictures booth at the 2017 AVN Adult Entertainment Expo at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. 2018 At the 2018 Adult Video News Awards at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Stephanie van den Berg ZWOLLE, Netherlands (Reuters) - When a Dutch right-to-die group said in February it would make good on its promise to help members buy a cheap and painless suicide powder dubbed "Substance X", 81-year-old Carla Jas, who joined the group in 2013, celebrated the news. Jas had always set her own course in life, breaking from her religious family, raising four children alone and traveling across Australia for a year. When it came to her death, Jas wanted the same level of independence, to opt out of a slow descent into dementia or a drawn-out decline in a sickbed. Cooperative Last Will scrapped its plan for Substance X after prosecutors launched an investigation into the group following the suicide of a 19-year-old woman. Her parents blamed Last Will on the grounds that its announcement made her aware of the existence of the chemicals she used to kill herself. Last Will denied any responsibility in the teenager's death. Prosecutors determined there was no direct link and said no charges would be brought. But the furor rekindled a long-running debate over whether to review the rules on euthanasia in the Netherlands, the first country to legalize the practice. It's an issue that is being closely watched by the handful of other countries and U.S. states that allow euthanasia or assisted suicide. Jas, who is not currently ill, is afraid that under the stringent laws now in effect she will not be able to seek assisted suicide when she feels her time has come, and will end up suffering. "Ive seen that (suffering) too much around me," she said in her apartment on the outskirts of Zwolle, a 1,200-year-old town in the north of the Netherlands. "I find it so humiliating." Last Will was founded in 2013 by members who broke away from established right-to-die group NVVE. In the burst of publicity over Substance X, membership has soared from 3,000 last year to more than 23,000 now, the group said. More than 520 people joined in a single day on March 22. "For my generation, the generation of the baby boomers, self-determination is key," said Last Will board member Petra de Jong, a former pneumologist turned euthanasia campaigner. "The membership applications are streaming in." De Jong called the interest a show of public support for efforts to loosen the criteria around euthanasia to make it easier for elderly people who are not terminally ill to legally end their life. Opponents say such a step could be dangerous for a sector of society that is particularly open to abuse. "In practice this will mostly consist of a vulnerable group, who experience a loss of purpose and are dependent on others to help them," the Royal Dutch Medical Association said on its website. "This is a complex and tragic issue for which there are no simple solutions." STRICT CRITERIA The Netherlands placed demanding conditions on euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide when it was legalized in 2002. Patients have to be experiencing unbearable physical or mental suffering, with no prospect for improvement, and have to have asked repeatedly to die. Qualified medical doctors decide whether those criteria have been met. A second opinion must be sought and the process reviewed by an independent panel, which has the power to refer cases to the authorities and to reprimand or refer doctors if necessary. The current law thus clearly distinguishes what happens in the Netherlands from assisted suicide, legal experts said. "A person who intentionally helps another with suicide or provides the means faces a prison sentence of three years or a fine, said prosecution spokeswoman Mary Hallebeek. "The only exception is if you are a doctor and you adhere to the strict criteria laid down in the euthanasia law. No doctor has been prosecuted since the law was passed. What's happening now is that the discussion in countries where euthanasia is legal is shifting to whether ending life is a medical issue or a human rights one, said Philip Nitschke, the Australian founder of pro-euthanasia group Exit International. "The rights model is gaining currency and it's played out in the Netherlands more than anywhere else because of this long experience with the medical model," he told Reuters. The number of euthanasia cases in the Netherlands rises every year. The 6,585 cases in 2017 accounted for 4.4 percent of deaths and was up 4 percent from 2016, according to RTE, an umbrella organization of regional review bodies. Polls in the Netherlands indicate there may be support for an expansion of the practice. A 2016 poll by RTL news and DVJ Insights showed 77 percent of 1,000 people polled supported allowing elderly people who believe "their life is complete" to request a legal and humane way to die. FACILITATORS Last Will's plan was to put members together with a "buyer" who would distribute Substance X, which it declined to name but described as a legally available chemical used as a preservative for meat and a laboratory cleaner to kill moulds and bacteria. Members needed to buy a special fingerprint-activated safety deposit box to store the substance safely, it said. Last Will does not now plan to facilitate the distribution of the powder or reveal its chemical composition after prosecutors said doing so could result in lawsuits. A change in the law is unlikely to happen under the current Dutch government, a coalition that includes the socially conservative Christian Union party. Carla Dik-Faber, a Christian Union member of parliament, said loosening the criteria would be a recipe for disaster. "A legal possibility suddenly becomes a real option and people will start asking if they should take such a substance. It can be abused, get into the wrong hands," she said. "People could feel pressured by the people around them. Rather than making it easier to commit suicide, lawmakers should focus on improving the lives of the elderly, many of whom are lonely or depressed, the Dutch medical association said. Carla Jas said she is too busy to think about ending her life now, but added she does not intend to wait for the outcome of a political debate. Surrounded by mementos of her Australia travels, she showed a Reuters reporter a small silver packet which she said contained an illegal poisonous substance ordered on the web from China four years ago. "It is a weight off my back" to know it is there, she said. "I have been happier ever since, which is nice and means I will live longer. Which is what everybody wants." (Editing by Anthony Deutsch and Sonya Hepinstall) Khartoum (AFP) - Sudan said Wednesday it has protested to the UN Security Council against Egypt, accusing Cairo of organising voting in a disputed border area during last month's Egyptian presidential election. Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Khartoum filed a complaint after Egypt held voting in the Halayeb triangle, a border territory claimed by both Khartoum and Cairo. Egypt held a presidential election in March that saw Abdel Fattah al-Sisi re-elected for a second term. "We have complained to the UN Security Council against Egypt for organising voting in Halayeb during its presidential election in March," Ghandour told lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday. Ghandour said that between December and March, Egypt had also undertaken some fishing and mining projects in the triangle. "We have two alternatives to solve the issue, either by negotiations or through international arbitration," Ghandour said, adding that Khartoum had also protested about the demarcation of borders between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that showed "Halayeb as part of Egypt". "Our position of full sovereignty on Halayeb triangle is something that is not negotiable," he said, but insisted that a military conflict with Egypt was not "an alternative at all" to solve the issue. Egypt's control of the Halayeb triangle, which lies near the Red Sea in a mineral-rich border region, has been a bone of contention between the two neighbours for decades. Khartoum says Halayeb has been part of its sovereign territory since shortly after independence in 1956. Tension between Cairo and Khartoum rose particularly since last year after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir accused Egyptian intelligence services of supporting opposition figures fighting his troops in the country's conflict zones like Darfur. Ties between the two were further strained after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Khartoum earlier this year. Story continues Turkey and Egypt have tense relations since the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, a close ally of Erdogan. In recent months tension also rose between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over a controversial dam that Ethiopia is building along its share of the Nile. Cairo fears that once commissioned the dam will reduce water supplies from the Nile to Egypt. Egypt relies almost totally on the Nile for irrigation and drinking water, and says it has "historic rights" to the river, guaranteed by treaties from 1929 and 1959. The Blue and the White Nile tributaries converge in Sudan's capital Khartoum and from there run north through Egypt to the Mediterranean. Beirut (AFP) - Syrian regime forces shelled the last pockets in Damascus controlled by the Islamic State group, preparing the ground for a possible assault on the jihadist stronghold, a monitor said Wednesday. After fully retaking the Eastern Ghouta region on the edge of the capital, the Syrian regime has turned its attention to other areas across the country that still escape its control. Among them are neighbourhoods in southern Damascus from which many civilians have fled but are still held by IS, including the Yarmuk area that hosts a Palestinian refugee camp. "Regime forces shelled several IS positions in Yarmuk camp and Hajar al-Aswad, killing one person and wounded several others," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Both sides had traded fire the previous night, the Britain-based monitor said, causing at least five deaths, most of them regime soldiers. "The regime is turning up the heat ahead of a big assault that would break IS's back and force them to evacuate the area," the head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said. IS still has a presence in Yarmuk, and the neighbouring areas of Hajar al-Aswad, Tadamon and Qadam. Yarmuk used to be the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, with a population of 160,000, but only a few thousand people remain inside the devastated area. The Syrian army and its allies have focused their efforts on securing Damascus lately, and earlier this month announced their recapture of Eastern Ghouta, a sprawling suburb of the capital. - Talks for Dumayr - Ghouta had been the opposition's main bastion outside Damascus, but regime forces fully secured it after a blistering two-month assault that ended in negotiated rebel withdrawals. The state news agency SANA reported on Tuesday that a deal had also been reached for rebels to quit Dumayr, a town further to the east, where a reconciliation agreement had kept a security status quo since 2016. It said on Wednesday fighters from the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction were continuing to hand over their heavy and intermediate weapons in Dumayr ahead of their departure to the northern town of Jarabulus. Story continues SANA said a total of 5,000 people including 1,500 rebels were expected to leave the town. But the agreement appeared to be on the brink of turmoil by Wednesday evening, with Jaish al-Islam accusing pro-regime forces of assassinating its interlocutor. The group announced that Shaher Jumaa, whom it said was in talks with regime ally Russia over the fate of Dumayr, was shot after a round of negotiations. The Observatory confirmed Jumaa had been killed but did not identify a perpetrator. Talks were ongoing for the nearby towns of Nasiriya and Jayrud to reach a similar agreement, according to the Observatory. Shelling slammed into both of those towns on Wednesday, the monitor said, describing the bombardment as an effort by the government to pressure residents and rebels to agree to a withdrawal. Washington's use of force in Syria may give President Donald Trump some leverage in nuclear negotiations with North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un. Saturday's airstrikes in Syria were a demonstration of U.S. credibility and military resolve, sending a powerful message to Pyongyang, strategists said. U.S.-led airstrikes in Syria over the weekend could benefit President Donald Trump during nuclear negotiations with North Korean ruler Kim Jong Un . Saturday's missile attacks on Syrian chemical weapons facilities shows the world's largest economy possesses the military and the political will to back up warnings it makes, strategists told CNBC. That sends a message of resolve to Pyongyang, which was likely closely monitoring developments in the Arab nation, they argued. The coordinated bombings by the United States, France and Britain were in response to Syrian President Bashar Assad alleged use of chemical weapons toxic agents, including chlorine gas, are said to have killed at least 70 people on April 7 in a city near Damascus. Assad's government denied any responsibility in the incident, but French intelligence indicated Syrian government forces executed the chemical attack. The airstrikes are proof that the White House will back up talk with action, said Dakota Wood, a senior research fellow specializing in defense at conservative research group The Heritage Foundation. Western powers drew a red line on the use of chemical weapons in Syria and they acted on that, so "if the U.S. now says that it will not tolerate North Korea's offensive nuclear capabilities, Kim's government will have to take that statement seriously and consider potential military consequences," Wood added. The Pentagon says Saturday's airstrikes were a legitimate and proportionate response to Assad's continued use of fatal nerve agents. The episode is being called the biggest Western intervention in Syria's civil war since the conflict began in 2011. Story continues "When our president draws a red line , our president enforces the red line," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said on Saturday. The Syria response "gives the U.S. more leverage in nuclear discussions with North Korea," said Andrea Taylor, a nonresident fellow at Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council. The move also increases "U.S. credibility in the eyes of countries across the world, whether it's Moscow, Tehran or Pyongyang," she added. So, if Trump now makes any fresh threats to Kim's regime, the North won't be able to ignore them, Taylor said. Trump's face-to-face meeting with Kim is expected to take place next month but few details have been disclosed about the historic sit-down. Close ties between North Korea and Syria have long fanned fears of deeper cooperation on missile technology and chemical weapons. A United Nations report in March revealed that the North sent more than 40 previously unreported shipments related to prohibited ballistic missiles and conventional arms to Damascus during 2012 and 2017. More than Syria, North Korea will be watching how Trump handles the Iran nuclear deal , said Graham Griffiths, senior analyst at Control Risks. The rogue state's mistrust of Washington could grow should the president pull out from the agreement, he said. More From CNBC WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Syrian man accused of trafficking Syrian and Lebanese nationals to the U.S. border was sanctioned on Wednesday by the U.S. Treasury, which said it was intent on disrupting his "prolific human smuggling operations" around the globe. The Treasury placed Nasif Barakat and his gang, based in Homs, Syria, on a list of people and entities whose assets under U.S. control can be frozen. The action generally prohibits U.S. citizens from dealing with Barakat or his group. The designation of the group as a transnational criminal organization "is an important step toward disrupting Barakat's prolific human smuggling operations in Syria and around the world," Sigal Mandelker, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement. Barakat and his gang operate a global network of traffickers that smuggle foreign nationals to the United States for an average price of about $20,000, the Treasury said in a statement. Trafficked individuals are provided with fraudulent or counterfeit documents, often including passports from European or other countries, the Treasury said. They often travel across Lebanon, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Latin American countries before arriving at the Southwest U.S. border, it said. (Reporting by David Alexander; editing by Jonathan Oatis) Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen reassured residents that the island was secure Tuesday, a day before China is set to hold live-fire drills in the narrow strait that separates the two. Tsai spoke to reporters as she left for Swaziland, one of Taiwan's few remaining international allies that has not been wooed away by an ascendant Beijing as cross-strait relations deteriorate. Chinese officials have suggested Wednesday's military exercise is a warning to pro-independence advocates in Taiwan as Beijing steps up its rhetoric against any challenges to its sovereignty. China sees self-ruling Taiwan as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Tsai said Monday she had told national security officials to closely monitor the "surrounding situation". "Please rest assured that we have the confidence and determination to safeguard the country's security," she said at Taoyuan International Airport. Tsai added that maintaining a peaceful "status quo" across the strait was her government's mission. Although a fully fledged democracy, Taiwan has never formally announced independence from the mainland and Beijing has warned of military action if it ever did. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. When asked if the upcoming military exercise was directed at Lai, China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi said on Monday it was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". Beijing has stepped up military patrols around the island and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office in May 2016, as she refuses to accept both sides are part of "one China". China has chipped away at Taiwan's dwindling number of allies, with Swaziland one of the few not to have been convinced to give up official recognition of the island as a country. Story continues On her four-day trip to Africa, Tsai will take part in celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Swaziland's independence and the establishment of diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Observers say Wednesday's planned drills also serve as a signal to Washington, which sent aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt through the disputed South China Sea last week. The region has become a potential flashpoint, with the United States saying China's aggressive activities in the area pose a threat to freedom of navigation. Washington is also Taiwan's most powerful -- thought unofficial -- ally and its biggest arms supplier. Relations have warmed between Washington and Taipei in recent months, including the passage of a bill last month that promotes visits by officials at all levels. A Texas biomedical research facility that made headlines this week after four baboons managed an elaborate escape from their enclosure has a "history" of animal welfare violations. The facility was once fined more than $25,500 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over its transgressions, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) said. HSUS Vice President of Animal Research Issues Kathleen Conlee told Newsweek that "there has been a history of animal welfare violations" at the federally-funded Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, where baboons were able to escape from their enclosure on Saturday by rolling a barrel to an upright position and using it to climb over a fence. baboon Storyful/Dorian Reyna Trending: Star Wars Battlefront 2 Skins List - Appearances in April Update & Beyond The escaped baboons were quickly rounded up by institute workers, who were filmed chasing after the primates in masks and protective equipment. Conlee said HSUS has found primates at the institute, which houses more than 2,500 animals, including 1,100 baboons, for research, were being kept in "poor conditions" without "a lot of enrichment or opportunities to engage in natural behavior." She said there were also cases of unnecessary injuries or deaths, with dead animals being left in their enclosures for days. A five-week undercover investigation by HSUS held in 2014 found a "pattern of mistreatment" of primates, including unecessary injuries and deaths. "The institution's standards of care frequently fell short of the federal Animal Welfare Act, with primates living in overcrowded and barren conditions, mothers and infants separated, and injured and sick animals not receiving timely care," a report from HSUS stated. Story continues Conlee said the social health of animals was also neglected, resulting in harmful behavior including "wounding, hair plucking and self-biting." baboon1 HSUS "We thought they were underfed as well as we saw a lot of rock eating," Conlee said, pointing to one instance where laboratory staff showed the HSUS investigator an X-ray of a baboon with a "stomach full of rocks." Saturday's escape was not the first time baboons at TBRI have managed to get out of their enclosure. In 2010, two baboons escaped and seriously injured a caretaker before they could be captured, according to MySanAntonio.com. Don't miss: Most U.S. Voters Approve of Trump's Syria Strikes but Also Say They Won't Work, Poll Reveals The USDA fined the institute $25,714 for three violations of the Animal Welfare Act and gave the research center a list of recommendations. Read more: Baboons use barrel to escape from Texas research facility, prompting roadway chase A rhesus monkey also managed to escape the institute in 2009 and had to be euthanized after it fell ill from spending the night outdoors during cold weather. In 2014, the same year as the HSUS investigation, TBRI was handed a $2.7 million federal research grant to help scientists test drug treatments for heart disease, Parkinson's disease, diabetes and obesity. Since then, the USDA has issued a number of corrections to the institute, with a February 28, 2017 routine inspection finding a "critical" issue with the facility's heater system, which cause one male baboon to suffer second-degree burns to his hands and feet after touching a heater pipe. The report called for the institute to correct the issue by making heater pipes inaccessible to animals within less than a month stating that additional animals were "at risk of injury" until the issue was addressed. A January 28, 2016 report also found that employees had mishandled baboons in two incidents that resulted in injury and death during 2015. In one incident, a female baboon suffered injuries when three male baboons "gained access to her" in the facility's chute system while being transferred, the report said. The second incident occurred when a male baboon was able to lift a chute door and attacked a female and her infant resulting in death of the infant baboon. Most popular: Sean Hannity Is Donald Trumps Unofficial Chief of Staff, Aides Say of Fox News Host: Report Both incidents were determined to have been caused by a "lack of communication between employees handling the animals," with the report adding, "Animals must be handled carefully and in a manner that does not cause trauma." Employees had to undergo new training as a result of the investigation. Conlee, who worked for seven years at a primate breeding facility before joining HSUS, said she does not believe workers at TBRI have the expertise or understanding of primate "social dynamics" to be handling baboons or other animals kept at the facility. "The worst thing you can do for a primate is to deprive him or her of a social companion," Conlee said. "You want them to behave well socially but you also have to understand the social dynamics first." The animal research issues expert also said the recent spotlight on the biomedical research center should raise questions around why the U.S. is still funding research that uses animal testing, arguing that studies are not only inhumane, but that they are also costly and no longer necessary due to technological advancements. "They get a lot of money from the federal government to maintain these animals and it's time to look closely at the money that's going in and what's coming out," Conlee said, adding, "It's very expensive to keep these animals." TBRI has said "baboons, as with all our animals, are critical to biomedical research," asserting that "baboons, in particular have played an important role in the discovery of life-saving drugs, therapies and vaccines and have led to a greater understanding of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity [and] osteoporosis." However, Conlee insisted that alternatives such as "organs-on-chips" technologywhich involves growing human cells in a system that mimics the structure and function of human organ systems for testing, 3D printing and epidemiological studiesnow offer more humane possibilities for conducting biomedical research without having to keep animals in captivity or cause them harm. In November 2015, the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) announced it would no longer support biomedical and invasive research on chimpanzees and said all "NIH-owned" chimpanzees would be "eligible for retirement and relocation" to a sanctuary. Conlee said it is time for the U.S. and other countries to consider a similar ban on research using primates and other animals. "At the end of the day there are many problems with using these animals, so why do we continue to invest in something that's not going to get any better and will continue to be problematic?" Conlee questioned. "Our job is to help move towards not using animals and primate for biomedical research and replacing them with alternatives that are better for human health and more cost-effective," she added. A spokesperson for the Texas Biomedical Research Institute said they could not immediately respond to a request for comment, but said the USDA does perform annual inspections of its facility and pointed to a report on the agency's latest investigation this month, during which it said the USDA "complimented" the institute's animal are team "on the level of technical knowledge and passion for animal care." The report added that the "Texas Biomedical Research Institute has a long-standing commitment to treating its animals humanely and with the highest regard for their well-being." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Paris (AFP) - The main entrance to the prestigious French university Sciences Po in Paris was blocked on Wednesday after students opposed to President Emmanuel Macron's education reforms occupied the building, an AFP reporter said. The university cited security reasons for sealing off access to the campus in the sixth district of Paris, which was once attended by Macron as well as many other leading figures in France's political elite. "The main building of Sciences Po Paris is occupied peacefully and on a renewable basis, a decision that was taken during a general meeting of mobilised students," said a student statement sent to AFP overnight. Hand-written messages on white banners hanging on the front of the building on Wednesday morning read "Students of Sciences Po against the Macron dictatorship" and "Macron your school is blocked". Last week, police were called to the famed Sorbonne university nearby in central Paris to clear out students who were also attempting to occupy the campus, which was the cradle of mass anti-government demonstrations in May 1968. Students began occupying a handful of universities in March over higher education reforms introduced by Macron that give public universities the power to set admission criteria and rank applicants. The demonstration at Sciences Po coincides with the fourth round of strikes by railway workers on Wednesday and mass demonstrations and stoppages by public sector workers on Thursday. The current stand-off between the government and trade union-led opponents is widely seen by political analysts as a critical moment in Macron's 12-month presidency as he seeks to push through wide-ranging reforms to the public sector. Students and leftist political opponents have criticised Macron's university policy as a violation of the principle of free education for all, but the protests have not yet reached a critical level. Only four out of 70 universities are completely blocked and nine other university faculties have suffered disruptions, according to government figures on Tuesday. WASHINGTON With weeks to go before President Donald Trump is expected to torpedo the nuclear agreement between Iran, the United States and five world powers, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) sees a small chance the landmark deal might survive. If nothing changes between now and May 12, the president absolutely is going to withdraw from the agreement ... I still hold out a degree of hope that when [French President Emmanuel] Macron and [German Chancellor Angela] Merkel are here, maybe theres something, theres a little bit of a breakthrough, Corker said Wednesday morning, referring to upcoming visits by the two world leaders. While Macron has had an April 24 state visit to Washington planned for some time, the White House only announced Merkels April 27 visit on Wednesday, hours before Corkers remarks. Trump has to decide by May 12 whether he will continue to waive nuclear-related American sanctions on Iran. He has indicated that he will reimpose the sanctions unless the two-year-old deal under which Iran is allowed some sanctions relief and a partial reentry to the global economy in return for accepting limits on its nuclear development is modified. In particular, he wants the deal amended to address Irans testing of ballistic missiles, tighten international inspections of Iranian facilities and prevent the removal of limits on the Iranian nuclear program in as early as 10 years time what are known as sunset clauses. The Islamic Republic is already complying with the deal as it currently stands, according to inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency, the international body tasked with monitoring compliance. France, Germany and the United Kingdom are the closest American partners involved in the agreement; the other two parties are Russia and China. The Europeans have the best chance to woo Trump and keep the deal alive but have repeatedly said they will not accept tweaks that totally reshape it. They see such a process as requiring fresh negotiations or essentially destroying the accord automatically by making it unlikely that Iran would stay in. Story continues The question now is whether European leaders can give Trump enough assurances to keep him from suspending the sanctions. European officials are happy to develop plans to address Trumps concerns on the missiles and the inspectors, Corker said. The trouble is the sunset aspect. I think its especially Germany that feels like dealing with the sunset is changing the deal, the senator said at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast event. I dont. Lawyers Corker has consulted agree with him and so do European officials behind closed doors, he claimed, implying they would not say so publicly for fear of criticism at home from supporters of the deal. European companies have been eager to keep the deal in place and do business in Iran. If Trump does decide to re-apply U.S. sanctions in May, such companies would immediately be affected, Corker noted, because American enforcement applies not just to the Iranians but to those working with them. With White House help, the senator started working on legislation last year that would prevent the U.S. from honoring the sunset commitments if Iran progressed to a point where it could build a nuclear weapon in less than a year. But the bill made little progress and he said Wednesday that it would have to come after any agreements with the Europeans, because Democrats would not vote for it otherwise. Experts supportive of the Iran deal say that regardless of the concerns, there are multiple restrictions and transparency requirements on Iran after the sunset period begins that would still make it hard for the country to begin developing a nuclear arsenal if it wanted to. President Donald Trump alongside French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the start of the G20 meeting in Hamburg, Germany, on July 7, 2017. (Photo: AFP Contributor via Getty Images) But its Trumps view that matters. The president has reluctantly waived nuclear sanctions against Iran on three occasions and has repeatedly criticized the deal. Trump continues to hear criticism of it through his network of informal advisers like old friends and business associates, Corker said. There are many people that are arguing to the president: Look, the investment in Iran that was expected [as a result of the sanctions relief] hasnt really occurred yet, but its coming down the pipeline. If we pull out of this agreement, its going to stop it, were going to keep them weak, the senator said. There are people that are arguing to him that that would be a better way, to keep them weak, keep them weak, and then try to renegotiate a deal. There are other people that are arguing something totally different. A sometime critic of Trump, the influential retiring lawmaker has both been harsh on Iran and vocal about the value of some kind of compromise on the nuclear issue. I think wed be much better off as a nation if we could come up with a sunset agreement with the Europeans, Corker said. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Tokyo (AFP) - The top bureaucrat at Japan's finance minister quit Wednesday following allegations he sexually harassed female reporters, saying he wanted to clear his name. Junichi Fukuda has denied a magazine report he harassed several women, but calls for him to step aside have grown in recent days. Finance Minister Taro Aso announced the resignation late Wednesday, saying Fukuda told him he wanted to "clear his name." "I thought it would be difficult to fulfil my job responsibility with the situation after the reports and offered my resignation to Finance Minister Aso," the top bureaucrat told reporters shortly afterwards. "I apologise to the people I have caused trouble to." The Shukan Shincho magazine last week reported that Fukuda had made inappropriate comments to several female journalists and on Friday released audio of what it said was the top bureaucrat at a bar with a reporter. "I'll tie up your hands. Can I touch your breasts?" a male voice on the recording says. "Shall we have an affair once the budget is approved?" The magazine said several other women, who have not been identified, also accused Fukuda of inappropriate behaviour, including asking to kiss them and take them to a hotel. Fukuda came out fighting earlier this week saying: "I did not have such a conversation with a female reporter." "I don't recognise that I made sexually harassing remarks that would make female reporters feel offended," he added in a statement issued through the ministry. On Monday, Fukuda he said he had no intention of resigning and added that he would sue the magazine for libel. Aso initially appeared to dismiss the allegations against Fukuda, saying he had given the top bureaucrat a verbal warning and felt he was "sufficiently remorseful." But he subsequently said Fukuda would be fired if the allegations were proven, and the finance ministry said Monday it had asked independent lawyers to investigate, urging any women who had experienced harassment to cooperate with the inquiry. Story continues On Wednesday, Fukuda said he didn't "recall having such a horrible conversation." "I don't know if the recorded voice was my own. But I'm aware that there are many who said it sounded like Fukuda's voice." The Shukan Shincho has defended its reporting and on Wednesday said it had additional audio, purportedly of Fukuda sexually harassing a female journalist in 2016. Japan has one of the world's worst records for female political representation and has deeply entrenched gender attitudes. Just 2.8 percent of rape victims go to the police, according to a 2017 government survey, and the #MeToo movement that has raised awareness of sexual harassment worldwide has had a relatively muted reception in Japan. The harassment scandal comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government struggles with the fallout from two cronyism scandals, one of which involves the alteration of official documents by finance ministry officials. CIA director travelled to North Korea for clandestine meeting with Kim to lay groundwork for direct talks with Donald Trump Mike Pompeo, the CIA director, reportedly met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un Photograph: Jacquelyn Martin/AP Mike Pompeo, the director of the CIA, had a secret meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea over Easter as part of an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Donald Trump and Kim. The US president confirmed the meeting early on Wednesday morning, tweeting: Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 On Tuesday night two people with direct knowledge of the trip told the Washington Post that Pompeo met the North Korean leader over Easter while other outlets including the Associated Press news agency carried reports saying the visit was confirmed to them by US officials. The mission came soon after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state. It is the highest level meeting between the two countries since 2000, when then secretary of state Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, Kims father, in Pyongyang. It also marks the first time the previously reclusive Kim Jong-un has met a senior western official. The New York Times also reported Pompeos secret trip to North Korea over the Easter holiday, which fell this year at the end of March and beginning of April. A few hours before the Washington Post report was published, Trump told the press about an unspecified high-level meeting. We have ... started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels, with North Korea. And I truly believe there is a a lot of good will. A lot of things are happening. Good things are happening, Trump said at a meeting with the Japanese prime minister, Shinzo Abe at his Florida resort of Mar-a-Lago. Well see what happens. Because its the end result that counts, not the fact that were thinking about having a meeting. Story continues Trump added that his planned summit with Kim could be in early June or a little before and that five possible venues are being discussed. But he conceded it was possible that the unprecedented meeting might not happen at all. Its possible things wont go well and we wont have the meetings, and well just continue to go along this very strong path that weve taken, the president said. But we will see what happens. Trump also said he gave his blessing to North and South Korea, whose presidents are due to meet on 27 April, to declare a formal end to the Korean conflict. Three years of fighting ended in an armistice in July 1953, but there was never a formal peace agreement. Last week, after his reported meeting with Kim Jong-un, Pompeo discussed North Korea at his confirmation hearing for the secretary of state post before the Senate foreign relations committee. Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation [that] will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America so desperately America and the world so desperately need, Pompeo said. Suzanne DiMaggio, a senior fellow at the New America thinktank who has led back-channel diplomatic initiatives with the North Korean, called the news of the Pompeo visit stunning. Just weeks out from the proposed Trump-KJU summit, we had better be engaged in direct talks in preparation, DiMaggio said in a tweet. And all the better if some interactions are face-to-face this is the only way to set the groundwork for sustained, productive talks/negotiations. The key question at any summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un is whether the North Korean leader is serious about dismantling his regimes nuclear weapons and missiles programme and what he would demand from the US in return. There has never been a summit between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, though Bill Clinton came close to agreeing to meet Kims father, Kim Jong-il, at the end of Clintons spell in office in late 2000. Referring to the coming summit between Kim Jong-un and his South Korean counterpart, Moon Jae-in, Trump said he backed efforts to bring a formal end to the conflict that broke out 68 years ago. They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war, he said. People dont realise the Korean war has not ended. Its going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. So, subject to a deal, they would certainly have my blessing. Abraham Denmark, a former deputy assistant secretary of defence for East Asia, said on Twitter: A peace treaty has been in the mix as part of a deal with North Korea for decades ... The North will likely seek a peace treaty in the early stages of a negotiation, arguing that they cannot denuclearize until the war has officially ended. However, US will likely want a peace treaty to be concluded toward the end of the process. By Makini Brice WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said a man portrayed in a sketch released by porn star Stormy Daniels, who she said warned her to stop discussing her claims of a sexual encounter with Trump, does not exist. In response, Daniels' attorney Michael Avenatti said his client would likely update a lawsuit she has filed against the president to include a charge of defamation. Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, says she had sex with Trump in 2006. She is fighting a 2016 nondisclosure agreement arranged by Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen, in which she was paid $130,000 to keep silent. Trump's lawyers are seeking at least $20 million in damages from Daniels for violations of the nondisclosure agreement. On Tuesday, she and Avenatti released a sketch of a man whom she said had threatened her in 2011, and they offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to his identification. Avenatti announced on Wednesday the reward had been increased to $131,000. The picture they released showed a man with facial stubble and a chiseled jaw, who was wearing a hoodie. Daniels described him in an interview with ABC on Wednesday as "sort of handsome." Trump has largely remained quiet on the subject, although he told reporters earlier this month that he did not know about the payment to Daniels. On Wednesday, in his first reference to Daniels via Twitter, he said in a post: "A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!" In an interview with CNN, Avenatti said a defamation claim would likely be added to Daniels' standing lawsuit. "He's effectively now told the American people that she is a liar, that she is a con, that she has made up this threat and this sketch," he said. "We're likely going to be amending our complaint - we're looking at doing that now - to add a defamation claim directly against the president." The sketch was released the day after a hearing in federal court in Manhattan, where Trump attorney Cohen fought to limit the capability of federal prosecutors to review documents seized in a raid by FBI agents on his home, office and hotel room. A source familiar with the raids said that the agents were looking for more information on payments to Daniels within materials related to Cohen's business dealings. The raids are related to a separate investigation into possible collusion between Russia and Trump's 2016 presidential campaign. Trump has repeatedly said there was no collusion. (Reporting by Makini Brice; Additional reporting by Mohammad Zargham; editing by Tim Ahmann and Rosalba O'Brien) President Donald Trump said the U.S. and North Korea have already had direct talks at "extremely high levels" in advance of a planned meeting between the two nations' leaders this summer. The U.S. has "started talking to North Korea directly," Trump told reporters Tuesday after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels with North Korea." Trump also said he's given South Korea his "blessing" to negotiate a peace deal with North Korea, and that five locations are under consideration for his meeting with the North's leader, Kim Jong Un. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," Trump said. South Korea never formally ended its war with North Korea, though the armed conflict ended with a cease-fire in 1953. Trump suggested he was responsible not only for the negotiations on a formal peace treaty ending the war but also the success of this year's winter Olympics in South Korea. "They've been very generous that without us and without me in particular, I guess, they wouldn't be discussing anything and the Olympics would have been a failure," Trump said. "As you know North Korea participated in the Olympics and it was really quite an Olympics. It was quite a success. That would not have happened." Abe praised Trump's leadership, saying his "unwavering conviction as well as his determination" has made talks with North Korea possible. Trump said he will meet with Kim in "early June or before that assuming things go well." If they don't the summit with the North Korean leader might not happen, he added. "It's possible things won't go well and we won't have the meetings and we'll just continue to go on this very strong path we have taken," Trump said. The U.S., Japan and South Korea have forged an alliance to get Kim to abandon his nuclear weapons program. Abe is expected to press Trump during their summit for a sense of what he hopes to accomplish with the meeting, and to underscore what protections Japan is seeking. Story continues "Japan and ourselves are locked and we are very unified on the subject of North Korea," Trump said. See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com By Alastair Macdonald STRASBOURG (Reuters) - Turkey is moving rapidly away from the path of European Union membership, the top EU official in charge of negotiations said on Tuesday, as Brussels delivered its harshest criticism yet of what it sees as Ankara's shift toward authoritarianism. While couched in diplomatic language, the European Commission's annual report on Turkey's progress toward membership blamed Ankara for a broad, collective and disproportionate crackdown after a failed 2016 coup attempt. It warned that years of progress toward European Union standards in human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law were being reversed and that Turkey had seen a weakening of local democracy as presidential powers increased. Turkey "continues to take huge strides away from the EU, in particular in the areas of rule of law and fundamental rights," European Commissioner Johannes Hahn, who oversees EU membership bids, told a news conference after publishing the report. "The Commission has repeatedly called on Turkey to reverse this negative trend as a matter of priority and makes very clear the recommendations on this in today's report," he said. In response, Turkey said it was not being treated fairly or objectively by the EU, and added that despite the report its goal was still to join the bloc. "Turkey isn't the one moving away from the European Union. The side that is not objective and is, unfortunately, biased and unfair, is the EU," Turkish government spokesman Bekir Bozdag said, adding that positive elements in the report did not mask the bloc's unfairness toward Turkey. "Despite this, we have not abandoned our European Union goal, and we have no intention to do so going forward," he said after a cabinet meeting. Ankara regularly rejects EU criticism of its human rights record and accuses Brussels of applying "double standards" in its approach to Turkey, a large, mainly Muslim nation of 80 million people located in a geopolitically volatile region. The report marks a new low point in EU-Turkey relations after the promise of Turkish political and economic reforms a decade ago. It bodes poorly for Ankara's hopes of negotiating an EU free-trade deal and visa-free travel for Turks to the bloc. Turkey began talks to join the EU in 2005, 18 years after applying. While a series of factors slowed negotiations, notably the Cyprus issue and resistance in Germany and France to Turkish membership, since 2016 membership talks have all but collapsed. STATE OF EMERGENCY The Commission report, part of an EU process to measure candidates' steps toward EU standards and integration, also called for Turkey to lift a state of emergency that allows President Tayyip Erdogan and the government to bypass parliament in passing new laws and to suspend rights and freedoms. The report said the state of emergency - imposed after the failed coup - had "curtailed certain civil and political rights, including freedom of expression", and added that emergency decrees had not been open to judicial or parliamentary review. However, Turkey's National Security Council on Tuesday advised an extension of the state of emergency for the seventh time since the attempted coup in July 2016. Parliament is likely to approve the extension. The European Commission report said that since the introduction of the state of emergency, more than 150,000 people had been taken into custody, 78,000 arrested and more than 110,000 civil servants dismissed. Around 40,000 have been reinstated, Turkish authorities say. Ankara says its security measures are necessary given the severity of the threats faced by Turkey, a NATO member, which shares a land border with Iraq and Syria. Despite the tensions and Erdogan's harsh rhetoric toward members of the EU, he has said he remains committed to joining the bloc. Germany's EU minister defended the accession process on Tuesday, though Austria said it should be officially annulled. "I would suggest we do not slam the door shut. That would be a wrong signal towards those in Turkey who still long for European values," Germany's Michael Roth told reporters at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg. (Additional reporting by Robin Emmott in Brussels, Gabriela Baczynska in Luxembourg, Tulay Karadeniz and Tuvan Gumrukcu in Ankara; Writing by Robin Emmott; Editing by Gareth Jones/Mark Heinrich) By Anthony Deutsch THE HAGUE (Reuters) - Russia may have tampered with the site of an alleged chemical weapons attack in Syria's Douma, the U.S. envoy to the global watchdog said on Monday, urging the body to condemn the continuing use of banned chemical weapons. The comments came during a closed-door meeting at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, convened after an April 7 attack in the town of Douma, outside the Syrian capital, in which dozens of people were allegedly killed with poison gas. "It is long overdue that this council condemns the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror and demands international accountability for those responsible for these heinous acts," U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Ward said in comments obtained by Reuters. "It is our understanding the Russians may have visited the attack site. It is our concern that they may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission to conduct an effective investigation." The United States, Britain and France fired more than 100 missiles at three alleged chemical weapons facilities on Friday, angering Syria's military backer Moscow, which threatened to retaliate. President Donald Trump said the strikes had accomplished their aim of undermining efforts by the Syrian government to produce and use chemical weapons again in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. OPCW inspectors were visiting sites in Douma on Monday where they were aiming to collect samples, interview witnesses and document evidence to determine whether banned toxic munitions were used. It has been more than a week since the attack in which witnesses and Western governments described helicopters dropping sarin and chlorine bombs that killed many children and women hiding from clashes between rebels and government troops. A diplomatic source told Reuters evidence may have been removed while inspectors negotiated access with Syrian authorities. Story continues Syria and Russia deny chemical weapons were used in the final offensive that captured Douma, a rebel-held territory east of Damascus. The British envoy to the OPCW said it had recorded 390 allegations of the use of banned chemicals in Syria since 2014, and that a failure by the OPCW to act risked allowing "further barbaric use of chemical weapons". Syria joined the OPCW, the organisation tasked with monitoring adherence to the 1997 convention, in 2013 after a sarin gas attack that killed hundreds of people in Ghouta. The move was part of a joint Russian-U.S. deal that averted military action threatened by then-president Barack Obama. Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Sunday that further Western attacks on Syria would bring chaos to world affairs, as Washington prepared to increase pressure on Russia with new economic sanctions. Members of the 41-seat executive council of the OPCW were due to discuss the alleged use of prohibited toxins in Syria, but were not expected to reach any agreement about a response. The organisation, which needs a two-thirds majority to take decisions, has been undermined by deep political division over the use of chemical weapons by the Syrian government. The OPCW inspectors will not assign blame for attacks. A joint United Nations-OPCW mission concluded that troops under Syrian President Bashar al-Assad had used chemical weapons several times in recent years, including in a sarin attack a year ago in the town of Khan Sheikhoun that killed nearly 100 people. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Kevin Liffey) By Lawrence Hurley WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday dropped Microsoft Corp's privacy fight with the Justice Department over whether prosecutors can force technology companies to hand over data stored overseas after Congress passed legislation that resolved the dispute. The justices heard arguments in the high-profile case on Feb. 27, but President Donald Trump on March 22 signed legislation into law that makes clear that U.S. judges can issue warrants for such data while giving companies an avenue to object if the request conflicts with foreign law. "No live dispute remains between the parties over the issue," the court said in an unsigned opinion, declaring the case moot. Microsoft and the Justice Department had been locked in a dispute over how U.S. prosecutors seek access to data held on overseas computer servers owned by U.S. companies. The case involved Microsoft's challenge to a domestic warrant issued by a U.S. judge for emails stored on a Microsoft server in Dublin relating to a drug-trafficking investigation. The bipartisan new law, known as the Cloud Act, was supported by Microsoft, other major technology companies and the Trump administration but opposed by civil liberties groups that said it lacked sufficient privacy protections. "We welcome the Supreme Court's ruling ending our case in light of the Cloud Act being signed into to law. Our goal has always been a new law and international agreements with strong privacy protections that govern how law enforcement gathers digital evidence across borders," said Brad Smith, Microsoft's president. A Justice Department spokeswoman declined to comment. Microsoft, which has 100 data centres in 40 countries, was the first American company to challenge a domestic search warrant seeking data held outside the United States. The Microsoft customer whose emails were sought told the company he was based in Ireland when he signed up for his account. Story continues During arguments in the case, which had been one of the most closely watched of the court's current term, some justices urged Congress to pass a law to resolve the matter. Senator Orrin Hatch, a Republican led the efforts to pass the new law, attended the arguments. The Trump administration had appealed a 2016 ruling by the New York-based 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2016 that found that the emails in the Microsoft case were beyond the reach of domestic search warrants obtained under a federal law called the 1986 Stored Communications Act. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Editing by Will Dunham) London (AFP) - Britain's broadcasting watchdog on Wednesday opened seven impartiality probes concerning Russia's RT news channel, noting "a significant increase" in programmes warranting investigation since the poisoning of a former Russian spy in March. "Ofcom has today opened seven new investigations into the due impartiality of news and current affairs programmes on the RT news channel," the regulator said in a statement. Ofcom said that TV Novosti, the holder of RT's UK broadcast licences, which is financed from the budget of the Russian Federation, had an overall compliance record not "materially out of line with other broadcasters." "However, since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programmes on the RT service that we consider warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code," it added. Former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found slumped on a bench in the English city of Salisbury last month, sparking a bitter diplomatic crisis between Moscow and London, who say a nerve agent developed in Russia was used on the pair. Russia strongly denies involvement in the attack, which sparked the expulsions of diplomats from all sides. RT provides a Russian perspective on British and global news and has an average audience of 3,400 viewers at any given point during the day. The investigations centre on programmes broadcast between March 17 and April 16, following the March 4 attack. - Licence threat - Ofcom has the power to impose financial penalties, or even revoke the licence to broadcast. "The threshold for finding a broadcaster not fit and proper to hold a broadcast licence is high," said Ofcom. "The previous cases in which we have determined that a licensee is not fit and proper to hold a licence have involved the broadcast of hardcore pornography, which represents a serious risk to children, and the broadcast of material likely to incite terrorist crimes." Story continues RT was set up in the mid-2000s to counter what Russian President Vladimir Putin saw as the dominance of American and British international media organisations and their allegedly pro-Western bias. The channel is seen by its critics as giving a platform to conspiracy theorists as well as far-right or anti-establishment figures who emphasise Western hypocrisy or corruption. Several British MPs have already called for a ban on RT. Speaking last month, Labour MP Phil Wilson said British politicians should refuse to be interviewed by the channel, where former Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond has a talk show. "It is a propaganda mouthpiece for the Russian state and should not be engaged with by any democratic politicians," Wilson said. The channel responded at the time by saying: "It is regrettable to see RT so quickly proposed to be sacrificed as a political pawn". The channel said Britain was in danger of "doing away with any concept of press freedom," adding that it played a vital role in "completing the picture of news". United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN Security Council has decided to postpone a planned visit to Iraq ahead of May elections at the request of the Iraqi government, diplomats said Wednesday. Iraq told the council in a letter this week that many officials will be busy with the election campaign, which kicked off on Saturday, and will not be able to meet with the ambassadors. "Given the start of the Iraqi election campaign on April 14, and that all political parties and constitutional authorities in Iraq are now involving (sic) in the campaign, which may not enable the council members to meet the Iraqi officials, the Iraqi mission kindly requests that the council defer its intended visit," wrote Iraqi Ambassador Mohammad Hussein Bahr Aluloom in the letter seen by AFP. The ambassador said the mission "looks forward to welcoming council members to Baghdad in the future." No new date for the visit was announced. Iraq will be filling 329 seats in the national parliament in the May 12 election and choosing representatives to provincial assemblies, in the first poll held after the defeat of the Islamic State. The United States was set to lead the council mission with this month's president, Peru. Peruvian Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra told reporters this month that the council trip to Iraq would be to show support for the elections after three years of war against the Islamic State. Iraq "needs support from the international community for rebuilding the country and to ensure reconciliation" after Baghdad's successful campaign to re-take territory from the Islamic State group, he said. Moscow (AFP) - US airlines are still able to fly in Russian air space, the transport ministry assured on Wednesday despite a transit agreement between Washington and Moscow expiring shortly. "The Transport Minister of the Russian Federation confirms that flights of American companies over Russian territory are still authorised according to the existing scheme before new negotiations," transport ministry spokesman Timur Khikmatov told AFP. "This week we sent our American colleagues a proposal to negotiate on this issue. A date for the negotiations has not been agreed yet. We are waiting for an answer from our American colleagues," he added. Russian Transport Minister Maxim Sokolov was reporting as saying that Moscow was considering retaliatory measures against Washington in the sector as a response to recent US sanctions. However a ban on transit flights was not being discussed, he said. "We are considering various answers that our country could give to the introduction of sanctions that are unlawful from our point of view. While it is too early to speak about it, a response will be prepared, approved and adopted in its own time," Sokolov was cited as saying by news agencies. Every day, dozens of American flights cross Russian skies on their shortest and most lucrative routes to Asia but their permission to do so is due to run out at 7:59 pm (2359 GMT). US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said on Tuesday that the US ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, was in last minute discussions with Russian officials to facilitate a breakthrough in talks with airlines. Russian civil aviation officials had been due to attend discussions hosted by the State Department in Washington, but cancelled. The airlines sent representatives to the talks. Nauert said the Russians had not indicated why they had backed out of the meetings. But the decision came after Saturday's US-led air strikes on Syria angered Moscow, which has previously attempted to use air routes as diplomatic bargaining chips. CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela and Spain said on Wednesday they would normalize relations and restore ambassadors after a spat in January that followed European Union sanctions against the South American nation. President Nicolas Maduro in January withdrew his envoy to Madrid in response to what he called "repeated meddling" in the country's internal affairs, leading Spain to respond in kind. The two countries "agreed to begin a process of normalizing diplomatic relations," they said in a joint statement, adding that ambassadors would be restored in the coming days. The European Union in January sanctioned a group of Venezuela officials over abuses associated with opposition protests, a move that followed a series of sanctions by Washington over similar issues. Venezuela has faced heavy criticism from the United States and Europe, as well as Latin American neighbors, for last year's creation of an all-powerful legislature called the constituent assembly that critics call the creation of a dictatorship. The decision to call a snap presidential election for May 20 has been widely criticized as undermining the possibility of a free and fair election in the crisis-torn country. Maduro routinely criticizes Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during live television broadcasts, and has accused Spain of working with other European governments to destabilize his government. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Brian Ellsworth; Editing by Tom Brown and Peter Cooney) Sendai (Japan) (AFP) - Junko Iizuka remembers clearly the day she was taken to a hospital as a teenager and forcibly sterilised under a Japanese government programme. Her foster mother gave her a rice ball as they stood by a river, and then took her without explanation to a doctor. Sometime afterwards, Iizuka, who requested a pseudonym to describe her experience, woke up in a hospital bed with a huge vertical scar across her stomach. Iizuka, now in her seventies, is one of thousands of men and women forcibly sterilised as part of what has been called a "eugenics" programme -- a Japanese law in place until 1996 that mandated the procedure for people judged to have disabilities. After the operation, Iizuka was sent back to her birth parents and it was only then she understood what had happened, when she overheard them saying she was now sterile. "That was when my anguish started," she told AFP at her small, meticulously neat home. Japan's health ministry acknowledges that around 16,500 people were forcibly sterilised under the law, which came into force in 1949. The law allowed doctors to sterilise people with heritable intellectual disabilities, to "prevent the generation of poor quality descendants". Another 8,500 people were sterilised with their consent, according to authorities, though lawyers say even those cases were likely "de facto forced" because of the pressure individuals faced. Iizuka had never been formally diagnosed with a disability, though her foster mother sent her to a home for intellectually disabled children at the age of 14. Her father later told her that local officials had "repeatedly pushed" him to sign off on the procedure, an operation that has haunted her for decades. "When I moved to Tokyo to start working, I went to a hospital to ask doctors if they could fix my body," she said quietly, her voice tight with frustration. "But it was impossible." Story continues - 'Clear human rights violation' - In her twenties she turned down marriage offers because she was sterile, though she eventually married and adopted a son. "But I still envy my friends when I see them receiving visits from their grandchildren," she said. For two decades, she lobbied Japan's government to recognise her suffering, but she always received the same response: the procedure was legal at the time, and no apology nor compensation would be given. Michiko Sato heard the same line as she lobbied on behalf of her sister-in-law Yumi, who was sterilised as a teenager. Both of the women, who are in their sixties, asked to be identified by pseudonyms. "I've picked up the gauntlet," Michiko told AFP. "But to be honest, I feel so empty asking myself 'why do we have to fight despite this clear human rights violation'?" Michiko learnt about the procedure Yumi was subjected to when she married into the Sato family, more than 40 years ago. "I was 19, she was 18.... When I first heard about it from her mother, I felt so sorry for both of them." "I couldn't ask why, I felt it would be too cruel to her mother to ask," she said. "For years I wondered why she had been sterilised, before I learnt last year that it had been forced on her at the age of 15." A childhood photo shows Yumi as a smiling, rosy-cheeked girl with bobbed hair. She had learning disabilities caused by an accident involving anaesthesia during an operation as an infant. It was a condition she could not have passed on, but she was sterilised anyway. With Michiko's help, she is now suing the government in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit, demanding compensation and an apology. The government has urged the court to dismiss the case. - 'Years of agony' - "Disabled people are still stigmatised by the general public, and that's part of the reason I'm doing this," said Michiko. She points to the murder last year of 19 people at a centre for the disabled south of Tokyo. The perpetrator claimed he was on a mission to rid the world of people with mental illness. "We have to change this kind of thinking," Michiko said. "Disabled people are human beings, and precious family members." The lawsuit has prompted others to come forward, including a man in his seventies who read about Sato's case and thought: "Isn't this what happened to me?" "I've been in agony about this for years," he told reporters recently, speaking on condition of anonymity. He was sterilised as a teenager. When he married years later, he couldn't bring himself to tell his wife, only confiding in her shortly before her death in 2013. "I felt pain when I saw my wife cradling someone else's baby," he said. "I've kept this burden in my heart for a long time... I want my life back." In March, lawmakers pledged to study compensation for those affected, with plans for a bill on the issue next year. But victims and their supporters say the process is moving too slowly. "I am inching closer to my grave," Iizuka, now battling breast cancer, told lawmakers in March. "Everyone is ageing. Please make progress quickly." Around 50 people were given an overview of the H-2A temporary worker program Thursday night during the first of five planned monthly meetings Updated | A troop of baboons managed to escape from a biomedical research facility in Texas by propping up barrels and leaping over the fence of their enclosure, prompting a roadway chase. Videos shared on social media showed people in masks chasing after the baboons, who managed to escape from the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (TBRI) in San Antonio on Saturday. baboon Storyful/Dorian Reyna Trending: Vietnam War Veteran Tortured, Murdered by Couple Caught Fleeing to El Salvador, Police Say The institute said it believes the baboons rolled a 55-gallon barrel left in their enclosure as an "enrichment tool" to an upright position and used it to climb out. The barrel, which had been used to help baboons "mimic foraging behaviors," according to the TBRI, has since been removed from the enclosure since it was used in the escape. Three of the baboons were rounded up within less than half an hour of escaping, while a fourth appeared to return to the enclosure on his own. Resident Dorian Reyna, who captured video of workers chasing baboons down Military Drive before joining the pursuit, said in a Facebook post that he had been concerned at first seeing "people in scrubs and face masks chasing a baboon." "Then the [baboon] bust a U-turn and runs back the other wayand he is fast as hell too," Reyna said, describing the chase. "So we tell the guys to jump in the back of the truck and start chasing the baboon back the other way." He said people were "running around, screaming at this thing" and chasing the baboon until it finally became tired and rested under a tree, where workers were able to capture it. "Moral of the story-keep your monkeys locked up," Reyna said. "And I started looking up that area... Texas biochemical testing facility... no wonder they were wearing masks," he added. Story continues The primates are being kept by the Southwest National Primate Research Center, which operates from the TBRI campus and keeps more than 2,500 animals in captivity on the campus for research into diseases and drug treatments. Don't miss: Tax Day 2018: Big Banks Already Reaping Huge Benefits from Trump's Plan Dr. John Bernal, an attending veterinarian at the SNPRC, said the baboons were not part of an active study. Workers who retrieved the baboons were only following protocol by wearing masks and other protective equipment while tracking the primates down, he noted. The animal care team held two of the three baboons to the tree line, while members of the animal capture team followed one baboon along the street and used verbal and hand signaling commands to corral the baboon to the tree line for its safety and efficient capture, Bernal said in a statement. Lisa Cruz, TBRI's assistant vice president for communications, called the baboons' escape a "truly a unique incident." We have been caring for research baboons for more than 50 years. We have nearly 1100 baboons on the property that date back eight generations," Cruz said in a statement. She said baboons were "critical to biomedical research," adding that "Baboons, in particular, have played an important role in the discovery of life-saving drugs, therapies and vaccines and have led to greater understanding of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity, osteoporosis and so much more that impact the lives of millions of people. However, animal welfare advocates say they have long had concerns about the Texas research facility. Kathleen Conlee, who is Vice President of Animal Research Issues at the Humane Society of the United States, (HSUS) said an undercover investigation into the TBRI had found baboons were being kept in "poor conditions." Most popular: Fourth St. Louis Police Officer Charged with DWI This Year "They were really just kind of thrown together in a big corral and didn't have a lot of enrichment or opportunities to engage in natural behavior," Conlee said. "We also thought they were being underfed, as we saw a lot of rock eating." The baboons also engaged in destructive behavior, including wounding each other, hair plucking and self-biting, which Conlee said suggested that their social needs were not being addressed. Conlee also said a dead animal had been left in the enclosure for a full weekend before it was noticed and removed. The animal research issues expert also said that while the facility claims baboons are "critical to biomedical research," that is simply no longer the case, arguing that animal testing is not only inhumane, but also no longer necessary or cost effective for research. "At the end of the day there are many problems with using these animals, so why do we continue to invest in something that's not going to get any better and will continue to be problematic?" Conlee asked. She said alternatives, such as "organs-on-chips" technology, which involves growing human cells in a system that mimics the structure and function of human organ systems for testing, 3D printing and epidemiological studies, now provide more humane opportunities for conducting biomedical research without harming animals. "Our job is to help move towards not using animals and primate for biomedical research and replacing them with alternatives that are better for human health and more cost-effective," she added. The baboons' escape has prompted many to call for their release to a sanctuary, with surgeon and healthcare columnist Eugene Gu writing on Twitter: "This is heartbreaking. Four baboons worked together to roll a 55 gallon barrel and escape the research facility where they were subject to horrifying medical experiments." "They earned their freedom. Let them go to a sanctuary," he said, adding, "Some animals are too sentient to be subjected to this." This article has been updated with comments from the Humane Society of the United States. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Former first lady Barbara Bush will be buried on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University, where the Bushes 3-year-old daughter Robin was buried in 1953. According to ABC News, the invitation-only funeral service for Barbara Bush will take place on Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, where she and former president George H.W. Bush were regular attendees. Barbara Bush, who died on Tuesday (April 17) at age 92, will lie in repose from noon on Friday until midnight so that members of the public can pay their respects. Around 1,500 people are expected to be invited to Saturdays funeral service, ABC 13 News said, including several former presidents and first ladies. Trending: Trump Emails Supporters To Tell Them How Awful James Comey Is Barbara Bush US flag REUTERS/Jason Reed The Texas A&M George H.W. Bush Presidential Library is around 100 miles northwest of Houston. After the service, the funeral party will proceed to the the center where Pauline Robinson Robin Bush, daughter of Barbara and George H.W. Bush, is also buried. Robin was just 3 years old when she died of leukemia in October 1953. Following her daughters tragic death, Barbara Bush said: Because of Robin, George and I love every living human more. The couple subsequently became active in their support for cancer research, especially for the Leukemia Society of America. Don't miss: Groups of up to 1,400 Sharks Gather Off North American Coast, Puzzling Scientists Bush family REUTERS In a 2012 Today interview, Barbara Bush said doctors told the couple there was no chance of Robin recovering, and suggested they make her as comfortable as possible and let her gently slip away. Story continues Regardless, the Bushes sought treatment. Robin had several bone marrow tests and received regular blood transfusions at the Sloan Kettering hospital in New York, but it was not enough to save her. When she died, Barbara Bush recalled, I was combing her hair and holding her hand. I saw that little body, I saw her spirit go. Most popular: Instagram Star Who Smuggled Drugs For Likes Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison Bushes Newsmakers But Robins death did not break her parents, and her memory became a much-loved companion to the former first lady. Robin to me is a joy. Shes like an angel to me, and shes not a sadness or a sorrow, she said. Barbara Bush had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure in the lead-up to her death. Having been hospitalized several times, she took the decision this weekend to stop seeking further medical treatment, instead focusing on palliative care. Tributes have been pouring in from all across America and the rest of the world following her death. She was married to former president George H.W. Bush for 73 years, and gave birth to six children. OneGeorge W. Bushwould go on to serve two terms as U.S. president, while anotherJebwould serve as Governor of Florida for eight years. George W Bush and Barbara REUTERS/Adrees A George and Barbara Bush REUTERS/Rick Wilking RTRIJXN Reuters This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek This article originally appeared on The Daily Signal. No matter what President Donald Trump does, the Iran deal is likely dead on May 12. Thats the deadline by which the president must decide whether he will keep the U.S. in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or Iran deala deal that seems more likely to give Iranians a patient path to nuclear weapons than secure any kind of peace long term. Trending: Bear Forced To Do 'Sickening' Tricks at Soccer Match in Russia 10_14_Iran_Nuclear_Deal Nazanin Tabatabaee Yazdi/TIMA/Reuters Back in January, Trump said he will seek to secure a better deal with our European allies but that: This is a last chance. In the absence of such an agreement, the United States will not again waive sanctions in order to stay in the Iran nuclear deal. And if at any time I judge that such an agreement is not within reach, I will withdraw from the deal immediately. No one should doubt my word. This statement leaves two choices: either the Europeans fail to come to some sort of agreement with the Trump administration to fix the flaws in the deal, resulting in the U.S. leaving the deal, or the Europeans agree to fix some of the flaws and then the Iranians leave. Europe and the Iran Deal Publicly, it seems that the rounds of talks with our European allies have not made much progress. It does not seem there is an agreement with Europeans to fix the original sin of the Iran dealthe so called sunset clauses that allow key restrictions on items like uranium enrichment, centrifuge production, and international monitoring to expire after a certain number of years. Agreement on addressing some of the other contentious aspects of the deal, namely the inability to curb Irans ballistic missile program, and the unconditional opening up of all its military facilities to international inspectors, seem remote. Don't miss: Fortnite Light Machine Gun Releasing in 3.5 Content Update Story continues If the president decides to leave the deal, its hardly the end of the worldor even bad. instead, it should be seen as a necessary step to confront one of the deadliest threats Americans, Israelis, and Gulf Arabs face. Americas European allies better be prepared for this. Ultimately, the Iran deal is a fundamentally flawed agreement that gave Tehran massive sanctions relief up frontwhile only requiring it to make temporary and easily reversible concessions on its nuclear program. Already, the Iran Deal Has Proved Ineffective The deal has failed to live up to the original goal of the international community when talks with Tehran started: to stop Iran from ever getting nuclear weapons. Instead, at best, the current deal only delays it by 10-15 years. And this is only the case assuming that Iran remains not cheating on the deal behind the scenessomething the international inspectors cannot unequivocally prove under the flawed terms of the deal. Yet nothing since 1979, when the ayatollahs took power during the Islamic revolution, has shown that Iran can be a trusted partner. Key restrictions on Tehrans nuclear activities expire after 10 years. Under the deal, Iran is given a green light to operate its covertly built, formerly illicit nuclear facilities and gradually expand its uranium enrichment program to an industrial scale. This legitimized Irans past nuclear cheating and paved the way for a patient path to nuclear weapons. It is difficult to argue that the nuclear deal effectively advances U.S. goals when Iran publicly refuses to allow inspections of its military bases in violation of the terms of the deal, develops ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear warheads, and eagerly anticipates the expiration of key restrictions on its uranium enrichment activities. Most popular: The NSA Wants Your Encrypted Data | Opinion Contrary to the promises of the Obama administration, the nuclear deal has not moderated Irans foreign policy. In fact, since the nuclear deal was sealed in 2015, Tehran has cashed in on the sanctions relief, invested heavily in terrorist proxies, and stepped up its hostile activities in the region. Today we see the evidence of this in Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. Many Iranians Also Dislike the Deal Perhaps it is a twist of geopolitical irony that, like many Americans, many Iranians are unhappy with the deal, too. The economic windfall, which many were hoping for, has not trickled down to the average person, a frustration evident during the December/January protests that rocked the country. Instead of going to average Iranians, the billions of dollars of unfrozen assets and sanctions relief have been used to fund Irans military adventures around the region. The international banking sector is still put off by the poor investment environment in Iran. The truth is the only country that can save the deal is Iran. With fragmented leadership, a tanking economy, and deep unpopularity, maybe Tehran will decide that it is in its own self-interest to pull back on its destabilizing foreign policy and threats to renew nuclear programs and save itself from itself. In the year 570 AD, the year that the Prophet Muhammad was born, the Sassanian empire, the predecessor of modern-day Iran, had its first foray into Yemen. Today, almost 1,500 years later, Iran is meddling in Yemen again. It is through the lens of this long history that Iran sees its futureand this is something the West fails to understand. This is why the sunset clauses in the Iran nuclear agreement are so dangerous. This original sin of the agreement is based on the hope that Irans behavior will change between now and when certain prohibitions expirebut this is an assumption that has no basis in recent history or reality. A breakout period of 15-20 years to achieve a nuclear weapon is merely a blink of an eye for Irans leaders. Trump needs to ask himself one very simple question on May 12: Does the Iran deal stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons forever? If the answer is no, then he must walk away. Luke Coffey oversees research on nations stretching from South America to the Middle East as director of the Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. Read his research. James Phillips is the senior research fellow for Middle Eastern affairs at the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for Foreign Policy Studies at The Heritage Foundation. He has written extensively on Middle Eastern issues and international terrorism since 1978. Read his research. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Immigrants from the Caribbean are welcomed to the UK on June 22, 1948 (Picture: PA) The government has been accused of being cruel and inhumane in its treatment of the Windrush generation, who have been threatened with deportation from the UK. Prime minister Theresa May will meet Caribbean leaders on Tuesday, a day after home secretary Amber Rudd apologised in the House of Commons for the appalling treatment of people who arrived in Britain as long ago as the 1940s. WHO ARE THE WINDRUSH GENERATION? The Windrush generation are people from the Caribbean who were invited to the UK to help rebuild the country amid labour shortages in the years after World War II. They take their name from the SS Empire Windrush ship, which brought 492 passengers to Tilbury Dock, Essex, on June 22, 1948 after an 8,000-mile journey from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other Caribbean islands. Many of the passengers were former servicemen who had fought with the UK during the war and many other passengers were children. It is difficult to say how many people belong to the Windrush generation, as many of the children travelled on their parents passports and didnt apply for travel documents, but the figure is thought to be in the thousands. The SS Empire Windrush brought Caribbean immigrants to the UK in 1948 (Picture: PA) There are 500,000 people living in the UK who were born in a Commonwealth country and arrived before 1971, including the Windrush arrivals. The 1971 Immigration Act gave Commonwealth citizens in the UK indefinite leave to remain, while new arrivals with British passports had to have a work permit and proof that a parent or grandparent had been born in the UK. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO WHY ARE THE WINDRUSH GENERATION CONCERNED? Story continues The Home Office didnt keep a record of those who were granted leave to remain in the UK or issue any paperwork to confirm this, leaving the Windrush generation with difficulty proving they are in Britain legally. Because they travelled from British colonies that had not gained independence, they thought they were British citizens. Recent changes to immigration laws require people to have documentation to work, access benefits or rent a property. The result is that thousands of Caribbean immigrants cannot prove they have the right to work in the UK or access NHS services, or even remain in the country. WHAT HAS THE GOVERNMENT SAID? In the Commons on Monday, Ms Rudd acknowledged the Home Office had become too concerned with policy and strategy at the expense of the individual. I do not want any of the Commonwealth citizens who are here legally to be impacted in the way they have, she told MPs. Frankly, some of the ways they have been treated has been wrong, has been appalling and I am sorry. Ms Rudd said fees for sorting out the paperwork of those affected would be waived so they could have their status confirmed free of charge. Home secretary Amber Rudd apologised for the appalling treatment of the Windrush generation (Picture: PA) She said she had also given instructions that there were no removals or detention of Commonwealth citizens under the new assistance scheme. A cross-party group of 140 MPs wrote to Mrs May calling for an immediate and effective response to problems faced by members of the Windrush generation. HAVE PEOPLE BEEN DEPORTED? Cabinet Office minister David Lidington said that the Home Office was still not aware of any cases where Windrush generation Britons had been deported. There had been confusion on Monday after immigration minister Caroline Nokes appeared to suggest that some individuals may already have been deported in error. Home Secretary Amber Rudd later told MPs she was not aware of any specific cases. On Tuesday, Mr Lidington told BBC Radio 4s Today: I talked to the home secretary about this last night and the position is that we have no information. We dont know of any cases where someone has been deported from this category. My office has just received a call from Windrush Generation mother of a man who is being deported tomorrow. Cease this deportation immediately @AmberRuddHR @carolinenokes @ukhomeoffice @theresa_may pls RT: #EndWindrushDeportations https://t.co/0ir4wEy4Cn David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 17, 2018 Ms Ruth Williams, 75 years old Windrush citizen and mother of a son facing deportation: I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country. This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 17, 2018 Ms Ruth Williams, 75 years old Windrush citizen and mother of a son facing deportation: I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has apple Home Office and been refused twice. David Lammy (@DavidLammy) April 17, 2018 But David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham who organised the letter to the prime minister, tweeted on Tuesday that his office had been contacted about the case of Mozi Haynes, 35, who is being deported tomorrow. He said the mans mother, Ruth Williams, 75, told his office she felt betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country. Mr Lammy said the man is a constituent of Dominic Grieve, the Conservative MP for Beaconsfield, who has been passed the case details. Mr Lammys office said Ms Williams is a member of the Windrush generation whose son applied to the Home Office to regularise his status in 2016 and his application was subsequently rejected. The office said he is due to be deported on Wednesday. Mr Lammy said: This is a national disgrace. What is going on in the Home Office makes me ashamed of our great country. The prime minister must act urgently to halt this deportation and all other Windrush deportations. Heads must roll over this and the Home Secretary and immigration minister must consider their positions. WHAT HAS BEEN THE REACTION? Mr Lammy said the home secretary should know the numbers of people who had been deported as he asked how many had been detained, denied healthcare, been refused pensions or lost their jobs. David Lammy said it was a day of national shame (Picture: PA) He told the Commons on Monday: This is a day of national shame and it has come about because of a hostile environment policy that was begun under her prime minister. Let us call it as it is. If you lay down with dogs, you get fleas, and that is what has happened with this far-right rhetoric in this country. Mr Lammy said it was inhumane and cruel that so many people had had to live with such uncertainty for so long. Berlin (AFP) - The discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb will force a mass evacuation around Berlin's central railway station Friday, covering several government ministries and a hospital, police said. Buildings and streets in a radius of 800 metres (875 yards) around the site north of the busy train station will be cleared from 0700 GMT until the 500-kilogramme (1,100-pound) explosive is safely defused, they said on Twitter Wednesday. The evacuation zone covers the central railway station, the economy and transport ministries, an army hospital and the embassies of Indonesia and Uzbekistan, a police spokesman told AFP. Police said it was not yet clear how many thousands of people would be affected but predicted to local media that "it will be big, it will be a major hassle". The Deutsche Bahn rail company and urban transport operators prepared for large-scale disruptions around the central hub for trains, trams and buses. The bomb, which was discovered during construction work on Heidestrasse in the district of Mitte, was "safe for now", police said, reassuring nearby residents that "there is no immediate danger". Allied planes blasted Nazi Germany during the Second World War, and vast urban and industrial areas remain littered with unexploded bombs and other ordnance often found during construction projects. Last Friday in the state of Bavaria, an ordnance disposal team defused a 500 kilogramme bomb which had forced the evacuation of 12,000 people in the city of Neu-Ulm -- the third unexploded bomb to be disarmed in recent weeks in the city of 50,000 people. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York's attorney general on Wednesday asked Governor Andrew Cuomo and state legislators to give him and other local prosecutors power to bring criminal charges against people pardoned by U.S. President Donald Trump. In a letter, Attorney General Eric Schneiderman urged Cuomo and legislative leaders to close a loophole in New York's double jeopardy law shielding recipients of presidential pardons from state prosecution. A change could make it more difficult for Trump aides and others who might be pardoned to escape criminal prosecution, even if special counsel Robert Mueller's probe into possible Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election were curbed or shut down. The president has no constitutional power to pardon state crimes, but Schneiderman said the current law means defendants pardoned for serious federal crimes could be freed from "all accountability" under state criminal law. Schneiderman, a Democrat in his eighth year as attorney general, has made his office a central figure in blue state challenges to Trump, tangling with the Republican president on such matters as consumer finance, the environment, immigration and the 2020 census. The White House had no immediate comment. Cuomo, a Democrat, is reviewing Schneiderman's proposal, and "believes that the federal legal system should not provide a basis for any wrong doers to escape justice," press secretary Dani Lever said in a statement. Democratic State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie said "we will take a close look" at the "serious" issue, and State Senator Todd Kaminsky, also a Democrat, tweeted a plan to introduce a bill closing the loophole. It is unclear if a revised law can make it through the state senate, which is closely divided between Republicans and Democrats. The office of Republican Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Double jeopardy laws prevent people from being tried twice for the same crime. "By closing New York's double jeopardy loophole, lawmakers can ensure that no one accused of breaking New York's laws will escape accountability merely because of a strategically-timed presidential pardon," Schneiderman said in a statement. Jed Shugerman, a Fordham University law professor, said Schneiderman's "balanced" proposal both protects people from "repeated harassment" by a single group of prosecutors, and also "protects against pardons being used to obstruct justice." He said its adoption would bring New York law in line with laws of several other U.S. states. Schneiderman said more than 20 states provide defendants only the minimum required protection against double jeopardy. Some onetime Trump aides have pleaded guilty in Mueller's probe, including former national security adviser Michael Flynn and former campaign adviser Rick Gates. Trump has called the probe a witch hunt. His personal lawyer Michael Cohen faces a separate criminal investigation that arose from it. Last week, Trump pardoned Lewis "Scooter" Libby, a onetime chief of staff to former Vice President Dick Cheney, over his role in the unmasking of CIA agent Valerie Plame. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel and Jan Wolfe in New York; Editing by David Gregorio and Tom Brown) A statue of the surgeon J. Marion Sims was removed from its pedestal bordering New York Citys Central Park on Tuesday, after calls for its removal peaked in the summer of 2017. The citys Public Design Commission voted Monday to remove the Sims statue, and on Tuesday the statue was taken down; the city plans to move it to the cemetery where Sims is buried. In the last year or so, during a period of dialogue about what it means to continue to maintain monuments to figures whose lives no longer seem praiseworthy, Confederate monuments have been removed from many cities, and universities have begun to come to grips with their own and their benefactors connections to slavery. And, though the statue of Sims may have little to do with the Civil War on its face, its removal was nonetheless the latest part of that story. With Sims, the controversy is not about the merits of his medical achievements, but how he accomplished them. Though Sims founded New Yorks first womens hospital and innovated new surgical techniques, his success came at the cost of unethical medical treatment of enslaved women in the antebellum era. In the 1840s, to master the technique that earned him the title of father of modern gynecology a cure for vesicovaginal fistula, which closed dangerous openings between the bladder and vagina, often caused by giving birth he practiced on enslaved women whom he purchased. During the incredibly painful process, they were deprived of anesthesia, according to a recent NPR interview with Vanessa Northington Gamble, a physician and medical historian at George Washington University. Sometimes other physicians were invited to watch him in action. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter His experiments were part of a longer history of doctors experimenting on African Americans and Native Americans to test out treatments that could benefit white people, Harriet A. Washington, the author of Medical Apartheid: The Dark History of Medical Experimentation on Black Americans from Colonial Times to the Present, told TIME recently. Story continues Even after slavery was abolished, that didnt mean African Americans received the same treatment as white patients. Washington says there was a widespread belief that such experiments on patients from marginalized communities could be justified as payback of sorts, since those individuals often couldnt afford to pay full-price for all of their medical care. Sims dubious legacy has received a new round of scrutiny during the national conversation about Confederate statues, and also since the release a year ago of the HBO film adaptation of Rebecca Skloots best-selling book about Henrietta Lacks, a 20th-century African-American woman whose cells were used for medical research without her consent. But questions about whether it was appropriate to celebrate his life are longstanding. Well before 21st century consciousness-raising efforts, TIME noted some of the problems with the Sims statue in 1959, on the occasion of the publication of the book Obstetric and Gynecologic Milestones by the gynecologist Harold Speert, when observers were reminded of the irony of forgetting the women whose bodies made medical advances possible for men such as Sims. Rarely are the female subjects of gynecologys heroes honored, the magazines coverage of the book read. Three who suffered, willy-nilly, in the cause of surgical progress were the slaves Anarcha, Betsy and Lucy, on whom the flamboyant South Carolinian James Marion Sims (1813-83) operated repeatedly to perfect a method of closing openings (the result of childbirth injury) between the bladder and vaginathen one of the most distressing complaints that woman was heir to. Dr. Sims is honored with a statue in Manhattans Central Park, but the slaves are not even named in Dr. Speerts index. NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York State plans to restore voting rights to about 35,000 New York felons on parole who previously were barred from casting a ballot until they completed their parole, Governor Andrew Cuomo said on Wednesday. Cuomo will issue an executive order to restore voting rights to those felons already on parole as well as those who enter the parole system each month, a spokesman said. Most convicted felons in the United States face hurdles and roadblocks to voting, which vary by state. Two states, Maine and Vermont, have no felony disenfranchisement laws and even allow felons to vote while in prison, said Morgan McLeod, spokeswoman for The Sentencing Project, a non-profit advocacy group for criminal justice reform. Four states - Florida, Kentucky, Iowa and Virginia - ban felons from voting for life, unless their rights are restored by their governor, as Cuomo has vowed to do, said Marc Mauer, executive director of The Sentencing Project. "They work, pay taxes, and support their families, and they should be permitted to express their opinions about the choices facing their communities through their votes, just as all citizens do," Cuomo said in a statement. (Reporting by Barbara Goldberg; Editing by Dan Grebler) Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwe has fired all nurses who went on strike to demand higher salaries, in a hardline response by the country's new leadership to growing labour arrest. Several thousand nurses were sacked in a terse statement issued on Tuesday evening by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who accused the strikers of being "politically motivated". Patients were turned away from major hospitals after the nurses began their industrial action on Monday, shortly after doctors ended their own weeks-long strike earlier in the month. "Government has decided in the interest of patients and of saving lives to discharge all the striking nurses with immediate effect," Chiwenga said in a statement. He said unemployed and retired nurses would be hired to replace those fired. Chiwenga was the military general who led the ousting of Robert Mugabe in November when the army briefly took control and ushered Emmerson Mnangagwa into the presidency. Chiwenga described the nurses' strike as "deplorable and reprehensible" as the government had released $17 million (14 million euros) to boost their pay and allowances. He said the funds would now be used to employ new nurses. Zimbabwe's nurses association said they "noted" Chiwenga's statement but added that they remained on strike. After Mugabe's 37-year rule, Mnangagwa has vowed to revive the country's moribund economy and attract foreign investment to fund better public services. "Government has done everything to comply with the demands of the striking nurses," Mnangagwa said, according to state-owned media. "This leaves us with no option but to dismiss them." More than 90 percent of Zimbabwe's budget is spent on government wages. Teachers at public schools have threatened to go on strike if their pay is not increased. Zimbabwe is due to hold elections in July or August, the first since the shock fall of Mugabe, who ruled since independence from Britain in 1980. Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former deputy, is a veteran loyalist in the ruling ZANU-PF party. Cannes is around the corner and that means that our friends at Frontieres are gearing up for another joint venture with the famed festival. Returning after a successful debut year in 2017 Frontieres returns with 16 genre projects looking for partnerships. Each project is at various stages of production, be it as a proof of concept, all the way to completion and looking for a little push into sales and distribution. Six projects will paticipate in The Frontieres Buyers Showcase, showing footage to potential buyers, sales agents and festival programmers. Three of the films are from Canada, including Jovanka Vuckovic's (XX) Riot Girls which recently locked down the final cut. The remaining ten projects have all recently completed teaser trailers which will be shown at the Frontieres Proof of Concept Presentation. This is where the rubber hits the road as the teasers will be shown to prospective partners. The ten projects recently participated in the Frontieres Finance & Packaging Forum in Amsterdam. In the mix includes projects from Can Evrenol (Baskin and Housewife), Casey Walker (The Void and A Little Bit Zombie), and Thomas Robert Lee (Empyrean). Somehting new this year is the addition of Avanpost Digital Cube Post-Production Award. One of the projects from the Frontieres Finance & Packaging Forum is going to win a post-producton services package worth $150,000 from Romanian company Digital Cube. We are keeping our fingers crossed that some of these projects will find their way to the Frontieres Co-Production Market at Fantasia in July so we can report back to you on what they share with us. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. This week, the State of Israel will celebrate 70 years of independence of the modern Jewish state. This ought to be a great source of pride and celebration not only in Israel, but for all the Jewish people. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Theodor Herzl, the father of modern Zionism, famously said: If you will it, it is no dream. Today, 121 years after that historic First Zionist Congress in Basel, the State of Israel is no longer just a dream. It is a living, thriving reality! Today, we are no longer stateless, no longer voiceless and no longer without a national home. Today, 121 years after that historic First Zionist Congress in Basel, the State of Israel is no longer just a dream. It is a living, thriving reality! (Photo: AP) Only last week, we marked Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day. This is all the more meaningful, for it serves as a searing reminder that had State of Israel been born only a few years earlier, the Jewish people could have avoided this great catastrophe, and that our existence today is an unequivocal guarantee that another such catastrophe shall never befall our people. Today, the Jewish nation has regained our independence, our sovereignty, our army and control of our destiny. Although the modern State of Israel is a mere 70 years young, the Jewish people have an unbroken and inextricable connection to the Land of Israel going back millennia. We often forget that we too have a story, a deeply compelling one. Ours is a story of hope, courage and freedom. It is the story of a people who were exiled from their home and scattered across all the corners of the earth. For 3,000 years we were subject to persecution, pogroms and, ultimately, the Holocaust, but never did we give up hope. We refused to succumb to hatred and despair. Even through the darkest of chapters in our history, we remained unwavering in our yearning to Return to Zion and to rebuild a nation-state in our ancestral homeland. Fueled by faith, determination and our time-hallowed traditions, we returned to that homeland and created a thriving Jewish state based on the ideals of liberty, democracy and the rule of law. Today, the Jewish people are again free in our landthe land of Zion and Jerusalem (Photo: Reuters) A homeland for all the Jewish people. A unified capital in the Holy city of Jerusalem. A strong army, capable to thwarting any foe near and far who may seek to harm the State of Israel and the Jewish people. An ancient language revived. Where we do not have to fear walking in the streets wearing our kippahs or celebrating Jewish festivals. Innovation, technology and a dynamic creativity that is truly the envy of the world. We have become a source of inspiration to the champions of human hope and human dignity, serving as a role model for all those struggling for their inalienable right to self-determination, just as we have done. And all this has been achieved against insurmountable odds, against enemies who still today refuse to accept our very existence! In 1886, 11 years before the First Zionist Congress, which gave birth to the idea of the modern Jewish state, and 62 years before its actual realization, Naphtali Herz Imber, a Jewish poet from Ukraine, inked the lyrics to the poem Tikvateinu (Our Hope). In 1948, that dream became a reality and that poem became the national anthem of the State of Israel. Today, the Jewish people are again free in our landthe land of Zion and Jerusalem. Arsen Ostrovsky is the executive director of The Israeli-Jewish Congress (IJC). Some 40 United Nations ambassadors arrived from New York this week for a historic visit as part of Israels 70th Independence Day celebrations. The delegation, including ambassadors from Europe, Africa and Latin America, is being led by Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon in cooperation with the American Zionist Movement (AZM). Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter This is the largest ambassadorial delegation to visit Israel and it was planned over many months. Some of them joined Dannon for the March of the Living in Poland to mark Holocaust Memorial Day while others arrived early this week for a five-day visit including meetings with senior Israeli figures like President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Minister Tzahi Hanegbi, opposition leader Isaac Herzog and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barakat, as well as meetings with residents throughout the country. UN delegation at Western Wall (Photo: Avi Dudi) Danon at Massada (Photo: Avi Dudi) The delegation also visited the Western Wall, the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Museum, Ma'aleh Adumim and Tel Aviv. They tried out the famed mud of the Dead Sea, ascended Masada, visited the Mahane Yehuda Market and the Israel Museum. Delegation in Krakow, Poland The ambassadors will take part in the events marking Independence Day. They will view the air show and then proceed to the events hosted at the Presidents residence. They already visited the City of David National Park and on Tuesday they toured the southern border, received a security briefing and met with residents of the towns bordering the Gaza Strip. Mahane Yehuda Market (Photo: Avi Dudi) (Photo: Avi Dudi) Richard D. Heideman, AZM President, said: Seventy years after the United Nations played a key role in the founding of the State of Israel, it is significant that so many foreign Ambassadors to UN are visiting Israel to see firsthand the history and accomplishments of the country. By being in Israel these diplomats will gain a greater appreciation for the threats and challenges which Israel faces daily, as well as an understanding of the importance of the country to the Jewish people and to all its inhabitants. At a time when UNESCO denies the Jewish connection to Jerusalem it is important that the Ambassadors have seen the Jewish history of the city as well as the respect accorded to all faiths by Israel. Israels commitment to protecting access to the Holy Places and respect for people of all religions is exemplary and noteworthy to the Ambassadors. Danon said, We are glad to host friends from throughout the world who have come to celebrate with us 70 years of independence and prosperity and strengthen the relationship between our countries with this historic visit. He added, In the face of attempts at the UN to deny the connection between the Jewish people and their land, the ambassadors viewed archeological findings that confirm in the best way possible the ancient and eternal link between the Jewish people and Jerusalem. Masada (Photo: Avi Dudi) Guatemalan Ambassador to the UN Jorge Skinner-Klee said: I'm excited to be here, this place so important in history and is now a place of tolerance between religions and cultures. The positive feelings of Guatemala towards Israel have accumulated over the years, not only because of the bible but also because of the principles of the state of Israel today, as a state which contributes much to the world in the fields of science and technology. I believe that the ties between our two countries will continue to strengthen in the future as well. Ethiopian Ambassador to the UN Tekeda Alemu commented on the visit to Jerusalem: It was a fantastic experience, the primary outtake is the fact that there is a clear connection between the old city of Jerusalem and the Jewish people and this cannot be denied. More than 50 years after the Six-Day War, Yossi Sidkoni arrived in Jerusalem earlier this week to recount to his granddaughter the Battle of Ammunition Hillan assault on a fortified Jordanian military post in the then Jordanian-ruled east Jerusalem where 36 members of his company lost their lives. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "When you go to war, you become, to a certain extent, a robot," he said. "I knew that my friends were hurt, but I did not have the time to see who or how many were wounded." Sidkoni, a paratrooper, was training just two weeks prior to parachute in El Arish in an effort to take Tel Aviv. Yossi Sidkoni and his granddaughter on Ammunition Hill (Photo: Tal Shimoni) "Suddenly they informed us that the mission had changed and we had to go up to Jerusalem," he recounted. "It was already dark, night. Command took out a map and told my company, 'You're going to conquer Ammunition Hill.'" At 1:00 AM Sidkoni and his company went down to the police school area near Ammunition Hill and at approximately 2:00 AM the battle began. "Within seconds they began shooting at us. We entered an area that was later named the 'Triangle of Death,' in which the first three soldiers were killed in the battle." Sidkoni (R) (Courtesy of Yossi Sidkoni) During the battle, Sidkoni's commander was shot in the chest and he was forced to take his place. "He was seriously injured. We dragged him back into a hiding spot ... and tried to help him, but as a department we were suddenly alone, as if our father had been killed, and was suddenly not there to command us. "After a second we regained our composure and the sergeant asked me to take charge." (Photo: Tal Shimoni) Sidkoni fought with his company on that hill for more than five hours in a battle that proved much more arduous than initially expected, as due to bad intelligence, the Jordanian forces there were three times as many as the Israeli soldiers prepared for. As the battle waned, Sidkoni said the Israeli troopers began treating and evacuating the wounded, still using the hill's trenches for cover. "Suddenly I saw a Jordanian soldier's helmet, stood up and shot him dead. At that moment, an Israeli soldier I did not know got up to look out of the ditch, got shot and died. To this day I carry the feeling that maybe that bullet was meant for me, and this has been tormenting me ever since," he said painfully. Sidkoni (L) (Courtesy of Yossi Sidkoni) For months, Sidkoni was unable to return to Ammunition Hill. "Here was a heroic battle, though we did not know it at the time. There were huge numbers of wounded and dead here, and I never felt a sense of victory," he admitted. "For months I did not return to this hill, I went up once and could not cope with the smell that permeated the air. "Every time I come to this place, no matter where on this hill, I am filled with pride, but also with the feeling that something important was lost here." WASHINGTON- US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the United States has been having direct talks with North Korea "at extremely high levels" to try to arrange a summit between him and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly," he said at a picture-taking session with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels, with North Korea. And I really believe this allows good will, that good things are happening. We'll see what happens, as they always say, we'll see what happens, because ultimately it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting." The IDF fired tank shells at a group of five Palestinians who had tried to cross the Gaza border fence east of Khan Younis in the southern strip on Tuesday night. Palestinian sources say they were all wounded. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The IDF Spokesperson's Unit said in a statement, "An IDF force spotted five suspects approaching the border fence in the night. At least one of them was armed. The force fired at the suspects." IDF patrol near Gaza border (archives) (Photo: Haim Hornstein) Also Tuesday night, IDF, Border Guard, Shin Bet and Israel Police forces operating in the West Bank arrested a wanted Palestinian suspected of involvement in terrorist activity, popular terrorism and violent riots against civilians and security forces. Forces of the Menashe Territorial Brigade operated Tuesday night in the West Bank city of Jenin. They raided a workshop for the production of illegal weapons. The equipment they confiscated included welders, discs and other tools used to manufacture the weapons. "The IDF will keep working to thwart means of terror as part of our war on weapons to protect Israel's residents," the IDF Spokesperson's Unit said. Israel targeted an advanced Iranian air-defense system at a Syrian base last week, according to intelligence officials and others briefed on the matter, the Wall Street Journal reports. According to two people briefed on the plan, Israeli officials told the Trump administration about the planned strike in advance so that the US was aware of their plans to directly target an Iranian base. Israel is honoring the memories of 23,646 fallen soldiers, security forces members and terror victims on Wednesday, Memorial Day. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the Family, Commemoration and Heritage Wing of the Ministry of Defense, some 1.5 million people are expected to visit the 52 military cemeteries, hundreds of military plots and thousands of graves across the country on Memorial Day. (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The day's events will begin at 11am with a two-minute siren in memory of the fallen. Following the siren, the state memorial ceremony will commence on Mount Herzl, for the first time taking place in the new memorial hall unveiled last year. Also at 11am, a memorial service will take place at the Kiryat Shaul military cemetery in Tel Aviv, attended by Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman. A memorial ceremony for terror victims will take place at 1pm on Mount Herzl. The Defense Ministry has organized hundreds of buses and shuttles to transport bereaved families to the military cemeteries, while its commemoration wing personnel will lay 135,000 wreaths on graves. Hundreds of thousands of water bottles will be handed out to families and members of the general public visiting the cemeteries. Magen David Adom will deploy 132 mobile units to cemeteries. For the first time, all memorial candles will be lit at the Mount Herzl memorial hall. Aryeh Mualem, the head of the Defense Ministry's commemoration wing, said that "the vision that led to the construction of the hall was born of a need of bereaved families, who approached me over the years asking to ensure the memory of the fallen would never be forgotten. It was my moral duty to grant their request." At 9am, memorial services will be held at Jerusalem Brigade monuments in Yemin Moshe, Abu Tor, Ramat Rachel, Armon HaNetziv, and in the Peace Forest. A memorial service at Safra Square in the capital will begin at 9:15am, with Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat in attendance. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held at 12pm at the Mitzpor Haarbaa monument. Haifa students visit school graduates' graves Over the past few days, family and friends have visited cemeteries across the country, cleaned the graves of their loved ones and laid flowers. Students from Haifa schools visited the graves of school graduates who were killed in Israel's wars as part of a special commemoration project. Some of the graduates were killed 70 years ago and have no living relatives to visit their graves. (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Tawil, a student at the Alliance High School in Haifa, was sitting at the grave of Avinoam (Avik) Greenhois, who was killed in 1948 at the age of 16. Along with a classmate, Tawil read out the story of his life and his death. "The guy who is buried here was wounded, and when he got to the hospital he told the doctors not to worry his parents and not to call them. Five hours later he passed away," Tawil said of Greenhois. "I, as a Zionist Druze, think it's a great honor to take part in such a project," she added. (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Also at the cemetery was Ami Ben-Nesher, who came to visit the grave of his brother Eitan, who was also killed in 1948. "He was in the Palyam, the Palmach's sea force. They left Caesarea to Jaba', which is Geva Carmel today, in order to damage vehicles of the Arab gangs. They hit a truck they planned on sabotaging, but while they were withdrawing he was killed. He asked them to leave him and save themselves. When we got his body back, it was hard to identify him," Ami recounted in pain. The Syrian T-4 airbase that was attacked last week contained an advanced Iranian air-defense system that was recently installed, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The report, published overnight Tuesday, said that the fresh information was provided by intelligence officials and attests to the fact that the Trump administration is working with Israel to blunt Tehrans expanding influence in the Middle East. President Trump and PM Netanyahu (Photo: AFP) The surprise attack was launched last Monday in central Syria near Homs on a base that was used by militias controlled by Tehran, and was originally attributed to the US, which flatly denied the accusations. Shortly after, Iran, Syria and its patron Russia pointed the finger squarely at Israel. According to official reports, the attack claimed 14 lives, including seven Iranian military advisors. US officials also indicated that the Israeli Air Force was behind the attack, but Jerusalem declined to confirm or deny the reports. T-4 airbase in Syria Responding to the airstrike, leader of the Lebanon-based terror movement Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah, said Israel had made a mistake of significant magnitude by confronting Iran. Israelis should know that they made a historic mistake. They carried out an act of great stupidity, they entered into a direct struggle with Iran, Nasrallah said, the likes of which he described as unprecedented in recent years. Satellite image of Syrian air base allegedly used to field Iranian drones In a speech delivered by the terror leader on a screen in Beirut, Nasrallah warned Israel of Irans strength. Iran is not a small country and not a weak country and not a cowardly country and you know this. This incident is critical for the region, he added. Destruction at the T-4 base Deriding Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman for denying knowledge of who stood behind the attack, Nasrallah said that by confronting Tehran, Israel had bitten off more than it could chew. Lieberman say he doesnt know who attacked Syria. You opened a new axis in a struggle that you have not correctly prepared for. You are in a face to face struggle with Iran, Nasrallah continued. Hassan Nasrallah The T-4 airbase was built in a strategic location adjacent to Syrian gas fields. It changed hands several times during the course of the civil war raging in the country. Once under the control of the ISIS terror group, the area was eventually overtaken by Syrian President Bashar al-Assads army with the support of Russian military forces. An appeal filed by former Israeli president Moshe Katsav to lift his nighttime house arrest was rejected overnight Tuesday. Katsav, a convicted rapist, was released from prison in December 2016. Former Israeli president Moshe Katsav, who was granted early release in 2016 while serving a prison term for rape, will continue to remain under house arrest at night after an appeal to lift the accompanying release restriction was rejected by the Lod District Court. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter By filing the appeal, Katsav, who served five years and 15 days out of his seven-year sentence in the Maasiyahu Prison for rape and indecent acts, was seeking to overturn a decision by the Parole Board. As part of his definition as a licensed prisonera prisoner outside jailKatsav is forbidden from leaving his home during the evening. The restriction is included in his terms of release, and is supposed to remain in place until the official conclusion of his prison sentence in December 2018. Moshe Katsav and attorney Zion Amir at the legal discussions on his curfew (Photo: Yariv Katz) The State Attorneys Office opposed Katsavs appeal to annul the release term on the grounds that the restrictions were standard for prisoners convicted of sexual offenses. It also argued that there was no reason to lighten the restrictions specially for the former president, particularly when taking into account the feelings of his victims. The appeal was submitted by Katsavs attorneys Shani Iluz and Zion Amir after a number of failed attempts to secure lighter restrictions. In August 2017, President Reuven Rivlin rejected a request to cancel the nighttime restriction, and explained that the Parole Board had approved his release based on the fact that it was subject to restrictive conditions and a complex rehabilitation plan that would expire only on the completion of the official sentence. Katsav with his wife after his release from prison (Photo: AFP) Given the circumstances, Rivlin reasoned, it would have been unjustified to accede to the cancellation requests. Katsavs request was once again tossed out in April 2017 by the Parole Board, and in November the same year, the parole board rejected another request to ease the restrictive conditions. You cant have a reasonably normal life. A person who cant leave, not for a wedding or a bar mitzvah or just to see a movie, and most importantly, cant see his wife who underwent an operation, for example, in the hospital, attorney Amir complained after one of the appeals was thrown out. The Tel Aviv district prosecution filed an indictment to the citys District Court on Wednesday against Kamel Abu Amara, 19, from Jaffa, for establishing contact with a foreign agent and for membership of, and activity with, a terror organization. According to the indictment, Amara was in continued contacts with supporters and members of the ISIS terror organization and joined of his own volition by sending an oath of allegiance video to the head of its group. He also acted on behalf of the organization to promote its goals and recruit more supporters. The Tel Aviv district prosecution filed an indictment to the citys District Court on Wednesday against Kamel Abu Amara, 19, from Jaffa, for establishing contact with a foreign agent and for membership of, and activity with, the ISIS terror organization. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter According to the indictment, Amara was in extensive contact with supporters and members of the organization and joined of his own volition by sending an oath of allegiance video to the group. He also acted on behalf of the organization to promote its goals and recruit more supporters. Kamel Abu Amara (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The indictment, filed by attorney Oren Paz, said that the defendant joined a number of groups, including the Islamic State in which people outside of Israel proclaimed their affiliation with, or expressed their support for, the terror group. The members of the various groups also distributed content supporting ISIS activity, while the defendant participated in the discourse and consumed the distributed content. Amara also established contact with one individual known as Abu Matzaab, who presented himself as a Romanian citizen who supported the organization. The two discussed support for ISIS, devoting significant attention to waging Jihad in Palestine and its liberation, while the defendant told him that in the past he was investigated by the Shin Bet over his support for ISIS. Amara and Abu Matzaab created a new group of supporters and worked to recruit more members to the terror groups ranks. (Photo: Motti Kimchi) Later on, the defendant established contact with a man known as Dabik, who presented himself as a Moroccan citizen and an ISIS fighter, the indictment notes. He told Amara he was on his way to Afghanistan to join his comrades in ISIS in the fighting. Ramchan Abu Amara, the defendants father, told Ynet that his son simply enjoyed playing computer games, and accused the Israeli security services of entrapment and of turning him into a terrorist. He is a 19-year-old boy who played games on the Xbox. I am not an expert in computers, but there is a game of wars between countriesIsrael, America, ISIS and rebels on the internet and they speak to each other, the father said. A man from the Shin Bet came on and spoke to him and incriminated him. They made him a terrorist. A 37-year-old Lod resident was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of lighting up fireworks during the Memorial Day ceremony Tuesday evening. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Rishon Lezion Magistrate's Court extended the suspect's remand Wednesday afternoon. Fireworks in Lod during siren X Police officers in Lod, Tuesday evening Lod Mayor Yair Revivo said Tuesday after attending a local memorial ceremony that "police forces raided a home in the train neighborhood and I can assure you that the hand which lit up the fireworks is going to curse the day it was born. "Whoever did this crossed a line, and that's something we cant accept," Revivo added. "They have kites and fireworks, but we have a glorious state. Tomorrow evening, God willing, we will have fireworks of respect and pride. They have their wretchedness and we have our victory." Avi Gil, director of Lod's community centers network, and Faten al-Zinati, director of the city's Jewish-Arab community center, issued the following statement following the incident: "We condemn the launching of fireworks during the Memorial Day ceremony. This defying act by radicals from one population, and the inappropriate calls that followed from radicals from the other population, should be condemned and are aimed at harming the joint fabric of life in Israel and in the city of Lod." A two-minute siren sounded across Israel at 11 am Wednesday, followed by ceremonies at the country's cemeteries in memory of 23,646 fallen soldiers, security forces members and terror victims as part of Memorial Day Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The state Memorial Day ceremony on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl was attended by President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein and IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot. "The people's love is given to your fallen loved ones and our fallen loved ones every day, especially today," Prime Minister Netanyahu told the bereaved families at the state ceremony, which took place for the first time at the new memorial hall unveiled last year. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mount Herzl ceremony (Photo: Central Productions) Netanyahu went on to mention Private Moshe Israel Heiman, who was killed in a War of Independence battle in Jerusalem and his great grandson, Second Lieutenant Yuval Heiman, who was killed in Operation Protective Edge. According to the prime minister, "Moshe Israel Heiman, could have been discharged from service as a man with a family, yet he chose to stand guard day and night and face enemy fire. "Moshe Israel Heiman suffered a lethal blow from a Jordanian shell. Paratroopers officer, Second Lieutenant Yuval Heiman, was killed four years ago. The battle Yuval participated in near Kibbutz Nir Am prevented a major terrorist attack. In a continuation of heroism, a legacy of heroism, the great grandfather was killed in 1948 and the great grandson was killed three generations later. They both acknowledged that our existence can only be secured by firmly standing against those seeking to destroy us while willing to pay the price of the battle. "All of usJews, Druze, Christians, Muslims, Bedouin and Circassiansstand together against the terror fanatics threatening to destroy us, and together we'll keep defeating them," the prime minister said. (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) He said an IDF orphan had asked him earlier this week about his thoughts while sending soldiers to battle. "I told him that I think about the security of the state and its citizens, I think about the soldiers, I think about you and families like your family which might pay the heaviest price of all. I think about my brothers in arms who died beside me, about David Ben Hamo of Be'er Sheva who died in my arms. "I always think about the price and how to prevent deaths, and at the same time I know that without the heroism and sacrifice of our fighters, our existence can't be secured. At moments of truth, we must defend our existence firmly, stand up to our enemies like a fortified wall. We are here thanks to the 23,646 fallen soldiers, whose names are on this wall." The prime minister concluded his speech by pledging to keep up the efforts to return Israel's MIAs. "When the Independence Day events commence, our flag will be raised up high again. The sons and daughters, our fallen loved ones, will be with us. They are always with us." Israelis observe two-minute siren at Mount Herzl (Photo: Hillel Meir/TPS) Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman also spoke during a ceremony held at the military section of the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in north Tel Aviv. Here, in this place and in every military cemetery in Israel, there are no political parties or factions, he began in his remarks in a bid to sweep aside political differences as the country unites to remember its fallen soldiers. Here, there are no tribes and no political camps, but only one campthe children of Israel camp, who sacrificed their lives for Israels independence, for its security, for its future, the defense minister continued, as he called on the nation to unite. Like them, who did not flinch from the dangers and understood that there is no other way, we must also do the same, in their memory and in their spirit, to be one nation and one camp against the challenges that the State of Israel faces, Lieberman declared. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman lays a wreath at the the military section of the Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv (Photo: Defense Ministry) Turning to the current security situation in Israel, the defense minister bemoaned the fact that the threats to harm us and destroy the State of Israel have not stopped, even today, 70 years after the War of Independence. Thats why we need a strong and determined IDF and must understand that we live in a fragile and volatile reality, and at any moment we may need the strength and skill of the IDF and its commanders, the minister reminded his listeners. We aren't looking for adventures, but when it comes to the security of the State of Israel and its citizens, there will be no compromise and no blinking, he vowed as he concluded his remarks. My advice to our neighbors, from north to south, is to take this into account and take it seriously. Observing the siren in Jerusalem's city center (Photo: Reuters) Shin Bet Director Nadav Argaman said during a memorial ceremony for the organization's members, "We cherish the dedication and courage of the service's members. The Israeli public owes them a lot, in most cases without knowing a thing about their actions and contribution to the security of he people and the state. Our friends' will may not be heard, but it's with us throughout the way. "We are turning the loss and the pain on a daily basis into a source of power and inspiration, to keep working for life, for the people and for the state. In its 70th year, Israel is stronger than ever, more technological than ever, more innovative than ever. Its finest sons are in our organization, in a variety of professions and roles. We are proud of that, and keep instilling the organization's legacy in them." Shin Bet chief Nadav Argaman (Photo: Shin Bet Media) Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh said earlier at a ceremony held at Mt. Herzl for officers killed in the line of duty that Israels history accompanies the endless struggle for the existence and the security of the state, which has entailed the expensive price of blood. Even when we are sovereigns in our land, we are required to continue to fight for the preservation and strengthening of our sovereignty and for peace for all our citizens, against the phenomena of stabbings, an ancient weapon and, of course, against other other more dangerous weapons and even unconventional weapons, he continued. Just like then, today the spirit and determination of the soldiers who defend the people stands up to the test. Just like then, today we can, together, defeat anyone who seeks our downfall. Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh at a ceremony for officers killed in the line of duty (Photo: Eli Mandelbaum) 'Terrorists robbed us of huge souls' A memorial ceremony for terror victims took place at 1pm on Mount Herzl. "We have lost remarkable figures," Prime Minister Netanyahu said during the ceremony. "When I look at the pictures and hear the stories, I immediately know, like all the people of Israel know, that the terrorists robbed us of huge souls. "We will chase every despicable murderer while pursing our loved ones' mission. We will settle the land, put down roots, build communities, strengthen mutual responsibility. Our culture of life and light wll defeat their culture of death and darkness. We have strength, willpower, persistence. We will all stand shoulder to shoulder and pass the torch of mission from hand to hand, from heart to heart." Miriam Ben Gal and Yael Shevah light a torch in memory of their husbands, who were killed in terror attacks earlier this year (Photo: Ohad Zwigenberg) According to the Family, Commemoration and Heritage Wing of the Ministry of Defense, some 1.5 million people were expected to visit the 52 military cemeteries, hundreds of military plots and thousands of graves across the country on Memorial Day. The Defense Ministry organized hundreds of buses and shuttles to transport bereaved families to the military cemeteries, while its commemoration wing personnel was expected to lay 135,000 wreaths on graves. Hundreds of thousands of water bottles were to be handed out to families and members of the general public visiting the cemeteries. Magen David Adom deployed 132 mobile units to cemeteries. For the first time, all memorial candles were lit at the Mount Herzl memorial hall. Aryeh Mualem, the head of the Defense Ministry's commemoration wing, said that "the vision that led to the construction of the hall was born of a need of bereaved families, who approached me over the years asking to ensure the memory of the fallen would never be forgotten. It was my moral duty to grant their request." Interior Minister Aryeh Deri declared Tuesday evening, as Israel mourned the countrys fallen soldiers and victims of terror for Memorial Day, that the Kibbutzim Monument in northern Israel is an official memorial site. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The monument, which lists the names of 3,084 members of kibbutzim who have fallen in the line of duty, is located in the Mishmar HaEmek Forest overlooking the Jezreel Valley. The monument is the third largest in terms of the numbers of name engravings, after the Memorial Hall National Fallen of Israel on Mount Herzl and Yad La-Shiryon in Latrun. Prior to Deris promulgation of official recognition, the monument received no budget from the state. The Minister of the Interior recognized the monument by virtue of his authority regarding national non-governmental memorial sites, in consultation with the Commemoration Council and the Megido Regional Council which deals with such matters. The area in which the monument is situated, between Ein HaShofet Mishmar HaEmek, is a grazing area where many minorities walk around who damage the monument again and again, and just maintaining it is a matter of considerable effort, Nir Meir, a leader of the Kibbutz Movement, told Ynet. We contend with a lot of damage due to the nationalist harassment and I hope that from the moment that the site is recognized as a declared site of the state, it will take part in the responsibility for this matter and will be able to fix the damages more easily, he added. Meir also expressed his personal gratitude to Deri for making the decision. As a representative for a Kibbutz bereaved family, I thank from the bottom of my heart the interior minister who has brought to an end this long journey for state recognition of our unique memorial site, Meir said, while stressing that the fallen victims were worthy of state recognition. All in all, none of these people only looked out for themselves. They were all killed for this country, so we could found it and so we could protect it, and its wonderful that the state recognizes this, he said. Interior Minister Aryeh Deri (Photo: AFP) After signing the states recognition, Minister Deri described his ability to declare the monument as a state-recognized site as a personal honor. On this evening of Memorial Day for the IDFs fallen soldiers, I had the privilege of bestowing my personal respect upon thousands of fallen soldiers from the Kibbutzim, who gave their lives in the defence of the homeland, Deri said. For years the monument did not receive official recognition. However, from this Memorial Day forward, children of the Kibbutzim will be able to honor the fallen soldiers at the official memorial monument. Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Environment Minister Zeev Elkin confirmed the recognition and asked that Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman issue a statement stating that he does not oppose the move. Lieberman issued the statement. The Commemoration Council and the Megido Regional Council will be partially responsible for the maintenance of the monument, in coordination with the Kibbutz Movement subject to the funding it receives. A Gaza resident was arrested by police at the Qaladiya crossing in north Jerusalem in possession of a knife. The 32-year-old suspect was taken in for questioning. His motives are being checked. Residents of the Florentine neighborhood in Tel Aviv discovered Tuesday morning that the iconic painting depicting the assassination of former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, which for 22 years has towered over Sderot Washington, was finally removed by municipality workers who painted over one of the most conspicuous exhibits in the neighborhood. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter On Monday, the municipality covered the mural with a sign, but after public outcry from local residents the sign was removed and the municipality even apologized to residents. Attempts to save the mural Tuesday morning X Painting over the mural was done by mistake and we are sorry about it. The municipality will contact the artist, and he expressed his willingness to redo it, read a statement by the municipality. The mural as it appeared Monday (R) and then Tuesday (L) (Photo: Adam Kamai) Toward 8:30am, a municipal vehicle pulled up next to the painting with workers who proceeded to cover it with a lick of grey paint. The workers did not paint the entire building, restricting their work to the painting only. The painting depicted the the former prime ministers killer, Yigal Amir, shooting Yitzhak Rabin on the night that shook the nation in 1995. Many art and graffiti enthusiasts have previously used used the mural as the starting point for tours around the neighborhoodconsidered one of the most colorful in the city and replete with urban art. We are in total shock, said the artist and social activist Yigal Shtayim who painted the iconic depiction months after the assassination. The picture really describes the moment of the murder and it irritated some people, because instead of painting Rabins face, I chose to describe the most violent and hardest thing that happened to us, the murder itself. That was its significance. The painting over the mural was a genuine mistake and we are sorry about it. When it became known, painting was stopped and the paint was washed from the mural. In addition, the municipality made contact with the artist, Yigal Shtayim, who came to the scene, and expressed his readiness to redo it and gave a list of materials that are needed for it. The materials will be provided on Sunday and the mural will be redone by Monday, while all required assistance is given by the municipality. One of the social activists in the neighborhood pointed out that, The moment that Maya Alkobi, the administrator of our community center, heard that residents had reservations as to covering up the Rabin assassination mural, she immediately organized the project's transference to another wall. This ismore than anything elsea case of lack of forethought, which has now been resolved. It's not about good guys versus bad guys, she clarified. Work to remove the mural was nearly done before it was halted Neighborhood resident Yasmin, who resides on Sderot Washington, added her own take. As someone who lives here, I was shocked. Who could have thought that removing such a mural, which symbolizes so much for so many, was okay? she asked incredulously. The sign intended to cover up the historic mural was an initiative of the Florentine community center, and was to present the neighborhood's unique spirit in work, industry, culture and art using miniatures created by the neighborhood's children in honor of Israel's 70th Independence Day. The city's municipality said Tuesday that after the people installing the sign received word the graffiti depicted the slain premier's murder, they decided the instillation was to be summarily removed and transferred to another street. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked has signed the first pardon recommendations for Independence Day. Recommendations will be forwarded to President Reuven Rivlin for review. Among the recommendations signed by Shaked is a proposal to pardon a combat soldier who served in the first Lebanon War and who suffers from PTSD, who is incarcerated for growing cannabis for personal use. "There's no better day to send a message of encouraging rehabilitation for those who have fought in Israel's wars," the minister commented. Egyptian intelligence has been in talks with Hamas and Israel with the intention of carrying out a prisoner swap between the two, the Lebanese Al Akhbar newspaper reported. The Gaza terror group and Egypt have reached agreement regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in the deal, the report maintained, but Israel has vetoed it. It was further reported Egypt was attempting to broker a more expansive deal between the parties, which will include a long-term "hudna" (armistice), a commitment by Hamas to halt tunnel excavation and a cooling of relations with Iran in return for removing the blockade from the strip, funnel finances back to Gaza and a freedom of movement for Hamas's leaders. BRUSSELS/PARIS European Union governments are showing more support for the idea of new sanctions on Iran proposed by Britain, France and Germany as a way of dissuading US President Donald Trump from pulling out of the 2015 nuclear deal, diplomats say. London, Paris and Berlin angered their EU partners in March when they tried to move quickly with a proposal to impose sanctions on 15 senior Iranian officials, military figures and companies, before a May 12 deadline set by Trump. But assurances from US government officials that such sanctions could influence Trump, who has given Europe until next month to "fix" what he says is "the worst deal ever negotiated", as well as a less confrontational approach by London, Paris and Berlin, appear to be winning other EU members over. Diplomats also said EU governments were under more pressure to protest against Iran's role in Syria's civil war following an April 7 suspected chemical weapons attack near Damascus which the West blames on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Arab-Israelis are set to hold the minority group's main event on displaced persons' rights Thursdaywhich is also Independence Day. The event will be held on open land belonging to the Nir Etzion moshav in the northern region's Carmel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Head of Hof HaCarmel Regional Council, under whose jurisdiction Nir Etzion is included, contacted Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan and Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh Wednesday requesting the event be canceled, fearing conflagration between the region's Jewish public and the Arab masses congregating there. The council's head, Carmel Sela, had initially agreed to hold the event but later claimed he did so after being coerced by police. In recent days, however, more and more objections from local residents began to arise, as they refused to allow the event to be held in the intended location. A previous Arab rally at Ofer Forest (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi) Police rejected the council's claims, explaining the location was selected in coordination with both the council and its heads, with no compulsion involved whatsoever. Nir Etzion is a collective moshav founded in 1950, partly by survivors of the battle for Kfar Etzionovertaken by the Arab Legion on the eve of the state's founding. In the past few years, Arab-Israelis have held memorial rallies near the locations of villages from which they claim to have been expelled during the War of Independence. In years past, the aforementioned event was held in the vicinity of Sepphoris (Zippori), as well as in Ofer Forestalso on the ground of Hof HaCarmel Regional Council. The event was authorized by police this year to be held on grounds belonging to Nir Etzion. Head of the local council Sela commented on the matter, saying his regional council objected to holding the event on Israel's platinum jubilee. "Since the police made it clear in no uncertain terms that the event will be held at Hof HaCarmel in any case," he continued, "I was left with no choice but to accede to hold the rally in the least sensitive place in the councilnear the Nir Etzion waste purification plant, as per the police's recommendation." (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi) In a letter forwarded to Minister Erdan and Commissioner Alsheikh, Sela struck a less conciliatory tone in writing, "The Israel Police authorized to hold a huge rally and provided permits to 15,000 participants, who will be coming to protest and hold anti-Zionist actions on our land." The rally, he added, will be held during a time of an "exceedingly sensitive security situation" and at the heart of Israel's Independence Day celebrations. "We have received many overtures from concerned residents, religious organizations as well as Gush Etzion residents who said they planned to hold a counter-protest that will block the event from going ahead," Sela revealed. "We consider holding the rally to be a real danger that may set the entire region alight," he cautioned, before concluding with a request for the pair's "urgent intervention" in canceling the event. (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi) Police disavows any ties to choosing rally's location Police noted in a statement the location for the rally was selected by the council itself and that it was some distance away from the Nir Etzion moshav. "Police received a request some two months ago from 'The Society for preserving the rights of displaced persons' to receive a permit to hold a march in the Ofer Forest region, with the participation of more than 10,000 people," the police's statement continued. "The march," police said, "has been held annually for the past 20 years. Police reviewed the request and did not authorize the location sought by organizers." As a result, police determined the rally was to be held in another location, to "prevent friction and reduce public disturbance." (Photo: Mohammad Shinawi) Organizers were therefore asked, the police alleged, to find an alternative location in conjunction with the relevant local authority and to enshrine the matter in a written agreement as a precondition to receiving the permit to hold the event. The agreement was indeed officially signed, police added, and it was agreed that the march will pass through distant agricultural land leased by Nir Etzion. "On the basis of the agreement by a council representative and a representative of the community to hold the rally on their grounds, the event was approved. Any attempt to tie the police to holding the event at any specific location whatsoever is wrong and misleading," the statement concluded. US President Donald Trump tweeted a greeting to Israel in honor of its 70th Independence Day, in which he said, "Best wishes to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and all of the people of Israel on the 70th Anniversary of your Great Independence. We have no better friends anywhere." "Looking forward to moving our Embassy to Jerusalem next month!" the president added. Egyptian intelligence has been holding vigorous talks with both Hamas and Israel on a prisoner swap deal, the Hezbollah-affiliated Al Akhbar newspaper reported Wednesday. Hamas presented Egypt with the number of prisoners it wished to be released, but Israel vetoed it, the report added. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Talks also dealt with the status of prisoners released in the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap but later detained by Israel again, the Lebanese paper said. while Hamas demanded they be rereleased irrespective of the final tally of prisoners agreed upon in negotiations, Israel was adamant they were retried and their release could therefore only be secured as part of a new deal.. More than 50 Palestinians released as part of the Shalit deal were later arrested again. Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh (L) and Yahya Sinwar (R) and Egyptian President a-Sisi (center) (Photo: Reuters, AP) Al Akhbar also reported Egypt asked Hamas for information as to the state of Israelis held captive by the Gaza terror group, in return for the release of women prisoners as well as detainees who are minors. However, Egypt was not content to merely mediating a prisoner swap, the paper reported, going so far as to seek a long-term "hudna" (armistice), with Hamas vowing to halt tunnel excavations and to cool its relations with Iran. In return, as per the Egyptian framework, the blockade on the strip will be lifted, border crossings will reopen and financial assistance will flow to Gaza again. Furthermore, the Egyptians offered freedom of movement for Hamas's leaders, enabling them to go abroad as they please. Irrespective of the Al Akhbar report, heads of Egyptian intelligence have convened over the past few weeks in Gaza with Hamas's senior officials. Hamas denies receiving a new request for a prisoner swap, but the organization's leader Ismail Haniyeh said Tuesday that his group was willing to follow through on one with the mediation of a third party. News Austin, Texas - On April 11, the Department of Justice secured the denaturalization of two individuals one convicted of engaging in sexual contact with a minor, and the other who fictitiously created a family to secure a Diversity Immigrant Visa. Judge Joe Fish of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas entered an order to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Emmanuel Olugbenga Omopariola, and Judge Susan Richard Nelson of the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota entered an order to revoke the U.S. citizenship of Fosia Abdi Adan. The court found that prior to naturalizing, Omopariola, 61, engaged in sexual contact with a seven-year-old minor, which he admitted and for which he was later convicted. This prior conduct rendered Omopariola ineligible for applying for U.S. citizenship because he did not show the moral conduct necessary for naturalization. Additionally, throughout his naturalization proceedings Omopariola misrepresented and hid his unlawful activity. During litigation, Adan, 51, conceded that she had procured her U.S. citizenship by willful misrepresentation and concealment of material facts, including the fraudulent nature of her relationship to individuals she claimed to be her children. In light of that admission, the court found that Adan had unlawfully procured her U.S. citizenship. The denaturalization of Adan marks the culmination of the governments case against four individualsa purported husband, wife, and two sonswho unlawfully, knowingly, and fraudulently represented to immigration officials that they were a family in order to gain admission to the United States through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, which they later used to obtain U.S. citizenship. Judge Nelson entered orders revoking the naturalized U.S. citizenship of Adans purported husband, Ahmed Mohamed Warsame aka Jama Solob Kayre, 53, on February 27, 2018, and her purported sons, Mustaf Abdi Adan aka Mohamed Jama Solob, 33, and Faysal Jama Mire aka Mobarak Jama Solob, 31, on March 19, 2018. All four individuals consented to the entry of orders of denaturalization. The current immigration system is too often abused by fraudsters and nefarious actors. These cases are prime examples of the unfortunate fraud that is all too common within our immigration system, said Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The Department will continue to investigate and prosecute others who conceal their heinous crimes, and those who seek to rely on fraudulent relationships to become naturalized United States citizens. The Omopariola matter was referred to the Department of Justice by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The other four cases, United States v. Fosia Abdi Adan; United States v. Ahmed Mohamed Warsame; United States v. Mustaf Abdi Adan; and United States v. Faysal Jama Mire, were referred to the Department of Justice by the U.S. Department of States Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and ICE, with investigative support from HSI and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate. "The integrity of our consular processes is a core element of U.S. national security, said Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Carl Risch. The Department of State works closely with the Justice Department efforts to detect, deter, and combat fraud related to U.S. travel documents. These denaturalizations demonstrate the value of this important interagency collaboration; a partnership that allows us to facilitate travel by qualified individuals in the context of ensuring a strong and secure U.S. border. The Texas case was investigated by HSI and the Civil Divisions Office of Immigration Litigation, District Court Section (OIL-DCS). The case was handled by OIL-DCSs National Security and Affirmative Litigation Unit and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Texas, with support from ICEs Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. These Minnesota cases were investigated by DSS, ICE, USCIS, and the OIL-DCS. The cases were prosecuted by Senior Litigation Counsel Anthony D. Bianco and Trial Attorney Kathryne M. Gray of OIL-DCS, with support from Senior Attorney Lucia A. Fiorentino and former Attorney Sarah Mazzie of ICEs Office of the Principal Legal Advisor, and DSS. Latest News Somerton, Arizona - The community is invited to join the Arizona Western College Somerton Center for their Education Family Night Career Festival on Wednesday, May 2, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Come and learn about programs available through AWC and partnering universities, GED classes, English courses, community program services, after-school programs, and more. Attendees can expect to see dance and musical performances from local schools during the event as well as educational displays. There will also be food available for purchase, drawing opportunities, and games. Held at the AWC Somerton Center/Somerton Middle School, 1011 N. Somerton Ave., family night is free for all ages to attend. The event will include a career outfit contest for kids. Adults are also encouraged to wear their current or desired career outfit. For more information, contact Maria Guzman Ramirez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (928) 314-9454. Latest News Washington, DC - Federal Trade Commission investigators, working undercover in 11 states, found failures to disclose pricing information required by the FTCs Funeral Rule in 33 of the 134 funeral homes they visited during 2017. The FTC conducts undercover inspections to monitor funeral homes compliance with the Funeral Rule. The Rule gives consumers important rights when making funeral arrangements. For example, funeral homes must provide consumers with an itemized general price list at the start of an in-person discussion of funeral arrangements, a casket price list before consumers view any caskets, and an outer burial container price list before they view grave liners or vaults. The Rule also prohibits funeral homes from requiring consumers to buy any item, such as a casket, as a condition of obtaining any other funeral good or service. By requiring the provision of itemized prices, the Funeral Rule enables consumers to compare prices and buy only the goods and services they want. Funeral homes that violate the price list disclosure requirements for the first time can enter the Funeral Rule Offenders Program (FROP), a training program run by the National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) designed to increase compliance with the Rule. All the homes found in violation have chosen to enter the FROP rather than subject themselves to the possibility of an FTC enforcement action seeking civil penalties, which can be as high as $40,654 per violation. The FROP provides participants with a legal review of the price disclosures required by the Rule, and ongoing training, testing and monitoring for compliance. Funeral homes that participate in the program make a voluntary payment to the U.S. Treasury in place of a civil penalty, and pay annual administrative fees to the NFDA. The results of the FTC 2017 undercover inspections for price list disclosures by region are as follows: In Ft. Wayne, Indiana, none of the 19 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Southern Fairfield County in Connecticut, Manhattan and Brooklyn in New York, and Southern New Jersey, none of the 26 funeral homes inspected in 2016-17 failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Tucson, Arizona, one of the 11 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Boise, Idaho, two of the 14 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Hagerstown, Maryland and Winchester, West Virginia, three of 15 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, four of the 20 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Augusta, Georgia, five of the 13 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Lansing, Michigan, seven of the 15 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In Odessa and Midland, Texas, seven of the 15 funeral homes inspected failed to comply with a price list disclosure requirement. In addition, the FTC identified a number of funeral homes, within the tested areas, with only minor compliance deficiencies. In such cases, the FTC requires the funeral home to provide evidence that it has corrected the problems. Since the FROP began in 1996, the FTC has inspected nearly 3,200 funeral homes and found 559 homes with violations that required referral to FROP. This year, the FTC wishes to thank Indiana Attorney General Curtis T. Hill, Jr., for the valuable assistance provided by his office. The FTC educates consumers in English and Spanish about their rights under the Funeral Rule, and provides guidance to businesses in how to comply Blend two or three metals together and you get an alloy that usually looks and acts like a metal, with its atoms arranged in rigid geometric patterns. But once in a while, under just the right conditions, you get something entirely new: a futuristic alloy called metallic glass thats amorphous, with its atoms arranged every which way, much like the atoms of the glass in a window. Its glassy nature makes it stronger and lighter than todays best steel, plus it stands up better to corrosion and wear. Even though metallic glass shows a lot of promise as a protective coating and alternative to steel, only a few thousand of the millions of possible combinations of ingredients have been evaluated over the past 50 years, and only a handful developed to the point that they may become useful. Now a group led by scientists at the Department of Energys SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and Northwestern University has reported a shortcut for discovering and improving metallic glass and, by extension, other elusive materials - at a fraction of the time and cost. The research group took advantage of a system at SLACs Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) that combines machine learning - a form of artificial intelligence where computer algorithms glean knowledge from enormous amounts of data - with experiments that quickly make and screen hundreds of sample materials at a time. This allowed the team to discover three new blends of ingredients that form metallic glass, and to do this 200 times faster than it could be done before, they reported today in Science Advances. (Yvonne Tang/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory) It typically takes a decade or two to get a material from discovery to commercial use, said Northwestern Professor Chris Wolverton, an early pioneer in using computation and AI to predict new materials and a co-author of the paper. This is a big step in trying to squeeze that time down. You could start out with nothing more than a list of properties you want in a material and, using AI, quickly narrow the huge field of potential materials to a few good candidates. The ultimate goal, he said, is to get to the point where a scientist could scan hundreds of sample materials, get almost immediate feedback from machine learning models and have another set of samples ready to test the next day or even within the hour. Over the past half century, scientists have investigated about 6,000 combinations of ingredients that form metallic glass, added paper co-author Apurva Mehta, a staff scientist at SSRL: We were able to make and screen 20,000 in a single year. Just Getting Started While other groups have used machine learning to come up with predictions about where different kinds of metallic glass can be found, Mehta said, The unique thing we have done is to rapidly verify our predictions with experimental measurements and then repeatedly cycle the results back into the next round of machine learning and experiments. Theres plenty of room to make the process even speedier, he added, and eventually automate it to take people out of the loop altogether so scientists can concentrate on other aspects of their work that require human intuition and creativity. This will have an impact not just on synchrotron users, but on the whole materials science and chemistry community, Mehta said. The team said the method will be useful in all kinds of experiments, especially in searches for materials like metallic glass and catalysts whose performance is strongly influenced by the way theyre manufactured, and those where scientists dont have theories to guide their search. With machine learning, no previous understanding is needed. The algorithms make connections and draw conclusions on their own, and this can steer research in unexpected directions. One of the more exciting aspects of this is that we can make predictions so quickly and turn experiments around so rapidly that we can afford to investigate materials that dont follow our normal rules of thumb about whether a material will form a glass or not, said paper co-author Jason Hattrick-Simpers, a materials research engineer at NIST. AI is going to shift the landscape of how materials science is done, and this is the first step. Strength in Numbers The paper is the first scientific result associated with a DOE-funded pilot project where SLAC is working with a Silicon Valley AI company, Citrine Informatics, to transform the way new materials are discovered and make the tools for doing that available to scientists everywhere. Founded by former graduate students from Northwestern and Stanford University, Citrine has created a materials science data platform where data that had been locked away in published papers, spreadsheets and lab notebooks is stored in a consistent format so it can be analyzed with AI specifically designed for materials. We want to take materials and chemical data and use them effectively to design new materials and optimize manufacturing, said Greg Mulholland, founder and CEO of the company. This is the power of artificial intelligence: As scientists generate more data, it learns alongside them, bringing hidden trends to the surface and allowing scientists to identify high-performance materials much faster and more effectively than relying on traditional, purely human-driven materials development. Until recently, thinking up, making and assessing new materials was painfully slow. For instance, the authors of the metallic glass paper calculated that even if you could cook up and examine five potential types of metallic glass a day, every day of the year, it would take more than a thousand years to plow through every possible combination of metals. When they do discover a metallic glass, researchers struggle to overcome problems that hold these materials back. Some have toxic or expensive ingredients, and all of them share glasss brittle, shatter-prone nature. Over the past decade, scientists at SSRL and elsewhere have developed ways to automate experiments so they can create and study more novel materials in less time. Today, some SSRL users can get a preliminary analysis of their data almost as soon as it comes out with AI software developed by SSRL in conjunction with Citrine and the CAMERA project at DOEs Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. With these automated systems we can analyze more than 2,000 samples per day, said Fang Ren, the papers lead author, who developed algorithms to analyze data on the fly and coordinated their integration into the system while a postdoctoral scholar at SLAC. Experimenting with Data In the metallic glass study, the research team investigated thousands of alloys that each contain three cheap, nontoxic metals. They started with a trove of materials data dating back more than 50 years, including the results of 6,000 experiments that searched for metallic glass. The team combed through the data with advanced machine learning algorithms developed by Wolverton and graduate student Logan Ward at Northwestern. Based on what the algorithms learned in this first round, the scientists crafted two sets of sample alloys using two different methods, allowing them to test how manufacturing methods affect whether an alloy morphs into a glass. Both sets of alloys were scanned by an SSRL X-ray beam, the data fed into the Citrine database, and new machine learning results generated, which were used to prepare new samples that underwent another round of scanning and machine learning. By the experiments third and final round, Mehta said, the groups success rate for finding metallic glass had increased from one out of 300 or 400 samples tested to one out of two or three samples tested. The metallic glass samples they identified represented three different combinations of ingredients, two of which had never been used to make metallic glass before. SSRL is a DOE Office of Science user facility. In addition to SLAC, NIST and Northwestern, scientists contributing to this study came from the University of Chicagos Computation Institute, the University of South Carolina and the University of New South Wales in Australia. The SLAC pilot project with Citrine is funded by the Advanced Manufacturing Office of DOEs Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, and includes collaborating scientists from NIST, DOEs National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Colorado School of Mines. The CAMERA project at Berkeley Lab is supported by the DOE Office of Science. - Written by Glennda Chui Citation: Ren et al., Sci. Adv., 13 April 2018 (10.1126/sciadv.aaq1566) Press Office Contact: Andy Freeberg, afreeberg@slac.stanford.edu, (650) 926-4359 SLAC is a multi-program laboratory exploring frontier questions in photon science, astrophysics, particle physics and accelerator research. Located in Menlo Park, California, SLAC is operated by Stanford University for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science. To learn more, please visit www.slac.stanford.edu. SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. Scammers must be smart, judging from their prowess on how and when to strike, luring unsuspecting victims into their trap with so much ease; like a lamb to the slaughterhouse. Some scams in Ghana make you awe at the cleverness of the scammers. More often than not you want to know how these scammers think. source:Romancescam Scams in Ghana have shifted from one on one conman to text messages asking you to deposit some money to redeem a lottery you have won. There area also numerous online scamming activities taking place. The mind of a criminal is intelligent. Not only does it get to bait multiple victims but it also uses unwavering confidence and means you cant suspect. Here are 7 scams in Ghana: 1. Bank scams in Ghana Scamming sites are mainly after money and the higher the amount, the better. Where else do we keep our life savings but the bank? Bank scams are done through phishing. This refers to the act of sending fake emails to people posing as employees of very reputable banks that require customers to urgently fill in important information like pins and account numbers. Lots of people fall prey as anything linked to their account is tackled with no second thought. How can you know a spoof account (a fake email or website that replicates a real one) to mark as spam? Its very easy. Source:Buzz Ghana Spoof emails carry some unusual urgency. For instance, an email saying you fill a form providing your bank details for a system upgrade at night is fake. Banks in Ghana are not even operational past 5 in the evening! Messages carrying links to your banks website are a telltale sign of spoof website. The only effective way to avoiding bank scams in Ghana is not responding to any of these emails immediately. Always confirm with your bank the next day by visiting a branch or calling your regular customer care personnel. Whoever thought that emails could quickly reach the masses and be fruitful was wise, more than 50% of Ghanaians fall for this scam. 2. Money scams in Ghana Money, money, money! Scams in Ghana are all about money. The skilled scammers do it in such a way you will never know it was a scam until its too late. Money fraud is vast and is mostly done through the following schemes; Purchase of property and real estate These are usually good deals in great places. The number of the owner is advertised, most times. The unknowing victim calls to discuss business. The owner claims to be overseas following up on his other property. You keep talking via email and messenger until it gets to the point of wiring the down payment after which the alleged owner vanishes. source:Facebook Promise on big profits for business investment The scammers come up with a project that looks very viable. Convinced investors buy the story and put money into growing the investment. By the time they realize, neither the floater of the idea nor the investment exists. Money scam in Ghana has almost run out of hand. People can only hold onto one tip; doing money transactions with people they trust. READ ALSO: Radio Presenter Jailed 4 Years For Internet Scam 3. Military scams in Ghana Most women are being robbed of hundreds of money by scammers posing to be men in the uniform, deployed to remote areas. The scammers start a relationship over the internet then after a while start soliciting money to pay for a secure line so that you may talk. Other times they claim to have been given a short break and need money to facilitate their travel. The military always has allowances anytime they are in a place they may need money, so the solicitors are a scam. These scammers use pictures of innocent real-time third party soldiers as their profiles to look convincing. 4. Gold scams in Ghana A very valuable product, gold scams in Accra Ghana are very common. Scam sites contact people via email or text message claiming to be working for a custom company. They then proceed to say that they have gold bars that were caught being unlawfully transported by custom and they want to dispose them at a price lower than the market price. It sounds like a brilliant idea, and most people fall prey. Gold scammers insist on a down payment as demand is very high. The moment this money is wired, they go off. Source:ScumAlert The only way to beat this human psychology play is avoiding shortcuts in this trade. READ ALSO: Top 5 richest scammers in Ghana 5. Love scams in Ghana Love is a beautiful thing, and everyone seeks and longs to be in love. No wonder romance scams in Ghana are on the rise. Scammers target vulnerable people like the widowed, divorcees, disabled and single parents. Confidence fraud is what love scams are jokingly called. A very accurate term, as the person has to build your confidence in them before they can start extorting money from you. Here is the scamming format for dating scams in Ghana. Source:Citi FM A scammer will first ransack the internet for an ideal person, mostly on social sites. They may join a dating site where people are desperate to find love. After selecting a profile, they message its owner. They focus their conversations on getting to know you well, posing as people of the same economical interests. At the end of the day, you have given a wealth declaration to a con without knowing it. Scammers are very smart people that will know your weaknesses in a short time. They will fill all the gaps in your love life, and soon you are head over heels for them. This is when they strike. One legit way to make money in Ghana is through Ghana lotto. This is through their many bets that are designed in a way that makes winning easy. Play Ghana lotto today and stand a chance to win many cash rewards How they con you off your money Now that your love is at its peak, this lover who most times resides in a different state is very sick, and they need help with their bill. In serious cases, a fake medical officer calls you and emphasizes on how critical the situation is. Some scammers pose as students and need money to clear up on school balances and graduation so that they may join you shortly after. The idea sounds good, so you send the money. Those two are the most common among many others. Scammers are very canny and always find reasons after getting you smitten to their charm. Though there are no specific ways of avoiding love scam, there are a few things you can do to decrease the chances of falling prey. Sampled below are a few of them. Avoid sharing too much information on Facebook that could reveal your financial and social status. Before you can discuss personal information with people that are interested in you, do some background check. Where possible find other avenues to find love like hookups from friends. Dating scams in Accra Ghana are on the rise so you need to be on the alert. 6. Visa scams in Ghana Most times visa scams go hand in hand with romance and dating scams. After being tricked into thinking they have found a life partner from another country, victims are asked for money to process visas so that their lovers may come to Ghana. Most victims are men. The lady (sometimes its a fellow man) acts like they are so in love they dont mind becoming Ghana citizens. The unsuspecting man sends money for the bride-to-be who disappears right after they get the amount they wanted. The scam sites are not run by fools; they know how to buy trust by taking their time before they make any financial requests. The only other way to match these peoples intelligence is not falling for those online dates. READ ALSO:7 Ghanaians indicted for online scam, money laundering in US 7. Western Union scams in Ghana Majority of Ghanaians lack knowledge on how western union functions. They only know that it gets them money from their relatives abroad so when a check is sent to them asking that they evaluate the proficiency of Western Unions upgraded transfer service they dont hesitate. Its only later that they realize it was a fake. Scammers may also send messages indicating that a package arrived from overseas and needs some money to be paid so it can be released. After the money is deposited these western union officers disappear leaving no trace. Do you want to make money without scamming people, why don't you try Ghana lotto? Different people all across Ghana have been winning large amounts of cash at the comfort of their homes. Measures put in place to curb scam in Ghana There are potential scam sites list for the most notorious fraudulent activities in Ghana has been released to reduce the level of these cyber crimes. It includes; Dating sites Lottery scams Advance payment scams Phishing scam Some of the most common Ghana scammer are known as Sakawa boys who are often seen around spending lots of cash without any explainable sources of income. It is these boys that the public is being warned against since it is believed that they swindle unsuspecting people into sending them a lot of money. It is believed that they will use any means available. Where to report scams in Ghana has had to be considered due to the fraudulent level in the country. All internet providers have a provision for subscribers to report any cases of scam they meet. The government of Ghana ministry of mining deals with all matters on mineral scams while the ministry of finance tackles all financial scam, especially when it has to do with public offices. These offices put in place mostly just listen, teach you how to avoid recurrence and warn other people of the ongoing scamming. Scammers are geniuses. If you are to beat them at this game, you have to stay woke. DISCLAIMER: Please note that some of the links in the article are affiliate links and YEN.com.gh will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. However, we always choose only the best quality products that we use ourselves and recommend to our readers. The earnings we get from the affiliate marketing help us continue preparing useful and entertaining content, that our audience enjoys Source: Yen.com.gh Private companies are the heart of any growing economy. The growth and sustenance of any nation are dependent on the growth and development of private businesses and their friendliness to accommodate SMEs. Ghana is a rising economic giant, and it owes much of its success to the private sector. Private companies in Ghana are some of the best performing firms in Africa. Accra Brewery Company workers. Photo: @SankofaBeer Source: Twitter The growth and development of private companies are fueled by labor. There are thousands of registered private companies, but only a handful rise to the top when it comes to productivity, growth, and international reach. List of private companies in Ghana Ghana is a developing country with a myriad of private businesses and companies. The sector comprises firms across the different economy from education, health, hospitality, telecommunication, transport, logistics, and banking. 1. Accra Brewery Company A set of drinks from Accra Brewery. Photo: @AccraLtd Source: Instagram Accra Brewery Company is a consumer goods company that was founded back in 1931. Overseas Breweries Ltd. owns 45% of the company while the government comes second with a 40% stake. The public owns the remaining 15% through an IPO. 2. Aerogem Aviation Company Aerogem Aviation Company plane. Photo: @ghanacaa Source: Instagram The company's rapid growth, coupled with increasing demand for quality traveling facilities, makes it one of the country's fastest-growing firms. It has the headquarter in Accra and branches worldwide. Aerogem Aviation got into the transport business in 2000 with only a handful of employees but has grown to dozens over the decades. 3. Ashanti Goldfields Corporation Ashanti Goldfields Corporation gold pieces. Photo: @ashantigold Source: Instagram Ashanti Goldfields Corporation is a basic material firm specializing in gold mining. It was founded in 1897 and has since then grown with different mergers and branches across the continent. The company's greatness was felt in the 20th century with the London Stock Exchange listing it in its trade platforms. 4. AmalBank Amal Bank building. Photo: @amalbank Source: Instagram Amalbank is one of the most profitable private security companies in Ghana. It is a commercial, financial security company. The firm was first incorporated in 1997 and later spread its wings in the West African trading block. It has a headquarter in Sunyani. 5. Newmont Golden Ridge Limited Newmont Golden Ridge Limited is a mining company that specializes in gold production and refinery. It was founded in 1921 and has grown to form various branches including international presence in the United States, Australia, and Peru. 6. Vivo Energy Ghana Vivo Energy is one of the largest private companies in Ghana. It was founded in 2011 to sell quality fuel by supplying Shell-branded products across the continent. Apart from selling branded products, the firm also dispenses oil through its outlets located in major cities across Africa. 7. Unibank Ghana Limited Unibank Ghana Limited building: Photo: @unibank.ghana Source: Instagram Unibank is a financial service company that was founded in 1997. It is one of the fastest-growing banks in the country and the leading financial services provider in the region. The bank's growth and development is majorly a product of its solid management structure backed by technology tools and resources. 8. Unilever Ghana Unilever factory biomass. Photo: @unileverusa Source: Instagram Unilever Ghana is part of the larger Unilever brand. The consumer goods company was established back in 2013 and specializes in the supply of personal products. It has a thousand employees who ensure a seamless supply of products to merchants and other distributors across the region. 9. Enterprise Group Enterprise Group staff members. Photo: @enterprisegroupgh Source: Instagram Enterprise Group is a pioneer in the Ghanaian insurance industry. It is one of the best private health insurance companies which is listed in the Ghanaian Stock Exchange. It also has a presence in other industries, including a stake in communications, agriculture, healthcare, transportation, sanitation, and water supply. 10. Multipro Limited Ghana Multipro is a sales and marketing company based in Sanyo, Ghana. It is known for distributing Indomie. The delicacy gained quick traction, especially among young people, since their noodle product takes less time to prepare. New and upcoming companies are always springing up in Ghana every year. Most of them try to solve a problem for the locals and provide opportunities for the younger population. The top-tier private companies in Ghana have a headquarter in Accra while some are in other cities and towns across the country. Yen.com.gh recently shared a list of the top 10 richest companies in Ghana in 2021. Ghana has the 9th largest economy in Africa and the largest economy in West Africa. Most of its revenue stems from the mining of gold, petroleum, and agriculture. Ghanas economy has recovered remarkably, showing the whole world great potential. This list of some of the richest companies in Ghana can attest to it, following their massive revenues. Source: Yen - Members of the invisible forces have allegedly attacked the UNDP flats at Cantonments in Accra - Members of the vigilante are alleged to have slapped the contractor at the site ordering him to stop work Some members of the Invisible forces of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have allegedly placed the UNDP flats at Cantonments under siege. According to reports by StarrFMonline, these members also abused and maltreated the contractor of the development project who is claimed to have been ordered to stop work. READ ALSO: Blame my daughter's death on her management Ebonys father "When the Contractor of the project approached them to inquire on whose authority they were carrying out the activity, they claimed that they were instructed by a top government official at the Ministry of Works and Housing to carry out their work," Starr FM is quoted as claiming. In fact, the contractor has also revealed that he was "kicked and slapped" on several occasions by the angry mob. Information reaching YEN.com.gh also indicates that some security operatives are illegally living in the UNDP flats without paying anything to the government. The apartments are being rented for $500 and $650 but the contractor hints of increasing the price will be increased to $1,500 and $2,000 for the two and three bedrooms respectively after the redevelopment works. Concerns have been made over the level of impudence of these vigilante groups. In fact, both the opposition NDC and civil society have called on the government to deal with the menace of these vigilante groups. READ ALSO: 3 former ministers under Mahama accused by CID of stealing Meanwhile, president of the republic, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo has linked the violent acts of pro-NPP vigilante groups Delta Force and Invisible Forces to the high unemployment rate in the country. According to Nana Addo, plans are far advanced by the government to create the needed jobs for all the unemployed in the country. According to him, all government policies by the government are currently yielding the needed efforts to create jobs and put monies in the pockets of Ghanaians. Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now! Source: Yen - Embattled ex-minister under Mahama says her salary as MP was very insignificant - Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah says working as an MP gained her just GH40 a month - Haruna Iddrisu fears investigations could tarnish the image of parliament One of the embattled ex-ministers accused of taking double salaries, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah, has revealed that she received GH40 each month from Parliament while serving as a minister. The former minister of state in-charge of social and allied institutions says she could not make do with the various deductions from her account which made it difficult for her to determine the exact salary she earned serving in both capacities. READ ALSO: Blame my daughter's death on her management Ebonys father So far fresh revelations from the double-salary scandal reveal that the minority leader in parliament, Haruna Iddrisu, allegedly begged the president to intervene on the issue. This was a revelation made by the majority leader in parliament, Osei Kyei Mensah-Bonsu, who claims Haruna Iddrisu is worried the investigation could tarnish the image of parliament. I am not involved but I must admit as a Member of Parliament if a colleague is involved in something it affects all of us. Remember when one person went and dealt in drugs, the whole of the then-Majority group, including the Parliament of Ghana was roped into it. If it affects an MP it affects the integrity of all us. That is why we are trying a good way out of it, he revealed. So far, three former ministers under the erstwhile Mahama administration who allegedly took double salaries have been accused of stealing. This was made known when all three ex-ministers appeared before the criminal investigations department (CID) of police. These ministers include the former Lands and Natural Resources -Inusah Fuseini, former Minister of State in charge of Social and Allied Institutions - Comfort Doyoe Ghansah and former Brong Ahafo Region Minister - Eric Opoku. YEN.com.gh had earlier reported on how these former ministers were accused of receiving double salaries as ministers and also members of parliament while in government. Speaking to Joy FM on the development, Inusah Fuseini denied all allegations. According to him, there is no way he could steal funds from government coffers. "I am not a thief," he argued. Checks by YEN.com.gh show that all three former minister will be supplying some information to the Police Financial Forensic Unit to assist in investigations. Also, other embattled former ministers are also expected to show up for questioning. READ ALSO: Tell the world how your 2 mansions came about Shatta Michy dares Shatta Wale Ghanas constitution requires that MPs, who are appointed ministers, may either choose to receive their salaries as ministers or take what their colleague MPs are taking although other benefits are attached. Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now! Source: Yen - A UN official has criticized the speaker of parliament for speaking against homosexuality - The UN official believes there are so many gays and lesbians in Ghana - Britain says it will help Ghana legalize gay laws The gay debate in Ghana keeps intensifying by the minute with the latest twist being the United Nations (UN) reacting fiercely to comments made by the speaker of parliament, Mike Ocquaye Jnr, that parliament will never permit gay rights so far as he stays the speaker of parliament. It all happened when the UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Prof. Philip Alston, says the speaker of parliament does not know what is happening in Ghana when it comes to homosexuality. READ ALSO: Blame my daughter's death on her management Ebonys father The speaker of parliament had earlier revealed that homosexuality is not in Ghana and that it is a strange activity that will not be accepted in the country but the UN official says Ghana's speaker of parliament has no idea of what is happening in Ghana. According to the UN official, the number of gays and lesbians in Ghana is overwhelming and that enforcing gay rights could help safeguard the interests of the community. If you tell me that a man must sleep with a man so as to show his human rights for Ghana, I can assure you that our Parliament is a real micro pause of the rule of Ghana. Ghanaians do not support gay rights and nobody is going to make any law that will support this kind of thing, he revealed to the media after the UN held a fact-finding visit to Ghana about human rights and administrative justice. The criticism closely follows the speech by the British prime minister, Theresa May, who has pledged UK's resolve to help Ghana and other African countries legalize homosexuality. Theresa May, during the Commonwealth Heads of State conference in London, revealed that Britain introduced anti-gay laws in Ghana and therefore is prepared to reverse these laws. In the midst of all these pressure, the seat of the presidency is still committed to keeping homosexuality illegal in Ghana. READ ALSO: Tell the world how your 2 mansions came about Shatta Michy dares Shatta Wale In fact, the minister of information, Mustapha Hamid, has stated that government is not considering legalizing homosexuality in the next hundred years. But amidst the assurance by the government, it is very clear that the pressure to enforce gay laws is mounting. Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now! Source: Yen.com.gh Seguin, TX (78155) Today Showers in the morning, then cloudy in the afternoon. High 87F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low 68F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 30%. "Will the Supreme Court Rein in Civil Forfeiture?" | Main | SCOTUS examining reach of restitution awards under MVRA in Lagos v. United States April 18, 2018 How many federal prisoners may have Dimaya claims and how many procedural challenges will they face raising them? The big Supreme Court vagueness ruling in Sessions v. Dimaya, No. 15-1498 (S. Ct. April 17, 2018) (available here), is properly being discussed as a significant immigration ruling: the Justice were considering (and struck down as vague) how Congress defined an offense of violence in 18 U.S.C. 16(b) in a case involving a alien subject to deportation for committing a certain kind of crime. But, critically, the now-unconstitutional definition of a "crime of violence" in 16(b) is referenced throughout the federal criminal code within various criminal offenses and sentence enhancements. And, notably, definitional language identical to 16(b) appears in 18 U.S.C. 924(c)(3)(B), which is part of a statute that adds significant amounts of prison time for any possession or use of a gun in connection with a crime of violence. In other words, as the title of this post suggests, there are certainly some number of persons serving federal prison time based on a definition of a "crime of violence" deemed unconstitutionally vague in Dimaya. But, as my post title suggests, it is hard to know how many federal prisoners have viable Dimaya claims, while it is easy to know that all prisoners will face an array of possible procedural headaches when trying now to raise Dimaya claims. Helpfully, Leah Litman thoroughly covers, in this lengthy new Harvard Law Review blog posting, the array of procedural hurdles that Dimaya defendants are likely to face. Here is how her extended piece starts and ends: The Supreme Court decided Sessions v. Dimaya and struck down the federal definition of crime of violence as unconstitutionally vague. The statute, section 16(b) (along with its very analogous cousin, section 924(c)), has meaningfully contributed to mass incarceration, racial disparities in sentencing, and excessive sentencing at the federal level. Dimaya recognized that section 16(b) did so in part through sprawling, amorphous phrasing that could be interpreted and applied in capricious and largely unbounded ways to expand the category of crime of violence. The impact of the Dimaya decision is potentially enormous, both for deportations (the case before the Court) and for criminal sentences.... Whether Dimaya rights wrongful convictions will depend on how courts interpret a slew of procedural restrictions on federal resentencing and federal post-conviction review.... Dimaya spoke of lesson[s] so hard learned from Johnson and the ACCA debacle that Johnson corrected. But another lesson that was hard learned from Johnson is that Johnson, or in this case Dimaya, will just be the beginning. Whether those decisions will ultimately benefit the individuals who are currently wrongly incarcerated will depend on what comes next, and specifically on how courts interpret the many draconian restrictions on post-conviction review. April 18, 2018 at 01:22 AM | Permalink Comments I have one pending in SDOH. Posted by: ? | Apr 18, 2018 8:53:08 AM The 11th Circuit will continue to place obstacles in the path of those seeking relief. One of the biggest issues, and one deserving of attention from lawyers and bloggers alike, is that the circuit deems opinions on denial of leave to file a second or successive habeas petition as binding precedent for future merits panels. They do so despite their tight deadine for resolving those petitions for leave and the fact that they are filed on a form, usually without full briefing, and often by pro se prisoners without benefit of counsel. That is not a recipe for fully fleshing out the intricate legal arguments that can affect so many prisoners. For those decisions to be binding precdedent does not improve the law or the people's faith in the fairness of our system of justice. Posted by: defendergirl | Apr 18, 2018 11:35:45 AM Good day all, I have a question in regards to all the talk surrounding Dimaya. What avenue is available to preserve the decision with Dimaya if the prisoner has already utilized their direct appeal, 2255, request for COA (denied), and submitted also to the Supreme Court (denied, too). Curious especially since the Supreme Court has YET to decide if Dimaya will be retroactive. Thank you! Posted by: Adrianna Guzman | Jun 20, 2018 12:50:24 PM Post a comment The programs aim is to train 200 Vietnamese experts who are able to provide training to enterprises in the field of support industry. Thanks to experts training, enterprises competitive capabilities will be able to raise to catch up with their counterparts in supplying in global chains. Before, in the framework of Korean President visit to Vietnam in last March, the Ministry and Samsung Vietnam signed a memorandum of understanding about implementation of the training program. Accordingly, the program will run in two years including eight courses each lasting 12 weeks (four weeks for theory training and eight weeks for practicing in local enterprises) With the aim of training 200 experts for the sector in two years, the program will train 100 skillful experts as per a set procedure of Samsung. Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh hailed the significance of the program because it will help enhance capacity of Vietnamese firms, strengthening their competitiveness and opening up new opportunities for them in engaging in supply chains of multinational groups, including Samsung. Addressing at the cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Korea, Deputy PM Trinh Dinh Dung stressed that during 25 past years, the Vietnam Korea bilateral relationship developed in all fields especially in commerce and investment. Republic of Korea (RoK) is one of the top economic partners of Vietnam, Mr. Dung said. In 2017, the Vietnam Korea bilateral trade revenue reached $64 billion. Vietnam is the second largest trade partner of Korea and Korea is Vietnams second commerce partner. More and more Korean businesses have poured their investment capital in Vietnam, making important contributions to the countrys economic development, he said. The most Korean successful enterprises in the Southeast Asian country is Samsung Corporation. Since its establishment in Vietnam, Samsung complexes have grown contributing much in Vietnams state budget and offering employments for local laborers; especially Samsungs export revenue accounts for large amount in Vietnams. Attending the opening ceremony were Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung and Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh. By VAN PHUC Translated by UYEN PHUONG The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless. The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well. By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism. 17th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Lisa Porter has announced her resignation. Porter, 55, who lives in Wilton Manors with her partner Patricia Windowmaker, will resign on June 30, according to Law.com Porter, a graduate of the University of Florida, was appointed to her current position in 2008 by then Gov. Charlie Crist. She was re-elected in 2010 and ran unopposed in 2016. Before becoming a judge, she was the chief assistant statewide prosecutor for the Florida Attorney General's Office of Statewide Prosecution from 1995 to 2008, and assistant state attorney for the Fifth Judicial Circuit from 1988 to 1995. She was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1998. Porter told Law.com she plans to spend time with family, work with local charities, and possibly run for another elected office. Perhaps Ill get involved in politics. I dont know. Ill just have to see where the path leads, Porter said Thursday. I spent 20 years in the executive branch as a prosecutor, 10 years on the judicial side as a judge. I might, down the road, be interested in exploring the legislative branch. In her letter to Gov. Rick Scott, Porter wrote, My career as a public servant has been rewarding beyond all measure. I thank the people with whom and for whom I have served for this honor. Dmitry Logunov and Rene Chalarca were attacked in an apparent gay bashing after the end of Miami Beach Pride while on their way home. The suspects have since surrendered and may be charged with a hate crime. This incident alone was traumatic enough, but the victims have also accused the Miami Beach Police Department of downplaying their attack and mistreating them. At one point a female officer allegedly told Logunov to stop the drama, shut the fuck up. Another officer repeated that to him a few minutes later. One of the officers also told him to put ice on your face at home and youll be alright. When the police first arrived both men urged the officers to go after their assailants, whom they could still see in the distance, but were told: We wont chase them, they are far. If anyone feels mistreated by any of our officers, they are encouraged to contact MBPDs Internal Affairs unit so that any complaint can be addressed immediately, a spokesperson for the MBPD told SFGN after the attack. While City Commissioner Michael Gongora added: I am disturbed by this and have sent to the Police Chief for investigation. Being Miami Beachs first and only openly gay commissioner its important to me that our community be safe and treated well - especially during Gay Pride. SFGN reached out to the former Mayor of Miami Beach Philip Levine, whos now also running for Governor, for a comment. Hate crimes have no place in Miami Beach, or anywhere in our country. Everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they love. As Mayor, I was committed to fighting injustices and was proud that our city received a perfect score from the national LGBTQ organization, Human Rights Council every year I was in office, he said. Im also proud to have supported a key initiative, Safe Spaces, to ensure that a safe environment in Miami Beach is always fostered. As Governor, I wont tolerate this. Not for one second. But this doesnt appear to be just an LGBT issue. SFGN has since interviewed the mother of a 16-year-old victim, whom she said was treated in a similar way after being attacked on the beach on Presidents Day in February. The attack was caught on video and shows another girl beating her with a bottle. The police told her there was nothing they could do about it, said Maria Morales, the girls mother. Her mother said during the attack her daughter lost her cell phone so when she came across the police she asked for help and they ignored her pleas. Shes 16 years old. Shes a minor. Thats unacceptable. Her daughter eventually left the police and found another way to contact her mother, who left work and picked her up. Morales took her daughter to the police station to file a report, where she said, the police at first tried to downplay the attack. Morales, though, wouldnt let up. Eventually she tracked down two of her daughters assailants and took the information to the police. One girl was eventually arrested and charged. Dont fuck with a childs mom, Morales said. I did all of their leg work. I got the videos. I got their names. In January SFGN reported on another incident in which Tiffany Fantasia, a local drag queen whose real name is Henry Williams, was put in handcuffs and manhandled by the MBPD because she matched the description of a black male in possession of a knife. At the time of the incident Williams was in mens clothes but he still had his drag makeup on. At the time Williams posted this on Facebook: I have never been so disgusted with Miami Beach Police Department. The way they handled the situation was horrible. They handcuffed me out of nowhere while walking down my own block with a McDonald's bag, cell phone and keys saying that I matched the description of somebody with a knife. And then when I asked why [they were] handcuffing me, they're telling me to be quiet and listen with my ears.... I did nothing wrong! Obviously, from a mile away, you could tell I wasn't the person! And some of you wonder why black people have a problem with yall. Fantasia later met with Police Chief Daniel Oates where they were able to work out their differences. Correction: An earlier version of this story identified former Mayor of Miami Beach Philip Levine as current mayor. This has been corrected online. After months of criticizing the city commission about the citys water quality, Boyd Corbin, who recently announced he is running for mayor, got the response he was looking for. At the April 10 commission meeting, Mayor Gary Resnick told Corbin the issue of water quality would be on the April 24 commission agenda. It only took four speeches. Thank you very much, responded Corbin. Corbin, who has accused city officials of lying about water quality, has repeatedly called upon the city commission to test the water it gets from Fort Lauderdales Fiveash Regional Water Treatment Plant. Residents of the city want to know the truth about our water so we can do something about it, like buying the right water filter systems. The city commission is putting residents in harm's way by lying to us about our water, saying it tested fine. You know better, Corbin told commissioners at a previous meeting. We have five times more Chloroform than the EPA allows. We have nearly double the allowable maximum contaminant level for Dichloroacetic Acid and two other contaminants that surpassed the EPA MCLs include Dichloroacedic Acid and Trichloroacedic Acid. Corbin said he got those results through a test he paid for from a private company. In an email from the Florida Department of Health, Corbin was informed that his water test was not acceptable because it did not have a valid chain of custody. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said the water the city gets from Fort Lauderdales Fiveash Regional Water Treatment Plant is continually tested by Fort Lauderdale and certified by the Florida Department of Health. In its 2016 Water Quality Report posted on its website, the city claims all levels of chloramines, fluoride, arsenic, and other harmful chemicals and substances are within acceptable limits. Corbin has also talked several times about the green color of his water. But, until the March 13 commission meeting, officials mostly refrained from responding. No one on this commission has ever heard that we have bad water. Ever. If I knew there was bad water in this city, Im telling you right now, everyone on this commission would be screaming and yelling, said Commissioner Scott Newton, who held up a glass of water. Other residents have also complained about the color of their water. I am very concerned about the safety of my bathing and drinking water. The color of my tap water has been tinted green/brown for the last year and a half. My situation is certainly not unique. There are many other residents I have been communicating with in person and online that have the same problem with their water, wrote resident Tom Marten in an email. Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said theres been misinformation and blatant lies that are out there and that the commission is here to ensure public health and safety. We are here to address your issues, your concerns, particularly as they relate to public safety, said Commissioner Julie Carson. Les menaces israeliennes ne parviennent pas a mettre fin au boycott des tribunaux militaires par les detenus Palestinian women protest in the occupied West Bank city of Bethlehem to mark Palestinian Prisoners Day, 17 April. Anne PaqActiveStills #StopAD #PalestinianPrisonersDay pic.twitter.com/nY09qgUaFe Often, administrative detention extensions are issued on the day that detainees are meant to be released. There is constant uncertainty about when they will go home. #BornaPrisoner 16 avril 2018 #StopAD #PalestinianPrisonersDay pic.twitter.com/20ILqUasIJ Appeals against AD are allowed, but the lawyers have no information on which to base their arguments. The file stays secret. #BornaPrisoner 16 avril 2018 The rationale behind #BornaPrisoner is that it is a matter of fate for a Palestinian to become a prisoner. Whether that be behind bars, or simply bound in by the occupation, it is a simple fact of our reality that our lives are controlled by an external system. pic.twitter.com/vumYhIF12V 17 avril 2018 #NoWayToTreataChild pic.twitter.com/rIa9Lx4MhB In occupied Palestine, if your child tries to resist the occupation by simply throwing stones at the heavily armed troops, he/she might be sentenced to 20 years max in the Israeli jails! #BornAPrisoner 16 avril 2018 #Jerusalem pic.twitter.com/ACNDWp4Fvs Since October 2015, of the total children arrested, 54% have come from Jerusalem despite the fact that it only accounts for around 13% of the West Bank population. #NoWayToTreatAChild 13 mars 2018 pic.twitter.com/9yNmDb8W4G If you want to know better how the Palestinian prisoners are living in the Israeli jails, you should know their special language by which they describe their life events! #BornaPrisoner 17 avril 2018 Israeli occupation forces are threatening and beating Palestinian detainees in an attempt to pressure them to end their boycott of Israeli military courts.Some have been forced to attend court sessions, prisoners rights group Addameer said in a statement marking Palestinian Prisoners Day on Tuesday.It notes that Israel has arrested approximately 800,000 Palestinians and issued over 52,000 administrative detention orders since 1967.The boycott, which started on 15 February, also includes lawyers and human rights organizations, as prisoners have urged them to take similar action as a way to delegitimize the Israeli military court system.Prisoners said the boycott will last until Israel ends its practice of administrative detention the widespread imprisonment of Palestinians without charge or trial that can be renewed indefinitely The core of resisting the policy of administrative detention comes from boycotting the Israeli legal system, the detainees mounting the action have stated Addameer, which provides legal representation to many prisoners, reaffirmed its total support for the ongoing boycott of all court proceedings regarding administrative detention.EscalationIsrael is also threatening lawyers with punishment, including financial penalties, for complying with the boycott, according to Addameer. In the face of such suppression, Palestinian detainees announced their plan to increase their protests.The escalation was set to take place last week, and included rejecting medicine, refusing to visit clinics and launching a hunger strike.Detainees paused the escalation after the Israel Prison Service said it would meet with the detainees representative committee, according to Addameer.Members of Israeli intelligence, the army and the prison service will attend the meeting to discuss the policy of administrative detention.In the meantime, the prisoners will continue to boycott the military courts and will escalate their protest if Israeli authorities fail to hold the meeting.Colonial practiceIsrael often holds administrative detainees on secret evidence which it does not reveal to detainees or their lawyers, and can only be reviewed by a military judge.Since the information justifying their detention is secret, all court hearings are just a formality, Addameer states Israels use of administrative detention is a direct continuation of British colonial practice and constitutes a war crime according to Addameer.As of 1 March, Addameer said Israel was holding 427 administrative detainees, among more than 6,000 Palestinian prisoners.Israels jails also hold 62 Palestinian women and seven members of the Palestinian legislative council. Three of the detained lawmakers are in administrative detention.Detainees who are tried before Israels military kangaroo courts are faced with a near-100 percent conviction rate #BornAPrisonerGiven these facts, many took to Twitter with the hashtag #BornAPrisoner to express that whether Israel holds Palestinians in its jails, forces them to live under military occupation in the West Bank, or under its siege in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians are all born prisoners of Israels oppressive regime.This video highlights some terms Palestinian prisoners have coined to describe Israels routine violations of their rights. They include bosta, their name for a vehicle used to transfer prisoners in tiny metal cages with their arms and legs chained itself a form of brutal abuse.The Palestinian BDS National Committee, the steering group for the boycott, divestment and sanctions campaign, tweeted that boycotting corporations involved in Israeli violations including Hyundai Caterpillar and Hewlett-Packard is a way to support Palestinian prisoners. 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. Scientists on the ground and in space this week are exploring a wide variety of phenomena affecting humans living in space. The ongoing life science aboard the International Space Station is designed to improve astronauts' health in space and benefit people on Earth. Medicine plays an important role in an astronaut's health and doctors want to know more about how drug therapies work in space. NASA Flight Engineer Drew Feustel supported the medicine research today and injected human tissue samples with a drug compound for the Metabolic Tracking study. Those samples will be incubated then frozen before returning to Earth to be analyzed. Results may help the pharmaceutical industry design better, cheaper drugs for humans on Earth and in space. Japanese astronaut Norishige Kanai is tending to mice today, cleaning their habitats and preparing for a week-long run of the Mouse Stress Defense experiment. The Expedition 55 crew and doctors on Earth are observing the mice to understand the processes leading to muscle and bone loss in microgravity. Researchers are testing therapies that may prevent the physiological signals and stresses in space that lead to a weakened musculoskeletal system. Other important space research taking place throughout the week will look at how plants grow off Earth possibly sustaining future crews and improving Earth agriculture. The crew will also test the new Miniature Exercise Device-2 for providing a range of motion and resistance exercise while taking up less space aboard the station. More external cargo operations took place outside the SpaceX Dragon resupply ship over the weekend. Robotics controllers remotely operating the Canadarm2 stowed a failed pump flow control sub-assembly (PFCS) in Dragon's trunk ahead of a May spacewalk. That spacewalk will see two astronauts work outside the station to relocate a series of spare sub-assemblies for functional testing. On-Orbit Status Report Metabolic Tracking (MT): Earlier today the crew set up the MT hardware and materials for thawing and inoculation. They then injected the thawed inoculum into multiwell BioCells, and inserted them into a NanoRacks Plate Reader. The crew also took samples from the BioCell B group and placed them into a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The Metabolic Tracking investigation evaluates a rapid, low-cost method for assessing the effects of therapeutic compounds in microgravity. The method contributes to development of custom plans for emergency medical treatment for crew members, using primary tissue samples. This investigation also determines the feasibility of developing improved pharmaceuticals in microgravity using a new method to test the metabolic impacts of drug compounds. This could lead to more effective, less expensive drugs. Human Research Program (HRP) Collections (Biochemical Profile and Repository): A 53S crewmember collected blood and urine samples yesterday and today for his FD120 session of the Biochem Profile investigation. A 54S crewmember collected urine samples today for his FD30 Biochem Profile session. The Biochemical Profile experiment tests blood and urine samples obtained from astronauts before, during, and after spaceflight. Specific proteins and chemicals in the samples are used as biomarkers, or indicators of health. Post-flight analysis yields a database of samples and test results; which scientists can use to study the effects of spaceflight on the body. Mouse Stress Defense: The crew temporarily relocated the Mouse Habitat Cage Units from the Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) to the Glove Box to perform maintenance on the cage units. They replaced waste collecting equipment and odor filters. Microgravity provokes cellular mechanical stresses and perturbs cellular signaling, leading to reduction of muscle and bone density. To overcome these stresses, one of the promising strategies is to activate Nrf2, a master regulator of antioxidant pathway. Mouse Stress Defense investigates how Nrf2 contributes to effective prevention of space-originated stresses. Using Brachypodium distachyon to Investigate Monocot Plant Adaptation to Spaceflight (APEX-06): The crew harvested the plants for the APEX-06 investigation today. They took photographs of all 12 science containers and then preserved samples and placed them into a MELFI. The APEX-06 experiment investigates the growth of the common grass species Brachypodium distachyon in the microgravity environment of space. The grasses grow from seedlings aboard the ISS, and are returned as frozen samples to Earth-based labs for detailed analysis and comparison with Earth-based control groups. APEX-06 aims to compare the growth and gene-expression patterns of Brachypodium distachyon with those of the dicotyledonous model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, which has been extensively studied in space and whose behavior in microgravity is better understood. Advanced Imaging, Folding, and Assembly of Colloidal Molecules (ACE-T-9): Today the crew inserted the ACE-T-9 module inside of the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) auxiliary fluids container. The ACE-T-9 experiment involves the imaging, folding, and assembly of complex colloidal molecules within a fluid medium. This set of experiments prepares for future colloidal studies and also provides insight into the relationship between particle shape, colloidal interaction, and structure. These so-called "colloidal molecules" are vital to the design of new and more stable product mixtures. AstroPi: Today the crew transferred the AstroPi with the infrared camera to the Node 1 nadir hatch window for execution of student software for the European AstroPi Challenge 2017-2018. AstroPis are augmented Raspberry Pi computers equipped with the mighty Sense Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) that measures the environment inside the ISS, detect how the station moves through space, and pick up the Earth's magnetic field. One of the AstroPis has an infrared camera and the other has a standard visible spectrum camera. Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutron (RaDI-N): Today the crew retrieved eight RaDI-N detectors from a Node 3 location and handed them over to a Russian crewmember for processing. This Canadian Space Agency (CSA) investigation measures neutron radiation levels while onboard the ISS. Bubble detectors used as neutron monitors are designed to only detect neutrons. Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Maintenance: The crew completed a loop scrub on Extravehicular Mobility Units (EMUs) #3004 and #3008 loop, iodination of the ion filters, and water conductivity tests. These activities are nominally performed every 90 days. Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) Operations: Yesterday, the Robotics Ground Controllers stowed the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on Mobile Base System (MBS) Power Data Grapple Fixture 2 (PDGF2). Next they walked the SSRMS off Node 2 onto MBS PDGF3 and unstowed the SPDM. Then, after having rotated the SPDM Enhanced Orbital Replaceable Unit (ORU) Temporary Platform (EOTP), they maneuvered SPDM Arm 2 to unstow Robot Micro Conical Tool 2 (RMCT2) from SPDM Tool Holder Assembly 2 (THA2). Earlier today, ground controllers retrieved the Material on ISS Experiment - Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) Transfer Tray (MTT) from the JEM Airlock. The Mobile Transporter (MT) was then moved from worksite 6 (port side) to worksite 2 (stbd side). Today's Planned Activities All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. HRF Generic Urine Collection Male - Subject -8. Configuration Setup Body Mass Measurement - BMMD HRF Generic Frozen Blood Collection - Operator EML Gas Valves Opening HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Configuration Mouse Stress Defense Item Gathering -8. Closeout Ops Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Swap Multi Omics Fecal Sample Operations Reconfiguration in MRM1 HRF Generic Refrigerated Centrifuge Spin Conclude SEPARATION. ODF Review. Equipment and tool search. HRF Generic Sample MELFI Insertion Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Scrub Initiation Multi Omics Fecal Sample MELFI Insertion Multi Omics Fecal Stow Metabolic Tracking Inoculation Preparation Metabolic Tracking MELFI Metabolic Tracking Group Retrieve Metabolic Tracking Biocells Inoculation Mouse Stress Defense Cage Maintenance for Micro-G 2 Metabolic Tracking MELFI Inoculation Bag Retrieve RFID Embedded RFID Reader Power Cycle Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Post Scrub Cooling Loop Water (H2O) Sample Metabolic Tracking Plate Reader Insertion/Removal Comm reconfig for nominal ops Metabolic Tracking Session Cleanup Photography of IMV (MRM1-Soyuz 737, MRM1-FGB , FGB -1, SM -Progress 438) Photography of IMV (MRM2-Soyuz 738, SM -MRM2, SM -DC1) Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Maintenance Iodination Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Multi-use Variable-g Platform Desiccant Replace Tightening Fast-Removal Screw Clamps on SM Aft - Progress 438 Interface Inspection and Cleaning Nikon camera Digital Image Sensor Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Full Fill Mouse Stress Defense Cage Maintenance for 1G 2 APEX-06 MELFI Retrieval #2 APEX-06 Payload Harvest EVA Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Cooling Loop Scrub Deconfiguration EarthKAM Node 1 Shutdown, Disconnect and Stow - Russian Filling (separation) of () for Elektron-VM or - COL1D2 and COL1D3 AFT side cleanup for ASTROPI Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) Conductivity Test Transfer of the AstroPi IR to the Node1 nadir hatch window. MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-Dosimeter Retrieval And Readout maintenance Radi-N Detector Retrieval/Readout Radiation Dosimetry Inside ISS-Neutrons Hardware Handover MATRYOSHKA-R. Handover of BUBBLE-dosimeters from USOS COL1D2 and COL1D3 AFT side restore after ASTROPI MATRYOSHKA-R. BUBBLE-Dosimeter Retrieval And Readout Nitrogen/Oxygen Recharge System O2 Repress Part 2 Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Urine Receptacle (UR) and Insert Filter (IF) Remove and Replace Checking -2 treadmill carriage position. Photograph position of -2 carriage relative to pullout roller by lifting -2 curtain. Downlink photo via OCA Public Affairs Office (PAO) Event in High Definition (HD) - JEM Metal Oxide (METOX) Regeneration Initiation SG100 Cloud Computer Payload Remove Fluids Integrated Rack Doors Open ACE-T9 Module Installation Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update APEX-06 Spare Growth Chambers Insertion Fluids Integrated Rack Doors Close Exercise Data Downlink via OCA Stow Syringes used in H2O Conductivity Test Completed Task List Activities Dragon Cargo Operations Ground Activities All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. NORS O2 Repress EVA Loop Scrub Support MT Translation Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 04/17: US Printer Deploy, Eye Exams, OGS ACTEX R&R, Metabolic Tracking Inoculations, Mouse Stress Defense Ops, Dragon Cargo Ops Wednesday, 04/18: JSL Firewall Deploy, PCG9 Sampling, CIR Bottle R&R, NORS O2 Transfer, Mouse Stress Defense Ops, Metabolic Sampling Thursday, 04/19: LAB IMV Valve R&R, Mouse Stress Defense Ops, Miniature Exercise Device Ops, N3 MCA VGA R&R QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - Off [] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Standby Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Off Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Hey there Sprudge reader! Thanks for clicking this link, and thank you, as always, for reading our website. A good 95% of what we report about on Sprudge takes place far outside our own organizational sphere, but from time to time we'll keep you posted about what we're up to as a media network, and today is one of those days. If internal talk of #SprudgeLife is not your jam, we understand fullyyou might instead prefer this emotional treatise on the state of the Americano, or an interview with Jerry Seinfeld, or a coffee guide to Kyotobut if you're still with us, thank you, let's get down to it. Sprudge Media Network is excited to announce our 2018-2019 editorial advisory board. It is a broad, wide-reaching, and highly informed group of individuals that come from all steps of the coffee chain, from producers to entrepreneurs to working baristas, roasters and educators, encompassing a diverse spectrum of experiences and viewpoints across the industry. It leans young; there aren't a lot of suits. It's a group that has graciously agreed to help better inform our small independent media company over the next year, and we are really over the moon about it (if you're wondering). So let's meet them! This is your 2018-2019 Sprudge Media Network editorial advisory board. David Buehrer (Greenway Coffee, Houston) Jenn Chen (Acaia Coffee + independent consultancy, San Francisco) Marta Dalton (Coffee Bird, Guatemala+London) Liz S. Dean (The Wing, New York City) Gilbert Gatali (Independent, Rwanda) Michelle Johnson (Chocolate Barista + Barista Hustle, Melbourne) Tony Konecny (Yes Plz, Los Angeles) Tymika Lawrence (Genuine Origin, New York City) Joe Marrocco (Cafe Imports, Minneapolis) Diana Mnatsakanyan-Sapp (Undercurrent Coffee, Charlotte, NC) Hugo Neuproler (Independent, Vancouver BC) Becky Reeves (Oatly, Austin TX) Trish Rothgeb (CQI + Wrecking Ball Coffee, San Francisco) Akaash Saini (Equator Coffees, San Francisco Bay Area) Bronwen Serna (The New Black, Singapore) In the coming weeks you'll get a chance to learn more about our board as we update and feature each of them on our About pagelook for more soon, watch this space. We're working every day to make Sprudge the best coffee website it can be, and today's announcement is a public part of that process. We hope it makes our website better and we thank you for your time and readership. -Zachary Carlsen and Jordan Michelman Lloyd Arnold and Stan Bergstein, two legendary figures in harness racing, have races named in their honour for this coming weekends live action at Cal Expo. The Lloyd Arnold Pace will be decided on Saturday night, while the Stan Bergstein Trot will headline Fridays program. Lloyd Arnold was an owner and track operator of the highest calibre. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 83. Originally the owner of Arnold Cattle Co. in Iowa, Arnold raced hundreds of horses in Illinois and across the Midwest throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. During that era, Arnold raced horses like Warm Breeze, who earned more than $250,000 in two seasons of racing in the mid-1970s, and Dancing David, who earned more than $200,000 in the 1960s. Warm Breeze took Arnold to racings pinnacle for the first time when he set the all-age world record over Cal Expo, which was then known as Golden Bear Raceway. His top horses in later years included the pacing mare Sanabelle Island, who earned $1.6 million lifetime and won 57 of 110 starts. Also of note was Bagel Beach Boy, who won the 2001 Messenger and Matron Stakes. In August 2003, Arnold bought Chevie Duramax, who then went on to set world records for two-year-old pacing geldings on both mile and half-mile tracks. The fastest three-year-old pacer in North America in 2004 belonged to Arnold, as Quik Pulse Mindale won in 1:48 at Balmoral. In addition to being a prominent Standardbred owner, Mr. Arnold operated Cal Expo during the Golden Bear Raceway years and also bought Los Alamitos in the late 1980s, eventually selling the track to his partner, Ed Allred. Arnold was inducted into the California Harness Hall of Fame in April of 2008. He also enjoyed personal honours in 2001 when he was feted by the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcasters at their annual awards dinner and received the Owner of the Year Award from the U.S. Harness Writers' Association. Chris Bardis said, Harness racing was one of Lloyd's great passions. He accomplished so much for the sport not only in California, but nationwide. He was Mr. Harness Racing. He conducted race meetings at Cal Expo, Bay Meadows, Golden Gate Fields, Del Mar, Pomona, Hollywood Park and Los Alamitos. I know of no one else who has had a greater impact on the harness world. Fridays Stan Bergstein Trot is named for the legendary figure in harness racing that passed away in 2011 at the age of 87. Bergstein was a harness racing titan who advocated for cooperation between the Standardbred and Thoroughbred industries to solve the sports' common problems. He stepped down in 2011 after many years as the executive vice president of Harness Tracks of America, the Standardbred industry's trade association. He was immediately appointed as the organization's first executive emeritus, and continued to advise the association and write guest columns for the Daily Racing Form until the weeks before his death. The only person to ever be inducted into the Harness Racing Hall of Fame and its Communicators Hall of Fame, Bergstein worked in a wide variety of roles at racetracks, auction houses, announcer's booths, and racing publications, and he maintained extensive collections of harness racing books and artwork. He was widely respected not only in the harness industry, but also in the Thoroughbred industry, and he served as a mentor to generations of young racing professionals through a close association with the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program, located in Tucson, for the past 40 years. Bergstein was a forceful proponent of forging closer ties between the Standardbred and Thoroughbred industries, most notably in tackling medication abuse and problems with drug testing. In dozens of commentaries, Bergstein maintained that the Standardbred industry's problems were, or would be, those of the Thoroughbred industry, and that neglect of a problem in one sport would damage the other. Bergstein borrowed from the Thoroughbred industry early in his career, incorporating claiming races as a racing secretary while working at the Chicago tracks in the 1950s. At the time, the harness racing industry did not run claiming races, and they are now as commonplace in Standardbred racing as they are in Thoroughbred racing. Bergstein also spearheaded the creation of Standardbred Investigative Services, a security agency modeled after the Thoroughbred Racing Protective Bureau. A native of Illinois, Bergstein attended harness races as a young man and received a journalism degree from Northwestern University. He was the former executive editor of Hoof Beats magazine, and the former vice president of publicity and public relations for the United States Trotting Association. Cal Expo trackman/program director Marty Bridges credits Bergstein with bringing him into harness racing as a profession. After college and two years in the Army, I was employed by the small business association. At night, after work, I was a regular patron at Sportsmans Park and Maywood in Chicago. My supervisor, a former sportswriter for the Chicago Daily News, knew of my interest and called Stan to set up a meeting. Surprisingly, I was to meet him at Du Quoin on Hambletonian Day. Watching Stan call the races from a slightly elevated booth on the infield adjacent to the finish line was thrilling and between races we talked about racing, horses, drivers and trainers. His knowledge of the sport was amazing and I had never met anyone like him, and still havent. He introduced me to John Tinsley, the program director for all the Chicago tracks and John hired me on the spot. Its been a great ride, doing something I love. Gene Vallandingham first met Stan Bergstein in 1959 when he was working for the legendary Joe OBrien. Stan came to Joes farm every spring for the annual Camptown racing weekend, when all of Shafter would be there for a day of racing. Stan was the true voice of harness racing, he was liked by all and I miss him. Chris Schick said, "Stan was foremost a kind and compassionate person. He was a true visionary in the harness racing industry. In 1979, well before simulcasting, he so rightly stated the future of the industry was in how well we brought the product to the public. He was also very vocal of the industry for being reluctant to embrace change. Our industry lost a giant when he passed. (Cal Expo) Frontier Mission Champions Announce Sale of Campus in Forward-Looking Move William Carey International University Board says EF Education First purchase helps further founding vision in a changing world Contact: Palmer Holt, WCIU/FV, 704-662-2569, ; Kaitlyn Buscone, EF Education First, 508-785-5696, PASADENA, Calif., April 18, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- The board of directors of William Carey International University (WCIU, www.wciu.edu) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus by EF Education First (EF, www.ef.edu), the world's largest private international education organization. Photo: The board of directors of William Carey International University (WCIU, www.wciu.edu) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus by EF Education First (EF, www.ef.edu), the world's largest private international education organization. The near-15-acre campus in Pasadena, Calif., is also home to Frontier Ventures (www.frontierventures.org), formerly known as the U.S. Center for World Mission. The pending sale positions WCIU for a new chapter in its research and preparation of men and women to work at the roots of human problems, while also helping to ensure that the legacy of Frontier Ventures (FV, www.frontierventures.org), the former U.S. Center for World Mission, continues. The two groups will retain a significant presence adjacent to the near-15-acre site in Pasadena, Calif. EF is planning to renovate and redevelop the campus primarily for its private international boarding school, EF Academy (www.ef.edu/academy), which enrolls international high school students ages 14-19 from 80 different countries. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, EF Academy currently has campuses in Thornwood, N.Y., and Oxford and Torbay, England. EF Academy's mission is to prepare students for the 21st century through a rigorous global curriculum, multilingual education and community service-centric approach to learning. The school will eventually enroll approximately 1,000 students and create more than 150 new full- and part-time jobs. It is expected to open in summer 2020. Since the WCIU campus was founded in 1976 by the late missions statesman Dr. Ralph Winter, it has been credited with playing a major role in inspiring and equipping the church to focus more efforts on taking the gospel to unreached peoples around the world. Most recently, the unique approach to international development promoted through WCIU's academic programs has helped equip dozens of scholar-activists globally, and hundreds more through a growing network of associated schools that use WCIU's core curriculum as a key component in their own programs. In light of increasing globalization and the strategic decision to align its programs closer to frontline work in the Global South, WCIU leaders felt the time had come to sell the property and use the funds to better further their work and that of FV around the world in more decentralized ways. "The board of WCIU is very pleased to be able to announce the agreement that has been reached with EF for the purchase of the property," said Dr. Kevin Higgins, president of WCIU. "Our board believes this is a forward-looking move that will enable WCIU and FV to better fulfill the vision that has driven our efforts all these years. "At the same time, we are glad the property will continue to be used to give students a broader view of the world and their part in it, and retain its educational character and purpose." With 580 offices and schools in more than 50 countries, EF shares with WCIU some aspects of the same commitment to cross-cultural education as a part of preparing international students for the future. Founded in 1965, EF has more than 46,500 full- and part-time staff offering language training, educational travel, cultural exchange programs and international study. "As the world leader in international education, EF is excited about the potential to grow our footprint in California and spread our mission of opening the world through education," said Shawna Marino, vice president for EF Education First. "This campus has been a landmark in the Pasadena community for many years. We look forward to preserving its historic beauty and redeveloping the campus into a world-class international high school that will benefit the community for many years to come." WCIU and EF are currently under agreement, and EF expects to close on the property in July 2019 after it undergoes a Master Plan/Conditional Use Permit entitlement process with the City of Pasadena. EF will host its first community open house and information session on Thursday, April 19, from 7 - 9 p.m., at Franson Hall on the WCIU campus. William Carey International University Named after William Carey, a pioneer British missionary to India in the late 1700s and early 1800s, WCIU (www.wciu.edu) was established in 1977 at the former U.S. Center for World Mission to equip international cross-cultural workers for overseas service. The distance-learning school has equipped students in 20 countries. EF Education First EF Education First (www.ef.edu) is a privately held, family owned company established in 1965 with the mission to open the world through education. With 580 schools and offices in more than 50 countries, EF offers every imaginable way to see the world, experience another culture, learn a language, or earn an academic degree. Frontier Ventures Based in Pasadena, Calif., Frontier Ventures (www.frontierventures.org) promotes the cause of missions among the world's unreached people groups through research, education, and mobilization. Founded in 1976 as the U.S. Center for World Mission by the late missionary statesman, Dr. Ralph D. Winter, its subsidiary ministries include the acclaimed "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" course. PJI to Court: Strip Search of Preschoolers is Unreasonable Contact: Brad Dacus, Pacific Justice Institute, 916-616-4126 DENVER, April 18, 2018 /Standard Newswire/ -- Pacific Justice Institute (PJI) filed a friend-of-the-court brief today that urges the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold parental rights in a case of state authorities strip searching a preschool child based on unfounded allegations of abuse. A military family from Denver enrolled their child in the Head Start program, a federally funded preschool that meets on public school property. The child's teacher perceived the father's tough appearance of riding motorcycles and having several tattoos as an indication that he was a child abuser. Several allegations of abuse were recorded against the military working class family, which lead to a home search that concluded there were absolutely no signs of abuse. However, a social worker proceeded to go to the school and strip search the child at the age of 3 in the presence of the teacher and another school employee. She found no bruising or other evidence of abuse. A second search was conducted by the social worker when the child was 4, this time continuously photographing the child, but again the search failed to produce any evidence of abuse. The frightening experience of being coerced by unfamiliar adults in authority to expose herself and allow her body to be searched left the child humiliated and traumatized. When the mother asked why the school failed to notify her of the strip searches conducted on her child or to allow her to be present for the searches, the social worker informed her that parental rights are void upon suspicion of abuse, even suspicion as weak as an unspecific allegation from an unreliable source repeatedly proven wrong. PJI's brief argues that these searching procedures of a child have the same effect on the child as the abuse itself. It address the standard of reasonableness that should be considered in such situations and displays an array of evidence that these invasions of privacy are psychologically damaging for children. Brad Dacus, President and Founder of PJI, stated, "No governmental authority should have the right to strip search preschoolers and violate parental rights based on unfounded allegations. We are honored to come along side this family and their attorneys in this important constitutional case." The family is represented by Telios Law of Monument, Colorado. In Southern California, the largest protest is in Los Angeles, a gathering that has typically drawn thousands of people. But demonstrations are planned throughout the region, from Orange County to the Inland Empire, from Redondo Beach to the San Gabriel... Lapeer Police Dept. incidents Lapeer Police Dept. Incidents are compiled from reports over the last several days TUESDAYWhen: 4:30 a.m.Where: DeMille Road andHarrison StreetIncident:... Change in 810, 989 area code calling may save lives The County Press has reported extensively on the topic of suicide and efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness,... READER FEEDBACK You asked what do we like to do in the autumn in Lapeer County? We like taking walks on the... Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressing a seminar on \'Development Story of Bangladesh: Policy, Advancement and Prospect\' at Overseas Development Institute (ODI) in London on Tuesday. BSS photo Historic Mujibnagar Day observed in Chattogram Chattogram Bureau : Different social, cultural and political organisations yesterday observed the historic Mujibnagar Day in the city and its adjacent districts in a befitting manner. On April 17 in 1971, Bangladesh government-in-exile took oath at Baidyanathtala mango grove in Meherpur, in the then Kushtia district. Local units of Bangladesh Awami League (AL) observed the day with due respect. Marking the Day, AL leaders and workers hoisted national and party flags atop all party offices here and placed wreaths at the portraits of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders in the city's Darul Fazal Market area this morning. A discussion was organised by Chattogram City Unit AL at central Shaheed Minar this afternoon with former City Mayor and acting city unit AL President Mahtab Uddin Chowdhury presided over it. City Unit AL General Secretary and City Mayor A Z M Nasir Uddin, AL leaders Noymuddin Chowdhury, Khurshed Alam Sujan, Advocate Ibrahim Hossain Chowdhury Babul and Advocate Iftekhar Saimul, among others, spoke on the occasion. People of all walks of life including politicians, educationists and freedom fighters also attended the function. Speakers in their discussion paid glowing tributes to Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders who immensely contributed to the liberation war in the country. Recalling enormous importance of the historic day, the speakers said the War of Liberation got a specific dimension on this day in 1971 when the provisional government in exile took oath at Baiddonathtola in Meherpur. In the absence of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who was arrested after declaration of country's independence on the night of March 25 and kept in a jail in the then West Pakistan during the whole period of liberation war, Syed Nazrul Islam took oath as the acting President in the absence of Bangabandhu, Tazuddin Ahmad as the first Prime Minister, while Khandaker Mostaq Ahmed, Captain M Mansur Ali and AHM Quamaruzzaman as the cabinet ministers. Meanwhile, another discussion meeting organized by the district administration was held at the auditorium of the Deputy Commissioner's (DC) office this noon with DC Mohammad Ilias Hossain in the chair. Chittagong North and South district AL also organized separate discussion meetings at their respective party offices in the city's Newmarket and Amdarkilla area respectively. Earlier, Bangabandhu Sanskritic Jote also organised a discussion at the city's Theatre Institute auditorium this afternoon. Barbara Bush, wife and mother of US presidents dies Reuters : Former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush, the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president, died on Tuesday, the Bush family said. She was 92. Bush was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush. The Bush family had said in a statement on Sunday that she was in failing health, had decided not to seek further medical treatment and instead would focus on "comfort care." According to some media reports, Bush had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions," George W. Bush said in a statement. "To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end." Dubbed "The Silver Fox" by her husband and children, Bush was known for her snow-white hair and for being fiercely protective of her family. She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993. Her son, Republican George Walker Bush, triumphed in the disputed 2000 U.S. election and was president from 2001 to 2009. The father-and-son presidents were sometimes referred to as "Bush 41" and "Bush 43." The Bushes celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January. Bush had an independent streak and could be sharp-tongued. As first lady, she promoted literacy and reading but said she was more interested in running a household than helping her husband run the country. She discouraged speculation that she wielded political influence with the president like her predecessors - Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn Carter. "I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household," she once said. "She'll speak her mind but only to him," said Jack Steel, a longtime Bush aide. President Donald Trump and former Democratic Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were among those praising the late first lady. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well," Trump and his wife, Melania, said in a statement that noted Bush's championing of literacy "as a fundamental family value." Clinton, who defeated her husband in the 1992 presidential election, called Bush "fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like." Obama and his wife, Michelle, said in a statement that Barbara Bush was "an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." The only other woman to be both wife and mother of U.S. presidents was Abigail Adams, the first lady from 1797 to 1801. She was a major influence on husband John Adams, the nation's second president, but died before son John Quincy Adams was elected president in 1824. Another of Bush's sons, Jeb, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and she campaigned for him before he dropped out of the race. The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children were sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy. The Bushes married on Jan. 6, 1945, and Barbara set up households in numerous cities as her husband moved from being a Texas oilman to being a member of Congress, Republican Party leader, U.S. envoy to China and the United Nations and head of the Central Intelligence Agency. Barbara Bush sometimes made biting remarks, particularly when she felt the need to defend her husband. One notable example came in 1984 when George H.W. Bush was seeking re-election as vice president under Reagan, a post he held from 1981 until becoming president in 1989. She told reporters that Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's Democratic rival for the vice presidency, was a "4 million dollar ... I can't say it but it rhymes with 'rich. Police security from Khaleda's Gulshan house withdrawn The four-member police team deputed at the Gulshan residence of BNP Chairperson Khaleda, now in jail, was pulled out on Wednesday afternoon. The police personnel who used to provide security to the BNP chairperson's house, 'Firoza', at Road No. 79 in the city's Gulshan area were withdrawn around 3:30pm, her media wing member Shamsuddin Didar told UNB. He said the police team comprising an assistant sub-inspector and three constables left Firoza saying they were called off by the higher authorities. Contacted, Abu Bakar Siddique, officer-in-charge of Gulshan Police Station, said he is not aware of it as the Gulshan diplomatic zone police is dealing with the security matter of the area. However, a police official at the Gulshan diplomatic zone, wishing anonymity, said they are only assigned to ensure the all-out security of diplomats, not any person's residence. On February 8 last, Khaleda was sent to Old Dhaka central jail after a special court here sentenced her to five years' rigorous imprisonment in the Zia Orphanage Trust graft case. Myanmar must ensure citizen rights of Rohingyas: US envoy UNB, Cox's Bazar : United States ambassador-at-large for International Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback on Wednesday emphasized on ensuring religious freedom and citizen rights of Rohingyas in Myanmar. Talking to the reporters after visiting the Rohingya camp at Kutupalong in Ukhia, Brownback said United States was working to ensure religious freedom and citizen rights of Rohingyas after returning to Myanmar. "The refugees will return to their homeland after the Myanmar government ensures their security, religious freedom and citizen rights also return the looted assets of ancestors", he said. The Rohingyas were victimized of ethnic discrimination and oppression in Myanmar. They were forced to cross into Bangladesh to save their lives, he said. Earlier, Brownback also talked with the Rohingyas who took shelter at the no man's-land on Tumbru bordering area around 11 am. Later in the afternoon, he also visited Madhurchhara Rohingya camp in Kutupalong. After concluding his Turkey visit, Sam Brownback landed in Cox's Bazar in the morning. Brownback will leave the county on April 20, after visiting Rohingya camps at Kutupalong, Madhurchhara, no man's-land at Tumbru. 3 'JMB men' held in N'ganj UNB, Narayanganj : Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested three alleged members of banned Islamic outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) from Bandar area here on Tuesday night. The identities of the arrestees could not be known immediately. Tipped off, a team of RAB-11 conducted a drive in the area and arrested three members including a woman of the banned militant outfit, said Alep Uddin, senior Assistant Superintendent of Police. Details of the arrestees will be informed at a press briefing of the elite force scheduled to be held around 11 am. Razib laid to rest Social Welfare Ministry, BSB Cambrian, Actor Ananta Jalil offer to bear the cost of two siblings' education Md Joynal Abedin Kahn : College student Razib Hasan, who lost his arm in a city road accident and died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) early Tuesday, laid to eternal rest in Bauphal upazila of Patuakhali on Wednesday morning. He was buried beside his mother's grave at his maternal grandfather's village at Daspara after the third namaz-e-janaza. The second funeral prayer was held at Bauphal public ground at about 9:00am where a large number of people including chief whip ASM Firoz MP, Deputy Commissioner Dr Masumur Rahman, Superintendent of Police of Patuakhali Md Moinul Hasan attended. On Tuesday, Razib's body was brought in Patuakhali after the first janaza held on the High Court premises in the capital. The chief whip's personal assistant also came with the body from Dhaka. The two orphaned brothers of Rajib see a uncertain future ahead of them as they have lost their breadwinner elder brother. "Brother is no more. We've lost the drive to move forward," said Mehedi Hasan, the elder of the two brothers told The New Nation on Wednesday. Mehedi and Abfdullah, his two brothers, study in Tamirul Millart Kamil Madrasa in Dhaka's Jatrabarhi in grade VII and VI respectively. Rajib, hailing from Patuakhali, lost his father when he was a grade-III student and mother at grade VIII. After the series of setbacks, he was soldiering on with hard work and help from relatives. He was an undergraduate student of Government Titumir College in the capital and lived in a hostel in Jatrabarhi. He also took a job at a computer shop to pay for his and his brothers' expenses. "Now we have uncles and aunts only, and the government. If the government helped us" Mehedi said. Police Sub-Inspector Al Amin, an uncle of Rajib, said they now wanted the Tk 10 million damages the High Court mentioned in a rule on the accident. Meanwhile, Social Welfare Minister Rashed Khan Menon on Wednesday said the government will bear the educational expenses of the two younger brothers of Rajib Hasan. "I've ordered the director general of the Ministry of Social Welfare to shift his two brothers to government Shishu Palli," said the minister while talking to reporters at the secretariat. The ministry has taken the initiative to bear the education expenses of the two boys, said Menon. Besides, the minister announced a donation of Tk 50,000 to Rajib's family from the government treasury. "We'll not only take responsibility of their education but also take steps for their jobs after giving them technical education," he said. He urged the affluent section of society to stand beside the helpless people. Also, BSB-Cambrian Education Group expressed its interest to bear all educational expenses of the duo up to the higher secondary level. Lion MK Bashar, chairman of the BSB-Cambrian Education Group, told The New Nation on Wednesday that they have already contacted Rajib's relatives and expressed their interest to bear his two younger brothers' educational expenses. "We'll bear all educational expenses, including hostel, up to the higher secondary level. They can continue their study either at Cambrian College up to HSC or Quran-e-Hafez Tamirul Millat Madrasah up to Alim," he said. Rajib's aunt Jahanara Begum and uncle Jahidul Islam informed BSB-Cambrian Group that they will give their decision after they return to Dhaka from Patuakhali, said Anisur Rahman Anis, a coordinator of the education group. Former actor Ananta Jalil has expressed his willingness to bear the educational expenses of the two younger brothers of Rajib. In a Facebook post on the day of his birthday (Monday) Ananta, once known as an action hero in Bangla cinema, expressed his shock over the death of Rajib after reading about accident on the media. "The future of his two younger brothers is at risk due to Rajib's untimely death. Therefore, on the day of my birthday I want to take the responsibility of education of the two children who has no family, " he said in the post which was praised highly by so many of his followers and Facebook users later, reports media. "Buses run on 242 routes at present but there will be six routes when the new system is introduced. It will reduce the unhealthy competition and all passengers will be able to catch any bus they want. Bus operators will be able to get enough passengers without engaging them in competition," BRTA sources said., Earlier on April 3, Razib, a 2nd year student of Government Titumir College, was going to attend his classes by a double-decker bus of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BTRC). He was standing on the rear gate dangling his right hand outside as the bus was overcrowded. Move to sign fresh MoU with Malaysia Kazi Zahidul Hasan : Bangladesh will sign a fresh Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malaysia to set up the proposed 1320 MW coal-fired power plant in Moheshkhali, Chattogram. The decision came from an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Power Division in Bangladesh Secretariat in Dhaka recently. "We took the decision following expiry of the initial MoU to set up the plant," a senior Power Division official told The New Nation on Tuesday, seeking anonymity. He said, time to implement the deal ran out as both sides failed to translate it into reality. Bangladesh and Malaysia signed the MoU in September 22, 2014 to set up the power project on G-to-G basis. In this context, a joint steering committee led by State Minister Power and Energy Nasrul Hamid Bipu was formed to monitor and coordinate the project. "The MoU remained valid until September 21, 2016 and in the meantime it is expired," said the Power Division official. Earlier, a meeting of the joint steering committee made the decision to extend the tenure of the MoU for three years without naming the implementing entity and thereby the Malaysian government sent a draft in this regard. "The inter-ministerial body thoroughly discussed the matter at the meeting. But opined not to extent the tenure of the MoU further raising legal issues," said the Power Division official, adding, "As the deal has lost validity, the meeting unanimously voted for signing a fresh deal with Malaysia to set up the power project. We have started the process to sign the MoU." Officials said the government took the proposed project as per its ambition to make Moheshkhali a power hub. "But the project failed to become like many others due to lack of proper persuasion by the concerned officials, bureaucratic bottleneck and lack of coordination among the concerned departments. The project has only got environmental clearance. Initiative to acquire lands, formation of a JV Company and appointment of consultants are yet to be done," an official said. "The government rolls out plan to build dozens of large coal based power plants to generate 20,000 megawatt electricity. Out of them, only two are actually making physical progress. These are the Rampal and the Matarbari power projects, " observed energy expert Prof Dr Shamsul Alam. He said the present government has made significant progress in the power sector virtually eliminating the phenomenon of load shedding. But no progress is in sight to build mega power plants due to inefficiency of the concerned officials. Nasrul Hamid Bipu could not be reached for comments despite several attempts on his cell phone. The detained Bangladeshis at US-Mexico border ACCORDING to The United States Customs and Border Protection Division (CBP) sources, some 171 Bangladeshis have been detained at Mexico's Laredo border shared with USA since October to April 12, 2017. They reportedly attempted to enter the United States illegally through this border. However, it appears, for quite some time the Laredo border of Texas has become the main doorway to enter the United States by South Asian and Afghan illegal immigrants through Latin America. Referring to illegal Bangladeshi immigrants, the Immigration Reform Dot Com, the largest and most influential immigration reform organization in the US published an article recently. It stated that, there are 'special concerns about Bangladeshi immigrants' for two reasons - first, the presence of Isis and Al Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent and some other active militant groups in Bangladesh. They are collecting members from Bangladesh. So it is possible that some of these illegal Bangladeshi immigrants may have links to those terrorist organizations. And second, if people from Bangladesh can enter Latin America and later enter the US then the potential terrorists can get encouraged to carry out terror attacks in the USA. The truth, however, frequency of terror attacks in Bangladesh has always been significantly low despite the presence of a few radical and extremist groups. Also Bangladeshis have been rarely involved in any major terror attacks occurred in North America and Europe. We find the 'special concerns' utterly baseless. True, our illegal immigrants are known for taking life risks to enter Europe or America but that is purely financial reason - to seek shelter and jobs. So, branding them as potential terrorists is a sheer injustice being done to them. There are no records inside USA that Bangladeshis were in any capacity involved in carrying out terror strikes. Most of the attacks and mass shootings recorded in America in the recent past were executed by derailed Americans. Following the Immigration Reform Organisation's claims, the Los Angeles Times also wrote the numbers of Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese and Pakistanis illegally entering the United States through Latin America has become huge. According to official statistics, the report said that in the 11 months before August 2016, 4,060 people of these four countries entered the United States, among whom 3,604 were detained. But it did not link terrorism with the detained immigrants from Asian countries. We expect, American authorities to voice their concerns based on logic and reality - not out of anti-Islamic sentiments similar to Mr. Trump. Last of all, our embassy and consulates in America must right away look into the issue, and guarantee the well-being of these immigrants. We wonder why increasing numbers of people are still trying to go to other countries as illegal migrants when government is busy to get status of a developing country. 7 Bangladeshis killed in Saudi cylinder blast banglanews24.com : Seven Bangladeshi expatriates including two siblings from Cumilla were killed in a gas cylinder explosion at their residence in Saudi Arabia. The decased were hailed from Cumilla, Lakshmipur and Feni districts. Three of them were identified as Emranul Haque Sohel, 34, Imamul Haque Munna, 22 and Md Sohel, 30, from Cumilla's Chauddagram upazila. According to the families, the gas cylinder exploded in the early hours of Wednesday morning (April), when the victims were sleeping in a single room at their residence in Ha'il city of Saudi Arabia. Richwood, TX (77531) Today Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 83F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Mostly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 71F. Winds light and variable. If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs. Paris, TX (75460) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Locally heavy rainfall possible.. Tonight Clear to partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. Low 63F. Winds light and variable. The GCC countries' creditworthiness will remain driven by government responses to economic, fiscal and external challenges rather than the recent rise in oil prices, said Moodys in a new report. "Our expectations for the evolution of sovereign credit profiles have not changed with higher oil prices in recent months," said Thaddeus Best, a Moody's analyst and co-author of the report. "The sovereign ratings and outlooks depend on the ability of GCC sovereigns to address structural vulnerabilities and diversify their economies and fiscal revenue sources away from hydrocarbons." Key takeaways: Moody's expects oil prices to remain volatile, ranging between $45-65 per barrel, and forecasts average prices of $60 per barrel in 2018 and 2019 before softening to $55 per barrel. The recent rise in oil prices will lead to a short-term reduction of pressures on GCC governments' balances sheets by reducing fiscal deficits and slowing the build-up of government debt. Moody's forecasts that Kuwait and Qatar will post budget surpluses of 5.0 per cent (including investment income) and 2.7 per cent of GDP this year respectively, up from 2.8 per cent and 0.8 per cent under Moody's previous assumption that oil prices would average $55 per barrel. Conversely, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman will run large fiscal deficits of 5.8 per cent, 10.2 per cent and 9.4 per cent of GDP respectively, despite the greater tailwind from higher oil prices. Moody's also forecasts that the UAE will run a small deficit, although at 1.3 per cent of GDP this will be consistent with a broadly stable debt burden. Moody's expects fiscal strength will continue to erode in Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, reflecting continued accumulation of government debt. Conversely, Qatar and Kuwait are likely to experience improvements in their governments' net asset positions, while the UAE's debt metrics should stabilise. Moody's believes there is a risk that higher oil prices could slow the reform momentum in the GCC countries. Such slowdown would be most credit negative in Bahrain and Oman, where the fiscal challenges are most acute. Oil at $60 per barrel will reduce gross borrowing requirements across the GCC. In terms of non-oil revenue generation, Moodys notes that the UAE and Saudi Arabia have seen the most substantial increases, supported by rises in government fees, and the implementation of 5 per cent VAT in January. Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait have yet to implement VAT. Moodys estimates that VAT could raise between 0.9 per cent (Qatar) and 1.7 per cent (UAE) of GDP in additional revenue. TradeArabia News Service Roland Berger, a leading global consulting firm, has announced the appointment of a new partner to strengthen its Middle East team. The new partner, Richard Paton, is joining Roland Berger in Abu Dhabi with a mandate to enhance the firm's infrastructure, public sector and defence practice across the Middle East, said the company in a statement. Paton has over 20 years' experience, eight years having been spent in the region and the last five years in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He joins Roland Berger from an international business consultancy, where he was head of infrastructure advisory services for the Middle East and South Asia, as well as head of PPP and public-sector strategy in Saudi Arabia, advising governments across the region on complex PPP financing structures, said the statement. Kushal Shah, the managing partner for the Middle East at Roland Berger, said: "Our Middle East practice is going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be growing our team further by onboarding Paton as partner." "Having previously been involved in the largest PPP transactions across the Middle East including three airports, nuclear and renewable financing projects, school and hospital PPPs he brings a wealth of experience as well as an innovative commercial approach, balancing government risk with private sector funding," stated Shah. On his new role, Paton said: "I am delighted to be joining Roland Berger. Their mix of entrepreneurship, innovation and depth of expertise provides an excellent platform from which to deliver exceptional advice to our clients." When not in a consulting role, Paton has worked for the UK government as an economist briefing ministers on energy policy and macroeconomics before becoming the Head of Regulatory Review for the Office of Fair Trading, leading economic investigations of mergers and acquisitions and their impacts on market structure, competitiveness and consumers, said the company statement. In addition, he had the opportunity to work for and advise foreign government ministers, including those of Singapore and Saudi Arabia, it added.-TradeArabia News Service The Green Business Summit 2018 opened in Abu Dhabi yesterday (April 17) highlighting the significant opportunities and challenges faced by business leaders and policymakers in adopting sustainable development practices. Charles Goddard, The Economist Intelligence Units Asia-Pacific editorial director, welcomed attendees at the event organised by The Economist Events, part of the global English-language weekly newspaper, at the Rosewood Hotel. Goddard said: Sustainability and green business are the defining issues, the defining themes of our time. It has been roughly two years since the Paris Agreement when the world agreed to cap global emissions to limit climate change and global warming, and it has been two and a half years since the Sustainable Development Goals were ratified by the United Nations. These are rightly seen as seminal moments, a sea-change in our thinking on societies and development. Today we will be asking, how much progress has been made? Speaking on the subject of green business, Goddard added: On the important transition of business, there has been some gathering progress in terms of sustainability. Corporate commitments have been made and are beginning to be met. However, despite these positive developments, progress remains fragmented and quite piece-meal. The task ahead is quite daunting. Speaking during the first business panel of the day, titled From responsibility to leadership, Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general, Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD), commented on her Agencys relationship with the business community: I think we can do more with the private sector, which is why I am here today, it gives us at the Environment Agency a chance to better understand the needs and challenges faced by businesses. It is one thing when government agencies are the only ones responsible for safeguarding the environment, and it is another thing when the private sector shares responsibility for monitoring its impact, Al Mubarak said. Sharing the task of protecting the environment with the private sector increases awareness and understanding of environmental regulation and leads to better outcomes and a cleaner, safer environment for us all this is one of the many ways we can move the needle from compliance to beyond compliance and towards innovation. At the heart of this transition are public-private partnerships, which enable continuous improvement and kick-start innovation.On the sidelines of the Summit, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) and the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi (EAD) jointly announced the creation of the EnviroTech Awards, to be incorporated as a part of the Technology Innovation Pioneer (TIP) programme initiated by the Ministry of Economy and DED to accelerate the development of technology and innovation in Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE. TradeArabia News Service The European Unions new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will also impact Middle Eastern companies that handle personal data of European residents and citizens, even if they do not have a direct presence in Europe, said Sage, a leader in cloud business management solutions. Billed as the largest overhaul of online privacy, GDPR will come into effect across the bloc on May 25. The GDPR sets out the minimum requirements for the treatment of all personal data. Personal data can be defined as any data identifying or relating to an individual, including physical appearance, biometric data, an individuals record on a customer relationship management system, or even something as simple as website-tracking data collected via cookies. It affects Middle East-based firms who will need to comply with the GDPR if they offer goods and services to individuals in the EU or track and monitor their behaviour. For example, if an e-commerce firm sells Middle East-made goods to European residents, it will be required to review processes and systems around managing and processing personal data. Pieter Bensch, executive vice president, Africa and the Middle East at Sage, said: The GDPR is slated to be the benchmark of global data protection and privacy regulation, and it comes at a pertinent time given the worldwide discussion about tech giants and data-handling. Middle Eastern businesses that will be impacted must start assessing the impact of GDPR on their operations, revamp their data protection processes and systems and train their employees for GDPR-compliance because it will affect various departments across an organisation. The penalties for non-compliance with the GDPR are up to 4 per cent of annual global turnover, or 20 million ($24.7 million), whichever is greater. Companies risk being fined even if there is no actual loss of data. Though it might seem hard in practice for the EUs regulators to sanction Middle Eastern organisations with no assets in Europe, non-compliance could injure a companys reputation and its ability to do business in the EU. Companies in the Middle East who are affected should not ignore the GDPR, which will come at a steep price. Instead, these firms should look to the new regulations positively. With data breaches in the Middle East are on the rise , GDPR-compliance stands to help businesses build stronger privacy frameworks, as well as enhance brand trust by letting customers know that you safeguard their personal data, added Bensch. TradeArabia News Service An impressive line-up of influential leaders and experts from the world of aviation will address this years Global Airport Leaders Forum (Galf) on the opening day of the 18th edition of Airport Show. Held under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports and chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the Airport Show will be held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from May 7 to 9. To ensure that the Galf continues to remain an undisputed knowledge-sharing platform for the aviation industry and airports, in particular, Airport Show organisers, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, has tied up with Capa-Centre for Aviation to organise Galf running alongside the worlds largest airport industry exhibition to debate the global strategic challenges and opportunities facing airport operators, regulators and industry suppliers. Established in 1990, Capa provides independent market intelligence, research and data solutions that support strategic decision-making at hundreds of the leading companies in global aviation. This years Global Airport Leaders Forum will explore how airports can adapt their business models, implement smart innovations and embrace collaborative partnerships with airlines to adapt and flourish in the digital age. Sheikh Ahmed remarked: Whether it is the latest scanning technologies, passenger experiences or robot baggage handlers, the regions airports are investing in the latest technology and concepts to delight customers and stay ahead of the competition. This exciting time in the industry will be reflected at Airport Show 2018." Key issues in debate at this years event include smart airports, IT and automation, airport retailing, passenger experience enhancement, airline-airport partnership, airport privatisation, infrastructure financing, airport collaborative decision making (A-CDM), robotics in airports, aerotropolis and air traffic control (ATC). Speakers include Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths; Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) director general and CEO of dans, Mohammed Abdullah Ahli; Capa-Centre for Aviation executive chairman, Peter Harbison; Carlson Wagonlit Travels chief data scientist, Eric Tyree; Bahrain Airport Company CEO, Mohammed Al BinFalah, and many others Also addressing the forum will be Aerotropolis Business Concepts president and CEO, Dr John Kasarda; City of Vantaa Project director, Arja Lukin; Final Approach managing director, Alexander Kirby; AIREA and Tehran IKIA Airport City managing director and chief development officer, Pieter van der Horst, amongst others. The Airport Show will cover 15,000-sq-m of space across three spacious halls, with over 350 exhibitors from 90 countries. The event expects to welcome close to 7,500 attendees over the three days. In addition to Galf, this years three other co-located conferences include Air Traffic Control (ATC) Forum, Airport Security Middle East and Women in Aviation (WIA) General Assembly, with over 700 delegates expected to attend these events. - TradeArabia News Service The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, a leading five-star hotel in the Saudi Arabian capital, has appointed Esat Akyildiz as the propertys executive chef. In his new role, chef Akyildiz will be in charge of the culinary and stewarding teams overseeing kitchens and operations in all food and beverage outlets, including restaurants, lounges, in-room dining and banquet areas. Chef Akyildiz started his culinary career at age of 15 as a cook in a seafood restaurant in Turkey. After he graduated from a local culinary school, Chef Akyildiz attended the Culinary Institute in Bolu, Turkey. He then joined Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel in Istanbul. He worked in the Middle East and Central Asia with Hyatt and Intercontinental Hotels Group. He also led the culinary team for the Gala Dinner in the OSCE Summit which hosted more than 50 presidents and head of states in Astana in 2010. Chef Akyildiz then went back to Almaty to lead The Ritz Carlton, Almatys innovative culinary team before joining The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. In addition to cooking, Chef Akyildiz is passionate about developing younger chefs to help them discover their own talents through firsthand experience by the world's finest chefs such as Norbert Niederkofler and Laurent Tourondel. - TradeArabia News Service *By Mansoor Durrani for TwoCircles.net Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today Malcolm X Support TwoCircles Humans are not blessed with the same level of intellect, opportunities, health and wealth. Educated and wealthy folks are a great asset to any society. They are blessed with the capacity to punch (if they choose to) above their weight in all aspects of life, including social projects.I grew up listening stories from my fathers generation of how Muslim Indians as a community were orphaned when their creme de la creme left for Pakistan. So in the midst of riots, self-doubt and social turmoil, the two post-partition decades of the 1950s and 1960s were spent in search of survival and self-rebuilding the community albeit without the much needed financial or intellectual horsepower because that engine had already crossed the border into Pakistan.By the time the community began to regain some confidence and gather some resources, the oil boom in the Arabian Gulf region arrived. Already deprived of many economic opportunities (not just by the government biases but also their own lack of education and skills), hordes of Muslims rushed to the Gulf for earning petrodollars. A reasonably large number of these Muslim migrants were highly educated and skilled. On the face of it, this move was a perfectly legitimate option for their economic empowerment. And if a fair share of the oil riches were utilized for the purposes of social infrastructures (schools, hospitals, media and research organisations, vocational centres), it would be a great boon for the community and the country. But it later emerged that this wave of educated-Muslim exodus from India left the community orphaned for the second time within two decades!The Gulf-based NRIs and their families thoroughly enjoyed a much better lifestyle, education, healthcare etc. And they also sent home some savings for building houses, buying cars and gadgets acquisition. All these were perfectly reasonable ways of utilising their hard earned money. However, over a period of time, the dazzle of luxurious lifestyle began to blind the NRIs of their social responsibilities back home. Those who were not as fortunate, as some of us living and earning in the Gulf, required extensive mentoring, handholding and heavy (not light) financial support. What some folks back home received, instead, were crumbs and leftovers mostly in the form of 2.5% mandatory charity (zakah) that Muslims are supposed to donate annually on their savings. Very few of us got past this threshold. Over the past four decades, Muslim Indians have earned billions of dollars of tax-free money in the Gulf. Where have most of these funds gone? Upper-middle-class professionals as mentioned above have built nice and cosy houses, bought flashy cars both used only once or twice a year when they visit their extended families. And more privileged among us have spent on farmhouses, exotic European and North American vacations, expensive jewellery, watches, designer clothes etc. Educating our kids in the Western Universities is another perfectly reasonable thing to do. But we have settled our kids in European and North American nations because it is hard for our kids to go back and live in India! And what the parents themselves do when they retire from their high-earning jobs in the Gulf? Well, they spend time with their kids in Europe or the US!Of course, some of these NRIs and PIOs also write blogs, forward emails and WhatsApp messages on the pathetic state of their community on social media, including Facebook!! And yes, they also give suggestions!!!Barring a few exceptions, this petrodollars opportunity running over four long decades has largely been squandered. Yes some families are far more educated and affluent; yes some families may have secured the future of their coming one or two generations, but the community as a whole has been left behind because they were deprived of both the money and the minds of NRIs which is clearly evident in its current socioeconomic state.At a leadership program in Stanford University last month, I got introduced to very bright scientists, researchers and PhD scholars who commit a certain number of years of their lives for teaching in the villages of Africa and Latin America! It is only on the back of such commitments and sacrifices that Allah elevates and empowers communities and nations. Is there a way for us to undo, at least partially, the damage already done? Maybe, this is the last and final opportunity for those who are still able to earn petrodollars to rise up to the multiple challenges back home. Whining about the majority community and governments not doing enough for us does not cut it anymore. Constantly begging for mercy or help puts us only in the lowest of the low categories. Instantly opening up our purses and stepping up on the plate for a prolonged phase of handholding and mentoring is the only option left for us if we genuinely wish to regain some respect and dignity both individually and collectively!Probably, this point can be understood a bit better by the example of an affluent father who blows up all his money and energy on his personal indulgences and pleasures or reckless business ambitions; and then expects others to pay for even the most basic needs of his own kids, including education. Now take an aerial view of this example and then, hopefully, my point becomes clearer!!If such a man is not an ideal and responsible father, is such a group an ideal and responsible community?So no more crumbs or leftovers for our underprivileged folks; we must step up. The author talks the walk. A world-class school www.e-p-s.in based in Bhopal is entirely set up and supported by him since 2003. * By Ira Anbazhagan for TwoCircles.net The Southern India Buddhist Vihar re-opened in Perambur after renovations in January this year, going from a 1-storey to a 4-storey structure in Perambur, Tamil Nadu to celebrations, offerings, and prayers by Buddhist monks from 40 different countries. However, a few weeks ago, two men entered the building during worship hours while people were chanting and announced themselves as members of Chennai City Corporation. They loudly claimed that the vihara had been occupying land that wasnt their own. They barged in and began measuring the walls and the floors and things with measuring bars right during our prayers! recalls La. Jayabalan, a congregant, If this was a Hindu temple, would they have dared to do something like that? Would they have barged in and interrupted a pooja? He expresses deep anger and anguish over the way that his faith and practice is being disrespected. Support TwoCircles The members assert that the vihara was not occupied as the two officials claimed. The Southern India Buddhist Association first began in the 1800s under Ayothidasar, a Tamil Buddhist revivalist. It was an initiative of faith run and sustained largely by Dalits in the Perambur area. It is said that one Sakya family who are related to K.Armstrong, who is currently serving as Tamil Nadus BSP state president, first donated 31204 sq ft. of land in Perambur. says a Vihara member, G. Meena. Dr.Ambedkar does mention this vihara in Dr.Ambedkar Speeches and Writings, Vol 17, Part III. The vihara also has long established rules and bylaws for the membership, the second edition of which was published as early as 1954. This is the same copy currently being used. It remains a vibrant part of the Perambur community but recently has begun seeing attacks. If we are occupying this place, shouldnt the complaint be filed by another disputing local owner, a neighbour, or another community member? Why is the complainant the Commissioner of Police? What does he know about this neighbourhood and its history? What is his interest in filing this particular complaint? asks Sarada Devi, another local member. After countering the two men from the corporation, the members were able to raise enough voice and show enough strength to prevent them from taking further action. They sent them off with a copy of Dr.Ambedkars Writings and Speeches Volume 17, Part 3. Here, take this. This is published by your government. Read what it says. Babasaheb mentions that he visited this Vihara in 1954. In fact, he stayed here from 6th July 1954 to 14th July 1954. And we are much older than that as well! G.Meena says she told them. Since the incident with these two men, several cases and legal orders have been filed. Several more government officials have been harassing them. State authorities have sent a letter saying that the vihara could be destroyed at any time. The problem appears to be that the vihara is largely a Dalit Buddhist initiative. The Vihara serves not just as a centre for practice and meditation but also a political hub and a Dalit organising hub. The second floor hosts an Anitha Intellectual Center a whole floor that memorializes the passing away of the brilliant young Dalit girl S.Anitha in 2017. Here students study and prepare for exams. The floor above it serves as a monastery and houses Buddhist bhikkhus or monks. Many Dalit community members hold meetings and events in this space. Crucially, this vihara also performs conversions of Dalit community members to Buddhism officially. Members feel this is the real reason for the harassment and not anything else. People seem uneasy and on edge even as they go about their activities routinely. K.Armstrong, Tamil Nadu BSP leader states They can demolish our vihara if they want, but let them know that if they do, every single Dalit home in this area will sprout up as its own vihara! The author is a contributor to TwoCircles.net from Tamil Nadu. TCN News New Delhi: Navaid Hamid, the president of All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat (AIMMM) the apex body of Indian Muslims has expressed his deep anguish and sorrow over the acquittal of RSS functionary Aseemanand and four other members of Hindutva right groups in Mecca Masjid blast by NIA court. Hamid has termed the acquittal as travesty of justice and sign of the collapse of the judicial system in the press statement released on Tuesday. Support TwoCircles Hamid added, Unfortunately, it seems, it happens only because of the total connivance of the public prosecutor with the culprits and under the directions of the people in government. He further added that NIA court has totally ignored the confession of the main accused Aseemanand given in an interview and earlier also the allegations he made against the RSS leadership including its chief Mr. Mohan Bhagwat in his interview. How strange it is that since the BJP became to power in 2014, the culprits who have been arrested and charged in various terror cases have been constantly getting bails just because of their association with saffron groups and weakening of the cases against them by the government, added Hamid. The AIMMM president is of the firm opinion that the latest acquittal is not a judicial decision but as seems to be a cruel political decision to save the saffron Hindutva terrorists and is an attempt to wash away the open secret that Hindutva groups and hate organizations have nothing to do with terror activities. Navaid Hamid has demanded that the government should immediately file a review petition to challenge the NIA acquittal in a competent court without losing time to prove its neutrality and seriousness to tackle terrorist and terror cases. It is impossible to not hear the term Bangladeshi when you are in Assam. It is a term that divides Assam; a region where human migration precedes national boundaries by centuries. No one ever says that there are no Bangladeshis in Assam; the questions seem far more focused on what to do with them. It is also pretty clear that no one exactly knows who a Bangladeshi is: Assamese Muslims, Bengali Muslims, Bengali Hindus and sometimes even Assamese Hindus, along with even Nepalis and Bodos, have all been singled out as Bangladeshis. When human lives are reduced to statistics and government policies put one religion against the other, it is the marginalised who suffer the most. The Idea Of a Foreigner: The Assam Accord, signed in 1985, has played an extremely important role in this regard. The issue of foreigner was central to this Accord. Contested migrations after two partitions (1947 and 1971) along with a subsequent surge in Assamese nationalism resulted in a policing of foreigners. As a result, the Assam accord enlisted a series of measures to be taken as part of a Memorandum of Understanding between the then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and the All Assam Students Union along with Assam Gana Sangram Parishad. One of the most important points of the Accord was that all foreigners who had arrived after March 1971 be expelled from the state. Support TwoCircles The Creation of a D voter: Following the Accord, it was in July 1997 that the Election Commission of India (ECI) asked the state government to segregate its citizens and non-citizens. Following this, the ECI prepared a list of voters in the state and mark D (doubtful) next to the names of people who were suspected to be non-citizens. In 1997, this list included 3.5 lakh names. As of February 2017 according to Assam Parliamentary Affairs minister Chandra Mohan Patowary, the Assam Border Police were conducting investigations into 6,21,688 cases related to foreigners till October 2016. Of these, 4,44,189 were referred to the 100 Tribunals established in the state, where about 2,01,928 cases are still pending. Detentions: Among the cases that have been resolved however, are the stories of about 1,800 persons who have been detained across Assam on charges of being a Bangladeshi. Even the most cursory conversations with the families of the detained people show that almost all the detainees belong to poor families who could barely afford any lawyers or appeal against the judgement issued by the Foreigners Tribunal. Since this issue comes under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and Foreigners (Tribunal) Order, 1964, a lot of times the lawyers are unaware of how to approach the case but nevertheless take it for easy money. In this three-part series, TwoCircles.net looks at how detention camps are wreaking havoc with the lives of people, especially Muslims, across the state. In the third of a three-part series, we tell the story of Rehat Ali, a senior citizen from Assams Hajo town, who was arrested at the end of December 2015 because there were a few spelling mistakes in his name in some of his government documents.His family is trying hard to get him released and now, their only hope is from the Supreme Court. Read Part One Here: Read Part Two Here: By Amit Kumar, TwoCircles.net The issue of a foreigner and thereby Bangladeshi in Assam is so contentious that local families often go to great lengths to claim that they have always been living in a certain region of the state. Rehat Alis family, however, tells us at the beginning of our conversation that they did migrate from Bangladesh out of choice. My grandfathers father came here in the 1920s from Bangladesh. He must have liked this place, I guess because he settled here and since then all members of our family have been brought up in this village, says Lukman Ali, the younger son of Rehat Ali and a resident of Kopanikuchi village, near the town of Hajo. In fact, Lukman points out that the name of his family appears in the land records as early as 1928. However, as we sit down on a bright afternoon outside their home, it is easy to see why Ali insists on records from as early as 1928 even though the Assam Accords question only those coming to the state post-1971. On December 29, 2015, Rehat Ali became one of the 1,800 persons or so detained on charges of being a Bangladeshi. As his son says, He is of Bangladeshi descent like all my family is, but he is an illegal Bangladeshi residing in India? No. The events that took place prior to the arrest of Rehat Ali also show that regardless of how long you have lived in Assam, how many government surveys you have participated in or how many papers you have in your name proving your residence, there is little you can do to be safe. Rehat Ali, for example, has his name in the 1951 National Register of Citizens Record; his name appears on every electoral roll since then; all his children are registered voters; all his brothers and their extended families are also voters. A farmer who had finally retired from work but continued to run a small sweet shop to support his family, Rehat Ali wanted to enjoy his life as a grandfather. Instead, he has been condemned to the detention camp in Goalpara. And the reason? A couple of spelling mistakes. In one of the electoral rolls in the previous elections, Rehat Alis name was misspelt as Rehaja Ali. Lukman says he doesnt remember exactly which year this happened but says that this was a clerical mistake that had nothing to do with his fathers citizenship. Here is a simple truth: to question his citizenship because his name was misspelt is absurd. Let alone the fact that Rehaja is the name of a womanhow can these identities be confused? he asks. But in case of Rehat Ali, there was another stroke of misfortune: his fathers name was Monruddin Ali, although he was also known as Monu Ali. Monu was my grandfathers daaknam (calling name). In one of the documents, his name was written as Monu Ali instead of Monruddin Ali. This apparently led to doubts over my fathers legacy; the fact that he could not convince the court that he is Rehat Ali, son of Monruddin Ali, because of two documents where his and his fathers name were misspelt, led him to be detained, says Lukman. It is a story that is familiar in Assam, yet few know what to do to avoid it. Munna, the elder son of Rehat, says that after his father was detained, the rest of the family lived in fear too. We thought if he, a senior citizen, can be locked up, what stops them from taking us too? What will happen to our children? What do we do to avoid this situation? he asks. It has been about three years now since our father was taken away, but we still fear that sometimes, we might be next. No one knows who is safe and who isnt, he adds. Ever since Rehat Ali was taken away to the detention camp, the condition of his wife has deteriorated substantially, says Lukman. My mother was not well even when he was here but after he left, there has been substantial damage to her brain. She has been hospitalized twice and even now she is under medical careand unfortunately, my father cannot even go to see her, he says. Rehat Ali and his brother Munna, along with their family members, have now pinned all their hopes with the Supreme Court after the Gauhati High Court rejected their appeal challenging the verdict of the Hajo Foreigners Tribunal. While admitting that there is every chance that the Supreme Court will pass an order similar to that issued by the Foreigners Tribunal, the family is not willing to give up hope just yet. All the money we had collectively saved is gone for good. Even the house he wanted to build was left half-way and it remains like that. We have lost our savings, we hope at least we can save our father, Lukman adds. [April 17, 2018] Star2Star & Bigleaf Announce Strategic Partnership SARASOTA, Fla., April 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Star2Star Communications, provider of the World's Most Complete Cloud Communications Solution with options ranging from Hosted to Hybrid, today announced their partnership with Bigleaf, the Cloud-first SD-WAN service that optimizes Internet and Cloud performance by dynamically choosing the best connection and adapting application prioritization in real-time. Star2Stars Full Spectrum Communications Solution has been making waves in the Unified Communications industry with the recent release of the fully hosted StarSystem Hosted solution. As the innovative pioneer of Hybrid Architecture for communications, Star2Star is set to lead the market with the first truly end-to-end communications solution. Star2Star and Bigleaf have established a partnership as part of this effort, in order to provide end-to-end network optimization through the Full Spectrum product portfolio. Bigleafs Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) technology provides the ability to enhance communications by adapting to real-time network changes. Together Star2Star and Bigleaf deliver a prioritization of cloud, voice, and data services ensuring that the network performance for these critical business components is fully maximized. "Our partnership with Bigleaf ensures our customers have the best voice and data optimization options," said Michelle Accardi, Presidet and Chief Revenue Officer at Star2Star Communications. "Star2Star is dedicated to bringing the most cutting-edge communications solutions to market. With Bigleaf, we are able to expand our abilities to provide network optimization that will enhance every aspect of our customers businesses from voice to data. "We are excited to announce this partnership with Star2Star," said Jeff Burchett, Co-Founder & VP of Sales at Bigleaf. "Our joint motivations for providing the most reliable communications solutions available in the market will enable Star2Star customers to enhance their overall experience and leverage exceptional communications services." About Star2Star Communications Founded in 2006 in Sarasota, Florida, Star2Star Communications empowers global business success with a Full Spectrum Communications Solution. With options ranging from Hosted to Hybrid, Star2Star offers unparalleled value, reliability, quality, and scalability. Star2Star unifies business communications including voice, video, fax, mobile, chat, and presence management. Star2Star's award-winning, patented Constellation Network overcomes the reliability and quality limitations of other communications technologies and enables companies to choose the deployment methodology that aligns best with their needs. For businesses who require high-quality voice, redundant networks for continuity, and ultra-reliable communications, Star2Star's Hybrid architecture offers the highest guaranteed SLAs in the industry at an affordable price. Businesses with less complexity, who seek the best communications capabilities for their employees and customers, can consider Star2Star's Hosted solution the optimal choice. With a customer retention rate of 99.85%, Star2Star has been recognized by a multitude of leading analysts. In the past six years, Star2Star was named to the Forbes Most Promising Companies list, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 five times, and the Inc. 500|5000 seven times. The company was also named by IHS as a Top 10 Hosted Business VoIP/UC Provider and has been in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for UCaaS, Worldwide for the last four years. About Bigleaf Networks Bigleaf Networks is the intelligent networking service that optimizes Internet and Cloud performance by dynamically choosing the best connection based on real-time usage and diagnostics. Inspired by the natural architecture of leaves, the Bigleaf Cloud-first SD-WAN platform leverages redundant connections for optimal traffic re-routing, failover and load-balancing. The company is dedicated to providing a better Internet experience and ensuring peace of mind with simple implementation, friendly support and powerful technology. Founded in 2012, Bigleaf Networks is investor-backed, with service across North America. Casey OLoughlin coloughlin@star2star.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Armenia's National Assembly has sworn in Serzh Sargsyan, a new prime minister after days of protests against him. The international media also pays attention to the fact. BBC reports in its article Armenia parliament swears in new PM despite protests that opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan said the protests constitute a "non-violent velvet revolution". "We must paralyse the entire state system and the power should pass to the people," he told protesters in the capital Yerevan. "Serzh Sargsyan must see that he has no Armenia to rule in and no people to rule over." Mr Pashinyan earlier urged protesters in Yerevan and in other cities to blockade state institutions. Demonstrators in the capital proceeded to cordon off the interior ministry and the prosecutor's office, though police prevented them from entering the parliament where legislators confirmed Mr Sargsyan as prime minister. People are also reportedly gathering to demonstrate in the cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor. Before he was officially sworn in, Mr Sargsyan told parliament that under the new constitution the prime minister would be "under parliament's control and can be replaced for political reasons". He reportedly said he could serve as a "shadow" premier, influencing government without taking office, but said that would be "a sign of weakness and desire to avoid responsibility". Anti-government protesters continue to block several main roads in the capital, using benches and rubbish bins to stop the traffic. The protesters have been chanting "Serzh the liar" about the ex-president, who in the past said that he had no intention of becoming the country's prime minister after the end of his second presidential term. Many Armenians want to see a genuine change in their country but they feel that they are being deprived of that opportunity because the leadership remains the same. Serzh Sargsyan was elected president of Armenia in 2008 and again in 2013, serving two five-year terms before stepping down. However, following a 2015 constitutional referendum the country shifted from a presidential system to a parliamentary republic - relegating the presidency to a more ceremonial role. The ex-president had formally stated he would "not aspire" for the prime minister position. But on Monday the country's parliament unanimously chose Mr Sargsyan for the post. This is the sixth day of protests against what opposition groups are dubbing a "power grab" by the former leader. About 60 protesters have been detained and charged by the police, with several dozen people requiring medical treatment - including Mr Pashinyan. The election of Mr Sargsyan to the presidency in 2008 was met with demonstrations, with protesters alleging vote rigging. At least eight people died in clashes with the authorities. Kyrgyzstan might have some difficulties in paying its external debt to China, the deputy Akylbek Japarov said at a meeting of Kyrgyzstan's parliamentary committee on budget and finance. According to him, it may be due to unfavorable terms for Bishkek, as compared to Beijing, regarding the relevant loan agreement. "In five years Kyrgyzstan must pay off a $320 million debt to China," Japarov said, adding that Kyrgyzstan's interests were not protected, when drafting an agreement with the Export-Import Bank of China. In his opinion, the terms of repayment of loans are very short. "The reason is that the minister of transport and other ministers visit China and discuss the terms of the loan agreements, and minister of finance joins in only when the document is being signed. The agreements note that disputes between Kyrgyzstan and China will be considered only in the arbitration court in Hong Kong, and all aspects of the case will be interpreted only in accordance with the laws of China," Japarov stressed. He noted that $300 million will be spent on servicing the foreign debt of Kyrgyzstan in the coming years. According to the Ministry of Finance, the timing of payment of Chinese loans will amount to 5 -25 years. The total debt is $1.7 billion. Neighboring Tajikistan has already started repaying debts to China, which came to $1.2 billion. This is more than half of the republic's total external debt. Dushanbe handed over the Upper Kumarg deposit in Sughd region to Beijing to repay the debt that was needed to upgrade the Dushanbe-2 thermal power station. China's will develop the mine. Earlier, this company has already gained access to the Eastern Duoba deposit. According to the Central Geological Administration at the Government of Tajikistan, the Chinese company will produce gold in the deposits until it returns the funds invested in the construction of the Dushanbe-2 thermal power station, and then a new agreement on new terms will be signed. All the noise surrounding the Kyrgyz debt has started after the Ambassador of China to Kyrgyzstan Xiao Qinghua's statement, who allegedly demanded that Bishkek pay off its debt to China. "China provides preferential loans to Kyrgyzstan, which brought much benefit to the country. There is a scheme for repaying the debt, and everything should be done according to agreements. The Chinese side does not consider other options," the local media cited the Chinese diplomat as saying. Economist Kubat Rakhimov, speaking with Vestnik Kavkaza, said that, most likely, Mr. Xiao Qinghua's words were misinterpreted. "Being an experienced diplomat, he has an active Turkmenistan-China gas pipeline project, and he is fluent in Russian, so this person would never have spoken sharply. But in any case: first, paying debts is a normal activity, and second, there is a ministry of finance and a number of deputy prime ministers who are responsible for repaying the loan. It is profitable to shake the situation in Kyrgyzstan for certain deputies and politicians who express concern. In the conditions of political instability this is one of the tools for changing the government. Moreover, on April 27, the parliament will hear the report of the Prime Minister Sapar Isakov and decide his fate and the fate of the Cabinet of Ministers," Rakhimov said. However, according to the expert, this does not mean that there is no problem. "The problem is that during the previous presidential term (Almazbek Atambayev, 2010-2017), the debt to China has grown 22 times higher and exceeded 40% of Kyrgyzstan's budget. This is also a problem for international lenders, who were comfortable and issued small loans. But then China came and gave the "golden chervonets." It had upset the balance of lenders. At the same time Russia behaved in an incomprehensible way, having forgiven Bishkek a debt of $240 million. I then predicted that a decrease in Kyrgyzstan's external debt by 3.8% would lead to the fact that this backlash will be used," Kubat Rakhimov noted. Russia, according to the expert, is a "good" lender, while China is an "evil" one. However, before taking loans, one needs to assess whether they can act as a driver of the country's economic growth. Unfortunately, such unprofitable projects as Bishkek CHPP or Datka-Kemin transmission line cannot. "I calculated that these projects suspiciously cost the same - 2.5 billion yuan or $380 million. This is the maximum limit for one borrower in Exim Bank of China. That is, our authorities do not take the amount their country needs, but take what they're given. In particular, the Datka-Kemin transmission line costs $389 million, the Bishkek thermal power plant costs $386 million, the Dushanbe thermal power plant costs almost the same amount - $341 million," Rakhimov stressed. According to the expert, Dushanbe changed its credit policy, but after its debt to China exceeded 30%, it had to pay with its gold ore fields. Now, Tajikistan proposes to implement projects via the public-private partnership (PPP). In particular, TBEA corporation, when signing a contract for the reconstruction of the Dushanbe thermal power plant, has requested the gold deposit as compensation. The Tajik authorities considered this proposal beneficial, as a double investment - in the reconstruction of the Dushanbe-2 thermal power station and in the development of deposits - and agreed. "This is a classic colonial scheme - an investment in return for resources," Kubat Rakhimov said. Under the concession scheme, the Malaysia International Trading Corporation Sdn Bhd company, in fact, there are ethnic Chinese behind this group, will build the Shurob power plant in the Sughd region of Tajikistan. They were given a huge coal deposit for 30 years. It turns out that they develop the deposit, it provides coal to the thermal power plant, generates heat and electricity. The Malaysian company returns its investments, after which starts to transfer it to the state balance. This will be the same if the tariffs do not exceed the average for the region. But if the tariffs are higher, and most likely it will be that way, then the country does not really benefit from it. "In Kyrgyzstan, the PPP scheme is weak, so the probability of its implementation in the conditions of political instability is zero. This refers to the construction of the ChinaKyrgyzstanUzbekistan railroad and the development of the Kara-Keche coal deposit," Rakhimov said. He believes that in the Kara-Keche deposit, the Chinese wanted to launch the scheme already tested in the Tajik Shurab - investments in exchange for a deposit. Chinas shale gas production will likely reach 17 billion cubic meters (Bcm) in 2020, nearly double the 2017 level, as local oil companies make big progress with drilling technology and cost cutting, consultancy Wood Mackenzie said in a note on April 17. E&P reports in its arrticle China Shale Gas Output To Nearly Double Over Three Years that nearly 700 new wells will come onstream between 2018 and 2020 at three key projectsSinopec's Fuling, and PetroChinas Changning-Weiyuan and Zhaotongall located in the countrys southwest, and at a total cost of $5.5 billion, Woodmac estimated. The forecast 17 Bcm of output in 2020 falls short of Beijings goal of 30 Bcm, which was slashed by more than half from the governments initial target set in 2012. That means the worlds third gas user will need to keep its imports of LNG at elevated levels. Woodmac has separately forecast Chinas LNG imports will increase by a quarter to nearly 49 million tonnes this year, from record highs in 2017. China produced 9 Bcm of shale gas last year, or 6% of its total gas output. China is eager to materialise its shale gas potential to fuel its massive gasification initiative and support rising demand growth, said Wood Mackenzie's Tingyun Yang. Despite estimates that China is home to the worlds largest recoverable shale gas resource, its shale formations tend to be deeper, more fractured and located in densely populated mountainous terrains, leading to higher costs and complications in drilling. However, state firms have managed to reduce well costs significantlyby 40% for exploration wells versus 2010 and 25% for commercial wells versus 2014by deploying local service companies, home-manufactured equipment and improving drilling technologies, said Yang. Explorations and joint studies by global majors such as Shell (NYSE: RDS.A), BP (NYSE: BP), ExxonMobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) and Total (NYSE: TOT) at Chinese shale blocks have yielded little success. Shell, which pledged billions of dollars of investment in Chinas shale sector, pulled out of shale operations in Sichuan several years ago. Following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, U.S. foreign policy was driven by the imperative to intervene in the Middle East, which is considered the cradle of international terrorism, to export democracy and provide security. This doctrine led to a military intervention in Iraq to remove Saddam Hussein and his Baathist regime and establish liberal values as a first step of a democratic project for the whole region. Daily Sabah reports in its article Failed US policy in Middle East by exporting democracy manu militari that at that time, the administration of then U.S. President George W. Bush seemed to have no choice but to rely on its military superiority to rehabilitate Baghdad in its new liberal role as a strategic partner against terrorist threats. Today, 15 years after the Iraqi occupation, it is clear that the U.S. strategy of exporting democracy has not produced effective results. Indeed, any state-building effort is based on some important guidelines aimed at creating adequate conditions for security, justice and reconciliation, socio-economic welfare and strengthening political participation. From the Iraqi perspective and from the subsequent regional turmoil, two fundamental contradictions are evident. On one side, international terrorism targets innocent victims and generates death and social destruction while on the other, there is a foreign actor who commits crimes while fighting against a rogue state. Certainly, imposing regime change and the related civil unrest following the partition of a state with its spill-over effects on the whole region and beyond have deteriorated the U.S. position as guarantor of regional stability, giving rise to what is now commonly known as "Iraq syndrome." A peculiar factor of the democratization process promoted by the United States was the exclusion of the old elite from the new political dimension by entrusting the control of territories to small coalition forces. This reconstruction strategy made the borders particularly porous, allowing for infiltration by foreign terrorists. In other words, it seems that those who planned the war had not properly considered the possible outbreaks of resistance coming not only from the Republican Guard and the old Baathist supporters, but also from irregular forces such as the Fedayeen Saddam and other terrorist militias like al-Qaida. Since successful reconstruction is based on the ability to remove a despotic government and the effectiveness of political institutions created to seal a foreign intervention, the military force should be gradually replaced by the rule of law of a sovereign government. In this framework, an efficient institutional capacity is considered achieved when citizens recognize the state as a legitimate and essential governing body in everyday life. However, in the making of a new Iraq, the U.S. seems to have not adequately envisaged and contemplated this operational process. Nevertheless, it was the hasty destruction of everything related to the old regime that produced the current mosaic of social fractures and cleavages. Despite U.S. expectations, exporting democracy manu militari is not an easy task as a foreign power, and even with the best of intentions, cannot push a constitutional transition beyond the limits imposed by the economic and cultural development of a particular society. In the Iraqi case, the nation builders could have done better both in terms of strategic design and operational theater. It is not yet clear how in October 2002, the U.S. Defense Department, having obtained the guide for the reconstruction program, had focused superficially on state building by letting the U.S. face a war while not properly prepared to work according to the historical and cultural parameters of Iraq. Although the U.S. had achieved important milestones military, it has never been able to gain moral authority or capacity to support the state-building process. Currently, using a concept from Max Weber, the U.S. did not prove to be ethically responsible, because by taking refuge in moral principles excessively distant from the reality of things and by acting primarily in the name of its own interests, it did not adequately foresee the costs and consequences of the initiative for the whole region. The mistakes made must be a warning to U.S. policy in the Middle East to report its good intentions to the realistic structure of the region. Iran has threatened to punish Israel for its airstrikes in Syria, after reports emerged that an unnamed Israeli military official had confirmed his country was behind an attack on an Iranian drone base in Homs province. Newsweek reports in its article IRAN THREATENS ISRAEL WITH REVENGE FOR SYRIA AIRSTRIKE THAT KILLED DRONE COMMANDER that Bahram Ghassemi, the spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry, has now warned Tel Aviv will be punished for its aggressive action. The occupying Zionist regime will, sooner or later, receive an appropriate response to its actions. Earlier this month, at least seven Iranian military personnel were killed in the missile strike on the T4 airfield, including Colonel Mehdi Dehghan, who led the drone unit. Syria, Iran and Russia all blamed Israeli forces. Though Israels secretive military regularly refuses to either confirm or deny its actions, an unnamed military source admitted to the New York Times that his country was behind the strike. The source noted: It was the first time we attacked live Iranian targetsboth facilities and people. In February, Israel shot down an Iranian drone launched from Syria which it claimed was armed with explosives. The target of the drone is still unclear. Israel responded to the drone incursion by launching missile strikes from F-16 warplanes against Iranian targets within Syria. One aircraft was shot down by Syrian air defense systems on its return to Israel. After this months attack on the T4 base, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Liebermanwarned that Israel will not allow Iranian entrenchment in Syria no matter the price to pay. We have no other option. Allowing Iran to strengthen itself in Syria is like accepting that the Iranians strangle us. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country will continue to move against Iran in Syria. Deputy Hezbollah leader Sheikh Naim Qassem echoed the threats from Tehran. He told pro-Syrian government television channel al-Maydeen: The deliberate Israeli slaying of Iranians in the T4 base will have a response but we dont know its nature or its details. Yossi Kuperwasser, former director-general of Israel's Ministry of Strategic Affairs, said that conflict between the two countries is not necessarily inevitable. In a press briefing, Kuperwasser told reporters that Israel and Iran are in an ongoing armed conflict around Iranian aspiration to turn Syria into a base from which it can improve its capability to hit Israel. However, given the potency of Israel's military and intelligence services, Kuperwasser believes Iran will likely proceed with caution. Israel has bombed Syrian sites several times in the course of the countrys civil war. The Israeli government has targeted Iranian installations and weapons supply linesin an attempt to curb Tehrans spreading influence in the country, which has grown significantly with its support of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Israel claims Iran is also supplying the Lebanese Hezbollah militiawhich has also been heavily involved in the fighting in Syriawith weapons and training. The latest strikes may indicate a shift in Israeli policy, which previously tended to focus on arms shipments to Hezbollah and did not directly target Iranian personnel, Dalia Dassa Kaye, director of the Center for Middle East Public Policy at the Rand Corporation, told Newsweek. Its not clear if Israel is directly targeting Iranian facilities and personnel, which raises the stakes, Kaye explained. Neither Israel nor Iran will be enthusiastic over the prospect of fulll-scale war, but there is a real risk for miscalculation and retaliatory attacks that could further inflame domestic pressure to escalate. Escalation between Iran, Hezbollah and Israel may be the greatest risk for escalation in Syria today, Kaye warned. Now in its seventh year of civil war, Syria has become a diplomatic powder keg. Numerous nations with conflicting interests are operating in the country, and tensions are high. The increasing strain between Israel and Iran comes just days after a large U.S, U.K. and French attack on suspected Syrian chemical weapons storage and production facilities in response to an alleged chemical attack on civilians in the rebel-held city of Douma, near Damascus. The European Union has not treated Turkey fairly or objectively, Ankaras government spokesman Bekir Bozdag said, after the top EU official in charge of accession negotiations said Ankara was moving rapidly away from the path to membership of the bloc. Speaking after a cabinet meeting in Ankara, Bozdag said positive statements included in the EUs progress report on Turkey did not mask its unfair treatment of the country, Reuters reported. European Commissioner Johannes Hahn said earlier that Turkey was taking huge strides away from the EU as Brussels delivered its harshest criticism yet of what it sees as Ankaras shift toward authoritarianism. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed an Order on the execution of powers of members of the Cabinet of Ministers today. Under the order, President Aliyev entrusted the execution of powers of the Cabinet of Ministers, which had resigned in accordance with the Article 116 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, to previous composition of the Cabinet of Ministers until its new composition is formed. The order entered into force from the date of signing. Inauguration ceremony of President Ilham Aliyev is underway in the Azerbaijani parliament (Milli Majlis) this morning. The ceremony is being attended by Azerbaijani state officials, government members, MPs and family members of the president. Soldiers of Armed Forces brought the national flag of Azerbaijan and the flag of Azerbaijani president under the solemn march to the stage. Chairman of Azerbaijans Constitutional Court Farhad Abdullayev and the judges of the Constitutional Court were invited to the stage. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan, having approved the conclusions of the Central Election Commission on the results of the Azerbaijani presidential election by its resolution dated April 17, 2018, declared Ilham Aliyev the president of Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev, who was elected the president of Azerbaijan, in accordance with Article 103 of the countrys Constitution, is invited to take an oath in the presence of judges of the Constitutional Court," Farhad Abdullayev said. President Ilham Aliyev laid his hand on the Constitution of Azerbaijan and swore an oath. "Exercising the authority of the Azerbaijani president, I swear to observe the Constitution of Azerbaijan, to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the state and to serve the people with dignity," Ilham Aliyev said. Then the national anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The president swore an oath by laying his hand on the Holy Quran. "By laying my hand on the Holy Quran, I swear to be committed to the national and spiritual values and traditions created by the Azerbaijani people for centuries and constantly cherish them," Ilham Aliyev stated. Having knelt, the president kissed the national flag of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan held presidential election on April 11. According to the results of the processing of ballots from 5201 polling stations in 125 constituencies operated in the country, the incumbent president, chairman of the ruling New Azerbaijan Party Ilham Aliyev garnered 86.02% of votes in the election. The turnout amounted to 68.7%, that is 3,962,123 of 5,332,817 voters cast ballot in the election. Under the requirements of the Electoral Code, CEC made a decision on April 15 to submit a protocol on the results of the election along with other relevant documents to the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Yesterday, the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan has confirmed the results of the presidential election held in the country on April 11. The OSCE monitoring held along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops today passed without incidents, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said. The monitoring was held under the mandate of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Personal Representative along the line of contact in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district. United States has been speaking with Russia on Syria very frequently at top levels, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said during a press briefing. "I can tell you that high-level individuals from other departments in the U.S. Government have been speaking with the Russians on a variety of matters. What you mention in particular is not something that I can comment on because its not coming out of the State Department," Nauert said. But the spokesperson added that others have been in conversations and discussions with the Russians on that. Turkeys presidential and parliamentary elections will be brought forward to June 24, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said following the meeting with the head of the nationalist MHP party, Devlet Bahceli. "Even though the president and government are working in unison, the diseases of the old system confront us at every step we take," Erdogan said in a speech broadcast live on television. "Developments in Syria and elsewhere have made it urgent to switch to the new executive system in order to take steps for our countrys future in a stronger way... We discussed Mr Bahcelis call with our relevant authorities. We came to the agreement that we should approach this early election positively," Reuters cited Erdogan as saying. The elections had previously been slated for November 2019. The government had previously dismissed the prospect of early polls. Erdogan last year narrowly won a referendum to change the constitution and create an executive presidency. However, those extended powers are not due to take effect until after the presidential election. The United States has notified Russia through its Embassy in Washington that it will not impose fresh sanctions against Russia for the time being, a source in the Russian Foreign Ministry said. "I can confirm that the US has notified the Russian embassy that there will be no new sanctions for some time," TASS cited the source as saying. On April 15, US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told CBS television that new sanctions against Russia over its support for the Syrian government were imminent and that they were expected to be unveiled on Monday. However, National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow told reporters on Monday that Haley was unaware that the administration's plans to impose fresh sanctions on Russia had been put on hold. A NANG Mitsubishi Motors Viet Nam has handed over four hybrid SUV models including the i-MIEV and Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) as well as two quick chargers to the Central Power Corporation (CPC) for operation in a Nang city. The corporation said this is a progressive step of a co-operation agreement between them that was signed last year. In 2017, CPC, in co-operation with Mitsubishi Motors Viet Nam delivered the countrys first electric vehicle quick charger system alongside two electric cars in the central city. CPC, under the Electricity of Viet Nam (EVN), said that the operation of electric cars aims to boost the utility of green vehicle use in the tourism hub and reduce green house gas emissions. CPC also constructed solar panels on the roof of its head office in a Nang using Mitsubishi solar cells, as part of a campaign promoting renewable energy consumption in the city. The Japanese car maker plans to co-operate with a Nang in the production of battery-powered cars in the future. The central city has so far licensed 20 battery and solar powered cars to serve tourists in popular sites since 2012. a Nang also plans to build the first solar farm in the country, connecting to the national grid. The farm will be constructed on a 6.7ha plot of land of the closed Khanh Son Landfill in Lien Chieu District, at a cost of US$5 million. It will have a capacity of 4.4MWp (megawatts photovoltaic), helping to eradicate close to 5,000 tonnes of carbon emissions each year. According to a report prepared by the citys Industry and Trade Department, around 30 per cent of the citys population use solar power for water heaters, while around 20 five-star hotels and resorts are using a solar power water heating system. VNS Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung. Photo MPI Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung talks to Thoi bao kinh te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) about FDIs pros and cons Viet Nam has attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for more than three decades. What is your assessment of its achievements? After 30 years of oi moi (renewal) reform, Viet Nam is believed to have become a nation luring FDI successfully in the region. The FDI sector is a major part of the national economy. It can be named in seven achievements. First it creates more financial support by opening a new channel for investment and development in Viet Nam. The FDI sector now contributes about 25 per cent to the total investment capital of the country and about 20 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Secondly, the FDI sector helps boost the economic restructure, for example, it focuses on developing services and industrial sectors. Right now, about 58 per cent of FDI capital has been spent for developing, processing and manufacturing industries. The third achievement is the FDI sector boosts export. It accounted for more than 72 per cent of the total export value in 2017. The next achievement is it has created more jobs for the domestic economy. It is estimated the FDI sector offers 3.5 million direct jobs and nearly five million indirect jobs for the economy, with many labourers receiving high-quality training in technology and management. Fifthly, the sector also contributes much to the State budget. The sixth is the role it plays enhancing the economic integration on a global scale and raising the status of Viet Nam in the international arena. Finally it generates pressures for Viet Nam to improve the institutions of the socialist-oriented market economy and lift the competitiveness of the economy. Although the contribution of the FDI sector to the economy is significant, some shortcomings are still found. So, what are the shortcomings? At first, it should be a shortcoming in technology. The FDI sector helps to bring some advanced technologies to Viet Nam. However, source technologies that are expected to be used to boost the economic growth have yet to show effectiveness as expected. In some specific cases, the technologies even cause bad effects to the environment. Also the implementation of regulations of several FDI companies is poor so that cheats, commercial frauds and damages to the environment are still discovered. The co-operation between the FDI companies and domestic companies is not strong enough to support the domestic companies to develop. The FDI companies now mainly focus on assembling, using cheap-price labourers and taking advantages offered by the Vietnamese Government. Boosting the co-operation between the FDI companies and domestic companies is one of important ways to increase added value and enhance the economic development. What is our upcoming plan to boost that? Firstly, we should find the answer for the question why the co-operation is still weak. The reason is that the level of technologies of domestic companies is limited and their ability of researching, renewing and creating is also low. Thus, it leads to the domestic companies having little chance to co-operate or join hands with the FDI companies in supply or production chains. The difference of scale, technology and management skills between the domestic companies and the FDI companies is still big. Thus, the domestic companies have failed to connect smoothly with the FDI companies. Another reason is the FDI companies already have their own supply and production systems. The systems are often offered by their parent companies and partly come from other companies which belong to the FDI-company group. Therefore, if the domestic companies fail to meet their requirements, they have no chance to co-operate with the FDI companies. Actually, the chance for the domestic companies to co-operate with the FDI companies is very small. The competing capacity of the domestic companies with Chinese or Thailand companies specialised in producing cheap-price commodities is also limited because the domestic companies production expense is much higher than theirs. It is identified as one of the weaknesses in our current policies of developing supporting industry in Viet Nam. The weakness requires us to quickly adjust the policies such as encouraging the foreign companies in providing training, and co-operating with the domestic companies to help Viet Nam in boosting its supporting industry. The Government is advised to issue policies to encourage the development of private sector, aiming to put a higher pressure to our domestic companies to raise their competing capacity so that they can co-operate with the FDI companies in the coming time. Only when our domestic companies reach at the same level with the FDI companies, could they co-operate with the FDI companies. If not, there is no connection. The concept of luring FDI capital with high quality and large added value has been implemented over three decades. Is there any change in the coming time? It is now the important time for Viet Nam to review and draw experiences after three decades of implementing policies to attract FDI capital. We need changes to fit with the new context of our economy. We should select hi-tech projects, projects of transnational corporations that cut down their cheap-labour resource and input materials in order to create a developing motivation for our domestic companies. Lastly, I want to send my thanks to the FDI companies that contribute to Viet Nams development over the past years. I hope the FDI companies would continue contributing to the country development in the coming time. Lets dream the same dream for a prosperous Viet Nam. VNS HCM CITY Members of the ASEAN Bahrain Council (ABC) have expressed interest in importing more textile and wood products from Viet Nam to Bahrain, Vo Tan Thanh, director of HCM City-based Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said. Speaking at a meeting between the ABC and Vietnamese enterprises held on Monday in HCM City, Thanh said: Bahrain has a large demand for imported textiles, footwear, seafood and agriculture, all of which are Viet Nams strengths. Bahrain is currently importing these products from other countries, but would prefer to import more of them from Viet Nam, he said. Viet Nams current export value to Bahrain is modest at US$20 million. Bahrains main exports to Viet Nam of chemicals and petrochemical products, among others, are expected to increase. Sheikh Duaij bin Isa Al-Khalifa, chairman of the ASEAN-Bahrain Business Council who led the delegation to Viet Nam, said the trip would promote the Vietnamese and Bahraini business communities and help achieve economic growth and prosperity across ASEAN and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Established in 2017, ABC wants to be the premier advocacy organisation for Bahraini corporations within ASEAN, serving as the leading voice for the Bahraini private sector in promoting mutually beneficial trade and investment relationships between the Kingdom of Bahrain and ASEAN. We plan on playing our part in increasing trade, investment, tourism and cultural relations, while developing our local economy and enhancing mutual consultative relations, Khalifa said, adding that Bahrain wants to be a regional hub for the ASEAN countries. ABC has been at the forefront of creating a business friendly climate for investors from the ASEAN region to invest in Bahrain and vice versa, according to the chairman. On May 4, it will launch the ASEAN Bahrain Portal which will serve as a platform to exchange, market and display products. ABC plans to set up two permanent offices in Ha Noi and HCM City which will help cater to the needs of businesses interested in expanding to the Middle East and North African region, using Bahrain as a hub. Bahrain provides 100 per cent of repatriation of capital, zero income tax, and no import duties on raw materials and machineries imported to set up manufacturing bases in Bahrain. It is the financial capital of the GCC countries and has direct access to the US and UK for all businesses setups in the Bahraini Emirati. Khalifa stressed the need for more participation from the Vietnamese business community in the budding business environment of Bahrain. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam s textile and garment exports to the US reached approximately US$3.14 billion in the first quarter of this year, marking a year on year increase of 13.2 per cent the highest pace in the last three years, statistics from the General Department of Customs show. The Viet Nam Textile and Apparel Association (Vitas) attributed this positive export growth to the rebound of the US economy, which has fuelled its textile and garment imports. During the period, the US imported an estimated $25.29 billion worth of textile and garment products from foreign markets, up 4.2 per cent year-on-year. According to Vitas, the US trade tension with China beginning in March was one of the main factors affecting the global textile picture in 2018. If the US extended curbs on Chinese garments and textiles, Viet Nam could export more to the worlds largest economy, the association said. Vitas forecast that Vietnamese apparel exports to the US would likely hit nearly $13.84 billion in 2018, 11 per cent higher than 2017. Viet Nam earned a total turnover of $7.83 billion from textile and garment exports from January to March, surging 15.4 per cent over the same period last year, mainly thanks to the countrys participation in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its efforts to speed up exports to China . Besides the US, Vietnamese shipments of textile and garment products to the three major markets of Japan, South Korea and China also experienced encouraging respective growths of over 27 per cent, 22.3 per cent and 26 per cent, reaching $958 million, $896 million and $832 million. Meanwhile, exports of these items to the EU another important outlet saw a modest yearly rise of 1 per cent to $1.13 billion, according to the departments statistics. With a positive performance in the first quarter, Viet Nam s textile and garment industry is striving for a year-on-year increase of 10 per cent in export value, to $34.3 billion for the whole of 2018, Vitas said. In the future, the association will continue to accelerate trade promotion campaigns in both domestic and foreign markets, conducting training courses in human resources and advise the State mechanisms and policies on removing obstacles for local garment enterprises, its vice chairman Truong Van Cam told a conference yesterday in the capital. VNS HA NOI Developing the support industry has been one of the most important tasks to restructure the economy in depth, thus improving Viet Nams competitiveness and integration ability. Deputy Prime Minister Trinh inh Dung told this at the launch ceremony of a programme to train 200 Vietnamese experts, held in Ha Noi on Tuesday. The training of these experts is to meet the demand of firms in the countrys support industry. The programme is jointly organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and Samsung Electronics Viet Nam. Addressing the ceremony, Dung affirmed that South Korea had been one of the top economic partners of Viet Nam, while the latter has also been one of the major partners of South Korean firms. More and more South Korean businesses are operating in Viet Nam, making important contributions to the countrys economic development, he said. He added that currently, some 150,000 Vietnamese people are living in South Korea, a strong force that helps foster the Viet Nam-South Korea partnership. Viet Nam is on its way to industrialisation and modernisation, Dung said, adding that the country is focusing on three strategic breakthroughs: completing the socialist-oriented market economy institution, developing a synchronous infrastructure system and transforming the growth model to improve the economys competitiveness. Viet Nam needs to boost the growth of the support industry, especially in electronics, mechanical manufacturing, automobile, footwear and garments. Therefore, the country has always created optimal conditions in policy as well as a favourable legal corridor for this industrys expansion, Dung said. He, however, pointed out the poor capacity of Vietnamese firms and their weak connectivity while stressing the vitality of investing more on human resources. He hoped that the training programme would contribute greatly to the expansion of Viet Nams support industry. Dung asked the ministry to support Samsung in dealing with any problem that arises for the highest efficiency of the programme. Meanwhile, Shim Won Hwan, general director of Samsung Viet Nam, said human resources training for enterprises was the shortest way for Viet Nam to improve competitiveness in future. This year, Samsung plans to give consultations to 12 Vietnamese firms attending the programme, he said, adding that sending Samsung experts to Vietnamese firms will be a good way to boost the support industrys growth. He said the launch of the programme marked a new milestone between the Vietnamese Government and the company. After graduating, the 200 experts trained under the programme will be sent to work for Vietnamese firms across the country. Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh hailed the significance of the programme and said its success would help enhance the capacity of Vietnamese firms, strengthening their competitiveness and opening up new opportunities for them to engage in supply chains of multinational groups, including Samsung. VNS HA NOI State-owned investment fund State Capital Investment Corporation (SCIC) may offload its stakes in Viet Nam Construction and Import-Export Joint Stock Corporation (Vinaconex) again this year after a failure in 2017. Nguyen uc Chi, SCIC chairman, said there are two scenarios for the divesture of Vinaconex in 2018: the SCIC can sell the leftover stake in the previous sale of 22 per cent of Vinaconexs equity in December 2017 or the SCIC can offer its entire stake of more than 57.7 per cent in Vinaconex. Vinaconex is one of the listed State-owned enterprises scheduled for divestment by 2020. Chi said if this deadline is missed, the companys leaders and SCIC will be disciplined by the competent authority. On December 8, 2017, the SCIC put up for sale 96.2 million shares, equivalent to nearly 22 per cent of Vinaconexs capital, but sold only 5.3 million shares. According to Chi, who is also Vinaconexs chairman, the sale failed due to the too good market condition last year. In 2017, Viet Nams benchmark index VN-Index soared 48 per cent, as one of the top performers in the world. Vinaconexs stock price also jumped over 60 per cent, from VN13,600 per share by the end of 2016 to VN21,800 (US$0.96) each by end-2017. The good market forced the SCIC to sell capital at a high price that was unattractive to investors. However, if the market had been bad, the SCIC would not want to sell because of the low price and investors would not want to buy, Chi told shareholders at Vinaconexs annual shareholders meeting on April 17. Thus, picking the right time between the moment of sale and a favourable market condition was very important, Chi said, adding that if the market situation in 2018 remained favourable, the SCIC would sell Vinaconexs capital at the appropriate time. The feasibility here is that investors are interested and will pay a good price, Chi said. Vinaconexs shares, coded VCG on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange, is trading around VN21,000 per share. In 2017, Vinaconex reported total revenues of nearly VN10.9 trillion ($478 million), up 127.5 per cent over the previous year. Its net profit also surged 137 per cent year-on-year to reach VN1.63 trillion. Surges in revenue and profits last year came from high income from the withdrawal of capital in Viwasupco JSC, which brought the company VN762.5 billion. VNS Hue - Then Cafe in the former royal capital city of Hue is among eight recipients of grants from the Danish Culture Development and Exchange Fund (CDEF) to carry out and develop their activities during 2018. Located at 63 Le Trung inh Street, Then Cafe is a rare art and culture hub for the citys artists to meet, exchange and work together. It has become a destination not just for Hues artists, as well as for those across Viet Nam and the world. Its owner Tran Tuan was born and raised in Hue, and graduated from the Hue Fine Arts University. His installation artwork Forefinger was displayed in the Singapore Biennale 2014. Nguyen Thuy Binh interviews artist Tuan about Then Cafe and his plans in 2018 with the CDEF fund. Is this the first time Then Cafe has received a grant from the CDEF fund? This is actually the second time that the cafe has received it, and the fourth time that I have personally received it. We aim to promote participation from the community when it comes to art events, in order to connect art to the community. I have twice received a grant from the CDEF for my individual projects Altered Cloud artwork and the Golden Fingers exhibition. What does Then Cafe plan to do with this years grant ? We will expand and develop this years DASH project to create a residency programme for 10 young Vietnamese artists and six artists from other East Asian countries. The Vietnamese artists will be from Ha Noi, Hue, HCM City, and the central provinces of Quang Binh, Quang Tri and Nghe An. The other East Asian artists will be from Japan, South Korea, Chinese Hong Kong, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. The DASH project aims to build a creative space to promote new artistic ideas and address social issues, as well as providing a space for artists to collaborate and interact with each other. Well build appropriate facilities and action programmes to stimulate art projects that are based on the model of connecting artists to the community. The main purpose of this project is to support specific artworks which pave a way to enhance residents participation in art activities, step by step connecting arts to the community. The project will challenge artists to put aside their regular role of being creators, and instead, to shake hands with the community for these common aims such as developing a public, democratic, and humanitarian environment. The project will create a residency programme for invited artists to come to Hue City, and stay at the Lang Art Dorm where they can research the local social context in Thua Thien-Hue Province, and, finally, operate a work with the participation of the local community. Their artworks will be displayed at Then Cafe. The project selectively invites foreign artists, who have broad experience in practicing arts with engagement from the community, together with young Vietnamese colleagues, to carry out field trips and create artworks along the way. The knowledge and skills acquired by young Vietnamese artists from professional foreign artists will in turn become their own tools and experience, helping them to be more confident when practicing community-engaged art projects in future. Art, itself, is originally diverse. Hence, DASH project is designed for the public to actively engage in arts and to find arts as an essential need. Through each project in DASH, it is expected that the public will be able to approach authentic arts without necessarily having to go to museums or galleries. Could you tell us about the Lang Art Dorm where the artists will stay during their residency programme? The inspiration for the Lang Art Dorm came from German artist Veronika Rahulovices observation, made ten years ago, that Vietnamese art is created in a village context. We want to set up an art village where the artists will create in the middle of nowhere. With the support of Gakka Gallery, we officially launched the Lang Art Dorm this month. Its a non-profit programme. It was designed with the desire to create an open artistic community that can be accessed by artists and visitors. The dorm has a common space with basic facilities for living, writing and producing work. Alongside this, it houses an overview of the history and culture of Thua Thien-Hue Province, and the possibility to meet with, explore and experience the local artist community. The artists will have chance to discuss with curators and artists of Then and Gakka; offer support in existing research and practice writing. They can also support talks, open workshops and exhibitions, perform, and record. How long have you run Then Cafe? and what is the biggest challenge in running it? Then Cafe was established in 2011 as an independent, non-profit art space. I set up Then Cafe with the aim of fostering a connection between artists and the local community. It is also a destination for exchanging, creating and displaying artworks. Then Cafe has received support from many young artists in Hue since its launch, and events held in the space have drawn in large crowds. A big challenge is that we are lacking in staff, the three main people running Then Cafe are Nguyen Thi Ha My, Nguyen Van Duy and me. Some other challenges are our lack of financial support from the local authorities. Although the local authorities aim to turn Thua Thien-Hue Province into a centre of culture, we have not received adequate support from them. We hope that Hues cultural managers recognise that the city is a good destination for artists coming to create, largely thanks to a long and precious history and culture. Artists can stay, create, and experiment without having concerns such as high living costs like in Ha Noi and HCM City. Hue is located between Ha Noi and HCM City, meaning that its cheap and easy to transport artworks to either city to be displayed. - VNS HA NOI The Friends of Vietnam Heritage (FVH) will host a walking tour to discover the Ba inh area and the French Colonial Quarter tomorrow. This English-speaking walking tour gives an overview of the changes to Ha Noi that started in the French period (1869-1954). The tour will touch on the development of the education system, town planning and architecture and other aspects of past and present Ha Noi. Starting at Chu Van An School (established by the French and now one of the oldest high schools in Indochina), tourists will make their way to Ha Nois iconic Ba inh Square and focus on a few of the Government buildings in the area, including the Central Committee of the Vietnamese Communist Party formerly the Lycee Albert Sarrault High School, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Then along Chua Mot Cot Street and strolling the surrounding avenues passing former villas now home to embassies, the walk will take the group to ien Bien Phu Street and into Hoang Dieu street before ending the tour at Cua Bac (The North Gate) and Cua Bac Church on Phan inh Phung Street. Those who would like to stay for lunch after will be taken to nearby Ngu Xa Island for some pho cuon. The tours costs VN70,000 (excludes refreshments and lunch if you decide to stay on for a bite to eat) with a limit of 12 people. Contact Stella stella@fvheritage.org for reservations. The tour will start at 9.30am and finish about noon. VNS The fifth plenary session of Viet Nams 14th National Assembly (NA) will start on May 21st and last 19 working days, making it the shortest session in the last decade. VNA/VNS Photo Trong uc HA NOI The fifth plenary session of Viet Nams 14th National Assembly (NA) will start on May 21st and last 19 working days, making it the shortest session in the last decade. The NAs plenary session usually lasts about a month, with the most recent one last year lasted for 26 days. NA General Secretary Nguyen Hanh Phuc said at a meeting of the NAs Standing Committee about preparation for the coming NA plenary session that out of its working days, the NA would spend 11 days on law making, seven on key issues and one and a half days for the opening and closing ceremonies. Phuc said that relevant agencies were completing preparation for the NA plenary session in May. The NA was scheduled to consider passing seven bills including an amendments on the Law on Denunciation, the Law on Special Administrative Economic Units, and the Law on Cyber Security and Law on National Defence. Legislators will also discuss nine bills including an amended anti-corruption law, as well as laws on husbandry, plant cultivation, and amendments to the law on amnesty, and education and training. The NA will also discuss supervision over the use of States capital in State-owned enterprises and the equitisation of State-owned enterprises during 2011-16. Four bills will not be on the NAs agenda in coming session including laws relating to public administration, the enforcement of civil judgments, environmental protection and laws on population. Changes in the Q&A section NA General Secretary Phuc proposed an immediate question-and-answer session to be piloted in the coming NA meeting. In last months NA Standing Committee meeting, Minister of Justice Le Thanh Long and Minister of Science and Technology Chu Ngoc Anh took to the floor and answered questions raised by NA deputies. Phuc said that the brief question and answer style used during the session was applauded by voters, as it made the Q&A session more informative and interesting. Normally, questioned persons would receive a series of questions and then answer at length, making answers drawn out and less engaging. NA chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan said that the Q&A sessions in future would be improved. Each NA deputy will have only one minute to ask a question, after receiving three questions, questioned persons will have three minutes to answer each question, Ngan said, adding that they would be stopped if they go over the allotted time. In previous National Assembly Q&A sections, deputies usually spent around three minutes asking a question, while a reply would usually last around seven minutes. Members of NA Standing Committee yesterday agreed that more time should be given for discussing concerned issues or key bills. Time for discussion in groups should be shortened, they said. Vice President ang Thi Ngoc Thinh who was also present at the NA Standing Committee meeting yesterday applauded improvements made by the NA to address voters concerns, as well as key issues facing national socioeconomic development. She called for an improvement in the quality of laws, due to the fact that in the NAs law making scheme, a number of laws need to be added or amended. The amendments show the NAs efforts in updating laws to catch up with the times, but they are also evidences of the low quality of certain legal documents, which results in their short lives, Thinh said. As well as this, the NA Standing Committee discussed topics for the NAs supervision next year. VNS Politburo member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Nguyen Van Binh (L) meets with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan in Beijing, China, yesterday. VNA/VNS Photo Vinh Ha BEIJING The importance of good relations with China has been highlighted by Nguyen Van Binh, Politburo member of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV). Binh, who is also Secretary of the CPV Central Committee and Head of the CPV Central Committees Commission for Economic Affairs, made the statement while meeting with Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan in Beijing, China, yesterday. He suggested both sides continue to work together and maintain and increase high-level friendships, and improve efficiency of practical cooperation in various fields. Binh congratulated China on successfully organising the first session of the 13th National Peoples Congress and the 13th National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference. He expressed his hope that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the Chinese people will realise the targets set by the 19th National Congress of the CPC. The Vietnamese Party official also congratulated Wang on his election to become Vice President. Wang confirmed the Party, Government and people of China always treasure ties with Viet Nam and are ready to join hands with the Party, State and people to develop the bilateral relations. He said he hoped that the two sides would continue to exchange high-level delegations, consolidate political trust, promote strategic connections and well control differences in an effort to develop relations between the two Parties and nations in a stable and healthy manner in the coming time. During his stay in Beijing, Binh had meetings with officials of the Central Policy Research Office, Development Research Centre of the State Council and State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. At these meetings, the two sides shared ideas to boost reform, innovation, global integration and socio-economic development in each country. Binh is leading a CPV delegation on a working visit to China from April 15-19 at the invitation of the CPCs Central Committee. Apart from Beijing, the delegation will also visit Shanghai. VNS Tran Quoc Vuong, a Politburo member and head of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committees Inspection Commission (r) receives Sergey Mironov, Chairman of A Just Russia, in Ha Noi on Tuesday. VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Hoa HA NOI Viet Nam always prioritises consolidating the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia, and attaches importance to friendship and co-operation with Russian political parties, including A Just Russia. The statement was made by Tran Quoc Vuong, a Politburo member and head of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committees Inspection Commission, at a reception for Sergey Mironov, Chairman of A Just Russia, in Ha Noi on Tuesday. Vuong applauded the trip to Viet Nam by the Russian partys delegation and the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on co-operation between the CPV and A Just Russia, which, he said, opened up a new period of cooperation between the two parties pragmatically and effectively. Mironov said the Russian party always placed importance on enhancing relations with the CPV and wished to constructively contribute to developing the Viet Nam-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership. Mironov on Monday held talks with Hoang Binh Quan, head of the CPV Central Committees Commission for External Relations, during which they noted the active development of relations between the two parties through meetings and information sharing, and signed an MoU on co-operation between the two parties. He also met with Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Uong Chu Luu on the same day. VNS Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Tuesday co-chaired the third meeting of the Viet Nam Indonesia Bilateral Co-operation Committee in Ha Noi. VNA/VNS Photo Nguyen Khang HA NOI Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi on Tuesday co-chaired the third meeting of the Viet Nam Indonesia Bilateral Co-operation Committee in Ha Noi. Reviewing the action programme for 2014-2018, they lauded the two countries ministries, agencies and localities for the effective and practical development of the bilateral strategic partnership, with growing political ties with high trust. The two sides maintained regular high-level visits and exchanges, particularly the visit by Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong to Indonesia last August that opened up a new chapter in bilateral ties. They agreed to facilitate high-level visits and meetings on the sidelines of international forums via the Party, Government, State, National Assembly channels and people-to-people exchange. Bilateral economic collaboration has seen huge development, with two-way trade hitting US$6.5 billion last year, up 16 per cent from 2016. The two sides promised to soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding on economic and trade defence. In particular, Indonesia vowed to recognise more labs and food safety quarantine offices of Viet Nam and soon expand imports of Vietnamese fresh fruits such as dragon fruit, lychee, longan, star apple and grape fruit. They committed to effectively implementing the Declaration on Joint Vision on Defence Co-operation for 2017-2022 and a letter of intent on cooperation between Vietnamese and Indonesian coast guards. Host and guest pledged to soon establish the defence deputy ministerial-level policy dialogue mechanism, increase collaboration in peace keeping, joint training for search and rescue at sea, extend coordination to logistics-technology, defence industry and crime prevention, while promoting consultation and mutual support in regional defence-security cooperation mechanisms such as ASEAN Defence Ministerial Meeting and ASEAN Regional Forum. Progress was also seen in collaboration in energy, aviation, culture, education-training and tourism. Indonesia promised to continue working closely with Viet Nam to build a new cooperation mechanism to deal with fishing issues in a spirit of humanitarianism. Discussing regional and global issues of shared concern, they reaffirmed mutual support for their bids to run for non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and agreed to co-chair each others initiatives in fields of interest at APEC. The Indonesian side will continue partnering with Viet Nam and other ASEAN member states to push forward the implementation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 and enhance ASEANs central role. On the East Sea (South China Sea) issue, they discussed ways to maintain peace, stability, maritime and aviation security and safety, settle disputes in the East Sea by peaceful means, and fully respect diplomatic and legal processes in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The two sides underscored the need to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and soon reach a practical, effective and legally-binding Code of Conduct in the East Sea. The fourth meeting of the committee is scheduled to take place in Indonesia in 2020. $10b trade target Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has expressed his belief that trade between Viet Nam and Indonesia will grow strongly in the future, soon reaching US$10 billion. At a reception for Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Ha Noi on Tuesday, Phuc stressed that Viet Nam and Indonesia are major trade partners, saying Viet Nam wants to co-operate with Indonesia in various realms. He told his guest that Viet Nam is pushing the improvement of the domestic business environment, urging Indonesian investors to expand their operation in the country. For her part, Marsudi called on the two countries leaders to maintain the exchange of visits in order to step up bilateral co-operation across fields, and the Governments to create the best possible conditions for businesses of both sides to co-operate with each other. The two shared the view that the fruitful collaboration between Viet Nam and Indonesia will contribute to consolidating and promoting co-operation and solidarity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to which both countries are members. VNS On April 14, BIM Group was officially awarded the "Viet Nam Strong Brand 2017" for its contribution to the economic development of the country. This marks the fourth time BIM Group has won this award. The Viet Nam Golden Dragon Awards and Vietnamese Excellent Brands Festival is an annual event initiated in 2001 to recognise, support and encourage enterprises with outstanding achievements in production and business activities, contributing significantly to the Vietnamese economy. The programme has become a major event, receiving great attention from the business community in Viet Nam. Based on the stringent and rigorous evaluation criteria, hundreds of foreign invested enterprises (FDIs) have received Golden Dragon Awards, and domestic enterprises have won the title of "Viet Nam Strong Brand," based on votes from the Editorial Board and readers of the online newspaper Vietnam Economic Times. BIM Group steps up its position in the real estate market in Viet Nam with a series of cooperation projects with prestigious international partners. This is the fourth consecutive year in which BIM Group was honored to receive the Viet Nam Strong Brand Award. This is the driving force for enterprises to develop, improving the quality and services of their projects in accordance with international standards and bringing sustainable value to customers. BIM Group is proud of being one of the countrys prestigious real estate developers, always presenting high-quality projects and being trusted by customers and partners, a representative from BIM Group said. Under the principle of sustainable development, in the field of real estate investment and transportation infrastructure, BIM Group strives to meet the demands of tough customers as well as leading international brands to become one of the few corporations in the country that can cooperate with reputable foreign partners. This is also an aspect that readers of the Vietnam Economic Times and consumers appreciate in addition to other factors such as leadership capacity, human resources and business performance. BIM Group seeks reputable partners across the world to co-develop the groups projects, such as Park Hyatt and Regent, and to develop new projects on Phu Quoc Island. The BIM Group brand covers several high-profile projects, such as serviced apartments Fraser Suites, the Syrena Shopping Centre and Aeon Mall Ha ong, one of the largest shopping centres in Viet Nam. BIM Group also owns Halong Marina Urban Area in the northern province of Quang Ninh. The urban area has developed its own infrastructure and facilities, including component projects such as luxury apartment block Green Bay Towers, resort townhouse Lotus Residences, Coral Townhouse, Halong Marine Plaza, Little Vietnam Homestay, Pearl Villas and condo-hotel Citadiens Marina Halong. On Phu Quoc Island, BIM Group is developing Phu Quoc Marina Complex with InterContinental Phu Quoc Long Beach Resort and Residences, Regent Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt Hotels, Boutique Hotels and Phu Quoc Waterfront and Sailing Club. BIM Group has also expanded its presence in Laos with a five-star hotel, the Crowne Plaza, and the Royal Square office building. The Viet Nam Strong Brand 2017 award is a confirmation of the efforts and contributions of BIM Group. To continue these efforts, in 2018, the company will continue to promote the development of projects and cooperation with major global brands. HCM CITY Bayer, a science company, recently launched a 30,000 euro global Care4Cattle initiative to recognise innovative thinking in improving animal well-being together with the World Farmers Organisation (WFO). The initiative offers supportive grants to livestock veterinarians, farmers and scientists working to enhance dairy and beef cattle well-being through innovative and practical ways at the farm level. Dirk Ehle, head of animal health at Bayer, said: Care4Cattle is our new exciting contribution to advancing animal well-being and we are pleased to partner with the World Farmers Organisation. Through Care4Cattle, we can support livestock professionals continued efforts to advance animal well-being, encourage more innovative thinking, and help turn great ideas into reality for the benefit of animals. Taking care of the well-being of animals is the right thing to do. Animal well-being is synonymous with good welfare, which relates to both the physical health and mental well-being of the animal. Improvements in animal well-being are an ongoing process and require collaboration and commitment. Theo De Jager, president of the World Farmers Organisation, said: Animal well-being is seeing growing emphasis around the world. Effective implementation of sustainable animal well-being standards requires constant innovation as well as a strong partnership between farmers, industry, all levels of government and the community. For these reasons we are pleased to be able to collaborate with Bayer on this project. Improving cattle well-being at the farm level benefits the animals, and this ultimately also benefits the farmers. Bayer offers a total funding of 30,000 euros that will be awarded to projects selected by a jury comprising independent animal welfare experts and representatives from the World Farmers Organisation and Bayer. Submissions for the Care4Cattle grant are welcome from farmers and farm animal keepers, practising veterinarians working closely with farmers to implement well-being advancements, researchers and graduate students in veterinary medicine or animal science who engage with farmers to research into cattle well-being. The projects need to demonstrate innovative, practice-oriented ways to improve cattle well-being at the farm level. Submissions will be accepted until June 25 this year. VNS HA NOI A Government decision with detailed mechanisms is needed for people to better practise their rights on monitoring land use and management, experts have recommended. Former deputy minister of Natural Resources and Environment, ang Hung Vo, said that in Viet Nam, citizens have the right to supervise and report wrongdoings and violations in land management and use by themselves or through representative organisations including the National Assembly, Peoples Councils at all levels commune, district and city/province, as well as the Viet Nam Fatherland Front at all levels. Speaking at a conference on the issue last week, Vo said that Viet Nams amended Land Law dated 2013 and taking effect in July, 2014, confirmed citizens rights on supervision over land use and management. However, there is no legal document that firmly establishes the rules on citizen supervision. For example, to whom do citizens report and how do they report violations, Vo said. Until now, citizens usually sent complains relating to land use and management to press agencies that would help raise the issues but they would sometimes be ignored, Vo said. Its time for the Government to develop a system facilitating citizens supervision over land use and management, Vo said. Truong Quoc Can, director of the Consultative Institute for Socio-Economic Development of Rural and Mountainous Areas (CISDOMA) under the Agriculture Ministry said that people were very concerned about land use and management policies. Can said that because of improper legal understanding and information about Government land policies, the way they usually chose to express their concern was to complain about local authorities or authorised agencies. Besides improvements in peoples legal understanding, State employees and officials responsible for land issues should undergo training to better address reported problems. Can added that people should get used to supervising and reporting their concerns so that problems can be quickly addressed, avoiding potentially serious disputes or conflicts. From July, 2016 until March, 2018, CISDOMA helped conduct a project titled Citizen Monitoring of Land Governance in Viet Nam in three provinces Hoa Binh, Ha Tinh and Can Tho. The project is funded by Mekong Region Land Governance, with Oxfam as the co-ordinator of the projects implementation, with the participation of member organisations in the LANDA and FORLAND networks. Out of around 180 people interviewed as part of the project, more than half said that they could not receive information related to land issues, such as policies on rent, prices, compensation or resettlement after land eviction. Just 15 per cent of people interviewed in Hoa Binh and 25 per cent of people in Ha Tinh said that they knew about the Land Law. However, they did not know how and to whom they should send petitions, Can said. In communes, fatherland fronts did not have any plans on land-related supervision. Nguyen Van Tri, vice head of the Department for Land Use and Management Control under the Environment Ministry said that since the Land Law 2013 took effect in July, 2014, the department received over 3,000 reports via its hotline on violations relating to land use and management. Only 961 reports clearly pointed out violations with detailed locations that facilitated authority agencies to verify and tackle the problems. Tri said that Land Management General Department planned to develop a system which would observe and assess the impacts of land policies. VNS HCM CITY Hundreds of thousands of farmers in the 22 provinces and cities from the south-central province of Binh Thuan to the southernmost province of Ca Mau have been provided guidance in the safe use of plant protection chemicals through a programme begun in 2012. Together with farmers in protecting the environment, carried out by the An Giang Plant Protection Company (now the Loc Troi Group) and the Plant Protection Department, has provided training to 626,000 farmers and nearly 5,000 students in safely using the chemicals and collecting and destroying their used packages and bottles. The farmers have also been taught about various pests and methods to control them. The programme has established 149 model farms with a total area of 8,500ha for farmers to visit and study. They produce rice, dragon fruit, green-peel and pink-flesh grapefruits, mango, milk apple, longan, sweet potato, and other crops. Farmers have been taught to grow flowers around paddy fields to protect their rice plants by attracting insects, which are natural enemies of brown plant hoppers. The 22 provinces and cities have built 700 containers to contain hazardous wastes and collected 38.5 tonnes of packaging and bottles left after the plant protection chemicals were used. The programme has attracted the participation of 18 companies that trade these chemicals. Speaking at a seminar held to review the programme in Ba Ria Vung Tau last week, Le Van Thiet, deputy head of the Plant Protection Department, said the agriculture ministry has ordered competent agencies to ensure the programme is implemented well. To expand the programme and publicise it, his department would encourage more agricultural inputs trading companies to co-operate with competent agencies, he said. Besides protecting the environment, the programme has helped farmers reduce costs by reducing the use of plant protection chemicals and produce quality agricultural products. ang Manh Khuong, secretary of the programme, said workers are hired to spray pesticides to protect crops, but they fail to protect the environment or themselves. So the programme has set up 10 clubs for 100 people who spray pesticides in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta provinces of Long An, ong Thap, An Giang, and Bac Lieu. They have been instructed in safe use of pesticides and provided with protective gear to safeguard their health, he said. The programme has also given them regular health checks. It has raised farmers awareness of environmental protection, according to the department. It has helped change farmers habit of, after using plant protection chemicals, throwing their empty packaging and bottles in fields and canals, which severely pollute the environment and water resources. VNS QUANG TRI When he was 11 years old, Nguyen Van Huynh left his home to go fishinga routine task made dangerous by the raging resistance war. He had been going out to see with his father since he was 10 years old. This time, however, the capricious violence of war would claim an innocent victim. I was struck by bullets and was wounded. The injury was too serious so my leg had to be sawed, said Huynh. Like many other men in the sea village, however, Huynh still hoped that he would grow up healthy. He nurtured an aspiration to conquer the sea. And despite his injury, he became a skillful seamen through his will and energy. A local resident of Village 6, Cua Viet Town in Gio Linh District in the central province of Quang Tri, said that Nguyen Van Huynh, 61, was the most famous man in the village. No one could match his dedication to fishing, Dan Tri reports. Early obstacles After the accident, Huynh met many obstacles when he attempted to leave his house. I desired to go out to sea, but I just cried when I saw strong waves, he said. In the period of 1971-72, the American troops inspected coastal areas rigorously, so Vietnamese troops had to use guerilla tactics to cope with the enemy. Being a local youth and knowing the area clearly, Huynh volunteered to guide Vietnamese troops to pass the enemys inspection stations. Because Im disabled, the American troops did not pay much attention. I guided many soldiers successfully, said Huynh. After the nation was reunified in 1975, Huynh continued fishing for his living. Determine to cling to the sea After a long time using clutches, Huynh got a fake leg. But he had to overcome serious pain to be able to do work with the fake leg. Many people worried for me because they believe that disabled people could not do fishery work. But I still tried, and at last I could adapt to it, he said. When Huynh got married and had children, he was more aware of his responsibility to support his family. He did not mind hard work. I used to go out far to sea for more than ten days despite the challenges, he said. Huynhs strongest memory is of a day when he suddenly met storms in the sea. His ship was battered by strong waves that threatened to overturn his boat. He thought that he would die, but luckily, he returned safely. In the past few years, Huynh has rarely gone out to sea due to his weak health. Sometimes when he misses his lifelong work, he follows several other seamen to work for about 20 days. Now he often rides his coracle along the Hieu River to catch fish and shrimps. He earns about VN100,000-120,000 (US$4.4-5.3) per day. After 50 years of working on the sea, Huynh feels he is familiar with every corner of the Cua Viet coast. None of Huynhs six children have followed him into his career. VNS The HCM City Department of Health plans to improve the quality of all grassroots-level health stations in the city to provide family medicine to reduce the overcrowding at hospitals. Photo suckhoedoisong.vn HCM CITY The HCM City Department of Health plans to improve the quality of all grassroots-level health stations in the city to provide family medicine to reduce the overcrowding at hospitals. In Viet Nam family medicine includes efficient first aid services and examination and treatment. They also are required to continue with their preventive health activities. Speaking at a meeting yesterday, Dr Nguyen Huu Hung, the departments deputy head, said health stations had been focusing more on preventive health rather than examination and treatment, but they should now improve the latter aspect. People with disease have a psychology of prefering to go to hospitals than health stations, according to Hung. Besides, people with health insurance can go to any district-level hospital under a regulation that took effect in 2016. Private general clinics have sprung up throughout the city, leading to intense competition among health stations to attract patients. According to Dr Tang Chi Thuong, another deputy head of the department, while few patients visit health stations, most hospitals, even district-level ones, suffer from overcrowding. Once health stations begin to draw some of the patients going to hospitals, they would help reduce the overcrowding, he said. He instructed every district-level hospital in the city to set up a general health clinic on a pilot basis. Nguyen Thi Thu, city Peoples Committee vice chairwoman, has called for expanding this model since it has become very popular in some wards in Thu uc and Tan Phu districts, where it has been piloted for two years. Dr Nguyen Minh Quan, director of the Thu uc District Hospital which set up general health clinics in some local wards, said "they are convenient for locals and offer basic tests and treatment". They get more and more residents patients,100 to 150 patients every day. A health station official in Tan Quy Ward in Tan Phu District said his general clinic too was very popular just like the ones in Thu uc. All health stations should sign up with the Viet Nam Social Security and provide basic drugs to patients like district-level hospitals do to achieve success, he said. Besides, they should have at least two doctors, he added. According to Thuong the general clinics, which treat a variety of ailments, are merely an outpost of district-level hospitals and can help increase the latters revenues. Health stations should focus on treating non-communicable diseases, he said. But it is to be expected that the number of patients coming to these stations will be less than those visiting the general clinics. He was referring to the fact that the public trusts the clinics more than the stations since they are run by district hospitals.VNS The tourism sector also needs to follow regulations to ensure accessibility for disabled persons. Photo Vietnam Pictorial HA NOI When planning trips for business or pleasure, able-bodied people take certain things for granted they assume that theyll be able to easily and safely get around their destination, no matter where it is. For disabled people, tourism can require a bit more thinking ahead. Accessible tourism, which attempts to guarantee access to all tourist destinations and services for all people regardless of their disabilities or age, according to the World Tourism Organisation under the United Nations (UNWTO), remains a fairly new concept in Viet Nam but is gradually gaining momentum. o Cam Tho, deputy head of tourism department under the culture ministry, says in most developed countries, public infrastructure includes features to ensure ease of use for people with disabilities, such as lifts in train platforms, grab rails in bathrooms and auditory and visual signals to help deaf-blind people at pedestrian crossings. Accordingly, the tourism sector also needs to follow regulations to ensure accessibility for disabled persons. Tourist operators have large-sized busses designed to accommodate wheel chair users and tourist destinations are equipped with facilities to serve the disabled. However, in Viet Nam , these features are sorely lacking. Accessibility for disabled persons is not taken into account in typical design or construction process. For example, most destinations still use staircases instead of sloping lanes or a separate lane for the disabled, buses do not have a lift system for less mobile persons and there is a lack of tour guides who have undergone training to assist the disabled. She also points out that the majority of disabled persons in Viet Nam are in the low-income group and will only be able to afford cheap tours, which strip most accessibility features to cut costs. One recent initiative is building a website on accessible tourism for Vietnamese disabled persons. The For a bright future group under the Ha Noi Association of Disabled Persons is in charge of the project, with partial funding from Finland s Abilis foundation. Via the website https://dulichtiepcan.com/ and the Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/dulichtiepcan, people with disabilities can look up information and details of the tourist destinations so they can actively plan ahead. The website features information on 22 tourist destinations, eight hotels and seven restaurants in Ha Noi and transport hubs such as Noi Bai international airport, Ha Noi train station and a number of bus stations. The website also features several useful addresses where people with disabilities can ask for counselling before their trips. The group also gives feedback, which is welcomed by the operators of the listed sites in a bid to continue improving accessibility features to the disabled persons. The initiative is a humble beginning to what will be a long effort to make tourism truly an inclusive and accessible experience for all. Handicaps products Aside from making tourism accessible, Viet Nam can also increase the role of people with disabilities in tourism by promoting their products to tourists. A good example of the promotion of crafts made by people with disabilities is the various stops along the popular Ha Noi Ha Long route, where shops specialised in crafts and jewellery have been set up to catch the attention of the large volume of passengers passing by each day. However, aside from few centres that are capable of producing high-quality products with high artistic value, the majority of these businesses only produce souvenirs of little value that cannot compete with other products on the market, while the sale of handicrafts is largely dependent on the customers sense of charity. Social centres have started to recognise the shortcomings of the craft sales model and provided disabled persons with training courses on the making of more sophisticated and higher value products such as oil painting or jewel painting, and even products of foreign origin such as origami papercrafts, Matryoshka nesting dolls, clay flowers and others. Only a few of the main sales points for crafts by people with disabilities traditional markets, night markets and malls manage to capture the interests of tourists, which makes it necessary that the craft businesses co-operate with hotels and tourist operators to showcase the products to tourists or to introduce these products in various other destinations. o Cam Tho, tourism official, says that tourism has evolved and Viet Nam needs to keep up with the times. In the 1970s and 80s, beachside resorts were all the rage. In the 1990s and 2000s, the trend was cultural visits. Currently, tourists are seeking immersive experiences in which they can directly participate in local lives and activities therefore, this type of tourism must be promoted. The craft businesses of people with disabilities and local tourism authorities need to take market research seriously to identify whats favoured by tourists to plan their production. The businesses are also advised to pay more attention to the design aspects of the products, including packaging, Tho says, adding that those businesses that open their workshop to tourists must also ensure a clean and comfortable environment for tourists to sightsee and talk with the disabled craftsmen. Nguyen Van Hoi, head of the department for social protection under the labour ministry, says that every year, Viet Nam receives around 10 million tourists from overseas and 70 million domestic tourists. If everyone feels willing to shell out just a few dollars to buy craft products made by people with disabilities, the revenues could reach up to a dozen of million dollars, he says. Tourists buying products and visiting the workshop of disabled persons can be a viable and practical form of tourism to help ensure their stable livelihoods. VNS Phan Van Anh Vu. VNA/VNS Photo HA NOI Police have put seven people into temporary detention for their alleged involvement in the case of Phan Van Anh Vu, who was charged with deliberately disclosing state secrets, tax evasion, and abusing position and power while performing duties. According to the Ministry of Public Securitys (MoPS) announcement, the investigation police agency on Tuesday issued decisions to commence criminal proceedings against and take into custody Phan Huu Tuan, 63, former Deputy Director General of the MoPSs General Department of Intelligence, and 55-year-old Nguyen Huu Bach, an officer of the MoPS. They are accused of deliberately disclosing state secrets. Earlier the same day, President Tran ai Quang signed a decision to strip Tuan of the title Peoples Public Security officer. Minister of Public Security To Lam also signed a decision to strip Bach of the same title. The police also launched criminal proceedings against and put into detention Tran Van Minh, 63, former chairman of the Peoples Committee of a Nang City for allegedly violating regulations on the management and use of State asset and breaches in land management. Also yesterday, criminal proceedings were taken against Van Huu Chien, former chairman of the a Nang Peoples Committee, for the same charges as Minh. Sixty-four-year-old Chien, residing in Hai Chau District, was banned from leaving his residence. Meanwhile, criminal proceedings and house arrest orders were also issued for Nguyen ieu, 60, former Director of the a Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Tran Van Toan, 61, former Deputy Director of the a Nang Department of Natural Resources and Environment, and 43-year-old Le Canh Duong, director of a Nang Board for Investment Promotion and Support. They were accused of violating State regulations on land management. Earlier, police initiated an investigation against 43-year-old a Nang citizen Phan Van Anh Vu, nicknamed Vu nhom, for alleged breaches in the purchase and sale of public-owned houses and land in a Nang and some other provinces and cities. Police are expanding the probe to clarify the responsibilities of the people involved. VNS BINH DUONG One person was killed, and three others were seriously injured when an under-construction factory in Ben Cat Town in southern Binh Duong Province collapsed on April 17 afternoon due to strong wind. The injured are undergoing treatment at the provincial hospital. The factory, belonging to an individual company, was located in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park, according to police in Ben Cat Town. The workers were working on the construction of the steel factory. It was raining, and the wind was strong, which knocked down the factory, a police source said. One of the workers could not run fast, and an iron bar fell on him, resulting in his death, he added. Police in Ben Cat Town and Binh Duong Province reached the spot to inspect and investigate the matter. At 7pm on April 17, police gathered information from witnesses for the investigation. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Health has requested the Ministry of Public Security to send police to guard hospitals to prevent violent attacks on doctors and medical staff. The decision was taken on April 17 after a series of violent attacks on doctors and medical staff in recent days has come to light. On April 13, the father of a seven-year-old patient punched a doctor in the face at Ha Nois Saint Paul Hospital. On February 25, a group of doctors in Bo Trach Districts General Hospital in central Quang Binh Province were physically abused by gangsters after the doctors failed to save two of their friends who died in a road accident. The two patients had passed away before they arrived at the hospital. The gangsters also smashed the glass doors of the hospital and threatened other medical staff. On February 17, doctors at the emergency department of Thai Nguyen Provinces General Hospital were violently assaulted by a relative of the patient while treating a patient in critical condition. Two other obstetricians at a hospital in northern Yen Bai Province were physically abused by a man and 10 others after the medical workers, who were delivering his baby, asked him not to climb on the window railing to film the birth. According to figures released by the ministry, there have been five cases of assaults on medical workers since early this year. Last year, the number climbed to a record high, with 25 cases being reported to the police. Minister of Health Nguyen Thi Kim Tien said the ministry had asked local police and local authorities to tighten security at hospitals and ensure the safety of the medical staff. However, the co-operation has not been effective, she said. She asked the provincial police and health departments to set up hotlines to immediately inform the police when they noticed any cases of assault. She also said cameras would be installed at all hospitals. She stressed that the police force needed to be present inside the hospital premises and undertake regular patrols around conflict hot spots such as emergency rooms. She cited the example of Viet Tiep Friendship Hospital in Hai Phong City, which had implemented these measures, as well as Ninh Binh Province authority. VNS HA NOI The Labour and Social Affairs newspaper the organ of the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) -- and Talentnet Corporation launched the Vietnam HR Awards 2018 here Wednesday. Being launched for the first time in 2014, the award honours enterprises with outstanding strategies and manpower policies in Viet Nam. Over the past five years, the annual award has attracted participation from a number of enterprises and HR experts across the country. The enterprises joining the award will be divided into two groups. Group A is for enterprises with outstanding HR strategies. Enterprises in the group must work in Viet Nam for at least 15 years, have at least 100 employees and own total property worth more than VN11 trillion (US$482.9 million). Group B is for enterprises with effective HR policies. Enterprises in the group must work in Viet Nam for at least five years and have at least 50 employees. Documents to apply for the awards should be in Vietnamese and English and sent to the Talentnet Corporation on Floor 6, No 33 Mac inh Chi Street in a Kao Ward, District 1, in HCM City. One soft copy should be sent through the website www.vietnamhrawards.com. The deadline for the contestants is June 29. The award ceremony will be organised in November. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Deputy Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Nguyen Thi Ha said the awards had become a prestigious, legitimate and legal platform for the enterprise community. It has contributed to creating a strong foundation for developing HR sector in Viet Nam, she said. The MOLISA has stated that training and developing manpower, especially high-quality manpower, is its main priority this year. It is an urgent and strategic issue, and also measures increases in labour productivity and resolves unemployment, said Ha. To access and adapt to the Industrial Revolution 4.0, developing high-quality manpower is an important duty. In the revolution, vocational training schools and enterprises are the two main factors, she said. Nguyen Trung Chinh, Acting Editor-in-chief of the Labour and Social Affairs newspaper, head of the organising committee, said when enterprises want to grow, the first thing they should do is stabilise their manpower and set a strategy to develop their HR capacity. Enterprises should follow legitimate references like the Vietnam HR Awards to update their information on the labour market and new trends in HR management, he said. Tieu Yen Trinh, general director of the Talentnet Corporation and deputy head of the organising committee, said setting up an effective and balanced HR strategy was one of the most important priorities of multi-national enterprises and Vietnamese ones. The awards hope to provide more opportunities for enterprises to exchange information and experiences and create a valuable foundation for HR sector in Viet Nam. VNS QUANG TRI Quang Tri Province Border Guard on Tuesday successfully rescued 11 victims of forced labour in a gold mining area in the province. On April 11, the Border Guard received a report from A Vao Commune in akrong District about six local people who were hired by Phuoc Minh Company to work at the Bai Muoi gold mine in Quang Nam Provinces Phuoc Son District. Acording to the report, the six were suspected to be slaves. After verifying the report, a rescue team was mobilised to Quang Nam Province. On April 14, in collaboration with Quang Nam Province Border Guard and Police, the rescue team approached the victims shelter at ac Min 3 Hydropower Plant in Phuoc Chanh Commune, Phuoc Son District, 60km away from the mining site. The first five victims to be rescued are Ho Van Hung (born, 1985), Ho Van May (1994), Ho Van Nem (1995), Ho Van Huan (1998) and Ho Van Phich (1990). In the following two days, from April 15 to 16, the forces rescued five other victims, identified as Ho Van Nan (1999), Ho Van Un (1997), Ho Van Hinh (1999), Ho Van Mong (1999) and Ho Van Man (1999). On April 15, Quang Tri Province Border Guard and Police worked with the leaders of Phuoc Minh Company on the companys worker recruitment process and welfare policies for gold miners at the Bai Muoi Mining Site. The company was asked to hand over documents related to the rescued workers as well as pay for them. At the meeting, the rescue forces demanded the company to hand over another worker named Ho Van Hut (1998) belonging to Quang Tri Province. The victims said they had agreed to work as miners in Quang Nam Province with a wage of VN4-6 million (US$180 to 260) per month each due to abject poverty and struggles. Their working condition was terrible and meals were meagre, and they had no off days. Despite mining underground, they were not given any protective gear and equipment and were regularly beaten. When their resignations were not approved, they escaped to a nearby forest on April 12. Fortunately, one of us could get in touch with the border guard, Hinh told the Vietnam News Agency. Bui inh Loi, head of the department of criminal investigation under Quang Tri Province Border Guard, said the vast mountainous area in Quang Nam Province and the wariness of the victims challenged the forces efforts to approach and rescue them. The victims are being treated at a local medical facility. VNS THANH HOA The Peoples Committee of central Thanh Hoa Province has asked the investor of Hoi Xuan hydropower project to quickly complete the infrastructure of the resettlement area. This is aimed at facilitating the resettlement process of the affected residents by May. Le Anh Tuan, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said Hoi Xuan Electric Investment and Construction Joint Stock Company was in the process of completing the construction of the hydropower project and implementing the compensation for site clearance. The Peoples Committee of Quan Hoa District and related agencies have cooperated with the company to secure site clearance and ensure security and order in the project location. However, progress has been slow. So far, none of the affected households has moved to the Sa Lang resettlement area. The provincial committee has assigned the Peoples Committee of Quan Hoa District to supervise the quality of the resettlement infrastructure before moving people. Besides resettlement, Tuan has asked the projects investor to speed up the construction process at the plant site, especially the work related to flood prevention preferably before the stormy season starts. He has also requested the company to invest in construction works that curb the flooding of Hoi Xuan reservoir before June 30. The Quan Hoa District Peoples Committee has instructed the Peoples Committees of the concerned communes to coordinate with the investor to determine the location of new schools and medical centres as well as monitor the quality of construction work. Figures from the committee showed that some 2,350 households in Quan Hoa District were affected by the construction of the hydropower project. Of this, 53 households in Sa Lang Village in Thanh Xuan Commune were the most affected and needed to be urgently evacuated. In April 2015, these households were informed to hand over their land to the project investor and move to a resettlement area. However, the construction of the resettlement area was behind schedule, which has delayed the resettlement process. The Hoi Xuan Hydropower Plant is being constructed in the area between Thanh Xuan and Hoi Xuan communes in Quan Hoa District. The project, with a total investment of VN3.3 trillion (US$144 million), has the designed capacity to produce 102MW of electricity. Its reservoir is spread across seven communes in Quan Hoa District and two communes in Mai Chau District of Hoa Binh Province. VNS By Kieu Van The tell-tale signs were not difficult to spot. My 18-year old son was in love. I was neither shocked nor surprised, but like any other parent with teenage kids, I could not but be worried about how this would affect his preparations for high school examinations and university entrance examinations. Since I had always given my kids a patient hearing, my son did not dither with his confession. He admitted that he did love a classmate, and that the relationship had been going on for about a year. I have to confess that I did call his teacher to find out what the girl was like, but the next step was something my husband and I had to take on our own. We decided that he would talk with my son about safe sex, sexually transmitted diseases, the changes and challenges that adolescence brings and so on. It is not that I am in favour of teens having sex very early, but I recognise that it is very important that our children have the knowledge to make the right, safe choices, and they have the confidence that they can speak to their parents about anything. But talking to your child about safe sex is easier said than done. My husband actually had to buy books and do some online research so that he could communicate clearly. We are breathing a bit easier now. Both my son and his girlfriend are preparing for their high-school graduation and college entrance exams. They help each other in learning, go together to the training courses, and are trying hard to get the best results. However, several parents I know were shocked that we took such a decision and could talk to our son about safe sex. I would advise them to lend their ears to Doctor Tran Thanh Nam with the Ha Noi National University. He says: When a teenage child shares something, parents should listen so they can know whether he/she is in a love relationship, whether it is platonic or otherwise. Only then can parents take appropriate measures, provide their children with appropriate information so that they know what they need to avoid. A recent survey of six secondary and high schools carried out by Doctor Nam and his colleagues produced some shocking results, especially for parents with teenaged children. The doctor said many mothers found the findings difficult to believe. Ten per cent of the ninth grade students interviewed said theyd had sex. This percentage rose to 39 per cent among 12th graders, with 10 per cent of them reporting having had sex with at least three different partners. A colleague, mother of two teens, was rattled. I have only been telling my 17 year old boy to study hard for the college entrance exams. Never mentioned sex ever to him. Never thought of it! Another colleague with twin teen sons said she was amazed that my husband could talk to our son about safe sex and share sexual stories. Doctor Nam told the Tuoi tre ( Youth) newspaper that many parents still considered sex a taboo topic, something unmentionable. If children cant see their parents as allies, they will not dare ask parents for information, and will look elsewhere for it, he said. Eight per cent of girls interviewed in the survey said they used preventive measures, but some of these were ridiculous and unscientific, like "using lemon to wash after sex." Since the survey only covered six schools and not a large number of respondents, we dont dare to assume that it is typical of teenage students, but the survey makes it clear that there is much more sexual activity among school age children and at an earlier age than parents imagine, Doctor Nam said. And even parents who are aware that this is happening assume their children are not involved, so they do not talk to their kids and guide them in avoiding problems. The survey also found that knowledge of contraception was not widespread among the respondents, with 29.5 per cent of the boys saying they used no condoms or any other contraceptive method when they had sex last. Doctors at HCM Citys Hung Vuong Hospital have reported there are many cases of girls aged 13-14 coming to the hospital to get their health checked, unaware that they were pregnant, their mothers having brought them for treating signs of vaginal infection. Between July 2017 to December 2017, the hospital received abortion requests from 231 girls under the age of 18, the Tuoi tre newspaper reported. No parent can afford to ignore the implications of these reports. Doctor Nam said that biologically, girls attain puberty between 10 and 12, and their male friends are attracted to them. Therefore, it is better that they receive proper information in time from adults they can trust, ideally parents. Writer Thu Ha recently posted on Facebook her teenage girls message: I know parents are worried, but the worry is their lack of trust. And teenagers dont need anything more than trust. I want to be trusted by parents, and for them to believe in what I choose. I know that my friends and I, most of us, have loved or been loved by someone. Everybody dreams of getting their parents support and guidance, but its a vain hope. As parents, we need to listen to both the experts and our children. As a society, however awkward and uncomfortable it seems now, our failure to trust our children and gain their trust on sexual matters can have far-reaching consequences that will cost all of us dear. You dont have to be an advocate for free sex, but you should certainly practise free exchange of information on sex. VNS WASHINGTON An FBI agent faced up to five years in prison on Tuesday after pleading guilty to providing classified documents to a reporter in the second leak case pursued by the Trump administration linked to The Intercept. Terry Albury admitted in a Minnesota court to charges that he disclosed information on how federal agents assess and manage informants during 2016 and 2017. The names of the reporter and media outlet which received the information were not given in court documents. But specifics of the leaked materials and the timing laid out in the charges pointed to The Intercept, an online publication which frequently breaks important stories on national security. The Intercept posted a story on January 31, 2017 on how the FBI woos and pressures immigrants, including Muslims, to become confidential sources, and then when finished sometimes hands them over to immigration authorities for deportation. It was the second case pursued by the Trump administration against a leaker to The Intercept. The online magazine has infuriated officials since it was created in 2014. Using top secret documents released by former government intelligence contractor Edward Snowden, it built a record of exposing secret activities of the US National Security Agency, including illegal surveillance. In June 2017 the FBI arrested an NSA contract employee, Reality Winner, for leaking documents on Russian interference in US election systems. Her arrest was announced just hours after the Intercept posted a story based on the documents. President Donald Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have pledged to extend and toughen the previous Barack Obama administrations crackdown on leakers, after a rash of losses and disclosures of national security materials. The Justice Department is now investigating about 30 leak cases, including some involving materials provided to the media in the early months of the Trump administration that embarrassed or hurt the White House. "As this prosecution demonstrates, we will not waver in our commitment to pursue and hold accountable government officials who violate their obligations to protect our nations secrets and break the laws they have sworn to uphold," said Assistant Attorney General John Demers in a statement. Albury risked up to 10 years in prison, but prosecutors have asked for a maximum sentence of about five years on one count of making an unauthorised disclosure of national defense information and one count of unlawful retention of national defense information. AFP WASHINGTON Former US first lady Barbara Bush died on Tuesday at the age of 92, triggering an outpouring of praise for the matriarch of a Republican family once at the apex of American politics. Barbara and George H.W. Bush were married for 73 years, and the widower "of course is heart-broken to lose his beloved Barbara," his chief of staff Jean Becker said in a statement. "He held her hand all day today and was at her side when (she) left this good Earth." The ex-president, who is 93 and has been in ill health in recent years, is "determined to be there" for his family while in mourning, Becker added. Funeral arrangements were due to be announced soon for Barbara Bush, who was also survived by five of her children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and her brother, Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Robin, who died of leukemia as a toddler. In honor of Bushs life, President Donald Trump ordered that the US flag be flown at half-staff until sundown on the day she is buried, at all public buildings and grounds, as well as military posts and vessels. Bush has long been considered the rock at the center of one of America s most prominent political families, as the wife of a president and the mother to another -- George W. Bush -- and to Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor and onetime presidential aspirant. She first met her husband-to-be at the age of 16 when she was a schoolgirl and he was a student at an elite preparatory school in Massachusetts . They married in 1945 while he was on leave from wartime service as a naval officer. The couple had six children. As first lady, from 1989 to 1993, she embraced the cause of universal literacy, and founded a foundation for family literacy. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum to honor her life. Trump hailed her as an "advocate of the American family." "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection," Trump said. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." Force of nature Her son Jeb wrote: "Im exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush." And his son George P. Bush tweeted: "I will miss you, Ganny -- but know we will see you again." "Barbara inspired us all to be the best version of ourselves," said Orrin Hatch , America s longest-serving Republican senator. Trumps Democratic predecessor Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said "Well always be grateful to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House." "But were even more grateful for the way she lived her life -- as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit," they added. Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as US secretary of state, remembered Bush as a "woman of incredible determination, wit and compassion who embodied America s best values." Bill Clinton, who succeeded her husband in office, added: "Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. "She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory." Bush gained a reputation for toughness, wry humor and straight-speaking. "She was smart, generous, kind, & a force to be reckoned with," said House Republican Steve Pearce. Asked in 2010 about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin -- who sought the vice presidency in 2008 -- she told an interviewer: "I sat next to her once, thought she was beautiful, and I think shes very happy in Alaska , and I hope shell stay there." Senator John McCain, who is battling cancer and was at the top of the ticket with Palin a decade ago, recalled that "Barbara understood that the greatest joy in life comes from putting the needs of others before yourself." AFP Kentucky House Overrides Budget, Spending Vetoes Advertisement By The Associated Press Apr. 13, 2018 | FRANKFORT, KY By The Associated Press Apr. 13, 2018 | 03:42 PM | FRANKFORT, KY Kentucky's House of Representatives has overridden Gov. Matt Bevin's vetoes of a two-year state spending plan that increases education funding, and a $480 million tax increase that will fund the spending plan. The Republican-controlled House voted 66-28 to override Bevin's veto of House Bill 200. The bill authorizes the state to spend $4,000 for every public school student, the highest level in state history. They also voted 57-40 to override the veto of House Bill 366, which raises revenue for the state over the next two years. It includes a 6 percent sales tax on a variety of services, including auto and home repairs, to pay for higher classroom spending. Bevin had vetoed both bills, warning the new taxes would not generate enough money to cover the new spending. Republican legislative leaders disagreed. Thousands of teachers rallied at the Kentucky Capitol on Friday, urging lawmakers to override Bevin's vetoes. The Republican-controlled state Senate will take up the vetoes next. The Richard Evans Conservancy has added a new member, David Board, of Woodsfield, Ohio. Board is a semi-retired professional airplane pilot and will serve as a Community Organizer for the Conservancy. The Conservancy was established in 2016 by H. John Rogers and Dr. James Rogers of Cortez, Colorado. James Rogers is an outdoors enthusiast. At this time the goals of the Conservancy are to free Fishing Creek and its banks from all litter and debris and establish a stream monitoring program. The Rogers brothers grew up in Reader, West Virginia, and they recall a time when Fishing Creek was a veritable open sewer. Their fear is the oil and gas industry will return Fishing Creek to this condition, which led to the establishment of the Conservancy. Richard Evans himself is currently retired in the gated community of Niceville, Florida. Dr. Sean Rogers of Morgantown (and son of James) is currently Chairman of the Conservancy, and the current Executive Director is J.D. King, of New Martinsville. A public meeting will be held within the next 60 days for the purpose of seeking local volunteers to help with the program. Speakers at the meeting will include Martin J. Christ, Northern Basin Co-Coordindator, West Virgina Department of Environmental Protection. The mission of the Conservancy is to defend Fishing Creek against all enemies, foreign or domestic. Contact has been made with a student program at WJU and an Orthodox Jewish religious group at WVU. Some monitoring of the Creek has already begun with the help of canoes, kayaks, and hikers. For more information call David Board at 740-827-3836 or Litter Control, Rob Snyder at 304-771-226. The Conservancy is headquartered at 317 Foundry Street, New Martinsville, WV 26155-1142. Getting people out to vote seems to be a good way to win an election, and the Wetzel County Democratic Executive Committee is trying to accomplish that goal. On Saturday, April 7, the group continued its effort has it hosted a bean soup and cornbread fundraiser at the Matthew Barker Complex in Paden City. Several candidates and Democrats from around the area gathered together for good food and fellowship, along with an opportunity to campaign. Wetzel, Tyler, Marshall, Wood and Monongalia counties were represented at the event. WCDEC Chairman Denny Longwell, a candidate for the Second District State Senate, was present to speak and welcome those in attendence. Frances Headley, Chairperson for the WCDEC Veterans and Military Families Council, read a letter from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin on his efforts to secure funding of $66,371 to assist homeless veterans. Dave Pethtel, State Delegate from the Fifth District, spoke about the importance of voting. Pethtel said when people dont vote, we end up suffering. He said having the majority means everything, and if the Democrats get out and vote, that can be accomplished. Chairman Longwell echoed Pethtels statements about the importance of voting. He said it is a right and obligation. He said each vote counts and could make a difference. He spoke about the difference it makes when people band together. I urge you to take a stand by casting your vote on May 8, and again when we remember in November. West Virginia First Congressional District candidate Kendra Fershee shared her her thoughts on the current drug epidemic in West Virginia. Fershee is the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and professor of Law at West Virginia University. She said she would like to let those in Washington know that W.Va. is an incredible place and would do her best to get them to join in the fight against the challenges destroying the states communities and its people. Sandy Hunt also addressed the crowd about her candidancy for the New Martinsville City Recorder position. Hunt is presently the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Wetzel County Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Wetzel County Museum. She is a life-time Democrat and owner of S&S Fine Diamonds and Jewelry, with her husband Steve. H. J. Rogers, running for Wetzel County Board of Education and the Democratic State Executive Committee, attended the event, along with his wife. She is also on the ballot as a candidate for the WCDEC. Raymond (B.B.) Smith and Greg Morris, both candidates for the Wetzel County Commission, attended the event and made their rounds to talk with fellow Democrats. NEW MARTINSVILLE Gun control, the opioid crisis and fixing the national healthcare system were among the topics congressional candidates discussed during a Wetzel County debate Tuesday night. Democrats Ralph Baxter, Kendra Fershee and Tom Payne kept the debate civil as they squared off at Mollohan Center in New Martinsville. They are running against each other for a seat in the 1st District, which is held now by Republican Rep. David McKinley. The debate was hosted by the Wetzel County Democratic Executive Committee. Baxter, who is the former CEO of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe, in Wheeling, said one of the reasons he chose to run for office is because of the lack of jobs in West Virginia. We need more jobs, he said. I know we can create jobs. He went on to say Congress has failed the people in the 1st District. Congress doesnt work for us, said Baxter. If you nominate me, I believe Ill win the election in November and bring back this seat to the people of West Virginia. Fershee said she decided to run for office because, she said, We need someone to serve West Virginia. Payne said he wants to work with the people in Congress to Get a good deal for West Virginia where we havent been getting a good deal for a long time. We will get a lot, and we will be done with a do-nothing Congress, he said. I am here to return common sense to Congress. When it came to the issues, Fershee said healthcare is a human right. Weve all thought of it as an insurance process instead of a health process, she said. We need universal healthcare, so we arent judging needs of where you work and your age, but on the fact you need healthcare. Payne agreed with Fershee, saying universal healthcare Is the way to go. The problem is getting there, he said. Most of that deals with Republicans in the House and Senate. What Id like to do is negotiate on a fair playing field, but get medical treatment for all of us, get treatment for all Americans on an equal basis. Baxter said although Americans have the Affordable Care Act, Premiums are too high and deductibles are too high. We need to repair ACA, he said. We can find solutions to healthcare for everyone. We can set our minds to doing that. The candidates also said they want to ensure Medicare and Social Security is available to their constituents. We should have a right to the benefits of our paying into Social Security, Payne said. It was guaranteed to us under the law, and it still is. It is not an entitlement, Baxter agreed. It is something Americans work for all their lives. Baxter said he would oppose any effort to reduce or diminish those rights. Fershee agreed. It is a matter of political will, Fershee said. Social security and Medicare will be in existence as long as they need to be if our people and legislatures decide they will be behind it. The candidates also discussed veterans healthcare. What we have allowed to happen is disgraceful, said Baxter. I think until the VA healthcare system is fixed, Congress should be on the VA healthcare system, said Fershee. She suggested federal entities be located in other areas besides Washington. Fershee suggested the main hub of the VA being located in West Virginia. Payne said he would work with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs And get these programs to where they should be. We, as former soldiers, will have more influence in the way the VA is operated, he said. We want to make sure it is efficient and works for soldiers. Speaking of healthcare, Fershee likened the opioid crisis to a healthcare crisis. We have an enforcement problem, she said. We arent holding accountable the people causing this crisis, and those people are companies. Fershee said communities need to be rebuilt. One of the reasons people are dealing with addiction they dont have a place where they are engaged and can go back, she said. Payne cited Switzerland and the Netherlands as having Great programs that have rehabilitation in opioids. He said these programs should be implemented here. Meanwhile, Baxter said swift action is necessary. We have to act decisively and comprehensively, he said. Candidates also tackled the issue of gun control. Payne, who has military experience, said he is somewhat familiar with gun violence. I was a trained killer, he said. I never had to do it. Payne said the key to the issue is regulating semi-automatic or automatic assault rifles. We have to do away with those, he said. We have to stop them from being produced if necessary. We have to do away with 35 and higher cartridges, magazines those things are just too killing efficient to have in a civilized society. Baxter said the key is getting guns out of hands of people who are dangers to others and themselves The key is getting the legislature to do something, he said. Baxter said he supports universal background checks, to make sure we have all the information we need in the system. We need background checks for every transaction, no matter what kind, he said. Baxter also said money needs to be placed into the background check system, so all data is registered. He noted that, in recent massacres, had the background check system worked, something could have been done. Fershee said FDR had once referenced four freedoms: freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom from fear, and freedom from poverty. I couldnt identify with freedom from fear when putting my kids on the bus after Parkland, she said. Fershee said she believes in the Second Amendment, the Constitution, and the right to bear arms. 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(1) Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased 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. Apr 18, 2018 | By Thomas More than 100 parts for U.S. space agency NASAs deep-space capsule Orion will be made by 3D printers, using technology that experts say will eventually become key to efforts to send humans to Mars. U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin, 3D printing specialist Stratasys, and engineering firm PADT are teaming up to deliver next-generation 3D printed parts for NASAs Orion deep-space spacecraft. They have developed the parts using new materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures and chemical exposure of deep space missions, Stratasys said on Tuesday. Key to the project are Stratasys advanced materials including an ESD variant of the new Antero 800NA, a PEKK-based thermoplastic offering high performance mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties. The Orion spacecraft leverages a variant of new Stratasys Antero 800NA to build an intricately-connected 3D printed docking hatch door. Orion is part of NASAs follow-up program to the now-retired space shuttles that will allow astronauts to travel beyond the International Space Station, which flies about 260 miles (420 km) above Earth. Orions next test flight, dubbed Exploration Mission-1 (EM-1), will be the first integration mission with the worlds most powerful rocket, the Space Launch System, where an un-crewed Orion will fly thousands of miles beyond the Moon during an approximately three week mission. The following flight, EM-2, will also go near the Moon, but with astronauts on board, a first since 1972 and will enable NASA to prepare for increasingly complex missions in deep space. The mission will use more than 100 3D printed production parts on board. The production-grade, thermoplastic 3D printed parts for NASAs Orion vehicle are produced at the Additive Manufacturing Lab at Lockheed Martin in conjunction with PADT, which now employs the latest in Stratasys 3D printers and materials. Using advanced materials such as ULTEM 9085 resin and the new Antero material incorporating critical electro-static dissipative (ESD) functionality NASA could meet key requirements for 3D printed parts to perform in the extremes of deep space. Antero is ideally suited to meet NASAs requirements for heat and chemical resistance, along with the ability to withstand high mechanical loads. In space, for instance, materials will build up a charge. If that was to shock the electronics on a space craft there could be significant damage, Scott Sevcik, Vice President Manufacturing Solutions at Stratasys told Reuters. The 3D printing technology can help make light-weight parts made of plastics more quickly and cheaply than traditional assembly lines that require major investments into equipment. But even more significant is that we have more freedom with the design... parts can look more organic, more skeletal, Sevcik said. Working with PADT, Stratasys, and NASA has enabled us to achieve highly consistent builds that move beyond the realm of prototyping and into production, said Brian Kaplun, Manager of Additive Manufacturing at Lockheed Martin Space. Were not just creating parts, were reshaping our production strategy to make spacecraft more affordable and faster to produce. Lockheed Martin said the use of 3D printing on the Orion project would also pay off at other parts of its business. We look to apply benefits across our programs - missile defense, satellites, planetary probes, especially as we create more and more common products, said Brian Kaplun, additive manufacturing manager at Lockheed Martin Space. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Apr 18, 2018 | By David A research project at Germanys TU Chemnitz has succeeded in 3D printing every important component for an electrical motor for the first time, simultaneously printing with copper, iron and ceramics. After over two years of work, a team led by Prof. Dr. Ralf Werner, of the Chemnitz University of Technology Professorship of Electrical Energy Conversion Systems and Drives, will be presenting their breakthrough at this years Hanover Messe trade fair. The first major step on this journey was the completion of a fully 3D printed coil. The coil was capable of withstanding temperatures of over 300C and it was presented for the first time last year by two members of Werners academic staff, Johannes Rudolph and Fabian Lorenz. The coil consists primarily of copper electrical conductors, which are capable of creating magnetic fields in combination with iron or iron alloy components. A ceramic material is used in order to insulate the copper conductors from each other as well as from the iron or iron alloy components. Instead of the conventional polymer materials used for insulation in this kind of motor, the team adopted to fabricate the coil using more advanced 3D printed ceramics. These materials had much higher levels of temperature resistance. ''Our goal over the last two and a half years was to dramatically increase the temperature that electrical machines are capable of withstanding'', said Werner. According to Rudolph, ''The maximum permissible winding temperature of 220C associated with conventional insulation systems can then be exceeded by a significant amount. The operating temperature of electric machines is therefore only limited by the ferromagnetic properties of the iron components, which can only be maintained up to 700C.'' Not only do the 3D printed ceramics withstand heat better, they also conduct heat more efficiently. This improved ability to dissipate heat loss contributed to a higher level of output density for the motor. The teams innovative 3D printing process involves the use of pastes, which are extruded as in FDM printing and then subsequently sintered together, as in SLS techniques. These pastes are composed of ceramics materials as well as metallic materials like copper and iron. Specially adapted bonding agents are used to hold the viscous pastes together. The technique allows for simultaneous 3D printing of ceramics and metallic structures. This groundbreaking approach could go on to have a huge range of potential applications for manufacturing electrical equipment. As we reported last year, this new 3D printing process was developed in close collaboration with German company ViscoTec, an expert in manufacturing systems for pumping fluids. (all images, source: TU Chemnitz) ''The motor that was printed in the Chemnitz University Laboratory represents a breakthrough and is at the same time the proof of principle it demonstrates the feasibility of our technology'', says Rudolph. After his involvement in the development of this pioneering manufacturing technique, he is now preparing to launch a start-up company based on the research, alongside Lorenz. To generate further interest, the team will be presenting their 3D printed electrical motor and associated research developments from April 23- 27 at the Hannover Messe trade fair. Posted in 3D Printing Technology Maybe you also like: Apr 18, 2018 | By David An engineering researcher based at Nebraska-Lincoln University has recently set to work on a new technique that should improve the reliability of 3D printing technology. Prahalada Rao has received a major five-year grant from the National Science Foundation that will enable him to work on a new process that he is calling ''Smart Additive Manufacturing''. Using a combination of programming and sensors as well as additive and subtractive processes, it could lead the production of flawless metal parts from every print. Rao is an assistant professor of mechanical and materials engineering at Nebraska-Lincoln University. The grant he was awarded was part of the Faculty Early Career Development Program, and it is worth $500,000 over five years. It is intended to support pre-tenure faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the successful integration of this education and research. The technique he will be working on is addressed to the issue of flaws in metal AM manufacturing. We recently reported on another project that is also intending to improve the quality of 3D printed metal parts. Rao will be developing algorithms, and making use of special sensors that can give real-time feedback on the quality of a printed part, in order to automatically detect different types of flaws that might occur and automatically correct them. "It's a 'big data' problem," Rao said. "You've got so many sensors. The trick is how do you use all of that data you're collecting to pinpoint when and where an error occurs and then correct as you build." The sensors he is using will be attached to a special hybrid 3D printer that works with both additive and subtractive processes. Nebraska has just invested in three of these hybrid machines, to be installed in the Nebraska Engineering Additive Technology Labs, or NEAT Labs, which are scheduled to open in May. Rao was previously the recipient of a $1 million National Science Foundation Cyber Physical Systems (CPS) grant, to work on a new 3D bio-printing process in collaboration with researchers from Virginia Tech. This is aimed at the development of complex biological tissues for organ transplants, artificial meat, and other purposes. The connecting thread between all of Raos various projects is a fascination with data, and analyzing physical processes in detail to improve them. ''One of my passions is looking at data'', he said. ''Whether it comes from the brain, the heart or a machine, the physical process is always trying to tell you something. Understanding how I can look deeper into a system by listening to the sensor signals and discerning what they are trying to say. Thats what moves me.'' (all images: UNL) Passing on his knowledge through education is also an important part of Raos work. He is currently developing an undergraduate program that is focused on additive manufacturing, and will allow students to get as much as hands-on laboratory experience as possible. Another project is an eight-week summer camp for Native American students to learn 3D printing skills. He is working on this in collaboration with the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico. Posted in 3D Printing Technology Maybe you also like: Apr 18, 2018 | By David In case youve fallen behind again with all the latest 3D printing developments (and we wouldnt be surprised if you had), weve got another round-up to get you back up to speed. Top stories this time are Apworks being acquired by Aerotec and Adaptive 3D launching a new polymer material, and theres many more besides. 1. Aerotec acquires Apworks Leading global aerospace company Aerotec has announced that it will be acquiring Apworks, a German expert in aerospace technologies and metal 3D printing. Aerotec, which was the first aviation supplier that was able to introduce 3D printed titanium components into the structure of aircraft, will be Apworkss sole shareholder, taking over the company for an undisclosed fee. Apworks will remain an independent company with its own market presence, but be freed up to focus on its specialty areas. Apworks started as a spin-off from Airbus Group back in 2013, and since then has successfully transferred its metal AM expertise from aerospace into a broad range of other sectors. One of its key achievements is the development and patenting of Scalmalloy, a high-strength aluminium alloy for additive manufacturing of components. ''With AEROTEC coming on board, we can take a huge step closer to our vision of industrial mass production using additive manufacturing technology'', said Joachim Zettler, Managing Director of APWORKS. ''The aim is to combine APWORKS highly dynamic approach in solving the issues posed by our clients additive manufacturing questions.'' 2. Adaptive3D launches worlds highest-strain 3D printable photopolymer Adaptive3D, one of the 3D printing industrys leading suppliers of polymer resin materials, has completed development of the worlds highest-strain 3D printable photopolymer. The material is due to be demonstrated at this years Rapid+TCT event, being held in Texas. The resin materials unique chemistry gives it an unprecedented strain capacity, which will lead to tougher materials and more durable printed parts. With strain of 450% the material will have a strain 115% higher than the nearest competitor. ''Adaptive3D has spent the past two years developing an advanced proprietary chemistry that gives us a platform to now rapidly infuse the market with a series of high performance production quality photopolymers,'' said CEO Walter Voit, PhD. Adaptive3D is focused on the production of resins for high-volume additive manufacturing, and it has particular expertise in the area of rubber-like 3D printable materials, tough damping materials, and low-cure stress photopolymers. 3. MakerBot launches new 3D printing teacher certification program Leading 3D printing company MakerBot, a subsidiary of Stratasys, has launched a new online program that will enable people to get certified in the teaching of 3D printing skills. The company is the industry leader in 3D printing education, and it has been working with educators for years, developing ways to enliven traditional curricula into 21st century STEAM projects. MakerBot already offers a number of useful educational tools, including The MakerBot Educators Guidebook, which is the definitive guide to 3D printing in the classroom. Its the companys second comprehensive book on the subject, and has 9 classroom-ready lesson plans. The company also offers Thingiverse, the largest online library of 3D printable files, as well as Thingiverse Education, which is a collection of over 400 3D printing lesson plans sortable by subject, grade, and Core Standard. The new MakerBot Certification Program offers two different levels, one for operators (setup, usage, software, 3D modeling, troubleshooting), and one for curriculum creators (managing STEAM classrooms, creating 3D printing projects). It can be followed online, with up to 10 hours of lessons, or online and with real-world hands-on support. 4. NAMIC partners with MPA Singapore A major new partnership has been announced in Singapore that should see an increased use of 3D printing in the maritime industry. The National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) and the Maritime Port Authority (MPA) of Singapore will be teaming up to develop new 3D printing applications. NAMIC is also collaborating with SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) to develop skilled professionals in additive manufacturing. NAMIC is a national initiative in Singapore that aims to increase Singapores adoption of 3D printing technologies, by nurturing promising technologies and start-ups and accelerating their commercial implementation. It is led by NTUitive, which is the innovation and enterprise company of Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. The initiative is also supported by the National Research Foundation (NRF), Prime Ministers office, in partnership with SPRING Singapore (now Enterprise Singapore) and the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). The aim of this partnership will be to further Singapores position as a premier hub port with efficient one-stop port services. It will enable secure data exchange, digitalisation of the supply chain, and on-demand fabrication, deployed by industrial partners such as Wilhelmsen Ships Service, the worlds largest maritime products and services supplier. Nakul Malhotra, Vice President of Technical Solutions & Marketing, Marine Products, Wilhelmsen Ships Service, said, ''3D printing essentially enables our customers to access a micro factory, if and when they need it, in their next port of call.'' 5. Artec 3D announces integration of scanners with Geomagic Freeform Leading 3D scanning company Artec 3D has announced that it will be integrating its portable, hand-held 3D scanners with 3D Systems Geomagic Freeform software. This software features a rich set of hybrid modeling tools to rapidly create organic models with fine, intricate details and prepare the models for manufacturing. Its advanced design capabilities include touch-based 3D sculpting, surfacing, design-intent modeling, 3D scan processing, mold making and CAD interoperability The integration of Artec 3Ds hardware with Geomagic Freeform will contribute towards streamlining of the design and reverse engineering workflow. ''We are continually looking for ways to streamline our customers workflows and provide them with advanced design to manufacturing tools that they can use in the most intuitive way,'' said Carol Zampell, VP Software Solutions, 3D Systems. ''Freeform software together with Touch X or Touch haptic devices creates a hands-on design experience. By combining our offering with Artecs 3D scanners, designers can take a physical object and, within minutes, be able to feel and manipulate it as if it was made of clay.'' Artec 3Ds scanners are engineered with advanced tracking systems, which eliminate the need for an object to be covered with targets when scanning. The scanners provided by the Luxembourg-based company have proved to be a popular solution for various professional industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, science and education, as well as historical preservation. 6. Materialise subsidiary RapidFit launches new modular tooling system with 3D printed parts RapidFit, a leading tool manufacturer and subsidiary of Belgian 3D technology giant Materialise, has announced the launch of an innovative new modular tooling system for automotive manufacturing. It makes use of carbon fiber beams in combination with individual 3D-printed elements, which makes it possible to produce jigs and inspection fixtures that are up to 90 percent lighter than conventionally produced tools, without sacrificing strength The new carbon fiber fixtures fulfil all current standards regarding functionality, precision, stability, and stiffness. The use of carbon fiber beams minimizes thermal expansion, which means that the attachments are suitable for different applications in measuring rooms, the production environment, and climatic chambers. The new RapidFit system fundamentally changes the development and production process for automotive tools, increasing their adaptability as well as repeatability of designs. RapidFit puts together a jig using CAD data and a parametric library of standardized solutions that was developed in-house. The parts of the system that need to be 3D printed are produced at Materialise's state-of-the-art Certified Additive Manufacturing facility. 7. PrintLab partners with CREATE PrintLab has announced a new collaboration with UK-based education company CREATE Education. CREATE will now be distributing PrintLabs 3D printing curriculum and products. As part of a new initiative to support teachers, a 3D printing bundle is available that includes hardware, software, materials, curriculum, training resources, professional development resources and lifetime support. Prices start from 625 ($887). According to Michelle Chatterley of CREATE, ''Over the last 2 years The CREATE Education Project has grown to be a respected platform, providing valuable free support to the education community looking to adopt and embrace 3D printing, recognised as Winners of the Tech for Teachers STEM Award and as a BETT 2018 Finalist. Increasingly our community are looking to purchase directly from us as we provide trusted products and our partnership with PrintLab enhances the range of high quality products and curriculum resources we can offer to our community.'' Posted in 3D Printer Company Maybe you also like: Woodworkingthat most fundamental of age-old tradeswould seem to be having a renaissance. After all, it's a slow craft whose sometimes rough-hewn results can't help but appeal to modern hipsters with a taste for authentic, handmade goods. Unsurprisingly, the Bay Area maker community supports a number of contemporary woodworkers, each of them with a unique approach ranging from classic carpentry to more glamorous, Instagrammable spins. Also not surprisingly is the concentration of these urban carpenters and artists across the bridge in Oakland, where cheaper rents, a slower pace, and a strong sense of solidarity among creative folks is luring fabricators of all stripes away from the city. But wherever they live and work, these craftspeople share in common a hardy devotion to their trade, often working 12 hours each day in their studios, many of them housed in warehouses, drilling, carving, and shaping humble wood into beautiful, masterful designs. We caught up with five local artisans who are revolutionizing the traditional craft to learn about their community and their inspirations. Florian Roeper Florian Roeper combines feminine sensuality and masculine dynamism when shaping his contemporary tables (you might recognize his California design), seating, and even special edition skateboardswhich often employ metal patinas atop locally sourced hardwoods such as walnutfor Studio Roeper, which he launched 2003. With a background in sculpture and painting, the designer also translates his passion for raw yet sophisticated materials in spiral sculptures and graphic high-gloss epoxy resin paintings. His work has been commissioned by clients including Ken Fulk, Louis Vuitton, and the Four Seasons. // studioroeper.com Rough draft. "I went to art school thinking I would study graphic design, but I was immediately fascinated by furniture design and building things with my hands." On Oakland. "It feels more relaxed and free over here. I'm surrounded by artists and designers in Oakland and that inspire me to live here." The renaissance of woodworking. "I think the real issue is that woodworking is becoming too abundant. People think they can just slap a live edge slab on a pair of metal tubing legs and call themselves woodworkers. A good comparison is fast foodit's quick and cheap, but the quality it is not very good sometimes, and not healthy." Aleksandra Zee If you're interested in art and design and you're on Instagram, then there's a solid chance you already know Aleksandra Zee, the quintessence of the IG influencer who's mastered the concept of the personal brand. Notable for her signature chevron-print wall pieces, Zee, who launched her studio in 2011, works with wood as a painter would with colors upon a canvas. Her delicate and yet powerful craft has captured the attention of clients who hang her pieces in places you'll no doubt recognize, including Kimpton's Buchanan Hotel, the Joshua Tree House, and the new Mission women's club, The Assembly. In 2017, Zee was forced to leave her San Francisco studio, which she shared with fellow woodworker and mentor Katie Gong, due to affordability. // aleksandrazee.com, instagram.com/aleksandrazee Rough draft. "I got started working for Anthropologie as a display artist and fell in love with being in the shop. I figured out quickly that I wanted to be making work on my own and wanted to pursue that. So I quit, and worked as a waitress for about three years while I grew my business." On Oakland. "Oakland is becoming a paradise for me creatively. It is a slower life, quiet and calmer. The community out here is also so inspiringthere are so many incredible makers that keep me pushing the boundaries of my own work. I love it here." The renaissance of woodworking. "I wouldn't say that all of sudden woodwork is relevantwoodwork and working with your hands has been an appreciated craft and trade for centuries. I think that the over-saturation of poorly made goods is leading people to want to own better made things." Paul Munson (Courtesy of Paul Munson) A well established craftsman in the industry since 1995, Paul Munson launched his eponymous furniture line in 2007, drawing from influences ranging from Art Deco to Arts and Crafts to contemporary. His latest collection, Radiuscomprised of tables, a dresser, credenza, and etagere designed with a Midcentury Modern essenceis customizable online with different sizes and finishes with the aim of bringing bespoke furnishings to everyone. // munsonfurniture.com Rough draft. "A local chair maker was kind enough to give me some bench time and instruction for some time behind the broom. After that I met a couple in the Castro who became my patrons for the next 11 years, making custom furniture, case goods, and mill work for themselves and their friends." On Oakland. "When I started my own shop, West Oakland was an affordable place to do it, with plenty of available industrial buildings to choose from. So you had a lot of makers establishing shops here....There is a lot of power in having so many different craftspeople nearby. There is collaboration, sometimes outright as in finding a metal fabricator for part of a project, and sometimes more subtle like sharing project details or stories of inspiration over a coffee or a beer." The renaissance of woodworking. "I think woodworking has always been relevant, but I do see things changing. Consumers are thinking more about sustainability, buying products that are made to last, and considering where and how those products are made." Katie Gong Among the Bay Area's most established woodworking mavens, Katie Gongknown for her fluid knotty sculptures, interior design for businesses including Birba and Anchor Public Taps, and simple furnishingshas worked in San Francisco, the East Bay, and back again. In SF, she became studiomate and mentor to Aleksandra Zee before the two moved to Oakland to share a warehouse space in 2016. But the following year, she returned the city, opening a solo studio at a creative co-op building in the Tenderloin. Her signature look is modern-rustic with the suggestion of sexy elegance. Look for her work on the walls of Upper Market bar Blackbird, in a new exhibit called TiedTied, starting April 21st. // katiegongdesign.com Rough draft. "I grew up always making things. My grandfather and my father are both carpenters and contractors, and they really encouraged me to build my own creations and to take things apart to see how to put them back together." Hanging on to SF. "Many woodworkers have their studios in the East Bay because it simply got really expensive to do so in San Francisco. There was a mass exodus of creatives a few years ago, and people were able to get more space for their money. I got really lucky. My partner, Brett Walker, and I were able to work with the city and find a building in the Tenderloin District, called Get High on Mountains. It is an art cooperative that we started as a way to try to hold onto the remaining creatives in San Francisco and to provide them with stable studios in the city. The renaissance of woodworking. "As well as many of the trades, woodworking is so relevant today because there is an audience for fine craft and the story about where goods come from and how they are made. People are interested in purchasing locally made items that tell a story instead of buying imported goods. We as artists and makers are only able to survive because of this kind of patronage." Northern Territory Fracking Moratorium Lifted Sydney, April 18, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - The Directors of Empire Energy Group Limited ( ASX:EEG ) ( OTCMKTS:EEGNY ) ("Empire" or "the Company") are pleased to provide shareholders with an update on the lifting of the fracking moratorium in the Northern Territory.This morning the Northern Territory Government announced that the moratorium on fracture stimulation of unconventional onshore gas reservoirs is to be lifted.The Chief Minister, Michael Gunner, announced that the Government had accepted all 135 recommendations of the Scientific Inquiry into Fracture Stimulation in the Northern Territory.Mr Gunner said that the implementation of the recommendations of the Final Report would now begin so that Territorians could benefit from the creation of new jobs while protecting the Territory's unique natural environment.Empire's 100% owned subsidiary, Imperial Oil & Gas Pty Limited ("Imperial"), has over 14.5 million acres in the McArthur and Beetaloo Basins, Northern Territory, both of which are considered highly prospective for large shale oil and gas resources. The Company has been operating in the Northern Territory since 2010.The Government will now commence to undertake a process of implementing new rules and regulations pertaining to the industry. This is likely to include certain areas where development can occur, and other areas which have been described as 'potential reserved areas'. Such areas are likely to include national parks and areas of significant cultural heritage to Traditional Owners. The Company intends to proactively engage with the appropriate Government department and Traditional Owner groups to define areas which are appropriate for continued development. The implementation timetable is currently unknown.Empire welcomes the Northern Territory Government's decision which, following implementation of regulations, will facilitate the responsible development of the Company's highly prospective shale acreage position.Some of the key elements of these new laws and regulations will include:- Ensuring all Environmental Management Plans for fracking must be assessed by the EPA and signed off by the Minister for the Environment;- Strict new requirements that must be met before exploration approval is granted including codes of practice for well integrity and well decommissioning, development of wastewater management frameworks, the requirement for gas companies to obtain a water license;- Strict new requirements that must be met before production can take place including the development of robust and transparent monitoring strategies, discussions with industry and pastoralists regarding land access requirements and compensation, and release of all environmental management plans for public comment;- Broad standing to seek judicial and merits review of statutory decisions;- Broad new powers to sanction non-compliance, civil enforcement proceedings and increased criminal penalties for environmental harm.The Company continues to carry out advanced discussions with potential joint venture partners which would fund the exploration and appraisal activities required to unlock the substantial resource potential of the Company's acreage in the Northern Territory.The Company will provide further updates to shareholders as further information becomes available.Northern Territory Chief Minister Media Release: Fracking Moratorium LiftedThe Northern Territory Chief Minister's media release can be found attached (see link below) and also at the following link: http://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/8K3P8NEX To view the media release, please visit:About Empire Energy Group Ltd Empire Energy (ASX:EEG) (OTCMKTS:EEGUF) holds over 14.5 million acres of highly prospective exploration tenements in the McArthur and Beetaloo Basins, Northern Territory. Work undertaken by the Company since 2010 demonstrates that the Eastern depositional Trough of the McArthur Basin, of which the Company holds 80% has very considerable conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon potential. The Beetaloo sub-Basin, in which Empire holds a substantial position, has independently assessed world class hydrocarbon volumes in place with a major ramp up in industry activity underway to appraise substantial discoveries already made by major Australian oil and gas operators. Empire Energy is an experienced conventional oil and gas producer with operations in the Appalachia region (New York and Pennsylvania). Empire has been successfully developing and producing oil and gas since 2006. RED BLUFF, Calif. - More than 150 people gathered at the Tehama County Fairgrounds Tuesday for the first of many events leading up to this weekend's three-day Red Bluff Round-Up. The Red Bluff Rotary Club hosted the Tough Enough to Wear Pink event benefiting Saint Elizabeth's Community Hospital. They had auction items to raise money, rodeo director Jolene Kemen said. It's to raise awareness. It helps the rodeo, exposure for the rodeo, kind of a kickoff event. But thats just one example of how the rodeo benefits the community. There's just so many things that we do with the rodeo that puts money into the community, stock contractor John Growley said. And then the rodeo starts Friday night and then Saturday and Sunday afternoon and you're just going to see some great competition. Local cowboy Amir Beardsley has participated in the Red Bluff Round-Up in past years and described the feeling he gets on a bull when that gate swings open. It's a real feeling of sublime, Beardsley said. It's a lot of adrenaline. It's a lot of fun. And even though hes participated in many other rodeos, for this local boy, the Round-Up holds a special place in his heart. It's going to be a whole lot of fun, he said. We got some good rodeo action coming up. I think Red Bluff's probably my most favorite rodeo to ride in and watch. Growley said the Red Bluff Round Up is one of the top 40 rodeos in the world. And every year, it draws people from all around the world for the a chance to take part in a true cowboy experience. Part of the American dream is being a cowboy, Growley said. And I think everybody wants to be a cowboy at least for three days out of the year. There's more events happening leading up the start of the rodeo Friday. The PRCA timed slack event is Wednesday and free to the public. And the Red Bluff Chamber of Commerce is holding it's mixer on Thursday. You can click here to download a full list of upcoming events. Under current rules, for most taxpayers pension contributions of up to 40,000 per year qualify for tax relief. But since 2016/17, higher earners have faced a reduced allowance which can fall to as little as 10,000 per year for those on the highest incomes. The impact of this change is reduced by the ability of taxpayers to carry forward unused annual allowances from up to three years earlier. Unfortunately, the HMRC website is getting this calculation wrong in some cases for both 2017/18 and 2018/19. This could lead to individuals wrongly believing that they should stop saving into a pension because they have exceeded their annual limit. One Royal London customer who used the site was told that he was limited to 10,000 in pension contributions for 2018/19 when the correct figure was around 35,000. HMRC have admitted that the website is incorrect, but have not taken it down and have not put any warning notice to those using the site that it may give incorrect information. When Royal London raised the issue with HMRC on Monday (16th April), they said: We are aware that since 6 April 2018 the Annual Allowance calculator is showing less annual allowance than is due for the year 2017-18 onwards, and we apologise to customers for this. Were working to fix this issue as soon as possible. However, Royal Londons Director of Policy Steve Webb is calling for more urgent action. He said: It is totally unacceptable for an official government website to continue to operate when it contains blunders of this sort. Now that HMRC knows that there is a problem they should take down the site immediately. It is beyond belief that they are knowingly allowing taxpayers to get incorrect information from their website and potentially to make major financial decisions on the strength of dodgy data. In the past it has taken months to fix issues like this how many more people have to be misled before HMRC takes action?. Last year, HMRC admitted that there was a different problem with the same website. In its September 2017 Pension Schemes Newsletter they admitted an error in carrying forward unused allowance from 2012-13 but it was not until the November 2017 newsletter that they said the problem had been fixed. In the interim period the website continued to provide incorrect data for some taxpayers. BAE Systems and Milrem LCM, an Estonian provider of combat vehicle life-cycle management, have signed a contract to support Estonias fleet of CV9035 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). Above: CV90 in the national day parade in Tallinn, Estonia. Courtesy Estonian Defence Forces BAE Systems and Milrem LCM, an Estonian provider of combat vehicle life-cycle management, have signed a contract to support Estonias fleet of CV9035 Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs). The agreement is part of BAE Systems wider contract with the Estonian government to maintain and sustain 44 CV9035 vehicles acquired from The Netherlands in 2014. Under the long-term agreement, Milrem LCM, which is part of the Patria Group, will provide maintenance and repair services for CV9035 vehicles from its facilities in Estonia. The first batch of IFVs arrived in Estonia in October 2016, followed by a second shipment in December 2017. This support agreement is the cornerstone of one of Estonias most important capability development projects, said Tommy Gustafsson-Rask, vice president and general manager for BAE Systems Hagglunds business. Our work with Milrem LCM will provide long-term benefits to the Estonian Defense Forces by sustaining and developing these vehicles for years to come. BAE Systems is also teaming with Milrem LCM to pursue an opportunity to modernize CV90 Support Vehicles under a programme for the Estonian Center for Defense Investment later this year. The program will likely cover the maintenance, repair, and rebuild of an additional 37 CV90 MkI vehicles procured from Norway. We are proud to work with BAE Systems as its preferred maintenance support partner in Estonia, said Kuldar Vaarsi, CEO of Milrem LCM. We are committed to providing the most reliable framework for the Estonian Defense Forces as the country seeks to increase the combat capability of its land forces, now and in the future. Estonia is one of seven nations operating BAE Systems modern, adaptable and combat-proven CV90 IFV. There are more than 1,280 vehicles in 15 variants in service with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Bombardier and Honeywell announced the latest delivery milestone in the installation of the revolutionary Ka-band satellite broadband technology aboard Bombardier Global and Challenger business jets. Bombardiers award-winning Singapore service centre installed its first Ka-band system on an in-service Global 6000 aircraft. In 2016, the Singapore service centre installed the first-ever Ka-band system on an in-service Global 5000 aircraft. Our customers need to stay connected no matter where they are in the world, and Bombardier continues to lead the industry in offering the most advanced in-flight media experience available today on both its new and in-service aircraft, said Jean-Christophe Gallagher, Vice President and General Manager, Customer Experience, Bombardier Business Aircraft. With Ka-band, passengers can remain connected across oceans, at 41,000 feet, and virtually everywhere they fly. Moreover, our OEM-owned service centres have become masters of the installation to ensure aircraft are returned to service within a minimum downtime. Ka-band technology features the industrys fastest in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing passengers to browse the internet, stream live TV and movies or stage a video conference virtually anywhere in the skies and as quickly and as effortlessly as they would in their home or office. The system leverages Honeywell Aerospaces JetWave hardware to deliver ultra-high-speed access, consistent performance and seamless coverage worldwide. Bombardiers Global aircraft offer the luxurious Premier cabin and a cutting-edge cabin management system (CMS). In addition to impressive performance characteristics and advanced wing design, they provide a smooth ride and can operate in and out of certain challenging airports, all while keeping passengers connected. In Asia Pacific, business jet owners and operators are demanding better, faster, and more consistent in-flight Wi-Fi that is identical as what they have on the ground. With Honeywells JetWave hardware and GoDirect Cabin services, business jet owners and operators now have the ability to manage usage and bandwidth to be cost effective, said Andy Gill, Senior Director, Business and General Aviation, Asia Pacific, Honeywell Aerospace. This new generation of technology is a complete step change from previous generations of airborne hardware allowing a much smoother installation process. We have been working very closely with the Bombardier team to minimize the down time for Jetwave installations, so operators can adopt this technology with a minimum amount of disruption to their flight operations, which has been key to the rapid adoption of our JetWave system by leading business jet manufacturers like Bombardier. In 2015, Bombardier became the first OEM to announce plans to offer Ka-band technology as an option on its new and in-service business aircraft and the first to begin deliveries in 2016. The first retrofit installation on a Global 5000 aircraft was completed at the Singapore service centre in July 2016. Bombardier received certification to offer the system on its new and in-service Challenger aircraft in May 2017. OEM-owned service centres enable operators to benefit from faster access to Bombardiers worldwide parts and support expertise while pairing a Ka-band installation with a scheduled maintenance event. Located at Seletar Airport, Bombardiers award-winning Singapore service centre is one of nine service centres, six line maintenance stations and 23 Mobile Response Team vehicles that comprise Bombardiers worldwide maintenance network. In February 2018, it celebrated four years of impressive growth and superior customer service and is recognised today as a centre of excellence for complex retrofit work. An acknowledged centre of excellence, the Singapore service centre provides high-quality OEM expertise to Bombardier operators in the broader Asia region, including scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and full interior refurbishment and modifications, avionics installations and aircraft on ground (AOG) support. The Singapore service centre has more than quadrupled the number of engineers and technicians on staff since opening its doors in February 2014. In November 2016, the facility received the Asian Business Aviation Association (AsBAA) Icons of Aviation award for Best Maintenance Repair Organisation in Asia. Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defence and space aircraft. Europes aviation industry leaders will gather in Bilbao this weekend (22-24 April) at the 13th annual Routes Europe to plan and negotiate new air services within the region. Above: The Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC), a modern convention centre located in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain. By EQRoy / Shutterstock The event will bring together more than 1,200 delegates taking part in 4,800 meetings, with a diverse range of airline representatives from full service, regional and low cost carriers travelling from all corners of the globe to take part in the event. Carriers in attendance include Vueling Airlines (official carrier for the event) easyJet, Lufthansa Group, Norwegian, Qatar Airways, Wizz Air, Delta Air Lines and China Southern Airlines. Over 100 airlines, 300 airports and 50 tourism authorities are expected in total. Routes Europe brings together airlines, airports and tourism authorities to develop air route networks. It moves to a new city every year to highlight the diverse aviation markets within Europe. The 2018 event is hosted by The Basque Government, The Provincial Government of Biscay and Bilbao City Council, with the support of Aena. Industry experts will explore the major challenges and opportunities for Europes aviation sector in a series of conference sessions, including: How Brexit will impact the aviation industry as Britain seeks to negotiate its exit from the EU, how terrorism is affecting tourism growth and the rising dominance of low-cost carriers in the European market. High-profile speakers include: Alex Cruz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, British Airways; Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer, bmi Regional; Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive Officer, Edinburgh Airport; Rafael Schvartzman, Regional Vice President, International Air Transport Association (IATA); Maribel Rodriguez, Regional Director of Europe and LATAM, World Travel & Tourism Council. Since the inauguration of the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao in 1997, the Basque Countrys tourism industry has experienced significant and sustainable growth and now accounts for more than 6.1% of the regions GDP. Bilbao Airport welcomed more than 4.9 million passengers in 2017, a figure that is expected to rise again in 2018. Low-cost carrier Volotea aims to develop four new routes to Vienna, Malta, Palermo and Malaga. Our hosts are committed to improving air connectivity of both Bilbao and the wider Basque region, in order to support their rapidly growing tourism and industrial sectors. said Steven Small, Brand Director of Routes. Continuing, he stated: Hosting Routes Europe will provide them with the opportunity to showcase Bilbao Airport and also the regions small airports, San Sebastian and Vitoria-Gastiez, to key decision makers from Europes aviation community and the growth opportunities the region has to offer. Alfredo Retortillo, Minister of Tourism, Commerce and Consumption of the Basque Government, said: Hosting Routes Europe 2018 in Bilbao positions Euskadi in the European spotlight, where new connections are valued and decided on in the medium and long-term. This is a unique opportunity to showcase our capacities and infrastructure to the regions key decision makers, as well as the attractions of the Euskadi-Basque Country as a destination for travellers. Arantxa Tapia, Minister of Economic Development and Infrastructures of the Basque Government, said: Routes Europe is an opportunity to showcase Euskadi-Basque Country to the world as a highly connected territory and promote the destination to the people that decide where the regions aircraft fly. It will allow us to demonstrate the potential of Euskadis airports, due to their strategic location in south-west Europe, with the added value of a complete and effective intermodality, thanks to all our infrastructures: ports, roads, railway network and logistics platforms. Unai Rementeria, General Councillor of the Provincial Government of Provincial Government of Biscay, commented: Welcoming events, such as Routes Europe, is possible thanks to the fact that our territory has all it takes to be the best stage for this type of globally important event. Bizkaia is currently one of the most attractive places in Europe for doing business, starting up or visiting, thanks to the work we are doing to connect Bizkaia to the world, one of the strategic axes the Regional Council focuses on. Juan Mari Aburto, Mayor of Bilbao, said: We welcome the future impact of increased air connectivity that Routes Europe will bring. It represents an exceptional opportunity to position ourselves as a first-rate tourist destination and as an incentive to improve the connectivity of Bilbao with the world, either with the high-speed train, using the railway network, via the port or via the airlines that opt and will opt for the Bilbao airport. Reuters reports that Amazon is in talks with Brazilian passenger airline Azul for e-commerce deliveries, quoting two "sources with knowledge of the matter" and calling it the "latest sign of the retailers big plans in Latin Americas largest economy". Reuters added: "It also shows that the US e-commerce company is serious about overcoming the nations notorious logistical challenges, including shoddy roads, security problems and a national territory greater than the continental US." Representatives for Azul declined to comment. Amazon told Reuters it did not comment on rumors or speculation. Azul, the largest airline in Brazil by number of cities served, offers 766 daily flights to 104 destinations, with an operating fleet of 122 aircraft. Only last week, Azul announced that it is to lease two Boeing 737-400 freighters to support the rapid growth of its cargo business unit, Azul Cargo Express. Both aircraft are expected to be delivered during the second half of this year. Details of the lessor are not available. In December 2017, Brazils postal service Correios and Azul announced that they were joining forces to create a logistics platform to serve the Latin American nations e-commerce sector, allowing "the expansion of logistics services and products to locations not yet attended. Activities are expected to begin in the first half of 2018, after the approvals from government authorities. In late March this year, Azul said that it plans to expand its network by up to 35 new cities "in the coming years in various regions of Brazil, as well as to select international destinations". Azuls shareholders include Hainan Airlines wth 22.6% and United Airlines Inc (Calfinco), with 3.9%. Read more cargo e-commerce logistics news Share this story Auburn is one of three college towns gaining a new location for Hilton's midscale hotel brand. Tru by Hilton has opened a 98-room hotel off Interstate 85, about four miles from Auburn University's campus. It is the chain's first location in Alabama. The hotel chain has also added hotels in Tallahassee, Fla., and Madison, Wisc., their first "college town properties," the company announced. It also plans to add hotel openings in urban, suburban, resort and interstate locations. Tru currently has 42 locations around the U.S. Alexandra Jaritz, Tru by Hilton's global head, said the brand looks to spread to more college towns. "When families visit their children away at college, they want an inviting place to stay with proximity to the university campus and downtown area," Jaritz said. Among the features of Tru by Hilton are a complimentary build-your-own "Top It" breakfast bar, fitness center, a 2,880-square-foot lobby, and a 24/7 "Eat. & Sip." market with gourmet snacks and drinks, including single-serve wine and beer. Tru is part of Hilton Honors, the guest-loyalty program for Hilton's 14 hotel brands. For many, the wonders of the ancient world remain just that - wonders with which most will only dream of being able to interact. AL.com reporter Ben Raines, however, proves with his 2017 documentary "The Underwater Forest" that the secrets of the prehistoric past can sometimes be uncovered right before us. In the film, Raines explores a half square mile cypress forest discovered sixty feet underwater off the coast of Alabama in the Gulf of Mexico. Now, nearing a year anniversary of the film's release to the public, Raines will appear in Birmingham at the Lyric Theatre, 1800 3rd Ave. North, for a showing of the groundbreaking program. The film received the distinction of being chosen as The American Filmatic Arts Awards' Best Ecological Short Documentary and netted Ben Raines the Alabama Filmmaker Award at the Fairhope Film Festival. Additionally, the film received national attention from media outlets such as the Washington Post, the New York Times, CBS News, NPR and NBC News. In the film, Raines and a host of scientist examine the forest, believed to be a glimpse into the geography of Earth 60,000 years ago during an ice age. With this up-close look, experts ponder what the forest means for the future of humanity and the world we occupy. The event will be hosted by the Alabama Coastal Foundation and This is Alabama on Monday, May 14, with screenings offered at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Following the film, Raines will participate in a Q&A session with attendees. Admission is free, but an RSVP is required for attendance. To reserve your spot, visit the ACF site, where donations are encouraged for entry. For more information on the event, visit the Facebook event page for the night's activities. AL.com file photo/Julie Bennett Kay Ivey, Tommy Battle to head to Japan for Toyota, Mazda meeting Gov. Kay Ivey and Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle -- one of Ivey's rivals in this summer's Republican gubernatorial primary -- will lead a delegation next week of Alabamians to Japan for meetings with Toyota and Mazda officials. "We're going to say thank you to Toyota and Mazda," Ivey said during a visit to Huntsville last Friday. "They've been to see us several times so I'm returning their hospitality. So we'll go and see them." Battle said he and the governor will be in the same meetings. "When it comes down to recruiting industry and working together to recruit industry, we're all on the same team," he said. Don't Edit Montgomery runnin' on Dunkin' Dunkin' Donuts is expanding in Alabama with seven new stores in the Montgomery area, it was announced Monday. An existing Alabama franchisee is planning to open the first two new locations next year. Read more about the sweet news here. Don't Edit Courtesy Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce Mobile Chamber names new economic development VP The Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce has tapped David Rodgers as the group's vice president of economic development. A Mobile native, Rodgers previously served as the chamber's senior project manager for economic development. Don't Edit New group created to promote Mobile-Tensaw Delta The Alabama Delta Alliance has been formed to drum up publicity of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta. The group launched a website, www.AlabamaDelta.com, to raise awareness of the delta and promote tourism from kayakers, hunters and fishing enthusiasts. Don't Edit Mark Almond/malmond@al.com Horse-drawn carriages making a comeback in Birmingham The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday passed legislation to bring back horse-drawn carriages to the Magic City. "We have a beautiful city. We have a gorgeous city," said Magic Tours owner Frank Tate. "A car ride is just a car ride. A carriage ride is something different. You can sit back and really enjoy the city." The company is set to begin offering the rides in the second or third week of May. Don't Edit Don't Edit Lawrence Specker/LSpecker@AL.com Mobile's Water Street construction behind schedule Nearly a year after Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimson broke ground on the construction along the city's Water Street corridor, the work is behind schedule. The construction was originally expected to be completed by the end of the year, which now seems unlikely. The work is being done to ease congestion and includes installing new traffic signals and adding bicycle lanes. Don't Edit Joe Songer | jsonger@al.com ServisFirst Bancshares announces earnings Homewood-based ServisFirst Bancshares announced its first quarter earnings on Tuesday. The company reported net income of $32.6 million for the quarter ending March 31, compared to $22.5 million for the same quarter in 2017. Among the highlights: Diluted EPS increased 43 percent from 42 cents to 60 cents year over year. Loans and deposits increased 15 percent and 11 percent, respectively, year over year. Quarterly cash dividend increased 120 percent, as previously announced. Don't Edit Premiere Cinemas Construction start date nears for Birmingham luxury theater Premiere Cinemas could start construction on a luxury movie theater in Birmingham as soon as June, the company announced Tuesday. The theater would be the Magic City's first with reclining seats. Don't Edit First U.S. Bancshares buying The People's Bank Thomasville's First US Bancshares, Inc. announced today that it is acquiring Rose Hill, Va.-based The Peoples Bank, a deal which will result in an institution with almost $800 million in assets. Under the terms of the agreement, First US Bancshares will acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of The Peoples Bank and then merge The Peoples Bank into First US Bank. Don't Edit Hyundai planning usage-based insurance for its drivers Hyundai Motor America has announced a plan to bring usage-based insurance to its drivers, which it says will mean lower premiums in the future. Hyundai is working with Verisk, a data analytics provider in insurance, financial and energy financial services, among other fields. According to Hyundai, the company is now part of the Verisk Data Exchange, which means it will supply Verisk with driving data via the Blue Link connected car service, from car owners who consent. Hyundai Motor America has announced a plan to bring usage-based insurance to its drivers, which it says will mean lower premiums in the future. Hyundai is working with Verisk, a data analytics provider in insurance, financial and energy financial services, among other fields. According to Hyundai, the company is now part of the Verisk Data Exchange, which means it will supply Verisk with driving data via the Blue Link connected car service, from car owners who consent. Don't Edit Don't Edit AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma Starbucks to temporarily shut 8,000 stores for racial bias training Starbucks said it plans to temporarily close 8,000 stores so it can conduct racial bias training for some 175,000 employees after the trespassing arrests of two black men inside a Philadelphia store ignited protests, the Associated Press reported. Starbucks said the closings will take place on May 29. When Fred Reed is reminded that he's 97 years old, he seems bewildered. "I'm kind of old, ain't I?" he says with a laugh. He and his wife, Lelia Roberts Reed, celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on April 12. They still use terms of endearment for each other like "Mama," "Daddy," "sweetheart" and babe," and they hold hands, sneak kisses and wink at each other just like you can imagine them doing when they married at the Mobile County courthouse in 1943. On their anniversary last week, the couple's five children - Jim, who lives in California; Vernon, who lives in McIntosh; and Lamont, Yvonne Mathews and Hazel Thomas, all of whom live in Mobile - plus three more they raised as their own, Sabrina Smith, Wanda Portis and Charles Burno, gathered at the couple's small, tidy home in Mobile's Maysville community, where they've lived for nearly half a century. Together, the family enjoyed a lunch of fresh pond catfish from McIntosh, where Fred and Lelia grew up, plus beef brisket. There was cake for dessert. On the coffee table, a houseplant had been delivered from a local florist with heart-shaped "Happy Anniversary" balloons. A vase of red roses adorned the dining room table. "I'm so happy to have them all around me now," Fred says of his close-knit family. "I never thought I'd live this long," says Lelia, who's 94. Though they're both natives of McIntosh, they didn't meet until they each wound up living with relatives in Prichard. He was smitten upon first sight of her, but Lelia played hard to get and almost lost his attention. According to family legend, she thought he hadn't tried hard enough. Eventually, they started dating, and Fred proposed to her on Fisher's Alley off Davis Avenue. But then they had to face Lelia's tiny but mighty mother, Clara. Fred was leaving to serve in World War II and was being ordered to India. Clara wanted them to wait until after he returned, but they married anyway. He was in the U.S. Army for two years before returning to his new bride, who worked as a teacher, cook and custodian at a schoolhouse in McIntosh. After the war, Fred bought a shotgun house in the Down the Bay community of Mobile. He had a long career in civil service, and Lelia worked in a restaurant. They also ran Reed's Cafe on Monroe Street for several years. After retirement, they started their own cardboard collection business, which they operated into their late 80s. The Reeds have always been a musical family, and they've served as a deacon and deaconess in their church. Among the treasures displayed on top of their piano is a plaque that reads, "Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it." "His thing is that piano and singing," says his son, Lamont, who lives nearby and calls himself his parents' chauffeur. Fred learned to play piano when his children were young. He still plays piano at his church, Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist. When his daughter Yvonne was three years old, she and her father performed at churches and around the Southeast as Deacon Reed and Little Yvonne. Fred was also a member of several gospel groups. He founded the Reed Harmonizers, a quartet that included his son Lamont, who remembers playing at BayFest and First Night Mobile. The Reeds' daughters Yvonne and Hazel still perform with Nu Image, a women's contemporary gospel group. "I'm proud of them, myself," Fred says of his family. "God has blessed them because they've always done what they were supposed to do," says Lamont. "I've never heard them argue, never. They demonstrated their love for us and showed us how it's supposed to be." The Reeds says that God is at the center of their marriage and is the key to its longevity. "When one of us gets overheated, the other one shuts up," says Lelia. "We love and share in everything." "What's mine is hers," says Fred. "I have never and never will fight my wife. Love keeps me with loving hands not hurtful ones." On Sunday, they celebrated again with their church family, as some 125 people gathered for a luncheon at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist. They were presented a proclamation from Sen. Vivian Davis Figures acknowledging their anniversary, and Mobile City Councilman C.J. Small declared it to be "Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reed Day." "God's been good to them," says Lamont. "They're blessed." Two Oxford motel owners face multiple charges for possible wrongdoing and safety hazards at their business. Authorities on Tuesday announced the arrests of Hasmukahlal Dalpatram Panchal, 65, and Bharatkumar Bhailalbhai Patel, 53. Oxford police Capt. L.G. Owens said the investigation is ongoing and he can't release details but said many of the charges are self-explanatory. The reckless endangerment failure to maintain charges stem from the possible safety hazards. The businesses have been shut down. Panchal is the owner and operator of Liberty Inn at 101 Hamric Drive East. He is charged with 12 counts of reckless endangerment and 12 counts of duty of hotel owner to maintain. He was arrested April 6, and later released on $12,000 bond. Panchal is set to appear in Oxford Municipal Court on May 8. Hasmukahlal Dalpatram Panchal Patel, the owner and operator of Budget Inn at 1501 Barry Street, was arrested Tuesday. He is charged with eight counts of reckless endangerment, eight counts of duty of hotel owner to maintain, two counts of promoting prostitution and two counts of soliciting prostitution. Patel's bond is set at $20,000. He is set to appear in Oxford Municipal Court on May 15 and Calhoun County District Court on May 22. Owens said the agencies participating in the investigation include the Oxford Police Department, the Oxford Fire Department, City of Oxford Building Inspectors and the Alabama State Fire Marshal's Office. Four firms were selected to help finance the $300 million expansion of the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. The BJCC board of directors on Wednesday selected Raymond James and Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. to serve as the co-senior managers and Loop Capital Markets and Securities Capital Corp. to serve as managers. The book running manager is Raymond James. The board also approved a resolution authorizing the executive committee of the board to approve pricing of the bonds on the day of offering. "It is two wins for our community," said Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said. Three of the firms have Birmingham area offices and two of them are minority-owned. Ahead of Wednesday's meeting the mayor spoke out about his desire to see local firms hired to sell the bonds that will pay for the construction of the downtown stadium and Legacy Arena renovations. Woodfin was concerned about the perception of hiring a Wall Street firm. About 10 years ago four Jefferson County commissioners, and contractors, were found guilty on charges related to a pay-to-play corruption scheme in the construction and re-financing of a countywide sewer system. Wall Street-based firms in that deal wined-and-dined Jefferson County officials for their business. Loop Capital Markets and Securities Capital Corp. are minority-owned. Retaining these firms fulfills a request for at least 30 percent minority participation in the process from the city of Birmingham. Loop Capital Markets is headquartered in Chicago and doesn't have an office in Birmingham. The BJCC received 21 responses from underwriters to a request for proposals. The proposals were due April 16. The BJCC's financial advisors Rice Advisory and Porter White & Co. offered their recommendations for underwriters to the board of directors. The board accepted their recommendation. BJCC Executive Director Tad Snider said Raymond James and Stifel, Nicolaus & Co. "rose to the top as great choices to execute this underwriting" because they are local, they understand the operations of the BJCC and their fees for selling the bonds. The responses to the RFP weren't immediately made available to AL.com. Snider said the BJCC hopes to have the bonds ready to go to market by the end of June. "The idea is to get ready as quick as possible and then to make sure you are watching the market conditions, and you want to go right when the conditions are perfect," Snider said. "You get it ready and wait for the right day." Underwriters purchase the bonds and then resell them to the public or other investors. The BJCC Authority, Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and corporate partners are funding the construction of the $174 million stadium as well as more than $100 million in renovations to Legacy Arena and other improvements at the BJCC. A 3-percent tax on car leases and rentals in Jefferson County will also go towards the project. The entities' funding will largely go towards the debt service on the project. Construction on the stadium is expected to start before the end of the year. The board of directors also approved funding and project agreements from the city of Birmingham, which detailed the city's commitment to paying $3 million a year for 30 years to the debt service on the project. BJCC board of directors are: Dennis Lathem, JJ Johnson, Clyde Echols, Woodfin, Jimmie Stephens (president of Jefferson County Commission), Jay Roberson (who serves on the Birmingham City Council), Joe Sanders, Nick Sellers and Billy Marsh. The underwriter for the bonds that must be issued to help pay for a downtown Birmingham stadium and renovations of the Legacy Agency could be selected on Wednesday. This comes only two days after the request for proposals from underwriters were due to the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority and the authority's financial advisors Rice Advisory and Porter White & Co. According to the BJCC, 21 requests for proposals were submitted from underwriters. The names of the firms haven't been released yet. Underwriters purchase the bonds and then resell them to the public or other investors. The BJCC Authority, Birmingham, Jefferson County, UAB and corporate partners are funding the construction of the $174 million stadium as well as more than $100 million in renovations to Legacy Arena and other improvements at the BJCC. A 3-percent tax on car leases and rentals in Jefferson County will also go towards the project. The entities' funding will largely go towards the debt service on the project. Construction on the stadium is expected to start before the end of the year. The BJCC board of directors is set to receive the recommendations on the underwriter proposals from the financial advisors during its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, who is a new member of the board, said he hopes the board will select a local firm and not one from New York City. "I think there is enough local talent," he said. "We can support a good structured deal that doesn't hurt citizens." Woodfin said the corruption surrounding Jefferson County sewer bonds is still fresh on many Birmingham residents' minds. He said residents are dealing with high sewer bills because of the corruption. "I am concerned," he said, adding that he hasn't seen what firms submitted proposals. "It doesn't need to be a situation of here we come again when it comes to Wall Street." Four former Jefferson County Commissioners, and a number of contractors, were found guilty on charges related to a pay-to-play corruption scheme in the construction and re-financing of a countywide sewer system. This occurred in 2003 and 2004 and involved a Montgomery investment banker, a lobbyist, JP Morgan Chase and other entities. Among those convicted was former Jefferson County Commission president and Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford who was found guilty of soliciting more than $240,000 in cash, clothing and jewelry as part of a conspiracy to funnel county financial business to two of his friends. Current BJCC board of directors are: Dennis Lathem, JJ Johnson, Clyde Echols, Woodfin, Jimmie Stephens (president of Jefferson County Commission), Jay Roberson (who serves on the Birmingham City Council), Joe Sanders, Nick Sellers and Billy Marsh. BJCTA interim director Christopher Ruffin In the midst of a self-described "crisis," both internally and externally, in the wake of the suspension of its executive director earlier this month, the Birmingham Jefferson County Transit Authority Executive Director is turning to a familiar name in an effort to calm the storms. Ann August, who previously served as BJCTA's executive director from 2013 through 2015, may be returning to the organization as a consultant. The BJCTA Board, which suspended current BJCTA executive director Barbara Murdock earlier this month "pending a full investigation" into the usage of the BJCTA credit card, passed a resolution on Wednesday during its Committee of the Whole meeting to retain August as a consultant supporting interim director Christopher Ruffin. The resolution will be voted on again at the Board meeting next Wednesday. "We have projects on the table now, and we need to get up and walk," said Ruffin, who asked that August be retained. "I can do the job, but no man is an island. I would like someone to oversee me, watch what I am doing--someone with professional pull. "This is not done out of sheer anger or to hurt anyone," he added in a passionate plea. "I want the best for the BJCTA. We need this for morale." The resolution called for August, who most recently served as interim executive director of the Central Midlands RTA in Columbia, SC, to be paid an amount not to exceed $65,000 for a six-month period. The vote was, not unexpectedly, contentious and, for a time uncertain. Board member Kevin Powe vehemently objected to the amount of money being spent, while Board member Johnnye Lassiter concurred, wondering which other firms were considered. "I have nothing against August," Powe said. "We've already been spending a lot of money. I'm just not comfortable with it." "I, too, am concerned," Lassiter said. "Ann August is not the only game in town. who else was considered?" Board chair Ruby Davis said the two other firms considered were SkyeConnect and Agency 45. "[August] will have specific goals and duties and will report to the Board each month," Davis said. "She'll be held accountable." Four Board members voted to pass the resolution: Davis, Donald Harwell, Martin Weinberg and Ted Smith. Poe and Lassiter opposed it. The boards two newest members abstained. It was initially announced that the resolution failed, with the mistaken belief that the two abstentions counted as "nos." However, following a 20-minute executive session, it was announced that the by-laws required a simple majority of the actual votes and that abstentions did "not count either way," according to Board attorney Ryan Wilson. Thus, the final vote was 4-2-2. Board member Patrick Sellers was not present. August left under confusing circumstances, announcing her "retirement", effective immediately, in October 2015, saying she was leaving because her contract, which ended on December 31, 2015, was not going to be renewed. That January, Lassiter was ousted as Board chair after August read a long list of examples of Lassiter allegedly improperly interfering in day-to-day operations. "I did not come to Birmingham to bring harm to the employees, the board of directors, customers, agency or the community at large," August said before a meeting packed with MAX employees and bus riders, according to AL.com. "I came here to work in a professional environment, in cooperation with the board of directors, employees and the community." August said she would resign if the issues were not addressed. A motion was quickly made to remove Lassiter, the Bessemer representative, and approved 6-2. The action prompted cheers from the audience. Lassiter was replaced as chair by Sellers. Later that year, however, August announced she was "moving on" because her contract was not going to be renewed. "That's the bottom line," she said at the time. "She is definitely not being forced out," Sellers said at the emergency meeting at which August announced her departure. However, then Birmingham City Council member Kim Rafferty said at the time: "I am particularly disappointed in the people who were chosen to represent Birmingham on this board who failed this city. This is the saddest day for the future of Birmingham," Rafferty said. Murdock, then August's chief of staff, was named interim executive director until being hired for the position in August 2016. On April 3 of this year, Murdock was suspended without pay during a special call meeting, pending the results of an investigation into the potential "unauthorized use" of a BJCTA credit card, according to BJCTA attorney Deborah Walker. One of those charges was a $477.25 payment for Murdock's personal Alabama Power bill with a BJCTA credit card in September 2017. She reimbursed the authority in November 2017. The investigation is being conducted by the state's Attorney General's office. Rod Cooks, Murdock's lawyer, meanwhile, wrote a letter to the board in which he stated his client "was ambushed at the special meeting convened last Tuesday and was not afforded an opportunity to respond to the serious allegations leveled against her." In the letter, dated April 10 and obtained by AL.com, Cooks requests a list of the alleged infractions and an "opportunity to respond." He further asked that Murdock's "pay and all other benefits associated with her employment be reinstated pending resolution of this issue." As of this writing, the Board had yet to respond to the letter. Although no Board members will comment for the record (under strict orders from the AG's office and the authority's own attorneys), the suspension has created a clear rift, with allegations and being levied from all fronts. Moreover, with its history of short-lived executive directors--five (including interims) in eight years-- the perception of the authority externally has also been further tainted--hence the hiring of August, which Ruffin and some Board members hope will quell at least some of the tension and taint. During August's tenure, the BJCTA initiated several major projects, including construction of the intermodal transit facility, which opened on February 21. The authority also began adding wireless internet access and GPS trackers to buses. Judge Robert Vance Sr. When Judge Robert Vance Sr. received a package at his Mountain Brook home on the afternoon of Dec. 16, 1989, he thought it was from his colleague, Judge Lewis Morgan on the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Vance placed the package on his kitchen table to open it. His wife, Helen, sat across from him. As he opened it, a pipe bomb with gunpowder and nails for shrapnel exploded. The blast instantly killed Vance and seriously injured his wife. "At first I was angry. I was angry and frustrated," said Vance's oldest son, Bob Vance Jr., who is now a circuit judge in Jefferson County. "And of course for a while I had those questions. Who did this, Why did he do it?" Bob Vance recently sat down with Al.com for an interview about his father, the investigation, and why he won't witness this week's execution of the man convicted in the bombing. As of Wednesday morning, Walter Leroy Moody was in a holding cell by the death chamber at Holman Correctional Facility waiting to see if a court will block his execution by lethal injection at 6 p.m. Thursday. The 83-year-old Moody, the oldest inmate on Alabama Death Row, maintains he didn't kill Vance. But in 1991, a federal jury convicted Moody of 71 charges related to the pipe-bomb murders of Vance and Georgia civil rights attorney Robert E. Robinson, who also was killed in a blast two days after the judge. That federal trial was held in Minnesota. Moody was placed on death row after a jury convicted him of capital murder and recommended 11-1 that he be put to death after trial in Alabama five years later. The judge Robert S. Vance Sr. was born in 1931 in Talladega. But his family moved to Birmingham and he graduated Woodlawn High School. He graduated from the University of Alabama School of Law and began practicing law in Birmingham in the early 1960s. "He was very much a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement," Bob Vance said of his father. "He got involved in politics and eventually he was elected as chair of the Alabama Democratic Party, I believe in 1966." He and George Wallace did not see eye to eye on issues such as Civil Rights, Vance said. "So they butted heads quite a few times." In the mid-1970s his father struck up a friendship with Jimmy Carter, Vance said. When Carter became President he appointed Vance Sr. to the old Fifth District U.S. Court of Appeals, which later was split to create the 11th Circuit. Vance Sr. served on the appeals court from 1977 until his death twelve years later. "He was a great storyteller and he had the ability to really tell fascinating stories about what he was doing. That's why I wanted to be a lawyer," Bob Vance said. Vance said his father would set aside his personal beliefs as a judge and just simply follow the law. "The biggest lesson I learned from my dad was, again, just do what the law tells you to do." That also applied when dealing with a few death penalty cases while on the bench, including notorious serial killer Ted Bundy in Florida. "He really struggled with death penalty cases because personally he was opposed to the death penalty," Vance said. "But he had to put aside his personal beliefs as a judge and just simply follow the law in handling those cases." While his mother, who died in 2010, was not a supporter of the death penalty, she one time quipped that she might "make an exception in this instance," Vance said. Victims' families are allowed to witness executions, but Vance won't be there. "I also struggle with the death penalty. I'm very conflicted by it," Vance said. Vance is running this year for Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court. But he said he wants to keep the execution a private matter and keep politics out of the election. He says he is hesitant to come out and say one way or the other about whether he personally supports or opposes the death penalty. But he hopes Alabama could have a continuing discussion about it. As a judge, he said he must follow the law. When Moody was convicted and placed in prison, that represented closure for him and his family, Vance said. "He (Moody) would not have the ability to hurt anyone else," he said. Moody did reach out to Vance in January after the Alabama Attorney General's Office asked the Alabama Supreme Court to set an execution date. In a one-page hand-written letter Moody proclaimed his innocence. "Had my dad been murdered, I would want to know who had done it," he wrote in the letter was attached to a hand-written appeal to the Alabama Supreme Court. But after attending the federal and state trials, Bob Vance says, "I came away without a doubt that they got the right guy." Motive Since Moody has never confessed what was his motive in targeting Vance? "That's one of the real frustrating things about it because it's almost a random chance. The madman picks you out for some reason that only he and God knows and there's no rhyme or reason to it," Vance said of his dad's murder. "Why my dad?" Revenge is the only motive prosecutors could come up with for Moody picking out a federal judge. Moody was angry over his conviction and sentence in an earlier case also involving a bombing, according to federal court documents. Prosecutors claimed that in May 1972, a bomb exploded in Moody's home in Macon, Ga. "The bomb, contained in a package addressed to a car dealer who had repossessed Moody's car, exploded when opened by Moody's wife. Moody was convicted in federal court in Macon for possessing the bomb, although he was acquitted of manufacturing it, and he served three years in federal prison." "Moody eventually became obsessed with overturning his 1972 conviction," the federal court document stated. "He devised an elaborate story to shift the blame to a mythical "Gene Wallace," who Moody had claimed at trial had been attempting to assist him in regaining possession of his car and was responsible for the bomb." Moody paid a destitute young handicapped woman and paid her in small monthly installments to learn a fabricated story before Moody sought to overturn his 1972 conviction, according to the federal court summary. A lower federal court denied his petition and then a panel of three 11th Circuit judges (Vance was not one of them) affirmed the denial in June 1989. The entire court in August 1989 refused his request for a review before the entire court. At that point, the federal appeals court stated, "Moody began to prepare to do battle with the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals." The appeals court described it this way: "Moody first attempted to produce deadly war gases. Moody dispatched his girlfriend, later wife, Susan McBride, whom he had physically and emotionally abused for over nine years, on a series of journeys to purchase the items needed. Moody was unsuccessful in producing the gases, and instead constructed and mailed a tear-gas package bomb to the NAACP Regional Office in Atlanta. The bomb exploded on August 21, 1989 and engulfed NAACP employees in clouds of choking gas. That day Moody sent out a "Declaration of War" to this court and television stations across the country. These letters accused this court of deliberate misconduct and "rank bias," and threatened poison gas attacks against American cities. Emboldened by his bombing, Moody began constructing explosive devices for use against this court and others in the fall of 1989. He again sent McBride on various missions and was able to get his friend Ted Banks, in Titusville, Florida, to do the basic metalwork that was required to construct the pipe bombs to Moody's precise specifications. Moody constructed four powerful package bombs." Besides the deadly packages sent to Vance and Robinson, pipe bomb packages were also sent to the Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP and to the 11th Circuit Clerk's Office. Moody then mailed letters threatening assassinations in the name of a fictitious anti-black organization, "Americans For a Competent Federal Judicial System," the appeals court document stated. One reason why Moody may have targeted the NAACP may have been due to his case having been denied by the federal appeals court on a technicality, Vance said. Too much time had lapsed after his 1972 conviction before he filed an appeal, he said. There are other cases where there is no statute of limitations, Vance said. "One of those being in civil rights cases," he said. Investigation Investigator inside judge's house after pipe bombing Dec. 16, 1989 (Joe Songer| jsonger@al.com The investigation into Judge Vance's death, however, didn't lead straight to Moody. An Enterprise man, Robert Wayne O'Ferrell, was first wrongly identified as a suspect. O'Ferrell's life was turned upside down in 1990 as hundreds of FBI agents tore up the junk dealer and part-time Baptist preacher's property - and septic tank - searching for evidence. Local, state and national news reporters descended on the city - following him and his family around. Moody and his wife had bought a typewriter - one linked to the typed labels for the mail bombs - from O'Ferrell's store and the FBI for a time considered O'Ferrell a suspect because of that link, according to court documents and news accounts of the trial. Another link to Moody came from fingerprints found on paper inside the bomb intercepted at the NAACP chapter office in Jacksonville, Fla., an investigator testified at Moody's trial. The prints were matched to a teenager working at a print shop in Kentucky where Moody's then wife testified she had made copies on her husband's behalf. Vance also said one of the things that led investigators to Moody was an ATF agent remembering that the pipe bombs that killed his father and Robinson were similar to the bomb in Moody's earlier case. "One of the ATF agents recognized the bomb. Apparently bombs are like fingerprints to some extent," Vance said. "We're so indebted to the law enforcement folks - federal, state, local law enforcement all coming together to work on this case and they were so committed to spending night and day investigating every lead and they kept us apprised of everything as it was going on." Ronnie Owens Davis is charged with murder in a deadly April 10, 2018 shooting in Center Point. A 34-year-old Birmingham man has been charged with murder after his friend was shot to death during a drug deal in Center Point. The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday announced the charge against Ronnie Owens Davis. He is charged in the April 10 killing of 30-year-old Gavan Jamal Averhart. Deputies responded about 3:20 p.m. that Tuesday to a report of a shooting on Hillview Lane. They, along with Center Point Fire and Rescue, arrived to find a small vehicle stopped in the middle of the street with both doors open and the driver's window shattered by gunfire. Area residents said they heard shots fired and then saw one person - a passenger - run from the vehicle that was stopped in the middle of the street. He collapsed in a nearby yard. He was rushed to UAB Hospital by Center Point Fire and Rescue in critical condition. Authorities found the wounded Averhart still in the driver's seat of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A gun, illegal drugs and cash were found in the vehicle with the slain man. While on the scene, Christian said, deputies learned a third man had arrived at St. Vincent's East by private vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds. His injuries weren't life-threatening. That third man - 23-year-old De'Erin Ward of Center Point - was questioned by detectives. He alleged that Averhart and Davis picked him up at an apartment complex near the shooting location to buy heroin from him. They drove to Hillview Lane to conduct the transaction. Once there, Averhart and Davis tried to rob Ward. That's when Davis, the passenger, pulled a gun and shot Ward in the backseat. Ward then also pulled a gun and fired back, striking both people in the front seat. A friend picked up Ward and took him to the hospital. Sheriff's detectives presented the case to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office. On Tuesday afternoon, the arrest warrant was issued formally charging Davis with murder under the Felony Murder Rule. Under Alabama law, a person can be charged with murder if they are participating in a felony crime that results in death, whether or not that person actually pulled the trigger. Christian said Davis was also found to have several outstanding felony warrants for failure to appear in court and probation violations. He was transferred from the hospital to the Jefferson County Jail where he remains held with no bond. Both Ward and Davis are convicted felons. Christian said detectives will review the case with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to seek federal charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and using a firearm during the commission of another felony against both. Retired Bishop David Foley, former head of the Catholic Diocese of Birmingham from 1994-2005, died Tuesday night, the diocese announced. Foley had been battling cancer. He died at 7:01 p.m., April 17, at the St. John Vianney Residence for Priests. He was 88. Foley was hospitalized on Feb. 25. The Birmingham diocese, which includes 90,000 Catholics in north-central Alabama, maintains a high profile in the Roman Catholic Church worldwide as home to Eternal Word Television Network. "All of us at EWTN are saddened by the death of the Most Reverend David Foley who served the Diocese of Birmingham as Bishop for over a decade," said Michael P. Warsaw, chairman and chief executive officer of EWTN Global Catholic Network. Warsaw said he had known Foley since he was a pastor in the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C., 30 years ago. "Throughout his life and wherever his service to the Church took him, he was always known for his keen intellect, pastoral sensitivity and powerful preaching," Warsaw said. Bishop Foley sent out a hand-written open letter earlier this month. Foley had been an occasional on-air personality for EWTN, which gave him some national TV exposure. "During his time as Bishop of Birmingham, he served as a member of the EWTN Board of Governors," Warsaw said. "He also took great joy in hosting 'Pillars of Faith', a weekly live call-in television program that examined the Catechism of the Catholic Church from cover to cover." Foley was also a long-time friend and associate to Mother Angelica, the nun who founded the international network based in Irondale. "Despite their occasional disagreements, when Mother Angelica suffered her stroke and brain hemorrhage in 2001, Bishop Foley was one of the first to be at her bedside and he remained a frequent visitor to pray for her," Warsaw said. "He never wavered in his respect for all that Mother had accomplished and was always supportive of the Network she founded. May God reward him for his life of service to the Church, and may he rest In peace." Pope John Paul II assigned Foley to Birmingham in 1994 after Foley had been named an auxiliary bishop in 1986 and served in Richmond, Va. Foley sent out a handwritten open letter to the diocese on April 5 as he knew he was approaching death. "Our Lord Jesus Christ has blessed me through you in the outpouring of love," he wrote. A Huntsville capital murder suspect claims she was in the woods praying, crying and smoking when 3-year-old Livia Robinson was killed in a drive-by shooting, an investigator testified. Brittany Kingston claims she got out of the suspect vehicle at some point before her boyfriend gunned down the toddler on Murray Road last month, according to police. But investigators say that explanation doesn't make sense. Huntsville police investigator Frank Rosler tesified during Kingston's preliminary hearing that her boyfriend and co-defendant told investigators she was in the car when shots were fired at Livia's home the evening of March 7. Charged along with Kingston are her boyfriend Martin Evenes and Dominique Russell. Investigators have identified Evenes as the shooter, Russell as the driver, and Kingston as a backseat passenger. They were driving around looking for Ashley Brown, a friend of Livia's mother, following an ongoing fight over a Facebook joke, Rosler testified. The plan was to shoot Brown, according to the investigator. "Ms. Kingston said she was generally upset because she didn't want to be involved anymore," Rosler told the judge today. Kingston claimed that before the shooting she was dropped off somewhere -- the exact location is unclear -- Rosler testified. "She said she went into the woods, cried and prayed," Rosler said from the witness stand. "She saw someone smoking, and she went and smoked with them." Madison County District Judge Patty Demos didn't believe that explanation, either. She ruled prosecutors have enough evidence for probable cause, sending Kingston's case to a grand jury for consideration of an indictment. Police have said Livia wasn't the target of the shooting that happened at her 615 Murray Road home in north Huntsville that evening. She was hit by a bullet that was intended to kill Brown, Rosler testified. The shooting stemmed from an ongoing dispute between Brown, Livia's mother, Evenes and Kingston. During questioning, Evenes initially denied any involvement in the shooting. Rosler testified that Evenes eventually admitted his own role, as well as those of Kingston and Russell. Russell -- who brought the gun that Evenes used -- also admitted driving the car, according to testimony. Rosler testified that Russell picked up Evenes and Kingston at an apartment complex on Mason Court, then they drove around looking for Brown. After the shooting, Russell drove the couple home, and he returned to his house on Ninth Avenue. When interviewed by police, Russell hadn't yet found out that a little girl was killed. Once he found out about the child death, Russell handed over the gun to investigators, Rosler said. The gun was hidden under the mattress in his bedroom. During prior court hearings, judges have found probable cause against Russel and Evenes. Now, a grand jury will now consider the evidence against all three suspects. The jurors will be tasked with determining what, if any, charges they should face. Until then, Evenes and Kingston are held in the Madison County Jail without bail. Russell remains jailed, though a judge on Monday agreed to set bail in his case. Tim Gann, Madison County's chief trial attorney is prosecuting the case with Assistant District Attorney Robin Drake. Kingston is represented by appointed lawyers Cecilia Pope and Brian Clark. If convicted of capital murder, the suspects face either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. The challenger to U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks for the Republican nomination in June wants a series of debates with the longtime congressman. Clayton Hinchman on Tuesday said he has sent a letter to Brooks challenging him to debates in each of the five counties in the 5th Congressional District across north Alabama. "The major issue of doing a debate is to actually to talk about solutions to problems," Hinchman said Tuesday in an interview with AL.com. "That's the major issue. On a lot of the issues, we know where the problems are. It's how we solve those problems. "I think once the people get to know me - the team player I've always been in the military and the business community - you have to build consensus to solve problems. And I think they'll see my approach is very different than Mo's solutions, or lack of solutions, has been." Brooks, who is seeking a fifth term in Congress, did not immediately respond to a request for comment from AL.com. Hinchman, who announced his candidacy 11 months ago, is an Iraq war veteran who lost his right leg when he stepped on an IED in 2008 during a night raid to kill or capture al-Qaida operatives. He started a technology business in Huntsville in 2012 and sold it to Ignite in 2016. Hinchman is now Ignite's chief marketing officer. Brooks and Hinchman are seeking the GOP nomination in the June 5 primary. The winner will face Democrat Peter Joffrion in the Nov. 6 general election. "We both have different perspectives on how to serve the people of north Alabama," Hinchman wrote in the letter to Brooks. "There are critical issues facing our region and voters deserve to know where we stand on those issues and to be able to ask us questions directly." While Hinchman said he would defer to Brooks on the dates for the debates and split any costs, the challenger asked for a format that would include half the questions come from the audience and half from a moderator that both candidates would agree on. Hinchman also requested the debates last 90 minutes "or until everyone has had an opportunity to ask a question." Brooks participated in a debate against independent candidate Mark Bray prior to the 2014 general election. Clayton Hinchman letter to Mo Brooks by pgattis7719 on Scribd As Americans mourn the passing of a former First Lady and mother to another president, one Alabama woman is remembering the moment she got wedding day advice from Barbara Bush. Nannette Smith Sheaffer, a native of Pell City, now lives and works in Birmingham. Sheaffer met Bush on June 24, 1995, the same day she was getting married in Kennebunkport, Maine. "She was exactly, and more, than I expected her to be," Sheaffer said of Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92. "She was just delightful." Because of a family connection, Sheaffer spent summers working in Maine during her college years at the University of Alabama. An aunt and uncle who lived in Maine told her of a job at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport, the longtime home to the Bushes. George H.W. Bush, vice president under Ronald Reagan, served one term as president from 1989 through 1993. Sheaffer said she met the president several times while working at the hotel, where Bush would occasionally come for a meal. Townsfolk were largely deferential to the Bushes, she said, and the president could occasionally be seen in his boat out on the water. Wave at him, and he might wave back, she said. Mrs. Bush, however, wasn't seen out as much. When not working, Sheaffer and other staffers at the hotel stayed in a dorm. "Those were the most magnificent summers I have ever had," she said. She resolved that, when she got married, the ceremony would have to take place at the Colony Hotel in Kennebunkport. Fast forward to 1995. Sheaffer was getting married, and needed her hair done. It was early in the morning, with only the salon staff there. As she was getting her hair washed, several men came in, dressed in suits. They were Secret Service agents. Sheaffer she said was aware of something going on, but her view was only of the ceiling while her head was in the wash bowl. Then, sitting down in the next seat, was Barbara Bush. "I thought, 'There's Barbara Bush! It were her head in the bowl. I was totally aghast. This was really happening," she said. As it turned out, Bush would attend a family wedding that morning at St. Ann's Episcopal Church in Kennebunkport. She thought Sheaffer might be there as well, as she was getting an "up do." "She asked me was I doing something special that day, and I responded by saying 'I'm getting married today!" Sheaffer said. "That's when she beamed. She was so pleasant. She just talked and talked." Bush, whose marriage to the former president lasted 73 years, had just celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary. Sheaffer said she gave "grandmotherly advice." "She said never go to bed angry, and don't worry about what's for dinner," Sheaffer remembered. "I thought, that's cute. I can't imagine the last time she had to cook a meal." For about 20 minutes, the two chit-chatted, talking about the Colony Hotel. Then Sheaffer had to go. "I'm divorced now, but she said, 'I hope you have as long and happy a marriage as I've had,'" Sheaffer said. Then Bush hugged her and posed for a picture with her hairdresser. "Honestly, I had my hair in an up-do. I had on one of my ratty old button down shirts. I was in kind of a hurry. I had no makeup on. I didn't want to remember what I looked like for posterity," she said. Later, when people asked what the highlight of her wedding day was, she would say it was meeting Barbara Bush. Sheaffer said, with Bush's passing, she thinks on the richness of her life, and the easy way she had of sharing it with others. "To think somebody could live and could be that happy with someone for that long is amazing," she said. "It's sad, because it doesn't happen often." For the twelfth year in a row, Alabama's voluntary First Class Pre-K program was named as providing the highest quality state-funded pre-kindergarten program in America during the 2016-2017 school year. The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) released those findings in their 2017 State of Preschool Yearbook, an annual report on the quality of state-funded early childhood education programs across the country. According to the report, more than 1.5 million three- and four-year-olds attend state-sponsored pre-K programs in 43 states, the District of Columbia and Guam. "NIEER's endorsement of the state's voluntary First Class Pre-K program is another sign that the investments state leaders have made in early childhood education will have a strong return," said Allison Muhlendorf, the executive director of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance. Nearly 14,700 four-year-olds were enrolled in a First Class Pre-K classroom according to the report. The program, overseen by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, currently serves nearly 17,000 students, or 29 percent of all eligible four-year-olds, in 941 classrooms. The map below shows the location of those classrooms across Alabama. The number indicates how many First Class Pre-K classrooms are located in each Alabama county. Alabama, Michigan and Rhode Island were the only three states who met or exceeded all ten benchmarks used to determine program quality. Those benchmarks are a minimum standard and include criteria such as having a class size of 20 or fewer students, having a teacher with a four-year college degree who also has specialized training in pre-K, holding appropriate training for teachers and staff, and having a ratio of not more than 10 children to every staff member. Click here for NIEER's Alabama profile, which includes a list of all 10 benchmarks. "Quality early education is the most critical social justice issue out there," said Mark Shriver, CEO of Save the Children Action Network and Senior Vice President of U.S. Programs and Advocacy at Save the Children. "Quality early learning programs are among the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty and ensure equal opportunity for all children." Alabama lawmakers allocated an additional $18.5 million for next year that, combined with the federal Preschool Development Grant, will allow the program to add at least 100 classrooms and 1,400 students across the state. According to the report, Alabama spent $4,594 per preschool student for the 2016-2017 school year. Spending on students in K-12 averaged around $5,800 per student that year. Alabama was also featured in the report as one of six states to watch due to the program's ability to maintain quality while expanding. NIEER's Senior Co-Director Steve Barnett, speaking with reporters, said, "Alabama has its priorities right. Quality is what is going to not only help kids the most but ensures that the Alabama program continues to grow." Barnett added they would like to see a date set for when the state's preschool program will serve all eligible four-year-olds, but said the actual date is less important than the action of setting it. The program has been popular with lawmakers, expanding slowly year over year from its inception in 2005 with $4.3 million in funding. Since 2013, it has more than tripled the percentage of eligible four-year-olds served, from 9 percent to 29 percent in the current school year. "The most important force has been the state political leadership's consistent commitment to both high quality and expansion to reach all children and families," the report states. "Alabama demonstrates what can be accomplished when leadership maintains high-quality preschool as a priority over the long-term." In addition to NIEER's findings, a recent study of Alabama third graders found that students who participated in the state's First Class Pre-K program are more likely to be proficient in reading and math than their peers. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama in conjunction with the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Researchers found that First Class Pre-K: Narrowed the gap in reading proficiency by 28 percent for all children in poverty; 32 percent for white children in poverty; 31 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; and, 26 percent for black children in poverty. Narrowed the gap in math proficiency by 57 percent for all children in poverty; 71 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; and, 37 percent for black children in poverty. Increased reading proficiency for children in poverty by 12 percent overall; 25 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; 23 percent for black children in poverty; and, 3 percent for white children in poverty. Increased math proficiency for children in poverty by 13 percent overall; 17 percent for Hispanic children in poverty; 16 percent for black children in poverty; and, 10 percent for white children in poverty. A complete breakdown of the research on Alabama First Class Pre-K outcomes is located at this link. State Rep. Jack Williams, R-Vestavia Hills, and lobbyist Marty Connors, former chairman of the state Republican Party, pleaded not guilty in federal court today in Montgomery to charges related to their alleged role in a bribery scheme. Williams and Connors are accused in connection to legislation in 2016 that would have benefited Trina Health, a business that licensed clinics that gave intravenous insulin treatments. The bill, which did not pass, would have required insurers to cover the treatment. Trina Health owner G. Ford Gilbert of California also appeared in court in Montgomery today and also pleaded not guilty in the case. U.S. Magistrate Judge Charles Coody scheduled the trial for Sept. 4. Attorney Joe Espy, left, with Marty Connors, after Connors entered a not guilty plea today in federal court in Montgomery. Connors issued this statement after today's arraignment: "I am innocent of the charges that have been made against me. I have worked hard to conduct myself in the most honorable way possible, in a way that my family, friends and colleagues can be proud of. I built not only a life here, but a reputation. The charges against me are totally unfounded, and will be vigorously defended. I appreciate so much the continued and overwhelming support from my family, friends and clients, and I expect to be fully vindicated at the conclusion of this unfortunate and troubling event." The indictment of Williams, Connors and Gilbert issued by a federal grand jury says another Alabama lawmaker, former House Majority Leader Micky Hammon, R-Decatur, was paid by Trina Health and had a part ownership in the clinics, and that Williams and Connors were aware of Hammon's ties to the business. Hammon pleaded guilty to mail fraud in September for using campaign funds for personal expenses and was removed from office. In February, U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sentenced Hammon to three months in prison or ordered him to pay $50,657 in restitution. Hammon is not charged under the current indictment. The charges are felonies that carry penalties of up to 20 years. Williams had previously denied wrongdoing and said he plans to remain in the Legislature until his term ends later this year and to continue his campaign for the Jefferson County Commission. After today's arraignment, Williams' attorney, Jake Watson, said he was confident the evidence would show Williams is innocent. "Just a reading of the indictment shows that Mr. Williams was carrying out his role as a legislator and we intend that the evidence will show that and we expect that the jury and the court to see that," Watson said. "He came down here to Montgomery as a public servant and he's dutifully carried out that role throughout his service." A reporter asked Watson what he thought the motivation was for the prosecution. "I'm not going to guess what their motivation is but I think it all relates back to Micky Hammon," Watson said. "And I think we're going to get to the bottom of that, too. You know, folks make stuff up to save their own hide. They'll exaggerate, and they'll manipulate. And, I think we're going to show a pattern of that by Micky Hammon." Stephen Shaw, an attorney for Hammon, declined comment. Attorney Richard Jaffe of Birmingham is representing G. Ford Gilbert of California in the federal bribery case in Montgomery. Gilbert pleaded not guilty today. Birmingham attorney Richard Jaffe represented Gilbert in court today. "I have never represented a more adamant client about his innocence. I will guarantee you that, and that's a lot of clients over 40 years," Jaffe said. The three men are released under restrictions until the trial. According to the indictment, Trina Health began doing business in Alabama about 2014, with the first clinics in Foley and Fairhope. An investor seeking to open more Trina Health clinics in Alabama recruited Hammon to help establish one in the Birmingham area and gave him an ownership interest, the indictment says. The indictment says Hammon received thousands of dollars from Trina Health and affiliated companies and that Gilbert offered to pay a large debt owed by Hammon. The Trina Health-affiliated clinic opened in Hoover in September 2015, with Gov. Robert Bentley cutting the ribbon at an opening ceremony. But the clinic and other Trina Health-affiliated clinics in Alabama faced a major obstacle. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services had determined that the intravenous insulin treatments did not have a proven health benefit. Based on that finding, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, the state's largest insurer, did not cover the procedure. The indictment says Gilbert drafted a bill to require Alabama insurers to cover the treatment and that Connors was hired to lobby for the bill. The indictment says Hammon told Gilbert and Connors that it would be illegal for him to be overtly involved in the legislation and suggested they recruit Williams to help with it. According to the indictment, Williams met with Gilbert and promised to get the bill assigned to the House Commerce and Small Business Committee, which Williams chaired. Williams later presided over a public hearing on the bill. Gilbert spoke in favor of the bill during the hearing, while a doctor for Blue Cross Blue Shield spoke against it. The committee did not approve the bill, HB 415, which was sponsored by Rep. Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga. Johnson is not charged in the indictment. The indictment alleges that Gilbert tried to get Hammon to support another bill during the 2017 session while offering to pay some of Hammon's debts. It says Hammon refused to support another bill. The Trina Health-affiliated clinics in Alabama closed last year. This story was updated at 2:27 p.m. with not guilty pleas and updated several more times. An Alabama state representative is calling for a federal investigation into the death of Prichard man at the hands of a police officer in November 2017. Napoleon Bracy (District 98) has called on the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division to look into the death of Lawrence Hawkins, 56, after a Prichard Police Officer killed him during a traffic stop. Hawkins was unarmed. "At the end of the day, that's an alarming concern in our community, that people are being killed and they don't have weapons,' said Bracy in the letter. "It's always, 'I thought I saw something.' What can we do to make sure the community is safe, in situations like this. I mean the police are here to protect and serve." The review has been turned over to the Mobile District Attorney's division for further review, according to Mobile DA Ashley Rich, who spoke with Fox 10 Tuesday evening. Bracy also intervened after the 2016 shooting of teenager Michael Moore. An investigation was launched but no fault was found with the officer's conduct. Bracy has said that he wants every officer-involved shooting to be investigated by the Alabama Bureau of Investigations. He said that local agencies, who ordinarily take on such investigations only police themselves. And that, he said, is a huge problem. President Donald Trump has ordered flags to fly at half-staff in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush. Bush died April 17 at age 92. First Lady Melania Trump will attend Mrs. Bush's funeral service in Texas on Saturday, White House officials said. The White House's statement on Bush praised her selflessness and commitment to her country. Text of the statement is below: "On this solemn day, we mourn the loss of Barbara Bush, an outstanding and memorable woman of character. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, Mrs. Bush was an advocate of the American family. Mrs. Bush lived a life that reminds us always to cherish our relationships with friends, family, and all acquaintances. In the spirit of the memory of Mrs. Bush, may we always remember to be kind to one another and to put the care of others first. As a mark of respect for the memory of Barbara Bush, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, on the day of interment. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same period at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-second." WASHINGTON - The Internal Revenue Service announced late Tuesday that it will let taxpayers submit tax returns without penalty through Wednesday, after a long day of technical problems that fueled confusion about what is already one of Americans' most frustrating interactions with their government. A computer glitch at the IRS knocked offline the agency's ability to process many tax returns filed electronically, a stunning breakdown that left agency officials flummoxed and millions of Americans baffled. Senior government officials were at a loss to explain what happened, even as close to 5 million Americans were expected to try to file their taxes before the midnight deadline. IRS officials did not specify exactly what went wrong, saying only that they would undertake a "hard reboot" of their systems. By late Tuesday, the IRS said its systems were back online, and taxpayers could proceed to file returns through the end of Wednesday. Taxes had been due on Tuesday, April 17. (That was two days later than the usual tax-due date, April 15, which fell on a Sunday. Monday was Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.) "This is the busiest tax day of the year, and the IRS apologizes for the inconvenience this system issue caused for taxpayers," said the agency's acting commissioner, David Kautter. The embarrassing episode recalled other high profile government technology breakdowns, such as the challenging launch of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, and raised fresh questions about whether the IRS, which has long complained of antiquated computer systems, is prepared for the massive overhaul that is required by last year's sweeping tax cut law. Each year, millions of Americans are required to file tax returns by mid-April for money they earned the prior year. The process can be a financially and administratively painful one, but the IRS is supposed to have sophisticated computer systems that can process millions of last-minute filers. That process faltered between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Tuesday. It wasn't immediately clear how many people were affected or could still take advantage of the one-day delay in the filing deadline - but IRS officials said taxpayers wouldn't have to do anything special to take advantage of the postponement. Many filers who use online tax preparation software like TurboTax or H & R Block or pay their taxes directly to the IRS online were affected. The vast majority of tax preparers, such as accountants, are required to file taxes electrically. The IRS is often at the center of political fights in Washington, with Democrats calling for more funding so the agency can do its job while Republicans had for years worked to pare it back before agreeing to fund the agency at higher levels earlier this year. The IRS has faced steady budget cuts for nearly a decade, with its staff size falling by about 18,000 employees from 2010 to 2017 and a recent report showing it can answer only about 60 percent of calls from tax filers. The IRS is working to implement changes from a sprawling overhaul of the tax code that Republicans passed in December. The agency has been working with businesses to make sure they are withholding the correct amount from workers' paychecks, as well as rolling out online tools that workers can use to ensure their employers calculations are correct. "The IRS is highly vulnerable to IT breakdowns and cyberattacks," said Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union, a nonpartisan group that has pushed for changes to the IRS. Members of Congress also expressed frustration with the agency's performance. "Unfortunately, it's another example where they're not capable of dealing with the volume," said Sen Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who has called for reforms at the IRS partly because of the agency's technological shortcomings. "This is game-day for the IRS, and it seems the IRS can't get out of the locker room," said Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., noted the agency's budget has been repeatedly cut in recent years, which he said he believes could have contributed to the problems. "While we don't yet know what has caused this systems failure, the lack of Republican funding for the IRS to serve taxpayers will only compound the issue. Americans should not be punished for being unable to file their tax returns or pay their tax bills today," said Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the IRS. IRS officials were caught surprised by the breakdown Tuesday morning. "On my way over here this morning, I was told a number of systems are down at the moment," Kautter told lawmakers at an oversight hearing Tuesday morning. "We are working to resolve the issue and taxpayers should continue to file as they normally would." "If we can't solve it today, we'll figure out a solution," Kautter said. "Taxpayers would not be penalized because of a technical problem the IRS is having." Tuesday's outage caught at least one White House official off guard. Larry Kudlow, President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, appeared not to know about the problems when asked about them shortly after noon on Tuesday. "The IRS is crashing?" he said, repeating a reporter's question. "It sounds horrible. It sounds really bad. Hope it gets fixed." #TaxDay Update: #IRS provides an extra day for taxpayers to file and pay their taxes following system issues. File by midnight, April 18, 2018: https://t.co/tQhSeGzubp IRS (@IRSnews) April 17, 2018 A spokeswoman for Intuit, the company that owns the TurboTax software, said Tuesday before the delay was announced that taxpayers should continue as normal. "Taxpayers should go ahead and continue to prepare and file their taxes as normal with TurboTax," said spokeswoman Ashley McMahon. "TurboTax has uninterrupted service and is available and accepting e-filed returns. We will hold returns until the IRS is ready to begin accepting them again." The IRS has more than 60 different IT systems for managing the cases of individual taxpayers, according to a report submitted to Congress by an internal IRS watchdog. Many of them have not been updated in decades, and two of them are nearly six decades old - the oldest anywhere in the entire federal government, the report said. In testimony last October, two senior IRS officials warned the agency's systems were at high-risk. "We are concerned that the potential for a catastrophic system failure is increasing as our infrastructure continues to age. Thus, replacing this aging IT infrastructure is a high priority for the IRS," wrote Jeffrey Tribiano, deputy commissioner for operations support, and Silvana Gina Garza, chief information officer, in prepared testimony. For several hours Tuesday, an erroneous page linked to in the IRS' online payment section described a "Planned Outage: April 17, 2018 - December 31, 9999." In his testimony before Congress Tuesday, Kautter said the IRS had prioritized the core filing system in its technology spending. While Republicans had previously favored scaling back the IRS, the party supported more recently efforts to better support the agency. Congress approved $320 million in short-term funding to help the agency implement the new tax law as part of the massive budget deal it passed in March, but many lawmakers say more funding is needed. The House is scheduled to vote this week on a bipartisan bill making major changes to the agency, including by beefing up free tax advisory programs for the poor and by giving taxpayers several new rights and protections. (c) 2018, The Washington Post. Jeff Stein, Damian Paletta and Mike DeBonis wrote this story. The Washington Post's Erica Werner, Ellen Nakashima and Anne Gearan contributed to this report. The Mobile-Tensaw Delta, the massive tangle of waterways and wetlands northeast of Mobile, has a new marketing campaign. On Tuesday, supporters including Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, State Rep. Randy Davis of Baldwin County and Britton Bonner, a Mobile attorney known in part for economic development work, unveiled a new group, the Alabama Delta Alliance, and a new website, www.AlabamaDelta.com. The slogan: "See the Delta. Explore the Delta. Know the Delta." The site's main focus is to promote the wonders of the Delta and provide information that makes them more accessible to people interested in ecotourism, hunting, hunting, fishing, kayaking and other recreational pursuits. One prominent feature, for example is a comprehensive map of boat launches, parks and other public attractions in the Delta and along the coastline of Mobile Bay. It offers detailed information on access points that might otherwise be obscure even to residents of the region. Stimpson said the Delta was a "well kept secret like a lot of other assets we have in the area." Echoing other supporters, he said the Alabama Delta Alliance's work would have a range of benefits, from making area residents more aware of the unique natural resource in their own backyard to feeding the growth of ecotourism that could benefit the area's economy. "I'm delighted with what I think the Alliance is going to do." The 40 or so initial alliance members do include a few organizations with an explicit interest in preservation, including the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Alabama Wildlife Federation and the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program. However, the bulk of its backers are industrial and business entities, ranging from Alabama Power, the Alabama State Port Authority the Alabama Pulp and Paper Council, the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce down to individual restaurants. During Tuesday's announcement, Rep. Davis came the closest to mentioning any pressures on the ecology of the Delta, referring to streambed restoration projects and other restoration work done over the last decade. "Working together with business and industry and in this environment has always been a balance, and a healthy balance that we've tried to work for and to work with. And I've never found any of our industries that did not take that as a first priority," he said. The website is up and running as of Tuesday. Among other points of interest is an invitation to join the Alliance and receive updates and further details on the group's plans. "It's important to protect the many natural resources and the vast biodiversity that exists in the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta," the invitation reads. "By getting involved in our effort, you're ensuring that we can continue to enjoy these important lands all throughout this region." A shooting in downtown Mobile is currently being investigated by law enforcement Tuesday afternoon. The shooting took place at 701 North Joachim Street outside of an industrial building owned by the Alabama Scrap Metal company. Police are concentrating on a white vehicle with a large dent in its left rear door. The victim was transported to hospital with non-life threatening injuries. Police are currently giving no further information on the shooting and it's unknown if anyone is under arrest. By the end of the day on Friday, Alabama will have a new schools chief, the third permanent superintendent in a little more than two years. And for the third time in a row, Jefferson County Superintendent Craig Pouncey applied for that top job. Things are different this time around, though. Pouncey is locked in a defamation lawsuit against Alabama Board of Education member Mary Scott Hunter, R-Huntsville. And Hunter is one of those who will vote on the next leader of the state's department of education. Whether the battle between the two will have any impact on Pouncey's chances remains to be seen. "I don't consider the appointment of the superintendent to be an issue with the lawsuit or vice versa," attorney Kenneth Mendelsohn said. Pouncey has no plans to change or drop the lawsuit, Mendelsohn said, regardless of whether he is appointed superintendent on Friday. Cumberland School of Law Professor John L. Carroll told AL.com he sees the two issues, the lawsuit and Pouncey's candidacy for the position of superintendent, as "two parallel but very separate tracks." "The facts are very unusual," Carroll said. "The lawsuit really is a personal lawsuit about his good name and what happened to him," he said. "The other [issue] is 'I'm trying to become state superintendent.'" In the lawsuit, filed in February of 2017, Pouncey alleges Hunter and Alabama State Department of Education attorney James Ward defamed Pouncey to keep him from being named state superintendent in August 2016. The case is set for trial in December after attempts at mediation failed. Mendelsohn said, "I don't think [the lawsuit] should be a factor one way or another" on the board's consideration of Pouncey for the state superintendent's position. Pouncey has a right to file the lawsuit, he said, adding, "I would hope the board and the Governor would not let that be a factor." Questions are also being raised about whether Hunter can be fair and impartial given Pouncey's lawsuit against her. Hunter is one of eight elected board members and Gov. Kay Ivey, who serves as Board President because of her position, who will vote on one of four finalists after interviews are conducted on Friday. In addition to Pouncey, the other finalists are School Superintendents of Alabama Executive Director Eric Mackey, Hoover City Schools Superintendent Kathy Murphy and former Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott. After Pouncey was named a finalist on April 13, Hunter said, "I'm not aware of any reason to recuse myself, and I'm not planning to do that." Hunter, first elected to the board in 2010, is not running for re-election to her board seat. She will face a primary challenge in June for the District 7 Senate seat representing Madison County in north Alabama. Her term on the board ends in January. Mendelsohn said it wasn't his or Pouncey's call to ask Hunter to recuse herself from the final decision on Friday. "If she thinks she can be fair on it," he said, "then that's only a call for her to make." Carroll said this could be seen as similar to when there is a concern over whether judges can be impartial in a case that comes before them, the judge will typically recuse themselves. With no governing regulations addressing this situation, Carroll said, "I think it really is a good opportunity to look back when all of this is said and done at what changes the state agency might want to make." It's unclear how much the lawsuits are costing taxpayers. Pouncey's original lawsuit named three additional defendants, interim Superintendent Philip Cleveland, General Counsel Juliana Dean, and staff attorney Susan Crowther. Montgomery Circuit Judge Roman Shaul dismissed Cleveland, Dean, and Crowther from the suit in January. Three different law firms were hired to represent the five defendants at a cost of $195 per hour. Balch and Bingham were hired to represent Dean, Crowther and Ward. Copeland, Franco, Screws and Gill were hired to represent Hunter. Lightfoot, Franklin and White were hired to represent Cleveland. A second lawsuit involving state department attorneys spun off from an internal investigation conducted by staff attorney Michael Meyer at former Superintendent Michael Sentance's request. In his findings, presented to the state board in June 2017, Meyer concluded that the five original defendants in Pouncey's lawsuit conspired to malign Pouncey to keep him from getting the state superintendent's job. General Counsel Dean and staff attorney Crowther denied the claims and filed suit against staff attorney Michael Meyer in November, alleging Meyer misrepresented facts in that report to further his personal career within the department. Attorney John Saxon was hired to represent Meyer at a rate of $195 per hour. A hearing to determine whether the case should be dismissed is set for May 1 in Montgomery. The way the anonymous allegations against Pouncey were handled also sparked an investigation by a Senate committee that resulted in the Alabama Ethics Commission changing its procedure for identifying the target of an ethics complaint. Sen. Gerald Dial, R-Lineville, and former Democratic Sen. Quinton Ross co-chaired a legislative committee that met from November 2016 through the following July that investigated how the Alabama Ethics Commission handled confidentiality when investigating an ethics complaint. In July 2016, Commission Attorney Hugh Evans confirmed in writing to Dean that Pouncey was the target of an ethics complaint. That letter was published by the Alabama Political Reporter two days prior to the board's vote to appoint Sentance as superintendent. Dial said that publicity around the complaint likely kept Pouncey from getting the job. The Ethics Commission ultimately changed its procedure to keep the identity of the target of an investigation confidential. In July, Dial turned over findings from the committee to the Alabama Bar Association. Dial did not return a call from AL.com seeking a request for an update on his report to the state bar. Whether any of the resulting actions stemming from the anonymous allegations against Pouncey last time come into play during the current superintendent search remains to be seen. Mendelsohn said he is happy that Pouncey advanced from one of seven semifinalists to one of four finalists. "Truthfully, he should have gotten it last time," he said. The board meets at 10 a.m. on Friday to interview each of the four finalists and will vote after interviews are concluded to appoint the next superintendent. Each summer, tourists flock to coastal Alabama and clog the roads leading to the sugar-white sands and towering condominiums of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. And each summer, as the bumper-to-bumper jams stretch longer and longer, city and county officials plead for federal or state help to build more roads. "All of south Baldwin County is growing, certainly from Spanish Fort south, it has grown dramatically," said Mike Thompson, city administrator in Foley. In Alabama, there are 11 so-called "urbanized areas" which have been designated as metropolitan planning organizations. The areas allow public officials ability to apply for grants and secure federal tax money to assist in expensive road construction projects. But coastal Alabama is noticeably absent from the list because it has lacked population counts in previous decades. Now, local leaders are angling to change that and are eying the 2020 Census count as their key tool. Leaders in all three south Baldwin cities - Foley, Orange Beach and Gulf Shores - want to see a new coastal planning organization created following the 2020 Census. A group of elected leaders recently met with U.S. Rep. Bradley Byrne, R-Fairhope, to discuss their request. Only one of the three cities lies within an existing road-planning entity: Orange Beach, along with portions of unincorporated Lillian. That slice of coastal Alabama is part of the West-Florida Transportation Planning Organization, an arm of the West Florida Regional Planning Commission that's dominated by public officials from the Pensacola area. "I don't even know why we are in the Pensacola group," said Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon. Said Foley Mayor John Koniar: "It's kind of squirrely." Florida dominance Orange Beach was added into the Florida-based TPO, with approval from transportation leaders in both states, in 2012. Gulf Shores wasn't added because it's population core isn't contiguous with Orange Beach, according to Gary Kramer, a planner with the Florida-Alabama TPO. Although the two Alabama beach cities are neighbors, they're separated by the 6,500-acre Gulf State Park. Baldwin County and Orange Beach are each allowed to have voting members on the TPO, which meets regularly. A recent meeting in Milton, Florida - a more than one-hour drive from Orange Beach - illustrated why coastal Alabama is pushing for its own transportation planning group. During the TPO's Milton meeting, members heard stirring testimony from homeowners on Canal Road in Orange Beach who oppose the construction of an $89 million state-funded bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. The TPO was slated to endorse the bridge in its long-range transportation plan. But Alabama's only two TPO representatives - Orange Beach City Councilman Jerry Johnson and Baldwin County Commissioner Charles "Skip" Gruber - were absent. Others present were all from Florida, and they expressed reluctance to vote on an hotly disputed project on the other side of the state line. The matter will come back before the TPO in June. "That was the right thing to do," said Johnson, who said he was absent from the meeting because he was speaking before a Realtor's group in Robertsdale. "I will be there in June, and we will get it added to the long-range transportation plan." Johnson said the bridge's addition into the plan is "a procedural thing" and that no federal money is expected to be added. He said the project is entirely financed by the Alabama Department of Transportation, though it's also the subject of a heated condemnation case between the state and the operators of a nearby toll bridge. "I've been on the TPO board for three to four years and 98 percent of the time, I'm voting on Escambia County or Santa Rosa County or Gulf Breeze projects," said Johnson, referring to the Florida areas that dominate the group. Seventeen of the 19 voting members on the group are from Florida. "In Orange Beach, we have a bridge project in the long-range transportation plan and we have some sidewalk projects, street lighting," said Johnson. "We have a few projects in there." 'Good for area' To qualify as an urbanized area, the Alabama coastal region must have a population of over 50,000 in a generally adjoining area. In 2010, the population fell short of the standard. Since then, population growth is surged. Foley and Gulf Shores have each experienced a 20 percent jump in population, while Orange Beach has grown by 10 percent. According to 2016 Census figures, the three cities have a combined population of 35,277, but that's before adding in the surrounding communities and outlying suburban tracts. In the meantime, the area has seen annual record tourism since the 2010 BP oil spill, packing the roads from central Baldwin to points south on warm weather weekends. Both Gulf Shores and Orange Beach agreed last year to increase their lodging taxes to help pay for road projects. Orange Beach officials plan to dedicate their revenues for a new Wolf Bay Bridge, which has been described as an "economic development" project connecting the city near Doc's Seafood with an undeveloped area called Sapling Point. The Alabama Department of Transportation's controversial bridge, meanwhile, would be located about two miles west of the toll bridge next to The Wharf. Thompson, with Foley, said having the entire coastal Alabama area under the same transportation planning umbrella will help in communications for future projects such as the ALDOT bridge. "That project, for example, is entirely outside the city of Foley but it affects Foley," said Thompson. "We haven't been privy to the discussions between ALDOT and local legislative leadership on where that project's footprint is located. So we'd have a better understanding of projects Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are working on and they'd have a better understanding of the projects we are working on." He added, "With a TPO, you are segmenting money and leveraging that funding with additional state and county funds and those sort of things. It gives you a base of dollars to move forward with transportation needs." Among the present needs is widening work along Alabama 59 - the main north-south corridor leading beach-bound tourists from Interstate 10 toward Gulf Shores. "It would be good for our area," said Gulf Shores spokesman Grant Brown. Added Kennon: "We need our own group to express and fight for our needs." document Thematic areas and Case Studies 1. Drug resistance 2. Insecticide resistance 3. Driving innovation (Google Earth, mobile technology, AI, drones) 4. Medical innovation 5. Malaria in complex settings 1. Drug resistance Anti-malarial drug resistance is a threat to malaria control and has significant implications for global public health. Resistance has a major impact on the cost of global malaria control due to the need for new drugs and the costs of treatment failures. ACT efficacy is threatened by the emergence of both artemisinin and partner drug resistance, typically resulting in less effective treatment. While there is evidence of artemisinin resistance in the Greater Mekong Sub region including Myanmar and Thailand, increased surveillance systems and improvements to health systems are minimizing the impact. Developing new medicines to address drug-resistance In partnership with various organisations, MMV is developing new combination therapies aiming to address the challenge of drug resistance by identifying molecules with novel mechanisms of action and antimalarial activity against all-known resistant parasite strains. The goal is also to have simpler dosing regimens to improve patient compliance to treatment, which will in turn protect against the development of drug resistance in the future. Last year, Novartis launched a patient trial for KAF156, a next-generation antimalarial compound with the potential to treat drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite. This work is done with scientific and financial support from MMV (in collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation). KAF156 is currently being tested with a new formulation of lumefantrine in a Phase IIb trial. Trial centers are operational in Gabon, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Uganda, Thailand, and Vietnam with Burkina Faso to be added in June. The trial will be run in a total of 15 sites across nine countries in Africa and Asia. In partnership with MMV, GSK researches potential therapies to address two pressing needs in malaria drug research: treatments for drug-resistant strains of the malaria parasite and treatments for Plasmodium vivax, the strain of malaria that is predominant in Asia and Latin America. Low adherence to current standard of care along with emerging resistances to ACTs, mainly observed in the Mekong region, have been identified as primary concerns. To contribute to address these needs, Sanofi is co-developing two compounds with MMV - OZ/Ferroquin (PhIIb): a single dose for uncomplicated Malaria Falciparum, active on resistant strains, and SAR441121 (pre-clinical). To pursue its contribution in achieving a world free of malaria, Sanofi continues investments to bring to market new drugs that meet WHO requirements. 2. Insecticide Resistance Evidence of resistance to four of the most commonly used insecticide classes used in long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS), has been found in all affected regions except Europe, with the majority being reported in the African region. Of the 76 malaria endemic countries that reported standard monitoring data for 2010 to 2016, resistance was detected in 61 countries to at least one insecticide in one malaria vector from one collection site. In 50 countries there was resistance to two or more insecticide classes.1 Resistance to pyrethroids the insecticide class used in all ITNs is widespread. The proportion of malaria endemic countries that reported pyrethroid resistance (of those that monitored for it) increased from 71% in 2010 to 81% in 2016; 16 of the 72 countries that monitored throughout this period did not detect pyrethroid resistance.2 The prevalence of confirmed pyrethroid resistance differed between regions and was highest in the WHO African and Eastern Mediterranean regions, where it was detected in malaria vectors in over two thirds of all sites monitored. Case studies IVCC NgenIRS, shaping markets & saving lives Addition of new product allows for improved resistance management through rotation while increasing competition SumiShield 50WG, the second 3rd generation indoor residual spraying (3GIRS) insecticide was added to the IVCC NgenIRS project, after WHO prequalification (PQ) listing in Oct 2017. This addition created much needed competition in the marketplace. Competition leads to lower prices and makes it possible for countries to implement sub-national rotation with a new class of chemistry for vector control, in line with the Global Plan for Insecticide Resistance Management in malaria vectors (GPIRM) and national insecticide resistance management (IRM) strategies. In 2018 half of NgenIRS partner countries will begin rotation with SumiShield 50WG. Actellic 300CS was the first 3GIRS product introduced and will now form part of the sub-national rotation strategies in African partner countries. In addition to the currently available products Bayer's 3GIRS product, Fludora Fusion is currently undergoing the final stage of trials required for WHO prequalification and evaluation by the PQ team will follow shortly after. BASF's Sylando 240SC is under WHO-evaluation. In partnership NgenIRS delivers on its mission The NgenIRS project, a 4-year $65.1 million Unitaid-funded market shaping initiative, launched in early 2016 to expand the use 3GIRS products. IVCC is working in partnership with the U.S. President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), The Global Fund, Abt Associates, PATH and African Malaria Control/Elimination Programmes and multiple insecticide manufacturers to deliver on this mission. Since 2016 NgenIRS has expanded the number of countries it supports from 4 to 14. As a result of co-payments and volume guarantees, malaria programmes in partner countries have been able to procure over 4 million units of 3GIRS at $15, a significant reduction from the $23.50 starting price in 2016. Over 1 million additional units have been procured by partners outside of the co-payment mechanism at a significant discount, in return for volume guarantees to manufacturers. As a result, implementing partners have been able to procure approximately 1.7 million additional units of 3GIRS and protect an estimated 15 million more people than would have been possible if they had been paying full price. Demonstrating the impact and cost-effectiveness of 3GIRS For products to be accepted by countries and implementation partners, evidence on their cost effectiveness and impact is imperative. A cluster randomized control trial, co-funded by the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI), is underway in Zambezia province, Mozambique. In addition, retrospective evaluations of the impact of IRS are being supported in Zambia, Mali, Ghana, and Uganda and will shed more light on the incremental cost and impact of IRS in these settings. Results from Mali show that in 2014, 3GIRS with Actellic 300CS was a good public health investment. In Baroueli District more than 250,000 people were protected and over 76,000 cases of malaria were prevented. In neighbouring Bla District, where both IRS and seasonal malaria chemoprevention interventions were rolled out simultaneously, preliminary analysis suggests a combined impact of these complimentary strategies. After suspending IRS in 2015 in Bla District, an area with high access to LLINs, a 70% increase in under-5-years-old malaria incidence rates was observed from 2014 -2015. This was significantly greater than the change reported from Baroueli District, where incidence rates remained the same. Planning for transition and sustainability The project is now in the process of planning with its partners for the transition of key NgenIRS-funded activities such as country-level and Africa-wide forecast consolidation, establishment of volume guarantees to manufacturers in exchange for reduced prices and the ongoing collection of data to evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of 3GIRS in order to ensure continued expansion of use within a competitive and sustainable market. (Source: IVCC) 3. Driving innovation Using Google Earth and smartphones to track malaria outbreaks DiSARM is a unique web application that uses Google Earth. Health workers in Botswana and Namibia are using it on tablets and smartphones to predict where malaria outbreaks will happen next. They can upload their own data on where and when malaria cases have been occurring and combine it with real-time satellite data on weather and other environmental conditions within Google Earth to pinpoint where new cases are most likely to occur. That way, they can get lifesaving tools to those who need them most -- spray insecticide, distribute bed nets or give antimalarial drugs just to the people who still need them, instead of blanketing the entire country. Pilots are planned for Zimbabwe and South Africa. Mobile phones improving community health care in Mozambique In Mozambique, Malaria Consortium is running a programme called upSCALE, which involves using an interactive mobile phone app that covers all community health services. The app supports community health workers to screen new-borns and children for signs of childhood illnesses (malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia), prompts them to check the child's vaccination status, and offers them treatment and referral recommendations as appropriate. Data is reported in near-real time to health officials, informing them of disease outbreaks and low stock levels. Alongside this, Malaria Consortium is working in collaboration with the Mozambican Ministry of Health and UNICEF to develop a digital strategy to strengthen health systems and community health delivery, which is to be scaled up in all provinces to create a national mHealth system led by the Ministry of Health. By doing so, Mozambique will be the first country to scale up a digital health strategy to this extent. Data mapping transforming the fight against malaria in Zambia Visualize No Malaria is an initiative of the Government of Zambia, PATH, the Tableau Foundation, and a number of other technology partners. Together, this coalition of tech companies are each applying their tools, resources and expertise in a united pursuit of malaria elimination. The result? Front line health workers are being armed with data visualization tools and analytical skills to improve reporting and to make informed decisions on managing malaria and deploying appropriate resources in their area. Using Artificial Intelligence to reduce malaria burden Zenysis Technologies, a Big Data and Artificial Intelligence software company headquartered in San Francisco, has developed a powerful analytics platform that allows governments of malaria endemic countries unprecedented insight into the best ways to reduce the malaria burden, to effectively allocate resources and ultimately save lives. The platform can be used to help governments identify areas of high risk with unprecedented precision, identify potential outbreaks months ahead of time, and save millions of pounds by intelligently allocating resources in a targeted, data-driven way. Zenysis is working with the Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia (FMOH) which can now generate insights on malaria control for all +800 districts individually within seconds. The platform also leverages Artificial Intelligence to generate district-level forecasts of malaria incidence in Ethiopia with single-digit accuracy, a significant new breakthrough with the potential to transform malaria control in Ethiopia and beyond. Zenysis is expanding its work into other malaria endemic countries in Africa Using drones to target insecticide spraying in Zanzibar Wales' Aberystwyth University and Zanzibar's Malaria Elimination Programme have partnered on an initiative that uses drones to survey malaria hot spots and identify the water-laden areas where malaria-carrying mosquitoes are likely to breed. A popular off-the-shelf drone, the DJI Phantom, captures images of the water bodies over a large area which are then used to create precise and accurate maps of potential habitats. The imagery can be processed and analysed on the same afternoon to locate and map water bodies. The next step is to bring the drone imagery to smartphones to both guide the insecticide spraying teams and track their progress. Instead of having only a general idea of where to go, sprayers can make a beeline for affected areas and report back when they're done. Drones, monkey behaviour and malaria London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine researchers are pioneering the use of drones for health and ecological research. They are being used to provide highly accurate information on changes to land, such as deforestation or changing types of agriculture to help understand the impact on the movement and distribution of people, animals and insects that carry disease. This is a significant innovation as drones can repeatedly collect detailed information in real time at relatively low cost. The Monkey Bar project in Malaysia is a large multi-disciplinary study into a malaria parasite which was previously thought to only affect macaque monkeys and is now increasingly found to be affecting people. The research, funded by The UK Research Council Living with Environmental Change Initiative, involves using a drone to map changes in human, mosquito and monkey habits and correlating how those changes affect human infection. Data gathered by the drone is being used alongside hospital cases, data on mosquito abundance and monkey and human movement to understand risks. In addition to Monkeybar, researchers are also exploring opportunities to map public health emergencies and estimating population sizes in hard to reach places. (more info https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2014/drones%20monkeys%20malaria.html Innovative financing partnership for malaria elimination in Asia Pacific, M2030 Eliminating malaria in Asia by 2030 is possible and M2030 is envisioned as a movement contributing to this goal. Launched by the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Alliance (APLMA), M2030 is a groundbreaking partnership that raises funds and inspires corporate action to end malaria in Asia. For the first time ever, consumers and some of the largest businesses in Asia are joining forces. By combatting malaria in their own countries, they address the regional problem posed by drug-resistant malaria before it becomes a global issue. M2030 partners include a select group of Asia's leading business, including Dentsu Aegis Network, the DT Group of Companies (Thailand), Shopee (the leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan), Tahir Foundation (Indonesia), Yoma Strategic Holdings (Myanmar) and The Global Fund. More M2030 partners are joining the movement. Partners gain the right to use the M2030 trademark and develop M2030 products and services. In return, they run consumer-focused campaigns and raise funds to end malaria in Asia. 100 per cent of funds raised by M2030 will go to The Global Fund to finance malaria programmes in the region. With M2030 partners and influencers, this initiative will raise millions of dollars for malaria programmes and reach at least 46 million people with M2030 campaigns. Source: M2030 campaign. For more information, visit www.m2030.org Web-based scorecard for African leaders The African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA) was launched in September 2009 and comprises 49 African heads of state and government working to end malaria by 2030. The ALMA Scorecard for Accountability & Action is a mechanism through which ALMA Heads of State and Government track progress on malaria control and tracer maternal, newborn and child health interventions within their own countries and across the African continent. It was developed at their request for a management tool to increase transparency and accountability around national action. In 2018, ALMA added neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) to the ALMA Scorecard. Following the success of the ALMA Scorecard for Accountability & Action, ALMA was requested by countries to support the development of country-owned, country-led accountability and action management scorecards for malaria control and elimination. Country Malaria Scorecards enhance accountability and drive action to improve performance for malaria, providing a tool to easily track and compare performance sub-nationally for key interventions, while enhancing performance transparency, strengthening accountability and encouraging action. With Head of State and Government, as well as Ministerial leadership, the scorecards at national, and subnational level help ensure African countries meet their targets. Hosted on a web platform and integrated in health management information systems, the scorecard is updated quarterly and gathers readily available data, identifies bottlenecks and captures action. This scorecard mechanism also supports country and partner collaboration and coordination to accelerate efforts to eliminate malaria. Performance is reviewed at the highest levels, including Head of State and Ministerial, and is increasingly disseminated to the public. For more details, please logon to www.alma2030.org. 4. Medical innovation Rectal artesunate product for children with severe malaria receives WHO approval Indian pharmaceutical company, Cipla Ltd, has received approval from WHO's Prequalification Programme for their 100mg rectal artesunate suppositories (RAS), for the pre-referral management of severe malaria. The approval will expand access to the drug and help save the lives of thousands of children who contract severe malaria. This much-awaited approval, achieved with support from Medicines from Malaria Venture and funding from Unitaid, will enable countries to procure the life-saving suppository with donor funds and distribute it to rural areas, where it is most needed. Severe malaria can kill within 24 hours if left untreated, and travel times to hospital can be long, particularly for children from remote rural communities. A single dose of RAS 100mg, given as soon as a presumptive diagnosis of severe malaria has been made, can halve the likelihood of disability and death for young patients living 6 hours or more from a health facility where they can receive recommended severe malaria treatment (WHO TDR 2009 study). This is life changing for children who do not have quick access to injectable artesunate. To date, Cipla has registered RAS in two high-burden countries and the dossier is under review in a further 14 countries. Close to 150,000 treatments have been distributed to countries by the company. For 2018, orders for RAS have been placed to supply close to a dozen high-burden malaria countries. https://www.mmv.org/newsroom/press-releases/who-provides-first-ever-approval-rectal-artesunate-product-severe-malaria First malaria vaccine to be piloted in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi A malaria vaccine, RTS,S, shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of developing malaria in young children, will move into pilot implementation in selected areas of Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, starting later this year. The three countries have achieved significant reductions in malaria mortality through the deployment of currently available prevention and control measures, but still face a substantial disease burden from malaria. They were also involved in the Phase 3 efficacy and safety trial of the vaccine. The country-led implementation programme is coordinated by the World Health Organization (WHO). Ministries of Health in each of the pilot countries will lead the vaccine introduction, supported by WHO and in collaboration with in-country and international partners, including PATH, a non-profit organization that also supported the development of the vaccine. GSK, which developed and manufactures the vaccine, is donating up to 10 million doses of RTS,S for use in the programme. Implementation plans call for RTS,S to be administrated to approximately 360 000 children annually in selected areas of Ghana, Kenya and Malawi, through their immunization programmes. WHO recommended pilot implementation to evaluate the feasibility of delivering the required four doses of RTS,S, the vaccine's potential role in reducing childhood mortality, and its safety in the context of routine use, before considering wider-scale introduction. Close Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox Top Headlines Africa Malaria By submitting above, you agree to our privacy policy. Success! Almost finished... We need to confirm your email address. To complete the process, please follow the instructions in the email we just sent you. Error! Error! There was a problem processing your submission. Please try again later. Pilot implementation will be complemented by additional studies, led by GSK, to continue monitoring the vaccine's safety and effectiveness in routine use. PATH is providing technical and project management support for the programme and is leading studies on healthcare utilization and the economics of vaccine implementation. First conceived in the 1980s, the RTS,S malaria vaccine has undergone a series of studies, including a Phase 3 efficacy and safety trial that involved approximately 15,000 infants and young children at 11 sites in seven African countries. Since the end of the Phase 3 trial in early 2014, the data generated on the vaccine have been reviewed by two leading health authorities. First, RTS,S received a positive scientific opinion from the European Medicines Agency, Europe's regulatory authority, in July 2015. Then, WHO issued a position paper in January 2016, recommending pilot implementation of the vaccine in selected areas of sub-Saharan Africa. RTS,S is the only malaria vaccine that has shown a protective effect against malaria among young children in Phase 3 clinical trials. The pilot in sub-Saharan Africa is an important step towards a vaccine being available alongside the tools currently recommended for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of malaria. https://www.gsk.com/en-gb/media/resource-centre/path-and-gsk-welcome-progress-toward-rts-s-malaria-vaccine-pilot-implementation-with-selection-of-countries-24-april-2017/# 5. Malaria in complex situations Complex situations, whether as a result of natural factors such as excessive rains, flooding or earthquakes, or human-made ones such as conflict and political crises, often disrupt service delivery, and the implementation of interventions. Where the ecological conditions are suitable for malaria, such situations often result in increased malaria transmission, disease and deaths. The burden of disease can be exceptionally high among the most vulnerable, such as children and pregnant women, especially when worsening nutritional conditions impair their capacity to fight the disease. Fears for malaria outbreak in Rohingya camps as Monsoon rains approach As the Monsoon season in Bangladesh is just weeks away, there are fears of a malaria outbreak amongst the estimated 650,000 Rohingya Muslims living in makeshift refugee camps in the Chittagong Hills and Cox Bazaar area of Bangladesh, who have crossed the border from Rakhine state in Myanmar. The combination of poor sanitation, emergency sub-standard housing and approaching rains provide the perfect conditions for a significant outbreak, especially amongst the large population of pregnant women and children under five. (Source: Malaria Consortium) Malaria and conflict in Borno State The eight-year conflict in Borno State in north-eastern Nigeria has had a huge impact on malaria in the country, destroying and damaging 60% of the health facilities and leading to the displacement of 3.7 million people, all of whom are at risk of malaria. In 2017 WHO estimated that half of the deaths in Borno state were due to malaria, more than all other causes of death combined. In collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health, WHO is now aiming to dramatically reduce malaria mortality in the region, particularly among children under five, by: Strengthening surveillance systems to monitor cases and outbreaks of malaria; Increasing people's access to care in clinics and to health facilities; Spraying insecticides and distributing bed nets as part of vector control; and Administering malaria drugs to children under 5 every month. Effective surveillance of malaria cases and deaths is essential for identifying which areas or population groups are most affected by malaria, and for targeting resources to communities most in need and ensuring smart investments. Such surveillance also alerts ministries of health to epidemics, enabling control measures to be intensified when necessary. Cases and deaths from the surveillance system reported by countries are often from the public health sector, predominantly through passive case detection. In elimination settings, data on cases may also be recorded during active case detection. Often, data from the private sector remain sparse, and in countries with moderate to high transmission it is possible that a substantial proportion of patients who do not seek care remain undocumented by the surveillance system. A strong surveillance system therefore requires high levels of access to care and case detection, and complete reporting by all health sectors. Innovative methods are now being employed to gather information, using mobile phones, software mapping and drones. See below for some examples. (Source: WHO) About 150,000 pages of The Alligator will be accessible from any device with internet access by September 2019. The George A. Smathers Libraries will make newspaper issues from 1917 to 2004 available online with a text searchable feature, where viewers can search keywords and find articles with that word, project manager Melissa Jerome said. About 8,500 pages from 1912 through August 1957 will be made available in the next few weeks on the UF Digital Collections website. About 2,900 issues from 2005 to 2017 are already available online. The goal of the project is to digitize the newspapers available through microfilm and preserved print copies, Jerome said. I think that the fact that its a student newspaper helps shed a different light on journalism, she said. Were getting a different account from students in the university seeing the changes themselves and being the cause of the change. Patrick Reakes, the UF associate dean of scholarly resources and services, said the project is being funded by an endowment and will cost about $40,000. Reakes and his team have worked on the project for about a year. The idea to digitize these pages was driven by a demand because it covers UF and community news, he said. In past issues, the independent, student-run newspaper focused on some of the most historic moments at the university, such as the first class of admitted women and coverage of Virgil Hawkins, an African American applicant to the UF College of Law who was denied because of his race, Jerome said. Melissa Gomez, the editor-in-chief of The Alligator, said she was speechless when she met up with the UF Libraries team working to digitize the newspapers April 4. Newspapers are often called the first draft of history, and The Alligator is no different, the 21-year-old journalism senior said. To digitize a student newspaper like The Alligator acknowledges an important role that student publications play as an important resource for the community. Contact Christina Morales at cmorales@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @Christina_M18. In a file photo shared by UF Libraries on Twitter, The Alligator named Margaret Anderson the Co-ed of the week. She was the President of Alpha Omega Pi Sorority. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Jessica Giessman threw her arms around Viper, a yellow Labrador retriever, and looked up at a UF police officer with puppy-dog eyes. Can I have him? she asked. The UF criminology sophomore was missing her two German shepherds, so when she heard UFPD would bring the K-9 unit outside Newell Hall for the one-year anniversary event, she cleared her schedule. Giessman and about 3,000 other students gathered at Newell Hall on Tuesday to celebrate the one year anniversary since its redesign, said Michael Murphy, chair of the Newell Hall Advisory Board. The project cost $16.6 million, according to Alligator archives. Student Government gave out more than 600 T-shirts and about $1,600 worth of coffee from Au Bon Pain. I think its been a great vicinity for people to really do a new type of studying, Murphy said. It sparks creativity. The event was meant to celebrate the anniversary of the renovated building without being intrusive to those studying inside, he said. We wanted to make sure that were kind of fueling the students to study but also at the same time celebrating something thats been really great, he said. Giessman didnt want to miss an opportunity to celebrate her favorite study space. The 19-year-old said her favorite spot is on the third floor, where she sits on the couches and watches the light stream in from the windows. I fell in love with it, she said. Contact Jessica Giles at jgiles@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @jessica_giles_. Andrew Schuffer, an 18-year-old neurobiological sciences freshman, plays ping pong outside Newell Hall Tuesday afternoon with Ariana Johnson, a 19-year-old microbiology and cell science freshman as part of the Newell Hall Block Party which marked the one year anniversary of the building's reopening. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Student senators unanimously passed a bill that would change the members of the Student Government Diversity and Programming Committee on Tuesday night. The bill would have the Student Body vice president serve as the chairman of the committee, have the Student Body treasurer as a committee member and remove the Multicultural Affairs Cabinet Director. The cabinet director works under the diversity chair, who works under the Student Body vice president, making it redundant. This was one of Impact Partys Spring platform points. The bill has to be passed again at the next meeting before it changes the official code. Student Body President-elect Ian Green said the change will help create a more inclusive environment. It was important for myself, David and Stefan because we dont want to use diversity and inclusion as a buzzword, he said. We want to make sure were men of our word and men of our action. The Senate unanimously passed two resolutions, which dont make any change to policy, including one that encourages students to use fewer single-use plastic straws, said Zachary Amrose, the resolutions author. It shows the Office of Sustainability and other relevant officials that the Student Senate and the students it represents want the administration to reduce the availability of straws on campus, the 20-year-old political science senior said. Four election codes revisions that would change some of the rules in the elections process were also unanimously passed during the second reading. The SG organizational and academic budgets and Student Body Accessibility Act, which would require a transcript and captions for SG pre-recorded videos, were unanimously passed through a second reading. These codes and budget will now be enacted because they were passed twice. Contact Christina Morales at cmorales@alligator.org. Follow her on Twitter at @Christina_M18. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now At The Alligators office, our articles prior to the 2000s are bound in black-spined books. Articles of more recent years are saved in blue binders with the semester and year etched on its side. For student journalists who pass through here, its a testament to the work and devotion that came before us. For our readers, its the first draft of history. But its been restricted to the print product. People read through them with Chinese takeout by their side and the papers age at the forefront of their minds. But this history is no longer bound to the yellowed newsprint. Like the content for the last 10 years, its now found a home online thanks to UF Libraries. On Tuesday, librarians announced the digitization of Alligator archives from 1912 to August 1957. About 150,000 pages of Alligator archives are expected to be online by September 2019. All of the pages will be text-searchable. Making our articles accessible to anyone online is huge. There are obvious benefits, especially for our reporters. Being able to find previous articles by typing into a search box will allow future staffers to find historical information to give context to their articles, especially when on deadline. Earlier this semester, our writers covered Student Government elections, during which three black candidates ran for Student Body president. They tried to find when the last time UF had a black Student Body president. It took them hours to do it, scouring the blue binders and black books. Those hours couldve probably been better spent if they wouldve been reporting on other important issues. But this is not only helpful for us as a newsroom its bigger than us. The digitizing is also helpful for every community member who wants to hold those in power at all levels accountable. For instance, in order to find out what a student senator promised he or she would stand for during his or her term, any student will be able to go through our archives and find what we reported about the campaigns promises. If a UF official pledged to create a Black Cultural Living Learning Community or add funding to the Disability Resource Center, the community can use the officials own written words on our pages to ask them about it in the future. As a society, we have a tendency to repeat our actions and mistakes. The idea of being able to look back and read about how UFs campus was slow to integrate could be a way to teach future generations that it takes effort from an entire community to stand for their community. The Alligator staff, both past and current, have spent years holding administrations and politicians accountable. The digitization is also a testament to the role this paper plays in the community. Student journalism matters. All across the country, student journalists are working hard to inform their community. This project by UF Libraries highlights the need to save student newsrooms. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Posted on: April 18, 2018 10:03 AM The former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has joined more than 170 other faith leaders from across the Commonwealth urging the 53 member-nation governments to turn words into action on climate change. The heads of government are meeting in London this week for their biennial CHOGM summit. The Anglican Communion is playing a significant role in official Commonwealth youth, women, business and citizens forums; and in a parallel programme of events. In a letter published in Londons Daily Telegraph newspaper, the faith leaders say that not even the remotest corner of the Commonwealth remains unaffected by climate change, and that the greatest impact is felt by the groups poorest people. We, faith leaders from across the Commonwealth, representing peoples of Africa, Asia, the Pacific, Europe and the Americas, come together in friendship and co-operation to mark the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, the faith leaders say in their letter. Not even the remotest corner of the Commonwealth remains unaffected or unthreatened by the impacts of climate change. Commonwealth citizens, especially the poorest, struggle to thrive amidst our changing climate. Subsistence communities in African countries struggle to grow crops in increasingly arid earth. In the Pacific, rising sea levels threaten the existence of whole countries. In Asia, salination is driving people from their land. Arctic communities ways of life are undermined. Ever more violent and unpredictable storms devastate the Caribbean. At the scale of the Commonwealth we can see that the crisis of poverty and the crisis of ecology are one; each of our faith traditions reminds us of the deep interconnectedness of people and our planet. As a common problem, this crisis requires a common solution. And it is needed now. The Charter of the Commonwealth affirms the foundations for cooperation between Commonwealth nations. But it is time to turn words into action. We call on the Heads of Government gathering in London to commit to urgent action on climate change adaptation and mitigation in line with the Paris Agreement and to pursue every effort to keep the increase in average global temperature below 1.5 degrees. They add: Our people call out to you. We stand beside them. Your time to act is now. The signatories include the Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, Primate of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and the provinces environmental co-ordinator, the Revd Dr Rachel Mash; Bishop Ellinah Wamukoya, Chair of the Anglican Communion Environmental Network; the Revd Niyongere Pierre Celestin, an Anglican priest in Uganda; Archbishop Ron Cutler, of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island in Canada; the Bishop of Edmonton, Jane Alexander; Bishop Shourabh Pholia of the Church of Bangladeshs Diocese of Barisal; the Revd Laiseni Fanon Charisma Liava'a, an Anglican priest in Polynesial; the Archbishop of Wales, John Davies; and the Revd Canon John Kafwanka, director for mission for the Anglican Communion. A full list of signatories can be found here. Posted on: April 18, 2018 8:24 AM The recently discovered bodies of 157 victims of the Rwandan Genocide have been laid to rest in a former Anglican Church, alongside the bodies of 36,700 victims already buried there. On 15 April 1994, more than 25,000 people seeking refuge and sanctuary at the Ruhango Episcopal Anglican Church were slaughtered. The church is now a memorial for the victims. The scenes at Ruhango were repeated at other churches across Rwanda. While several of them have been turned into memorials; Ruhango is the only Anglican church that has become a memorial site. This week, thousands of mourners gathered at the site to pay their respects to the 157 victims as their bodies were laid to rest in the mass grave. It was always a challenge that our people could not get a decent burial, Gerald Mudahemuka, whose parents and relatives were killed in the church, said in an interview with The New Times newspaper. We have been searching for them. Now that we found them, we pray that they rest in peace and we will continue to push so we get the remains of other relatives as well. One of the few people to survive the slaughter was Claudine Uwizeyimana, who was a teenager when the church was attacked. Speaking at the service, she said: on 14 April, Interahamwe militia attacked us but people resisted, The New Times reported. The next day they came equipped, at around 10 am they came, there was initially some resistance but the killers were ready and well-armed. They shot people from outside the church before breaking the doors and windows and entered, many were killed, including my brother. The Rwandan government says it will continue to support survivors of the genocide and help to locate further bodies. Corbyn exposed and isolated by Labours anti-Semitism problem David Lammy told us that when you lie down with dogs, you get fleas. The Labour MP was talking about the ordeal faced by the Windrush children, transformed from British citizens into criminals by a lazy and callous immigration policy. Lammy was linking that story to what he sees as Tories pandering to racist right-wingers and Brexit. What, then, does he think of his own party leader, Jeremy Corbyn, who has called Jew-haters his friends and presided over a Labour Party rife with anti-Semitism? Ever the nuanced and slippery figure, nothing really stuck to Corbyn, not even the fleas. Until something did. When Corbyn made a Facebook comment about a hideous mural in East London, the story shifted from being about his Jew-hating friends to his own prejudices. Corbyn offered his support to the murals artist, which many of us consider to be anti-Semitic in tone and subject. The then Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfar Rahman, ordered council officials to do everything possible to remove the mural, arguing that the images of the bankers perpetuate anti-Semitic propaganda about conspiratorial Jewish domination of financial institutions. But Corbyn liked it and wanted it to remain on view. That was 2012. In 2018, Corbyn said he should have looked more closely at the massive mural that covered the entire end of a building the mural he now finds to be deeply disturbing and anti-Semitic. Corbyn said sorry for not having studied the content of the mural more closely. Tom Watson, Corbyns deputy, called the artwork a horrible anti-Semitic mural. Hugo Rifkind adds: Corbyn is also reported to have been a member of two Facebook groups, and perhaps a third, where such things were widespread. Did he never look closely? Above his comment is one by Yvonne Ridley. This, presumably, would be the journalist Yvonne Ridley, who once wrote that David Miliband was a gutless little weasel who lost more than his foreskin when he was circumcised. She also used to host a show on the Iranian PressTV on which Corbyn was a guest. Did they never speak? When Corbyn speaks of the pockets within the Labour Party in which antisemitism has occurred, what he leaves out is that, for the first 30 years of his career, these were the pockets he was in. Yesterday, Labours antisemitism problem was debated in the Commons. Dame Margaret Hodge, 73, the Labour MP for Barking and the daughter of Jewish refugees, told her peers that she felt like an outsider in the party I have been a member of for 50 years I have never felt as nervous and frightened as I feel today at being a Jew. It feels that my party has given permission for antisemitism to go unchallenged. Labour MP Ruth Smeeth received a standing ovation after a powerful speech reading out the anti-Semitic abuse she is sent online pic.twitter.com/zqvy4YG1bt Sky News (@SkyNews) April 17, 2018 Luciana Berger, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said: I have no words for the people who purport to be both members and supporters of our party, who use that hashtag JC4PM [Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister], who attacked me in recent weeks for my comments; they attacked me for speaking at the rally against antisemitism who say I should be deselected. Ruth Smeeth, the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North, read out a message shed received:First job for Jeremy Corbyn tomorrow, expel the Zionist hag bitch Ruth Smeeth. Tom Watson was not sat by Corbyn at the front he moved from his usual spot in the Commons to sit between Berger and Smeeth. He sees the problem. Do you? Heres Labour MP John Mann. He gets it. People are scared. Anti-semitism is rife. If you acquiesce to it, if you make anti-Jewish comments, if you dont speak out when you hear it, if you turn a deaf ear to it, if you dont think its worth bothering about, youre wrong. Its dangerous: Paul Sorene Posted: 18th, April 2018 | In: Key Posts, News, Politicians Comment | TrackBack | Permalink Dale Winton RIP Dale Winton (born 22 May 1955 )has died at the age of 62. The presenter of daytime tellys Supermarket Sweep and later the National Lottery has checked out. Dale Winton started out as a DJ in London club circuit. That was followed by a stint at United Biscuits Industrial Radio Station, where he worked on programmes broadcast in factories. Winton went to work at Nottinghams Radio Trent, hosting the morning show, then to Radio Danube and Radio Chiltern. In 1986, Dale Winton joined BBC Bristol, where he presented Pet Watch (BBC One), and CTVC (1987). then it was on to Beacon Radio in Wolverhampton, Network 7 for Channel 4, Home Today on ITV and lots of outings on satellite telly. But Supermarket Sweep made him. Heres the pilot episode it really was fun: Karen Strike Posted: 18th, April 2018 | In: Celebrities, TV & Radio Comment | TrackBack | Permalink TEL AVIV - Israeli author David Grossman, winner of the prestigious 2018 Israel Prize for Literature, said he will donate half of his prize money to an Israeli-Palestinian organisation and to an NGO that assists children of African asylum seekers in Israel. Grossman will receive the prize from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a ceremony on Thursday, on the occasion of Israel's 70th Independence Day celebration. On the eve of Wednesday's Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day, Grossman, whose father was a fallen soldier, participated on Tuesday in a demonstration by the Bereaved Families' Forum in Tel Aviv. The organisation includes Israelis and Palestinians who have lost relatives in the conflict between the two states and who are now fighting for a peaceful solution. At the event, Grossman announced he would divide half of his Israel Prize money between the Bereaved Families' Forum and the NGO Elifelet, which cares for children of migrants who are now under threat of expulsion from Israel. NEW YORK - Inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) have not yet entered the Syrian town of Douma as previously announced, according to US State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert, CNN said. Nauert's assertion on Tuesday that the US State Department's "understanding is that the team has not entered Douma" contradicted reports from Syrian state TV and the White Helmets rescue group, both of whom had reported that the OPCW team of experts had in fact entered Douma. Syria's ambassador to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, said a UN security team had arrived in Douma on Tuesday afternoon to determine whether the situation there was safe. He said if the UN team determined it was safe, the OPCW team could travel to Douma on Wednesday. The OPCW team is on a fact-finding mission to find out whether banned chemical weapons were used in the April 7 attack on Douma. In Tirana, Mogherini calls for keeping pace on reforms Visit follows European Commission OK on accession talks (ANSAmed) - TIRANA, APRIL 18 - EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said that the European Commission's recommendation to begin accession talks for Albania is unconditional, but the country must keep up the pace on reforms and deepen them. Mogherini spoke during a visit to Tirana, following the European Commission's decision on Tuesday to green-light accession talks for both Albania and Macedonia. "It is a legitimate moment of celebration, but also one for looking ahead to the big work that must be done," Mogherini said. "It is work that must continue, not because of Brussels, but to transform the country. And the EU will continue to be by your side," she said during a joint press conference with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The final word now goes to EU member states, who will make their decision next June. The member states currently seem divided, with France and Germany showing the most resistance. Rama will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in May. "Albania has done the homework that the European Commission assigned, and it gave us its seal of approval; we passed the test. The rest is tied to political aspects within individual EU countries," Rama said. She said she finds its "unacceptable that after the clear approval by the Commission, Tirana and Skopje are left out of the negotiation process, that meanwhile continues with two other countries in the Western Balkans", Serbia and Montenegro.(ANSAmed). Google launchs digital skills training for Arab speakers Free digital program to enhance job opportunities (ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 18 - Google has launched Maharat min Google', a free digital skills-building program in Arabic, in an effort to help people in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region find jobs, advance their careers or grow their businesses. Based on a blended learning model, 'Maharat min Google' provides free courses, tools, and in-person digital skills training to students, educators, job seekers and businesses. The online platform -g.co/Maharat - has 100 lessons across 26 core topics in digital marketing that include search engine marketing, social media, video, ecommerce, geo-targeting, and data analytics, among others. Google will provide a certificate upon completion of the full course, which takes about nine hours to complete. "We're delighted to be bringing 'Maharat Min Google' to the Middle East and North Africa - our contribution to the future of the workforce in MENA. This program is free of charge, available in Arabic and accessible on any platform. 'Maharat Min Google' draws on our 20-year history of building products, platforms, and services that connect people and businesses, helping them grow and succeed online. We know how valuable digital tools are to MENA's future and we at Google are proud to be an engine supporting their growth," said Matt Brittin, Google's president of business operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Google also signed an agreement with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (MiSK) which will conduct in-person trainings to more than 100,000 students across Saudi Arabia. Both collaborations with Injaz and MISK will target 50 percent female participation. Google is looking for further local partnerships across the region with governments, universities, private-sector businesses and nonprofits to expand the reach of its 'Maharat min Google' program. In a recent study by the World Economic Forum, one in five jobs in the Arab world will require digital skills that aren't widely available today. Around 51 percent of youth consider unemployment their biggest concern and only 38 percent believe their education gives them the skills they need to enter the workforce. In MENA, there are 30 million women educated, connected and of working age, which represents the largest economic opportunity in the region today. More than 50 percent of university graduates are females, yet only 25 percent participate in the workforce. (ANSAmed). The lingering effects of the 2008 global financial crisis, over three years of low oil prices, currency devaluations and regional conflict caused by political instability had all contributed to a daunting operating environment for Middle East airlines, especially low-cost carriers (LCCs), Air Arabia CEO, Adel Ali, told the opening Day Two session of Aviation Africa 2018 in Cairo. Peter Shaw-Smith reports from the event. 2017 was not a good year. Syria used to be one of the biggest markets we offered. Yemen was another example. Despite all these difficulties, we see growth in the market. We see continuous growth, he said. Air Arabia has set itself apart from competitors by extending its reach in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, setting up hubs in Alexandria and Casablanca, in addition to home bases in Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, both in the UAE. A liberal aviation climate in Morocco had been a boon. Setting up the Alexandria hub at the new Borg Al Arab airport in 2003 was considered a crazy idea, he said. It was a very small airport at that time. Within six months, we were doing three flights a day. We have around 11% of the market around us. The opportunity in Morocco was that it had an open skies agreement. We could fly where we wanted to. We didnt have to seek approval, he said. In 2004, there were only five international airports in India. Today, there are 32, he said. Part of the airlines ground-breaking appeal had been that it had transformed the way air travel is perceived in MENA, and had become the regions first airline to go public on the Dubai Financial Market, in 2007. Starting out with capital of USD13 million, the Air Arabia Group has today created a diverse set of businesses worth over USD4 billion. Air Arabia serves 140 destinations across its multi-hub business model, including MENA, the Indian Subcontinent and Europe, giving it a ranking of third among the world's top 50 airlines by EBITDAR margin, liquidity, leverage and average fleet age, Ali claimed. He said that the low-cost model had been a boon to Europe, with 85% of travellers using a total of 62 LCCs, while the MENA region, with only 14 LCCs, had a long way to go to achieve full potential. Two billion people lived within four hours travel time of Air Arabias Sharjah base. Ali stressed that travel today had become an exercise that need not necessarily be expensive, but was increasingly coming within new passengers reach. He said the airline would live or die by the choices made by the regions growing youth population, who had a very simple approach to life: I manage my life through my telephone. If you dont do what I want, I wont use you, he said. Price matters to the public when they travel. You dont have to pay a lot of money to travel. There is no one in the world who does not want to fly. Everybody wants to fly. Royal Saudi Air Force pilots flew a series of 10 evaluation flights in Textron AirLands production-representative third prototype while the aircraft was en route to participate in the Dubai Air Show. It is believed the UAE Air Force and Air Defence then also briefly evaluated the aircraft. Jon Lake reports. Light attack and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft have been the subject of a great deal of interest over the past year or two, since they promise to meet the requirements of todays asymmetric warfare campaigns at a more affordable cost than conventional fast jet multi- or swing-role fighters. The UAEs innovative use of crop-duster-based Iomax Border Patrol Aircraft and Archangels during combat operations over Yemen, Libya and elsewhere, demonstrated the usefulness of aircraft in this category, while the US Air Force and Navy have conducted a series of evaluations of various light attack and ISR aircraft. Most recently, the Embraer/Sierra Nevada A-29, Beechcraft AT-6 Wolverine, L3 Longsword and Scorpion participated in a test/evaluation campaign as part of the US Air Forces OA-X initiative in August 2017. There is no programme of record to actually procure a light attack aircraft for the USAF, but the service is evaluating the potential of this class of aircraft, and in doing so has attracted the attention and interest of other air forces, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The UAE actually sent observers to the OA-X fly-off. The Emiratis were among representatives from about a dozen of the USAs international partners, including Canada, Australia, and Paraguay. It is not known if Saudi Arabia was represented, although the kingdoms serious interest in this class of aircraft was revealed during US President Donald Trumps visit to Saudi Arabia in May 2017, when a $110 billion package of arms deals included $2 billion set aside in a memorandum of intent for an unspecified type of light close air support aircraft. In July 2017, Scott Donnelly, Textrons chief executive, revealed that Saudi Arabia was considering acquiring the Textron AirLand Scorpion. Textron AirLands production-standard third prototype Scorpion light-attack aircraft (N532TX) was one of two aircraft used during the USAFs OA-X evaluation, and was subsequently chosen to be the aircraft displayed at the Dubai Air Show in November 2017. The aircraft is fitted with an L3 Wescam MX-15 electro-optical, infrared sensor turret under the nose, and is cleared to carry a range of weapons, including 500lb GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs, guided and unguided rockets, including the 70mm advanced precision kill weapon system II, a laser-guided rocket, and a 0.50 calibre machine gun. Textron plans to integrate the GPS-directed GBU-39/B small diameter bomb (SDB) and GBU-53/B small diameter bomb II (SDB II), as well as the GBU-31/32/38/54 joint direct attack munition (JDAM) family, and the multi-mode MBDA Brimstone missile. The Scorpion has a relatively large, reconfigurable mission bay that could accommodate a range of sensors and other payloads, including electro-optical and video cameras, radar and laser imaging equipment, electronic warfare, warning and self protection equipment or extra fuel. The aircraft departed early and visited two bases in Saudi Arabia from October 29 to November 9 for an 11-day, 10-flight demonstration/evaluation programme. Textron test pilot, Brett Pierson, revealed that one of the bases was King Faisal Air Base, co-located with the Tabuk Regional Airport. Pierson, who helped instruct a number of Royal Saudi Air Force pilots during the evaluation, said that it had taken about half-a-day to take a qualified pilot from ground training to taxiing, taking off and landing. They saw that the Scorpion is a great ISR and light attack aircraft, he said. They saw the ability to loiter over a target area for long periods with very low fuel burn rates, which is what drives the very low hourly operating cost. We did drop inert GBU-12s and it was the Saudi pilots who did that. Typically they were doing those bomb drops within half-an-hour of taking off on their very first flight in the aircraft. At this years Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Amadeusa provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry will demo the latest tech solutions being applied within the regional and international travel community, as well as hosting daily seminars covering themes such as using creating smart destinations with big data, the future of mobile payments in travel, online merchandising strategies, and more. The company will demonstrate how hotels, travel agencies, corporations, and airlines are already leveraging the latest digital tools to serve travelers better and to manage their own business more effectively. Bringing fresh insights into the marketplace, Amadeus will also reveal for the first time the findings of the Consumer Travel Report 2018 Middle Easta study co-commissioned by Amadeus in partnership with Insight l Outwhich explores how individuals in the region search for, plan, share, and book travel in the digital era. Antoine Medawar, Vice President, Amadeus MENA, said: As a truly international show, ATM provides us with an ideal platform to illustrate breakthroughs across the travel industry. These new technologies have the potential to fundamentally change the way that partners in the industry work together and how they interact with their customers. We look forward to sharing this vision with attendees at ATM and discussing trends that will shape travel today, tomorrow, and beyond. With activities coming together under the slogan of Beyond Air, Amadeus is placing a particular emphasis at this years ATM on solutions for the payments, hotels, and transportation segments of the travel industry. Turkish Airlines celebrates the 10th Anniversary of joining to the Star Alliance network which was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international travellers. The flag carrier of Turkey celebrated its membership anniversary at Turkish Airlines Headquarters with the participation of Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, M. Ilker Ayc, and Star Alliance CEO, Jeffrey Goh. Today we are delighted to be together both with Star Alliance CEO, Jeffrey Goh, and you, all distinguished guests to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Star Alliance membership. Like yesterday and today, Turkish Airlines will continue to be a valuable partner for Star Alliance and its members; as an important element for our common strategy that will enable the Alliance to move forward with solid footprints. Were sure that we will have more constructive partnerships within this big family, by working towards the desired goal of making further successes in forthcoming period. said M. Ilker Ayc, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee. It is a great pleasure for me to be present at this special event in Istanbul today. In the last ten years Turkish Airlines has played an important role in developing Star Alliances global network, especially improving access to Turkey, Central Asia and the Middle East. As Star Alliance transitions into its third decade, we look forward to continued close cooperation and support from Turkish Airlines, as we shift the Alliances focus to improving the customer journey by leveraging digital technology. said Jeffrey Goh, Star Alliance CEO. Kingfisher Beer, Black Dog and Budweiser are the top three most trusted alcoholic beverage brands. Vijay Mallya may be embroiled in controversies but Kingfisher Beer brand, owned by Mallya-promoted United Breweries, continues to top the most trusted alcoholic beverage brands list. New Delhi: Beleaguered Vijay Mallya may be embroiled in controversies but Kingfisher Beer brand, owned by Mallya-promoted United Breweries, continues to top the most trusted alcoholic beverage brands list. As per the Brand Trust Report 2018, Kingfisher Beer, Black Dog and Budweiser are the top three most trusted alcoholic beverage brands. Kingfisher Beer has maintained its leadership position ...and remain the unmitigated leader for the last eight years of the Brand Trust Report, TRA Research CEO N Chandramouli said. Kingfisher is the flagship brand of United breweries Ltd. In August last year, United Breweries announced its Chairman Vijay Mallya has ceased to be director of the company following market regulator Sebi's order against him. Mallya, who had fled to the UK in March 2016, is also wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore and some other matters. Royal Stag, Signature, Johnnie Walker ranked number four, five and six, respectively. Carlsberg, Blenders Pride, Tuborg and Imperial Blue are the other brand which figure in the top 10 list. Over 2,450 respondents participated in the survey conducted by TRA Research across 16 cities and its findings have been compiled in The Brand Trust Report 2018. As per the latest brand trust report, South Korean consumer durables firm Samsung, followed by Sony and LG are India's most trusted brand. Tata Group, the only Indian company to feature in the top five and US-based Apple occupy the fourth and the fifth ranking. Among India's 1,000 Most Trusted brands, the categories with the maximum brands were food and beverage and FMCG contributing to 25.6 per cent of the total brands in the listings. When compared to last year, 320 new brands made it to the list, 368 brands fell in rank, 307 brands rose in rank, and five brands retained their ranks, it said. Stocks took a breather on Wednesday after nine sessions of gains owing to a rush among investors to book profits. Stocks took a breather on Wednesday after nine sessions of gains owing to a rush among investors to book profits towards the fag-end amid sustained foreign fund outflows even as global cues were positive. (Photo: AP) Mumbai: Stocks took a breather on Wednesday after nine sessions of gains owing to a rush among investors to book profits towards the fag-end amid sustained foreign fund outflows even as global cues were positive. The BSE Sensex, after resuming higher at 34,443.42, advanced to hit a high of 34,591.81 on buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) as well as retail participants. However, investors preferred to lock in gains towards the close of the session, with the benchmark finally ending at 34,331.68, down 63.38 points, or 0.18 per cent. The gauge had risen 1,375.99 points, or 4.17 per cent in the previous nine sessions. Likewise, the 50-stock NSE barometer Nifty finished 22.50 points, or 0.21 per cent, down at 10,526.20 after hitting the day's high of 10,594.20 and a low of 10,509.70. It had gained 420.30 points, or 4.15 per cent in the past nine sessions. Investor sentiment got a boost after the IMF yesterday said India is expected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2018 and 7.8 per cent in 2019, leaving its nearest rival China behind. Police have arrested 3 accused, including neighbour who raped the girl and 2 others who shot video from Mangolpur Kalan area. The girl's family has alleged that they are facing pressure from the family of the accused to withdraw the case. (Representational image) New Delhi: In yet another horrifying incident of crime against women, a 12-year-old mentally challenged girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour in outer Delhis Rohini area. However, the family of the girl came to know about the incident only after they received a video of their daughter being raped on WhatsApp. According to reports, the police have arrested three accused, including the neighbour who raped the girl and two others who shot the video on Monday night from Mangolpur Kalan area. A young man, identified as Bunty, lured the girl to a community centre, took her to a secluded place and raped her, police said. The two friends who accompanied him videographed the act. The accused further threatened the girl of severe consequences if she revealed about the incident to anyone. Though, the girl kept quiet, her mother received a video on her WhatsApp showing the accused forcing himself on her daughter following which she informed the police. A case under appropriate section of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was registered. The girl's family has also alleged that they are facing pressure from the family of the accused to withdraw the case. "Bunty is a powerful person and his other family members have strong hold in the area. They are mounting pressure on us to withdraw rape case against Bunty after his arrest. They are also pressurising us to leave the locality," the child's mother was quoted by news agency IANS. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister, who held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. 'Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on a long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network,' Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. (Photo: File) Beijing: China on Wednesday proposed an India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on a long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the KP Sharma Oli-led government came to power in the recently held elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an agreement on the China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries though ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute to development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Prime Minister Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate such a cooperation. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbour Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his land locked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. To ensure PM Modi gets pure vegetarian food during his London visit, special chefs have been appointed to cook Gujarati delicacies for him. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 9 am. (Photo: File) New Delhi/ London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the UK for a four-day visit to attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. He will hold both bilateral as well as multilateral meetings with different heads of states attending the meeting. To ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets pure vegetarian food during his London visit, special chefs have been appointed to prepare Gujarati delicacies for him. PM Modi is scheduled to have a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 9 am. Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef of St. James Court Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare the breakfast for the Prime Minister's bilateral meeting and lunch for the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM on Tuesday. The executive chef told news agency ANI that he and his team of eight members will serve pure vegetarian 'Ghar ka Khana' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The breakfast menu will comprise of tea and coffee, poha, upma, puri, bhaji and seera. Later in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his delegation team, will be served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel. The lunch will also be prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu will be high on the specific Gujarat-based delicacies including khaman dhokla, khandvi, dal, dal pakora, torai masala, stuffed karela, paneer bhurji, and khichdi. The food preparations will be done in pure clarified butter. British Prime Minister Theresa May will be hosting dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit. On April 20, the Commonwealth Games Federation will host a breakfast for heads of government. The summit concludes later that day when leaders will issue their communique and a leaders' statement after their retreat. (With inputs from ANI) Indian Navy tweeted 'warm welcome' to three Chinese warships that entered the Indian Ocean Region. According to Indian Navy, China has often used anti-piracy patrols and freedom of navigation as the reasons for its increasing presence in the Indian Ocean. (Photo: Twitter/@indiannavy) Mumbai: The Indian Navy on Tuesday sent a powerful message to Chinas naval force, albeit in a cheeky way, that its actions are being monitored in the Indian Ocean Region or IOR. The Navy did this by tweeting a warm welcome to three Chinese warships that entered the Indian Ocean Region. It also added Happy Hunting to its welcome message to the warships of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Navy) (PLA-N). According to China, the ships belong to the 29th Anti-Piracy Escort Force of the PLA-N in the Indian Ocean Region. The anti-piracy vessels, according to the website of China's PLA have 700 soldiers and two helicopters on board. According to Indian Navy, China has often used anti-piracy patrols and freedom of navigation as the reasons for its increasing presence in the Indian Ocean. In another tweet, the Indian Navy said 50 of its ships were on vigil 24/7 to keep its 'Area of Responsibility' safe. #MissionBasedDeployments From Persian Gulf to Malacca Straits & from Northern Bay of Bengal to Southern Indian Ocean to East coast of Africa @indiannavy with 50 ships on vigil 24X7 keep our Area of Responsibility (AOR) safe. @indiannavy Anytime, Anywhere Everytime @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/rxmBAed5Sa SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 17, 2018 This comes at a time when the Indian Air Force is rehearsing war-time manoeuvres over the IOR under Exercise Gaganshakti 2018 with its Sukhoi-30 and Jaguar aircraft armed with anti-ship weaponry. The ticket that Mr Namoshi was keen on has been given to the son of another former MLC. Former BJP MLC Shashil G. Namoshi breaks down in front of the media after the release of BJP list of candidates in Gulbarga, Karnataka on Monday evening. (Photo: PTI) Bengaluru: Even as the Karnataka BJP seemed to be at a loss about how to defend the allotment of tickets to half-a-dozen tainted leaders for the coming Assembly polls, the leaders who had been denied tickets expressed their disappointment and rage in a way not usually associated with politicians. At least four BJP leaders who have been denied tickets broke down and cried in full sight of the media after the BJP released its second list of candidates for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections. BJP MLC Shashil Namoshi, an aspirant for the Kalaburgi North ticket, could not control himself when reporters asked for his reaction. He cried for three-four minutes after which his son took him to another room to pacify him. The ticket that Mr Namoshi was keen on has been given to the son of another former MLC. In Bidar, Prakash Khandre, who was an aspirant for the BJP ticket from Bhalki constituency, also broke down while interacting with his supporters. Later his supporters set fire to tyres to express their displeasure over the denial of ticket to him. In Sagar, BJP leader Belur Gopalkrishna, while addressing his supporters, could not control himself and broke down. His supporters allegedly took law into their hands and attacked a supporter of BJP candidate Haratalu Halappa. He was admitted to a private hospital.In Indi, too, unsuccessful BJP ticket aspirant Ravikanth Patil was all tears when he came face to face with his supporters. The BJP has given tickets to former minister Katta Subramanya Naidu, who served a jail term for land related corruption charges, Haratalu Halappa, who faced rape charges, and former minister M.P. Renukacharya who faced charges of sexual assault. In Malur constituency, another tainted leader, Krishnaiah Setty, has got the ticket though he served a jail term along with party state president B.S. Yeddyurappa in denotification related cases. Somashekara Reddy, younger brother of Gali Janardhan Reddy, who faced charges of bribing a judge to secure bail for his brother in an illegal mining case, has bagged the ticket for Ballari. The BJP has also given tickets to former MLAs who watched porn clips in the Assembly a few years ago and is considering the candidatures of S.A. Ramdas from Mysuru and Raghupathy Bhat from Udupi. Mr Ramadas faced charges of sexual harassment while Mr Bhat was accused of killing his wife. When questioned about the allotment of tickets to tainted leaders, BJP state general secretary Shobha Karandlaje said the party central leadership has taken a decision in this regard after assessing the pros and cons. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening. Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his approach of finding faults with the Congress that was in power for decades. (Photo: File/PTI) Amethi: Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his approach of finding faults with the Congress that was in power for decades and said this was a sharp contrast to former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and also Atal Behari Vajpayee. Speaking at a gathering during his visit to his parliamentary constituency Amethi, Rahul said, "Look at Nehru ji, even Vajpayee ji. They used to speak about the future. But look at the current prime minister. He only looks to the past... spreads hatred." The Congress chief also assured the people of Amethi that in 15 years the constituency will be as developed as Singapore and California. After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath, Rahul said. According to a report in NDTV, for now, he accused the NDA government of taking away most of the projects including IIIT, mega food-park and the paper mill which he tried to set up and would have provided employment to thousands of youth. He however said Amethi will become world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening. President Ram Nath Kovind said, 'It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman.' President Ram Nath Kovind was speaking at the sixth convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Jammu: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condemned the horrific gangrape and murder of eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and wondered what kind of society India was developing into. The President termed rape incidents like Kathua happening in a country that's 70 years into its independence as "shameful" "After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman," President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address at the sixth convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra. Before the President's address, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also spoke about the Kathu rape incident that occurred in January. "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society," Mufti said. On January 10, an eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic tribe went missing from near her house in Rasna village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A week later, her body was found in the forest. A chargesheet filed by the state police revealed that the minor was raped, sedated and tortured before being killed. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with people carrying out protests demanding justice for the 8-year-old girl. The parents of the girl are demanding death sentence for the accused. The mini-truck fell off the Jogdaha bridge near Amelia in Bahri police station area of the district. The group of people were headed for a wedding in Sidhi, about 570 km from Bhopal, when the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle, hit the barrier of the bridge over Son River in Sidhi, and nosedived into the dry riverbed. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Bhopal: At least 21 people were killed and 30 others injured when a mini-truck carrying them fell off a bridge over the Son River in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday night. The group of people were headed for a wedding in Sidhi, about 570 km from Bhopal, when the driver reportedly lost control over the vehicle, hit the barrier of the bridge over Son River in Sidhi, and nosedived into the dry riverbed. The 100-foot fall instantly killed over 15 people while others suffered critical injuries. The mini-truck fell off the Jogdaha bridge near Amelia in Bahri police station area of the district, a police official said. Locals and passers-by informed the police and rescue teams rushed to the spot. The injured were admitted to the district hospital. The police say the casualties might go up as people were still trapped inside the vehicle. Efforts are on to safely bring them out, he said. Both the district collector and the district police chief reached the spot and were seen supervising the rescue operation. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced an assistance of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the dead and Rs 50,000 each to the injured, the district collector said. (With inputs from agencies) The Waqf Tribunal in 2005 held that Taj Mahal is a Waqf property. New Delhi: The Taj Mahal is owned by the Almighty but must be listed as the property of the Sunni Waqf Board for practical purposes, the religious body told the Supreme Court on Tuesday. Last week, the Supreme Court had asked the board to back its claim on the 17th century monument by producing ownership documents signed by Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor who commissioned the Taj Mahal and died in 1666, or his descendents. The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Waqf Board on Tuesday informed the Supreme Court that no signed documents from Shah Jahan or his direct descendants are available to show that the historical monument is a Waqf Board property. But, even in the absence of any document, the property of Taj Mahal vests with Waqf Board because of continuous use, senior counsel Salman Khurshid told a three-judge Bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A.M. Kanwilkar and D.Y. Chandrachud. The Waqf Tribunal in 2005 held that Taj Mahal is a Waqf property. On appeal by the Archaeological Survey of India, the Allahabad high court refused to interfere and the present appeal by ASI is directed against this order. In response to the benchs instructions to produce any document signed by Shah Jahan or his descendents, the board on Tuesday told the court that it has no such signed documents and that no human can claim ownership of the marble monument. When the CJI asked as to who is the owner of the property, Mr Khurshid told the bench, No human being or individual can claim ownership as God Almighty is the owner. What the board is asking is right to maintain the property... There is no delegation from the descendants or any document is available with us, but it is a Waqf property because of continuous use... because it is allowed to perform rituals. Mr Khushid submitted that even in the case of Fatehpur Sikri, the board maintains the portion where a mosque is situated and ASI controls the area surrounding the monument. There is no clash between ASI and Waqf Board and both are custodians. He said, We have no complaint against the ASI as we are allowed to perform all rituals, prayers five times a day and special prayers during Ramzan. We want the property of Taj should be registered as a Waqf property without claiming ownership. Once you have registered the monument as a waqf property, your statement that you will not be staking claim will not help, said the bench. Opposing the suggestion, senior counsel A.D.N. Rao appearing for ASI said registration of Taj Mahal as Waqf property will create problems and tomorrow they will claim ownership for Red Fort and Fatehpur Sikri also and this will go on endlessly. Chief Justice, referring to the decision of the Waqf tribunal that Taj Mahal is a Waqf property, told counsel for ASI, This decision is creating problem. We will consider. The bench posted the matter for final disposal on July 27. The government expects at least 80 per cent of ATMs to be functional from Thursday. The government expects at least 80 per cent of ATMs to be functional from Thursday. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) New Delhi: Grappling with unexpected cash crunch in large parts of the country, the government on Wednesday asked banks to monitor ATMs and cash supply in all branches round-the-clock even as RBI stepped up printing of Rs 500 notes. While denying that there was a major cash shortage in Delhi-NCR, the government claimed that the situation is improving in other states. The government expects at least 80 per cent of ATMs to be functional from Thursday. Cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Mahar-ashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan, Kashmir and Uttar Pradesh were impacted by an unexpected cash crunch since late Monday night. Sources claimed that due to efforts of the government and banks, 76.2 per cent of the ATMs were made functional by Wednesday. Experts have blamed a series of recent developments for suspected cash hoarding, resulting in a shortage of notes. They said people might be afraid of the Financial Resolution and Deposit Insurance Bill (FRDI), 2017, which raised fear that depositers money in banks will be used up to bail out banks in case of its failure. People are also apprehensive after the finance ministrys directive that bank accounts not linked with Aadhaar will become inoperative, said experts. This despite the Supreme Court postponing the deadline to link bank accounts with Aadhaar. On Wednesday, finance ministry officials held video-conference with the heads of state-owned banks and asked them to ensure that more Rs 500 notes are available at ATMs to deal with cash crunch. RBI has also increased printing of Rs 500 notes. Economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg had said, The currency printing will increase from Rs 500 crore to Rs 2,500 crore per day of Rs 500 note. With this, in a month RBI will be printing about Rs 70,000-Rs 75,000 crore. Mr Garg said that the government suspects that Rs 2,000 notes are being hoarded as they are not coming back into the circulation fast enough.But, non-availability of ink resulted in a halt in printing of Rs 200 and Rs 500 denomination notes at the Currency Note Press in Nashik, an employees union leader claimed on Wednesday. The ink used to print notes is imported, which is not available now, leading to a halt in printing of these Rs 200 and Rs 500 banknotes, Jagdish Godse, the president of press workers federation told reporters. Indias largest bank SBI said that cash availability at its ATMs has increased in the past 24 hours. Availability of cash in SBI ATM has improved in the last 24 hours... issue of less cash should come to normalcy soon, said Neeraj Vyas, DMD (chief operating officer). However, SBI Research in a report said that there was Rs 70,000 crore cash shortfall in the system, which is a third of the monthly withdrawals at ATMs. The report estimated that 9.8 per cent nominal GDP growth would have taken the currency available with the public to Rs 19.4 trillion by March 2018, as against the actual availability of Rs 17.5 trillion. The proportion of digital transactions stands at a low Rs 1.2 trillion.The apparent shortfall thus could be around rs 70,000 crore or even less, it said. The finance ministry has said that there has been an unusual spurt in currency demand in the country in the last three months. In the current month, in the first 13 days itself, the currency supply increased by Rs 45,000 crores. Earlier, on an average, the government used to supply Rs 20,000 crore per month. The BJP said that the meeting between Mr Gandhi and the then US ambassador took place months after the Mumbai terror blasts of 26/11. New Delhi: Renewing its attack on the Congress leadership for coining the term saffron terror and defaming Hindus globally, the BJP on Tuesday asked Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to apologise to the nation for defaming the Hindu religion. The ruling partys rene-wed attack on the Congr-ess comes a day after a special anti-terror court acquitted right-wing activist Swami Aseemanand and four others in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case in Hyderabad. Citing a telegram sourced from Wikileaks quoting a conversation during the former Congress-led UPA government between then United States ambassador and Mr Gandhi to back its demand, the BJP said the transcript of the conversation clearly shows that for Mr Gandhi saffron terror was a bigger threat than the Lashkar-e-Tayyaba. The BJP said that the meeting between Mr Gandhi and the then US ambassador took place months after the Mumbai terror blasts of 26/11. If the Congress considers India to be its own, then Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi must apologise to the whole country for defaming the great Hindu religion by trying to prove that there was something called saffron terror, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. He added that the transcript shows the mindset of Mr Gandhi towards Hindus who have been always taken for granted by the Congress. After the verdict, the BJP had on Monday said that people would teach the Congress a lesson in the Karnataka Assembly polls as they had in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections when it was reduced to 44 seats. The BJP had claimed that the Congress targeted and defamed Hindus and the country for merely some votes for its appeasement politics but its conspiracy has been exposed. Firebrand student leader Kanhaiya Kumar also took a swipe at Union finance minister Arun Jaitley. New Delhi: The Opposition on Tuesday slammed the Modi government over cash crunch, saying that the country is under financial emergency and terror of note ban has returned to haunt the people. Congress president Rahul Gandhi said the terror of note ban has again gripped the country and accused PM Narendra Modi of destroying the banking system with his demonetisation decision. The Congress chief also took to Twitter to attack Mr Modi, alleging he snatched the Rs 500/1,000 currency notes from the pocket of every Indian and gave it to Nirav Modi, but was neither speaking a word about it nor facing Parliament. West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said the cash crunch was a reminder of the demonetisation days. Seeing reports of ATMs running out of cash in several states. Big notes missing. Reminder of Demonetisa-tion days. Is there a Financial Emergency going on in the country? she said in a tweet. CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury said, ATMs were empty in November 2016. ATMs are empty now. And the only party flush with cash is the BJP: People suffer. Firebrand student leader Kanhaiya Kumar also took a swipe at Union finance minister Arun Jaitley, saying, Dear finance minister, cashless economy does not mean cashless banks and cashless ATMs. We hope you understand. Congress leader Ashok Gehlot said, The Modi government has ruined the banking system of the country and people have lost their faith in it. Senior Congress leader P. Chidambaram slammed the government for the cash crunch, saying cash supply had been arbitrarily reduced. In a series of tweets, Mr Chidambaram said as a rule, cash supply must grow at the same rate as the economy is growing and the government was obliged to provide as much cash as people need at any given time. Harry & Meghans Windsor Knot has been brewed to give traditional British pint US twist in honour of nuptials of transatlantic couple. According to the brewer, the pale ale is made from barley grown in Windsors royal farm. (Photo: Pixabay) London: Royal fans with a taste for beer will be able to celebrate Prince Harry and fiancee Meghan Markles wedding day with a special ale brewed in the town where the couple will get married next month. Harry & Meghans Windsor Knot has been brewed to give the traditional British pint a U.S. twist in honour of the nuptials of the transatlantic couple who will get married at Queen Elizabeths Windsor Castle home, west of London, on May 19. With the authenticity of being brewed here in Windsor in the shadow of Windsor Castle, using local ingredients, it has got a fantastic appeal, said Will Calvert, 60, one of the directors of Windsor and Eton brewery. According to the brewer, the pale ale is made from barley grown in Windsors royal farm, to represent Harry, and combined with hops from the west coast of America, reflecting Markles heritage. It is a sequel to the Windsor Knot beer the brewery first made in 2011 to mark the wedding of Prince William, Harrys elder brother, to wife Kate. That brew was supposed to be on sale for only a couple of months but the brewery said it was so popular that it is still being made and sold today. The town has royal associations that go back centuries and Windsor, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, has been the family home of British kings and queens for almost 1,000 years. Harry and his brother William both attended the nearby exclusive Eton College school which lies on the opposite bank of the River Thames. In a local Eton pub, the latest royal beer got a seal of approval from two American customers. Pale ales are quite popular in the United States and I really think this is a good one, said Jaime Naber, a 38-year-old from Wisconsin who was visiting a friend nearby. Traci Bunch, 48, said it would get the couples approval if they tried it. I think theyll love it, she said, gulping down the last drop of her beer. Parasri said that he has faced discrimination and hopes that gestures like this can bring positive change in the mindset. As the nation faces a grave threat from polarisation based on religion and caste, shocking incidents of violence and discrimination only make things worse. But there are also gestures and acts of compassion which come as a ray of hope in dark times. In a similar incident from Hyderabad, a priest carried a Dalit man into a temple on his shoulders and hugged him as part of a 3000-year-old tradition. CS Rangarajan of Chilkur Balaji Temple carried Aditya Parasri into the sanctum sanctorum as he sent a strong message against discrimination. The ritual called Muni Vahana Seva is a re-enactment of a 2700-year-old incident and is aimed at propagating equality among all sections of society and to stop oppression of Dalits. Meanwhile Parasri said that he has faced discrimination and was even allowed entry in temples because he is Dalit, but hopes that gestures like this can bring positive change in the mindset. The Aetherius Society founder claimed that he met Jesus Christ at Holdstone Down mountain in 1958. King claimed he was told by inter-planetary sources the mountain was holy and added two decades after his death, the annual pilgrimage continues. (Photo: Pixabay) In a shocking revelation, an international spiritual organisation The Aetherius Society that describes itself as a growing religion with a global following now says that Jesus was an alien. According to a report published in The Daily Star, the group is planning a cosmic mission to holy mountain Holdstone Down in north Devon, where founder George King apparently came face to face with Christ in 1958. According to members, King, who died in 1997, claims he heard a voice appointing him as an earthly representative of an interplanetary parliament in the 1950s. Operation Prayer Power, the pilgrimage to the mountain will take place on Saturday, July 28 and according to the groups website, the mission will see spiritual power invoked through prayer and mantra and directed into a specially designed physical container for later release. The report goes on to add, according to an early documentary King had said: Dimly out of the corner of my eye I saw something in the sky. Then I saw a being which kind of appeared before me I didnt see him walk up to me, I opened my eyes and he was there." The documentary further elaborates that King said that He was very tall, dressed in a long robe, had long brownish hair and there was a lot of radiance around him. King then goes on to make the claim that even though He did not tell him, King knew he was Jesus and he had come from the planet Venus. King attributed it to some sort of telepathic impression that he picked up. King claimed he was told by inter-planetary sources the mountain was holy and added two decades after his death, the annual pilgrimage continues. The group claims Holdstone Down is just one of several holy mountains, with another also located in Devon as Yes Tor, near Okehampton. Other spiritual mountains are thought to include Castle Peak in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Mount Ramshead in New South Wales, Australia, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Le Nid d'Aigle near Les Houches in France. The group claims its philosophy and teachings come from highly advanced intelligence from Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. While #DeleteFacebook is trending, it is not easy for users to suddenly cut off from the widely used platform. Beginning of a new era: Nakshatra Pachauri, author of the book Post Zombieism: Social Media Hordes also says that there could potentially be a more problematic (and sinister) twist to the current crisis. It is clear that Instagram is the new money making machine for the Facebook conglomerate. Teenagers (the largest demography) were moving away from Facebook was already apparent in 2013. As the mobile connectivity has risen, Instagram has become the medium of choice for a large population. Looking at the continuing popularity of Instagram, wouldnt it be better for all associated with Facebook to jump ships? Hasnt the corporate enterprise in the West done this time and again! Facebook sails or sinks is yet to be seen but our species has a need for social spaces in the virtual world and they will keep improving the platforms and rules or keep looking for better platforms to unite online. One could call it the evolution of humans in the virtual world. In this digital era, Facebook and Twitter were the platforms that helped cultivate a culture of hashtags. People bonded over shared interests and agonies, that lead to the much criticised online activism. While such hashtags were pushed aside as mere armchair activism, #DeleteFacebook seems to have grabbed the bull by its horns. But how easy is it to walk away from spaces like Facebook that have become a source of joy for many people, providing a sense of community where, no matter how real or fake, most try to keep up an happy image? Why are people choosing to stick around, despite posting the new trending #DeleteFacebook? A difficult break-up Breaking up with Facebook is very hard for people and the reasons may be so many. Perhaps some people are sharing the trending #DeleteFacebook just to be on trend but maybe some feel that, even if they wont, someone else in their list may want to. The only way for us to know if they are waiting for the people to know, is if they said so themselves in a status. Merely sharing #deletefacebook does not mean it is a declaration of intent and it may be irony for some users, without context, its hard to say, opines Pulkeet Mehra from Rationalism, Secularism, and Transparency Appeal Foundation. While for some it is even more difficult as their work is tangled with this platform. Akshay Kumar, a public relations professional says, I personally feel that deactivation of Facebook is not the apt solution to the issue and it is actually not an easy thing to just wake up and deactivate a facebook account when most of your work is done through social media platforms. We could do that only if there was a other better alternate option to Facebook. As per my view, a few things might change now like people might stop sharing every single thing on Facebook and start being careful with the platform but I dont see deactivating as a better option. Psycologist Nisha Khanna says, People are so habituated to Facebook that they find it very hard to actually delete the Facebook account. They rather change their privacy settings so that only their friends know about their personal life. Secondly, many people use their fake details such as their birthday and sometimes even their name on their Facebook account so they have no fear of getting their data leaked. Thirdly, Facebook is one such platform, which connects people to their family and friends who are living in far off places in India and abroad. So, its actually very difficult for people to delete their Facebook account. Indifference or ignorance: The urban middle class boasts of the biggest mass and the social media giant- Facebook, has no doubt created such a space in the hearts of its users that it has become one of the basic amenities of living for them now. The things such as security breach, hardly affect such people. says Shreyas Aatman, a student. On the other hand there are also people blissfully unaware of the dangers of such data breech. Aditya Mohapatra, a student, feels, Facebook as we know has been a medium used by many people because it is very user friendly and has definitely gained huge amount of popularity over the years. And certainly many people are not aware of the fact that their data is being leaked. And the ones who know are ignorant or feel that propagation of messages is more effective through Facebook. Is Facebook the only culprit? Pulkeet says, Deleting Facebook is one step, however, it is like removing your gloves but keeping the rest of your winter clothes on while standing in the desert. Instagram and WhatsApp, the winter outfit, are owned by Facebook! One can not escape the reach of facebook in this digital world, and there are no open source alternatives that are readily useable. Other open source alternatives to Whatsapp like Signal and Telegram may be more secure, but their user reach is simply not there. In countries like India, once a brand has established itself, it will be really hard for an alternative to take over, when it comes to freeware, says Pulkeet, adding, A saying goes if you arent paying for it, you are the product. One alternative to avoiding the evils of this platform are to use a paid service, which most people would not do. Yet your data is at risk even in paid services, so even a paid social networking site would have to reassure its customers that their data will in no way be sold, or breached. Why now? Nakshatra Pachauri, author of the book Post Zombieism: Social Media Hordes says, As we see, the privacy issues arent new and its also not that people havent been warned before. Yet the ultimate question which arises in the current context is why now? This is a competition to attract user attention. This shows clearly in the attacks on Facebook driven on (and by) Twitter. In fact, Whatsapp co-founder Brian Acton, has supported the call for #deletefacebook. And to announce this he has also used Twitter! The free world crusaders are in an overdrive to cannibalise their own by facilitating the movement to bring Facebook to justice! With Inputs from Angela Paljor and Ankur Biplav While India is a treasure trove for heritage sites with 36 UNESCO recognised places, there are yet others who are waiting for recognition. Apart from the 36 sites inscribed on the World Heritage list, India has also maintained a list of tentative sites for recognition which has been submitted to UNESCO Committee for evaluation and acceptance. (Photo: Pixabay) April 18 is celebrated as World Heritage Day. On 18 April 1982 on the occasion of a symposium organised by ICOMOS in Tunisia, the holding of the "International Day for Monuments and Sites" to be celebrated simultaneously throughout the world was suggested. This project was approved by the Executive Committee who provided practical suggestions to the National Committees on how to organise this day. The idea was also approved by the UNESCO General Conference who passed a resolution at its 22nd session in November 1983 recommending that Member States examine the possibility of declaring 18 April each year International Monuments and Sites Day. This has been traditionally called the World Heritage Day. While India is a treasure trove for heritage sites with 36 UNESCO recognised places, there are yet others who are waiting for recognition. These places, in no way, are lesser than the ones already cited. Apart from the 36 sites inscribed on the World Heritage list, India has also maintained a list of tentative sites for recognition which has been submitted to UNESCO Committee for evaluation and acceptance. This procedure of prelisting is a prerequisite for the nominations for the World Heritage list to be accepted. Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the Philippines, and Nepal have expressed their support in inscribing more sites from India. Here are the names of those 43 sites: Nigerians, according to the NCB data, account for 40% of the foreigners arrested for drug and related crimes in the country last year. A senior official in the anti-narcotics establishment said that these figures reflect a trend of the involvement of the Nigerians and those from other African countries in such crimes. New Delhi: Nigerians constituted about 40 per cent of the foreigners arrested for drug crimes in the country last year, according to a latest report by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). According to the data compiled by the central agency for the year 2017, out of the total 397 foreigners arrested in India for drug crimes, 157 were Nigerians, 95 were from Nepal, 46 from Myanmar and 13 from South Africa. Nigerians, according to the NCB data, account for 40 per cent of the foreigners arrested for drug and related crimes in the country last year. The drugs bureau was tasked to coordinate efforts against the drug menace has arrested 21 Nigerians, while the remaining were apprehended by other departments, including various state police units. A senior official in the anti-narcotics establishment said that these figures reflect a trend of the involvement of the Nigerians and those from other African countries in such crimes. In 2016, the official said, 68 Nigerians and 91 Nepalese nationals were arrested across the country for different drug crimes, followed by as many as 27 persons from Myanmar and five from South Africa. These figures (of arrests of foreign nationals), by and large, remain the same each year. We have found that the poor socio-economic conditions of those belonging to the African nations are responsible for their attraction to do such crimes, the NCB official said. All these cases are also brought to the notice of local embassies or high commissions of the respective countries as the proceedings under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) continue, the official said. The nationals of other countries who were arrested for drug and related crimes in the year 2017 include Bolivia (7), Bangladesh (6), Sri Lanka (6), Uganda and Rwanda (5 each) and Venezuela (4) and the like, the official added. Under the policy, discoms will be exempted from paying penalty in the 1st hr of an unsc-heduled power cut. New Delhi:Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday approved a policy to compensate consumers for unscheduled power cuts by the power distribution companies in the national capital. The discoms will have to pay a penalty of Rs 100 for each hour of such a power outage. The policy will come into effect after the approval of lieutenant-governor Anil Baijal, a Delhi government statement said. CM Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday approved the power departments policy for compensating consumers for unscheduled power cuts by private power distribution companies in Delhi, the statement said. The government hopes that the policy will be approved by the L-G. In 2016, Mr Kejriwal had alleged that an order of his government to compensate power consumers for unscheduled electricity cuts was cancelled by the then L-G Najeeb Jung. The latest policy has been sent to Mr Baijal for final approval. The Delhi government is confident that the L-G will concur with the policy and will endorse this pro-consumer step, which will become a model for other governments in the country, it said. Under the policy, disco-ms will be exempted from paying penalty in the first hour of an unscheduled power cut. For the next hour, consumers will be paid Rs 50, after which compensation will be paid at a rate of Rs 100 per hour. The first hour exemption from penalty will be available once a day for the discoms. The compensation would be provided to consumers in their monthly electricity bills, a statement issued by the AAP government said. There are three private power discoms including the BSES companies BYPL and BRPL, and the Tata Power Delhi Distrib-ution Limited that supply power to the city, barring areas under the New Delhi Municipal Council and the Delhi Cantonm-ent. The compensation earned by the consumers will be adjusted against their monthly power bill. In case, the compensation is not paid by the discoms, the consumers can lodge a complaint with the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Authority. The amount of compensation in such cases will be Rs 5,000 or five times of the compensation paya-ble, whichever is higher, said the statement. The affected consumers will be required to file a no current complaint through SMS, email, telephone, mobile apps or official websites of discoms, giving their particulars such as name, consumer account (CA) number, mobile number. The discoms will attend to the complaint and will send a confirmation message to consumers with the date and time of restoration, the statement said. It said that after the permissible time limit ends, the respective compensation amount will be automatically credited to the CA number without any manual intervention and a message will be sent to the consumer. The accused, identified as Shokeen Khan, was arrested and was found to be having a fake driving licence. The woman had booked the cab from the airport. She saw the driver masturbating at the wheel. (Photo: File) New Delhi: An Uber driver was arrested for allegedly masturbating while ferrying a woman passenger in his cab, police said on Wednesday. The incident occurred on the night of April 15 in Lutyens' Delhi. The accused, identified as Shokeen Khan, was arrested and was found to be having a fake driving licence, they said. The woman had booked the cab from the airport. She saw the driver masturbating at the wheel. When the cab reached near Janpath, she asked the driver to stop near a police vehicle. The driver fled from the spot but was later nabbed, police said. He also condemned the attacks on the artists and intellectuals in the Indian-sub continent. Kolkata: Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasinas political adviser H.T. Imam on Tuesday brushed aside the questions of rise of fundamentalists in Bangladesh. He also condemned the attacks on the artists and intellectuals in the Indian-sub continent. We do not support it under no circumstances. Such crimes are beyond mercy. We are undertaking strong punishments for those who are caught, he said. The main policy of our country and government is against terrorism and fundamentalism. We are carrying out our fight successfully. There is no political problem or anything else in Bangladesh now. Everything is normal now, he said. Mr Imam was speaking to the media on the sidelines of a cultural programme on Mujibnagar Dibas organised by the Bangladesh deputy high commission. Giving an instance he elaborated, Only on Monday it was announced that the Bangladesh Awami League formed a national committee to supervise the national elections. Our PM, also the Bangladesh Awami League president, is the panels president. Mr Imam explained, I have been elected as the co-chairman with Obaidul Kader, who is the partys general secretary, has been made the member secretary. Thus we have gone to the field of poll battle. Asked about his role Mr Imam underliend that he was responsible for the task in 2008 and 2014 also. Now the Bangladesh Awami League considered me and reposed faith in me after judging that I would be able play the role at this age, he mentioned. Asked about the attacks on the intellectuals Mr Imam said, We do not support it under no circumstances. Such crimes are beyond mercy. We are undertaking strong punishments for those who are caught. Khan is scheduled to shoot in Canada, Nepal, and the United States from May 25 to July 10 this year. Mumbai: Bollywood actor Salman Khan has been granted permission to travel abroad for his upcoming film's shooting by the Jodhpur District and Sessions Court . Khan, who was granted bail in the blackbuck poaching case, filed the petition before Jodhpur District and Sessions Court seeking permission to travel outside India, earlier in the day. Khan is scheduled to shoot in Canada, Nepal, and the United States from May 25 to July 10 this year. On April 05, the 52-year-old actor was sentenced to five years imprisonment after being convicted of killing two blackbucks in Jodhpur during the shooting of his 1998 movie 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. Before getting the bail, Khan spent two nights in Jodhpur Central jail. While granting the bail, the court had ordered Khan to seek legal permission before leaving the country. Using this technology, experts say will eventually become key to efforts to send humans to Mars. The technology can help make light-weight parts made of plastics more quickly and cheaply than traditional assembly lines that require major investments in equipment. More than 100 parts for US space agency NASAs deep-space capsule Orion will be made by 3D printers, using technology that experts say will eventually become key to efforts to send humans to Mars. The US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, 3D printing specialist Stratasys, and engineering firm PADT have developed the parts using new materials that can withstand the extreme temperatures and chemical exposure of deep space missions, Stratasys said on Tuesday. In space, for instance, materials will build up a charge. If that was to shock the electronics on a spacecraft there could be significant damage, Scott Sevcik, Vice President Manufacturing Solutions at Stratasys told Reuters. 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has been used for making prototypes across a range of different industries for many years but is being increasingly eyed for scale production. The technology can help make light-weight parts made of plastics more quickly and cheaply than traditional assembly lines that require major investments in equipment. But even more significant is that we have more freedom with the design... parts can look more organic, more skeletal, Sevcik said. Stratasyss partner Lockheed Martin said the use of 3D printing on the Orion project would also pay off at other parts of its business. We look to apply for benefits across our programs - missile defence, satellites, planetary probes, especially as we create more and more common products, said Brian Kaplun, additive manufacturing manager at Lockheed Martin Space. Orion is part of NASAs follow-up program to the now-retired space shuttles that will allow astronauts to travel beyond the International Space Station, which lies about 260 miles (420 km) above Earth. The agencys European counterpart, ESA, has suggested that moon rock and Mars dust could be used to 3D print structures and tools, which could significantly reduce the cost of future space missions because less material would need to be brought along from Earth. With ransomware and DDoS attacks on the rise, the average number of focused cyber attacks per organisation has more than doubled this year. In the face of these growing cyber threats, organisations are demonstrating far more success in detecting and blocking them, according to the study. Although 87 per cent of focused cyber attacks are prevented, organisations are still experiencing 30 cyber breaches per year, a new study conducted by Accenture revealed. With ransomware and distributed denial of service (DDoS) attacks on the rise, the average number of focused cyber attacks per organisation has more than doubled this year compared to the previous 12 months (232 through January 2018 versus 106 through January 2017). In the face of these growing cyber threats, organisations are demonstrating far more success in detecting and blocking them, according to the study. However, despite making significant progress, the study notes that only two out of five organisations are currently investing in breakthrough technologies like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, indicating there is even more ground to be gained by increasing investment in cyber resilient innovations and solutions. Despite the increased pressure of ransomware attacks, which doubled in frequency last year, the study notes that organisations are upping their game and now preventing 87 per cent of all focused attacks, compared to 70 per cent in 2017. However, with 13 per cent of focused attacks penetrating defences, organisations are still facing an average of 30 successful security breaches per year which cause damage or result in the loss of high-value assets. "While the findings of this study demonstrate that organisations are performing better at mitigating the impact of cyber attacks, they still have more work to do. Building investment capacity for wise security investments must be a priority for those organisations who want to close the gap on successful attacks even further. For business leaders who continue to invest in and embrace new technologies, reaching a sustainable level of cyber resilience could become a reality for many organisations in the next two to three years. That's an encouraging projection," said Kelly Bissell, managing director of Accenture Security. As per the study, it is now taking less time to detect a security breach; from months and years to nowadays and weeks. On average, 89 per cent of respondents said their internal security teams detected breaches within one month, compared to only 32 per cent of teams last year. This year, 55 per cent of organisations took one week or less to detect a breach, compared to 10 per cent last year. Although companies are detecting breaches faster, security teams are still only finding 64 percent of them, which is similar to last year, and they're collaborating with others outside their organisations to find the remaining breaches. This underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among business and government sectors to stop cyber attacks. When asked how they learn about attacks that the security team has been unable to detect, respondents indicated that more than one-third (38 per cent) are found by white-hat hackers or through a peer or competitor (up from 15 per cent, comparatively, in 2017). However, only 15 per cent of undetected breaches are found through law enforcement, which is down from 32 per cent the previous year. On an average, respondents said only two-thirds (67 per cent) of their organisation is actively protected by their cybersecurity program. While external incidents continue to pose a serious threat, the survey revealed that organisations should not forget about the enemy from within, as two of the top three cyber attacks with the highest frequency and greatest impact are internal attacks and accidentally published information. When asked which capabilities were most needed to fill gaps in their cyber security solutions, the top two responses were cyber threat analytics and security monitoring (46 per cent each). A large majority of respondents (83 per cent) agreed that new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine or deep learning, user behaviour analytics, and blockchain are essential to securing the future of organisations. CIA Director Mike Pompeo's visit made him the most senior US official ever known to have met with leader Kim Jong Un. CIA Director Mike Pompeos conversations fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. (Photo: Wikimedia commons) Washington: US Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, US officials said on Tuesday. Pompeos trip made him the most senior US official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trumps willingness to become the first serving US president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeos conversations fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a US senior official briefed on the trip. Also Read: Trump reveals direct North Korea contacts, signals peace talks The visit, a second US official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trumps most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at extremely high levels with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: Lets leave it a little bit short of the highest level. Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly. Asked about Pompeo, she said: The administration does not comment on the CIA directors travel. An optimistic course Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeos trip made him the most senior US official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the presidents Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Barbara Pierce Bush is survived by her husband, five children as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. George H.W. Bush with Barbara after being sworn in as 41st president in 1989. (Photo: AFP) Washington: Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush, wife of a US president and mother of another, died on Tuesday. She was 92. Her husband George Herbert Walker Bush, the former US president and her son George Walker Bush, also a former president, were by her side along with other family members when she breathed her last at her Houston home. A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92, said a statement from the office of her husband. Funeral arrangements would be announced as soon as is practical, the statement said. She is survived by her husband, five children - including former President George W. Bush - and her brother Scott Pierce, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Over the past few years, she had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. In her final days, she decided against seeking additional medical treatment. Bush was last hospitalised for bronchitis in January of 2017 alongside her husband, who was being treated in the ICU. Joining the nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania said Barbara Bush as a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognising the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well, Trump said. In another statement issued by his campaign, Trump said the former First Lady will always be remembered for bringing strength and dignity to the White House, the Presidency, and America. Because of Mrs. Bushs dynamic personality and devotion to her family, she will serve as an inspiration for future generations of Americans to come, Trump said. Barbara Bush always approached her responsibilities with great integrity, and will also be remembered for her humility and understanding of the challenges of everyday Americans, he said. Melania Trump also expressed condolences at Barbara Bushs demise. Throughout her life, she put family and country above all else. Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family, Melania Trump said. She was a woman of strength and we will always remember her for her most important roles of wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Bush family as we honour her legacy, she said. Barbara Bush, the New York native and longtime Texas resident served as Americas first lady beginning 1989 - when her husband was elected as the President of the United States - till 1993. Later, her son George W. Bush was also president of the US, serving from 2001 until 2009. Her son Jeb Bush was the 43rd governor of Florida, and also a 2016 Republican presidential candidate. Born in 1925, Bush spent her childhood in Rye, New York, before moving to South Carolina to attend the prestigious Charleston boarding school Ashley Hall, according to the White House. Known for her wit and fortitude, Bush spent her final years with her husband in their homes Houston, Texas, and Kennebunkport, Maine. When asked if she planned to follow her skydiving husbands lead and take a leap on her milestone 90th birthday in 2015, the former First Lady told media. Im too smart to jump out of a perfectly good plane. I am not jumping out of an airplane. I am not an idiot. She also wrote multiple childrens books and published a memoir Barbara Bush: A Memoir and Reflections: Life After the White House in 2003. In 1992 she also authored Millies Book, written from the perspective of the first dog. Son and former President George W. Bush released a statement saying his dear mother had passed away and that the family would miss her dearly. My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was, the statement said. Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Former President Bush said that his mother kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush in a statement said that he was exceptionally privileged to be her son. Former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle said that she was the rock of a family dedicated to public service. Well always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit, Obama said. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. Her husband, our 41st president, wrote in his last days in office: history will show that she was beloved because she was real and she cared and she gave of herself. Who could say it better?, he said. Both countries want to take forward attempts to reset ties strained by the 73-day Doklam military standoff in 2017. Swaraj will arrive in Beijing on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22. (Photo: PTI | File) Beijing: China on Wednesday said its relations with India have seen "great strides" and that the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will further enhance political trust between the two countries. Swaraj will arrive in Beijing on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22 to take forward attempts by both countries to reset ties strained by the 73-day Doklam military standoff in 2017 as well as a host of other issues. "We believe Swaraj's visit will further enhance political trust between the two countries and elevate the China-India strategic cooperation partnership," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. "We have seen great strides in all-around cooperation. This year, there is a positive momentum in bilateral ties. We would like to work with the Indian side to maintain high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, properly manage disputes and move forward bilateral ties," Hua said. The issues of discord between the two countries include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China blocking India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG as well as its opposition to efforts to list Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. This will be Swaraj's first meeting with Wang after he was elevated last month to be the state councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He holds the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister. During their talks, Wang and Swaraj will exchange views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of mutual concern, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. Swaraj is also scheduled to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on April 24 besides meeting Chinese Hindi scholars and students. Hua said the foreign ministers of all eight-member countries of the SCO will take part in the meeting on April 24. SCO, in which China plays an influential role, is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. This is the first foreign ministers' meeting after India and Pakistan were admitted into SCO last year. All parties will exchange views on SCO cooperation and major international and regional issues, Hua said. The meeting will lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit of the SCO at the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit. PM Narendra Modi also met Prince Charles at the London Science museum and is later expected to meet Queen Elizabeth. he two leaders held talks over a breakfast meeting on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. (Photo: ANI) London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May during which the two leaders are expected to discuss wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. Modi was greeted with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi. The two leaders will hold talks over a breakfast meeting on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. "A slew of agreements will be signed between India and the UK during the bilateral leg of the visit today. This is a relationship that cuts across all sectors and has reached a very mature level. The prime minister's visit is about what more we can do to build on that," a senior Indian official said. A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as: "In India, Peace is always in Fashion". (Photo: ANI/Twitter) Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late-night meeting at Heathrow airport. "A real pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK. Lots to discuss on UK-India bilateral issues - tech collaboration, trade, healthcare opportunities and more," Johnson said. "Another chapter in modern partnership bound by strong historical ties," added the ministry of external affairs (MEA). Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements. After his meeting with the British PM, he arrives at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue on the banks of the river Thames, which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015, will be followed by his second meeting with Theresa May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. Following an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. An India-UK Tech Alliance is also expected to be among the announcements during the day. PM Modi is scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the "Living Bridge" theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve the PM addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. An estimated 1,700 people, mostly from the Indian diaspora in the UK, successful in a ballot of free online registrations will attend the event organised by the Europe India Forum. "It will be a no-holds-barred interaction with Prime Minister Modi, in a manner and format never witnessed before," said Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Foreign Affairs Department. At the end of the live telecast, Modi will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by May as a formal welcome to the CHOGM. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. A series of demonstrations, including a silent protest to condemn the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, have been planned by various groups at Parliament Square ahead of his visit. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday told his British counterpart Theresa May there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India after it leaves the EU, as the two leaders agreed to infuse new energy into bilateral ties post-Brexit. The two leaders had fruitful discussions on multiple aspects of India-UK relations and issues like counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism, according to official statements. Mr Modi, in Britain for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, is to sign 1 billion ($1.42 billion) of investment deals that will create or safeguard 5,750 British jobs. Mr Modi is also expected to confirm the new India-UK Trade Partnership, which London said will seek to improve the accessibility of trade for businesses in both countries as Britain leaves the European Union next year. Mr Modi, who arrived at 10, Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by Ms May. Very welcome to London, Prime Minister, Ms May said as she greeted Mr Modi. Wonderful meeting with Prime Minister @theresa_may at 10, Downing Street. We had fruitful discussions on multiple aspects of India-UK relations, Prime Minister Modi tweeted after the meeting. Ministry of external affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement post-Brexit. Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit. He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so, a Downing Street spokesperson said. The Prime Minister (May) updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UKs withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020, the spokesperson said. A statement issued by 10, Downing Street after the meeting said that the Syria air strikes, counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism were among some of the key topics covered by both leaders. Ms May reiterated the UKs position on Russias recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury on former Russian double Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia and the protection provided for the Syrian regimes repeated use of chemical weapons against its people. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, including terrorism and terror-related incidents in both India and the UK. They affirmed that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever and it should not be associated with any religion, creed, nationality or ethnicity. The leaders agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people; for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters, the joint statement said. The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally-proscribed terrorists including Lashkar-e-Tayebba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates, as well as tackling the online radicalisation and violent extremism which feeds this, it added. A secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is in the interests of India, the UK and the international community, Mr Modi and Ms May said amidst Chinas flexing its muscles in South and East China seas. The two sides agreed further enhance cooperation to promote international security and stability in cyberspace and will work together to tackle threats such as piracy, protect freedom of navigation and open access, and improve maritime domain awareness in the region. Ms May and Mr Modi discussed a new UK-India Tech Partnership, which will create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both our economies. Looking ahead at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Thursday, they also agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens. We are committed members of the Commonwealth. We share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion, said a joint statement issued by the two sides. The two leaders said trade between the UK and India had grown strongly over the last year and agreed to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier to do business in both countries and enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. They reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Ministers visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges, Downing Street said. During a discussion on cooperation between the two countries on legal matters, which is likely to have covered extradition matters, May also welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six, the former British soldiers accused of piracy who were freed from an Indian jail last year. Women from Turkey, Central Asia among sentenced. French jihadist Djamila Boutoutaou attends her trial at the central penal court in Baghdad on Tuesday. Boutoutaou, 29, was sentenced to life in prison for belonging to the ISIS group. AFP , the latest in a series of court judgments against jihadists. (Photo: AFP) Baghdad: Iraqi courts have sentenced to death a total of more than 300 people, including dozens of foreigners, for belonging to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria group, judicial sources said on Wednesday. The suspects are being tried by two courts, one near the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq and another in Baghdad which is dealing notably with foreigners and women. Since January in the capital, 103 foreign nationals have been condemned to death, including six Turks sentenced on Wednesday, and 185 to life in prison, according to a judicial source. Most of the women sentenced were from Turkey and republics of the former Soviet Union. In January, an Iraqi court condemned a German woman to death after finding her guilty of belonging to ISIS while on Tuesday a French woman was sentenced to life in prison. At the court in Tel Keif near Mosul, 212 people have been sentenced to death, 150 to life in prison and 341 to other jails terms, Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar said in a statement. It has been proven that they carried out criminal actions at public hearings conducted in accordance with the law during which the convicts rights were guaranteed, he said. On Monday, the justice ministry said 11 people convicted of terrorism-related charges had been executed in Iraq, which according to New York-based Human Rights Watch is the worlds number four executioner. Iraq is doing good job. ISIS must be eliminated from the earth. Now the supporters in India is more thousands. They also should be arrested and put behind bars. Two days back what the havoc they made. These executions follow rushed trials of ISIS suspects which are riddled with due process violations, including convictions based solely on confessions which are sometimes extracted by torture, said HRW senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille. Iraqs mishandling of the ISIS trials not only denies victims real justice, but also risks sending innocent Iraqis to their deaths. by Vladimir Rozanskij Moscow (AsiaNews) - On 15 April a Divine Liturgy was celebrated on the cruiser "Aurora", in the chapel of the ship dedicated to St. Nicholas, 100 years after the October revolution. The Mass was presided by a parish priest of St. Petersburg, the Protopriest Aleksandr Tkachenko, in front of the cadets of the Naval Military School, the crew members and the officers of the historic warship. The Aurora is a first class cruiser of the Russian Baltic fleet which was at the center of the uprising in the Russian capital, which in 1917 was called Petrograd ("Russified" name of St. Petersburg, because of enmity with the Germans during the First world War). The ship was anchored at the city port, at the mouth of the river Neva, for necessary repairs after a series of glorious battles in previous years. The crew forced to wait, impatient to resume the war, became one of the main groups of agitators in the February upheavals, when the popular protest due to the difficulties caused by the ruinous Russian participation in the war ended with the overthrow of the regime and the same Tsar Nicholas II, who renounced the throne and was later killed by the Bolsheviks in Yekaterinburg together with all the members of the family, in July 1918. The revolution began on March 8, 1917 (February 25, according to the old calendar), with a factory strike near the port and the protest of women asking for bread. It was the event, then remembered with the Women's Day on March 8th, which unleashed all the other tumultuous events. The garrison guarding the Winter Palace was mostly made up of inexperienced youngsters, due to the mobilization of all the best forces at the front. The commander of the Aurora put the most exaggerated among his sailors under arrest, and thought to use the ship as a floating prison for the rebels. There were shootings, followed by the occupation of the ship by the workers' committees who came to the rescue of the crew: the episode marked the capitulation of the guards of the capital, also because of the refusal of officers of the cruiser to use weapons on the crowd . In the following months, under the provisional governments of L'vov and Kerensky, the ship remained guarding events near the palaces of power, led by a revolutionary committee. In September a Bolshevik machinist, A. Belishev, was elected president and moved the ship to the Winter Palace on the night of November 7 (October 25), the date of the revolution, marked by the firing of the Aurora's cannon. The threat of bombing the Palace caused Kerensky to surrender. Since then the cruiser has remained in the canal near the historical sites of the Bolshevik taking of power, as a museum of the revolution and home of the Naval Academy. The celebrant of the liturgy Fr. Tkachenko stressed that "today those who work on this ship are animated by a profound Christian faith". The ship's chapel, restored in 2016, will not be a parish, but functions will be regularly celebrated for the crew members, officers and students of the Nakhimovskij Naval Institute. "This is a prayer of national reconciliation," said the priest, recalling all the protagonists of the events of a hundred years ago, "both those who were on the side of the reds, and whites, who saw the future of the country in continuation with the past regime and those who wanted to change everything. Orthodox faith can reconcile people who have different ideas, and who belong to different social groups ". Rubric China Economy Freedom of religion India Islam Social Doctrine of the Church Vatican Geographic area Afghanistan Africa Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia Central America Central Asia China East Asia East Timor Europe Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Middle East Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North America North Asia North Korea Oceania Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South America South Asia South East Asia South Korea South West Asia Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen by Kamel Abderrahmani Muslims in Europe have the right to build mosques and practise their faith in peace, whilst Christians in Algeria do not. The law on non-Muslim worship hangs like a permanent sword over the head of the Protestant Church of Algeria. Christians are forced to rent places to worship whilst building owners are threatened and intimidated by the authorities. Algiers (AsiaNews) The right of religious minorities to worship is threatened in Algeria. Some laws, like the one promulgated by President Abdelaziz Bouteflika in 2006 on the regulation of non-Muslim worship, make it difficult for Christians to profess their faith. We have already published an article by Kamel Abderrahman on religious freedom in his country. This time, it is in the Algerian city of Akbou, home to a small church that thrived for at least seven years. At the beginning of last month, it was forced to stop all its activities. This is the fourth church to have closed in the last four months. The other three were near the city of Oran, 600 km west of Bejaia. Unlike the church in Azagher (Kabylia), the other three churches were all affiliated with the Protestant Church of Algeria (Eglise protestante dAlgerie, EPA), which has been officially recognised by the government since 1974. In recent months though, of the EPAs 45 churches, 25 received notifications telling them to comply with safety standards. This is a very abusive decision, especially since foreign funding of churches is ban by the authorities of my country. Mohamed Aissa, our Algerian Minister of Religious Affairs and Endowments, spoke on pro-regime channel Ennahar TV, denying claims that the countrys Christian minority was suffering from discrimination. In his view, if the churches were being closed, it was because they "did not meet safety regulations required for a place of worship". This assessment is hardly shared by human rights observers, for whom such closures are part of a "coordinated campaign of intensified action against churches by government authorities". With respect to the EPA, the government has enforced the 2006 law on the regulation of non-Muslim worship which is held like a sword over the heads of the Churches. The law stipulates that permission must be obtained before using a building for non-Muslim worship, and that worship must be conducted only in buildings that have been specifically designated for that purpose. In practice, the authorities have almost never responded positively to requests for permission by Churches. Without an official authorisation, Christians have been forced to rent places where they can worship and inform the authorities afterwards. At the same time, people who rent buildings to a Church are also threatened and intimidated by the authorities, making it more difficult for Christian communities to find a place to meet. As a Muslim, the argument put forward by the minister of Religious Affairs inspires such mistrust it is but the application of sharia in a discreet and indirect way. Shutting down churches is an anti-Christian decision since the government of my country does absolutely nothing to help Christian communities find proper places of worship. This is part of the clumsy actions against my Christian brothers and sisters who even have to endure legal action as soon as they announce their conversion. As a result, I wonder how it is it that Muslims in Europe have the right to build mosques and practise their faith in peace whilst Christians in Algeria do not have that same privilege in a country that considers itself Muslim. By contrast, if a mosque is closed in Europe, people will speak out against plots and Islamophobia. by Melani Manel Perera Twelve Sri Lankan groups signed the letter. At least six million people regularly use Facebook on the island. The letter demands action to protect personal data and prevent another Cambridge Analytica scandal. Colombo (AsiaNews) Twelve Sri Lankan civil society organisations sent an open letter on 10 April to Facebook chairman Mark Zuckerberg, asking him to take action against religious hate speech and posts that foster violence against women on his social networking service. We are very pleased that Facebook recognises that there is no place . . . for hate speech, incitement to violence, and other content that violates . . . Community Standards, said the Centre for Policy Alternatives, one of the groups that signed the letter. In the wake of the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the letters calls for action "to ensure Facebooks Community Standards are implemented in local languages and contexts. It goes on to say that following clashes between Muslims and Sinhalese Buddhists, Sri Lankan authorities blocked access to the social networking service to prevent the spread of fake news. In March, a Facebook delegation met with Sri Lankan government officials to stop harmful content on its service, which has six million active users per month in Sri Lanka. In a letter signed by Shivnath Thukral, Public Policy Director India and South Asia, Facebook noted that we are committed to taking concrete steps to address misuse of our platform in Sri Lanka. We [. . .] will continue to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders, including the Sri Lankan government and civil society organizations like yours, to curb hate speech and deepen our understanding of local context. American sources report meeting. It is the first high-level encounter between the two countries since 2000. The Washington-Pyongyang summit is essential for peace on the peninsula. Seoul (AsiaNews) - CIA director and incoming US secretary of state Mike Pompeo has met in secret with Kim Jong-un, reports The Washington Post reports today, citing official American sources aware of the trip. Representative of Washingtons "hard line", Pompeo reportedly went to North Korea on Easter weekend to discuss the possible summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. It is the highest level meeting between Washington and Pyongyang since 2000, when the then Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met the late Kim Jong-il, Kim Jong-un's father. Yesterday, during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida, Trump himself spoke of direct contacts at the "extremely" high level of the US government with the North Korean authorities. On the same occasion, the American president commented that the two Koreas have his "blessing to end the war". Just yesterday, Msgr. Lazzaro You Heung-sik, bishop of Daejon, underlined that the summit between the US and North Korea will be fundamental to define the future of the Korean peninsula: "Pyongyang will consider that the question of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula is essentially connected with the normalization of diplomatic relations with the United States and with the irrevocable guarantee of the security of its regime ". The final date or place for the summit between Trump and Kim has yet to be decided. The goal of the Saudis is to participate in an international force with the aim of "stabilizing" the country. For the Saudi Foreign Minister, the proposal is not "a new fact". Trump would like to create an Arab force to replace the US military on the ground. Today the inspectors of the OCCW are ready to visit Douma. Damascus (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir has relaunched the country's military engagement in Syria, saying that Riyadh is ready to send its troops on the ground. The goal, explains the kingdoms head of the diplomacy, is to take part in a "US-led" international mission with the aim of "stabilizing" the Arab country theater for seven years of a bloody conflict. "We have been discussing this with the United States," al-Jubeir told a news conference in Riyadh, in the presence of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "Since the beginning of the Syrian crisis [in 2011] - he added - we are evaluating the opportunity to send forces". The comment follows rumors that emerged from the American administration, according to which President Donald Trump is trying to assemble an Arab force to replace US military on the ground. The contingent would include troops from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The objective of this mission, explain White House sources, would be to "stabilize the north-east of the country" after the defeat of the Islamic State (IS, ex Isis). In these hours, the new national security advisor, the anti-Iranian hawk John Bolton, would have contacted the Egyptian chief of staff Abbas Kamal, in an attempt to convince Cairo to take part in the military initiative. However, the Saudi Foreign Minister wanted to clarify that the proposal to send troops to Syria in the context of an international coalition is not a "new fact". Riyadh had already advanced to the Obama administration its willingness to send Saudi soldiers and forces to Syria. And the Saudi hereditary prince and number two Mohammed bin Salman, had expressed the Kingdom's readiness to participate in a military intervention in Syria. The rumors of a possible Saudi military presence in Syria come at a time of strong tension in Syria, where the proxy war between powers arises as a result of the alleged chemical weapons attack by the government army in Douma, in eastern Ghouta. The attack, denied by Russians and Syrians, provoked the joint response of the United States, France and the United Kingdom, with a series of raids last week that triggered an escalation of tension. Today the inspectors of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) who have been in Damascus for days - should access the theater area of the attack, to check for traces that confirm (or deny) the use of chlorine or nerve gas. Arrested in January 2017, the clergymen were held for helping journalists document an airstrike against a Catholic church. In October they were convicted for alleged affiliation with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). Fighting between the latter and government forces has recently intensified. UN official Ursula Mueller calls the Kachin situation a forgotten humanitarian crisis". Naypyitaw (AsiaNews/Agencies) Two ethnic Kachin Baptist clergymen (picture) are among the beneficiaries of the amnesty announced yesterday by Myanmars newly elected president Win Myint, Dumdaw Nawng Lat, 67, and Langjaw Gam Seng, 35, spent more than 15 months in prison for helping journalists document a government airstrike in November 2016 that destroyed a Catholic church in the north of Shan State. Some 8,490 citizens of Myanmar and 51 foreigners received the presidential pardon, which coincided with the traditional Burmese New Year. Presidential spokesman Zaw Thay said that the people released were mostly seniors, in ill health and people convicted for drug-related offences. Thirty-six of those who were pardoned were listed as political prisoners by the independent Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). Almost 2,000 are soldiers and police jailed for breaking disciplinary rules. The two clergymen who left Lashio Prison in northern Myanmar yesterday were arrested in January 2017 and held by the Myanmar military for weeks. In October 2017, Lashio District Court sentenced Dumdaw Nawng Lat, an assistant pastor with the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), to 51 months in prison, and Langjaw Gam Seng, a KBC youth leader, to 27 months in prison for alleged affiliations with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). The court also convicted Dumdaw Nawng Lat with criminal defamation for providing information about the Myanmar militarys alleged airstrikes during a phone interview with Voice of America on 1st December 2016. The KIA is predominantly Christian and ethnically Kachin. The latter have suffered persecution at the hands of the Myanmar government. It is also one of many armed groups with whom the government of Aung San Suu Kyi has been trying to negotiate since August 2016 an end to decades of civil war. However, in recent weeks, armed clashes between rebels and government forces have intensified in Kachin State. An estimated 90,000 internally displaced persons currently reside in 164 displacement sites across Kachin State with more than 38,000 living in areas under KIA control. The Government of Myanmar continues to impose severe restrictions on humanitarian groups operating in Kachin State, where about 45 per cent of the population is Catholic. On April 8, following a six-day mission to Myanmar, Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Deputy Emergency Relief Coordinator Ursula Mueller called the conflict in Kachin a forgotten humanitarian crisis. Guest Commentary Kenneth Green Earlier this month, pipeline company Kinder Morgan announced it will suspend all non-essential activities and related spending on the federally-approved Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. In unusually clear language, Kinder Morgan explained that it cant invest more money into a project that it cant ensure will see completion. Kinder Morgan chief executive officer Steven Kean said that a company cannot litigate its way to an in-service pipeline amidst jurisdictional differences between governments and that Kinder Morgan cant expose shareholders to extraordinary political risks that are completely outside of our control and that could prevent completion of the project. The company said that to proceed, it must reach agreement by May 31 with the various stakeholders: the British Columbia government, First Nations, municipalities, etc. Without such an agreement, Kean said its difficult to conceive of moving ahead with the project. The sound of gloves hitting the ice came swiftly after the Kinder Morgan announcement. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley released a sharply-worded statement about B.C.s continuing obstruction of the pipeline, with overt threats of economic retaliation if such tactics continues. Federal Natural Resources Minister James Carr also issued a statement in support of the Trans Mountain expansion project, naming and shaming B.C. Premier John Horgan: The government of Canada calls on Premier Horgan and the B.C. government to end all threats of delay to the Trans Mountain expansion. His governments actions stand to harm the entire Canadian economy. Given that both Notley and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have in part justified their climate policies on the basis that this pipeline will be built, the harder language is not surprising. But Horgan is not backing down, insisting that the federal process failed to consider B.C.s interests and the risk to our province. We joined the federal challenge, started by others, to make that point. The three met for a summit of sorts on Sunday. It resulted in no meaningful progress. Its hard (if not impossible) to see the damage that a failure on the Trans Mountain expansion would have on investor confidence in Western Canada (and the rest of Canada, for that matter). In its annual global survey of oil and gas executives, the Fraser Institute has seen steep drops in investment attractiveness in both provinces in recent years. In 2017, B.C. dropped to 76th out of 97 jurisdictions (from 39th of 96 last year) on our index, which measures how public policies can deter oil and gas investment. Meanwhile, Alberta ranked 33rd overall in 2017 is the second-lowest ranked Canadian jurisdiction after B.C. Albertas ranking remains far behind 2014 levels when it placed 14th globally out of 156 jurisdictions. What investor, looking at the train-wreck failure of recent pipeline regulatory processes in Canada, would put their dollars down on Canada when only a few hundred kilometres to the south there are vastly more profitable (and vastly more predictable) investment opportunities. In the 2017 oil and gas survey, six of the worlds top 10 jurisdictions are in the United States compared to only two in Canada (Newfoundland and Saskatchewan). While Alberta and B.C. are falling in the rankings, U.S. states (Texas, Oklahoma, North Dakota) are consistently among the top performers. Make no mistake, the Kinder Morgan announcement reflects a watershed moment in Canadian history. What happens in its wake will definitively show the worlds investment community whether Canadas governments and regulatory processes can inspire the confidence they need to come to Canada (or stay in Canada) to help develop our natural resources and get them to world markets that command higher prices. Both the province of Alberta and the federal government have made the right pronouncements. Now its imperative that Ottawa back up those words with deeds. Kenneth Green is senior director of natural resource studies at the Fraser Institute. Jamie Olivers Australian restaurants enter into voluntary administration Jamie Olivers Italian restaurants in Australia have entered into voluntary administration. With a total of six Jamie Oliver Italian restaurants across the country, five have been sold to the Hallmark Group, owner of Irish bar, Finn McCools. The other restaurant, Jamies Italian in Canberra, closed its door for business Monday 16 April 2018. The voluntary administration comes after Jamie Olivers United Kingdom business announced in January 2018 that nearly half of its UK Jamie Italian restaurants would close. In 2017, the Jamie Oliver Group acquired the six Jamies Italian restaurants in Australia from the Keystone Group after it went into receivership. After the acquisition, Jame Oliver visited Australia to relaunch the restaurants. Related articles By David Hocking, Research associate, Monash University Robert Harris, Author provided If youve ever seen seals frolicking in the water, you know they are agile swimmers, with perfectly adapted paddle-like limbs. But if you think those flippers are just for swimming, then think again. In a study published today in Royal Society Open Science, we took a fresh look at how one group of seals the northern true seals, including grey and harbour seals use their forelimbs to process and eat their prey. This behaviour is rare among living marine mammals, and shows how ancient seals evolved to feed in water. Renae Sattler, Alaska SeaLife Center Read more: When mammals took to water they needed a few tricks to eat their underwater prey Whats in a flipper? Seals are best known for having long, streamlined forelimb flippers, much like those of a dolphin. Flippers and fins are great for steering and swimming, and independently evolved in many aquatic vertebrates: fish, seals, whales, dolphins, turtles, and extinct marine reptiles such as plesiosaurs and ichthyosaurs. But northern seals are an exception. Rather than wing-like, their hands are short, with mobile fingers that end in large protruding claws. David Hocking Instead of flippers, they really have paws - more like a dog than a dolphin. The question is: why? The clawed seals of the north The answer has to do with how these animals eat. When watching how northern seals feed, both in captivity and in the wild, we found that they dont just take a bite out of their catch. Kai Hagberg Instead, after securing a large fish in their jaws, they swim up to the surface before sinking their claws into its flesh. Finally, they pull down their arms to stretch their prey, gradually tearing it between the teeth and claws. Claws in the deep The use of claws to process prey harks back to the ancient past, and tells us how ancient seals switched from feeding on land to hunting in water. Seals originally descended from a land-dwelling predator, distantly related to bears and wolverines. Early seals probably first took to the water in pursuit of food, where they would have faced the challenge of stopping slippery prey from floating away. Clues as to how they mastered this task are provided by Enaliarctos, an ancestral seal that lived more than 20 million years ago along the ancient shores of Northwest America. David Hocking Like the living northern seals, Enaliarctos had long claws and flexible finger joints, suggesting that it would have been able to grasp prey during feeding. But unlike living seals, Enaliarctos also had sharp cutting teeth similar to those found in its meat-eating, land-dwelling cousins. To use these teeth effectively, Enaliarctos needed to place food carefully in its mouth. This is a difficult task when floating in water, but holding onto prey with its hands would certainly have helped. Perhaps Enaliarctos even still brought its quarry ashore, much like living river otters. Kai Hagberg Later seals lost the sharp cutting teeth of Enaliarctos, but retained its ability to grasp prey. This gradual transition helped to smooth the switch from feeding on land to hunting underwater. Rather than changing all at once, the behaviour and anatomy of early seals changed gradually, remaining effective at each step along the way. Clawed forelimbs: a relic of the ancient past or useful modern adaptation? Given the importance of clawed forelimbs to ancient seals, why are northern true seals the only ones that still use them? The answer, partly, is simply because they could. Unlike their close relatives, the fur seals and sea lions, northern seals primarily swim with their hind limbs. Their paws thus remained free to perform other tasks, and simply kept doing what they always had done. Renae Sattler, Alaska SeaLife Center But there is also a more sinister part to this story. Mobile paws may give seals an advantage when handling large prey. Grey seals, in particular, have put this skill to deadly use. For years, scientists have noted carcasses of harbour porpoises and various seals with peculiar spiral injuries. The true nature and cause of these wounds was revealed only recently. Grey seals prey on other marine mammals, using their paws and claws in the process. Somewhat shockingly, they even fed on members of their own kind. Their claws connect northern seals with their ancient past, and help us understand how their ancestors conquered the ocean. Cases like the grey seals also show that claws are not just an evolutionary hangover. Instead, they remain a key tool, allowing northern seals to exploit niches not or perhaps no longer available to most of their kin. David Hocking is a postdoctoral fellow with Monash University and receives funding from an Australian Research Council Linkage Project between Monash University and Museums Victoria (LP150100403). Felix Georg Marx receives funding from an EU Marie Skodowska-Curie Global Postdoctoral fellowship (656010/ MYSTICETI). Originally published in The Conversation. Hi all! I am a Permanent Resident in Australia and I just get married! Yayyyy! My wife and me are planning to apply for partner visa (820). We are preparing our documents for the visa but we got confused becoz our agent said we must have all the documents ready before our application submit, unfortunately we may not able to get our australia criminal record check on the time we submit the application. My friends told us we can submit our criminal record check after we lodge our visa application. May I know is this possible? Our agent told us to have the police check before we lodge our application due to the Australian government policy changed on the end of last year, if we don't have enough documents on our application, the application will be refused. Please help! It's urgent! Also, I would like to ask about the medical check. Can we do the medical check in advance? Our agent told us to prepare it before the application as well but I have no idea where can I get the referral letter except after I lodged my application. We are so confused and worried about this. Please please please help us! Thank you so much! Hi all, my wife who has PR wants to sponsor her aunt on the 600 Family Sponsored stream to come to Australia for a month or two for travel and to help us out with the kids etc. The visa asks for evidence of the relationship, but how would I prove that my wife's aunt, is indeed her aunt? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Photo of the Rome skyline courtesy of Bert Kaufmann via Wikimedia Commons. The 2018 Global Fleet Conference will feature a panel discussion on the topic of managing mobility on a global scale from executives of several international fleet management companies. On May 30, five executives will discuss how to guide fleet and mobility customers on managing the disruptive trend. The panel will include Norman Din of the Wheels-ALD Internaional Global Alliance; Alessandro Pigazzi of the Arval-Element Global Alliance; Gavin Eagle of LeasePlan International; Michiel Alferink of the Athlon-Donlen Alliance; and Rick Tousaw of ARI. Topics during the panel will include the how to transition from fleet to mobility management across the globe; the position of the fleet management companies in the new mobility eco-system; embracing innovation and technology for fleet and mobility management development; and more. The conference, which will be hosted in Rome this May 28 to 30, will address several key fleet issues, including how the global economy will affect fleets; setting up the right global fleet team and the communication process; embracing innovation in global fleet management, global fleet safety trends; global mobility management; and more. Early bird registration for the 2018 Global Fleet Conference in Rome, Italy ends next week, Monday, April 23. Click here to register for the conference. This year, the three-day conference will be held at the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, located in the monumental EUR Business District, between the historic center and Fiumicino Airport. The Global Fleet Conference is co-produced by Nexus Communication, publisher of Fleet Europe magazine, and Bobit Business Media, publisher of Automotive Fleet magazine. To view details regarding the upcoming 2018 Global Fleet Conference, click here. Philip II was the father of the renowned Alexander the Great, but was also a notable general and conqueror in his own right, who began the military ascendancy of Macedon which was later cemented and expanded by his more famous son. Philip was known for his love of women and many wives .but like most powerful men of the Hellenistic world, he also had male lovers. Philip II was the military genius who defeated the combined armies of Athens and Thebes, conquering all of Greece. Along the way he availed himself of the 800 young eunuchs that had been brought with the army for his pleasure. In the end it would be one of his male lovers who assassinated him, possibly as a result of jealousy. Philips military skills and expansionist vision of Macedonian greatness brought him early success. He first had to re-establish a situation which had been greatly worsened by the defeat against the Illyrians in which King Perdiccas himself had died. The Paionians and the Thracians had sacked and invaded the eastern regions of the country, while the Athenians had landed, at Methoni on the coast, a contingent under a Macedonian pretender called Argeus. Using diplomacy, Philip pushed back Paionians and Thracians promising tributes, and crushed the 3,000 Athenian hoplites (359). Momentarily free from his opponents, he concentrated on strengthening his internal position and, above all, his army. His most important innovation was doubtless the introduction of the phalanx infantry corps, armed with the famous sarissa, an exceedingly long spear, at the time the most important army corps in Macedonia. Philips military skills and expansionist vision of Macedonian greatness brought him early success. He first had to re-establish a situation which had been greatly worsened by the defeat against the Illyrians in which King Perdiccas himself had died. The Paionians and the Thracians had sacked and invaded the eastern regions of the country, while the Athenians had landed, at Methoni on the coast, a contingent under a Macedonian pretender called Argeus. Using diplomacy, Philip pushed back Paionians and Thracians promising tributes, and crushed the 3,000 Athenian hoplites (359). Momentarily free from his opponents, he concentrated on strengthening his internal position and, above all, his army. His most important innovation was doubtless the introduction of the phalanx infantry corps, armed with the famous sarissa, an exceedingly long spear, at the time the most important army corps in Macedonia.The murder occurred during October of 336 BC, at Aegae, the ancient capital of the kingdom of Macedon. The court had gathered there for the celebration of the marriage between Alexander I of Epirus and Philips daughter, by his fourth wife Olympias, Cleopatra. While the king was entering unprotected into the towns theater (highlighting his approachability to the Greek diplomats present), he was killed by Pausanias of Orestis, one of his seven bodyguards. The assassin immediately tried to escape and reach his associates who were waiting for him with horses at the entrance of Aegae. He was pursued by three of Philips bodyguards and died by their hands.the historian Cleitarchus expanded and embellished the story. Centuries later, this version was to be narrated by Diodorus Siculus and all the historians who used Cleitarchus. In the sixteenth book of Diodorus history, Pausanias had been a lover of Philip, but became jealous when Philip turned his attention to a younger man, also called Pausanias. His taunting of the new lover caused the youth to throw away his life, which turned his friend, Attalus, against Pausanias. Attalus took his revenge by inviting Pausanias to dinner, getting him drunk, then subjecting him to sexual assault. When Pausanias complained to Philip the king felt unable to chastise Attalus, as he was about to send him to Asia with Parmenion, to establish a bridgehead for his planned invasion. He also married Attaluss niece, or daughter, Eurydice. Rather than offend Attalus, Philip attempted to mollify Pausanius by elevating him within the bodyguard. Pausanias desire for revenge seems to have turned towards the man who had failed to avenge his damaged honour; so he planned to kill Philip, and some time after the alleged rape, while Attalus was already in Asia fighting the Persians, put his plan in action. A Delano man who spent more than two decades on death row was released from custody Thursday after all charges against him were dismissed. GIVE BIG KERN EVENTS Give Big buys These local retailers are contributing $1 from special products to the Give Big Kern effort over the next two months. Through May 1: Gimme Some Sugar Sweet Co. is selling Billy the Give Big Goat cookies with the campaigns mascot on it for $3. One dollar from each cookie purchase goes to Give Big Kern. Sequoia Sandwich Company is selling a special Give Big sandwich a cracked pepper turkey on a ciabatta roll with cream cheese, leaf lettuce, tomato, red onion, and Dijon-marinated artichoke hearts for $8.95. As with the cookie, $1 of each sale will be donated to the Give Big Kern effort. Through April 30: Temblor Brewing Company will donate $1 from the sale of every pint or six pack of its 661 ale to the Give Big Kern effort. April 24: The Prairie Fire Bar at The Padre Hotel will host a Countdown Mixer in advance for the formal one-day Give Big Kern event on May 1. Ten percent of the proceeds from two special drinks will be donated to Give Big Kern at the event from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Nonprofits involved in the Give Big Kern campaign will be at California Living Museum at 10500 Alfred Harrell Highway. The public can come out to CALM, learn about the non-profits and even donate to them at the event. Also on April 28, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Check out the "Driven to Give Event by Jim Burke Lincoln, at CALM. The Lincoln dealership event will be raising money for the Give Big Kern effort. For every test drive starting from CALM that day, $20 will be donated to Give Big Kern nonprofits. May 1, 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. You can join the Giving Day Kickoff event at the Liberty Bell, at the corner of Truxtun and Chester Avenues in Downtown Bakersfield. May 1, 7 p.m. There will be a Give Big Kern After Party at Temblor Brewing Company, 3200 Buck Owens Blvd., B, Bakersfield, CA 93308 Unfortunately, our website is currently unavailable in your country. We are engaged on the issue and committed to looking at options that support our full range of digital offerings to your market. We continue to identify technical compliance solutions that will provide all readers with our award-winning journalism. PATTAYA, Thailand (AP) A Russian sex guru and his followers, one of whom claims to have evidence of Moscow's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, were acquitted Tuesday of violating labor laws in Thailand but still face other charges that could land them in prison for more than 10 years. Alexander Kirillov and follower Anastasia Vashukevich, a model and escort, told reporters they placed the blame for their continued detention on U.S. officials, to whom they previously appealed for help and political asylum. Vashukevich's earlier revelation of an alleged affair with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin, fueled opposition allegations in Russia of official corruption and enraged the Kremlin. Vashukevich claims to have audio recordings of Deripaska that provide evidence of Russian meddling in the U.S. polls. Deripaska has been linked to Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's former campaign manager who has been indicted on money laundering charges in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. The group was arrested Feb. 25 in a hotel meeting room in Pattaya, a Thai seaside resort city popular with Russian visitors. The sex lessons they hosted were attended by about 40 Russian tourists. Some participants wore T-shirts saying "Sex animator" in English with an arrow pointing to the wearer's crotch. Kirillov and Vashukevich, with half a dozen other people, were taken Tuesday to a Pattaya court from the immigration detention center in Bangkok where they are being held. Unashamed sexual activity is business as usual for Pattaya, which is notorious for its sordid nightlife, but the allegations by Vashukevich, who uses the name Nastya Rybka on her racy social media postings, have drawn worldwide attention. Charges of working without proper permits were dropped Tuesday due to technicalities involving implementation of new regulations for work permits for foreigners, said a lawyer who represented the defendants and was present at their hearing. He spoke to reporters on condition that he not be named. Foreigners found working without a work permit can face fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,200) and imprisonment for up to five years. Police last week added additional charges against them of soliciting to provide sexual services, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years, and conspiracy to solicit, which is punishable by up to seven years. It was unclear when they will be tried on the new charges. Kirillov, also known as Alex Lesley, and Vashukevich managed to smuggle out a letter soon after they were arrested which was delivered by a friend to the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok, asking for asylum and saying they had important information about the U.S. election. They also said they feared for their personal safety, especially if deported to Russia. Vashukevich repeated her claims in comments to reporters before Thai authorities cut off media access to her. Speaking to the media Tuesday after they were acquitted, they took a more conciliatory tone toward Russia, and a more suspicious one toward U.S. authorities. On arrival at the court, when reporters asked Kirillov what he wished to tell the U.S., he responded in English: "Help us. Help us any way because we don't know what is happening." But after his acquittal, he told them he thought that U.S. officials, including the FBI, may have been trying to engineer the legal proceedings to keep them in Thai detention for three or four months. In broken English, he appeared to suggest the Americans wanted to find the alleged evidence themselves rather than get it by dealing with them. "This information is much more interesting for the American side. I think Russia is not involved so much as we thought about this," he said. He added that Vashukevich wrote a message for Deripaska to tell him hello and that she was waiting for him to "'come and do something' because this is everything about his case and she don't want to participate in some political situation. This is love story." Vashukevich, speaking in Russian, voiced similar sentiments. "I want to say this to Oleg Deripaska and say that we were wrong, it's not the Russian government who are trying to put us in jail, it's the Americans." At the same time, she insisted that the recordings she claims to have are still safe. "They took my phone and laptop away from me, because I have all of it on my phone and laptop. But don't worry, many people have it stored safely. And if I want for it to be revealed it will be." Vashukevich, who carries a passport from Belarus, became the center of a public scandal in early February when Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny published an investigation drawing on her social media posts suggesting corrupt links between Deripaska and a top Kremlin official, Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Prikhodko. The report featured photos from Deripaska's yacht in 2016, when Vashukevich claims she was having an affair with him and allegedly recorded him. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. HAVANA (AP) The latest on the meeting of Cuba's legislature and the scheduled end of Raul Castro's presidency (all times local): 5:35 p.m. U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio says the selection of Raul Castro's successor as president of Cuba is a "charade" that will not bring change to the island. The Florida Republican said in a Wednesday statement that Cuba continues to be oppressed by a single-party system. The Cuban government selected on Wednesday 57-year-old First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate to succeed Castro. It would mark the first time in nearly six decades that someone from outside the Castro family will hold the island's highest government office. Rubio says that with Diaz-Canel, "the regime will remain an enemy of democracy, human rights and the impartial rule of law." Castro will remain head of the Communist Party, the most powerful official organ in Cuba. ___ 12:30 p.m. Cuba has announced the slate of candidates for six vice presidents on its powerful Council of State. Three of the nominees would be returning to the council. They are Salvador Valdes Mesa, Ramiro Valdes Menendez and Gladys Maria Bejerano Portela. The new vice presidents would be Ines Maria Chapman, Beatriz Jhonson Urrutia and Roberto Tomas Morales Ojeda, who is now the health minister. Members of the National Assembly are expected to vote on this slate of candidates in a secret ballot later Wednesday and announce the results Thursday. ___ 12:10 p.m. The Cuban government has nominated First Vice President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez as the sole candidate for president, guaranteeing that the 57-year-old engineer will succeed Gen. Raul Castro, 86. Wednesday's announcement confirms the long-held expectation that Diaz-Canel would take over from Castro in a transition meant to ensure that the country's single-party system outlasts the aging revolutionaries who created it. The nomination must be now approved by the 604 delegates attending the National Assembly, which always approves nominations with total or near-total unanimity. Nominated as new first vice president is Salvador Valdes Mesa, a 72-year-old Afro-Cuban former union official who has held a long series of high posts in the Cuban government. ___ 10:30 a.m. A two-day session of the Cuban legislature has started with some bureaucratic business as lawmakers prepare to elect the country's new president. It started with an oath of office read by Leydimara de la Caridad Cardenas Isasi, who at 19 is the youngest member of the more than 600 members of the National Assembly of People's Power. A young Afro-Cuban, Cardenas represents the central town of Jovellanos. She entered politics when she was 16. Later, the members of the assembly will vote for president of the country, with the results expected to be announced Thursday. ___ 9:45 a.m. Cuba's government is embracing social media as it convenes the National Assembly to elect a successor to President Raul Castro. State-run media and government-controlled Twitter accounts are promoting what is expected to be a historic handover of the presidency to the first non-Castro to lead the country in nearly 60 years. The accounts are using the hashtag "Somos Continuidad" or "We are continuity." It's an apparent effort to convey the message that the Cubans shouldn't expect radical change when a new president is announced on Thursday. Internet access has increased dramatically over the past two years but the country still has one of the lowest percentages of home internet usage in the world. Few Cubans use Twitter and the vast majority of the country relies on TV for news. ___ 9:20 a.m. Cuba's legislature has opened a two-day session that is to elect a successor to President Raul Castro. The new president will be the first person outside the Castro family to lead the island since in nearly six decades. Legislators erupted in applause Wednesday morning as Castro entered the hall in a dark suit, accompanied by Miguel Diaz-Canel, his expected successor. Diaz-Canel smiled and joined the applause of the president. Castro is leaving after serving two five-year terms. He succeeded his brother Fidel, who headed Cuba from 1959 to 2006. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. NEW YORK -- Huey Lewis and The News has canceled its 2018 tour while frontman Lewis deals with the sudden loss of his hearing. In a statement released Friday, the band says Lewis lost most of his hearing a few months ago before a show in Dallas and now he cant hear music well enough to sing. Doctors told him he shouldnt perform until his hearing improves. Lewis suspects he has Menieres disease, a disorder of the inner ear. Huey Lewis and The News has sold a combined 15 million albums with Sports and Fore! The groups singles include Power of Love and I Want a New Drug. Lewis says he wants to sincerely apologize to fans and concentrate on getting better. He hopes to be able to perform again soon. SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. After years of debate, Florida voters will be able to weigh in on whether they want greyhound racing to continue throughout the state. Florida voters to decide on greyhound racing FCRC approved an amendment on the Nov. ballot On Monday, the Florida Constitution Revision Commission approved putting an amendment that would phase it out on the November ballot. A.J. Grant just returned from Tallahassee where he tried to stop the CRC from passing the amendment proposal. Because I think the average voter is going to be misinformed with the disingenuous comments that were made, said Grant. The voter doesnt know what we do. Grant is a kennel owner. His greyhounds race regularly at the Sanford Orlando Kennel Club in Longwood. He says claims by greyhound racing critics that the dogs arent treated properly and are overworked arent true. This dog will run once a week for 31 seconds, four times a month, said Grant. Carla Wilson adopted a greyhound more than 20 years ago. She has fought to end greyhound racing ever since. It opened our eyes and we realized we couldnt find homes for all of the dogs, said Wilson, the campaign manager for The Committee to Protect Dogs. This is a major victory for everyone in the state who cares about dogs. Wilson believes voters will decide to do away with the industry. We feel voters will make the humane decision in November and vote yes for the dogs, Wilson said. Grant says his livelihood hangs in the balance. It basically puts me out of business and this is all Ive done for 35 years, he said. And theres a lot of people in this industry that will be unemployed. We have empathy for the vote and how it will affect peoples jobs, but the Florida economy should not be based on the cruelty to dogs, Wilson said. If Florida voters approve the constitutional amendment in Novemberwhich would require 60 percent voting yes to itgreyhound racing would be phased out statewide by 2020. The matriarch of an American political dynasty passed away last night at the age of 92. Bay area non-profit recently remembers former First Lady Avian Veterans Alliance recently honored by the Bushes Non-profit uses birds to help veterans cope with PTSD Thoughts and prayers continue to pour in for former First Lady Barbara Bush. Bush was one of only two women in American history to be both the wife and mother of a U.S. President. She is being remembered as "America's Grandmother," a woman of strength, faith, and kindness, who was never afraid to say exactly what was on her mind. Bush is also well know in the sunshine state with her son Jeb Bush being the former governor of Florida. A group of veterans and volunteers from Largo who were recently honored by the former First Lady are remembering her today. The non-profit, Avian Veterans Alliance, uses birds to help veterans heal and cope with PTSD. They have worked with more than 2000 veterans and their efforts caught the attention of former President George Bush and former First Lady Barbara Bush. The group was recently invited to visit the Bush's in Maine and it was an experience they'll always cherish. "Barbara was very forthcoming, "Yes! I'm ready," -- she was incredibly in the moment right there with us," Patrick Bradley the co-founder of the non-profit said. "At her age, to have so much fire and passion and spunk behind her. When we were trying to get her to hold the bird, we offered her a glove for protection and she was like, "Ohh, if you're holding it with no glove, I can hold it with no glove," Telia Hann, a former service member and volunteer, said. The non-profit that works with veterans from Bay Pines VA said they're grateful for Barbara Bush's commitment to veterans and her impact on education. "She was an advocate for literacy within the education system so to have the opportunity to meet with her with someone who was so influential in a field I'm going into, is just amazing," Hann said. Bush's funeral will be held Saturday in Houston. She will be laid to rest near her daughter Robin, who passed in 1953 when she was just 3-years-old. GET OUR NEW APP Our new Spectrum News app is the most convenient way to get the stories that matter to you. Download it here. Senators Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson are hosting a National School Safety forum in Washington on Wednesday. Rubio, Nelson hosting National School Safety forum Parkland shooting families, gov. officials, experts to discuss prevention Senators working to keep school safety conversation going They'll be hosting families impacted by the Parkland shooting, government officials, and experts to share ideas on how to prevent school shootings from happening again. Both of the Florida Senators are working to keep the conversation going since the shooting at a high school in Parkland two months ago. Rubio and Nelson will lead and moderate a discussion today about school safety on Capitol Hill. The father of a Parkland shooting victim will make brief opening remarks. The Senators are likely to talk about what they have been doing on Capitol Hill to address school safety. Recently, Congress passed legislation that will put more resources toward improving school security and putting preventative measures in place, like tip lines and metal detectors, however, the legislation did not address gun laws. The bipartisan duo also introduced a bill a little less than a month ago that would encourage states to adopt so-called red flag laws--which give police authority to seize guns from people who pose a threat to themselves or others. Gun related proposals on Capitol Hill have not gained traction. The only consensus seems to be on school safety, without curbs to guns, and in a midterm election year, gun safety proposals face a difficult if not impossible future. LAKELAND Changes are coming to the old John Cox Elementary Building on Lakeland Hills Boulevard. While the current tenants are looking forward to moving out to a new home, a tuition-free middle school is waiting in the wings to move in. Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine planning new facility on Lake Wire Academy Prep Center a private, tuition-free middle school Academy Prep hopes to open Summer 2019 Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine currently operates out of the John Cox building. Their planned $4.5 million facility will be located on Lake Wire, near the United Methodist office complex. Once in their new home, LVIM will be able to see more patients and expand some critical areas. Well be able to expand mental health, because well be able to design something that is conducive to mental health, said LVIM president Bobby Yates. Yates said LVIM hopes to start construction this summer if it gets all the government approvals it needs. Its very exciting," he said. "Its exciting to me. Its exciting to the board. The Volunteers are excited about it." Once LVIM's move is complete, a private, tuition-free middle school for disadvantaged students, The Academy Prep Center, will move into the old school building. The school already has locations in Tampa and St. Petersburg. Students attend classes for about 11 hours a day and parents have to be involved. Academy Prep is funded by private donations and scholarships. Once students graduate from the middle school, Academy Prep gets students into private prep schools with full-ride scholarships. But they also know they are financially strapped, so they provide full tuition scholarships for all these students," said Head of School Lincoln Tamayo. "Then we work with those students and their families and the schools where we send our kids to make sure they make it all the way through the pipeline." Getting into Academy will be competitive. It is a very, very big deal. It is. It is. There is on other way to put it but to say it is a life changer, said Tamayo. Academy Prep hopes to be open for summer classes in 2019. Publix Supermarkets Vice Chairman Barney Barnett has been a driving force in the bringing the school to Lakeland. The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information. These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community. They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth. In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind! We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. For Immediate Release, April 17, 2018 Contact: Brett Hartl, (202) 817-8121, bhartl@biologicaldiversity.org Congress to Vote on Aviation Bill With Sneak Attack on Endangered Species Protections Rep. DeFazio, House Republicans Aim to Gut Safeguards for Wildlife From Reckless Development in Floodplains WASHINGTON Two sneak attacks on imperiled wildlife are hidden in legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. The House of Representatives announced today that it would vote in coming days on the bill, which was introduced April 7 by Rep. Shuster (R-Pa.) and Rep. DeFazio (D-Ore.). Buried in the text of the FAA legislation, which has not had a congressional hearing and has been expedited outside the normal legislative process, are provisions that would entirely exempt another agency the Federal Emergency Management Agency from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. Federal wildlife experts have previously concluded that FEMAs activities are putting dozens of salmon species and Puget Sound killer whales in jeopardy of extinction. A separate provision in the legislation would give the secretary of Transportation the authority to interfere in the science-based process of designating critical habitat in and around airports. Fewer than 10 endangered species nationwide are found around airport properties, and even fewer have critical habitat designated on airports. The FAA has a longstanding memorandum of agreement to effectively manage their properties for endangered wildlife. We dont need to drive salmon and killer whales to extinction to keep airplanes flying safely, said Brett Hartl, government affairs director at the Center for Biological Diversity. These poison pill riders are reckless giveaways to special interests. Theyre deeply out of touch with the values of the American people, who overwhelmingly support protecting our most imperiled wildlife. In 2017 the Trump administration requested that Congress exempt FEMA from the requirements of the Endangered Species Act. And in April 2018, the administration announced it would roll back protections for critical habitat, make it more difficult to protect additional species under the Act, and weaken protections for threatened species moving forward. This is how the Endangered Species Act dies, one cut at a time, said Hartl. Its disturbing that Rep. DeFazio is continuing to carry water for the Trump administrations extreme anti-environmental agenda. Endangered species found on airport properties include the Olympia pocket gopher in Washington, Taylors checkerspot butterfly in Washington and Oregon, and Salt Creek tiger beetle in Nebraska. For Immediate Release, April 17, 2018 Contact: Emily Knobbe, (202) 849-8400, eknobbe@biologicaldiversity.org Senate Republicans Launch Attack on Clean Water Act Groundwater Protections WASHINGTON The Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works will hold a hearing Wednesday on slashing the Clean Water Acts authority to stop groundwater pollution. Under the Clean Water Act, it is illegal to discharge pollution into any waters of the United States without first seeking a permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. But in the wake of a recent court ruling upholding the EPAs authority to regulate groundwater pollution, Senate Republicans have signaled a desire to dramatically curtail or even eliminate that authority. The committees actions were spurred by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals recent decision on Mauis practice of injecting up to 5 million gallons of sewage water into the ground each day. The court ruled that because the injected wastewater flowed underground into the Pacific Ocean, the injection required compliance with the Clean Water Act. Senate Republicans would have us believe that sewage water magically disappears after being injected into the ground, said Emily Knobbe, EPA policy specialist at the Center for Biological Diversity. This dangerous push to loosen critical federal protections for groundwater puts the interests of polluters above the health of our children and environment. Senate Republicans have sought repeatedly to weaken the Clean Water Act. Last year Sen. Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced S. 340, which would eliminate Clean Water Act protections when pesticides are applied directly into water. Meanwhile Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) has led efforts to use the appropriations process to repeal the Waters of the United States rule. If successful, the repeal would eliminate Clean Water Act protections for many wetlands and other important surface waters. For Immediate Release, April 18, 2018 Contact: Alejandro Olivera, +521 (612) 140-4974, aolivera@biologicaldiversity.org Vaquita, Turtles, Wolves Among Mexico's Top 10 Most Iconic Endangered Species Status of More Than 2,600 Other Mexican Endangered Species Unknown LA PAZ, Mexico The Center for Biological Diversity today released a report highlighting the 10 most iconic endangered species in Mexico. The report, coinciding with Earth Day, calls for better protection for these animals and plants. It also urges the Mexican government to launch a new push to better understand the status of more than 2,600 other endangered species around the country. Mexicos top 10 iconic endangered species are the vaquita porpoise, leatherback sea turtle, Mexican gray wolf, ajolote salamander, scarlet macaw, monarch butterfly, elkhorn coral, sea cucumber, white nun orchid and jaguar. Some of Mexicos most colorful and treasured species are being driven to the brink of extinction, and they desperately need our help, said Alejandro Olivera, the Centers representative in Mexico. Around the world dozens of species are going extinct every day, and Mexico is no exception. Saving these species requires real change, including protecting them from habitat loss, climate change and illegal trade. These iconic species are listed on the Official Mexican Standard NOM059-SEMARNAT-2010 (NOM059) but the list hasnt been updated for nearly a decade. Because of those delays, the status of more than 2,600 other Mexican plants and animals is unknown. The administration of President Pena Nieto has not published an update so far in his six-year term. The government of Mexico needs to take the threat of species extinction seriously, and that should start with looking at the status of plant and animals around the country, Olivera said. If this extinction crisis continues, well continue to see species vanish every year, robbing future generations of Mexicos rich natural heritage. Highlights from todays report: Fewer than 30 vaquita porpoises remain today due to entanglement in fishing gear; without stronger protections and enforcement, the vaquita may be extinct by 2021. Mexicos endangered leatherback sea turtles suffered a 97 percent decline in recent years and are threatened by plastics in the ocean, which the animals confuse for jellyfish and consume. The ajolote salamander, a bizarre creature found only in Mexico Citys lakes, is threatened by sewage disposal and habitat loss, including construction of the new Mexico City international airport. The brown sea cucumber populations status is currently unknown, and despite signs of overexploitation and its prohibition for commercial fisheries, SEMARNAT has been issuing permits each year allowing the take of tens of thousands of sea cucumbers. For Immediate Release, April 18, 2018 Contact: Patrick Sullivan, (415) 517-9364, psullivan@biologicaldiversity.org L.A. County Approves Wildlife-killing Sprawl Development NorthLake Would Destroy Pristine Stream, Eliminate Rare Owls LOS ANGELES Los Angeles County today approved a sprawling housing development that will pave over a pristine stream and destroy more than 1,000 acres of habitat for rare wildlife, including burrowing owls, coastal California gnatcatchers and western spadefoot toads. The NorthLake development, approved by the county planning commission, would straddle Interstate 5 and Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, north of Santa Clarita. The county is selling out imperiled wildlife to build more sprawl, said Tiffany Yap, a scientist and wildlife corridor advocate at the Center for Biological Diversity. County residents want real solutions to the housing shortage, not more far-flung sprawl projects, traffic and air pollution. NorthLake would destroy a pristine stream known as Grasshopper Creek that feeds into the Santa Clara River and would likely eliminate one of the regions last surviving populations of western spadefoot toads. It would also degrade habitat that allows bears, mountain lions and other wildlife to move between the Angeles and Los Padres national forests. Wildlife connectivity is essential for the survival and genetic diversity of species like mountain lions and bears, Yap said. Building a three-mile wall of housing units in the heart of these travel corridors will have significant ripple effects throughout the ecosystems in both national forests. The new community would include nearly 2,000 new housing units but little commercial or industrial development, forcing residents to drive every day for jobs and basic necessities. The isolated development would undermine the countys and states climate change goals while generating more traffic and air pollution. The project site is also in a very high fire-hazard severity zone. The Center submitted comments on the draft and final environmental review documents and presented testimony at the hearing today. Ronaldo Schemidt, has been announced as the winner of the World Press Photo of the Year 2018. His photo depicts a man on fire amid violent clashes with riot police during a protest against President Nicolas Maduro, in Caracas, Venezuela. Ronaldo Schemidt Agence France-Presse. Outstanding visual storytelling 20 one-day mini-festivals across Europe to exhibit the prize-winning images from the World Press Photo Contest and to discover the stories behind the visuals Canon will once again support the Joop Swart Masterclass. This programme provides a platform to support the promising photographers of tomorrow with invaluable insights from experienced photojournalists and leading members of the industry At the 2018 Visa pour IImage Festival, Canon will once again bring 200 students from across Europe for an action-packed, three-day professional development programme. The workshops will be led by Canon Ambassadors and industry professionals. The other eight category award winners, included Canon Ambassadors Magnus Wennman, whos image wins best photo in the People category, and Giulio Di Sturco, whose image in the Contemporary Issues category came second.The World Press Photo Contest, sponsored by Canon for the 26th consecutive year, is internationally recognised as the worlds most prestigious competition for photojournalists. The judges selected one image for World Press Photo of the Year out of a total of 73,044 photos submitted by 4,548 photographers from 125 countries. Ronaldo Schemidt has been awarded a cash prize of 10,000 euros, as well as Canon equipment, a Golden Eye Award and a diploma.We are incredibly proud to support the World Press Photo Foundation during its 61st year. Its an honour to celebrate the outstanding visual storytelling abilities of photojournalists as they continue to illuminate the stories that need to be told, comments Lee Bonniface, CIG marketing director, Canon Europe. Every image submitted into this years contest demonstrates the dedication by photojournalists, no matter how challenging the environment, to bring to life the most important issues and events of our time. Id like to thank every photographer who took part, and I encourage all to bravely and uncompromisingly continue to expose to the world the truths that need to be told, to ensure that the stories of tomorrow continue to have a voice.Recent research, conducted by Canon Europe in association with World Press Photo, found that over half (55%) of the professional photographers surveyed ranked provoking a change in perspective on a topic or issue as the most important ingredient in telling a successful visual story.In demonstrating its commitment to photojournalism, Canon has a full programme of activity lined up over the next 12 months, including:To explore exclusive stories behind the World Press Photo Awards, including unmissable interviews with the category winners, please click here Republication of selected Bizcommunity content for non-commercial purposes is allowed if the original article is linked to with "Source: www.bizcommunity.com ". Please click here for more information and to request permission In the run-up to the 21st Prism Awards taking place on Sunday, 22 April, we chatted to this year's cohort of young judges about their fresh approach to the judging process. Wits University BA graduate Simbongile Ndlangisa and director at Melenial Media. What does this recognition and opportunity mean to you? Briefly tell us about your experience in the industry. Comment on the judging process. What has the response been to this years entries? What makes the winning work stand out? Prisa also introduced the Student Campaign of the Year in 2016. Why do you think its important that students and the next generation of PR professionals are included in such initiatives? It is so crucial to ensure that young people have input in programmes such as the Prism Awards we are huge chunk of the market that is spoken to and there is disparity between that and the people that actually create marketing material that is meant to speak to us. What do you think young minds bring to the table? What have you learnt working alongside the cluster judges? What would the title of Prisms Young Judge for the 2018 awards mean to you? What are you most looking forward to in terms of this years Awards? In this series of interviews, we find out what theyve learnt working alongside the cluster judges and what their young minds bring to the table.What has made judging even more exciting this year is for the second time, we invited young communication enthusiasts from across the country to participate in the judging process, and selected 11 of the coolest, brightest minds who brought some really fresh insight to the process, says judge and founder of the Prisms Young Judges initiative, Palesa Madumo, executive director of strategy at Vuma Reputation Management.Here, our interview with Wits University BA graduate Simbongile Ndlangisa and director at Melenial MediaBeing selected as a young judge has been incredibly humbling and exciting. Having only begun in the PR industry six months ago, I have a lot to learn and this is how I am making the most of the PYJ programme. I am gaining proximity to very influential people in PR and taking in the expertise and insights they have to share. The judging process has taught me a huge amount on the structuring of public relations campaigns and the way that brands are investing in the practice.Having started blogging in university, I would liaise a lot with PR companies who required coverage - that is where I learnt about PR and the role that it plays for its clients. I interned at a full-service digital marketing agency once I graduated and my PR knowledge expanded after being exposed to media lists, media manager, news clip and interacting with the media. In 2017, I launched my own PR company [Melenial Media] servicing South African influencers and talents as well as SMMEs.It has been interesting, to say the least, but it has also been widely informative.This is the first time I am judging and from what I gather, the entries have been incredibly impressive compared to years before.Innovative thinking on the part of the agency or PR team, incorporating new media channels and out-of-the-box concepts.In South Africa especially, young people make up half the country.New media expertise, fresh approaches to PR concepts and insights into what we and our peers care about and resonate with.I have learnt more about the importance of fulfilling the brief as initially set out and the traditional i's and t's that need to be dotted and crossed.It would be validation that I have chosen the correct business and have something to offer the industry.Engaging with other PR professionals, networking and finally finding out who had the best campaigns of 2017. The Most Extensive and Reliable Source of Information Related to the Mexican Drugs Cartels. You will not find this level of coverage anywhere else, join us! Send information, pictures or videos, you remain 100% anonymous. Envia fotos, videos, notas, enlaces o informacion todo 100% Anonimo. Want to be a contributor or citizen reporter for Borderland Beat? We love to have you in our team, send Sol Prendido or HEARST an email! WARNING: Posts may contain strong violent material, discretion is advised. COMMENTS: We do not publish all comments, and we do not publish comments immediately. India's frontline Sukhoi-30 fighter armed with the formidable BRAHMOS missile and other weapon systems is taking part in the ongoing Gagan Shakti exercise. Photo: IAF/Twitter NEW DELHI (PTI): As part of its biggest combat exercise in three decades, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is carrying out massive drills involving its frontline fighter jets to test its capability to dominate the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). IAF's Sukhoi and Jaguar fighter aircraft, equipped with the potent BRAHMOS and Harpoon anti-ship missiles, showcased their strategic reach and capability to carry out any sort of operations over the area as part of the pan-India exercise "GaganShakti". The IAF said it is effectively exercising its maritime war fighting concepts on both the Western and Eastern seaboards, adding the drill is also aimed at containing any "misadventure" by any adversary in India's area of interest in the Indian Ocean Region. The Chinese Navy has been trying to expand its influence in critical sea lanes around India. "Air Dominance over the entire extended area of the Indian Ocean Region in support of the Indian Navy is being demonstrated by employment of combat enablers like the FRA (Flight Refuelling Aircraft) in conjunction with our maritime fighter forces of the Su-30 and Jaguar class jets carrying potent long distance anti-shipping weaponry," it said. The 'Gaganshakti exercise, which began on April 8, is IAF's biggest combat exercises in the last three decades. The exercise is being carried out to check IAF's operational preparedness with a focus on dealing with any possible security challenges from China and Pakistan. "Missions have been flown in the initial phase to address both near and in depth targets over the Western Sea Board utilising Su-30 and Jaguar fighter aircraft equipped with the potent BRAHMOS and Harpoon Anti-ship missiles respectively," the IAF said. It said the Su-30 aircraft have also showcased its strategic reach by operating from the eastern most air bases on the peninsula and engaging maritime targets well out into the western seaboard. It said the focus has now shifted to addressing targets over the eastern sea board right up to the Malacca Straits. "Such demonstrations of extended reach utilising potent standoff weapons in joint coordinated operations with the Indian Navy has adequately showcased the IAF's ability to support the Indian Navy in order to dominate the Indian Ocean Region," the IAF said. Almost the entire assets of the IAF, including its fighter squadrons, have been part of the two-week long 'Gaganshakti' exercise. KOCHI (PTI): Brainstorming sessions to improve the safety processes and methodologies in training and operational domains and lectures by experts were among the highlights of a two-day safety review which concluded at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Tuesday. The review was held under the aegis of the recently constituted Indian Naval Safety team (INST) based in Kochi which has been mandated to co-ordinate with various authorities within the Navy to improve the "risk-safety matrix" in training and operations. Vice Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ajit Kumar chaired the maiden safety review, which would hereafter be held annually and termed as Annual Safety Review (ASR), a Defence release said. It was inaugurated by Vice Admiral A R Karve, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Command, on Monday. As part of the review, a Safety Expo was organised with the participation of more than 15 renowned Indian industries, specialising in manufacturing marine and industrial safety equipment. Its aim was to increase awareness of personnel with regard to the latest trends in Personnel Protective Equipment (PPE) and various safety solutions. In addition, guest lectures by subject matter experts from the fields of marine, industrial and aviation safety were also held. The safety review was attended by delegates from Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence (Navy), Headquarters of Western, Eastern and Southern Naval Commands, Safety Class Authorities, Operational Authorities, Naval Area Commanders, Dockyards, logistic support organisations, Armament Depots as well as training establishments, the release said. The Navy by virtue of the hazardous conditions and challenging environment that its ships, aircraft and submarines operate in has multiple safety class authorities. The authorities ensure an assured amount of safety while maintaining the operational tempo during the multifarious tasks undertaken in the interest of national security, the release said. A need was felt for a central nodal agency such as the INST to coordinate amongst all the class authorities and advise them to ensure a uniform safety protocol pan-Navy, it added. BUCKS COUNTY >> While the coronavirus forced many businesses to shutter their doors permanently, Marcus Davis, an enterprising steamfitter living in NYC, traded the big city for greener pastures in Bucks County and took a leap of faith to launch his life-long dream of entrepreneurship during the height of the pandemic! Wah Gwan is a luxury seasoning line inspired by... Builders Merchant Company (BMCo) continue on its expansion plans by opening a third branch. The new Rotherham Branch, located on Barbot, Ind Estate, Rotherham and new recruit Dean Crossland heads up the branch. Dean will be supported by BMCos Regional Sales Manager, Ali Thomson and Regional Operations Manager, Steve Quigley. Duncan Thomson, Managing Director, will be over seeing all events. BMCo said: Weve hand picked a great team of local people, all of whom have experience in the construction industry. Their knowledge of the local area and trade will be essential to the development of Rotherham Branch. BMCo are incredibly excited to show the South Yorkshire Region what were capable of! Photo: L to r- Steve Quigley, Regional Operations Manager; Joe Barker, Rotherham Titans Player; Dean Crossland, Branch Supervisor; Duncan Thomson, Managing Director; Chelsea Fisher, Counter; Lee Millar, Rotherham Titans Player; Ali Thomson, Regional Sales Manager. MDF profile supplier, The W.Howard Group welcomes a new Group Commercial Director, Simon Fleet to its business. Fleet, from Shrewsbury joins the W.Howard team in its landmark 60th anniversary year and will be heading up the sales, marketing and customer services operations. Simon has over 15 years experience in sales management having undertaken senior roles at Thomas Dudley Ltd and Bostik Adhesives. As Group Commercial Director for W.Howard his remit will be to oversee activity for W.Howard Profilings, in an addition to its Polyco and KOTA brands in the UK and Ireland. Fleet said: "I am really thrilled to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for the Group. I'm looking forward to working with the team, as well as the opportunity to expand the brands further in the market, especially its KOTA and Polyco products. I am committed to helping the business continue to be the brand of choice for both the building merchant and the end user." W.Howard's Managing Director, Graham Williams said: "Simon will be a real asset to the team and has worked closely with our incumbent commercial director, Phil Barnard to ensure a seamless transition. We wish Phil the best of luck in his new venture and welcome Simon into his role within our business." The Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants (WCoBM) hosted its annual City & Awards luncheon in March at the Citys historic Vintners Hall. The event recognised the achievements of individuals in the industry and within organisations, the Company supports through its charitable fund. Prize winners this year included four Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) students. The first BMF Manchester Opening Learning (MOL) prize went to Jack Rothwell of James Hargreaves Plumbers Merchants, who achieved a top mark of 28 points based on the modules he completed. Second MOL prize with 25 points was awarded to Lynn McGhee of Ridgeons. The third MOL prize went to Peter Barker of West Building Supplies with 23 points. The BMF Campus Winner was Alun Thomas of LBS (Aberdare), while Steven Webber of Elliotts picked up the prestigious 2017 Golton Award as the top performing student on the BMF Masters Degree in Leadership & Strategy at Birmingham City University. All prizes were presented by the Guest of Honour, Sheriff Neil Redcliffe. The event is also a platform for emerging talent in the industry. So this year, merchant and supplier members were encouraged to bring rising stars from their businesses as guests. This additional element is part of a wider initiative that the Company is launching to raise the profile of builders merchanting and the many options for building a career with merchants or suppliers. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor With Unichem in its kitty, Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmceuticals is likely to draw around 47 per cent of revenues from the domestic business by 2019-20, feel analysts. The company would draw most of its profits from India too - the Ebitda contribution from Indian business is expected to improve to 67 per cent by then, compared to 10 per cent share from the US. In 2016-17, the share of India business in Torrent's turnover was 34 per cent, while in 2017-18, the share is expected to rise to 38-40 per cent. As such Torrent Pharma is a strong player in the domestic formulations ... Ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies Inc is "doubling down" on its investments in India, one of its biggest markets, after its recent exit from Southeast Asia, its chief operating officer said on Wednesday. India accounts for more than 10 per cent of Uber rides globally and the US company has a more than 35 per cent share of the taxi market there, according to Counterpoint Research, but it is yet to make money in the country. COO Barney Harford said investments in India are made using funds from profitable markets. However, the sale in March of Uber's business in ... Media houses, issued notices for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim, today apologised before the Delhi High Court and were directed to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund. Advocates representing media houses told the court that the mistake of revealing the identity of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law and a misconception that they could name her as she was dead. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar directed that the compensation amount be deposited with the registrar general of the high court within a week and the money be transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legal service authority's account to be used for Jammu and Kashmir's victim compensation scheme. The bench also directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of law regarding privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) law lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims and Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. On April 13, the high court issued notices to 12 media houses for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. Of the 12, counsel for nine media houses were present in the court today. The court had earlier prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim". In its news reports in connection with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out a photograph of the victim. The eight-year-old from a minority nomadic community had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed a main chargesheet against seven persons and a separate chargesheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district last week. The chargesheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. The chief of Khalistani Liberation Force (KLF) militant outfit Harminder Singh Mintoo died of cardiac arrest in Patiala central jail on Wednesday, the police said. "Harminder Singh Mintoo suffered a heart attack in Patiala central jail. He was taken to the government hospital in Patiala where he was declared brought dead by doctors," Punjab Police Inspector General A S Rai said. Mintoo, aged around 50 years, who was facing several criminal including terror charges, was arrested from the Delhi airport in 2014 after he returned from Malaysia. He had escaped the Nabha jail along with five other inmates on November 28, 2016, but was nabbed from the Nizammuddin Railway Station in Delhi a day later. A group of armed men in police uniform had stormed the maximum security jail at Nabha in Patiala district and managed to free six prisoners -- Mintoo, Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol. Reserve Bank deputy governor NS Vishwanathan Wednesday raised concerns over the large number of borrowers failing on the one-day default norm, and asked the lenders to take this as a warning indicator warranting action. Amidst rising bad loans, which have crossed 10 per cent of the system, the Reserve Bank had on February 12 released a revised framework on bad loan resolution, under which banks will have to disclose defaults even if the interest repayment is overdue by just one day and have to a resolution plan in place within 180 days. Failing to find a resolution within this stipulated time, the defaulting company will have to be referred to insolvency courts as the RBI had abolished all the extant debt resolutions mechanisms. "Data show that a large number of borrowers, even some highly-rated ones, have failed on the one-day default norm. This has to change. If borrowers fail to pay on the due date because of a cash flow problem, banks should see that as an early warning indicator warranting immediate action," Vishwanathan said at the 14th convocation ceremony of the RBI-run National Institute of Bank Management here. The statement comes amidst media reports that government has been pressing the Mint Road to relax the stringent new NPA reporting nomrs by relaxing the one-day defalut reporting norms to 30 days as it worries that with the new norms, many more companies, especially small and medium units, will end up at NCLTs, crippling the economy. The deputy governor, who is in-charge of the banking regulations department, also said banks should warn their customers that one-day default will lead them to the watch list for resolution. "Borrowers, too, should realise that they have to meet payment obligations and it is no more sufficient to pay up only by 60/90 days past due date," he said. He said if borrowers, with ability to pay on due date, delay routinely or because they see other arbitrage options, it must change. He said the revised framework tries to reduce the arbitrage options that borrowers are currently enjoying while raising funds through bank borrowing compared to raising funds from the market. "If a borrower delays coupon/principal payment on a corporate bond even for a day, the market would penalise the borrower heavily - the rating would be downgraded, the yields on the bonds would shoot up, cost of further financing would increase, suits would be filed by investors etc," he said. "So far, defaults in bank borrowings have not attracted similar reactions," Vishwanathan rued and said only when the over-dues stretch beyond 90 days, the loans would be classified as nonperforming assets hence, efforts by lenders and borrowers should be to avoid the account getting classified as an NPA. "What this means is that debt contract embedded in bank loan has been continuously losing its sanctity, especially where the borrowing is large. There is a need to change this and restore the sanctity of the debt contract, lest the debt becomes subordinate even to equity," he said. Meanwhile, Vishwanathan also said RBI will put in place necessary evaluation standards for assessing the performance of rating agencies with a view to ensure greater credibility of the rating opinion. He said the process of recapitalisation of public sector banks will enhance their ability to provide for credit loss as well as to contribute to credit growth. Vishwanathan said retail credit and the personal loan segment are not a risk-free and banks should not see it as the grand panacea for their problem riddled corporate loan book. "There are risks here, too, that should be properly assessed, priced and mitigated," he added. Shreeya, a housewife living in Kottayam, got an email from Corporation Bank earlier this week that all automated teller machines (ATMs) were down and debit card transactions were getting declined due to server issues. Customers can come to the branch with cheque and withdraw cash for the time being, it said. Soon after, it emerged that this was not an isolated case and that cities and towns cutting across states faced cash problem. While the jury is out on the reasons behind the cash crisis, three developments could help us understand the situation, analysts pointed ... The security and operations head of a Delhi-based cash management and logistics company was in an animated conversation with his team Wednesday morning when Business Standard approached him to understand the universe of automated teller machines (ATMs), which are flashing the no-cash sign all over again. We made the mistake of allowing television news crews in here during demonetisation, he said while teaching the staff how to load and unload cash in ATMs. Dear Reader, Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard. Digital Editor "Telephone calls from Delhi to Bombay, over the years, have been at the root of the problem of the public sector People in Bombay have been unquestionably responding to the direction from Delhi," Damodaran said told the students of the RBI-run National Institute of Bank Management here today on their convocation. Former Sebi chairman blamed the telephone calls from Delhi to Mumbai for the myriad problems that public sector face now and warned against their privatisation to resolve the crisis. Defending public sector banks, he said privatisation cannot be the solution for all the bad loans issues they face and blamed their peculiar governance and ownership issues for the problems they face. "I am not arguing that we should privatise everything because we've very recent evidences that privatisation is not a synonym for honesty or efficiency or to avoid conflict of interest," he said. It can be noted that large private sector ICICI Bank and Axis Bank are steeped in controversies due to weak corporate governance practices. While ICICI Bank is embroiled in a controversy over the alleged conflict of interest involving its chief executive Chanda Kochhar and the business dealings of her husband Deepak Kochhar with the Videocon group, Axis Bank saw the tenure of its chief Shikha Sharma being cut to seven months from a three year-term after being nudged by the Reserve Bank in the wake of high bad loans which have grown more than fivefold during her tenure. "The answer does not lie in privatisation. The answer lies in the fact that a country as heterogeneous as ours, needs a very strong public sector," Damodaran said. Blaming the ownership and management of state-run banks, he said "when you think ownership equals management, when you start looking over the shoulders of bank management to see the correctness of every transaction, when ownership translates to transactional supervision that you are not tasked with, then there is a problem of ownership." Stating that the country cannot live without public sector that is performing the former bureaucrat said, "don't think merit lies in privatisation. You need to fix the public sector by diagnosing the problems. There are excellent public sector units which are not sitting on problems. China held live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday but Taipei dismissed the exercises as "routine" after expected large-scale naval manoeuvres failed to materialise. Beijing had announced the drills last week, further ramping up tensions following stark warnings against any independence moves by the self-ruled island which China sees as its sovereign territory. Vessels had been told to avoid a certain area off the Chinese mainland's coast, triggering speculation that a flotilla spearheaded by China's sole aircraft carrier would take part in the exercise. But Taiwan's defence ministry said Wednesday that the drills only involved land-based artillery conducting "routine" shooting practice. Beijing has yet to release any information about the drill, which Chinese authorities had said would run until midnight, without giving any details about which military equipment or personnel would be involved. "China deliberately released fake information to exaggerate it, to make it sound huge when in fact it's small," Taiwanese defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi said. "It's the cheapest way of verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling," Chen said, adding that such exercises had been held every year since 2007, except for last year. The drills coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of Taipei's few remaining allies. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi had said Monday that the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are one country. China sees the democratically-governed island as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Beijing has also been angered by Washington's arms sales to Taipei. China protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main weapons supplier. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly-appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement, as US officials confirmed an unprecedented top-level meeting with the North Korean leader. US Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo became the most senior US official known to have met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un when he visited Pyongyang at the end of March to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump. Pompeo's visit provided the strongest sign yet about Trump's willingness to become the first serving US ... President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the US was in direct talks with North Korea "at a very high level" ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly.We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. "I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening.We'll see what happens.As I always say, we'll see what happens.Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. "We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens.We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said. The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said. In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues. "On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding.So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance. "Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour.Background of this change is Donald's (Trump)unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said. "As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world. By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said. The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue. "So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees. The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea. "He's been incredibly generous.They have never been this way with the United States.I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said. "President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be.I'd like them to be stronger on the border.But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected.The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially.As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that the 2016 surgical strikes were an answer to the exporters of terrorism, which sent out a strong message. "When someone has put a terror export factory in place, attacks my people, has no power to fight a war, so makes attempts to attack behind the back, in such a case Modi knows how to give a reply in the same language. The strikes sent a message that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated," Prime Minister Modi said while speaking to the Indian diaspora in the UK. Prime Minister Modi noted that Pakistan was informed when India retaliated. "We informed them about surgical strikes before we talked to the media. We never hide anything," he said. He also stressed on the fact that India would never accept the terrorism. "We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted," the Prime Minister said. "I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them what we did so they can come and take dead bodies if they have time. We were calling them since 11 am but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told Indian media," he stated. The surgical strikes were carried out under the aegis of the Democratic Alliance (NDA), spearheaded by Prime Minister Modi. The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists, on September 29, 2016. He added, "Look back at India's history. India has never desired anyone else's territory. During World War 1 and 2 we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the Wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces." Prime Minister Modi had a packed schedule for today, which included meeting his British counterpart Theresa May and Prince Charles and signing of several MoUs. The Prime Minister participated in the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday night. Along with live questions from the audience present there, questions were also sourced from Facebook, Twitter and the NaMo app. The event saw the Prime Minister answering questions by the people on politics, policy and social themes. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "No child should ever miss out on great because of lack of funds." It is with this belief that Aniket Singh, author of the book 'Intern Abroad this Summer', announced the launch of a scholarship program aimed at helping students who wish to study at IIT Madras. The scholarship of Rs. 4 lakhs, will help six students pursuing any course from the prestigious institution. For many brilliant students, securing that coveted seat at IIT after years of toiling is a dream come true. However, the joy of getting through the elite institute can get quickly replaced by the worry of finding finances to pay the fees. Many are unable to take up their admission, while others are forced to drop out of college mid-way due to a fund crunch. Determined to give back to the country and alma mater that has provided him with so much, Aniket has launched the scholarship which helps students cover the costs of tuition and accommodation that they will incur during their four years on campus. This gives a boost to young minds as they get an additional impetus to pursue their dreams, without the fear of lack of funds. "I am pleased to announce this scholarship program which aims at inspiring underprivileged students studying in IIT Madras to continue working diligently towards their dreams. This scholarship intends to help students achieve their educational/career goal. As an alumnus of IIT Madras, it is my responsibility to help aspiring students and show them the right path towards becoming great professionals," said Aniket Singh. The scholarship extends the endeavour of the book, Intern Abroad this Summer to get students to take charge of their own lives and follow their dreams. The book is also a reflection of the author's personal experiences and of how a life-changing conversation with his senior during his engineering days led to a voyage of discovery and personal and professional growth. Aniket refused to buck to the general trend of cramming for his exams, doing his regular coursework and going for his placements, like the majority of his peers. Instead, he took a different path, completed two foreign internships - at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom and Ecole Polytechnic Federale de Lausanne in Lausanne, Switzerland and became famous as the senior who went against odds to find a great summer internship. The book contains such anecdotes of the journey that he took towards realizing his dreams and the success that he found after completing his internships programmes abroad. It also contains advice on how one should out from the crowd and bag that dream internship. Aniket Singh, who holds a BTech degree in Electrical Engineering from the IIT, Madras, Chennai, and a Master's degree in Wireless Systems from Politecnico Di Torino in Torino, Italy works with Apple in Cupertino, California. He is also an avid toastmaster and public speaker who inspires the youth to look beyond bookish knowledge and explore what the world has in store for them. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday slammed Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Shobha Karandlaj for objecting the Congress party from honouring the 12th-century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara. Talking to media, the state home minister said that Karandlaje is nobody to make such remarks and Basaveshwara is not her 'property'. "Who is she? Who is she to tell us? Basaveshwara (12th-century Lingayat philosopher) is not the property of Shobha Karandlaje," Reddy said. As per reports, the Karandlaje on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should not be allowed to garland the statue of Basaveshwara on the occasion of his annual Jayanti being observed across Karnataka on April 18. Karandlaje had said that Siddaramaiah has no moral right to celebrate the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara. Meanwhile, BJP Chief Amit Shah paid tribute to Basaveshwara and by garlanding on his status here. Further reacting on Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's allegation that the truck which hit his escort vehicle in Haveri on Tuesday night was actually targeting him, the State Home Minister said that he will ask the police to probe the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday thanked the people of the state for not politicising Kathua gang-rape and murder case. The Chief Minister said, "One of our daughters was wronged. Our government tried to provide her justice without politicising the issue. But some people tried to communalise it. I want to salute J-K people who did not fall for the attempts made to create differences between Hindu and Muslims and stood for her." On April 15, Mufti said that the unflinching resolve for ensuring justice in Kathua gang-rape and murder case would go a long way in restoring people's confidence in the institutions and reinforcing the sense of justice in the state. The Chief Minister lauded the country's political leadership, judiciary, media and the civil society for standing with the Jammu and Kashmir Government to ensure justice in Kathua gang-rape and murder case. On January 17, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly abducted, drugged, raped, tortured and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief Amit Shah accused the Congress party of defaming the country across the globe by using terms like "saffron and Hindu terror". Addressing a gathering here, the BJP chief slammed the Congress and alleged that its party leaders often used the said terms in the past, but now deny doing so. "For several years Congress defamed the country around the world by using terms saffron terror and Hindu terror. Rahul Gandhi terror has no religion, now Congress says we never used these words. Many Congress leaders are on the record using these terms including Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah," Shah said. Recalling the statement of Lt. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, where he allegedly taunted the BJP for having only two MPs in the Parliament, Shah proudly pointed at the party's current strength in the house and state assemblies across the nation. "Once Rajiv Gandhi had taunted us when we had just two MPs, saying 'BJP believes in hum do hamare do'. Today BJP has a full majority in the Parliament, has more than 1600 MLAs, in power in 20 states and in numerous local bodies and municipalities," Shah said. Shah is touring the poll-bound state of Karnataka, in a bid to canvass votes for the party in the upcoming assembly elections due next month. Earlier in the day, the Shah also paid tribute to Basaveshwara by garlanding his status here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The love for tea and aspiration to do something unique led two individuals to give up their careers as engineers and start a tea shop in Nagpur. Nitin Biyani and wife Pooja, who worked in Pune as Software Engineers and used to earn Rs 15 lakh every month, left their careers behind and opened 'Chai Villa, refresh yourself' on the CA Road five months ago. "Chai Villa sells more than fifteen types of tea and coffee. The shop offers various kinds of snacks too and also takes orders through WhatsApp and Zomato. The stall also has special containers for delivering tea in offices, banks, and hospitals. We have also hired a lot of people and want to expand our chain," Nitin Biyani told ANI. "I have been working for 10 years as an engineer in companies like IBM and Cognizant, but my wife and I wanted to something different in life so we started this shop and now we earn up to Rs 5 lakh every month," he added. Nitin added that the shop was on a lot of social media networking sites and used updated technology. A customer, Hritesh, also told ANI, "I like this place as we get different types of tea at affordable prices here and it is very hygienic. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday termed the crimes against children were "a deep concern for the humanity" and underlined the need for a firm resolve to provide safety to children. "There is a need to introspect on 'what kind of a society we are developing into?'. I feel the smile of children is the most beautiful thing in the world. The biggest success of our society is to ensure safety of children that they feel secure. It is the first responsibility of any society to ensure the security of children so that they feel safe," President Kovind said while addressing the 6th Convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakriyal in Reasi district. "Are we trying to create an environment in which our mother, sisters and daughters are unable to experience justice, equality, independence and friendship? Across the country, our children are being subjected to heinous crimes. Recently, an innocent child was murdered in an unimaginable way," the President added. Hailing the system and transport development in the state, President Kovind stated that the improvement was taking place well with time. "With the help of many schemes and state programmes, medical colleges and institutes have improved through well. Children are now choosing their own interest subjects and skills. I'm proud of the structure that the state is looking towards," President Kovind noted. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nexgen Conferences, one of India's leading conferences and B2B event organizers, has announced that the third edition of the Annual 5G India Congress 2018 will be held on April 20 at Le Meridian Hotel here. Supported by well-known organisations, including Huawei, Nokia, Juniper Networks, Tata Communications, Aricent, Analysys Mason, Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), 5G India Forum, 3G PP, ETSI, TSDSI, Broadband Forum, TAIPA, Broadband India Forum, ITU-APT Foundation of India, NGN Forum, and Emreach; the summit will see key telecom industry professionals, stakeholders, thought leaders, and analysts having discussions on key strategies and on figuring out a road map for deploying 5G network. The next generation mobility service has a lot to offer to both consumers as well as service providers. According to the Global Mobile Operators Association (GMOA), 5G will account for 14 percent of global wireless connections by 2025. Another recent report published on Indian telecom market states that as 5G becomes increasingly integral to industrial businesses and digitalisation, the revenue from 5G-enabled digitisation in India will reach USD 25.9 billion by 2026. 5G Indian Congress 2018 will focus more on understanding and analysing current Network infrastructure and its developments, 5G market condition and requirements, role of operators and service providers in bringing huge amount of data capacity, challenges and their respective solutions in terms of 5G deployment scenarios. 5G promises to bring massively increased data speeds with incredibly low latency. It is the 5G that will enable individuals, governments and companies to remain in sync in real time. According to recent news reports, the Indian Government has plans to roll out 5G by 2020. In September 2017, the Indian Government constituted a high-level forum on 5G. On the other hand, Indian telecom operators are all set to start adopting 5G from this year. 5G is capable of delivering speeds of over one gigabit per second and support several devices at once and the Indian government wants the country to be an early adopter of 5G. With the advent of next generation smartphones, Cognitive Radio, four-way receiver diversity - MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) with beam-forming techniques such as 8T8R, Digital Signal Processing, Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and new mobile technologies among others, the telecom industry is presently undergoing consolidation. These will accelerate the process of upgrading 5G technologies in India and tremendously support the expected rapid growth in video and virtual reality applications with higher data rates, improved spectral efficiency, low latency and delays between click and download. According to Anjani Kumar Singh, CEO, Nexgen Conferences, "We are delighted to announce third edition of 5G India Congress 2018 which is a well-known thought leadership platform in the Indian telecom industry. The congress creates a unified platform for stakeholders of Indian telecom industry to address latest trends and developments happening in the telecom world. As we are gearing up for 5G era in India, the summit will provide an excellent platform to discuss about the future roadmap in seamless deployment of the 5th generation network technologies. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 14-year-old differently-abled girl has been allegedly sexually assaulted by her 32-year-old neighbour in Delhi's Rohini. The incident took place two weeks ago. Two of the friends of the accused even filmed the entire incident to blackmail her. They later circulated the video on social media. The Delhi Police on Monday arrested all the three accused in the said case. A case has been registered against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act) 2012 and IT Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Few days after the Congress Party released its first list of 218 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections, the party yesterday withheld HS Chandramouli's candidature for Madikeri constituency. Congress put Madikeri seat on hold after reports that the candidate HS Chandramouli had been a lawyer of Mehul Choksi, a key accused in Punjab Bank (PNB) fraud case. Speaking on the same, Congress leader Madhu Goud Yaskhi said, "Reviewing information received after the announcement of seats, and we will be cleared in a day or two." Earlier, Congress leader Brijesh Kalappa had expressed his disappointment on social media after being denied the party ticket to fight in the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections. On April 15, the Congress Party had released its first list of 218 candidates for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections for the 224-member Assembly, but Kalappa was not included in the list. Karnataka will go to polls on May 12 to elect its representatives for the 224-member assembly. The results will be out on May 15. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In yet another human rights violation incident, the Gilgit-Baltistan government has refused parole to Awami Workers Party (AWP) leader and political activist Baba Jan to solemnise his Nikah in Ghizer district in Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Baba Jan, who got engaged with a woman in Geech village lately, had submitted an application for bail on parole for the Nikkah which was scheduled to take place on April 15, the Pakistani media reports. His family maintains that he has a right to get married on parole and that they had completed all the arrangements for the said Nikkah ceremony. However, he has been denied the bail. Several media reports have quoted family as saying that the parole application was sent by the district administration to the home department but nothing was heard from them. Baba Jan was arrested on the charges of inciting people to violence in 2014 and has been serving a life sentence in the Ghizer jail. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Nordic countries on Tuesday pledged to deepen cooperation at the Nordic Summit hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Lkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipila, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrin Jakobsdottir, and Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg participated in the summit. A Joint Statement after the summit said that the Prime Ministers pledged to deepen cooperation between the Nordic countries and India, and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, and underpin a growing engagement between the Nordic countries and India. "The role of the Nordic countries as global innovation leaders was underlined. The Nordic approach to innovation systems, characterised by a strong collaboration between public sector, private sector and academia, was discussed, and synergies were identified with India's rich pool of talent and skills," the statement said. The Summit emphasised the Indian Government's strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India. Nordic solutions in clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture were mentioned. The Summit welcomed the Nordic Sustainable Cities Project aimed at supporting the Smart Cities Programme of the Government of India. The Prime Ministers noted that the unique strengths of India and the Nordic countries offer immense opportunities for trade and investment diversification and mutually beneficial collaboration. "During the talks, the importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system as well as open and inclusive international trade for prosperity and growth was underlined. The Ease of Doing Business practices were emphasised as a priority for both the Nordic countries and India," said the statement. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism are major challenges for the international community. They discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and their commitment to uphold the rules-based international system. They also discussed export control and non-proliferation. The Nordic countries welcomed India's application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers' Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for the United Nations and the Secretary-General's reform efforts to ensure a UN fit to support Member States to deliver on Agenda 2030 and took note of his proposals to strengthen the UN, including in the areas of development, peace operations, peacebuilding and conflict prevention. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic countries agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members. The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development as well as the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. They agreed to continue efforts to develop cleaner energy systems, renewable energy and fuels, increased energy efficiency and technologies for cleaner energy production. The Prime Ministers noted that women's full and meaningful participation in political, social and economic life is key to inclusive development and agreed to promote the empowerment of women. The Prime Ministers agreed that a strong partnership can help spur innovations, economic growth, sustainable solutions and mutually beneficial trade and investments. The Summit emphasized the importance of strong people-to-people contacts through education, culture, labour mobility and tourism - all areas where the Nordic countries and India see a continuous increase in both interests and numbers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Wednesday said that its position on chemical weapons has and will always be clear and consistent. Commenting on the March 4, 2018 incident involving the use of toxic chemical - allegedly a nerve agent - in Salisbury, UK, during the 59th Meeting of the Executive Council of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), which was convened at the request of the United Kingdom, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India to the OPCW, Venu Rajamony, said, "India has taken note of the report submitted after the technical assistance visit. India's position on chemical weapons is clear and consistent. Any use of chemical weapons is in complete disregard of humanity, and is reprehensible and contrary to the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) as well as accepted international legal norms. Ambassador Rajamony further said, "All investigations of alleged use of chemical weapons should be conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) and all provisions of the CWC should be utilised to reach evidence based conclusions. India is against the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, under any circumstances. He said that the CWC is a unique non-discriminatory multilateral instrument which continues to serve as a model disarmament treaty. "It is important to maintain the credibility and integrity of the convention. India, has therefore, maintained that all investigations of alleged use of chemical weapons should be conducted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the convention. India also urges that all provisions of the convention be utilized to address concerns in accordance with the procedures laid down in the convention, so as to reach evidence based conclusions," Rajamony said in his statement. It may be recalled that the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland had requested the OPCW for technical assistance under sub-paragraph 38 (e) of Article VIII of the Chemical Weapons Convention, in relation to an incident in Salisbury that took place on March 4, 2018 involving a toxic chemical - allegedly a nerve agent - and the poisoning and hospitalisation of three individuals. The OPCW team worked independently and was not involved in the national investigation by the UK authorities. No state party was involved in the technical work carried out by the OPCW Technical Secretariat. As per media reports, work to decontaminate the 11 sites has begun. These sites are as follows: The Maltings, Zizzi Restaurant, The Mill (a pub), Salisbury ambulance Station, Amesbury ambulance Station, Ashley Wood compound on Churchfields, Police officer Nick Bailey's home in Alderholt, Sergie Skripal's home in Christie Miller road, Two areas of Bourne Hill and Maltings Cordon Russian Spy. A spokesman for the UK Government's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) said the department is supervising the clean-up operation, and confirmed that nine of the eleven sites will need what he described as "specialist cleaning" in the wake two of three people being declared as having been poisoned. The decontamination group is being led by DEFRA's Chief Scientific Adviser Ian Boyd, media reports said. Boyd was quoted, as saying this week that investigations and decontamination would be carried out with the help of the "best scientific evidence and advice", and carefully. He added that the priority is to make Salisbury liveable for the general public again. Government officials have been quoted, as saying that the nerve agent used to poison Sergei and Yulia Skripal was delivered "in a liquid form." In a press conference on April 17, they revealed the Skripal's home in Salisbury was targeted with a "very small amount of Novichok." The highest concentration was found at the property in Christie Miller Road, and a further eight areas were potentially contaminated. "Meticulous work is required and we expect it will be a number of months before sites are fully reopened," they were quoted, as saying. Apart from the specialists of DEFRA, about 190 specialist military personnel from the British Army and the Royal Air Force have been roped in to assist in the decontamination operation. OPCW designated laboratories are a lynchpin of the organisation's verification regime and its capacity to investigate allegations of the use of chemical weapons. As the implementing body for the CWC, the OPCW oversees the global endeavour to permanently and verifiably eliminate chemical weapons. Since the CWC's entry into force in 1997 - and with its 192 States Parties - it is the most successful disarmament treaty eliminating an entire class of weapons of mass destruction. Over 96 percent of all chemical weapon stockpiles declared by possessor states have been destroyed under OPCW verification. For its extensive efforts in eliminating chemical weapons, the OPCW received the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Reiterating their strong condemnation of terrorism and terror-related incidents, both India and the United Kingdom (UK) on Wednesday agreed to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities to protect citizens, including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, Islamic State (IS) and their affiliates. Both the leaders also affirmed that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever it may be and it should not be associated with any religion, creed, nationality and ethnicity. Both the leaders agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people; for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Theresa May have reiterated their shared interest in strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regimes against the spread and use of chemical weapons in the wake of the appalling nerve agent attack on ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in the English city of Salisbury. "They shared their deepest concern about the continued reports of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. They oppose the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, under any circumstances and are committed to strengthening the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention," the joint-statement, shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. "They emphasised the need for urgent investigations and underline that the conduct of all investigations of any use of chemical weapons must be strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Convention," the statement added. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The meeting between the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom has paved the way for a discussion on a possible Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on illegal immigrants, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale said on Wednesday. "An MoU on illegal immigrants is under discussion. I think there will be a meeting of Home Secretary and Home Minister, perhaps at the end of next month, and I presume we will continue to discuss it in that time," Gokhale told press here. Briefing about the range of discussions held between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart, Theresa May, Gokhale informed that the countries signed 11 MoUs towards strengthening bilateral ties. Terrorism was one of the major topics of discussion between the leaders, and Prime Minister May expressed that the UK stood as a strategic partner with India on the issue of terrorism and that it was ready to expand cooperation in defence. The issue of cybercrime was also discussed. "Prime Minister described extremism, radicalism, terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries and for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in the cybersecurity field," said Gokhale. On being asked if the recent suspected chemical attack in Syria was a deliberated one, Gokhale said, "I think there is something in the joint statement which is in agreed position, but this was not a major discussion between the two Prime Minister. Out Prime Minister said that the use of chemical weapons anywhere under any circumstances is not acceptable." In the area of trade relations, the British Prime Minister expressed keenness to commence discussions on Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Prime Minister Modi emphasised that it needed to be a balanced agreement that had mutual benefits, informed the Foreign Secretary. May assured Prime Minister Modi that until the end of 2020, the Indian companies would continue to enjoy the same benefits as before Brexit. On a related note, the issue of visa and work permit in the UK was also raised in the meeting. "The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. I have already covered the issue of mobilising professionals and students and the like. Views were also exchanged on current international and multilateral issues," Gokhale said. However, the mediapersons could not receive a concrete answer to the question of specific Indian economic offenders like Vijay Mallya and Nirav Modi being points of discussion, given they have taken refuge in the UK. Besides Gokhale, panel members included Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar, High Commissioner of India to UK Y.K. Sinha, and Foreign Secretary (European West) Nagaraj Naidu JS. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Prime Minister held bilateral talks with his British counterpart earlier in the day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India welcomed the United Kingdom initiative of establishing a UK-India Tech Hub in the country as part of growing bilateral technology partnership. The Tech Hub will bring together hi-tech companies to create investment and export opportunities and provide a new platform to share the very best technologies and advance policy collaboration including on future mobility, advanced manufacturing and healthcare under India's aspirational districts' programme. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a bilateral meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May this morning and they discussed various topics. "We will establish a series of new partnerships between UK regional and Indian State-level tech clusters, to drive joint innovation and R&D. With the support of both Governments we have also announced an India-UK Tech CEO Alliance; signed a Tech UK/NASSCOM MoU focused on skills and new technologies, including industry-led apprenticeship schemes; and launched the new UK Fintech Rocketship Awards to boost fintech and wider entrepreneurship in India," said in a joint statement. Also, both sides agreed to deploy the best of British and Indian talent in science, research and technology to address priority global challenges. The UK is India's second largest international research and innovation partner. The UK-India Newton-Bhabha programme will have lifted joint research and innovation awards to over 400 million by 2021, since 2008. "We will also deepen our joint working relationship on health to make the UK and India safer and healthier places to live, including through scaling up and rolling out AI and digital health technologies," the statement further said. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on April 17 to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri today laid a wreath on the tomb of freedom fighter Begum Hazrat Mahal. Begum Hazrat Mahal was an icon of the 1857 rebellion against British colonial rule. After her husband and Awadh ruler Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was banished to Calcutta in May 1856, she fled and took political asylum in Nepal. She died there on April 7, 1879. Ambassador Puri highlighted the time of the 1857 struggle for independence and thanked Nepal for lending a hand at the time. Puri said, "The first war which we had to fight was for 'freedom' at the time which we had special relation with Nepal also with other countries. The Nepali land gave shelter and protection to many who came from there at the time for which we always are grateful to Nepal." The tomb of Begum Hazrat Mahal is maintained by Jame Masjid of Nepal in capital Kathmandu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indrani Mukerjea's personal assistant Kajal Sharma on Wednesday deposed before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court that she forged Sheena Bora's signature on the former's instructions. Sharma further stated that she committed the forgery on Sheena's resignation letter after Indrani had told her that her daughter was in the United States and had no Internet there to submit the resignation. It also transpired during her statement to the court that the dateline of the said mail between Indrani and Kajal for Sheena's resignation was actually after the murder date in records. A special court, which held the Sheena Bora murder trial on Tuesday, permitted the investigation officer in the case to be present in the court during its proceedings to assist the public prosecutor. Indrani, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, is lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. 24-year-old Sheena was abducted and killed on April 24, 2012, allegedly over a financial dispute, and her body was disposed of in a forest in adjoining Raigad district. Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna were arrested in August 2015 along with her former driver Shyamvar Rai, while Indrani's present husband Peter Mukerjea was nabbed in November the same year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The directors of Vadodara-based Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DPIL), Amit Bhatnagar and Sumit Bhatnagar, were presented before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Wednesday, in connection with an alleged fraud of Rs 2654 crore with 11 banks. The brothers, along with their father and founder of the firm - Suresh Narain Bhatnagar, were arrested by the CBI on Tuesday night, for allegedly cheating numerous banks by falsification of accounts, creation of false documents and forgery of records. It is alleged that DPIL, through its management, had fraudulently availed Credit Facilities from a Consortium of 11 Banks (Public Sector and Private Sector) since 2008, leaving behind an outstanding debt of Rs 2654.40 crore as on June 29, 2016. The company and its directors managed to get the term loans and credit facilities, in spite of the fact that they were already appearing on the defaulters' list of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) caution list at the time of initial sanction of credit limits by the consortium. It was also reported that at the time of formation of the Consortium in 2008, Axis Bank was the lead bank for the term loan, while Bank of India was the lead bank for CC Limits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday dubbed making development a mass movement as the need of the hour. "During the freedom struggle, Mahatma Gandhi did something very different. He turned it into a mass movement. Whatever you are doing will contribute to India's freedom. The need of the hour is to make development a mass movement," Prime Minister Modi said while speaking to the Indian diaspora in the United Kingdoms. The Prime Minister further said that participative democracy made good governance possible. Using his life's journey as an example to motivate people, the Prime Minister said, "My life at the railway station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said Royal Palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India. People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish, even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the Royal Palace." "Yes, people have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over. Can do justice to the nation when I forget myself," he said. Prime Minister Modi further said that India was getting increasingly aspirational. "'Besabri' (impatience) is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational," he added. Prime Minister Modi is ending the first day of his London visit by interacting with Indian diaspora at an event titled 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath'. Along with live questions from the audience present there, questions are also being sourced from Facebook, Twitter and the NaMo app. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (UK) YK Sinha has reiterated that no bilateral meeting has been planned between India and Pakistan on the sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. "Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Raveesh Kumar has already said that no such meeting [India-Pakistan bilateral meeting on sidelines of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London] is planned and as far as I know there is no change in this position," Indian High Commissioner to UK. Sinha also informed that issues related to terrorism and economic offenders will be the focus of the visit. "Economic offender issues will be discussed in the visit along with some of the cases being monitored by the court. Terrorism will also be discussed." The Diplomat's remarks came in the backdrop of PM Modi's five-day, three-nation tour to Sweden, the UK and Germany. The Prime Minister wrapped up his one-day visit to Sweden and arrived in London on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) To stave off a potential foreign exchange crisis, Pakistan is reportedly planning to raise hundreds of millions of dollars from Pakistani expatriates and wealthy Chinese investors. According to a Financial Times report, Islamabad's foreign currency stocks have reduced this month to about USD 11.4 billion, which is equivalent to about ten weeks of imports, and down from around USD 14.1 billion in December. The Financial Times further states that falling remittances from Pakistani migrant workers abroad and rising imports and payments to Chinese companies for infrastructure as part of an ambitious, USD 60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is primarily responsible for this drop in foreign exchange reserves. Pakistan needs to raise USD 17 billion to cover its debt repayments and current account deficit (CAD) this year. This warning was issued by the Bank in October last year. "Our expatriates will be offered attractive rates, better than what they will receive elsewhere," The FT quoted an official of the State Bank of Pakistan, as saying this week. He said Pakistan would seek to raise up to USD one billion from expatriates worldwide, but did not reveal terms of the offer. A senior official in Islamabad said that other options include borrowing from Middle Eastern countries or from Chinese commercial banks. Miftah Ismail, Pakistan's de facto finance minister, had told the FT that the country was also seeking to issue debt denominated in Renminbi for the first time. Last year, Islamabad had borrowed more than USD one billion from Chinese state-backed institutions as its CAD worsened, triggering fears that Pakistan was becoming overly dependent on the support of Beijing. Pakistan is yet to decide on the amount it wants to raise. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning met with his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London. PM Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at landed at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He was received by United Kingdom's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Boris Johnson at the airport. Later at 11:00 p.m. (local time) Prime Minister Modi will be visiting an exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Innovation followed by attending a Living Bridge Themed Reception. At noon Prime Minister Modi will offer his prayers to the bust of Karnataka-based saint Basaveshwara. He is later scheduled to visit the research laboratories and will also attend a joint India-United Kingdom summit forum which will showcase the collaborative projects of both the countries. Prime Minister Modi will also be honoured in a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, an event which has been organised previously for only three nations. He is then scheduled to have in an interaction session with the Indian community at around 5 pm (local time) followed by attending the dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the Commonwealth leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday morning met with his British counterpart Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London and touted 'new energy will be added in exsisting ties,' while discussing climate change. "I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International Solar Alliance (ISA), I believe this is not only a fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations," PM Modi told Theresa May during meeting. The Prime Minister expressed his happiness to be able to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Karnataka-based saint Basaveshwara. "It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara," the Prime Minister noted. British Prime Minister Theresa May, during the meeting, expressed hope to work together with her Indian counterpart for the people of both the countries. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, arrived at landed at the Heathrow airport of the United Kingdom on Tuesday to take part in the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. At noon Prime Minister Modi will offer his prayers to the bust of Karnataka-based saint Basaveshwara. He is later scheduled to visit the research laboratories and will also attend a joint India-United Kingdom summit forum which will showcase the collaborative projects of both the countries. Prime Minister Modi will also be honoured in a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace, an event which has been organised previously for only three nations. He is then scheduled to have in an interaction session with the Indian community at around 5 pm (local time) followed by attending the dinner hosted by United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May for the Commonwealth leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May on Wednesday committed to reducing trade barriers to facilitate easier operations in both India and the United Kingdom (UK), thereby enabling a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future. According to a Downing Street spokesperson, the two Prime Ministers welcomed the GBP 1 billion worth commercial deals, which were inked earlier in the day, and also agreed to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint Trade Review. Amid deepening of trade relations between the UK and India, Prime Minister Modi said that the UK's withdrawal from the European Union paved the way for trade opportunities for India. He further stated that the implementation period agreed in March gave Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020. Prime Minister Modi further said that there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit, adding that the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so. Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister reiterated that the UK would remain committed to global free trade and investment, and a leading hub for global finance. The two leaders also discussed the new UK-India Tech Partnership agreed earlier in the day, which would create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both economies. Prime Minister Modi, who is on a five-day tour to three nations, landed at London's Heathrow airport on Tuesday, ahead of the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting on Thursday. Prime Minister Modi will be honoured in a private audience with Queen Elizabeth at the Buckingham Palace, an event which has been organised previously for only three nations. He is also scheduled to have an interaction with the Indian community, followed by a dinner hosted by Prime Minister May for the Commonwealth leaders. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Nabha jailbreak prime accused Harminder Singh Mintoo died of cardiac arrest in Punjab's Patiala city on Wednesday. Mintoo was lodged in the Patiala Central Jail along with other accused of the 2016 jailbreak case. He was also the chief of Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF). Delhi's Patiala House Court, on April 11, had awarded him three-month imprisonment for escaping from the jail on November 27, 2016. Mintoo was facing several charges, including terror charges, and was arrested from the Delhi airport in 2014. According to media reports, in November 2016, Mintoo, along with five other inmates, had escaped Nabha jail after a group of armed men in police uniform stormed the prison. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kapurthala's Permanent Lok Adalat on Wednesday barred the Highways Authority of India (NHAI) from collecting toll at Ladowal toll plaza near Phillaur. The move was initiated to plug illegal access to and from the Jalandhar-Ludhiana Highway (NH-1A). The Lok Adalat also added that the toll plaza could be shut down permanently if the NHAI defied its order. On March 15, the Lok Adalat had issued directions to the NHAI to close the illegal access outside the main gate of Phagwara-based Lovely Professional University (LPU), for the sake of students' safety, within 15 days from the date of the order. Following which reportedly NHAI counsel JS Rathore produced over 35 notices issued to buildings for gaining unauthorised access from NH-1A. According to recent reports, the toll plaza, which charges Rs 185 for a round trip, reportedly generates revenue of Rs 20 lakh every day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than six thousand school students took part in a rally to spread awareness about encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur city on Wednesday. The special campaign, which was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the children with placards were seen raising slogans to spread awareness. "The rally has been taken up to create awareness among people about mosquitoes so that people can keep themselves safe. We should keep our surroundings clean so that mosquitoes don't breed," a student told ANI. According to the district magistrate, 90 thousand people have been vaccinated for encephalitis and special preparations have been made to protect people from the disease. Encephalitis has been reported from many parts of India, however, it is highly endemic in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. It is a mosquito-borne viral infection of the brain. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu government on Tuesday decided to file a review petition against March 20 Supreme Court's ruling on SC/ST Protection Act which allegedly diluted the said Act. Tamil Nadu government decided to take the step after a special meeting was held with the state Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami. "We have always been sensitive towards the cause of Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe," said Tamil Nadu government in an official statement. Earlier on April 14, Kerala state government filed a review petition against the same. The apex court, on March 20, introduced the provision of anticipatory bail in the act while directing that there would be no automatic arrest on any complaint filed under the law. The ruling led to an uproar amongst the SC/ST people who alleged that the Act has been diluted. To protest against this, several Dalit organizations gave a call for Bharat Bandh on April 2. During the nationwide strike, violent protests broke out in various parts of the country, resulting in the death of over 10 people. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) WPVI-TV(PHILADELPHIA) -- Tammie Jo Shults, the hero pilot who safely landed a Southwest Airlines plane Tuesday after one of its engines failed, is said by a friend to be "doing fine" and concerned about the family of the sole fatality in Tuesday's incident. An experienced pilot with Southwest Airlines, Shults was among the Navy's first women pilots trained to fly fighter aircraft. "The pilot, Tammy Jo, was amazing!" Amanda Bourman, a passenger on Southwest flight 1380 posted on social media. Shults "came back to speak to each of us personally," wrote Diane McBride Self on Facebook. "This is a true American hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance, and bravery." A friend in contact with Shults since Tuesday's incident told ABC News that "she is doing fine." Shults was said to be undergoing routine tests conducted after flight mishaps to ensure that pilots did not have any drugs or alcohol in their systems. While a lot of attention has been focused on the flight skills she and her co-pilot exhibited in safely landing the plane, Shults is said to be more concerned about the passengers on her flight. The friend said Shults's thoughts are with Jennifer Riordan and her family. Riordan was the sole person killed in Tuesday's incident, dying from injuries suffered after the Boeing 737's engine came apart. Shults is not only an experienced pilot with Southwest Airlines, but she was also among the Navy's first female fighter pilots. "She was commissioned in the Navy on June 21, 1985, and completed flight training in Pensacola," said Lt. Christina Sears, a Navy spokesperson. "She served at the Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ-34) in Point Mugu, Calif. as an instructor pilot flying the EA-6B Prowler and F/A-18 Hornet," Sears said. "We can confirm that Lieutenant Commander Shults was among the first cohort of women pilots to transition to tactical aircraft," Sears said. The New Mexico native remained on active duty with the Navy until 1993 when she transitioned to the Naval Reserve and retired in 2001 with the rank of Lt. Commander. Shults was trained as a Navy fighter pilot at a time when female pilots were not allowed to fly with combat units. After graduating from flight school in 1989, Shults served with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 34 (VAQ-34) from 1989 until she left active duty in 1993. But like the other first female Navy pilots trained to fly on the F/A-18 Hornet, Shults was assigned to fly the fighter aircraft in an electronic warfare training squadron instead of flying with units assigned to aircraft carriers like their male counterparts. In March 1993, she was among the VAQ-34 squadron pilots interviewed by the Navy's All Hands magazine. In AOCS [Aviation Officer Candidate School], if youre a woman [or different in any way], youre a high-profile; youre under more scrutiny, Shults was quoted in the article. It would be nice if they would take away the ceilings [women] have over our heads, Shults said. In VAQ-34, gender doesnt matter theres no advantage or disadvantage, she said. Which proves my point - if theres a good mix of gender, it ceases to be an issue. Shortly after that article was published, Defense Secretary Les Aspin lifted the restrictions on female pilots flying combat missions. But by then Shults had already left the active duty Navy. Shults also spoke about the difficulties she and other female Navy aviators faced in the 1998 book "Call Sign Revlon: The Life and Death of Navy Fighter Pilot Kara Hultgreen" written by Sally Spears, Hultgreen's mother. A friend of Shults's, Hultgreen was the first female Navy pilot certified for combat duty. She was killed in October 1994 crash while attempting a landing on the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln. In the book, Shults noted that Navy commanders tried not to show female pilots special treatment, but their actions sometimes had the opposite effect on male pilots. "Like they would have the women in for coffee and cookies with the captain," said Shults. "It made us feel like idiots. I mean, nobody has coffee and cookies with the captain." Among the awards that Shults received during her Navy career were the Navy Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Defense Service Medal and the Marksmanship Medal (Expert.) Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde's escort vehicle was hit by a truck in Karnataka's Haveri district late on Tuesday night. Hegde was traveling near Halageri in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district around 11:30 p.m. when the incident took place. Police have arrested the truck driver. The Minister, however, alleged that the truck tried to hit his car but was unsuccessful in doing so. Taking on to his Twitter handle, the Minister said, "A deliberate attempt on my life seems to have been executed just now. A truck on the highway, near Halageri in Ranebennur taluk of Haveri district, tried to hit my vehicle. Since my vehicle was in top speed, it escaped the hit." Suspecting a bigger conspiracy behind this incident, the minister expressed confidence that the police would expose the 'conspirators'. "I urge the police to take the case seriously. There might be a bigger nexus behind this incident and I am sure police would expose all of them," he added. The minister stated that the truck driver was normal and was not under any influence of alcohol when he was caught. An investigation is underway. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. At 13:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 110.31 points or 0.32% at 34,505.37. The Nifty 50 index was up 30.25 points or 0.29% at 10,578.95. Local stocks were boosted by positive global stocks. Domestic stocks drifted higher in early trade tracking positive Asian stocks. Stocks turned volatile in morning trade as the key equity benchmark indices regained positive zone soon after hitting an intraday low in negative zone. Key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.32%, matching the Sensex's gains in percentage terms. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was up 0.27%, underperforming the Sensex. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, was positive. On the BSE, 1,291 shares rose and 1,184 shares fell. A total of 144 shares were unchanged. Pharmaceutical shares were mixed. Cipla (up 1.18%), Sun Pharmaceutical Industries (up 0.30%), Alkem Laboratories (up 0.20%), GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals (up 0.20%), Glenmark Pharmaceuticals (up 0.17%) and Divi's Laboratories (up 0.03%), edged higher. Dr Reddy's Laboratories (down 0.33%), Wockhardt (down 0.42%), Piramal Enterprises (down 0.59%), Cadila Healthcare (down 0.62%), Aurobindo Pharma (down 0.7%), Strides Shasun (down 1.27%) and IPCA Laboratories (down 1.29%), edged lower. Drug major Lupin was down 0.47%. Lupin announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market a generic version of AbbVie Inc's AndraGel, 1.62%. Lupin's Testosterone Gel is the generic equivalent of AbbVie Inc.'s AndroGel. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Astrazeneca Pharma India rose 3.71% after leading global science-led biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced its decision of further investing $90 million over the next 5 years in India. The announcement was made following the signature of the bilateral innovation partnership for a sustainable future between Sweden and India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. This investment commitment will span across AstraZeneca's diverse footprint in India with an aim to strengthen its manufacturing, clinical operations, patient safety & regulatory science, IT services and commercial operations. Furthermore this investment will support scientific data generation, quality manufacturing, science talent development and collaborative development of innovative solutions to improve the standard of care of non-communicable diseases in India. Capital goods shares were mixed. AIA Engineering (down 1.5%), Thermax (down 1.01%), Praj Industries (down 0.97%), BEML (down 0.9%), Lakshmi Machine Works (down 0.45%), Crompton Greaves (down 0.42%), ABB India (down 0.34%), Reliance Defence and Engineering (down 0.34%), GE T&D India (down 0.23%) and SKF India (down 0.01%), edged lower. GE Power India (up 0.11%), Havells India (up 0.11%), Jindal Saw (up 0.15%), Bharat Electronics (up 0.58%), Bharat Heavy Electricals (up 0.63%), Siemens (up 0.69%), Punj Lloyd (up 0.81%) and Suzlon Energy (up 0.85%), edged higher. Engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) was up 0.35% to Rs 1,365. Overseas, European markets were trading higher as investors monitored a fresh batch of corporate earnings and economic data. Asian stocks rose as an encouraging US earnings season underscored resilient growth. Japan's exports edged up in March, on strong demand for cars and equipment to make semiconductors, data from Japan's finance ministry showed. Exports rose 2.1% from a year ago, on a rebound in demand after a lull last month. The increase helped Japan log a 10.8% rise in exports for the business year ended March, the first annual rise in three years. US stocks rallied yesterday, 17 April 2018 amid better-than-expected earnings from industry heavyweights, adding to evidence that the strengthening economy is lifting corporate profits. Meanwhile, a lack of escalation in the trade tensions between China and the US has also emboldened investors. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Drug major Lupin announced that it has received tentative approval from the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to market a generic version of AbbVie Inc's AndraGel, 1.62%. Lupin's Testosterone Gel is the generic equivalent of AbbVie Inc.'s AndroGel. It is indicated for replacement therapy in males for conditions associated with a deficiency or absence of endogenous testosterone. Testosterone Gel, 1.62% (20.25 mg/1.25 gm actuation) had annual sales of approximate $956.90 million in the US (IQVIA MAT January 2018). The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. ACC will declare its Q1 March 2018 result today, 18 April 2018. Astrazeneca Pharma India said that leading global science-led biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca announced its decision of further investing $90 million over the next 5 years in India. This investment commitment will span across AstraZeneca's diverse footprint in India with an aim to strengthen its manufacturing, clinical operations, patient safety & regulatory science, IT services and commercial operations. Furthermore this investment will support scientific data generation, quality manufacturing, science talent development and collaborative development of innovative solutions to improve the standard of care of non-communicable diseases in India. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Jagran Prakashan announced that its board will meet on Friday, 27 April 2018 to consider the proposal for buy-back of shares. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Future Consumer said it made further investment in Integrated Food Park (IFPPL), a subsidiary company, by acquiring the entire stake held by Capital Foods in IFPPL. Consequent to the aforesaid, the company's holding in IFPPL stands increased to 99.93% of the paid-up share capital of IFPPL. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Indian Hume Pipe Company said it secured a work order of Rs 108.19 crore from Narmada Water Resources, Water Supply & Kalpsar Department, Gujarat for lift irrigation project for transmission 100 cusecs of water from Kherva to Visnagar. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Volatility ruled the roost in mid-afternoon trade as the key benchmark indices retreated sharply after hitting intraday high. At 14:16 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, was up 32.72 points or 0.1% at 34,427.78. The Nifty 50 index was up 5.25 points or 0.05% at 10,553.95. Oil & gas stocks saw mixed trend. IT stocks also saw mixed trend. Local stocks were boosted by positive global stocks. Domestic stocks drifted higher in early trade tracking positive Asian stocks. Stocks turned volatile in morning trade as the key equity benchmark indices regained positive zone soon after hitting an intraday low in negative zone. Key benchmark indices extended gains and hit fresh intraday high in afternoon trade. The S&P BSE Mid-Cap index was up 0.08%. The S&P BSE Small-Cap index was off 0.08%. Both these indices underperformed the Sensex. The market breadth, indicating the overall health of the market, turned negative from was positive in mid-afternoon trade. On the BSE, 1,286 shares fell and 1,237 shares rose. A total of 144 shares were unchanged. Maruti Suzuki India rose 0.26%. Maruti Suzuki India during market hours today, 18 April 2018 said that the company has attained leadership position in utility vehicles sales in the domestic market in 2017-18, with over 27.5% market share. Riding on the success of models like Vitara Brezza, Ertiga and S-Cross, Maruti Suzuki's sale of utility vehicles reached 253,759 units in 2017-18, growing 29.6% over previous year sales of 195,741 units. Oil & gas stocks saw mixed trend. Among shares of oil exploration and production (E&P) companies, ONGC (up 0.53%) and Oil India (up 0.25%) edged higher. Reliance Industries (down 0.31%) fell. Among PSU OMCs, HPCL (down 2.83%), BPCL (down 1.35%) and Indian Oil Corporation (down 1.05%) dropped. IT stocks saw mixed trend. Wipro (up 2.12%), Infosys (up 0.52%), Oracle Financial Services Software (up 1.16%), Hexaware Technologies (up 2.08%) and Mphasis (up 0.25%) rose. TCS (down 0.07%), HCL Technologies (down 1.25%), Tech Mahindra (down 1.49%) and MindTree (down 1.18%) fell. Jagran Prakashan rose 1.46% after the company said that its board will meet on Friday, 27 April 2018, to consider buyback of shares. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Overseas, European markets were trading higher as investors monitored a fresh batch of corporate earnings and economic data. Asian stocks rose as an encouraging US earnings season underscored resilient growth. Japan's exports edged up in March, on strong demand for cars and equipment to make semiconductors, data from Japan's finance ministry showed. Exports rose 2.1% from a year ago, on a rebound in demand after a lull last month. The increase helped Japan log a 10.8% rise in exports for the business year ended March, the first annual rise in three years. US stocks rallied yesterday, 17 April 2018 amid better-than-expected earnings from industry heavyweights, adding to evidence that the strengthening economy is lifting corporate profits. Meanwhile, a lack of escalation in the trade tensions between China and the US has also emboldened investors. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar called for special drive for increasing the registration and to stream line welfare benefit delivery mechanism so as to ensure that all the Building and other Construction (BOC) workers get their benefit. Shri Gangwar said it is matter of concern that while there are more than 5 crore workers in the construction and building sector only 2 crore 86 lakhs have been registered so far. The Minister said the Hon'ble Supreme Court had expressed concern over the cess fund lying unutilised with the States and have passed directions to register all the BOC workers and fully utilise the fund for their welfare. He added that the Supreme Court has emphasised the need for making Model Scheme which should include social security benefits of health, pension, Safety, education to standardize the social security schemes across the states which has been collected though the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996 and Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Cess Act, 1996. He requested the States and other stakeholders to make use of recently launched National Portal to facilitate registration of BOC workers. Secretary (L&E), Shri U. P. Singh mentioned that it has come to notice that registration of a BOC workers, belonging to other States, is generally discouraged and that welfare benefits are not portable across the States which may be the major reason behind poor utilisation of cess fund. He requested the States to maximise registration, facilitate registration of migrant BOC workers and utilise cess fund to ensure social security benefits to the workers as stipulated under the Act and as underlined by the Hon'ble Supreme Court in its judgement. The building and other construction workers (BOCW) are one of the most vulnerable segments of the unorganised sector workers in India. One important outcome of the Conference was constitution of a Committee, having representatives from the States and other stakeholders, to draft a Model Welfare Scheme to provide standardised Social Security to of BOC workers. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sequent Scientific announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Alivira Animal Health through Alivira Ireland, has on 17 April 2018 signed an agreement with simultaneous closing to acquire 100% of Bremer Pharma, Zydus Cadila's Animal Health Business in Germany. Bremer Pharma, founded in 1982 is a niche veterinary health company in Germany with focus on cattle and swine segments. Bremer has a portfolio of over 400+ registered products across Europe, Far East, MENA, Russia & Africa operating in vitamins, antibiotics and hormones. Bremer registered sales of 6.7Mn ($8.3Mn) in year ending March 31, 2018 with marginal losses. Bremer comes with a EUGMP compliant injectable manufacturing facility with approval from German Competent Authority LANUV. The site was recently reinspected and obtained a renewed GMP certificate on 12 March 2018. This acquisition provides Alivira's with a beta-lactam & non-beta lactam injectables facility for EU markets, which compliments its Orals & Powders beta-lactam and non-beta lactam facility based at Barcelona in Spain. EU is Alivira's largest market accounting to 60% of revenues. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Draft Defence Production Policy 2018, under consideration now, envisions India to be one of the world's top five defence producers by 2025 with self-reliance in 13 areas covering almost the entire range of weapons and systems. The export target has been fixed at Rs 35,000 crore ($5 billion) by 2025. The FDI limit is proposed to be raised to 74 percent under automatic route for niche technologies, said Dr Subhash R Bhamre, Hon'ble Minister of State for Defence. Dr Bhamre added that, The Make-in-India initiative offers a valuable opportunity for Indian and French enterprises to enter into arrangements for co-development and co-production of defence equipment in India, including through transfer of know-how and technologies to the mutual benefit of all parties. He expressed that the complexity of India's security challenges makes self-reliance in defence all the more important. Shri Jayant Sinha, Hon'ble Minister of State for Civil Aviation, urged French companies to manufacture in India and export to other parts of the world. Mr Sinha added that The potential for Indian & French companies to collaborate for manufacturing & innovation in the defence industry is extraordinary. For companies wanting to develop their businesses, you need to adapt your products for the Indian market. The minister stated that the civil aviation sector is expected to grow steadily and is gearing-up to handle a billion passenger trips in next 15 to 20 years. He also informed that the Government would bring out a policy on drones and said that India would be the land of air rickshaws in future. Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the sidelines of the event. The MoU aims to promote a sustainable framework for present and future partnerships and cooperative actions between the French aerospace industry and the Indian defence industry by reaffirming the necessity to expand trade, through stronger economic and industrial cooperation, between France and India. Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary Defence Production, Ministry of Defence (MoD), said that French companies have a great opportunity in partnering with Indian companies for defence and aerospace manufacturing. HE Mr Alexandre Ziegler, the Ambassador of France to India, said that France is the oldest strategic partner of India and the French companies have invested in a big way in India. Mr Jayant D Patil, Vice President, SIDM highlighted that French and Indian industry are thriving and doing well in technology and manufacturing. Lt Gen Subrata Saha, PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM** (Retd), Director General of SIDM informed that SIDM would be facilitating more than 400 business to business meetings for GIFAS Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Virinchi rose 9.12% to Rs 125.65 at 11:59 IST on BSE after the company said it signed a multi-product 5-year contract with Advance America in USA. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 17 April 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was up 73.53 points, or 0.21% to 34,468.59. On the BSE, 1.68 lakh shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 34,000 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 130 and a low of Rs 121 so far during the day. The stock hit a record high of Rs 153.50 on 9 January 2018. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 66.70 on 23 August 2017. Virinchi signed a multi-product 5-year contract with Advance America Inc, the largest company in USA in the alternate finance industry, to deliver, maintain and host lending management software 'QFund' for a period of 5 years. QFund is the flagship lending management system developed by Virinchi for the alternate finance industry in the USA. On a consolidated basis, Virinchi's net profit rose 10.02% to Rs 8.89 crore on 1.21% increase in net sales to Rs 85.61 crore in Q3 December 2017 over Q2 September 2017. Virinchi is an IT products & services company, focusing on customers in North America, Europe, & Middle East. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two women have been arrested from adjoining Ghaziabad for kidnapping a one-month-old baby girl from a hospital here, police said on Wednesday. Police said the accused Poonam, 22 and her sister, Ruchi, 19, residents of Khoda colony in Ghaziabad, were arrested on Tuesday. The baby was reunited with the mother on Wednesday. "The infant was kidnapped by Poonam and Ruchi on Tuesday from Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) Hospital (in east Delhi)," Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Kumar Singh said. "Poonam and Ruchi befriended the infant's mother and started playing with the baby. When her mother went to get water, they kidnapped the minor. In a CCTV footage, they were seen hiring an auto outside the hospital," Singh added. "Azad, the auto driver who dropped the accused to Khoda Colony, helped the police and took policemen to the spot where the women alighted," the officer added. The police officers went door-to-door in search of the women and caught them late on Tuesday. During questioning, Poonam told police she could not give birth to a child even after four years of marriage. They planned to kidnap the baby after noticing her mother was tired as she was waiting at the hospital since morning for the baby's check-up, the police officer said. --IANS sp/pgh/bg (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A massive fire in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla district on Wednesday gutted at least 40 houses and property worth lakhs of rupees, officials said. The fire reportedly broke out when the occupants were asleep. However, no casualties have been reported. "There are reports of 40 houses, mostly wooden, being destroyed in the fire in Kasheni village," Sub Divisional Magistrate B.R. Sharma told IANS. Rescuers reached the spot, 135 km from Shimla, and evacuated the villagers. The cause of the fire is not known. --IANS vg/and/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday apologized to a woman journalist whose cheeks he patted after a press conference, triggering widespread criticism. In a letter to the journalist, Lakshmi Subramanian, which was circulated to the media, Purohit said: "I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt." Purohit said: "You had asked a question when we had got up and were proceeding to leave after the close of the press conference (on Tuesday)." "I considered that question to be a good one. Therefore, as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter," he said. Purohit said he himself has been a journalist for about 40 years. "I do understand from your mail that you are feeling hurt about the incident. I wish to express my regret and my apologize to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt." Reacting to Purohit's letter, Subramanian tweeted: "Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai... I accept your apology even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked." Earlier, Tamil Nadu journalists had demanded an unconditioned apology from Purohit for patting the cheek of Subramanian. Subramanian tweeted a picture in which the Governor is seen patting her cheek at the Raj Bhavan and expressed her shock over his conduct. The Governor met the to deny as untrue allegations of a so-called sex scandal at a leading university in the state. Journalists promptly drafted a letter informing the Governor that his conduct amounted to a non-bailable criminal offence. "As the Constitutional head of our state of Tamil Nadu, you have crossed the lines of not just basic courtesy but also those of law," read the letter to the Governor. They pointed out that whatever his intention, he had violated the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi tweeted: "Even if the intention is above suspicion, violating a woman journalist's personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." The journalists had sought an unconditional apology from the Governor and an assurance that he will desist from behaving in this manner in future. --IANS vj/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group has confirmed that it has been working on autonomous driving technology, the China Daily reported on Wednesday. Wang Gang, Chief Scientist at the company's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Labs, is leading the research team and it have made rapid progress, the daily quoted Alibaba as saying. According to Xinhua news agency, the company's research aims to reach Level 4, which means the self-driving vehicle can fully drive itself without human intervention in certain circumstances. Chinese authorities issued regulations on April 12 to allow local road tests for intelligent connected vehicles, which covers different degrees of autonomous driving. Alibaba has conducted regular road tests of its self-driving vehicles and the company was looking to hire an additional 50 experts to boost the technology, according to China Daily. Alibaba's move follows its rivals, Baidu and Tencent, two other Chinese Internet conglomerates that are also developing self-driving vehicles. Union Minister for Women and Child Development Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday termed West Bengal as the only place in the country where illegal killing of wild animals is "allowed and encouraged". She also took a dig at Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of not taking action against the culprits to save her vote bank. Referring to the hunting festival known as 'Shikar Utsav' in the Ajodhya Hill area in West Bengal's Purulia district during Buddha Purnima, Gandhi claimed that thousands of animals are killed every year and said that the festival should be banned immediately. "Thousands of so called tribals come to the forests around Lalgarh and kill thousands of animals every year. This year was no exception. They do not kill the animal for themselves. They are being used by smugglers and poachers and the state forest department has done nothing about this," Gandhi, also an animal activist, said. "West Bengal is the only place in India where such illegality is allowed and encouraged. It is extremely important to stop the 'Shikar Utsav' here," she said. "The point is that, if the Chief Minister was interested she could have stopped it in two minutes. But it is all about the vote bank. If 10,000-15,000 animals die for the sake of securing the vote bank, what can you do?" the Minister said. Gandhi's comments came a few days after a Royal Bengal tiger that had strayed into West Bengal's Lalgarh forest, was allegedly killed by hunters. The carcass of the tiger was recovered from the forest with multiple wounds including a spear thrust into its body. --IANS mgr/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Film: "Beyond The Clouds"; Director: Majid Majidi; Cast: Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan; Rating: ***** There came a time in this cyclonic tale of squalor, despair and redemption where I thought I would simply be blown away by the shrillness of the drama. Majid Majidi pulls out all stops to show us the underbelly of Mumbai, warts, moles and all. The camera pans the suffocating crowds with easy grace, embracing the bizarre bazaar of racketeering and low-living with a kind of sighing interjection that is the opposite of hopelessness. Admittedly, cinematographer Anil Mehta does for Majid Majidi's Mumbai what Subrata Mitra did to Satyajit Ray's "Pather Panchali". Without romanticising the despair, he shoots the frames with a beam of optimism. And Dhobi Ghat never looked more intriguing. There is a key scene of sexual violence silhouetted against the flapping white bed sheets spread out for drying. This would have looked laughably put-on were it not for the director's propensity to cut to the chase while chasing the drama of despair. Silhouettes play an important part in bringing alive the dark mysterious tragedy of Mumbai's underbelly. At one point, Aamir brings home the womenfolk of the man who has ruined his sister's life and watches them bond through a bedsheet put up as a temporary partition. In the shadows, we see three feminine figures dancing, laughing and bonding. All these metaphors suggesting love, lyricism and empathy in the midst of crime and deception could have given the film an aura of heavy handedness. Majidi uses the shrillest notes of storytelling to suggest the bathos of life and the sheer absurdity of seeking and miraculously finding compassion in a world denuded of simple kindness. The message of hope and humanism shines like a beacon of light in the charged electric screenplay written by Mehran Kashani where the drama of the damned is not an affectation but a way of life. Right away from the very first shot showing a run-down hoarding for a cellphone company, Mumbai's heartbeat throbs life and breath into every moment that Majidi's narrative exhales over frames that seem to embrace life in all its inglorious colours. In the very first sequence, we see our hero hopping off a car in a distance across the road. Aamir is not up to any good, he never will be. Or so we think. The quality of life bequeathed to Aamir and his elder sister Tara (Malavika Mohanan) is such that beauty, harmony, compassion and other luxuries of a desirable existence are hard to obtain. And yet, this is where the humanism of Majidi's cinema comes into voluptuous play. In spite of the abject, seemingly irredeemable darkness, there is that spark of light igniting the soul. The film moves through two different narrative zones after the protagonists -- the siblings -- are separated by a crime. Aamir finds himself looking after and caring for the family of the very man (Gautam Ghose) who brought on disaster in his life. In prison, Aamir's sister Tara learns a lesson or two in humanism through her unexpected bonding with a little boy. I wish Malavika, playing the pivotal role of Tara, had held back a bit. She tends to let go of her emotional mojo in almost every sequence, making her character seem more hysterical than it should be. Gautam Ghose as the man who brings disaster on the protagonists brings to his complex dark role some shades of unexpected empathy. But let's not beat around the bush. It is debutant Ishaan Khatter who stands tall in a film where life dwarfs even the bravest. Ishaan's Aamir is impetuous, volatile and self-destructive. The character's redemptive journey is undertaken by the debutant actor with an honesty and vigour that are unmatched by anything we've seen in a maiden performance. Yes, a star is born. Ishaan is undeniably the hope of tomorrow... Or is it today? Majidi places a hefty level of faith in Ishaan's raw uncorrupted personality to bring out the ugliness of Mumbai's underbelly. At one point, when Aamir is about to barter his soul to the devil, I could clearly see the fear of doom in his eyes. This is an actor of no ordinary skills. Ishaan projects vulnerability and hurt in moments when brutality reigns supreme. The sound design is so outstanding that I could hear voices in the backdrop, discussing mundane matters in squirts of randomness that come and go to create a sense of uneasy rhythm. In the prevalent chaos, and just when I thought brutality is the predominant mood, on comes A.R. Rahman's exquisitely quiet piano interludes in the background, a little at a time, reminding us that tenderness is just around the corner even when life sucks out all that is desirable, and life... Well... simply sucks. Adapting the higher scales from the musical notes, Majidi's symphony on the underbelly of Mumbai plays out at an impossibly shrill pitch without losing the core cadence. The director is not alone in pursuing that pitch-perfect shrillness. Ishaan Khatter knows how that is done. --IANS skj/rb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ahead of the 2018 Rajasthan Assembly elections, Bharatiya Janata Party state unit President Ashok Parnami resigned on Wednesday. His successor is yet to be announced. The front runners for the post include Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal, state Minister Arun Chaturvedi and Kota-Bundi MP Om Birla, informed sources said. Parnami has been appointed member of the BJP National Working Committee, party General Secretary Arun Singh said. Parnami told the media that he had resigned due to "personal reasons". "I have rendered my services as the state party President for four years, and will continue to work for the party's growth," he added. Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje met BJP President Amit Shah in New Delhi earlier amid reports of impending changes in the BJP's Rajasthan unit in the wake of electoral reverses in the January by-elections in the Alwar and Ajmer Lok Sabha seats and the Mandalgarh Assembly segment. Earlier in the day, Madhya Pradesh BJP President Nand Kumar Chauhan was replaced by BJP MP from Jabalpur, Rakesh Singh. --IANS arc/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China's smallest and southernmost province of Hainan will allow foreign tourists from 59 countries to stay for up to one month without a visa, immigration authorities said on Wednesday. According to the State Immigration Administration, group and individual tourists from the 59 countries, including Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and the US, can visit Hainan visa-free from May 1 onwards and stay there for up to 30 days on condition that they book their tour through travel agencies, reports Xinhua news agency. Hainan had previously offered a 15-day visa-free stay for group tourists from 21 countries since 2000 and added another five countries to the list in 2010. "By extending the policy to individuals and the stay to up to 30 days, the government aims to attract more international tourists, nurture the tourism industry and meet the needs of foreign individuals," said the administration's vice head Qu Yunhai. The announcement comes a week after Chinese President Xi Jinping travelled to Hainan to take part in the BOAO Forum for Asia and supervise military drills in the South China Sea, reports Efe news. Following the visit, the Chinese government announced plans to convert the island into a free trade zone housing large foreign firms. Hainan, which until a few decades ago survived mainly on fishing and agriculture, has turned into a major tourist hotspot and has witnessed a rapid development of the hospitality industry. China, the world's fourth largest tourist destination after Spain, France and the US, has looked to attract more foreign tourists with visa exemptions for visitors to major cities, though mostly for stays of less than 72 hours. --IANS ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing the Congress party of indulging in vote bank politics, BJP national President Amit Shah on Wednesday asked Rahul Gandhi to apologise to Hindus for labelling them 'terrorists'. "In pursuit of vote bank politics, the Congress popularised 'Hindu Terror' and tried to implicate some Hindu activists in the Meccas Masjid blast case in Hyderabad over a decade ago, though a NIA court acquitted them," said Shah at an event here. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Hyderabad on Monday acquitted all the five Hindu activists, including Swamy Aseemanand who were accused of triggering a bomb blast in the mosque that killed nine worshippers near the iconic Charminar on May 18, 2007. "The Congress also tried to substantiate its charge by foisting false cases against Hindus and pressurising investigating agencies to implicate them in the blast case. "Congress leaders, including P. Chidambaram, Sushil Kumar Shinde and Digvijay Singh carried out 'Hindu Terror' campaign and tried to defame Hindus within and outside the country to appease a section of society," recalled Shah. With the court verdict exposing the Congress leaders by the acquittals, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) chief said if they don't apologies even now, the people would punish them. "The people of Karnataka are waiting to punish the Congress in the May 12 state assembly elections," thundered Shah. In the blast context, Shah recalled a conversation in which Gandhi told the US envoy Timothy Roemer that 'Hindu Terror' was a more worrying factor than Laskar-e-Taiba of Pakistan. Roemer mentioned Gandhi's remark in his report to the US State Department on August 3, 2009. "Anti-national criminals had free run in Karnataka as the ruling Congress regime was soft on them. As many as 24 Hindu activists were allegedly killed in the state over the last two years, but none had been brought to book," lamented Shah. Admitting that it was important for the BJP to win in the state polls to keep the momentum in the run-up to the 2019 general elections, Shah said the party was in power at the Centre and 21 states across the country. "I am sure of our party winning in the upcoming elections as the people across the state were fed up of corruption and crime in the Congress reign," asserted Shah, who is on a two-day visit to the city to campaign for the party. --IANS fb/qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi Police plans to set up a high-tech control room by December in north Delhi to boost its efficiency by combining the ambulance, fire, and disaster management operations, a senior officer said on Wednesday. The standard international emergency number 112 launched earlier will further strengthen the Police Control Room (PCR) operations, he said. Deputy Commissioner of Police (PCR) Devendra Arya told IANS: "The Ministry of Home Affairs has sanctioned funds for the high-tech police control room, and Delhi Police has transferred the money to the Public Works Department for civil and electrical works. "The new PCR will be housed at north Delhi's Haiderpur once all civil works are completed by December 2018. The construction of PCR in two segments is expected to be completed by the PWD by September-end," Arya said. The PCR presently operates from the third floor of the Delhi Police headquarters at ITO, where 600 policemen work 24x7 in shifts to handle 50 lines. The Haiderpur PCR will deploy 1,200 male and female personnel, with 300 in each of the four shifts to handle calls. The emergency helpline number 112 is endorsed by maximum countries in the world. Only the US has a different emergency number -- 911 -- apart from India's 100. "Delhi police wants to endorse international emergency number 112 along with the commonly known 100 in India. Many foreigners who visit Delhi are not aware of emergency number 100 and instead dial 112 in case of emergency. They have failed to connect to police in such cases. Emergency number 112 will thus benefit foreigners," the officer added. (Sanjeev Pal can be contacted at sanjeev.p@ians.in) --IANS sp/tsb/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The controversy surrounding the delay in rituals and huge wastage of 'Mahaprasad' in Puri's Jagannath Temple dominated the Odisha assembly for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. The house witnessed repeated adjournments as the opposition Congress members created a ruckus on the issue, blaming the temple administration for failing to restore normalcy in the rituals of the deities. Unable to run the House smoothly, Speaker Pradip Kumar Amat convened an all-party meeting in a bid to resolve the deadlock. At the meeting, the Congress legislators demanded that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik or the Law Minister should table their statements in the House. "For two consecutive days, Lord Jagannath and his siblings are hungry. The state government is least bothered about it. That's why assembly has been disrupted. Until 'Bhog' is not offered to Lord, we won't allow the assembly to run," Congress chief whip Tara Prasad Bahinipati told media persons. The ruling Biju Janata Dal (BJD) countered that the row is concerned with the faith and beliefs of Odias and should not be politicised. Maintaining that the temple administration should not get involved in the controversy as the rituals and related matters are under the discretion of Puri Gajapati Dibyasingh Deb and Shankaracharya Nischalanand Saraswati, senior BJD leader Damodar Rout called upon the duo to intervene in the matter. "Any ritual irregularities are being looked into and solution process is on. Today, 'Bhog' has been offered and 'Abhada' has also been served to the devotees. Such happenings with Lord Jagannath are really unfortunate and condemnable. But it should not be politicised," said Rout. It is to be noted that rituals to be performed on April 16 got delayed leading to a disturbance in the temple. --IANS cd/pgh/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) DMK leader M.K.Stalin in Wednesday said that his party would continue protesting against Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, till he is recalled by the the Central government. Talking to reporters here,he said the Governor is acting as if there is President's rule in the state, while protests are being held statewide to demand his recall. DMK activists protested outside Raj Bhavan against the Governor, who had patted the cheek of a woman journalist, while Stalin termed the act "a shame" for the state. P1urohit on Tuesday patted the cheek of journalist Lakshmi Subramanian after the press conference to deny the allegations linking him to a sex scandal at Madurai Kamaraj University in the state. Subramanian denounced Purohit's conduct. Journalists promptly drafted a letter informing the Governor that his conduct amounted to a non-bailable criminal offence. On Wednesday, Purohit apologised to Subramanian, who tweeted that she accepts the apology but not the reason stated in Purohit's letter - of the pat being appreciation for the question asked in the press meet. --IANS vj/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Special CBI court here on Wednesday handed jail terms ranging from three-and-a-half years to 14 years to 37 persons convicted in the fodder scam related to the fraudulent withdrawals from the Dumka treasury in the then undivided Bihar, an official said. These convicts have been ordered to pay fines totalling Rs 29 crore. On April 9, Special CBI Judge Shivapal Singh had convicted these 37 persons and acquitted five others. Then Animal Husbandry Department's Regional Director O.P. Diwakar was sentenced to a cumulative jail term of 14 years. He was given a seven-year jail term for conspiracy and another seven years under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Three convicts, former department employees, were sentenced to seven years each in jail and a Rs 1 crore fine each. The remaining 33 convicts were handed out jail terms of three-and-a-half years and Rs 50 lakh fine each. The case (number RC 45A/96) related to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 34.91 crore from the Dumka treasury during 1991-92 and 1995-96. This is the 51st fodder scam case in which the CBI court has delivered a judgment. In this case, the accused were suppliers and officials of the Animal Husbandry Department. No politician was an accused. The FIR was lodged against 72 people in 1996 and charges were framed finally against 60 accused in 2004. Fourteen accused died during trial, two admitted to their crime and two are absconding. The fodder scam came to light in 1996 after an FIR was lodged against then undivided Bihar's Chief Minister Lalu Prasad. He has been convicted in four cases and is in jail. He was awarded 14 years' imprisonment on March 23. He is now admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi. --IANS ns/tsb/bg (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Catalonia's former leader Carles Puigdemont on Wednesday held a working meeting here with members of his separatist party. Puigdemont met the members of his Junts per Catalunya (Together for Catalonia, JxS) party who were able to travel to the German capital to discuss the next steps in the process of nominating a candidate to become president of the Catalonia region in Spain's northeast, reports Efe news. Puigdemont was recently ordered not to leave Germany while the judiciary there studies the extradition request tabled by Spain, where he is wanted to face trial for accusations of rebellion, sedition and misuse of public funds for his alleged involvement in the October 2017 independence referendum deemed illegal by the Spanish state. After that ballot, Puigdemont fled to Brussels and entered into self-imposed exile to avoid court orders back in Spain, where he could face decades in prison if found guilty. In March, he was arrested in Germany after crossing the border from Denmark and spent just over a week in jail until a judge said there was not enough evidence to deport him. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A former FBI agent has pleaded guilty to sharing classified documents with media outlets in an effort to reveal how the bureau treated minority communities, the media reported. As a field agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Minneapolis office, the counterterrorism agent Terry J. Albury provided a reporter with two documents between February 2016 and January 2017, according to the charges against him. "lbury was entrusted by the FBI with a security clearance, which included a responsibility to protect classified national defence information," The New York Times quoted Bill Priestap, assistant director of the bureau's Counterintelligence Division, as saying. "Instead, he knowingly disclosed that material to someone not authorized to receive it." Albury, 39, faces up to 10 years in prison, but under his plea agreement he could receive less than five years. In his plea, Albury acknowledged that the facts outlined by the government were accurate and that he had acted with the knowledge that he was breaking the law. His lawyers said that Albury, who was the only African-American field agent in the Minneapolis office, viewed his disclosures as "an act of conscience" in the face of racism at the FBI, The New York Times reported. "It has long been a critique of the FBI that it consists of and reflects a predominantly white male culture, which, as a result, has often treated minority communities with suspicion and disrespect," the lawyers said in a joint statement. It added that Albury had decided to act after he was assigned to the bureau's counterterrorism team and "was required firsthand to implement FBI investigation directives that profiled and intimidated minority communities in Minnesota and other locations". --IANS ksk/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Barbara Bush, the matriarch of a Republican political dynasty and a former First Lady who elevated the cause of literacy, has died at the age of 92, media reports said. "A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away on Tuesday at the age of 92," family spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement. Barbara Bush is survived by her husband former President George H.W. Bush; sons George W., Neil, Marvin and Jeb; daughter, Dorothy Bush Koch; and 17 grandchildren. On Sunday, her husband's office issued a statement saying that after consulting the family and her doctors, Barbara Bush had "decided not to seek additional medical treatment and will instead focus on comfort care", reports The New York Times The Bushes had celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January, making them the longest-married couple in presidential history. Only the second woman in American history to have had a husband and a son elected President (Abigail Adams was the first), Barbara Bush was seen as a plainspoken public figure who was instantly recognisable with her signature white hair and pearl necklaces and earrings, reports CNN. She became a major political figure as her husband rose to become first a Vice President (January 20, 1981 - January 20, 1989) and then the 41st US President (January 20, 1989 - January 20, 1993). He left office in 1993 after losing a re-election bid to Bill Clinton. After they left the White House, she was a potent spokeswoman for two of her sons -- George W. and Jeb -- as they campaigned for office. The mother of six children -- one of whom, a daughter, Robin, died as a child from leukemia -- Barbara Bush raised her fast-growing family in the 1950s and '60s amid the post-war boom of Texas and the whirl of that consumed her husband. Barbara Pierce was born June 8, 1925, in New York and raised in the upscale town of Rye, CNN reported. She attended a prestigious boarding school in South Carolina, where she met her future husband at a school dance when she was only 16 and he was a year older. A year and a half and countless love letters later, the two were engaged just before George H. W. Bush enlisted in the Navy and went off to fight in World War II. Barbara Bush adopted literacy as a cause, raising awareness and eventually launching the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. After George H.W. Bush's presidency, he and Barbara raised more than $1 billion for literacy and cancer charities. A writer, her books include an autobiography and one about post-White House life. Her children's book about their dog, Millie, and her puppies written during her White House years was a bestseller. In 2001, when George W. Bush took office, Barbara Bush became the only woman in American history to live to see her husband and son elected president. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Common painkiller ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) alone or in combination with acetaminophen are better at easing dental pain, than opioids, say researchers. While using opioids help manage pain, they also run the risk of misuse or abuse, that can cause serious harm, including addiction, overdose and death. According to the National Institutes of Health, each day, more than 115 Americans die as a result of an opioid overdose. "What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort," said Anita Aminoshariae, Associate Professor at the Case Western Reserve University in the US. "No patient should go home in pain. That means that opioids are sometimes the best option, but certainly should not be the first option," she added. The study showed that opioids are not among the most effective -- or longest lasting -- options available for relief from acute dental pain. For adults, a combination of 400 milligrams of ibuprofen and 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen was superior to any opioid-containing medications. "The best available data suggests that the use of nonsteroidal medications, with or without acetaminophen, offers the most favourable balance between benefits and harms, optimising efficacy while minimising acute adverse events," Aminoshariae said. The results, featuring in the Journal of the American Dental Association, evaluated the safety and efficacy of dozens of pain-relief options from more than 460 published studies. Opioids and their drug combinations were found to account for the most adverse side effects -- including drowsiness, respiratory depression, nausea/vomiting and constipation -- in both children and adults. Citing the American opioid epidemic, Aminoshariae said that health-care providers should take heed of the findings. --IANS rt/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Goa Police Crime Branch on Wednesday arrested a 35-year-old man of South Goa's Vasco port town for posting a fake news in Facebook on Tuesday, which claimed that Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is currently being treated for advanced pancreatic cancer in the United States, is no more. The Crime Branch sleuths arrested Kenneth Silveira after interrogating him for several hours on Wednesday. "He has been arrested under Section 505 of the Indian Penal Code and will be produced before a magistrate tomorrow (Thursday)," Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch) Karthik Kashyap told reporters here. Section 505 of the IPC deals with circulation of fake messages to cause public alarm. Silveira's post, which was uploaded in Facebook on Tuesday, read: "Just got news that Parrikar is no more". In subsequent messages on his Facebook wall, Silveira accepted that his message was incorrect after other commentators on his wall informed him of the folly, but did not delete the fake message from his wall. Incidentally, one of the messages on Silveira's Facebook wall is from the Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, Rupesh Kamat, who in a cryptic text earlier in the day said: "Time to go in". The police claimed that the arrest was necessary as Silveira, who is in the hospitality industry, was not co-operating with their probe. Parrikar was moved to a medical facility in New York last month, a few weeks after he was first hospitalised on February 15 after experiencing stomach pain. He, who had been hospitalised in Goa and Mumbai, has been unable to attend the office for nearly two months now. The Chief Minister's Office has maintained that Parrikar suffers from "mild pancreatitis", but refused to issue a regular medical bulletin, despite demands from the opposition. In February, a journalist running a digital messaging service was barred from entering the precincts of Goa Legislative Assembly soon after he disclosed the severity of Parrikar's ailment. --IANS maya/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his life at the railway station was about his personal struggles and the person in the Royal Palace here was the 'Sevak' (servant) of 125 crore Indians. "The person in the railway station was Narendra Modi. The person in the Royal Palace in London is the Sevak of 125 crore Indians," said Modi during an interactive session at the Central Hall in Westminster when he was asked about his journey from a railway station to the palace here. "My life at the railway station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said Royal Palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India," he said. "The railway station is a special part of my life as it made me go through the struggles of life from being a common man to the Prime Minister of India. "People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the Royal Palace," he added. --IANS sid/vd/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and Britain on Wednesday signed a number of agreements and announced initiatives, including in the areas of technology, trade and investment, during the course of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here. The two sides signed a framework agreement for the UK-India Cyber Relationship, committing to a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace; and cooperation in exchange of information and strategies for effective cyber security incident management and threat response. An MoU on cooperation and exchange of information for the purposes of combating international criminality and tackling serious organised crime, to establish a mechanism for the exchange of criminal records, immigration records and intelligence, was also signed. On rejuvenation of river Ganga, an MoU has been signed between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), UK. The MoU will enable Britain to support the Indian government in sustainable management of water resources in the Ganga basin through collaborative programmes of research and innovation and exchange of policy experts with the support of UK Water Partnership. Another MoU seeks to strengthen institutional cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development, to include business engagement, programme and project design, access to finance, knowledge exchange and research and innovation, to build on existing cooperation on the Smart Cities Mission. An MoU has been signed on skill development, vocational education and training to promote collaboration and capacity-building. In the area of regulation of safe nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes, an arrangement has been arrived at between Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India (AERB) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation of Great Britain (ONR). A statement of intent between India's NITI Aayog and Britain's Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has been signed which will enable the two sides to explore potential for regular engagement on technology cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and advanced manufacturing, as well as utilising AI, big data and analytics capability for evidence-based policy making. Another MoU was signed to enhance cooperation on livestock husbandry, fisheries and agro-forestry. An addendum covering research in humanities and social sciences has been added to the 2004 Newton-Bhabha MoU, which supports research and innovation capacities of both sides for long-term sustainable growth. A non-governmental MoU was also signed between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and College of Medicine to set up a centre of excellence in ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. In terms of technological alliance, India's Nasscom and Britain's TechUK have set up a Tech CEO Alliance which will bring together 10 CEOs from five British and five Indian major tech firms for industry-to-industry dialogue on digital skills, future business growth and collective challenges and opportunities. To promote trade, investment and finance, India and Britain launched the Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF) that will leverage City finance to invest in India's growth, announcing Eversource Capital, a joint venture between Lightsource BP and Everstone Group, as the Green Growth Equity Fund Manager. An initial investment of 240 million pounds from both governments will catalyse additional City finance for green projects in India and UK companies will be able to bid for infrastructure projects financed by the Fund. The Fund will invest in renewable energy, clean transportation, water and waste management in India as part of India's flagship National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). India and Britain also announced a Dialogue on Investment to improve mutual understanding of priorities and review future opportunities for cooperation. Earlier in the day, Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed a wide range of issues, including the bilateral relationship after Britain's exit from the European Union. The Indian leader arrived here on Monday from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Europe which will also see him going to Germany. Modi will attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on April 19-20. --IANS ab/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that India's foreign policy is done with level eyes and that New Delhi has emerged as the key voice for the Third World on the global platform. "Neither do we look at countries with raised eyes nor with lowered eyes," Modi said in response to a question at "Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath", an interaction with the Indian diaspora here organised by the Europe India Forum. Around 2,000 people of Indian origin attended the event at the Central Hall Westminster where Prasoon Joshi, Indian lyricist, screenwriter, poet and marketer, acted as the moderator. Explaining India's foreign policy initiatives, Modi said he went to Palestine in February this year with confidence. The visit came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to India in January this year. Modi visited Israel in July last year in what was the first ever prime ministerial visit from India to the West Asian nation. "Why did not any Indian Prime Minister go to Israel in 70 years?" Modi asked as Israel marked its 70th Independence Day on Wednesday. Modi's standalone half-day visit to Ramallah signified New Delhi's dehyphenation of Israel and Palestine. "I went to Saudi Arabia as also I went to Iran," Modi said. He visited oil-rich Saudi Arabia in April 2016 and then the Gulf kingdom's rival Iran the very next month. Modi also referred to comments he heard about how he, a former state Chief Minister, could not handle India's foreign policy. He referred to Operation Raahat in 2015 during which India rescued over 5,000 Indian nationals and citizens from 41 other countries from war-hit Yemen. Closer home, the Indian Prime Minister spoke of how New Delhi has played its role in the Rohingya refugee crisis by sending aid to Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled from Myanmar's Rakhine State in the wake of a security crackdown there in August last year. "India is today the spokesperson for the third world countries," Modi said. "For this, we are working with the G20 countries." Modi arrived here on Tuesday from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Europe which will also see him going to Germany. Modi will attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister since 2009 to attend the biannual event of the grouping of 53 former British colonies. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi and British Prime Minister Theresa May held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed ways of reinvigorating the Commonwealth in an increasing multipolar world. The Indian Prime Minister Minister, at the diaspora event, said that Britain's Prince Charles came to India to personally invite him for this year's CHOGM. Queen Elizabeth also personally wrote a letter to him in this regard, Modi said. --IANS ab/qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) President Ram Nath Kovind arrived here on Wednesday on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir amid heightened security. He was received by Governor N.N.Vohra and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. He headed straight for the Raj Bhawan from where he is scheduled to leave for the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra town for a convocation. Over 880 scholars will receive their degrees and merit certificates at the ceremony. A civic reception will be held at Amar Mahal Lawns in Jammu city to honour Kovind later in the day. Vohra will host a dinner in the President's honour at the Raj Bhawan after that. Kovind will visit the Mubarak Mandi heritage site on Thursday before flying back to New Delhi, informed sources said. Additional deployments of police and the paramilitary forces have been made to secure the routes the President would be using during his visit. He had visited the Ladakh region of the state on August 21, 2017 when he presented the President's colours to Ladakh Scouts Regiment. --IANS sq/in/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kuwait is ready to cement commercial relations with the US, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday. Khaled Al-Roudhan, the Kuwait's Minister of Commerce and Industry, flew to the US on Tuesday on a visit. He will hold talks with his US counterpart Wilbur Louis Ross on means of promoting the domestic investment environment and cementing commercial relations between Kuwait and the United States, Xinhua reported. Al-Roudhan will also discuss with his US counterparts expertise swap, with an aim to increase commercial exchanges between the two countries. The minister is also scheduled to lecture at the US Chamber of Commerce and hold talks with officials of the World Bank on how to improve business in Kuwait according to international criteria. Kuwaiti exports to the US reached $141.6 million and imports from the US amounted to $3.4 billion in 2017. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed some media organisations to pay Rs 10 lakh as compensation for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was raped and murdered in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. Advocates representing the media houses told a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar that the mistake was due to ignorance of law and misconception that they could name the victim as she was dead. As the media houses apologized, the court asked them to deposit the compensation amount with the Registrar General of the High Court within a week and directed that the money be transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir to be used for the victim's compensation scheme. The court directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of law regarding privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. The court observed that there were long term repercussion to the victim's family, especially for the women members, due to such kind of reporting. The court last week issued notice to several media houses for disclosing the victim's identity, saying it violated law and was punishable under Section 228-A of the Indian Penal Code. Taking suo motu cognisance of the publication of photographs and the name of the rape victim, the court said that under Section 23 (Procedure for media) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act any person who discloses the identity of a child victim could be sent to a minimum six months' imprisonment. The High Court also said it will take up the issue of social media being used as a tool for revealing and disseminating the identity of victims of sexual violence at a later stage and listed the matter for further hearing on April 25. The minor in Kathua was held captive inside a temple and sedated before being repeatedly raped and murdered. Sanjhi Ram, the caretaker of the temple, has been named the main accused and is said to have planned the heinous crime to instil fear among the Bakarwal community to which the victim belonged. --IANS akk/him/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his bilateral engagements in Britain on Wednesday with a meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May during the course of which they discussed the bilateral relationship after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). "The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted following the meeting at 10, Downing Street. Modi arrived here on Tuesday night from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation Europe tour that will also see him visiting Germany. In a special gesture, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received him at the airport. This is his second official visit to Britain after his visit in November 20-15. May visited India in November 2016, her first visit outside the EU after assuming office. Later on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to attend a number of events, including a meeting of Indian and British CEOs and a live interaction with the diaspora. The Indian leader will also attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20. --IANS ab/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Wednesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government must explain to the nation the cash shortage in ATMs across the country. It said demonetisation was the only original idea of PM Modi and the result of it was that even after 18 months, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was yet to finish the counting of demonetised notes that came back into the system. "The new notes are not available. People are paranoid and insecure about their money. They do not know the fate of their hard-earned money which they deposited in the banks," said Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera. He said that every hour the government and its mouthpieces came up with new excuses, new reasons and new theories. "According to a recent data, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the richest party. The only project that got completed in the past four years is party's seven-storey headquarters," said Khera. "They spend crores on event management and election management...and let their friends (like Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi and Vijay Mallya) flee the country after looting money. And you tell people it is a temporary problem. Well, it's true because their government is just a temporary one," he added. Khera said banks were writing to the RBI for the past few weeks that there was shortage of money. "What was it doing? This government has a lot of answering to do. Where does the common man keep his/her money?" The party also accused the Modi government of indulging in cheap on every issue. "They said ATMs are not calibrated to withdraw Rs 200 notes. They gave the same excuse about Rs 2,000 notes during demonetisation. Why didn't they plan it then? One who only does cheap can't run a government," he added. --IANS sid/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a veiled message to Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday that antics of those exporting terror and trying to backstab will not be tolerated and they will be answered in language they understand. He said Islamabad had been informed of the 2016 surgical strikes before these were announced to the media. Taking part in an interactive session 'Bharat ki Baat, Sabke Saath' at the historic Central Hall Westminster here, Modi referred to the outrage over multiple rape cases of minor girls in India and said such incidents cannot be tolerated. He took several digs at the opposition, particularly the Congress, and said that the pace of work of his government was much faster than of the previous UPA government. The interaction, which lasted for more than two hours, saw Modi highlighting achievements of his government in the past about four years to build electoral momentum for the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Modi termed the surgical strikes of September 29, 2016 an answer to the exporters of terrorism. Referring to the Uri terror strike, Modi said: "We will not tolerate those who like to export terror and those who try to stab at the back. We know how to give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Some cowards come and kill our jawans. Do you want me to stay quiet? Shouldn't they be replied in the same coin?" "The surgical strike was an answer to the exporters of terrorism, sending message (to Pakistan) that India has changed and their antics will never be tolerated. I am proud of my soldiers. The soldiers executed the surgical strike without making a single mistake and with 100 per cent perfection. And they returned before sunrise," Modi said. He said he had told the Army to announce the strikes to media after informing Pakistan. He said Pakistani authorities were initially hesitant to take the calls but came on line around 12 noon the next day after which the media was informed about them. "...And look at our good intention. I told the army officer in-charge that before announcing the news in India, he should inform the Pakistan army first about the strike and they may remove the bodies if they want to," he added. Pakistan has maintained that no surgical strikes were carried out by India. New Delhi has been accusing Pakistan of sponsoring cross-border terrorism. Referring to the foreign policy, Modi said India was dealing with all countries in the world on equal terms and was taking independent decisions in its dealings with countries such as Israel, Saudi Arabia and Iran. He said India has made its place in international fora and was setting the agenda. Referring to outrage over rape incidents, Modi said: "A rape is a rape. How can we tolerate this exploitation of our daughters?" He said comparing statistics of rapes in different governments was a worse way to deal with the issue and referred to his speech from the the Red Fort where he said people need to teach their sons to treat girls with respect. Modi took veiled potshots at Congress President Rahul Gandhi. "I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden," he said. Modi said a wrong tendency had developed over the years of people getting overly dependent on the government. "Mahatma Gandhi made the struggle of freedom a people's movement. I am making development a people's movement," he said. He said people have more expectations from the BJP-led government as they have faith that it can deliver. Modi also accused the Congress of promoting legacy of one family and said many people of the country were not aware of contribution of Lord Basaveshwara. Lord Basaveshwara hailed from Karnataka where assembly polls will be held next month. Modi said he welcomes criticism as it makes democracy strong. Modi referred to his government's initiatives including Ayushman Bharat and doubling farmers income by 2022. He said he was not born with an aim to be in history books and that 125 crore people of India were his family. "I am like any common citizen." Referring to his personal life, Modi said: My life at the Railway Station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said Royal Palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India," he said. --IANS ps-sid/qd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Moroccan Armed Forces (FAR), together with armed forces from 15 countries, started military drills in southern part of the country, the army said on Tuesday. The military exercises are part of the mission of the US Africa Command, AFRICOM, which organises the African Lion military exercises in Morocco annually with the participation of partner countries, Xinhua reported. The 15th edition of African Lion exercise brings together military units and observers from Germany, Canada, Spain, France, Great Britain, Greece, Italy, Burkina Faso, Chad, Egypt, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Tunisia, in addition to the US and Morocco, according to an official statement. The drills run until April 29 in six Moroccan cities under the leadership and operational control of the Moroccan army, the statement noted. The exercise includes ground, air and airborne training and tactical simulation and training in command activities and in operations against violent extremist organisations. Furthermore, as part of civil-military activities parallel to the exercise, medical-dental services will be provided to local populations in the southern province of Tiznit by medical teams made up of doctors and nurses from FAR and the US Army. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The White House has denied any direct talks yet between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, though Washington has spoken to Pyongyang "at the highest levels". The White House statement on Tuesday came minutes after Trump seemingly hinted that he has already spoken with Kim, Xinhua news agency reported. When asked by reporters if he had spoken directly with Kim, Trump had said "yes". In the statement, issued after the confusing incident, the White House said, "In regards to talks with leader Kim Jong-un, the President said the administration has had talks at the highest levels" and added that they were not with him directly. On Tuesday afternoon, Trump himself also said that Washington and Pyongyang have already started direct talks at "very high levels," without specifying how "high" the level was. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels with North Korea," Trump said. He might have hinted at CIA Director Mike Pompeo's reportedly top-secret visit to North Korea over Easter weekend as his envoy. The trip made by Pompeo was an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between the leaders of the two countries. No official confirmation of Pompeo's visit has come yet. Trump was expected to meet Kim in May or early June. The venue of the meeting was still to be decided. Trump said that five sites were being weighed and none of them were located in the US. Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed over the last few months. The South and North have agreed to hold an inter-Korean summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war," said Trump on Tuesday, referring to the summit. The 1950-1953 Korean war ended in an armistice. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war. --IANS and/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One person was killed and five others were injured on Wednesday after their auto was hit by the driver of a speeding SUV in Delhi, police said. The accident occurred at around 2 a.m. in Lado Sarai when the SUV tried to jump a red light, police sources said. The victim, Chandan Jha, died on the spot. "The six people travelling in the auto were going back home in central Delhi's Baljeet Nagar from a function in Chattarpur where they worked as waiters," a senior officer said. "When it reached Lado Sarai, the SUV rammed into the auto in a bid to jump the red light. A manhunt is on to arrest the driver," he added. The injured have been admitted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre and Safdarjang Hospital. --IANS sp/and/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) With Lingayats at the centre of attention in the upcoming Karnataka elections, it was the turn of political rivals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in London to Chief Minister Siddaramiah on Wednesday to vie for the votes of the community. Modi, on a visit to the United Kingdom, paid floral tributes at the bust of Lord Basaveshwara, the founder of Lingayat stream of thought, on the occasion of Basava Jayanti on Wednesday. The bust was unveiled by Modi on the banks of river Thames during his visit to London three years ago. In Bengaluru, BJP President Amit Shah began a two-day election tour of the state by garlanding the statue of Basaveshvara while a little earlier the Chief Minister had offered his respects by garlanding the statue in Mysuru. BJP MP and a confidante of the party's Chief Ministerial face B.S. Yeddyurappa, Shoba Karandlaje, even said that Siddaramiah should not be allowed to garland the statute. State Home Minister B. Ramalinga Reddy hit back: "Who is Shoba Karandlaje to stop the Chief Minister? Basaveshwara is not the private property of anyone. He is universal." The Congress government in Karnataka took the BJP by surprise with its recommendation for according Lingayats the status of a minority religion, a demand being raised by the community for long. The BJP, which was once the supporter of the cause, is playing it safe this time without openly backing it. G.B. Patil, General Secretary of the Lingayat Mahasabha, said the community was not impressed by the Prime Minister's gesture in London. The BJP has not come out in the open and supported the minority status for the community, he said. --IANS vsc/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Representatives of North and South Korea on Wednesday held a preparatory meeting on protocols and security at their shared border ahead of the historic summit between its leaders next week. The meeting took place in the "truce village" of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone where South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will meet for the first time on April 27, reports Efe news. Wednesday's meeting focused on matters related to protocol and the security of the leaders, as well as the arrangement of numerous accredited national and international media for coverage of the summit, according to Seoul's Presidential Office. There could be another high-level meeting at the end of this week to conclude all preparations for the first meeting between the leaders of both countries in 11 years. It is expected that denuclearization will be one of the key points of the historic talks between Kim and Moon. In addition, South Korean media suggested that a possible agreement between the two countries could be negotiated to announce an end to the war that started in 1950 and concluded with the Korean War armistice in 1953, which has never been replaced by a definitive peace treaty. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh (BBM) President Prakash Ambedkar on Wednesday alleged that the raids on Dalit activists in which the Maharashtra Police have seized electronic gadgets was intended to destroy evidences pertaining to the Koregaon-Bhima riots of January 1. Meeting media persons here, he said that police have confiscated laptops and other materials which prove the link between Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide alias Bhide Guruji, who heads the right-wing organization Shiv Pratishthan. Besides there was evidence of another right-wing leader Raosaheb Patil who had earlier appealed to kill Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Pune's Guardian Minister Girish Bapat, added Ambedkar, the grandson of the Architect of Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar. "All this evidence were submitted to Fadnavis in which Bhide's links with the Koregaon-Bhima riots are proved. However, the CM is misleading by claiming that yesterday's (Tuesday's) raids were connected to investigating Maoist supporters in urban centres," he said. Ambedkar said he had asked Fadnavis to probe Patil, but nothing was done despite the death threats issued by him on his (Patil's) Facebook page, and said the raids in Pune, Mumbai, Nagpur and even New Delhi were "to recover the evidences" collected by the Dalit activists. In a major swoop early on Tuesday, Pune police teams raided the homes and offices of over half a dozen Dalit activists and those involved with the Kabir Kala Manch, which had organized a Elgaar Conference in Pune on December 31. The following day, January 1, caste riots erupted in Koregaon-Bhima caste riots which left one dead, and culminated in a Maharashtra shutdown on January 3 called by BBM. Ambedkar said that the state government was threatening the Dalit community by these raids on the activists instead of arresting Bhide and said he would organize a siege of the Maharashtra Legislature during the upcoming monsoon session. --IANS qn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court on Wednesday asked Jay Shah, son of BJP President Amit Shah, and news portal "The Wire" to settle a defamation case filed by the former against the portal for carrying a story on the exponential increase in the turnover of his company after the BJP-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014. The bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice A.M. Khanwilkar and Justice D.Y. Chandrachud asked the senior lawyers appearing for the news portal and Jay Shah to meet and try to resolve the issue. "Can it be solved," Justice Chandrachud asked senior counsel Nitya Ramakrishnan for The Wire and Neeraj Kishan Kaul for Jay Shah, with Chief Justice Misra suggesting "why not senior counsels meet and try to resolve (the issue)". "What kind of settlement we can have? We don't want to have any settlement. We stand by our story. It was done in public interest," said Ramakrishnan, with Kaul saying, "if the court says go for settlement, we are prepared for it". The Wire, its founding editor and journalist have moved the top court against the Gujarat High Court's January 8 order, refusing to quash the summons issued against them by a trial court. Journalist Rohini Singh's article on the company of Jay Shah was carried by the news portal. The article claimed that Jay's company's turnover grew exponentially after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government came to power at the Centre in 2014. The top court had asked the Gujarat trial court not to proceed with the criminal defamation complaint till April 12 filed by Jay Shah last year against the news portal and its journalists. The interim order was extended on Wednesday. The High Court had on January 8 rejected the website's plea for quashing the criminal defamation case filed by Jay Shah and said that based on initial impression, there was a case against the reporter and the editors. "The article 'The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah' is per say defamatory and the trial court should proceed with the case," the high court had ordered. In October 2017, Jay Shah had filed a criminal defamation case in the trial court in Gujarat after the article appeared. --IANS pk/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian pacer Mohammed Shami, facing charges of domestic violence and extra-marital affairs levelled by his estranged wife Hasin Jahan, was on Tuesday allowed to rejoin his Indian Premier League (IPL) team Delhi Daredevils following a three-hour interrogation by the Kolkata police. Shami was called by the Kolkata police while his team Delhi Daredevils flew to Bengaluru for their next IPL game on Monday. "We have got no objection in Shami joining his IPL side. We will call him if need be for further interrogation," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Praveen Tripathi told reporters. Shami was grilled for a little more than three hours on Tuesday afternoon after he arrived around 2 p.m. "We can call him anytime but at this point of time, we don't find it's necessary. He has been cooperative in this case," Tripathi added. Shami, Delhi team sources said, will leave for their game against Royal Challengers Bangalore in Bengaluru on April 21. Shami ducked the media and was whisked away by a police escort. Shami's elder brother Hasib Ahmed was also interrogated separately as well as together. A case was registered in Jadavpur police station against Shami and four others on March 8 on charges of attempt to murder, rape, criminal intimidation and causing hurt by means of poison after his wife accused him of multiple extra-marital affairs and domestic violence. Hasin Jahan also alleged that he was spending time with a Pakistani woman in Dubai and taking money from her. Following the accusations that he was involved in match-fixing, the Supreme Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) temporarily left out Shami from the list of central contracted players, and the Uttar Pradesh-born Bengal pacer was also probed by the anti-corruption officials of the BCCI for allegedly taking money from Pakistani contacts. Shami was included in the contracted players' list after the anti-corruption officials found him not guilty. Earlier this month, Hasin Jahan moved a petition against Shami in the court of the third judicial magistrate, Alipur, praying for a monthly maintenance of Rs 10 lakh for her and their daughter. --IANS dm/pur/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday lamented that something was wrong with a society where men indulge in rape and murder of a child who is a manifestation of the Mother Goddess. Referring to the shocking abduction, gang rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in January, the Chief Minister said: "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi? There is something wrong with the society." Along with President Ram Nath Kovind, Mehbooba was addressing the sixth convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University. The girl from a nomadic community of Bakerwals was abducted on January 10. Her body was found dumped in a forest a week later. Investigations revealed she was sedated and raped numerous times by eight men. --IANS sq/in/mr/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three Kerala policemen were arrested here on Wednesday for "wrongly" taking into custody a youth who died in a hospital three days later. Sreejith, 26, who hails from Varapuzha near here, was arrested on April 7 after 56-year-old Vasudevan hanged himself to death as a group of men came to his house and threatened him. A special squad of policemen attached to the Ernakulam's Superintendent of Police, Rural, took into custody Sreejith and nine more people and charged them with abetment to suicide and rioting. Subsequently, Sreejith was brought to a hospital near here and died on April 9. The opposition took up the issue, forcing the state police chief to appoint a special team led by Inspector General of Police S. Sreejith to probe the death. Also, Vasudevan's son Vineesh recently said that Sreejith's arrest was a case of mistaken identity as it was some other Sreejith who had threatened his 56-year-old father. The Kerala Human Rights Commission also took up the case and found out from preliminary reports that it was a clear case of "custodial torture". The arrested policemen are the ones who first took the victim into custody. Meanwhile, according to those in the know of things, more arrests are likely as the alleged involvement of other top officials has come to light. The state government earlier suspended the circle inspector, sub inspector and two other policemen of the Varapuzha police station. --IANS sg/him/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures (TLMAL) on Wednesday inaugurated Indias first "metal-to-metal" bonding facility at Adibatla, Hyderabad. According to the joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) and Lockheed Martin, the new 4,700 square metre facility adds a "new cutting-edge capability to the Indian aerospace industry and enables TASL to use this technology across manufacturing programmes for complex aerostructures manufacturing and increased indigenisation". "The new facility and capacity expansion creates new job opportunities for skilled workers in India's manufacturing sector and provide on-the-job training, which supports the government of India's 'Skills India' initiative," the company said in a statement. TLMAL, which employees 500 people, currently produces 24 C-130 empennages annually. To date, 85 TLMAL-built empennages have been installed on C-130Js delivered by Lockheed Martin to its global customers, including the Indian Air Force. --IANS rv/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP National Secretary H. Raja triggered a new controversy on Wednesday when he made a veiled attack on DMK MP Kanimozhi, calling her an "illegitimate" child of party chief M. "Would journalists question the leader who made his illegitimate child, from an illegitimate relationship, a Rajya Sabha MP, just like they questioned the Governor? Memories of Chidambaram Udayakumar, Anna Nagar Ramesh, Perambalur Sadiq Basha would haunt them," Raja tweeted without taking Kanimozhi's name. But the hint was obvious. is the daughter of Karunanidhi's third wife Rajathi and Raja's reference to "memories" of some incidents relate to some infamous deaths that had occurred during various periods of DMK rule in the state. His tweet followed Kanimozhi's support to a woman journalist who was critical of Banwarilal Purohit for patting her on her cheeks at the end of a press conference in Raj Bhawan on Tuesday. The Governor has since apologized to the journalist, Lakshmi Subramanian, who accepted it but said she was not convinced that he patted her cheeks by way of appreciating her question. on Tuesday tweeted: "Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalist's personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." The DMK MP reacted to Raja's tweet saying she would not respond to him nor would she stoop so low like Raja. Tamil Nadu journalists have demanded an unconditioned apology from Governor Banwarilal Purohit for patting the cheek of a senior lady journalist at the end of a press conference. The journalist, Lakshmi Subramaniam, has tweeted a picture in which the Governor is seen patting her cheek at the Raj Bhavan on Tuesday and expressed her shock over his conduct. The Governor met the to deny as untrue allegations of a so-called sex scandal at a leading university in the state. As the press conference ended, the Governor patted the cheek of Subramaniam, triggering outrage. She denounced Purohit's conduct. Journalists promptly drafted a letter informing the Governor that his conduct amounted to a non-bailable criminal offence. "As the Constitutional head of our state of Tamil Nadu, you have crossed the lines of not just basic courtesy but also those of law," read the letter to the Governor. They pointed out that whatever his intention, he had violated the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi tweeted: "Even if the intention is above suspicion, violating a woman journalist's personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." The journalists had sought an unconditional apology from the Governor and an assurance that he will desist from behaving in this manner in future. --IANS str/mr/in (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 101-year-old "Pushpavant Palace", until Wednesday the Raj Bhavan (Governor's house), will turn into a museum and research centre dedicated to Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore, officials said. The Raj Bhavan on Wednesday shifted to a newly constructed sprawling mansion at the new capital complex on the outskirts of Agartala. Tripura Governor Tathagata Roy inaugurated the new Raj Bhavan in the presence of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, his council of ministers and a host of dignitaries. "The previous Left Front government had decided to turn the 101-year-old 'Pushpavant Palace' into a museum and research centre dedicated to legendary poet Rabindranath Tagore. The incumbent Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government decided to maintain that decision," the Governor's secretary Samarjit Bhowmik told IANS. He said: "The small, but beautiful, 'Pushpavant Palace' was constructed in 1917 by then Maharaja Birendra Kishore Manikya (1909-1923). The palace was made Raj Bhavan after erstwhile princely state Tripura merged with the Indian union in October 1949." "Tagore came to Tripura last on February 22, 1926, and stayed in the 'Pushpavant Palace' for the first time. He wrote many poems and songs during his stay at the palace. The poet came to Tripura as many as seven times, 1926 being the last visit, during the reign of then King Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya." Tripura's 16 governors stayed in the "Pushpavant Palace'', situated at Kunjaban with a total area of 1.76 hectares (4.34 acre) of land. Bhowmik said that the new Raj Bhavan, which is earthquake proof, has been constructed on nine acres of land in the new capital complex at a cost of Rs 34 crore. The civil secretariat -- the headquarters of the Tripura administration since 1838 when the then king made Agartala his capital and even after the princely state's accession to India -- had been shifted to the newly constructed complex in the new capital complex in September 2009. In July 2011, the Tripura Assembly also shifted to the new huge building from the Ujjayanta Palace, built by then king Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya in 1901 in Agartala and which was the headquarters of the royal administrations until the state merged with the Indian union on October 15, 1949 after the end of several hundred years of rule by 184 kings. "With the shift of all the three important establishments - civil secretariat, assembly house and Raj Bhavan - to new locations, the new capital complex has virtually turned into the administrative hub of the northeastern state," writer and former bureaucrat Subhash Das told IANS. While addressing the inaugural function Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said that as the Raj Bhavan and the Civil Secretariat were situated in close proximity it would help the state administration to undertake all round development of the state. "The new BJP government has undertaken an ambitious plan to make Tripura a model state in the country within three years. The council of Ministers are working hard in this direction," Deb said. Governor Tathagata Roy said the Biplab Kumar Deb-led government would definitely show a new face of Tripura to the country. (Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in) --IANS sc/pgh/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump said that despite Japan and South Korea wanting Washington to re-join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), he does not want to be a part of it. "While Japan and South Korea would like us to go back into TPP, I don't like the deal for the US. Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesn't work," Trump tweeted on Tuesday, shortly after meeting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for our workers." The President contradicted the US Commerce Secretary, Wilbur Ross, who on April 12 had said that his country was considering the possibility to re-join the TPP, although he had added that it would be under the right circumstances. Trump also cited the World Trade Organisation, whom he has criticised on several occasions for not taking any action against China, as an example of failure of multilateral agreements. Abe, before his departure for Palm Beach in Florida where he was welcomed by Trump, had expressed his desire to discuss the US's possible return to the TPP, although he ruled out returning to the negotiating table to allow the US to accept the deal. A modified TPP, called the CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), was signed by the 11 remaining countries on March 8, after the US had made its exit. The agreement signed by Brunei, Australia, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Japan, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam, is expected to enter into force by the end of 2018. --IANS and/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump has called on Turkey to release an American pastor being held prisoner in that country that accused him of being a spy, the media reported. "Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the US, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason," Trump tweeted late on Tuesday. "They call him a spy, but I am more a spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs," he added. Brunson has been working in Turkey for 23 years as leader of the Resurrection Church, The Hill magazine reported. On Monday, a Turkish court rejected Brunson's appeal to be released and ordered that he remain jailed for another month. He was detained 18 months ago for an alleged connection to a failed coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016, The New York Times reported. He is accused of aiding the Kurdistan Workers' Party, which opposes Erdogan and the ruling party, and of having a connection to Fethullah Gulen, an Islamist preacher who Turkey claims orchestrated the coup attempt. He has denied the allegations. --IANS ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A US military helicopter made an emergency landing at an airport in Japan on Wednesday, defence sources said here. The UH-1 turbo-equipped utility helicopter made the emergency landing at the Kumamoto airport to avoid a serious accident, reports Xinhua news agency. It was flying alongside an AH-1 attack chopper which also touched down at the airport, the sources added. There were no reports of any injuries or damage. The Kumamoto airport is used by both civilian aircraft as well as Japanese Self-Defence Forces aircraft. The incident did not affect regular operations. --IANS and/ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that the US and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have already started direct talks at "very high levels." Trump made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in the US state of Florida after his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels" with the DPRK, Xinhua quoted Trump as saying. He also said that five sites were currently being weighed as the venue for a meeting between him and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un, which has been planned to take place in May or early June. When asked by reporters if any of the sites were located in the US, Trump said "no". Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," said Trump before his meeting with Abe on Tuesday afternoon, referring to the upcoming inter-Korean summit. The 1950-1953 Korean war ended in armistice. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war. Abe was on a two-day working visit at Mar-a-Lago starting from Tuesday, during which he was supposed to discuss with Trump the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, bilateral trade and other issues. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jammu and Kashmir Governor N.N. Vohra on Wednesday briefed President Ram Nath Kovind about the issues concerning internal and external security in the state. The President is on a two-day visit to the state. Vohra is hosting a dinner in honour of the President at the Raj Bhavan, where Kovind will spend the night. According to an official statement, Vohra briefed Kovind about all the important issues relating to the state. "Among other matters, Governor briefed the President about the external security situation; obtaining and emerging internal security environment; and status of various important socio-economic development schemes and programmes. "The Governor also briefed the President on issues relating to the functioning of the administrative apparatus; growing incidence of corruption; impact of social media and enhancing radicalisation," the statement said. Challenges facing school education and the health sector also figured in the briefing. The President attended a civic reception organised in his honour on the Amar Mahal lawns in Jammu city. Before flying back to New Delhi, the President will visit the Mubarak Mandi heritage site in Jammu city on Thursday. --IANS sq/nir/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Italy opposes chemical warfare but did not participate in Friday's US-led air strikes against chemical weapons facilities in Syria, Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Tuesday. Reporting to the Lower House of the Parliament, Gentiloni said chemical warfare was "unacceptable". "One hundred years from the end of World War I (which saw the use of mustard gas), adapting to the idea of having to live with chemical weapons again, of somehow legitimizing them, is unacceptable," Xinhua quoted the outgoing center-left Prime Minister as saying. "We cannot accept this. There is every evidence that chemical weapons were used in April 7 attack on Douma, a rebel-held suburb of Damascus," Gentiloni said. The April 14 US-UK-France strike against chemical weapons manufacturing sites was "motivated, targeted, and circumscribed", and there is no evidence any civilians were killed, the Italian leader said. Italy did not participate in the strike, and no military action departed from Italian territory, Gentiloni said. The US has four military bases in Italy, including one at Sigonella in Sicily. Gentiloni stressed that the crisis in Syria, where a bloody civil war has been raging in the Middle Eastern country since early 2011, cannot be resolved through the use of force but through negotiations. --IANS qd/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Having won the first round in the battle for supremacy in the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is unlikely let slip his advantage as he takes on party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury at the 22nd party Congress, which began in Hyderabad on Wednesday. The first round was won by Vijayan in January this year at a Central Committee meeting of the party in Delhi. He had then led the group of 55 members who voted in favour of former General Secretary Prakash Karat's position that the CPI-M should not have any electoral truck with the Congress party. Only 31 voted against the move, which incidentally was the line of Yechury, a strong votary of an alliance with the Congress. And since then, the already-sour relationship between the two has taken a nosedive. The battle between the two can be traced back to the 21st CPI-M party Congress held at Visakhapatnam in 2015. While Vijayan and his faction wanted S. Ramachandran Pillai, the veteran party leader from Kerala, to become the General Secretary, things did not quite go the way he wished, paving the way for Yechury's elevation as Karat's successor. Three years down the line, Vijayan has virtually the entire party firmly in his grip. His long-time foe in the state, former chief minister V.S. Achuthanandan, is keeping a very low profile on account of his age and many supporters deserting him. An overwhelming majority of the 175-strong delegation of party members from Kerala is likely to do Vijayan's bidding if the need arises at the five-day Congress, which concludes with a public rally in Hyderabad on the April 22. In all, 780 delegates with voting rights will be attending the Congress and Kerala, with 175, has the largest contingent, followed by West Bengal with 165. With the Central Committee already showing its allegiance to Vijayan in January, party insiders say that, should there be a contest to elect the next General Secretary, it could mean curtains for Yechury. A top source in the party told IANS that given the present state of affairs in the CPI-M -- a party that is not in the best of health, especially after losing its last eastern bastion in Tripura to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- Yechury's position is somewhat shaky at the moment. "If there is any thinking about making changes at the highest level, Manik Sarkar, the former Tripura chief minister, is seen as the best bet to replace Yechury. Sarkar enjoys the support of Vijayan, besides a sizeable chunk of delegates from West Bengal -- which is bad news for Yechury. (Sanu George can be contacted at sanu.g@ians.in) --IANS sg/vsc/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Designer Rocky Star likes to work with actress Sunny Leone and says she brings in class to his fashion label. Sunny has been roped in as the brand ambassador for Summer 2018 campaign of Rocky's pret brand "RS by ROCKY STAR". The campaign was shot in Los Angeles. "Sunny has been always my favourite person to shoot as she brings in class, glamour and sophistication to my brand," Rocky said in a statement to IANS. "To work with her is a dream as she is one of the most professional artists we have. I have done many shoots with her but this one is different as we shot with her in Los Angeles and we brought in the old world Hollywood charm with a twist." The summer range hinges on "a traveller at heart" philosophy. The line has a bohemian feel and silhouettes are simple and fluid. The colours used are bright and deep solids like burgundy and coral with tropical floral prints and bold stripes. --IANS sug/rb/mr (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A collision involving Ubers self-driving autonomous SUV was, unfortunately, the cause of death of a pedestrian in Arizona last month. The three main questions being raised are: What exactly went wrong with the automatic sensors? Why was the back-up driver not able to control it? What should be done to prevent a repeat? This tragedy in the US is likely to prompt some soul-searching among car companies and regulators around the world, about how to maximise safety as additional autonomous miles are clocked. According to a Bloomberg New Energy Finance report ... Jammu and Kashmir witnessed 166 per cent more civilian fatalities due to militancy while there was a 42 per cent rise in number of terrorists neutralised in 2017 compared to the previous year, the Home Ministry said. The annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for 2017-18, released today, said that since the advent of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir in 1990, a total of 13,976 civilians and 5,123 security personnel have lost their lives till December 31, 2017. "The year 2017 also witnessed a 6.21 per cent increase and 166.66 per cent increase in the number of terrorists incidents and fatalities of civilians respectively in comparison to the corresponding period of 2016," the report said. In 2017, there were 342 violent incidents in Jammu and Kashmir in which 80 security personnel, 40 civilians and 213 terrorists were killed. There were 322 incidents in the state in 2016 in which 82 security personnel, 15 civilians and 150 terrorists were killed. According to the report, there was 2.44 per cent decrease in casualties in security forces. There has been a spurt in infiltration attempts last year from the Pakistan side -- from 371 in 2016 to 406 in 2017. As many as 123 infiltrations were successful in 2017 in comparison to 119 in 2016. The report said the central government in tandem with the state government has adopted a multi-pronged approach to contain cross border infiltrations like strengthening of the border infrastructure and multi-tiered and multi-model deployment along the International Border and Line of Control. The ministry said the endeavour of the government has been to allow proactive and coordinated measures by all the security forces to safeguard the country from cross-border terrorism and to contain militancy. The Centre wants to ensure that the democratic process is sustained and primacy of civil administration is restored to effectively tackle the socio-econmic problems facing the people on account of the effects of prolonged militancy in the state, it said. The government also wants to ensure a sustained peace process and provide adequate opportunities to all sections of people in the state who eschew violence, the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two unidentified men hurled a petrol bomb at the residence of Patricia Mukhim, the editor of English daily The Shillong Times, in Meghalaya's Umpling area, the police said today. Mukhim escaped unhurt in yesterday's attack as the petrol bomb missed the glass panes of her bedroom by a few inches, East Khasi Hills SP Davis Marak said. The journalist, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2000 for her work in the fields of social justice and women's empowerment, was home when two men on a motorcycle stopped by her residence and threw the bomb at Mukhim's house at around 8.30pm, the SP said, quoting an eyewitness. "An FIR has been lodged in the case and the police department is on the job. We will ensure that Mukhim gets justice," Marak, who is supervising the investigation, told PTI. The attack was widely condemned, with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma describing it as "unfortunate". "Such an act of cowardice is unfortunate... I have spoken to the Home Minister and we have coordinated with the DGP in this regard," he told PTI. Home Minister James Sangma said the police department was doing its best to arrest those involved in the case. "The police are examining the case from all possible angles. Once the arrests are made, we will be able to tell the reasons why she was targeted," the SP said. Hours after the incident, Mukhim took to social media, urging the police to take action. "Criminals are getting away too easily. Police should take every case of arson and attack on press freedom with the seriousness it deserves. Please rise to the occasion," she wrote on her Facebook page. Mukhim told PTI she saw some flames and initially thought an electric short-circuit had caused a fire. "I tried to douse the flames outside the bedroom window thinking that an electric short-circuit had caused it. The smell of petrol and the broken bottle pieces on the floor made me realise that it was an attack," she said. The Opposition Congress today expressed concern over the incident and said the government should "pull up its socks to tackle the criminals". "Journalists are being attacked across the country. It seems miscreants are free to commit such crimes," Congress spokesperson Zenith Sangma said. An attempt was being made to suppress the right to freedom of speech enshrined in the Constitution, he added. David O Laitphlang, the president of the Shillong Press Club, urged the authorities to take all measures to book the assailants. The culprits must be given exemplary punishment at the earliest, he said "Peace has been our hallmark but we will not cower down before forces of evil and no attempt to dissuade us from discharging our professional duties and rendering our service will be ever fructify," he added. Mukhim has been vocal on issues concerning the safety of women and children on her editorial pages and on social media platforms. In an edit piece on April 13, she had written against a government plan to allow regulated mining in Meghalaya. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) More than 200 child soldiers were released by armed groups in war-torn South Sudan, part of a series of releases that will see almost 1,000 children freed in the coming months. An estimated 19,000 children are believed to be in armed forces amid the country's 5-year civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. South Sudan has one of the highest numbers of child soldiers in the world, according to the UN. At the "laying down of the guns" ceremony, 112 boys and 95 girls were returned to their families in areas outside the town of Yambio yesterday. It was the first community release of child soldiers where children were directly reunited with their parents and siblings instead of first going to institutions. "It's about sending a clear message that children should not be in the army," UNICEF's representative in South Sudan, Mahimbo Mdoe, told The Associated Press. He called on all of South Sudan's armed factions to release all children. The release comes weeks ahead of the young country's third round of peace talks, scheduled to be held at the end of the month in neighboring Ethiopia. A ceasefire signed on Dec 24 was broken hours later and another round of talks were inconclusive. To date, the UN has released more than 2,000 child soldiers, yet despite progress and the government's commitment to halt the recruitment of children, advocacy groups say it continues. "Thousands of children are exploited as cooks and porters and as domestic slaves, while girls in armed groups are regularly subjected to serious sexual abuse, taken as 'wives' by their captors and kept far beyond the frontlines," said Sandra Olsson, programme manager at Child Soldiers International, a rights group. South Sudan's government says it condemns the use of child soldiers and blames the opposition for recruiting children. "It's happening in areas not under our control," army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, told AP. The opposition says the children in its ranks weren't recruited but were taken in after government soldiers murdered their families. "Many children who come to us are traumatized by what they have seen the regime soldiers do to their parents or relatives. Many witnessed their parents molested and killed," said opposition spokesman, Lam Paul Gabriel. But several children released by the opposition said they had been taken by force, speaking to AP at their release in February. "They tied my eyes and tied our bodies to theirs," said a former child soldier in Yambio earlier this year. AP is not using her name to protect the identity of a minor. Nervously clasping her fingers, the 17-year-old said she was abducted from school in the middle of the day at the age of 14 by opposition fighters who "came in shooting." She said for two years she was ordered hike from town to town with the soldiers and loot houses of towns that they captured. She saw many other children get killed in crossfire. "I just kept praying not to die," she said. The children released this week will get food assistance for three months, psychosocial support and vocational training, to help reintegrate them into their communities, said UNICEF. But some aid groups say this type of short term "emergency intervention" is not enough to keep children from returning to the armies. "Demobilisation and disarmament rarely stick while war is still going on," said Samantha Nutt, founder of War Child USA, an international humanitarian organization that provides support to children and families in war zones. Without longer term help from the international community, Nutt said many children will be "back in the bush fighting again a year from now. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A childless woman, along with her sister, allegedly abducted a one-month-old girl from a hospital in east Delhi, but swift action by the police led to their arrest and recovery of the baby within five hours. Yesterday, the police were informed that a baby girl had been taken away from the Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital in Kalyanpuri by unidentified women, police said today. The girl's father said that while he was waiting in a queue, his wife, who was sitting on the steps, was befriended by a woman. She handed over the baby to the woman when she went to the washroom, they said. When she came back, the baby and the woman were nowhere to be found. Several teams were formed to trace the baby and police personnel were deployed at all entry and exit points of the hospital with the directions to check all the people and vehicles entering or leaving the premises. A dedicated police team was assigned to check CCTV footage. After intensive analysis of the footage, two suspicious women were spotted moving towards one of the exits. They were seen taking an autorickshaw, said Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Pankaj Kumar Singh. All auto-drivers were questioned about them and some were able to identify a local driver, Azad, who had left with the two women and a baby. He was contacted by the staff and he led the police team to Khoda Colony, Ghaziabad, where he had dropped the two women, said the officer. The women were found along with the baby. They were identified as Poonam, 22, and Ruchi, 19. During interrogation, they said that they were sisters and belonged to Etawa in Uttar Pradesh. Poonam said she could not have a child even after four years of marriage. They had gone to the LBS Hospital for a check-up where they found the woman and her baby. They befriended her and started playing with the child. The mother, who was exhausted after waiting at the hospital from morning for her child's check up, trusted them and handed over the infant to them when she went to the washroom, he added. As soon as she left, they fled with the baby and went home. They had plans to flee to Etawa with the baby girl but were nabbed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry today urged the government to remove the Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) on special economic zones to boost their expansion and diversification. The chamber argued that imposition of MAT on special economic zones (SEZs) has hindered their growth and especially the performance of exports. PHD Chamber President Anil Khaitan, while addressing a conference here, lamented that India has failed to elevate its SEZs on the lines of ones in China, Singapore and Saudi Arabia, among others. This, he reasoned, was behind the exports from SEZs not achieving desired growth. 'Ease of Doing Business' in SEZs still remains an issue of serious concern despite duty concessions accorded on them by the Centre in particular and states with their Model SEZ Act, he said. The persisting bureaucratic hurdles in terms of regulations required to be removed although exports from SEZs have touched...Rs 537 lakh crore by 2017-18, said Khaitan. MAT is levied at the rate of 18.5 per cent plus surcharge and cess as applicable on book profit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) "Two years ago, I co-founded the Congressional Caucus on Peru with my colleague from New York, Mr. (Gregory) Meeks ," he said while addressing his peers at Parliament. The Congressional Caucus on Peru is a bi-partisan group of Congress members, who are dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Peru and the United States , through a frequent exchange of information, bipartisan events, and the promotion of cultural ties. The representative noted the caucus had been launched not only to strengthen bilateral relations but also because "Utah has such a special relationship with Peru." Within this framework, the official affirmed that "Peruvians are the second-largest immigrant group in Utah," adding "40,000 are living in our State." "Given that Peru is a major player in trade , education, and technology in Latin America, I strongly believe that it's critical that we maintain a strong connection," he expressed in this sense. Summit of the Americas Likewise, he recalled Peru had hosted the 8th Summit of the Americas on April 13-14. High-ranking officials from 33 nations gathered at the regional event on the occasion. Such meetings are held once every three years. "While together they discuss common policy issues, they affirm shared values and commit to address challenges facing the Americas," Stewart pointed out. "As co-chair of the Peruvian Caucus and a supporter of stability in the region , it was wonderful to see these world leaders commit to strengthening democracy while also fighting against corruption and human rights violations," he concluded. An action plan is being formulated to give a boost to economic activities at district level and promote overall economic growth, the commerce and industry ministry said today. The plan will provide specific interventions taking into account resources, strengths of districts, sectoral interventions for agriculture, including mapping of cropping pattern, skilling initiatives and access to credit. Active participation of states and district administration will be sought for effective implementation of the plan, Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu said. "To involve the districts more actively in the growth of the Indian economy and to formulate a common development vision starting from the district level...it has been decided that a district plan will be created for achieving this goal," he added. He said that there is a need to create resource based plans, for the districts based on a bottom-up approach and implement the plan by going beyond "a silo-ed mind-set". An addition of 3 per cent growth at the district level will ensure that USD 5 trillion target for the Indian economy becomes achievable, he added. The initiative will begin with six districts, including Sindhudurg & Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, Muzaffarpur in Bihar, Vishakapatnam in Andhra Pradesh and Solan in Himachal Pradesh. A steering committee will be formed to oversee creation and implementation of the plan. The committee will be headed by the commerce and industry minister with members from different ministries and representatives from states including Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently travelled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong-un, a highly unusual, secret visit undertaken as the enemy nations prepared for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim within the next few months. Two officials confirmed the trip to The Associated Press on Tuesday. The officials were not authorised to discuss the visit publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeo's meeting with Kim, said it took place over Easter weekend just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Trump, who was hosting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Florida estate, said the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for a possible summit with Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which was slated to take place by early June. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump and Kim had not spoken directly. Kim's offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many by accepting it. US officials indicated over the past two weeks that North Korea's government had communicated directly with Washington that it was ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. It would be the first-ever summit between the US and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Korea's nuclear weapons and its capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the US mainland. The US and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for US intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. At his confirmation hearing last week to become secretary of state, Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Korea's nuclear weapons at the planned Trump-Kim summit, but he said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearisation. "I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need," Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Kim has pivoted to international outreach. The young leader met China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Kim's first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarised zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking out a roadshow along narrow lanes of this town near Bengaluru, BJP chief Amit Shah today urged cheering crowds to call at least 50 people each and persuade them to vote for his party in the May 12 Karnataka assembly polls. People gathered in large numbers along the narrow lanes of this rapidly growing town in Bengaluru Rural district as Shah took out the road show. Accompanied by the party's chief ministerial candidate B S Yeddyurappa, union minister Sadananda Gowda and party's Hoskote candidate Sharath Bachche Gowda, he appealed to the party supporters to ensure that Yeddyurappa becomes Chief Minister in the assembly elections on May 12. In his brief address, Shah said "the time has come to overthrow the Siddaramaiah government and install the BJP government and strengthen Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his nation building mission." All along the route, people showered marigold petals on Shah and his entourage. The road show that started from Kanakadasa circle passed through Basaveshwara circle and concluded at Hoovina Mandi. The party has given a ticket to former labour minister B N Bachche Gowda's son Sharath from here. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia today urged Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to immediately promulgate an ordinance with provisions for stringent punishment for crimes against women. Immediate deterrent action is necessary following uncontrolled spree of rapes and murders of women across the state, he added. "The Congress Legislature Party had during the just concluded Budget session had moved an adjournment motion to discuss crimes against women and the chief minister had promised to enact a stringent law in the next session to combat crimes against women but this would lead to delay of several months," Saikia said in a release. The judiciary is already overburdened with various cases and the chief minister should urgently establish at least six or seven special fast track courts in the state to deal with crimes against women, the Congress leader said. "These courts should be given wide-ranging territorial jurisdiction till such time as similar courts are set up in all districts of the state," Saikia added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Director Sujoy Ghosh is most likely to team up with megastar Amitabh Bachchan for a remake of the Spanish film, "The Invisible Guest". Buzz is that Sujoy's next is an official remake of the 2016 Spanish film "Contratiempo" also known as "The Invisible Guest". Bachchan and Taapsee Pannu are possibly reuniting for this film after their 2017 intense drama "Pink". "I am making a film with Amit ji that is for sure. I will let you know in a few days about the film. I want to work with one and only Mr Bachchan. He is such a great actor. Till the time Amit ji is working I will continue working," Sujoy told PTI. The megastar first collaborated with Ghosh on "Aladin" where he played the role of a genie. He also voiced Rabindranath Tagore's memorable poem 'Ekla Cholo Re' for Ghosh's 2012 superhit thriller "Kahaani". Both Ghosh and Big B teamed up again in 2016 for "Te3n" in which the 75-year-old actor also sang the song 'Kyun Re'. Ghosh produced the film that was directed by Ribhu Dasgupta. While the director is not willing to reveal much about the project , a source close to the film said an official announcement will soon be made. "Things will be locked hopefully next week and then we will announce it. The paper work is on," the source said. The Spanish film is apparently about a businessman hiring a prestigious criminal lawyer to defend him and how they work together to find out what happened in the course of one night. "It is not a film that we are remaking, it is the script that we are remaking. There is a bit difference (between the two). It is a great screenplay," the source added. Ghosh just made a series of three telefilms titled "Teen Pehliyan" for TV channel Star Plus that will go on air from April 22. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The West Bengal BJP Mahila Morcha (womens wing) today held a protest rally in the city demanding justice for rape victims in the state. Led by West Bengal BJP Mahila Morcha president Locket Chatterjee, several BJP activists participated in the rally that began from Gandhi statue on Mayo Road and terminated near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue in central Kolkata. "We have seen TMC leading protest rally demanding justice for Asifa but what about the rape victims of Kamduni, Raniganj," Chatterjee said. "We condemn the atrocities against Asifa but why is TMC mum when rape incident takes place in Bengal and they try to hush it up as a small incident. Atrocities against any woman should not be considered on the basis of her religion or caste. In all the cases, the culprits should be punished" Chatterjee said. The Trinamool Congress last week took out a protest rally demanding justice for Kathua and Unnao rape victims and immediate arrest of the culprits. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Britain accused Russia today of breaking the two-decade international ban on chemical weapons at emergency talks into last month's poisoning with a nerve agent of a former Russian spy. The accusations came as diplomats from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons met behind closed-doors in The Hague to discuss the case. Experts from the watchdog last week confirmed the British findings that former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter had been poisoned with a nerve agent. "We will continue to call out Russia's reckless and indiscriminate behaviour when it violates the CWC (Chemical Weapons Convention), and when it threatens global security," British ambassador Peter Wilson said. "Russia has a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination," he claimed, according to a tweet from the British delegation to the OPCW. "It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination," Wilson said. It was the second meeting of the Hague-based body's executive council in three days, and was called by Britain to discuss the probe into the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter last month in the British town of Salisbury. Founded in 1997, the OPCW oversees the application of The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) aimed at eliminating the world's stockpiles of toxic arms. After deploying its experts to Salisbury, the OPCW last week confirmed in a report "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not however publicly name the substance or its origins, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Moscow has vehemently denied the allegations, and in a tweet by the Russian embassy to the Netherlands mocked the British statements. "No plausible alternative, highly likely (twice), it is likely that, strong probability, probably, may have been, may have - that is the wording again used by the delegation at the @OPCW. What a depth of argumentation!," it said. The Salisbury crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria after accusations of illicit toxic weapons being used on civilians in its civil war, has sent already-frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also met in closed-session to discuss a dangerous mission by its inspectors to the Syrian town of Douma to probe allegations of a chemical chlorine and sarin gas attack on April 7. The mission, due to get underway on Wednesday, has been hit by delays, amid fears from Western powers that crucial evidence has already likely been removed. London said meanwhile on Tuesday that the nerve agent substance used in Salisbury had been delivered in "liquid form" and in small quantities. A meticulous clean-up has now begun in Salisbury, and the town's cemetery where Skripal's wife and son are buried was re-opened yesterday. But nine other sites, including a pub and a restaurant the Skripals visited, remain closed off and the work could take several months. The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in the city's hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. The Group of Seven industrial powers condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms" yesterday. They agreed it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible and there was "no plausible alternative explanation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cash position across the country is improving fast with over 80 per cent of 2.2 lakh ATMs operating normally today, official sources said. Unusual spurt in demand for currency had led to many ATMs and banks running out of cash in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telengana and poll-bound Karnataka and some other states yesterday even as the government and the RBI assured the public that there was no currency shortage. "Cash position has improved substantially as over 80 per cent of ATMs working normally across the country as against 60 per cent day before yesterday", sources said today. On an average 10-12 per cent of ATMs at a given point of time are usually under maintenance due to one or the other reason and remain out of service. So during normal days 88 per cent of ATMs are working and the rest are under maintenance, said sources. They further said the situation has improved substantially with coordinated efforts of Finance Ministry, RBI, banks and cash logistic companies. Meanwhile, India's largest lender SBI today said that cash availability at its ATMs has increased in the past 24 hours. Reports of cash shortage first emerged from southern states Andhra and Telengana. Interestingly, Andhra Pradesh and Telegana which received highest cash supply in the country in the last two years faces cash shortage, indicating tendency to hoard high denomination currency notes. According to the RBI data, during November 2016 to March 2017, Rs 82,168 crore was supplied to Hyderabad office of RBI which is the highest amongst all the offices of RBI in the country. Similarly, during April 2017 to February 2018, Rs 51,523 crore was supplied to Hyderabad office of RBI which was again the highest amongst all the offices of RBI in the country. Even on the Andhra Pradesh government's requests in February this year, fresh currency worth Rs 5,000 crore was despatched to REBI's Hyderabad office with instructions to ensure appropriate distribution of the cash amongst currency chests in the circles so that cases of shortage at specific places do not arise. Earlier in November 2016, similar request from Telangana was received and situation was redressed through supply of cash to the state. As per a recent Parliament question Reserve Bank of India (RBI) apprised that currency supply across the country is monitored regularly and adequate supplies are made available to RBI issuing offices thereby ensuring equitable distribution of currency to various parts of the country. Banks take corrective measures, in consultation with RBI, as and when required, in case of shortage of currency, it had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The promoters and directors of Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DPIL) were arrested today by the CBI in connection with an alleged over Rs 2,654-crore bank loan fraud case. The three promoter-directors of the Vadodara-based firm -- S N Bhatnagar and his sons Amit and Sumit -- were arrested by the CBI with help from the Gujarat Police after they were traced to Rajathan, officials said in Ahmedabad. The agency, in an FIR, said that DPIL, which makes electric cables and equipment, is promoted by Suresh Bhatnagar and his two sons, who are also its directors. "The CBI located the accused late in the evening yesterday in Udaipur (Rajasthan) with the assistance of the Gujarat Police and arrested them today morning," the central agency said in a release uploaded on its website. The loan issued to the company was declared a non-performing asset in 2016-17, it said. "It is alleged that the DPIL, through its management, (had) fraudulently availed credit facilities from a consortium of 11 banks (both public and private) since 2008, leaving behind an outstanding debit of Rs 2,654.40 crore as of June 29, 2016," the agency said. A non-bailable warrant was issued against them on the agency's request, CBI spokesperson Abhishek Dayal said in New Delhi. The investigating agency had received input about the whereabouts of the Bhatnagars following which teams were sent to arrest them. Later in the day, the accused were produced before a special CBI judge in Ahmedabad. The company and its directors managed to get term loans and credit facilities despite being on the Reserve Bank's defaulters list and the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation's caution list at the time of the initial sanction of credit limits by the consortium, the CBI alleged. When the consortium was formed in 2008, Axis Bank was the lead bank for the term loan and Bank of India was the lead bank for cash credit limits. It is alleged that the firm, with active connivance of officials from various banks, managed to get enhanced credit facilities. According to the CBI, the company had allegedly submitted false stock statements to the lead bank by treating receivables more than 180 days (non-current asset) as less than 180 days (current asset) to get more drawing power in their cash credit accounts. Earlier in the day, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad said the trio were held from a hotel in Udaipur last night. "The CBI had sought our help in nabbing the Bhatnagar trio. Based on a tip-off that they were hiding in a hotel, a joint team of the Gujarat ATS and the CBI conducted a raid in Udaipur in Rajasthan last night and held them," said a senior ATS official. They were brought to Ahmedabad this morning, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The CBI has filed a closure report in the RTI activist Satish Shetty murder case in Pune, who was hacked to death 10 years ago, claiming it could not find enough evidence against the accused, officials said here today. They said the final report in the case was filed before the competent court recently as the probe could not bring out enough evidence to prosecute the accused. It is alleged that Shetty was trying to expose a major land scam involving a high-profile builder which triggered his gruesome murder on January 13, 2010. Two retired police officers were taken into custody in connection with the case for alleged tampering of evidence and were charge sheeted by the agency, they said. It is not the first time the agency has filed a closure report in the case. The agency had filed the closure report in a local court in August 2014, saying it could not find any prosecutable evidence against the suspects. The agency in 2015 had reopened the investigation claiming that some new evidence has surfaced during its searches in the offices of the builder in Pune and Mumbai. It had carried out the searches at 21 locations to probe allegations of land grabbing along the Mumbai-Pune Highway on the directions of the Bombay High Court. Following the searches, the case was reopened. The accused in the alleged land grabbing case have also been discharged by the special CBI court last month. Shetty, who had unearthed many land-related scams in Pune district using the Right To Information Act, was stabbed to death by unidentified persons while he was on a morning walk near his house in Talegaon-Dabhade in the district on January 13, 2010. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today proposed a India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on long term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the Oli-led government came to power in recent elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an MOU on the China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries though ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate it. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbours Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his land locked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CIA director Mike Pompeo travelled to Pyongyang for a secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, President Donald Trump confirmed today, the highest level US contact with the reclusive state ahead of a planned summit between the two leaders. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who is also Trump's nominee for Secretary of State, last week met Kim, Trump said in a tweet. The meeting in North Korea went "very smoothly" and a good relationship was formed, Trump said. The two countries are now preparing for a summit meeting between him and Kim Jong un, he said. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump said in his tweet. Pompeo's trip was the highest level meeting with a North Korean leader since 2000 when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, in Pyongyang. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and Kim are due to meet next week. The two sides have agreed to broadcast parts of the summit live, the South's state agency Yonhap has reported. Trump told reporters during a joint media appearance yesterday with the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, that the summit meeting is likely to take place in June or early. Five venues are being looked into for the meeting. But it does not include the United States, he said. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. "We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon," he said. North Korea has been isolated for decades because of its alleged human rights abuses and its pursuit of nuclear weapons, in defiance of international laws and UN sanctions. It has carried out six nuclear tests, and has missiles that it says could reach the US mainland. Pompeo's secret trip to North Korea was first reported by The Washington Post. "The extraordinary meeting between one of Trump's most trusted emissaries and the authoritarian head of a rogue state was part of an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Trump and Kim about North Korea's nuclear weapons programme," the daily reported. "The clandestine mission came late last month, soon after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state," The Post said. Trump however tweeted that the meeting took place last week. The New York Times said that the White House has used intelligence, rather than diplomatic channels, to communicate with North Korea, ever since last month, when Trump unexpectedly accepted Kim's invitation to meet. Pompeo has been in close touch with the director of South Korea's National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who American officials said brokered Kim's invitation to Trump, The Times said. According to Wall Street Journal, Pompeo went to North Korea before his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week. During the hearing expressed optimism about the proposed meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un. "I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation [that] will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America so desperatelyAmerica and the world so desperately need," Pompeo said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vel Phillips is on a roll, though when is she not? First, she gets a flavor of frozen custard named after her. It's a blend of chocolate, vanilla and cheesecake introduced last August at Bella's Fat Cat. Then, a precious diamond ring that she had given up for lost is suddenly returned to her. And on Friday she'll be honored when Milwaukee County Children's Court Center is renamed the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. The layers of good fortune remind her of the day in 1956 when she joined the Milwaukee Common Council, the first woman and first African-American to do so. She told reporters on that election night that she also was pregnant. "I'm twice blessed," she said then and now. Let's start with the ring. When Vel's late husband, Dale, graduated from law school, his proud mother gave her a gold ring with a large diamond in the center, surrounded by diamond baguettes. That meant a lot to Vel, and she wore the ring for years. But in September of 2007, she took off the ring in a restroom at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She was there attending a celebration of the 40th anniversary of open housing marches in the city, which Vel helped lead. A column by my colleague, Crocker Stephenson, told the story of how Vel noticed later that the ring was gone. Heartbroken, she asked anyone who found it to please contact her. Months went by. Then a whole year. Vel assumed it was gone forever. Then shortly before Christmas, her phone rang. "Somebody called me and told me to check my mail," Vel said. Sure enough, an envelope arrived and inside was the ring wrapped in tissue paper. There was a letter saying something to the effect of, "Had I known that this ring belonged to you, I would never have had it this long." Vel misplaced the letter before she had a chance to properly thank the finder. But someone who knew the finder told Vel that the woman didn't know about Vel's loss until the column was brought to her attention months later. "I want Crocker to know his article really did it," Vel told me. OK, on to the next blessing. It's fitting that the court center in Wauwatosa where Vel Phillips served as a judge - the first female judge in Milwaukee County and first black judge in Wisconsin - will bear her name. County Board approval was unanimous. But she insisted that the words juvenile justice be made part of the building's name. "Some of the poor kids who came out there didn't get much justice. I was very determined that while I was there, justice would be distributed evenly," Vel said. A ceremony is planned for Friday morning, and Phillips' portrait and a plaque will be placed on the wall. "It just made sense," County Executive Scott Walker said, dismissing any notion that buildings should be named only for people no longer with us. "She's a living legend. A lot of people don't become legends until years after they pass." The octogenarian tries to keep it all in perspective. "I couldn't have done any of the things that I did without a lot of help from a lot of good people," Vel said. This is not the first building named for Vel Phillips. For years the YWCA near Teutonia and Capitol bore her name, but it closed and became a church. Vel still practices law part time and, in fact, will do so at the building named in her honor. "I have a case there on February 6." Himachal Pradesh government has asked the Centre to provide rail connectivity to Leh and Ladakh in Jammu and Kashmir via Manali and Bilaspur as it was important from the "defence point of view." "China has reached near Himachal border. Tibet is under the control of China...In view of such circumstances, we have raised this matter strongly before the Centre which has principally accepted (our point)," Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told reporters here. He said it was essential from the "defence point of view" that there should be rail connectivity starting from Chandigarh via Bilaspur, Manali in Himachal till Leh and Ladakh. I expect the Centre will move forward in this direction, Thakur said. "Rail connectivity could not grow in the state the way it should have. We stand where were as far as rail connectivity is concerned. A sum of Rs 400 crore this year has been earmarked for strengthening railway network," he added. To a question on expanding airports to boost tourism in the state, Thakur said it was not technically possible to expand the Shimla airport because of the terrain. As far as Kullu airport is concerned, the cost of constructing a bridge on Beas river for expansion of the airport was very high, he said. However, the state was ready to allot more land for expansion of airport in Kangra, Thakur added. To a question about alleged misgovernance during previous Congress regime, the chief minister said his government had found irregularities in some departments and was seeking required information to take appropriate action. However, he said there was no point in taking step in cases pertaining to previous CM Virbhadra Singh as they were already in the courts. The BJP government does not believe in indulging in political vendetta, he said. Thakur said his government had decided not to hire "tired and retired" men, stating that thousands of retired persons were deployed in the government departments by the previous regime. He asserted his government was committed to the state's development and listed many new initiatives including mobile app 'Shakti' for women's safety, Gudiya helpline, Hoshiar helpline, social security pension for elders. He informed that money mobilized from 15 per cent of temple offerings and rupee one per liquor bottle would be used for 'Gau Sadans'. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu today asserted that all resources in the country should be utilized and focus should be on widespread development that should reach every section of the people. What is required is a positive mind-set and science should be utilized for the betterment of the lives of the people, Naidu said. "The 21st century is going to be India's century," he said at a workshop here. Naidu said people of Manipur should think on how to tap the resources available in the state. The state has been endowed with rich biodiversity and nature has been kind, said Naidu saying the state fish 'Pengba' has medicinal values. He also said the state is also fortunate to receive abundant rainfall but emphasis should also be given on conservation. Naidu is on a three-day tour to the North Eastern states of Meghalaya, Assam and Manipur. Governor Najma Heptulla in her speech said, "The state has no big industries. It has limited growth of employment opportunities for the youths of the state." Heptulla said Manipur is lagging behind other states in terms of availability of infrastructures for social and economic development today. Chief Minister N Biren Singh said though 90 per cent of the total land area of Manipur is hills, the major chunk of the population is engaged in farming activities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das today appealed to the people to re-affirm the pledge to make the state 'open defecation free' (ODF) by October 2 this year. With the participation of the people, the work of making Jharkhand an ODF state has been completed 75 per cent, and now the aim of everyone should be to complete it 100 per cent by October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi, he said. The chief minister was addressing a gathering on 'Swachh Bharat Divas', at Khajari village, an official release said. Das said Jharkhand is at the top in the implementation of Swachh Bharat Mission programme. By 2020, the government's priority is also to take piped drinking water to every household. The chief minister also stressed on the need to take welfare schemes to the remote and hilly areas. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The appointments of nine advisors to the Delhi government ministers were cancelled because the legal opinion suggested proper procedures had not been followed in the whole exercise, the Union Home Ministry officials said today. There were other "lapses" too in the exercise, they added. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had sent a reference on appointments of the nine advisors in the Delhi government a few months ago and sought the Home Ministry's direction on the issue. "After receiving the reference from the LG, the Home Ministry had sought the legal opinion which said proper procedure had not been followed and there were lapses while appointing the advisors," an official said. Following this, the directive has been issued for the cancellation of the appointments. Another official said the Delhi government appointed the nine advisors without creating the posts. The nine advisors whose appointments were cancelled included Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to the law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to the deputy chief minister), Raghav Chadha (advisor to the finance minister), Atishi Marlena (advisor to the deputy chief minister). After cancellation of the appointments, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said the Narendra Modi government's order was a "conspiracy to derail" the "education revolution" in Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A top terrorist has been killed in Egypt's restive central Sinai region during an exchange of fire with the army, officials said today. The army targeted a number of areas in central Sinai killing Naser Abu Zaqoul, who used to head a terror group in the region. The army seized two grenades and a number of arms, it said in a statement. North Sinai has witnessed many terror attacks since the January 2011 revolution. The attacks, mainly targeting police and military, increased after the ouster of Islamist ex-president Mohamed Morsi in 2013 by the military following massive protests against his rule. Hundreds of police and army personnel have been killed since then. The military has launched security campaigns in the restive North Sinai area. The security forces have arrested suspects and demolished houses that belong to terrorists, including those facilitating tunnels leading to the Gaza Strip. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Author Amit Chaudhuri's heart sinks every time he sees a sign up on the boundary walls of old Kolkata bungalows, announcing their impending demolition. He sees the sign as an obit notice for another building that has long been a part of the city. "While travelling on Theatre Road, and seeing those signages put up on the boundary walls of bungalows by private builders, announcing their impending demolition, I feel a sense of incredulousness, on how the city is relentlessly doing this (demolishing its heritage)," he rued. Angered by the loss of architectural legacy, a group of people will be out on the streets in Kolkata today to highlight the importance of built heritage in urban landscape. To mark World Heritage Day and exert pressure on the West Bengal government, the march -- organised by the Calcutta Architectural Legacies (CAL), a citizens' initiative led by Chaudhuri -- will start from the Subodh Mullick Square and wind up in front of the office of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). From Kolkata to Bengaluru to Mumbai and Delhi, there is rising concern over the destruction of heritage structures. In Kolkata, activists including Chaudhuri and INTACH Kolkata Chapter's convener G M Kapur are worried over the fate of the colonial-era 'Old Kenilworth Hotel' on Little Russel Street. They claim it has been "downgraded from its Grade IIA status" to make way for its demolition and allege that a branch of the 19th-century Metropolitan Institution in Pathuriaghata has met with a similar fate. "Calcutta was a city of great architecture, arts and space and urban aesthetics. Slowly, we lost so many beautiful buildings of such immense architectural, cultural and historical value. And, the Kenliworth and Metropolitan cases, perhaps, proved the last straw. So, we are protesting," the author told PTI. In Bengaluru, the over 100-year-old Krumbiegel Hall in Lalbagh was demolished last November, triggering outrage among heritage lovers. Now the Asiatic Life Assurance Company building, which houses the Janatha Bazaar, is facing demolition, local activists, who also held a protest recently, alleged. The building on Kempe Gowda Road was inaugurated in 1935 by then Mysoure Yuvaraja Kanteerava Narasimharaja Wadiyar, said Bengaluru-based conservation architect Yashaswini Sharma. "Tangible heritage such as the Janatha Bazaar are landmarks and serve as links that narrate the story of the development of the city. In the event of disappearance of such landmarks, one feels disconnected with the history of the place," Sharma said. Mumbai-based urban conservationist Kamalika Bose said while the city has a law that allowed it to protect not just buildings but also precincts, there was a threat to structures outside the ambit of the legislation. "The Fort area has heritage regulation but outside that zone, old buildings, not listed, continue to face the onslaught of urban expansion and concrete invasion," she said. Kapur of the West Bengal Chapter of the Indian Trust of Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) said the KMC has about 900 heritage buildings on its list and alleged the number was going down. "A part of the building of the Metropolitan Institution's Bara Bazaar branch on Prasanna Coomar Tagore Street is being demolished. It was a Grade IIB building, which means it cannot be demolished. For demolition, buildings are being downgraded," Kapur alleged. The KMC, however, denied the allegation. No heritage building had been delisted in the last one year, said Subrata Sil, director-general, project management unit of the KMC. "Our current laws do not allow delisting of heritage buildings," he said. On the status of the Metropolitan Institution Building, Sil said, "We have received complaints that some work is being done without taking requisite permission. We are inquiring into it." Kapur believed that the process of grading a building was opaque. "We don't even know when Kenilworth was downgraded. Maybe a year ago," he said, adding that the Gholam Rasool Mosque, a Grade-I heritage structure in Park Circus, was demolished in 2015 to make way for a bigger mosque. Kolkata had served as the capital of the British Empire till 1911 and is endowed with a wealth of architectural beauties. Chaudhuri said urban conservationists, heritage lovers and "well-meaning people inside the government" had been feeling this "terrible sense of frustration" of just mutely watching one building after another disappear. If old monochrome images of Chowringhee and the Maidan and postcards bearing pictures of buildings in Dalhousie Square still evoke the grandeur of the city that once rivalled London and New York, Mumbai is known for its Art Deco structures and Victorian-Gothic architecture. "In 1995, Mumbai established itself as the first Indian city to adopt heritage regulations for the protection of its urban heritage under the Heritage Regulations for Greater Bombay," Bose said. In Delhi, a legal battle is being fought for the protection of old havelis in the city. The Shahjehanbad area in the Walled City is a goldmine of history but many of its havelis have either vanished or face the onslaught of modernity. Author Chaudhuri lamented that heritage was seldom taken up by the intelligentsia which "talks of politics, climate change and even literature". "Architecture, sadly, has never been part of the conversation," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Delhi court on Wednesday extended by a month the judicial custody of a former Andhra Bank director, arrested in a money laundering case related to alleged Rs 50 billion bank fraud involving a Gujarat-based pharma firm. Additional Sessions Judge Ajay Pandey extended the custody of Anup Prakash Garg till May 22 after he was produced before the court. The court noted the submissions of advocate Nitesh Rana, appearing for Enforcement Directorate, who said the investigation was still on and there were chances that the accused may influence the witnesses and temper with the evidence. Rana also told the court that there was a possibility of the accused fleeing from justice if released. Garg was arrested by the probe agency on January 12 and is currently in judicial custody. He was one of the three persons arrested in the case. The agency had in November last year held Delhi-based businessman Gagan Dhawan. Besides Dhawan and Garg, the ED has also arrested Rajbhushan Omprakash Dixit, one of the directors of the pharma firm, who is currently in the agency's custody for interrogation. All three were arrested under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The ED had lodged the money laundering case after taking cognisance of an FIR registered by the CBI. The agency had said that during the probe, it came across "certain entries" in a diary seized by the Income Tax department in 2011, which showed various cash payments amounting to Rs 15.2 million made to one "Mr Garg, Director, Andhra Bank" by the Sandesara brothers between 2008 and 2009. The CBI had booked Garg, the firm Sterling Biotech, its directors Dixit, Chetan Jayantilal Sandesara, Dipti Chetan Sandesara, Nitin Jayantilal Sandesara and Vilas Joshi, chartered accountant Hemant Hathi and some unidentified persons in connection with the case. It had alleged that the company took loans of over Rs 5,000 crore from a consortium led by Andhra Bank, which turned into non-performing assets. The FIR had also alleged that the total pending dues of the group companies were Rs 53.83 billion as on December 31, 2016. It had alleged that "various cash payments were made to Garg, as reflected in the said entries, on the instructions of the Sandesara brothers, by withdrawing cash from the bank accounts of several benami companies owned by them." It had alleged that Garg infused several billions of his unaccounted money in various companies through several Kolkata-based bogus shell companies, with the help of cash or cheque entry operators in Kolkata, in order to launder the proceeds of crime obtained by him from the Sandesaras. An exhibition celebrating Shakespeare's impact across South Asia is being held at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire this month. Shakespeare in South Asia, the result of a collaboration between Birmingham City University and the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, will be the first exhibition to go on show at the second city's famous music college until May 4. The exhibition offers a glimpse of South Asia's fascination with Shakespeare, and his enduring influence on the cultures and lives of its people. Working in collaboration with Birmingham City University's School of English students, the exhibition takes visitors on a visual tour of each of the eight countries that make up South Asia (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) offering an intriguing snapshot into each country's relationship with Shakespeare and how they have made him part of their own evolving history. Students at the University researched the Bard's impact in each of the countries and unveiled a mixture of unknown and unusual stories about how prevalent Shakespeare is in the area. Prisoners in India were tasked with performing lead roles in Shakespeare plays as part of their rehabilitation, productions of Shakespeare in Bangladesh used actors with disabilities to break down stigmas and in Nepal, Hamlet was used to tell the story of how the Crown Prince of Nepal killed the King and 11 members of the royal family. Content curator Dr Islam Issa, who is Academic Advisor to the Shakespeare Birthplace Place Trust and Senior Lecturer in English Literature at Birmingham City University, said: "To me, launching an exhibition on Shakespeare in South Asia is a great way to celebrate the anniversary at Birmingham City University and in the centre of the young and multi-cultural city of Birmingham. "The exhibition showcases Shakespeare's ongoing and varied relevance as well as new stories about his presence in South Asia that weren't previously known. The exhibition's arrival at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire comes in the run up to the 402nd anniversary of Shakespeare's death and the 454th anniversary of his birth (both April 23). Jacqueline Green, Head of Learning and Participation at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, said, Shakespeare's works have a long and complex relationship with South Asia, a relationship which has sometimes been tested by the colonial context but which has been the root of extraordinary artistic and intellectual energy. We're delighted to collaborate with Birmingham City University to curate this exhibition, exploring Shakespeare as the international figure who crossed borders and issues that are relevant even today." In celebration of South Asian music, the Trust has commissioned seven new musical compositions inspired by Shakespeare to complement the exhibition. The works cover a wide range of genres, some influenced by South Asia, and others with their roots in contemporary UK culture. Musicians from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire also explored the relationships between Shakespeare and India in My Heavenly Jewel', a classical piece inspired by Shakespearian and modern Indian romance. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior veterinarians today examined an ailing temple elephant as directed by the Madras High Court. The court in a recent order had directed a veterinarian to administer euthanasia to the jumbo if he finds that it would be cruel to keep the animal alive. Professor Jaya Thangaraj of TANUVAS of Chennai, Vijayakumar and Kumareshan of Veterinary College in Namakkal examined the elephant Rajeshwari belonging to the Suganeshwar temple near here. An animal lover had moved the court seeking to euthanise the elephant which has developed bed sores due to constant lying down for over a month due to serious complications in of one of its feet. Coimbatore District Forest Veterinarian Manoharan also carried out a test on the elephant, forest department sources said. The experts will submit their report to the Animal Husbandry Department here. A large number of devotees are visiting the elephant and praying for its health. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ald. Vel Phillips in 1967 Credit: Journal Sentinel file photo The older we get, the further back our minds like to wander. When I called Vel Phillips to hear her thoughts on turning 90 which happens Tuesday she talked about growing up in Milwaukee, Saturday afternoons at the movies, favorite teachers and a mother who taught her that kindness counts. Every night at the dinner table, Vel and her two sisters had to say one good thing they had done that day, even if it was just being nice to a classmate. Mom and Dad emphasized the importance of going to college and avoiding trouble. Vel remembers being whisked out of a movie theater by her sister and taken right home after a disturbance erupted when some boys tried to sneak in a back door. The solid parenting at home was reinforced by the likes of Margaret Borkowski, Vel's third grade teacher at Garfield Avenue School who called her by her given name, Velvalea, inspired her to love learning and comforted her with kisses on the top of her head. Even days short of her 90th birthday, Vel speaks of this as if it were last week. I eventually got Vel to discuss her many firsts in a long career on the front lines of the civil rights and women's movements. And even then she recalled the way her mother, Thelma Rodgers, felt about Vel leading marches day after day for fair and open housing in Milwaukee in the 1960s, often in the face of great hostility. "My mother didn't think it was ladylike to be running up and down the street yelling and screaming," Vel said. "I said, 'Mom, I'm not going to be doing that. We'll be marching and singing freedom songs. It's going to be very orderly.' Of course, it was not quite that good. I'd come home with feces in my hair. It was not pleasant." Vel redefined ladylike around here. After attending Howard University in Washington, D.C., on scholarship, she became the first black woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School in 1951. Her husband, Dale, also was a lawyer. In 1956, she became the first female alderman in Milwaukee's history, and also the first African-American on the council. Two years later, she was elected the first black member of the Democratic National Committee, and a newspaper at the time called her the busiest woman in Milwaukee. Now, we're accustomed to women and people of color serving at all levels of government, but back then Vel faced resentment and obstacles. There was no women's restroom in the council chambers, and some male aldermen objected to sharing their facilities with her. "It's too ridiculous," was Vel's quote when asked about it by a reporter. "I cried myself to sleep many, many nights. I didn't want my husband to know," she said. But her determination was unwavering. In 1971, she became the first black woman to serve as a judge in Wisconsin, and seven years later was the first woman and African-American elected to a statewide constitutional office as secretary of state during the administration of Gov. Lee Dreyfus. "He was so funny," Vel said. "I just loved him, but he was a Republican. He said, 'You can be a Democrat and I'll be a Republican and we'll love each other.' I said, 'Do you tell your wife that you love me?' He said, 'I tell her all the time.'" Life races by, and Vel is left feeling that she took for granted her firsts and her brushes with greatness. She always thought she was just in the right place at the right time. No big deal. "If I had it to do over again, I think I would have appreciated having a close relationship with three presidents: LBJ, JFK and Jimmy Carter. Obama, I'm not close to him, but he knows who I am. I have corresponded with him. "And Martin Luther King and Thurgood Marshall, people that I knew on a first-name basis. They would call me and we would talk. I had all their private numbers." Vel lives independently in a condo on Milwaukee's east side. She suffered two strokes last year, which have slowed her down. Her weight hovers somewhere around wispy. She no longer drives. Various organizations ask her on a regular basis to speak at events and to accept awards. She will give a keynote address in Madison next month at a UW event marking the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act. An association of women judges plans to honor her soon. And the Milwaukee Common Council has invited her to City Hall to make a fuss over her birthday. These events sometimes leave her feeling blue, she said. "All the wonderful people who were with me along the way are gone. I didn't expect my mother and father to be living, of course, but my husband and one of my sons and both of my sisters all gone." Even at 90, Vel gets riled up when she talks about attempts to roll back voter rights, public money going to private schools, Trayvon Martin's death, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and how obvious she thinks it is that he knew the freeway bridge was closed as political payback. If Dr. King were around now, she said, "I think he'd be kicking butt just like he did before, in his own way and peacefully." She told me she doesn't have any big plans for her birthday. Trying not to sound like I was rushing her, I asked how Vel Phillips wants to be remembered when she's gone. "That I was always helping people who had less and needed more than they even dreamed of. That I was able to make a difference in people's lives. Because I certainly had a lot of people who made a difference for me and did good things for me and made me feel special. "And it started with my mother saying, 'What did you do today that was good?' " Call Jim Stingl at (414) 224-2017 or email at jstingl@jrn.com The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has summoned 53 doctors for questioning, amid the allegations that they procured fake passing certificates for the additional degree courses of the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS), a top office-bearer of the MMC said today. The MMMC has already suspended 20 doctors from the same college, after their additional degree certificates were found to be fake, the office-bearer said. The council had found that the 20 doctors had procured passing certificates despite failing in the exams conducted by the CPS. "We have decided to dig further into the certificate controversy surrounding the College of Physicians and Surgeons, which offers PG diplomas and fellowships. 53 doctors have been summoned for questioning," Dr Shivkumar Utture, president of the MMC, told PTI. "We will be verifying their actual score and the certificates issued to them," he said. The council will hold a hearing in this connection on April 21 in Mumbai. The 20 doctors, who were suspended in 2016, had registered for the PG diplomas and fellowships with the CPS in 2014-15. "An MMC probe found that these students managed to procure passing certificates, although everyone of them had failed...It is an insider's job. Someone within the college helped the students get the certificates, as everything on the documents is genuine, such as the emblem, ink, paper and other things," Utture said. The CPS offers PG diplomas in 26 disciplines, including ophthalmic medicine and surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, dermatology and venerology, orthopaedics, medical radiology and electrology. The college came under the radar after some students complained to the MMC about the alleged malpractices in procurement of certificates. "We were approached by many student groups, who informed us about the alleged malpractices at the college. Hence, we decided to probe it," Utture said. Thereafter, the MMC wrote an e-mail to the CPS asking for documents about the 20 doctors, who had passed out of it. After the MMC realised that certificates are fake, they were suspended in 2016. An FIR was registered against the college at Bhoiwada police station in 2016, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A cell phone left behind by a ground staffer held up an by about two hours at the Heathrow airport on March 18 after an inflatable slide-raft inadvertently opened when the cabin crew attempted to return the phone, sources said. The crew was acting according to the instructions of the flight commander who in a "generous gesture" decided to return the phone to the maintenance engineer who had deplaned after readying the flight for departure, they said. As the London-Ahmedabad flight AI 176 was about to take off, the commander found out about the cell phone and decided to hand it over to the engineer. While the commander asked the ground staff to inform the engineer to rush towards the departing plane, the crew also acted promptly following his instructions to return it. However, in the process the inflatable slide-raft, used during emergency, was inadvertently deployed, they said. This incident is arguably a first for Air India and it is investigating the matter, they said, adding that the cabin crew could have forgotten to change the door- handling operations in the confusion. The flight finally left for Ahmedabad after a delay of two hours. An Air India spokersperson said the commander in a generous gesture of handing over the phone to the engineer, showed the airline's concern for all stakeholders in operations as well as safety of the passengers. A former Mumbai Police Commissioner Arup Patnaik today formally joined the ruling Biju Janata Dal here. The 1979 batch IPS officer, who retired from service on September 30, 2015, joined the BJD at Naveen Niwas in the presence of the party president and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. "Arup Patnaik will prove to be a valuable asset for the party," the chief minister said while welcoming him to the party. "I have joined BJD as a worker of the party. I thank CM Naveen Patnaik for providing me an opportunity to work for the people of my land," Arup Patnaik said after joining the BJD. When asked about contesting in 2019 general elections, he said, "I have not yet thought about it." Arup Patnaik is incidentally the first and only Odia IPS officer to hold the post of Police Commissioner of Mumbai Police. He is the recipient of the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service in 2003 and the Indian Police Medal for Meritorious Services in 1994. Born on September 8, 1955 in Bhubaneswar, he attended Mayo College in Ajmer. Prior to joining the Indian Police Service in 1979, he had worked with the State Bank of India for a period of approximately two years. A recipient of the Director General of Police's Insignia for his contribution in the investigation of 1993 Mumbai blast, Patnaik distinguished himself by his effective handling of the Mumbai riots in his jurisdiction in 1992-93. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) French ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler today discussed several components of the Smart City Mission, including mobility, with senior officials of the Chandigarh administration. Director, French Development Agency (FDA), Nicolas Fornage, and Counsellor Sustainable Development Fanny Herve also attended the meeting, an official release said here. The officials discussed about the progress of the mission in areas of round-the-clock water supply, upgradation of sewerage treatment plants and mobility, it said. From the Chandigarh administration, the meeting was attended by Parimal Rai, adviser to administrator; Home secretary Anurag Aggarwal; Finance secretary A K Sinha; and Municipal Commissioner Jitendar Yadav. The FDA has been helping Chandigarh and Puducherry, and Nagpur in Maharashtra develop into smart cities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fresh bids have been invited for debt-ridden under the insolvency law after lenders rejected an earlier resolution plan, according to a public notice. is undergoing insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code(IBC, 2016) as per the orders of NCLT. Expressions of Interest (EoIs) have been invited from potential bidders for ABG Shipyard, as per the notice. Resolution Professional Sundaresh Bhat has sought the EoIs under the IBC. The company had yesterday informed BSE that the resolution plan submitted by a bidder was rejected by the lenders. The last date for submission of applications is April 19 and for submission of resolution plan is April 23, as per the notice. For corporate bodies, the minimum qualification to participate in the process includes consolidated net worth of Rs 500 crore or more at group level in the preceding financial year and consolidated group turnover of Rs 10 billion for any of the three preceding financial years. For financial institutions/funds/PE investors, the criteria includes assets under management of Rs 20 billion or more as of the preceding year or committed funds available for investment /deployment in Indian or Indian assets of Rs 10 billion or more as on June 30, 2017. Besides, applicants with experience in infrastructure, heavy engineering, acquisition and turnaround of the assets, will be considered. owes about Rs 170 billion to the lenders. The shipbuilder is among the 12 identified by the Reserve Bank for bankruptcy resolution. Incorporated in 1985, ABG Shipyard is the flagship company of ABG group with interests in shipping and cement sectors. It is one of the three private shipyards in India approved by the Indian Navy to build various types of naval vessels and has built several vessels for Indian defence sector. Diplomats were holding emergency talks today on the poisoning of a former Russian spy, after the global chemical arms watchdog confirmed British findings that he was the victim of a nerve agent attack. Diplomatic sources said the closed-door meeting of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) had begun at its headquarters in The Hague. It was the second meeting of the body's executive council in three days, and was called by Britain to discuss the findings of the investigation into the poisoning of former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter last month in the British town of Salisbury. After deploying its experts to Salisbury, the OPCW last week issued a report, saying it confirmed "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not however publicly name the substance, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. In a letter requesting today's talks, the British delegation to the OPCW said it wanted "to brief state parties" on the events. AFP saw the British ambassador Peter Wilson and his aides arriving at the OPCW headquarters, as well as top Russian, American and French diplomats. Russia has angrily denied being behind the March 4 attack on the Skripals, and the crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria, has sent frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also met in secret to discuss its inspectors' risky mission to the Syrian town of Douma to probe allegations of a chemical gas attack on April 7. London said yesterday the nerve agent substance used in Salisbury had been delivered in "liquid form" and in small quantities. A meticulous clean-up has now begun in Salisbury, and the town's cemetery where Skripal's wife and son are buried was re-opened yesterday. But nine other sites, including a pub and a restaurant the Skripals visited shortly before collapsing, remain closed off and the work could take several months. Suspected sites are tested, items which may have been contaminated are removed for chemical cleaning and then re-testing, Britain's environment ministry said. The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, having earlier visited a pub and a restaurant. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in the city's hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. The Group of Seven industrial powers condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms" yesterday. They agreed it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible and there was "no plausible alternative explanation". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani told his Turkish counterpart Tayyip Erdogan in a phone call on Tuesday that all countries should be sensitive about any illegal intervention in region, Reuters reports. April 18, 2018, 12:21 Iran's Rouhani, Turkey's Erdogan discuss Syria on phone STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:When nothing is proved and the chemical weapons inspectors have not officially announced results of their research, no country should be allowed to take military action, Rouhani was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA, a few days after U.S., British and French forces carried out air strikes on Syria in response to an alleged poison gas attack on a rebel enclave. IT Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has approved a proposal for opening of a C-DAC centre specialising in digital forensics in Patna. The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) is a premium agency of the government working in high-end computing and training. The new Patna centre will focus on digital forensics with artificial intelligence based knowledge tools, an official release said. "The first of its kind in entire eastern India, the facility will provide cyber forensic services support to law enforcing agencies as well as a broad range of cyber security related training support for different Government and non-Government agencies," the release said. The move is also expected to help micro, small and medium enterprises to undertake commercial activities in the area of cyber security. It also assumes significance in the backdrop of growing adoption of digital systems in the country. "In addition to training of officials from Bihar, the centre will also serve the needs of training personnel from other states in eastern India," it added. For now, 14,000 square feet of built-up space has been earmarked by the Bihar government for this centre on a temporary basis inside Biscomaun Bhawan, Patna. The state government has also assured that it will provide land for construction of a permanent centre at a later stage, the release added. Identified centres of NIELIT (National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology) and C-DAC will be "groomed" as Centres of Excellence in emerging technologies. "This would include faculty development, cloud based platform for offering online training modules and content development," it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister and SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal today asked the Punjab government to expedite the construction of an approach road to the AIIMS work site in Bathinda. The Union Food Processing Minister also asked the state government to speed up civil works and that of setting up a power grid station to ensure the project does not suffer further delays. Union Health Minister J P Nadda had brought these issues to the notice of the Punjab chief minister last month. The state should not waste time and complete these projects as further delay would be detrimental to poor patients of Punjab's Malwa region, the Bathinda MP said. "The project has been delayed considerably due to late clearances by the state government to shift out water channels from the project site. The people of Malwa cannot afford any further delay," she said. Badal said the Union Health Minister had already brought it to the notice of the chief minister that the state should complete the construction of the approach road. Similarly a 66/11 KV power sub-station needs to be set up in the campus, besides construction of sewerage and storm water disposal points, she said. "The state government also needs to construct an over bridge over a railway track for uninterrupted connectivity to the new AIIMS from the city, besides another entrance to allow for separate access to residential areas," the minister said. Badal also asked the chief minister to direct departments concerned to ensure completion of all civil works to meet deadlines. The minister said the master and concept plans have been finalised by the executing agency and the contract for construction of the campus building is likely to be done next month. "When the Centre is moving fast to complete the project as per the timeline, it is incumbent on the state government also to complete all necessary civil works to ensure the project is not delayed in any manner," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today directed aviation regulator DGCA to prescribe a specific flight and duty time limitation (FDTL) relating to scheduling of flight and cabin crew without any deviations. The court's direction came while disposing of a PIL which raised the issues of pilot and air crew fatigue, while the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said variations were being permitted as there have been no accidents because of it, and also no pilot has complained of fatigue till date. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said the DGCA was bound to comply with the provisions under the Aviation Act and Rules so far as the issue of fatique of pilots is concerned and to specify maximum and minimum of flying time. "As far as the submission of the petitioner that the DGCA has no authority to grant any exemption or deviation from maximum limit of flying timing and duty period is concerned, there is substance in it," the bench said. It said that DGCA shall prescribe a specific FDTL which should continue to guide all their decisions regarding the scheduling of flight and cabin crew without any deviations. The court said that the director general is directed to undertake that the existing civil aviation requirements will be amended in accordance with the rules within a period of one year. The high court had earlier expressed concern over fatigued pilots and cabin crew posing a risk to passenger safety and had taken to task the DGCA for allowing airlines to change stipulated FDTL. It had said that the DGCA was going against its own Aircraft Rules by allowing such changes and questioned its power to do so. According to the petitioner, Kerala-based lawyer Yashwanth Shenoy, the maximum flying time is around 125 hours per week and this gets varied according to the requirements of an airline, each of which has a different FDTLs. Earlier, the Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), which operates the IGI, had told the court that there were 365 obstacles around the aviation hub that may pose a threat to aircraft safety. Shenoy, in his plea, said he was drawn towards the issue of aviation safety after the 2010 Mangalore air crash. On May 22 that year, Air India Express Flight 812 from Dubai to Mangalore overshot the runway on landing after which it caught fire, the plea has said. Of the 160 passengers and six crew members on board, only eight had survived. He claimed that the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security, the Central Industrial Security Force and the Delhi Police have not taken airport security seriously and buildings and hotels around the airport were operating without complying with conditions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today questioned the Centre's 2016 policy exempting autorickshaws and e-rickshaws across India from having panic buttons or General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), saying how can it have such a scheme "in an atmosphere where people are getting raped". The high court also said that "for once", the Centre must agree with the Delhi government which has made it mandatory for autorickshaws to have Global Positioning System (GPS) or GPRS system under its public transport policy of 2010. The observation by Justice Rajiv Shakdher came while hearing a plea by a trade union of autorickshaws plying in the national capital seeking exemption from having GPS or GPRS systems, used for tracking vehicle location, in the three-wheelers. "Why are three-wheelers and e-rickshaws exempted in the present environment? In an atmosphere where people are getting raped, you are saying you don't want panic buttons or GPS or GPRS systems. "For once, you (Centre) must agree with them (Delhi government) that autorickshaws and e-rickshaws need GPS or GPRS system," the court observed. The court also issued notice to the Centre, AAP government and Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System (DIMTS) Limited and sought their stand on the plea by the next date of hearing. The trade union, represented by advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, told the court that while a 2010 notification of the Delhi government makes it mandatory for them to have GPS or GPRS, the central government notification of 2016 exempts them from the requirement. Taking note of the submission, the court asked central government standing counsel Anurag Ahluwalia to take instructions on whether the Centre's notification would come in the way of the one by the Delhi government. While asking for the clarification from the Centre, the court said if its policy will occupy the field then the same will have to be examined. Ahluwalia told the court that the Delhi government will have to say whether it will follow the central government notification, which will come into effect from April 1 this year. The court, thereafter, asked the Delhi government whether its notification continues to remain in operation subsequent to the Centre's scheme. Apart from seeking exemption from installing GPS or GPRS system in their vehicles, the autorickshaw trade union has as an alternative sought regulating of the mechanism. It has claimed that despite charging the autorickshaws for setting up a GPS control centre, the Delhi government has not yet set up any such system. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court on Wednesday sought NSEL scam accused Jignesh Shah-owned 63 Moons' stand over the Maharashtra government's objection to its plea for de-freezing of its bank accounts. A bench of Justices Shantanu Kemkar and M S Karnik asked 63 Moons, formerly known as Financial Technologies, to file its reply to the government's objection within a week. The bench gave the direction to Shah's firm on a state government affidavit, justifying the freezing of the 63 Moons' bank accounts. The government told the bench that the Mumbai Economic Offences Wing (EOW) had frozen only four of over 30 operational accounts of the firm. The government also objected to the argument of senior advocate Amit Desai, the counsel for 63 Moons, that the firm was unable to disburse salaries to its employees since its accounts had been frozen. As per the affidavit, the government had asked 63 Moons on previous occasions to submit a list of its employees and the money owed to them by the way of salaries, reimbursements etc so that the company could be granted access to adequate money from its accounts for such expenses. The company, however, was yet to provide such a list, it stated. Taking note of the government's logic, the bench also directed the company to file a detailed reply containing details of the expenses that it is likely to incur towards paying its employees and other statutory dues. The bench also directed the Maharashtra Advocate General to appear before it on May 2, the next date of hearing, to argue the case on behalf of the government. On April 4 this year, the government had issued a directive to freeze operating accounts of the company, alleging that complaints had been received from several depositors against 63 Moons-owned National Spot Exchange (NSEL). The government said the depositors had alleged that the NSEL, run by FTIL (now 63 Moons), promoted by Jignesh Shah, had collected money by promising attractive returns to depositors, but had failed to keep the promise. The CBI had filed a charge sheet against Shah and then FTIL CEO Anjani Sinha along with 20 other entities in the alleged NSEL scam. The Delhi High Court today sought response of the Centre, AAP government and the Assembly on a plea by BJP MLAs against a resolution passed in the House to place before it a status report on the files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the Lieutenant Governor's office. Justice Rajiv Shakdher, while issuing notice to the Centre, AAP government and the Assembly, asked the BJP MLAs, who filed the petition, whether the court can intercede in the running of the House. The court listed the matter for further hearing on October 8. Senior advocate Sanjay Jain, appearing for BJP MLAs Vijender Gupta, Om Prakash Sharma, Jagdish Pradhan and Manjinder Singh Sirsa, said the Speaker of the House should not have allowed the resolution to be moved, discussed or acted upon nor should he have asked for an outcome report. Jain said that the outcome report indicated the projects which could not be completed due to the so called "obstacles" created by the Lieutenant Governor (LG). He said that the entire process starting from moving of the resolution and which culminated in the outcome report was in conflict with the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) Act and the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Assembly. The petition, filed through advocate Sahaj Garg, has also challenged the outcome report of the LG's office prepared by the Delhi government. On March 26, the Delhi Assembly passed a resolution, moved by AAP MLA Sourabh Bharadwaj, directing the AAP government to present a "status report" on files which have been "delayed or blocked" by the office of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. The plea has also sought direction to the "Speaker of the Delhi Assembly not to allow the proceeding to the extent which reflects the conduct of the LG as distinct from the government". The plea has claimed that "such resolution is also in violation of Rule 264 (f) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi. It clearly states that a member while speaking shall not reflect upon the conduct of any governor." It has said that the opposition cannot allow the illegality to take place in the Legislative Assembly, being stakeholders in ensuring the repute and majesty of the institution in general. The plea has said that "on April 5, the Leader of the Opposition had sent a letter to the Speaker stating his objections to such resolution. However, the objections were overruled by the Speaker". "The Lieutenant Governor is also intimated about the 'Outcome Report of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor' on April 6, 2018 as the LG is not even consulted while preparing this report nor a copy is supplied to him," it said. The resolution, according to the plea, also stated that the status report should be presented on the lines of outcome budget of the Delhi government, presented by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia. According to the resolution, there have been several media reports as well as the Budget speech of Sisodia last week that mentioned "the role of the L-G's office for delay and roadblocks in effective execution of projects" of the elected government of Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Allahabad High Court today stayed the recommendations of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) asking IIT Kanpur's director to lodge an FIR against four faculty members for committing atrocities against an assistant professor belonging to a scheduled caste. The bench comprising justices Krishna Murari and Ashok Kumar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by Ishan Sharma and three others. The court also stayed its recommendation to stay the appointment of one of the petitioners, Rajiv Shekhar, as director of IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, and direction to remove the faculty members from the membership of the Departmental Faculty Affairs Committee of the Aerospace Department. The court, however, clarified that the administration of IIT Kanpur might proceed to hold disciplinary proceedings against the professors in accordance with law, if they so desired. The court had issued a notice to the commission and directed assistant professor S Sadrela to a file counter affidavit in the case. Sadrela, an assistant professor in the Department of the Aerospace, had accused the four faculty members of harassment and filed a case against them with the NCSC. The petitioners in their plea had contended was that the commission had acted beyond its jurisdiction and it had no power to pass such recommendations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The airport of Bratislava, Slovakias capital city, is used as a transit point for smuggling Czech rocket launchers and howitzers to Azerbaijan, Czech reporters have revealed in an article in The Slovak Spectator. The article mentions that taking into account the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, there is a ban on exports of weapons from Slovakia to Azerbaijan, a ban which has factually been violated, The Slovak Spectator reported. April 18, 2018, 12:45 Weapons are smuggled through Slovakia to Azerbaijan, Czech reporters reveal STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:The weapons are reportedly produced by the Czechoslovak Group holding, owned by Czech armourer Jaroslav Strnad, according to Czech Television. Although the company has denied the claims, shortly after broadcasting report, an employee of the Slovak arms factory MSM spoke up and described how old weapons are re-built in the Trencin-based company and then transported via Israel to Azerbaijan, the TASR newswire reported. The information was leaked after the Azerbaijani army boasted with the weapons of Czech origin in an ad showcasing the modernized self-propelled gun, the Dana howitzer, with a range of 18 kilometers, and the multiple rocket launcher Vampir, with a 20-kilometre range. The whole process starts with bringing the old DANA howitzer that is disassembled directly in the company, the MSM employee described to the reporters of the Czech Television, as quoted by TASR The Slovak Spectator reported. The MSM employee provided detailed description on the process. The new facilities, including navigation, camera and communication systems, are sent from Israel, the employee added. The employee also revealed they signed a contract for distributing 18 howitzers and 15 rocket launchers this year, and the same amount next year, as reported by TASR. The Czech Defence Ministry said that the intelligence service is monitoring the weapon exports. Czech reporters contacted MSM holding over the matter. The company confirmed the delivery of DANA-M1 and RM-70 systems to Israel. However, it refused to provide more details. The company also rejected any business concerning weapon systems with Azerbaijan. The reporters even recorded one such transport on camera. The transport of one rocket launcher started on December 27, 2017, and was carried by a truck from Trencin to the Bratislava airport, where it was moved to the plane owned by Azerbaijani airlines, Silk Way. It then flew to Tel Aviv in Israel, where company Elbit, who was described as the end customer, resides. The data then revealed that the plane continued to Baku in Azerbaijan. Nothing is unloaded in Israel; there is only a stop to make sure the papers are correct, the employee of MSM told the Czech Television. The plane flies directly from the Israeli airport to Azerbaijan. Under the current rules, the arms dealers can sell weapons only to countries that are considered safe and where the buyers show the end-user certificate. While Israel meets the criteria, Azerbaijan does not. The companies belonging to the Czechoslovak Group have tried to receive permission to deliver weapons to Azerbaijan, but failed to receive it both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, TASR reported. Neither MSM nor the Czechoslovak Group have confirmed that the weapons end up in Azerbaijan. The Slovak Economy Ministry has asked the licence holder to comment on the information. The company said that the end user and customer was an Israeli company, as its spokesperson, Maros Stano, told Czech Television. However, the Economy and Foreign Affairs Ministries are monitoring the situation, Stano added, the article reads. The Madras High Court today stayed the restoration of no-objection-certificate to an explosives processing unit in Tiruchirapalli district, where a fire and subsequent blasts had claimed 19 lives on December 1, 2016. A Madurai bench of justices C T Selvam and Basheer Ahamed stayed the NOC to Vetrivel Explosives on a plea by a resident of Murgapatti village, where the unit is located. The village resident, K Periyasamy had challenged the NOC's restoration of the plant, contending that it had been done illegally under an improper exercise of jurisdiction by the district revenue officer (DRO) on March 23, 2018. On Periyasamy's petition, the court also issued notices to the state's chief controller of explosives, the Tiruchirapalli district collector and the DRO, directing them to file their replies to the plea within four weeks In his petition, Periyasamy contended that the DRO, instead of pursuing the criminal case against the factory owner, had chosen to restore the NOC. The DRO was not a competent scientific person or body to restore the NOC for the factory, which also caused water contamination due to which cattle in the area died, he alleged. The factory did not have a proper effluent plant either and dumped waste in bore wells, the petitioner said. He said the DRO had also violated a high court order, which had directed him to discuss public safety, besides other aspects. All the material facts had been suppressed while restoring the NOC, he said. All 510 residents of the village had also objected to the restoration of NOC to the village, he said, and sought to quash the NOC. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Gujarat High Court today admitted a review petition against its ruling a restoring gag order against portal 'The Wire', debarring it from publishing any article related to the businesses of BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah. Justice Paresh Upadhyay allowed a review petition filed by one Rajesh Bhabhor, who is not a party in "The Wire" case. The plea will be heard tomorrow. The same court had on February 20 allowed an appeal filed by Jay Shah against a lower court order, preventing the portal from publishing any article related to his businesses till the hearing in a civil defamation suit filed by him concludes. Bhabhor, through his lawyer Paresh Vaghela, said in his petition that he is concerned about the HC's gag order. If a portal can be prohibited from writing about Jay Shah, then will he get in trouble if he is critical of the BJP government in Gujarat, he asked in the plea. Bhabhor said he belonged to a Scheduled Tribe and wanted to share his views on the BJP government with the people of his community outside Gujarat, especially in poll-bound Karnataka, on the phone and through social media. "On reading (the HC) judgement (on The Wire gag order), the applicant formed an opinion that it would be unsafe for the persons belonging to STs in the state of Karnataka to vote for the BJP," he said. "The applicant has concern about freedom of expression. The applicant, as an individual, holds an opinion that, the ST youth should be permitted to at least discuss publicly what is prohibited by the honourable court vide its order dated February 20," said the petition. The news portal, through its article, "The Golden Touch of Jay Amit Shah," had claimed a company owned by Jay Shah saw an exponential rise in its turnover after the BJP came to power at the Centre in 2014. Jay Shah had rejected the charge made in the article, insisting the story was "false, derogatory and defamatory". He had also filed criminal and civil defamation suits against the website and its journalists in a court in Ahmedabad. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Himachal Pradesh today sought 7.19 per cent share in posts of Chandigarh Administration for the hill state's officers, with chief minister Jai Ram Thakur saying the state would also stake claim for its share over electricity generated from power projects run by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB). Till 1993, officials from Himachal Pradesh used to work in Chandigarh administration on deputation "We have staked our claim (on Chandigarh). Earlier, also this matter had been discussed. When Haryana and Himachal Pradesh were carved out of the then Punjab, this issue was discussed and finalised," he said. "Our share of 7.19 per cent in (posts of) Chandigarh Administration had not been taken up effectively. But we will raise this issue in the coming time without getting into any sort of confrontation," Thakur said. The chief minister said his government would also take up the issue of its 7.19 per cent share in electricity generated from power projects run by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, to get the matter expedited. Himachal Pradesh has been demanding its share in electricity generated from BBMB power projects for long. In 2011, the Supreme Court had upheld the state's claim of 7.19 per cent share in BBMB power projects located in Himachal Pradesh's territory under the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966. The state had worked out over Rs 4,000 crore of arrears as per 7.19 per cent share which was to be paid by Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. "We have good relations all states but we are talking about our share. Some progress has been made in this direction. Yesterday, the Haryana chief secretary had come to Shimla and discussed this matter officially. I wanted to meet the Punjab chief minister today, but he was not here. We are trying to find a solution," Thakur said. "We are planning to raise the issue of our claim with Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. We will raise our demand as per the SC directions. We will get this matter expedited," he told reporters here. "We have been demanding it. But till now, Punjab is not ready because the amount (of claim) is big," he said. Over seeking any royalty for water supply, Thakur said, "Water flows from Himachal Pradesh to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and even Delhi. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar had once demanded royalty for power projects but it was not taken seriously at that time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her government was in talks with the UK authorities for the extradition of former premier Khalida Zia's "convicted fugitive" son, Tarique Rahman. Rahman, who is living in London since 2007, has been convicted and sentenced to seven years in jail in 2016 by a high court in a money laundering case and was also slapped a fine of Taka 200 million. He has also been declared absconder by a trial court in a case related to deadly grenade attack on a rally by the then opposition and now ruling Awami League at Bangabandhu Avenue on August 21, 2004, which left 24 people dead and more than 300 others injured. He is also wanted in a number of criminal and graft cases. Hasina had a narrow escape in the attack but it left her with hearing impairment. "He (Rahman) will have to face the court...definitely we will bring him back one day," the Bangladesh premier, who is in London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), said in a function late yesterday. According to the state-run BSS agency the premier was also critical of the UK for providing refuge to a convicted fugitive like Rahman, but added "we are in talks with the British government" for his extradition. Hasina said anybody could seek refuge in Britain since it was a free country "but Tarique Rahman has been convicted by the court for committing crimes and I don't understand how the UK has given shelter to a convicted person". Bangladesh had earlier asked London to extradite Rahman but the British authorities have, so far declined to make any public statement on the issue calling it a "personal matter of an individual". Rahman was put behind the bars by the military-backed interim government, but he was allowed by the Supreme Court to take an overseas tour for medical treatment at the fag end of the regime. But he preferred to stay back in London, where he became the senior vice president of BNP, which in February this year installed him as the acting party chief after a court sentenced her mother and BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia to a five-year prison term in a corruption case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On March 15, in accordance with the arrangement reached with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic), the OSCE Mission conducted a planned monitoring of the ceasefire regime on the border of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, in the north-east direction of the Hadrut region. April 18, 2018, 12:46 Monitoring on Artsakh-Azerbaijan border passes in accordance with the agreed schedule STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring was conducted by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk and his Field Assistants Ognjen Jovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Mihail Olaru (Moldova), Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Artsakh informed ArtsakhPress. From the opposite side of the border, the monitoring was conducted by Field Assistant to the Personal Representative of the OSCE CiO Ghenadie Petrica (Moldova) and Personal Assistant to the CiO Personal Representative Simon Tiller (Great Britain). The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. From the Artsakh side, the monitoring mission was accompanied by representatives of the Republic of Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. The cyber cell of Madhya Pradesh police has busted an "international" WhatsApp group suspected to be involved in circulation of child pornographic content and arrested three persons, including a class 12 student, from the state in this regard, an officer said today. According to police, people from as many as 28 countries, including India, are associated with the "Kids Oly Sex" group. A resident of Gujarat was one of the administrators of this group, the officer said. State Cyber Cell's Superintendent of Police Jitendra Singh told PTI that they arrested electrical engineer Makrand Salunke (24) from Mhow and utensil trader Omkar Singh Rathore (43) from Dhar district yesterday. The police also detained a class 12 student from Khandwa district. They have been booked under section 67-B of the Information Technology Act, which is related to child pornography, the SP said. Singh said most of the Indians who are part of the 256-member group are residents of Northeastern and southern states. "The people from countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sri Lanka, Mexico, Canada, Myanmar, Vietnam, Uganda and Algeria are the members of this group," he said. The officer said the group was operated from a Kuwaiti mobile number when the police busted it. "At the time of exposing the group, it was being operated from a mobile number from Kuwait. However, administrators of this group constantly keep changing," the SP said. Explaining the modus operandi of the operators of the group, Singh said the people associated with circulating pornographic content on the social media used to be invited by members of this group by sending them links. To a query, he said the police have not yet come across any proof that the members of the group were paying for accessing child pornographic content. He said the police have informed the CBI as well as cyber squads of other states so that other members of the group can be traced. Singh said the police are investigating the inputs about existence of similar social media groups. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Aparnaa Singh is elated that her directorial debut "Irada", which addressed the issue of water contamination in Punjab, recently bagged a National Award. The filmmaker already has her eyes set on eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where her next would be based. She says she is currently working on a "youth-centric film" based in Bihar with glimpses of eastern UP. "It is an engaging and entertaining trippy film. It has whacked-out, black humour and a very real premise. There is so much content in real life. Since I come from a small town (Jabalpur), there is a fundamental connect with the story," Aparnaa told PTI. The director, who has been working on the story for the past seven-eight months, says she was fascinated with the subject when a writer shared the idea with her. "The casting is going on now. I'd like to have new, fresh faces in it because the film is about young people between the age of 19-21. It is about their lives, the aspirations we have and how far will we go to pursue them," she adds. After "Irada" won the National Film Award for Best Film on Environment Conservation/Preservation, Aparnaa says she feels encouraged to do better work and continue following her heart. "A prestigious award like this makes you believe that whatever you have done has paid off. Initially, everyone told me not to make a film on this subject, not to take it as my first film. I am glad I didn't listen to them and did what I wanted to do. "It is a safe bet for a debutante to start with a love story, a family drama or comedy. This film was really off-beat. But I was so moved by the subject that I thought this is something which should be spoken about," she says. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Israel came to a standstill as a two-minute siren wailed across the country to commemorate the sacrifice of 23,646 fallen soldiers and 3,134 victims of terror. Israelis halted their cars on the streets and stepped aside with bowed heads to pay respects to those who laid their lives to protect the country. Some 1.5 million Israelis are expected to visit cemeteries to pay their respects at the graves of fallen soldiers and others killed in Israel's wars and terror attacks. Israel Police said that road closures and increased traffic are likely to surround the country's 52 military cemeteries and hundreds of smaller military sections in civilian cemeteries nationwide to accommodate the visitors. A total of 23,646 men and women have died while serving in the security services of Israel and the pre-state Jewish community since 1860 when the first Jewish neighbourhood was established outside Jerusalem's Old City walls, official statistics said. Seventy one new names were added to the list over the last year among those who died defending the country. Thirty of those were disabled veterans who passed away due to complications from injuries sustained during their service. The total tally also includes active soldiers who died in car accidents and other causes off the battlefield. In addition, twelve names were also added to the list of victims who were killed in terror attacks. The official commemoration ceremony kicked off immediately after the siren went off at Jerusalem's Mount Herzl. The day is marked annually with candle-lighting ceremonies, melancholic music on the radio and newspaper features and television programmes about those who sacrificed their lives for the State. The Memorial Day began yesterday with a one-minute siren at 8 PM and official ceremonies at the Western Wall and Yad Labanim (Memorial for the Sons), which was attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking at Yad Labanim in Jerusalem, Netanyahu, who lost his brother Yoni during the 1976 Entebbe Operation, told bereaved families that the sacrifice of fallen Israeli servicemen and women allowed the Jewish people to live freely on their land. "We bow our heads in memory of our loved ones whose blood has been spilled in our homeland," he said adding, "There is never a true remedy to that to every family its own grief and its own courage". "We don't forget our wounded even for a moment and lovingly send them wishes for recovery".... "The message left by the fallen is sharp and clear: Our lives may be too short, but we have guaranteed the life of the nation forever. And they have indeed given us the ability to live. It is thanks to them and their successors that we are here," the Israeli Prime Minister said. Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to wield its "defensive sword for the foreseeable future", while also "fostering relationships with moderate parties around us to pave the way to peace". The solemn ceremonies will give way to revelry today evening as festivities will kick off to celebrate Israel's 70th Independence Day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea are urging President Donald Trump to do more than just bring up the issue at his expected talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Trump told Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during their meeting at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida yesterday that he would "raise" the abductions issue a top Japanese priority in his meeting with Kim. But Shigeo Iizuka, whose sister was abducted by North Korea decades ago, said today that the families want real discussions on logistical issues regarding their loved ones' return. Pyongyang has acknowledged abducting 13 Japanese, while Tokyo maintains North Korea abducted 17. Five have been returned to Japan. North Korea says eight others died and denies the remaining four entered its territory. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bihar Judicial Services Association today strongly condemned attack on a judge in a running train and demanded adequate security for Judicial Officers of the state. The Association demanded the state government to take preventive measures by providing bodyguards to all male and female judicial officers irrespective of rank. Two persons were arrested yesterday evening in the case and they have been forwarded to jail. It may be noted that a Sub-Judge Prashant Kumar Jha, who was posted as Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Pupri sub-divisional court of Sitamarhi district, was attacked and badly injured by some people in a moving train in the evening of Monday last. The attack took place when the Judge was on his way to Patna from Gaya after completing some personal work. "I strongly condemn such action and the security of Judicial Officers of the state should be area of concern for the state government. I had earlier given a representation to Home Secretary and DGP to provide bodyguards to all judges of state irrespective of rank but despite the report of DGP having been submitted to Home Secretary the final decision in that matter is yet to be taken by Home Secretary," BJSA Secretary Ajit Kumar Singh said. Singh, who is a Sub-Judge at Jamui civil court, said that though the two assailants have been arrested on the basis of video footage of the incident recorded by one of the co passengers but this is not sufficient to assuage the feelings of judicial officers. "There is a need to take preventive measures by the state government in providing bodyguards to all male and female judicial officers irrespective of their rank," he said The secretary said that the decision of the Home Department- which talks of providing bodyguards to CJM and officers above the rank of CJM- should be reviewed in the interest of security concerns of judicial officers. The Inspector General of Police (Security) had ordered to all SPs to withdraw bodyguards only after making of assessment of threat perception but the order is not being followed in letter and spirit and instead security was withdrawn from all officers below the rank of CJM, he said. He further added that BJSA had submitted a representation on May 17, 2017 to the Home Secretary for providing security to judicial officers. Some more youths boarded the train at Makhdumpur station and had an altercation with him (Judge) and beat him up badly, Jehanabad government railway police SHO Shakuntala Kishku said. Shashank Shekhar Dev and Suraj Kumar Dev were arrested from Brahmarishi Nagar area of Makhdumpur yesterday evening in the thrashing case, the SHO said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court today directed 12 media houses to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim in Jammu and Kashmir. The court also indicated that it may enhance the amount that has to be deposited by the media houses in the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund, which have apologised for revealing the details of the victim. It asked them to file separate affidavits explaining their conduct in three days and directed that the compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh each should be deposited with the registrar general of the high court within a week. The money would be transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legal service authority's account to be used for the Jammu and Kashmir's victim compensation fund. The court, which had initially suggested imposition of Rs 25 lakh cost on each of the concerned media house, later said for the time being, they should deposit Rs 10 lakh each. Of the 12 media houses which were issued notices by the court, nine made their appearance through their counsel today. At the outset, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said it would like to see the editors of the media houses to be present in the court as "some line has to be drawn". The bench said the repercussions of revealing the identity of a rape victim have to be faced by the entire family who also suffer ostracisation from the society. Advocates representing the media houses told the court that the mistake of disclosing the name and showing photograph of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law. They said there was misconception that they could name her as she was dead and it will facilitate the prosecution of the accused. The bench also directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of the law regarding the privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. While Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims, Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. On April 13, the high court issued notices to 12 media houses for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was gang raped and killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. In its reports connected with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out a photograph of the victim. When senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, representing one of the media houses, said the name and photographs of the victim were already in public domain in Kashmir since January, the bench said this does not mean that the media also has to show it. "You are showing the child's photograph on the background on TV channels and inciting anger against the accused. The POCSO Act is very clear that if the child dies, even the parents cannot give consent to reveal her identity. The family suffers from long term repercussions and is ostracised from the society," it said. "The problem arises if there are others girls in the family. It does not matter whether you are 8-year-old or 98-year-old, people will question you, why you were wearing this and why you were out," the bench said, adding "we have to set our own limits" on freedom of expression. Asking which media house had published the two provisions of the law the day after the court's April 12 order, it said if wide publicity had been given to these laws, the social media would also have stopped revealing the victim's details. "Doesn't the public have a right to know this? When the nation wants to know everything else, doesn't the nation want to know this also," it said. Observing that such conduct by the media was happening in other such cases as well, it said even the worst criminal has a right to fair trial and the kind of influence which media has, injustice is done to the trial court also. Advocate Anuradha Dutt, appearing for a channel, said there was no justification for what they have done and they were at a fault. "There was some confusion. I hang my head in shame. We have stopped it," she said. The advocates said the media houses will be willing to pay the compensation to enable some help to the victims of sexual violence and their families. The court had earlier prohibited them "from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim". The eight-year-old from a minority nomadic community had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state police's Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed the main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district last week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Russia is monitoring the developments in Armenia, Russian President Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. April 18, 2018, 14:33 Peskov: Kremlin monitoring developments in Armenia STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:His remark came in response to the question whether Moscow was keeping an eye on the protests in Yerevan, Tass reported. According to Dmitry Peskov, on Tuesday Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of congratulations in connection with the election of Serzh Sargsyan as Armenian Prime, and later they had a phone call. "We are monitoring the developments in Armenia, and above all we hope that things will unfold within the framework of law," Peskov said. On Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. The head of My Step initiative, MP Nikol Pashinyan urged his supporters to block departmental buildings, roads and highways. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee that will coordinate all actions, and they will begin the second phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condemned the rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir case as "heinous" and "shameful", and said it was the first responsibility of any society to ensure security of children. Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu also said that it was unfortunate that the country was still facing cases of atrocities against women, but a new law alone would not arrest such crimes and the mindset of men needed to change. Addressing the 6th Convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakriyal in Reasi district, the president said there was a need to introspect on "what kind of a society we are developing into". He said crimes against children were a deep concern for humanity and there was a need for a firm resolve to provide safety to children. "Such an incident happening in our country after 70 years of Independence is shameful. We all have to think where we are going.What kind of society are we developing into. What are we giving to future generation?" he said. "I feel the smile of children is the most beautiful thing in the world. The biggest success of our society is to ensure safety of children that they feel secure. It is the first responsibility of any society to ensure security of children so that they feel secure," he said. Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Naidu said, "This country, even after 70 years of Independence, is facing such problems. It is unfortunate that there are cases of atrocities against women in different parts of the country. We get disturbed as and when the incidents happen and forget about them later." "Merely bringing a bill is not enough. What is required is not a bill (alone), but political will, administrative skill to kill the social evil...There is a need for a change of mindset of men," Naidu said. The president said children have been becoming targets of serious crimes in some or other part of the country. "Recently one child became target of a heinous and barbaric crime, which nobody could ever imagine," he said, referring to the brutal gang rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl in Kathua. "Are we developing such a society where our mothers, sisters and daughters are getting their right of justice, equality and freedom as enshrined by the Constitution?" he asked. The president called for a resolve to provide security and safety to girl child across the nation. "It is the responsibility of all of us that it (cases like the Kathua rape and murder case) does not happen with any of our sisters or daughters," Kovind said. The remarks by the president and the vice president came at a time when people across the country were protesting against the rape incidents in Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir, Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh, and Surat in Gujarat. The president said if there is good education it makes students good human beings and people who have sensitivity and sense of equality towards others. Speaking at the convocation, he said, "A good human being, if he becomes a doctor, becomes a good doctor, and if he becomes an engineer, a good engineer, which is better for society," he added. In the convocation, 882 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines including 439 graduate degrees and 427 masters degrees, besides 16 PhDs and 26 medals. The president complimented the students who have passed out from the university and said that girl students have done exceptionally well by securing eight out of the 12 gold medals. I and the entire country feel proud of these girls who have been marching ahead due to their hard work and intelligence," he said. He said that women from various parts of the country have also done exceptionally well in the Commonwealth Games this year and made India proud. Among them included Merry Kom, Manika Batra, Mira Bhai, Sanjita, Manu Baker, Vinesh Phoghat, Saina Newal, Ashwani Ponpa, Tejeswani, Hena Sidhu, Poonam Yadav and Shriyasi Singh, he said. "And when we talk of women, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti cannot be forgotten as she has followed the footprints of her father Mufti Sahab and is leading the state in the difficult period," the president said. He also complimented industrialists Sunil Bharti Mittal and Pawan Munjal, who were conferred honorary Doctorate of Science by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, and said they have made the biggest contribution to the country in terms of industry and creation of jobs. Beleaguered Vijay Mallya may be embroiled in controversies but Kingfisher Beer brand, owned by Mallya-promoted United Breweries, continues to top the most trusted alcoholic beverage brands list. As per the Brand Trust Report 2018, Kingfisher Beer, Black Dog and Budweiser are the top three most trusted alcoholic beverage brands. Kingfisher Beer has maintained its leadership position ...and remain the unmitigated leader for the last eight years of the Brand Trust Report, TRA Research CEO N Chandramouli said. Kingfisher is the flagship brand of United breweries Ltd. In August last year, United Breweries announced its Chairman Vijay Mallya has ceased to be director of the company following market regulator Sebi's order against him. Mallya, who had fled to the UK in March 2016, is also wanted in India for Kingfisher Airlines' default on loans worth nearly Rs 9,000 crore and some other matters. Royal Stag, Signature, Johnnie Walker ranked number four, five and six, respectively. Carlsberg, Blenders Pride, Tuborg and Imperial Blue are the other brand which figure in the top 10 list. Over 2,450 respondents participated in the survey conducted by TRA Research across 16 cities and its findings have been compiled in The Brand Trust Report 2018. As per the latest brand trust report, South Korean consumer durables firm Samsung, followed by Sony and LG are India's most trusted brand. Tata Group, the only Indian company to feature in the top five and US-based Apple occupy the fourth and the fifth ranking. Among India's 1,000 Most Trusted brands, the categories with the maximum brands were food and beverage and FMCG contributing to 25.6 per cent of the total brands in the listings. When compared to last year, 320 new brands made it to the list, 368 brands fell in rank, 307 brands rose in rank, and five brands retained their ranks, it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The absence of pollution reduction targets of 35 per cent in three years and 50 per cent in five years in the draft National Clean Air Program (NCAP) of the Ministry is a cause of "grave concern", Greenpeace India today said. The comments of the green body came after the ministry yesterday released the draft of the NCAP, proposing multiple strategies to reduce air pollution and inviting comments from various stakeholders by May 17. Union minister Harsh Vardhan in February had said the ministry hopes to bring down air pollution in around 100 non-attainment cities by 50 per cent in the next five years under the NCAP. Greenpeace India today said the targets, which were deliberated in the Ministry as per the file noting and was also communicated by the minister to the press earlier, was lacking in the draft. "After much anticipation, the Environment Ministry has finally uploaded the concept note on the NCAP on its website on Tuesday for public comments. "While this is a big achievement for the people who have been at the receiving end of the air pollution issue, the absence of absolute pollution reduction targets of 35 per cent in three years and 50 per cent in five years is a cause of concern. "We believe the ministry will rectify those in the final version of the programme," said Sunil Dahiya, Senior Campaigner, Greenpeace India. The ministry in the draft said the objective of the NCAP is to augment and evolve an effective and a proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across the country to ensure comprehensive and reliable database. The objective is also to have efficient data dissemination and a public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution, it said in the draft. Its objectives also include having a feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. Greenpeace India said absence of the pollution targets is cause of "grave concern" as they were deliberated in the ministry and communicated by the minister earlier. "The NCAP needs to have clear interim milestones for all the activities it is proposing such as city-wise action plans," it said. NCAP has outsourced all the responsibilities to states by only focusing on 100 cities, and has ignored sectors like industry and coal thermal power plants, which are regulated by the central government, Greenpeace India said. "For the NCAP to be effective, it has to take a regional approach and emissions from industry and power sectors have high impact at the regional-level and not at the city-level. "To tackle long ranging pollutants, it will be crucial to have a detailed plan on sectors outside cities," the body pointed out. Elaborating on what is good about the NCAP, the green body said it aims to augment the air quality monitoring network, inclusion of air quality management plan for 100 non-attainment cities and allocation of specific budget for strengthening air quality monitoring and forecasting mechanisms along with other activities, it said. Vardhan had earlier said that the Environment Ministry hopes to bring down air pollution in around 100 non-attainment cities by 50 per cent in the next five years under the NCAP. Non-attainment cities are those considered to have air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. "We will strengthen the National Clean Air Programme in around 100 non-attainment cities where parameters (air quality) are not right and requires attention. "In the coming three years, we hope that through this, we will bring down pollution in these cities by 35 per cent and in the next five years by 50 per cent," he had told reporters earlier. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Vice President Venkaiah Naidu today said a new legislation alone will not stem instances of violence against women, but political will along with a change in the mindset of men is necessary to end such crimes. "This country, even after 70 years of Independence, is facing such problems. It is unfortunate that there are cases of atrocities against women in different parts of the country. We get disturbed as and when the incidents happen and forget about them later," Naidu said after launching the Assam government's new health assurance scheme -- 'Atal Amrit Abhiyan' -- here. The vice president's remark comes at a time when people across the country are protesting against the rape incidents in Kathua of Jammu and Kashmir and Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. "Merely bringing a bill is not enough. What is required is not a bill (alone), but political will, administrative skill to kill the social evil...There is a need for a change of mindset of men," Naidu said. The state and the central governments should implement the laws strictly to prevent such "heinous crimes", he opined. "People say they have every right in a democracy. For 2-4 days, TV channels will highlight the incidents. What happens after that?" he said, urging people to refrain from politicising the rape incidents. The vice president also voiced his concern over discriminations among people on the basis of caste and religion. "(In) this great civilisation, you discriminate people on the basis of religion or caste. And you don't allow a person to come to temple?Irrespective of the differences, India is one. North or South, East or West, India is the best," he said. It is necessary for the people to preserve the culture and heritage of the country under all circumstances, Naidu said. "Religion is worship, culture is way of life. You have different religions, no problem. But culture is one. You may be Hindu, Muslim, Christian, but the culture is one and it is Indian culture. That has to be respected by all. Plurality is the beauty of the country," he explained. Without naming anyone, he said some people are trying to "bring a bad name to the country" by raking up controversies. "We have to be careful about forces who try to vitiate the atmosphere. We should think in terms of bringing unity," Naidu said. People should work together to end social discrimination by following values and ethics, the vice president added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Clearing the decks for commencement of admissions to post graduate medical courses, the Madras High Court today dismissed petitions seeking reservation of 50 per cent seats in PG diploma courses under the all India quota to in-service candidates. The court, in its interim order, had yesterday directed the Director General of Health Services and state selection committee not to allot seats for PG medical courses to any student, both under the all India quota and state quota, until further orders. The authorities can go on with the counselling process, but shall not allot seats till further orders, Justice S Vaidyanathan had said. Dismissing pleas filed by C Sudhan and six others, the judge today said "a reading of regulation 9(IV) and 9(VIII) of PG Medical Education regulation 2000 makes it very clear that percentage cannot be taken into account while preparing all India merit list." "... Regulation 9(IV) and 9(VIII) cannot be applied to the all India quota counselling and the marks obtained under the NEET exam alone can be taken into account." The court made it clear that there cannot be any application of percentage of marks for in-service candidates. The petitioners' demand that there shall be a reservation of 50 per cent of seats in PG diploma courses cannot be acceded to, the judge said, dismissing the petitions. This will enable commencement of admissions in PG medical courses. According to C Sudhan and six others, they are in-service candidates working as assistant surgeons in Tamil Nadu Medical Services. They have appeared for 'NEET PG 2018' and secured more than 50 per cent marks and thereby declared as eligible for admission to PG medical courses. "The places we serve are notified as remote/difficult areas by the state government and thereby we are entitled for additional weightage marks as per Regulation 9 (IV) of PG Regulations 2000 under all India quota seats." "But authorities are proceeding to conduct counselling for admissions to PG courses without awarding such weightage marks for in-service candidates," they said. They claimed that the move was in violation of Medical Council of India regulations. It would affect the interest of the petitioners, who were entitled for weightage marks for service rendered by them in remote/difficult areas for determination of merit in selection, it was submitted. They claimed that even in admissions made during the last academic year, authorities have failed to allot the mandated 50 per cent seats to service candidates as required by the regulations. The petitioners sought a direction to DGHS to comply with Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations in admissions to PG medical courses and award due weightage marks for service rendered in remote/difficult areas and to reserve 50 per cent seats for such service candidates under All India quota. In another case, Justice Vaidyanathan declared as illegal two state government orders granting incentive marks to in-service candidates for admission in PG medical courses. While one order classified remote and difficult areas under three categories, another order amended it. "The exercise made by the committee based on which the government orders in question are issued are liable to be interfered with and hence both government orders are declared to be illegal," the judge said. The judge was allowing pleas by Dr P Pravin and three others. The petitioners alleged that the procedure adopted by the state government in identifying remote and difficult areas for awarding incentive marks was violative of Supreme Court orders. They also sought quashing of the government orders and a direction to the government to evolve the procedure under the National Health System Resource Centre. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Crime Branch of the Goa Police tonight arrested a man for allegedly spreading false information about the health of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar who is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment in the USA. A senior crime branch official said that Kenneth Silveira, a resident of Vasco city, was picked up after he posted some false information on his facebook account. "He was arrested and is being investigated to know the exact reason why he posted such information," the official said. Silveria had contested unsuccessfully against Parrikar in the?bypoll held for Panaji constituency last year. When asked about the sections under which Silveria was arrested, the official said investigation is underway. Parrikar, who complained of stomach pain on February 14 this year, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai the next day. He was discharged on February 22 and presented Budget in the Goa Assembly on the same day upon return. Later, he was again admitted to Lilavati Hospital on March 5, from where he was taken to the US. A cabinet advisory committee, consisting of senior ministers, has been authorised to take decisions in his absence. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following reports that he lavished praise on Mayawati, senior Uttar Pradesh government minister Swami Prasad Maurya clarified today he had only pointed to a similarity in the approach towards law and order of the present regime and the one led by the BSP chief, who he alleged was "neck deep in corruption". As reports about Maurya, a former BSP leader, lauding Mayawati led to many eye brows being raised, the minister insisted he had been "quoted out of context". "I had said that there is similarity between Mayawati and Adityanath. She wanted that rule of law should be established in the state, we also want that the rule of law be established in the state. We want there should be good governance, she also wanted good governance. There is only one difference that Mayawati was neck deep in corruption, while Adityanath is contributing in making India corruption free," he sought to clarify. Earlier, there were reports that the minister had said there would have been no need for a CBI probe in the Unnao case if the police had done its bit as he lavished praise on BSP leader Mayawati's role as an administrator when she was the Uttar Pradesh chief minister. "Had the people got justice from the local police, the matter would not have escalated so far and there would not have been the need for a CBI probe," Maurya had told reporters when asked about the Unnao case in which BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar is an accused. However, the CBI probe will unmask the guilty, he said. Replying to another question, he lauded BSP chief Mayawati's regime saying it was "good" and there were no second thoughts about it. "She was famous as a strict administrator and much better than the Samajwadi Party government. The government of Yogi Adityanath is also much better than the SP government," the UP labour minister said when asked about the law and order situation in UP as compared to the time when Mayawati was at the helm. Maurya, who was cabinet minister during the previous BSP and the SP regimes, said today he was quoted out of context by the media. Maurya, 64, had quit the BSP accusing Mayawati of "auctioning party tickets" when she objected to fielding him as well as his son and daughter in the 2017 elections. Just before the Assembly elections, he joined the BJP and got elected from Padrauna constituency, his fifth term as MLA, and was rewarded with a cabinet berth. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Media houses, issued notices for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim, today apologised before the Delhi High Court and were directed to pay Rs 10 lakh each to the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund. Advocates representing media houses told the court that the mistake of revealing the identity of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law and a misconception that they could name her as she was dead. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar directed that the compensation amount be deposited with the registrar general of the high court within a week and the money transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legal service authority's account to be used for Jammu and Kashmir's victim compensation scheme. The bench also directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of law regarding privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said documents on its claims over disputed areas along the boundary with Assam can pave the way for adjudication before the judiciary, if the situation warrants. Replying to a resolution moved by Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) MLA Adelbert Nongrum in the Assembly, Sangma said several documents and maps have been shared with the Assam government on the border dispute. "These documents are of ample evidentiary value and can eventually pave the way for adjudication before the Judiciary, if the situation so warrants," he said. Ever since Meghalaya got its statehood in 1972, the inter-state boundary between Assam and Meghalaya as defined by the North Eastern Area (Re-Organisation) Act, 1971 has been a bone of contention between the two states and there are 12 areas of differences. Sangma said a series of meetings were held at the level of chief ministers and chief secretaries to find an amicable solution to the problem in the four decades, but a long term solution has not emerged so far. "This government will continue to take all possible measures in order to arrive at a final and logical solution to the issue," the chief minister said. At a meeting on April 1 last year, the chief ministers of Meghalaya and Assam reaffirmed their commitment to preserve the cordial age-old ties between the two states. It was also agreed upon that chief secretaries of the two states and deputy commissioners of bordering districts will hold regular meetings to resolve the dispute, he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tourism blogger Alexander Lapshin visited Armenia for the first time after his highly publicized arrest and subsequent extradition to Azerbaijan from Belarus in 2016. April 18, 2018, 15:55 Yerevan, you are wonderful Alexander Lapshin arrives in Armenia for 1st time after highly publicized Baku jailing STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS-ARMENPRESS:Yerevan, you are wonderful. And the people of Yerevan are wonderful people, Lapshin said in his blog. Earlier the Russian-Ukrainian-Israeli blogger had announced his upcoming visit to Yerevan for the Tour Expo 2018 International Tourism Expo, due April 20-22. He jokingly said he would present his experience in Azerbaijan at the event. I am departing to Yerevan with the goal to participate in a tourism exhibition. I will present my project With Lapshins tracks in Baku. The project will include a flight on Mehriban Aliyevas private jet, leisure in the Kyurdakhan jail all inclusive, and the Baku court for serious offenses. Prices are negotiable.I am joking. I am actually going to speak about my travels at the expo, it is going to be interesting, visit it, Lapshin said. A month after five members of a family were killed in Pakistani shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district, the Jammu and Kashmir government has provided a job to one of its members under compassionate grounds, an official said. District Development Commissioner, Poonch, Mohammad Aijaz Asad reached out to the family at Devta village in Balakote yesterday and handed over the appointment order, a government official said. Mohammad Ramzan, his wife Malika Bi (32) and their three sons were killed, while two daughters were critically injured in the Pakistani shelling on March 18. Officials said the state government has decided to provide a job to Mohammad Shakoor, brother of Ramzan. A day after the incident, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had met the mother of Ramzan and handed over ex-gratia and other relief while assuring all possible help in their rehabilitation. The official said the district development commissioner also held a public grievance redressal camp in Balakote and heard demands including better road connectivity to the area, especially to villages located across the border fence. They also raised the issues of basic facilities like water and electricity, he said adding Asad assured the residents that all their genuine demands would be looked into. He said 20 underground bunkers for the protection of people from Pakistani shelling would be taken up in Balakote sector immediately. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today assured his British counterpart Theresa May that the UK's withdrawal from the European Union offers opportunities to "further increase" bilateral trade ties as the two leaders had "fruitful discussions" on multiple aspects of India-UK relations and issues like counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism. Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi. Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK. "Wonderful meeting with Prime Minister @theresa_may at 10, Downing Street. We had fruitful discussions on multiple aspects of India-UK relations," Prime Minister Modi tweeted after the meeting. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement post-Brexit. Brexit refers to the UK's decision in a June 23, 2016 referendum to leave the 28-nation European Union (EU). A statement issued by 10 Downing Street after the meeting said that the Syria air strikes, counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism were among some of the key topics covered by both leaders. "Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit. He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "The Prime Minister (May) updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020," the spokesperson said. May reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent "destabilising behaviour", underlined by the attack in Salisbury on former Russian double Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people. "They reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," Downing Street said. During a discussion on cooperation between the two countries on legal matters, which is likely to have covered extradition matters, May also welcomed the return to the UK of the "Chennai Six", the former British soldiers accused of piracy who were freed from an Indian jail last year. The two leaders said trade between the UK and India had grown strongly over the last year and agreed to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier to do business in both countries and enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future. May and Modi discussed a new UK-India Tech Partnership, which will create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both our economies. Looking ahead at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) tomorrow, they also agreed on the importance of working together to build a more "sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future" for all Commonwealth citizens. A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as "In India, Peace is always in Fashion". After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Modi visited the Science Museum to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. "The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum," Clarence House tweeted. It said the exhibition celebrates India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering. Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. A series of demonstrations, including a silent protest to condemn the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, have been planned by various groups at Parliament Square here his visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May today held wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by his British counterpart. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi. Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK. "The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Brexit refers to the UK's decision in a June 23, 2016 referendum to leave the 28-nation European Union (EU). A senior Indian official said that a slew of agreements will be signed between India and the UK during the prime minister's visit. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. "This is a relationship that cuts across all sectors and has reached a very mature level. The prime minister's visit is about what more we can do to build on that," the official said. After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Modi arrived at the Science Museum to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. "The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum," Clarence House tweeted. It said the exhibition celebrates India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering. A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as "In India, Peace is always in Fashion". Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport. "A real pleasure to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the UK. Lots to discuss on UK-India bilateral issues - tech collaboration, trade, healthcare opportunities and more," Johnson said. "Another chapter in modern partnership bound by strong historical ties," added the ministry of external affairs (MEA). According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. A series of demonstrations, including a silent protest to condemn the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, have been planned by various groups at Parliament Square here his visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi today arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May during which the two leaders are expected to discuss wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. Modi was met with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi, who arrived in a Tata Motors' Range Rover. The two leaders will hold talks over a breakfast meeting on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Iraqi courts have sentenced to death a total of more than 300 people, including dozens of foreigners, for belonging to the Islamic State terror group (IS), judicial sources said Wednesday. The suspects are being tried by two courts, one near the former jihadi stronghold of Mosul, in northern Iraq, and another in Baghdad which dealing notably with foreigners and women. Since January in the capital, 97 foreign nationals have been condemned to death and 185 to life in prison, according to a judicial source. Most of the women sentenced were from Turkey and republics of the former Soviet Union. In January, an Iraqi court condemned a German woman to death after finding her guilty of belonging to while on Tuesday, a French woman was sentenced to life in prison. At the court In Tel Keif near Mosul, 212 people have been sentenced to death, 150 to life in prison and 341 to other jails terms, Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar said in a statement. "It has been proven that they carried out criminal actions at public hearings conducted in accordance with the law during which the convicts' rights were guaranteed," he said. Iraq declared victory in December against -- also known as ISIS -- which at one point controlled a third of the country. On Monday, the justice ministry said 11 people convicted of terrorism-related charges had been executed in Iraq, which according to New York-based Human Rights Watch is the world's number four executioner. "These executions follow rushed trials of ISIS suspects which are riddled with due process violations, including convictions based solely on confessions which are sometimes extracted by torture," said HRW senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille. "Iraq's mishandling of the ISIS trials not only denies victims real justice, but also risks sending innocent Iraqis to their deaths. Mumbai riders proved to be dominating force, but it was Hyderabad-based Mohammed Riyaz who stole the show on the quarter-mile track of the Aamby Valley air-strip in the sixth edition of 'The Valley Run 2018' recently held near here. On a day when Mumbai grabbed six of the nine events in the two-wheelers category, it was Riyaz who finished with the distinction of 'fastest time', clocking 9.686 seconds on his Yamaha YZF-R1 motorcycle in the M9 Class (851cc to 1050cc) category, a media release said today. The other class to go out of Mumbai's hands was the O2 (Open Class) Foreign (551cc & Above, Unrestricted) which was claimed by Sundeep Singh Sokhi, who clocked 9.917s. Pravin Jadhav of Pune claimed the high capacity P-Class (Muscle Bikes) on his Ducati Diavel super bike with an 11.746 second effort (elapsed time). The Mumbai winners included Iqbal Shaikh (M6 - Class from 361 to 550cc (Indian Produced) - 4-Stroke); Zarvan Batliwala (M7: Class 551 to 850cc (Sport - Inline 3/4) 4-Stroke); Surya Servai (M8: Class from 649 to850cc (Single Twin/L) 4-Stroke); Zahir Shah (M10: Class 1051cc & Above ? 4-Stroke); Sachin Khengle (W1 - Indian Fastest Wheeler Class); and Nadeem Shah (W2 Foreign Fastest Wheelie Class), the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After openly supporting construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya, a prominent Muslim politician has donated a 30-kg brass bell at a famous Hanuman temple here. After donating the bell at the temple yesterday, Tuesdays being associated with Lord Hanuman, Bukkal Nawab, a turncoat, who had quit the Samajwadi Party to join the BJP, said he offered prayers there. Commenting on the matter, senior SP leader Ram Govind Chaudhary said, "It is nothing but a publicity stunt. He is hopping from one temple to another to hog media limelight." Bukkal had given up his Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council seat last year to pave the way for a BJP minister to become a legislator within the stipulated six months' period to continue in the Yogi Adityanath government. At that time, he was an SP MLC and was considered close to party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav. He soon switched his loyalty and joined the saffron party. The 64-year-old leader was rewarded with an MLC ticket for the UP council biennial elections in which his victory is certain as there are only 13 candidates, including him, for as many seats. "My wish has been fulfilled by Lord Hanuman," he said, when asked why he had offered the bell at the temple. During the last Assembly election campaign, Bukkal, a Shia, had caused a stir by saying that he would be happy to see a Ram temple come up at the disputed site in Ayodhya, and would help the cause by "carrying the first brick to Ayodhya". He had also said he would contribute Rs 15 crore towards temple construction and a 'mukut' (crown) for Lord Ram. Bukkal is also president of the Rashtriya Shia Samaj or RSS, a different avtar for the acronym which is generally associated with the Hindu nationalist group. "On one of the Tuesdays of Jyestha month (June) of the traditional Hindu calendar, we organised a large-scale bhandara (community feast) at Hazratganj," he said. The community feasts are locally known as 'bara mangal' and are held all over the state with much fanfare. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) R Muthuraj, an Indian Trade Service officer has been appointed as the Development Commissioner, Sri City, with immediate effect. Sri City, situated about 125 km from here, has a multi-product special economic, free trade and warehousing, domestic tariff zone and electronics manufacturing cluster. About 150 companies from 27 countries have set up base in Sri City campus, Tada. Muthuraj replaces M K Shanmuga Sundaram, Development Commissioner, Madras Export Processing Zone, who was holding additional charge, a press release said. Prior to taking up the new role, Muthuraj worked as Joint Director, Director General of Foreign Trade in Chennai and Kochi, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar today alleged that yesterday's searches conducted by police at offices and residences of activists and organisations in Maharashtra for "naxal links" were actually intended to "protect" Pune caste clash accused and Hindutva leader Sambhaji Bhide, with an aim to "destroy" evidence against him. Ambedkar also alleged that a man claiming to be an RSS representative was present in the search carried out in suburban Govandi in Mumbai. Bhide, who heads Shiv Pratishthan Hindustan, is one of the two prime accused booked on charge of instigating violence against Dalits during the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune district in January this year. One person had died during the caste clashes. Hindutva leader Milind Ekbote, who has been arrested, is another accused in the case. "We have enough evidence with us against Sambhaji Bhide. The police, during yesterday's raids, seized electronic gadgets like laptops and mobile phones that contained detailed list of documents against Bhide and his followers and how they instigated the violence in Koregaon-Bhima," Ambedkar told reporters in a press conference. "We fear that the police on the instructions of the state government may erase the contents of those gadgets to ensure safety of Bhide," said Ambedkar who heads dalit outfit Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh. He said dalits would lay a siege to the state legislature building in south Mumbai if Bhide is not arrested before the beginning of the monsoon session. The Maharashtra Police yesterday conducted searches at the offices and residences of supporters of organisations such as Kabir Kala Manch and Republican Panther on suspicion of their alleged connection with Naxal activities in urban areas. The police had questioned some supporters and Dalit activists and examined laptops, hard disks, mobile phones etc. of the activists to find out their "mode of communication". Police had also searched the residence of a lawyer in Nagpur connection with "provocative speeches" allegedly delivered by him at the "Elgaar Parishad" organised in Pune to mark the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. Highly-placed sources had yesterday said that Central agencies conducted the searches not only in Maharashtra but also in Delhi. However, Ambedkar denied involvement of any national agency in the searches. "The searches were initiated on a complaint filed at Vishrambaug police station in Pune after the Elgar Parishad was held on December 31 last year, whereas the Koregaon Bhima violence took place on January 1. The searches had nothing to do with any national investigating agency. I have not heard of any such searches being carried out in other states," said Ambedkar, grandson of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar. He demanded that documents seized by the police during the searches be placed before courts so that their contents would become available to the common people as well. Ambedkar also refuted Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis' claim that the searches were conducted on a suspicion of alleged association of certain institutions with Naxal activities in urban areas. "I will not call him (Fadnavis) a liar, but he is misleading the urban people," the dalit leader said. Ambedkar also alleged that a person named Krishna, claiming to be an RSS representative, was present in one of the searches carried out in suburban Govandi. "He (Krishna) was giving out instructions to the police officials when the search was on. What business he got there? How come police allowed him to be there and received instructions from him?..We want answers," he said. Harshali Potdar, a close aide of Ambedkar, whose house was searched by police in Govandi, questionned the "delay" in police action. "The search operation started at 6 am and it continued till 1 pm. The police carried out the search operation on a complaint filed by one Tushar Damugade in Pune's Vishrambaug police station on January 8, when the Elgar Parishad and Koregao Bhima violence were already over. What were police doing for so many days?" she questionned. Ambedkar said the use of phrases like "urban Maoists or urban naxalites" is another attempt to divert the attention of people living in cities from real issues. "It is also a plan to discourage and frustrate Dalit activists by linking them with naxal movements," he said. Ambedkar claimed that previous state government (Congress-led UPA) had ordered a senior police officer to probe the so-called naxal connection with dalit movements. "The officer, Vishwas Nangare Patil, in his report had clearly stated that there were no such links. As the report is uncomfortable for the state being run by the right wing party, the Maharashtra government rejected it. The report has been accepted at the DIG-level but rejected by the state administration," he claimed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Azerbaijani defense ministrys report alleging that the Artsakh military opened gunfire and wounded a 27-year old resident of Giyamedin village (Azerbaijan) is a disinformation, the defense ministry of Artsakh told ArtsakhPress. April 18, 2018, 16:49 Artsakh denies opening gunfire, wounding Azerbaijani villager STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:The defense ministry of the Republic of Artsakh is announcing that the army is strictly adhering to the ceasefire regime, the ministry said in a statement. Nordic countries have backed India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council, terming New Delhi as a "strong candidate" for the world body's top organ. In a joint statement, issued late last night here after the first Indo-Nordic Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his counterparts from the five Nordic countries -- Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finland -- reaffirmed their support for the UN and the Secretary-General's reform efforts to ensure the world body is more accountable and effective to the realities of the 21st century. Modi, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Finnish Premier Juha Sipila, Iceland Premier Katrin Jakobsdottir, Norwegian Premier Erna Solberg and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven participated at the Summit titled 'India-Nordic Summit:Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity'. They also reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development as well as the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. "The Nordic countries agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members," the joint statement said. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic countries also welcomed India's membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) and "reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity," it said. India and Sweden co-hosted the India-Nordic Summit on the second and final day of Modi's visit to Sweden. India and the Nordic nations also agreed to deepen cooperation on issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change at the Summit. The Prime Ministers also pledged to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change. The summit emphasised the Indian government's strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India. Nordic solutions in clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture were also discussed. The leaders noted that the unique strengths of India and the Nordic countries offer immense opportunities for trade and investment diversification and mutually beneficial collaboration, the statement said. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals. They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, and underpin a growing engagement between the Nordic countries and India, it said. Modi and the Nordic leaders acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were major challenges for the international community. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The 'oottupura' (temple dining hall) attached to the famed Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple here will henceforth be opened to all, including non-Hindus. In a major decision, the management of the temple, where non-Hindus are barred from offering worship, has opened the portals of its 'oottupura' to everyone, cutting across religion. The Guruvayur Devaswom, the management, also lifted the restrictions on dress code imposed at the dining hall and allowed devotees to wear shirts, pants and footwear there. Hundreds of devotees from and outside the state have 'prasada oottu', the delicious temple feast, every day at the oottupura of the centuries-old shrine. When contacted, Devaswom Chairman K B Mohandas said the decision in this regard was taken in a meeting yesterday and it came into force with immediate effect. A board saying non-Hindus are not allowed, displayed in front of the dining hall, was also removed, he said. "The dining hall was located inside the temple complex earlier. The restrictions for non-Hindus to enter the hall continued even after it was shifted outside the west side of the shrine complex some time back," he told PTI. "We have removed the restriction now," he said. A major pilgrim centre, Guruvayur Temple was in the recently over whether to allow ardent devotees like legendary carnatic vocalist K J Yesudas, a Roman Catholic, to offer prayers there. While a section of society wants Yesudas, who has sung hundreds of devotional songs praising 'Guruvayurappan', the presiding deity of the shrine, be allowed, orthodox groups want the tradition of restricting the entry of non-Hindus to continue. A Padma Bhushan awardee, Yesudas had expressed his ardent desire to visit the shrine and offer worship several times. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US-based cab aggregator Uber today said it is open to forming alliances in the Indian market but will not agree to a deal where it ends up with a minority stake. Speaking to PTI, Uber COO Barney Hardford said the company is "always open to conversations" as India is a core market for the SoftBank-backed entity. "The situation in India is very different from that in South East Asia (where the Grab deal happened). We have clear strengths in the Indian market and see huge potential in the market. We have no interest in doing minority deal going forward and the commitment we have to the Indian market is immense," he said. He added that Uber is "doubling down" on its investment in the Indian market, pumping in funds to expand its products, partnerships and technology headcount in the country. There have been reports about Uber and rival Ola joining forces in the Indian market. The speculations got stronger after SoftBank - an investor in Ola - joined Uber as an investor committing over USD 1 billion. Apart from India, the two now also compete in the Australian market, with Ola recently launching its services in Perth and Sydney. According to sources, the two have held multiple rounds of discussions, including one just before Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's visit in February this year but the two parties are yet to strike a deal. When asked if the companies have indeed held discussions for a potential merger, Hardford declined to comment. "India is absolutely a core market, now and in the future. Uber's success is hard coded to India's success...We are doubling down on our investments in this country like never before," he said but declined to comment on investment details. India is already among the top three markets (besides the US and Latin America) for Uber and accounts for 10 per cent of its trips globally. Uber has been pumping in substantial funds to fuel its growth in India. In 2015, Uber announced an investment of USD 1 billion in the country to expand its services. It has also set up a response and support centre in Hyderabad with an investment of USD 50 million. Hardford said the recent deal with Grab in South East Asia has "freed up resources" that are now being invested across geographies, including India in areas like "people, products and partnerships". Last month, Uber announced a deal to sell its Southeast Asian operations to rival Grab for a 27.5 per cent stake in the combined entity. Prior to the Grab deal, Uber exited two markets -- China and Russia. Hardford's four-day tour comes close on the heels of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's trip in February. Hardford had taken charge as Uber COO in December last year. He is slated to visit Hyderabad and Mumbai during his visit from April 17-20. He also released a report commissioned by Uber through Boston Consulting Group. The report states that congestion costs in four Indian cities -- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru -- were estimated to be USD 22 billion per year. The report said Indian cities are 149 per cent more congested than comparable cities around Asia with commuters taking 1.5 times longer to travel a given distance in peak hours (compared to travel time during non-peak hours) on an average. It added that up to 89 per cent respondents said they plan to buy a new car in the next five years. However, over 79 per cent said they would refrain from buying a car if ridesharing matches car ownership for affordability and convenience. The report estimates that ride-sharing could reduce number of private cars by 33-68 per cent. "By reducing private cars, increasing vehicle utilisation, improving public transport adoption, and optimising infrastructure planning, ridesharing could reduce congestion by 17-31 per cent," the report said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who is away in the US for medical treatment, is personally monitoring preparations for the National Games to be held in the state in November, a minister said today. Sports Minister Manohar Ajgaonkar said required infrastructure and facilities are being created in Goa for the Games and Parrikar is monitoring their progress. The infrastructure work would be completed in time to ensure successful hosting of the coveted event, he said. The 36th edition of National Games will be held from November 4 to 17. "The work will be completed within time. The chief minister is personally monitoring the work," he said. Parrikar is in the USA since the first week of March and is undergoing treatment for a pancreatic ailment. Ajgaonkar said funds for projects have already been allotted so physical absence of Parrikar in the state is not hindering their implementation. The minister said the tendering work for upgradation of three grounds has already been done and contractors are waiting for work orders. "Once work orders are given, contractors will have to complete them within five to six months," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A journalists' body today demanded an apology from Banwarilal Purohit for publicly patting a woman reporter on her cheek, insisting the Tamil Nadu Governor's conduct was "unbecoming" and "not condonable". "The governor being the constitutional head of the state is expected to set an example by his words and actions. But, we are sorry to say, your behaviour in yesterday's press meet was neither exemplary nor condonable," the Chennai Press Club said in a letter to Purohit. Bharathithamizhan, the Joint Secretary of the club, said there was an "imminent danger" of other politicians emulating the governor and trying to misbehave with women journalists. The governor had kicked up a controversy yesterday when he patted the journalist on her cheek, apparently to diplomatically avoid replying to a question asked by her. "We request you to immediately issue an apology for your unbecoming conduct during the press meet on April 17, 2018, at Raj Bhavan and avoid precipitating the matter further," he said. He said the governor could have refused to reply to the questions posed by the woman reporter. "But, instead of answering or refusing to answer, you chose to pat the cheek of the lady scribe in front of her peers and live cameras," he said. Meanwhile, The DMK and TVK today staged separate protests over the issue. The DMK demanded that the Centre recall Purohit. Former Chennai city mayor and DMK MLA M Subramanian, who led the party's protest, also slammed Purohit for his regular review meetings with state officials. The DMK has been protesting against these meetings, saying those amounted to the Raj Bhavan infringing on the rights of the state government. Subramanian, party MLA V Chandrasekar and scores of DMK workers were detained by police. The pro-Tamil Tamizhaga Vazhvurimai Katchi (TVK) also staged a protest, with several of its workers and supporters taken into custody. Meanwhile, some 190 journalists employed with various outlets in the state and some freelancers have also written to the governor, demanding an "unconditional apology". Expressing "shock", they said Purohit, as the constitutional head of the state, "crossed lines of not just basic courtesy but also those of the law." "Your action in touching the cheek of a senior lady reporter who asked you a question at the press meet was patronising at best and a violation of her rights as a woman at worst. She was there since you had called for a press meet and simply discharging her duty as a journalist," they said. Though the journalists did not question the motive behind Purohit's gesture, they, however, said it was "appalling" that he chose to do such a thing at a press meet "that you addressed on the case of a professor allegedly luring students to sexual encounters with her seniors." "It does not behove the constitutional head of a state to throw basic courtesy and respect to the winds and attempt to touch a lady without her consent, even if the gesture may have been paternal in nature," they said. "Mr Governor, we the journalists of Tamil Nadu and India demand that you offer an unconditional apology to the journalist in question and also assure all journalists of Tamil Nadu that you will not violate their rights in the future," they demanded. The incident happened during a rare press meet called by Purohit where he promised strict action in the episode involving a woman college teacher who allegedly advised girl students to extend sexual favours to senior university officials. The 78-year-old governor had patted the journalist on the cheek when he was about to leave the venue of the crowded press conference at the Raj Bhavan, apparently to parry a question by her. DMK leaders Kanimozhi and MK Stalin had immediately hit out at him over the incident. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO) today said city-based entrepreneur Pinky Reddy has taken over as its President. Reddy, took over as the new national president of FLO, the oldest women business chamber of Southeast Asia and the women?s wing of Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) at the recently held 34th?Annual Session in New Delhi, a FLO release said here. Pinky Reddy, founder and managing director of Lotus House, has also been the Chairperson of FLO Hyderabad Chapter and played an instrumental role in enhancing the presence and reach of Hyderabad Chapter, it said. Development of entrepreneurship among women has been central to FLO?s philosophy and mission. Taking this vision forward, Reddy?s focus during her tenure would be to increase women?s participation in the process of economic development and to create a pool of resources, by skilling them at Grassroots, middle and senior level, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As part of fighting cybercrimes, the National Security Service of Armenia eliminated a criminal syndicate comprising Armenian citizens who were engaged in bank account fraud, the National Security Service informed. April 18, 2018, 17:08 Armenian national security neutralizes bank account scamming syndicate STEPANAKERT, APRIL 18, ARTSAKHPRESS:The scammers were active in 2017-2018 and used social media to commit fraud. The syndicate targeted over two dozen citizens of Artsakh, created fake social media accounts under the names of their family members and tricked them into providing bank details under the pretext for sending remittances from abroad. The scammers later used the bank account information to cash out money. Five scammers have been arrested. An investigation is currently underway to identify and discover the remaining accomplices of the criminals, as well as the entire circle of victims. In addition to the abovementioned case, the NSS also uncovered a transnational syndicate of bank scammers. In particular, a group of Russian citizens committed bank fraud by getting hold of bank accounts of several Armenian citizens and causing 160,000 dollars in damages. Two citizens of Armenia have been charged as accomplices. In addition, another case was uncovered involving a group of 4 citizens of Spain, Lithuania and Georgia. The group illegally obtained bank information from US-based banks. The scammers later illegally transferred more than 32 million drams to their accounts and attempted to withdraw it from ATMs. But they were unable to cash out the money because Armenian banks assessed the transactions as suspicious and the accounts were frozen, and credit cards were blocked. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Norway's pension fund to invest in new sectors in India citing the complementarity of the economies of the two countries. Modi, during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Premier Erna Solbergen here, underlined the Indian openness to foreign investment and also invited Norwegian companies to invest in India, a Norwegian government statement said. Modi encouraged the Norwegian State Pension Fund Global to consider investing in new sectors in India, it said. The Pension Fund had invested USD 11.7 billion in India at the end of 2017, an increase of 2.5 billion from 2016. During their meeting here yesterday, the two leaders also agreed that the complementarity of the economies of the two countries offered huge scope for greater cooperation, The areas of cooperation that were discussed included energy, green transport, environmental technologies, innovation, maritime and marine economies. Modi and Solberg also discussed a joint action plan to achieve the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. Solberg underlined the importance of India succeeding if the world is to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi stressed that Norwegian and Nordic technologies and experiences could play a positive role in helping India achieve the goals, it said. "Also the importance of the world taking decisive action to stop the environmental degradation of the oceans and to develop sustainable use of the vast resources of the ocean was a key topic of discussion," the statement said. The bilateral meeting was followed by an Indo-Nordic Summit where all the five Nordic prime ministers participated. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi was today welcomed by Britain's Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate India's role in the history of science and technology. "The Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India," tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Official Spokesperson at the Ministry of External Affairs. The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering, according to the official Twitter handle of Clarence House, the royal residence in London. The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group. Modi visited the Science Museum in London to explore the '5,000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. Earlier, Modi met UK Prime Minister Theresa May and the two leaders held talks over a breakfast meeting and discussed ways of redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A police constable from Navi Mumbai was today booked by the Thane police for allegedly molesting a lady constable, an official said. Thane Police PRO Sukhada Narkar said the accused was a member of a police party which was accompanying undertrials who were taken to the Thane district court for hearing in a van yesterday. One of the prisoners wanted to drink water and the victim asked the accused constable to loosen his handcuffs so that he could drink water, Narkar said. Upon this, the accused got annoyed and allegedly abused the lady constable and pulled her down from the van. He also kicked and touched her inappropriately, said Narkar, quoting from the complaint filed by the victim last night. The accused constable has been booked under IPC sections 354 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of a woman), the PRO added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court today directed the police to conduct checks at three spots where construction work for the Mumbai Metro III project is on to ascertain if noise pollution norms are being violated. A division bench of justices A S Oka and Riyaz Chagla gave the direction while hearing a batch of petitions seeking strict implementation of the noise pollution rules. One of the petitioners, Sumaira Abdulali, today told the court noise levels due to the construction of the third metro line (Colaba-Andheri-Seepz corridor) were very high. Abdulali said she visited three spots - Churchgate and Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai and Mahim in western part of the metropolis - and found that noise levels at the metro sites in these areas were above the permissible limits. The bench then directed the police stations of the three spots mentioned by Abdulali to visit the metro construction sites under their jurisdiction and ascertain the noise levels. "A report shall be filed by each of the police station on their inspection by next week," the court ordered. The government today filed an affidavit in response to concerns raised by the high court on the last hearing regarding protection of the identity of persons who lodge complaints of noise pollution. The affidavit said the government would, within a month, issue circulars to each police station asking them to not divulge the name, phone number and other details of the complainant. The bench accepted the affidavit and fixed April 25 as the next date for hearing the petitions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A protest march was organised in the national capital today against a host of issues including an increase in the number of rape cases and alleged atrocities on Dalits and minorities. The protest march began from the Mandi House and proceeded to the Parliament Street, partially affecting the traffic movement on the way. The protestors were mainly from political outfit 'Welfare Party'. The outfit said it had launched a nationwide agitation -- India for all Indians -- on April 1. And the agitation concluded today with the protest. Later, a public meeting was also held at the Parliament Street, where the outfit's leaders demanded for protection of women and strict penal action against those committing atrocities on women. According to a statement issued by the Welfare Party, representatives of several organisations such as the Peace Party, the BSP, the CPI (ML), the Indian National League and the Janata Dal (Secular) participated in the protest. "An atmosphere of fear and mistrust is being created in the society," party's national president S Q R Ilyas told the gathering at the Parliament Street. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president on Wednesday accused the Congress of having defamed the country in the name of 'saffron terror' and 'Hindu terror' and demanded an apology from party chief Rahul Gandhi, following the acquittal of five right-wing activists in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case. He said the Congress had committed the 'sin' of linking the great Hindu culture with terrorism. "The great Hindu culture taught the world about culture, peace and civilisation for lakhs of years. The Congress party has committed a sin by linking it to saffron terror," he said at a meeting of "Shakti Kendras" of the party here. Shah said Congress had defamed the country for several years around the world by using the term 'saffron terror' and 'Hindu terror'. The BJP president said whenever Congress leaders went around the world all these years, they termed the Mecca Masjid blast case as saffron terror or Hindu terror. By doing so, they 'insulted' the nation, he said. "Rahul Gandhi, terrorism does not have any?religion. You should apologise to the nation," he said. Shah said Congress was now saying they never used saffron or Hindu terror terminologies. He said he wished to state 'some truths' that Rahul Gandhi had mentioned about it on December 16 2010 before the U.S. Ambassador, which was revealed by Wikileaks. The terminologies were also used by P Chidambaram on August 25, 2010, Sushil Kumar Shinde on January 20, 2013 and Salman Khurshid on January 20, 2013, Shah said. "And Digvijay Singh had said it several times... and also Siddaramaiah said it on January 10 in 2018," he added. "Can Hindu be linked to terror? Is it possible? Does terrorism has any religion at all? We were silent because the case was being heard in the court," Shah said. He said all the accused had been acquitted. The court did not find any evidence to prove their guilt. "They were declared innocent. Hence Rahul Gandhi, Sushil Kumar Shinde and P Chidamabaram should apologise to the nation," he said. Following the BJP attack in the wake of the Mecca Masjid blast verdict on Monday, Congress had said there was nothing called 'saffron terror' and asserted that terror cannot be linked to any religion or community. The party had also asserted that neither its leader Rahul Gandhi nor the party had ever used the phrase. Congress had reacted in reply to the BJP attack over it following acquittal of right-wing activist Aseemanand and four others in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast in Hyderabad. BJP had attacked Congress, alleging the party had defamed Hindus by using the term "saffron terror" and demanded an apology from both the previous and current Congress presidents - Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. On Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Modi's rule, Shah said his great grandfather Nehru, grandmother Indira Gandhi,?Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had ruled for four generations. "People are demanding an account of what your family has done to Karnataka for the past four generations," he said. "Narendra Modi's government has done more things for Karnataka in just four years compared to what Congress had done for the past four generations," he said. On the seventh round of his tour, Shah is on a two-day visit to the city to boost the prospects of BJP in the May 12? assembly polls. Earlier in the day, police foiled an attempt by a group to stage a demonstration near a Basaveshwara statue here, demanding a separate religion tag to Lingayats shortly before Shah's visit. Shah garlanded the statue of the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara on his birth anniversary, celebrated as "Basava Jayanti", a public holiday. During his visits, Shah has been reaching out to the Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats, meeting their seers and holding meetings with their groups, apparently to ensure that the Congress does not cut into its voter base. The BJP chief also called on Kannada scholar Chidanandamurthy and Dalit writer Siddalingaiah. Shah also conducted a roadshow at Hoskote near Bengaluru. Britain accused Russia today of breaking the two-decade international ban on chemical weapons at emergency talks into last month's poisoning with a nerve agent of a former Russian spy. "We will continue to call out Russia's reckless and indiscriminate behaviour when it violates the CWC (Chemical Weapons Convention), and when it threatens global security," British ambassador Peter Wilson told a meeting of the global chemical arms watchdog, according to a tweet from the UK delegation. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Congress leader Ajay Maken today alleged that removal of nine Delhi ministers' advisors, whose appointment was cancelled yesterday, was delayed as the AAP and BJP were hand-in-glove in trying to dent his party's prospects in the Lok Sabha polls next year. Maken charged that the AAP wanted to derive sympathy of the people on the issue as some of the removed advisors were reportedly probables of the party for the 2019 elections. Following the Union Home Ministry's directions that these posts were "not sanctioned", the appointment of nine advisors to Delhi ministers, including those assisting Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, were cancelled yesterday. "Though the Shunglu Committee report flagging irregularities in these appointments was submitted to the (then) Lt Governor in November 2016, why it took so long for the Union Home Ministry to act on it," Maken asked today. The General Administration Department (GAD) of the Delhi government through an order yesterday cancelled the appointment. The BJP has become "paranoid" because of the rising graph of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and wants to harm the party, he claimed. "The AAP (in Delhi) and the BJP government at the Centre are hand-in-glove to harm the Congress party in a bid to create a dent in the Congress' vote share in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections." Citing the Shunglu Committee report, Maken claimed that 71 appointments made by the AAP government were flagged for irregularities but no action was taken against a driver and a stenographer. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A village sarpanch was nabbed by Lokayukta sleuths in Indore district for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 10,000 from a villager by threatening to demolish a portion of his house, an official said today. The accused, identified as Vinod Chouhan (27), had allegedly threatened the complainant that he would get a portion of his house classified as an illegal construction and get it razed, said Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Praveen Baghel. After the complainant approached the Lokayukta Police, a trap was laid and Chouhan was caught while taking money from a barber shop. He was booked under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Democratic candidate Juanita Perez Williams has received a key designation as she seeks the party's nomination in the 24th Congressional District race. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Wednesday added Perez Williams, D-Syracuse, to its "Red to Blue" program. The initiative provides fundraising and organizational support to Democratic challengers in competitive congressional districts. Perez Williams is the third New York Democrat to be named to the Red to Blue program. She joins Max Rose, a challenger in the 11th Congressional District, and Anthony Brindisi, who is aiming to unseat U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney in the 22nd district. In announcing the addition of Perez Williams to the Red to Blue program, the DCCC said the Syracuse Democrat has "harnessed grassroots and local support to put together a strong campaign and fundraising operation. The group added, "Beyond her demonstrated ability to build a winning campaign, Juanita Perez Williams has a strong record of service and a message that connects with voters in New York's 24th Congressional District." The DCCC will provide other resources to support Perez Williams, including staffing and candidate training. But the committee noted that the designation is not an endorsement. The Supreme Court today reserved its order on a batch of petitions challenging the Medical Council of India's regulations dealing with reservation to in-service candidates in admission to post-graduate medical courses in respect of 50 per cent seats allocated to states. Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association and others have assailed two amended provisions of the Post Graduate Medical Regulations which provide the criteria for granting quota or incentive marks to government doctors who serve in rural or remote areas, in admissions to PG courses. Regulation 9(IV) says the reservation of seats in medical colleges for respective categories in PG courses shall be as per applicable laws of the states and UTs and an all- India and state-wise merit list of the eligible candidates shall be prepared on the basis of marks obtained by them in National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). It further provides that doctors in government service may be given weightage as an incentive of up to 10 per cent of the marks obtained for each year of service in "remote and/or difficult areas or rural areas upto maximum of 30 per cent" of the marks obtained in NEET. Regulation VIII, however, provides for 50 per cent reservation in seats in PG Diploma courses for government doctors. The Tamil Nadu doctors association alleged that though 50 per cent quota for in-service doctors are allowed in diploma courses, the system of grant of incentive marks is adopted for granting admissions in PG courses. They alleged that the power of "the coordination and determination of standards in institutions for higher education" falls in the Union List and the fact that "medical education" comes under Concurrent List implies that states are not denuded of powers to legislate on the manner and method for admissions to PG medical courses. A five-judge constitution bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A K Sikri, A M Khanwilkar, D Y Chandrachud and Ashok Bhushan heard arguments on behalf of the Centre, MCI, Tamil Nadu doctors's body, Kerala and Haryana in favour and against the regulations and reserved its interim order. Senior advocate Arvind Datar, representing Tamil Nadu doctors's body, referred to various judgements and constitutional schemes and said that a state was empowered to devise mechanism to allocate 50 per cent of its seats to candidates. Senior advocate Vikas Singh, appearing for MCI, said the state cannot be allowed to "lower" the standard of selection of candidates by flouting the MCI regulations. He sought to distinguish between the PG diploma courses and the PG courses and submitted that there was no need to pass any interim order. Additional Solicitor General Aman Lekhi, representing the Centre, said the issue fell under "exclusive domain" of the Union and the state cannot legislate on it. Few days ago, a three judge bench headed by Justice Kurian Joseph had referred to a constitution bench the pleas, challenging the MCI regulations. NEET conducts examination for admissions in Medical PG courses and 50 per cent seats are filled by the Centre and 50 per cent seats are filled by the states which may give incentive marks up to 30 per cent to government doctors who are serving in rural and remote areas. Tamil Nadu and some states are seeking autonomy to decide the manner in which they would fill up their 50 per cent seats by devising norms on quota and challenge the MCI regulations to that effect. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Loya had allegedly died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had on March 16 reserved the judgement on the pleas. The Maharashtra government had argued in the apex court that all pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death were motivated and aimed at targeting "one individual" in the guise of upholding the rule of law. It had come down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the top court by some activist lawyers in the Loya case and said that the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments. Meanwhile, those seeking an independent probe into the matter had referred to the sequence of events to highlight that a fair investigation was needed to rule out any foul play in the death. The issue of Loya's death had come under spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister had fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. But Loya's son had on January 14 said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes. In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP President Amit Shah along with Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande, Additional Director General of Police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and N K Amin have already been discharged. Several accused, including police personnel, are currently facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005. The case was later transferred to CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai. A batch of pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala and Maharashtra-based B S Lone, was filed in the top court seeking an independent probe into Loya's death in 2014. Four senior-most apex court judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- at their January 12 press conference had questioned the manner in which sensitive cases were being allocated and Loya's case was one of them. The Centre today told the Supreme Court that the special task force (STF), which would be set up to oversee the enforcement of laws to deal with unauthorised constructions and encroachments in Delhi, would also look into the safety aspects of buildings which have been built legally. The government told a bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta that the STF would examine the safety aspects, like fire fighting, in buildings like schools, hospitals, theatres and restaurants to see whether they complied with the norms. Additional Solicitor General A N S Nadkarni (ASG), appearing for the Centre, told the bench that they have added one representative from the office of Delhi's Lieutenant Governor in the task force, which would be chaired by the vice-chairman of the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). "Even if there is a legal building, the task force will look into the safety aspects like fire and others," he told the bench. However, the apex court asked Nadkarni as to what has been done with regard to the issue of depletion of ground water in Delhi. The ASG told the bench they were taking steps in this regard. The bench, while listing the matter for further hearing on April 24, asked the member secretary of the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to remain present before it on the next date to assist it. The ASG told the bench that proper security arrangements would be put in place for the court-appointed monitoring committee so that they would carry out the sealing drive in Delhi as per the apex court's mandate. He said three senior officials of Delhi Police have been asked to coordinate with the committee and chalk out further modalities in this regard. He also handed over to the court a revised note regarding the ongoing sealing drive. The bench said it would hear this issue on April 24. The apex court had earlier taken umbrage to the lack of police protection to the monitoring committee for carrying out sealing drive and had termed it a "very serious thing". The issue had cropped up after the committee had raised the matter related to police protection when it was scheduled to visit Amar Colony in south Delhi for carrying out their work. The Centre had last week apprised the court that it has proposed to set up a STF to oversee the enforcement and implementation of laws to deal with unauthorised construction and encroachment in Delhi after consulting all stakeholders. The STF, to be chaired by the vice-chairman of DDA, would also comprise of commissioners of the three municipal corporation of Delhi (MCDs), chairperson of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the CEO of Delhi Jal Board (DJB). The other members of STF would be commissioner or secretary of transport, secretary of urban development and secretary of revenue department of the Delhi government, special commissioner (law and order), special commissioner (traffic) of Delhi Police, chief fire officer of Delhi and commissioner (planning) of the DDA. The ASG had said that STF would identify encroachments on government land, suggest the course of action to Centre with regard to unauthorised colonies in Delhi and oversee effective and proper enforcement of applicable laws by local bodies particularly about violation and unauthorised constructions. The top court had earlier ordered restoration of its 2006 monitoring committee to identify and seal such offending structures. The monitoring committee, comprising K J Rao, former advisor to the Election Commissioner, Bhure Lal, chairman of Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority, and Major General (Retd) Som Jhingan, was set up on March 24, 2006, by the court. The top court is also hearing arguments on validity of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislations which protect unauthorised construction from being sealed. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP president Amit Shah today accused the Congress of having defamed the country in the name of "saffron terror and Hindu terror" and demanded apology from party chief Rahul Gandhi following acquittal of five right-wing activists in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case. "He said the Congress had committed the 'sin' of "linking the great Hindu culture with terrorism. "The great Hindu culture taught the world about culture, peace and civilisation for lakhs of years, and the Congress party has committed a sin by linking it to saffron terror," he said in his address at a meeting of party "Shakti Kendra" here. "Shah said the Congress had defamed the country for several years around the world by using the term "saffron terror" and "Hindu terror". "Rahulji, Terror has no religion. Now Congress says we never used these words. Many Congress leaders including (Karnataka) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are on record using these terms," he said. Following the BJP attack in the wake of the Mecca Masjid blast verdict on Monday, the Congress had said there was nothing called 'saffron terror' and asserted that terror cannot be linked to any religion or community. The party had also asserted that neither its leader Rahul Gandhi nor the party ever used the phrase. The Congress had reacted in reply to the BJP attack over it following acquittal of right-wing activist Aseemanand and four others in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast in Hyderabad. The BJP had attacked Congress alleging the party had defamed Hindus by using the term "saffron terror" and demanded apology from both the previous and current Congress presidents - Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Recalling that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, following the Congress' landslide victory in the 1985 Lok Sabha elections in wake of the assassination of erstwhile Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had mocked at BJP by saying 'hum do, hamare do', Shah said his party today has a full majority in Parliament and more than 1,600 MLAs in 20 states. "Rajiv Gandhi Ji had taunted us when we had just two 'MPs, saying 'BJP believes in hum do hamare do'. Today BJP has a full majority in Parliament, has more than 1600 MLAs, in power in 20 states and in numerous local bodies and municipalities," he said. "Shah said the credit for forming government in 20 states goes to booth the workers and 'Shakthi Kendra Pramukhs.' "We started off with 10-party members and now we are the largest political party in the world with 11 crore party members," the BJP chief said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday left for London along with his daughter to see his ailing wife amid speculations that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him. As Sharif's family spokesman did not reveal his return schedule, analysts here believe that it is likely that Sharif will skip his appearance before a combined investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau in Lahore on April 21. NAB has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for illegal construction of a road leading to his Jati Umra, Raiwind residence. Sharif who was disqualified by the Supreme Court is due to appear in the accountability court on April 23 in a corruption case. But it is likely that he may skip it. "Begum Kulsoom Nawaz has been under treatment in a hospital in London as her condition is serious," the family spokesperson said, adding that because of her serious condition Sharif and his daughter have to be with her. Maryam also tweeted about her mother. "My mother is hospitalised again. Remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers," Maryam tweeted. Kulsoom, last year, had undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). Her condition recently deteriorated and she was hospitalised. Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi had shown reluctance to place the names of Nawaz Sharif and his family on the Exit Control List (ECL). The NAB had asked to include on the ECL the names of Sharif's children - Maryam, Hassan and Hussain - his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan. All of them are being tried in accountability courts regarding the Panama Leaks cases. His both sons are already in London. They have been declared proclaimed offenders by the accountability court in the corruption cases against them. Opposition parties especially the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has criticised the government for not placing the Sharif family on ECL. "Nawaz Sharif and Maryam left the country at the time when a decision against them by the accountability court is about to come," Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Babar Awan said and claimed that Sharif would not return the country. "Nawaz Sharif has left the country on the pretext of his wife's ailment," he said. Viktoria Skripal, a relative of poisoned ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, denied having links to security services in an interview to Russian media today. Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found slumped on a bench in the English city of Salisbury last month, sparking a bitter diplomatic crisis between Moscow and London, who say a nerve agent developed in Russia was used on the pair. "What security services? I have not been in touch with anyone from the security services," Viktoria told liberal radio station Ekho Moskvy. "The only thing I did was to go to the Investigative Committee to confirm that Yulia had flown (to Britain)," she said. Earlier this month Russian state television aired an audio recording said to capture a phone conversation between Viktoria and Yulia Skripal that aroused suspicion of Viktoria's links to Russian authorities. Viktoria Skripal, who was recently denied entry to Britain, said she plans to contact the UN if UK authorities repeatedly refuse to issue her a visa to the country. "I will write to the UN," she said. The Russian embassy in London called the decision to deny Viktoria Skripal entry to the UK "disappointing" and "politically motivated." After being discharged from hospital on April 10 more than a month after she was poisoned, Yulia Skripal issued a statement through British police in which she distanced herself from her cousin and refused Russian consular assistance. "I thank my cousin Viktoria for her concern for us, but ask that she does not visit me or try to contact me for the time being," the statement added. "Her opinions and assertions are not mine and they are not my father's," the statement said. But Viktoria Skripal said today she did not consider the statement published by British police to be genuine. "Do you think I should see a statement written in formal language and believe it? No. It was not even a video address. Why should I believe it?" she told Ekho Moskvy, adding she believes British authorities are purposefully not showing images of her relatives. Viktoria Skripal added that her uncle was not barred from entering Russia but feared doing so. "He was not stripped of his Russian citizenship. He said 'I will not fly to Russia, they won't even let me off the plane'," she said. Yulia Skripal is kept in a secret location following leaving hospital. She was visiting her father when the March 4 nerve agent attack on her and her father took place in the English town of Salisbury. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) China today said its relations with India have seen "great strides" and the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will further enhance "political trust" between the two countries. Swaraj will arrive here on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on April 22 to take forward attempts by both countries to reset ties strained by last year's 73-day Dokalam military standoff as well as a host of other issues. "We believe Swaraj's visit will further enhance political trust between the two countries and elevate the China-India strategic cooperation partnership," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. "We have seen great strides in all-around cooperation. This year, there is a positive momentum in bilateral ties. We would like to work with the Indian side to maintain high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, properly manage disputes and move forward bilateral ties," Hua said. The issues of discord between the two countries include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China blocking India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) as well as its opposition to efforts to list Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. This will be Swaraj's first meeting with Wang after he was elevated last month to be the state councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He holds the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister. During their talks, Wang and Swaraj will exchange views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of mutual concern, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. Swaraj is also scheduled to take part in the Foreign Ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on April 24 besides meeting Chinese Hindi scholars and students. Hua said Foreign Ministers of all eight-member countries of the SCO will take part in the meeting on April 24. SCO, in which China plays an influential role, is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. This is the first Foreign Ministers' meeting after India and Pakistan were admitted into SCO last year. All parties will exchange views on SCO cooperation and major international and regional issues, Hua said. The meeting will lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit of the SCO at the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit. The Chinese leadership will have group meeting with heads of delegations. Foreign Minister Wang will chair Foreign Minister's meeting. The ministers will exchange views on all important international and regional issues. At the end of the meeting, the ministers will witness signing of outcome document, she said, adding that "we believe all sides will take the opportunity to build on consensus, reach more cooperation and ensure success of Qingdao summit." Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting China virtually around the same time. Sitharaman is also due to take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting on April 24. The visit of Swaraj and Sitharaman were taking place as India and China stepped up high level exchanges to defuse tensions following the Dokalam standoff. Ahead of Swaraj's talks with Wang, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Director of China's Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai on April 13 during which the two sides held in-depth talks on improving relations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand vowed Tuesday to oppose what she labeled "extreme cuts" to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in the 2018 farm bill proposed by House Republicans. The House version of the farm bill was unveiled last week and includes stricter work requirements for millions of participants in SNAP, which is commonly known as food stamps. SNAP provides food assistance to more than 42.3 million people, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said 43 percent of SNAP recipients are children. The stricter work requirements would apply to at least 5 million SNAP participants ages 18 to 59 and mandate that they participate in a job training program for at least 20 hours a week. A separate provision would cut SNAP benefits for households receiving heating and cooling assistance. U.S. Rep. Mike Conaway, a Texas Republican who chairs the House Agriculture Committee, acknowledged the importance of SNAP. But he also touted the benefits of the stricter work requirements proposed in the House farm bill. Syrian regime forces shelled the last pockets in Damascus controlled by the Islamic State group, preparing the ground for a possible assault on the jihadist stronghold, a monitor said today. After fully retaking the Eastern Ghouta region on the edge of the capital, the Syrian regime has turned its attention to other areas across the country that still escape its control. Among them are neighbourhoods in southern Damascus from which many civilians have fled but are still held by IS, including the Yarmuk area that hosts a Palestinian refugee camp. "Regime forces shelled several IS positions in Yarmuk camp and Hajar al-Aswad, killing one person and wounded several others," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Both sides had traded fire the previous night, the Britain-based monitor said, causing at least five deaths, most of them regime soldiers. "The regime is turning up the heat ahead of a big assault that would break IS's back and force them to evacuate the area," the head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said. IS still has a presence in Yarmuk, and the neighbouring areas of Hajar al-Aswad, Tadamon and Qadam. Yarmuk used to be the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, with a population of 160,000, but only a few thousand people remain inside the devastated area. The Syrian army and its allies have focused their efforts on securing Damascus lately, and earlier this month announced their recapure of Eastern Ghouta, a sprawling suburb of the capital. Ghouta had been the opposition's main bastion outside Damascus, but regime forces fully secured it after a blistering two-month assault that ended in negotiated rebel withdrawals. The state agency SANA reported on Tuesday that a deal had also been reached for rebels to quit Dumayr, a town further to the east, where a reconciliation agreement had kept a security status quo since 2016. It said on Wednesday fighters from the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction were continuing to hand over their heavy and intermediate weapons in Dumayr ahead of their departure to the northern town of Jarabulus. SANA said a total of 5,000 people including 1,500 rebels were expected to leave the town. Talks were ongoing for the nearby towns of Nasiriya and Jayrud to reach a similar agreement, according to the Observatory. Shelling slammed into both of those towns on Wednesday, the monitor said, describing the bombardment as an effort by the government to pressure residents and rebels to agree to a withdrawal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Joining the growing chorus against the alleged rape and killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, actor Alia Bhatt today said she is heartbroken and angry over the incident. Several Bollywood celebrities have reacted angrily over the incidents and have demanded justice for the victims of the Kathua, Unnao and Surat rape cases that have generated a massive outrage against the perpetrators. Alia said it isn't only people from Bollywood who are upset but there is anger at a humanatarian level over the incident. "I don't think only people in Bollywood are upset, I think all over the country people are upset, on a humanitarian level there is anger. It is a disgraceful, shameful and terrible thing that's happened," Alia told reporters. "As a girl, as a woman, as a human being and as a part of the country, I feel very bad and hurt that something like this has happened." The actor, who was speaking at the song launch of her upcoming film "Raazi", said she has stopped reading about the incident as it makes her more angry. "There was a time when I was reading a lot about it but in the last two days, I have stopped because I thought if I keep reading about it, it's going to make me more and more upset and angry and really hurt. "I just hope, from my heart, that justice is served. As a country, we should go out there and condemn it because this cannot be happening to us constantly," she added. Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, an eight-year-old child from a minority nomadic community was allegedly held in captivity in a small village temple for a week in January this year during which she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before being bludgeoned to death. Eight persons, including a juvenile, were arrested in the case. The trial in the case began on Monday. In Uttar Pradesh's Unnao, a teenage girl alleged that she was raped by a ruling BJP MLA who has been arrested by the CBI, which is probing the case. In Surat, the body of a girl, who could be between nine and 11 years of age, was found recently with doctors believing that she was possibly held captive, tortured and raped over a period of time. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Three persons were arrested today for their alleged involvement in Indian Premier League betting racket from Kasba in southern part of the city, police said. The trio was allegedly betting during the high profile match between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians match yesterday. Acting on a tip-off, the police also seized two laptops and 11 mobile phones from the three who were staying at a rented house on Dr G S Bose Road in Kasba. "We are investigating into their accounts and trying to ascertain whether there was any monetary transaction," Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Praveen Tripathi told reporters. They have been identified as Shamiul Akhtar, Inzamul Haque and Asadul Zamal -- all residents of Raghunathgunj in Murshidabad district. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has claimed that the Internet and sophisticated satellite communication system existed in the days of Mahabharata, drawing sharp ridicule from his opponents, academicians and social media users alike who termed his contention as "unscientific", "illogical" and "retrogressive". Governor Tathagata Roy, however, came out in support of Deb saying his observations are topical. While a section of the Twitterati used humour to ridicule Deb's claim, other took a swipe at him with tweets loaded with sarcasm. Deb, a graduate in Humanities from Tripura University, traced the genesis of Internet and satellite communication during age of epic Mahabharata while addressing a regional workshop on public distribution system computerisation and reforms here last evening. He said in the Mahabharata, it has been mentioned that Sanjay (the charioteer of Dhritarashtra) gave a live commentary of the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas to the blind king. "The communication was possible because our technology was sophisticated and developed during those times. We had Internet and satellite communication system. It is not like media or Internet was not available in the age of Mahabharata," he said. "I do not know what happened in the middle age though, between the Mahabharata era and now," Deb said. Today, he defended his stand on the sophisticated communication technology in the age of Mahabharata. "They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Do not get confused and do not confuse others", Deb told reporters this morning in his reaction to his statement yesterday. Some European countries and the US claim that modern communication system were their invention, but "we had all these technology in ancient times". Deb said he was proud that he was born in a country which has the "best communication system" and "best culture" in the whole world. "Modern technology and digitisation should be used to check corruption and protect secrecy in administration," he asserted, adding that his government will dedicatedly work to ensure welfare of the poor and the backward people irrespective of any political colour. Deb's claim drew support from Roy, himself a civil engineer. "Tripura Chief Minister's observations about the happenings of the puranic period are topical. It is virtually impossible to conceive of devices like 'Divya Drishti', 'puspaka Ratha', etc without some kind of prototype and study there on," Roy said in a tweet today. However, the main opposition CPI-M sharply criticised the observations of Deb and Roy as "retrogressive thoughts". When contacted to comment on the governor's tweet and the chief minister's statement, Tripura CPI-M secretary Bijan Dhar said, "Both of them are influenced by the ideology of RSS. These are all retrogressive thoughts." He said the way RSS thinks, both of them think alike. Tripura Congress Vice-President Tapas Dey said, "History does not speak like this - neither modern history nor mythological history. This is nonsense and chief minister's lack of knowledge. It is also the way of diverting the attention of the people from real problem of the state." Deb's assertion drew sharp reaction from scientists and academicians too. In Kolkata, former Director of Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics Bikash Sinha said it has become a trend of some people to make "useless comments". "What they are saying is total nonsense. Such comments have no value or basis," he said. "All I can say these are useless statements. And there may be political element to it," he added. A spokesman of Jadavpur University Teachers' Association (JUTA) said, "We will move a resolution at a meeting condemning such unscientific comments which are aimed at misleading the common people. "Our body of teachers and scientists would alert the students and public against attempt to make false propaganda by defying science," he said. All Bengal University Teachers' Association leader Goutam Maity also endorsed the JUTA's stand and said they will issue a protest statement against such comments. Jadavpur University's AFSU leader and state SFI committee member Somasree said, "We will carry on campaign among students of the university and other institutions to alert against BJP's attempt to project mythological events and characters as documents of Indian history and spread false propaganda." "We will build up a campaign against such comment by the Tripura Chief Minister," he said. The 48-year-old Deb, who assumed office on March 9, is the latest in a list of BJP leaders who have often come up with bizarre theories about science in ancient India and Hindu traditions. Union minister Satypal Sing had a few months ago debunked Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, saying it was wrong and the changes need to reflect in the school and college curriculum. "Nobody, including our ancestors, in written or oral, said they saw an ape turning into a man, the minister had said. While addressing the inaugural session of the 105th science congress at Imphal last month, Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan had claimed that cosmologist Stephen Hawking had said the Vedas have a theory that is superior to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's claim that Internet existed in the days of Mahabharata has set off a flurry of reaction from Twitter users, who were largely unforgiving for his bizarre statement. While a section of the Twitterati used humour to ridicule Deb's claim, other took a swipe at him with tweets loaded with sarcasm. "Chief minister of Tripura Biplab kumar Deb said that internet exist during Mahabharat times So was he communication Minister there at time? ..... Thank god he didnt said that he gave training to Bheem in his Gym," a user, with handle @naina4ucozy, wrote on the micro-blogging site. Users mentioned characters like Krishna, Arjuna and Draupadi from the Hindu epic to mock the newly-elected chief minister of the northeastern state. "If according to Biplab deb internet existed during the times of Mahabharat, the main question is, what was Draupadi's favorite Snapchat filter?," tweeted another user @ThePolanator. "Biggest joke of the millennium. Tomorrow some other BJP Leader will claim there was Mobile phone in Mahabharat ,otherwise how could Dharmaraja answered questions from Yaksha, of course only by seeking lifeline!," @anumakondaj tweeted. The reaction was triggered by Deb's remarks yesterday at a workshop on public distribution system (PDS) computerisation and reforms in Agaratala. In the Mahabharata, it has been mentioned that Sanjay gave a live relay of the war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas to the blind king Dhritarashtra, he said. "Communication was possible because our technology was sophisticated and developed during those times. We had the Internet and satellite communication system. It is not like the Internet or media wasn't available in the age of Mahabharata," the chief minister had said. The 48-year-old Deb had taken charge as the chief minister of Tripura on March 9, following a spectacular electoral victory of the BJP that ended unchallenged 25-year rule of the Left in the state. "Internet In The Time Of Mahabharat: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's interpretation of Mahabharat... When Krishna used Google Maps and Arjun ran out of data. #InternetMahabharata," @ArreTweets posted. "Internet was there in Mahabharat-Tripura CM Biplab dev.. Thanks a lot for not saying Bhishm pitamah existing today," said another user @Abidebyconstitn. User @KumarShreshtha had a question for Deb: "...Can you please answer which happened first Ramayana or Mahabharat ? Any citation against what the broad minded like you claim". "Of course, there was #internet for Sanjay to see and recount the #Mahabharat to Dhritirashtra. In fact, the warriors used GPS on their weapons to locate their targets during the war. The gems just keep coming in!," wrote @aartiishere. But, a few also tweeted in Deb's support apparently. "Tripura CM Biplab Deb said about Vedic Science,you may call it internet or WiFi or anytime else. Atomic weapons were used during Mahabharat & Harappa, Mohenjo-daro ruined due to atomic war. @BjpBiplab," wrote @ippatel. Another user @t_d_h_nair said: "Internet and satellite technology is not new to India; it was prevalent at the time of Mahabharat. Sanjay regularly updating Dhritarashtra about the war sitting at a distant place wdnt hv been possible without satellite. - Biplab Dev, BJP's Tripura CM." But, the tweet sounded more of a sarcasm than support. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US President Donald Trump will lead a political rally during this year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner, his campaign team has announced, opting to hold the event in the small town of Washington, Michigan. It is the second consecutive year Trump will be snubbing the annual dinner, amid his sustained attacks on much of the media, and also the second time he has chosen instead to rally in a key battleground state he won in his 2016 election after speaking last year in Pennsylvania. His campaign chief operating officer Michael Glassner made it clear that choosing Washington, a town of some 25,000 people on the outskirts of auto manufacturing hub Detroit, was no coincidence. "While the fake media will be celebrating themselves with the denizens of Washington society in the swamp that evening, President Trump will be in a completely different Washington, celebrating our national economic revival with patriotic Americans," he said in a statement released to the media. The April 28 event will be begin at 7pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) with entrance free and tickets available on Trump's campaign website. Trump regularly accuses major media organizations such as CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post of bias. The Republican president's assaults on the "fake news" media have sharpened in recent weeks and have included attacks on CNN president Jeff Zucker and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. Since taking up the presidency, Trump has strongly favored outlets that provide glowing coverage such as Fox News, the Daily Caller, Newsmax and Sinclair, a group of almost 200 local TV stations. Margaret Talev, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said earlier this month that while Trump would not attend the dinner, the White House had said the president would "actively encourage members of the executive branch to attend and join us as we celebrate the First Amendment." "In keeping with tradition, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also will represent the administration at the head table," Talev added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has commended the celebration of the Sikh culture through the annual Turban Day event at the iconic Times Square, saying such events give the Sikh faith and tradition the respect it "deserves". Maloney had joined President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sehwani and Sikhs of New York for Turban Day on April 7 at the popular New York destination. The gathering in Times Square celebrated South Asian Culture and the art of turban tying. "It was my pleasure to join the Sikh community for Turban Day in Times Square," Maloney said in a statement. She said the day holds "special meaning" for her because not so long ago Sikhs were not permitted to wear turbans while on duty in the Army. She added that in 2010, she had interceded on behalf of Simran Preet Singh Lamba, who requested permission to keep the articles of his Sikh faith while serving in the Army. "So it is wonderful to see a day celebrating this important cultural tradition and giving it the respect that it deserves," Maloney said. The Sikhs of New York have organised the Turban Day in the city since 2013 with the aim of educating people about the Sikh faith and identity and to promote equality. This year the organization created a world record for most turbans tied in 8 hours. Representatives from Guinness World Records judged the event in Times Square and presented the organisation with an official certificate upon successfully achieving the record. The organisation won the certificate from the Guinness World Record for the "most turbans tied in 8 hours was achieved by Sikhs of NY (USA) in Times Square in New York, USA on April 7, 2018". Turban Day brings together hundreds of volunteers from the Sikh community who tie colourful turbans on New Yorkers, tourists and Americans from across the country visiting Times Square. While tying the turbans, they also talk about the Sikh identity, making people aware of the culture. The event has been aimed at spreading awareness among Americans and other nationalities about the Sikh religion and its articles of faith, especially the turban, which has often been misconceived and misidentified as being associated with terrorism particularly in the years since the 9/11 terror attacks. Sikhs for New York said thousands of New Yorkers and visitors from around the globe. In Lamba's case, Maloney had sent a letter with Rep. Gregory Meeks on behalf of Lamba, a Sikh recruit who had requested permission to keep the articles of his Sikh faith while in service to the United States. Recruited by the Army in 2009 through the Military Accessions Vital to the National Interest (MAVNI) program for his language skills in Punjabi and Hindi, Lamba was initially advised by an Army recruiter that his Sikh articles of faith would likely be accommodated, the statement added. However, in March 2010, his formal request for a religious accommodation was denied. Maloney wrote to Defence Secretary Robert Gates supporting Lamba's accommodation. Lamba appealed the initial decision, and that appeal was accepted, the statement from Maloney's office added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Uttar Pradesh government today said there is no cash crunch in the state as RBI has made enough cash available with all leading banks. "RBI Kanpur and Lucknow offices have made enough cash available for currency chests of banks. Main banks like SBI, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Central Bank, ICICI, HDFC have confirmed availablility of enough cash in their currency chests," an official spokesperson said. "RBI is continuously reviewing supply of currency in ATMs by banks. Cash is available in 17,000 bank branches in the state. There are 19,000 ATMs in the state and strict directives have been issued to ensure availability of cash in them," he said. He said that after media reports, the state government officials reviewed the situation with banks and found that the situation is normal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A senior US official says the United States would pursue sanctions on Chinese officials involved in a sweeping security crackdown in the western region of Xinjiang if they were deemed appropriate for designation under a law targeting human rights offenders. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Laura Stone said today that the US was deeply concerned about China's detention of at least "tens of thousands" of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims and could take action under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Act. Beijing has defended its crackdown as a "People's War on Terror." The programme has swept up countless people without legal due process, including relatives of American citizens. US lawmakers raised the possibility of Magnitsky Act sanctions in April, signaling growing alarm in Washington over human rights abuses in Xinjiang. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently travelled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, two US officials said today. The highly unusual, secret visit comes as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim, in what would the first ever summit between US and North Korean during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. The officials spoke anonymously about Pompeo's trip because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeo's meeting with Kim, said it took place over Easter weekend - just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Trump, who is currently at his Florida resort meeting with Japanese leader Shinzo Abe, said today that the U.S. and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for a possible summit with Kim. But White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump and Kim have not spoken directly. Trump is planning to meet with Kim by early June. The goal will be bring an end to North Korea's nuclear weapons program, which poses a growing threat to the US mainland. The US and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for U.S. intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State Sen. Pam Helming criticized Gov. Andrew Cuomo's decision Wednesday to restore voting rights for 35,000 New York parolees. Cuomo signed an executive order that will allow parolees to vote after they have been released from prison. The state previously prohibited parolees from voting in elections. Criminal justice advocates praised Cuomo's action. But Helming, R-Canandaigua, was one of several critics of the executive order. Helming, who serves as vice chair of the Senate Crime Victims, Crime and Correction Committee, called Cuomo's order "nothing more than a political ploy." Cuomo is seeking re-election this year and is facing a primary challenge from fellow Democrat Cynthia Nixon. "The fact is convicted felons, including murderers and rapists, knowingly forfeit their right to vote when they choose to disregard the law and commit these heinous crimes," Helming said. "These individuals need to know that there are real consequences for their criminal actions, including serving out their entire sentence whether behind bars or on parole." Months before it landed in a major data breach controversy, UK-based analytics firm Cambridge Analytica purportedly offered to spearhead Congress' campaign for the 2019 general elections for a 'budget' of about Rs 2.5 crore, even as the party says it never hired such services. As per a leaked 49-page 'proposal' made in August 2017, which has now also found its way to the social media, Cambridge Analytics (CA) suggested using Facebook data for "influencing the voter intention". When contacted, Congress' in-charge of data analytics department, Praveen Chakravarthy, told PTI the Congress is a big national party and receives so many proposals, but it never hired the services of CA. "There has been no relationship or understanding with Cambridge Analytica," he said. Asked about the document proposing the party's strategy for the 2019 polls, he said, "I have not seen any such document and am not aware of it." Chakravarthy, who took over the data analytics department of the party recently, further said, "There is no reason for the Congress to obfuscate on this issue. The Congress party has never hired the services of Cambridge Analytica." Following allegations over the issue from the BJP, the Congress had earlier also denied hiring the services of Cambridge Analytica, which is currently in the midst of a major row over a major user data leak at Facebook including of lakhs of Indians. The proposal was allegedly made by CA's former CEO Alexander Nix, who was suspended after the Facebook scandal broke out last month and is facing a probe in the UK. In the 'proposal' document -- Data-Driven Campaign - the path to the 2019 Lok Sabha -- CA had proposed a detailed strategy for the 2019 elections and the assembly polls in Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The document also highlighted the key points the Congress should focus on during its campaign and gave an "indicative budget" of USD 389,460 (about Rs 2.53 crore). The proposal said the Congress had an opportunity to synthesise the party's liberatory grassroots heritage with a 'refreshed and bold vision for the future'. "It (Congress) must quickly be perceived as the anti-thesis of corruption and the embodiment of effective governance and economic emancipation. Key to this is a robust understanding of the electorate and an equally robust strategy to communicate with them in accordance with contemporary attitudes, grievances and motivations that are uniquely to 21st century digital data," the proposal said. CA further said the proposal was being made at a time when the Congress was at a major crossroads and it needs to be seen whether "it rebrands, reorganises and embraces India's new smartphone reality immediately or it struggles to survive as one of India's main political institutions". The proposal also talked about a plan to "disrupt the BJP's current monopoly on India's 'smartphone voters' by building a world class data and digital capacity for the Congress in similar vein to what we (CA) did for the Trump campaign in 2016". The CA proposal included a national situational analysis, including a comprehensive review of the Congress' communications activity, creation of a national data infrastructure project, a data-driven campaign for the 2019 elections and separately strategise the state assembly polls. The analytics company had proposed to conduct an in-depth understanding of Indian people to know what they really think and feel, and what motivates and drives their behaviour and their propensity for change. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As the ruling Congress goes for the May 12 Karnataka Assembly elections without having named a chief ministerial nominee, its state unit president G Parameshwara today said the party's first priority is to ensure a majority in the House and the issue of chief ministership will be dealt with later. With the Congress facing trouble over ticket distribution, he asserted that it would not have any bearing on its poll prospects, holding that the candidates were selected "systematically" considering ground realities. On the possibility of he becoming the chief minister, Parameshwara said the matter concerning chief ministership will be decided later. On the poll prospects of the chief minister from Chamudeshwari constituency in Mysuru where the fight is expected to be a tough one, he said Siddaramaiah will win, "The first priority before all of us, including me and Siddaramaiah, is to win 113 seats (out of the 224 in the Assembly) to form the government. Later, the issue of chief minister will be dealt with. I can assure you, Siddaramaiah will win Chamudeshwari hands down," the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee chief told PTI. Before the Assembly polls in 2013, Parameshwara was expected to be a contender for the chief minister's post but lost the election. The Congress has been projecting Siddaramaiah as its face in the campaign but has not named him as the chief ministerial candidate. On discontent over ticket allocation which manifested in ugly protests marked by violence in some places, he said the Congress would win despite unease among some supporters of party leaders who did not get tickets this time. "Protests staged by some supporters of disgruntled leaders who did not get tickets, will not have any bearing on the party's electoral prospects. We are going to win despite this," he said. The tickets have been distributed systematically considering ground realities poll prospects of the candidates, Parameshwara said. On the suggestion mooted by some party leaders about Siddaramaiah contesting from Chamudeshwari and Badami seats, he said the chief minister did not aspire to contest from two constituencies. Siddaramaiah decided against it because it could create an impression of lack of confidence on the issue of victory, he said. "Siddaramaiah, however, said he would contest only from Chamudeshwari because he had earlier won from there. (State Congress working president) S R Patil and other leaders had advised him to contest from Badami because of the presence of a large number of Kurubas there," he said. The chief minister hails from the Kuruba community. Replying to a query, Parameshwara said giving tickets to Anand Singh and Nagendra, against whom there are charges of illegal mining, had not dented the party's image of fighting corruption. While Singh was earlier in the BJP, Nagendra was an independent MLA. "The law and the voice of the people are two different things. The people in their constituencies want Nagendra and Anand Singh to see them as leaders, having political power. This is the criteria on which we have given them tickets," he said. "If the law takes its own course against them, we do not have any objections. Let them face the music," he said. However, there was a difference between B S Yeddyurappa and Nagendra-Singh duo, he said on the Congress' attacking the former being named the BJP's chief ministerial candidate. Yeddyurappa was the first chief minister in the country to have been jailed, and at present, he is the state party chief, "which makes the matter all the more serious," he said. Parameshwara said the exit of senior Congress leaders hailing from Old Mysuru region, including S M Krishna and Srinivasa Prasad, would not have any impact on the prospects of the party as "they are not mass leaders." "I don't think Krishnaji and others can bring damage to our electoral prospects anywhere in the state," he said. The KPCC chief said delay in announcing candidate for Shantinagar constituency in Bengaluru was a political strategy, but the name of sitting member M A Haris was being considered by the screening and central election committees. The candidate would be declared in a day or two. Haris was dragged into a controversy involving his son Mohammed Nalapad, who is in judicial custody in a case of alleged brutal assault of a man at a high-end bar-cum-restaurant recently. Nalapad was suspended as a party functionary for six years as the incident created a storm in political circles. Parameshwara said Congress President Rahul Gandhi will be campaigning in Karnataka in three more phases. "He will visit Karnataka on April 26 and 27. Then again on May 3 and 4 and from May 8 to 10. He will visit Gadag, Haveri, Uttara Kannada and Madikeri districts which he could not do in four legs of his visits earlier," he said. Asked if Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Gandhi would campaign in Karnataka, Parameshwara said,"I don't know whether madam Soniaji is coming. We, however, had requested her. I do not have any information on Priyanka Gandhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India and the UK today called for a secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific, amidst China flexing its military muscles in the strategically vital region. The two countries, in a joint statement, said they share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion. The joint statement was issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May held "fruitful discussions" here on multiple aspects of the India-UK relations. "A secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is in the interests of India, the UK and the international community," it said. The statement came as China is building new vessels at a rapid pace to bolster its navy. Beijing claims virtually the entire resource-rich South China Sea, through which an estimated USD 5 trillion in global trade passes annually. China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. China has also constructed airstrips and other installations on artificial islands to enlarge its military footprint in the region. China has maritime disputes with Japan in the East China Sea. The India-UK joint statement said the two countries will also work together to tackle threats such as piracy, protect freedom of navigation and open access, and improve maritime domain awareness in the region. "As thriving democracies, we share a desire to work closely together and with all who share our objective to support a rules-based international order that upholds agreed international norms, global peace and stability," it said. "Together the UK and India are a force for good in an uncertain world. We are sharing our experience and knowledge to tackle global challenges," the statement added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scientists have developed the world's largest superconducting camera that can spot planets around stars near our solar system. Distinguishing that planet's light from its star can be problematic, researchers said. The team from California Institute of Technology and Jet Propulsion Laboratory in the US created a device named DARKNESS (the DARK-speckle Near-infrared Energy-resolved Superconducting Spectrophotometer), the first 10,000-pixel integral field spectrograph designed to overcome the limitations of traditional semiconductor detectors. It employs Microwave Kinetic Inductance Detectors that, in conjunction with a large telescope and an adaptive optics system, enable direct imaging of planets around nearby stars. "Taking a picture of an exoplanet is extremely challenging because the star is much brighter than the planet, and the planet is very close to the star," said Benjamin Mazin, from University of California, Santa Barbara in the US. DARKNESS is an attempt to overcome some of the technical barriers to detecting planets. It can take the equivalent of thousands of frames per second without any read noise or dark current, which are among the primary sources of error in other instruments. It also has the ability to determine the wavelength and arrival time of every photon. This time domain information is important for distinguishing a planet from scattered or refracted light called speckles. "This technology will lower the contrast floor so that we can detect fainter planets," Mazin said. "We hope to approach the photon noise limit, which will give us contrast ratios close to 10-8, allowing us to see planets 100 million times fainter than the star," he said. "At those contrast levels, we can see some planets in reflected light, which opens up a whole new domain of planets to explore. The really exciting thing is that this is a technology pathfinder for the next generation of telescopes," he added. Designed for the 200-inch Hale telescope at the Palomar Observatory near San Diego, California, DARKNESS acts as both the science camera and a focal-plane wave-front sensor, quickly measuring the light and then sending a signal back to a rubber mirror that can form into a new shape 2,000 times a second. This process cleans up the atmospheric distortion that causes stars to twinkle by suppressing the starlight and enabling higher contrast ratios between the star and the planet. During the past year and a half, the team has employed DARKNESS on four runs at Palomar to work out bugs. The researchers will return in May to take more data on certain planets and to demonstrate their progress in improving the contrast ratio. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Dissident BJP leader Yashwant Sinha, who has floated an apolitical front to attack the Modi government, will hold an event with opposition parties in Patna on April 21 and make a "political announcement". He declined to share details of the impending exercise, saying he will disclose it on Saturday. "It will be a political announcement," said the former Union minister, who has turned a trenchant critic of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre but has not quit the BJP yet. Sources said he may formally join forces with opposition parties as they work to put up a united front against the BJP. Leaders from the Congress, the RJD besides another disgruntled BJP leader Shatrughan Sinha are likely to join him on April 21. Yashwant Sinha has also invited Sharad Yadav, the sources said. Sinha had formed 'Rashtra Manch' on January 30, saying that it will be an apolitical forum and highlight "anti-people" policies of the Centre. Leaders from the Congress and other opposition parties had joined the event. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) For centuries people have claimed that strange behaviour by their dogs and cats can predict an imminent earthquake, but the first rigorous analysis of the phenomenon shows that there is no strong evidence behind it. A study published in the journal Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America suggests that most of this "evidence" consists of single observations and anecdotes that cannot be tested rigorously. The researchers studied 729 reports of abnormal animal behaviour related to 160 earthquakes. "Many review papers on the potential of animals as earthquake precursors exist, but to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a statistical approach was used to evaluate the data," said Heiko Woith from the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. The researchers collected reports on potential earthquake predictions across a variety of animals, from elephants to silkworms. Most reports were anecdotes rather than experimental studies, and the majority of the reports came from three events: the 2010 Darfield earthquake in New Zealand, the 1984 Nagano-ken Seibu earthquake in Japan, and the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake in Italy. The unusual behaviours occurred anywhere from seconds to months prior to the earthquakes, and at distances from a few to hundreds of kilometers from the earthquake origins. Only 14 of the reports record a series of observations of the animals over time - most reports are single observations, researchers said. These weaknesses in the data make it difficult to confirm that these behaviours are predictive - meaning they signal an earthquake event before the event begins - rather than random occurrences or behaviours linked to the initial stages of an earthquake, such as foreshocks, they said. Foreshocks and abnormal animal behaviour strongly cluster together in the statistical analysis by Woith and colleagues, suggesting that at least some of the behaviours may be related to physical phenomena from a seismic event already underway. "The animals may sense seismic waves - it could P, S or surface waves - generated by foreshocks," Woith said. "Another option could be secondary effects triggered by the foreshocks, like changes in groundwater or release of gases from the ground which might be sensed by the animals," he said. One of the biggest problems with the animal data, Woith said, is the lack of continuous, long-term observations of animals experiencing earthquakes. "Up to now, only very few time series with animal behavior exist at all, the longest being just one year," he said. Without a long record, Woith said, researchers cannot be sure that their observations relate to an earthquake and not some other kind of environmental change or long-term fluctuation in the health of an animal population or its predators. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Zimbabwe has fired all nurses who went on strike to demand higher salaries, in a hardline response by the country's new leadership to growing labour arrest. Several thousand nurses were sacked in a terse statement issued yesterday evening by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who accused the strikers of being "politically motivated". Patients were turned away from major hospitals after the nurses began their industrial action on Monday, shortly after doctors ended their own weeks-long strike earlier in the month. "Government has decided in the interest of patients and of saving lives to discharge all the striking nurses with immediate effect," Chiwenga said in a statement. He said unemployed and retired nurses would be hired to replace those fired. Chiwenga was the military general who led the ousting of Robert Mugabe in November when the army briefly took control and ushered Emmerson Mnangagwa into the presidency. Chiwenga described the nurses' strike as "deplorable and reprehensible" as the government had released $17 million (14 million euros) to boost their pay and allowances. He said the funds would now be used to employ new nurses. Zimbabwe's nurses association said they "noted" Chiwenga's statement but added that they remained on strike. After Mugabe's 37-year rule, Mnangagwa has vowed to revive the country's moribund economy and attract foreign investment to fund better public services. "Government has done everything to comply with the demands of the striking nurses," Mnangagwa said, according to state-owned media. "This leaves us with no option but to dismiss them." More than 90 percent of Zimbabwe's budget is spent on government wages. Teachers at public schools have threatened to go on strike if their pay is not increased. Zimbabwe is due to hold elections in July or August, the first since the shock fall of Mugabe, who ruled since independence from Britain in 1980. Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former deputy, is a veteran loyalist in the ruling ZANU-PF party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) (Reuters) - India's cash-strapped Fortis Healthcare Ltd said Fosun International Ltd has offered to invest up to $350 million, making the Chinese conglomerate the fourth suitor aiming to benefit from a government push for better healthcare.The unsolicited non-binding offer follows one other offer of investment from local businesses and separate takeover bids from unlisted Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd and Malaysia's IHH Healthcare Bhd.Interest in Fortis comes as the government works to provide health insurance for about half of India's 1.3 billion population, which analysts expect will ... With the Social Security Administration's budget increasing for the first time in nearly a decade, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer hopes that funding will be used to address long wait times and the disability appeal backlog at upstate New York offices. Schumer, D-N.Y., is calling on the Social Security Administration to allocate "a good chunk" of its $480 million increase to improve service at upstate New York field offices. The agency has several locations in New York, including field offices in Geneva and Syracuse. Before the increase that was included in the $1.3 trillion omnibus bill in March, the Social Security Administration's budget had been cut by 11 percent since 2010. The agency lost 10,000 employees, including 3,500 field staff, and 65 field offices closed. Twelve of the field offices that closed were in New York. "These cuts were felt all across New York," Schumer said on a conference call with reporters Wednesday. Auburn had a field office until it closed in 2007. Schumer said the additional funds for the Social Security Administration will help as more baby boomers reach retirement age and it may allow the agency to reduce wait times and a lengthy backlog for disability claim appeals. By Tanvi Mehta and Zeba Siddiqui(Reuters) - Cash-strapped Fortis Healthcare Ltd said Fosun International Ltd has offered to invest up to $350 million, making the Chinese firm the fourth suitor aiming to tap soaring demand for private healthcare in India.The unsolicited non-binding offer follows one other offer of investment from local businesses and separate takeover bids from unlisted Manipal Health Enterprises Ltd and Malaysia's IHH Healthcare Bhd.Interest in Fortis comes as the government works to provide health insurance for about half of India's 1.3 billion population, which analysts ... By Foo Yun CheeBRUSSELS (Reuters) - EU antitrust regulators are set to hit French telecoms and cable group Altice with a hefty fine for concluding its 2015 acquisition of PT Portugal without first waiting for official approval, a person familiar with the matter said on Wednesday.The European Commission's decision could come as early as next week, with the timing subject to change, the source said.The sanction by the EU competition enforcer is expected to send a warning to companies that fail to respect procedural rules, such as jumping the gun and taking control of their targets or giving ... By Andreas Rinke and Paul CarrelBERLIN (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel backs the idea of a European Monetary Fund, provided national governments have sufficient oversight, sources close to her said before a visit by the French president.President Emmanuel Macron, who will meet Merkel in Berlin on Thursday, is pushing hard for bold euro zone reforms to defend the 19-member currency bloc against any repeat of the financial crisis that took hold in 2009 and threatened to tear it apart.His vision includes turning Europe's existing ESM bailout fund into a European Monetary Fund (EMF). ... Tesla Inc is aiming to ramp up production to 6,000 Model 3 cars per week by the end of June to reach its weekly goal of 5,000 and allow for a margin of error, automotive news website Electrek reported on Tuesday, citing a letter to employees from Chief Executive Elon Musk. Underscoring Tesla's need to roll out cars quickly to customers and collect needed revenue, the company will also begin working around the clock on the Model 3 sedan, adding another shift within general assembly, and both the body and paint shops, Electrek quoted Musk as saying. Tesla did not immediately ... LOGAN Thanks to action by the Utah Legislature during its recent session, preregistered 17-year-olds who turn 18 on or before Election Day (Nov. 6) will be eligible to vote in the June Primary Election. Cache County Clerk Jill Zollinger said this mean students ages 16 and 17 can preregister to vote and all eligible 17-year-olds will automatically receive their primary ballot through the mail. We send those out about a month prior to the election, so around the end of May or first of June well be sending those ballots out, she said. Even though they havent turn 18 they can still register and we can send them a ballot. The primary will be held on Tuesday, June 26 and ballots will start arriving in voters mailboxes around June 7. Alum event in Cazenovia Were you ever a Daisy or Brownie? If you shared in the Girl Scout movement for any length of time during your youth, youre an alum! GSNYPENN is actively looking to connect with local alums through a series of special events to celebrate and discuss how they can support the Girl Scout mission today and into the future. Join us for a Scottish High Tea from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 11, at Lincklaen House, 79 Albany St., Cazenovia. The cost is $25 per person and includes a plated dinner and dessert; the registration deadline is May 1. Renew the ties that bind Girl Scouts in sisterhood! Reconnect, reminisce and hear updates about council camps, projects and programs. Visit gsnypenn.org/gstea to register or contact Development Director JoAnne Morak at (315) 698-9400 ext. 2052 or jmorak@gsnypenn.org. Summer camp adventures LOGAN Authorities have identified the remains of a body found Sunday as that of 19-year-old Kyle R. Burton, who went missing last fall. Cache County Sheriffs Lt. Brian Locke said Burtons body was found by a hiker east of Sherwood Drive, in the foothills above Providence. The remains had been turned over to the State Medical Examiners Office for identification. Burton went missing on November 28 after walking away from his grandparents home in River Heights. He had reportedly left in the morning on foot, without a coat or cell phone. The sheriffs office helped families and friends for several weeks, searching for Burton unsuccessfully. Locke said Burtons body was found under a tree, in a rocky and steep area north of Providence Canyon. It was about 50-60 yards inside the south facing slope of a ravine. Burton was originally from Lovell, Wyoming. His family said he loved acting and singing. He enjoyed hiking in the mountains and ran cross country in high school. Investigators dont suspect foul play, and Burtons death doesnt appear to be suspicious. Locke said the sheriffs office expresses their condolences to the Burton family and those that knew Kyle. will@cvradio.com The Cayuga County Sheriff's Office will offer two boater safety courses in June. The courses will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 16 and Saturday, June 23. The June 16 course will be held at the Moravia Fire Department, 38 Keeler Ave., Moravia, and the June 23 course will take place at the Ira Fire House, 12591 Route 176, Cato. In a press release, Sheriff David Gould said the course is free, but there is a $10 fee for adults over 18 to obtain their New York State Boater Safety Cards. Completion of a boater safety course is mandatory for any motorboat operators born after May 1, 1996, as well as anyone who operates a personal watercraft. The courses are open to adults and children ages 10 and up. Lunch will not be provided. The sheriff's office recommends participants bring a bag lunch. Anyone interested in attending a course should register with Deputy Glen Dudley at (315) 253-4905 or gdudley@cayugacounty.us. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Calgary Herald Headline News Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Calgary Herald, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Email Address There was an error, please provide a valid email address. Sign Up By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. You may unsubscribe any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of our emails. Postmedia Network Inc. | 365 Bloor Street East, Toronto, Ontario, M4W 3L4 | 416-383-2300 Thanks for signing up! A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Calgary Herald Headline News will soon be in your inbox. We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again CAMEROUN :: Resolution of the Cameroonians and the Cameroonian Diaspora's Civil Society regarding the Six (06) Years of Minister of State Marafa Hamidou Yaya's arbitrary sequestration in Cameroon April 16, 2018 marks the sixth years, Minister of state Marafa Hamidou Yaya, was arbitrarily targeted and arrested on the trumped up charge of intellectual complicity of embezzlement of public funds which in fact is an unstated judicial practice in Cameroon to lock up ordinary Cameroonians the regime of Yaounde finds to be an inconvenience. Hence, after a mock trial, which dishonors the institutional judicial system, The Minister of States nightmare continued in a form of an illegal extended prison sentence, which in fact constitutes a death penalty due to his conditions of detention, failung health and advanced age for an ordinary Cameroonians. Accordingly, the Minister of State, Marafa, is illegally incarcerated in a high security prison of sinister reputation called the Secretary of State for Defense (the SED). In addition, the Minister is confined Manu Military and around the clock within a tiny infected cell in flagrant violation of the international conventions ratified by the State of Cameroon. As a result of his inhumane and abject conditions of detention, Minister Marafa has frequently sustained many health problems that seriously damaged his physical integrity and significantly reduced his chances for full recovery in prison. The organizations of the Cameroonian Diaspora signatory to this declaration, in collaboration with ASMA, pledge its continuous support, encouragement and moral comfort to Minister Marafa and his family. At the same time, continue to lead the campaign for his liberation by pulling down the fire alarm to wake up the national and international community for its anemic responses regarding Marafas inhumane and abject kidnappings conditions. What is striking about Minister of State Marafas sacrifice is the lawlessness of the Cameroonian government that needs to be situated in a larger economy of violence beginning with the extra-judicial massacres of political opponents during the brutal devastation of the country war of independence during the 1950s. That macabre reality copy and pasted itself again with the so-called Coup detat of April 1984 where many Cameroonians from Marafas northern Cameroon region were murdered by the state sponsored death squads with no chance to stand trial. The Minister barely escaped with his life on his way to be executed where he was recognized by his wife who managed to get him off the truck of death. Hence, the plight of the Minister is not unique but is tied to a violent pattern with which the regime of Yaounde, steeps into a political culture of corruption and paranoia, deals with ordinary Cameroonians he believed to represent a threat. At the same, intimidating any other ordinary Cameroonians who attempt to engage in a long overdue battle for regime change in the country. Undeniably, the Cameroonians vindictive attitudes against so-called political opponents calls for very crucial and urgent responses considering that: That Minister Marafa Hamidou Yaya was imprisoned without trial, and was never entitled to a free and fair trial. That he is in reality a victim of acts of repression which are confined to political incarceration That he has been recognized as a political prisoner by various human rights organizations and the immense international community That the numerous appeals for his release, made in particular by bodies such as the Socialist International, the UN, the US State Department, etc., have remained inaudible in Cameroon That including Resolution No. 22/2016 of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention of the United Nations calling for its release has still not received a reply from the Cameroonian authorities We who have signed this declaration: 1. Request once more that the Minister of States Marafas immediate and unconditional release from the enduring martyrdom illegally imposed upon him by a vengeful regime. 2. Condemn the repression of Paul Biyas regime who wrongly believes that he has the right to sacrifice ordinary Cameroonians at will. President Paul Biyas foolishness includes the specific case of Minister of States continued arbitrary detention despite his proven innocence, his failing health and the many international calls for his release. This death sentence upon the Minister of State is partly due to the Honorable Janet Garvey, then United States Ambassadors WikiLeaks release who portrayed the Minister Marafa as a worthy replacement of the immovable dictator of Yaounde, which enraged him, further against Marafa. It is urgent to put the regime of Yaounde under pressure to release the Minister Marafa on humanitarian and for health reasons. The degradation of his health calls for an immediate and urgent evacuation in order to receive immediate and adequate care. The Minister of State Marafa Hamidou Yaya never wanted to escape the justice of his country even when he had many opportunities to do. He voluntarily subjected himself to the regime of Yaoundes kangaroo court hoping to prove his integrity to no avail. We hold President Paul Biya personally responsible for this unbearable situation, including, anything that could happen to the Minister of State Marafa Hamidou Yaya as long as the regime of Yaounde cynically continues to block Marafas medical evacuation on humanitarian grounds. We will continue to lead the campaign for the liberation of all political prisoners in Cameroon and the necessity for an urgent and immediate release of Minister of State Marafa Hamidou Yaya; and call on all those who are enamored of Justice to join our national and international mobilization for its release. We are launching an urgent appeal to the partners of Cameroon to use all their power to pressure President Paul Biya for the immediate release of Minister of State Marafa Hamidou Yaya before is too late. Signatory: The Committee for the Release of Political Prisoners (CL2P) Paris on 16 April 2018 | BY Ricki Green | Advertising Week, one of the worlds largest annual gathering of advertising, creative, marketing, media and technology industry leaders, has today announced new speakers for the inaugural edition of Advertising Week APAC, taking place between July 30 and August 2 at Luna Park in Sydney. Advertising Week also announces new partners supporting the event, and availability of early bird tickets as of today, with prices making the event accessible for all, and accessible here. Says Clive Prosser, director, Advertising Week APAC: It is very exciting to see the first edition of Advertising Week in APAC taking shape. Our new speakers bolster the already outstanding line-up of industry thought leaders we will have at the event, and were expecting some lively debates on the most pressing issues facing the industry. We also have strong partners on board, confirming the industrys interest for an event such as Advertising Week in APAC. Tickets are priced to ensure that even the most junior members of the industry can get involved, and were keen to open our doors to as wide and diverse an audience as possible. Speakers include: Fernando Machado, Globlal CMO, Burger King Machado is Global CMO at Burger King and was named Creative Marketer of the Year at Cannes 2017. The same year, he has also been recognised by Business Insider as top 5 most innovative CMOs and by AdAge as top 50 most creative people in the business. With more than 100 Lions in Cannes (5 GPs), 12 D&AD Yellow Pencils, 1 Grandy, and 2 Grand Effies in North America, Fernando is known for pushing the creative boundaries. Alexandra Sloane, head of marketing ANZ, Facebook Sloane is head of marketing at Facebook, ANZ. In her four years at Facebook, Sloane has been helping businesses discover the potential of the Facebook and Instagram platforms to generate growth. Prior to joining Facebook in 2012, Sloane spent 11 years working in creative agencies, including Y&R New-York, bagging a bronze Cannes Lions amongst other accolades. Sunita Gloster, CMO at PwC Australia Gloster has a 25-year career in the Media and Marketing arenas in leadership roles. She is currently PwC Australias CMO Advisory. She was previously CEO of the Australian Association of National Advertisers (AANA), and more recently the chief commercial and strategy officer for Network Ten. She is ranked in the Top 30 Powerful Women in Media 2014-2017 by B&T Magazine Australia and was a recent Face to Watch in the Adnews Power 50. She was also awarded the Presidents Prize by the World Federation of Advertisers in Brussels. Jules Lund, founder at Tribe Lund founded Tribe after 15 years hosting some of the biggest TV and radio shows in Australia. Lund swapped celebrity life for the Silicon Valley, having founded one of the worlds fastest growing micro-influencer marketplaces. Lunds social insights have made him an authority on social trends, and is regularly invited at events around the globe to decrypt the trends of influencer marketing. Jeff Green, CEO and chairman, The Trade Desk Green is the founder, CEO and chairman of the Board of The Trade Desk. The American Marketing Association named Green one of the 4 under 40 emerging leaders and was named 2017 Entrepreneurs of the Year by EY along with co-founder Dave Pickles. A recognized digital marketing and advertising expert, Green regularly appears in US media, including the Wall Street Journal or Bloomberg TV. He was also a member of the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB). Nic Jones, CEO PureProfile Jones is CEO and managing director at PureProfile. Jones career spans over 30 years in the digital industry, with key roles in leading digital and marketing companies, including CEO and managing director at Yahoo! ANZ, managing director at News Corp, managing director at WPP AUNZ, and chief digital officer EMEA at Starcom MediaVest Group. He also served as chief revenue officer and executive vice president International at Vevo LLC. Advertising Week APAC is also announcing the support of industry leading partners with Google, Facebook, The Trade Desk, Shutterstock, Outdoor Media Association, GroupM, SpotX, GumGum, and PubMatic being involved. Renowned for delivering thought leadership by day, showbiz by night, Advertising Week attracts tens of thousands of marketing and business leaders to its gatherings around the world and sheds a spotlight on areas the advertising, marketing and media industries need to be addressing head-on in the coming year to stay ahead of the curve. Existing speakers include: David Shing, Digital Prophet for AOL/Oath Jonathan Waecker, CMO at The Warehouse Group NZ Chuck Porter, co-founder and chairman of CP+B Sherilyn Shackell, Founder and CEO of The Marketing Academy Malcolm Poynton, Global Chief Creative Officer at Cheil Worldwide Network David Nobay, Creative Chairman at Marcel Early bird tickets and now available for purchase using this link. | BY Ricki Green | The One Club for Creativity, the worlds foremost non-profit organization recognizing creative excellence in advertising and design, has opened the call for entries for Young Guns 16, celebrating international creative professionals age 30 or younger. Young Guns, open to both members and nonmembers of The One Club, is the industrys only global, cross-disciplinary, portfolio-based awards competition that identifies and celebrates todays vanguard of young creatives. Young Guns competitions regularly attract entries from upwards of 70 countries, with more than half of the entries coming from outside the US. Winners will be selected by a jury made up of past Young Guns winners and other creative leaders, to be announced shortly. The program is open to creatives age 30 and under who have been working for at least two years, full-time or freelance. Eligible entrants can submit a combination of professional and personal work in graphic design; advertising art direction and copywriting; architectural, environmental and interior design; industrial and product design; digital (UX/UI, experiential design, interactive, web design, apps, game development): film and animation (motion design, television, video); fashion; typography and lettering; illustration and photography. The online entry system is open now at http://www.youngguns.org, with a deadline of June 15, 2018, 11:59 pm EST. Entry fee is $100 for The One Club members, $150 for non-members. This years winners will be recognized at the Young Guns 16 celebration and party on November 15 at the Highline Ballroom in New York. Past Young Guns include rising stars who went on to become leaders in their chosen fields, including graphic designers James Victore (YG1), Stefan Sagmeister (YG1) and Jessica Walsh (YG8); advertising creatives Rei Inamoto (YG4) and Menno Kluin (YG6); illustrators Christoph Niemann (YG2) and Deanne Cheuk (YG4); photographers Ryan McGuinness (YG2) and Jeremy Floto/Cassandra Warner (aka floto+warner, YG5); typographers Alex Trochut (YG6) and Gemma OBrien (YG13); film and video director Mike Mills, animation artist Todd St. John (YG1) and others. All Young Guns 16 winners will receive a unique version of the iconic Young Guns Cube, designed exclusively for this years incoming class, and have their permanent profile page added to the Young Guns website. Winners also receive a complimentary one-year ADC/One Club membership, permanent membership in the Young Guns network, a chance to be featured in Young Guns events and an assortment of career-boosting opportunities from Young Guns sponsors. Says Michael ORourke, executive director, ADC, part of The One Club: Young Guns has established a unique place in the creative world for considering a body of both professional and personal work from an individual, not just a single ad or design. Winning is special because were celebrating a creative persons individuality. For young talent who usually dont get the spotlight, Young Guns provides a global stage on which they can be recognized. Says Kevin Swanepoel, CEO, The One Club: One objective of The One Club for Creativity is to offer recognition and support for creatives throughout every phase of their careers. Young Guns plays an important part in our programming because it celebrates and elevates the next generation of creative leaders, and serves as a lifelong network for winners who often reconnect over the years to refer work, collaborate on projects and help advance each others careers. Program branding is developed each year by a past Young Gun winner. This years branding was designed by New York-based creative studio and artist representation agency Sunday Afternoon, led by Young Guns 11 winner Juan Carlos Pagan, co-founder and executive creative director. Young Guns 16 and other TOCC activities are made possible in part through the generous support of sponsors including Levine/Leavitt and Shutterstock. | BY Lynchy | ARC Refreshments Corp. has appointed MullenLowe Philippines as their advertising and digital marketing agency for its non-cola brands: Juicy Lemon, Seetrus, Fruit Soda Orange, Arcys Rootbeer, Rite n Lite, as well as other brands in development. The assignment also includes digital media placement and social media management for non-cola brands, in addition to RC Cola and its brand extensions. Rinaldi Aves, EVP and COO of ARC Refreshments said,Our recent product introductions have been successful in a highly competitive market. We believe its because were driven by a strong challenger culture. Were glad to have an agency partner with the same mindset, and standout ideas. We look forward to more successful campaigns, Aves says. ARC Refreshments have created drinks brands which have become household-names across the Philippines, and have always had an innovative and creatively-minded approach to campaigns, which is exactly how we love to approach our work. Im very much looking forward to working with ARC Refreshments and our team to kick off this exciting partnership, said Leigh Reyes, President and Chief Creative Officer, MullenLowe Philippines (pictured above). Notice for the Postmedia Network This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. news, latest-news The ACT government says its preferred route for stage two of the territorys light rail network will travel to Woden through Parkes and Barton. Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris announced the governments preference on Thursday morning, which would rely on approval from the federal government before getting the green light. The other option was to run the light rail track to Woden through Civic and via Parliament House. Light rail stage two has been going through a rigorous planning process that involves negotiation with the National Capital Authority and commonwealth government due to the heritage and national importance of the parliamentary triangle, Ms Fitzharris said. Whats clear is that the ACT government is committed to extending light rail to Woden, and we will continue to work with relevant stakeholders on the exact alignment through the parliamentary triangle. The ACT governments final business case for stage two of the project hinged on working through details of the route with relevant federal government authorities, Ms Fitzharris said. Its not appropriate for the ACT Government to finalise the business case for the project until the NCAs requirements and alignment details are worked through. Were hopeful we can continue to progress these negotiations in good time so that we can get on with delivering a world-class public transport network for Canberra. In late 2017, following months of consultation and analysis, the ACT government narrowed down the possible routes the light rail will take south from the city from four to two. Ms Fitzharris said at the time that community feedback revealed a need to place the light rail route near "as many of the key employment hubs and national institutions as possible in the parliamentary triangle". Three-quarters of Canberrans surveyed supported a route via Barton. "It would also be Canberra's first light rail route with a section that doesn't follow a current road," Ms Fitzharris said last year. "This design option would allow the route to get through Barton more quickly while also servicing more employment hubs and our important national institutions and tourist attractions." A popular light rail extension to the Canberra Hospital was dumped last year due to technical restraints. Ms Fitzharris said she was confident the community would support the Barton and Parkes proposal. This route provides the best access through the Parliamentary zone to employment hubs, cultural institutions and other places of interest such as Manuka Oval, she said. There is no question that the City to Woden stage will be the most difficult section of a city-wide network to design and build. Due to the location of the route, its heritage and national significance, it is also necessary for commonwealth government approvals to be obtained, including commonwealth parliamentary approval, and that is our focus right now. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a454b767-c0a5-4142-ae92-773fcb5130b6/r0_443_661_816_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, act-politics The owners of Canberra Casino have claimed the ACT government left them in the dark for 17 months over the details of its legislation to allow pokies in the casino. Aquis' chief executive Jessica Mellor made the claim in a statement to the stock exchange this week, in the wake of the government setting a one-month ultimatum on the company to confirm its plans for the casino. The company, majority owned by Hong Kong investor Tony Fung, first lodged its unsolicited bid with the government for a $330 million redevelopment of the casino in 2015, part of which was to include hundreds of poker machines. But talks over the proposal have dragged on for several years, with government and the casino struggling to find a middle ground, generating uncertainty about whether it will actually go ahead. Last year, the Greens and Labor reached a deal on legislation to allow up to 200 poker machines in the redeveloped casino, in addition to 60 fully automated table games and other more standard gambling tables, as long as one in every three licences bought from clubs were sacrificed. Several months after the legislation was introduced, Attorney-General Gordon Ramsay last week demanded the company update the government on its unsolicited bid by May 14. He said the government's support allowing poker machines in the casino hinged on the redevelopment plans, but "critical information" about Aquis' plans for the site had not yet been provided. Mr Ramsay also said the casino expansion, and the potential it included for the surrender of 130 machine licences, played a key role in the governemnt's plans to cut machines in the ACT from about 4900 to 4000 by 2020. But Ms Mellor said the company had lodged the detailed business case in June 2016, then endured 17 months without a response from the government detailing what the legislation would allow. She said the company would respond to the government "within the timeframe they have requested", but the company needed to undertake a "thorough process" to "determine the impact of such significant regulatory and land use restrictions as those imposed". Ms Mellor said the company was still committed to its proposal to develop an "integrated resort" in Canberra, and it would continue to work with the government to achieve that end. A spokesman for Chief Minister Andrew Barr said there was a year between receiving Aquis' detailed business case and the directorate confirming it was allowed to go to the next stage in the unsolicited bid process, which was also delayed by the 2016 election. He said there was "no undue delay" but that legislation took time to develop, and unsolicited bids were not planned for in public service work schedules and needed "careful consideration, especially where gambling is concerned". Mr Barr's spokesman also said the final ultimatum related to specific financial information regarding the company's ability to actually complete the redevelopment, which the government had asked for mid-last year but had not yet received. Opposition gaming spokesman Mark Parton said the whole process had now become "a debacle", saying he understood if the company was "a little miffed at how their relationship with the ACT government has changed so dramatically" . Having not responded to the original business case for 17 months, for the government to then radically change the conditions surrounding the development and to expect a new proposal to materialise in a few months is ludicrous," Mr Parton said. He said the process surrounding the casino's unsolicited bid would have wider implications for potential private investment across the city, but wished Aquis and other investors "the best of luck", because "they're going to need it". Mr Barr's spokesman said if the bid proceeds, it would make a "significant contribution" to cutting the number of poker machines in the city and the government needed to know whether to take them into account as it moved to cut those numbers to 4000 in the next two years. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/2516e982-17bf-45ad-912c-ad6af9b956e8/r0_107_2000_1237_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg AUBURN Alan R. Foster, 82, of The Grove, Apt. 104, Auburn, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 15, 2018, at Auburn Community Hospital, with his wife and family by his side. He was born in Auburn, the son of the late Cyril and Pauline Foster. He lived in Auburn all his life and retired as an art director from Guaranteed Parts Company, Seneca Falls, where he worked for 38 years. He was a very accomplished artist and a very knowledgeable car and racing enthusiast. He loved hiking, canoeing and camping with family in the Adirondack Mountains. He graduated from Auburn High School and attended Syracuse University. He was so proud of the fact that as a senior in high school he participated in the National Teenage Driving Rodeo and placed third in the nation. He was a 10-year member of the National Guard, 3rd Armed Rifle Battalion, and 108th Combat Arms where he achieved the rank of corporal before being honorably discharged. news, act-politics The ACT's biggest community housing provider is facing an "increasingly difficult" future, after the territory government forced it to start paying back a $50 million loan at $2.5 million a year last year. Ten years ago, the ACT government loaned CHC $50 million to get established, as part of a wider agreement to produce 1000 affordable homes over 10 years. While CHC has since been paying back the interest on the loan, when the 10-year period ended last year, the government started making CHC pay back the principal at a rate of $2.5 million a year for 20 years, instead of rolling over the loan for a further period. The government maintains it is still meeting the overarching terms of the agreement with CHC, Chief Minister and Treasurer Andrew Barr would not explain why his government opted to have the principal paid back at the first opportunity to do so. The move has shocked former Chief Minister Jon Stanhope, who said he always intended that, if CHC was achieving its aims, the government would roll the loan over. Mr Stanhope said he believed the government had "abandoned" what was one of the country's top housing affordability initiatives, including the key role CHC had played in the past decade in providing affordable housing. While CHC chief executive Andrew Hannan said the financial details were confidential, he said the loan was "instrumental in CHC's growth and therefore the growth of affordable housing in the ACT". But he said the ending of the National Rental Affordability Scheme, combined with the loan repayments, would "make it increasingly difficult to materially grow affordable housing in the ACT". He said the loan, the Commonwealth scheme and the ACT's land rent scheme had helped CHC sell 303 affordable homes in the past 10 years, out of 550 total sales. Such figures, former CHC chairman Ross Barrett said, showed the model was a success. While he said the finance was always legally a government loan to CHC, the board at the time "had an expectation that it would continue while things were going well". Mr Barrett said "while we always had to treat [it] as a loan, certainly our hope was that it could be rolled over". Mr Hannan said in addition to the end of NRAS and the loan repayments, a recent policy change also meant CGC was now "re-focussing on rentals". That change came in the form of the government's housing affordability targets released earlier this year, setting targets for private developers to provide a certain number of blocks for affordable housing in urban renewal areas and new green field suburbs. But Mr Hannan said those targets, if the policy was effective, could still create a "fantastic outcome for the community", but CHC needed to change its focus as a result. "The change of policy doesnt on its own affect [our] goals, but coupled with the loan repayments and the ending of NRAS, it means we need to respond to those changes and put a greater emphasis on affordable rentals," he said. "In the last 10 years weve provided a direct rental subsidy of over $20 million to Canberrans, thats CHC paying the gap between 75% and the market value of every rental we have,"he said. "But we're still developing places for affordable sales, including sites in Moncrieff and Throsby, and a range of specialist and disability housing in Kambah and Macgregor." The community housing provider currently has 445 affordable rental properties housing more than 1300 Canberrans, where tenants pay 75 per cent of the market rent, making CHC the biggest non-government affordable housing provider in the city. Mr Hannan said CHC was also investigating new affordable housing products it could offer through the government's proposed $1 million housing "innovation" fund, including how private philanthropy could get involved. "As part of the new ACT housing strategy thats in development, CHCs view is that one of the biggest levers the government could pull to enable the provision of affordable housing by CHPs is with respect to concessional land," he said. Housing Minister Yvette Berry said there had not been any changes to the original agreement struck in 2008, and would not comment on the specific details of the financial arrangements. She said in a statement the government was proud of the work implementing the 2007 affordable housing action plan and that a new housing strategy would be released before the end of 2018. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/0ed3617c-ae5f-4d88-bc44-f2d747fc85ae/r0_110_1999_1239_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news Queensland stands ready and willing to talk to Google about setting up its Australian headquarters north of the border, should the search giant's Sydney plans fall through. This week, it was revealed the NSW government had rejected a plan to create a Silicon Valley-style technology hub near Redfern, leaving Google once against searching for an Australian HQ. The hub, tipped to create 19,000 jobs, would have been Google's new base down under but the NSW cabinet infrastructure committee rejected the proposal because it did not meet a "uniqueness test". On Wednesday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would welcome the global tech giant if it wanted to set up a Google HQ in the sunshine state but she did not think the company had any plans to move its staff from Sydney to Queensland. "If there was a move afoot, and if there were plans to move, of course we would be right in there to give it a go," she said. Ms Palaszczuk confirmed the Queensland government had made contact with Google on Wednesday. "There are no plans to move from Sydney to any other location; they would consider Queensland if that was to happen," she said. The Premier met with representatives from the search, advertising and software company, which also owns YouTube, for trade talks during the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast. "I expressed a very clear interest that if they were going to set up a YouTube centre, I would love to have that YouTube centre based here," she said. "But my understanding is they have no plans at this stage to move their staff from Sydney to Queensland." During a trip to Los Angeles in February, Ms Palaszczuk met with YouTube representatives, and said she hoped to see Australia's first YouTube space established in Queensland. There are currently nine established YouTube Spaces in cities across the world, including Berlin, London, Mumbai, New York, Paris, Rio, Tokyo and Toronto. The spaces bring together creative people to learn and create, offering events, workshops and the latest production resources. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/f408331f-a338-494a-9dfb-9831356c6bad/r0_278_5472_3370_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Arend Vos (left), Juris Ukstins and Jerry Karter recently recounted some of their experiences growing up in Europe during World War II. They will tell their stories as part of the Eldredge Public Library's Learning Series next month. TIM WOOD PHOTO CHATHAM The German occupation of the Netherlands in 1940 seemed civilized, initially. The Dutch continued, at least superficially, to run the country, and life on many levels continued as before. At first we hardly knew they were there, Jerry Karter said. Other than hunger there was never enough to eat for a child, it was an exciting time, added Arend Vos. But as the war wore on, life became more and more difficult, especially for adults. They suffered, Karter said. By 1944, said Vos, it really got bad. The two men along with Juris Ukstins, whose family was driven from Latvia when Russia occupied the country and spent five years in a post-war camp for displaced persons will recount their experiences in Children in WWII: Growing Up In War Torn Europe, on May 1 and 8 as part of the Eldredge Public Library's Learning Series program. All three were very young during the war and were sheltered from some of the worst of it; Ukstins said his sister, a teenager at the time, filled in much of the story, and his father, a Baptist minister, kept a detailed journal and took many photographs, which he published in a book, Our Daily Break: A Latvian's Journal of Escape and Survival as a Displaced Person in War-torn Europe, 1944-1949. Latvia was forcibly incorporated into the Soviet Union in 1939 and some 14,000 citizens were deported, Ukstins said. After the country was invaded and occupied by Nazi Germany in 1941, things were civilized for most Latvians, he said, until toward the end of the war, when the Soviets again took over the small nation. His family fled in the fall of 1944. They ended up in a displaced persons camp in Germany. After the war ended, they moved to a camp in the British-controlled area. Everyone wanted to be in the American zone, he said. It had better food. The Allies didn't know what to do with the displaced; although they were free to return home, they knew that if they returned to Soviet-controlled Latvia, they'd be shipped off to Siberia because they had previously fled the country. Karter was three years old and living in the Hague when Germany invaded. Because a German officer wanted their home, they were forced to leave and move into an apartment, where they lived until 1944, when they moved to Amsterdam. Their new home was, coincidentally, not far from where Vos was living. When the Germans invaded, Vos said, every male between the ages of 18 and 35 was required to report for duty in the German Army. Many did not, and were harbored in private homes. Vos said two men lived in his family's attic until one day, German soldiers came and removed one of them. He was lucky, however, and returned after the war. Both Vos and Karter recalled how food became more and more scarce as the war continued. Tulip bulbs became staples. People chopped asphalt from streets to use as coal. Ration coupons became like currency. They remembered the routine of going to the local high school with their families and coupons, which for children, was the highlight of their day, Karter said, because they could all play while the grown ups waited in line. Yet they didn't escape some of the more horrific images of war. Karter recalled seeing the bodies of men left hanging from streetcar lines for a week. News was difficult to come by. Citizens weren't allowed to have radios, but Karter said his family met clandestinely in the attic to listen to the BBC. That was dangerous, he said. If you were caught, you could be taken out and shot. Vos said sheets of paper with news stenciled on them were anonymously distributed, and that's how citizens found out about the D-Day invasion. For the first time since the invasion, Dutch flags came out and many German collaborators left. But the Allied advance was slowed in the Arden, and the country came to a halt, he said, with food becoming even more scarce. Not long after, however, Canadian soldiers liberated Amsterdam. Karter said he remembers that day well. Everything seemed normal, he said, when Germans began heading out of the city, first in cars, then on bicycles. Then it was quiet, until he heard a rumbling at one end of the streets and saw tanks advancing very slowly. People started making noise, flags came out, he said. He was lifted up onto one of the tanks. It was just like in the movies, he said. Within a few days, the streetcars had started running again, and he spent a whole day just riding them around the city. Karter mother was an actress and was offered a role in the James Stewart film Call Northside 777 in 1947, and the rest of the family joined her in California a year later. We came and stayed, he said. After entering the insurance industry after college, he returned to Europe to help set up offices in London and Paris. Now a Harwich resident, he was the executive director of the Cape Cod Symphony for nine years and is now working to build a new performing arts center in Hyannis. After the war, jobs were scarce and the Dutch government encouraged people to emigrate. The day after he graduated from college in 1957, Vos decided to seek a new life in Canada. You couldn't get into the States, he said. Everybody wanted to get into the States. He became a chemical engineer, ran Ford's paint division and worked for PPG Industries (originally Pittsburgh Plate Glass), helping to open branches in Europe. An Orleans resident, he is a member of the Orleans Conservation Trust and the town's architectural review committee. It took years for displaced people, especially families, to find homes, Ukstins said. Many countries only wanted single people to fill out the labor shortage after the war. His family eventually found a Baptist Church that sponsored them to come to Iowa in 1949. He studied electrical engineering and was drafted; after attending officer training school, he was sent to Vietnam, and ended up serving in the Navy for 30 years. The experience of living through the war in some ways hardened us without us knowing, Karter said. You get through incredible difficulties, but as a child, you have a lot of support. To register for Children In World War II: Growing Up In War-torn Europe, or other Eldredge Library Learning Series programs, stop by the library or visit www.eldredgelibrary.org/learning-series. A native of Sidney, N.Y., he was born June 6, 1929 to Marshall A. Dart and Maude Murphy Dart. Ted retired from New York Telephone in 1988; he began his career as a lineman, advanced to a supervisor, and at the time of his retirement he was a Rite Away Agent with the company. He was a member of the Owasco Reformed Church, the Auburn Rotary, the Phone Companys Pioneer Club, and the Gideon Society. Ted was a very talented woodworker, and did much of the work on his lake home. He enjoyed his time in Georgia, and made many friends there. Video taken May, 2017. The City of West Kelowna will be installing bladder dams along Gellatly Road between the Cove Lakeside Resort and the bridge over Powers Creek. The stretch of road is notorious for flooding. It was one of the first areas to experience severe flooding last spring. Installation of the bladder dam will necessitate closing the road for about two days. While it's a temporary installation, the dam will be in place until the threat of creek flooding has passed. Rotary Trails Park has been designated a staging area for flood response equipment, and remains closed. The city asks the public to stay away from all flood protection installations. With similar conditions to a year ago and a larger-than-normal snowpack, the city is conducting flood prevention work and monitoring of the flood threat throughout the entire community. Photo: Facebook Celebrate 4/20 by joining an Okanagan medical marijuana business raise cash for the SPCA. The owner of the Vernon and Kelowna Quick Grow is celebrating 4/20 by hosting their annual fundraiser party this Friday. "We were able to raise just shy of $6,000 for the SPCA in Vernon last year," said Darryl Wilcox, owner of Quick Grow. Quick Grow matches all donations raised at the event. Blue Sky Organics in Vernon also matches donations. The event was only at the Vernon store last year but this year Wilcox is hosting the event at Quick Grow Kelowna as well. "In Kelowna ... we are doing a by donation barbecue to the SPCA, and it's the same thing we are matching all donations," Wilcox said. In Vernon, the SPCA will be at the event offering by-donation nail clipping and Canem dog treats. "They donated about 50 boxes of dog treats, and we're working with Blue Sky and I believe they are also bringing in True Leaf." Wilcox has his staff at both locations in a little competition. "They are competing to see who can raise the most money," he said. Wilcox is hoping to raise $10,000 at each location. The fundraisers will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at both locations. The SPCA will also be on site at the Vernon location offering nail trimming by donation. Photo: Fiona Hook/Image Studios One of the top photographers in the city will be taking snaps of pets for a good cause. Fiona Hook of Image Studios will be conducting $99 pet photography sessions during May with the money going to the North Okanagan Hospice Society. Hook said the goal of Hounds for Hospice is to raise $5,000. I photograph a lot of babies, families and for a while now we have been photographing pets. I absolutely love photographing dogs, said Hook. I have three dogs myself and I just think it's awesome to have a really nice portrait of your pet, so when we got asked to Dancing with the Vernon Stars we just thought it would be a really great way to raise the money. We have to raise a minimum of $5,000. While Hook is calling the fundraiser Hounds for Hospice, the animal being photographed does not have to be a dog. We're hoping to exceed our goal of $5,000, said Hook. People can email [email protected] to set up a photo session. Photo: Colin Dacre A public naming contest for a new room at the Penticton Regional Hospital finally has a winner. Out of seven finalists, selected from 90 public submissions of options for an in-patient room in the hospital's newest tower, "Meadowlark Room" came out on top. The name earned 22.3 per cent of the votes cast, and was followed up by "Peach Blossom Room" at 20.9 per cent and "Sun-Oka Serenity Room" at 14.3 per cent. In total, 426 votes were cast. It is a fitting choice for the hospital room name as the Meadowlark is a favourite with birders in the Okanagan and its song is said to brighten anyones day. The highly popular Meadowlark Festival is also coming up in May, said JoAnne Kleb, engagement strategist with the City of Penticton. We want to thank everyone who had some fun with the contest and either submitted a name or placed a vote. The woman who submitted the winning name, Courtney Thompson, will receive a one-month pass to the Penticton Community Centre pool. All others who submitted a name have also been entered in a draw for a second pool pass. The names have now been submitted to the South Okanagan Similkameen Foundation to vet with Interior Health and the province. It will take between six to 12 months for the name to be finalized. Photo: The Canadian Press Barbara Bush, the snowy-haired first lady whose plainspoken manner and utter lack of pretense made her more popular at times than her husband, President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday, a family spokesman said. She was 92. Mrs. Bush brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles. "What you see with me is what you get. I'm not running for president George Bush is," she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband, then vice-president, was nominated to succeed Ronald Reagan. The Bushes, who were married Jan. 6, 1945, had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history. And Mrs. Bush was one of only two first ladies who had a child who was elected president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. "I had the best job in America," she wrote in a 1994 memoir describing her time in the White House. "Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun." On Sunday, family spokesman Jim McGrath said the former first lady had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on "comfort care" at home in Houston. She had been in the hospital recently for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2009, she had heart valve replacement surgery and had a long history of treatment for Graves' disease, a thyroid condition. Funeral arrangements weren't immediately released. Her uncoiffed, matronly appearance often provoked jokes that she looked more like the boyish president's mother than his wife. Late-night comedians quipped that her bright white hair and pale features also imparted a resemblance to George Washington. Eight years after leaving the nation's capital, Mrs. Bush stood with her husband as their son George W. was sworn in as president. They returned four years later when he won a second term. Mrs. Bush insisted she did not try to influence her husband's politics. "I don't fool around with his office," she said, "and he doesn't fool around with my household." Photo: City of Penticton The City of Penticton is looking for new ways to deal with its sewage waste. Council heard Tuesday a request for proposals will be issued shortly for ideas to manage of the solids left over by the advanced wastewater treatment plant. Currently, the biosolids are trucked to the Campbell Mountain Landfill and composted. But Public Works Manager Len Robson explained the site no longer meets regulations and the market for compost has dried up, with the city having to give it away in some cases to make space. Robson said options include alternative composting methods, incineration for energy, digestion within the wastewater plant and more. The RDOS is also currently trying to get provincial approval to scrub methane emissions from the landfill with a bio-cover consisting of compost. Residents near the Campbell Mountain Landfill have long called on the city to remove the wastewater treatment sludge from the facility. The RDOS is currently stumbling through the process of finding a regional compost site for both food and sewage waste. Robson said Pentictons system will deal strictly with sewage waste. He added it might not make financial sense to participate with the regional site due to significantly higher tipping fees. Coun. Judy Sentes asked if the City of Penticton and RDOS are running in parallel trying to solve the same problem, and if resources and research could be shared between the two governments. Robson said the consultant hired by the city will be building upon previous research commissioned by the RDOS. We have an advanced wastewater treatment plant. There are many options that Id like to explore that may happen at our wastewater treatment plant, so its about the technology that we have there, which is very different to what the RDOS was exploring, he said, reiterating the difference between food and sewage waste. Council heard the city is planning a public consultation strategy to inform and consult the community on the project moving forward. HIT: To the annual Walk for Autism Awareness in Auburn, which took place for the sixth time on Saturday. +4 Annual walk raises autism awareness, funds in Auburn AUBURN Sara Wright carried her reason for being out at the Walk for Autism Awareness in Auburn in her arms Saturday. The sight of dozens of people walking at Herman Avenue Elementary School and then over to Hoopes Park was uplifting. This gathering organized by the E. John Gavras Center brings families together and educates everyone who takes part. MISS: To the winter that just won't go away. At one point over the weekend, various parts of Cayuga County were under a winter weather advisory, flood watch, wind advisory and ice storm warning. And it was the middle of April, nearly a month into spring. The cold, blustery weather that has dominated much of this month in central New York has more than worn out its welcome. We're more than overdue for a run of sunny, warm days. MISS: To fires that caused significant property damage at two Cayuga County businesses in the past week. Fire closes Savannah Bank in Port Byron PORT BYRON Savannah Bank in Port Byron will be closed for several days after a small fire broke out in the building Thursday evening. An electric fire Thursday night forced the temporary closure of the Savannah Bank branch in Port Byron. Three days later, three tractor-trailer cabs went up in flames at Barr Transportation Corp. in Auburn. +2 18-wheeler cabs catch fire at Barr Transportation in Auburn AUBURN The Auburn Fire Department responded to a call Sunday evening for multiple 18-wheeler cabs on fire at Barr Transportation Corporation Fortunately in both cases, no one was injured, and great work by area firefighters kept the flames from spreading. Love 1 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 0 The public had a chance to see how the city is spending more than $14 million in capital works projects at an open house Tuesday. Mark Dowhaniuk, manager, infrastructure management, said there are several projects on the books this year. One of the larger projects is the completion of the 30th Street and 35th Avenue project. We're making a major north-south, east-west connection. That will be a new intersection at 35th and 30th Street, said Dowhaniuk. Another large-scale project is the completion of the Okanagan Landing sewer community water and wastewater works project. Dowhaniuk said the open house was held to give people a chance to add their input and ask questions about the projects. Anyone not able to attend Tuesday's meeting can go online to get more information. We always take people's input and feedback, said Dowhaniuk. Photo: The Canadian Press Attorney Gloria Allred walks to speak to the media during a break in Bill Cosby's sexual assault trial, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa. Jurors could soon hear Bill Cosby's explosive testimony about giving quaaludes to women before sex an old admission that's taken on new significance at the comedian's sexual assault retrial after a half-dozen women testified that he drugged and violated them. Prosecutors are expected to read a transcript of the 2005 testimony as early as Wednesday, saving for the very end of their case Cosby's own words about using the 1970s party drug "the same as a person would say, 'Have a drink.'" "Quaaludes happen to be the drug that kids, young people were using to party with, and there were times when I wanted to have them just in case," Cosby testified in the deposition, given as part of a lawsuit chief accuser Andrea Constand filed against him. Cosby settled the lawsuit in 2006 for nearly $3.4 million. Cosby, now 80, said in the deposition that he obtained seven prescriptions for quaaludes from his doctor in Los Angeles in the 1970s, ostensibly for a sore back. The drug was banned in the U.S. in 1982, the same year one of the women who testified, Janice Baker-Kinney, alleges Cosby knocked her out with pills she suspected to be quaaludes and then raped her. Judge Steven O'Neill waited until Tuesday to rule that prosecutors could have the "Cosby Show" star's deposition testimony read into the record, handing the prosecution a key victory in its effort to portray the comedian as a serial predator. Prosecutors unleashed other passages from Cosby's graphic deposition, including his accounts of sexual encounters with Constand and how he apologized to her mother a year later for being "a dirty old man with a young girl." They used another of Cosby's statements, one he gave to police in 2005, to show how he described the encounter for which he is facing aggravated indecent assault charges that could send him to prison for years. Cosby said he gave Constand 1 1/2 tablets of the cold and allergy medicine Benadryl to help her relax, then fondled her breasts and genitals, according to the police transcript, which also was read to the jury on Tuesday. Cosby said Constand never told him to stop and has maintained that the encounter was consensual. "We are petting. I enjoyed it," the TV star said, according to the transcript. "And then I stopped, and I went up to bed. We stopped, and then we talked." Constand says Cosby knocked her out with the pills and then sexually assaulted her, penetrating her with his fingers and guiding her hand to his penis. Cosby told police he didn't remember whether Constand touched his genitals. Prosecutors also have several more witnesses to call. They include Judith Regan, who published Cosby accuser Janice Dickinson's memoir, Constand's lawyer Bebe Kivitz and a pharmacology expert. Jurors got a sense of Cosby's view of consent when the comedian described in the deposition testimony reaching an area "somewhere between permission and rejection" during what he claims was a prior sexual encounter with Constand. "I'm giving Andrea time to say 'yes' or 'no' about an area that is right there in the question zone," Cosby testified. The unsealing of the deposition, at the request of The Associated Press, led prosecutors to reopen Cosby's criminal case and shredded his good-guy persona as America's Dad. Photo: Contributed A bird strike forced a Southwest Airlines jet to make an emergency landing in Nashville, Tennessee. The airline said in a statement that the pilot of Flight 577 from Nashville to Phoenix declared an emergency after the bird strike Wednesday morning and safely landed the plane at Nashville International Airport. No injuries were reported. Southwest said the aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance and local employees are working to get passengers on a new flight. The emergency occurred a day after a Southwest plane's engine exploded during a flight and a businesswoman was sucked halfway out of a window broken by pieces of shrapnel. The woman later died, and seven others were injured. Photo: Twitter A Canadian drug mule broke down in tears in an Australian court on Wednesday when she was sentenced to eight years in prison for her part in an attempt to smuggle cocaine worth $16 million into Sydney in luggage aboard a luxury cruise ship. Melina Roberge, 24, told the New South Wales state District Court that she risked a life sentence in an Australian prison for the opportunity to take selfies "in exotic locations and post them on Instagram to receive 'likes' and attention" during a $17,000 vacation she couldn't afford. Three Quebecers have pleaded guilty to smuggling 95 kilograms of the drug in suitcases aboard the MS Sea Princess during a seven-week cruise in 2016 from Britain to Ireland, the United States, Bermuda, Colombia, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Chile then Australia. Roberge was sentenced to a non-parole period of 4 years and 9 months in prison before she is likely to be deported to Canada. Judge Kate Traill condemned Roberge's motivation for crime as a "very sad indictment" on her age group who "seek to attain such a vacuous existence where how many 'likes' they receive are their currency." "She was seduced by lifestyle and the opportunity to post glamorous Instagram photos from around the world," the judge said. "She wanted to be the envy of others. I doubt she is now." Roberge's accomplice with whom she shared a cabin, Isabelle Lagace, 29, was sentenced in November to 7 1/2 years in prison backdated to their arrest. Lagace will also likely be deported after serving a non-parole period of 4 1/2 years. Police with sniffer dogs found 35 kilograms of cocaine in their cabin on Aug. 28, 2016, when the liner, operated by California-based Princess Cruises, berthed in Sydney. Lagace told the court she took part to settle a debt in Canada. Roberge did not admit her guilt until days before her trial was due to begin in February. Traill said Roberge was recruited by a wealthy Canadian benefactor, whom Roberge described in court as her "sugar daddy" but never identified for fear of repercussions for her family in Canada, with the lure of a free vacation. The third accomplice, Andre Tamin, 65, will be sentenced in October. He was caught with 60 kilograms of the drug in his cabin. Photo: The Canadian Press A Colorado man who was wearing a mask and had a knife in his car when he was arrested outside a Beverly Hills home owned by Taylor Swift was released from custody on Tuesday while police continued their investigation. Julius Sandrock, 38, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of stalking after officers went to the home. Swift, who lives in New York, wasn't at the home, police said. Sandrock was freed from jail on Tuesday morning, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department website. It wasn't immediately clear whether Sandrock had a lawyer. Meanwhile, police obtained a temporary restraining order preventing Sandrock from possessing guns. According to the document, Sandrock was wearing a mask and rubber gloves when he was taken into custody and told police he had driven from his home in Broomfield, Colorado, to see Swift. Sandrock told officers he owned three handguns and was on probation in Colorado for firing one, police said. A search of his car turned up a knife, rope, ammunition and more masks and gloves, according to the restraining order. Prescription medications, including oxycodone, were also found and Sandrock told arresting officers that he had depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and manic episodes, according to the document. The arrest followed the April 8 arrest of a homeless man on suspicion of trespassing after he tried to climb a wall at the same property and ignored warnings by security guards to leave. Swift was not at the home. Justin Lilly, 23, was charged with a misdemeanour and sentenced to three days in jail. Photo: Contributed Splatsin Kukpi7 Wayne Christian The Splatsin First Nation and Regional District of North Okanagan will be working closer together on a range of projects after signing a co-operative communications framework agreement. The RDNO and Splatsin will now meet on key topics under a framework that requires communication and reporting. The key areas of discussion will include: Shuswap River boating regulations, Sicamous to Armstrong rail corridor and the development of properties around Mabel Lake. Splatsin has been in discussion with the RDNO regarding an agreement to facilitate communications and co-operation among the parties, said Wayne Christian, Splatsin Kukpi7 (Chief,) These discussions began at a meeting between Splatsin and RDNO in March. On March 13 Splatsin chief and council passed a motion to fully support and approve the signing of the RDNO-Splatsin Co-operative Communication Framework as presented to us by our Title and Rights Department. RDNO chairperson Bob Fleming said the protocol will help to guide respectful communications and build upon the relationship and history of cooperation between Splatsin and the RDNO. We look forward to continuing to work with Splatsin on issues of common interest and objectives. Christian said Splatsin strives to engage its members in the pursuit of good governance, to ensure we respond to needs that are expressed at the individual, family, community and national levels. The Splatsin are the most southern tribe of the Shuswap Nation, the largest Interior Salish speaking First Nation in Canada whose aboriginal territory stretches from the BC/Alberta border near the Yellowhead Pass to the plateau west of the Fraser River, southeast to the Arrow Lakes and to the upper reaches of the Columbia River. Photo: Mike Biden file photo The Penticton Indian Band is announcing prescribed burns in the Garnet Lake area northwest of Summerland. In conjunction with the provincial government, the burn will take place over the next three weeks and cover 120 acres between Summerland and Peachland. This controlled burn will help restore and enhance natural important wildlife habitat and reduce the risk of wildfire to nearby properties, a PIB news release reads. Historically, the landscape in the Garnet Valley would have been renewed through frequent, low-intensity ground fires. Such fires prevented tree encroachment, rejuvenated understory plants and helped maintain open grasslands and forests with large trees. Smoke from the fires will be visible from nearby communities. Crews from the Penticton Indian Band and BC Wildfire Service will be on scene to watch the fires at all times. The burns will only go ahead on days where the weather will allow the quick dispersion of smoke. Photo: Darren Handschuh Byron Bolton, Kingfisher CEO, addresses employees at a ceremony Wednesday. Vernon's own Kingfisher Boats is among some prestigious company after being named one of Canada's Best Managed Companies. Canadas Best Managed Companies is Canadas leading business awards program, recognizing excellence in private Canadian-owned companies. Each year, hundreds of entrepreneurial companies undergo a rigorous application process, but only the best are awarded with this prestigious designation. Kingfisher was one of 44 new companies to join the best-managed alumni, and only one of five in B.C. It was an honour to receive the Best Managed designation this year, said Byron Bolton, Kingfisher CEO. It takes an incredible amount of skill and passion from our entire team to achieve this level of success. Kingfisher employs some 150 people and operates in a large facility at the north end Swan Lake. On Wednesday all of the employees gathered for a pizza lunch and to celebrate the achievement of the company. KingFisher designs and builds 33 models of heavy-gauge sport fishing boats, which are shipped to 50 dealerships across North America. We build them by hand, one at a time with incredible skill and passion, said Bolton. Photo: Josh Winquist Gas prices in Vernon continue fluctuate wildly. Gas prices in Vernon continue to fluctuate wildly. On Wednesday morning, the price of gas at the pump at Petro-Canada on 25th Avenue was 139.9 while other stations were as much as 16 cents a litre cheaper. Vernon drivers were the beneficiaries of a much-appreciated gas war last month that saw the price of petrol drop as low as 104.9 at one point. Super Save and Canadian Tire were credited with starting the gas war in the first place. Eventually, prices soared back to a more 'normal' price, but Super Save Gas continues to other outlets notice by selling the liquid gold for 123.9. According to gasbuddy.com, most stations in Vernon are selling gas for 125.9 with some as high as 139.9. In Kelowna, gas is selling for 132.9 to 139.9. Motorists in Penticton are also advised to shop around as the price of gas ranges from 129.9 to 139.9. And as always, Vancouver motorists are paying the most at the pump, shelling out a whopping 153.9 per litre. The much-derided Common Core tests being administered in New York state got another black eye last week when students in some schools had trouble taking electronic versions of English exams. The testing company and the state Education Department both need to figure out what went wrong and take steps to ensure that the problem doesn't repeat itself. As statewide assessments move toward computer-based rather than paper tests, some students had error messages show up on their exams last week, and some schools reported that student work was lost when the Questar Assessment system crashed. Some Cayuga County-area schools ran into problems logging into the online testing system because of unrelated internet connectivity issues. All in all, some student tests were delayed by just minutes while other schools decided to postpone the assessments for a week. At this point, Questar and the state Education Department need to assess what went wrong. The system needs to be thoroughly tested before its used again, and safeguards must be put in place to make sure that it will work when students try it again. And they're going to be trying it again very shortly, as grades 3-8 math tests are scheduled for the first week of May, with some of those exams being computer-based. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 17, Guangzhou government officially issued the 2025 Strategy for Guangzhou auto industry that aims to increase the annual new energy vehicle (NEV) production capacity to 1 million units in 2025, one of the top 3 Chinese cities in NEV production capacity. According to the strategy, Guangzhou government strives to be the champion in vehicle output and sales among Chinese auto manufacturing bases with auto production capacity up to 5 million units per year. Besides, the capital of Guangdong province aims to achieve annual production value of auto manufacturing industry to RMB 1 trillion. In addition, the strategy also mentions that Guangzhou will make effort to realize the industrialization of intelligent-connected vehicle (ICV) and have 80% of new NEVs equipped with L1 to L4 autonomous driving systems. In accordance with the 2025 strategy, Guangzhou government will focus on the R&D of leading-edge auto technologies as well as key generic technologies. Besides, the government will set up an innovation development fund for auto industry and adopts some marketization tools to gradually favor China-branded vehicles, NEVs, ICVs, fuel-cell vehicles and core auto parts. Additionally, China-branded vehicles, NEVs, ICVs, fuel-cell vehicles and core auto parts will be given preferential credit supports which help enlarge the companies financing channels through capital markets, finance lease and Internet finance, etc. The annual vehicle output in Guangzhou raised from 1.384 million units in 2012 to 3.108 million units in 2017, with an average annual compound growth of 17.6%. In the past 2017, the annual vehicle output in Guangzhou accounted for 10.7% of national output, ranking first among auto megacities in China. Besides, Guangzhous total production value of auto manufacturing industry reached RMB 514.2 billion in 2017, jumping 17.4% year on year. Among that, the annual production value of auto component manufacturing industry grew 14.4% from a year ago to RMB 136.4 billion. In 2016, the annual output of some Chinese brands like GAC Trumpchi and Senova occupies 20.4% of total output in Guangzhou with a total of 537,300 units manufactured. Especially, the GAC Trumpchi delivered 508,600 vehicles in 2017, achieving year-on-year sales growth for 7 consecutive years. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Beijing Hyundai recently released its 2018 sales target of 900,000 units, up 10% compared with last year. According to Fan Jingtao, vice general manager and deputy director of sales department of Beijing Hyundai, since Beijing Hyundai suffered heavy sale drop in 2017, 2018 is a transitional year for Beijing Hyundai to set a prudent annual sales target of less than 1,000,000 units. Due to the heavy sales drop in 2017, Beijing Hyundai now is constructing "three vertical and three horizontal" product lineup. The vertical product lineup includes base models, high-performance models and NEV models, while the horizontal products focus on electric technology, intelligent technology and internet connected technology. To stabilize sales performance, Beijing Hyundai has tried every means in such areas as products, sales system and dealership network. Fan Jingtao said that Beijing Hyundai will stop producing old models if their upgrades have hit the market. In the meantime, Beijing Hyundai released an all-new brand strategy last year. As part of the strategy, the Beijing Hyundai ENCINO hit the market, mainly targeting high-performance small SUV market with four variants. In the future, Beijing Hyundai plans to release all-new large-sized SUV models, sedan models and mid-cycle updates of the Tucson. Apart from concentrating on the ever hot SUV market, Beijing Hyundai still ramps up the R&D of NEVs. It is said that the Sino-Korea JV will launch the PHEV versions of the Elantra and the Sonata 9, as well as nine NEV models including B-class pure electric sedan models and small pure electric SUV models before 2020. By the end of the 13th Five-year Plan, NEVs will take up 10% of Beijing Hyundai's whole sales. Industry insiders believed that Beijing Hyundai can gain sales growth via giving top priority to SUV and NEV segments. However, the two segments are crowded with competitive rivals. The differentiation will be the key for Beijing Hyundai to gain sales growth in the future. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On April 13, Changchun municipal government, Jilin Province issued the Changchun Regulations on Intelligent and Connected Vehicles Road Testing (Trial) (Changchun Regulations), joining Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Chongqing in issuing road testing regulation for self-driving vehicles. The Changchun Regulations require the testing applicant to provide a statement or introduction regarding the tested vehicles and a work program of road test application. Besides, it also requires the test applicant to provide a certificate of minimum traffic accident insurance of RMB 5 million or an equivalent letter of guarantee and a letter of commitment for economic compensation. Under the Changchun Regulations, tested vehicles should not be registered with the authority but must possess all driving functions same as conventional motor vehicles. Tested vehicles are required to be able to switch between human operation and self-driving modes in a safe, swift and simple way so as to ensure the testing driver can take over the control under any circumstance. The tested vehicles should be equipped with monitoring devices from third parties so that they can transfer real-time information relating to the control model of the tested vehicle, vehicle location as well as speed and acceleration speed. Besides, the tested vehicles also must be able to automatically record and store specified information for the period at least 90 seconds prior to and after an accident or malfunction. The Changchun Regulations require the testing driver must hold a valid driving license of quasi-driving type with at least 3-year driving experience and signs a labor contract with the applicant. Besides, a testing driver should have more than 50-hour intelligent-connecting driving system operation experience (of which at least 40 hours need to be experienced in specified ICV driving scenarios). Besides, a testing driver should take a 30-minute break every 2 hours and total testing time per driver should not exceed 8 hours per day. The Changchun Regulations also point out that in case of a minor traffic accident during the road testing, the third party regulatory institution should suspend the applicant's testing. The testing applicant is required to submit to the authorized third party institute a self-evaluation report regarding the accident or an accident liability confirmation issued by public security or traffic management department, and then is allowed to apply to resume testing. For the third year in a row, ETC has partnered with the Hunter Museum for Casting the Canvas, a night of short plays inspired by six works of art. What began in 2016, has blossomed into a growing partnership and a melding of visual and theatrical art. Featuring the works of five local playwrights, the stories range from a comedic and whimsical look at creation to a dystopian commentary on societal structures. Sticking with the overall theme of ETCs season, each playwright was asked to keep family in mind while writing their plays. ETCs Communications Director, Casey Keelen, helms the project for her third time, I have loved this project since its inception. As artists, its so important for us to not only support each other, but to feed each others artistic sensibilities. To be able to create a piece of theatrical art from a piece of visual art is so special, because it is the perfect example of two artists, with different viewpoints, coming together to create separate and unique pieces that are, at the core, intertwined. The series of short plays will be performed twice on the ETC stage at Barking Legs Theater and once at the Hunter Museum. The Hunter Museum performance will take viewers on a guided trip through the museum, stopping and performing each play in front of the piece that served as the inspiration. The performances will be Monday and Tuesday at Barking Legs Theater at 7:30 p.m. and May 10 at Hunter Museum of American Art at 6 p.m. Barking Legs Theater is at 1307 Dodds Ave. and the Hunter Museum of American Art is at 10 Bluff View Ave. Call 987-5141 for ticket information. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission announced Wednesday that Bradley County Schools/Bradley Central High School is the recipient of a $948,230 GEAR UP grant over the next six years. The grant funds will provide services to students and families with the aim of increasing enrollment and success in postsecondary education. The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Educations Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs grant, which aims to increase the number of low-income students in Tennessee who are accessing and succeeding in higher education. Bradley County Schools/Bradley Central High School is one of 15 communities selected to receive funds. The communities were selected through a competitive application process by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the administrator of the states GEAR UP TN grant. Dr. Linda Cash, Bradley County director of School, said, GEAR UP TN allows Bradley County Schools to provide more chances to develop our greatest asset- our students. The program focuses on providing explicit learning opportunities for students and prepares them for success at the next level of college and career choices. Through the GEAR UP TN grant students develop skills, knowledge and talent that will propel them to future success. In turn, the students are better prepared to become great citizens that strengthen our workforce and economy. We are excited about the opportunities provided through this grant. As part of the project, Bradley County Schools/Bradley Central High School will form a local, community based GEAR UP TN Collaborative to provide college access and success-focused services to students at Bradley Central High School and Lake Forest Middle School. Students in the Class of 2023, who are currently in the seventh grade, will receive services as a cohort through middle school, high school, and their first year of postsecondary education. Seniors at participating high school will also receive direct services that will help them prepare for college and apply to postsecondary programs. Services will include one-on-one mentoring, tutoring, college visits, and financial aid counseling. GEAR UP TN will also provide students across the state of Tennessee with college and financial aid resources, including a college access and success website, CollegeforTN.org. Each GEAR UP TN Collaborative includes formal partnerships with at least one middle school, one high school, a higher education institution, a local board of education and at least two community-based organizations. Partners will help implement grant activities and ensure that the momentum of college access work continues beyond the six-year grant. Bradley County Schools/Bradley Central High School GEAR UP TN Collaborative will partner with: Lake Forest Middle School Cleveland State Community College Tennessee College of Applied Technology Athens Lee University Bradley/Cleveland Chamber of Commerce Tennessee Manufacturers Association Cormetech, Inc. Wacker DENSO Cleveland Bradley County Teachers Public Education Foundation Partners will provide a variety of services to students, parents and teachers and that they have outlined specifically in their commitment letters. Some of those services will include serving on the Steering Committee, teacher professional development, early post-secondary opportunities, curricular design, training space, collaborative work-force development, advise on industry best practices, tutoring, job site visits, job shadowing, guest speakers, industry tours, host workshops, and provide college access activities for parents and students. This is Tennessees third GEAR UP grant. Tennessees first GEAR UP TN project, which began in 2005, resulted in a 22.8 percent increase in college-going rates in the nine rural school districts. Communities served by Tennessees second GEAR UP TN grant, which began in 2012, have shown impressive results, including over 9 percentage points of growth in college-going rates since 2012, said officials. Tennessee was one of 10 states awarded a GEAR UP grant as part of the 2017 competition. For more information, please contact Patti Hunt, grant supervisor, Bradley County Schools, at 476-0629, Ext. 2013, phunt@bradleyschools.org. Five Jewish-themed award-winning films produced in Israel and Argentina and will be shown on five consecutive Wednesday evenings at 7:15 p.m. beginning May 2 at the Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 North Terrace Road. A special screening of the award winning film Maktub will be Sunday, May 6 at 3 p.m. These films are suitable for those 16 and older. These films have garnered international film awards and nominations, and have received recognition at film festivals throughout the United States, Europe and Israel. Individual tickets are $8 per person and include complimentary popcorn and a soft drink. Corporate sponsors for the series include Barnett and Company, Chambliss Bahner & Stophel P.C., Chattanooga Allergy Clinic, Erlanger Health System, Kleen-a-Matic, Market Street Partners, Monen Family Restaurants, Southport Capital, Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, Chattanooga Symphony & Opera and the Chattanooga Theatre Centre, along with over 75 individual sponsors. For more information, contact the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga 423-493-0270. The series schedule is as follows: May 2, 7:15 p.m. - In Between, Israel, subtitles, 103 minutes: Three Palestinian women living in an apartment in Tel Aviv try to find a balance between traditional and modern culture. Fourteen awards were received from the Israel Film Academy, The Istanbul International Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, among others. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpUVQMDoewU. Special screening Sunday, May 6, 3 p.m. - Maktub, Israel, subtitles, 100 minutes: Two criminals are the sole survivors of a terrorist attack in Jerusalem. They decide to change their ways and become living angels. Awards were received from the Monte Carlo International Film Festival and Best of Festival from the Palm Springs International Festival, among others. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjkzIcBaIow. Repeat screening Wednesday, May 30, 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, 7:15 p.m. - The Last Suit, Argentina, subtitles, 86 minutes: Abraham Bursztein, an 88-year-old Jewish tailor, runs away from home in Buenos Aires to Poland in search of a lost friend. Won the Audience Award at the Miami and Atlanta Jewish Film Festivals. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLZVMgJoo-k. Wednesday, May 16, 7:15 p.m. - A Quiet Hear, Israel, subtitles, 92 minutes: Naomi, a secular young woman, seeks refuge from the pressure of her life as a concert pianist. Won awards at the Haifa International Film Festival and the Talinn (Estonia) Black Nights Film Festival, among others. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6jAREwBTg0. Wednesday, May 23, 7:15 p.m. - Shelter, Israel, subtitles, 93 minutes: In this thriller a Mossad agent is called back from sick leave and assigned the job babysitting a Lebanese informant. Awards from the Haifa International Film Festival, The Warsaw Film Festival and the Los Angeles International Film Festival, among others. Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwPTrBsRv3Q. Wednesday, May 30, 7:15 p.m. - Encore screening of Maktub "An average of 30 films are reviewed by a committee of volunteers each year in order to choose six feature films, five for the series and one for the sponsor event. Films screened at major national and international film festivals, those recommended by peers throughout the United States and those brought to the committees attention by filmmakers are included in the selection process. Past selections have included Academy Award nominees and winners, as well as Israeli Ophir Award winners. Over the past eleven years, we have included films from thirteen different countries," officials said. Senate health committee Chairman Lamar Alexander Wednesday announced Tennessee will receive a nearly $14 million grant from the Department of Health and Human Services in the states fight against the opioid crisis. The state received nearly $14 million last year as well both grants were funded by the 21st Century Cures Act that Senator Alexander authored and President Obama signed into law in 2016. The devastation of the opioid crisis has touched nearly every community in our state, and todays announcement that Tennessee is set to receive another nearly $14 million to fight its ongoing opioid epidemic will provide a major boost to Tennesseans on the front lines of a battle that is being waged county by county and doctors office by doctors office, Senator Alexander said. Leader McConnell called the 21st Century Cures the most important legislation of the year, and this funding is just another example of the real help this bill is delivering to Tennessee families. The 21st Century Cures Act that was signed into law in December of 2016 by President Obama provided $1 billion in grants to states to help fight the opioid epidemic. Senator Alexander was the chief Senate sponsor of the 21st Century Cures Act. Last April, the Department of Health and Human Services announced the first round of funding to be delivered to all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and six U.S. territories of which Tennessee received $14 million. Today, Secretary Azar released the second year of funding which is $485 million in total and Tennessee again received $14 million. States can use the federal grants to improve prescription drug monitoring programs, implement prevention activities, and train health care providers on overdose prevention and recognizing potential cases of substance abuse. An additional $1 billion was also funded in this years government spending bill, and the additional funding will be available starting September 2018. Senator Alexander this week introduced bipartisan legislation the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 with Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) that includes 40 proposals to help bring an end to the opioid crisis. Senator Alexander announced the Senate health committee will consider and vote on the legislation on Tuesday. The legislation would extend authorization for the Opioid State Targeted Response grants like the one Tennessee is receiving today -- for the next three years. More information on the legislation is available here. Chesterfield now offering Pfizer booster shots The Chesterfield Health District is now offering booster shots of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for those 65 and older and those 18-64 with underlying medical conditions. The booster shot, administered... Vaccine policy stirs tension between county, commissioner of the revenue In early June, Chesterfields commissioner of the revenue, Jenefer Hughes, found herself swimming against the current. With COVID-19 cases plummeting and vaccination events inoculating thousands in Chesterfield and across the... Guest Commentary Audio Article This is a short history of the Morgan family farm before the possible development of the remaining 49 acres east of Chesterton. Jesse and Jane Morgan arrived in Northwest Indiana in 1833 after traveling through Ohio, northern Indiana, stopping off in LaPorte County for a... Echoes of the Past Audio Article 10 Years Ago Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2011 Bethlehem Lutheran Church will host a wellness screening event. . . CHS girls soccer team beats LaPorte 5-0 and clinches a share of the DAC title. Scoring goals are Rosie Biehl (2), Hannah Kollar (2), and Sam... Voice of the People I can drive on the left lane of Ind. 49 and not have to deal with the truck traffic any more. I dont think I know you Jim Ton but apparently youre the one that made this happen. My life is a little better now.... Guest Commentary Fair maps for our children, for our Hispanic communities, for our futures My son will vote for the first time next year. And for his first time, the state of Indiana will have brand new legislative and congressional districts. It should feel like a clean... Interwest continues to own the hotel, while the Oxford Capital affiliate will manage it. The Hotel Indigo name will change sometime in May, when the $9 million renovation designed by Chicago's Gettys Group will be completed, Rutledge said. The hotel will remain open throughout the work. Facebook started rolling out its facial tagging feature for photos in 2010. The social media platform does have information on its website regarding the feature and points users toward their settings to disable it. However, the lawsuit alleges that the company did not obtain written consent from users or properly notify them about how the information would be used or or how long it would be kept. A number of physicians, professional organizations and advocacy groups are pushing for the bill's passage, as well as Ferring Pharmaceuticals, which makes drugs that are used as part of the egg retrieval process. Michael Mawby, vice president for government affairs at Ferring, said the company is lobbying for the bill because "it's the right thing to do," and fertility preservation "is never going to be a huge business driver for us." The company, based in Chicago and Pittsburgh, asked Twitter users last week if it should bring the hybrid condiment to the U.S., and the response was overwhelming. At final count, 930,691 people voted in the survey, 55 percent of them in support. "It simply enables the city to exercise the powers it currently has on the books," Ald. Ameya Pawar, 47th, a chief sponsor of the proposal, said at a news conference Wednesday morning before the City Council session where he introduced the ordinance. He was flanked by several members of the Arise Chicago workers center, which has been leading a campaign for an Office of Labor Standards. "We had a really great rapport. I loved him very dearly and I know he loved me, but the one thing I regret is not being more present in his life or fighting to be more present, especially when he was sick, because you want to be with the person as much as you can and garner as much as you can from them and then at the same time you feel as though you're kind of a reminder to them of something that they did that they're not proud of, so it was sort of like bittersweet." "I honestly not to brag but I became a little bit more popular at school," Pierce said. "I guess I will be well known as that kid who was on 'MasterChef Junior.' But I'm not really (in it) for the popularity, I'm just all about having fun. I mean, it was like a really fun experience. Lots of people come up to me and ask a bunch of questions that I like answering, and I want to also inspire people who want to cook too." There's a movie in that, and in all of the themes, really. The problem with this movie is one of strategy. Despite plentiful scenes affording Schumer room to show both sides of Renee, the sad sack and the strutter, veteran screenwriters and first-time feature film directors Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein can't settle on a tone, or allow Renee to breathe. Beauty, like confidence, is in the eye off the beholder: The idea is evergreen. And the filmmakers aren't so crass as to go the "Shallow Hal" route, and turn the story into a skeezy, pathetic occasion for prosthetics and sniggering. The loopy version of Canada in which the film is set fits in with the crude-but-goofy Broken Lizard aesthetic; it allows the film to be xenophobic and innocuous at the same time. Our heroes, having been stripped of their jobs, are toiling away as construction workers. But when it's discovered that the northern tip of Vermont actually pokes up into Canada and has to be reclassified as American soil (do yourself a favor and don't think about that for more than two seconds), the state's governor (Lynda Carter) rehires the former Vermont state troopers to patrol the territory during the transition. This sets them up against the Canadians, who include a smarmy mayor (Rob Lowe in pouffy hair), a trio of disgruntled Mounties (Tyler Labine, Will Sasso, and Hayes MacArthur), and a bunch of righteous natives who speak in zany French Quebecois accents. Lewis' Jazz Festival set will cap an extraordinary and enduring career that made him something of a pop star in the 1960s with hit recordings such as "The In Crowd," "Hang on Sloopy" and "Wade in the Water." A tireless performer, Lewis traveled constantly around the globe, long has served as artistic director for jazz at the Ravinia Festival, in Highland Park, and consistently has ignored entreaties to move to one of the coasts. "Imagine you are putting the needle on the record," he said. "You start the track. Then you move to another song. Another guest artist comes on. You start to piece together a loose narrative. My love and is this not the most influential British stage musical of all time? for this piece is really tied up in my love of its form. Traditionally, people have gone to see this show and seen its flaws, its dramaturgical challenges. I have chosen to embrace its fragmented self. And that loose narrative let's be honest about that does not need to be compensated for with a whole lot of directorial context. That just makes it seem smaller, somehow. The narrative here is behind the music, not, as is more usual, in the front." The rock-musical adaption of Rick Riordan's best-selling novel, about a son of Poseidon who balances being a good kid and battling Greek gods, will run Jan. 8-13 at the Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St. "The leadership style is actually strikingly similar," Comey said. "I don't mean it in the sense that Donald Trump is out breaking legs or shaking down shopkeepers. I mean it in the sense that he leads, it's all about the boss. What will serve the boss best? How are you helping the boss? It's all about that person and nothing external to that." In 2011, Siva Vaidhyanathan, a professor of media studies at the University of Virginia, issued a series of cautions (many of which have come to pass) with "The Googlization of Everything: And Why We Should Worry." Vaidhyanathan proposed a framework for a truly "open" internet, not controllable by a single powerful company. Next month will see the release of Vaidhyanathan's new book, "Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy." We should probably pay attention to that one as well. That appears to be what happened in Etter's case. The first-year music teacher responded to some first-graders' questions about a bouquet he received for Valentine's Day. Etter said the flowers were from his husband, and he made a few brief comments about respect, tolerance and how some kids have two moms or two dads. One parent complained, according to school officials, who said a meeting with the teacher followed, the issue was resolved, and that Etter's job was never in jeopardy. 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 A Buckingham Palace source told the Daily Mail: "She has mourned every one of her corgis over the years, but she has been more upset about Willow's death than any of them It is probably because Willow was the last link to her parents and a pastime that goes back to her own childhood. It really does feel like the end of an era." She drove for a while, past the bare trees and the barren lots, over potholes the size of swimming pools, thinking about her parents. Old hippies, they were. Named her April Hope because they believed, in her dad's words, "Your name is your destiny" and they wanted to give her something they'd never had as kids in Chicago. "We know that CPS diverse learners must be given every opportunity for growth and achievement," CPS special education chief Elizabeth Keenan told ISBE members Wednesday. "Reforms are already on the way, and we need to look forward to a system that does not maintain prior status quo but instead provides real opportunity for all students." "He seemed relaxed, he was laughing. I feel like he was being really genuine, which I appreciate," Ponce said. "For politicians, it's one of those things they have to decide with their families how much of their personal lives they are going to disclose. Mayor Emanuel, based on what I know, has at times he holds his personal life pretty close to the chest." Reed, of the 1400 block of West 14th Street originally identified in Tribune stories as Annie Edwards and Smith, 25, of the 1200 block of South Throop Street, were killed. A customer who was checking out with Reed at the time of the fire testified at Brocks' trial that when Brocks threw a burning matchbook on a potato chip rack he had doused in gasoline, setting it on fire, Reed panicked and ran upstairs, according to court records. But for unknown reasons, Chicago police put an extradition hold on him -- meaning he would be jailed in the Harrison District lockup while waiting for Lee County to pick him up "falsely stating" on an arrest report that the bond information wasn't available, according to the lawsuit. The next day, while he was in a Cook County Jail bullpen waiting to go to court, a sheriff's officer found a packet of crack cocaine near Lumar, according to the lawsuit. "Dr. Breuder is very pleased that the Seventh Circuit has affirmed that his claims are merited. His reputation has been unfairly smeared and the Seventh Circuit's opinion validates that their actions were not just unjust but unconstitutional," Breuder's attorney, Melissa Eubanks, said in a statement. "Dr. Breuder had rights in his employment contract with COD and those rights were and remain entitled to the protections afforded under state and federal law." "The evidence developed during the course of the (investigation) established that the subject doctor was improperly converting funds maintained in the Salary Reallocation Account for personal benefit," the inspector general concluded. "While the subject account lacked adequate internal controls and oversight, the funds were deliberately and intentionally converted by the subject doctor for his personal benefit by fraudulently claiming the reimbursed expenses were work related and in accord with the mission of CCHHS." Clouding the circumstances surrounding Benjamin's death was his habit of "headbanging," or throwing himself backward while sitting, causing him to hit his head on the floor. But at the 2012 trial, his doctor testified the behavior is not uncommon and does not normally cause serious injury. Crews were called shortly after 1 a.m. to the fire in the 21-story building in the 6400 block of South Lowe Avenue, officials said. Residents were evacuated but have been been allowed back into their homes, except for those who live on the 13th floor where the fire apparently started in an apartment. Loizon, who was assigned to desk duty for two years before he was dismissed, said the Tribune's accusations were false and were "based primarily on information provided to the reporters by convicted felons." He said he had a "clean personnel record" and received outstanding job reviews during his 29 years with the probation department. He alleged Evans treated him differently because he is white. A man with a long criminal record of theft and gun charges has been arrested for a string of armed robberies in the Back of the Yards neighborhood since late last month, according to Chicago police. Bokowski had been charged last year with possessing firearm ammunition, several shotguns and pistol and rifle rounds without a firearm owner's identification card. He also was charged with misdemeanor battery stemming from an accusation that he touched a woman inappropriately, according to a complaint filed in McHenry County courthouse. Those charges were dismissed as part of the negotiated plea in the sex assault case. The ordinance also would give pound workers some leeway on whether to spay or neuter and implant microchips in animals that are brought in. If the animals' health could be endangered or if the owner files an official challenge to microchipping or sterilization, the owner could get the animal back without the procedures. "They did not want to have us put out the resolution, they did not want to have public hearings," said Waguespack, 32nd. "They want to do closed-door briefings first to give us information to disseminate that comes from the water department and mayor's office. We felt it was important for people to ask questions of the water department and public health and say, 'What specifically are you doing?' out here in the public instead of behind closed doors." "I certainly intend to vote for her, and it's my understanding that she has the weighted votes to be the chair," said Recorder of Deeds Karen Yarbrough, a west suburban committeeman who plans to seek re-election as the party's sergeant-at-arms. "Toni has been true to the party. She has always been true to her voice of seeing diversity in the party, and she's a prolific fundraiser." What's a bit more unusual is who's sponsoring the event. It's Koch Industries, the business empire of Charles and David Koch, brothers best known for using their wealth to pour tens of millions of dollars into conservative causes and candidates, often kicking up controversy in the process. The Koch brothers long have drawn the ire of national Democrats for their outsize influence in conservative politics, with progressives often accusing the brothers of trying to buy elections. But it is unclear whether both sides interpret their aim to achieve a "denuclearization on the peninsula" in the same way. With his remarks in March, Kim may also have been suggesting that he seeks some security assurances from the United States and other nations with nuclear arsenals that could theoretically reach North Korea - a condition the United States would be unlikely to comply with, given that this would likely entail withdrawing missiles from much of the Pacific region, as my colleague Anna Fifield recently noted. MENOMONIE, WIS. A Wisconsin jury has convicted a Minneapolis man with a string of domestic violence convictions of battery in the death of a student from Saudi Arabia, but acquitted him on a more serious murder charge. Cullen M. Osburn, 28, awaits sentencing July 13 for a potential maximum of eight years in the death of Hussain Saeed Alnahdi, 24, a junior who was majoring in business administration at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. After a six-day trial and six hours of deliberations, the Dunn County jury on Tuesday night found Osburn guilty of aggravated battery with intent to cause bodily harm, but not guilty of felony murder. Prosecutors say Osburn punched Alnahdi in the face outside a pizzeria in Menomonie early on Oct. 30, 2016. Alnahdi died the next day at a hospital. Osburn didn't know Alnahdi. District Attorney Andrea Nodolf argued that Osburn was looking for a fight after making 50 unanswered phone calls to his girlfriend and threatened to beat someone else up unless she answered. "You heard those phone calls," the prosecutor said. "You heard the defendant call her, 'retarded, stupid.' This is a man who uses violence without hesitation." Prosecutors also said Osburn later bragged to a motel worker about being in a fight and demonstrated the punch to that worker, which was captured on the motel's surveillance video. The defense argued that Osborn never threw a punch, and that Alnahdi must have fallen because he was drunk and may have died because hospital workers were too slow to address his skull fracture and brain injury. "I want a retrial," Osburn said after the judge read the verdict. "He doesn't understand why he was charged. He feels like he didn't do anything wrong," said Osburn's attorney, Christopher Zipko. "Mr. Osburn maintains that he never put his hands on Mr. Alnahdi." Alnahdi was from Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, and was a junior majoring in business administration. The memorial fund in his name is being administered by the Stout University Foundation, a private fundraising group that supports the university. President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in West Palm Beach, Florida, on April 17, 2018. According to sources, Trump is souring on the idea of an interview with special counsel Robert Mueller. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP) Administration officials said the economic sanctions were under serious consideration, along with other measures that could be taken against Russia, but said Trump had not given final authorization to implement them. Administration officials said Monday it was unlikely Trump would approve any additional sanctions without another triggering event by Russia, describing the strategy as being in a holding pattern. Why is not clear. It may or may not come to light that his campaign conspired with the Kremlin to win the 2016 election. A video of him consorting with prostitutes may or may not emerge. Corrupt investments might be uncovered. But what we know already is that he practically grovels before Putin. By all accounts, Secretary of Defense James Mattis and his Pentagon comrades won the internal arguments in the administration for erring on the side of symbolism. Ideally we would have destroyed the aircraft and the personnel that carried out the suspected chemical warfare, but it's hard for me to second-guess someone who has seen so much war and knows the region as well as anybody alive. I'm willing to defer to the generals on this one. First, it began using the computers to issue automated letters demanding that taxpayers correct errors. In effect, it relied on form letters to achieve what field audits had formerly accomplished. At the same time, it began using historical data to build algorithms designed to sniff out suspect returns. Such returns might not contain any errors, but because of certain red flags an unusual deduction, a deviation from some norm the computer could flag the return. The higher the "dif," or "discriminate function," score, the more likely something fishy was taking place. Audit rates drifted downward, a trend that continues to this day. If this procedure to resolve conflicts is continued, COPA's view should be given considerably more deference. American legal tradition allows for the dismissal of cases before a trial on the merits. However, the procedural mechanisms always afford the party bringing the case, either the prosecutor or the plaintiff, a high degree of deference. Taking a similar approach here, if allowed at all, the superintendent's mere disagreement with COPA's finding should not be enough to derail a case. A case should move through the process unless the superintendent can show that COPA's findings are either an unreasonable interpretation of the facts or the policies, or the recommended discipline is an abuse of discretion. This higher standard will ensure that dismissal of a matter at this stage will only occur where justice is best served by doing so. One process Preckwinkle can revolutionize: She should abandon and barricade the smoke-filled backroom where candidates for office grovel for the support of the county Democratic Party. Candidates, particularly for judgeships, should be slated by the party based on qualifications, not clout, and certainly not by the heft of their checkbooks. Currently, getting the party's endorsement can depend on how fat a check a candidate is willing to cut. Flying is different because passengers give up control. They don't know what's going on in the cockpit. They can't see much out the window. They are helpless hostages in a science experiment, with nerves on edge because the perceived margin of error is so small. Any mishap at takeoff, landing or cruising altitude could be fatal. Could be but probably won't be. While flying may be stressful, and turbulence terrifying, boarding a plane is not inherently dangerous. Before the Southwest incident, the last fatal accident involving a U.S. airline occurred in February 2009. On Monday, we, and the rest of the world, got the first glimpse of the developers' plans for this site. We're excited to say their proposal is big. Developers intend to build a stiletto of metal and glass soaring to 1,422 feet, only 29 feet shorter than Willis Tower. (Why not go higher? We'll get to that in a minute.) Heck, I bet if enough sanctuary-seeking gun owners relocated to Effingham County, the rest of us the non-armed and the armed who don't feel threatened by sensible gun laws would be willing to chip in and buy a nice fence to surround the whole county. That would keep the liberals and the marauding hordes of immigrants out and guarantee that Effingham County remains a place where a person can tote an AR-15 to church without having the inherent irony of that decision pointed out by some left-wing lunkhead. While the documentary is opening in select theaters May 4, Chicagoans have a chance to see it early, courtesy of the Onion's A.V. Club. The publication will host a screening of the film April 25 at Landmark Century Centre Cinema (2828 N. Clark St.), about 10 days prior to its official release. The showtime will be announced closer to the date. Even better: The showing is free. Coats obviously keep kids warm in Chicago's brutal winters, but Lalley said the donations do more than that. They can allow kids to get much-needed exercise during recess when gym programs have been cut or to come to school at all when buses aren't available. Plus, it offers generosity to kids who might not often experience that kind of personalized kindness. 3214 N. Southport Ave., No. 3N, Chicago: $1,299,000 | Listed: Aug. 18, 2021 This three-bedroom home has two full bathrooms, one half-bath, and crown molding. The kitchen has hardwood flooring, fresh tile backsplash, a pantry, an island and space for a table. An open concept living and dining room on the main level features wainscoting and a fireplace. A separate family room and a breakfast nook are also on the main level, and an upper-level living room can be converted into a fourth bedroom. This home has five private outdoor areas, including a composite rooftop deck, a front porch, an enclosed brick space thats turf and tile, and two rear decks. A wet bar with a wine refrigerator, a storage room, and garage parking complete this home. Agent: Tommy Choi, Keller Williams, 773-851-5840 *Some listing photos are virtually staged, meaning they have been digitally altered to represent different furnishing or decorating options. To feature your luxury listing of $800,000 or more in Chicago Tribunes Dream Homes, send listing information and high-res photos to ctc-realestate@chicagotribune.com. Join our Chicago Dream Homes Facebook group for more luxury listings and real estate news. Jake's is known for its seasonal cream cheese flavors. Jacobs described the time he used Butterfinger candy in bread at the suggestion of a vendor. "It doesn't bake up well, so we kept it and put it in our seasonal Halloween cream cheese flavors," he said. "It's a weird flavor that people love, along with banana split." The late June event is expected to bring students and staff from science, technology, engineering and math-focused schools in about 20 countries and several other states, said Mary Collins, director of special projects for IMSA. Students were supposed to come also from Iran but were not able to get permission, and there was concern about whether Russian students would be allowed to attend but so far they are expecting to come, she said. Can you imagine saying good-bye to someone you've been with for almost three-quarters of a century? It's beyond heartbreaking, especially since it seemed the Bushes were just as in love in their 90s as they were when they met as teenagers. At the hearing scheduled May 9, Elizabeth Cameron will be given the opportunity to respond to the heirs. She has appeared at one court hearing, in June 2017, when she showed up unexpectedly and turned over two of Waters' guitars that had been in her husband's possession for more than 30 years. Aljarrah and Dghem claimed in a civil lawsuit filed against the Romans in February that the fight was racially motivated. According to the complaint, Aljarrah and Dghem were speaking in Arabic and the Romans overheard them. Prosecutors said at some point after Williams realized that police were at the door, he stopped holding the woman at gunpoint and unloaded the weapon. He allowed the woman to open the door for the officers and later came to the door, still naked, and was placed under arrest, prosecutors said. "It is my intention that the public hearing will not be rescheduled unless I am instructed to do so at a public meeting of the President and Board of Trustees where such a request is on the board agenda," he said in his release. It's understandable that sometimes, people trying to live independently might get lost. They may get on the wrong bus, or get off at the wrong stop. They might get confused, and be unable to provide authorities with the correct information about where they live or where they're trying to go. That's what created the legal mechanism used in Harvey for the first time where the comptroller is authorized to intercept funds, he said. The Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund the state's best-funded pension system has had that authority since at least the 1960s, he said. Here's another spin on the news and no, it isn't fake. Here's a big "thank you" and a round of applause to the minister who helped an old lady and her daughter deflate slightly used and new rear tires on a car. I wasn't sure how to deflate or take air out of the tire and he came to my rescue. I just want to say, "thank you." See, world, there is everyday kindness that makes for great news. If I could use emoticons, it would be a smiley face and a heart. The library district remits the property taxes on about 1,500 square feet of commercial real estate that is contained within the South Elgin building and that is being used by the credit union, Raleigh said. The library initially purchased 4,200 square feet of space in the building at 127 S. McLean Blvd. The library also bought the remainder of the 12,000-square-foot building in 2016, with the commercial space then being rented to a different business, Raleigh said. "We're teaching kids how to seriously regulate their emotions, be aware of what's going on with them, to have them understand when (they're) in that fight/flight or free state, I am not available to learn, my brain can't access the other parts of my brain in order to learn," she said. "That's so profound because even if you look at the research out there, it talks about how if a child is neglected emotionally or physically or abused, it changes the way their brain works." A. It's nonfiction. It's incredibly interesting with (J. Edgar) Hoover and the start of the FBI, and the Osage Indians in Oklahoma who were being murdered because of the oil that was on their land. "The fact that the clothing is so well organized, by size, type, male or female, makes it look more like a store than a rummage sale," she said. "And that makes it easier for people to shop." Storms from April 17-18, 2013, drove residents on Madison, and Wedgewood and Warren courts to Village Hall to plead for and demand the village fix the drainage in the area. The slope of Madison, plus an undersized pipe draining the area, cause water to collect on the street south of Ogden to the point that cars have difficulty passing through. "I came to make people aware of the controversy in Philadelphia," he said, referring to an incident last week in which two black men were taken into custody at a Starbucks for trespassing after they were told they could not use the bathroom because they had not made a purchase and the two sat down. According to the park service, we have had a national park system since 1916, when President Wilson made it official. Until then, the U.S. had a smattering of federally owned lands, starting with Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming becoming the world's first under the administration of President Grant. During President Theodore Roosevelt's tenure in the White House, he expanded the system to include five new parks, 18 national monuments and millions of acres of national forest. Back then, entrance was free. A. Going out the back door at 7 a.m. and not coming back until after dark and no one ever worrying about it. There was always a lot of open space to play, you met with all the kids in the neighborhood. It wasn't programmed like it is today, kids just hung out. "The schools and districts we recognize this year both new and repeat honorees represent a diverse group of urban, rural and suburban districts and demographics," Mary Luehrsen of the NAMM Foundation said in the release. "Along with a strong commitment to music education, there are two common traits that each program shares: consistent funding that anchors music education as part of the core curriculum and music programs that are located in communities where music education is viewed as a jewel of the school system. Parents, administrators and community members are proud of these local music programs and attend them regularly." He said his menu will include "hand-breaded fresh chicken tenders, boneless wings, a better burger, a variety of grilled cheeses and salads and personal pizza a little bit for everybody. We'll have 12 beers on tap and two wines on tap and two cocktails on tap, which you don't see too often." Higgins said the tap offerings will vary depending on season and customer suggestions. Rouse said in his report that it was "almost impossible" to determine where the students who were turned away ended up enrolling. "The trend" is that most students were from the Austin neighborhood of Chicago, Forest Park, Maywood, Berwyn and Bellwood, according to Rouse's report. Prosecutors alleged Kelly and Jason Cochran had made a pact on their wedding night that if one of them were unfaithful, they'd have to kill their lover. Cochran, however, claimed during her trial in Michigan that there was no definite pact, and she "didn't take it seriously." Also during the meeting, Hinckley said Gary is waiting for an official letter from the Internal Revenue Service that releases the district from IRS tax liens. Earlier this month, the IRS accepted a deal that would allow Gary to pay $320,000 to close out $8.4 million in past penalties and payments. What's happened to our trade war with China? The last I heard was that the president of China conceded to much of what our president Trump was asking but I hear nothing lately on the final results. Must be good as I see nothing but good lately in the stock market. I was fearful that our farmers were going to get clobbered, but looks like Donald knew what he was doing again! Police searching for suspect allegedly connected to Sept. 29 shooting Pueblo police are searching for a man they suspect is connected to a Sept. 29 shooting that left one man dead and another injured. The opening ceremony of ninth New Zealand Film Festival is held in Beijing on April 17, 2018. [Photo/ China.org.cn] The ninth New Zealand Film Festival, which will screen 12 films in three Chinese cities in the coming weeks, opened Tuesday in Beijing. From April 17 to May 6, those 12 films from New Zealand will be exhibited in Beijing, Ordos and Chengdu, organizers announced at a sideline event of the Eighth Beijing International Film Festival. The festival will screen eight feature films and four short films, with the 2017 comedy "Pork Pie" as the opening film. Other films include "The Changeover," "The Stolen," "3 Mile Limit," "Pirate Radio," "Chronesthesia" and "Possum." Organized by New Zealand's Pacific Culture and Arts Exchange Center and coordinated by the China Film Archive, the festival has become an exchange and cooperative platform for filmmakers from both countries. China's State Film Administration, the sponsor of the festival, released a congratulatory message stating that it hoped audiences in Beijing, Ordos and Chengdu will "enjoy New Zealand's unique local customs and film charms through these films, thus promoting mutual understanding and friendship between the two countries." Late last year, New Zealand and China marked the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The two countries' film industries have already grown bigger and started working together on many projects since nine years ago. This relationship has been flourished over recent years, most notably with the signing of the Film Co-production Agreement in 2010 and the inking of the landmark Television Program Co-production Agreement in 2014. New Zealand Ambassador to China John McKinnon said on behalf of the New Zealand Film Commission in China that he has seen the strength of the screen-sector relationships in China, most evidently through the large delegation of leading New Zealand film companies such as Weta Workshop and Park Road Post that visited Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing last November. "Film festivals, such as the New Zealand Film Festival in China, are not just an opportunity for filmmakers and industry, but also play a valuable role in strengthening ties between our two countries," McKinnon said, pointing out that the selection of films this year will impress people across the three cities and allow them to gain a better understanding of New Zealand society, culture and humor. Harbin University for Seniors in Heilongjiang province is now offering a course to its elderly male student body that was formerly only available to "coeds". Popular courses including calligraphy, singing and painting continue to attract students from both sexes, and now a fashion modeling class is available to men for the first time. "The university has a long history of offering modeling courses for female students and they have been wildly popular," teacher Han Ming said. "However, this is the first time we've offered the course to males." Han, 62, has taught the female modeling course at the university for four years. "My female models attracted lots of onlookers during class and I was often asked when the course would be opened to men," she said. "This is how I got the adventurous idea to offer it for both genders." However, when her application to teach the course to men was approved, she said she became nervous. "Most people feel that fashion shows are only for women, so I worried about there not being enough male students choosing to take the course." Actually, her concerns were not unfounded. Before the first class on March 5, only 18 men had registered. "According to university regulations, courses with less than 20 students are canceled," Han said. "Fortunately, I received great support from university officials who believed it would be a promising potential course, so I received an exemption and was allowed to offer it." The class did not disappoint, and every Monday morning, 34 studentsmost older than 60arrive for class, all wearing white shirts, black trousers and black leather shoes. "The students' upright postures and confident expressions attracted lots of students from adjacent classrooms," she said. "And nine of them decided to join us at once." The class is now at full capacity, with each student paying 180 yuan ($30) for 32 classes. "I began the modeling course from the second class after quitting tai chi," said Feng Yishun, 78, the oldest student in the classroom. "I had been learning tai chi for two years and acquired the basic techniques, so I wanted to try something different. "Some of my neighbors couldn't understand why an elderly man would choose to learn modeling as in their opinion models should be women in slit skirts. I don't care. It can bring me better physical fitness and improves my mood. That is my goal." Strong support from his family is also an important motivator, he said, adding: "My daughter bought the required uniform for me. I hope my family members can see the change this has brought about in me." Xin Debin, 66, has been waiting to take the class for a long time. "I was an art enthusiast as a teenager, but I had little chance of realizing my dream," he said. "After retiring four years ago, I began to take different classes here, including ballroom dancing and vocal music. When he first noticed the female fashion modeling course, he said he began to look forward to taking part. "So when I heard that Han would offer the course for men, I quickly signed up." He said the classes make his life richer and fuller. "I just want to tell my peers that it's never too late to start living out your dream," he added. Wang Xuelin, 63, has been an amateur model for three years. "When Han asked me to come and help improve the level of her class, I promised without hesitation, as I hope I can share my experiences with those who are interested in fashion," she said. "When we stood together and I explained basic points to them, I seemed to find myself going back in time three years. "Fashion modeling can express your manliness no matter how old you are." Han said all her students have made rapid progress, even after only four classes. "Going forward, I will teach them more about fashion, and I have a plan to create a unique show that will be performed during the university's annual stage extravaganza," she added. "I believe they can perform perfectly." Tan Qindong, the doctor who had been detained for calling the "Hongmao" health care wine "poison" in an online article has been released on bail in Liangcheng, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, reports thepaper.cn. Inner Mongolian prosecutors turned down the case against Tan on grounds that it contained "unclear facts" and "insufficient evidence." The case is to be returned to public security organs in Liangcheng Country for supplementary investigations. Tan says he doesn't regret the decision to post that article because he was speaking from a doctor's conscience. Tan holds a master's degree in anesthesiology. In his online article in December, Tan claimed producers of "Hongmao" have been exaggerating its health benefits. Tan was arrested in January in the southern Chinese city of Guangdong by police from Liangcheng, who travelled all the way down there to arrest Tan, claiming his article caused Hongmao Pharmaceutical over a million yuan in losses. "Hongmao" was given the status of an over-the-counter (OTC) drug by China's Food and Drug Administration (CFDA)in 2003. However, a regulator spokesperson now says the CFDA is consulting with experts to help decide whether the liquor should be made to be purchased on prescription. CFDA is demanding Hongmao Pharmaceutical explain to the public how and why it has been punished by drug supervision authorities across the country for "false advertising" over the past five years. The company is also being told it will have to better outline any safety risks involved with consuming the product, as well as any reports of adverse reactions it has recorded. The CFDA notes it has recorded 137 cases of adverse reactions to "Hongmao," including dizziness, itching, rashes, vomiting and abdominal pain from 2004 to 2017. The first corruption suspect detained by the Zhejiang Supervisory Commission, a civil servant, was imprisoned for 15 years and fined 2 million yuan ($318,000) by Hangzhou Intermediate People's Court in December. China's supervisory commission pilot program had been launched in Zhejiang province, as well as in Beijing and Shanxi province, just over a year earlier. When Jin Huanmin, a senior official at the Zhejiang Supervisory Commission, spotted the news on his smartphone, he glanced up at a pile of files on his desk. A former deputy head of the Zhejiang People's Procuratorate's anti-corruption and bribery bureau, he had been told of his transfer to the commission as a supervision director 11 months earlier. Alongside the files on his desk, several flowering potted plants that had also made the move from his former work unit had sprouted new leaves. At the same time, Jin's doubts about his new position had completely disappeared. In the commission building, more than 50 supervision officers who, like Jin, also used to work for the prosecution authority, put in long hours as they perform their new duties. In early November 2016, the Communist Party of China Central Committee issued a plan to set up supervisory commissions in the three pilot areas. At the Zhejiang People's Procuratorate in February last year, the sign for its anti-corruption and bribery bureau was removed. "After working for 23 years as an anti-graft official in the prosecuting department, I didn't expect that the reform would be so fast," Jin said. "I was so reluctant to take off my prosecutor's uniform." But his experience as a prosecutor made him realize it was time to integrate the country's scattered anti-corruption forces. The duties of the various anti-corruption authorities, including those responsible for mounting prosecutions and those tasked with supervising the administration, had previously overlapped, he said, which made supervision more cumbersome. "Only with reform will it completely change," Jin said. After the anti-corruption and bribery bureau was disbanded, Jin was unsure of his next posting until late February last year, when Ma Guangming, deputy head of the Zhejiang Commission for Discipline Inspection, called him to his office. "The Party has decided to transfer you and another 57 anti-graft colleagues in the prosecuting department to work in the Zhejiang Supervisory Commission," Ma told him. "You will serve as director of the No 12 supervision unit." Jin, facing a new post and new requirements in a new environment, began working at the commission in early March last year. A senior prosecutor for half of his life, Jin thought he could just move his working style and methods from the prosecuting department to the new post, but he quickly realized he was wrong. There were 11 supervision officers in his new unitsix from his former department and five from the Party's anti-graft watchdog. "When handling cases in the beginning, our working concepts, experiences and customs were all different and we didn't understand each other," Jin said. Just a week into his new job, Jin's unit landed its first case, involving a provincial-level official suspected of graft. "With no case to follow and no experience to draw from involving a provincial-level official, we just broke the ice and did it," Jin said. He divided the inspectors into three teams, including one to interrogate the suspect and one to collect evidence. They investigated and analyzed more than 100 of the suspect's bank accounts and followed the flow of funds through about 20 companies to gather evidence. Because of their close integration and their careful examination, they obtained the evidence they needed and ordered the detention of the suspect in April last year. "Without detailed detention procedures or legal instruments for reference, we conquered difficulties to conduct the investigation and collect evidence," Jin said. It took us only 20 days to confirm the facts of his crime and establish solid evidence, and in June the suspect was transferred to Zhejiang prosecutors to face charges. He is now awaiting trial on charges of accepting bribes. This year, Jin's unit has received nine cases involving civil servants suspected of graft or violating Party rules. Three of the cases have been concluded, while work is continuing on the other six. "Our ultimate goal is to prevent public servants being corrupted and build a clean government, not to punish them," Jin said. Supervision Law backed In March, the National People's Congress, the top legislature, approved the Supervision Law, designed to lay a legal foundation for an upgraded anti-graft task force. Under the law, a new supervisory network has been established, consisting of supervisory commissions at the national, provincial, city and county levels, all with legally defined duties, liabilities and protocols. "The new Supervision Law and anti-graft system has laid a solid foundation for the country to achieve an overwhelming victory in the fight against corruption," said Ma Huaide, vice-president of China University of Political Science and Law. In the report he delivered to the Party's 19th National Congress in October, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said new supervision commissions would be established nationwide at various levels to provide for the full inspection of all civil servants. The new commissions integrate existing supervisory, corruption prevention and control agencies within governments and procuratorates, as well as the Party's discipline inspectors. "As a unified anti-graft agency under the Party's leadership, the supervisory commission system is an institutional invention incorporating China's reality and international practice," said Gao Bo, a political researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "The extensive network will expand inspection to all public servants, leave no loopholes and serve as a powerful deterrent to corruption." In late 2016, Beijing and Zhejiang and Shanxi provinces were chosen as supervisory commission pilot areas to better study how such a system would operate and then offer that experience to other regions. By late February this year, directors of supervisory commissions had been appointed in 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. In the three pilot areas, most of the anti-graft officers from disbanded procuratorate anti-corruption and bribery bureaus, as well as those tasked with stamping out dereliction of duty, were transferred to new posts in supervisory commissions at all levels. In China's other provinces and regions, the work is still in progress. In Zhejiang, 1,645 officials from anti-corruption bureaus responsible to prosecuting departments have been sent to serve as supervisory commission inspectors since late 2016. Liu Jianchao, head of the Zhejiang Commission for Discipline Inspection, said under the new commissions, the number of officials and civil servants under supervision had risen by December from 383,000 to 700,000. Between January and October last year, inspectors in Zhejiang received more than 500 tips related to graft, up by 77 percent from the same period in 2016. In Beijing, more than 700 officials who worked for anti-corruption bureaus at the Beijing People's Procuratorate have transferred to a number of municipal supervisory commission departments, where they work with Party discipline inspectors, since the pilot program was launched in late 2016. "They were sent to different positions based on their skills. We hope their experience in the judicial organs can complement the advantages of Party discipline inspectors," said Liu Yongqiang, a senior official with the Beijing Supervisory Commission. Facing more challenges Jin said compared with an anti-graft officer, "an inspector needs to be an all-rounder and faces more challenges". "In the prosecuting department, I just dealt with individual corruption cases involving Party or government officials, but a supervision officer will also focus on cause and effect," he said. Because they exercised supervision over all civil servants, if they discovered violations of Party rules or cases of graft, they would try to "collect and establish solid evidence, find the loopholes that allowed the corruption and prevent similar cases from occurring". Jiang Laiyong, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences' China Anti-Corruption Research Center, said setting up the new supervisory commissions is considered "the ideal upper-level anti-graft design to cope with corruption crimes, and the supervisory system will be a powerful deterrent to corrupt officials". Jiang said the different views and working methods of inspectors transferred from prosecuting departments needed to be integrated with those of Party discipline inspectors as soon as possible so they could talk effectively about the facts of cases, collect evidence and form a unified train of thought for handling corruption cases. Moreover, the powerful supervisory commission inspectors need to be "more cautious and strictly follow the regulations when using inspection measures such as the detention and interrogation of suspects, border control and the freezing of illicit assets, before achieving the final victory in the fight against corruption", he said. Traffic police Guangzhou, Guangdong province, are soliciting public comment on a proposed rule designed to ease road congestion by restricting the number of vehicles from outside the city. Under the long-awaited Rules on the Management of Non-Guangzhou Registered Vehicles, vehicles from outside the city would be banned for four days after they have operated in the city for four days. The vehicles from outside could run for another four days after leaving the city or spending four days parked in a city garage, the proposal says. It was published on the website of the city's traffic police department on Monday. Those who violate the new rule would be fined 200 yuan ($32) and have three points deducted from their driving record. Under China's traffic rules, a person's driver's license will be revoked once 12 points are deducted. The new measures will help reduce the number of operating vehicles by about 100,000 cars per day, and play a significant role in helping ease the city's traffic jams, the traffic police said. Military vehicles, police cars, ambulances, fire trucks, engineering rescue vehicles and vehicles from Hong Kong and Macao would be exempt from the rules, the authorities said. Local residents and experts have been asked to express their opinions and give suggestions about the draft rules between April 17 and 26. Lin Jiang, a professor at Guangzhou's Sun Yat-sen University, said the city's measures are more people-oriented compared with rules introduced by other mainland cities restricting vehicles from outside. "The new measures, which will help ease the city's traffic jams, minimize the impact on the people from outside. The people from outside the city can drive to Guangzhou and use public transportation after having driven in Guangzhou for four days," Lin said. He urged governments to invest more to increase intercity transport via light rail, subways and buses between Guangzhou and other Pearl River Delta cities to help reduce the number of vehicles expected from outside in coming years. Peng Peng, vice-chairman of the experts' committee of the Guangdong-based South Nongovernmental Think-Tank, said the new measures would help Guangzhou curb its traffic problem, though they would adversely affect residents who need to visit frequently from outside the city. "The Guangzhou city government should have sought the valuable advice of local experts and scholars before drafting the new measures," Peng said. "Relevant departments should publicize the new measures to ensure that they are implemented." Residents have called for stricter moves to solve the traffic jams in Guangzhou, a trading hub in southern China that attracts many people, particularly business representatives, from nearby cities in the Pearl River Delta. Cen Guangchao, a white collar worker in the city who drives a car to work, said the new measures are not strict enough. Guangzhou has faced very heavy traffic jams, especially during rush hours, he said. "Traffic police should introduce an odd-even restriction on cars from outside, as Guangzhou has already had a large number of cars from outside," he said. But some from outside of the city think otherwise. Fang Zhuolong, a driver from Foshan, 20 kilometers from Guangzhou, said the new measure would affect people like him who are from outside the city. An executive from an electronics company said he might purchase another car or, alternatively, borrow one from relatives or friends to visit Guangzhou after the new measures take effect. In Shenzhen, vehicles from outside the city are banned from operating during rush hours-from 7 am to 9 am and 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm on workdays. According to data from its traffic police, Guangzhou, which has a population of more than 15 million, now has about 2.8 million registered vehicles. Guangzhou started limiting car registrations in July 2012. Currently it grants no more than 10,000 new car licenses a month via lottery and auction. Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan province, held a press conference on April 16, introducing two new polices on boosting the development of its AI industry. The first aims to accelerate the technological development of AI and set up a production base, and the second details regulations on testing of intelligent connected vehicles (ICVs). Seeking to become an AI powerhouse Changsha will provide strong support to technological innovations in the fields of smart sensor, smart chip, image and video recognition, and voice recognition. The city will also encourage AI's extensive use in robotics, manufacturing, vehicle navigation, smart homes, and security monitoring. The city government will award companies able to greatly contribute to the development of the AI industry with up to 100 million yuan (US$15.9 million). To attract investment, Changsha will provide up to 10 percent of actual investment volume as a subsidy-capping at 50 million yuan-to companies that invest no less than 100 million yuan in R&D, production, manufacturing or service, or to companies with the estimated valuation of no less than US$1 billion to set up head offices in the city. Changsha also looks to strengthen agglomeration of AI firms. The city will establish three AI industrial parks in the Changsha High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, the Yuhua Economic Development District, and the Yuelu Mountain Hi-Tech Park. Companies could operate at these industrial parks rent-free for five years, in addition to receiving an annual financial support worth 5 to 10 million yuan based on their performances. Led by Changsha's Municipal Industrial Investment Fund, an AI-featured special development fund will be set up worth up to 5 billion yuan. On a yearly basis, Changsha will nominate 10 to 20 demonstration pilot projects and award them with up to 30 percent of their actual investment. The highest amount of award is no more than 2 million yuan. To support key technological research and development, Changsha will offer funding to key laboratories, research centers and technological centers that are newly recognized by the state, province or city, with amounts of 2 million yuan, 1 million yuan, and 500,000 yuan, respectively. Flash U.S. President Donald Trump [File photo] U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have already started direct talks at "very high levels." Trump made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S. state of Florida after his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels" with the DPRK, Trump said. He also told reporters that five sites were currently being weighed as the venue for a meeting between him and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un, which has been planned to take place in May or early June. When asked by reporters if any of the sites were located in the United States, Trump said "no." Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," said Trump before his meeting with Abe on Tuesday afternoon, referring to the upcoming inter-Korean summit. The 1950-1953 Korean war ended in armistice. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war. Abe was on a two-day working visit at Mar-a-Lago starting from Tuesday, during which he was supposed to discuss with Trump the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, bilateral trade and other issues. Flash Former U.S. First Lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, days after she decided to give up treatment for her illnesses. A spokesman of the Bush family made the announcement on twitter Tuesday evening, prompting a wave of condolence messages. Barbara Bush served as the first lady during her husband George Bush's presidency between 1989 and 1993. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush, who served between 2001 and 2009. In her capacity as the first lady, Barbara Bush was known to have advanced the cause of universal literacy and founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. Barbara also accompanied George Bush to China to head the U.S. liaison office there in 1974. "Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes," George W. Bush said in a statement. "President Donald J. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush," a White House statement said, adding that she "will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family." "Throughout her life, Barbara Bush showed us all the importance of charity, literacy, and love of country. Our thoughts are with the entire Bush family as they mourn her passing. Rest In Peace," said Apple CEO Tim Cook. Flash Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Tuesday branded a new draft Security Council resolution on Syria, which was circulated by France, Britain and the United States, as "untimely and unnecessary." The draft was circulated among the 15 members of the Security Council on Saturday and negotiations began on Monday. But Nebenzia showed no interest at all. "At first glance, (the draft is) untimely and unnecessary," he told reporters on Tuesday. Russian representatives were present at the first round of negotiations "just to hear," but believed the effort was not timely, he said. "On Friday they waged an aggression against Syria, on Saturday they came with a political solution, don't you think it's funny?" he asked, in reference to the missile strikes carried out by the three countries on Syria. French Ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said Monday that the new draft resolution would be a comprehensive one, covering political and humanitarian issues and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. "The goal of the resolution is clear: it is for the Security Council to restart collective action to deal with the chemical weapons dossier, to protect civilians and to work toward a political settlement of the Syrian crisis," Delattre told reporters on Monday. Nebenzia argued on Tuesday that there have already been Security Council resolutions covering political and humanitarian issues concerning Syria. As to chemical weapons use in Syria, Nebenzia said an investigative mechanism is no longer necessary. "They (The three countries) attributed the guilt and they already punished the culprits, why do they need any investigative mechanism any more?" he asked, again in reference to the missile strikes on Syria over reports of chemical weapons use in the Arab country. Security Council members have been trying to set up a new inquiry mechanism for chemical attacks in Syria since such a mechanism was disbanded in November 2017 after Russia vetoed the extension of its mandate. Russia last week again vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution for the purpose of establishing an investigative mechanism for chemical weapons use in Syria. A Russian-drafted resolution for the same purpose failed to pass the threshold of nine votes in favor of adoption. Besides the French-drafted resolution, Security Council members also have in their hands a Swedish-drafted text, which includes a request to the UN secretary-general to immediately dispatch a high-level disarmament mission to Syria to address all outstanding issues about the use of chemical weapons in the country once and for all. However, council members have not engaged seriously on the Swedish draft. Flash Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said on Tuesday that his government is dedicated to expanding cooperation with China in the future. The foreign minister, currently on a five-day visit to China from April 17-22 at the invitation of Chinse Foreign Minister Wang Yi, told media that Nepal is eager to further strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Minister Gyawali said in his speech on April 17 that Nepal and China enjoy strong ties based on amity between the two peoples. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the inauguration of opening up and reform in China, while Nepal has now entered a new stage of socio-economic development. "Bilateral relations have reached a new starting point," Gyawali said. "The Nepali side will work with the Chinese side to increase mutual trust and reach win-win agreements in infrastructure, trade, tourism, culture and other fields." "Nepal-China relations were established under the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and the Nepalese government expects to seek new progress in various fields under the Belt and Road Initiative framework," the minister added. Nepal and China reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative on May 12, 2017. Additional agreements have been signed in recent years to the benefit of both sides. Minister Gyawali also highlighted that his government has made cooperation with China a high priority, and that it welcomes Chinese enterprises to invest in Nepali infrastructure construction, tourism and cultural cooperation. Flash The Blue House of the Republic of Korea (ROK) said Wednesday that it was reviewing way to turn the current armistice on the Korean Peninsula into a peace treaty during the upcoming summit with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) later this month. An unnamed senior Blue House official told local reporters that the Blue House was reviewing way and possibility to turn the Korean Peninsula's armistice system into a peace mechanism, according to local media reports. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not peace treaty. ROK President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to hold the third-ever inter-Korean summit on April 27 at the border village of Panmunjom. The official, however, noted that there remained process of discussions with relevant parties, saying that if necessary, the three- or four-party agreement would be possible. He said the ROK was reviewing and discussing various ways to develop security situations on the peninsula into a fundamentally peaceful regime, anticipating an inter-Korean agreement to end the war in any form. During the visit by special envoys of President Moon to Pyongyang in early March, top DPRK leader Kim told the envoys that his country would not use any weapons, nuclear and conventional, toward the ROK as long as dialogues continue. Given Kim's comments, the Blue House official wished an inter-Korean agreement be reached to ban any hostile act toward each other, though not using the expression of ending the war, during the upcoming summit. Flash U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday morning that CIA chief Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in a secret visit to Pyongyang last week. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea (the DPRK) last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed," Trump tweeted. Trump's words came one day after reports, citing anonymous officials of the White House, revealed Pempeo's top-secret visit as Trump's envoy in recent weeks. The trip made by Pompeo, who was also Trump's pick for the state secretary to replace Rex Tillerson, was seen as an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between the leaders of the two countries expected in May or early June. "Details of Summit are being worked out now," Trump said. On Tuesday afternoon, Trump, during his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said that Washington and Pyongyang have already started direct talks at "very high levels." Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. The Quiz takes place on Friday 18 May, 8.45pm in the Heartland Festival Room, Aotea Square. Find out more about the event, and how to sign up your team, Supported by the New Zealand Book Awards Trust and hosted by Te Radar, the quiz includes six rounds about local literature and writers, with spot prizes between rounds for answers to questions relating directly to past book awards winners.The Quiz takes place on Friday 18 May, 8.45pm in the Heartland Festival Room, Aotea Square. Find out more about the event, and how to sign up your team, here My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working. -John 5:17 As the faith-work movement continues to grow across modern evangelicalism, many Christians are gaining renewed perspectives on the meaning and dignity of daily work. Yet even as we begin to understand Gods plan and purpose for our work, many of us still assume that this is where Gods role ends. But God doesnt just infuse our work with meaning and then sit back on his throne to observe. He goes along with us co-creating and co-laboring in constant and continuous partnership. Indeed, we work and create because we were made in the image of a Worker and a Creator. As Peter Leithart reminds us, Gods creative activity didnt stop after Genesis: Yahweh is at work before human beings are created, and throughout Scripture. Before He is at rest, before He is enthroned, before He is a warrior, He is portrayed as a laborer. Making Adam, Yahweh is a potter working His clay. Before Adam tills, Yahweh plants. As Shepherd, Yahweh cares for a flock (Psalm 23), as does Jesus (John 10). He plants a vine, cares for it, and builds a wall around it (Psalm 80; Isaiah 5). Proverbs 8 pictures Yahweh as an architect measuring and building the cosmic house, with Wisdom beside him as a craftsman (amon). Abraham looks for a city whose builder and maker is God (Hebrews 11). Jesus is a carpenter who builds His house-church in the power of the Creator Spirit (the Spirit of Bezalel). When Paul isnt making tents hes working as an apostolic co-laborer with God (1 Corinthians 3:9). When create and trade and exchange with others, we are also stepping into new levels of divine partnership, co-laboring and co-creating with the one who started it all. We work with God to serve others, and work with others to serve God. Once we recognize this reality and its reach into each and every corner of our lives, we see realize the importance of opening our hearts and hands across our economic relationships and activities. As Gene Veith writes in Working for Our Neighbor, Actons Lutheran primer on faith and economics, God works in countless ways, but Gods normal way of working in the world is through means. He does not have to use means, and he is capable of working immediately. He can heal with a miracle, just as he once provided the children of Israel their daily breadthe manna of the wildernesswithout farmers and bakers. But Gods normal way of operating is through human beings. This is because he desires us to serve one another. According to Luther, vocation is a mask of God (Commentary on Psalm 147, LW 14:114). God is milking the cows through the vocation of the milkmaid, said Luther. He is hidden in vocation. We see the milkmaid or the farmer or the doctor or the pas-tor or the artist. But, looming behind this human mask, God is genuinely present and active in what they do for us. And similarly, as we carry out our various vocations, we too are masks of God. Evangelicals often talk about what God is doing in their lives. Vocation encourages reflection on what God is doing through our lives. Just as God is working through the vocation of others to bless us, he is working through us to bless others. In our vocations, we work side by side with God, as it were, taking part in his ceaseless creative activity and laboring with him as he providentially cares for his creation. As we participate in the economic order, we ought to move forward with the confidence that comes from all this, actively listening and discerning Gods voice and plan and purpose in all that we do. When we work, we are not just taking part in meaningful activity with our neighbors. We are not just contributing to the common good. We are co-creating and co-laboring with the most high God, bringing a peace, creativity, and abundance that transforms all else. Image: Creation of Adam / Public Domain It is obviously not sensible for a medical professional to give a sensational title to an otherwise academic article he posted online. Especially when his article accuses the liquor of being toxic rather than having medicinal benefits as its manufacturer claims. The county's public security bureau is taking legal action against him claiming he has committed a criminal offense by tarnishing the liquor's reputation. But it is still not proper for police officers from Liangcheng county in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, where the liquor is brewed, to travel all the way to Guangzhou in South China's Guangdong province to detain the 39-year-old anesthetist. The liquor, which is actually a concoction of more than 60 kinds of medicinal herbs, is registered as a nonprescription medicine, but the article said its health benefits were exaggerated by the producer, and it had been punished by some drug supervision authorities for false advertising. Speaking at the 8th Summit of the Americas in Lima recently, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said Latin America should look to the United States, not China, to promote economic development. To support his claim he said Latin America has a trade surplus with the US while it has a trade deficit with China. He also said Latin America exports manufactured products to the US but only raw materials to China. But what he said is not true, at best it is a half truth (even a lie). Ross said Latin America has a trade surplus of $117 billion with the US and a deficit of $67 billion with China, but did not disclose the year the figures were from. Although Latin America as a region had a trade surplus of $125.87 billion with the US and a trade deficit of $63.31 billion with China last year, the figures are distorted by the large trade surplus that Mexico has with the US and the large trade deficit that Mexico has with China. Mexico had a trade surplus of $132.41 billion with the US and a trade deficit of $67.43 billion with China last year. But many other Latin American countries, such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Paraguay, had a trade deficit with the US. And several of them, such as Brazil ($20.16 billion), Chile, Peru and Venezuela had a trade surplus with China. So if Mexico is excluded from equation, the trade balance of China and the US with Latin America would be quite different - the region would have a large trade deficit with the US and a small one with China. The trade deficit of Latin America with the US (excluding Mexico) was $12.96 billion, while the figure with China was $4.2 billion last year. LUXEMBOURG - The European Union failed to agree new sanctions against Iran on Monday amid Italy's opposition and fears that punishing Teheran for its missile program and regional role would not stop US President Donald Trump from abandoning a separate nuclear deal. Speaking on the sidelines of EU foreign ministers' discussions in Luxembourg, some diplomats said the outcome meant the EU might not make the US President's May 12 deadline to "fix" the 2015 nuclear accord. The EU is eager to safeguard the pact, under which Teheran agreed to curb its nuclear ambitions for at least a decade, but Trump has been a fierce critic. He has threatened not to extend US sanctions relief on Iran related to the agreement which sees the West mostly lifting extensive sanctions in exchange for the Islamic republic curbing its nuclear program. Seeking to respond to Trump's criticism of the nuclear accord and Teheran more broadly, France, Britain and Germany proposed directing sanctions at Iranian "militias and commanders" fighting on behalf of the Syrian government. They hoped holding Iran accountable for this could help convince Trump not to walk away from the nuclear agreement. But they ran into opposition by Italy, backed by Austria. "It may be that the nuclear agreement is dead in the water anyway, so why risk emboldening the radicals in Iran and undermining our chances to win contracts there," said one diplomat from the sceptical camp. But another noted the bloc still had four weeks to go: "We are clearly heading there, though we need a bit more time." A third diplomat said it did not seem "very likely" that the bloc would put new restrictions in place by mid-May. With the EU as a whole keen to safeguard the nuclear accord, the 28 EU ministers agreed to continue work on the matter in the coming days and weeks. Reuters (China Daily 04/18/2018 page11) Zhongguancun, Germany reach deal over AI technology ( chinadaily.com.cn ) Updated: 2018-04-17 Zhongguancun-headquartered Artificial Intelligent Technology Center (AITC) founded its European institute -- AITC Europe GmbH -- in Berlin, Germany, and inked a cooperation agreement with the German Research Center for Artificial Intelligence (DFKI) on April 11 local time. Yin Hejun (L), deputy mayor of Beijing, and Hans Uszkoreit (R), director of DFKI, host the unveiling ceremony in Berlin, Germany on April 11. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] AITC Europe GmbH will be the backbone of further cooperation in technological innovation, industrial connection and human resources. Top talents around the world will be able to conduct ground-breaking projects, promote research fruits and boost economic benefits via the platform. The European branch will also target technological breakthroughs in natural language processing, knowledge-rich AI, smart manufacturing and visual computing. DFKI, according to the agreement, will share more cutting-edge AI technologies with China in both academic and commercial sectors. Representatives sign the agreement to transfer technologies and resources. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn ] Founded in 1988, DFKI is the leading research center for innovative commercial software technology using artificial intelligence in Germany. AITC, a Sino-German joint venture and the official representative of DFKI in China aims to empower tech startups, mature enterprises and aspiring talents with an incubation program covering seed funds, AI technologies, professional mentorship, hands-on development and capital connection. In antebellum and Civil Warera America, churches and denominations along the border between North and South voiced what would have been considered moderate opinions on slavery. But as April Holm shows in A Kingdom Divided, neutrality was attractive but never really neutral. It was a political choice like any other. Border-region evangelicals were not proslavery ideologues; neither were they abolitionists. Mostly, they believed churches should focus on spiritual matters and avoid weighing in on controversial political debates. Slavery, however, was an all-encompassing systemthe central fact of politics, economics, and culture, especially for white Southerners. As Holm puts it, the idea that the church had no place promoting equality and freedom, or opposing racism and slavery, was neutrality in theory only. In practice, it was proslavery. Holm, director of the Center for Civil War Research at the University of Mississippi, studies the behavior of churches and denominational organizations in the border areadefined here as Delaware, Maryland, western Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, and some part of each of their adjoining states. People living in this region initially thought of themselves as being part of the West. In the first third of the 19th century, migrants populated the region, thanks to Indian removal as well as forced slave migrations. By the mid-20th century, border residents thought of themselves as peaceful moderates. In practice, however, they were more anti-abolitionist than they were anti-slavery. As one editorialist in Louisville put it in 1846, ABOLITIONISM IS A SIN. Interestingly, in this regard, ... 1 You have reached the end of this Article Preview You have reached the end of this Article Preview To continue reading, subscribe now. Subscribers have full digital access. Have something to add about this? See something we missed? Share your feedback here. 'Chilling' Special Report Spotlights Need for New Push Against Enduring Global Health Threat GFA (Gospel for Asia) matches simple mosquito net distribution with awareness drive to further 'life and death' fight against malaria Contact: Palmer Holt, 704-662-2569, pholt@inchristcommunications.com WILLS POINT, Texas, April 18, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- Malaria may be a thing of the past in many places, but it remains a major public health threat in large parts of the world, prompting GFA (Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.org) to sound the alarm on behalf of those still at risk. Photo: Members of GFA-supported field partner Believers Eastern Church handed out more than 2,000 mosquito nets to impoverished families and individuals in this South Asia village, protecting them from insect bites that can carry deadly diseases like malaria. Having helped guard hundreds of thousands from the disease in the past few years by distributing protective mosquito nets, the organization is now raising awareness of the need for more prevention and treatment efforts, as scientists continue to try to develop a vaccine. The disease, which sees more than 200 million cases and around 400,000 deaths annually, is the subject of a major new report just published by GFA. "Fighting Malaria A Chilling Disease" -- the headline a reference to the violent shivers malaria can cause -- notes that following years of significant progress, the fight against malaria has "stalled" in more recent times. Released to coincide with World Malaria Day (April 25), the in-depth GFA article is the latest in a series of special reports addressing key global issues, intending to raise awareness and encourage action. And it is one that the Wills Point, Texas-based organization has been deeply involved with. For a suggested donation of just $10, GFA helps provide a mosquito net that can save recipients "from sickening agony or death," the organization says. "These nets offer protection from the sting of an infected mosquito and help to give their owner a restful night's sleep." As part of relief and health programs offering a practical demonstration of God's love, GFA-supported workers in Asia have given out more than one million nets in the last two years alone. These help protect low-income families from the disease, which causes sickness that can keep those infected from going to work or school, helping perpetuate a cycle of poverty. In addition, GFA-supported workers teach people about keeping their surrounding areas clean and free of stagnant water, to help stop the spread of mosquitoes. "In many cases, simple changes can create a profound difference in everyday health," said Dr. K.P. Yohannan, GFA founder. "Christ calls upon us to care for the poor, which is why we are there to offer tools like mosquito nets that can literally make the difference between life and death." In his report, writer Ken Walker explains that although Africa is home to the majority of malaria cases, the problem exists "across the globe, as evidenced by its presence in 91 countries." The disease "is prevalent across South Asia," he says, including Laos, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and large parts of India and Pakistan. The disease has come under the microscope literally and figuratively for years, with governments, charities and other groups pouring millions of dollars into research and treatment, the GFA report details, and with the World Health Organization field-testing a vaccine this year. Yet despite all the attention, which has seen five Nobel Prizes for work associated with malaria, the disease remains a major health concern. One researcher has grudgingly called the malaria parasite "a genius" for its ability to adapt and survive. Walker writes of how the medical challenges are heightened by social and environmental factors. Problems such as social unrest, conflict and humanitarian disasters, are major obstacles to progress, while climate change has also had an impact. Inviting people to support GFA's anti-malaria efforts, Yohannan notes in a blog post about the report that "you don't have to be a research scientist or an infectious disease specialist in order to make a difference... You don't have to have a massive amount of resources to help an individual or family protect themselves." To schedule an interview with a GFA representative, please contact Palmer Holt @ (704) 662-2569 or pholt@inchristcommunications.com. GFA (Gospel for Asia, www.gfa.org) and its worldwide affiliates havefor more than 30 yearsprovided humanitarian assistance and spiritual hope to millions across Asia, especially among those who have yet to hear the Good News. In 2016, this included more than 75,000 children, free medical services for more than 180,000 people, 6,000 wells drilled, 11,000 water filters installed, Christmas gifts for more than 400,000 needy families, and spiritual teaching available in 110 languages in 14 nations through radio ministry. Share Tweet Frontier Mission Champions Announce Sale of Campus in Forward-Looking Move William Carey International University Board says EF Education First purchase helps further founding vision in a changing world Contact: Palmer Holt, WCIU/FV, 704-662-2569, pholt@inchristcommunications.com; Kaitlyn Buscone, EF Education First, 508-785-5696, kaitlyn.buscone@EF.com PASADENA, Calif., April 18, 2018 /Christian Newswire/ -- The board of directors of William Carey International University (WCIU, www.wciu.edu) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus by EF Education First (EF, www.ef.edu), the world's largest private international education organization. Photo: The board of directors of William Carey International University (WCIU, www.wciu.edu) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus by EF Education First (EF, www.ef.edu), the world's largest private international education organization. The near-15-acre campus in Pasadena, Calif., is also home to Frontier Ventures (www.frontierventures.org), formerly known as the U.S. Center for World Mission. The pending sale positions WCIU for a new chapter in its research and preparation of men and women to work at the roots of human problems, while also helping to ensure that the legacy of Frontier Ventures (FV, www.frontierventures.org), the former U.S. Center for World Mission, continues. The two groups will retain a significant presence adjacent to the near-15-acre site in Pasadena, Calif. EF is planning to renovate and redevelop the campus primarily for its private international boarding school, EF Academy (www.ef.edu/academy), which enrolls international high school students ages 14-19 from 80 different countries. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, EF Academy currently has campuses in Thornwood, N.Y., and Oxford and Torbay, England. EF Academy's mission is to prepare students for the 21st century through a rigorous global curriculum, multilingual education and community service-centric approach to learning. The school will eventually enroll approximately 1,000 students and create more than 150 new full- and part-time jobs. It is expected to open in summer 2020. Since the WCIU campus was founded in 1976 by the late missions statesman Dr. Ralph Winter, it has been credited with playing a major role in inspiring and equipping the church to focus more efforts on taking the gospel to unreached peoples around the world. Most recently, the unique approach to international development promoted through WCIU's academic programs has helped equip dozens of scholar-activists globally, and hundreds more through a growing network of associated schools that use WCIU's core curriculum as a key component in their own programs. In light of increasing globalization and the strategic decision to align its programs closer to frontline work in the Global South, WCIU leaders felt the time had come to sell the property and use the funds to better further their work and that of FV around the world in more decentralized ways. "The board of WCIU is very pleased to be able to announce the agreement that has been reached with EF for the purchase of the property," said Dr. Kevin Higgins, president of WCIU. "Our board believes this is a forward-looking move that will enable WCIU and FV to better fulfill the vision that has driven our efforts all these years. "At the same time, we are glad the property will continue to be used to give students a broader view of the world and their part in it, and retain its educational character and purpose." With 580 offices and schools in more than 50 countries, EF shares with WCIU some aspects of the same commitment to cross-cultural education as a part of preparing international students for the future. Founded in 1965, EF has more than 46,500 full- and part-time staff offering language training, educational travel, cultural exchange programs and international study. "As the world leader in international education, EF is excited about the potential to grow our footprint in California and spread our mission of opening the world through education," said Shawna Marino, vice president for EF Education First. "This campus has been a landmark in the Pasadena community for many years. We look forward to preserving its historic beauty and redeveloping the campus into a world-class international high school that will benefit the community for many years to come." WCIU and EF are currently under agreement, and EF expects to close on the property in July 2019 after it undergoes a Master Plan/Conditional Use Permit entitlement process with the City of Pasadena. EF will host its first community open house and information session on Thursday, April 19, from 7 - 9 p.m., at Franson Hall on the WCIU campus. William Carey International University Named after William Carey, a pioneer British missionary to India in the late 1700s and early 1800s, WCIU (www.wciu.edu) was established in 1977 at the former U.S. Center for World Mission to equip international cross-cultural workers for overseas service. The distance-learning school has equipped students in 20 countries. EF Education First EF Education First (www.ef.edu) is a privately held, family owned company established in 1965 with the mission to open the world through education. With 580 schools and offices in more than 50 countries, EF offers every imaginable way to see the world, experience another culture, learn a language, or earn an academic degree. Frontier Ventures Based in Pasadena, Calif., Frontier Ventures (www.frontierventures.org) promotes the cause of missions among the world's unreached people groups through research, education, and mobilization. Founded in 1976 as the U.S. Center for World Mission by the late missionary statesman, Dr. Ralph D. Winter, its subsidiary ministries include the acclaimed "Perspectives on the World Christian Movement" course. Share Tweet We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form It happens every day: The news tells us of some new government scandal. The executive branch uses dubious powers to circumvent the constitutional strictures of oversight. The judicial branch, in turn, creates law out of whole cloth and styles its invention the law of the land. The legislative branch exempts itself from its most onerous legislation but forces taxpayers to fund secret payouts to the victims of its members indiscretions. Then there is the the fourth branch of government, the army of unelected regulators who translate vague legal language into exact (and often exacting) standards. Many of their number have a revolving door relationship with the corporations they are meant to oversee. Public-sector corruption extends to the private sector, as journalists report on grifters who leverage their inside connections to win government contracts. They lobby regulators for specific kinds of enforcements and exemptions that artificially punish their competitors, increase their market share, and shield them from liability for their sometimes flagrant violations of the law. If contemporary injustices werent enough, details regularly emerge of some decades-old misdeed the government perpetrated, usually against the poor or minorities. The government formally apologizes and launches a new program to atone for its old program. This is followed by a report months later about how the new initiative is failing is purported beneficiaries. One would be tempted to confine this corruption to the United States, but if anything, the picture is worse overseas. In many governments by no means confined to the developing world the veneer of the rule of law flakes off at the lightest touch. The judiciary is formally corrupted. Prosecution focuses on the rulers enemies, and the verdict is never in doubt. Private businesses may be nationalized, or simply restricted to oligarchs willing to pay the leader both political homage and financial kickbacks. Supranational governmental bodies, such as the European Union, add a further layer of corruption. Lax oversight of its grants and their remote origin in other nations provoke indifference over their distribution. Frankly, no one in Slovakia cares if its government is misspending French money. (After all, they could hardly do worse than the French.) Why is it this way? Put simply: Government corrupts, and larger government produces deeper corruption. To undertake the direction of the economic life of people with widely divergent ideals and values, wrote Friedrich von Hayek in The Road to Serfdom, guarantees that the best intentions cannot prevent one from being forced to act in a way which to some of those affected must appear highly immoral. He elaborated: There are strong reasons for believing that what to us appear the worst features of the existing totalitarian systems are not accidental by-products but phenomena which totalitarianism is certain sooner or later to produce. Just as the democratic statesman who sets out to plan economic life will soon be confronted with the alternative of either assuming dictatorial powers or abandoning his plans, so the totalitarian dictator would soon have to choose between disregard of ordinary morals and failure. It is for this reason that the unscrupulous and uninhibited are likely to be more successful in a society tending toward totalitarianism. In other words, There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man (I Cor. 10:13). This demolishes what Kristian Niemietz of the Institute of Economic Affairs calls the Goodbye Lenin delusion: the notion that socialism could work if only better people ran the system. The temptation to abuse power acts as the corrupting influence. In Roman Catholic theology, the lure of big government may be referred to as a near occasion of sin. The Catholic Encyclopedia explains that occasions of sin are external circumstances that either because of their special nature or because of the frailty common to humanity or peculiar to some individual, incite or entice one to sin. The Founding Fathers recognized concentrated government power as such a temptation at the framing of the Constitution. James Madison wrote in Federalist No. 51 that, since government is itself the greatest of all reflections on human nature, it demands strict limits. The great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself. Thus, they gave the federal government but few powers to regulate the nations economic life. But scandal developed apace with the growing scope of the federal government. While few modern leaders have the character of the founders just as few modern artists have the skill of a da Vinci so too do they face greater temptations from a budgetary and regulatory structure festooned with special favors waiting to be auctioned off to the highest bidder every fiscal year. The more power lies in politicians hands, the greater the degree and amount of corruption. It is no coincidence that Transparency Internationals global map of corruption perception and the Heritage Foundations Index of Economic Freedom look like virtual mirror images of one another. Theologians agree the only way to avoid ethical pitfalls either individually or corporately is by avoiding the occasion altogether. A very important precept of the natural and divine law, wrote Pope Gregory XVI in 1832, commands us not only to avoid sin, but also the near occasion of sin, as well. A century later, Pope Pius XII recommended flight and alert vigilance, by which we carefully avoid the occasions of sin. Jesus spoke more frankly of amputation in this life to avoid incineration in the next. The Founders at every turn advised the citizens to jealously guard their liberties the chains of the Constitution, a republic if you can keep it, eternal vigilance, etc. However, the people can only restrain government from the near occasion of sin if they themselves are not barreling toward one or another temptation themselves. A people drowning in self-indulgence need the government to rescue them. (Think of Haight Ashbury at the ebb of 1967s Summer of Love, or modern-day drug addicts children being raised more by school administrators and social workers than by their parents.) Moral atrophy unleashes a vicious cycle of expanded government, which tempts its administrators to corrupt the political process, leaving the people more helpless and dependent. Big government, empowered by economic interventionism, is a near occasion of sin that only a responsible and virtuous people can flee. (Photo credit: Michelangelos portrayal of the temptation and expulsion from Paradise, from the Sistine Chapel. Public domain.) AKRON, Ohio - Global Ties Akron is one of only six organizations in the country to be awarded state funding for a cultural heritage project to be unveiled at the Akron Art Museum. "Global Threads" is an online international magazine that will launch Sunday, April 22 from 1-5 p.m. at the museum. The launch will include a cultural exchange with food and art exhibits. The magazine was developed in a partnership with Creative Economy Group Serbia, a non-governmental organization focused on cultural heritage preservation and the economic impact of creative business in Serbia. The magazine will be available post-launch on Global Ties website. The project, the inaugural Communities Connecting Cultural Heritage Exchange, was funded through the U.S. Department of State's Cultural Programs Division and the global nonprofit World Learning. Global Ties and the Creative Economy group, which have a shared interest in preserving cultural heritage, competed against organizations from around the world. The goal of "Global Threads" is to promote cultural heritage preservation, said Michelle Wilson, Global Ties Akron executive director. "In our case, we're focusing in the Akron area on how our refugees and immigrants preserve their cultural heritage through performance art, visual art, cuisine and heritage languages," Wilson said. The economic impact in Akron of the immigrant community is also a focus for the magazine. "It also has an aim of helping the community see what our new neighbors are doing," said Global Ties vice president Theresa Minick. Many immigrants have launched small businesses, such as restaurants, convenience stores and grocery and clothing stores, primarily in North Hill, Akron's international neighborhood. Akron's immigrants and refugees hold $137 million in annual spending power and contribute $17 million in state and local taxes each year, according to a Knight Foundation-funded study, "New American Economy, Welcome to Akron," Content for "Global Threads" was created by honing the skills of eight University of Akron, Kent State University and Ohio University students. The students, who applied for the project, worked through online modules with local media professionals to develop stories about members of the Bhutanese/Nepali community through multimedia journalism. The curriculum for the project was provided by Chris Miller, who works in community investment/marketing at Akron Community Foundation, and is editor of the Akronist website. He developed the curriculum for the Akron Digital Media Center at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, which between 2010 and 2016 trained about 2,000 residents in multimedia journalism, Miller said. Miller mentored two students who used video, photos and text to tell the stories of the performance-based Himalayan Music Academy in North Hill and Everest Restaurant in Cuyahoga Falls. Many foreign-born residents came from refugee camps, and the students worked to balance sensitivity with multimedia journalism skills, Miller said. "These kids are multi-talented. They didn't need much direction," Miller said. "I'm glad there are talented story tellers out there." The project is important because it can help create a bridge between American-born residents and the foreign-born by using online tools to communicate the immigrants' personal experiences, Miller said. It's also helping cultivate the next generation of storytellers. Global Ties is seeking advertisers, partners and sponsors to help continue to publish the magazine locally and on a global scale. The "Global Threads" launch will include a cultural exchange with food and cultural art exhibits. Global Ties Akron works closely with the International Institute of Akron, which operates a resettlement program for refugees from around the world. In 2016, the organization resettled 801 refugees here from 10 countries, with more than 320 from Bhutan. Akron has offered haven to refugees under the program since about 2008. Global Ties works closely with foreign dignitaries, academics and other international visitors, hosting international exchanges and student ambassadors and producing international speakers series. Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Case Western Reserve University quietly posted its 2015 master plan on its website two months ago, without public announcement and apparently without intending for the public to see it. The plan, drafted by the Boston-area landscape architecture firm of Sasaki Associates, shows that CWRU wants to refresh aging portions of its campus and create new gateways to an institution that has felt walled off from surrounding neighborhoods. When asked why such an important document was posted without fanfare, the university said in a written statement that the plan was intended "for use by internal audiences, who would be able to view after logging in with their university password. Unfortunately, this password protection function was not activated." As of Wednesday morning, CWRU had put the password protection in place. When asked why it posted a 2015 document three years after the fact, the university responded that it was not withholding the plan, but instead was working with Sasaki "to secure a completed version of the plan." The plan, which CWRU said is now complete, describes major steps CWRU has already taken to revamp landscapes in and around University Circle, Cleveland's cultural, educational and medical hub. Among those steps is the $15 million Nord Greenway, a project scheduled for completion by the end of May, and also planned by Sasaki. The greenway will be a 2,200-foot-long ribbon of grass, pathways, trees and terraces extending west from the CWRU University Center at East Boulevard, across the front yard of the Cleveland Museum of Art to East 105th Street and the university's Maltz Performing Arts Center. "Our Board of Trustees approved this Campus Master Plan in October 2015, and we are proud of its transformative vision," CWRU President Barbara Snyder wrote in the introduction to the document. She wrote that the plan "elegantly links" to a previously completed strategic plan, entitled, "Think Beyond the Possible," to make "recommendations for high quality spaces to support interdisciplinary efforts in teaching and research, as well as increased innovation in learning." Snyder also wrote that while the "plan recommends some new construction, it primarily prioritizes better use of existing space through renovations and repurposing." The university campus, which covers 267 acres in University Circle, is the result of the 1967 merger of the Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University. The master plan addresses outcomes of the merger, including the long noted reality that Euclid Avenue separates the former Case Institute on the south side of campus from the Western Reserve campus on the north side. The plan notes that the heavily trafficked intersection of Euclid Avenue at Adelbert Road is "dangerous for pedestrians, as well as inconvenient for them." It recommends a "dedicated pedestrian phase in the traffic signal, which would allow direct diagonal crossing of the intersection by pedestrians." Note: This story has been updated to reflect that CWRU has put password protection on the web link to the master plan. MEDINA, Ohio -- A Brunswick man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to charges that accuse him of killing a woman in 2016. Richard L. Berger, 68, is charged with two counts of murder, one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of abduction in the April 18, 2016 death of Starr Pawliczka, according to court records. Berger initially claimed Pawliczka had a seizure before she died at his apartment, according to a police report. Detectives and medical examiners later ruled her death was a homicide. A two-year investigation resulted in Berger's arrest, Brunswick police Lt. Robert Safran said. He remains in custody at the Medina County Jail on $500,000 bond. Detectives arrested Berger Saturday at his apartment at the RHM Manor on Stoneybrook Lane in Brunswick. Brunswick police officers and paramedics found Pawliczka unresponsive there two years ago, according to a police report. Pawliczka, 25, died of complications from blunt force head injuries and cervical compression, the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner's Office determined. Investigators believe she was strangled, according to the police report. Berger waited approximately one hour before he called 911 to report Pawliczka was unresponsive, the police report says. He told investigators he thought she may have overdosed on drugs, and did not want her to be arrested, the report says. Investigators did not find any drugs or evidence of drug use in the apartment. Pawliczka had been staying with Berger for a few days after a break-up, the report says. To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cuyahoga County plans to lease two acres near the Veterans Memorial Bridge to organizations planning to develop a 23-acre public park at Irishtown Bend on the west bank of the Cuyahoga River. John Myers, property manager for the Public Works Department, told a County Council committee on Wednesday that the $1-a-year lease agreement, with an option to buy, is symbolic. "The opportunity here is to be a partner," Myers said. The council committee approved the 25-year lease, which can be renewed for an additional 50 years. County Council is expected to approve the deal in May. More than 20 governmental, civic and nonprofit organizations are involved in the park project, according to Tom McNair, executive director of Ohio City Inc., the nonprofit community-development corporation that serves the area around Irishtown Bend. The county has owned the parcels, including one that borders West 25th Street, since the bridge was built about a century ago. The lease allows for access by bridge crews if any work is required on the structure, Myers said. Cuyahoga County's parcels 003-21-001 and 003-20-004 will be leased for $1 a year to the organizations developing the Irishtown Bend project. A plan for the park was developed and approved by the Cleveland Planning Commission last September, McNair told the council committee. See McNair's presentation below or click here if on a mobile device. Before any development occurs, about $28 million is needed to stabilize the hillside and build bulkheads along 1,400 feet of riverfront to prevent the land from sliding into the Cuyahoga River and blocking access to ships. In the past year, $13 million has been secured for the stabilization project and a $9 million federal grant is being sought, McNair said. McNair said the groups plan to acquire two other parcels along West 25th Street. He said he continues to be in conversation with the remaining property owners. One owner, Front Steps Housing and Services, plans to relocate, he said. McNair said enough properties are owned to begin work on the project. The stabilization is expected to begin in early 2019. He said all but five people who were living on the hillside have been moved into permanent housing and agencies are working with those who don't want to move. FirstEnergy Corp. AKRON, Ohio When you think of natural disasters and first responders, local safety forces naturally come to mind. But on their heels are often teams from the more than 115,000 utility linemen in the United States who are sent into areas of devastation to restore power, sometimes while storms rage around them. The Department of Energy reports there are nine million miles of service wire delivering electricity to 155 million customers across the country. As a result, linemen are trained to face down everything from downed high-voltage power lines after hurricanes to subzero winds from the tops of 50-foot poles. Wednesday, April 18, is National Linemen Appreciation Day, when electric-line workers across the U.S. will be honored for their work and, in many cases, their bravery. Locally, FirstEnergy has trained more than 1,500 linemen and substation personnel at the company's Power Systems Institute. Check out FirstEnergy's lineman appreciation day video here. While about 2,240 linemen serve the company's 10 utilities, nearly 400 work locally for Ohio Edison. Many linemen enter the trade to follow in a fathers or grandfathers footsteps, while others become linemen to fulfill a desire to work outdoors. The work is strenuous and requires resilience and discipline, many linemen say. One thing most linemen have in common is plenty of stories about both demanding working conditions and grateful customers, who show their appreciation in different ways. Read on to learn more about the linemen of Ohio Edison. Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Adam and Rory Zito Identical twins Adam and Rory (left) Zito are both graduates of the FirstEnergy Power Systems Institute who work in the Ohio Edison Medina Line Shop. Their father worked for Ohio Edison for 43 years. Not sure about their futures, they both enlisted in the Marines after Ohio Edison hired them. "We felt pretty strongly that we needed to do something to serve our country and we are very proud of the time we spent in the Marines" Rory Zito said. Ohio Edison held their jobs, so when their service was up, they returned to the company. Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Adam and Rory Zito Rory and Adam Zito have many have stories of the gratitude customers show when their power is restored after storms. "The most rewarding part of my job is knowing we make a direct impact on peoples lives," Adam said. "We are doing our job when people need us the most." One customer interaction was different. Working in Hinckley after a storm, Rory Zito was approached by a woman who came out of her house crying to ask how long before the power was restored. "I asked what was wrong and she said her husband had passed away and she was trying to get ready for his funeral," he said. "I decided to look for another place to cut the line so she would be able to get her lights back on quicker. It would be harder for me to do it that way but it was the right thing to do." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Brian Kern Brian Kern, a line leader in Ohio Edisons Akron Line Shop, is a 3rd-generation Ohio Edison employee whos been with the company for 15 years. His father was a meter reader and his grandfather was a lineman who was fatally injured doing storm restoration work on Tallmadge Circle when Kern's father was 10 years old. "I always thought I might want to be a lineman for Ohio Edison to honor my grandfather," he said. "My family is very proud of the fact that I am a lineman, but they also are always worried about me due to the nature of the job." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Brian Kern and Ernie Vasquez Brian Kern (left) traveled with Ernie Vasquez and Ohio Edison linemen recently to assist FirstEnergy customers who lost power in New Jersey after three Nor'easter storms blew through. Kern remembers when work trucks had no air conditioning and weren't equipped with laptops. He also assisted in Miami last fall helping to restore power following Hurricane Irma. Don't Edit Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Brian Kern, Bobby Wills, Zack Graham and a grateful customer Floridians were appreciative that Ohio Edison linemen had driven from from Ohio to help after last year's storms, Kern said. One customer in Miami was so happy to have power back on he made the crew Cuban coffee. "It was strong stuff but we were very touched," Kern said. "Probably the thing I love most about being a lineman is seeing the looks on customers faces after you get their power back on, especially at a storm event. Those happy looks just stick with you and it never gets old. " Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Ernie Vasquez Ernie Vasquez, Ohio Edison Akron Line Shop, has been a lineman for six years. He enrolled in FirstEnergys Power Systems Institute and stayed with the rigorous program, even as younger candidates dropped out. Ohio Edison hired him as a lineman. "People always ask if I am scared of working up so high or working with high voltage. I don't really recall any fear, but a lineman always must respect the unique challenges we face on a daily basis." Vasquez saw firsthand the downed trees and poles while working in New Jersey recently. "Being from Ohio I really wasn't sure what a Nor'easter was," he said. "But after seeing all the trees down and our electrical equipment broken, I can say first-hand that Nor'easters are nasty." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Kenny James Line supervisor Kenny James has been with Ohio Edison 50 years. "Working with these talented people is the best part of my job, he said. No matter what the challenge, not matter what the weather, they just get to it and get it done. There aren't any better workers around." James graduated from Stow High School and was hired at Ohio Edison as a ground worker. He began learning to climb poles using leg spikes, as there were few bucket trucks then. When he believed he might be drafted, he joined the Marines. He completed a tour in Vietnam and went back to work at Ohio Edison. James vividly remembers the massive blizzard of 1978. He worked in the Brimfield area, where they used bulldozers to pull vehicles out of the snow. "I was never so cold in my life being up on those poles, he said. Just climbing the pole was a challenge because most had a thick coating of ice on them. But I didn't want people freezing because I couldn't get their power back on. James said appreciates that the company promotes safety. With most jobs if people make a mistake its really no big deal, he said. With us, we might not get a second chance. It truly is a band of brothers who all pull together to get the job done right and get it done safely." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Evan Suboticki Evan Suboticki, a line leader in the Akron Line Shop, has worked for Ohio Edison for 15 years. He also is one of be the only lineman in the world with his own bobblehead. Suboticki served as the model for the FirstEnergy Lineman Bobblehead, which was a limited-edition prize awarded to 50 winners of a special text promotion at a Cleveland Cavaliers game in 2015. "After the game there was chatter on Twitter and social media about the lineman bobblehead, with many people trying to figure out a way to get one, Suboticki said. I like to think that my likeness was more popular than the Kevin Love bobblehead." When FirstEnergy got a call from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee asking for a lineman bobblehead, Suboticki got to present one before a Cavs playoff game that year. Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Evan Suboticki bobblehead "To be honest, I didn't see the bobblehead as a self-promotion, but as a representation and appreciation of all my fellow line workers and the jobs we do every day. Suboticki said. I was pretty impressed with the finished product." he said. "Not only did it somewhat resemble me but it also included a flame-retardant shirt, safety gloves, and climbing spikes on the boots." Don't Edit Don't Edit Jack and Todd Schafer Jack Schafer is a line leader at Ohio Edisons Hartville Line Shop. His son Todd Schaffer is a lineman B in the Akron Line Shop. Upon graduation from Kent Roosevelt High School, Jack worked for an independent electrician, sometimes side-by-side with Ohio Edison linemen. "I was always fascinated by the linemen climbing up on the high poles and thought it would be an exciting career, he said. They just had that swagger about them. Little did I know I would be a lineman for almost 40 years." He eventually went though a training course in Massillon, where the trainees worked with experienced linemen. Let me tell you, they could be very hard on you, but we work in a very unforgiving profession, he said. From a safety standpoint, you have to do things right every single time. Jack remembers an F5 tornado that ripped through Niles and Newton Falls in 1985, killing 10 people. Even through that loss and destruction, the people we encountered as we rebuilt the electric system continued to shower us with praise and appreciation, he said. I will never forget that." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Todd Schafer Todd Schafer tried a variety of careers, from fire fighter to restaurateur, before he went through the training to become an Ohio Edison lineman like his dad, Jack. Todd joined Ohio Edison about a year ago after completing the Power Systems Institute program. "Growing up with a father who was an electric lineman, I knew about that profession and that lifestyle. He was always an inspiration to me and he was a hero in my eyes for being a lineman, he said. After doing some soul searching, I decided it was something I wanted to do because it would give me more time with my family." Working with the customers is Todds favorite part of the job. Recently, he pulled the trash cans to the house from the curb at a womans home, where his crew was working. "A few minutes later she comes out of the house with tears in her eyes saying she had been ill and not able to get around so good and so appreciated me bringing her cans to the house, he said. She gave us some zucchini bread she was making to say thank you. And that zucchini bread was just awesome!" Todd says he knows what the job entails - the good and the challenging. "While I know there will be sacrifices, I cannot be more proud of being able to carry on this family tradition, he said Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. George Stevenson To George Stevenson, a 44-year Ohio Edison lineman, the best part of his job is working near his home in Twinsburg, where he grew up and went to school. Stevenson trained at Ohio Edison's main facility in Akron, climbing poles every day and learning the basics of the electric system. Like today, the training was challenging. I think out of the 24 candidates who started only 12 finished, he said. We started out doing work that wasn't 'hot,' which means the voltages were very low such as changing streetlights. And as you get more experience, and showed you knew what you were doing, you were trusted to do more complicated work." Early in his career, he was known as a trouble man, the first responder when trouble calls came in at any hour. Even after 44 years, Stevenson loves the challenge of the job and and one of his sons is considering the company's lineman training program. "Electricity allows us to do so many things but linemen more than anyone know that electricity is also a beast," he said. "The best thing a lineman can do is never lose your respect for that beast and as long as you follow the proper safety procedures, you won't have any problems." Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. To George Stevenson George Stevenson not only loves that his job allows him to work to his Twinsburg home, where he grew up, it also allows him to participate in community events. "I love talking with customers out on the job and interacting with kids at local events like Touch a Truck events in Twinsburg and other places, he said. Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Josh Everhart /Josh Everhart, a line leader at the Ohio Edisons Massillon Shop, has been with the company for 16 years. He trained at Power Systems Institute when it launched. Trainer Larry Lallathin drilled safe work practices into the recruits like a military basic training sergeant, he said. Some trainees dropped out. Everhart stuck with it and is proud to be a member of the first graduating class. "When it comes to doing work on the electric system you just have trust your equipment, trust your safety gear and trust your training,: he said. For me, being above ground attached to a pole with leg spikes and a tool belt with thousands of volts of electricity over my head is just a normal day at the office. And I wouldn't have it any other way." Everhart has worked with teams to restore power after ice storms, hurricanes, car/pole accidents, and incidents involving squirrels and other animals, for FirstEnergy customers in Ohio, New Jersey, West Virginia and other locations. Regardless of the place or the terrain, we don't take a thing for granted, he said. Teamwork is vital, just like a professional sports team. We do a job briefing, review the appropriate safety procedures and equipment that will be needed, review the part each crew member will play, and then get it done." Customer appreciation is something that helps him on cold winter. Whether it's a large outage from severe weather, or an outage only affecting a few homes, customers often see us as heroes for getting their power back on, he said. When they go out of their way to bring us coffee and donuts in the winter or a cold drink in the summer, it never gets old. They don't have to do this but they do it because they want to. And that means the world to us." Don't Edit Don't Edit FirstEnergy Corp. Larry Lallathin Larry Lallathin is an advanced instructor at the FirstEnergy Power Systems Institute in Massillon. At the institute, students learn to climb poles, drive bucket trucks and operate aerial equipment in addition to electric system basics. Lallathin has helped train more than 150 current FirstEnergy line workers. "One of the things that strikes me the most about electric line workers is that they are industrial athletes, he said. They have excellent training and tools, but sometimes it just takes some smarts and brute strength to get the job done, just like any other successful athlete." Although a lot of the work today can be done using bucket trucks, line workers still climb poles on a regular basis. If they don't feel comfortable belted to a pole 50 feet in the air, they might want to try a different profession, he said. Training is rewarding because it allows Lallathin to teach others what he was taught. The hope is that those who receive my instruction will be afforded the same opportunities for a successful and safe career in the power utility business that I have had, he said. Like many line workers, Lallathin says customer appreciation is one of the most memorable things about the job, making it feel, in a sense, like humanitarian service. He remembers with clarity working in upper New York state in the late 1990s, when an ice storm decimated the region. Having to work in those conditions was almost like a war zone, he recalls. Lallathins family is also proud of his career. "There is something very noble in being a line worker, he said. Most people rush inside when the severe weather hits. Line workers are putting on their protective equipment and heading outside to start doing their jobs." CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Sweeping renovations and 12 brand new species are coming to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium this year. The renovations, which are already underway, will touch 75 percent of the attraction's public spaces. The 2018 updates began in the Ohio Lakes and Rivers section and are complete in the Asia and Indonesia space. Two new species are on display: the Green Tree Python and the Weedy Seadragon. Tami Brown, the aquarium's general manager walked cleveland.com through some of the upgrades Monday morning. Here's what's to come. Map of expected upgrades The renovations are expected to run through most of 2018 and will not only include exhibits, but also the aquarium's kids' exploration space. Don't Edit Greater Cleveland Aquarium Renovations already completed - Asia exhibit The aquarium wants to immerse guests in a simulated environment. In the Ohio Lakes and Rivers section, visitors can smell pine. The aquarium couples the smell with the sounds of native birds and water to make people feel like they're in a forest. In the Asia exhibit, the walls and types of plants have been updated. Don't Edit Greater Cleveland Aquarium Renovations already completed - Asia exhibit The renovated Asia space has a new backdrop which blends into the decorations in the tanks. The tree in the center of the largest tank in the room is made from up-cycled materials, such as shredded paper. The renovated Asia space is also home to the first new species at the aquarium. Don't Edit Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com Green Tree Python The Green Tree Python is one of two new species already on display at the aquarium. You'll find him in the Asia and Indonesia exhibit. The green color is meant to camouflage the snake. They're not always green though -- the snakes start off maroon or yellow as babies. The color can indicate how mature the snake is. This is a non-venomous snake. Don't Edit cleveland.com file photo Amazon and Africa exhibits The Amazon and Africa exhibit will receive some of the same treatment as the Asia exhibit. Brown said it will be renovated to focus more on and feel like the Amazon. It will be labeled the "Rainforest" exhibit. Don't Edit Don't Edit Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com Turtle wall One of the only upgrades left for the Ohio Lakes and Rivers exhibit is a wall dedicated to preserving the spotted turtle. The aquarium works on conservation projects for the species, which is on its way to becoming endangered. Don't Edit Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com Coastal Room renovation The Coastal Room is a visitor favorite at the aquarium, with touch tanks that let patrons touch stingrays, starfish and cleaning shrimp. The vision for the Coastal Room is to make it look like a boardwalk and brighten it up with color, Brown said. The tanks lining the walls will be styled like shop windows. Don't Edit Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com Weedy Seadragon The Weedy Seadragon is the second of the new species on display on the aquarium. Brown said the aquarium is the only in Ohio to house the species. The Weedy Seadragon tends to float around like seaweed, though it does have fins for steering. The species eats small crustaceans and zooplankton by sucking them in through their snouts. Like their relatives, seahorses, the male Weedy Seadragons carry the eggs. They do not, however, carry them in a pouch, like seahorses. Weedy Seadragons also do not have prehensile tails, which allow them to hook onto objects. Don't Edit Emily Bamforth, cleveland.com New conservation messages An aquarium room dedicated to conservation and showcasing the effects that plastics and other trash have on the environment. Brown said the renovations will add conservation facts spread throughout the exhibits to provide a more continuous message. Don't Edit The renovations will also include an overhaul of the kids exploration space. The new kids area will provide missions for kids to complete. They can pretend they're scuba divers, the managers of an aquarium and more. The expected cost of all the upgrades is $250,000. Admission prices for the aquarium are not going to go up. Don't Edit "Should the U.S. allow Israel..." What sheer nerve of a headline you chose. The US should ALLOW another sovereign nation to do or not do something? Israel is not a puppet of this country. While it relies heavily on American money for defense, Americans are much safer with Israel out there fighting terrorists that not only seek its destruction but ours as well. That was an appalling headline and an apology is in order. Diane Brodsky-Shalom, Mayfield Heights The right to peaceful protest is recognized by all democratic nations. If so, then Israel is not behaving as a democracy. On March 30th, Israel army snipers fired from Israel across the border into Gaza on a crowd of thousands protesting for their Right of Return. Eighteen Palestinians were murdered and 800 wounded. Hundreds suffered tear gas inhalation. Cleveland Peace Action condemns the premeditated murder and violence by Israeli snipers against Palestinians marching non-violently inside their tiny walled-in Gazan ghetto and seeking their "Right of Return" under international law. This latest massacre follows Israel's 2014 attack on Gaza killing 2,200, including 600 children. Israel also attacked Gaza in 2012 and 2008-2009. Further, Israel's total air, sea and land blockade prevents people and goods from moving in or out of Gaza. Common decency demands the following: 1. End Israel's blockade so Gaza's 1.8 million people can receive vital shipments of food, medicine and supplies. 2. Demand an international investigation into the murders of Gaza residents protesting non-violently in their March of Return. 3. Rebuild Gaza with an international aid program giving special attention to schools and hospitals. We pledge our support and invite you to join us. Don Bryant & Mark Weber, Co-chairs of the Middle East Committee of Cleveland Peace Action Cleveland CLEVELAND, Ohio - The Cleveland school district's plans to split apart the Whitney Young gifted and talented program on the lower east side and mix its students into other schools is drawing a protest from students, parents and neighbors alike. Students had a protest outside the school on Harvard Avenue this morning after more than 50 people brought concerns to the school board Tuesday night that a school that generates neighborhood pride is being "dismantled." The Whitney Young Gifted and Talented Leadership Academy has historically been one of the highest-scoring schools in the city, serving gifted students in the elementary and high school grades in their own separate school apart from other students. But that will change this fall when the district merges Whitney Young's 55 fourth through eighth grade students with students of the traditional Elliot elementary school in that neighborhood. For those students, the Whitney Young program will cease to exist. District CEO Eric Gordon said the merged elementary school will still offer gifted services, just not as a separate school. Michelle Pierre-Farid, the district's chief academic officer, said students at the new school will receive full gifted services, just like in other elementary schools. She could not say how many classes would be gifted-only, since the number of gifted students in the new school will determine that. For the 97 high school students, Whitney Young High School will still remain its own gifted school with its own classes, teachers, graduation and prom. But students will move from their old school into the traditional John F. Kennedy High School just down the street. District officials say the Whitney Young's declining enrollment, down from 415 in 2007-08 to 183 today, makes a standalone school unworkable. They say students are choosing other schools in the district and Whitney Young no longer makes financial sense. The Plain Dealer is seeking clarification from the district on current enrollment numbers that do not add up. But residents blame the district for killing enthusiasm for the school by leaving its future up in the air the last few years. More than 50 residents, including two city council members, came to the board to press their case that Whitney Young high school students would not be safe as part of John F. Kennedy and that the high-scoring school should be protected as an asset, not brushed aside. "I am not sure we rationally shut down high performing schools," said parent Lachelle Dixon-Harris. "Those children who excel...don't take their opportunity away." Whitney Young students Tonna Mockabee and Austin Mitchell told the board that the gifted program and regular high school - located on separate campuses a few hundred yards apart on Harvard Road - have a rivalry, but not a friendly one. "The culture at Whitney Young is just completely different from the culture at JFK," Mitchell told the board. "We come to school. We do our work. We take our tests. And we pass them." He worried that violence against Whitney Young students that has happened before and after school in the past will increase. Mockabee echoed that complaint, saying. "They are feeding us to the lion's den." "Frankly, we do not feel safe," she said. "We have been robbed, bullied and jumped by former JFK students." City Council member Joe Jones and former councilman Zack Reed accused the district of backing off its earlier plans to build a new Whitney Young school for Whitney Young students. The district is building a new elementary school on the Whitney Young property that will open early next year, but it will serve the new merged school, not just the gifted program. "We feel hoodwinked," Reed said. "We feel bamboozled." Jones said he had never heard of plans to stop having a separate Whitney Young school until recently. "I was shocked to hear we are going to put Elliot students there and do away with Whitney Young," Jones said. Gordon and the school board offered no response to residents at the meeting. He said today, however, that he objected to anyone classifying all students from either school as "good" or "bad." He said the district will work with students from Whitney Young and JFK with open houses and discussions of school culture to make the transition go smoothly. "Kids are kids and we have to set good expectations and provide the right support," he said. The district was never been completely clear on the future of the school, as it developed district-wide construction plans and sought taxpayer approval of new bonds to build schools in 2014. Plans for schools for that neighborhood were also adjusted in 2015 so that an elementary school would remain at the Whitney Young location and so that the land would not be used for development, as the 2014 plan called for. In addition, plans were adjusted to allow the Breakthrough charter school chain to add a Citizens Academy in district buildings. In announcing those changes, the district said in 2015 that Whitney Young would share the new school with the other elementary students. Though the district did not explicitly say the Whitney Young program there would essentially end, Gordon said today that "we've been phasing it out for several years." Jones, Reed and State Rep. John Barnes all called on the school board and district officials to meet with residents to discuss the reasons behind the plan. Gordon said today that a meeting was already being planned for May 9, even before the board meeting, and that the district is working with Jones on a location. WASHINGTON - Impressed by a campaign fundraising haul that exceeds $1 million, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee on Wednesday said it will provide extra resources to congressional candidate Ken Harbaugh of Avon as part of its "Red to Blue" program. Harbaugh, who hopes to win his party's nomination to challenge Holmes County GOP Rep. Bob Gibbs in this fall's election, surpassed aggressive goals for grassroots engagement, local support, campaign organization and fundraising, according to a press release from the organization. "From serving in the Navy to his time as president of a disaster relief organization that trains and deploys veterans to natural disasters, Ken Harbaugh has dedicated his life to serving his country and community," said a statement from New Mexico Democratic Rep. Ben Ray Lujan, who chairs the DCCC. "Ken's strong, accessible campaign is already putting the people of Ohio's 7th Congressional district first, rather than the powerful special interests." The program gives Democratic candidates for seats in the U.S. House of Representatives extra resources, like strategic guidance and candidate training. The only other Ohioan enrolled in the program is Hamilton County Clerk of Courts Aftab Pureval, who is running against Cincinnati GOP Rep. Steve Chabot. "My team and I are out there every day fighting for unions and farmers and teachers and veterans and all the people of the Ohio 7th who deserve much better representation than they are getting," said a statement from Harbaugh. "It is time for a new generation of leadership in Washington." CLEVELAND, Ohio - Karen Gahl-Mills, the leader of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture that doled out tens of millions of dollars to arts groups amid shrinking tax revenues, is stepping down in June. Gahl-Mills announced her resignation Wednesday. She plans to teach and consult in Chicago. She served as the chief executive officer and executive director since 2010. The agency's board of trustees said it will begin a search for her replacement. She becomes the second top official of the organization to leave in the past few months. The term of the board of trustees' president, Joseph Gibbons, ended March 31. He will stay on until Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish replaces him. "I'm so proud of the work our team has done together since 2010 to make more people aware of the fantastic work coming from artists and arts organizations in Cuyahoga County, but it's time for a new challenge for me and time for new leadership at CAC," Gahl-Mills said in a statement. She said her decision had nothing to do with recent criticism of the agency, which stemmed from reduced revenues. Cuyahoga Arts and Culture is funded by a 30-cent-a-pack cigarette tax. Ten years ago, it brought in nearly $20 million a year, according to county records. This year, it is expected to bring in less than $15 million. "As the CEO, you are the magnet for the praise that people give your organization,'' Gahl-Mills said in an interview. "And as the CEO, you are the magnet for the garbage that people throw. But the reason that people complain is that they care. You can't do this type of work without (making those decisions).'' She said her job allowed her to "see the crazily wonderful variety of arts and cultural activities that take place in every corner of Cuyahoga County.'' She said the county has an "arts ecosystem that many other cities wish they could replicate.'' In her resignation letter, Gahl-Mills said, "We have gotten clear about our mission and our purpose - to ensure that the residents of the county benefit from the public investment that our community makes in arts and culture organizations, and we have aligned our programs around that purpose.'' Her tenure came amid decreased revenues. The agency obtains its funding from the cigarette tax, which began in 2006 and is separate from the sin tax that helps fund Gateway. With less money, the decisions became more difficult. "I hope that the community recognizes that CAC is committed to continuing to listen to the public, particularly as we tackle difficult issues around equity in our grantmaking,'' Gahl-Mills said in the statement. "I know that our dedicated staff will continue to carry that important work forward." A study released by the University of Chicago in 2014 ranked Cuyahoga County No. 1 in local public arts funding among 13 U.S. metro areas including San Francisco, Miami-Dade, Phoenix, Denver, Boston and Baltimore. Gibbons said Gahl-Mills will be hard to replace. "Karen will be missed, and I am grateful for her passion and dedication to arts and culture and for her leadership on behalf of CAC,'' Gibbons said in a statement. "Fortunately, I believe we will continue to benefit from Karen's hard work and I am confident that we can depend on the excellent staff at CAC to keep moving our mission forward as we work through this transition.'' Budish said in a statement that "the work of Cuyahoga Arts and Culture serves as an economic generator and has become a major key to our quality of life in Cuyahoga County. Karen has played a critical role in the development and success of the organization.'' Gahl-Mills replaced Catherine Boyle to the second director of the agency, which began in 2006 after county voters agreed to place a tax on cigarettes to support arts and culture. In 2015, voters renewed the tax for 10 more years. The agency has spent more than $170 million on nearly 400 organizations since 2007, and Gahl-Mills worked on much of that. In a statement, the agency said Gahl-Mills will teach at the University of Chicago and Northwestern University and look to work with the Civic Consulting Alliance. Before coming to Cleveland to lead the arts agency, Gahl-Mills was the executive director and president of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. She served as the executive director of the Westchester Philharmonic in White Plains, N.Y., and also worked in television and film. John Green AKRON, Ohio - The University of Akron board of trustees has appointed John Green, dean of the university's College of Buchtel Arts and Sciences, as interim president. Green will begin his duties May 1 and work with outgoing President Matthew Wilson. Wilson announced in March that he would step down and rejoin UA's School of Law, effective July 31. Wilson may leave earlier. He is one of four finalists for president of Utah Valley University and will visit that campus Thursday for interviews. Green was among four university officials considered for the interim job, said trustee Chair Roland Bauer at the board meeting on Wednesday. "It is indeed a great honor to be asked to serve as president of this great university," Green said after he was appointed. He said he would work to "create the best conditions so the new president can succeed." Green joined the university in 1987 and serves as director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, a bipartisan research and teaching institute. Green was named dean of the Arts and Sciences College in April 2017 after serving as interim dean since October 2015. Green was among four university officials interviewed to serve as interim president after Scott Scarborough resigned as president in May 2016 after a tumultuous tenure. Wilson, who arrived at Akron in 2014 as dean of the law school, was appointed interim president in July 2016 for a term of 18 months. Three months later, trustees named Wilson permanent president. Last fall, trustees extended Wilson's contract through June 30, 2023. Wilson announced in March, shortly after he was passed over for president of Central Florida University, that he would step down. He said he made the decision because he wanted to spend more time with his family and reflect on his future. He also acknowledged that his interest in another presidency led trustees to question his commitment to Akron. Bauer said Green's contract as interim president has not been finalized. Also considered for the interim position were Ravi Krovi, dean of the College of Business Administration; professor of psychology David Baker and George Haritos, a professor of mechanical engineering. Krovi and Baker were also considered in 2016. The board plans to hire a search firm and conduct a national search for a new president. Bauer announced Wednesday that the university will suspend a national search for vice president and chief academic officer until the new president is hired. CLEVELAND, Ohio - The U.S. Senate today blocked a procedural vote that would have removed Clean Water Act protection and U.S. EPA oversight of ballast water brought into the Great Lakes aboard ocean-going ships. Environmental and conservation groups had opposed the measure as a "poison pill" contained in a larger U.S. Coast Guard bill. They maintain the ballast provision would have threatened Lake Erie and all the Great Lakes with more invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels. "This means Clean Water Act protections will continue to apply to ballast water discharges, which are the main pathway for aquatic invasive species introductions into the Great Lakes," Jennifer Caddick of the Alliance for the Great Lakes said in a prepared statement. Such foreign invaders "have cost the region billions of dollars since the late 1980s," she said. The Senate voted 56-42 in favor of a motion to move the bill forward, four votes shy of the 60 votes required to proceed with the debate. Sen. Sherrod Brown voted in opposition to the bill, although the Ohio Democrat said he strongly supports the remainder of the Coast Guard bill. "This provision ... does not belong on the Coast Guard bill and it should be taken out so Congress can move forward with passing this important bill without threatening Lake Erie and the jobs that depend on it," Brown said in a news release. Sen. Rob Portman, Republican of Ohio, voted with the majority in favor of moving forward with the bill. "I continue to have concerns about the underlying bill," Portman said. He said he is working with Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democrat from Michigan, "to come up with a regional standard for the Great Lakes that is both good for the shipping industry in Ohio and the health of Lake Erie." The shipping industry lobbied hard for the bill as a means to bring order to a hodgepodge of rules and regulations that threaten to cripple their commerce. James H.I. Weakley, president of the Cleveland-based Lake Carriers' Association, called the Coast Guard bill "a real win-win for the lakes," that would safeguard the environment and foster waterborne commerce on the Great Lakes. The bill would replace a "patchwork quilt of separate, even conflicting regulations on commercial vessel ballast water discharges by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Great Lakes states with a uniform set of regulations which draws on the regulatory, technical and scientific expertise of each," Weakley said in prepared statement. Rather than weaken ballast water regulations, Weakley contended that the bill would have vessels "governed by stricter and more uniform regulations," while retaining the requirement that oceangoing vessels exchange their ballast before entering the Great Lakes. The measure as written would have taken the EPA out of the ballast water management business, and turned the job over exclusively to the Coast Guard -- an agency focused on mariner safety, not environmental regulations. Jordan Lubetkin of the National Wildlife Federation praised the senators "who stood up for our clean water, fish and wildlife, outdoor recreation, and economy. "We applaud the U.S. senators who recognized that, instead of finding ways to exempt the shipping industry from cleaning up its act, it's time to let the Clean Water Act do what it does best," Lubetkin said in a prepared statement. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Democrat of Wisconsin, called the ballast water provision in the bill "dangerous." "Now that it's clear this bill will not pass, we should remove the ballast water provision and pass a bill that supports our Coast Guard, protects our Great Lakes and helps our coastal economy," she said. James Weakley of the Lake Carriers' Association said he was "very disappointed with the vote," but he wasn't prepared to give up. "We thought this was an opportunity to fix a regulatory mess, and we hope we can continue to work toward solving the problem," he said. WADSWORTH, Ohio -- A Wadsworth High School student has been charged with aggravated murder in connection with a 98-year-old woman's death, police said. The 17-year-old boy is also charged with aggravated burglary and abuse of a corpse in the death of Margaret M. Douglas, Wadsworth police Chief Randy Reinke confirmed late Tuesday afternoon. He will appear Wednesday in Medina County Juvenile Court, Reinke said. Cleveland.com does not identify juvenile suspects unless they are charged as adults. Douglas was found dead April 9 in a closet in her home. Clothes and other items were placed around Douglas'' body to conceal it, police said. Investigators are still awaiting the results of an autopsy but believe Douglas was strangled, Reinke said. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the killing, Wadsworth police Lt. Dave Dorland said Tuesday. The teen took several items from the home, Dorland said. His criminal history includes prior arrests for non-violent offenses such as vandalism and theft, Dorland said. The teen was arrested Monday in Fairview Park and remains in custody at the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center, police said. An out-of-town relative reported Douglas missing April 9. Douglas' friends had not heard from her since April 3, police said. Wadsworth police officers did not find any evidence of foul play during an initial search of Douglas' home. Investigators found her body when they searched the home a second time, police said. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation assisted in processing the scene. To comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland will find out this Friday at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame just who will play the inaugural Incuya Music Festival downtown in August. The Rock Hall and concert promoter AEG Presents are teaming up for the two-day festival on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 25 and 26, on Malls B and C. Not since the celebrated World Series of Rock concerts at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium has the city hosted an event like this. The festival will be "a cross-genre, multigenerational, collaborative and uniquely Cleveland event with a mix of national recording artists, complemented by local artists and Cleveland's vibrant city center,'' according to the initial release announcing the festival. Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris trumpeted the festival during this past weekend's Hall of Fame induction ceremony as one of the ways the museum is following through on its commitment to become a bigger part of the community. The festival is yet another example of Cleveland's rebirth as a "destination'' city, especially for music. Already the city will be hosting concerts by Taylor Swift and Beyonce and Jay-Z, at FirstEnergy Stadium on July 12 and 25, respectively. In 2017, the city played host to many of the mainstream artists who previously had bypassed it, for whatever reason - artists like Guns N' Roses, U2 and more. The gentrification, yuppification, revitalization or whatever you want to call it of downtown has made the city cool again, for lack of a better term. And regardless of your politics, it's hard to dismiss the benefits the city recouped from hosting the Republican National Convention in the summer of 2016. As was noted in the initial announcement of the festival, having AEG Presents involved is a major benefit. The concert promoter is No. 2 in the nation, trailing only giant Live Nation. With a roster that cuts across the board - from country artists like Alan Jackson to classic rockers ZZ Top - it gives the festival a potential lineup that's almost without parallel in terms of scope. We will find out Friday just how broad that scope will be. And, since we expect to learn ticket prices an on-sale dates, how much it'll cost and when we can get them. CARLIN, Nev. (AP) -- A suspect in an Ohio murder has been arrested in northeast Nevada after threatening to kill himself during a traffic stop in a small town along Interstate 80. Carlin Police Chief Dennis Fobes says 46-year-old Matthew Dempsey of Paulding, Ohio is being held in the Elko County Jail awaiting extradition. He's wanted as a suspect in the killing of his 47-year-old girlfriend, Gina Mann. Her body was found Sunday in the garage at a home where they lived in Briceton, Ohio. Fobes told the Elko Daily Free Press an officer tried to stop Dempsey Tuesday for making an illegal turn, but he continued driving and pointed a rifle at his head before he was persuaded to surrender. He says Dempsey told police he planned to commit suicide in the California Redwoods. It's not clear if he has a lawyer. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Newburgh Heights Mayor Trevor Elkins is denying the allegations of a former village police officer, who swore in a 2017 affidavit that he encountered the mayor with a naked woman at 3 a.m. in City Hall. Elkins told cleveland.com on Tuesday that his political enemies are spreading the erroneous allegations. Copies of the affidavit and fliers accusing him of having an extramarital affair were mailed anonymously this week to his employees and spread among Democratic Party members, he said. The fliers accuse Elkins of cheating on his wife in 2013 with an unnamed woman at City Hall. Attached to the fliers were copies of an affidavit made in August 2017 by former Newburgh Heights police officer Ryan Sowders, who is now a Cleveland police officer. Sowders says in the affidavit that months before he resigned from the Newburgh Heights department, he spotted the mayor's car in the City Hall parking lot at around 3 a.m. on an unspecified morning. Sowders says in the affidavit that he entered the building to see if everything was secure and found a naked woman on top of Elkins, who was lying on a couch in the community room. According to the affidavit, Elkins said, "We're fine." Sowders said he left and called then-Police Chief Gabe Barone to report the incident. He then observed Elkins driving the woman to the nearby Brickhouse Tavern, according to the affidavit. Sowders said that after the incident, the police chief asked him to return his City Hall keys. Sowders said he carried the keys to regularly enter and secure the building during his shift, according to the affidavit. The affidavit is an exhibit to a lawsuit filed by former Newburgh Heights police officer Kenneth Landberg, who is suing the village for age discrimination and retaliation. The affidavit is notarized by attorney Dennis Niermann, who is Landberg's attorney. Niermann told cleveland.com that there is nothing "salacious" about the affidavit and that he believes "every word of it." Niermann said Sowders showed "guts" by standing up for Landberg and signing the affidavit. (You can read the entire affidavit in the viewer below.) "The affidavit is a total fabrication," Elkins said in a phone interview Tuesday. "This is an attempt to embarrass me into settling." The mayor, who has been organizing progressive Democrats to challenge the Cuyahoga County party leadership, said the flier is part of an ongoing campaign to derail his political career. Elkins said he wasn't married at the time of the alledged incident, though he was dating his now-wife. He said other outrageous claims have been made against him by a faction of residents not happy with his 2011 election and the changes he's brought to City Hall. He also said that some party members have been spreading rumors about him since he ran unsuccessfully for Democratic Party chairman last August. He lost to Cuyahoga County Councilwoman Shontel Brown, who had the backing of many party leaders, including U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge. Elkins said the timing of the flier's release suggests a coordinated attack. The affidavit was filed in federal court less than a week ago and the county Democratic Party is holding its annual fundraiser on Sunday. "Someone just doesn't stumble across this," Elkins said. An earlier version incorrectly stated the day of the Democratic Party dinner. It's Sunday. NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- There's no question we live in a data-driven world. In an effort to promote careers within the high-demand field, the annual Data Science Competition attracts local high school teams tasked with solving complex problems. North Olmsted High School students Sean Carney, Sean Kronz, Shane Cairns and Darshit Vachhani recently won first place at the second annual competition, held at Case Western Reserve University. "Last year, we didn't even place in the top four, but the students learned a lot from it and they decided they wanted to do it again this year," North Olmsted High School mathematics and computer science teacher Paula L. Caso said. "Out of 19 teams this year, my kids did fantastic. "Also, this year we had a data scientist representative from CoverMyMeds. He was fantastic and worked very well with the kids. They learned a lot. I think that made a big difference," Caso said. The high school's AP Statistics and AP Computer Science classes formed the current team, which included carryover members Carney and Cairns from last year. Each team member won a $100 JBL bluetooth speaker. "My initial draw to the competition was the combining of computers and data, two of my favorite things," Carney said. "The competition itself was challenging and really drove me to learn more about data manipulation and how to draw conclusions from it. What drew me back for the second year was the feeling that I could do better." Cairns added: "After falling short the first year, being given a second opportunity was extremely exciting. This coupled well with the whole event being super fun and well put together, of course. We're glad we were able to participate." The competition introduces students to the art of problem solving and the profession of data scientist. Data scientists are responsible for reviewing large data sets, drawing conclusions and reporting their findings. For this year's Data Science Competition, students attempted to solve a complex program by reviewing a large data set of more than 43,000 records. The challenge revolved around being a film producer charged with recommending the genre and production of three movies in 2019 that will maximize profits. The Data Science Competition was created by The HIT Convening Group and sponsored by CoverMyMeds, BioEnterprise, the Cleveland Foundation and Case Western Reserve University. As a member of HIT Convening Group, Caso said the entity is trying to build the IT pipeline for the health industry in the Cleveland area. "In the Cleveland area, there are approximately 300 new jobs in the IT industry and health industry opening up every year and they can't fill them all," Caso said. "So we're desperate for people to go into the IT field, computer science, data science, all of these related fields that kids don't even know about. "We're trying to bring more awareness so that they know there are some really fantastic jobs right here in Cleveland." CLEVELAND, Ohio - Democratic former Gov. Ted Strickland criticized former U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich for failing to promptly disclose a $20,000 payment from a group sympathetic to Syrian President Bashar Assad. Strickland, who served in Congress with Kucinich, said he was shocked after the source of the income from a paid speech was made public in Kucinich's amended ethics disclosure statement. Kucinich, Strickland said, was being deliberately untruthful about who gave him money by initially filing incomplete ethics disclosure forms. "The fact that Dennis intentionally omitted his ties to these despicable individuals speaks volumes, I think, and it shows he knew these relationships were problematic," Strickland said during a conference call with reporters. "No doubt he was trying to hide this information from the citizens of Ohio." The former governor, who thus far hasn't been publicly involved in the race, also endorsed former federal consumer watchdog Richard Cordray on the call. Kucinch's connection to Syria and his friendly relationship with Assad has thrust an issue into the race that is not directly relevant to the Ohio governor's office. But Kucinich's relationship with Assad, widely regarded as a dictator who has been accused by multiple intelligence agencies of using chemical weapons on civilians during the Syrian Civil War, has raised questions throughout the campaign both about Kucinich's loyalties and judgment. So when it became public that Kucinich omitted a $20,000 payment from the Syria Solidarity Movement to attend a conference during 2017 in London full of Syrian-government sympathizers -- including two Syrian government ministers -- questions about Kucinich's ties were reignited. "Dennis has chosen to associate himself with some of the most despicable people imaginable. You don't get much lower than gassing men, women and little kids, and that's what the Assad regime has done," Strickland said, also calling Kucinich a "cheerleader" for the Syrian president. The Cordray campaign via Strickland wasn't the only one to criticize Kucinich after the revelations. State Sen. Joe Schiavoni, a Democrat running for governor, said Kucinich needed to condemn Assad and explain himself to Ohioans. "It's simple," Schiavoni said. "Mr. Kucinich needs to explain his ties to one of the world's worst dictators. Bashar al-Assad has been gassing his own people to death. Friendly connections to Assad or related groups would be unacceptable." Strickland called on Kucinich to release information on all of his paid speeches since he left office in 2013. In a statement released Wednesday afternoon, Kucinich said Strickland's comments about his speech amounted to lies. Kucinich said the speech -- which he released Tuesday night -- called for peace in Syria. "To portray my position and my actions as anything else wreaks of intellectual, moral, and political dishonesty of the most despicable kind," Kucinich said. "It reveals a desperation that has abandoned truth and decency. And it is a blatantly crass attempt by Cordray to try to rescue his failing campaign by resorting to the darkest, most horrific themes imaginable. And, it is cowardly." Tuesday's disclosure worried Strickland to the point where he predicted a dire outcome for Democrats if Kucinich won the primary. Strickland pointed to the scandal involving former Ohio House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, a Republican from Clarksville. Rosenberger resigned after news broke of an FBI investigation into his spending and possible pay-to-play activities. "I believe we simply cannot have a candidate for governor who has questionable financial dealings of his own," Strickland said. The former governor, who lost to Republican Gov. John Kasich in 2010, said he was thankful the news broke when it did, unlike in 2014 when the Democratic Party experienced vetting problems of their top candidate. Then-Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald received the Ohio Democratic Party endorsement en route to the nomination. The FitzGerald campaign turned into a mess, dogged by scandal and eventually losing to Kasich by more than 30 points. This post has been updated with comments from Dennis Kucinich. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Southeast Ohio State Rep. Larry Householder has sued a pair of political action committees over their financing of a slew of political attack ads targeting him. Householder alleges the TV, radio and printed ads -- which make reference to an FBI investigation, which closed without charges in 2006, into Householder's activities as speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives in the 2000s -- are false and defamatory, and asks a judge to pull them off the air. The ads were produced by the Honor and Principles PAC and the Conservative Alliance PAC, two Virginia-based groups that are named as defendants in the lawsuit, filed in Householder's home Perry County on Wednesday. "These are matters that have been resolved for a long time, and he's been vindicated of any wrongdoing," Dave Thomas, an attorney for Householder, said in a telephone interview. "Yet the sources of these ads are not only persisting in their campaign of misinformation, but in fact, if you look at the progression of the ads, they're accelerating." The lawsuit is the latest turn in the heated, months-long, behind-the-scenes political battle among Republicans to be the next leader of the Ohio House of Representatives for the session beginning next year. Householder is among the candidates vying for the position, which is chosen by Ohio House members. The position's future is more uncertain than ever after former Speaker Cliff Rosenberger's sudden resignation last week. Rosenberger stepped down eight months before his term was to have expired, appointing a temporary successor, amid an FBI probe into a trip he took to London last summer with lobbyists for the auto title-loan industry. The ads in question reference the FBI's investigation into Householder during his former tenure as speaker. That investigation began in 2004 after an anonymous, nine-page memo surfaced that accused the Ohio House Republican Campaign Committee, then overseen by Householder, of overpaying some vendors, then having those vendors make secret payments to Householder and his top advisers. "The FBI had Larry Householder in their sights for conducting illegal financial dealings," read one printed mailer, produced by the Conservative Alliance, according to the lawsuit. "From taking kickbacks and lining his own pockets to trading legislation for campaign contributions. Yet Larry Householder was let off the hook by the FBI. While the feds waste millions on a witch hunt, harassing President Trump, Larry Householder and Crooked Hillary Clinton are free to go." The lawsuit also names as defendants GRP Buying, a Delaware company; Ohio Republican ad consultants Nick Everhart and Dillon Loyd; and Target Enterprises LLC, a political ad-buying firm in California and its media director, Julie Iadanza. It also names as "John Doe" defendants the anonymous funders of both PACs. (Scroll to the bottom of this article to see the entire lawsuit.) Also named as defendants are six out-of-state people the lawsuit identifies as board members for the Conservative Alliance PAC. However, those people actually are board members of the Washington, D.C.-based American Conservative Union and an affiliated foundation, and an ACU spokesman said they have nothing to do with the Conservative Alliance PAC. In a recent video posted to his Facebook account, the Householder campaign filmed a hunting garb-clad Householder firing a shotgun at a TV, apparently causing it to explode. In the ad, Householder touts his NRA rating, which he claims is the highest in Ohio's history, and also invokes President Donald Trump. "The establishment doesn't like that," Householder says in the ad. "That's why a dark-money group is airing deceitful ads against me. They're anti-Trump gun-grabbers, and they use the kind of swamp politics that you and I aim to end. But they're in for a fight. Because where you and I come from, we stick to our guns." Nick Marston, the Alexandria, Virginia-based treasurer for the Conservative Alliance PAC, declined to comment. Federal filings show the group has spent thousands of dollars on TV and radio ads in places like Cleveland, Kenton, New Philadelphia and Toledo -- all areas with contested Republican primaries for the Ohio House of Representatives with candidates believed to be backing either Householder or his main opponent for Ohio House speaker, State Rep. Ryan Smith. However, the group's financial backers or overall activities are unclear. Conservative Alliance did not disclose any financial activity in its most recent Federal Election Commission disclosure, filed Sunday. Officials with Honor and Principles PAC have not previously replied to attempts to contact them. The group's first-quarter campaign finance disclosure, filed Sunday with the Federal Election Commission, lists one untraceable donation -- $175,000 given on March 28 by "LZP LLC," an anonymous Columbus corporation that filed incorporation articles with the state the day before. The group's political advertising -- which cost at least $163,000, disclosed in the group's FEC filing -- has been targeted at communities within Householder's House district, where Householder has a contested Republican primary against challenger Kevin Black, a financial adviser. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- There's no primary in the Ohio attorney general's race, and the election is still months away. But shots fired early in the contest seem to indicate the race will be a nasty one. Republican Ohio Auditor Dave Yost on Wednesday seized on an unsubstantiated narrative surrounding his Democratic opponent Steve Dettelbach in a new five-figure digital media ad buy. The Yost campaign this month has pushed a story about remarks they say Dettelbach, a former U.S. attorney, made about whether the attorney general should be appointed or elected. Dettelbach's campaign has not commented on the veracity of the Yost campaign's claims. Dettelbach in a tweet on April 11 said he believes the attorney general of Ohio should be elected. 5/ It's time to Clean up Columbus. That's why I believe - and have always believed - Ohio needs an elected Attorney General that will be accountable to the people and be an independent voice for the law, not politics. Steve Dettelbach (@SteveDettelbach) April 11, 2018 Cleveland.com has not been able to independently confirm the Yost's campaign claims about what Dettelbach said. "Dave Yost buying fake negative ads this early shows one thing," Dettelbach spokesman Ian Moskowitz said. "Yost and his special interest backers believe Steve Dettelbach is winning the election for Ohio A.G and they will do anything to run from the broken political system Yost is part of. Steve Dettelbach believes-and has always believed-the Ohio AG should be elected and an independent voice for the law, not a career politician like Dave Yost who has hurt Ohio kids and cost taxpayers." But the Yost campaign is backing up its claims with moneyed ad buys, six months before voters go to the polls. That's not to say the Dettelbach camp isn't firing back. The campaign over the last few months has taken every opportunity to criticize what it calls Yost's lack of oversight of the troubled, and now shuttered, online charter school Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow. What's the takeaway? Don't expect this race to be cordial. Robert Sprague Two Republicans are vying May 8 for the GOP nomination to succeed Republican Treasurer Josh Mandel. Sandra O'Brien, a former Ashtabula County auditor, and state Rep. Robert Sprague both seek to run an office that in fiscal 2017 managed more than $224 billion in financial assets, including more than $21.5 billion in state investments. They also want to continue and expand Mandel's "Online Checkbook" initiative designed to bring more transparency to government spending. O'Brien, 66, a retired educator who's run unsuccessfully before for statewide office -- including for Ohio treasurer in 2006, when she lost to Democrat Richard Cordray -- emphasizes her 12 years' experience as a county auditor. She says she's also running to shore up the representation of women after what she said was a recent decline of elected Republican women in Ohio amid #MeToo issues raised by recent crude comments at a Statehouse roast from some male legislators about their female colleagues. Sprague, 45, who has championed bipartisan approaches to the opioid crisis in the Ohio House, where he's served for seven years, previously was auditor and treasurer for the city of Findlay and has private sector experience, including as the principal of an investment company in Findlay and as an international business consultant. One of his proposed innovations is to use social impact bonds to encourage private investors to create programs to tackle opioid addiction. The bond issue would be structured so that taxpayers would only pay out if the programs were successful, with a third party evaluating results. O'Brien opposes the idea, saying she is for more limited government, and arguing that social impact bonds would invite cronyism. Sprague is the superior choice in this race. His pragmatic bent, varied background in private and public-sector finance, and early leadership role in addressing the state's opioid crisis suggest he would be a wise and forward-looking guardian of Ohio's treasury. Republican voters should mark their ballots for Robert Sprague. Early voting in the May 8 primary has begun. The winner of the GOP primary will face Democrat Rob Richardson, a Cincinnati attorney, and write-in Green Party candidate Paul Curry, a Columbus financial adviser, in the fall. Sandra O'Brien and Robert Sprague, Republican candidates for Ohio treasurer, were interviewed by the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer on March 13 as part of the endorsement process for the May 8 Republican primary. Listen to audio of this interview below: About our editorials: Editorials express the view of the editorial board of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer -- the senior leadership and editorial-writing staff. As is traditional, editorials are unsigned and intended to be seen as the voice of the news organization. Have something to say about this topic? * Use the comments to share your thoughts. Then, stay informed when readers reply to your comments by using the "Follow" option at the top of the comments, and look for updates via the small blue bell in the lower right as you look at more stories on cleveland.com. * Send a letter to the editor, which will be considered for print publication. * Email general questions about our editorial board or comments on this editorial to Elizabeth Sullivan, director of opinion, at esullivan@cleveland.com. CLEVELAND, Ohio --- The new owners of the Shaker Square storefronts facing Van Aken Boulevard last week presented plans for a "significant capital investment" in the largely vacant property. Paran Management representative Scott Jacobs dubbed it the "Bonwit Teller Project" in an April 12 presentation to the Shaker Square Alliance, showing a proposed mix of office, retail, restaurant and residential. The residential development would come in "Phase II" of the project, following exterior renovations bringing the site up to the historic standards of the district on both ends of the property between Shaker Boulevard and Drexmore Road. In the middle, "we see a great opportunity to demolish the vacant commercial structure and go vertical," Jacobs said of what could be a five-story building with 90 to 100 "market-rate" apartments, targeted for millennials but also senior citizens and "empty-nesters." Right now, the only business in the 26,000-square-foot building is Jackie Chen's restaurant. Paran's preliminary plans call for mixed-use on the first floor, with a common area, gym and perhaps a small bakery. At one time, there was a larger Hough bakery located on the property, along with a Franklin Simon department store and the old Clark's restaurant, Heinen's grocery and, of course, Bonwit Teller, among others. Responding to a question from Shaker Square Alliance Director Chip Bromley, Jacobs said that while the freezers are still downstairs from Heinen's meat-packing facility, there are no remnants of the former Shaker Lanes bowling alley. Paran's plans for mixed use are similar to what Cleveland Director of Regional Development Ed Rybka outlined in a town meeting on the future of Shaker Square last summer. Jacobs said that a public-private partnership remains in the works, starting with the Cleveland Landmarks Commission and Paran owner Joe Shafran. "Phase I" should get under way in the summer, with removal of asbestos, as well as the awnings and aluminum trim from the former Next clothing outlet on the corner of Shaker Boulevard. "We want to recreate the storefront and remain mindful of the historic nature, and we're looking at a retail food service, sort of a cross between a food court and Starbucks," Jacobs said. The "pie-shaped" Goodwill Industries and store space is envisioned for office space -- in keeping with the Paran Management headquarters located upstairs. Paran is also discussing the possibility of moving Goodwill over to the former CVS space on the other side of the property at Drexmore. "The challenge with the current Goodwill space (off of Shaker Boulevard) is that it doesn't work well for access to pickups and drop-offs," Jacobs said. "It's difficult to navigate and potentially unsafe." Moving Goodwill over to the CVS space would "get the drop-offs and pickups off the street and would be more tenable to customers." Shafran and Paran Management have been pursuing acquisition of the Shaker Square property for years and finally acquired it for a purchase price of just under $800,000. "It sits in a transportation-oriented area and provides an incredible opportunity to play off what's going on in University Circle," Jacobs said, adding that the proposed apartments in Shaker Square would be less expensive. Paran is also working with the city on parking for the "destination restaurants" at Shaker Square, as well as some additional property around Drexmore that could be added to the overall package. Shafran is involved in the Van Aken District project in Shaker Heights through RMS Development Corp., with the first phase set to open in September. Another significant achievement has been the transformation of the Glidden House hotel on the Case Western Reserve University campus. Also appearing at the April 12 Shaker Square Alliance meeting was Cleveland's interim Director of Building and Housing Ayonna Blue Donald, who discussed the "ramping up" of multi-family inspections, including condominiums. The voluntary rental inspections will be done on a rotating basis, rather than the "complaint-driven" approach of the past, thanks to the 2016 passage of Issue 32, which increased the city income tax. There were roughly 2,950 rental inspections done in 2017 -- 100 for lead dust -- with 8,000 regular and 1,000 lead-dust inspections planned for this year. So far, there have been roughly 1,700 standard inspections completed this year, and over 315 for the presence of lead dust. Councilman Blaine Griffin said the city continues to "shop out" vacant and abandoned structures, such as the Shaker Medical Building further down on Shaker Boulevard for potential development. SOLON, Ohio -- City Council on Monday unanimously approved a reduction in parking and more green space for the proposed Chagrin Valley Islamic Center. This came after more than four hours of public discussion -- over the course of two meetings within a week's time -- between council and the City Planning Commission, which recommended approval on April 10. There were dozens of speakers on both sides of the issue, which has become a controversial one for some residents since council granted site plan approval last May. Those plans call for a mosque, community center and eventually a gymnasium to be built over six phases on six acres of vacant land on Liberty Road. Many opponents argued that they did not receive notification of the plans, which prompted City Council this year to codify a formal process for notifying neighbors. At the same time, city officials -- and at least one resident who Googled back newspaper articles during Monday's two-hour public comment period -- pointed out that the proceedings all took place at public meetings that received local coverage going back at least to late 2016. The issue of notification manifested in November when officials with the Islamic Center approached the Planning Commission with a request to clear trees from the property prior to obtaining a building permit. The Planning Commission tabled the request, which was subsequently withdrawn by the CVIC board. In addition to notification, opponents' concerns also included traffic congestion, pedestrian hazards, lighting, placement of the mosque in a residential neighborhood, the 11 zoning variances granted last year, the 47-foot proposed height of a tower, high-voltage power lines, how traffic studies would have been affected by Ramadan and multiple daily prayers being broadcast over loudspeakers. For the record, CVIC officials pointed out that there are no loudspeakers outside any of the 18 mosques in Northeast Ohio. And all those who packed council chambers on Monday were invited to celebrate the Ramadan holiday at the Solon Community Center on May 18 in order to get a feel for it. But what was actually being proposed to the city was the reduction of 57 parking spaces that were already approved last year, now going from 170 to 113. This was requested in order to comply with the city's stormwater management requirements by increasing the size of the retention pond. Or as Assistant City Engineer Kerri Welch put it, "the site is really flat so they can't go deeper on the pond -- they have to go with a bigger space." City Planning Director Rob Frankland noted that the site plan modification request actually increased the green space on the property and was still significantly within parking code requirements. CVIC spokesman Masroor Malik thanked council and turned in some documentation showing that the mosque and community center would be "dead center" in terms of acreage and frontage space when compared with other religious complexes around town. City officials added that most, if not all, of those places of worship are located in single-family residential neighborhoods. What Malik said was "disheartening" were some of the comments posted with an online petition that opponents said had 1,200 signatures collected. "That's where the issue changed from traffic and power lines to some comments that almost turned my stomach," said Brooke Zelwin, adding that she hoped that the people who made the inflammatory remarks do not actually live in Solon. Councilman Bill Russo, who presided over an earlier meeting, said he believed that Monday's discussion had "gotten more respectful," and was probably the best of the three with which he had been involved. City officials also noted that the CVIC had received all necessary approval from The Illuminating Company ("CEI"), that other projects have obtained twice the number of variances, and that a traffic study was not required but "recommended," which the CVIC board then commissioned independently. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Cleveland Hopkins plans to assess a new $4, per-trip fee on off-site parking and hotel shuttles to fund a range of capital projects at the airport, including improvements to the Ground Transportation Center and an expansion of the new baggage screening system. Cleveland City Council is expected to consider the fee hike this month, with passage possible in late spring. The proposal was outlined at a council transportation committee meeting at the airport on Wednesday morning. Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland, chair of the transportation committee, said she has already heard rumblings from some businesses opposed to the fee increase, and will listen to their concerns at a committee hearing later this month. But she also said that the new fees would bring equity to the fee structure in place for commercial vehicles that operate at the airport. Currently, these off-site shuttles - for Park Place, Park 'N Fly, hotels, limos and other companies - pay an annual fee of $550 to pick up and drop off passengers at the airport. Taxis and ride-share drivers, meanwhile, pay $4 for every airport drop off and pick-up. "There is a huge disparity - no question about it," said Cleveland. A call to the corporate office of Park 'N Fly, in Atlanta, was not returned Wednesday afternoon. The new fee, if approved, would raise about $1.8 million annually. A new $2 per day, on-site airport parking increase, which goes into effect May 1, will raise another $3 million. The money will be used to fund a list of short-term capital improvements at the airport. It would also pay for a new airport master plan, expected to be completed in 2020, which will outline long-term needs at Cleveland Hopkins. In addition to the fee increases, the airport plans to issue about $35 million in new debt later this year to fund the capital projects. Pat Singleton, chief of business development and management at the airport, said it was important to find non-aeronautical revenue to pay for the improvements. Currently, about 60 percent of the airport's budget is generated by the airlines - a percentage that is much higher than the industry average of 35 percent. "We're not in a position where we can increase airline fees," said Airport Director Robert Kennedy, noting that Cleveland fees are among the highest in the industry. Non-aeronautical revenue includes parking, retail, rent and other sources. Among the capital projects on the airport's to-do list: $3 million for the Ground Transportation Center, which is where Uber, Lyft, off-site parking and hotel shuttles pick up and drop off passengers. The center was initially conceived as a temporary solution during terminal renovations in 2015, but was made permanent last year, in an effort to divert traffic from overcrowding airport roadways. The airport plans to widen the center's driveway to improve traffic flow, and cover the area to protect travelers in bad weather. It will also add lighting, heating and other amenities. Those improvements should be complete by late 2019 or early 2020. The airport is also proposing to spend $2.5 million to expand the new baggage screening system, which launched last fall. The new system has experienced numerous failures in recent months, causing flights to be delayed and baggage to be left behind. Kennedy said the system contractor is working with the airport, the airlines and the Transportation Security Administration to fix the problems. The airport money, he said, will be used to expand the system's capacity as Cleveland's passenger traffic continues to grow. Other airport improvements include updating sewer infrastructure and heating and cooling systems - what Renato Camacho, chief of planning and engineering at the airport, called "the nonsexy stuff behind the walls and under the roadways." Kennedy said the overall goal is to improve the customer experience. "We're trying to do the best we can with the space we have," he said. Related: Cleveland Hopkins to update master plan in wake of dramatic changes at the airport YORKTOWN, Virginia -- Everything I knew about the Battle of Yorktown, I learned from the musical "Hamilton." So, yeah, not much. (Note: We listened to so much "Hamilton" on spring break that by the eight-hour drive home, I was ready to switch it out for Kidz Bop.) Alexander Hamilton led an attack during the Battle of Yorktown. And "Hamilton" fever has helped drive interest in the Colonial National Historical Park site, a park guide said. Including at the Moore House, where John Laurens negotiated the terms of surrender with British and French representatives. Read more about my family's historical spring break, which included outings to Historic Jamestown, Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg. The battlefield still bears the ditches and parapets, dug and piled by British and American armies before what became the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War. Picks and shovels were the most important weapons in the battle, said our tour guide, a historical interpreter of Thomas Nelson Jr., president of the Second Continental Congress and governor of Virginia. Nelson talked about the French ships that blockaded the York River, blocking British escape. He described the 400-mile walk by barefoot American militia men from New York to Yorktown and the mortars that hit his home, occupied during the siege by British General Charles Cornwallis. The Nelson home has now been restored on Main Street, as have a dozen other buildings in the sleepy river town. You can walk the streets, tour some of the buildings and see the Yorktown Victory Monument erected a century after the battle. You can also meander along the town's Riverwalk, with a lovely white sand beach and gently lapping York River. Even though it was barely 50 degrees on our visit, my kids dipped their toes in the water and dug in the sand. On warmer days, you can sail on the schooner Alliance, or rent a kayak or standup paddleboard. There is also a modern enclave of cute boutiques and nice restaurants with river views at Riverwalk Landing, all of it walkable from the battlefield visitor's center. The visitor's center has an interactive ship you can walk through, plus the actual field tents used by George Washington. (Weird fact: They were passed through Washington's wife's family to Mary Custis, the wife of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.) Nearby is the American Revolution Museum, which includes the movie "The Siege of Yorktown," with a 180-degree surround screen and dramatic special effects, and outdoor living-history areas, where visitors can drill with wooden muskets at a re-created Continental Army encampment and explore a Revolution-era farm. My kids were happy instead to hang out at the beach. What to know if you go What: Yorktown Battlefield and historic town. You can drive the entire battlefield and walk the town (walkable from the visitor's center, or park along the quiet streets). Where: 1000 Colonial Parkway, Yorktown (about 13 miles from Williamsburg). When: Open every day but Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. How much: Adults $7. Free with ticket from Historic Jamestown. PASCAGOULA, Miss. -- At their April 16 school board meeting, the Board of Trustees for the Pascagoula Gautier School District decided to close Jackson Elementary for the 2018-2019 school year due to flooding and drainage issues on the campus, according to Superintendent Wayne Rodolfich. The students and teachers will be reassigned to Arlington Elementary, Cherokee Elementary and Eastlawn Elementary while the school district works to come to a solution on the issue. The Mississippi Press spoke with Rodolfich on Wednesday, March 14 after a board meeting where parents and members of the community were notified that closing Jackson Elementary was a viable option the board was considering. "Back in 2012, we installed pumps on the campus where we could get the rainwater out, but there are obviously some infrastructure issues that is causing us to have some backups on the campus this year," Rodolfich said. Whenever rainfall is imminent, Rodolfich said that maintenance is always on hand to try to solve the problem, however, "the problem goes beyond the school" he said. "We deal with flooding on just about every campus in different places," Rodolfich said in March. At that time, Rodolfich said he had his architect hire an engineer to observe the water retention on the campus at Jackson to come to the best solution to rectify the situation. Comments on the PGSD Facebook page ranged from relief to accusing Rodolfich of going on a power trip for his own interests. "We're like every other school district in Mississippi -- we are trying to gain the necessary funding to be successful and trying to build the nicest facilities for our children here," Rodolfich said. "Any decision we make is a student-centered decision, not an adult-centered decision and we will maintain our focus on the children." According to Rodolfich, the school's closure will allow eight catch basins to be installed, which will cost about $100,000. The horror of the Valentine's Day massacre at the Florida school still resonates with all of us. That shooting had strong connections with Staten Islanders. Lindy Crescitelli's cousin Sarah Crescitelli, 15, was a student at the school and hid in a classroom closet with her classmates while bullets flew outside her classroom. Sarah called her parents on her cell phone and told them "If I don't make it out alive, I want to tell you that you were great parents." Sarah's father John was born on Staten Island, and his family still lives here. Lindy shared this story a few days later at a meeting of the Democratic Organization of the County of Richmond. He told the group that his cousin's classmates were organizing a march on Washington against gun violence. The group was so moved by this story that Steve Higgins, President of the club made a motion to donate $250 to send buses to Washington from Staten Island. And so the seed was planted. The Staten Island Democratic Association made a donation the following night, and Mike Arvanitas, president of The North Shore Democratic Club got his club to donate also. Mike was a classmate of Ilan Alhadeff at Susan Wagner High School, in fact they sat alphabetically behind each other in class. Mike had not seen Ilan since their 20-year reunion. The Alhadeff family's daughter, Alyssa, was killed in the Feb. 14 shooting. Many Susan Wagner students went to Washington to support their grieving alumnus. Elected officials also donated money for buses. Senator Diane Savino and City Councilwoman Debi Rose both supported the March. Assemblyman Matt Titone offered 15 bus seats to the Pride Center of Staten Island so some of their young members could attend. Carol Bullock, new executive director at the Center, was on the bus at 6 a.m. to lead the charge to D.C. She called it an "Awesome experience." Chris Bauer, who has protested for gay rights over the years in Washington, Albany, and City Hall, called it "a very uplifting experience." On the early morning of March 24, 2018, six buses took off from Staten Island to be part of a crowd of 800,000 in the nation's capitol to protest gun violence. Close to 300 islanders stood up to be counted. This says a lot about our Staten Island community! As the political fallout continues from teacher protests in several states , its worth revisiting how the general public has said it feels about teachers in recent polls. Where does public opinion stand now, and how might it change in the future? The 2017 poll of various K-12 issues by the journal Education Next found that members of the general public would categorize 25 percent of teachers at their local schools as excellent and 33 percent as good. Another 28 percent of teachers were called satisfactory and just 15 percent were unsatisfactory. Overall, parents who were surveyed put a larger share of teachers (30 percent) in the excellent category. When provided information about public school teacher salaries, 36 percent of members of the general public then told Education Next that those salaries should increase. Meanwhile, 56 percent said they should stay about the same, while just 7 percent said they should decrease. However, a plurality (49 percent) of the general public opposed giving teachers tenure, Education Next reported. More on that teacher pay issue: A Rasmussen Reports poll from earlier this month found that 62 percent of those surveyed said teachers are paid too little , an increase from 59 percent two years ago and the highest percentage stating this opinion to Rasmussen since 2008. Last December, Gallup surveyed the public about the honesty and ethical standards of people in 22 various professions. Twenty percent of those surveyed said they gave teachers very high marks in those areas , the third-highest rating for professions behind nurses (27 percent) and military officers (22 percent). Forty-six percent said they gave teachers high ratings, trailing nurses, military officers, medical doctors, and pharmacists. When Phi Delta Kappa, in its 2017 education survey, asked members of the public about the biggest problems facing their public schools, just 7 percent said lack of good teachers. (See page 26.) The general public is one thing. But more specifically, what do young people think, including those who may have young children in school? Last August, the GenForward survey, which surveys a national sample of more than 1,750 adults age 18-34, asked for opinions on the best way to improve schools in their local school districts . Heres what the survey revealed (from page 21): Heres a related survey: A 2016 poll commissioned by the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights found that a majority of African-American and Latino parents said they wanted better teachers in public schools , as well as higher expectations in schools. Low-quality teachers ranked among the top reasons why those parents said their schools are failing their children. And then there are missed opportunities. A working paper released in February by Vanderbilt University Professor Larry Bartels about public attitudes towards various professions and high-profile people found that once again nurses were very well-regarded by both Democrats and Republicans, along with farmers and construction workers. What was one of the professions Bartels left out? Teaching . Education Week Librarian Maya Riser-Kositsky contributed to this post. Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . 100% Website postjoint.com uses latest and advanced technologies. It supports HTTPS and GZIP compression. The main html page has a size of 16085 bytes (15.71 kb uncompressed) and 5209 bytes (5.09 kb compressed). This CoolSocial report was updated on 2021-02-07, you can refresh this analysis whenever you want. New York The idea of inserting social-psychological interventions into learning software is gaining steam, raising both hopes and fears about the ways the ed-tech industry might seek to capitalize on recent research into the impact of students mindsets on their learning. One big new example, presented here today as part of the annual conference of the American Association of Educational Research: Publishing giant Pearson recently conducted an experiment involving more than 9,000 unwitting students at 165 different U.S. colleges and universities. Without seeking prior consent from participating institutions or individuals, the company embedded growth-mindset and other psychological messaging into some versions of one of its commercial learning software programs. The company then randomly assigned different colleges to use different versions of that software, tracking whether students who received the messages attempted and completed more problems than their counterparts at other institutions. The results included some modest signs that some such messaging can increase students persistence when they start a problem, then run into difficulty. Thats likely to bolster growth-mindset proponents, who say its important to encourage students to view intelligence as something that can change with practice and hard work. But the bigger takeaway, according to Pearsons AERA paper, is the possibility of leveraging commercial educational software for new research into the emerging science around students attitudes, beliefs, and ways of thinking about themselves. Randomized control trials like this, at scale and embedded into widely used commercial products, are a valuable approach for improving learner outcomes in a rigorous and iterative way, while also contributing to the burgeoning literature on social-psychological interventions, the paper contends. Concerns Over Low-Level Psychological Experimentation Outside experts consulted by Education Week offered skeptical reactions to the new Pearson study. It does not surprise me at all that corporations are attempting to monetize a promising way of thinking about a hairy problem, said Phi Delta Kappan CEO Joshua Starr, who was a major proponent of social-emotional learning during his time as superintendent of the Montgomery County, Md. school district (and who currently serves on the Aspen Institutes National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development.) There is some value to Pearsons approach, Starr said, but social-emotional learning is best promoted through strong communities and relationships. And Ben Williamson, a lecturer at the University of Stirling in the United Kingdom who studies big data in education, raised other concerns. Theres little evidence that focusing on growth mindset in the classroom will significantly benefit students, Williamson argued, citing recent analyses finding limited effects of mindset-based interventions. In addition, Williamson maintained, companies such as Pearson would be wise to pay close attention to the growing public anxiety over the ways companies collect peoples sensitive information and use it for psychological profiling and targeting. Its especially troubling, he said, that the company did not seek informed consent from the young people who became subjects in their study. Its concerning that forms of low-level psychological experimentation to trigger certain behaviors appears to be happening in the ed-tech sector, and students might not know those experiments are taking place, Williamson said. In an interview Monday at the AERA conference, Kristen DiCerbo, Pearsons vice president for learning research and design, described the experiment as part of the companys product-improvement process"an early test to see if new mindset-messaging features actually work, before they are rolled out comprehensively. Using commercial software allowed Pearson to see how the changes played out for real students and actual classrooms, DiCerbo said, generating more useful information than had it taken place in a lab. And while the company is considering similar experiments involving other commercial software products used in higher education, she said, Pearson is preparing to selling off its K-12 business, meaning there are likely no short-term implications for those clients. We think these motivational aspects are really important for students learning outcomes, DiCerbo said. But the only way were going to know for sure is to do the research. Mixed Results The paper presented by Pearson at AERA was titled Embedding Research-Inspired Innovations in EdTech: An RCT of Social-Psychological Interventions, at Scale. It involved 9,298 students at 165 two- and four-year institutions in the U.S. that used a Pearson software program known as MyLab Programming during the Spring 2017 semester. MyLab Programming is typically used for introductory computer-science courses where students learn the programming languages C++ or Java. DiCerbo said that made sense as the first content area to test social-psychological messaging, because many students have a propensity to attribute failure in programming to a personal shortcoming, rather than seeing it as a challenge and opportunity to learn. The idea was to see if students motivation and achievement would be improved in either of two ways: Inserting growth-mindset messages (stressing the importance of effort and building skills over time) into the softwares instructions and into the feedback it offered to students who provided wrong answers. An example: No one is born a great programmer. Success takes hours and hours of practice. Using anchoring of effort messages (seeking to leverage a common cognitive bias in which people tend to rely on the first piece of information they learn, even if its irrelevant to the problem theyre trying to solve.) Pearsons theory here was that students might not have any sense of how much effort is often required to solve computer-programming problems, so providing them with a high-end estimate based on analysis of previous users experience could ground them in the expectation that multiple attempts would be necessary. An example: Some students tried this question 26 times! Dont worry if it takes you a few tries to get it right. The researchers were surprised to learn that students who didnt receive any special messaging from the software attempted to solve significantly more problems (212) than those who received growth-mindset messages (174 problems) or anchoring messages (156 problems.) That finding suggested that the social-psychological interventions they were testing backfired, although DiCerbo said other factorsespecially differences in how various instructors use the software in their classesmay have also played a role. But the Pearson team also found that students who received the growth-mindset messages successfully completed more of the problems they started than their counterparts. These students were also significantly more likely to eventually solve problems they initially got incorrect, supporting the idea that encouraging a growth mindset can have positive benefits when students run into difficulty. In a narrow way, its great if kids are getting these kinds of messages, and thats leading to greater persistence, said Starr of Phi Delta Kappan. But its certainly not sufficient. Big-picture, Pearson said, theres still a lot of work to be done. Successfully applying theories like growth mindset is likely to require more precise targeting of specific learners and at specific moments in order to be effective, according to the companys study presented at AERA. And DiCerbo said efforts to change students mindsets through learning software are still in their earliest stages. Its still an open question as to whether technology is even capably of providing this type of feedback, she said. See also: for the latest news on ed-tech policies, practices, and trends. More funding for mental health and behavioral training for teachers and school employees. Additional money to help districts recover in the aftermath of a school shooting. The creation of a central entity on the state level to oversee school safety. Hearings with experts on the best ways to secure buildings so that schools are actually safe without coming to look and feel like prisons. And efforts to allow schools and law enforcement to work together on planning for school shootings and share information on potential threats. Those were some of the suggestions school and district leaders whove experienced the trauma and devastation of school shootings had for Congress and other elected officials during a panel Tuesday on school safety hosted by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. The principals and superintendents shared their experiences leading schools after shootings, what worked in their communities and the needs that still linger. Dale Marsden is the superintendent of the school district in San Bernardino, Calif., where two terrorists killed 14 people about two miles from a district elementary school in 2015, and where, in 2017, the estranged husband of a special education teacher shot and killed his wife along with an 8-year-old boy at North Park Elementary School. The district received $69,000 from Project SERV, a federal grant to help districts and schools recover from traumatic events, after the North Park shooting, but so far, the district has spent more than $5 million on school safety, training, mental health support, and on facilities, Marsden said. Safety is large unfunded obligation for districts School safety has now become our districts largest unfunded obligation, Marsden said. The call for increasing the Project SERV grant was repeated by George Roberts, who was principal of Perry Hall High School in Marylands Baltimore County where one student shot another student in the cafeteria during the first day of school in 2012. Nearly six years later, teachers still call him whenever there is another school shooting in the U.S., Roberts said. Roberts said there needs to be more programs to support educators in the aftermath of a shooting. One such program could fund a kind of quick response team that would reach out to principals and district leaders to provide guidance on what to expect and how to rebuild a positive climate and supportive school culture after a shooting. Principals and superintendents whove experienced school shootings already do this informally. We are not trained as first responders, we are trained as educators, he said. Marsden also floated the need for a central state agency in charge of school safety. A large district with about 50,000 students, San Bernardino had many of the resources in place that it needed to help recover, he said. But he imagines that it would be much more difficult for a small district to navigate a shooting and the aftermath without any services from state agencies. Marsden said there is a role for the federal government to play in ensuring that there is an agency at the state level that would provide help to districts after a school shooting, similar to the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency springs into action after a disaster. When you have an incident at a school site, there needs to be a mechanism that deploys resources, he said. He cited Marylands Center for School Safety, which was established in 2013, as an example. According to the centers website, the center shares best practices, provides technical assistance and training, and collaborates with local systems and law enforcement on issues related to school safety. A U.S. Air Force veteran, Marsden is opposed to arming teachers and supports instead more training on positive behavior intervention and support to help students who may be in crisis. We simply must know how to be responsive to the needs of our community and our children, Marsden said. We are not wired to do this naturally. Its not something we signed up for in public education. We need to have tools and mechanisms to better prepare us for this work. Schools and law enforcement need to train together Warman Hall, the principal of Aztec High School in New Mexico, where two students were killed when a former student entered the school last December and started shooting, called for more money through Title IV of the Every Student Succeeds Act to help districts with school safety and mental health training. In the months since the shooting, there have been multiple offers in the community to help with counseling, but he said there is a dearth of mental health providers in the community, he said. Hes a big proponent of making it easier for law enforcement officers and schools to collaborateon training for school shooting exercises and for law enforcement to be able to use the schools for such training. And he thinks that collaboration between schools and local emergency management should be a factor in funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA. Hall also thinks that armed officers in schools should not simply be another armed presence but should be there to build relationships with students and be part of their lives. Hall also said that law enforcement officialsfrom the Federal Bureau of Information to local law enforcementshould be able to sit down with school officials to talk about potential threats in the community and that school officials should be able to go to law enforcement about concerns that may require a police response. U.S. Rep. Ted Deutch, a Florida Democrat whose district includes Parkland, Fla., where a former student killed 17 people in a high school massacre on Feb. 14, gave credit to the students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and the movement they ignited after their school shooting. He ticked off the list of legislative changes related to guns and school safety that have been made both in Florida and in Washington since the students started their advocacy. While adding that those measures were not enough, Deutch said that he was hopeful that the students will be victorious in changing gun laws. They are going to change the gun laws, he said. They are going to continue the conversation. We are going to have universal background checks. It may or may not happen before the end of this Congress, but we are going to have universal background checks, something that 90-plus percent of the people in the country support. And Billy Wermuth, a student at North Penn High School in Lansdale, Pa., who serves on the NASSPs Student Leadership Advisory Committee, echoed the sentiment. We are not waiting our turn, we are here to take our turn, he said. My generation is raising its voice now because we will be part of the solution. We know that if we dont solve manageable problems today were doomed to face massive problems tomorrow. We hope policy makers will be open to hearing us if not because of our ideas, but because four million of my peers will turn 18 before the November elections. The panel discussion was aimed at providing real world context for policy discussions on school safety on the hill and in state legislatures, said JoAnn Bartoletti, the executive director of the National Association of Secondary School Principals. When the cameras are gone and the well-wishers leave, principals are the ones who are left behind to rebuild their schools and communities, she said. Photo caption: (From left to right) Dale Marsden, the superintendent of the San Bernardino school district; George Roberts, a community superintendent and former principal of Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County, Md.; and Warman Hall, the principal of Aztec High School in New Mexico. The educators attended a panel discussion on April 17, 2018, to share their experiences leading after a school shooting and to discuss steps that elected officials can take to improve school safety. Photo courtesy the National Association of Secondary School Principals. Related stories: A majority of U.S. teens are fearful of a shooting taking place in their school, and their parents are similarly concerned, according to a new survey from the Pew Research Center. In the wake of the mass shooting that killed 17 students and educators at a Parkland, Fla., high school in February, 57 percent of teens aged 13-17 report being very worried or somewhat worried about a shooting in their own schools, according to Pew. Just 13 percent of the teenagers who responded to the survey said they were not at all worried. Pew conducted the survey in March and April, in the weeks following the massacre in Parklandthe deadliest school shooting in an American high schooland amid the massive student walkouts and marches that have taken place across the country in support of ending gun violence in schools and communities. Another wave of student walkouts is set for April 20, which marks the 19th anniversary of the mass shootings at Columbine High School in Colorado. Sixty-three percent of parents with teenagers said they are worried about a shooting in their childrens schools, the Pew survey found, with low-income parents expressing the greatest levels of fear. Non-white teenagers expressed higher levels of worry than their white peers, with 73 percent of Hispanic teens saying they were at least somewhat worried about the potential for an attack. And more girls said they are worried about a shooting than boys. The survey also delved into teens views on how to make schools safer and prevent future shootings, with 86 percent of them saying that keeping people with mental illnesses from buying guns and improving mental-health services would be effective. Nearly 80 percent said metal detectors in schools would be effective and 66 percent said banning assault-style weapons would be effective. By contrast, 39 percent said arming teachers would be an effective way to keep school shootings from happening, while 35 percent said such a policy would not be effective at all. The nationally representative survey featured interviews with more than 1,000 parents who have a teen ages 13 to 17, as well as interviews with 743 teens. Interviews were conducted online and by telephone from March 7 to April 10, 2018. You can read more about Pews methodology here. Education Week reporters have also interviewed students on this issue. Take a look: Photo: Crime scene tape runs outside Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., after a mass shooting there Feb. 14 --Gerald Herbert/AP Screenwriters know where their characters are going before they get there. So if they know that a bank robbery is going to fail, they don't need to bother figuring out what the results of a successful robbery would have been. The only problem is that sometimes, the implied consequences of a failed plan are so awful that you're left wondering why anyone would have tried to pull the plan off in the first place. Consider how ... 5 Wonder Woman Killing Ludendorff Would Have Led To More Slaughter Wonder Woman, the World War I movie that DC clearly wanted to set in World War II but couldn't because Marvel beat them to it, features a German scheme to rain poison gas on London. The plot is led by the rogue General Ludendorff, so Wonder "Diana" Woman and Steve Trevor infiltrate a party to learn where the gas is and destroy it. But Diana has an ulterior motive -- she also wants to kill Ludendorff, because she thinks he's secretly the evil god Ares. You may remember her walking into the party, wearing a dress with her sword in the back being held up by, uh ... Amazonian magic? Warner Bros. Pictures Victoria's Secret Scabbard Collection It's easy to forget this, given all that unfolds afterward, but her intention is to straight-up murder Ludendorff. And not, like, lure him to a quiet stairwell and make it look like he fell down and broke his neck; she's about to annihilate him in the middle of a crowded ballroom. If Steve hadn't noticed and intervened with a reminder that they had to find the gas first, she would have lopped his head off. But then what would have happened? The man, who lived somewhere between the 6th and 8th century CE, had an amputated right forearm. Nothing special, there are lots of amputees in old graves; that's typically how they wound up there. But not this berserker. On the corpse, archeologists found the remains of a buckle and a knife, which convinced them that after this guy violently lost a limb, his community then kept him alive, built a weaponized hand and strapped it on his stump for maximum badassitude. The knife-hand wasn't just something he put on for parties, either. Dental analysis shows he used his teeth to often tighten the strap of his new anime-inspired limb. Pressure on the stump again indicates that the knife was a bona fide prosthetic which he used constantly and, seeing as the Longobards were a warrior people, probably quite violently. And that may be the most impressive thing of all -- and we are talking about a medieval warrior with a blade-arm here. The Italian Terminator wound up living a long life, only dying in his forties, which by Medieval standards practically made him an immortal. Continue Reading Below Advertisement As one archaeologist put it: "The survival of this Longobard male testifies to community care, family compassion and a high value given to human life." Human life, and making your enemies soil themselves. Support Cracked's journalism with a visit to our Contribution Page. Please and thank you. For more, check out The 6 Most Epic One Man Armies In The History Of War and The 5 Most Epic One Man Rampages In The History Of War. Why aren't you following us on Facebook? Kentucky Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt, an affable former science teacher who led the state through an upending of its school accountability system, dramatic budget cuts, and teacher walkouts over pensions, abruptly resigned under pressure Tuesday. Republican Gov. Matt Bevin appointed seven new state board of education members Monday, several of whom, local reports say, want to expedite the growth of the states charter schools and take over Jefferson County Public Schools, the states largest school district. Pruitt, who took office in September 2015, reportedly disagreed with the boards direction and resigned during a four-hour behind-closed-doors board meeting. Bevin cited the states widening achievement gap as cause for forcing Pruitt out of office while also attempting to keep political distance from the resignation. Kentuckys commissioner is hired and fired by the board. What the board decides to do is entirely their call, he said, according to the Associated Press. My job is to put the right people on the right boards and then trust them to do the job. The states teachers union and Democratic Party quickly seized on Pruitts resignation to unleash a hail of attacks on Bevin who is already under fire for referring last week to teachers who walked off the job as leaving children vulnerable to ingesting poison and sexual assault. Several of the states many conservative legislators are up for election this fall, and Democrats there are seeking to exploit the uproar over teacher pensions, charter schools and budget cuts for political gain. Despite the outcry of tens of thousands of Kentuckians, today Gov. Matt Bevin continued his offensive against public education, this time through proxies and behind closed doors, Kentucky Education Association President Stephanie Wikler said in a statement. Dr. Stephen Pruitt has been a strong and effective champion for our students and public schools. Forcing an honorable and highly qualified man to resign from his position without any cause is contrary to the best interests of students across the commonwealth. The board appointed as interim commissioner Wayne Lewis , the chairman of the states charter school advisory board, a former middle and high school K-12 teacher, and an African American and Africana studies professor at the University of Kentucky. He will be paid $150,000, which is $90,000 less than what Pruitt made . My time in teaching from my first week in the classroom is what convinced me more than anything that the system is broken, Lewis said in an interview with the Courier-Journal last year. Theres only so much you can do within a classroom or a school district. Several things hang in the balance in Kentucky this year. The states academic gains in the last decade have backslid amid the collapse of its coal industry, budget cuts to its school system, and a widening opioid crisis. The legislature last year passed sweeping changes to its unusual 28-year-old school governance structure. The lawmakers boosted the powers of school boards to improve low-performing schools and minimized the powers of the hundreds of parent-teacher school councils, which in years past hired principals, selected curriculum, set a schools budget, and experimented with new teaching methods. At the same time, Pruitt led the state through a restructuring of its school accountability system under the Every Student Succeeds Act, which goes into effect this fall. And late this year, at the governors direction, Pruitt slashed close to 17 percent of the education departments budget, laying off scores of employees. He spoke openly about how the layoffs would hinder the departments abilities to implement the legislatures many tasks at hand. His successor will face a number of challenges. Among them is a much-anticipated audit the states department of education is conducting of Jefferson County Public Schools finances. The states board is considering, based on the audits results, whether or not to wrest control from the districts school board. Also, Kentucky last year became one of the last states in the nation to allow for charter schools. That expansion is expected to take place in Louisville, a process the states education department will have a heavy hand in. Pruitt, the former chief of staff of Georgias department of education, was hired two months before Bevin took office. Known for his wry humor, frank talk and bullish advocacy of the sciences, Pruitt spent the bulk of his tenure traveling the state attempting to get disparate groups of advocates to agree on the direction of the states public schools. At state superintendent gatherings, he spoke at length about how to work with district officials to upend business as usual. During his time as state chief, he has remained focused on doing what is best for children, from closing the achievement gap and increasing career pathways to rethinking how to deliver assessments, Council of Chief State School Officers Executive Director Carissa Moffat Miller said in a statement. Tuesday evening, Pruitt, according to the Lexington Herald Leader , said to a gathered group of department officials, state board members, and supporters that he felt like he made a difference. It is what it is, Pruitt said. When I came here I knew it (my dismissal) was always an option. Dont miss another State EdWatch post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. And make sure to follow @StateEdWatch on Twitter for the latest news from state K-12 policy and politics. Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 12:00 pm A bill that would not require farmers to get permits under the states clean water law for stormwater and irrigation run-off passed the Missouri House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate. Under the bill, proposed by Rep. John Weimann, R-OFallon, run-off from agricultural fields would still violate the law if it polluted state waterways and made them harmful to public health. The bill would not change the laws regulating concentrated animal feeding operations. Weimann said the bill is in compliance with federal clean water laws, which dont require such permits, and would clarify the states clean water law for farmers. He said farmers feel their standard farming practices could come under attack at a state level. He said there could be a change in the philosophy of the Department of Natural Resources, leading to a different interpretation of the clean water law that required permits. They may say, We interpret this statute as what youre doing is not legal, and were going to take action, Weimann said. He said the current law is kind of like driving down the highway, and you see the speed limit sign, and it says, Subject to the police officers interpretation. His bill would put clarity on the speed limit sign, he said. But Rep. Tracy McCreery, D-St. Louis, said the bill isnt clear at all. McCreery said there is no definition for the standard farming industry practices the bill protects. Every day were coming up with new technologies, new chemicals, McCreery said. So how are we supposed to know, with constantly changing technology, what we mean by standard farming industry practices? McCreery said she believes most Missouri farmers are trying to do the right thing by limiting their effect on the states water. But if someone is doing something wrong, McCreery said the law needs to have teeth. She said it didnt make sense to benefit the farming industry if it kept other industries away from Missouri. When we take steps backwards on supporting public education, or take steps backward on making sure that people who live here have clean water and clean air, its going to make Missouri a lot less attractive to people thinking about coming here to do business, she said. Supervising editor is Mark Horvit, horvitm@missouri.edu. This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students and editors. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 8:30 pm JEFFERSON CITY Senate business largely was dominated Thursday by frank discussion of the investigation into Gov. Eric Greitens, and a top Republican lawmaker called for the governor to step down immediately. On Wednesday evening, a House investigative committee released a report containing witness testimony about Greitens encounters with a woman he had an affair with in 2015. The report details the womans sexual encounters with Greitens, in which she describes acts of physical violence and multiple instances in which she said she did not consent to his actions. He has said all of their encounters were consensual. Senate Majority Leader Mike Kehoe called the contents of the report disturbing and disgusting and said Greitens has lost the moral authority and the ability to lead the state going forward. It will be impossible for him to effectively lead, Kehoe, R-Jefferson City, wrote in a statement first published in the Missouri Times. Remaining in office reeks of the self-serving actions of a career politician the governor has mockingly derided since his inauguration. Sen. Rob Schaaf, R-Buchanan, who has been a vocal opponent of the governor, predicted Greitens will not resign. In the coming days, Schaaf said, he hoped every legislator would join the many voices who have called for Greitens resignation. Greitens issued a statement Thursday afternoon, after the Senate had adjourned, saying that Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner turned over a videotape of the womans testimony that he said had been withheld. He said in the statement the woman does not mention coercion in the video and that other details were inconsistent with the testimony released in the House investigation. Gardner is prosecuting the governor on a charge of felony invasion of privacy for allegedly taking a revealing photo of the woman without her permission and transmitting it. After the Senate adjourned, Schaaf released a letter to President Donald Trump requesting that he ask Greitens to step down. On the Senate floor, Schaaf said, President Trump, Im speaking to you. We have an emergency here in Missouri ... if you give him the orders, if you tell him to stand down, Mr. President, I believe that he will. The letter is signed by Schaaf, Sen. Doug Libla, R-Poplar Bluff, and Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington. Libla and Romine have joined Schaaf in past opposition to the governor. During Thursdays session, the Senate voted to pass a bill, which drew immediate backlash from Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis. She asked whether the Senate should be sending any legislation to the governor, who she called a sexual predator. I dont even think he needs to be here, Nasheed said. He shouldnt even have the authority to sign anything. In the next approximately 80 minutes, the Senate debated its next steps. Nasheed said the current situation indicates that someone can victimize a woman and still serve in the top position. Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, said that it was outrageous to let Greitens be the ultimate policymaker. I am scared for the state of Missouri, Schupp said. Sen. Gina Walsh, D-Bellefontaine Neighbors, said she was appalled by the predatory actions she read in the report. We are villainizing the victim by not proceeding, she said. I have no faith in that man, Walsh said. I dont think we need to wait for any other reports. Under Missouri law, the House must move to impeach the governor. Supervising editor is Mark Horvit, horvitm@missouri.edu. Dozens of lawmakers react to explicit report on Greitens' affair By Kathryn Hardison and Kaitlin Washburn JEFFERSON CITY As an intense and hectic day wound down at the Capitol, it was hard to keep track of how many lawmakers called for Gov. Eric Greitens to resign. The sentiment was shared by many Republicans and Democrats after a special House committee released a highly anticipated report detailing the governors affair with his hairdresser. Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley, U.S. Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler and U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, were among the lawmakers calling for Greitens resignation. The report includes interviews from the woman and other witnesses with details of encounters between her and Greitens; she alleges the encounters were at times violent and not consensual. House Democrats and Republicans met separately in caucus Wednesday afternoon Democrats behind blacked out, closed doors in the Capitol basement and Republicans off-site at the Missouri Farm Bureau to review the report. A few female Democratic lawmakers were seen leaving the room, quickly making their way to the restrooms with their heads hung low, on the brink of tears. When the Democrats disbanded, many of the lawmakers agreed that they think the governor should resign. Rep. Greg Razer, D-Kansas City, reiterated a statement he's made in the past. "I think that when the people of Missouri see this report, though, that theres really no question left," Razer said. "This man does not need to be in the governors mansion, signing these bills, so I hope he resigns and puts the state out of this trouble." Rep. Karla May, D-St. Louis, said the government has been operating under a "cloud of misconduct." One thing I do agree with is that everyone needs their day in court, May said. But she added, I think that Missourians also deserve something different from their governor. Rep. Joe Runions, D-Grandview, said it was clear to him what the governor should do. My heart goes out to his wife and kids for having to endure all this turmoil. He needs to resign, bottom line, Runions said. The time has come for the governor to make a decision, or the legislature will be forced to make one in the best interest of the state and its citizens, Rep. Nate Walker, R-Kirksville, said. Walker has previously said Greitens should resign. After the report's release, Congresswoman Hartzler echoed the sentiments of other Republicans, saying the following in a statement: The report issued today concerning Governor Greitens and his behavior surpasses disturbing. It is disgusting," Hartzler said. "This is not behavior befit for a leader in Missouri or anywhere else for that matter." Rep. Steve Cookson, R-Poplar Bluff, said a mans character is important, especially for a position of high authority. I felt like if I wanted to experience that kind of stuff I would go to a pornography theater. Id heard enough, and if that was one of my daughters or one of my relatives that I felt was credible, 'extremely angry' would be an understatement, Cookson said. Sen. Dave Schatz, R-Franklin, said the revelations in the testimony are nothing new. "I dont think that theres information that hasnt really been out there in the public right now," Schatz said. "I dont think anything new was revealed in the report." David Turner, deputy communications director of Democratic Governors Association, said governors across the country have leaned on Gov. Greitens for support. "Gov. Bruce Rauner of Illinois had donated to Governor Greitens, had Gov. Greitens star in a commercial," Turner said. "I think it is incumbent upon everyone to call upon Governor Greitens to do the right thing and step down." Members of both the House Republican and Democratic leaderships held press conferences and took questions one hour after the report was released. House Speaker Todd Richardson, a Republican, said the testimony in the report was "beyond disturbing" and praised the special committee on their work so far in the investigation. While Richardson called for the legislature to wait until the committee completes its investigation, House Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty, D-Kansas City, called for the resignation of the governor and supported impeachment. Several lawmakers are specifically calling for impeachment if Greitens does not resign. "The House Investigative Committees Report contains shocking, substantial, and corroborated evidence of wrongdoing by Governor Greitens," Attorney General Josh Hawley wrote in a statement. "The conduct the report details is certainly impeachable, in my judgment, and the House is well within its rights to proceed on that front. But the people of Missouri should not be put through that ordeal. Gov. Greitens should resign immediately." Rep. Jerome Barnes, D-Raytown, said, For the good of the state, I think Eric Greitens should resign immediately. If he doesnt, it would be the duty of the House of Representative to restore dignity to the executive branch of the state government. Supervising editor is Mark Horvit, horvitm@missouri.edu. This report is written by Missouri School of Journalism students and editors. Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 5:45 pm The 16-year period from 2002 to 2018 may come to be known as the Mona Coleman years in Bolivar R-1 School Districts annals. But its an era that came to an end this week. Dozens of well-wishers, including Missouri Lt. Gov. Mike Parson, gathered Monday afternoon, April 16, to pay tribute to Coleman during a reception to mark her retirement from the board. Coleman, who did not seek re-election to a seventh term this month, called to order her final school board meeting Monday evening. Parson, along with his wife, Teresa, were on hand Monday afternoon to present Coleman with a declaration from the Office of the Lieutenant Governor. As the lieutenant governor of the State of Missouri, you get to meet many wonderful people, Parson said. You get to highlight who they are, what their accomplishments are. But Im prejudiced to this little town of Bolivar, Missouri, and to be here to recognize Mona today, needless to say, it is just an honor and a privilege. Describing Coleman as a friend, Parson said the work she has done for the community is amazing. Parson said he was departing from his normal procedure as he read aloud the declaration in its entirety. Its content, he added, was also unique. In the last paragraph, he said, there is something that represents me and how I feel and my family feels. ... I, Michael L. Parson, lieutenant governor of the State of Missouri, and my family consider Mona Coleman to be a true friend and do hereby congratulate her on retirement following her distinguished service to the school board. Furthermore, I thank her for her lifetime of dedication to our students and our community. Referring to Colemans involvement in public education advocacy at the state and national level, including her service as MSBA president, Parson noted Colemans impact extends beyond the R-1 district and Bolivar. When you think of the statewide representation she has given this community, this school system and the people of this town over the years, he said, and I am telling you when she has been at the state Capitol when she has been on the national level I am so proud of her coming from here, to have that sort of recognition and to take on those duties. There is nobody who was more passionate than Mona was about things. I just hope she inspires somebody else, somebody to take her place some day to do the things she has done representing the people here in this town of Bolivar and throughout the state of Missouri. Amid applause and a hug from Coleman, he added, Its an honor and privilege to be the lieutenant governor serving you, Mona Coleman, serving you. Also in attendance at the reception were representatives from the Missouri School Boards Association, along with current and former R-1 administrators and staff, as well as community members. Coleman thanked Parson and the other attendees. It is the administrators and the staff that make what we (school board members) do worth doing, Coleman said. We work really hard to support them, and its easy to do when what they do really matters. Rep. Mike Stephens, R-Bolivar, was on hand during Colemans final school board session Monday evening to present her with a Missouri State House of Representatives resolution. I try to save these moments for things that are very special and very deserving, Stephens said. And this occasion meets my highest standards. Not only is Mona a great servant, she is also a very dear friend. What a wonderful asset that she has been to the community and to the schools and to her friends and to the people who know her. Following the certification of the election results and the swearing in of re-elected incumbent Kyle Lancaster and new member Nathan Duncan, Coleman ended her tenure officially, stopping to say a personal farewell to each of her fellow board members and exiting the board room amid resounding and prolonged applause. Read more about the boards April 16 meeting in an upcoming edition of the BH-FP. How they tittered with the drollery of it all in the Lords on Wednesday night as former Foreign Office schmoozer Lord Kerr concluded his arguments. At Kerrs behest, the unelected House threw what it intends to be a spanner in the Brexit works. Ho, ho, ho, they went. Weve got parliamentary jobs for life and no one can get rid of us! So let us embugger the grubby populaces desire to break from Brussels. Lord Patten (pictured in the Lords on Wednesday) flexed his eyebrows and radiated grandeur,only occasionally pausing in his senior common room mockery of Brexit The House of Lords resumed debate on the EU Withdrawal Bill later with Labour, Liberal Democrat, crossbench and rebel Tory peers determined to soften the Prime Minister's approach At Lord Kerrs behest, the unelected House threw what it intends to be a spanner in the Brexit works Their recipe? Take Amendment This to Bill That, add a few ounces of collusion between ex-Sir Humphrys and Blairites, plus a pinch of curry powder of upper-class sneering and, Bobs your Baron: one vast democratic referendum vote imperilled. Why do we tolerate these diseasing old fleas? His lordship Kerr, brahmin des brahmins, whose cigarettey rasp and curlicued sentences testify to a life at ginny diplomatic soirees, is one of those crossbenchers whose loyalty is to the Establishment party. Lord Kerrs Whip is the System. The status quo. The Eurocentric etat. The tragi-comic thing is that this most snooty of Euro-fanatics, back in his days as an official, wrote the small-print Article 50 under which we are quitting the European Empire. Lord Bilimoria, 'a groin-achingly pompous Crossbencher', said it was our job as a Parliament to do damage limitation on Brexit Kerr must daily inspect his writing hand and curse its very sinews for ever penning that part of the Lisbon Treaty. He and his mates must blithely have presumed no one would ever use it. Hence, perhaps, his unyielding opposition to Brexit. If he can not exactly block it, he hopes to dilute it to the weakness of over-watered communion wine. You thought, after Syria and Salisbury and Labours anti-Semitism row and the thriving economy, that the Remainers had finally conceded that they lost the EU referendum? Wrong. Like spring brambles, they were merely lurking unseen. Lord Kerrs amendment told the Governments Brexit negotiators to try to maintain a customs union with the EU. It could well banjax them. The wording of the amendment was, said Eurosceptic Lord Howarth of Newport (Lab), so vague as to be mischievous. Like others who spoke up for Brexit, Lord Howarth was heckled by the quavering ancients of the EU regime. Lord Patten of Barnes (Chris Patten, former EU Commissioner and much else) helped to propose the amendment. Drawling, dropping words at little more than one syllable per second, slowly flexing his eyebrows and radiating grandeur, he occasionally paused in his senior common room mockery of Brexit. Many of the views expressed in the Lords on Wednesday felt like old lines - digs were made against David Davis (left) and Liam Fox (right) that MPs stopped using months ago Here was a papery-voiced after-dinner speaker milking his adoring audiences laughter. How disdainfully Mlud Patten regarded todays Government ministers. How wearily he told the House though really he was addressing the lower school of the plebby electorate that statesmanship and its trade agreements were complicated beyond the ken of other folk. His Maundy Thursday had been ruined by having to read some paperwork surrounding this Bill. He did not imagine leaving the EU customs union could possibly bring rewards. Absurd. For the birds. I have a degree of expertise in this area, he croaked. Pause. I know that expertise is a dangerous thing in the present climate. Beside Lord Kerr, former Cabinet Secretary Lord ODonnell chuckled in a clever way. How old many of the lines felt: digs against David Davis and Liam Fox that MPs stopped using months ago. Lord Bilimoria, a groin-achingly pompous Crossbencher, said it was our job as a Parliament to do damage limitation on Brexit. Labour frontbencher Lady Hayter, hoping to illustrate the threat she felt Brexit posed to trade, said: Folkestone would look more like stone than folks. Oh dear. Tory Viscount Ridley took a tremendous tilt at the Remainers but was torpedoed by pro-EU Lord Hannay, who was sporting a black eye (no surprise, that). This House of Political Has-Beens naturally voted heavily for the Kerr amendment. But the words of Eurosceptic Lord Forsyth (Con) echoed long. He detected a carefully orchestrated attempt to stop Brexit a campaign that is pitting the peers against the people. When baby Amaya made her dramatic entrance into the world 16 weeks early in a hospital bathroom, the odds were stacked against her. But enormous advances in neo-natal care in recent years mean that, despite being only the size of her mother Mel's hand when she was born, NHS doctors were able to save Amaya's life. Despite the happy outcome for Amaya, and her family, who appeared in Tuesday night's episode of the BBC show Hospital, she has been beset by health problems and spent 10 of her 22 months in at Nottingham's Queen's Medical Centre being treated for complications including pneumonia. A doctor on the show pointed to the story as an example of how increased survival rates - while 'fantastic' for the individuals involved - are also placing an enormous strain on 'finite' NHS resources. The cost of ongoing care for a baby like Amaya, who weighed just less than 2lbs when she was born, can run to millions of pounds. While emphasising that he is 'fully supportive' and a 'huge advocate' of the treatment being provided to Amaya, Dr Patrick Davies said on the show that it raised the question of how to 'balance the resources that are put into one child versus the resources... for a whole population' Mel gave birth to her daughter Amaya at 24 weeks and her prematurity has left her with a chronic lung problem Amaya weighed just 735g and was the size of Mel's hand when she was born and has spent nearly half of her life in hospital The mother-of-two said that she thought Amaya was a blood clot when she gave birth to her in a hospital toilet Mother-of-two Mel, who was filmed for the show after Amaya was rushed to QMC suffering with pneumonia, explained how she initially thought she was passing a blood clot when she gave birth to her 'perfectly formed' daughter at just 24 weeks pregnant. JUST HOW STRETCHED IS THE NHS? Waiting times at over-stretched A&E units are at their worst level since records began, according to official figures in April 2018. Experts said the NHS was in the grip of an 'eternal winter' and many hospitals are still struggling to cope with the unprecedented pressure. Health and Social Care Secretary Jeremy Hunt was forced to admit it was the 'worst winter ever' amid a severe outbreak of flu and cold weather. Chiefs cancelled thousands of operations in a controversial move to ease pressure. And experts have suggested this may be the only option to stop a crisis next year. The latest monthly data from NHS England also shows that waiting times for routine operations, such as knee and hip replacements, are at their highest since 2004. And violent assaults on staff have risen by 10 per cent in a year partly driven by frustration with waiting times. Advertisement While doctors are having ever greater success in keeping premature babies like Amaya alive, they often suffer health complications that mean they are forced to return to intensive care time and time again, further increasing pressure on beds and the NHS spending millions on care. Dr Davies, a lead consultant paediatrician, said on the show: 'Neo-natal teams are more skilled now and they [premature babies] are surviving into childhood. 'But they are often left with complex medical conditions which means they use our services much more.' Recalling the day her daughter came into the world, Mel said: 'When she was born, it all started really with me having pain and the pain progressed one night and I started to bleed, so I rang the hospital and they said you need to be in the labour suite. 'To cut a long story short, I had been put on to the ward and gone to the bathroom and thought I was passing a blood clot because that was what had been happening, but it wasnt, it was her, so I caught her. 'I stood up, I caught her, opened the door and hit the emergency button and that was it really. She added: 'When you look at pictures of her when she had just been born, you can see she was perfectly formed and the size of my hand. 'She weighed 735g, but [she was] perfectly formed.' Amaya was rushed into hospital with pneumonia on both of her lungs and doctors fought to save her life Lead consultant paediatrician Patrick Davies said that hospitals can provide more care for the young and old thanks to better technology, but were under pressure from the lack of beds Dr Davies explained that the membrane of her lungs has been damaged from her prematurity: 'When she is deteriorating she is much harder to rescue than children with normal lungs' Amaya has so far spent nearly half her life in hospital at an estaimated cost of over a million. The mother-of-two said: 'She has cost the NHS a huge amount of money - but there is no way shed be here if we didnt have the NHS.' Dr Davies said that while increased survival rates were positive, it presents difficult questions for the future of the NHS. 'This care is extremely expensive and for the individual it is absolutely fantastic, I am fully supportive and a huge advocate of it,' he said. 'On the other hand the resources are finite as a health service, and how do you balance this? How do you balance the resources that are put into one child versus, the resources, maybe, for a whole population?' The 22-month-old has so far spent 10 months in hospital at a cost of over a million because of her medical problems After a two-week stay in hospital and fighting for her life Amaya recovers enough to leave and return home Just a decade ago a baby born at 24 weeks like Amaya had just 50 per cent chance of survival. Now thanks to increased technology that survival rate has now risen to 80 per cent, putting pressure on the NHS to spend millions on care. Amaya is more vulnerable, health-wise, than other children her age. 'The membrane of her lungs has been damaged from her prematurity, when she is deteriorating she is much harder to rescue than children with normal lungs,' Dr Davies explained. During her stint in hospital filmed for the how Amaya went into cardiac arrest because of mucus on her lung shifting, but after two weeks she recovered enough to leave and return home. Dr Davies, acknowledging the good news for Amaya and her parents, Mel and Karl, said he 'wouldn't be surprised' to see the little girl back in hospital again. 'I wouldnt be surprised if she did have to come back,' he said, before the programmed confirmed that her bed was filled by another patient within 22 minutes of her leaving the hospital. Hospital returns next Tuesday on BBC One at 9pm A mother has revealed the astonishing moment a stranger leaped through a cafe window to save the life of her eight-month-old daughter. Kahla Hilton, from Wagga Wagga in NSW, was having lunch with a friend when her little girl Lukah nearly choked to death on a pram teething garland on April 11. The 37-year-old mother quickly realised a bead from the 'baby safe' product - which usually hangs across her pram to chew on - was lodged at the back of her throat. But moments later, quick-thinking man Steve Barker, who was having a business meeting at a nearby cafe, sprung into action after he heard screams for help. As the adrenaline kicked in, Mr Barker intervened with back blows before the bead eventually fell out of her mouth. Mother Kahla Hilton, 37, was at a cafe when her eight-month-old daughter Lukah nearly choked to death on a pram teething garland (pictured together) The 37-year-old mother quickly realised a bead from the 'baby safe' teething garland (pictured in her hand) - which usually hangs across her pram to chew on - was lodged down her throat How to manage a choking infant Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance Place infant with head downwards on your forearm: support head and shoulders on your hand hold infant's mouth open with your fingers Give up to five back blows: with the heel of one hand to the back between shoulders checking if the airway obstruction is relieved after each back blow turn infant onto back, open mouth and remove any loose foreign material with your little finger If unsuccessful after five back blows, give chest thrusts: place infant on back on a firm surface place two fingers in the CPR compression position give five chest thrusts slower but sharper than compressions check if obstruction has been relieved after each chest thrust if infant becomes unconscious commence CPR Source: St John Ambulance Australia Advertisement Since the terrifying ordeal, Ms Hilton told Daily Mail Australia she has been having sleepless nights. 'I'm still struggling to sleep. And still extremely clingy with bub,' she told Daily Mail Australia. The mother-of-three said she wanted to issue a warning to other families. 'I had an experience that I'm calling the scariest of my life. It's a long story, a wild ride, but if you can hold on until the end I promise it has a good ending,' she wrote in a Facebook post. Ms Hilton said her daughter was 'happily' eating a Rusk biscuit when things took a turn for the worse. 'I was out to lunch with a girlfriend, we'd just ordered, and were sitting, talking as we normally would. I had Lukah in her pram next to me, and she was munching on a Rusk quite happily. Or so I thought,' she said. 'I turned to look at her and noticed she had something in her mouth, and at first thought it was the end of her dummy chain, which she often chews on... until I remembered she didn't have her dummy chain on. 'About a split second later I realised that it was a bead from her teething garland, which has been hanging across her pram for months for her to chew on. 'I quickly put my finger in the side of her mouth and got the bead out, and then I saw that she had another bead in there, half way down her throat. I started to panic, she was choking, and I froze.' As her daughter quickly turned a shade of blue, the terrified mother made desperate pleas for help. 'As she went from pink, to red, to blue, I screamed at the top of my lungs for someone to help. People rushed from every direction of the cafe and a couple of them attempted to help,' Ms Hilton said. 'The cafe owner called emergency services as I continued to scream like an absolute crazy person. My baby was going to die, that's all I could think about.' Miraculously, quick-thinking man Steve Barker, who was having a business meeting at a nearby cafe, rushed to the family's aid as he jumped through the window. 'My loud screaming got the attention of people throughout the mall, including one man, who ran across the car park, jumped through the open window, scooped Lukah up and had her in a downward position and giving her blows to the back within what seemed like half a second,' she recalled. 'This man was ex-military, and he saved my baby's life. I owe him everything.' By sharing the story, the mother wanted to warn fellow parents about the dangers of the beaded teething products (pictured lying across Lukah's lap) despite its safety labels Speaking to The Daily Advertiser, Mr Barker, who was in the Royal Air Force for 26 years, said he was a little shaken after he managed to get the bead out. 'Afterward I was a bit shaky I thought to myself that jeez this really could've turned out a different way,' Mr Barker said. 'I'm chuffed about how it all turned out.' The family spent the rest of the day in hospital to make sure the girl was in good condition as the mother thanked Mr Barker for his help. 'We spent the rest of the day at the hospital. There were X-rays and check ups galore. We weren't certain which way the bead went, so we had to be extra safe,' she said. 'Lukah has woken in her usual happy mood today, I haven't slept yet. I'm paranoid. I can't get the image out of my head. And I can't stop thinking that if that man wasn't there the outcome would've been a lot worse. He really is a superhero.' She said despite attending a baby first aid course just weeks before the incident, she was unable to help her daughter. 'I attended a baby first aid course a few weeks ago, and in this instance I was unable to help my daughter with what I learnt in that course,' Ms Hilton explained. 'In this instance, we were lucky. Lukah definitely had a guardian angel watching over her yesterday. I would hate to hear of this happening to anyone else, especially if the outcome is worse. Be safe. Get rid of them, or give them a good check over if you want to continue using them. 'Before I get any negative feedback for my parenting. I have raised two teenagers without incident. And I'm most definitely an attentive and careful mother. Those who know me can attest to that.' By sharing the story, the mother wanted to warn fellow parents about the dangers of the beaded teething products despite its safety labels. 'I don't put blame on anyone for this happening. Not at all. But I do want to slap myself silly for putting so much trust in a piece of string. Never again,' she said. 'Everything made with teething beads has been thrown out. And I highly recommend all parents consider doing the same. 'If you've ever purchased one of these products, you'll notice that they all mention the safety procedures they've been made under, which is there to make parents feel comfortable. 'But if you read further, you'll notice in most cases there's also a disclaimer, that no responsibility will be taken in the case of injury or death. Death! 'I can't force people to stop buying these products, and that was not my intention. If you find a company that follows safety standards and you are comfortable buying from them then that is each parents choice. 'I have shared my story so that my conscience would not be guilty if someone else is negatively affected by one of these products.' An Australian woman has exposed the shocking details of living with a sex addiction that she developed after her divorce. Nadia Bokody, global editor of She Said, had six different men on rotation because she was 'addicted' to them. 'It came to a point where it was really affecting my ability to go about my day... I was finding it very difficult to focus at work and at one point I left on my lunch break to have a casual encounter with someone I had just met online,' she told The Morning Show. 'Having that encounter was very lonely and very empty and I realised it wasn't filling me at all.' Scroll down for video Nadia Bokody, global editor of She Said, had six different men on rotation and was 'addicted to men' 'We are quite comfortable with thinking of addiction as something that's tied to something quite tangible, like an illicit substance or alcohol, but we have a very hard time as a society accepting that people can be addicted to something less tangible, like love or sex,' she explained. 'But addiction is a cerebral process, it's got very little to do with the substance of choice and so much more to do with chasing that high, that dopamine hit that we all get when we engage in something pleasurable.' Nadia told the program that for many people addiction is about masking a personal issue, which it was for her. She explained that there were a lot of low points she experienced but her rock bottom is hard to pinpoint Now Nadia is in a happy and healthy monogamous relationship, but it wasn't always that way 'Growing up I never had a stable male role model in my life, so when I became a young adult I was looking to romantic relationships for that,' she said. Although Nadia understands that constant sex may sound like a dream for some, it was far from it. 'One point I left on my lunch break to have a casual encounter with someone I had just met online,' she told The Morning Show Although we all have our own indulgences and vices, her vice was an addiction that wasn't healthy. 'It can be quite toxic for a relationship because it is like a bottomless pit and it was impacting my life to the point I wasn't able to function,' she said. 'When it comes to the point where it's impacting your ability to go about your life is when it's really an issue.' Now Nadia is in a happy and healthy monogamous relationship, but it wasn't always that way. At the beginning she found herself overly dependent on her boyfriend Kynan. Although Nadia understands that constantly wanting sex may sound like a dream for some, it was far from it 'It can be quite toxic for a relationship because it is like a bottomless pit and I think for me [it reached a point where] it was impacting my life to the point I wasn't able to function,' she said 'Only a few weeks into us dating he would leave to go to work trips for the weekend and sometimes even leave for the night and the emotional reaction I would have was so incredibly disproportionate,' she said. 'We were both starting to sense then that there was an over-dependence on his attention.' Although Nadia doesn't think sex addiction is necessarily something you want to be bringing up on the first date, you need to find yourself a partner who you feel comfortable being open with. 'It's a mental health issue, it's not something to be ashamed of, and you should be able to be very honest with a partner about that,' she said. 'Once Kynan and I became quite committed and close a couple of months into the relationship I felt comfortable to open up to him about it.' A body language expert has revealed how Meghan has transformed from 'just Prince Harry's girlfriend' to 'poised' royal in the space of five months. The former Suits actress, 36, looked more confident that ever as she joined Harry at the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London. Expert Judi James explained how Meghan appears to have had some royal training, with her movements 'more precise' than before. Examples of these include the bride-to-be carefully holding out her hand in a 'lady-like' gesture, as well as showing 'preening signs' in the way she touches her hair. While Meghan chose to keep Harry close during their first official engagement together in Nottingham in December, Judi said Meghan has started to adopt more of a starring role as she kept some distance between herself and her fiance. Body language expert Judi James has revealed how Meghan appeared 'more royal' as she attended the Commonwealth Youth Forum in London today. Judi pointed to her 'precision gesture' above, which she says suggested Meghan has had some royal training Speaking to FEMAIL, Judi, author of The Body Language Bible, said: 'Meghan seems a more royal with these poses. 'When she first appeared with Harry on that walkabout in Nottingham she had a slightly touristy look about herself; she was learning on the job. 'She saw herself as Harrys girlfriend and was a lot more low key. She seemed to recognise that Harry was the star. She was trailing slightly in his wake. 'Today she's a lot less spontaneous than she was. This looks a lot more careful, she's very upright. There are signs that she might have had some royal training.' Meghan preferred to keep Harry close during their first official engagement in May, with her movements more 'spontaneous', Judi says Judi explained how Meghan's body language today, as well as her outfit, showed her establishing herself as more of an individual in the royal family. At her first official engagement with Harry, the pair had been a lot more tactile, whereas in today's appearance Meghan proved her confidence alone. 'Shes wanting to show herself off a bit more. Her clothing has become less easy to wear, a bit more starry and regal,' she said. 'Shes slightly more separated from Harry. Shes got her coat around the shoulders worn as a cape, so there's not much opportunity for hand holding.' The expert pointed to the fact Meghan was touching her hair in a 'preening gesture', as well as to show off her engagement ring. While touching her hair is one of Meghan's 'signature gestures', Judi says it's now turned into more of a 'preening gesture', as well as allowing her to display her engagement ring 'Its a signature gesture of hers, touching her hair a lot,' she said. 'But now its turned into more of a grooming and preening gesture. 'It also displays her engagement ring, which she's clearly very proud of.' Judi also pointed to the way that Meghan had been more of a listener when speaking to members of the public in Nottingham, whereas today, she took a more active role. 'Shes picked up Harrys trait, shes using more exaggerated hand gestures,' the body language expert explained. Meghan used more exaggerated hand gestures today while chatting to guests at the forum, which suggests she's now wanting to 'entertain' more, Judi says Judi says, however, that the former Suits actress showed an 'empathetic trait', mirroring the expressions of people she was speaking to 'Shes someone whos performing and entertaining a lot more.' However, Judi also pointed to a trait that isn't generally considered very royal - 'mirroring the expressions' of the people she's speaking to. 'She's got a more empathetic trait. Shes mirroring the expressions of the people shes speaking to. 'Its a Diana trait its something that she brought to the royal family. Harry is probably the one that's carried it on the most.' A moving letter written by George HW Bush to his beloved then-fiancee Barbara has gone viral, coming as a tribute to the couple's seven-decade-long romance. George enlisted in the US Navy in 1942, on his 18th birthday, and proposed during his time in the force. He and Barbara became officially engaged in August 1943a fact he celebrated four months later in a letter marking the announcement of their upcoming nuptials in the newspaper. The missive, dated December 1943, documents George's joy at their engagement and his profound love for his 'darling Barb', to whom the letter is addressed. It went viral on social media following the passing of Barbara on Tuesday night. 'My darling Bar': A moving letter written by George HW Bush to his beloved then-fiancee Barbara has gone viral, coming as a tribute to the couple's seven-decade-long romance Sentimental: Goerge signed off his letters 'Poppy', and joked that he was her 'public fiance as of 12/12/43' after their engagement was officially announced in the newspaper A love that stood the test of time: The couple, pictured in February 2017, were married for an incredible 73 years, having tied the knot on January 6, 1945 George HW Bush's moving World War II love letter to Barbara Bush December 12, 1943 My darling Bar, This should be a very easy letter to writewords should come easily and in short it should be simple for me to tell you how desperately happy I was to open the paper and and see the announcement of our engagement, but somehow I can't possibly say in a letter all I should like to. I love you, precious, with all my heart, and to know that you love me means my life. How often I have thought of the immeasurable joy that will be ours some day. How lucky our children will be to have a mother like you As the days go by the time of our departure draws nearer. For a long time I had anxiously looked forward to the day when we would go aboard and set to sea. It seemed that obtaining that goal would be all I could desire for some time but, Bar, you have changed all that. I cannot say that I do not want to gofor that would be a lie. We have been working for a long time with a single purpose in mind, to be so equipped that we could meet and defeat our enemy. I do want to go because it is my part, but now leaving presents itself not as an adventure but as a job which I hope will be over before long. Even now, with a good while between us and the sea, I am thinking of getting back. This may sound melodramatic, but if it does it is only my inadequacy to say what I mean. Bar, you have made my life full of everything I could ever dream ofmy complete happiness should be a token of my love for you. Wednesday is definitely the commissioning and I do hope you'll be there. I'll call Mum tomorrow about my plan. A lot of fellows put down their parents or wives and they aren't going so you could pass as a Mrs.Just say you lost the invite and give your name. They'll check the list and you'll be in. How proud I'll be if you can come. I'll tell you all about the latest flying developments later. We have so much to do and so little time to do it in. It is frightening at times. The seriousness of this thing is beginning to strike home. I have been made asst. gunnery officer and when Lt. Houle leaves I will be gunnery officer. I'm afraid I know very little about it but I am excited at having such a job. I'll tell you all about this later too. The wind of late has been blowing like mad and our flying has been cut to a minimum. My plane, #2 now, is up at Quonset, having a camera installed. It is Bar #2 but only in spirit since the Atlantic fleet won't let us have names on our planes. Goodnite, my beautiful. Everytime I say beautiful you about kill me but you'll have to accept it I hope I get Thursday offthere's still a chance. All my love darling Poppy public fiance as of 12/12/43 Source: All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings Advertisement 'My darling Bar,' the letter begins. 'This should be a very easy letter to writewords should come easily and in short it should be simple for me to tell you how desperately happy I was to open the paper and and see the announcement of our engagement, but somehow I can't possibly say in a letter all I should like to. 'I love you, precious, with all my heart, and to know that you love me means my life. How often I have thought of the immeasurable joy that will be ours some day. How lucky our children will be to have a mother like you' In his letter, George described how his love for Barbara came to conflict with his role in the Navy, and he made no secret of how much he longed to go home to his fiancee. 'As the days go by the time of our departure draws nearer. For a long time I had anxiously looked forward to the day when we would go aboard and set to sea. It seemed that obtaining that goal would be all I could desire for some time but, Bar, you have changed all that,' he wrote. 'I cannot say that I do not want to gofor that would be a lie. We have been working for a long time with a single purpose in mind, to be so equipped that we could meet and defeat our enemy. I do want to go because it is my part, but now leaving presents itself not as an adventure but as a job which I hope will be over before long. 'Even now, with a good while between us and the sea, I am thinking of getting back. This may sound melodramatic, but if it does it is only my inadequacy to say what I mean. Bar, you have made my life full of everything I could ever dream ofmy complete happiness should be a token of my love for you.' First meeting: Barbara met George when she was 16 at a dance in Connecticut, when she was studying at Ashley Hall School (left) and he was at Phillips Academy in Andover (right) Writing it down: George (pictured virca 1943-45) enlisted in the Navy in 1942, and would stay in touch with Barbara while he was away fighting with sweet love letters George also laid out his plan to arrange to see Barbara during the commissioning of the USS San Jacinto on December 15, 1943, as he explained later in the book All the Best, George Bush: My Life in Letters and Other Writings. His squadron was assigned to the USS San Jacinto, and the young George was clearly eager for his fiancee to come to the ship's commissioning. His wish came true, George later revealed, when both his mother and Barbara attended the event at the Philadelphia Naval Yard. 'Wednesday is definitely the commissioning and I do hope you'll be there,' he told Barbara in his letter. 'I'll call Mum tomorrow about my plan. 'A lot of fellows put down their parents or wives and they aren't going so you could pass as a Mrs.Just say you lost the invite and give your name. They'll check the list and you'll be in. How proud I'll be if you can come.' The letter also gives insight into the mind of George's life as a young assistant gunnery officer still coming to terms with the 'seriousness' of his task. 'I'll tell you all about the latest flying developments later. We have so much to do and so little time to do it in. It is frightening at times. The seriousness of this thing is beginning to strike home,' he wrote. 'I have been made asst. gunnery officer and when Lt. Houle leaves I will be gunnery officer. I'm afraid I know very little about it but I am excited at having such a job. I'll tell you all about this later too.' Memories: The former president and first lady wed at a church in Rye, New York, which was the bride's hometown, just weeks after he returned from World War II Making it official: They tied the knot in Barbara's hometown in January 1945, just a few weeks after George returned from the South Pacific, where he had been fighting in WWII George told Barbara that if he had been allowed to give his plane a name, he would have named it after her, writing: 'The wind of late has been blowing like mad and our flying has been cut to a minimum. My plane, #2 now, is up at Quonset, having a camera installed. It is Bar #2 but only in spirit since the Atlantic fleet won't let us have names on our planes.' The letter ends on a touching note, with George telling Barbara: 'Goodnite, my beautiful. Everytime I say beautiful you about kill me but you'll have to accept it I hope I get Thursday offthere's still a chance. All my love darling' He signed his missive by his own nickname, Poppy, and jokingly referred to himself as Barbara's 'public fiance as of 12/12/43', following the announcement of their engagement in the newspaper. The letter, George revealed in his book, is the only one Barbara managed to save of his time during the war. She kept it in an engagement scrapbook but all the others were lost. George was a naval aviator in training when he and Barbara first met. 'I'm not much at recalling what people wear, but that particular occasion stands out in my memory,' he recalled of the moment in his autobiography. The band was playing Glenn Miller tunes and he asked a friend from Rye, New York, if he knew the girl across the room in the green and red holiday dress. The friend introduced him to Barbara Pierce, a publisher's daughter from Rye who was studying at Ashley Hall finishing school in Charleston, South Carolina, and was in the area on a Christmas vacation. Clearly captivated by Barbara, George immediately struck up conversation with her, revealing in his autobiography that they actually sat out their first potential dance together because 'he didn't waltz'. '[We sat out] several more after that, talking and getting to know each other,' he went on, before saying of their first night together: 'It was a storybook meeting.' The next step: George and Barbara, pictured in 1945, soon moved to Texas, where he began making his mark on the oil industry, and the couple grew their family together Growing brood: The pair had six children together. They are pictured with Neil, Marvin, Jeb, Dorothy and George W When he returned to finish his education at Phillips Academy in Andover, she went back to school in Charleston, however it was just a matter of months before they had met each others' parents. While they were apart, George and Barbara kept up their long-distance romance by writing letters to one anothera tradition that grew when George went away to fight with the Navy in World War II in mid-1942, forcing them apart once again. Barbara responded to George's letters with her own heartfelt messages, admitting that she was 'really excited' about the prospect of their marriage, but also 'scared to death too'. She joked in one note: 'If you hear a big noise up there, don't worry, it's just my knees knocking.' Her fears were not entirely unwarranted; in 1944, her husband-to-be, who famously named three of his planes after his future bride, was shot down near the Japanese island of Chichi Jima. He was the only one out of nine airmen who escaped from their planes to evade capture by the Japanese. Right-hand woman: Barbara is pictured alongside her husband as he took the Oath of Office in January 1989, weeks after the couple celebrated their 44th anniversary The first couple: The former first lady, pictured with her husband in the White House, often spoke about her role as his closest confidante, saying she never tried to influence his politcs Still laughing! Barbara, pictured with her husband in 1997, after he made a parachute jump in Arizona, once said part of her job in the White House was to tell her husband 'you're great' Later reports revealed that those taken prisoner were tortured and beaten, before being beheaded or stabbed to death. George, who was the Navy's youngest aviator when he got his wings, was eventually rescued by a lifeguard submarine, and returned home at the end of that year, and married Barbara just a few weeks later, before he began his studies at Yale. The couple tied the knot at the First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New YorkBarbara's hometown, before moving to Texas. Here, while George turned his focus to making his mark on the oil industry, the couple also began growing their family, going on to have six children together: George W, Jeb, Neil, Marvn, Dorothy, and Robin, who tragically died from leukemia when she was just three years old, weeks before her fourth birthday. The couple's incredible love story went on to span nearly 80 years. During that time, George and Barbara faced triumphs and heartache together, both personal and professional, had six children, including President George W Bush, and 14 grandkids, eventually becoming the longest-married couple in presidential history. On Tuesday evening, the former president issued a short statement about his wife's death, paying tribute to the 'relentless proponent of family literacy'. The announcement came just days after it was announced that Barbara had been admitted to hospital for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Soon after, she made the decision to refuse further treatment, and return home to be with her husband and family. Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 2:00 am The list is long of people who have served with distinction on the Bolivar R-1 School Board for many years, but I dare say that Mona Coleman ranks with the best of them. That was clear at the reception in her honor Monday afternoon in advance of the meeting at which the board was reorganized for the first time in 16 years without her as a member. But it also should be clear to anyone paying attention to school business over that period of time. She has served as board president in multiple years and has represented the board on the Missouri School Board Association, also serving as its president. That organization was well represented at the reception, which also featured Lt. Gov. Mike Parson presenting a declaration honoring Coleman. She has been a first-class advocate for public education at a time when it was most needed, but when the headwinds havent made that the easiest thing to be. Congratulations for the honors, Mona. And thanks for your years of service. I also add my contribution to the recognition bestowed upon Randy Jones, recently honored as Bolivar R-1 High School Teacher of the Year. Randy is retiring short of his 70th birthday coming up in August. The product of a Bolivar R-1 education, Class of 1966, Randy will be one of those teachers that many folks will look back upon as a person who made a remarkable difference in their lives. I know thats true because Ive heard from many of those people throughout my years here. He is old school in so many ways while relating to kids preparing for a new world. He learned all the best from the late Bud Engleman first as a student and then as a teacher. I feel a bit guilty that his years in the classroom have extended beyond what most teachers put in prior to retirement. I messed with his traditional retirement credit calendar when, about 25 or more years ago, I helped persuade him to convert from full-time teaching and part-time newspapering to full-time newspapering and part-time teaching. And what a blessing he was to us, whether full-time or part-time. He had an uncanny ability to spend a few minutes outside with the manual for any new tool in our industry and then be ready to teach the rest of us how to use it, never losing his cool. Yes, hes a man who actually reads the instructions, proving that it pays. He eventually left us about 18 years ago for a return to full-time teaching our loss and public educations gain. While I feel some guilt for any extra years he spent in the classroom to catch up on his benefit eligibility, Ill also accept any credit any students want to throw my way for their expanded window of opportunity to experience him as a teacher and mentor. In the few short months since she began participating in royal duties, Meghan Markle has already managed to make her fashion mark - whether it be through championing little-known designers, or her penchant for mismatched earrings. And the latest trend the bride-to-be has introduced to the occasionally staid world of formal royal engagements is perhaps her most fashion forward yet - shrobing While accompanying Prince Harry to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in beautiful spring weather on Wednesday, Meghan, 36, wore her Camilla and Marc blazer artfully draped over her shoulders, rather than putting her arms through the sleeves. While the 'shoulder-robe' - shortened to shrobing by fashion insiders - is more typically seen on fashion editors on the front row than the likes of senior royals, Meghan isn't the first member of The Firm to adopt the draping technique. That accolade goes to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who was doing it as far back as 1981. Meghan Markle stepped out with her jacket draped over the shoulders in a trend known as 'shoulder-robing' or 'shrobing' Meghan had draped her blazer daintily around her shoulders, worn over a striped Aquazzura dress and killer heels by Tamara Mellon at her latest high-profile outing on Harry's arm. Stylist and blogger, Simon Glazin told FEMAIL that former Suits star Meghan is likely to have picked up her shrobing habit from her days of hob-nobbing with Hollywood types. 'Love it or hate it, it's a trend that is here to stay. Just like Victoria Beckham has perfected turning every single handbag, no matter how big, into a clutch, she has been a pioneer of the jacket drape too. 'Fashion editors have been doing it for decades. You only have to Google pictures of Anna Wintour or Diana Vreeland to see. 'There is something effortlessly chic about 'caping' your jacket. A leather jacket draped over a form-fitting dress is Meghan's favourite look. 'Think of it as the new version of tying a preppy jumper round ones neck. It's making a piece of clothing into an accessory. While the trend has seen a surge in the past decade it dates back much earlier with Princess Diana seen sporting the trend in 1981 (pictured) Initially dubbed as fashion week fad it has since become a staple style for style's elite including US Vogue editor Anna Wintour (pictured at fashion week in 2018) 'All the Kardashian's seem to be pros at this trend too, maybe Meghan is taking advice from Kim?' It may have been a fashion week fad when it first emerged but the trend - known variously as slinging, draping and shrobing - has stayed the course, with US Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour among those still stubbornly refusing to use sleeves in the traditional way. Meghan was first pictured with her jacket draped over her shoulders back in 2014. Melania Trump is another high-powered figure to adopt the trend both inside and outside the White House, seen at G7 Summit (left) and the White House in 2017 (right) The Kardashians were one of the pioneers of chic style with Kim (seen here in 2016) a stickler for the trend Victoria Beckham is a long-term pioneer of the trend, pictured here with Carey Mulligan and Kate Winslet in 2017 Meghan embraced the trend around the same time as it hit the front rows of fashion week first pictured with her jacket draped over her shoulders in 2014 (pictured) She continued to rock the style throughout her time as an actress seen at fashion week in 2014 (left) and on the Today Show in 2016 (right) And most recently was spotted in a burgundy leather shrobe while supporting fiance Prince Harry during the Invictus Games in 2017 And while the trend has been absent from her relatively low-key wardrobe at all of her previous official engagements, she was seen returning to it while supporting her then boyfriend Prince Harry at the Invictus Games in Toronto last summer. While Meghan has made increasingly confident fashion choices since joining Prince Harry in an official capacity on engagements, for many, her husband-to-be's late mother will always remain 'history's most stylish royal'. Princess Diana was photographed shrobing on many occasions. Other high-profile figures outside of the fashion industry to rock the trend include Melania Trump, the wife of the US President. An Irish fashion designer has shown his support for legalising abortion in his country in a takeover of a window at Selfridges. Richard Malone, 26, wrote messages supporting the Repeal the 8th campaign, as well as women's rights, across the window. However, the installation was reportedly halted by the department store, which was said to have asked him to continue on the condition that he didn't use the word 'repeal' - as it was deemed 'too political'. Images of the window installation were shared on Twitter, with many praising the young designer for his 'powerful' work. Irish fashion designer Richard Malone showed his support for legalising abortion in Ireland in a takeover of a window at Selfridges Ireland is holding a referendum on abortion at the end of May, which will see citizens asked whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment of Ireland's Constitution. The provision, which makes abortion illegal in all but exceptional circumstances, was inserted in 1983 to enshrine the equal right to life of the mother and her unborn child. Malone has previously expressed his support for repealing the Eighth Amendment, wearing a Repeal T-shirt while taking his bow at London Fashion Week in February. He donned a 'Read. React. Repeal' T-Shirt on Tuesday as he scrawled messages in red pen on the window at Selfridges. The designer, 26, wrote messages supporting the Repeal the 8th campaign, as well as women's rights, across the window Pictures of his installation were shared on Twitter, including by the London-Irish Abortion Rights campaign Another social media user described the installation as a 'powerful #Repealthe8th protest' WHAT IS THE EIGHTH AMENDMENT? The Eighth Amendment of Ireland's constitution is a provision that renders abortion illegal other than in exceptional circumstances. The provision, inserted in 1983, enshrines the equal right to life of the mother and her unborn child. In a referendum in May, Irish citizens will be asked whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment and to instead enable parliament to set the laws. If the public votes to repeal the constitutional provision, the Irish Government intends to table legislation that would permit women to abort within 12 weeks of pregnancy. Advertisement Supporters shared pictures of the installation on Twitter, thanking him for taking action. The London-Irish Abortion Rights campaign tweeted: 'Irish fashion designer Richard Malone, who was due to hold a luxury pop up in the window of @Selfridges today, chose to run READ, REACT, REPEAL - a protest against the 8th Amendment in Ireland. 'Worth noting that Selfridges halted his installation and asked him to continue on the condition he did not use the word REPEAL as it was deemed too political!' Another Twitter user commented: 'Irish fashion designer #RichardMalone swapped displaying luxury items in @Selfridges front window today & opted to run this powerful #Repealthe8th protest instead.' MailOnline has contacted Selfridges for comment. A woman who dropped her baby off at a hospital after giving birth at home aged 15 has had an emotional reunion with the nurse who helped her decide to raise her son after all. Cherish Coates, 29, was 15 when she gave birth to her son Allen inside her bedroom in Rockford, Illinois. The high school sophomore, who was living with her grandparents at the time, had started 'suspecting that something was wrong' prior to giving birth. 'I started feeling nauseous, blacking out, and dizzy a lot,' Cherish, who had been dating her first boyfriend since the age of 13, said in a new episode of The Doctors. Scroll down for video Mother and son: Cherish Coates (right), 29, was 15 when she gave birth to her son Allen (left), now 13, inside her bedroom in Rockford, Illinois Symptoms: The teenager (pictured in an archive shot), who was living with her grandparents at the time, had started 'suspecting that something was wrong' prior to giving birth Safe Haven: After Cherish gave birth, she and her boyfriend decided to drop off the baby at a hospital. They placed him in a shoe box, wrapped in towels, and wrote a note Hospital: Later on, Cherish (pictured with the baby) visited her son in the NICU and met a nurse named Jeannie, who had been taking care of Allen In April that year, on a Friday, Cherish got home and started feeling 'really sharp pains' in her stomach. They progressed throughout the night, but the mom said she 'kept it quiet'. 'About midnight, something was coming out of me. Within minutes I had the urge to push, and I ended up delivering my son on the bedroom floor by myself,' she said. 'I didn't know what to do at that point. I had never even held a baby before holding him. 'I called my boyfriend and told him, "I just delivered the baby," and he said, "I'm on my way over." I went over to my desk and got a pair of old metal scissors, and I cut the umbilical cord.' When Cherish's boyfriend arrived at the house, he was 'in shock' and couldn't believe she had just given birth. Cherish, meanwhile, was scared to tell her grandparents and remained unsure what to do. Her boyfriend eventually mentioned the concept of a Safe Haven, referring to jurisdiction that, in Illinois, allows parents to surrender an unharmed baby up to 30 days old to staffers at specified locations. Trio: Jeannie (pictured) was reunited with Cherish and Allen in a new episode of The Doctors Emotional: The nurse held Cherish in a tight hug, telling her: 'I'm so proud of you' Finally: Jeannie also got to meet Allen for the first time since taking care of him in the NICU Safe Haven laws exist in other states, and details of each legislation are publicly available. Cherish and her boyfriend resolved to leave their baby at a hospital, hoping that personnel would then find him a home. 'I found a shoe box, had it wrapped in some towels from around the house,' Cherish recounted. 'We wrote a note, we wanted him to be named Allen Cory. [We wrote] that we loved him so much and wanted him to have the best future possible.' Her boyfriend was the one who took Allen to the hospital because, Cherish had to go to work just a few hours later and was 'trying to play this off [as if] nothing had happened'. A couple of days later, she took the bus to the Swedish American Hospital in Rockford to visit the baby, where a nurse named Jeannie, who had been taking care of Allen in the NICU, took her to Allen's incubator. 'He was three pounds three ounces,' Cherish recounted. 'He had hypothermia, different infections, and I remember her telling me how I had saved his life by making sure he got to the hospital.' Moved: The nurse wiped tears of emotion as she settled next to Cherish on set Health: When Allen was born, Cherish said, he had hypothermia, suffered from infections and weighed three pounds and three ounces Crucial: Dr. Travis Stork highlighted the importance of Safe Havens for parents who cannot take care of their children, saying that taking Allen to the hospital was key in saving his life In addition to caring for Allen, Jeannie had a crucial discussion with Cherish and helped her make a difficult choice between placing the baby up for adoption or raising him herself. 'Jeannie talked to me like I was a parent and not just, like, a stupid teen,' Cherish said. 'I remember sitting there in a rocking chair with Allen against my chest, feeling so much love for him, thinking about "What am I going to do? Am I keeping him, or am I giving him up for adoption?"' She decided to raise her son, who is now 13 years old. The mother and son both visited The Doctors' set, with Allen saying he felt 'really shocked' revisiting his story and looking at photos of his mother as a teenager and himself as a baby. Cherish, who now lives in Arizona, explained what a key role Jeannie played in her life, telling Dr. Travis Stork: 'She was very understanding and very generous and she shared advice with me, and also encouraged me to tell my family about what was going on. 'She really encouraged me to continue on and go to school and do something with myself. She was great.' The mother was then overcome with emotion when Jeannie made her entrance on the set to meet Allen for the first time since he was a newborn. 'I'm so proud of you,' Jeannie told Cherish between tears as the two shared a tight hug. Grateful: Cherish took the reunion as an occasion to thank Jeannie for her support, telling her: 'I feel so blessed to have even run into you. You really made an impact on my life' Group: Allen, Jeannie and Cherish posed for a photo with the show's team during their visit Jeannie then turned to Allen and embraced him before telling the boy: 'You're so handsome! You look just like your mom.' The nurse wiped tears of emotion off her face as she settled between Cherish and Allen. She said seeing the mother and son together after 13 years was 'unbelievable', adding: 'I'm speechless.' Jeannie then showered Cherish with praise. 'She's an amazing mama and she was an amazing teenager,' the nurse said. 'I've never met a 15-year-old like her that was so brave and just amazing.' Cherish took the reunion as an occasion to thank Jeannie for her support, telling her: 'I feel so blessed to have even run into you. You really made an impact on my life.' Jeannie told Cherish the feeling is mutual, adding: 'Well, you made an impact on my life too.' Travis highlighted the importance of Safe Havens for parents who cannot take care of their children, telling Cherish: 'Regardless of how this had all turned out, the reason that Allen is safe, sound, and healthy is because you made the decision to take him to the hospital despite not knowing what else to do. 'And for anyone out there who may be in similar circumstances, understand that is the most important first step.' Great Ormond Street Hospital has apologised for prescribing 'harmful' drugs to treat a complex gut condition to children as young as five. Medical professionals who have had patients referred to them from GOSH have claimed the hospital misdiagnosed children with eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease, a rare gut condition known as EGID. Symptoms of the condition include heartburn, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. ITV's Exposure documentary, airing on Wednesday night, is set to reveal the results of a year-long investigation into the hospital's handling of the disease. The hospital said it was 'very sorry' that it hadn't given young patients the best possible care. Great Ormond Street Hospital has apologised for giving children 'harmful' drugs to treat a rare gut condition called eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (file photo) In Great Ormond Street: The Child First And Always?, investigators found that GOSH had wrongly diagnosed children as young as five and given them 'aggressive' treatment for the condition that carried long-term risks to their health. The condition is diagnosed by passing a small camera through a child's gut and, if significant numbers of white blood cells called eosinophils are found the diagnosis of EGID can be made. There is no standard diagnosis or treatment for the condition, nor is there a consensus among doctors about the normal level of eosinophils. One nine-year-old child who appears in the documentary, presented by investigative reporter Olenka Frankiel, was put on 30 tablets a day after diagnosis. One treatment includes taking immunosuppressant drugs, which target the white blood cells believed to be causing the symptoms. His pain got worse, and at one point was so bad he struggled to walk. He was referred to a different hospital where his consultant was shocked at how many different medications he was taking. Speaking in the ITV documentary airing tonight, Dr Naik said: 'The discrepancy between Great Ormond Street and other units has probably been occurring for over ten years' Dr Sandhia Naik (right, with reporter Olenka Frankiel) has treated several children whose EGID cases were transferred from GOSH to her team at the Royal London Hospital And he wasn't alone, as children as young as five receiving very potent and aggressive drugs for treatment of the condition, which doctors were unsure they were even suffering from. Some of the medications they were taking carried a risk of potentially life-threatening infections and a higher risk of skin and and types of blood cancer. WHAT IS EOSINOPHILIC GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASE? Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGID) is a rare gut condition. It is characterised by chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which is caused by a higher than normal number of eosinophils. Symptoms include difficulty swallowing, vomiting, reflux, abdominal and chest pain. Treatments include taking medications like immunosuppressant drugs, which target the white blood cells believed to be causing the symptoms. Patients will also often make adjustments to their diets. Advertisement Dr Sandhia Naik, who has treated several children whose EGID cases were transferred from GOSH to her team at the Royal London Hospital, said it was clear that the drugs given were causing 'harm'. Dr Naik said: 'The discrepancy between Great Ormond Street and other units has probably been occurring for over ten years. 'I am concerned that children have been over-investigated and over-treated and labelled with a condition that has been treated with strong medications that I just do not agree in the initial diagnosis.' The inquiry involved reviews into patients' care, and found that some patients were misdiagnosed and at times treatment had been aggressive. The hospital says no widespread problems or harm were found, though the unit remains closed to most new referrals. In response to the programme's findings, a Great Ormond Street Hospital spokesperson said: 'This is an incredibly complex area of medicine where there are no agreed clinical guidelines. 'Within this context, while we always strive to provide the best possible care, we have acknowledged that we haven't always got this right. For this we are very sorry. ITV Exposure documentary Great Ormond Street: The Child First And Always? reveals the results of a year-long investigation into the hospital's handling of the disease One nine-year-old child who appears in the documentary, presented by investigative reporter Olenka Frankiel (pictured) was put on 30 tablets a day after diagnosis 'We have spoken or written to the children, young people and their families where this has happened. 'We would also like to reassure viewers that the review of our gastroenterology service was comprehensive and thorough, including assessment of all relevant cases by independent national and international experts. 'It found that the vast majority of care in the service was good and there was no evidence of long-term consequences for any patients as a result of their care. 'Now the review process is complete, we are in active discussion with our commissioners about increasing the number of referrals we receive as part of the nationwide system of care for these patients.' Great Ormond Street: The Child First And Always? airs on ITV at 10.40pm tonight The words came out of my mouth without me really registering them: 'Mum, do you even like me?' Once said, I could hardly believe I'd actually uttered them. My mother, Naina, and I have always been so close she's been my best friend and greatest role model. A truly devoted mother, she always put my needs first cheering me on in ballet class even though I was clearly never destined to dance, and once staying up all night to sew me a Pippi Longstocking costume for World Book Day. And all this despite holding down a full-time job in property. So how had we come to this? Two months ago, after yet another row, I found myself posing this question, genuinely not knowing how she might respond. She stared at me, confused and sad, and replied: 'Of course I love you, but sometimes I just don't understand you.' Generation game: Radhika (pictured left with her mum Naina), 28, claims she has grown distant from her 58-year-old mother because of generational differences Like so many mothers and daughters of our generations I'm 28 and firmly in the liberal, millennial camp; my mum is 58 and has always had a traditional outlook modern life is clearly coming between us. Baby Boomers (those in their 50s and 60s) and millennials (in their 20s and 30s) are the most divided generations ever. According to new research, 60 per cent of millennials think their elders 'had it easy' in terms of job security and home ownership. And my mum's generation don't rate us too highly either. In a recent study, 63 per cent of bosses claimed millennials are a nightmare to employ because they require more guidance than any other age group, as well as displaying a 'strong sense of entitlement' and poor 'decision-making skills'. Over the last few years, I've certainly sensed a growing distance between me and my mother that amounts to more than the usual little frustrations of family life. I know, without a doubt, that Mum will always be there for me. I ran to her in tears when I didn't get into my university of choice, when I had my first proper break-up, and when I was turned down for my dream job. Even now, I know all I have to do when things are bad is pick up the phone and Mum will comfort me. But I'm also aware that almost every family gathering leads to a quarrel. And our once relaxed catch-ups now feel like walking on eggshells, trying to avoid all the flash points. The fights are always about the same things. Mum can't understand my decision to leave my previous, stable job to become a freelance writer and travel alone to dangerous countries. She was so proud of my first step on the career ladder, but always assumed that I'd continue working in traditional office jobs like she did. Then there's the fact that I haven't settled down and don't even know if I want a family. By my age she was married and owned a family home in North London. Within two years she'd had me, and then my younger brother two years later. While I have now managed to buy my own flat, I'm nowhere near getting married or having a baby. I'm happily single and have no plans to find a long-term boyfriend or have children necessarily. This is something Mum just cannot understand. Radhika (pictured left) sought help from psychotherapist David Keighley of Therapy Retreats to improve the relationship with her mother Naina (pictured right) Then there are our political differences. I know she'll never be as liberal as me I'm a fervent Remainer while she can see the benefits of Brexit, and she thinks my support for open borders and anger at welfare cuts are naive but I wish she'd at least try to see my point of view. Instead, every time politics comes up it results in us both feeling stressed and guilty after yet another row. I'd never intentionally hurt or upset her but we don't seem able to communicate without that happening. According to therapist Caroline Clarke, who sees a large number of mothers and daughters in her Brighton practice, our situation is 'really common'. She finds that it's in their 20s that women tend to have the rockiest relationships with their mothers. 'It's an age where we have to separate emotionally from our parents,' she says. 'This is quite difficult especially where the relationship is fairly close. 'Parents have to hand some power over, which can be hard, and young people have to step up and take a bit more responsibility. It's a painful transition.' Modern life and changing attitudes among younger, millennial women are making the gap even harder to bridge. Mum can't understand why I have no plans to find myself a long-term boyfriend or have children - Radhika 'Millennials are more in touch with their feelings, while their mothers' and grandmothers' generations didn't have time for that because there was too much going on,' explains Clarke. While millennials love to talk about self-care, self-help and anything to do with themselves, their parents find this emotional display baffling and prefer a stiff upper lip approach. Caroline explains that younger women like me who love talking about their feelings can find this confusing and isolating. The issues involved are so complex that experts say a growing number of mothers and daughters are turning to joint therapy just as a couple might seek help from a marriage counsellor to try to overcome the generational gap. So would that help us? I came across psychotherapist David Keighley of Therapy Retreats, who has hosted retreats for couples, individuals and families in Hampshire for many years, to resolve relationship and personal issues. I thought it was worth a try. Lately, he has seen a steady number of mothers and daughters signing up. David Keighley (pictured) advised both Radhika and Naina to listen to each other without jumping to their own agenda Like any good millennial, I'm no stranger to therapy. I love the thought of having it with my mum and exploring the nitty-gritty of our mutual issues. I tentatively suggested we sign up. My stoic mum was less keen although when she saw we'd be staying in quaint B&B The Mill in the picturesque village of Droxford, Hampshire, she had a change of heart. Whether swayed by the thought of fixing our relationship or long country walks, I couldn't be sure, but I was thrilled either way. The idea was to stay for three days and have a three-hour therapy session every day plus homework. Our first session with David was all about identifying our problems and what we wanted to change. We were both nervous. Neither of us were used to discussing our relationship in such a detailed manner, and it was awkward to be so open. We fell at the first hurdle, instantly disagreeing about why we argue. It ended with me snapping at my mum. She rolled her eyes at David, saying: 'See?' She can't even hear a politically incorrect joke on TV without lecturing us about it - Naina It was obvious we had serious communication difficulties. Our homework that night, after a pub dinner, was to have a 20-minute co-counselling session alone. We'd counsel each other without a therapist, each taking turns to speak for five minutes, with no cross replies or interruptions. I jumped at the chance to tell my mum how it feels when she makes critical comments about my life choices. For the first time in years, she had to listen properly without snapping. Her face fell when I explained her comments made me feel inadequate. She said that was never her intention, and that what I perceived as criticism was her way of giving me honest advice. 'It's because I worry about you,' she said. 'But maybe I need to just accept you and your brother are adults now and relax.' It felt like a real turning point. David (pictured left) advised both Naina and Radhika to try daily meditation to lower their 'arousal levels' But the next day, it was my turn to realise my errors. David explained that because of our different generations, we ended up with a 'clash of expectations' and I didn't handle it properly. Rather than keep trying to make my mum see my point, I needed to accept that her age meant she would always see things differently to me. 'You need to be less, 'Me, me, me' and more 'We, we, we',' David told me. 'You're in a paradoxical situation where you want the best for each other, but only if it's your way.' It meant that if Mum tells me, 'Be careful, and text me when you get home', I shouldn't react: 'Mum, I'm fine. We've been through this.' I should take a second then respond rationally: 'OK, thanks.' According to David these issues are particularly common with mums and daughters from our particular age groups. 'The younger 'snowflake' generation is easily offended, and can quickly jump to reacting without really thinking,' he said. Mum nodded vigorously. 'But they're also much better at having a sense of self and not worrying much about what other people think.' David told us we both needed to learn to listen, without jumping straight to our own agendas His analysis explained why Mum and I couldn't discuss feminism without rowing and why she would never come to a women's march with me. But it also helped us both to understand why I'm comfortable sharing every detail of my private life with my girlfriends, while my mum would only do the same with family. David told us we both needed to learn to listen, without jumping straight to our own agendas. He also recommended daily meditation to 'lower our arousal levels'. This wasn't what I'd expected from a therapist who often uses neuroscience to explain his theories, as it seemed a bit New Age, but he said thatmindfulness is scientifically proven to help relationships. After a guided meditation session, my mum and I noticed the immediate benefit: we were too calm to argue. By day three, our relationship genuinely felt better. Mum, who was raised by Indian parents in the Midlands, had shared so much about her traditional upbringing something I'd never really asked her about before. In contrast, I'm a millennial born and bred in multicultural London. Radhika claims their relationship had noticeably improved one week on from the therapy Our differences made me more compassionate towards her and 'compassion' was a word David was keen for us to focus on. 'You need to learn to be kind to each other,' he told us. Hearing our problems summed up in those few words was powerful. It made me realise that my mum and I are so lucky to have the relationship we already do. We love each other, which means the motivation we need to work on our issues is already there. All we need to do now is learn to stop fighting and start listening. A week on, things have already improved. We're treating each other more like adults instead of falling into old habits. I know it's not going to be easy my attempts to navigate on the drive home almost took us back to square one but I'm so proud of my mum for sharing her feelings. I know it hasn't been easy for her to accept that she needs to let go of her children, and it inspires me to start behaving more like an adult and less like a child. If I want to have an equal and mature relationship with Mum, I'm going to have to grow up. Naina says: I hate the thought of talking about myself to a stranger. But when Radhika suggested the retreat, I found myself agreeing, simply to spend time with her. Since she moved out of my Hertfordshire home two years ago, I barely see her. She's always busy with work, friends and travelling, so I jumped at the chance to spend three days together. 'Good luck,' was the unanimous reaction from all my friends. 'You're braver than me.' I had no idea what to expect because I've never had therapy before. When I found out it was three hours a day, I couldn't imagine we would have enough to talk about. I don't think Radhika and I have serious problems. We're a typical mother and daughter with a loving, occasionally tempestuous, relationship. It's been this way since she became an opinionated teenager, and I've got used to it. She spends a lot of time wanting everything to be perfect, and over-analyses everything. I think sometimes it's better to leave things as they are. Naina (pictured right) revealed the therapy was the first time in years she and Radhika had been able to understand where the other is coming from However, I do recognise that things have changed in the past few years. My daughter's life is so different to how mine was at her age. All I want is for her to be happy, and I worry about her a lot. I don't always agree with her feminism or political views, but if I try and debate them with her she just gets very worked up. The best bit of the retreat was I could bring up these issues and get David's opinion. It made sense when he talked about millennials being quick to take offence. Radhika can't even hear a politically incorrect joke on TV without lecturing the family about it. It was useful having David there as a mediator, to point out where we were going wrong or right. He gave us techniques to help when we didn't agree, from mindfulness to co-counselling, and he listened to both sides fairly. But there were uncomfortable moments, like when I talked about how I wanted Radhika to settle down. David pushed me, asking why I wanted that, and we worked out that it was just because of my cultural and generational beliefs. It made me recognise I had to be more accepting of her choices. I was upset when she said some of my comments come across as criticism. I had no idea she interpreted it that way. I know it won't be easy to change. Many of my habits are ingrained. But I feel Radhika and I already understand each other better. Even though I don't always appreciate her lifestyle choices, I am very proud of her for being so successful and independent. For the first time in years, I think we both understand where the other is coming from. I hope we can finally break our bad habits. Therapy Retreats offers two-to-three-day retreats to resolve relationship and personal issues. Fees range from 900-1,500 including your accommodation. Are you a mum at loggerheads with your millennial daughter, or vice versa? Let us know at femailreaders@dailymail.co.uk Princess-to-be Meghan Markle has provided a big boost for two Australian fashion houses by showcasing their designs in an eye-catching outfit. The incoming royal bride wore the Australian products in one of her most stylish ensembles as she accompanied Prince Harry to a meeting with youth delegates at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Tuesday. Meghan stepped out on a 25 degree day in London wearing a $2,600 pinstripe summer dress by New York label Altuzarra. She accompanied this with a $699 Marguerite jacket by Australian designers Camilla and Marc draped over her shoulders and a $295 cross-body bag from fellow Antipodean label Oroton slung over her shoulder. Meghan Markle stepped out on a 25 degree day in London wearing not one but two Australian designers (pictured with Prince Harry) The future royal opted for both a jacket by Camilla and Marc, which retails for $699, and an Oroton cross-body bag, which retails for $295 (both pictured) Meghan (pictured) paired her Australian pieces with a pinstripe summer dress by New York label, Altuzarra and heels by British designer, Tamara Mellon (both pictured) The future royal seemed ready for business as she joined Prince Harry to meet youth delegates taking part in this week's high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting The future royal completed her summery outfit - which fans are describing as her raciest royal look yet - with sleek black suede heels by British fashion designer, Tamara Mellon. She added another fashionable touch, by 'shoulder-robing' with her Camilla and Marc jacket - a style made popular by the Kardashians. The jacket appears to be from the Australian designers' winter 2018 ready-to-wear collection, and retails at $699. Meghan put aside the jacket once inside the venue, something which royals rarely do during public appearances. Earlier this week, Prince Harry was named by the Queen as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador The Avalon Zip Top Crossbody bag from Oroton, meanwhile - which retails for $295 - was also given pride of place in Meghan's outfit. This could provide a much-needed boost to the longstanding Australian brand after Oroton went into administration in November last year after failing to find a buyer. The company racked up a $14.2 million loss in 2017. The jacket appears to be from the Australian designers' Camilla and Marc's winter 2018 ready-to-wear collection, and costs $699 This isn't the first time Meghan has turned to Australian designers to make a statement. During her engagement photo shoot, she wore designs by the Australian duo Ralph & Russo's. Priced at $98,675, her dress drew plaudits from the fashion world - who commented on the delicate nature of the silk tulle ruffles, the gown's transparent bodice and its beautiful stitching. She was also at one stage rumoured to have 'chosen' the Aussie couple for her wedding day, which will take place in a month's time. Prince Harry said that both he and Meghan were 'excited' to take on the challenge of their new role, helping young people around the world solving challenges of the future Earlier this week, Prince Harry was named by the Queen as a Commonwealth Youth Ambassador. He said that both he and Meghan were 'excited' to take on the challenge of the new role, helping young people around the world to address economic, social and environmental challenges of the future. At the Commonwealth event, the couple met about 40 young leaders, including past winners of the Queen's Young Leaders Award, as well as Commonwealth LGBT activists at the Commonwealth Youth Forum, including Australian delegate Jacob Thomas. For the occasion, Prince Harry wore a smart grey suit jacket and tie. It is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in a high-profile occasion such as the Chogm summit Many complimented Meghan on her outfit, dubbing it her raciest royal look yet, as she removed her jacket inside the venue - which is uncustomary for royals It is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in formal events such as the CHOGM summit. But the Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, has made clear that she sees Harry and his future bride as lynchpins of her work with the so-called 'family of nations'. The couple are due to marry at Windsor Castle on May 19, and Meghan has voiced her desire to 'hit the ground running' when it comes to her official duties and her desire to facilitate change. She intends to place a particular emphasis on women and young people. Harry and Meghan have been revealing snippets of information via the Kensington Palace Twitter account about their wedding, which is to be held on the same day as the 2018 FA Cup Final. Prior to the wedding, Meghan will be baptised and confirmed as a member of the Church of England. She is also undergoing the rigorous process of becoming a UK citizen that could alleviate US income tax problems and ultimately affect her net worth. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are expected to tie the knot in 2018 and Royal Wedding plans are in full swing Here's everything you need to know about the Royal Wedding 2018. When are Prince Harry and Meghan Markle getting married? Prince Harry and Meghan Markles wedding date has been set for Saturday, May 19, 2018. The Royal couple will marry in a ceremony that is expected to last an hour, starting at 12pm BST and unlike most British royal weddings that are held on weekdays, Meghan and Harry will marry on a Saturday. There is also speculation that because of Harry's close relationship with his grandfather, Prince Philip, who is now 96, the Royal Wedding has been pushed forward to ensure the attendance of the Duke of Edinburgh. They are looking forward to the day and to being able to share their celebrations with the public and wanted to share the following details about their wedding on May 19th with you: pic.twitter.com/hZbn7reYCc The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 12, 2018 Royal expert Katie Nicholl said: 'He's incredibly close to his grandfather and, being 96, Harry thought it was a great thing to have the wedding sooner rather than later, so his grandfather could be there, fit and healthy'. May 19 is also the day of one of the biggest English sport events of the year, the FA Cup Final and while Prince William, the President of the Football Association, usually presents the trophy to the winner, it has not been confirmed whether he will be caught up in the Royal Wedding to do so in 2018. However, football fans have joked that while his wedding will occur on the same day, Harry has chosen the time of the ceremony specifically so it wouldn't clash with the FA Cup Final kick off at 5:30pm BST. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle released this photograph to mark their engagement Where will the Royal Wedding take place? Despite the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince William and Kate Middleton all getting married in Westminster Abbey, the Royal Wedding will take place at St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle. Kensington Palace announced in February 2018 that the service, beginning at 12pm, will be conducted by the Dean of Windsor and officiated by The Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Rt Honourable Justin Welby. Windsor Castle, which is located in west London, not too far from the couples current home, is one of Queen Elizabeth IIs main residences and is where the monarch first got to know Meghan. The wedding service will begin at 12noon at St George's Chapel. The Dean of Windsor will conduct the service and The Archbishop of Canterbury will officiate as the couple make their vows. pic.twitter.com/dTS56fy22c The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) February 12, 2018 St Georges Chapel will provide the historic setting that is reminiscent of past Royal weddings but is a more intimate venue than Westminster Abbey. Prince Charles married Diana, Princess of Wales at St Pauls Cathedral and had a small civil ceremony at Windsor Guildhall to mark his marriage to Camilla Parker Bowles. However, Charles and Camilla did have a blessing in the venue where Harry and Meghan will be married in 2005. Prince Harry was also christened at St George's Chapel in Windsor. Where is Meghan Markles engagement ring from? Meghan Markles engagement ring was custom designed by her fiance and was made by court jewellers Cleave and Company. Despite rumours that Harry would propose with the Queen Mother's engagement ring, he decided to create the piece himself which included a centre diamond from Botswana, where the couple had visited in August 2017. The two smaller stones set on either side of the main stone are in honour of Princess Diana as they are from her collection. Meghan Markles engagement ring was designed and made by Cleave and Company In Meghan and Harry's iconic first interview with the BBC, the Prince said: 'The ring is obviously yellow gold because that's Meghan's favourite and the main stone itself I sourced from Botswana and the little diamonds either side are from my mother's jewellery collection, to make sure that she's with us on this crazy journey together.' According to Andrew Brown, President of WP Diamonds, the three carat cushion cut diamond with two stones that are 0.5ct to 0.75ct each, has an estimated value of over $50,000, but because of the royal provenance, could sell for $500,000 to $1million. Who will design Meghan Markles wedding dress? Meghan will wear a hand-stitched, heavily beaded design by British label Ralph & Russo to walk down the aisle at St Georges Chapel in front of 600 guests and an estimated billion TV viewers worldwide as well as for the reception being held afterwards by the Queen in St Georges Hall at Windsor Castle. She will change into another dress for a second, black-tie evening reception thrown byPrince Charles at Frogmore House in the grounds of Windsor Great Park. A source revealed that the dress would cost around 100,000, which will be met by Prince Harry and his family privately. Who will Meghans bridesmaids be? Meghan Markle's bridesmaids could include the likes of stylist Jessica Mulroney, daughter-in-law of Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Serena Williams is also thought to be in the running, herself having married Reddit's Alexis Ohanian in 2017. However, Meghan is unlikely to ask her estranged half-sister Samantha Grant to be a bridesmaid. Who is Harrys best man? While royals usually have a supporter rather than a best man, there is a strong possibility that William will return the favour for his brother after Harry supported him in 2011 during the last Royal Wedding. Prince Harry has been an usher in a number of his friends' weddings so his supporters could also include Guy Pelly or Thomas van Straubenzee, but this has not been confirmed. Who will attend the Royal Wedding 2018? St George's Chapel was chosen as the official Royal Wedding venue because Harry expressed his preference of having an intimate wedding and something different to what is seen during the grand events held at Westminster Abbey. Prince George and Princess Charlotte are expected to be page boy and flower girl, especially after their starring roles at their aunt Pippa Middleton's wedding. Another potential flower girl could be daughter of Meghan's close friend Jessica Mulroney, Ivy, who was regularly featured on the actress's Instagram before it was shut down. About 600 guests will attend the ceremony at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. Hundreds more have been invited to the grounds of the castle to enjoy the festivities. With Harry's desire for the Queen and Prince Philip to be in attendance, the wedding will be smaller than other royal weddings but is still expected to welcome a number of famous faces. Despite Anthony Joshua joking about being Prince Harry's best man and asking if Meghan had 'any sisters', the guest list is a closely guarded secret that will not be revealed until the attendees arrive at the Chapel. James Corden is set to attend the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, as well as two of the receptions slated for the day, according to TMZ. Those who will be invited into the grounds include charity patrons, leaders and founders of social enterprises, reflecting Harry and Meghan's shared interest in humanitarian work. Philip Gillespie from Ballymena who lost his right leg in an IED incident in Afghanistan will attend, as will Amelia Thompson, 12, from Sheffield who witnessed the Manchester Arena bombing. Top politicians, even those who are friends with Harry, failed to make the cut. Barack Obama and wife Michelle, Donald Trump and Theresa May will all be absent from proceedings. Royal wedding schedule After the ceremony at 12pm at St George's Chapel in Windsor, the newlyweds will embark on a carriage procession that will pass Castle Hill, High Street, Sheet Street, Kings Road, Albert Road, Long Walk and then reach Windsor Castle. A reception will also be held at St George's Hall for the couple and the rest of the congregation before a private evening reception for close family, hosted by Prince Charles. Will the Spice Girls perform at the Royal Wedding? Mel B may have hinted at a Spice Girls reunion taking place during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding. The 42-year-old appeared on American day-time talk show The Real on February 28, 2018, at which time she was asked about plans to attend the ceremony. The former pop star confirmed that she would be in attendance, a fact that was meant to remain a secret, before dropping a few more hints about a possible performance. Loni Love, one of The Real's co-hosts, asked Mel B: 'Do you know anybody that you think is gonna go to this wedding?' to which Mel nodded her head and said, 'Yeah, I'm going...I don't know if I should've said that!' Mel B was then asked whether any of her high profile friends would be at the Royal Wedding. 'Well us five Spice Girls...why am I so honest?' she said. The Real hosts quickly caught on and began digging for more information. Asked if they'd be performing during Prince Harry and Meghan's big day, Mel B tossed her hands in there air, adding: 'This is where I'm just like...I need to go. I'm going to be fired!' Meghan is said to be a longtime fan of the Spice Girls. Reps for the actress and her Royal suitor did not immediately respond to MailOnline's request for comment, however. Will we get a day off when Prince Harry gets married? While the Royal Wedding date was under speculation, many hoped that it would occur on the Bank Holiday weekend of May 26, 2018 and give Brits a day off work. However, the day was confirmed as Saturday, May 19 and will be the first Royal Wedding to be held at the weekend. Pubs will also be permitted to apply for longer opening hours to allow revellers to continue celebrations later into the night. When did William and Kate get married? Kate Middleton and Prince William got married at London's Westminster Abbey on Friday, April 29 and the British public were given an extra Bank Holiday in 2011. Kenya was held to a barren draw by Ethiopia in their Group A Day Two match played on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Ngozi.Kenya had gone into the match oozing with confidence following their dominant 4-0 win over Burundi in the tournament opener last Saturday.The Junior Harambees could, however, not find a way past Ethiopia, the match ending 0-0.In the other Group A match, host Burundi and Somalia also played to a barren draw.Next in line for Kenya is a match against Somalia slated for Friday whilst host Burundi squares Ethiopia.Meanwhile, the tournament continues on Wednesday with Group B matches with Sudan battling Uganda.The top two teams from each of the two groups will gain qualification to the semi-finals, set to be played on April 25, with the final set to be played on April 29, 2018Results A toddler has become the first person in the UK to have a pig-skin transplant. Two-year-old Eve Phillipson, from Doncaster, underwent five-hour surgery to create an artificial diaphragm containing the animal's hide. The youngster, who was diagnosed with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) while still in the womb, was not expected to live after earlier transplants failed. In a ground-breaking procedure, two of the three muscles in Eve's abdominal wall were turned to create a natural diaphragm. Medically-sterilised pig skin, known as Strattice, was then used to reinforce the weakness in the wall. Although the youngster still requires constant ventilation and oxygen, Eve's successful operation has lead to her being hailed 'a little ray of hope' for others with the same condition. Despite the challenges she faces, Eve's mother Rebecca, 38, insists her 'playful' daughter is as happy as any other two-year-old. CDH affects one in every 10,000 newborns. It occurs when a hole develops in the muscle that separates the chest from the stomach, causing organs to enter the thorax and squash the lungs. Eve Phillipson (pictured with her mother Rebecca, 38), two, is the first person in the UK to have a pig-skin transplant after having an artificial diaphragm created from the animal's hide Two of the three muscles in Eve's abdominal wall were turned to create a natural diaphragm. Medically-sterilised pig skin was then used to reinforce the weakness in her abdominal wall The operation was successful with Rebecca describing her daughter as 'playful' and 'funny' Born without a diaphragm While most CDH sufferers have small holes in their diaphragms, Eve was missing the organ altogether, leading to her requiring immediate life support after she was born. Rebecca said: 'We went to our 12 week scan and she had more fluid than normal on the back of her neck, so they scanned Eve again at 15 weeks and found the CDH.' Eve first underwent surgery to replace her missing diaphragm when she was just one-week-old. Unfortunately, the artificial implant was unsuccessful and Eve's health started to decline as she grew older. Rebecca said: 'By her second birthday we were concerned that if we didn't go for the ground-breaking surgery to create a natural diaphragm, we might lose her.' Despite her surgery being successful, Eve still requires constant ventilation and oxygen Rebecca says her daughter is 'a ray of hope' for others who are battling the same condition Eve was given a 50:50 survival chance, which her mother said was 'an emotional rollercoaster' WHAT IS CONGENITAL DIAPHRAGMATIC HERNIA? Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) occurs when a baby's diaphragam, the muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen, fails to close during prenatal development. This causes the contents of their abdomen, such as the stomach and liver, to enter their chest. Abdominal organs in the chest reduce the space for developing lungs to grow. Sufferers may also experience asthma, gastrointestinal reflux, feeding disorders and developmental delays. CDH is usually diagnosed during pregnancy. Such women will be closely monitored and may have to give birth early. A CDH sufferer's long-term outcomes depend on the position of their liver, with lower in the abdomen being best. The overall survival rate is 70 per cent. Surgery can occur while the baby is in the womb to allow greater space for their lungs to grow. After birth, an operation may guide organs back into the abdomen before the diaphragm hole is closed. Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Advertisement 'A little ray of hope' Consultant Paediatric Surgeon Sean Marven, who carried out the procedure at the Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, said: 'It was a very difficult decision. We knew the longer we waited, the more perilous the procedure may be. 'The surgery was complex and required a great deal of skill and concentration, particularly as it had never been performed in the UK before. 'Thankfully it went well and Eve continues to grow stronger'. Due to Eve suffering a collapsed left lung as a result of her condition, she still requires ventilation support. Her family hope she will be able to live without such support in the future, but insist she is still like any other toddler. Rebecca said: 'She smiles, she plays, she's mischievous, she's funny; what more can you ask for than that? 'It will be nice when we get her off the ventilator and off oxygen, but we'll get there when we get there. 'If other families are going through a dark time, Eve can be a little ray of hope for them. Sometimes even the worst cases can turn out well'. After being diagnosed in the womb, Eve's health deteriorated when her first transplant failed Surgeons performed the 'perilous' procedure, anxious she would only get worse with age 'It was an emotional rollercoaster' The Children's Hospital Charity, which funded the research behind Eve's operation, is also backing analyses to improve the information provided to surgeons and parents during pregnancies where CDH is suspected. Speaking of her own experience, Rebecca said: 'It was quite overwhelming. We were told she had a 50:50 chance of survival and we didn't know the extent of the damage until she was born. 'It was an emotional rollercoaster and an incredibly anxious time'. The research project uses an MRI scan taken during routine pregnancy ultrasounds to create 3D animations of the unborn baby and their individual CDH. This helps surgeons see the extent of any damage, which then allows them to choose the best type of operation to treat patients. The images would also be provided to parents to help ease their anxiety. The study forms part of The Children's Hospital Charity's annual commitment to spend up to 250,000 on research into the prevention and cure of childhood illnesses. Lead researcher, Dr Elspeth H Whitby, senior lecturer at the University of Sheffield, said: 'The project wouldn't have been possible without funding from The Children's Hospital Charity. 'The research will help families and patients at Sheffield Children's Hospital, but it will also benefit any family dealing with CDH in Yorkshire and could be implemented nationwide if successful'. David Vernon-Edwards, The Children's Hospital Charity's director, added: 'As a charity we are very proud to play an important role in ensuring that innovative research continues to be funded, helping children to get better and lead full lives. Eve's incredible resilience is an inspiration to us all'. To find out more about this research project and others funded by The Children's Hospital Charity here. Rebecca believes Eve's inspiring story shows 'even the worst cases can turn out well' Her mother is anxious for Eve to come off her ventilator but says it will happen when it happens An army veteran is battling early onset Alzheimer's aged just 45 - after losing his mother and both siblings to the disease. Matt Oliver, from Dallas, was just 41 when doctors diagnosed him with the crippling, memory-robbing disease that usually strikes the elderly. He struggles to remember basic instructions, becomes disorientated easily and is reliant on his partner and full-time carer Traci Ward, also 45. Mr Oliver also has trouble with his speech, can no longer drive and has gone missing after getting lost on a couple of occasions. The father-of-three, who lost his sister Stormie and brother Shawn when they were in their 50s, carries the same genetic mutation that leads to Alzheimer's. Mr Oliver, who served in Kosovo, has been told that his children have a 50 per cent chance of getting the same PSEN1 gene mutation. Scroll down for video Matt Oliver, from Dallas, was just 41 when doctors diagnosed him with the crippling, memory-robbing disease that usually strikes the elderly He struggles to remember basic instructions, becomes disorientated easily and is reliant on his partner and full-time carer Traci Ward (pictured), also 45 The disease is rampant Ms Ward, who lives with Mr Oliver - who also worked as a military contractor in the Middle East, said: 'Early onset Alzheimer's runs rampant through his mum's side of his family. 'He's lost his mum and all her nine siblings, his brother, sister, grandma, great grandfather and some cousins have had it or are fighting this horrible terminal disease right now. 'He was diagnosed at 41, he is 45 now. But he's been having symptoms since he was 35 years old. It goes back four plus generations on his mum's side of his family.' A 50% chance of passing the gene to his children She added: 'His children also have a 50/50 chance of inheriting the gene. If they do, it's a 96 per cent chance that they will become symptomatic also. 'He's been on both sides as a caregiver for his mum, brother and sister and now has been diagnosed with this. 'His symptoms have been getting worse over the past few months also. His speech has become majorly affected. Mr Oliver, who served in Kosovo, has been told that his children have a 50 per cent chance of getting the same PSEN1 gene mutation Mr Oliver also has trouble with his speech, can no longer drive and has gone missing after getting lost (pictured with his parents, brother, sister, sister-in-law and niece) The father-of-three, who lost his sister Stormie and brother Shawn when they were in their 50s, carries the same genetic mutation that leads to Alzheimer's WHAT IS EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE? Alzheimer's has long been thought to strike only the elderly, but around four per cent of sufferers are under 65. This form of the disease is known as early-onset Alzheimer's. The cause is unknown, but studies have recently uncovered genetic links between sufferers who are diagnosed at younger ages. Symptoms of the disease get worse over time, and can eventually rob patients of their memories. Charities have poured millions of pounds into scientific projects in the hope of understanding the disease better. Around 850,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia, which is a group of symptoms that affect memory and reasoning. Alzheimer's disease falls under this. The disease is life-limiting, however most patients will die from complications, such as infections and blood clots. Advertisement 'We take each day as they come. He's the love of my life and I would do anything for him. It is so upsetting. 'Matt still has so many things still left to do, but he is having trouble with many things now. It's heartbreaking to see.' Raising money The couple are now raising money for Mr Oliver, who was diagnosed when he sought help for his memory problems, to visit his son Robbie, who lives in Germany. They also hope to raise awareness of early onset Alzheimer's, which occurs when the disease strikes patients before they turn 65. Alzheimer's has long been thought to strike only the elderly, but around four per cent of sufferers are under 65. The cause is unknown, but studies have recently uncovered genetic links between sufferers who are diagnosed at younger ages. Around 850,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia, of which Alzheimer's is the most common. More than five million people in the US have Alzheimer's. The disease is life-limiting, however most patients will die from complications, such as infections and blood clots. Alzheimer's has long been thought to strike only the elderly, but around four per cent of sufferers are under 65. The cause is unknown, but studies have recently uncovered genetic links between sufferers who are diagnosed at younger ages Mr Oliver also worked as a military contractor in the Middle East (pictured in the US military) 'Not enough support' Speaking about the fundraising page, Ms Ward said: 'There isn't enough support out there at the moment. 'I am raising this money for him because his wish is to go to Germany to spend time with his son that he loves more than life itself. 'He also wants to travel to New York to spend time with his family there while he still can and if possible to mark a few items off his bucket.' Anyone wanting to donate to Mr Oliver's fund can do so here. Mr Oliver's story comes just two weeks after MailOnline reported on a British woman who was diagnosed with the same disease at 44. Shelley Sheppard, from Newark, Nottinghamshire, was diagnosed in November 2017, and now struggles to recall simple words such as 'apple' or 'salmon'. For years she refused to believe anything was wrong, even accusing her family of ganging up on her when they noticed lapses in her memory. But now husband Paul, 49, has to write the date and even the year on a whiteboard each day before he leaves for work so she doesn't become disorientated. Mrs Sheppard, who also has two grandsons, contemplated suicide when she was given the heartbreaking news, Mr Sheppard revealed. The couple are now raising money for Mr Oliver, who was diagnosed when he sought help for his memory problems, to visit his son Robbie (pictured), who lives in Germany Doctors have developed a test that assesses whether babies are suffering from a urinary tract infection (UTI). For many infants the only sign of such an infection is an unexplained fever, while some may also produce odd-smelling urine that is cloudy or bloody. The test calculates the likelihood a baby has a UTI based on factors such as their age and temperature. UTIs are common in babies if small faeces particles enter their urethras from soiled nappies, particularly if they squirm a lot while being changed. Urethras transport urine from the bladder out the body. Untreated, UTIs can cause kidney damage or life-threatening sepsis. Up to one in 10 female and one in 30 male babies suffering from a fever will be battling a UTI. To determine whether your baby may be infected take the test here. Calculator assesses the likelihood a baby is suffering from a urinary tract infection (stock) CAN BABIES GET URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Urinary tract infections (UTI) can affect the bladder, kidneys or tubes that transport urine out the body. UTIs may occur if small faeces particles enter the urethra, which transports urine away from the bladder. Babies who squirm a lot when having their nappies changed are more at risk. For many infants, an unexplained fever is the only symptom. They may also: Cry during urination Produce odd-smelling urine that is cloudy or bloody Vomit Refuse to eat Have diarrhoea If a doctor suspects a UTI, they may collect a urine sample via a catheter. Treatment usually involves liquid antibiotics. Baby UTIs can be prevented by: Ensuring they stay hydrated Giving them plenty of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, if they are eating Wiping from front to back when changing their nappies Breastfeeding; studies show doing so for at least seven months lowers the risk Avoiding harsh soaps and bubble baths Studies also suggest male circumcision protects against STIs, however, it is unclear why. Source: Baby Center Advertisement Reduces treatment delays by more than 10% A study investigating the calculator found that when it was used on more than 1,600 babies presenting to hospital with a fever, no UTI cases were missed. It also reduced treatment delays by 10.6 percent compared to to the standard UTI diagnosis method. The researchers, from the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, analysed the electronic medical records of 1,686 children aged between two and 23 months. The calculator's accuracy was validated against 384 patients. Its results were compared against the American Academy of Pediatrics' guidelines, which diagnose UTIs based on the presence of pus and a certain concentration of bacteria in the urine. The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics. Eating undercooked chicken may cause UTIs This comes after research released in October last year suggested eating undercooked poultry could give people a UTI. Nearly 25 percent of chicken and turkey samples examined by scientists contained bacteria that shared the same genetic fingerprints as urine taken from patients with UTIs. This led the researchers to believe UTIs may be caused by E. coli, which is a bacteria found in the gut and faeces of many animals. The scientists, from theUniversity of California, Berkeley, suspect UTI sufferers may be eating undercooked poultry or failing to follow the appropriate guidelines for handling raw meat, such as washing their hands thoroughly afterwards. Married couples are less likely to die of skin cancer because they spot warning signs earlier than singles, new research has found. A study of 50,000 American skin cancer patients found that, of those who were married, 45.7 percent had stage 1 tumors, which have a 98 percent survival rate. The chance of catching the disease so early dropped 32 percent for single patients, 38 percent for divorced, and a staggering 70 percent for widowed. The University of Pennsylvania researchers admitted they were stunned by the stark difference in diagnoses. They said the findings should help dermatologists tailor their advice to patients, suggesting screening at an earlier age for single patients and inviting partners into clinic appointments for home-screening training. A study of 50,000 American skin cancer patients found that, of those who were married, 45.7 percent had a stage 1, which has a 98 percent survival rate Rates of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, are expected to rise seven percent by 2035. There were 95,000 new diagnoses of melanoma in 2015, and 15,900 in the UK. Five year survival is reported to be over 98 percent for patients diagnosed with stage I disease - dropping to 62 percent for stage III disease. Earlier prognosis worsens the longer a tumor is left undetected. However, the symptoms can often be hard to spot. The University of Pennsylvania study, published today in the Journal of the American Heart Association, sought to investigate how lifestyle and relationships could affect patients' early detection chances. The results were stark, though logical. 'Spouses likely facilitate early detection of melanomas by assisting in identification of pigmented lesions that may have otherwise gone unnoticed,' said corresponding author Dr Cimarron Sharon, a dermatologist at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. 'They may also provide support and encouragement to see a physician for evaluation. 'Thus, married patients are likely to receive a better prognosis because of earlier surgical management.' The study found married patients were also 59, 87 and 69 percent more likely to have an SLNB (sentinel lymph node biopsy) than single, divorced or widowed counterparts respectively. The surgical procedure is also linked to survival as the sentinel lymph node is closest to a tumor and the first place it would spread. Dr Sharon said this could be 'associated with the spouse's role in supporting the patient and engaging in further discussion.' Without a partner patients may also have difficulty facilitating travel to and from hospital and may not have anyone to assist in care afterwards. The study published in JAMA Dermatology said previous research has suggested cancer patients who have partners tend to fare better overall. But this is the largest of its kind into the influence of marriage on the detection of melanoma. Using a US cancer database called SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results) it looked at more than 52,063 men and women aged 52 to 75 who were diagnosed with the disease from 2010 to 2014 and whose marital status was recorded. Dr Sharon said: 'These findings support increased consideration of spousal training for partner skin examination and perhaps more frequent screening for unmarried patients.' The findings follow a Swedish study four years ago that found men who live alone are 42 percent less likely to spot the disease in its early stages - and 31 per cent more likely to die from it. Older women living alone also had more advanced disease on average at their first diagnosis. A raft of previous research has suggested marriage is good for health - including reducing the risk of depression and heart disease. Dr Sharon said: 'Marital status should be considered when counseling patients for melanoma procedures and when recommending screening and follow-up to optimize patient care.' An epilepsy drug that causes birth defects should not be banned during pregnancy, researchers argue. According to the consultant neurologists Heather Angus-Leppan and Rebecca Liu, from the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, the controversial medication sodium valproate may be the only effective treatment for certain patients. They add untreated epilepsy can seriously harm both pregnant women and their unborn children. Previous research suggests seizures increase in expectant mothers, particularly in their third trimesters. The European Commission is considering whether to ban the drug in pregnant women. Sodium valproate controls electrical functions in the brain to prevent life-threatening seizures, with Sanofi's Epilim typically being a go-to brand in the UK and Ireland. The drug previously came under fire when MailOnline reported three mothers blame the drug for leaving their children with autism, learning difficulties and incontinence after doctors failed to warn them of its risks during pregnancy. Around 20,000 children in the UK have been affected by the drug, according to campaigners. NICE data reveals the drug raises the risk of babies suffering serious developmental disorders by up to 40 per cent and malformations, such as cleft palates or lips, by 11 per cent, if it is taken during pregnancy. An epilepsy drug that causes birth defects should not be banned, researchers argue (stock) HOW MANY CHILDREN SUFFER? Out of around 35,000 women aged 14-to-45 taking sodium valproate between 2010 and 2012, at least 1,125 were pregnant. If 450 babies are born every year to mothers taking the drug, up to 45 could have a physical disability and up to 180 may suffer from learning difficulties. Between 1993 and 2008, there was a 20 per cent reduction in the number of women aged 15-to-55 who were taking sodium valproate due to new treatments being available. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency says sodium valproate should not be given to women of a childbearing age or during pregnancy unless alternative treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. Yet, in 2016, around 450 babies were born to mothers taking the drug during pregnancy. Source: Epilepsy Society Advertisement Banning sodium valproate denies women an effective treatment Writing in the BMJ, Dr Angus-Leppan and Dr Liu said banning valproate 'imposes less effective treatment for some female patients than for other people with a similar life-threatening or serious condition, without their consent.' Earlier this year, the European Medicines Association recommended sodium valproate should only be prescribed to women of a childbearing age if they agree to use contraception, which Dr Angus-Leppan and Dr Liu wrote 'could be considered an infringement of patient autonomy and liberty'. They warn that women who are taking sodium valproate without medical supervision are at particular risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects, adding scaremongering 'may result in women stopping their treatment without support'. Dr Angus-Leppan and Dr Liu add further research is required to find a sodium valproate alternative. Yet, in the meantime, women should be given specific information about the medication's benefits and risks to help them make informed drug-taking decisions alongside their doctors. Around 20,000 children in the UK have been affected after their mothers took the drug (stock) 'It has taken half a century to understand valproate's harm' If the European Commission imposes a partial sodium valproate ban, women of a childbearing age who are prescribed the drug will be reviewed regularly and must follow a pregnancy-prevention programme. Sodium valproate packaging must also carry a visual warning of the drug's pregnancy risks, with patients also receiving a warning card with each prescription. Women who are pregnant and already taking sodium valproate should be urgently reviewed by a specialist. In an accompanying editorial, consultant perinatal psychiatrists Angelika Wieck and Sarah Jones, from the Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, wrote: 'It has taken half a century since valproate was first introduced to understand the full extent of harm to unborn children.' 'Current regulatory systems are clearly inadequate at identifying and assessing the reproductive risks of medicines. 'We urgently need a regulatory system for the standardised and timely collection of pregnancy outcome data for new and existing drugs that may harm offspring. 'Mandatory pregnancy registers, targeted data mining of other resources, and regular evaluation of all available evidence would be key elements to achieve this aim.' TIMELINE OF EVENTS FIGHTING TO STOP THE PROBLEM In 2014 The European Medicines Agency agreed to strengthen warnings and restrictions on sodium valproate's use in women and girls. The Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency (MHRA) advised healthcare professionals not to prescribe the drug to females unless other treatments are ineffective or poorly tolerated. On February 8 2016, the MHRA launched a toolkit to help healthcare professionals talk to women with epilepsy about sodium valproate's risks during pregnancy. Prominent written warnings were also added to the drug's packaging in 2016. On April 6 2017, NHS Improvement and the MHRA sent a Patient Safety Alert through the central NHS system to further highlight sodium valproate's risks during pregnancy. A public hearing was held in London on 26 September last year by the European Medicines Agency's Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee where EU citizens spoke of their experiences of the medication. Advertisement Why is sodium valproate controversial? In September last year, campaigners presented evidence to a hearing of the European Medicines Agency in London, revealing that drug regulators knew of the problems as far back as 1973 but did not add warnings to its packaging until 2015. Last January it emerged a professor from the University of Liverpool is studying a boy affected by sodium valproate syndrome to determine if he developed the condition as a result of his grandmother taking the drug during pregnancy. FACS Aware, which campaigns for sufferers of foetal anti-convulsant syndromes, is fighting for all drugs containing sodium valproate to have a picture warning against their use during pregnancy on their packaging, as well as increased support for sufferers and better awareness among healthcare professionals. Michael Szumera, head of communications at Sanofi, previously told MailOnline: 'Valproate has at all times been supplied by Sanofi in the UK with a warning of the risk of malformations in babies born to mothers with epilepsy who take the product during pregnancy. 'The product information for valproate (including the addition of warnings on the package labelling) has at all times been approved by the regulatory authorities as properly reflecting current scientific and medical knowledge before being put into circulation. 'Sanofi has systematically reminded patients via the information document that they should consult their prescribing physician in case of pregnancy or desire for pregnancy so that their physician can act accordingly.' A woman who suffered from abdominal pain and felt like there was a ball rolling around inside her for six years was found to have a rare disease called 'floating kidney'. The unidentified 28-year-old had seen several doctors over the six-year span to try to pinpoint the cause of the strange symptoms before meeting with urologists at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. She explained that the pain was worst when she was standing or sitting upright and was lessened when she laid down, but when switching positions she felt the sensation of 'a ball rolling' inside of her, according to a case study by the hospital. The woman also reported the pain was less intense particularly in the later stages of her previous pregnancies. After a barrage of invasive tests, many of which she had undergone before, the woman was diagnosed with nephroptosis, a condition in which the kidney strays several centimeters from where it's supposed to be located. It's been estimated that one in five women in the US have a floating kidney, but the majority don't experience any symptoms. Even in serious cases such as the one presented in this study, the condition is simple to diagnose and treat, if doctors take the time to look for it. A woman who suffered from abdominal pain and felt like there was a ball rolling around inside her for six years was found to have a rare disease called floating kidney, in which her right kidney migrated five centimeters each time she stood up (right) compared with when she was laying down (left) The doctors performed a physical exam followed by multiple lab tests and scans, but each result came back as normal. They then performed an intravenous pylography, which involves injecting dye into a person's arm that flows to the kidneys, ureters and bladder, allowing for a clear view of the entire urinary tract. The procedure revealed that the womans kidney moved six centimeters when she laid down and sat back up. She was diagnosed with nephroptosis, a congenital condition that occurs almost exclusively in women, affecting an estimated 20 percent of women. The exact prevalence in the general population is unclear because 80 to 90 percent of people don't experience any symptoms. For the other 10 to 20 percent there is a very specific set of signs and symptoms, according to the case study. The most common of those symptoms are the same ones that the woman had described: abdominal pain that changed with position and was lessened during pregnancy and an odd feeling of a mass moving in the abdomen. Like other organs in the body, the kidneys are normally able to shift a few centimeters without creating any problems, but in nephroptosis the shift is much more dramatic. Researchers have struggled to pinpoint the exact causes of the condition, but has been thought to be related to insufficient support from structures or the connective tissue around the kidneys. The authors of the current study hypothesized that because nephroptosis is more commonly diagnosed in thin women, the condition may be caused by an absence of fat surrounding the kidney. Following the diagnosis the woman underwent a laparoscopic nephropexy, a surgical procedure that secures the kidney to its intended spot in the body. Within four weeks she was no longer experiencing any pain and her symptoms had finally been relieved after six years. The authors concluded that more doctors should consider nephroptosis when examining cases of unexplained abdominal symptoms such as this one because the diagnosis and treatment are so simple. Exploited: Many elderly people just cannot get to grips with the internet So many banks, insurers and phone and energy giants don't seem to understand that, try as they might, some elderly people just cannot get to grips with the internet or modern smartphones. Fat-cat bosses at these firms appear equally unable to grasp that many pensioners, quite reasonably, don't want to spend their retirement squinting at a tiny screen. Either financial firms are blind to these realities, or the trend of hammering anyone who isn't online is up there with the most abhorrent money-making ploys around. Many victims have no idea they're being exploited. If you don't use the internet, you might not know British Gas offers periods of free electricity at weekends to online customers. And millions of over-65s without access to comparison sites unwittingly pay hundreds too much for car and home cover. Meanwhile, savers get far better rates online as banks rapidly close branches; people who pay bills by cheque are charged an extra 94 a year; and homeowners without computers are billed for broadband they can't use, because TalkTalk and others no longer offer landline-only deals. The upshot is that basic services are being stripped from the old to pay for phone apps and cheaper prices for the young. This slippery slope ends with elderly people feeling excluded from the Britain they spent their lives building. Financial firms and the watchdogs in charge of them need to stop treating the elderly as a nuisance, and realise they have a duty to look after the men and women who fought and worked for the freedom and prosperity that allowed our top British firms to grow into the giants they are today. Just a few measures from the Financial Conduct Authority or Competition and Markets Authority could make a big difference. For example, an industry-funded shopping-around service for insurance would save the elderly up to 800 million a year, calculations for Money Mail show. All that's needed is a freephone number reserved for the over-70s, and staff to answer and find the best deals. Another idea is banning firms from restricting their top deals to online customers. Yes, internet-only services are cheaper to run, but since when was that enough reason to justify blatant discrimination against the 3.8 million over-65s who are offline? Please send me any suggestions to help the older generation get a fair deal and Money Mail will lobby the powers that be. Sky-high service Tell me if you've had enough, but I do think it's important to keep circulating your tales of top-notch customer service. As well as highlighting trustworthy companies to other readers, it seems to me that dangling the carrot of good publicity in front of firms can only encourage the rip-off merchants to mend their ways. The latest comes from Patricia, from Stoke-on-Trent, who writes: 'I recently returned from Thailand, and on the final leg of the journey, to Manchester Airport, my suitcase was damaged. 'I reported it to the airport and two days later, I received a new suitcase! The company concerned was K2 Global Limited (Maidenhead). Very impressed!' Keep them coming. Resist bank bait An email dropped into my inbox at the weekend titled: 'Dan, what's stopping you?' Could it be from a holiday website that knows I'm hankering after some sun? Or perhaps a shopping website that's seen me browsing for shelves? No it turns out it's from a bank, First Direct, pushing its personal loan. It's hard to disagree that the deal is attractive at a rate of 3 per cent on 15,050 to 30,000. But I've never expressed an interest in getting a personal loan let alone told First Direct. To send emails asking what's 'stopping' me makes it seem like we need an excuse not to get into debt. In reality, you should never borrow cash unless you have a rock-solid reason for needing it. No wonder families in Britain, already 1.58 trillion in the red, keep piling on debt. The banks know full well what they're doing, and are raking in billions by treating the likes of you and me as mugs in their marketing letters and emails. Don't fall for it. d.hyde@dailymail.co.uk Primark defied the High Street gloom as it ramped up store openings and grew sales despite not having a shopping website. UK sales from existing stores grew by 3 per cent in the 24 weeks ending March 3, allowing owner Associated British Foods (ABF) to boost the interim dividend by 3 per cent to 11.7p per share. Shares increased 4.1 per cent as the retail and food group said profits at Primark were likely to rise in the second half of the year. Revenues within the division increased by 8 per cent to 3.5billion during the period, while profits were up 6 per cent to 341million. UK sales from existing Primark stores grew 3%in the 24 weeks ending March 3, allowing owner Associated British Foods (ABF) to c boosted the interim dividend 3% to 11.7p per share While high street rivals have struggled, Primark continued to open new shops and is adding 1.2m sq ft of store space during the current financial year. Sofie Willmott, retail analyst at Global Data, said the store had bucked the trend of other firms, which were banking on growth in online, to offset falls on the High Street. 'Primark has demonstrated once again that it does not need a transactional website to thrive in the UK market,' she said. 'At a time where major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, Next and New Look are reviewing their large store portfolios, Primark has continued to open stores.' Helen Merriott, lead retail partner at Ernst & Young, said Primark's success was partly down to the shopping experience that it offered its customers. 'Retailers need to have something they're best at, and what Primark is best at is, as a customer, being able to go in there and spend 20 and come out with a whole bag of clothes. What makes Primark a fun place to shop in is the joy of the hunt.' Unusually warm weather in parts of Europe last year dragged on Primark's overall sales as coats, scarves and gloves proved difficult to shift. Like-for-like sales across the entire Primark business fell 1.5 per cent. Yesterday ABF said the first Primark stores in the US were producing encouraging results, but it needed to learn more about the market before considering a major roll-out. Primark opened its first US store in Boston in 2015 and now trades from eight locations. A ninth will open in Brooklyn, New York, this year and a tenth in Florida in 2019. Analysts see Primark's expansion as the critical driver of AB Foods' prospects and consider the US as a potential game changer. ABF chief executive George Weston said: 'We're quietly encouraged by what we're seeing so far. We continue to learn but it's still very early days.' As expected, ABF's sugar business suffered with significantly lower prices for the commodity in the EU hitting its bottom line. Profits tumbled 30 per cent to 603million, which ABF also attributed to the sale of it US herbs and spices business and China sugar cane operations a year earlier. Across the wider group, which also owns Twinings tea and Kingsmill bread, revenues edged up by 2 per cent to 7.4billion while underlying half-year pre-tax profits rose 1 per cent to 628million. Boxscore: New York, NY - April 18, 2018 - The Montreal Alouettes of the CFL have announced the signing of former Tennessee Volunteers standout wide receiver Alton Howard, Tuesday. The Montreal Alouettes of the CFL have announced the signing of former Tennessee Volunteers standout wide receiver Alton Howard, Tuesday. In his 2014 Junior season Howard led the Vols in catches (54) and receiving yards (618). In October of his Senior season (2015) Howard was dismissed by Tennessee appearing in only two games after violating undisclosed team rules. Undrafted in 2016, last August Howard signed with the Chicago Bears spending the year on the Bears' practice squad. Career Notes: * His 112 career catches in three seasons with the Vols ties Howard with Denarius Moore for 12th all-time at Tennessee. * During his time at UT Howard had a 34 game reception streak. * A ESPN 4-star high school prospect (No. 150 overall prospect, No. 22 overall wide receiver, No. 29 prospect in Florida) Players released Tuesday by the Montreal Alouettes: Dillon Campbell (N), RB, Wilfrid Laurier Mikael Charland (N), DB, Concordia Seydou Junior Haidara (N), WR, Laval Matt Vonk (N), OL, Waterloo The chief of China's second biggest retailer has outlined a bold strategy to open 1,000 convenience stores a day. While virtually unknown in the UK, JD.com has risen to become one of the world's biggest shops because of the scale of its business in China. It is opening 1,000 of its franchise stores a week there and plans to ramp up expansion to grow by 1,000 a day by the end of the year, in a country of 1.4bn people. While that may seem beyond the realms of anything ever seen in Europe, JD.com boasts that it is receiving 50,000 applications a day from potential shopkeepers who want to borrow money to open a franchise. Richard Liu, 44, founder and chief executive of JD.com, said: 'As of last month, JD.com opened 1,000 convenience stores in China every week. Our target is to open 1,000 stores every day by year-end. Almost every store would be franchised. The applicants are mostly migrant workers who have returned to their villages or small towns. 'Our financial services arm would provide them with loans to open stores.' He said shopkeepers could earn around 900 a month. The plans come after JD.com opened its first round of shops in November, with 1,111 stores opened in a single day. Liu was originally given a loan by people in his village to complete his degree. The married father of two then built up the JD.com empire, now worth around 40billion, and has 292m active customers. He said: 'I always think if I can do something to help, just like 20 years ago the villagers helped me, it will benefit society and help young people find opportunities similar to those that were given to me.' Breakdown service the AA is used to rescuing drivers in distress but now it can even prevent motorists from starting their cars if it believes the vehicle will break down. Chief executive Simon Breakwell revealed how AA engineers had phoned a driver and told them not to start their Audi after the firm's Car Genie device detected problems with its engine. The gadget monitors the vehicles' engines and software, feeding back information from the car to the AA to predict problems such as engine failure and gearbox faults. AA's Car Genie gadget monitors the vehicles' engines and software, feeding back information from the car to the AA to predict problems such as engine failure and gearbox faults It is now being used in about 6,000 cars as a trial and the AA says indications so far are that it has been able to predict about one-third of breakdowns before they happen. It plans to expand the trial to tens of thousands of members this year. Breakwell, 52, said: 'Even if it is just a fraction of that, we have the potential to move the AA from not just being there when you do break down, but trying to prevent you from breaking down in the first place. 'The reason why that is powerful is because when your car does break down it is invariably a total nightmare; you remember vividly when it happened and how upsetting it was. 'So preventing that happening could be a very powerful thing for our members.' He added: 'I was in Oldbury a couple of months ago where we actually called up a member had a little Audi, if I recall and told them not to start their vehicle because there was a problem with their big end [part of the engine]. A genie at the wheel Car Genie is a gadget that drivers plug into a port usually found in the footwell of their vehicle. It gathers information from computer systems inside the car which check the vehicles engine, gearbox and other parts, and diagnoses problems. It sends messages back to the AA, and its software works out what is going on. If a problem is found, it then sends the driver a message via their mobile phone, telling them what needs fixing. In severe cases, AA engineers might also pick up the phone to speak to customers. The device was launched in March 2017. 'So in some cases [it is] messaging members, in some severe cases actually calling a member up and telling them not to start their vehicle. So it's all of those things, diagnoses, all kinds of problems.' The AA says it hopes Car Genie could help it provide scheduled repairs as well as being a breakdown service. The firm was rocked by the departure of executive chairman Bob Mackenzie last year as well as profit warnings, which have prompted a strategic review. Showing signs of recovery, the AA reported a 2 per cent rise in annual revenue to 959million. Roadside assistance revenue was up 5million to 747million, while insurance services rose from 131million to 133million. Profits of 391million were down 3 per cent, partly due to it paying third-party garages to take some roadside assistance calls due to high demand in the summer. Breakwell said it was getting more patrols onto roads, as he recognised members didn't like being picked up by garages. Analysts at Cenkos said devices including Car Genie meant the AA now had a clear technological lead over its rivals. They added: 'It's still early days, but with a strengthened board and management team, the AA's recovery is under way.' The AA is paying a dividend of 5p per share. Its shares have fallen around 60 per cent since last year, but regained 17.4 per cent, or 19.8p, yesterday to close at 133.5p. Yesterday also saw Breakwell back the recovery, splashing out 169,000 on 142,249 shares at an average of 118p per share. It is believed to be his first share purchase since he was appointed as the company's permanent chief executive last September. The share slump has prompted speculation of takeover bids, although none has been disclosed to the market. The founder of online fashion chain Asos has used more than 60million of shares to secure a loan from Credit Suisse. Nick Robertson, 50, who set up the company in 2000 and is a non-executive director, has put up 1m of his own shares. They were worth more than 62million when trading closed last night. Robertson owns just over 5m Asos shares worth 312million. Plans: Nick Robertson, 50, who set up Asos in 2000 and is a non-executive director, has put up 1m of his own shares The deal with Credit Suisse comes two years after he was ordered to hand over 70million to his first wife Janine in one of Britains biggest divorce settlements. His ex-wife, with whom he has two children, had wanted 110million, half his fortune at the time. Robertson, the great-grandson of retailer Austin Reed, married Janine in 2004 but the couple separated in 2013. She kept the 12million family home in London, while Robertson moved in with his former personal assistant, Charlotte Balin, 15 years his junior. They have since married. Asos last night refused to say what the loan with Credit Suisse was for. Sources said it was nothing to do with his divorce. Veronique Laury, chief exec of B&Q owner Kingfisher, outlined her vision for the future B&Q could ditch openings of giant out-of-town warehouses to focus on smaller convenience stores, its boss has predicted. Veronique Laury, chief executive of B&Q owner Kingfisher, outlined her vision for the future of the company, which also owns Screwfix in the UK. Asked at the World Retail Congress in Madrid how stores owned by Kingfisher will change over the next three to five years, Laury hinted that opening convenience stores could be its next move. She said: 'I think there are two directions of travel for stores, I think one of them is ultimate convenience, to be where people want you to be and to be as close as possible to where people live. 'The big impact on that is urbanisation, everywhere in the world more people are living around cities. It's about how you get to those people as close as you can.' Kingfisher could roll out plans for its B&Q business similar to the rapid expansion of its Screwfix stores, which sell tools for tradesmen. While B&Q sales have been suffering, with a fall of 5.3 per cent last year, Screwfix has been a stand-out performer with growth of 16.7 per cent. Its model of smaller outposts in town centres is a hit with customers who don't want to drive miles to a bigger shop. Rival Homebase, bought by Australian chain Wesfarmers, saw its transformation into Bunnings stores fail as customers shunned the idea of going to big, warehouse-style shops. While B&Q sales have been suffering in recent years, with falls of 5.3% last year, Screwfix has been a stand-out performer with growth of around 16% Kingfisher aims to open 700 Screwfix stores in the UK, so that 97 per cent of people are within a 30-minute drive of a shop, and has opened hundreds in the last few years. Its five-year strategy is to cut costs, improve IT and integrate its products across all businesses. Laury said stores were also likely to stock fewer products, with staff on hand to offer advice on what to buy. 'I was in one of our stores last week and there was a whole display 10 metres high of head tool replacements for drills. 'I thought as a customer, who is going to shop like that in five years from now? And actually, I thought, no one. 'We don't need all of that stock in our stores in the future, we definitely don't.' Laury, 52, who lives in France and has a daughter and two sons, said many businesses had simply been too slow to react to the pace of change created by companies such as Amazon. She said the unstoppable boom in online shopping meant Kingfisher's workforce was likely to shrink over the next five years but declined to say by how much. It employs 78,000 people at its 1,300 stores in the UK, Western Europe, Russia and Turkey. She said: 'For 50 years, retail has been location, location, location. The race was to get the best store in the best location and if there is a cost associated with that it would be fine. Technology has changed all that.' China's baby boom is lifting sales at the worlds largest yogurt maker, Danone. The French firm behind brands such as Actimel and Activia said quarterly sales grew more than expected, at nearly 5 per cent, to 5.2billion, boosted by demand for its baby formula in China. The country is seeing a sharp growth in births after the government allowed parents to have more than one child. Danone said quarterly sales grew more than expected, at nearly 5% to 5.2%, boosted by demand for its baby formula in China Danone is beating rivals Nestle and Reckitt in the race to feed Chinas babies, by selling direct to customers via e-commerce as well as stores. Finance chief Cecile Cabanis said she expected strong demand for baby products such as Aptamil baby milk to continue during the second quarter. Demand also grew in the US, Latin America and Europe. Sales at its specialised nutrition business, which includes its infant milk, rose 14.5 per cent to 1.6billion. Sales at the firms water business, which includes brands such as Evian, rose 4.2 per cent to 850million. Danone chief executive Emmanuel Faber said he was very pleased with the results, and the company was on track to meet its targets for 2018. Total has bought a 74% stake in French electricity retailer Direct Energie French oil major Total is splurging 1.2billion on a 74 per cent stake in French electricity retailer Direct Energie, the latest oil firm to see its future in the electricity market. The deal will make it a major challenger in France to the state-owned market leader EDF. Total entered the French retail power market in 2016 when it bought Belgiums Lampiris, and the purchase adds 2.6m clients to its existing 1.5m. Oil firms are increasingly moving into the electricity market amid a decline in demand for oil and growth of electric cars. Shell has bought First Utilitys retail supply business in the UK, while BP has been exploring selling electricity to businesses. Totals Patrick Pouyanne said: This friendly takeover is part of the strategy to expand along the entire gas-electricity value chain and to develop low-carbon energies. The firm is targeting more than 6m customers in France and more than 1m in Belgium by 2022. BP said it believes 30 per cent of kilometres travelled by passenger cars will be powered by electricity. Up to 350 bank branches are set to be axed by Lloyds and Royal Bank of Scotland in a devastating cull. Lloyds has laid bare plans to scrap 1,230 jobs and shut 49 more branches in its latest cost cuts. But the Mail can reveal RBS is also expected to soon announce it will close up to 300 outlets which were once going to be spun off as a separate bank. The closures will affect branches across the country from city high streets to isolated rural areas. Endangered: RBS is expected to soon announce it will close up to 300 outlets which were once going to be spun off as a separate bank Campaigners fear that shopkeepers and vulnerable people will suffer as they are cut off from basic financial services. Mike Cherry of the Federation of Small Businesses said: Withdrawing branches from communities comes with real risks to small firms. 'Without the ability to easily deposit cash, they have to hold more of it on site. That can make them targets for crime. Equally, bank branches are vital to encouraging high street footfall. The Lloyds closures include branches from Keswick in the Lake District to Bovey Tracey in Devon. They will trigger the loss of 1,230 jobs, although Lloyds said it is creating 925 new roles elsewhere an overall loss of 305 roles. They are part of a major shift by the bank as it pushes customers to use the internet because this is far cheaper. Boss Antonio Horta-Osorio has cut around 26,000 jobs since taking charge of Lloyds in 2011, and ditched around a third of its branches to save money. RBS is expected to unveil more closures in a fight to return to normality and begin paying dividends again to shareholders. The Mail understands around 300 old RBS branches in England face the chop, because many are close to existing Natwest branches, part of the same group. They were supposed to be spun off into a new lender, Williams & Glyn, to satisfy competition rules but this no longer has to happen and most are likely to shut. The lender is to pump an extra 2billion into its pension scheme by the end of this year to close its funding gap. This cash will come from the banks reserves, meaning profits will not be affected. Up to 1.5billion more will be handed over from 2020 onwards with RBS putting the same amount into its retirement scheme that it returns to shareholders until this limit is reached. RBS declined to comment on its closure plans. They used hydraulic cutters to release her after getting stuck for The 14-year-old girl had to be cut free by firefighters at the reserve in Aldinga, SA A dare went horribly wrong leaving a teenager stuck in a playground swing for 90 minutes. The 14-year-old girl had to be cut free by firefighters from the swing, designed for toddlers, at a park in Aldinga, South Australia. They used hydraulic cutters to release her and the council had to replace the swing after the youngster became trapped. A dare went horribly wrong leaving a teenager stuck in a playground swing and had to be cut out by firefighters The 14-year-old girl had to be cut free after she got stuck in the swing at a reserve in Aldinga, South Australia Paramedics also attended alongside a crew from the County Fire Service (CFS) but the teenager was not injured. The incident took place on April 5 with the swing replaced by Onkaparinga Council the following day. Pictures of the dramatic rescue posted on social media showed three firemen working to get the girl free while a group of her friends watched on. Aldinga Beach CFS brigade captain Luke Trewartha told Daily Mail Australia the girl had been on a school trip. Paramedics also attended alongside a crew from the County Fire Service who used hydraulic cutters to release her He said: 'It was our crews who did the rescue at this incident. It ended up one female teenager stuck in a children's swing seat. 'I believe the teens were in some sort of school excursion with multiple bus loads of students present. 'Crews in the end had to use hydraulic cutting equipment to free the casualty.' City operations director Kirk Richardson told the Southern Times Messenger the replacement cost $250. Posted 4/17/18 At least 20 area businesses will look for future employees at the upcoming Bolivar Area Job Fair, a partnership between the Bolivar Area Chamber of Commerce, Roy Blunt YMCA and Bolivar Herald-Free A police sergeant posted photos of herself enjoying luxurious holidays on Instagram while she was off work from her 45,000-a-year job for seven months with stress. Sergeant Leanne Carr, 33, considered by bosses to be a poster girl for Lincolnshire Police, uploaded pictures of herself snorkeling in Thailand, watching the sun set on a beach in Cyprus and snowboarding in the Austrian Alps. The images, many of which show her in skimpy outfits and in suggestive poses, were posted onto her Facebook and Instagram accounts. She suffered a stress-related illness last year after being made the subject of an internal investigation into misconduct. Sergeant Leanne Carr (pictured), of Lincolnshire Police, posted photos of herself enjoying luxurious holidays on Instagram while she was off work for seven months with stress Sgt Carr, 33, was being investigated for misconduct by Lincolnshire Police while she was off from her 45,000-a-year job and uploaded pictures of exotic holidays Sgt Carr, who returned to work in January, uploaded photos of her snorkeling in Thailand, watching the sun set on a beach in Cyprus and snowboarding in the Austrian Alps. She also posed with a 2009 Dom Perignon Vintage bottle worth 130 while in South Africa Sgt Carr appears on a promotional video for Lincolnshire Police in February last year before she went off last June with stress Sources said there was no confirmation whether Sgt Carr, who works at Grantham police station, took her holidays when she was off work with stress, but she uploaded to social media during that period. She first posted photos of a holiday to Thailand on April 12 - three months before she left work for an extended period. She has also modelled for a clothing company called Alutius, an extreme sports brand run by her businessman boyfriend Luke Westen. Mr Westen, whose Instagram profile says he is from South Africa as he poses beside a Porsche, a Bentley and is pictured at exotic locations around the world. A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman told MailOnline that officers were allowed to go on holiday when they were off with illness. However the photos have angered some police colleagues who have accused Sgt Carr of squandering taxpayers' cash to lead a jet-set lifestyle. Sgt Carr has also modelled for a clothing company called Alutius, an extreme sports brand run by run by her businessman boyfriend Luke Westen (pictured) during her seven months off sick Sources said there was no confirmation when Sgt Carr took her holidays when she was off work with stress, but she uploaded to social during the seven months that she was off sick However the photos uploaded to Instagram have angered some police colleagues who have accused Sgt Carr of squandering taxpayers' cash to lead a jet-set lifestyle A Lincolnshire Police spokeswoman told MailOnline when asked about Sgt Carr's social media photos that officers were allowed to go on holiday when they were off with illness A police source told MailOnline: 'She certainly doesn't look very stressed in the images she's put on her social media. 'In fact she's having a whale of a time in luxury resorts all over the world - all funded by the public purse of course. 'What has angered colleagues is that while she's been uploading these globetrotting snaps, she's supposed to have been off work sick. 'Officers have a tough job to do and sometimes the strain becomes too much but these photos of her living a life of luxury while she was supposed to be recovering are a bit hard to take.' Sgt Carr took seven months off work from June last year. She was the subject of an internal misconduct investigation, which has now been concluded. Sgt Carr, pictured in her uniform on duty is seen as a 'poster girl' for Lincolnshire Police Police said the matter was dealt with during a misconduct meeting while details of the allegation against Sgt Carr will not be disclosed. She returned to work 'on recuperative duties' in January and is now back working full time. Although MailOnline cannot confirm where exactly she went during her time on sick leave, last September she posted images of herself in a Baywatch-style bikini sunbathing in Cyprus. A month later, she posted several photographs of herself frolicking in the in the snow in Austria. One photo of her snowboarding has the caption: 'Don't be fooled by the amount of snow on my clothing, I'm actually a pro.' And in November and December she uploaded a number of images of a holiday in Thailand. She stayed at the Holiday Inn Resort on Phi Phi Island, according to her Instagram page, which boasts wood furnished rooms with flat screen televisions, a hill top bar overlooking the sea, three restaurants and a diving centre. One photo shows her sitting in an infinity pool looking out to Phi Phi Island with the caption: 'I think to myself what a wonderful world.' However other images leave little to the imagination, particularly one more recent snap which shows her kneeling topless on a beach in Cape Town, South Africa with two pineapples covering her modesty. She posed with colleagues as they posed in front of a Honda CR-V that was seized and crushed in the force's clampdown on the illegal bloodsport of hare coursing The inscription reads: 'Be a pineapple, stand tall, wear a crown and be sweet inside' The police source added: 'This is a senior officer a sergeant earning around 45,000-a-year and in my opinion some of the photos are not befitting of someone in that role. 'In practically every photograph she is wearing next to nothing and some of the poses she does are very suggestive. 'Lincolnshire Police know about this but are allowing it to happen despite having a strict policy on what an officer can share on social media.' Sgt Carr is seen as a 'poster girl' for Lincolnshire Police, colleagues have told MailOnline. Two years ago as a then acting inspector, she paid a surprise visit to eight-year-old police 'superfan' Thomas Genovese at his home in Market Deeping. Together with a PCSO she delivered a DVD of a force promotional film the youngster had starred in. Last March, shortly before she went off work sick, she was part of a PR exercise which saw a car that had been used by an illegal hare courser being crushed in front members of the local press. She was interviewed on camera afterwards and said: 'Coursing is a big problem across the county, not only among persons who think hare coursing is a cruel sport. It's about looking at the impact it has on rural and farming communities.' Sgt Carr also starred in a Lincolnshire Police video uploaded onto YouTube last year called 'A day in the life of a rural crime officer'. It followed her as she chased suspected hare coursers around Sleaford using camera drones. Sgt Carr posted this photo of herself on Boulders Beach, Cape Town, with the caption: 'Move in the direction of your dreams... even if it's just a little waddle towards them.' The picture was posted on March 18 this year. She returned to work for Lincolnshire Police in January this year In April, the police officer posted this photo of her looking out to sea at Chapmans Peak Drive, South Africa, on a holiday she took three months after a seven month absence with stress Sgt Carr wrote the caption, 'When life hands you pineapples, make pina coladas' when she posted photos of her trip to Cape Town (above) Lincolnshire Police confirmed that Sgt Carr had taken seven months off work for stress after being the subject of an internal investigation into misconduct and was permitted to take holidays during that time. Detective Superintendent Suzanne Davies said: 'The officer in question was absent from work due to illness for a period of seven months whilst an internal misconduct investigation was carried out. 'These matters have now been concluded and were dealt with by way of a misconduct meeting, details of which are not made public because they deal with less serious internal matters. This was in accordance with Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012. 'When any officer is absent from work due to illness regular contact is maintained with them and they entitled to do as they wish during that time, including going on holiday, as long as it does not prohibit their return to work as soon as possible. 'I am satisfied that this officer returned to work as soon as she was able to.' Det Supt Davies said the force was aware of Sgt Carr's Instagram and Facebook pages. She added: 'We are aware that a number of our officers have personal social media accounts and are, of course, entitled to a private life. 'If anything is included on those accounts that breaches the high standards a police officer should maintain at all times we will investigate and act accordingly to make sure that is dealt with appropriately.' Sgt Carr's proud father Graham Carr (pictured with his second wife Lesley) has defended his globetrotting daughter saying that she 'goes away a lot' with her 'millionaire' lover Meanwhile Sgt Carr's proud father today defended his globetrotting daughter. Graham Carr said Sergeant Leanne Carr took holidays while she was off work because she loves traveling and it helped her with stress. Speaking from his home in Mexborough, South Yorkshire, Mr Carr, 59, a gas safety installer, admitted: 'She's had time off work for stress and during this time she's been on holidays all over the world, which has helped her and she's now back at work.' Mr Carr said his daughter Sgt Leanne Carr enjoyed flaunting her fabulous figure in skimpy bikinis, saying: 'She looks like a model! She's got the curves just like her mum and I'm proud of the way she looks, but I'm biased.' Graham told how his daughter loved her job with Lincolnshire Police but had endured 'a lot of grief' from colleagues after taking time off work through stress - and going away on numerous trips across the world to help her recuperate. She had also had to cope with two painful failed relationships with police officers. And he said Sgt Carr who studied forensic science and criminology at Lincoln University suffered 'an appalling' shoulder injury eight years ago due to a force error which required two operations, for which she sued her employer for compensation. He revealed: 'She was on a training mission using a battery ram to break down doors. In practice a piece of wood is put behind the door to stop it breaking. 'But when Leanne gave the door a good whack it gave in and broke because the wood behind it was damp and she surged forward injuring her shoulder. 'She's had to have two operations on it - the first one didn't mend it and she's had to have rehab. 'She was off work because of the shoulder injury and there was a bit of a carry on about how much time she'd had off. She was given grief by some of her colleagues. She put in a claim for compensation over the accident. That caused a problem too became none of the colleagues on her training course wanted to give evidence in case it jeopardised their jobs.' He went on: 'She's had a tough time and deserves some happiness. She goes on holiday a lot all over the world and I can't keep up with all the places she's been to. Sometimes I don't even know where's she's been till she's back.' 'Being away seeing different places helps her cope with her stress. She's doing nothing wrong.' Of his daughter's new partner, who she's beeb dating for six months, he added: 'He's into extreme sports, Leanne's not, but she enjoys going away to watch him. He was in a snowboarding competition over Christmas so they made a holiday out of it. It was either in Austria or the Swiss Alps, I can't remember she goes away so much!' Sgt Carr declined to comment when approached by MailOnline. Advertisement More than 200 people in Hawaii were airlifted to safety on Monday but rescue efforts could be jeopardized as a second storm is expected to hit Kauai, dumping even more rain on the already flooded area. According to Matthew Foster, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a storm is headed towards Kauai Wednesday night into Thursday. 'That low-pressure system that brought us all that weather this weekend is about 800 miles west of us now,' Foster said, according to the Star Advertiser. 'It's going to weaken and then it's going to start moving back towards us tomorrow.' Scroll down for video More than 200 people were airlifted to safety on Monday by the US Army, National Guard and the country, officials said The storm, which hit Saturday, dumped 28.1 inches of rainfall in the small North Shore town of Hanalei, on the island of Kauai, in the span of 24 hours Matthew Foster, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Honolulu, a storm is headed towards Kauai Wednesday night into Thursday The second storm is expected to bring heavy rains, which could mean more flooding in areas that were already devastated by Saturday's storm Foster said the storm, however, won't stick around as long as the storm over the weekend did. A girl is pictured walking through the living room of her home Monday to survey the damage The eastern half, including Maui and Hawaii Island are expected to be hit by the second storm Thursday to Friday morning, Foster said During Monday's rescues, about 25 of those people had to be airlifted from a local state park, Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources said 'It probably will be another round of heavy rain and potentially thunderstorms,' he said. 'The grounds are already very saturated, so it's not going to take as much to bring the flooding back.' Foster said the storm will most likely hit Kauai and Oahu Wednesday night through Thursday night. The eastern half, including Maui and Hawaii Island, are expected to be hit Thursday to Friday morning. Foster said the storm should push through quickly and wont stay around too long like the one that hit the area over the weekend. On Tuesday, authorities said that the US Army, National Guard and the country airlifted more than 220 people and would be going back for more evacuations. About 25 of those people rescued had to be airlifted from a local state park, Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources. According to local emergency management officials, 13 people remain stuck at a shelter in Kilauea. On Saturday, hundreds of residents and tourists had to flee to evacuation centers as a storm dropped 28.1 inches of rainfall in the small North Shore town of Hanalei, on the island of Kauai, in the span of 24 hours. The National Weather Service says the record of rainfall for a 24-hour period in Hanalei was set in 2012 at 28.54 inches. According to local emergency management officials, 13 people remain stuck at a shelter in Kilauea Saturdays storm left hundreds of residents and tourists seeking shelter in evacuation centers Even though Saturday's storms were bad it didn't set a record. The National Weather Service says the record of rainfall for a 24-hour period in Hanalei was set in 2012 at 28.54 inches County spokeswoman Sarah Blane said that at least two homes on the North Shore were completely wiped off their foundations because of the flooding Blane said Saturday's storm was the worst storm in recent memory, while some residents said it was worse than Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which resulted in the death of six people Jeffrey Pollastrini stands inside his home on Monday, April 16, 2018, in Hanalei, Kauai surveying the damage An aerial view shows the amount of flooding that hit the area over the weekend The heavy rainfall triggered massive flooding and landslides trapping many people in their homes and in evacuation centers. Coralie Matayoshi with the American Red Cross of Hawaii said Tuesday that assessment of the damage would start taking place. 'The weather was bad and the roads were blocked, we couldn't do it before,' Matayoshi said. As rescue crews work to get people to safety, officials are working to clear landslides and repair utility poles that toppled over during the storm. Health officials are also advising people in some areas not to drink or cook with tap water because of damage to a main line. There have been no reports of major injuries. County spokeswoman Sarah Blane said that at least two homes on the North Shore were completely wiped off their foundations. Both houses were vacant, she said. 'It's definitely the worst storm in recent memory,' Blane said. Some residents in the are said Saturday's flood was worse than Hurricane Iniki in 1992, which resulted in the death of six people. Hanalei Elementary School has been closed since the storm hit and said it will keep its doors shut Wednesday, but anticipates reopening on Thursday. The school is the only one closed on Kauai. A former Starbucks supervisor says the manager who called police on two black men was a controlling boss racist towards both customers and employees. Ieshaa Cash claimed she was demoted and her pay cut without reason after Holly Hylton took over the Philadelphia Center City store last year. The 41-year-old said Hylton, 31, was 'uncomfortable' around non-white customers and often targeted them for removal from the store. Cash spoke out as Howard Schultz, Starbucks executive chairman, told CBS This Morning that he was 'ashamed' at what had happened and said: 'I think what occurred was reprehensible at every single level.' Ieshaa Cash, 41, claimed she was demoted and her pay cut without reason after Holly Hylton took over the Philadelphia Center City Starbucks last year The former supervisor says Holly Hylton (right), who called police on two black men on Tursday, was a controlling boss racist towards both customers and employees Video of the men, who were waiting for a friend, being arrested for 'trespassing' prompted protests and forced the Starbucks chief executive to apologise Starbucks executive chairman Howard Schultz, who made it a worldwide name, spoke on Wednesday to CBS This Morning's Gayle King about the incident, calling it 'reprehensible' at every level The chain is closing every single branch next month for a day of 'implicit bias training'. Hylton set off the events which sparked outrage last Thursday when she called cops on two black men for 'refusing to make a purchase of leave'. The two were marched out of the store in handcuffs by police. 'Hi, I have two gentlemen at my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave. I'm at the Starbucks at 18th and Spruce,' she said in the 911 call made at 4.37pm last Thursday, which was released by cops on Wednesday. Video of the men, who were waiting for a friend, being arrested for 'trespassing' prompted protests and forced the Starbucks chief executive and now Schultz, the former CEO who turned it into a worldwide chain, to apologize. One of the men was Rashon Nelson, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Alpha Eta chapter who graduated from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania in 2017. Cash started working for Starbucks as a shift supervisor in December 2016 and Hylton was hired several months later last spring. Staff said their new boss was 'controlling, aggressive, and emotional' but Cash said special disdain was reserved for her. 'Holly always looked for things to complain about and was constantly nitpicking about minor things. I could never do anything right to her,' she said. 'One time I ordered an extra sleeve of cups and she went off and gave me a written warning even though we would use them anyway.' Cash said she was the only black employee at the store besides an assistant manager who was too senior for her boss to 'mess with', and worked opposite shifts to Hylton. With winter approaching and her patience wearing thin, the mother-of-three decided to transfer to a store closer to home last fall. She cleared it with the other store and then spoke to her boss, who initially seemed happy to facilitate the move. The 41-year-old said Holly Hylton, 31, was 'uncomfortable' around non-white customers and often targeted them for removal from the store Police officers monitor activity outside as protesters demonstrate inside the Starbucks store where the two men were arrested last Thursday Cash, a part time stand-up comic, claimed Hylton called the police on several people during her time there, and they were always black However, she said the next day Hylton summoned her to a meeting where she said she was ' not comfortable' with Cash remaining a supervisor. Instead she would be demoted to a standard barista with a corresponding pay cut and shipped off to a completely different store. When Cash asked for an explanation she was simply told: 'That's the way I feel.' She said a further explanation was never provided to her. 'I've never been in trouble or disciplined and all the regular customers loved me,' Cash said. 'I think it's because she's racist, she was trying to push me other because she uncomfortable with a black person being there.' The part-time stand-up comic tried to fight the demotion through district management, but claimed she was ignored and her hours slowly reduced at her new store until she quit last month. Cash said in the time she was at the 18th and Spruce St store, Hylton seemed uncomfortable around non-white customers and avoided serving them. 'Holly was very attentive with all the white customers, always making sure they were happy and served quickly,' she said. 'But she was cold and standoffish to everyone else and would say "they can wait". She often made the baristas serve them so she wouldn't have to.' People of all races would frequently come into the store to take advantage of the free wifi, but Cash said her manager often let whites slide. 'She always found a reason to kick black people out, she was way more likely to ask them to leave over white people who hadn't made a purchase,' she said. 'Baristas were usually told to ask them to leave because Holly was so uncomfortable confronting them.' Cash claimed Hylton called the police on several people during her time there, and they were always black. She said Hylton's attitude resulted in numerous black regulars defecting to other Starbucks stores. 'Holly was always very careful with what she said, but you could see her racism from the way she acted around people of colour,' Cash said. In 2014 a former co-worker wrote in a Facebook post that she wished Hylton was still in the store to help her translate for customers who only spoke Spanish. Hylton replied: 'Ugggghhh I wish I was there! I took an order the other day in Spanish. We only get Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic speakers here. Rude!' The manager, who did not reply to messages from MailOnline, earlier claimed loitering was an ongoing issue in the Philadelphia Starbucks. Hylton blamed the incident on what she claimed was a corporate policy at Center City Philadelphia locations which prohibits excessive loitering in their stores Ms Hylton previously called customers who didn't speak English 'rude' in a Facebook post at a previous fast-food job Rashon Nelson, one of the two men arrested, is a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity's Alpha Eta chapter and graduated from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania in 2017 Rev. Gregory Holston, 56, (2nd R) and other Interfaith clergy leaders stage a sit-in at the Center City Starbucks She told TechBook on Saturday that one person had even chased her around the shop after she asked them to leave. Hylton blamed what she claimed was a corporate policy at Center City Philadelphia locations which prohibits excessive loitering in their stores. She told the news outlet management has the discretion to ensure the policy is enforced - even if that means calling in the cops. She also revealed that she doesn't even tell the customers when she's calling the police. Hylton reportedly refused to say whether it was normal practice for managers or employees to call the police when they found customers loitering. A representative for Starbucks said on Monday that she had left the coffee chain 'while there is an internal review pending.' Starbucks chief executive Kevin Johnson arrived in Philadelphia this weekend after activists started protesting at the store. Johnson met with Nelson and his still-unidentified friend on Monday to apologize to them face-to-face. He added Starbucks wanted to add training for store managers on 'unconscious bias' after calling the incident 'reprehensible'. 'I'd like to have a dialogue with them and the opportunity to listen to them with compassion and empathy through the experience they went through,' he said. Johnson said it was 'completely inappropriate to engage the police'. Starbucks Corp on Tuesday announced it would close 8,000 company-owned U.S. cafes for the afternoon on May 29 to train nearly 175,000 staff on how to prevent racial discrimination in its stores. Emmanuel Macron has delivered an embarrassing snub to Theresa May by claiming that he is the closest world leader to Donald Trump. The French president, the first foreign premier to be given a state visit to Washington, bragged in an interview that he had a 'very personal relationship' with the US President. Ignoring the 'special relationship' between Britain and America, Mr Macron said: 'France is the United States' oldest ally. We will always stand side by side.' France's president Emmanuel Macron snubbed Theresa May in an interview with an American magazine. He bragged of his 'very personal relationship' with US President Donald Trump The comments will be viewed as a challenge to the Prime Minister, who has cultivated her relationship with Mr Trump and is relying on the US for a good trade deal after Brexit. Mr Macron, 40, made the remarks in an interview with the American magazine Vanity Fair, published yesterday, ahead of his state visit next week with his wife Brigitte, 65. He said he and Mr Trump 'talk on the phone on a regular basis' and that he appreciates his frankness. 'I have always been very clear and straightforward about our disagreements,' he said. Over the past year he and Mr Trump 'have developed a good level of trust and respect'. Mr Macron said: 'I appreciate the forthright conversations I have with President Trump as they help us understand each other. 'Whether it be on the Iran [nuclear] deal or on trade, I believe we can actually reach a common ground. These talks take place in the context of the unique and long-lasting alliance between our two countries'. Mr Macron, 40, said he and Mr Trump 'talk on the phone on a regular basis' and that he appreciates his frankness. The comments will be viewed as a challenge to the Prime Minister It came as the French president called for the UK to abandon Brexit and warned that the EU is locked in a 'civil war' over its deepening political divisions. Mr Macron said a decision by Britain to stay in the EU would offer a perfect 'solution' as negotiations continue. He presented the contentious offer after telling Mrs May that she will soon need to start making 'coherent' choices about the shape of a deal and that the UK will soon need to 'grasp with reality'. Addressing the UK's departure next year, he said: 'I'm for the strongest and closest relationship possible, and there's one solution we know well for that it is EU membership. It is the one solution that allows access to the single market, access to freedoms and good integration.' He rejected possible UK proposals for selective access to parts of the EU after Brexit. Mr Macron made the comments during a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, as he dramatically warned the EU not to 'sleepwalk' towards another war in Europe. Hinting at the popularity of Eurosceptic parties, he said: 'There seems to be a European civil war, national selfishness and negativism seems to take precedence over what brings us together. There is a fascination with the illiberal and it is growing all the time.' As a saga of government and civil service incompetence, of ineptitude bordering on cruelty, of ingratitude, ignorance and failure, the Home Office's disastrous misjudgment in relation to the children of Windrush arrivals from the Commonwealth countries takes some beating. That said, it's not the first time we've been here: a decade ago, Gurkha veterans natives of Nepal who have served alongside British soldiers for almost 200 years, with more than 50,000 dying in service and 13 receiving the Victoria Cross were forced to take the Labour government of the day to the High Court in order to win the automatic right to settle here. And now, we've let it happen again. This latest outrage is yet another example not only of how poorly Britain sometimes treats those to whom it owes a great debt, but also of how twisted our bureaucratic morals are, says Sarah Vine This latest outrage is yet another example not only of how poorly Britain sometimes treats those to whom it owes a great debt, but also of how twisted our bureaucratic morals are. Because, as both cases prove, it is always those who play by the rules and do the right thing who get punished while those who act on the sly seem only to get rewarded for it. Thus, on the one hand, you have women like Sarah O'Connor, who was interviewed in yesterday's Mail, a hard-working 57-year-old from Dagenham, who followed her mother to Britain aged six in 1966 and who now finds herself branded an illegal immigrant, despite having been a British taxpayer for the past 30 years. On the other hand, you have individuals who flush their passports down the toilet and lie about their age in order to claim asylum, or take advantage of our generous welfare system to line their own pockets, or accept everything this country has to offer by way of education and healthcare before espousing extremist views and bringing death and destruction to our streets. Leaders and representatives of Caribbean countries attend a meeting with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London on Tuesday The latter shamelessly exploit every legal and moral loophole in the book, while the former find themselves homeless, stateless and helpless. Of course, you could argue that people like Sarah should have taken it upon themselves to get their official status sorted out a long time ago. But, then again, when you've made your life somewhere in the belief that this is your home because it is where your parents were invited to settle, why would you have any doubts about your rights to citizenship? After all, nationality is so much more than a piece of paper with a number on it. It's about contributing, belonging, being a useful member of society. Many of these people have done more than their fair share of that. Windrush arrives from Jamaica on June 21, 1948 So, yes, this is a story of government and, in some cases, personal incompetence. But it's also a story of how we now live in a world that treats people as pieces of paper, rather than individuals. Of the exasperating 'Computer Says No' existence we all lead, where unless who and what we are ticks the right boxes, we risk being robbed of our very identity. But that is what happens when you replace people with automation. You strip out all the common sense and flexibility of human thought and end up in situations where a woman who has made 30 years' worth of tax and National Insurance contributions is deemed a non-person simply for lacking the right bit of paper. In any sane world (where humans, not computers, still ran things), someone sensible would have realised the absurdity of this and rectified the error. But, nowadays, this is simply not possible. The hoops are the hoops and, if you cannot jump through them, you do not qualify. The result: those who know how to play the system win, and those who can't are left to suffer. Authorities have confirmed the identity of a body found floating off the coast of Northern California as 12-year-old Ciera Hart, whose family of eight was killed when her adoptive parents mysteriously drove their SUV off a cliff last month. The discovery of Ciera's body was announced on social media by the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office. Ciera was the youngest of six adopted children. Authorities are now searching for the two remaining missing children - Devonte Hart, 15, and Hannah Hart, 16. The body of Ciera Hart (seen third from left), 12, has been identified, authorities announced on Tuesday. Sarah and Jennifer Hart and their six adopted children were believed to be in the family's SUV when it plunged off a cliff in Mendocino County last month Last week, authorities learned that the woman who drove off the cliff last month in an SUV carrying her wife and adopted children was drunk. Toxicology tests found Jennifer Hart had an alcohol level of 0.102, said California Patrol Capt. Bruce Carpenter. California drivers are considered drunk with a level of 0.08 or higher. Toxicology tests also found that her wife Sarah Hart and two of their children had 'a significant amount' of an ingredient commonly found in the allergy drug Benadryl, which can make people sleepy. Toxicology results for a third child killed are still pending, Carpenter said. Carpenter said none of the car's occupants were wearing seatbelts. Toxicology tests found Jennifer Hart (left) had an alcohol level of 0.102 Sarah and Jennifer Hart and their six adopted children were believed to be in the family's SUV when it plunged off a cliff in Mendocino County, more than 160 miles north of San Francisco. Authorities have said that data from the vehicle's software suggested the crash was deliberate, though the California Highway Patrol has not concluded why the vehicle went off an ocean overlook on a rugged part of coastline. A specialized team of accident investigators is trying to figure that out with help from the FBI, Carpenter said. Five bodies were found March 26 near the small city of Mendocino, a few days after Washington state authorities began investigating the Harts for possible child neglect, but three of their children were not immediately recovered from the scene. Toxicology tests found her wife Sarah Hart and two children had 'a significant amount' of an ingredient found in the allergy drug Benadryl Two more are missing and another body has been found but not identified. Benadryl can make people sleepy The 100-foot drop killed the women, both 39, and their children Markis Hart, 19; Jeremiah Hart, 14; Abigail Hart, 14, and Ciera Hart, 12. The family appear to have left their home in Woodland, Washington on March 23. Toxicology results for a third child killed are still pending CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later. It is believed that the family stayed the night in the area, since Jennifer was seen checking out of a Fort Bragg grocery store around 8.15am on Sunday, March 25. Authorities say the family stayed in Fort Bragg until 9pm that evening, at which point it seems they turned around and started traveling north again on State Route 1. CHP believes the family then drove south on Highway 101, and then State Route 1, arriving in the Fort Bragg, California area 12 hours later Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. Police searched the family's home about 500 miles north of the crash site but found no suicide note. The Hart family gained attention in 2014 after one of the children was photographed crying in the arms of a white police officer at a protest after the fatal police shooting of an unarmed black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri. Investigators are now examining 'red flags' in the Washington family's past in the hope of explaining why they drove off the cliff in an apparent suicide plunge. Posted 4/18/18 On April 10, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens and U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt announced the locations of 161 Opportunity Zones in Missouri low-income areas that will see added incentives for investment Advertisement George W Bush has led tributes to his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush, who has died aged 92 two days after she made the decision to stop medical treatment. 'My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was,' the 43rd US president George W Bush said in a joint family statement on Tuesday. 'Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions.' Bush held the hand of her husband, 41st president George H.W. Bush, all day on Tuesday and had him by her side when she passed away. The couple had been married for 73 years. Scroll down for video Barbara Bush (pictured left on March 18, 2005 and right with George W Bush at Fort Hood, Texas, on April 8, 2007), died on Tuesday, according to a statement from the office of former President George H.W. Bush Bush was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush. They are pictured together in the residence they shared when he was Vice President in 1983 George W Bush, the 43rd president, remembered his mother as a woman who 'brought levity, love, and literacy to millions' Bush is pictured as the chair of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy in an undated photo, left, and in Houston, Texas, on August 23, 2001 The snowy-haired first lady brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles. 'What you see with me is what you get. I'm not running for president George Bush is,' she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband was nominated to succeed Ronald Reagan. Her death on Tuesday was announced in a statement from the office of George H.W. Bush. 'A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92,' it read. Funeral services are planned for 11am on Saturday at St Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. She will lie in repose from noon to midnight Friday at the church, and the funeral service is by invitation only. Burial will be on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M university in College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston. One of her 14 grandchildren, Texas land commissioner George P. Bush, tweeted: 'My grandmother's entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. 'My grandmother didn't just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country. I will miss you, Gannybut know we will see you again.' President Donald Trump released a joint statement with First Lady Melania Trump praising Bush's 'unfailing' service to her country and family. He has ordered US flags to be flown at half-staff in her honor. One of his 14 grandchildren, Texas land commissioner George P. Bush, posted his own heartfelt tribute on Twitter Jeb Bush said in a statement the family looks forward to 'celebrating and honoring' Barbara Bush's life George W Bush posted this charming image of his parents holding hands on Instagram next to his tribute to the former first lady 'As a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former first lady, Mrs Bush was an advocate of the American family. Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. 'She will be long remembered to her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well.' Jeb Bush, who was governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination, said: 'I'm exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman. 'Thank you for your prayers, and we look forward to celebrating and honoring her life and contributions to our family and great nation in the coming days.' A raft of former presidential couples also paid tributes to Bush as the news of her death emerged on Tuesday evening. Bill Clinton praised her as a 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit and grace, brains and beauty', adding: 'She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory.' Barack and Michelle Obama said: 'Barbara Bush was the rock of a family dedicated to public service. We'll always be grateful to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit.' President Trump released a statement praising Bush's 'unfailing' service to her country and family alongside an old photo of her with President George H.W. Bush George W Bush's daughter Jenna Bush Hager said she would miss a woman who 'adored her friends and family' and whose loyalty was 'unwavering' 39th president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, said: 'She touched the hearts of millions with her warmth, generosity, and keen wit. The matriarch of a family dedicated to servicing, she urged volunteerism as a way for all citizens to participate in our nation's progress.' Former President Lyndon Johnson's daughter, Lynda Johnson Robb, said she smiles when she thinks of Barbara Bush, because her candor was always refreshing and her grace was endless. Robb said Bush's love of family 'never wavered and she was always a true patriot.' She says her family was fortunate to know her and 'will always be grateful for her service to our country.' Robb's sister, Lucy Baines Johnson, described Bush as a 'no nonsense' devoted mother to her family and the nation and was 'wit, wisdom, honesty, and character on two feet.' Johnson said Bush inspired 'a 'thousand points of light' of service to our country and was a beacon to us all. We loved her for who she was and for what we became because of her example. Our hearts go out to her remarkable family and to all who loved her as we did. The world is a poorer placer without Barbara Bush.' The Bush family had announced in a statement on April 15 that she was in failing health, had decided not to seek further medical treatment and instead would focus on 'comfort care.' Bush reportedly had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years. Bill Clinton praised Barbara Bush on Twitter as a 'remarkable woman' who had 'grit and grace, brains and beauty' Al Gore also shared his sentiments and condolences to the Bush family following the death of Barbara Bush Mitt Romney: 'Barbara raised a family of service & character, stood by her beloved husband in the best & worst of times, and spoke her convictions with courage & passion' Scott Walker, the governor of Wisconsin, also tweeted his condolences to the Bush family Tuesday night Apple CEO Tim Cook thanked Barbara Bush for her 'charity, literacy and love of country' Clarissa Lockett holds a sign reading 'Prayers for the Bush Family' across the street from the gated community where former first lady Barbara Bush died earlier on Tuesday Barbara Bush was dubbed 'The Silver Fox' by her husband and children due to her snow-white hair, and was known for being highly protective of her family. Her uncoiffed, matronly appearance often provoked jokes that she looked more like the boyish president's mother than his wife. Late-night comedians quipped that her bright white hair and pale features also imparted a resemblance to George Washington. The Bushes married on Jan. 6, 1945, and recently celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary, making them the longest presidential couple in history. She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993. Her son, meanwhile, triumphed in the disputed 2000 U.S. election and was president from 2001 to 2009. The only other woman to be both wife and mother of US presidents was Abigail Adams, the first lady from 1797 to 1801. Bush discouraged speculation that she wielded political influence with the president like her predecessors - Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn Carter. As first lady, she promoted literacy and reading but said she was more interested in running a household than in helping her husband run the country. 'I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household,' she once said. 'She'll speak her mind but only to him,' said Jack Steel, a longtime Bush aide. The publisher's daughter and oilman's wife had an independent streak and could be sharp-tongued. But her public image was that of a self-sacrificing, supportive spouse who referred to her husband as her 'hero.' In the White House, 'you need a friend, someone who loves you, who's going to say, 'You are great,' Mrs. Bush said in a 1992 television interview. 'I had the best job in America,' she wrote in a 1994 memoir describing her time in the White House. 'Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun.' The Bushes mark their 60th wedding anniversary on January 6, 2005, with a family photo in the White House. Pictured on the front row (left to right): Marvin Bush, Laura Bush, George W. Bush, Barbara Bush, George H. W. Bush, Jeb Bush. Also pictured, from left: Georgia Grace Koch, Margaret Bush, Brian Berzins Walker Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Doro Bush, Barbara Pierce Bush, Robert P. Koch, Pierce Bush, Maria Bush, Neil Bush, Ashley Bush, Sam LeBlond, Robert Koch, Nancy Ellis LeBlond, John 'Jebby' Bush, Amanda Bush, George P. Bush, and Columba Bush Paul Ryan shared a lengthy statement on Twitter saying Bush held a 'revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans' Then governor George W. Bush gives his mother a hug after a family portrait session in Texas on June 10, 1999 The news was announced on Tuesday evening in a statement from the office of former President George H.W. Bush Bush held the hand of her husband, George H.W. Bush, all day on Tuesday and had him by her side when she passed away, according to the former president's chief of staff Bush seen being sworn during his inauguration on January 20, 1989, while Barbara looks on lovingly and Ronald Reagan stands in the background The Bushes dance together at George H.W.'s Inaugural Ball, which was held in Washington DC on January 20, 1989 Barbara Bush waves alongside her husband before boarding Air Force One in an undated photo 'I can't say it, but it rhymes with 'rich'': The wit, wisdom (and wicked insults) of Barbara Bush Bush, right, playfully strains to hear a reporter's question while posing with other former first ladies, at the U.S. Botanic Garden in Washington on May 11, 1994 'She's a million dollar... I can't say it but it rhymes with 'rich''. Speaking to reporters about Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's Democratic rival for the vice presidency, and the first woman running for U.S. vice president on a major-party ticket. 'Poppy (Bush's nickname) told me later that he had begged his mother to let him use the Oldsmobile that night because it had a radio and their other car did not. He was so afraid we would sit in stony silence and have nothing to say to each other. For years he has teased me that there was no silence that night and I haven't stopped talking since. All I know is that I liked him a lot.' On her first date with George H.W. Bush, in 1941. 'Eventually the medicine that was controlling the leukemia caused other terrible problems. We called George, and by the time he got there after flying all night, our baby was in a coma. Her death was very peaceful. One minute she was there, and the next she was gone. I truly felt her soul go out of that beautiful little body. For one last time I combed her hair, and we held our precious little girl. I never felt the presence of God more strongly than at that moment.' On the death of their 3-year-old daughter, Robin, in 1953. 'For the most part, I liked the reporters and found the lunches stimulating and fun. But I never got off scot-free. I always made news even though I swore I wouldn't. I must say, however, I found it was interesting that the fact George and I agreed on 99 percent of the issues never made the news!' On meetings with reporters. 'The butlers loved trying to make me guess whose china I was using. Imaging being served a meal on dishes that Abraham Lincoln ate from!' On the White House butlers. 'Millie was a perfect mom. She knew exactly how long she should sleep with them, and after about a month she moved back in with us. I have wondered so when I read about parents abusing their children: If a dog's natural instincts are to protect her young, why, oh, why wouldn't we humans do the same?' On her dog Millie. 'Why did we lose? George Bush says it was because he didn't communicate as well as his predecessor or successor. I just don't believe that. I think we lost because people really wanted a change.' On her husband's loss to Bill Clinton in 1992. 'Avoid this crowd like the plague. And if they quote you, make damn sure they heard you.' Advice to Hillary Clinton about speaking to reporters as first lady on August 24, 1992. Source: Barbara Bush: A Memoir. Advertisement Barbara set up households in numerous cities as her husband moved from being a Texas oilman to being a member of Congress, Republican Party leader, U.S. envoy to China and the United Nations and head of the CIA. The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In a speech in 1985, she recalled the stress of raising a family while married to a man whose ambitions carried him from the Texas oil fields to Congress and into influential political positions that included ambassador to the United Nations, GOP chairman and CIA director. 'This was a period, for me, of long days and short years,' she said, 'of diapers, runny noses, earaches, more Little League games than you could believe possible, tonsils and those unscheduled races to the hospital emergency room, Sunday school and church, of hours of urging homework or short chubby arms around your neck and sticky kisses.' Along the way, she said, there were also 'bumpy moments not many, but a few of feeling that I'd never, ever be able to have fun again and coping with the feeling that George Bush, in his excitement of starting a small company and traveling around the world, was having a lot of fun.' In 2003, she wrote a follow-up memoir, 'Reflections: Life After the White House.' 'I made no apologies for the fact that I still live a life of ease,' she wrote. 'There is a difference between ease and leisure. I live the former and not the latter.' Barbara, above in 1988 with her husband, had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure Along with her memoirs, she wrote 'C. Fred's Story' and 'Millie's Book,' based on the lives of her dogs. Proceeds from the books benefited adult and family literacy programs. Laura Bush, a former teacher with a master's degree in library science, continued her mother-in-law's literacy campaign in the White House. George W. Bush made no secret that when he was growing up, it was his mother he had to answer to when he got into trouble. Barbara Bush sometimes made biting remarks, particularly when she felt the need to defend her husband. One notable example came in 1984 when George H.W. was seeking re-election as vice president under Reagan, a post he held from 1981 until becoming president in 1989. She told reporters that Geraldine Ferraro, her husband's Democratic rival for the vice presidency, was a '4 million dollar ... I can't say it but it rhymes with 'rich.' She apologized to Ferraro, the first woman running for U.S. vice president on a major-party ticket. Texas Governor Ann Richards mocked her husband at the 1988 Democratic convention - saying 'poor George ... was born with a silver foot in his mouth' - and Barbara henceforth referred to Richards as 'that woman.' In 2012, Bush dismissed the political ambitions of U.S. conservative darling Sarah Palin, saying, 'I think she's very happy in Alaska - and I hope she'll stay there.' Daughter-in-law Laura Bush, wife of the 43rd president, said Mrs. Bush was 'ferociously tart-tongued.' 'She's never shied away from saying what she thinks. ... She's managed to insult nearly all of my friends with one or another perfectly timed acerbic comment,' Laura Bush wrote in her 2010 book, 'Spoken from the Heart.' In her 1994 autobiography, 'Barbara Bush: A Memoir,' Mrs. Bush said she did her best to keep her opinions from the public while her husband was in office. But she revealed that she disagreed with him on two issues: She supported legal abortion and opposed the sale of assault weapons. 'I honestly felt, and still feel, the elected person's opinion is the one the public has the right to know,' Mrs. Bush wrote. She also disclosed a bout with depression in the mid-1970s, saying she sometimes feared she would deliberately crash her car. She blamed hormonal changes and stress. 'Night after night, George held me weeping in his arms while I tried to explain my feelings,' she wrote. 'I almost wonder why he didn't leave me.' President Donald Trump released a statement praising Bush's 'unfailing' service to her country and family. The pair are pictured together at Mar-a-Lago during Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's visit on Tuesday Bush generally refused to discuss publicly her personal views on controversial topics such as abortion, an issue on which she was believed to differ from her husband's more conservative stance. But during her husband's 1992 re-election race, which he lost to Democrat Bill Clinton, she told reporters that abortion and homosexuality were 'personal things' that should be left out of political conventions and party platforms. 'I don't think that's healthy for the country when anyone thinks their morals are better than anyone else's,' she said. Opinion polls often showed her popularity as first lady exceeding her husband's as president. 'I don't threaten anyone,' she said. 'That's because I'm everyone's grandma.' A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine. She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two. George Bush said marrying Barbara, whom he called 'Bar,' was 'the thing I did right.' But the marriage nearly did not take place. While they were engaged, his bomber was shot down by the Japanese in the Pacific in 1944. He bailed out and was rescued in the ocean by a submarine crew but his crew mates died. 'When you're 18, you think everybody is invincible. ... I mean, that was stupid - but I knew he was going to come home. He was Superman,' she told CNN in 2003. After leaving the White House, she found time to write her memoirs. In 1990, she authored 'Millie's Book,' a humorous look at the adventures of the family's English springer spaniel in the White House. In one of their last public appearances, the Bushes attended the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston with George performing the ceremonial pre-game coin flip. Only a few days before the couple had been released from a hospital where George had been treated for pneumonia and Barbara for bronchitis. Sons Marvin and Neil both became businessmen. Neil achieved some notoriety in the 1980s as a director of a savings and loan that crashed. Daughter Dorothy, or Doro, has preferred to stay out of the spotlight. She married lobbyist Robert Koch, a Democrat, in 1992. In a collection of letters published in 1999, George H.W. Bush included a note he gave to his wife in early 1994. 'You have given me joy that few men know,' he wrote. 'You have made our boys into men by bawling them out and then, right away, by loving them. You have helped Doro to be the sweetest, greatest daughter in the whole wide world. I have climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even that cannot hold a candle to being Barbara's husband.' Mrs. Bush was born Barbara Pierce in Rye, New York. Her father was the publisher of McCall's and Redbook magazines. After attending Smith College for two years, she married young naval aviator George Herbert Walker Bush. She was 19. After World War II, the Bushes moved to the Texas oil patch to seek their fortune and raise a family. It was there that Bush began his political career, representing Houston for two terms in Congress in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In all, the Bushes made more than two dozen moves that circled half the globe before landing at the White House in 1989. Opinion polls taken over the next four years often showed her approval ratings higher than her husband's. The couple's final move, after Bush lost the 1992 election to Bill Clinton, was to Houston, where they built what she termed their 'dream house' in an affluent neighborhood. The Bush family also had an oceanfront summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. After retiring to Houston, the Bushes helped raise funds for charities and appeared frequently at events such as Houston Astros baseball games. Public schools in the Houston area are named for both of them. In 1990, Barbara Bush gave the commencement address at all-women Wellesley College. Some had protested her selection because she was prominent only through the achievements of her husband. Her speech that day was rated by a survey of scholars in 1999 as one of the top 100 speeches of the century. 'Cherish your human connections,' Mrs. Bush told graduates. 'At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend or a parent.' Barbara and George H.W. Bush married in January 1945 at the First Prsbyterian Church in Rye, New York A champion of children's literacy and AIDS activist: How Barbara Bush used her role as the second woman in US history to be both a wife and mother of a president to bring about change Valerie Edwards for Dailymail.com Barbara Bush used her role as the first lady of the United States to become a champion of children's literacy and to fight against AIDS. Bush, who died Tuesday at 92 years old while surrounded by her family, started her lifelong mission to improve the quality of life for children when her own son, Neil Bush, struggled with reading in elementary school. Neil said it began when she attended reading day at his school. 'So there's a reading circle and all the kids have a book and they're passing the book kid to kid and they passed it to me and I couldn't read,' he told KHOU. According to Neil, his mother was shocked and determined to bring his reading level up. Barbara Bush used her role as the first lady of the United States to become a champion of children's literacy and to fight against AIDS. The former first lady is pictured in 1991 reading to children in Missouri Bush, who died Tuesday at 92 years old, started her lifelong mission to improve the quality of life for children when her own son, Neil Bush, struggled with reading in elementary school. She's pictured reading to children during a visit to the Capitol Children's Museum Neil spent Saturdays attending various programs to help him learn to manage his dyslexia. As first lady - between 1989 to 1993 - Barbara made her main focus literacy and became involved in a number of reading organizations. She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. It was through Neil's struggle that she realized the alarming statistics of illiteracy in schools. The Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation will hold its 24th annual Celebration of Reading on Thursday, April 19, at the Hobby Center. 'She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,' President Donald Trump and his wife and First Lady, Melania Trump, said in a statement that noted Bush's championing of literacy 'as a fundamental family value'. As first lady - between 1989 to 1993 - Barbara made her main focus literacy and became involved in a number of reading organizations. She's pictured chatting with Big Bird and children while taping a segment of PBS' Sesame Street for its 21st season in October 1989 She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. She's pictured in 2011 reading to children at the Maine Medical Center Not only was literacy a huge focus for Bush, she also took on issues such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS. Paul Brandus with West Wing Reports reminded Bush's admirers of her commitment to these issues when he tweeted a photo of Bush in 1989 on Tuesday. 'A First Lady has the power to make people think. In 1989 Barbara Bush visited a Washington hospice where abandoned infants with the AIDS virus were being cared for,' the tweet read. 'Some folks were ignorant and thought you could get AIDS from touching someone. Mrs. Bush hugged and kissed the kids,' Brandus added in the tweet. Bush tried to make sure the public understood that AIDS wasn't contracted through hugs and handshakes at a time when many were worried that if they touched someone with the disease they would contract it. In her 1994 autobiography, 'Barbara Bush: A Memoir' Bush spoke about another visit with a young man who had the AIDS virus. 'It was a wrenching visit. Besides having trouble finding housing and medical care, they all had personal problems. I especially remember a young man who told us that he had been asked to leave his church studies when it was discovered he had AIDS,' she wrote. 'His parents also had disowned him, and he said he longed to be hugged again by his mother. A poor substitute, I hugged that darling young man and did it again in front of the cameras. But what he really needed was family,' Bush added. Bush also took on issues such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS. Paul Brandus with West Wing Reports reminded Bush's admirers of her commitment to these issues when he tweeted a photo of Bush in 1989 holding a child who was born with AIDS Bush tried to make sure the public understood that AIDS wasn't contracted through hugs and handshakes at a time when many were worried that if they touched someone with the disease they would contract it Bush was the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president. She was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush. The Bush family had said in a statement on Sunday that she was in failing health, had decided not to seek further medical treatment and instead would focus on 'comfort care'. According to some media reports, Bush had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years. Bush was dubbed The Silver Fox by her husband and children. She was known for her snow-white hair and for being fiercely protective of her family. She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993. Her son, Republican George Walker Bush, triumphed in the disputed 2000 US election and was president from 2001 to 2009. The Bushes celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January. Bush had an independent streak and could be sharp-tongued. As first lady, she promoted literacy and reading but said she was more interested in running a household than helping her husband run the country. She was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children are sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy She discouraged speculation that she wielded political influence with the president like her predecessors - Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn Carter. 'I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household,' she once said. 'She'll speak her mind but only to him,' said Jack Steel, a longtime Bush aide. The only other woman to be both wife and mother of US presidents was Abigail Adams, the first lady from 1797 to 1801. She was a major influence on husband John Adams, the nation's second president, but died before son John Quincy Adams was elected president in 1824. Another of Bush's sons, Jeb, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and she campaigned for him before he dropped out of the race. The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children are sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy. The Bushes married on January 6, 1945, and Barbara set up households in numerous cities as her husband moved from being a Texas oilman to being a member of Congress, Republican Party leader, US envoy to China and the United Nations and head of the Central Intelligence Agency. Barbara Bush generally refused to discuss publicly her personal views on controversial topics such as abortion, an issue on which she was believed to differ from her husband's more conservative stance. A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two But during her husband's 1992 re-election race, which he lost to Democrat Bill Clinton, she told reporters that abortion and homosexuality were 'personal things' that should be left out of political conventions and party platforms. 'I don't think that's healthy for the country when anyone thinks their morals are better than anyone else's,' she said. Opinion polls often showed her popularity as first lady exceeding her husband's as president. 'I don't threaten anyone,' she said. 'That's because I'm everyone's grandma.' A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine. She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two. George Bush said marrying Barbara, whom he called Bar, was 'the thing I did right'. But the marriage nearly did not take place. While they were engaged, his bomber was shot down by the Japanese in the Pacific in 1944. He bailed out and was rescued in the ocean by a submarine crew, but his crewmates died. 'When you're 18, you think everybody is invincible. ... I mean, that was stupid - but I knew he was going to come home. He was Superman,' she told CNN in 2003. After leaving the White House, she found time to write her memoirs. In 1990, she authored 'Millie's Book,' a humorous look at the adventures of the family's English springer spaniel in the White House. In one of their last public appearances, the Bushes attended the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston with George performing the ceremonial pregame coin flip. Only a few days before, the couple had been released from a hospital where George had been treated for pneumonia and Barbara for bronchitis. A love that stood the test of time: From a holiday dance and WWII love letters to six children and 14 grandkids, how George and Barbara Bush's incredible romance lasted nearly 80 years Charlie Lankston for Dailymail.com 'Still in the love with the man I married 72 years ago,' Barbara Bush said of her incredible relationship with George HW Bush shortly before she passed away at her home in Houston on Tuesday. The simple, yet poignant, statement is a testament to the couple's incredible love story, which began at a Christmas dance in Connecticut when they were both teenagers, and went on to span nearly 80 years. During that time, the couple faced triumphs and heartache together, both personal and professional, had six children, including President George W Bush, and 14 grandkids, eventually becoming the longest-married couple in presidential history. A love that stood the test of time: George and Barbara Bush, pictured in February 2017, were married for an incredible 73 years, having tied the knot on January 6, 1945 On Tuesday evening, the former president issued a short statement about his wife's death, paying tribute to the 'relentless proponent of family literacy'. The announcement came just days after it was announced that Barbara had been admitted to hospital for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Soon after, she made the decision to refuse further treatment, and return home to be with her husband and family. As family, friends, and political leaders both past and present paid public tribute to Barbara, her enduring love for her husband and her phenomenal devotion to her family were given due respect and praise by many. Her grandson George P. Bush described her as a 'top adviser and confidante' to his grandfather, while President Donald Trump and his wife Melania spoke of Barbara's 'unfailing' service to her country and family. But it was Barbara herself who perhaps described it best, offering an intimate insight into her relationship with George in a romantic essay penned for her alma mater's magazine, which was published just last month. 'I am still old and still in love with the man I married 72 years ago,' she wrote at the time, before later going on to say: 'George Bush has given me the world. He is the best thoughtful and loving.' The couple's relationship is a true love story, which granddaughter Jenna Bush Hager described Monday as 'remarkable.' Honoring her grandparents' rock-solid relationship on the Today show, the 36-year-old NBC correspondent revealed that Barbara was spending her final days by George's side, 'the man she's loved for over 73 years'. First meeting: Barbara met George when she was 16 at a dance in Connecticut, when she was studying at Ashley Hall School (left) and he was at Phillips Academy in Andover (right) 'My darling Bar': In one letter, pictured, George spoke of his 'immeasurable joy' at knowing he would one day marry Barbara and have children with her Sentimental: He signed off his letters 'Poppy', and joked that he was her 'public fiance as of 12/12/43' after their engagement was officially announced in the newspaper 'They are surrounded by family, but I think the fact that they're together and that he still says, 'I love you Barbie' every night is pretty remarkable,' she added. The former president was a naval aviator in training when they met. 'I'm not much at recalling what people wear, but that particular occasion stands out in my memory,' he recalled of the moment in his autobiography. The band was playing Glenn Miller tunes and he asked a friend from Rye, New York, if he knew the girl across the room in the green and red holiday dress. The friend introduced him to Barbara Pierce, a publisher's daughter from Rye who was studying at Ashley Hall finishing school in Charleston, South Carolina, and was in the area on a Christmas vacation. Clearly captivated by Barbara, George immediately struck up conversation with her, revealing in his autobiography that they actually sat out their first potential dance together because 'he didn't waltz'. '[We sat out] several more after that, talking and getting to know each other,' he went on, before saying of their first night together: 'It was a storybook meeting.' When he returned to finish his education at Phillips Academy in Andover, she went back to school in Charleston, however it was just a matter of months before they had met each others' parents. While they were apart, George and Barbara kept up their long-distance romance by writing letters to one another - a tradition that grew when George went away to fight with the Navy in World War II in mid-1942, forcing them apart once again. Making it official: The couple tied the knot in Barbara's hometown in Jnauary 1945, just a few weeks after George returned from the South Pacific, where he had been fighting in WWII Raising a family: George HW and Barbara had six children during their marriage, including future president George W Bush (pictured) During his time in the Navy however, George proposed, and he and Barbara became officially engaged in August 1943, a fact that was celebrated in a letter to 'My darling Bar' from 'Poppy' just a few months later. My Darling Bar, This should be a fairly easy letter to write,' George began, going on to say that 'it should be simple for me to tell you how desperately happy I was to open the paper and see the announcement of our engagement'. 'But somehow I can?t possibly say all in a letter I should like to,' he continued. 'I love you, precious; with all my heart and to know that you love me means my life. 'How often I have thought about the immeasurable joy that will be ours some day. How lucky our children will be to have a mother like you. So the days go by, the time of our departure draws nearer. For a long time I have anxiously looked forward to the day when we would go abroad and set to sea. 'It seemed that obtaining that goal would be all I could desire for some time, but, Bar, you have changed all that.' Barbara, meanwhile, responded with her own heartfelt messages, admitting that she was 'really excited' about the prospect of their marriage, but also 'scared to death too'. She joked in one note: 'If you hear a big noise up there, don't worry, it's just my knees knocking.' Her fears were not entirely unwarranted; in 1944, her husband-to-be, who famously named three of his planes after his future bride, was shot down near the Japanese island of Chichi Jima. He was the only one out of nine airmen who escaped from their planes to evade capture by the Japanese. Later reports revealed that those taken prisoner were tortured and beaten, before being beheaded or stabbed to death. George, who was the Navy's youngest aviator when he got his wings, was eventually rescued by a lifeguard submarine, and returned home at the end of that year, and married Barbara just a few weeks later, before he began his studies at Yale. The couple tied the knot at the First Presbyterian Church in Rye, New York - Barbara's hometown, before moving to Texas. George then set out to make his mark in the oil business as the couple grew their family and then turned to politics, a journey that would take them around the world and into the White House. 'You have given me joy that few men know,' George wrote to his wife around this time in a letter that was published as part of a collection in 1999. 'I have climbed perhaps the highest mountain in the world, but even that cannot hold a candle to being Barbara's husband,' added. Photos taken of the couple by The Associated Press over the decades have captured moments of care, such as when Barbara Bush applied sunscreen to the 41st president's nose at a 2015 baseball game between the Houston Astros and Seattle Mariners; and candor, notably after Bush stepped on his wife's toe in 1989 while boarding Air Force One. The next step: George and Barbara, pictured in 1945, soon moved to Texas, where he began making his mark on the oil industry, and the couple grew their family together Support system: Barbara was by her husband's side throughout his career. They are pictured on June 6, 1964 when George was running as the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate Their marriage also has endured more serious trials. A daughter, Robin, died in 1953 of leukemia a few weeks before her 4th birthday. Barbara Bush has recalled a bout of depression in the mid-1970s. 'Night after night, George held me weeping in his arms while I tried to explain my feelings,' she said. 'I almost wonder why he didn't leave me.' Just last year, allegations surfaced that Bush, who for more than five years has used a wheelchair for mobility, inappropriately touched more than a half dozen women on their buttocks as they stood next to him to take photos. Through McGrath, Bush issued repeated apologies 'to anyone he has offended.' 'George Bush simply does not have it in his heart to knowingly cause anyone distress,' McGrath said. Also last year, they both wound up in the same Houston hospital - the former president with pneumonia; his wife with bronchitis. In 2013, she told C-SPAN in an interview that they pray aloud each night 'and sometimes we fight over whose turn it is.' In the same conversation, she said she didn't fear death for herself or 'my precious George.' 'I know there is a great God, and I'm not worried,' she said. A woman has opened up about the sudden death of her teen son, who passed away just days after he was discharged from a Sydney hospital with a dislodged wire in his defibrillator. Brett, who was born with heart problems, went to Westmead Hospital in November 2014 after he began having issues with his pacemaker and defibrillator, which helped keep him alive. Despite having an increased risk of having a heart attack, the 18-year-old was discharged from the hospital without receiving the correct treatment, according to 9News. Scroll down for video Christine Hoban says her teen son, Brett (centre), would still be alive today if he had received the proper treatment at Sydney's Westmead Hospital Just 10 days later, Brett went into cardiac arrest and died as his mother, Christine Hoban, and father, Brian Hoban, slept next door. 'I will never get over it,' Christine said. The Hoban family and Westmead Hospital reached a settlement out of court, but Christine told 9News it won't bring back her son, who would probably still be alive today if things had been done differently. 'Brett wasn't sick, he was doing every day activities. The defibrillator would have kept him alive if it had been working,' she said. The Hoban family (pictured are Brett's parents Brian and Christine) and Westmead Hospital reached a settlement out of court Brian said he's still 'furious' about his son's death but 'it's not going to bring him back.' In the last year, NSW public hospitals have paid out than $37 million in medical negligence compensation. Westmead hospital settled 42 claims for $2.36 million, according to NSW Health department documents obtained by 9News. A series of shark attacks off Australia's west coast have struck fear in the hearts of some of the world's top surfers, with at least two pro competitors voicing their concerns about getting back in the water. Brazilian pro-surfers Italo Ferreira and Gabriel Medina took to Instagram on Tuesday to tell their fans they 'do not feel safe training and competing in this kind of place.' The kind of place they're referring to is a pair of breaks off Gracetown, in Western Australia's south-west, where two other surfers were attacked by sharks during the Margaret River Pro competition, Nine News reports. An image taken at the Margaret River Pro surf competition, in Western Australia, shows Hawaiian surfer John John Florence riding a wave while an ominous shadow lurks in the water nearby Competitors are voicing concerns about getting back in the water, after surfer Alejandro Travaglini (pictured, left) and another surfer were both mauled by sharks on Friday Brazilian pro-surfers Italo Ferreira (pictured) and Gabriel Medina took to Instagram on Tuesday to tell their fans they 'do not feel safe training and competing in this kind of place' 'Two shark attacks in less than 24 hours here in Australia... only a few Km from where the event is being held,' reads Ferreira's caption, accompanied by an image of emergency vehicles accumulating along the coastline. 'Very dangerous do not you think? ... We already had several alerts ... I hope it does not happen to any of us.' 'Leaving my opinion before it's too late!' said Medina. 'Any time, something can happen to one of us.' Jason Longrass (pictured) was one of two Australian surfers mauled by great white sharks during the event on Friday Australian surfers Alejandro Travaglini and Jason Longrass were both mauled by great white sharks while surfing in the area on Tuesday - with Travaglini requiring surgery on both legs. Another picture taken at the competition on Friday shows Hawaiian surfer John John Florence riding a wave while an ominous shadow lurks in the water nearby. It's a photograph that captures the peril in the flesh - but others seem more concerned about the threats posed to tourism and local business. The Margaret River Pro alone injected $5.5 million into the region's economy in 2017, while a significant amount of the state's revenue trickles in from water-based tourism every year. Alejandro Travaglini (pictured) was also mauled by a shark and required surgery on both legs after the attack With Ferreira and Medina having an audience of close to 6.2 million Instagram followers between them, the spreading fear of shark attacks could put a serious dent in the local economy. State Opposition Leader Mike Nahan has said the attacks emphasise the need to do more in the way of preventative measures - including using SMART drumlines that detect the presence of sharks before they become a real threat. 'The current policies are simply not adequate,' he told reporters. The attacks have prompted appeals for more effective shark prevention technology - including the use of SMART drumlines that detect the presence of sharks before they become a real threat Surf conditions forced a lay day on Tuesday, while event organisers at the Margaret River Pro suspended nearby heats and liaised with surfers about how to proceed. It was announced on Wednesday morning that the remainder of the competition would be cancelled. World Surf League released a statement declaring that they 'made the difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the Margaret River Pro, as a result of exceptional circumstances surrounding this season's events regarding sharks and the safety of our surfers.' Three people were found dead Tuesday morning inside a car parked on a desolate Burbank, California street. The gruesome discovery was made around 7am while police were investigating a parking complaint in the 1300 block of South Varney Street. Burbank Police Sgt. Derek Green told the Los Angeles Times that a parking officer approached the maroon vehicle and saw a person dead in the vehicle. When investigators arrived, two additional bodies were found inside the vehicle. Scroll down for video Three people were found dead Tuesday morning inside a maroon vehicle in Burbank, California All three victims were adults, and at least one was male. Police said the vehicle had Tennessee license plates. 'This is a homicide involving a parked vehicle,' Green said. 'All three were pronounced dead at the scene.' It's not clear how long the car may have been parked in the location. Green said the area is 'desolate and secluded' especially after business hours. 'There's pretty much nothing going on back here and no reason for people to drive through here,' he said. Investigators believe the three victims may have been killed elsewhere and dumped in Burbank. The bodies did not have any obvious signs of trauma, police said. Police said the car was parked in a desolate and secluded area that doesn't see much traffic after business hours Lisa Alvarez, who works at a store close to the scene, told the LA Times that she first noticed the car was parked in a no-parking zone Monday afternoon. 'It caught my attention because it wasn't supposed to be parked there, but it didn't look suspicious,' she said. 'I thought, "Oh that car is going to get a ticket." It's terrible. I am so sorry.' Police have not released the names of the victims. According to ABC, a business in the area may have captured some of the activity on its surveillance camera. Police are working to retrieve the footage. Josh Waring, 29, the son of former Real Housewives of Orange County star Lauri Peterson, goes back on trial for attempted murder on Wednesday The son of former Real Housewives of Orange County star, Lauri Peterson, goes back on trial for attempted murder on Wednesday, but insists he's being framed for a crime he didn't commit. Peterson's son, Josh Waring, 29, was arrested in June 2016 for allegedly shooting Daniel Lopez in Costa Mesa, California, and then fleeing in a stolen vehicle. Waring's first trial was ruled a mistrial because his right to a speedy trial was violated. He is due in court again on Wednesday and will be represented by Joel Garson. Waring, who has spent the past two years in jail, has maintained his innocence since his arrest. Peterson has also been vocal about her belief that her son was 'falsely accused' of the crime. Last month, Peterson tweeted: 'After keeping silent for nearly two years in regards to my sons arrest, I am going to begin laying out the facts of his case and how easily it is to be falsely accused. 'I will lay out the facts starting from the day of the arrest. I'll let you be the judge but it is going to take me time to organize and far to lengthy for one tweet. ' Waring was charged with battery, hit and run with property damage; resisting arrest and obstructing an officer; unlawful taking of a vehicle, reckless driving, and evading police. Peterson (left) has also been vocal about her belief that her son was 'falsely accused' of the crime and tweeted about it last month The Real Housewives of Orange County alum's tweet was the first time she addressed the arrest in two years Peterson suggested that she would detail what happened in a blog post Last year, the charge possession of a contraband was also added after police said he was caught with alcohol in jail. Peterson didn't divulge any further details about her son's case - suggesting she would provide more information in a blog post - but shared a link to an article she said is the 'closest to the truth that I've seen so far'. In the article titled 'Cop-Protected Orange County Snitch Avoids Murder Beefs With Laughable Tales', author R Scott Moxley alleges that a man named Bryan Jason Goldstein was at the crime scene with Waring but 'managed to quickly win police exoneration'. 'He understands this case and although there were a couple of minor mistakes, he is the closest to the truth that I've seen so far,' Peterson tweeted about Moxley's story. 'Much more to come'. Waring's lawyer previously alleged that Goldstein was given 'special treatment' by officers. According to the Los Angeles Times, Waring's attorney said during court for his trial in January that police never tested Goldstein's hands or clothing for gunshot residue and didn't search the vehicle until two days later. Six months after the shooting, Josh inquired about the results of Goldstein's gunshot residue report only to be told he was never tested. In the article titled 'Cop-Protected Orange County Snitch Avoids Murder Beefs With Laughable Tales', author R Scott Moxley alleges that a man named Bryan Jason Goldstein was at the crime scene with Waring but 'managed to quickly win police exoneration' Waring's lawyer alleged that Goldstein was given 'special treatment' by officers. His attorney said during court for his trial in January that police never tested Goldstein's hands or clothing for gunshot residue and didn't search the vehicle until two days later 'But the victim told [police] the shots came from [Goldstein]! How can you justify that? So that's when I realized there was something was a little sinister,' Josh told Page Six this week. 'I'll never be able to prove if Costa Mesa withheld [Goldstein's gunshot residue report] or if the DA's office suppressed it and didn't turn it over,' he said. 'But that in itself raises a lot of questions. Why wouldn't you test him? We do know he's been an informant since at least 2004.' Waring's lawyer also said that Goldstein was a police informant in a 2004 case. 'Within 10 minutes of me being in cuffs, they had done [the gunshot residue report],' Waring told Page Six. 'They tested my hands. They tested my shirt. They tested my pants. They tested my face. My hair. Every surface on me, they ran [the gunshot residue report]. I just knew that that would come back and I wouldn't have any gunshot residue on me.' Waring said he believed that the results from the gunshot residue report would be the thing that would get him off. 'I told my public defender, "Bryan Goldstein's [gunshot residue report], it's going to show you that he did fire a gun,"' Josh said. According to the news site, Waring claimed that he had spoken to Goldstein since the shooting and Goldstein confirmed that investigators performed a gunshot residue report. 'Within 10 minutes of me being in cuffs, they had done [the gunshot residue report],' Waring said. He said he believed that the results from the gunshot residue report would be the thing that would get him off Waring became involved with a woman named Hannah Kiefer, whom he later married in 2011. Seven months later, Hannah filed to annul their marriage and requested a restraining order. The pair had their daughter Kennedy in 2012. Kennedy was then adopted by Peterson It was also alleged that Goldstein had struck an 'immunity agreement' with the Orange County District Attorney's office to testify in a 2016 homicide case. Waring's attorney, Garson, told Page Six that that Goldstein 'has taken the Fifth on [Josh]'s trial' and is also 'getting ready to testify' in the other murder case. He also said that Waring is still on the hook for the crime because 'two other witnesses said it was Josh' even though 'the guy that was actually struck by the bullet said it was Goldstein's car that he was struck from'. Peterson, who quit the Bravo reality show in 2008 after revealing that her son was addicted to heroin, had relapsed and was arrested, told Page Six that she feels the victim's statement will help absolve Waring of any involvement in the crime. 'The victim himself said the only shots came from the blue car,' Lauri said. 'Not the white car [which Josh was driving]. He didn't even mention a white car until the police introduced that to him. The victim never once said Josh's name. But the police said, "Now Josh Waring was there and he was in the little car, right?" 'And he's like, "I don't even know what you're talking about. I got shot from a blue car."' Peterson and her husband, George Peterson, adopted Waring's 12-year-old daughter Kennedy in 2012. Advertisement Incredible new photos have revealed the moment a surfer was pulled from the water after he miraculously escaped the jaws of a man-eating shark by punching its nose. Father-of-two Alejandro Travaglini was surfing Western Australia's Cobblestones break when he was mauled by what was thought to be a four-metre great white at about 8am on Monday. Photographer Peter Jovic, who witnessed the horrific attack, captured the stirring moment Mr Travaglini, 37, was helped to safety by a fellow surfer. The hero, unaware if the shark was still circling, was seen grabbing Mr Travaglini by the wrist and guiding the badly injured surfer on to a wave, which he was able to ride back to shore. Photos have revealed the moment Alejandro Travaglini was pulled from the water after he escaped the jaws of a man-eating shark at Western Australia's Cobblestones break Photographer Peter Jovic captured the stirring moment Mr Travaglini, 37, was helped to safety by a fellow surfer (pictured) Mr Travaglini (pictured left and right in hospital) underwent emergency surgery after he was bitten on both legs on Monday 'The surfers who came to his aid probably just saved a life... [The] surfer paddled to the aid of the poor bloke who was left floundering in the water, separated from his board,' Mr Jovic later revealed. 'The surfer who'd been attacked started swimming and ended up body surfing onto the reef, with the other surfer in the whitewater by his side the whole time.' The photographer praised Travaglini's courage and that of the bystanders who came to his aid on dry land, who used the rope on his board as a tourniquet to stem his bleeding. 'The response by everyone involved was incredibly swift, measured and effective. I wish the injured surfer a speedy recovery. You're one gutsy fella,' he said. The badly injured surfer is pictured being carried on a surfboard by friends and strangers after the horrific shark attack Pictured is the shark believed to be responsible for twin attacks off the coast of Western Australia in the space of seven hours Mr Travaglini (pictured) punched the shark as he was attacked in south-west Western Australia during an early morning surf Speaking from his hospital bed after undergoing emergency surgery for wounds to both his legs, Mr Travaglini told Seven News: 'I felt something grab me. It's bitten my left leg and then the struggle began.' Mr Jovic and other witnesses likened the attack to Mick Fanning's infamous encounter at Jeffreys Bay in South Africa. 'We were watching the surf and suddenly we heard some screams and saw a guy fighting with something in the water,' one told Nine News. Mr Travaglini's friend said: 'He was punching the shark and there was three attacks, three different attacks in 20 seconds.' Mr Travaglini (pictured being treated at the scene) is lucky to be alive after he was severely mauled on Monday morning Mr Travaglini has previously spoken out against shark culling, posting on Facebook in 2013: 'I'd rather be taken by a great white than by a drunk redneck on a V8' The crew of WA's surf life saving helicopter later spotted a four-metre shark in the water, believed to be a great white. Mr Travaglini has previously spoken out against shark culling, posting on Facebook in 2013: 'I'd rather be taken by a great white than by a drunk redneck on a V8.' Less than seven hours after the attack, 41-year-old surfer Jason Longgrass was mauled at Lefthanders break, around one kilometre from Cobblestones break. Terrifying video shows Mr Longgrass, 41, thrashing in the water as he desperately tried to escape what he described as a 'four-metre' great white. Jason Longgrass (left) was bitten on the leg (right) at Western Australia's Lefthanders break at 3pm on Monday The 41-year-old surfer is pictured shortly after the terrifying attack at Lefthanders break, just hours after Mr Travaglini was mauled 'Shark!' the man filming was heard repeatedly yelling, before another screamed: 'He's gone... no he's swimming, he's swimming, come on mate, chopper's coming back.' As the shark grabbed his surfboard, Mr Longgrass made a desperate dash for the beach, while others rushed to the shore to help. 'You're a lucky man. Oh my god,' one person told the surfer as he showed the nasty gash on his thigh. Mr Longgrass revealed he was aware of the previous attack, but said he wasn't afraid of sharks, according to Seven News. A whale carcass has been removed from the water where the attacks unfolded, with authorities believing it may have been attracting sharks to the area. A white pointer and two tiger sharks followed the carcass as it was being towed from Lefthanders surf break to Gracetown beach, where it was loaded onto a truck. Mr Longgrass' surfboard is pictured after he was attacked by a shark he described as a 'four-metre' great white A whale carcass (pictured) has been removed from the water where the attacks unfolded. Authorities believe it may have been attracting sharks to the area Brazilian surfer Italo Ferreira questioned whether the safety of competitors was being prioritised at the Margaret River Pro, which was being held around 15km from where the attacks unfolded. 'I don't feel comfortable training and competing in places like this,' he posted on Instagram. Fellow Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina also told his six million Instagram followers he did not feel safe surfing in areas where 'any time, something can happen to one of us'. On Wednesday morning the World Surf League said the safety of surfers is a priority and they had therefore decided to cancel the rest of the competition. 'If we decided to continue the event under the current circumstances and something terrible were to take place, we would never forgive ourselves,' WSL chief executive Sophie Goldschmidt said. The WSL says at this stage, they don't have plans to abandon the event in future years. The whale carcass (pictured) was towed from Lefthanders surf break to Gracetown beach, where it was loaded onto a truck A large white pointer and two tiger sharks followed the carcass as it was being towed on Tuesday afternoon Nearly a third of reported child abuse images are now selfies, a report by a leading charity has revealed. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which produced the report, revealed that the number of 'self-generated' content has risen from 349 cases in January 2017 to 1,717 this January, reports the Daily Telegraph. The Deputy CEO of the IWF, Fred Langford said: Children are reading about their favourite stars sending sexy pictures, posing naked, so they are just mirroring what society is doing at the moment. New research has revealed that nearly one in three child abuse images are taken by the youngsters themselves before they end up on adult websites 'What they are seeing online is much more available, it is opening their eyes to what is out there at a much earlier age It does make certain children much more pliable, the longer they are online and the sorts of groups they are in, they may be more susceptible to the grooming than those children who have brought up that level of resilience, he added. Figures released today also show that there are more sites hosting child abuse than ever before - soaring by 37 per cent in the last year - with the NSPCC calling on Culture Secretary Matt Hancock to step in and end the Wild West of the web. The IWF said paedophiles were going to more extreme lengths to view content - with the charity locked in an arms race against abusers. Analysis revealed that the number of disguised websites, which are harder for authorities to track, had rocketed by 86 per cent. The deputy head of the IWF warned the fact that young people were being exposed to more graphic content online could play into the hands of child abusers. Childrens charity the NSPCC said that the dark web and the use of disguised websites were fuelling child abuse and allowing predators to offend at a mass scale. Disguised websites can only be accessed if a specific online pathway is followed. For example, a person would be directed to a hidden page from a forum discussing child abuse. But if another web user, who has not been on a child abuse site previously, clicks on the page, they could come up with legitimate adult content instead. The problem is booming with the rise of technology and a comprehensive strategy required to stop offenders in their tracks, the NSPCC has said. A spokesman said: Social networks must ensure that they prioritise child protection and we need the Culture Secretary, Matt Hancock, to step in and end the Wild West of the Web. The IWF found 78,589 URLs featuring disturbing content last year - a 37 per cent rise compared to 2017. The number of child sexual abuse websites had also exploded by 112 per cent. The figure had soared partly because its staff had become better at finding the horrific content, the charity said. Every seven minutes, the IWF finds footage of a child being sexually abused. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which produced the report, said there are more sites hosting child abuse than ever before - soaring by 37 per cent in the last year - with the NSPCC calling on Culture Secretary Matt Hancock to step in and end the Wild West of the web Fresh imagery was being regularly produced in addition to the historic content being shared again and again. Alarmingly, the charity is also finding more videos of children aged 11 to 15 who create footage of themselves on a webcam and then share it online. The amount of content that is out there is always growing, its never going to reduce, the IWFs deputy CEO Mr Langford said. Around a third of the material uncovered featured the most severe abuse - category A which includes the rape and sexual torture of children. People were seeking out something just a little bit more extreme, Mr Langford said, adding: Once the demand is there, the supply follows. Writing in the reports foreword, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said there was clearly more we need to do, while noting that there was worrying rise of material hosted in Europe. Offenders were exploit(ing) new vulnerabilities in the online environment to evade detection, she said. We will continue to work together in our efforts to rise to this challenge and to evolve with it as we look to ensure the UKs response remains as strong as it can possibly be, she added. Her comments came as IWFs research found that 65 per cent of child sex abuse imagery was being produced in Europe - with the Netherlands as the top host. Mr Langford, IWFs deputy chief, said abusers were goading each other on through the web to post more graphic content with more extreme images granting greater kudos. In the same was as I suppose an international drug deal might say Im shipping more drugs than you...These people have got that same sort of mentalityIt becomes: Ive got more extreme content that you, he told the Mail. Susie Hargreaves, chief executive of the Cambridge-based charity, said: This year were seeing offenders getting smarter and finding new ways to abuse legitimate internet services. She said it was concerning that more disguised websites were being used to evade the authorities. We are making huge technological advances, which well be announcing later in the year, but we also need to continue to work globally, in partnership, to fight this disturbing crime. This battle cannot be won in isolation, she added. There are more sites devoted to horrific child abuse imagery including rape and torture than ever before, a leading charity has warned. Figures released on Wednesday show that the number of web pages hosting child abuse has soared by 37 per cent in the last year - with the NSPCC calling on Culture Secretary Matt Hancock to step in and end the Wild West of the web. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which produced the report, said paedophiles were going to more extreme lengths to view content - with the charity locked in an arms race against abusers. The IWF found 78,589 URLs featuring disturbing content last year - a 37 per cent rise compared to 2017 The rise of smartphones, super-fast internet and encrypted communications has allowed offenders to target children worldwide on a previously inconceivable scale Technology has helped the threat to evolve and escalate, helping offenders to interact while shielding their identities Individual sites hosting up to a million paedophiles regularly meet to plan abuse and share images Analysis revealed that the number of disguised websites, which are harder for authorities to track, had rocketed by 86 per cent. The deputy CEO of the IWF warned the fact that young people were being exposed to more graphic content online, which could play into the hands of child abusers. Fred Langford said: Children are reading about their favourite stars sending sexy pictures, posing naked, so they are just mirroring what society is doing at the moment. 'What they are seeing online is much more available, it is opening their eyes to what is out there at a much earlier age. It does make certain children much more pliable, the longer they are online and the sorts of groups they are in, they may be more susceptible to the grooming than those children who have brought up that level of resilience, he added. The problem is booming with the rise of technology and a comprehensive strategy required to stop offenders in their tracks, the NSPCC has said The IWFs research found that 65 per cent of child sex abuse imagery was being produced in Europe - with the Netherlands as the top host Childrens charity the NSPCC said that the dark web and the use of disguised websites were fuelling child abuse and allowing predators to offend at a mass scale. Disguised websites can only be accessed if a specific online pathway is followed. For example, a person would be directed to a hidden page from a forum discussing child abuse. But if another web user, who has not been on a child abuse site previously, clicks on the page, they could come up with legitimate adult content instead. The problem is booming with the rise of technology and a comprehensive strategy required to stop offenders in their tracks, the NSPCC has said. A spokesman said: Social networks must ensure that they prioritise child protection and we need the Culture Secretary, Matt Hancock, to step in and end the Wild West of the Web. The IWF found 78,589 URLs featuring disturbing content last year - a 37 per cent rise compared to 2017. The number of child sexual abuse websites had also exploded by 112 per cent. The figure had soared partly because its staff had become better at finding the horrific content, the charity said. Every seven minutes, the IWF finds footage of a child being sexually abused. Fresh imagery was being regularly produced in addition to the historic content being shared again and again. Alarmingly, the charity is also finding more videos of children aged 11 to 15 who create footage of themselves on a webcam and then share it online. The amount of content that is out there is always growing, its never going to reduce, the IWFs deputy CEO Mr Langford said. Around a third of the material uncovered featured the most severe abuse - category A which includes the rape and sexual torture of children. People were seeking out something just a little bit more extreme, Mr Langford said, adding: Once the demand is there, the supply follows. Writing in the reports foreword, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said there was clearly more we need to do, while noting that there was worrying rise of material hosted in Europe. Offenders were exploit(ing) new vulnerabilities in the online environment to evade detection, she said. We will continue to work together in our efforts to rise to this challenge and to evolve with it as we look to ensure the UKs response remains as strong as it can possibly be, she added. Her comments came as IWFs research found that 65 per cent of child sex abuse imagery was being produced in Europe - with the Netherlands as the top host. Mr Langford, IWFs deputy chief, said abusers were goading each other on through the web to post more graphic content with more extreme images granting greater kudos. In the same was as I suppose an international drug deal might say Im shipping more drugs than you...These people have got that same sort of mentalityIt becomes: Ive got more extreme content that you, he told the Mail. Susie Hargreaves, chief executive of the Cambridge-based charity, said: This year were seeing offenders getting smarter and finding new ways to abuse legitimate internet services. She said it was concerning that more disguised websites were being used to evade the authorities. We are making huge technological advances, which well be announcing later in the year, but we also need to continue to work globally, in partnership, to fight this disturbing crime. This battle cannot be won in isolation, she added. e.kentsmith@dailymail.co.uk Barbara Bush used her role as the first lady of the United States to become a champion of children's literacy and to fight against AIDS. Bush, who died Tuesday at 92 years old while surrounded by her family, started her lifelong mission to improve the quality of life for children when her own son, Neil Bush, struggled with reading in elementary school. Neil said it began when she attended reading day at his school. 'So there's a reading circle and all the kids have a book and they're passing the book kid to kid and they passed it to me and I couldn't read,' he told KHOU. According to Neil, his mother was shocked and determined to bring his reading level up. Scroll down for video Barbara Bush used her role as the first lady of the United States to become a champion of children's literacy and to fight against AIDS. The former first lady is pictured in 1991 reading to children in Missouri Bush, who died Tuesday at 92 years old, started her lifelong mission to improve the quality of life for children when her own son, Neil Bush, struggled with reading in elementary school. She's pictured reading to children during a visit to the Capitol Children's Museum Neil Bush (pictured with his mother in 2005) said it began when she attended reading day at his school. 'So there's a reading circle and all the kids have a book and they're passing the book kid to kid and they passed it to me and I couldn't read,' he said According to Neil (far right), his mother was shocked and determined to bring his reading level up. Neil spent Saturdays attending various programs to help him learn to manage his dyslexia Neil spent Saturdays attending various programs to help him learn to manage his dyslexia. As first lady - between 1989 to 1993 - Barbara made her main focus literacy and became involved in a number of reading organizations. She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. It was through Neil's struggle that she realized the alarming statistics of illiteracy in schools. The Barbara Bush Literacy Foundation will hold its 24th annual Celebration of Reading on Thursday, April 19, at the Hobby Center. 'She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well,' President Donald Trump and his wife and First Lady, Melania Trump, said in a statement that noted Bush's championing of literacy 'as a fundamental family value'. As first lady - between 1989 to 1993 - Barbara made her main focus literacy and became involved in a number of reading organizations. She's pictured reading to children at a hospital in 2003 She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. She's pictured chatting with Big Bird and kids while taping a segment of PBS' Sesame Street for its 21st season in October 1989 She eventually founded the non-profit Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which is based in Florida, to help increase literacy levels nationwide. She's pictured in 2011 reading to children at the Maine Medical Center Not only was literacy a huge focus for Bush, she also took on issues such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS. Paul Brandus with West Wing Reports reminded Bush's admirers of her commitment to these issues when he tweeted a photo of Bush in 1989 on Tuesday. 'A First Lady has the power to make people think. In 1989 Barbara Bush visited a Washington hospice where abandoned infants with the AIDS virus were being cared for,' the tweet read. 'Some folks were ignorant and thought you could get AIDS from touching someone. Mrs. Bush hugged and kissed the kids,' Brandus added in the tweet. Bush tried to make sure the public understood that AIDS wasn't contracted through hugs and handshakes at a time when many were worried that if they touched someone with the disease they would contract it. In her 1994 autobiography, 'Barbara Bush: A Memoir' Bush spoke about another visit with a young man who had the AIDS virus. 'It was a wrenching visit. Besides having trouble finding housing and medical care, they all had personal problems. I especially remember a young man who told us that he had been asked to leave his church studies when it was discovered he had AIDS,' she wrote. 'His parents also had disowned him, and he said he longed to be hugged again by his mother. A poor substitute, I hugged that darling young man and did it again in front of the cameras. But what he really needed was family,' Bush added. Bush also took on issues such as homelessness, teenage pregnancy, and AIDS. Paul Brandus with West Wing Reports reminded Bush's admirers of her commitment to these issues when he tweeted a photo of Bush in 1989 holding a child who was born with AIDS Bush tried to make sure the public understood that AIDS wasn't contracted through hugs and handshakes at a time when many were worried that if they touched someone with the disease they would contract it Princess Diana had done something similar at New York's Harlem Hospital. Bush and the princess also visited an AIDS patient in London's Middlesex Hospital in 1991 Bush was the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president. She was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush. The Bush family had said in a statement on Sunday that she was in failing health, had decided not to seek further medical treatment and instead would focus on 'comfort care'. According to some media reports, Bush had been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart problems in recent years. Bush was dubbed The Silver Fox by her husband and children. She was known for her snow-white hair and for being fiercely protective of her family. She was first lady when her husband was in the White House from 1989 to 1993. Her son, Republican George Walker Bush, triumphed in the disputed 2000 US election and was president from 2001 to 2009. The Bushes celebrated their 73rd wedding anniversary in January. Bush had an independent streak and could be sharp-tongued. As first lady, she promoted literacy and reading but said she was more interested in running a household than helping her husband run the country. Bush was the only woman to see her husband and son both sworn in as president. Bush was dubbed The Silver Fox by her husband and children. She was known for her snow-white hair and for being fiercely protective of her family She was the wife of the 41st president, George H.W. Bush, and mother of the 43rd, George W. Bush The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children are sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy She discouraged speculation that she wielded political influence with the president like her predecessors - Ronald Reagan's wife, Nancy Reagan, and Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn Carter. 'I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household,' she once said. 'She'll speak her mind but only to him,' said Jack Steel, a longtime Bush aide. The only other woman to be both wife and mother of US presidents was Abigail Adams, the first lady from 1797 to 1801. She was a major influence on husband John Adams, the nation's second president, but died before son John Quincy Adams was elected president in 1824. Another of Bush's sons, Jeb, who served as governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007, sought the 2016 Republican presidential nomination and she campaigned for him before he dropped out of the race. The Bushes had six children. A daughter, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953 at age 3. Barbara Bush's hair began to turn prematurely white after the shock of the girl's death. In addition to George W. and Jeb, the other Bush children are sons Neil and Marvin and daughter Dorothy. The Bushes married on January 6, 1945, and Barbara set up households in numerous cities as her husband moved from being a Texas oilman to being a member of Congress, Republican Party leader, US envoy to China and the United Nations and head of the Central Intelligence Agency. Barbara Bush generally refused to discuss publicly her personal views on controversial topics such as abortion, an issue on which she was believed to differ from her husband's more conservative stance. A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two But during her husband's 1992 re-election race, which he lost to Democrat Bill Clinton, she told reporters that abortion and homosexuality were 'personal things' that should be left out of political conventions and party platforms. 'I don't think that's healthy for the country when anyone thinks their morals are better than anyone else's,' she said. Opinion polls often showed her popularity as first lady exceeding her husband's as president. 'I don't threaten anyone,' she said. 'That's because I'm everyone's grandma.' A year younger than her husband, she was born Barbara Pierce on June 8, 1925, and grew up in Rye, New York. Her father was Marvin Pierce, publisher of McCall's magazine. She was home from boarding school in 1941 when she met her future husband at a Christmas party in Connecticut. She dropped out of prestigious Smith College to marry Bush, then a young naval aviator home on leave from World War Two. George Bush said marrying Barbara, whom he called Bar, was 'the thing I did right'. But the marriage nearly did not take place. While they were engaged, his bomber was shot down by the Japanese in the Pacific in 1944. He bailed out and was rescued in the ocean by a submarine crew, but his crewmates died. 'When you're 18, you think everybody is invincible. ... I mean, that was stupid - but I knew he was going to come home. He was Superman,' she told CNN in 2003. After leaving the White House, she found time to write her memoirs. In 1990, she authored 'Millie's Book,' a humorous look at the adventures of the family's English springer spaniel in the White House. In one of their last public appearances, the Bushes attended the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston with George performing the ceremonial pregame coin flip. Only a few days before, the couple had been released from a hospital where George had been treated for pneumonia and Barbara for bronchitis. Posted 4/18/18 The Dallas County Historical Society will meet at 1 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at the Jacobsen Library in the historical park on South Ash Street in Buffalo.The program will be given by Morris A Perth motorist has been charged thousands of dollars for shooting a Nerf gun at someone driving in another car. Christopher Ron Grimshaw, 23, was fined $3500 and ordered to pay $190.85 costs for shooting foam Nerf projectiles at a fellow motorist while they were driving down Marangaroo Drive in Girrawheen. The court heard that Grimshaw, who was a passenger in the car, fired the Nerf gun at at his friend's sister who was driving in the other car, the Joondalup Times reported. Christopher Ron Grimshaw, 23, was fined $3500 and ordered to pay $190.85 costs for shooting foam Nerf projectiles at a fellow motorist Grimshaw appeared at the Joondalup Magistrates Court over the incident which took place in January. No one was hurt in the Nerf war but one of the darts did hit the woman's hand. Grimshaw was charged with one count of causing fear with object or substance to people in conveyances. Grimshaw told the court he thought the charges were 'a joke at first'. But Magistrate Gregory Benn said that Grimshaw was old enough to know better. 'It's the stupidity of the offending,' he said. No one was hurt in the Nerf war but one of the darts did hit the woman's hand Grimshaw was charged with one count of causing fear with object or substance to people in conveyances The police prosecutor argued that while it may have seemed like a joke at the time the behaviour could have led to a serious crash. The prosecution pushed for a 'significant fine.' In awarding the fine Magistrate Benn pointed out the maximum penalty for the offence was seven years in jail. An Adelaide businessman faces a year-and-a-half in prison after he kidnapped and tortured the employee of a man who owed him $2 million. Wenxiong Huang, 27, formerly ran a successful construction business renovating retail premises throughout the area of Thebarton, Adelaide. But when a customer by the name of Rui Yang racked up $2 million worth of shop fittings and disappeared, Huang's enterprise went bankrupt and subsequently collapsed. This is thought to be the reason why Huang, along with an accomplice, lured one of Mr Yang's workers to his business premises under the pretence of setting up a computer, Adelaide Now reports. The owner of an Adelaide construction business faces jail after kidnapping the employee of an ex-customer, hoisting him from a forklift and torturing him Upon arrival, the man had boiling hot water thrown over him and was dragged to a neighbouring warehouse, where he was strapped into a safety harness and strung up from a forklift. Huang and his accomplice proceeded to beat the victim with a plank of wood and a screw belt - later described to the court as an ammunition belt containing screws for an automatic screw gun - while he hung there helplessly. It is understood that Huang carried out the brutal torture in an attempt to find out where his former customer had gone. Only once he was satisfied that his victim didn't know the man's whereabouts did he finally release him. A court heard that the man, 27-year-old Wenxiong Huang, beat his victim with a plank of wood and an ammunition belt for an automatic screw gun (pictured) in order to find out the location of the man's boss, who owed Huang $2million Judge Stephen McEwen said during sentencing last week that Huang had detained his victim for between five and six hours - during which the man suffered extensive bruises and cuts, as well as distinctive injuries from the screw belt. 'Huang's denial of any such assaults was not surprisingly rejected by the jury, especially given the irrefutable evidence of the injuries sustained,' Judge McEwen said. Even less surprising, he added, was that the jury rejected the defence hypothesis that the victim 'opportunistically self-inflicted the injuries, for some opaque motive'. The judge did see fit to commend Huang's work ethic, however, and claimed that the formerly conscientious businessman - who had no prior criminal record - had acted out of character. 'Huang is plainly a hardworking... and resourceful man who quickly established a very successful business against considerably adverse conditions,' he said. Huang was sentenced to two years and 11 months in jail, which took into account time already spent in prison and on home detention bail. He will not be eligible for parole until late 2019. His accomplice is still on the run. Former FBI director James Comey has revealed that he was surprised that even 'mob boss' Donald Trump would fire him in the middle of the Russia investigation. Comey appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Tuesday to promote his new book, A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership, in which he compared Trump to a mobster who lived in a 'cocoon of alternative reality.' Colbert asked Comey that: 'If you felt you were working for a mob boss, were you surprised you got whacked? Cause that's what they do.' James Comey and Stephen Colbert toasted 'To the truth' on Tuesday's The Late Show as the former FBI director discussed his time working under Trump Comey revealed that he was surprised that even 'mob boss' Donald Trump (pictured in February) would fire him in the middle of the Russia investigation 'I actually was quite surprised,' Comey admitted, 'because I thought, I'm leading the Russia investigation. Even though our relationship was becoming strained, there's no way I'm going to get fired or whacked,' Comey said. Colbert demanded to know why not. 'Because that would be a crazy things to do. Why would you fire the FBI director whose leading the Russia investigation?' Comey asked. 'Because you are leading the Russia investigation!' Colbert fired back. 'I don't know if you've dealt with mob bosses before, but they don't like to be investigated.' Colbert asked Comey that: 'If you felt you were working for a mob boss, were you surprised you got whacked? Cause that's what they do' Comedy replied that he was surprised because firing someone leading the Russian investigation would be a 'crazy thing to do' Comey was fired by Trump last May and later announced that the Russian probe he was heading had played a role in the decision. Meanwhile Comey has hinted that he still has a few secrets about that probe which are yet to be made public. 'Can you tell me?' Colbert asked. 'Uh, no,' Comey answered, explaining that he couldn't even add the information in his book - which had to be reviewed by the FBI before publication. 'It's not in the book and I can't talk about it,' he added. 'Okay. Drink some more wine,' Colbert responded. The host had poured himself and Comey each a paper cup of Pinot Noir - in reference to Comey's comments in his book how he'd flown home to the East Coast drinking wine in a paper cup after being fired. Former FBI Director James Comey arrives for a taping of 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' in Manhattan on Tuesday Comey was all smiles as he arrived for another leg of his book promotion tour The former FBI Director is promoting his new book a Higher Loyalty in New York At one point during the light hearted interview, the pair toasted 'To the truth'. Colbert then focused on Special Counsel Robert] Mueller, who is now in charge of the Russian probe, asking what would happen if Trump decided to fire him. 'I think most likely it goes on. I think you would need to fire everyone in the Justice Department and the FBI to stop that investigation,' Comey replied. 'I think it would be very hard to shut that down by firing [Mueller].' 'Well, it's hard to fire the FBI director, too,' Colbert said. Comey will continue with his book tour on 'The View' on Wednesday. The interview comes after Comey said in his book, that Trump reminded him of a mafia boss who demanded absolute loyalty, saw the entire world against him, and lied about everything. The appearance on the Late Show comes days after Comey said Trump is 'morally unfit' to be president on 20/20 Trump spent part of Sunday morning tweeting attacks against his former top cop, saying he should go to jail for leaking information about their meetings to the press According to excerpts of the book leaked by US media on Thursday, Trump was also obsessed with the alleged existence of a video in which Russian prostitutes said to be hired by Trump urinated on the bed in a Moscow hotel room. Comey, whom Trump fired in May 2017, says the US president lives in 'a cocoon of alternative reality' that he tried to pull others around him into, according to The Washington Post. Meetings with Trump gave Comey 'flashbacks to my earlier career as a prosecutor against the Mob,' he writes. 'The silent circle of assent. The boss in complete control. The loyalty oaths. The us-versus-them worldview. The lying about all things, large and small, in service to some code of loyalty that put the organization above morality and above the truth.' According to the New York Post, Comey says Trump was obsessed with the 'pee tape', the existence of which was first reported by a former British intelligence agent, who researched alleged links between Trump's campaign and Russia. A pair of devoted dads arrested in an alleged clandestine drug laboratory were allegedly master cooks in a major crime syndicate. Police allege Chris Perdulovski, 43, and Sash Colevski, 44, cooked MDMA for a gang selling ecstasy in Sydney, raking in millions of dollars for the criminal group. They were arrested alongside four other men when heavily armed police raided ten New South Wales properties in March. Scroll down for video Police allege Chris Perdulovski (pictured, left), 43, and Sash Colevski (pictured right), 44, cooked MDMA for a gang selling ecstasy in Sydney, raking in millions of dollars for the criminal group A pair of devoted dads arrested in an alleged clandestine drug laboratory (pictured) were allegedly master cooks in a major crime syndicate Mr Colevski, a father-of-two, was allegedly found sleeping on a bunk bed with a pump-action shotgun under his pillow,The Daily Telegraph reported. Dramatic footage of the raid on the rural property in Neville, in the state's central west, allegedly shows police uncover a firearm during the arrest. The bush property was allegedly used for the large-scale manufacture of MDMA, and police seized $4.5million worth of the drug along with precursor chemicals. The arrest of Mr Perdulovski, a father and flying instructor who proposed to his fiance six months ago in a romantic cockpit proposal, shocked his family. Mr Colevski, a father-of-two, was allegedly found sleeping on a bunk bed with a pump-action shotgun (pictured) under his pillow They were arrested alongside four other men when heavily armed police raided ten New South Wales properties in March (pictured is cash allegedly seized in the raids) His sister Tammy described the Fletcher man as 'one of the best guys you could meet'. 'He has been flying for years. He's a nice guy, one of the best guys you could meet. He loves his kids to death. He loves his fiancee to death. He is a great family man.' Mr Colevski's neighbours in the south-west Sydney suburb of Wattle Grove had a similar reaction, saying he seemed like a 'regular nice family man'. 'He would wave and say hello while walking the dog,' they said. Police allegedly discovered MDMA manufacturing instructions at his family home, along with an inactive drug lab at a unit linked to Mr Colevski in Moorebank. MDMA pills, cocaine and $24,000 were allegedly found during a raid of Mr Perdulovski's residence near Newcastle. Police allegedly discovered MDMA manufacturing instructions at his family home, along with an inactive drug lab at a unit in Moorebank (pictured is a man being arrested during the raids Dramatic footage of the raid on the rural property in Neville, in the state's central west, shows police uncover a firearm during the arrest (pictured) Mr Colevski was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug, and possess unregistered firearm-prohibited firearm. Mr Perdulovski was charged with participate criminal group contribute criminal activity, two counts of large commercial manufacture of prohibited drug, two counts of large commercial drug supply, drug supply, and recklessly deal with proceeds of crime. Both men were refused bail and will face Bathurst Local Court on May 21. The raids were conducted by Strike Force Wanawong, formed in 2017 to investigate the supply of MDMA. It's the desert oasis that sounds too good to be true - a tiny outback town with leafy streets, no crime, full employment and free housing. About 1000km northeast of Perth in Western Australia, Leinster is home to about 500 people. In order to live in the town, residents need to work for mining giant BHP. Accommodation, a gym and a swimming pool are all provided for free by the company. Crystal Drinkwater, 34, and her partner, 28, both work in the mines in Leinster and have lived in the town for a year Accommodation, a gym and a swimming pool are all provided for free by the company About 1000km northeast of Perth in Western Australia, Leinster is home to about 500 people Crystal Drinkwater, 34, and her partner, 28, both work in the mines in Leinster and have lived in the town for a year. Despite the obvious perks, Ms Drinkwater told Daily Mail Australia there's no such thing as a free ride. 'People work constantly, we're very isolated and people have sacrificed a lot to live here,' she said. 'Because everyone is here to do their jobs and has come a long way it brings everyone together - there's a common goal. 'The community spirit here is absolutely fantastic.' The couple moved from Port Lincoln in South Australia, and Ms Drinkwater said the change from living by the ocean to the dusty roads of the outback took some getting used to. 'People here become your family. Once you become a resident you realise how lovely it is. 'You're driving down a red, dirt road and then you pull into Leinster and there's all this lush greenery. 'You walk down the road and there's palm trees lining the way to the bus stop. It's amazing.' Police officer-in-charge Paul Vargas said the crime rate was exceptionally low compared to neighbouring areas. Despite the obvious perks Ms Drinkwater told Daily Mail Australia there's no such thing as a free ride The couple moved from Port Lincoln in South Australia, and Ms Drinkwater said the change from living by the ocean to the dusty roads of the outback took some getting used to (Pictured: Property for sale in Leinster) It's the desert oasis that sounds too good to be true - a tiny outback town with leafy streets, no crime, full employment and free housing 'There's a really strong sense of community, everyone looks out for each other here. There's a very strong correlation between employment and crime, everyone's here to work,' he said. There are only two other police officers in town but Sergeant Vargas said their work is made simpler by the positive interactions they have with residents. 'We're quite proactive in how we interact with the community. When we go out and interact with them we're seeing a lot of smiles and waves back. 'There's limited government agencies out here and we all work pretty closely. There's no real issues in the town, nothing really gets out of control.' Having worked all over the state, including in Perth, Sergeant Vargas said he enjoys the quiet life provided in Leinster. 'There's a lot of things you go without, but if you're happy to go without then it's a great place to live. 'That's things like shops - if you want to purchase new shoes for your kids, there's going to be some logistical issues in doing that. 'The flipside of that is we live in quite a friendly community. Everyone's in it together, it's a really tight-knit community.' Accommodation, a gym and a swimming pool are all provided for free by the company Karen Ristevski's (pictured) body was discovered in bushland in 2017 The husband of slain woman Karen Ristevski will have his defence funded by taxpayers after he obtained legal aid to fight murder charges. Borce Ristevski is accused of killing his 47-year-old wife on June 29, 2016, the morning she went missing from the couple's Avondale Heights home. Ms Ristevski's remains were discovered in bushland in the Mount Macedon Regional Park almost eight months later in February 2017. Ristevski appeared in Melbourne court on Wednesday via video link from prison. The court heard a brief of evidence against Ristevski was more than 20,000 pages long. Borce Ristevski (left with wife) is accused of killing 47-year-old Karen (far left and right) on June 29, 2016, the morning she went missing from the couple's Avondale Heights home Karen Ristevski's body was found wedged between these logs in Mt Macedon, near Melbourne Evidence reportedly includes CCTV footage and audio recordings from telephone conversations, 3AW reported. Detectives used listening devices and tapped phone calls as they investigated Borce Ristevski over the murder of his wife Karen Ristevski in Melbourne. About 100 witnesses could be called to testify, the court heard on Wednesday. The murder case was adjourned to May 16, when Ristevski is expected to front court in person. Defence lawyer Sam Norton sought the adjournment to analyse the vast brief of evidence. 'I have done a lot of work on this case already and I have got a reasonable sense of it,' defence lawyer Sam Norton said. 'One of the things that will take a lot of time is the CCTV footage. 'There is one particular witness who talks about tracking a particular vehicle. 'On top of that, we have the listening device material and the telephone intercept material.' Borce Ristevski (left) and his daughter Sarah leave a press conference after pleading for information during the search of Karen Ristevski in 2016 Magistrate Suzanne Cameron noted there was a large volume of evidence that covered a range of 'topics'. A tentative date of July 2 was set for a four-week committal hearing to determine whether there is enough evidence to send the case to trial. Ristevski's lawyer previously told the court that Ristevski would plead not guilty to murder. The Melbourne man has maintained his innocence since the murder charges were laid in December 2017. Ristevski was one of the pallbearers at a private funeral service for his wife at Essendon's St John's Uniting Church. He was pictured crying as he led the prosession from the church. A woman has called out a 'coward' for leaving an angry note on her boyfriend's car. Brooke Wyatt had just moved into her new Perth home two days earlier and was welcomed with a fiery note directed at her partner, Jason. Ms Wyatt called her anonymous Ellenbrook neighbour a 'coward' and questioned why they didn't contact the couple directly. 'To the hero that left this on my partner's windscreen. How about grow a pair and come have a chat with us if you have a problem,' Ms Wyatt posted on Facebook. Brooke Wyatt and her partner had just moved into the area when they received the hand-written note She said the couple takes responsibility for parking in an area where it wasn't permitted but it was the reaction that shook her. 'I just couldn't help but feel targeted because we are still only just moving in. They would have been well aware of that also. Our garage is mostly filled with packing boxes,' she told the Daily Mail Australia. The message scrawled across lined paper said 'don't park like a w****r' and was left on the windscreen of her partner's car. Brooke Wyatt (right) and her partner Jason Morgan (left) responded to a rude message left on his car as they moved in to their new Ellenbrook home in Perth They had parked in a laneway near their new home when they received the note. She said: 'We are new to the area and had seen others parking down there also, some much worse than us, so it was an assumption made on our part'. The Facebook user said the she had spent 'literally two days' at her new home before being confronted by the message. She signed off her online post with 'will be looking forward to meeting you'. Ms Wyatt said she had received an array of responses on her post. 'We all make mistakes after all. It's just the way people go about it is the upsetting part,' she said. The heroic pilot helped firefighters tackle huge bush fire in Sydney last weekend Philip O'Driscoll, 45, suffered head and spinal injuries after the crash on Tuesday A helicopter pilot rushed to hospital after his aircraft crashed was helping firefighters tackle savage bush fires in Sydney just days before. Philip O'Driscoll, 45, suffered head and spinal injuries after the crash on Tuesday afternoon in Kosciuszko National Park. The heroic pilot helped the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) put out two separate blazes in the state last week. Scroll down for video Pilot Philip O'Driscoll, 45, crashed in Kosciusko National Park on Tuesday and was rushed to hospital after the accident (pictured with his partner) Just days before his aircraft crashed he was helping firefighters tackle savage bush fires in Sydney (pictured is the wreckage of his helicopter which caught fire when it crashed) Mr O'Driscoll is in a stable condition after suffering the serious injuries, with his partner arriving at Canberra Hospital on Wednesday morning. A severe blaze threatened dozens of homes in the west Sydney suburb of Holsworthy over the weekend, destroying 3,300 hectares of bushland. On Thursday, he was also working with firefighters in the remote area around Table Top on the NSW southern border. In 2005, Mr O'Driscoll cheated death when his helicopter smashed into a cliff in mountains in Canada as he tried to avoid hitting people after the engine cut out. Mr O'Driscoll is in a stable condition and his partner arrived at Canberra Hospital on Wednesday morning The aircraft burst into flames and Mr O'Driscoll managed to climb through the wreckage before passing out in the snow for three hours until he was rescued. He still bears the scars of the incident and had to learn to walk and talk again during four gruelling years of rehabilitation, Mr O'Driscoll told NT News in an interview in 2010. His UH-1H helicopter came down in a remote area near Cabramurra at around 2.30pm on Tuesday before catching fire. The pilot runs O'Driscoll Aviation, providing specialist helicopter services, involving heavy lifting, search and rescue and water-bombing A desperate rescue mission was launched and several paramedic teams including a rescue helicopter were winched down to the crash site. The flames were put out after the fire broke out with Mr O'Driscoll trapped inside the cockpit. He runs O'Driscoll Aviation, a company providing specialist helicopter services, involving heavy lifting, search and rescue and water-bombing used to tackle bush fires. Mr O'Driscoll, who is from Humpty Doo, around 40km from Darwin in the Northern Territory, has been helping rural fire services across Australia for more than 18 years. Footage posted by the Splitters Creek Rural Fire Brigade was shared by Mr O'Driscoll showing him in action on the NSW border last week Mr O'Driscoll was removing equipment from a remote drill site for the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project in the Snowy Mountains NSWRFS confirmed Mr O'Driscoll was called to help with the bush fires in Sydney and in the state during the past week. When his helicopter crashed on Tuesday, Mr O'Driscoll was removing equipment from a remote drill site for the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project in the Snowy Mountains. Paul Broad, chief executive for Snowy Hydro, confirmed the aircraft was supporting the 'geotechnical drilling program' for the project. The aircraft is capable of lifting 1,500kg and served in the Vietnam War. The aircraft came down and caught fire at around 2.30pm on Tuesday in the remote area near Cabramurra Footage posted by the Splitters Creek Rural Fire Brigade was shared by Mr O'Driscoll on his Facebook page on April 12. He told friends the video shared by the fire service was of him 'burning stubble and cleaning up'. He also shared footage of him in action during the devastating Tathra bushfires on the NSW south coast in March. Mr O'Driscoll was the only person on board the chopper as rescue teams raced to the remote area near Lake Tablingo. The man, who is 45-year-old, is being treated by paramedic teams including the rescue helicopter in the New South Wales park He had to be winched from the wreckage and flown to hospital around 100km away in Canberra. Specialist rescue teams from the Snowy Hydro Emergency Response Team were called to deal with hazardous material. A NSW Police spokesman said: 'The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified about the crash, and will deploy an investigation team to the site.' A helicopter has crashed in the Kosciuszko National Park with the pilot trapped inside the burning wreckage An elderly farmer has been crushed to death by a large bale of hay. Emergency services were called to a farm on Proctor Road near Willunga Hill south of Adelaide about 9.30am on Wednesday. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was trapped under a hay bale which he was attempted to move with a tractor, Yahoo7 reported. The man, believed to be in his 70s, was trapped under a hay bale which he was attempted to move with a tractor Paramedics and SES volunteers attempted to rescue the man but he died at the scene. Safe Work South Australia is investigating, and police will prepare by the coroner. It is believed the hay bale fell back into the cabin of the tractor while the man was operating it. More to come Posted 4/18/18 On April 7, the first Believe in Buffalo: Helping Hands Volunteer Day was held. More than 20 volunteers came out to help a Buffalo couple clean up their property by bagging up leaves, cleaning up A glamorous Canadian drug mule who tried to help smuggle $21million worth of cocaine into Australia on a cruise ship in a quest for Instagram fame has been jailed for eight years. Melina Roberge, 24, sobbed as she was sentenced in a Sydney court on Wednesday for plotting to import the drugs on board the Sea Princess ship in August 2016. Roberge, who was one of three Canadians arrested over the 95kg (209 pounds) haul - the largest ever drug seizure on a cruise ship docking in Australia - said she was motivated by her addiction to Instagram. During her sentencing, Judge Kate Traill blasted Roberge's social media lifestyle saying she had carried out the drug smuggling plot in the hope of being the 'envy of others'. Canadian drug mule Melina Roberge was sentenced to eight years in jail on Wednesday for trying to help smuggle $21 million worth of cocaine into Australia on a cruise ship in 2016 The drugs (some pictured) were found stuffed in suitcases when Australian Federal Police raided the cruise ship rooms when the boat docked in Sydney in August 2016 Roberge (left) and her travelling partner, former porn star Isabelle Lagace (right) were among the three arrested over the cocaine smuggling plot when the ship docked in Sydney in 2016 The judge blamed Roberge's actions on a desire to take selfies 'in exotic locations and post them on Instagram to receive likes and attention'. Judge Traill labelled it a sad indictment of the negative impact of social media on young people, who lead a 'vacuous existence' seeking likes for self worth and who have become a 'marketable commodity'. 'She wanted to be the envy of others. I doubt she is now,' the judge said. She acknowledged that Roberge was recruited by her 'sugar daddy' to carry out the crime in exchange for a free holiday. Roberge, who pleaded guilty in February to the charges, was sentenced to a maximum eight years behind bars with a non-parole period of four years and nine months. One of her accomplices, former porn star Isabelle Lagace, was sentenced in November to at least four-and-a-half years in jail after admitting she tried to smuggle the white powder in the pair's cabin to clear a $20,000 debt. Andre Tamin, 64, has also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced later this year. Roberge and Lagace made headlines after Instagram photos of them surfaced showing them stopping off in exotic locations during the drug run to Sydney. Police found 95kg worth of cocaine stuffed in suitcases during the bust. It is the largest ever drug seizure on a cruise ship docking in Australia In an affidavit tendered to court, Roberge wrote that at the time she was 'a stupid young woman who was governed by a superficial desire to take pictures of myself in exotic locations' A woman (pictured in the black shirt ), believed to be a friend of Melina Roberge, leaves the Downing Centre Court in Sydney on Wednesday after the sentencing In an affidavit tendered to the court, Roberge wrote that at the time she was 'a stupid young woman' who was governed by superficial goals. 'I have devastated so many people in the process,' she said. The court heard Roberge met her 'sugar daddy' in 2015 and they began an intimate relationship while she worked as an escort for him. He invited her on a trip to Morocco in May 2016 where she worked as an escort and it was on this trip that he first asked her to be involved in the drug-smuggling trip. Roberge said that at the time she was 'a stupid young woman who was governed by a superficial desire to take pictures of myself in exotic locations and post them on Instagram to receive likes and attention'. 'I have devastated so many people in the process,' she said. Roberge told the court last month that she initially refused when her 'sugar daddy' asked her to carry drugs on the cruise. During her sentencing, the judge blamed Roberge's actions on a desire to take selfies 'in exotic locations and post them on Instagram to receive likes and attention' The drug haul, found on the Sea Princess (pictured above), is the largest ever drug seizure on a cruise ship landing in Australia Roberge (pictured with her mother) said she had since met people in jail who struggle with drug addictions She later agreed when she was told she could enjoy a free holiday after learning that another person had dropped out. 'I was meant to just be there and look like I was on holiday and look like a cover for everyone else. Other people would be there to look after the drugs,' she said. Roberge claimed she made the decision without thinking about the consequences, and said she had since met people in jail who struggle with drug addictions. 'I do not want to be part of that. I want to be able to help them,' she said. She declined to name her 'sugar daddy' in court, citing fear for her family and friends in Canada. Crown prosecutor Tom Muir said Roberge was aware of what she was doing, and she was aware the drugs were in her cabin. 'She was not doing it for debt. It's for the lifestyle she wants to enjoy,' he told the court in March. Her barrister Avni Djemal said she played no part in dealing with the drugs and had been young and naive. Djemal said she was 'one of the most co-operative prisoners in the system' with a high chance of rehabilitation. Roberge and Lagace (pictured together) documented their luxury cruise on social media before attempting to import the drugs Lagace (above) worked in a bar in the Canadian city of Longueuil and took off suddenly on her trip, telling few about her plans In an online post, Lagace (above) said: 'If I offend you, cry me a river. I'll bring snacks and a raft. I will literally float down your tears; eating chips and working on my tan' People close to Roberge have previously told Daily Mail she had always set her sights on having the best that life can bring and was 'all about money, money, money'. A former boyfriend said: 'She was a flirt and moreover she was just a superficial young woman. Melina was lovely and attractive, but she wanted money and people who had money. 'It was all about money with her and she was dating older men too because they had the cars and the power to give her the lifestyle she wanted badly. 'That meant the best restaurants and having nicely done hair and the finest clothes.' He said he had kept in touch with her through Facebook and raised an eyebrow at her lifestyle, which included travelling to the best holiday spots in the world. 'It was money that drove her, and if she did that smuggling it just shows that money can't buy you happiness,' he added. Her cabin mate, Canadian former porn star Isabelle Lagace, was sentenced to at least four-and-a-half years in jail in November after admitting she tried to smuggle the drugs to clear a $20,000 debt. It has also been revealed Lagace posed for a series of nude photographs which appeared to be taken when she was aged nineteen Roberge's cabin mate, Canadian former porn star Isabelle Lagace, was sentenced to at least four-and-a-half years in jail in November Lagace worked in a bar in the Canadian city of Longueuil and took off suddenly on her trip, telling few about her plans. In an online post, she gave a clue to her carefree lifestyle when she said: 'If I offend you, cry me a river. I'll bring snacks and a raft. I will literally float down your tears; eating chips and working on my tan.' It has also been revealed Lagace posed for a series of nude photographs which appeared to be taken when she was 19. She was handed a sentence of seven years and six months, but after the non-parole period was backdated to her arrest date, she will likely be released in 2021. Lagace previously said she was angry to have been involved with the 'dirty, filthy drug trade'. 'This will haunt me for the rest of my life... I have embarrassed my family, my friends, myself,' she said. The head of the company that founded Cambridge Analytica said last year that President Donald Trump uses the same propaganda methods as Adolf Hitler did 80 years ago. Nigel Oakes is the CEO of SCL Group, which is the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, the data mining company that used information it gleaned about Facebook users to try and help Trump during the 2016 elections. Last year, Oakes was interviewed by a University of Essex professor about propaganda and its role in swaying public opinion during the Brexit referendum. The transcripts of the interview were posted by a committee of the British Parliament. The conversation, which also involved a senior communications official with the Leave.EU campaign, then turned to similarities between that effort and propaganda employed by the Nazis during their rise to power in Germany. The head of the company that founded Cambridge Analytica said last year that President Donald Trump uses the same propaganda methods as Adolf Hitler did 80 years ago. Hitler is seen left in an undated file photo. Trump is seen right Hitler, got to be very careful about saying so so, must never probably say this, off the record, but of course Hitler attacked the Jews, because... He didnt have a problem with the Jews at all, but the people didnt like the Jews, Oakes said. So if the people He could just use them to say So he just leverage an artificial enemy. Well thats exactly what Trump did. He leveraged a Muslim- I mean, you know, its- It was a real enemy. ISIS is a real, but how big a threat is ISIS really to America? Really, I mean, we are still talking about 9/11, well 9/11 is a long time ago. Andy Wigmore, the former communications director for Leave.EU, also likened his campaigns strategy to that of the Fuhrers very clever propaganda efforts. Nigel Oakes is the CEO of SCL Group, which is the parent company of Cambridge Analytica, the data mining company that used information about Facebook users to try and help Trump during the 2016 elections In its pure marketing sense, you can see the logic of what they were saying, why they were saying it, and how they presented things, and the imagery, Wigmore said of the Nazis. And looking at that now, in hindsight, having been on the sharp end of this campaign, you think: crikey, this is not new, and its just using the tools that you have at the time. A spokesperson for Cambridge Analytica told Huffington Post that Oakes never worked for the company or the Trump campaign. Oakes was speaking in a personal capacity about the historical use of propaganda to an academic he knew well from her work in the defense sphere. Oakes said the consultancy was lined up to do work with Leave.EU in the event that it was designated as the official campaign to leave the European Union, according to transcripts of interviews published by a parliamentary committee. Cambridge Analytica lies at the center of a storm for using data obtained from millions of Facebook users without their permission after it was hired by Trump for his 2016 US presidential election campaign. The comparison between Trump and Hitler harkens back to criticism of the president for his apparent affinity for strongmen and dictators. Since launching his campaign for president in 2015, Trump has praised world leaders who have been criticized by human rights groups for their authoritarian policies. These include Russian President Vladimir Putin; Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte; Chinese President Xi Jinping; Egypts Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi; and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, according to NPR. Investigators fear a 'catastrophic event' from metal fatigue in aircraft engines after a blade was found to be missing on a jet that blew on a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday. The New York to Dallas plane was forced into an emergency landing at Philadelphia after shrapnel from the engine smashed a window and almost sucked businesswoman Jennifer Riordan out of the plane. Last night, the National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary examination had revealed one of the CFM56-7B engine's fan blades was separated and missing. The blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue, chairman Robert Sumwalt said. European regulators this month began requiring an inspection by early next year of the type of engine that blew apart on the flight, and a source said U.S. regulators were near a similar rule. In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida, after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine, and debris ripped a foot-long hole above the left wing. Investigators found signs of metal fatigue. Scroll down for video Investigators fear a 'catastrophic event' from metal fatigue in aircraft engines after a blade was found to be missing on a jet that blew on a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday A harrowing photograph taken in the air shows the exposed, mangled engine after it exploded. The pilot flew like this for 12 minutes until she made her emergency landing The New York to Dallas plane was forced into an emergency landing at Philadelphia after shrapnel from the engine smashed a window and almost sucked businesswoman Jennifer Riordan out of the plane Last night, the National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary examination had revealed one of the CFM56-7B engine's fan blades was separated and missing Jennifer Riordan, a mother-of-two from Albuquerque, was on a business trip when the plane's left engine exploded sending shrapnel flying into a window next to her seat The 2016 incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose ultrasonic inspections of similar fan blades and their replacement should they fail the test. Sumwalt said last night the NTSB will review whether the engines involved in Tuesday's incident might have been subject to the directive, which is not yet finalised. 'We want to look at this particular event and see what the factors are related to this. Maybe they're related to the previous event or maybe not. But we need to understand what's going on here,' said the NTSB chairman. The FAA had 'determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design,' according to its proposal last year. The FAA proposal estimated that checks would require two hours of labour per inspection. 'We are very concerned' about metal fatigue, Sumwalt said in the wake of Tuesday's mid-air drama. 'There needs to be proper inspection mechanisms in place to check for this before there's a catastrophic event.' There are reports that the 13th of the 24 blades in the engine had snapped off near the central hub. Sumwalt says the blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue Southwest Airlines says it's speeding up inspections of engines like the one that failed and sent debris smashing into a plane window, leading to the death of a passenger WHAT CAUSES A JET ENGINE TO BLOW OUT AND WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THEY DO? All jet engines work on the same principle. The engine sucks air in at the front via a fan. A compressor, made of spinning blades inside the main shaft of the engine, then raises the pressure of this air. This compressed air is sprayed with fuel and lit with an electric spark. This causes the now burning gases to expand and blast out through a nozzle at the back of the engine, providing forward thrust. As hot air rushes through the nozzle, it passes another group of blades called the turbine, causing them to spin. This causes the compressor to spin again and suck in more air, repeating the cycle. Jet engines have few moving parts compared to other types of engines, meaning there is very little that can go wrong, but introducing any foreign bodies to this delicate system is a recipe for disaster. All jet engines work on the same principle. The engine sucks air in at the front via a fan, which is then compressed and ignited. This expands and blasts out through a nozzle at the back of the engine, providing forward thrust Large objects - either pieces from within the mechanism breaking off or outside debris, as in the case of a bird strike, entering the engine - can cause havoc once inside. They strike the internal mechanisms and cause a chain reaction of damage, resulting in the engine blowing out, with debris 'exploding' outward in many directions and fires are often another result. On September 8, 2015, British Airways flight 2276 aborted its takeoff from Las Vegas after its left engine failed and burst into flames. Material ejected during a blow out will sometimes hit the body of the aircraft, causing untold chaos. This can lead to rapid decompression of the pressurised interior of the aircraft, as in the case of Southwest flight 1380. Advertisement Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected on Sunday. He said the plane had gone through 40,000 takeoffs and landings since it was delivered in July 2000. That included 10,000 since its last overhaul. Flight 1380, bound for Dallas with 144 passengers and five crew members aboard, took off from New York's La Guardia took off at 10.27am on Tuesday. But 20 minutes into the flight it was forced to divert to Philadelphia after an engine was ripped apart at 30,000ft causing shrapnel to smash a window. Passengers frantically tried to stop Jennifer Riordan being sucked out of the plane. The 43-year-old Wells Fargo banking executive later died from her injuries. At 11.18am, passenger Marty Martinez posted on Facebook a live video of himself on the plane, wearing a breathing mask, as the plane descended. Hero pilot Tammie Jo Shults took the plane into a sharp descent and made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport at 11.27am. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. A piece of the engine covering was later found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia, Sumwalt said. She was the wife of Michael Riordan (left), who served until recently as the chief operating officer for the city of Albuquerque This was the row of seats where the window was shattered. According to witnesses, passengers had to pull the woman back into the aircraft when she was sucked towards the window and some of her body was drawn through it EXPLOSIVE DECOMPRESSION: WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT HAPPEN? Aircraft are pressurised because air is very thin at their cruising altitudes, which range between around 30,000 and 40,000 feet (5.7 to 7.6 miles above sea level). Humans can't breathe very well at these heights, which means our bodies get less oxygen - a process called hypoxia that can cause slower thinking, dimmed vision, and even death. Another life threatening effect of a depressurised cabin is 'the bends', which affects scuba divers if they resurface too quickly. A dramatic drop in pressure can cause excess nitrogen to come out of the blood stream as gas bubbles, resulting in joint pain, paralysis and can also kill. To prevent all of these complications, the cabins of many aircraft are pressurised to near sea level pressures, which makes breathing in an aeroplane about the same as breathing at sea level. Explosive decompression happens when something causes the cabin to rapidly lose its pressure. This may be because of a failure in the structure of the plane or a collision with an external object. Air is constantly trying to push out of this high-pressure environment into the lower pressure of the exterior. When a sudden hole into the outside world is opened, air rushes out of the craft. In some cases, passengers and objects who are sat very close to this opening could be sucked out by the force of the escaping air. Advertisement The National Transportation Safety Board is inspecting the wrecked engine today. Officials retrieved the flight data, which will be sent to Washington for review, as airlines around the world stepped up inspection of engines on that model of aircraft. The CFM56 engine was produced by a joint venture of General Electric Co and France's Safran SA called CFM International and is one of the most common engines, paired with the world's most-sold plane, the Boeing 737. Boeing and CFM said they will help with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation into the incident. The engine will be examined further to understand what caused the failure. The investigation is expected to take 12 to 15 months. Southwest said Tuesday night that it would inspect similar engines in its fleet over the next 30 days. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive last month requiring a one-time ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade on models of CFM56 engines within nine months of April 2. Riordan was also a well-known community volunteer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a Wells Fargo official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as she was unsure whether all of Riordan's family had been notified of her death The head of Southwest Airlines says that there were no problems with a plane involved in a fatal emergency landing when it was inspected two days ago WHAT CAUSES METAL FATIGUE FAILURES? Metals fatigue failures occur when structures are subjected to high stress over an extended period of time. They cause metals to fail at a stresses much lower than they can normally withstand. The main factors contributing to fatigue failures include high tensile stress with a large amount of variation or fluctuation in the way it is applied, particularly when this is repeated over a large number of cycles. Other factors include stress concentration, corrosion, temperature, overload and weaknesses in the structure of a metal. Metals fatigue failures occur when structures are subjected to high stress over an extended period of time. Surfaces revealed by a fatigue failure show a 'beach mark' or the originating point of a fatigue crack - the dark region on this aluminium crank arm In the example of a jet engine, this occurs in engine turbofans when the propellers repeatedly rotate throughout their life. Metal fatigue failures are widely studied, accounting for 90 per cent of all failures attributable to mechanical causes. That's according to Dr Turgut Gulmez of Istanbul Technical University's department of mechanical engineering. They occur without any plastic deformation, which means there is usually no visible warning of that a failure is about to happen. Surfaces revealed by a fatigue failure show a 'beach mark' or the originating point of a fatigue crack. Advertisement It said that CFM had sent a service bulletin recommending inspections, leading regulators to make the directive. The actions by regulators show that there has been some concern, albeit non-urgent, about the engine, a workhorse of the global civil aviation fleet that has logged more than 350 million hours of safe travel. EASA said the directive was issued after the failure of a fan blade on a CFM56 engine, which led to the uncontained release of debris. It did not name the airline involved or the incident, but the service bulletin it referenced was the same as in the FAA proposal. 'This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fan blade failure, possibly resulting in uncontained forward release of debris, with consequent damage to the engine and the aeroplane,' EASA said. At 11:18am, passenger Marty Martinez posted on Facebook a live video of himself on the plane, wearing a breathing mask, as the plane descended 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing': How hero ex-Navy fighter pilot with 'nerves of steel' saved more than 100 passengers The heroic pilot who calmly landed the Southwest Airlines flight has been identified as a former ex-Navy fighter pilot. Tammie Jo Shults, one of the first women to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft. Despite the crisis on board, Schults was calm as she told Air Traffic Control: 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing.' Asked if the plane was on fire, she said: 'No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. They said there is a hole and someone went out.' She added that 'we have injured passengers' as she requested medical staff to meet them on landing. Passengers say that after landing the plane, the pilot took the time to speak to all those aboard personally. Tammie Jo Shults (pictured left, and right on the aircraft with the rest of the crew), a former Navy fighter pilot and the first woman to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft. 'Tammie Jo Schults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally,' Diana McBride Self wrote. 'This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew.' Schults was one of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy and first to fly an F-18. She later became an instructor, as the Navy did not allow women to fly in combat, and she finally resigned in 1993 when she joined Southwest Airlines. A mother-of-two, originally from New Mexico, Schults now lives with her husband Dean, a fellow pilot, in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. 'She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her,' said Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas. 'I'm going to send her a Christmas card, I'm going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome.' Advertisement Southwest's voluntary, accelerated checks will be ultrasonic. American, United and Delta Air Lines did not immediately comment if they too would speed up such checks, though it was unclear if they at all needed to. The FAA proposal estimated 220 engines on U.S. registered planes would be affected and that checks would require two hours of labor per inspection. It proposed for engines with more than 15,000 cycles since the last shop visit to be inspected within six months and engines with less than 15,000 cycles to be checked within 18 months or at the next fan blade lubrication. A cycle is one take-off and landing. Any design issues with the long-established CFM56 engine could have repercussions for fleets worldwide. But given that thousands of the engines are already in use globally, industry experts say the focus of the investigation is more likely to fall on one-off production or maintenance issues. A government source said the FAA could finalize its directive soon. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment late on Tuesday, and Southwest declined to say whether it had ultrasonically examined the engine involved in the incident, because the event is under investigation by the NTSB. The sons of a slain Australian man who was strangled to death in his Bali villa have slammed local police for the investigation into their father's murder. Stephen Richardson, 63, was found lying naked on a blood-soaked mattress in his rented home at the popular beachside town of Sanur by a friend in May last year. His sons Aaron and Ben have flown to Bali seeking answers in the mysterious case of their Mr Richardson's gruesome killing. Scroll down for video The sons of a slain Australian man who was strangled to death in his Bali villa have slammed local police for their bungled investigation into their father's murder (Aaron left, Ben right) Stephen Richardson, 63, was found lying naked on a blood-soaked mattress in his rented home at the popular beachside town of Sanur by a friend in May last year 'Our old man get's killed over here and we don't get a phone call,' Aaron told A Current Affair. 'It's just fallen off the radar, it's almost like it's been swept under the carpet and all's been forgotten. We just want to get answers about what happened.' 'If you've got nothing to hide, just tell us,' Ben said. Mr Richardson's son Aaron said the family is not receiving answers from either Indonesian or Australian authorities, The Sydney Morning Herald reported 'There are just so many unanswered questions which we would be very grateful if they got answered,' he said. 'There just seems to be a complete lack of interest in the case ... that has probably been the most difficult thing, just having no answers.' Head of Denpasar District Police Colonel Hadi Purnomo said the case had not been closed, and investigators are still working on it. 'We face difficulties because we lack witnesses and the limited evidence collected,' he said. Mr Richardson's family said Australian authorities have been equally unhelpful, and they have received no replies to letters sent to Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's office. The grieving family of an Australian man (pictured, in white) killed in his Bali villa have slammed police over the stalled investigation Stephen Richardson, 63, was found lying naked on a blood-soaked mattress in his rented home at the popular beachside town of Sanur by a friend in May (pictured is the crime scene) They have not been able to recover Mr Richardson's savings, or his belongings, including his watch, wallet and passport. Mr Richardson was found lying in a pool of blood with wounds to his right arm, right cheek, and forehead, but an autopsy revealed the cause of death was strangulation. Bloody footprints at the scene appear to indicate that Mr Richardson moved from the bedroom to the bathroom to the living room during the attack, while a second set of smaller footprints discovered could belong to his attacker. The discovery of the second set of footprints led local authorities to believe Mr Richardson was possibly the victim of 'an act of violence' at the hands of someone who close to him. 'If they didn't know the victim, he or she couldn't get into the house,' Mr Purnomo said. There was no confirmation on whether the footprints belonged to a man or woman. Initially police believed the 63-year-old may have died as a result of an accident while intoxicated. 'There has been an assault that has caused the victim's death,' Mr Purnomo said during the initial investiation. 'There's also stabbing, blunt object [trauma] too. [But] the main [cause of death] is strangulation, which caused the victim to run out of breath and die.' Police outside the rented villa of Australian man Stephen Richardson in Bali on May 9, 2017 There was no sign of robbery, with Mr Richardson's passport, phone, money and jewellery left untouched at the villa. The main gate had also been locked from the outside. 'There are weird things [about the case]. The main gate was locked from the outside while the garage door was locked from the inside,' police said. When police arrived they said the house was locked and there was broken glass from a cabinet inside the villa. Mr Richardson is believed to have moved to Bali about three months ago and was living alone at the villa Mr Richardson is believed to have moved to Bali around three months ago and was living alone at the villa. Friends had seen him on Saturday night drinking at a local bar and around 10 beer bottles were found at the scene. Friend Garry Crocker, who found the body, scaled Mr Richardson's fence after being unable to contact him for a number of days. The worried mate borrowed a ladder from the house's owner and jumped the fence on Jalan Danau Poso, only to be confronted with the horrific scene through the window. Mr Croker gave police a statement while forensic officers and sniffer dogs searched the house and recovered an iPhone 5. His motorbike was also missing. A teenage boy failed his driving test after the fuel light switched on halfway through his exam. The high-school student was told he had failed and had to wait another two weeks until he could attempt the test again. Michael O'Brien was given the automatic fail while he was driving his parents' 2004 Honda Odyssey.' Michael O'Brien (right) was given an automatic fail after the fuel light turned on in the middle of his driving exam. Jesse O'Brien (left) took action against the company who failed him Michael's father, Jesse O'Brien said the car was checked before the test began and the car's low fuel wasn't noted. 'I wanted to see the documentation that stated that this was an immediate failure point. Because it just didn't seem to make sense to me,' he told the NZherald. The manager of the Vehicle Test New Zealand was urged explain why it was his son's fault the car had no fuel when it had already been checked. The family later lodged a formal complain to the Transport Agency who found the testing officer had made a mistake and shouldn't have stopped the exam. The family later lodged a formal complain to the Transport Agency who found the testing officer had made a mistake and shouldn't have stopped the exam Mr O'Brien said he drove the car for the rest of the day without filling up and it would have worked sufficiently for the remainder of the exam. 'It would have absolutely lasted for the rest of the test. From what I know the standard for any car is about 10-15 per cent of reserve fuel,' he said. The father said his son wasn't allowed to resit the vehicle exam for another two weeks. 'It takes away the freedom he was hoping to have in the school holidays,' he said. This is the second time Michael had failed the driving exam, the first time he went straight through a stop-sign. A VTNZ spokeswoman confirmed the driver testing officer made a mistake and apologised. The teenager was refunded the money for the test but isn't allowed to re-sit the exam for another two weeks. Natasha Schofield (pictured) jumped overboard near New Caledonia on Thursday while holidaying on a cruise ship with her husband and three children The Brisbane mother-of-three who threw herself from the balcony of a P&O cruise ship and plunged to her death was a veteran nurse who dedicated her life to caring for others. Colleagues of Natasha Schofield, 47, paid tribute to the hardworking woman, who they said was dedicated to her profession. 'She will be greatly missed by many people. She was a lovely woman and a caring, dedicated nurse,' a colleague said. Mrs Schofield, 47, left her family, friends and colleagues shattered when she jumped to her death while on a family holiday aboard the Pacific Dawn, last Thursday. Her three children, aged between 12 and 16, did not witnesses their mother's death, police said. And as people still question the mother's motive for death and her recent 'life changing visit' to a hypnotherapist for help others are mourning a friend. 'It is a great loss, there are no words to express how her family must be feeling.' Mrs Schofield was seemingly proud of her most recent healthcare role as an infection control nurse - even promoting safe practices over Facebook - commenting on her friends' posts. Family friend Damon Smith said 'hurting her family is the last thing she would have wanted'. 'She will be greatly missed by many people. She was a lovely woman and a caring, dedicated nurse,' a colleague said Mrs Schofield was seemingly proud of her most recent healthcare role as an infection control nurse - even promoting safe practices over Facebook - commenting on her friends' posts Her family is yet to comment. Mrs Schofield left behind two teenage daughters and a teenage son as well as her husband, who tried to catch her as she flew overboard at 4pm on Thursday afternoon. The cruise was the 'holiday of a lifetime' for the family who have also recently travelled to Europe. Mrs Schofield posted this five-star review on a hypnotherapist's page just weeks before her ill-fated holiday Mrs Schofield posted a five-star review on the hypnotherapy page on February 23 claiming the service had changed her life - giving her thoughts clarity and making her calmer. 'Your sessions and audio recording have been life-changing for me. I am calmer, I have clarity in my thoughts and I am finding mindfulness so easy now,' she wrote. 'To anyone who is thinking of making an appointment, do it, she is amazing and could just be the answer you are looking for.' The hypnotherapist who saw Mrs Schofield in those sessions told Daily Mail Australia she could not comment on the matter as she is bound by confidentiality. The 47-year-old (pictured) is presumed dead after jumping over the edge of the P&O ship as her husband tried desperately to catch her by the legs after the 'obviously devoted and loving couple' had dinner together Her husband tried to grab her leg - but she couldn't be saved. Speaking out this week, Mrs Schofield's close friend, Mr Smith, said 'Tash would never intentionally hurt her husband or children, her family or friends'. 'Everything that has happened on that boat is the complete opposite to what she would ever want,' Mr Smith said. 'She must have arrived in a very dark and desperate place in her mind, very very quickly.' Mr Smith said he heard from Mrs Schofield's husband that her behaviour began to change in the 24 hours leading up to her suicide. '[Her husband] said she didn't seem herself for just over a day but she assured him she was fine,' he said. Mr Smith said the death of his close friend was life-altering. A terrifying photo appears to show Ms Schofield moments before she is swallowed up by the ocean. After receiving advice from marine experts, the ship called off the search for the Brisbane woman on Friday morning 'She has been there for me in various ways, starting from crashing my wedding party to caring for my children a thousand times. I trust her with my life. That generous girl I know only strives to help others and make life happier - she has made me a better person,' he said. Rescue crews were unable to find Mrs Schofield's body after she propelled herself overboard from the upper deck of the P&O owned Pacific Dawn on Thursday. Queensland Police have since confirmed Mrs Schofield took her own life. Queensland Police Inspector Rob Graham told reporters on Sunday Natasha Schofield's fall was 'no accident', and described it as a 'tragic act'. 'Her husband was standing right next to her when she went over,' Mr Graham said. 'Her husband tried to grab on to her leg... but she fell.' Ms Schofield, 47, was travelling with her husband and three children, two daughters and a son aged 12-16 when she jumped. Mr Graham said they did not believe the woman's children were in the area when she plunged 30m into the ocean from the top deck of the ship. Passengers disembarked the Pacific Dawn in Brisbane on Sunday morning (pictured) CCTV footage showed Ms Schofield walking with her husband along the deck before the tragic act took place. A spokesman for P&O told SBS the clips showed 'an obviously devoted and loving couple'. The heartbreaking incident unfolded 300km west of New Caledonia on Thursday, leaving distraught passengers with a grueling two day trip back to Brisbane. Passengers were seen disembarking the vessel on Sunday morning at the Port of Brisbane. A crew member saw the woman jump off the Pacific Dawn when it was 300km west of Pacific island New Caledonia. Pictured: A blue arrow shows where the boat turned around Many appeared tired, with forlorn looks on their faces after the dramatic end to their trip. The Pacific Dawn cruise stopped just before dusk on Thursday, as a desperate search began in the area where the woman had jumped. About 8am on Friday, as huge swell surrounded the boat and the search was called off on the advice of marine experts. Many appeared tired and distraught as they stepped back on to dry land following the tragic end to their holiday Queensland police have opened an investigation into how Ms Schofield plunged to her death (crew members onboard at time of search) The ship's captain had told all passengers a search crew was 'unable to locate our guest' on Friday 'It is with a very heavy heart that I need to let you know that we have been unable to locate our guest,' the ship's captain told his passengers. 'We are still in the area of the incident, and the weather conditions with the swell three to four metres high, as you can see outside... the strong wind made our search extremely challenging. 'As a result we have now made the extremely difficult decision to continue our journey towards Brisbane.' Initial reports had suggested a mammoth wave swept the mother of the ship when it hit the deck, but a P&O spokesman later denied the claim. At least 308 people have gone overboard from cruise ships since 2000. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyondblue: 1300 22 4636 Nearby vessels assisted in the search but none were close enough to find the mother-of-three. Pictured: A map showing where the boat (red) stopped on the route it took Mike Pompeo (pictured testifying before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during his conformation hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington on April 12, has lost the support of two Democrats A positive Senate committee vote for Mike Pompeo now looks unlikely after two Democrats who supported him to become CIA director last year publicly refused to back his nomination to be secretary of state. Foreign Relations Committee members Jeanne Shaheen and Tim Kaine have both expressed their concerns about his suitability for the role, meaning it is extremely unlikely he will have the panel's endorsement when the full Senate votes on his nomination. Senator Shaheen said in a statement on Tuesday she was unable to support Pompeo due to previous statements he has made on LGBT rights, American Muslims and women's reproductive rights. 'His previous roles are fundamentally different from that of Secretary of State, who represents American values around the world,' she said. 'The Secretary of State is a policymaking position and I continue to have deep concerns regarding Mr. Pompeo's past statements and policy views.' Senator Jeanne Shaheen (pictured on April 12) said in a statement on Tuesday she was unable to support Pompeo due to previous statements he has made on LGBT rights, American Muslims and women's reproductive rights Senator Tim Kaine also voted to confirm Pompeo to the CIA post last year, but said he will oppose him for the State Department. 'I believe that Mike Pompeo would exacerbate President Trump's weaknesses rather than uphold our diplomatic legacy,' Kaine said in a statement. The United States has been without a full-fledged secretary of state since March 22, when the fired Rex Tillerson's duties were passed to a deputy. Senator Bob Corker, who chairs the powerful foreign relations panel, has signalled a likely committee vote on Pompeo early next week, and he said the Trump administration was hoping for confirmation before a one-week Senate recess begins April 28. 'It's possible' that the Senate will force a vote on Pompeo even if he fails to clear the committee with a majority, Corker told reporters. Such a move would be quite rare, especially since the Senate historian's office has said no secretary of state nominee has received an unfavorable committee vote since 1925. 'But again the first step is to get through the committee, and we'll see how that ends up.' That vote is looking increasingly tough. The committee is made up of 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Republican Senator Rand Paul has already announced his opposition, while no Democrats have publicly declared their support. Senator Tim Kaine also voted to confirm Pompeo to the CIA post last year, but said he will oppose him for the State Department A handful of Democrats on the panel have said they will oppose Pompeo, whose nomination has come to be seen by some as a broader vote on President Donald Trump's foreign policy positions. Pompeo would need 51 votes in the 100-member chamber. Republicans hold 51 seats, but with Paul opposed and Senator John McCain away from Washington indefinitely as he battles brain cancer, at least some Democratic support would be needed to cross the finish line. Pompeo met with foreign relations members in recent weeks, but has begun to reach out to other Democrats as well. Moderate Democratic Senator Doug Jones said he could meet soon with Pompeo and had 'an open mind' about him. The focus is expected to turn to a handful of Democrats who face re-election this November in states that Trump won in 2016, such as Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota. No secretary of state nominee has ever been rejected by the Senate. In US history, the Senate has only rejected nine Cabinet-level nominees. Pompeo opposes gay marriage, which he once described as a 'perversion'. He has also previously said he opposes abortion in all cases, including when the woman has been raped. President Trump (pictured on Tuesday during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago) is said to be hoping for confirmation before a one-week Senate recess begins April 28 It came as news emerged that Pompeo traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un. The highly unusual, secret visit precedes a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim within the next couple of months. The officials spoke to the Associated Press about Pompeo's trip on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. US President Donald Trump has voiced support for an American Christian pastor on trial in Turkey on terror-related charges. Andrew Brunson, 50, who ran a Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, has been detained by Turkish authorities since October 2016. If convicted, he risks up to 35 years in jail. 'Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason,' Trump tweeted late Tuesday. Andrew Brunson, who ran a Protestant church in the western city of Izmir, has been detained by Turkish authorities since October 2016. President Trump tweeted his support for the detained pastor, who is facing terror-related charges The 50-year-old, who ran a Protestant church in the western city of Izmir (pictured above), is facing up to 35 years in prison if he is convicted 'They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!' At his first hearing at the court in the town of Aliaga on Monday, a judge ordered that Brunson remain custody at a prison in Izmir, deeming him to be a flight risk He is accused of engaging in activities on behalf of the group led by exiled Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen - who Ankara says is behind a failed 2016 coup - and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Both the Gulen movement and the PKK are banned by Turkey as terror groups. Brunson is also accused of espionage for political or military purposes. At his hearing this week, told his wife Norine: 'I am going crazy. I love you.' He had earlier told the judge tearfully: 'I want to return my home. For 16 months I have been separated from my wife.' Brunson rejected all the charges against him at his first court hearing on Monday. The judge ruled that Brunson must stay in jail after deeming him to be a flight risk Brunson's wife Norine Brunson leaves the Aliaga court and prison complex after his trial started on Monday. In court he told her: 'I am going crazy. I love you.' Turkish forces guard the entrance to the prison in Kiriklar, in Izmir province, Turkey, where Brunson is held 'I want the whole truth to be revealed. I reject all the accusations in the indictment. I haven't been involved in any illegal activity. 'I haven't done anything against Turkey. On the contrary, I love Turkey. I have been praying for Turkey for 25 years.' In his statement to the court, Brunson rejected the accusations of links to Gulen's group, saying: 'That would be an insult to my religion. I am a Christian. I would not join an Islamic movement.' Gulen denies any role in the failed coup and says his Hizmet (Service) movement promotes a peaceful form of Islam. In September last year, Erdogan suggested that Turkey could free Brunson if Washington handed over Gulen, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania. In February, NASA scientist Serkan Golge, a dual national, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for being a member of Gulen's movement in a conviction denounced by Washington. Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen. Brunson is accused of of acting on behalf of the Gulen's movement, which the Turkish government says is behind the failed coup of 2016 Brunson's first court hearing was attended by Sam Brownback (left) the US ambassador at large for religious freedoms, and North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis Numbering just several thousand, the Protestant community in overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim Turkey largely comprises converts from Islam, expatriates and refugees. The Turkish Association of Protestant Churches said in a report that 2017 was marked by continued hate crimes and physical attacks. In an indication of the importance of the case for Washington, his hearing on Monday was attended by Sam Brownback, the US ambassador at large for religious freedom, and Senator Thom Tillis from Brunson's home state of North Carolina. The US State Department meanwhile said it had seen 'no credible evidence' Brunson was guilty of a crime. The Brunson case has further hiked tensions between NATO allies Turkey and the United States, with US President Donald Trump raising the issue in talks with Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Relations are already strained over American backing for a Kurdish militia in Syria despised by Ankara and the jailing of two employees at American missions in Turkey. 'That relationship is going to have difficulty in moving forward as long as Andrew Brunson is incarcerated,' Brownback told reporters at the courthouse. Posted 4/17/18 On April 9, Buffalo High School conducted an active shooter drill. With every drill we conduct, we are able to find things that went well and things we need to improve on. Here is a step-by-step Hundreds of Qantas, Virgin and Tigerair planes are fitted with the same engine that exploded on a Southwest airlines flight in the US, killing a female passenger. The engine on a Boeing 737 Next Generation airline exploded 20 minutes after leaving New York on Tuesday, forcing the pilot to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia as seven passengers were injured. The Boeing 737 is the best-selling airliner in the world and thousands of Australians fly domestically on the plane every day. Scroll down for video One person was killed and seven others sustained injuries after the engine on a Boeing 737 Next Generation airline exploded 20 minutes after leaving New York 156 Boeing Next generation airlines are currently operating domestically in Australia 'Boeing 737 Next generation' is the umbrella name given to the 600, 700, 800, 900 series of the Boeing 737. Qantas, Virgin and Tigerair all own Bowing 737, with Virgin flying the exact same 737-700 model as the Southwest plane, The Herald Sun reported. An Ohio company called CFM International is the sole supplier of Boeing 737 Next generation planes and makes the CFM56 engine that exploded. An investigation is currently under way into the cause of the explosion. 'CFM has sent a team of technical representatives to the site to assist the National Transportation Safety Board in its investigation. CFM cannot provide information about the accident or details related to it,' the company said in a statement. Victim: Jennifer Riordan, a mother-of-two and bank vice-president at Wells Fargo in Albuquerque, New Mexico The National Transport Safety Board, which investigates the most serious engine failures, have said that initial investigations revealed there was evidence of metal fatigue in the engine. Dr Nicholas Hutchins, a researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Melbourne, has said the explosion was highly likely to be caused by engine failure. 'It appears that there was some uncontained failure in the engine, which led to a piece of the engine piercing the fuselage, leading to depressurisation,' he said. 'Certainly there will be a thorough investigation to establish whether this is a maintenance issue or some wider design issue with the engine, which depending on the outcome may have ramifications to Australian operators.' Qantas is thought to have 70 737-800 liners in its fleet. Virgin Australia has 80 and Tigerair has four. Virgin is also thought to have two 737-700s operating. A spokesman for Virgin, which owns Tigerair, said that passenger safety was their number one priority. 'The Virgin Australia Group operates Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft in its fleet and they are maintained to the highest standards in accordance with the manufacturers' recommendations and regulatory requirements.' Qantas, Virgin and Tigerair all have planes in their fleets that carry the same engine An investigation is currently underway into the cause of the explosion and weather it was engine fault A spokesman for Qantas said the aircraft specifications were slightly different to the planes they operate but that the airline was watching the investigations closely. The National Transportation Safety Board may make recommendations that would effect Australian operated planes. CFM highlighted the fact that the Boeing 737 is the best-selling jetliner in the world and overall has a good safety record in a statement. 'The CFM56-7B engine powering this aircraft has compiled an outstanding safety and reliability record since entering revenues service in 1997 while powering more than 6,700 aircraft worldwide.' 'The engine has accumulated more than 350 million flight hours as one of the most reliable and popular jet engine in airline history.' Advertisement Britain is basking in sizzling temperatures as high at 77F (25C) today - making it the hottest day of the year so far. A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the 'blowtorch' will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week. Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year - and the Met Office has confirmed that today's predicted 77F in the South East will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far. St James's Park in London and Gravesend in Kent both recorded the highest temperatures of the year so far, hitting as high as 24.8C today. The average temperature in the south east of England was a toasty 24C - the same as Madrid. In comparison, Rome and Athens reached just 22C. It was not just London which enjoyed hotter than average temperatures for this time of year, with Plymouth recording 21.2C and Cardiff at 21.8C. Sisters Sophie, 19, left, and Jessica Cheyne, 20, right, take a dip in the sea at Bournemouth beach to keep cool on the hottest day of the year so far A runner makes the most of the warm weather today as daffodils spring up in highs of 22C in Bristol Three cute one day old spring lambs pictured enjoying the warm weather Scotland saw a high of 19.7C in Kinloss while Northern Ireland enjoyed a warm 18.7C in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh. Tomorrow could see temperatures hit even hotter than today, with Thursday set to soar to between 26 and 27C, which would make it the hottest April day in seven years. A high over 25.6C would also be Britain's hottest April day for seven years, Met Office records showed, since 2011's 27.8C on April 23 at Wisley, Surrey. The hottest April day ever hit 29.4C on April 16, 1949, at Camden Square, London. Yesterday was the warmest this year, with 69.6F (20.9C) recorded in Santon Downham, Suffolk, but the mercury is set to rise even further on Wednesday. At 77F, the temperature is expected to be more than 50F (10C) higher than the UK average for the time of year. Kitty Lam, 34, sunbathes in Regent's Park. Sun seekers enjoy the hot sunny weather during the first heatwave of the year in Regents Park, London Crowds flocked to the stoney beach in Brighton to make the most of the sunshine and enjoy a relaxing afternoon Members of the public enjoy the sunshine on Regents Canal as spring temperatures arrive on April 18 A woman passes by daffodils and a blossom tree as she walks in the sun in St James's Park, London. The park saw some of the hottest temperatures around the country today, with temperatures hitting 24.8C today Members of the public bath in the sunshine at Camden Lock as spring temperatures soar above average for this time of the year in the capital People enjoy the sunshine on the Long Walk at Windsor Castle in Berkshire, as Britain is expecting the hottest day of the year so far Two women soak up the sun on Brighton's famous beach today Even in the hustle and bustle of London this woman, pictured, found a spot in Green Park to soak up the sun's rays Members of the public bask in the sunshine in Regent's Park, pictured, as forecasters predict an even hotter day to come tomorrow Walkers stroll up Primrose Hill in London and put some effort into it with many looking like they are working up quite a sweat Meanwhile in Frensham, Surrey, families have been having fun in the sand and needed parasols to shade them from the sun It wasn't all about relaxation as these men proved as they went for a run in Primrose Hill, with one shedding his shirt to keep cool in the heat But running was the furthest thing from this man's mind as he sat back in a hammock with his young child at Primrose Hill Children in sunhats are not often a sight associated with mid-April but they were necessary for some in Frensham, pictured People across the country were pictured out in the sun enjoying themselves and sunbathing in the heat this morning. The hashtag #Heatwave was trending on Twitter in Britain today as people revelled in the scorching temperatures. Mike Pattisson wrote: 'The big coat has been put away and flip-flops have made an appearance (without the socks) Bring on the #heatwave' Georgieporgie said: 'Off to Portugal tomorrow and it's going to be warmer here - livid! #heatwave' By noon today the hottest place in the UK was Gravesend in Kent which had reached 72.14F (22.3C) in the morning. The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers. Sub-tropical Atlantic air is arriving but it is mixed with dirty air from Spain and France. Young women in Brighton, pictured, made sure to work on their tans as they enjoyed a day at the beach Brooke Harris enjoying the warm weather as the Birmingham hits highs of near 80F this afternoon Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year - and the Met Office has confirmed that today's predicted 77F in the South East will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far. Pictured is Cambridge today Bliss: A woman strips off to give her legs a tan as she sunbathes in Kensington Gardens in west London today People go about their business on the towpaths at Little Venice in London as Britain basks in glorious sunshine Deer enjoy the sunshine, as spring finally makes an appearance at Studley Royal Park, near Ripon, North Yorkshire Rowers out on the river Cam in Cambridge enjoying the warm weather. Temperatures are on the rise across much of the UK Sunseekers soaked up the rays on a glorious day at Brighton beach, pictured, with many enjoying ice creams Air pollution levels are set to hit high tomorrow and Friday in parts of the South and East, and moderate in parts of the North, The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said. People with asthma or lung and heart problems, as well as the elderly, are advised to reduce exercise levels in high pollution areas to reduce health risks, DEFRA guidance said. Pollution from factories, power stations and vehicle fumes worsens pollution from the continent. DEFRA said: 'Thursday and Friday have the chance of localised high pollution levels near east coasts of England, with isolated pockets also possible in busy urban areas in southern and eastern England. 'Areas of moderate air pollution are expected across southern parts of the UK, with more isolated moderate levels in the North, mainly close to coasts. 'This is due to continental air flow.' A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the 'blowtorch' will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week Experts predict these warm conditions are likely to last for the rest of the month, with changeable conditions continuing in the northwest, while the southeast still has some decent dry and bright spells. Pictured is Little Venice in London A woman out for a morning run in Cambridge. The weather across much of the UK is set to be warming up today With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018. The River Cam this morning And the scissors have also been taken to the price that a whopping 86F (30C) is reached (6/4) anywhere in UK. It's also now a 6/5 shot that despite its sodden start, this April takes home the accolade as being the warmest ever. Pictured is Queen's Park in north-west London People enjoy the bright, warm sunny morning in Queens Park in North West London 'POLLEN BOMB' MISERY FOR HAY FEVER SUFFERERS The high pollen levels across Britain today Hay fever sufferers have been warned of high pollen levels as Spring arrives in Britain. A 'pollen bomb' is set to bring misery as flowers bloom all at once. The Met Office's John West said: 'With these higher temperatures and an area of high pressure in charge, pollen levels are going to be higher than average, affecting those with hayfever.' Tree pollen - affecting one in four of Britain's estimated 18 million hay fever sufferers - will be prevalent, Mr West said. Hay fever traditionally develops in school-age youngsters or during their teenage years and these groups are more likely to visit a GP with symptoms rather than using over-the-counter treatments. Caused by an allergy to pollen, the condition is estimated to affect about one in ten Britons and Americans. Grass pollen is the most common cause of reactions and tends to affect sufferers between May and July. Tree pollens tend to be most active from March to May and weed pollens from early spring to early autumn. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. Advertisement DEFRA guidance for high air pollution said: 'Adults and children with lung problems, and adults with heart problems, should reduce strenuous physical exertion, particularly outdoors. 'People with asthma may find they need to use their reliever inhaler more often. 'Older people should also reduce physical exertion. 'Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.' Around 29,000 Britons are killed annually by air pollution - 15 times more than the 2,000 who die in road accidents - Department of Health-backed research shows. With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018. And the scissors have also been taken to the price that a whopping 86F (30C) is reached (6/4) anywhere in UK. It's also now a 6/5 shot that despite its sodden start, this April takes home the accolade as being the warmest ever. Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: 'The gorgeous weather has got us feeling flush and we've been forced to slash the odds of the sunshine sticking around. 'Bosses ought to expect workers to be pulling sickies left, right and center this week as the mercury rises.' Supermarket chiefs are stockpiling beer, cider and sun cream as the min-heatwave sweeps in. Sainsbury's predict a 300 per cent rise in demand for sun cream and a 100 per cent increase in sales of fake tan over the next couple of days so punters can look ready-bronzed in the sunshine. They also estimate 70 per cent more sales of beer and cider, a 30 per cent uplift in Rose wine and a 150 per cent increase in demand for ice cream. And as the BBQ gets dusted down for the first time this year, the supermarket believes sales of vegan and vegetarian food will soar by 130 per cent. A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: 'It seems the whole country has been eagerly awaiting the warmer weather, and we're expecting our customers to celebrate the return of sunshine by bronzing with fake tan, cooling down with ice cream and firing up the barbecue.' The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow. Two men enjoy a bike ride through the park in Bristol this afternoon on the what is the hottest day of the year so far The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers. Pictured is a sunny London today A woman in a bikini enjoying the spring sunshine in Kensington Gardens in west London this afternoon People are silhouetted against the farbric of deckchairs as they enjoy the sunshine in St James Park in London The Met Office warned about sunburn as the UV levels are similar to that of the August Bank Holiday last year, which saw temperatures reach a sweltering 82.76F (28.2C). There is also a warning for hay fever sufferers. Pictured is a woman taking pictures of flowers in Bristol With temperatures expected to hit a scorching 80F, the bookies have slashed the odds into just 1/4 that Thursday notches up the highest temperature of 2018. A woman sits and reads her phone in Bristol today A woman cycles through a park in Bristol on the hottest day of 2018 so far, with temperatures reaching 77F Horsegaurds practice in the sunshine this morning in Hyde Park, London. The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow The cast of TOWIE were spotted filming in Brighton as members of the public enjoyed the summery conditions today Sub-tropical Atlantic air is arriving but it is mixed with dirty air from Spain and France. Pictured are the horseguards practicing in Hyde Park Dog owner's fined for leaving their pet in sweltering car The owners of two dogs have been cautioned in Stroud, Glos, today after they left the pets sweltering in their cars on the hottest day of the year so far. 'As temperatures rise with the better weather, dog owners are being warned by our Animal Welfare Officers that they will take a hard line over dogs left in hot vehicles,' said a Stroud District Council spokesman. 'We are giving this warning after after a German Spitz type dog was trapped inside a car where the mercury had soared to well over 30 degrees centigrade.' Advertisement Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: 'It's going to be a pretty nice day - it will be a slow start in places with cloud first thing. 'But by mid-afternoon there will be lots of unbroken sunshine.' Thursday could see even higher temperatures - 77-80F (25C-27C) in the South East - as warm air continues to come up through Spain and on to the UK. Saturday could see isolated showers in parts, while there is 'uncertainty' about what Sunday's weather will bring. Experts predict these warm conditions are likely to last for the rest of the month, with changeable conditions continuing in the northwest, while the southeast still has some decent dry and bright spells. Toasty temperatures will even be higher than those in Malibu, Athens and Rome. The start of the week should see warm weather in the south and the east, but the north and west have a high risk of rain and wind. The southeast can expect the best conditions in the country with the northwest seeing the bleakest. Workers enjoy their lunch break out in the sun near Tower Bridge in London as Britain basked in unusually high temperatures for April Visitors to Brighton pack on to the seaside city's famous beach on what is the hottest day of the year so far Members of the public enjoy the sunshine on Primrose Hill as summer temperatures arrived in London this afternoon Supermarket chiefs are stockpiling beer, cider and sun cream as the min-heatwave sweeps in. Pictured are workers on their lunch break near London Bridge Sainsbury's predict a 300 per cent rise in demand for sun cream and a 100 per cent increase in sales of fake tan over the next couple of days so punters can look ready-bronzed in the sunshine. Pictured are sunbathers on Brighton beach They also estimate 70 per cent more sales of beer and cider, a 30 per cent uplift in Rose wine and a 150 per cent increase in demand for ice cream. Pictured are workers on their lunch in London with the Tower of London in the background Members of the public enjoy the sunshine on Primrose Hill as summery weather hits London and the rest of the UK Walkers enjoy the views and sunshine up at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset The high temperatures will not just be confined to one part of the country, with 68F-70F (20C-21C) expected in Newcastle, 64F-66F (18C-19C) in Northern Ireland and 63F (17C) in Glasgow. Pictured is Swanage taken from Nine Barrow Down in the afternoon sunshine The African plume differs to the Spanish plume the UK experienced last summer which brought with it temperatures of 77F (25C). A Spanish plume is caused by cool Atlantic air being pushed towards Spain, which in turn pushes warm Spanish air towards the UK, bringing with it hot humid weather. According to experts at the Met Office, south England will see temperatures of 77F (25C) on Thursday, cooling to a pleasant 73F (23C) on Friday, 66F (19C) on Saturday and 68F (20C) on Sunday. Rain and windy weather will start off the week in north England, but temperatures will get better as the days go on. Thursday will be an improvement, with temperatures rising and plenty of sunshine - expect highs of 70F (21C). For May, the forecast is uncertain but experts expect to see a combination of dry and rainy days, with average temperatures. People enjoying the sun and warm temperatures in Cambridge today. The UK is experiencing the warmest conditions of the year The chalks stacks of Old Harry Rocks Handfast Point in the afternoons sunshine in Dorset A man and woman relax and enjoy the sun and warm temperatures in Cambridge this afternoon as Britain sizzled Having a wheelie good time: Sun seekers enjoy the hot sunny weather during the first heatwave of the year in Regents Park, London Sunrise in The New Forest near Ringwood this morning. The UK is weather is set for its warmest conditions of the year that will scorch Britain with a 26C tropical blast on Thursday The days sun rises over Bournemouth from Durley Chine Cliffs, Dorset. Britain is set to bask in sizzling temperatures as high at 77F (25C) today - the hottest day of the year so far Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said: 'It's going to be a pretty nice day - it will be a slow start in places with cloud first thing.' Pictured is sunrise over east London this morning Temperatures are to rise 55F (13C) above the average for this time of year - and the Met Office has confirmed that today's predicted 77F in the South East (London today) will make it the warmest day of 2018 so far A 1,500-mile wide front of hot air branded as the 'blowtorch' will reportedly see the hottest April day in a decade before heating up later on in the week. Pictured is Durley Chine in Bournemouth this morning At 77F, the temperature is expected to be more than 50F (10C) higher than the UK average for the time of year. Pictured is sunrise over Cambridge this morning Meanwhile it will be wet and windy across Scotland and Wales at first but by Thursday there will be highs of 64F (18C) and 60F (20C) respectively. In Northern Ireland, Thursday is expected to be the best day with top temperatures of 63 (17C) and clear skies. And although those in Cardiff won't have the warmest weather from the blowtorch, they will have five days of cloud free skies. He continued: 'Thursday will be one of the hottest days with highs of 79F (26C) in some areas. 'However, those living by the coast should still expect a chilly breeze as sea surface temperatures are still below average. 'Friday will be a bright sunny day and things will start to cool down by Saturday and Sunday.' A couple who conned restaurants and hotels out of thousands of dollars by dining and dashing have appealed to the public to pay their legal fees. Lois Loder and her boyfriend allegedly dined at lavish restaurants across Perth, racking up bills in their hundreds, before leaving without paying on more than 12 occasions. But their plot came unstuck as photos taken from the cheated restaurants' security footage began surfacing online - with the public eventually identifying Ms Loder. Now the serial swindler has launched her own online campaign, setting up a fundraiser in order to outsource the cost of a lawyer to the public. The appeal, named 'To end a witch hut [sic] in perth', popped up on the GoFundMe website on Tuesday. Lois Loder's (pictured) plot came unstuck as photos taken from security vision of restaurants she and her partner allegedly thieved began surfacing online And poor Loder's statement is rich in irony: 'I have been made part of a witch hunt in Perth western Australia. 'The media has plastered misleading story of events and it has become a circus of disgusting behaviour from internet trolls and others I prefer not to name. 'I need money for a lawyer. I need it quick so I can be given a fair chance to defend this in a court of law. 'I know there are good people out there that believe in people having what is fair and stick up for people who society decides to turn on. 'So many times injustice is done to people and without money to fight it people are convicted wrongly. 'Please help for the sake of my family and what is true and right.' The alleged serial dine-and-dasher (pictured) has been accused of blackmailing the businesses she and her partner scammed out of thousands of dollars in expensive meals Unsurprisingly, the comments section was unforgiving in its response. 'So you go out, consume $250 worth of food and drinks, on most recent occasion, and want US the public to pay??? U ARE PATHETIC' said Sarah Cunningham. 'You should probably apply for legal aid - seeing as you're so poor you cant pay the places you steal from,' said Hayley Kate; while Nathan Grover was a little more blunt in his assessment: 'God youre delusional. Pay your bills!' When it came to settling her debt with establishments she scammed, the woman resorted to threatening to plague public platforms with false negative reviews. Terrazza Cafe Applecross claimed Ms Loder and her partner targeted its business in July, leaving without settling a bill of about $200. Photos of the couple were posted to the cafe's Facebook page, with it asking public members who knew the couple to let them know 'they haven't paid for their lunch'. Shortly after, Ms Loder used her alias account 'Lois Lynn' to give the cafe a one star review, writing 'Awful. Really bad. Wouldn't go there unless you like pubic hair in your butter'. The woman (pictured entering a cafe with her partner) resorted to threatening to plague public platforms with false negative reviews if posts about her not paying her bills weren't removed After Terrazza Cafe Applecross shared photos of the woman and stated she left without paying her bill, Ms Loder used her alias account 'Lois Lynn' to give the cafe a one star review Mr Loder (pictured) wrote, 'Awful. Really bad. Wouldn't go there unless you like pubic hair in your butter' in her review of the Applecross cafe This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant shared photos of who they believed was the same couple which had targeted other Perth businesses. 'This couple came in on Saturday 7th April in a two door white Holden Coupe at 4.58pm to sample some of our food and drinks and forgot to pay their $250 bill,' the business wrote. Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening and fled before finishing their final meal. 'They didn't eat their dessert, they just went outside again but this time they took their belongings and they never came back,' Mr Hoeer told The West Australian. Ms Loder (pictured) and her partner allegedly targeted the business in July, leaving without settling a bill of about $200 Photos of the couple were posted to the cafe's (pictured) Facebook page, with it asking public members who knew the couple to let them know ' they haven't paid for their lunch' This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant shared photos of who they believed was the same couple which had targeted other Perth businesses (Ms Loder pictured) A receipt showed the couple ordered a $48 bottle of white wine, four cocktails at a cost of $18 each, a soup dish, an antipasti platter, barramundi, a pasta and desert. 'I'm disgusted, it's just not fair. You receive the service, you receive the product, you pay for it. The staff still need to be paid,' Mr Hoeer said. In a message allegedly sent to a restaurant, which opted not to be named, Ms Loder appeared to threaten to tarnish the business's name unless it removed its post about her. 'I strongly suggest you remove the posts from the website or I will give you that many bad reviews it will make your head spin,' she wrote. Ms Loder appeared to threaten to tarnish a business's name unless it removed its post about her Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair (pictured inside Terrazza cafe) regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening and fled before finishing their final meal A receipt showed the couple ordered a $48 bottle of white wine, four cocktails at a cost of $18 each, a soup dish, an antipasti platter, barramundi, a pasta and desert (pictured inside cafe) Mr Loder (pictured) threatened to write so many bad reviews about a particular restaurant it would force a restaurant owner's head to spin 'I will inbox you my visa details and as soon as your childish rubbish is removed I will go on every sight (sic) and say terriable (sic) about your over prices (sic) for basic watered down drinks.' Hillary's restaurant, 3Sheets, was allegedly fleeced on two separate occasions to a total amount of $250 per visit, according to owner Toby Evans. 'When we got done I made it my mission to get them caught, so as soon as I saw Elmar's had got done I got in touch with them and said it was the same MO,' Mr Evans told Perth Now. 'She's abusing the staff and saying 'oh I meant to pay, I meant to pay', so she's trying to dig herself out of a massive hole which she can't.' This week Elmar's in the Valley restaurant staff released CCTV images of the pair and tried to convince them to settle the bill before the matter was taken any further The couple (pictured) have allegedly performed the same stunt at 12 other businesses in Perth Elmar's General manager Steffen Hoeer said the pair arrived at around 5pm and regularly stepped outside for cigarettes during the evening Staff at Elmar's claimed the couple tucked into a three-course meal, drank cocktails and wine over the weekend before driving away in a Holden (pictured) Anoop Nair, The Royal on East Perth's Waterfront general manager, claimed the same couple visited his establishment and fled after racking up a bill of $240. 'It's definitely the same couple,' he told the West Australian. 'They seemed fine. They were talking to staff normally and then the male got up to go to the toilet. She did the same a minute after and they never returned,' he said. Supervisor Matt Janin said the restaurant received a strange phone call from a woman following media reports it had been a victim of the dine-and-dashers. 'One of our staff members picked up the phone and a lady said 'I've just seen myself on TV and your venue says that we've been doing runners.' Mr Loder (pictured) has been accused of calling Elmar's and abusing staff while claiming she 'meant to pay' Hillary's restaurant, 3Sheets, was allegedly fleeced on two separate occasions to a total amount of $250 per visit, according to owner Toby Evans (Ms Loder pictured) 'Then that staff member said, just hold on a minute I'll give you to my venue manager and then I ... heard a few swear words coming out of the phone,' Mr Janin told Perth Now. The Floreat Hotel filed a police report after the man and woman allegedly fled a $290 bill in February, the West Australian reported. The woman was also accused of leaving a hotel $2000 out-of-pocket across two separate stays in 2016, allegedly using a stolen credit card to make her bookings. She allegedly charged expensive meals to her room, and claimed she had left her ID in the car to avoid being caught out. Lloyd McAuley, the former franchisee of the West Perth hotel, filed a police report after her first visit, and went to the police station after her second. The Floreat Hotel filed a police report after the man and woman (pictured) allegedly fled a $290 bill in February Ms Loder (pictured) was allegedly the same woman to have left a hotel $2000 out-of-pocket across two separate stays in 2016, allegedly using a stolen credit card to make her bookings 'She'd say her ID was out in her car, can she just go up to her room and she'll bring it the next time she goes past the desk,' Mr McAuley told Perth Now. 'The hotel gets busy ... and before you know it she's been in your hotel for days.' The businessman said the woman eventually left his establishment after being confronted by him during her second stay. Mr McAuley believed the same woman had conducted a similar scam at another hotel in the city along with her male partner. Police confirmed they were investigating reports. After the attack, the boy reportedly slit his own throat, although he is still alive Tagirov also stabbed his fellow classmates in the attack in Sterlitamak, Russia The teacher, Ekaterina Pershina, 29, was rushed to a local hospital for treatment A schoolboy has gone on a knife rampage in Russia - stabbing his teacher before setting her on fire. During the frenzied attack, the boy, identified locally as Artyom Tagirov, 15, stabbed his computer science teacher Ekaterina Pershina, 29, before pouring a flammable liquid on her and setting her alight. The student then turned his attack on his own classmates - stabbing two other girls in the classroom at School Number One in Sterlitmak, Russia. One of the girls managed to escape his attacks by leaping from a second floor classroom window onto the concrete below - according to local news outlets. Smoke could be seen billowing out of a classroom window as panicked students rushed from the school building Terrified schoolchildren can be seen embracing one another in a shocking video taken moments after the attack The alleged attacked Artyom Tagirov (right) reportedly posted hate-filled messages and images on his social media before the attack Tagirov then attempted to slit his own throat - but he was kept alive after being rushed to hospital. The boy's teacher and the two girls received life-saving treatment - but all four are said to be in 'grave condition'. Dramatic footage emerging from the scene of the attack showed smoke pouring from the building and panicked students rushing around the school grounds and consoling one another after the entire complex was evacuated. Natalia Malyatova, a mother of one of the students, said: 'My daughter is in School Number One. 'She says that a boy from the 9th grade came to the lesson, stabbed a computer science teacher and two kids then set the classroom on fire. 'And one girl jumped out of the window, from the second floor.' Local Health Ministry official Svetlana Kuskarbekova, said: 'Four injured people were taken to a hospital in the city of Sterlitamak, three of them children.' 'They are in grave condition. Updates on the injuries will be provided.' The teacher was understood to be undergoing surgery after receiving stab wounds to the stomach and chest. Images of the aftermath of the attack showed the alleged weapon used by the attacker and blood spattered all over the floor of the classroom All four of involved in the stabbings, including Pershina (pictured) were now said to be in 'grave condition' in hospital According to local media, the alleged attacker's social media was said to be awash with hate-filled posts and violent images. While two hours before the attack he reportedly posted a video about the Columbine attack in a US high school in 1999 which left 15 dead. Russia has suffered several school bloodbaths in recent months. In January, student suspect Anton Bichivin, 16, firebombed a literature class, cracking open the heads of two pupils and a teacher at a school in the Siberian region of Buryatia - with eight injured in total. The same month nine pupils and 'hero' teacher Natalia Shagulina suffered knife wounds when two teenagers went on the rampage in a classroom in the Urals city of Perm. And in September last year, student Mikhail Pivnev, then 15, threw smoke bombs and struck teacher Lyubov Kalmykova, 39, with an axe at a school near Moscow. Firemen had to battle to extinguish the blaze which caused a significant amount of damage to the classroom Ekaterina Pershina, 29, was stabbed in the chest and the stomach by Tagirov's frenzied attack Tagirov reportedly slit his own throat after completing his rampage but was saved by paramedics who whisked him to the local hospital In a chilling message he wrote to an anonymous female friend in July, he posted an image of the entrance to his school, and warned: 'If this happens, I want to apologise to you all, though you will not hear me. 'But anyway I'm sorry. I do not lie. I'm going to kill at least 30. And I'm going to blow up the school. This is my last summer. 'I will celebrate my last birthday, on April 15 I will be 17. I have prepared, looking forward this day.' He went on to boast about the weaponry he had collected - saying he had several deadly implements. 'I have non-lethal gun and knives. It will be May 25-26. I hate society, they made me like this. But they must pay for it. 'I will not kill kids from 1 - 5 grades. I want to kill at least 18. They deserve this. 'You can consider me a follower of Eric and Dylan [Columbine shooters]. I have learned the essence of this world. 'The world is s***. I consider myself God. 'I have a personality disorder, but my parents want to sort it out. If this happens - watch the news, if you still watch the TV. I'm serious. Murder is cool. 'My mind is broken. My parents do not care. I was bullied at school for two years. My hatred will not just calm down. I'm sick. But no-one wants to help me. 'There was a cry for help, but all just turned away. I just do not like this life. I'm not talented. I cannot do anything, just kill. 'There is so much hatred in me, that I cannot stop. I'm obsessed with it.' A serial seducer of married men has told how she jets around the world to hook up with her wealthy lovers. Widow Gweneth Lee has been having affairs with married men for nearly ten years since the death of her husband, Robert. The glamorous 47-year-old says she has since enjoyed more than 100,000-worth of luxury holidays, all paid for by unfaithful husbands, who include a jeweller, a stockbroker and a technology firm boss. Serial mistress Gweneth Lee has told how her married lovers have flown her around the world She had told how she travelled around the world to hook up with her married lovers, including trips to Tulum, Mexico (left) and St Tropez (right) Miss Lee, of Chelsea, west London, is unapologetic about seeing the men behind their wives' backs, insisting she helps their marriages by providing them with release from the stresses of married life. She said this week that she is expecting another summer of fun this year, as she heads off to the sun with her globe-trotting boyfriends. She said: 'Why pay for an expensive foreign holiday when you can get your lover to do so? That sums up my attitude. 'I worked out that I had travelled more than 50,000 miles for various liaisons with my lovers. 'I managed to join the Mile High Club on a private jet with one of my regulars - a wealthy shipping magnate. 'But most of the time I travel on my own and link up with them at the hotel because they are meeting me in secret when they away on business trips.' Gweneth with her late husband Robert, a businessman who passed away more than a decade ago. She has been having flings with married men ever since Ms Lee is pictured during one of her many trips to sun, this time to the resort of Tulum, Mexico She added: 'They will be in Silicon Valley near San Francisco on a work outing and they will jump on a quick flight and join me in Las Vegas. Or they will be meeting business contacts in Paris and then join me by the Mediterranean for a long weekend. 'I had one lover who insisted I shadowed the holiday he was having with his wife and children at Martha's Vineyard near New York. 'So I stayed in a hotel ten miles down the road for the second week of their stay. He nipped over to my hotel for sex three days running by explaining that he was going on fishing trips. 'I did the sums and worked out the holidays in the last year would have cost me 100,000 if I had been paying for them myself, but none of them cost me a penny.' She says one of her lover put her up at the Wyn Hotel in Las Vegas (left), while another whisked her off to Bali (right) She said: 'I'm off to Marbella next month with an industrialist and then I'm going to Croatia with a gorgeous married man who owns health clubs.' Business consultant Miss Lee meets all her lovers through IllicitEncounters.com, a dating website for married people. She joined the site a decade ago after the death of her oil executive husband Robert and says she has had more than 100 affairs with married men since then. Emoji may be a fun form of communication but they are destroying the English language, a study by Google has revealed. Smiley faces, love hearts, thumbs up and other cartoon icons - rather than words - are the preferred method of communication by teenagers, who are considered the worst offenders regarding the decline in grammar and punctuation. More than a third of British adults believe emoji are the reason for the deterioration in proper language usage, according to the study commissioned by the Google-owned site YouTube. Of the two thousand adults, aged 16 to 65, who were asked their views, 94 per cent reckoned English was in a state of decline, with 80 per cent citing youngsters as the worst offenders. Emoji are destroying the English language, a study by Google-owned site YouTube has revealed. The cartoon icons are the preferred method of communication by teenagers, who are considered the worst offenders regarding the decline in grammar and punctuation Emoji were first used by Japanese mobile phone companies in the late 1990s to express an emotion, concept or message in a simple, graphic way. Now, Twitter feeds, text messages and Facebook posts are crammed with them The most common errors made by Brits are spelling mistakes (21 per cent), followed closely by apostrophe placement (16 per cent) and the misuse of a comma (16 per cent). More than half of British adults are not confident with their command of spelling and grammar, the study also found. Furthermore, around three-quarters of adults rely on emoji to communicate, in addition to a dependence on predictive text and spell checking. The use of emoji has seeped into our culture to such an extent that the Oxford Dictionary's 'Word of the Year' in 2015 wasn't actually a word at all - it was the Face With Tears emoji, which shows just how influential the little graphic images have become. Rise of the emoji The first emoji was created in 1999 by a team working on Japanese mobile phone provider i-mode's messaging features. Originally meaning 'pictograph', the word emoji literally means 'picture' (e) and 'character' (moji). The word 'emoji' was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2013. In April 2015, Andy Murray posted a wedding day tweet which described the day in emoji. Advertisement They were first used by Japanese mobile phone companies in the late 1990s to express an emotion, concept or message in a simple, graphic way. Now, Twitter feeds, text messages and Facebook posts are crammed with them. A YouTube spokesman said there has been a huge rise in the popularity of English language tutorial videos on the video-sharing site - a 126 per cent increase since last April. Last month alone, 156 videos on the subject were uploaded onto YouTube. Meanwhile, research earlier this year revealed that inserting emoji into emails when delivering bad news can soften the blow. The icons could help workplace communication, a study by German researchers showed. This is despite fears that using emoji at work could be seen as unprofessional. The study, presented at the International Conference on System Sciences in Hawaii, found that emoji significantly increase the level of understanding in a message. Emoticons like the 'smiling face' or 'face with tears' mimic expressions and gestures and add a new layer of meaning. Interestingly, this only worked for positive emoji. The 'sad face' had little to no impact on how people responded to meaning. Advertisement Some 1.3million people lost their lives at the Nazi German concentration camp Auschwitz - a horrendous death machine of systematic murder and torture in occupied Poland. A small percentage of those who walked through the gates were immortalized by fellow inmates, ordered to take their photos as part of a project by Auschwitz-Birkenau officials to 'document' the prisoners of the death camp. Now, more than 75 years later, Artist Marina Amaral has painstakingly colourised their portraits, bringing to life their stories through her photo series Faces of Auschwitz. The photos include the haunting face of a Jewish man days before his death, a young Jehovah's Witness imprisoned for her faith, the first female prisoner to escape Auschwitz - and survive - and a 14-year-old Polish girl beaten up for not speaking German. More than 1.1 million of those who died in Auschwitz were Jewish, but thousands were Polish political prisoners, homosexuals or other ethnic or religious minorities Slide me Heroine: Janina Nowak, 24, from odz, arrived in Auschwitz on June 12, 1942. Twelve days later, she became the first female prisoner to escape, when she ran away from a work party sent outside the camp walls. SS guards had been sent out to try to track her down, but they failed, and the 24-year-old Pole made it back to her home town where she successfully hid from the Nazis for nine months, until March, 1943, when she was captured and brought back to Auschwitz by authorities. Miss Nowak was soon transferred to Ravensbruck, an all-female concentration camp in northern Germany, 56 miles north of Berlin. She survived her incarceration, and was liberated at the end of April 1945 by the Soviet Red Army Prisoner: It is not clear why Miss Nowak, a Polish woman from a town 140 miles from the Nazi concentration camp, is sent to Auschwitz, but she is registered as part a group transport which arrived in June, 1942 Brave: The colourisation is carried out after meticulous research by Miss Amaral, which has found the likely colour of Miss Nowak's eyes to have been blue and her hair to have been blonde Janina Nowak Janina Nowak, from Bedow near odz, was 24 years old when she arrived at the German Nazi camp on June 12, 1942. Twelve days later, she became the first female prisoner to escape Auschwitz, running away from a work party sent outside the camp, and the guards failed to catch her. She was able to make it all the way to her home town of odz where she successfully hid from the Nazis until March, 1943. She was captured and brought back to Auschwitz, before being transferred to Ravensbruck, and all-female concentration camp in northern Germany, 56 miles north of Berlin, where she stayed until liberation at the end of April 1945 by the Soviet Red Army. Slide me 'Political prisoner': Czesawa Kwoka, 14, was deported from Zamosc, southeastern Poland in December 1942, along with her mother, to make room for a German colony that the Nazis were building. The photographs, taken by a fellow inmate at Auschwitz show the teenager on the verge of tears, her bottom lip sporting a cut. Shortly before they were taken, she had been beaten up by a female prison guard because she did not understand what the guard was shouting in German. Miss Kwoka died in March 1943, just three months after arriving at Auschwitz, weeks after her mother Katarzyna Young victim: The teenager was taken along with her mother, and her defiant stare into the camera after being assaulted by a guard is even more haunting in colour Young life lost: The teenager, seen here looking off camera in her prisoner's uniform with a red 'P' triangle stitched onto the chest, died in the camp within three months Czesawa Kwoka Czesawa Kwoka, 14, was deported from her home in Zamosc, southeastern Poland in December 1942, along with her mother, to make room for a German colony, and branded 'political prisoners' - seen on her prisoner's uniform which has a red triangle with a 'P'. The photographs show her on the verge of tears, her bottom lip sporting a cut, as hortly before the photos were taken, she had been beaten up by a female prison guard for not understanding orders being barked at her in German. Miss Kwoka died in March 1943, just three months after arriving at Auschwitz, weeks after her mother Katarzyna. Slide me Murdered Witness: Deliana Rademakers, a 21-year-old Jehovah's Witness from the Netherlands, was arrested while preaching her faith door-to-door, and deported to Auschwitz in November, 1942. In a final letter to her family and congregation she wrote; 'go bravely onwards without fear, Jehovah is with us, what can (mere) people do to us?' According to her death certificate, Deliana died in Auschwitz on 10 December, 1942 - less than three weeks after her arrival. Lest we forget: The colourised images bring out the details of the haunting images, such as the hacked shaving of her hair Killed for her faith: Mere weeks after this photograph of the young Dutchwoman was taken, she was dead Deliana Rademakers Jehovah's Witness Deliana Rademakers from the Netherlands, was 21 when she was deported to Auschwitz in November, 1942, having been arrested going door to door to preach her faith. In a final letter to her family and congregation she wrote; 'go bravely onwards without fear, Jehovah is with us, what can (mere) people do to us?' According to her death certificate, Ms Rademakers died in Auschwitz on 10 December, 1942 - less than three weeks after her arrival. Hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses died in Auschwitz as their faith prevented them from serving in the army, carrying out work supporting the war effort, or praising the Nazi leader with 'Heil Hitler' - crimes punishable by imprisonment or death. Slide me Holocaust victim: Salomon Honig, a Jewish man from Jaso, southeastern Poland was deported to Auschwitz on March 5, 1942, along with a group of 27 Polish Jews some time before the mass exterminations in gas chambers began. Less than two weeks later, on March 18, he died, aged 52, with the Nazis claiming his cause of death was a stroke. This was likely a lie as the SS camp chiefs would usually try to hide the true reasons for the deaths in the concentration camp. One of millions: The heartbreaking images of the 52-year-old merchant, detained by the Nazis for his faith, is one of several colourised by the Brazilian artist for the Faces of Auschwitz project Hitler's final solution: Dressed in the striped prisoner's uniform with a white and red Star of David, Mr Honig has less than two weeks to live when this photograph was taken Salomon Honig Salomon Honig, a Jewish man from Jaso, southeastern Poland was deported to Auschwitz on March 5, 1942 along with a group of 27 Polish Jews some time before the mass exterminations in gas chambers began. Less than two weeks later, on March 18, he died, aged 52, with the Nazis claiming his cause of death was a stroke. However, as Ms Amaral notes, this was likely a lie as the SS camp chiefs would usually try to hide the true reasons for the deaths in the concentration camp. Labour MPs have suffered a wave of abuse from loyal Corbynistas today after giving devastating accounts of rampant anti-Semitism. Politicians have been accused of 'stabbing Jeremy Corbyn in the back', faking tears and 'making stuff up' after highlighting problems within the party. The vile backlash came before the Labour leader finally broke cover to praise their 'bravery' - a day after the Commons debate that left his authority in tatters. Theresa May turned the screw again at PMQs today by accusing Mr Corbyn of letting anti-Semitism 'run rife' in his party. In parliament last night, Jewish MPs Luciana Berger and Ruth Smeeth read out examples of the shocking barbs they have received from activists. MPs on all sides broke with convention to give the pair standing ovations in the Commons. Some MPs were reduced to tears by their harrowing stories. Fellow backbencher John Mann revealed his wife had been sent a dead bird through the post, and that she had been threatened with rape. Ruth Smeeth was given a standing ovation yesterday as she read out examples of the shocking abuse she had received for highlighting Labour's anti-Semitism crisis Fellow MPs were so moved by Ruth Smeeth's speech against anti-Semitism that they defied parliamentary rules to stand up and applaud her words for some time before the Speaker intervened to ask them to sit down (pictured) Luciana Berger, a Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree (pictured in during the debate) told how she has been inundated with anti--Semitic abuse - and that it is 'on the rise' in the party saying 'it is more conspicuous and it is more abrasive'. The MPs were subject to a wave of abuse after making emotional interventions in the House of Commons last night The vile backlash came before the Labour leader finally broke cover to praise their 'bravery' - a day after the Commons debate that left his authority in tatters Miss Smeeth said she had received thousands of abusive messages on social media, many of them from people claiming to be supporters of the Labour leader. One read: 'The first job for Jeremy Corbyn tomorrow: expel the Zionist b**** Ruth Smeeth from the party.' Another said: 'Hang yourself you vile treacherous Zionist Tory filth, you're a cancer of humanity.' She said: 'I've been the target of abuse from people who say I have no place in the party I have been in for 20 years.' Miss Berger also said she had received abuse at the hands of people using the hashtag JC4PM (Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister). She said: 'It is anti-Semitism of the worst kind; suggesting that I'm a traitor to our country, they have called me 'Judas', a 'Zio-Nazi', an 'absolute parasite', telling me to 'get out of this country and to go back to Israel'. 'My party urgently needs to address this issue publicly and consistently. We have a duty to the next generation. Denial is not an option. The time for action is now. Enough really is enough.' The Labour leader shook his head with his arms crossed as he Communities Secretary Sajid Javid attacked him for failing to confront the racism. One Corbyn-supporting Twitter feed branded Ms Berger 'disgusting' for her speech Labour MP Jess Phillips today laid into the response to the Commons debate In an extraordinary demonstration of the growing schism in Labour, the party's deputy leader Tom Watson abandoned his seat on the front bench alongside Mr Corbyn to sit in solidarity with Miss Berger and Miss Smeeth. Sadiq Khan says Jewish voters think Labour is 'not for them' after anti-Semitism row Sadiq Khan said he has spoken to a number of Jews who are 'finding it very difficult', because they 'genuinely believe' the Labour Party is not for them. The Labour London Mayor said voters are being turned off because they think the party has not tackled anti-Semitism. He said: 'Why? Because they're Jewish and there is a perception their party has not dealt with problems of anti-Semitism. 'You can't escape the fact that they genuinely believe that.' And he tore into his predecessor Ken Livingstone, who is suspended from Labour for saying Hitler supported Zionism. Labour MPs have urged Jeremy Corbyn to expel him permanently. Recounting his own mayoral campaign, Mr Khan said: 'Ken Livingstone said things that were clearly anti-Semitic'. Mr Khan said two years on he finds it 'difficult to believe' the complaint is yet to be resolved. 'Any member against (which) an allegation of anti-Semitism is made, has got to have that allegation investigated speedily, and if they're anti-Semitic, kicked out of the party,' he said on how Labour should deal with complaints. Advertisement The three-hour debate saw a string of Labour MPs stand up to condemn Mr Corbyn's failure to tackle a problem Miss Smeeth said was 'engulfing' sections of the party. Many called for Mr Corbyn's ally Ken Livingstone to be 'booted out' of the party for claiming Hitler was a Zionist. John Mann, chairman of the all-party group on anti-Semitism, said Jewish people were 'scared' to be in the party and revealed his wife had been sent a dead bird through the post, and that she had been threatened with rape. 'I didn't expect when I took on this voluntary cross-party role for my wife to be sent by a Labour Marxist anti-Semite a dead bird through the post,' he said. Labour grandee Dame Margaret Hodge said she had 'never felt as nervous and frightened as I do today' about being Jewish. Despite the show of solidarity in the Commons, supporters of Mr Corbyn took to Twitter to voice their rage. One user, @JamesHolgate15, directed a message at Ms Berger saying: 'Luciana, why did you stab Jeremy Corbyn and Labour in the back?' Another, @Tir_Tairngire, said: 'Smeeth is a skilful, cynical manipulator and a first rate actress. Did I mention a history of making stuff up? John Mann is a nut job.' @PeoplesLabour tweeted as Ms Berger: 'You are disgusting.' Mike Gapes, a former chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, posted an image of a letter threatening him with deselection for putting 'Zionism ahead of Country'. He added the message: 'Bring it on.' Labour MP Jess Phillips said: 'If you are using yesterday's anti-Semitism debate to a) say it's a smear or b)be racist about Diane Abbott you missed the point and are a racist.' Labour grandee Margaret Hodge she had 'never felt as nervous and frightened as I do today' about being Jewish Diane Abbott, pictured in London today, led the debate for Labour after Mr Corbyn decided not to speak Hundreds gathered at the 'enough is enough' protest called by Jewish leaders outside parliament last month (pictured) - but Labour MPs who attended it were later deluged with hate mail and deselection threats by Corbynistas. Labour MP Mike Gapes posted an image of a letter threatening him with deselection for putting 'Zionism ahead of Country'. He added the message: 'Bring it on.' In an apparent attempt to limit the damage from the row, Mr Corbyn posted on Twitter today: 'I pay tribute to MPs who spoke in yesterday's antisemitism debate, whose harrowing experiences remind us of the urgent need to eradicate antisemitism from politics and society. 'There is no excuse for abuse of any kind, and I want to thank them for their bravery in speaking out.' What did Labour MPs say about anti-Semitism and Labour's failure to tackle it In extraordinary scenes in the Commons last night, Labour MPs condemned their leadership's failure to root out anti-Semitism. And many told of the abuse they received for daring to speak out. Here is some of what they said: John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw and chairman of the all party group against anti-Semitism: 'I didn't expect my son after an Islamist death threat to open the door in the house on his own as a schoolboy to the bomb squad. 'I didn't expect my wife, in the last few weeks from a leftist anti-Semite in response to the demonstration, to be threatened with rape. 'I didn't expect my daughter similarly, and have to be rung up in the last few weeks by special branch to check out her movements in this country.' Luciana Berger, Labour MP for Liverpool Wavertree, said: 'My party urgently needs to address this issue, publicly and consistently and we need to expel those people from our ranks who hold these views - including Ken Livingstone.' Ruth Smeeth, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North 'I stand here today to say that we will not be bullied out of political engagement, we are going nowhere and we stand and will keep fighting until the evils of anti-Semitism have been removed from our society.' Ian Austin, Labour MP for Dudley North: 'Let's be really clear about it: Ken Livingstone comparing, claiming, that Hitler was a Zionist - this is anti-Semitism pure and simple, happened more than two years ago, there has been ample time to deal with it. Advertisement But facing off against Mr Corbyn in the Commons this afternoon, the Prime Minister slapped back after he accused her of 'callous' treatment of Windrush immigrants. 'I will not take an accusation of callousness from a man who allows anti-Semitism to run rife in his party.' Mr Corbyn has come under extreme pressure to tackle anti-Semitism and will meet representatives of Jewish groups next week. A BMG poll for the Independent last night found 61 per cent of people think Labour has an anti-Semitism problem, with more than half saying Mr Corbyn is handling it 'badly'. The Labour leader did not speak during yesterday's debate. But as Communities Secretary Sajid Javid opened yesterday's debate he could be seen muttering angrily under his breath. Several Labour MPs directly criticised Mr Corbyn's handling of the crisis, with Ian Austin saying he needed to 'take this much more seriously'. Mr Austin said he was 'deeply ashamed' of the situation. He said Mr Corbyn had a track record of defending anti-Semitic groups like Hamas and had opposed the removal of a 'grotesque' anti-Jewish mural. He urged him to eject Mr Livingstone from the party, saying it was 'a disgrace' the former London mayor had not yet been 'booted out' of the party. Many of the most powerful interventions came from female MPs, some of whom have needed police protection after receiving death threats. Dame Margaret described how she had seen a battered suitcase with her uncle's initials on it when she visited Auschwitz as she warned against forgetting the lessons of the past. 'Anti-Semitism is making me an outsider in my Labour party. Enough is enough.' Mr Javid said Mr Corbyn had 'too many accidental associations' with anti-Semitism to list. He also warned that there has been a spike in 'dinner party anti-Semites' respectable middle-class professionals who secretly harbour a hatred of Jews. 'We cannot and must not ignore the particular concern with elements within the Labour party,' he said. Mr Corbyn leader faced criticism after walking out of the debate, missing the speeches by Miss Smeeth and Mr Mann, although he later returned. Ian Austin (pictured in Parliament yesterday) said the former London Mayor should be 'booted out' of the party for saying Hitler supported Zionism. Who are Labour MPs Luciana Berger and Ruth Smeeth? Luciana Berger was once seen as a rising star in the Labour party. However, she has been sidelined along with a number of other moderates since Jeremy Corbyn took the leadership. Ms Berger, who is Jewish, was elected as MP for Liverpool Wavertree in 2010. She served on the Labour frontbench until June 2016 - when she resigned in protest at Mr Corbyn's leadership. The married 36-year-old gave birth to her first child in March last year. Ruth Smeeth was elected as MP for Stoke-on-Trent North in 2015. The 38-year-old worked in PR before entering parliament, including at the Britain Israel Communications and Research Centre (BICOM). Ms Smeeth, who is Jewish, has repeatedly clashed with Jeremy Corbyn over the issue of anti-Semitism. In June 2016 she left in tears after being berated by an activist at an event where Mr Corbyn launched a report into anti-Semitism in the party. Advertisement Those who choose not to wear the swastika will be asked to wear a Star of David George Tabori's play is based on Mein Kampf and takes place on Hitler's birthday The City Theatre in Konstanz, Germany claimed the offer is a social experiment German prosecutors on Wednesday cleared a performance of a satirical play named after Adolf Hitler's book 'Mein Kampf' that promises free entry to spectators who wear a swastika. The theatre in the Bavarian lakeside town of Constance says it aims to show how easily people can be corrupted but the approach sparked numerous legal complaints. Local prosecutors however on Wednesday said the premiere could go ahead on Friday, which marks Hitler's birthday in 1889, as well as the controversial swastika campaign. The play is based on Hitler's memoir Mein Kampf and is due to take place on his birthday, April 20 The play's director Serdar Somuncu (pictured) said he 'hoped nothing bad happens' over the performance The theatre says on its website that those who pay for a ticket will be asked to wear a Star of David 'as a sign of solidarity with the victims of Nazi barbarism'. Under German law, publicly displaying swastikas and other Nazi symbols is illegal, unless it is done as part of an artistic performance covered by constitutional guarantees of free speech. The region's German-Israeli Society has called for a boycott of the play named after the book which Hitler wrote in prison years before taking power. The play by Hungarian George Tabori, who died in 2007, is a caricature of Hitler's youth, according to the theatre. German political and religious leaders have raised fears about a resurgence of anti-Semitism by far-right groups and some immigrants hostile to Israel. In the latest case, a viral online video showed a Berlin attack on two young men wearing kippas, traditional Jewish skullcaps, who were assaulted by three young men, at least one of whom spoke Arabic. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said Germany 'bears a responsibility to protect Jewish life' more than 70 years after the end of the Holocaust in which the Nazis murdered six million European Jews. The production's director Serdar Somuncu the Kultblatt: 'This day has a symbolic effect, the date is provocative, but we'll see, I hope nothing bad happens, we're definitely prepared.' Somuncu admitted that he understood why people were upset as the day and occasion has a significant symbolism in Germany Jennifer Riordan (pictured) was killed after a jet engine blew and shattered a window next to her during a flight from New York to Dallas The death of a passenger who was almost sucked out of a Southwest plane is the first accident-related fatality in a record nine years on a US airliner, it has emerged. Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo exec and mother-of-two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was killed after a jet engine blew and shattered a window next to her during a flight from New York to Dallas. Passengers desperately tried to hold onto the 43-year-old during the mid-air drama, which sparked a dramatic emergency landing at Philadelphia's airport and left seven others injured. The last time a passenger died in an accident on a U.S. airliner was 2009 when 49 people on board and one on the ground were killed when a plane operated by Colgan Air for Continental Connection crashed on a house near Buffalo, New York. The nine-year spell is a record for the US airline industry. According to Bloomberg, 100 million flights carrying billions of passengers gad taken off and landed safely across America without an accident-related fatality before Tuesday's tragedy. The last fatal airline crash in the U.S. - involving a foreign flight - was in 2013, when an Asiana Airlines jet crashed at San Francisco International Airport, killing three passengers. Southwest Airlines, based in Dallas, had never had an accident-related fatality of a passenger, although a boy died in 2006 when one of its jets skidded off a runway at Chicago's Midway Airport, crashed through a fence and collided with the child's family's car. A harrowing photograph taken in the air shows the exposed, mangled engine after it exploded. The pilot flew like this for 12 minutes until she made her emergency landing Passengers desperately tried to hold onto the 43-year-old during the mid-air drama, which sparked a dramatic emergency landing and left seven others injured. Pictured: The damaged jet engine after the plane's emergency landing The last time a passenger died in an accident on a U.S. airliner was 2009 when 49 people on board and one on the ground were killed when a plane operated by Colgan Air for Continental Connection crashed on a house near Buffalo, New York (pictured) Deaths on airliners around the world have been trending down for more than a decade as planes become more technologically advanced and airlines and regulators apply lessons learned from past accidents. The Aviation Safety Network, which tracks accidents, reported recently that there were no commercial passenger jet deaths last year, although two turboprop planes were involved in fatal crashes in Russia and Angola. Last year, US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to take credit for the low death rate, claiming to have been 'very strict on commercial aviation. He wrote: 'Since taking office I have been very strict on Commercial Aviation. Good news - it was just reported that there were Zero deaths in 2017, the best and safest year on record!' After Tuesday's tragedy, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chairman Robert Sumwalt told an evening news conference at the Philadelphia airport that a preliminary investigation found an engine fan blade missing, having apparently broken off, and that there was metal fatigue at the point where it normally attached. Sumwalt said part of the engine's covering, called a cowling, was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles from the Philadelphia airport. Investigators examining the damaged engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 after it exploded in flight sending shrapnel into the fuselage, breaking a window and causing the plane to make an emergency landing Hero pilot Tammie Jo Shults (pictured) brought the plane down quickly but safely after the crash, saving the lives of the others on board 'It is very unusual so we are taking this event extremely seriously,' Sumwalt said. 'This should not happen and we want to find out why it happened so that preventative measures can be put in place.' He said the investigation could take 12 to 15 months to complete. Flight 1380 took off from New York's LaGuardia Airport at around 10:27 a.m. and was diverted to Philadelphia just under an hour later, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.com. Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said the flight landed at Philadelphia International at around 11:20 a.m. The plane, which was bound for Dallas Love Field, had been inspected as recently as Sunday, according to Kelly, who confirmed that Tuesday's fatality was the first of its kind in the carrier's 51-year history. In 2000, American Airlines flight attendant Jose Chiu was killed in an emergency landing after he opened a door before the plane depressurized and was 'basically sucked out' onto the tarmac in Miami, officials said. In 1989, 111 people were killed when an engine on a United Airlines DC-10 burst and severed the plane's hydraulic systems, leading to a crash-landing in Sioux City, Iowa, that 185 other people survived. The crash, caused by an exploding fan disk, led to federal regulations requiring more frequent inspections of engine parts. A year earlier, a Boeing 737 operated by Aloha Airlines experienced an explosive decompression midflight over Hawaii and made a safe landing. The only fatality was flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing, who was ejected from the plane. The moments before a helicopter plummeted into the ocean near the Great Barrier Reef killing two American newlyweds have been revealed. Hawaiians on their honeymoon, Sue and Peter Hensel, were killed in the crash while Ms Hensel's daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Bobby Sheets, and the pilot survived. Investigations have revealed the helicopter engine malfunctioned and the pilot lost control of the chopper, Townsville Bulletin reported. The moments before the fatal helicopter crash plummeted into the ocean near the Great Barrier Reef killing Sue and Peter Hensel (pictured) have been revealed Ms Hensel's daughter and son-in-law, Emily and Bobby Sheets (pictured), and the pilot survived the horrific helicopter crash when it crashed into a pontoon Investigations have revealed the helicopter engine malfunctioned and the pilot lost control of the chopper in mid-March The pilot reportedly conducted a 'go-around' however when the helicopter was 12 metres above the pontoon, the pilot 'recalled feeling a "thud" and the nose of the helicopter yawed sharply left'. The helicopter crashed into the pontoon in the Whitsundays in March and despite desperate CPR attempts by witnesses, the 65-year-old mother and 79-year-old man died at the scene. 'While approaching the pontoon, at about 1535, the pilot reported noticing a warning message illuminate in the upper vehicle and engine malfunction display,' the report stated. 'As this was a high workload phase of flight, the pilot was unable to verify the nature of the warning. 'The pilot was unable to regain control of the helicopter and it collided with the water ... the helicopter rolled onto its right side in a mostly inverted orientation.' Witnesses rushed to the horrific scene and plucked the passengers from their seats including the young Colorado couple, aged 33 and 34, from the crash site 65km north-east of Whitsundays Islands, far north Queensland. The helicopter was 12 metres above the pontoon but the pilot 'recalled feeling a "thud" and the nose of the helicopter yawed sharply left' fatally crashing Witnesses rushed to the horrific scene and plucked the passengers from their seats including the young Colorado couple, aged 33 and 34, from the crash site The investigation revealed the helicopter 'rolled onto its right side in a mostly inverted orientation' 65km north-east of Whitsundays Islands, far north Queensland (pictured) The helicopter pilot pulled Ms Hansel from her seat in the Airbus H120 but more than an hour of desperate CPR attempts failed to save her. Mr Hansel also died at the scene. Friends of the happy couple said their faces were always seen at the local Kona Elks Lodge and they would miss having them around. 'They were so happy, and a really sweet couple ... they will certainly be missed,' one friend wrote. The wreckage was found at 58m but it is unknown if the helicopter will be brought back to land. This is the shocking moment a Jewish man captured his own anti-Semitic attack on the streets of Berlin yesterday. Adam Armush, 21, says he and a friend were walking down the street wearing kippas when they were sworn at by three unknown men, who assaulted them when they asked them to stop. The video, recorded on his mobile phone and published by Bild, shows a young man viciously beating him with a belt while shouting 'Yahudi' - 'Jew' in Arabic. Shocking: Adam Armush, 21, was able to film on his mobile phone as another young man viciously beat him with a belt while shouting 'Yahudi' - 'Jew' in Arabic in Berlin yesterday The incident took place at the Helmholtzplatz, a public park in southern Berlin, near Mr Armush's home. 'We came out of our home, my friend and I, wearing our kippas, and walked down the street. We weren't talking with anyone else,' Mr Armush told Israeli broadcaster Kan, according to Times of Israel. He describes how a group of three young men standing on the street began cursing at them for wearing kippas. 'When they kept cursing us, my friend asked them to stop cursing, and that got them angry. So one of them ran at me. Victim: Mr Armush, 21, says he and a friend were attacked for wearing kippas in public in southern Berlin on Tuesday Anti-Semitic attack: The unidentified attacker can be seen swinging his belt and whipping Mr Armush and his companion 'I immediately felt it was important to film, because I didn't think we could catch him before police arrived. I wanted to give police something to go on.' The video has been handed over to Berlin police, who say are investigating the incident of three unknown assailants attacking two Jewish men aged 21 and 24. 'It is incomprehensible to see a young Jewish man attacked on the street in an established area of Berlin, just because he is identified as a Jew,' said Levy Salomon, spokesman for the Jewish Forum for Democracy and Against anti-Semitism who shared the video on social media. 'It shows Jews are not safe even here. We don't need any more speeches, we need actions. A road rage screaming match between two women suddenly escalated when a man got out of the car and attacked one of them. Ethan Jones, 49, and Amanda Smith, 47, were charged with assault after police found them through shocking footage filmed by the young victim. The victim, Jessica Maxfield, aged in her early 20s, said both cars stopped at a traffic light on Governor Ritchie Highway in Maryland earlier this week. Jessica Maxfield, aged in her early 20s, was attacked in a shocking road rage incident recorded on her mobile phone The pair allegedly got out of the car and started kicking and punching her car, then followed her home to the town of Arnold. 'He pulled up on me at a red light, parked his car on the side of the road and grabbed my car window then continued to punch the back of my vehicle as the light turned green,' Ms Maxfield alleged. 'They also followed me another mile and a half down the road to my cousins house, so this man could assault me while his wife watches.' In the video, Smith, in the passenger seat, claimed the victim cut her off and then 'flipped us off, you're driving like a goddamn maniac'. 'You almost sideswiped my car and then you and your little b***h-a** husband punched my car,' Ms Maxfield retorted. Smith responded by getting out of the car and threatening to punch her, despite being reminded that would constitute assault. Smith, in the passenger seat, had a screaming match with Ms Maxwell after following her home from an incident at a traffic light, then got out of the car and scuffled with her Suddenly Ethan Jones, 49, appeared from behind the car aggressively striding towards the much smaller victim, before appearing to viciously attack her and stomp on her phone The older woman pushed and shoved before the pair grappled for the phone before she got back in the car while trading more insults. 'Get off my property,' Ms Maxfield yelled, to which Smith shouted back 'learn to f**king drive'. Suddenly Jones appeared from behind the car aggressively striding towards the much smaller victim, angrily asking 'who you spraying mace at?' The victim at no point in the video appeared to have used mace and Smith did not seem like she was hit with it. Jones appeared to push and grapple with the victim before walking away, before the young woman hysterically screamed 'what is your f**king problem you piece of s**t?' This prompted Jones to turn around and shout something inaudible before appearing to viciously attack Ms Maxfield and stomp on her phone. Ms Maxfield said both cars stopped at a traffic light on Governor Ritchie Highway in Maryland earlier this week 'He pulled up on me at a red light, parked his car on the side of the road and grabbed my car window then continued to punch the back of my vehicle as the light turned green,' she alleged Anne Arundel County Police Lieutenant Ryan Frashure said the phone was smashed but video survived which was used to identify the assailants. 'It appears that both individuals tried to grab the phone from her, pushed her, shoved her when they were taking the phone,' he said. 'And then the male ultimately grabs the phone and throws it on the ground and stomps it with his foot. 'Certainly a very scary situation. This was a young girl that was driving by herself, and you never know whose going to be in another car.' Jones turned himself in to police after getting death threats online and a warrant was issued for Smith's arrest. An Albanian woman who used a fake ID to get a 72,000 new kidney on the NHS after secretly travelling to the UK in the back of a lorry has been jailed for 14 months. Illegal immigrant Fatmira Tafa, 31, hid in the vehicle as the driver made their way across Europe so she could be with a man she met online. She was given a fake Greek ID in the name of Eleni Manola - and started to get benefits as an EU citizen living in the UK. Two years after Tafa settling in Cardiff, she was diagnosed with a serious kidney condition. Fatmira Tafa, 31, underwent kidney surgery at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff (pictured) A court heard in October 2016 she had a kidney transplant at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, which cost the NHS 72,469. But she was not legally entitled to the treatment as an Albanian national without leave to live in the UK. Steven Donoghue, prosecuting, said: 'It seems from what Ms Tafa told the authorities the reason she made the journey to the UK was she encountered Nadricim Bengasi on the internet. 'She formed some long distance relationship and decided to leave Albania to meet up with him and be in the UK. 'Once she was in the UK she began to use a false ID card in the name of a Greek National called Eleni Manola and she used the card for registering for medical services at Clifton Surgery.' Cardiff Crown Court heard Tafa's identity fraud came to light in a follow-up appointment in March 2017 when she broke down in front of a nurse. Mr Donoghue said: 'Another doctor came over and spoke to her and she went on to say her boyfriend made her do it but he had since been deported. 'She said when she arrived she thought she was coming for romance reasons and she believed the boyfriend would have legal documents for her.' Tafa was interviewed by the Home Office and admitted using a false ID card. It was established through the Greek Embassy that Eleni Monola is a real person. Tafa has since made a formal application for asylum in the UK to the Home Office which remains pending. Andrew Davies, defending, said: 'The prosecution said her surgery was life-saving. Albania does not have a free health service. Cardiff Crown Court (pictured) heard in October 2016 she had a kidney transplant at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, which cost the NHS 72,469 'She was facing her own death and if she had not made the decision to have surgery, who knows where she'd be now.' Judge Jeremy Jenkins said: 'I pass this sentence with a heavy heart and it gives me no pleasure to do so, but it is the appropriate sentence for your offending.' Tafa, of Cardiff, wept in the dock as she was jailed for 14 months. She pleaded guilty to fraud and possession of an identity card with improper intentions. A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said: 'Fraud against the NHS in Wales will not be tolerated. 'Any fraud against the NHS deprives the service of valuable funds and persons will be prosecuted whenever appropriate.' A boy has died after falling into a 590-foot-deep dry well and getting trapped there for 14 hours in eastern China. The five-year-old had allegedly been playing in a field on a hill before accidentally plunging down the tiny hole that is only 7.9 inches wide. Doctors failed to save the child after firefighters found him following an overnight rescue operation. Rescue team was called to the scene to save a five-year-old boy who fell into a well in China The boy's body was purple and his face was covered in soil when he was taken to the hospital The incident happened at Yaogou village in Jinzhongzi town of Anqiu, Shangdong Province at 4pm, on April 17. Firefighters used four diggers and a crusher to dig a massive hole around the well in attempt to find the boy. The boy was found covered in soil at 6:30am the next morning and was immediately taken to the hospital. Doctors performed emergency resuscitation on him for two hours before pronouncing his death caused by suffocation. According to Qilu Evening Post, the unnamed boy accidentally fell into the well and got stuck at about six metres (20 feet) below the ground. The well was dry at the time, but it had been built so villagers could water their crops, one villager told Qilu Evening Post. Firefighters had to use four diggers and a crusher to dig a massive hole around the well Firefighters used one digger to break into the well from the side in an attempt to free the boy. They also used a crusher to break the rocks below the boy to prevent him from falling further. The rescue team saw the boy's feet after 10 hours of digging and drilling. Firefighters passed an oxygen mask and a body camera to the boy as they continued the operation. The firefighters explained that the well was too narrow that the boy could not pass through. Paramedics brought a stretcher to the well as firefighters pulled the boy out after 14 hours Footage emerged on Pear Video shows villagers waiting patiently as firefighters, police and paramedics working simultaneously. Villagers told Qilu Evening Post that the five-year-old boy fell into the dry well while playing in the field. His grandmother was said to be picking vegetables in the field. The boy was taken to Anqiu Peoples' Hospital after being found. Dr Lin Yinhua, a pediatrician of the hospital, told Beijing News : 'The boy's eyes, nose, mouth and ears are filled with soil. It blocked his airway and he suffocated.' Doctors said the boy's heart had stopped beating after suffocated in the well for a long time She added that the boy could have been struggling to breathe while being trapped in the well. 'His body was purple and his face looked grey. His heart stopped beating when he was pushed into the hospital,' Dr Lin told the reporter. Dr Lin also said he boy was declared clinically dead after failing to revive 30 minutes into the CPR. However, the medical staff continued the resuscitation for another 90 minutes to make sure every effort had been made. The boy was pronounced dead at around 8:30am. Elizabeth Hurley's son has shared a photo with his cousin who was stabbed in a brutal road rage attack, telling fans he is 'on the mend.' Model Miles Hurley, 21, was knifed in the back following a minor road crash in Wandsworth, South West London last month. Now Elizabeth Hurley's son Damian Hurley, 16, uploaded a post on Instagram and wrote: 'big cousin's on the mend- love you so so much.' He also uploaded another picture with the pair pictured outside, simply with the word: 'Grateful.' Damian Hurley (right) with his cousin Miles, who was brutally stabbed in an attack last month The two Instagram posts from the cousins, with Damian telling fans Miles is 'on the mend' Miles, also took to Instagram saying the 'road to recovery was a long one' adding: 'Grateful for my family x' It came three weeks after Mr Hurley shared another Instagram post in which he stood in front of a leafy outdoor backdrop which he captioned 'first walk in two weeks.' Miles is the son of Elizabeth's older sister Kate Curran, and is very close to his aunt. Last month his famous relative tweeted a graphic picture of the knife wound in his back on Twitter. Damian also uploaded this picture of the pair on Instagram, showing the two of them outside In another post, she revealed that the five men who attacked Mr Hurley - who lost four pints of blood from the stabbing - had also tried to stuff him into the boot of their car. Mr Hurley and his friend, also 21, were driving along Wandsworth Road in south London in a beige Fiat 500 when they were involved in a crash with a black hatchback on March 8. A row broke out and led to a high-speed chase, which ended when both groups got out of the cars and the model and his friend were attacked. In other posts at the time Hurley wrote under the heading: 'Let's find these vicious knifemen and make our streets safer': 'The victims drove to Ascalon Road, and got out of their car. 'The suspects also stopped, got out of their vehicle, attempted and failed to abduct my nephew by putting him in the trunk of their car, stabbed them both and drove off.' In a series of posts following the attack last month, the actress uploaded a graphic picture of the knife wound in her nephew's back She also thanked fans for their support in the aftermath of the assault, and praised hospital staff for their care Model Miles Hurley (left with Elizabeth Hurley and right, is the son of Elizabeth's older sister Kate Curran and is very close to his aunt She later took to Instagram to vow to help make the capital's streets safer, saying: 'We need to make our streets safer and I want to be part of the movement to achieve that. I hope you will join me.' She added: 'Thank you to all who sent such kind messages following the news that my nephew was viciously stabbed last week. His wound is shocking, he remains in great pain and he can hardly move, but he is slowly recovering.' Scotland Yard had previously released a CCTV clip of the black hatchback, which had blacked-out windows. The driver of the suspects' car was white or mixed race, aged in his early to mid-20s, 6ft, well-built and with a shaved head and stubble. He was wearing a navy blue tracksuit. His passengers were all young black men, police said. BERKELEY Scouting Utah After a dismal weekend in Seattle, where rain interfered with and limited competition to just two playable games, California (26-13, 1-10 Pac-12) hopes to find some conference wins at home this weekend as it hosts the Utah Utes (20-18, 2-10 Pac-12) April 20-22 at Levine-Fricke Field.The three-game, three-day series opens Friday at 3 p.m. (PT), followed by a 1 p.m. start Saturday and a noon start Sunday. All games will be live streamed on Pac12.com with live stats available at CalBears.com.This weekend also marks the annual Strikeout Cancer game on Sunday, where the Golden Bears will sport pink uniforms in support of breast cancer awareness. Saturday's game the Bears celebrate their special team member on Bebe Day, as part of the Friends of Jaclyn program, and also marks the team's Cal Day, the annual open house for the university. Fans are encouraged to wear gold on Saturday and pink on Sunday.With the support off the field, Cal looks to grind out some key wins on the field. After picking up two nonconference wins two weeks ago against Pacific and Saint Mary's, the Bears gave up a pair of conference games to nation-leading Washington in a doubleheader last Sunday.Despite recent results, Cal has earned recognition for its closely-contested battles against some of the nation's top teams from league play. When the Bears played then No. 10 Arizona State, they forced two of the three games to 10 innings before giving up the series sweep. Cal also battled through nine innings with then No. 11 Arizona in one of its losses and limited the hard-hitting Wildcats to three runs in the series opener, before allowing a sweep.The Bears best showing in league play was its second game against an unranked Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., where they delivered a 12-0 run-rule to the Beavers before giving up the series 2-1 for the first time since 2007.Results aside, Cal has competed with solid numbers as five Bears hold batting averages above .300, with Jazymn Jackson leading the tow with a .363 clip. Jackson also tops the Bears ledger with 49 hits, tied for seventh in conference, to go along with 26 runs and 21 RBI.Juniorhas also been an offensive threat as the Pac-12's stolen base leader (22). Rood (.354) makes her way around the bases with stealth but has proved potent at the plate notching five triples in her 46 total hits, to rank second in the league. She paces the Bears with 37 runs.In the circle,(2.46, 11-10) and(1.97, 15-3) have been tested through the conference slate, but have managed to keep the Bears in most games. In Pac-12 contests, the Bears average margin of loss is 3.6 runs.The series against Utah, who holds a nearly identical conference record as Cal, will be an opportunity to swing momentum for either team.The Utes return from a bye week, where they picked up a trio of non-conference wins to help build excitement for the series. In their previous outing, Utah defeated Weber State 10-1 in five innings to close out a doubleheader on Monday. The Utes have not fared as well in conference, losing by an average of 4.7 runs. Granted not insurmountable deficits, the Utes however rank last in the Pac-12 in runs scored (171) and hits (265), and are behind the Bears (.292) at the plate with a collective .285 batting average.Sophomore Kelly Martinez leads the Utes at the plate with a .358 average, recording 27 runs, 39 hits and 20 RBI.In the circle, Cal could see any of three pitchers, with a fourth being unlikely. Starting pitchers could range between senior Miranda Viramontes (3.01, 5-9), Katie Donovan (3.42, 9-6) and Hailey Hilburn (2.58, 5-3).Cal was swept by Utah 2-0 in last year's series in Salt Lake City that was also effected by the weather. With clear skies in the forecast for the weekend, the Bears hope to increase its 26-15 all-time series lead.For more information on Cal softball, follow the team @CalSB on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Theresa May today revealed the disastrous decision to shred documents which could prove the right of Windrush immigrants to stay was taken by a Labour Government. The Prime Minister made the shock revelation after she issued her second grovelling apology in two days to the Caribbean migrants threatened with deportation. She said Windrush immigrants 'are British - they are part of us' and vowed to ensure they can stay in the UK. She told the House of Commons: 'And for those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them. I want to apologise to them.' She also revealed the decision to shred landing cards in storage which could prove the right of the migrants to stay was taken in 2009 when Labour was in power. Her revelation was met with gasps and shouts from the Tory benches who urged Labour to 'apologise' after they had blamed Mrs May for the destruction of the cards, which happened in 2010 when she was Home Secretary. Her apology, delivered in PMQs, comes as Amber Rudd is today facing calls to quit as Home Secretary over the Windrush fiasco. Theresa May today issued a grovelling apology to Windrush immigrants in the House of Commons after being slammed for implementing the 'disastrous' policy. The Prime Minister (pictured in PMQs today) said the immigrants who have been threatened with deportation 'are British - they are part of us' and will be allowed to stay. The PM told the House of Commons: 'And for those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them. I want to apologise to them.' Diane Abbott said Ms Rudd should 'consider her position' after people who have lived in Britain for decades were threatened with deportation. Windrush immigrants have told how they lost their jobs, feared they would lose their homes and driven to the point of suicide after they were threatened with deportation. Up to 57,000 Commonwealth-born people who arrived in the UK before 1971 could be affected by the scandal. What is the Windrush scandal and how did the fiasco develop? June 22, 1948 - The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens. 1973 - A new immigration Act comes into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. 2010 - The Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK. The move came despite staff warnings that the move would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing residency difficulties, it was claimed 2014 - A protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time. Under a crackdown on illegals, Windrush immigrants are obliged to provide proof they were resident in the UK before 1973. July 2016 - Mrs May becomes Prime Minister. April 2018 - Allegations that Windrush immigrants are being threatened with deportation break. Theresa May issued a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders after major backlash April 29 - Amber Rudd resigns after inadvertently misleading Parliament by wrongly claiming there were no deportation targets Advertisement Taking to her feet in PMQs today, Ms May apologised directly to Windrush immigrants for a fiasco just a day after she said sorry to Caribbean leaders at No10. She said: 'People in the Windrush generation who came here form Commonwealth countries have based their lives here and massive contributions to the country. 'These people are British. They are part of us. I want to be absolutely clear that we have no intention of asking anyone to leave who has the right to remain here.' 'For those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them I want to apologise them and I want to say sorry to anyone who has been caused confusion and anxiety by this.' Mrs May also told MPs that the decision to destroy the landing cards that would have held a record of Windrush arrivals was made in 2009. In a heated exchange in the Commons, Mr Corbyn said: 'Yesterday we learned in 2010 the Home Office destroyed the landing cards for a generation of Commonwealth citizens, so have told people 'we can't find you in our system'. 'Did the Prime Minister, the then-Home Secretary, sign off that decision?' Theresa May replied: 'No, the decision to destroy the landing cards was taken in 2009 under a Labour government.' Her comment sparked shouts of 'apologise' from the Conservative benches. Commenting after the Commons clash, a Labour Party spokesman said: 'The Government's story is shifting by the hour. 'First Downing Street claimed the decision to destroy the Windrush-era landing cards was made by the Home Office in 2010 for data protection reasons. Then the Home Office passed the buck to a 2010 decision by the UK Border Agency. 'At PMQs, the Prime Minister tried to shift the blame onto the last Labour government but was undermined by her own spokesperson minutes later, who then stated it was an operational decision, which Labour ministers would not have been aware of. 'Her spokesperson couldn't even say when the cards were destroyed. 'In the confusion, one thing is already clear: The change in the law in 2014 that meant members of the Windrush generation faced deportation and the loss of their rights, including to healthcare, was made in full view of the fact that the vital information had been destroyed. The Tory Government has faced heavy criticism for the Windrush immigration fiasco. Critics have slammed Mrs May for the 'disastrous' decision to crackdown on immigrants, and create a 'hostile' environment for people in the UK illegally whlie she was head of the Home Office. Diane Abbott (pictured, today, in London, left) said Amber Rudd (pictured last week in Downing Street, right) should 'consider her position' after people who have lived in Britain for decades were threatened with deportation. St Kitts and Nevis foreign minister Mark Brantley (pictured right, on Newsnight last night) said Theresa May is 'best placed' to sort out the mess as she was Home Secretary when the 'disastrous' policy was enacted While Mrs Rudd has faced calls to resign as Home Secretary after trying to blame her officials for the scandal. She told the Commons Home Office officials had 'lost sight' of the individual by threatening to kick them out of the country and vowed to ensure no one was deported. What documentation do Windrush immigrants have to provide? Immigrants must fill out a form to apply for a biometric card which allows them to remain in the UK. The application costs 229 per person - but the Home Office has now said it will waive the fee for Windrush immigrants after the controversy. Applicants must fill in a 21-page document . And if they do not have a passport they must provide documents proving they have continuously lived in the UK since 1973. This can include exam certificates, employment records, a National Insurance number, birth and marriage certificates and bills and letters. Advertisement St Kitts and Nevis foreign minister Mark Brantley said Mrs May is 'best placed' to sort out the mess as she was Home Secretary when the 'disastrous' policy was enacted. The row is a major embarrassment for the Government as it hosts Commonwealth leaders in the capital for a summit. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, Ms Abbott said Ms Rudd should take the blame for the shambles. She said: 'At the end of the day, she is the Home Secretary and it is her department and there was a time where if something went wrong in a department you as the minister took responsibility. 'The way Amber Rudd is attempting to avoid responsibility is very concerning. I think she needs to consider her position. 'There are so many things that have gone wrong. This isn't a new situation, it's been going on for some years.' But while Ms Rudd is facing calls to quit others have said Mrs May should shoulder responsibility as she was Home Secretary when the law requiring tougher paperwork was introduced. Mr Brantley said the policies which led to the row had been 'misguided' or had 'unintended consequences'. He also warned that the way the Government handled the situation could have implications after Brexit as the UK faces having to deal with the status of millions of EU citizens. He told BBC Newnsight last night: 'I felt that your Prime Minister here, Theresa May, is perhaps best placed to deal with this fiasco because clearly she was Home Secretary when many of the rules went into effect that now are having these disastrous consequences for so many people.' He also warned that the row could have implications as the UK leaves the European Union. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, pictured leaving Downing Street today. The Windrush row is a major embarrassment for the Government as it hosts Commonwealth leaders in the capital for a summit He said: 'The way that the British Government deals with the Windrush generation might have implications post-Brexit, in terms of how European living in England are to be treated and vice-versa how people from England living in Europe are to be treated as well.' Mrs May yesterday personally apologised to Caribbean leaders for the fiasco as she scrambled to try to quell anger over the cases. But she was in charge of the Home Office in 2010 when the landing cards were controversially destroyed. Downing Street said disposing of documents had been the right decision to take while the Home Office said the information had limited use and keeping them could have broken data protection laws. But Labour said the destruction of the registration slips was 'truly shocking' and blamed the 'fiasco' on the Home Office. A Home Office spokesman said: 'Registration slips provided details of an individual's date of entry, they did not provide any reliable evidence relating to ongoing residence in the UK or their immigration status. 'So it would be misleading and inaccurate to suggest that registration slips would therefore have a bearing on immigration cases whereby Commonwealth citizens are proving residency in the UK.' The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'The decision was taken to securely dispose of these documents, and that was the right one to take.' Asked if Mrs May had been aware of the disposal while she was home secretary, the PM's spokesman said: 'My belief, at this moment, is that it was an operational decision that was taken by the Border Agency.' 'I can't drive, I can't work, I can't do anything': 'Appalled and disgusted' Windrush daughter and NHS worker tell of anger at fiasco as Jamaican PM demands 'justice' for those deported Windrush scandal victims today described their disgust at being told they would be deported despite arriving as babies, having parents with British citizenship and even working for the NHS for years. Glenda Caesar worked at a GP practice for 16 years having come to the UK as a six-month-old baby from Dominica but was suddenly told she had to leave and said today: 'Why am I not British? What did I do wrong?' Her friend Sonia Williams arrived in England from Barbados at age 13 in 1975 but within two years she lost her job, had her driving licence cut up and told she would be thrown out of Britain. She said: 'I am numb, appalled and disgusted by what has happened to me. I can't drive, I can't work, I can't claims benefits, I can't do anything. Sometimes I just want to give up'. Jamaican PM Andrew Holness has demanded justice for Windrush victims and said Britain must give them a chance to return Some victims have been in the UK for more than 50 years, many have British children and have worked all their lives - yet they have been denied leave to remain, told they will be deported and even denied NHS treatment as they fight to stay. Jamaica's prime minister has said Britain must allow people wrongly deported in the Windrush scandal back to the UK to restore their 'dignity' and give them 'justice'. Andrew Holness met Theresa May in Downing Street yesterday but she had been unable to say how many people had been deported. He said: 'We have to ensure those who have been deported have a process to come back. 'My view is that if there is an acceptance there should be a process of restoration. We can't deny people their dignity'. Sonia Williams, who arrived in Britain from Barbados in 1975 as a child, lost her job in 2014 and struggled to get a new job. In the 2016 the DVLA said she was no longer 'resident' in Britain and had to 'put the dots together' herself. She said: 'My mum's got citizenship, my dad had right to remain. So I just presumed I had all that, because I was leaving Barbados to come and live with my family. I wasn't just coming on holiday 'They have been giving me the run-around. No-one's telling me where to go or what to do. I'm not working, I can't claim benefits, so where am I going to get this money to apply for these things that they're asking me for?' Pressed for her thoughts on the destruction of thousands of landing cards in 2010, meaning it left many with no proof for many that they are British, she told Good Morning Britain: 'Why were they destroyed? 'Then you are asking us for this information when you know you have destroyed it'. Windrush daughters Sonia Williams and Glenda Caesar have lived in the UK since they were children after emigrating to Britain with their parents - but have been told they will be deported Glenda Caesar has been in the UK since the age of six months after arriving from Dominica with her parents. She worked for the NHS for more than a decade as an administrator before being told she must leave Britain. She said: 'I was told I had to leave because I don't have a British passport. I was in shock, I cried, I was angry. 'All I have ever known is Britain. I came on my parents' passport so had no documents. 'I am the mother of for British children I have a national insurance number, have worked here, have paid my taxes and given birth to my children here. Pressed on how she feels about being de-legitimised as a British citizen, Ms Caesar said: 'Why am I not British? What did I do wrong? I didn't do anything wrong. It is not my mistake.' Meeting Caribbean leaders in Downing Street yesterday, Theresa May said she was 'genuinely sorry' for the treatment of the Windrush immigrants - but said she was unable to say how many victims there were One man said he had contemplated suicide if he ended up being deported to Jamaica, the nation he left as a baby in 1962. Nick Broderick came into contact with authorities during an immigration check four years at the recruitment firm in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, where he worked. He told BBC Radio 4's Today that an official told him: 'I'm sorry we seem to have lost the papers you have sent in so now you are going to be deported.' Mr Broderick, whose older brother Andrew received a UK passport while serving in the British Army, told the programme he sent in reports from his school and doctor and 'everybody else that I could find, but it wasn't good enough for them.' He added: 'I was on tenterhooks. Then I got a visit from them and they really gave it too me about 'I have only got a few weeks to go' and you will definitely be sent back. 'That sent me into a spiral of depression which I'm only just coming out of. 'I'm still not allowed to go to the hospital, or the doctor's surgery or get a bus pass.' He currently has a biometric identity card, he told the programme, but has to regularly report to police. He said he had contemplated what he might do if deported to Jamaica, saying: 'I was actually going to commit suicide when I got there, or thereabouts.' Incredible video shows an enraged motorist attacking a bus lane camera car - before having a punch-up with the driver. The man is seen climbing over the white Toyota, caving in the windscreen, and trying to break the camera. Another clip shows the driver of the vehicle fight back and a vicious brawl ensues between the pair. The footage was captured by onlooker Ryan Burns on the Falls Road, Belfast, yesterday. Scroll down for video below A clip uploaded by onlooker Ryan Burns shows the man (pictured left) attack the driver of the vehicle (right) and a vicious brawl ensues between the pair on the Falls Road, Belfast The man is seen climbing over a white Toyota bus lane camera car, caving in the windscreen, and trying to break the camera on the Falls Road, Belfast, yesterday He uploaded it to Facebook, captioning it: 'Oh West Belfast is wonderful.' In the first clip the attacker, dressed sharply in a shirt and smart shoes clambers over the camera car, with his shirt pulled over his face to hide his identity. The windscreen already appears to have taken a pelting and he stamps on it a further two times before climbing up on the roof. He walks to the back of the vehicle where the camera is positioned and begins to fiddle with it, appearing to try and snap it off. On his way back down, he stamps one more time on the windscreen. But the camera car driver decided not to stand for the aggression and Ryan took further video which showed the pair embroiled in a ruckus. A large group of onlookers has now gathered and a shocked female voice can be heard saying: 'Oh my god' as the camera pans round to see the two men grappling. The camera operator, much taller than his assailant, lands a punch on his head. They continue to aim haymakers at each other as a bald man in a blue polo shirt steps forward to try and separate them, but after failing to get them to stop he moves out of the way. More punches are thrown before the taller man decides he's had enough and rugby tackles his nemesis to the ground. He pins him down as the blue shirted man and another step in again and the filming ends. Social media reacted with disbelief and some praised the worker for standing up for himself. Gary Gray said: 'Getting to empty that p** is worth getting sacked over. Although he should get a promotion in my opinion.' Robert Beattie said: 'F****** right to get out and knock the little p***k out. Is it really worth smashing the window it's not gonna make the cameras go away.' Another user said: 'Fair play to your man for getting out and getting into him. That's his job lost and your man that done it probably doesn't even work.' Diane Sloan said: 'That's mental.' More punches are thrown before the taller man decides hes had enough and rugby tackles his nemesis to the ground Oh west Belfast is wonderful: Social media reacted with disbelief and some praised the worker for standing up for himself Police in west Belfast have confirmed that they are investigating a report of criminal damage and assault following the incident on the Falls Road. A Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) spokeswoman said: 'It was reported that damage was caused to the bonnet, roof and windscreen of a car, and a man and woman assaulted, by an unknown male at around 4pm on Tuesday. 'Efforts are ongoing to identify the male involved. 'Officers would ask anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information which could assist with their enquiries to contact police at Woodbourne on 101 quoting reference number 838 17/04/18. 'Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.' A Department for Infrastructure (DfI) spokeswoman added: 'The Department is aware of an incident involving an attack on a bus lane camera vehicle. 'The incident is being investigated by the PSNI.' Escapee: Sindri Thor Stefansson fled prison through a window and boarded a flight to Stockholm carrying Iceland's Prime Minister An Icelandic man suspected of masterminding the theft of 600 computers used to create the virtual currency bitcoins, has escaped prison and fled to Sweden. Sindri Thor Stefansson is thought to have fled a low-security prison through a window and boarded a flight to Stockholm which was also carrying Iceland's Prime Minister. Icelandic police say Stefansson was able to board the flight to Sweden at at Iceland's international airport in Keflavik by travelling on someone else's passport. 'He had an accomplice,' Police Chief Gunnar Schram told Visir, an online news outlet in Iceland. 'We are sure of that.' Investigators think Stefansson broke out of Sogn prison, in rural southern Iceland, n early Tuesday, but guards did not report him missing until after the flight to Sweden had taken off. He was later identified on security footage from Keflavik Airport, and seen boarding the flight to Stockholm where Iceland's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, was another passenger. Jakobsdottir was among five Nordic prime ministers who met with India's prime minister Tuesday in Stockholm during a summit. Visit: Iceland's Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdottir, was flying to Sweden yesterday to attend a Nordic-Indian summit in Stockholm with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Swedish police say they are aware that Stefansson is thought to be in Sweden, but no arrest has been made so far. Stefansson was among 11 people arrested earlier this year and accused of stealing hundreds of computers from a cryptocurrency mine, a theft branded the 'Big Bitcoin Heist' in Icelandic media. The stolen equipment has been valued at almost $2 million (1.41million) and if used for its original purpose - to create new bitcoins - the thieves could turn a massive profit in an untraceable currency without ever selling the computers Stefansson's escape is yet another twist in a criminal case without parallel on the peaceful island nation with a population of 340,000 and one of the world's lowest crime rates. Police commissioner Olafur Helgi Kjartansson told The Associated Press in March it was 'a grand theft on a scale unseen before.' 'Big Bitcoin Heist': Stefansson was among 11 people arrested earlier this year and accused of stealing hundreds of computers from a cryptocurrency mine used to create bitcoin Police have arrested 22 people altogether, including a security guard, without solving the burglaries. Blessed with an abundance of renewable energy, Iceland has emerged as a popular base for large virtual currency companies that use massive amounts of electricity running the computers that create bitcoins. Owners of the stolen computers have, in a rare public outreach, promised a $60,000 (42,222) reward to anyone who can lead detectives to the stolen computers. Helgi Gunnlaugsson, a sociology professor at the University of Iceland, said keeping a high-profile prisoner in such low-security surroundings was unusual - but more so was his organized escape. 'Prison breaks in Iceland usually mean someone just fled to get drunk,' he said. 'The underworlds are tiny and it is extremely difficult to hide, let alone flee the country.' Peers inflicted a second defeat on the Government's Brexit Bill tonight, after they approved amendment 11, which aims to protect people's rights post-withdrawal. The bill amendment - a cross-party move from peers to maintain existing protections across a range of areas including health and safety, employment, equality and consumer standards was approved by 314 votes to 217 - majority of 97. It means these protections cannot be changed except by primary legislation. Scroll down for video The House of Lords resumes debate on the EU Withdrawal Bill later with Labour, Liberal Democrat, crossbench and rebel Tory peers determined to soften the Prime Minister's approach No regrets: David Cameron maintains Brexit referendum was the right call Former PM Cameron Former prime minister David Cameron has said he does not regret holding the Brexit referendum, but believes Britain chose the wrong course. He told CNN: 'I don't regret holding a referendum. I think it was the right thing to do. 'I don't think you can belong to these organisations and see their powers grow, and treaty after treaty, and power after power going from Westminster to Brussels and never asking the people whether they are happy governed in that way. 'But, I haven't changed my mind about the result of the referendum. I wish the vote had gone another way. 'I think we have taken the wrong course.' Mr Cameron added: 'But, to be frank, Britain is the fifth, or sixth, largest economy in the world. It is a legitimate choice to try and be a friend and a neighbour, and a partner of the European Union, rather than a member of the European Union. 'And that's what the country has chosen. I accept the result. I wish my successor well in the work that she is doing. 'I know as being prime minister, it is a hard enough job without your predecessor giving you a running commentary, and that's why I haven't been giving interviews, and the rest of it.' Advertisement The defeat for Theresa May comes a day after remain supporting peers including Chris Patten led the revolt and delivered the first defeat on the flagship laws in the House of Lords. Ministers have played down the impact of this amendment, insisting its vague wording will not change the Government's plans for Brexit. One Cabinet minister told MailOnline they would be able to 'live with' the amendment. The Brexit department said it was 'disappointed' but insisted it would not change the 'terms of exit'. But the huge 348 to 225 vote against the Government could be a signal more damaging defeats will follow as the crucial laws crawl through Parliament. Every defeat will have to be passed back to the Commons for approval or veto - a process which could take weeks to complete. Following the vote, leading Remainer Lord Adonis hailed it as a 'crushing' defeat for the Government. Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer demanded Theresa May listen to the 'chorus of voices' demanding a customs union and changer her plans. But ahead of the vote a Cabinet minister told MailOnline the amendment was 'not prescriptive' and they could 'live with it'. During today's debate, Lord Patten mocked claims by the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox that a free trade deal with the EU would be 'one of the easiest in human history'. He suggested the current approach being taken by the Government to securing agreements was 'absurd'. Lord Patten also claimed the idea that countries such as Australia would open up their market without any demands in return was 'nonsense'. Crossbench peer Lord Kerr, who tabled the amendment, said: 'Looking further afield is well worth doing but it will be very hard not to see a fall in overall exports if our trade with the European Union is made more complicated - and it will be much more complicated if we don't have a customs union.' Conservative former chancellor Lord Lamont of Lerwick opposed the amendment, telling peers the 'pattern of our trade has been changing and a much higher proportion of our trade was with the EU 10 or 15 years ago' because of the growth of Asian markets. He said the disadvantages of being in a customs union are 'threefold': 'Operating inappropriate tariffs, not having autonomy over domestic rules and goods, and three, not being able to conclude trade agreements.' Ahead of the vote, a Cabinet minister told MailOnline: 'The Government has moved a long way to accommodate concerns and improve the bill since it was first tabled so there is not a 'war' going on over it as some might have you believe,' they added. Lord Patten (pictured in the Lords today) mocked claims by the International Trade Secretary Liam Fox that a free trade deal with the EU would be 'one of the easiest in human history' 'The language of this amendment is not strictly prescriptive and if, in this instance, it passes, I think we can probably live with it.' The minister said a decision would be taken later in the process on whether to try to overturn the amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons. Other battlegrounds in the Lords include measures to limit the Government's ability to use so-called Henry VIII powers, which restrict Parliament's ability to scrutinise future legislative changes required as a result of Brexit. A cross-party effort to strengthen the 'meaningful vote' promised on the Brexit deal will also feature in debates as the Bill goes through its report stage over six days between April 18 and May 8. Ex Tory chancellor Lord Lamont (left) hit out at the amendment tabled by cross bencher Lord Kerr (right) insisting a customs union after Brexit would be a disaster for Britain Other potential flashpoints include amendments relating to Northern Ireland and a plan to scrap the Government's decision to fix Brexit for 11pm on March 29, 2019. Shadow Lords leader Baroness Smith of Basildon said: 'As we begin the Report stage, Theresa May and her ministers still have an opportunity to bring forward sensible changes in response to concerns raised previously in the Lords. 'A failure to do so however, will amount to kicking the can down what could be a very rocky road. And our peers won't be shy about sending amendments to the Commons, giving MPs a further chance to scrutinise the detail of the Bill.' Downing Street said Mrs May (pictured at a meeting with Caribbean leaders in No10 yesterday) 'has been very clear that the British people voted to leave the EU and expect us to be able to sign trade deals around the world, operating our own independent trade policy' Shadow Brexit minister Baroness Hayter said the proposed change 'forces the government to prioritise a customs union with the EU - not only to boost industry's ability to trade with the UK, but to ensure there is no hard border in Northern Ireland'. Downing Street insisted being in a customs union would restrict the UK's ability to strike trade deals after Brexit. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs May 'has been very clear that the British people voted to leave the EU and expect us to be able to sign trade deals around the world, operating our own independent trade policy'. 'As the PM has set out, that means we are leaving the customs union,' the spokesman said. A Russian oligarch found dead in his Berkshire home five years ago, was killed by British intelligence because of his involvement in the 2006 murder of an ex-KGB spy, Moscow's top prosecutor has claimed. Boris Berezovsky, an outspoken Putin critic and former Moscow official, died in 2013, having fled to the UK in the early 2000s and escaped Russian jail after obtaining political asylum. Prosecutor General Yury Chaika told Russian Parliament that he believes Berezovsky was involved in the plot to kill Aleksandr Litvinenko - and murdered by Britain when he wanted to return to Russia in 2013. Bold words: Prosecutor General Yury Chaika says he believes Boris Berezovsky, pictured, was killed by British intelligence because he was involved in the death of Aleksandr Litvinenko. Litvinenko, a former Russian spy and friend of Berezovsky who was also living in exile in the UK, died in 2006 after being poisoned with radioactive polonium. Chaika claimed Berezovsky was involved in Litvinenko's death, and that it had been organised by British intelligence in order to accuse Russia of murdering dissidents. 'The highest concentration of polonium was found in Berezovsky's office, but Berezovsky could not get polonium on his own,' he told MPs according to RT. 'Neither could he fabricate such a trace of evidence. He was acting under control of the British intelligence services, acted together with them,' the Russian official said. 'When he decided to return to Russia, they could not allow that a person with access to secrets about radioactive terrorism did so.' Poisoned: Former Russian secret service agent Aleksandr Litvinenko, pictured, pictured at University College Hospital in central London shortly before his death of poisoning in 2006 Beresovsky was a friend of Litvinenko, seen here attending a service marking five years since the death of the former KGB spy in 2011 with Litvinenko's widow and son This echoes comments made last week by Chaika's deputy, who accused Britain of withholding evidence in the Berezovsky case in order to cover up their involvement. Saak Karapetian cited the 2013 inquiry where a coroner concluded it was impossible to say whether Berezovsky's death was suicide or a slaying. Mr Karapetian insinuated that Berezovsky was killed because he would have been arrested upon return to Russia. 'People who faced Russian criminal charges were used as targets... helping create a semblance of motive for their physical elimination.' Accusations: Chaika said UK spies could not allow Beresovsky to return to Russia He added that the refusal by British officials to cooperate with Russia or publicly share any evidence in their secret probes was 'excluding any possibility of their objective assessment.' Berezovsky, who had made his fortune during the privatisation of state Soviet assets in the 90s, fled to Britain in 2001. He was convicted of embezzlement in absentia, but was granted political asylum in Britain in 2003, and Russia's extradition request refused. He was found dead with a ligature around his neck at his ex-wife's 20million home in Ascot in Berkshire in March, 2013. His death has been shrouded in mystery, with his family saying he would not have killed himself and the coroner recording an open verdict. His daughter has claimed the Russian government could be responsible for his death. However, friends of Berezovsky has said he had planned to hand over evidence to President Vladimir Putin of a plot by oligarchs to topple him, and that Western secret services linked to the plan to overthrow the Kremlin leader killed him. An Australian teacher has suffered third degree burns to 80 per cent of her body after a pot of oil exploded in her face. Victoria Nikoloudis was cooking at her home in Thailand went the oil caught fire, leaving the orphanage worker with two and third degree burns to most of her body last week. The 37-year-old, who works for a not-for-profit organisation in Chiang Mai, in the far north of Thailand, is undergoing daily surgery while her family are desperately trying to raise money to bring Ms Nikoloudis home. Victoria Nikoloudis has suffered third degree burns to 80 per cent of her body after a pot of oil exploded in her face (pictured in hospital) The Australian teacher (pictured) was cooking at her home in Thailand went the oil caught fire The 37-year-old (pictured before the accident) works for a not-for-profit organisation in Chiang Mai, far north Thailand, and teaches English 'Victoria found her purpose in Thailand helping the less fortunate from people in remote villages to orphans who require daily necessities and medical attention with no financial support,' a GoFundMe page read. 'She has worked tirelessly and endlessly raising funds for numerous orphanages to purchase food, clothing and other necessities required for everyday living and survival. 'This has made a huge impact to the orphans in building their self esteem, confidence and motivation as well as bringing them joy, happiness and love.' The 37-year-old, who has been teaching English north of Chiang Mai, is described as having a 'heart of gold' and a 'passion for life' who loves 'seeing people happy'. Ms Nikoloudis' parents and one of her three sisters have flown to the Asian country to be by her bedside as they hope to raise $80,000 to bring her home to Adelaide, South Australia. 'Her family have been advised that the hospital bill will exceed $100,000 and this doesn't include getting Victoria back on the long journey home, where she will be transported via ambulance to the RAH (Royal Adelaide Hospital) Burns Unit in Adelaide,' the page read. The teacher (pictured) is undergoing daily surgery while her family are desperately trying to raise money to bring Ms Nikoloudis home to South Australia A GoFundMe Page was created to raise $80,000 to help with the expensive medical costs The 37-year-old (pictured), who has been teaching English north of Chiang Mai, is described as having a 'heart of gold' and a 'passion for life' who loves 'seeing people happy' The teacher's twin sister, Nicole Taverna, told 9News the situation was a 'nightmare' but it 'could have been a lot worse'. 'The nurses held the phone to her so I could speak to her, the screams of her in pain and her telling me she was burning really bad,' Ms Taverna said. 'It can go from bad to worse quite quickly so our main objective is getting her home and getting the care and treatment she needs to keep her alive.' The family is desperately hoping the 37-year-old will be back in Adelaide to be treated by the end of the month. The teacher's twin sister, Nicole Taverna (pictured), told 9News the situation was a 'nightmare' but it 'could have been a lot worse' World Restoration Center Church, 4004 Dorris St., is having an Empowerment Revial this Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m. each evening. Guest speaker will be Bishop Doctor Brian Keith Hodges, pastor of Gathering of Champions Church of Marietta, Ga. Co-hosts are Dr. E. Jonathan Thomas, Jr. of World Restoration Church and Pastor Solomon Killiebrew of Harvest Baptist Church. All are invited to attend. For more information, call 423-756-3327. A drug-addict murdered his parents before setting fire to his house and killing himself, police believe. Detectives are probing a suspected double-murder-suicide after a house fire at Everton Hills, north Brisbane at 5.30am on Tuesday. It is thought that Dylan Thomson, 24, killed his father Graeme and mother Ros, leaving his sister without a family. Suspected murderer: It is thought that Dylan Thomson (pictured), 24, killed his father Graeme and mother Ros His devastated colleagues at an engineering specialty store reportedly told police that he had battled drug addiction. Dylan lived in house with his mother while his estranged father lived in the Whitsundays. It is understood that a domestic dispute broke out after Graeme, 53, came to Brisbane to reconnect with his son. His marriage to Ros ended before 2009. It is understood that a domestic dispute broke out after Graeme (right), 53, came to Brisbane to reconnect with his son. His marriage to Ros (left) ended before 2009 Three people were killed in a suspicious house fire (pictured), with neighbours reporting hearing screams for help after an explosion Graeme's brother Mark Thomson told the Courier-Mail: 'Graeme was there to make sure Dylan wasn't going to do a runner, as he was to face court on a charge of abusing police. 'Graeme was a good man and would do anything for his kids.' He said Dylan's sister 'has lost her whole family in one morning.' It is not yet clear how the suspected murders and suicide were carried out. Queensland Police declined to comment on the ongoing investigation when contacted by Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday night. Police confirmed three people died in the blaze which broke out on Pavonia Street, at Everton Hills in Brisbane 's north about 5.30am on Tuesday Neighbours heard explosions coming from the property, as smoke poured from the roof, which partially collapsed Police are investigating whether the fire was deliberately lit, Police Inspector Daniel Bragg told reporters at the scene on Tuesday Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Superintendent Bevan Moore said there were reports of people smelling fuel at the time of the fire. Investigators are yet to determine if the loud explosion heard by a neighbour was the cause of the fire, or caused by the fire. Police Inspector Daniel Bragg said: 'It was a loud explosion, quite significant, and the neighbour that heard that explosion contacted the police.' 'I'm told that the fire could be seen from a fair distance away and it was the flames and the smoke that actually led people to the address.' Inspector Bragg said one neighbour had told police that there was 'some yelling' beforehand. 'Screams were heard for help, but exactly where those screams were coming from and who those screams were coming from is yet to be ascertained.' For confidential support call the Lifeline 24-hour crisis support on 13 11 14 Inspector Bragg said one neighbour had told police that there was 'some yelling beforehand 'Screams were heard for help, but exactly where those screams were coming from and who those screams were coming from is yet to be ascertained,' Inspector Bragg said A woman who allegedly bit a waiter's arm in a rage over the price of a fish dish has faced court charged with assault following the heated row on June 20 last year. Chunping Quan called 000 to complain about her pricey meal, claiming despite ordering a full fish, she only received half and would not pay the full price of $48, Adelaide Magistrates Court was told. She is accused of assaulting 19-year-old waiter, Fan Chi Kong, who tried to stop her leaving after she paid just $26.50 for her meal at Nice Fish Chinese Restaurant in Adelaide, The Advertiser reported. Chunping Quan (pictured) allegedly bit a waiter's arm in a rage over the price of a fish dish at an Adelaide restaurant on June 20 last year Quan allegedly retaliated by biting him on the arm, pinching him and grabbing his neck in a way that made it hard for him to breath. In court on Wednesday, Quan defended her actions, saying the waiter had no right to stop her leaving because 'this is Australia, this is not China'. During her conversation with the 000 operator, she failed to convince the woman her call warranted police assistance. But the situation escalated and 20 minutes later they were called to the scene. Quan said she originally asked for half a fish but was told the restaurant only served it as a whole, so ended up ordering the full meal, the court was told. Soon after receiving the meal however, she lifted the fish up to find what she believed to be half of it missing. 'I asked the restaurant staff, 'where did the other parts of the fish go?',' Quan said. 'The argument happened, the cheating, they asked me to pay for the whole fish but they only gave me half fish.' She was accused of assaulting 19-year-old waiter, Fan Chi Kong (pictured), who tried to stop her leaving after she paid just $26.50 for her meal She allegedly paid $26.50 of her $48.50 bill before leaving the restaurant and being followed by Mr Kong. 'He held me and I told him he had no right to hold me this is Australia, this is not China,' she said. 'I asked him to release me more than three times and he didn't do it ... I said this is Australia, not China, you can't do this to me but he wouldn't listen.' 'Also, I was quite angry because I asked him to release me several times and he didn't.' Mr Kwong told the court last month he requested Quan to stop several times before grabbing her hand. The incident unfolded at Nice Fish Chinese Restaurant (pictured) in Adelaide 'I asked them not to go any further ... and they ignored that so I grabbed the hand of one of them,' he said. 'I asked them not to go any further ... and they ignored that so I grabbed the hand of one of them.' 'While I was trying to stop her, she started biting me on my arm and pinching me so I had to grab the purse and try to squat down on the floor. 'She started to grab my neck, making it hard to breathe. Then someone helped and called the police.' The magistrate has reserved his decision. A pensioner, who captured the mood of the nation with her reaction to another General Election, was shocked to hear she was trending online again - one year to the day of her original outburst. Brenda from Bristol was hailed as 'the voice of the nation' after a video of her exasperated reaction to finding out there would be a General Election went viral. Theresa May shocked the UK when she announced voters will go to the polls yet again, on June 8, despite previously denying she planned to hold an early vote. A television interview of 'Brenda from Bristol', who screamed 'not another one' proved a hit on social media as she protested that 'there's too much politics' and the electorate should be given a break. After trending on Twitter again with the hashtag #BrendaDay, she said: 'You're all mad.' The BBC reporter, who interviewed her last year, Jon Kay, spoke to her again today. He tweeted: 'I can confirm that, on this first anniversary of her TV appearance, Brenda is repotting plants and avoiding cameras. When I told her #BrendaDay was trending she said: "Youre all mad!"' BBC Breakfast presenter Dan Walker wrote: 'Happy Brenda Day #BrendaDay' Good Morning Britain co-host Susanna Reid remarked: 'One of the greatest TV moments - when #BrendaDay spoke for the whole country' Speaking soon after news of the election broke, Brenda aired her frustration to Mr Kay in a video which was posted on Twitter. Asked how she felt in response to the breaking news, she said: 'You're joking not another one. Oh for God's sake, honestly I can't stand this. 'There's too much politics going on at the moment, why does she need to do it?' Speaking soon after news of the election broke, Brenda aired her frustration to the BBC's Jon Kay in a video which was posted on Twitter Speaking in Bristol, Brenda added: I think the whole country has had enough of politics, politicians telling us this, that and the other, and to have us in June for a General Election, no, definitely not. At the time, the General Election was the latest development in one of the most dramatic periods of modern British political history. In September 2014, Scottish voters were asked to decide on the future of the United Kingdom in an independence referendum. Just eight months later, electors across the EU went to the polls for the General Election, which gave the Conservative Party a narrow majority in the House of Commons. But voters did not get much of a break as then Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would hold an historic referendum on Britain's membership of the European Union in 2016. Voters turned out again to cast their ballots in the EU referendum after a long and bruising campaign which resulted in Mr Cameron's resignation. The election was an astonishing U-turn from the Prime Minister who had repeatedly said she would not call another ballot before 2020 - insisting it would cause instability and hurt the country. In the election on June 8 last year, the Tories lost their majority and were forced to form an alliance with the DUP. A Fresno State professor is under fire for her tweets deriding Barbara Bush posted just an hour after the former first lady's death was announced Tuesday evening. Randa Jarrar, who teaches in the English department, took to Twitter last night and wrote a series of tweets condemning Bush, who died at the age of 92 after a battle with lung disease and congestive heart failure. 'Barbara Bush was a generous and smart and amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal. F*** outta here with your nice words. Just an hour after Barbara Bush's (right) death was announced Tuesday evening, Fresno State Professor Randa Jarrar (left) wrote a tweet celebrating her passing Jarrar wrote that the former first lady was an 'amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal' She added: 'Either you are against these pieces of s*** and their genocidal ways or you're part of the problem....I'm happy the witch is dead' 'PSA: either you are against these pieces of s*** and their genocidal ways or you're part of the problem. That's actually how simple this is. I'm happy the witch is dead. Can't wait for the rest of her family to fall to their demise the way 1.5 million Iraqis have,' she wrote. The tweets generated controversy online, with many saying that her words against Bush were inappropriate. 'Randa Jarrar is a hate-spewing psychopath, yet she remains gainfully employed at Fresno State. This CANNOT be allowed to stand,' one user wrote. Many called Jarrar out on Twitter, but she only continued to deride Bush Another user added: 'If you're a student in one of Randa Jarrar's classes please do the right thing and boycott her until she is forced to resign. Who would want to learn English when she spews this vile crap?' But that only fueled Jarrar's rhetoric, and she continued to voice her opinion in several more tweets before eventually setting her account to private. In one tweet, she said she couldn't be fired because she has tenure, going so far as to tag the school's president in the post. The school has tried to distance itself from Jarrar, saying that her tweets were written as a 'private citizen' and they don't reflect the university. 'Professor Jarrars expressed personal views and commentary are obviously contrary to the core values of our University, which include respect and empathy for individuals with divergent points of view, and a sincere commitment to mutual understanding and progress, he added. 'On behalf of Fresno State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Bush family on the loss of our former First Lady, Barbara Bush. 'We share the deep concerns expressed by others over the personal comments made today by Professor Randa Jarrar, a professor in the English Department at Fresno State. He statements were made as a private citizen, not as a representative of Fresno State. 'Professor Jarrar's expressed personal views and commentary are obviously contrary to the core values of our University, which include respect and empathy for individuals with divergent points of view, and a sincere commitment to mutual understanding and progrress.' the school's president, Joseph I. Casto, said in a statement. Jarrar, a Muslim, was born in Chicago but grew up in Kuwait and Egypt, before returning to the U.S. after the first Gulf War. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Salon.com, The Rumpus, the Utne Reader, The Oxford American. She is the author of two books, the coming of age novel 'A Map of Home' and a story collection - 'Him, Me, Muhammad Ali'. The heroic pilot helped firefighters tackle huge bush fire in Sydney last weekend He had to learn to walk and talk again in four gruelling years of rehabilitation In 2005, he cheated death when his helicopter crashed into mountain in Canada Philip O'Driscoll, 45, suffered head and spinal injuries after the crash on Tuesday The hero helicopter pilot who crashed in Kosciuszko National Park suffered horrific burns in another chopper accident in Canada in 2005. Philip O'Driscoll, 45, suffered head and spinal injuries after the crash on Tuesday afternoon, an accident all too familiar for the veteran pilot. In 2005, Mr O'Driscoll cheated death when his helicopter smashed into a cliff in mountains in Canada as he tried to avoid hitting people after the engine cut out. Scroll down for video Pilot Philip O'Driscoll, 45, crashed in Kosciusko National Park on Tuesday and was rushed to hospital after the accident (pictured with his partner) Just days before his aircraft crashed he was helping firefighters tackle savage bush fires in Sydney (pictured is the wreckage of his helicopter which caught fire when it crashed) The aircraft burst into flames and Mr O'Driscoll managed to climb through the wreckage before passing out in the snow for three hours until he was rescued. 'The motor quit. I could have dropped straight down and rolled over backwards, I would have been fine but Emry (one of the passengers) would have definitely been dead,' Mr O'Driscoll told 60 Minutes in a 2007 interview. 'I just remember hot air on the side of my face and I thought 'I better get out of here'. And then it just hit me that's not air, that's fire. I'm burning,' he said. He still bears the scars of the incident and had to learn to walk and talk again during four gruelling years of rehabilitation The heroic pilot helped the New South Wales Rural Fire Service (NSWRFS) put out two separate blazes in the state last week. Mr O'Driscoll is in a stable condition after suffering the serious injuries, with his partner arriving at Canberra Hospital on Wednesday morning. Mr O'Driscoll is in a stable condition and his partner arrived at Canberra Hospital on Wednesday morning The pilot runs O'Driscoll Aviation, providing specialist helicopter services, involving heavy lifting, search and rescue and water-bombing Footage posted by the Splitters Creek Rural Fire Brigade was shared by Mr O'Driscoll showing him in action on the NSW border last week A severe blaze threatened dozens of homes in the west Sydney suburb of Holsworthy over the weekend, destroying 3,300 hectares of bushland. On Thursday, he was also working with firefighters in the remote area around Table Top on the NSW southern border. His UH-1H helicopter came down in a remote area near Cabramurra at around 2.30pm on Tuesday before catching fire. A desperate rescue mission was launched and several paramedic teams including a rescue helicopter were winched down to the crash site. The flames were put out after the fire broke out with Mr O'Driscoll trapped inside the cockpit. Mr O'Driscoll was removing equipment from a remote drill site for the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project in the Snowy Mountains The aircraft came down and caught fire at around 2.30pm on Tuesday in the remote area near Cabramurra The man, who is 45-year-old, is being treated by paramedic teams including the rescue helicopter in the New South Wales park He runs O'Driscoll Aviation, a company providing specialist helicopter services, involving heavy lifting, search and rescue and water-bombing used to tackle bush fires. Mr O'Driscoll, who is from Humpty Doo, around 40km from Darwin in the Northern Territory, has been helping rural fire services across Australia for more than 18 years. NSWRFS confirmed Mr O'Driscoll was called to help with the bush fires in Sydney and in the state during the past week. When his helicopter crashed on Tuesday, Mr O'Driscoll was removing equipment from a remote drill site for the Snowy 2.0 hydroelectric project in the Snowy Mountains. Paul Broad, chief executive for Snowy Hydro, confirmed the aircraft was supporting the 'geotechnical drilling program' for the project. The aircraft is capable of lifting 1,500kg and served in the Vietnam War. Footage posted by the Splitters Creek Rural Fire Brigade was shared by Mr O'Driscoll on his Facebook page on April 12. A helicopter has crashed in the Kosciuszko National Park with the pilot trapped inside the burning wreckage The fire on board the aircraft has been extinguished with the man suffering head lacerations, according to New South Wales Police He told friends the video shared by the fire service was of him 'burning stubble and cleaning up'. He also shared footage of him in action during the devastating Tathra bushfires on the NSW south coast in March. Mr O'Driscoll was the only person on board the chopper as rescue teams raced to the remote area near Lake Tablingo. He had to be winched from the wreckage and flown to hospital around 100km away in Canberra. Specialist rescue teams from the Snowy Hydro Emergency Response Team were called to deal with hazardous material. A NSW Police spokesman said: 'The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) have been notified about the crash, and will deploy an investigation team to the site.' Keith Baptist Church will host a National Day of Prayer event on Thursday, May 3, at 6:30 p.m. The church is at 1573 Keith Road in the Ringgold/Tunnel Hill area. This event will also kick off the church's Thursday evening Prayer and Bible Study meetings. Those will also begin at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call the church at 706 450-0963 or visit its Facebook page. At least 1,000 animals have been drowned in their own pens after a nearby river burst its banks. The owners of the farm, in Villafranca de Ebro, Spain, had been directly warned by the local government about the high risk of flooding - but decided not to evacuate their animals. Animal rights campaigners arriving on the scene filmed the tragic scenes unfolding at the farm as terrified animals thrashed against the rising currents. In the video, the pigs can be seen squealing and struggling to stay afloat in the deep water. The owners of the pig farm seemingly ignored the warning specifically sent out to them to move their animals Heartbreaking footage shows the stranded pigs desperately trying to clamber free from their pens to escape the floods The defenceless animals can be seen trying to escape the enclosures in the barn, with some of the pigs climbing the fences. The farm was flooded after the Ebro river burst its banks, and the Government of Aragon had previously warned farm owners to evacuate their animals. An spokesperson from the Government of Aragon told reporters that 43 farms had been contacted before the floods and that 46,895 animals had been evacuated 'without problems'. However, the owners of the pig farm in Villafranca de Ebro seemingly ignored the warning, leading to the death of over 1,000 animals. The government official said: 'It is the owners of the plots of land who are responsible for saving their animals.' Workers from the Service of Nature Protection (SEPRONA) of the Civil Guard tried to evacuate the pigs, but the water level was reportedly too high for them to complete the operation. A herd of vows were also caught up in the floods and were pictured wading up to their knees in muddy water Workers from the Service of Nature Protection tried to evacuate the pigs - but water levels had risen too high Animal rights campaigners have now filed complaints against the owners for animal mistreatment The Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) recorded the horrifying scenes at the farm and told reporters: 'If they had started (evacuating) on time, they would have saved them (the pigs).' PACMA also filmed the scenes at a cow farm in the area where the owners appear to have abandoned their animals in the floods. Dozens of cows can be seen stood in a flooded barn in the images. PACMA have filed police complaints of animal mistreatment against two farm owners in the area. No arrests have been reported. Advertisement Justin Trudeau embarked on a whistle-stop tour of London today, meeting some of the capital's most important leaders including the Queen, Theresa May and Sadiq Khan within the space of a few hours. During a busy day for the Canadian leader, he started with a visit to City Hall, where he met the London Mayor and New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern for talks today. Shortly after, he made his way over to Downing Street for talks with Theresa May. The pair were pictured outside Number 10 and also in the garden as they posed for photo opportunities prior to their meeting. A post-Brexit trade deal would likely have been on the agenda between the two leaders, as Britain leaves the EU and its borderless single market for goods and services, it is eager to bolster trade with the Commonwealth, which includes wealthy industrialized nations such as Australia and Canada as well as huge, fast-growing India. Finally he made his way over to Buckingham Palace for a royal meeting with the Queen, where he was seen shaking her hand and bowing graciously. Trudeau is in London this week to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. At his first engagement at City Hall, Trudeau spoke in front of an audience of children from three secondary schools in the capital, where he along with the New Zealand Prime Minister and the London Mayor discussed gender equality and issues facing the younger generation, in an event marking 100 years since British women secured the vote. Queen Elizabeth II receives Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London today. It was just one of the many stops on the world leader's tour of London Prime Minister Theresa May greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as he arrives in Downing Street ahead of bilateral talks during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting In a packed day, Trudeau also had time to squeeze in a meeting with the British Prime Minister Theresa May during a visit to Downing Street Theresa May would have likely have discussed a post-Brexit trade deal with the Canadian leader as Britain looks to shape a future trading relation with fellow Commonwealth countries once its leaves the European Union Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, New Zealand Premier Jacinda Ardern and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are pictured posing for a selfie with schoolchildren at a Commonwealth event in London today Mr Khan embraced Mr Trudeau, pictured left and right, and called him one of the world's 'leading feminists' As he introduced the two premiers on stage Mr Khan encouraged loud cheering and said: 'We have got two of the leading feminists in the world, they are in positions of power and influence and they are amazing people.' Mr Trudeau and Ms Ardern took questions from the youngsters, including on the advice they would offer to someone hoping to be prime minister and their opinions on whether the voting age should be changed. Justin Trudeau's love of a selfie The Canadian Prime Minister is not one to turn down a photo opportunity and today he lived up to his reputation. The 46-year-old was spotted taking a selfie with Sadiq Khan and children from secondary school's in the capital earlier today. Trudeau's ability to connect with people is evident from his social media following. On Twitter, he has amassed a following of 4 million people. In comparison, Canada's conservative leader Andrew Sheer has just 70,000. In the past, Trudeau has taken selfies with voters out on the campaign trail, Sadiq Khan today and even former US President Barack Obama. Advertisement Ms Ardern revealed her mother had been a huge inspiration when pressed on who her role model was, and how during parliamentary question time she would stand at the dispatch box with a file of letters sent by school children. She said that during the debate she 'looks at drawings and pictures from children', adding: 'They are not just sending me happy smiley faces, they are most often sending me big worries in the world. 'Turtles and straws up turtles' noses, plastics in the sea, they care deeply about issues that lots of people talk about... those letters have an impact on me.' Mr Trudeau told the audience he is raising his daughter to believe she can achieve anything, with no barriers in her way, but added it is also important for his sons to be brought up as feminists as well. 'If you think about it, we are in a situation where men are unfairly given more opportunities, more power and more weight to what they say and do because we have an imbalance in our society,' he added. 'Well, the men have to be encouraged and brought along and use that extra power and weight we give them to be part of making equality happen, to be part of the solution.' Mr Trudeau also stressed how gender equality is not just a social issue, but one that is also economic. Mr Khan also said that because Ms Ardern had lived in the English capital for two and a half years, in his eyes it means a Londoner is the prime minister of New Zealand. After the event Mr Khan told reporters: 'What is fascinating about these two prime ministers is that they were keen to come to City Hall. 'I am not the prime minister, I am the mayor of London, but (they came) to meet with young people and engage, and in this year when we commemorate 100 years since the first women got the right to vote.' The trio spoke to the children at City Hall about issues around gender and equality Earlier this week, Justin Trudeau met with Emmanuel Macron for a meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris He said he was impressed by the honesty of the two world leaders and how they are both proud feminists and committed to gender equality. It comes as Mr Khan came under attack from outspoken pop star Morrissey who said he 'couldn't talk properly' in a politically-charged interview on his own website. The singer said on the website Morrissey Central: 'I saw an interview where he [the mayor] was discussing mental health, and he repeatedly said "men'el"... he could not say the words "mental health".' Discussing the recent rise in the number of people killed on the streets of London, Morrissey described it as 'debased' - adding that the capital was second only to Bangladesh for acid attacks. Stating that we live in an 'Age of Atrocity', he went on to claim that because all the attacks were 'non-white', they were not being 'truthfully addressed' by the Government, the Metropolitan Police or the BBC due to political correctness. He also had a rant against Diane Abbott during the talk. Asked by the interviewer whether he voted to leave the EU, Morrissey replied: 'No. I don't have sufficient faith in the circus of politics It is a moral disaster on every level. Even Tesco wouldnt employ Diane Abbott.' Another Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after a bird struck its engine, a day after a woman died on another of its planes when she was sucked out of the window. The bird strike happened on board a flight from Nashville to Phoenix on Wednesday morning. The pilot of that flight made an emergency landing in Nashville and no injuries were reported. Southwest said the aircraft has been taken out of service for maintenance and local employees are working to get passengers on a new flight. Another Southwest Airlines flight had to make an emergency landing on Wednesday after a bird strike. The plane returned to Nashville on Wednesday morning 25 minutes after taking off for Phoenix. Pictured, Southwest Airlines planes at Nashville airport on Sunday morning The emergency occurred a day after a Southwest plane's engine exploded during a flight and a businesswoman was sucked halfway out of a window broken by pieces of shrapnel. The woman later died, and seven others were injured. In a statement, a spokesman for the airline said: 'The captain in command declared an emergency and safely landed the flight.' Jennifer Riordan, 43, died on Tuesday after being sucked out of the window on board Flight 1380 from New York to Dallas. The second flight path is shown above. It took off from Nashville, Tennessee, at 5.13am local time and returned 24 minutes later A harrowing photograph taken in the air shows the exposed, mangled engine after it exploded on Flight 1380 on Tuesday. The pilot flew like this for 12 minutes until she made her emergency landing On Wednesday, Flight 1380 made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after one of the engines exploded and shattered a passenger window. The woman next to it was sucked out at 32,000ft and suffered fatal facial and head injuries Jennifer Riordan, a mother-of-two from Albuquerque, was on a business trip when the plane's left engine exploded sending shrapnel flying into a window next to her seat A piece of shrapnel shattered the window next to her when one of the plane's engine's exploded. Other passengers pulled her back in to the aircraft but she suffered 'significant' facial and head injuries and died in hospital. A retired nurse and EMT who were on the plane performed CPR on her for 12 minutes until the pilot made an emergency landing at Philadelphia's International Airport at 11.27am. The National Transport Safety Board is now investigating what caused the engine to fail. The engine exploded at around 11.15am and the pilot immediately began their descent. No others on board the flight were seriously injured. Advertisement A retired nurse who was on the Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday when a woman was sucked out of the window after an engine exploded and left a hole in the aircraft has told how she and others on the plane desperately tried to save the woman's life. Peggy Phillips was sitting in front of Jennifer Riordan on WN Flight 1380 from New York to Dallas on Tuesday when the left engine exploded and sent shrapnel flying through the window Riordan was sitting next to. The woman from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was pulled out through the hole and suffered 'significant' facial and head injuries, Phillips said. The freak accident caused even more chaos on the already frantic flight but Phillips, firefighter Andrew Needum and Tim McGinty, a ranch hand who was traveling with his wife, snapped into action to try to save Riordan. McGinty pulled her back into her seat with Needum's help. Then he and Phillips began performing CPR as McGinty, who was dressed in a cowboy hat, tried to cover the hole. 'The window had broken and the suction, the negative pressure, had pulled her outside the plane partially. 'These two wonderful men the EMT and a passenger managed to get her back inside the plane and we lay her down and we started CPR,' Phillips told ABC. Investigators are still looking into what caused the explosion. So far, they have been able to determine that a fan blade was missing from the large, CFM56 engine and that it may have become separated due to metal fatigue which happens when there is a build up of small cracks on a metal surface. Scroll down for videos Ranch hand Tim McGinty (left with nurse Peggy Phillips hours later once they had arrived in Dallas) ran over first to pull Riordan back into the aircraft but could not manage it alone. Firefighter Andrew Needum (right with McGinty), jumped int o help him pull her back in. Once she was inside the aircraft, Needum and Phillips performed CPR until the plane made an emergency landing A harrowing photograph taken in the air shows the exposed, mangled engine after it exploded. The pilot flew like this for 12 minutes until she made her emergency landing McGinty was sitting across the aisle, several rows ahead of Riordan when he saw half of her body get sucked out of the window. Jennifer Riordan, 43, was pronounced dead in hospital after being taken off the aircraft once it had landed He rushed over to pull her back in but could not manage alone because the pressure was so strong. 'We couldn't pull her in alone... a buddy helped and we got her back in. 'They tried to resuscitate her and the crew and the pilot, they got it landed, somehow,' he said in a state of shock after arriving at Dallas Airport later on Tuesday. Needum was traveling with his young son. All three of them abandoned her own oxygen mask to try to help the woman. Despite their efforts, Riordan was pronounced dead at a Philadelphia hospital after the plane made an emergency landing and she was taken away. Phillips did not go into graphic detail about her injuries but tried to offer some idea of the drastic extent of them. 'If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600mph, and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body, with your face...I can probably tell you that there was significant trauma to the body. 'Significant head trauma, facial trauma,' she said. The woman said she and the other 142 passengers thought they were going to die when the engine exploded, causing a loud noise which immediately caused the Boeing 737-700 to shake and rattle. I couldn't pull her in alone... a buddy helped, we got her back in and they started CPR Tim McGinty who rushed over when he saw Riordan had been pulled out of the window 'All of us thought this might be it. Shortly after take-off we heard a loud noise and the plane started shaking like nothing I've ever experienced before. 'It sounded like the plane was coming apart. It was terrifying,' she said. Phillips shunned glory, hailing others who tried to help as 'heroes'. 'Andrew and I ran the CPR, he was just the most courageous young man. We had a lot of, I don't consider myself a hero by any stretch, but there were heroes on that plane. I was just doing my job. Andrew was doing his job. 'I just did what I do. I did what needed to be done, what any registered nurse would do, 'she said. Sherri Sears, who was sitting next to McGinty and his wife, said she did not look at the woman's injuries once she had been pulled back inside but confirmed that 'half' of her body had been sucked out. The engine covering which flew off the plane when it exploded was found in Penn Township, Berks County, in a field 67 miles from where the plane landed Pennsylvania Game Commission employees are pictured recovering the piece of shattered aircraft on Wednesday Investigators are working to determine how the engine exploded. A missing fan blade was also found 70 miles from Philadelphia Airport Workers recovered the piece of metal carefully with gloves on and will hand it over to investigators McGinty's wife Kristin shared her story of what happened on social media. 'Tim and Andrew pulled Jennifer back into our aircraft as it descended and Peggy gave CPR. 'They are all heroes who put others before themselves today. My husband lives his life for others every day, and today was such a strong reminder that life is so precious and that there are good people all around us. 'God bless them all and we thank God for his care in landing our plane. Southwest did a great job in what was a horrific accident. 'I pray for Jennifer's family as they mourn their loss and I thank God for His provisions and our safety,' she wrote on Facebook. After the plane landed in Philadelphia, Phillips boarded another flight to take her back to Dallas. She took a picture with McGinty, her new friend, in the airport before they parted ways. Riordan (pictured with her husband) was rushed to hospital immediately after the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport at 11.27am, but authorities confirmed she later died. Her relatives paid tribute to her on Wednesday as the 'bedrock' of their family McGinty and Phillips both shunned glory as they gave interviews. Phillips gave her thoughts to the victim's family and McGinty was in a state of shock at how the skilled pilot was able to land the plane I have never been so scared in my life. Thank you all that prayed for us. I had the opportunity to witness what putting others first truly meant Passenger Sherri Sears 'The whole thing was a little surreal. This morning waking up, I can't say that I slept very well last night and I am sure most passengers did not sleep very well last night. 'I am terribly, terribly sorry for the family. My heart goes out to them but I am so proud of my fellow passengers and the flight crew and the pilot,' she said. Marty Martinez, who went on Facebook Live as the plane was going down, described his decision to reach for his laptop and buy WiFi in what he thought were his last minutes alive. 'All I could think of in that moment was I need to communicate with my loved ones. It was just very instinctual for me to think to get WiFi. 'As everyone was reaching for their oxygen masks, I was reaching for my laptop. I'm frantically looking for my credit card an trying to punch in my credit card details. 'I just thought how can I reach people on mass. I immediately thought of a Facebook live. I thought if these are my last few moments on earth, I want people to know what happened,' he said. Riordan was an executive for the bank Wells Fargo and was on her way home from a business trip when she died. Once back on another plane to Dallas, McGinty, his wife and Sherri Sears, who was sitting next to them, all held hands as they landed She was rushed to hospital immediately after Shults took the plane into a sharp descent and made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport at 11.27am. Authorities confirm that she later died while seven other people were injured. Shults, a former Navy fighter pilot and one of the first women to fly an F-18, quickly brought Flight 1380 to land having calmly told Air Traffic Control: 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing.' Asked if the plane was on fire, she said: 'No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. 'They said there is a hole and someone went out.' She added that 'we have injured passengers' as she requested medical staff to meet them on landing. Passengers say that after landing the plane, the pilot took the time to speak to all those aboard personally. Those on board said they heard a loud 'boom' and the Boeing 737-700 immediately dropped, they said, by what felt like 100ft. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling and passengers said their prayers and braced for impact. The National Transportation Safety Board has said a preliminary examination of the blown jet engine shows evidence of 'metal fatigue.' Investigators have not yet determined what caused the explosion but they do know that one of the engine's fan blades had come loose as the result of metal fatigue. It was found 70 miles from where the plane eventually landed, suggesting that it fell out when the engine exploded at 32,500ft Investigators examining the damaged engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 after it exploded in flight sending shrapnel into the fuselage, breaking a window and causing the plane to make an emergency landing A U.S. NTSB investigator is on scene examining damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane in this image released from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Riordan was sitting next to the smashed window and others next to her described holding her down for 12 minutes until the plane landed. Passenger Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, said he saw a man in a cowboy hat rush forward a few rows 'to grab that lady to pull her back in. She was out of the plane. He couldn't do it by himself, so another gentleman came over and helped to get her back in the plane, and they got her'. Hero pilot Tammie Jo Shults (pictured) brought the plane down quickly but safely after the crash, saving the lives of the others on board Another passenger, Eric Zilbert, an administrator with the California Education Department, said: 'From her waist above, she was outside of the plane.' Passengers struggled to somehow plug the hole while giving the badly injured woman CPR. Those on board did 'some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances', Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said. Amanda Bourman, of New York, said she was asleep near the back when she heard a loud noise and oxygen masks dropped. 'Everybody was crying and upset,' she said. 'You had a few passengers that were very strong, and they kept yelling to people, you know, 'It's OK! We're going to do this!'' 'I just remember holding my husband's hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed. And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldn't grow up without parents.' Annunciation Catholic School, where her two children attend school, identified Riordan as the victim on Tuesday afternoon. 'She was en route from New York when her plane experience (sic) trouble,' assistant principal Amy McCarty wrote in an email to parents, according to ABQJournal.com. 'At this point, the family needs all the prayers we can offer.' Riordan, the wife of former City of Albuquerque Chief Operations Officer Michael, was the vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo bank, New Mexico, and had been on a business trip for the bank at the time of the explosion. Passenger Marty Martinez started a Facebook Live as the plane went down because he said he wanted to reach as many of his loved ones at once as he could Riordan, a graduate from the University of New Mexico, was heavily involved with her local community and volunteering. She managed Wells Fargo's community projects and its annual United Way Community Support Campaign.The devastated family of Riordan have released a statement paying tribute to her. 'Jennifer's vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children. 'We are so appreciate of the outpouring of support from family, friends and our community. 'We do ask that those who seek to express their condolences and prayers as well as the media outlets respect our privacy at this time. Our family and friends need this time to both grieve and celebrate Jennifer's impact on us all. 'In her memory, please remember to always be kind, loving, caring and sharing.' Mayor of Albuquerque Tim Keller added: 'Today, Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community. We are asking that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this time. 'This is a tremendous and tragic loss for Jenifer's family and many others throughout our city. Her leadership and philanthropic efforts made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed. This is the window which was shattered by a piece of shrapnel from an exploding engine on a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday morning. Witnesses said the female passenger sitting next to it was partially sucked out of the aircraft through the whole and had to be held down This was the row of seats where the window was shattered. According to witnesses, passengers had to pull the woman back into the aircraft when she was sucked towards the window and some of her body was drawn through it This was the view from on board the Southwest Airlines flight of the blown-out engine after the plane made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. A piece of shrapnel from it flew backwards and shattered the window The window that was shattered was behind the engine that exploded. A piece of shrapnel flew backwards and pierced it, depressurizing the cabin and almost sucking the woman in the seat through it 'We are holding Jennifer and her family in our thoughts.' Family friend John Benavidez tweeted: 'My heart is broken with the news of my good friend Jennifer Riordan's passing. She left a lasting mark on Albuquerque, NM and UNM with her many contributions. If there was ever an angel on Earth, it was Jennifer. Our prayers go out to her family.' Before the NTSB's announcement that there was one fatality involved, the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner said she was taken to hospital in a critical condition. 'One passenger, a woman, was partially drawn out towards the out of the plane, she was pulled back in by other passengers,' Todd Bauer, the father of another passenger on board, told NBC 10. 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing': How hero ex-Navy fighter pilot with 'nerves of steel' saved more than 100 passengers The heroic pilot who calmly landed the Southwest Airlines flight has been identified as a former ex-Navy fighter pilot. Tammie Jo Shults, one of the first women to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft. Despite the crisis on board, Schults was calm as she told Air Traffic Control: 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing.' Asked if the plane was on fire, she said: 'No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. They said there is a hole and someone went out.' She added that 'we have injured passengers' as she requested medical staff to meet them on landing. Passengers say that after landing the plane, the pilot took the time to speak to all those aboard personally. Tammie Jo Shults (pictured left, and right on the aircraft with the rest of the crew), a former Navy fighter pilot and the first woman to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft. 'Tammie Jo Schults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally,' Diana McBride Self wrote. 'This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew.' Schults was one of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy and first to fly an F-18. She later became an instructor, as the Navy did not allow women to fly in combat, and she finally resigned in 1993 when she joined Southwest Airlines. A mother-of-two, originally from New Mexico, Schults now lives with her husband Dean, a fellow pilot, in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. 'She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her,' said Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas. 'I'm going to send her a Christmas card, I'm going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome.' Advertisement Terrified passengers shared videos and photos from on board before the plane landed as they descended at 3,000ft per minute until they leveled out at 10,000ft. One passenger filmed himself as he fitted his oxygen mask. 'Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! 'Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!!' Marty Martinez said as he broadcast live from the plane on Facebook. He paid $8 to connect to WiFi as the plane was going down, he said, in order to say his goodbyes. He is the passenger who later told CBS the woman's injuries left 'blood everywhere.' Martinez added that the plane 'smelled like ash' once the window was open. He said flight attendants rushed over in shock and pleaded with passengers to cover up the hole. Riordan, a married mother-of-two from Albuquerque (pictured with her family) was rushed to hospital after the explosion but died a short time later Riordan, the wife of former City of Albuquerque Chief Operations Officer Michael (pictured with her) was the vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo bank, New Mexico The first sign of trouble was a loud noise which happened when the engine exploded. Timothy Bourman, 37, was sitting at the back of the plane when he said he heard a loud 'boom'. 'All the sudden, it felt like we dropped 100 feet. Everybody knew something's going on. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES STATEMENT We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, Employees, Family Members, and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We have activated our emergency response team and are deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy. Advertisement 'This is bad, like really bad.' A lot of people started panicking and yelling, just real scared. 'We were kind of out of control for a while. It seemed like the pilot was having a hard time controlling the plane. Honestly I think we just all thought we were going down,' he told Philly.com. Bourman, who was traveling with his wife, said they thought they were about to die until the pilot managed to gain control of the aircraft. 'We're just all really thankful to be alive right now. Thankful to God, thankful to that pilot,' he added. Matt Tranchin was sitting three rows behind the window that smashed. He described the chaos and said even the flight attendants were crying in fear. 'Flight attendants rushed up. There was momentary chaos. Everyone kind of descended on where this hole was. As passengers we weren't sure if they were trying to cover up the hole, but the plane smelled like smoke. 'There was ash coming through the ventilation system. We started dropping,' he told ABC News. 'As kind of an indication of how terrifying it was, some of the crew couldn't hold back their horror. 'And some were crying as they looked out through the open window onto the engine,' he added. Passenger Marty Martinez shared photographs and videos of himself on Facebook as the plane made its descent. He and other passengers are shown terrified as they hold their oxygen masks to their faces. He later said there was 'blood everywhere' as a result of the woman's injuries Firefighters rushed onto the aircraft after it made its emergency landing at 11.30am on Tuesday As the plane made its descent towards Philadelphia, the crew warned passengers to brace for impact. When the shrapnel pierced the window, it depressurized the cabin and triggered the oxygen masks. Despite the chaos in the air, others said the emergency landing was fairly calm and smooth. One passenger told CNN: 'It was a stable landing. We started descending, made the turn back to Philadelphia. 'We were with one engine for maybe 10 minutes. Some of the crew couldn't hold back their horror... some were crying as they looked through the open window and onto the engine 'We decreased altitude from 8,000 to 5,000 and then when we finally landed it was relatively smooth, kind of a typical landing so the crew and the pilots did a fantastic job.' Passengers were taken from buses to the airport. It is not the first time the malfunction has occurred on a Southwest-operated Boeing 737-700. In August last year, a different flight from New Orleans to Orlando was forced to make an emergency landing at Pensacola Airport in Florida after the casing surrounding one of its engines tore away at a similar altitude. On Tuesday, the airline manufacturer said it was aware of the accident and was prepared to cooperate with investigations. 'Boeing is aware of an incident with Southwest Airlines flight #1380. 'We are gathering more information and stand ready to provide technical assistance,' it tweeted. The engine which exploded is a CFM56 turbofan engine which costs $10million and has a fan diameter of 68 inches. The engines are the most popular engines on single aisle commercial planes. One of the plane's engines exploded not long after it had left LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Tuesday morning. The damaged engine is visible above after the plane had landed All of the other passengers on board were evacuated after the injured woman was taken away by paramedics The plane was on its way from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Dallas when it diverted in the air and turned back on itself to go to Philadelphia. It was flying over western Pennsylvania at around 32,500ft at the time The faulty engine was almost entirely exposed after the plane had landed The last time a passenger died in an accident on a U.S. airliner was 2009 when 49 people on board and one on the ground were killed when a Continental Express plane crashed on a house near Buffalo, New York. Southwest has about 700 planes, all of them 737s, including more than 500 737-700s like the one in Tuesday's accident. It is the world's largest operator of the 737. The 737 is the best-selling jetliner in the world and has a good safety record. The National Transportation Safety Board says a preliminary examination of the blown jet engine shows evidence of 'metal fatigue.' In a late night news conference, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said one of the engine's fan blades was separated and missing. Sumwalt says the blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue. He said part of the engine covering was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said in Dallas that there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected Sunday. The jet's CFM56-7B engines were made by CFM International, jointly owned by General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines of France. CFM said in a statement that the CFM56-7B has had 'an outstanding safety and reliability record' since its debut in 1997, powering more than 6,700 aircraft worldwide. Last year, the engine maker and the Federal Aviation Administration instructed airlines to make ultrasonic inspections of the fan blades of engines like those on the Southwest jet. The FAA said the move was prompted by a report of a fan blade failing and hurling debris. But it was unclear whether the particular engine that failed on Tuesday was covered by the directives. 'There's a ring around the engine that's meant to contain the engine pieces when this happens,' said John Goglia, a former NTSB member. 'In this case it didn't. That's going to be a big focal point for the NTSB - why didn't (the ring) do its job?' In 2016, a Southwest Boeing 737-700 blew an engine as it flew from New Orleans to Orlando, Florida, and shrapnel tore a 5-by-16-inch hole just above the wing. The plane landed safely. The NTSB said a fan blade had broken off, apparently because of metal fatigue The Windrush scandal shows Brussels must protect EU citizens' rights after Brexit, a senior MEP warned today. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator, seized on the row to question whether the Home Office could be trusted. He insisted the EU would need to make sure people did not face a 'bureaucratic nightmare' after the row over the rights of migrants who came to Britain from the Caribbean following the Second World War. But Downing Street dismissed Mr Verhofstadt's concern, saying there would be a 'smooth and efficient' service for EU citizens. Guy Verhofstadt, the European Parliament's Brexit coordinator, seized on the row to question whether the Home Office could be trusted The Prime Minister (pictured in PMQs today) said the immigrants who have been threatened with deportation 'are British - they are part of us' and will be allowed to stay. A source said the Home Office had been working on the system for a 'significant amount of time' following the draft divorce deal struck last year. Theresa May has issued her second grovelling apology in two days to the Caribbean migrants threatened with deportation. She said Windrush immigrants 'are British - they are part of us' and vowed to ensure they can stay in the UK. What is the Windrush scandal and how did the fiasco develop? June 22, 1948 - The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens. 1973 - A new immigration Act comes into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. 2010 - The Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK. The move came despite staff warnings that the move would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing residency difficulties, it was claimed 2014 - A protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time. Under a crackdown on illegals, Windrush immigrants are obliged to provide proof they were resident in the UK before 1973. July 2016 - Mrs May becomes Prime Minister. April 2018 - Allegations that Windrush immigrants are being threatened with deportation break. Theresa May issued a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders after major backlash April 29 - Amber Rudd resigns after inadvertently misleading Parliament by wrongly claiming there were no deportation targets Advertisement She told the House of Commons: 'And for those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them. I want to apologise to them.' But Mrs May also revealed that the disastrous decision to shred landing cards that could help prove the right of Windrush immigrants to stay was taken in 2009 by a Labour Government. Her revelation was met with gasps and shouts from the Tory benches who urged Labour to 'apologise' after they had blamed Mrs May for the destruction of the cards, which happened in 2010 when she was Home Secretary. Her apology, delivered in PMQs, comes as Amber Rudd is today facing calls to quit as Home Secretary over the Windrush fiasco. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the MEP said: 'Certainly after the Windrush scandal in Britain, we want to be sure that the same is not happening to our European citizens and that there is no bureaucratic nightmare there.' Mr Verhofstadt said MEPs will be meeting with Home Office officials in Brussels to discuss the issue next week. The row is a major embarrassment for the Government as it hosts Commonwealth leaders in the capital for a summit. Speaking to BBC Radio 4 Today Programme, Ms Abbott said Ms Rudd should take the blame for the shambles. She said: 'At the end of the day, she is the Home Secretary and it is her department and there was a time where if something went wrong in a department you as the minister took responsibility. 'The way Amber Rudd is attempting to avoid responsibility is very concerning. I think she needs to consider her position. 'There are so many things that have gone wrong. This isn't a new situation, it's been going on for some years.' But while Ms Rudd is facing calls to quit others have said Mrs May should shoulder responsibility as she was Home Secretary when the law requiring tougher paperwork was introduced. Diane Abbott (pictured, today, in London, left) said Amber Rudd (pictured last week in Downing Street, right) should 'consider her position' after people who have lived in Britain for decades were threatened with deportation. Meghan Markle's estranged half sister Samantha has taken aim at Prince Harry in another Twitter rant ahead of the Royal Wedding. Samantha Grant, who has the same father as the actress, attempted to tell the Prince to 'man up' via the social media site. The 53-year-old questioned Harry's humanitarian work and accused him of being a hypocrite by 'allowing Meg to ignore the Markles'. Her tweet came as Meghan was embarking on her first major event on behalf of the Royal Family today when she joined Prince Harry for a Commonwealth reception in London. Samantha Grant took aim at Prince Harry on Twitter today, telling him to 'man up' and 'stop Meghan ignoring the Markles' Ms Grant, who also replaced her Twitter profile pic of her and Meghan in her childhood to a picture of herself today, said Prince Harry should stop talking about humanitarianism Ms Grant, pictured, uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis The tweet came as Meghan attended a reception with Prince Harry and delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in her first major event with the Royal Family She wrote: 'It's time to 'man up' @HRHHenryWindsor. 'Shout outs' about humanitarianism, don't work when you are allowing Meg to ignore the Markles. It is s (sic) contradiction. 'Someone must point out that the "Emperor is not wearing any clothes".' However the account she was directing the message at is not actually the Prince, but a fan account pretending to be him. Ms Grant, who uses a wheelchair after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, also uploaded two new profile pictures of herself a week after changing her image to a photo of her and Meghan in their childhood and at graduation. She has previously accused the actress and Prince Harry of 'inviting complete strangers' instead of her relatives and says her half-sister and Harry are failing to honour 'proper etiquette and tradition'. Last week Ms Grant said Meghan must do the 'morally right thing' and invite her entire family to the Windsor event on May 19. She said: 'Closeness has nothing to do with it, it is incumbent upon her to do the morally right thing and invite family and demonstrate she has a humanitarian heart'. Last week Ms Grant uploaded a profile picture of Meghan with her at her graduation, pictured Harry and Meghan recently decided to invite another 1,200 members of the public to the castle to celebrate in the grounds - her family accused them of favouring 'complete strangers' over them Ms Grant, pictured, appears to have been left off the guest list along with her brother Thomas Markle Jr, his ex-wife Tracy and their children Thomas and Tyler Dooley She added: 'Smoke and mirrors cannot hide the elephant in the room. Out of respect, tradition and humanitarianism, the #Markles should be invited if 2,000 complete strangers are invited. 'Our uncle who got her the internship, brother, me, best friend of 30 years Nikki Priddy, nephews. Fact.' Meghans half-sister appears to be left off the guest list along with her brother Thomas Markle Jr, his ex-wife Tracy and their children Thomas and Tyler Dooley. Today Meghan met youth delegates taking part in this weeks high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) in London. It is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in a high-profile occasion such as the Chogm summit. But the Queen, who is Head of the Commonwealth, has made clear she sees Harry and his future bride as lynchpins of her work with the so-called family of nations. Miss Markle, 36, who has given up her acting career to devote herself to being a full-time royal, has no previous links to the Commonwealth, but has worked with the UN as a womens advocate for Political Participation and Leadership and undertaken several humanitarian missions. Ms Grant initially expressed excitement at the prospect of being invited the the Royal wedding Ms Grant called the decision to not invite members of the extended family the 'elephant in the room' She claimed that no-one had been invited to the Royal wedding so far from the Markle family Ms Grant has also confirmed she is writing a book about her half-sister. In the past, she claimed to have raised Meghan for 12 years when she was growing up in California. But other sources speculate that the pair had little to do with one another. The Palace announced last Wednesday that world leaders and politicians would not be included on the list of those attending the wedding. US President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Theresa May and the Obamas have not been invited to the wedding. But they invited an extra 1,200 members of the public to the castle for the celebrations as reward for their community work. President Donald Trump ordered federal government facilities on Tuesday evening to fly the U.S. flag at half-staff in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush, who died at the age of 92. His own private resort club in Palm Beach, Florida, however, left Old Glory at the top of its giant flagpole for three hours after sunrise on Wednesday morning. The White House said just before 10:00 a.m. that flags at Mar-a-Lago and Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach had been lowered to half-staff. Trump is staying at the property, hosting a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The pair golfed Wednesday morning. In a proclamation Tuesday night, the president declared that flags should immediately be lowered halfway until sunset on the day of Mrs. Bush's burial. The giant flagpole on the grounds of Donald Trump's private club Mar-a-Lago flew high on Wednesday morning despite an order from Trump himself that flags should be flown at half-staff following the death of Barbara Bush; the White House later corrected the gaffe Mrs. Bush died Tuesday night at the age of 92. She was the wife of President George H.W. Bush and the mother of President George W. Bush and former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush Mar-a-Lago's U.S. flag was lowered to half-staff before 10:00, but not until reporters began asking the White House Press Office about it Separately, Trump said Americans mourn the loss of 'an outstanding and memorable woman of character.' He called Mrs. Bush 'an advocate of the American family' who 'lived a life that reminds us always to cherish our relationships with friends, family, and all acquaintances.' Trump's order applies to flags at the White House and 'all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories.' He also included 'all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.' The White House flew Old glory at half-staff on Wednesday beginning at sunrise, beating Mar-a-Lago by three hours President Donald Trump is at Mar-a-Lago for a summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (left). They are pictured Tuesday with first lady Melania Trump (2nd left) and Abe's wife Akie (2nd right) before dinner Mar-a-Lago is a privately owned establishment. But he designated it 'the Winter White House' when he stayed there while writing his Inaugural Address in January 2017. Trump has only ordered half-staff flags five times before as president, most recently upon the death of famed evangelist Billy Graham last month. In April 2017 he issued a similar order on the day former senator and trailblazing astronaut John Glenn was buried. The other three came as America mourned mass-shooting massacres in Las Vegas, Sutherland Springs, Texas and Parkland, Florida. Cereal heiress Marjorie Merriwether Post built Mar-a-Lago and planned to donate it to the United States so every president could use it for that purpose. After her death in 1973 her family foundation made the offer. But the federal government declined in 1981, citing the astronomical cost of maintaining it. Mrs. Bush was a tireless advocate for literacy Trump declared Mar-a-Lago his 'Winter White House' even before taking office Barbara Bush will lie in repose from noon to midnight on Friday for members of the public who want to pay respects before her invitation-only funeral. Burial will be in the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M University in College Station, about 100 miles north west of Houston. The couple's three-year-old daughter Robin, who died in 1953 of leukemia, is also buried at the site. The Bushes, who were married on January 6 1945, had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history, and Barbara was one of only two first ladies to raise a child who was elected president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. Animal rights campaigners say some of the discarded items could kill the swans 155,000 kilograms of waste were collected from the city's natural areas last year The nests are being made by the birds in several different areas of Copenhagen Swans in Copenhagen's lakes are being forced to lay their eggs in rubbish clad floating nests as the city struggles with a plastic pollution problem. The Danish capital has seen a sharp rise in its litter issue - with conservationists warning the rubbish could pose a serious threat to the city's wildlife. According to the Danish Society for Nature Conservation the rubbish can be a danger to the swans as well as to other animals. 'The problem is things like plastic, which are not degradable. If the animals eat it, they risk being killed by it,' the society's president Maria Reumert Gjerding told TV2. Scroll down for video A mother swan tending to her nest containing several eggs near Queen Louise's Bridge in the city centre Although the nests are not entirely made up of rubbish, animal rights advocates say plastic pollution is very dangerous to the city's animals 'They are also at risk of becoming tangled up in it, and it is strong material, so that can also kill them.' Plastic is particularly dangerous because animals can confuse it with organic materials, Gjerding added. 'We are very concerned. Natural material is broken down and breaks more easily when eaten by animals but not with plastic, which animals can easily mix up [with natural material]. They think it's natural, but it isn't,' she said. 'That's why it's so important for us to remove plastic from natural areas, and not litter with it, but rather take it to where it can be recycled,' Gjerding urged. The Danish Society for Nature Conservation's week-long annual litter collection began on Monday, with 141,000 children across the country spending the week collecting litter, TV2 reports. Last year, 110,000 cans and 155,000 kilograms of litter were collected from natural areas during the initiative. Police have released the 911 call a Philadelphia Starbucks manager made claiming that two black men wouldn't leave the store, which ultimately led to their arrests and widespread calls to boycott the coffee chain. The brief 911 call, which was released by Philadelphia Police on Tuesday, shows manager Holly Hylton reporting the two men for not making a purchase at her store last week. 'Hi, I have two gentlemen at my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave. I'm at the Starbucks at 18th and Spruce,' she said in the call made at 4.37pm last Thursday. In addition to the 911 call, police also released several recordings that captured the communications between dispatch and officers en route to the Starbucks. Brief 911 call, which was released by Philadelphia Police on Tuesday, shows manager Holly Hylton (above) reporting the two men for not making a purchase at the store last week The audio indicates a police car was dispatched before officers called for backup and a supervisor to help with the 'disturbance at the Starbucks' involving a 'group of males. Officers can then be heard saying they are going to make arrests and transport two men. Footage filmed by a witness inside the store showed several police talking quietly with two black men seated at a table. After a few minutes, officers handcuff the men and lead them outside as other customers say they weren't doing anything wrong. A white man identified as real estate developer Andrew Yaffe arrives and tells the officers the two men were waiting for him. An officer was captured on video saying the men were not complying and were being arrested for trespassing. 'Why would they be asked to leave?' Yaffe says in the video. 'Does anybody else think this is ridiculous? It's absolute discrimination.' A woman can be heard saying: 'they didn't do anything, I saw the entire thing.' The Philadelphia Starbucks manager who called 911 on two black men last week (pictured above being arrested) no longer works with the company, a spokesperson revealed on Monday One of the young men was identified on Tuesday as Rashon Nelson - a college finance grad whose fraternity brothers across the country were now rallying behind him Officials have said officers were told the men had asked to use the store's restroom but were denied because they hadn't bought anything and then refused to leave. The men were later released without charge. One of the young men was identified on Tuesday as Rashon Nelson - a college finance grad whose fraternity brothers across the country were now rallying behind him. Nelson is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity's Alpha Eta chapter and graduated from Bloomsburg University in Pennsylvania last year. The arrest incident has since sparked widespread backlash and protests at the Philadelphia store following accusations of racial profiling at the coffee chain. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson arrived in Philadelphia this weekend after video of the arrests gained traction online and activists started protesting at the store. Johnson met with the two men on Monday and apologized for the incident. It has led to Starbucks announcing they will close nearly 8,000 of its US stores on May 29 in order to train 175,000 employees on preventing racial discrimination. The manager who made the 911 call, Holly Hylton, has since 'mutually parted ways' with the coffee chain. Hylton managed the Center City Philadelphia store for a year. In 2014, a former co-worker wrote in a Facebook post that she wished Hylton was still in the store to help her translate for customers who only spoke Spanish Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson, who is currently in Philadelphia, met with the two men on Monday and apologized for the incident She previously worked at Chipotle from 2006 to 2010 and Smashburger from 2010 to 2014, according to her social media. Hylton hails from Dayton, Ohio, but moved to Philadelphia in 2014 for graduate school at LaSalle University. She graduated in December with a masters in Spanish. In 2014, a former co-worker wrote in a Facebook post that she wished Hylton was still in the store to help her translate for customers who only spoke Spanish. 'Ugggghhh I wish I was there! I took an order the other day in Spanish. We only get Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic speakers here. Rude!' Hylton replied on Facebook. Hylton had previously claimed that loitering was an ongoing issue in the Philadelphia Starbucks. She claims one person had once chased her around the shop after she asked them to leave. A representative for Starbucks said on Monday that she had left the coffee chain 'while there is an internal review pending'. The CEO has since said it was 'completely inappropriate to engage the police'. The incident is a major blow to Starbucks' image, since the company has promoted its coffee shops as neighborhood hangouts where anyone is welcome. Police officers monitor activity outside as protesters demonstrate inside the Starbucks store where the two men were arrested last Thursday Rev. Gregory Holston, 56, (2nd R) and other Interfaith clergy leaders stage a sit-in at the Center City Starbucks City Councilman Chip Henderson said he will seek a downzoning of a section of The Quarry property at Mountain Creek. He said the owner of the former golf course is opposed to changing the current C-2 zoning at the portion that includes the clubhouse. However, he said the community favors it. Councilman Henderson said the property was rezoned from R1 to R4/C-1 in 1977. He said there was a change in 1980 to allow a restaurant and bar. In 1992, he said the City Council carried out a wholesale rezoning that changed a number of C-1 zones to C-2, including The Quarry clubhouse portion. Councilman Henderson said C-2 is "the wild, wild West. You can do almost anything you want to in a C-2." w ithFacing a large crowd of opponents at the Planning Commission, development plans for tracts at Mountain Creek and North Chattanooga were shot down on Monday afternoon. He said the resolution he plans to sponsor in two weeks would change the C-2 designation at The Quarry back to C-1. He said that is in line with its status at the time it got approval for a restaurant and bar. Recently, plans were announced for The Quarry that included 25 single-family home lots on two cul-de-sac roads near the clubhouse, 10 apartments, 60 townhomes and four single-family lots in a middle section, and 24 townhomes, 16 apartments and five single-family lots at the south end. At the last Planning Commission meeting, developer James Pratt said he was withdrawing plans to redevelop The Quarry property on Read's Lake Road. City Councilman Henderson, who has been working with the opposition group, said there still could be development based on current zoning of R-1 and C-2. He said apartments are allowed in C-2. At the time, Councilman Henderson said he did not know if it would be legal to downzone the property to a C-1 designation that does not allow apartments. A man has pleaded guilty to photographing up the skirts of three women at a Sydney train station during peak hour last year. Karl Edwin Skow has also asked that a magistrate take into account further offences involving unidentified women when he is expected to be sentenced later in 2018. The 59-year-old pleaded guilty to three counts of intentionally recording intimate images without consent during an appearance at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday. A man has pleaded guilty to photographing up the skirts of three women at Sydney's Central train station during peak hour last year (file picture) Skow had worked as a staffing office manager at the University of Notre Dame but a spokesman on Wednesday afternoon said he had resigned with immediate effect. According to a statement of facts tendered in court, Skow was arrested in November 2017 following a confrontation with a woman at Central Station the month earlier. The woman had been nearing the top of an escalator when she felt the presence of someone very close behind her and a mobile phone touching her inner upper thigh. She looked down and saw a phone held by Skow that was positioned between her legs and below her skirt with the screen facing upwards, the statement of facts says. As they left the escalator the woman slapped Skow's arm a number of times and repeatedly asked if he'd filmed her, to which he replied 'of course not' before continuing to walk away. When Skow was later arrested at Sutherland Railway Station, police seized his mobile phone and found a number of images depicting the 'buttock area' of people wearing short skirts. They also discovered photos on his laptop and more than 30 further victims were revealed, according to the statement of facts. Skow has pleaded guilty to charges related to three victims - the one who confronted him at Central Station and two others who were targeted in Haymarket in 2017 and have since been identified. He is next scheduled to appear in court in May. Davide Buccheri (pictured) used photographs of his colleague and uploaded them to the porn site motherless.com A City worker created fake pornographic pictures of a colleague and posted them on the internet after she rebuffed his advances, a court heard today. Davide Buccheri, 25, was working for leading investment management company M&G as a fund manager's assistant when he allegedly targeted Rebecca Baker. The Italian made a series of 'unwanted romantic advances' when Ms Baker, 22, joined the firm as an intern in September 2016, it was said. Buccheri invited her for coffee but Ms Baker hesitated as she felt uncomfortable before deciding to go, Hendon Magistrates' Court heard. He then asked for her phone number but she refused to give it to him and he later sent her messages on the firm's internal email system, it is claimed. Buccheri then uploaded pictures of Ms Baker from her social media accounts and put them on the porn site motherless.com in what prosecutor Aimee Emby described as an 'insidious' campaign. He used the pseudonym 'Flying Gerbil' to post the mocked-up naked pictures of her head on the bodies of female porn stars in a bid to discredit her, the court heard. Buccheri then reported Ms Baker to the Human Resources department to embarrass her. Mr Emby told the court: 'Between April 15 and 21, 2017 it is the Crown's case that the course of the harassment took a distinct turn. 'The Crown's case is that the defendant uploaded images of Ms Baker into galleries accounts of pornographic females similar to Ms Baker on motherless.com. 'They were given names, which on at least one occasion had the name Becca in the title. 'The defendant contacted the Human Resources department using an internal whistle blowing system reporting her for inappropriate conduct. 'He reported her again, reporting the existence of pornographic images. The Crown say this was done to cause her upset and harassment.' The prosecutor said Buccheri, from Bologna, set out to cause the Durham University graduate serious distress between September 9, 2016 and May 29, this year. The city worker (pictured) made a series of 'unwanted romantic advances' when Ms Baker, 22, joined the firm Buccheri, who dressed in a smart black suit and tie when he attended court with his father and took notes as the case was opened. He denies one charge of harassment without violence. Buccheri's LinkedIn profile suggests that he has worked for the company since he graduated from a 12-month rotational programme. His profile also states that he graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science. M&G is an investment company managing the long-term savings of millions of people across Europe, Asia and the Americas. According to their website, customers' assets currently under their management total 281.5bn as of June 2017. The trial continues. This is the dramatic moment a group of passengers team up to catch a thief who tries to escape through a window on a bus in central China. The suspect, surnamed Li, was caught red-handed when a female passenger, also surnamed Li, noticed 222 of her cash got pick-pocketed and handed to another man. Police arrested Mr Li on the scene on suspicion of theft. They are still looking for the other man who managed to jump off a window on the bus. A man attempts to escape from a bus after stealing money from a woman in central China The incident happened when Ms Li started screaming on the no. 18 bus in Shaoyang at Hunan Province on April 16, reported Shaoyang News. 'There's a thief! Catch the thief! Don't let him go!' she yelled. She claimed a man stole 222 of her cash from her bag. She grabbed onto the suspect's clothes soon after one man escaped from the window. Footage emerged showing few passengers holding on the suspect's clothes while some others blocking the window to prevent the man run away. The man was pulled back into the bus and captured by the passengers. A group of commuters teamed up to drag the the thief back inside and kept him in the bus Shaoyang Police found Ms Li's wad of cash and arrested Mr Li on suspicion of theft Shaoyang Police arrived shortly and took Mr Li to the police station. Mr Li was detained by the police on suspicion of theft. They found 2,000 yuan (222) cash on the suspect and returned it to Ms Li. Shaoyang Police also listed Mr Li's friend as on-the-run suspect. Felicia Smith, 24, was fatally struck by a Metrolink train just after 6pm at the Sylmar and San Fernando station in Los Angeles on Monday A California woman tragically lost her life Monday evening after she fell from a platform while a train was approaching the station. Felicia Smith, 24, was fatally struck by a Metrolink train just after 6pm at the Sylmar and San Fernando station in Los Angeles, authorities said. Smith, a twin sister who would have celebrated her 25th birthday next month, was with her boyfriend at the time of the accident, who attempted to save her life, witnesses at the scene revealed. It seems the young victim got excited when she saw that the train finally arrived - and jumped and slipped. Mission Community Police Station Lt. Paul McLaughlin told the press Smith's boyfriend attempted to retrieve Smith from the tracks but his efforts were unsuccessful as the train was fast approaching. Her distraught mother, Jennifer Miller Smith, hysterically cried as she spoke about her late daughter to KTLA 5. 'She's my daughter's other twin... She's there together,' she said. 'She's my right, and she's my left,' she motioned, while speaking of the twins who she held in her arms together. Smith's mother said she had given blood earlier that day and likely felt faint when she jumped. The victim is pictured center with her mother Jennifer and twin sister Alicia (right) on Facebook. Felicia and Alicia were preparing to celebrate their 25th birthday next month 'She was excited about the train coming, and she jumped up and said, "it's here!" and she lost her consciousness right there. 'She was with her boyfriend... her first boyfriend ever. She was really in love with this boy. He was yelling and screaming for the train to stop and for people to come and help him. 'At that very moment, it was so fast, that he had to let go or else he would have been with her.' The late Smith grew up with loving family and friends in West Adams, Los Angeles. Her distraught mother, Jennifer Smith, hysterically cried as she spoke about her late daughter to KTLA 5 When speaking of the accident, mom said Smith had given blood earlier that day and felt faint when she jumped up and down Miller Smith said her daughter had just landed a new job and was preparing to move into a new apartment before the tragedy happened. 'She wanted to give back to the youth. She wanted to be a social worker.' Smith successfully completed two associate degrees and was preparing to attend California State University, Dominguez Hills this year. Smith's Facebook bio states she was also a college tutor at Project REACH at the university. Felicia and mom Jennifer are pictured above in the victim's Facebook profile picture posted last week Mom Jennifer said her daughter just landed a job and was getting ready to move into a new apartment. She grew up in West Adams, Los Angeles surrounded by loving family In late January, she shared a Facebook photo to her page that reads: 'Take time to make your soul happy.' A GoFundMe page has been set by Smith's loved ones to raise funds for her funeral and burial arrangements. The page reads: 'We are asking all of our friends and loved ones to help us raise funds to apply toward her burial. 'Please, assist us in raising funds so we can give Felicia a proper burial.' First lady Melania Trump will travel to Texas this weekend to attend the private funeral services for former first lady Barbara Bush. CNN first reported Trump's travel plans. 'Mrs. Trump intends to pay her respects to Barbara Bush and the entire family at the funeral on Saturday,' Mrs. Trump's Communications Director Stephanie Grisham told DailyMail.com. The New York Times reported that the Clintons and the Obamas would be attending the services as well. The late Barbara Bush's (left) funeral will be attended by first lady Melania Trump (right) her spokeswoman said on Wednesday Reporters will not be allowed to attend Bush's private funeral service alongside the current first lady her spokeswoman also confirmed. 'The event will not be pooled as this is about paying tribute to Mrs. Bush,' Grisham said. Trump is following in the footsteps of her predecessors, most recently first lady Michelle Obama, who attended the funeral services for former first lady Nancy Reagan in March 2016. Hillary Clinton, in her position as first lady in 1994, attended the services held for the late Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. President Obama did not attend Reagan's funeral, as he was already scheduled to attend a Democratic Party fundraiser in Austin held in conjunction with the South by Southwest festival. But President Bill Clinton eulogized Kennedy, calling her a 'remarkable woman whose life will forever glow in the lives of her fellow Americans,' according to the New York Times' account. 'God gave her very great gifts and imposed upon her great burdens,' Clinton also said. 'She bore them all with dignity and grace and uncommon common sense.' The White House has yet to say whether President Trump will join the first lady, nor have spokespeople returned requests for comment regarding whether additional figures from the Trump administration plan to attend. The funeral will take place at St. Martin's Church in Houston, where Barbara Bush was a longtime member. On Friday, the public can pay their respects to Bush at the church from noon until midnight. In an interview Wednesday, former first lady Laura Bush hinted that first lady Melania Trump had tried to bury the hatchet between the two families by inviting her to tea at the White House And then Saturday there will be a private service with approximately 1,500 guests, including Melania Trump. The dynamic between the Bushes and the Trumps despite being members of the same political party is an awkward one, as President Trump is widely credited with killing former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush's 2016 campaign, labeling the late Barbara Bush's son 'low energy.' During the primaries, in a rare interview, Barbara Bush told CBS she didn't know how 'women can vote for someone' like Trump, pointing out comments he had made about then-Fox News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly. In an interview on Fox Business Network on Wednesday morning, former first lady Laura Bush suggested that Melania Trump had made overtures to try and bury the hatchet between the two families. 'She invited me to tea at the White House,' Laura Bush said. 'She's a beautiful woman, and very very lovely.' 'And I think she'll, I think she will do really very well,' Laura Bush said of Melania Trump's handling of the first lady's duties. A Florida mother has been charged with beating her newborn twins to death and throwing one of them in a trash can after she initially told police she had given birth on the toilet. Rachael Lynn Thomas, 30, was arrested after police found the two babies unresponsive in her home in West Melbourne, Florida on Sunday. Thomas, who also has two other children, had told police she didn't even know she was pregnant when she claimed to have given birth while on the toilet. Police said they responded to a 911 call on Sunday at the home and found the newborn boy unresponsive. Rachael Lynn Thomas, 30, was charged with murder and child abuse after police found her newborn twins unresponsive in her home in West Melbourne, Florida on Sunday The baby boy was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police said they only found the baby girl's body dumped in a trash can when they returned to the home to start an investigation. Investigators said Thomas never mentioned the baby girl to them when they were first called to the home. Police said Thomas' story of giving birth on the toilet did not match the injuries sustained by the newborns. Both babies suffered severe blunt force trauma to their heads, according to the medical examiner. The umbilical cord was also wrapped around the girl's neck and a foreign object was found lodged in her throat. Thomas had initially told police she didn't even know she was pregnant when she claimed to have given birth while on the toilet at her home in West Melbourne on Sunday 'After discarding her in the trash can, Thomas threw additional trash on top of Baby Jane in an attempt to conceal her,' police said. Both babies are believed to have been carried a full 39 week term. Police said Thomas gave birth to 'healthy twins' and then 'took their lives'. Thomas has been charged with one count of premeditated first degree murder, two counts of felony murder and two counts of aggravated child abuse. Her two other children, and eight-year-old boy and one-year-old boy, have both been placed in the care of other family members by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Thomas is being held in the Brevard County Jail on a no bond status. Advertisement The heroic pilot 'with nerves of steel', who calmly landed a Southwest Airlines flight after a mid-air explosion killed a woman by half sucking her out of a plane window, hugged traumatized passengers after making a seamless emergency landing on Tuesday. Tammie Jo Shults, a 56-year-old former Navy fighter pilot and one of the first women to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft It was after Jennifer Riordan, a mother-of-two from Albuquerque, who was killed after she was nearly drawn out of the window when it smashed in a midair explosion, and had to be pulled back into her seat by other passengers. Once the plane had landed and Riordan had been rushed off to hospital, Shults got out of the cockpit to comfort the other passengers on board. Passengers who survived the harrowing flight have since thanked her for saving their lives. Pilot Tammie Jo Shults is pictured hugging passengers after making an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday after one of the engines on the Southwest Airlines jet she was flying exploded and a passenger was partially sucked out of a shattered window Pilot Shults, a former Navy pilot, was calm as she called air traffic control to tell them she was making an emergency landing. Once the plane was on the tarmac, Shults spoke to all of the passengers to comfort them Shults is pictured in the early 1990s during her time in the Navy. She was one of the first women to fly an F-18 fighter jet 'Tammie Jo Shults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally,' Diana McBride Self wrote. 'This is a true American Hero. 'A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew.' She is a formidable woman... my brother (her husband) says she's the best pilot he knows. She's a very caring, giving person Gary Shults, the pilot's brother-in-law Fellow passenger Alfred Tumlinson from Corpus Christi echoed her praise. 'She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. 'I'm going to send her a Christmas card, I'm going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. 'She was awesome.' Shults' husband is also a pilot for Southwest Airlines, her brother-in-law said, but she is 'the best he knows.' 'She is a formidable woman. My brother says she's the best pilot he knows. She's a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people,' Gary Shults, her brother-in-law, said. A harrowing photograph taken in the air shows the exposed, mangled engine after it exploded. The pilot flew like this for 12 minutes until she made her emergency landing Amanda Bourman gave similar praise. 'The pilot, Tammie Jo was so amazing! She landed us safely in Philly. She has nerves of steel... I'm going to send her a Christmas card with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground Passenger Alfred Tumlinson 'God sent his angels to watch over us. I actually heard someone say, there is a God!' she said on Instagram once the flight landed. Despite the crisis on board, Shults was calm as she told Air Traffic Control: 'So we have a part of the aircraft missing.' Asked if the plane was on fire, she said: 'No, it's not on fire but part of it's missing. 'They said there is a hole and someone went out.' She added that 'we have injured passengers' as she requested medical staff to meet them on landing. Passengers say that after landing the plane, the pilot took the time to speak to all those aboard personally. Peggy Phillips, a retired nurse who tried to save Riordan's life with CPR, said the pilot was 'awesome'. 'I am so proud of my fellow passengers and the flight crew and the pilot. They did an awesome job,' she said. Tammie Jo Shults (pictured left, and right on the aircraft with the rest of the crew), a former Navy fighter pilot and the first woman to fly an F-18, quickly brought the Dallas-bound Southwest Flight 1380 to land at Philadelphia International at 11.30am after the explosion at 32,000ft. Shults was one of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy and first to fly an F-18. She later became an instructor, as the Navy did not allow women to fly in combat, and she finally resigned in 1993 when she joined Southwest Airlines. She is a devout Christian who said previously in a blog that sitting in the cockpit gives her 'the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight.' A mother-of-two, originally from New Mexico, Shults now lives with her husband Dean, a fellow pilot, in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas. They have a teenage son and a 20-year-old daughter. She has not spoken out since the incident on Thursday. Twelve people were injured in the midair explosion, with seven treated at the scene for minor injuries, while the woman who was sucked out the plane, was immediately taken to hospital The Boeing 737-700, which took off from New York's La Guardia Airport for Dallas was traveling at 32,500ft when the engine on the left side of the plane exploded. Passengers said they heard a loud 'boom' and the plane immediately dropped, they said, by what felt like 100ft. Riordan was sitting next to the smashed window was drawn towards it and others next to her held her down for 12 minutes until the plane landed. Investigators examining the damaged engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 after it exploded in flight sending shrapnel into the fuselage, breaking a window and causing the plane to make an emergency landing A U.S. NTSB investigator is on scene examining damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane in this image released from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania This was the row of seats where the window was shattered. According to witnesses, passengers had to pull the woman back into the aircraft when she was sucked towards the window and some of her body was drawn through it This is the window which was shattered by a piece of shrapnel from an exploding engine on a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday morning. Witnesses said the female passenger sitting next to it was partially sucked out of the aircraft through the whole and had to be held down This was the view from on board the Southwest Airlines flight of the blown-out engine after the plane made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. A piece of shrapnel from it flew backwards and shattered the window Riordan (pictured with her husband) was rushed to hospital immediately after the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport at 11.27am, but authorities confirmed she later died Before the NTSB's announcement that there was one fatality involved, the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner said she was taken to hospital in a critical condition. 'One passenger, a woman, was partially drawn out towards the out of the plane, she was pulled back in by other passengers,' Todd Bauer, the father of another passenger on board, told NBC 10. Terrified passengers shared videos and photos from on board before the plane landed as they descended at 3,000ft per minute until they leveled out at 10,000ft. One passenger filmed himself as he fitted his oxygen mask. 'Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! 'Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!!' Marty Martinez said as he broadcast live from the plane on Facebook. He paid $8 to connect to WiFi as the plane was going down, he said, in order to say his goodbyes. Passenger Marty Martinez shared photographs and videos of himself on Facebook as the plane made its descent. He and other passengers are shown terrified as they hold their oxygen masks to their faces. He later said there was 'blood everywhere' as a result of the woman's injuries The window that was shattered was behind the engine that exploded. A piece of shrapnel flew backwards and pierced it, depressurizing the cabin and almost sucking the woman in the seat through it He is the passenger who later told CBS the woman's injuries left 'blood everywhere.' There were confused reports from other passengers that someone on board suffered a heart attack. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES STATEMENT We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, Employees, Family Members, and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We have activated our emergency response team and are deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy. Advertisement Martinez added that the plane 'smelled like ash' once the window was open. He said flight attendants rushed over in shock and pleaded with passengers to cover up the hole. The first sign of trouble was a loud noise which happened when the engine exploded. Timothy Bourman, 37, was sitting at the back of the plane when he said he heard a loud 'boom'. 'All the sudden, it felt like we dropped 100 feet. Everybody knew something's going on. 'This is bad, like really bad.' A lot of people started panicking and yelling, just real scared. 'We were kind of out of control for a while. It seemed like the pilot was having a hard time controlling the plane. Honestly I think we just all thought we were going down,' he told Philly.com. Bourman, who was traveling with his wife, said they thought they were about to die until the pilot managed to gain control of the aircraft. 'We're just all really thankful to be alive right now. Thankful to God, thankful to that pilot,' he added. Firefighters rushed onto the aircraft after it made its emergency landing at 11.30am on Tuesday Matt Tranchin was sitting three rows behind the window that smashed. He described the chaos and said even the flight attendants were crying in fear. 'Flight attendants rushed up. There was momentary chaos. Everyone kind of descended on where this hole was. As passengers we weren't sure if they were trying to cover up the hole, but the plane smelled like smoke. Some of the crew couldn't hold back their horror... some were crying as they looked through the open window and onto the engine 'There was ash coming through the ventilation system. We started dropping,' he told ABC News. 'As kind of an indication of how terrifying it was, some of the crew couldn't hold back their horror. 'And some were crying as they looked out through the open window onto the engine,' he added. As the plane made its descent towards Philadelphia, the crew warned passengers to brace for impact. Southwest Airlines has not acknowledged the woman's injuries. In a statement it put out on Twitter, the airline said: 'Southwest Airlines flight 1380, which departed LaGuardia for Dallas Love Field , diverted to PHL because of an operational event. 'The plane landed safely. No slides were deployed.' It has given no further comment on the injured woman or what caused the engine to explode. When the shrapnel pierced the window, it depressurized the cabin and triggered the oxygen masks. Despite the chaos in the air, others said the emergency landing was fairly calm and smooth. One of the plane's engines exploded not long after it had left LaGuardia Airport in New York City on Tuesday morning. The damaged engine is visible above after the plane had landed All of the other passengers on board were evacuated after the injured woman was taken away by paramedics The plane was on its way from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Dallas when it diverted in the air and turned back on itself to go to Philadelphia. It was flying over western Pennsylvania at around 32,500ft at the time The faulty engine was almost entirely exposed after the plane had landed One passenger told CNN: 'It was a stable landing. We started descending, made the turn back to Philadelphia. 'We were with one engine for maybe 10 minutes. 'We decreased altitude from 8,000 to 5,000 and then when we finally landed it was relatively smooth, kind of a typical landing so the crew and the pilots did a fantastic job.' Passengers were taken from buses to the airport. It is not the first time the malfunction has occurred on a Southwest-operated Boeing 737-700. In August last year, a different flight from New Orleans to Orlando was forced to make an emergency landing at Pensacola Airport in Florida after the casing surrounding one of its engines tore away at a similar altitude. On Tuesday, the airline manufacturer said it was aware of the accident and was prepared to cooperate with investigations. 'Boeing is aware of an incident with Southwest Airlines flight #1380. 'We are gathering more information and stand ready to provide technical assistance,' it tweeted. The engine which exploded is a CFM56 turbofan engine which costs $10million and has a fan diameter of 68 inches. Supermarket Iceland left child foods to stand for up to 14 hours without being refrigerated, an investigation has found. An undercover reporter who got a job at the food chain witnessed deliveries being left out for long periods of time without being stored properly. Experts branded the findings by BBC's Watchdog Live programme 'astonishing' and said one said 'it is as bad as I've ever seen or come across in 40 years of working.' In one case, food which staff said had arrived at around 4am was still out at 6.30pm that evening. On his second shift, he was given sole responsibility for unloading the morning delivery after having received only minimal training on how to handle chilled foods. Experts branded the findings by BBC's Watchdog Live programme 'astonishing' and one said 'it is as bad as I've ever seen or come across in 40 years of working' The allegations, which will be shown on Watchdog Live tonight, came after the show launched a probe when it was tipped off from two Iceland staff about problems with food storage. One supervisor was heard saying he would like to be able to put more staff on each delivery to get the food away faster, but he did not have staff hours to do so. Food Standards Agency guidance says chilled food should always be kept below 8 degrees, and should never be left unrefrigerated for any longer than two hours. Chartered Environmental Health Practitioner Barrie Trevena, who in the programme branded the findings as 'astonishing'. He said: 'This is as bad as I've seen or come across in in 40 years of working. If it was a one off it would be a bad enough but in fact it seems to be an ongoing situation, so it indicates that really they don't have enough resources or are not putting enough resources into it. 'I can't say that I've ever come across food that's been out of refrigeration for so long in in a national company.' In the footage included in the programme, staff members at the branch are shown talking about `tricks' they use to make it appear the food has been put away more quickly. The former Iceland employee who initially contacted 'Watchdog Live', who is shown anonymously, had raised concerns with Iceland managers at a local and national level, but when their complaints were not upheld, felt that the company was not taking the issue seriously. They tell the programme: 'I thought to myself, I can't just sit back and watch this happen, you know, I've got a conscience.' A spokesman for Iceland Foods, said: 'We have thoroughly investigated Watchdog's allegations and are completely confident that this programme is entirely unrepresentative of our usual practice and that there are no generic issues with temperature control within Iceland. 'This is simply illustrated by the extremely low level of customer complaints we receive. In the last six months we sold more than one billion food products in the UK, and complaints about our chilled food and virtually non-existent. Iceland (pictured here is managing director Richard Walker, as the store pledged to eliminate plastic packaging) are accused of leaving chilled food out for long periods of time without being stored properly 'The vast majority of our stores, including the one featured in the programme, have 5/5 Food Hygiene ratings from their local authorities.' The company also says there is 'No risk to public health from temperature control', maintaining that the temperature of the store room filmed by the BBC in February 2018 did not exceed 6 degrees Celsius, making it colder than the store's chiller. It says there is no shortage of resources, and no shortage of chiller capacity: the store featured had recently benefited from a 0.5 million investment, which included the installation of a third chiller to increase chilled storage space by 50%. Iceland has also dismissed the credibility of one of the whistleblowers who contacted the programme. A Georgia high school student arrived to prom in a casket and says that she did it to to send a message to her classmates about after prom parties with dangerous drug use. Alexandrea Clark, who has been interning at a funeral home and wants to be a funeral director explained: 'I was thinking about my class and how they are going to prom and doing the bad stuff after prom; like having drugs and doing all that.' She says people that do drugs, can wind up inside a casket, and says she has been planning this prom entrance for two years. 'I was shocked,' Alexandrea Clark, the senior at Americus Sumter High School said to 11Alive over Skype Monday. 'I didn't know that it was going to go that viral.' Alexandrea Clark, a senior at Americus Sumter High School, arrived to her pro, in a hearse, and popped out of a casket. She says she wanted to warn classmates about drugs at after parties Alive and well: The teen's grand entrance came with assistance by a male friend, likely her prom date, giving her a helping hand out of the casket Clark says she has been planning her prom arrival for two years, during her internship at a local funeral home, and that she didn't expect it to go viral Clark arrived to the prom in the casket in a hearse on Saturday, in a 10 minute ride from the West Mortuary, where she has been interning. She says her mother started pushing her to think about her future when she was in middle school, and once she started interning at the funeral home she knew it was the industry she wanted to be in. 'I started volunteering with the funeral home, and I started liking it,' Clark said. Clark explains that while her ride, unlike the traditional limousine, was morbid, she was not trying to offend anyone. The smart student says she has been getting offers from other funeral directors to intern with them while she is in college Gorgeous: The savvy teen says she will be attending Ogeechee Technical College in the fall 'This is just what I do, and this is my career that I plan on doing and I love what I do,' she explained. 'I love being around people and helping others. And it's not to disrespect anybody.' While her prom arrival was more about death, the bright young woman has great life plans lying ahead of her. She will be attending Ogeechee Technical College in the fall, and says she has had several phone calls from funeral directors in Georgia, offering her internships and help while she is in school. The GDPR compliance deadline for European Union member states is fast approaching, with many tech companies updating their data protection for the 21st century in order to effectively replace the Data Protection Act 1998. The General Data Protection Regulation has been formulated to ensure that organisations like Google and Facebook follow stricter rules and regulations amid concerns over how private data is collected and shared. This concern was exacerbated after the 2016 US Election which led to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg having to sit down before Congress to discuss the Cambridge Analytica scandal. The GDPR, General Data Protection Regulation, compliance deadline is fast approaching With over 87 million users estimated to have had their data mined through the This Is Your Digital Life quiz, it has also emerged that private Facebook Messenger conversations may have also fallen into the hands of Cambridge Analytica. But what is GDPR? What is GDPR? The General Data Protection Regulation has been created over the course of four years in order to strengthen data protection in an era in which people are continuously giving social media websites permissions to use their personal information in exchange for free services. GDPR will be replacing the Data Protection Act 1998, which itself was brought into law so that the 1995 EU Data Protection Directive could be implemented and give people more control over how organisations use data. The regulation also introduced penalties for those who do not comply with the new rules and in turn, suffer from data breaches. It also standardised all data laws across the European Union. A significant change in the new regulation is that if companies fail to provide adequate security to protect data, they could be fined heavily under GDPR. Why do we need GDPR? The advent of the Internet and the emergence of the cloud led to organisations being able to use personal user data for their own purposes, which caused problems when individuals wanted to know how their information was being used. GDPR was planned because of the EUs need to align data protection law with the 21st century, a time where people use free services like Amazon, Google, Twitter and Facebook and offer their information openly. Alongside this, the EU wanted to align data protection law across all member states so that companies are clear about what they need to comply with. The General Data Protection Regulation will apply from May 25, 2018 in all EU member states When will the GDPR be implemented? The GDPR will apply from May 25, 2018 in all EU member states automatically, without the need for each country having to draw up their own legislation. While businesses have until May 25 to ensure they have applied the new rules, the directive came into force on May 24, 2016 after the EU agreed to the final text. Who does the GDPR apply to? GDPR will apply to those who decide how and why personal data is processed, the controllers, as well as those who actively process the data, otherwise known as the processors. This means that GDPR could apply to anyone working in a company, charity, government or IT firm. It will also apply to controllers and processors that are based outside the EU, but deal with data that belongs to EU residents. Controllers are responsible for ensuring that processors abide by the new law and process data lawfully, who themselves are required to maintain records of their activities. After the GDPR is put in place, data must be processed with consent and transparently, for a purpose and once it is no longer needed, data should be deleted. Alongside this, consent must be granted in an active fashion by the user, not passively with pre-ticked boxes. What is personal data? Under the GDPR, the European Union has expanded the definition of personal data to include other online identifiers such as IP addresses, mental health, cultural and economic information about an individual. Individuals already have the right to access information that a company has obtained and to know how and why their data is being processed, as well as who will see it. Data can also be rectified, changed or deleted at any time by the person it belongs to. The European Union has expanded the definition of personal data to include other identifiers How much are GDPR fines? When a data breach occurs, the people who are at risk of being affected must be told within 72 hours of the company being aware of it. Those who do not meet this deadline could face a penalty of two per cent of their annual worldwide revenue, or 10 million (8.7m), whichever is higher. Then, the data protection authority should be contacted and in the UK, this means the Information Commissioner's Office, or the ICO. The authority should be given information about the nature of data breach, how many people have been affected, what the consequences could be and what measures have been actioned. If peoples rights are ignored, the fine could reach up to 20 million (17m) or four per cent of your global annual turnover, whichever is higher. Does Brexit affect GDPR? With Article 50 being triggered in March 2017, the UK has two years in which to leave the European Union, but this means that the GDPR will be implemented before this time. In August 2017, the UK government put forward a new Data Protection Bill, which replicates the requirements of GDPR ahead of Brexit. The new bill allows the ICO to issue fines of up to 17 million, or four per cent of global turnover, whichever is highest. California governor Jerry Brown said Wednesday that an agreement had been reached with the federal government that the state's National Guard will be deployed to the Mexican border. The announcement came after Trump blasted Brown accusing him of 'backing out' of his offer to send 400 troops to the border. In a statement, Brown said the troops will be deployed to the border to 'combat criminal gangs, human trafficking and illegal firearms and drug smugglers - within the state, along the coast and at the US-Mexican border'. California governor Jerry Brown said Wednesday that an agreement had been reached with the federal government that the state's National Guard troops will be deployed to the Mexican border. Pictured above is an October 16, 2017 photo showing the California National Guard deployed near Santa Rosa Brown said the troops will be deployed to the border to tackle things like gun and drug offenses not to build a border wall. Pictured above in this June 21, 2006 photo is members of the California National Guard work next to the U.S.-Mexico border fence near the San Ysidro Port of Entry in San Diego In a statement, Brown said the troops will be deployed to the border to 'combat criminal gangs, human trafficking and illegal firearms and drug smugglers' Trump said 'Soooo many' sanctuary cities in California disagree with the governor Brown after he lashed out at him for 'backing out' of sending troops to the border Brown, who said he secured federal funding for the operation, also detailed what California troops won't be doing, writing that they will not 'engage in any direct law enforcement immigration laws, arrest people for immigration law violations, guard people taken into custody for alleged immigration violations, or support immigration law enforcement activities'. Brown also said the troops won't be building the border wall. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen welcomed Brown's announcement, tweeting: 'Just spoke w Jerry Brown about deploying the US National Guard in California. Final details are being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. Thank you Gov Brown!' Some National Guard troops are expected to be deployed this month and will most likely stay until at least September 30. Brown said the troops will be deployed to all parts of California and not just the border. Earlier this week, president Donald Trump lashed out at Brown for 'trying to back out of' an offer to send National Guard troops to help with border control operations. 'There is a Revolution going on in California. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept,' Trump tweeted Wednesday, referring to sanctuary cities in the Golden State whose law enforcement agencies refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. 'Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW!' Brown acknowledged that there had been 'a little of back and forth' but said he was confident they could find 'common understanding'. 'There's enough problems at the border and the interface between our countries that California will have plenty to do - and we're willing to do it,' he said. Nielsen, appearing alongside Arizona Governor Doug Ducey to thank him for contributing 440 troops, said Wednesday there were 1,000 troops deployed on the border mission and that number is growing. She said they were performing aerial surveillance and vehicle repairs. President Donald Trump continued his verbal assault Wednesday against California Gov. Jerry Brown, complaining that he's trying to back out of a deal to send 400 National Guard troops to the U.S.-Mexico border to help secure the area until Trump's long-promised wall is built Soldiers from the Texas Army National Guard keep watch on the banks of the Rio Grande, where some of them will be armed where necessary Trump believes that Brown wants a 'porous' border, but he will have National Guard troops from three other states helping to secure it while his long-promised wall is built Trump had also lashed out at Brown on Tuesday, complaining on Twitter that the Democrat was completely forbidding his state's National Guard troops from helping to secure the U.S.-Mexico border. 'Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border,' the president tweeted Tuesday. 'The high crime rate will only get higher. Much wanted Wall in San Diego already started!' Talks between U.S. and California officials about the duties the California troops would perform soured last Friday and over the weekend after state authorities told federal officials that they would not participate in the jobs outlined for California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas border control. The other border-state governors all Republicans have openly embraced Trump's plans. Brown hasn't explicitly outlined how he would distinguish between immigration-related work and going after criminal gangs and drug and gun smugglers. He had originally elicited rare and effusive praise from the president last week after he said he would participate in the Guard's third large-scale border mission since 2006. At the time, the decision allowed Trump to boast support from all four border-state governors and helped put the president above the lower end of his threshold of marshaling 2,000 to 4,000 troops that he wants as a border security mission to fight illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Texas has seen the biggest deployment, with 650 sent to the border, while Arizona has dispatched 250, and New Mexico about 60. Ron Vitiello, the acting deputy commissioner of US Customs and Border Protection, said Brown had declined the initial roles put forward for Guardsmen. 'The governor has determined that what we have asked for so far is unsupportable,' Vitiello told reporters. 'We've made this refined request, it's gone through the process and then we've got a signal from the governor that he is not participating.' Immigration authorities in California are often blocked from taking illegal immigrants into custody because self-declared 'sanctuary' cities refuse to work with them Trump targeted the governor on Tuesday, blasting him for refusing to let his state's Guard participate in any activities that are even remotely related to border control Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary Bob Salesses said the initial request envisioned sending 237 Guardsmen to two main crossing areas in Southern California, where they would have conducted maintenance, clerical assistance and helped with heavy equipment operations, among other tasks. 'The California National Guard has indicated that they will not perform those missions as we know them to be right now,' Salesses said, though he noted that conversations were ongoing. Vitiello, too, suggested that the state's Guard might ultimately be used in other roles, including possibly cargo inspection. 'We will have other iterations,' Vitiello said. Trump this month said he would send thousands of National Guard troops to the southern border, where they could remain until a border wall is constructed. Vitiello said Guardsmen would most likely not be armed, but individual states might allow the carrying of a weapon in certain missions. California is at the forefront of what opponents call a 'resistance' to Trump's administration, with the heavily Democratic state suing the federal government over numerous issues, including the rollback of environmental regulations. Several cities including Los Angeles are 'sanctuary cities' that require local law enforcement agencies not to tell federal agents about residents' legal status. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has sued the state over three statutes that support cities and counties that refuse to hand over illegal immigrants to federal immigration authorities for prosecution or deportation. LA Fitness has reportedly fired three employees from its New Jersey gym - including the manager - for calling the police on two black men following a row over their membership. The manager was seen on video Monday remonstrating with police as the two black he had just thrown out filmed him. He had called the police after insisting that the two men did not have the correct memberships, despite one being a member for eight years and the other using a four-day pass. He (the manager) has been 'removed from the company,' an employee named Josos told NJ.com over the phone. Josos added that two women who worked at the gym were also let go for their part in badgering the two men. 'I know the incident was really bad,' he said, adding that L.A. Fitness had supposedly apologized to them. An employee from the LA Fitness in Secaucus, New Jersey, has claimed that the manager who had two black men removed from the gym has been 'removed from the company' In a Facebook post on April 16, Tshyrad Oates (right) shared that he used a four day guest pass to workout with his friend, who was already a long standing member at the Secaucus, New Jersey location of LA Fitness LA Fitness said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'The front desk staff employee was confused and thought the member was a guest. He explained that he was a member, had checked in earlier, and did not want to retrieve his membership card a second time. The front desk employee who made the request was not working when this member checked in the first time, so she was unaware. 'Regrettably, from there our staff unnecessarily escalated the situation and called the police rather than work through it. Clearly, this is a long time member, with a current, valid membership. We want to clarify that no membership was cancelled and no one, including the members guest, was banned from the club. 'We have spoken to the member to apologize and assure him that he and his guests are welcome in our clubs at all times. 'We are currently exploring potential training content and opportunities to better train our staff.' In a Facebook post on April 16, Tshyrad Oates shared that he used a four-day guest pass to workout with his friend, who was already a long standing member at the Secaucus, New Jersey location. 'After about a half hour I was approached by this same employee telling me that I had to leave or pay and I explained to her that I just signed in with her with the guest pass,' wrote Oates. 'She stated that it was my friend who did not pay', he continued. Oates claims that they were repeatedly harassed by staff (pictured) and management who said they didn't pay to use the facilities. The branch also claimed that they weren't members even though video shows their scanner flashing green when the man's membership card goes over The pair continued with their workout until two police officers arrived and asked why they had no memberships. 'We explained to them about our guest pass and rescanned my friends member tag and it resulted in current active status,' Oates stated, adding that the employee said nothing when they saw the status. Proceeding on with their workout for an additional 10 minutes, Oates claims that the pair were then asked to leave by the La Fitness manager. At this point five police officers asked them to leave. Throughout the video clips, the manager can be seen growing more irate and demanding that the camera stop recording. 'I get it you guys don't like cell phones but it is not criminal activity,' an officer can be heard telling the manager (center) 'Let's make this a black thing,' the friend said in one of the videos, panning the camera to show an almost empty gym. 'We are the only two black people in the gym. Been having problems in the gym for months over nothing' Oates concluded: 'This La Fitness manager who refused to give us his reason to kicking us out, and refused to give us his name stated that I was banned from the gym and my friends gym membership has been terminated effective immediately' Oates concluded: 'This La Fitness manager who refused to give us his reason to kicking us out, and refused to give us his name stated that I was banned from the gym and my friends gym membership has been terminated effective immediately.' In the video, Oates' friend - who has not been identified - can be heard describing the altercation. Oates took to Facebook on Wednesday to share an update and that while he and his friend have contacted LA Fitness Corporate, they have 'yet to receive any written statement from LA Fitness' He shares that he's been a member at the gym for eight years and that the particular gym has had issues in the past with corporate. 'Let's make this a black thing,' he said in one of the videos, panning the camera to show an almost empty gym. 'We are the only two black people in the gym. Been having problems in the gym for months over nothing.' Throughout the video clips, the manager can be seen growing more irate and demanding that the camera stop recording. 'I get it you guys don't like cell phones but it is not criminal activity,' an officer can be heard telling the manager. 'All the officers acted professionally and quelled what could have been a volatile situation,' Secaucaus Police Department Captain Dennis Miller told DailyMail.com. Capt. Miller added that people are allowed to film officers in public spaces. He also said that neither of the two men were arrested for the incident. The original videos have now been shared over 32,000 times. 'He has been called by staff and was told a number of things, but we can not be sure of the credibility of these calls unless we have written statements,' Oates added Some of Australia's top chefs have given their two cents worth on the ultimate Vegemite debacle and they are less than impressed. The wooden board served with two pieces of toast, a smear of the Australian spread and a spoonful of butter sold at a Newcastle cafe for $7 has created controversy across the nation. My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge is the latest person to slam the breakfast board. My Kitchen Rules judge Colin Fassnidge (pictured) is the latest person to slam the Vegemite breakfast board The wooden board served with two pieces of toast, a smear of the Australian spread and a spoonful of butter sold at a Newcastle cafe for $7 has created controversy across the nation Mr Fassnidge said the deconstructed Vegemite on toast was 'disrespectful' and was 'far off the mark' 'It is an Aussie classic, let's show it a bit of respect,' he told Daily Telegraph. 'The hipsters are so far off the mark. 'Maybe there should be a special restaurant where they serve hipster food ... with trap doors.' TV host and chef Matt Moran also slammed the cafe's choice, saying there was 'way too much Vegemite on that board'. Morris Baco, head chef at Sydney's Devon Cafe, said the toast dish was 'un-Australian and tantamount to treason'. The national outrage began when dissatisfied customer, Huon Oliver, uploaded a photo of Core Espresso's unique take on Vegemite and toast. The picture shows a wooden board with two pieces of sourdough bread, a quenelle of butter and a pseudo trendy smear of Vegemite struck through the middle. 'Gourmet Vegemite on toast. This is just ridiculous! Tasty but ridiculous,' Mr Oliver captioned the photo. FEMAIL spoke to one of the employees earlier this week at Core Espresso, Danny Kerr, who said that the team have been laughing about it ever since they saw the viral photo. TV host and chef Matt Moran (pictured) also slammed the cafe's choice, saying there was 'way too much Vegemite on that board' Core Espresso, in Newcastle, NSW, said they're just having a 'good laugh' at all the hysteria that's been drummed up online Core Espresso employee Danny Kerr said the team had been laughing about it ever since they saw the viral photo 'We weren't expecting this response at all to be honest. We've been serving that for a long time, we don't always serve it like that and I'd never thought about it before now,' she said. 'We tried to make it look fancy and it doesn't because it's just Vegemite. 'We're definitely not a pretentious cafe, it's just $7 toast with condiment on the side. I think it's hilarious.' The cafe's head barista Danni Kerr says staff are just having a 'good laugh', The Daily Telegraph previously reported. 'It's good to let people do what they want and put on their own amount of Vegemite or butter,' she said, claiming that most Australians can't agree on the perfect 'Vegemite to butter ratio'. 'It honestly wasn't intentional and I think it was more about us finding creative ways to present our food and the chef having a bit of fun.' Once a musician and band director, always a musician and band supporter. That certainly fits Rick Rushworth, principal at Lookout Valley Middle/High School, and a recipient of a 2018 Tennessee Music Education Associations Outstanding Administrator award. Mr. Rushworth received the honor at the TMEA annual conference in Nashville. TMEA gives the award to administrators providing significant leadership in support of music education. The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center was the location of the 2018 conference. Mr. Rushworth is an ardent supporter of music programs in Hamilton County and especially at Lookout Valley Middle/High. He can regularly be seen in the audience of concerts and attends band competitions the school participates in during the year. Mr. Rushworth has even joined in and played tuba with the band at school events. He has not only encouraged more music classes at Lookout Valley, but he was actively involved in the school adding an after-school jazz band program, said Shannon Stephens, band director and music teacher at Lookout Valley. He constantly encourages music students to pursue musical activities in the band program and encourages those not involved in music to participate and attend events. Mr. Rushworth is involved with the Metro Musicians and has played tuba with them on a regular basis for many years. He was a band director before becoming a school administrator. He holds arts in high regard, and I am fortunate to have such an advocate for fine arts in my corner, Stephens added. His reputation throughout the county is as someone who genuinely wants to see music be an integral part of education. A married couple from California have been charged with torturing and murdering a Vietnam War veteran for financial gain, and then burning his remains in front of their three children. Stacie Mendoza, 38, and Jose Mendoza, 36, were apprehended last week near LAX and arrested in connection to the slaying of their friend, 70-year-old retiree Kenneth Coyle. According to a press release from the Hanford Police Department, Jose had in his possession Coyles belongings and a ticket to El Salvador. Grisly crime: Stacie Mendoza, 38 (left), and her husband Jose, 36 (right), are accused of torturing, murdering and robbing Vietnam War veteran Kenneth Coyle Under questioning, the husband and wife allegedly confessed to killing Coyle, and Stacie also led detectives to his body. At a press conference on Monday, Hanford Police Captain Karl Anderson revealed some of the gruesome details of the case, including how the suspects allegedly tortured the veteran before killing and robbing him, reported ABC30. He said Stacie met Coyle six-to-eight months ago at a Hanford restaurant where she worked as a waitress and befriended the retiree, who was childless and living on his own. Before long, the married mother-of-three gained his trust and allegedly hatched a plan with her husband to swindle him out of his money. They even considered gaining a power of attorney to access Coyle's financial information, according to reporting by Hanford Sentinel. Victim: The scorched remains of Coyle, 70, were discovered last week in rural Madera County, California Sometime between April 5 and April 6, the pair allegedly went to Coyle's house, where they tied him up and beat him to extract his credit card and bank account numbers. Having done that, the suspects allegedly killed the victim. It is believed that the retired contractor at Naval Air Station Lemoore died of blunt force trauma and suffocation. An autopsy will be performed to confirm that. In the next couple of days, police say the Mendozas and their three children transported Coyles body in a U-Haul truck to rural Madera County, where they set it on fire as the kids looked on. But if the investigators' account is to be believed, the Mendozas greed ultimately proved their undoing. The statement from the department said that on April 12, Stacie returned to Coyles home in the 800 block of East Grangeville with the intent of stealing more of his possessions, but her plan was hampered by the manager of the property, who happened to be there at the time. Shortly before 4pm that day, police got a call from the concerned manager saying that Mrs Mendoza showed up at the house and informed him that Coyle had been injured and recovering in an unknown facility in Stanislaus County. Bloody scene: Police officers who were summoned to Coyle's residence in Hanford, California, by the property manager found a 'tremendous amount of blood' inside Detectives believe the Mendozas tied up the retiree, tortured him to extract financial information from him, then beat and suffocated him to death Mendoza then proceeded to take the victim's truck and other items from the residence. The property manager's call summoned police to the address. Responding officers entered Coyle's home and discovered what Lt Gregory Freiner described to YourCentralValley.com as a 'tremendous amount of blood' and evidence of a clean-up. Police tracked Coyles missing phone to the Mendoza familys home in Fresno and soon found the pair sitting at a Denny's eatery near LAX. A search revealed that Jose was in possession of Coyles credit cards and a plane ticket to his native El Salvador, police said. Hanford Police Captain Karl Anderson holds a press conference on Monday to announce the results of the investigation into Kenneth Coyle's killing Jose and Stacie were ordered held without bail on charges of first-degree murder, torture, burglary, robbery, felonious elder abuse and felonious child abuse. Their three children are now in the custody of Child Protective Services. Captain Anderson said the wife has a prior criminal record, including charges of fraud, theft and embezzlement. Police shot dead a home intruder accused of stealing cellphones at a store in Utah, newly released body cam footage shows. Black male Elijah James Smith, 20, who was named suspect in a West Valley City electronics store robbery, fled the scene on foot and entered a home nearby on April 8. When officers arrived to the home, a 13-year-old boy answered the door and told them 'some guy' entered the house 'aggressively' - frightening him and his two younger brothers. Body cam further hears the officers ask the teen, 'where?' before walking into the home and yelling out, 'Police! Come out with your hands up!' Police body cam shows the fatal shooting of black male robbery suspect, Elijah James Smith, 20 Officers ordered Smith to put his hands up several times. He placed his left hand in the air as seen above When Smith went to raise his right hand quickly, officers viewed him as a 'threat'. Smith had a screwdriver in his pocket, investigators confirmed The boy is heard telling police, 'he is in our garage,' as the officers walk into the garage and whip out the gun, yelling, 'let me see your hands!' Smith, wearing a gray hoodie and black pants, slowly walks behind a vehicle parked in the car and places one of his hands in the air. Two officers fired a total of three shots at Smith. They said they viewed the suspect as a 'threat' after he lifted his other hand from his pocket in a 'draw stroke' motion, Police Chief Colleen Jacobs said in a press conference. A third officer used a Taser, which did not fully come into contact with Smith. Smith is pictured above in this GoFundMe photo. His family members argue that police officers used excessive force during the incident Smith's mother, Roshawna Carter, said her late son was the one 'always lifting others up' The 20-year-old is pictured right in this undated and unnamed photo on the GoFundMe page Smith had a 'modified' screwdriver inside of his pocket at time, investigators said. It is currently unclear what the screwdriver looked like. Police Chief Colleen Jacobs said in a press conference Smith 'did not lose his life because of his race' Jacobs said in the conference: 'I am sad for his loss... It is an unfortunate incident that Mr. Smith lost his life in this incident. He did not lose his life because of his race.' The late Smith's heartbroken sister, Alexis Garcia, said she believes police were wrong to pull out a gun and shoot him so suddenly. 'I don't think that was right for that officer to do that, even though his hand was in the pocket they should have still Tased him and tackled him. 'I just think he was going to put the other hand up,' Garcia told KUTV through a FaceTime call. Smith's frustrated and upset mother, Roshawna Carter, also argued that officers used excessive force, asking 'Why did they have to kill him?,' to Fox 13 Salt Lake City. A timeline of the events leading up to Smith's death are stated above, according to the police department Carter said her son 'was always the one who was lifting other people up.' Garcia set up a GoFundMe page to help her family pay for the funeral costs of her late little brother. 'Hello Family & Friends. At a loss for words. My little brother, son of a lovely mother & friend to many only 20 years old. Elijah James Smith aka King Smith was killed by WVC police Sunday April 8th for stealing a cell phone and running,' Garcia wrote. 'Not a threat & unarmed. We all know him as the crazy little guy that only wants to have fun and make music. With positive vibes & great energy that he brought to everyone's life,' she added. 'Anything helps. Keep praying for him And his family. Rest In Power little brother Elijah Smith. Until we meet again.' A Las Vegas casino executive who was shot dead by a former disgruntled employee had been working at the Venetian hotel since it opened 19 years ago. Mia Banks, who was the Venetian's vice president of casino operations, was gunned down at a company picnic at a Las Vegas park on Sunday evening. The 54-year-old died in hospital after suffering gunshot wounds to her head and chest in what authorities are describing as a planned and targeted attack. Mia Banks, who was the Venetian's vice president of casino operations, was gunned down at a company picnic at a Las Vegas park on Sunday evening Her colleague Hector Rodriguez, who is the executive director of table games, was injured in the shooting. He is critically injured but is in stable condition at a hospital. Hector Rodriguez, who is the executive director of table games, was injured in the shooting. He is critically injured but is in stable condition at a hospital Anthony Wrobel, the 42-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting, had been a card dealer at the same casino for 15 years. Wrobel has been on the run ever since he walked up to the two executives at a picnic table and shot them at close range. Police said Wrobel asked fellow employees where the casino executives were seated at the park and was directed to a gazebo area. Once he arrived at the table, Wrobel pulled out a handgun and shot one victim at point-blank range before turning and shooting the other victim. 'At this point, what we believe is he is a disgruntled employee,' Police Captain Robert Plummer said. 'It's a prime case of workplace violence where someone was not happy with his conditions and resulted in violence to deal with that issue that he was personally having.' Anthony Wrobel, the 42-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting, had been a card dealer at the same casino for 15 years. He is pictured above on the casino's CCTV cameras Wrobel has been on the run ever since he walked up to the two executives at a picnic table and shot them at close range The two employees who were shot had worked at the Venetian hotel (above) since it opened in 1999 Las Vegas Sands Corp., which operates The Venetian, said Banks had worked there since it opened in 1999 and, along with Rodriguez, was considered a founding team member. 'Mia and Hector have been part of the fabric of The Venetian since our opening,' the company said in a statement. 'They have demonstrated the very best of The Venetian and The Palazzo as leaders and as members of our Las Vegas community. 'Our hearts are with both families, and everyone who has been affected by this senseless act of violence.' Las Vegas Sands Corp., which operates The Venetian, is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Wrobel Police said Wrobel asked fellow employees where the casino executives were seated at the park (pictured above) and was directed to a gazebo area The company is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest of Wrobel. The shooting happened at a park near McCarran International Airport. Plummer said Wrobel's car was found at an airport parking garage. At this stage, police do not believe Wrobel got on a flight at the airport but they have not ruled out the possibility. FBI supervisory special agent Joe Perez said investigators are considering obtaining a federal arrest warrant in the event that he fled Nevada. Property tycoon John Hart, pictured, is fighting a 15-month jail term he was handed in March for failing to comply with the terms of his 3.5million divorce agreement An 83-year old multi-millionaire sentenced to jail after his big money divorce from a former air hostess claims he was too harshly treated as he fights to overturn the 'abusive' sentence. Self-made property tycoon John Hart was ordered to pay 62-year-old former flight attendant Karen Hart 3.5m when they split, despite him having had 'substantial pre-existing wealth' before they wed in 1987. Mr and Mrs Hart had two children and enjoyed a 'lavish lifestyle' and 'lavish expenditure', including holiday homes in Miami and Spain, before separating after more than 20 years of marriage. Family Judge Stephen Wildblood divided their 9.5m fortune in June 2015, handing the wife just over 3.5m to meet her 'reasonable needs.' A major part of that lump sum consisted of Mr Hart's shares in property business, Drakestown Properties Ltd, which he signed over to his ex in July 2015. But he later failed to provide sufficient documentation and information to enable her to run the company 'efficiently and effectively', Judge Wildblood found. And, in March this year, he handed the wealthy pensioner a 15-month jail term for contempt of court. That was despite Mr Hart by that time having provided his ex with '12 lever arch files' of documents relating to the running of the company. Now Mr Hart wants the jail term overturned, with his lawyers condemning it as 'abusive' and and made on an 'unclear and questionable' legal basis. But Mrs Hart's lawyers insist he was rightly locked up and that his advanced age and ill-health should not stop him hearing the clang of prison gates. The court heard that the former couple began living together in 1983, when she was 34 and he was 55, and married in 1987. The fruit of their property empire allowed them to live in a 1.1m five-bedroom gated residence in Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield, boasting a gym, home cinema room, a separate guest annex and garaging for five cars. Mr Hart's barrister, Grant Armstrong, today protested to top judges at the Appeal Court that the tycoon had done nothing wrong. He said the 'legal basis' on which Judge Wildblood made the order for him to disclose the company documents to his ex was 'unclear and questionable.' 'Contempt will not be established where the breach is of an order which is ambiguous,' he added. 'The presumption of innocence applies,' he went on, saying that the 'burden' of proving Mr Hart in contempt of court 'lay at all times' on his ex-wife, and that she had not managed to do so. He also claimed that the row ought to be regarded not as a personal fight between ex-wife and ex-husband now, but as 'a commercial dispute' between 'one limited company and another.' Lawyers for his former air hostess wife Karen, 62, pictured, argue Mr Hart did not give her enough information to run the property firm she received in the divorce 'efficiently' Mr Armstrong added: 'It is not appropriate to invade or seek to pierce the corporate veil. The efficient and effective management of the company is open to a large element of subjective interpretation...the person affected must know with complete precision what it is that they are required to do or abstain from doing. He said Mr Hart had not been proved to be in contempt 'to the criminal standard.' Mr Armstrong said Mr Hart had provided his ex with '12 or more lever arch files comprising information disclosed in one format or another' in relation to the company. He said: 'The judge's approach throughout has been fundamentally flawed (and) cannot be supported. The court is invited to set aside the findings of breach.' Mr Armstrong added that, even if the court upholds the finding of contempt, Mr Hart should not be sent to jail. 'The imposition of a prison sentence fails to address personal mitigation and provides substantial reason for a non-custodial sentence or for the sentence to be suspended' due to his 'age, previous good character, medical condition,' he argued. Peter Mitchell, for Mrs Hart, insisted it was not 'impermissible' for the judge to have jailed the elderly tycoon. 'Against the background and Mr Hart's general demeanour as a witness of truth, which the judge had ample opportunity to assess, the judge was entitled to make the findings that he did,' he said. 'He had in mind all the relevant materials and identified and weighed appropriately the various mitigating and aggravating features in this case to arrive at a sentence which was well within the bounds of his discretion. 'The findings as to the level of contempt are beyond reproach,' said the barrister, adding that the fact Mr Hart is in his eighties does not mean the court should show mercy. The couple had a 1.1million home in Wishaw, near Sutton Coldfield, pictured, that has a gym, home cinema and space for five cars 'Mr Hart is incorrect to assert that age is a mitigating factor. It cannot on its own be so,' he added. Mrs Hart's lawyers told the Appeal Court it is 'difficult' for her to ask for her 83-year old ex-husband to be sent to jail. But her barrister Grant Armstrong insisted that whatever happens to John Hart is his own fault. He told the judges: 'It is very difficult for Mrs Hart to apply to have her former husband sent to prison. 'But he has been given every opportunity and is the architect of the situation which faces him. 'Anybody hearing this would think it was ghastly that a man of this age should be facing a sentence of imprisonment. 'But he is the architect of his own destiny, and it doesn't sit well in his mouth to complain now,' he added. The judges were also told by Mr Hart's lawyers that he had suffered greatly due to the bitter court struggle with his ex. From a 'canny and upbeat businessman', he had been reduced to 'an isolated figure, unable to enjoy the years he has left and the millions remaining to him.' The judges reserved their decision on Mr Hart's appeal at the end of a day long hearing and will give their ruling at a later date. Mr Hart's prison sentence has been stayed pending the outcome of his appeal. The mystery surrounding the death of Hollywood actress Natalie Wood has deepened further after it emerged key forensic evidence in the case has vanished from police archives, the star's sister has claimed. Lana Wood said detectives investigating the 1981 death suspect that the evidence was 'deliberately removed' last year. Fingernail clippings and police reports, as well as other items, disappeared at a 'critical point' in the investigation in 2017 and had a 'great impact' on the case, Lana said the detectives on the case told her. 'They said things have gone missing at the station,' Lana told DailyMail.com. 'They say that poor record keeping is what the basic excuse was. But they think someone deliberately removed it because of the timing of when it went missing. 'They said that it was right at a critical point in their investigation. Something is rotten in Denmark.' Accident or murder? The mystery surrounding Natalie Wood's death has deepened further after her sister claimed key evidence in the case disappeared last year. Above she is pictured aboard the Splendor with husband Robert Wager Sisters: Lana Wood (pictured with Natalie during the 1960s) says she's 'always believed Natalie was killed' and is desperate for the case to be solved Seeking answers: Wood said detectives at the LA Sheriff's Department told her key information disappeared at a 'critical point' in the investigation last year Lana said that two Los Angeles Sheriff's Department detectives working the case, Ralph Hernandez and Kevin Lowe, told her that they knew the evidence was still in police archives when the case was reopened in 2011, but disappeared sometime afterwards. 'The fingernail clippings didn't disappear when [the murder] happened, they disappeared recently. We're not talking a long time ago, we're talking last year,' said Lana. Three-time Oscar nominee Natalie, who starred in Miracle on 34th Street and Rebel Without a Cause, drowned aged 43 after going missing during a boat trip to Santa Catalina Island off the coast of California. She was with her husband actor Robert Wagner on board the boat as well as actor Christopher Walken and the boat's captain, Dennis Davern on the evening of November 28, 1981. The mysterious case captivated the public and Wagner has been dogged by intrigue ever since. Officially, the case is still regarded as a 'suspicious death' rather than a murder investigation. But former Bond girl Lana claimed that despite missing exhibits, the detectives still believe they have enough evidence to charge somebody for murder. When asked by DailyMail.com, Hernandez did not deny making the statements to Lana, but said he is 'not speaking to anyone from the media or doing any type of interviews on the case.' But Lana's claims suggest that police may be sitting on more evidence than they have publicly released, in a case that has remained unexplained for more than three decades. The Hollywood actress drowned aged 43 after going missing during a boat trip aboard the Splendour (pictured left) to Santa Catalina Island. It was claimed that on the night of her death she got into a dinghy and rowed away, however Natalie's death was originally ruled 'an accidental drowning' by a coroner at the time 'They told me they did have enough (evidence to launch a murder investigation),' said Wood. 'So I don't know what the holdup is. They said they felt they have enough right now.' But, the 71-year-old former actress added that the police are still trying to make their case water tight. 'They said with their suspect's age and everything else there's a chance that he could just get away scot-free. And their job in life is to right wrongs, uphold the law, and see that criminals pay for what they've done, and they want to make sure that that's exactly what happens.' In February detectives investigating the case revealed that the account of Wood's husband Wagner, who as on the boat with her, 'didn't make any sense'. At a press conference in Los Angeles, Lieutenant John Corina announced that police had two new witnesses who point to Wagner as the last person to see Natalie alive on her yacht in 1981. Wagner was said to be a 'person of interest' in the death investigation, after changing his story and refusing to speak to police. But the true story of what happened that night in 1981 may never be revealed, as the lead detective on the case said the investigation was on its last legs. In a sworn statement in 2011, Skipper Davern claimed he saw Wagner (pictured kissing Natalie's casket) having a blazing row on deck with Natalie before she fell, and that Wagner had bullied him into keeping quiet Wagner was named a 'person of interest' earlier this year in the death investigation, after changing his story and refusing to speak to police 'We're doing our last shot here, seeing if anybody else will come forward with any more information,' said Corina. 'We can't keep working this case. We work where we can, where there's information to follow up we will, and when the tips all dry up then I guess we move on to the next case.' Lana had previously said she had no choice but to believe Wagner was somehow involved. 'I just want the truth,' she said, claiming her former brother-in-law still has lots of questions to answer. 'I've always believed Natalie was killed, nothing has come up to change my mind on that. 'It's easier for me to believe RJ (Wagner) has nothing to do with it, because the other possibility is heart-breaking, heart-wrenching, horrendous, horrific, that this man that she had known and was married to twice, might be responsible, it's horrendous for me to even imagine that. 'I would prefer to believe the other, but unfortunately it doesn't point that way.' Natalie's death was originally ruled 'an accidental drowning' by a coroner at the time. But the case was reopened in 20 when the captain of the yacht came forward with new evidence. Skipper Davern had originally told detectives in 1981 that Natalie got in a dinghy and rowed away, despite the actress being famously petrified of dark water. But in a sworn statement in 2011 he claimed he saw Wagner having a blazing row on deck with Natalie before she fell, and that Wagner had bullied him into keeping quiet. President of the The Pastoralists and Graziers Association in WA, Tony Seabrook (left), has thrown support behind giving special treatment to persecuted white South African farmers President of the Pastoralists and Graziers Association in Western Australia, Tony Seabrook, has thrown his support behind giving special treatment to persecuted white South African farmers who want to come to Australia. Mr Seabrook, who owns a property about 100km east of Perth at York, argued on Wednesday that South African farmers would help fill in the agricultural labour gap and offer years of knowledge and skill. 'We are desperate for good people and they are farmers with lots of experience who are used to working alone,' he told The Australian. 'It is so very difficult for us to get competent people. 'We rely on backpackers, but many of them can't speak English and they end up wrecking your gear and hurting themselves.' In March, Peter Dutton joined calls from other conservative MPs to help South African farmers, saying he was considering a special refugee intake because they deserved help from a 'civilised country'. MPs Tony Abbott and Andrew Hastie have lobbied for as many as 10,000 farmers, the publication reported. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights in Canberra responded by saying their office hadn't been contacted by South African farmers seeking refuge in Australia and the more pressing issue should be refugees on Manus Island and Naru that have directly requested protection in Australia. A pregnant woman was accidentally shot by her three-year-old daughter as they sat in their parked car on Tuesday, after the woman's boyfriend left his loaded handgun in the car to go shopping. The incident happened just before 4pm on Tuesday, in the parking lot of a Plato's Closet in Merrillville, Indiana. Menzo Brazier, 21, left his 9mm handgun with an extended magazine on the center console of the car while he went into the used clothing store to shop. While inside, his three-year-old daughter got a hold of the gun and accidentally shot her mother, 21-year-old Shanique Thomas - the bullet piercing her right shoulder after going through the back of her seat. Scroll down for video A 21-year-old pregnant woman was accidentally shot by her three-year-old daughter as they sat in this parked car in Merrillville, Indiana on Tuesday Menzo Brazier left his girlfriend and their two kids in the car to go shopping, leaving behind his loaded handgun on the center console While Brazier was in the store, his daughter grabbed the gun and accidentally shot her mother. Her one-year-old brother was also in the car at the time Workers at the Plato's Closet said they heard screaming from the parking lot and went outside to find a woman heavily bleeding. 'There was blood flowing all from her stomach,' Hadassah Zirkle, a Plato's Closet employee, told NBC Chicago. 'Just coming out like water, like a faucet and I screamed someone call 911.' Zirkle noticed a bizarre exchange between Thomas and her boyfriend, who rushed to stop the bleeding as paramedics rushed to the scene. 'The boyfriend was inside the store shopping so he ran outside because someone told him that there was a girl bleeding and he was yelling, "Did you kill yourself? Did you do this to yourself?"' Zirkle told WGN. Thomas was rushed to the hospital where she was last reported in critical but stable condition. It's unclear if the shooting impacted her unborn baby Thomas was four to six weeks pregnant. The couple were in Merrillville to visit a Planned Parenthood Witness Hadassah Zirkle (pictured) says that Brazier ran out of the store after hearing the gunshots and asked if his girlfriend had tried to kill herself Brazier was arrested on charges of child endangerment. Their two kids are now in the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services Workers took the toddler and her one-year-old younger brother into the store to try and shield them from the bloody scene. 'The first thought was to get the kids out of there,' Rebecca Todd told WLS. 'We grabbed them. We brought them inside, and we just tried comforting them as best we could.' 'The poor little girl had blood on her jacket,' Zirkle added. 'Just looking at me, caressing my neck just holding on to me. I was telling her it was OK.' Det. Sgt. James Bogner said that after the incident, the toddler 'had no idea what she had done and was very scared'. Thomas was taken to Loyola Hospital for treatment, where she was last reported in critical but stable condition. It's unclear if her unborn baby was impacted by the shooting. The couple and their two kids live in Michigan City, and were in town to visit a Planned Parenthood to get pregnancy care, authorities said. Thomas was four to six weeks pregnant. Meanwhile, cops took Brazier into custody and charged him with child endangerment. He was book at the Lake County Jail. He was also wanted for traffic violations in Porter County. The couple's two children were placed in the custody of the Indiana Department of Child Services. This Earth Day Weekend 2018, Yoga East Studio Chattanooga kicks off a season of classes and community events that reconnect with the outdoors, the Earth, and animals. Events will be led by Yoga East Studio's Master Teachers and assisted by Yoga East's RYT-200 Teacher Trainees. Monthly Community Pop Up yoga classes launch in April with two events in local neighborhood parks: Yoga on Union will be taught by Master Teacher Beth Daugherty and assisting her will be Missy Crutchfield, who is currently in Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga East Studio Chattanooga. The event will take place in the Highland Park neighborhood's Tatum Park on Saturday at 10 a.m. Yoga at Heritage Park in East Brainerd will feature Yoga Teacher Amy Plahtinsky who will lead a mid-spring All Levels Flow on Friday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. The Community Pop Up classes are completely free. Donations will be accepted for Yoga East Studio's Community Partner, Youth Villages. Back by popular demand, Kitten Yoga, and this year the addition of Puppy Yoga, will take place on Saturday, May 12, at The Wellness Corner at Nutrition World (6237 Vance Road). Helping raise funds and awareness for pet adoption in partnership with McKamey Animal Center, Yoga East Studio's Christine Kline will lead Kitten Yoga at 10 a.m. and Master Teacher Gail Donaldson will lead Puppy Yoga at 11:30 a.m. Yoga East Studio Chattanooga Owner Jennifer Dixon said, "Yoga East is so excited to begin a season of events starting this weekend with free yoga in the park located at Tatum Park in Highland Park. It remains a studio goal to be an active contributing member to the Chattanooga area, spreading the love of Yoga and raising awareness for local causes dear to us. Keep an eye on our events pages as this weekend is just the first of many local neighborhood events. We hope to see you on the mat soon." Yoga East Studio Chattanooga on East Brainerd Road is a partner of Gandhi Global Center For Peace and Gandhi's Be Magazine. Learn more at www.yoga-east.net. A woman who agreed to take part in modelling shoot for a stock photos company has seen her face appear in adverts around the world but has not earned a penny for it. Katy Gaines was living in Cape Town, South Africa when a couple approached her and asked if she would be be interested in some paid modelling work for their stock photo business. At the time she just wanted some professional photographs to send to her mother. Katy Gaines has become the face of products around the world after agreeing to take part in a photoshoot in South Africa Many of the products she advertises are for health and beauty as well as dentistry Soon after the pictures were taken, people began contacting her about all the adverts they has seen her in According to Gaines they told her 'all of our photos have been used for Japanese pop-up ads and random internet ads that you'll never see. It's not going to be a big lucrative thing.' 'They told me that they wouldn't be able to pay me for the first shoot,' Gaines told Deadspin. But there was a possibility of earning royalties and a second shoot if 'the image does well', they said. Since then she has appeared selling phone data on the side of a bus in Oslo, on Mexican bottled water brand, a Portuguese mall's makeup section and in various photo editing apps. 'A friend of mine texted me when she was in Ibiza and she was like, "Imagine my surprise when I rolled over at 7:00 in the morning after partying all night, and whose face do I see on the water bottle but you?"' Initially she was told her face would appear in adverts that no-one would see The rights to Katy's image are owned by a South African company after she signed away the royalties Nowadays the sightings of her are restricted to once every two months. 'To me it's just a funny story,' she said Gaines also recalls a friend told her someone was using her picture as an 'after' photo for a clitoral cyst cream. Even in Orange County, a friend recognized her on the pamphlet for a teeth whitening treatment. She has most recently been spotted by friends visiting Oslo and Amsterdam, who have seen her face on advertisements for dentistry products. 'When it first happened. It was all over the place - it was really widespread,' she but she added sightings have died down and friends only send Gaines photos of her own face on about 'every two months.' The images of her are owned by a South Africa-based company boasting thousands of image available for use on their Shutterstock page but she has had not seen any royalties. She has not heard from the photographers lured her in with the sales pitch after signing a contract that prevented her from collecting any money. At first, Gaines was a bit angry but that has subsided. 'At first I just felt stupid, because I knew I should've been more careful. But I was only probably mad for a quick second. To me it's just a funny story. My mom was really p****d, though.' Cuba proposed Miguel Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate to replace Raul Castro as president on Wednesday, which will make him the island's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution. The proposal is subject to a vote later in the day by the national assembly and the result will be formally announced on Thursday. Such votes are usually unanimously or nearly unanimously ratified. Castro, 86, will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, a potentially more powerful position. Diaz-Canel, who currently is the First Vice President, has spent three decades climbing to the summit of the Communist Party and is ideally placed to continue to implement the economic reforms initiated by his mentor. Cuba proposed Miguel Diaz-Canel (right) as sole candidate to replace Raul Castro (left) as president on Wednesday, which will make him the island's first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution Castro (left) will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, a potentially more powerful position. How much influence Diaz-Canel will actually wield is an open question that has many observers looking at his past for clues since power in Communist Cuba has long flowed from personalities more than institutions. 'There is a tradition in Cuba of strong men at the head of the State,' said Cuban watcher Arturo Lopez-Levy of the University of Texas-Rio Grande. But 'the profile of Miguel Diaz-Canel seems weaker,' Lopez-Levy added. 'He has no more power than what he has been given.' Until March, Diaz-Canel had said nothing to the Cuban people about the type of president he would be. But he has mentioned that he is a fan of The Beatles, and has advocated greater openness to the internet and a less restricted press. The white-haired, jean-wearing Diaz-Canel had been seen at greatest length in a leaked video of a Communist Party meeting where he sombrely pledged to shutter some independent media and labelled some European embassies as outposts of foreign subversion. That image has begun to change slightly this year as Diaz-Canel stepped into the moderate limelight offered by Cuba's Soviet-style state media. With his public comments in March, many Cubans got a glimpse of him as a flesh-pressing local politician, an image familiar to residents of the central province where he was born and spent nine years in a role akin to a governor. Diaz-Canel would be the first non-Castro to hold Cuba's top government office since the 1959 revolution led by Fidel Castro (pictured) and his younger brother Raul Raised and educated in the city of Santa Clara, Diaz-Canel graduated from the local university in 1982 and performed three years of obligatory military service. In 1987 he joined the Young Communists' Union. He also went on to work as a professor of engineering at the University of Santa Clara and travelled to Nicaragua as part of a government-run mission to support that country's socialist revolution. Santa Clara residents remember him wearing his hair long and openly admiring the Beatles, who were frowned on by ardent communists who considered the group as representative of the decadent culture of Cuba's capitalist enemies. Nonetheless, the young professor was named first party secretary in Villa Clara province in 1994 and gained a reputation as a hard-working public servant with a conspicuously modest lifestyle. Residents said that Diaz-Canel was the first official they remembered who didn't move to a new government-provided home after accepting the position of first secretary. Diaz-Canel travelled the city on a bicycle during the economic crisis spawned when the fall of the Soviet Union cut off subsidies for Cuba, and he accepted visits at all hours at his home and office from residents with complaints or suggestions. When he finished work, residents said, he would start his shifts with the local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution, a mix of a neighbourhood watch committee and local militia. 'Some comrades didn't want to put him on watch because he would be overwhelmed with work, but he would say, ''I'm a citizen of this country and I'll stand watch like anyone else,''' said Liliana Perez, whose house faces the home where Diaz-Canel lived with his wife and two children. The proposal is subject to a vote later in the day by the national assembly and the result will be formally announced on Thursday. Pictured: Diaz-Canel on Wednesday Diaz-Canel had been seen at greatest length in a leaked video of a Communist Party meeting where he sombrely pledged to shutter some independent media and labelled some European embassies as outposts of foreign subversion In 1996, he began appearing on a local radio program during which he would take two hours of live phone calls from people complaining about problems ranging from bad state restaurants to pothole-rutted side streets, radio journalist Xiomara Rodriguez said. In a country where the state controls most daily activities, Diaz-Canel also made surprise visits to government-run establishments such as the local funeral parlor to check on the quality of services. Diaz-Canel also became known for pushing back against the intolerant tendencies of the Communist Party, an organisation with strains of deep social conservatism and conformity. As first secretary of Villa Clara, he was an active supporter of El Menjunje, a cultural centre that hosted rock 'n' roll shows and became a focus of activities by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Cubans, including some of the country's first drag shows. Diaz-Canel was known for bringing his children to the club, an unusual assertion of support in a society with deeply rooted antipathy toward homosexuals. Two of Diaz-Canel's children have gone on to play in Polaroid, a well-known Cuban rock band. In 2003, Diaz-Canel was named first secretary of the eastern province of Holguin, where he ran into complaints. Diaz-Canel also became known for pushing back against the intolerant tendencies of the Communist Party, an organisation with strains of deep social conservatism and conformity Some say he focused too much of his six years in office on beautifying the city centre while neglecting the needs of poor and working people. In 2003, Diaz-Canel was also named to the Communist Party's Politburo, one of its highest-ranking bodies. Six years later, he was named minister of higher education and was praised for modernising curricula and introducing computer technology to many university programs. He was also known as one of the first high-ranking officials to bring a laptop to government meetings. In 2012, conservative Communist Party officials shut down 'Young Cuba,' a blog run by young academics at the University of Matanzas who supported Cuba's socialist system but who criticised corruption, inefficiency and resistance to change. Diaz-Canel called a meeting between the university rector and the blog's founders and pointedly asked them, 'What do you need to keep running 'Young Cuba?'' The blog was unblocked and remains an important forum for debate among Cuban intellectuals calling for gradual reform. Diaz-Canel also intervened when a government official denied a travel permit to the U.S. for Humberto Rios Labrada, a sustainable agriculture expert who won the U.S-based Goldman Environmental Prize, said Gregory Biniowski, a Cuba-based Canadian lawyer who nominated Rios Labrada for the honour. As first vice president he has mostly stayed out of view, but many observers see that as a wise strategy for survival in a system run by ageing revolutionaries who have ended the careers of many young politicians who rose to prominence early in their careers. The reign of the Castros: How brothers Fidel and Raul led a revolution and controlled Cuba for decades As Raul Castro passes the presidency on to his mentee, Miguel Diaz-Canel, it marks the end of the reign of Castros at the helm of politics in Cuba. Raul became president in 2008 when his older brother, Fidel Castro, formally handed over power as his health deteriorated. Fidel died in 2016 aged 90. The brothers overcame imprisonment at the hands of dictator Fulgencio Batista, were exiled in Mexico and survived a disastrous start to their rebellion before triumphantly riding into Havana on January 1959. At age 32, Fidel became the youngest leader in Latin America and put his younger brother Raul in charge of the armed forces. Brothers Fidel (left) and Raul (right) Castro overcame imprisonment at the hands of dictator Fulgencio Batista, were exiled in Mexico and survived a disastrous start to their rebellion before triumphantly riding into Havana on January 1959 Despite initial setbacks, the bearded guerrillas operating in the eastern mountains steadily gained support across the country. Pictured: Fidel is seen with his brother Raul Castro (left) and Camilo Cienfuegos while operating in the Mountains of Eastern Cuba in 1957 Despite initial setbacks, the bearded guerrillas, operating in the eastern mountains, steadily gained support across the country. On January 1, 1959, Batista fled and Fidel became the unquestioned leader of Cuba, with his younger brother put in charge of the armed forces. Fidel's government initially executed or imprisoned many foes, and veered to Soviet-backed socialism in the early 1960s. Cuba backed revolutions across Latin America, and while most of those failed, the Castros' resistance to U.S. domination inspired millions across the continent and beyond. Fidel's control survived repeated U.S. plots to overthrow or kill him, and even the hardships that followed the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union, which had kept the island's economy afloat. But illness finally forced Fidel to turn over power in 2006 to Raul, who formally became president two years later. Raul announced that he will step aside as president in April - though he plans to remain in what is probably a more important position: head of Cuba's lone permitted party, the Communist Party. While the Make America Great Again hats were iconic during Donald Trumps presidential campaign, prior to his election in 2016, the US President made millions by selling his name so that it could be adorned on a plethora of different products. Trump merchandise included Trump deodorant, Trump ties, Trump vodka, Trump steaks, Trump underwear, Trump furniture and even a Trump urine test. Research by The Washington Post found that only two of the 19 companies that Trump was paid to distribute his named products still operate. The two companies that still sell Trump-branded goods are a Panamanian company, HomeStudio, offering Trump bed linens and home products, as well as a Turkish company selling Trump furniture. But what happened to the rest of Trump merchandise? The US President made millions by selling his name so that it could be adorned on products When did Trump start his licensing business? In the 1990s, Trump first pursued the idea by contacting menswear giant Phillips-Van Heusen, now known as PVH and asked the company if they would pay him to put the Trump name on their clothes. Trump was laughed at, during this period of time when he was enduring corporate debts, bankruptcies and divorce. After the success of The Apprentice, Jeff Danzer, a marketer working for Trump at the time, said that shirts were not laughable. Suits, dress shirts, ties, even down to shows. Any and everything that you would wear in the boardroom is what we were going out to license. Why did Trump merchandise start failing? Many Trump partners quit due to the Presidents views on Muslims and immigrants, while others said their licenses had expired. Others just stated they no longer worked with Donald and sold off their last products at cut prices. The WaPo reported that politics was the reason for the decline of Trumps business and although he was able to monetize on his DC hotel and his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida, it has also driven customers and partners away. Marshal Cohen, who measures retail business trends for market research firm NPD Group, said: Once the political campaign started, the wall went up. The wall that he [built] was more around his merchandise than it was around Mexico. SUCCESS by TRUMP eau de toilette spray This mens cologne was reduced to $30 from $62 and is currently being sold on Perfumania. The description states that it was launched by the designer house of DONALD TRUMP in 2012 and the scent is an inspiring blend of fresh juniper and iced red currant, brushed with hints of coriander. Elk Lighting Trump Home Senecal Six-Light Spanish Bronze Chandelier Trump fans can purchase a branded chandelier for $1698, also marked down from $1998. Did you know there is a Trump perfume? Not unexpectedly, it smells like shit. #rimshot pic.twitter.com/uTijz1VEj2 Acorn Park (@AcornPark) April 15, 2018 Trump Home and Serta Hybrid mattress collection In 2014, Trump launched a series of mattresses with Sertas dual-action gel memory foam with an innerspring support system. Trump steak Unfortunately, Trump steaks are now unavailable, but as the Sharper Image website says, their legacy endures. Trump urine test Arguably the strangest Trump product ever to be on the market, the urine test was made available through a vitamin company and would reveal whether or not the customer needed more vitamins. Trump and Macys By 2004, Trump had a deal with PVH, a Donald J. Trump Signature Collection at Macys and went on to be paid to have his name on a number of different products. Trumps name was then put on a chandelier, a mattress and a steak. Five years on, Trump reported that his licensing partners had sold $215 million worth of Trump-licensed goods worldwide, ranking him 80th on License Global magazines list of the top 125 merchandisers. Alongside this, PVH alone paid him more than $1 million. Its ties, shirts, cufflinks, everything sold at Macys. And theyre doing great, Trump told David Letterman in 2012. He complained that China was overtaking the United States as an economic power; Letterman replied: The ties are made in China. Trump's merchandising empire has largely collapsed. No more ties. No more perfume. From @Fahrenthold and team. https://t.co/G2sEjhfvI9 Rosalind Helderman (@PostRoz) April 13, 2018 When Trump entered the presidential race, Trump steaks, urine tests and vitamins were no longer effective, but he was still paid a combined $2.4 million a year at this point. After Trump announced he would be running for presidency, a statement from Macys was released: We are disappointed and distressed by recent remarks about immigrants from Mexico. This was in response to his comments about Mexican criminals and rapists and Macys decided to discontinue our business relationship with Mr. Trump. With this, Trump also lost his deals with PVH, Peerless, who made Trump suits, Parlux, who made Trump colognes and Randa, who made Trump leather goods. Trump furniture After the Presidents call for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the US, he lost a partner in a Dubai-based firm with a license to sell Trump furniture. Another company, who once made inspirational posters with Trump quotes said they had not worked with him in a while and soon after, companies that sold Trump-branded shoes and Trump home organisational products revealed that partnerships with Donald had ended before anything was sold. Trump vodka Although though to have survived in Israel, Trump vodka also seems to be dead in the water with Trumps own financial disclosures not listing it after 2015. Trump coffee Trump coffee pods have also stopped being made due to a lack of sales, according to Sam Blaney at Two Rivers Coffee. Trump pillows Downlite said that although they had sold Trump pillows, they had let the license expire in 2015 as a business decision and nothing to do with the election. Alongside this, South Korean Trump-branded bedding makers Wonu, French Trump mattress makers and the creators of Trump glasses all revealed that their license had expired. Trump branded merchandise While he still owns his licensed-merchandise business, Trump has stated that he has given up management of it. The Trump Organization also sells its own branded merchandise and opened its own ecommerce website, TrumpStore.com, with Trump T-shirts, teddy bears and keychains in 2017. A pervert who worked at one of the country's top private schools has avoided a jail sentence after he was caught with horrific child rape movies. Darren Scordecchia downloaded the sickening films and pictures showing youngsters as young as eight-years-old being abused by adults. Scordecchia stored the abuse footage on his home computer and used file names including 'virgin angels' and 'pre-teen Lolita' to classify them. Darren Scordecchia was convicted of watching movies that depicted 'activity with male and female children between the ages of seven and 12' Scordecchia pleaded guilty at the Sheriff Court in Edinburgh to possessing indecent images of children A spokesperson for Mary Erskine School and Stewart Melville College said that when the images were discovered, Scordecchia was immediately suspended from work and later dismissed following a disciplinary hearing The 35-year-old was found to have several Category A films - the worst end of the spectrum - and a number of Category C still images hidden on computer equipment. He also had one Category A film and a further 16 Category B and C pictures stored on a hard drive police officers found at his plush Edinburgh home last year. Scordecchia was working as a technical support analyst at the capital's fee-paying Mary Erskine School and Stewart Melville College when he was caught with the images. Following his arrest the school worker was immediately suspended from his position where non-boarding pupils pay up to 11,000 per year to attend. He was subsequently sacked from his position at the school following an internal investigation in June 2017. Scordecchia had previously pleaded guilty to an amended charge of possessing indecent images of children at an address at the city's Trinity area when he appeared in the dock at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last month and he returned for sentencing on Wednesday. Sheriff Norman McFadyen told him that 'the possession of the material requires the court to consider a custodial sentence' but stopped short of jailing him. Instead the sheriff ordered Scordecchia to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work and placed him on a supervision order for 12 months. He was also placed him on the sex offenders register for 12 months and handed out a year-long conduct requirement banning him from owning devices which can connect to the internet without seeking prior approval. Previously fiscal depute Aidan Higgins told the court police officers executed a search warrant on May 25 last year after they had received intelligence that child abuse images had been downloaded at the address. Mr Higgins said: 'The accused was present [during the search] and he said he used the internet every day and had seen indecent images of children within his home. 'The computer equipment was seized from the property and sent for analysis. A number of images and movies showing indecent images of children were recovered.' Mr Higgins said five movies were found on the computer equipment with the file names including 'Emma - 8-yr-old model', 'Daphne - 9-yrs-old' and 'pre-teen'. The Mary Erskine School and Stewart Melville College statement said that it was appalled by Scordecchia's behaviour A hard drive was also seized by police and one Cat A movie and 16 Cat B and C images of child abuse were subsequently discovered. The prosecutor added the worst of the movies depicted 'activity with male and female children between the ages of seven and 12 being penetrated by adults'. Another horrific movie showed girls between the ages of 10 and 12 'engaging in sexual activity between themselves'. Solicitor Andrew Houston, defending, said his client, of Laichpark Road, Edinburgh, was receiving 'specialist counselling' and has been voluntarily engaging with the Stop It Now organisation since June last year. Scordecchia admitted to possessing indecent images of children at an address at Trinity Road, Edinburgh, between April 1 and May 25 last year. A spokesperson for Mary Erskine School and Stewart Melville College said: 'Darren Scordecchia was employed as an ICT technician at ESMS from 2004 until 2017. 'When the police identified that he had been found in possession of indecent images of children, on his home computer, unconnected with his employment, he was immediately suspended from work and later dismissed following a disciplinary hearing. 'As with all employees at ESMS, he was a member of the national PVG scheme. He did not work with children at the schools. Parents and staff at ESMS were informed of our actions at the time. 'We were appalled to learn of his behaviour, which we find abhorrent. 'The school conforms to the most stringent safeguarding measures to ensure that all appointed employees are suitable to work in an environment in which young people can thrive safely and happily.' Hard-line Iranian president Hassan Rouhani has vowed to buy or make any weapons it needs to defend itself from 'invading powers' as Israel braces itself for an attack from Tehran President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by 'invading powers', as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day. Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbours. Iranian leader President Hassan Rouhani, centre, has vowed make or buy any weapons to defend itself from 'invading powers' during a major display of military might Among the military hardware on display was this S-300 air defence missile There were also several older S-200 air defence missiles on display during the military parade 'We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighbouring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence,' Rouhani said. 'We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without U.N. permission,' Rouhani added. U.S., British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syriaas war, in a bid to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Personnel from all branches of the Iranian military were participating in today's parade Not all of the hardware on display looked cutting edge such as this air defence gun Several Iranian Army helicopters including this Bell AH-1 Cobra were involved in the parade Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the 'terrible flaws' of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran. U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh waivers to suspend them on May 12. Iran was also showing off some of their fleet of Boeing Chinook helicopters during the parade Dozens of types of missiles were driven past a mausoleum containing the remains of Ayatollah Khomeini outside Tehran to mark National Army Day Rouhani told the parade: 'We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without U.N. permission' Now, Israel is bracing itself for an attack directly from Iran, launched by the country's Revolutionary Guard Corps, to avenge the seven dead soldiers killed on April 9. The IDF reportedly believe an attack by the Iranian army will be launched from one of the bases they control in allied Syria - and have warned Tehran against any action. 'Israel will react strongly to any Iranian action from inside Syria,' senior IDF source told Sky News according to JPost. Israel, which has often struck Syrian army locations during its neighbour's seven-year civil war, has neither confirmed nor denied mounting the raid. But Israeli officials said the Tiyas air base was being used by troops from Iran and that Israel would not accept such a presence in Syria of its arch foe. Iran's Tansim news agency said seven Iranian military personnel had been killed in the attack, which contributed to a sharp escalation of tensions between the West and Russia. '(The Tiyas strike) was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets - both facilities and people,' New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman quoted the Israeli military source as saying. Friedman described the seven Iranians killed as members of the Qods Force, a branch of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps that oversees operations abroad, and one of them as a commander of a drone unit. Asked about the claim of Israeli responsibility cited in the New York Times article, which was published on Sunday, an Israeli military spokeswoman said: 'There is no comment at this time.' While acknowledging that it has carried out scores of strikes in Syria against suspect Iranian deployments or arms transfers to Lebanese Hezbollah guerrillas, Israel generally does not comment on specific missions. A new survey has revealed the death of the good old British lunch hour with a quarter of us taking under 15 minutes, a rising trend called a 'nano lunch'. Stressed London workers have seen their lunch hour shrink and now more than 70 per cent take a quick 40 minute lunch. And a staggeringly low amount, 17 per cent, still take the full hour break. A quarter 25 of time-poor Brits taking under 15 minutes for lunch. wagamama commissioned Censuswide to conduct the new lunch survey, which was completed by 2,000 people across the UK. A new survey by wagamama has revealed the death of the good old British lunch hour with a quarter of us taking under 15 minutes, a rising trend called a 'nano lunch' so the restaurant chain has created an app to to help save customers time when paying 'The Lunch Report' by wagamama, released to celebrate the launch of wagamamago, shows that in addition, almost 30 per cent of the UK regularly enjoy a 'micro lunch' (under 25 mins). wagamamago, a world-first app described as 'Uber for diners' allows time poor Brits to walk in, order, eat and for the first time ever, simply go. Time is of the essence when it comes to taking a moment for lunch, with half the nation refusing to wait longer than six minutes in a queue for food. Eating in restaurants is also time sensitive, with 'waiting for a table' and 'waiting for a bill' on equal footings as the biggest pet hates on lunchtime pressure. And it seems with good reason, on average of 54 per cent of people eating out at least once a week, all wasting over 11 hours a year simply waiting to pay. In response to the trend and customer demand, wagamama has launched wagamamago, in partnership with Mastercard. The new app will save Brits an average of 12 minutes at every meal, according to research. wagamama has launched an Uber-style restaurant app that allows diners to bypass the waiter and pay automatically is about to go live across high streets The research also showed that almost 40 per cent of Brits will use technology to speed up elements of life in general. For the very first time, Brits can dine in the same stress-free way people take an Uber; smart-ordering where your details are stored securely, enjoy the dining experience and then simply get up and go. Through the revolutionary technology, payment can be taken automatically from the app without the need to hit a pay button; the first time any restaurant in the world has ever offered a 'walk out' payment option in this way, the company says wagamamago is available to download for free on iOS and Android devices now. For further information go to the website. There's speculation by some close to President Trump's White House that U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Vice President Mike Pence have formed an alliance, and could even run together on a presidential ticket in 2020. That's what White House insiders have whispered to the New York Times, as a rift between Haley and the president spilled out into public this week. 'It's perfect,' Haley responded Wednesday when asked about her current relationship status with Trump, who fumed about her Sunday announcement of more sanctions against Russia behind-the-scenes. When asked by a reporter later in the day if she was forming her own ticket with Pence she responded with simply a 'no.' Scroll down for video MUTINY? White House insiders have whispered to the New York Times that an alliance seems to be forming between U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley (left) and Vice President Mike Pence (right), so much that there's speculation they could run together as a ticket in 2020 President Trump was angered by his U.N. Amb. Nikki Haley announcing new Russia sanctions on Face the Nation on Sunday, causing the White House embarrassment when the Trump administration didn't pull the trigger on the threat On Sunday, Haley had appeared on Face the Nation and stated that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would be making a sanctions announcement on Monday if he hadn't already made it by the time her interview aired. 'And they will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons use,' Haley said, referring to the current head of Syria, who is getting propped up by the Russians. 'And so I think everyone is going to feel it at this point,' Haley said, speaking about the consequences of the latest Syrian chemical weapons attack. 'I think everyone knows that we sent a strong message and our hope is that they listen to it.' The sanctions announcement never would come on Monday. On Tuesday, the president's new top economic adviser Larry Kudlow explained that Haley merely 'got ahead of the curve.' 'She's done a great job. She's a very effective ambassador, but there might have been some momentary confusion about that,' Kudlow added. Haley did not take kindly to his words. 'With all due respect, I don't get confused,' Haley had told Fox News Channel's Dana Perino, who quoted the U.N. ambassador's response on the air. 'White House talking points' distributed by the Republican National Committee on Saturday are in line with what Haley said on Face the Nation. 'We also intend to impose specific additional sanctions against Russia to respond to Moscow's ongoing support for the Assad regime, which has enabled the regime's atrocities against the Syrian people,' the document read, according to the Times. But then Haley was scolded for going too far, with the State Department telling a Haley aide that the ambassador should issue a correction, which the former South Carolina governor's team never did. For more than a year, Trump had permitted Haley to play an outsized role in comparison to her predecessors, as well as be the more hawkish voice against Russia, while the president displayed a more wishy-washy, almost friendly, approach. But with rumors that her political ambitions could be nipping at his heels, Trump seems to be losing patience with that power dynamic especially as Haley becomes closer to Pence. When Pence named Haley's deputy Jon Lerner as his new national security adviser, Trump lost it over reports that Lerner had made anti-Trump ads when he was working at the Club for Growth during the 2016 GOP primaries. The promotion would have allowed Lerner to still work out of the United Nations. Eventually, Lerner walked away from the opportunity with Pence. Aides for both Haley and Pence deny that their bosses have made any such plans for 2020. Trump has already filed his paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to run for re-election and he's raising money for the cause. He also announced in February that Brad Parscale would lead the effort. But the Haley-Pence chatter comes as some of the president's confidants are not so sure he'd campaign for another term. 'If you told me tomorrow Donald wanted to call it quits after one term, I would believe you,' one confidant told Fox Business Network earlier this month. The Dunlap Police Department has been recognized in a select group of 30 finalists for the 2018 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. Over 2,300 nominations were received from all 50 states, Guam-CMNI, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The Dunlap Police Department was nominated by Officer Robert W. Raber who is a specialist in the 252 Military Police Company, Tennessee Army National Guard. Specialist Raber has served numerous training and active duty deployments including a year in the Middle East and more recently during hurricane relief in the U.S. The Dunlap Police Department was nominated by Officer Robert W. Raber who is a specialist in the 252 Military Police Company, Tennessee Army National Guard. Specialist Raber has served numerous training and active duty deployments including a year in the Middle East and more recently during hurricane relief in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Specialist Raber recognized his employer for their outstanding support during his earlier deployments but the most recent support was exceptional. While he was in the Virgin Islands his home was destroyed by fire. The Police Department, Chief Clint Huth and others immediately provided assistance for Specialist Raber's wife and children. They assisted in locating new temporary housing and spearheaded fund drives for the family. Virgin Islands. Specialist Raber recognized his employer for their outstanding support during his earlier deployments but the most recent support was exceptional. While he was in the Virgin Islands his home was destroyed by fire. The Police Department, Chief Clint Huth and others immediately provided assistance for Specialist Raber's wife and children. They assisted in locating new temporary housing and spearheaded fund drives for the family. The Dunlap Police Department is the only nominee in Tennessee that was selected as a finalist. Final selection for the Freedom Award will be announced by early June. The nominator and an employer representative will be invited to attend the award ceremony hosted by Secretary of Defense Mattis and held in the Pentagon in August. Gilbey pleaded not guilty to the charges at a London court on Wednesday Gogglebox star George Gilbey will face trial on charges of battering his girlfriend and smashing up her home. Gilbey is accused of rowing with his partner Gemma Conway and destroying property at her home in Twickenham, west London in March. The Channel 4 reality personality is accused of also beating Ms Conway in the incident. The 34-year-old pleaded not guilty to the two charges brought against him at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. Gogglebox star George Gilbey will face trial on charges of battering his girlfriend Gemma Conway (pictured together) and smashing up her home last month Gilbey, his mother Linda and her husband Pete became instant favourites with Gogglebox viewers when they joined the show in September of 2013 In court Helen Jones, chairman of the magistrates, told Gilbey that the matter will go to trial on June 1, reported the Sun. Gilbey and Ms Conway met in 2015 at the Royal Ascot Races and announced their pregnancy in February the next year, with the funnyman saying becoming a father was 'going to totally change my life and I can't wait.' Gilbey, his mother Linda and her husband Pete became instant favourites with Gogglebox viewers when they joined the show in September of 2013. But a year later they were forced to leave the series when Gilbey chose to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house on rival Channel 5, which is deemed a rule breaker by producers. Inside he became linked with Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt. And in controversial scenes he later paired up with Edele Lynch after Pratt was evicted. Inside he became linked with Made in Chelsea star Stephanie Pratt. And in controversial scenes he later paired up with Edele Lynch after Pratt was evicted In 2016 the star admitted he blew most of his CBB fee, losing 12,000 in one night at a casino, and is now back working as an electrician. A Metropolitan Police spokesperson commented back in March: 'A man has been charged following an assault on Friday, 16 March 'George Gilbey, 34, of Clacton, was charged with assault by beating and criminal damage on Saturday, 17 March. 'He has been bailed to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, 18 March.' The family of a woman who died after being partially pulled out of a plane window on board a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday have thanked the hero passengers who pulled her back in the aircraft. Jennifer Riordan, 43, was pronounced dead at hospital in Philadelphia on Tuesday after the plane she was on made an emergency landing. The upper half of her body was drawn towards and through an open window after it was shattered by a piece of flying shrapnel from the engine in front of her which had exploded. The mother-of-two was a banking executive from Albuquerque, New Mexico. While her husband and children were too distraught to speak, her sister-in-law said on Wednesday that she had become a 'guardian angel' to somebody in her death. Jennifer Riordan (above with her husband Michael) died on Tuesday. Her sister-in-law said on Thursday that 'God' needed her as she thanked well wishers and the men who stopped her whole body from flying out of the aircraft window EMT Andrew Needum (left) and farmer Tim McGinty (right) pulled the woman's body back in the aircraft. Needum and a retired nurse on the plane then performed CPR until the plane had landed but the woman could not be saved She thanked farmer Tim McGinty and EMT Andrew Needum for pulling her sister-in-law's body back into the aircraft, saying that they would now be able to have closure by giving her a burial. 'Thank you. Thank you that she didnt go flying out the window and we wouldnt have her. She was much more than a statistic,' Marianne Riordan told The Boston Herald. She apologized to those who witnessed the horrific accident, saying they would likely now carry 'images' they would rather forget. 'Im sorry that theyll probably have images in their head that theyll never forget, but Jennifer would be the first to say your job is to keep living, and live well. 'Obviously, God needed her. Hopefully, shes somebodys guardian angel now,' she added. Riordan was sitting next to a window which was smashed out when the engine exploded and shrapnel came flying towards the aircraft Riordan was sitting next to the window. Passengers said the air suction was so strong it pulled the upper half of her body out of the plane The woman's husband and children issued a statement earlier in the day calling her the 'bedrock' of their family. It is too soon for them to know if they will pursue legal action against the airline or the plane or engine manufacturer, a family friend told DailyMail.com. Riordan was on her way back from a business trip in New York City when she died. She was an executive for Wells Fargo where colleagues considered her a natural and effective leader. Earlier on Wednesday, harrowing details emerged of how retired nurse Peggy Phillips tried to save Riordan's live by performing CPR once Needum and McGinty had been able to get her body back inside the plane. Jennifer Riordan's close friend Tania Armenta told DailyMail.com that there is no legal action against the airline in the works yet Riordan's husband Michael said she was the 'bedrock' of their family. She was a mother-of-two Phillips did not want to go into specific detail about the severity of her injuries but she described them as 'significant' head and facial damage. They tried to revive her for 12 minutes until the plane landed and until paramedics rushed on board to take her to hospital. Pilot Tammie Jo Shults, 56, has been hailed as a hero for making an emergency landing with just one engine. The Boeing 737-700 was flying at an altitutde of 32,500ft when the left engine suddenly exploded. The cause of the explosion is not yet clear but investigators have been able to determine so far that one of the fan blades on the CFM56 engine was missing. It is believed to have separated from the fan hub as a result of metal fatigue which is when a build up of small cracks on metal causes a larger separation. Southwest Airlines' CEO released a statement not long after the accident on Tuesday describing it as a 'sad' day. He gave his thoughts to Riordan's family. The legal team working for porn star Stormy Daniels has received more than 1,500 tips since they released a sketch of the man she says threatened her to stay quiet on her alleged affair with Donald Trump. Her lawyer Michael Avenatti told TMZ on Wednesday that they had received over 1,500 leads in 24 hours via a tip line set up to identify the mystery man. He added that only a few hundred were credible enough to pursue by the legal team. Avenatti said they had already dedicated 40-60 man hours checking out the tips and they had teams of people in Las Vegas, California and New York. Stormy unveiled the sketch on The View Tuesday of the man she claims threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011. Scroll down for video Porn star Stormy Daniels revealed the sketch that was made of the man she says threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011, after she went to the press with her story of having sexual relations with then-businessman Donald Trump Porn star Stormy Daniels participated in her first live television interview on Tuesday talking to the women of The View Rehashing the story to The View, Daniels said the man approached her as she was getting her infant daughter out of the car to attend a mommy-and-me exercise class. 'I noticed him because he was sort of well-dressed and nothing about him alarmed me,' she said in her first live television interview since the hush money payment given to Daniels by President Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen was unveiled. 'I really thought he was somebody's husband not wanting to be in whatever his wife was doing.' When she noticed his reflection in her car's window she expected him to ask for directions. Instead the man threatened the adult film actress and her daughter, telling her to 'forget about this story, leave Mr Trump alone.' Upon unveiling the sketch, Stormy's lawyer said they would pay a $100,000 reward for the identity of the man, and asked for tips to be sent to IDTheThug@gmail.com. 'We want to get to the bottom of who this is, and we think we know who this is, but we want to confirm it,' Avenatti told The View's audience. President Donald Trump has since accused Daniels of pulling a 'total con job' by releasing the artist's sketch. 'A sketch years later about a nonexistent man,' Trump tweeted on Wednesday. 'A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it!).' Avenatti divulged more details about the mystery man during a Tuesday afternoon appearance with CNN's Jake Tapper. The lawyer explained that Daniels had looked at photos of a number of individuals 'we believe indirectly' worked for Trump and Cohen, Avenatti said. 'She has reviewed, Jake, a number of photographs over the last few weeks, couple weeks, actually and we've narrowed it down,' the lawyer said. The sketch of the man Stormy Daniels (center) said threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot is shown behind the co-hosts of The View He didn't mention whether the drawing was made before or after Daniels saw the photos. Tapper asked why Avenatti and Daniels wanted the public's help if they already narrowed it down. 'What we're hoping for is someone saw something or heard something. Ideally one of these individuals would have bragged about it to a member of the public,' Avenatti said. While many aspects of Daniel's liaison with the now-president had already come out in the press thanks, in part, to the 2011 interview she did with In Touch Weekly, which the magazine didn't publish until this January it was details about this threat that became the headline out of her 60 Minutes interview last month. Avenatti clarified on Tapper's show that the threat to Daniels was made after she had talked to In Touch Weekly. Daniels told 60 Minutes that she did not report the encounter to police at the time because she was scared. She reiterated that point to The View's co-host Meghan McCain on Tuesday. 'I was scared, it was expressly what he told me not to do,' Daniels said of taking the threat to authorities. She also pointed out that if she had gone to the police a public record would have been produced and she likely would have had to explain that she had a previous alleged sexual encounter with Trump, which is why the threat took place. Porn star Stormy Daniels is photographed entering the studios for The View, as she gives her first live television interview Stormy Daniels smiles as she walks alongside her lawyer Michael Avenatti (left) Tuesday in New York 'Honestly one of the main reasons I didn't say anything is I didn't tell my husband at the time,' she said of her one night stand with Trump. 'To go home and say, 'I had this guy attack me, oh and by the way he did this because of this.' I didn't want him to think I was a bad mom and I put our daughter in danger.' McCain asked why Daniels had never detailed the threat until the 60 Minutes interview, as the porn star had spoken off-the-record to news outlets about her encounter with Trump in the weeks before the election. The adult film actress replied that she didn't want to be asked the question McCain had just asked - why not call the cops? 'I did tell quite a few people actually from back then,' Daniels then volunteered. 'I told family members and two friends and people that I worked with.' At that point Avenatti jumped in to say that there was no way his client could 'fabricate' the man's face. 'This is a very detailed sketch,' he said. He explained how the sketch had been made by a woman named Lois Gibson who often works with the FBI. 'She found Stormy to be very credible,' Avenatti added. Co-host Joy Behar pointed out that the man 'looks like an actor, sort of.' 'That's what stood out to me because I thought, honestly, that he was, you know, sort of handsome,' Daniels said. Promos for Tuesday's episode of The View showed Stormy Daniels (right) sitting down with forensic artist Lois Gibson (left), who created the sketch Stormy Daniels (left) sat down with forensic artist Lois Gibson (right) earlier this month and described the man she says threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot in 2011 Avenatti had planned to release the drawing publicly last week, but the raid of Trump attorney Michael Cohen's office and hotel room delayed the unveiling. 'Due to the FBI raids of Mr. Cohen's office/home and a subsequent request we received this morning to delay the release of the forensic sketch of the thug that threatened Ms. Clifford to 'leave Trump alone', we will not be releasing the sketch or reward details today. Timing TBD,' Avenatti tweeted last week after the Monday morning raid. Cohen was responsible for giving Daniels $130,000 in hush money in October 2016 in exchange for her signing a non-disclosure agreement that barred her from talking about her alleged sexual encounter with Trump. Avenatti has made a number of legal maneuvers to prevent Daniels from having to pay damages for violating the NDA, which the lawyer had argued is invalid since Trump never signed on as a party. Cohen, for his part, has said he paid Daniels personally, and Trump has backed that account up. 'Let me just say, I work in the adult business and I'm a better actress than he is,' Daniels replied to a clip The View played showing Trump denying he knew about the hush money payment. The longtime Trump fixer was in federal court Monday trying to prevent prosecutors from examining the content seized from the FBI's raid on Cohen's properties a week before. Daniels and Avenatti showed up at the hearing and then spoke to press waiting outside. 'For years Mr Cohen has acted like he is above the law, he has considered himself and openly referred to himself as Mr Trump's fixer. He has played by a different set of rules , or should we say, no rules at all,' Daniels told the crowd. 'He has never thought that the little man, or especially women, even more women like me mattered.' 'That ends now,' the porn star said. 'My attorney and me are committed to making sure that everyone finds out the truth and the facts of what happens, and I give my word that we will not rest until that happens.' The wealthy owner of a New York City construction company and his brother have been charged with violating campaign finance laws by allegedly having their employees make donations to Bill de Blasio and two of his opponents in the 2013 mayoral race. Husam Ahmad, the chairman and CEO of HAKS Engineers and Land Surveyors, was arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday on counts of bribery, corruption and making false statements. Also charged in the alleged fundraising scheme were Ahmads brother, Shahid Akhtar, who until recently served as the CFO of the company, and former New York City Transit executive David Henley. Day in court: Husam Ahmad (left), the chairman and CEO of HAKS Engineers, and his CFO brother, Shahid Akhtar (right), are pictured arriving in Manhattan Criminal Court on Wednesday to be arraigned on charges in connection to a fundraising scheme Former New York City Transit executive David Henley is pictured in handcuffs in court. He is accused of lying about making an in-kind contribution to the campaign of then-candidate Joe Lhota That latter is accused of lying about making an in-kind contribution to the campaign of then-candidate Joe Lhota in the form of a fundraising event hosted at HAKS. According to the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, Ahmad and Akhtar would host luncheons to raise money for de Balsio, Lhota and Bill Thompson, who were all running for mayor five years ago. De Blasio, a Democrat, ultimately won the race and was re-elected for a second term in a landslide last year. Diana Florence, attorney-in-charge of the DA's Construction Fraud Task Force, told the New York Post that as part of the fundraising scheme, Ahmad and Akhtar asked employees at HAKS and Ahmads other company, SIMCO Engineering, to donate money to the three mayoral hopefuls. Ahmad is pictured with Mayor Bill de Blasio in 2014 at the Hamilton Avenue Asphalt Plant. Ahmad's company HAKS has received $280million in city contracts since 2010 Ahmad (pictured with de Blasio in 2014) allegedly asked employees at HAKS and his other company, SIMCO Engineering, to donate money to the three mayoral candidates in 2013 According to the DA, the campaigns of Bill Thompson (left) and Joe Lhota (right) received donations from Ahmad and his companies At the end of the year, a HAKS administrator reimbursed the workers for their political contributions in the form of bonuses, which is illegal under federal and state campaign finance laws. Court documents suggest that Ahmad, a Columbia University graduate who founded HAKS in 1991, expected senior staff to donate to specific campaigns of his choosing. Campaign Finance Board filings have revealed that employees at HAKS and SIMCO donated a total of $38,700 to de Blasio's 2013 campaign. Ahmad chipped in $6,400 out of his own pocket, and his wife Uzma contributed $13,450 to both de Blasios 2013 and the 2017 campaigns and transition. Ahmad and his wife have also donated generously to Gov. Andrew Cuomo's campaigns, shelling out $200,000 since 2009, as New York Daily News reported. HAKS has received more than $280million in city contracts in the past eight years. Until recently, Ahmad was a member of the non-profit organization Mayor's Fund to Advance New York. Ahmad, Akhtar and Henley all pleaded not guilty to the charges against them and were released on bail Wednesday. The Home Office was warned by its own officials that a toughening up of immigration laws could hit older immigrants such as the Windrush generation, it emerged last night. The warning came in an internal assessment on the impact of changes to the 'right to rent' scheme, introduced in 2014. Measures proposed in the Immigration Bill 2015 brought into force by the Immigration Act 2016 threatened landlords with five years in jail if they did not check if tenants had permission to stay in the UK. They were also given greater powers to evict illegal immigrants. The Home Office was warned by its own officials that a toughening up of immigration laws could hit older immigrants such as the Windrush generation. Pictured: Theresa May issuing a grovelling apology to Windrush immigrants on Wednesday But the 11-page paper, which did not specifically mention the Windrush generation, warned: 'Some non-UK born older people may have additional difficulties in providing original documentation. Some may have had their immigration records destroyed. Some will have originally come into the country under old legislation but may have difficulty in evidencing this. 'Some may be able to evidence it, but landlords might be unwilling to go to the trouble of verifying unfamiliar documentation.' It pointed out that the landlords could use a wide range of documents to certify eligibility, including expired passports. Trevor Phillips, the former head of the Commission for Racial Equality, who uncovered the document, said: 'It is so cowardly that the Home Office is expressing surprise and saying this scandal is a dreadful mistake by some junior person yet this shows ministers must have been told that this could happen.' Ministers would not have been required to sign off the impact assessment, said the Home Office. The document emerged after another twist in the Windrush scandal yesterday when Theresa May said the decision to destroy the migrants' paper landing cards had been taken under the last Labour government What is the Windrush scandal and how did the fiasco develop? June 22, 1948 - The Empire Windrush passenger ship docked at Tilbury from Jamaica. The 492 passengers were temporarily housed near Brixton in London. Over the following decades some 500,000 came to the UK. Many arrived on their parents' passports and were not formally naturalised as British citizens. 1973 - A new immigration Act comes into force putting the onus on individuals to prove they have previously been resident in the UK. 2010 - The Home Office destroyed thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK. The move came despite staff warnings that the move would make it harder to check the records of older Caribbean-born residents experiencing residency difficulties, it was claimed 2014 - A protection that exempted Commonwealth residents from enforced removal was removed under a new law. Theresa May was Home Secretary at the time. Under a crackdown on illegals, Windrush immigrants are obliged to provide proof they were resident in the UK before 1973. July 2016 - Mrs May becomes Prime Minister. April 2018 - Allegations that Windrush immigrants are being threatened with deportation break. Theresa May issued a grovelling apology to Caribbean leaders after major backlash April 29 - Amber Rudd resigns after inadvertently misleading Parliament by wrongly claiming there were no deportation targets Advertisement The document emerged after another twist in the Windrush scandal yesterday when Theresa May said the decision to destroy the migrants' paper landing cards had been taken under the last Labour government. Jeremy Corbyn accused the Prime Minister in the House of Commons of responsibility for shredding thousands of documents from Commonwealth citizens which could have helped confirm their immigration status. But she hit back, insisting that the decision to destroy the cards was made in 2009. On Tuesday, the Home Office said the decision was made in 2010. However, yesterday Downing Street said officials at the UK Border Agency actually took the decision in June 2009. That month Alan Johnson took over from Jacqui Smith as Home Secretary. By last night the timeline of what happened was the subject of a furious row. Labour accused Mrs May of misleading Parliament a claim rejected by No10. A spokesman for Mrs May later insisted that the 'business case' to dispose of paper records, including landing slips, was taken in June 2009. Paper records started to be destroyed in December that year. But the destruction of the landing slips did not begin until October 2010, when Mrs May was Home Secretary. Officials insisted Mrs May was 'not involved' in that decision in 2010 which was 'an operational decision taken by the UK Border Agency'. They also argued that the landing cards would not have helped solve the problem of Windrush migrants proving they were resident in Britain. However, a former Home Office official contradicted that claim. The worker, speaking anonymously, told the Guardian that landing card information was used regularly in decision-making work during the 1980s. She said the database was important because 'it would show who else arrived with you; it would show the parents and the children that they brought with them'. A Labour spokesman said the Government's story on the cards was 'shifting by the hour'. Last night a Home Office spokesman said it did a lot of work on the Right to Rent checks 'to ensure they did not have an adverse impact on any age group. 'This included working with charities, local authorities, landlords and letting agents. We also set up an enquiry service to support to landlords delivering the checks and worked with organisations such as Citizens Advice.' Sentina Bristol blames her son Dexter's (pictured) death on trying to prove he wasn't illegal. He died aged 57 on March 31 A grieving mother last night blamed the Windrush scandal for the death of her son who became 'very depressed' as he fought to prove he was not an illegal immigrant. Sentina Bristol said that her son, Dexter, had spent the last year of his life trying to untangle his immigration status with the Home Office. She said that despite the fact he came to Britain from Grenada in 1968, he had been classified as an illegal immigrant, denied benefits and sacked from his job because he had no passport. Dexter had apparently faced Home Office delays when trying to get records that could have proved he was in the country legally. On March 31, Dexter collapsed in the street outside his home and died aged 57. Last night, Mrs Bristol claimed the stress had contributed to her son's death and called on the Prime Minister to resign. 'I think Theresa May should resign. I don't enjoy saying that. This situation has to be amended,' she said. 'My son is British. We didn't come here illegally.' Tensions between Downing Street and the Home Office were evident yesterday as the PM's official spokesman said Amber Rudd's department failed to give enough help to the Windrush children who are in the UK legally. She said that despite the fact he came to Britain from Grenada in 1968, he had been classified as an illegal immigrant, denied benefits and sacked from his job because he had no passport The spokesman said: 'Clearly the Home Office should have provided more support.' But he denied Mrs May was trying to dodge blame, saying: 'I don't think anyone is seeking to avoid their fair share of responsibility in this.' The treatment of the Windrush generation who arrived from the Commonwealth between the late 1940s and early 1970s to help rebuild post-war Britain has exploded into a major scandal. Anyone who came before 1973 was given indefinite leave to remain, but many are having to prove that they have the right to live and work in the UK because of a Home Office immigration crackdown. Mr Bristol is the first death to be linked to the Windrush scandal. Last night it was revealed that Home Secretary Miss Rudd will be hauled before the Commons' Home Affairs Select Committee next Wednesday to give evidence. As the crisis escalated again: Labour was in the dock after it was revealed the destruction of migrants' landing cards was ordered in 2009 under Gordon Brown. A report this year by a Parliamentary committee said people who were lawfully resident in the UK were wrongly embroiled in a crackdown on illegal migration. The foreign minister for St Kitts and Nevis said the scandal had been known about for two years. One Windrush child said he considered suicide after hearing the Home Office lost his papers. The Prime Minister issued a second apology in the Commons. The Home Office was unable to provide clarity on how many people were wrongly removed or refused entry back to Britain. Sentina Bristol called on the Prime Minister to resign, saying: 'I think Theresa May should resign. I don't enjoy saying that. This situation has to be amended,' she said. 'My son is British. We didn't come here illegally' Mr Bristol moved here aged eight to join his mother, who was an NHS nurse. He spent the rest of his life in the UK but, like thousands of Windrush children, never got a passport and was never formally naturalised. He had his benefits terminated in 2016 because he could not prove he was permitted to live here then lost his cleaning job last year as he had no documentation. On March 31, he keeled over in the street outside his home in east London and could not be revived. Ahead of an upcoming inquest, the cause of death is unknown. Mrs Bristol told the Guardian: 'A child came to this country eight years old and spent 50 years... this is their home. Very unfair. I'm very, very angry and I'm grieving at the moment and frustrated. 'Dexter was very depressed over this legal situation. He said if he doesn't get his passport, they said they are going to cut off his benefit, he is going to lose his flat and he can't afford to do that.' Mr Bristol's lawyer, Jacqueline McKenzie, said: 'He would come into the office and say: 'Will I ever get my passport?' We saw him get more and more depressed and anxious. He died being denied an immigration status which was rightfully his.' A Home Office spokesman said Mr Bristol 'made no applications to the Home Office and was not the subject of any removal action'. Mr Bristol's family say the reason he made no application was that he was struggling to gather all the necessary documents before paying the expensive fee. In January, a report by the Commons' Home Affairs Select Committee warned: 'There are regular reports of people with a lawful right to be here being caught up in the system, often via errors in an application process or problems with data retained by the Home Office.' Mark Brantley, foreign minister for St Kitts and Nevis, claimed the controversy had been bubbling since 2016. Yesterday Mrs May made a second apology and pledged to resolve the situation as quickly as possible. She said: 'These people are British. They are part of us. I want to be absolutely clear that we have no intention of asking anyone to leave who has the right to remain here. 'For those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them, I want to apologise to them and I want to say sorry to anyone who has been caused confusion and anxiety by this.' So far 113 people have called a Home Office hotline set up to help Commonwealth citizens whose status has been challenged. Plans to turn the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village into affordable housing could backfire, turning the area into a crime hotspot. The complex at Parkwood on the Gold Coast is being retrofitted into 1252 low-cost one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhouses. The mixed-use Parklands Project by Grocon has been criticised by local real estate agents, who fear it could become a magnet for crime and social problems. Scroll down for video Plans to turn the Commonwealth Games Athletes Village (pictured) into affordable housing could backfire, turning the area into a crime hotspot The complex (pictured) at Parkwood on the Gold Coast is being retrofitted into 1252 low-cost one and two bedroom apartments and three bedroom townhouses The mixed-use Parklands Project by Grocon has been criticised by local real estate agents, who fear it could become a magnet for crime and social problems (pictured is a replica athletes' apartment) 'Students need somewhere to live,' Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell told Nine News. 'But if it became student accommodation only, it'll drive away other types of potential residents. 'This has to be done very carefully ... if we end up with a student hub, we'll run the risk of crime and other associated social issues.' 'Students need somewhere to live,' Ray White Surfers Paradise CEO Andrew Bell said (pictured is the Athletes Village) 'This has to be done very carefully ... if we end up with a student hub, we'll run the risk of crime and other associated social issues,' said Mr Bell (pictured is a room inside the village) Mr Bell said the rents at the complex were expected to range from $300 to $600 a week, with a median of about $400, compared to the Gold Coast median of $485. Poll Do you think turning the Athletes Village into affordable housing is a good idea? Yes No I don't know Do you think turning the Athletes Village into affordable housing is a good idea? Yes 57 votes No 35 votes I don't know 7 votes Now share your opinion Local MP Meaghan Scanlon said this was a 'really exciting time' for the village and described it as a 'great opportunity for people to live in the centre of the Gold Coast'. There are hopes the area could become a hub for urban professionals and even a centre for medical tourism. The $550million project, which broke ground in 2014, includes seven hectares of green space and 18 retail and dining stores. The complex is 3km from the Southport CBD, and 5km from Surfers Paradise. Home to 6500 athletes during the Commonwealth Games, the masterplanned development will welcome new residents in January 2019. Register Pam Hurst was presented a State of Tennessee House of Representative Joint Resolution, which honors her service as Hamilton County Register of Deeds for the last 24 years. State Representative Marc Gravitt made the presentation at the County Commission meeting on Wednesday, April 18. Register Hurst is retiring on Sept. 1. Neal was charged with Mani's murder and the murder of their unborn baby after he allegedly admitted to the crime to police A Wisconsin man was arrested in connection to the gruesome death of his pregnant girlfriend after police found the woman's body stuffed into a suitcase. Shannon Mani was found dead Sunday morning at a storage facility near 76th and Tower, two days after her family reported her missing. She was five months pregnant at the time of her death. Investigators said the young woman's body was covered with a garbage bag and stuffed into a suitcase. She had been bound with duct tape at the head, ankles and wrists, investigators said. The suitcase was discovered in a storage locker leased to 27-year-old Quentin Neal, the victim's boyfriend. Scroll down for video Shannon Mani, 21, was found dead Sunday morning, two days after her family reported her missing Police said the Wisconsin college student, who was five months pregnant, had been bound with duct tape and then stuffed into a suitcase Police discovered the suitcase in a storage locker leased to the woman's boyfriend, 27-year-old Quentin Neal According to CBS58 , authorities were able to retrieve a conversation from Mani's Apple Watch which revealed that she and Neal had talked about her coming to his house on Friday. That same day Mani's family contacted police to file a missing persons report saying the 21-year-old University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee student had failed to pick up her younger brother from school and never showed up to work. Police obtained a search warrant for Neal's Milwaukee home and allegedly found blood in the basement. Neal also allegedly admitted to detectives that he and Mani had gotten into an argument at his house Friday. He said there was tension in their relationship because of her pregnancy and her parents not approving of him, Fox6 reports. The defendant claimed that he showed (Mani) a gun that he had obtained for protection at which time the defendant alleged that (Mani) took the gun and a knife from the kitchen, then tried to pull the trigger but it didnt go off because of the safety, court documents state. Neal appeared in court Tuesday on charges of of intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon and intentional homicide of an unborn fetus A funeral for Mani, who worked at a cosmetology shop, is expected to be held on April 22 Neal allegedly said he then shot Mani twice in the head which caused her to fall down the basement steps. He told police the pregnant woman got up and attacked him and he grabbed a knife and stabbed her. Police have yet to release a motive for the heinous crime. Neal appeared in court Tuesday on charges of intentional homicide, possession of a firearm by a felon and intentional homicide of an unborn fetus. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Mani's family is expected to hold a funeral for the slain woman on April 22, Fox6 reports. According to the outlet, Mani worked at a cosmetics shop and aspired to be a dental assistant. She also worked with special needs children. The Department of Homeland Security says that so-called sanctuary states shielded dozens of alleged MS-13 gang members from deportation during an eight-month period between 2016 and 2017. The findings were provided to the Senate Judiciary Committee by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the federal agency responsible for deporting undocumented migrants. According to ICE, two-thirds of the 142 suspected gang members that ICE wanted to deport were released in California. The data was reported by the anti-immigrant think tank Center for Immigration Studies. California has a sanctuary policy that is considered one of the most progressive in the country. The Department of Homeland Security says that so-called sanctuary states shielded dozens of alleged MS-13 gang members from deportation during an eight-month period between 2016 and 2017. Alleged gang members are seen above in San Salvador in 2016 The findings were provided to the Senate Judiciary Committee by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) the federal agency responsible for deporting undocumented migrants Sanctuary policies are local guidelines in which state and local authorities limit their cooperation with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws. WHO ARE MS-13? The ultra-violent street gang MS-13 was the first to be designated as an international criminal group. With as many as 20,000 members in 46 states, the gang has expanded far beyond its initial roots. Members are accused of major crimes including murder, kidnapping, prostitution, drug smuggling and human trafficking. Major roundups of MS-13 members have taken place across the country since the early 2000s. In Charlotte, N.C., 53 gang members were arrested as part of Operation Fed Up, which targeted MS-13 members. In 2016, 58 members of MS-13 were rounded up as part of 'Operation Mean Streets'. Previously, two of their most notable killings include stabbing to death a federal witness in 2004 and chopping the hands off of a 16-year-old boy in 2005. Advertisement ICE says that the releases of the alleged MS-13 gang members took place in 37 local jurisdictions across 13 states. The most releases of alleged gang members 22 took place in Santa Clara County, California. San Diego County leaders voted on Tuesday to join the Trump administrations court challenge to Californias sanctuary law, amid a conservative backlash to the so-called sanctuary movement. California moved to the forefront of political opposition to Republican President Donald Trumps crackdown on illegal immigration with enactment last year of the first statewide law aimed at restricting local law enforcement participation in federal deportation activity. The measure bars state and local authorities from keeping undocumented immigrants who are incarcerated locked up any longer than otherwise necessary for the purpose of allowing US immigration agents to take them into custody. It also prohibits police from routinely inquiring about the immigration status of people detained in an investigation or in traffic stops. But the law, known as SB-54, allows local police to notify the federal government if they have arrested an undocumented immigrant with a felony record and permits immigration agents access to local jails. The Trump administration has harshly criticized Californias law and similar sanctuary ordinances adopted by local governments across the country, saying they threaten public safety by protecting criminals who should to be deported. Of the 37 jurisdictions that allegedly released MS 13 gang members, all but one of them Maricopa County, Arizona are sanctuary localities. Authorities in Maryland have had to deal with the largest number of suspected MS 13 figures. ICE figures show that Montgomery County released five MS-13 members while Prince Georges County released four. Between 2012 and 2018, 84 alleged MS-13 members were arrested for gang-related activity. A waiter has suffered gruesome injuries after he was allegedly bitten and put in a headlock by a woman during an argument over the price of fish. Chunping Quan called the police to complain about the cost of her meal at Nice Fish Chinese Restaurant in Adelaide. She claims despite ordering a full fish, she only received half - and refused to pay the $48 cost. After 19-year-old waiter Fan Chi Kong tried to stop Quan from leaving she allegedly bit him repeatedly on the arm, the Advertiser reported. After 19-year-old waiter Fan Chi Kong (pictured) tried to stop Quan from leaving she allegedly bit him repeatedly on the arm He suffered painful injuries after the alleged biting with gouges to his arm and hand In the video the pair can be seen struggling as Quan appears to have her arms around Mr Kong's neck Quan also allegedly pinched him and grabbed his neck in a way that made it hard for him to breathe. In the video the pair can be seen struggling as Quan appears to have her arms around Mr Kong's neck. He suffered painful injuries after the alleged biting with gouges to his arm and hand. In court on Wednesday, Quan defended her actions, saying the waiter had no right to stop her leaving because 'this is Australia, this is not China'. During her conversation with the triple-zero operator, she failed to convince the woman her call warranted police assistance. But the situation escalated and 20 minutes later they were called to the scene. Quan said she originally asked for half a fish but was told the restaurant only served it as a whole, so ended up ordering the full meal, the court was told. Soon after receiving the meal, however, she lifted the fish up to find what she believed to be half of it missing. 'I asked the restaurant staff, 'where did the other parts of the fish go?',' Quan said. 'The argument happened, the cheating, they asked me to pay for the whole fish but they only gave me half fish.' During her conversation with the triple-zero operator, she failed to convince the woman her call warranted police assistance (Quan and Mr Kong pictured disputing the cost of the meal) Chunping Quan (pictured) allegedly bit a waiter's arm in a rage over the price of a fish dish at an Adelaide restaurant on June 20 last year Quan said she was served only half a fish despite being billed for a full one (meal pictured) She allegedly paid $26.50 of her $48.50 bill before leaving the restaurant and being followed by Mr Kong. 'He held me and I told him he had no right to hold me this is Australia, this is not China,' she said. 'I asked him to release me more than three times and he didn't do it ... I said this is Australia, not China, you can't do this to me but he wouldn't listen. 'Also, I was quite angry because I asked him to release me several times and he didn't.' She was accused of assaulting 19-year-old waiter, Fan Chi Kong (pictured), who tried to stop her leaving after she paid just $26.50 for her meal Mr Kong told the court last month he requested Quan to stop several times before grabbing her hand. 'I asked them not to go any further ... and they ignored that so I grabbed the hand of one of them,' he said. 'While I was trying to stop her, she started biting me on my arm and pinching me so I had to grab the purse and try to squat down on the floor. 'She started to grab my neck, making it hard to breathe. Then someone helped and called the police.' The magistrate has reserved his decision. Albert Thompson, who has been denied life saving treatment on the NHS An immigrant denied cancer treatment in the Windrush fiasco is still not getting radiotherapy - despite the assurances of the Prime Minister. Albert Thompson, 63, has lived in London for 44 years - but told he must pay 54,000 for life saving treatment on the NHS. Theresa May was challenged over the case in PMQs today and assured he would get the care. She told the Commons: 'Clinicians have been looking at Mr Thompson's case, and he will be receiving the treatment that he needs.' But Mr Thompson said that no one has told him about the U-turn and he is still waiting for hospital treatment. He said: 'No one has gotten in touch with me yet to tell me about anything regarding my treatment, including when I'll get it.' His MP, Labour backbencher Chuka Umunna, raised the issue later in Parliament, and demanded to know if the PM had misled MPs. He said: 'In the exchanges earlier in this place the Prime Minister said that Mr Thompson will be receiving the NHS treatment he needs. That is incorrect. 'He needs radiotherapy treatment but my constituent has not received his treatment, and if there are any plans that have been made for him to get this treatment then he certainly has not been informed of it. That is a fact, and to say otherwise is wrong.' For three decades Mr Thompson worked, supported a family, and was a head mechanic for a string of garages, and paid his taxes. His mother arrived in the UK from Jamaica in the Sixties to come and work her as a nurse. He had surgery for prostate cancer in January last year, before NHS eligibility rules were tightened, and was to begin radiotherapy at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London, last November. But when he arrived for his first NHS radiotherapy session following the removal of his prostate, he was told he was not entitled to free treatment. It is because the Home Office can find no record of Mr Thompson, who was born in Jamaica, in its files. He lost the Caribbean passport he arrived in the UK with some years ago. And without a British passport - which he's never had and cannot not get because there is no documentary proof of his arrival here as a teenager in 1973, landlords will not house him and the NHS have told his he can't have treatment. He said: 'At present I'm left in limbo. It feels like I've been left to die because the job hasn't been finished. I get depressed, stressed out, anxious. 'I used to have a life, to work, to go out, enjoy myself. I had a nice car, a home. I went to the cinema, dancing. But that's the past. I have to think about the present and it's hard to come to terms with. I've got no money. 'I'm very angry with the Government that I'm in this position. I'm here legally, but they're asking me to prove I'm British.' Mr Thompson worked until 2008 when he was diagnosed with the blood cancer lymphoma and an acute back problem; since then he has been too ill to work. He was evicted from his rented flat because his landlord wanted to sell it. Tenants must now produce a British passport in order to rent accommodation. As Albert not his real name does not have a passport, he could not find a home. 'I was on the streets for three weeks. I had to beg for food. I felt ashamed. I just asked people in shops if they had anything spare.' After three weeks, Albert had managed to secure a room through a homeless charity, St Mungo's. He still lives in that accommodation now. This is the shocking moment a woman was violently attacked by her mother-in-law and her husband during a hearing. The woman, Ms Yang, and her husband, Mr Huang, had been taken to court by the mother-in-law, Ms Liu. The mother-in-law accused the now estranged couple of borrowing money for their wedding and failing to return the sum. Mr Huang and his wife Yang fight in the courtroom in China as a lawyer and official intervene Mr Huang's mother quickly joins him to beat up his wife as the hearing becomes a brawl Police arrive at the scene after being alerted by court staff who had to stop the trio fighting The hearing took place on April 10 in Guangzhou's Huadu District in South China's Guangdong Province, according to People's Daily Online. It is understood that Mr Huang and Ms Yang are currently going through a divorce, and Ms Liu did not want to lose the money she had previously lent to the couple for their wedding. The brawl began when Mr Huang savagely hit his wife after she had apparently started arguing with his mother in the courtroom. Mr Huang and his mum are cuffed and taken to a police station for assaulting the man's wife The husband has been given 15 days detention, while his mother will serve five days Surveillance footage shows Ms Yang's husband then proceeding to slap her for speaking to his mother in a disrespectful tone, and Ms Yang fought back. The disagreement descended into chaos as Mr Huang and his mum ganged up on Ms Yang, punching and slapping her in front of Ms Liu's lawyer and another court official. Police were eventually called and Ms Yang was taken to hospital. Mr Huang and his mum were cuffed and taken to a police station, where they were found guilty of assault. The husband has been given 15 days detention, while his mother will serve five days. AI can now guess what tune you're singing in your head - without you ever uttering a sound. Scientists in California have created a mind-reading machine that reveals the song being thought about simply by studying the brain's electrical activity. The finding opens the door to strange future scenarios, such as those portrayed in the series 'Black Mirror', where AI can record and playback everything you've ever seen and heard. The finding opens the door to strange future scenarios, such as those portrayed in the series 'Black Mirror', where AI can record and playback everything you've ever seen and heard Researcher Brian Pasley has previously used a deep-learning algorithm trained with brain activity, to turn a person's thoughts into digital speech. His team has now improved on that earlier research and applied the findings to music to create a new AI. The machine is around 50 per cent more accurate than the device the team created in 2014. 'During auditory perception, when you listen to sounds such as speech or music, we know that certain parts of the auditory cortex decompose these sounds into acoustic frequencies for example, low or high tones,' Pasley told Digital Trends. 'We tested if these same brain areas also process imagined sounds in the same way you internally verbalize the sound of your own voice, or imagine the sound of classical music in a silent room. We found that there was large overlap, but also distinct differences in how the brain represents the sound of imagined music. The AI was created with the help of experiments on a skilled pianist who suffers from epilepsy. As part of his existing treatment, the musician had electrodes implanted in his brain. Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley used these to assess his brain activity when performing certain tasks. First, the participant played 2 piano pieces on an electronic piano with the sound on. Then, he replayed the same piano pieces, but without the audio. Instead he was asked to imagine hearing the music. As he played the Bach and Chopin compositions, electrodes recorded his brain activity. AI can now guess what tune you're singing in your head - without you ever uttering a sound. Scientists in California have created a mind-reading machine that reveals the song being thought about simply by studying the brain's electrical activity (stock) After gathering all the neurological information for both sound on and sound off, the team compared the data sets and looked at the similarities and differences. They saw that some groups of neurons fired when sound was on, but not when sound was off. These distinct differences indicate that there are specific regions of the human brain involved in hearing sound, and whole other regions involved in thinking sound. Dr Pasley said: 'Some neurons care about a specific frequency when you're listening to a real sound. 'The same set of neurons care about that same frequency when you're imagining that sound,' he told New Scientist. The technology can be used to record and replay any track you're thinking about, without you having to make a sound. The team now hope that the algorithm and the understanding can help them build devices to give speech back to those who have lost the physical capability. 'The ultimate goal is to produce a speech prosthetic device that can be used by people who are severely paralysed or locked-in,' says Dr Pasley. Last month researchers from the University of California announced that they had developed a mind-reading machine which can translate what you are thinking and instantly display it as text. They claimed that it has an accuracy rate of 90 per cent or more and say that it works by interpreting consonants and vowels in our brains. Nasa's planet-hunting TESS spacecraft that will map 85 per cent of the sky in search of alien worlds is launching today. The planet-hunting spacecraft is due to lift off at 11.51pm BST (6.51pm ET) from Cape Canaveral in Florida. It will travel to nearby stars in our galaxy to find unknown exoplanets that are outside our solar system. It is hoped that by understanding the stars and their planets better, we might one day be able to tease out signs of alien life. Scroll down for video This image made available by NASA shows an illustration of the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The spacecraft will prowl for planets around the closest, brightest stars. These newfound worlds eventually will become prime targets for alien life The washing-machine-sized spacecraft - which is flying on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket - was initially set to launch on Monday at 11:32 pm BST (6:32 pm ET). However, it was delayed to allow additional time for Guidance and Control Analysis and will set off this evening instead. Launch teams are standing down today to conduct additional Guidance Navigation and Control analysis, NASA tweeted on Monday afternoon. The NASA TESS spacecraft is in excellent health and remains ready for launch on the new targeted date of Wednesday, April 18. The live stream can be accessed on the SpaceX website or Nasa's TV starting at 11.30pm BST (7.30pm ET). SpaceX will attempt to recover the Falcon 9 rocket booster on a drone ship parked in the Atlantic Ocean near Cape Canaveral. It is expected to land on the drone ship around 8 minutes and 20 seconds after take-off. Tess - The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite - is set to embark on a two-year quest to find and identify mystery worlds thought to be lurking in our cosmic backyard. The spacecraft aims to add thousands of exoplanets, or planets beyond our solar system, to the galactic map for future study. Life might be out there, whether microbial or more advanced, and scientists say Tess and later missions will help answer the age-old question of whether we're alone. Tess (pictured) is designed as a follow-on to the US space agency's Kepler spacecraft, which was the first of its kind and launched in 2009 'It is very exciting. ... By human nature, we look for exploration and adventure, and this is an opportunity to see what's next,' NASA's Sandra Connelly, a science program director, said last week. The $337 million (236 million) spacecraft's primary goal is to study more than 200,000 of the brightest stars for signs of planets circling them. It will do this by looking for a dip in brightness, known as a transit. Nasa predicts that Tess will discover 20,000 exoplanets, including more than 50 Earth-sized planets and up to 500 planets less than twice the size of Earth. WHAT IS THE TESS SPACECRAFT? NASA's new 'planet hunter,' set to be Kepler's successor, is equipped with four cameras that will allow it to view 85 per cent of the entire sky, as it searches exoplanets orbiting stars less than 300 light-years away. By studying objects much brighter than the Kepler targets, it's hoped TESS could uncover new clues on the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe. Its four wide-field cameras will view the sky in 26 segments, each of which it will observe one by one. In its first year of operation, it will map the 13 sectors that make up the southern sky. Then, the following year, it will scour the northern sectors. 'We learned from Kepler that there are more planets than stars in our sky, and now TESS will open our eyes to the variety of planets around some of the closest stars,' said Paul Hertz, Astrophysics Division director at NASA's Headquarters. 'TESS will cast a wider net than ever before for enigmatic worlds whose properties can be probed by NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope and other missions.' Tess is 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide and is shorter than most adults. The observatory is 4 feet across (1.2 meters), not counting the solar wings, which are folded for launch, and weighs just 800 pounds (362 kilograms). NASA says it's somewhere between the size of a refrigerator and a stacked washer and dryer. Tess will aim for a unique elongated orbit that passes within 45,000 miles of Earth on one end and as far away as the orbit of the moon on the other end. It will take Tess two weeks to circle Earth. Advertisement 'They are going to be orbiting the nearest, brightest stars,' Elisa Quintana, TESS scientist at NASA's Goddard Spaceflight Center, told reporters last week. 'We might even find planets that orbit stars that we can even see with the naked eye,' she added. 'So in the next few years we might even be able to walk outside and point at a star and know that it has a planet. This is the future.' Just a couple of decades ago, the notion of finding habitable planets was a mere fantasy, said Paul Hertz, astrophysics division director at NASA. 'Humans have wondered forever whether we were alone in the universe, and until 25 years ago the only planets we knew about were the eight in our own solar system,' he told reporters on the eve of the Tess launch. 'But since then, we have found thousands of planets orbiting others stars and we think all the stars in our galaxy must have their own family of planets.' Tess, with its four advanced cameras, will scan an area that is 350 times larger than what Kepler studied, comprising 85 per cent of the sky in the first two years alone Tess is designed as a follow-on to the US space agency's Kepler spacecraft, which was the first of its kind and launched in 2009. The ageing spacecraft is currently low on fuel and near the end of its life. Kepler found a massive trove of exoplanets by focusing on one patch of sky, which contained about 150,000 stars like the Sun. The Kepler mission found 2,300 confirmed exoplanets, and thousands more candidate planets. But many were too distant and dim to study further. Tess, with its four advanced cameras, will scan an area that is 350 times larger, comprising 85 per cent of the sky in the first two years alone. WHAT IS AN EXOPLANET? Every star in the night sky likely plays host to at least one planet. Worlds orbiting other stars are called 'exoplanets,' and they come in a wide variety of sizes. Some are gas giants larger than Jupiter and some are small, rocky planets about as big around as Earth or Mars. They can be hot enough to boil metal or locked in deep freeze. They can orbit their stars so tightly that a 'year' lasts only a few days; they can orbit two suns at once. Some exoplanets are sunless rogues, wandering through the galaxy in permanent darkness. There are potentially trillions of planets in the Milky Way. Our nearest neighboring star, Proxima Centauri, was recently found to possess at least one planet probably a rocky one. Its 4.5 light-years away more than 25 trillion miles (40 trillion kilometers). The vast majority of exoplanets have been found by searching for shadows: the incredibly tiny dip in the light from a star when a planet crosses its face. Astronomers call this crossing a transit. Advertisement 'By looking at such a large section of the sky, this kind of stellar real estate, we open up the ability to cherry-pick the best stars to do follow-up science,' said Jenn Burt, a postdoctoral fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 'On average the stars that TESS observes are 30-100 times brighter and 10 times closer than the stars that Kepler focused on.' Tess uses the same method as Kepler for finding potential planets, by tracking the dimming of light when a celestial body passes in front of a star. The next step is for ground-based and space telescopes to peer even closer. Tess uses the same method as Kepler for finding potential planets, by tracking the dimming of light when a celestial body passes in front of a star. By focusing on planets dozens to hundreds of light-years way, Tess may enable future breakthroughs The Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled to launch in 2020, should be able to reveal more about planets' mass, density and the makeup of their atmosphere - all clues to habitability. 'Tess forms a bridge from what we have learned about exoplanets to date and where we are headed in the future,' said Jeff Volosin, Tes project manager at Nasa's Goddard Spaceflight Center. By focusing on planets dozens to hundreds of light-years way, TESS may enable future breakthroughs, he said. 'With the hope that someday, in the next decades, we will be able to identify the potential for life to exist outside the solar system.' For 15 years Dalton State has had the highest Latino student population in the University System of Georgia. The College is now officially recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution, the first in the state of Georgia and one of the first in the south. Its an achievement to celebrate, and the community is invited to help the College do just that on Thursday, April 26.Dalton State will host an HSI celebration at 3:30 p.m. at the foot of the Burran Bell Tower on the college quad, and all are invited to attend.This is a happy time for Dalton State, said Dr.Margaret Venable, president. We are proud to be Georgias first HSI and for all that says about the educational aspirations of our community and region.This is a natural for us because these students are the children of this community, Dr. Venable continued. For the most part they grew up in our local school systems and their parents have impressed upon them from a young age the importance of a college education to their future success.In order to be named an HSI, a college or university must have a student population that is at least 25 percent of Latino descent. Nearly 27 percent of Dalton State students enrolled last fall self-reported that they were of Hispanic origin.In the fall of 1999 Dalton State recorded a Latino student population of 1.9 percent and for the next three years trailed schools such as Georgia Tech, Gainesville State College and Georgia Perimeter College until fall of 2002 when Dalton State surged ahead and never looked back.As one of only 492 HSIs nationwide, Dalton State is eligible to apply for federal grants to fund campus improvements that will benefit all students. According to Quincy Jenkins, Dalton States director for Hispanic and Latino outreach, improvements could range from capital projects to additional staff to program improvements to an endowment fund. Most HSIs are located in western and southwestern U.S. states and Puerto Rico. Georgia Gwinnett College in metro Atlanta has a Hispanic student population of 20 percent and is expected to be Georgias next HSI.We are proud to make history in becoming Georgias first Hispanic-Serving Institution, Mr. Jenkins said. Now, the real work begins as we continue to become a leader in educating our nations fastest growing demographic while being a first-choice and inclusive institution for all of our students.But first Dalton State takes time out to celebrate. Advertisement The future of travel has been unveiled by Volocopter - and it seems remarkably efficient. The German flying car start-up has released a video that shows its vision of an urban 'air taxi' system that could handle 10,000 passengers each day. The system features elaborate 'Volo-port' stations perched on top of skyscrapers that are equipped with conveyor belts, swappable battery packs and lifts to speed up transfer of passengers. This means aircraft are always fully charged and ready to go, according to the company, which claims these futuristic landing pads could be commercially viable for normal people. The company hopes to have a prototype station in place next year but predicts that it will take around ten years before a city-wide system is in place. Start-up Volocopter has revealed its vision of an urban 'air taxi' system (pictured) with an incredible vision of 'Volo-port' landing pads that could process 10,000 passengers each day Developers said the Volocopter aircraft (pictured) would need to land every 30 seconds. Having such high volume is important if the company is able to handle lots of passengers and therefore be affordable Volocopter relies on a system of 'redundancies' to ensure its safety, meaning there are many propellers, batteries, and motors to compensate in case one goes out The Stuttgart-based start-up's ambitious plan is to create circular launchpads on the top floor of skyscrapers in cities from where the electric aircraft would take off and land, writes the Verge. They would have a conveyor belt that would transport the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft into an indoor hanger. From there, they would moved to a garage where maintenance work can be carried out. The system would be so efficient the company claims 1,000 passengers could board and disembark every hour. 'It's about mass transportation of people and how it can be done in a safe way and with what infrastructure,' Alexander Zosel, Volocopter's co-founder and chief innovation officer, told the Verge. 'It's about mass transportation of people and how it can be done in a safe way and with what infrastructure,' said Alexander Zosel, Volocopter's co-founder and chief innovation officer. Pictured are the Volocopters in the futuristic landing stations The Stuttgart-based start-up's ambitious plan is to create circular launchpads (pictured) on the top floor of skyscrapers in cities from where the electric aircraft would take off and land Mr Zosel said the Volocopter aircraft would need to land every 30 seconds. Having such high volume is important if the company is able to handle lots of passengers and therefore be affordable. Initially, the taxis would only fly over a short distance with flight times of around 30 minutes and a maximum range of 17 miles (27km). The company has demonstrated its capabilities in Germany and Dubai where it believed the company is most likely to launch its first service. Pictured is a concept image showing what the re-charging stations might look like In a presentation about Volocopter's craft in January, an exhibitor said it is the 'world's first autonomous air taxi' The craft completed the first unmanned test flight in Dubai this past autumn. 'Potentially in years to come, you would be able to take your phone out and pull up a transportation application, and similar to what you do with a taxi today, summon this to your location, hop in, tell it where you're going', an exhibitor said at CES in January However, some have doubts about how feasible this technology will be - most batteries are still far off offering the power-to-weight ratio required to take off. The company has demonstrated its capabilities in Germany and Dubai where it believed the company is most likely to launch its first service. More recently it announced it partnership with Intel in CES at Las Vegas. The Volocopter craft 'is essentially a scaled-up super drone,' the exhibitor said in January at CES. It is fully electric, allowing for zero emission travel and, it's quiet enough to be operated in an urban environment Each elaborate 'Volo-port' station (pictured) would be equipped with a conveyor belt, swappable battery packs and lifts to speed up transfer of passengers - and they might be perched on top of skyscrapers in just ten years time This means aircraft are always fully charged and ready to go, according to the company, which claims these futuristic landing pads could be commercially viable for normal people Volocopter showed off its incredible 'super drones' at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. The company stunned attendees during Intel's keynote by flying the drone right onto the stage, in what a spokesperson admitted was a 'ballsy' move. In a presentation about Volocopter's craft, an exhibitor said it is the 'world's first autonomous air taxi.' The craft completed the first unmanned test flight in Dubai this past autumn. 'Potentially in years to come, you would be able to take your phone out and pull up a transportation application, and similar to what you do with a taxi today, summon this to your location, hop in, tell it where you're going. The company hopes to have a prototype station in place next year but predicts that it will take around ten years before a citywide system is put in place Initially, the taxis would only fly over a short distance with flight times of around 30 minutes and a maximum range of 17 miles (27km). However, some have doubts about how feasible this technology will be - most batteries are still far off offering the power-to-weight ratio required to take off 'And it would autonomously fly you to that location, no pilot required. It's a safe, reliable form of transportation', the exhibitor said. The Volocopter craft 'is essentially a scaled-up super drone,' he noted. It is fully electric, allowing for zero emission travel. And, it's quiet enough to be operated in an urban environment. Volocopter relies on a system of 'redundancies' to ensure its safety, meaning there are many propellers, batteries, and motors to compensate in case one goes out. With Intel's flight control technology and a 'myriad of sensors,' the craft is 'constantly analysing environmental data to ensure those redundancies,' a Volocopter exhibitor explained. There are 18 independent motors and propellers, but 'if that seems like way too many, what it allows for is, you can lose a propeller or several of them and still maintain your flight.' There are nine batteries, ensuring the same type of back-up. According to the firm, rides in the flying taxis would likely be comparable to a trip in an Uber Black. This means, a spokesperson told Dailymail.com, it aims to be 'an addition to the public transport system, not a toy for rich people.' The Volocopter craft 'is essentially a scaled-up super drone,' the exhibitor said. It is fully electric, allowing for zero emission travel. And, it's quiet enough to be operated in an urban environment In a presentation about Volocopter's craft last year, an exhibitor said it is the 'world's first autonomous air taxi.' Dailymail.com got an up-close look at the Volocopter, and even sat inside With Intel's flight control technology and a 'myriad of sensors,' the craft is 'constantly analysing environmental data to ensure those redundancies,' a Volocopter exhibitor explained Several government websites are mistakenly sending users to hardcore porn sites. The Department of Justice's Amber Alert webpage, as well as the Department of Commerce's Weather.gov and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) webpages both seem to have been hit by the redirect bug. In some cases, it redirects users to porn sites with names like 'schoolgirl porn' and 'girl v dog porn'. Scroll down for video Pictured is a sample of the porn sites that unsuspecting users were redirected to when they visited government websites like the Amber Alert, NOAA and weather.gov webpages The issue seemed to be resolved on most websites as of Wednesday afternoon, after being spotted on Tuesday evening. The bug is particularly crass to have affected the Amber Alert website, as its an alert system used by law enforcement to help find abducted children. Porn bots most likely hacked the sites in order to help boost their rankings on Google's PageRank, according to Gizmodo, which first spotted the bug. Unverified redirect pages are a common problem across the web. PageRank is an algorithm developed by the tech giant that rates webpages based on how many times other sites link to a page. When a webpage rates higher on the PageRank system, it's more likely to appear closer to the top of Google search results. To an unsuspecting internet user, the bug looks convincingly real. To an unsuspecting internet user, the bug looks convincingly real. The Amber Alert page (pictured) displays a fake notification page saying that you're about to visit a third-party site When you visit the Amber Alert website, it would generate a fake notification page that says: 'You are now leaving a Department of Justice Web site. You are about to access: https://fxporn.pro/' The notification page even has the Department of Justice logo and the Amber Alert logo. Some of the sites affected by the redirect bug were still appearing in Google search results on Wednesday afternoon, but clicking on the link generates a '404' error page. As Gizmodo pointed out, the bug is particularly ironic given that FBI director Christopher Wray has called strong encryption on devices an 'urgent public safety issue'. Some of the sites affected by the redirect bug were still appearing in Google search results on Wednesday afternoon, but clicking on the link generates a '404' error page Pictured is a fake redirect page on the National Weather Service website that directs users to a site featuring an 'erotic movie' This is part of the bureau calls the 'going dark' problem, wherein its hard for law enforcement officials to unlock phones or other devices that have strong security and encryption. The bug shouldn't be considered a security flaw, but it could cause unknowing users to download malware or send them to scammy webpages as part of a phishing scam, Gizmodo said. The notification pages warn users that they're about to leave a government website, but even if the user doesn't click on the page, it'll automatically redirect you to the porn site. As of Wednesday afternoon, many of the malicious redirect links weren't working. Instead, they generated a 404 error page (pictured). WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF VIRUS FROM PORN? There are ten digital STIs that can harm your device when you're looking at adult content, according to computer security firm Kaspersky Lab. These are: 1. Trojans They might masquerade as innocent programs, but they carry a harmful payload. 2. Drive-by downloads - Cybercriminals look for insecure web sites and plant a malicious script into the code on the pages. These take advantage of any unpatched applications on your computer and infect them automatically 3. Click-jacking Click-jacking involves tricking someone into clicking on one object on a web page while they think they are clicking on another. Clickjacking can be used to install malware, gain access to a victim's online accounts or to enable their webcam. 4. Tinder bots These are automatic programs designed to masquerade as real people on a dating site to lure users into clicking on them, with the aim of tricking the victim into disclosing confidential data. 5. Cat-Phishing - This is when cybercriminals pose on dating sites or chat rooms, encouraging people to click on links for live sex chat or adult images. 6. Ransomware - Cybercriminals use 'blockers' to stop the victim accessing their device, often telling them this is due to 'illegal pornographic content' being identified on their device. Anyone who has accessed porn online is probably less likely to take the matter up with law enforcement. 7. Worm - This is a program that replicates, but does not write its code to other files: instead, it installs itself once on a victim's device and then looks for a way to spread to other devices. 8. Pornware This could be a legitimate program, but might be adware installed by another malicious program, designed to deliver inappropriate content to the victim's device. 9. Spyware - Software that enables an attacker to secretly obtain information about the victim's online activities and transmit it covertly from their device. 10. Fake Anti-virus - Fake anti-virus programs prey on people's fear of malicious software which they believe may have been installed whilst looking at porn. Advertisement 'Anyone can use this page to redirect someone to another potentially malicious site,' Adriel Desautels, CEO of Netragard, which tests security at a variety of companies, told Gizmodo. 'For example, this could be used to redirect an unsuspecting victim to a site that deploys malware' 'It doesn't really put the DOJ at risk, but it puts people on the internet at risk and oddly seems to be helping the porn industry,' he added. It wouldn't be the first time that hackers have planted malware and other viruses on porn sites. A recent study by Moscow-based computer security firm Kaspersky Labs found that there are at least 27 variations of PC malware which specifically hunt for credentials to paid adult content websites. Attacks on users range from tracking key strokes and stealing passwords to 'click-jamming', which fools people into clicking on one links when they think they are clicking on another. Malware, ransomware and Trojans are all commonplace throughout adult sites. Advertisement The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) ocean liner has been given a new lease of life as a floating hotel in Dubai, 10 years after the Gulf Arab emirate bought it for $100 million. State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007, but the 2008 financial crisis delayed any plans for the 40-year-old vessel, one of the world's most famous ships. Now the QE2, permanently moored at Mina Rashid port, has been refurbished based on the original design, from its carpets to the theatre and even restaurant menus featuring dishes served in the liner's heyday. The Queen Elizabeth 2 (QE2) ocean liner has been given a new lease of life as a floating hotel in Dubai, 10 years after the Gulf Arab emirate bought it for $100 million State-owned Dubai World bought the QE2 from Cunard Line in 2007, but the 2008 financial crisis delayed any plans for the 40-year-old vessel, one of the world's most famous ships During its time as a passenger vessel, QE2 crossed the Atlantic more than 800 times A reception housed in a boat-shaped structure at the quay welcomed guests to Wednesday's official opening. Large portraits of United Arab Emirates rulers hang opposite portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Samuel Cunard, founder of the company that built the ship. 'There is a huge following around the world for the QE2 because of how famous she is and what she stands for,' said Hamza Mustafa, chief executive of PCFC Hotels, the Dubai World subsidiary that owns the ship. A reception housed in a boat-shaped structure at the quay welcomed guests to Wednesday's official opening Large portraits of United Arab Emirates rulers hang opposite portraits of a young Queen Elizabeth II and Samuel Cunard, founder of the company that built the ship 'There is a huge following around the world for the QE2 because of how famous she is and what she stands for,' said Hamza Mustafa, chief executive of PCFC Hotels, the Dubai World subsidiary that owns the ship The QE2 first entered service in 1969 and has sailed around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the company said. In its new incarnation, it has 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a suite. It also has a musueum and 13 restaurants and bars. Dubai hopes the QE2 will boost tourism in the most visited city in the Middle East, which welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2017. Officials say they are targeting 20 million by 2020. The QE2 first entered service in 1969 and has sailed around the world 25 times, carrying more than 2.5 million passengers, the company said In its new incarnation, the QE2 has 1,300 rooms, with rates ranging from less than $200 to as much as $15,000 for a suite. It also has a musueum and 13 restaurants and bars In the deluxe rooms on board the floating hotel, the original porthole windows remind guests of the ship's seafaring days Despite extensively preserving her authentic elements, the QE2 has also been fully equipped with all the latest technology The rooms on board range in size from 17 square metres for a standard room, pictured, to 76 square metres for a royal suite Dubai hopes the QE2 will boost tourism in the most visited city in the Middle East, which welcomed over 15 million tourists in 2017. Officials say they are targeting 20 million by 2020 PCFC Hotels spent an additional $100 million renovating the liner and has plans to convert Mina Rashid into a complex of luxury residences and a yachting marina. 'Although we kept everything as it was in 1969, you also have the most advanced technology in the tourism industry in Dubai,' said Kenneth Todd, director of sales at PCFC Hotels. 'For example, you can control everything with your phone, including check-in, room key, lights and TV,' he said while showing reporters a duplex suite. Cunard's Queen Mary 2, the world's largest ocean liner, was also docked at Mina Rashid on Wednesday and sounded its horns to mark the occasion. Hamza Mustafa, CEO of PCFC Hotels says the opening of the restored QE2 is one of Dubai's most highly anticipated hotel openings More than 2.7million man-hours have been put into the transformation of the QE2 from crumbling cruise liner to five star hotel PCFC Hotels spent an additional $100 million renovating the liner and has plans to convert Mina Rashid into a complex of luxury residences and a yachting marina 'Although we kept everything as it was in 1969, you also have the most advanced technology in the tourism industry in Dubai,' said Kenneth Todd, director of sales at PCFC Hotels The grand launch of the restored QE2 will take place in October. It was originally registered in Southampton and operated from 1967 to 2008 He revealed plans to retire in three years so he can spend more time with his family. And Elton John was squeezing in some quality time with his husband amid his epic final tour as he joined David Furnish on a date night in London's Dover Street market on Tuesday. Dressed to impress, the musician, 71, donned a vibrant navy blazer over satin scarlet trousers and a matching vibrant shirt. Cute couple: Elton John was squeezing in some quality time with his husband amid his final tour as he joined David Furnish on a date night in London's Dover Street market on Tuesday The Rocket Man hitmaker also donned a pearl necklace and costume jewellery, whilst sporting his trademark flamboyant shades. Meanwhile, David looked dapper on the outing in a slightly more muted ensemble than his other half, sporting a black pinstripe suit over a pink suit. The pair were enjoying a romantic evening out together, so were not joined by their two sons Zachary, seven, and Elijah, five. Suited and booted! David looked dapper on the outing in a slightly more muted ensemble than his other half, sporting a black pinstripe suit over a pink suit Quality time: The pair were enjoying a romantic evening out together, so were not joined by their two sons Zachary, seven, and Elijah, five Chirpy: David seemed in good spirits on the outing as they made their way to Le Caprice The pair headed to Elton's brand new Capsule launch with Gucci later that night. During their lively night out, the couple posed arm-in-arm as they were joined by the likes of Alessandro Michele, Sophie Oakley and Oscar Valentine. In January, Elton announced his epic Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour, and will spend three years saying goodbye to fans as he plays more than 300 shows across five continents. Cosy: The pair headed to Elton's brand new Capsule launch with Gucci later that night Sweet: During their lively night out, the couple posed arm-in-arm as they were joined by the likes of Alessandro Michele, Sophie Oakley and Oscar Valentine Industry pals: Elton and David appeared in high spirits with fashion designer Alessandro Announcing the decision, Sir Elton said his 'priorities have changed', adding that his two sons have changed his and David's lives. 'In 2015 we sat down with a school schedule and I thought I don't want to miss too much of this... My life has changed, my priorities have changed and my priority now is my family,' he said. The musician, who has an estimated net worth of $450 million, recently told OK magazine that he is instilling the same values he was brought up with into his children's upbringing. Loved-up: Barry Humphries' son Oscar Valentine was also in attendance with his long-term partner Sophie Oakley Fashion-forward: The industry's elite Luke Edward Hall (left) and Anders Christian Madsen (right) looked typically stylish at the bash While Elton recognises being well-off will have 'advantages' for bringing up his brood, he said values such as working for what you have is really important. He explained to the magazine: 'They come from a well-off background, which will afford its own advantages. 'I came from a very working class background where I had to work for everything I got, and I want to instill those same values in them. But it's harder growing up in this world and David and I are very mindful of that.' 'They're fantastic young boys, they have good hearts and compassionate, kind personalities.' Striking: Model Amanda Cronin showed off her leggy pins in a thigh-grazing dress, embellished with a multi-coloured ribbon Lisa Wilkinson took a swipe at Channel Nine and her former Today show co-host Karl Stefanovic earlier this week. In her keynote speech at the Business Chicks breakfast in Melbourne on Tuesday, the 58-year-old told the audience that she was happy to have found a job that she loves. 'I do feel that every day for more than three decades now I've been taking money under false pretenses,' she told the crowd of 1,500 people, Confidential reported. 'There have been some challenges - and I'm not just talking about working with Karl': Lisa Wilkinson took a swipe at Channel Nine and her former Today co-host Stefanovic on Tuesday 'Which is kind of funny, because it turns out my last boss thought exactly the same thing,' she added, making a sly reference to her departure from Channel Nine after network bosses declined to pay her the same salary as Karl Stefanovic. Lisa also addressed working alongside Karl, saying: 'Sure there have been some incredible challenges - and I'm not just talking about working with Karl Stefanovic.' The former magazine editor went on to explain, however, that despite what is written about him in the press, she still loves Karl. Ouch: In her speech at the Business Chicks breakfast in Melbourne, Lisa referred to challenges she's faced in her career, adding, 'And I'm not just talking about working with Karl Stefanovic' Former colleagues: Lisa spent 10 years on the Today show and told the audience she flourished in the role because of her passion for journalism and live TV. Pictured with Tim Gilbert, Karl Stefanovic and Richard Wilkins Lisa spent 10 years on Today, and told the Business Chicks crowd she flourished in the role because of her passion for journalism and live television. Her career started with teen magazine Dolly in the '80s before she went on to become the editor of Cleo at the age of 21. At the time, she was Australia's youngest editor of a national publication. She later ran her own media consultancy company before going on to host live breakfast TV. New role: In late 2017, after 10 years on the Today show, Lisa left for Network Ten to host The Project following a pay dispute. Pictured with Peter Helliar, Waleed Aly and Carrie Bickmore In late 2017, after 10 years with the Today show and Channel Nine, Lisa left for Network Ten to host The Project following a pay dispute. A Nine spokesperson said the network had 'been unable to meet expectations of Lisa Wilkinson and her manager on a contract renewal'. 'There were lots of reasons why it was time to make a move, and that (pay gap) was part of it,' Lisa later told Stellar magazine. 'I was very happy that it reignited the conversation, because the gender pay gap is real.' Edwina Bartholomew is set to marry her fiance Neil Varcoe at the couple's renovated Glen Alice farmhouse on Saturday. And the Sunrise presenter has shared snippets of the wedding planning process with her 128,000 Instagram fans. Taking on a DIY approach, the 34-year-old has been seen preparing her own dried hydrangea floral arrangements, picking up white IKEA candles and gushing over a vintage-style gown by Cappellazzo Couture. Scroll down for video Dried hydrangeas, IKEA candles and a vintage-style gown by Cappellazzo Couture: Edwina Bartholomew's reveals intimate details of her upcoming wedding to Neil Varcoe at their renovated Glen Alice farmhouse Edwina's latest Instagram post on Monday showed the journalist storing a rack of dried hydrangeas in a shed. The bubbly personality captioned the image: 'Operation Dried Hydrangea is complete,' alongside the hashtag #warrambawedding. Proving to be the opposite of a bridezilla, Edwina was seen via her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, picking up an array of white candles, wooden frames and jars from Swedish lifestyle store IKEA. DIY: The Sunrise presenter appears to be far from a bridezilla, preparing her own dried hydrangea floral arrangements 'Lit AF': Shared to her Instagram Stories on Tuesday, Edwina was seen picking up an array of white candles, wooden frames and jars from IKEA Edwina proudly captioned the clip 'Lit AF,' alongside the hashtag #warrambawedding. And without giving too much away, the Channel Seven reporter previously teased what her vintage-style wedding gown may be like. Taking to Instagram in mid-March, Edwina shared a close-up snap of a series of delicate gowns with intricate beading, hanging in what appeared to be a closet. Vintage design: A previous Instagram post also showed the reporter gushing over her final wedding dress fittings Following tradition: Something borrowed takes the form of a wedding veil, which she is yet to debut on social media She simply captioned the image: 'Final fittings with the divine @cappellazzocouture xxx.' Edwina's colleagues Samantha Armytage, David Koch and Natalie Barr are expected to be in attendance at her wedding. The red carpet interviewer announced her engagement to Neil in April last year, following six years of dating. Rustic: The Saturday nuptials will take place on Edwina and Neil's renovated farmhouse at Glen Alice, west of the Blue Mountains Alongside an Instagram post of the couple on their farm, the caption read: 'On this day, two wonderful weeks ago, the love of my life @neilwrites asked me to be his wife. 'And I said...umm...ahh...let me have a think...just kidding...YES. We are over the moon.' Edwina began as an intern on Sunrise after completing her masters degree in 2006, and has risen up the ranks. Happy news: Edwina announced her engagement via an Instagram post in April last year, after having dated Neil for six years They're known to lend a helping hand. And Kelly Bensimon shined alongside Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick at the star-studded Food Bank for New York City benefit on Tuesday evening. The 49-year-old former Real Housewives of New York starlet rocked a darling little black dress for the evening soiree hosted at the trendy eatery Cipriani Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. Scroll down for video Darling: Kelly Bensimon shined at the star-studded Food Bank for New York City benefit on Tuesday evening Kelly flaunted her long legs in the floral lace minidress which featured an empire waist and long sleeves. A thick, black satin bow wrapped above her hips highlighted her slender frame as she smiled on the orange carpet. Bensimon's daughter Thadeus matched her model mother, sporting a ruffled skirt paired with a matching black-and-white cardigan set. Nice: The 49-year-old former Real Housewives of New York starlet rocked a little black dress for the evening soiree hosted at the trendy eatery Cipriani Wall Street in Lower Manhattan Family: Bensimon's daughter Thadeus matched her model mother, sporting a ruffled skirt paired with a matching black-and-white cardigan set Kevin Bacon rocked a black suit with a blue shirt as he stood alongside his wife Kyra Sedgwick and the Food Bank's CEO Margarette Purvis. Once inside, the darling duo joined together on stage to give a speech during the New York City's Can Do Awards dinner. Theodora Richards and Waris Ahluwalia stood back-to-back for a fun photo showing off their fashions. Smile! Kevin Bacon rocked a black suit with a blue shirt as he stood alongside his wife Kyra Sedgwick and the Food Bank's CEO Margarette Purvis Cute couple: Once inside, the darling duo joined together on stage to give a speech during the New York City's Can Do Awards dinner Hanging out: Theodora Richards and Waris Ahluwalia stood back-to-back for a fun photo showing off their fashions Looking good: Ted Allen looked in his element on the orange carpet sporting a blue blazer paired with a maroon vest and plaid tie Ted Allen looked in his element on the orange carpet sporting a blue blazer paired with a maroon vest and plaid tie, while Savannah Guthrie rocked a long black dress with a pink floral print. Pregnant Lauren Bush, the founder of FEED, hid her growing baby bump underneath a flowing black dress. Salt-N-Pepa stars Cheryl James and Sandra Denton also kept with the dark theme, with both women sporting all-black ensembles. Alysa Reiner and husband David Alan Basche cozied up to one another as the Orange is the New Black actress rocked a 'peaceful' black gown. For a good cause: Pregnant Lauren Bush, the founder of FEED, hid her growing baby bump underneath a flowing black dress Leading ladies: Salt-N-Pepa stars Cheryl James and Sandra Denton also kept with the dark theme, with both women sporting all-black ensembles McBrien Road: The right lanes in each direction of McBrien Road will be closed between S. Terrace and N. Terrace from 4/18 at 8 p.m. until 4/19 at 5 a.m. for utility work. Please follow the flagging and transition directions through the work zone.Moore Road: The right lane of northbound Moore Road will be closed between S. Terrace and N. Terrace from 4/19 at 8 p.m. until 4/20 at 4 a.m. for utility work. Please follow the flagging and transition directions through the work zone.3200 Hixson Pike: From April 23 until May 1, the right southbound lane of 3200 Hixson Pike will be close daily from 9 a.m.until 3 p.m. for utility work.Mountain Creek Road: The 5400 block of Mountain Creek Road will be closed between US 27 and Browntown Road from 4/23 until 4/24 for utility work. Detour will be posted.View CDOT's map of event and road closures for full details of projects underway in our public space. My Kitchen Rules made history on Wednesday night when Sonya and Hadil were kicked off the show after their 'bullying' reached boiling point. Following a war of words on Tuesday, the NSW team hurled personal attacks, callous taunts and shocking insults across the table. Their unacceptable behaviour prompted judges Manu Feildel and Pete Evans to ask them to leave. Scroll down for video 'Don't make me come for you': The SHOCKING threat by Sonya and Hadil that resulted in them being sent home for 'bullying' was finally revealed on Wednesday's episode They're outta here! Before entrees were even served, Hadil and Sonya were escorted into a taxi after they deliberately tried to get rivals Jess and Emma to 'explode' at the dinner table by snickering at them and muttering insults 'No worries!' Hadil yelled as they were unceremoniously given the boot. Before entrees were even served, Hadil and Sonya were escorted into a taxi after they deliberately tried to get rivals Jess and Emma to 'explode' at the dinner table by snickering at them and muttering insults. As guests at Suong and Kim's home restaurant, they appeared to have no respect for their rivals from the start, as they held up the first course by inciting a feud at the table. 'The fact they are sitting here is an insult to anyone that can cook,' Hadil said quietly to Sonya within the first five minutes of being seated. Jess and Emma chose to remain civil and ignore the cruel comments. Stirring the pot! The NSW besties deliberately tried to start a feud with rivals Jess and Emma at the table, with Hadil telling Sonya to 'keeping laughing at them and they'll explode' Cool headed: Jess and Emma chose to remain civil and ignore Sonya and Hadil's personal attacks - but they eventually reached breaking point 'They must have missed the memo, the circus was down the road. They're a bunch of clowns!' Hadil added, as the blonde sisters maintained a dignified silence. The arrival of Pete and Manu did little to rein in the inappropriate behavior, with Hadil whispering to Sonya: 'Keep laughing at them and then they'll explode.' As the mocking and taunting continued, the teams around the table appeared disgusted at their behaviour and expressed shock and disappointment. 'They're trying to wind Jess and Emma up and get reactions,' Stella observed. After Jess overheard a taunt by Hadil comparing the pair to 'a no-frills cheapo princess', she stormed out of the dining room, announcing: 'Seriously! I can't do this.' 'Sit down! You think you're a princess, but a real princess wears diamonds, not cubic zirconias,' Sonya yelled across the room. At that moment, Jess turned to point a harsh finger at the pair, asking them: 'You think you're funny?!' She's had enough! Jess stormed out the dining room as the vile attacks continued to escalate, before turning back at Sonya and Hadil to ask pointedly, 'You think you're funny?!' War of words! Smirking as Jessica finally took the bait, Hadil taunted her by saying, 'Bye, blowfish!', as Emma finally snapped: 'You look like bubba Gump, seriously!' 'You have serious issues!' Emma blasted Hadil for claiming she needed a doctor 'to fix her face' Smirking as Jessica finally took the bait, Hadil taunted her by saying, 'Bye, blowfish!', as Emma finally snapped: 'You look like bubba Gump, seriously!' Refusing to acknowledge her, Hadil childishly turned to Sonya and remarked: 'Is the blowfish gasping for air?' 'I've got a really good doctor you can go to to fix your ugly face,' Hadil added, as Emma hit back: 'You need to go to a doctor, because you have serious issues!' The other teams then decided to intervene, with Jazzey asking Hadil to 'stop being so rude' and Josh asking them to have respect for hosts Kim and Suong. 'I'll come for all of you': Sonya and Hadil threatened other guests at the dinner party for being 'disrespectful a***holes' - which prompted the celebrity judges to intervene When Jess returned to the table, Hadil continued: 'They don't belong in top eight, because they can't cook!' Stella asked for Hadil to stop, which only angered her further and prompted her to shout: 'You stop talking! Why are you talking?' Emily then asked: 'Who do you think you are?' Josh told them to be respectful as guests in Kim and Suong's home, but Hadil responded with a threat: 'Shut up Josh! Stay out of it, don't make me come for you.' 'We'll come for you too, don't you worry!' Hadil also snarled at Stella and Jazzey. Sonya continued: 'I'll come for all of you, because you're all disrespectful a***holes!' 'You're excused from the table': Manu Feildel stepped in to end the heated argument and told Sonya and Hadil their behaviour was not welcome in the cooking competition Gone forever? While Pete and Manu told the contestants that Sonya and Hadil had 'left for the evening', it is believed they will not return to the competition next week Manu stepped in, saying: 'Enough! Things have got too out of hand, this is a cooking competition, and this behaviour is unacceptable. Sonya and Hadil, you are excused from the table!' While Pete and Manu told the contestants that Sonya and Hadil had 'left for the evening', it is believed they will not return to the competition next week. Manu, 44, previously told Yahoo! Be of his decision to kick off the team: 'It went too far. Pete and I felt very uncomfortable and it was time to stop and say that's enough.' The Frenchman didn't regret the decision as 'they were attacking, threatening, they kept on going under their breath with comment after comment after comment.' Ahead of the episode, Jess and Emma told The Daily Telegraph: 'We've copped so much flak for being the team that got kicked out before the show even started, but we're glad viewers can finally see it wasn't us.' My Kitchen Rules returns to Channel Seven on Sunday at 7.00pm Clueless alum Alicia Silverstone and Will & Grace star Debra Messing both donned Christian Siriano creations for the man of the hour's store/headquarters opening at The Curated NYC on Tuesday night. The 41-year-old California native and the 49-year-old New York native have never acted together, but they certainly share an affection for the 32-year-old designer. The Golden Globe-nominated duo both bared their left shoulders in the matching midi-length cocktail dresses, in raspberry and black, which featured elegantly-draped flap fronts. Scroll down for video Muses: Alicia Silverstone (L) and Debra Messing (R) donned Christian Siriano (M) creations for the man of the hour's store/headquarters opening at The Curated NYC on Tuesday Twosome: The 41-year-old California native and the 49-year-old New York native have never acted together, but they certainly share an affection for the 32-year-old designer Debra later called the Project Runway champ's store 'breathtaking' and described it as 'the most beautiful woman's closet you've ever seen.' 'Celebrating my crazy talented friend!' Messing gushed to her 1.8M social media followers. 'A place to play. Comfortable & elegant, full of gorgeous clothes from @csiriano, but also some jewelry designers, grab a tea in an outdoor cafe, I mean it is BEYOND. Congratulations Christian! I love you!' The flame-haired funnywoman had her signature color touched up by Rona O'Connor then styled by Joseph Michael, while make-up artist Tina Turnbow made sure she was ready for her close-up. Fierce after 40! The Golden Globe-nominated duo both bared their left shoulders in the matching midi-length cocktail dresses, in raspberry and black 'The Man of the Night!' Debra later called the Project Runway champ's store 'breathtaking' and described it as 'the most beautiful woman's closet you've ever seen' Messing gushed on social media: 'A place to play. Comfortable & elegant, full of gorgeous clothes from @csiriano, but also some jewelery designers, grab a tea in an outdoor cafe, I mean it is BEYOND. Congratulations Christian! I love you!' 'Celebrating my crazy talented friend!' The flame-haired funnywoman had her mane styled by Joseph Michael, while make-up artist Tina Turnbow made sure she was ready for her close-up Party time: The Dirty Dancing actress also mingled with Christian's musician husband Brad Walsh (L) as well as Fern Mallis (R), the creator of New York Fashion Week The Dirty Dancing actress also mingled with Christian's musician husband Brad Walsh as well as Fern Mallis, the creator of New York Fashion Week. Missing from Debra's side Tuesday was her 14-year-old son Roman Walker with Bloodline creator Daniel Zelman, whom she divorced in 2016. Earlier that day, Messing wished her 'delicious' castmate Eric McCormack an early 56th birthday with a hands-on still from the sitcom, and talked about how they've 'played best friends for 20 years.' 'TOMORROW!' the NYU Tisch grad exclaimed about the married father. Theatre-goers: Missing from Debra's side Tuesday was her 14-year-old son Roman Walker with Bloodline creator Daniel Zelman, whom she divorced in 2016 (pictured Saturday) 'You are closer to me than your hands on my breasts': Earlier that day, Messing wished her 'delicious' castmate Eric McCormack an early 56th birthday with a hands-on still Premieres in September! Fans can catch more of the Emmy winner as interior designer Grace Adler in the 13-episode second season of NBC's Will & Grace revival 'You are closer to me than your hands on my breasts in this photo. I love you so much. I hope your Travelers family is celebrating you today.' Fans can catch more of the Emmy winner as interior designer Grace Adler in the 13- episode second season of the Will & Grace revival, which premieres in September on NBC. Alicia served as the official hostess of the evening and she frequently dons designs crafted by Siriano. Silverstone - who normally relies on stylist Ariana Weisner - turned heads in the ruffled LBD thanks to her enviable 5ft5in figure. Emcee: Alicia served as the official hostess of the evening and she frequently dons designs crafted by Siriano Nineties it girl: Silverstone - who normally relies on stylist Ariana Weisner - turned heads in the ruffled LBD thanks to her enviable 5ft5in figure Still Crushin': The My Kind Organics founder - who first found fame as the 'Aerosmith girl' - is an outspoken anti-vaxxer, vegan, animal activist, and environmentalist The My Kind Organics founder - who first found fame as the 'Aerosmith girl' in the nineties - is known to be a very outspoken anti-vaxxer, vegan, animal activist, and environmentalist. The Tribes of Palos Verdes actress will soon celebrate the seventh birthday of her son Bear Blu with A Musical Journey host Christopher Jarecki, whom she legally separated from in February after 13 years of marriage. Earlier on Tuesday, the Daytime Emmy nominee shared a couple of Polaroid snaps from the Beverly Hills set of the Paramount Network's new 12-episode dramedy series American Woman, which premieres June 7. In the 1975-set series - based on executive producer Kyle Richards' life - Alicia portrays liberated housewife Bonnie Nolan alongside Broken's Jennifer Bartels and Psych: The Movie's Mena Suvari. Attachment parent: The Tribes of Palos Verdes actress will soon celebrate the seventh birthday of her son Bear Blu with A Musical Journey host Christopher Jarecki, whom she legally separated from in February after 13 years of marriage (pictured March 7) Premieres June 7! The Daytime Emmy nominee shared a couple of Polaroid snaps from the Beverly Hills set of the Paramount Network's new 12-episode dramedy series American Woman She jetted into Byron Bay last week to celebrate a friend's wedding. And once the festivities were over, Montana Cox ensured she carved out some time in her trip to soak up the sunshine in the idyllic coastal town. The 24-year-old Australia's Next Top Model star looked every inch the effortless beach babe in a chic striped swimsuit as she strolled back to her hotel. Making a splash: Beach babe Montana Cox flaunted her lithe model figure in a skimpy swimsuit as she soaked up the sun during her idyllic getaway to Byron Bay Letting her statement swimwear do all the talking, Montana accessorised with an understated white linen shirt and gold pendant necklace. Letting her dark tresses hang loose in beachy waves, the brunette beauty appeared to go make-up free for the relaxed outing. The Melbourne native carried some white lace-up plimsolls in one hand and slung a wicker sunlounger over her shoulder as she made her way back from the beach. Montana seemed to be in good spirits as she kicked back two days after attending her friend's lavish wedding. Turning heads: The 24-year-old Australia's Next Top Model star looked every inch the effortless beach babe in a chic striped swimsuit as she strolled back to her hotel The 24-year-old turned heads in a plunging pale pink frock, taking to her Instagram Stories to mark the occasion with a series of sentimental photos. The nuptials were between Ally Cox and Tyson Day, who appear to be family friends of Montana's. The model's father was also in attendance at the ceremony, with the brunette beauty sharing a photo of herself cuddled up with her dad. Precious cargo: The Melbourne native carried some white lace-up plimsolls in one hand and slung a wicker sunlounger over her shoulder as she made her way back from the beach The sweet snap gave a full-length look of Montana's dainty dress, which was tied loosely at the waist and featured ruffled detailing at the bust. Montana's hair was styled in loose curls and she wore minimal makeup, highlighting her natural beauty. Later in the day, the stunner shared a selfie alongside the groom's sister, Tahlia Day. Sentimental occasion: The model stunned in a pale pink frock as she attended a friend's wedding with her father in Byron Bay just days earlier Ever the gracious guest, the top model also made sure to upload a photo of the bride, who opted for a hippie-chic wedding look which was complete with a floral crown. Since shooting to fame seven years ago, Montana has become a integral member of Sydney's exclusive social set. Last weekend, the star was seen enjoying a long lunch with high-powered pals including Justin Hemmes, Kate Waterhouse and Pip Edwards. The stunner was seen disembarking a sea plane as she made her way to an awaiting car. She recently spoke of her fears about raising her own children in the United States. And on Tuesday, Charlize Theron gave a shout out to her fellow moms, after surprising a theatre full of parents gathered in LA to watch her new movie Tully. 'Love a good surprise! I know how tough it is for us parents to get a night out at the movies so I appreciate you all coming out to see #Tully!' wrote the 42-year-old in an Instagram post. Scroll down to see video For the moms: On Tuesday, Charlize Theron surprised a theatre full of parents gathered to watch her new movie, Tully. Pictured with Mackenzie Davis, left, and Ron Livingston, right The former model entered the cinema to cheers while wearing a black blazer over a leopard print dress with a high hem. She began to chant 'Go mommies, go mommies, go mommies...' She then introduced the crowd to her co-stars: The 'dreamy' Ron Livingston and the 'incredibly talented' Mackenzie Davis. Later, the three stars of the forthcoming film posed for a selfie in front of the delighted audience at the Refinery 29 sponsored Moms' Night Out event. Wild thing: Theron entered the cinema to cheers while wearing a black blazer over a leopard print dress with a high hem Big hit: The stars of the forthcoming film delighted the audience at the Refinery 29 sponsored Moms' Night Out event Theron recently admitted she's considering leaving the United States with her two adopted black children over her concerns over what she describes as ramped up race tensions. The South African actress grew up during apartheid before moving to LA to pursue her dream of Hollywood stardom. In an interview with Elle Magazine, she explained her concerns and how her children - African Americans whom she adopted - will fit into America in the future. The Monster Oscar winner said she now won't take on jobs in certain areas of the country for fears over how her family would be treated. 'I wouldnt travel with my kids to some parts of America, and thats really problematic,' Theron said. 'There are a lot of times when I look at my kids and Im like, If this continues, I might have to [leave America]. Because the last thing I want is for my children to feel unsafe.' Mom on the run: Theron recently admitted she's considering leaving the United States with her two adopted children over her concerns of ramped up race tensions. Pictured in 2016 Theron also touched on the Trump Administration as potentially stoking the flames of racism in America. 'I dont even know how to talk about the last year under our new administration,' she said. 'But racism is much more alive and well than people thought. We cant deny it anymore. We have to be vocal.' She also discussed how being raised in South Africa gave her a particularly heightened insight into the devastation that rampant racism can produce for a country and it's people. 'Being raised during the apartheid era in South Africa made me so hyper-aware of equality and human rights.' Theron adopted her son Jackson, 6, in 2012 and daughter August, 2, in 2015. He was slammed by fans for having a 'weird American twang' within weeks of his arrival in Los Angeles in late 2017. But Mark Wright's accent took another turn as he hosted a showbiz segment on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morning, with viewers pointing out he appeared to have turned Australian overnight. The TOWIE star turned TV presenter, 31, confused fans after sporting a new dialect on the breakfast show as he appeared live from Hollywood to deliver the latest celebrity news. Scroll down for video Strange: Mark Wright left viewers baffled by his new 'Australian' accent as he hosted a showbiz segment live from Los Angeles on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday morning As Mark chatted about his time in Los Angeles, fans couldn't help but take to Twitter to question why his Essex accent had transformed into a drawl from Down Under. One viewer wrote: 'How comes Mark Wright's accent has changed so much?' while another added: 'Why is this Essex boy sounding Australian?' Another added: 'What's happened to @MarkWright_'s accent?' While one viewer simply wrote: 'Mark Wright's accent' followed by a laugh emoji. As he appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain and Lorraine, Mark also divulged that despite speculation, he and actress wife Michelle Keegan are stronger than ever. Odd: The TOWIE star turned TV presenter, 31, confused fans after sporting a new dialect on the breakfast show as he appeared live from Hollywood to deliver the latest celebrity news What is that? Viewers rushed to Twitter on Wednesday to comment on Mark's new accent, after previously accusing him of developing an 'American twang' The star revealed he and the former soap star, 30, still spend time together despite working on different sides of the Atlantic. Mark has been building up his US presenting career as the host of Extra alongside Mario Lopez, while Michelle recently returned from South Africa after completing filming for the BBC drama Our Girl. The former TOWIE star admitted despite rumours claiming the couple never spend any time together, he is actually always jetting back to the UK to see Michelle. He said: 'Whenever I get time off or she gets time we fly home, we make it work. We are together, we don't always report when we see each other. United: The TV presenter told Lorraine Kelly that despite much speculation, he and wife Michelle Keegan do still see each other all the time despite their long-distance romance Happier than ever: Mark and wife Michelle have been together since December 2012 and tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk in May 2015 (pictured in 2017) Mark added he and Michelle have been throwing themselves into work while they still can, enjoying the freedom of acting and presenting before they decide to start a family. He said: 'We haven't got kids yet, so were enjoying working and being young.' Mark also chatted about some of the A-list stars he's had a chance to interview on Extra, admitting stars still on his wish-list include Rihanna and Channing Tatum. It was reported that Michelle had moved to LA to be closer to Mark, but followers of the former Coronation Street star's social media will see that she is still based in the UK for acting and modelling jobs. Mark previously revealed on Good Morning Britain that his marriage with Michelle would always come before his career, and wouldn't hesitate leaving LA if it was the best thing for their relationship. Doing well: Since moving to Los Angeles, Mark has been establishing himself as a presenter of showbiz series Extra alongside Mario Lopez Making it work: Mark told Lorraine that he and Michelle want to enjoy their careers before they decide to start a family The ex-TOWIE star said: 'If Michelle didn't like living here and she wanted me to move home, and she preferred life back home, then for sure I would [move back]. '[Marriage] comes first... It's not going to come to that, but if it ever did, then yes, of course, marriage and my love life is definitely first. 'Yes I miss her, yes she misses me... right now we make sure we see each other as much as we can.' The couple met on a new year's break in Dubai back in December 2012, with Mark later popping the question when they returned to the Middle Eastern holiday hotspot in September 2013. Mark and Michelle tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Hengrave Hall in Suffolk in May 2015. She recently admitted that she was proud to be 'the first woman of colour to have a prominent Star Wars role.' And Thandie Newton was seen taking some time off from her hectic schedule as she headed out in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The British actress, 45, looked casually cool in a striped jacket and tracksuit bottoms as she enjoyed some time in the sunshine. Casually cool: Thandie Newton, 45, was seen taking some time off from her hectic schedule as she headed out in Los Angeles on Tuesday Thandie, who has wowed sci-fi fans with her take on sentient host Maeve Millay in Westworld, looked to be loving life as she enjoyed the low-key stroll. The beauty highlighted her slender figure with a clingy baby blue top, pairing it with the stylish outerwear, which featured hues of navy, black and white, as well as a unique silver zipper in the middle. Thandie kept it comfortable in a pair of casual bottoms, with panelling on the side, as well as black sliders. The London born beauty opted for the slightest slick of make-up, with her raven tresses pulled up into a bun and a pair of pink-rimmed shades shielding herself from the scorching rays. In her element: The British actress looked casually cool in a striped jacket and tracksuit bottoms as she enjoyed some time in the sunshine Low-key figure: The beauty highlighted her slender figure with a clingy baby blue top, which she paired with the stylish outerwear Stylish: The jacket featured hues of navy, black and white, as well as a unique silver zipper in the middle Thandie is set to impress audiences once again as the mysterious Val in Solo: AStar Wars Story, the latest film in the epic space opera franchise. And the star recently spoke candidly with Radio Times about her character, as she explained how proud she was to be taking on this momentous role: 'Im the first woman of colour to have a prominent role in the Star Wars legacy.' She continued: 'There have been others with one line and Lupita Nyongo was a computer-generated character [in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi], but you didnt get to see the colour of her skin. 'Im the first. Im going to have a toy and everything. Its exciting, but thats all I can say. It is a big deal.' Striking: The London born beauty opted for the slightest slick of make-up, with her raven tresses pulled up into a bun and a pair of pink-rimmed shades shielding herself from the sun Big deal: Her sighting comes after she revealed she is proud to be 'the first woman of colour to have a prominent role in the Star Wars legacy' as the mysterious Val in Solo: A Star Wars Story Groundbreaking: Speaking candidly with Radio Times about her character, Thandie said: 'Im the first. Im going to have a toy and everything. Its exciting' Mystery: Little has been revealed about Thandie's character, but from the trailer it's clear she's part of the crew that works alongside young Han Solo (pictured with director Ron Howard) Little has been revealed about Thandie's character, but from the film's trailer it's clear that she's part of the crew that works alongside young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) as he takes on the criminal underworld. While her character's origins and relation to Han have yet to be explained, some fans believe she could be his "wife" Sana Starros who 'married' the smuggler as part of a robbery scam. Thandie has become a prominent actress in sci-fi mediums as of late, but even she didn't quite realise what an impact the genre had, as she told Radio Times: 'Sci-fi really captures peoples attention like nothing else, but the fans are absolutely bonkers. 'I took my four-year-old [Booker] to a park in Los Angeles last year, but I didnt realise there was a huge Star Wars convention taking place up the road.' New blood: Donald Glover will take on the role of hustler Lando Calrissian, who was played in the Original Trilogy by Billie Dee Williams Initial premise: The standalone film in the sci-fi series will show how Han met his first mate Chewbacca, as well as his hustler pal Lando Glory days: Younger incarnations of Solo and Chewy are seen in the sneak peek She continued: 'All these grown-up men dressed as Stormtroopers were riding around on a kids train in the park. It was the most surreal sight.' Thandie is set to return to the small screen in season two of Westworld, which will see Maeve and the other hosts take full control of the park after blood was spilt in the 2016 finale. The new season Maeve will also explore the different 'worlds' that are part of the theme park, as her character continues to search for her daughter, who may or may not be a figment of her imagination. Back again: Thandie will return to the small screen in season two of Westworld, which will see Maeve and the other hosts take full control of the park after blood was spilt in the 2016 finale Important characters: Woody Harrelson (R) will play smuggler leader Tobias Beckett, while Paul Bettany (L) is set to play the villain of the piece, Dryden Vos Chilly reception: Solo and Chewy are seen in an icy environment, possibly the planet of Hoth Solo: A Star Wars Story is a standalone film in the sci-fi series and is directed by Ron Howard, it will show how Han met his first mate Chewbacca, as well as his hustler pal Lando Calrissian. While those two characters were played by Peter Mayhew, 73, and Billy Dee Williams, 81, in the Original Trilogy, respectively, they will now be portrayed by Peter's body double Joonas Suotamo, 31, and Donald Glover, 34. Other notable members of the cast include Game Of Thrones' Emilia Clarke as Qi'Ra, and Woody Harrelson as Tobias Beckett, while Paul Bettany is set to play the villain of the piece, Dryden Vos. The film is set to be released in the UK on May 24, and in the US on the 25th. They were given the boot from My Kitchen Rules on Wednesday's show, for 'bullying' and making vile threats. And now fans have been sent into overdrive that villains Sonya and Hadil might return to the show. Taking to Twitter, fans were left shocked and confused when judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel told contestants that the pair had 'left for the evening.' Scroll down for video Are Sonya and Hadil coming back? My Kitchen Rules fans are sent into meltdown thinking the villains might return to the cooking show...after being booted off for 'bullying' 'Left for the evening? Soooo they still in? Please say that is not the case,' one fan tweeted, adding an angry face emoji. 'They left for the evening, what a joke,' another added with a GIF of Tyra Banks pulling a shocked expression. Another added: 'Sonya and Hadil have only been excused "for the evening?" If they're allowed back what does this say about bullying and unsociable behaviours? A dilemma for Channel 7?' Not impressed: 'Left for the evening? Soooo they still in? Please say that is not the case,' one fan tweeted, adding an angry face emoji 'What does this say about bullying?' Another added: 'Sonya and Hadil have only been excused "for the evening?" If they're allowed back what does this say about bullying and unsociable behavious? A dilemma for Channel 7?' Drama! 'They left for the evening, what a joke,' another added with a GIF of Tyra Banks pulling a shocked expression 'Excuse me?' Many of the fans were outraged and shocked Could the come back? A representative for Seven refused to confirm whether the pair had been booted off the show for good, when contacted by Daily Mail Australia A representative for Seven refused to confirm whether the pair had been booted off the show for good, when contacted by Daily Mail Australia. 'Sonya and Hadil's future in the competition is resolved in our next episode Sunday 7.00pm,' the representative said. On Wednesday's MKR, Sonya and Hadil were kicked off the show after their 'bullying' reached boiling point. The NSW team hurled personal attacks, callous taunts and shocking insults across the table. Their unacceptable behaviour prompted judges Manu Feildel and Pete Evans to ask them to leave the competition. Before entrees were even served, Hadil and Sonya were escorted into a taxi after they deliberately tried to get rivals Jess and Emma to 'explode' at the dinner table by snickering at them and muttering insults. Feud: Before entrees were even served, Hadil and Sonya were escorted into a taxi after they deliberately tried to get rivals Jess and Emma (pictured) to 'explode' at the dinner table by snickering at them and muttering insults At one point, Hadil Called Emma a 'blowfish'. 'I've got a really good doctor you can go to to fix your ugly face,' Hadil added, as Emma hit back: 'You need to go to a doctor, because you have serious issues!' The other teams then decided to intervene, with Jazzey asking Hadil to 'stop being so rude' and Josh asking them to have respect for hosts Kim and Suong. Eventually, Sonya and Hadil issued threats to their rivals. 'I'll come for all of you, because you're all disrespectful a***holes!,' Sonya said. The Tennessee Supreme Court has adopted the Uniform Bar Exam as the key testing component for bar admission for aspiring Tennessee attorneys. The UBE is a nationwide test that has been adopted in 31 jurisdictions and allows test takers to transfer scores between states, greatly improving the mobility of Tennessee attorneys. The change comes after the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners filed a petition with the Supreme Court to adopt the change and a public comment period. The comments received by the Court were overwhelmingly supportive of the change. The UBE allows the Court to adapt to changing times while protecting the public. The UBE will be given for the first time in Tennessee in February, 2019. As the legal field continues to evolve, the Court understands its rules must modernize and adapt to changing practice realities, said Chief Justice Jeff Bivins. At the same time, it is essential we ensure attorneys practicing in Tennessee are well-qualified and prepared to represent clients with the vigor and excellence the law requires. The changes we have adopted strike that necessary balance. Under current rules, a Tennessee lawyer needing to obtain a license to practice law in another state has to meet waiver requirements, which often include a significant experience component, or retake the bar exam in that state. The UBE allows scores earned in Tennessee to be transferred to other states for licensure. In addition, attorneys from other states utilizing the UBE can petition for admittance in Tennessee based on those results. Lawyers are more mobile than they once were. No longer do lawyers always settle in one state and practice in that state until retirement, said Jeffrey Ward, president of the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. Multi-jurisdictional, or cross-border, practice is more common, particularly in Tennessee, where we border more states than any other state in the Union. This can be seen in the increase in applications for admissions without examination in recent years. Between 2012 and 2016, the Board of Law Examiners saw a 90.4 percent increase in requests for admission without examination and a 218 percent increase in in-house counsel registration applications. In Tennessee, in order to be eligible for admission without exam, lawyers must be in good standing in at least one other jurisdiction and have at least five to seven years of experience. The proposal would provide more mobility for younger, or more recently admitted, attorneys. In this region, Alabama, Missouri, West Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have adopted the UBE. The Board of Law Examiners recited in its petition the statistics that demonstrate the demand for mobility in the legal profession, and the Tennessee Bar Association agrees that this is a laudable goal in order to encourage lawyers and businesses to operate in Tennessee, the Tennessee Bar Association stated in its official comment letter. Toward that end, the proposed rule change, which adopts the UBE, and its portability provisions is positioned to benefit the profession, and the Tennessee Bar Association supports such action. The Bar Associations letter was signed by more than 65 local bar associations as well as the Tennessee federal bar, public defenders conference, and associations representing Women, Hispanic, African-American, and Asian attorneys. The UBE is prepared and coordinated by the National Conference of Bar Examiners and consists of three parts: the Multistate Bar Examination, which includes 200 multiple choice questions; two Multistate Performance Test tasks, which are 90-minute exercises testing basic lawyering skills; and six Multistate Essay Examination questions. The test covers a dozen topics and is given over two days. The current Tennessee Bar Exam uses the multiple choice questions, one performance test task, and nine Tennessee-specific essay questions. The nine essay questions are prepared and graded in the state. One benefit of using the UBE essay questions is the vast amount of testing and resources that go into developing each question, something that is hard to duplicate on a small scale, according to the Board of Law Examiners. The essay questions will still be graded by Tennessee attorneys. The Tennessee Supreme Court will determine the minimum passing score for the UBE. The Supreme Court will also consider requiring newly admitted attorneys to complete a course of study focused on Tennessee law within one year of admission. The Supreme Court will continue to set educational, character, and fitness requirements for those requesting admission to the bar, and the Board of Law Examiners will continue to determine an applicants eligibility for admission based on the standards set by the Supreme Court. The Courts Order may be viewed on tncourts.gov. She's the wife of the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin who will be honoured with a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame this month. And Terri Irwin has revealed that she was 'very moved' at hearing of the auspicious honour while admitting she has never truly recovered from the wildlife warrior's tragic death. Appearing on ABC's 7.30 report on Wednesday, the 53-year-old conservationist revealed that she was in the middle of the bush when she heard the news. Bittersweet; Terri Irwin has revealed on Wednesday's 7.30 that she was 'very moved' at hearing of late husband' steve's star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame while admitting she has never truly recovered from the wildlife warrior's tragic death. 'i loved that we heard about the news when we were on one of our conservation properties in the Brigalow Belt in inland Queensland,' she said. Terri added: 'we were just sitting on the back of the ute, overjoyed. It was really incredible.' She also revealed that the plaudit, bestowed on Steve more than a decade after his death was a vindication of all of the hard work he had done. Honour: 'We were just sitting on the back of the ute, overjoyed,' Terri admitted. 'It was really incredible.' 'This kind of acknowledgement is so special, more than 11 years after we lost Steve, to be able to acknowledge everything that he worked for in making sure that the world at large understood the importance of conservation and not just folks like ourselves who loved wildlife and wild places. It is very moving.' While Terri admitted that the honour comes as a great source of pride for her and children Bindi, 19 and Robert, 14, she added that it was bittersweet as she hadn't recovered from the tragedy. 'None of us are immune to grief and everyone who has suffered loss understands that grief changes but you never wake up one morning and you've moved on,' she said. While Terri admitted that the honour comes as a great source of pride for her and children Bindi, 19 and Robert, 14, she added that it was bittersweet as she hadn't recovered from the tragedy. Insurmountable; 'None of us are immune to grief and everyone who has suffered loss understands that grief changes but you never wake up one morning and you've moved on,' she said. 'It stays with you and, you know, you ebb and flow. some days are better than others.' Terri went on to reveal that in the wake of Steve's death, her normally independent self changed overnight, worrying how she could carry his legacy forward. 'It took time to reconvene, believing in myself again and believing that this is something we could achieve together.' It was announced on Wednesday that Steve would be honoured with the iconic star in a ceremony on April 26 expected to be attended by Terri, Bindi and Robert. Steve's life was tragically cut short in 2006, at age 44, after he was struck with a stingray barb to the chest while filming in Batt Reef near Port Douglas, Queensland. Posthumous: It was announced on Wednesday that Steve would be honoured with the iconic star in a ceremony on April 26 expected to be attended by Terri, Bindi and Robert Sonya Mefaddi and Hadil Faiza were unceremoniously thrown off of My Kitchen Rules on Wednesday after hurling profanities at their co-stars during a fiery dinner party. But now the pair have hit back at Channel Seven with a string of explosive claims, accusing the network of 'bullying' them and using them 'for ratings'. The best friends also questioned the integrity of the cooking competition and alluded to a conspiracy to make them 'look bad' because they were 'the best cooks' on the show. Fighting back! Sonya Mefaddi and Hadil Faiza have made a series of explosive accusations against My Kitchen Rules after they were kicked off the show on Wednesday night 'We've been extremely disappointed with our experience and treatment by the show,' they wrote on their joint Instagram account. 'Imagine how we feel watching the episodes back when the episodes have been extremely tampered with (the amount of editing is insane).' Sonya and Hadil said there will 'never ever be an apology from us' because 'we didn't do anything wrong,' before slamming MKR's editing methods again. 'The episodes have been extremely tampered with!' The pair accused Channel Seven of twisting the truth through editing and even said they had been 'bullied' by the show '12 to 14 hours of footage... majority of airtime is on us because they want to build us up for ratings which equal $$$$ to the network.' They continued: 'I assure you people have acted a lot worse than us on the table, that hasn't been aired. 'We will both be happy when we're off air because MKR have bullied us enough, constantly targeting us because we were unfairly dismissed and the only way they could justify this was to make us look so bad!' 'MKR have bullied us enough': Sonya and Hadil claimed they 'were unfairly dismissed and the only way (the producers) could justify this was to make us look so bad' in the final edit They added: 'As for some of the other contestants who played up to the drama, they wanted us out because they knew we were the hardest team to take out in the competition. How convenient to get rid of the best cooks in the comp.' Sonya and Hadil also claimed that they only cooked 'seven times in four months of filming,' before taking another dig at MKR for prioritising drama over cooking. 'We thought we were signed up to a cooking show, boy were we wrong!' they wrote. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Channel Seven for comment. 'We thought we were signed up to a cooking show, boy were we wrong!' The best friends made the shocking allegations on their joint Instagram account 'Don't assume everything you hear to be true!' The twosome also took aim at their haters with this cryptic post On Wednesday's episode, Sonya and Hadil were asked to leave the show by judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel after they hurled a string of profanity-laced insults and threats at rivals Jess and Emma. The two women made repeated remarks about Jess and Emma's appearance, before screaming at the other contestants and calling them 'disrespectful a**holes.' Manu then stepped in, saying: 'Enough! Things have got too out of hand, this is a cooking competition, and this behaviour is unacceptable. Sonya and Hadil, you are excused from the table!' Drama! Sonya and Hadil were asked to leave the show by judges Pete Evans and Manu Feildel after they hurled a string of profanity-laced insults and threats at rivals Jess and Emma She was left shaken after her car was horrifically attacked a few weeks ago. But now that some time has passed since the traumatic experience, Jaime King looks to be well on the mend. The 38-year-old looked in high spirits as she set her worries aside while attending Caruso Palisades Village welcomes Andrea Liberman and A.L.C. event in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Doing better: Jaime King dazzled in her flowing dress at Caruso Palisades Village welcomes Andrea Liberman and A.L.C. event in Los Angeles on Tuesday, just weeks after her car was viciously attacked Huge smile on her face, the fun-filled night out was clearly a welcome change of pace for the busy mom-of-two. The actress was dressed to impress as usual, wowing in a seventies style plunging dress with cinched waist and long sleeves. She styled her light blonde tresses down in bouncy ringlets and added some glam with her bold red lipstick and gold eye shadow. Jaime finished off the look with a pair of black boots. Legging it! King showcased some skin in her jaw-dropping thigh high black boots Girl time: Enjoying a relaxing night on the town, the sophisticated soiree clearly helped take Jaime's mind off of things as she mingled with Selma Blair and Minka Kelly Enjoying a relaxing night on the town, the sophisticated soiree clearly helped take Jaime's mind off of things. The vagrant who allegedly destroyed Jaime King's car, causing glass to hit her four-year-old son, has been slapped with four charges Paul Francis Floyd, 47, was charged with cruelty to child by endangering health and a felony count for vandalizing the actress's 2016 Mercedes, TMZ reported. Strike a pose! The stunning ladies cosied up together as they enjoyed a night out at the fancy soiree Working it! Molly Sims sported frayed jeans, pointed high heels, and a gorgeous duster, while Selma wowed in a white ensemble The child endangerment charge is a misdemeanor. Floyd was also charged with an additional misdemeanor battery charge and a count of misdemeanor vandalism for allegedly attacking a man's 2017 Lexus. King revealed that the attack on her car that left her son covered in window glass was even more violent than previously reported. 'The attack was incredibly violent, and my four-year-old son was obviously the target of the individual's brutal attack, which is terrifying,' King said in a statement about the Wednesday incident in Beverly Hills. Classy and chic! Giada De Laurentiis rocked a leather jacket and black skirt, while Minka showcased a hint of her toned torso Hello gorgeous! Jennifer Meyer wowed in a classic long black dress Paris Jackson shared some snaps of her FaceTiming session with close friend, supermodel, Cara Delevingne on Wednesday. The daughter of the late pop icon, Michael Jackson, was pictured passionately kissing her back in March, while out with her godfather Macaulay Culkin and his girlfriend Brenda Song. It had previously been reported that Paris, 20, and Cara, 25, had 'split' a week after that night - although they could simply just have had a passionate friendship. What's going on? Paris Jackson FaceTimed Cara Delevingne from her holiday in Venice on Wednesday following 'split' claims... a month after they were seem passionately kissing During their FaceTime on Wednesday, Paris was sporting a Kurt Cobain T-shirt, while Cara wore a casual blue sweatshirt. With her platinum blonde cropped locks on show, one frame saw her cover her face with a pretty purple orchid. A second saw Cara wearing a chunky silver ring as she licked her forefinger. Cute: A second frame from the call saw Cara wearing posing with a pretty purple orchid Rumours have swirled for months the nature of the pair's relationship. Paris hasn't given too much away with her latest social media posts but it's clear that the duo are still on good terms. Fans were left baffled when the girls posted another friendly black and white snap days after they were rumoured to have split. Question time: Fans were left baffled when the girls posted another friendly black and white snap days after they were rumoured to have split Cosy: Cara was not present at Paris' 20th birthday on April 3, and a week later, Paris stepped out with Hollywood promoter Andrei Gillott, 33, (pictured) But then Cara was not present at Paris' 20th birthday on April 3, and a week later, Paris stepped out with Hollywood promoter Andrei Gillott, 33. Paris' latest Instagram story also saw her conversing with Frances' Bean Cobain, daughter of Kurt. In a written conversation with Paris, she said, 'I just realised our names are Paris and France[s]. Y'all come on now, that's so funny.' Frances is listed as space_witch666 on Instagram. She's the former ex of billionaire James Packer, who went from living in a multi-million dollar Bondi apartment to homelessness. And Tziporah Malkah,44, has revealed she is glad that she went through a reversal of fortune, admitting that the 'struggle' has ultimately kept her grounded. Speaking to Confidential on Thursday, Tziporah, who recently moved back to Sydney from Adelaide after splitting with ex Guy Vasey, said that she had experienced some dark times in the ensuing years. Both sides: Tziporah Malkah,44, has revealed she is glad that she went from living the high life with billionaire ex James Packer, admitting that the 'struggle' had kept her grounded. 'Being poor is so crap. It is so crap and I'm so glad I've had that experience though it was horrible at the time,' she told the publication. 'Every 50 cents counted, it was awful. It was unbelievable at what life could be like.' The former model and actress added that the experience had made her a much stronger and more resilient person. 'It came as a huge shock to me to lose everything in my 30s and it was so tough and I was so angry,' she said. Struggle: 'Being poor is so crap. It is so crap and I'm so glad I've had that experience though it was horrible at the time,' she told Confidential. 'Every 50 cents counted, it was awful. It was unbelievable at what life could be like.' She added; 'I'm so glad i went through it because being a princess in an ivory tower, you can't really be of much use to anybody unless you understand the struggle.' Tziporah, then named Kate Fischer, made headlines in 1996 when she became engaged to billionaire media mogul James Packer. However, that union was not to last, with the pair calling off the engagement in 1998 after five years together. Living large: Tziporah, then named Kate Fisher, made headlines in 1996 when she became engaged to billionaire media mogul James Packer. However, that union was not to last, with the pair calling off the engagement in 1998 after five years together. Appearing on the Kyle and Jackie O show in 2016, Tziporah admitted that, after the break-up, she threw half a million dollars worth of jewellery into the ocean that James had gifted her. It was also reported at the time by the Daily Telegraph, that James also gave Tziporah a $2.7 million Bondi apartment and 'some hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending money.' She revealed on The Project last year that after splitting with James, she moved to the US where she became engaged to a businessman - who she later discovered had a wife and child in Israel, finding herself homeless upon returning to Australia in 2010. Big spender; It was also reported at the time by the Daily Telegraph , that James also gave Tziporah a $2.7 million Bondi apartment and 'some hundreds of thousands of dollars in spending money' Riches to rags: She revealed on The Project last year that after splitting with James, she moved to the US where she became engaged to a businessman who she later discovered had a wife and child in Israel, finding herself homeless upon returning to Australia in 2010. 'I didn't know anything about homelessness so I thought I had to sleep under a bush so I Googled 'Homelessness Melbourne,' she said. The I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here star appeared in Melbourne Magistrate's Court in December where she pleaded guilty to driving while intoxicated in the affluent Melbourne suburb of Toorak on January 3. During proceedings, it was revealed by her solicitor Michael Kuzilny that Tziporah was 'very financially disadvantaged' and had been ripped off in a $2 million real estate scam some years ago. He added that she was currently living on a pension of $200 per fortnight. Hard going: 'I didn't know anything about homelessness so I thought I had to sleep under a bush so I Googled 'Homelessness Melbourne,' she said. It's been 15 years since the original release. And Dumb And Dumber fans got the thrill of seeing an impromptu cast reunion during Tuesday night's Conan, when actor Jim Carrey crashed co-star Jeff Daniels' interview. Dropping into the The Newsroom star's late night interview unexpectedly, the Canadian comedian teased him saying: 'You're in town and you don't call me!' Scroll down for video Dumb And Dumber fans got the thrill of an impromptu cast reunion Tuesday night's when actor Jim Carrey crashed co-star Jeff Daniels' Conan interview Comedy classic! It's been a startling 15 years since the slapstick comedy's original release in 1994 Host O'Brien was just asking about the The Looming Tower actor, 63, about the slapstick comedy before the surprise reunion of not-so-bright characters Lloyd and Harry. Then a sunglasses-wearing Carrey swung in from the wings as cheers erupted in from the crowd. Daniels stood up to greet his old pal, sending him an 'aw shucks' look across the studio. Carrey went in for a hug but Daniels broke away at the last minute, stumbling towards the crowd before returning to the actor for a hearty embrace. Special guest! A sunglasses-wearing Carrey swung in from the wings as cheers erupted in from the crowd A whirlwind! Jeff reminisced about what it was like to work with the dynamo that is Mr. Carrey, telling Conan: 'Shooting Dumb and Dumber with Jim was, I mean, you grab onto the tornado that is Jim Carrey and you hang on' Still got the moves! The Golden Glove winning actor broke into a goofy dance before sitting down with his fellow thespian The Golden Glove winning actor broke into a goofy dance before sitting down with his fellow thespian. It turns out that Carrey's visit was kept secret from his Dumb And Dumber co-star, making the interview all the more special. But that didn't stop Jim from needling Jeff for never calling. Come here, buddy! Carrey went in for a hug but Daniels broke away at the last minute, stumbling towards the crowd before returning to the actor for a hearty embrace You shouldn't have! Daniels stood up to greet his old pal, sending him an 'aw shucks' look across the studio Secret visit! It turns out that Carrey's visit was kept secret from his Dumb And Dumber co-star, making the interview all the more special 'I wanted to come out and say in front of the world, 'You're in town and you don't call me,' he joked, 'Not an email, nothing.' All laughs aside, the Ace Ventura star said: 'I love being around him though.' Talking about his first impression of the Good Night And Good Luck actor, Carrey half-joked: 'It's like, when I saw him, there was a tingling in my groin and that's the sign. That's when I know I'm with the right person.' That feeling: Talking about his first impression of the Good Night And Good Luck actor, Carrey half-joked: 'It's like, when I saw him, there was a tingling in my groin and that's the sign. That's when I know I'm with the right person' Later Jeff reminisced about what it was like to work with the dynamo that is Mr. Carrey, telling Conan: 'Shooting Dumb and Dumber with Jim was, I mean, you grab onto the tornado that is Jim Carrey and you hang on,' adding 'And it was such a joy.' Agreeing that the film was a 'blast' to shoot, The Truman Show actor admitted the pair even 'had a great time' shooting the highly-panned sequel, Dumb And Dumber To, in 2014. Daniels can currently be seen on the Hulu exclusive release The Looming Tower and Carrey stars in the upcoming Showtime series Kidding, out later this year. She has continued to divulge the intimate details of her relationship, and admitted she enjoys a very active sex life with her rugby player beau. And Chloe Madeley and James Haskell puckered up for a tender kiss when they enjoyed an intimate breakfast out, in north London on Wednesday. The 30-year-old fitness guru and her 33-year-old fiance packed on the PDA as they continued to flaunt their ever-growing romance. Packing on the PDA: Chloe Madeley shared a smooch with James Haskell on breakfast date in London on Wednesday after revealing they have sex EVERY DAY Their incredibly close bond was well and truly on display as the lovebirds held hands while they locked lips outside the venue. As a gym fanatic and fitness model, it is of little surprise Chloe showcased her fitness-honed figure thanks to her slinky gym gear. Meanwhile, her hunky man showcased his sporty muscular figure in a slim-fit T-shirt and baggy deep blue denim jeans. Fit and fabulous: As a gym fanatic and fitness model, it is of little surprise Chloe showcased her fitness-honed figure thanks to her slinky gym gear Intimate details about her sex life with James have already been enough to make famous parents Richard and Judy blush. But the glamorous Chloe has continued to divulge how things 'stay interesting' in the bedroom with her new fiance. Just one week after announcing their engagement, the 30-year-old explained how important sex was in her relationship with the burly rugby player. Kisses for the missus! The 30-year-old fitness guru and her 33-year-old fiance packed on the PDA as they continued to flaunt their ever-growing romance Must be love: Their incredibly close bond was well and truly on display as the lovebirds held hands while they locked lips outside the venue 'I'm a really sexual person,' she told The Daily Star. 'If I had a partner who didn't want to have a very sexual relationship then that would be a problem for me.' 'It is massive for James. One of the reasons we stuck together in the early days before we totally committed was because we were so compatible. Our sex is continually changing as our relationship grows, so it stays interesting.' Chloe confirmed once again that they have sex every night, two months after making the surprising revelation in a magazine interview this February. 'It's normal for us,' she told Fabulous at the time. 'We dont have pets or kids, so we can! Going too long doesnt agree with me mentally.' Witness the fitness! Meanwhile, her hunky man showcased his sporty muscular figure in a slim-fit T-shirt and baggy deep blue denim jeans The couple confirmed their engagement in last week's HELLO! magazine, following a romantic trip to Paris after three and a half years together. England and Wasps player Haskell, 33, designed the engagement ring himself because he 'wanted it to be perfect' and then got down on one knee in the city. Ahead of their big reveal, they said they had only told their four 'ecstatic' parents about the news. As far as family planning, Chloe recently said she is looking into freezing her eggs as she isn't sure if she definitely wants to have a baby, but doesn't want the choice to be made for her by infertility. Chloe told the Loose Women: 'I talk about it because Im 30 now and I really dont know if I want kids. And I think as a woman, being a 30-year-old woman saying that is quite a big deal to some people. 'I think a lot of people, my mother included, turn around and say, "What if when you decide you do its too late?". 'So Im definitely considering freezing my eggs, just in case, just to hedge my bets. But my god is it a lot of money. Tens of thousands.' Producers of Bachelor In Paradise recently claimed there was a 'two drink per hour' rule on the show in order to control the contestants' behavior. And Laurina Fleure has revealed TV bosses were so worried about issues of 'consent' that it wasn't unheard of for one of them to burst through the door at any given moment. 'If anybody was caught frolicking intimately then production had the right to burst in the door and say, "Are you consenting?"' she told The Daily Telegraph. Limits: Laurina Fleure reveals Bachelor In Paradise producers could 'burst in' and demand whether couples were 'frolicking with consent'... after alcohol limitations are revealed Laurina's revelation follows last year's scandalous season of Bachelor In Paradise USA which saw sexual misconduct claims made involving contestants DeMario Jackson and Corinne Olympios. As a result, the stars of the Australian version of the show were told they can have no more than two drinks an hour. As a general rule, two standard drinks consumed during the first hour of drinking, will increase a person's level of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to approximately .05%. But if two drinks are added every additional hour, the BAC level shoots up. It was added that food will be made available at all times so that the alcohol does not go to anyone's head. Under watch: 'If anybody was caught frolicking intimately then production had the right to burst in the door and say, "Are you consenting?"' she revealed Following the Bachelor In Paradise USA scandal, Warner Bros. concluded their sexual misconduct investigation and ultimately found there was no wrongdoing by either party on the show's 2017 season (which saw Olympios stripping off her clothing and putting her genitals on Jackson's face). The show's rules now state that both parties must now ask a producer, and formally state that they consent, before any sexual relations ensue. If the producer has any concerns about either party's ability to give consent, they can refuse. If contestants try and go into The Boom Boom Room without permission, producers can barge in and stop things before they get too heated. Uh-oh: Bachelor In Paradise USA was embroiled in a sex scandal between 'ousted' contestants Jackson DeMario and Corinne Olympios in 2017 Laurina also shared recently the heartbreaking details about her late brother's struggle with anxiety and depression. Michael Shaun Fitzgerald died by suicide last year, aged just 36. Laurina told Who magazine that she was overseas in Europe when she first learned her brother had made an attempt on his life. At the time, Laurina was recovering from a traumatic breakup and the death of her father Jacques, who 'had passed away after fighting HIV for 29 years'. After returning to Melbourne, she spoke with Michael and tried to encourage him to 'ask God for help' with his mental health problems. 'But it was too late,' she said. 'He had already made an attempt on his life and he had already made up his mind that he was going to take his life.' Neri Oxman is really starting to look like a photocopy of Angelina Jolie. The MIT professor wore a typical Jolie look - head-to-toe black - when flying back into Massachusetts on Monday. And on Wednesday the 'genius' - who has been romancing Brad Pitt for six months - had on black again as she headed to a class in Cambridge. Dead ringer: MIT professor Neri Oxman looked like a photocopy of Angelina Jolie in her black outfit when heading to a class in Cambridge, Massachusetts on Wednesday Deja vu: Oscar winner and UNHCR - Special Envoy Jolie is known for wearing all-black outfits; even her purse and boots are very similar to Neri's; Angelina seen in 2015 Before the end: Jolie and Pitt in Los Angeles in 2014 with daughter Zahara; again the Salt actress was in all black Coincidentally, both Neri and Angelina are 42-years-old. The actress is only eight months older than the AmericanIsraeli architect, designer and professor. Oscar-winner and UNHCR - Special Envoy Jolie is a big fan of long black coats with heels, and it turns out the brainy beauty is too. Oxman strolled confidently through the streets of Cambridge wearing a charcoal grey turtleneck, black wool coat, cropped trousers, and ankle boots. There was also a large black designer purse on her shoulder, much like the ones the Maleficent actress totes about. Just say NO for Neri Oxman: The academic strolled confidently through the streets of Cambridge wearing a charcoal grey turtleneck, black wool coat, cropped trousers, and ankle boots Mini me: There was also a large black designer purse on her shoulder, much like the ones the Maleficent actress totes about And those oversized black sunglasses look classic Angelina. The teacher was heading to work carrying a copy of The Voyager Golden Records, which are two phonograph records that were included aboard both Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977. They are intended for intelligent extraterrestrial life form. The records contain sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life and culture on Earth. The contents of the record were selected for NASA by a committee chaired by Carl Sagan of Cornell University. Proving she's no dummy: The teacher was heading to work carrying a copy of The Voyager Golden Records, which are two phonograph records that were included aboard both Voyager spacecraft launched in 1977 Reports that Brad and Neri - who will likely be nicknamed Beri - are dating surfaced in early April. Instagram pictures show the two met back in November when the 54-year-old actor - an architecture and design aficionado visited the media lab where she works. Sources close to Pitt claim he is 'absolutely smitten' with his new squeeze and the 'their chemistry is off the charts.' Oxman began her academic career as a pre-med student at the Hebrew University, before dropping out to attend the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology for two years, according to SurfaceMag.com. She then transferred to the Architectural Association, graduating in 2004. A year later, Oxman enrolled in the architecture PHD program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Neri, whose mother is Rivka Oxman- an architect, researcher, and professor at the Technion Institute in Haifa - has yet to comment on her relationship with Pitt. Past (not) perfect: Brad left his first wife Jennifer Aniston for Angelina, but Brangelina declined to marry until 2014. The former couple, who share three biological offspring and as many adopted children, then split, just two years later; seen in 2015 Brad left his first wife Jennifer Aniston for Angelina, but Brangelina declined to marry until 2014. The former couple, who share three biological offspring and as many adopted children, then split, just two years later. They are are parents to Maddox, 16, Pax, 14, Zahara, 13, Shiloh, 11, and nine-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne. Over the past several years, she's earned herself a legion of fans, thanks to her role as Daenerys Targaryen, or the Mother of Dragons, in the hit show Game Of Thrones. And Emilia Clarke's most dedicated followers now have the opportunity to live just like the British beauty, as she's put her multi-million dollar beachfront property in Venice, California, up for rent - with an asking price of $25,000 per month. The 31-year-old actress, who was born in London and raised in Berkshire, originally bought the glass-fronted two bedroom property for $4.64million back in 2016, but has failed to spend much time in it, thanks to her busy filming schedule. Abode: Emilia Clarke has put her multi-million dollar beachfront home in Venice, California, up for rent - with an eye-watering asking price of $25,000 a month. Pictured in January 2016 The contemporary home - which will be available from May 15 - also boasts three bedrooms and is set out over a comfortable 2,817-square-feet of living space. The house, which was built in 2009 and then remodelled by Abramson Teiger Architects, is set behind a private gate and has high exterior walls for added privacy. And while it may lure renters with a promise of seclusion, the home also sits in one of the neighbourhood's most popular areas, being just a stone's throw away from the trendy boutiques and popular restaurants of Abbot Kinney. Living lavish: The 31-year-old Game Of Thrones star originally bought the glass-fronted two bedroom property for $4.64million back in 2016 Spacious: The contemporary home - which will be available from May 15 - is set out over a comfortable 2,817-square-feet of living space Privacy: The house, which was built in 2009 and then remodelled by Abramson Teiger Architects, is set behind a private gate and has high exterior walls for added privacy Luxury bathrooms: As well as two bedrooms, the property also boasts three luxury bathrooms As well as being close to the town's big, buzzy attractions, the luxury property is also walking distance to Venice's sun-kissed beach. Inside the home, tenants will get to the enjoy the indoor-outing living that's provided through the flowing design of the ground floor, leading through glass sliding doors to the glistening swimming pool and private back terrace. And for those who enjoy reading, the welcoming and cosy lounge offers floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, as well as a fireplace for Southern California's rare chilly days. Stairs lead to the property's bedrooms, including the master suite, which boasts views of the pool and patio, as well as a large sunken bath. Popular area: The home sits in one of the neighbourhood's most popular areas, being just a stone's throw away from the trendy boutiques and popular restaurants of Abbot Kinney Flowing space: Tenants will get to the enjoy the indoor-outing living that's provided through the flowing design of the ground floor Bookshleves: For those who enjoy reading, the welcoming and cosy lounge offers floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, as well as a fireplace for Southern California's rare chilly days Among the other features included in the property are an outdoor lounge - perfect for entertaining guests - a media room and a dining area. Meanwhile, away from the property world, Emilia has created a real-life role for herself by setting up a pioneering brain injuries charity. The Mail on Sunday recently revealed that the star has ploughed nearly 30,000 of her own money into The Anima Foundation, which will launch later this year with the help of acclaimed neurosurgeon and author Henry Marsh. Emilia has also agreed to become an ambassador for the Royal College of Nursing. Oh, I do like to be beside the seaside: As well as being close to the town's big, buzzy attractions, the luxury property is also walking distance to Venice's sun-kissed beach Busy schedule: Emilia has rarely spent time in the home, thanks to her busy filming schedule Haven: Stairs lead to the property's bedrooms, including the master suite, which boasts views of the pool and patio, as well as a large sunken bath According to documents filed at Companies House, the charity aims to educate the public in all subjects relating to brain injuries and promoting and protecting the health of individuals who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing, a brain injury. Emilia has also created a sister charity in the US. Reports surfaced in 2013 that the actress had suffered a brain aneurysm following her two-month stint as Holly Golightly in the play Breakfast At Tiffanys on Broadway. One report said she was treated at the New York- Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. However, the star has never confirmed the reports. However, last May she posted a picture of herself on Instagram in what appeared to be a hospital waiting room praising the work of nurses. No one gets through life unscathed, a sad fact we all know, she wrote. Packed with features: Among the other features included in the property are an outdoor lounge - perfect for entertaining guests - a media room and a dining area Paid: Emilia reportedly earns $350,000 per episode for her role in hit show Game Of Thrones British: While she owns a home in Los Angeles, she was born in London and raised in Berkshire Emilia reportedly earns 350,000 per episode on Game Of Thrones, whose final season is set to start airing next year. So far she has given 27,132 to the charity, according to the newly published trustees report. Senior consultant neurosurgeon Mr Marsh, left, who wrote a bestselling memoir, Do No Harm, is listed as a trustee alongside Emilias mother, Jennifer, 67, and Hereward Harrison, 74, former policy director at Childline. The papers show that the trustees have already met people including neuroscientists, politicians and philanthropists to discuss the charity. They also aim to work closely with NHS Trusts. It added that donations raised are to fund specialist nurses who provide aftercare support for brain injury patients. She spent her formative years living on her family's farm in Little Lever, near Bolton, before pursuing a broadcasting career in the bright lights of London. So Sara Cox may well be seen as the perfect choice to host the upcoming reality dating show Love In The Countryside, a six-part BBC Two series which sees eight rural dwellers enlist the famous farmer's daughter's help in their quest for love. And the 43-year-old, who has been married to Ben Cyzer for five years, has admitted that she's thrilled at the prospect of helping the hopefuls find romance, particularly as their isolated existence often prevents them from meeting potential suitors. Host: Sara Cox is set to host the upcoming BBC Two rural dating show Love In The Countryside 'Its definitely tough living and working as a farmer,' said the mother-of-three said in an interview with the BBC. 'You have to work such long hours on the farm and if you are in the middle of nowhere, it doesnt leave much time to go out looking for love. 'Obviously whomever you do find has to realise that farming is a vocation, youve got to love it and love the land. Its a big responsibility, its hard work and youve got a lot of animals or crops to look after. Love In The Countryside is such a brilliant idea...' And behind the helping hand that has led the men and women to their potential soulmates has proved to be a heartwarming experience for Sarah, who admitted: 'I am quite soppy and I feel really blessed that I have a lovely husband. Its so exciting. Looking for love: The show will follow eight rural dwellers - (L-R) Paul, Richard, Christine, Mark, Wendy, Ed, Heather and Peter as they seek out their soulmate with Sara's help Ads: The contestants have posted ads online, in the hopes of meeting someone looking to quit the 9-5 rat race and move to the countryside. Women are pictured waiting to meet Ed 'You live vicariously through your single friends, as its always fun to hear about their adventures in singleton life! It appealed to me to help people find love but also the countryside dynamic to this show is so interesting. Its a completely new angle. The thought of helping lovely farming people is really appealing.' The self-confessed romantic added: 'I think it would be so fantastic to help the singletons featured on this show find the one. I envisage future children being called Sara! I am joking, but it would be lovely to get really nice stories out of this.' Love In The Countryside will get to meet a variety of romance seekers, including 25-year-old Ed, a dairy farmer from Lancashire, 28-year-old equine vet Heather from Yorkshire, 32-year-old Christine and 39 year old Richard, both cattle and sheep farmers from Dumfries and Galloway, among others. Chickening out: Heather, 28, is an equine vet based in Yorkshire, who has said that she's ready to meet someone to settle down with, after 'running around like a headless chicken' On the lookout: Christine, left, is a 32-year-old cattle and sheep farmer from Dumfries and Galloway, while Wendy, right, is a 59-year-old pig farmer from Herefordshire Living the single life: Farmer Wendy is a mother-of-four who has been single for seven years All eight contestants have posted dating profiles online in a bid to catch the eye of singles looking to quit the 9-5 rat race and up sticks to the countryside for love. And while viewers will get to watch as the men and women on the show interact with their potential spouses, Sara insists that the show will not be mean-spirited. 'The contributors were very brave to go on camera and talk about being single,' she said. 'I reassured them that this isnt going to be the sort of show where well take the mickey out of them; its going to be a feel good show. 'It will be sweet, endearing but its not going to be cruel. We genuinely want to find love for them and follow their adventures.' Smoking hot: Mark, 52, is a farrier from Norfolk who has been single for 15 months and is hoping to meet a non-smoking woman as he quit the habit quite some time ago Could they find The One? Ed, left, is a 25-year-old dairy and arable farmer from Lancashire, while Paul, right, is a 33-year-old farmhand hailing from Worcestershire Daddy cool: Peter, a 52-year-old dairy, cattle and arable farmer based in Yorkshire, has been single for seven years and is the father of two children in their late teens Single for much longer? Richard is a 39-year-old sheep and cattle farmer from Dumfries and Galloway who has been single for four years and is hoping to meet a 'fun' and 'outgoing' man Away from the show, Sara also revealed that she was indirectly responsible for a love connection on Twitter, after two of her followers started interacting with each other. She revealed: 'Ive had quite a big success with a couple called Ross and Amy. It was years ago. Ross followed me on Twitter and he really made me laugh. Then this girl called Amy who followed me started to notice I was chatting with Ross. 'She started to follow Ross and they started talking independently and theyve just had their second baby! How good is that? They are married and theyve had their second boy. Its so lovely. In the Twitter world, Ive managed to do it.' Love In The Countryside is set to launch on May 2nd, at 9pm on BBC Two. Prviding a helping hand: Sara, who has been married to Ben Cyzer for five years, has admitted that she's thrilled at the prospect of helping the hopefuls find romance Justin Theroux raised eyebrows when he was spotted hanging out with a pretty brunette in New York last week. And now the identity of the stunner has been revealed to be model Erika Cardenas. There is quite an age difference between the two as the 46-year-old actor is twenty years the senior of the gorgeous model represented by State Management. Scroll down for video Just us: Justin Theroux raised eyebrows when he was spotted hanging out with a pretty brunette in New York last week Gorgeous: The identity of the stunner has been revealed to be Statement Management model Erika Cardenas. According to a source to DailyMail.com, Cardenas met Theroux at the gym and the two are 'just friends'. The 5feet2 stunner often takes to Instagram to share many of her gorgeous snaps from her portfolio and is a New Jersey native. On their outing in New York on Friday, Justin put on quite the gun show as he rocked a sleeveless Eazy-E T-shirt which showed off his toned biceps. Relaxed: According to a source to DailyMail.com, Cardenas met Theroux at the gym and the two are 'just friends' as she posted this saucy snap on Instagram back in October The duo got coffees together and sat chatting and laughing outside the cafe looking very much at ease in each other's company. Later they took a stroll with Justin pushing his bike along with him. Erika flashed her shoulders in a white blouse tied at the waist to reveal her tummy and wore her tightly curled locks up in a ponytail. Since his split from wife Jennifer Aniston Justin has been romantically linked to artist Petra Collins, 25 and actress Aubrey Plaza, 33. Two tickets: On their outing in New York on Friday, Justin put on quite the gun show as he rocked a sleeveless Eazy-E T-shirt which showed off his toned biceps However, a source insists the former Parks and Recreation co-stars are just good friends and working on a new project together. 'Aubrey is still with her boyfriend, Jeff Baena,' the insider told Page Six. 'She and Justin are talking about a film project to work on together.' Justin and Jennifer shocked fans after announcing that they were calling it quits on their two-and-a-half year marriage in February. Pretty: The 5feet2 stunner often takes to Instagram to share many of her gorgeous snaps from her portfolio and is a New Jersey native The decision to go their separate ways 'was mutual and lovingly made at the end of last year', according to a statement released through Jennifer's publicist at the time. The couple's statement added that they would have handled their separation privately, but wanted to counter tabloid speculation and 'convey the truth directly.' According to TMZ, Jennifer was last seen at her estranged husband's New York apartment in October, with sources telling the website that she'd stopped regular visits as far back as August. It has since been reported that the actor ended their marriage because she refused to live in his West Village home, instead of her lavish Bel Air property. Enchanting: Cardenas shared this snap in September of last year Justin and Jennifer would reportedly spend long periods apart, with the actor continuing his New York-based life when not with his wife in Los Angeles. And while she did stay with him at his east coast home, their different lifestyles played a part in their decision to end their marriage, according to People. 'During his relationship with Jen, Justins life in N.Y.C. was always very different from his L.A. life,' a source told the magazine. 'In N.Y.C., he acted more like a single guy. He went out with his single friends and sometimes would have very little contact with Jen for days.' She's fresh from her sun-soaked Marbella holiday. And Jess Impiazzi wasted no time getting back to the showbiz scene on arrival at The Raindance Independent Filmmaker's Ball at Cafe de Paris, in London on Wednesday. Showcasing as much of her tan as possible, the 28-year-old showed off her legs inher microscopic polka dot dress which grazed the top of her thighs with its hem. Fabulous and flirty: Jess Impiazzi paraded her legs in little flirty polka dot dress at The Raindance Independent Filmmaker's Ball at Cafe de Paris, in London on Wednesday Reality star Jess kept her look flirty as she displayed her cleavage in the perilously plunging neckline and drew further attention thanks to its decorative frill. With her locks styled loosely around her face, the Ex On The Beach beauty added to her pretty features with delicate markings of make-up. The Celebrity Big Brother star sexed up her look with sky-scraper open-toe stilettos which were fastened to her ankles with a racy lace-up design. Cheeky lady: Reality star Jess kept her look flirty as she displayed her cleavage in the perilously plunging neckline and drew further attention thanks to its decorative frill Previously having starred on Celebrity Big Brother and Ex On The Beach, it is of little wonder that Jess headed out to the social scene following her Marbella break. On her return to the UK, the reality star has been embarking on her latest TV venture a horror feature flick The Seven Film. Aside from her stellar television career, Jess recently discussed her difficult childhood and how being accepted into famed Italia Conti stage school combated it. Leggy lady: Showcasing as much of her tan as possible, the 28-year-old showed off her legs in her microscopic polka dot dress which grazed the top of her thighs with its hem But that amazing moment was immediately marred when on the same day her 13-month-old nephew passed away. Jess recalled on Loose Women: 'The thing that got me out of that sadness was Italia Conti stage school. I auditioned and got in. 'Then I had a scholarship for college and it was the day I got the letter in 2006 that my nephew died of meningitis and septicemia. It took away the brilliance of that day. I got hit with depression. The head teacher let me go away for a couple of months. Fun-filled night: With her locks styled loosely around her face, the Ex On The Beach beauty added to her pretty features with delicate markings of make-up 'I went back for rehearsals and my favourite teacher told me the light in my eyes had gone out. I didnt want to see anyone. My confidence was gone. I just wanted to hide.' Jess went onto reveal that she eventually dropped out of the prestigious stage school to care for her mum Debbie. Debbie had lost her sight after suffering Uveal effusion syndrome, a rare condition that causes fluid to build at the back of the eyes. Impossible to miss: Jess showed off her quirky sense of style as she added a bold canary yellow puffer jacket to her evening look Casual cutie: BNTM star Talulah-Eve arrived wearing a sporty grey ensemble Looking good: Sinitta looked incredible in a light blue mini dress and satin shoes as she made the most of the sunshine She was embroiled in controversy when fans accused Bachelor In Paradise of 'queerbaiting' after a promotional trailer teased a lesbian kiss that never happened. And Megan Marx has admitted she is just as 'disappointed' as viewers are with the trailer, which showed her smooching a long-haired mystery contestant who many believed to be Elora Murger - but was in fact male model Thomas Perras. The 29-year-old claimed she felt like her sexuality had been 'used as leverage' and added that presenting the truth would have been the 'most respectful option'. 'I was disappointed my sexuality was used as leverage': Bisexual Megan Marx has sided with outraged Bachelor In Paradise fans after bosses teased a lesbian kiss that never happened Addressing the scandal in a lengthy Instagram post, she wrote: 'There's been a lot of harangue about the queerbaiting that was involved in the promotion of the show. 'I too was disappointed that my sexuality was used as leverage when truth (the fact that I'm a sexual minority at all!) is always the most respectful option.' The reality TV star went on to praise Network Ten, however, for allowing her to be openly bisexual on the show. 'However I'm still grateful Bachelor In Paradise gave me a platform to be myself and pursue any relationship I wanted to - they always made it clear they supported me, and were even respectful and open in me posting this message,' she added. Hmm: In a promotional trailer, the bisexual contestant was seen kissing a mystery long-haired brunette who appeared to be Elora Murger Bait and switch: But Megan's conquest was in fact Canadian intruder Thomas Perras Megan concluded: 'A big apology to those who were offended, I know we can do better - we have a long way to go in Australia.' Her statement comes after fans reacted with outrage after learning in Tuesday's episode that Megan's mystery female conquest was in fact Canadian intruder Thomas. Incensed viewers flocked to social media to accuse TV bosses of making a 'vile attempt at a ratings grab'. 'Um if the "bisexual" kiss on Bachelor In Paradise is just Megan and the guy with long hair I will be so mad,' one viewer tweeted, adding the hashtag, 'queerbaiting'. Not impressed: Addressing the scandal, Megan wrote: 'A big apology to those who were offended, I know we can do better - we have a long way to go in Australia' 'Hey Channel Ten: FYI the queerbaiting in your promo of Bachelor In Paradise was less of a good idea and more hurtful than Eden's prank letter. So not OK,' another fan wrote. A similar Twitter post read: 'Reminder that the initial promo literally pretended that a dude with long hair was a girl so that they could play on Megan's bisexuality without actually validating it just for viewers.' Commenting on the clip, one social media user vented: 'I love some trashy reality TV. But far out... wow. 'Maybe I was naive to believe that the dangling carrot of a same-sex couple on a commercial network, prime time dating show was more than a network's vile attempt at a ratings grab. #queerbaiting.' Unimpressed: Viewers said they were left 'hurt' after realising Megan's suitor was not a woman That's not Elora! Long-haired Thomas Perras - an intruder on Bachelor In Paradise - was Megan's mystery fling, much to the disappointment of fans hoping for a same-sex romance The promo had suggested that Megan enjoys a steamy romp with fellow contestant Elora in the ocean - cutting the trailer so that the kiss was shown right after a female voiceover was heard saying, 'She's absolutely gorgeous and my type of girl'. While Megan's face was clearly visible in the kiss, only the back of her suitor's long dark hair was seen - suggesting they could be a woman. Daily Mail Australia has contacted a Network Ten spokesperson for comment. It comes after Megan claimed she was offered the role of Australia's first bisexual Bachelorette. Megan told NW magazine she was lined up for the 2017 season until Sophie Monk 'asked if she could do the show'. Furious: Other fans claimed producers were 'dangling the carrot of a same-sex couple' The 29-year-old even claimed producers flew her from Europe to Australia to hold discussions for a proposed new format that involved male and female suitors. Megan told NW earlier this week: 'I was meant to be the Bachelorette on Sophie's season as they wanted someone bisexual. 'But then Sophie asked if she could do the show and she was awesome and maybe I wasn't ready.' Interesting: The promo had hinted that Megan enjoys a steamy romp with fellow contestant Elora (right) in the ocean - cutting the trailer so that the kiss was shown right after a female voiceover was heard saying, 'She's absolutely gorgeous and my type of girl' She explained of the new format: 'It was in the early stages (of planning), but it would have been mainly guys and a few girls in the mansion.' Megan rose to fame on the 2016 season of The Bachelor, starring Richie Strahan. She famously walked out during a Rose Ceremony, despite being an early favourite to win the show. A few months after filming, the former health promotions officer began a relationship with fellow contestant Tiffany Scanlon. Their post-Bachelor same-sex romance made headlines across the world, and even attracted some media attention overseas. Arrow actor Colton Haynes described a 'surreal and incredible' encounter he had Wednesday after picking up the ashes of his late mother at a crematory. 'I sat in the parking lot & cried for 3 hours,' the grieving 29-year-old admitted to his 11.8M social media followers. 'I felt so paralyzed that I checked into a Motel 6 down the street & fell asleep holding her box on the bathroom floor. When I woke up I went outside to get some fresh air.' Scroll down for video RIP: Arrow actor Colton Haynes (R) described a 'surreal and incredible' encounter he had Wednesday after picking up the ashes of his late mother (L) at a crematory The AHS: Cult actor shared a snap of a baby rabbit that hopped two feet in front of him, and they 'didn't break eye contact for 20 minutes.' 'I sat on that bench with my mom's ashes & cried so hard I threw up,' Colton recalled. 'I truly feel like this rabbit was my incredible mom consoling me & telling me that it's all gonna be ok. I'm sharing this with y'all because it was the most surreal/incredible thing that's ever happened to me. Sending love to all of you.' Dana Denise Mitchell - a 'free-spirited hippie' - passed away March 23 from 'advanced cirrhosis of the liver and kidney failure.' 'We didn't break eye contact for 20 minutes': The grieving 29-year-old 'cried so hard I threw up' after a symbolic close encounter with a baby rabbit ''I truly feel like this rabbit was my incredible mom consoling me': Dana Denise Mitchell passed away March 23 from 'advanced cirrhosis of the liver and kidney failure' 'She's always been the anchor': The Kansas farm matriarch - who 'didn't have time' to wait for an organ donor - left behind six children, a boyfriend called Gary, and her beloved cat Fasa 'She was funny, bull-headed, and strong': Haynes - who wed celebrity florist Jeff Leatham (L) six months ago - is now raising funds for the American Liver Foundation 'My mom, Dana, always loves to laugh. Even when her liver & kidney doctors gave us the worst news you could get, my mom looked at us and said, "The best thing to do in these situations is to laugh." She then chuckled so loud you could hear it to the other end of the hospital. That's my mom. Shes funny, bull headed, & strong,' Haynes wrote back on February 20. 'My mom has been in and out of the hospital since January...My strong mother has always been the anchor of this family and our best friend. Now we're being forced to say goodbye to her.' The Kansas farm matriarch - who 'didn't have time' to wait for an organ donor - left behind six children, a boyfriend called Gary, and her beloved cat Fasa. The former Teen Wolf star - who wed celebrity florist Jeff Leatham six months ago - is now raising funds for the American Liver Foundation. Colton currently plays hooded vigilante Arsenal in the 23-episode sixth season of Arrow, which airs Thursdays on The CW. She's a Victoria's Secret Angel and a spokesperson for Maybelline. And on Wednesday in New York, Adriana Lima made the city her catwalk as she worked a photo shoot for the cosmetics company. The Brazilian beauty, 36, strolled along the sidewalk sporting bright red lip color and holding the lipstick in one hand. Headturner: Adriana Lima made New York her catwalk as she did a photo shoot for Maybelline cosmetics on Wednesday promoting a vibrant red lipstick She wore heels that matched the color of her lips and the vibrant shade made her stand out from the crowd. The leggy model was dressed in cropped FRAME denims ripped at the knees along with a figure-hugging black top and a black shearling lined leather jacket with zipper pockets and a belt. Her long dark hair was parted in the middle and flowed out behind her as she walked. Her eyes were lined with black kohl and mascara and she accessorized with large silver hoop earrings. Hard at work: The Brazilian beauty, 36, wore heels that matched the shade of her lips along with cropped FRAME denims ripped at the knees and a shearling-lined black leather jacket All abut the lips: She was seen posing with a cast of different characters including one man dressed as the statue of Liberty with a green face to which she had applied the lip color Adriana was also seen posing with a cast of characters to whom she applied the scarlet lipstick. One was a platinum blonde in a check jacket whom she sat next to on a park bench. Another was a man dressed as the Statue of liberty with a green face. The stunner has been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 1999 and has walked in 18 VS Fashion Shows. Sensational: The Victoria's Secret Angel took to Instagram last week to show off her gym-honed body, sharing this selfie revealing her abs Last month she told People that she wouldn't retire from the brand until her 20th VS Fashion Show but was realistic about her age being a factor in her decision. 'I plan to be at 20. Two more years. Maybe more, I dont know,' she said. 'Its nature. I'm working out, Im being healthy, so lets see how the body is going to turn out. But I enjoy it. So lets say 20.' Lima has two children, Valentina, eight, and Sienna, five, with her former husband husband Marko Jaric. Karl Stefanovic has condemned the decision to release Avengers: Infinity War in cinemas on Anzac Day this year, branding the move as an exploitative, 'grubby cash grab'. In a segment aired on the Today show on Thursday, the 43-year-old presenter urged parents to boycott the film's launch and to instead take their children to the Dawn Service or an ANZAC memorial site. 'I have an angry face emoji. There might be some legitimate reason why the Avengers is opening on Anzac Day, but I haven't seen it,' he said. 'It's a grubby cash grab!' Karl Stefanovic condemned the decision to release Avengers: Infinity War on Anzac Day during a segment on the Today show on Thursday 'Films traditionally in this country open on a Thursday. That's when Dickie (Richard Wilkins) has his movie review. Right? Everyone knows it,' he continued. 'Event Cinemas bringing the release a day early smacks, to me, of a grubby cash grab. 'Well, grab your cash somewhere else. Exploit another day, not on what I believe is the most important day on our nation's calendar.' Not worth marvelling at? Avengers: Infinity War is slated for release in cinemas on April 27 'How on earth are our kids supposed to breathe in the significance of Anzac Day, the sacrifices, the great sacrifices, the impact on our nation, on our families?' he asked. 'Pretty hard to do with a $25 popcorn and choc-top, I would have thought. I don't think so. 'And it's on parents. Take your kids to the Dawn Service, take them to the War Memorial in Canberra, take them to your local Cenotaph, look at the names. The Diggers who died, Diggers not much older than them. For who? For us. 'It's on parents': The Channel Nine presenter urged parents to boycott the film's launch and to instead take their children to the Dawn Service or an ANZAC memorial site 'I might be a wowzer, but please keep this day sacred. I love Thor, but let's remember and respect what Anzac Day is really for,' he concluded. The first Avengers film was released on Anzac Day in 2012. In previous years, Channel Nine has aired NRL matches on Anzac Day. About 50 refugees are expected to leave Manus Island and Nauru in coming weeks to start new lives in the US, as Australia continues the slow process of emptying the immigration camps. The refugees, who received their final approvals on Wednesday morning, will join about 230 others who have been resettled in America. "We're continuing to work with the United States and this is the next step in that process," coalition frontbencher Darren Chester told Sky News. "We must never forget how we got in this position. It was the Labor Party that had an open door policy which led to so many people being put in detention and people drowning at sea. "So we're trying to work our way through the situation. Our border protection policies have worked, and we're endeavouring to reach a solution in partnership with other nations." Since resettlements under the deal started in September, about 145 refugees have left Nauru and 85 have departed Papua New Guinea's Manus Island. Labor Senator Kristina Keneally said Australians wanted to see a speedy resolution to clearing the offshore camps. Senator Keneally said genuine refugees had been left to languish in hopeless and cruel conditions for too long. "The Turnbull government needs to get moving, and if Labor comes to government, we need to be clear that we are working hard with our allies around the world to find a solution to this," Senator Keneally said. "We've found a solution - a partial solution - with the United States. We have an offer from New Zealand. "It is not beyond the wherewithal of the Australian government to go out and work with our world partners to try and fund a way to resolve the situation of people on Manus and Nauru." Under the deal Australia reached with the previous Obama administration - derided as the worst ever by now-president Donald Trump - the US agreed to take up to 1250 refugees from the offshore detention centres. Julia Gillard and Hillary Clinton will share a stage when the former US presidential candidate visits Australia for brief speaking tour in May. The former prime minister will act as moderator at Ms Clinton's two events in Melbourne and Sydney where she will deliver insights into her lengthy political career, including her time as US secretary of state and loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. "Secretary Clinton is a formidable, admirable and inspiring woman and I'm delighted to have the opportunity to be in conversation with her," Ms Gillard said in a statement on Wednesday. "Australians have followed Secretary Clinton's career with great interest and I believe audiences will be hungry to hear her take on contemporary world events as well as her reflections on her fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, life experiences." Ms Gillard was a staunch supporter of Ms Clinton during the presidential election and urged Americans to call out sexism directed at the former Democratic nominee. Two years earlier, Mrs Clinton wrote in her book Hard Choices about the "outrageous sexism" Ms Gillard had endured while prime minister. The pair met several times while Ms Gillard was prime minister and Mrs Clinton was secretary of state for president Barack Obama. Earlier this year, Ms Gillard said she planned to collaborate with Mrs Clinton to encourage more women to stand for public office. * An Evening with Hillary Rodham Clinton will be at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on May 10 and at Sydney's International Convention Centre on May 11 Senior Labor figure Anthony Albanese says a seat will be found for his caucus and factional ally Mark Butler. Mr Butler's seat of Port Adelaide is recommended for abolition, following a redistribution, taking the number of House of Representatives electorates in South Australia down to 10. "I can assure you that Mark Butler will still be there in the next term," Mr Albanese told radio 5AA on Wednesday. Mr Butler is also in the running to retain his position as ALP national president. Two ground-breaking flu vaccines are now available for free to Australians aged 65 and over. Health authorities introduced the 'super vaccines' targeted at this age group in response to last year's deadly flu season. Of the 1100 influenza-associated deaths recorded in 2017, 90 per cent were in the elderly. With winter less than two months away, the federal government on Wednesday encouraged older Australians to take advantage of the enhanced vaccines. "Last year we saw the highest influenza activity in Australia in almost a decade, mirroring a global trend, with more than 250,000 Australians testing positive for influenza and double the normal hospitalisations," Minister for Health Greg Hunt said in a statement on Wednesday. It's not just older members of the community encouraged to get the flu shot. Data suggests 56 per cent of Australians don't intend to get the vaccination. "I urge all Australians to consider getting a flu shot this year. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for any person six months of age and older, with vaccines also available on the private market," Mr Hunt said Those who are eligible for a free flu shot under the National Immunisation Program include people aged 65 years and over, most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and those who suffer from chronic conditions. Infectious disease experts are predicting a moderate to severe flu season in 2018, with more than 11,000 laboratory confirmed notifications of influenza in Australia already recorded by the Immunisation Coalition. The data shows both influenza A and B strains are circulating at similar levels, including confirmed cases of influenza A (H3N2) - the "worst kind" of flu. Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Professor Brendan Murphy said now is the time to make plans to get the vaccination. "Getting vaccinated from mid-April will ensure you are protected before Australia's peak flu period, from around June to September." Professor Murphy also stressed that people cannot get the flu from the vaccination. "The flu jab does not contain any live virus, so you cannot get the flu from the vaccine and we know that high vaccination rates contribute to a healthy community," Professor Murphy said. Influenza Strains Contained in the 2018 Flu Vaccine * A(H1N1): an A/Michigan/45/2015(H1N1) pdm09 like virus * A(H3N2): an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016(H3N2) like virus * B: a B/Phuket/3073/2013 like virus * B: a B/Brisbane/60/2008 like virus The NSW government will combat the swelling number of inmates across the state by adding 2000 extra prisons staff over the next three years, Corrections Minister David Elliott has announced. The new recruits will be divided up into prison officers as well as community corrections - which handles parolees - psychologists and academy teachers. Mr Elliott on Wednesday noted the new roles were in addition to the 2100 jobs that were created over the past two years. The increase in staff numbers follows a rising prison population, which is approaching 14,000 inmates. But the prison guards' union - the Public Service Association - said the system is already overcrowded, with some facilities squeezing in three inmates per cell. Despite assurances from the government that $3.8 billion will be spent upgrading prisons to cater for the growth, 4000 guards walked off the job last week fearful of job cuts. The union fears the new jobs will come at the expense of experienced staff. "They say they're putting on new staff but many will be recruits, fresh from the academy," PSA industrial manager Evan Cole told AAP on Monday. "They're losing the most experienced staff." Mr Cole said senior staff facing cuts were the most valuable when it came to dealing with the worst elements of the penal system - from pedophiles to violent offenders. Mr Elliott said a new benchmarking system is being introduced to help prison managers hit performance targets and improve accountability and standards. "My job is to ensure the community gets the best bang for their taxpayer buck in terms of security, safety and rehabilitation and these new jobs help deliver that," he said in a statement on Wednesday. Corrective Services Commissioner Peter Severin, in an opinion piece published by Fairfax Media last month, said the department valued the "incomparable knowledge and skill base" of long-term employees. But he noted the number of middle-management positions in NSW were "substantially higher" than in other states. "We want to increase frontline correctional officer coverage through more effective rostering and deployments," Mr Severin said. AAP understands the Industrial Relations Commissioner will visit Long Bay and South Coast correctional centres in mid-May as a result of last week's strike. An elderly woman has been hospitalised after a car crashed into a bank in northeast Melbourne. A nearby worker and paramedic-in-training told AAP the car, driven by an elderly man, careened through the glass wall of the NAB branch at the Lilydale Marketplace around 4pm on Wednesday. "We heard a loud bang and went outside and there was a car that was in front of NAB with a driver stuck inside and a passenger stuck inside, and there was a lady trapped underneath," the woman said, adding she held the elderly woman's hand until an ambulance arrived. Hollywood star Rebel Wilson has returned to court in Melbourne, fighting an appeal by a magazine publisher ordered to pay her $4.5 million in defamation damages. The 38-year-old Fat Pizza star sat in a packed Court of Appeal on Wednesday, accompanied by her mother Sue Bownds and represented by high-profile, $9000-a-day barrister Matthew Collins QC. Bauer Media, which publishes Woman's Day and Australian Women's Weekly, defamed the actress in a series of articles in 2015 that painted her as a serial liar about her age, real name and childhood. But the company insists the payout awarded was "manifestly excessive". "There has been a denial of natural justice," Bauer's barrister Michael Wheelahan QC told the court, noting his client didn't want to challenge the defamation verdict. Following a Supreme Court of Victoria trial last June, Justice John Dixon said Bauer Media wrongly damaged Wilson's "reputation as an actress of integrity". He ordered them to pay her a record-breaking $4.5 million in damages - $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages. Bauer is challenging the finding that the Hollywood star needed to be compensated for film roles - including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda 3 - which she said she was fired from following the publications. It claims there's not enough evidence to prove the economic loss, and that Justice Dixon made the finding with "no adequate reasons (and) no analysis". Mr Wheelahan argued Wilson's career earnings had been on an upwards "trajectory" with a few "speed bumps" along the way, but no evidence those bumps were caused by the articles. He argued that in fact top Hollywood agent Peter Principato, an industry person "on the grapevine", hadn't even heard of the articles at the time. Speaking outside court, Wilson said Hollywood had been well aware of her case. "Taylor Swift just congratulated me the other day, at Ruby Rose's birthday party actually," she told reporters. She said she was confident her team would successfully defend the appeal. "(Bauer) maliciously defamed me and I'm here to hold them accountable for that." Bauer is also fighting the finding that a large sum was required because of aggravating features including the contention it kept Wilson "worried all the way to verdict" during the trial. Justice David Beach said he had "great difficulty" understanding how Bauer could justify the imputation Wilson was a serial liar. "It looks like one of those cases - happy to wound but very afraid to strike," he said. Wilson has previously said she plans to give the payout to charity and the Australian film industry. The hearing before justices Beach, Pamela Tate and David Ashley continues on Thursday. Attorney-General Christian Porter has put out the welcome mat for South African farmers, pledging to help people applying for Australian visas based on persecution. Mr Porter's Perth electorate of Pearce had more than 5000 South African-born residents at the last census, which recorded 2656 Afrikaans speakers living in the seat. "More than any other place in Australia, South Africans have made their home in the north coast of WA, in my electorate," Mr Porter told the Australian. "They are hardworking and make a huge contribution to our local community." He said over the past five years his office had helped a steady stream of South Africans with immigration issues. "I have always thought that, given their contribution, the more South Africans in our local community the better," the attorney-general said. "If anyone in Pearce needs any assistance with relatives back in South Africa who are potential candidates for visa classes based on any form of persecution, or any other visa class for that matter, please contact my office and we will continue to provide every assistance." WA Liberal backbenchers Andrew Hastie and Ian Goodenough last week called on Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton to relax visa rules and accept 10,000 white South African farmers who are facing discrimination and violence. Mr Dutton confirmed last week he is considering several applications from South African farmers for refugee or humanitarian status in Australia. He sparked controversy and diplomatic tensions after last month arguing the "persecuted" farmers needed help from a "civilised country" like Australia. Unions have projected a $50-a-week rise in the minimum wage will create as many as 57,000 jobs in the first year after being introduced. The Australian Council of Trade Unions' projections rely on two methodologies outlined in a reply submission to the Fair Work Commission's annual wage review. They say between 40,000 and 57,000 jobs will be created a year after the minimum wage is lifted by $50 a week, with a further 27,000 to 30,000 in the second year. "When people on lower wages get a pay rise they spend it in the local economy, and that creates more jobs," ACTU secretary Sally McManus said. The union peak body wants a $50 wage boost for the nation's lowest-paid workers. But employer groups have warned that figure would reduce the job security of low-paid workers and lower employment opportunities. "The Turnbull government and the business lobby are trying to keep wages down by running a scare campaign against higher wages," Ms McManus said. "That's the same discredited, untruthful, damaging trickle-down economics this government loves to roll out." The projections have been released as the ACTU's Change The Rules campaign gets into full swing following a major rally in Melbourne earlier in the week. The demonstration on Tuesday kicked off a series of marches across the country in April and May as part of the biggest campaign since the "Your Rights At Work" push in 2007 that helped bring down Work Choices and the Howard government. The first projection uses information about households of people on low incomes, while the other relies on Treasury assumptions which calculate the multiplier effect of a wage rise. The Fair Work commission's decision on the latest minimum wage increase will take effect from July 1. The Turnbull government is being urged to create an extra avenue to resettle refugees in Australia through a community sponsorship program. Refugee groups have launched a joint initiative calling on the government to introduce a scheme which will initially create 5000 places a year, growing to 10,000 over the next five years. They believe the places should be additional to those provided by Australia's humanitarian migration quota. Australian communities - along with individuals, families and businesses - can already nominate humanitarian visa applicants for settlement. There are up to 1000 community-based places available each year under Australia's humanitarian intake. Supporters must prove refugees have strong employment prospects and can be cared for during their first year in the country. The new scheme would follow the lead of Canada and the UK which have community sponsorship programs. Save the Children, the Refugee Council of Australia, Amnesty International Australia, the Australian Churches Refugee Taskforce, Welcome to Australia and Rural Australians for Refugees are behind the initiative. Save the Children's Lisa Button said countries like Australia needed to step up and provide solutions for people facing persecution and conflict. "Part of that solution is changing immigration policy settings to allow individuals and communities to make their own contribution via community sponsorship," she said. Save the Children last month led a delegation of visiting Canadian refugee experts talking to politicians and bureaucrats about community sponsorships. Vanuatu has ruled out ever allowing China to build a military base on its shores, assuring Australia the idea has never been raised. Following reports that security officials were worried about China's intentions in Vanuatu, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull met with Prime Minister Charlot Salwai in London. Mr Salwai said he had worked in government for 27 years, as an adviser and MP, and the idea of a Chinese military base had never been raised. "I attend a lot of meetings, was ever (sic) in our discussion. Was never in our negotiations," he told reporters in London on Wednesday. Mr Salwai ruled out any plans for a Chinese base in his country, and said he raised it with Mr Turnbull in their bilateral meeting. "I want to assure the prime minister that Vanuatu was never dreaming to become a military base one day," he said. "It is not in our culture, it is not in our tradition. "We are the happiest people, and I think that's enough for us." China is building a wharf in Vanuatu funded by a concessional loan, but Mr Salwai said the loan was cheaper than the one Japan offered when the Port Vila wharf was built. China has said reports it wants a military base in Vanuatu are "sheer fiction" from troublemakers. Mr Salwai thanked Australia for its support in education, health and justice, but said he would like help building the new police academy. "Because we want to keep Vanuatu as a destination for investors, but also for tourists ... Vanuatu must be ready to be a country of law and order," he said. Mr Turnbull also met with Solomon Islands Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and they discussed Australia's support for a new telecommunications cable, as well as energy and mining investments. Scientists have confirmed rising sea temperatures are having a greater impact on the Great Barrier Reef than first thought. Branching corals that act as a nursery for juvenile marine life and give the World Heritage-listed icon its three dimensional aspect experienced a catastrophic die-off following bleaching in 2016, a new study shows. The paper, published in the scientific journal Nature, details how that particular marine heatwave has sparked a radical shift in the composition of the reef. It means large swaths of mature and diverse clusters have been transformed into a degraded reef structure, Queensland coral reef scientist Professor Terry Hughes says. "We've been saying for a long time that these bleaching events are going to get more frequent and the consequence of that will be that the mix of species will change," Professor Hughes said. "(But) there's a big difference between making a prediction and then measuring it come to pass." In years to come, sprawling and intricately shaped coral species such as the Staghorn variety will be largely replaced by flat, mound-shaped formations. "Overall we'll probably have less coral and overall we'll have less biodiversity," Professor Hughes added. The paper repeated previous science suggesting parts of the reef may never recover from the 2016 bleaching, and again called for more urgent action to prevent its decline as a result of climate change. Whether or not targets such as those set out in the Paris climate agreement are met, Professor Hughes said a major transition in the reef's appearance was already well underway. Responding to questions about the study on Wednesday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said her government would continue to fund measures to protect what she described as one the state's greatest natural assets. A Deloitte Access Economics report in June valued the reef at $56 billion, underpinning 64,000 direct and indirect jobs, which contributed $6.4 billion to Australia's national economy each year. It warned of the vast economic consequences for Australia unless more is done to protect the reef. An Australian man believed to be an Islamic State fighter, who has alleged links to terror suspects connected to the shooting murder of Curtis Cheng, has been arrested in Iraq. Defence Minister Marise Payne confirmed the arrest of an Australian, understood to be Ahmed Merhi, "as a result of the ongoing conflict" but could not give any more detail. Merhi travelled from Sydney to Syria in 2014 and was allegedly in direct contact with Australian IS suspects - including those connected to the shooting murder of Sydney police accountant Curtis Cheng outside Parramatta police headquarters. It's believed he moved to Iraq when IS changed territories last year. Ms Payne would not confirm Merhi's identity but said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade was providing consular assistance. No charges have yet been laid, she said, adding that it was a matter for Iraqi authorities. Ms Payne refused to say if Australia has requested his extradition or intends to, or if it would oppose a potential death penalty if he is charged and convicted. It comes amid reports that Merhi's relative, IS commander and Lebanese citizen Tarek Khayat, was also detained earlier this year. Khayat is alleged to have directed his Sydney-based brothers to smuggle a bomb hidden inside a meat grinder onto an Etihad plane due to depart from Sydney for Abu Dhabi on July 15. Four men were arrested in late July over the conspiracy. Two of the four arrested - Khaled Khayat and his brother Mahmoud Khayat - were each charged with two counts of planning or preparing a terrorist act. A third man, Khaled Merhi, was charged with an unrelated weapons offence, while the fourth was released without charge. The bomb never made it onto the airliner because it exceeded weight limits at the check-in counter. Chinese trade with Australia could be under threat, but Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull says any "ups and downs" in the bilateral relationship are coming from a high base. The Chinese ambassador to Australia told The Australian that if growing distrust was allowed to fester it could damage the trade relationship. Australia is bringing in laws trying to stop foreign donations to political parties, but Ambassador Cheng Jingye rejected any suggestions China was trying to interfere in Australian politics. Speaking in London, where he is attending the CHOGM meeting, Mr Turnbull said the two countries shared a strong relationship that was getting better. "We have a very strong economic relationship with China, in fact it's strengthening all the time," the prime minister told reporters on Wednesday local time. "From time to time there are differences in the relationship, if there are ups and downs, it's from a very, very high base. "Trade has never been higher in every respect." But Mr Turnbull said he will not step back from the foreign donation laws. "We are taking every step that we can, with our foreign interference legislation, to ensure that Australians, and Australians only, are the ones who influence Australian political processes," he said. The federal opposition say they can't see a short-term fix to clear differences of opinion over the National Energy Guarantee. Labor's energy spokesman Mark Butler says the policy framework for the deal, to be considered by the federal and state energy ministers in Melbourne on Friday, needs more work before anyone can make a final decision. Business and green groups have called for more detailed work on the design of the guarantee, ahead of a second Energy Council meeting in August, which is the government's deadline for signing the agreement. The ACT government has identified serious concerns, while Victoria and Queensland have their own more ambitious renewables targets. "The policy design needs more work before people make a final decision. We want to see a bipartisan decision at least on a policy framework," Mr Butler he told ABC. He says the opposition would call out the concerns of business groups and stakeholders, including around the level of ambition and commitment to renewables. Labor wants a target of 50 per cent renewable energy by 2030 and 45 per cent emissions reduction target by the same deadline. The current proposal would legislate a 26 per cent energy reduction target for the electricity sector. US President Donald Trump has again turned his back on the Trans-Pacific Partnership after just days ago raising the prospect he might consider rejoining the massive free trade agreement with Australia, Japan and nine other allied nations. Mr Trump, at the end of a two-day visit by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago in Florida, told reporters he was now actively pursuing a bilateral deal with Japan. "The US is committed to free, fair and reciprocal - very important word - trade and we are committed to pursuing a bilateral trading relationship that benefits both of our great countries," Mr Trump told Wednesday's press conference. Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, Brunei, Peru, Vietnam, Chile, Malaysia and Mexico moved ahead on the TPP without the US and in March had a formal signing ceremony for the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), also known as TPP11. Mr Trump also told reporters on Wednesday he was looking forward to meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un "in coming weeks" in the hope of ridding the rogue nation of its nuclear weapons. "Hopefully that meeting will be a great success," Mr Trump said. California almond growers said they were worried over losing exports to its 3rd largest export destination amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions, according to a statement of Almond Board of California. In this Tuesday, July 21, 2015 photo, Jim Jasper, owner of Stewart Jasper Orchards, displays a box of almonds that are ready for shipping at his processing plant in Newman, Calif. [File photo: AP/Rich Pedroncelli] "The entire California Almond industry is closely monitoring the recently imposed China tariffs, as China is the U.S.' 3rd largest export market for almonds, with a value of over 500 million U.S. dollars," said the Almond Board of California's President and CEO, Richard Waycott, in a statement published in American Journal of Transportation on April 13. The Almond Board of California is an agricultural promotion group represents California Almond growers, processors and handlers. It provides information to members about the expectation of supply and demand each year, as well as monitors and creates marketing campaigns to their customers. "Unimpeded market access in China and around the globe is essential, as almonds are California's top agricultural export," Waycott added. Despite strong warnings from business groups and trade experts, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum last month 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. Trump also ordered his chief trade negotiator this month to consider imposing tariffs on an additional 100 billion dollars of Chinese products. China vowed to fight back immediately and fiercely without hesitation. U.S. farmers are in the eye of the trade storm and worry that they will be the potential victims in the so-called trade war with China. "We encourage continued efforts that will ensure that agriculture, within the global trade environment, continues to expand," said Waycott, appealing for an avoidance of actions that would jeopardize U.S. agricultural trade with China. "Global almond trade is fundamental to the long-term well-being of the state by generating over 100,000 jobs across multiple professions, resulting in more than 21 billion U.S. dollars of gross revenue and adding about 11 billion U.S. dollars to the state's economy," according to the statement. The U.S. almond industry has been active in China for more than 20 years, with marketing and trade promotion activities. Exports to China, prior to the additional tariff, were anticipated to continue growing at about 6 percent per year, according to the statement of Waycott. "Market development activities in China have contributed to economic growth in both countries, benefiting California growers and Chinese consumers with a healthy, safe food choice," he stressed. California is the world's largest producer of almonds, supplying about 80 percent of the global demand. There are around 6,800 California Almond farms. Of those, 91 percent are family farms. A new initiative aims to ease the burden by encouraging the women -- who are paid to exploit an anomaly in Moroccan law that exempts items carried by pedestrians from duties -- to use trolleys It's a form of hard labour that has provoked an outcry -- Moroccan women bent double, overburdened by goods approaching or exceeding their own bodyweight. For years, thousands of such porters have crossed the border every day into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave perched on the northernmost tip of Morocco. But now an initiative aims to ease the burden by encouraging the women -- who are paid to exploit an anomaly in Moroccan law that exempts items carried by pedestrians from duties -- to use trolleys. "It's less trying than before," said Najat, one of the porters whose back-breaking work has earned them the nickname "mujeres mulas" (mule women) in Spanish. "It's a good thing, especially for those with health problems," added the mother of two, whose husband is unemployed. On a hill towering above the Mediterranean between Ceuta and the Moroccan town of Fnideq, Najat, who is in her 40s, waited to pass routine checks at a small pedestrian border post. Ceuta emerged as a military and commercial port under Spanish rule dating back to the 15th century. Today it has a population of around 85,000, enjoying a degree of autonomy from Madrid. For years, thousands of such porters have crossed the border every day into Ceuta, a Spanish enclave perched on the northernmost tip of Morocco Najat was equipped with her new wheels. Welded locally, the device is "much more durable than trolleys sold in the shops", she enthused. For the past five years, Najat has been entering the Spanish enclave twice a week, arriving back several gruelling hours later with bundles of goods. She makes around 20 euros ($25) for each round trip, delivering the items to merchants; approximately the same cost as her new trolley. While goods brought by vehicle from the European Union are subject to import duties at the Moroccan border, items taken on foot are exempt. Under pressure from NGOs following a string of incidents, including deaths, traders and authorities in Ceuta launched the trolley initiative this month, to complement a raft of other reforms. At dawn, a group of 100 women were the first to cross the frontier to a commercial zone just inside the Spanish enclave. The zone was built in 2004 to reduce congestion in the centre of Ceuta. Metal hangars house an array of merchandise: clothes imported from China, cleaning products, basic foodstuffs and decorative items. - 'Difficult on slopes' - "The situation is improving, thank God," said 35-year old Touria, a scarf wrapped around her head. She had come to look for food products. Other reforms include a daily limit on the number of porters crossing the border and alternating days for men and women. At least four women porters were trampled to death last year, in stampedes at the border post -- the only land frontier between the EU and Africa. While goods brought by vehicle from the European Union are subject to import duties at the Moroccan border, items taken on foot are exempt Private security agents have been employed in the commercial zone, paid by local traders and the authorities in Ceuta. "We will not see any more shameful images on TV," said a security guard, who helps ensure the porters queue for their turn in an orderly manner. He described the efforts by authorities as "a step" forwards for human rights. Scrolling through his smart phone, the burly Moroccan showed what he called "images of chaos" taken a year ago, that he said he encountered on a near-daily basis. "All that belongs to the past," he said. But he believes more should be done to help the women. "Now we must reduce the weight of the parcels." The exploitation of porters "began in the early 2000s and hasn't stopped growing since then", Mohamed Benaissa, president of the Morocco-based Northern Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP. Reforms also include a daily limit on the number of porters crossing the border and alternating days for men and women Under heavy rain, Fatima struggled to steer her trolley, piled high with 60 kilograms (130 pounds) of boxes containing a Spanish brand of sweets. The trolley does not "roll on its own, it must be steered, and it is difficult on slopes", she said. The new measure had "changed nothing". "Before, I had backache and knee pain, now I have pain in my arms," said the Fnideq resident in her 50s, adding she would prefer to work in a factory, even with lower pay. Stakes are high in the long-awaited May 6 poll, the first test of Lebanon's 2017 voting law, that will carve out the country's political and economic trajectory for years to come As its first parliamentary vote in nearly a decade approaches, Lebanon has been swept into campaign fever: posters on every corner, televised debates, and neighbours bickering over new electoral procedures. Stakes are high in the long-awaited May 6 poll, the first test of Lebanon's 2017 voting law, that will carve out the country's political and economic trajectory for years to come. Voters and candidates alike are eager for polling to start, nearly 10 years after the last parliamentary elections in June 2009. The 128 lawmakers elected back then have extended their mandate three times, citing potential spillover from the war in neighbouring Syria and an unsatisfactory voting law. But after years of deadlock, Lebanon's politicians agreed to elect a president, form a government and move towards a complex new ballot system, paving the way for next month's historic vote. "It's a new electoral experience for Lebanon," said Imad Salamey, a professor of political science at Beirut's Lebanese American University. The next parliament will select Lebanon's future prime minister and legislate on major social and economic issues, while attempting to keep sectarian tensions in check. "The stakes in this election are quite high due to the delicate balance of power between the different sectarian groups in the country," Salamey said. The country of just over four million is governed by a power-sharing agreement that leaves little to chance, with parliament equally divided between Muslims and Christians then further split among different sects. - Lebanon 'needs change' - But the new electoral system, the frustration of young voters and the candidacy of scores of independents have sparked hope for something different. "This country needs a change. I've been complaining about it for years, so not doing anything is not a solution," said Ingrid Hag, 25. The new law, which replaces a majoritarian system with a proportional one, will see voters chose from lists rather than select individual candidates The communications consultant, who will be casting her ballot for the first time, said she had yet to decide how she will vote, but wants a government that cares about environmental issues, women's rights and reliable public services. Across the country, 597 candidates running on 77 lists have launched their campaigns with Oscars-style ceremonies and huge billboards dominating highways. In every neighbourhood, images of the incumbent political elite, like Prime Minister Saad Hariri, stare down first-time hopefuls. Television channels are offering candidates pricey media packages for up to $6,000 per minute of airtime and have launched slick shows to explain the new ballot-casting process. In the past, voters could individually pick candidates for each seat in their district. Under the new law, they choose among the lists, but can also cast an extra preferential vote for a specific candidate. The law replaces a majoritarian system with a proportional one and allows Lebanese expatriates to vote abroad for the first time -- some 82,000 have registered to do so. - 'Pragmatic' list-making - The new list system has further ruptured Lebanon's bipolar political class, long split between the pro-Iran March 8 and pro-Saudi March 14 alliances. Now parties are being "pragmatic," said Salamey, reaching across the aisle to form mutually-beneficial electoral blocs in some districts whilst opposing each other elsewhere. "It's based on each candidate, how many votes he or she can get to the list and accordingly alliances are formulated," he said. The only party not to ally with rivals is the powerful Tehran-backed Hezbollah, popular across Lebanon's south and centre but considered a "terror" group by the US. "From a western perspective, there is a concern that Hezbollah may sweep electoral seats and turn the balance in its favour, making any government to be formed after the election a 'Hezbollah' government," said Salamey. But the new law has also prompted candidates outside Lebanon's traditional political class to join forces, and attracted a record number of women -- including writer and activist Joumana Haddad. Running on the Libaladi (For My Country) list, Haddad pledges to end religion's influence on issues like marriage and inheritance. "With the civil status law, there will be more justice, less sectarianism and more equality," she told AFP. "This new electoral law, despite its many flaws, allows a tiny percentage of independents to get to the parliament. This is the tiny percentage we are trying to work on," said Haddad, 47. That unpredictability unsettles Ibrahim Saleh, a former cleric who votes in the fiercely contested northern city of Tripoli. "Voters in general just don't get the new law. Half of Tripoli's voters are totally confused and could throw everything off," he told AFP. Candidates in Lebanon's north include Sunni millionaires, an all-female list and ex-military figures. "There's no guaranteed result in these elections. I'm really afraid of instability," Saleh said. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech in Tehran on February 11, 2018 President Hassan Rouhani said Wednesday that Iran "does not intend any aggression" against its neighbours but will continue to produce all the weapons it needs for its defence. "We tell the world that we will produce any weapons that we need, or if necessary we will procure them. We have not been waiting... and will not wait for your remarks or agreement," said Rouhani at a military parade in Tehran to mark the annual Army Day. "But at the same time we announce to our neighbouring countries in the region... we do not intend any aggression against you." The United States and its allies have been demanding that Iran curb its ballistic missile programme, but Tehran sees this as crucial to its defensive posture. US President Donald Trump has threatened to tear up the 2015 nuclear deal that lifted sanctions on Iran in exchange for curbs to its atomic programme unless new restrictions are imposed on its missile programme and other areas by May 12. "We want friendly and brotherly relations with our neighbours and we tell them that our weapons, our equipment, our missiles, our planes, our tanks are not against you, it is for deterrence," said Rouhani. "The only way to resolve problems is political negotiation and peaceful behaviour," he added. Regional rival Saudi Arabia accuses Iran of seeking to dominate the Middle East through the expansion of proxy forces in countries like Syria, Iraq and Lebanon. Iran argues these forces operate with the permission of allied governments to fight jihadist groups and prevent the disintegration of states. Rouhani did not appear to reference Israel, which Iran considers an "illegitimate regime" and whose dissolution is a top priority for the country's Islamic rulers. Israel has expressed concern over the growing presence of Iranian forces along its borders and has recently launched air strikes against Iranian positions in Syria. In this file photo taken on December 11, 2008 US President George W. Bush (R) shakes hands with his father, former President George H.W. Bush (L) before his mother, former First Lady Barbara Bush (C), after delivering the commencement address during the Texas A&M University graduation ceremony Former president George H.W. Bush thanked fellow Americans Wednesday for their "outpouring of love" following the loss of his wife of seven decades, Barbara, saying the tributes flowing in for the one-time first lady were "lifting us all up." Long seen as the pillar of one of America's most prominent families, as wife to the 41st US president and mother to the 43rd, Barbara Bush died Tuesday at her home in Texas aged 92, surrounded by her family. Her 93-year-old husband, who was at her side until the end, holding her hand, was said to be heart-broken at the loss of "his beloved Barbara." But on Wednesday the ex-commander-in-chief struck a resolutely stoical tone. "I always knew Barbara as the most beloved woman in the world," he wrote in a statement. "In fact I used to tease her that I had a complex about that fact." "But the truth is the outpouring of love and friendship being directed at The Enforcer is lifting us all up," he said, using a fond nickname coined by the Bush clan for their matriarch. "We know life will go on -- as she would have it," he added. "So cross the Bushes off your worry list." Known for her trademark faux pearls and tart-tongued comments about life in and out of Washington -- but also her deep loyalty to family and self-deprecating humor -- Barbara Bush was in many ways a figure more popular among ordinary Americans than her high-flying husband and sons. President Donald Trump lent his voice to the chorus celebrating a departed national treasure. "For decades Barbara was a titan in American life," and a "tireless champion for literacy," he told a press conference in Florida. "Her presence and character were engraved into America's identity. Her strength and toughness really embodied the spirit of our country," Trump said, speaking alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who also offered his country's "heartfelt condolences." Having undergone heart surgery in 2009, Bush was treated for years for Graves' disease, a thyroid condition. As her health failed in recent days, she was moved into comfort care at her home in Houston. Son George W. Bush, who won the White House eight years after his father left it, told Fox Business that he took solace from "her soul being comforted on her deathbed." "It's the end of a beautiful life," he said. American flags fly at half-staff in Washington, DC, on April 18, 2018, in honor of former First Lady Barbara Bush who passed away Tuesday night. Former US first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, triggering an outpouring of praise for the matriarch of a Republican family once at the apex of American politics. Barbara and George H.W. Bush were married for 73 years, and the widower "of course is heart-broken to lose his beloved Barbara," his chief of staff Jean Becker said in a statement. Barbara Bush is survived by five children, 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She lost a sixth child -- daughter Robin -- to leukemia as a toddler. She will be laid to rest in Texas after a memorial ceremony Saturday in Houston, to be attended by First Lady Melania Trump, former president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle, and the former vice president Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne. Former president Bill Clinton and his wife Hillary were also reportedly due to attend. Trump ordered flags to fly at half-staff at all public buildings and military posts in Bush's honor. - 'Grit and grace' - Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum, including from the Obamas who voiced gratitude "to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House." "But we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life -- as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit." Bill Clinton, who succeeded Bush's husband in office, described her as "a remarkable woman" who brought together "grit and grace, brains and beauty." "She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like." Barbara Bush, shown here in 1992, was the matriarch of one of America's great political families Barbara met her husband-to-be at age 16 when she was a schoolgirl and he was a student at an elite Massachusetts preparatory school. They married in 1945 while he was on leave from wartime service. She made history as one of just two women to be wife and mother to two US presidents. Abigail Adams, who died in 1818, was the other. Her son Jeb, a two-term Florida governor who also ran for president, hailed "the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush." Barbara Bush was her husband's companion and advisor, traveling the world as he rose from Texas oilman to congressman, US ambassador to China, director of the CIA and eventually to the vice presidency and the White House. But she avoided direct involvement in politics, and the posturing that comes with it -- gaining a reputation for toughness, wry humor and straight-speaking. "I'm not running for president; George Bush is," she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention. "What you see with me is what you get." The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war. The Demilitarised Zone between them bristles with minefields and fortifications South Korea is seeking to open discussions about formally declaring an end to the war with the nuclear-armed North at a rare inter-Korean summit next week, officials said Wednesday. "We are looking at the possibility of replacing the armistice regime on the Korean peninsula with a peace regime," a senior official at the presidential Blue House told reporters. "But this is not something we can do by ourselves. It needs close discussions with relevant parties including North Korea." The comments came after US President Donald Trump said that the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the South's President Moon Jae-in could, with his "blessing", discuss a peace treaty to formally close the conflict. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war. The Demilitarised Zone between them bristles with minefields and fortifications. But reaching any final treaty would be fraught with complications. "The peace treaty is a very difficult problem," said Koo Kab-woo, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies. While the US-led United Nations command, China and North Korea are signatories to the decades-old armistice, South Korea is not. Both Pyongyang and Seoul claim sovereignty over the whole Korean peninsula, but a treaty could imply mutual recognition of each other. The North would be likely to demand the withdrawal of US troops, while the South's national security adviser Chung Eui-yong said Wednesday that Seoul and Washington wanted to see Pyongyang give up its nuclear ambitions. In meetings with his newly-appointed US counterpart John Bolton, the two had discussed ways to "establish an ultimate peace regime", but only if the North "makes the correct decision", he said. Pyongyang has in the past demanded a peace treaty with the US, describing them as the two direct parties in the conflict. "South Korea is a direct party. Who can argue that?" the Blue House official said. The two Koreas could first reach an agreement which would be followed by a meeting between Kim and Trump and a trilateral summit to seal the deal, he suggested. But four-party talks could also be needed, he added, in a reference to China. But he cautioned "I am not sure if we will use the expression 'ending the war'" at the summit. "We want to reach an agreement on banning hostile activities between the South and North," he added. Even if such an agreement was reached, professor Koo said, it would be largely "symbolic". "There is no mention of how to go from declaring an end to the war to signing a peace treaty, he added. The two Koreas will hold what will be their third summit since the 1950-53 Korean War next Friday, with a subsequent meeting planned between Kim and Trump -- which would be the first time a sitting US president had met the North's leader. Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei gives a speech in the northeastern holy city of Mashhad on March 21, 2018 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Wednesday that he would no longer use the hugely popular messaging app Telegram, shifting instead to domestic services. President Hassan Rouhani quickly followed suit, announcing that he too was giving up Telegram shortly after issuing a directive banning the government and administration workers from using foreign messenger apps to communicate, according to the official IRNA news agency. The announcements came as rumours continued that Iran would soon block Telegram, built by Russian tech guru Pavel Durov and the most popular social media service in the country with some 40 million users -- roughly half the population. "In line with safeguarding national interests and removing the monopoly of the Telegram messaging network, the website for the preservation and publication of the works of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will stop its activities in this network from this moment," said the last message on Khamenei's Telegram channel. It directed users to accounts on Iranian messaging services, including Soroush and Gap, which the authorities are trying to promote. Rouhani's account said the president's messages would continue through the "messaging applications of our country". First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri and foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghassemi also closed their Telegram accounts on Wednesday, IRNA reported. Last week, Khamenei issued a statement saying any breaches of online privacy were "haram", meaning they were religiously forbidden. This was interpreted as seeking to encourage the use of domestic apps, which many Iranians fear will be monitored by intelligence services. Khamenei's channel said his move away from Telegram was an initial step towards stopping its use by all "official bodies". On Sunday, the ministry of education banned the use of foreign social media networks in schools. During a wave of protests that hit dozens of Iranian cities in December and January, Iranian authorities temporarily banned Telegram, accusing it of allowing foreign-based "counter-revolutionary" groups to fuel unrest. But Rouhani's government has pushed back against efforts to block Telegram and other popular services such as Instagram, saying thousands of businesses use the service and access to the outside world should not be curtailed. On Tuesday conservative lawmaker Abolfazl Abutorabi said "all foreign messaging services" could be banned on April 21, with Telegram first to go. Soroush claims to have some 5 million users, while Gap has more than 1.3 million. There was no word on whether Khamenei's office would stop using his five Twitter feeds in different languages, which exist despite the service being blocked for ordinary Iranians. Facebook and Twitter are both blocked in Iran, although they are easily accessible using virtual private network (VPN) software. Syrian government soldiers stand next to a tank in Eastern Ghouta on the outskirts of Damascus on March 25, 2018 Syrian regime forces shelled the last pockets in Damascus controlled by the Islamic State group, preparing the ground for a possible assault on the jihadist stronghold, a monitor said Wednesday. After fully retaking the Eastern Ghouta region on the edge of the capital, the Syrian regime has turned its attention to other areas across the country that still escape its control. Among them are neighbourhoods in southern Damascus from which many civilians have fled but are still held by IS, including the Yarmuk area that hosts a Palestinian refugee camp. "Regime forces shelled several IS positions in Yarmuk camp and Hajar al-Aswad, killing one person and wounded several others," the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Both sides had traded fire the previous night, the Britain-based monitor said, causing at least five deaths, most of them regime soldiers. "The regime is turning up the heat ahead of a big assault that would break IS's back and force them to evacuate the area," the head of the Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman, said. IS still has a presence in Yarmuk, and the neighbouring areas of Hajar al-Aswad, Tadamon and Qadam. Yarmuk used to be the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, with a population of 160,000, but only a few thousand people remain inside the devastated area. The Syrian army and its allies have focused their efforts on securing Damascus lately, and earlier this month announced their recapture of Eastern Ghouta, a sprawling suburb of the capital. - Talks for Dumayr - Ghouta had been the opposition's main bastion outside Damascus, but regime forces fully secured it after a blistering two-month assault that ended in negotiated rebel withdrawals. The state news agency SANA reported on Tuesday that a deal had also been reached for rebels to quit Dumayr, a town further to the east, where a reconciliation agreement had kept a security status quo since 2016. It said on Wednesday fighters from the Jaish al-Islam rebel faction were continuing to hand over their heavy and intermediate weapons in Dumayr ahead of their departure to the northern town of Jarabulus. SANA said a total of 5,000 people including 1,500 rebels were expected to leave the town. But the agreement appeared to be on the brink of turmoil by Wednesday evening, with Jaish al-Islam accusing pro-regime forces of assassinating its interlocutor. The group announced that Shaher Jumaa, whom it said was in talks with regime ally Russia over the fate of Dumayr, was shot after a round of negotiations. The Observatory confirmed Jumaa had been killed but did not identify a perpetrator. Talks were ongoing for the nearby towns of Nasiriya and Jayrud to reach a similar agreement, according to the Observatory. Shelling slammed into both of those towns on Wednesday, the monitor said, describing the bombardment as an effort by the government to pressure residents and rebels to agree to a withdrawal. It is the second consecutive year Trump will be snubbing the annual dinner, amid his sustained attacks on much of the news media, and also the second time he has chosen instead to rally in a key battleground state he won in his 2016 election US President Donald Trump will lead a political rally during this year's White House Correspondents' Association dinner, his campaign team has announced, opting to hold the event in the small town of Washington, Michigan. It is the second consecutive year Trump will be snubbing the annual dinner, amid his sustained attacks on much of the news media, and also the second time he has chosen instead to rally in a key battleground state he won in his 2016 election after speaking last year in Pennsylvania. His campaign chief operating officer Michael Glassner made it clear that choosing Washington, a town of some 25,000 people on the outskirts of auto manufacturing hub Detroit, was no coincidence. "While the fake news media will be celebrating themselves with the denizens of Washington society in the swamp that evening, President Trump will be in a completely different Washington, celebrating our national economic revival with patriotic Americans," he said in a statement released to the media. The April 28 event will be begin at 7pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) with entrance free and tickets available on Trump's campaign website. Trump regularly accuses major media organizations such as CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post of bias. The Republican president's assaults on the "fake news" media have sharpened in recent weeks and have included attacks on CNN president Jeff Zucker and Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who owns The Washington Post. Since taking up the presidency, Trump has strongly favored news outlets that provide glowing coverage such as Fox News, the Daily Caller, Newsmax and Sinclair, a group of almost 200 local TV stations. Margaret Talev, the president of the White House Correspondents' Association, said earlier this month that while Trump would not attend the dinner, the White House had said the president would "actively encourage members of the executive branch to attend and join us as we celebrate the First Amendment." "In keeping with tradition, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders also will represent the administration at the head table," Talev added. Vice President Constantino Chiwenga described the strike as "deplorable and reprehensible" Zimbabwe has fired all nurses who went on strike to demand higher salaries, in a hardline response by the country's new leadership to growing labour arrest. Several thousand nurses were sacked in a terse statement issued on Tuesday evening by Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who accused the strikers of being "politically motivated". Patients were turned away from major hospitals after the nurses began their industrial action on Monday, shortly after doctors ended their own weeks-long strike earlier in the month. "Government has decided in the interest of patients and of saving lives to discharge all the striking nurses with immediate effect," Chiwenga said in a statement. He said unemployed and retired nurses would be hired to replace those fired. Chiwenga was the military general who led the ousting of Robert Mugabe in November when the army briefly took control and ushered Emmerson Mnangagwa into the presidency. Chiwenga described the nurses' strike as "deplorable and reprehensible" as the government had released $17 million (14 million euros) to boost their pay and allowances. He said the funds would now be used to employ new nurses. Zimbabwe's nurses association said they "noted" Chiwenga's statement but added that they remained on strike. After Mugabe's 37-year rule, Mnangagwa has vowed to revive the country's moribund economy and attract foreign investment to fund better public services. "Government has done everything to comply with the demands of the striking nurses," Mnangagwa said, according to state-owned media. "This leaves us with no option but to dismiss them." More than 90 percent of Zimbabwe's budget is spent on government wages. Teachers at public schools have threatened to go on strike if their pay is not increased. Zimbabwe is due to hold elections in July or August, the first since the shock fall of Mugabe, who ruled since independence from Britain in 1980. Mnangagwa, Mugabe's former deputy, is a veteran loyalist in the ruling ZANU-PF party. China will offer greater visa-free access for tourists from 59 countries to Hainan from May 1, in a move to support reform and opening up in the country's southernmost island province, the State Immigration Administration announced Wednesday. View of skyscrapers on the Phoenix Island in Sanya city, south China's Hainan province. [File Photo: IC] Under the new policy, group and individual tourists from 59 countries can visit Hainan visa-free and stay there for up to 30 days on condition that they book their tour through travel agencies. Those 59 countries include Russia, UK, France, Germany, Norway, Ukraine, Italy, Austria, Finland, Netherlands, Denmark, Swiss, Sweden, Spain, Belgium, Czech, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Poland, Portuguese, Slovak, Slovenia, Ireland, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Albania, United States, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Kazakhstan, Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Monaco and Belarus. Hainan has offered a 15-day visa-free stay for group tourists from 21 countries since 2000, and added another five countries to the list in 2010. "By extending the policy to individuals and the stay to up to 30 days, the government aims to attract more international tourists, nurture the tourism industry and meet the needs of foreign individuals," said the administration's vice head Qu Yunhai. The eased visa-free access to Hainan is part of China's effort to build the province into "a free trade port with Chinese characteristics," as stated in the guidelines on supporting Hainan to deepen reform and opening up, released by central authorities Saturday. The island has become a famous tropical resort for overseas tourists in recent years, with the number of overseas tourists exceeding 1.1 million in 2017, up nearly 50 percent year on year. Last year, Hainan received nearly 320,000 tourists from the 26 countries with visa-free access, 3.5 times the number recorded in 2016. Tourists from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea (ROK)and Russia accounted for more than 90 percent of the total. "The policy will inject vitality into Hainan and bring us closer to our goal of becoming a world-class destination," said Sun Ying, director of the provincial tourism development commission. "Now, it's our golden time!" said Li Yongquan, who has been a guide for foreign tourists in Hainan for 18 years. Li said local tourist guides should be ready themselves for the influx of foreign tourists. The association of travel agencies in Haikou, capital of Hainan, plans to offer language and cultural training to employees with more than 200 local travel agencies, according to Mai Weiwen, secretary-general of the association. More direct flights are planned to countries with visa-free access. Hainan already has 57 international flights to countries including Germany, Malaysia and Thailand, with plans for at least 16 new overseas routes this year. It aims to have at least 100 overseas routes by 2020. French national Djamila Boutoutaou stands trial in a Baghdad court on April 17, 2018 Iraqi courts have sentenced to death a total of more than 300 people, including dozens of foreigners, for belonging to the Islamic State group, judicial sources said Wednesday. The suspects are being tried by two courts, one near the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq and another in Baghdad which is dealing notably with foreigners and women. Since January in the capital, 103 foreign nationals have been condemned to death -- including six Turks sentenced on Wednesday -- and 185 to life in prison, according to a judicial source. Most of the women sentenced were from Turkey and republics of the former Soviet Union. In January, an Iraqi court condemned a German woman to death after finding her guilty of belonging to IS while on Tuesday a French woman was sentenced to life in prison. At the court In Tel Keif near Mosul, 212 people have been sentenced to death, 150 to life in prison and 341 to other jails terms, Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar said in a statement. "It has been proven that they carried out criminal actions at public hearings conducted in accordance with the law during which the convicts' rights were guaranteed," he said. Iraq declared victory in December against IS -- also known as ISIS -- which at one point controlled a third of the country. On Monday the justice ministry said 11 people convicted of terrorism-related charges had been executed in Iraq, which according to New York-based Human Rights Watch is the world's number four executioner. "These executions follow rushed trials of ISIS suspects which are riddled with due process violations, including convictions based solely on confessions which are sometimes extracted by torture," said HRW senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille. "Iraq's mishandling of the ISIS trials not only denies victims real justice, but also risks sending innocent Iraqis to their deaths." US President Donald Trump said he was hopeful about a planned summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un but would walk away if the meeting was not "fruitful" US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he hoped his improbable summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un would go ahead -- but warned he was not afraid to walk away if the meeting appears unlikely to be "fruitful." The odds of the Trump-Kim talks taking place were boosted by the shock news of secret Easter weekend talks between CIA chief Mike Pompeo and the reclusive thirty-something strongman -- the most significant US-North Korea contacts in almost two decades. On Wednesday, Trump confirmed the clandestine meeting had happened, heaping praise on Pompeo -- the man he has already tapped to be the next secretary of state -- and saying his covert mission to the North Korean capital had been a success. "He just left North Korea. Had a great meeting with Kim Jong Un, and got along with him really well, really great," Trump said. "He's very smart but he gets along with people." Trump earlier tweeted that "details of Summit" between him and Kim were "being worked out now," with five possible locations being considered. Ever disposed to set out the options in the starkest terms possible, Trump predicted a "very successful" May or June summit with Kim, after talks in Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But in the same breath, he warned: "If I think that it's a meeting that is not going to be fruitful, we're not going to go. If the meeting, when I'm there, is not fruitful, I will respectfully leave the meeting." "I like always remaining flexible, and we'll remain flexible here," Trump added. - 'Bright path available' - Mike Pompeo, Donald Trump's CIA chief and nominee for secretary of state, met secretly in Pyongyang with Kim Jong Un The United States and North Korea -- foes since a bloody, muddy hot conflict of the 1950s and the ideological battles of the Cold War -- have had peace within sight before. But with similarly risk-taking mercurial leaders in both Washington and Pyongyang, there are hopes the two countries can go a step further than 2000, when Kim's father and Bill Clinton met each other's emissaries, but never each other. Trump said Wednesday, with Abe at his side, that the North had "a bright path available" if it was willing to abandon nuclear weapons. North Koreas military is an integral part of the ruling regime, and officials and outside experts say it is still not clear that Kim is willing to completely give up those weapons. Pyongyang consistently talks of "denuclearization of the Korean peninsula" -- code for the removal of America's military presence in the South, something long unthinkable in Washington - while Trump refers to the denuclearization of North Korea. In Florida, Trump echoed the sentiments of his guest, Abe, saying that North Korea must denuclearize in a "complete and verifiable and irreversible" way. The comments set the stage for a pair of potentially historic summits. - Still enemies - The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war -- and the Demilitarized Zone separating them Kim is expected to meet South Korea's President Moon Jae-in next week for landmark talks at which discussion of a formal peace declaration is now on the cards. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides technically at war. The Demilitarized Zone between them bristles with minefields and fortifications. Seoul's push to formally declare an end to inter-Korean hostilities would have been unthinkable just months ago. "We are looking at the possibility of replacing the armistice regime on the Korean peninsula with a peace regime," a senior official at South Korea's presidential Blue House said Wednesday. "But this is not something we can do by ourselves. It needs close discussions with relevant parties including North Korea." Trump said the summit could, with his "blessing," explore a peace treaty to formally end the conflict. But reaching any final treaty would be fraught with complications. While the US-led United Nations command, China and North Korea are signatories to the decades-old armistice, South Korea is not. Both Pyongyang and Seoul claim sovereignty over the whole Korean peninsula, but a treaty could imply mutual recognition of each other. Next week's meeting will be just the third summit between the North and South since the armistice was signed 65 years ago. Key moments including Kim and Moon's first handshake will be televised live, both sides agreed at working-level talks Wednesday, Seoul said. As for Trump's summit with Kim, US officials say that no decision has yet been made on a meeting venue, but Europe, China, North Korea, South Korea, and Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone are seen as possible locations. burs-arb/sst US President Donald Trump listens to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as he arrives for talks at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, on April 17, 2018 US President Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that his CIA director had met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on a secret visit to Pyongyang, ahead of a planned summit between the two leaders. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now," tweeted Trump. "Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" he added. The tweet came after the Washington Post reported Tuesday that Pompeo made the trip over the first weekend of April. The meeting was part of an effort to prepare for a historic meeting in the coming weeks between Trump and Kim, the paper said, quoting two people with direct knowledge of the trip. The visit came shortly after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state, the paper said. Speaking on Tuesday in Florida where he was hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, Trump said he had given his blessing to discussions aimed at formally ending the Korean war. Setting the stage for a major breakthrough, he added that "a great chance to solve a world problem" was within reach on the Korean peninsula. Trump had also confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" and that "five locations" were being considered for his meeting with Kim. Federal police officers take into custody women after a raid in a red light district of Siegen, western Germany German federal police said they carried out the biggest raids in their history Wednesday against an alleged organised crime ring suspected of trafficking hundreds of women and transsexuals from Thailand for prostitution. The federal police force said in a statement that a record 1,500 officers swooped on more than 60 brothels and flats in 12 of Germany's 16 states. Prosecutors have 56 suspects in their sights, 41 of them women. Authorities say a "core group" of 17 suspects "smuggled Thai women and transsexuals into Germany with fraudulent" visas for the passport-free Schengen zone. Those brought to Germany "had to hand over 100 percent of their wages to the operators of the respective 'massage parlours' to pay off their smuggling fee", an extortionate sum of between 16,000 and 36,000 euros ($20,000-45,000). Seven of the accused, including a 59-year-old Thai woman and her 62-year-old German partner, were taken into custody on outstanding arrest warrants. Beyond human trafficking, forced prostitution, procurement and embezzlement of wages, the ringleaders also face charges of tax evasion, a spokesman for the Frankfurt prosecutor's office, Alexander Badle, told reporters. Some of the suspects could face up to 15 years in prison. Prosecutors in Frankfurt, who have been working with police on the case since February 2017, estimate that the ring drew more than one million euros in income. - 'Specialised' in transsexual prostitutes - Interior Minister Horst Seehofer praised the operation as an "unprecedented strike against a national organised crime network". "Several hundred women and men were at the mercy of the inhumane, boundless greed of human smugglers for years and across borders," he said. "This unscrupulous behaviour and the sexual exploitation on an abominable scale were put to an end today." Badle said the ring had "specialised" in a niche for transsexual prostitutes in Germany's vast sex industry. He said that while the Thai victims were aware that they were being taken to German brothels, they were duped about the "conditions, including the fact that they would receive virtually no remuneration". They were brought to Europe on tourist visas that explicitly prohibited work, and spoke no German, leaving them particularly vulnerable to exploitation, Badle added. He said immigration authorities would now examine the victims' legal status to determine how long they could stay in Germany. Prostitution is legal in Germany but heavily regulated and taxed. However a 2002 law intended to improve the legal footing for sex workers has failed to stamp out mass-scale trafficking. Thailand has a famously permissive attitude toward the so-called third sex people or "ladyboys", but its laws still refuse to recognise their sexual identity, rooting discrimination in the bureaucracy. Sex work, drugs and stigma combine with a lack of healthcare to push many of the country's estimated 180,000 third sex people to the "social, economic and legal" margins", a 2012 study by the United Nations Development Programme found. It said HIV prevalence rates among transgender people across the Asia-Pacific region could be as high as 49 percent -- a rate that "far exceeds (that of) the general population". African migrants sit in a boat in the Yemeni port city of Aden on September 26, 2016 Yemeni government employees have abused men, women and children held in detention after they fled the Horn of Africa, Human Rights Watch said. The watchdog said government employees "tortured, raped, and executed" migrants and asylum seekers at a detention centre in the southern port of Aden. Migrants held at the Buraika detention facility -- in use since early 2017 -- were denied refugee protection and often deported en masse into rough seas, according to HRW. In a statement to the group, Yemen's interior ministry said it had dismissed the detention centre's commander and had begun transferring detainees to another facility. Many of the detainees, notably boys, were allegedly raped by guards. "Every night, they would take one to rape them," a former detainee told HRW. "Not all of them. The small ones. The little ones. I know seven boys who were sexually assaulted... You could hear what was happening." At least two male detainees were shot dead, according to witnesses. The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has published a parallel report corroborating the findings and calling for "unfettered access" to detainees. In January, at least 30 migrants drowned off the coast of Aden in a ship bound for Djibouti, the UN and the International Organisation for Migration said. "The Yemeni government bears responsibility for the deaths of deported detainees at sea," said Human Rights Watch. The watchdog also placed blame on the United Arab Emirates, a major player in the Saudi-led coalition that militarily intervened in Yemen in March 2015 to help the government push back Huthi rebels. Emirates-backed Security Belt forces were charged with "rounding up and transport(ing)... migrants and displaced people to the detention centre". Yemen's interior ministry told HRW it did not control Security Belt units. On Wednesday, Aden security chief Major General Shalal Shaya told AFP he "categorically denied" any connection between the city's security forces and abuse of African migrants. "There are certainly criminal organisations involved in human trafficking for years who are responsible for the massive flow of refugees... This is a major challenge for us," Shaya said. According to HRW, the remaining Buraika detainees -- some 200 people -- were taken from the facility earlier this month and packed onto two ships west of Aden. One of the engines failed and half the group was coralled onshore, after which several people escaped and relayed the account, HRW said. The watchdog is calling on Yemen's government to bring detention centres in line with UN standards, provide female-only guards for women's quarters, end child detentions, keep families intact, and ensure detainees are granted the right to make asylum claims or contest deportations. Last year, more than 87,000 people arrived in Yemen from the Horn of Africa, according to UNHCR. Yemen's government is based in Aden, having been driven out of Sanaa by Huthi rebels who overran the capital in 2014. Nearly 10,000 people have since been killed in Yemen's conflict, which has unleashed what the UN has called the world's worst humanitarian crisis. The Syrian regime has been accused of using chemical weapons against its own people, including in the ex-rebel stronghold of Douma earlier this month Three Belgian companies are facing prosecution for allegedly exporting a chemical that can be used to make the deadly nerve agent sarin to Syria, in breach of international sanctions, officials said Wednesday. Belgian customs agents have brought a case against the firms -- a chemicals company, a transporter and an intermediary -- who are suspected of exporting isopropanol to Syria and Lebanon without declaring it, a spokeswoman for the finance ministry told AFP. Isopropanol is subject to strict export controls when it is concentrated to 95 percent or more because it can be used to make chemical weapons, including sarin -- which the United Nations and the West say the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has used on its own people. Isopropanol also has more innocent uses as a paint solvent and cleaning fluid. Finance ministry spokeswoman Florence Angelici said a case had been brought for making a false customs declaration, as the companies had not listed isopropanol on the shipping documents. A court in the port city of Antwerp will start hearing the case on May 15. Belgian weekly Knack first brought the case to light, reporting that a total of 168 tonnes of isopropanol had been shipped from Belgium to Syria and Lebanon between mid-2014 and the end of 2016. According to Knack, the case involves a total of 24 shipments including other products such as methanol, a type of alcohol, and the solvent dichloromethane. The three companies involved -- industrial chemicals supplier AAE Chemie, customs specialist Anex Customs and its shipping partner Danmar Logistics -- all say they acted in good faith, Knack reported. They say they were unaware that rules around the export of certain products had changed in 2013 and insist their customers were private companies making paint and varnish. A UN report said the Syrian regime hit the rebel-held town of Khan Sheikhun with a sarin attack in April 2017, killing more than 80 people and prompting the US to launch missile strikes against an airbase in retaliation. More recently, sarin is thought to have been used in another chemical attack blamed on Assad's forces on the town of Douma, near Damascus earlier this month. That incident also prompted western strikes on Syrian targets. Terry Antonis of Melbourne Victory clears during the AFC Champions League match against Shanghai SIPG Australian interest in the 2018 AFC Champions League ended on Wednesday despite Melbourne Victorys 2-1 win over Shanghai SIPG of China. Heading into the final round of the group games, Melbourne had already been eliminated. But the A-League team inflicted a first defeat in the tournament on the big-spending Chinese Super League team that finished on top of Group G. Pierce Waring put Melbourne ahead after 40 minutes with Lin Chuangyi making it 1-1 just before the break for a Shanghai team that started without star Brazilians Hulk and Oscar. Jai Wingham hit the winning goal midway through the second half. Ulsan Horangi of South Korea took the second spot, joining Shanghai in the round of 16, and drew 2-2 with bottom team Kawasaki Frontale of Japan. Melbourne ended the tournament in third as did fellow Australia team Sydney FC the previous evening, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors finished top of Group E after defeating Kitchee of Hong Kong 3-0 in South Korea, a fifth win in six games. The two-time winners had to wait until the second half to break the deadlock with Lee Seung-gi getting the first and Kim Shin-wook heading home the second. Lim Seon-yong scored the third. Tianjin Quanjian of China, making a debut appearance in the tournament, finished in second after a 3-2 win over Kashiwa Reysol of Japan. Two first-half goals from Zhao Xuri put Tianjin ahead with Yang Xu finding the net on the second half. Kashiwa finish third in the group with Kitchee in fourth. Both legs of the second round will be played in May. Microsoft founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates says more innovation is required to keep global malaria deaths on their downwards trend Bill Gates warned Wednesday that malaria was back on the rise again and would continue to claim more lives worldwide unless governments reinvigorated their push to eradicate the disease. Malaria death rates have been in steady decline since 2000 but rose again in 2016 as progress towards eliminating the mosquito-borne preventable disease stalled. Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Gates said innovation would be crucial to keep progress in tackling the disease ahead of its ability to develop resistence to drugs and insecticides. "This setback where the 2016 cases went up is a real signal to us," Gates, the second richest person in the world, told the 2018 London Malaria Summit, where experts gathered to plot the way forward. "The funding has to be long-term and we've got to get smarter. "The malaria burden really is still unacceptable." More than 445,000 people died from malaria in 2016, mostly children under five and pregnant women. One child dies every two minutes from the disease. There were 216 million cases in 2016 -- 90 percent of which were in Africa. Malaria is estimated to cost the African economy more than $12 billion per year and can swallow up to 40 percent of a country's healthcare spending. Deaths from malaria dropped by more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2015. Gates said that around seven million lives had been saved since he began investing in 1999 and several countries had been declared malaria-free. "Progress against malaria has been one of the most impressive successes in global health in this generation," the US philanthropist said. However, he warned: "If we don't keep innovating, we will go backwards. If we don't maintain the commitments, malaria would go back up and kill over a million children a year, because the drugs and the insecticides always are evaded by the mosquitos and parasites. "Unsurprisingly, I view data as the lifeblood of how we're going to be smarter." Attendees at another health conference this week in Dakar heard how particularly African countries suffering from famine or conflict have seen a spike in malaria infections and deaths. Experts also warned that blood transfusions are a risk factor for malaria, with a study in Nigeria finding that nearly a quarter of the blood stocks in some sub-Saharan countries contain malaria parasites. - WHO's 'fresh fight' call - The London gathering is taking place on the fringes of the biennial Commonwealth summit. Gates said 90 percent of people living in the Commonwealth were at risk of catching malaria. Summit host Britain has called on the 53 Commonwealth nations to commit to halving malaria throughout the member states by 2023. Such action would prevent 350 million cases and save 650,000 lives, it was claimed. "It is an ambitious goal, but one that is firmly within our reach," said British Prime Minister Theresa May. "Malaria devastates lives worldwide but it has a particular impact on the Commonwealth. And we, as a Commonwealth, have a duty to tackle it." Stakeholders were expected to pledge more than 2.7 billion ($3.8 billion) of funding into research, data tools and malaria interventions. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus -- who twice caught malaria and lost a brother to it -- said a "fresh fight" was needed to hold the gains made in fighting the disease. "Finance is on the decline," the Ethiopian diplomat told summit delegates. "We have to renew the political commitment." India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Britain for a meeting of the heads of government of Commonwealth nations Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Wednesday set to sign 1 billion ($1.42 billion, 1.14 billion euros) of investment deals with Britain during a visit to London, where he was met by hundreds of religious protesters. Modi, in Britain for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting, was also expected to confirm the new India-UK Trade Partnership, which London said "will seek to improve the accessibility of trade for businesses in both countries" as Britain leaves the European Union next year. The government said the investments would create or safeguard 5,750 British jobs. Prime Minister Theresa May, who is hoping to secure a free trade agreement with India after Brexit said: "Our trade partnership is showing how we can remove barriers to increase trade between our two countries." Total trade in goods and services between Britain and India was 18 billion in 2017. But Modi's visit was not without controversy, as several hundred protesters greeted him noisily outside parliament. The demonstrators were mostly Muslims and Sikhs calling for an end to "religious persecution". Protesters chanted "Modi go back" and "Modi is a terrorist". Kashmiri separatists held aloft flags, while others displayed posters depicting an eight-year-old Muslim girl, who was raped and murdered earlier this year in a brutal attack blamed on Hindu men. Other demonstrators included Sikhs demanding independence. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered outside parliament to protest Modi's visit "Lots of different groups are here," said Dupinder Jit, a Sikh businessman. "What is happening in Modi's regime is unacceptable, he is killing minorities." A picture taken on April 3, 2018 shows campaign posters, for the upcoming Lebanese parliamentary election, hanging in the Tariq Jedideh district of Beirut A record number of women are running in Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary elections, but they are getting much less television air time than their male counterparts, a media monitor has said. A total of 86 women are seeking legislative office in Lebanon's May 6 vote, out of 597 candidates. A study by Maharat, a media monitor now closely following the elections, found television coverage of the elections rarely includes female candidates. From March 26 until April 8, it monitored talk shows, live programming, and news broadcasts, and one-on-one interviews on local television stations. Female candidates were featured as guests just 5.89% percent of the time, Maharat said, although they make up almost 15% of the candidates. The vote will be Lebanon's first in nine years, after the parliament formed in 2009 extended its mandate three times, citing security concerns and an unsatisfactory electoral law. The 128-member body agreed on a new voting system last year, paving the way for next month's elections. "The electoral law guarantees fair competition between the male and female candidates and says they could be granted equal opportunity," said Tony Mikhael, who heads Maharat's media monitoring team. Media organisations, he said, "should support gender equality and give women the same opportunities to put themselves forward as candidates". The country's media outlets have been providing round-the-clock coverage of Lebanon's elections, but Maharat says that comes with a price. The organisation has noted that outlets are charging candidates thousands of dollars for air time and even more for interviews. Many candidates, particularly those coming from outside Lebanon's traditional political elite, say they cannot afford to pay for television coverage. Of the 86 women running, only 12 hail from Lebanon's conventional political parties. One faction -- the powerful Iran-backed movement Hezbollah -- refused to put forward any female candidates. "We in Hezbollah don't have women for this job," said the group's head Hassan Nasrallah in a televised speech in January. The 86 women candidates represent a more than seven-fold increase in female representation compared with the 2009 vote, when just 12 women ran for office. Former realtor Vicki Momberg, 49, was convicted for repeatedly hurling racist insults including the word "kaffir" at a black policeman The first South African convicted for racist slurs will serve her full three-year prison sentence after a court on Wednesday rejected her application to appeal. Former realtor Vicki Momberg, 49, was last month convicted for repeatedly hurling racist insults including the word "kaffir" at a black policeman. She was found guilty of crimen injuria -- wilfully hurting someone's dignity. Magistrate Pravina Rugoonandan dismissed her appeal attempt, saying the sentence was "fair and just". Momberg was caught on video verbally abusing the officer who was trying to assist her following a break-in of her car in 2016. She used the word "kaffir" 48 times. The case was the first in South Africa to send a person to prison for crimen injuria. Previous convictions typically resulted in fines. The word "kaffir" is "an embodiment of racial supremacy and hatred, all wrapped in one," the magistrate said. "The K-word is unique in South African conscience and one which is so deeply linked with the painful past of emotional abuse, political violence and economic dispossession." Momberg showed no sign of emotion as she was led back to the cells. Her case turned the spotlight on racial divisions in South Africa a generation after the end of apartheid rule. In 2016, another white real estate agent, Penny Sparrow, was fined $10,000 (8,000 euros) for likening black beachgoers to monkeys in a Facebook post. About a dozen protesters in court on Wednesday wearing T-shirts with the slogan "we are one" applauded the ruling. "Seven years would have been the most appropriate," said Simamkele Mabeta, 24, one of the protesters. But Sharon Henderson, a sympathiser who handed Momberg a bottle of water during the hearing, said that the ruling is "really unfair". "(The magistrate) accused her of being responsible of the whole of South Africa's race problems," she said. Polling station officials count ballots in the Egyptian capital Cairo in March 2018 Sudan said Wednesday it has protested to the UN Security Council against Egypt, accusing Cairo of organising voting in a disputed border area during last month's Egyptian presidential election. Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour said Khartoum filed a complaint after Egypt held voting in the Halayeb triangle, a border territory claimed by both Khartoum and Cairo. Egypt held a presidential election in March that saw Abdel Fattah al-Sisi re-elected for a second term. "We have complained to the UN Security Council against Egypt for organising voting in Halayeb during its presidential election in March," Ghandour told lawmakers in parliament on Wednesday. Ghandour said that between December and March, Egypt had also undertaken some fishing and mining projects in the triangle. "We have two alternatives to solve the issue, either by negotiations or through international arbitration," Ghandour said, adding that Khartoum had also protested about the demarcation of borders between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that showed "Halayeb as part of Egypt". "Our position of full sovereignty on Halayeb triangle is something that is not negotiable," he said, but insisted that a military conflict with Egypt was not "an alternative at all" to solve the issue. Egypt's control of the Halayeb triangle, which lies near the Red Sea in a mineral-rich border region, has been a bone of contention between the two neighbours for decades. Khartoum says Halayeb has been part of its sovereign territory since shortly after independence in 1956. Tension between Cairo and Khartoum rose particularly since last year after Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir accused Egyptian intelligence services of supporting opposition figures fighting his troops in the country's conflict zones like Darfur. Ties between the two were further strained after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited Khartoum earlier this year. Turkey and Egypt have tense relations since the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, a close ally of Erdogan. In recent months tension also rose between Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia over a controversial dam that Ethiopia is building along its share of the Nile. Cairo fears that once commissioned the dam will reduce water supplies from the Nile to Egypt. Egypt relies almost totally on the Nile for irrigation and drinking water, and says it has "historic rights" to the river, guaranteed by treaties from 1929 and 1959. The Blue and the White Nile tributaries converge in Sudan's capital Khartoum and from there run north through Egypt to the Mediterranean. A view of Libya's eastern city of Benghazi in February 2018, where General Abdelrazak al-Nadhuri survived a car bombing Libyan military strongman Khalifa Haftar's chief of staff on Wednesday survived a car bombing in the eastern city of Benghazi, according to his self-styled Libyan National Army. General Abdelrazak al-Nadhuri "escaped unharmed from a terrorist assassination attempt after a car bomb exploded... as his convoy passed," the LNA said in a statement. The explosion took place in the Sidi Khalifa district at the eastern entrance to Benghazi, the statement said. One civilian was killed in the attack and another was wounded, a spokesman for Benghazi's al-Jala hospital told AFP. Nadhuri's spokesman Malek al-Sharif told AFP that the chief of staff, his bodyguards and those travelling with him were unharmed. Nadhuri later accused "terrorist cells" of being behind the attempted assassination. "This cowardly terrorist act comes after the defeat of these terrorist groups in Benghazi," he told the Al-Hadath news outlet. A security official in Benghazi, Majdi al-Orfi, told AFP that the two victims, a Syrian and a Sudanese national, were caught in the explosion. The Syrian died. The attack comes amid a wave of rumours about the health of Haftar, who supports an administration based in the far east of Libya. He was in hospital in Paris last week after falling ill during a trip abroad. The strongman has not made any public appearances in the past two weeks and social media has been abuzz with rumours. After several denials, the LNA acknowledged Friday that Haftar had been hospitalised but was "in good health". Libya has been gripped by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed longtime dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with rival administrations and multiple militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. Last summer, Hafter announced the "total liberation" of Benghazi, after a three-year campaign to seize the city from jihadists who had made it a stronghold following the revolution. He is accused by his rivals of wanting to establish a new military dictatorship in Libya. Haftar supports a parliament based in the east of the country, while a UN-backed unity government in the capital Tripoli has struggled to assert its authority nationwide. Jihadists with the Islamic State group remain active in central and southern Libya despite being forced out of their northern stronghold Sirte in 2016. Soldiers rappelled from helicopters as part of a military demonstration near the Nigerian capital Abuja before Africa's senior commanders Nigerian forces battling Boko Haram jihadists need a change of mindset to overcome an evolving guerrilla threat, US military officials said this week on the sidelines of an African security summit. Boko Haram's tactics -- from improvised explosive devices to hiding within the local population -- necessitate a shift away from conventional strategies, said Lieutenant-Colonel Sean McClure, the US defence attache in Abuja. "We haven't necessarily seen that kind of adaptation cycle," he told AFP. "They're trying to figure out how to do this. "How they think in terms of combat, in my opinion, is still thinking of things as conventional warfare." As the United States steps up its military presence in Africa, it hopes to share lessons learned in the Middle East with Nigeria and other countries in the Sahel fighting extremist groups. The Sahel region is host to a string of Islamist groups including Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Mali and Boko Haram in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad area. Nigeria, Africa's most populous country with more than 180 million people, has been fighting Boko Haram since 2009 and has repeatedly claimed to have defeated the group. Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, declared on Tuesday there was "no doubt Boko Haram terrorists have been defeated, they don't have the capacity". But persistent attacks against soldiers and civilians, including a brazen new kidnapping of over 100 schoolgirls from the northeastern town of Dapchi on February 19, suggest otherwise. Meanwhile, the emergence of an IS-allied faction of Boko Haram, whose strategy is to provide an alternative government for people living in the impoverished region, poses a new threat. "It starts to become a very wicked problem," McClure said. - 'Acrimony' - At a military demonstration in Gwagwalada, a town on the outskirts of Abuja, Nigerian special forces performed a battle drill in front of Africa's senior commanders. Nigerian special forces stormed a building complex to liberate mock hostages Soldiers rappelled from helicopters as the midday sun blazed over the savannah, then the infantry moved in to liberate mock hostages from a compound. But with Borno state, the centre of the Boko Haram conflict nearly twice the size of Belgium, Nigeria cannot rely on soldiers alone. Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces Sniper Unit took part in the exercises It also needs the support of the local population. Buratai told the summit that winning the hearts and minds of people in the northeast has been a "big challenge". Human intelligence has long been seen as vital to winning the war. But rights groups have accused Nigeria's military of killing, torturing and arbitrarily arresting thousands of civilians on suspicion of being Boko Haram members or sympathisers. That has stoked tensions in a region already wary of the government and made people in hard-to-reach rural areas particularly reluctant to cooperate with the authorities. "People thought the military action was aggressive to them, so this brought acrimony," admitted Buratai but he added: "We have done a lot since then and the perception has changed." - Human rights concerns - Similar tensions have been seen elsewhere in Nigeria in relation to separate threats, including over the military handling of protests by pro-Biafran separatists in the southeast. Protests calling for the release of an imprisoned pro-Iranian Shiite Muslim cleric hung over the Abuja summit, again turning the attention to tactics and possible rights abuses. Two days of protests on Monday and Tuesday saw at least 115 supporters of Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky arrested after running battles with police, who fired tear gas and water cannon. Zakzaky, the head of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, has been in custody since December 2015 after troops attacked his supporters in the northern city of Zaria. More than 300 were killed and buried in a mass grave, according to Amnesty International. President Muhammadu Buhari's government has launched a judicial panel to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the military President Muhammadu Buhari's government has launched a judicial panel to investigate allegations of human rights abuses in the military. But experts warn any reform will take time -- if it happens at all. "It's very difficult for the Nigerian army to overturn 50-plus years of a bad reputation," said Yan St-Pierre, a counter-terrorism specialist at the Modern Security Consulting Group in Berlin. "People are squeezed between a rock and a hard place. Some don't feel comfortable with the army or Boko Haram," he said, warning that "if the military doesn't have popular support basically the insurgents will have it". Would-be migrants' route begins in Syria and transits Lebanon, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, before arriving in "certain South and Central American countries" and then the southwest US border, seen in April 2018 The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on a gang it alleges has smuggled migrants out of war-torn Syria and through Mexico to the southern US border. The US Treasury accused a 47-year-old Syrian, Nasif Barakat, of operating a "global network" bringing travellers to the United States illegally. Would-be migrants pay an average of $20,000 and they are provided with false or fraudulently-obtained documents, sometimes including European passports. Their route begins in Syria and transits Lebanon, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates, before arriving in "certain South and Central American countries" and then the southwest US border. Under the sanctions, US citizens are forbidden from doing business with Barakat or his gang, which is designated a "transnational criminal organization." Attorney General Jeff Sessions declared in the US statement that the action follows an executive order from President Donald Trump to dismantle such gangs. "Many of these organizations use human smugglers to bring people across our borders with little regard to their safety or our national sovereignty," Sessions said. "We will continue to use every lawful tool we have to defend our borders, fight alien smuggling, restore legality to our immigration system, and to defund criminals of their ill-gotten gains." Syria has been in the grip of a multi-faction civil war for the past seven years, and the fighting has drawn in troops from Iran, Russia and a US-led coalition. At the weekend, Trump ordered a brief Western air bombardment to punish Bashar al-Assad's regime for its alleged use of banned chemical warfare agents against civilians. But under Trump, the number of Syrian refugees that have been allowed into the United States legally has plummeted to 44 this financial year from 6,557 in 2017. Said Mortazavi, pictured in 2000, was sentenced to two years in prison in November 2017 An Iranian lawmaker demanded answers on Wednesday over why a former prosecutor remains free, more than four months after he was sentenced over the death of a protestor. Said Mortazavi, former chief prosecutor for the capital Tehran, was sentenced to two years in prison in November. Fateme Saidi, a member of the pro-reform Hope faction in Iran's parliament, has submitted a request to question Interior Minister Abdolreza Rahman Fazli and Justice Minister Alireza Avaei, to find out "quite simply whether any action has been taken to arrest Mr Said Mortazavi," according to pro-reform news agency ILNA. Saidi is reported to have made the request after comments in the press a few days earlier by a spokesman for the judiciary, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, who said that while a warrant has been issued for Mortazavi's arrest, the authorities have "not been successful in getting (our) hands on him". The comments sparked a social media storm. "The prosecutor has acted and will continue to act in accordance with the law in cases linked with the prestige of the judicial apparatus," Mizan news agency quoted Tehran's prosecutor general, Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi, as saying. "With respect to (Mortazavi), the necessary instructions for the execution of the verdict were given and the persons responsible for following up the case were reminded of the importance of the verdict being applied," he added, according to Mizan, the judiciary's press agency. Mortazavi made the front page of pro-reform newspapers on Sunday. "Said, are you lost?" the Arman asked sarcastically, while a headline in Shargh read "In Search of Mortazavi". Mortazavi is subject to sanctions by the United States and the European Union, for "grave violations of human rights" including the arrest of "hundreds of activists, journalists and students" during mass protests against the re-election in 2009 of hardline then-president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Mortazavi was suspended by the judiciary in November 2014 in connection with the July 2009 deaths of three protestors in Kahrizak prison, south of Tehran. Initially sentenced to five years upon being found guilty in relation to the death of one of the three protestors, this was commuted to two years on appeal in November last year, but with no possibility of further appeal. Campaigning is underway for Iraq's first parliamentary elections since the defeat of the Islamic State The UN Security Council has decided to postpone a planned visit to Iraq ahead of May elections at the request of the Iraqi government, diplomats said Wednesday. Iraq told the council in a letter this week that many officials will be busy with the election campaign, which kicked off on Saturday, and will not be able to meet with the ambassadors. "Given the start of the Iraqi election campaign on April 14, and that all political parties and constitutional authorities in Iraq are now involving (sic) in the campaign, which may not enable the council members to meet the Iraqi officials, the Iraqi mission kindly requests that the council defer its intended visit," wrote Iraqi Ambassador Mohammad Hussein Bahr Aluloom in the letter seen by AFP. The ambassador said the mission "looks forward to welcoming council members to Baghdad in the future." No new date for the visit was announced. Iraq will be filling 329 seats in the national parliament in the May 12 election and choosing representatives to provincial assemblies, in the first poll held after the defeat of the Islamic State. The United States was set to lead the council mission with this month's president, Peru. Peruvian Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra told reporters this month that the council trip to Iraq would be to show support for the elections after three years of war against the Islamic State. Iraq "needs support from the international community for rebuilding the country and to ensure reconciliation" after Baghdad's successful campaign to re-take territory from the Islamic State group, he said. US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis speaks as he welcomes Qatar's Minister of Defense Khalid Bin Mohammed Al-Attiyah to the Pentagon US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday disputed a report saying he had unsuccessfully urged President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval ahead of last week's air strikes in Syria. Citing anonymous military and administration officials, The New York Times said Mattis had recommended Trump get approval from lawmakers before launching Friday's cruise missile barrage against three targets the Pentagon said were tied to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons program. "I have no idea where that story came from," Mattis told reporters as he greeted Qatar's defense minister, Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, at the Pentagon. "I found nothing in it that I could recall from my own last week's activities." Chemical weapons inspectors are waiting to go into Douma, near Damascus, to probe allegations of a chemical gas attack on April 7 that prompted last week's US-led response. Mattis said the regime has previously used delays after such an attack to "try to clean up the evidence before the investigation team gets in. So it's unfortunate they were delayed." Following the deadly Douma incident, Trump tweeted there would be a "big price to pay" after and promised missiles would be coming. His remarks virtually ensured a response to the alleged chemical attack, even though many US lawmakers have expressed reservations over further military engagement in Syria unless Trump can articulate a long-term strategy for the country. A Pentagon official told AFP that there was no debate at the White House, and that "everyone" agreed Trump had the authority needed to launch the strikes. Later Wednesday, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders denied the Times story and said Trump "appropriately ordered the strikes under his constitutional authorities." In the days since the US-led strikes, which also saw British and French jets launch missiles, debate in Washington has continued about whether Trump has the legal authority to conduct strikes against the Syrian regime. On Monday, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill that would update war powers that first were passed in the days after the September 11, 2001 attacks. US forces have largely been operating under this so-called AUMF (Authorization for Use of Military Force) even though the Pentagon's mission has grown far beyond what was envisioned in the early days of hunting Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Since 2001, presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now Trump have relied on the authorities, along with a subsequent AUMF in 2002, as the basis for operations against armed Islamist groups. One of the bill's authors, Republican Senator Todd Young, said it "recognizes the unique nature of the Islamist terrorist threat, while also recognizing that Congress must exercise robust oversight." Former president Barack Obama faced sharp criticism when he tried and failed to have Congress approve a plan to attack Assad after the Syrian leader crossed Obama's "red line" and used chemical weapons in 2013. "Growth has rebounded in Sub-Saharan Africa, but not fast enough," said the World Bank's chief economist for Africa, Albert Zeufack, at the time of the report Economic growth is set to pick up to 3.1 percent in sub-Saharan Africa in 2018, following a number of disappointing years, the World Bank wrote in a report published on Wednesday. Growth is then expected to accelerate further to 3.6 percent in 2019 and 2020, the bank wrote in its regular half-yearly report, "Africa's Pulse". The drop in prices of raw materials from 2014, on which many African economies depend, has weighed on economic activity in those countries for some years. In 2016, growth on the African continent stood at a meagre 1.5 percent, but accelerated to 2.6 percent in 2017. "Growth has rebounded in Sub-Saharan Africa, but not fast enough," the World Bank's chief economist for Africa, Albert Zeufack, said. With demographic growth in sub-Saharan Africa standing at 2.7 percent, economic growth is just enough to push up revenue per capita, Zeufack told a news conference. However, "growth is insufficient to eradicate poverty in the near horizon," he added. Within the vast region of sub-Saharan Africa, a number of countries enjoyed dynamic growth, namely the Ivory Coast and Senegal in the west, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Tanzania in the east. All of these notched up growth rates of more than six percent as they bore the fruit from moves to diversify their economies and boosted infrastructure investment, the World Bank said. By contrast, central African economies stagnated as they were overly dependent on raw materials. "It is important that these countries boost their resilience by making diversification strategies an absolute priority," said the World Bank's main economist, Punam Chuhan-Pole. But the bank expressed concern about the sharp increase in public debt in some of the countries. "A number of countries have doubled their debt in five years and 18 African countries are now exposed to a high risk of overdebtedness, compared with eight in 2013," Zeufack warned. The Manhattan building where onetime nanny Yoselyn Ortega stabbed two children to death in 2012 -- she was convicted of murder in a New York court on Wednesday A former New York nanny was convicted of murder Wednesday for killing two children in a frenzied stabbing, after a jury rejected her insanity defense in a case that tormented parents worldwide. The 12-member panel found Yoselyn Ortega, 55, guilty on the second day of deliberations on two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree murder. Ortega killed six-year-old Lucia and two-year-old Leo with a kitchen knife in the bathroom of their affluent Upper West Side apartment on October 25, 2012. The children's father, Kevin Krim, broke down in tears on hearing the verdict in the New York State Supreme Court, mouthing "thank you" to the jurors, US media reported. Ortega is now likely to spend the rest of her life behind bars. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 14. The case shocked working parents and went on to inspire a best-selling French novel that explored the relationship between a working mother and the woman she hires to look after her young children. During six weeks of testimony, the prosecution argued that Ortega deliberately planned the murders and was motivated by financial problems and resentment of her wealthy employers. "Every stab, every slash. Each one had a purpose," said assistant district attorney Stuart Silberg in his closing remarks. "That purpose was to end the lives of those children." The defense called doctors and psychiatrists as witnesses in a bid to convince the jury that Ortega was not responsible for her actions. Her lawyer said she suffers from psychosis, depression and heard voices telling her to kill the children. "The reasons for the defendant's actions lay within her delusional mind," said the attorney, Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg. "You had a person that was slowly, slowly, slowly disintegrating but kept it inside. She didn't want to lose this job." - 'Lot of tears' - In a video of her being questioned in July 2016, Ortega denied that she had been taken over by the devil. During the trial, the children's mother Marina Krim, 41, fled the stand twice in tears while testifying, yelling that Ortega was "evil" and a "liar." Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance on Wednesday thanked the jury for their "diligence" throughout what he called an "incredibly difficult and heartbreaking trial." "My heart continues to go out to Kevin and Marina Krim and the entire Krim family; as a father of two myself, I can't begin to imagine the pain they felt and continue to feel," he said. One juror, David Curtis, the father of two grown-up children, was tearful as he told reporters how the panel reached what he called "a very difficult decision for all of us." "There were a lot of tears," he said. Marina Krim found her children dead in the bathtub after rushing home in a panic with her third child Nessie after discovering Ortega had not taken Lucia to her dance class as planned. Ortega then took the knife to her own throat in an apparent suicide attempt. Lucia had sustained about 30 slashes to the body and neck, showing that she had tried to fight back. The Krims still live in New York and have gone on to have two more children. They also founded a foundation that nurtures creativity among children facing adversity. The murders served as the inspiration for "Chanson Douce" -- a best-selling novel that earned author Leila Slimani France's top literary prize, the Goncourt, in 2016. The novel, set in Paris, was translated as "Lullaby" in Britain and in the United States as "The Perfect Nanny," where it was less commercially successful than in Europe. A look at airliner deaths after a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 apparently blew an engine midflight Tuesday, killing a passenger: - Tuesday's death was the first stemming from an in-flight accident on a U.S. airliner since 2009, when a Continental Connection flight crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, killing 49 people on board and one on the ground. - The last fatal airline crash in the U.S. was in 2013, when an Asiana Airlines jet crashed at San Francisco International Airport, killing three passengers. FILE - This Feb. 12, 2009, file photo shows a plane burning after it crashed into a house, killing 49 people on board and one on the ground, in Clarence Center, N.Y. The death of a passenger on a Southwest Airlines flight that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, was the first fatality from an in-flight accident on a U.S. airliner since Feb. 12, 2009, when the flight from Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, N.J., plunged to the ground on approach to Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, N.Y. (AP Photo/David Duprey, File) - Southwest Airlines Co., based in Dallas, had never had an accident-related fatality of a passenger, although a boy died in 2006 when a Southwest jet skidded off a runway at Chicago's Midway Airport, crashed through a fence and collided with the boy's family's car. - Deaths on airliners around the world have been trending down for more than a decade as planes become more technologically advanced and airlines and regulators apply lessons learned from past accidents. The Aviation Safety Network, which tracks accidents, reported recently that there were no commercial passenger jet deaths last year, although two turboprop planes were involved in fatal crashes in Russia and Angola. - In 2016, a Daallo Airlines plane landed safely in Somalia after a bomb inside a laptop exploded and blew a hole in the fuselage. Only the bombing suspect was killed. - In 2000, American Airlines flight attendant Jose Chiu was killed in an emergency landing after he opened a door before the plane depressurized and was "basically sucked out" onto the tarmac in Miami, officials said. - In 1989, 111 people were killed when an engine on a United Airlines DC-10 burst and severed the plane's hydraulic systems, leading to a crash-landing in Sioux City, Iowa, that 185 other people survived. The crash, caused by an exploding fan disk, led to federal regulations requiring more frequent inspections of engine parts. - In 1988, a Boeing 737 operated by Aloha Airlines experienced an explosive decompression midflight over Hawaii and made a safe landing. The only fatality was flight attendant Clarabelle Lansing, who was ejected from the plane. PHOENIX (AP) - The Republican-controlled Arizona Legislature is moving to ensure that ailing Sen. John McCain's seat isn't on the November ballot if he leaves office, but Democrats plan to block the effort. The effort emerged Tuesday as the state Senate put an emergency clause on a bill changing how members of Congress who die or resign are replaced. U.S. Senate vacancies are filled by a governor's appointee, with the seat on the next general election ballot. The secretary of state has interpreted that to mean that if McCain's seat is vacated by May 31, it would be on the August primary and November general election ballot. The new proposal changes that to 150 days before the primary, or March 31 of this year. That takes McCain's seat out of play. McCain was diagnosed with brain cancer last summer and has been recovering in Arizona since before Christmas. He was hospitalized over the weekend for intestinal surgery needed to stem an infection and remains in a Phoenix hospital in stable condition. The emergency clause requires a two-thirds vote, and Democratic Sen. Steve Farley said that won't happen. "They're trying to make it really easy to appoint someone to two and a half years without an election to a U.S. Senate seat should the current holder of that Senate seat resign or no longer be able to hold office," Farley said. "The thing is, we're all going to vote against it as Democrats, so they won't get their emergency. It's silly for them to put it on and think we won't notice." Republicans already are defending one Arizona U.S. Senate seat in November after Jeff Flake decided not to see re-election. Three prominent Republicans are seeking the GOP nomination, and Democratic Rep. Kyrsten Sinema is the front-runner for her party's nomination. Having a second Senate seat to defend would double the chances that Democrats could pick up an Arizona Senate seat for the first time since Dennis DiConcini left office in 1995. It's unclear exactly who is pushing for the change, although Farley speculated it was Republican Gov. Doug Ducey. Ducey spokesman Daniel Scarpinato didn't immediately return calls seeking comment Tuesday afternoon. Republican Sen. Sonny Borrelli carried Tuesday's floor amendment, saying it was important to "be prepared." But he discounted questions about protecting McCain's seat. "That's assuming that something is going to happen to John McCain," McCain said. "This is a man who survived Hanoi, spent his entire adult life serving his country, has got a very strong constitution. If there's one guy on this planet who can beat this cancer, it will be him." The Legislation was originally intended to lengthen the time required for a special election for a vacant U.S. House seat and was prompted by the scramble to replace Trent Franks, a longtime Congressman who stepped down in December amid sexual misconduct allegations. House members who leave office trigger a snap special election with no appointment by the governor. Democrats in the House added the change in Senate replacement rules, not anticipating the emergency clause, Rep. Ken Clark said. The measure advanced Tuesday still requires a formal Senate vote before returning to the House. The legislation is House Bill 2538 . Mitch McConnell has thwarted a bipartisan effort to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's saying its unnecessary because Donald Trump won't fire Mueller. 'We'll not be having this on the floor of the Senate,' Senate Majority Leader McConnell said on Fox News. His comments came amid widespread opposition to the bill among members of his caucus, with several GOP senators saying the bill is unconstitutional. Mitch McConnell, along with by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D (left) and Majority Whip John Cornyn, R-Texas. McConnell and his caucus colleagues believe the proposed legislation is unconstitutional Others said it's simply not good politics to try and tell Trump what to do, likening the legislation to 'poking the bear.' The bipartisan legislation was introduced last week as Trump publicly criticized Mueller, who is investigating potential ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign as well as possible obstruction of justice by the president. Trump, fuming about a raid of his personal lawyer's office by a different division of the FBI, said last week that the Mueller investigation is 'an attack on our country' and is 'corrupt.' Trump has also privately pondered firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing Mueller's investigation. Special Counsel Robert Mueller testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee. The proposed legislation would give added protection to special counsels and allow any ones fired expedited judicial review Within a day of Trump's criticism, Republicans Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina combined two bills they introduced last summer to protect special counsels. They introduced the new bill along with Democratic Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware and Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican, announced that his committee would vote on the bill. The legislation would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing, and would put into law existing Justice Department regulations that require a firing to be for 'good cause.' Democrats immediately jumped on the legislation, but many Republicans have been cool to it. At least three of the 11 GOP members of the Judiciary panel have said they will vote against it and another five have said they have questions about its constitutionality. Grassley is one of those with concerns, but said he felt obligated to hold a vote. Republicans off the committee had questions too - and some acknowledged that it could be politically difficult. Donald Trump has been openly hostile to the Mueller investigation, calling it a 'witch hunt' South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said Tuesday that Trump should make the decision on his own and be responsible for the consequences. 'I think having Congress tell him what we believe he should do in this case is simply poking the bear, and I'd just prefer not to do that,' Rounds said. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Lankford said the bill is a 'political distraction.' 'You create this whole constitutional political stir over something that is not going to happen,' he said. Others said there was little point. 'It's about as popular as cholera with the leader in the Senate and it's about as popular as malaria in the House,' said Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary panel. 'I think most people think we're picking an unnecessary fight with the president.' Coons bristled at the criticism that the legislation is unconstitutional, noting that several courts have upheld similar special counsel statutes. 'If I were convinced this were unconstitutional, I would not be moving it,' said Coons, a lawyer. At a September hearing on the two separate bills, before they were combined, scholars were divided on whether the bills were constitutional, with some voicing concerns that allowing the judicial branch that authority over an executive decision may not pass muster in the courts. 'I think it's probably unconstitutional and I don't think there's any realistic chance that the president will fire Mr. Mueller,' Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate and the former Texas attorney general, said Tuesday. McConnell agreed, adding that Trump would never support the legislation. 'Just as a practical matter, even if we pass it, why would he sign it?' McConnell said in the Fox interview. Republicans who have talked to the White House almost uniformly have held the line that Trump will not fire Mueller or Rosenstein - including Tillis and Graham, who say they are pushing the legislation because it would be good policy under any president. 'I don't think he's going to fire Mueller, but I think institutionally it would be nice to have some protections,' Graham said Tuesday. Tillis acknowledged last week that he had taken some 'heat' from conservatives for the bill, but told the Judiciary panel, 'this is really an opportunity to take an ethical stand, and not do it when the situation benefits you.' Democrats said Republicans opposed to the legislation were simply protecting Trump. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said the argument over constitutionality is a 'red herring used by some of my colleagues as a pretext for opposing the bill, when they really have other reasons.' He gave no specifics. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said the special counsel bill is 'so much more' than another policy debate. 'I think this will be one that history will judge us all,' Warner said. PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona teachers on Tuesday began weighing whether to walk out of their classrooms to demand more school funding after weeks of growing protests - a vote that's raising questions about how an unprecedented strike could play out across the state's education system. The walkout vote comes after Republican Gov. Doug Ducey offered teachers a 20 percent raise by 2020. Teachers in a grass-roots group that's mobilized tens of thousands of teachers say the plan doesn't address other needs, including raises for support staff and a return to pre-Great Recession school funding levels. Arizona teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation, and their actions came as educators in many Republican-dominant states have demanded higher pay. The movement started in West Virginia, where a strike garnered a raise, and spread to Oklahoma, Kentucky and most recently Colorado. FILE - In this April 11 2018 file photo, teachers at Tuscano Elementary School stage a "walk-in" for higher pay and school funding in Phoenix. Arizona teachers began to vote Tuesday, April 17 on whether to walk off the job in their push for more funding for education. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File) The potential for Arizona educators to walk out en masse is causing some confusion about how school districts would respond and what the repercussions could be in this right-to-work state, where unions do not collectively bargain with school districts and representation is not mandatory. The Arizona Education Association, the largest teacher membership group, has supported the so-called #RedforEd movement, which grew out of a grass-roots effort on social media that turned into the Arizona Educators United group. The association said it has informed its 20,000 members of the risks of a walkout because of a 1971 Arizona attorney general opinion. It said no law bans a teacher strike but that a statewide strike would be illegal under common law and participants could lose their teaching credentials. "We've been telling our members that for six weeks, and they understand it," association President Joe Thomas said. "And it doesn't seem to faze them. That shows how upset they are. They're willing to take this risk for their students." He would not reveal how many votes need to be cast in favor of a walkout. If it happens, it's largely up to school districts how to handle it. Craig Pletneik, spokesman for Phoenix Union High School District, said there are "pages of questions" on the logistics - such as the threshold for closing schools, who gets paid and how food service could be handled. "All the districts are trying to sort this out," he said. "Hopefully there'll be enough time for us to communicate properly to our schools and our parents." At Mesa Public Schools, the state's largest district, leaders told staff members that if a walkout is called, schools will close and extracurricular activities would be suspended. Short-term contract support personnel and hourly employees, such as custodial workers and bus drivers, would not work and would not be paid, while certified employees would keep receiving paychecks, district guidance said. Students wouldn't be able to access buildings on campuses, and any school days missed would be made up at year's end, Superintendent Michael Cowan wrote to teachers. Most voting was expected to take place Wednesday, the day of the week educators have been meeting for pre-work rallies and walk-ins. The past six weeks of rallying triggered stories about teachers living with their parents, working multiple jobs and teaching in facilities with poor infrastructure and out-of-date materials. In response, Ducey touted his plan for raises that would cost about $650 million a year. The governor, who is up for re-election this year, said rosy economic projections, lower social service needs, "efficiencies" in other departments and the elimination of other planned budget proposals would cover the cost. Some lawmakers, who must approve Ducey's proposal, have expressed concerns about finding the money for it. But some education groups have said it's a step in the right direction. Arizona Rural Schools Association executive director Wes Brownfield said he understands why teachers may want to walk out, although he's waiting to see how lawmakers may tinker with Ducey's plan. "If somebody throws you a life vest, you're taking the vest," he said. But Brownfield also said he understands why teachers may want to walk out, a move that he hasn't seen statewide after decades of working in Arizona schools. Thomas, head of the Arizona Education Association, said similar demonstrations have happened at the district level but nothing quite like this. "We've never had a situation as dire as what we have right now, and that's what's truly unique," Thomas said. "These aren't teachers and support staff and counselors who are frustrated with their district, they are frustrated with their state governor and their state Legislature." FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Rapper Kodak Black, who was arrested earlier this year after a video showed people handling marijuana and a gun around an infant, will remain in a Florida jail until September. The 20-year-old rapper's attorney, Bradford Cohen, told the Sun Sentinel that Black, whose real name is Dieuson Octave, reached a deal with Broward County prosecutors Tuesday. Octave had been on house arrest in January when he was jailed on several felony charges, including child neglect and drug possession. A guest at his Pembroke Pines home live-streamed the video. The serious felony charges were later dropped, but Octave still faced charges of associating with people associated with criminal activity and driving with a suspended license. As part of his deal, Octave will no longer be on house arrest or probation after he leaves jail. Octave has been in and out of jail several times since August 2016. ___ Information from: Sun Sentinel , http://www.sun-sentinel.com/ Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about Wednesday: 1. BARBARA BUSH DIES AT 92 Known for her plainspoken manner and utter lack of pretense, she was the wife of one president and mother of another. Jim Demetros hugs his wife Cindy as she arrives from their home in Connecticut to pick him at Philadelphia International Airport, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, after his Southwest Airlines plane landed with a damaged engine. The Southwest Airlines jet apparently blew an engine at about 30,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window and damaged the fuselage Tuesday, killing a passenger and injuring seven others, authorities said. (Tom Gralish/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) 2. 'THEY HAVE MY BLESSING' Trump confirms that North and South Korea are negotiating a formal end to the 1950-53 Korean War in advance of next week's meeting between the two countries' leaders. 3. ONE DEAD AFTER JETLINER BLOWS ENGINE The malfunction involving a Southwest Airlines jet at 30,000 feet causes shrapnel to smash a window - killing a passenger and injuring seven others - and forces an emergency landing. 4. WHY IRS IS GRANTING TAX EXTENSION Americans who waited until the last day to pay their taxes online got an unwelcome surprise: The IRS website was down. 5. STARBUCKS CONFRONTING RACIALLY CHARGED UPROAR The company, following the arrest of two black men at one of its stores in Philadelphia, plans to close more than 8,000 U.S. stores for several hours to conduct racial-bias training for workers. 6. HOW APPARENT CHEMICAL ATTACK PLAYED OUT Residents of the Syrian town of Douma were packed into underground shelters amid a bombardment. Suddenly, shouts of "chlorine, chlorine!" rang out - and panic ensued. 7. KEY VICTORY FOR PROSECUTION AT COSBY TRIAL The judge allows the jury at the comedian's sexual assault trial to hear his decade-old testimony about giving quaaludes to women before sex. 8. SUSPECT IN 'BIG BITCOIN HEIST' ON RUN A prisoner in Iceland suspected of masterminding the theft of about 600 computers used to mine bitcoin escapes and flees the remote North Atlantic nation. 9. WHAT'S LATEST TWIST IN PORN STAR'S SAGA Stormy Daniels releases an artist's sketch of the man she says threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot to stay quiet about her sexual tryst with Trump. 10. NPR LOSES SIGNATURE VOICE Carl Kasell, who brought his gravitas to "Morning Edition" and later his wit to "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me!," dies at 84. This image shows a message that was on the Direct Pay section of the IRS website on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The IRS said on its website that its online payment system became unavailable at 2:50 A.M. ET on Tuesday. The IRS did not have an immediate explanation for the failure. (IRS via AP) HOUSTON (AP) - The Latest on the death of former first lady Barbara Bush (all times local): 10:10 p.m. Funeral services for Barbara Bush are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, which she and former President George H.W. Bush regularly attended. CORRECTS YEAR OF PHOTO TO 1988, INSTEAD OF 1998 - FILE - In this Nov. 14, 1988, file photo, President-elect George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, are shown during a morning beachfront news conference in Gulf Stream, Fla. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) According to a post on the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation website, Barbara Bush will lie in repose from noon to midnight Friday at the church for members of the public wishing to pay respects. The funeral service Saturday is by invitation only. Burial will be on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M University in College Station, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) northwest of Houston. The couple's 3-year-old daughter, Robin, who died in 1953 of leukemia, also is buried at the site. ___ 10 p.m. President Donald Trump is ordering U.S. flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of former first lady Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92. In a proclamation issued Tuesday night, Trump says Americans mourn the loss of "an outstanding and memorable woman of character." He calls Mrs. Bush "an advocate of the American family" who "lived a life that reminds us always to cherish our relationships with friends, family, and all acquaintances." The proclamation calls for flags to remain lowered until sunset on the day of her burial. ___ 9:35 p.m. A spokeswoman says former President George H.W. Bush held the hand of his wife, Barbara Bush, all day and was by her side when she died. Jean Becker, the chief of staff at Bush's office in Houston, said in a statement released by Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath that the 41st president "is broken-hearted to lose his beloved Barbara." The former first lady died Tuesday in Houston. She was 92. Becker says it's a "very challenging time" for the 93-year-old Bush, but "he also is stoic and strong, and is being lifted up by his large and supportive family." ___ 9 p.m. Former President Jimmy Carter paid tribute to Barbara Bush's "warmth, generosity and keen wit" following the former first lady's death. A family spokesman says Bush died Tuesday at age 92. Carter says Bush was "the matriarch of a family dedicated to serving." In a statement, he says that through Bush's "work to promote literacy as a value in every American home, countless families now have the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives." Carter says he and former first lady Rosalynn Carter are saddened by her death and they'll miss her. ___ 8:10 p.m. Former President Lyndon Johnson's daughter Lynda Johnson Robb says she smiles when she thinks of Barbara Bush, saying her candor was always refreshing and her grace was endless. Robb says Bush's love of family "never wavered and she was always a true patriot." She says her family was fortunate to know her and "will always be grateful for her service to our country." Robb's sister, Lucy Baines Johnson, describes Bush as a "no nonsense" devoted mother to her family and the nation and was "wit, wisdom, honesty, and character on two feet." Johnson says Bush inspired "a 'thousand points of light' of service to our country and was a beacon to us all. We loved her for who she was and for what we became because of her example. Our hearts go out to her remarkable family and to all who loved her as we did. The world is a poorer placer without Barbara Bush." ___ 8:05 p.m. Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are calling former first lady Barbara Bush a remarkable woman with "grit and grace, brains and beauty." The Clintons, in a statement shortly after Barbara Bush's death was announced Tuesday, say she was "fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes." Clinton says she "showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory." Clinton defeated her husband, George H.W. Bush, in the 1992 election. ___ 7:45 p.m. President Donald Trump and the first lady are paying tribute to Barbara Bush after her death Tuesday. The White House says in a statement posted on the president's Twitter feed that the Trumps "join the nation in celebrating Barbara Bush." The statement hails the former first lady as "an advocate of the American family" and says she "will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." The Trumps are also praising Mrs. Bush for "recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection." In a separate statement, Melania Trump is offering her "heartfelt condolences and prayers" to the Bush family. ___ 7:15 p.m. Former President George W. Bush says he and his family are saddened by the death of his mother, former first lady Barbara Bush. But the 43rd president says the family's "souls are settled because we know hers was." A family spokesman says Barbara Bush died Tuesday. A family statement Sunday had said she had decided to terminate medical treatment for assorted ailments and would seek comfort therapy instead. In his statement, George W. Bush calls his mother "a fabulous first lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love and literacy to millions." He says his mother "kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end." ___ 6:50 p.m. Former first lady Barbara Bush has died. She was 92. Family spokesman Jim McGrath said in a statement that she died Tuesday in Houston. She had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on "comfort care" at home in Houston. The snowy-haired Mrs. Bush was one of only two first ladies who was also the mother of a president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. Mrs. Bush's plainspoken manner and utter lack of pretense made her more popular at times than her husband. She brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles. She married George H.W. Bush in 1945. They had six children and were married longer than any presidential couple in American history. FILE - In this 1964 file photo, George H.W. Bush sits on couch with his wife, Barbara, and their children. George W. Bush sits at right behind his mother. Behind couch are Neil and Jeb Bush. Sitting with parents are Dorothy and Marvin Bush. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/File) ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Family, friends and community leaders are mourning the death of a bank executive on a Southwest Airlines jet that blew an engine as she was flying home from a business trip to New York. Jennifer Riordan, a mother of two, was well known in New Mexico, where she had built a career over more than two decades in community relations and communications after graduating from the University of New Mexico. Gov. Susana Martinez called Riordan "an incredible woman who put her family and community first" and said her loss would be felt across the state. In this 2017 photo, Jennifer Riordan, of Albuquerque, N.M., poses for a photo in Albuquerque. Family, friends and community leaders are mourning the death of Riordan, a bank executive on a Southwest Airlines jet that blew an engine as she was flying home from a business trip to New York. (Marla Brose/The Albuquerque Journal via AP) "The hearts of all New Mexicans are with the Riordan family," Martinez, a Republican, said in a statement on Tuesday. Before starting with Wells Fargo in 2008, Riordan had worked for the University of New Mexico hospital system in public relations and for Citigroup. At Wells Fargo, she was the vice president for community relations and was in charge of managing employee volunteer and board service to nonprofit groups in New Mexico and parts of Texas. She also served on numerous boards and oversaw the annual United Way community campaign. Mike English, a spokesman for Wells Fargo in New Mexico, said Riordan "was a well-known leader who was loved and respected." Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said his thoughts and prayers were with Riordan's family. "Today, Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community," Keller, a Democrat, said in a statement. Keller said Riordan's leadership and philanthropic efforts "made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed." State Attorney General Hector Balderas called Riordan a dear friend. "I was honored to work with her on financial literacy issues for over a decade," said Balderas, a Democrat. "Jennifer was exceptionally active and passionate in working to improve our community, and I express our sincerest condolences to her husband and children." Members of the broadcast community shared their condolences on social media, remembering the volunteer efforts and outreach spurred by Riordan through her many roles in the community. In a tweet, the New Mexico Broadcasters Association expressed its heartbreak over Riordan's death, noting that she was a former board member and scholarship winner. Riordan also served on the boards of Junior Achievement of New Mexico, New Mexico First and The Catholic Foundation. Ryan Cangiolosi, chairman of the Republican Party of New Mexico, said Riordan loved Albuquerque and worked tirelessly to help others. "Her leadership in numerous charitable causes made a real impact on our state and earned her the respect and admiration of New Mexicans across the political spectrum," Cangiolosi said. Riordan and her husband, Michael Riordan, a former chief operating officer for Albuquerque, had been married for more than 20 years. The pilot of the plane, a twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard, took it into a rapid descent and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Southwest Airlines Co., which is based in Dallas, said there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected on Sunday. A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (David Maialetti /The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador (AP) - Colleagues and relatives have buried a magazine journalist killed over the weekend in El Salvador. Karla Lisseth Turcios worked for El Economista, part of La Prensa Grafica media group in the gang-plagued Central American nation. Journalists carried signs at the funeral Tuesday reading "Justice for Karla." Demetrio Turcios, right, father of slain journalist Karla Turcios, addresses people attending Karla's funeral at the cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The 33-year-old journalist, who worked for the magazine El Economista, owned by the La Prensa Grafica, was kidnapped on Saturday from her home and her body was found hours later on a highway. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez) Her husband told police that he and their son left her resting at home around 12:30 p.m. Saturday. When they returned, Turcios had disappeared and did not answer her cellphone or respond to messages. The 33-year-old journalist's body was found hours later on a highway northeast of the Salvadoran capital, San Salvador. Police say she had bags around her head and was strangled. Officials say there were no signs at the home to indicate she had been violently abducted. The coffin of slain journalist Karla Turcios is covered in flowers inside a chapel before her burial at a cemetery in San Salvador, El Salvador, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The 33-year-old journalist, who worked for the magazine El Economista, owned by the La Prensa Grafica, was kidnapped on Saturday from her home and her body was found hours later on a highway. (AP Photo/Salvador Melendez) WASHINGTON (AP) - CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, two officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The highly unusual, secret visit comes as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim within the next couple of months. The officials spoke about Pompeo's trip on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. In this April 12, 2018, photo CIA Director Mike Pompeo testifies on his nomination to be the next secretary of state on Capitol Hill in Washington. Two U.S. officials say Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo's trip to the isolated communist nation came in advance of a potential summit between Kim and President Donald Trump. The officials spoke anonymously about Pompeo's trip because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeo's meeting with Kim, said it took place over Easter weekend - just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Trump, currently at his Florida resort hosting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for a possible summit with Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which is slated to take place by early June. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump and Kim have not spoken directly. Kim's offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many when it was announced that he had accepted. U.S. officials have indicated over the past two weeks that North Korea's government has communicated directly with Washington that it is ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. It would be the first ever summit between U.S. and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Korea's nukes and capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the U.S. mainland. The U.S. and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for U.S. intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. At his confirmation hearing last week to become the top U.S. diplomat, Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Korea's nuclear weapons at the planned Trump-Kim summit, but said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearization. "I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need," Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Kim has pivoted to international outreach. The young leader met China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Kim's first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarized zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Republican-dominated House in Tennessee voted Tuesday to punish the city of Memphis for removing Confederate monuments by taking $250,000 away from the city that would have been used for a bicentennial celebration next year. The retaliation came in the form of passage of a last-minute amendment attached to the House appropriations bill that triggered heated debate on the House floor and stinging rebukes from lawmakers from Memphis. Rep. Antonio Parkinson began to call the amendment vile and racist before being cut off by boos from fellow lawmakers. FILE - In this Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, file photo, workers remove Nathan Bedford Forrest's Confederate statue from Health Sciences Park in Memphis, Tenn. The Republican-dominated House in Tennessee has voted to punish the city of Memphis for removing Confederate monuments by taking $250,000 away from the city that would have been used for planning a bicentennial celebration in 2019. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal via AP, File) "You can boo all you want but let's call it for what it is," the Memphis representative said. Last year the city of Memphis, which is majority black, was able to find a legal loophole to get rid of two Confederate statues and a bust by selling city parks to a nonprofit, which swiftly removed the monuments. Taken away under cover of darkness were statues of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest was a general in the confederacy, a slave owner and a leader in the Ku Klux Klan. A bust of a Confederate soldier was also removed. Parkinson, who is African-American, said he was sick of how fellow lawmakers revered Forrest "as if he was God, as if he was an idol." "You remove money from a city because we removed your God from our grounds," Parkinson said. A Republican lawmaker from Chattanooga who grew up in Memphis told fellow lawmakers that he loved the city but this was about obeying at least the spirit of a law to protect historical monuments. "And the law was very clear, and they got smart lawyers to figure out how to wiggle around the law, and I think that's what the issue is," said Rep. Gerald McCormick. The amendment that stripped the money away from Memphis was sponsored by Matthew Hill, a Republican from Jonesborough. Another Republican lawmaker said removing the monuments was erasing history, he said "something ISIS does" and it was a bad action that deserved punishment. "Today is a demonstration that bad actions have bad consequences, and my only regret about this is it's not in the tune of millions of dollars," Rep. Andy Holt, of Dresden, said of the punishment. Another Memphis Democrat called the move to take away the money unchristian, hateful and unkind, and she said she was tired of lawmakers treating her city as if it wasn't part of the state. "I know some of you all would be happy if we gave the doggone part of the state to Arkansas," Rep. Raumesh Akbari, said. "Arkansas would gladly take us. But I'll tell you something: I don't support this, and I think if you do it you're being ugly. It's not fair. Memphis is a part of Tennessee. I didn't even realize how much y'all disliked Memphis till I got to this Legislature." The amendment passed along with the $37.5 million budget. HANOI, Vietnam (AP) - Vietnamese police have ordered the arrest of several former officials and police officers with alleged ties to a real estate developer who was arrested after being deported from Singapore. As part of a continuing, widened crackdown on corruption, police said they are investigating a total of seven individuals. The most prominent among them include Tran Van Minh, who served as mayor of Danang, Vietnam's fourth largest city from 2006 to 2011, when he was appointed as deputy head of the Communist Party's personnel committee. He is accused of violating regulations on managing and using state property, causing losses and breaking state regulations on land management. Former police Lieut. Gen. Phan Huu Tuan, former deputy head of the general department of the intelligence service, is accused of intentionally revealing state secrets. Vietnamese President Tran Dai Quang on Tuesday stripped Tuan of his "people's police" title, the Ministry of Public Security said. Four other former or current Danang officials, including Minh's successor Van Huu Chien, were placed under house arrest while an arrest warrant was issued for another ex-police officer who worked under the Ministry of Public Security. The suspects have alleged connections to real estate developer Phan Van Anh Vu, a former senior intelligence officer who was arrested in January after being deported from Singapore after using a false identity to enter the city state. The 42-year-old Vu was initially investigated for revealing state secrets, but now police have also included tax evasion and abuse of power. Police are investigating nearly three dozen properties related to Vu. The properties had previously belonged to the state and were reportedly sold to Vu at below market price. Vietnam has stepped up its fight against corruption in recent months with the state energy giant PetroVietnam and the banking sector at the center. Scores of former or current senior executives of PetroVietnam and bankers have been put on trial. The most senior official to fall in the crackdown was Dinh La Thang, former member of the all-powerful Politburo, the main policymaking body of the ruling Communist Party. Thang was sentenced to 31 years in prison for mismanagement in two separate trials for his role as chairman of PetroVietnam. He was the first former Politburo member to be imprisoned in decades. COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Twenty South Carolina prisoners have been killed at the hands of fellow inmates in the past 16 months. The staggering amount of violence, which includes the gang-fueled bloodshed that left seven prisoners dead and 22 injured this week at Lee Correctional Institution, has some legislators calling for more oversight and transparency at the state Department of Corrections. At a news conference, Corrections Director Bryan Stirling said officers stormed in and took the first of three dorms back from rioting prisoners about four hours after the melee began on Sunday night. He said the officers were assembled at the rural prison as quickly as possible and went in only when it was safe to do so. The prison is located 40 miles (64 kilometers) east of Columbia. South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling addresses the media during a press conference following a prison riot at the Lee Correctional Institution Monday, April 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) These undated photos provided by the South Carolina Department of Corrections shows, from top row from left, Corey Scott, Eddie Casey Gaskins, Raymond Angelo Scott and Damonte Rivera; bottom row from left, Michael Milledge, Cornelius McClary and Joshua Jenkins. The seven inmates were killed, and at least 17 prisoners wounded, in a riot at the Lee Correctional Institution on early Monday, April 16, 2018, in Bishopville, S.C. (South Carolina Department of Corrections via AP) A police vehicle sits outside the Lee Correctional Institution on Monday, April 16, 2018, in Bishopville, S.C. Multiple inmates were killed and others seriously injured amid fighting between prisoners inside the maximum security prison in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) A fence surrounds the Lee Correctional Institution on Monday, April 16, 2018, in Bishopville, S.C. Multiple inmates were killed and others seriously injured amid fighting between prisoners inside the maximum security prison in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) FILE - In this Feb. 9, 2016, file photo, razor wire protects a perimeter of the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, S.C. A South Carolina prisons spokesman says several inmates are dead and others required outside medical attention after hours of fighting inside the maximum security prison. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford, File) This shows the Lee Correctional Institution on Monday, April 16, 2018, in Bishopville, S.C. Multiple inmates were killed and others seriously injured amid fighting between prisoners inside the maximum security prison in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) This shows the Lee Correctional Institution on Monday, April 16, 2018, in Bishopville, S.C. Multiple inmates were killed and others seriously injured amid fighting between prisoners inside the maximum security prison in South Carolina. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) South Carolina Law Enforcement Division Chief Mark Keel, left, addresses the media during a press conference following a prison riot at the Lee Correctional Institution Monday, April 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, left, address the media during a press conference following a prison riot at the Lee Correctional Institution Monday, April 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, left, and South Carolina Department of Corrections Director Bryan Stirling address the media at a press conference Monday, April 16, 2018, in Columbia, S.C., regarding a deadly prison riot at the Lee Correctional Institution. (AP Photo/Sean Rayford) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Russia has clashed again with the United States and its Western allies over Syria, saying airstrikes on suspected chemical sites in the war-torn nation have set back any political negotiations to end the seven-year conflict. The U.S., France and Britain countered that recent events are an opportunity to get the political process back on track. The exchange came Tuesday at the sixth meeting of the U.N. Security Council in nine days on Syria. United Nations Security Council meets on Syria, Tuesday April 17, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Russia called the council meeting on the humanitarian situations in Raqqa, the de facto capital of the Islamic State extremist group's "caliphate" until its ouster in October, and Rukban on the Jordan-Syria border where some 50,000 displaced Syrians have been left stranded. There was a briefing by U.N. humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock, who said people in both places need humanitarian help. But Russia's U.N. ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, strongly criticized the U.S. and other members of the global coalition that routed IS for leaving Raqqa in ruins, then quickly turned to what he called the "hypocritical behavior" of the three Western allies. Russia and close ally Syria deny responsibility for a suspected poison gas attack in the Damascus suburb of Douma on April 7. The Western allies say they have proof that President Bashar Assad's government was to blame and staged airstrikes on Syrian chemical sites Friday. Nebenzia told the council that not even a day after the airstrikes, the U.S., France and Britain circulated a draft U.N. resolution calling for an urgent resumption of negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition as well as an independent body to assess blame for chemical attacks and humanitarian access throughout Syria. "Before airstrikes, we noted the readiness of the Syrian government to participate in the Geneva negotiations," Nebenzia said. "Now, these efforts have been set back considerably." He said it is hard to imagine that after the attacks "Syrian authorities would be interested to talk." He also said the goal that the U.S., Britain and France have spoken of - to put Syrian President Bashar Assad on trial following peace negotiations - "is simply unrealistic." French Ambassador Francois Delattre and British Ambassador Karen Pierce said the Security Council should use what happened as an opportunity to restart U.N.-facilitated negotiations. Kelley Currie, the deputy U.S. ambassador for economic and social affairs, accused Russia of calling the council meeting as part of its "messaging campaign to try to distract from the atrocities committed by the Assad regime." "More than ever, we need to focus on ensuring that this council's demands for a cease-fire and for unhindered humanitarian access actually get implemented on the ground," she said. "But that would require the Assad regime to stop its brutal campaign against the Syrian people, and the countries with influence over Assad to join us in demanding that the Assad regime stop its senseless killing." Currie said the United States will remain focused on achieving the goal of ending the war and helping the Syrian people "no matter how many times our Russian colleagues convene these cynical, thinly disguised diversions." Nebenzia rejected the U.N. resolution circulated by the U.S., France and Britain as "untimely" and "unnecessary" and told the Western allies that for any possibility of a political solution, "first, you need to undo the damage which you yourself have created." He said Russia wants the U.S. and its allies to "stop aggressive actions and threats to use force" against Syria and to cease undermining Syria's sovereignty and territorial integrity by maintaining foreign forces in the country, looting its resources and "stoking hatred" among its different populations. Nebenzia said the Western allies should also end "hateful rhetoric" against Syria and Russia, separate military groups "from terrorists once and for all," and provide humanitarian assistance to Syria. Finally, he called on opposition groups "to immediately refrain from provoking foreign aggression by organizing provocations with chemical weapons." He said "their Western sponsors" must not "use these provocations." U.N. Deputy Ambassador from U.S. Kelley Currie address the United Nations Security Council meeting on Syria, Tuesday April 17, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) U.N. Ambassador from Russia Vasily Nebenzya address the United Nations Security Council meeting on Syria, Tuesday April 17, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Syria's Ambassador to the United Nations Bashar Ja'afari listens during a United Nations Security Council meeting on Syria, Tuesday April 17, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) U.N. Ambassador from France Francois Delattre address the United Nations Security Council meeting on Syria, Tuesday April 17, 2018 at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A Southwest Airlines pilot who made an emergency landing Tuesday after the jet apparently blew an engine, got hit by shrapnel and lost a window, is being praised for her "nerves of steel" in helping to prevent a far worse tragedy after the catastrophe killed one passenger and left seven others hurt. Tammie Jo Shults was at the controls of the Dallas-bound Flight 1380 when it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, said her husband, Dean Shults. The twin-engine Boeing 737 that left New York with 149 people board was hit by shrapnel that smashed a window and damaged the fuselage, killing a passenger and injuring seven others, authorities said. The pilot took the plane into a rapid descent as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling braced for impact. Shults was among the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. military, according to friends and the alumni group at Shults' alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene. National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The Southwest Airlines jet blew the engine at 32,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, setting off a desperate scramble by passengers to save a woman from getting sucked out. She later died, and seven others were injured. (NTSB via AP) Shults was a 1983 graduate of the university in Olathe, Kansas, where she earned degrees in biology and agribusiness, said Carol Best, a university spokeswoman told The Kansas City Star. Passenger Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, lauded Shults and her crew for their professionalism. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card - I'm going to tell you that - with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome," Tumlinson said "The lady, the crew, everything, everybody was immaculate. They were so professional in what they did to get us on the ground." Shults' brother-in-law, Gary Shults, said her husband also is a Southwest pilot and told him she had made the emergency landing. "She's a formidable woman, as sharp as a tack," said Gary Shults, a dentist in San Antonio. "My brother says she's the best pilot he knows. She's a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people." Passengers said she walked through the aisle and talked with them to make sure they were OK after the plane touched down. U.S. transportation Secretary Elaine Chao extended her sympathies to the loved ones of the passenger who died, Jennifer Riordan, of New Mexico, and praised the pilot, crew and others who were on board. "I commend the pilots who safely landed the aircraft, and the crew and fellow passengers who provided support and care for the injured, preventing what could have been far worse," Chao said in a statement. Travelers said fellow passengers dragged Riordan back in as the sudden decompression of the cabin pulled her part way through the smashed window. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said it was the first passenger fatality in an accident involving a U.S. airline since 2009. ___ Wallace and AP business writer David Koening reported from Dallas. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt briefs reporters at National Airport in in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, on the Southwest Airlines plane incident in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt briefs reporters at National Airport in Arlington, Va., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, about the Southwest Airlines plane incident in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Donald Trump said Wednesday that nobody has been tougher on Russia than him and that he'll hit Moscow with new sanctions "as soon as they very much deserve it." He also said building a good relationship with Russia is a "good, not bad" thing. Trump commented a day after an internal White House quarrel over the timing of potential new punishment for Russia exploded into public view. He blamed the news media for spreading a narrative that he said portrays him as being afraid to stand up to Russia. President Donald Trump talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe before dinner at Trump's private Mar-a-Lago club, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) "There's been nobody tougher on Russia than President Donald Trump," the president said, citing increased U.S. military spending among his examples. "With the media, no matter what I did, it's never tough enough, because that's their narrative. But Russia will tell you, there's been nobody tougher than Donald Trump. Trump mentioned the joint U.S., French and British military operation last weekend that struck several sites in Syria to punish the Russian-backed government of President Bashar Assad for an apparent chemical attack that killed civilians. Trump said the strike was "absolute precision." Trump had largely avoided criticizing Russia, leaving the harsh rhetoric and sanctions announcements to others in the administration. But he began to criticize Russia on Twitter after the apparent chemical attack this month that spawned images of Syrian adults gasping for air and being hosed off. Still, Trump said he would prefer good relations with Russia and other nations. "If we can get along with China, and if we can get along with Russia, and if we can get along with Japan and other nations that's a good thing, not a bad thing. Just remember that," Trump said as he ended a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The leaders had spent the past two days discussing such issues as North Korea and trade - and playing golf. "If we got along with other nations, that's good, not bad," Trump said. A day earlier, an internal White House quarrel over the timing of new Russia sanctions played out in public after Trump's new economic adviser suggested U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley suffered from "momentary confusion." Haley said Sunday on CBS' "Face the Nation" that new sanctions directed at companies associated with Syria's chemical weapons program would be announced Monday - but they weren't. Larry Kudlow, director of the National Economic Council, told reporters Tuesday that Haley "got ahead of the curve," adding, "There might have been some momentary confusion about that." Haley retorted with a statement to Fox News saying, "With all due respect, I don't get confused." Kudlow called Haley on Tuesday afternoon to apologize, a White House official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to describe private discussions. ___ Associated Press writers Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations, Jill Colvin and Zeke Miller in Palm Beach, Florida, and Lisa Mascaro in Washington contributed to this report. In this April 13, 2018, photo, Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting at United Nations headquarters. Haley is firing back against a Trump administration official who said she was suffering from "momentary confusion" when she announced new sanctions against Russia were imminent, saying, "With all due respect, I don't get confused." A striking intra-administration quarrel splayed out in public when National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow told reporters Tuesday that Haley "got ahead of the curve" when she said the U.S. would be slapping sanctions on Russia on Monday. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson) FILE - In this April 6, 2018, photo, White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow talks to reporters outside the White House. in Washington. U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley is firing back against a Trump administration official who said she was suffering from "momentary confusion" when she announced new sanctions against Russia were imminent, saying, "With all due respect, I don't get confused." A striking intra-administration quarrel splayed out in public when Kudlow told reporters Tuesday that Haley "got ahead of the curve" when she said the U.S. would be slapping sanctions on Russia on Monday. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) UNITED NATIONS (AP) - The United Nations granted accreditation to American groups focusing on human rights in North Korea and Iran on Tuesday, overturning a committee's rejection and giving the groups the right to speak at the Human Rights Council and other U.N. bodies. The 54-member Economic and Social Council approved the application from the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea by a vote of 29-6 with 13 abstentions, and the application from the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center by a vote of 22-7 with 17 abstentions. In February, the U.N.'s 19-member NGO Committee voted against accrediting the two organizations, but the U.S. and Canada went to its larger parent body, the Economic and Social Council, where the U.S. has more support. "These votes are wins for human rights," U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said after Tuesday's votes. "For far too long, the NGO Committee has been overrun by serial human rights abusers that ruin the U.N.'s credibility on human rights." She said "credible NGOs should never be blocked from participating at the U.N., especially when their work sheds light on some of the world's worst human rights abuses." Before Tuesday's vote, North Korea accused the NGO promoting human rights in its country of carrying out "notorious biased, politicized" activities and said it wasn't qualified to receive consultative status at the United Nations. But only six countries supported North Korea's view and voted against accreditation - Belarus, China, Russia, South Africa, Venezuela and Vietnam. In the vote on the Iran rights center, those six countries and Iraq voted against accreditation. SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (AP) - Free food pantries are becoming nearly as common as the campus book store at a growing number of colleges. More than 570 campus food pantries nationwide are registered with the College and University Food Bank Alliance, which formed in 2012 and helps colleges set up food pantries and other hunger programs. New York recently required that they be established at all institutions in its state university system. "You can't concentrate when you're hungry; you're irritable, you're not focusing. I did not perform well on some exams," said 47-year-old Manhattan Community College student Melanie Aucello, who is working on a college degree in hopes of improving her family's quality of life. This March 14, 2018 photo shows canned goods at the campus food pantry of Schenectady County Community College in Schenectady, N.Y. New York is making free food pantries a standard fixture on all its public college campuses. It's part of efforts across the nation to deal with the ripple effect of rising college costs and changing student demographics that make it hard for some students to afford basics such as food. (AP Photo/Mary Esch) A report published this month by a lab at the University of Wisconsin found 36 percent of 43,000 students attending two- and four-year colleges who were surveyed in 20 states had trouble getting enough to eat, threatening the academic success that's key to overcoming poverty. Among community college students alone, 42 percent struggled to pay for balanced meals. "We see food-insecure students devote as much time to school and homework as other students, but they also work longer hours and get less sleep," said Sara Goldrick-Rab, a Temple University sociologist and founder of the HOPE (Harvesting Opportunities for Postsecondary Education) Lab at Wisconsin. Studies, she said, have shown such students are likely to have lower grades and graduation rates. For young students from well-to-families, spending time as a starving student scarfing ramen noodles is often written off as a humorous rite of passage. But the demographics of typical college students are changing, and for many, hunger is a serious reality, Goldrick-Rab said. Food insecurity is related to soaring college costs, stagnant family incomes, a poor labor market for part-time workers and employment requirements that make food stamps inaccessible, Goldrick-Rab said. There are also more low-income students, sometimes with children of their own, she said. "There is no typical student who's food insecure; it can impact any type of student," said Clare Cady, a Temple University official who is co-founder of the College and University Food Bank Alliance. Food pantries cost little to colleges because they're typically run by volunteer students and faculty and are supported by donations of food and money. The student-run Michigan State University Student Food Bank, launched in 1993, was the first. It buys food from a regional food bank and distributes it to more than 4,000 students and their families per year. In California, Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown in 2017 signed a law allocating $7.5 million to fight campus hunger - not only for pantries, but also for other approaches, such as helping with access to public benefits programs. In New York, Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo said an initiative launched this spring makes New York the first state to require food pantries to be established at all 64 institutions in the State University of New York system. About 70 percent already had them. At Schenectady County Community College, any student, regardless of income, can visit up to three times a month and select three days' worth of food such as canned beans, tuna, spaghetti sauce and pasta. "It helps immensely because it's really difficult trying to balance school and finances, and it's difficult to work to have money for groceries while in school," said 22-year-old biology major Hannah Daignault. "We have a lot of students who are low-income working parents or single people struggling to get by," said Robyn King, a college counselor who coordinates the pantry. "Some receive food stamp benefits, but some make a little too much to qualify. We try to fill the gap." Monroe Community College in Rochester seeks to provide a path to longer-term solutions. Its food wagon distributes free granola bars with labels directing students to the food pantry and Single Stop, an organization that helps students apply for government benefits such as food stamps, housing and childcare. "The traditional student today is older with other obligations," said Monroe president Anne Kress. "A lot of them are living in a very narrow margin between financial security and insecurity. What's going to connect them to financial security is a college degree." ___ Contributing to this report were AP video journalists Michael Hill in Schenectady and Ted Shaffrey in New York. In this April 10, 2018 frame grab from video, student Hannah Daignault fills a grocery bag at the Schenectady County Community College food pantry in Schenectady, N.Y. As a 22-year-old student living on her own, Daignault finds it hard to stretch her student loans to cover the rising cost of books and fees, let alone food and rent, so she was thrilled when a campus food pantry opened last year. New York is the nation's first state to require free food pantries on all its public college campuses (AP Photo/Michael Hill) NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) - The chief accuser at Bill Cosby's sexual-assault retrial talked about framing a celebrity before going to police with her allegations in 2005, a key defense witness testified on Wednesday, a day that also featured prosecutors introducing Cosby's explosive deposition testimony about giving a 1970s party drug to women before sex. Defense witness Marguerite Jackson, an academic adviser at Temple University, said accuser Andrea Constand told her she could fabricate sexual-assault allegations and "get that money" from a lawsuit, bolstering Cosby's efforts to show Constand made up the allegations against him to extort a big civil settlement. Jackson's account was immediately challenged by prosecutors, who suggested she wasn't on the trip on which she says her conversation with Constand took place. Bill Cosby departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Jackson's appearance on the witness stand was one of the most highly anticipated moments of a retrial that has Cosby, 80, defending himself against criminal charges that he knocked Constand out with pills and then sexually assaulted her at his suburban Philadelphia home in 2004. Cosby paid Constand nearly $3.4 million in 2006, and his lawyers call her a "con artist" who set him up. Earlier Wednesday, a police detective read a transcript of Cosby's 2005 deposition testimony as prosecutors saved for the very end of their case Cosby's own words about using quaaludes "the same as a person would say, 'Have a drink.'" "Quaaludes happen to be the drug that kids, young people were using to party with, and there were times when I wanted to have them just in case," Cosby testified, according to the transcript. Cosby was deposed in 2005 and 2006 after Constand sued him. The deposition was hidden from public view until 2015, when The Associated Press petitioned to have it unsealed, leading prosecutors to reopen the criminal case and file charges. Jurors at Cosby's first trial also heard excerpts from the deposition. In a transcript read to the jury Wednesday, the "Cosby Show" star said he obtained seven prescriptions for quaaludes from his doctor in Los Angeles in the 1970s, ostensibly for a sore back, but added he didn't use them himself because they made him tired. The sedative was banned in the U.S. in 1982, the year a woman who testified against Cosby, Janice Baker-Kinney, alleges he knocked her out with pills she suspected to be quaaludes and then raped her. Cosby's lawyers sought Wednesday to minimize the importance of his quaaludes testimony. Defense attorney Kathleen Bliss underscored that most of that testimony pertained to the 1970s, and a police detective acknowledged during cross-examination that authorities didn't find quaaludes in a search of Cosby's home after Constand went to police. For the defense, Jackson recounted a conversation she said she had with Constand on a road trip to the University of Rhode Island with the Temple University women's basketball team, with which Constand was working as operations director. After watching a TV news report about a celebrity who had been sued over allegations of sexual assault, Jackson said, Constand told her: "Oh, wow, something similar happened to me." Constand said she never reported the assault because her assailant was a "high-profile person" and she knew she couldn't prove it, Jackson testified. Jackson, who said she roomed with Constand on the trip, told jurors she encouraged Constand to come forward. She testified Constand then switched gears, saying, "No, it didn't, but I could say it did. I could say it happened, get that money. I could quit my job. I could go back to school. I could open up a business." Jackson said the conversation happened Feb. 1, 2004, a few weeks after Constand says Cosby molested her. Constand denied rooming with Jackson and testified Monday she didn't "recall ever having a conversation with" her. During Jackson's cross-examination, a prosecutor produced Temple records showing Jackson's travel to other away games but not to the one at the University of Rhode Island. The defense did not produce any records to support Jackson's claim she was on the trip. Jackson testified she was aware of the 2005 criminal probe, Constand's subsequent lawsuit and her big financial settlement with Cosby but never told anyone in Cosby's camp even though Cosby was represented at the time by Patrick O'Connor, the chairman of the board at Temple, where Jackson got her degree and has worked for 31 years. She said a comedian she met on a cruise put her in touch with Cosby's lawyers in November 2016. They got to talking about Cosby after the comedian offered to buy her a drink and promised, "I won't put anything in it," she recalled. "They came in. Took my statement. The whole nine," Jackson said. "They called me to testify, then they didn't allow my testimony." Judge Steven O'Neill blocked Jackson from taking the stand at Cosby's first trial last year, ruling her testimony would be hearsay after Constand told the jury she didn't know her. That trial ended without a verdict after jurors deadlocked. The judge changed his mind about Jackson for the retrial, giving the defense case a huge boost. Outside court, Cosby spokeswoman Ebonee Benson said investigators intentionally ignored Jackson's allegations because they've "always known how damaging this testimony would be." The defense case was scheduled to resume Thursday. Prosecutors wound down their case Wednesday by introducing the comedian's explosive testimony about giving quaaludes to women before sex, an admission that's taken on new significance after a half-dozen women testified earlier in the retrial that he drugged and violated them, too. Cosby told police in 2005 that he gave Constand 1 1/2 tablets of the cold and allergy medicine Benadryl to help her relax, then fondled her breasts and genitals, according to a police transcript read to the jury. He said Constand never told him to stop. Constand said Cosby knocked her out with the pills, penetrated her with his fingers and guided her hand to his penis. The Associated Press doesn't typically identify people who say they're victims of sexual assault unless they grant permission, which Constand and Dickinson have done. ___ Follow Mike Sisak at https://twitter.com/mikesisak. ___ For more coverage visit https://www.apnews.com/tag/CosbyonTrial. ___ This story has been corrected to show Cosby paid nearly $3.4 million to Constand, not to Jackson. Marguerite Jackson, center, a defensive witness, departs after testifying in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. Jackson has said Cosby's chief accuser, Andrea Constand, once spoke of framing a "high-profile person" so she could file a lawsuit. Constand testified Monday that she did not "recall ever having a conversation with" Jackson and denied a defense claim that she falsely accused Cosby as part of a get-rich scheme. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Marguerite Jackson, a key defensive witness, stands in a hallway before leaving after testifying in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. Jackson has said Cosby's chief accuser, Andrea Constand, once spoke of framing a "high-profile person" so she could file a lawsuit. Constand testified Monday that she did not "recall ever having a conversation with" Jackson and denied a defense claim that she falsely accused Cosby as part of a get-rich scheme. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby leaves for the day from his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Spokesperson Andrew Wyatt for actor and comedian Bill Cosby, holds his fist held high as he and Bill Cosby leave for the day from Cosby's sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby, left, leaves for the day from his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby, center, leaves with publicist Ebonee Benson, left, and spokesperson Andrew Wyatt for the day from his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby, left, and his spokesman Andrew Wyatt depart after Cosby's sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Bill Cosby departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Bill Cosby departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Bill Cosby departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Bill Cosby waves as he departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Bill Cosby waves as he departs after his sexual assault trial, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at the Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Ebonee Benson, publicist for actor and comedian Bill Cosby, from left, an unidentified sheriff, Cosby spokesperson Andrew Wyatt, John-Conrad Ste. Marthe, former personal chef to Cosby, and Charles Kipps, writer and producer who worked on projects with Cosby, look on in the courthouse outside Courtroom A during Cosby's sexual assault retrial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) John-Conrad Ste. Marthe, left, former personal chef to actor and comedian Bill Cosby, and Charles Kipps, writer and producer who worked on projects with Cosby, wait outside Courtroom A during the Cosby's sexual assault retrial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Charles Kipps, writer and producer who worked on projects with actor and comedian Bill Cosby, waits outside courtroom A during Cosby's sexual assault retrial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Charles Kipps, writer and producer who worked on projects with actor and comedian Bill Cosby, looks on outside courtroom A during the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Marguerite Jackson, a key defensive witness, departs after testifying in the Bill Cosby sexual assault retrial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. Jackson has said Cosby's chief accuser, Andrea Constand, once spoke of framing a "high-profile person" so she could file a lawsuit. Constand testified Monday that she did not "recall ever having a conversation with" Jackson and denied a defense claim that she falsely accused Cosby as part of a get-rich scheme. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby, center, returns to courtroom A after a break in the his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill returns to courtroom A after a break in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Marguerite Jackson, a key defensive witness, walks into courtroom A after a break in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Montgomery County Judge Steven O'Neill returns to courtroom A passing by sheriffs after a break in the Bill Cosby sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) Bill Cosby, left, returns to courtroom A after a break in his sexual assault trial at the Montgomery County Courthouse, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Norristown, Pa. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine, Pool) SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. The reason is that South Korea wasn't a direct signatory to the armistice that stopped the fighting but left the Korean Peninsula still technically in a state of war. There's widespread interest in what South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will talk about at their summit on April 27, which would be only the third such meeting between the countries' leaders. A separate meeting between Kim and Trump is anticipated in May or June. In this Wednesday, April 11, 2018, photo, South Korean army soldiers stand guard at the border villages of Panmunjom in Paju, South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, April 17, has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War at their summit next week amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) Trump revealed Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea had been holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for their summit. Trump also said that North and South Korea are negotiating an end to hostilities before next week's summit. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war," Trump said. A senior South Korean presidential official said Wednesday that the Koreas plan to use their summit to discuss ending military hostilities, but it wasn't clear if they'd discuss the end of the war. "We don't know yet whether a specific expression like 'end of the war' will be used during the inter-Korean summit, but we do wish for an agreement at ending hostilities between the South and North," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing office rules. North Korea has long sought a peace treaty with the United States to formally end the war. Some South Koreans fear that the North could use such a treaty as a pretext for demanding the withdrawal of the 28,500 American troops currently stationed in the South. Some worry that potential discussions to formally end the war may distract from already difficult efforts to rid the North of nuclear weapons and apply robust verification of that process. The armistice was signed by the U.S.-led United Nations Command, North Korea and China. South Korea was a member of the U.N. Command but was not a direct signatory. In their previous summit in 2007, the Koreas declared a commitment toward ending the war and vowed to pursue discussions with others. But the efforts faltered and the relations between the rivals worsened after a conservative government took office in Seoul in February 2008. People watch a TV screen showing file footage of U.S. President Donald Trump, right, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War at their summit next week amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. The signs read: " Summit meeting between South and North Korea, the United States and North Korea ." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) A South Korean army soldier passes by a TV screen showing file footage of CIA Director Mike Pompeo, left, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, a highly unusual, secret visit undertaken as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The signs read: " Mike Pompeo meets with Kim Jong Un." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) A man passes by a TV screen showing file footage of CIA Director Mike Pompeo, center right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center left, during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un, a highly unusual, secret visit undertaken as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The signs read: " Mike Pompeo meets with Kim Jong Un." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) A visitor uses binoculars to see the North Korea side from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Visitors use binoculars to see the North Korea side from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) A visitor looks at the photos of two Koreas history at exhibition hall of the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Students watch the North side from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) Visitors use binoculars to see the North Korea side from the unification observatory in Paju, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. U.S. President Donald Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. One problem: There can be no real talks without the involvement of the other countries that fought the 1950-53 war, and especially the United States. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man) (CNN Money) The United States and Japan trade $200 billion in goods and services each year. It's a vital relationship President Donald Trump wants to overhaul, but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe isn't so keen. The two leaders are expected to talk about trade and other top issues such as North Korea during Abe's visit to Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort that starts Tuesday. Japan is the United States' fourth biggest trading partner and a key military ally in Asia. But Trump is unhappy about trade between the two countries, which he has described as "not fair" and "not open." Japan 'has hit us hard' Japan sells far more goods to the United States than it buys back, creating a surplus of nearly $70 billion at the end of last year. Countries that run big surpluses with the United States especially China, which has by far the biggest have been frequent targets of Trump's ire. He tweeted Friday that the United States is "working to make a deal" with Japan, which he said "has hit us hard on trade for years." That's a reference to the U.S. government's desire to start talks on a free trade deal that would give American companies better access to the Japanese economy, the third largest in the world. But Japan's government, which was dismayed by Trump's decision to pull out of a huge Pacific free trade deal last year, has made it clear that it's in no hurry to sign up for bilateral negotiations with Washington. "When two countries negotiate, the stronger country gets stronger," Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said late last month, predicting that a bilateral trade deal would cause "unnecessary" pain for Japan. RELATED: Abe faces awkward Trump summit on North Korea That's because Japan is eager to shield important industries like farming from foreign competition, experts say. Under current rules, agricultural imports into Japan face significant tariffs. The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), the regional trade deal Trump pulled out of last year, would have helped lower those barriers for American farmers. Under pressure from Republican lawmakers and governors from farm states last week, Trump asked his top economic advisers to take another look at the TPP, which Japan and other countries revived after the US exit. Experts say the Trump administration would face big hurdles trying to get back into the pact, and Japan and other member countries responded cautiously to the idea last week. Threat of more tariffs Flirting with the idea of returning to the TPP could be part of Trump's efforts to pressure Japan into bilateral talks. The United States may also use the "threat of additional import duties as a bargaining tool to force Japan to sign a bilateral free trade agreement," said Marcel Thieliant, senior Japan economist at research firm Capital Economics. One way the Trump administration could inflict pain on the Japanese economy is by making it harder for Japanese automakers to export cars to the United States, according to Thieliant. But that may not make a big difference, since Japan's top car companies have huge factories in the United States, where they have been increasing investment for decades. RELATED: Trump grants tariff exemptions for EU and others on steel and aluminum There are other levers Washington could also seek to use. Unlike many American allies, Japan is still subject to new U.S. tariffs on exports of steel and aluminum to the United States. Thieliant said the United States could use a possible exemption for Japan as a bargaining chip to move forward talks on trade. After renegotiating a free trade deal with South Korea, the Trump administration said South Korean exporters would be largely exempt from the new steel and aluminum tariffs. 'Japan is an open and free marketplace' Even a new trade agreement may not reduce America's trade deficit with Japan by much. Last year, the United States imported $40 billion worth of Japanese vehicles. Roughly $500 million of U.S.-made vehicles went the other way. That yawning gap isn't the result of traditional trade barriers like tariffs. Experts say Japan has a fiercely competitive auto market where sales are declining and American cars have long been seen as ill-suited for Japanese consumers. RELATED: It's not tariffs keeping American cars out of Japan, it's Japan itself Fiat Chrysler, which has recently increased sales in Japan, says its success is the result of adapting to the local market. That includes adding features to its vehicles, such as wing mirrors that fold in quickly when parking. Pontus Haggstrom, the CEO of the company's Japan operations, said the country does have some unique requirements for testing and certification of imported vehicles. "It's a bit time consuming, but it isn't a sales inhibitor for us," he told CNNMoney. "The import tariffs were dropped in the 80s, so for all intents and purposes, Japan is an open and free marketplace." CNN's Anna Stewart contributed to this report. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Japan is heading for a trade showdown with America." CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - Australia's government has confirmed that an Australian has been detained in Iraq after a media report that an Islamic State group commander suspected of masterminding a plot to blow up an airline flight from Sydney last year and an Australian relative were captured. Australian Broadcasting Corp. cited anonymous Australian officials in reporting on Wednesday that Lebanese commander Tarek Khayat and his relative Ahmed Merhi have been detained in Iraq since earlier this year. Australian police allege Merhi communicated with a homegrown Islamic State cell behind several Sydney plots, including the 2015 fatal shooting of a police accountant outside the state police headquarters. Australian police also allege Khayat directed his Sydney-based brothers, Khaled and Mahmoud Khayat, to blow up an Etihad Airways flight from Sydney to Dubai July 15 last year. HOUSTON (AP) - In his first public comments since his wife's death, former President George H.W. Bush said Wednesday that he used to tease his spouse of 73 years that he had a complex about how much people liked her. That fact, he said, is buoyed by stories about Barbara Bush's warmth and wit following her death. Tributes have rolled in from around the world, from former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev to a U.S. Navy commander, who recalled Mrs. Bush handing out cookies to sailors on a battleship. "I always knew Barbara was the most beloved woman in the world, and in fact I used to tease her that I had a complex about that fact," the nation's 41st president said in a statement released Wednesday. FILE - In this March 8, 2017, file photo, the Mensch International Foundation presented its annual Mensch Award to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush at an awards ceremony hosted by Congregation Beth Israel in Houston. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. ( Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP, File) His wife died Tuesday as their Houston home, where he held her hand, all day, before she died at age 92. They had been married longer than any other presidential couple. The former president referred to his wife as "The Enforcer," a term of endearment bestowed by her family as she ran their household while he pursued careers in the Texas oil business and later politics and public service. He said the outpouring of support and friendship toward his wife following her death "is lifting us all up." Their son, former President George W. Bush, told an audience at his presidential library in Dallas on Wednesday that his mother was "funny to the end." He recalled a phone conversation they had this week. "The day before she died, I said 'Mom, I just want you know you've been a fabulous mother and I love you dearly.' And she said, 'I want you to know that you're my favorite son - on the phone,'" Bush told the audience. "I hope you don't feel sorry for any of us, particularly me," he added. He said he was at peace because his mother was at peace. "She believes in an afterlife and was joyously looking forward to that afterlife," he said. A tearful Laura Bush added that watching her mother-in-law taught her "how to be a first lady, and I'm so grateful for her example." Other tributes heralded the former first lady as a warm woman of strength devoted to not only her family, but to child and adult literacy programs. Current first lady Melania Trump, who will attend Barbara Bush's funeral on Saturday in Houston, praised her for putting "family and country above all else." Among her greatest achievements, President Donald Trump added in a statement, "was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection." Gorbachev, whose last years in office overlapped George H.W. Bush's presidency, remembered Barbara Bush as warm and astute, saying "she immediately developed a warm relationship" with his wife. Gorbachev visited with the Bushes at the former president's library at Texas A&M University, where Barbara Bush will be buried. In Moscow, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a telegram to the former president offering his condolences. Kuwaiti leader Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah sent letters of condolence to the Bush family, according to the state-run news agency KUNA. The Arab nation has long celebrated George H.W. Bush for securing its freedom from Iraqi occupation in the 1991 Gulf War, and Barbara Bush was warmly welcomed when she visited Kuwait in 1993 and 2001. Former President Barack Obama said he and former first lady Michelle Obama would always be grateful to Barbara Bush "for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House." "But we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit," Obama said. Former President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter called Mrs. Bush the "matriarch of a family dedicated to serving." Barbara Bush's funeral will be held at St. Martin's Episcopal Church, which she and her husband regularly attended. The church will host a public viewing Friday. The funeral Saturday will be by invitation only. An "uplifting celebration" of Barbara Bush's life will be held Thursday evening outside Houston City Hall. City officials encouraged people to wear blue, her favorite color, along with pearls, which became her signature neckwear jewelry. City Hall was being bathed in blue lights in her honor. FILE - In this 1990 file photo, first lady Barbara Bush poses with her dog Millie in Washington. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File) CORRECTS YEAR OF PHOTO TO 1988, INSTEAD OF 1998 - FILE - In this Nov. 14, 1988, file photo, President-elect George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, are shown during a morning beachfront news conference in Gulf Stream, Fla. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) Former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush are interviewed by host Maria Bartiromo, not pictured, on the "Mornings with Maria Bartiromo" program on the Fox Business Network at the George W. Bush Presidential Library, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in Dallas. Bush spoke about his mother, Barbara Bush, the wife of former President George H.W. Bush, who died Tuesday. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade) Amanda Gross holds the hands of her 6-year-old son, Patrick Henry, as they pray outside of the gated community where former first lady Barbara Bush died earlier in the day, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. "Since he was in my womb, I have read him stories about more first ladies than presidents," Gross said. "Barbara Bush was the appropriate political figure. She will be missed," said Gross. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP) Carmen Ganser prays during a moment of silence after it was announced that former first lady Barbara Bush had died, before a talk in the Concept of the Divine series at the Rothko Chapel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP) Jeanne Wagner pauses after signing a condolence book at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in College Station, Texas. Former first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Visitors walk through an exhibit for former first Lady Barbara Bush at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in College Station, Texas. Barbara Bush died Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) FILE - In this March 22, 1989 file photo, first lady Barbara Bush holds an infant identified as Donavan during a visit to Grandma's House in Washington. Grandma's House serves as a house for infants and small children infected with the AIDS virus. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Dennis Cook, File) This combination of images provided by the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, in College Station, Texas, shows a love letter, dated Dec. 12, 1943, to Barbara Bush from then-fiance, George H.W. Bush. The letter circulated after Barbara Bush's death Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at age 92. The future president wrote the letter when he was awaiting deployment while serving in the Navy during World War II. (George Bush Presidential Library and Museum via AP) LONDON (AP) - Meghan Markle hasn't said if she will wear a tiara at her upcoming royal wedding, but if she does she'll be able to choose from one of the world's most remarkable jewelry collections. That's because Queen Elizabeth II, the grandmother of her husband-to-be Prince Harry, has hundreds of tiaras squirreled away in locked vaults, and royal tradition holds that the queen will let Markle borrow one of these sparkly heirlooms. There's no shortage of diamonds in the queen's collection, to say nothing of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. One tiara is designed so that its emeralds can be replaced by pearls - depending on the rest of the outfit, of course. In this Thursday, April 5, 2018 photo, a late Victorian floral motif tiara circa 1885 is displayed at Bradley & Skinner an antique & period jewellery specialist in London. Will she or won't she _ wear a tiara? Meghan Markle will have access to one of the world's most remarkable jewelry collections for her wedding to Prince Harry. Queen Elizabeth II, Harry's grandmother, has hundreds of jeweled tiaras sparkling away in locked vaults covered with diamonds _ to say nothing of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. London jewelers are hoping Markle will bring tiaras back in fashion when she walks down the aisle May 19 at Windsor Castle. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) The bride's actual choice probably won't be known until May 19 when she walks down the aisle of St. George's Chapel to marry Harry and officially join the royal family. But some of London's most exclusive jewelers are devoutly hoping she won't turn her back on tiaras in favor of a more egalitarian look. Markle, a 36-year-old American actress, is known for her contemporary fashion sense and could surprise everyone by skipping the tiara in favor of a less stately, more accessible look. But Omar Vaja, sales director at the renowned Bentley & Skinner jewelry shop in London, thinks she will follow tradition. "Her style of dress is quite modern and casual," said Vaja. "So she'll probably go for something that's small and modest. There's quite a lot to choose from. I think we're talking about hundreds of tiaras." He says tiaras often have been kept in aristocratic families for generations, passed down to wear on special occasions. Vaja and other jewelers in London's tony Mayfair district have a vested interest in seeing Markle carry forward the tiara tradition. He expects this royal wedding - like earlier ones - to spur interest in tiaras and other vintage treasures that his shop is known for. Tiaras could use a boost. They were the height of fashion in the 1920s and 1930s, when affluent British women would often wear them to royal galas or fancy banquets, but British society changed drastically after the destruction wrought by World War II. The grand court life that preceded it was never fully revived, said Christopher St. James, who designed many of the tiaras worn by the fictional Grantham family in the popular "Downton Abbey" TV series. "Elizabeth II stopped doing the great big court balls where debutantes would come and be presented to the queen and they had to wear a tiara and their mothers would wear a tiara," he said. "That was all gone after the war." The '50s in Britain was a time of rationing and scarcity, not the best time for opulent displays of jewelry worth more than a small house. The Beatles' John Lennon even mocked the tradition of wearing expensive jewelry and tiaras to gala events during a royal command performance at the London Palladium in 1963. He told the people in the cheap seats they could clap their hands the usual way, and urged everyone in the fancy seats to just rattle their jewelry instead. The Queen Mother - wearing a rather splendid tiara - took the gibe with a smile, but the point was made. Royal-style accessories like diamond-encrusted tiaras fell out of favor in the swinging Sixties. Harry's mother, Princess Diana, helped revive the tiara glamor. Reflecting her own aristocratic roots, she wore her family's own tiara - known as the Spencer tiara, as she came from the Spencer clan - when she married Prince Charles in 1981. Sara Prentice, creative director at the House of Garrard - which produced the famous "fringe tiara" worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding - says newly made tiaras are smaller and much more comfortable to wear because they are designed to be easily slipped on and off. "For royalty, if you're a woman, the first time you wear a tiara is on your wedding day," she said. For commoners with plenty of money, it's possible to buy a lovely tiara at House of Garrard - prices start at about 80,000 pounds ($115,000). Some believe Markle may choose to conspicuously pay tribute to Diana by wearing the Spencer tiara, which has a fanciful design of flowers decorated with diamonds in silver settings. On the day their engagement was announced, she and Harry spoke about their shared desire to invoke Diana's memory at the wedding. There are plenty of other royal tiaras to consider as well, depending on what the queen decides to make available. Markle might walk down the aisle in a striking tiara with Russian roots that features 15 interlaced diamond circles set off by large pearls. The tiara is uniquely interchangeable - the pearls can be taken out and replaced with emeralds. It is known to some as the Vladimir tiara because it was hidden in a vault at Vladimir Palace in St. Petersburg during the chaos that followed the 1917 Russian Revolution. Then there is the Oriental Circlet tiara, favored by the Queen Mother, which is designed with diamond lotus flowers and wraps nearly all the way around the wearer's head. It was made for Queen Victoria in 1853 with opals to set off the diamonds, but the opals were later replaced with rubies. Another option is Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara, which Elizabeth wore when she married Prince Philip in 1947 as the nation struggled to recover from the destruction of World War II. That tiara was first worn by Queen Victoria in 1839. And it could be seen as a harbinger of good fortune for the new royal couple, as Elizabeth and Philip celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year. One tiara Markle is not likely to wear is the famed Cartier Halo Tiara - a diamond-and-platinum masterpiece worn by her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Kate Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) when she married Prince William in 2011. The final choice will also be influenced by Markle's wedding gown and chosen hairstyle. "It has to be something that will read on camera because it will be read by millions," said St. James, the designer. "People want to see sparkle, not some tiny little headband you can barely see." "I'm sure she will have something really nice - maybe something we've never seen before!" he added. ___ For complete coverage of the royal wedding, see: https://apnews.com/tag/Royalweddings FILE - In this July 29, 1981 file photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer are shown on their wedding day at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. Will she or won't she _ wear a tiara? Meghan Markle will have access to one of the world's most remarkable jewelry collections for her wedding to Prince Harry. Harry's mother, Princess Diana, helped revive the tiara glamor. Reflecting her own aristocratic roots, she wore her family's own tiara _ known as the Spencer tiara, for she came from the Spencer clan _ when she married Prince Charles in 1981. (AP Photo, file) In this photo taken on Thursday, April 5, 2018, Ilias Kapsalis Skoufos displays a late Victorian diamond fringe tiara circa 1890 in the window at Bradley & Skinner an antique & period jewellery specialist in London. Will she or won't she _ wear a tiara? Meghan Markle will have access to one of the world's most remarkable jewelry collections for her wedding to Prince Harry. Queen Elizabeth II, Harry's grandmother, has hundreds of jeweled tiaras sparkling away in locked vaults covered with diamonds _ to say nothing of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. London jewelers are hoping Markle will bring tiaras back in fashion when she walks down the aisle May 19 at Windsor Castle. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) - The head of the global chemical watchdog agency on Wednesday rejected Russian claims that traces of a second nerve agent were discovered in the English city where former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned. Britain blames Russia for the attack, which it says was carried out by smearing a Soviet-developed nerve agent known as Novichok on a door handle at Sergei Skripal's house in Salisbury. Moscow denies involvement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Saturday that Moscow received confidential information from the laboratory in Spiez, Switzerland, that analyzed samples from the site of the March 4 poisoning in Salisbury. FILE - In this Monday, April 16, 2018 file photo, Britain's ambassador to the Netherlands and permanent representative to the chemical weapons watchdog OPCW, Peter Wilson talks to an embassy employee after a press conference in The Hague, Netherlands. Member states of the global chemical weapons watchdog are meeting Wednesday April 18, 2018, to discuss the nerve agent attack in Britain on former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter. (Michael Kooren/Pool photo via AP) He said the analysis - done at the request of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons - indicated that samples contained BZ nerve agent and its precursor. He said BZ was part of the chemical arsenals of the U.S., Britain and other NATO countries, while the Soviet Union and Russia never developed the agent. OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu told a meeting Wednesday of the organization's Executive Council that a BZ precursor known as 3Q "was contained in the control sample prepared by the OPCW Lab in accordance with the existing quality control procedures." He added "it has nothing to do with the samples collected by the OPCW team in Salisbury." Britain's representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Peter Wilson, slammed the Russian foreign minister's comments as a breach of the treaty outlawing chemical weapons. "The thing for me that was particularly alarming about Lavrov's statement is, first of all, the OPCW goes to enormous lengths to make sure that the identity of laboratories is confidential and, second of all, either the Russians are hacking the laboratories or they are making stuff up," he said. "Either way, that is a violation of the confidentiality of the Chemical Weapons Convention." In a summary of its report last week, the OPCW didn't name Novichok as the nerve agent used but it confirmed "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury." Wilson told reporters that the OPCW "confirmed that they found what we found, and that is a Novichok." Russia's representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Alexander Shulgin, repeated Moscow's denials and accused Britain of a string of lies. "For now, I will only say one thing: the claim that the Technical Secretariat confirmed that this chemical points to its Russian origin is an outright lie," he said in a statement posted on his embassy's website. "The report itself does not say a single word about the name 'Novichok;' the CWC simply does not contain such a concept." Shulgin at a later news conference accused Britain of trying to turn the executive council meeting into "a kangaroo court" and suggested that Britain could have arranged the attack on the Skripals to counter domestic tensions over Britain's withdrawal from the European Union. "Perhaps the government of Theresa May, weakened by the troubles associated with Brexit, needs society to rally around this government," he said. Shulgin also said Russia wouldn't accept the results of any report on the matter unless it gets full access to investigation details, consular access to the Skripals, and participation in the probe by Russian experts. The envoy also spent several minutes of digression on Britain's alleged "very impressive experience" of using poison abroad, including involvement in the 1916 poisoning of Rasputin, a self-styled mystic who held great influence with Czar Nicholas II's wife. The Skripals were hospitalized for weeks in critical condition. Yulia Skripal was discharged last week from Salisbury District Hospital, where her father continues to be treated. Wilson told the meeting that London continues to believe evidence points to Russian involvement in the attempted assassination. 'We believe that only Russia had the technical means, operational experience and motive to target the Skripals," Wilson said. Wilson warned the Chemical Weapons Convention was being undermined by a growing use of nerve agents and other poisons, mentioning the 2017 assassination in Malaysia of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's estranged half-brother, in addition to the Salisbury attack and the use of poison gas in Syria and Iraq. "It is being continually violated," Wilson told reporters. He said the convention would be strengthened if all nations fully declared any stockpiles they still have. Member states are supposed to declare all their chemical weapons stocks upon joining the OPCW and destroy them. The OPCW and Russia last year celebrated the destruction of the country's final declared stocks. "Russia clearly has chemical weapons they are not declaring and they need to do that," Wilson said. The antagonism between Britain and Russia played out again in the U.N. Security Council on Wednesday afternoon after U.N. disarmament chief Izumi Nakamitsu briefed members on the OPCW findings. Britain's U.N. ambassador, Karen Pierce, said Russian responsibility for the attack was the only "plausible explanation." She dismissed several Russian allegations that others were responsible, including one accusing Britain for drugging Yulia Skripal. She said the claim was "more than fanciful - this is outlandish." Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the council heard "the same lies" and "mendacious, baseless and slanderous" allegations that the U.K. has been putting forward since the attack. He said the OPCW report only confirmed that the substance could be produced in a well-equipped lab, stressing that such labs exist in the U.K., U.S. and a host of other countries. Nebenzia said Russia agreed with Britain on one point: "There will be no impunity and the perpetrators will be held responsible." ___ Associated Press writers Jim Heintz in Moscow and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's military says its forces have killed a man they identified as the leader of the Islamic State group in the restive Sinai Peninsula. Col. Tamer el-Rifai, a military spokesman, says in a Wednesday statement that Naser Abou Zaqoul has been killed in a shootout with troops in central Sinai. He did not elaborate. The news came just days after the military said eight soldiers were killed and 15 wounded when militants wearing explosive belts blew themselves up as they tried to infiltrate a military base in central Sinai. Egypt has been struggling to contain a long-running insurgency in Sinai. It launched a massive operation in February against militants in Sinai as well as parts of Egypt's Nile Delta and the Western Desert, along the porous border with Libya. JUBA, South Sudan (AP) - More than 200 child soldiers were released by armed groups in war-torn South Sudan, part of a series of releases that will see almost 1,000 children freed in the coming months. An estimated 19,000 children are believed to be in armed forces amid the country's 5-year civil war, which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions. South Sudan has one of the highest numbers of child soldiers in the world, according to the U.N. At the "laying down of the guns" ceremony, 112 boys and 95 girls were returned to their families in areas outside the town of Yambio on Tuesday. It was the first community release of child soldiers where children were directly reunited with their parents and siblings instead of first going to institutions. FILE - In this Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2018 file photo, former child soldiers stand in line waiting to be registered with UNICEF to receive a release package, in Yambio, South Sudan. At a new "laying down of the guns" ceremony on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 112 boys and 95 girl child soldiers were returned to their families in areas outside the town of Yambio. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File) "It's about sending a clear message that children should not be in the army," UNICEF's representative in South Sudan, Mahimbo Mdoe, told The Associated Press. He called on all of South Sudan's armed factions to release all children. The release comes weeks ahead of the young country's third round of peace talks, scheduled to be held at the end of the month in neighboring Ethiopia. A ceasefire signed on Dec. 24 was broken hours later and another round of talks were inconclusive. To date, the U.N. has released more than 2,000 child soldiers, yet despite progress and the government's commitment to halt the recruitment of children, advocacy groups say it continues. "Thousands of children are exploited as cooks and porters and as domestic slaves, while girls in armed groups are regularly subjected to serious sexual abuse, taken as 'wives' by their captors and kept far beyond the frontlines," said Sandra Olsson, program manager at Child Soldiers International, a rights group. South Sudan's government says it condemns the use of child soldiers and blames the opposition for recruiting children. "It's happening in areas not under our control," army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang, told AP. The opposition says the children in its ranks weren't recruited but were taken in after government soldiers murdered their families. "Many children who come to us are traumatized by what they have seen the regime soldiers do to their parents or relatives. Many witnessed their parents molested and killed," said opposition spokesman, Lam Paul Gabriel. But several children released by the opposition said they had been taken by force, speaking to AP at their release in February. "They tied my eyes and tied our bodies to theirs," said a former child soldier in Yambio earlier this year. AP is not using her name to protect the identity of a minor. Nervously clasping her fingers, the 17-year-old said she was abducted from school in the middle of the day at the age of 14 by opposition fighters who "came in shooting." She said for two years she was ordered hike from town to town with the soldiers and loot houses of towns that they captured. She saw many other children get killed in crossfire. "I just kept praying not to die," she said. The children released this week will get food assistance for three months, psychosocial support and vocational training, to help reintegrate them into their communities, said UNICEF. But some aid groups say this type of short term "emergency intervention" is not enough to keep children from returning to the armies. "Demobilization and disarmament rarely stick while war is still going on," said Samantha Nutt, founder of War Child USA, an international humanitarian organization that provides support to children and families in war zones. Without longer term help from the international community, Nutt said many children will be "back in the bush fighting again a year from now." ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa CANBERRA, Australia (AP) - An Australian court has sentenced a Canadian woman to eight years in prison for her part in an attempt to smuggle cocaine worth $16 million into Sydney in luggage aboard a luxury cruise ship. Melina Roberge broke down in tears Wednesday when the Sydney court handed down the sentence, which includes a non-parole period of 4 years and 9 months in prison. Three Canadians have pleaded guilty to smuggling 95 kilograms (209 pounds) of cocaine in their suitcases during a seven-week cruise in 2016 from Britain to Australia. One of Roberge's accomplices, Isabelle Lagace, with whom she shared a cabin, was sentenced in November to 7 1/2 years in prison. The third accomplice, Andre Tamin, will be sentenced in October. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) The inter-agency task force mandated to rehabilitate Boracay revealed the conditions they must meet for the island to be opened before the end of the 6-month plan. In a media briefing Tuesday, Interior Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing listed the six criteria for the targeted soft opening of Boracay on August. The water discharge in the island should be compliant with the standards of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for 30 consecutive days starting July. There should be zero garbage in the island's sanitary landfill. The ongoing rehabilitation of the Bolabog drainage system should be completed. All structures that violate the 25 plus 5-meter easement rule should be dismantled At least three of the five wetlands should have been reclaimed and illegal structures demolished The road widening project to 12 meters plus a new drainage pipeline should have hit 70-percent completion rate. Densing also appealed for everybody in the island to cooperate. "Let us not resist. It is not to the interest of anybody from the government to the workers to the businessmen to continue the island to be closed for 6 months. That's why we are trying to fast-track everything," Densing said. Several government agencies met with Boracay stakeholders Tuesday to discuss the government's plans for the island, its residents, and its workers. Among the agencies present were the Departments of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Labor and Employment (DOLE). Stakeholders, however, were dissatisfied with the presentation of the Labor Department. During the presentation, the DOLE said they are still in the process of profiling workers. They did not, however, present the work options available for those who would be unemployed in the coming months. "Nagprepare ba talaga sila? Di namin alam. Magulo. Magulo yung pag-present nila ng kanilang plano," said Boracay Foundation president Neneth Graf. "Confusion pa rin ang nafi-feel ng mga stakeholders sa Boracay after the presentation ng DOLE." Densing said the target is for the Labor Department to be able to provide about 5,000 jobs, which would start on the April 26, the day of the island's closure. The jobs that will be offered are related to the clean-up and rehabilitation of Boracay. He added Boracay locals will be prioritized and will be paid minimum wage. 15,000 more jobs are expected to be made available to Boracay workers after two weeks. VATICAN CITY (AP) - Pope Francis has met with the father of a terminally ill British toddler, after an appeals court ruled that his parents can't take him to Italy for further medical treatment. The parents of 23-month-old Alfie Evans have been engaged in a protracted legal fight with doctors over his care. They asked the Court of Appeal to overturn earlier rulings that blocked further medical treatment and ordered life support to be withdrawn. Alfie's father, Thomas Evans, met with Francis Wednesday before the pope's general audience. During the audience itself, Francis led the crowd in a silent moment of prayer for Alfie. Thomas Evans, father of terminally-ill toddler Alfie, attends Pope Francis' general audience in St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Britain's Court of Appeal ruled last Monday against the parents of 23-month-old toddler who sought permission to take him to Italy for medical treatment that lower U.K. courts blocked in favor of suspending life support.(AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) In his second appeal this week for Alfie, Francis said the only one who can give and take life is God: "It's our duty to do everything to care for life." BEIJING (AP) - A senior U.S. official says the United States would pursue sanctions on Chinese officials involved in a sweeping security crackdown in the western region of Xinjiang if they were deemed appropriate for designation under a law targeting human rights offenders. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Laura Stone said Wednesday that the U.S. was deeply concerned about China's detention of at least "tens of thousands" of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims and could take action under the 2016 Global Magnitsky Act. Beijing has defended its crackdown as a "People's War on Terror" and a necessary move to purge separatist and religious extremist elements from Xinjiang, a vast region with more than 10 million Muslims. But an extrajudicial detention program has swept up many people, including relatives of American citizens, on ostensible offenses ranging from accessing foreign websites to contacting overseas relatives. FILE - In this Nov. 3, 2017 file photo, armed civilians patrol the area outside the Hotan Bazaar where a screen shows Chinese President Xi Jinping in Hotan in western China's Xinjiang region. A senior U.S. official says the United States would pursue sanctions on Chinese officials involved in a security crackdown in the region of Xinjiang if they were appropriate for designation under a new law targeting human rights offenders. Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Laura Stone said Wednesday, April 18, 2018, that the United States was deeply concerned about China's detention of at least "tens of thousands" of ethnic Uighurs and other Muslims and could take action under the Global Magnitsky Act. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan, File) Speaking to reporters in Beijing, Stone said the U.S. was particularly concerned about the detained family members of six journalists - four U.S. citizens and two U.S. permanent residents who have reported on Xinjiang - working for Washington D.C.-based Radio Free Asia. "The information we have, including about detention centers, paints a disturbing picture," Stone said. "We will continue to raise our concerns with the Chinese government and call for legal due process in the detention of any citizens." Xinjiang authorities have established a network of detention centers operating seemingly without legal basis. Rights groups estimate such centers are holding at least tens of thousands of people who receive so-called political education for indefinite periods. It is just one element in a far-reaching security regime credited to Chen Quanguo, the Communist Party official previously placed in charge of Tibet. Other aspects of the campaign include all-encompassing digital surveillance , mass deployment of police and severe regulations against religious customs and dress. U.S. lawmakers raised the possibility of Magnitsky Act sanctions this month, signaling growing concern in Washington over alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Republican leaders of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida and Rep. Christopher H. Smith of New Jersey, asked the U.S. ambassador to Beijing, Terry Branstad, to visit the region and collect information on Xinjiang officials responsible for the mass detention policy. The Global Magnitsky Act allows the U.S. government to place travel and financial restrictions on individuals anywhere in the world given credible proof of their role in human rights violations or corruption. For the first time in December, U.S. authorities designated 52 people under the act, including a Myanmar general allegedly involved in the deadly crackdown on Rohingya Muslims and a Chinese police official who oversaw the Beijing detention center that held Cao Shunli, a human rights activist who died in custody. Under the sanctions, which empower the Treasury Department to target officials anywhere for human rights violations and corruption, the U.S. assets of listed individuals will be frozen and they will not be allowed to do business with U.S. banks. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying on Wednesday warned the U.S. against "interference in any form and groundless accusation on China's internal affairs." Members of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang "live and work in peace and enjoy development and tranquility," Hua said. SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - North and South Korea have agreed to allow live television broadcasts for parts of the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in next week. Moon's office said Wednesday live coverage will include important moments such as when the leaders meet for the first time at the border truce village of Panmunjom. The office didn't specify other parts of the meeting that will be broadcast live. The April 27 meeting will only be the third summit between the rivals since the end of the 1950-53 Korean War. It's seen as a crucial step in the global diplomatic push to resolve the North Korean nuclear standoff. People watch a TV screen showing file footage of U.S. President Donald Trump, right, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, left, during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trump has given his "blessing" for North and South Korea to discuss the end of the Korean War at their summit next week amid a diplomatic push to end the North Korean nuclear standoff. The signs read: " Summit meeting between South and North Korea, the United States and North Korea ." (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon) A separate meeting between Kim and President Donald Trump is anticipated in May or June. DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) - Syrian troops and allied Palestinian fighters are massing around the last Islamic State bastion in the capital, preparing for an all-out offensive if talks on an evacuation deal fall through. The extremists seized most of the Yarmouk refugee camp in 2015 after months of heavy fighting. The built-up residential area on the southern edge of Damascus was once home to some 200,000 Palestinians, mainly refugees from the 1948 war with Israel and their descendants - as well as tens of thousands of middle-class Syrians. Today there are some 2,500 IS fighters in Yarmouk and nearby neighborhoods, according to Khaled Abdul-Majid, a leader of the government-allied Palestinian Resistance Factions Coalition. He said the battle would begin within days if the militants do not agree to be evacuated. In this picture taken on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, Khaled Abdul-Majid, a leader of Palestinian Resistance Factions Coalition speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Damascus, Syria. Syrian troops and pro-government Palestinian gunmen have been sending reinforcements and fortifying their positions around a refugee camp held by the Islamic State group south of the capital Damascus in preparations for an all-out offensive against the extremists if negotiations for their departure from the area fails. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) Yarmouk is one of the last pockets held by IS, after the extremists were driven from nearly all the territory they once controlled in Syria and Iraq. It is also the last part of the capital outside government control, after rebels evacuated the eastern Ghouta suburbs following a fierce government offensive and an alleged poison gas attack. The government has proposed a similar evacuation deal for IS. But instead of sending the militants to the northern rebel-held province of Idlib, it would dispatch them to a pocket of territory near Israel and Jordan controlled by an IS affiliate, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The Observatory, which closely monitors the war through sources inside Syria, said IS has demanded to go to Idlib instead. Abdul-Majid said the most extreme of the IS fighters reject any settlement, but he insisted they have no choice but to leave to southern Syria or face a government offensive. Insurgents from other groups in nearby neighborhoods, however, would be allowed to go to Idlib or take part in a government amnesty. There are about 5,000 civilians in Yarmouk, Abdul-Majid said. Some 40,000 Syrians and 4,500 Palestinians displaced from Yarmouk are living in the adjacent neighborhoods of Babila, Yalda and Beit Sahem, which are controlled by other insurgent groups. Tadamon, which is partly controlled by IS, is home to 3,000 civilians, and there are 20,000 residents in IS-held Hajar Aswad, the vast majority of them family members of IS fighters, he said. "Despite all the preparations and reinforcement we hope that there will be a deal and not a battle," he said. "We don't want further destruction in the camp after all the battles over the years." Any military operation would be led by Syrian troops, pro-government Palestinian factions and the paramilitary National Defense Forces. "I don't think that the battle will be difficult and long," Abdul-Majid said, estimating that the fighting would only take a few days. Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces have retaken a number of cities and towns from IS as well as Syrian rebel groups since Russia entered the war in 2015, providing crucial air support. The eastern Ghouta suburbs, which had been in rebels hands since 2012, fell to government forces in recent weeks. The rebels surrendered Douma, the last town they held in eastern Ghouta, after an alleged gas attack on April 7 that prompted U.S., British and French airstrikes a week later. Damascus residents have celebrated the government's victory in eastern Ghouta, from which the insurgents used to lob mortar rounds and rockets into the capital. "As we liberated Ghouta, we want to liberate the (Yarmouk) camp, Hajar Aswad, and to get rid of the terrorists," said Bilal Ataya, 60. He owns a shop selling shoes and bags in the Qasaa neighborhood, which had come under frequent rebel shelling from eastern Ghouta. "We suffered a lot here from Ghouta. Thank God Ghouta is over and we hope the camp will be over soon." LONDON (AP) - After decades of sidelining the Commonwealth as a relic of their imperial past, many in Britain are now promoting the group of ex-colonies as a ready-made market for what they hope to be the country's buccaneering global business spirit after the exit from the European Union. It's unlikely to be that easy. At this week's London summit of leaders from the Commonwealth, Prime Minister Theresa May and her international trade secretary, Liam Fox, sought to underline the group's importance to a "Global Britain." Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May shakes hands with Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India during a bilateral meeting at 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, pool) However, the idea that the Commonwealth can ever match the EU as a trading partner is widely dismissed by experts, as is the notion that striking new deals will be simpler. PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump will host German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of two European leaders heading to Washington as he mulls the fate of the nuclear deal with Iran. Their April 27 meeting follows French President Emmanuel Macron's stop in the U.S. capital. The agreement's future may depend on the success of last-minute European interventions with Trump. Macron and Merkel will likely be the last foreign leaders invested in the deal to see Trump before his deadline for the 2015 deal to be strengthened. German Chancellor Angela Merkel leads the weekly cabinet meeting of the German government at the chancellery in Berlin, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Trump's pledged to withdraw by May 12 unless U.S., British, French and German negotiators can agree to fix what he sees as the deal's serious flaws. Iran has said a U.S. withdrawal and reimposed sanctions would destroy the pact, and has threatened to restart banned nuclear activities. BENGHAZI, Libya (AP) - Libya's navy says it has rescued 217 African migrants from two rubber boats that were stranded in the Mediterranean Sea. A navy statement issued Wednesday says there were 85 women and 10 children among the migrants, who were trying to reach southern Europe. The navy says the migrants, who were found on Tuesday, were taken a naval base in the capital, Tripoli. Libya was plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising and is now split between rival governments in the east and west, each backed by an array of militias. The chaos has made Libya a frequently used route to Europe for migrants fleeing poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. Libya has worked to stem the flow of migrants, with assistance from the European Union. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 17) - The Justice Department summoned the president and treasurer of online news organization Rappler over the tax evasion complaint filed by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) against its parent company. "You are hereby warned that failure on your part to comply with this subpoena shall be considered as a waiver to present your defense and the case shall be considered submitted for resolution based on the evidence on record," Assistant State Prosecutor Zenamar J.L. Machacon-Caparros said in the subpoena dated April 11. According to the the site, Rappler president Maria Ressa and treasurer James Bitanga received the subpoena on Monday. The Department of Justice (DOJ) also directed them to submit their counter-affidavits and other supporting documents or affidavits by witnesses, if any, at 11 am. Two dates were specified: April 24 and May 7. On March 8, BIR filed a tax evasion case against Rappler Holdings Corporation (RHC) before DOJ. RHC is the parent company of online news site Rappler Incorporated whose primary purpose is to buy and sell real and personal properties, according to the BIR. In a statement, it said there was "deliberate failure" by RHC to provide correct information in its income tax return and value added tax (VAT) in 2015. BIR added that RHC bought shares amounting to P19.25 million from Rappler Incorporated and then issued and sold Philippine Depository Receipts (PDRs) worth P181M to two foreign entities. BIR said no income tax and VAT were paid by RHC in 2015 for the income it gained in the PDR transactions. "As a consequence of its acts and omissions, the aggregate tax liability of RHC amounted to P133,841,305," BIR said. Ressa has called the complaint "ludicrous." "This is clear intimidation and harassment. The government is wasting its energy and resources in an attempt to silence reporting that do not please the administration," Ressa said. Aside from BIR, Rappler is also facing raps from DOJ, National Bureau of Investigation, Office of the Solicitor General and Securities and Exchange Commission. CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Emily Ratajkowski was being literal, not cryptic. The actress and model says she wasn't signaling that she was pregnant when she posted a photo of herself on Instagram with the caption "Bearing fruit." The 26-year-old tells USA Today she was in a tree holding fruit and "bearing fruit" seemed like the right caption. She says it was sweet that people were excited, but she's "not pregnant." FILE - In this April 17, 2018, file photo, Emily Ratajkowski arrives at the world premiere of "I Feel Pretty" at the Westwood Village Theater in Los Angeles. The actress and model said she wasn't signaling that she was pregnant when she posted a photo of herself on Instagram with the caption "Bearing fruit." She said it was sweet people were excited, but she's "not pregnant." (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Ratajkowski was in Los Angeles on Tuesday night at the premiere of the movie "I Feel Pretty." In the film, she appears as the perfect woman in the eyes of Amy Schumer's character. HOUSTON (AP) - The Latest on former first lady Barbara Bush (all times local): 6:28 p.m. President Donald Trump is praising former first lady Barbara Bush as a "wonderful, wonderful person" and a "titan in American life." FILE - In this 1990 file photo, first lady Barbara Bush poses with her dog Millie in Washington. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Doug Mills, File) Trump says her presence and character were engraved into America's identity and her strength and toughness embodied the nation's spirit. He noted her tireless advocacy for literacy, along with her patriotism and "profound faith." Mrs. Bush, who was the wife and mother of two presidents, died Tuesday. She was 92. First lady Melania Trump plans to attend the former first lady's funeral Saturday in Houston. Trump did not say whether he would also attend. He commented as he opened a news conference in Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. ___ 4:12 p.m. Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush told a forum held outside Chicago that his mother would have wanted him to attend because he made a commitment. Speaking Wednesday at Elmhurst College Governmental Forum, Bush said of former first lady Barbara Bush that he was "so blessed to be her son." Barbara Bush, the wife of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday at age 92. Jeb Bush said he could still feel her presence behind him, saying "'You said you were only going to speak 30 minutes so make sure you don't go beyond that.'" Bush said his mother taught the family to be civil. "She taught us to love your family with your heart and soul." He finished his comments about his mother with, "I love her dearly." Jeb Bush talked about leadership in a changing world during the forum. ___ 4 p.m. The U.S. Navy says former first lady Barbara Bush treated sailors "like her own family" on the USS George H. W. Bush aircraft carrier. Navy officials said in statement Wednesday that she visited the ship multiple times. It was commissioned in 2009 and named after her husband, who was a naval aviator during World War II. Vice Admiral DeWolfe Miller was the carrier's original commanding officer. He says Barbara Bush's "sharp wit, humor and sincere love for those who served on her 'favorite' ship was clearly apparent." Miller said he'll never forget Barbara Bush "donning a chef's hat and handing out cookies, with a big smile and kind message to each sailor she met." As first lady, she also christened the USS George Washington aircraft carrier. Both ships are flying their flags at half-mast to honor Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at age 92. ___ 2:40 p.m. Former President George W. Bush says his mother was joyful and still teasing him the day before she died. Bush spoke warmly of his mother during a leadership forum Wednesday as his presidential library in Dallas. His mother, former first lady Barbara Bush, died a day earlier at her Houston home. She was 92. The 43rd president told the audience that the day before his mother died, he told her during a phone conversation that she'd been a "fabulous mother" and that he loved her dearly. He says she responded by telling him: "'I want you to know that you're my favorite son - on the phone.'" Bush told audience members he hoped they didn't feel sorry for him. He says he's at peace with his mother's death because his mother "was at peace." He says she believed in an afterlife and "was joyously looking forward" to it. ___ 1:35 p.m. Officials say former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton and their wives plan to attend funeral services for former first lady Barbara Bush. The wife and mother of former presidents died Tuesday. She was 92. Bill Clinton dashed Mrs. Bush's husband's re-election hopes en route to winning the 1992 election. Clinton since grew close to former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara, and would visit them at their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Clinton often joked he spent so much time with the Bushes that he'd become like a member of the family. Former first ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama will accompany their husbands to Saturday's funeral in Houston. ___ 1:15 p.m. Former President George H.W. Bush says he's always known and would tease his wife that she was "the most beloved woman in the world" and that he "had a complex about that fact." In a statement released by Bush family spokesman Jim McGrath, the nation's 41st president says the outpouring of love and friendship to Barbara Bush following her death Tuesday "is lifting us all up." He also referred Wednesday to Barbara Bush as "The Enforcer," a term of endearment bestowed by her family. Bush says he has faith his wife "is in heaven, and we know life will go on - as she would have it." He adds: "So cross the Bushes off your worry list." ___ 12:29 p.m. Queen Elizabeth II and British Ambassador Sir Kim Darroch have sent messages of condolences to the Bush family. British embassy spokesman Andrew Overton says Wednesday that Darroch also issued a statement that said the U.K. government is "deeply saddened" by the loss of Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at 92. Darroch said as one of only two women to be the wife of one U.S. president and the mother of another, "Barbara Bush was a very special person in American history." Darroch said the wife of former President George H.W. Bush will be "remembered for her care and compassion for her fellow Americans, for her unfailing efforts to promote literacy, and for her devotion to her family. A great orator, widely admired and dedicated to public service, she will be dearly missed." ___ 10:11 a.m. Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, whose last years in office overlapped the Bush presidency, is remembering Barbara Bush as warm and astute. In a statement of condolence to the Bush family on Wednesday, Gorbachev said: "I am deeply saddened by the death of Barbara, and on this day I remember everything was connected with us, our numerous meetings. Barbara did a lot to build trust and friendship between us. She immediately developed a warm relationship with Raisa, they communicated easily and at ease " Barbara Bush, the wife of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday at 92. ___ 9:39 a.m. Jenna Bush Hager's father-in-law, former Virginia Lt. Gov. John Hager, remembers former first lady Barbara Bush as a "marvelous woman." Hager tells the Richmond Times-Dispatch (https://bit.ly/2EUx8BD) that Bush "was a real matriarch in every sense of the word." Barbara Bush, the wife of former U.S. President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday at 92. Jenna Bush Hager, the Bush's granddaughter, is married to Henry Hager. John Hager says Barbara Bush "was real friendly to us and could not have been a better hostess," noting that the Bush family was down-to-earth and welcoming. Hager added: "She was always very gracious to us. I think they liked Henry and that was the end of it. They've been great to us ever since." ___ 9:22 a.m. Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed condolences to George H.W. Bush following the death of his wife, Barbara. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday that Putin sent a telegram to the former president offering his condolences. Barbara Bush died Tuesday at 92. ___ 9:05 a.m. The White House says Melania Trump will attend the funeral for former first lady Barbara Bush. Stephanie Grisham, a spokeswoman for the current first lady, says Mrs. Trump will pay her respects to the entire Bush family at the ceremony Saturday in Houston. In a statement following Bush's death Tuesday, Melania Trump praised her 92-year-old predecessor for putting her "family and country above all else." Trump says Bush was a woman of strength who will always be remembered for her roles as wife, mother and first lady. The White House says U.S. flags at the president's home and private golf club in Florida have been lowered to half-staff in honor of the former first lady. ___ 8:10 a.m. Former President George W. Bush says his mother, Barbara Bush, did not fear death because she believed in an afterlife and that she would be "wonderfully received in the arms of a loving God." The former president appeared Wednesday with his wife Laura Bush on the Fox Business Network. He says his mother "was warm and wonderful, until you got out of line." Barbara Bush, the wife of former President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday at 92. George W. Bush says that during a recent visit with his mother, she told her doctor that her son "is the way he is" because she "drank and smoked when (she) was pregnant with him." Laura Bush says her mother-in-law had long supported literacy campaigns and believed "if everyone could read and write, a lot of problems would be solved." ___ 7:45 a.m. The ruler of Kuwait is mourning the death of Barbara Bush, whose husband the Arab nation has long celebrated for securing its freedom from Iraqi occupation in the 1991 Gulf War. State-run news agency KUNA reported Wednesday that Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah sent letters of condolence to former President George H.W. Bush and his son, former President George W. Bush. The letter describes Barbara Bush as a person "who enjoyed a life of love and admiration from the American people." State-affiliated newspaper Al Anbaa published an appreciation of the former first lady online with the headline: "Barbara Bush: First Lady Who Knew about the Kuwait Liberation Zero Hour." It highlights her 1993 and 2001 visits to Kuwait, where she was warmly received by dignitaries and Kuwaiti women. ___ 1:15 a.m. Presidents, first ladies and many others who knew Barbara Bush are praising her devotion to the nation, her family and literacy. President Donald Trump said among Mrs. Bush's greatest achievements "was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection." He said, "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." Former President Barack Obama said Mrs. Bush lived her life "as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling." Family spokesman Jim McGrath said Mrs. Bush died Tuesday at age 92. She had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on "comfort care" at home in Houston. FILE - In this March 8, 2017, file photo, the Mensch International Foundation presented its annual Mensch Award to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and former first lady Barbara Bush at an awards ceremony hosted by Congregation Beth Israel in Houston. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. ( Steve Gonzales/Houston Chronicle via AP, File) FILE - In this June 10, 1999, file photo, Texas Gov. George W. Bush, right, gives his mother, Barbara Bush, a hug after taking a family photo in Houston. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip, File) Visitors walk through an exhibit for former first Lady Barbara Bush at the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum Wednesday, April 18, 2018, in College Station, Texas. Barbara Bush died Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 92. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip) Amanda Gross holds the hands of her 6-year-old son, Patrick Henry, as they pray outside of the gated community where former first lady Barbara Bush died earlier in the day, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. "Since he was in my womb, I have read him stories about more first ladies than presidents," Gross said. "Barbara Bush was the appropriate political figure. She will be missed," said Gross. (Karen Warren/Houston Chronicle via AP) Carmen Ganser prays during a moment of silence after it was announced that former first lady Barbara Bush had died, before a talk in the Concept of the Divine series at the Rothko Chapel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in Houston. (Michael Ciaglo/Houston Chronicle via AP) PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - President Donald Trump is accusing California's governor of "trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border." Democrat Jerry Brown has said he's nearing agreement on the state joining Trump's large-scale deployment along the Mexican border. Brown's office said Tuesday that nothing's changed since the governor pledged 400 troops last week and that California is waiting on a response to proposed contract that would include a ban on any activities related to immigration enforcement. FILE - In this Jan. 25, 2018 file photo, California Gov. Jerry Brown delivers his annual State of the State address before a joint session of the Legislature in Sacramento, Calif. President Donald Trump slammed Brown's posture on sending National Guard troops to the Mexican border Tuesday, April 17, 2018, even as Brown said he was nearing agreement on joining the president's mission and that his troops were "chomping at the bit ready to go." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli, File) Trump tweets that Californians "are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW!" He also says there's a "Revolution" in the state and "Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept." San Diego County supervisors voted Tuesday to back the administration's lawsuit against the state's sanctuary law. HAVANA (AP) - Raul Castro is stepping down from Cuba's presidency, but he isn't giving up power. The 86-year-old former guerrilla remains head of Cuba's Communist Party, a position that leaves him with broad authority - including much oversight of the man who is replacing him as president. He is expected to hold the position until 2021. Raul Castro's official title will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, heading the elite 17-member Political Bureau and the broader Central Committee. Since committee members are elected from lists approved by the leadership, there is no real opposition, though members do debate important issues. FILE - In this March 17, 2015 file photo, Cuba's President Raul Castro listens to the playing of national anthems during his welcome ceremony at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas, Venezuela. On April 19, 2018 Raul Castro will step down as president after a decade in office. The world should expect no immediate radical change from a single-party system dedicated to stability above all else. Raul Castro will remain first secretary of the Communist Party, described by the Cuban constitution as the country's "highest guiding force." (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File) Cuba's single-party system gives the Communist Party a role vastly more important than in any multi-party country, and it's often hard to tell where the party stops and government begins. Senior government and party positions often overlap. The constitution defines the party as "the superior guiding force of society and the state," directing it to organize society toward the construction of socialism. In practice, party officials oversee or work with government authorities on every level, including the military. While the new president is legally commander in chief, Raul's influence is imbued throughout the institution that he led as defense minister for nearly half a century. The party runs vast organizations that coordinate activities for nearly every Cuban child and student. Workers are part of the Communist Party labor union. Every major newspaper and magazine is run by the party. HAVANA (AP) - Some facts about Cuba: ___ POPULATION: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean in both area and population, with nearly 11.5 million people. The capital is Havana. FILE - In this Aug. 30, 2013 file photo, a food vendor spreads out convertible pesos, known as CUCs, the two bills on the right, and regular Cuban pesos at her stand in a vegetable market in Havana, Cuba. There is a dual-currency system featuring one type of Cuban peso worth 4 cents and another that is nearly a dollar. The system was designed to use the less valuable "national money" to insulate the state-run, egalitarian internal market while trade with the outside world is done with pricier "convertible pesos." President Raul Castro called for elimination of the dual currencies from the beginning of his presidency, but never got around to it. (AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa, File) ___ MONEY: There is a dual-currency system featuring one type of Cuban peso worth 4 cents and another that is nearly a dollar. The system was designed to use the less valuable "national money" to insulate the state-run, egalitarian internal market while trade with the outside world is done with pricier "convertible pesos." President Raul Castro called for elimination of the dual currencies from the beginning of his presidency, but never got around to it. ___ GOVERNMENT: The executive branch is in the hands of a president of the Council of State who is elected by the National Assembly of People's Power, the parliament. This week, the legislature will choose a successor to Castro, who took over from his brother Fidel in 2006 on an interim basis and formally became president in 2008. The Communist Party of Cuba is the only legal political party and oversees the socialist state under the constitution. Raul Castro will remain head of the party after leaving the presidency. ___ HISTORY: Christopher Columbus claimed the island for Spain during his first trip to the Western Hemisphere in 1492 when it was inhabited by indigenous people. The island won its independence from Spain in 1899 with U.S. military intervention but remained under U.S. occupation until it became a republic in 1902. Fidel and Raul Castro led a successful revolution that ousted dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959. The U.S. and Cuba restored diplomatic relations in 2014 after decades of hostility and began a process of better relations that has stalled under President Donald Trump. ___ ECONOMY: Cuba has an extensive social security system that provides free health care and education but its economy is struggling. It is largely dependent on tourism's nearly 5 million visitors a year, payments for Cuban doctors and other specialists who work in other countries, and remittances from Cubans living abroad. The country had been receiving subsidies from Venezuela totaling more than $6 billion a year, but that country is undergoing an economic collapse. FILE- In this Aug 13, 2012 file photo, a sick man is taken by ambulance to the public hospital Calixto Garcia in Havana, Cuba. The island nation has an extensive social security system that provides free health care and education, but its economy is struggling. (AP Photo/Franklin Reyes, File) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Latest on the plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia (all times local): 10:50 p.m. The two pilots of a Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia say their "hearts are heavy." In this Tuesday, April 17, 2018 photo, a National Transportation Safety Board investigator examines damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia. A preliminary examination of the blown jet engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that set off a terrifying chain of events and left a businesswoman hanging half outside a shattered window showed evidence of "metal fatigue," according to the National Transportation Safety Board. (NTSB via AP) Captain Tammie Jo Shults and First Officer Darren Ellisor issued a statement through the airline late Wednesday. They say they appreciate the outpouring of support they've received from the public and their co-workers as they "reflect on one family's profound loss." An engine on the plane blew apart Tuesday, showering the aircraft with debris and shattering a window. A woman sitting next to the window was partially blown out of it. She later died. The Federal Aviation Administration announced Wednesday that it would order inspections on engine fan blades like the one that snapped off and triggered the accident. ___ 8:40 p.m. Federal airline regulators say they will order inspections on engine fan blades like the one involved in fatal failure that killed a woman in a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The Federal Aviation Administration said late Wednesday that it will issue a directive in the next two weeks to require inspections of certain CFM56-7B engines. That's the type of engine that suffered a failure on a Southwest Airlines plane on Tuesday. Debris from the engine hit the plane and damaged a window, leading to a woman being partially blown out. The woman later died and seven people were hurt in the flight scheduled to go from New York to Dallas. The directive will require ultrasonic inspections of fan blades when they reach a certain number of takeoffs and landings. Blades that fail inspection will have to be replaced. ___ 6:40 p.m. Philadelphia's medical examiner says that a woman killed when she was partially blown out of a Southwest Airlines plane died of blunt impact trauma to her head, neck and torso. Spokesman James Garrow of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health said Wednesday evening that Jennifer Riordan's death was ruled accidental. Riordan was killed and seven others were injured after the twin-engine 737 blew an engine at 30,000 feet Tuesday and got hit by shrapnel. Federal investigators are still trying to figure out how the window came out of the plane. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt says that the woman was wearing a seatbelt and sitting next to the window. ___ 5:15 p.m. A federal investigator says that a crack on the interior of a jet engine is what led to the failure that shot debris at the plane, leading to the death of a passenger. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a news conference Wednesday that one of the 24 blades in the Southwest Airlines 737's engine fractured from metal fatigue. Sumwalt says he is very concerned about Tuesday's engine failure, but would not extrapolate that to the CFM56 engines or the entire fleet of Boeing 737s. The plane is the most popular airliner ever built. He says investigators are still trying to figure out how a window came out of the plane. Sumwalt says that the woman who was wearing a seatbelt and sitting next to the window died. ___ 4:50 p.m. A federal investigator says that they are still trying to figure out how a window came out of a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, killing the woman seated in that row. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said at a news conference Wednesday that there was no acrylic material from the window found in the Southwest Airlines 737 that made an emergency landing Tuesday. Sumwalt says the leading edge of the left wing suffered damage after the plane blew an engine. Jennifer Riordan's family said in a statement that the 43-year-old community leader from New Mexico died Tuesday in the plane that was headed from New York to Dallas. Passengers say Riordan was partially blown out of the window after the plane was hit by engine debris. ___ 4:45 p.m. A federal investigator says a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia landed much faster than normal because they were concerned about losing control of the plane at a slower speed. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said the Southwest Airlines 737 landed at about 190 miles per hour. He says a typical plane lands at around 155 mph. He says the leading edge of the left wing suffered damage after the plane blew an engine at 30,000 feet Tuesday and got hit by shrapnel. One person was killed and seven others were injured after the twin-engine 737 blew an engine at 30,000 feet Tuesday and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. The plane from New York to Dallas landed in Philadelphia. ___ 3:45 p.m. A Southwest Airlines pilot is being lauded as a hero in an emergency landing after a passenger was partly blown out of the jet's damaged fuselage and also being hailed for her pioneering role in aviation. Tammie Jo Shults's husband, Dean, says she was one of two pilots of the Dallas-bound Flight 1380 that landed in Philadelphia on Tuesday. The twin-engine Boeing 737 that left New York with 149 people board was hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, killing a passenger and injuring seven others. Naval Air Force Commander Ron Flanders says Shults was among the first women fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy. Friend Racheal Russo said Shults "loved" her military career and says she learned by overcoming obstacles things as a woman in a male-dominated field. ___ 2:20 p.m. A Texas rancher says he and a Texas firefighter pulled a woman back into a plane after a window was damaged following an engine failure. Tim McGinty told reporters late Tuesday that he helped his wife and a friend put on their oxygen masks before he realized the woman sitting in the row in front of him was in trouble on the Southwest Airlines plane from New York to Dallas that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. He grabbed her with his right arm and tried to pull her back into the window, but the force from outside the plane was too strong. McGinty says that's when Celina, Texas, firefighter Andrew Needum ran to help and the two were able to pull the woman back in. The Albuquerque, New Mexico, woman was killed. ___ 12:50 p.m. A second piece of a plane that made an emergency landing after a fatal engine mishap has been found in a Pennsylvania town about 60 miles (97 km) northwest of the Philadelphia International Airport. WCAU-TV reports that the debris believed to be from the plane was found on state game land near Reading Wednesday morning. It's the second piece of debris from the Dallas-bound flight found in the area. National Transportation and Safety Board officials said a piece of the engine covering was found in nearby Bernville Tuesday. The flight from New York was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia after the twin-engine 737 blew an engine at 30,000 feet Tuesday and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. State police spokesman Trooper David Beohm says anyone who believes they have found debris should call the FBI office in Allentown. ___ 11:30 a.m. The family of an Albuquerque bank executive who died on a Southwest Airlines flight says the mother of two was full of "vibrancy, passion, and love." Jennifer Riordan's family said in a statement that the 43-year-old community leader died Tuesday on a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Passengers say Riordan was partially blown out of the window after the plane was hit by engine debris. The family called Riordan the "bedrock of our family" and asked those mourning her passing to "be kind, caring and sharing" in her honor. The death generated an outpouring of grief from Albuquerque business leaders, elected officials, poets, and activists. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce held a moment of silence Tuesday night during a special reception for new University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes. ___ 9:35 a.m. A retired registered school nurse says she performed CPR on the woman who passengers say was partially blown out of the window of a Southwest Airlines plane that had been hit by engine debris. Officials say Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, died after the plane heading from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas made an emergency landing Tuesday in Philadelphia. Peggy Phillips spoke to WFAA-TV upon her arrival in Dallas Tuesday night. She says shortly after takeoff there was a loud noise and the plane started shaking like it was "coming apart." She says they started losing altitude and the masks came down. She heard a lot of commotion a few rows behind her, noise and a whoosh of air and calls for someone who knew CPR. She says she and an EMT lay the woman down and performed CPR for about 20 minutes, until the plane made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. ___ 4:50 a.m. The National Transportation Safety Board says a preliminary examination of the blown jet engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that set off a terrifying chain of events showed evidence of "metal fatigue." One person was killed and seven others were injured after the twin-engine 737 blew an engine at 30,000 feet Tuesday and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. The plane from New York to Dallas landed in Philadelphia. In a late night news conference, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said one of the engine's fan blades was separated and missing. The blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue. As a precaution, Southwest says it will inspect similar engines in its fleet over the next 30 days. National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine a piece of debris from the plane that made an emergency landing Tuesday after a fatal engine mishap in Penn Township, Berks County, Pa. field Wednesday, April 18, 2018, on state game lands. (Bill Uhrich/Reading Eagle via AP) National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport in Philadelphia on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The Southwest Airlines jet blew the engine at 32,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, setting off a desperate scramble by passengers to save a woman from getting sucked out. She later died, and seven others were injured. (NTSB via AP) The engine on a Southwest Airlines plane is inspected as it sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (Amanda Bourman via AP) In this 2017 photo, Jennifer Riordan, of Albuquerque, N.M., poses for a photo in Albuquerque. Family, friends and community leaders are mourning the death of Riordan, a bank executive on a Southwest Airlines jet that blew an engine as she was flying home from a business trip to New York. (Marla Brose/The Albuquerque Journal via AP) A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) This March 20, 2017 photo provided by Kevin Garber at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kan., shows Tammie Jo Shults, one of the pilots of a Southwest Airlines twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas that made an emergency landing at the Philadelphia International Airport after the aircraft blew one of its engines Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (Kevin Garber/MidAmerica Nazarene University via AP) Pennsylvania Game Commission employees recover a piece of the Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township, Berks County field from a plane that made an emergency landing Tuesday after a fatal engine mishap, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, on state game lands. (Bill Uhrich/Reading Eagle via AP) A National Transportation Safety Board investigator photographs a piece of debris that landed in Penn Township, Berks County field from a plane that made an emergency landing Tuesday after a fatal engine mishap, Wednesday, April 18, 2018, on state game lands. (Bill Uhrich/Reading Eagle via AP) Pennsylvania Game Commission employees recover a piece of the Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township, Berks County, field Wednesday, April 18, 2018, on state game lands. (Bill Uhrich/Reading Eagle via AP) MONACO (AP) - Novak Djokovic and defending champion Rafael Nadal needed a combined 14 match points to reach the third round of the Monte Carlo Masters on Wednesday. After Djokovic finally converted his 10th match point to beat Borna Coric 7-6 (2) 7-5, Nadal required four in a 6-1, 6-3 win against Aljaz Bedene 6-1, 6-3. Djokovic first missed two match points with Coric serving at 5-3, then wasted another seven in a marathon game when serving for the match. The ninth-seeded Serb took a 40-0 lead in that game, but then hit one backhand long, another backhand wide, before an unforced error into the net. At deuce, Coric successfully overturned a call to get a break point but Djokovic saved it with an ace. Djokovic won the next point to set up match point No. 6, but again hit a backhand wide. An ace gave him a seventh chance, but Coric saved that one after Djokovic failed to retrieve his drop shot. Another ace made it No. 8, but Djokovic's tame forehand allowed Coric an easy forehand winner. On try No. 9, a poor backhand from Djokovic went into the net. Coric finally broke to make it 5-5, but Djokovic broke straight back and the 10th match point did the trick with Coric sending a backhand long. Djokovic hugged Coric at the net and then patted his opponent on the cheek. "I could see him coming into the court really believing he can win the match. It was a real battle," said Djokovic, who will next face fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria. Hindered by a persistent right elbow injury, Djokovic says he is finally pain-free for the first time in two years - and a little rusty. "I could have won the match earlier definitely, but it was great to deal with these kinds of emotions again," the 12-time Grand Slam champion said. "I'm obviously lacking that match play." To take some pressure off his fragile elbow, Djokovic is using a lighter racket. "I made some small minor changes that actually in our world are quite significant," he said. "It feels like I gained more power, especially on the serve." Nadal had a much easier match but also struggled to put the finishing touches on his win. Serving at 5-3 and 0-40, Bedene saved the Spaniard's third match point with an audacious drop shot. But it was only a brief reprieve, because Nadal took his next chance when his Slovenian opponent whipped a forehand into the net. Nadal, who saved two break points in the fifth game of the match, is chasing a record-extending 11th title here. The top-ranked Spaniard next faces big-serving Russian Karen Khachanov. "He serves big and has big shots from the baseline," said Nadal, who beat Khachanov in the third round at Wimbledon last year. "I have to play an aggressive tennis, high intensity. I need to make him feel that he needs to hit great shots for a long time." Djokovic has won the title twice, including when he ended Nadal's 46-match winning streak by winning the 2013 title. They are on course to meet in the quarterfinals, but Djokovic isn't getting ahead of himself. Thiem beat Djokovic in straight sets in the French Open quarterfinals last year - including 6-0 in the third - but Djokovic won their other five meetings. "He's one of the top three players in the world on clay," Djokovic said. "It's disrespectful toward Dominic and Dominic's tennis to think about and talk about a matchup with Nadal." Second-seeded Marin Cilic of Croatia, the Australian Open runner-up, had seven aces in a 6-3, 7-6 (4) win against Fernando Verdasco. In other matches, Kei Nishikori of Japan overcame an early break to beat Daniil Medvedev of Russia 7-5, 6-2. Nishikori returned from injury in February, after a torn tendon in his right wrist ruled him out of last year's U.S. Open and this year's Australian Open. No. 11 Roberto Bautista Agut, No. 14 Milos Raonic, Andres Seppi, Jan-Lennard Struff, Philipp Kohlschreiber and Richard Gasquet also won. Microsoft co-founder's mission to locate sunken warships in the South Pacific has chalked up another victory with the discovery of the USS Helena nearly 75 years after it was sunk by Japanese torpedoes in the waters off the Solomon Islands. Paul Allen's team searches for the ships to 'bring the history back into a relevant conversation,' said Janet Greenlee, a spokeswoman for Allen's Vulcan Inc. 'He wants to honor those that have served and are serving.' The wreckage of the Helena was found on March 23, about a half mile below the surface of the New Georgia Sound. The team identified the light cruiser by the number 50 on its side and by comparing the wreck to the USS Helena's schematics. Scroll down for video This March 24, 2018 photo provided by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen shows part of the stern section on the light cruiser USS Helena that was found last month in the South Pacific USS Helena was sunk by Japanese torpedoes in the waters off the Solomon Islands nearly 75 years ago. Pictured: a 5-inch port side turret on the light cruiser Allen's Vulcan Inc team identified the sunken ship by the number 50 on its side (pictured) The Helena was a St. Louis-class light cruiser of the US Navy that was completed shortly before World War II In all, more than 730 of the Helena's crew of 900 survived the July 5, 1943, sinking during the Battle of Kula Gulf. Most of the crew was rescued out of the water and another group was picked up nearby the next day. But a third group spent nearly five days adrift in life rafts, during which some of the injured died, before the sunburned, dehydrated and emaciated men decided their best chance of survival was to take shelter on Vella Lavella Island. The shoeless sailors had to walk across a sharp coral reef to get to the jungle island, which they knew was occupied by Japanese troops, Navy gunner's mate Frank P. Cellozzi of Ohio wrote in a 1984 account. They crawled into the jungle and fell asleep before being awakened by a group of natives wearing loin cloths and carrying spears, Cellozzi wrote. One spoke enough broken English to make it clear they would help. The natives in some cases carried the Americans into the jungle for miles, stopping occasionally to pick coconuts. The survivors built a latrine and a shelter and the natives escorted them to a freshwater stream where they could bathe, Cellozzi wrote. In this July 1943 file photo, oil-smeared crew members of USS Helena 'report in' during the battle of Kula Gulf when the ship was sunk by enemy action In this Aug. 14, 1943 file photo, one of 732 survivors of the USS Helena is transferred on a gangplank from the rescuing destroyer, left, to a US battleship A memorial honoring the history of the USS Helena is pictured at Anchor Park in Helena, Montana An Australian Methodist missionary named A.W.E. Silvester and two other Coastwatchers aided in their care and helped arrange for their middle-of-the-night rescue 12 days after their ship sank. Coastwatchers were intelligence operatives stationed on remote Pacific islands during World War II to observe enemy movements and help rescue stranded troops. 'One of the remarkable stories, not just about the crew and the ship's service, is the tenacity of the crew after the sinking and being separated,' said Allen's spokeswoman, Greenlee. 'It really does sound like a movie script.' The USS Helena was the third World War II discovery in less than three weeks by Allen's R/V Petrel team. The aircraft carrier the USS Lexington was discovered March 4 and the USS Juneau, another light cruiser, was located March 17. The USS Helena was the second of five vessels named for Montana's capital city, and was the first ship to receive the Navy Unit Commendation for its role in the World War II battles. It survived a torpedo strike during the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor and sunk Japanese vessels in other battles. A memorial to the USS Helena ships is located in Anchor Park in downtown Helena. The USS Helena was the first ship to receive the Navy Unit Commendation for its role in the World War II battles JERUSALEM (AP) - The Latest on developments related to Israel's Memorial Day (all times local): 8:25 President Donald Trump is sending his best wishes to the Israeli people and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the nation marks 70 years of independence. Israelis attend a ceremony marking Israel's annual Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Israel marks the annual Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who died in the nation's conflicts, beginning at dusk Tuesday until Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Trump tweeted Wednesday that "We have no better friends anywhere." Trump was in Florida playing hosting to the prime minister of Japan. The president added that he was looking forward to moving the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem next month. Trump overturned decades of U.S. policy last year by announcing the U.S. would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The controversial step has infuriated the Palestinians, who claim part of Jerusalem for the capital of a future state and have now rejected U.S. mediation in efforts to resume long-stalled peace talks with Israel. ___ 5:50 p.m. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issues a veiled warning to Iran, saying his country will defend itself against anyone that tries to harm it. The premier's remarks at a Memorial Day ceremony on Wednesday come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran over an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria last week that left at least four Iranian military personnel dead. On Wednesday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei called for "offensive plans against the enemy," without specifically naming Israel. Netanyahu says Israel will stand firm against "continued incitement by our neighbors, a great many of whom refuse to come to terms with our existence," and cautions that "anyone who raises a hand against us won't be spared." The Israeli prime minister delivered the remarks hours before Israel celebrates its 70th anniversary. ___ 11:15 a.m. Israelis have come to a two-minute standstill to remember fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism as the country marks Memorial Day, one of the most somber days on its calendar. Motorists pulled over on the sides of highways and roads, and pedestrians stopped in their tracks as a siren rang out at 11 a.m. Wednesday. A minute of silence was similarly observed on Tuesday evening. Israelis are visiting cemeteries and attending remembrance ceremonies. Radio and television networks broadcast programs about battle and loss. The melancholic atmosphere is to end abruptly at sundown, when Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations start. Israel has fought half a dozen wars with Arab countries since its establishment in 1948, battled two Palestinian uprisings and endured dozens of deadly militant attacks. Israelis observe a minute of silence as a siren is heard during a ceremony marking Israel's annual Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Israel marks the annual Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who died in the nation's conflicts, beginning at dusk Tuesday until Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Israeli soldiers stand in formation during a ceremony to mark the annual Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Israeli soldiers stand in formation as a siren sounds to mark the annual Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Israeli soldiers stand in formation as a siren sounds to mark the annual Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Israeli soldiers stand in formation as a siren sounds to mark the annual Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Small items placed on the gravestone of Israeli police officer Anton Solimiko at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery on the eve of memorial Day in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Israel marks the annual Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who died in the nation's conflicts, beginning at dusk Tuesday until Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Family members of Israeli soldier Soli Mizrahi repaint his gravestone at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery on the eve of memorial Day in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Israel marks the annual Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who died in the nation's conflicts, beginning at dusk Tuesday until Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) A portrait of Israeli soldier Cpl. Sergey Rubinstein Pukyev placed on his grave at Kiryat Shaul military cemetery on the eve of memorial Day in Tel Aviv, Israel, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Israel marks the annual Memorial Day in remembrance of soldiers who died in the nation's conflicts, beginning at dusk Tuesday until Wednesday evening. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) A portion of the alleged missing funds for the Philippine National Police-Special Action Forces (PNP-SAF) has been returned, PNP Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said Wednesday. "Naibalik na yung around 37 million," Dela Rosa told CNN Philippines' The Source. "According to (SAF Director) Gen. (Noli) Talino... dinidistribute nila doon sa mga tropa na hindi nakatanggap yung pera na yun." This comes after former SAF Chief Benjamin Lusad and three other officers were relieved for alleged plunder and grave misconduct. Incumbent and retired SAF officers accused them of failing to release a subsistence allowance of 59 million to over 4,000 troopers. Lusas is current chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-Southern Luzon Dela Rosa said he previously worked with Lusad under the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. He described the former SAF director as "napakagaling, napakasipag [really good and hardworking]" and "a very snappy police officer." He also said Lusad confided in him about the controversy. "Sabi niya he is an operations guy. Pinabayaan lang niya ang kanyang fiscal officer na mag-asikaso sa financial affairs... and hindi niya alam nagkabuhol-buhol na ang kanilang funds," said Dela Rosa. "Hindi naman niya tinatakbuhan ang responsibilidad na iyan at pilit niyang ibalik yung pera na nawawala." [Translation: He said he is an operations guy. He just left his fiscal officer to look into financial affairs... and he didn't know about the mess in funds. He didn't run from the responsibility, and he continues to make sure the missing money is returned.] When asked whether he believed Lusad was not involved, Dela Rosa said, "I took his word at face value." "Sinabi niya sa akin but sabi ko there is already an investigation going on so please harapin mo ang problema mo [na] iyan," said Dela Rosa. [He told me, but I said there is already an investigation going on, so please face that problem of yours.] Interior Officer-in-Charge, Undersecretary Eduardo Ano and incoming PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said they would make sure SAF personnel will receive the subsistence allowance due them. CNN Philippines' correspondent Gerg Cahiles contributed to this story. ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greek officials say the government will respect a landmark court decision against a European Union policy that allowed them to keep refugees and migrants on the Greek islands where they first arrived even after they had applied for asylum. A high court on Tuesday ruled that migrants reaching the Greek islands who apply for asylum will be allowed to travel to the mainland while their applications are being processed. Yiannis Balafas, a deputy migration minister, said Wednesday that the decision is not retroactive but would "create some difficulties" and "create a new situation" for migrants who arrive after the ruling. Under a 2016 agreement between Turkey and the European Union, migrants who traveled to Greek islands off the Turkish coast were restricted in where they could go after that. BRUSSELS (AP) - European Union lawmakers called Wednesday for the appointment of a top EU official to be reconsidered amid a scandal that has raised questions about the accountability of civil servants in Brussels. The lawmakers said in a resolution that Martin Selmayr, a protege of European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, was named secretary general of the powerful Commission in a what "could be seen as a coup-like action" that lacked transparency. Selmayr, Juncker's former head of cabinet, was given the top job in February at a meeting that saw him promoted twice within minutes. Even EU commissioners - who are responsible for policy files ranging from the economy to trade, the environment and energy - publicly admitted surprise at the speed with which the nomination was handled. Most were not even aware that the promotion was planned in advance, by Juncker himself. FILE- In this Wednesday, March 7, 2018 file photo, newly appointed Secretary-General of the Commission, Martin Selmayr, from Germany, waits for the start of a meeting of the College of the European Commission at EU headquarters in Brussels. European Union lawmakers said on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 that they want for the appointment of top EU official Martin Selmayr to be reconsidered amid a scandal that has raised troubling questions about the accountability of civil servants in Brussels. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo, File) In his new job, Selmayr runs the Commission - with some 33,000 employees and whose commissioners are appointed, not elected - and so wields strong influence over the EU's agenda and policy priorities. The move, exposed by French newspaper Liberation, has raised deep concerns because the Commission is the guardian of the EU's treaties and the arbiter of Europe's democratic standards yet stands accused of bending its own rules. For example, the Commission has launched a rule of law procedure against Poland for changes by the new government there that the EU's executive arm believes undermine the independence of the courts and justice system. It's locked in a similar battle with Hungary. Both countries say - like the Commission in this case - that they are following the letter of the law. Part of the reason the people of Britain voted to leave the 28-nation bloc next year was the perception that unelected, unaccountable, well-heeled bureaucrats in Brussels were stitching up backroom deals against the interests of citizens and with the aim of enriching themselves. Regardless of his unquestioned competence, Selmayr's nomination embodies the fears of euroskeptics. "The Selmayr scandal is the perfect example of the kind of European Union we fight against: murky deals with a full disregard to basic values such as transparency, integrity and equal opportunities," Socialist lawmaker Ines Ayala Sender said. The appointment, she said, "has rightly caused widespread disapproval and annoyance among our citizens, risking deteriorating the reputation of not only the Commission, but of all the EU institutions." In the resolution, which is publicly embarrassing but has no legal force, the lawmakers asked the Commission to "reassess the procedure of appointment of the new secretary general in order to give other possible candidates within the European public administration the possibility to apply." They said the process should be revised so future appointments are open and transparent. In a statement Wednesday, the Commission said it respected the rules and has no intention to revoke its decision. "The Commission has followed all the rules both in spirit and to the letter," EU Budget Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said. He said previous secretaries general had been appointed with "precisely the same procedure," and that Selmayr's credentials for the job "are beyond any doubt." The rapid rise of Selmayr - praised by some colleagues for his efficiency and hard work, criticized by others as an administrative steamroller - has rankled many in Brussels. In about 14 years he went from Commission spokesman to its top civil servant. The fact that he is German annoyed many too, notably in France, due to the high number of German nationals holding senior EU posts. But there is no doubt that Juncker, who appears in frail health, relies heavily on Selmayr and came to office thanks to the former lawyer's help. Asked last month to confirm a rumor that he would resign if his protege was forced out, Juncker told reporters that he is the only man who could sack Selmayr and that he would not do so. LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A former Michigan lawmaker who was expelled from office amid a sex scandal is asking a court to reconsider her lawsuit against the Michigan House, legislators and staff. Cindy Gamrat, a Republican from Allegan County, filed a motion for reconsideration on April 12, after a federal judge dismissed her claims against government officials last month, the Holland Sentinel reported . The former lawmaker alleged malicious prosecution, stalking, wiretapping and breach of contract in the lawsuit filed last year. Gamrat and former legislator Todd Courser were involved in an extramarital affair in 2015, resulting in Gamrat's removal from office and Courser's resignation. Gamrat's new motion alleges the court failed to address her claim that she was treated unfairly during the investigation and hearings that led to her removal. The motion claims that "newly discovered evidence is being revealed every day in Todd Courser's criminal case that supports Gamrat's wiretapping, eavesdropping, stalking and conspiracy claims," according to court documents. Courser faces criminal proceedings for allegations of perjury in Ingham County and misconduct in Lapeer County. He's accused of lying under oath during a legislative hearing about misconduct. In her original lawsuit, Gamrat sought back pay as well as money for distress and humiliation. The suit was filed in April 2017 against the state House of Representatives, ex-husband Joe Gamrat, former aides, former Speaker of the House Kevin Cotter and Cotter's chief of staff Brock Swartzle, among others. Gamrat said she had struck a deal to be censured, not removed from office. She also accused her ex-husband of using listening devices to try and catch her and Courser in the affair. The lawsuit's claims against Joe Gamrat will continue. YARMOUTH, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts police officer killed in the line of duty was remembered at his funeral service on Wednesday for his faith, professionalism and engaging personality. Hundreds of family, friends and colleagues packed St. Pius X Roman Catholic church for the funeral Mass of Sean Gannon, a K-9 officer with the Yarmouth Police Department. Thousands of officers from around the country stood at attention outside. A line of blue created by uniformed officers marched from the local high school to the church before the service started. It was made up by representatives from departments across Massachusetts and New England, from New York City and Chicago, and from as far away as Texas and California. An honor guard follow the casket out of the Doane Beal and Ames Funeral home in Hyannis, Mass., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, where the body of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was transported by motorcade to South Yarmouth for a wake at St. Pius X Church. A vigil and visitation for Yarmouth K-9 Officer Gannon is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, while a funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Both will take place at St. Pius X Roman Catholic church in Yarmouth. The funeral Mass will be followed by a private burial. (Steve Heaslip/The Cape Cod Times via AP) Hundreds of civilians also stood outside the church. "We give him back to you without a murmur, but our hearts are wrung with sorrow," the Rev. Paul Caron said during a short service without a eulogy. Caron told the story about the day he arrived at the Cape Cod parish last year. A secretary called to tell him police were on the way to his office. "I wasn't here long enough to be in trouble," Caron said. He heard a bang on his door and the words, "Police! Open up!" He opened the door to find Gannon, who hugged him and welcomed him to town. "So now we come together and mourn his death, but we also give thanks that he lived, that we knew him on some level," Caron said. Gannon, 32, was shot Thursday while he and other officers were serving an arrest warrant at a home in Barnstable. The suspect in the shooting, described by police as a career criminal, is being held without bail after pleading not guilty to murder. Gannon's Belgian malinois dog, Nero, also was shot but underwent surgery and is recovering. After Wednesday's Mass, K-9 officers and their dogs lined the route to the cemetery for a private burial service. Gannon, who was posthumously promoted to sergeant, leaves behind a wife, parents, a brother and a sister. The New Bedford native was a graduate of Bishop Stang High School in Dartmouth and Westfield State University. He had a master's degree from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson, left, leads the department with State Police Sgt. Byron Rizos into the wake for K-9 officer Sean Gannon at St. Pius X Catholic church in South Yarmouth, Mass., Tuesday, April 17, 2018. A vigil and visitation for Yarmouth K-9 Officer Gannon was held Tuesday afternoon, while a funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Both will take place at St. Pius X Roman Catholic church in Yarmouth. The funeral Mass will be followed by a private burial. (Ron Schloerb/The Cape Cod Times via AP) Well wishers line up outside the Doane Beal and Ames Funeral home on West Main Street in Hyannis, Mass., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, where the body of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was transported by motorcade to South Yarmouth. A vigil and visitation for Yarmouth K-9 Officer Gannon was held Tuesday afternoon, while a funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Both will take place at St. Pius X Roman Catholic church in Yarmouth. The funeral Mass will be followed by a private burial. (Ron Schloerb/The Cape Cod Times via AP) Honor guard members load the casket into the hearse outside the Doane Beal and Ames Funeral home in Hyannis, Mass., Tuesday, April 17, 2018, where the body of Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon was transported by motorcade to South Yarmouth for a wake at St. Pius X Church. A vigil and visitation for Yarmouth K-9 Officer Gannon is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, while a funeral Mass is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Both will take place at St. Pius X Roman Catholic church in Yarmouth. The funeral Mass will be followed by a private burial. (Steve Heaslip/The Cape Cod Times via AP) ATLANTA (AP) - Federal prosecutors investigating corruption in Atlanta's city government are seeking records related to city-issued credit cards for former Mayor Kasim Reed and several others. A subpoena dated April 6 asks the city to produce credit card statements and other information for Reed; his brother Tracy Reed, a former city employee; former director of human services and political consultant Mitzi Bickers; and current Deputy Chief of Staff Katrina Taylor Parks, a holdover from Reed's administration. Another subpoena, dated April 3, focuses on records related to Taylor Parks, including her financial disclosures, travel authorizations and reimbursements and communications between her and several companies. The prosecutors who requested the subpoenas are conducting an ongoing investigation into corruption at City Hall. Five people have been indicted in relation to a pay-to-play scheme for city contracts, including the city's former chief procurement officer who admitted accepting bribes and was sentenced to prison. Bickers was indicted earlier this month and accused of soliciting and accepting payments to help steer lucrative city contracts to two construction contractors and their companies. Reed, who was term-limited, left office in January when Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was inaugurated. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported March 28 that Reed had charged nearly $300,000 on his city card during his last three years as mayor. That included bills for five-star hotels, business class air travel, car service and more than $21,000 at restaurants, the newspaper reported. He also charged a political contribution and classes needed to maintain his law license. Reed paid $12,000 to reimburse the city for some of the expenses within several days of the newspaper filing an open records request for his city credit card statements. The records sought by the federal subpoena related to city-issued credit cards include: account statements, card applications, receipts, reimbursement records, training materials, signed user agreements and correspondence with cardholders about card use. "Since the start of this investigation, my administration pledged full cooperation with our federal partners," Reed told the Journal-Constitution in a statement issued by a spokesman. "My commitment has not changed and all documents requested in the April 6, 2018, subpoena will be provided. Many of these documents have been made available to members of the press previously and reflect legitimate expenses incurred as well as contributions made during the course of my service as Mayor of Atlanta." The April 6 subpoena also seeks all records related to or associated with Partners for Prosperity and Eloisa Klementich. Klementich is the president and CEO of Invest Atlanta, the city's economic development agency. Partners for Prosperity is a fundraising arm of Invest Atlanta, according to the Journal-Constitution. There was no immediate response to a message seeking comment submitted through Invest Atlanta's website by The Associated Press on Wednesday. The Journal-Constitution reported April 4 that Reed in December ordered $40,000 of his unclaimed salary to be donated to Partners for Prosperity. But the newspaper said Reed subsequently had the nonprofit return the money to cover part of an expensive economic development trip he and other city officials made to South Africa last year. The two subpoenas say the documents sought must be turned over by May 8. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Ohio Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the constitutionality of the state's three-decades-old death penalty law, rejecting a challenge that argued juries and not judges should impose death sentences. The court ruled against the contention by lawyers for a convicted killer that the 1981 law is unconstitutional because judges, not juries, impose death sentences in contrast to the 6th Amendment right to a jury trial. The court said in a unanimous ruling that the law is constitutional because juries in Ohio first determine whether an offender is guilty beyond reasonable doubt of aggravated murder. Juries then decide whether aggravated circumstances such as a killing committed during a rape or robbery outweigh factors that could lead to a lesser sentence, such as a defendant's background or substance abuse, according to Wednesday's ruling. FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction shows Maurice Mason, whose death sentence for raping and killing Robin Dennis in February 1993 was overturned by a federal appeals court. The Ohio Supreme Court upheld the state's death penalty law in a Wednesday, April 18, 2018, ruling, saying a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court decision that Florida's death penalty law was unconstitutional does not apply in Ohio, and rejecting arguments by Mason's lawyers that the U.S. Constitution requires juries and not judges to impose death sentences. (Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction via AP, File) That process adheres to the 6th Amendment, said Justice Patrick Fischer, writing for the court. At issue before the court were arguments brought by attorneys for ex-death row inmate Maurice Mason. Those lawyers said a 2016 U.S. Supreme Court ruling declaring Florida's death penalty law unconstitutional based on the same jury principle should apply in Ohio. In that ruling, the court said the 6th Amendment requires a jury, not a judge, to determine each fact needed to sentence someone to death, according to Kort Gatterdam, a Columbus attorney representing Mason. In Ohio, juries' death sentence verdicts are only recommendations, and judges still need to make their own, independent conclusions about the specific factors in a case that require a death sentence, Gatterdam said in a filing with the court last year. As in Florida, judges in Ohio "are required to make additional factual findings that the jury did not make before any defendant can be sentenced to death," Gatterdam said. A message was left with Gatterdam on Wednesday seeking comment on the ruling. But the state Supreme Court disagreed, saying Ohio's law differs from the Florida law because juries in Ohio must find an offender guilty of an aggravating circumstance. "Ohio's scheme differs from Florida's because Ohio requires the jury to make this specific and critical finding," Fischer said. In Ohio, if juries recommend capital punishment, judges impose the sentence. Ohio judges can reject death sentences but can't impose them if juries don't recommend them. After the 2016 ruling, Florida stopped all executions for months. In response, the state Legislature passed a new law requiring death sentences to have a unanimous jury vote. Mason, 54, was sentenced to die for raping and killing a woman in Marion County in 1993. Authorities say he raped 19-year-old Robin Dennis, pistol whipped her and repeatedly hit her head with a board with nails in it. Dennis gave Mason a ride to his house because her husband planned to trade his gun for Mason's television, according to court records. A federal appeals court overturned Mason's death sentence on the basis of poor legal assistance, but he remains imprisoned. He's challenging a new sentencing hearing. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration says it's considering "consequences" for NATO ally Turkey if Turkey doesn't throw out the charges or acquit an American pastor accused of espionage and aiding terrorist groups. The top U.S. diplomat for Europe, Wess Mitchell, tells a House committee that the pastor, Andrew Brunson, is "clearly innocent" of the charges. Mitchell says the State Department is consulting with Congress about "possible measures" against Turkey if Brunson isn't freed. Mitchell's comments come a day after President Donald Trump tweeted in defense of Brunson. Trump called Brunson "a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States," who is "being persecuted in Turkey for no reason." Cameras of members of the media are placed across from the prison complex in Aliaga, Izmir province, western Turkey, where jailed Andrew Craig Brunson appeared for his trial at a court inside the complex, Monday, April 16, 2018. Brunson, 50, a US evangelical pastor from North Carolina, was arrested in December 2016 for alleged links to both an outlawed Kurdish insurgent group and the network of the U.S.-based Muslim cleric who Turkey blames for masterminding a failed military coup that year. He has denied all allegations. The court adjourned trial until May 7, 2018 and ruled that Brunson remain in custody until then. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis) The 50-year-old evangelical pastor from North Carolina faces up to 35 years in prison. Brunson denies any wrongdoing. Productions of Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull" almost always tip too far into farce or wade too deeply into tragedy, unable to sustain the play's elusive balancing act. Michael Mayer's lush and lively big-screen adaption is unfortunately no exception. On the plus side, Mayer, a veteran theater director, has if anything leaned more into the comic nature of "The Seagull." Chekhov whose play was first performed in 1896, did indeed call it a comedy. That makes this "Seagull" a kind of flipside to Sidney Lumet's dull and sluggish 1968 version, essentially the only other significant film adaptation of one of Chekhov's most beloved works. Working from a script by Stephen Karam, Mayer seems eager to swing entirely in the other direction - perhaps too eager. His "Seagull," the director's third feature film ("Flicka," ''A Home at the End of the World"), shrinks some of the play's dialogue, robbing it of its rhythm, while never resting his ever-moving camera nor quieting its ever-stirring score. For a distinctly Russian play, he's made a notably American film, pleasantly unstuffy (there are no forced accents here and the language is more colloquial) but also less substantial and lacking the tenor of Chekhov's music. This image released by Sony Pictures Classics shows Saoirse Ronan in a scene from "The Seagull." (Abbott Genser/Sony Pictures Classics via AP) "The Seagull" is set around the Treplev family estate (a glorious lakeside upstate New York mansion doubles for rural Russia) where Irina Arkadina (Annette Bening) has come to visit her brother, Sorin (Brian Dennehy), and her brooding aspiring playwright son, Konstantin (Billy Howle). Irina is an aging actress of the Moscow stage and she brings along her lover, the celebrated writer Boris Trigorin (Corey Stoll), whose presence in the provincial household begets numerous anxieties. Trigorin's success is the envy of Konstantin, who soon finds his sweetheart, Nina Zarechnaya (Saoirse Ronan), is lured by the preying Trigorin. Unrequited love runs rampart in "The Seagull." (It also afflicts Elisabeth Moss' Masha). Characters, many of them knowingly, are the helpless victims of the fluctuations of their self-defeating heart - especially when mixed with potentially misguided artistic ambitions. It's a talented cast but the only one at home in their role is Bening, who has recently, as Gloria Grahame in "Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool" and in "Being Julia," proven exceptional at portraying the waning glamour and growing distress of divas late in life. She's funny and broken at once, perfectly poised in that Chekhovian limbo. "The Seagull," a Sony Pictures Classics release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for "some mature thematic elements, a scene of violence, drug use, and partial nudity." Running time: 98 minutes. Two stars out of four. ___ MPAA Definition of PG-13: Parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. ___ Follow AP Film Writer Jake Coyle on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/jakecoyleAP Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) Newly-installed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Carlito Galvez Jr. pledged to keep the doors open for peace while expressing support for the President's war on drugs. "I take this opportunity to support the peace process with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front). We look forward to the final political resolution of conflict in Mindanao," Galvez said on Wednesday during the change of command ceremony at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. "Even though soldiers are warriors, we shall always prepare the path for peace. We'll support all peace initiatives of the government," he added. He also vowed to continue the war against drugs, which funded the operations of extremists in the Marawi siege last year. "The battle in Marawi has just recently showed us how truly destructive violent extremism can be," Galvez said. The 50th AFP Chief of Staff also plans to lead the 125,000-strong military to defeat Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Maute Group and end communist insurgency and terrorism. "We have won many battles but we have yet to win the war," he said. "Violent extremism remains a threat. Too much blood has been spilled, too many lives have been lost to terror and hate." Galvez will retire on December 12. He replaced General Rey Leonardo Guerrero, who bowed out of military service after 38 years. In his speech, Guerrero reminded the soldiers that "the AFP is a professional organization. It is not a social club." "Stay the course. Stay true to the core values of honor, service, patriotism and live up to the ideals of public service," he said. LOS ANGELES (AP) - Charlize Theron isn't leaving the United States over racism concerns, but the white South Africa-born actress, who has adopted a black daughter and son, says she's "constantly concerned" about her children's safety. In an Elle magazine interview published last week, Theron was quoted as saying she wouldn't travel with her family to parts of the United States due to worries about racism and had thought about leaving the country to keep her children safe. The 42-year-old actress-producer said in interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday that her comments were "taken to the extreme" in media reports. Theron spoke while promoting her motherhood-focused movie, "Tully," due in theaters on May 4. PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Lawyers for a high school student who fled his native Zambia and is suing to compete in a government-funded national poetry competition say the case is about an "educational benefit" for any public school student. Allan Monga of Deering High School won the Maine "Poetry Out Loud" contest. He applied for asylum in the U.S., but hasn't been granted legal residency. He's not being allowed to compete in the National Endowment of the Arts' "Poetry Out Loud" contest next week. The Portland Press Herald reports his lawyer said Wednesday that Monga may not get another chance to compete in the national finals and "show his merit." In this April 12, 2018 photo, Allan Monga, 17, a high school student who fled his native Zambia, recites a poem during a news conference in Portland, Maine. Monga, who won the state Poetry Out Loud Contest, is suing the National Endowment for the Arts for not allowing him to compete in the national contest because he has not yet been granted asylum in the United States. (Troy R. Bennett/The Bangor Daily News via AP) NEA attorneys say the organization has the right to "draw the line" in deciding who's eligible for its programs. A judge plans to rule by Friday. ___ Information from: Portland Press Herald, http://www.pressherald.com BELGRADE, Serbia (AP) - A Croatian parliamentary delegation on Wednesday cut short a visit to neighboring Serbia after a far-right leader convicted of war crimes reportedly stamped on the Croatian national flag and shouted insults. The delegation said they decided to return home after the incident in the Serbian parliament involving Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj. The visit was initially planned for two days. "This is a line we cannot cross, because this is unacceptable," Croatian parliamentary speaker Goran Jandrokovic said. "We are leaving Belgrade." FILE - In this April 1, 2015 file photo, Serbian far right leader Vojislav Seselj burns a Croatian flag at a protest in front of the Higher Court in Belgrade, Serbia. A Croatian parliamentary delegation has cut short a visit to neighboring Serbia after a far-right leader convicted of war crimes stamped on the Croatian national flag and insulted visiting officials. Croatian state TV said Wednesday, April 18, 2018 the delegation decided to return home after the incident in the Serbian parliament involving Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File) The Radicals said in a statement that Seselj pulled the flag down at the parliament entrance and trampled on it together with another party member, before shouting at the Croatian delegation inside. "We didn't know what happened, but we could hear Seselj shouting at us," Jandrokovic said upon his return to Zagreb. A U.N. war crimes court last week sentenced Seselj to 10 years in prison for instigating crimes against ethnic Croats, partially overturning his earlier acquittal of atrocities during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s. Seselj, a lawmaker in Serbia's parliament, remains free because he had already spent nearly 12 years in court custody during his trial at the tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. Relations between Serbia and Croatia are still tense years after the 1992-95 Serb-Croat war erupted when Croatia declared independence from the former Yugoslavia. Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vucic, an ally of Seselj during the war but who now says he wants Serbia to join the European Union and forge regional cooperation, said Seselj's behavior was "inadmissible" and "sends a bad message." Croatia's president described Seselj's actions as "rampage of a convicted war criminal," while the government in Zagreb called it "uncivilized and inadmissible." Liberal lawmakers in the Serbian parliament have demanded that authorities strip Seselj of his parliamentary seat because of the war crimes conviction, triggering threats and insults from the far-right Serbian leader. FILE - In this April 20, 2016 file photo, Serbian far right leader Vojislav Seselj speaks during a pre-election rally in Novi Sad, Serbia. A Croatian parliamentary delegation has cut short a visit to neighboring Serbia after a far-right leader convicted of war crimes stamped on the Croatian national flag and insulted visiting officials. Croatian state TV said Wednesday, April 18, 2018 the delegation decided to return home after the incident in the Serbian parliament involving Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic, File) MIAMI (AP) - The political transition in Cuba is bringing no joy to exiles in Florida, who say they expect nothing to change after Raul Castro steps down as president. Cuban-Americans who left the island in waves of migration since Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution are skeptical that Cuba's next nominal leader will actually be in charge. The National Assembly began a meeting Wednesday where Raul Castro plans to hand the presidency to a chosen successor. For the first time in nearly six decades, Cubans are about to see what it's like without a Castro at the top. A man wearing a shirt with the stars and stripes sits on the Malecon in Havana, Cuba, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Cuba's legislature opened today a two-day session that is to elect a successor to President Castro. (AP Photo/Desmond Boylan) But Raul will remain as first secretary of the Communist Party, and the diaspora in Florida says the change is meaningless without free and fair elections. "Let's be clear about something: This is a farce, like those the Cuban government has long orchestrated," said Julio Cesar Alfonso, president of Solidarity without Borders, an organization that has assisted Cuban doctors who have defected. "I do not believe that this will lead to any change that favors the freedom or life of Cubans here or on the island." Some of the Cubans who either fled political repression or sought better futures by making new homes in Miami get offended that they're even being asked about this transition, because they're so convinced nothing will change. At 74, Manuel Diaz doesn't hold much hope. The revolution shook his world when he was 16. It was Christmas in 1958 when guerrillas defeated the army forces in his town of Palma Soriano. He flew out of Havana with his family the following year, leaving behind their house and his grandparents. When he gets nostalgic, he goes online trying to locate his childhood home in this mountainous town near Santiago de Cuba. But the satellite images don't show much, and he says he doesn't yearn to visit his homeland. "If Raul Castro steps down, it means nothing to me because I have nothing to go back to Cuba for," he said. Cuba's only official candidate is 57-year-old Miguel Diaz-Canel, all but assuring he'll be the next president. He was smiling broadly Wednesday as he entered the National Assembly at Raul Castro's side. In Miami's Little Havana neighborhood, a small group gathered at the iconic Cafe Versailles, playing Celia Cruz songs and holding signs calling Diaz-Canel a "poisonous rat." "Today is a day when the Castro dynasty is appointing a new monarch to commit even more crimes," shouted Miguel Saavedra, president of the group Vigilia Mambisa. "The future ahead for the Cuban people is tragic and pathetic while Castro is still in power." It was nothing like the commotion following the death of Fidel Castro, which exiles celebrated by clanging pots and beating drums at the same spot in November 2016. Also absent was the negative reaction following former President Barack Obama's December 2014 announcement of restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, an opening President Donald Trump partially closed last year. Jorge Duany, director of the Cuban Research Institute, says exiles would like to see political reforms that allow opposition candidates to run for Cuba's government, recognition of other parties, and direct popular voting. He says exiles don't like the lack of transparency around the handoff, and the dearth of information about Diaz-Canel. "People here in Miami and who I talk to are still skeptical that it is going to be a major transformation in the power structure and that it won't be more of the same," Duany said. "They are weary of this process because they have been expecting it for so long." Eddy Venero is among the more recent arrivals to Miami. A 47-year-old chef, he flew out of Cuba, then made the perilous journey from Ecuador to the U.S. six years ago, leaving behind two older children to find a job and make ends meet. While preparing to order Cuban coffee and breakfast with his new family at a bakery, he said he's pessimistic about the island's future, because he distrusts Diaz-Canel even more than Raul Castro. "Until I see it, I still don't believe there will be a change," Venero said. "The economy will continue to suffer because the man next in line is worse, and a Castro will still be in power." BEIRUT (AP) - Hundreds of refugees in a southeastern Lebanese town returned to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. Lebanon's National News Agency says about 500 men, women and children boarded buses in the town of Chebaa that will take them back to Beit Jinn in Syria, close to the Lebanese border. Lebanon hosts nearly a million Syrian refugees and is anxious to see them go back to Syria. Lebanese leaders have been pushing to repatriate Syrians, saying they are a drain on public services and jobs. Displaced people who fled the Syrian war, bid each other farewell as some prepare to return to their village of Beit Jinn in Syria, near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in Shebaa, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, April, 18, 2018. Hundreds of refugees are headed back to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Ziad Choufi) Wednesday's repatriation is a rare instance of refugees moving from Lebanon to safe areas in Syria. The U.N.'s refugee agency said in a statement it is not organizing the returns, citing "the prevailing humanitarian and security situation in Syria." Displaced people who fled the Syrian war, look through a bus window as they prepare to return to their village of Beit Jinn in Syria, near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in Shebaa, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, April, 18, 2018. Hundreds of refugees are headed back to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Ziad Choufi) Displaced women who fled the Syrian war wait near the Lebanese-Syrian border as they prepare to return to their village of Beit Jinn in Syria, in Shebaa, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, April, 18, 2018. Hundreds of refugees are headed back to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Ziad Choufi) A displaced woman who fled the war in Syria sits next to her belongings as she prepares to return to her village of Beit Jinn in Syria, near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in Shebaa, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, April, 18, 2018. Hundreds of refugees are headed back to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Ziad Choufi) A displaced man who fled the war in Syria carries his belongings past Lebanese General Security soldiers, as he prepares to return to his village of Beit Jinn in Syria, near the Lebanese-Syrian border, in Shebaa, southern Lebanon, Wednesday, April, 18, 2018. Hundreds of refugees are headed back to Syria in what they say is a voluntary decision to return to homes in the war-torn country. (AP Photo/Ziad Choufi) OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Frazzled residents in a part of rural northwestern Oklahoma paralyzed by days of wind-whipped wildfires expressed fear a blaze could overrun their home Wednesday, as firefighters battling the deadly fires there and in Colorado, Kansas and New Mexico found some relief at the promise of easing of dangerous weather conditions. Hundreds of people across the region have been forced to evacuate their properties, homes have been swallowed by the fires and cattle burned to death as they stood in rivers and streams, presumably seeking respite from the flames. Two people have died and at least 9 injured in the Oklahoma fires. "We are surviving, tired of the fire, stressing. It's been very devastating," said Denise McDaniel, who with her fiancee was forced to leave their home in Canton, Oklahoma, Tuesday night because of a large fire that started near Leedey. That fire has burned about 442 square miles (1,145 sq. kilometers) and is an estimated 3 percent contained. In this Tuesday, April 17, 2018, heavy smoke billows from burning trees after a wildfire broke out in a farm field along US Highway 183 about 10 miles south of Seiling, Okla. (Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman via AP) "I don't know what words to use to describe what's going on over here," said McDaniel. "Our home is still there, but if the fire reaches the town of Canton, our home won't be there." U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Nichols, who has been working with firefighters battling a blaze estimated at about 106 square miles (275 sq. kilometers) that started near Woodward, Oklahoma, said he welcomed reports indicating wet weather could be on the way. "Some rain might be coming in Thursday night. Thursday morning would be better," Nichols said. The Woodward fire is about 45 percent contained. Officials estimated the fire could be fully contained late Friday, a "target date," Nichols said. "It's all weather dependent. Will we get the rain on Friday?" according to Nichols. The target containment date for the larger fire near Leedey is Monday. On Tuesday, the National Weather Service warned that much of New Mexico, parts of Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas were at an extreme risk of wildfires, due to a heady mix of hot, dry weather and strong winds, in some places gusting up to 80 mph. Temperatures reached 99 degrees (37 Celsius) Tuesday at Woodward, with humidity as low as 4 percent and wind gusts of up to 51 mph (82 kph). The service relaxed that fire risk warning to critical for much of the region Wednesday. Fires in Colorado licked Denver suburbs on Tuesday, stretching firefighting resources to their limits and taking out homes. Other fires jumped the state line into Kansas, where they were contained early Wednesday. Homes have been burned or destroyed in Kansas and Oklahoma too, although emergency management officials have been unable to provide exact numbers because the areas affected by wildfires were still too hot to enter. Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer and Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin have issued disaster declarations. In northwestern New Mexico, the milder weather conditions Wednesday should be useful for firefighters who were hindered by strong winds a day earlier but managed to keep wildfires largely in check on a mountain and a butte near Grants. Notices warning area residents to be ready to abandon their homes at a moment's notice have been lifted and an evacuation center in Grants closed. The fire has killed an undetermined number of cattle in Oklahoma, but Woods County Extension Agent Greg Highfill said the number is at least in the hundreds. Authorities are focusing on the animals that have survived. "We're kind of in a desperate need for hay to get us through the next couple of weeks," because the fire has also destroyed pastures used to feed the herds, Highfill said. ___ Associated Press reporters Heather Hollingsworth in Kansas City, Missouri, and Paul Davenport in Phoenix contributed to this report. In this Tuesday, April 17, 2018, heavy smoke billows from burning trees in a farm field about 10 miles south of Seiling, Okla., along US Highway 183, on the east side of Dewey County as large wildfires ignited during mid-afternoon (Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman via AP) In this Tuesday, April 17, 2018, heavy smoke billows from burning trees after a wildfire broke out in a farm field along US Highway 183 about 10 miles south of Seiling, Okla. (Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman via AP) In this Tuesday, April 17, 2018, wind turbines dot the horizon of eastern Dewey County as heavy smoke from wildfires drift above a field west of Seiling, Okla., (Jim Beckel/The Oklahoman via AP) Wildfires burn in Southern El Paso County with one of them prompting mandatory evacuation orders, as seen from Hanover County on Tuesday April 17, 2018. Fire crews are fighting several new wind-swept wildfires around Colorado as hurricane-force winds also kick up dust, topple trucks and close highways in the state. (Dougal Brownlie/The Gazette via AP) This image provided by the National Weather Service shows a false-color image made by a NOAA geostationary (GOES) satellite, showing a long plume of smoke and dust from wildfires in Colorado Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The plume is heaviest in the San Luis Valley in the southern part of the state, bottom, trailing off more than 300 miles (480 kilometers) to the northeast to the Nebraska border. Fire crews are fighting five new wind-swept wildfires around Colorado as hurricane-force winds also kick up dust, topple trucks and close highways in the state. (National Weather Service via AP) LONDON (AP) - The flags of more than 50 nations are flying outside Buckingham Palace as Queen Elizabeth II prepares to welcome leaders from the Commonwealth, an international club with an eclectic membership, an identity problem and an uncertain future. The Commonwealth, an association of the U.K. and its former colonies, includes 53 countries, from populous India to tiny Tuvalu, held together loosely by historic ties, the English language and affection for the queen, who turns 92 on Saturday and has no designated successor as head of the group. Philip Murphy, director of the University of London's Institute of Commonwealth Studies, wrote in the Guardian newspaper the group was like "a grandfather clock that has been in the family for generations. It hasn't told the right time for decades, but no one has the heart to take such a treasured heirloom to the (dump)." Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi is greeted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth during a private audience at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (Yui Mok/PA via AP) Yet the old piece of furniture is getting a polish and a tuneup. With the U.K. set to leave the European Union next year, British authorities see the Commonwealth as a potential cornerstone of post-Brexit "global Britain." Britain is devoting both royal pomp and political capital to the biennial Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, which is being held in London for the first time in two decades. The queen is hosting a Buckingham Palace dinner on Thursday, and has enthusiastically backed the "Commonwealth Canopy," a forest conservation plan for all member nations. Charismatic younger royals including Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle have been deployed to Commonwealth-related events with young people, businesses and volunteer groups. Commonwealth leaders will spend Friday discussing issues such as trade, climate change, terrorism and cybersecurity in the grand surroundings of Windsor Castle, west of London. Government leaders including India's Narendra Modi, Canada's Justin Trudeau, Australia's Malcolm Turnbull, New Zealand's Jacinda Ardern and Jamaica's Andrew Holness have all traipsed into 10 Downing St. for meetings with British Prime Minister Theresa May. As Britain leaves the EU and its borderless single market for goods and services, it is eager to bolster trade with the Commonwealth, which includes wealthy industrialized nations such as Australia and Canada as well as huge, fast-growing India. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said this week that Brexit could revitalize the Commonwealth and "usher in a new era, harnessing the movement of expertise, talent, goods and capital between our nations in a way that we have not done for a generation or more." Others are skeptical. In 2017, 44 percent of British exports went to the EU and just 9 percent to Commonwealth countries. Even if intra-Commonwealth trade almost doubles by 2020, as a recent report from the organization predicted, it would still leave a big trading gap for British exporters. Murphy calls the promise of a Commonwealth economic boost "snake oil" from pro-Brexit campaigners. Still, some say the Commonwealth could provide a platform for British diplomatic and cultural clout after it leaves the EU. Michael Lake, director of the Royal Commonwealth Society charity, said the Commonwealth could be a "useful and productive stepping stone for the development of a new soft-power agenda." "It is absolutely not a replacement for Europe. But if you are looking to reshape your foreign policy, it would be perverse to think that the Commonwealth wasn't a useful element in that," he said. But Britain's relationship with the Commonwealth has been clouded by diplomatic missteps and the legacy of empire. May had to apologize this week after it emerged that some people who came to the U.K. from Caribbean decades ago had been refused medical care in Britain or threatened with deportation because they could not produce paperwork to show their right to residence. The treatment of the "Windrush generation" - named for the ship Empire Windrush, which brought the first big group of post-war Caribbean immigrants to Britain in 1948 - has strained Commonwealth relations just as Britain is trying to strengthen them. Gay-rights activists will be protesting the summit, urging the repeal of laws against homosexuality that are in force in more than 30 Commonwealth countries - in many cases, introduced under British rule. May said Tuesday that Britain deeply regretted its role in passing anti-gay laws. "I am all too aware that these laws were often put in place by my own country," she said. "They were wrong then, and they are wrong now." The Commonwealth is officially committed to democracy and human rights, but its rights record is mixed. Many look with pride on the organization's role in the 1970s and '80s in trying to end apartheid in South Africa. But many Commonwealth nations have been plagued by corruption or destabilized by coups. Zimbabwe's former president, Robert Mugabe, pulled his country out of the group in 2003 after it was suspended for widespread human rights abuses. Gambia quit in 2013, calling the Commonwealth a "neocolonial institution." It rejoined earlier this year. Still, the Commonwealth provides support for democracy and corruption-fighting, and gives its smaller members the chance to be part of an international network. Attempts to expand the club beyond former British colonies have had modest success, with Mozambique and Rwanda joining in recent years. The survival of the Commonwealth owes much to the commitment of the queen, who has visited almost every member country - often multiple times - over her 66-year-reign. Her son Prince Charles is heir to the British throne, but will not automatically succeed her as the organization's head. Commonwealth officials say the heads of government and secretary-general will decide who should head the group next, but have not said when or how that will take place. Lake thinks "there is a widely held view that when the time comes Charles would be an able and widely accepted successor" - but there's no guarantee. Murphy said the Commonwealth today is held together by "a kind of inertia, the fact that it's probably more trouble to wind it up than to keep going." But he said he wouldn't write it off just yet. "It's sort of like the Holy Roman Empire - international organizations can survive long beyond their natural expiry date," Murphy said. ___ Follow Jill Lawless on Twitter at http://Twitter.com/JillLawless Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May smiles as she and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pose for the media on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, ahead of talks in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prince Harry attends a reception with Meghan Markle for the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Wednesday April 18, 2018. (Yui Mok/Pool via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, left, poses for a photo with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during bilateral talks at Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May greets the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern on the doorstep of 10 Downing Street, ahead of talks in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Ardern is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May greets Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Downing Street, ahead of talks in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle arrive at the Queen Elizabeth II Center during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018.(AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Meghan Markle attends a reception with Britain's Prince Harry for the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Wednesday April 18, 2018. (Yui Mok/Pool via AP) Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau smiles as he leaves Downing Street after bilateral talks with Britain's Theresa May, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, left, speaks with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during bilateral talks at Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May greets the Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern in Downing Street, ahead of talks in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Ardern is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, left, speaks with Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during bilateral talks at Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gestures during bilateral talks with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May at Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May, left, listens to Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during bilateral talks at Downing Street, in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (Jack Taylor/Pool Photo via AP) Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau waves to the media as he departs 10 Downing Street, following talks with Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting starting Thursday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall delivers a speech at the closing session of the Women's Forum for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool) Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a visit to the Francis Crick Institute, to meet scientists researching cures for kidney and lung cancer, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (Stefan Rousseau/PA via AP) Britain's Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall walks after being greeted by Jude Kelly, the founder of "WOW", Women of The World, as she arrived to attend a round table discussion and to give a speech at the closing session of the Women's Forum for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham, Pool) Prime Minster of India Narendra Modi is greeted by Britain's Queen Elizabeth during a private audience at Buckingham Palace, London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. (Yui Mok/PA via AP) Queen Elizabeth II receives Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Queen Elizabeth II receives Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) Queen Elizabeth II receives Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during an audience at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Trudeau is in London to take part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP) QUITO, Ecuador (AP) - Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno said Wednesday the he is suspending his country's role as a mediator in peace talks between Colombia's government and that nation's last major rebel army. Moreno told Colombia's RCN network Wednesday that he made the decision because the National Liberation Army continues to carry out "terrorist" acts even while negotiating an end to hostilities. Peace talks between the ELN and Colombia's government have been taking place in Ecuador for more than a year. But they have suffered numerous setbacks, and a temporary cease-fire between the two sides expired in January without yet being renewed. Ecuador's President Lenin Moreno, right, greets United States Ambassador Todd Chapman after a meeting where the ambassadors showed their support for Ecuador's government in view of the recent events on the border between Ecuador and Colombia, in Quito, Ecuador, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Ecuadorean authorities say a dissident Colombian rebel group has kidnapped two people in the same border area where three press workers the group held were killed last week. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa) The decision appeared a surprise for Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, who said he had not been formally notified. He said the two nations' foreign ministers were discussing the matter. It was not clear what "terrorist" acts Moreno referred to. But in recent days, small towns in the volatile Catatumbo region of northeastern Colombia have been paralyzed by guerrilla fighting between the ELN and a much-smaller rebel group known as the Peoples' Liberation Army. Santos reached a peace agreement with what had been Colombia's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, in late 2016, ending Latin America's longest-running conflict. The end of that conflict has been hailed internationally, though it has also opened a new power struggle in remote areas previously controlled by FARC rebels and still occupied by ELN combatants. The much-smaller ELN, whose ranks don't surpass 2,000 fighters, was started in the 1960s by Roman Catholic priests inspired by Fidel Castro's revolution in Cuba. Unlike the highly centralized FARC, the ELN's command structure is more diffuse, making it harder for top commanders in Ecuador to control the actions of its fighters. The group is labeled a terrorist organization by the United States. MILAN (AP) - Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas says his nine-story tower for the Prada Foundation in Milan is meant to reveal the interaction between art and architecture. The white concrete Prada Tower, which is being inaugurated during Milan's Design Week, completes the foundation's contemporary art space. It combines restored structures with new buildings, helping to give new life to a former industrial neighborhood on the southern edge of the city. The 60-meter (197-foot) building overlooks the Milan skyline in the distance through large plate glass windows, with the Duomo cathedral, the mushroom-shaped Valasca Tower and the new clusters of modern skyscrapers rising up in the distance. A woman looks at the installation "Upside Down Mushroom Room " by Carsten Holler, part of the Design Week, at the Prada's foundation, in Milan, Italy, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas says the 10-story tower he designed for the Prada Foundation is meant to reveal the interaction between art and architecture. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni) The ceiling of each successive floor is higher than the last, going from "compressed and intimate spaces," to more expansive areas, Koolhaas said, with the intention of creating a place to examine "the effect of space on art." A Damien Hirst installation featuring an umbrella and floating rubber ducks on the 8th floor can be viewed against the backdrop of the city. The industrial-sized elevator with pink marble floor reveals the rest of the foundation's structures arranged inside the wedge-shaped space from a glass panel. "That in a certain way was the whole point of the foundation: To create an experimental situation where it is not necessarily that architecture serves art, but that there is a real interaction between the two," Koolhaas said. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) The countrys dirty money watchdog has been flagged by the Commission on Audit (COA) for buying 16 iPhones, instead of 24 Android phones for its investigators. In its annual audit report published on its website, COA called out the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) for buying units of Apple iPhone 7 at P37,388.88 each, or a total of almost half a million pesos. This is not aligned with the annual procurement plan (APP) of the agency approved by the Department of Budget and Management, which only allows purchases of Android phones at P25,000 each. Because the allotted budget for the phones is only P600,000, the switch to the more expensive brand deprived eight investigators, COA said in a report. "The approved budget of P25,000 per unit may be considered a reasonable price for the purchase of cellular phone that can serve the purpose and meet the technical specifications stated in the aforesaid request," the COA report read. In its defense, AMLC commented that "investigators are exposed to security risks and the line of communication susceptible to hacking." In the mind of the AMLC management, iPhones are more secure than Android phones. But COA maintained AMLC still violated the Government Procurement Reform Act, which states that "no procurement shall be undertaken unless it is in accordance with the approved APP, including approved changes thereto." The audit team said concerns about the security features of the phones should have been brought up during the planning stages in the preparation of APP. HONOLULU (AP) - Kauai residents struggling with the aftermath of torrential rains are bracing for the possibility of more flooding. The National Weather Service says a flash flood watch is in effect for the Hawaiian island starting Thursday. Mayor Bernard Carvalho says officials will be keeping a close eye on the weather. Evacuees prepare to board a U.S. Army Chinook on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Wainiha, Kauai. Hundreds of people have been airlifted out of dangerous floodwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but authorities said Tuesday that others are still stranded at evacuation centers. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) At least 2 feet (71 centimeters) of rain dumped on Hanalei on Kauai's north shore during a 24-hour period over the weekend. The rain left people stranded in a shelter that became surrounded by water, homes damaged or washed off foundations and landslides along roadways. Since Monday, military and county emergency workers have airlifted more than 340 people from the isolated north shore towns of Haena and Wainiha. Evacuations are ongoing. Hawaii Gov. David Ige on Sunday declared Kauai a disaster. Water and supplies are seen aboard a U.S. Army CH-47 Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Princeville, Kauai. Rescue and relief operations commenced in the morning from Princeville Airport for people still stranded in Haena, Wainiha, and other parts of north Kauai. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) U.S. Army and emergency personnel unload water and supplies from a U.S. Army Chinook Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Wainiha, Kauai. Hundreds of people have been airlifted out of dangerous floodwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but authorities said Tuesday that others are still stranded at evacuation centers. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) Haena resident Beaux Birch, left, hugs friends Diana Penchoff, right, before evacuation on a U.S. Army Chinook on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Haena, Kauai. Hundreds of people have been airlifted out of dangerous floodwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but authorities said Tuesday that others are still stranded at evacuation centers. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) A U.S. Army Chinook departs as evacuees queue in line Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in Haena, Kauai. Hundreds of people have been airlifted out of dangerous floodwaters on the Hawaiian island of Kauai, but authorities said Tuesday that others are still stranded at evacuation centers. (Jamm Aquino/Honolulu Star-Advertiser via AP) DENVER (AP) - Tension over the drought-stressed Colorado River escalated into a public feud when four U.S. states accused an Arizona utility of manipulating supply and demand, potentially threatening the river's future. The four states said the Central Arizona Project was trying to avoid a reduction in its share of the river while others are voluntarily conserving to avoid a crisis amid a prolonged drought. The accusation was made by Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming, along with Denver's water utility. In this April 16, 2013, file photo, a "bathtub ring" shows the high water mark on Lake Mead near Boulder City, Nev. Tension among U.S. states that rely on the Colorado River escalated into a public feud when an Arizona water provider was accused of manipulating the level of Lake Mead amid a prolonged drought, threatening supplies for 40 million people in two countries. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson, File) The Central Arizona Project denied the allegations. The project serves Phoenix, Tucson and other cities. The Colorado River supplies water to nearly 40 million people in the U.S. and Mexico. It's under increasing strain because demand is rising while the river is shrinking. Researchers blame an 18-year drought and climate change for the decline. NEW YORK (AP) - The Latest on a nanny convicted of stabbing two children to death in their home (all times local): 8:25 p.m. A man whose two small children were stabbed to death by their nanny at their New York home says he'd like to thank the judge and jurors at her murder trial, where she was found guilty. FILE - In this Thursday, March 1, 2018 file image from video, Yoselyn Ortega, a trusted nanny to a well-to-do family, listens to court proceedings during the first day of her trial, in New York. Jurors on Wednesday, April 18 found that Yoselyn Ortega killed 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim in October 2012 and understood the consequences of her actions when she did it. They said she was guilty of murder. (WYNY-TV/Pool Photo via AP, File) Kevin Krim says he and his wife are "indebted" to prosecutors and police since the 2012 slayings of 2-year-old Leo and 6-year-old Lulu. The Krims say on Facebook they believe parents should be protected from other people's "evil and lies." They say they're supporting legislation to make it a crime to falsify a job application or references for someone involved in child care, like their nanny did. Dominican nanny Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) was convicted Wednesday despite her claims she was too mentally ill to be held responsible for killing the children. ___ 7:35 p.m. The parents of two small children stabbed to death by their nanny in New York have posted a collage of images of them on their Facebook page shortly after the nanny's murder conviction. Marina and Kevin Krim started the Lulu and Leo Fund, which aims to support innovative art programs for children. They use the fund's Facebook page to post updates on how they're doing since the October 2012 deaths of their children Leo and Lucia, who was called Lulu. Dominican nanny Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) was convicted Wednesday despite her claims she was too mentally ill to be held responsible for killing the children. The children's mother wrote on Instagram after the verdict she loves Lulu and Leo. ___ 5:40 p.m. A nanny convicted of stabbing two children to death at their New York home while their parents were away has cried while being led out of a courtroom. Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) bludgeoned 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim in October 2012 while their mother was taking a sibling to a swimming lesson and their father was on a business trip. She was convicted of murder on Wednesday despite her claims she was too mentally ill at the time to be held responsible. Ortega expressed no reaction as the verdict was read. But she wiped tears from her eyes while leaving the courtroom later. The children's father hugged alternate jurors in court and cried with them. The 55-year-old Ortega is from the Dominican Republican and faces life in prison. ___ 5:25 p.m. Prosecutors say the parents of two children stabbed to death by their nanny at their New York home have "lived through the worst nightmare any parent could endure." Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. says his heart goes out to the Krim family. Nanny Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) bludgeoned 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim in October 2012 while their mother was taking a sibling to a swimming lesson and their father was out of town. She was convicted of murder on Wednesday despite her claims she was too mentally ill to be held responsible. The children's father hugged alternate jurors in court and cried with them as the verdict was read. The 55-year-old Ortega is from the Dominican Republican and faces life in prison. ___ 4:30 p.m. A nanny convicted of murder for stabbing two children to death at their New York home has expressed no reaction to the verdict, just staring straight ahead. The children's father, Kevin Krim, held hands in court on Wednesday with two alternate jurors who said they would stay for the verdict and then hugged them after it was read. They cried together. Jurors found nanny Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) guilty of murder in the October 2012 deaths of 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim. The nanny's lawyer had argued she was mentally ill and should not be held responsible. Investigators say Lucia was stabbed more than 30 times and Leo was stabbed five times. The 55-year-old Ortega is from the Dominican Republican and faces life in prison. ___ 4:15 p.m. A nanny who argued she was too mentally ill to be held responsible for stabbing two children to death at their New York home has been convicted. Jurors on Wednesday found Yoselyn Ortega (YOH'-sih-lihn ohr-TAY'-guh) guilty of murder in the October 2012 deaths of 6-year-old Lucia Krim and her brother, 2-year-old Leo Krim. The nanny's lawyer had argued she was mentally ill and should not be held responsible in the deaths of the children. Investigators say Lucia was stabbed more than 30 times and Leo was stabbed five times. Prosecutors say Ortega knew what she was doing and understood "every stab, every slash." The children's mother found them in a bathroom. The 55-year-old Ortega is from the Dominican Republican and faces life in prison. The 17th annual Tribeca Film Festival opened Wednesday with pugnacious political words from Robert De Niro. As the curtain went up on the 17th Tribeca, De Niro couldn't help using the festival's megawatt spotlight to direct his considerable ire at Trump. De Niro has been among the most vocal and bluntest of Trump's critics, frequently excoriating the president. He has, for example, previously said he'd like to punch Trump in the face. At a kickoff luncheon for press, De Niro referred to Trump as 'our Lowlife-in-Chief' and rejected what he referred to as the president's narrow definition of America. Robert De Niro (left) took shots at President Trump (right) Wednesday night as his Tribeca Film Festival had its opening night 'The country has had a bad year, and you - the press - have taken a lot of hits,' De Niro told the reporters in attendance. 'America is being run by a madman who wouldn't recognize the truth if it came inside a bucket of his beloved Colonel Sanders Fried Chicken.' Festival organizers said this year's Tribeca has been programmed with some of De Niro's fighting spirit. 'In the face of this inhumanity, we stand definitely against the forces that are tearing our country apart from the inside,' said Jane Rosenthal, who co-founded the festival with De Niro, said. 'We stand with Time's Up, Never Again and Black Lives Matter and underserved voices.' Jane Rosenthal, the festival's co-founder, wore a Girl Power shirt to the festival's opening. 'In the face of this inhumanity, we stand definitely against the forces that are tearing our country apart from the inside,' she said Some elements of this year's Tribeca, which runs through April 29, are pointedly political. The closing night selection is Liz Garbus' 'The Fourth Estate,' an upcoming Showtime documentary series that captures The New York Times reporting on Trump's first year in office. The Jay-Z produced series 'Rest in Power: The Travyon Martin Story' documents the 2012 shooting of the 17-year-old in Florida. The festival will also hold a daylong Time's Up event on April 28, featuring hours of conversations with the initiative advocating for gender equality. Of the festival's 99 features, 46 per cent are directed by women, the most in Tribeca's history. Rosenthal has credited that percentage in part with the makeup of Tribeca Enterprises, which she said is 80 per cent female. The festival opened just days after De Niro appeared on Saturday Night Live as Special Counsel Robert Mueller in a sketch. Wednesday on the 'Today' show, De Niro said he would like to reprise the part. 'I hope there's a couple where I interrogate him then I arrest him and then I escort him to jail,' De Niro said, referring to President Donald Trump. OMAHA, Neb. (AP) - American sorghum farmers fear they will lose their largest export market if China follows through with a tariff on their crop. China imposed preliminary anti-dumping tariffs of 178.6 percent on U.S. sorghum this week as part of its ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese goods to counteract what he says are that country's unfair trade policies. This Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2012 file photo shows sorghum at a farm in Waukomis, Okla. American sorghum farmers fear they will lose their largest export market if China follows through with a tariff on their crop. China imposed preliminary anti-dumping tariffs of 178.6 percent on U.S. sorghum in mid-April 2018 as part of its ongoing trade dispute with the U.S. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki) Sorghum farmers like Don Bloss in southeast Nebraska are caught in the crossfire. Bloss said the tariff news isn't enough for him to change what he plants this year, but farmers will have to adjust if the tariff is enacted. "We can't make real quick decision," he said. It won't be easy replacing the Chinese market. Last year, Chinese buyers purchased more than 90 percent of the 245 million bushels of sorghum America exported. "Basically, this will shut off grain sorghum exports to China for the United States," said Mark Welch, an agricultural economist at Texas A&M University. Sorghum, which is used primarily as animal feed and in liquor distilling, is grown in crop rotations with corn and in areas where conditions are dry because it is drought tolerant. But it is a smaller U.S. crop, grown on about 6 million acres compared to corn and soybeans, which will each be planted on nearly 90 million acres this year. Both U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and the National Sorghum Producers association said they may challenge the tariff. "Our sorghum producers are the most competitive in the world and we do not believe there is any basis in fact for these actions," Perdue said. A spokeswoman for the sorghum producers trade group said sorghum prices fell 20 to 25 percent after China announced in February it was launching an investigation into the sorghum trade. Prices declined again this week. In the long run, Bloss said he believes farmers will find a new market for their sorghum, whether that's other export markets or ethanol producers. Having lived through the effects U.S. tariffs on Russia had on grain markets in the 1980s helps give the 69-year-old Bloss confidence. "There's going to be market opportunities out there," he said. Historic Senate rules changed Wednesday allowing the newborns of members into the chamber. Its passage without objection came despite plenty of concern, some privately aired, among senators of both parties about the threat babies pose to the Senate's cherished decorum. 'I'm not going to object to anything like that, not in this day and age,' said Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Kan., father of three and grandfather of six. He then noted that a person can stand in the door of the cloakroom, a lounge just off the chamber, and vote. 'I've done it,' he said. Scroll down for video On April 9, Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth became the first ever sitting US senator to give birth Allowing babies on the Senate floor, he said, 'I don't think is necessary.' Sen. Orrin Hatch, the father of six, grandfather of 14 and great-grandfather of 23, said he had 'no problem' with such a rules change. 'But what if there are 10 babies on the floor of the Senate?' he asked. The inspiration for the new rule is a small bundle named Maile Pearl, born April 9 to Illinois Democrat Tammy Duckworth - the only sitting senator in US history to give birth. In a statement, Duckworth thanked her colleagues for 'helping bring the Senate into the 21st Century by recognizing that sometimes new parents also have responsibilities at work.' Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of an arm in Iraq, and mostly gets around by wheelchair Their concerns and more were shared by Republicans and Democrats, according to interviews Wednesday. 'It is a big change,' Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., said in a telephone interview, as leaders of both parties sought to clear the new rule without objection, or public discussion. The private reassurances to members of both parties, she said, have 'been going on for weeks.' Teleworking is not an option in the Senate, which requires members to vote in person. So Duckworth raised a rare question that split her colleagues more along generational lines than well-worn partisan ones. Duckworth proposed changing the rules to allow senators with newborns - not just Duckworth, and not just women - to bring their babies onto the floor of the Senate. This, recalled Klobuchar, did not go entirely smoothly for the two months she privately took questions about the idea and its potential consequences - diaper changes, fussing and, notably, nursing. Sen. Tom Cotton, father of two, said he has no problem with the rule change. But the Arkansas Republican acknowledged that some of his colleagues do, 'so the cloakroom might be a good compromise.' Klobuchar's answer to that suggestion noted that Duckworth lost both legs and partial use of an arm in Iraq, and mostly gets around by wheelchair. 'Yes, you can vote from the doorway of the cloakroom, but how is she going to get to the cloakroom when it's not wheelchair accessible?' she asked. Passage of the change to the rule was unanimous Some senators proposed making an exception for Duckworth. But her allies said the Senate should make work easier for new parents. 'We believe strongly, and she did, that it should be a permanent rules change.' Having 10 babies on the Senate floor, as Hatch suggested, 'would be a delight,' Klobuchar said. 'We could only wish we had 10 babies on the floor. That would be a delight,' retorted Klobuchar, noting that such a conflagration would probably mean more young senators had been elected in a body where the average age of members tops 60. There was more, voiced privately, Klobuchar said - including whether Duckworth intended to change Maile's diaper or nurse her new baby on the Senate floor. Most senators, though, were supportive, Klobuchar said. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Rules Committee Chairman Roy Blunt, R-Mo., both fathers, helped or did not stand in the way. McConnell did not answer a reporter's question Wednesday about whether he had any concerns about babies on the Senate floor. Several others were happy to voice support for the rules change, and could not resist taking a jab at their colleagues. 'Why would I object to it? We have plenty of babies on the floor,' joked Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. But there still was some confusion. Just after the unanimous vote, Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said it would do the tradition-bound Senate some good to see 'a diaper bag next to one of these brass spittoons, which sit on the floor, thank goodness, never used.' Oklahoma Republican James Inhofe took issue with that, saying: 'They don't use diaper bags anymore. They're disposable diapers.' Diaper bags are generally used to carry clean diapers and other supplies when parents and babies go out. Sometimes, they hold dirty naps until they can be disposed of. WASHINGTON (AP) - Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has ordered his agency to expand recreational opportunities on public lands and waterways. An order signed Wednesday directs the Bureau of Land Management, the Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies to develop plans within 90 days that focus on expanding recreational opportunities. The order also directs bureau heads to designate a full-time employee to oversee recreation. Zinke said the order follows through on his oft-stated goal to "refocus on Interior's long-standing but recently forgotten recreation mission." United States Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke speaks at an offshore winds energy forum Friday, April 6, 2018, in Plainsboro, New Jersey. The secretary noted there is "a lot of opposition" on the east and west coasts to President Trump's offshore oil and gas drilling plan, but would not say if he will exempt any state from it. (AP Photo/Wayne Parry) Americans are fortunate to have "amazing public lands and waters to carry out our tradition of outdoor recreation," Zinke said. But he said the Interior Department must continue to create opportunities to increase access. Zinke named senior adviser Rick May to oversee recreational policy across the department. The order follows one Zinke signed in September to expand hunting and fishing on federal lands. He said it would improve wildlife management and conservation. Environmentalists dismissed the hunting directive as "a do-nothing order," noting that the public already has the right to hunt and fish on federal lands. States have primary authority to regulate hunting and fishing in those areas. Outdoor-recreation groups hailed the latest directive, saying it recognizes the importance of outdoor recreation for the U.S. economy, particularly in rural areas, and for the physical and mental health of all Americans. "Outdoor recreation is an economic engine" that produces 2 percent of the U.S economy and is growing at a faster rate than the economy as a whole, said Frank Hugelmeyer, vice chairman of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, an industry group. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) Over 100 anti-riot police officers will maintain peace and order during Boracay's six-month closure. Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, Western Visayas regional director, on Tuesday said while the region has a "low terrorism threat," anti-riot police will still be deployed to guard Boracay against violence. "Uncertainty, confusion, low morale might result to agitation and eventually maging security issue," he said in a media briefing in Boracay in Malay, Aklan. [Translation: Uncertainty, confusion, low morale can lead to agitation, which could end up being a security issue.] Four hundred seventy-two security personnel are roaming the island. An additional 138 police officers will be deployed for "crowd dispersal management" when the popular tourist destination is shut down beginning April 26. The Philippine Army will oversee internal security. The police officers are prepared for possible protests, rallies, fire incidents, attacks on establishments, bombing, and kidnapping. Security guards will keep establishments safe. Binag said the police will secure 16 areas of possible entry and exit of non-residents. For residents to enter the island, they must present identifications cards that prove they live in any of the three barangays in Boracay. But Binag said the ID System has yet to be ironed out. There will be no for visitors, except in emergency situations with the clearance of the security committee composed of representatives from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine National Police, and the local government. The Boracay Task Force hopes to have a soft reopening of Boracay in August. WASHINGTON (AP) - A bitterly-divided House panel Wednesday approved new work and job training requirements for food stamps as part of a five-year renewal of federal farm and nutrition policy. The GOP-run Agriculture Committee approved the measure strictly along party lines after a contentious, five-hour hearing in which Democrats blasted the legislation, charging it would toss up to 2 million people off of food stamps and warning that it will never pass Congress. The hard-fought food stamp provisions would tighten existing work requirements and expand funding for state training programs, though not by enough to cover everybody subject to the new work and training requirements. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Del., joined at right by Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., argues in opposition as members members of the House Agriculture Committee assemble to craft a new farm bill which includes an overhaul of the food stamp program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Republicans are proposing stricter work mandates on the nation's more than 40 million food stamp recipients. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Agriculture panel chair Michael Conaway said the provisions would offer food stamp beneficiaries "the hope of a job and a skill and a better future for themselves and their families." At issue is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food aid for more than 40 million people, with benefits averaging about $450 a month for a family of four. The food stamp cuts are part of a "workforce development" agenda promised by GOP leaders such as Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., though other elements of the agenda have been slow to develop. "The timing is just perfect, given the fact that we have more than five million jobs that are open and available," said Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Pa., who said the GOP provisions would cement "a pathway to opportunity" for the poor and "give them better access to skills-based education." But Democrats said the provisions would drive up to two million people off of the program, force food stamp recipients to keep up with extensive record keeping rules, and create bulky state bureaucracies to keep track of it all - while not providing enough money to provide job training to all those who would require it. "This legislation would create giant, untested bureaucracies at the state level. It cuts more than $9 billion in benefits and rolls those savings into state slush funds where they can use the money to operate other aspects of SNAP," said Rep. Collin Peterson of Minnesota, top Democrat on the panel. "Let me be clear: this bill, as currently written, kicks people off the SNAP program." Currently, adults 18-59 are required to work part-time or agree to accept a job if they're offered one. Stricter rules apply to able-bodied adults without dependents between the ages of 18 and 49, who are subject to a three-month limit of benefits unless they meet a work requirement of 80 hours per month. Under the new bill, that requirement would be expanded to apply to all work-capable adults, mandating that they either work or participate in work training for 20 hours per week with the exception of seniors, pregnant women, caretakers of children under the age of six, or people with disabilities. In addition to food stamps, the measure would renew farm safety-net programs such as subsidies for crop insurance, farm credit, and land conservation. Those subsidies for farm country traditionally form the backbone of support for the measure among Republicans, while urban Democrats support food aid for the poor. The legislation has traditionally been bipartisan, blending support from urban Democrats supporting nutrition programs with farm state lawmakers supporting farm programs. The measure mostly tinkers with those programs, adding provisions aimed at helping rural America obtain high-speed internet access, assist beginning farmers, and ease regulations on producers. "When you step away from the social nutrition policy much of this is a refinement of the 2014 farm bill. So we're not reinventing the wheel. That makes it dramatically simpler," said Rep. Frank Lucas, R-Okla., a former chairman of the committee. "Most folks are generally satisfied with the fundamentals of the farm safety net." That satisfaction has helped fuel speculation that this year's renewal of food and farm programs will fail because just a short-term renewal of current policies would satisfy many lawmakers. The Senate is taking a more traditional bipartisan approach that's sure to avoid big changes to food stamps. The House measure also would cut funding for land conservation programs long championed by Democrats, prompting criticism from environmental groups. At the same time, it contains a proposal backed by pesticide manufacturers such as the Dow Chemical Company that would streamline the process for approving pesticides by allowing the Environmental Protection Agency to skip reviews required under the Endangered Species Act. The panel adopted by voice vote a proposal by Rep. Jeff Denham, R-Calif., to prohibit the slaughter, trade or import or export of dogs and cats for human consumption in the United States. Members of the House Agriculture Committee, from left, Rep. Darren Soto, D-Fla., Rep. Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., Rep. Tom O'Halleran, D-Ariz., Chairman Mike Conaway, R-Texas, and Rep. Al Lawson, D-Fla., craft a new farm bill which includes an overhaul of the food stamp program, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Republicans are proposing stricter work mandates on the nation's more than 40 million food stamp recipients. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) SALEM, Ore. (AP) - Oregon wildlife officials shot and killed two wolves from a helicopter Wednesday in an attempt to reduce killings of cattle by the predators. The killings have reignited a debate between the state, ranchers and environmentalists about how to manage wolves, which were hunted down for 100 years until they disappeared in 1947. Another young female wolf was shot and killed by a state wildlife official on April 10 on private land where previous depredations occurred. All three wolves belong to the Pine Creek Pack, which roams in eastern Oregon's Baker County, and has killed four calves and injured six others in recent days, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said. FILE - This Feb., 2017, file photo provided by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife shows a wolf of the Wenaha Pack captured on a remote camera on U.S. Forest Service land in Oregon's northern Wallowa County. Northeast Oregon ranchers are again seeking to eradicate the entire Pine Creek wolf pack from nearby Baker County after the predators allegedly attacked livestock for the third time in just over a week. (Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife via AP, File) Gray wolves were taken off the state endangered species list in 2015, 16 years after they returned by crossing over from Idaho, where it had been reintroduced. The species remains protected under federal law in western Oregon. Today, there are around 120 wolves in Oregon, the state said. Nick Cady, legal director of Cascadia Wildlands, said the state wildlife employees who shot the wolves are behaving as agents of the private commercial livestock industry. "The species' recovery is still in its infancy," Cady said of the gray wolves. "We should not be actively killing them." Arran Robertson, spokesman for Oregon Wild, said there's no sign that the state wildlife service has a wolf management plan that will help continue wolf recovery and prevent conflicts. The wildlife department, in a November 2017 draft plan, said "lethal control of wolves is best used in an integrated management program, which includes non-lethal and preventative measures as a starting point to reduce risk of depredation." Those measures include having range riders ward off wolves by their mere human presence, using air horns and firing shots into the air, and shining spotlights. Before the most recent depredations, ranchers in Baker County tried non-lethal actions including burying bone piles and removing carcasses, scaring off the wolves and patrolling cattle from before daylight until darkness daily, the wildlife service said. The Baker City Herald said in an editorial last week that local rancher Chad DelCurto, who lost three calves to the wolves, wants wildlife officials to kill the entire Pine Creek Pack. The state pays ranchers for wolf-killed livestock. Cady said that's not a solution. "Shooting wolves is not stopping depredations," he said. "The state needs to stop and reassess its approach." ___ Follow Andrew Selsky on Twitter at https://twitter.com/andrewselsky Bride-to-be Meghan Markle is to join Prince Harry as the couple begin their work with the Commonwealth Youth Forum together. Just over a month ahead of the royal wedding, American star Ms Markle is attending an event in London on Wednesday as part of the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) week. 60% of the Commonwealth is under the age of 30 and at 1.4 billion strong, it is you who are going to change the world. Watch newly-announced Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Prince Harrys inspiring speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum #CHOGM2018 #cyf pic.twitter.com/FzQHIqyOeM Commonwealth Chair-In-Office (@Commonwealth18) April 16, 2018 Harry has said the former Suits actress is hugely excited to be joining him in his Commonwealth duties. The prince has been given a new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by the Queen and opened the Youth Forum on Monday. The pair, who will marry in Windsor on May 19, plan to support the Queen the head of the Commonwealth by taking a lead in Commonwealth youth matters. It is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in a high-profile occasion such as the Chogm summit. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just over a month to go until their big day (Adrian Dennis/PA) Ms Markle has given up her acting career to devote herself to being a full-time royal. She has already spent Christmas with the royals at Sandringham- a break with tradition because she and Harry were not yet wed and joined Harry on wide-ranging official engagements around the country. At a reception at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London, Ms Markle and Harry will meet delegates who have been taking part in the Youth Forums sessions. The Forum is encouraging young people to debate challenges facing their generation, and agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision-makers. Ms Markle and Harry will also attend a Womens Empowerment reception on Thursday, hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, involving charities and organisations that work to promote global gender equality through girls education. The Chogm summit is staged every two years to discuss the major challenges facing the Commonwealths 2.4 billion citizens. Heads of the 53 Commonwealth nations are meeting in London and Windsor. Crocodile hunter Steve Irwin is to be honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, his family have said. Australian wildlife expert Irwin, who was nicknamed the Crocodile Hunter, died in 2006 aged 44 after being attacked by a stingray while filming footage for a documentary. His daughter Bindi posted on Twitter saying he will be given a star at a ceremony on April 26, adding: Dad changed the world by reaching out to people through their television screens to bring them on the adventure of a lifetime. Steve Irwin, who died in 2006 (Myung Jung Kim/PA) Join us on April 26 to celebrate Dad's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Dad changed the world by reaching out to people through their television screens to bring them on the adventure of a lifetime. We hope to see you in LA! pic.twitter.com/rtqBQZy4Ge Bindi Irwin (@BindiIrwin) April 17, 2018 Irwin was killed as he filmed on the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Queensland, with his death provoking an outpouring of grief across both hemispheres. He starred in more than 200 documentaries in which he was was famous for his cry of Crikey! while confronting some of the worlds most dangerous animals. Terri Irwin, Steves widow and owner of Australia Zoo, wrote: Such a tremendous honour. You are all invited. Youre also welcome to wear khaki. I know Robert, @BindiIrwin and I will be wearing khaki! We are so excited for Steve to receive his very own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! This April 26, join us at the star ceremony celebrating Steves life and everything he achieved. We are truly proud to be continuing his legacy. pic.twitter.com/YAdYBRD170 Australia Zoo (@AustraliaZoo) April 17, 2018 Ana Martinez, producer of the Walk of Fame ceremonies, said: People from around the world will always remember the animal whisperer Steve Irwin. He was a joy to be around and entertained all with his love and knowledge of the animal kingdom. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is thrilled to pay tribute to this exceptional man. An 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 34-year-old who was fatally shot outside an Essex petrol station. Bradley Blundell has been extradited to the UK from the Netherlands after attending a police station in Amsterdam. He was charged on Tuesday with the murder of John Pordage who was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage, Essex Police said. John Pordage, 34, who died last year after a fatal shot to the chest at a BP garage in Chelmsford, Essex. (Family handout/ PA) An 18-year-old man is due in court tomorrow, Wednesday, April 18, charged with the murder of John Pordage in#Chelmsford last year.https://t.co/AHZ5v9sqtE pic.twitter.com/lOaCzfC7Zb Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) April 17, 2018 Mr Pordage died in hospital after the shooting at the garage near the Army and Navy roundabout in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, in the early hours of August 5 last year. Blundell, of Cromwell Close, Boreham, Essex, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Telecoms giant BT is merging its business and public sector divisions to create an enterprise unit with more than 14,000 staff. The group is bringing together the business and public sector division with the wholesale and ventures arm to create BT Enterprise. BT said it was too early to comment on any potential job losses among the combined 14,100 workforce of the two units, but said cuts could not be ruled out. Telecoms giant BT is merging its business and public sector divisions to create an enterprise unit with more than 14,000 staff (Nick Ansell/PA) A BT spokesman said: We will look to eliminate duplication and introduce efficiencies over time. The business and public sector division employs 10,300 staff, while the wholesale and ventures arm has 3,800 workers. The new unit will be headed by Gerry McQuade, currently chief executive of the wholesale and ventures business. Business and public sector chief executive Graham Sutherland will leave BT after five years on its executive committee and 12 years with the company overall, BT said. Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: Having brought together our consumer and EE businesses, this is the next step in the simplification of BTs operating model. Combining our enterprise businesses will allow us to strengthen the services and products we offer to businesses and sharpen our focus on customer service, through clear accountabilities and by introducing efficiencies. The newly combined division, BT Enterprise, will provide products and services to small and medium-sized businesses, the corporate and public sectors and other communications providers in the UK and Ireland. BT said its global services unit will continue to provide services to multinational companies within the UK and worldwide. Mr Patterson has been overhauling the group since its 12.5 billion takeover of EE in 2016. The firm recently announced it is to close its defined benefit pension scheme for 10,000 managers as part of efforts to plug a mammoth deficit. Earlier this year, it also posted falling third-quarter revenues and earnings as it lost 5,000 pay TV customers. The group saw adjusted earnings drop 2% to 1.8 billion in its third quarter to December 31, while sales fell 3% to 5.97 billion. The Queen is synonymous with her love of corgis. The snappy little dogs had a penchant for nipping servants ankles, but the Queen has always been devoted to them. She has owned more than 30 of the breed, as well as dorgis, black Labradors and cocker spaniels. Her first corgi, Susan, was given to her as an 18th birthday present by her parents in 1944. The Queen with Susan at Buckingham Palace (PA) The Queen had fallen in love with her fathers dog Dookie, a Pembrokeshire corgi, and wanted one of her own. Susan became the founder of the Queens royal dog dynasty, and was even taken on honeymoon by Princess Elizabeth. But Susan was not always well-behaved. She bit a royal clockwinder on the ankle and was also rather partial to going for servants legs. Her grandson, Whisky, apparently tore the seat out of a Guards officers trousers. The Queen has looked after her own dogs as much as possible. The Queen with one of the royal corgis and the Duke of Edinburgh at a polo event in Windsor Great Park (PA) She now has Whisper a corgi she adopted after the death of its owner, a Sandringham gamekeeper and two dorgis, Vulcan and Candy. During weekends at Windsor, the corgis went too and lived in her private apartments. She fed them herself, whenever her busy schedule permitted. She mixed their feed with a spoon and fork, from ingredients brought on a tray by a footman. She also enjoyed walking her corgis and they knew when it was time for their exercise. If the Queen came in wearing a tiara, they laid glumly on the carpet; if she was in a headscarf, they knew it was time for walkies. The Queen meets the Manitoba Corgi Association in Canada (Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA) The Duke of York said his mothers love of her corgis has helped to keep her fit. She is just amazing at her age and she walks a long way, the dogs keep her active, Andrew said. Corgis are liable to bite peoples legs because their forebears rounded up sheep by snapping at their feet. One footman at the Palace found a novel way of getting his own back. He spiked the dogs food and water with whisky and gin, then watched in amusement as the tipsy animals staggered around. But he was discovered and demoted. At one stage, the Queen was forced to call in a dog psychiatrist when her corgis kept setting upon each other. The worst incident was when Ranger, who belonged to the Queen Mother, killed the Queens dorgi Chipper in 1989. Two years later the Queen was bitten on the left hand while trying to break up a fight between six of her corgis and two of the Queen Mothers at Windsor. She needed three stitches and her chauffeur needed a tetanus jab. The Queen and a companion greet Commonwealth secretary-general Baroness Scotland at Windsor Castle (Andrew Matthews/PA) Canine psychiatrist Roger Mugford prescribed an ear-piercing rape alarm which the Queen used to break up the dog fights. He also sent the leader of the pack, Apollo, to live with the Princess Royal. But sometimes it was the corgis who found themselves under attack. In 2003, as the royals were gathering for Christmas at Sandringham in Norfolk, one suffered a tragic fate. Pharos then one of the Queens oldest corgis was savaged by another dog and had to be put down. The Queen was devastated at the death of one of her favourite pets. Dottie, an English bull terrier owned by the Princess Royal, was blamed. The year before, Anne had been fined 500 when the same dog attacked two children in Windsor Great Park. But some days later, an announcement from the Palace revealed it was a case of mistaken identity. The real killer of Pharos was Florence, another of Annes dogs. Pharos was buried in the Sandringham grounds, joining Susan and some of the other corgis with gravestones there. In 2012, the Queens remaining corgis had a starring role in the James Bond sketch the Queen recorded for the London Olympics opening ceremony. Monty, Willow and Holly greeted the secret agent, played by Daniel Craig, as he arrived at the Palace to accept a mission from the Queen. Monty, who was 13, died a couple of months later. Holly was put down in October 2016 after suffering from an illness, leaving Willow, who died on Sunday, as the Queens final corgi descended from Susan. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) The government is "taking diplomatic action" over the reported presence of two Chinese military planes on a reef in the South China Sea, the country's top diplomat said Wednesday. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may file a diplomatic protest against China, its chief, Alan Peter Cayetano said in a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines on Wednesday. "We have to take it into context of how the dialogues are being done now and we'll make sure that all the other claimants know the Philippines' position which is to totally roll back," Cayetano told foreign journalists. Cayetano was asked about the report of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which said it had obtained photos showing two Chinese military transport planes on Panganiban Reef or Mischief Reef, located in the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. This is part of the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone as awarded by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague in July 2016. Cayetano said, although the military has yet to verify the report, government authorities said they have never been clueless on what is happening in the different features in the South China Sea. He said that all claimants and not just the Philippines and China, should talk to each other to resolve issues in the long-standing maritime row. China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and the Philippines have overlapping claims in the Spratlys. Ariana Grande has teased the release of new music. The US pop star shared the news on Twitter, suggesting a single, No Tears Left To Cry, would be released on Friday. It comes just under 11 months after Grandes concert in Manchester was targeted by suicide bomber Salman Abedi, who detonated a home-made device in the foyer of the Manchester Arena, killing 22 people. Ariana Grande (PA) o l s ou 4.20 Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) April 17, 2018 Grandes last album, Dangerous Woman, was released in May 2016. Before Tuesday the 24-year-old had not posted since January 1 and she told her followers miss you. Her manager, Scooter Braun, confirmed at the end of last year that she had been working on a new album which would have a more mature sound. Magician Dynamo has said a trip to a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon put his health battle, which has affected his ability to perform tricks, into perspective for him. The performer recently revealed he has been suffering for the last eight months, after being hospitalised due to a bout of food poisoning combined with his Crohns disease, and that he also developed arthritis as a side effect. He has now described how he is working with a charity to get half a million Syrian refugee children into education, and that he is keen to focus on helping others rather than his own problems. Dynamo pledges to help Syrian refugee children amid own health battle (Yui Mok/PA) "It's definitely had quite a toll on my body..." In his first TV interview since @Dynamomagician opened up about his battle with #crohns, Dynamo told us about how it's affected his appearance and his ability to do magic: #moonfacefordynamo pic.twitter.com/4dnkKsVExC BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) April 18, 2018 Dynamo told BBC Breakfast: I wasnt able to perform much magic because of my illness so it allowed me to go out there and take a bit of time, do something to help other people and really focus my mind on not thinking about my illness and thinking about helping other people. Being out there, it really put into perspective what Syrian children and what Syrian families (are) having to go through. Makes my illness feel like nothing in comparison, and it kind of helped put it in perspective for me. He said that he has taken a lot of this time to re-evaluate my approach to magic and also to certain elements of life in general. Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, said he was inspired by a recent trip to Lebanon, and that he has been working with global childrens charity Theirworld. He added: My main focus by the end of the year is to get half a million Syrian refugee children into school because theyre not being educated, and thats something that needs to be addressed. We took @Dynamomagician to a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon to meet some of the 600,000 children left out of school without hope of a brighter future. Share this film now to remind world leaders of the promise they have broken. #YouPromised pic.twitter.com/PvTDlvW9HY Theirworld (@theirworld) April 18, 2018 They were promised an education from the governments who met in 2016 at the UN, and they promised all this money to get these kids in school and they didnt deliver. So theyre meeting again in a few days and Im going to go there in person. Dynamo said he would take a petition signed by lots of people to remind the governments that these kids are still not in school. Of his own career, the 35-year-old TV star said he was working with medical professionals to get himself to a place where he could return to performing and show off some new magic tricks. He said the arthritis meant he wont be able to use my hands like I normally would. Im working with a physio and doctors to find a way to get the right medication and the right treatment, so I can hopefully come back on stage and show you some new magic, he said. Im always working on new ideas and Ive got many ways to do my tricks, and some of them dont need as much dexterity, I use my mind, which is still intact. The father of Alfie Evans has kissed the hand of the Pope and begged him to save our son. Mr Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, want to move their son from Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool to Rome for treatment and have launched a second application to the Supreme Court. They have already lost fights in the High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights after Mr Justice Hayden ruled that doctors could stop providing life-support treatment for the 23-month old. (Screenshot/Facebook/PA) Judges have heard that Alfie, born on May 9 2016, is in a semi-vegetative state and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors have not definitively diagnosed. Mr Justice Hayden said flying Alfie to a foreign hospital would be wrong and pointless. Mr Evans posted on Facebook that he flew to Rome on Tuesday evening and met the Pope on Wednesday morning. Posting photos of himself kissing Pope Franciss hand, he wrote: Your holiness save our son. During his general audience afterwards, the Pope led the crowd in a moment of silent prayer for Alfie. At the beginning of April, Francis tweeted his support for the youngster, posting: It is my sincere hope that everything necessary may be done in order to continue compassionately accompanying little Alfie Evans, and that the deep suffering of his parents may be heard. I am praying for Alfie, for his family and for all who are involved. Earlier this week Francis said: Its our duty to do everything to care for life. Jeremy Corbyn has said there can be no excuse for abuse as he praised the bravery of MPs who spoke out about the anti-Semitic attacks they have suffered. A series of Labour MPs spoke in the Commons about the abuse they had received from people who purported to be supporters of Mr Corbyn. In an emotional Commons debate, Luciana Berger said Labour must expel those with anti-Semitic views, and criticised people who attacked her for speaking out on the issue while claiming to be both party members and supporters of the #JC4PM Jeremy Corbyn for prime minister campaign. Jeremy Corbyn has praised the bravery of MPs who spoke out on anti-Semitism (Jane Barlow/PA) A standing ovation in defiance of parliamentary convention followed Ruth Smeeths speech, in which the Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent North read a sample of the abuse aimed at her and insisted: Enough really is enough. Labour former minister Dame Margaret Hodge was applauded after a speech in which she said it felt as if her party hasd given permission for anti-Semitism to go unchallenged, while John Mann said he had been targeted by campaign group Momentum for showing solidarity with Jewish Labour members with his wife threatened with rape by a leftist anti-Semite. Mr Corbyn responded to the debate on Twitter, saying the harrowing experiences shared in the Commons showed the urgent need to eradicate anti-Semitism from politics and society. But he made no explicit reference to the concerns raised by Labour MPs about problems within the party. He said: I pay tribute to MPs who spoke in yesterdays anti-Semitism debate, whose harrowing experiences remind us of the urgent need to eradicate anti-Semitism from politics and society. There is no excuse for abuse of any kind, and I want to thank them for their bravery in speaking out. Today I shared my own experience in the #AntisemitismDebate. You can watch my full speech here > > https://t.co/HlzyPuyVnn pic.twitter.com/TEcOlpuf62 Luciana Berger (@lucianaberger) April 17, 2018 During Tuesdays debate, Ms Berger (Liverpool Wavertree) and other MPs backed calls to expel Ken Livingstone from the Labour Party, with former minister Ian Austin saying the ex-London mayor had been comparing, claiming that Hitler was a Zionist labelling this as anti-Semitism pure and simple. Ms Berger was also applauded by MPs from all sides after she detailed the anti-Semitic abuse she has faced, which she said began when she was 19 and described her as a dirty Zionist pig. I pay tribute to MPs who spoke in yesterday's antisemitism debate, whose harrowing experiences remind us of the urgent need to eradicate antisemitism from politics and society. There is no excuse for abuse of any kind, and I want to thank them for their bravery in speaking out. Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) April 18, 2018 Following Ms Bergers speech, Ms Smeeth (Stoke-on-Trent North) could be seen crying and was comforted by party colleague Wes Streeting (Ilford North). In her own speech, Ms Smeeth read out abuse before saying: I stand here today to say that we will not be bullied out of political engagement, we are going nowhere and we stand and will keep fighting until the evils of anti-Semitism have been removed from our society. Mr Corbyn was in the Commons for large parts of the debate, with Communities Secretary Sajid Javid accusing the Labour leader of a deeply worrying lack of leadership and moral clarity on anti-Semitism. A bouncy castle that blew across a fairground with a little girl inside it was packed into a trailer before police arrived, a court heard. Seven-year-old Summer Grant was rescued from the inflatable after it hit a tree and came to rest against a fence, but died of her injuries in hospital, a trial at Chelmsford Crown Court was told. Fairground worker William Thurston, 29, and his wife Shelby Thurston, 26, both deny manslaughter by gross negligence and a health and safety offence following the incident at Harlow Town Park in Essex. Fairground workers Shelby Thurston, 26, and William Thurston, 29, arrive at an earlier court hearing in Chelmsford. Prosecutors say that the Thurtons, of Whitecross Road, Wilburton, near Ely, Cambridgeshire, failed to ensure that the bouncy castle was adequately anchored to the ground and failed to monitor weather conditions to ensure it was safe to use on Easter Saturday in 2016. Kyle Ramm said in a witness statement that he saw the bouncy castle flipping and spinning down the hill towards him as he spoke to his colleague Karen Hughes at Pets Corner city farm, where they both work, at the edge of Harlow Town Park. Suddenly Karen said oh my God and pointed in the direction of the fair, said Mr Ramm. When I looked I saw a yellow dome-style bouncy castle blowing down the hill. It was flipping and spinning as it bounced, at least the height of an adult down the hill towards our sheep paddock. He said it hit a fence and a tree with some force as it had snapped a branch. I could see there were people from the fair chasing after it, he said. One of them unzipped the castle before going in and coming out with a young girl. Two fairground workers are facing charges connected to the girls death (Essex Police/PA) They then placed her in the recovery position and shouted call an ambulance. He said the bouncy castle was soon totally flat, adding: I saw people from the fair had started to load the castle up onto a trailer. Shortly after the castle was removed police arrived and appeared to be cross that the castle had been moved, he said. Tommy King, who also works at Pets Corner, told the trial on Wednesday that a truck-type car came over and probably about half a dozen people packed the inflatable away. He said that afterwards police arrived and started cordoning off the area with police tape, placing orange cones down and taking details. The cones, a couple of them fell over as they were only small and the tape was just flying around in the wind, he said. Ben Mansfield, who was at the fair with his wife and son, said it was a rainy day and that before the bouncy castle blew away he saw an inflatable slide being taken down, adding it looked like it was being done in quite a hurry. Aaron Cartwright, who was also at the fair, said: It was wet and windy. It was just a bit of a dismal day, really. Summer, from Norwich, had been at the fair with her father Lee Grant and other family members. The trial continues. Idris Elba is to star in and produce a new comedy for Netflix. The Luther star will play the title role in Turn Up Charlie as a struggling DJ and bachelor who reluctantly becomes a manny to his famous best friends wild child daughter. Production begins in May in the UK, chief content officer Ted Sarandos said. Idris Elba (Jonathan Brady/PA) The show will be a collaboration between Brown Eyed Boy Productions and Elbas own company Green Door Pictures. The show will not be Elbas first time in a DJ booth as he started his career spinning tracks under the name Big Driis, and still takes the opportunity to hit the decks. Last year he DJed in London and New York and and performed in Ibiza at nightclub Pacha. He is also due to play a string of sets this year, including at festivals in Dublin and London, as well as a show in Croatia. A worker at a top investment management company posted mocked-up pictures of a female colleague to porn websites when she rejected his romantic advances, a court has heard. Davide Buccheri, 25, is accused of carrying out a calculated and malicious harassment campaign over seven months while working at M&G, in the heart of the City of London. Prosecutor Aimee Emby told Londons Hendon Magistrates Court that Buccheri took images from his colleagues social media accounts and downloaded pornographic images of women of similar build from the internet before telling her bosses, in a bid to discredit her. Ms Emby said: She felt intimidated by his behaviour. The defendant had a considerable romantic interest. Following his rejection he pursued an increasingly complex and insidious amount of harassment. It is claimed Buccheri used the firms internal whistleblowing system to tell bosses about the images. Buccheri, of Bologna, Italy, has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of harassment between September 9 2016 and May 29 2017. The pictures were allegedly edited and cropped to make them look like the alleged victim before being put in galleries on porn websites. Buccheri showed an excessive interest in the woman after she joined the firm as an intern in June 2016, and they were in touch via the internal messaging system, according to Ms Emby. The female colleague at first turned Buccheri down when he invited her for a coffee, but later changed her mind. She then made repeated attempts to postpone the coffee which showed her reluctance to meet him, the court was told. He also asked for her telephone number but she refused. Buccheri denies the charges (Yui Mok/PA) Ms Emby told the court that Buccheris actions were aimed at destroying her credibility and reputation and it did cause her harassment, alarm and distress. Giving evidence from behind a curtain so she would not have to see her alleged harasser, the woman said she had felt devastated, and extremely surprised when she saw the images. She spoke of having an uneasy feeling about Buccheri and wanted to keep him at arms length. Trying to restart her career after the alleged harassment was very difficult, she told the court. Saying that her confidence is low she added: Networking at professional parties with men in the business is hard in trying to trust my instincts. Offending images appeared on galleries owned by a user called Flying Gerbil, the court heard. It is claimed that Buccheri obtained images of the woman from her social media accounts along with pornographic images from the internet of women with a similar build and appearance. He then cropped the pornographic images to remove the faces, the prosecution claims. It is alleged these images were used by Buccheri, along with genuine images of the woman, to create multiple galleries on a pornographic website. Detective constable David Blight, of the City of London police cyber crime unit, had access in September 2017 to the laptop seized from Buccheri. He told the court: I can say that he used the Facebook pages where the images were contained. There were images uploaded to the pornographic website which appeared to have originated from Facebook. A search term including the womans name and the word slut had been used, he told the court. Police also found a file which had her name and the word compromising on it. The hearing was adjourned to Thursday at 10am. Theresa May accused Jeremy Corbyn of allowing anti-Semitism to run rife in his party after the Labour leader claimed she led a callous and incompetent Government. The Prime Minister reacted furiously to Mr Corbyns strong criticism of the Governments treatment of the Windrush generation, who have faced challenges to their immigration status. Mrs May pointed to a Commons debate which saw standing ovations and applause for Labour MPs who shared stories of the anti-Semitic abuse and threats they have received, including from those purporting to support Mr Corbyn, and their fears of increasing hostility towards Jewish people. Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn (PA) Quite. Its time for political leaders to hold a mirror up to their own parties. Its uncomfortable. No one has moral high ground on racism right now. https://t.co/wlsB5Tl8us Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) April 18, 2018 Speaking during Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Corbyn launched a final attack on the Governments immigration policy by telling MPs: This is a shameful episode and the responsibility for it lies firmly at the Prime Ministers door. Her pandering to bogus immigration targets led to a hostile environment for people contributing to our country. It led to British citizens being denied NHS treatment, losing their jobs, homes and pensions, thrown into detention centres like criminals and even deported, vital historical records shredded and ministers blaming officials. The Windrush generation came to our country after the war to rebuild our nation that had been so devastated by war. Isnt the truth, Mr Speaker, that under her the Home Office became heartless and hopeless? And doesnt she now run a Government that is both callous and incompetent? All I feel after Corbyn/PM exchange is that the prospects of the House of Commons delivering a just and evidence-based immigration system any time soon are not high. Stuart McDonald MP (@Stuart_McDonald) April 18, 2018 Mrs May said the Windrush generation helped to build the country, worked in public service and have a right to be here as they are British, with efforts ongoing to ensure people have the documentation they need. She added: (Mr Corbyn) talks about being callous and having a disregard for people. I have to say to him that I am the Prime Minister who initiated the Race Disparity Audit, which said What are we doing in this country to ensure people have equal opportunities in this country?. And can I say to (Mr Corbyn), he talks about being callous I will not take that following a debate last night where powerful contributions were made, particularly by the members for Stoke-on-Trent North (Ruth Smeeth), Barking (Dame Margaret Hodge) and Liverpool Wavertree (Luciana Berger). I will not take an accusation of callous from a man who allows anti-Semitism to run rife in his party. The Prime Minister later paid tribute to Ms Smeeth and Ms Berger for their incredible bravery in speaking out. It came as Tory former leader Iain Duncan Smith described their speeches in Tuesdays debate as deeply moving, adding: They were both horrifying in the sense of the abuse that they have faced, but also uplifting in the sense of the bravery that they have shown in tackling their abusers. Can I ask (Mrs May), does she not agree with me, what came out of that debate yesterday was that not only should every political party have absolutely no place for anybody who is an anti-Semite, but also, just as importantly, should kick out of the party any apologist for anti-Semites? Mrs May said: I think it is incredibly important for us in political parties in this country to show a very clear signal that we will not accept, we will not tolerate anti-Semitism in any form. I made reference to a number of speeches that were made yesterday. Can I also join him in commending those members of this House, particularly (Ms Smeeth) and (Ms Berger), who have suffered incredible abuse as a result of this anti-Semitism, but who also have shown incredible bravery in being willing to stand up and set that out to this House. Theirs was a fine example of the best of this House of Commons and the best of Members of Parliament. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) President Rodrigo Duterte admitted on Wednesday he ordered the Bureau of Immigration (BI) to probe Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox's "disorderly conduct," which led to her temporary detention. "I ordered her to be investigated - not deported at once, not arrested - for disorderly conduct," he said during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) change of command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo. "I take full responsibility, legal and otherwise for this incident," Duterte said. "Beginning today, I will decide who gets in, who gets out. You want to question that, you go to court and I will follow." The President, who has previously cussed in public, said Fox has a "foul mouth." " 'Wag mong papasukin kasi madumi ang bunganga ng madreng 'yan. (We should not let her enter the country because the nun is foul-mouthed. You don't have the right to criticize me," the President added. Duterte's sermon went on: "Stick to your own religion and try to correct the abuses within your organization, to address homosexuality and malpractices and adulterous priests." He asked the left not to invite foreigners who intrude on the country's sovereignty. He said the only reason she was released was because she was not caught in "flagrante delicto" - meaning she was not caught in the act of berating the government. Duterte said he and Fox do not share the same God. "My God has common sense. Your God does not have it," he said. "We respect the prerogative of the President but we appeal for him to withdraw his order because Sister Pat did not commit any disorderly conduct," said Fox's legal counsel Jobert Pahilga. He is confident that authorities will find no basis to deport her. CNN Philippines' Anjo Alimario contributed to this report. London mayor Sadiq Khan has described the Canadian and New Zealand prime ministers as two of the leading feminists in the world. Mr Khan hosted Justin Trudeau and Jacinda Ardern at City Hall on Wednesday, in an event marking their first engagements since arriving in the UK for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In front of an audience of children from three secondary schools in the capital, the two prime ministers and the mayor of London discussed gender equality and issues facing the younger generation, in an event marking 100 years since British women secured the vote. What a truly inspiring discussion a huge thank you to prime ministers @JacindaArdern and @JustinTrudeau for coming to City Hall to talk gender equality, and to our incredible audience of young Londoners for your thought-provoking questions #BehindEveryGreatCity #CHOGM18 pic.twitter.com/pYcZD9N6ul Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 18, 2018 As he introduced the two premiers on stage Mr Khan encouraged loud cheering and said: We have got two of the leading feminists in the world, they are in positions of power and influence and they are amazing people. Mr Trudeau and Ms Ardern took questions from the youngsters, including on the advice they would offer to someone hoping to be prime minister and their opinions on whether the voting age should be changed. Ms Ardern revealed her mother had been a huge inspiration when pressed on who her role model was, and how during parliamentary question time she would stand at the dispatch box with a file of letters sent by school children. She said that during the debate she looks at drawings and pictures from children, adding: They are not just sending me happy smiley faces, they are most often sending me big worries in the world. Turtles and straws up turtles noses, plastics in the sea, they care deeply about issues that lots of people talk about those letters have an impact on me. Sadiq Khan, centre, takes questions with Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Trudeau told the audience he is raising his daughter to believe she can achieve anything, with no barriers in her way, but added it is also important for his sons to be brought up as feminists as well. If you think about it, we are in a situation where men are unfairly given more opportunities, more power and more weight to what they say and do because we have an imbalance in our society, he added. Well, the men have to be encouraged and brought along and use that extra power and weight we give them to be part of making equality happen, to be part of the solution. Mr Trudeau also stressed how gender equality is not just a social issue, but one that is also economic. Mr Khan also said that because Ms Ardern had lived in the English capital for two and a half years, in his eyes it means a Londoner is the prime minister of New Zealand. Mr Trudeau takes a selfie with his two colleagues (Stefan Rousseau/PA) After the event Mr Khan told reporters: What is fascinating about these two prime ministers is that they were keen to come to City Hall. I am not the prime minister, I am the mayor of London, but (they came) to meet with young people and engage, and in this year when we commemorate 100 years since the first women got the right to vote. He said he was impressed by the honesty of the two world leaders and how they are both proud feminists and committed to gender equality. Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is in pole position to prevent Tottenham striker Harry Kane from clinching a hat-trick of Premier League Golden Boot awards. The Egyptian has already breached the 30-goal barrier the first player to do so in the English top flight since Luis Suarez in 2013-14 in his maiden season at Anfield. If he continues at his current rate, Salah is projected to finish on 34 goals to tie the all-time Premier League record, with Kane forecast to net three more times and finish on 29 for the campaign. Kane has significant ground to make up, but Press Association Sport outlines four reasons why the race to finish as the leagues top scorer may not be a foregone conclusion. The collective good (PA Graphic) Salah insisted after scoring his 40th goal this season in all competitions against Bournemouth last weekend that winning the Champions League with Liverpool is his top priority over any individual accolades likely to come his way. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will concur and, given a top-four spot in the league is a near certainty, he is more likely than Kane to be substituted, brought on from the bench or rested entirely with the two midweek semi-final legs against Roma in mind. If not then Kane will be the fresher of the two. Kane the main man England forward Kane, who was controversially awarded a goal in the win over Stoke earlier this month after claiming the ball had brushed his shoulder, is Spurs attacking fulcrum and therefore has fewer rivals with whom to share the limelight. The Londoner has taken 30 per cent of Tottenhams shots in this campaign 169 out of 567 in total while Salah has more competition, working alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino in a front three, as 22 per cent 128 from 577 would attest. Run-in Mane, Firmino and Salah = 82 goals this season. pic.twitter.com/ukqERxliRG Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 14, 2018 Both Salah and Kane have only four games with which to boost their tallies but it is Tottenham that appear to have a slightly easier run-in than Liverpool. Three of the north London clubs last four fixtures are at Wembley while their only remaining game on their travels is at rock-bottom West Brom, who have only won twice at The Hawthorns this term. Liverpool, meanwhile, have two away trips, the second of which is against Chelsea and comes four days after the Champions League semi-final second leg in Rome. Multiple goals in a game 3 - @HKane is one of three players to score 25+ Premier League goals in 3+ successive seasons (also Alan Shearer and Thierry Henry). Wonder. #pfaawards pic.twitter.com/LKolGUrm8D OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 18, 2018 When Kanes confidence is up then he is difficult to stop, and he has scored more than once in 11 games for Tottenham in all competitions this season, with Salah doing so on seven occasions. Kane has the opportunity to take big chunks out of Salahs lead as he is more likely to score multiple times in a game. He will certainly run his rival close if he can emulate his finish last season, in which he scored eight times in Tottenhams last three matches. The Home Office is to look at a young boys application to use medicinal cannabis speedily, the Prime Minister has said. The family of Alfie Dingley want him to be given the medication, a banned substance in the UK, to treat his rare form of epilepsy. An application for a special licence for the treatment was submitted to the Home Office on Monday by Alfies GP and a neurologist. Prime Minister Theresa May was probed about the issue during Prime Ministers Questions by Jeff Smith, MP for Manchester Withington. Alfie Dingleys cannabis licence is to be reviewed by the Home Office (Maggie Deacon/PA) She said: I was very pleased to be able to meet Alfie and his family. I have written to the family to reiterate our commitment to explore the range of options for finding a solution for Alfie. Of course we want to ensure that people get the treatment that they need. It is also important that medicines are properly and thoroughly tested. But I will also ensure that the Home Office looks at this application speedily. The youngster has previously travelled to the Netherlands so he could be treated with cannabis oil. He has been admitted to hospital several times in recent weeks due to the severity of his symptoms. Alfie suffers from a rare form of epilepsy that results in up to 150 potentially life threatening seizures a month. But his family said that with the treatment of medicinal cannabis, these seizures were reduced to just one per month. His mother Hannah Deacon, from Kenilworth in Warwickshire, said: We thank the many parliamentarians that have supported us and the supportive signals from the Home Office. But we are now approaching a crisis. Alfies condition is deteriorating. Weve done as the Government has asked and the application is in. Now its time for compassion and swift action. Our family should not have to fight this hard for something that we know works for our son. In March, the family handed a petition backing Alfies campaign, signed by 370,000 people, to Downing Street. A number of high-profile campaigners have supported the campaign, including Sir Patrick Stewart, Joanna Lumley and Sir Richard Branson. A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 34-year-old man who was fatally shot outside an Essex petrol station. Bradley Blundell, 18, was extradited to the UK from the Netherlands after attending a police station in Amsterdam. He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of John Pordage, who was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage. John Pordage was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage in Chelmsford (Essex Police/PA) Mr Pordage died in hospital after the shooting near the Army and Navy roundabout in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, in the early hours of August 5 last year. Blundell, of Cromwell Close, Boreham, Essex, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods. He spoke only to confirm his personal details during the brief hearing, with no pleas taken, and was remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday. Rebel Wilson has returned to court to fight a magazine publishers appeal against an order to pay the Australian actress a record 4.6 million Australian dollars (2.5 million) in damages for defamation. The award was made over articles claiming she lied about her age, the origin of her first name and her upbringing in Sydney. The 38-year-old comic, best known for the movies Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, sat with her mother Sue Bownds in a packed Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal in Melbourne but did not give evidence. Rebel Wilson attending the European premiere of How To Be Single (Ian West/PA) Bauer Media, which publishes Australian magazines Womans Day, Australian Womens Weekly, NW and OK, argued that the largest defamation payout in Australia legal history awarded against the German company in September was manifestly excessive. Bauers lawyer, Michael Wheelahan, said the publisher would not appeal against the defamation verdict reached by a jury in July. Bauer is challenging the finding that Wilson should be compensated for film roles, including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda 3, which she claimed she had lost following the publications in 2015. Mr Wheelahan argued Wilsons career earnings had been on an upward trajectory in 2015 with a few speed bumps along the way, but there was no evidence that the articles had any influence. He argued that Hollywood agent Peter Principato, an industry person on the grapevine, had not heard of the defamatory articles at the time. Speaking outside court, Wilson said Hollywood had been well aware of her case. Bauer maliciously defamed me and Im here to hold them accountable for that, she said. The hearing before three judges is to continue on Thursday. Before the trial, Bauer rejected Wilsons offer to settle the case for 200,000 Australian dollars (109,185). Holidaymakers heading overseas could benefit from a cash bonus due to the strengthening of sterling. Four-fifths (80%) of the Post Office Travel Moneys top 40 best-selling currencies are now weaker against sterling than a year ago. Sterlings biggest year-on-year gains have been against the Turkish lira and the Russian ruble, the analysis of the best-selling currencies found. Foreign money on a table (Martin Keane/PA) There have also been big gains for sterling against the Brazilian real and the Costa Rican colon, the Post Office said. But some other key European holiday currencies, including the euro, remain stronger against sterling than a year ago. However, Post Office Travel Money said the pound is just 1.7% weaker against the euro year on year and it has been moving up in value in recent weeks. It also said sales of some long-haul holiday currencies are already surging ahead of 2017 levels but a more cautious approach appears to be being adopted by consumers for some European currencies. Sales of the Thai baht and the Barbados dollar are among those to have seen a jump. Year-on-year sales of the Thai baht surged by 42% in the first three months of 2018, while Croatian kuna sales jumped by 32% and sales of the Barbados dollar saw a 29% increase. Andrew Brown, the Post Offices head of travel money, said: Sterling has been rising in value against European currencies in the past month and it may be that holidaymakers planning European trips are holding off changing money to see whether the pound rises further. On the other hand, the surge in long-haul currencies may be an indication that canny travellers are travelling to destinations further afield after reports of rising eurozone prices. Mr Brown continued: The appetite for travel to Croatia seems insatiable. Our kuna sales have quadrupled over the past decade, with no sign yet of a plateauing in demand. Coronation Street star Shelley King has praised the soap for tackling important and vital issues as she discussed a current storyline about a gay relationship involving a married Muslim woman. King said the storyline is one she is passionate about, because it echoes her own experiences as a gay woman, and she has also told of her own struggle with her sexuality in her younger years. In Corrie, the actress plays Yasmeen Nazir, the grandmother-in-law of the soaps first gay Muslim character, Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia), who is involved in an affair with Kate Connor (Faye Brookes). In scenes that will air on Wednesday, Rana will be kidnapped by her outraged parents, who want to send her to Pakistan and away from her female lover. King told ITVs This Morning: Things are still happening and its not religion-specific, it might happen to anyone at any time. Many moons ago, a relationship of mine, (a partner) whose mother was a psychiatrist tried to give her shock treatment, and thats the truth. So its something that happened then and is happening now. She added: Its so important; one of the reasons Im so proud to be in Corrie is that Corrie deals quite courageously with some very, very important and vital issues, and people learn to live with them. People learn to look at these issues in a different way. The 62-year-old said: I am an out gay woman but, at the age of 25, I was in a programme called Angels, and the producers suggested they would make my character gay, and I just wasnt ready. I mean, the world was a different world, I didnt even know how to deal with my own sexuality then. Shelley King in Coronation Street (Andrew Boyce/ITV) She told This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that she was once turned away from a lesbian club in London because they were a bit suspicious of her. I didnt know what to do it was a different world, and people were put into boxes. I think its getting hugely better but I think it still has a long way to go. King said her Corrie character, who has been in Weatherfield since 2014, is accepting of every religion and every colour and every creed. She added: I think thats why she was very open, and why she would be more open to her granddaughter-in-laws realisation that she was in love with a woman. Coronation Street continues on Wednesday at 7.30pm on ITV. The SNP has been accused of manufacturing a legal row over Brexit in order to push for a second independence referendum. The accusation came as MPs debated the UK Governments decision to challenge emergency Brexit legislation passed by the Scottish Parliament and Welsh Assembly in the courts. The devolved nations had rejected the UK Governments EU (Withdrawal) Bill, which returned to the House of Lords on Wednesday, branding it a Westminster power grab and instead chose to pass their own continuity Bills to transpose EU law. A Union flag, Saltire and European flag outside the Scottish Parliament (Jane Barlow/PA) Scottish Tory MP Kirstene Hair (Angus) described the move as a political manoeuvre designed to instigate another referendum. Ms Hair, speaking the Commons, said: Myself and my colleagues have been concerned that the SNPs continuity Bill is a political manoeuvre designed to create precedence for legislation on a second independence referendum. Its time for the SNP to put this grievance to one side and get serious about working together as one team for the best possible Brexit. SNP frontbencher Pete Wishart told ministers the decision to challenge the Bill represented an utter contempt for Scottish Parliament. He said: This quite extraordinary, theres only a question about this legislation because the Tories have chosen to question it. Theyve been democratically defeated in the Scottish Parliament by an overwhelming majority and theyre now showing their utter contempt for Scottish democracy by seeking to have this democratic decision overturned in the courts. Pleased to get so much support from Labour benches for my defence of the Scottish Parliaments #EU Continuity Bill. @ScotTories MPs looking very upset. Seems the #BetterTogether honeymoon might finally be over? #ScotlandsPlaceInEurope #Brexit Joanna Cherry QC (@joannaccherry) April 18, 2018 Speaking earlier in the question session, Attorney General Jeremy Wright said the continuity Bills raised serious questions about legislative competence that need to be explored. He told MPs: The key purpose of the EU (Withdrawal) Bill before this Parliament is to provide certainty across the UK on day one after exit from the EU and the Scottish and Welsh continuity Bills would frustrate this objective. If the continuity Bills were to become law, there would be impacts not just on the governments and legislatures but on widespread understanding of and confidence in UK law after exit. SNP justice and home affairs spokeswoman Joanna Cherry described the UK Governments action as unprecedented, saying: The Scottish Parliaments Bill was passed by an overwhelming majority of 95 votes to 32. Only the Tories and one Lib Dem did not support the Bill. The rest of the Parliament the SNP, Labour Party, the Greens and the rest of the Lib Dems -supported the Bill. Scottish ministers are satisfied its within the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament. In this view they have the support of Scotlands most senior law officer, the Lord Advocate. Ms Cherry, who secured the urgent question, asked: Why is this Tory Government seeking to defeat a Bill in the courts which it couldnt defeat by democratic means in the Scottish Parliament? Mr Wright, replying to this question, said a substantial part of the Bill in the Scottish Parliament was a re-run of amendments she sought to get passed in this House and failed to do so. SNP MP Stewart Malcolm McDonald (Glasgow South) later accused Mr Wright of talking tosh as he claimed the Government wanted to abolish the Scottish Parliament. Mr Wright batted away the suggest, saying: Thats a bit of a stretch even for him. Double Winter Olympic champion Lizzy Yarnold brought gold to the streets of Kent when she embarked upon an open-top bus tour to celebrate her success. The 29-year-old became the first Briton to retain a Winter Olympic title when she claimed skeleton glory for the second successive games in PyeongChang in February. On Wednesday, the Sevenoaks athlete took to the streets to meet fans who had cheered her on from afar as she toured the borough. Lizzy Yarnold holds a Union flag during the victory bus tour through Sevenoaks, Kent (Gareth Fuller/PA) Double Winter Olympic champion @TheYarnold brought her skeleton gold from Pyeonchang home to Sevenoaks on a victory bus tour. Here are some of the best photos (via @PAImages) pic.twitter.com/gIfdigPRMe PA Sport (@pasport) April 18, 2018 The parade began at the Sevenoaks District Council offices and visited local schools on its way through Otford, Eynsford and Horton Kirby before finishing in West Kingsdown, where she grew up. She was saluted by delighted passers-by and schoolchildren on her way under bright sunshine and blue skies. Yarnold claimed her first Olympic title in Sochi in 2014 and followed it up four years later by snatching gold in dramatic fashion. Trailing going into the fourth and final heat, she produced a track record run to claim victory over Germanys Jacqueline Loelling by almost half a second with team-mate Laura Deas joining her on the podium in third place. This story was updated to include Dela Rosa's statement on being ready to face charges. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 18) The Philippine National Police needs more time to gather documents on the controversial war on drugs for submission to the Supreme Court, outgoing Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa said on Wednesday. Dela Rosa revealed they were "not yet ready" and will ask for an extension of the deadline from the high court. "Kakasign ko lang kanina ng papel na [I just signed a] letter to the Solicitor General requesting the Supreme Court to give us ample time to prepare everything," said Dela Rosa. "Napakarami noon, voluminous talaga [There's a lot (of papers), they're voluminous]." During the hearing on petitions questioning the legality of the government's war on illegal drugs, the Supreme Court on April 3 directed Solicitor General Jose Calida to submit within 15 days pertinent documents from the PNP. These documents include a list of persons killed in police operations, a list of deaths under investigation, and a list of arrests both with and without a warrant among others. Calida at first refused, but Malacanang Palace has since said it was necessary to follow the high court. However, Dela Rosa stressed that while their "intention is to comply," they would still seek the guidance of the President. "Pag sabihin niya na huwag, sino ang susundin ko? Susundin ko ang Presidente [If he says don't, who do I follow? The President]," he said. President Rodrigo Duterte's controversial drug war has seen over 4,000 deaths in police operations, according to government figures. Human rights watchdogs have pinned the deaths, including those from vigilante-style killings, at about 13,000. The anti-illegal drugs policy has been criticized worldwide, even sparking action from the International Criminal Court to conduct a preliinary examination on the government's drug campaign. Dela Rosa ready to face charges Dela Rosa also said he is ready to face possible charges against him after he steps down from his post. "I have the balls to face anything you are going to charge against me. Bakit ko tatakbuhan yung responsibilidad na yan [Why would I run from it]?" said Dela Rosa. "It happened during my time as the Chief (of Police)... so I am accountable for that." Apart from the Supreme Court hearing arguments regarding the war on drugs, the ICC is looking to conduct a preliminary examination on the Philippines to determine whether a formal investigation on the killings is necessary. The Duterte administration initially said it welcomes the probe, but later withdrew from the international court. Duterte on April 13 warned ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda she would be arrested if she sets foot in the country. Dela Rosa will turn his position over to Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde on Thursday. Dela Rosa said he will go home to Davao after the turnover ceremony. Watch the full interview with Dela Rosa here. Former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev has said Barbara Bush built trust and friendship as the US built closer relations with its Cold War adversary. Mr Gorbachev, whose last years in office overlapped the Bush presidency, praised the former first lady as warm and astute. In a statement of condolence to the Bush family, Mr Gorbachev said: I am deeply saddened by the death of Barbara, and on this day I remember everything was connected with us, our numerous meetings. President George H.W. Bush, left, chats with former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, right, as Barbara Bush looks on (Herbert Kosnowski/AP) Barbara did a lot to build trust and friendship between us. She immediately developed a warm relationship with Raisa, they communicated easily and at ease. Mrs Bush, the wife of former US president George H.W. Bush, has died at 92. Raisa Gorbacheva died in 1999. Taking a cardboard cutout to prom as your date might seem a last resort, but everything changes when that cardboard cutout is in the form of Black Panther star Michael B Jordan. Audeva Agyeman, 17, was preparing to attend her prom in Philadelphia, when a lack of options forced her to think outside the box. I asked my friend Tyler but he couldnt come because of college stuff, Audeva told the Press Association. My other friend Dillon was going with someone else, and everyone else said no because why would I go to an all-girl school prom?' With that in mind, Audeva decided to make a cardboard cutout for the occasion, and one man stood out for the job. After not being able to get a prom date from procrastinating and waiting til the last minute, i spent 3 hours making my sexy prom date. I got on @TheShadeRoomm but now i need to MEET my man @michaelb4jordan @TheEllenShow pls help. RT FOR #GetDeetoMBJ pic.twitter.com/9y7Kt4MwsJ double dee (@uhdeevuh) April 17, 2018 My options were Chance the Rapper or Michael B Jordan because both are fine, said Audeva. I think the main reason I opted for Michael is because of his recent rise up because of Black Panther. But dont get it twisted, I loved him way back. (Photo courtesy of Audeva Agyeman) And while the cutout was obviously not a sentient being, Audeva and her friends made sure Michael arrived in style and was able to walk her in. My friends Alliza and Annie helped me bring him to prom in their car and I came separately, said Audeva. I already hyped everyone else up that I was bringing a special date and they were hella curious and anxious. Then I walk through with him and everyone is like OMG AUDEVA NO STOP I LOVE THIS and my friend Jess held him up to walk me in. I did dance with him once to Ed Sheerans Out Loud and everyone stared in awe and amusement. (Audeva Agyeman) The cutout had to say its goodbyes at the end of the evening after it was apparently vandalised, but Audeva is hoping for an upgrade. My ultimate hope from all of this is to go on Ellen and meet him, she said. And while that might have seemed a distant dream a few days ago, Michael, who played Erik Killmonger in Marvel smash Black Panther, has at least been made aware of the part he played at prom. He commented on an Instagram picture of the incident, saying: This is called commitment! (Instagram/@theshaderoom) If Audeva does get to meet Michael, it might take some getting used to his being three-dimensional. The family of a woman who died on a Southwest Airlines flight has said the mother of two was full of vibrancy, passion, and love. Jennifer Riordans family said in a statement that the 43-year-old community leader died on a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Passengers said Ms Riordan was partially sucked out of the window after the plane was hit by engine debris. The family called Ms Riordan the bedrock of our family and asked those mourning her to be kind, caring and sharing in her honour. The death generated an outpouring of grief from business leaders, elected officials, poets, and activists in her home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce held a moment of silence during a special reception for new University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes. New Mexico governor Susana Martinez said the hearts of all New Mexicans were with Ms Riordans family. The passenger plane blew an engine at 32,000ft and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, causing her to be partially sucked out of the window. Jennifer Riordan died as a result of the Southwest plane drama (Maria Brose/AP) The incident sparked a desperate scramble by passengers to save her from getting pulled out of the plane by the sudden decompression, but she later died and seven others were injured. Retired registered nurse Peggy Phillips told WFAA-TV that she performed CPR on Ms Riordan, a Wells Fargo employee, for about 20 minutes, until the plane landed in Philadelphia. She said that shortly after take-off we heard a loud noise and the plane started shaking like nothing Ive ever experienced before. It sounded like the plane was coming apart, and I think we pretty quickly figured out that something happened with the engine. She said they started losing altitude and the masks came down and basically I think all of us thought this might be it. We are stunned, shocked and horribly saddened. We lost one of our family today. Jennifer Riordan was one of the best people to ever walk this planet. Deepest condolences and strength to Mike, Averie and Josh. We are all better because we knew her. We love you Jennifer. New Mexico Bowl (@NMBowl) April 17, 2018 She then heard a lot of commotion a few rows behind her. It was a lot of chaos back there, a lot of really upset people and a lot of noise, and a big rush of air, a big whoosh of air, Ms Phillips said. After a flight attendant asked if anyone knew CPR, Ms Phillips and another medical technician performed CPR until the plane was on the ground. If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600mph and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body, with your face, then I think I can probably tell you there was significant trauma, Ms Phillips said. The pilots of the Southwest Airlines plane, a twin-engined Boeing 737 flying from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard, took it into a rapid descent and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Passengers using oxygen masks said their prayers and braced for impact. The National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary examination of the blown engine from Flight 1380 showed evidence of metal fatigue. Southwest Airlines confirms accident; our Hearts are with those affected: https://t.co/COJ6wR1GFe pic.twitter.com/Gr1xEN8nhc Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) April 17, 2018 In a news conference, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said one of the engines fan blades was separated and missing. The blade was separated at the point where it would come into the hub and there was evidence of metal fatigue. As a precaution, Southwest said it will inspect similar engines in its fleet over the next 30 days. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. Mr Sumwalt said part of the engine covering was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. Peers have inflicted a first defeat on the Government over flagship Brexit legislation, amid claims they are attempting to prevent the UK leaving the EU. Labour, the Liberal Democrats, Crossbenchers and backbench Tories formed an alliance over two European Union (Withdrawal) Bill amendments which sought to retain the option of a customs union with the EU. When one of the amendments was pushed to a vote, peers voted overwhelmingly in favour by 348 votes to 225 majority 123 with the other, linked amendment approved unopposed. Amendments were seeking to retain the option of a customs union with the EU (Dan Kitwood/PA) But Brexit minister Lord Callanan said the Government did not support the measures as it would require it to report to Parliament on the steps taken towards delivering an objective it has clearly ruled out. He also signalled the Governments intention to overturn the measures at a later stage, saying before the vote it had no intention to reflect further on the matter. #HouseofLords votes 348 for, 225 against amendment on customs union, so change to the #EUWithdrawalBill is made. Watch for more https://t.co/zHXg4iUm3m pic.twitter.com/Tdt4MFyak3 House of Lords (@UKHouseofLords) April 18, 2018 Crossbench peer Lord Kerr of Kinlochard, an author of Article 50, opened the Bills report stage by moving the cross-party proposal and arguing there is a need to try to limit the damage of the UK leaving its largest market. Lord Kerr said: The country voted narrowly to leave the European Union, but no one can argue that it voted knowingly to leave the customs union with the European Union. Tory former Cabinet minister and European commissioner Chris Patten also supported the proposal, noting there were times in a political career where party loyalty comes way behind trying to stand up for the national interest. But Conservative Viscount Ridley said of the amendment: Its an attempt to wreck this Bill and to prevent Brexit. Earlier he took aim at the Lib Dems, saying: Ricardo, Cobden, Gladstone, those great Liberals would be spinning in their grave at the thought that their descendant party today is in favour of this form of trade discrimination. Conservative former chancellor Lord Lawson of Blaby said Vote Leave made it absolutely clear leaving the EU meant leaving the customs union and single market. He dismissed trade arguments in favour of a customs union with the EU, adding: I urge the House to reject what is in essence a wrecking amendment. List of 24 Tory peers who backed customs union amendment to #EUWithdrawalBill pic.twitter.com/9UG75atAm3 Nick Lester (@nickolester) April 18, 2018 Crossbench peer Lord Bilimoria, the founder of Cobra Beer, said the amendment was about damage limitation as he supported the UK remaining in the customs union. Conservative former cabinet minister Lord Forsyth said the change being sought in relation to a customs union was an attempt to create division and confusion in the House of Commons in a bid to block Brexit. He said it was seeking to make the UKs withdrawal form the bloc subject to some conditions about a customs union. He warned the amendments put forward in the unelected chamber were putting the peers against the people. Lord Forsyth said: What is going on here is an exercise by Remainers in the House who refuse to accept the verdict of the British people and I believe they are playing with fire. Labours Baroness Hayter of Kentish Town said the amendment was good for the governance of this country and would save the economy 24 billion over the next 15 years. For the Government, Lord Callanan said: We have set out our two potential options for a future customs relationship with the EU, but these amendments would send a signal that the Government wont seek to negotiate them and instead pursue an outcome the Government has ruled out. A division list analysis shows 24 Conservative peers voted in favour of the customs union amendment, including former cabinet ministers Lord Heseltine, Lord Lansley and former minister Lord Willetts. In a statement, a Department for Exiting the European Union spokeswoman said: We are disappointed that Parliament has voted for this amendment. The fundamental purpose of this Bill is to prepare our statute book for exit day, it is not about the terms of our exit. This amendment does not commit the UK to remaining in a customs union with the EU, it requires us to make a statement in Parliament explaining the steps weve taken. Our policy on this subject is very clear. We are leaving the customs union and will establish a new and ambitious customs arrangement with the EU while forging new trade relationships with our partners around the world. Former prime minister David Cameron has said he does not regret calling the referendum that triggered Brexit, despite believing the UK made the wrong decision. The ex-Tory leader denied the move to hold the vote was all about politics, insisting he hoped it would fix Britains position within the EU. He told CNN: I dont regret holding a referendum. I think it was the right thing to do. I dont think you can belong to these organisations and see their powers grow, and treaty after treaty, and power after power going from Westminster to Brussels and never asking the people whether they are happy governed in that way. But, I havent changed my mind about the result of the referendum. I wish the vote had gone another way. I think we have taken the wrong course. Asked if he was worried his legacy would be defined by his decision to call the Brexit referendum, Mr Cameron said: I think people will make up their own minds. I, obviously, believe that I was right to hold a referendum. I made a promise to the British people. I kept that promise. The point I would make is that people say this was all about politics, and, of course, there is always politics involved in these decisions, but there was also, I believe, a quite fundamental problem that Britain had, and Britain was seeing, with the development of the single currency, the beginning of decisions being made about us without us, and we needed to fix our position. I wanted to fix it inside the European Union. The British public chose that we would fix it from outside the European Union. And, I wish my successor well with her work in being, what I hope will be a good, and friendly, and close neighbour to the European Union. Rather than as we were, perhaps we were, a slightly reluctant and sometimes unhappy tenant. Mr Cameron offered Prime Minister Theresa May strong support on her decision to strike Syria (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Cameron added: But, to be frank, Britain is the fifth, or sixth, largest economy in the world. It is a legitimate choice to try and be a friend and a neighbour, and a partner of the European Union, rather than a member of the European Union. And thats what the country has chosen. I accept the result. I wish my successor well in the work that she is doing. I know as being prime minister, it is a hard enough job without your predecessor giving you a running commentary, and thats why I havent been giving interviews, and the rest of it. Mr Cameron offered Prime Minister Theresa May strong support on her decision to strike Syria after the Commons blocked his attempt to take action in 2013. I deeply regret that Parliament didnt vote for similar action in 2013, he said. I think she has done the right thing. This is not about regime change in Syria, although, God knows we need it. Its not about intervening in the civil war. It is about making a point that the use of chemical weapons is unacceptable. Coronation Street viewers were left stunned as the lesbian affair storyline resulted in a failed kidnapping plot. Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia) has been having an affair with Kate Connor (Faye Brookes), much to the fury of her parents. In an episode earlier in the night, horrified viewers watched as Rana was lured into flying to Pakistan to visit a dying aunt with her mother, Saira Habeeb. Bhavna Limbachia attending the British Soap Awards 2017 (Matt Crossick/PA) But the phantom illness was just a ruse to separate the two lovers. The second episode of the night began with Rana and Kate sharing one last kiss before Rana drove to the airport little knowing it could have been the last they saw of each other. In nerve-shredding scenes, Saira used a key to scratch the sim card in her daughters phone to prevent anyone contacting her to stop her getting on the plane. But the sinister plot started to unravel after Yasmeen, the grandmother of Ranas estranged husband Zeedan, started to suspect something was amiss. Faye Brookes said she was worried about the potential backlash when she found our her character was going to be in a lesbian romance with Rana Nazir (Ian West/PA) This prompted Imran, Ranas brother, to speak to his relatives in Pakistan and discover his mother was lying. Imran, Yasmeen, Zeedan and Kate then drove to the home of Ranas parents. Kate spotted Rana and her mother putting their suitcases into the back of a taxi before frantically urging her lover to check the flight tickets. A furious bust-up broke out as Saira demanded Kate leave her daughter alone. But Rana insisted on seeing the tickets and realised hers was one-way. In emotional scenes, the kidnap plot unravelled but Ranas father disowned her because of the lesbian affair. A tearful Rana begged to know how her parents could have planned to send her to Pakistan and away from the woman she loves. Imran, Yasmeen, Zeedan, Kate and Rana drove back to Coronation Street where Rana and Kate shared a tearful embrace. Plastic straws, drinks stirrers and cotton buds could be banned from sale in England under plans being set out by Theresa May. The Prime Minister said plastic waste was one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world and the UK was taking a lead in tackling the problem. A consultation on banning the disposable plastic products will launch later this year in an effort to cut the amount of waste which ends up in rivers and oceans. Mrs May urged Commonwealth leaders gathered in London to follow the UKs example in tackling the problem. She said: Plastic waste is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing the world, which is why protecting the marine environment is central to our agenda at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The UK Government is a world leader on this issue, and the British public have shown passion and energy embracing our plastic bag charge and microbead ban, and today we have put forward ambitious plans to further reduce plastic waste from straws, stirrers and cotton buds. Alongside our domestic action, this week we are rallying Commonwealth countries to join us in the fight against marine plastics, with 61.4 million funding for global research and to improve waste management in developing countries. The Commonwealth is a unique organisation, with a huge diversity of wildlife, environments and coastlines. Together we can effect real change so that future generations can enjoy a natural environment that is healthier than we currently find it. Theresa May announced a consultation aimed at cracking down on plastic waste (Peter Byrne/PA) Around 8.5 billion plastic straws are thrown away each year, potentially contributing to the over 150 million tonnes of plastic in the worlds oceans. The environmental catastrophe highlighted by the the BBCs Blue Planet II series sees a million birds and over 100,000 sea mammals die from eating and getting tangled in plastic waste. Subject to the consultation, which Environment Secretary Michael Gove will launch later this year, the Government is prepared to ban the sale of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds in England. Officials will work with industry to develop alternatives and ensure there is sufficient time to adapt, and will also propose excluding plastic straws used for medical reasons. Mr Gove said: Single-use plastics are a scourge on our seas and lethal to our precious environment and wildlife so it is vital we act now. We have already banned harmful microbeads and cut plastic bag use and now we want to take action on straws, stirrers and cotton buds to help protect our marine life. Weve already seen a number of retailers, bars and restaurants stepping up to the plate and cutting plastic use, however its only through government, business and the public working together that we will protect our environment for the next generation we all have a role to play in turning the tide on plastic. Heads of the Commonwealth meet this week. Here's why we need their leadership to deal with the #plastic choking our oceans. #CHOGM2018 https://t.co/lpGI6sewlk WWF UK (@wwf_uk) April 16, 2018 The Prime Minister has urged all Commonwealth countries to sign up to the newly-formed Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance and take action to eliminate avoidable plastic waste. The 61.4 million package of funding will boost global research and help countries across the Commonwealth stop plastic waste from entering the oceans in the first place. Louise Edge, senior oceans campaigner at Greenpeace UK, said: The Government has made a strong move on banning some of the most unnecessary single-use plastics. Reducing the amount of plastic were using and discarding is vital for curbing ocean plastic pollution and this could be the start of the elimination of unnecessary throwaway plastic. But it is important that the Government follows up by going beyond phasing out plastic stirrers, cotton buds and straws, for those who dont need them. Other non-recyclable problem plastic should also be banned at the earliest opportunity. Greenpeace is encouraging retailers to take responsibility for their products, eliminate problem plastics immediately and to phase out single-use plastic in their own brand products. Labour shadow environment secretary Sue Hayman said: Leadership and action on the environment begins at home. The Government has failed to bring forward a single piece of primary legislation on any of their announcements on the environment, farming or animal welfare since the last election. With the UK leaving the EU in less than 12 months, there is a worrying lack of preparation to reassure the public that environmental standards wont suffer. Michael van Gerwen suffered a shock defeat in front of his home fans as Gary Anderson moved into the top four of the Premier League. It was a rare Wednesday night of action in Rotterdam as the Dutch city hosted a double-header following the cancellation of week five in Exeter due to inclement weather on March 1. However, Peter Wright upset a raucous crowd to down the world number one for the second time in this seasons competition, despite Van Gerwen recording an average of 106.87. Peter Wright defeated Michael van Gerwen to keep his slim play-off hopes alive (John Walton/PA) The Scot stormed into a 5-2 lead without missing a double with checkouts of 98, 84 and 71, before Van Gerwen mounted a great comeback. The Dutchman hit finishes of 122, 94 and 148 to level the scores at 5-5 but Wright held his nerve to win the next two legs and seal two vital points. Really disappointed not to be able to win tonight in front of amazing crowd. I played ok but didn't find the right shots at the right times enough and Peter did. Fair play to him. Focusing completely on tomorrow and to take advantage of playing here again! Michael Van Gerwen (@MvG180) April 18, 2018 Anderson moved into the play-offs after easing to a 7-2 victory over Michael Smith, who dropped to fourth, with a stunning 109 average in the opening match of the evening. Rob Cross eased past Daryl Gurney 7-4 to move up to second, but he failed to join Van Gerwen at the top of the table after falling to a 7-3 defeat to the in-form Anderson. What a moment this would have been for this monster Dutch crowd...#Unibet180 #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/5jRa0uA8kx PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 18, 2018 The 47-year-old almost hit a nine-dart finish in the eighth leg but wired double 12 as he moved into third in the table, three points behind Mighty Mike. Raymond van Barneveld had earlier got the Dutch crowd excited as he notched four maximums en route to a comfortable 7-3 victory over Simon Whitlock to end his four-match winless run. Following their defection from the Government, the 16 MPs of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) are now engaged in another struggle to secure the party secretarys post and execute their future political plans. The SLFP section that remained with the Government is now split down the middle following the defection of these 16 members. Actually, 25 others, who were absent during the vote of no confidence against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, still remain with the Government. They are ready to forge ahead with the Government under a new programme currently being designed through a committee appointed for the purpose. Agriculture Minister Duminda Dissanayake, who is widely perceived to be acting in connivance with the United National Party (UNP) on political matters, is among the 25 members. The 16-member group tries to wrest control of the SLFP Central Committee, and sever political links with the National Unity Government in the formal sense. But, Minister Dissanayake remains an obstacle to it because he, as the General Secretary of the party, holds sway in party matters. As such, this group made representations to President Maithripala Sirisena prior to his departure for London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and requested the General Secretary to be replaced by someone whom they fancy. The Joint Opposition, backed by the 16 member SLFP group, is trying to deny two-thirds for the Government. In such an eventuality, the UNP-led Government would be handicapped in enacting come controversial legislations The President was not averse to the idea. Yet, he remained noncommittal. Be that as it may, when the matter was raised at the last Central Committee meeting, he noted that the majority of the members were not in favour of the current party secretary. These 16 members also demand the removal of Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera from his post as the secretary to the SLFP-led United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA). President cant remain aloof Unlike during the no confidence motion, it is difficult for the President to remain aloof in this instance. The President wanted to remove the Prime Minister initially. But, his hands were legally tied. So, he could not swear in a new Prime Minister despite wishing to. Therefore, he left it in the hands of those who mooted the idea of a no confidence motion. The motion failed eventually in Parliament. The President attributed the failure to those who brought it. In his address to the media after the vote of the motion, the President virtually denied his direct involvement in bringing a no confidence motion against the Prime Minister. Instead, he said it was an idea, brought by the Joint Opposition, in collaboration with a team of SLFPers in the Government and a UNP faction which is distraught with the Prime Minister for being the party leader. Therein, the President tried to absolve himself from any responsibility. He projected himself as a neutral observer. He avoided incurring any blame regarding this manner. However, he has no means to act in the similar fashion when it comes to the removal of the SLFP Secretary and the UPFA Secretary. Here, he cannot be the neutral observer. They are, in fact, his direct appointees. The appointments were made on the eve of the General Elections in August, 2015, ostensibly to guide the outcome of the elections in his favour. He has a greater role with regard to the appointment of the secretary to his party. Against this backdrop, the President is under compulsion to take a firm stand whether to remove the two secretaries, rather than remain a neutral observer. Despite political manoeuvring and manipulations at the top, the SLFP rank and file have overwhelmingly rallied behind Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) acting under the obvious leadership of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. It is reported that local level organizers of the SLPP protest the accommodation of anyone from the SLFP at this juncture. SLPP rank and file against SLFP The SLFP and the SLPP confronted each other in the run up to the Local Government Polls on February 10, 2018. The political leaders of the two parties were harsh on each other. For example, MP Dilan Perera of the SLFP unleashed a scathing attack on the SLPP in the fray. After the elections, the SLFP also worked jointly with the UNP to block the SLPP from forming administration in the local authorities where it did not win absolute majority. Nonetheless, the political strategy is now different. The Joint Opposition, backed by the 16 member SLFP group, is trying to deny two-thirds for the Government in Parliament. In such an eventuality, the UNP-led Government would be handicapped in enacting come controversial legislations such as the new Constitution and the Judicature (Amendment) Bill. This seems to be the primary objective of the Joint Opposition at the moment. For that purpose, there are attempts being made to lure a few more SLFPers from the Government in addition to the 16-member group. According to political sources, most of the SLFPers will quit the Government at the next stage. But, half a dozen of them will join hands with the UNP in view of future elections. Minister Dissanayake is one among them and tipped to team up with the UNP. Besides, the SLFP MPs representing the districts such as Kegalle and Moneragala are also among those planning to throw their weight behind the UNP. President Maithripala Sirisena will have to issue another gazette notification specifying the time as to when the new Parliament sessions would commence if the House is to convene on May 8, 2018, Parliament sources said yesterday. Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament Neil Inddawela who confirmed this situation told Daily Mirror that President will have to issue another gazette notification specifying the time which the House would convene. There is an option as President could either specify the date and the time when the house would be convened when he is issuing the gazette notification to prorogue Parliament, Mr. Inddawela said. In this particular case, he said President will have to issue another gazette notification to specify the time when the House would convene. The President is expected to issue another gazette notification when he returns from his tour to London according to Parliament Sources. President Sirisena prorogued Parliament on April 12. (Yohan Perera and Sujith Hewajulige) Sri Lanka and Bangladesh have built very high quality primary healthcare systems, staffed primarily by women healthcare workers, co-founder of Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates said. He expressed these views while speaking at the joint forum of the Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting held in Westminster on Tuesday. He praised the Singaporean education system as well. Nobody else is better in the world at education than Singapore, he said. Mr. Gates said the Commonwealth has to learn from itself in solving its own problems, stating examples of what Nigeria learnt from India in the eradication of polio. If you want to do something better, find out who is already doing better than anyone else in the world, and adopt what they are doing, to your own challenges. The Commonwealth is ideal for this and you have positive outliers in almost every area of expertise, and you meet regularly to learn from one another. Polio eradication is a great example of this. For different reasons, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, are three of the places it has been most difficult to wipe out this disease. But India was declared Polio-free in 2014. The lessons learnt from there have helped Nigeria get to zero cases in 2017. And now Pakistan, which still has few cases, very few, is taking those experiences, particularly at the challenges of dealing with insecurity, and they have their cases down to the lowest areas ever. So, this success really goes back to the substantial commitments made in part at the Commonwealth meetings. Collectively, Commonwealth nations are experts in far more than just polio eradication, Mr. Gates said. (Sunil Jayasiri from London) If new Constitution process was stalled permanently, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP R. Sampanthans holding of Opposition leaders post would be meaningless, Minister Mano Ganesan said today. He said in a tweet that the issue between the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) had put the Constitutional process to back seat. Not the issue of the UNP and the SLFP but the new constitution as solution to national issue topped Sampanthans priority list. If new Constitution process is stalled permanently, Sampanthans holding of Leader of Opposition would be meaningless, he tweeted. He said it was sad to notice that the Sinhala nation had failed to understand and respect Sampanthans message of dropping Eelam State and coming into Sri Lankan State radius by taking up the Leader of Opposition job in the Sri Lankan Parliament. Video by Susantha Speaker of the Iran Parliament Ali Larijani and a delegation of 36 Iranian diplomats arrived in Sri Lanka this evening on a three-day official visit. State Minister of National Integration and Reconciliation A. H. M. Fowzie welcomed the delegation at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA). The delegation arrived in the country following a visit in Vietnam and is scheduled to stay in the country until April 20. During the visit, the delegation is expected to meet government officials including Prime Minister and Speaker of the House. (By T. K.G. Kapila) Fingers pointed at administrators of the National Film Corporation for the loss of the countrys bulk of films Films are works of cinematic art and they reflect memories and feelings. The creativity in a film reflects the work of a genius. Movies invoke emotions and they relate stories. They create an entire world with a story that grips the audience. But what would happen if the films we watched throughout our lives are not preserved? What if the brilliant masterpieces that we witnessed were not preserved for our future generations? Speaking to the Daily Mirror Gordon de Silva, the countrys first 3D animator and Senior Graphic and Animation artist at Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), shared his insight on the preservation of films. A movie buff and a collector of photographic, cinematic and print accessories, his private collection has become a museum for film lovers. He has unveiled the preservation of film evolution of both world and Sri Lankan cinema from the nitrate and cellulose to the present digital era. Nitrate and Cellulose era Sharing his knowledge Gordon said that in 1895, December 28 the Lumiere brothers had released the Arrival of a Train at La India Grand Cafe in France marked the beginning of the film industry. Present day cinema is a result of long-term experiments by Lumiere brothers. However, the medium cinema had arrived in Sri Lanka only in 1902, seven years after the commencement of an industry in France. In cinema, there is both art and industry; which aids its wide dispersion, he said. Sharing some significant historical facts he said that the people who were involved in cinema had discovered many technical aspects to develop the medium. In the earlier era, Nitrocellulose was used as the first flexible film base, beginning with Eastman Kodak products in August 1889. But Nitrocellulose is a highly flammable compound and it does not need air to keep burning as it produces its own oxygen while ignited. In addition, the smoke created by nitrate film combustion is extremely toxic. Therefore, it is difficult to douse a fire caused by nitrate film, he said. Due to this major failure in nitrate films, Cellulose acetate was introduced in 1940 as a safe film base replacing flammable nitrate film. In early Sinhala Cinema, most filmmakers used Cellulose acetate as their film base. Later, film manufactures introduced polyester film base. These three film bases were the major technical changes in world film history, he said. Gordon said that film makers and manufactures had started preservation since the Nitrate era due to various damages from chemical reactions on film reels. According to Gordon, three chemical changes occur on early film bases. When such a change is discovered on film the preservation begins. Nitrate films and acetate films are subjected to a deterioration process resulting in acid gas release which is called the vinegar syndrome. Another chemical change is mold or fungus. The gelatin binder of a film base is a good nutrient for mold. In these types of film bases, white or brown patches or a lattice-like growth along the edges can be seen. Mold or fungus typically damage the edges of a film. The third chemical change is a crystal base on the film reel. Methods of archiving films Gordon noted that protecting the first copy, the negative or the sound negative of a film is the best form of archiving a film. After screening a film in several cinemas the director or the producer of the film can give it to a film archive which is the second method. Any volunteer who wants to hand over the film to a place where film archiving is done properly can give the film to them, he said. Discussing film preservation and restoration, Gordon said that technology has now developed to an extent that a movie will remain in as close to its original form as possible. He said the goal of restoration is to create a durable copy without any significant loss of quality. Substandard conditions Gordon believes that film remains the best archiving and documenting material in the world. Sometimes films would be 10 or 20 years old to be eligible for archiving, but the content never gets old. That is our heritage he said. He said that those in the film industry have a responsibility towards maintaining the quality of the film they screen. Cinema owners have to inform of any damages to the relevant private organization or company before handing over the film. When a film, with no damages, is taken out of the laboratory and used, it is essential that a condition report detailing the present quality of the film be submitted, prior to handing over the film, he said. Archiving films will not happen by just keeping the film on a wall shelf and in an air conditioned environment. There is a globally accepted method to archive films he said. For example in the early film days there were almost 10 -13 1,000 foot long film reels and we had to store them by using a proper method. Regularly checking of films was required to prevent any chemical changes. This is why film historians, archivists, museums, filmmakers and manufacturers have introduced film preservation as a series of ongoing efforts to rescue decaying film stock and preserve the images which they contain, he added. Gordon identifies that during the time Sri Lanka was using black-and-white films people had done various chemical changes to those films. As a result of those chemical changes people had found silver as an end product and they started to destroy black-and-white copies to gain silver, he said. He noted that the film restoration is an expensive part. Approximately Rs.2.5 million would have to be allocated to restore a film and in a country like Sri Lanka there was no system to grant such money to restore a film, he said. Knowledge sharing at workshop Recently, the National Film Corporation in association with International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF), the Film Heritage Foundation of India, the Gamini Fonseka Foundation and the Lester James Peiris Foundation had organized a five-day programme on film preservation, restoration, and archiving. As a part of this historic attempt, three renowned experts arrived in Sri Lanka to share their knowledge of film restoration and conservation. Digital Preservation Consultant, IWM Training and Outreach Coordinator of FIAF, David Walsh, former Manager of Conservation Service at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA), Mick Newnham and Founder Director of Film Heritage Foundation and Director, Producer of Dungarpur Films, Shivendra Singh Dungapur shared their knowledge during the programme. In the five-day programme, the experts had conducted workshops and provided theoretical and practical knowledge pertaining to film preservation and restoration. With regard to funding this ambitious project, the Government had allocated Rs.20 million. During the closing ceremony of the programme, the experts and some Sri Lankan officials shared their future plans which are focused on rescuing Sri Lankan films which are in adverse condition. Lack of knowledge and efficiency Damith Fonseka, son of legendary actor Gamini Fonseka, said that his focus is on films that are not embodied in controversy over ownership. Since 1965, no Government has taken any measures to preserve and archive our films. I must say that we have lost most of our films due to the lack of knowledge and inefficiency on the part of the administrators of the National Film Corporation. The people who were appointed for those posts were politically motivated. On the other hand these officials had no place to acquire the necessary knowledge, he said. He said that with the change of Government the National Archives and the Film Corporation currently comes under two irrelevant ministries. The National Archive comes under the purview of Education Ministry while the Film Corporation comes under the Public Administration and Management Ministry, he said. Fonseka said that the lack of proper coordination between the two ministries has contributed to the sad situation regarding the struggle in preserving films belonging to the early years. Plans to establish a laboratory service National Film Corporation Chairman Sithendra Senaratne said that the visiting experts had to undergo much hardship apart from conducting the program using minimum technical facilities and within a few days. He said that the NFC would establish a laboratory service to restore Sri Lankas film heritage. When we commenced this programme most of us were not aware of how to store a film. We also did not know how to restore it and how to keep it without getting damaged. During a short period, the experts had educated the participants at the workshop, Senaratne said. This was a significant moment for Sri Lankans and this would benefit our future generations, he said. Hot weather hampering film preservation- Walsh I found it really distressing to see the state at which the Sri Lankan film heritage has arrived at and this is a real problem for Sri Lankans because time is running out, said David Walsh,a Digital Preservation Consultant of IWM and a Training and Outreach Coordinator of FIAF . He said that due to the hot weather condition and humidity prevailing in Sri Lanka, films could not be archived in a normal way. He however said that in European countries it is possible to save films nearly 100-200 years old because those countries experience cold weather conditions. Film archiving has two responsibilities; one is preservation and the other one is restoration, David said. He said that restoration is a very complicated and extremely skilled process which is designed to produce the version of a film that could be used as the original copy of a film. Sri Lanka has lost 90% of its film heritage- Dungarpur There are many reasons for restoring films in a country. Shivendra Singh Dungarpur is a man who was inspired and motivated by such nostalgia. Dungarpur is the Founder Director of Film Heritage Foundation and Director, Producer of Dungarpur. He possesses a vast knowledge of film preservation, restoration and archiving. He is an award-winning filmmaker, an archivist, a restorer- who passionately believes in the cause of film preservation and restoration- and the founding director of Film Heritage Foundation - India. He is a key figure in promoting this work in Sri Lanka and shared his insight on the present situation of Sri Lankas film heritage. I want to call this work a rescue mission carried out on behalf of Sri Lankans because there is a long way to go. The present situation occurred due to the state of archiving which is in a terrible situation. I think this is a wake-up call and it is a mission which we have to continue and inspire. So much artistic work of directors in Sri Lanka, so many artistes who worked on these films, technicians who worked on these films and the memories gathered with these films....how can we let all this go? he queried. Dungarpur said that the country has to take the film archiving process forward and this was the beginning of that new moment. You can claim that you had archived nearly 200 films in the National Archives and they are in good condition, but you have lost 90% of your film heritage, he affirmed. He said that with FIAF help Sri Lanka can expect to restore and archive its films. Sri Lankan must take film preservation seriously- Newnham Mick Newnham, former Manager of Conservation service at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA),said that he has had the pleasure of working with people all around the world in preserving their cultural heritage in the form of films and audiovisual materials. There is no point in us coming forward and talking about film preservation in Sri Lanka unless Sri Lankans take the issue seriously and do what is needed, Newnham said. Its always a joy to work with people who have this burning desire to save their heritage and at the same time there is also sadness because not everything can be saved and the realization of just how much is already being lost, Newnham said. Pics by Waruna Wanniarachchi and Kushan Pathiraja The legendary South African President Nelson Mandela has said education is the most powerful weapon which could be used to change the world. Another moral and spiritual giant Mahatma Gandhi acclaimed by India as the Father of the Nation has said, Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. One of Americas most popular 20th Century poets Robert Frost has said Education is the ability to listen to almost anything without losing your temper or your self-confidence. Reflecting on the vital role that education plays in our lives, the government needs to be commended for some of the important changes it has made in education. For instance every child will have 13 years of education. Even if the child fails the GCE Ordinary level examination there will be no need to drop out. Provision has been made for such students to go into vocational training in areas ranging from high technology to star-class hotel culinary skills. In financial terms the government has provided substantial health and life insurance policies for public school children and their parents. In addition, steps are being taken to make the nearest school the best school though in recent months, political instability has made the process slow and unsteady. The 2018 budgetary allocation for education has also been increased to the highest level. While commending these moves and hoping that from next month, when Parliament meets again after the National New Year prorogation, the government will take practical steps to implement its policies. We also wish to spotlight here some serious drawbacks in the field of education. The Uva Province Chief Minister and its former education minister, Chamara Sampath Dassanayake, who was suspended for allegedly forcing a female principal to kneel in his presence at his office in Badulla, has reportedly been reinstated in his education portfolio, according to the Ceylon Teachers Union General Secretary Joseph Stalin.What a shame and a sham. On January 3 this year, Mr. Dassanayake was asked to step down from his education portfolio post after allegedly having humiliated and threatened Badulla Tamil Girls School Principal R. Bawani. Following widespread protests, President Maithripala Sirisena had removed him from his education portfolio until investigations were completed. The Chief Minister, according to the teachers union, was reinstated last week, prior to former Uva Province Governor M.P. Jayasinghe being transferred to the North-Central Province. We see that this has been a drama; an election trick. The Magistrates case against him has not concluded and the Human Rights Commission is still conducting investigations, but he has been reinstated, the CTU lamented. Mr. Stalin warned that the CTU, other unions and organisations, would take action over the reinstatement after schools reopen. The CTU has already sent a letter to the President, protesting Mr. Dassanayakes re-appointment. But some political observers claim the President himself had approved the reinstatement. In October last year the CTU had sharply condemned the appointment of North-Central Provincial Councillor Ananda Sarath Kumara, as the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) Organiser for the Anamaduwa Electorate. In 2014 Mr. Kumara had been sentenced by the Puttalam High Court to two years rigorous imprisonment suspended for seven years and ordered to pay Rs.300,000 as compensation for forcing a female school teacher to kneel in his presence. He was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs.50,000 and in default, serve a prison term of six months. Former president Mahinda Rajapaksa had refused to give Mr. Kumara nomination and the CTU said President Sirisena could not justify his appointment. Discipline is vital if Sri Lanka is to produce educated, eco-friendly and responsible citizens. But if highest level politicians are condoning such indiscipline we are deeply concerned over what will happen in our schools and to our children, the next generation. Professor Rohan Samarajiva has been appointed the new Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) along with a new director board. ICTA is the apex ICT organization of the government that operates under the Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure. Professor Samarajiva is a former Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, who contributed to the design of the e-Sri Lanka initiative which ICTA implemented from 2003. He served on the ICTA board during the organizations formative period. Within a week of receiving the letters of appointment, the board got to work in earnest, conducting a broad review of the activities of the agency, Samarajiva was quoted as saying in an ICTA press communique issued yesterday. It is developing a plan to focus and consolidate the many ongoing projects and restore momentum to ICTAs important role in working across multiple government departments, agencies and coordinating with private and civil-society stakeholders to ensure that digital initiatives contribute to efficient government, a dynamic economy and an inclusive society. Although the ICTA statement said professionals with knowledge and expertise in the software and business process outsourcing sectors, telecommunications, cyber security, government and verticals that are major users of ICTs have been appointed to the new board, their names were not mentioned. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama) Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe called on the Mahanayake Theras of Asgiriya and Malwathu Chapters and discussed the current political situation and economic issues of the country this morning. He held talks with Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter the Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanaratana Thera and Mahanayake of Malwatte Chapter the Most Venerable Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera. The Mahanayaka Theras told the Prime Minister that the prices of essential commodities appeared to have dropped to some extent during the Sinhala Aluth Avurudu period and it should be sustained to avoid economic difficulties of people. The Prime Minister then informed the Venerable Mahanayake Theras that he hoped to continue the Unity Government together with the SLFP members, who were willing to remain with the Government. He had also briefed the Mahanayake Theras on the challenges faced by the Government during the past years. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, who spoke to journalists after the meeting, said he would have a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena upon his return from the UK on the future of the Government. I met the Prelates for the Sinhala Avurudu and sought their blessings. I explained them about what we intend doing in the future, he said. We have faced some challenges during the past year or two and might face more challenges and hope that we will not experiences such challenges such as natural disasters, he said Minister Lakshman Kiriella and several other UNP politicians in the district participated. The Prime Minister and UNP members engaged in religious observances at the Dalada Maligawa later. (Yohan Perera and J. A. L. Jayasinghe) Former Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe said today only a person with an insane mind could propose to abolish the Executive Presidency at a juncture like this when the country was hit by anarchy. Mr Rajapakshe told the Daily Mirror that former President the late J.R. Jayewardene introduced the Executive Presidential system, coupled with the current electoral system in 1978, as it was befitting to the country. He said constitution was modelled on the French Constitution to avoid the formation of unstable Governments. He noted that each administrative district, barring those in the north, was considered a constituency under this system. A cut off point of 12.5 percent votes was introduced for any party to get his members elected under the electoral system. He said the entire system was distorted after the reduction of the cut-off point to five percent during the rule of R. Premadasa, to appease late Minister A.H.M. Ashraff, who formed the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress (SLMC). Since then, Mr Rajapakshe said no major party had been able to gain an absolute majority to form a stable Government except in 2010 when former President Mahinda Rajapaksa secured it riding on the wave of his popularity after the war victory. Otherwise, on each occasion, a major party got only 108-110 seats in Parliament. As a result, the major parties always have to dance to the tune of minor and minority parties holding only four or five seats in the House. The abolition of Executive Presidency will lead to further anarchy in the country under such circumstances. Therefore, only an insane person can ask for the abolition of the Executive Presidency. The JO proposed this. It is even hilarious to see the political formation of Mahinda Rajapaksa advocating it, he said. He said anarchy prevailed at the local authorities after the February elections. He said the anarchy had been caused by the inclusion of certain provisions in the law at the behest of leaders of small parties such as Anura Kumara Dissanayake. He said the same would happen to the Provincial Councils if the elections were conducted under the same system. Earlier, the allegation at the Executive Presidents was that they behaved like dictators. But, the allegation against the present President is that he behaves like a puppet. He should exercise his executive power in the interests of the country. If he acted in that sense, he could have stopped the alienation of the Hambantota Port, Mr Rajapakshe said. (Kelum Bandara) Sri Lanka would be felicitated at the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018 in London for excelling in preserving mangrove forests, Sri Lankas Acting High Commissioner in UK, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna said yesterday. He said the CHOGM was a good platform to highlight and let the world know the measures taken by Sri Lanka to achieve sustainability. The summit will provide us investing opportunities as well as recognition of our efforts to achieve sustainability, he said. In the meantime, he said President Maithripala Sirisena will deliver the keynote speech at the Business Forum today (18) where he will address a number of representatives from international business community and investors. The President will highlight the business and investment opportunities in Sri Lanka during his speech, he said. Meanwhile, he said the main summit attended by President Sirisena would be held on Thursday (19) and the Business Forum, Peoples Forum and the Youth Forum are also being held in line with the main summit. (Sunil Jayasiri in London) When the Sri Lankan Government took action to impose the curfew, banning the social media and declaring the State of Emergency to control the Sinhala-Muslim unrest in the Kandy District in March, there were undue pressures from certain diplomats on the Government, President Maithripala Sirisena said on Tuesday in London. Certain diplomats spoke against the Government moves to take necessary action-including banning access to social media sites. Some of the diplomats acted beyond their mandate against the move, the President told a group of Sri Lanka community in London Tuesday night. But despite those oppositions, the Government had taken necessary action, and because of that we able to prevent a major tragedy, he said. The President also said that at that time, an organization connected to the UN had stated that Sri Lanka had managed to impose a complete ban on the social media sites-something even the US couldnt do. Almost all the international organizations welcomed the Government move to ban social media, and many parents of school children and others told me that it was a good move and requested not to remove the ban, he said. The President said that about 75% of the media reports on the Kandy unrest incidents were completely wrong. Those wrong information reached to the Sri Lankan diaspora, who eventually come to a wrong conclusion about the countrys situation, the President said. He requested the members of the Sri Lankan community, who were present at the meeting, not to depend only on social media for credible information. A large number of the Sri Lankan community living in London participated. Ministers Mangala Samaraweera, Nimal Siripala de Silva, Rishad Bathiudeen and acting Sri Lankan High Commissioner in London Sugeeswara Gunaratne were also present. (Sunil Jayasiri in London) Apparel exporters say they are being approached by U.S. clothing buyers U.S. currently sources 1/3 of its apparel imports from China and just 2.4% from SL Trade war impact likely to reflect in Lankan export figures in 4-5 months By Chandeepa Wettasinghe The apparel industry, which is Sri Lankas leading export revenue earner, is set to gain fresh impetus from the U.S. market in the coming months, as American garment importers look for producers outside China due to the increasing threat of a trade war between the two economic giants. Because of the U.S.-China trade war, some of the U.S. apparel importers who were sourcing their products from China are coming to Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association President Felix Fernando told Mirror Business. After investigating Chinas unfair trade practices, the US Trade Representative this month determined to impose higher tariffs on US$ 50 billion worth of imports from China, subject to a consultation period running until late May. These tariff lines did not include textiles and apparel. However, US President Donald Trump has instructed that the tariff lines be expanded to include US$ 100 billion worth of products, as he is unhappy with the U.S. trade deficit with China. This follows after Trump imposed higher tariffs on aluminium and steel, which affected Chinese industries disproportionately, and resulted in China imposing US$ 3 billion worth of retaliatory tariffs on US products. Neither Trump nor his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping appears to be backing down. In this context, Fernando said that some of the members of the Sri Lanka Apparel Exporters Association have already been approached by top U.S. clothing buyers to partially manufacture some of the orders currently being serviced by China. We dont have the economies of scale that China has to deliver the size of orders China receives. So we will produce partial orders, around 20 percent of regular order sizes, while other countries like Bangladesh and Vietnam which have cheaper costs will produce the rest, Fernando said. The U.S. currently sources approximately one third of its apparel imports from China, and just 2.4 percent from Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, some of whom are considered the worlds best with regard to the quality of products and technology utilization, have extensive operations in such countries in South Asia and South East Asia as well, potentially allowing Sri Lankan firms to capitalize on the opportunity to a great degree. Fernando opined that once the orders previously placed with China begin to come Sri Lankas way, the situation wont reverse easily, even if the US and China reconcile their differences. China wont be a threat in the apparel industry in the future because their costs are rising. That is why were witnessing a movement of production from China to places like Vietnam. But even though Sri Lankas costs also are not that low, buyers prefer our quality, he said. Fernando said that the impact from the U.S.-China trade war would most likely be reflected in Sri Lankas export figures in another four to five months time. However, the hurdle Sri Lankan apparel companies would have to overcome would be the acute labour shortage in the industry. The governments statistics office released a report this January, which said that of the half a million job vacancies present in the country, 77,000 were for sewing machine operators. The US market, during the first two months of 2018 was not in a favourable condition for Sri Lankan apparel exports, absorbing US$ 364 million, or 45 percent of Sri Lankas total apparel exports, while recording a 1.1 percent decline year-on-year (YoY). Meanwhile the EU, which in May 2017 restored the duty free GSP Plus facility to Sri Lanka, took in approximately 42 percent of Sri Lankas apparel exports worth US$ 335 million, growing at a pace of 8.06 percent YoY, which was slightly lower than the average double digit growth experienced after the first few months of regaining GSP Plus, from July to December 2017. Just the other day, this Government appointed four new Provincial Governors. Almost immediately one of them, who used to be a Governor in a different province, was removed and reappointed to his earlier post. What is it with this Government and Governors? Not too long ago, the Government appointed a man with a less than glorious track record as the Governor of the Central Bank. When he came under a cloud, the Prime Minister defended him. When he was effectively sacked, he was given other employment. When he was charged with wrongdoing and ordered to appear in court, those who guaranteed the man would submit to such an order, went silent. When the above was pointed out, someone quipped, they are good at sacking and appointing judges, though. That entire process was quite sordid, though. Anyway, if all this was bad, the circus that the much talked of Cabinet reshuffle has turned into is far worse. First of all, following the rout of all constituent parties in the Government at the local government elections, the Ministry of Law and Order changed hands not once, but twice! After the vote on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe a bunch of ministers have resigned. Then we had the entire Parliamentary Group of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party wanting to quit the Government, followed by the party leader and President, Maithripala Sirisena, urging the bunch to re-think. Now we have the General Secretary of the United Peoples Freedom Alliance (UPFA), a coalition led by the SLFP, saying that even those who supported the no-confidence motion will remain with the Government. Mahinda Amaraweera in an elaboration says that this is to support and strengthen the President. Note, its the President and not the Government whose strengthening is sought here! Meanwhile, a section of the UNP wants to punish those SLFP ministers who betrayed by bringing a no-confidence motion against them. Some of these betrayers have decided to sit in the Opposition. In other words, the marriage between the UNP and the SLFP is strained (to be generous). The key issue right now is that this is no longer a SLFP-UNP coalition. It is at best a government made of the UNP, a few SLFP stragglers (note, UNP means all those who contested under the elephant symbol at the 2015 general election). Let us not forget that the President arbitrarily relieved certain key institutions from certain ministries and vested them in others. Let us also take note of whispers that ex-ministers Ravi Karunanayake and Wijedasa Rajapakshe are to be rewarded with Cabinet slots for support shown during the no-confidence motion. Most importantly let us remember that the Prime Minister or the President or both (most likely the former) have been shuffling the Cabinet pack for more than two months now. It looks like their general incompetence is finding expression even in this simple exercise of naming a new Cabinet and its gravity is made even greater considering the chest-beating assertions about a new government being formed. New in terms of a new Cabinet. They key issue here is not coherence, its not restructuring or rationalizing. Its about rewarding friends and buying off enemies. The problem is that retaining a parliamentary majority (note: the government in effect has lost its two-thirds majority) is about holding together 113 individuals whereas holding has been reduced to an exercise in appeasement by way of portfolios, if not Cabinet minister then at least state or deputy minister posts. This is where we get to the thorny issue of the national government. The 19th Amendment had two major flaws; first, the composition of the Constitutional Council which effectively compromises the regaining of the independent institutions abrogated by the 18th Amendment, and secondly the caveats pertaining to the size of the Cabinet. The 19-A limited Cabinet size to 30 ministers. It however allows for unlimited expansion where there is a national government. The architects of the amendment and those who voted for it (only one MP voted against it while one abstained and seven were absent) were complicit in keeping national government undefined. It left us with an as yet unanswered question: What is a national government? It is national if ALL PARTIES REPRESENTED IN PARLIAMENT are part of the government? Is it national if the two parties with the largest number of seats form a government? Would it be national if one party (say, the UNP) forms a government with a few from the third largest political group in Parliament (in this case, the SLFP)? Would the word be valid for a UNP + one or a few others that form a government? The key issue right now is that this is no longer a SLFP-UNP coalition. It is at best a government made of the UNP, a few SLFP stragglers (note, UNP means all those who contested under the elephant symbol at the 2015 general election). As such this Cabinet would be illegal unless we use a very loose and even silly definition for the term national. If commonsense definitions are used, then the size of the cabinet as of today is unconstitutional. This probably explains why both the UNP and the SLFP are labouring with the Cabinet reshuffle. The UNP needs to please more than 30 and it cannot do this if the SLFP doesnt play ball. Even if the SLFP decides to play ball, the term national government would be hilarious if it werent an absolutely pernicious twist of the term since the there are at least 70 MPs who are not listening to Sirisena as of now. At the last count (i.e. at the vote on the no-confidence motion), the Prime Minister had only the support of his party and the Tamil National Alliance. A government led by a Prime Minister who is not backed by more than 100 MPs is not national and not even a perversion of national. It is clear that a National Government is no longer tenable and perforce cabinet size has to be cut down to 30. Wickremesinghes ardent fan club believes the man is a democrat (despite all evidence to the contrary) and a decent politician; yes, some say hes a statesman. Lets call the bluff. Let him show that he is. Let him prune the cabinet down to 30. What he does (or probably will not do) is less important than getting the constitutional flaw corrected. National Government needs to be defined so that political machinations by crooks, thugs and self-serving ego maniacs are stumped at every turn, including Cabinet reshuffles. Thats more important than seeing some two-bit politician stumble. Agreed? Malinda Seneviratne is a freelance writer. malindasenevi@gmail.com www.malindawords.blogspot.com 1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war. 2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war. 3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament of the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 4. Permit free trade between all nations regardless of Communist affiliation and regardless of whether or not items could be used for war. 5. Extension of long-term loans to Russia and Soviet satellites. 6. Provide American aid to all nations regardless of Communist domination. 7. Grant recognition of Red China. Admission of Red China to the U.N. 8. Set up East and West Germany as separate states in spite of Khrushchev's promise in 1955 to settle the German question by free elections under supervision of the U.N. 9. Prolong the conferences to ban atomic tests because the United States has agreed to suspend tests as long as negotiations are in progress. 10. Allow all Soviet satellites individual representation in the U.N. 11. Promote the U.N. as the only hope for mankind. If its charter is rewritten, demand that it be set up as a one-world government with its own independent armed forces. (Some Communist leaders believe the world can be taken over as easily by the U.N. as by Moscow. Sometimes these two centers compete with each other as they are now doing in the Congo.) 12. Resist any attempt to outlaw the Communist Party. 13. Do away with all loyalty oaths. 14. Continue giving Russia access to the U.S. Patent Office. 15. Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States. 16. Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights. 17. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers' associations. Put the party line in textbooks. 18. Gain control of all student newspapers. 19. Use student riots to foment public protests against programs or organizations which are under Communist attack. 20. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policymaking positions. 21. Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures. 22. Continue discrediting American culture by degrading all forms of artistic expression. An American Communist cell was told to "eliminate all good sculpture from parks and buildings, substitute shapeless, awkward and meaningless forms." 23. Control art critics and directors of art museums. "Our plan is to promote ugliness, repulsive, meaningless art." 24. Eliminate all laws governing obscenity by calling them "censorship" and a violation of free speech and free press. 25. Break down cultural standards of morality by promoting pornography and obscenity in books, magazines, motion pictures, radio, and TV. 26. Present homosexuality, degeneracy and promiscuity as "normal, natural, healthy." 27. Infiltrate the churches and replace revealed religion with "social" religion. Discredit the Bible and emphasize the need for intellectual maturity which does not need a "religious crutch." 28. Eliminate prayer or any phase of religious expression in the schools on the ground that it violates the principle of "separation of church and state." 29. Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis. 30. Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the "common man." 31. Belittle all forms of American culture and discourage the teaching of American history on the ground that it was only a minor part of the "big picture." Give more emphasis to Russian history since the Communists took over. 32. Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture--education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc. 33. Eliminate all laws or procedures which interfere with the operation of the Communist apparatus. 34. Eliminate the House Committee on Un-American Activities. 35. Discredit and eventually dismantle the FBI. 36. Infiltrate and gain control of more unions. 37. Infiltrate and gain control of big business. 38. Transfer some of the powers of arrest from the police to social agencies. Treat all behavioral problems as psychiatric disorders which no one but psychiatrists can understand. 39. Dominate the psychiatric profession and use mental health laws as a means of gaining coercive control over those who oppose Communist goals. 40. Discredit the family as an institution. Encourage promiscuity and easy divorce. 41. Emphasize the need to raise children away from the negative influence of parents. Attribute prejudices, mental blocks and retarding of children to suppressive influence of parents. 42. Create the impression that violence and insurrection are legitimate aspects of the American tradition; that students and special-interest groups should rise up and use united force to solve economic, political or social problems. 43. Overthrow all colonial governments before native populations are ready for self-government. 44. Internationalize the Panama Canal. 45. Repeal the Connally reservation so the United States cannot prevent the World Court from seizing jurisdiction over nations and individuals alike. Ukraine Makes Bis Sales Push at Malaysias DSA Show The page you requested is only available to subscribers. 1. If you are a Premium Service subscriber, please log in here to access this story: Log-in : Password : 2. If you are not a subcriber, you can: -- buy access to this page: unlimited access for seven days costs 3.00 EUR + VAT (at 19.6%) if applicable. 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This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. Gender equality startup WORK180 has secured $1 million from seed investors including Skip Capital the private investment fund of Atlassian Co-CEO Scott Farquhar to fuel the international rollout of its unique jobs platform. WORK180 (formerly known as DCC Jobs) was launched in 2015 by co-CEOs Gemma Lloyd and Valeria Ignatieva to disrupt the traditional jobs board model, and it is the only jobs platform in Australia or New Zealand that pre-screens employers to ensure they support womens careers. To list jobs on WORK180, organisations must meet a gender equality benchmark informed by criteria, including pay equity, flexible working, women in leadership and paid parental leave. This information is made publicly available to job seekers through the WORK180 website. Atlassian, Microsoft, CommBank, BHP, NAB Caltex, Xero, MYOB, Telstra, Qantas and the NSW Government are amongst WORK180s notable clients, and the startup has enjoyed a 400% spike in job listing in the last three months alone. WORK180s seed round was led by Skip Capital with additional funding contributed by the co-founders of Lux Group, Thomas Rice (Lead Tech Analyst, Perpetual), and startup accelerator Startmate. Lloyd and Ignatieva are launching WORK180 into the UK tomorrow (19 April) and will use the capital raised to continue the companys international expansion, with a US launch scheduled for 2019. In conversation with Dynamic Business, Lloyd discussed WORK180s seed investment round and the importance of not compromising on her values even if it means rejecting investors and employers. She also spoke about the logic behind her companys recent rebrand and areas where Australian employers fall short when it comes to achieving gender equality. DB: How has WORK180s seed round validated your mission? Lloyd: The speed at which employers have come onboard with Work180 and the extent to which the platform has resonated with job seekers has provided us with a huge amount of validation. However, the investment weve received from our seed investors validates what were doing on a different level, in that its become very clear that were not just another jobs platform. When we first started speaking to investors, the question was Isnt this just a jobs platform with a woman-friendly badge on it? Now that investors realise that instead of job seekers getting screened, were screening employers and employers are handing over confidential information such as their employee engagement survey results they see that WORK180 is a gamechanger, that weve flipped the jobs board model on its head. DB: What makes your seed investors a good fit for WORK180? Lloyd: Theyre very passionate about the mission were driving, which was one of the prerequisites for coming onboard with us. Three years ago, Valeria and I turned down a $1 million investment from a private equity company. We had just launched and were in a huge amount of financial strife but the investor wanted us to ditch our minimum benchmark for accepting employers, which would have meant anyone could advertise with us this went against our values. DB: How do you help employers become more accountable? Lloyd: Employers who meet our gender equality benchmark are qualified to advertise on our platform and we also provide feedback. For example, QinetiQ a defence company with around 350 staff in Australia was initially rejected from advertising with us about six months ago. Due to that rejection, theyve not only fixed their pay gap, theyve increased paid parental leave from four weeks to 16 weeks and implemented a flexible working policy. For a companys HR team to be able to take our feedback to their executive and say heres where were struggling to attract top talent, heres how we compare to similar organisations we need to do better is incredibly powerful. When an organisation embraces the data and insights we provide them, we see that as an investment in improving their policies. DB: Do clients treat the WORK180 as a competitive advantage? Lloyd: Absolutely. The reason employers value our platform is that we turn down those who dont meet our benchmark. Those who do make the cut are not only seen to be advocates of women having equal opportunities, theyre also achieving incredible results. Were getting employers up 50 times more female applicants than job platforms like SEEK. Its not uncommon for companies to not have a focus on diversity and equal opportunity not due to malicious intent, its through lack of education in this space. By bringing to peoples attention the research around gender equality namely, it boosts productivity, employee engagement and profitability while reducing staff turnover and by highlighting what great companies are doing, were getting more people on board. DB: Have you ever removed employers from your jobs platform? Lloyd: Yes, weve dropped employers before but it doesnt happen too often. There was one company that initially qualified to advertise wth usbut then it became very apparent that they didnt offer a good place to work, so we dropped them. Yes, the employers pay our bills but first and foremost, were here for the female community. Valeria and I started WORK180 to drive change and we have it in our terms that we will break with employers who dont live up to our expectations. DB: Where do employers commonly fall short with your criteria? Lloyd: Surprisingly, the biggest one is paid parental leave. We recently interviewed a global IT company with 10,000 employees and they only had three weeks maternity leave, which is crazy. At WORK180, were a team of eleven and we offer six weeks paid parental leave for both the primary and secondary carers, whether theyre male or female. Its not just the right thing to do, there are incredible financial benefits in terms of staff retention and attracting top talent. So, we reject a lot of companies based on their paid parental leave policy. Another area where employers fall short is pay equity. A lot of companies put it in the too hard basket but its not hard at all! You measure it and then you fix it. Thats all. Theres a great company called Zendesk, whove changed how they conduct their interviews. They no longer ask job seekers what their previous salary was because they found a lot of women were saying they were earning less than men. Their view is we dont care what salary you earned in your last job, we will pay everyone fairly and equally. DB: Why did you and Ignatieva rebrand from DCC Jobs to WORK180? Lloyd: The rebrand was undertaken to coincide with our international expansion. Were launching in the UK with a flagship group of companies including Microsoft, Schneider Electric and six others who were recommended WORK180by our existing clients.We wanted to change our name to something that truly reflected our mission to do a power flip with the jobs board model thats where the 180 element comes in. We think WORK180 tells a stronger story than DCC Jobs. Sydney is the number one location in the Asia Pacific for startup founders to connect and building strong relationships, the results of a global startup survey show. [Related: Huge coup for Sydney $35m startup hub to host exclusive Microsoft accelerator program, The NSW Government is launching a $35 million innovation hub; the startup community reacts, NSW Government set to secure equity in SMEs with good ideas using new $150 million fund and Previously, the government wouldnt have engaged SMEs in this way: Jobs for NSW CEO] The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2018 from Startup Genome and the Global Entrepreneurship Network features strategic startup investment and policy insights from over 10,000 founders across 45 cities, including Sydney. David Thodey, the Chair of Jobs for NSW, welcomed the finding that Sydney beats other locations in the Asia Pacific, including other Australian cities, when it comes to local connectedness. The NSW Government is helping to create the right environment for people to have the confidence to launch a startup, and to get the support they need to give them the best chance of success, he said. The strong connections between startup founders in Sydney are testament to investments made in recent years, including the $35 million Sydney Startup Hub and efforts to connect Sydney with startup communities around the state. With the Sydney Startup Hub we now have a world leading startup and innovation centre set to create thousands of jobs across metro and regional NSW which rivals international facilities like Kendall Square in Boston and Station F in Paris. Microsoft recently brought its world-renowned intensive program for start-ups to the Sydney Startup Hub, making it one of only eight global host locations a huge vote of confidence in Sydneys status as a global startup leader. The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2018 also shows that Local Connectedness is strongly associated with higher startup performance this is great news for Sydney and NSW and well continue to create the right environment to back successful startups to create jobs. Thodey said that the NSW Government, through Jobs for NSW, has committed $190 million to support fast-growth businesses at every stage of their lifecycle. Weve launched a $150 million GO NSW Equity Fund, in partnership with First State Super and ROC Partners, where were taking an equity stake in high-growth firms. The Government is also supporting startup sector growth with its $25 million investment in the Sydney School of Entrepreneurship and its $18 million Boosting Business Innovation Program that links businesses to universities research and knowledge. The reports Sydney Deep Dive is available at https://startupgenome.com/ On Thursday, April 12, I had great fun back in my hometown of Oxford, Ohio, where I was born, grew up, and went to school. The gracious folks of the Physics Department at Miami University, my alma mater, invited me to deliver the annual memorial lecture for the department, the George C. Benson Memorial Lecture. The lecture honors its namesake, George Benson, who was a very well liked postdoc at Miami in physics. He was killed tragically in a plane crash in early 1967. One of the highlights of the trip was having a dinner before the lecture with members of the Benson family, who were wonderfully interesting and kind. My talk, The New Cosmos: Astronomys Ongoing Revolution, took place on Thursday evening in a packed-house auditorium with Miamis physics professors, undergrad and graduate students, and interested folks from around Oxford and the surrounding area. Echoing my Cambridge University Press book of the same title, I spoke about the origin of the Moon, the fate of life on Earth, the structure of the Milky Way Galaxy, the Big Bang, dark matter, dark energy, black holes, and other subjects big leaps in our understanding over the past decade or so. The group was sensational and, just when I thought I had talked too much about all this stuff, they went on for a long time afterward with numerous questions. What a great crowd!! It was a real pleasure to return to my hometown and school to do this. Many thanks to those who made it possible: Physics Department Chair Herbert Jaeger, Professors Jennifer Blue, Steve Alexander, and Samir Bali, my sister Nancy Eicher, and many others of the physics department, including Mandy Pettit, who helped the make the trip happen. I will blog more about the visit as soon as I catch up here on the magazine front . . . For more on the lecture, see: http://miamioh.edu/cas/academics/departments/physics/about/seminars/benson-memorial-lecture/index.html What a wonderful time!! Proud to be a Miamian. Let me begin with an apology: I have intentionally lured you here under false pretenses. What do I mean? Ive used that favorite strategy of internet hoaxes and supermarket tabloids, the click bait headline, to catch your eye, whet your appetite, and influence you to click the link, which brought you here. According to Wikipedia, click bait headlines rely on outrageous quotes or eye-catching graphics to provide just enough scanty tidbits of information to generate click throughs, and encourage readers to forward content via social media. Seeit works! And while Im fessing up, let me also apologize for including the following outright lies in the above headline: 1. There are no simple solutions when it comes to education. A simple solution infers that a single strategy, or group of strategies, will be sufficient to address problems across a wide variety of settingsin this case, our public schools. As anyone who has ever spent a day teaching in a public school knows, no two public schools are alike, so the notion that any one idea or approach holds the answer to wide-spread, systemic change in an ecosystem as large and diverse as Americas public school system is either naive or disingenuous. And neither of those traits is a good thing when it comes to making suggestions about our nations education policy. Currently, this education ecosystem includes traditional public schools, public charter schools (which are not truly public schoolsbut thats an issue for another day), private schools, online schools, for-profit schools, religious schools, virtual schools, and more. And its possible that there is as much diversity within some of these sectors of the education market than there is between them. In spite of this patchwork quilt of schooling options, corporate reformers, led by persons such as Peter Cunningham, Michelle Rhee, and Eva Moskowitz, and organizations like The 74, Education Post, and the various charter school management outfits, such as KIPP and National Heritage Academies, have doubled down on one, single, simplistic solution to the problem of American education: school choice. Doesnt it seem ironic then, that during a time when parents have never had more choice with respect to education options for their children, that more and more families are seeing their actual choices dwindling? When this charter school was closing its doors in 2016, less than two weeks before the start of Fall classes, hundreds of Detroit families were left stranded, scrambling to find seats for their children in local schools. Why did this charter school close up shop? Was it because they couldnt hire certified teachers? Or were struggling to offer a full curriculum? As it turns out, the reason the school closed had nothing to do with children, teachers, or learning. Rather than working with their teachers on their request to join a union, the charter management company, New Paradigm, decided they would rather just shut their doors and close the school. And this is not a localized problem. The Center for Media and Democracy points to a chilling statistic: Nearly 2,500 charter schools have shuttered between 2001 and 2013, affecting 288,000 American children enrolled in primary and secondary schools, and the failure rate for charter schools is much higher than for traditional public schools. As Ive written about previously, while closing schools may be a business solution, its not an educative solution. Closing a school is like tearing apart a familyit doesnt improve anything, it only destroysrelationships, communities, and simple human bonds. School closings should be an option of last resortnot a convenient business strategy to avoid negotiating in good faith with your employees. 2. Education is not a problem. Or a solution The education business has been the victim of a hostile takeover from the corporate reform of education movement, funded by billions of dollars from agencies and foundations headed by some of our nations wealthiest and most successful business personsBill and Melinda Gates, Eli Broad, the Walton family (i.e., WalMart), etc. None of these persons, and very few of the folks they have hired to carry out their plans, has a degree in education, or has ever taught, and few of them even attended or sent their own children to a public school. These reformers dont see education as a common good, or as a value system, or even as a worthwhile form of public service. Rather, they see education as a business problem. And when business sees a problem, theres a pretty simple strategy that is followed: determine how much it will cost to fix the problem; conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine if the problem is worth fixing; make the decision and implement the fix. Heres the problem: Children are not widgets. When a group of children isnt learning enough, or even just fast enough, you dont simply discard the whole class like a bad batch of product, and start over. Because education is not a businessit never was, and never will be. So business strategies, and business plans, and business approaches are just not going to work in the schools, no matter how many turn around school programs, and scale up initiatives, and customer-driven models are introduced, and then hastily abandoned in our schools. Perhaps more importantly: education is not a problem. Its a complex, complicated web of relationships. To be successful, it needs to be nurtured, not solved. Education is a journey, not a destination. Its never going to be perfect, and is by definition messy, noisy, and gloriously inefficient at times. Education is to be savored, like a fine meal, and celebrated, like a childs first attempt at walking or riding a bikenot viewed as a problem to be solved, and profited from. And, perhaps more controversially: education is not a solution. Please understandI am not devaluing or diminishing the importance of education in any way. Just the opposite. Education has been in many ways one of the most powerful agents of social change in our countrys history. It has the ability to help students find their passions, fuel their dreams, and express their feelings. Public education is the single most important factor responsible for the growth of the US as a major economic and political force in todays world. But expecting children to solve the problems caused by adults seems, to me, extraordinarily unfair and illogical. In our current reform discourse, the coin of the realm when it comes to educational value is student achievement, defined narrowly as student scores on standardized tests. Reformers have suggested that improved student achievement is the key to returning our nation to economic glory, military dominance, and respect from our global neighbors. This is, to put it bluntly, ridiculous. A students score on a standardized test tells us nothing about how to address the important problems we face as a peopleits a solution in search of a problem. It has never been the purpose of education to solve a countrys economic and political problems. Expecting our children and the schools to assume responsibility for fixing our problems as a society is nothing more than an abrogation of duty on the part of our leaders. 3. Our public schools are not failing. This one IS simple. Our public schools are not failing, our teachers are not lazy, and, no, Arne Duncan: our children are not dumb. In fact, given the challenges that our teachers are facing with cuts to funding, and attacks on their profession, I would suggest that the work being done by teachers in our public schools is nothing short of heroic. What is failing is our support for the institution of public education. Our schools are not failing: we are failing our schools. What can we do to fix this problem? We can start by votingsupport those candidates who are vocal advocates and champions for strong, locally-controlled public schools. Get involved in local campaigns, where the impact on schools is the most profound: town council, mayor, state representatives, and your local school board. Vote for your local school budget the next time it comes up on the ballot. And pay attention to the positions taken by your states elected officials on education issues, like charter school caps and regulations, school funding, vouchers, and teacher evaluation systems. And if you dont know what policies make the most sense for your child and your community, ask an expert: your childs certified public school teacher. So, it turns out that there IS a simple solution after all Oops, I lied again. As it turns out, there is a simple solution to improving public education: Listen to the experts. And by experts, I mean our teachers. Instead of following the policy pronouncements of self-appointed amateur edu-hobbyists like Bill Gates, Betsy DeVos, and Donald Trump, lets put the control for our schools back into the hands of the folks who know the most about learning, pedagogy, and our childrentheir teachers and parents. Lets adequately fund all of our schools, and make sure that the school in the inner-city is as clean, safe and well-equipped as the one in the wealthiest of suburbs. Lets stop allowing uncertified, unqualified edu-tourists from groups like Teach for America to be handed the responsibility of educating our children in urban and rural schools, and insist that all kids be taught by dedicated, committed professionals, with the appropriate course work, licenses, and certifications. Lets demand that all schools offer a rich, engaging curriculum, including music, art, and physical educationand lets stop referring to these subjects as extras, or specialsour children certainly dont see them as extras. For some kids, these are the things that make school worth going to. Lets guarantee that every publicly-funded school is held to the same standards, regulations, and expectations, that all such schools are required to admit any child who wishes to attend, that lotteries and other similar methods of artificially managing student enrollment are eliminated, and that every child has access to a high quality public school, regardless of geography or socio-economic status. Lets stop pretending that competition and choice are the solutions to the problems that have been created by competition and choice. Lets stop trying to fund two parallel, separate but equal school systems, and put a moratorium on the creation of new charter schools until all publicly-funded schools are competing on level playing fields. And lets return control for our public schools to where it belongs: elected school boards made up of concern citizens from the communities in which their schools are located, and put an end to schools governed by unreliable charter management companies and state-appointed emergency managers and CEOs. In late January, an article at Bridge magazine raised questions about Michigan gubernatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayeds eligibility to run for this position due to his having lived outside of Michigan for a time. Experts on campaign law weighed in and were not in agreement. Some said hes fine. Others expressed concern that he may not be fine at all and that this could derail his candidacy. Worse, if it derailed his candidacy after he had secured the Democratic Party nomination, it would all but ensure that Michigans next governor will be Bill Schuette a Republican. Dr. El-Sayed immediately used this story to attack unnamed Democrats by comparing them to Birthers, conservative racists who claim Barack Obama was not born in America. He also appeared to describe his chief opponent, at least at the time, former state Senate Democratic leader Gretchen Whitmer, as a sub-standard candidate. The Michigan Democratic Party asked Dr. El-Sayed to ask for a ruling on the matter and in March, he did so by filing a lawsuit against Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson. He did this to force the court to weigh in on the issue because there is no other way to get a ruling from the courts on his eligibility outside of the context of a lawsuit that needs to be resolved. Yesterday, state government lawyers acting on behalf of Ms. Johnson asked a judge to dismiss the case, saying that it is premature. They say its premature because no interested parties have filed a complaint against Dr. El-Sayed on the matter of his eligibility: State attorneys are asking a judge to dismiss Democrat Abdul El-Sayeds request that Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson declare him an eligible candidate for governor, calling it premature because no one has challenged his status. El-Sayed filed a complaint for declaratory judgment in March after a Bridge Magazine article raised questions about whether his voter registration history in New York could open him up to a constitutional challenge in Michigans 2018 election. The Michigan Democratic Party asked El-Sayed to pre-emptively pursue an eligibility review, but an attorney for Johnson said Tuesday there is no actual controversy because nobody with the state has taken, or even hinted at, action to reject or disqualify his candidacy filings. The controversy, such as there is, is the creation of the media and the Michigan Democratic Party not state action, Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast wrote in a filing to Court of Claims Judge Christopher Murray. That last bit is a clear effort to sow discord and confusion among and against Democrats and it comes from the office of Bill Schuette who is the likely Republican gubernatorial candidate who will run against the Democrat who receives the nomination. Schuette, of course, wants this dissension and confusion and discord to continue for as long as possible to keep the Democratic Party tied up in knots, arguing among themselves. In fact, this is not an issue that has anything at all to do with the Michigan Democratic Party itself, despite what Heather Meingast says. They simply want the matter resolved as quickly as possible so we can have a primary race free from question marks. And, of course, if the courts were to rule against Dr. El-Sayed, it would prevent a catastrophe for the Party in November. Dr. El-Sayed is portraying this request as a victory for his campaign, calling it a decisive statement putting the issue to rest, and vindicating [my] eligibility to run. It is, of course, nothing of the sort. This matter will not be resolved until the court resolves it. It cannot be resolved by lawyers working for the person who will run against El-Sayed or whoever wins the Democratic primary. In fact, the request for dismissal takes us back to Square One where we dont know how the court will rule if and when an interested party files a complaint against him based on residency requirements. Dr. El-Sayed may be declaring victory and moving on but thats not how it works and the matter is still hanging out there to be resolved. In the event that El-Sayed receives the nomination, you can be very sure that his Republican opponent, whether its Bill Schuette or someone else, will wait until the very moment when raising the issue will do the most damage to the Democrat and will then file a complaint at that time. Given that these sorts of eligibility questions have derailed Democratic efforts in the past, anyone claiming that this is a manufactured controversy created by his Democratic opponents and that it has now been resolved (as El-Sayeds campaign and many of his supporters are saying) is simply wrong. And so we wait. We wait until an interested party, presumably one of Dr. El-Sayeds opponents, files a complaint. Only then will the courts weigh in and settle this once and for all. For every one Democrat involved, the sooner this happens, the better. In the meantime, those claiming this is an attack by establishment Democrats (whatever THAT means) on a true progressive (what THAT means) are doing nothing more than playing the victim card on behalf of Dr. El-Sayed. Those of us who want this resolved quickly want it resolved quickly so we dont get an October Surprise, not to sabotage the campaign of a Democratic candidate, no matter HOW we are portrayed by Dr. El-Sayeds supporters. UPDATE: Immediately after I published this, El-Sayeds Campaign Manager Max Glass sent out a fundraising letter in which he reiterates the contention that Dr. El-Sayed is a victim (emphasis mine): There are those out there who are worried about what the success of our movement means for their chokehold on political power. Rather than do the work, theyre pushing backroom coronations and deals to promote candidates that fall in line around the usual bought and sold brand of politics theyve always pushed. But, this time, its not working. Only one campaign is building the momentum of a grassroots movement, and thats worrying them. If our movement steps up right now to spring back from these attacks, we will leave our opponents brand of bought-and-paid-for politics in the dust. And heading into the Democratic primary, we will be unstoppable. Lets show the world that weve got the guts, the heart, and the numbers to win against the power and money of establishment party politics. For the record, despite Glasss contention that their campaign is building momentum, El-Sayed is actually in third place according to the last four polls conducted in this race. [Photo by Anne C. 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To build the largest and most complete Amateur Radio community site on the Internet - a "portal" that hams think of as the first place to go for information, to exchange ideas, and be part of whats happening with ham radio on the Internet. eHam.net provides recognition and enjoyment to the people who use, contribute, and build the site. This project involves a management team of volunteers who each take a topic of interest and manage it with passion. The site will stand above all other ham radio sites by employing the latest technology and professional design/programming standards, developed by a team of community programmers who contribute their skills to the effort. The site will be something of which everyone involved can be proud to say they were a part. We welcome your comments. The eHam.net Team, Revision 07/2020. By Daily Beast , April 18, 2018 Two officials told the Associated Press that California has rejected President Donald Trumps initial plans to send National Guard troops to the southern border because the work is considered too closely tied to immigration enforcement. In the ongoing negotiations between the federal government and the state, California has asserted that it will not permit federal troops to fix and repair vehicles, operate remotely-controlled surveillance cameras to report suspicious activity to the Border Patrol, operate radios and provide mission support. Negotiations soured over the weekend between the two parties, as federal officials saw the state's restrictions as onerous, sources told the AP. Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook By National Review , April 15, 2018 DHAHRAN, Saudi Arabia (AP) Saudi Arabia used its perch as host of an annual gathering of Arab leaders on Sunday to push for a unified stance against rival Iran as the regional powerhouses vie for the upper hand in wars in Syria and Yemen. Saudi King Salman told leaders from across the 22-member Arab League that Iran was to blame for instability and meddling in the region. He said Yemeni rebel Houthis, backed by Iran, had fired 116 missiles at the kingdom since Saudi Arabia went to war in Yemen three years ago to try and roll back Houthi gains there. Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook By NBC News , April 18, 2018 PALM BEACH, Fla. The new White House economic adviser apologized Tuesday to U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley after suggesting she was suffering from "momentary confusion" when she announced over the weekend that new sanctions against Russia were imminent. Haley had fired back at Larry Kudlow, saying, "With all due respect, I don't get confused." Read More: Join us - become an Elderado today at: LarryElder.com Follow Larry Elder on Follow Larry Elder on Twitter "Like" Larry Elder on Facebook Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Greece calls aid campaign for military forces Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) honorary president Andreas Andreadis, called aid from his Twitter account to raise money for 1 million euros Greek military forces needed. While Greeces economic crisis spiral grows day by day, generals retired from Greek army has started aid campaigns to raise money for Greek army. Greek Tourism Confederation (SETE) honorary president Andreas Andreadis was included to this search for aid. Andreadis, reminding the Greeek fighter jet crash in Aegean Sea, expressed that Greek army should be supported. It is about time: An attempt to mobilize to raise 1 billion euros to strengthen our armed forces from all affluent Greek patriots & institutions in the country and abroad. We will involve many as long as there is a cross-party relationship with project & transparency. said Andreadis from his Twitter account. President Erdogan calls for snap elections Right after the statements made by Turkey's ruling party to evaluate calls for early elections, President Erdogan announced that Turkey will call an early election on 24 June. President Erdogan on Wednesday announced that Turkey will have snap elections on June 24, 2018, after a meeting with opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) chairman Devlet Bahceli at the presidential complex. Turkeys cross border operation in Syria and the situation in both Syria and Iraq obliged Turkey to overcome uncertainties as soon as possible. For this reason at the end of talks with Mr. Bahceli, we decided to hold elections on June 24, 2018 on Sunday. stated Erdogan. "We are immediately launching the legal process regarding the matter, and without a doubt, Turkey's Supreme Election Board will also start preparations for the elections as soon as possible." he added. Opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli on Tuesday had called for early elections in Turkey on Aug. 26. Speaking at his party's parliamentary group in capital Ankara, Bahceli had said that it should be known that the MHP wants early elections after the adjustment laws are enacted. The main opposition Republican Peoples Partys spokesperson Bulent Tezcan had said that CHP is ready for elections to be held at any timein response to the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leaders call for snap elections. Despite large dams being decommissioned the world over, the government has now set its sights on the construction of the Pancheshwar dam on the ecologically sensitive Mahakali river. Wary of being sacrificed at the altar of so-called development, resistance to the project has transformed into a concerted peoples protest, which continues to gain momentum. The fragile hills of Uttarakhand continue to face destruction in the guise of development, as construction of the Pancheshwar dam315 metres above sea levelis set to begin in the Kumaon hills, on the IndoNepal border. Without paying any attention to the consequential ecological and social impacts, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has given the dam a green signal, thus actualising the Prime Ministers promise to the people of Kumaon, made during his election campaign in January 2017. While the MoEFCCs expert panel, in order to expedite work on the dam, has waived off the requirement of a joint mechanism to assess the environmental impact on India and Nepal, peoples protest against the project has intensified. The project will directly affect 134 villages and 31,000 households in Pithoragarh, Champawat and Almora districts, as well as many more indirectly, and will submerge 11,600 hectares (ha) of land (7,600 ha in Kumaon and 4,000 ha in Nepal). Of these, only 123 villages will be resettled (not rehabilitated) in make-shift camps, where those displaced will be forced to live in subhuman conditions. Villagers, fearing displacement, have begun protesting and have burnt copies of the detailed project report (DPR) that was recently made public. The European Commission would like to start EU membership talks with Albania and Macedonia, in line with its new priority of the integration of the Western Balkans. The EUs fresh interest in the region has gotten a new impetus in the past year with Brussels focusing on resolving conflicts with the blocs neighbors. The EU has also embraced a more reform-friendly approach in response to its growing fear about the greater interest of non-EU countries, mostly Russia and China, to reap benefits in the region. The Commissions proposal came as part of a regular enlargement report but it still needs to be approved by all 28 member states and their approval is not straightforward. In case of Macedonia, its EU membership is not welcome by Greece since Athens does not approve of the countrys very name, which is the same as that of a northern Greek province. Following two decades of UN-supervised talks, there is still no solution in sight. However, Skopje has recently signaled willingness to make concessions and solve the issue and there are expectations that this move will translate into an invitation to launch negotiations. As to Albania, the tiny country has managed to mitigate its internal divisions, although some nationalist statements from the Albanian leadership have been occasionally disturbing for NATO allies. Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, however, said in his statement that the enlargement report sends a strong signal of encouragement to our country and our people, confirming that we are on the right path and setting the scene for the journey of reform that has only just begun. Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker met last week with the new Slovak Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini on the occasion of Slovakias upcoming presidency of the Visegrad Four group. There are hopes that the Slovak presidency will lead to a deal to reform the EUs system on asylum. Mr. Pellegrini took office following PM Robert Ficos resignation after the murder of the investigative journalist Jan Kuciak. Slovakia will take over from Hungary and lead the Visegrad between 1 July 2018 and 30 June 2019. The Visegrad countries namely Poland, Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia have been widely seen as troublemakers when it comes the EU-mandated system of migrant quotas. Mr. Pellegrini said the mandatory quotas were not fair, but emphasized that there were other ways Slovakia could contribute, referring to a project under which his country hosts asylum-seekers while they await the decisions on their applications in neighboring Austria. If we want to maintain peace and solidarity in the union, Im sure it is not a good idea to boost tensions, he said, according to translation. I will do everything I can so that there will be no stalemate, he added. President Juncker said there were very few Western Europeans who were aware of the activities the Visegrad countries are pursuing to help refugees from Libya. He said that the four Visegrad countries provided Italy with 35 million an effort others didnt do Mr. Juncker said. As Slovakia is the incoming Presidency of the Visegrad Four, starting on 1 July, Im convinced that relations between the Visegrad Four and the Commission, which are not as bad as they are described, will further improve, he added. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is calling for the resumption of the Syrian talks that were launched in Vienna in 2015. The negotiations aimed to end the civil war and bring about a peace deal. They had a broad mandate, representing more than twenty countries, as well as the United Nations, the European Union, the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Conference. The recent use of chemical weapons in the vicinity of the Syrian capital, Damascus, has triggered mobilization in the West. Although the military strikes were carried out only by the US, France and Britain, they found broad support, including in Germany. While Austria did not join other European countries in the protests against Moscow following the poisoning of a dormer Russian spy in Salisbury, England, Chancellor Kurz was very straightforward regarding Syria: This latest attack with chemical weapons against the civilian population has been shocking and is to be condemned in the strongest terms. In view of the UN Security Council blockade, I understand this limited military action aimed at preventing further war crimes involving chemical weapons in Syria. Austrian Chancellor and his Foreign Minister Karin Kneissl therefore made the offer to the international community to resume the Syria talks, which started in 2015 and have been continuously interrupted: I therefore urge the responsible actors to hold political talks under UN mediation and to comply with international law, to relieve the people of Syria who have already suffered enough. European Parliament discussed the Syrian issue with EU diplomacy chief Federica Mogherini yesterday (17 April) while its President Antonio Tajani tweeted that the EU must be bolder in defense and foreign affairs policy, taking active role in delivering solutions that alleviate suffering of people of Syria. Written by ACM *Strasbourg/Angelo Marcopolo/- Half of French President Emmanuel Macron's EU Parliament's Speech, and Most of his Total Speaking Time here, this Morning, here, were surprizingly Focused, from the outset, to the Need to Strengthen European Democracy, particularly by vivid Public Debates before important Decisions, involving MEPs but also affected EU Citizens, near to "Eurofora"s Project... The Other Half was dedicated to another Topical Need : That of Strengthening Europe's Sovereignity, from manifold points of view : Migration, Taxes on Global Web Players, Strengthen uroArea, Naturally Security and Defence, but also Trade, Climat, Energy, Food, Digital Technologies, and Social Rights. --------------------------------- Macron explicitly prefered to "Exchange Views" with MEPs, since "Programs and Proposals" for Europe's foreseable Future "have already been made earlier", mainly at his landmark "Sorbonne speech" in Paris, as he reminded. And because, "Today, it seems Necessary to give Time for Exchanges", the new French President stressed, pointing also to the Exceptional Fact that, Later-on this Day, he is going to Launch the 1st Citizens' Consultation, among a 6 Months-long Series, between April and November 2018, Starting by nearby Epinal City, at the Heights of Vosges' Mountains (See : ....). -------------- => "At this Moment", "our Discussions canNot be just Ordinary", he Warned, Because "it's a Special Context", where "Divisions provoke Doubts aboiut Europe", and certain "Great Challenges (as on Migration, Digital Technologies, Climate, etc) provoke Fears to some People", while we are also Shortly before the 2019 EU Elections, with Political Struggles on Ideas which Forge us", as he pointed out. Therefore, "our Responsibility is even Greater", Macron Warned. >>> "In such exceptional Circumstances, "Democracy can be our Best Chances". Therefore, "We must Create that European Public Space, where we can ReVive Debates", he urged. - Because, in Fact, "it's Not the People who Abandoned the European Idea, But the Betrayal of Bureaucrats/Technocrats ("la Trahison des Clercs"), which Threatens that", Macron pointed out in substance. => Therefore, "The Anger of the People of Europe, nowadays, Must be Heard !", he stressed, as a matter of principle. ==> So that, "in order to ReVitalize a popular Europe, we have to Act Otherwise : Return Back to the Source of Democracy, and Look Staight on the Face of the Facts :" - F.ex., "How could we be Satisfied of such EU Elections where Less than 1 Citizen out of 2 accepts to Go Vote ?", he Denounced, as far as the Post-1999 growing Electoral Abstention is concerned. - "Today, we canNot just do as we used to do Yesterday", (i.e. Refuse to Speak, ...Share the Top Jobs, and Blame Brussels and Strasbourg for everything". Instead, "we have to Build .... the reality of a Structured Debate on (Political) Beliefs and Proposals", Macron incited. => "It's for this Purpose, in order to Try and Innovate, that I proposed the (EU) Citizens' Consultations, already from this year (2018)", he explained. - So, "I will Launch in France, from this very Afternoon, a Frank Debate, Open, Hard, but Necessary, in order to Know what Unites or Separates us, in order to Drop that over-Simplified Alternative between "Yes" and "No", (as in a Hasty Referendum), on an Issue that has Not yet been seriously Examined (Studied)"... - On the Contrary, "we shall have a Critical Democratic Debate on that Europe which is ours", Macron incited. + "And iIUrge You, Each one of you, Both in your Countries and Everywhere in Europe, to Boost, Participate in such Substantial Debates, which are the Condition of our Democratic Vitality !" -------------- >>> However, "I'll Never make a Structural Change, withOut giving to the People a Fair Chance to Decide", the French Presiden also promised in fine, at the Conclusion of the subsequent Debate with MEPs. *** ------------------------------------------ Hi everyone! Can any one recommend an orthopedic doctor specialized in spine care in Abu Dhabi? It is kind of urgent! Thanks. UKMS said: You might need to post a little more information to get a constructive answer particularly the qualified and experienced bit. It means different things to different people, particularly experience ..... and number of years might help. Personally its not a role ive come across in the UAE but Im sure some of the folk on here might be able to help. Are you applying direct to the hospital or via a recruiter, if the later have you asked them ? Click to expand... Thank you for this... by qualified I mean I have a BSc in Social Work and by experienced I have been working for 5 years in a local authority dealing with complex cases (and high case loads, it is the UK after all!)I am applying through a recruiter and will be speaking to them but was hoping to gain some insight to the role in Dubai as I am anticipating it being very different to the UK; although all people are human the world over, culture and social experiences contribute a large part of who we are and how we manage the stresses of the world around us. As a frequent visitor to Dubai I have some understanding of the cultureand, as you say, it is not a role that is come across much out there! You don't actually need to register with Pole Emploi unless you're eligible to receive unemployment ("chomage") benefits. You can simply enroll on their website to have access to their listings of job openings, access to their CV formatter and to put your CV on their site to be visible to potential employers. If you are on chomage (i.e. drawing benefits) you have to have already signed up with Pole Emploi, and it's only then that they can direct you to free classes to help in your job search (as part of your chomage benefits). When you're enrolled with them, they do usually take some time to try to help evaluate your CV (i.e. resume, not carte vitale) and make some suggestions for job hunting, but their primary role is to work with those folks drawing benefits. The primary benefit comes from signing up on their website, access to their data base of job listings (though don't get your hopes up - many employers use Pole Emploi as a "last resort" for posting their positions or for justifying their interest in a foreign candidate who needs visa sponsorship). They do have computers available for use at the Pole Emploi offices and I think you can use them even without being registered with them. They also should have some information about local and regional agencies that have job listings online. I know where I live I was directed to a website of the "commune des communes" (kind of a regional group of neighboring towns) that lists jobs open working for the member towns and for small businesses in the area. There are job hunting tips and trick available (in French) on sites like Monster.fr, LinkedIn.fr and Stepstone.fr Cheers, Bev The Fauquier Times is honored to serve as your community companion. To say thank you, we are excited to offer 4 weeks FREE Digital & Print access to all subscribers new and returning alike. We are dedicated to continuing providing reliable, high quality journalism. This is possible with the trust and support of our subscribers in the community we are proud to serve. ZTE replaced its chief compliance officer after it admitted to the U.S. government in March that it made false statements about meeting the requirements of a settlement agreement. The South China Morning Post said Wednesday that ZTE removed Cheng Gang, a senior vice-president, from his roles as chief compliance officer and chief legal officer, according to an internal human resources notice dated March 8. ZTE Chinas biggest listed telecommunications equipment maker was hit Monday with a seven-year denial of export privileges by the U.S. Department of Commerce for failing to comply with settlement terms in an earlier sanctions case. The export denial means American companies are banned from selling components to ZTE and ZTE Kangxun Telecommunications Ltd. Both are based in Shenzhen, China. Before the ban, ZTE depended on American companies to supply components used in its networking gear and smartphones. In 2017, ZTE paid $1.19 billion to settle U.S. criminal and civil charges for illegally shipping telecommunications equipment to Iran and North Korea. ZTE was also accused of making false statements and obstruction for lying to U.S. authorities and destroying export records. In the 2017 settlement, ZTE promised to fire four senior employees and discipline 35 others by reducing their bonuses or reprimanding them. ZTE admitted in March that it fired the four senior employees but didnt take action against the others. Cheng Gang, the former compliance chief, was replaced by Wang Dong, who was appointed to the rank of senior vice-president, according to the memo, the SCMP said. It is unclear whether Cheng remains an employee at ZTE, the paper said. The Commerce Department said Monday that ZTE paid full bonuses to employees that had engaged in illegal conduct, and failed to issue letters of reprimand. On Tuesday, ZTE suspended trading of its Hong Kong and Shenzhen shares. The company has 80,000 employees. ZTE admitted last month that two letters it sent to the U.S. government about its compliance with the terms of the 2017 settlement contained false statements. ____ Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. She married Charles I before she met him Henrietta s wedding was a proxy ceremony in May 1625 in Paris, meaning that someone else stood in for the groom. When for the first time she set eyes on Charles I in June (in Dover Castle) there was no going back. Henrietta Maria Romance After spectacular early quarrels an exceptional chemistry developed between Henrietta Maria and Charles. One of the great royal marriages. Excellent memory Both king and queen appeared on stage at Court. In 1632 Henrietta Maria was the heroine in a play, the Shepherds Paradise, that lasted seven hours! She had an extensive speaking part. She suffered from depression We know this from the observations of Gregorio Panzani, a papal envoy. Henrietta Maria was known for high spirits but could be melancholy. She sometimes had panic attacks. In 1644 her doctor told her she was mad (temporarily). Revered her mother When her mother, Marie de Medicis, arrived in England in 1638, Henrietta Maria greeted her in the courtyard of St Jamess Palace by sinking to her knees twice. She was heavily pregnant at the time. Worked for peace before civil war broke out Henrietta Maria is usually criticised as a warmonger. In fact she tried hard to calm things in the early 1640s, meeting opposition politicians personally. It was only when she became a target of her husbands enemies that she thought conflict inevitable. War was declared in August 1642. Nearly killed three times First by the winter storms which almost drowned her in early 1643 (two of her eleven ships went down). The queen was returning to England from Europe with money and arms for Charles I. On her second attempt she reached Bridlington where her lodgings were bombarded by a parliamentary vessel. She fled into a ditch to escape the cannonballs (but went back to rescue her dog). In 1644 returning to France, her ship was again intercepted, attacked and hit. The damage was slight. She survived although in a terrible state. Forgiving When she heard of the death of Oliver Cromwell in 1658 the man who killed her husband and dispossessed her family she might have shouted hurray. But we have a letter to a friend in which she calls him a wretch but says she felt no rejoicing on the news. She outlived five of her children Henrietta Maria had at least one miscarriage. Of the children who were born two died as infants/toddlers, one died as a teenager, and two died as adults in 1660, the year of political triumph (when Charles II returned to England as king). She died of a drug overdose Henrietta Maria died on 10 September 1669 shortly before her sixtieth birthday. Her death was caused by a dose of laudanum (an opium mix) administered by the doctor of her nephew Louis XIV. It was an error. He was trying to help her sleep. He overestimated her strength. https://www.amberley-books.com/henrietta-maria-9781445645663.html Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category HON. PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE CHOGM EVENT CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE COMMONWEALTH: ACCELERATING ACTION IN LONDON Your Excellency The Secretary General of the Commonwealth,The Honourable British Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth,My distinguished fellow speakers,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all,I have come to London in the immediate aftermath of two cyclones that struck Fiji within a space of a fortnight causing loss of life and significant economic damage.Cyclones Josie and Keni came just over two years after we were struck by Cyclone Winston, the biggest cyclone ever to have made landfall in the southern hemisphere.In that event, 44 of our people were killed, thousands were made homeless and the economic consequences were dire damage equal to one third of our GDP.26 months later, we are again mourning the loss of at least eight of our loved ones and are again counting the cost of the physical consequences of climate change.The increasingly regular appearance of these storms undermines our ability to develop as an economy and as a society. Imagine what it is like for my people in the affected areas. Just as you begin surveying the damage to your home, your possessions, your business and, in some cases, come to terms with the loss of family members and friends, another cyclone bears down on you.Imagine what it is like for my government having to replace vital infrastructure that has already been replaced after previous events. This is the reality in Fiji and a great many vulnerable Small Island Developing States. Yet we count ourselves lucky because it could have been much worse.As some of our Caribbean friends have recently experienced, a direct hit from one of these events can wipe out entire economies and set back development for decades.Our great fear in Fiji is that we too experience such a direct hit. And we know now that we have to get all of our vital infrastructure ready for such a possibility. This means we need to build houses, schools, hospitals, roads, bridges, ports, electricity and water utilities all to a much higher standard. To build our resilience to extreme climate change.Friends, I have to tell you that I travelled to London reluctantly because so many of my people are suffering and in need. And I naturally wanted to continue to be out there with them in the affected areas. But I also know that unless we tackle the root cause of these events, nothing I can do at home can prevent them from suffering all over again.So in this year in which I have the privilege of being the President of COP23, I am here to urge those leaders who represent 2.4 billion of the 7.5 billion people on earth to join me in using all of our power as political leaders to tackle this crisis head on. To raise our ambition for climate action for the sake of our own generation and the generations to come.This, of course, includes drawing down our greenhouse gas emissions through such initiatives as the Queens Canopy to encourage tree planting in the Commonwealth countries. I want to place on record my appreciation to Her Majesty the Queen, to Britain and to Frank Field MP for this initiative and we look forward to hearing more from Mr Field later in the program.Friends, all of us have made commitments under the Paris Agreement to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. And we rightly expect those commitments to be honoured. We also know that we could and should do more than we are currently obliged to do. And gatherings like this can provide us with the opportunity to both raise ambition and also prosper by finding opportunities in the change we must make.I have spoken of the frightening new reality that confronts vulnerable nations such as my own. And yet in my year in the role of COP President, I have learned of so many ways in which we could transform this frightening new reality into an era of opportunity.Friends, we must not be defeated by the scale of the challenge we face. We must make the hard decisions to enable the solutions that we know are out there to flourish more rapidly the accelerating action that brings us together today.We will all share examples while we are here in London of what political leaders, effective governments and innovative enterprise can do. In vital sectors of the economy, technological change, sustainable strategies for business and increased consumer awareness can combine to rapidly shift away from dependency on fossil fuels and the other causes of climate change. But political will is an essential component of that shift. It takes courage, imagination and determination. But we can and must do it.Friends, as you all know, I have been pressing for the most ambitious target of the Paris Agreement limiting the increase in global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above that of the pre-industrial age. This will likely require at least net zero emissions of carbon pollution by 2050. The method chosen to reach that objective is Nationally Determined Contributions or NDCs. This gives scope to governments of all types to choose what will work best in their particular circumstances.But friends, it has to be said that the present offerings are woefully inadequate nowhere near what is required. In fact, on what we have seen to date, we are effectively committing ourselves to a world in which the average global temperature is at least three degrees higher by centurys end. I repeat: three degrees, not 1.5.The consequences of this would be truly catastrophic, not just for those nations that are vulnerable now but the entire world. There would be untold human suffering, the loss of entire species of animals, plants and marine life, including our coral reefs. Along with inevitable conflict between nations and people as they fight over scarce resources.Friends, thats where we are headed if we dont do more. Be in no doubt that climate change is not merely an environmental and economic issue. It is a peace and security issue. And in a world that is already insecure, climate change amplifies that insecurity.It means we have no choice but to increase ambition through our NDCs, to share best practice, to be honest with each other about what has worked and not worked and to build our confidence that together, we can make the transformation that is necessary.We had an example on Friday of the International Maritime Organisation agreeing to cut greenhouse gas emissions from global shipping by at least 50 per cent by 2050, while pursuing full decarbonisation. It is a breakthrough that has been a long time coming but is a welcome step in the right direction. And it is just one example of the kind of decisions that must be taken by institutions across the world.In addition to action on shipping, our shared ocean is a crucial space for action from coastal settlements to coral reefs to blue carbon. Fiji is determined to continue to drive action in linking ocean health and climate change. In Bonn, we launched an UNFCCC Ocean Pathway Partnership co-chaired with Sweden. With our Commonwealth friends, we will seek to champion an Action Group on Oceans and Climate Change to boost that work.Every day there are decisions that can be made by political leaders to increase our capacity to solve this problem effectively. We must have both the courage to act and the humility to listen. The innovations in technology, business and government could come from any part of the world, from anywhere within the Commonwealth. And we must open our minds to the possibility that a genuine dialogue that goes beyond governments and their established negotiating positions could provide us with some of the answers. And offer positive encouragement to governments to submit more effective plans of action.Thats what the next phase of COP is all about the Talanoa Dialogue, which is a Pacific contribution to this vital global process. Bringing our tradition of story telling and consensus building for the greater good to a negotiation process that needs to involve a wider range of actors, both state and non-state, business and civil society.The Talanoa Dialogue was embraced by the global community at COP23 as the best way to raise ambition and action. Fiji will continue to be a force in the global climate negotiations after our presidency ends in December because we have carriage with Poland - as President of COP24 - of the Talanoa Dialogue. And I have come to CHOGM urging you all to embrace this Dialogue and spearhead the fight for more ambitious climate action.I repeat: this is not just about government action. We want the best ideas to be heard and the best problem solvers in the room, even a virtual room in the form of an on-line contribution for the first time through a portal at the UNFCCC website. Wherever you are in the world, you can submit your ideas, including your expectations of what governments should do to limit emissions.But governments at every level national, state and cities must put forward proposals that confront the reality of climate change. We can no longer afford prevarication, diversion or delay. These proposals will involve tough choices and an urgent requirement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as soon as humanly possible. It can be done. It must be done. And I ask the nations of the Commonwealth to take the lead.Friends, the Commonwealth is a unique collective of nations with strong connections and a great deal of trust. Together we can and must tell the world of the reality of our challenges. Together we can inspire accelerating climate action. Together we can build greater resilience. Our future security and prosperity depends on it. And for our common wealth, there is no greater common challenge.Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. HON. PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE DAILY OPENING OF THE LONDON STOCK EXCHANGE TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE FIJIAN GREEN BOND The Honourable British Minister of State for Energy and Clean Growth,The Chairman and CEO of the London Stock Exchange,Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,Bula vinaka and a very good morning to you all,This is an important day for Fiji as we celebrate the listing of our Sovereign Green Bond on this great Exchange - arguably the premier capital market in the world. And it has been a great thrill for me to be here in person to open the days trading.Fiji - a small island state in the Pacific -has brought a novel financial instrument to this famous floor. Its an instrument designed to help our nation cope with the reality of climate change - to finance the various projects we need to build a more climate-resilient economy. And we have shown the world that an emerging market bond with these characteristics can be launched successfully.The Bond was issued in tranches and both so far have been oversubscribed, indicating confidence in both the standards applied to the Bond and the stability of the Fijian economy as well as tremendous support for our efforts to deal with climate change.I am very proud that Fijis Green Bond Framework has been independently verified to have clear environmental benefits and to be credible, transparent and consistent with the highest global standards.We very much hope that the Bond will be an example that other sovereign governments and private investors will follow. Because we need trillions of dollars to flow into investments that produce financial returns and both mitigate climate change and adapt to its impacts.This year, I am the President of COP23 the global climate negotiations. And my role is to help the governments of the world implement what they committed to in the Paris Agreement of 2015. We need money for that. And this is one way of opening up the flow of capital to where it is needed most.The Fijian Green Bond is mutually advantageous to both investors and the people who ultimately benefit providing both financial returns and critical assistance for vulnerable people on the ground. And this is what I am most proud about - connecting this great Exchange through this Green Bond - with ordinary Fijians on the other side of the world.I also hope that the global exposure that the London Stock Exchange gives this instrument will encourage further investment in Fiji and I want to close by urging you all to spread the word about the benefits of green finance.Vinaka vakalevu, thank you. Syngenta announced today the successful pricing of USD-denominated 144A/RegS senior unsecured notes. This issue comprises various maturities up to 30 years representing a total issuance amount of $4.75 billion. Syngenta Chief Financial Officer Mark Patrick said: "The majority of net proceeds from the issue will be used to refinance existing bridge financing for ChemChina's acquisition of Syngenta. Any remaining proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes." "The response from the market has been very positive. It is clear recognition of Syngenta's continuing potential for strong cash flow generation," said Mr Patrick. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. Disclaimer In the United States, this announcement is only for distribution to "qualified institutional buyers" as defined in Rule 144A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). No onward distribution of this announcement is permitted. This announcement does not constitute or form part of any offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction. This announcement does not constitute a prospectus or other offering document. Any offering of securities will be made by means of an offering memorandum, copies of which will be made available in accordance with the applicable rules. No securities have been or will be registered under the Securities Act, or the securities laws of any state of the United States or any other jurisdiction. No securities may be offered, sold or delivered in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act), except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and any applicable state or other securities laws. No public offering is being made in the United States or in any other jurisdiction where such an offering is restricted or prohibited or where such offer would be unlawful. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by applicable laws and regulations. Persons who are physically located in those jurisdictions and in which this announcement is circulated, published or distributed must inform themselves about and observe such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. In addition to (and without prejudice to) the foregoing, in the European Economic Area this press release is directed only at persons who are not retail investors. For these purposes, a retail investor means a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU ("MiFID II"); (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) a "qualified investor" within the meaning of Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive (Directive 2003/71/EC as amended by Directive 2010/73/EU). This announcement does not constitute a prospectus for the purposes of Article 2 (1) (e) of the Prospectus Directive. This announcement does not constitute an offer of securities to the public in the United Kingdom. This announcement is being distributed to and is directed only at: (i) persons who are outside of the United Kingdom; (ii) investment professionals specified in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order"); (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order; and (iv) persons to whom an invitation or inducement to engage in investment activity (within the meaning of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000) in connection with the issue or sale of any securities of Syngenta or any member of its group may otherwise lawfully be communicated or caused to be communicated (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment activity to which this announcement relates will only be available to, and will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities and may be subject to revision, suspension or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. Similar ratings for different types of issuers and on different types of securities do not necessarily mean the same thing. The significance of each rating should be analyzed independently from any other rating. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180417006762/en/ Contacts: Syngenta Media: Andrew McConville, +41 61 323 0618 Switzerland or Paul Minehart, +1 202 737 8913 USA media.relations@syngenta.com or Analyst/Investor: Andrew McConville Switzerland, +41 61 323 0618 USA, +1 202 737 6521 SYDNEY, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --Signarama, the world's largest sign franchise, is giving one Australian business a brand new look with its first-annual Boost Your Business contest. Online submissions for the contest will be accepted now through May 31, 2018. The grand prize includes a signage makeover valued at $15,000. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/678459/Signarama_Sign_Contest_Image.jpg "Our mission is to help companies grow, from startups to large-scale enterprises, and one of the best ways to put them on the path to success is with proper signage that lets them stand out from their competition," said Evan Foster, National Director for Signarama Australia. "The Boost Your Businesscontest allows us to support a local business in a big way with a refreshed look featuring our broad array of signage options," he added. How It Works The Boost Your Business contest is open to registered businesses in Australia, including shops, restaurants, factories, offices and more. All entries must be submitted online at www.signarama.com.au/makeover-competition. Entrants will answer in 25 words or less how new signage will boost their business. Entries will be accepted until May 31, 2018. One entry per participant. A panel of judges will determine the winner. The grand prize winner will be announced around early June 2018. The prize package is valued at $15,000. The Signarama located closest to the winner will fulfill the makeover package. Businesses must be in eligible states and territories to qualify. Contest excludes NT. For full contest details and rules, visit the contest page. Signarama is a full-service sign network. From indoor and outdoor signs to vehicle signs to specialty signs, Signarama offers a number of options for customers to attract new business. Their team of experts is available for projects from start to finish, including consultation, design, production, project management, installation and fulfillment. Australia has 105 Signarama locations. The newest store opened in Fyshwick, ACT in February 2018. For more information about Signarama, visit online at www.signarama.com.au. About Signarama Signarama, the world's largest sign franchise, offers branding and messaging solutions in addition to comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers - from business signs, vehicle wraps, and digital signs, to advertising and marketing services. Signarama is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group (UFG). As part of the $49-billion-plus worldwide sign market, Signarama has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades. Signarama was ranked Number 35 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Global Franchises list in 2016. With over 800 locations in 60 countries, the company expects to have more than 1,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2020. For more information, visit www.signaramafranchise.com.au. PLANEGG/MUNICH, GERMANY / ACCESSWIRE / April 17, 2018 / MorphoSys AG (XETRA: MOR; FSE: MOR; Prime Standard Segment, TecDAX; OTC PINK: MPSYY) announced today that its Management Board, with the approval of the Supervisory Board, has resolved to increase the share capital of MorphoSys AG by issuing 2,075,000 new ordinary shares from the authorized capital 2017-II, excluding pre-emptive rights of existing shareholders, to implement the initial public offering in the United States of 8,300,000 American Depositary Shares ("ADSs") pursuant to a Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Furthermore, MorphoSys has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase additional ADSs of up to 15% of the total number of ADSs placed in the offering (i.e. 1,245,000 additional ADSs). Each ADS will represent 1/4 of a MorphoSys ordinary share. The new ordinary shares underlying the ADSs represent 8.1% (including the underwriters' option to purchase additional ADSs) of the registered share capital of MorphoSys prior to the consummation of the capital increase. Pricing of the offering is expected to occur on April 18, 2018, following the end of the book building in the United States. Within the United States of America, the securities referred to in this release are offered only by means of a prospectus. A copy of the prospectus can be obtained from Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Prospectus Department, 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, telephone: 1-866-471-2526, facsimile: 1-212-902-9316 or by e-mailing Prospectus-ny@ny.email.gs.com; J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, telephone: 1-866-803-9204; Leerink Partners LLC, Attention: Syndicate Department, One Federal Street, 37th Floor, Boston, MA 02110, by telephone at 1-800-808-7525, ext. 6132, or by e-mailing syndicate@leerink.com. A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold nor may offers to buy be accepted prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. Disclaimer : This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell nor a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such an offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, the 'Prospectus Directive') (each, a 'Relevant Member State'), with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, no offer of ADSs may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than: to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than qualified investors as defined in the Prospectus Directive), subject to obtaining the prior consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Leerink Partners LLC; or in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, provided that no such offer of ADSs shall require MorphoSys or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive and each person who initially acquires any ADSs or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed to and with each of the underwriters and MorphoSys that it is a 'qualified investor' within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive. In the case of any ADSs being offered to a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, each such financial intermediary will be deemed to have represented, acknowledged and agreed that the ADSs acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on a non-discretionary basis on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in circumstances which may give rise to an offer of any ADSs to the public other than their offer or resale in a Relevant Member State to qualified investors as so defined or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been obtained to each such proposed offer or resale. In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are 'qualified investors' (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the 'Order') and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as 'relevant persons') or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and will not result in an offer to the public of the ADSs in the United Kingdom within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on the information included in this document or use it as basis for taking any action. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity that this document relates to may be made or taken exclusively by relevant persons. About MorphoSys MorphoSys is a late-stage, biopharmaceutical company devoted to the development of innovative and differentiated therapies for patients suffering from serious diseases. Based on its technological leadership in generating antibodies, MorphoSys, together with its partners, has developed and contributed to the development of more than 100 product candidates, of which 28 are currently in clinical development. This broad pipeline spans MorphoSys's two business segments: Proprietary Development, in which MorphoSys invests in product candidates for its own account, and Partnered Discovery, in which product candidates are developed exclusively for a variety of Pharma and Biotech partners. In 2017, Tremfya(R) (guselkumab), marketed by Janssen, became the first therapeutic antibody based on MorphoSys's proprietary technology to receive marketing approval for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in the United States, the European Union and Canada. MorphoSys is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol MOR. HuCAL(R), HuCAL GOLD(R), HuCAL PLATINUM(R), CysDisplay(R), RapMAT(R), arYla(R), Ylanthia(R), 100 billion high potentials(R), Slonomics(R), Lanthio Pharma(R) and LanthioPep(R) are registered trademarks of the MorphoSys Group. Tremfya(R) is a trademark of Janssen Biotech, Inc. This communication contains certain forward-looking statements concerning the MorphoSys group of companies. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgment of MorphoSys as of the date of this release and involve risks and uncertainties. Should actual conditions differ from the MorphoSys' assumptions, actual results and actions may differ from those anticipated, MorphoSys does not intend to update any of these forward-looking statements as far as the wording of the relevant press release is concerned. For more information, please contact: MorphoSys AG Alexandra Goller Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR Jochen Orlowski Associate Director Corporate Communications & IR Dr. Claudia Gutjahr-Loeser Investor Relations Officer Tel: +49 (0) 89 / 899 27-404 investors@morphosys.com SOURCE: MorphoSys AG Hitachi Ltd Corporate Communications Tel: +81-3-3258-1111 TOKYO, Apr 18, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi Power Solutions Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd., today announced that it applies Structure Identifier Management Technology (SIMT(1)) developed by Hitachi. "Knowledge Base(2) Analytic Solution for Prescriptive Maintenance" strengthens highly developed and speed-up operations on assets and equipment maintenance and it will be launched in Japan and worldwide in May, 2018. The core technology of the solution: SIMT provides an identifier to all data from various assets, equipment or management systems. By providing and structuring identifiers, required data and all related information to maintenance management can be correlation with using the same communication channel(3). Furthermore, the knowledge base allows accumulate, share and reuse maintenance information. With this functionality, it is possible to check and perform a causal correlation with failure occurred from the equipment diagnosis results, similar from events in the past, inspection record etc. during maintenance activities. As a result, Hitachi Power Solutions will implement highly developed and speed-up maintenance operations by providing useful information for prompt decision making during event management.As for assets and equipment maintenance operations, failure risk has been increasing over recent years due to deterioration of components with long term operations on assets or equipment where increased downtime and maintenance costs are often brought up as a major challenge to us. Furthermore, the aging population of maintenance workers is increasing an alarm rate, which leads to the challenge that technical know-how has to be handed down on to the next generation for quality management in maintenance. There are growing needs for solutions that offer comprehensive judgement considering an appropriate direction or real-time information to maintenance works that are aiming to minimize maintenance costs.Hitachi Power Solutions enjoys a long experience and an established track record with respect to maintenance in the industry and provides rapid maintenance services by placing service engineers and replacement parts at 40 service bases in Japan.Since June 2013, Hitachi Power Solutions has launched and continuously improved a predictive analytic system "HiPAMPS" which was integrated know-how in various industrial assets and equipment and data mining technology(4). As one of the analytic solutions of Hitachi IoT platform "Lumada", it has been strengthening predictive analytic, such as the decrease in maintenance costs through avoiding a critical event and inspecting or changing components or equipment at a better time by further integrating prognostic analytic and RUL (Remain useful lifetime) to "HiPAMPS."Now Hitachi Power Solutions launches "Knowledge Base Analytic Solution for Prescriptive Maintenance" that is fully integrated SIMT and prognostic solutions. As a result, these functionalities integrated, procedures, inspection records for maintenance will be accumulated, shared and reused as a knowledge base, and provide a structural correlation to all data. Necessary information is distributed among those who need it, thereby improving quick decision making and speed-up equipment maintenance services. "SIMT" provides a simplified system and decreasing on risk of loss and damage data. In addition, "Microsoft Azure(5)" provided by Microsoft, such as cloud services is integrated, which leads to improvement for scalability and aims to make an efficient use of customer's existing system.This solution will be introduced at Microsoft's booth in Hannover Messe 2018, which is to be held in Germany from April 23 to 27. Hitachi Power Solutions will expand solutions going forward by receiving sales support from Microsoft.Katsuyoshi Murakami, Executive Managing Director and General Manager of Public Industrial I & C Business Management Division, Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., said:"Hitachi Power Solutions is pleased to introduce 'Knowledge Based Analytic Solution for Prescriptive Maintenance' at Microsoft Booth Hannover Messe 2018 and would like to express our gratitude to Microsoft for this opportunity. Hitachi Power Solutions provides solutions to customers in Japan and worldwide and promote each other business to extend opportunities with 'Microsoft Azure'."Jon Robottom, Managing Executive Officer, Global Group, Microsoft Co., Ltd., said:"Microsoft is pleased to announce the 'Knowledge Base Analytic Solution for Prescriptive Maintenance' leveraging the Microsoft Azure platform as part of our 'Lumada' business partnership with Hitachi to expand to the global market. 'Microsoft Azure' provides AI and IoT technologies providing a digital transformation framework for customers globally. In the field of manufacturing, the 'Digital Twin" is currently an area of focus and I expect that this solution developed together with Hitachi Power Solutions will have an impact on digital transformation in this field. We are excited to be able to hold a joint exhibition together with Hitachi for this solution at the International Industry Trade Fair 'HANNOVER MESSE 2018'."The features of Knowledge Base Analytic Solution for Prescriptive MaintenancePredictive analytics and a causal correlation with failure event in the past can be checked and verified with a structured knowledge base that puts together information using 'SIMT'. Therefore this solution provides services for quick decision making and specifying a recovery period, costs and required maintenance work during the maintenance response.Necessary CAD data, procedures, inspection record etc. to response maintenance can be accumulated, shared and reused by a knowledge base, and this solution provides an optimal communication environment to CEOs, operators and maintenance workers. By using this technology of the knowledge base, counter measures against failure will be performed and know-how can be handed down on to the next generation.'Microsoft Azure' provided by Microsoft, cloud services or the others can be integrated, so that improvement for scalability applies to customer's particular requirements.(1) SIMT: Structured Identifier Management Technology (Patent No. 4758214) All data provided an identifier and by systematically structured toward structural systems and various systems data will be identifiable with in the same communication channel. Furthermore, by redefining as a huge layered structure to the provided identifiers, a unified management of data will be implemented.(2) Knowledge base: A data base that is accumulated knowledge on a computer.(3) Communication channel: A communication channel that is logically structured on a computer.(4) Data mining technology: the process of analyzing big data mathematically and of finding (mining) new knowledge based on multivariate data analysis.(5) Microsoft Azure is the trademark of Microsoft Corporation of the United States of America and its affiliates.About Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd.Since its establishment in 1960 as a member of the Hitachi Group, Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd. has been providing various technologies, products, systems, and services to meet customer requests and the demands of society in such social infrastructure fields as energy, industry, and information systems. Fiscal 2016 revenues totaled 146.0 billion yen. For more information on Hitachi Power Solutions Co., Ltd., please visit the company's website at http://www.hitachi-power-solutions.com/en/index.htmlAbout Hitachi, Ltd.Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501), headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, delivers innovations that answer society's challenges with our talented team and proven experience in global markets. The company's consolidated revenues for fiscal 2014 (ended March 31, 2015) totaled 9,761 billion yen ($81.3 billion). Hitachi is focusing more than ever on the Social Innovation Business, which includes power & infrastructure systems, information & telecommunication systems, construction machinery, high functional materials & components, automotive systems, healthcare and others. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at www.hitachi.com.Source: Hitachi, Ltd.Contact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. TOKYO (dpa-AFX) - Japan posted a merchandise trade surplus of 797.3 billion yen in March, the Ministry of Finance said on Wednesday - up 32.1 percent on year. That exceeded expectations for 499.2 billion yen and was up sharply from 3.4 billion yen in February. Exports were up 2.1 percent on year to 7.381 trillion yen, shy of expectations for 5.6 percent but up from the 1.8 percent gain in the previous month. Exports to Asia were up 4.5 percent on year to 4.033 trillion yen, while exports to China alone jumped an annual 10.8 percent to 1.439 trillion yen. Exports to the United States added 0.2 percent to 1.355 trillion yen, while exports to the European Union gained an annual 0.3 percent to 803.440 billion yen. Imports dipped 0.6 percent on year to 6.584 trillion yen versus forecasts for a gain of 6.0 percent after surging 16.5 percent a month earlier. Imports from Asia fell 6.0 percent on year to 3.028 trillion yen, while imports from China alone plummeted an annual 16.8 percent to 1.348 trillion yen. Imports from the United States added 0.6 percent to 732.778 billion yen, while imports from the European Union jumped 11.7 percent on year to 819.283 billion yen. The adjusted trade surplus was 119.2 billion yen, exceeding forecasts for 98.5 billion yen following the 201.5 billion yen deficit in February. 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. DUBAI, UAE, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global real estate technology firm recognized at the 2018 Arabian Business Real Estate Awards in Dubai At the recent Arabian Business Real Estate Awards, Yardiwas honoured to accept the Real Estate Software Management Company of the Year award. Hosted by Arabian Business, a weekly business magazine published in Dubai, the awards honour the most accomplished companies and senior executives from around the region. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676064/Yardi_Logo.jpg ) The real estate awards ceremony took place at the Ritz Carlton, Dubai and celebrated one of the fastest growing industries in the UAE. Drawn from a select group of over 600 companies and individuals, 21 awards were handed out across a variety of real estate sectors. Said Haider, Yardi regional sales director for Middle East, accepted the award on the company's behalf. "We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Arabian Business. Yardi has a proven track record of success across the Middle East, as we provide customer solutions that represent the best use of technology and innovation for commercial and residential real estate," Haider said. To learn more, watch a video about the awards ceremony. For further details about Yardi's technology solutions for real estate companies in the Middle East, visit yardi.com/ae. About Yardi Yardidevelops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, Calif., and serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. For more information, visit yardi.com/ae. LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Bunzl plc (BZLFY.PK, BNZL.L) announced its overall trading for the period since 31 December 2017 has been consistent with expectations at the time of the annual results announcement in February. Group revenue in the first quarter increased 7 percent at actual exchange rates. At constant exchange rates, revenue rose by 14 percent compared to the same period last year due to underlying growth of approximately 6 percent and an impact from acquisitions, net of the disposal of OPM, of about 8 percent. The Group said the underlying revenue growth, which is mainly due to the previously announced additional grocery business won, albeit at lower margins, in North America towards the end of 2016, is expected to return to more normal levels during the remainder of the year as the additional business in North America has now been fully absorbed. Bunzl also said that in early March, it completed two further acquisitions in the U.S. and the Netherlands - Monte Package Company, based in Michigan, and QS Nederland, operating in the Netherlands. Further, Bunzl announced that Patrick Larmon, who has been an executive director of the company and Chief Executive Officer of the Bunzl North America business area since 2004, will be retiring from the Board and the company with effect from 31 December 2018. He will be succeeded in his role as CEO of Bunzl North America by James McCool. McCool, who is a qualified accountant and holds a MBA, joined Bunzl in 1998 since when he has held a number of senior management positions in North America, most recently as Chief Financial Officer from 2014 to date and Regional Vice President from 2007 until 2013. He will become CEO Designate of Bunzl North America from 1 May 2018. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON (dpa-AFX) - BT Group (BT_A.L, BT) said Wednesday that it will bring together its enterprise businesses in the UK and Republic of Ireland to accelerate its transformation, simplify its operating model. The company noted that its Business and Public Sector and Wholesale and Ventures are to be combined to create a new business unit, BT Enterprise. Gerry McQuade, currently CEO of the Wholesale and Ventures business, has been appointed to bring together and lead the new organisation. The new organisation will provide products and services to organisations in the small-to-medium sized business, corporate and public sectors, and provide wholesale services to around 1,400 communication providers in the UK and Republic of Ireland. The business will also include BT's Ventures business which acts as an incubator for potential new growth areas of the company. Gerry will lead BT Enterprise from 1 May 2018 and it will report as a single unit from 1 October 2018. After five years on BT's Executive Committee, and 12 years in BT, Graham Sutherland is leaving BT. BT's Global Services unit will continue to provide services to multinational companies operating in the UK and worldwide. 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. HELSINKI, Finland and LONDON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- SRKay Consulting Group today announced the opening of their Finnish company 'SRKay Consulting Oy' that will be based in Helsinki and will serve as the R&D hub for their ventures. "Finland's mature innovation ecosystem and our need to enhance the value of our investments through innovation has been the key factor in this decision. Finland will become a strategic part of our global footprint and serve not only as R&D hub but also support the business growth of our ventures in Europe," said Alok Kumar, Managing Partner, SRKay. SRKay's ambitious plans to hunt, incubate and accelerate promising pre-seed and seed stage technology ventures into successful and profitable global businesses supported by innovative technologies, led them to Finland. "Helsinki Business Hub and TEKES helped us dig into the potential of intellectual wealth that Finland has and several discussions on collaboration with Finpro helped us close this decision," said Alok. SRKay's ventures are incubated and accelerated in a well-invested ecosystem and have experienced higher success rates in a short span of time. The management of the company feels that investing strategically in R&D at this stage will help them create future unicorns and will help them attract great talent for their ventures. SRKay Consulting Group invests and accelerates innovative, high-potential, early-stage opportunities and businesses. It also offers premium business advisory services to start-ups as well as established organizations globally. Its focus is on long-term investments in futuristic ideas that aim to make the world a happier and a better place. The Group's investments include businesses that seek to differentiate themselves through the use of cutting-edge technologies. For more information, visit http://www.srkay.com. Media Contact: Akshay Sharma akshay@srkay.com +91-9168620572 Head - Digital Marketing SRKay Consulting Group New data presented at 2018 AACR Meeting Sosei Group Corporation ("Sosei" or the "Company"; TSE Mothers Index: 4565), the world leader in GPCR medicine design and development,announces that new preclinical data for AZD4635 was presented by AstraZeneca in a poster (abstract 3751) yesterday at the American Association of Cancer Research Annual Meeting, 17 April 2018; Chicago, IL, USA. AZD4635 is a potent and selective, orally available, small molecule adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2A R) antagonist. It was discovered by Sosei's wholly-owned subsidiary Heptares Therapeutics and AstraZeneca licensed exclusive global rights to the molecule in 2015. The poster is entitled "Inhibition of A 2A R by AZD4635 induces anti-tumor immunity alone and in combination with anti-PD-L1 in preclinical models," and highlighted the following results: Adenosine signalling through the A 2A R results in a range of immunosuppressive effects which can promote tumour growth R results in a range of immunosuppressive effects which can promote tumour growth AZD4635 is an oral, specific A 2A R antagonist that is demonstrated to reverse adenosine mediated T cell suppression. R antagonist that is demonstrated to reverse adenosine mediated T cell suppression. Treatment with AZD4635 alone and in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody led to a significant reduction in tumour growth in syngeneic tumour models exhibiting both high and low levels of adenosine These effects were absent in immune-deficient animals confirming the immune-mediated mechanism of action. Further exploration of target engagement by AZD4635 is ongoing. These data suggest that AZD4635 has the potential to restore immune responsiveness resulting in anti-tumour benefits alone and in combination with other cancer immunotherapies irrespective of the background tumour adenosine levels AZD4635 is currently in a Phase 1 clinical trial as a single agent and in combination with AstraZeneca's anti-PD-L1 antibody IMFINZI (durvalumab) in patients with solid malignancies (NCT02740985). Notes to Editors About AZD4635 AZD4635 is a potent and selective, orally available, small molecule adenosine A 2A receptor (A 2A R) antagonist discovered by Sosei subsidiary Heptares Therapeutics and licensed to AstraZeneca in 2015. High levels of adenosine are found in tumour microenvironments and benefit the progression of cancer. By activating the adenosine A 2A receptor increased adenosine levels impair T-cell function and result in suppression of the host immune response. AZD4635 specifically blocks adenosine signalling via the A 2A receptor signalling resulting in increased immune responsiveness and potential to destroy cancer cells and decrease tumour burden, A 2A receptor antagonism can therefore promote the anti-cancer response of T-cells within the tumour microenvironment, offering a novel mechanism of action as a mono- or combination therapy. About Sosei Sosei is an international biopharmaceutical company focused on the design and development of new medicines originating from its proprietary GPCR-targeted StaR technology and structure-based drug design platform capabilities. The Company is advancing a broad and deep pipeline of partnered and wholly owned product candidates in multiple therapeutic areas, including CNS, cancer, metabolic diseases and other rare/specialty indications. The Company's leading clinical programs include a proprietary Phase 2 candidate for dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) in Japan, together with partnered candidates aimed at the symptomatic treatment of Alzheimer's disease (with Allergan) and immuno-oncology approaches to treat cancer (with AstraZeneca). Sosei's additional partners and collaborators include Novartis, Pfizer, Daiichi-Sankyo, PeptiDream, Kymab and MorphoSys. The Company is headquartered in Japan with R&D facilities in the UK. Sosei is listed on the Mothers Index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange (ticker: 4565). For more information, please visit http://www.sosei.com/en/. Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, including statements about the discovery, development and commercialization of products. Various risks may cause Sosei's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including: adverse results in clinical development programs; failure to obtain patent protection for inventions; commercial limitations imposed by patents owned or controlled by third parties; dependence upon strategic alliance partners to develop and commercialize products and services; difficulties or delays in obtaining regulatory approvals to market products and services resulting from development efforts; the requirement for substantial funding to conduct research and development and to expand commercialization activities; and product initiatives by competitors. As a result of these factors, prospective investors are cautioned not to rely on any forward-looking statements. We disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005502/en/ Contacts: Sosei Group Corporation Chris Cargill, +44 (0)7912 892 199 Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications ccargill@sosei.com or Sosei Group Corporation Harumi Banse, +81 3 5210 3399 Corporate Communications (Japan) hbanse@sosei.com or Citigate Dewe Rogerson (for International media) Mark Swallow, David Dible, +44 (0)20 7638 9571 sosei@citigatedewerogerson.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Hammerson plc (HMSO.L) announced the withdrawal of recommendation in respect of Intu Properties plc. (INTU.L) acquisition. The Board of Hammerson has concluded that the heightened risks associated with the Intu Acquisition outweigh the long-term rewards that can be expected in comparison to other strategic options open to the Company. The Hammerson Board has now concluded that the proposed Intu Acquisition is no longer in the best interests of Hammerson shareholder. Hammerson said its Board has notified Intu of the withdrawal of its recommendation that shareholders vote in favour of the Intu Acquisition. Under the conditions of Hammerson's offer and the terms of the Co-operation Agreement between Hammerson and Intu, the withdrawal of the recommendation alone will not cause a lapse of Hammerson's offer or terminate the Co-operation Agreement. Unless Intu and the Panel on Takeovers and Mergers agree otherwise, Hammerson must convene a Hammerson shareholder meeting to consider the Intu Acquisition. Hammerson's offer will lapse if its shareholders do not approve the acquisition at such shareholder meeting. On 6 December 2017, the Board of Hammerson announced an all-share offer for Intu. Separately, intu said today it therefore regards as unsatisfactory the explanations given by the Board of Hammerson for its withdrawal of its recommendation of the intu Transaction, a transaction which intu has been pursuing in good faith since its announcement on 6 December 2017. The Board of intu is entirely confident of intu's commercial future and prospects. The trading update issued yesterday underlined the key strengths of intu's business. intu will further update shareholders in due course on its plans. The Board of intu will be meeting to consider Hammerson's request not to convene a shareholders' meeting to vote on the intu Transaction. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de news aktuell GmbH, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Being unavailable during a crisis situation is the greatest career ender for a communication professional. The second place is reserved for journalists who talk backhandedly about their superior. Those who prematurely release balance sheets also run the risk of endangering their PR career. This is the result of a survey performed by the dpa subsidiary news aktuell and Faktenkontor. Professionals and managerial representatives of German press offices and PR agencies were asked which factors can constitute a potential career ender. Nearly 990 communicators have participated in the PR-Trendmonitor. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677365/news_aktuell_Career_Danger.jpg ) (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/677364/news_aktuell_Scroll.jpg ) PR representatives who are unavailable during a corporate crisis can quickly bring their careers to an abrupt end. This was the opinion shared by over two thirds of the participants (68 percent). Another ill-advised career move: criticizing your own superior in front of media representatives (57 percent). One in three participants believed that the premature publication of balance sheets posed a threat to their career (32 percent). However, there are also factors, unrelated to personal misconduct, which can thwart one's career. As a result one third of the participants stated that part-time employment hampers potential career advancement (29 percent). Interestingly enough, only a slightly smaller portion of the participants believed that insisting on a full-time position could pose a threat to potential career advancement (29 percent). In comparison, only one in five participants believed paternal leave will effectively end one's career: 19 percent of the participants viewed paternal leave as a career ender. Equally Encouraging: Adopting a strong personal position hardly effects prospective career opportunities. Only every seventh communication professional feared displaying a clear position in front of colleagues, clients (15 percent) or their executives (14 percent). The greatest career enders in PR: 1. Being unavailable during a crisis (68%) 2. Talking backhandedly about the boss with journalists (57%) 3. Publishing balance sheets prematurely (32% 4. Working part-time (29%) 5. Accidentally releasing press materials prematurely (28%) 6. Insisting on the 40-hour working week (28%) 7. Taking paternity leave (19%) 8. Presenting oneself as the successor of the PR manager (17%) 9. Taking a clear stand against colleagues and customers (15%) 10. Excessively voicing one's own opinion as the management advisor (14%) Source: PR-Trendmonitor 2018 Data pool: 987 professionals and managerial representatives of press offices and PR agencies Method: Online survey, multiple choice Survey period: February 2018 Initiators of the survey: www.newsaktuell.de www.faktenkontor.de About news aktuell: With the help of its three strong brands ots, zimpel and studio, the dpa subsidary news aktuell is making the communication of companies and organisations increasingly efficient and successful. The network ots provides coverage and visibility for PR content. The PR software zimpel offers premium contacts for the direct correspondence with journalists. The production service studio creates engaging content and makes company stories tangible. news aktuell has been on the market since 1989 and currently employs over 185 people. The company is based in Hamburg. Additional offices are located in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and Dusseldorf. Press contact: news aktuell GmbH Janina von Jhering Stellvertretende Leiterin Konzernkommunikation Telefon: +49-40/4113-32598 vonjhering@newsaktuell.de https://twitter.com/JvJhering Escondido, California--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2018) - MARIJUANA COMPANY OF AMERICA INC. (OTC Pink: MCOA) ("MCOA" or the "Company"), an innovative hemp and cannabis corporation, is pleased to announce that its joint venture project, BV-MCOA Management, LLC, has completed the construction of three greenhouses totaling 7,000 square feet. This represents the completion of more than 23% of the total 30,000-square-foot cultivation facility. The Company entered into the joint venture agreement with Bougainville Ventures, Inc. on March 16, 2017, and subsequently arranged for $800,000 funding for the purchase of the land and the construction of the greenhouses. Transfer of ownership of the property to the joint venture is pending completion of the final subdivision of the property by the Okanogan County Assessor. The construction team constructed a total of 7,000 sq. ft. in greenhouse space in preparation for the 2018 planting season. Final inspection of the security system and greenhouse construction is expected to be completed in the coming weeks. Once the final inspection is approved, the licensed tenant can occupy the facility and begin cultivation. Donald Steinberg, MCOA CEO said, "We are pleased to see the completion of the first phase of the greenhouse facilities. Once the security system is in place, we are confident the site will pass final inspection allowing our tenant-growers to occupy the facility and begin operations. MCOA continues to explore opportunities to replicate this business model and expand our real estate portfolio." The joint venture will lease the turnkey property to a licensed tenant, thereby acting solely as a landlord. As a turnkey landlord, the joint venture aims to provide an ideal cultivation environment for its future tenant, and it is anticipated that greenhouse will be completed by the beginning of Q3 2018. The completed 30,000 square foot cultivation facility will have a capacity of approximately 4,000 plants. About Bougainville Ventures, Inc. Bougainville Venture Inc. is in the core business of converting irrigated farmland that was traditionally used to grow marginally profitable feed crops, to greenhouse-equipped farmland used to grow luxury crops with a primary focus on marijuana. Bougainville is an agricultural services company that focuses on providing growers with state-of-the-art computer controlled greenhouses and processing facilities. Bougainville offers fully built out turnkey solutions to licensed tenant-growers and luxury crop growers who will lease the facilities for production and processing. Bougainville does not "touch the plant" and only provides growing infrastructure as a landlord for licensed marijuana growers. About Marijuana Company of America, Inc. MCOA is a corporation which participates in: (1) product research and development of legal hemp-based consumer products under the brand name "hempSMART", that targets general health and well-being; (2) an affiliate marketing program to promote and sell its legal hemp-based consumer products containing CBD; (3) leasing of real property to separate business entities engaged in the growth and sale of cannabis in those states and jurisdictions where cannabis has been legalized and properly regulated for medicinal and recreations use; and, (4) the expansion of its business into ancillary areas of the legalized cannabis and hemp industry, as the legalized markets and opportunities in this segment mature and develop. About BV-MCOA Management, LLC On March 16, 2017, the Company and Bougainville Ventures, Inc. entered into a joint venture agreement that included the purchase of land in Washington State, and plans to build out facilities on the land to support leased agricultural growth, including licensed cannabis operators. As amended on November 6, 2017, the Company's financial commitment to the joint venture was fixed at contributing $800,000, and the issuance of 15 million shares of restricted common stock to Bougainville. The Company completed its payment on November 9, 2017. The funding arranged for by the Company provided consideration for the purchase of the land and contributed to the build out of the facility. The land is pending legal transfer to the joint venture after subdivision is completed by the Okanogan County Assessor. The Company and Bougainville are currently revising and restating their joint venture agreement to resolve certain discrepancies and inconsistencies. The Company and Bougainville expect to complete this restatement shortly and once completed, the Company will disclose it on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information about MCOA and BV-MCOA Management, Inc., please refer to the Company's disclosures with the Securities and Exchange Commission (www.sec.gov). Forward Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements" which are not purely historical and may include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among other things, the development, costs and results of new business opportunities and words such as "anticipate", "seek", intend", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "project", "plan", or similar phrases may be deemed "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. Such factors include, among others, the inherent uncertainties associated with new projects, the future U.S. and global economies, the impact of competition, and the Company's reliance on existing regulations regarding the use and development of cannabis-based products. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and we assume no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although we believe that any beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any such beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions will prove to be accurate. Investors should consult all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosure outlined in our annual report on Form 10-12G, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and other periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. For more information, please visit www.sec.gov. For more information, please visit the Company's websites at: MarijuanaCompanyofAmerica.com hempSMART.com NetworkNewsWires/MCOA Corporate Communications Contact: NetworkNewsWire (NNW) New York, New York www.NetworkNewsWire.com 212.418.1217 Office Editor@NetworkNewsWire.com LONDON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The private equity firm that is doing things differently in the world of finance has pledged to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people by becoming an official corporate charity partner of Action for Children. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/678221/Berkeley_Assets.jpg ) Berkeley Assets, the multi-asset management firm that has quickly become known within the finance industry for its alternative approach to private equity and capital investments, has pledged to donate a fixed sum every year to the charity. Action for Children is committed to making children's lives better: now, tomorrow and every day, and are supported by a range of leading organisations. In 2017, the charity's 600 services supported more than 370,000 of the most disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK. With offices globally, the Berkeley Assets team will take an active role in events and fundraising activities, with staff members getting involved in volunteering opportunities where possible. Mike Clark, Partner at Berkeley Assets, said: "When we got together with the team to discuss our intention to partner with a UK-based charity, there was an overwhelming sense of wanting to help those who are disadvantaged or who cannot easily help themselves. Children and young people who are dealing with some of the biggest challenges due to circumstances outside of their control are among the most vulnerable. "It's a cliche to say, but it is a real privilege to be partnering with Action for Children and we hope to help them make a real difference to young lives." Action for Children helps young people through fostering or adoption, and by intervening early to stop neglect and abuse. The charity's origins began in running children's homes and over the last 300 years, they have developed services for children that are proven to work. Evidence drives everything they do; they influence policy and advocate for change. They succeed by doing what's right, doing what's needed and doing what works for children. Mary O'Hagan, Head of Corporate Engagement at Action for Children said: "We are delighted to be working with Berkeley Assets this year and are extremely grateful for their generous support. Their donation will help us in our goal of ensuring any child who needs help, gets help." Contact: Lindsay Johnston +971(0)50-152-3368 lindsay@totalcompr.ae LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2018 / NetScientific (LSE: NSCI) recently announced full-year results for 2017. It was a year of progress for the company, which is carrying forward into 2018. In February 2018, ProAxsis had its first commercial sale of Neutrophil Elastase Airways Test (NEATstik) for measuring active neutrophil elastase, in this case to a research lab conducting a respiratory clinical trial with a pharmaceutical company. In March, Vortex announced a collaboration with BioView for automated clinical biomarker identification of circulating tumour cells. We have adjusted our valuation of NetScientific from 70.5m or 102p per share to 67.9m or 86p per share. This is mainly due to a more conservative view of the revenue ramp for Vortex, Wanda and Glycotest (though peak sales remain the same) and a higher share count following the equity raise, which was partly mitigated by rolling forward our NPVs to 2018. We expect to update our valuation with the closing of financings for the individual companies, due in 2018, and following the closing of the recently announced financing for NetScientific itself. Click here to view the full report. All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com About Edison: Edison is an investment research and advisory company, with offices in North America, Europe, the Middle East and AsiaPac. The heart of Edison is our world-renowned equity research platform and deep multi-sector expertise. At Edison Investment Research, our research is widely read by international investors, advisers and stakeholders. Edison Advisors leverages our core research platform to provide differentiated services including investor relations and strategic consulting. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities. For more information please contact Edison: Maxim Jacobs, +1 646 653 7027 Nathanial Calloway, +1 646 653 7036 Healthcare@edisongroup.com Learn more at www.edisongroup.com and connect with Edison on: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/edison-investment-research Twitter www.twitter.com/Edison_Inv_Res YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv SOURCE: Edison Syngenta announced today that a new insecticide active ingredient with a novel mode of action to address resistance in the control of malaria vectors is entering the early development phase. The new ingredient, comes from collaboration between Syngenta and the Innovative Vector Control Consortium (IVCC) to identify and develop new lead areas of novel chemistry suitable for the control of vector mosquitoes. Syngenta and IVCC entered into the collaboration in 2009. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005606/en/ Malaria Facts (Graphic: Business Wire) The WHO estimated that in 2016 there were 216 million malaria cases in over 90 countries around the world. Malaria is responsible for the death of around 445'000 people each year, and many of those impacted are smallholder farmers. Research shows that when a smallholder is infected with malaria during harvest, crop yields fall by almost 50% and income can drop by 50%. While yet to be eradicated from many countries, malaria is a preventable and curable disease. Since 2010, improved prevention and control measures have led to a significant reduction in malaria mortality rates globally with success achieved primarily through the use of insecticide treated bed-nets and indoor residual sprays containing pyrethroid insecticides. However, these reductions are under threat due increasing insecticide resistance, reducing the overall effectiveness of vector control programs To meet this challenge, Syngenta working with the IVCC brought ACTELLIC 300CS, a mosquito control solution, to the market. In 2013 it received a formal recommendation for use by the World Health Organization and it is estimated that in 2017 this long-lasting control product protected ~34 million people in malaria endemic countries. Erik Fyrwald, Syngenta CEO said: "With Actellic 300CS we are achieving remarkable results, but we are fully aware that new solutions are required for sustainable vector control. Our joint effort with IVCC is to discover and develop these solutions which can help to radically transform public health in regions where people live with the daily threat of malaria and to eradicate malaria by 2040. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 28,000 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/Syngenta. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005606/en/ Contacts: Syngenta International AG Media Office CH-4002 Basel Switzerland Tel: +41 61 323 2323 Fax: +41 61 323 2424 www.syngenta.com or Media contacts: Andrew McConville Switzerland +41 61 323 0618 or Paul Minehart USA +1 202 737 8913 media.relations@syngenta.com or Analyst/Investor contacts: Andrew McConville Switzerland +41 61 323 0618 USA +1 202 737 6521 Emil Chan, Chairman of FinTech Committee, Smart City Consortium and Founding Chairman of the Association of Cloud and Mobile Computing Professionals Panel on "Next-Generation Smart City Solutions" at the HKTDC International ICT Expo HONG KONG, Apr 18, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - How will smart cities become even smarter? The answer lies not in simply integrating advanced technology, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing, but in making the system work for individual societies.This was the key message at the 16 April seminar "Next-Generation Smart City Solutions," organised by the HKTDC during the 15th edition of the HKTDC International ICT Expo at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Three prominent experts from leading US, Japanese and Chinese tech companies explored where smart city technologies are headed.Moderator Emil Chan, from the Smart City Consortium, which assists the Hong Kong SAR Government in developing Hong Kong as the region's leading smart city, set the tone by proposing that "making cities both smarter and happier" is the ultimate goal. Beyond the technological vision, the aim is also to educate by "making smarter people and changing the general mindset."Empowering cities with 'Microsoft CityNext Solutions' --Continuing the theme, Hong Kong ICT industry veteran Fred Sheu, National Technology Officer at Microsoft Hong Kong Ltd, explained how the US tech giant's CityNext Solutions is empowering cities to be "more sustainable, prosperous and inclusive."CityNext connects civic systems and services with world-class technology through safe and secure cloud computing that makes smart city solutions "more affordable and economically viable than ever before," he said.Microsoft recently signed a memorandum of understanding to promote and help Hong Kong's Smart City vision "move forward into the future" under six key areas: smart mobility, smart living, smart environment, smart people, smart government and smart economy.With a growing list of around 70 initiatives underway, Mr Sheu said "smart lamp posts" are not far off, with HK$20 million earmarked to explore how the lamp posts can incorporate 5G and audio-video surveillance.Parking management solutions will also simplify parking, with sensors notifying drivers of available spaces via digital sensors and apps, and electronic payment through the same vehicle devices. "Motorists can even book parking space online in advance, saving a lot of time driving around looking for somewhere to park," he said.Intelligent care for the elderly is also becoming a reality - "especially beneficial in Hong Kong, where a lot of elderly people prefer to live at home." Motion and environmental sensors monitor movement and conditions at home, raising the alarm in emergencies. Cloud-based health information management systems are already making health records more readily accessible to doctors and clinics.But Mr Sheu is convinced that "education is the real key" to the future of smart cities, and urged more training on the technology - not only at universities, but also at high schools, equipping the younger generation for a very different future.Among Microsoft's own educational initiatives is its AI School (aischool.microsoft.com), a free programme explaining next-generation solutions that "extend software beyond the app... to learn how to be an expert supporting Hong Kong's smart city development."NEC's Artificial Intelligence for Smart Cities --Gary Tai, Business Director, NEC Hong Kong, introduced the Japanese multinational's initiatives in smart city technologies, along with their accompanying social obligations. Best-known in Hong Kong as a market leader in smart TVs, NEC also leads the market globally in artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, and is "on a mission as a social value creation company contributing to the future of societies," he said. "In the face of serious social issues worldwide, we want to make life easier and more efficient for everyone."In earthquake-prone Japan, for example, casualty rates are lowest on train networks equipped with NEC sensors that detect tremors, raising instant alerts. Partnering with governments around the world, the company has developed technology such as CCTV camera systems that not only observe streets, but also detect inconsistent and unusual behaviour, such as walking back and forth, or loitering beside cars. In the crime-plagued Argentine city of Tigre, which suffered a tourism slump as a result of its reputation, NEC's intervention reduced car thefts by 80 per cent in five years.In Singapore, "smell sensors" identify offensive street stalls in the tourist centre of Orchard Road, "keeping a decent area decent." In Hong Kong, two out of the three main bus companies use NEC technology that improves safety and eases congestion, while improving absenteeism rates. "Our technology can even establish the attention level of drivers," he said.Empowerment of cities also extends to Santander City in Barcelona, with "smart waste collection" reducing vehicle emissions, improving traffic flow and cutting operating costs by 15 per cent, by efficiently monitoring waste volumes and adjusting collection intervals accordingly. "We look forward to working with more utility companies, authorities and governments in the future," said Mr Tai.ZTE Exporting China 'Smart City Vision and Concepts' Globally --Meanwhile, Renchu Bai, Marketing Director of Government & Enterprise Department from Chinese multinational telecommunications and systems giant ZTE, explained the thinking behind the company's 'Smart City Vision and Concepts'.He noted that ZTE's solutions for improving public services extended across 160 cities in 45 countries powered by 40 big data centres worldwide.Projects "making public services more efficient" range from education and pollution to traffic control and public safety - extending to India, Bangladesh and Indonesia in Asia, Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina in South America, Ethiopia and Egypt in Africa, and Germany, France, Hungary, Romania and Holland in Europe."Smart city development should be looked at from three perspectives," he said, with the software and hardware of the latest IT and communications technology - such as 5G, IoT, AI and blockchain, integrated through cloud connectivity and big data - serving as a means to an end."You can't build smart cities in a day," he said. "You need to take it step by step, ultimately integrating everyone in the smart city ecosystem. Most of the technology is already there; the challenge is finding a way to use it, and a business model that makes it become a reality."The Smart City Seminar Series, held during the HKTDC Hong Kong International ICT Expo 2018, featured industry experts exploring such topics as Internet security, Fintech, developing smart business through IoT applications, as well as how disruptive technology is driving smart city development, smart mobility and logistics, smart home trends and electronic ID.15th Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring)2,950 exhibitors, 24 countries and regionsWebsite: http://hkelectronicsfairse.hktdc.comStartup Zone: https://goo.gl/1YH5izHighlights: https://goo.gl/LNwp7815th International ICT Expo600 exhibitors,10 countries and regionsWebsite: http://ictexpo.hktdc.comSmart City zone: https://bit.ly/2EoFukKStartup Zone: https://goo.gl/1YH5izHighlights: https://goo.gl/STgHRpPhoto Download: https://bit.ly/2EQAPIPHKTDC Communications & Public Affairs Department -Joshua Cheng, +852 2584 4395, joshua.cp.cheng@hktdc.orgAngela Cheu, +852 2584 4546, angela.ly.cheu@hktdc.orgSource: HKTDCCopyright 2018 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. 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. For a second year in a row, Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting solutions have been recognized as winners across all three award categories in the 2018 Annual Accounting Firm Operations and Technology (AFOT) Survey. Survey respondents identify the software used in their accounting firm that has the greatest impact on their firm in three separate categories: Firm Profitability, Firm Risk Mitigation and Firm Productivity. CCH ProSystem fx Tax won first place in the "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 11-50, 51-100 and 101 or more full-time employees). Tax won first place in the "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 11-50, 51-100 and 101 or more full-time employees). CCH ProSystem fx Engagement earned top honors in the "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 101 or more full-time employees), "Firm Risk Mitigation" category of Awards (for firms with 11-50 and 101 or more full-time employees) and "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 101 or more full-time employees). Engagement earned top honors in the "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 101 or more full-time employees), "Firm Risk Mitigation" category of Awards (for firms with 11-50 and 101 or more full-time employees) and "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 101 or more full-time employees). In addition to winning awards in all three categories, Wolters Kluwer also received six honorable mention designations for its tax software including the cloud-based tax workflow solution suite CCH Axcess in the "Firm Profitability" category of Awards (for firms with 101 or more full-time employees) and the small firm professional tax preparation software ATX in the "Firm Productivity" category of Awards (for solo practitioners). The Accounting Firm Operations and Technology Survey Awards honors software providers and their solutions based on results of an independent survey sponsored by Network Management Group, Inc. and Insight Research Group. Survey respondents from accounting firms of all sizes across the nation were asked to identify the software used in their firm that has the greatest impact in three separate categories: Profitability, Risk Mitigation and Productivity. Respondents selected award-winners in each category from a list of 87 accounting firm software products and awards were granted based on the number of votes received by firm size. "Across our team, we strive to deliver tax and accounting software and solutions that meet the demands of our customers," said Jason Marx, CEO Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting, North America. "It's gratifying to receive such positive recognition from professionals who can attest to the significant impact our solutions have on their firms." "If you are using or considering one or more of these award-winning software products in your firm, you are selecting some of the leading providers' solutions, as voted on by an audience of your peers," said Leslie Garrett, CEO of Insight Research Group. "These awards are valued by accounting professionals because they are bestowed on a vendor by the people in the trenches using their software day-in and day-out." CCH ProSystem fx Tax is a high-performing software solution known for its extensive integration with other products and its ability to handle the most complex returns and tax issues. This comprehensive system processes all types of federal and state returns while offering extensive electronic filing services that help increase productivity. CCH ProSystem fx Engagement is a powerful, integrated end-to-end solution for engagements. It combines three tools in one as a workpaper manager, trial balance manager and workflow tool while serving as a central hub for all engagements. CCH Axcess is the profession's first cloud-based, modular tax workflow solution suite with an integrated central database that offers a single point of access to handle all tasks associated with the tax process from return preparation and compliance to file storage and practice. ATX is one of the premium professional tax preparation software solutions of choice for CPAs, small firms and sole practitioners. Users rely on the extensive tax compliance forms library, simple forms-based interface, robust-filing, streamlined installation and software update processes. About Wolters Kluwer Wolters Kluwer is a global leader in professional information, software solutions, and services for the health, tax accounting, finance, risk & compliance, and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2017 annual revenues of 4.4 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. Wolters Kluwer shares are listed on Euronext Amsterdam (WKL) and are included in the AEX and Euronext 100 indices. Wolters Kluwer has a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program. The ADRs are traded on the over-the-counter market in the U.S. (WTKWY). For more information about our solutions and organization, visit www.wolterskluwer.com, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005312/en/ Contacts: Wolters Kluwer Tax Accounting NICOLE YOUNG 347-931-1055 N.Young@wolterskluwer.com or BRENDA AU 847-267-2046 Brenda.Au@wolterskluwer.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2018) - iCo Therapeutics Inc. (TSXV: ICO) (OTCQB: ICOTF) ("iCo" or "the Company"), and its subsidiary iCo Therapeutics Australia Pty Ltd., today announced that it has dosed the first patient in its Phase 1 clinical study for Oral Amphotericin B. "Dosing our first patient is a major milestone for iCo Therapeutics and the oral Amphotericin B program" stated Andrew Rae, President and CEO of iCo Therapeutics Inc. "We currently remain on track to complete dosing of patients in the Phase 1 study by the end of Q2 2018 and expect this to be the first of several key milestones for the Company during 2018". Stated Michael Winlo, CEO of Linear Clinical Research Ltd, "By working closely with the iCo team, recruitment has proceeded on schedule and we are very pleased to announce the first subject was dosed today. We look forward to completing this study swiftly and bringing a new therapy to patients in need." About the Phase 1 Clinical Trial The Phase 1 Australian study is a randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled, single dose ascending study to assess the safety, tolerability, and bioavailability of iCo-019 (Oral Amphotericin B) in healthy male and non-pregnant female subjects between 18-55 years of age. Subjects will be randomized into one of 4 cohorts, each representing an ascending single dose of treatment. Cohorts will be dosed sequentially. Each cohort will consist of eight (8) subjects where six (6) subjects will be randomized to receive the Investigational Product (IP) and two (2) subjects will be randomized to receive the Placebo. A sentinel group consisting of two subjects (one subject receiving the IP and one subject receiving the Placebo) will be dosed before the other subjects in each cohort. All subjects will be followed for 7 days after dosing. The safety profile for each subject treated in that cohort will be reviewed by the Safety Evaluating Committee (SEC). "This study will be important in determining whether an approved drug that has been historically very effective in intravenous form for treatment of fungal and parasitic infections will be safe, well tolerated and bioavailable when given in oral form. To date pre-clinical data examining safety, tolerability and bioavailability have been positive. If replicated in human subjects this development may result in significant treatment advantages and expansion of potential indications", stated Dr. Peter Hnik, Chief Medical Officer, iCo Therapeutics. To date, due to its intravenous route of administration and potential toxicity, Amphotericin has been used to treat primarily serious fungal and parasitic infections. The trial has been registered with the TGA in Australia via the Clinical Trial Notification process. About iCo Therapeutics iCo Therapeutics identifies existing development stage assets for use in underserved ocular and infectious diseases. Such assets may exhibit utility in non-ophthalmic conditions outside the Company's core focus areas and if so the Company will seek to capture further value via partnerships, such as its partnership with Immune Pharmaceuticals, which is in several Phase 2 studies involving iCo-008. iCo shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ICO" and on the OTCQB under the symbol "ICOTF". For more information, visit the Company website at: www.icotherapeutics.com. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the content of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulatory Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: "anticipate", "intend", "plan", "goal", "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will" and similar references to future periods. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on iCo's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to iCo and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to iCo and speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by iCo in its public securities filings and on its website, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. iCo disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Contact: Michael Liggett Chief Financial Officer 778-802-9806 liggett@icotherapeutics.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2018) - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") announces positive exploration drill results from the Fekola North Extension Zone extending gold mineralization to one kilometer north of the Fekola Reserve pit boundary and continuing successful resource infill drilling. Highlights This news release should be read in conjunction with the Fekola and Fekola North Extension schematic long section (see below or on our website with today's news release at http://www.b2gold.com/news/2018/) Recent positive drilling results in the Fekola North Extension significantly increases resource potential of the Fekola Deposit extending mineralization up to one kilometre north of the reserve pit. Good-grade gold mineralization is hosted in shallow, north-plunging shoots, the same structural setting as higher-grade ore shoots in the Fekola Deposit, and remains open to the north. New drill results to the North of the Fekola Resource pit boundary indicate the main higher-grade Fekola ore shoot is thicker and extends closer to surface than previously projected. New good-grade drill results from infill drilling within the resource pit boundary continue to convert inferred resources to indicated category. Fekola North Extension Exploration A total of approximately 10,000 metres of diamond drilling have now been completed this year in the Fekola North extension. These drill results, combined with previous results, continue to convert resources to reserves within the resource pit boundary and further expand the Fekola North extension zone mineralization to now at least one km north of the Fekola reserve pit boundary, and approximately 900 metres north of the current resource pit boundary. (see longitudinal section, in the news release, and the B2Gold website (www.b2gold.com). These drill results along with previous results confirm the potential for the Fekola deposit to increase in size significantly to the north, and indicate the potential, with further drilling for a larger open-pittable resource and reserve. Fekola Resource Conversion (See longitudinal section) Infill drilling is ongoing at Fekola and continues to convert inferred resources to indicated category within the resource pit boundary. The current resource pit boundary extends beyond the Fekola reserve pit boundary approximately 50 metres below the reserve, 150 metres to the north and approximately 600 metres to the north (formerly Kiwi zone), from surface to 50 metres depth. The resource pit extension contains 720,000 ounces in the indicated category and 180,000 ounces in the inferred category, for a total potential increase of 900,000 ounces of gold1. The recent drilling intercepted higher gold grades, in wider intercepts, than had been projected from previous drill results. 1 Please see B2Gold's Annual Information Form 2018, which is available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), for further information, including information regarding applicable grade and tonnage. Highlights from Fekola Resource infill drilling results: Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) FKD_242 317.30 396.00 78.70 3.20 FKD_241 308.20 395.00 86.80 3.95 FKD_239 307.00 374.00 67.00 3.10 FKD_244 246.00 295.00 49.00 1.39 FKD_246 240.70 264.00 23.30 1.60 Infill drilling is ongoing. Fekola North Extension The Fekola North Extension adjoins the Fekola resource pit and extends up to one kilometre north of the Fekola reserve pit. The structural setting at Fekola North Extension is identical to that hosting the bulk of the high-grade ore in the Fekola Deposit. Recent drilling beyond the resource pit boundary to the north, along with previous drilling, has confirmed that the higher-grade Fekola mineralized shoot extends further north, in holes such as 248, 245, 250, and 253. Holes 250 and 253 are approximately 750 metres from the resource pit boundary (see table below). In addition, holes 264, 254, 261, 262 256, 258, 251 and 255 demonstrate the higher-grade shoot extends closer to surface than previously modelled, positively filling a portion of the gap between the higher-grade shoot and the shallow mineralization above, in the resource pit. Highlights of Fekola North extension drill results: Hole ID From (m) To (m) Length (m) Gold (g/t) FKD_238 328.00 390.40 62.40 2.66 FKD_243 260.00 331.40 71.40 1.40 FKD_245 344.00 394.40 50.40 2.41 FKD_248 392.00 433.00 41.00 2.71 FKD_250 528.00 554.00 26.00 1.18 FKD_251 412.00 477.00 35.00 1.95 FKD_253 486.20 517.00 30.80 4.10 FKD_254 270.00 319.10 49.10 2.59 FKD_255 397.30 445.77 48.47 1.23 FKD_256 285.00 319.00 34.00 2.01 FKD_258 304.00 339.20 35.20 2.06 FKD_261 265.70 278.00 12.30 2.23 FKD_262 302.00 342.00 43.00 2.29 FKD_264 293.00 340.30 47.30 2.63 Fekola and Fekola North Extension Schematic Long Section Map To view an enhanced version of this map, please visit: https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3906/34100_a1524045554031_40.jpg Drilling continues, and will be ongoing through the rest of 2018, to further define the Fekola North extension and further infill drill the Fekola resource. The Company will continue to release material drill results, as they become available and expects to release an updated Fekola mineral resource in the third quarter of 2018. In addition to Fekola, the 2018 Mali exploration budget includes $7.5 million for further drilling on the Anaconda zones, in the Fekola region. The drill program is well underway and is returning positive additional results from the near-surface saprolite zones and the good gold grade bedrock zones, beneath the saprolite. Further results will be released later in the year. QA/QC on Sample Collection and Assaying The primary laboratories for Fekola are SGS Laboratories in Bamako, Mali and Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Periodically, exploration samples will be analyzed at the Fekola Mine Lab. At each lab, samples are prepared and analyzed using 50g fire assay with atomic absorption finish and/or gravimetric finish. Umpire assays are used to monitor lab performance monthly. Quality assurance and quality control ("QA/QC") procedures include the systematic insertion of blanks, standards and duplicates into the core, reverse circulation and aircore drilling sample strings. The results of the control samples are evaluated on a regular basis with batches re-analyzed and/or resubmitted as needed. All results stated in this announcement have passed B2Gold's quality assurance and quality control protocols. Qualified Persons Tom Garagan, Senior Vice President of Exploration at B2Gold, a qualified person under NI 43-101, has approved the exploration information contained in this news release. About B2Gold Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, B2Gold Corp. is the world's new senior gold producer. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has five operating gold mines and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Nicaragua, the Philippines, Namibia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Colombia and Finland. With the large, low-cost Fekola Mine now in production, B2Gold is well positioned in achieving transformational growth in 2018. In 2018, with the planned first full year of production from the Fekola Mine, consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces. This represents an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces for the Company in 2018 versus 2017. First Quarter 2018 Financial Results - Conference Call Details B2Gold will release its first quarter 2018 results before the North American markets open on Thursday, May 10, 2018. B2Gold executives will host a conference call to discuss the results on Thursday, May 10, 2018, at 10:00 am PDT / 1:00 pm EDT. You may access the call by dialing the operator at +1 647-788-4919 (local or international) or toll free at +1 877-291-4570 prior to the scheduled start time, or you may listen to the call via webcast by clicking http://www.investorcalendar.com/event/27596. A playback version of the call will be available for two weeks after the call at +1 416-621-4642 (local or international) or toll free at +1 800-585-8367 (passcode 7166938). ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. "Tom Garagan" Senior Vice-President Exploration For more information on B2Gold please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Ian MacLean Vice President, Investor Relations 604-681-8371 imaclean@b2gold.com Katie Bromley Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations 604-681-8371 kbromley@b2gold.com The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements regarding anticipated exploration, drilling, and other activities and achievements of the Company, including but not limited to: the potential for the Fekola Deposit to increase in size significantly to the North and the potential for a larger open-pittable resource and reserve; the expansion of Fekola North extension zone; the higher grade-Fekola mineralized shoot extending further North and the higher-grade shoot extending closer to the surface; work being underway to revise geological models and the Company working towards an updated resource statement for the Fekola Project later in the year; drilling continuing and ongoing through the rest of 2018 to further define the Fekola North extension; the resource pit extension containing 720,000 ounces in the indicated category and 180,000 ounces in the inferred category, for a total potential increase of 900,000 ounces of gold; the conversion of inferred mineral resources to indicated mineral resources and mineral resources to mineral reserves; the Mali exploration budget including $7.5 million for further drilling on the Anaconda zone; the drill program being well underway and returning positive additional results and that further results will be released later in the year; the Fekola Mine being large and low-cost; consolidated gold production forecast being between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces of gold and such representing an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces for the Company in 2018 versus 2017; and B2Gold being well positioned in achieving transformational growth in 2018. Estimates of mineral resources and reserves are also forward-looking statements because they constitute projections regarding the amount of minerals that may be encountered in the future and/or the anticipated economics of production, should a production decision be made. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with the volatility of metal prices and the Company's common shares; risks and dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; risk of not achieving production, cost or other estimates; risk that actual production, development plans and costs differ materially from the estimates in the Company's feasibility studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; uncertainty about the outcome of negotiations with the Government of Mali; risks related to environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; availability of financing; risks related to financing and debt, including potential restrictions imposed on the Company's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations Mali, Namibia, the Philippine, Nicaragua and Burkina Faso and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements; risks related to remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure, fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks including local instability or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; risks related to reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; risks related to lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; dependence on key personnel and ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; changes in tax laws; community support for the Company's operations including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; risks related to conflict with small scale miners; risks related to failures of information systems or information security threats; the final outcome of the audit by the DENR in relation to the Masbate Project; ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, the Company's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. The Company's forward looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. The Company's forward looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company's ability to carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Cautionary Note to United States Investors The disclosure in this news release was prepared in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), which differs significantly from the requirements of the SEC set out in Industry Guide 7. Accordingly, such disclosure may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report in accordance with U.S. standards. In particular, this news release may refer to "mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources". While these categories of mineralization are recognized and required by Canadian securities laws, they are not recognized by the SEC and are not normally permitted to be disclosed in SEC filings by U.S. companies. U.S. investors are cautioned not to assume that any part of a "mineral resource" or "inferred mineral resource" will ever be converted into a "reserve." In addition, "reserves" reported by the Company under Canadian standards may not qualify as reserves under SEC standards. Under SEC standards, mineralization may not be classified as a "reserve" unless the mineralization can be economically and legally extracted or produced at the time the "reserve" determination is made. Accordingly, information contained or referenced in this news release containing descriptions of the Company's mineral deposits may not be compatible to similar information made public by U.S. companies subject to the reporting and disclosure requirements of U.S. federal securities laws, rules and regulations. "Inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource will ever be upgraded to a higher category. Historical results or feasibility models presented herein are not guarantees or expectations of future performance. PALM BEACH, Florida, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The investing world is scrambling to prepare for a global trade war on the heels of last month's steel tariffs. Providing exceptions for only Canada and Mexico, President Donald Trump's steel tariffs have resulted in other countries (i.e. China) announcing their own tariffs on U.S. goods. While this may seem like bad news for investors, some industries, like zinc, have seen domestic producers change from 'Overweight' to 'Buy' ratings on leading investment research sites like The Wall Street Journal. With investment options limited by uncertainty, interest in zinc could potentially rise quickly as investors look for safe-havens to invest in to weather the storm. Some zinc miners that could experience significant share price movement during an upcoming trade war include Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX:TV), Teck Resources (TSX:TECK-A) (NYSE:TECK), Callinex Mines Inc. (TSX-V:CNX) (OTC:CLLXF), Glencore PLC (OTC:GLCNF) (LSE: GLEN) and Vedanta Resources PLC (OTC:VDNRF). Looming Trade War Puts Upward Pressure On Zinc Price Many industries are experiencing downward pressure amidst concerns of a global trade war, but the zinc market looks set to trend upwards. Already hitting a decade-high earlier this year, TD Securities is now "bullish" on the outlook of zinc prices. The investment bank has just revised its forecasts for the next two years, raising its 2019 estimate to US $1.75 a pound and 2020 estimate to US $1.50 a pound. Previous estimates were US $1.45 and US $1.30 respectively. If Zinc prices continue to rise as TD Securities research indicates, then significant flows of capital could move to zinc companies and in turn creating an opportunity for equity investors. Zinc is a vital component used to produce a huge range of products. This includes consumer goods such as cars and electronics, as well as industrial applications such as steel coatings for infrastructure projects to prevent the steel from rusting. Reuters reports that $3.7 trillion must be invested in infrastructure every year to meet demand, and the U.S. alone is considering a $1 trillion spend to improve infrastructure this year. The new import restrictions could now send the U.S., the world's largest steel importer, into a demand frenzy for zinc, especially from its neighbor, Canada. The U.S. already imports 16% of its steel from Canada, but U.S. manufacturers could urgently look to replace 75% of the steel that they import from outside the continent to avoid extra costs. This could ignite a surge in demand for zinc from Canada. Domestic Zinc Mining Projects May Benefit From Trump's Policies One miner with a significant head start in the zinc supply chain is Callinex Mines Inc. (TSX-V:CNX) (OTCQX:CLLXF). The company is an example of a zinc company that may benefit from an increase in zinc prices, and a shift towards North American-based sources of zinc. They currently hold a potential world-class zinc mine in New Brunswick, Canada. Callinex Mines Inc.'s Nash Creek project is being advanced as a potential open-pit mine. These open pit mines have historically been easier and cheaper to develop than the underground mines that make up 80% of the world's zinc mining operations. The company recently announced results from a new resource estimate at its Nash Creek deposit in the Bathurst Mining District of New Brunswick. These results estimated the indicated portion of the mineral resource increased to host 963 million pounds of zinc equivalent mineralization, an increase of 74%, along with the inferred portion which hosts an additional 407 million pounds of zinc equivalent mineralization within the inferred category, representing a 385% increase from an earlier estimate. This increase was based on the recently announced exploration results from Callinex. Another zinc company with aggressive exploration activities include Glencore, whose stock has almost doubled since last year. Callinex Mines Inc. expects to publish a maiden Preliminary Economic Assessment next month to demonstrate the potential economic viability of the Nash Creek deposit. Zinc Price Set To Peak Zinc prices already hit a ten-year high earlier this year, but that may be just the beginning. Analysts at CRU Group forecast that zinc price will reach another peak by mid-2018, averaging US$1.70 per pound in Q2 and US$1.52 per pound for the year. Similarly, Citi analyst Max Layton expects a jump in prices to around US$1.72 to US$1.81 per pound. "The zinc price in the next three to six months is the best we're going to see for the next three to five years," he said. While zinc producers are set to embrace potentially higher investor interest this year, only a few zinc stocks could have significant growth potential. Some leading Canadian zinc miners include Trevali Mining, with a market cap of over $1 billion, and Teck, with a market cap valued near $20 billion. However, both companies may potentially be overvalued on the heels of previous investor interest in the zinc industry. This places Canadian mining firm Callinex Mines Inc. in a unique position. The company has a market cap of $15.7 million and a potential world-class North American based mine. This unique selling proposition may intrigue zinc investors interested in a project with high potential upside. Other Companies Actively Mining Zinc Glencore PLC (OTC:GLCNF) (LSE: GLEN.L) - Glencore is considered the biggest zinc producer in the world, with its operations based mainly in Australia. This year, the company intends to restart phased production at its Lady Loretta mine, with 100,000 tonnes of production expected in 2018 and an additional 60,000 tonnes in 2019. By 2020, Glencore expects to be producing 18% more zinc than in 2017, as Lady Loretta runs at full capacity and a new project in Kazakhstan comes on stream. Vedanta Resources PLC (OTC:VDNRF) - Vedanta subsidiary Hindustan Zinc is the world's second-largest zinc producer. Currently, Hindustan operates the world's largest zinc mine, Rampura Agucha, located in Rajasthan, India. Earlier this year, it commissioned two additional mills in Rajasthan to match the growing zinc demand in India. Trevali Mining Corp. (TSX:TV) - Trevali is a zinc-focused base metals company operating four mines: the Santander mine in Peru, the Caribou mine in New Brunswick, the Rosh Pinah mine in Namibia, and the Perkoa mine in Burkina Faso. As part of its acquisition of the Namibia and Burkina Faso mines from Glencore, Glencore now holds a 25.6% stake in the company. Teck Resources (TSX:TECK) (NYSE:TECK) - Teck is a diversified resources company focused on copper, metallurgical coal, zinc and energy. The company's zinc operations are mainly based in Alaska at the Red Dog mine. Last year, Teck produced 659,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate, which was more than its 2017 production guidance. An Opportune Investment Window On Zinc With an increasing demand for zinc, and recent trade tariffs on steel, domestic producers of metals like zinc may benefit from the movement of capital from industries that are negatively affected by tariffs. Under these circumstances, zinc companies like Callinex Mines Inc. (TSX-V:CNX) (OTC:CLLXF) have a window of opportunity to secure a commanding position in North America's zinc market. For more information on Callinex Mines Inc. 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Media Contact: FN Media Group, LLC info@marketnewsupdates.com +1(561)325-8757 LOS ANGELES, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FN Media Group Presents USA News Group News Commentary In a boon for lithium power, researchers have built a prototype lithium ion battery that could last 30 to 50 percent longer than any battery on the market. The news comes at a time when demand for lithium supplies are now forecasting a shortfall as early as the end of 2018. Lithium companies are benefiting from the push for global competition including NRG Metals Inc. (TSX: NGZ) (OTC: NRGMF), Pilbara Minerals Ltd (OTC: PILBF), Neo Lithium Corporation (TSX: NLC) (OTC: NTTHF), and Galaxy Resources (OTC: GALXF). The limitations in capacity and longevity have held back electric vehicle adoption for many years and only significant progress in addressing these issues has finally brought about the current breakthroughs. Apple have been subject to public embarrassment following revelations that they intentionally slowed down old phones in order to make them keep up with degrading batteries. Upcoming research developments could help to overcome these problems once and for all and lead to even faster proliferation of lithium batteries. One new source for lithium may be NRG Metals Inc. (TSX: NGZ) (OTCMKTS: NRGMF). That junior miner is developing potentially huge lithium brine project in South America's well known lithium triangle. The lithium trend also has other major lithium miners working full speed in order to bring on greater supplies of the valuable metal including Pilbara Minerals Ltd (OTC: PILBF), Neo Lithium Corporation (TSX: NLC) (OTCQX: NTTHF), and Galaxy Resources (OTC: GALXF). Virtually all lithium-focused producers are seeing heightened activity and price rises at this point. LONGER LIFE LITHIUM WOULD BE A HELP The obvious downside to the new lithium driven energy boom is battery life. But new advancements to prolong li-ion battery life are really changing the landscape. One of the notable developments is at the University of Akron, where researchers have built a prototype for a lithium ion battery that could last 30 to 50 percent longer than any battery on the market. The lead researcher on the project Dr. Yu Zhu explains that the improvements come from the materials that bind the electrodes together. In conventional batteries where polymer binding material is used, the cells only last for 10 to 20 cycles. With the new prototype, the battery can cycle for thousands of cycles without depleting in capacity. The technology used in Zhu's project is a groundbreaking development given that little has changed in li-ion technology for the past three decades. The developers hope to scale up their prototype, which at the moment is the size of a coin, so that it can be used in smartphones and other bigger applications. The Akron battery could hit the market in as little as two years, but the market will not be short of competitors. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research are working on a li-ion battery that could double current storage capacity and lower the weight of the battery. At the Northwestern University, in collaboration with Argonne National Labs, researchers are hoping for a breakthrough on a rechargeable battery, which may be capable of extending cellphone battery life by a factor of eight. The efficiency improvements in battery technologies will also see a proliferation of large scale storage facilities such as the ones Tesla has unveiled in Australia and Puerto Rico. MOVING TO MEET DEMAND: JUNIORS CATCH THE WAVE This unique climate has created a significant opportunity for all lithium companies. A likely scenario that will become increasingly popular over the next few years is direct investment into junior lithium exploration companies. One of the early movers in that category is NRG Metals - A Canadian company committed to creating lithium resources. NRG Metals, a start-up focused on the development of lithium brine assets in Argentina, has recently attracted a Chinese battery material producer through closing on a $1.4 million private placement to fund ongoing exploration activities in Argentina and the potential, as an Off-Take producer, for future lithium products extracted. The company has two projects, with the most significant project being the "Hombre Muerto North Project" or HMNP. HMNP is located in the Salta and Catamarca provinces and comprises a total property package of over 3,000 hectares encompassing six concessions. The company has reported good surface sample collections, magnesium to lithium ratios, and is located across from Galaxy Resources' Sal de Vida lithium development project. Most importantly, the project is within 20km of FMC Corporation's well established Fenix lithium brine project. With an offtake agreement of this kind, it's possible that NRG Metals will sell lithium before it's even mined or at least provide a great asset value to the company. LONGER LIFE LITHIUM NOT ENOUGHTO STEM THE TIDE While the new battery innovations by the Akron Researchers and others are making huge strides in the quality and longevity of lithium battery technology, they are not near enough to offset the future need for lithium that is driving development. All these innovations, if they make it to market, are likely to lead to even higher acceptance rates of li-ion batteries. And with lithium supplies already tight, the expected increase in demand will need massive infrastructure investment from mining concerns and juniors to bring more supply online. Increases in the price of lithium should continue to make such investments economically viable. In the process, investors in lithium mining activities stand to reap the gains, with lithium expected by some leading analysts to be bigger than copper by 2030. POTENTIAL COMPARABLES Pilbara Minerals Ltd (OTC: PILBF) Pilbara Minerals is an emerging lithium and tantalum producer focused on the development of its world-class 100% owned Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project, located approximately 120kms from Port Hedland in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Pilgangoora has been confirmed as one of the largest spodumene (lithium pyroxene) and tantalite projects in the world and is set to be developed into one of the world's largest lithium mines, also producing tantalite as a valuable by-product. Neo Lithium Corporation (TSX: NLC) (OTCQX: NTTHF) Neo Lithium Corp. engages in the exploration and development of resource properties. The company explores for lithium deposits. It holds interests in the 3Q Project comprising 10 mining claims covering approximately 35,000 hectares located in Tinogasta area, Catamarca province, Argentina. The company has filed a Technical Report with Positive PEA Results on its 3Q Project Showing a Capital Cost reduction of US$98.5M. The company was incorporated in 2016 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Galaxy Resources (OTC: GALXF) Galaxy Resources Limited is a lithium-focused resources company, with assets spanning Australia, Canada and Argentina. Galaxy is currently advancing plans to develop the Sal de Vida Lithium and Potash Brine Project ("Sal de Vida") in Argentina, which is situated in the Lithium Triangle, a region where Chile, Argentina and Bolivia meet. Sal de Vida is a proven high quality resource has excellent promise as a future low cost production facility. Galaxy also owns the Mt Cattlin Spodumene Mine near Ravensthorpe in Western Australia and the James Bay Lithium Pegmatite Project in Quebec, Canada. For a more in-depth look into NGZ you can view the in-depth report at USA News Group: http://usanewsgroup.com/2018/03/12/analysts-predict-lithium-sector-is-growing-faster-than-any-other-sector-in-the-past-decade/ http://usanewsgroup.com info@usanewsgroup.com Legal Disclaimer/Disclosure: This piece is an advertorial and has been paid for. This document is not and should not be construed as an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe for any investment. No information in this Report should be construed as individualized investment advice. A licensed financial advisor should be consulted prior to making any investment decision. We make no guarantee, representation or warranty and accept no responsibility or liability as to its accuracy or completeness. Expressions of opinion are those of USA News Group only and are subject to change without notice. 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Media Contact Information: FN Media Group, LLC Media Contact e-mail: editor@financialnewsmedia.com U.S. Phone: +1(954)345-0611 AXIS Re, a business segment ofAXIS Capital Holdings Limited ("AXIS Capital") (NYSE: AXS), today announced the appointment of Megan Thomas as its Chief Underwriting Officer. In this role, Ms. Thomas will be responsible for product and portfolio management within AXIS Re. Ms. Thomas will be based in New York and will join the reinsurance leadership team, reporting directly to AXIS Re CEO Steve Arora. "Megan is a unique leader grounded in industry fundamentals while also forward-looking on the evolving industry and risk landscape. She is a proven CUO who brings deep underwriting experience across multiple global markets," said Mr. Arora. "We are excited to welcome her to the leadership team and confident that she will play an important role as we grow a leadership position in the reinsurance market." Prior to joining AXIS, Ms. Thomas spent 12 years at AIG, where she advanced to hold multiple CUO positions while working in the company's New York and Bermuda offices. Most recently, she served as Global CUO of Liability Lines in New York. Prior to that, she held the dual position of CUO and Head of AIG Cat Excess Liability, based in Bermuda. Previously, Ms. Thomas held a variety of management and underwriting roles in New York in Excess Casualty as well as in claims. She began her career serving in private and public sector roles at multiple organizations within the Australian insurance and financial services market. "I'm excited to join AXIS Re during this pivotal time as the business cements a leadership position in the reinsurance space," said Ms. Thomas. "I believe in the vision and capabilities and I'm looking forward to being part of a strong team and an organization that shares my passion for both the art and science of underwriting. I was also drawn to the Company's strong corporate values and its focus on creating a positive societal impact." Ms. Thomas holds both a Graduate Diploma of Business from the University of New England, New South Wales, Australia; and a Graduate Diploma of Legal Studies, Queensland University of Technology, Queensland, Australia. She is licensed to practice law in both New York and Queensland, Australia. Ms. Thomas also holds a Bachelor of Economics degree, Agriculture, from University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia; and a Bachelor of Laws degree (Hons) from Bond University, Queensland, Australia. About AXIS Capital AXIS Capital is a Bermuda-based global provider of specialty lines insurance and treaty reinsurance with total shareholders' equity at December 31, 2017 of $5.3 billion and locations in Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, Middle East, Canada, and Latin America. Its operating subsidiaries have been assigned a rating of "A+" ("Strong") by Standard Poor's and "A+" ("Superior") by A.M. Best. For more information about AXIS Capital, visit our website at www.axiscapital.com. Follow AXIS Capital on LinkedIn and Twitter. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005118/en/ Contacts: Investors: AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Linda Ventresca, 441-405-2727 info@axiscapital.com or Media: AXIS Capital Holdings Limited Joe Cohen, 212-715-3524 joseph.cohen@axiscapital.com LONDON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Forecasts and Analysis by Solutions (Network Security, Endpoint Security, Content Security, Application Security, Industrial Control System Security), Services (Cyber Security Consulting, Cyber Security Risk Assessment Services, Cyber Security Design and Integration Services), Application (BFSI, Aerospace and Defence, Healthcare, Manufacturing) and Country with Profiles of Leading Companies Report Details The latest report from business intelligence provider visiongain offers comprehensive analysis of the GCC Cyber Security market. Visiongain assesses that this market will generate revenues of $7.1bn in 2018. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523989/Visiongain_Logo.jpg ) With the growing prevalence of cyber attacks, and the proliferation of cloud, mobility, and bring-your-own-device (BYOD), cyber security is crucial for all points in the network. Cyber security threats and vulnerabilities can change from day to day, and even hour to hour. Effective steps for managing cyber risks today are unlikely to suffice for very long, and thus maintaining security in a wireless environment is challenging for most vendors in the ecosystem. Cyber threats affect more than just the Information Technology (IT) infrastructure of a company. These threats can cause disruptions to the entire network and impact principal business functions and mission. Several organizations integrate cyber defence with traditional security activities, such as physical and personnel security as part of an overarching effort to protect business operations from both external and internal threats. Furthermore, cyber security activities are now being prioritized and aligned to strategic business activities to minimize the damage of IT resources. You need to read visiongain's objective analysis of how this evolving cyber security landscape will impact your company and the industry more broadly. How are you and your company reacting to the changing cyber threats? Are you sufficiently informed? How this report will benefit you Read on to discover how you can exploit the future business opportunities emerging in the cyber security sector. Visiongain's new study tells you and tells you NOW. In this brand new report you find 220 in-depth tables, charts and graphs- all unavailable elsewhere. The 211 page report provides clear detailed insight into the global Cyber Security market. Discover the key drivers and challenges affecting the market. By ordering and reading our brand new report today you stay better informed and ready to act. Report Scope GCC Cyber Security Market Forecasts From 2018-2028 Regional Cyber Security Market Forecasts From 2018-2028 Asia-Pacific Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Europe Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Latin America Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Middle East and Africa Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 North America Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Country Cyber Security Market Forecasts From 2018-2028 U.S. Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 UK Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 France Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Russia Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 China Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Japan Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 South Korea Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Israel Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Saudi Arabia Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cyber Security Solution Submarket Forecasts From 2018-2028 Risk and Compliance Management Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Unified Threat Management (UTM) Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Security Incident Management Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Identity and Access Management (IAM) Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Encryption Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPSs) Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Others Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cyber Security Service Submarket Forecasts From 2018-2028 Professional Services Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Managed Services Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cyber Security Deployment Type Submarket Forecasts From 2018-2028 On-Premises Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cloud Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cyber Security User Type Submarket Forecasts From 2018-2028 SMEs Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Large Enterprises Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Cyber Security Industry Vertical Submarket Forecasts From 2018-2028 Aerospace and Defence Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 BFSI Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Public Sector Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Retail Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Healthcare Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 IT and Telecom Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Energy and Utilities Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Manufacturing Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Others Cyber Security Market Forecast From 2018-2028 Profiles Of The Leading Cyber Security Companies Dell EMC Cisco Systems FireEye Inc. Hewlett Packard Enterprises (HPE) IBM Corporation Sophos Ltd. Intel Corporation Symantec Corporation TrendMicro Inc. Verizon Communications Lockheed Martin Corporation Northrop Grumman Corporation Palo Alto Networks Inc. Who should read this report? Cyber security companies Information security specialists Cloud computing companies Internet of things companies Hardware providers Software vendors Managed services companies Industrial control system companies Large enterprises It contractors IT departments CEOs, Security vendors Heads of strategic development Marketing staff Market analysts Procurement staff Company managers Industry administrators Industry associations Company procurement departments Consultants Managers Governmental departments & agencies Business development managers Investors Banks Visiongain's study is intended for anyone requiring commercial analyses for the Cyber Security market and leading companies. You find data, trends and predictions. Buy our report today GCC Cyber Security Market Forecast 2018-2028: Forecasts and Analysis by Solutions (Network Security, Endpoint Security, Content Security, Application Security, Industrial Control System Security), Services (Cyber Security Consulting, Cyber Security Risk Assessment Services, Cyber Security Design and Integration Services), Application (BFSI, Aerospace and Defence, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Others) and Country (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman), with Profiles of Leading Companies. Avoid missing out by staying informed - get our report now. To request a report overview of this report please email Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongain.com or call Tel: +44-(0)-20-7336-6100 Or click on: https://www.visiongain.com/Report/2167/GCC-Cyber-Security-Market-Forecast-2018-2028 Companies Mentioned in the Report Abu Dhabi Company for Onshore Oil Corporation (ADCO) AGC Glass Germany GmbH Akhbar Al Khaleej Al Khalij Bank Alahli Bank Aliazira Alpha Data Aptec company Arbor Networks Arbor Networks Inc AT&T Atkins organization BAE Systems Bank Muscat of Oman Bayshore Networks BlackHorse IT Blue Coat Booz Allen Hamilton Canon Carbon Black, Inc. Cassidian Cyber Security Check Point Cisco Corporation Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC) Conax Cyberoam Deloitte DigiCert Inc. Dionach DTS Solutions Edarat Technology Etisalat FastTelco FireEye Fireeye Inc Fireglass FixNetix ForeScout Technologies Inc. Fortinet Inc Fruition Partners Future Tech Gulf Air Gulf Business Machines (GBM) Gulf Trainers Gulfnet Communications Hewlett-Packard Company Huawei I4 Solutions IBoss Network Security ID Quantique Ingram Micro Middle East Injazat Data Systems Innovation Lab Integrated System Company (SISCO) Intel Corporation InvestCorp Invotas International Corporation iSIGHT Partners IT SEC Ixtel organization Kaspersky Lab Kaspersky Lab KPMG Kuwait Oil Company Kuwait's National Petroleum Kuwait's Petrochemical Industries Co (PIC) Lancope LifeLock, Inc. Lockheed Martin Corporation Mashreq Bank McAfee Corporation Megatech Control Microsoft Corporation Morphick, Inc. National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah Netcure Oce Oman's Bank Muscat Ooredoo Company OpenDXL Oracle Corporation Paladion Palo Alto Network Paramount Parsons Prolexic Qatar Central bank (QCB) Qatar Islamic Bank (QIB) Qatar Petroleum Qatar's Rasgas Redfort Infosec Riyad Bank Ron, Shamir and Adleman (RSA) Samba Bank Samsung Group SANS Institute SAP Saudi Aramco SeaSpring Consulting WLL SecureLink SecureNinja SGS Middle East Sharjah Bank SkyBox Security Skycure Splunk Inc. StarLink Symantec Corporation Thales The Boeing Company Tofino Security Trend Micro Trend Micro Inc ValueBoxx Wedge Network WhiteHat Security Zenviron Middle East ZServices To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongain.com The Smart Label Simplifies and Shortens Expiry Updates Allowing for Considerable Time and Cost Savings E Ink Holdings, "E Ink" (8069.TW), the leading innovator of electronic ink technology and Faubel & Co. Nachf. GmbH, a proven supplier to the pharmaceutical and chemical industry, announced the availability of the Faubel-Med Label, a smart label for investigational medicinal products. The Med Label features E Ink's low-voltage film technology, bringing display modules and new system designs to pharmaceutical packaging. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005263/en/ The Faubel-Med Label is a smart label for investigational medicinal products that uses an E Ink display. (Photo: Business Wire) The Med Label is a combination of an ePaper display and a booklet label that is integrated with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology to allow pharmaceutical packaging to be updated on demand. The Med Label features a segmented bi-stable E Ink display that can provide expiry updates even on a sealed kit. This digital solution provides pharmaceutical companies an alternative to relabeling whenever stability data changes, allowing for considerable time and cost savings to international clinical trials. "The Med Label is a breakthrough product that makes the handling of investigational medicinal products in clinical trial supply chains so much easier," said Konrad Zachman, Head of Production for New Technologies at Faubel. "As we see a continuous growth in biologic products that require frequent updates on stability data, the Med Label emerges as a cost-effective, highly-efficient smart label that meets the demands of present and future compliance requirements." Thanks to E Ink's ePaper solution, Faubel is expanding its service offerings to provide connected labels with RFID and ePaper technology. Furthermore, this innovation enables the pharmaceutical industry to go digital using valuable tools such as software and real-time reporting, among others. "We believe this is a game changer that will transform clinical trials, saving the industry time and money," said Frank Jager, Managing Director at Faubel. The Med Label is equipped with a battery-free, always-on ePaper display and an RFID tag. It facilitates on-demand label updates for expiry dates at the clinical depot site and provides real time reporting and documentation that meet compliance requirements. "E Ink's smart packaging solutions are at the forefront of pharmaceutical packaging innovation," said Paul Apen, Chief Strategy Officer at E Ink. "Adding displays to pharma packaging requires thin and flexible displays that are also low-power. Our ePaper displays are perfect for this application given their thin, low voltage properties, as well as easy readability, contrast and wide viewing angle." E Ink's new low-voltage film uses roughly 5v compared to the typical 15v driving voltage for electronic paper displays, which decreases the power required for label updates and speeds the update process. "We are thrilled to partner with Faubel to create a product that will help the pharmaceutical industry take advantage of the digital resources at its disposal," said FY Gan, Executive Vice President of Sales Center at E Ink. "The potential to enhance and simplify clinical trials is endless; we're excited to collaborate with industry leaders like Faubel to provide system integration capability for not only the pharmaceutical industry in a total solution, but a wide range of smart packaging applications that deliver the best customer experience of using e-paper for digital transformation." The Med Label is currently available for commercial use. To learn more about the solution, visit: http://www.faubel.de/en/pharma-services/clinical-trials/med-label.html. About Faubel: The Faubel Group is a global supplier of functional labels with various locations in Europe, the USA and Asia. The Faubel Pharma Services business unit has positioned itself as an innovation and quality leader in clinical trial labeling for multinational trials. Faubel Pharma Services deals with label design, the production of labels of up to 113 pages, the overprinting of pre-produced bulk goods with variable data as well as with routing. In addition to these established services, the multi-service provider develops individual packaging concepts that are able to mask investigational medicinal products and to withstand temperatures down to -196C. With its Faubel-Med Label, the company offers a unique label whose contents can be updated digitally. When stability data changes, the Med Label replaces re-labeling and provides the necessary flexibility for study pooling. About E Ink Holdings E Ink Holdings Inc. (8069.TWO), based on technology from MIT's Media Lab, has transformed and defined the eReader market and is redefining the signage, architecture and design, mobile, wearable and retail markets with its ePaper technology, enabling a new multi-billion dollar market in less than 10 years. Its corporate philosophy aims to deliver revolutionary products, user experiences and environmental benefits through advanced technology development. This vision has led to its continuous investments in the field of ePaper displays as well as expanding the use of its technologies into a number of other markets and applications including smart packaging and fashion. Its Electrophoretic Display products make it the worldwide leader for ePaper. Its Fringe Field Switching (FFS) technologies are a standard for high-end LCD displays and have been licensed to all major liquid crystal display makers in the world. Listed in Taiwan's Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and the Luxembourg market, E Ink Holdings is now the world's largest supplier of ePaper displays. For more information please visit www.eink.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005263/en/ Contacts: Faubel: Faubel Co. Nachfolger GmbH Miriam Huther, +49 5661 7309-219 m.huether@faubel.de or E Ink: Racepoint Global Lauren Ginsberg, +1 617-624-3254 lginsberg@racepointglobal.com Publishes TSN for Flexible Manufacturing Testbed Characteristics of Converged Traffic Types Whitepaper The Industrial Internet Consortium (IIC), the world's leading organization transforming business and society by accelerating the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), announced the recent successes of its Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) Testbed for Flexible Manufacturing. The testbed hosted its 10th plugfest in an 18-month timeframe at the Bosch Rexroth facility in Erbach near Frankfurt, Germany and brought together both existing and first-time participants to test devices with a range of TSN capabilities notably utilizing the recently released OPC UC Pub/Sub protocol. Twenty companies participated including chipmakers, network infrastructure and end-device vendors, and testing tool vendors, many of whom compete with each other. TSN is a deterministic enhancement to Ethernet and a foundational piece of IIoT that enables Ethernet to be used for real-time manufacturing automation and control applications. Since its inception in 2016, the IIC TSN Testbed has advanced its goal of achieving real-time control and synchronization of high-performance machines over a single, standard Ethernet network through vetting technical standards and testing interoperability among vendors. At its most recent plugfests in Austin, TX (#9), during a joint Avnu Alliance and IIC meeting on interoperability in February 2018, and Erbach, Germany (#10), vendors tested time synchronization (IEEE 802.1AS), scheduled traffic flows (IEEE 802.1Qbv) and frame pre-emption (IEEE 802.1Qbu), all key TSN functions. Other key developments include: Created two TSN demonstrators with equipment from more than 15 companies performing real-time control automation functions over standard Ethernet network infrastructure supporting the new TSN capabilities, Installed a permanent TSN interoperability rack in Austin with end-devices, network infrastructure and testing equipment for on-going and in-between testing of TSN capabilities by members, Developed an interoperable diagnostic data application based on the recently finalized OPC UA specification for Publish-Subscribe (Pub/Sub) so devices can communicate key TSN-related status information, Integrated testing tools from Calnex, Ixia and Spirent into plugfest activities, and Opened the plugfests to non-member participants to accelerate their TSN deployments. These latest results will be demonstrated at Hannover Messe (HMI) 2018 in the IIC booth (Hall 8, Booth C24) and in the booths of testbed participants. Today, the IIC also announced the publication of its TSN for Flexible Manufacturing Testbed Characteristics of Converged Traffic Typeswhitepaper. The whitepaper describes industrial traffic types that the IIC TSN for Flexible Manufacturing Testbed supports and enhances the traffic type descriptions from the IEEE 802.1Q specification. These types include automation and control traffic types such as isochronous, cyclic and alarms events as well as other traffic found in typical manufacturing networks. TSN for Flexible Manufacturing Testbed participants and associated booths where TSN will be demonstrated at Hannover Messe include IIC members Analog Devices (Hall 9, H23), Belden/Hirschmann, Bosch Rexroth (Hall 17, A40), B&R Industrial Automation (Hall 9, Stand D26), Cisco (Hall 6, Stand G30), Fraunhofer FOKUS (Hall 6, Stand D18; Hall 6, Stand D18), GE Transportation, Hilscher (Hall 7, F11), Intel (Hall 7, D12), ISW, Kalycito (Hall 9, Booth A11 in the OPC Foundation Booth), KUKA (Hall 17), Moxa, National Instruments, Pilz (Hall 9), Renesas Electronics, SICK AG (Hall 9), SoC-e, TTTech (Hall 8, A32), Xilinx and IIC liaison Avnu Alliance. Non-member participants include Calnex, Ixia, Kontron, Phoenix Contact (Hall 9, Stand F40), Schneider Electric (Hall 11, Stand C58), Spirent and WAGO. Companies are welcome to join the TSN for Flexible Manufacturing Testbed and to participate in Plugfests. Upcoming plugfests will be held in Austin from June 26 29, 2018, and in Stuttgart from July 24 27, 2018 at ISW, Institute for Control Engineering, University of Stuttgart, a research center that connects new technologies to the manufacturing industry. About the Industrial Internet Consortium The Industrial Internet Consortium is the world's leading membership program transforming business and society by accelerating the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). The IIC delivers a trustworthy IIoT in which the world's systems and devices are securely connected and controlled to deliver transformational outcomes. The Industrial Internet Consortium is a program of the Object Management Group (OMG). For more information, visit www.iiconsortium.org. Note to editors: Industrial Internet Consortium is a registered trademark of OMG. For a listing of all OMG trademarks, visit www.omg.org/legal/tm_list. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005277/en/ Contacts: Industrial Internet Consortium Karen Quatromoni, +1-781-444-0404 x146 quatromoni@iiconsortium.org The 3 rd Horasis Global Meeting will convene over 600 leaders from more than 70 countries, representing business, government, academia, civil society The theme of the meeting is, Inspiring our Future Horasis, a global visions community dedicated to inspiring our future, announces the 2018 Horasis Global Meeting to be held in Cascais, Portugal from the 5th-8th of May. The Horasis community of more than 600 selected world leaders, from 70 countries, will gather to discuss this year's theme, "Inspiring our Future". Launched in 2016, the annual Horasis Global Meeting is one of the world's foremost gatherings of business leaders who interact with key government officials and eminent thought leaders. The meetings are held to advance solutions to the most critical challenges facing corporations today. This year, politicians and business leaders will meet to discuss and devise novel ideas which will help sustain and nurture development in the future. Throughout the four day event, talks and discussions are set to be held on topics such as sustainable development, modelling sustainable migration, blockchain, closing the gender gap, the digital future, embracing AI, youth employment, business as an agent of change, religion's role in business and many more. The event will gather an international roster of the world's most prominent leaders. Among the political leaders to attend are Peter Mutharika, President of Malawi, Armen Sarkissian, President of Armenia, Ulisses Correia e Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, Kristian Jensen, Minister of Finance of Denmark, HRH Prince El Hassan bin Talal of Jordan, and Mohamed ElBaradei, former Vice-President of Egypt and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, to name a few. Joining them will be a variety of CEO's and representatives of the world's most respected corporations, including Jose Manuel Barroso, Chairman of Goldman Sachs International, Nobuyuki Idei, CEO of Quantum Leaps Corporation, John D. Negroponte, Vice Chairman, McLarty Associates, and more. "At Horasis we recognise that identifying globally relevant issues and growth strategies require thought leadership and peer-to-peer networks," said Frank-Jurgen Richter, Chairman of Horasis. "With a number of leaders already confirmed I am excited to see how this year's collaborative efforts can inspire our future." 2018 Horasis Global Meeting is co-hosted by the Portuguese Government and the City of Cascais. The event will be held at the seaside resort of Cascais. "We welcome Horasis with the certainty of a well succeeded and enduring partnership. During the last couple of years we have proved not only that Horasis is one of the most distinguished discussion forums around the world, but also that Cascais is the best place to welcome it," said Carlos Carreiras, Mayor of Cascais. About Horasis Horasis: The Global Visions Community is an independent international organization dedicated to inspiring our future. Horasis hosts annual meetings to advance solutions to the most critical challenges facing corporations today. Flagship events include the annual Horasis Global Meeting as well as regional summits focusing on China, India, and South East Asia. For more information, visit: www.horasis.org View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005347/en/ Contacts: Horasis Dr. Frank-Jurgen Richter, +41 79 305 3110 Chairman visions@horasis.org MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/18/18 -- Bombardier is pleased to announce that it has delivered the first Challenger 650 aircraft converted into an air ambulance, to long-standing customer Swiss Air-Rescue Rega. The Swiss air ambulance service will take possession of two more Challenger 650 aircraft this year, replacing its earlier-generation Challenger 604 fleet. These robust, spacious and high-performing aircraft are being specially outfitted with intensive care units, representing the next generation of airborne medical evacuation. "It is incredibly rewarding for us that Bombardier jets help save so many lives while in service with Rega, and we are thrilled that they will continue to do so for many years to come," said David Coleal, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. "The Challenger 650 aircraft is an ideal air ambulance vehicle, with the reliability needed when emergencies arise and a smooth ride that is essential when delivering in-flight medical care." Swiss Air-Rescue Rega, a non-profit foundation and one of the world's pioneers in aeromedical evacuation, carries out air-rescue operations in Switzerland with a fleet of 17 rescue helicopters and repatriates patients from abroad with three ambulance jets. A long-standing Bombardier customer, Rega acquired its first Challenger aircraft in 1982 and has operated Challenger aircraft ever since. The Challenger 650 aircraft combines the tried-and-true performance upon which Rega has depended for decades, with the enhancements and technology to be the life-saving fleet of a new generation. Its higher-thrust engines allow for a shorter take-off distance, and the Bombardier Vision flight deck reduces pilot workload. The Challenger 650 aircraft offers a quieter cabin and a smooth ride, for the comfort of both patients and crew, as well as an impressive range of 4,000 nautical miles. Bombardier delivered the first of three Challenger 650 aircraft to Rega on April 9 during a ceremony in Peterborough, Canada. It was an occasion for representatives from Bombardier and Rega to mark their longstanding business relationship, as well as their friendship. "Bombardier's Challenger aircraft have more than proven their ability to carry out critical missions over the years," said Ernst Kohler, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Management Board of Rega, which will take possession of two more Challenger 650 aircraft in 2018. "With these three new, high-performing air ambulances we are ensuring that Rega can continue to provide reliable and professional assistance to patients all over the world throughout the next 15 years." The Challenger 650 aircraft, a member of the world's best-selling large business aircraft series, has the versatility to carry out various special missions. It features the highest wing loading of any aircraft it its class, providing an exceptionally smooth ride that benefits passengers, minimizes pilot fatigue and extends the life of mission equipment. Pilots benefit from both Enhanced and Synthetic Vision thanks to the Bombardier Vision flight deck, as well as the unmatched capabilities of the industry-leading MultiScan weather radar. Bombardier boasts more than 1,000 specialized aircraft in service around the world. From its Learjet, Challenger and Global fleet of business aircraft to its versatile Q400 multi-role aircraft, Bombardier offers a wide variety of platforms for government missions, from surveillance and reconnaissance to medical evacuations or VIP transport. About Bombardier With over 69,500 employees across four business segments, Bombardier is a global leader in the transportation industry, creating innovative and game-changing planes and trains. Our products and services provide world-class transportation experiences that set new standards in passenger comfort, energy efficiency, reliability and safety. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, Bombardier has production and engineering sites in 28 countries across the segments of Transportation, Business Aircraft, Commercial Aircraft and Aerostructures and Engineering Services. Bombardier shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD). In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, Bombardier posted revenues of $16.2 billion US. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier. Notes to Editors To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section. Bombardier, Bombardier Vision and Challenger 650 are trademarks of Bombardier Inc. or its subsidiaries. Contacts: Mark Masluch Bombardier Business Aircraft + 1 514-855-7167 PARIS (dpa-AFX) - Getlink, formerly Groupe Eurotunnel SE (GETS.L), reported that its first-quarter consolidated revenue for the Group were 241.4 million euros, an increase of 5% at a constant exchange rate. At 211.7 million euros, revenues for the Fixed Link showed an increase of 6% for the first quarter of 2018. Revenues from the Shuttle business were 138.3 million euros, an increase of 7% compared to the same period last year, largely due to an increase in yield. Revenue from the Railway Network grew by 3%, largely due to the increase in Eurostar traffic. This underlying trend should continue through the rest of the year with the opening, on 4 April; of the direct London to Amsterdam service. Jacques Gounon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Group, said, 'For the first quarter of 2018, the Group has again published excellent results, with another record first quarter. The growth on both sides of the Channel and progress made in the Brexit negotiations allow us to forecast EBITDA of more than 735 million in 2022.' 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. IRVING (dpa-AFX) - Two Colorado counties and the City of Boulder have filed a lawsuit against Canada-based Suncor Energy Inc. (SU.TO, SU) and U.S. giant Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) for the 'substantial role' they played in causing and contributing to climate change-related damage to their communities. The communities of Boulder County, San Miguel County and the City of Boulder filed the lawsuit in a U.S. district court in the State of Colorado, seeking monetary compensation for past and future damages as well as costs to mitigate the impact of climate change. The 1,300-square-mile San Miguel County lies in southwest Colorado on the western slopes of the Rocky Mountains and has an estimated population of about 8,000. Nearly a third of the county's residents live in Telluride, a well-known ski resort town. The City of Boulder, lies at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 25 miles northwest of Denver. It is the county seat of the 750-square-mile Boulder County and also home to nearly a third of the county's 319,000 residents. The plaintiffs alleged that the actions of Suncor and Exxon Mobil have altered the climate in Colorado, noting that the climate change as brought heat waves, wildfires, droughts and floods to the State. They want the two oil giants to help remediate the nuisance caused by their 'intentional, reckless and negligent conduct', specifically by paying their share of the plaintiffs' abatement costs. The plaintiffs also said that each community has launched initiatives to curb carbon emissions and adapt to a changing climate. They added that while they have also taken substantial steps to prevent climate change, they are still being harmed by its impact on their property and residents. According to the plaintiffs, Suncor's operations in Colorado emitted about one million metric tons of greenhouse gases or GHGs in 2016 alone. Further, they alleged that Suncor and Exxon Mobil spent decades selling fossil fuels without disclosing the dangers that continued fossil fuel over-use posed. Several U.S. municipal governments including New York and San Francisco have also filed similar lawsuits against other oil companies for allegedly contributing to global warming and injuring their communities. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de ZURICH-SCHLIEREN, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2018 / At today's Annual General Meeting of Molecular Partners AG (SIX: MOLN), the shareholders of the company approved all motions proposed by the Board of Directors with a large majority and elected William (Bill) Burns as new Chairman of the Board. At today's Annual General Meeting of Molecular Partners AG, Bill Burns was elected new Chairman of the Board of the company. Bill held various executive positions at Roche for 28 years, culminating in his nomination to the position of CEO of Roche Pharmaceuticals and board seats at Roche, Genentech and Chugai Pharmaceuticals. The company will benefit from Bill's vast experience in the development and commercialization of drugs, particularly in oncology, and extensive knowledge of pharmaceutical industry operations. Bill Burns commented, 'I thank our shareholders for their trust. Together with my colleagues of the Board of Directors we maximize all efforts and look ahead on a continuation of the progress of the company's pipeline which we were able to witness already during the first quarter of 2018.' Bill Burns, Goran Ando, Gwen Fyfe, Steven H. Holtzman, William A. Lee, Petri Vainio and Patrick Amstutz were re-elected as members of the Board of Directors. The shareholders also elected the three proposed members of the Nomination and Compensation Committee - Bill Burns, Goran Ando and William A. Lee. Further, the shareholders of Molecular Partners AG approved the annual report and the annual financial statements for the financial year 2017, the appropriation of the 2017 results, as well as the compensation report (in a consultative vote). The Board of Directors and the Management Board were granted discharge for the financial year 2017. The shareholders of the company renewed the authorization of the Board of Directors of Molecular Partners AG to increase the share capital of the company within a period of two years and also approved all proposals regarding compensation, including the proposed respective compensation amounts for the Board of Directors and the Management Board. Financial Calendar April 26, 2018 - Q1 2018 Management Statement August 30, 2018 - Publication of 2018 Half-year Results November 01, 2018 - Q3 2018 Management Statement http://investors.molecularpartners.com/financial-calendar-and-events/ About the DARPin Difference DARPin therapeutics are a new class of protein therapeutics opening an extra dimension of multi-specificity and multi-functionality. DARPin candidates are potent, specific, safe and very versatile. They can engage more than five targets at once, offering potential benefits over those offered by conventional monoclonal antibodies or other currently available protein therapeutics. The DARPin technology is a fast and cost-effective drug discovery engine, producing drug candidates with ideal properties for development and very high production yields. With their good safety profile, low immunogenicity and long half-life in the bloodstream and the eye, DARPin therapies have the potential to advance modern medicine and significantly improve the treatment of serious diseases, including cancer and sight-threatening disorders. Molecular Partners is partnering with Allergan to advance clinical programs in ophthalmology and is advancing a proprietary pipeline of DARPin drug candidates in oncology. The most advanced global product candidate is abicipar, a molecule currently in phase 3, in partnership with Allergan. Several DARPin molecules for various ophthalmic indications are also in development. The most advanced systemic DARPin molecule, MP0250, is in phase 2 clinical development for the treatment of solid tumors and hematological tumors. MP0274, the second-most advanced DARPin drug candidate in oncology, has broad anti-HER activity; it inhibits HER1, HER2, and HER3-mediated downstream signaling via Her2, leading to induction of apoptosis. MP0274 is currently in phase 1. Molecular Partners is also advancing a growing preclinical pipeline that features several immuno-oncological development programs. DARPin is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG. About Molecular Partners AG Molecular Partners AG is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company that is developing a new class of therapies known as DARPin therapies. With a management team that includes many of the founding scientists, the company continues to attract talented individuals who share the passion to develop breakthrough medicines for serious diseases. Molecular Partners has compounds in various stages of clinical and preclinical development and several more in the research stage, with a current focus on ophthalmology and oncology. The company establishes research and development partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies and is backed by established biotech investors. For more information regarding Molecular Partners AG, go to www.molecularpartners.com. For further details, please contact: Dr. Patrick Amstutz, CEO patrick.amstutz@molecularpartners.com Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00 Andreas.Emmenegger, CFO andreas.emmenegger@molecularpartners.com Tel: +41 (0) 44 755 77 00 Rolf Schlapfer Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Counselors rolf.schlaepfer@konsulenten.ch Tel: +41 (0) 43 344 42 42 Susan A. Noonan S.A. Noonan Communications, LLC susan@sanoonan.com Tel: +1 212 966 3650 * DARPin is a registered trademark owned by Molecular Partners AG Disclaimer This communication does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for or purchase any securities of Molecular Partners AG. This publication may contain certain forward-looking statements and assessments or intentions concerning the company and its business. Such statements involve certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of the company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Readers should therefore not place reliance on these statements, particularly not in connection with any contract or investment decision. The company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements, assessments or intentions. SOURCE: Molecular Partners AG Solid +8% increase in Product sales (+17% at constant currency) Substantial +32% increase in Service sales (+40% at constant currency) Buoyant growth at constant currency in all three strategic countries: China (+84%), United States (+20%) and France (+8%) Regulatory News: SuperSonic Imagine (Paris:SSI) (Euronext: SSI, FR0010526814, PEA-PME eligible), the highly-innovative ultrasound company, today announces its revenue for the 1st quarter of 2018. Michele Lesieur, CEO and President of SuperSonic Imagine, comments: "SuperSonic Imagine continues to build its momentum with a very robust growth of 20% at constant currency over the first quarter of 2018. I would like to emphasize China's fabulous performance, with growth of 84% at constant currency. I am delighted that the strengthening of our teams in the United States, which began at the end of 2017, is now bearing fruit, with that country seeing an upturn in growth (+20% at constant currency). France, our domestic market, remains dynamic with sales growth of +8%. These fine results show our ability to generate long-term revenue growth quarter after quarter and confirm that SuperSonic Imagine has begun a new expansion phase that will be intensified when we introduce our new platform in mid-2018 In thousands of euros 2018 2017 Change Products 4,213 3,908 +8% % of total revenue 84% 86% Services 817 619 +32% % of total revenue 16% 14% Q1 revenue 5,030 4,527 +11% Unaudited data Supersonic Imagine has continued its growth momentum with this 7th straight quarter of growth. During the first quarter of 2018, the Company generated revenue growth of +11% to 5.0 million compared with the first quarter of 2017. At constant currency, growth was 20% quarter on quarter. This momentum was a result of the solid performance of both Product and Service sales, which grew by +8% (+17% at constant currency) and +32% (+40% at constant currency) respectively. Service sales continued their expansion based on the solid continuous expansion of the installed base and accounted for 16% of quarterly revenue, versus 14% in Q1 2017. In it key markets, China, the United States and France, SuperSonic Imagine recorded growth of respectively +60% to 1.9 million (+84% at constant currency), +4% to 701 thousand (+20% at constant currency) and +8% to 786 thousand respectively, over the quarter. It should be noted that China is continuing to accelerate its growth, the scaling of the Sales Marketing teams in the United States initiated in Q4 2017 is beginning to bear fruit and France recorded a good quarter. Next financial press release: H1 2018 revenue, on July 18. About SuperSonic Imagine Founded in 2005 and based in Aix-en-Provence (France), Supersonic Imagine is a company that specialises in medical imaging. The company designs, develops and markets a revolutionary ultrasound platform, Aixplorer, which uses UltraFast technology that can acquire images around 200 times faster than conventional ultrasound systems. In addition to providing exceptional image quality, this unique technology is the foundation of several innovations which have changed the paradigm of ultrasound imaging: ShearWave Elastography (SWE), Angio PL.U.S Planewave UltraSensitive Imaging and, more recently, TriVu and Needle PL.US. ShearWave Elastography allows physicians to visualise and analyse the stiffness of tissue in real-time using a reliable, reproducible and non-invasive procedure. This is an important parameter in diagnosing potentially malignant lesions or other diseased tissue. As of today, over 300 publications have demonstrated the value of SWE in the care of patients with a wide range of diseases. The UltraFast Doppler combines colour flow imaging and pulsed wave Doppler into one simple test, providing physicians with the results of both simultaneously, therefore enhancing the efficiency. The latest innovation, Angio PL.U.S, provides a higher level of microvascular imaging through significantly improved colour sensitivity and spatial resolution, while maintaining exceptional 2D image quality. SuperSonic Imagine has been granted regulatory clearances for the commercialization of Aixplorer on the main markets. Since April 2014, the SuperSonic Imagine company has been listed on Euronext, symbol: SSI). View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005633/en/ Contacts: SuperSonic Imagine Marketing Communication Emmanuelle Vella, +33 4 86 79 03 27 emmanuelle.vella@supersonicimagine.com or FP2COM Florence Portejoie, +33 6 07 76 82 83 fportejoie@fp2com.fr or NewCap Investor Relations EU Pierre Laurent Julie Coulot +33 1 44 71 20 40 supersonicimagine@newcap.eu or Pascale Communications Media Relations US Amy Phillips, +1 412 327 9499 amy@pascalecommunications.com 18 April, 2018 U.S. Oil & Gas Plc. ("US Oil" or the "Company") Operations Update Highlights: Successful spudding of Eblana-3 well in Hot Creek Valley Nevada U.S. Oil & Gas Plc, ("USOIL" or the "Company"), the oil and gas exploration company with assets in Nevada, is pleased to announce that appraisal well Eblana-3 spudded in Hot Creek Valley, Nevada , at 13:30 PST on April 17th 2018, with drilling now underway. The well is designed to investigate reservoir and hydrocarbon characteristics and to prove up a portion of the Company's Contingent Resources to Proved Reserves. The well is situated updip of, and a 1,200 metre step-out from, the Company's discovery well Eblana-1, and is on the same structure. The well is located on Lease 87414, which is held and operated by US Oil's wholly owned subsidiary Major Oil Intl LLC. Major Oil holds approximately 88sq kms of contiguous leases in Hot Creek Valley. Eblana-3 is being drilled by Capstar Drilling's Rig 330 and is a vertical well. Capstar Drilling is an Oil States International company. Eblana-3 drilling and logging operations will run 24 hours. Drilling duration for Eblana-3 will be determined as operations proceed, as will final target depth. A minimum depth of 7,000ft is planned, although drilling may continue to the Palaeozoics. Total operations with the Capstar 330 rig are expected to be up to 45 days. Once Eblana-3 drilling is complete, well testing will be carried out. In the event of successful testing, the well may be completed and further testing performed. The Company will announce test results after the end of drilling, logging and preliminary testing operations. US Oil's view at this time is that the drilling of a second well, Eblana-6, will be decided upon in the light of results from Eblana-3 and the accrued costs at each stage. The Eblana-6 pad, surface conductor pipe, access ways and other services are already in place. The rig transport distance from the Eblana-3 pad to Eblana-6 is 1,400 metres. CEO Brian McDonnell said: "We are pleased to have commenced drilling operations at Eblana-3. On behalf of myself and the Board, I would like to thank our operations team and our drilling contractor Capstar Drilling for their efforts in achieving this milestone with exemplary efficiency. As with any well in a new basin, the drill carries risk, but we believe that our intensive programme of data collection and modeling has reduced that risk as far as is possible. We look forward to updating shareholders on drilling results in due course." FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The statements in this communication reflect the current thinking of the Board and the Company's present plans. The Company reserves the right to alter plans in the light of developing knowledge and circumstances. Shareholders' attention is drawn to the note below concerning Forward-looking Statements. This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information". Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: business plans and strategies of US Oil and Gas; operating or technical difficulties in connection with drilling or development activities; availability and costs associated with inputs and labour; drilling and exploration costs; the speculative nature of oil exploration and development; diminishing quantities or quality of reserves; synergies and financial impact of completed acquisitions; the benefits of the acquisitions and the development potential of properties of US Oil and Gas; the future price of oil; supply and demand for oil; the estimation of reserves; the realization of reserve estimates; costs of production and projections of costs; success of exploration activities; capital expenditure programs and the timing and method of financing thereof; the ability of US Oil and Gas to achieve drilling success consistent with management's expectations; net present values of future net revenues from reserves; expected levels of royalty rates, operating costs, general and administrative costs, costs of services and other costs and expenses; expectations regarding the ability to raise capital and to add to reserves through acquisitions, assessments of the value of acquisitions and exploration and development programs; geological, technical, drilling and processing problems; treatment under governmental regulatory regimes and tax laws. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements THE DIRECTORS OF THE COMPANY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CONTENTS OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT Neither this announcement nor the information contained herein constitutes an offer or solicitation by U.S. Oil and Gas Plc for the purchase or sale of any securities nor does it constitute a solicitation to any person in any jurisdiction where solicitation would be unlawful. For further information contact: Brian McDonnell, Chief Executive Officer +353 (1) 631 9022 About U.S. Oil & Gas: U.S. Oil & Gas plc is an oil and gas exploration company with a strategy to identify and acquire oil and gas assets in the early phase of the upstream life-cycle and mature them. The Company's main asset is in Nye County, Nevada where it holds the entire share capital of US-based company, Major Oil International LLC ("Major Oil"). Major Oil has acquired rights to exploration and development acreage in Hot Creek Valley, Nye County, adjacent to the oil and gas rich Railroad Valley area of Nevada, both of which are part of the Sevier Thrust of central Nevada and western Utah, USA. For further information please refer to our website at: www.usoil.us Ends Russian President Vladimir Putin is looking to dial down tensions with the US after Washington imposed sanctions on United Co.Rusal two weeks ago, in response to the Moscow's "malign activity" in multiple regions, and the launch of airstrikes last week against the chemicals weapon programme of Russian ally Bashar al Assad. The sanctions on Rusal, in particular, were proving quite problematic, with over 60,000 Russian workers now looking to Putin for a bailout, fearing their paychecks will not ... 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. ANN ARBOR, Michigan, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Xoran Technologies is proud to announce its release of its brand new MiniCAT 2020, a small, low-dose, cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanner specialized to assist physicians in the diagnosis of sinus disease. MiniCAT 2020 is the latest CT system added to the mix of Xoran's growing suite of specialized CT scanners for use by physicians at their patient's point-of-care. MiniCAT 2020 is a streamlined CT system designed for ENT and Allergy physicians who need a quick, affordable CT system in their office to diagnose sinus problems. "We found that ENT and Allergy practices were demanding a lower-cost CT solution for their offices," said Xoran CEO Misha Rakic. "Having diagnostic CT at each and every place a physician sees patients allows for faster diagnosis and increased patient compliance. In response, Xoran created the MiniCAT 2020, a sinus-optimized CBCT that is an affordable solution for our customers and has a larger field of view." In designing MiniCAT 2020, Xoran relied on feedback from its physician customers to develop a low-cost sinus CT system with the optional benefit of Xoran Service, which includes a Comprehensive Service Plan for the life of the system. "We took into account our customers' desire not only to have an affordable CBCT for their offices but also that they want the peace of mind of their MiniCATs covered under Xoran's white-glove Comprehensive Service Plan," said Xoran's Product Manager Russell Jahnke, who added that "over 90 percent of Xoran's ENT and Allergy customers buy extended-service contracts, and they have become accustomed to Xoran's excellent customer service, whether it is in our OEM-provided preventative maintenance that keeps our customers' systems in top shape or in our ability to monitor and perform remote diagnostics on systems in the field." All of Xoran's products are serviced by Xoran service technicians who are full-time CBCT experts providing on-site service as well as real-time phone support through Xoran's direct 800 number - 800-70-XORAN. In 2016, Xoran released MiniCAT IQ, a premium CT scanner with advanced imaging capabilities for scanning the sinuses, skull base and temporal bone - including the elaborate and tiny bones in the ear. The MiniCAT IQ supplements the performance and features of Xoran's original flagship scanner - MiniCAT. Also in 2017, Xoran released xCAT, a portable intraoperative CT scanner for surgeons that takes real-time CT scans during procedures. A fraction of both the size of conventional full-body CT scanners and the weight, the distinctive xCAT is incredibly compact, turns on a dime and can be easily maneuvered to the patient for updated images during treatment. With xCAT's ultra-small footprint, a patient can be scanned while in the OR and CT images imported quickly and seamlessly into the surgical navigation system. xCAT has applications in ENT, otology, minimally invasive cochlear implants, as well as cranio-maxillo-facial surgeries. With its most recent product release of MiniCAT 2020 this year, Xoran continues its quest to equip physicians with a suite of advanced imaging technologies that assist them in maximizing their efficiency in providing patient care and in fulfilling the company's mission: "Xoran makes the complex simple." With over 700 of its CT systems installed worldwide, Xoran is the pioneer and market leader in point-of-care medical CBCT systems since 2001. For more information, visit xorantech.com. 2018 Xoran Technologies LLC CONTACT Paul Dykstra, Marketing & Communications Manager 734-418-5168 800-70-XORAN info@xorantech.com Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 18, 2018) - Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. (CSE: ATT) (OTCQB: ATTBF) (the "Company" or "Abattis") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire (the "Acquisition") the remaining 10% ownership interest in its subsidiary, Gabriola Green Farms Inc. ("Gabriola"). "We are very happy to now own a 100% interest in Gabriola and integrate it as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abattis. We believe that Gabriola's anticipated LP will complete our suite of downstream offerings and be the highlight of our growth into a full service cannabis company," stated Rob Abenante, Abattis President and CEO. Abattis will acquire the remaining 10% ownership interest in Gabriola from CannaNUMUS Blockchain Inc. for $2.5 million. Following completion of the Acquisition, Gabriola will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Gabriola is a British Columbia company that has applied for a license to produce under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR") on Gabriola Island, one of the gulf islands located in the Strait of Georgia off the coast of British Columbia. Gabriola Island has a consistent temperature and humidity level, which makes it well suited to greenhouse growing. Gabriola's production facilities are expected to be constructed in two phases: Phase 1 - Buildout of its 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, consistent with ACMPR standards. Phase 2 - Upon completion of the Phase 1 buildout, Gabriola will build out an expansion of approximately 20,000 square feet. About Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. Abattis is a life sciences and biotechnology company which aggregates, integrates, and invests in cannabis technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. The Company has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets. The Company is also seeking to acquire exclusive intellectual property rights to agricultural technologies to be employed in extraction and processing of botanical ingredients and compounds. The Company follows strict standard operating protocols and adheres to the applicable laws of Canada and foreign jurisdictions. For more information, visit the Company's website at: www.abattis.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP., "Rob Abenante" Robert Abenante, President & CEO For more information, please visit the Company's website at: www.abattis.com or www.northernvinelabs.com For inquiries, please contact the Company at (604) 674-8232 or at news@abattis.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "intends", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: the Acquisition and the expected completion thereof; Gabriola's LP application and the expected effect the LP, once received, will have on Abattis's business profile and offerings; Gabriola's plans for an approximately 26,000 square foot production facility, including respecting the two expected phases of such buildout. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including: that the Acquisition will not complete; that Gabriola's application for an LP will be unsuccessful; that, once received, the effect of Gabriola's LP on Abattis's business profile and offerings will not be as expected; that Gabriola's construction plans will not come to fruition or will not be carried out as expected; that the Company will not be able to execute its proposed business plan in the time required or at all due to regulatory, financial or other issues; that the Company's competitors may develop competing technologies; changes in regulatory requirements; and other factors beyond the Company's control. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements are made as at the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, where because of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Gold futures rose to their highest in a week Wednesday, as wobbly stocks preserved the precious metal's safe have appeal. June gold settled at $1,353.50/oz, up $4, or 0.3%, the highest since April 11. This was before the 2 pm ET release of the Federal Reserve's Beige Book. Business owners are getting nervous about a possible trade war with China, according to the Beige Book. 'Outlooks remained positive, but contacts in various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation expressed concern about the newly imposed and/or proposed tariffs,' the Beige Book read. New York Fed President William Dudley is scheduled to speak about the U.S. economic outlook and the implications for monetary policy at an event at Lehman College in New York at 3:15 pm ET. At 4:15 pm ET, Fed Vice Chairman for Supervision Randal Quarles is due to speak on 'Navigating New Opportunities: Transatlantic Regulatory Reform' at the Bretton Woods Committee 2018 Annual Meeting in Washington. Nickel prices surged to the highest in three years amid concerns about sanctions on Russia, the top producer of the metal. 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. NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2018 / Pomerantz LLP announces that a class action lawsuit has been filed against Cemex, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Cemex" or the "Company") (NYSE: CX) and certain of its officers. The class action, filed in United States District Court, Southern District of New York, and docketed under 18-cv-02352, is on behalf of a class consisting of investors who purchased or otherwise acquired Cemex American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") between August 14, 2014 and March 13, 2018, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). Plaintiff seeks to recover compensable damages caused by Defendants' violations of the federal securities laws and to pursue remedies under Sections 10(b) and 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") and Rule 10b-5 promulgated thereunder. If you are a shareholder who purchased Cemex ADRs between August 14, 2014, and March 13, 2018, both dates inclusive, you have until May 15, 2018, to ask the Court to appoint you as Lead Plaintiff for the class. A copy of the Complaint can be obtained at www.pomerantzlaw.com. To discuss this action, contact Robert S. Willoughby at rswilloughby@pomlaw.com or 888.476.6529 (or 888.4-POMLAW), toll-free, Ext. 9980. Those who inquire by e-mail are encouraged to include their mailing address, telephone number, and the number of shares purchased. [Click here to join this class action] Cemex is a global building materials company that produces, distributes, and markets cement, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, and related building materials. Cemex operates throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The Complaint alleges that throughout the Class Period, Defendants made materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company's business, operational and compliance policies. Specifically, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) Cemex executives had engaged in an unlawful bribery scheme in connection with the Company's business dealings in Colombia; (ii) discovery of the foregoing conduct would likely subject the Company to heightened regulatory scrutiny and potential criminal sanctions; (iii) the Company lacked adequate internal controls over financial reporting; and (iv) as a result, Cemex's public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On September 23, 2016, post-market, Cemex disclosed the Company's dismissal of two senior executives after an internal probe found that payments worth $20 million relating to a land deal in Colombia had breached company protocols. On this news, Cemex's American depositary receipt ("ADR") price fell $0.17, or 2.28%, to close at $7.26 on September 26, 2016. On December 9, 2016, Cemex disclosed receipt of a subpoena from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission seeking information about irregular payments made at the Company's Colombia unit. Then, on March 14, 2018, Cemex disclosed that the U.S. Department of Justice is investigating the Company over payments made by the Company related to a cement plant it is building in Colombia to determine whether any violations of federal bribery laws occurred. On this news, Cemex's ADR price fell $0.12, or 1.64%, to close at $7.21 on March 14, 2018. The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Paris, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com. Pomerantz LLP WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump's nominee to head the National Aeronautics and Space Administration narrowly cleared a procedural hurdle in the Senate on Wednesday. The Senate voted 50 to 48 in favor of a motion cutting off debate on Congressman James Bridenstine's, R-Okla., nomination as NASA Administrator. The chamber was deadlocked 49 to 49 until Republican Senator Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., decided to change his vote to advance the nomination. Vice President Mike Pence would typically be called on to break the tie but is currently at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Senators John McCain, R-Ariz., who is recovering from an intestinal infection, and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., who recently had a baby, were absent. The vote came down strictly along party lines, with Democrats raising concerns about Bridenstine's qualifications to lead the space agency. 'The NASA administrator should be a consummate space professional, that's what this senator wants,' said Senator Bill Nelson, D-Fla., a former astronaut. He added, 'That space professional ought to be technically and scientifically competent, and a skilled executive.' Democrats have also complained about Bridenstine's views on climate change, although he is expected to be confirmed in a final vote on Thursday. 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. CARLSBAD, CA / ACCESSWIRE / April 18, 2018 / Patriot Scientific Corporation (OTC PINK: PTSC) today announced that its Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on June 1, 2018. The meeting will be conducted in a virtual format and broadcast via web streaming. Additional details regarding the meeting are available in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement as filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. About Patriot Scientific Corporation Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Patriot Scientific Corporation is the co-owner of the Moore Microprocessor Patent Portfolio. For more information on PTSC, visit www.ptsc.com. About the MMP Portfolio The MMP Portfolio includes US patents as well as their European and Japanese counterparts for techniques that enable higher performance and lower cost designs essential to consumer and commercial digital systems ranging from PCs, cell phones and portable music players to communications infrastructure, medical equipment and automobiles. Safe Harbor Statement: Statements herein which are not purely historical, including statements regarding Patriot Scientific Corporation's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risks and uncertainties relating to the future of our MMP joint-venture and the licensing and litigation strategies employed by the joint venture. It is important to note that the company's actual results could differ materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties associated with the effect of changing economic conditions, trends in the products markets, variations in the company's cash flow, market acceptance risks, patent litigation, technical development risks, and seasonality. Our business could be affected by a number of other factors, including the risk factors listed from time to time in the company's SEC reports including, but not limited to, the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the periods ended February 28, 2018, and the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended May 31, 2017. The company cautions investors not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained herein. Patriot Scientific Corporation disclaims any obligation, and does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements made herein. Contact: Patriot Scientific 760-795-8517 SOURCE: Patriot Scientific Corporation Aula, a London, UK-based startup that has worked with students and educators at universities to develop a communication platform for education, closed $4.2M in seed funding. The round was led by Project A, Brighteye Ventures, and Sunstone with participation from existing investors including Nordic Makers. The company intends to use the funds to invest in building the case for a digital campus with existing partner institutions, to find new partner institutions, and to build integrations with the Aula platform. Founded at the University of Oxford in 2016 by Anders Krohn, Adrian Franklin and Oliver Nicolini, Aula is a communication platform built for education that aims to replace emails and learning management systems (e.g. Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard, D2L) with digital infrastructure designed to encourage interaction and engagement. The institutional version of Aula was launched in September 2017 and early adopter universities include Ravensbourne, the University of Nottingham, the Royal College of Art and the University of Derby. The new investors will be joining the investors in Aulas pre-seed round in January 2017, which included the edtech investor Emerge Education and was led by Nordic Makers. Following the round, European angel investor Hampus Jakobsson, Anton Waitz (Project A), Professor Rose Luckin (University College London and founder of Educate), Christian Jepsen (Sunstone), and Alex Spiro (Brighteye Ventures) will be joining the Aula board. FinSMEs 18/04/2018 Hulin Health, a Lafayette, La.-based provider of urgent care services in Louisiana and the broader Gulf Coast region, received an investment from Shore Capital Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on the healthcare industry. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. Founded in 2011, by CEO Clayt Hulin, Hulin Health provides services including treatment of fractures / lacerations, basic lab work, occupational health, infection treatment, gynecological testing, x-rays and travel vaccines. The company operates three urgent care centers in Louisiana and plans to open four to six additional clinics in 2018 throughout the state. Potential new markets include Lafayette, Iberia, Eunice, Opelousas, Lake Charles and Sulphur. In conjunction with Shores investment, Cameron Perkins, an experienced urgent care operator and founder of FastMed Urgent Care; David Stern, former partner of Physicians Immediate Care and founder of Practice Velocity; Paul Rutledge, former president of HCAs 61-hospital Center Group; Dino Eliopoulos, former CFO of MedExpress and current CEO of Behavioral Innovations; and Joe Matarese, founder and CEO of Medicus Healthcare Solutions, joined the Board of Directors. The investment in Hulin Health is from Shore Capital Partners Fund II, L.P., a $190 million investment vehicle raised in April 2017. FinSMEs 18/04/2018 Saviynt, a San Francisco, CA-based global provider of Identity Governance and Administration (IGA) solutions, raised $40m in Series A financing. Carrick Capital Partners made the investment. As part of its investment, Carrick Managing Director Paul Zolfaghari will be joining Saviynts board of directors. The company intends to use the funds to expand U.S. and international field operations, further build out its ecosystem of technology and system integration partners, accelerate delivery product roadmap of advancements and extend customer service and support functions. Led by Amit Saha, CEO, Saviynt provides Cloud Security and Identity Governance solutions enabling enterprises to secure applications, data and infrastructure in a single platform for Cloud (Office 365, AWS, Salesforce, Workday) and Enterprise (SAP, Oracle EBS). The company currently has 200 employees. FinSMEs 18/04/2018 Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, hanger on of academia, parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me. FOCUS ON DEFENSE CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND OCEANIA . . . , , . . ... Samsung Galaxy S9 was just announced, and we are starting to hear first-hand details about the Galaxy S10 which will be coming only in 2019. While foldable phones are slowly making their way, Samsung seems to be taking it slow with foldable phones. Yes, the Galaxy S10 and the S10+ will retain the same old Infinity display just like the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S8 according to a report. Samsung seems to be keeping the foldable phone separate from its primary flagship lineup, as the foldable phones will have completely different user experience for consumers. Samsung made it clear that it will only launch the foldable phone once the company is confident of delivering the best user experience and wont be a gimmick and will only be launched. It is also learned that Samsung has finalized the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10+ display specifications and shared them with Samsung Display. Like the S9, S9+, the S10 duo will also have 5.8-inch and 6.3-inch displays, respectively. However, it is not unclear if the authenticity of the report is based on factual information or just an assumption from the publications sources. It is also said to feature an under-display fingerprint sensor, and it might very well happen considering in-display fingerprint technology is bound to be ready for prime time by the time the Galaxy S9 successor comes to market. Furthermore, Samsung is also said to be working on a 3D camera with Israeli startup Mantis Vision, although the camera module supplier is now mentioned as Woodgate and not Namuga. Since most of the information obtained is based on assumptions and educated guesses, we will have to wait for some more time to know more about the upcoming Galaxy S-flagships. Source | Via Microsoft today has launched the Windows Defender antivirus scanner for Chrome. It is a Chrome extension that includes a list of malicious URLs that will be blocked in Chrome. If the malicious link matches one on the list, Windows Defender Browser Protection will show a red warning screen letting you know that the web page you are about to visit is known to be harmful, giving you a clear path back to safety with one click. The main goal of this extension is to block malware from entering into PCs from malicious sites and prevent phishing emails from being successful. Google already provides its own security protections against malicious links within Chrome. While the Microsofts extension acts as an extra layer of protection. The company claims that its Windows Defender protection against phishing is 99% efficient, compared to 70% for Firefox. It is a welcome addition to any case if you are overprotective. The Microsofts Windows Defender antivirus scanner for Chrome is free to download and you can download it from the Chrome Web Store. Via By continuing to browse our site you agree to our Privacy & Cookie Policy. > Privacy & Cookie Policy I Agree The cut-throat nature of crab fishing reared its ugly head in the second episode of The Deadliest Catch, Season 14. With captains still trying to figure out where the odd weather has migrated the crabs, loyalties were tested. Last weeks episode ended with Captain Keith confiding his sweet spot to Captain Jake Anderson. While Keith spot is good, its nothing compared to Andersons former mentor, and current rival, Captain Sig Hansen. The Northwestern was raking in pots with an average of 85 crabs, but Hansen got worried that the rest of the fleet was closing in. In one of the boldest choices on the Bering Sea to date, Hansen pulled his pots and moved further west, where he believed the crab to be headed. Along the way, he passed by Andersons vessel, but the captain didnt respond on the radio. The novice captain was too busy following marching orders from Captain Keith, who was a no-show at their rendezvous point. With his pots out of the water for roughly twelve hours, Anderson began to think that Keith and Hansen pulled a fast one on him. However, when Keith arrived and passed him coordinates in code, things started to take shape. Keith was initially confident that he could use Andersons inexperience to his advantage and get him to fish with him to scare off the rest of the fleet. However, when his new partner didnt even recognize coded coordinates, Keith had doubts. Were talking crab fishing one Not even 101, he jokes. Fortunately, once things stop getting lost in translation, the two vessels were able to go about their business. Meanwhile, upon seeing Andersons location, Hansen put it together that hes getting help from Keith. He called his fellow veteran captain on the radio, but Keith denies helping his former protege. It seems that theres no room for complete honesty in the competitive early fishing days. With Anderson and Keith in the way of his new location, Hansen started to worry that his choice to pack up and move elsewhere may have been in error. This feeling is compounded when he pulled his pots from the new spot to find that his take had gone from collecting an average of 85 crabs per pot, to pulling zero. His new spot has nothing but baby crabs that theyre required by law to throw back. Meanwhile, Anderson casted his pots for 16 hours in Keiths super-secret hotspot only to run into the same problem as Hansen. Hes got nothing but babies. Reasonably upset, he calls Keith looking for answers. Hes told that 16 hours isnt enough to soak, and he needed to wait at least 36 hours. He obliges, but he cant shake that nasty feeling that hes being tricked. Fortunately, the play works and he finds himself finally raking in crab by the numbers he needs, all thanks to Keith. While thats going on, Hansen was dealing with an increasingly unruly crew, who demand answers for his decision to leave a lucrative fishing spot just because he didnt want to fish with other captains. If he doesnt find something to do soon, the veteran captain will run the risk of getting outplayed by his rival for the year, Anderson. As Jeff Zuckers network continues to focus on adult film stars and lurid claims about President Trump's alleged activities in a Moscow hotel room, James Comey's book tour offered up a new opportunity to fantasize about a scatalogical pornographic video that probably does not exist. The infamous, unverified dossier generated by Hillary Clinton's campaign -- and used by the Obama Department of Justice to obtain a warrant to spy on Trump's campaign -- mentions without substantiation that Trump watched as prostitutes urinated on one another. The outrageous claim wasnt taken seriously by most legitimate media organizations until Comey gave the unproven claim new life by mentioning it in an interview with ABC News George Stephanopoulos. CNN mentioned the "pee tape" 77 times in a five-day span from April 12-16, according to the Media Research Center. The MRC also pointed out that CNN routinely aired clips of Comeys tale to Stephanopoulos, resulting in 28 mentions of the vulgar story. "I honestly never thought these words would come out of my mouth, but I don't know whether the current president of the United States was with prostitutes peeing on each other in Moscow in 2013, Comey told Disney-owned ABC News. Trump has repeatedly said hes a germaphobe grossed out by the accusation, but that didnt stop CNN from retelling the story 48 times on April 13 alone, an average of twice per hour, according to MRC. For the purpose of this study, a mention was defined as any allusion to the most graphic aspect of the rumor, MRCs Bill DAgostino wrote. Thus a clip in which James Comey merely mentioned Russian prostitutes would not have factored into the study. Rather, analysts looked only for phrases such as prostitutes urinating on each other, the pee tape, and, of course, golden showers. Psychotherapist and author Jonathan Alpert told Fox News that CNN is simply chasing a story, but wonders if network brass has some sort of obsession related to the lewd details. Whether this is driven by fact or hope, prioritizing urophilia -- better known as golden showers and watersports -- over hard news stories seems to be an effort to find a gotcha moment. One could argue that being fascinated by someone else's fascination with golden showers is in itself a fetish -- a fetish by proxy, Alpert said. But like all relationships between news organizations and presidents, some are strained and others are conciliatory, so this is par for the course. The MRC recently conducted another study to cover CNNs bizarre obsession with toilet language, which found that the network used the uncensored version of the term sthole a whopping 195 times in a single day. Zucker, the president of CNN Worldwide, has been slammed for turning the network into an anti-Trump channel that focuses on repulsive, unproven stories in an attempt to tarnish the president. Respected DePauw University professor Jeffrey McCall recently accused CNN of doubling down on sexual escapades by chatting up Playboy playmate Karen McDougal and porn actress Stormy Daniels. CNNs warped obsession with reporting about supposed adultery demonstrates a larger problem at the once-proud and groundbreaking channel, McCall wrote. The result of Zuckers strategy has been a president of the United States who often refers to CNN as fake news on a regular basis, while the network regularly loses to MSNBC when it comes to ratings. CNNs focus is not on news, but on distracting itself and the nations news consumers with peripheral and sensational gibberish that fails to enhance the national dialogue, McCall wrote. ABC News star Lara Spencers workload at Good Morning America is about to be significantly lightened. The morning show vet is reportedly furiously spinning the story to make it look like she's fine with her reduced role, while some ABC insiders don't care how the new development came about, they're just happy it's happening. Spencer is notoriously difficult to work with and screams at her producers daily, according to insiders. She is also said to have been enraged when her name was removed from the GMA cold open (the moment at the top of the show when an announcer reads the names of the shows hosts) and when publicity photos and advertisements for ABCs flagship morning show excluded her by featuring only Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and Michael Strahan in particular, one such poster on a bus stop outside ABC News Upper West Side offices. Yet while some staffers are all smiles about the news, others are in Spencers corner and see the move as a legit opportunity for her to focus on her expanding media brand. One ABC insider even felt the decision to exclude Spencer from the specific billboard was a heartless move by the network. They posted it right there so it would be in her face every day when she comes to work, the insider said. The ABC move could be the impetus that Spencer needed to refocus her priorities, as she also hosts HGTVs Flea Market Flip, and People magazine reported that she will concentrate on the lifestyle brand attached to the bargain-hunting program. Spencer is reportedly working on several other projects in addition to Flea Market Flip, which tapes several days per week. Spencer will now reportedly only co-host GMA three times per week, instead of appearing alongside Roberts, Stephanopoulos and Strahan on a daily basis. People magazine reported on Sunday that the decision was made by Spencer, saying she wants to focus on other opportunities related to her production company. An ABC spokesperson told Fox News it is complete nonsense that Spencer was upset about the promotional photos. But industry insiders told the New York Post that Spencers team leaked the story to give the appearance that she is in favor of the cut back. GMA" wants to trim down to focus on its three biggest stars. Among those cast aside are Spencer and her longtime rival, Amy Robach, a breast cancer survivor whose second husband is Andrew Shue, who played Billy Campbell on Melrose Place. Robach is expected to be named co-host of the declining ABC News magazine 20/20, replacing the highly compensated Elizabeth Vargas, who was pushed out due to cost-cutting, ABC insiders told Fox News. 'They posted it right there so it would be in her face every day when she comes to work' ABC insider on the 'GMA' poster outside the network HQ As for Spencer, the New York Post reported she is frantically trying to shift public perception when she is actually being quietly sidelined by the shows producers. Laras good at her job, an insider told the Post, but its not like the [ratings] are affected when shes not on [the show]. An ABC News spokesperson provided the following statement: This is ridiculous. She is the ultimate team player. Lara decided to cut back her hours on 'GMA' to focus on her production company. Page Six TVs Carlos Greer echoed the ABC spokesperson, saying on Tuesday that Spencer was a great mentor when they worked together. While Spencer and ABC brass bicker about who made the decision, rank and file staffers dont seem to care either way as long as it results in a better work environment amid what some call an utterly toxic atmosphere that also features infighting between Strahan and Roberts who are said not to speak to each other on the GMA set during commercial breaks. There is another side to me that is a stone-cold businesswoman, Spencer told TheWrap last year. It appears that some colleagues are aware of Spencers icy alter-ego. The GMA people are thrilled shes being pushed out. Shes a bully and a blamer, an ABC News insider told Fox News. Staff are relieved that Laras schedule is being cut back, an industry insider told the New York Post. She treats staff badly, she yells at people and she makes a lot of extra work for people. 'This is ridiculous. She is the ultimate team player. Lara decided to cut back her hours on 'GMA' to focus on her production company' ABC News rep The People feature also pointed to Spencers upcoming wedding as a reason to dial back her GMA appearances, as she is set to marry her tech entrepreneur boyfriend Rick McVey three years after her public divorce with former CNN reporter turned real estate agent David Haffenreffer the father of her two children -- became tabloid gossip. CBS The Talk took a shot at Spencer on Tuesday, tweeting that ABC staffers are reportedly happy about her reduced role and asking, Whats the worst workplace treatment youve ever witnessed? This is not the first time that rumors have swirled about Spencers on-set behavior. Back in 2014, Radar Online detailed cat fighting between Spencer and Robach. Among the gripes Amy has with Lara is that she shamelessly flirts with the male staff and guests. Its cringe-worthy, according to Amy, and she hates to see it, an insider told Radar Online. The gossip site also reported that Robach and Spencer were once forced by GMA brass to share a meal together in a calculated PR ploy after ABC went into crisis mode when rumors of the infighting hit tabloids. Meghan Markle was snapped, once again, by Prince Harry's side at another royal engagement. But her attendance at the royal event is said to be "unprecedented" for the still unmarried Markle. On Wednesday, the American actress accompanied Harry to meet with delegates of the Commonwealth Youth Forum, which Harry was recently named an ambassador. The soon-to-royal, who donned a white, pinstriped Altuzarra dress, accessorized with a black blazer and heels, stood by Harry's side as they spoke with young men and women from around the world about the future of the forum. According to People, after speaking with several event attendees, Markle said, Youre so energized. Youve got this umbrella to hold you together. Its incredible. So stay in touch, maximize it. During the event, the couple also spoke with a group of LGBT campaigners who they told they would continue to work with the LBGT community as advocates for LBGT rights. Both Prince Harry and Miss Markle said they would put LGBT issues at the front of their work," Jonah Chinga, an LGBT activist from Kenya said to reporters. Miss Markle said, and these were her exact words, that this is a basic human rights issue, not one about sexuality, Jacob Thomas, an Australian LBGT activist said. In addition to participating in today's Commonwealth forum event, Meghan is also slated to take part in another big event, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings Womens Empowerment reception, hosted by U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, according to People. But Markle's participation in these official royal engagements is not considered normal for someone who is not yet part of the royal family. In the weeks leading up to Kate Middleton's marriage to Prince William, Middleton did not attend or appear at any public outings with Queen Elizabeth. Markle's "unprecedented" appearances stem back to last month when the soon-to-be royal accompanied her fiance to the Commonwealth Day celebration at Westminster Abbey where she was seen out in public with the Queen and the rest of the royal family. Authorities in Los Angeles on Tuesday released a Colorado man accused of stalking pop star Taylor Swift outside her Beverly Hills home while wearing a mask and keeping a knife in his car. Julius Sandrock, 38, was arrested Saturday on suspicion of stalking, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. Swift wasnt at the home at the time. Aside from the knife, officers searching Sandrock's car found a rope, ammunition and more masks and gloves, according to a temporary restraining order obtained by police. Prescription medications, including oxycodone, also were found, the order said. Sandrock told arresting officers that he suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and manic episodes, according to the document. Police requested the restraining order after Sandrock told officers he owned three guns. The document, obtained by the New York Daily News, said Sandrock told police he owned a .22 caliber handgun, a 9mm handgun and a .380 caliber handgun. Sandrock also told officers he was on probation after a disorderly conduct and discharging a firearm conviction in Colorado. Sandrock had driven to Beverly Hills from his home in Broomfield, Colo. about 1,040 miles just to see Swift, the restraining order said. His arrest followed the April 8 arrest of a homeless man, Justin Lilly, 23, on suspicion of trespassing after he tried to climb a wall at the same property and ignored warnings by security guards to leave. Swift wasnt at the home then, either. Lilly was charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to three days in jail. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Texas bar has taken down a sign with a racial slur after being called out on social media by two angry patrons. Jims Rodeo Tavern in Fort Worth was displaying the controversial sign, which read Shut up N----- along with RIP Teresa Kidwell" and the date 1-5-16. The owner, James Emerson, told Dallas News it was in honor of Kidwell, a frequent customer who liked to use the phrase. THE REAL MEANING BEHIND STORMY DANIELS' NECKLACE "It was kind of a joke," Emerson said. "It was never indicative of anything racial." According to the outlet, Kidwell was a white woman. Jess Bunting and Owen McGrath, who run another bar in the area, posted photos of the disgusting sign to Facebook after noticing it while having drinks at the tavern. The two men said they couldnt believe what they saw and that it made them uncomfortable. For an establishment this day in age to have something like this displayed is taking a step back in time. First off I will never step foot in there again and encourage the same out of anyone else, Bunting wrote on Facebook. I was initially worried about posting this, but I need everyone to know that this is unacceptable, under any circumstancesThis is not something that can be condoned, its not something Im willing to stay quiet about either. This does not represent my city, McGrath added in a Facebook post. Emerson said the sign has been up for over two years, but Bunting told the Dallas News he never noticed it before. McGrath, who was at the bar for the first time, asked the bartender about it, but he shrugged it off. As a gay man, McGrath said he was afraid to start a confrontation for fear of harm or prejudice. "That's the only reason I didn't say anything in the moment," he said. "I don't want to put myself in that situation in case that's an issue," he told Dallas News. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Emerson said hes never received any complaints about the sign in the past and wishes Bunting and McGrath had brought up their issue with someone at the bar, rather than posting about it online. He believes it has to do with the fact that they have competing businesses, though McGrath denies the allegation. "This isn't a situation of us trying to mess with their business," he said. "This is a situation of us seeing something that we feel really strongly about, something that's wildly inappropriate to us." The parents of a 23-month-old boy in the U.K. have applied to take their case back to the supreme court after a judge denied their request for permission to transfer their son to a hospital in Rome. Tom Evans and his partner, Kate James, argue that their son Alfie has shown improvements in his health, and would benefit from treatment offered abroad. But on Monday, Britains Court of Appeal ruled against the parents, upholding a lower courts conclusion that flying the child to a hospital in Rome would be wrong and pointless. Alfie, of Liverpool, has been on life support at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital since Dec. 2016. Doctors have been unable to identify the degenerative neurological condition he is suffering from, with his health status described as being in a semi-vegetative state. Lower courts have previously ordered that his life support be withdrawn. MAN LEFT FACELESS FOR 2 MONTHS UNDERGOES SECOND TRANSPLANT AFTER FIRST DETERIORATES Following the latest ruling, protesters gathered outside the facility to chant Save Alfie Evans, prompting the couple to respond on their Facebook support page, Aflies Army Official. Can I ask that after tonight I would really appreciate if everyone has a break from the protesting please, Tom Evans wrote. Me and Kate are so so so grateful for all your time you have put into it and support we can not thank you enough. I will update you on where we go from here and if we get permission then that would be a good reason to demonstrate peacefully. A representative from the supreme court said Tuesday that the application would be referred to the president of the supreme court and two other members, The Guardian reported. The Colorado Springs Police Department has a new member: Joshua Salmoiraghi, a 4-year-old boy battling cancer. On Tuesday, Joshua was sworn in to the department in full uniform, the police department announced. The day was full of doughnuts and fun for Joshua, who was first diagnosed with stage four kidney cancer over Fathers Day weekend in June 2017. He was 3-years-old at the time. The citys fire department also came, allowing the boy to sit in a fire truck and spray the fire hose. People who don't know him are here for him, thats a huge blessing, Joshuas father, Joseph, told Fox News on Wednesday. He doesn't fully understand everything thats going on, but hes having the time of his life right now." After undergoing surgery to remove an 11-centimeter tumor from his left kidney, the young boy went through radiation and chemotherapy treatment. By December of last year, doctors determined Joshua to be in remission. But that changed in January after the 4-year-old's doctors found another tumor in his left lung. While the tumor was removed, Joshua will start a new six-month round of chemotherapy on Thursday at Aurora Childrens Hospital. This time, it is going to be much more harsh, much more aggressive, Joseph, a military veteran and pastor, said. It will be a trying time for all involved, the police department added, referring to Joshuas family, which includes his mother, Amanda, a major in the U.S. Air Force, and the 4-year-olds two older brothers, Benjamin and Timothy ages 10 and 7, respectively. The family recently moved to Colorado Springs from Los Angeles because Amanda was re-stationed. While the family had to leave a tight-knit community behind, Joseph said they have found an outpouring of support in their new home. "This was a wonderful welcome for us and kind of helped ease our fears about moving right before Joshua started treatment again," Amanda told Fox News, adding that she is "grateful to all the people who have gone out of their way to give Joshua special memories before he has to endure another round of treatment." It was Colorado Springs Police Officer Warren Listul who first heard Joshuas story; the officer and Joseph were recently chatting outside of a local Wingstop, and Listful was so moved he helped organize Tuesdays event for the boy. "Since [my wife] also has stage four [cancer], it struck a nerve with me, very personal," Listul told Fox21. I [initially] asked if [Joshua] could ride around in the police car for the day, but it turned into so much more than that, said Joseph, who added that the police departments kind gesture had been a shock. Members of the police department also chipped in to purchase a battery-powered motorcycle for Joshua. They plan on outfitting the bike with official Colorado Springs Police Department decals and Joshuas name. [As parents] the hardest part of making the decision [to continue treatment] is that its going to hurt him and cause him suffering and pain, Joseph said. But we have to put emotions aside because it's whats needed and necessary. As for the familys response to the support they've received, Joseph said we cry -- it has answered our prayers." next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 California firefighter Nick Reeder was by his wifes side on April 9, when she gave birth via scheduled C-section to their healthy twin girls. But shortly after, 37-year-old Amanda Sawyer told her husband she didnt feel well and passed out. She was pronounced dead less than an hour later, the Fresno Bee reported. Reeder is now mourning the wife he met four years ago online while also focusing on raising the five children left behind. The couple tied the knot in November after learning Sawyer was expecting twins, who are named Kelce and Kaia. The pregnancy was smooth, Reeder said, and their births went as planned, according to the Fresno Bee. PARENTS OF UK TODDLER ON LIFE SUPPORT APPEAL LATEST COURT RULING She bopped them on the nose and had a few special moments with them, he told the news outlet. He said the doctors and nurses tried everything they could to save his wife. She was my rock, the fire captain told the Fresno Bee. Now the community is rallying around Reeder and he tends to the couples children. A GoFundMe page has raised nearly $40,000, while his firehouse set up a meal train. I can get through it, he told ABC 30. I can do it. Im a fireman. I fix things. Thats what I do. So Im going to be able to make this happen. Im going to make this work, but its not going to be by myself. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! When Barbara Bush shared a draft of her memoir with her editor, she was told she was only allowed to use the words wonderful once a page, and precious once a chapter. The term close friends was also added to the list for limited use. How was it possible that someone could have so many close friends? Barbara Bush led a joyous life filled with the love of a precious family, the treasure of wonderful, close friends, a deep faith, and innumerable adventures and travels that took her all over our country and around the world. Her life is also defined by her example of committing to causes larger than yourself. Among the many causes she chose was literacy because she believed that if more people could read, write and comprehend we would be that much closer to solving so many problems plaguing our society. She believed lifes choices must bring one joy. To her, her most important decision was to marry George H.W. Bush. She loved that he made her laugh even through the tears. Their love affair has lasted 73 years the longest presidential marriage in U.S. history. As a wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother she was devoted to her family and as her son George W. Bush said, she taught us how to live, love, and laugh. Over the last several days, former colleagues from the White House years have been reminiscing about the lessons we all learned from Barbara Bush, too. One referred to her as a mother to all of us; another was reminded when, after days of him being on the 1988 campaign trail wrangling the press by having to kneel on pavement, Mrs. Bush looked at him at the end of that trip with a wry smile said it was time to get your suit cleaned while on a three-day break from travels. Her former East Wing projects director tells the story that in her first days as first lady, Barbara Bush told her staff that each day we should do something to help others. Barbara Bush didnt want to waste the great opportunity before her. Every event she did highlighted a need, helped encourage volunteerism, or focused on literacy. As longtime friend and White House aide Andy Card said, she motivated all of us to be better people. When my son was about to graduate high school two years ago and looking at colleges she offered him this invaluable advice over lunch: shoot high, dont use drugs, and dont lie. The latter, she said, ruined Richard Nixons reputation and hurt the presidency. Her interest in motivating us extended to our families. She was particularly interested in our love life, celebrated our marriages and the arrival of children. When I began seriously dating President Bushs former personal aide they were interested to see us together. They loved him and I wanted to make a good impression. The opportunity came in the form of an invitation to the State Dinner for the President of Brazil. Talk about no pressure. When we got engaged she wanted to see the ring. After we got married she invited us to a movie in the White House Theater. I dont remember the movie but I will never forget that evening. Reading the many notes she wrote to my husband and me over the years and looking through the photos we have with her and President Bush has provided solace and many laughs. Several of those photos are ones she took with her own little camera that she carried everywhere, later printing them out, adding a caption and sending them as keepsakes for the kids scrapbooks. When my son was about to graduate high school two years ago and looking at colleges she offered him this invaluable advice over lunch: shoot high, dont use drugs, and dont lie. The latter, she said, ruined Richard Nixons reputation and hurt the presidency. One event all of us on the White House staff especially the young women remember is when Mrs. Bush was invited to deliver the 1990 commencement address at Wellesley College. Students protested her selection because they felt Mrs. Bush had gained recognition through the achievements of her husband and not through her own merit. That Wellesley flap took on a life of its own. The networks carried the speech live and I watched it in my White House office. The build up added so much pressure but Mrs. Bush was confident with her speech and the lessons she wanted to share with the students. She started by responding to the backlash with her characteristic humor and wit. I know your first choice for today was Alice Walker, known for The Color Purple, instead you got me, known for the color of my hair. Laughter was exactly what was needed to cut through all that tension. Two months before the Wellesley commencement, the White House announced that Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev and his wife Raisa would be making a visit to Washington. The date presented a conflict with the graduation. In a deft diplomatic move, Mrs. Bush quietly invited Mrs. Gorbachev to accompany her and suggested that she, too, address the graduates. After nearly two months Mrs. Gorbachev finally responded. When it was announced, the press speculated that Mrs. Gorbachev had been invited so that Mrs. Bush could hide behind her skirts. The reality was Mrs. Bush believed that this was an opportunity for Mrs. Gorbachev, a Soviet university professor, to give her first speech in the U.S. at an American college campus and tell the graduates about women in her country. Barbara Bush fully appreciated that Wellesley had impressed upon these young women the importance of dedication and hard work to their career. She reminded them, though, they are human beings first and the most important investments they will make are the human connections. She went on to tell them that at the end of their life, one thing they will never regret was time not spent with a spouse, a friend, a child, a parent. Barbara Bush has deeply enriched the lives of her precious family, her many wonderful close friends, and the life of our country with wise counsel, a comforting word, humor, her characteristic candor and, yes, her tears and hugs. One of the treasured notes I have from her is a thank you for inviting her to participate in several of American Universitys Legacies of Americas First Ladies conferences. She was so humble about her own contributions and especially loved sharing the stage with her daughter-in-law Laura Bush. They hold a unique place in history having lived through each others experience as First Lady of the United States. I am so grateful to have have had a front row seat having worked for both of them and their husbands. Our country has lost one of its great citizens and we will miss her. The sadness we feel is enlivened by the words statesman Adlai Stevenson used during his eulogy at the United Nations in honor of another great first lady Eleanor Roosevelt she would rather light candles than curse the darkness and her glow had warmed the world. Rest in peace, Mrs. Bush. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Former first lady Barbara Bushs decision to not seek additional medical treatment and instead focus on comfort care shortly before her death Tuesday put a spotlight on a hard and painful question millions of Americans are confronted with every year: When is it the right time to back off from the most aggressive options of modern medical technology and treatment? My patients all want to know the right answer to this crucial question, but there is no right answer that applies to everyone. We are all different. The smartest doctors apply their guidance on a one-on-one basis. The right answer for some of us is the wrong answer for others. Is there a specific age or diagnosis that causes us to turn down the medical heat? No, there isnt. None of us carries expiration dates. There is no medical off switch set with an automatic timer. Mrs. Bush, who was 92 when she died, led an incredible life one of only two women in American history who has been both the wife and the mother of a president, the other being Abigail Adams. A pioneer on the issues of literacy and volunteerism, the former first lady at the end of her life led the way towards considering quality of life in terms other than simply brain function or pain from cancer. When do you conclude youve come to the end of your life? There are questions and more questions. How is your breathing? How many infections have you had in the past year? How many emergency trips to the hospital have you had to make? How uncomfortable are you on a daily or hourly basis? How would you rate the quality of your life? We are all mortal, destined to exit this world at some point. How hard do you want to fight, how much pain and discomfort do you want to endure, simply to go on for a few more days, weeks or months? This is as momentous a personal decision as any of us will ever face but it is also a decision that affects our society. More than a quarter of Medicare payments go to people in their last year of life. This is not to say that everyone over 90 years old should accept a lower level of care. My father is 94 years old, and though somewhat feeble, he still enjoys his life, can walk and is in no discomfort or pain. This is why when a failing heart valve threatened to kill him last year he opted for a new kind of pig valve, floated in through a catheter, which saved him. The price tag for my fathers surgery was $50,000, and Medicare covered it. The valve is expected to last 10 years, and so far my father is not wasting the new opportunity the valve has given him. But as technology continues to advance and become more and more expensive, it also becomes more and more relevant to ask whether the results are worth it. For my dad, they are. But the same isnt true for everyone. By contrast, my friends 96-year-old father-in-law recently became bed-bound and passed away from lack of eating and opioids for bone pain prescribed by hospice care. A prodigious bowler, he fought for his life as long as he could still make it out to the lanes. In his last years bowling became a yardstick for his quality of life and will to live. When he could no longer bowl or even walk, he resisted recurrent trips to and from the hospital and bowed out with dignity. This was his right. Barbara Bush answered the question of when to scale back care for herself in a courageous way that can help guide others in similar straits. Faced with recurrent hospitalizations over the past year and shortness of breath from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (chronic bronchitis, emphysema), and heart failure, she opted Sunday to choose comfort care instead. What is comfort care? Comfort care means Mrs. Bush likely tried to enjoy her remaining days at home as best as possible with food, oxygen and basic medicines rather than being rushed to a hospital emergency room, trying to postpone the inevitable. Barbara Bush lived a very valuable life. She was famous for putting the welfare of others including her family first. In her final days, she became a role model for knowing when to respond to the deteriorating quality of life by accepting impending death. This decision is especially important when it comes to chronic diseases like COPD and heart failure, where it is hard to know where to draw the line. We live in an era of heart and lung transplants, emergency stents and valve replacements. But over the age of 90, the body may deteriorate in ways that are no longer possible to reverse, despite the greatest medical advances. When it comes to cancer, the decisions are relatively straightforward: remove it surgically if possible, if not then treat with radiation or chemotherapy or consider the latest immunotherapies. Effective new diagnostic tools can tell us if cancer has spread and if we are losing the war or winning it. A decision can made by the patient, family and treating oncologist that the war has been lost. So comfort care is often reserved for patients with terminal cancer, a severe stroke, brain damage or another condition that dramatically lowers the quality of life. In fact, studies have shown that those with severe heart failure or COPD are often resistant to receiving comfort care. Barbara Bush showed us the way to a different approach an approach that is more spiritual and quality-based, and less about all-treatment-is-automatically-good no matter what. She lived her life with class and strength. She died the same way. We were all blessed to have her as our first lady. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! When I was young, little girls didnt really imagine they could grow up to be President of the United States, so instead we dreamed of being The First Lady. As I grew older, though, I eventually realized that role is not one you can aspire to or choose instead you choose a spouse and choose to share in their life path - wherever it takes you. And for a special group of ladies, that choice has taken them to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, to live in the White House. On November 4, 1991, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library was dedicated with great fanfare and I had the opportunity to interact with six of these remarkable women. Each so different in style and stature and presence, yet all sharing a very unique and special bond of having served in one of the most prominent and important roles, supporting and encouraging the President of the United States. Barbara Bush was the sitting First Lady at the time and was understandably in charge, though I have a feeling she was usually in charge of any situation she walked into. She carried herself with a confidence and a kindness that knew no strangers, and knew no barriers. (And yes, of course, she was wearing her signature pearls, just as she was every subsequent time I saw her!) As I looked into the eyes of each of these women - Barbara Bush, Nancy Reagan, Rosalynn Carter, Betty Ford, Pat Nixon and even Lady Bird Johnson I couldnt begin to imagine all they had seen and experienced and done and endured. From the height of celebration as victories were shared, to the depths of despair as tragedy struck or crisis emerged, each had remained a pillar of strength, not only to their husbands, but also to the nation. And each had risen to the occasion beautifully with poise and grace and an elegance Im sure even they never imagined they could summon Some may say Barbara Bush received a double dose of personality, and I mean that in the most endearing way. When she entered the room you knew it. Engaged and enthusiastic, talking to anyone and everyone and unafraid to voice her opinion, she was a warm and powerful presence. I dont know what each one of them had imagined their life would be or who they thought they would become yet Im fairly confident none of them imagined joining this elite sorority of women who helps shape the course of history. In fact, most first ladies probably never gave thought to a political life. Martha Washington married a surveyor. Melania Trump married a businessman. Nancy Reagan married an actor. Others have married lawyers, teachers, engineers, judges even a postmaster and a tailor. And Barbara Bush married a Naval Officer. Or so she thought. So perhaps being The First Lady of The United States of America, or FLOTUS for short, was something she couldnt have imagined then, yet she seemed perfectly suited for the role once she inherited it. First Ladies are not elected, nor are they paid, yet the expectations and demands placed upon them are enormous. They are the hostess of the White House, attend ceremonial and social events with the president and most importantly, are a companion and confidant for the President of the United States as he fulfills his formal duties. With so few guidelines, every First Lady has the opportunity to embrace the role with their own style and approach it with their unique skills, talents, background and personality. And personality is certainly something Barbara Bush brought to the role. Some may say she received a double dose of personality, and I mean that in the most endearing way. When she entered the room you knew it. Engaged and enthusiastic, talking to anyone and everyone and unafraid to voice her opinion, she was a warm and powerful presence. The next time I saw Barbara Bush was when she and President Bush came to visit President and Mrs. Reagan at the Reagans home in Bel Air. I always thought that was a very special gesture, since it would have been much simpler for the Reagans to visit the Bushes at their hotel. Moving the sitting President anywhere is logistically challenging, and doing so through the winding streets of Bel Air and up the long narrow driveway of the Reagans home with a presidential motorcade was quite a spectacle. With the whirr of the helicopters overhead and the screech of sirens heard in the distance, then quickly approaching, there was no doubt their arrival was imminent. The parade of cars pulled up the driveway as the Reagans exited their front door to welcome the Bushes. The four greeted each other warmly and enthusiastically, practically all talking simultaneously, as if needing to make up for lost time. There were smiles and hugs and an invitation to come inside while the multitude of security and staff lingered outside in the driveway and Secret Service navigated turning the motorcade around for departure, which proved to be quite a feat! While outside was organized chaos, inside was warm and comfortable, relaxed and gracious. Especially while in the midst of the Bush presidency, there was a comfort and a camaraderie that can only be found and understood by someone else who has been there. And the Reagans, early in their post-presidency years, were supportive and sympathetic, and clearly relieved to be on the other side of those exhilarating, but demanding years. Watching these two couples interact, casually, as friends, was so special. Mrs. Reagan used to love to perch on a little stool that pulled out from under the coffee table rather than sitting on the sofa or one of the stuffed side chairs. Deep in conversation, leaning in closely to Barbara Bush, I got the feeling that these two first ladies could solve any problem or overcome any obstacle that came their way. To think of all the people they had graciously hosted and entertained on behalf of the United States, from kings and queens to war heroes and everyday patriotic Americans and now to see them talking, laughing and catching up on life and just enjoying each others company was memorable indeed. Over my years of working with the Reagans I was blessed to see President and Mrs. Bush on numerous occasions, some sad and somber, like at the funeral for President Nixon, where once again the presidents and first ladies gathered to say goodbye to one of their own. Other times were much more celebratory, like when she welcomed President and Mrs. Reagan to the White House for President Reagan to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Bush. To witness Mrs. Bush as the true White House hostess was especially interesting to watch as the Reagans certainly didnt need a tour, but she made sure to point out Mrs. Reagans new official portrait hanging on the wall, knowing President Reagan especially would want to see it. This home they all had lived in that was already full of so many memories was now adding one more on this very special day. As the Reagans were departing, Barbara Bush stopped Ronald Reagan, still wearing his medal, and took him by both arms, looking admiringly up at him and told him how good he looked, how wonderful it was to see him, how happy she was to share in this special day and how proud she was to have had him honored in this well-deserved way. She then added an invitation to come visit her and George anytime. And by the look in her eyes you knew she meant it. Another time I saw Barbara Bush was up in President Reagans post presidency office. She and President Bush dropped by for a brief visit with President and Mrs. Reagan and as Barbara Bush walked into the office she looked at me, nearly nine months pregnant, and in her very straightforward Barbara Bush style walked right up to me and said, When are you due? I replied, In just a few weeks, to which she responded, I cant believe tiny pregnant people like you I was as big as a house. And with that she turned and followed her husband in to visit with the Reagans. Classic Barbara Bush opinionated, straightforward, didnt mince words. This type of authenticity that endeared her to people. It was 1996 and President Reagan had already announced to the world he had Alzheimers. That visit was a particularly difficult one as it was likely among one of their last with President Reagan. There was kindness and tenderness in the visit, but it was much more subdued than previous visits, the air full of the lingering reality of loss ahead. I saw the sadness in her eyes and in the eyes of her husband. She remained outwardly cheerful, yet hugged Mrs. Reagan extra tightly as she was leaving, looking deeply into her eyes, saying with her expressions all that she didnt want to say aloud in front of President Reagan. Yet Barbara Bush was not one to wallow in emotions, so as the two presidents were saying what may have been one final goodbye, she turned and lovingly grabbed her husbands hand, pulling him along, knowing he didnt want to leave. I can only imagine their conversation in the car as they left, Barbara once again providing comfort and support to her husband, as he would eventually face the personally sad and devastating loss of his dear friend, Ron. And thats how Ill remember Barbara Bush, a take charge, no nonsense lady whose curiosity for those around her was uninhibited, and her love for her husband was unlimited. She served our country with great passion and patriotism. And even raised a little boy to believe that he, too, could become President of the United States as well. She advanced the cause of literacy, knowing that through reading, the world becomes attainable. And knowing that through books some little girl somewhere, unlike me, could not only dream of becoming a First Lady, but could dream of becoming the President. Im sure that someday nothing would please this tireless symbol of poise and power more. Thank you Barbara Bush for your service to our great nation. You are remembered with admiration and celebration. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The cable bill was the last straw, says Kristin Tate. "That's the one that really made me mad." Comcast included $36 in charges for mysterious things like "utility tax" and "government access fee." That motivated her to research obscure taxes and put what she learned in a new book, "How Do I Tax Thee? A Field Guide to the Great American Rip-Off." Rip-off? Even limited government needs some taxes to fund basic functions. "Yes," says Tate. "But politicians are cowards. Instead of creating a tax, they magically create these little fees (so) they don't have to tell their voters they raised taxes." Voters don't often notice the sneaky taxes. Tuesday was "Tax Day." It was April 17 this year because April 15 fell on Sunday and Monday was Emancipation Day. But by calling April 17 "Tax Day," the media miss the big picture. Income taxes make up less than half the tax most of us pay. We also must pay payroll tax, corporate tax, gift tax, gambling tax, federal unemployment tax, gas tax, cable and telecom taxes, plane ticket tax, FCC subscriber line charges, car documentation fees, liquor and cigarette taxes, etc. People can't keep track. For my latest YouTube video, Tate asked people, "What's your tax rate?" Tourists in Times Square said that they thought they paid about 20 percent. But they left off the hotel taxes, airline taxes, etc., that push Americans' total tax load to almost 50 percent. When you pay those hidden taxes, you may assume they go toward useful things, but Tate knows her taxes pay for government waste. "Extreme inefficiencies, pensions that are to die for -- these amazing salaries that these public workers get that are just laughably above market." New York City's average subway worker makes $155,000 a year. Politicians suggest their extra taxes go, not to fund those big salaries and "pensions to-die-for," but to pay for the specific services for which the taxes are named. Tate says that's rarely true. "Cable bills and cellphone bills both have an 'Enhanced 911 Fee.' Consumers were told 911 fees were necessary to make upgrades to emergency communication needs. (But) after it was updated, instead of taking away the tax, it just stayed there." Chicago doubled cellphone fees to fund its Olympics bid. The Olympics rejected Chicago -- but the tax remained. Now Mayor Rahm Emanuel wants to raise it again. More. They always want more. "New York City has an eight-cent 'bagel-cutting tax,'" says Tate. For some reason, unsliced bagels are not taxed. California has a 33 percent tax on fruit bought through a vending machine. Maine imposes a one-and-a-half-cent per pound tax on blueberries shipped out of state. Because these taxes sound petty, governments disguise them, says Tate, using "important-sounding language -- like 'documentation fee,' 'service charge,' or 'equalization fee.'" But most of the money raised just goes to the general budget. "Wisconsin just renamed its 911 fee the 'Police and Fire Protection Fee,'" says Tate. "But actually, none of that money directly goes to fire or police protection. Instead it goes straight into the state's general fund." And they still can't fund the pensions the politicians promised government workers. Tate adopted two dogs and then learned that New York City imposes a $34 per year "pet licensing fee." "I won't pay it," says Tate. "I am technically breaking the law." She's braver than I am. I try to follow government's stupid rules. And if I broke them, I wouldn't announce it. I figure the IRS is eager to punish government critics like me. "I'm totally comfortable talking about that," said Tate. "They can come track me down." They may. Governments go to great lengths to collect taxes. "Seattle purchased lists of people buying pet food and mailed them threatening letters," says Tate. "The county's pet-licensing agency made more than $80,000." Governments should drop the pretense and just charge one huge "everything tax." Of course, then taxpayers might wake up and realize what's been done to us. That's one thing politicians don't want. No one is going to care in November 2022 about the minutia of parliamentary procedure and the various ways power politics played out in the last week of Se... 1 day ago CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un over Easter weekend in an effort to lay the groundwork for a summit between Kim and President Trump, Fox News has confirmed. Pompeo's trip, which was first reported by The Washington Post, came to light hours after Trump told reporters that the U.S. and North Korea are holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for what would be an extraordinary meeting following months of heated rhetoric over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. Though the White House did not initially comment on the reports, Trump acknowledged the meeting in a Wednesday morning tweet, saying it went well. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" he tweeted. Trump, who welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to his Florida resort Tuesday, said five locations for the potential summit are under consideration. The president would not disclose the sites but said the U.S. was not among them. "We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting," Trump told reporters. "And maybe we won't even have a meeting at all, depending on what's going in. But I think that there's a great chance to solve a world problem." The president did not answer shouted questions about whether he has spoken with Kim. Kim's offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many when it was announced that he had accepted. U.S. officials have indicated over the past two weeks that North Korea's government has communicated directly with Washington that it is ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. Abe, who has voiced fears that short- and medium-range missiles that pose a threat to Japan might not be part of the U.S. negotiations, praised Trump on Tuesday for his bravery in agreeing to meet with the North Korean dictator. "I'd like to commend Donald's courage in his decision to have the upcoming summit meeting with the North Korean leader," Abe said. Trump also confirmed that North and South Korea are working to negotiate an end to hostilities before next week's meeting between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae In. The meeting will be the third inter-Korean summit since the Koreas' 1945 division. North Korea has long sought a peace treaty with the U.S. to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. But it is unusual for the North to seek to broach the issue directly with South Korea rather than with Washington. The armistice that ended the fighting was signed by the United Nations Command the U.S.-led forces in the conflict North Korea and China. South Korea was a member of the U.N. Command but was not a direct signatory. Trump said Tuesday that the two Koreas "have my blessing to discuss the end of the war." Fox News' John Roberts, Serafin Gomez and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Environmental Protection Agency defended its embattled boss, Scott Pruitt, after the Republican chairman of a Senate committee noted that Pruitt apparently used four government email accounts. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chairman John Barrasso issued a letter asking EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt to disclose all his email addresses and affirm that all were being searched in response to Freedom of Information Act requests. Can you confirm that the EPA does in fact search all your official email accounts when responding to [Freedom of Information Act] requests? Barrasso asked Pruitt in the letter, according to The Hill. In his letter, Barrasso, a Wyoming Republican, recounted that during confirmation hearings last year Pruitt had assured the senators he would not take any actions that would make it more difficult or impossible to access his official written communications under FOIA. The Hill reported Pruitt responded to Barrasso affirmatively. EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox said Tuesday that the agency maintains two email addresses for Pruitt that are used by his staff for public correspondence and maintaining his calendar. A third is used by Pruitt himself while a fourth account was created but never was used, the spokesman said. Wilcox said Pruitt had not used private email to conduct public business while at EPA. When we receive a FOIA request all accounts are searched before we respond, Wilcox said. The National Archives and Records Administration ruled in 2013 that federal officials could use undisclosed government email accounts to conduct official business as long as the messages are safely preserved and turned over under FOIA. The action came in response that revealed several high-ranking Obama administration appointees, including then-EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson, had been using secret email accounts. At the time, congressional Republicans accused Jackson of using a government email account under the name Richard Windsor to sidestep disclosure rules. Pruitt has been under intense scrutiny since it was first revealed last month that he had stayed last year in a bargain-priced Capitol Hill condo tied to a fossil-fuels lobbyist. The EPA administrator and those around him are the subject of multiple investigations launched by government watchdogs and congressional committees looking into luxury travel expenses, outsized security spending and massive raises awarded to political appointees. EPAs inspector general has at least five ongoing Pruitt-related probes, while the House oversight panel on Friday demanded interviews with five of his closest aides. Barrassos letter followed one sent last week by Democratic Sens. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and Tom Carper of Delaware asking EPAs inspector general to review the issue. The two Democrats, both members of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, expressed concern that the agencys searches for public records may not have covered all of the EPA administrators accounts. Pruitt also has previously faced questions about transparency with his emails. An Oklahoma judge ruled last year that Pruitt, the states former attorney general, had violated public records laws by improperly withholding his correspondence for at least two years. Thousands of emails eventually were released under court order, but only after Pruitt had already won Senate confirmation for his current job. Those Oklahoma emails showed ties between Pruitt and his states oil and gas industry, including close coordination on lawsuits challenging EPA environmental regulations. When a summer thunderstorm knocked out power to Scott Pruitts home in 2013, for example, the then-attorney general directed his executive assistant to coordinate with a lobbyist for American Electric Power to get the lights back on quickly. Records also showed Pruitt occasionally used a private email account to communicate with state staff, despite assurances he made during his Senate confirmation process that he always had used a state email account for government business. Democrats later accused Pruitt of being untruthful in his sworn testimony before the committee. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens vowed that he would not resign Tuesday night, hours after the state's attorney general suggested that Greitens had illegally used a charity donor list for political purposes. In a statement, the Republican governor responded to calls from the state's GOP legislative leadership for him to step down over the findings by Attorney General Josh Hawley as well as Greitens' indictment on a felony invasion of privacy charge. "I will not be resigning the Governor's office," Greitens said in a statement on Twitter. "In three weeks, this matter will go to a court of lawwhere it belongs and where the facts will prove my innocence. Until then, I will do what the people of Missouri sent me here to do: to serve them and work hard on their behalf." Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard said that after speaking with Hawley, "I believe the governor has no other respectable option than to resign from office." House Speaker Todd Richardson and two other House Republican leaders said "we believe the governor needs to take responsibility for his actions." "In our view, the time has come for the governor to resign," they said. Greitens, who was elected governor in 2016, is accused of taking and transmitting a nonconsensual photo of a partially nude woman with whom he had an affair in 2015. A separate House investigatory panel released a report last week containing testimony from the woman alleging that Greitens restrained, slapped, grabbed, shoved and threatened her during a series of sexual encounters that at times left her crying and afraid. The case is scheduled to go to trial on May 14. Greitens' legal troubles deepened Tuesday afternoon when Hawley told reporters that an investigation by his office shows that Greitens took computer data listing the top donors to The Mission Continues without the consent of the St. Louis-based veterans' charity he had founded and used it to raise money for his gubernatorial campaign. "Within the past several days, we have obtained evidence of potential criminal violations," Hawley said. "These potentially criminal acts were committed by Governor Eric Greitens." Hawley said he referred the matter to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, who has jurisdiction to decide whether to charge Greitens with a crime -- and whose office is prosecuting Greitens in the invasion-of-privacy case. Hawley also referred his findings to the special House committee, which is considering whether to recommend impeachment proceedings to try to remove Greitens from office. Greitens accused Hawley -- a Republican running for the U.S. Senate against Democratic incumbent Claire McCaskill -- of being "better at press conferences than the law." "Anyone who has set foot in a Missouri courtroom knows these allegations are ridiculous," Greitens went on. "Josh has turned the 'evidence' he claims to have over to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner a liberal prosecutor funded by George Soros who allegedly suborned perjury, falsified documents, and withheld evidence. We will dispense with these false allegations." A spokeswoman for Gardner said St. Louis prosecutors met with officials from the attorney general's office Monday and are "reviewing the evidence" related to The Mission Continues donor list. Hawley indicated that the legal deadline is fast approaching to charge Greitens with a crime of tampering with computer data. He said Greitens could be charged with a felony because the donor list produced a gain to Greitens' campaign of more than $500. Federal law bars 501(c)(3) charities such as The Mission Continues from intervening in political campaigns on behalf of candidates. The Internal Revenue Service has ruled charities cannot give donor lists to politicians but can rent them at fair market value if made available to all candidates. Mission Continues spokeswoman Laura L'Esperance said Tuesday that Greitens had access to the donor list as CEO but did not have permission to later use it for his campaign. "The Mission Continues did not authorize the use of any donor information for political purposes, nor did we promote Governor Greitens for political office," she said. The Associated Press first reported in October 2016 that Greitens' campaign had obtained a Mission Continues spreadsheet showing the names, email addresses and phone numbers of donors who had given least $1,000. The spreadsheet properties show it was created by a Mission Continues employee in 2014, shortly before Greitens stepped down as CEO, and had last been saved in March 2015 by Michael Hafner, who had been working for Greitens' gubernatorial exploratory committee. The AP reported that Greitens had raised nearly $2 million from donors who previously gave significant amounts to The Mission Continues. In October 2016, Greitens initially denied using the list for his campaign. But in April 2017, he agreed to pay a small fine to the Missouri Ethics Commission for failing to report that his gubernatorial campaign had, in fact, received the charity's donor list. Greitens campaign filed amended finance reports valuing the list as a $600 in-kind contribution received March 1, 2015, from Danny Laub, who was listed as Greitens' campaign manager at the time. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported in February 2018 that it had obtained a copy of an email indicating that a Greitens employee had shared The Mission Continues donor list with Hafner and Laub in January 2015. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A funeral service for former first lady Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at age 92, is planned for Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston. Mrs. Bush and her husband of more than seven decades, former President George H.W. Bush, regularly attended the church over the years. The service will be by invitation only, according to the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. Several former presidents and first ladies, as well as other dignitaries, are expected to attend. Prior to Saturday, Mrs. Bushs body will lie in repose Friday at the church for members of the public who want to pay their respects. She will be laid to rest on grounds of the Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University in College Station. A student-led vigil was held at the library Tuesday night, reported the Batallion, the student newspaper at Texas A&M. Barbara Bush last appeared at the university in 2017, accompanied by her husband and their son, former President George W. Bush, for a concert that included performances by Lady Gaga and Lyle Lovett, the newspaper reported. Mrs. Bush was born in New York City and grew up in the suburb of Rye, N.Y. She married former President Bush in 1945. In addition to the former presidents, Mrs. Bush is survived by her brother, Scott Pierce, and by children Jeb Bush, Neil Bush, Marvin Bush and Dorothy Bush Koch, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. The Associated Press contributed to this story. The funeral for former first lady Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92, was attended by many high-profile figures, including first lady Melania Trump and former President Barack Obama. A funeral service for the Bush matriarch, who once called herself everybodys grandmother, was planned for Saturday at St. Martins Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas. She and her husband of more than 70 years, former President George H.W. Bush, regularly attended the church. The burial was on the grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M University in College Station, about 100 miles northwest of Houston. The couples 3-year-old daughter, Robin, who died in 1953 of leukemia, is also buried at the site. President Trump did not attend the funeral "to avoid disruptions due to added security, and out of respect for the Bush Family and friends attending the service," the White House said. However, it's not uncommon for sitting presidents to skip the funerals of former first ladies. After all, former President Barack Obama did not attend the funeral of Nancy Reagan in 2016 or Betty Ford in 2011. Heres a look at some high-profile figures who attended the beloved former first ladys private funeral. Melania Trump First lady Melania Trump attended the service on Saturday. Throughout her life, she put family and country above all else. Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family, Trump said in a statement after Bushs death. She was a woman of strength and we will always remember her for her most important roles of wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States. Barack and Michelle Obama Former President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama also attended the funeral. After she died, Obama and his wife praised Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House. But were even more grateful for the way she lived her life -- as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit, the Obamas said. Bill and Hillary Clinton Former President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, the former secretary of state, attended the funeral. Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit [and] grace, brains [and] beauty, the former president said on social media. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Before Bush died, Hillary Clinton said she was wishing her the comfort she deserves surrounded by her loved ones. The former 2016 presidential candidate and first lady also thanked Bush for her many kindnesses to me and my family. Clinton beat Bushs husband when he ran for re-election in the 1992 election. But he has since grew close to his predecessor and Barbara Bush, visiting them at their summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine. Clinton often joked that he spent so much time with the Bushes that hed become like a member of the family. Fox News Jenny Buchholz, Mike Emanuel and The Associated Press contributed to this report. For years, Donna Abert Andrich has held onto a letter addressed to Barbara Bush. She wanted to thank the former first lady for saving her life when she was just 5 years old but she never knew how to reach her. The now retired middle school art teacher from Aldine ISD in Houston, Texas, briefly crossed paths with the Bushes back in 1959 when they were staying at a luxury apartment in Houston, located on Del Monte Drive. Several well-known people stayed at the short-term housing complex before moving into their new homes. "You, George and your children had just moved to Houston from Midland and were waiting for your house to be ready," Andrich wrote in the 2014 letter provided to Fox News. The apartment complex had a courtyard and large pool, where tenants enjoyed playing water volleyball under the hot Texan sun. Andrich, who was born just two days apart from Bush's son, Jeb, recalled watching the adults from the shallow end of the pool before she lost her footing. "I slipped down under and began to realize I was under everyones legs drifting farther down," Andrich explained. "I did not know how to swim nor was I wearing a life jacket. I remember it being very pleasant and really didnt know I was drowning." Bush then spotted the drowning child from a nearby lawn chair. She jumped up and dove into the pool without giving it a second thought. LOVE LETTER FROM GEORGE HW BUSH TO BARBARA FROM WW2 GOES VIRAL "You immediately got out of your chair, jumped in and pulled me out! I dont think you were wearing a bathing suit either," Andrich reminded Bush in the letter. "You saved my life, but jeopardized your own." "I think she does need to hear [this story] and I think that her family needs to know this." Donna Abert Andrich Andrich's parents, Donald and Alva, thanked the former first lady for her "heroic act." Bush smiled and invited the family over. Inside, Andrich remembers admiring a painting of the pair's late daughter, Robin. "We were amazed how similar she and I looked alike," Andrich said. Andrich never saw the Bush family again, but she never forgot about that day nor her rescuer. Days before Mrs. Bush died, on April 17, Andrich shared her story with local news station KPRC-TV in hopes the family would hear the uplifting story. BARBARA BUSH VIEWING, FUNERAL PLANS SET "I think she does need to hear [this story] and I think that her family needs to know this," Andrich told the news station. Andrich, who had been a teacher for more than 28 years, said Bush, a tireless advocate for literacy, inspired her career. "[It] has been the most difficult but the most rewarding career I could have had. I truly felt a strong calling that I could make a difference in my students lives," she said. Bush was not only an experienced campaigner, first lady, wife and mother she was a "guardian angel," Andrich said. "Thank you for your 'selfless act of bravery.' I am very grateful for you being there at the right time," Andrich concluded the letter. California State University's Fresno campus is investigating after one of their English professors tweeted she was "happy" former first lady Barbara Bush was dead just an hour after her passing was announced. The author and professor, Randa Jarrar, tweeted a slew of comments about Bush, calling her "a generous and smart and amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal." OUTRAGE AS CALIFORNIA PROF CALLS BARBARA BUSH 'AMAZING RACIST' AND SAYS SHE'S HAPPY 'WITCH IS DEAD' Bush, 92, died Tuesday night just days after her family announced her health was failing. Amid the backlash to her tweets, Jarrar, who also said she "can't wait for the rest of [the Bush] family to fall to their demise," said that she couldn't get fired from her job at Fresno State because of tenure. I work as a tenured professor. I make 100K a year doing that. I will never be fired. I will always have people wanting to hear what I have to say," she wrote on Twitter. The university's provost, Lynnette Zelezny, referred to the professor's comments as "disrepectful" during a news conference Wednesday, and said the school is taking the situation "very seriously." "We understand the concern from the community and we are taking this very seriously," Zelezny said, according to The Fresno Bee. "To answer the technical question: Can she not be fired? The answer is no." Fresno State has reportedly not been in contact with Jarrar, who has been on a leave of absense during the spring semester. BARBARA BUSH REMEMBERED BY POLITICIANS, LAWMAKERS AROUND THE WORLD: 'AN ADVOCATE OF THE AMERICAN FAMILY' Following Jarrar's tweets Tuesday, the university's president, Joseph Castro, also distanced the school from the professor's controversial comments, saying they raise "deep concerns" and were made "as a private citizen." In a statement, Castro extended the school's "deepest condolences to the Bush family on the loss of our former First Lady, Barbara Bush." Fox News' Lukas Mikelionis contributed to this report. Nearly a dozen Republican members of Congress on Wednesday sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department and FBI seeking an investigation of former bureau boss James Comey, his deputy Andrew McCabe, ex-Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Hillary Clinton in connection with 2016 campaign controversies. Attorney General Jeff Sessions already announced last month he had assigned a federal prosecutor to review some of those broader issues, while resisting calls for a second special counsel. But the referral represents an escalation of Republican pressure to probe top Democrats and Trump critics. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., and 10 other House lawmakers want an investigation into potential violations that cover everything from the handling of the Clinton email probe to the anti-Trump dossiers funding to the Uranium One controversy. They made their case in a letter sent Wednesday to Sessions, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and U.S. Attorney John Huber, whom Sessions named to lead the previously announced evaluation. Complaining about dissimilar degrees of zealousness in the investigations into Clinton and Trump campaign associates, they wrote: Because we believe that those in positions of high authority should be treated the same as every other American, we want to be sure that the potential violations of law outlined below are vetted appropriately. They named Comey, Clinton, Lynch, McCabe, FBI agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page and several others as figures who should be investigated. The Comey section focused in part on a statement Comey drafted before interviewing Clinton as part of the email probe. Republicans have long called it an exoneration statement that effectively cleared her months before the case was over. The GOP letter suggested this presents a conflict with Comeys September 2016 congressional testimony in which he said they made the decision not to recommend criminal charges after interviewing Clinton. They made this determination months before, DeSantis, who is running for Florida governor, told Fox & Friends. The lack of candor with the Congress is something that needs to be investigated. Comey brushed off the claims during an interview Wednesday on ABCs The View. Asked about the letter, Comey said "the accusations are not true," but added that he has confidence in the inspector general, which is already reviewing the handling of the email probe. "Let's let the institution do its work," he said. Comey also defended the early draft statement on the conclusion of the Clinton case in his newly released book. Any investigator or prosecutor who doesnt have a sense, after nearly a year of investigation, where their case is likely headed, is incompetent. Prosecutors routinely begin drafting indictments before an investigation is finished if it looks likely to end up there, and competent ones also begin thinking how to end investigations that seem likely to end without charges, Comey explained in "A Higher Loyalty." The GOP lawmakers also cited Comeys decision to write and share memos detailing conversations with Trump. The potential violations they cited included perjury and unauthorized removal of classified documents though Comey has maintained the memos did not contain classified material. As for Clinton, the GOP lawmakers cited a single concern that a lawyer representing her 2016 campaign paid the firm behind the research that led to the controversial anti-Trump dossier. The letter argued that they disguised the payments by not properly disclosing them to the Federal Election Commission. A Clinton spokesman slammed the referral as pathetic and politically motivated. House Republicans have seen the numbers and are running scared as we head into midterm season. They should focus on working for the people they are asking to reelect them, not do Trumps bidding. Its pathetic, Nick Merrill said. The referral's Lynch section cited an alleged threat of reprisal against an informant in the Uranium One case, which dealt with the controversial Obama administration deal that gave Russia partial control over the U.S. uranium supply. The lawmakers also hit McCabe over the same issues raised in a recent DOJ inspector general report that found he leaked to the media and later lied about it. The former FBI deputy director was fired last month by Sessions just days before he would have been eligible for a lifetime pension after it was determined that he misled investigators. The section on Strzok and Page focused on their interference in the Hillary Clinton investigation. The two FBI officials, who worked on Special Counsel Robert Muellers team for a short period and were romantically involved, frequently shared anti-Trump text messages. Lastly, the lawmakers asked that Sessions investigate personnel connected to the compilation of documents on alleged links between Russia and then-presidential candidate Donald Trump known as the 'Steele dossier.'" The letter cites those individuals as McCabe, Comey, former Acting Attorney General Sally Yates and FBI General Counsel Dana Boente, among others. The dossier was presented to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court (FISC) to obtain a warrant to conduct surveillance on Trump campaign adviser Carter Page. Comey signed three FISA applications for Page, while McCabe and current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein (who oversees the Russia probe), Yates and Boente each signed at least one. In a footnote to the letter, the lawmakers wrote that due to the possible involvement of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in signing an application for continued surveillance on Carter Page, Rosenstein should be recused from any examination of FISA abuse. Karen McDougal, the former Playboy Playmate who claimed she had an affair with President Trump, has settled her lawsuit with the tabloid that had prevented her from discussing the relationship, McDougal said on Wednesday. The parent company of the National Enquirer, American Media Inc. (AMI), reportedly paid McDougal $150,000 for the rights to her story about the alleged affair in an August 2016 deal. But the story never ran. Under the agreement, McDougal could keep the $150,000 she was paid but AMI had the rights to up to $75,000 for any future profits from her story about the relationship. The company also retained the rights to photographs of McDougal that it already had, the settlement said. The deal with AMI, McDougal said, restores me the rights to my life story. My goal from the beginning was to restore my rights and not to achieve any financial gain, and this settlement does exactly that, McDougal said. I am relieved to be able to tell the truth about my story when asked, and I look forward to being able to return to my private life and focus on what matters to me. The suit alleged Trump's attorney, Michael Cohen, was secretly involved in McDougals discussions with AMI. The office, home and hotel room of Cohen were raided last week by the FBI. Federal agents reportedly obtained documents related to several issues, including Cohen's payments to adult-film star Stormy Daniels in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election. Daniels also has detailed an alleged affair with the president. Despite the agreement with the Enquirer, McDougal gave a detailed interview to CNN last month in which she described a consensual, loving relationship with the president. In the interview, the former Playmate claimed she saw Trump many dozens of times in a 10-month period beginning in 2006, and that they had sex during the time span. Trump has denied the claims of both McDougal and Daniels. Fox News Paulina Dedaj, Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Historians and journalists on Tuesday tweeted out the hand-written love letter that future President George H.W. Bush sent to his then-fiancee Barbara Pierce on Dec. 12, 1943. Michael Beschloss, a presidential historian, tweeted that Bush was a U.S. Navy pilot at the time during World War II. The letter written in blue ink on Navy stationery and begins: "My darling Bar." The future president begins by telling her how happy he was to read their engagement announcement in the newspaper. I love you, precious, with all my heart and to know that you love me means my life. How often I have thought about the immeasurable joy that will be ours someday. How lucky our children will be to have a mother like you, the letter read. The two met at a Christmas dance. She was 17. He was 18. The future president was a naval aviator in training. "I'm not much at recalling what people wear, but that particular occasion stands out in my memory," he wrote in his autobiography. The band was playing Glenn Miller tunes and he asked a friend from Rye, N.Y., if he knew the girl across the room in the green and red holiday dress. The friend introduced him to Barbara Pierce, a publisher's daughter from Rye who was going to school in South Carolina. The next song was a waltz. "Since I didn't waltz, we sat the dance out. And several more after that, talking and getting to know each other," Bush wrote. "It was a storybook meeting." Barbara Bush, 92, died Tuesday, shortly after her family announced she was in failing health and would decline further medical treatment in favor of "comfort care." There were no details of her specific health problems. In a statement, one of her sons, former President George W. Bush, called his mother "a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other." The two were married Jan. 6, 1945, four months after the elder Bush was shot down over the Pacific. He'd been the Navy's youngest aviator when he got his wings and carried the name "Barbara" on his Grumman Avenger torpedo bomber. The letter, which was kept in the former first ladys scrapbook, goes on to mention the war and the mission, but the young pilot wrote that he couldnt wait to return to her. This may sound melodramamtic, but if it does it is only my inadequacy to say what I mean. Bar, you have made my life full of everything I could ever dream of my complete happiness should be a token of my love for you. The Associated Press contributed to this report. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley fired back Tuesday after White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow claimed she was confused when she declared over the weekend that President Donald Trump would announce new sanctions on Russia. With all due respect, I dont get confused, Haley responded, in a comment reported by Fox News' Dana Perino on "The Five." "With all due respect, I don't get confused." Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations A senior administration official confirmed to Fox News that Kudlow called Haley to apologize after hearing what she told Perino. The source said they had a nice conversation. On Sunday, Haley had said during an appearance on CBS's "Face the Nation" that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would announce new sanctions on Russia come Monday, if he hasnt [done so] already. But the announcement never came and White House officials backed away from Haleys comments, explaining the decision would be made in the near future. Later, Kudlow told reporters during a briefing in Florida that Haley got ahead of the curve when she said the penalties were imminent. Shes done a great job. Shes a very effective ambassador, but there might have been some momentary confusion about that, Kudlow said. Haley then responded with her comment to Perino. Three senior administration officials told the Associated Press that a plan for sanctions would have been announced Friday night at the same time as the U.S.-led strike against Syrias Bashar al-Assad, but was delayed because they were not prepared in time for President Trumps address about the military action. They said the sanctions were then to be announced as an answer to Russias response to the strikes, but over the weekend the plan was re-evaluated and delayed when the Russian reaction was weaker than initially thought. But Haley was unaware that a decision was made to hold off on anything imminent regarding sanctions, the officials told AP. She was certainly not confused, Kudlow told the New York Times by telephone. I was wrong to say that totally wrong. She was certainly not confused. I was wrong to say that totally wrong." Larry Kudlow, White House economic adviser As it turns out, she was basically following what she thought was policy," he told the paper. "The policy was changed and she wasnt told about it, so she was in a box. Fox News' Sam Chamberlain, Paulina Dedaj and the Associated Press contributed to this report. A university professor in California has sparked a social media uproar after calling former first lady Barbara Bush an amazing racist who raised a war criminal, and saying shes happy the witch is dead. Randa Jarrar, an author and professor in the English department at California State University, Fresno (aka Fresno State), made the distasteful comments just an hour after the death of the former first lady was announced. Barbara Bush was a generous and smart and amazing racist who, along with her husband, raised a war criminal. F*** outta here with your nice words, the professor tweeted. Bush, 92, died Tuesday, just days after the family announced she was failing in health and would refuse further medical treatment in favor of comfort care. Her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, was broken-hearted over the loss of his beloved Barbara, while former President George W. Bush called his mother "a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other." But the Fresno State professor was apparently not touched by the loss of the former first lady, who was called "everybody's grandmother." PSA: either you are against these pieces of s--- and their genocidal ways or you're part of the problem. Thats actually how simple this is. I'm happy the witch is dead. Cant wait for the rest of her family to fall to their demise the way 1.5 million Iraqis have, Jarrar said in another tweet. The comments, which drew thousands of negative replies, sparked outrage on social media, with people universally condemning the professors tweets and some calling for her firing. I hope you find peace and one day walk away from this profound hatred, writer Chad Felix Greene wrote. Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro slammed Jarrar, tweeting: Good news: you wont have to see her when shes in heaven and youre burning in hell. Jarrar remained unapologetic amid the criticism, engaging with critics on social media and doubling down on her attacks against the Bush family, though she later set her Twitter account to private. She tweeted that shes happy to that George W. Bush is probably really sad right now. She also boasted that because she is a tenured professor, she couldnt be fired over her views. I work as a tenured professor. I make 100K a year doing that. I will never be fired. I will always have people wanting to hear what I have to say, she wrote on Twitter. I work as a tenured professor. I make 100K a year doing that. I will never be fired. I will always have people wanting to hear what I have to say. Randa Jarrar, English professor, Fresno State The controversy forced Fresno State to issue a statement distancing itself from the professors comments, which officials said raise deep concerns. On behalf of Fresno State, I extend my deepest condolences to the Bush family on the loss of our former First Lady, Barbara Bush, Fresno State President Joseph Castro said in the statement. We share the deep concerns expressed by others over the personal comments made today by professor Randa Jarrar, a professor in the English Department at Fresno State. Castro stressed that Jarrars comments were as a private citizen, and dont represent the university. Professor Jarrars expressed personal views and commentary are obviously contrary to the core values of our University, which include respect and empathy for individuals with divergent points of view, and a sincere commitment to mutual understanding and progress, he added. The U.S. Justice Department sued California over its alleged interference with federal immigration policies and its gotten some support from the states own municipalities. Multiple local city or county councils have voted to join the Trump administrations lawsuit or fight the state's policies in some way. Californias so-called sanctuary laws limit police cooperation with federal immigration authorities a move passed by the nations largest state to resist increased efforts to deport people living in the country illegally and to stop President Trumps plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. The sanctuary policy, pushed by Gov. Jerry Brown and the states Democratic-controlled legislature, has received some backlash at the local level. Read on for a look at some of the cities and counties that have joined the Trump administrations efforts to deem Californias law unconstitutional. Los Alamitos The Los Alamitos City Council voted 4-1 in March to opt out of Californias sanctuary law. It voted again in April to opt out as the city's law requires the council to have a second reading of the measure before approving it. The adopted ordinance said state laws may be in direct conflict with federal laws and the Constitution. It said it finds that it is impossible to honor our oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States if it did not opt out of the policy. Mayor Troy Edgar, a Republican, told Fox News the policy is a huge overreach. Los Alamitos is able to opt out of the law because it is a charter city. Hesperia With a 3-1 vote, the Hesperia city council voted in March to join an amicus brief with the Trump administrations lawsuit against California, the Desert Dispatch reported. We are not anti-immigrant there is no one on this Council thats anti-immigrant, Councilman Paul Russ said, according to the newspaper. But for immigrants, wed like to see it done legally. I can also say without a doubt that we are anti-criminal. Its not about the immigrants, its about the criminals in the community. Orange County With a unanimous vote of 3-0, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted in March to join the Justice Departments lawsuit against California. This legislation prevents law enforcement from removing criminals from our community and is a threat to public safety, Supervisor Shawn Nelson said. The county previously made efforts to further comply with federal immigration authorities by publishing the release dates of inmates online. Mission Viejo In March, the Mission Viejo City Council voted to support the Los Alamitos City Councils decision to opt out of the states sanctuary policies and join an amicus brief in support of the federal governments lawsuit against the state. Of the sanctuary laws, the city council said it believes this legislation is a threat to both local control of businesses in the state and the individual liberty and public safety because it prevents law enforcement from performing their duties as necessitated by local circumstances. Huntington Beach Huntington Beach City Council voted 6-1 in April to file its own lawsuit against the state of California over its sanctuary laws, calling the policies a constitutional overreach. Mayor Mike Posey said his could become the first city to sue the state itself. Escondido After a heated meeting, the Escondido City Council voted 4-1 in April to support the Justice Departments lawsuit with a legal brief. This is the right thing to do. I was elected mayor to keep the Constitution, uphold the Constitution and keep our community safe," Escondido mayor Sam Abed told Fox News. I am committed to do that and that is what the council did today. The county Board of Supervisors will vote on a similar brief later in April, according to KSWB-TV. Fountain Valley After an assist from U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher, R-Calif., the Fountain Valley City Council voted 3-1, with one abstention, to file an amicus brief in support of the Trump administrations challenge to Californias law, the Orange County Register reported. The council voted to support a legal brief after Rohrabacher offered to raise or provide the funds to do so. Aliso Viejo The Aliso Viejo City Council voted 4-1 on April 4 to join a lawsuit against the state of California over its sanctuary laws, KCBS-TV reported. We had a robust discussion and Im proud of my colleagues for their stamina and attention through 6.5 hours of testimony, Aliso Viejo Mayor Dave Harrington said in a statement. We did the right thing. Orange After a heated meeting, the Orange City Council voted in April not to comply with the states sanctuary laws, KCBS-TV reported. Newport Beach In a unanimous vote, the Newport Beach City Council decided to join the Trump administrations lawsuit. The vote, held in a closed session, allows the city to support the lawsuit, including, but not limited to an amicus brief, said Deputy City Manager Tara Finnigan, KCBS-TV reported. Councilman Scott Peotter told Fox News the vote wasnt about immigration but illegal alien criminals. Westminster In April, the Westminster City Council voted 3-1 to join the Trump administrations lawsuit against the state, KABC-TV reported. San Juan Capistrano The San Juan Capistrano City Council voted 4-1 to condemn California's sanctuary laws, the Orange County Register reported. Mayor Sergio Farias, who voted against it, said that he is the "mayor of everyone who calls San Juan Capistrano home, regardless of their legal status." San Diego County The all-Republican San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted in April to support the Trump administration's lawsuit against California, 3-1. The county is expected to file an amicus brief soon. It is the biggest county thus far to back the lawsuit. Santa Clarita After debating until 1 a.m., the Santa Clarita City Council voted in May to join the Trump administration's legal fight against the state's sanctuary policies. All five of the city council members voted to create a brief in support of the federal government, KHTS radio station reported. Carlsbad In a 4-1 vote, Carlsbad's City Council voted in May to support the Trump administration's lawsuit. Our laws are becoming more difficult to enforce, said Mayor Matt Hall. It takes many agencies working together to keep us safe. Fox News Paulina Dedaj, Lukas Mikelionis and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Throughout the first year of his presidency and even as he campaigned for the office President Trumps rhetoric regarding North Korea has been harsh. He warned earlier this year that Americas nuclear capabilities were much bigger [and] more powerful than that of the Asian nation. And at the end of 2017, Trump designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror again a classification that came with additional sanctions. On the heels of a planned, historic summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trumps tone softened, saying great progress has been made. But Trump ultimately cancelled that meeting, citing "open hostility" from North Korea. From agreeing to meet with Kim to dubbing him Little Rocket Man, heres a look at what Trump has said about North Korea and its leader over time. Back together again After meeting with a North Korean official in the White House for more than an hour, Trump announced the June summit with North Korea is back on. We'll be meeting on June 12 in Singapore," the president told reporters after the meeting. Let's call the whole thing off Trump announced on May 24 that he has decided to pull out of the June summit with North Korea. "We were informed that the meeting was requested by North Korea, but that to us is totally irrelevant," Trump said in a letter to Kim. "I was very much looking forward to being there with you. Sadly, based on the tremendous anger and open hostility displayed in your most recent statement, I feel it is inappropriate, at this time, to have this long-planned meeting." "You talk about your nuclear capabilities, but ours are so massive and powerful that I pray to God they will never have to be used," Trump said. "I felt a wonderful dialogue was building up between you and me, and ultimately, it is only that dialogue that matters. Some day, I look very much forward to meeting you," he added. "In the meantime, I want to thank you for the release of the hostages who are now home with their families. That was a beautiful gesture and was very much appreciated." Deal or no deal? After speaking with the South Korean president amid threats from the rogue regime to cancel talks, Trump suggested the historic summit between him and Kim might not happen after all. If it doesnt happen, maybe it will happen later. You never know about deals. Ive made a lot of deals, Trump said on May 22. You never really know. It may not work out for June 12. Trump said he wants the Korean peninsula to be denuclearized in an all in one manner. I can guarantee Kims safety. He will be safe. He will be happy, Trump said. His country will be rich. Trump also said hes noticed a change in Kims attitude recently. I cant say that Im happy about it, he added. Save the date Trump officially announced that he would meet with Kim in Singapore on June 12. We will both try to make it a very special moment for World Peace! Trump said in a tweet. The announcement came hours after Trump and the first lady welcomed the three Americans freed from detention in North Korea at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland early on May 10. After Trump met with the three men, he publicly thanked Kim for releasing the prisoners. Were starting off on a new footing, Trump said. Positive gesture of goodwill In announcing that a date and place has been set for his much-anticipated meeting with Kim, Trump also confirmed three American prisoners have been released. The three Americans Kim Dong Chul, Tony Kim and Kim Hak Song are returning to the U.S. with newly-confirmed Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Trump said in a tweet. The president confirmed the three men are also in good health. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT THE HISTORIC SUMMIT BETWEEN TRUMP, KIM JONG UN White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement that Trump appreciates Kim Jong Uns action to release these American citizens, and views this as a positive gesture of goodwill. Another American detainee, Otto Warmbier, died in June 2017 after he was released back to the U.S. with severe brain damage. Good relationship formed Trump has confirmed that CIA Director Mike Pompeo his pick to lead the State Department secretly met with Kim in April and a good relationship was formed. He said the meeting went very smoothly. The president also disclosed that the U.S. and North Korea have held direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for the summit. Kim will do what is right After Kims first reported visit to China, Trump said there is a good chance that Kim Jong Un will do what is right for his people and for humanity. For years and through many administrations, everyone said that peace and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula was not even a small possibility, Trump said in a March tweet, adding that he is looking forward to his upcoming meeting with the North Korean leader. He also gave North Korea the benefit of the doubt earlier that month, saying he believes the country will abide by its pledge to suspend missile tests. When Trump delivered a speech in Pennsylvania, the crowd booed the mention of Kim, but the president stopped them. No, it's very positive ... no, after the meeting you may do that, but now we have to be very nice because let's see what happens, let's see what happens, Trump said. Invitation accepted Trump accepted an invitation from Kim to meet, the White House said. While a time and place has yet to be determined, the two leaders are expected to meet by June. The invitation to convene was extended by Kim. Kim Jong Un talked about denuclearization with the South Korean Representatives, not just a freeze. Also, no missile testing by North Korea during this period of time. Great progress being made but sanctions will remain until an agreement is reached, Trump said on social media. Meeting being planned! The deal with North Korea is very much in the making and will be, if completed, a very good one for the World. Time and place to be determined, he later said. Possible progress As North Korea is reportedly willing to negotiate its nuclear weapons, Trump cautiously acknowledged possible progress. For the first time in many years, a serious effort is being made by all parties concerned, Trump said on Twitter. The World is watching and waiting! May be false hope, but the U.S. is ready to go hard in either direction! At a later White House news conference, Trump said he believed North Korea, which has a long history of deception and threats to target U.S. cities with nuclear missiles, is sincere. We have come certainly a long way, at least rhetorically, with North Korea, Trump said. Of the possibility for peacefully resolving the nations deep differences, he said: Itd be a great thing for the world, would be great for North Korea, it would be a great thing for the peninsula. But well see what happens, Trump said. Spirit of the Olympics At the conclusion of the 2018 Winter Olympics, North Korea sent the U.S. a message through South Korea, saying it has ample intentions of holding talks with America. During a meeting with the nations governors at the White House in February, Trump said those talks will only occur under the right conditions. The administrations position has been that North Korea must get rid of its nuclear and missile programs first before any talks can take place. Relationship status: Its complicated In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Trump reportedly said he probably has a very good relationship with North Korea. Trump also suggested that he is open to diplomacy with the country hes spent years criticizing, the newspaper reported. I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised, Trump said. The Wall Street Journal released the audio and transcript of the interview after Trump denied making the comments. 'Success for the world' Trump told South Korea that he would be open to talks with its northern neighbor under the right circumstances, the White House said. Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korea ahead of next months Winter Olympics. At a January Cabinet meeting, Trump said it was his administrations pressure on North Korea that caused the rogue nation to negotiate with the South. "Without our attitude that would have never happened," Trump said of the inter-Korean dialogue. "Who knows where it leads. Hopefully it will lead to success for the world not just for our country but for the world, and we'll be seeing over the next number of weeks and months what happens." Whose button is bigger? After Kim warned Trump about North Koreas nuclear capabilities, Trump hit back on social media, arguing that his Nuclear Button is bigger [and] more powerful. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the 'Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times,' the president tweeted. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Kim previously warned the U.S. should know that the button for nuclear war is on my table. The entire area of the U.S. mainland is within our nuclear strike range, he said. The United States can never start a war against me and our country. Good news or bad news? Trump insinuated at the start of the new year that sanctions and additional pressures are having a big impact on North Korea. Soldiers are dangerously fleeing to South Korea, Trump said. Kim now wants to talk to South Korea for the first time. Perhaps that is good news, perhaps not we will see! In his tweet, Trump was seemingly referring to the recent, dramatic escape of at least two North Korean soldiers across the heavily militarized border into the southern country He also alluded to Kims recent comments indicating he would send a delegation to the Winter Olympics to be hosted in South Korea. Trump also took credit for the talks between North and South Korean leaders. With all of the failed experts weighing in, does anybody really believe that talks and dialogue would be going on between North and South Korea right now if I wasnt firm, strong and willing to commit our total might against the North, Trump said in a Jan. 4 tweet. Fools, but talks are a good thing! 'Sick puppy' While giving a speech on tax reform at a Missouri event in November, 2017, Trump digressed from the topic to call the North Korean leader a "sick puppy." His comments drew hoots from the crowd. State sponsor of terror Trump re-designated North Korea a state sponsor of terror on Nov. 20, 2017, citing its support of international terrorism, including assassinations on foreign soil. During a Cabinet meeting, Trump announced the designation came along with new sanctions on the murderous regime as part of the administrations maximum pressure campaign in dealing with North Korea. He said these sanctions will be the highest level of sanctions on the North. North Korea was on the list but was taken off by the Bush administration in 2008. Why can't we be friends? In a series of tweets while in Vietnam, Trump said he doesn't know why the North Korean dictator would "insult" him. Why would Kim Jong-un insult me by calling me old, when I would NEVER call him short and fat? Trump said. Oh well, I try so hard to be his friend - and maybe someday that will happen! The comment came after Kim referred to Trump's speech in South Korea as reckless remarks by an old lunatic. 'Dont try us' In Asia, Trump issued a stern warning to North Korea, saying it would be a fatal miscalculation for the country to attack the U.S. or an ally. This is a very different administration than the United States has had in the past. Do not underestimate us. And do not try us, Trump said during an address at South Koreas National Assembly. North Korea has interpreted Americas past restraint as weakness, Trump said. 'Lets make a deal' While on his Asia trip, Trump implored North Korea to come to the table for talks on its nuclear weapons program. Trumps request for North Korea to make a deal was in stark contrast to his previous hardline rhetoric when it comes to the rogue nation. "It makes sense for North Korea to come to the table and make a deal that is good for the people of North Korea and for the world," Trump said during a news conference alongside South Korean president Moon Jae-in in November 2017. Trump also said hes seen a lot of progress in dealing with North Korea but still called the country a worldwide threat. In a joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo the day before, Trump repeated his assertion that the era of strategic patience with North Korea was finished. Some people say my rhetoric is very strong but look what has happened with very weak rhetoric in the last 25 years, Trump said then. 'Rocket Man' is on a 'suicide mission' After dubbing him Rocket Man in a tweet, Trump eventually tried out the new nickname for Kim during his inaugural address to the U.N. General Assembly. During his speech, Trump vowed to totally destroy North Korea if the country so provokes him. He also said Kim was on a suicide mission. No more talking After North Korea said it successfully launched a missile over Japan, a U.S. ally, and into the Pacific Ocean, Trump initially had a subdued response. "Threatening and destabilizing actions only increase the North Korean regime's isolation in the region and among all nations of the world," Trump said in a written statement after North Koreas missile soared almost 1,700 miles into the Pacific Ocean, triggering alert warnings in northern Japan and shudders throughout Northeast Asia. "All options are on the table." The missile launch was said to be a precursor to North Koreas containment of the U.S. territory of Guam by Kim, according to state-run media. But in a tweet, the president suggested the U.S. is finished talking to North Korea. The U.S. has been talking to North Korea, and paying them extortion money, for 25 years. Talking is not the answer, Trump tweeted. The U.S. is 'locked and loaded' Trump took to social media in August 2017 to proclaim that the U.S. military is locked and loaded in case North Korea act[s] unwisely. 'Fire [and] fury' isn't 'tough enough' With the threat of nuclear violence growing, Trump warned North Korea on Aug. 8, 2017 that he would unleash fire, fury and frankly power, the likes of which this world has never seen before. But when tensions continued to rise and North Korea threatened to attack Guam, Trump said maybe that comment wasnt "tough enough." "Lets see what [Kim] does with Guam. He does something in Guam, it will be an event the likes of which nobody has seen before what will happen in North Korea," Trump said. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Trump was "sending a strong message to North Korea in language that Kim Jong Un can understand, because he doesnt seem to understand diplomatic language." Kim Jong Un is 'not getting away with it' Trump said Kim has disrespected our country greatly. He has said things that are horrific. And with me, hes not getting away with it, Trump said. He got away with it for a long time, between him and his family. Hes not getting away with it. Its a whole new ball game. 'Strategic patience is over' After meeting with the South Korean president in Washington, D.C., in June 2017, Trump said that the era of strategic patience with the North Korean regime has failed. Frankly, that patience is over, he said. As Trump made these comments, the U.S. was rocked with the death of Otto Warmbier, the 22-year-old American college student who suffered extensive brain damage while being held captive in North Korea for more than a year. There are 'worse things' than assassinating Kim Jong Un In an interview with CBS News during the presidential campaign, Trump said he could get China to make [Kim Jong Un] disappear in one form or another very quickly. When asked if he was talking about assassinating the North Korean dictator, Trump shrugged. Well, you know, Ive heard of worse things, frankly. I mean, this guys a bad dude and dont underestimate him, Trump said. Any young guy that can take over from his father with all those generals and everybody else that probably wants the position, this is not somebody to be underestimated. 'What the hell is wrong with speaking?' Trump told supporters at a campaign rally in Atlanta that should Kim want to come to the U.S., he would be accept[ed]. I wouldnt go there, that I can tell you. If he came here, Id accept him, but I wouldnt give him a state dinner like we do for China and all these other people that rip us off when we give them these big state dinners, Trump said in June 2016. What the hell is wrong with speaking? Trump said, referencing the criticism he received for being willing to talk with North Korea. Its called opening a dialogue. 'Maniac' During a GOP presidential debate in September 2015, Trump railed on the maniac in North Korea while answering a question about Planned Parenthood and womens health issues. Nobody ever mentions North Korea, where you have this maniac sitting there, and he actually has nuclear weapons and somebody better start thinking about North Korea and perhaps a couple of other places. But certainly North Korea, Trump said. You have somebody right now in North Korea who has got nuclear weapons and who is saying almost every other week, Im ready to use them, and we dont even mention it, he continued. China needs to solve the problem Even before he was president, Trump urged China to step in and help alleviate problems with North Korea. North Korea is reliant on China. China could solve this problem easily if they wanted to but they have no respect for our leaders, Trump tweeted in March 2013. In April 2013, Trump continued that line of thinking, adding that North Korea cant survive, or even eat, without the help of China. He then accused China of taunting the U.S. As president, Trump has said he is very disappointed in actions China has taken regarding North Korea, particularly allowing oil to go into the nation. He also said a Chinese envoy to North Korea had no impact on Kim. Additionally, Trump has said hes spoken to Chinas President Xi Jinping regarding the provocative actions of North Korea as well as the planned meeting between Trump and Kim. President Xi told me he appreciates that the U.S. is working to solve the problem diplomatically rather than going with the ominous alternative, Trump said in March 2018. China continues to be helpful! 'Wack job' In April 2013, Trump urged then-President Barack Obama to be very careful with the 28-year-old wack job in North Korea. At some point we may have to get very tough, he tweeted. 'Negotiate like crazy' Trump warned that the U.S. needed to do something to stop North Korea in 1999 during an interview with the late Tim Russert on Meet the Press. "Do you want to do it in five years when they have warheads all over the place, every one of them pointing to New York City, to Washington and every one of us, is that when you want to do it, or do you want to do something now? Trump said. You'd better do it now. And if they think you're serious they'll negotiate and it'll never come to that. He said then that if he ever became president, the first step he would take would be to negotiate like crazy to make sure that the country would get the best deal possible. Trump also predicted then that in three or four years, North Korea would have weapons aimed all over the world, including at the U.S. Fox News' Adam Shaw and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps re-election campaign reportedly demanded that Rep. Todd Rokita, R-Ind., take down yard signs for his Senate bid, saying that they give the false impression of endorsement from the president. The bottom of Rokitas sign reads: Endorsed by: TRUMP/PENCE in bold white letters, and below, in smaller font, it reads: 2016 INDIANA TEAM LEADERS. The sign may be referring to two volunteers who led Trumps bare-bones 2016 campaign in Indiana who endorsed Rokita last week. The leaders of Trumps 2016 Indiana campaign, Samuel and Rex Early, said the endorsements were as individuals. We are not speaking for the president or the White House, said Samuel. But Rokita has aggressively touted the endorsement at campaign appearances, a recent debate and in his latest TV ad titled simply TRUMP. Tony Samuel, one of the volunteers who endorsed Rokita, told the AP that the Trump campaign texted him Monday night to voice displeasure over the signage. The campaign also asked that Rokitas campaign certify-- in writing-- once the signs have been taken down, another person with direct knowledge of the matter said. Rokita spokesman Nathan Brand refused to say if the campaign would comply with the Trump campaigns request. We do not comment on yard sign strategy, Brand said in a statement that reiterated the endorsement by the two volunteers. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Douglas Coleman is a soybean farmer who tends 5,000 acres in 10 different counties in Virginia. On the day Fox News caught up with him, high winds meant that he had to put off fertilizing for another day. It was yet another frustration thrown to him by Mother Nature. A bigger frustration is coming from Washington and Beijing. The prospects of a looming trade war between the U.S. and China has already hurt many farmers. The Washington Post reported that earlier this month, in the hours after China floated a levy on soybeans, futures prices dropped 4 percent, or 40 cents, to $9.97 a bushel, approaching the break-even point on many farms." It may get worse. "It would put some people out of business, including maybe ourselves. We can't just keep going without nothing," Coleman said. Coleman is hardly alone. Farm state lawmakers are hearing an earful from farmers who are heavily dependent on exports. Last week, many of those lawmakers met at the White House with President Trump, warning him of the potential for widespread economic damage to rural America if a trade war erupts. "About one in five jobs are tied to trade, whether through manufacturing of agricultural machinery, or commodities, and so forth. So we really feel the brunt of that in our communities," Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Red Oak, told Fox News. In anticipation of Chinese retaliation, the Trump administration floated a proposal to soften the blow to American farmers. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters in early April that the president has, "asked the Department of Agriculture to protect our farmers and we will present a plan on the specifics of that shortly." Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Kansas Sen. Pat Roberts, R-Topeka, believes farmers don't want another subsidy, that they want access to more export markets. He conveyed that to U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, after Lighthizer told the House Ways and Means Committee that counter retaliation is a good idea in the face of China's unfair trade practices. Ambassador Lighthizer, my message to you is simple: In 2018, USTRs trade agenda must include a focus on returning the United States to reliable supplier status, and USTR must actively pursue new markets to sell our products, Roberts said. Mary Marchant of Virginia Tech's Department of Agriculture and Applied Economics told Fox a trade war will hurt both countries. "We need China. China needs us. We have a synergistic relationship. China is very important to U.S. agriculture and it is my sincere hope that this situation will be de-escalated," she said. At the White House last week, Ernst was among those who encouraged the president to consider re-engaging in the Trans Pacific Partnership. "I have long, long been pushing for TPP. I see it not just an advantage for our farmers and ranchers and getting our commodities into those Pacific nations but I also see it as a matter of national security," she said. Just days later, President Trump broached the subject of re-entering an "improved" TPP. But Trump still holds to his view that American farmers are willing to make sacrifices to get China to compete fairly. On April 12, he said farmers, "know what Im doing. They all agreed. They all said, Look, we may have to take a little bit of a hit." Nikki Haley, who has served as ambassador to the U.N. since January 27, 2017, is stepping down from her post. Trump accepted Haley's resignation on Oct. 9, Fox News confirmed. Speaking from the Oval Office with Haley, Trump said she will leave the administration at the end of the year. He called Haley a "very special" person, adding she told him six months ago she might want to take time off. Trump said together they had "solved a lot of problems." When he nominated her, Trump said Haley is a proven deal-maker who has a track record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation. Read on for a look at Haleys past leadership and other things to know. She was the first female governor of S.C. When she assumed office in 2011, Haley became the first female governor of South Carolina. The Republican was also the first minority to hold that office. She was endorsed by Mitt Romney, the 2012 Republican presidential nominee, and Jenny Sanford, then the first lady of South Carolina, when she ran. At the time, she was a state representative. As governor for 6 years, Haley touted a record low unemployment rate in the state as well as an addition of 85,000 jobs in South Carolina, according to the Greenville News. When she gave her final State of the State address, Haley remarked on South Carolinas progress with education and domestic violence reform. She was named one of Times 100 most influential people in 2016. She moved the Confederate flag As governor, Haley led the state through the tragic Charleston church massacre. In June 2015, avowed white supremacist Dylann Roof walked into a Bible study at a historically black church and fatally shot nine people. In wake of the tragedy, Haley signed a bill to move a Confederate flag moved from the state Capitol grounds, adhering to demands of many in the state who saw the flag as a symbol of hate. This flag, while an integral part of our past, does not represent the future of our great state, Haley said at the time. She was born and raised in South Carolina A native to South Carolina, Haley was born in 1972 in the town of Bamberg, about 60 miles south of Columbia, to Indian immigrant parents. She graduated from Clemson University with a degree in accounting, according to her United Nations biography. It wasnt always easy growing up in a small South Carolina town because of her familys heritage, Haley has said. Haley, then 5, and her sister were disqualified from a beauty pageant in Bamberg as the contest crowned a black winner and a white winner, The New York Times reported in 2010, adding that the judges were "flummoxed" by the pair born to "the first Indian immigrants" the town had ever seen. Her first job, according to her U.N. biography, was bookkeeping for her familys clothing store when she was just 13 years old. Haley is married to a combat veteran who served in Afghanistan and is a captain in the Army National Guard. Together, they have two teenage children. A Christian, Haley still honors her familys religion While in South Carolina, Haley said she attended a Methodist church, where her children were also baptized. But she told The New York Times in a 2010 profile that she would sometimes attend Sikh services, as she was raised with that faith. Haley told Christianity Today in 2012 that she was raised by parents who reminded us every day how blessed we were to live in this country. My mother took us to every church in my hometown because she wanted me to see the many ways that people get to God and to respect all of them, Haley said. She would say you cant have too much God in your life. She actually wanted us to be exposed so that we werent judgmental, so we didnt think it was wrong. We shouldnt have to put anyone else down in order to talk positively about what we believe, she added. She was married in two ceremonies, according to The New York Times; one ceremony was held in a Methodist church and another was a Sikh ceremony. A spokesman for Haley told CBN News that she would sometimes attend a Sikh service in respect for her family. She didnt endorse Trump in the GOP primary Haley endorsed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio in South Carolinas 2016 Republican presidential primary -- the first in the south. We have good people running for president, and I thank them today for their sacrifice and their willingness to serve, Haley said at the time. But my job was to find the person I thought who could do it the best. I wanted someone with fight. I wanted somebody with passion. I wanted somebody who has the conviction to do the right thing, Haley said. A few months later, Trump said in a tweet, The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley! Haley simply responded with the Southern saying: Bless your heart. Trump won the South Carolina primary. Haley later said she would vote for him in the general election. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The New England Aquarium in Boston officially has a new addition: four recently hatched blue penguins. Blue penguins are the smallest species of penguin in the world, according to the aquarium. They're native to Australia and New Zealand, FOX25 reports. The four newborns made their first public appearance on Tuesday, the Boston Globe reported. As of now, the chicks are too young to join the rest of colony at the aquarium, where over 90 penguins live, according to the Boston Globe. They only take about two months to be fully grown. We let the parents raise them up until that point, 28-year-old Julie Larson, a penguin biologist at the aquarium, told the newspaper. The penguins will join the colony once their fluffy down feathers are replaced with sleek waterproof feathers that work like interlocking shingles on a roof to keep water from reaching their skin, according to the Boston Globe. The chicks, which are currently unnamed, are not the only baby penguins expected at the aquarium this spring: at least two other types of penguin chicks are also slated to hatch this season, according to FOX25. SpaceX successfully launched NASAS newest exoplanet-hunting spacecraft on Wednesday which could allow scientists to better detect atmospheric signs of life. Taking off just before 7 p.m. ET from Cape Canaveral, Florida, the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carried with it the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, or Tess, that is expected to identify thousands of planets in our cosmic backyard, adding to the bounty provided over the past decade by NASA's Kepler Space Telescope. On Wednesday morning, SpaceX tweeted that all systems and weather were go for the launch. SpaceX halted Monday's countdown for extra rocket checks. The search for worlds beyond our solar system continues today with the launch of our @NASA_TESS spacecraft, tweeted NASA on Wednesday afternoon. The spacecraft is expected to peer at hundreds of thousands of bright neighboring stars, seeking planets that might support life. STUNNING SPACE DIAMONDS DISCOVERY: MYSTERIOUS METEORITE CAME FROM 'LOST PLANET' The planets discovered by Kepler are too distant and too faint for practical study. But those found by TESS should be close enough for mega telescopes in the future to detect any atmospheric signs of life. This has been a busy few weeks for SpaceX, which launched its 14th resupply mission to the International Space Station on April 2, sending a reused cargo ship packed with supplies and equipment to the orbiting lab. On March 30, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 10 next-generation satellites for Iridium Communications from California. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers Elon Musk is a great example of crowdfunding success. Not only did he raise $10 million selling flamethrowers, he may soon be the recipient of a crowdfunded couch. In an interview with CBS News last week, Musk mentioned the couch in his office at Tesla is, well, "not a good couch." "Last time I was here I actually slept, literally, on the floor because the couch is too narrow. It's terrible," he said. "As a community, we cannot let this stand," California's Ben Sullins responded Monday with a GoFundMe campaign seeking to buy Musk a couch comfy enough for dozing. More than $5,000, well above the $1,000 goal, has already been raised by 390 people as of this writing. If billionaire Musk is uninterested, Sullins says the funds will be donated to charity, per the Telegraph. If he's open to receiving the new couch, Sullins says he'll "fly up there to hand deliver and film the experience." While a few commenters on the GoFundMe campaign page swung at the idea of buying a billionaire a couch while others are homeless, many cheered Musk on. "We need you to get good rest!" said one. "Here's a little something from all of us on the internet, Elon :) We believe in you and your projects!" wrote another. This article originally appeared on Newser: 390 Donate to Buy Couch for Billionaire Musk Parents -- including perhaps even same-sex couples -- may soon be able to select their ideal embryo from several dozen potential candidates created using their cells, experts say. The possibility, which some researchers say could occur in the next 20 to 40 years, sets the stage for what ethicists warn would be a political and moral quagmire. "The majority of babies of people who have good health coverage will be conceived this way," predicts Henry Greely, a Stanford University law professor who works in bioethics. Scientists have shown that in mice, they can turn ordinary cells into sperm and eggs, and scientists are reviewing the potential for the technology to apply to humans as well. If proven viable in humans, the technique could become a powerful infertility treatment, permitting genetic parenthood for people who can't make their own sperm or eggs. WOMAN GIVES BIRTH TO BABY FROZEN AS EMBRYO FOR 24 YEARS It also would mean that a woman who wants to get pregnant could produce dozens more eggs per attempt than with the current procedure of harvesting some from her ovaries. The technology could even open the door to same-sex couples having children genetically related to both of them, though the additional twist of making eggs from men or sperm from women would be a huge biological challenge. It could also be useful for couples hoping to avoid birthing a diseased or disabled child. "No patient has ever came to me and said, 'I want a designer baby.'" NYU's Dr. James Grifo Greely, who lays out his ideas in a book called "The End of Sex and the Future of Human Reproduction," calls his vision "easy PGD," or prenatal genetic diagnosis. But the drawbacks, critics warn, could be severe. For example, some have asked, once the genetic profile is done, could it come back to haunt a child if, say, a life insurer or nursing home demanded to see it to assess disease risk? How would the large number of rejected embryos be handled ethically and politically? Lori B. Andrews, a professor at the Chicago-Kent College of Law, summed up her views in a review of Greely's book. "The idea of easy PGD," she wrote, "should make us uneasy indeed." Also worrisome is the so-called Brad Pitt scenario: We all shed a bit of sloughed-off DNA every day, like on the lip of a coffee cup. Such discarded material could be secretly snatched up to turn an unwitting celebrity into a genetic parent. Still, even some who doubt the idea's feasibility say Greely is right to raise the issue. "It's certainly something we have to take seriously and think through now," said Marcy Darnovsky, who writes on the politics of human biotechnology as executive director of the Center for Genetics and Society in Berkeley, California. "This is not just a technical or science question." Dr. Louanne Hudgins, who studies prenatal genetic screening and diagnosis at Stanford, said no national medical association has endorsed decoding all the DNA of a fetus. She believes no insurance company would pay for that now. Hudgins and other experts expressed doubt that many couples would want to use the technology to create a 'super-baby.' Only a "very small minority" seek a perfect baby, says Hudgins. In her practice, she said she often finds women pass up all screening because they figure the baby's fate is "in God's hands." Dr. James Grifo of the New York University Fertility Center also questions how popular the idea would be. "No patient has ever came to me and said, 'I want a designer baby,'" said Grifo, who's performed in vitro fertilization since 1988. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Hours after a passenger was killed in the emergency landing of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 at Philadelphia International Airport on April 17, the carriers CEO took to YouTube to offer condolences for the tragic incident. "On behalf of the Southwest family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for the family and the loved ones of our deceased customer. They are our immediate and primary concern and we will do all that we can to support them during this difficult time, Gary Kelly said. FORMER ACE NAVY PILOT IDD AS HERO WHO LANDED DAMAGED SOUTHWEST FLIGHT: REPORT This is a sad day, and on behalf of the entire Southwest family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for the family, and the loved ones of our deceased customer, he added. They are our immediate and primary concern and we will do all that we can to support them. In the minute-and-a-half clip, which has since been viewed nearly 84,000 times, the CEO also thanked the flight crew and first responders in Philadelphia while pledging Southwests "full support and cooperation" to the National Transportation Safety Board through further investigation. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES VICTIM ID'D AS 'REMARKABLE' MOTHER OF 2 Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque was killed after flight 1380s engine catastrophically exploded midair during the midday flight. Seven other passengers also suffered injuries, Fox News reports. The flight was headed from LaGuardia Airport in New York City to Dallas' Love Field; the Boeing 737-700 plane was carrying 144 passengers and five crew members. The fatality marks the first passenger death in Southwests 50-year history, MarketWatch reports. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Kelly has served in his current role as CEO of Southwest since 2004, according to Southwest. With the news of Barbara Bushs passing on Tuesday, lawmakers and officials from around the world shared fond words about the former first lady. Bush, described as a relentless proponent of family literacy, died at the age of 92, a spokesman for the family confirmed. Read on to see what others had to say about the former first lady: President Trump tweeted he and first lady Melania Trump join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush. He went on to describe her as an advocate of the American family and said she would be remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well. A tweeted statement from Vice President Mike Pence said, "Bush was a woman of unique strength and grace whose devotion to her family was an inspiration to every American." Second lady Karen Pence also tweeted, reflecting on the first time she met the former first lady in 1988. Former President Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama shared a statement on Twitter, calling Bush "the rock of a family dedicated to public service." "There was no one else quite like Barbara Bush," former Vice President Joe Biden tweeted. A statement released by former Vice President Dick Cheney read, "Barbara Bush will forever be remembered as she lived, a courageous woman who dispensed wit in equal measure with gestures of kindness." "As First Lady, she was a selfless servant to our country and a powerful advocate for literacy," the statement continued. "She championed courage and a sense of self-worth that was rivaled only by her life-long devotion to George H.W. Bush. Lynn and I were blessed to know Barbara and we join the entire nation in offering our prayers to the Bush family." Former President Bill Clinton tweeted that Bush was a remarkable woman who showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. He said he and Hillary "mourn her passing and bless her memory." Former Vice President Al Gore said Bush was "a pillar of strength for her family and was much admired in our country." "Barbara Bush was a great lady and a dear friend," John H. Sununu, former New Hampshire governor and Chief of Staff for H.W. Bush, tweeted. "Her passing is a terrible loss for the Bush family, the Sununu family and for all America." Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn said in a statement that Bush "touched the hearts of millions with her warmth, generosity, and keen wit." Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan offered his condolences to the Bush family and said May she rest in eternal peace. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a tweet said Bush "personified grace and class as First Lady and throughout her life." Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the country "joins the Bush family, their many friends, and all the country in their grief, and in prayer." "Tonight is a sad night for America," House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi tweeted. "First Lady Barbara Bush will be remembered for the dignity, civility & spirit she brought to every thing she did." Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., in a tweet about Bush said she'll "miss her wit and candor." "One of the greatest First Ladies in the history of our nation has gone to her Heavenly reward," South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham tweeted. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott in a statement asked "that all Texans join us in keeping" the Bush family "in their thoughts and prayers as they mourn the passing of a devoted wife, mother, and public servant." Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in a statement said Bush's "life is a shining example of how strong women can serve their country & help improve the lives of all Americans." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., in a statement said, "Barbara remains an example to all of us of kindness and patriotism, and will fondly be remembered for her courage, grit and intense loyalty to those she loved and cared for." Utah Senate candidate and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney said Bush was the great First Lady of our times and he and his wife will profoundly miss her friendship, her compassion, & the twinkle of her eye. Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright tweeted that Bush was a woman of incredible determination, wit, and compassion who embodied Americas best values. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted that Bush leaves behind a legacy of dignity, grace, service and devotion to family. "From her scrappy demeanor and no-frills style to her boundless passion for family literacy and freedom, Barbara Bush was America at its best," former Speaker of the House John Boehner tweeted. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy tweeted, "We mourn the passing of Barbara Bush, who believed that the world would be a better place if more people could read, write and comprehend." The daughters of former President Nixon shared a statement via the Nixon Foundation on the bond between their mother and Bush, "who shared a special commitment in how they embraced the role of First Lady." James A. Baker, III, former Secretary of State and White House Chief of Staff, shared a statement via the Baker Institute saying, "As only one of two women in American history who can be called First Lady and First Mother, she was matriarch of a family that remains as dedicated to public service as it was to politics." "Barbara Bush's memory lives on through the love of her family," Republican National Committee Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel said in a statement. "We at the RNC are praying for peace and blessing for the entire Bush family." Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez in a statement said, "With the passing of Barbara Bush, America has lost a tireless public servant. From championing literacy to promoting awareness and distigmatization of AIDS, the former first lady put the values of inclusion and equality into action, and there's no doubt that the world is a better place because of her invaluable service. "With grace and compassion, Mrs. Bush brought her sense of humor and steady moral compass to the White House," he continued. "She never ceased in her work to strengthen our nation." The Philadelphia Police Department released audio recordings Tuesday of the call placed by a Starbucks employee last week claiming two black men wouldnt leave the store, ultimately leading to their arrests. The controversial arrests sparked outrage and protests in the city earlier this week. The call to police was brief and a woman could be heard telling dispatch that there were two gentlemen in my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave. The caller said she was at Starbucks and provided the address before being told that police would be sent there as soon as possible. A series of other communications seemingly between dispatch and responding officers followed the initial recording. At one point, someone referred to the situation as a disturbance. OFFICERS IN STARBUCKS INCIDENT DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG, PHILADELPHIA POLICE CHIEF SAYS Video of the arrests was shared on social media and shows several officers on scene while the individuals were handcuffed and escorted from the establishment. A man, who said he was meeting the two other men there, can be heard asking why they were being arrested and what they did wrong. That person called the incident ridiculous. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross on Saturday defended the actions of his officers who he maintained did absolutely nothing wrong. In a Facebook video he posted, Ross said the department received a call that the men were trespassing. After officers arrived, he said an employee told them that the men came into the cafe and wanted to use the bathroom but were not allowed to do so because they hadnt bought anything, which Ross said is against company policy. He said the men were asked to leave three times but refused. They were arrested before ultimately being released by authorities, he said. STARBUCKS ISSUES APOLOGY OVER ARREST OF TWO MEN Starbucks apologized on Saturday for the incident. In a statement, the companys CEO Kevin Johnson said that he wanted to personally apologize to the men, adding that the company stands firmly against discrimination or racial profiling. The Associated Press confirmed with Starbucks that Johnson and the two men met on Monday but no details were provided. The outlet also confirmed with the company that the employee who placed the call to authorities no longer works at that location. The chain announced Tuesday that more than 8,000 of its U.S. stores will close for several hours on May 29 to hold racial-bias training. Fox News Travis Fedschun, Paulina Dedaj and The Associated Press contributed to this report. San Diego County voted Tuesday to become the latest in a string of local governments throughout California backing the Trump administration lawsuit against the state over its sanctuary city laws. After hearing from residents, the all-Republican San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to support a lawsuit by the federal government over laws it says limit police cooperation with federal immigration agents. One member was absent during Tuesdays vote. As the second largest county in California, San Diego a region of 3 million residents that borders Mexico is the largest county to back the lawsuit. Supervisor Greg Cox, who cast the only dissenting vote, said in a statement afterward that the boards vote is a largely symbolic move that will create fear and divisiveness in our region, waste taxpayer funds and create distrust of law enforcement and local government within many communities. The vote followed a similar one Monday when the city of Los Alamitos voted 4-1 to approve an ordinance seeking to exempt the city from the so-called sanctuary law on the grounds that it was unconstitutional. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION LAWSUIT AGAINST CALIFORNIA SANCTUARY LAWS BACKED BY THESE CITIES, COUNTIES A string of local governments throughout the state of California has backed the Trump administrations decision to sue last month, arguing that the federal government, not the state, has authority over immigration policy. San Diego now joins Orange County, the states third-most-populous county, in rejecting a state law that shields criminal illegal immigrants from deportation. The San Diego vote brings to 10 the number of governmental entities that voted against the state law that declared California, and by statute all law enforcement in it would not communicate with federal agents when it came to all but the most violent or repeat, convicted criminal illegal immigrants. California Gov. Jerry Brown said Tuesday that Washingtons tough stance against immigrants in the country illegally is just an inflammatory football that very low-life politicians like to exploit. If President Donald Trump wants to round them up like some totalitarian government and ship them out, say that, Brown said. But he doesnt say that because the American people would repudiate him and his party. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A woman who died Tuesday after an engine on a Southwest Airlines flight apparently exploded mid-flight has been identified and described as a "remarkable" woman. Jennifer Riordan, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was a mother of two and a Wells Fargo bank executive. She was taken to a Pennsylvania hospital in critical condition after Flight 1380 made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport around 11:20 a.m. Witnesses told WCAU that a woman was "partially sucked out" of an airplane window and shrapnel from the exploded engine smashed it, but it remains unclear whether Riordan was that passenger. Riordan worked as a vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo, and was a graduate of the University of New Mexico. Her death was confirmed by her family Tuesday. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PLANE'S ENGINE EXPLODES; 1 PASSENGER DEAD "Jennifer's vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured," the statement, published by WFAA-TV, read. She was further described as "the bedrock of our family." A close friend of Riordan told KOB that the mother of two, who was married to Michael Riordan, who served until recently as the chief operating officer for the city of Albuquerque, "never forgot the [New Mexico Broadcasters Association] and supported the foundation however she could." The friend added that "Jennifer was a remarkable mother and part of the NMBA family." The Mayor of Albuequerque, Tim Keller, said in a statement that Riordan was a "thoughtful leader who has long been a part of the fabric of our community." "We are asking that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this time. This is a tremendous and tragic loss for Jennifers family and many others throughout our city. Her leadership and philanthropic efforts made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed," the mayor said. "We are holding Jennifer and her family in our thoughts and prayers. Riordan's death was the first passenger fatality on a U.S. airline since 2009, and the first-ever for Southwest Airlines, according to company CEO Gary Kelly. Meantime, the Southwest Airlines pilot who called for emergency services to be prepared on scene upon the plane's landing is being hailed as a "hero" for successfully landing the plane without more passengers being injured. "Pilot Tammie Jo Shults and her crew are heroes," wrote Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Schults and the five crewmembers aboard the 144-passenger flight "managed to land @SouthwestAir #Flight1380 (bound for Dallas) and prevent further casualties," Paxton said. Schults, according to her alma mater MidAmerica Nazarene University, was one of the first female fighter pilots for the U.S. Navy. CEO Kelly said Tuesday that Schults and the flight crew "handled the situation magnificently" and "did their jobs superbly." While he didn't identify any of the five crewmembers, Kelly said the captain was "very experienced" and started at the airline in 1994. The Boeing 737 was flying from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas' Love Field Tuesday when it made the emergency landing on the runway of Philadelphia International Airport. The emergency landing came after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, the fuselage and at least one window, the Federal Aviation Administration said. Joe Marcus, a passenger on Flight 1380, told Fox News' Martha MacCallum on "The Story" Tuesday night that as the incident unfolded, he heard a "big boom," and when he looked to his left, saw the engine was "totally black." Marcus, largely calm in the situation, said that although it "felt like we were just falling from the sky," he "tried to stay positive" as others on the plane panicked. The passenger said he was trying to purchase WiFi on the airplane to contact loved ones, as so many others on the plane were trying to do in what they believed could've been their last moments, but noted that as soon as he saw the runway, he knew they were in the clear. "When [the plane] hit the ground, I felt like I hit the lottery," Marcus said. Marcus reiterated CEO Kelly's remarks about the flight crew, detailing that the flight attendants were helpful in the chaotic situation, and that it was "unbelievable how [Pilot Schults] turned it around." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Seven students at a Maryland elementary school cut their wrists using blades in pencil sharpeners a day after a parent said their daughter attempted suicide in the same building but parents were only notified nearly three weeks later. Prince Georges County Public Schools officials said Tuesday the seven students at William Paca Elementary School in Hyattsville had cut their wrists on March 29, FOX5DC reported. A concerned parent came forward about the incident and officials launched an investigation. Just before spring break, parents at the school received a notice that handheld pencil sharpeners, with the detachable blades, were banned. On Tuesday, parents found out about the cutting incident in a letter after officials completed their investigation. A letter was sent to all parents informing them of the incidents, guidance lessons being taught in school, and counseling resources available if parents or students have concerns, the school said in a statement to FOX5. Officials did not reveal details on why the students had intentionally cut themselves, but parents of a fourth grader told FOX5 their daughter had attempted suicide in the same elementary school the day before the cutting incident. The parents said their daughter, who was repeatedly bullied at the school, attempted to hang herself with an apron in the schools bathroom. I thought it was more than an incident. When a child is trying to take their life because other students are picking on them, I think that is an emergency, William Vannall, the girls father, told FOX5. I think some paramedics should have been there to make sure she didnt mess her neck up or anything like that. I just thought more should have been done. Vannall said the school mishandled his daughters attempted suicide and officials should have informed parents about the bullying. The minute they came back from spring break, a letter should have been typed up and letting all parents know that bullying wont be tolerated, he said. We just had a child almost kill themselves in a bathroom and nothing was sent out. John White, spokesman for Prince Georges County Public Schools, said in a statement school security was called in the girls incident. The school also has a full-time mental health counselor to support students. As a preventative step, counselors are providing guidance lessons to all students on a range of topics related to the recent incidents at William Paca ES, the statement read. The 28-year-old beauty queen wife of notorious Mexican cartel kingpin Joaquin El Chapo Guzman expressed concerns Tuesday about the drug lord's health while he's holed up in solitary confinement. Emma Coronel, mother to Guzmans twin girls, said she hasnt been allowed to communicate with him since he was turned over to U.S. custody in 2017. "My worry is his health because I know that he is in bad shape psychologically," Coronel said after a pretrial hearing in federal court in Brooklyn. "He feels bad from what lawyers are telling me. It worries me. How is he going to start the trial if he's not in good health?" Coronel hasnt seen him in 15 months and only their children and the lawyer can see him, she said. Guzman, 61, has complained about the conditions of his Manhattan jail where hes being held in solitary confinement. He was seen smiling and waving to Coronel as he was led into court. Guzman needs to live in the so-called harsh conditions because of his history of escaping prisons in Mexico, U.S. prosecutors said. Hes also known for running his drug empire from behind bars, prosecutors said. The accused leader of the Sinaloa Cartel has pleaded not guilty to charges his gang laundered billions of dollars and oversaw a campaign of murders and kidnappings. He faces life in prison if hes convicted. His trial starts in September. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A body recovered from the Pacific Ocean earlier this month was one of three missing Hart children, officials in California confirmed Tuesday. DNA analysis confirmed the body found April 7 was that of Ciera Hart, 12, who had been riding in an SUV with other family members when it plunged off the Pacific Coast Highway in Mendocino County on March 26, the county coroners office said. Officials had previously spelled the girls first name as Sierra. Two other Hart children Devonte, 15, and Hannah, 16 -- remain unaccounted for. The bodies of driver Jennifer Hart and her wife Sarah Hart, both 38, and three of their six adopted children were found March 26, after their vehicle plunged about 100 feet onto a rocky shoreline from the highway above. The three children were identified as Markis, 19; Jeremiah, 14; and Abigail, 14. Two other Hart children Devonte, 15, and Hannah, 16 -- remain unaccounted for. Investigators have determined that Jennifer Hart was driving drunk and they suspect the crash was intentional. In addition, toxicology tests revealed that Sarah Hart and two of the three children found March 26 had diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, in their systems, the Press Democrat of Santa Rosa, Calif., reported. The drug is known to cause drowsiness. Authorities are still trying to determine a motive for the crash. The family most recently lived in Washington state, just north of Portland, Ore. The crash happened just days after authorities in Washington opened an investigation amid allegations the children were being neglected. The children were all adopted from the Houston area, and news of their deaths has set off debate about the need for possible reforms in the foster system in Texas. On Monday, the Coalition for the Preservation of the Black Family and their supporters held a demonstration outside the Harris County Family Center, arguing that the Texas foster system unnecessarily and unfairly separates black family members, the Houston Chronicle reported. Among the group was Nathaniel Davis, who had been the childrens stepfather. "Im going to be honest, why did they let her take these kids out of the state of Texas?" Davis asked, according to the newspaper. "It wasn't right. They shouldnt have taken the kids away from us like they did. State officials have refused to comment on the case of the Hart children, citing policies on client confidentiality, the newspaper reported. The Associated Press contributed to this story. A California couple tortured and killed a Vietnam War veteran before burning his body earlier this month -- all while their children watched, police said Monday. Kenneth Coyle, 70, a Vietnam War veteran and retired contractor for the Naval Air Station in Lemoore, met Stacie Mendoza, a waitress, at a restaurant in Hanford. The two became friends and Mendoza was able to retrieve access to Coyles financial information, Police Captain Karl Anderson of the Hanford Police Department said. "And we think she [Mendoza] manipulated that relationship to gain his [Coyle] trust and defraud him of money," Anderson said. Stacie Mendoza and her husband, Jose, went to Coyles house on April 5 where they beat, suffocated and killed the veteran. Police believe the couple went to Coyles house as way to retrieve more financial information from him. CALIFORNIA REJECTS PROPOSED BORDER DUTIES FOR TROOPS, US SAYS Coyle is believed to have died from blunt force trauma and suffocation. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed on Coyles body this week, ABC 13 reported. The couple -- with their children along for the ride -- took Coyles body to rural Madera County where they burned the veterans remains, police said. "We know the children were taken to when the body was burned and watched the body burn," Anderson said. The couple attempted to go to Coyles house last week to take more of his personal items but were stopped by the property manager, the station reported. The manager called police after becoming suspicious of the couple. "[Property management employees] were pivotal, without a doubt," Anderson said. "Good people recognizing when something's not right and taking the time to contact law enforcement..." CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR BLAMES LOW LIFE POLITICIANS AS SANCTUARY LAW BACKLASH BUILDS Police arrested the pair after tracking them through their cell phone. The couple was at a Dennys restaurant near the Los Angeles International Airport. Jose Mendoza had Coyles credit card as well as a ticket to El Salvador, his native country. The couples children are in Child Protective Services. The Mendozas were charged with first-degree murder and were being held without bail. A North Carolina city official sparked a furor earlier this week when she promoted a conspiracy theory about the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. On Monday, LaWana Mayfield, a Democrat Charlotte City Council member, shared an article on her Facebook page titled Its Official: European Scientific Journal Concludes 9/11 Was A Controlled Demolition." I am still waiting for someone to produce pieces of the planes that opened the doors for US Citizens to lose all privacy rights (from the conspiracy theorist in me), she wrote above the link. The post, which has been shared more than 100 times, sparked a nationwide backlash -- and a petition for her to resign from public office. Heres a little Freedom of Speech for you, commented Pepe Panuccio of New York, who identified himself as a former New York City police officer. I am an eye witness to this event. I was there. Anytime you feel like debating the finer points, I challenge you to refute any eyewitness testimony. Garbage like this is an insult to all those that died that day, as well as the thousands who have become sick since then. Shame on you and shame on the people that elect irresponsible public officials. On Tuesday, Mayfield edited the comments, but didnt delete the post or apologize for her remark. So if I delete this all the comments will also be deleted, she wrote. This was NOT shared to cause controversy yet it has. Freedom of speech allows you to share your thoughts and many have done that below. Mayfield told WFAE that she posted the link to make a point. She said she doesnt believe 9/11 was a hoax but that there are still many questions that need to be answered. I believe this nation chose to take a horrific act and use it to not only create a way through government to spy on the American people, but also to privatize a lot of the work that is happening on the ground, she said, adding she does not plan on taking the post down. A petition on Change.org is demanding Mayfields resignation. By giving her imprimatur to this conspiracy theory, Mayfield has brought shame and disgrace upon herself, her district, her city and her state, the petition reads. It is simply not acceptable for an elected official to use his or her platform to promote such claptrap. Mayfield needs to spare herself, the people of Charlotte and the people of North Carolina further embarrassment by resigning. Members of the city council told WFAE they disagree with Mayfields Facebook post. Thats not the way Id choose to provoke people to think about privacy, but LaWana is always provocative and makes no bones about it, council member Larken Egleston said. City officials have not publicly called for her resignation or apology. This is not the first time Mayfields social media posts have caused controversy. Last month, she sent a tweet that suggested a candidate for public office had posted photos of his genitals on the gay dating app, Grindr. Question for You all. When candidates and those that are extremely judgmental have a @Grinder page with pictures of their private parts should that be fair game? BTW #grindr is a same-sex site #knowwhoyoumaybevoting4. In October, Mayfield also sent out a tweet comparing President Trump to Adolf Hitler. For All who read about Hitler you are Now living how he reigned in #45, she wrote in the tweet, which has not been deleted. An hour later she sent another tweet again referring to Trump as #45 and calling him a Disgrace to the Nation. She later apologized for the tweets, but did not back down from the sentiments conveyed, FOX46 Charlotte reported. "While my words chosen have offended some, my intent was to bring attention to the continued crisis that we face each day while this president is leading us," she said. "My post angered some and I stay in a state of anger every day I watch the news, and this like many posts was shared to shine a light on hypocrisy and the discourse rising in our Nation." Every Supreme Court decision is important to the parties involved, but only a handful have so much impact, and such a powerful story, that someone makes a movie about it. And one such case is Kelo v. City of New London, on which "Little Pink House" a dramatic recreation of the story behind the ruling is based. "Kelo" caused widespread outrage when it was handed down in 2005, and as a cautionary tale about people being kicked out of their houses, it resonates to this day. The case is about eminent domainthe governments power to take private property for public use. But as Fox News legal analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano explains, while eminent domain was once used "for roads, highways, public parks and things of that nature," the "Kelo" case represented "a radical expansion of the public use requirement." After "Kelo," politicians could take away land from one citizen and give it to another simply because the government believed the second would pay more taxes. As Justice Sandra Day OConnor put it in her dissent, "The specter of condemnation hangs over all property. Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing a Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory. "The specter of condemnation hangs over all property. Nothing is to prevent the State from replacing a Motel 6 with a Ritz-Carlton, any home with a shopping mall, or any farm with a factory. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor Filmmaker Courtney Balaker read about the struggles of Susette Kelo and felt her story had to be told. Courtney and her husband and producing partner, Ted, met with Kelo to get her support and to hear what happened directly from the source. As Balaker told Fox News, Susette Kelo "wanted to start a new phase of her life. Shed just raised five boys, they were all grown, she was leaving a bad marriage. All she wanted to do was live the rest of her life in peace." "She found a little dilapidated cottage on the Thames River in New London," Balaker explained. "She fixed it up with her bare hands, painted it pink, and looked forward to coming home every day and just looking out at the water." Unfortunately for Kelo and her neighbors, the town wanted to build things like high-end condos and parking structures for the benefit of Pfizer, a drug company on the other side of the river. Pfizer had just invented Viagra and was looking to expand its facility. So the government wanted Susette Kelo and her neighbors many of whom were elderly and had never lived anywhere else to make way. And the city wouldnt take no for an answer. Kelo decided to fight city hall, all the way to the Supreme Court. It took years for her case to reach the highest court. Kelo lost 5-4. And yet, Balaker reminds us, though the city kicked these people out of their homes, "nothing was ever built to this day, its an empty lot." "Little Pink House" has already played at numerous festivals and won several awards. "What really surprised me," said Balaker, is that "in almost every festival we played, one person would stand up and say 'This happened to me' or 'I know someone this happened to.' Its way more common than I think a lot of people know." Though Kelo lost her case, in some ways, shes winning the war. Balaker explained "her neighborhood was bulldozed [but] it was such an outrageous decision....that several states changed their eminent domain laws so that this type of abuse couldnt happen again." Yet, as Judge Napolitano notes, even with these new laws, the government is still a force to be reckoned with. As he put it, "eminent domain is still used by municipalities to flip the property to private developers they just have to come up with a rationale other than the 'Kelo' rationale.'" One surprise in the story is which Supreme Court justices joined in the decision. As Balaker noted, "a lot of people I talk to assume that the justices against Susette were the conservatives, and they werent it was the liberal justices who were against Susette. That really shocks people. Some were so angry at the decision that the town of Weare, New Hampshire came close to evicting Kelo supporter Justice David Souter from his farmhouse and replacing it with an inn. The Kelo majority was made up of the four-person liberal bloc on the court, along with swing vote Justice Anthony Kennedy. Which is why some hope, with Kennedy hinting he may soon retire, that his replacement would be a fifth vote to overturn "Kelo." Judge Napolitano said that's a serious possibility, "if President Trump replaces Justice Kennedy with someone who thinks the way Justice GorsuchTrumps first pick to the court--does, [a new eminent domain case] would clearly have a different outcome. Justice Gorsuch is a fierce defender of property rights." "[If] President Trump replaces Justice Kennedy with someone who thinks the way Justice GorsuchTrumps first pick to the court--does, [a new eminent domain case] would clearly have a different outcome. Justice Gorsuch is a fierce defender of property rights." Judge Andrew Napolitano Trump himself, as a real estate developer, supported Kelo and spoke about it on the campaign trail. Balaker, who was shooting her film at the time, called it a surreal experience to suddenly have a leading presidential candidate turn eminent domain into a campaign issue. Little Pink House, starring Oscar nominee Catherine Keener, opens this weekend at selected theaters. Its meant to entertain, but Balaker hopes it can also draw attention to the battle fought in Kelo and still being fought today. The films website, LittlePinkHouseMovie.com, not only tells about the film, but also explains how people can take action. Balaker believes this is an issue almost everyone can agree on. To her, this isnt liberals versus conservatives, its outsiders versus insiders. Susette and her neighbors were the outsiders. They didnt have power, they were the little guys. Politicians say we stand for the little guy but oftentimes they dont. In this case, they certainly didnt. And while the movie may be coming soon to a theater near you, the problem of eminent domain abuse may already be there. Ultimately, said Balaker, theres a little pink house in every state. Fox News Channel's Kristine Kotta contributed reporting to this story. The Southwest Airlines pilot who made an emergency landing Tuesday after the jet blew an engine and lost a window at 32,000 feet was one of the first female pilots to fly with the U.S. Navy, The New York Post reported. Tammie Jo Shults, 56, was calm as she navigated the damaged Dallas-bound jet, Flight 1380, to an emergency landing in Philadelphia, the report said. The twin-engine Boeing 737 that left New Yorks LaGuardia Airport had 143 customers and five crew on board. One passenger died after she was reportedly hit with shrapnel from the explosion. Jennifer Riordan, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was identified as the woman who died. Riordan was the mother of two and a Wells Fargo bank executive. Witnesses told WCAU that a woman was "partially sucked out" of an airplane window and shrapnel from the exploded engine smashed it, but it remains unclear whether Riordan was that passenger. Seven others were injured. We have a part of the aircraft missing, so were going to need to slow down a bit, Shults told air traffic controllers from the cockpit, Reuters reported. Shults took the plane into a rapid descent as passengers employed oxygen masks and braced for impact. The veteran pilot managed to safely land the plane at Philadelphia International at 11:30 a.m. One passenger cited by The Kansas City Star, lauded Shults nerves of steel. Shults, a Christian, once said in an interview that sitting in the captain's chair gave her "the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight." Tammie Jo Schults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally, wrote another passenger, cited by the paper. This is a true American Hero. A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. God bless her and all the crew. Shults was one of the first female fighter pilots in U.S. military history, according to friends from her alma mater, MidAmerican Nazarene. She was a pilot and instructor with the Navy before joining Southwest Airlines in 1993, KUSI reported. In a written statement, Southwest Airlines said it was devastated over Tuesdays event. The company did not explicitly mention Shults. The Associated Press contributed to this report Welcome to Fox News First. Not signed up yet? Click here. Developing now, Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Former first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at age 92; dignitaries across the nation and around the world are remembering her grace, dignity and devotion to her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, and her family CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un over Easter weekend to discuss the upcoming meeting between North Korean dictator and President Trump, Fox News has confirmed Investigators are working to find out what caused an engine on a Southwest Airlines jet to blow in midair, setting off a deadly accident that left one woman dead and seven passengers injured ICE arrests 225 illegal immigrants, many with criminal records, in raids across New York state THE LEAD STORY - REMEMBERING BARBARA BUSH: Former first lady Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at age 92, is being remembered for her strong presence, grace, dignity and unwavering devotion to her husband, former President George H.W. Bush, and their family ... Bush died days after her family announced she was in failing health and would decline further medical treatment in favor of "comfort care." Her funeral will take place Saturday at St. Martin's Episcopal Church in Houston, which she and her husband regularly attended. She will be laid to rest on grounds of the Bush library at Texas A&M University in College Station. With her cloud of snow-white hair, signature three strand pearls and compelling presence, Barbara Bush's image was what she laughingly called "everybody's grandmother." But she was also feisty, outspoken, a tireless advocate for literacy and both wife and mother of a U.S. president. George H.W. Bush was brokenhearted over the loss of his beloved Barbara and was said to have held her hand all day. He was at her side when she passed away, his chief of staff said. PREPARATIONS FOR TRUMP-KIM SUMMIT: CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un over Easter weekend in an effort to lay the groundwork for a summit between Kim and President Trump, Fox News has confirmed ... Pompeo's trip, which was first reported by the Washington Post, came to light hours after Trump told reporters that the U.S. and North Korea are holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for what would be an extraordinary meeting following months of heated rhetoric over Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program. The White House and CIA declined to comment to Fox News about Pompeo's visit. PERIL AT 32,000 FEET: Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have begun their probe into what caused an engine on a Southwest Airlines jet to blow at 32,000 feet, killing one passenger and injuring seven ... The faulty engine sent shrapnel flying into the plane window, setting off a desperate scramble by passengers to save a woman from being sucked out a broken plane window. Passengers managed to pull the woman back into the plane, but she was gravely injured and later died. The plane, a twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. An engine cowling belonging to the Southwest Airlines jet has been found in Bernville, Pa., about 70 miles west of Philadelphia, the NTSB said late Tuesday. A preliminary investigation reportedly showed signs that one of the engines fan blades had separated and induced metal fatigue, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said. A full investigation could take 12 to 15 months, officials said. ICE RAIDS TARGET CRIMINAL ALIENS: Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have arrested 225 illegal immigrants in New York State as part of a six-day operation called Operation Keep Safe" ... The detainees, from numerous countries, were taken into custody in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, according to a news release published Tuesday. New York has long been considered a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants as local politicians created initiatives that hinder the cooperation with federal authorities. ICE officials said that more than 180 of those detained in "Operation Keep Safe" were convicted criminals or had criminal charges pending and more than 80 of them had been issued a final order of removal and failed to leave the U.S. voluntarily -- or had been previously removed from the U.S., but illegally returned. AS SEEN ON FOX NEWS GROWING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SUSPECTED CHEMICAL ATTACK IN SYRIA: "Ten guys with machine guns are much more lethal than this attack was." Sen. Rand Paul, on "America's Newsroom," saying he is skeptical over whether President Bashar al-Assad was responsible for a suspected recent chemical attack on his own people, arguing that either Assad did not carry out the attack, or he "is the dumbest dictator on the planet Earth." WATCH 'FEIGNING MORAL OUTRAGE': "They are frauds, they are partisan hacks, and nothing more than an extension of the Democratic Party." Sean Hannity, in his monologue on "Hannity," firing back at mainstream media personalities attacking him after his name came up in a court proceeding involving President Donald Trump's personal attorney, Michael Cohen. WATCH THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION Nikki Haley responds after Larry Kudlow claims she was 'confused' about new Russia sanctions. Trump says he doesn't like Trans-Pacific Partnership for U.S. | Trump tweets support for jailed pastor EPA defends Pruitt amid report he used four government email accounts. SCANDALS Who is Kimba Wood? Judge on Michael Cohen case officiated Soros wedding, was Clinton failed attorney general pick. Michael Cohen case: What comes next? Rep. Meadows: Documents show 'concerning level of coordination' between FBI, DOJ in Clinton email probe. ACROSS THE NATION Philadelphia Starbucks employee's phone call to police released. Body in Pacific was Hart child, 12, authorities confirm. Sandy Hook families file suit against Infowars' Alex Jones. MINDING YOUR BUSINESS Taxpayers get one-day reprieve after IRS site crashes. 8,000 Starbucks stores to close May 29 for racial bias training. Toys R Us rejects bid from billionaire Isaac Larian: report. FOX NEWS OPINION John Stossel: The great American tax rip-off. Harry Kazianis: U.S.-Japan summit underway with Trump and Abe showcases special relationship Todd Starnes: It's time to make a shocking confession about Chick-fil-A. HOLLYWOOD SQUARED Jurors hear from lurid 2005 Cosby deposition in sex assault retrial. 'Roseanne' recap: David returns along with Beverly for a very serious episode. Jordan Peele teams up with BuzzFeed for expletive-laden Obama fake news video. DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THIS? Texas teen takes mom to prom, goes viral. What the heck are these 520-million-year-old blobs? Hundreds of 30-foot sharks swimming in massive swarms baffle scientists. STAY TUNED On Fox News: Fox & Friends, 6 a.m. ET: The Rev. Franklin Graham on former first lady Barbara Bush's faith. Is San Antonio Spurs Gregg Popovich forcing pro-Trump fans to choose between their team and the president? "Fox & Friends" takes a closer look; Rep. Ron DeSantis on his quest to have Obama-era officials held accountable for lingering scandals. Tucker Carlson Tonight, 8 p.m. ET: In the next installment of his special series on colleges in America, Tucker takes a look at affirmative action. On Fox Business: Mornings with Maria, 6 a.m. ET: Guests include: Former President George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush; Ross Perot Jr.; Robert Kaplan, president and CEO of Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas; Kevin Johnson, Starbucks CEO; Ken Paxton, Texas attorney general; Ed Lazear, former chief economic adviser for President George W. Bush. Varney & Co., 9 a.m. ET: Rep. Dave Brat; Sara Fischer. Axios media reporter; Rick Smith, Axon CEO; Troy Edgar. Los Alamitos, Calif., mayor. Cavuto: Coast to Coast, Noon ET: Rep. Thomas Massie On Fox News Radio: The Fox News Rundown podcast: Dana Perino reflects on the life and legacy of Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at age 92. U.S. relations with Russia are even more strained after the airstrikes in Syria last week. Bill Courtney, former ambassador to Georgia and Jonathan Wachtel, former spokesman for U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, discuss the history behind today's tension. Plus, commentary from Brian Kilmeade. Want the Fox News Rundown sent straight to your mobile device? Subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Google Play, and Stitcher. The Brian Kilmeade Show, 9 a.m. ET: A tribute to Barbara Bush with the following guests: Maria Bartiromo; Dana Perino; John Sununu Sr.; Jane Hampton Cook; plus, Washington Times columnist Charlie Hurt on CIA Director Mike Pompeo meeting with Kim Jong Un. The Tom Shillue Show, 3 p.m. ET: Tom will have the latest reaction to CIA Director Mike Pompeo's secret meeting with Kim Jong Un with Marie Harf. #OnThisDay 1938: Superman makes his debut as the first issue of Action Comics goes on sale. 1923: The first game is played at the original Yankee Stadium in New York; the Yankees defeat the Boston Red Sox 4-1. (The Yanks previously shared the Polo Grounds with the New York Giants, 1913-22.) 1775: 'The British are coming' - Paul Revere begins his famous ride from Charlestown to Lexington, Mass., warning colonists that British Regular troops were approaching. Fox News First is compiled by Fox News' Bryan Robinson. Thank you for joining us! Enjoy your day! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday morning. A Georgia deputy was injured Tuesday night after being stabbed in a sheriffs office restroom by a man who authorities say became hostile before eventually being fatally shot by another deputy. The unidentified man came to the Douglas County Sheriffs Office around 10:30 p.m. looking for some help, and deputies let him inside the building and gave him water, investigators told FOX5 Atlanta. The man was allowed to use the restroom in the lobby and then called 911, claiming to dispatchers that he had been poisoned, the station reported. When officers went to check on him, police said, he became combative. The man and deputies skirmished and police used a stun gun on the man, but to no avail, FOX 5 reported. Investigators told the station the man then pulled out a knife and stabbed one of the deputies and thats when a deputy opened fire, striking the man. The condition of the wounded deputy wasnt immediately available. But the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, FOX5 Atlanta reported. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has launched an investigation into the case. Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have arrested 225 illegal immigrants in New York state as part of a six-day operation Operation Keep Safe. The detainees, from numerous countries, were taken into custody in New York City, Long Island and the Hudson Valley, according to a news release published Tuesday. New York has long been considered a sanctuary state for illegal immigrants as local politicians created initiatives that hinder the cooperation with federal authorities. Oleg Chernyavsky, a top New York City police official, said in February that more than 1,500 requests from ICE to detain illegal immigrants for up to 48 hours were ignored last year. ICE officials said that more than 180 of those detained were convicted criminals or had criminal charges pending and more than 80 of them had been issued a final order of removal and failed to leave the U.S. voluntarily -- or had been previously removed from the U.S., but illegally returned. Several detainees had prior felony convictions for serious or violent offenses, including child sex crimes, weapons charges and assault, or had past convictions for significant or multiple misdemeanors. Some of the arrested will now face federal criminal prosecution for illegal entry into the U.S. or illegal re-entry after their initial deportation. Others will be processed administratively for removal from the country. Those who already have outstanding orders of deportation will be immediately deported to their home country. Federal immigration officials celebrated the deportation operation, but criticized local politicians for creating sanctuary city policies that hinder the effectiveness of immigration control and allow dangerous illegal immigrants prey on the people in their communities. "ICE continues to face significant obstacles with policies created by local officials which hinder cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement. Yet, with the tireless efforts of the men and women of ICE, this operation was a great success," said Thomas R. Decker, field office director for ERO New York. He added: "The fact is that a so-called sanctuary city does not only provide refuge to those who are here against immigration law, but also provides protections for criminal aliens who prey on the people in their own communities by committing crimes at all levels. An Uber driver charged with raping a passenger earlier this month was able to walk free because officials failed to notify immigration agents about his arrest, authorities said. Frederick Amfo, 30, an illegal immigrant from Ghana, was arrested after a female passenger said that on April 8 he forced her into the backseat of his car and raped her, police said. Hours after he was released from police custody, he fled to his native Ghana. He was supposed to surrender his passport but did not. A loss for words, Emily Murray, the victim who insisted on being identified by the press, told Boston 25. I was angry, Im still angry. Im confused. A spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Boston 25 that a federal immigration detainer should have been placed on Amfo. Weymouth police claimed it forwarded the detainer to Quincy District Court. The court chose not to forward the detainer to Norfolk County, allowing for his subsequent release on bail from custody, the agency said in a statement. This case highlights the potential dangers of policies that prohibit cooperation with ICE. The court told the Patriot Ledger that there was no record of an immigration detainer at the time of his arraignment. A ruling last year made Massachusetts a sanctuary state meaning illegal immigrants accused of a crime cannot be transferred to immigration officials. Murray claims on April 8 she was trying to get home when Amfo allegedly locked the doors to his vehicle and sexually assaulted her in the backseat. Within minutes, I was in a situation I couldnt control and I was assaulted, she said. Police said DNA collected from a rape kit and Amfos car led to his arrest days later. Amfo was charged with sexual assault. On Friday, a Quincy District Court set bail at $10,000 and he was given a stay away order. Court records show that Amfo was also given 24 hours to surrender his passport if he made bail. But he made bail later that afternoon without surrendering his passport. Three days later, Murray was told that Amfo had fled to Ghana. If I went to Ghana and I committed a crime, I wouldnt expect to be able to hop on plane and say sorry about that, heres some money, she said Tuesday. I would expect to answer for it. Accountability. And there had been just zero. She told the Boston Herald that Amfo is a coward. He proclaims his innocence and then just leaves? she said. I feel hurt. People get blamed for not coming forward and then get victimized more when they do. She said she doesnt believe she will ever get justice. But I hope this shines a light and it wont happen in the future, she said, because of me coming forward and me releasing my name and putting a face behind this whole situation. A jury in New York found Manhattan nanny Yoselyn Ortega guilty Wednesday of killing two children in 2012. Ortega was accused of killing 6-year-old Lulu Krim and her 2-year-old brother, Leo, on Oct. 25, 2012. The childrens mother, Marina Krim, said she found them dead in the bathroom of the apartment. The little girl was stabbed more than 30 times, while her brother was stabbed five times. Ortega also plunged a knife into her own neck in an alleged failed suicide attempt. 'YOU'RE EVIL!' NYC MOM OF MURDERED KIDS ERUPTS AT NANNY DURING TRIAL The jury found Ortega guilty on four charges - two of first degree murder and two of second degree murder. She showed no reaction, merely staring straight ahead, after the verdict was read aloud. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the children's death. Her lawyer, while not disputing that Ortega killed the children, argued that she suffered from mental illness and heard voices in unchecked disorders. However, prosecutors argued that she was fully aware of what she was doing and understood "every stab, every slash." They argued that Ortega intentionally waited until Krim discovered her children's bodies before stabbing herself with the knife. Assistant District Attorney Courtney Groves argued the possibility that Ortega's resentment and jealousy of Krim was behind the incident - although a motive for the crime remains unclear. SON OF NANNY ACCUSED OF FATALLY STABBING TWO CHILDREN SAYS MURDERS WERE AN 'ACCIDENT' The murder trial began on March 1. Ortega will be sentenced next month and faces life in prison. After hours of emotional testimony in court one day, the children's mother shouted at Ortega, calling her "evil." "You're evil! You're evil!" Marina Krim yelled at her former nanny. "And you like this, you like this, you're getting pleasure." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Authorities in San Francisco are searching for a man who killed a puppy on Saturday in a violent attack that was captured on surveillance camera. The San Francisco Police Department said in a news release the incident happened around 11:42 a.m., and started as an argument between a couple inside a convenience store in the city's Tenderloin neighborhood. The male suspect, identified as 23-year-old Delos Pierre Gallon of San Francisco, threw canned goods at the woman before grabbing her four-month-old Cocker Spaniel puppy from the arms of another person, according to police. In surveillance footage released by authorities, the man can then be seen "forcefully" slamming the puppy onto the floor of the store. WARNING: GRAPHIC VIDEO BELOW PHOENIX K-9 UNIT POLICE DOG KILLED BY CARJACKER AFTER HIGH-SPEED PURSUIT Officers transported the dog to San Francisco Animal Care and Control, but he did not survive his injuries. Authorities said Gallon is wanted on domestic violence, kidnapping and felony animal cruelty charges. The 23-year-old also has a prior arrest for firearms violations and should be "considered dangerous." Anyone with information about the brutal attack is asked to contact San Francisco police at (415) 575-4444. The nationwide manhunt for the granny dubbed Losing Streak Lois -- who's wanted in the murder of her husband and a woman she killed to steal her identity -- intensified Wednesday as authorities offered a reward for information about the coldblooded killer. Billboards featuring Lois Riess, 56, were put up by the U.S. Marshals in Texas, New Mexico, California and Arizona in hopes of receiving tips leading to the grandmother whos been on the run since allegedly murdering her husband on March 23, the Star Tribune reported. A $5,000 reward is also being offered for information leading investigators to Riess. A grandma lost it, killed her husband and possibly befriended a woman to kill them and steal her identity, John Kinsey, deputy U.S. marshal in Florida, told the Star Tribune. We deal with murders all the time, but this one is odd, more so than our usual cases. WOMAN WHO KILLED HUSBAND, STOLE ANOTHER FEMALE'S IDENTITY SPOTTED ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO, COPS SAY Riess is accused of shooting and killing David Riess at their home in Blooming Prairie, Minn. before traveling to Florida and murdering Pamela Hutchinson. Riess, a gambling addict who frequented casinos, was seen on surveillance video at Fort Myers Beachs Smokin Oyster Brewery befriending Hutchinson on April 5. The new friends seem to hit it off talking at the bar but Riess allegedly had an ulterior motive for the chitchat. Hutchinson was found shot dead last Monday, four days after the two were spotted on surveillance video. Police said Riess described as having brown eyes, blonde hair and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall killed Hutchinson because they look similar. Riess took Hutchinsons car, a white Acura TL with Florida license plate Y37TAA, her cash, identification and credit cards and fled the state. Kinsey told the Star Tribune Riess stayed at the Ocala hotel off Interstate 75, but was already there and gone by the time authorities arrived. She was last spotted in Refugio, Texas, about 40 miles north of Corpus Christi. Her trail, however, then went cold. Authorities have not said if Riess used Hutchinsons credit cards. Officials have alerted Mexican authorities in case Riess tries to to the country. Unfortunately, there have been no further sightings, Kinsey said. She blends in real well. She is an average 56-year-old white female walking around and that is part of the problem. Residents who knew Riess and her husband when they lived in Blooming Prairie said they are in disbelief. I mean shes a grandma, resident Terry Trom told FOX9. Hard to believe. She seemed so trustworthy that I even told her where I lived, Priscila Chavez said of Riess. [My daughter] still thinks of this nice lady that was going to buy all my [Girl Scout] cookies. Riess faces murder charges in Florida and Minnesota. She was also charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, criminal use of personal identification and grand theft after withdrawing $11,000 from her husbands bank account by forging his signatures on checks, the Star Tribune reported. Olympic gold medalist McKayla Maroney said former team doctor Larry Nassar molested her "hundreds" of times for years until she retired from gymnastics. Maroney, who won a gold medal in the team event and a silver in vault at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, first detailed her accusations by the since-convicted team doctor in a lengthy message last October. She said the abuse began when she was 13 years old during one of her first times at Karolyi Ranch, the USA Gymnastics National Team training center. "He told me he was going to do a checkup on me and that was the first day I was abused," Maroney told NBCs Dateline in a preview clip released Wednesday. GOLD MEDAL MONSTER: VICTIMS RECOUNT YEARS OF ABUSE BY USA GYMNASTICS DOCTOR LARRY NASSAR The gold medalist said Nassar told her she was getting medically necessary treatment that he had been performing on patients for over 30 years. She added that Nassar would molest her every time the disgraced team doctor treated her at trainings and competitions. By the time she retired from the sport, it amounted to hundreds of incidents. "He said that nobody would understand this and the sacrifice that it takes to get to the Olympics. So you can't tell people this," Maroney recalled. "I actually was like, 'That makes sense. I don't want to tell anybody about this.'" She added: "I didn't believe that they would understand." Nassar has since been sentenced to 40 to 175 years in prison for sex crimes. Maroney was one of more than 140 girls and women, including fellow Olympic gymnasts Aly Raisman, Gabby Douglas and Simone Biles, who have come forward and accused Nassar of abuse. OLYMPIAN JORDYN WIEBER SUES MICHIGAN STATE, USA GYMNASTICS OVER LARRY NASSAR ABUSE Though she signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of a secret settlement with USA Gymnastics, Maroney was allowed to give a victim impact statement during Nassars sentencing. Dr. Nassar was not a doctor, he in fact is, was, and forever shall be, a child molester, and a monster of a human being, Maroney wrote in her January statement that was read in court. Tennessees GOP-led House voted Tuesday to strip $250,000 away from the city of Memphis after the city removed Confederate statues on a dark December night through a legal loophole. The quarter-million was supposed to go to the citys bicentennial celebration next year, but as a way of punishing the city for removing Confederate monuments, Tennessees House appropriations passed a last-minute retaliation amendment that triggered a lively floor debate with both sides slinging hyperbolic accusations, FOX 61 reported. Republican Andy Holt said taking statues down was erasing history, akin to what ISIS does, but Democrat Antonio Parkinson blasted the amendment as vile and racist before fellow lawmakers started to boo. MEMPHIS CONFEDERATE STATUES REMOVED AFTER CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO SELL PARKS After the Tennessee Historical Commission refused to allow Memphis city leaders to remove statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest and Jefferson Davis from two city parks in October, Mayor Jim Strickland sold the parks containing the statues for $1000 each. And in the dark of the night, the Confederate statues were removed in December. The amendment, sponsored by Republican Matthew Hill, passed along with the $37.5 million budget. You remove money from a city because we removed your god from our grounds, Parkinson said. STARNES: MEMPHIS MAYOR SHOULD BE HAULED OUT OF CITY HALL IN HANDCUFFS Republican representative Gerald McCormick, who grew up in Memphis, said the move was about obeying the spirit of a law intended to protect historical monuments. And the law was very clear, and they got smart lawyers to figure out how to wiggle around the law, and I think thats what the issue is, McCormick said. Democrat Bo Mitchell warned of bad consequences as a result of choosing to honor Forrest, who fought against our country, committed treason, then was a proven war criminal, and was a slave trader. Youre going to choose to honor that person here on this floor today and hold it against a city, Mitchell said. A New Jersey community college professor is under investigation for berating a conservative student in a profanity-laced tirade that was caught on camera. Brookdale Community College sociology professor Howard Finkelstein allegedly slammed his hand on a desk and screamed the f-word at a conservative student, Christopher Lyle, in a discussion about sexual harassment that another student captured on Snapchat last Wednesday. Hes constantly called me into his office and told me I cant speak in his class because of my beliefs, Lyle said. Joey Smith, who captured the exchange on video, told Fox News he was recording the Sociology 105 lecture on his phone because he knew the unprofessional professor was going to do something offensive or stupid. The class at the time was discussing how women are victims of sexual harassment. When Lyle interjected that men can be victimized by women and offered a personal example, Finkelstein slammed the desk and shouted f*** your life! The two students accused Finkelstein of using his class period to single out and bash Lyle for his conservative views, telling a veteran in the class hes a murderer, and lecturing incessantly on white privilege. He constantly talks about white privilege and how I have privilege because Im a white male, Lyle said. I dont believe that. I work 50 hours a week and attend class, and he tells me to shut the f*** up. Lyle told Fox News he was pulled out of class the next day by a school official and asked if he owned guns and would undergo a mental health evaluation. The college launched an investigation into Lyles gun ownership allegedly for comments he made weeks before in class about how difficult it is to legally obtain a gun in the state of New Jersey. Lyle said in addition to the professor trying to suppress his First Amendment rights of free speech, the university targeted his Second Amendment rights as well. The school has denied doing so. The schools Student Conduct & Compliance Director, Christopher Jeune, told Fox News initial reports of the incident contained many false and wholly inaccurate statements. Brookdale Community College is fully cognizant of the Second Amendment and the rights it affords and does not discriminate against anyone based on his/her beliefs, Jeune said. It is in the best interest of all members of our community for the college to do its due diligence when a student or employee mentions firearms during the process of an investigation. Lyle believes the school was trying to take attention off the professor. The discussion was brought up weeks ago and nobody had a problem with my comments until their professor did something extremely unprofessional, Lyle said. If they had a problem with my comments they should have talked to me before this video was taken and all this was shown. Now they are trying to reverse roles and make me look like Im the bad guy. The investigation into Lyles gun ownership has been closed, according to Jeune. Higher mortgage rates are making the already challenging task of buying an affordable home even tougher for many Americans this spring. In metro areas such as Denver, buyers are rushing to close a deal before mortgage rates get too high. In Dallas, some are embracing longer commutes to find homes they can afford. And in places such as Los Angeles, where the number of homes for sale is down sharply from a year ago, sellers routinely receive multiple offers. The average weekly rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.42 percent last week. While still historically low, the rate was 3.95 percent at the start of this year. A mere extra half percentage point or so can boost monthly payments and add tens of thousands of dollars extra in interest over the life of the typical 30-year loan. The combination of low inventory, rising prices and higher mortgage rates is expected to weigh on the U.S. housing market this year, with several economists and housing experts forecasting U.S. home sales will be flat or only slightly higher than in 2017. Danielle Hale, chief economist for Realtor.com, said "for home shoppers this spring it's going to be the most competitive market we've seen in the last few years." Chad Zolman, an account manager, made 11 offers since his search for a home in Denver began in September. He lost out to rivals offering more money. As mortgage rates started rising, so did Zolman's anxiety. "The rates kept going up, and the more the rates kept going up, the less house you can buy," said Zolman, 41. Zolman eventually bought a newly built, three-bedroom townhome for $370,000. He got approved for a 30-year fixed-rate loan just under 4.7 percent. But he can't lock in his rate until mid-May, within the 120-day window before construction on the house is completed. And if rates go higher by then? "It is what it is," Zolman said. "You just have to pay it." For others, rising mortgage rates make it tougher to bridge the widening gap between home prices and incomes. Consider that the national median home price is $225,264. That works out to 3.8 times the U.S. median income of $59,039, according to the most recent annual income figures from the U.S. Census and home price data from real estate information company Attom Data Solutions. The price-to-income ratio was 3.3 back in 2000. In Los Angeles a median-priced home is $605,000, more than nine times the metropolitan area's median income of $65,950. Rising housing prices have widened the home price-income gap to five times or more in Seattle, Denver, Portland, Oregon, and Reno, Nevada, and some other cities. Buyers are in better shape in Pittsburgh, St. Louis, Oklahoma City, Indianapolis, Baltimore and other cities where the median home price is less than three times the median income. Overall, home prices are 6.3 percent higher than their peak in July 2006. "The reason prices are rising is that balance between supply and demand: Plentiful demand; not enough inventory," said Hale of realtor.com. The supply of homes for sale fell 8.1 percent in February from a year earlier to 1.59 million. It would take just 3.4 months to snap up the supply of available homes at the current sales rate, down from an average of 6 months since 2000. Meanwhile, a strong job market has helped boost confidence among many Americans that it's a good time to buy a home. Millennials are reaching peak homebuyer age, adding to the crop of would-be buyers this spring. Many current homeowners who locked in historically low rates in recent years may be reluctant to sell if it means taking on a higher mortgage rate on their next home. That could further diminish the inventory of homes for sale nationwide. Home sales have been uneven so far this year. Sales of existing homes rose 3 percent in February after falling in December and January, according to the National Association of Realtors. First-time buyers Rob Chilton, 33, and his wife were willing to endure longer commutes to find a house near Dallas. They bought a three-bedroom, two-bath fixer-upper for $335,000 in February. That's $15,000 below the asking price, but $45,000 more than what the couple felt they could comfortably afford. "Houses that used to be comfortably in our price range three or four years ago are now out of our price range," said Chilton, a music teacher. "By moving a little further North, we could get a newer home in a little bit better condition in our price range." In Dallas, as in many other markets this spring, it's common for sellers to receive multiple offers above their asking price. A home that hit the market recently for $215,000 drew no shortage of buyers, said James Williams, broker associate at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty. "In the first weekend we had 40 showings, 10 offers with the highest offer being $15,000, or 7 percent, over the list price," Williams said. "There's definitely a shortage of inventory under $300,000, and when those homes do come on the market it's a frenzy." Friends and former parishioners shaken by the death of a New York minister found tied up inside his home are demanding that those behind the shocking act step out of the shadows and turn themselves in to the police, who are on the hunt for potential suspects. The Rev. Canon Paul Wancura, an 87-year-old from Shelter Island, was pronounced dead Monday after being found seriously injured in his home in an affluent neighborhood on March 19, the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island said. Wancura, who had been hospitalized over the last month, succumbed to his injuries and police are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the case. I call it evil personified, one of Wancuras friends and parishioners, Kevin Lockerbie, told CBS 2. And if this person has any conscience at all, he ought to turn himself in. The death has stunned residents of Shelter Island, a popular summer destination for New Yorkers on the eastern end of Long Island that is quiet and sparsely populated in colder months. Homes on the island, accessible only by ferry, routinely sell for millions of dollars, with one waterfront estate being listed Tuesday for $25 million. Among those who have owned homes there are the comedian Louis C.K,. and reported celebrity sightings over the years have included Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, John F. Kennedy Jr., Bill and Hillary Clinton and Kelly Ripa. "Shelter Island is an extremely safe area, that's one of the reasons that this is so shocking," acting Suffolk County Police Commissioner Stuart Cameron told reporters in March, the day after Wancura was found. "But again, we don't believe this is a random attack and we don't believe it is affecting the safety of the other residents of Shelter Island." The diocese said Wancura was a longtime priest and former archdeacon of Suffolk County. The Rev. Charles McCarron of St. Marys Episcopal Church on Shelter Island found Wancura with his hands bound and lying between a bed and a wall, according to the Shelter Island Reporter, after he had failed to show up for Sunday services at a church in Central Islip. Wancura was then airlifted to a local hospital and had one of his hands amputated, but eventually died from infections, McCarron said. Wancura apparently lived alone in the home -- which sits near the end of a one-lane road on one of the islands many peninsulas -- after his wife died nearly two decades ago. Nothing like this happens in winter. This is the off-season. Theres not a lot of people around, Zach Renault, a year-round resident, told Newsday. Its a small town and everybody knows each other. McCarron also told the newspaper that Wancura was in bad shape when he found him and was suffering from dehydration. Its not clear how long Wancura had been tied up. Suffolk County police, who are offering a $10,000 reward for information on the case, told Fox News on Wednesday that they have no further details at this time regarding a potential motive or the crime scene. The case was initially being looked at by police as a home invasion and burglary, but has since evolved, after Wancuras death, to become a homicide investigation. Shelter Island Police Chief Jim Read did tell the Shelter Island Reporter though that officers are looking into whether the crime is connected to another burglary in the neighborhood that was reported on March 4 after homeowners returned from being away to find their property broken into. In a bid to quell unease in the community in March, Town Supervisor Gary J. Gerth said the crime involving Wancura isnt indicative of a crime wave in town. According to Newsday, he also delivered a warning that the estimated 2,400 residents there in the off-season are ready to protect each other. We have hunters, fishermen. People have ways to defend themselves, Gerth was quoted as saying. The newspaper said in 2016 there were 28 crimes throughout the year reported to police on Shelter Island: one case of aggravated assault and 27 property crimes. The last huge crime there was in 1998, it added, when a carpenter was convicted of murder after blasting his neighbor and best friend in the stomach with a 12-gauge shotgun. Lockerbie told Newsday that Wancura worked as an Army counterintelligence officer during the Korean War and studied theology when he returned home to the U.S. He was said to have met his wife at a Shelter Island church and moved into her familys home there. Wancura was described by McCarron as a stylish dresser and a former president of the Silver Beach Association, in the neighborhood where he resided. McCarron told the Shelter Island Reporter that the minister appreciated simple things in life, such as walks with a cigar or his wifes Irish soda bread. Wancuras funeral arrangements were still being sorted out Wednesday; he is expected to be buried alongside his wife at the Caroline Church of Brookhaven. People are anxious over what happened, McCarron told the Shelter Island Reporter. A service here will let us come together. A funeral was scheduled for Wednesday morning for a Massachusetts police officer who was fatally shot last week while serving a warrant. On Tuesday evening, thousands of police officers and other mourners attended a wake to pay their respects to Officer Sean Gannon, 32, at St. Pius X Church in Yarmouth, Bostons Fox 25 reported. Around 5:30 p.m. an hours-long procession of mourners traveled from the funeral home to the church, the station reported. Women, children, men and boys, every one of them was quiet, respectful. The first time I think I could I think hear a pin drop and you could hear it on Route 28, Yarmouth police Chief Frank Frederickson told the station. Gannon and other officers were serving the arrest warrant last Thursday at a home in Barnstable. Authorities said they were confronted by a suspect identified as Tom Latanowich, 29, of Somerville, Mass. He was arraigned on a murder charge without bail, MassLive.com reported. Latanowich has a long history of more than 100 criminal charges, Yarmouth police said. He surrendered after barricading himself in the home for several hours, according to police. His arrest has police and others in Massachusetts calling for an overhaul of the states judicial system to include reinstatement of the death penalty for cop killers. Gannon, who was married, was an eight-year veteran of the Yarmouth department. He was remembered in his obituary for his "high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues." Gannon's dog, Nero, also was shot but underwent surgery and is recovering. Fox News Elizabeth Zwirz and the Associated Press contributed to this story. A South Carolina sheriff accused of raping a female assistant more than a year ago has been indicted on charges of obstruction of justice and misconduct in office, according to court records. Greenville County Sheriff Will Lewis was also suspended from office Tuesday following an executive order signed by Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, who has called on the sheriff to resign. He appointed Greenville County Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown to hold the position until Lewis "is acquitted, convicted, the indictment is otherwise disposed of, or until a sheriff is elected and qualifies in the next general election for county sheriffs," according to a news release. The State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) opened an investigation into Lewis after his former assistant, Savannah Nabors, publicly accused Lewis of sexual misconduct in a since-deleted August 2017 blog post. In the post, she allegedly said she quit her job out of fear for my life, accusing Lewis of sexual, emotional and mental abuse, assault, manipulation and stalking. I couldnt call 9-1-1, Nabors reportedly wrote in the post. He was 9-1-1. Nabors claimed Lewis sexually assaulted her during a business trip in Charlotte in May 2017, according to a civil suit she later filed. In the suit, she acknowledged she had several alcoholic drinks throughout an evening with the sheriff and others at at business meeting. But later, when Lewis came by her room to retrieve a bottle of liquor, she said Lewis "forcibly kissed" her, and she began to lose consciousness. Nabors alleges she awoke to Lewis having sex on top of her. Lewis admitted to having an affair but denied the claims of rape, harassment and stalking. The indictment says Lewis, "willfully and dishonestly failed to properly and faithfully discharge his lawful duties as the Greenville County Sheriff through a series of improper acts," the Greenville News reported. "Our client is aware of the charges, although at this time we dont know any of the specifics as they are simply vague allegations of misconduct in office and obstruction of justice," Lewis' lawyers said in a statement to WHNS-TV. "Sheriff Lewis adamantly denies any wrongdoing or misconduct in office and certainly did not interfere with an investigation he personally requested. We look forward to receiving the SLED report and the purported basis for the allegations and have no further comment until we do." The indictment against Lewis was filed on April 17, according to records reviewed by Fox News. As a passenger started to get sucked out of the shattered window on Southwest Flight 1380, two men nearby quickly jumped in to help. The Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight was 32,500 feet over Pennsylvania after taking off from New York's LaGuardia Airport when the plane's engine blew apart, causing shrapnel to shatter the window and sending Jennifer Riordan, seated nearby, flying out of the aircraft. "Some heroes wear capes, but mine wears a cowboy hat." Kristin McGinty Tim McGinty told FOX4 he tried to pull Riordan back in the plane -- but couldn't do it alone. The engine went out and had a lady go out the window, and we couldnt pull her in, McGinty said. A guy helped, we got her pulled in. They tried to resuscitate her." McGinty's wife, Kristin, told USA Today her husband was helped by firefighter Andrew Needum of Celina, Texas, and the men were finally able to get Riordan back in the plane. "My husband loves God and believes our purpose here is to love fiercely and to serve others," she told the paper. "Some heroes wear capes, but mine wears a cowboy hat." Another passenger on the flight, Sheri Sears, said in a Facebook post that Needum helped to perform CPR on Riordan, a New Mexico businesswoman, to try to save her. "I have never been so scared in my life," Sears wrote. "Thank you all that prayed for us. I had the opportunity to witness what putting others first truly meant! Tim McGinty and Andrew dug deep and pulled Jennifer back in the plane. To watch Peggy the RN and Andrew the fireman perform CPR while experiencing this nightmare, wow!" But even despite the heroic efforts, Riordan was pronounced dead at a Pennsylvania hospital after Flight 1380 made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport around 11:20 a.m. The investigation of the engine failure is now focusing on whether wear and tear -- metal fatigue -- caused a fan blade to snap off, triggering the catastrophic chain of events. SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PASSENGER MOURNED AS PLANE ENGINE THAT EXPLODED SHOWED EVIDENCE OF 'METAL FATIGUE' When investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examined the broken engine in Philadelphia just hours after it made an emergency landing, they immediately saw that one of the left engine's 24 fan blades was missing. "This fan blade was broken right at the hub, and our preliminary examination of this was there is evidence of metal fatigue where the blade separated," said NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt. Metal fatigue is a weakening of metal from repeated use and involves microscopic cracks. It can occur in fan blades, the aluminum skin on most planes, or other metal parts. Investigators will focus on whether the fan blade broke off at cruising speed around 500 mph and started an "uncontained" engine failure that sent debris flying like shrapnel into the plane, where it broke a window. Fox News' Kathleen Joyce and The Associated Press contributed to this report. An Australian court has sentenced a Canadian woman to eight years in prison for her part in an attempt to smuggle cocaine worth $16 million into Sydney in luggage aboard a luxury cruise ship. Melina Roberge broke down in tears Wednesday when the Sydney court handed down the sentence, which includes a non-parole period of 4 years and 9 months in prison. Three Canadians have pleaded guilty to smuggling 95 kilograms (209 pounds) of cocaine in their suitcases during a seven-week cruise in 2016 from Britain to Australia. One of Roberge's accomplices, Isabelle Lagace, with whom she shared a cabin, was sentenced in November to 7 1/2 years in prison. The third accomplice, Andre Tamin, will be sentenced in October. A convicted cocaine importer known for her Instagram photos at breathtaking travel destinations has been sentenced to eight years in prison for helping smuggle $21 million worth of the drug. Melina Roberge, 24, a Canadian, weeped in an Australian courtroom while learning she will serve a minimum four years and nine months in prison, and a maximum eight years, with her earliest release date in May 2021, the New York Post reported. Roberge is the youngest of three Canadians who prosecutors said imported 209 pounds of cocaine on a luxury cruise en route to Australia, where it docked and was raided, the report said. Australian authorities called it the largest drug seizure on a commercial boat or plane the country has ever had, the BBC reported. Roberge stood to earn a possible $100,000 from the plot, the Post reported. She was sentenced for trafficking 63 pounds of the drug 50 pounds of it pure. In July 2016, the former jewelry store manager accepted a free holiday on a cruise liner, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. The Sea Princess vessel made stops in Ireland, the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and South American countries, including Colombia and Peru, during a seven-week journey, the report said. Roberge said she was motivated by her addiction to Instagram, the Post reported. Co-defendant Isabelle Lagace, 30, a former porn star, traveled with Roberge and the pair often posted bikini-clad photos of themselves with tropical backdrops, the report said. The two were reportedly given first-class cruise tickets worth $20,000, plus about $5,000 in spending money. Judge Kate Traill of the New South Wales District Court said Wednesday she accepted that Roberge, was genuinely remorseful and had a good chance of rehabilitation, the BBC reported. But the judge criticized Roberges social media motivations for taking the cruise, the Post reported. It is a very sad indictment on her relative age group in society to seem to get self-worth relative to posts on Instagram, Traill said. This highlights the negative influence of social media on young women. Roberge had regretted her actions since her arrest and incarceration in different maximum security Sydney womens prisons, the Post reported. The judge also said Roberge had a sexual relationship with her so-called sugar daddy, who is a much older man, the Post reported. He charmed her and spoiled her and became intimately involved with her, Traill said. The sugar daddy enticed her to work as an escort, as she slept with men he introduced her to in nightclubs, the Post reported. She reportedly earned more than $12,000 as an escort in Morocco. She met him in a Montreal restaurant in early 2015, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. A third French Canadian drug plotter, Andre Tamine, 67, was also arrested in August 2016 along with Roberge and Lagace, the Post reported. Lagace reportedly made an early guilty plea and was sentenced to a maximum seven-and-a-half, minimum four-and-a-half years in prison, just shy of Roberges sentence. Tamine will be sentenced at a later date. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 A Croatian parliamentary delegation has cut short a visit to neighboring Serbia after a far-right leader convicted of war crimes reportedly stamped on the Croatian national flag and shouted insults. The delegation says they decided to return home after the reported incident earlier Wednesday in the Serbian parliament involving Serbian Radical Party leader Vojislav Seselj. A U.N. war crimes court last week sentenced Seselj to 10 years in prison for instigating crimes against ethnic Croats, partially overturning his earlier acquittal of atrocities during the Balkan conflict in the 1990s. Seselj remains free because he had spent nearly 12 years in court custody during his trial at the tribunal in The Hague, Netherlands. He is a lawmaker in Serbia's parliament. Serbian officials have condemned the incident. The Cuban government nominated Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez, the country's 57-year-old first vice president, to succeed Raul Castro as president Wednesday in an effort to ensure the island's single-party system outlives its creators. Castro, 86, will remain head of the Communist Party, designated by the constitution as "the superior guiding force of society and the state." As a result, Castro is almost certain to remain the most powerful person in Cuba for the time being. He succeeded his older brother, Fidel Castro, as president in 2006 after the elder Castro stepped aside due to illness. Fidel Castro died in November 2016 at the age of 90. Facing biological reality, Raul Castro is working to ensure a smooth transition from him and his small group of former guerrillas to a new generation that can maintain the government's grip on power in the face of economic stagnation, an aging population and waning revolutionary fervor among Cuban youth attuned more to global consumer culture than the anti-capitalist, nationalist messaging of the state-run media. That media went into overdrive Wednesday with a single message: Cuba's system is continuing in the face of change. Commentators on state television and online offered lengthy explanations of why Cuba's single-party politics and socialist economy are superior to multi-party democracy and free markets, and assured Cubans that no fundamental changes were occurring, despite some new faces at the top. Nominated as new first vice president was Salvador Valdes Mesa, a 72-year-old Afro-Cuban former union official who has held a long series of high posts in the Cuban government. The government's official Candidacy Commission also nominated another five vice presidents of the Council of State, Cuba's highest government body. Only one of the five, 85-year-old Ramiro Valdez, was among the Communist revolutionaries who fought with the Castros in the eastern Sierra Maestra mountains. "It falls on our generation to give continuity to the revolutionary process," said assembly member Jorge Luis Torres, a municipal councilman from central Artemisa province who appeared to be in his 40s. "We're a generation born after the revolution, whose responsibility is driving the destiny of the nation." The result of the National Assembly votes for president and vice presidents and other national leaders is expected to be officially announced Thursday, the anniversary of the U.S.-backed Bay of Pigs invasion defeated by Cuban forces in 1961. As in Cuba's legislative elections, all of the leaders being voted in on Wednesday were selected by a government-appointed commission. Ballots offer only the option of approving or disapproving the official candidate. Candidates generally receive more than 90 percent of the votes in their favor. The appointment of Diaz-Canel was met with skepticism by Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla., who is Cuban-American. "Today, the Cuban regime has named a new puppet," Diaz-Balart said. "Just like Fidel Castro named Osvaldo Dorticos as president until 1976, Raul Castro has now named Miguel Diaz Canel as the new 'president of the Council of Ministers and State.'" "Raul Castro remains head of the sole 'legal' party and the armed forces, his son-in-law remains head of the economy, and his son remains a top official in the feared Ministry of the Interior," Diaz-Balart continued. "Todays designation of a new Dorticos is a nothingburger. The important matter is that the Cuban people will be free, and I will continue to stand with them." James Williams, the president of Engage Cuba, a group that advocates for greater trade and engagement with the island, said that Diaz-Canel should be given a chance. Williams noted that Diaz-Canel is largely an enigma -- at some points making statements appearing to be progressive on issues like Internet access and LGBT issues, but also expressing a hard line on U.S.-Cuba relations and freedom of speech. "I dont think we fully know him," Williams says, adding that rising through the political ranks in Cuba practically required Diaz-Canel to tread carefully. "He's got more to gain than to lose by being [visible] out there," Williams said. "He'd be the president of 11 million people, but his core is really about 30 people who had to put him in the position [of president]." Diaz-Canel, Williams said, must deal with a hard line segment of the Communist Party that holds considerable sway and are firmly opposed to engagement with the United States. "We know he has constraints," Williams says. "But we didn't know Gorbachev would be Gorbachev." John Caulfield, the former chief of mission of the U.S. Special Interests Section in Cuba, said that Diaz-Canel has been a longtime "supporter of the Communist Party of Cuba." Caulfield noted that the new president does not seem to have a base large enough to serve as a mandate for him to act on his preferences and in ways that deviate significantly from the Castro brothers. "It's unclear how free a hand Diaz-Canel will have." Fox News' Elizabeth Llorente and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Iran will not back down from acquiring weapons it deems necessary for defense nor will it seek approval from other countries, President Hassan Rouhani said during a televised speech Wednesday in Tehran. Rouhani insisted that Iran had its own defense in mind and that neighboring countries need not be worried by its armed forces, Reuters reported. We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval, Rouhani said. But at the same time we announce to our neighboring countries in the regionwe do not intend any aggression against you. The speech, televised Wednesday on state-run media, coincided with National Army Day, a national holiday that has been celebrated every year since 1979. Iran has been the subject of sanctions over its controversial nuclear weapons program. In 2015, a deal was brokered between Iran and six world powers including the U.S., the U.K., Russia, France, China and Germany, establishing that the sanctions would be lifted if Iran scaled back its program. In October 2017, President Trump accused Iran of multiple violations and has refused to renew the deal unless new restrictions are imposed by May 12. Iran will not violate the nuclear deal, but if the United States withdraws from the deal, they will surely regret it, Rouhani said during a speech earlier in April. Our response will be stronger than what they imagine and they would see that within a week. The U.S. has accused Iran of backing the Assad regime in Syrias ongoing Civil War. On Saturday, a US-led missile attack on Syria for its alleged use of chemical weapons brought swift condemnation from Iran. Rouhani called the attack a very ugly precedent in international relations. Libya's navy says it has rescued 217 African migrants from two rubber boats that were stranded in the Mediterranean Sea. A navy statement issued Wednesday says there were 85 women and 10 children among the migrants, who were trying to reach southern Europe. The navy says the migrants, who were found on Tuesday, were taken a naval base in the capital, Tripoli. Libya was plunged into chaos following a 2011 uprising and is now split between rival governments in the east and west, each backed by an array of militias. The chaos has made Libya a frequently used route to Europe for migrants fleeing poverty and conflicts in Africa and the Middle East. Libya has worked to stem the flow of migrants, with assistance from the European Union. The North Carolina pastor on trial in Turkey this week on what have been seen as questionable terrorism charges is hardly the only American citizen who has been arrested, jailed and harassed by an increasingly anti-U.S. Turkish government. And while Andrew Brunson is at least getting his day in court -- along with the support of two members of Congress who are attending the trial -- the fate of other Americans being held in the Turkish legal system is much murkier. NASA physicist and Houston resident Serkan Golge is one of those Americans. Convicted in a Turkish court on what were widely perceived as trumped-up charges, he was sentenced in February to seven and a half years in prison. Golges nightmare began just weeks after the botched 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, while he was visiting relatives in Antaya, a city in the country's south, near the Syrian border. According to Golge's wife, Kubra, the family were packing up a car with their two young sons -- now 2 and 7 -- and preparing for their trip back to Texas when plainclothes officers arrived and searched their luggage. Nothing was found. Hours later, police returned to search the house where they had been staying. Again, nothing was found. But investigators appeared yet again, and located a single U.S. dollar bill -- one of the pieces of supposed evidence used to prop up claims that he had "terrorist ties." Golge was charged with being a CIA operative and a supporter of Fethullah Gulen, the Pennsylvania-based Muslim cleric that the Turkish government of President Tayyip Erdogan blames for the coup attempt. The Turkish government has asked for Gulen's extradition, a request that has gone nowhere based on lack of evidence, according to U.S. officials. Associates close to Golge told Fox News that while he was under interrogation, authorities said he could earn his freedom by returning to the U.S and working as a spy for the Turkish intelligence agency, known as MIT. But he vehemently refused and has since been singled out for harsh treatment that includes solitary confinement and "psychological torture," according to sources. The prosecutors case apparently came courtesy of an in-law who made up the accusation due to a family disagreement over a piece of land that didnt even directly involve Golge, sources said. Golges mother and wife were not permitted to testify on his behalf. Kubra is allowed to visit her husband once a week, and said hes trying to stay optimistic. But he suffers from health issues, and was recently hospitalized for a kidney stone. Golges family was not notified that he was sick. Kubra herself is under a travel ban and remains in Turkey, for reasons that have not been made clear to her. She has been forced to sell the family house in Houston to make ends meet. And Golge faces an uncertain professional future, even if he were to be released from prison. His job, a research position in conjunction with NASA and the University of Houston, was eliminated after his conviction, when it became known he would be detained long term, according to a spokesperson for the school. Those who studied and worked alongside Golge had nothing but glowing things to say. He is a very kind, genuine, and supportive colleague. He wants everyone to have the best possible chance to succeed, and he will do his part to support even if all he can do is provide encouragement, said Alicia Hofler, who studied alongside Golge as he was completing his doctoral dissertation at Old Dominion University in Virginia. When he moved to Texas to work as a NASA contractor, we kept in contact via email. His emails always brightened my day. He has a great sense of humor that is never spiteful or mean-spirited. He always asked about my family and kept me up to date on his new life in Texas. Arne Freyberger, who served as Serkans co-adviser while he was completing his dissertation, told Fox News the thesis topic developed a new concept for the production of a positron beam. Working with Serkan, watching him develop, grow and transition from a student into a self-sustaining scientist, is one of the highlights of my career, said Freyberger. Serkan was very appreciative of his good fortune in life. Freyberger said Golge would often reflect on his good fortune in coming from Turkey and embracing the American dream. Selected and admitted into the ODU graduation program, obtaining U.S. citizenship, amazed that some of his concepts panned out, getting married and starting a family, Freyberger said. He never took anything for granted and never let what appeared to be an insurmountable obstacle stop him. Golge studied space radiation at NASA, with the goal of making it safer for astronauts at the space station -- a project cut short by his arrest. His colleague, Kevin Beard, called his contributions world-class. Another Turkish-American citizen, 26-year-old Nilufer Sonmez, was just released from a Turkish jail in February, after almost a year behind bars. She and her brother, Teoman, were taken into custody in April 2017. Intelligence officials accused me of using a cryptoprogram that coup plotters were using to communicate, she told Fox News from the Turkish capital of Ankara, where she remains under probation unable to leave Turkey for the United States. But the real reason Sonmez and her brother we taken in, she said, was to abuse our father. Sonmezs father, Adm. Nejat Atilla Demirhan, was among the thousands of military officers swept up in the aftermath of the coup. He was arrested in part, Sonmez said, because he had spent so much time in the United States. Demirhan was sent by the Turkish military to study in Northern California, where Sonmez was born. She spent much of her childhood in Turkey before the family were again relocated to Virginia in her teenage years. Sonmez said she made it through her imprisonment with the help of visiting officials from the U.S. Embassy, who were able to get her medical treatment for a blood pressure problem. I was trying to be strong, but the lady from the embassy was so upset for me she was crying, Sonmez recalled. She kept asking what she could do to help. But with their father now serving a life sentence, and as they try to piece their lives together, Sonmez who married 18 months before her arrest -- said her new-found freedom is fraught. Even a night out with her friends and passage through a checkpoint on the way home -- in which all their identification cards are scanned by police --induces a sensation of panic. You just dont know who will end up behind bars next, she said, mustering a defiant smile. The U.S. nuclear submarine that took part in the missile strikes on Syria after a deadly chemical weapons attack on civilians is not welcome in one of Italy's largest ports, the city's mayor said Monday. Naples Mayor Luigi de Magistris complained to port officials after the U.S.S. John Warner was given permission to travel in the area on March 20, which he claims breaches a 2015 act that declared the city a "denuclearized zone," Italy's ANSA news service reported. In a note to Rear Admiral Arturo Faraone, who runs the port authority, de Magistris told the officials that the order aims to prevent "any nuclear-propelled vessel or one that contains nuclear weapons" from entering the city limits. "Our administration is not against anyone but it is in favor of policies of peace, disarmament and international cooperation," the mayor told ANSA. The U.S.S John Warner is a Virginia-class attack submarine, which was the 12th of its type to join the Navy's fleet in 2015 and first to be homeported in Norfolk, Va. U.S. Fleet Forces Command posted a video on YouTube of the submarine launching tomahawk missiles from the Mediterranean Sea as part of a multi-national strike operation against the Syrian government for its role in the deadly chemical attacks. DELAYS KEEP INSPECTORS FROM REACHING SYRIA ATTACK SITE "The fact that it is the same submarine (involved in the Syria attack) further reinforces the rightness of the order with which we said ships of nuclear propulsion or carrying nuclear weapons are not welcome in the port of Naples and, therefore, they are not allowed to transit or stay," the mayor told ANSA. Italy, which did not take part in the strikes last Friday, does support the decision by the United States, France and Britain to disable the use of the chemical weapons, Premier Paolo Gentiloni told lawmakers in Rome on Tuesday. Italy's role in any military action have been politically sensitive given the impasse in forming a new government after last month's elections ended with a hung parliament, according to the Associated Press. The leader of the center-right coalition, Matteo Salvini, has come out against the strikes. Gentiloni said that Italy gave logistical support to the operation from the joint air base in Aviano on the condition that "no actions aimed at striking Syria would depart from our territory. And so it was." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Vermont's PVI is D+15 and Hillary beat Trump there 178,573 (55.72%) to 95,369 (30.27%). Trump won just one of Vermont's 14 counties (Essex, the least populated). Florida is a more swingy state, although the PVI is R+2. Although Obama won Florida both times he ran, Hillary gave up on the state's crucial 29 electoral votes. Trump beat her (narrowly)-- 4,617,886 (49.0%) to 4,504,975 (47.8%). Of the state's 67 counties, she won 9. Both states have Republican governors named Scott-- Phil Scott in Verment, who is running for reelection, and Rick Scott in Florida, who is running for the U.S. Senate. And the NRA has turned against each of them. In 2016 the gubernatorial seat was open in Vermont and the Democrats ran a weak EMILY's List nothing candidate, Sue Minter. Scott, the state's lieutenant governor, beat her 166,817 (52.96%) to 139,253 (44.21%). Rick Scott, a convicted criminal who was caught stealing from Medicare, beat another weak EMILY's List nothing candidate, Alex Sink, in his first run (2010). He was reelected in 2014 against pointless ex-Republican Charlie Crist. In 2010 he beat Sink 2,619,335 (48.9%) to 2,557,785 (47.7%), largely because she allowed EMILY's List run her campaign). In 2014, Scott beat Crist 2,865,343 (48.1%) to 2,801,198 (47.1%) to 2,865,343 (48.1%). Today the NRA is angry with both governors. How angry? Last week Phil Scott approved a package of gun-related laws passed by the state legislature and the NRA called on gun owners to abandon him . Dana Loesch, a national spokeswoman for the NRA: "This governor in Vermont completely gave a one-finger salute to the Constitution and to gun owners. He is no friend of firearm owners and I hope that all firearm owners remember this betrayal the next time hes up for re-election." That's in about half a year. The NRA gave Scott an A rating during his first gubernatorial campaign in 2016, when Scott said he saw no need for new Vermont gun laws. The governor changed his position in February "after deep reflection" after an alleged school shooting plot came to light in Fair Haven, and on Wednesday he signed three gun-related bills into law. Loesch described Scott's shift as "an attempt to appease the gun-grabbers in his state." The NRA spokeswoman seemed particularly bothered by S.221, a bill that won support from even the most ardent gun-rights lawmakers and passed both the Vermont House and the Vermont Senate unanimously. The new law sets up a court process from removing weapons from people deemed to be at "extreme risk" of violence or suicide. State's attorneys or the Attorney General's Office may petition a family court judge to require a person to relinquish their firearms for up to six months. In emergency situations, these orders may be granted without the person's knowledge, and would expire after 14 days. ... Gun-rights advocates have reacted angrily to Scott's decision to sign the bills, and some jeered and shouted during the bill signing ceremony Wednesday. "I understand I may lose support over the decision to sign these bills today," Scott said, "but those are consequences I am prepared to live with." Scott will seek re-election for a second term in November. He is facing a challenge from fellow Republican Keith Stern, who has made gun rights a cornerstone of his campaign. Rick Scott has an uphill battle to displace Bill Nelson-- especially in a blue wave environment. The last thing he needs is his right flank in tatters. And that's what he's got, with gun nuts stepping up their attacks on him for signing gun control legislation after the school shooting in Parkland. First off, the far right Republican Trumpist campaigning to replace him as governor, Ron DeSantis says he would have vetoed the legislation Scott signed. And the gun group to the right of the NRA, the National Organization for Gun Rights, has already attacked him in an e-mail entitled "Gov. Gun Control Running for Senate," for signing a popular bill putting minor restrictions on the sale of assault-style weapons. One of the most respected Democratic political operatives in Florida, an old friend, Kevin Cate: "The whole guns and NRA situation is very complicated for Rick Scott. This is a guy who sprinted far to the right, who's BFFs with Donald Trump, he signed a gun bill that did have some more moderate positions in it, so he's got to be sprinting back and forth, back and forth, and someone as robotic as Rick Scott, that's tough for him to do. He's got to sprint back and forth to keep that base happy because if they don't turn out, if these Trump folks don't turn out, he doesn't have a chance." Tampa Bay Times reported late last week that Meanwhile, reflecting one of those back and forth, thereported late last week that mayors of several cities are suing Scott for sticking with the NRA's agenda [St. Petersburg] Mayor Rick Kriseman announced Wednesday that he will join 10 other Florida cities and mayors in a lawsuit against Gov. Rick Scott over the issue of being able to regulate firearms in local jurisdictions. ..."What I see is a collective effort at taking away our home rule authority,'' he said. "I also find it incredibly ironicthe Florida legislature complains about Washington telling them what to doBut they don't seem to have any problem telling us, cities and counties, what to do." The mayor said he would ban military style weapons, bump stocks, and armor-piercing bullets if he could. "Governor Scott and legislative leaders decided to overstep their authority and use fear and intimidation as a tactic to preserve the NRA's agenda," Kriseman tweeted before the City Hall announcement. Miami Herald speculate that Phil Scott in Vermont. Alex Leary and Steve Bousquet, writing for thespeculate that Scott angering the gun nuts would actually help him in November. Yes, gun nuts are angry. Comments on Scott's campaign Facebook page prove that: "Sorry, Governor Scott. You blew it when you signed the anti-gun legislation into law. Will not be voting for you," one person wrote. Another compared him to Democrat Charlie Crist. A third fumed, "Shouldnt have gone against Americans with your knee jerk pandering to the gun grabbers." Scotts embrace of Floridas first gun restrictions in decades has infuriated the gun lobby and its fiercely loyal lieutenants. What will the NRA do about Scott's A+ rating now? It's a lot more important than their stance onScott in Vermont. Conviviality: the fall of an empire In November 2017, Conviviality was riding the crest of a wave after share prices hit a record high of 426p following a raft of acquisitions. Chief executive Diana Hunter was the toast of the stock market as revenues had soared by 85% to 1.65 billion in the year to April 2017, while profits more than doubled to 22.5 million. Investors were sitting on a healthy paper profit, and Conviviality was praised for integrating retail chains Bargain Booze and Wine Rack, suppliers Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB and events companies like Peppermint into one sprawling beast. It took just five years to grow the business amid rampant consolidation, but it will now always be remembered for providing one of the swiftest corporate collapses in British history. The wheels came off in spectacular fashion after it issued a profit warning in mid-March, blaming an arithmetic error from a member of its finance team. The bad news simply piled up after that. Two more profit warnings were issued, it announced it had forgotten about a 30 million bill owed to HMRC by the end of the month, the share price collapsed, Hunter fell on her sword, it failed to secure 125 million in emergency funding to shore up its finances and then it was plunged into administration. From hero to zero, all within a few weeks. Everyone is asking how it fell apart so quickly. Shame-faced investment bibles admit to being staggered after advising readers to buy, buy, buy. Shares in the group were suddenly worthless and furious investors are scrabbling around for someone to sue. Frank Field MP, chairman of the parliamentary work and pensions committee, called the situation a mess and urged the Financial Reporting Council to investigate the groups auditors. The saga developed quicker than a Game of Thrones box set and provided a similar level of compelling drama, but it has been a nightmare for the thousands of employees and hardworking franchisees. Yet Bestway has now swooped in to rescue the retail estate, promising to safeguard several thousand jobs, and Magners supplier C&C has plucked Matthew Clark and Bibendum PLB from the ashes of the Conviviality party, financed by the worlds biggest alcoholic drinks producer, AB-Inbev. No jobs have been lost, a semblance of confidence has been restored to the market and C&C has pledged to pay back any outstanding debts to suppliers and producers. This sorry saga has seen a relatively decent outcome and there is light at the end of the tunnel for many. Taking stock Now it is time to take stock, figure out who has suffered the worst and work out how to prevent something like this from happening again after the face of our industry was irrevocably changed. First, it has to be said that the Bestway buyout is not a silver bullet to save the Bargain Booze estate. Retailers across the UK have suffered immense reputational damage in the past few weeks as shelves have been bare, stores have been shut and shoppers headed elsewhere. Retailers margins will have taken a battering and they will have been dipping into cash reserves in a desperate bid to source drinks from wholesalers. Bestway needs to get the supply chain back up and running swiftly, sort out Bargain Boozes AWRS certification, appease suppliers and win over sceptical and embattled franchisees. Samir Patel, who runs a Bargain Booze store in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, was one of many retailers to spend the past month fearing for his livelihood. We are absolutely in the dark over this, he said. Its really bad for our business. It was a big shock we just dont know what is going to happen. Bargain Boozes social media team attempted to reassure shoppers by Tweeting over Easter to say that many stores were open for business. But it was met with scorn by staff member Carole Flannigan, who said: Whats the point of being open? We have hardly any stock. Thanks a lot. Seventeen years Ive worked for you and we mean jack shit to you. Doug McQueen, who sold his 20 Bargain Booze stores last year but retained stock in the business and still serves as an advisor to franchisees, told DRN: I hope the new owner realises the success of its franchisees will feed back into the success at the centre. So few have realised that in the past 10 years. It has always felt like the franchisees were being milked. These are the sort of people Bestway needs to win over, and it has promised business as usual at 769 stores across the UK. It needs to compete with Booker and Tesco after those giants merged, so it will be desperate to persuade franchisees to stick with Bargain Booze. It is certainly a respected and professional business. Bestway Group is the UKs eighth largest family-owned firm, with businesses in multiple sectors both in the UK and abroad. It has an annual turnover of 3.3 billion and a global workforce of more than 33,000 people, with around 12,000 staff in the UK. Bestway Wholesale serves 125,000 independent retailers and caterers from 63 warehouses nationwide. It has more than 6 million sq ft of selling space, offering a product range of some 25,000 items. The business also encapsulates Best-One, Xtra Local, Bestway Export, BB Foodservice, Drinks Express, Bestpets and Bestpets Local. Bargain Booze and Wine Rack now find themselves in the same stable as: Well Pharmacy, the UKs third largest pharmacy chain; Bestway Cement, Pakistans largest cement manufacturer; and United Bank, Pakistans second largest private bank, with assets under management of US$10.3 billion and 1,400 branches serving 5,000 customers. Sir Anwar Pervez, a billionaire former Bradford bus driver who features in The Telegraphs 13 most inspirational rags-to-riches tales, owns the group. His nephew, Zameer Choudrey CBE, is chief executive, and he said: This deal provides much-needed certainty to these stores and our priority will be to stabilise the supply of stock into these businesses. These retailers can get back to business as usual, with the confidence of having the support of the UKs largest independent wholesaler. We are also pleased that, as a result of the deal, we have been able to provide job security to more than 2,300 colleagues who have incredible expertise and experience that will truly be a great asset to our combined business. By stepping in we have also ensured the franchisee stores get the support they need and deserve to grow their businesses, as well as continuing to provide choice for shoppers on the high street. Damaged reputations Then there is the reputational damage that the British wine trade has suffered amid reports of wine being held in ports or returned to wineries as insurers would not allow it to be shipped. There is unease about a cider and lager producer taking on Bibendum, one of the UKs most respected wine suppliers, particularly when respected commentators like Jancis Robinson MW are Tweeting things like: Magners 1-0 Wine. Meanwhile, several leading suppliers and wholesalers are at one anothers throats, squabbling over whether to seize on Convivialitys collapse as a business opportunity or to respectfully sit back and refrain from sticking the knife in. Many have fallen out and tensions are frayed. It will take a while to restore order and, ahem, conviviality to the trade, and in the meantime business will probably suffer. The City has been seriously burned by the whole saga and confidence in the drinks industry as a sector worthy of investment will be low. That could stifle growth plans for many businesses. So, while ostensibly there are not too many serious victims just yet, the entire trade is licking its wounds somewhat. Who can be punished? Hunter is unlikely to resurface any time soon and the board that presided over the mess has disintegrated. Rather than pointing the finger, it might be more productive to learn from the fiasco and pull together in a bid to put controls in place to ensure something like this does not happen again. Liam Steevenson MW said: The implications for the UK wine trade of this week are huge. Blame has to fall on the management. The whole industry needs to rethink reasonable margins and credit control. Producers should demand complete transparency going forward. That is a prescient warning for the entire supply and wholesale trade, but retailers can also learn from it. Christmas 2017 saw exceptionally strong sales for the BWS category, and Conviviality should have been able to tap into this. It was unable to highlight an issue with its relevance in todays market. Stacking them high and selling them cheap is arguably not the most sensible approach in an era where craft, premiumisation and moderation are the buzzwords. Is a major chain viable? The Conviviality saga evoked painful memories of the collapse of Thresher and previous woes suffered by national off-licence chains such as Oddbins. Former franchisee Doug McQueen said: I never had great faith when somebody wanted to turn 700 specialist off-licences into convenience stores. It had been tried so often, in several formats, What gave people the arrogance to make people think they could do it now? Goodness only knows. We polled 200 retailers to gauge confidence levels, and just 32% said they felt it is possible for a big chain like Bargain Booze or Thresher to thrive in the years ahead, while 68% said it isnt. We also asked what the trade can learn from the whole sorry saga. Here are some of the responses: "Mergers do not solve the underlying problems of fundamentally weak companies. "Look at margin, not turnover through price reduction. "Empire-building can stop businesses growing organically. "Know what you are doing and have competent people doing it. "Do not drive margin out of the chain. Look after your people and stability of your customers first and do not grow aggressively if you do not have the right processes in place. "Big is not necessarily beautiful. Individuality and charm may yet prevail. "Make sensible, realistic margins and dont race to the bottom with pricing. Be honest and accurate with accountancy reporting. "We have to break the cycle of alcohol being used by major multinational retail as a marketing tool. Alcohol is priced to attract people into supermarkets, not to make money, and that has to change for the health of our industry. "Expand with caution, within your means. "You cant buy business either by acquisition or deep discounting. You need to add value. "Its not just about volume and number of stores, most important is developing viable and sustainable store formats for store owners or franchisees. If you ask any c-store operators they would exit the trade in next few years. "Do not try to grow quicker than needed. "Need a cohesion to all the different arms of the business. "Dont get too big for your boots. How did it collapse so quickly? At the height of her pomp Diana Hunter was the most influential figure in the UK drinks industry, after engaging in the sort of rampant empire building that would have made Caesar proud. Instead of riding the realm in a chariot, her vehicle of choice was a chauffeured Porsche Cayenne. She would sit in the back, working on her computer as she was driven between the various Conviviality hubs in places such as Bristol and Crewe. This mobile office was even equipped with a printer that allowed her to produce takeover agreements and sign them on the go. This detail once sounded vaguely impressive and somewhat intimidating, but now it is being used to mock her. Comparisons to David Brent abound. Hunter went from stock market darling to pariah in the course of a few weeks, but the recriminations will go on for years. The question on many lips is: how did it collapse so quickly? Some see it as a cynical effort to drive the share price up, allowing some investors to sell before the empire crumbled. Others insist Hunter knew little about the problems and her generals were keeping her in the dark. Some sources claim the group had been covering things up for a while and when it realised it could no longer do so it all disintegrated rapidly, like a line-up of dominoes toppling. But the majority call it sheer managerial incompetence, and that is the most likely explanation. Conviviality performed a dizzying sequence of acquisitions, producing impressive growth, but the team running the show could not keep up. It snapped up retail chains such as Wine Rack, Rhythm & Booze and Central Convenience and bought wholesaler Matthew Clark for 200 million in 2015. That was followed by the purchase of outdoor bars firm Peppermint and, in 2016, a 60 million deal for Bibendum. At one point the business was valued at 750 million. Investors were handed 20 million in dividends in 2017 more than double the payout in 2016. Hunter was more than justifying her pay packet of almost 1 million. But then it all simply fell apart. So convivial was the company that it forgot how to do its sums, forgot its taxes were due and forgot how to keep proper records, quipped one national newspaper. An arithmetic error that led to it inadvertently exaggerating expected profits from its wholesale division by 5 million a year in January was pretty shocking. It evoked memories of an Olympics embarrassment, whereby the London 2012 Organising Committee sold 10,000 too many tickets for the synchronised swimming after a member of staff had entered 20,000 into a spreadsheet instead of 10,000. Or the Goldman Sachs valuation blunder that undervalued Tibco during a $4 billion buyout, where partners double-counted in error on a spreadsheet, leading to a $35 million lawsuit payment. However, a simple arithmetic error is not enough to bring down a business of Convivialitys size. A source pointed out there had been signs of the empire crumbling long before the March meltdown. When Conviviality purchased 127 c-stores from Central Convenience in December 2017 for 25 million, it did so through the placing of 8 million new ordinary shares at a price of 375p to raise 30 million. That raised eyebrows, as many expected Conviviality which had a turnover of 1.6 billion in 2017 to be a cash-rich business. Convivialitys chief financial officer, Andrew Humphreys, left in October 2017, while non-executive director Jennifer Laing left last April after just 11 months on the board. The source said: The half-year figures werent very good. It was classic CEO playbook, to look at the numbers and say that was the strategy all along [the group announced it had deliberately taken a hit to secure long-term supply deals]. Conviviality is believed to have paid 1 million to Wetherspoon for the right to be its exclusive supplier. On tiny margins, this is the sort of arrangement that would take years to pay for itself, if ever. Conviviality also struggled to wear two hats at the same time, trying to operate effectively as a retail group and a supplier. Conviviality came from a retail background, and maybe it strayed too far into a sector of the market it didnt understand so well, said David Gleave MW, managing director of Liberty Wine. The biggest difference is cashflow. As a retailer, you get money in the till right away. As a wholesaler, you generally wait 60 days for payments. That can be hard to manage given that distributing wine generally operates on very thin profit margins. Poor management The analysts are now savaging the group. The numerous accounting errors and misjudgements suggest poor management oversight, said Molly Johnson-Jones, retail analyst at Global Data. Mark Brumby, an analyst at Langton Capital, said: If youre bombing along at 120mph on a straight road, thats great. But when you hit a bend, you go flying off into the woods. The firms cashflow management certainly wasnt good enough or it wouldnt have gone bust. This was a 1 billion company a few months ago and now its worth nothing. The speed with which Conviviality has apparently unravelled will unsettle investors, suppliers and customers. One potential source of problems is the extremely low-margin nature of the majority of the businesses that Conviviality was involved in. This was a problem shared with Carillion. It is harder to survive shocks when margins are low. The antidote is perhaps to be incredibly well run. Investors Chronicle added: Convivialitys free cashflow of 51.2 million at the end the last financial year turned into a cash outflow of 13.6 million by the end of the first half, pushing net debt up from 95.7 million at April 30, 2017, to 133 million by October 29, 2017. Having a lot of debt doesnt necessarily do you in, but running out of cash to pay back that debt, or even pay your overheads, often spells the beginning of the end. Investors and analysts have been left scratching their heads asking what went wrong. We must include ourselves in this, having placed the shares on a long-term buy rating, although we werent alone: analysts at Shore Capital and Investec both reissued buy ratings on the stock just days before the initial warning, assured by management at the time of half-year results in January that all was well. Its fair to say the recent turn of events has left plenty of investors fuming. After the fall of Rome, life became a pretty sad affair. The order that the Roman Empire had brought to western Europe for 1,000 years was no more. This period was called the Dark Ages and it lasted about 500 years. Conviviality was only going for five years, so by that reckoning the drinks industrys dark age will hopefully last no longer than two-and-a-half years. Yet, despite the multi-tentacled nature of Conviviality, and the damage its demise has caused, there are plenty of thriving businesses within our industry, and there is now the opportunity for many more to flourish in this post-Conviviality world, so there may not even be a dark age at all. Related articles: Our work was meant as a demonstration project to show how disease registries could be leveraged to yield the same sorts of insights about personalizing the longitudinal sequence of treatments as one might get from a prospective, multistage randomized trial, Krakow said in emailed comments about the work, which was based on the transplant complication known as graft-vs.-host disease. When a cancer patient has a complex medical history, a little-studied disease and many potential treatment options, published guidelines and studies rarely indicate one clear treatment choice. So in everyday clinical practice, physicians recommend treatments to their patients based on an amalgam of published and anecdotal evidence, and patient-specific characteristics and preferences. Then, they adjust treatment as needed as time goes on. In what Krakow calls algorithm-informed treatment, a computer would generate a treatment recommendation for a specific time point in an individual patients therapeutic course. The recommendation would be the product of a complicated mathematical formula the computer developed from studying the outcomes of treatment in a data set comprising many past, real-life patients. Our intent is to make the relationship between a combination of time-varying, patient-specific characteristics and the treatment decision explicit, to give clinicians a deeper evidence base to inform their everyday decisions, said Krakow, who led this research as a masters student under the guidance of Dr. Erica Moodie of McGill University. In their paper, the researchers demonstrated how their algorithm could, for example, tell a physician that a particular regimen for GVHD prevention would give a patient a 16 percent higher chance of surviving two years with no signs of cancer as compared to other preventive treatments, taking into account aspects of that patients demographics, disease biology and treatment history. In contrast, another patient with the same diagnosis but other differences would probably do better with another preventive therapy, the algorithm showed. The algorithm in the teams paper was derived using certain medical data from more than 9,500 transplant patients in a research database managed by the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research. While the incomplete nature of these data means that it cannot be applied to clinical practice, Krakow said their approach can be used with other data sets to develop algorithms that could themselves be clinically validated and used in patient care. Krakow is now developing algorithm-informed treatment methodologies for the care of patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. 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Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Google Ad Joint statement Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT COVID19:77 new cases Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference A 74-year-old farmer has won a long-running dispute with the Church of England about the ownership of his land. It has taken two years for Richard Tyacke, of Maxstoke, Warwickshire, to be granted ownership of 16 of his 120ha after discovering the Diocese of Birmingham had wrongly registered itself as the freeholder. The confusion dates back to the 1880s when the land was part of the Stoneleigh Estate, and the Church of England was granted a yearly rent charge of 30 for the 16ha for the upkeep of the local church and the augmentation of the local vicars income. Mr Tyackes family rented and farmed the land from 1896 until 1942 when they bought the land. They continued to pay the 30 each year. Unknown to Mr Tyacke, in 2010 the Diocese of Birmingham registered the freehold of the 16ha in its name by submitting a statement of truth claiming ownership to the Land Registry. According to Howkins & Harrison land agent James Collier, the Land Registry is willing to accept these written statements claiming ownership from large landowners such as the Church, where documents relating to ownership are missing. About six years ago, Mr Tyacke came across a couple of agents from Knight Frank, the managing agents for the Diocese of Birmingham at the time, on his farm, who said they were inspecting the land owned by the Church. They said the Church owned the freehold of the land and that Mr Tyacke was only a tenant. He challenged them to provide evidence of this, of course, but nothing was forthcoming, said Mr Collier. When Mr Tyacke came to register his ownership of the farm with the Land Registry in 2016, his solicitors discovered what had happened. Reckless application The legal team was able to produce a copy of the original rent charge document from 1883 and the 1942 conveyance of the freehold of the whole of the farm (including the 16ha in question) to the Tyacke family. It was clear the diocese didnt own the land and I have no idea how they managed to come to the conclusion that they owned it, said Mr Collier. They submitted the application recklessly and based on nothing more than an assumption by their advisers that the 30 annual payment showed a landlord/tenant relationship. Faced with these written records, and without any of their own, the diocese agreed to surrender the land and cancel its freehold registration. The land was then properly registered in Mr Tyackes name. See also: Lincolnshire farm gains extra land through accretion When he approached the diocese for reimbursement of incurred costs (of about 1,700) and an apology, the Church, via solicitors Shakespeare Martineau, denied any responsibility and instead blamed the Land Registry for accepting its application. As the mistake was that of the Land Registry in accepting our application, we are not able to accede to your claim for costs, the firm wrote. Mr Tyacke said the actions of the Church were extraordinary and he is yet to receive an apology. Its about half-a-million pounds of land in todays values, he added. If it happened to me it could happen to anyone. If I had died not knowing, my family would have been left in such a difficult position. I dread to think what the outcome may have been. Response Farmers Weekly contacted Shakespeare Martineau for a response, but it has a formal policy not to comment on any specific case. A Church of England spokesman said: The Church of England held an ancient right to a regular payment in lieu of rectorial tithes, which the Land Registry mistakenly registered as ownership in 2010. The Land Registry has now corrected their mistake and compensated Mr Tyacke. As a gesture of goodwill, the Church of England wrote to Mr Tyacke, agreeing to waive the right to any future payments on the land. The Land Registry has stated that, though it did not make an error in this case, the Land Registration Act 2002 includes a scheme to compensate or indemnify those who suffer loss because of a mistake in the register. Some of Mr Tyackes expenses have been refunded by the registry. Galveston, TX (77553) Today Rain showers in the morning with scattered thunderstorms arriving in the afternoon. High 82F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.. Tonight Cloudy in the evening, then off and on rain showers after midnight. Low 76F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Nikol Pashinyan: We will return the worthy image you deserve. (video) The 6th day of civil disobedience began at French Square. Nikol Pashinyan sat with the protesters on the pedestrian part of the road, closing it. He touched upon yesterday's incident. "This was a staged Indian movie when the police and Shmays brigade's representatives were carrying out organized activities. The author of the script is Serzh Sargsyan, the director - the police, and the assistant director - Shmays and others like him. " The revolution has begun, it has national support, "Nikol Pashinyan said. "There has been no such large-scale rally since independence, all Armenians are involved in the process, and the citizens of Armenia and Diaspora have provided financial assistance." Then the protesters moved to Baghramyan Avenue. Near the American University, the traffic was closed. The demonstrators tilt toward Proshyan Street. Proshyan Street was also closed. The demonstrators headed for Serzh Sargsyan's residence. There is police enhanced supervision at the place. "Serzh Sargsyan, you will see Armenia through the police barrier. We will return the worthy image you deserve. Serzh Sargsyan should not go to bed at night, he should only think of the eyes of these young people," said Nikol Pashinyan. Now we will march through Pashinyan, gathering all our supporters from all the streets. New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced on Wednesday a probe into cryptocurrency exchanges, including Coinbase and the Gemini Exchange, run by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss. It is being called the Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative, described by the AG as a fact-finding inquiry into the policies and practices of platforms used by consumers to trade virtual or crypto currencies like bitcoin and ether. With cryptocurrency on the rise, consumers in New York and across the country have a right to transparency and accountability when they invest their money. Yet too often, consumers dont have the basic facts they need to assess the fairness, integrity, and security of these trading platforms, said Attorney General Schneiderman. Our Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative sets out to change that, promoting the accountability and transparency in the virtual currency marketplace that investors and consumers deserve. Virtual or crypto currency trading platforms match buyers and sellers of virtual currencies. Sometimes referred to as exchanges, these platforms are a key point of entry into the virtual currency market for professional and retail investors alike. The Investor Protection Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General sent letters to the following virtual currency trading platforms: (1) Coinbase, Inc. (GDAX); (2) Gemini Trust Company; (3) bitFlyer USA, Inc.; (4) iFinex Inc. (Bitfinex); (5) Bitstamp USA Inc.; (6) Payward, Inc. (Kraken); (7) Bittrex, Inc.; (8) Circle Internet Financial Limited (Poloniex LLC); (9) Binance Limited; (10) Elite Way Developments LLP (Tidex.com); (11) Gate Technology Incorporated (Gate.io); (12) itBit Trust Company; and (13) Huobi Global Limited (Huobi.Pro). As of Wednesday morning, the announcement appeared to have had little effect on bitcoin trading, as the price remained steady right around $8126. - Aaron Goldstein, Gambling911.com The 20-episode Bloody bet thriller to be broadcast on Ucom's Armenia Premium TV channel Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group UCOM offers affordable gadgets at bigger discount Foreign Minister of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan will pay a working visit to New York Google Ad Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Google Ad Joint statement Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Covid-19: 163 new cases in Armenia Armenia: Remarks by Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the press point with Acting Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan The United States Welcomes Azerbaijans Release of Armenian Detainees and Armenias Actions to Facilitate Demining The Coronavirus-Related Situation in Armenia International aviation: Council greenlights signing of major agreements with four countries With UCOMs level up tariff plans subscribers have unlimited access to Netflix, Duolingo and Zoom Armenia: Statement by the Spokesperson on the early parliamentary elections Armenias Parliamentary Elections PRESS STATEMENT COVID19:77 new cases Armenias early parliamentary elections were competitive and well run, but polarized and marred by aggressive rhetoric, international observers say International election observers to Armenias early parliamentary elections held press conference Protesters urge students to join them (video) Nikol Pashinyan is at YSU with the protesters. Demonstrators are shouting "Join us! Join us!", "Strike", "Free, Independent Student" to encourage students to join them. Nikol Pashinyan explains why he is in YSU. "YSU should be the symbol of freedom of citizens and students of Armenia. During this time, we are receiving many calls from different educational institutions that the doors have been closed and the students cannot get out. This is a great disgrace when the doors of an educational institution are closed to adults. This is one of the most important symbols of the fake state created by Serzh Sargsyan and the RPA, and I urge the rectors of all HEIs, the Ministry of Education and Science, to put an end to that practice." The YSU doors are open to us and we welcome it. That day, the doors at the Pedagogical University were not closed and we welcome that decision because this is a civilized movement that is not guided by violence, but with ideas and interests of the Armenian people. " xspraise at 18-04-2018 08:11 AM (3 years ago) (m) A 29-year-old man, Friday Oyedele, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly molesting and impregnating a Beninoise, Funmi, in the Ilupeju area of the state. A 29-year-old man, Friday Oyedele, has been arrested by the police in Lagos for allegedly molesting and impregnating a Beninoise, Funmi, in the Ilupeju area of the state. Punch Metro learnt that Oyedele was sleeping with the victim in the house of her mistress, one Alhaja, on Olusoji Idowu Street, Ilupeju. Aside the rape, he allegedly penetrated the victim with a ring which he said would kill her if she told anyone about the sexual assault. The secret was concealed until the victim became three months pregnant and the matter was reported at the Ilupeju Police Station by a resident. Punch correspondent gathered that an official of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender, who was sent to the station, was verbally assaulted by the relatives of the suspect and the Alhaja, who said the duo were lovers. Efforts to rescue the victim to a government shelter were reportedly resisted as the Investigating Police Officer, one Rosaline, allegedly said the families had agreed to amicable settlement. The OPD worker said the suspects family boasted that nothing would come out of the case. The victim, before she was taken from me at the station, said she was brought from Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Lagos to work as a maid for one Alhaja on Olusoji Idowu Street, Ilupeju. She said her mother was dead, while her father was in the village. She noted that she did not finish primary education before she was brought to Lagos. She said her ordeal started when the perpetrator defiled her for the first time and threatened her with a ring that she would die if she told anybody what happened between them. The victim explained that she had lost count of the time the man had sex with her. She further stated that she wanted to report him to her mistress, but she was afraid that she would die due to the threat from the perpetrator, until she became pregnant. The perpetrators father resorted to threat that if his son was sent to jail, he would be released in a day, he said. Punch Metro learnt that Funmis mistress claimed that the suspect brought her from Benin Republic to Lagos, adding that Oyedele was 19 years old. But the victim, in a video clip obtained by Punch correspondent, said the suspect raped her. She said, I work as a maid at Ilupeju. Whenever I finished working and went to the backyard to sleep, the boy, Friday (Oyedele), would use a ring to sleep with me. When I decided to tell people, he said I should not. Friday said if I did, I would die. Whenever I tried to tell people, I would forget. The man is 29 years old. He told me so himself. I am three months pregnant. The Director of the OPD condemned the incident, expressing anger at the alleged police involvement in the plot to kill the case. She said, It is disheartening to learn that the police, in cohort with certain relatives, are trying to settle and pervert justice despite the effort of the Lagos State Government to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. The Lagos State Government is, however, not relenting in its determination to ensure that this scourge is eradicated from our society for the sake of the citizenry, especially children and other vulnerable groups. The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike oti, confirmed the incident. He, however, denied allegations of compromising the case. He said, The girl and the man, 19-year-old Friday Oyedele, are lovers; even though they are too young to engage in such act. The result of their relationship was the pregnancy. The suspect was arrested and will be arraigned today Punch Metro learnt that Oyedele was sleeping with the victim in the house of her mistress, one Alhaja, on Olusoji Idowu Street, Ilupeju.Aside the rape, he allegedly penetrated the victim with a ring which he said would kill her if she told anyone about the sexual assault.The secret was concealed until the victim became three months pregnant and the matter was reported at the Ilupeju Police Station by a resident.Punch correspondent gathered that an official of the Lagos State Office of the Public Defender, who was sent to the station, was verbally assaulted by the relatives of the suspect and the Alhaja, who said the duo were lovers.Efforts to rescue the victim to a government shelter were reportedly resisted as the Investigating Police Officer, one Rosaline, allegedly said the families had agreed to amicable settlement.The OPD worker said the suspects family boasted that nothing would come out of the case.The victim, before she was taken from me at the station, said she was brought from Cotonou, Benin Republic, to Lagos to work as a maid for one Alhaja on Olusoji Idowu Street, Ilupeju. She said her mother was dead, while her father was in the village. She noted that she did not finish primary education before she was brought to Lagos.She said her ordeal started when the perpetrator defiled her for the first time and threatened her with a ring that she would die if she told anybody what happened between them. The victim explained that she had lost count of the time the man had sex with her.She further stated that she wanted to report him to her mistress, but she was afraid that she would die due to the threat from the perpetrator, until she became pregnant. The perpetrators father resorted to threat that if his son was sent to jail, he would be released in a day, he said.Punch Metro learnt that Funmis mistress claimed that the suspect brought her from Benin Republic to Lagos, adding that Oyedele was 19 years old.But the victim, in a video clip obtained by Punch correspondent, said the suspect raped her.She said, I work as a maid at Ilupeju. Whenever I finished working and went to the backyard to sleep, the boy, Friday (Oyedele), would use a ring to sleep with me. When I decided to tell people, he said I should not. Friday said if I did, I would die. Whenever I tried to tell people, I would forget. The man is 29 years old. He told me so himself. I am three months pregnant.The Director of the OPD condemned the incident, expressing anger at the alleged police involvement in the plot to kill the case.She said, It is disheartening to learn that the police, in cohort with certain relatives, are trying to settle and pervert justice despite the effort of the Lagos State Government to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.The Lagos State Government is, however, not relenting in its determination to ensure that this scourge is eradicated from our society for the sake of the citizenry, especially children and other vulnerable groups.The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Chike oti, confirmed the incident.He, however, denied allegations of compromising the case.He said, The girl and the man, 19-year-old Friday Oyedele, are lovers; even though they are too young to engage in such act. The result of their relationship was the pregnancy. The suspect was arrested and will be arraigned today Post Reply I am Victor, I write reportage on sport news and latest metro happenings in Nigeria. Posted: at 18-04-2018 08:11 AM (3 years ago) | Hero clarajancita at 18-04-2018 09:51 AM (3 years ago) (f) A story about how a young woman, Axelle, was sold into prostitution in a foreign land, has been trending online for a while now. A 24-year-old Axelle was said to have met a young man, Jean Claude Fayard, whos alleged to be a French businessman, via the internet in October 2011. When this happened, little did the Cameroonian graduate of Aesthetics and Beauty know that her life was about crumbling down. A story about how a young woman, Axelle, was sold into prostitution in a foreign land, has been trending online for a while now. A 24-year-old Axelle was said to have met a young man, Jean Claude Fayard, whos alleged to be a French businessman, via the internet in October 2011. When this happened, little did the Cameroonian graduate of Aesthetics and Beauty know that her life was about crumbling down. They had a normal chat like every other person would have when chatting with a stranger. Jean Claude told her he was a businessman based in Marseille (France) and was into import and export. Feeling lost and alone Their friendship became platonic and Axelle thought she had found the love of her life. On March 2012, Oga Claude came to visit her in Cameroon. Axelles people were joyous and there was a massive celebration at her aunts residence in Santa Barbara, Yaounde. Two days in Cameroon, Jean Claude proposed to Axelle and got married to her in both traditional and legal ceremonies. Both marriages took place on March 18 and 20, 2012, respectively. Jean Claude made all travelling arrangements and the both of them flew to France on March 21 that same year. He even gave Axelles family the sum of 600.000 FCFA for their upkeep. Not knowing that they were selling their daughter into sex slavery, the family happily bid the couple goodbye as they left for France. Jean Claude is a pimp who comes to Africa, picks up girls to come and work as sex slaves for him in France. Since Axelle did not know about this, she would wish she never used the internet in her life. As the couple arrived France, they lived in a town called Clermont Ferrand for about 9 months after which they moved to a new place called Lourdes. It is in this place that Axelle had the worst experience of her life. A few days after their arrival to Lourdes, a man came knocking on their door saying he wants to see Jean Claude. Little did Axelle know that he would be her first client who had already paid into her husbands bank account. When Axelle called her husbands attention to the guest, she was shocked when her husband told her to do whatever the guest tells her to do. A few days later after coming home from work, Jean Claude sits Axelle and laid down the rules and regulations of the job. He told her she has to pay back all the money he spent on her in Cameroon. He calculated the amount to be more than 3,000 Euros and she will also be working for him for the next two years. Axelle who became speechless thought she was dreaming. Jean Claude collected her personal belongings and all her documents. She was also not allowed to make any calls to the outside world. That was how she started entertaining male customers who would come for her service with any form of protection. But one day, Jean Claude came home with a customer accompanied by a dog. The man whose name is Loiseau had deposited some money into Jean Claudes account. Axelle who didnt see this coming was pushed into the room and forced to have sex with the dog which she did. It is said that Jean Claude made more money when Axelle sleeps with an animal, a horse, for instance, so these deals became the order of the day. After her encounter with the dog, Jean Claude left with Mr Loiseau leaving Axelle alone in the house. After numerous trials, she broke down the door and ran into the street where she met a Cameroonian couple living in the town. They helped her to get to the Embassy where she narrated her ordeal. The police searched his house and found evidence linking him to kidnapping and other serious allegations. Jean Claude was immediately arrested and is waiting for judgement. Meanwhile, Axelle flew back to Cameroon and was immediately taken to the hospital for further examinations and treatments. They had a normal chat like every other person would have when chatting with a stranger. Jean Claude told her he was a businessman based in Marseille (France) and was into import and export.Their friendship became platonic and Axelle thought she had found the love of her life. On March 2012, Oga Claude came to visit her in Cameroon. Axelles people were joyous and there was a massive celebration at her aunts residence in Santa Barbara, Yaounde.Two days in Cameroon, Jean Claude proposed to Axelle and got married to her in both traditional and legal ceremonies. Both marriages took place on March 18 and 20, 2012, respectively.Jean Claude made all travelling arrangements and the both of them flew to France on March 21 that same year. He even gave Axelles family the sum of 600.000 FCFA for their upkeep. Not knowing that they were selling their daughter into sex slavery, the family happily bid the couple goodbye as they left for France.Jean Claude is a pimp who comes to Africa, picks up girls to come and work as sex slaves for him in France. Since Axelle did not know about this, she would wish she never used the internet in her life. As the couple arrived France, they lived in a town called Clermont Ferrand for about 9 months after which they moved to a new place called Lourdes. It is in this place that Axelle had the worst experience of her life.A few days after their arrival to Lourdes, a man came knocking on their door saying he wants to see Jean Claude. Little did Axelle know that he would be her first client who had already paid into her husbands bank account. When Axelle called her husbands attention to the guest, she was shocked when her husband told her to do whatever the guest tells her to do.A few days later after coming home from work, Jean Claude sits Axelle and laid down the rules and regulations of the job. He told her she has to pay back all the money he spent on her in Cameroon. He calculated the amount to be more than 3,000 Euros and she will also be working for him for the next two years.Axelle who became speechless thought she was dreaming. Jean Claude collected her personal belongings and all her documents. She was also not allowed to make any calls to the outside world. That was how she started entertaining male customers who would come for her service with any form of protection. But one day, Jean Claude came home with a customer accompanied by a dog.The man whose name is Loiseau had deposited some money into Jean Claudes account. Axelle who didnt see this coming was pushed into the room and forced to have sex with the dog which she did. It is said that Jean Claude made more money when Axelle sleeps with an animal, a horse, for instance, so these deals became the order of the day.After her encounter with the dog, Jean Claude left with Mr Loiseau leaving Axelle alone in the house. After numerous trials, she broke down the door and ran into the street where she met a Cameroonian couple living in the town. They helped her to get to the Embassy where she narrated her ordeal. The police searched his house and found evidence linking him to kidnapping and other serious allegations. Jean Claude was immediately arrested and is waiting for judgement. Meanwhile, Axelle flew back to Cameroon and was immediately taken to the hospital for further examinations and treatments. Post Reply I am a metro reporter on Gistmania, I have been publishing news materials for over 5 years Posted: at 18-04-2018 09:51 AM (3 years ago) | Hero Long-time Glasgow native and County Road Department Supervisor Todd Young is one of seven candidates seeking the job of Valley County Commissioner being vacated by Bruce Petersen in November. Young sat down with the Glasgow Courier to discuss his background, his motivation for the job and his intentions if elected to the post. Young has called Glasgow home for 33 of his 35 years. He graduated from Glasgow High School, and says that unlike many of his peers, he did not feel the need to leave town to pursue college or just get out of town. Instead, he got hired on at the County Road Department on the bridge crew, where he worked heavy machinery fixing ditches, culverts and, occasionally, hauling gravel. Young talks fondly of his experience with the County saying, "I know the county like the back of my hand." Young worked his way through the department and eventually took the post as the assistant to then Superintendent of County Roads Paul Tweten, where he experienced the role first hand assisting with daily operations. Young also worked with the Federal Emergency Management Agency on rain wash outs in August 2014 and on disaster preparedness. When Tweten was elected commissioner in 2014, Young took over as interim, and applied for the job. Following the selection process he took over the post permanently and has performed the duties ever since. As the superintendent of the department, Young oversees nearly 2100 miles of county roads, and maintains nearly 1,600 miles of that year round. Young's motivation for chasing the job is in support of Valley County. He wants to continue to serve, and believes the county has a good direction. "I want to stay in the same lane and make it better," said Young adding, "I want to make sure the people of Valley County are getting the most out of their taxes and their money." He feels improvements are always possible and that he would strive to make the system efficient. Young supports communication between the residents and the commissioners. He claimed to encourage and enjoy getting feedback from residents at the road department, and defers to the fact that the people paying the taxes should be informed and should be able to talk to the county openly. "If you pay taxes you get to voice your concerns," explained Young about his view on communication from the county. When asked what he intends to do, Young echos a lot of others in the race when he says, "I don't feel you can really go in with an agenda." He intends to approach the job by getting spun up on the tasks at hand, and then learn the daily roles and needs of the many departments within the county. Young explained it saying, "I want to sit down with the department heads so when they have needs you can have a grasp on it to make the quick, responsible and fiscal decision." Young also claimed to love the deep field of competition saying, "Competition is a great thing," before going on to explain that he feels this race will certainly produce the best person for Valley County. Young closed the interview on a positive note. "I plan to live here the rest of my life. This is where my new wife and I want to raise a family. And, I want to make a difference and be a voice for the tax payers of this county." The Valley County Health Department, along with law enforcement partners with the Glasgow Police Department, Valley County Sheriff's Office, Montana Highway Patrol and the Glasgow and Long-Run Fire Department, hosted the third annual Red Thumb Reminder Day in Glasgow April 10. According to Leslie Simensen with the Health Department, the event was attended by about 195 people and supported by 88 different students and community volunteers. Designed to raise awareness about texting while driving, Red Thumb Day originated in Toole County. The idea is for participants to paint their thumbnails red or add red to their thumbs as a visual reminder not to text. "Our main activity was painting thumbnails red to remind each of us when we see our red thumbs, and are behind the wheel, to put down our phones and 'don't text and drive'," explained Simensen in a statement to the Courier. This year, the health department expanded on previous years by incorporating law enforcement demonstrations to include impaired driving obstacle courses, seat belt collision simulators, jaws-of-life demonstrations and educational material on the risks of distracted driving. Another addition included free T-shirts that have been ordered and will be announced for pick up at the courthouse. Also taken were mug shot photos for participants that can also be picked up at the courthouse. "We would like to thank our local law enforcement officers, Robert Weber of the GPD, and David Moon of Montana Highway Patrol, for giving presentations at Glasgow High School and Middle School the morning of April 10," said Simensen before also thanking MHP's Sgt Jeff Kent, for arranging a wrecked car exhibit that was on display at the high school and downtown for the Red Thumb Reminder Day walk. Red Thumb Reminder Day was made possible by support from Nemont Telephone, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, TaxMasters, First Community Bank, Reynold's Market, the Busted Knuckle Brewery and the Loaded Toad. Simensen also pointed out that the day would not have been possible without the support of the community and volunteers from the community, GHS Jobs for Montana Graduates and Student Council as well as reACT coalition students. Simensen ended her statement saying, "If we get one person to change their behavior or stop and think before they text and drive then we have made a difference." NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 16, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tri Cascade, Inc., a subsidiary of SkyFidelity, Inc. (SRMX) and an Internet of Things (IoT) technology company, is pleased to announce a new partnership with Grupo Datco, a multidimensional telecommunications and IT provider based in Argentina. Tri Cascade and Grupo Datco will work together to drive IoT product and business development for Tri Cascades Smart IoT platform in Argentina and across South America. Tri Cascades IoT technology features machine-to-machine (M2M) network connectivity and Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) technology developed to deliver next-generation smart home solutions in conjunction with the coming availability of 5G wireless connectivity. Grupo Datco is a leader in the South American telecommunications and IT industry with significant fiber, wireless, broadcast and IT assets in Argentina and other parts of the Latin American region, including significant assets in key 5G spectrum bands. Grupo Datco is at the forefront of technological and business innovation in the region and uniquely positioned to help Tri Cascade grow. Tri Cascade is excited for the opportunity to partner with an established, respected brand like Grupo Datco with decades of experience working alongside multinational technology companies to make an impact in the South American telecom and IT sector, said Max Li, president and CEO of Tri Cascade. Ive worked with Grupo Datco for more than 30 years and believe strongly that they have the knowledge and infrastructure in place to help Tri Cascade become the IoT technology leader in the region. With this partnership, Tri Cascade aims to aggressively pursue its vision to build smart neighborhoods and promote energy efficient solutions throughout South America with the companys advanced IoT technology. To learn more about Tri Cascade and the companys smart home technology, please visit http://www.tricascadeinc.com/. About Tri Cascade, Inc. Founded in May 2010, Tri Cascade, Inc. is committed to developing innovative Internet of Things convergent technologies and products to reduce energy costs and empower the end user for smarter and safer living. Leveraging its extensive experience in energy management, wireless networking, and home and B2B automation and device control systems, Tri Cascade focuses on bringing leading edge Wi-Fi and machine-to-machine wireless innovations for smart energy management to both residential and commercial markets. Tri Cascade aims to use the Internet of Things to make cities dynamic and responsive to energy demands and sudden energy spikes. Tri Cascades first product release is the i-BRIGHT7x Smart Surge Protector, a Wi-Fi-enabled home energy management tool embedded with online scheduling and power consumption metering on the Microsoft Cloud. For more information, visit www.tricascadeinc.com. Safe Harbor: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release are forward-looking statements that are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, which may cause the company's actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, product price volatility, product demand, market competition, risk inherent in the company's domestic and international operations, imprecision in estimating product reserves and the company's ability to replace and expand its holdings. Levon Galstyan: A completely failed policy that needs major changes The "Armenian Environmental Front" warns that failed policy in the field of environmental protection is being pursued already for 20 years. They are holding a protest action in front of the Ministry of Nature Protection today within the framework of protests in the country, voicing environmental concerns. "A completely failed policy that needs major changes. And the most serious change today is possible only by the change of management and decision-makers since experience shows that they are unable to provide approaches that take into account the interests of nature and make serious decisions," said Levon Galstyan, a member of the "Armenian Environmental Front Civil Initiative". According to him, the Government kept silent about the shameful exploitation of the mines and their increase, and did not take responsibility for the situation. "How was it that after 3 years, when they promised golden mountains to everyone, suddenly the Teghut mine was subject to environmental collapse, and no one was responsible for it? All these questions have accumulated so much that these people just have to realize that they are unable to govern properly. In the framework of all these processes we also raise our concerns in the ecological sphere. It's about the process of making a decision by the citizen of Armenia, which has begun and will bring its victorious end. " Levon Galstyan insisted that the people should understand that citizens of Armenia took back the leverage belonging to them. "We would advise our policemen to understand that the RPA is not eternal and one day they will leave. They will remain face to face with their people and they will have to have the ethical base to sincerely look into people's eyes." Human rights activist, Sophia Manukyan, believed the semi-educated people's power was unacceptable. "The matter is about a group that has captured the power and destroys nature, our present and future, and this is unacceptable. We have a real water problem, but small hydropower plants are not reduced as a result of management flaws. At the same time, the mountains from which rivers are flowing to reservoirs and from the reservoirs to Sevan, are being devastated, that is, the total failure of management. Things which could prevent it are not done. They still want to exploit Amulsar, so that the water resources become worse. That is, don't they want Jermuk to exist anymore?" said Sofya Manukyan. It should be reminded that before this, environmentalists have repeatedly warned about the damage to mine exploitation. Exploitation of Amoulsar mine, which has caused environmental complaints and concerns, is also scheduled to begin in mid-2018 for the initial 10 years. PHILADELPHIA and ABU DHABI, UAE , April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hill International (NYSE:HIL), the global leader in managing construction risk, announced today Abdo E. Kardous, currently Hills Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Asia/Pacific Region, will assume the post of Regional President for the Middle East. Kardous replaces Mohammed Al Rais, who is resigning his position with the company as of April 19. Kardous joined Hill in 1997 as part of the Hill team managing the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan Mosque in Abu Dhabi. He was promoted to Vice President in Hills Dubai office, and rose to SVP Middle East before assuming leadership of Hills Asia/Pacific work operations. Abdo is a member of both the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Institute of Transportation Engineers. He holds a B.S., Magna Cum Laude, in Civil Engineering, from the University of Maryland and an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Berkley. He was also Hill Internationals Project Manager of the Year in 2001. In total, Abdo brings more than 30 years of experience to the Middle East region, with expertise in the design, procurement, construction, and delivery of multi-billion dollar projects in the residential, hospitality, energy, infrastructure, and marine sectors, among others. Raouf S. Ghali, Hills President and Chief Operating Officer, said of the promotion, Mohammeds work in growing our MER business and overseeing our many mega-projects in the area was exceptional, and we thank him for his leadership and dedication. Going forward, Abdo brings the right experience to continue to refine and improve our MER operations, and to build on the hard work accomplished to date in the region. Hill International, with more than 3,000 professionals in more than 50 offices worldwide, provides program management, project management, construction management and other consulting services to clients in a variety of market sectors. Engineering News-Record magazine recently ranked Hill as the eighth-largest construction management firm in the United States. For more information on Hill, please visit our website at www.hillintl.com. Certain statements contained herein may be considered "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and it is our intent that any such statements be protected by the safe harbor created thereby. Except for historical information, the matters set forth herein including, but not limited to, any projections of revenues, earnings or other financial items; any statements concerning our plans, strategies, and objectives for future operations; and any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations, estimates, and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. Although we believe that the expectations, estimates, and assumptions reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially from those projected or assumed in any of our forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in our forward-looking statements are set forth in the Risk Factors section and elsewhere in the reports we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including that unfavorable global economic conditions may adversely impact our business, our backlog may not be fully realized as revenue, and our expenses may be higher than anticipated. We do not intend, and undertake no obligation, to update any forward-looking statement. Hill International, Inc. Elizabeth J. Zipf, LEED AP BD+C Senior Vice President Hill International, Inc. One Commerce Square 2005 Market Street, 17th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19103 Tel: 215-309-7707 elizabethzipf@hillintl.com Hill International, Inc. Marco A. Martinez SVP & Interim Chief Financial Officer (215) 309-7951 marcomartinez@hillintl.com InvestorCom John Glenn Grau President (203) 295-7841 jgrau@investor-com.com (HIL-G) Following the death of Barbara Bush, tributes poured in from pastors, political figures, and family members remembering the former first lady's faith and dedication to her family. Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, leaving behind her husband of 73 years, former President George H.W. Bush, five children and their spouses, as well as 17 grandchildren. The news of her death comes just days after a Bush family spokesman announced the former first lady was in "failing health" and had decided not to seek any additional medical treatment. Members of the public are invited to pay their respects Friday, April 20 as Bush lay in repose between 12 p.m. and midnight at St. Martin's Church in Houston, according to the official funeral announcement by the family. The funeral service is by invite only. Minutes after her death was announced, public figures and lawmakers from both parties remembered Bush, one of only two women in history to be both the spouse and the mother of an American president. Franklin Graham, President and CEO of Samaritan's Purse, remembered Bush as a "a class act" and reflected on the longstanding friendship between the Graham and Bush families. "My deepest condolences and prayers for President George H.W. Bush and the family as they have lost a dear wife, mother, grandmother, and much more," he wrote. "Former First Lady Barbara Bush was a class act. The Bushes were close friends of my parents and our family. Here's a photo that is special to us from when they visited the Billy Graham Library and Billy Graham Evangelistic Association a few years ago. I know the family would appreciate all of our prayers during this time." Joel Osteen, pastor of Lakewood Church, praised the "unwavering faith" of the former first lady. "Victoria and I, along with our Lakewood family, honor the life and memory of our beloved former First Lady Barbara Bush. She was admired by all of us for her strength, grace, and unwavering faith. We extend our heartfelt condolences to President Bush and the entire Bush family." Bush's granddaughter, Jenna Bush Hager, shared a series of photos on the Bush family matriarch on Instagram. "I already miss this FORCE of a woman- the "enforcer" because she was the glue that held our family together," Bush Hager wrote in the caption. "She taught me to use my voice but also to value the opinions of others. She adored her friends and family; her loyalty was unwavering." She continued, "Humor helps, she often said and it does, Gans, but I will miss your laugh terribly. She adored my Gampy, the first man she ever kissed; their love story is so ingrained in the history of our family. Thinking of my Gampy tonight -no doubt missing his beloved desperately. Gans, people stopped me all the time to tell me how much they loved you. I didn't mind sharing you with them. I love you more than tongue can tell, my Ganny." Bush's son and former president George W. Bush remembered his mother as a "fabulous" First Lady and thanked supporters for their prayers. "My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," he wrote. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end. I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly, and we thank you all for your prayers and good wishes." In a written statement released by the White House, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump said they "join the nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush." Former Presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama also issued statements honoring the late Bush matriarch. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley came to the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday, backed by the attorneys general in 42 other states, on a mission to overturn a 26-year-old decision that prevents states from collecting taxes on online sales.But the court's nine justices quickly made clear that it would not be an easy sell.Jackley had barely begun explaining that states were losing massive amounts of money and small businesses were being harmed by the 1992 case Quill Corp. v. North Dakota before Justice Sonia Sotomayor interrupted.I'm concerned about the many unanswered questions that overturning precedents will create a massive amount of lawsuits about, she said.The Quill decision dealt with taxes collected by mail-order catalog companies before the internet became a feature of American life. The 2016 South Dakota law challenges that ruling by allowing the state to collect a sales tax on internet purchases from remote retailers who have a so-called economic presence in the state, rather than the physical presence required by Quill.Most states already require purchasers in their state to pay the equivalent of a sales tax, but, in practical terms, most buyers never do. South Dakota and other states want the ability to have the online retailer collect the sales tax instead.The justices spent much of the hour-long arguments focusing on the practical fallout for suddenly allowing states to impose online sales taxes. In particular, they worried that the new tax scheme would harm small businesses that sell goods on the internet.They also raised concerns about whether states other than South Dakota would try to retroactively charge online retailers for the sales tax they didnt impose in the past. Jackley said that 38 other states (of the 45 with sales taxes) have already asserted that they wouldnt apply the taxes retroactively.And several justices wondered whether Congress would be better equipped to deal with the issue, rather than the high court, because the federal lawmakers could better craft a nationwide scheme that would address many of the judges lingering concerns.It is rare -- but not unheard of -- for reviewing courts to reverse their prior decisions. The current challenge to the 1992 Quill decision came about, in large part, because of the high courts own actions.Three years ago, the high court considered a challenge to a Colorado law that makes retailers report -- but not collect -- sales tax owed by its residents. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote a concurrence that invited a challenge to Quill. When the high court decided Quill, he noted, mail-order sales in the country amounted to $180 billion. By 2008, e-commerce sales reached $3.16 trillion.Given these changes in technology and consumer sophistication, it is unwise to delay any longer a reconsideration of the courts holding in Quill. A case questionable even when decided, Quill now harms states to a degree far greater than could have been anticipated earlier, he wrote.Less than a year after Kennedys comments, South Dakota lawmakers responded by passing a law that they knew would invite an attack from online retailers. South Dakota was far from alone in provoking such an attack, though. Over the past two years, nearly two dozen states have moved to pass bills or change regulations in ways that deliberately invite lawsuits from internet retailers.By some estimates, states are collectively missing out on more than $23 billion annually in potential online sales tax. A recent study from the Government Accounting Office pegged the annual revenue potential at somewhere between $8.4 billion and $13.5 billion.The discrepancy is likely because there have been increasing cases where state and local governments are collecting a tax from a remote seller. Notably, Amazon, the largest internet retailer, now has deals in roughly 39 states to remit a sales tax for purchases made through the site.States have grown bolder, in part, because their efforts to get Congress to act have gone nowhere for more than a decade. The closest they came to a national system for sales tax collection came in 2013 when the U.S. Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act. But the bill died in the House, and Congress has not advanced similar legislation since.The Quill decision would let Congress set a national standard because it is based on the legal theory that states cannot impose greater trade restrictions on products from other states than they do on their own goods. The theory is based on the dormant commerce clause of the U.S. Constitution, which was included so states didnt start mini-trade wars with each other, as they had when the country was governed by the Articles of Confederation.So one of the biggest questions in the South Dakota case is whether the requirements for out-of-state vendors to collect sales tax is really creating an uneven playing field for in-state and out-of-state companies.Why isn't it -- far from discriminating --sellers? asked Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Anyone who wants to sell in-state, whether an in-state shop [or] an out-of-state shop, everybody is treated to the same tax collection obligation. All who exploit an in-state market are subject to the in-state tax. Why isnt that equalizing rather than discriminating?Jackley pressed that argument.Small businesses are not being treated fairly. Were not asking remote sellers to do anything that were not already asking our small businesses to do in our state. And that is simply to collect and remit a tax, he said.But George Isaacson, a lawyer representing Wayfair, one of the companies challenging the South Dakota law, said that remitting sales taxes to all of the countrys jurisdictions would be overly burdensome on out-of-state retailers. The number of jurisdictions that imposed sales taxes has grown from 2,300 when the high court first restricted sales tax collections in 1967, to 6,000 by 1992, to more than 12,000 jurisdictions today.Borders count, he said. States exercise their sovereignty based upon borders, territorial limits. Its a key part of horizontal federalism in this country. So, if there's going to be some standard that determines when is a company subject to the tax jurisdiction of a state, using the territorial limits of that state make sense.A key factor in the decision is where the justices come down on the question of whether it's better or not to allow Congress to address the question. Ginsburg suggested the court should fix the problem itself. Why are we asking Congress to overturn our obsolete precedent?Kagan, on the other hand, said the solution would be best solved at the U.S. Capitol across the street.From this court's perspective, the choice is just binary, she explained. You either have the Quill rule or you don't. But Congress is capable of crafting compromises and trying to figure out how to balance the wide range of interests involved here.Justice Samuel Alito said giving states a victory in court could prevent the sides from reaching a more comprehensive compromise in Congress."As things stand now, it seems that both the states and internet retailers have an incentive to ask for a congressional solution to this problem, he said. Online retailers would still have to contend with onerous state requirements, like Colorados reporting law, while states are trying to collect more of the taxes theyre owed. There are incentives on both sides. But if Quill is overruled, what incentives do the states have to ask for any kind of congressional legislation?The tough questioning isnt necessarily a bad omen for South Dakotas chances. Justices often use oral arguments to explore the consequences of the decisions they ultimately make. And it was clear that at least some of the justices were still wrestling with the case.When I read your briefs, I thought absolutely right, Justice Stephen Breyer said. And then I read through the other briefs, and I thought absolutely right. And you cannot both be absolutely right. Following an inquiry from the Ohio Ethics Commission, Democrat gubernatorial candidate Dennis Kucinich has disclosed he was paid $20,000 for giving a speech last year to a group sympathetic to the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.Paul Nick, executive director of the ethics commission, wrote Kucinich on Friday asking him to correct his "incomplete" filing by identifying the person or entity who paid him for what he listed as "paid speeches" on his financial disclosure form.Kucinich, a U.S. House member from 1997 to 2013 and former Cleveland mayor, responded on Tuesday by listing three speaking fees totaling $33,000, including $20,000 from the Association for Investment in Popular Action Committees, of El Cerrito, California.The group is listed in federal records as holding the trademark to the Syria Solidarity Movement, which opposes "imperial interests" intervening in the Syrian civil war. As both a congressman, and again last year, Kucinich visited Syria to meet with its president, attracting criticism in some circles. Kucinich says he supports efforts to bring peace to the war-torn nation.Comment was being sought from the Kucinich campaign, which put out a release calling the U.S. missile attack last week "a violation of international law."On the campaign the subjects of Syria and Russia have proven inconvenient for Kucinich. He's been repeatedly refused to condemn Syrian dictator Bashir al-Assad, who again stands accused of using chemical weapons against his own people. And he's had to defend statements on Fox News saying the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election is an attempt by the "deep state" to undermine President Donald Trump.The Syrian Solidarity Movement appears to subscribe to both those views, no matter controversial.A prominent post on its website Tuesday attacked the American Herald-Tribune's coverage of the Syrian civil war."Corporate media propaganda against Syria is an avalanche that never seems to end. Government policy and media policy are now melded into a single policy of support for 'the opposition' and unceasing hostility towards 'the regime' and all those who have come to its aid, especially Russia," it said."The hysteria in the US over alleged and completely unproven Russian interference in the US elections is now reaching the point of open confrontation with Russia. Britain has climbed aboard with its alleged and unproven accusation of official Russian involvement in the nerve weapon poisoning of a washed-up former spy, whom Russia could have no conceivable interest in eliminating."Kucinich also is an honorary board member of the Ron Paul Institute, which also repeatedly questioned the Russia probe. Kucinich says he receives no compensation and plays no role in the institute's management or operations.Kucinich also reported he received a $10,000 speaking fee from Nexus Earth and $3,000 from author Marianne D. Williamson, who spoke at a recent Kasich fundraiser. BALLOT INITIATIVE IN 2016 SPEEDY COURT PROCESS COSTS DETERMINED The state's highest court ruled Tuesday that a ballot-box law that moves Maine's primary elections to a ranked-choice voting system should stand for the pending primary elections in June.The June 12 vote will be the first in the nation for a statewide use of ranked-choice voting system.The Maine Supreme Judicial Court took up the case based on a complaint from the Maine Senate, which argued that the state's top election official, Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap, did not have the constitutional authority to spend money on a ranked-choice election without specific direction to do so from the Legislature.Attorneys for the Senate, in essence, had argued that Dunlap would be violating the Maine Constitution's separation of powers clause by moving to conduct a ranked-choice primary in June, as ordered in March by a Superior Court judge in Kennebec County.But among other findings, the high court determined that it would be in violation of the separation of powers clause itself were it to overrule the current law, approved by voters in November 2016, because there was no pending crisis at hand."We are not persuaded by the suggestion that the logistics of implementing ranked-choice voting create a constitutional crisis sufficient for us to ignore the separation of powers problems inherent in these circumstances," the justices wrote in their 22-page opinion released late Tuesday afternoon.The justices agreed that a conflict exists within two sections of Maine law, with one section saying elections will be decided by a "plurality" and the other calling for the use of the ranked-choice voting process. To resolve that conflict, the court looked to the most recent changes to the state law for guidance. And those changes made clear that primary elections would be decided using ranked-choice voting, the justices wrote."The wisdom of ranked-choice voting is not before us," the justices wrote. "Our role is to determine and effectuate the intent of the legislation unless it conflicts with the Maine Constitution or the United States Constitution. Neither Constitution is implicated by the questions presented here, but the statutory conflict is clear. Despite the existing reference to plurality voting in the primary elections ... both the (Ranked Choice Voting Act) as first enacted by the people in 2016 and the amendments to ranked-choice primary voting enacted by the Legislature in the Implementation Act in 2017 and immediately effectuated through the people's veto expressly provide for primary elections to be governed by ranked-choice voting."In November 2016, 52 percent of voters approved a ballot initiative to make Maine the first state in the nation to implement ranked-choice voting. But lawmakers passed a bill last year delaying the effective date until December 2021 and then repealing the ranked-choice voting process altogether if a constitutional amendment hadn't been passed by then to address legal concerns.In February supporters of repealing the Legislature's repeal of the law turned in 77,305 signatures to the Elections Division of the Bureau of Corporations, Elections and Commissions, and in March Dunlap's office confirmed the campaign had collected 66,687 signatures from valid registered voters, or more than the minimum of 61,123 signatures needed to put in limbo the Legislature's repeal of the law until voters could again decide if they wanted to keep the system.Under Maine's traditional voting system, candidates who get a plurality, or the highest vote total, are declared winners, even if they receive less than 50 percent in a race with three or more contestants.In the ranked-choice system, voters would rank candidates in order of preference. If no one had a majority -- more than 50 percent of the vote -- after the first count, the candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated. Voters who chose the eliminated candidate would have their ballots added to the totals of their second-ranked candidates, and the ballots would be retabulated. The process would continue until one candidate had a clear majority and was declared the winner.In late March, attorneys for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting filed a lawsuit in Kennebec County Superior Court seeking an injunction requiring Dunlap to move forward with a ranked-choice election for the June primaries, after Dunlap raised doubts about whether his office would be able to move forward with the new voting system without additional changes to state law.Superior Court Justice Michaela Murphy ruled that Dunlap needed to proceed with ranked-choice primaries, but on the same day as that ruling the Maine Senate voted 21-13 to authorize Senate President Michael Thibodeau, R-Winterport, to pursue additional legal action. Attorneys for the Senate did so later the same day in the form of a new complaint to the Superior Court asking it to find, among other things, that Dunlap would be in violation of the separation of powers clause were he to move forward with a ranked-choice primary.That action triggered negotiations among the attorneys for Dunlap, the Senate and the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting that saw the Senate's complaint sent to the high court in an unusually speedy process, as the court recognized it needed to give Dunlap a quick answer with the June primary less than 60 days away.Dunlap's office has said it needed to know what type of election it was going to conduct by April 20 in order to have time to design, print and distribute ballots to Maine voters serving in the armed services overseas or others voting by absentee ballot.On Friday, the high court heard from the parties in the case and seemed to focus on several key issues, including whether the Senate, as one half of the legislative branch, should have standing before the court in a separation-of-powers complaint. The justices also seemed to mull whether any party could show it had yet been harmed by the new law. As it stands ranked-choice voting will be used for a total of four primary races in Maine, including the Democratic and Republican gubernatorial primary races, a five-way Democratic primary that will select the candidate to challenge incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Bruce Poliquin in the 2nd District, and a three-way race to determine the Republican candidate for Maine House District 75.The decision Tuesday drew praise from Kyle Bailey, the campaign manager for the Committee for Ranked Choice Voting."The Maine Legislature has changed or repealed all four of the initiatives passed by Maine voters in 2016," Bailey said in a prepared statement. "Today's decision by the Maine Supreme Court confirms that the Maine people are sovereign and have the final say."Meanwhile, Kate Knox, an attorney for the committee, pointed out the court's ruling also determined that the cost of a ranked-choice primary for the state was an estimated $89,000 -- a figure far lower than what opponents to the new voting system were suggesting. Knox said the ruling "has put to bed lingering questions about the constitutionality of ranked choice voting for use in primary and federal elections."While Democrats have been largely supportive of the ranked-choice voting law, Republicans have opposed it based on its conflicts with the Maine Constitution and its call for plurality elections.House Speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, said Tuesday she was pleased with the court's decision and swift action on the matter."Mainers have said clearly that they want election reform and they want it now," Gideon said. "The court has been clear in their ruling that ranked-choice voting is the law of the land. I am hopeful that the Secretary of State can now carry out this June's election without further interference "Thibodeau issued a statement Tuesday night thanking the justices for providing clarity on some of the questions the Senate had raised about ranked-choice voting, but he noted that "the court's ruling was very narrow in scope and only applies to the June primary.""The court did not address the many remaining constitutional questions regarding this system of voting in Maine," he added. "From the beginning, our primary concern has been the integrity of Maine's voting system, and we remain concerned about the citizens of Maine having confidence in it."He said that in the short time remaining in the current legislative session, "we will consider what we can do to ensure the election process goes smoothly on June 12th."A spokeswoman for Dunlap said the Maine Secretary of State's Office had no comment Tuesday night but would issue a statement on Wednesday. Gov. Scott Walker stated unequivocally Monday he won't take a job in the White House this term or if he's re-elected in November."I can unequivocally tell you without hesitation I will never willingly leave the role as governor through this next coming term," Walker said. "I'm running for re-election to serve a full term."Walker has said before that he doesn't plan to take a job in President Donald Trump's administration, but the White House has continued to shed top-level officials, with Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt the latest to come under fire after he reportedly improperly spent $43,000 for a soundproof phone booth for his office.Walker said Monday neither he nor others in his political circle have been approached by the White House about the governor taking a job with the Trump administration.During his 2014 re-election campaign Walker downplayed his interest in running for president, then launched an exploratory effort within weeks of winning. But he was never as emphatic in denying those plans as he was Monday about taking a White House job.Walker said he has taken to heart the advice of former Gov. Tommy Thompson, who became George W. Bush's secretary of health and human services in the middle of Thompson's fourth term."You can get much, much, much, much more done as a governor and it's much more fulfilling being a governor than it is being in the cabinet," Walker said.Walker also:--Deflected a question about former FBI director James Comey's comments in an interview that aired Sunday on ABC that Trump is "morally unfit" to be president. "I'll leave that up to the people who are elected for federal office since that's a federal issue," Walker said.--Said the legal troubles facing Republican Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, for whom Walker campaigned in 2016, are a "horribly sad situation." Greitens faces a felony charge of invasion of privacy for allegedly taking a nude picture of a woman in 2015 and bipartisan calls for his resignation amid related sexual abuse allegations. "If those reports are accurate ... I don't know how someone stays in that position," Walker said. "It's difficult if not impossible for him to govern."--Signed 93 bills into law, including measures to provide $6.8 million more for a Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. campaign to attract young people and veterans to the state; create statewide standards for rental unit inspection programs; create stiffer penalties for carjacking and other crimes; raise limits for historic rehabilitation tax credits; and prohibit local governments from requiring companies to engage in collective bargaining. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to support the Trump administration's lawsuit against California over laws that the state passed last year to limit its role in immigration enforcement.The county will file an amicus brief at the first available opportunity, likely if and when the case moves to a higher court on appeal, said Kristin Gaspar, supervisor for the county district stretching from Miramar to Encinitas and Escondido and chairwoman of the board.The San Diego County supervisors who voted to support the lawsuit said for them, it was about public safety."We're talking about people who are crossing the border illegally, coming into this county and committing a crime and them being let loose probably to commit another crime," said Dianne Jacob, supervisor for the district that covers East County. "That creates a public safety issue and creates a problem in our neighborhoods."She worried about terrorists crossing the border illegally, she said."This is a different day than it was 20, 30, 40 years ago," Jacob said. "That's why it was important for us to stand up, as controversial as it was."Gaspar said San Diego was safer before SB 54 went into effect."The status quo was safer in San Diego," she said, adding that now immigration officers make more arrests out in the community because they can't make those arrests at jails. "The best place for ICE to be is in the jail and not out in the community."During the announcement, Gaspar showed printouts of emails she received from each side of the debate. The stack of emails criticizing her for considering supporting the lawsuit was not much thicker than a legal pad. The stack of emails asking her to support the Trump administration's legal challenge to California was well over a foot thick.Gaspar, Jacob and Supervisor Bill Horn, who represents the northernmost part of the county, voted to support the lawsuit. Supervisor Greg Cox, whose district covers the South Bay, voted against it. Supervisor Ron Roberts, who represents central San Diego, was traveling abroad and did not attend the meeting.Cox said immigration issues need to be solved in Washington."The board's vote is a largely symbolic move that will create fear and divisiveness in our region, waste taxpayer funds and create distrust of law enforcement and local government within many communities," Cox said.The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against California at the beginning of March over three laws.SB 54, the law that received the most publicity when it passed, limits the ways in which local police can interact with federal immigration officials. Under the law, police can turn immigrants over to federal immigration enforcement agencies only if they have committed crimes listed in the legislation. It says local police cannot participate in task forces that are focused on immigration enforcement.It also requires the California Attorney General to set policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools, libraries and hospitals.AB 103 prohibits local governments across California from adding new contracts with the federal government for civil immigration detention or expanding old ones. It also requires the California Attorney General's office to monitor conditions in existing immigration detention facilities in the state.AB 450 says that employers cannot voluntarily allow immigration officials into non-public areas of the workplace unless the officers have judicial warrants. It also requires employers to notify employees about upcoming immigration inspections.Several critics of the decision cited a January 2017 study by UC San Diego professor Tom Wong, published by the Center for American Progress, that found crime rates are higher in non-sanctuary counties. (When asked about the study, Gaspar declined to comment, saying she hadn't seen it.)In a tense open session where murmurs of alternating discontent and approval rippled through the crowd packed into the board's chambers, a long line of speakers addressed the board Tuesday morning.The twelve people who supported the lawsuit told supervisors that the laws in question were an overreach of state power and worried that they would inhibit the federal government from deporting people with criminal convictions.Luis Reyes told the board that he worried "pockets of California were becoming 'no go zones.'""Something that's happening in Europe is coming this way," Reyes said.Stella May told the board that "the laws act to protect criminal illegals."She used the example of Kate Steinle, an case often cited by President Donald Trump and his supporters. Steinle, 32, was fatally shot by a man who'd been released from a San Francisco jail a few months beforehand and had several previous deportations.Cyrus Hojjaty, a 25-year-old Las Vegas resident whose family is from Iran, said that California's policies were "embarrassing" and "disgusting." He said his parents "did it the right way."He worried that his state's border with California would mean those policies have an effect where he lives."You go to Europe, they're being flooded with non-whites," he said.At least 23 people against supporting the lawsuit spoke next. Another 12 had to leave before their names were called but participated in a rally outside the county building before the meeting began.At the rally, many called on San Diegans to vote the supervisors out of office if they agreed to support the lawsuit.They worried that allowing local police to work closely with federal immigration officials would create less safe communities because immigrant victims or witnesses wouldn't call the police."This proposal is only about fear and hatred," Neal Jose Wilkinson, a priest at a Barrio Logan church, told the crowd outside the building. "We need law enforcement to protect all of our people, regardless of immigration status. If they're not protecting all of us, they're not protecting any of us."Ismahan Abdullahi of the Partnership for the Advancement of New Americans said San Diego's strength is its diversity."Led by our values, we want to take our region forward, not backward," Abdullahi said.Many accused Gaspar of bringing the issue to a county vote to gain media attention for her campaign to take the Congressional seat of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista.Inside the board chambers, Milad Torabi, a member of San Diego Border Dreamers, told the supervisors that immigrant communities are "the eyes and ears" for local police.He argued that SB 54 does not prohibit immigration officials from detaining people who have committed crimes, but rather holds federal officials to law enforcement standards that local police have, like the requirement of a judicial warrant.Some criticized the pro-lawsuit perspective as "racist" or "white nationalist," and others pointed out that despite San Diego's diverse population, none of the supervisors are people of color.Still others told the supervisors that a yes-vote would be on the wrong side of history and asked them what legacy they wanted to leave behind.The city of Escondido voted to support the Trump administration's lawsuit earlier in April. Andrias Ghukasyan to be arrested for at least 6 months (video) The Constitutional Court has to decide whether the detention of Andrias Ghukasyan, the member of "New Armenia" Movement, is a matter of course. "What did the Cassation Court do? It essentially admitted that we were right to say that the decision violated Andrias Ghukasyan's constitutional rights, and it [Cassation Court] decided to halt the proceedings. Apply to the Constitutional Court to determine the constitutionality of those articles. Actually, there has been a violation," Andrias Ghukasyan's defender Karen Mezhlumyan told A1 +. The first instance judge, according to the lawyer, had taken up the case, left Andrias Ghukasyan's preventive measure unchanged writing only 4 words. Meanwhile, it should be clearly stated what actions a person can do when he is free. The Constitutional Court has to make a decision within at least six months after receiving the application, during which Andrias Ghukasyan will continue to be detained. "A person is under arrest, ok release [him], then apply. This violates the right of a person. Probably, we will discuss with Andrias Ghukasyan about the constitutionality of that norm." According to Karen Mezhlumyan, violations of the case are a lot. According to him, it is obvious that political persecution against the defendant is carried out. Andrias Ghukasyan has been detained for nearly two years. He is accused of organizing mass disorders on July 29, 2016, as well as attempts to join the Patrol regiment, which has not been completed by circumstances beyond its control. This accusation has been extended to eight more people, but their detentions have changed and they are in freedom. Ruling in a Bay Area case, the Supreme Court, with a crucial vote from Justice Neil Gorsuch, struck down a federal immigration law Tuesday that required deportation for any noncitizen convicted of a felony that posed a "substantial risk" of violence.The 1996 law is unconstitutional because its wording is so vague that it sets no clear standard for either judges or immigrants on which crimes it covers, Justice Elena Kagan said in the 5-4 ruling. She said it was similar to another law the court had overturned in 2015 requiring a 15-year prison sentence for some felons whose past convictions were for crimes posing a "serious potential risk" of violence -- language the court also found unconstitutionally murky.The 2015 ruling was written by the late Justice Antonin Scalia, a leading member of the court's conservative wing. Gorsuch, appointed by President Trump last year to succeed Scalia, had been unswervingly conservative in his decisions until Tuesday, when he invoked his predecessor in a strongly worded opinion that provided the court's more liberal justices with a decisive fifth vote."Vague laws invite arbitrary power," Gorsuch said, citing legal history from the time of the nation's founding and earlier, as Scalia often did. "The law's silence (in defining the crimes that require deportation) leaves judges to their intuitions and the people to their fate."While Kagan's opinion applied the void-for-vagueness standard only to an immigration law that made deportation mandatory, Gorsuch suggested the same standard should apply to noncriminal laws that can cost citizens their business licenses or their homes, or even their freedom because of a mental health condition.In dissent, Chief Justice John Roberts said the law clearly instructs judges to decide whether someone is likely to use violence in carrying out a specific crime, and thus was less vague than the "potential risk" law the court had struck down in 2015. Justice Clarence Thomas joined Roberts' dissent, but also wrote a separate dissent arguing that punitive laws can be constitutional even if they are vaguely worded.The ruling will affect thousands of noncitizens. It came in a suit by James Dimaya of Hayward, who entered the United States from the Philippines with his family as a legal resident in 1992.Dimaya, now 38, was convicted of two first-degree residential burglaries, of a home's garage in 2007 and an uninhabited house in 2009, and was sentenced to two years in prison. The government then began deportation proceedings under the 1996 law, which applied to noncitizens regardless of their legal status, and Dimaya spent nearly five more years behind bars before being released on bond in March 2015. His lawyers said no one was injured in either burglary.He now works as a phone line installer for a telecommunications company, said attorney Brian Goldman. Goldman said the ruling allows Dimaya to keep "earning a living as a rehabilitated and contributing member of society instead of being sent back to a country that isn't his home."Dimaya could still be deported for his crimes, but the ruling allows him to argue that they were not serious enough to qualify for deportation, or that his removal would cause undue hardship to himself and his family.The court left intact another section of the law that requires deportation of noncitizens convicted of crimes that by definition include using, attempting or threatening violence. But the majority said Congress went too far in allowing judges to decide whether other felonies inherently pose a "substantial risk" of violence."How does one go about divining the conduct entailed in a crime's ordinary case? Statistical analyses? Surveys? Experts? Google? Gut instinct?" Kagan asked. She noted that lower courts have disagreed on whether such crimes as car burglary and evading arrest pose a risk of violence, and cited a 2010 government study that found only 7 percent of burglaries nationwide resulted in violence.Roberts, in a dissent joined by Thomas and Justices Anthony Kennedy and Samuel Alito, said courts can readily examine the elements of a crime defined by law and decide whether they create a risk of violence.Thomas, in his separate dissent, said courts should respect decisions by Congress and the executive branch on immigration and should not overturn them for alleged vagueness. He also said Dimaya had no basis to claim the law was vague, because courts had uniformly found residential burglary to be grounds for deportation, under the now-overturned 1996 law, before Dimaya committed his first burglary,Attorney Joshua Rosenkranz, who represented Dimaya before the court, said the majority recognized that "you can't banish a person from his home and family without clear lines, announced up front."Rosenkranz said Gorsuch, like Scalia, "demonstrated that due process is not a liberal/conservative issue."The Trump administration, which took over the defense of the law from President Barack Obama's administration, denounced the ruling."By preventing the federal government from removing known criminal aliens, it allows our nation to be a safe haven for criminals," said Tyler Houlton, spokesman for Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. He said Nielsen has been meeting with hundreds of members of Congress seeking legislation to "close public safety loopholes, such as these, that encourage illegal immigration and tie the hands of law enforcement."The case is Sessions vs. Dimaya, 15-1498. Description GIS - 18 April, 2018: Mauritius together with the United Nations would co-host the Small Island Developing States Global Business Network (SIDS-GBN) Private Sector Partnership Forum and a SIDS Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Africa, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean and South China Sea (AIMS) region, from 21 to 25 May 2018. The objective of the Forum is to forge collaboration among SIDS regional private sector organisations for a better exchange of experiences and best practices. The theme of the 2018 Forum will be Strengthening private sector partnerships for sustainable tourism development. The SIDS Regional Preparatory Meeting for the AIMS region aims at reviewing the implementation of the SAMOA Pathway which articulates the sustainable development agenda for SIDS. Some 150 participants would attend the meetings. Description GIS 18 April, 2018: 18 April, 2018: Women empowerment equates to being autonomous and women themselves along with their ideas, abilities, determination and strong will are the greatest assets in the creation of enterprises, said the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Roubina Jadoo-Jaunbocus, this morning in Port Louis. The Minister was addressing some 75 women entrepreneurs attending a Seminar on Micro Finance organised by the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) in collaboration with State Bank of Mauritius (SBM) at the Municipality of Port Louis. The objective was to sensitise existing and aspiring women entrepreneurs on new Micro Finance facilities offered by SBM. In her address, Minister Jadoo-Jaunbocus, pointed out that women entrepreneurs are those who want to achieve something and succeed. Many aspiring women entrepreneurs, despite having brilliant ideas, are unable to set up their own businesses due to lack of access to adequate financing, she added. According to the Minister, funding is only a stepping stone in the process of setting up an enterprise and women entrepreneurs require only a soft loan to start with and eventually progress. The funding being proposed is based on the system of clustering and this model has been successful across the world, she highlighted. Moreover, she observed that the clustering method has numerous benefits and would require women entrepreneurs to come together and operate as an organisation. Each woman will bring in her skills within the cluster to present a finished product which is marketable and has the value-added factor which is very important, she emphasised. When products are well presented they can be easily marketed not only across Mauritius but also on the international market, she underlined. For his part, the Group Chairman of SBM Ltd, Mr Kee Chong Li Kwong Wing, stated that women, who constitute more than half of the population of Mauritius, have a lot of potential and can achieve a lot in the SME sector. SMEs in Mauritius contribute to 45% to the economy but across the world the minimum is 50% and therefore the potential of SMEs is not fully exploited, he said. The Group Chairman also remarked that small enterprises are responsible in wealth creation of countries such as Taiwan and Japan and for Mauritius to reach the levels of these countries several factors have to be taken into consideration which include a market to sell the products and capital. He assured that under Micro Finance facilities, women entrepreneurs can obtain Rs 15 000 without guarantee individually to set their projects in motion if they satisfy all necessary criteria and if they opt to work in clusters they can receive funding of up to Rs 600 000 with guarantee. Present at the event, the Lord Mayor of Port Louis, Mr Daniel Laurent, said that it is very encouraging to note that presently most women entrepreneurs are getting easy access to micro finance facilities from various finance institutions to improve their livelihood. It is also important for finance institutions to provide the support to all women entrepreneurs who have the capacity, talents and the will to work so as to ensure the overall progress of their families, he added. An overview about the micro finance system in Mauritius was given by resource persons from SBM Group. The Micro Finance initiative will offer financial facilities to small entrepreneurs to create wealth and thus empower them to become financially self-sufficient and stand on their own feet over the years. Smart cities could transform urban living for the better. However, in order to mitigate the risks of cyber threats that can be exacerbated by inadequately secured and mobile edge computing (MEC) technologies, government officials should be aware of smart cities security concerns associated with their supporting infrastructure. (TNS) MOSES LAKE, Wash. The Moses Lake School District now has a new way to anonymously report threats, harassment or safety concerns.The SafeSchools Alert website allows anyone to send a text message, e-mail, make a phone call, or submit a web page form, directly to district officials.Its a pretty neat program, said Molly Kisler, a human resource specialist with the district. Theres a website to post on our Facebook page or website, and you can choose to be anonymous or not.There are a lot of options, Kisler added.The alert webpage, which can be reached by a link on the districts web site, was created by the districts insurer, Clear Risk Solutions, which oversees and administers the School Insurance Association of Washington, and is free to the district.No matter how you send in a tip or a message it will get through to administration, said McKenna Reis, communications director for the district. We have a team to deal with this.Reis and Kisler said district officials tested the system on Thursday and tips and messages quickly got in to district team members.We all get an alert, Reis said.Weve used it for testing purposed, but weve not gotten any tips, Kisler said on Friday. Its a good day.At a regular school board meeting Thursday, Board Member Elliott Goodrich wondered if the district would consider signing on to an app-based solution such as the one proposed by Rep. Matt Manweller, R-Ellensburg.This is available everywhere to everyone, Superintendent Josh Meek said.However, Goodrich wondered if using all the steps involved in navigating a website would take too much time or deter people from making reports. Meek said the district would look at an app if the web site was not as effective as it could be.Its designed to be very, very simple, he said. (TNS) - Compared to this time last year, Santa Cruz Police Departments calls for service are down by more than a quarter.During a city Public Safety Committee meeting Monday, Police Chief Andy Mills unveiled early plans on how to further drive down those calls.Yesterday, I saw a person reporting that he responded to a call of a person dancing in the rain, Mills told the committee, comprised of Mayor David Terrazas and Councilwomen Cynthia Chase and Richelle Noroyan. That is why were allowing sergeants to screen out calls officers are responding to.The department saw the nearly 27 percent reduction in the first three months of the year, to 17,630 calls, in the wake of a consultants report showing city officers workload-to-population ratio was much higher than many cities Santa Cruzs size. Arrests, on the other hand, were up nearly 12 percent in the same period, department statistics show.Some of the call reduction, Mills said, comes as the department stops counting calls to which his officers do not actually respond, but were recorded as a call.Mills said he is hoping, with the communitys help, to reduce the departments call load even further, by filtering out low-priority calls from the 911 emergency line.We have trained people here for years here, countywide, to pick up the phone and call 911 for everything, Mills said. The problem with that is that it builds a false expectation and it jams our 911 lines. And so, part of this is going to have to be a program countywide, not just us, to reeducate the community on what the 911 system is for and not overburden it with all kinds of other calls.Noroyan said she has heard confusion about the departments prioritization of emergency calls since Mills began speaking about his new approach.So now theyre asking, what do I call about, Noroyan said. What Ive told people is that until theres a policy presented to the community and put in place is that were still pretty much in status quo right now. But, it would be nice to not call 911 if somebodys singing badly on Pacific Avenue. That maybe we can start getting some standards.Mills, agreeing with Noroyans assessment, said he expects to form a community panel to further help separate types of emergency calls that rise to the top from lower priority issues, combining the feedback with input from officers, his Chiefs Advisory Panel and Santa Cruz Regional 9-1-1.In the meantime, Mills described areas already considered low priority. Non-injury vehicle collisions, unless a person is suspected of being under the influence or there is a brawl to separate. Recyclables theft. Officers in the area will respond, but if none are nearby, they may not immediately be pulled off their beats. Illegal daytime camping on public property will be assigned to neighborhood policing teams. Panhandling, unless it occurs on road medians or is aggressive in nature.Terrazas asked that police leave wiggle room for areas that see an uptick in crime patterns, or that are close to sensitive areas, such as schools. Chase said she was happy to see the department beginning to break down its types of calls for service.The point that Councilmember Noroyan makes regularly, which is that we get a lot of concerned citizens calling us with legitimate concerns and complaints that are not actually public safety related, but we dont have a way to track that, Chase said.Mills said he hopes to set up a city phone line that callers with non-emergency issues can be transferred to and leave a message for later response. City Manager Martin Bernal said the city is aiming to establish by May a new online customer response system that will allow citizens to report non-emergency issues.2018 the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.)Visit the Santa Cruz Sentinel (Scotts Valley, Calif.) at www.santacruzsentinel.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (TNS) With Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's signing of a bill last week, Springfield will have two months to adopt forms and fees for telecommunication companies that want to attach cells to its utility poles, according to Springfield City Water, Light and Power spokeswoman Amber Sabin.The new law prohibits local governments from regulating or charging wireless companies for attaching their devices to streetlights and utility poles. The "small cells," which can be up to six cubic feet in size, help boost user connectivity to the 5G wireless network. Rauner said the plan will create jobs and provide residents with faster Internet service, according to The Associated Press.Before the legislature passed the bill, the city of Springfield had been in negotiations with AT&T to charge $250 per month per pole, starting at 50 poles, according to Mayor Jim Langfelder. One year's worth of usage would have amounted to $150,000.Now, the city may not charge more than a $200 attachment fee per year, Sabin said. Permit application fees for wireless companies could be up to $650 for the first small cell and $350 for every additional unit. One permit application can have up to 25 small cell installations. Cities cannot regulate which poles or what type of poles the companies may use or how high the attachments can sit above the poles.Several municipalities opposed the bill, and Langfelder was one of the loudest dissenting voices. Springfield is one of a few cities that owns its utility poles, and he hoped a subsequent "trailer" bill would have exempted the city. Chicago is exempted from the new law."I'm not against 5G," Langfelder said in an interview. "I'm against the city not getting compensated for what it invests in its infrastructure."After the Senate passed the bill last year, Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, used a procedural motion in November to keep the bill from Rauner's desk to see if some of the cities' concerns could be addressed during the current legislative session."We didn't resolve concerns quickly, so we went ahead and forwarded the bill to the governor's desk," John Patterson, Cullerton's spokesman, said in an interview Monday.An amendment filed by state Rep. Michael Zalewski, D-Riverside, to a House bill would exempt municipalities that had already adopted an ordinance regulating small cells before the law went into effect. However, the bill has not moved forward during the current session. (TNS) On a cold and drizzly February evening, as the four leading candidates in the San Francisco mayors race shuffled their notes and sipped water before a debate on the citys west side, Martin Kazinski sat in the audience studying each of them, his back straight and his arms crossed tightly beneath a black motorcycle jacket.Kazinski came to the United Irish Cultural Center that night as an undecided voter. Like so many San Franciscans, hes troubled by the citys protracted homelessness epidemic and the soaring costs of living. But there was one issue above all others that Kazinski said would help him make up his mind about whom hell be voting for June 5.My favorite candidate will be the one who will take the city back from the tech people, he said. In his view, City Hall has for too long supported the growth of the technology industry with an enthusiasm that borders on a sickness.As a cab driver for two decades, Kazinski has an obvious antecedent for his perspective. Hes watched with deepening dismay and rising anxiety as wildly successful ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft gobbled up his customers and his income. Hes tried driving for both of those companies, most recently with Lyft, about seven months ago. After a month and a half, he gave it up.I was making $10 an hour after expenses, Kazinski said. These are not sustainable jobs. You cant make money there. These days, while he still drives a cab once a week, hes found more lucrative opportunities working in the banquet department of a downtown hotel.San Franciscos next mayor will lead one of the worlds most important technology centers, but he or she will also have to face the unhappiness of people like Kazinski the city has an identity crisis.The rise of the technology industry is credited with dragging San Francisco out of the recession and cementing its status as an economic powerhouse.Tech has been directly or indirectly responsible for 80 percent of the citys job growth this decade, said Ted Egan, chief economist in the City Controllers Office. By mid-2017, the industry accounted for 13 percent of all private sector jobs in the city, up from 5.6 percent just seven years earlier, he said.That growth has conferred enormous wealth on the citys coffers, but not without substantial costs to the citys social fabric. The flocks of workers seeking their tech fortunes in San Francisco have been indicted by critics as the cause of the citys punishing housing shortage, the erosion of its working class, the strains on its infrastructure and the diminishment of its vibrant cultural diversity through displacement and gentrification.Against that backdrop, the quartet of candidates leading the field of mayoral candidates Jane Kim, Angela Alioto, Mark Leno and London Breed face a tricky predicament as they seek to embrace techs benefits while bridging the economic and social divides that have come with it.The first piece of legislation Kim introduced as a first-term supervisor in 2011 was what became known as the Twitter tax break. The ordinance was designed to encourage companies to move to Mid-Market, one of the grittiest parts of San Francisco, in exchange for a six-year exemption on their payroll taxes for new employees.Critics assailed the bill as emblematic of the citys willingness to placate tech at the expense of its longtime businesses and residents. But Kim doesnt see it that way.People always ask me if I would go back and change my vote. Theres no way, Kim said. I remember 2011. It was a stark year. We cut past the bone in the budget that year. To not be part of ramping our economic engine back up would have been irresponsible.The right direction for the city, she said, is to have a good relationship with tech and partner with them. Theyre clearly here to stay. It has to be a relationship, and they should be a good neighbor.Using ride-hailing services as an example, Kim said Uber and Lyft could become better neighbors by paying a per-rider fee to the city as a way to give back for using our infrastructure to generate profit. There is no Uber or Lyft without our traffic signals, our roads. They use public infrastructure to generate revenue, so they should be giving back.She also supports capping the number of ride-hailing vehicles.It should fill a need but ... there can be too much of a good thing, she said.To close the citys widening income gap, Kim said she would urge tech companies to increase benefits and raise wages for the many contract employees who drive corporate shuttle buses and serve meals in company cafeterias.If you want to say that youre better and believe in a better future, actually demonstrate it in how you treat and compensate workers, she said.Alioto has frequently trained her trademark fiery campaign rhetoric at Uber, Lyft and Chariot while making her pitch to voters. Again and again, she has pledged to tax ride-hailing companies for wear and tear to the citys streets.Why they get a free ride is absolutely beyond me when the effect on the city infrastructure is so overwhelmingly negative, Alioto said. Theyre doing business in the city, and they need to be taxed.Tech-related tensions pulling at the city, Alioto said, stem from former Mayor Ed Lees administration generally perceived as being cozy with the industry failing to take necessary steps to accommodate its explosive growth.We didnt plan for housing, for traffic, for schools, for families for the essentials to keep the soul of San Francisco San Francisco, she said. We were not ready. Its that simple. When they were coming to town, we knew we had a (housing) problem, but no one sat down and said, Mr. Facebook, where are your employees going to live?That said, she finds the tech industry extremely exciting and, if elected, plans to assemble working groups made up of government officials, city residents and representatives from the tech sector.Its all about building coalitions, she said.By meeting together regularly, Alioto believes she can better direct the industrys financial largesse toward San Franciscos most urgent problems.Like housing, street infrastructure, sidewalks and clean streets its what we the city need you to give in order to be able to tolerate the influx of people here, she said of tech companies. Its not just giving more, it has to be directed. Thats the most important part giving specifically.Leno, like the other candidates, is optimistic about improving the citys relationship with tech. But hes also troubled by the uneven distribution of the industrys success.As mayor of the town, its my responsibility to make sure that all of San Francisco is benefiting from all of this tech growth, and I dont think weve been doing that right now, he said.To create a better balance, he has proposed establishing local hiring requirements like those for the construction industry, which mandate that developers hire a certain level of local workers. Hiring more people already living in San Francisco for both technical and non-technical jobs could help reduce pressure on the citys housing market and its transit system, Leno said.We talk about local hiring, usually in terms of building trades. If a projects going up, San Francisco and San Franciscans should benefit. I would like to start that conversation, he said.Above all, Leno wants new tech companies and the people they employ to invest in San Francisco for the long haul while safeguarding longtime residents.We want to be protective of those who have been here, who have had small businesses here, he said. We need to do what we can to make sure that that disgruntled San Franciscan ... has a real understanding that the city is here with their concerns in mind, as well as a growing industrys.No candidate has had to walk a finer line when it comes to tech than Breed. Her relationship with the wealthy and politically active tech investor Ron Conway dates to around 2010, long before he endorsed her mayoral bid. The two appeared side by side at the Crunchies, a tech industry award show, in 2015 to talk about deepening the relationship between City Hall and technology companies to better civic life in San Francisco.Breeds critics depict her as an extension of the late Lee and his tech-friendly policies. But Breed bristles at the notion that her personal and political agency could be reduced to a relationship with a single person or a single industry.The fact that I was elected and re-elected as District Five supervisor, and elected twice as board president, is an indication of the fact that there are a lot of people who support and trust the work that I do for the city, she said. Not one time have my ethics been questioned. And everybody who knows me even those who attack me in that way they know that Im my own person.In 2016, Breed introduced a measure to cap the length of time people could rent rooms through Airbnb, in which Conway is an investor, and similar services to 60 days. The legislation passed the Board of Supervisors with a 7-3 vote, including a vote of support from Kim. Mayor Lee vetoed the measure, and Breed was unable to muster an eight-vote majority needed to override the veto.Like so many aspects of her mayoral campaign, Breed pulls her thoughts about how to work with the tech industry through the lens of her personal experiences growing up poor in San Franciscos Western Addition. She said shes not sure the path her life might have taken had she not been exposed to opportunities that expanded her sense of what she could accomplish. She wants tech companies to light a similar path for the citys youth.How do we make sure that the next generation of young people growing up in San Francisco understand their place in these industries, if thats the direction they choose, she said. You can give somebody something feed them for the day but how do we teach them how to fish for themselves?As mayor, Breed said shed push for a program that would provide paid internships for high school students at any company of their choice.It could be a real partnership to shine a better light on a company, as someone whos not just doing their part, but doing more than their part to be part of the fabric of our city, she said.Whoever ends up running San Francisco after June 5, Kazinski who said hes leaning toward either Alioto or Leno wants more than anything else to see the next mayor restore a sense of balance to the citys priorities.Its a matter of restoring some common sense and some some fairness and understanding about what happens if we get rid of the middle class here, he said. (TNS) A rapt audience watched as professor Alex Halderman, an expert on electronic voting machines, changed votes in a hypothetical election before their eyes.At a Georgia Tech demonstration this week, Halderman showed how to rig an election by infecting voting machines with malware that guaranteed a chosen candidate would always win.Four people from the audience voted on the same kind of touch-screen machines used in real Georgia elections, casting ballots for either President George Washington or Benedict Arnold, the Revolutionary War general who defected to the British. Despite a 2-2 split in this election test run, the voting machines results showed Arnold won 3-1.Haldermans hack is a warning to Georgia, one of five states that relies entirely on electronic voting machines without an independent paper backup.Voting is not as safe as it needs to be, Halderman, a computer science professor at the University of Michigan, said Monday. The safest technology is to have voters vote on a piece of paper.The upcoming May 22 primary elections will continue to use these touch-screen machines, but state legislators are considering switching to a voting system with a paper record for accuracy, possibly in time for the 2020 presidential election.Theres no evidence that Georgias election systems have been tampered with. But Halderman said its only a matter of time before foreign countries such as China, Iran, North Korea or Russia try to undermine elections by penetrating voting infrastructure in the United States.Russian hackers already attempted to interfere with the 2016 presidential campaign by targeting election systems in 21 states, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said in August 2016. Georgia wasnt one of those states. In addition, 13 Russians were charged this year on allegations they tried to influence the election through social media propaganda.For Haldermans demonstration, he wrote a program to alter the results of elections recorded by AccuVote touch-screen voting machines. He installed that program on a rectangular memory card that fits into the side of the machine, allowing the card to infect the machine.If a hacker penetrated the states computer servers, a similar malicious program could be copied to memory cards used for each of the 27,000 voting machines across the state, Halderman said. No one would ever know the results had been changed if the hacker wrote the program to erase itself after the election.Candice Broce, a spokeswoman for Georgia Secretary of State Brian Kemp, said Haldermans concerns are addressed by state law, regulations and security procedures. State election systems use data encryption and arent connected to the internet.We are prepared, Broce said. There are logical and physical safeguards in place for each aspect of the voting system. Halderman would be unable to replicate this outcome in Georgias current security environment.She didnt provide details about Georgias security practices, but Halderman said hackers could find a way.He said hackers could infect election computers by first gaining access to a state employees computer, possibly by tricking him or her into clicking on a dangerous link in an email. Once the malware is on one machine, it could reach central election systems through internal networks, USB devices or memory cards.Election computers could also be subverted in person, by someone like a janitor or a temporary worker, Halderman said. Individual voting machines could be tampered with if someone unlocked the latch that protects the memory card port.State Rep. Scot Turner said Georgias elected officials should get rid of the states electronic voting machines as responsibly and as quickly as possible.When you see a machine flip votes, you have to admit things are vulnerable, Turner, a Republican from Holly Springs, said after watching Haldermans demonstration. It might take a wide-scale effort to do what he did on a statewide basis, but it can be done. We owe it to the voters to make sure its not.More than 70 percent of U.S. voters use paper ballots , usually by filling in bubbles next to a candidates name and then inserting ballots into a tabulation machine.Some jurisdictions use touch-screen machines to print ballots before theyre scanned for tabulation.A bill that would have replaced Georgias electronic voting machines with a paper-backed system failed to pass this year amid disagreements over which election technology to use. A primarily paper-based system would cost $35 million or more, while a touch screen-and-paper system could cost well over $100 million.Any technology can be hacked, but hand-marked paper ballots provide a way to recount and audit elections to ensure they delivered fair results, said Halderman, a member of the board of directors for Verified Voting , a Philadelphia-based organization whose mission is to safeguard elections.We have to move to a different way of doing things so in case anything happens, we can recover. Thats what a voter-marked paper ballot does, said Marian Schneider, the president of Verified Voting.Georgias election system had a security lapse in the recent past, when a researcher discovered that Kennesaw State Universitys Center for Election Systems had exposed the personal information of 6.7 million Georgia voters online.The breach, which was closed in March 2017, resulted in the state ending its nearly $800,000 annual contract with KSU and bringing elections administration work in-house to the Secretary of States Office.Technology experts had previously exposed security vulnerabilities in electronic voting machines in July during the DefCon computer hacking conference in Las Vegas.Unlike Haldermans work, the groups at DefCon werent trying to change votes. They focused on finding potential weaknesses in voting systems.Halderman took the hacks a step further. He wrote the malware program and installed it on the memory card and touch-screen voting machine.Every vote in the state is potentially at risk, Halderman said. Usually, each voting machine will get its own individual memory card, but it all comes from the same source. If that computer is infected with malicious software, it could spread across the state. Facing Down the Cyberpandemic A Clash of Cultures Help Is on the Way? SAN FRANCISCO At two separate panels during the 2018 RSA Conference April 17, law and cybersecurity experts seemed to reach a consensus: Everyone everywhere is lagging behind when it comes to defending against cyberthreats. Everyone.This everyone, obviously, includes state and local government agencies.The evolving nature of technology, and the ways bad actors use it to commit crime, simply outstrips any way we have to defend against it. There are, however, places where one can glimpse the future of preventive techniques. The private sector and federal agencies provide key pieces that help to crystallize a vision of what state and local government can do to prepare.One of the RSA panels included legal minds from a private firm that works with chief information security officers (CISOs), as well as counsel from the National Security Agency (NSA), the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).Glenn Gerstell, general counsel for the NSA, compared todays cybersecurity threats to the global influenza pandemic of 1918, wherein nearly every human being on the planet was exposed to infection.In this case, I would say what were facing is a global cyberpandemic, Gerstell said. Its just about as severe as that disease 100 years ago.No one is immune, from private companies to individual citizens to state and local government agencies. This, of course, has massive implications given the changing nature of cybercrime. Whereas many years ago the primary threat was posed by criminals hoping to steal things like credit card information, the ecosystem has now evolved, with the biggest threats often posed by hostile nation states the four most common being Russia, Iran, China and North Korea, Gerstell said. All told there are now 30-some countries capable of inflicting cyberdamage.Gerstell repeated the same set of adjectives several times in describing cyberthreats: ubiquitous, insidious and consequential.Surely there are city governments that can attest to the accuracy of those words. Atlanta , for example, suffered a major ransomware cyberattack that saw the mayor urging any who had done business with the city to monitor their online and financial information. The FBI and DHS were called in to assist , and recovery from the incident extended well into the following month . Oakland and Baltimore have also fallen prey to hackers in recent years In a separate panel discussion, Lucy Thomson, a principal with Livingston PLLC who has experience as a prosecutor with the DOJ and as an engineer with private tech companies, discussed Russias propaganda-based cyberattack on the integrity of the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Part of that attack also saw the targeting of voting systems run at the lower levels of government.As you all know, the voting system is decentralized in the U.S. Thomson said. The pro is that its hard to hack local voting systems, but it also means that local officials who may not have the training and expertise to run complex technologies are in charge. Its almost like a clash of cultures. Theres all this technology were all working on, and then these local officials who are responsible.Steven Chabinsky, a partner with White & Case LLP in Washington, D.C., advises businesses on data and network security compliance, as well as on risk management. He described our current system of expecting the users of technology including major private entities to shore up their own cyberdefenses as absurd, calling for the government to take a more active role in protecting its citizenry from hostile nation states. He said this is akin to expecting the people of Flint, Mich., to invest in their own home filtration systems, rather than attempting to fix water toxicity at its source.Chabinsky also gave advice to CEOs and private company board members that is potentially applicable to members of state and local government agencies as well. Years ago, he said, it was enough for CEOs to put a CISO in place and deem the risk handled. Then, it was enough to make sure the CISO had all the people and resources he or she needed. Now, however, executives must be aware of the nuanced details of cybersecurity, of industry standards and of taking the proper risk mitigation steps.Some more guidance and help from the feds may be on the way, though. Leonard Bailey, who is special counsel for national security with the DOJ, said he has been working in law enforcement and cybersecurity for 18 years, and he is currently optimistic that the U.S. Congress will pass data breach legislation, something that has been under discussion for many years, but hasnt come to fruition just yet.After last years Equifax data breach , Bailey said there has been a surge in public interest passing legislation related to data breaches, be it related to notifying, preventing or responding to one.The elements are here, but well see, Bailey said. I think theres some reason for optimism there. American narcissism-exceptionalism is the most habitual exporter of terror around the globe by the cruelties out of Congress and the White house. Exports of military arms and environmental poisoning of foreign Peoples and their lands creates collateral damage by destroying those Peoples ways of life. Yemen, Syria, Honduras, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Guatemala, the former Czechoslovakia, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Palestine, Okinawa, Philippines, Standing Rock, Alberta Tar Sands, Canada declaring Sinixt Peoples extinct all have been targets of American hate, and come home to roost. Exports of Bombs Bursting in Air creates negative feedback and hate against refugees from U.S. terror. Is this the White House import market? Is this free trade? No! Its expensive, insane military-budget-fossil-fuel-based, industrial-complex, self-destruction hate-trade. Around American kitchen tables, hate incubates the dog-whistle resentments against Indian languages, cultures, and spirituality; Islamophobia seeded in the Old Testament into The Crusades, and more Freudian-twisted hate against Black and Brown Peoples. FOX Nus-sance-in-hate speech, faux news foments more hate. Why? These messages to our youth and children feed the violence adults claim they want to prevent in schools. Christian-based religious hatreds against others, who suffer under U.S. Bombs Bursting In Air, being expressed in letters to the editor, is a bad roost for kids. Lou Stone Inchelium F1 is pushing ahead with efforts to improve overtaking. After Australia, the lack of passing in formula one again became a hot topic. But then the races in Bahrain and China were substantially better. At the same time, it emerges that the strategy group this week discussed potential aerodynamic changes to the 2019 cars that might make overtaking easier. The FIA confirmed after the meeting involving teams, Jean Todt and Chase Carey in Paris that a decision on the changes is due "once research being conducted by the FIA, in consultation with the teams, has been concluded". F1 race director Charlie Whiting said that although Bahrain and China were better races, F1 still needs to look into the matter of overtaking. "I think we should continue the discussion on this topic," he said. "We saw two good races in a row, but in my opinion it's quite clear that the difficulty with overtaking remains. So this work needs to be continued." (GMM) Well, it is official now. Asus has confirmed that it will release and rebrand AMD Radeon GPUs under the Arez brand, and move it out of the ROG branding. Apart from the new brand name, there are no differences between the current Radeon models and the video cards that appear under the Arez name. Same cards, different box. AREZ, of course, is a bit of a synonym for the dual-GPU ARES cards that ASUS launched in the past. That means that GeForce graphics cards will be exclusive for the ASUS ROG branding, and thus the Radeon cards will be separated and positioned under the AREZ label. An ASUS ROG Strix Vega 64 would be named AREZ Strix RX Vega 64 and so on. All this based on actions from NVIDIA's GPP program. TAIPEI, Taiwan, April 17, 2018 ASUS today announced AREZ, a new brand identity for ASUS Radeon RX graphics cards. Derived from Ares, the Greek god of war, AREZ-branded graphics cards are built using industry-leading automated manufacturing to provide AMD gamers and enthusiasts with superior cooling technology and a robust software ecosystem. The new AREZ brand underlines the strong working partnership between ASUS and AMD that spans decades. Gamers and enthusiasts will enjoy a combination of exclusive ASUS innovations and technologies and AMDs Radeon graphics processors and software. "Gamers around the world rally behind AMD Radeon because of what the Radeon name stands for: a dedication to open innovation such as our contributions to the DirectX and Vulkan APIs, a commitment to true transparency through industry standards like Radeon FreeSync technology, and a desire to expand the PC gaming ecosystem by enabling developers to take advantage of all graphics hardware, including AMD Radeon graphics. We invite gamers everywhere who believe in these values and the value of the exceptional gaming experience Radeon graphics delivers to join the Red team, said Scott Herkelman, Vice President and General Manager, AMD Radeon Technologies Group. Extreme durability: Auto-Extreme technology and Super Alloy Power II components AREZ graphics cards are produced using Auto-Extreme technology, an industry-exclusive, 100%-automated production process that incorporates premium materials to set a new standard of quality, performance and longevity. Since the introduction of Auto-Extreme technology in ASUS graphics cards, reliability has improved by 30%. This manufacturing process is also environmentally friendly, eliminating harsh chemicals and reducing power consumption by 50%. Super Alloy Power II components deliver enhanced efficiency, reduce power loss, reduce component buzzing by 50% under full load and achieve thermal levels that are approximately 50% cooler than previous designs for enhanced quality and reliability. Hi-tech cooling: MaxContact, patented Wing-Blade IP5X-certified fans and FanConnect II MaxContact is an industry-first GPU cooling technology featuring an enhanced copper heat-spreader that directly contacts the GPU. MaxContact utilizes precision machining to provide a 10X-flatter surface for up to 2X more contact area with the GPU than traditional heat spreaders, resulting in improved thermal transfer. Select AREZ graphics cards are also constructed with up to 40% more heatsink surface area than previous dual-slot designs, further improving heat dissipation for dramatically cooler and quieter performance. A patented Wing-Blade fan design delivers 105%-greater static pressure over the heatsink for more efficient cooling and up to 3X-quieter operation compared to other fan designs. The fans are certified under the International Protection Marking (IP code) as IP5X dust resistant for improved reliability and a longer lifespan. This stringent certification process ensures AREZ graphics cards provide optimal fan performance, even under severe operating conditions. Additionally, 0dB technology stops the fan completely when the GPU temperature is below a set level, letting players enjoy light gaming sessions in complete silence. ASUS FanConnect II features two four-pin hybrid-controlled headers that can be connected to both PWM and DC system fans for optimal system cooling. The connected fans reference both the GPU and CPU,and operate automatically based on the one with the higher temperature. A comprehensive set of tuning options allow gamers to tune fan speeds for efficient cooling. AREZ graphics cards also support the latest AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin Edition drivers for comprehensive control over AMD GPUs. Core features include power-saving Radeon Chill technology; Radeon WattMan for profile-based custom control of voltages, engine clocks and fan speeds ; and Radeon ReLive for easy capture and sharing of in-game action. AREZ-STRIX-RXVEGA64-O8G-GAMING AREZ-DUAL-RX580-O8G AREZ-STRIX-RXVEGA56-O8G-GAMING AREZ-DUAL-RX580-8G AREZ-STRIX-RX580-T8G-GAMING AREZ-DUAL-RX580-O4G AREZ-STRIX-RX580-O8G-GAMING AREZ-DUAL-RX580-4G AREZ-STRIX-RX580-8G-GAMING AREZ-EX-RX570-O4G AREZ-STRIX-RX570-O4G-GAMING AREZ-EX-RX570-4G AREZ-STRIX-RX570-4G-GAMING AREZ-PH-RX550-4G AREZ-STRIX-RX560-O4G-GAMING AREZ-PH-RX550-4G-M7 AREZ-STRIX-RX560-4G-GAMING AREZ-PH-RX550-2G AREZ-STRIX-RX560-O4G-EVO-GAMING AREZ-STRIX-RX560-4G-EVO-GAMING 2018s Best & Worst Small Cities to Start a Business Wallet Hub April 16, 2018 Size matters when choosing a city in which to launch a startup. As many veteran entrepreneurs and failed startups understand well, bigger is not always better. A city with a smaller population can offer a greater chance of success, depending on an entrepreneurs type of business and personal preferences. Every small city offers unique advantages and disadvantages to new business owners. Some benefits include lower overhead costs, stronger relationships with customers and the potential to become a big fish in a little pond. But there are plenty of drawbacks, too. For one, entrepreneurs who want to build a large professional network arent likely to make as many connections in a town with fewer residents. Other restrictions might include limited industry options, a less diverse customer base, and difficulty attracting and keeping top talent. To determine the best small cities to start a business, WalletHub compared the business-friendliness of more than 1,200 small-sized cities. Their data set of 18 key metrics ranges from average growth in number of small businesses to investor access to labor costs. read Full Report Five Hawaii Towns Ranked out of 1261 US towns Our Connection to the Stars by Joni Kamiya, Hawaii Farmers Daughter, April 18, 2018 Over a century ago, my great grandparents made a decision to leave China, Japan, and Okinawa. They left like so many others to a new and unfamiliar place way across the Pacific for future opportunities. I can only imagine what they envisioned as they made that journey. Many left family behind in their homelands to seek a better way of living. My great grandparents traveled aboard a ship for weeks to get to Hawaii. I can only imagine what it was like to be captive on a board with hundreds of others going to an unknown place. Life mustve been very hard and the only other opportunity was far away. I bet they sat in the darkness looking above at the stars hoping for a better life. The ancient Hawaiians were probably thinking the same thing thousands of years earlier when they sailed the oceans looking up at the stars for guidance. The stars were guides for the people to build a new life in an unknown place. It was a constant symbol to people who undertook a journey across the Pacific. For my family and the ancient Hawaiians, they both looked to the stars for a better life for their families. As I recall my own family history, I appreciate what they did for me over a hundred years ago. I know where they came from and the hardships they faced over the years. They made major sacrifices to give their children better opportunities, and for that I am forever grateful. I tell those stories to my children who reap the benefits of the sacrifices made so many years ago. In this current day, people have forgotten to look up into the sky for guidance. The same stars that gave people a map of future travels is no longer of value to the modern day person. People would rather protest something under the guise of sacredness rather than see the need to grow a persons capacity and potential through learning. Like the Hawaiians who stopped voyaging for 600 years, the modern day people are setting the stage to repeat that again by rejecting the curiosity that their ancestors valued. Hawaii will be set back for years with the loss of the Thirty Meter Telescope should they choose another site. I see the stars as a connection to my ancestors who also saw the constant light in the sky in a sea of darkness. I have dreamt that those glittering lights are bits of hope for the future. It makes me very sad to see a young Hawaiian like Senator Kaialii Kahele adamant about stopping the Thirty Meter Telescope with his unscrupulous gut and replace lawmaking. Its angering to see elite groups like the Center for Food Safety joining in on blocking this opportunity for an island faced with limited opportunities and poverty. The celebrations of activists blocking the telescope only signals a disregard of the stars that connect each and everyone of us to our ancestors. The world is advancing in leaps and bounds which makes many fearful of whats to come. We can hide in the dark and try to pretend that its not happening. My ancestors didnt resist the change of moving forward. They got on that boat and sailed away with hope. They also planted hope in my grandparents and the next generation in my dad. The government always deals with these kinds of things. The company is primarily responsible for addressing the reports, but well do our part of course, he said during a visit to Stockholm on Tuesday. Well bring up the issue in discussions [with Russia]. The most important thing is to get the right information across. This is what the world has come to. We, as well as consumers, must learn to be a little suspicious about the information circulating the world. Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre) has stated that the government will take action to correct the erroneous reporting on Fortum, a state-owned energy company, in Russia. Fortum revealed earlier this week that it has taken legal action to correct the erroneous reports. A paid, non-political smear campaign against Fortum is underway in Russia, Kati Suurmunne, the head of communications at Fortum, tweeted on Monday. Were trying to use legal channels to correct the stories. Rossijskaja Gazeta, a Russian state-owned newspaper, wrote last week that the energy company is a genuine threat to the energy and overall security of Russia, also claiming that the companys board chairman is the Finnish Minister of Defence. Fortums board chairman is Matti Lievonen, the chief executive of Neste. Helsingin Sanomat on Tuesday wrote that Mikhail Delyagin, a Russian economist and columnist, has admitted to providing the erroneous information and voiced his regret about his mistake to the Finnish Minister of Economic Affairs, Mika Lintila (Centre). Delyagin said the information was based on an article published originally in May, 2016, by Obstsaja Gazeta and republished later by Compromat.ru. But as neither Fortum nor its owners, including the Finnish state, have corrected information published almost two years ago in any way, I had a reason to trust the veracity of the information, he wrote in his blog according to Helsingin Sanomat. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Jussi Nukari Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi Janitskin was arrested in Andorra last August and extradited to Finland in mid-April. Ilja Janitskin, the founder and frontman of MV-Lehti, was detained on suspicion of a slew of offences after a detention hearing held behind closed doors at Pasila Police Station in Helsinki on Tuesday. The District Court of Helsinki listed in its press release a total of 12 criminal offences as grounds for the detention, including aggravated ethnic agitation, aggravated defamation, menace, lottery offence, money collection offence, secrecy offence and copyright offence. All of the accusations have been rejected by Janitskin. The pre-trial investigation will continue as usual, and Janitskin will continue to be interrogated on suspicion of the offences, tells Harri Saaristola, a chief superintendent at the Helsinki Police Department. Established in late 2014, MV-Lehti gained both notoriety and popularity by inciting hate speech online after scores of asylum seekers began to arrive at the borders of Europe and Finland in mid-2015. The online newspaper recorded roughly 18 million visits in January, 2016, according to an analysis conducted by Helsingin Sanomat. Janitskin announced he has severed his ties with the online publication on 10 January. Ive had enough of the patriotic scene, the antics. People dont know how to take care of things, there are huge conflicts, and I have to listen to the horrible drivelling 24/7, he explained in a phone interview with Helsingin Sanomat in February. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi The government announced last week it will encourage businesses to hire new employees by, first, making it easier for businesses with fewer than 20 employees to lay off staff and, second, allowing employers to hire under 30-year-old unemployed job seekers on fixed-term contracts without having to justify the fixed term. Several opposition parties have echoed the criticism of trade unions by voicing their dismay at the outcomes of the final framework session of the government of Prime Minister Juha Sipila (Centre). Related posts: Trade union boss accuses government of arrogance (17 April, 2018) Antti Rinne, the chairperson of the Social Democratic Party, on Tuesday warned that the measures will only increase uncertainty among young people in Finland. The uncertainty would be even greater if there were no jobs, replied Petteri Orpo (NCP), the Minister of Finance. He assured that the government is not seeking to condemn young people to a life of unemployment but rather to offer them an opportunity to enter the labour market. What is it thats so bad about working? he asked. Rinne was not the only opposition leader to criticise the measures. Li Andersson, the chairperson of the Left Alliance, viewed that the decisions are gnawing away at young peoples confidence in the future and complicating their life situation by, for example, making it increasingly difficult to get a loan. The government threw ice-cold water on employees and young people, she summarised. This reform discriminates against young people and will probably especially erode the position of young women, who already are working on fixed-term contracts in high numbers. Touko Aalto, the chairperson of the Green League, said the government has its hands deep in the pockets of young people. The government says its concerned about the birth rate, but its decisions only bring more uncertainty to the lives of young people by trapping under 30-year-olds into a deepening cycle of short-term jobs, he slammed. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Vesa Moilanen Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi In 1775, the Royal Navys cruel attack backfired, spurring on the American colonies nascent rebellion. By the autumn of 1775, the six-month- old American Revolution had already devolved into a stalemate, at least on land. Maj. Gen. George Washingtons ragtag Continental army of 16,000 men had bottled up Lt. Gen. Thomas Gages 6,000-man British army in Boston. Washington was eager to attack the British, but his men lacked training, discipline, and ammunition. Gages men had training, discipline, and ammunition, but lacked numbers. Whats more, they had no real desire to attack Washington. Boston was not where they wanted to headquarter their army, and Massachusetts was not where they wanted to fight. Gage saw no benefit in trying to battle his way out of the city. He was waiting only for the chance to move to New York, where the real fighting could begin. And as things on the ground were settling down for a long winter siege, a Royal Navy squadron was about to shake up things on the seas, and beyond. For the British, seeking to punish the colonies for their attacks on merchantmen and other depredations, had decided to carry out a brutal assault on the small American port of Falmouth. While they made their point, the attack would also prove to be a costly miscalculation, drawing international reproach andmore importantthoroughly hardening American resolve to fight its then-sputtering revolt to the bitter end. As the New England Chronicle proclaimed a month later, the savage and brutal barbarity of our enemiesis a full demonstration that there is not the least remains of virtue, wisdom, or humanity in the British court.Therefore we expect soon to break off all kinds of connections with Britain, and form into a Grand Republic of the American Colonies. Since the beginning of the war, the colonists had been taking it to the British on the Eastern seaboard. Local militia in Marblehead and Portsmouth had captured British merchant ships driven into harbor by the weather. Fleets of whaleboats were prowling Boston Harbor like a seaborne cavalry, raiding the islands and pouncing on shipping. George Washington himself, at first no fan of naval action, had secretly authorized the fitting out of a few schooners in Marblehead to prey on the fat merchantmen that he saw lumbering into Boston every day. Through it all, Vice Adm. Samuel Graves, commander of the Royal Navy on the North American station, did nothing. Graves, 63, was not a man of great initiative. In London, British undersecretary of state William Eden referred to him as, a corrupt Admiral without any shadow of capacity. By late summer, however, Graves knew that he had to do something. He was receiving warnings from friends in England that the Admiralty was not pleased with his inaction, so he crafted a plan to take the war to the enemy. The strategy that he hit upon, however, was extraordinary, considering the lack of aggression he had demonstrated until that point. In order to punish the people of the four New England Governments, for their many rebellious and pyratical Acts, Graves decided to burn and lay waste the Towns and destroy the Shipping of nearly all the major seaports in Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Gravess proposal constituted the most punitive and violent reaction yet to the growing rebellion, a wild swing from a laissez-faire policy to one of scorched earth. He consumed the entire month of September in preparing the little squadron that would be sent to punish the seaport towns of New England. To lead the expedition, Graves chose 41-year-old Lt. Henry Mowat, commander of the six-gun vessel Canceaux. Mowat was pragmatic and tough and knew the coast of New England intimately, having been engaged in survey work there since 1764. Along with Canceaux, the squadron consisted of the army transport Symmetry, the sloop Spitfire, and the armed schooner Halifax. On October 6, Graves ordered Mowat and his squadron to Gloucester, Massachusetts, on Cape Ann Harbor to burn destroy and lay waste the said Town together with all Vessells and Craft in the Harbour. That done, the squadron was to continue north, devastating rebellious towns along the coast. My Design, Graves wrote, is to chastize Marblehead, Salem, Newbury Port, Cape Anne Harbour, Portsmouth, Ipswich, Saco, Falmouth in Casco Bay, and particularly Mechias, where the [Margaretta] was taken, the Officer commanding her killed, and the People made Prisoners, and where the Diligent Schooner was seized Mowats squadron was under way on October 9. A few days later they closed with Cape Ann Harbor, but the British judged the houses in Gloucester were too widely spaced for fire to effectively spread from house to house. Finding it impractical to raze his first target, Mowat stood out to sea again, and the squadron headed north. The next day the ships were off Cape Elizabeth, Maine, but a northwest gale drove them farther east and forced them to come to anchor near Squirrel Island in Boothbay Harbor. There they remained for several days until the storm blew itself out. Finally, on October 16, the squadron set sail again. It did not continue up the coast to Machias, as one might have expected. Machias, after all, was where rebels under Jeremiah OBrian and Benjamin Foster had captured the British armed schooner Margaretta, killing the lieutenant who commanded her in the process. If ever a community deserved to feel the iron fist of the Royal Navy, it was Machias. But rather than heading east, Mowat retraced his steps and made for Falmouth, now known as Portland, Maine. Even with Machias out of the picture, Falmouth would seem an unlikely choice. Though the town was well known for its rebel sympathies, it had caused less offense than nearly all the other towns that Graves had slated for razing. Falmouth could hardly compare to Machiasor even Beverly or Marblehead or Portsmouthin the armed insurrection department. Mowat, however, had a very good reason for choosing Falmouth. And it was personal. Falmouth, today a northern suburb of Portland, then included a three-mile-long peninsula at the south end of Casco Bay. About 2,000 people clustered mostly in two- and three-story wooden buildings, closely spaced along narrow streets that climbed uphill from the thriving waterfront. Falmouth was a busy, successful seaport, its economy based mostly on lumber. By 1768 it was exporting four million feet of pine boards, almost 10 times more than the combined exports of Kittery, Portsmouth, and Boston. What is now the state of Maine was then a province of Massachusetts, and Falmouth, like most Massachusetts towns, was fervently revolutionary, complete with local militia and a Committee of Inspection to make sure that the pact known as the Continental Association, which banned trade with England, would be properly observed. In March of 1775, a sloop from England had dropped anchor in Falmouth Harbor. Commissioned by local businessman and loyalist Thomas Coulson for a merchant in Bristol, England, the sloop carried sails and rigging for a ship under construction at Falmouth. Questions arose as to whether the cargo violated the Continental Association. Coulson applied to the local Committee of Inspection for permission to offload it. After a long and serious debate, the committee decided that because the rigging and sails were from England and Coulsons ship was bound for England after launch, the cargo was indeed prohibited. After incurring all the expense of building the ship and importing sails and rigging, Coulson was not willing to let the issue end there, and he applied to General Gage in Boston, for whom the Continental Association was just another illegal act of rebellion. Coulson brought with him a letter from the loyalist sheriff at Falmouth requesting a man-of-war be sent to settle the affair. Gage asked Admiral Graves for a ship. The only one Graves had available was the Canceaux, which was slated to leave for Halifax for repairs. Graves ordered Mowat to take the Canceaux to Falmouth instead and allow Coulson protection as he offloaded his cargo. The sloop of war arrived there in early April and, under the protection of her guns, Coulson was free to proceed. Except now he could not find any men to unload the ship. For the next month the Canceaux remained in the harbor while Coulsons sloop was slowly unloaded, presumably by her own small crew. Tensions were running high. The patriots in Falmouth braced for an attack by the Canceaux; the loyalists were certain that the patriots would imprison them. To make matters worse, a group of radicals from Brunswick and Topsham at the other end of Casco Bay, under the leadership of Col. Samuel Thompson, was threatening to come to Falmouth and launch an attack on the British man-of-war. For all the tension, calm still pervaded, and the British sailors were free to come ashore unmolested. Hoping to maintain that calm (and fearing that they would get the worst of any violent confrontation), the Falmouth Committee of Correspondence wrote to their counterparts in Brunswick, the other largest town in the region, asking that no attempt be made on the Canceaux. Thompson assured them that he had dropped his plan to attack the man-of-war, which may have been true. But he still intended to make trouble. On May 9 Thompson, backed by about 50 armed men, landed on the back of Fal mouth Neck. Thrifty and resourceful Yankees that they were, each mans uniform consisted of a small bough of spruce in his hat, and for a standard they carried a spruce pole, with a green top on it. Rather than launch an attack on the Canceaux, the band lay low in a thick stand of trees, seizing anyone who passed by. Around 1 p.m., they hit the jackpot when Lieutenant Mowat, who was out for a walk with the Canceauxs surgeon and the local Anglican minister, John Wiswell, wandered into their trap. When word of Mowats capture got back to the Canceaux, the ships master sent word that if Mowat were not released in a few hours he would lay the Town in ashes. Canceauxs men hove taught the Spring, swinging the ship Broadside to the Town. With that, the smoldering anxiety of the past month exploded into full-blown panic. As one observer wrote: You can hardly conceive of the consternation, confusion and uproar that immediately ensued. Our women were, I believe, every one of them in tears, or praying, or screaming; precipitately leaving their housesand widows hurrying their goods into countrymens carts, never asking their names, though strangers, and carrying their children either out of Town, or up to the south end, according to the greater or less irritability of their nerves. Falmouths men, apparently, did not react much better. A delegation met with Thompson and urged him to release the prisoners, but Thompson appeared inflexible, and even furious. Negotiations dragged on during the day, but Thompson refused to release his captives and continued to insist that Divine Providence had thrown them into his hands. By that evening, however, it was clear to Thompson that all Falmouth stood in opposition to his plansand the reinforcements he had been counting on were not coming. Gods will notwithstanding, he agreed to give Mowat parole on the condition that the lieutenant return the next day. Patriots escorted Mowat to the waterfront and ferried him out to the Canceaux. At the same time, the Canceauxs master released a number of prisoners he had collected that day to use as leverage for the return of his captain. The next morning Mowat elected to violate his parole and remain on board the man-of-war, which was hardly a surprise. When word of Mowats breach reached the various militia units that had converged on Falmouth, they were furious. They turned their anger on local Tories, who were tried in makeshift courts, pronounced guilty, and fined for their crimes. Plans were laid to destroy the Canceaux but the various groups could not agree on how it might be done. A few days later a band of drunken militiamen fired on the man-of-war with their muskets, which was as close as they ever got to attacking the ship, before finally drifting back to the towns from which they had come. Thompsons War, as the odd, three-way struggle has come to be known, was neither a stellar success for American arms nor a shining example of the noble defense of a righteous cause. On October 16, six months and one week from the day he had been taken prisoner by Samuel Thompson, Mowat was back at Falmouth, anchored outside the harbor with a powerful squadron. The people of Falmouth had seen the ships pass a few days before and had not been much alarmed. They concluded that the squadron was on a foraging expedition for the garrison in Boston. Falmouth sent militia to the nearby islands to protect livestock and hay, but beyond that they took no precautions. When the ships returned and anchored outside the harbor, however, fear began to spread, and uncertainty as to the squadrons intentions made the situation worse. Then, on the morning of October 17, townspeople discovered that Henry Mowat commanded the squadron. They took this to be good news. When Mowat had been released on parole the previous spring, he had expressed his gratitude to the Town in strong terms, as one local correspondent had put it, before going back aboard the Canceaux. The people of Falmouth felt that they had saved Mowat from the evil designs of a radical outsider, and they assumed that the lieutenant felt the same way. At least, they thought, he had great reason to be bound in gratitude to several gentlemen of their city. Nevertheless, Mowat did not draw such fine distinctions between the radicals of Falmouth and those of Brunswick. They were all, in his eyes, ungrateful rebels. That morning the squadron faced contrary winds, but Mowat was eager to get up to the town. The fleet began the laborious process known as kedging or warping, moving the ships by dropping their anchors ahead and hauling the vessels forward. By early afternoon the breeze had come up, and the squadron was able to make sail and cover the last distance to the Falmouth waterfront. With the ships arrayed to fire on the town, the people began to suspect that Mowats designs were not so friendly. Falmouth resident Daniel Tucker recalled that the inhabitants generally were in a state of alarm, and many began to move out for safety. Still, no word had come from the fleet concerning its intentions. Once the ships were anchored, Mowat penned a letter to the People of Falmouth and sent his acting lieutenant, a man named Fraser, to deliver it. By then Falmouth was a fury of activity, with some residents rushing to leave town, while others were gathering at the waterfront. Fraser landed in the midst of a crowd of locals who had come to see what was happening, many of them carrying muskets. One can imagine Fraser taking a deep breath and resisting the urge to race back to the boat as the crowd escorted him along the street to the Town House. Fraser and a number of the leading citizens took seats in the courtroom and the rest packed in as best they could. The crowd was called to silence. Fraser handed Mowats letter to a lawyer named John Bradbury who read it aloud. The letter asserted that the inhabitants of Falmouth were guilty of the most unpardonable Rebellion and for that, Mowat had orders to execute a just Punishment on the Town of Falmouth. What the punishment was he did not say, but the broadsides of the ships aimed at the town gave sufficient hint. Mowat allowed the people two hours to remove without delay the Human Species out of the said town. To those who had sought protection aboard the Canceaux during Thompsons War, the same door is now open. Mowats words were greeted with stunned silence. Bradbury was asked to read the letter again, which he did. It is impossible to describe the amazement which prevailed upon reading this alarming declaration, one witness recalled. [A] frightful consternation ran through the assembly, every heart was seized with terror, every countenance changed color, and a profound silence ensued for several minutes. Rather than kill the messenger, the people pointed out to Fraser that the punishment was very severe and the time very short to remove the civilian population, especially with night coming on. Fraser told them that if they had a proposal for Mowat he would take it out to the commodore, but he could not guarantee that Mowat would receive it. The town leaders immediately appointed a committee of three: Jedediah Preble (who in May had offered himself to Thompson as a prisoner in Mowats stead, and had been imprisoned when Mowat broke his parole), Dr. Nathaniel Coffin, and Robert Pagan. They were to meet with Mowat and negotiate a truce. The three men took a boat out to the Canceaux where they asked Mowat about the nature of the chastisement and reiterated that, with nightfall approaching, there was not sufficient time to get the women and children out of town. Mowat told the committee that his orders did not authorize him to give any warning to the inhabitants but simply to come alongside the town and burn, sink and destroy. He explained that they had no right to expect leniency thanks to the nature of their crimes, but, encouraged by the known humanity of the British Nation, he was ready to deal. Mowat told the committee that if they were to deliver up all the arms and ammunition in the town, along with a few prisoners of his choosing, he would put off destroying Falmouth until he had consulted with his superiors. Preble, Coffin, and Pagan argued that it would take some time to comply with that demand. At last the two sides came to an agreement, but what the agreement was is unclear. In his report to Graves, Mowat says he demanded that a number of arms as well as the five cannons he was certain were in town be delivered to him by 8 that evening. The committee of three, however, in a report written three months later, claimed that Mowat demanded that Falmouth deliver the arms and cannons by 8 the following morning. Likewise, according to the committees report, Mowat asked for eight muskets to be delivered as a token of compliance. In his report to Graves, Mowat wrote they returned with Ten stand only, suggesting that the committee brought more than its members thought necessary, but less than Mowat expected. The differences between the two accounts could simply be the result of faulty memories, or they might represent genuine failures in communication. In either case, Lieutenant Mowat was not pleased. When the paltry offering of 10 muskets failed to meet Mowats definition of all the arms and ammunition in the town, Preble, Coffin, and Pagan begged him to give them until 9 the following morning to more fully comply, or, if the people chose not to give in to Mowats demands, to give them time to get the women and children out of town. Mowat agreed, and told the committee to be aboard the Canceaux, with the arms and cannons, by 8:30 a.m. The men returned to find all of Falmouth in a disordered panic, where nothing occurred but scenes of tumult, confusion, and bustle, as the Reverend Jacob Bailey recalled. People were driving ox- and horse-drawn wagons piled high with household goods through the narrow streets, desperately making their way off the peninsula and away from the leering guns of the enemys ships. The committee of three called together the leading men of Falmouth and related Mowats demands, but to their astonishment the people were opposed to giving up their cannons or small arms, even in the face of the British squadrons artillery. They agreed to meet in the morning and make a final decision, but when they did, that decision was by no means to deliver up the cannon or their arms. Despite the 14 hours that had passed since Mowats initial letter had been read, many civilians still remained in Falmouth. Townsmen asked Preble, Coffin, and Pagan to return to the Canceaux and stall for time. The three men did as asked, arriving on board the Canceaux at 8 a.m. on October 18. They informed Mowat that no more weapons would be forthcoming. They did not even bother to ask if Mowat might spare the town; only that he give them half an hour to get ashore and get clear of the line of fire. That Mowat agreed to, and Preble, Coffin, and Pagan, after expressions of thankfulness for the lenity that had been shown, left the Canceaux at 8:30 and pulled for the Falmouth waterfront. Mowat had set 9 a.m. as the time he would open up on the town, but from the Canceauxs quarterdeck he could see women and children still struggling through the streets. I made it forty minutes after nine before the Signal was hoisted, he wrote, which was done with a gun, at the same time the cannonade began. Daniel Tucker was just making his way out of town when the firing began. Mowat hoisted a red flag, he wrote, and fired the first gun and the shot whistled along between me and the old meeting house. The streets were still crowded, and it appeared to some observers that Mowat was purposely firing high to avoid civilian casualties, though there is nothing in Mowats reports to suggest that he was. But even firing high caused immediate destruction. The gunfire and smoke, for example, terrified the draft animals pulling wagons out of town and caused them to bolt, dashing everything to pieces, and scattering large quantities of goods about the street, according to the Reverend Bailey. Unlike Gloucester at Cape Ann, Falmouth was perfectly situated for destruction by naval bombardment. The harbor was deep and broad and allowed the ships to anchor within pointblank range. The towns wooden buildings were packed closely together so that flames would easily move from one to the other, and the town was built on a hillside sloping up from the harbor, so those buildings farther inland were not hidden behind those closer to the water. It did not take long before the real destruction began. The first house that was firedburned down without communicating with any other, Tucker wrote, but it was only a short time before all the north part of the town was in a blaze. The masters log of the Canceaux recorded the devastation in cold, official language: at 10 several Houses was on fire the fire broke out with great violens in two or 3 houses of the Somost [southernmost] Part of the Town at Noon the fire begun to be general both in the town and vessles but being calm the fire did Not Sprede as wished for. Though most of the people had fled, armed men remained in the town and desperately fought the fires as one building after another burst into flame. The constant barrage of cannons and mortars continued through the afternoon, the ordnance including round shot from three to nine pounds, bombs, carcasses, live shells, grapeshot, and musket balls. Around 1 p.m. a small breeze sprang up from the south that helped push the flames from building to building, but the squadron did not let up. Toward the south end of Falmouth were several detached buildings, too far removed to be caught up in the general conflagration. Those, and the Americans who had stayed behind to fight the fires, made it, in Mowats opinion, absolutely necessary for some men to be landed, in order to set fire to the vessels, wharfs, storehouses, as well as the many parts of town that escaped from the shells and carcases. At 3 p.m. Lieutenant Fraser and 30 sailors and marines went ashore to put the last of the structures to the torch. The armed men of Falmouth who had been struggling to save the buildings met them. Musket fire flashed between the British and Americans, as the marines held the militia at bay while the sailors threw torches into the doors and windows of the houses and stores. With the last of the buildings blazing and the marines forming a rear guard, the British moved back to their boats and pulled for the Canceaux. The only casualties were a midshipman and a marine, both slightly wounded. The sun was near setting by 6 p.m. and the body of the town was in one flame, Mowat wrote in his report. With the Canceaux warmed and illuminated by the brilliant inferno just across the water, Mowat at last called for a cease-fire. Mowats ammunition was all but expended, and the Spitfire was in bad shape, presumably from the constant concussion of the guns, punishment that the converted merchant vessel was not designed to take. Food and supplies were running low, and many of the men had fallen sick. Mowat decided he had to return to Nantasket Roads in Boston Harbor before he could attempt any other place. Falmouth had received exactly the sort of scorched-earth treatment that Graves had envisioned. Nearly every building that faced the water was a smoldering ruin. In a word, Reverend Bailey wrote, about three quarters of the town was consumed and between two and three hundred families who twenty four hours before enjoyed in tranquility their commodious habitations, were now in many instances destitute of a hut for themselves and families; and as a tedious winter was approaching they had before them a most gloomy and distressing prospect. Committing acts of atrocity, as a military tactic, is rarely successful. Rather than break the morale of those who are made to suffer, it tends to strengthen their resolve. And so it was with Falmouth. William Gordon wrote to John Adams wondering how many more towns would be burned before every manly exertion of power & wisdom is to be exercised in opposing our Enemies! George Washington, on hearing of the event, wrote to Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler to say the British navy attacked Falmouth with every Circumstance of Cruelty and Barbarity, which Revenge and Malice could suggest. We expect every Moment to hear other Places have been attempted, and have been better prepared for their Reception. Washington touched on one of the problems facing Graves. Before the attack on Falmouth, most seaport towns were lightly defended, if at all. By January, every town that could be accessed from the sea was bristling with defenses. But he never tried such an attack again, despite his grandiose plans. By the time Mowat returned to Boston the weather was deteriorating, Washingtons schooners were making problems for Graves, and other matters demanded his attention. It may also have dawned on the old admiral that it was not a good idea in the first place. In England, the destruction of Falmouth seems not to have raised much of a stir. At first, reports were dismissed as rebel propaganda. When they were found to be true, it was assumed there was good reason for the attack. The French, however, who were keeping close watch on the goings-on in America, recognized the destruction of Falmouth for the blunder it was. I can hardly believe this absurd as well as barbaric procedure on the part of an enlightened and civilized nation, wrote Frances foreign secretary, Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes, more especially as the perpetrators of this terrible crime allegedly declared that the order had been given to burn all maritime towns from Boston to Halifax. Vergennes had some excellent sources of information, and he also had a firm understanding of the issue. The radicals in America were fired up by the British atrocity, and their calls for independence became more vociferous. More important, many of those Americans who had been unsure of the wisdom of breaking away from England were now persuaded of its necessity and came down firmly in the patriots camp. William Whipple, a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, wrote to Capt. John Langdon, it seems to me to be the determination of every one to risque his all in support of his liberties & privileges, the unheard of cruelties of the enemy have so effectually united us that I believe there are not four persons now in [P]ortsmouth who do not justify the measures pursuing in opposition to the Tyranny of Great Britain. Originally published in the Autumn 2009 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here. Athenian generals, elected to their positions, found that appeasing citizen overlords can spell disaster in the field. The Sicilian expedition of 415413 BC proved disastrous for the Athenians. They had undertaken the venture during what turned out to be only a temporary cessation of hostilities with Sparta: the Peloponnesian War had been under way since 431 but the belligerents had nominally been at peace since 421. When the city of Egesta in Sicily, an Athenian ally, asked the Athenians to send a naval expedition to help it against its enemies, the Athenians decided to comply, partly to help Egesta and partly because they thought they might be able to conquer Sicilyperhaps even all of Italywhile they were there. Things didnt go as planned. The Athenians sent an enormous armada west, and committed yet more troops and ships to the campaign later on, but the Syracusans, allies of the Egestaeans enemy, were themselves reinforced by a Spartan fleet. The war between the two great powers of Greece simply moved to a new stage. The whole business ended in an Athenian defeat. They were routed in a final battle in the Great Harbor of Syracuse in 413 BC, and in a last-ditch effort to survive they retreated overlandsick and wounded and harried by the pursuing Syracusans. Many Athenians died on the march and many more were captured and cruelly imprisoned in the Syracusan quarries, where they were half starved and exposed to the elements, with the rotting bodies of their dead heaped around them. The expedition could have ended far differently. Earlier that summer, in the wake of their defeat at Epipolae (the heights overlooking Syracuse), the Athenian generals in charge of the expedition had discussed the possibility of withdrawing and returning to Athenscutting their losses, living to fight another day. But Nicias argued against it. Even earlier, Nicias had been incapacitated by kidney trouble and had all but begged the Athenian government to allow him to return home; he had opposed the expedition from the start. Now he asserted that the Athenian soldiers would never approve of their retreat. Many of the soldiers here, indeed the majority, he said, who now cry that they are in distress, will say the opposite when they get to Athens: that their generals were bribed to withdraw. I myself, understanding the Athenian character, do not want to meet my end at the hands of the Athenian people, condemned unjustly on a disgraceful charge, instead of, if need be, risking the same fate on my own at the hands of the enemy. Niciass remarks make it clear that Athenian generalswho had been elected to their position by citizens of Athens, the demoswere not free to make important decisions on the ground. It is not surprising that the Athenian military was under the control of the home government, and required direction from Athens. But the radical democracy of Athens put generals in a particularly difficult position. They held the most powerful office in a state that was supremely wary of granting authority to individuals. They commanded their troops, yet the men who served under them, although temporarily subordinate to the generals while on campaign, were ultimately equal insofar as they, as citizens, shared in the authority of the state. Indeed, while democracy thrived in Athens, the price the city-state and its generals paid for such a noble exercise of popular power could be steep, with Nicias and other commanders forced to make poor battlefield decisions for fear of the penalties Athens imposed on unsuccessful and unlucky leaders. During much of the sixth century BC,Athens was a tyranny, governed by a tyrantsomeone who had seized power extra-constitutionally but who was not necessarily tyrannical in the modern sense. Pisistratus first came to power in 560 BC and after a roughly 10-year interruption while he was in exile, ruled until 527. His eldest son, Hippias, came to power next, but after the rulers brother Hipparchus was assassinated in 514 by Harmodius and Aristogeiton, Hippias ruled much more harshly, exhibiting the sort of behavior that would give tyranny a bad name. Hippias became correspondingly less popular, and he was finally exiled in 510 after he and his supporters were besieged on the Athenian Acropolis. The Athenians had had enough of tyrants. Democratic reforms followed. The Athenian population was divided into 10 new, geographically based tribal units: each new tribe included citizens from three different geographical swaths of Attica, the area that constituted the city-state (polis) of Athens. The reorganization had the effect of breaking up old power patterns. Residents of each of the three areas of the polis were now divided among the different tribes, and were less likely to identify solely with other residents of that area or to champion local leaders. A would-be tyrant would thus find it harder to solidify his base in a particular district. Athenian citizens now were bonded with others in their local communities, or demesAttica was divided into some 139 demesbut they also had political and social ties with citizens across Attica, the region surrounding Athens. The Athenian Council, one of the principal organs of the state, was now organized around the 10 new tribes. The board of generals, the strategia, which was also tribally based, was introduced in 501 BC: 10 strategoi were elected annually, one from each tribe. These and other reforms were accompanied by societal changes: Athenss development into a naval power elevated the status of the commoners who manned the triremes. Power that had been in the hands of an aristocracy devolved upon the lower classes. Athens became a radical democracy, and the Athenians, with their sour memories of the latter days of the tyrant Hippias, were stingy in allocating their power. They put a number of safeguards in place that were meant both to preclude a coup and to prevent any one individual from becoming too powerful. One such safeguard was the process of ostracism, a procedure that was introduced shortly after they ended Hippiass tyranny. If there was sufficient interest, the Athenians could vote once per year to ostracize someone, exiling him from Athens for a period of 10 years. To vote, Athenians scratched the name of the person to be ostracized on potsherds, broken pottery pieces called ostrakahence the name of the procedure. Ostracism served as a sort of release valve: It allowed the Athenians to remove from the scene anyone they perceived as a threat to the state. It was not used with abandon. In fact, the Athenians didnt ostracize anyone until 487 BC, 20 years after ostracism was instituted. The first person ostracized, interestingly enough, was Hipparchus, a relative of the former tyrant Hippias. To a surprising degree, amateurs picked by lottery rather than election ran the Athenian state. According to the author of the Athenaion Politeiaa description of the Athenian constitution written probably by a student of Aristotle in the fourth century BCthere were some 700 public officials (archons) in fourth-century Athens. Thats a large number of officials considering that there were perhaps only 30,000 male citizens then: a large percentage of the citizenry was involved in making the city-state run. The Athenaion Politeia lists, for example, 10 restorers of the temples and 10 city controllers who, among other things, had to make sure that flute girls werent being paid too much and that the dung collectors didnt deposit what they had collected too close to the citys walls. Most offices could only be held once, and most of the offices were collegiate, so that the authority vested in any particular position was very often divided among the multiple members of a board of officers. There was a limit to how much Athenians relied on amateurs. They had to protect themselves from foreign aggression, and they were, of course, aggressive themselves in the fifth century sometimes through forcean empire of states that were allied to them. Of the some BC, building and maintaining 700 archonships that existed in the fourth century BC, only about 100 were not filled by lot but were elected, including all of Athenss military officials: 10 generals, 10 regimental commanders, 2 cavalry commanders, and the 10 commanders who served under the cavalry commanders. Another difference between the generalships and other archonships was that, unlike with other offices, there was no limit on how many times an individual could annually be elected to the post of general. This makes sense: the Athenians needed skilled military commanders; limiting the number of qualified men available to fill the position by instituting term limits would have been foolhardy. As a result, some generals are known to have enjoyed lengthy careers: Pericles, for example, one of the leading political figures of the fifth century BC, is said to have served as general for 15 straight years in the mid-fifth century; and Phokion, in the fourth century, allegedly served as general 45 times. But the generalship was similar to other offices in that it was collegiate. The Athenians divided the responsibilities and authority of the office among 10 men, correspondingly reducing the authority they invested in any individual general. Having a board of 10 generals allowed the Athenians to campaign on multiple fronts simultaneously. It also made it possible for the Athenians to send out armies under the command of more than one general, which they often elected to do. In 433 BC, for example, not long before the Greek world was riven by the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War, the Athenians sent a fleet of 10 ships west to reinforce the islanders of Corcyra. The fleet was under the command of three generals: Lacedaimonius, Diotimus, and Strombichus. Likewise, the Athenians dispatched three generals to Sicily in 415: Alcibiades, who would be recalled to Athens shortly after the Athenian fleet arrived in Sicily; Lamachus, who would die in battle against the Syracusans in 414; and Nicias, who, despite his kidney disease and his earlier opposition to the expedition, would survive to its bloody end. When the Athenians sent more than one general out on a campaign, leaders made decisions in the field jointly, with each general contributing to the deliberations. When Alcibiades, Lamachus, and Nicias arrived in Sicily in 415, for instance, they considered collectively what their immediate strategy should be. Each of the generals had a different opinion, but in the end Lamachus gave his support to the suggestion Alcibiades proposed that they should win over allies and then proceed to attack the city of Syracuseand that was the plan the generals ultimately adopted. Presumably, having multiple commanders on an expedition could be advantageous for strategic and practical reasons. But it seems clear that the key goal and benefit to sending armies out under a divided command was that it would have decreased the likelihood that any one general would use the troops he commanded as a power base from which he might establish himself as a tyrant. Consider Romes bloody history of civil wars, Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Gaius Julius Caesar both marching on Rome in the first century BC with loyal armies at their backs. That sort of thing never happened in democratic Athens. The Athenian citizen assemblythe principal decision-making body of the poliswas regularly involved in overseeing the conduct of military campaigns, controlling generals by issuing instructions to them before and sometimes even during a campaign. When Lacedaimonius and his two colleagues were dispatched to Corcyra in 433 to lend the islanders support against the Corinthians, for example, the Athenians gave the generals explicit directions about the circumstances under which they were to engage the enemy. The generals were told to avoid battle unless the Corinthians attempted to land on Corcyraean territory, in which case they were authorized to do what they could to prevent such a landing. The situation required that the Athenians be particularly cautious: if they attacked the Corinthian fleet outright, they would breach an existing treaty with Corinth and other Peloponnesian states. As they were instructed, their role in the conflict between Corinth and Corcyra was supposed to be defensive only. During the naval battle, the historian Thucydides recorded, the Athenian generals were careful to follow the instructions of their government. They drew up their ships in support of the Corcyraeans repeatedly but did not engage the Corinthians until the situation became desperate. Toward the end of the battle, when the Corcyraeans were on the verge of defeat, the Athenian generals did support them openly, and thus were acting in opposition to the instructions they had been given. But their behavior during the earlier part of the battle suggests that they did not deliberately set out to violate the instructions. The Athenians back home sometimes sent instructions to their generals in midcampaign as well. Thucydides tells us, for example, that in the summer of 414 Nicias wrote to let the Athenians know about the worsening situation in Sicily and to request that he be re- called to Athens because of his health problems. Thucydides quotes the whole of Niciass letteror what is purportedly Niciass letterand he prefaces it with a remark about the frequency of correspondence between the forces in Sicily and their home government: Nicias, we are told, had often sent reports to Athens in the past, and felt obliged in particular to do so again in the current circumstances. Unfortunately for Nicias, the Athenians refused to recall him. They instead sent reinforcements under two new generals. The Athenian generals who were sent to the aid of Corcyra in 433 did not in the end adhere to the instructions they had been given. But their obedience prior to that suggests that the instructions they received mattered to them. Thucydides tells us directly why this should be so: The generals did not engage the Corinthians in battle, he writes, because they feared countermanding the instructions from the Athenian demos. Nicias in Sicily is a case in point. In arguing against withdrawing from that island in 413, he said he would prefer to die at the hands of the enemy rather than be condemned unjustly by the Athenian people. The general Demosthenes, to whom Nicias was making the argument, was probably receptive to this line of reasoning. Some 14 years earlier, Demosthenes had been commander when the Athenians were routed in western Greece. The enemy killed his fellow general Procles along with some 120 hoplites, whose bodies Demosthenes retrieved under armistice. The Athenians who survived the battle sailed back to Athens, but Demosthenes stayed behind, fearing the Athenians because of what had happened. Generals of Athens would have been foolish not to fear their home government: their fellow citizen could be as lethal as any enemy. Indeed, Athenian generals were liable to prosecution throughout their tenure in the strategia. From at least the 430s on, the Athenians had some mechanism in place for deposing generals. Pericles, for example, was removed from office and fined in 430/29 BC. (Athenians reckoned years summer to summer, thus 430/29 represents the summer of 430 BC to the summer of 429.) The son of Periclesalso named Periclesand seven other generals were deposed and brought to trial a generation later, after the disastrous Battle of Arginousai in 406/5. Athens actually routed the Peloponnesian fleet, but because of rough seas the successful generals failed to rescue Athenian sailors from some 25 disabled ships, and a large number died. Of those eight generals, six were executed. The remaining two, who failed to return to Athens when they were recalled, were sentenced to death in absentia. A general who was not recalled to Athens in midterm to stand charges was still subject to prosecution at the conclusion of his tenure in office. Athenss magistrates were obliged to undergo an examination (called a euthyna) of their financial accounts and conduct in office once their terms were over. Generals likely had to submit to a similar process: A preliminary investigation into the officials financial accounts, followed by a sort of open hearing, during which anyone could bring a charge against him for financial misconduct in connection with his servicefor taking bribes or embezzlement, for example. Following scrutiny of the mans finances, there was a three-day period in which anyone could accuse an outgoing magistrate of misconduct that was not financial in nature. If a charge had merit, it would be referred to the proper authorities, who would bring a case against the magistrate. Given the large number of such audits that must have occurred annually in Athens, it is at first glance surprising that we know of only two cases in which euthyna led to the prosecution of a general. Phormio was fined as a result of his euthyna in 429/8, and he suffered disfranchisement as a debtor when he was unable to pay the fine. In the following year the general Paches was likewise found guilty at his euthyna. Later sources report that Paches responded to the verdict by drawing his sword in the courtroom and killing himself, but that story may be apocryphal. That there are so few known cases of euthynai ending in prosecution need not imply, however, that the procedure was merely a formality. According to the orator Demosthenes (not to be confused with the general of that name), the fourth-century general Timotheus once left Athens to avoid his euthyna, which suggests that the procedure had at least some legal bite. It may be, however, that we know of relatively few generals being given trouble at their euthynai because they were subject to scrutiny throughout their tenure, so that any irregularities in their conduct could already have been addressed before they left office. They may, in fact, never have been completely safe. The general Adeimantus, for example, was prosecuted in 393/2 BC in connection with his generalship more than a decade earlier, in 405/4. It is difficult to quantify the risk generals faced from prosecution because the information is so incomplete. Sources have not preserved anything like a complete record of the careers of Athenian military personnel. This much can be pieced together: During 27 years of the Peloponnesian War (from 431 to 404), at least 7 percent and perhaps as many as 12 percent of the generalships (that is, the slots filled by generals: 10 per year) ended in some kind of prosecution. In other words, on average at least seven generals were tried during every decade of that war. We know of 22 generals who died in office during the same years. During the next roughly 50 years, from about 404 to 355, between 17 percent and 20 percent of the generalships ended in prosecution. Only a handful of generals (four or five) are known to have been killed in action during the same period. Obviously, if the same man served as general more than onceas many didhis chances of being prosecuted in connection with his service increased. The probability that a man serving as general twice in his lifetime between 431 and 355 would be prosecuted at some point in connection with his service was roughly 20 percent. In sum, being deposed and recalled to Athens to face charges or otherwise stand trial in connection with ones strategia was not merely a theoretical possibility but a fairly regular occurrence. However frequently Athens prosecuted its generals, the threat of discipline would not have controlled military leaders if their trials routinely ended in acquittal or if the sentences imposed were lenient. Neither seems to have been the case. The evidence suggests that most generals who were brought to trial were convicted. Once convicted, they were punished severely. We know the outcome of 20 trials that were brought against generals during the Peloponnesian War years. Of those trials, 19 ended in conviction. Fourteen of the 19 un- lucky generals were sentenced to death, some of them in absentia. Three other men were punished with fines, at least two of which were cripplingly large. We only know of one general, Anytus, acquitted during the Peloponnesian War. In his generalship of 409/8, Athenians had ordered Anytus to sail to the western Peloponnesus to relieve allies the Spartans were besieging. But storms prevented Anytus from rounding Cape Maleathe easternmost peninsula of the Peloponnesusand he was forced to return to Athens without having accomplished anything. He was charged with treason as a result, but acquitted: the notorious difficulty of navigating around Cape Malea presumably lent him credibility when Anytus justified his failure. Still, later sources reported that Anytus was acquitted because he had bribed the jury. We need not believe the accusation, but it is a telling one nevertheless. It wasnt usual for Athenian political trials to end in acquittal; when they did, there was room for suspicion. (Anytuss acquittal may have been unusual, but this is not his most notable act. Ten years later Anytus would stand as one of the three accusers who brought charges against the philosopher Socrates, a trial that ended with Socrates being convicted and sentenced to death by drinking a cup of poisonous hemlock.) There were more acquittals between 404 and 321: as many as 7 of the 26 trials whose outcomes are known ended in acquittal. Nine of the remaining 19 generals were sentenced to death. Six men are known to have been fined. As in the fifth century, these fines were large. A certain Pamphilus, unable to pay his fine, died a debtor. Timotheus fled the country in 356/5 to avoid paying his fine and died shortly afterward. When they were away from Athens on campaign, Athenian generals were wise to act in accordance with the instructions of the demos. The threat of punishment was sufficiently serious to influence the behavior of generals for good and illas the example of Nicias shows. It was fear, after all, of what might happen to him on his return to Athens that prompted Nicias to argue against withdrawing from Sicily in 413, a move that could have saved the lives of many of the Athenian soldiers. In making his argument against withdrawal to his fellow generals, Nicias alluded to the potential threat posed by the men under their command. Many of those men, Nicias claimed, would go back to Athens and, whatever their current sentiments, claim that the generals had been bribed to withdraw. Nicias preferred to face the enemy ranged against him than to turn tail and face the angry mob back home. The fear Nicias expressed about the influence his soldiers could have back in Athens points to another way the demos exercised control over generals on campaign, albeit indirectly. Athenian generals who were leading citizen troops (as opposed to mercenaries, who came to be used increasingly in the fourth century) were surrounded by potential witnesses for the prosecution. Their colleagues and subordinates were witnessing their behavior on campaign. When the soldiers returned to Athens, they could testify against the general, or themselves initiate prosecution against him. This occurred a number of times that we know of. In 406/5, for example, two trierarchs (subordinate naval officers) provided testimony against the eight generals who were tried en masse after the Battle of Arginousai. Conon, a fellow general, prosecuted Adeimantus in 393/2. Even if a generals subordinates or colleagues on a campaign did not participate in trials related to the campaign, they could threaten his career less directly: as constituents of the Athenian demos, they had a vote in elections. If they werent satisfied with a generals leadership on campaign, they were unlikely to reelect him to the strategia. They could, moreover, damage a generals reputation by simply spreading reports about their campaign experiences to family and friends. Nicias was wise, then, to be nervous about the potential danger his troops in Sicily posed for him. He and his fellow generals, weighing their options after the defeat at Epipolae, elected to stay the course. But soon enough, the option to withdraw under favorable circumstances was no longer left to them. In the final battle in the Syracusan harbor, the Athenians, hemmed in by the enemy, tried in vain to force their way out into open water. The small area was filled with some 200 ships, so that the normal naval tactics of backing water and ramming an enemy amidships were for the most part impossible. The oarsmen churned the water into a froth, the wooden hulls of their triremes crashing against one another frequently but ineffectually in the tight space. Sometimes two or three ships would be jammed together as they rammed and were rammed at once, like bumper cars at sea. On the decks, the marines fought hand to hand, trying to board the enemys ships when they got close enough, javelins and arrows and stones flying about. On shore, the Athenian infantry, lined along the beach, watched and cheered and waited impotently for the result that would determine their own fates. Finally the Athenian resistance was broken, their ships either captured at sea or chased back to land. Two days later, after a period of indecision that gave the Syracusans time to block their escape routes, the Athenians fled on foot to the southwest, leaving their dead unburied and their wounded to the enemy. In the end, the Athenians who survived that final retreat were forced to surrender. The enemies executed Nicias, who had stayed in Sicily at least in part because of his fear of being prosecuted back home. The losses the Athenians sustained in Sicily were devastating. Their defeat was a turning point in the Peloponnesian War, partly because the new weakness of Athens emboldened their allies across the Aegean to revolt. Yet the Athenians managed to fight on against Sparta and her allies for another decade. The allies finally defeated Athens in 405, at Aegospotami, and the war ended a year later. Although the city was not destroyed, it lost much of its offensive and defensive capabilities. Athens would remain a democracywith a few short-lived interruptions and with some constitutional changesuntil 338 BC, when Philip II of Macedonia defeated the citys army at Chaeronea. By 322 BC, Athenians had lost their independence, and their leadership experiment, at once an inspiration to future democrats and a cautionary example of the dangers of mob rule, ended. Originally published in the Autumn 2009 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here. A Roman general sets his nets to catch Spartacus at Bruttium. It was a winter morning in the mountains of southern Italy, in early 71 BC. Normally it was silent at this time of year, when even the herdsmen had left for lower ground. On this day, however, on a ridge about half a mile wide and half a mile high, two armies were poised to clash. In one, tens of thousands of rebels, led by Spartacus, stood in their ranks, weapons ready, and, we might imagine, hearts warmed by wine, ears impatient for the command to charge, mouths eager to let loose their roars. The Roman army was not surprised; its scouts had watched the enemy from a series of signal towers. The Romans waited behind a defensive network of deep trenches lined with sharpened poles, wooden palisades, and, as an obstacle in the forefront, an embankment topped by a dry-stone wall at least 25 feet high. Their positions closed off three sides of the ridge, blocking even the mule paths by which the rebels might have outflanked them. The Romans had left only the southern approach open, forcing the attackers to charge at them from that direction. As they advanced, the rebels were funneled into a narrow space. Like a fisherman who drives big fish into his nets, Gen. Marcus Licinius Crassus had set his trap well. Suddenly the Roman counterattack began, a torrent of arrows and acorn-shaped lead missiles, forged in nearby field furnaces by the methodical defenders. The barrage blunted the rebels charge. Many of the attackers reached the fortifications and fought ferociously, but they could not break through. Eventually, Spartacuss men had to run away or die. It was a good day for the Romans and it had just begun. The rebels would attack again in the evening, and once again they would fail. Afterward the Romans claimed an immense body count, saying that 12,000 dead insurgents cost them only three dead and seven wounded. Uncertainty is frustrating to the historian but it is best to be clear: these figures and the very details of the engagement are speculative. Indeed, our knowledge of these events is unusually tentative; the sources contradict each other even more than usual. Perhaps that is not surprising in the case of events that took place in the dead of winter, deep in the mountains of a remote corner of Italy. Still, what is not in doubt is that Spartacus, the mighty rebel who had set Rome in a tizzy with his audacious slave rebellion and frightening forays throughout the Italian peninsula, may have finally met his match. The Spartacus revolt against Rome began in 73 BC in a gladiators barrack in southern Italy, near Naples. It grew quickly from 74 men to thousands. Spartacus, a Thracian (from what is now Bulgaria) had been an allied soldier in the Roman army. He had somehow fallen afoul of the law and had been unjustly enslaved and sentenced to life as a gladiator. Then he rebelled. Spartacuss charismatic leadership and military skill sparked a major slave uprising throughout Italy, especially in the south. Rome stood at a disadvantage. Its veteran legions were abroad fighting in Spain, the Balkans, and Anatolia (modern Turkey). With only inexperienced Roman troops to oppose him, Spartacus won victory after victory. At its height his army consisted of about 60,000 men, most of them rebelling slaves. Spartacus recognized, however, that they could not stay in Italy; Rome would eventually recall its best troops and defeat him. So he marched his army north in 72 BC. He tried to persuade the men to cross the Alps and leave Italy. His hope was probably to return to Thrace and join Romes enemies there. His men balked, however. They preferred to stay in Italy and loot its rich territory. A coalition of various ethnic groups, the army enjoyed only a loose and fragile unity. Spartacus was forced to head back south. Meanwhile, Rome gave the command against Spartacus to Marcus Licinius Crassus, an experienced and canny general. Crassus raised a large new army and by employing strict and brutal discipline, made his men more afraid of him than they were of Spartacus. As the hunters became the hunted, Spartacuss men finally realized that leaving Italy was imperative. This time, they headed south, planning to cross the Strait of Messina from southwestern Italy to Sicily, where a large and rebellious slave population offered potential allies. Spartacus found pirates who said they were willing to ferry his men across; they even took a deposit. But they took the money and sailed, leaving Spartacus and his men unable to find another way to make the crossing in the face of bad weather and Roman shore defenses. Spartacuss forces turned back north, headed into the mountains in the toe of the Italian boot, in the region called Bruttium in ancient times. The Romans, however, were waiting for them. For Rome the domestic political stakes of the clash with Spartacus were almost as high as the military ones. Crassus had gambled everything on a defensive line in the mountains. The massive fortifications epitomized the man who had made his fortune in real estate. He would defeat Spartacus by outbuilding him. Some said that Crassus gave his men the construction job just to keep them busy during winter, the off-season for warfare. But Crassus cared too much about his command to fill it with make-work projects. He knew that the campaign in Bruttium would make or break him. Crassus wanted to defeat Spartacus, but if he couldnt, he had to control the way the story would be told to the Roman public. To do so he needed influential friends, and surely he obtained them. A man who could buy armies could also afford the rewards that would cement friendships. We might suspect the hand of his publicists, for example, in the assertion in the sources that the Romans had got their courage back thanks only to Crassuss policy of decimation. In spite of exaggerated casualty figures, a Roman victory that day is a reasonable assumption. The Romans had earned success. Crassus and his men had spent weeks if not a month or two preparing a killing field. They could have ended the rebellion that very day if they hadnt been facing a general of the Thracians skill. For Spartacus the story began on the day that he marched his men from the Strait of Messina toward the Aspromonte Mountains. He could not take the Via Annia near the Tyrrhenian coast; the Romans surely would have blocked it. Besides, Spartacus had to feed his army. To do that required going inland on raids and finding new supporters. This was herding country, known for its cows, sheep, and swine. It was terrain for hunting hare and boar. As the rebels traveled northeast from the strait over the highland plains of Aspromonte, they probably got some of what they wanted by charming slave herdsmenand the rest they took, ravaging the countryside. Archaeology may provide evidence of the damage they did. About 25 miles north of Cape Caenys, in an olive grove near the Tyrrhenian Sea, a treasure recently turned up. There, buried and protected by two large slabs of stone, lay a clay lamp and a group of silver objects: pitchers, cups, a ladle, a teaspoon, and a medallion with a bust of Medusa. A graffito may refer to the name of a wealthy Roman landowning family. The objects date to circa 10075 BC and it is tempting to associate them with Spartacus. They were buried in an isolated spot in ancient times, far from the center of the nearest town. Perhaps a landowner buried them to keep them from the rebels, or a rebel might have buried them himself after looting them. Having turned away from the coastal highway, Spartacus headed for another road located in the center of Bruttium, about equidistant from the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts. Migrants over the centuries had traveled down this road from what are now known as the Serre Mountains to the north, and with good reason. The road takes advantage of a remarkable landscape, a ridge high up on the crest of the Aspromonte Mountains. From a distance it looks like a tabletop in the clouds. As a traveler comes onto the plateau, he feels as if he has stepped onto an isthmus. Today called the Dossone della Melia, that is, the Melia Ridge, it lies between 3,000 and 4,000 feet above sea level. The city of Locris sat at the eastern end of the lateral road, on the Ionian Sea. A former Greek colony, Locris had long been firmly in the Roman orbit. At the western end of the lateral road the plain of Metauros (modern Gioia Tauro) stretched along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Exceptionally rich, the plain was known for its olives and grapevines. Crassuss fortifications cut it off from Spartacus and his raiders. Whoever controlled the Melia Ridge controlled the crossroads of southernmost Italy. No wonder Crassus chose to make his stand here. The sources say that the nature of the terrain suggested to Crassus the plan to block off the peninsula. The Locrians might well have provided detailed intelligence about the terrain. The heart of Crassuss fortifications stood on the Melia Ridge near the modern Highway 111, which runs on an east-west line about 50 miles northeast of Regium (by modern roads). Here the Italian peninsula is only about 35 miles wide from sea to sea. Plutarch writes that Crassus built his wall across the peninsula for a length of 300 stades, that is, about 35 modern miles. That is an exaggeration; in fact, the main section of the Romans defensive works covered only half a mile. But Plutarch is right in implying that Crassus effectively blocked off the entire 35-mile width of the peninsula. As Spartacus proceeded northward, his scouts warned him of trouble ahead. The Thracian is said to have responded with scorn, no doubt skeptical that the Romans could stop him in what amounted to his natural habitat, the mountains. Many scholars seem to feel about the same way. They doubt that the Romans made their stand here. Great engineers though they were, not even the Romans could have found it easy to build a 35- mile-long walled trench through the mountains, no less. Besides, if Crassus had cut off Spartacus about 50 miles northeast of Regium, he would have left the rebels in control of a large territory to the south, about a thousand square miles, roughly equivalent to the state of Rhode Island. One might well ask, left to rule such a kingdom, why would Spartacus need to leave? Some historians turn Crassuss plan into a modest project: no 35-mile-long set of fortifications, no willingness to give up a thousand square miles to the enemy. In their view, Crassus went toe to toe with Spartacus from the outset by marching ever southward, practically up to Spartacuss camp on the strait. The Romans fortified the ravines in the steep hills above the Tyrrhenian coast to cut the rebels off, no more than a mile or two away. The result was a line of fortifications about a mile long. While his men negotiated with pirates and built rafts, Spartacus could see the Romans nearby. But Spartacus is unlikely to have sat back and let Crassus corner him. In order to build his trap, Crassus would have had to work far from his enemys eyes, not under his nose. So, while Spartacus camped on the coast, Crassuss men were dozens of miles away and 3,000 feet higher up in the hills. Yes, an instant 35-mile-long defensive system strains credulity but only if we fail to take into account the lay of the land. In fact, most of the 35-mile width of the peninsula is impassable, so it required little fortification. The only places that could be easily traveled were the two coastal strips and the Melia Ridgethe latter, only about a half-mile wide. Since the Romans occupied the coasts and since Spartacus took readily to the mountains, Crassus could reasonably expect to block him on the ridge. The thousand square miles behind Spartacus were no gift. The territory in question is poor, mountainous, and largely infertile, unlike Sicily and its abundance. Nor was it harvest season. The rebels would have found it difficult to live off this land for long. It is not surprising to read in the ancient sources that Spartacuss men were beginning to run out of food, nor that one reason Crassus decided to build the fortifications was precisely to deprive the enemy of supplies. Archaeological evidence tends to support this scenario, although it doesnt prove it. On the Melia Ridge there are a series of old trenches and walls, and in the hills nearby are the ruins of three lead-smelting furnaces whose internal walls are sprinkled with lead oxide. The Romans used furnaces to make sling bullets. Without scientific archaeological excavation, these sites cannot be securely dated. But they do fit the sources descriptions of a system of trencheswhile also casting well-founded doubt on Plutarchs claim that the Romans cut a trench from sea to sea. In addition, the ruins have been surveyed by a local historian in southern Italyan amateur who knows the terrain better than the professionals. The opening paragraphs of this article follow his plausible if still unproven reconstruction. The origin of place names is notoriously difficult to pin down, but even so, several places in and around the Melia Ridge have evocative names. A section of the ridge is known as the Plains of Marco, leading down into Marcos Ridge (Marcus Licinius Crassus?); to the west there is a town of Scrofario (Crassuss lieutenant, Scrofa?); to the east are hamlets of Case Romano (Roman Houses) and Contrada Romano (Roman Neighborhood) and a place called Torre lo Schiavo (The Slaves Tower). Perhaps the most intriguing place name was given to the heart of the Melia Ridge, today covered by a huge forest of ferns with scattered groups of beech trees: Tonnara, that is, tuna trap. The slopes to the west of Tonnara are called Chiusa (Enclosure) or Chiusa Grande (Great Enclosure). The word tonnara refers to the traditional Mediterranean practice of catching tuna by blocking their migration route with complex systems of fixed nets. Ancient fishermen regularly practiced tuna trap fishing off the coasts of southern Italy and Sicily. Tonnara would make an appropriate name for the place where the insurgents were trapped on their trek northward. Spartacus had failed to break out and he had taken casualties, but he had no reason to despair. Far from being trapped, he might have reasoned that he now had Crassus locked in an encounter that could destroy either one. Help, he knew, was on the way. His cavalry had not reached him yet; no doubt they were still scouring the countryside for food and supporters. Once they arrived, the horses might provide the punch to allow him to break through. Meanwhile, if Spartacus could not survive indefinitely on the Melia Ridge, neither could Crassus. Spartacuss main problem was logistical; he needed to feed his army. He would find little food on the ridge. In the summer it was good grazing ground for cattle, and the humidity made it rich in mushrooms. It was winter, however, so the army depended on raids down in the valleys. Crassuss main problem was political. Rome wanted him to crush the enemy, but Crassus preferred strangulation, and that took time. And Spartacus distracted, exasperated, and delayed the enemy. As the sources say, Spartacus annoyed the men in the defensive works in many ways from place to place; he constantly fell upon them unawares and threw bundles of wood into the trenches that he had set on fire, which gave the Romans nasty and difficult work as they hustled to put out the fires. It was effective psychological warfare while Spartacus waited for his cavalry, but the struggle in the mountains took a toll on his own men. It was the crowning misery of months of trouble. Back in the summer, when they had defeated two consuls and the governor of Cisalpine Gaul, the insurgents could never have guessed that it would come to this. Even a few weeks earlier, although things were difficult, at least they faced the possibility of escaping to Sicily. Now they were fighting for their lives in the chilly clouds of Italys forgotten mountains. Conditions were miserable, food was in short supply, perhaps some men were deserting. The Thracian decided to shock them out of their funk. He crucified a Roman prisoner in the space between the two armies, the sources report, thereby showing to his own men the sight of what they could expect if they did not win the victory. There was nothing subtle about this gesture, but it was no exaggeration. The Romans did not plan to issue pardons. They regularly crucified runaway slaves. Besides, it was an age of massacres. The Parthian king Mithridates II massacred tens of thousands of Italian traders and tax collectors in Anatolia in 88 BC, and Lucius Cornelius Sulla brutally executed his wealthy enemies in Rome, as well as thousands of prisoners of war, in the years 8281 BC. Apparently Spartacus made his point. His men showed no further signs of weakness, at least none that the Romans could see. If we believe one source, the Romans blinked next, but not on the Melia Ridge. If anything, the sight of a Roman prisoner on the cross might have stiffened their will. Rather, it was back in Rome, in the Forum, where the Roman people let their frustration spill over. Disappointed by the developing stalemate, they voted to recall Gnaeus Pompeius (Pompey) from Spain where he was reestablishing order after quashing the revolt led by Quintus Sertorius. Pompey had won the war against Sertoriuss forces in late 73 and early 72 BC. He never managed to defeat Sertorius in the field, but inflicted enough damage to cause a mutiny. Rivals emerged among the rebels and made contacts with the Romans, who encouraged their plans to assassinate their leader. Betrayed by his allies, Sertorius was murdered at a banquet in his own tent in the summer or autumn of 73 BC. The chief turncoat, Marcus Perpenna, tried to continue the war against Rome, but sometime in the winter or spring of 72 BC, Pompey defeated and then executed him. The rebellion in Spain was over. The recall of Pompey was a popular act, voted in the Roman assembly. The Senate was no doubt less enthusiastic, because it meant that Pompey could march into Italy with his army intact, instead of dissolving it at the border, as commanders usually were required to do. Pompey had once marched with the brutal dictator Sulla, which gave a sinister tinge to Pompeys advance. Spartacus clearly must have worried the senators more. No one, however, could have rued the recall of Pompey more than Crassus. He had wanted the war against Spartacus to build his own career, not Pompeys. Now he would have to share the credit for victory. Thus Plutarchs claim that Crassus himself wrote to the Senate and asked that Pompey be recalled sounds preposterous, but it might just be true. Perhaps Crassuss agents in Rome had sniffed the change in the political winds. Perhaps they recognized the inevitability of the peoples vote, and perhaps they advised Crassus to write to the Senate and thereby seem to be the master of events. Crassuss letter is supposed to have asked for the recall of another general, Marcus Terentius Varro Lucullus. Marcus Lucullus, governor of Macedonia in 72 BC, had just led a successful campaign against the Bessi, a tough Thracian people once described as worse than snow. By asking for two generals to help him, Crassus downgraded Pompeys importance. It was a Machiavellian plan, but Spartacuss next move was even more so. Apparently he got wind that Pompey was coming. It is not difficult to imagine Roman soldiers, lining the walls, hurling taunts at the enemy: Pompey was coming and they had better watch out. Pompey had a reputation: his nickname, earned in the Sullan era, was the teenage butcher. If Spartacus saw Pompey as a threat, he also recognized an opportunity. Pompey gave Crassus and Spartacus a common enemy. They both wanted to keep him out of the war, which would explain Spartacuss next move: he offered Crassus a peace treaty. In particular, he offered something very Roman, which was to ask Rome to accept him into its fides. Fides is an important Latin word with a rich set of meanings. It means faith or trust and, in this case, protection. By accepting someone into its fides, Rome accepted a set of mutual obligations. We might call it an alliance but the Romans would not have done so, since there was no legal contract between the two parties. Instead moral ties bound them. The Romans considered the object of their fides to be a client, not an ally; they considered themselves to be his patron. The ties of fides could prove binding indeed. The Second Punic War (218201 worst war in Romes history, began because Hannibal attacked the Spanish city of Saguntum, which had no alliance with Rome, merely a relationship of fides. However seriously Rome took BC), for instance, the a fides relationship, the man who negotiated it, often a general, regarded it with even more importance. If Crassus had accepted Spartacuss offer, he would have become the Thracians patron. Doing so would have been repugnant. Rome regarded a request for fides as a formal act of surrender, but even so, it conferred a most beautiful dignity on the client. By accepting the Thracian into his fides, Crassus would have conceded not only Spartacuss dignity but also Spartacuss right to settle his men somewhere in safety. That would never do. To grant such honor to runaway slaves and gladiators was out of the question. Rome wanted Spartacuss head, not his handshake. Crassus disdainfully ignored the offer. Yet, what magnificent gall on Spartacuss part the proposal was! Far from conceding defeat, he asserted his right to respect. If nothing else, this tactic might have been a great morale booster for his men. If he was stuck in Crassuss trap, Spartacus did not acknowledge it. In fact, he was about to demonstrate his ability to escape, because his cavalry had finally arrived, giving him new hope. It was now some time in February. Spartacus waited for a storm. He chose a night of snow and wind. An old hand like him would have guessed that in these conditions, the Roman garrison would be below strength and at that time off its guard, as one ancient source says. The sources disagree as to just how he made the attack. One writer says that he used the cavalry to spearhead the charge through the ill-maintained defenses. Another says that he filled in a small part of the trenches with earth and branches for his army to cross. A third writer says Spartacus filled in part of the trenches but with the corpses of prisoners and the carcasses of cattle. The sources disagree as well about the level of Spartacuss success. One writer says that he managed to extricate only one-third of his army before the Romans closed the gap again. Another insists that Spartacus got his entire army through. An ingenious scholar has tried to square the circle by saying that once Spartacus got part of his army through, Crassus had to abandon the fortifications or else he would have been caught between two threats; hence, the other two-thirds of the army was able to escape as well. In any case, the sources cite huge numbers of rebel slaves at large in the next phase of the war; they also mention Crassuss fear that Spartacus might now march on Rome. This suggests that, one way or another, Spartacus got most of his men out of Crassuss net. Crassus had gambled and failed. Spartacus had paid a price in blood but he had broken free. It was a tremendous victory for the slaves and a bitter defeat for the Romans. There was nothing for the Romans now but to abandon the defenses they had worked so hard to build and to return to the pursuit. Once again, Spartacus had forced a campaign of maneuver and mobility, at which he excelled. Breaking through fixed defenses is often difficult, particularly against defenders as good at building fortifications as the Romans were. Spartacus, therefore, had reason for pride after his breakout, but not for false hope. With Crassus behind him and Pompey expected to appear, the rebels continued to face poor strategic prospects. Now, as always, Spartacus had only one reasonable goal: leaving Italy. But how? They had refused to cross the Alps and the sea had betrayed them. Spartacus might think of finding new and trustworthy pirates somewhere. He might even contemplate persuading the army to march back north and give the Alpine passes another try. But not now; surely his battered people needed rest. That reasoning, at any rate, might explain the statement in the sources that his goal now was Samnium. Samnium is a region of the south central Apennines, lying north and northeast of Capua. It was famously rugged and antiRoman. Sullas army had destroyed Samniums elite military manpower at the Battle of the Colline Gate in 82 BC, so Samnium could offer Spartacus little support from its free population. With the help of local slaves, however, the rebels might have carved out a retreat in Samniums remote hills. Perhaps they had already found assistance there in their march north in spring 72 BC. Spartacuss knowledge of Samnium might even have dated back to his days in the gladiatorial school at the House of Vatia in Capua. So Spartacus led his army northward through Bruttium and back into Lucania, heading for Samnium. But it was not to be. The rebel army broke up again. As one source says, they began to disagree among themselves. As before, the split had an ethnic component. A large contingent of Celts and Germans decided to go off on their own. Their leaders were named Castus and Cannicus (or Gannicus). The sources put the group at well over 30,000 men but the figures are, at best, educated guesses. It is not clear if all the Celts and Germans in the rebellion joined them, nor do we know if any other nationalities chose the splinter group. In any case, we neednt conclude that the split was just a matter of tribal politics. A reasonable person could argue that Spartacus had failed and needed to be replaced; his Sicilian strategy, it could be said, had wasted valuable time and lives. If he had saved the army on the Melia Ridge, he had also brought it there in the first place. According to the sources, before he learned about the breakup, Crassus was afraid that Spartacus was leading his men toward Rome again. This may be just what Castus and Cannicus wanted to do. Dreaming of storming the enemys citadel, perhaps they scorned the idea of retreating to Samnium. So, for the second time, the rebel army broke in two. Crassus surely took heart. Spartacuss divided army stood little chance against Crassus, and the end came swiftly. Not that the rebel army was out of fight. Spartacus still managed to defeat a Roman contingent in the hills of southern Italy and wounded one of Crassuss lieutenants. The breakaway group of Celts and Germans, however, fell into a Roman trap and suffered large losses. The survivors fled back to Spartacus. Spartacus hoped to march his army to the port of Brundisium (modern Brindisi) on Italys southeastern coast on the Adriatic Sea. There they might have been able to buy or fight their way onto ships to safety. But when word came that another Roman army had landed at Brundisium, Spartacus turned back. There was little choice now but to fight a pitched battle against Crassus. It probably took place not far from the modern city of Salerno. There the Romans won a decisive victory that destroyed the rebel army. Contrary to legend, Spartacus was not crucified. Although Crassus hung 6,000 rebel survivors from crosses along a Roman highway, Spartacus was saved that indignity. He died fighting on the battlefield and his body was never found. This article is excerpted from The Spartacus War by Barry Strauss 2009. Reprinted by permission of Simon & Schuster, Inc., NY. Originally published in the Summer 2009 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here. Americas Civil War featured heavy rifle fire and entrenched combatants while the cavalry and artillery played subordinate roles. Battle was the defining characteristic of the American Civil War. Some authorities count as many as 10,000 battles fought between 1861 and 1865. It is easy to reckon between 200 and 300 named battles familiar to a general reader. Such a number, compressed into four years of warfare, speaks of a quite remarkable intensity compared, say, to the experience of Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellingtons army in Spain and Portugal from 1808 to 1814, when one major battle a year was nearer the norm. Civil War armies appear to have fought all the time, with very brief respites. It was not uncommon for individuals to have taken part in dozens of battles. It is this frequency of battle, and the carnage it engendered, that makes the Civil War distinctive. But the very nature of battle in this war also sets it apart, as, for the first time, modern armies entrenched themselves, relied on heavy rifle fire, and generally eschewed the use of both artillery and cavalry in their major clashes. There was no gradual intensification of the Civil War. Americans fought each other as if imbued with deadly mutual hatred from the outset. First Bull Run was as hard fought as Second Bull Run a year later, which was as hard fought as Gettysburg. It is difficult to define why this should have been so. Americans in 1860 did not hate each other as Spanish workers and the Spanish middle class hated each other before 1936. Though identifiable sections existed in the United States before 1860, sections referred to geographical areas of the country; the cotton-growing South was one and the industrializing North was another. But the sections were not homogeneous. There were notable internal divisions. In the South the most important division was between the large landowning regions and those of subsistence farming, the latter being the one from which the Confederate army was to draw most of its recruits. Particular sections were the low country of the Carolinas, where the first large concentrations of black slaves were established, and which became in consequence hotbeds of Confederate patriotism; and Tidewater Virginia, homeland of that states political class. Virginia was socially the most distinct of the colonies and, later, of the states, because it was deliberately set up in emulation of the English landed counties by its mid-17th-century governor, Sir William Berkeley. Berkeley recruited the younger, landless, sons of English landowning families, which bequeathed all to the eldest, with the promise that in the New World they would be able to become landed gentlemen themselves. He succeeded, perhaps better than he had hoped. As early as 1660, every seat on the ruling Council of Virginia was held by members of five interrelated families, and as late as 1775 every council member was descended from one of the councillors of 1660. Since Berkeley had endowed many of the settlers he attracted with large grants of land, the families were not only politically powerful but rich. They remained so and their names were to become celebrated in American history: the Madisons, the Washingtons, the Lees. They supplied the young United States with many of its Founding Fathers and the Confederacy with many of its leaders. The strength and extent of the Virginia oligarchy helps to explain the speed and completeness with which the Confederacy was established. The old families, who were also large plantation holders and slave owners, felt the most threatened of all Southerners by the rise of anti-slavers to political power in the North and in Washington during the 1850s, and, by their legal and social dominance, they easily carried the majority of the population with them in 1861. The swiftness with which the Confederacy took off and the attraction that the Confederate idea exerted in the border states, which were not cotton-growing, greatly divided opinion in the North. This social difference between regions was also to present the Union with its principal military problem, which was how to achieve victory in the conflict. Many Northerners persuaded themselves that the idea of secession was so repugnant to many Southerners that if the right overtures were made to the people below the Mason-Dixon Line, the errant population could be brought back into the fold without fighting, the prospect of which was abhorrent to many in the North. While it was true that there were important areas in the secessionist states, notably western Virginia and eastern Tennessee, which were at the outset hostile to the Confederacy and remained so, their people lacked the means to alter opinion in the larger South or to influence the rebel government in Richmond. The Confederate leaders were quite as prepared to coerce antisecessionists as the Union was to suppress rebellion within its own territory. Thus from the beginning it became obvious that the conflict between North and South was destined to be a struggle for minds. Indeed, though the truth was not perceived until much later in the war, and then only by a few professional Northern soldiers of brutal imagination, the Southern mind was the only profitable target in the Confederacy. Just as all the rich material objectives in the Norththe Atlantic seaboard cities, the industries of New Englandlay at too great a distance from the Confederacys northern border to be attacked, so the South was not materially vulnerable to the North, though for a different reason. The Confederacy had no great industries or financial centers for Northern armies to march against. Its only store of wealth, the cotton crop, the North had devalued by imposing a blockade. As a result there was nothing for the North to ruinexcept the Souths stock of fighting men. This lack of spoils explains the relentless recurrence of battles between the two armies, and the determination of the wars generals to fight for victory on the battlefield. At the beginning of the war, a belief arose in both armies and both governments that the war could, indeed should, be won by a single great victory. This belief owed its origins to the prevalence of the Napoleonic legacy. Napoleons rise to imperial dominance was attributed to his ability to win battles, which he did with dispiriting regularity. His great victories were taught to the West Point cadet. Professors extolled the virtue of seeking victory by blows of crushing force, like those Napoleon delivered at Marengo and Austerlitz. President Abraham Lincoln, as well as Jefferson Davis, the new Confederate president, both hoped for an American Austerlitz to end the conflict in a single day of overwhelming violence. In the first seasons of campaign, the hope was futile, for neither side yet possessed trained soldiers or weapons in sufficient quantity to inflict decisive blows. Even as they grew stronger, decisive victory continued to prove elusive. Victories there were, as at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, but though they were sometimes spectacular, they did not destroy the enemy. The reasons for that seemed obscure at the time and remain so. One reason was that the Confederates possessed commanders, notably Thomas J. Stonewall Jackson but also their supremo, Robert E. Lee, who were unfailingly daring and attacked even in the teeth of apparently overwhelming odds, achieving an impact that time and again carried the day. Another was that neither side fielded enough cavalry to perform the battle-winning role it had traditionally played in Europe. In the great European campaigns, heavy cavalry broke up large formations of infantry and then pursued the fugitives to destruction. However, America did not possess either a cavalry tradition or the sort of soldiers who might have established one. The battles of the Civil War were almost exclusively infantry struggles, in which casualties were inflicted by rifle fire at ranges from 50 to 100 yards or more, but because of the efficiency of the Springfield and Enfield rifles, they were very costly to combatants. The casualty figures pose what is perhaps the supreme mystery of the war: Why did the common soldier of both sides bear the loss of comrades in such large numbers and the fear of the battlefield experience and yet return again and again to the fray as if unmoved by the effect? Eighteenth-century armies recognized a mass reaction to extreme fear, called by the French panique-terreur. Extreme terror does not seem to have afflicted Americans who fought in the Civil War. That may have been because since it was a civil war, the soldiers surrendered to each other, their English-speaking fellow inhabitants of the same landmass, with relative ease. (This was not the case, however, with black Union soldiers, who, following massacres at Fort Pillow and the Petersburg Crater, were understandably unwilling to entrust their lives to Confederates and fought fiercely to avoid capture.) The nature of the terrain in the theaters of war helps to explain why battles occurred as often as they did. In the two great corridors of conflictone formed in the east by the Appalachian chain and the Atlantic; the other in what is loosely called the west formed again by the Appalachians and the Mississippithe topographic barriers forced the armies, once set in motion, into frontal contact with each other, as long as they could be supplied, which was assured by ease of access to river lines of communication, supplemented by the railroads. Neither side lacked men. Numbers compressed by geography ensured that as long as there was the will to fightand that will held up throughout the warbattles would take place. Indeed, one of the most consistently surprising factors of the war was the readiness of both sides to expose themselves to the risks of combat and to return to the fight even after suffering heavy losses. The armies readiness for battle is all the more extraordinary given their almost total lack of experience in warfare. Both sides had to learn as they went along, leaders and led alike. Memory of Americas wars of the past, and written accounts of wars in Europe, particularly those of Napoleon, supplied the uninformed with almost their only notion of what a battle should be like. The nature of battle was scarcely understood, hence the belief, which persisted long after the first encounters, that one great engagement would settle the issue. Perhaps the first reality that had to be grasped was the necessity of massing firepower. Their past American experience did not assist, for Europeans had identified from King Georges War and the French and Indian Wars a style of fighting they called American or Indian war, in which armies did not form ordered masses as they did on the open battlefields of the Old World, but skirmished behind tree cover and sought to take the enemy by surprise. American warfare was individualistic, not ordered, and fighting in such conditions typically took the form of ambush or surprise attack, as at the battle of the Monongahela in 1755, where a small French army with numerous Indian allies had overwhelmed the Redcoats of Gen. Edward Braddocks army in the preliminaries to what would become known as the French and Indian War. The armies of 1861, recognizing that American warfare would not win this conflict, had to learn, by reference to the available drill books, how to organize themselves for Old World fighting. It had taken European armies long years of trial and error to learn that the fire of muskets was effective only if those who carried them stood shoulder to shoulder and fired in unison. While knowing that such tactics were correct, the American soldiers of 1861 had to teach themselves to do likewise, since the requirement defies nature. Instinct drives men who are fired upon to seek cover, either by lying down or by finding shelter behind a natural obstacle, the antithesis of battle-winning procedure. Many inexperienced Civil War regiments did indeed give way to instinct at the first onset of battle, running away or breaking formation at the first exposure to fire. The obsessive repetition of drill movements, taught from books by officers or sergeants who were themselves only a page ahead of their pupils, was thus exactly the correct way of preparing the innocents of 1861 for battle. The drill books, almost always translations from the French or rewritten versions of French originals, decreed that the regiment of 10 companies should form most of them into a line of two ranks; three had been earlier ordered, but the armies soon abandoned that practice because of the danger bullets fired by the third rank posed to the men in front. Even so, the front rank was regularly singed and deafened by the rifles of the second. Live firing practice was a rare event. Many soldiers did not fire their weapons for the first time until they met the enemy. There was, however, a great deal of practice in the 17 separate movements necessary to load and level the rifle, extracting the paper cartridge from the pouch, tearing it with the teeth, pouring the powder down the barrel, spilling the bullet after the powder, crumpling the paper into a wad, ramming home with the ramrod, placing the percussion cap on the nipple, and bringing the guns butt to the shoulder. Speed and dexterity in loading did not, however, exhaust the requirements of the drillmaster. It was also necessary to mass the effect of discharge by training the soldiers to stand shoulder to shoulder and perform the drill movements simultaneously; otherwise the impact of the volley was diminished. Moreover, if the lines mistimed loading and aiming, accidents would occur. Regiments advanced to contact in columns, their officers hoping to successfully deploy column into line at optimum range from the enemy, perhaps one or two hundred yards. Then the regimental skirmishers would move to the front and flank to bring individual fire against the enemys front. Changing formation or direction on the battlefield was an invitation to disorder, but it was essential if the regiment was to damage the enemy, and even inexperienced troops could achieve this if they had been sufficiently exercised in foot drill. However, what followed was rarely as prescribed in the drill book, which expected the battalion line to deliver a succession of volleys until the enemy drew back or the line charged, with or without fixed bayonets. In practice, once a regiment had delivered its first volley, firing tended to become individual. A bayonet charge was rare. Proof of that, Civil War observers believed, was the very low proportion of bayonet wounds displayed among the wounded brought to the hospital. The low incidence of such wounds has been noted in many conflicts at different times and places but is not proof that the bayonet was not used; it may have been that bayonet wounds were so often fatal that the victims died on the spot, and were not collected for treatment. Nevertheless, it does seem that the bayonet was rarely used in Civil War battles. The charge of the 20th Maine at Little Round Top, after it had exhausted its ammunition, was an exception to the rule that Civil War battles were largely fought with the rifle. The likely infrequency of bayonet use can be ascribed to the confidence the soldier had in his firearm. The Springfield and Enfield rifles represented a great technological advance over the smoothbore musket. They were more accurate, carried to a greater range, and, being ignited by a percussion cap, rarely missed fire. Firing was still a complicated and time-consuming business, leading to eccentric results when a novice rifleman would ram home the contents of several cartridges but forget to place the percussion cap on the nipple. With such a fearsome weapon in his hands, the soldier was naturally tempted, once the firefight began, to stand and deliver shot after shot, even if they fell short, rather than take the risk of closing the distance with a charge during which he could not reloadhence the descriptions of regiments standing opposite each other for long periods during which they fired off all the ammunition in their pouches. But the armies of the Civil War soon became accustomed to rifle firefights and adept in the rifles uses. General Robert E. Lee certainly esteemed the rifle more than the artillery piece as a battle-winner, and he did not notably employ artillery to decisive effect in any of his battles. That may have been because his great skill as a commander was in the rapid maneuver of infantry units in the face of and in direct contact with the enemy; infantry was easier to maneuver than artillery. Indeed, there was no outstanding artillery general on either side. Prolonged firing could result in one side overcoming the other and advancing to occupy its ground. Generals should have replaced or stiffened a shaken or beaten regiment with reserves drawn from the rear, and they often did. Moving reinforcements or reserves to the front at a critical moment often determined the outcome of Civil War battles. As has been often observed, outcomes were not usually influenced by the intervention of cavalry or even by the effect of artillery. Cavalry simply did not play a decisive, or even a particularly noticeable, role between 1861 and 1865. Cavalry conducted many daring and successful raids into enemy territory, spreading alarm, destroying materiel, and capturing valuable supplies. But horsemen almost never charged infantry or artillery on the battlefield, and during the great battles of the war, they suffered negligible casualties. A number of reasons explain the ineffectiveness of Civil War cavalry. Much of the terrain was not suited to cavalry, which required wide, uncluttered spaces in which to gather and deploy. There was no cavalry tradition in the prewar American army, no group of leaders committed to the use of cavalry, and no pool of skilled horsemen to enlist. Cavalry was expensive to maintain and difficult to train. The result was that neither side formed large bodies of cavalry. The diminished role of artillery is more difficult to explain. During the Napoleonic Wars, artillery had dominated battlefields and been widely regarded as the decisive arm. Napoleons Grand Battery of 100 guns at Waterloo had given Wellington severe concern. In the United States in 1861, the Union and Confederate armies suffered from a shortage of field artillery, which was only slowly repaired. By midwar, however, both armies fielded guns in European proportions, about four cannons per thousand men, quite enough to have decided battles if properly used. Yet such was rarely the case. At Malvern Hill, outside Richmond in 1862, the Union artillery inflicted very heavy casualties, as the Confederate artillery did at Fredericksburg. The reason in both cases seems to have been that the terrain suited the gunners. At Malvern Hill there were wide and long fields of fire; at Fredericksburg, the Confederate guns occupied commanding positions overlooking open ground. In such settings, the guns could do their worst. More often, however, trees or broken ground obscured the field of fire, and very often ranks of friendly troops got in the way. That could have been avoided had the guns been pushed right forward and maneuvered as horse artillery during fluid moments of the battle. However, commanders on both sides were reluctant to risk having their valuable guns captured by placing them in exposed positions, and there was also a general shortage of horse artillery. Much debated is the question whether infantry, armed with the new rifles, and so able to engage targets as far distant as 300 yards, could thus defend themselves against enemy artillery by targeting the batteries with aimed fire. Artillery usually fired at infantry at ranges of 1,000 yards, closer if it was using canister, case shot containing packed musket balls, which was very destructive against massed formations of infantry. Experts conclude that infantry fire rarely forced artillery to retire from its positions and that artillery rarely suffered heavy casualties from rifle fire. Digging entrenchments heavily moderated the effect of fire, whether from rifles or cannons. Soldiers began digging trenches early in the war and it became general practice as the war progressed. That was a departure from the habits of the dynastic armies of the 18th century and the Napoleonic Wars. In those wars, once battle was joined, leaders protected their troops from un due casualties by relying on returning fire, using artillery, or unleashing cavalry to drive the enemy away. Soldiers rarely dug in. There were exceptions, however. Entrenchment was known even as early as the War of the Spanish Succession. The French partially entrenched their positions at the Battle of Ramillies in 1706. In general, however, it is true that 18th-century armies did not dig except during sieges. European practice was a strong influence on Civil War armies, so much so that, despite West Points emphasis on teaching engineering and fortification, most Civil War commanders began without any thought of setting their soldiers to dig, feeling they ought to win by the practice of maneuver. As the Civil War progressed, however, and casualties rose30 percent killed and wounded became the normal casualty list in infantry regiments in large battlessoldiers began to dig anyway, whether their generals encouraged them to do so or not. They dug to protect themselves if ordered to hold a position in defense. They dug when the enemys fire began to tell during an advance to contact. After 1863 digging was done on all battlefields. On those where the defender had warning of impending action, battlefield entrenchments became elaborate. Some of the complex lines that sprang up around Petersburg in 1864 were begun as hasty entrenchments against Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grants constant efforts to outflank the Confederates to the south and west. The practice of entrenchment, apparently a soldiers exercise rather than one imposed from above, at least at the outset, helps us to answer the most obvious question about Civil War battle, which is this: How did the ordinary mortals in blue and gray sustain the fear and horror that close-order fighting engendered? Frightened men run away or, if they cannot, hide themselves or fling themselves flat. Civil War soldiers of both sides did all those things and also offered themselves as prisoners, hence the surprisingly large number of prisoners taken by both sides during the war. But many Civil War soldiers also did not run away or take cover or freeze or cry surrender but stood their ground, fired, reloaded, and fired again, often for minute after minute until they overcame the men opposite. What held them to their soldierly duty? There are a number of factors that explain steadfastness in all wars, including the example of valiant leaders, the coercion of junior leaders, courage fortified by alcohol, and the undesirable consequences of cowardice. Coercion does not seem to have played a significant role in the Civil War. Americans are not accustomed to threatening their fellows or being threatened. It is not the American way. Although there are instances of Civil War soldiers turning their weapons upon comrades who showed cowardice in the face of the enemy, they are not commonly found in the records. There are, by contrast, many instances of soldiers writing home about the admiration they felt for their officers, of how they drew inspiration from their courage. Sometimes they wrote of the contrary also, as when an officer was found hiding in a hollow tree at Shiloh or another was observed applying cosmetic marks of battle to himself at a safe distance from the enemy. Dutch courage was common; most soldiers and officers alike greatly appreciated a swig from a canteen full of whiskey before a fight, and few disapproved of the practice. The exception was that generals who became drunk during battle were usually removed from command. It was also often remarked that flight was too dangerous when in close proximity to the enemy and that it was safer to stay and attempt to return fire. Moreover (and this underlay the whole Civil War experience of combat), men did not run because they were motivated by what historian James McPherson characterizes as cause and comrades. Men on both sides had gone to war because they believed passionately in their reasons for doing so: to preserve or restore the American nation, if they were Unionists; to defend states rights and the Southern way of life if they were Confederates. In both cases, their standing in the eyes of their brothers in arms meant a great deal to themindeed, at the time probably more than anything else. Both armies had intensely masculine identities: to be thought manly was the overriding value and to be thought a coward the supreme devaluation. In 19th-century America, religion was a powerful motivation of many, both in peace and war. In many ways the Civil War was as much a religious war as a political one, since abolitionists held their beliefs with religious fervor while Southern rustics, who may not have been able to articulate any coherent political view, identified their Southernness with their membership in their Baptist and Methodist meetinghouses and took their beliefs with them into the ranks. Ultimately, Civil War battles came to be characterized by heavy rifle fire, by the absence of artillery, and by the prevalence of earthworks. Fire between the lines could continue for long periods without movement by one side or the other, in the hope that volume of fire would eventually persuade the enemy to retire. Hence the phenomenon of large-scale exchanges at medium range resulting in very few casualties. Heavy casualties, of course, were also a feature of Civil War battles but were usually explained by troops finding themselves confined by local terrain features in a position from which it was difficult to escape and within which it was difficult to maneuver. Such was the case at Antietam, and on parts of the field at Gettysburg. Woodland, so frequently present, also contributed to heavy casualties, since troops came upon each other by surprise in poor visibility and then found it difficult to disengage because of the density of vegetation. The nature of battle in the Civil War has been much debated and historians hold strong and differing views. It cannot be disputed, however, that Civil War battle was very largely battle by rifle, with cavalry playing almost no part in the clash of major armies, and artillery generally fulfilling a subordinate role. Even so, firepower was not the main cause of death. The Unions total of 364,000 fatalities includes 140,000 battle deaths, the Confederacys total of 258,000 includes 94,000 battle deaths. Most of the remainder were victims of disease, then still the greatest killer of soldiers, as would remain the case through World War I. Excerpted from The American Civil War by John Keegan. Copyright 2009 by John Keegan. Published by arrangement with Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of The Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Random House, Inc. Originally published in the Autumn 2009 issue of Military History Quarterly. To subscribe, click here. In 1884 Ulysses S. Grant was bankrupt and battling terminal cancer. Then Mark Twain made him an offer he couldnt refuse. IN THE SPRING OF 1885, A DIMINISHED FIGURE WRAPPED IN A SHAWL, a knitted cap pulled over his brow, toils in a brownstone on East 66th Street in New York City. His right hand, trained to wield a sword, pushes a pen across curling sheets of paper. Twenty-one years earlier, in his final campaign against Robert E. Lee in Virginia, Ulysses S. Grant had informed Washington that he proposed to fight it out on that line if it took all summer. Now, engaged in a final campaign to complete his memoirs, he knew he didnt have all summer; this time he might not even make it through the spring. As Grant would explain in his preface, he had long resisted the frequent exhortations from friends that he write his memoirs. One of the first had come from the author Mark Twain, who raised the suggestion on a visit to Grants New York City office in 1881. The former president responded at the time that he had neither need for extra income nor faith in his writing ability. Three years later publisher Richard Watson Gilder solicited Grant for contributions to a prospective Battles and Leaders of the Civil War series in his Century magazine. Once again Grant displayed indifference to the idea. Two stunning developments soon changed Grants attitude about turning author. The first came only months after Gilders offer: On May 6, 1884, Grant & Ward, the investment firm into which Grant had put his entire nest egg, collapsed. As with the scandals that had marred his presidency, Grant had been unwittingly victimized by an unscrupulous partner, Ferdinand Ward, who ran the company as a Ponzi scheme. Reduced, as he put it, to living on borrowed money, Grant was more receptive when Gilder renewed his pitch for Centurys Civil War series. For $500 an article, Grant agreed to provide Century with his accounts of four battles and campaigns: Shiloh, Vicksburg, the Wilderness, and Appomattox. (Chattanooga would later be substituted for Appomattox.) He began writing at the familys summer retreat in Long Branch, New Jersey, and submitted a draft on Shiloh in July 1884. It was admirably straightforward in style, like a general writing an after-action field reportbut maybe a little too much so. Editor Robert Underwood Johnson came to see Grant in Long Branch to suggest the infusion of more color and personality. Judging from the result, Grant employed Johnsons advice to good effect. Shiloh was a case of Southern dash against Northern pluck and endurance, he wrote. He described an open field, in our possession on the second day, over which the Confederates had made repeated charges the day before, so covered with dead that it would have been possible to walk across the clearing, in any direction, stepping on dead bodies, without a foot touching the ground. Perhaps in answer to criticisms that his forces had been caught unprepared and nearly routed, Grant said that there had been no hour during the day when I doubted the eventual defeat of the enemy. When the article appeared in print several months later, it brought the Century an unprecedented sale of 220,000 copies. WORKING ON THE BATTLES AND LEADERS SERIES SEEMED TO GIVE GRANT INCREASED CONFIDENCE in his skills as a writer. He moved on to Vicksburg but gave some thought to the campaigns place in the overall progress of the Civil War. It came in the wake of the 1862 elections, in which the Republicans had sustained heavy losses in Congress. Enlistments had fallen off to such an extent that the North had to turn to conscription to fill the ranks of its armies. The main Union force in the West appeared to be bogged down across the Mississippi from the Confederate citadel of Vicksburg, with little chance of storming its bluffs. As Grant saw it, to begin afresh from a different approach might have been fatal to Northern morale. There was nothing to be done but to go forward to a decisive victory, he wrote. So the Union army marched down the western bank of the Mississippi, and the navy ran the Confederate batteries at night to ferry Grants troops across the river below Vicksburg. When the Confederates moved to cut off his supply line, they discovered that Grant had no supply line, having abandoned it more than a week before to live off the land. As he warmed to the task of writing, Grant began to think seriously about a memoir of the entire war. Presumably he started filling in the lacunae left by his Century pieces, mentally if not yet on paper. He would begin with the years of preparation, before 1861, including the apprenticeship of service in the Mexican War. Historians would become familiar with his judgment of that conflict as one of the most unjust ever waged by a stronger against a weaker nation. Somewhat less familiar is the relationship Grant drew between the Mexican and the Civil Wars. The Southern rebellion was largely the outgrowth of the Mexican war, he asserted. Nations, like individuals, are punished for their transgressions. We got our punishment in the most sanguinary and expensive war of modern times. Grants ideas about expanding his efforts into a full-blown memoir received a sharp prod with the onset of his second reverse. It was foretold within a month of the Grant & Ward debacle in May 1884, when a simple bite into a peach sent Grant into a paroxysm of pain. He put off seeking medical advice until the familys return from Long Branch to New York in the fall. Grant saw a specialist there, in early November, who diagnosed terminal cancer of the throat. Grant had undertaken the Century articles as a means of income for him and his family. Now the need to provide for his widow and children after his death hastened Grants determination to complete the memoirs. He had begun discussing the project with Gilders Century Company during the summer. After the diagnosis Grant proffered a verbal commitment, and the Century tendered him a draft contract offering royalties of 10 percent. Still engaged in completing the magazine articles, Grant put off signing the contract but hired one of his former military aides, Adam Badeau, as a research assistant. ABOUT THIS TIME, IN 1884, MARK TWAIN REENTERED THE PICTURE. He called on the ailing general several times that fall, finding him in deteriorating condition but steadily at work, writing through his pain. When Twain learned the details of the Century offer, he became indignant, insisting that a memoir by someone of Grants stature would sell far more than Centurys projected 25,000 copies. Grant should get as much as a 20 percent royalty, he said, or alternatively, 70 percent of the net profits. Twain knew what he was talking about, not only as a fellow author but as a fledgling publisher. Dissatisfied with his former publisher, Twain had been instrumental in the formation earlier that year of Charles L. Webster & Company. Though it bore the name of his nephew through marriage, Twain was its de facto head, and in February 1885 the company made Grant an offer on the terms Twain had suggested. Grant hesitated at first, out of a sense of obligation to the Century Company, but Twain countered that scruple with a reminder that Twain had actually been the first to suggest that Grant write his memoirs. Conceding Twains point and considering the superior terms of his offer, Grant signed with Webster on February 27. Out of concern that Twain not lose money on the deal, he opted for 70 percent of the profits. While Grant returned to recounting his campaigns, Twain launched one to sell Grants book. He prepared to market it the same way his own books had been sold, by means of a nationwide subscription campaign. At the time this was the main alternative to the traditional book tradeindividual stationery and bookshops centered in the countrys cities and towns. The leading literary critics of the day by far preferred books issued by the major trade publishers, rarely if ever condescending to review those peddled to the masses by what amounted to traveling salesmen or drummers. Twains first book, The Innocents Abroad, sold 80,000 copies by subscription in 18691870 but might have passed unnoticed had a young reviewer named William Dean Howells not deemed it worthy of high praise in the highbrow Atlantic Monthly. After that, Twain had no trouble being noticed, and his new publishing company undertook a subscription campaign to sell the book that would be acknowledged as his masterpiece, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. No matter how it was sold, Twain realized that a book bearing the name of U. S. Grant would gain not only the notice of critics but entry into average American households. As Twain biographer Ron Powers put it, The people who opened their doors to subscription booksellers burdened with sample books for show-and-tell, and order forms, and illustrationsand binding samples, these were the Great Emerging American Middlebrow. In this sense, subscription publishers may be seen as the 19th-century precursor of the 20th centurys Book-of-the-Month Club. And as Twain hoped to do with Grants Civil War memoirs, the Book-of-the-Month Club would place sets of Winston Churchills Second World War memoirs on the shelves of a million American homes. Twains campaign was military in nature to the extent that it enlisted Civil War veterans as salesmen. Webster & Company employed 16 general agents to direct some 10,000 canvassersa host nearly equivalent to one of Grants army corps. Those who were veterans were advised to wear their G. A. R. badges, since more likely than not the households they called on harbored a fellow veteran. Each was handed a 37-page manual containing tips (or tricks?) of the trade specifically customized for the pitching of Grants memoirs. Sample books and bindings in hand, they fanned out across the land like lines of Union skirmishers. The prototype of the book consisted largely of blank pages, since the text was still being written. Canvassers were instructed to appeal to the patriotic sentiments of prospects, speak of the financial straits of Grants family, and suggest the value of such a work as a family heirloom. By the beginning of May they had orders in hand for 60,000 sets. WITH FINANCIAL SUCCESS ASSURED, THE MAIN QUESTION NOW was whether there would be a product to deliver. On March 1 the New York Times broke the news with the headline grant is dying, and reporters began a death watch on East 66th Street. At the end of the month it appeared that the watch might be over, as Grant underwent a fit of coughing and choking that made him think death was near. But in a few days he recovered and went back to work. A note early in the second volume explains that except for the chapters on the Wilderness Campaign, completed earlier for the Century magazine series, the remainder of the work was written after his health crisis of early April. The Wilderness section contains some of Grants most vivid writing. He describes the hellish no mans land in the three quarters of a mile of thick undergrowth between the armies. The woods were set on fire by the bursting shells, and the conflagration raged, he wrote. The wounded who had not strength to move themselves were either suffocated or burned to death.But the battle still raged, our men firing through the flames until it became too hot to remain longer. In describing what followed, Grant for once deviated from his matter-of-fact realism to indulge in a passage of speculative drama featuring four of his generals that would capture the imaginations of future historians: Soon after dark Warren withdrew from the front of the enemy, and was soon followed by Sedgwick. Warrens march carried him immediately behind the works where Hancocks command lay on the Brock Road. With my staff and a small escort of cavalry I preceded the troops. Meade with his staff accompanied me. The greatest enthusiasm was manifested by Hancocks men as we passed by. No doubt it was inspired by the fact that the movement was south. It indicated to them that they had passed through the beginning of the end in the battle just fought. The cheering was so lusty that the enemy must have taken it for a night attack. Twains involvement in the publication of Grants memoirs may have inspired him to write his highly fictionalized Private History of a Campaign that Failed for the same magazine series. Twain described the brief, inglorious career of the Marion Rangers, a pro-secession unit he served in, that was hastily recruited to resist Federal advances in Missouri early in the war. Twain and several others from his boyhood hometown of Hannibal, providing their own horses, weapons, and even clothing, engaged in a single short skirmishan episode that proved to Twain he was not rightly equipped for this awful business.I resolved to retire from this avocation of sham soldiership while I could save some remnant of my self-respect. There was a kicker at the end of Twains reminiscence. Notified that a Union colonel was sweeping down on us with a whole regiment at his heels, Twains tatterdemalion unit beat a hasty retreat, half of them, including Twain, never to return. Much later Twain learned the name of the colonel. I came within a few hours of seeing him when he was as unknown as myself; at a time when anybody could have said, Grant?Ulysses S. Grant?, he wrote. I do not remember hearing the name before. Grant went on to Appomattox and apotheosis; Twain absquatulated to Nevada, well out of the war. By the end of May Twain was able to show a draft of his Private History to Grant, who became its first reader. According to the author, Grant read it with pleasure. Twain frequently called at the East Side brownstone, offering words of encouragement as well as editorial advice. At Twains urging Grant switched from longhand to dictation, producing as many as 10,000 words in a single session. In April the New York World questioned his authorship, alleging that the work was being largely ghostwritten by Grants aide, Adam Badeau. Suspecting Badeau as the source of the rumor in a bid for a share of the profits, Grant dismissed his former aide, whose duties were assumed by his son Frederick. As the cancer eventually deprived him of the use of his voice, Grant reverted to longhand. In a note to his doctor, he later compared each additional page to one more nail in the coffin. Yet he also said, I am thankful for the providential extension of my time to enable me to continue my work. Twain believed it was Grants determination to finish his book that had kept him alive. He soldiered on, writing through the remainder of the Virginia campaign. Lee, by accident, beat us to Spotsylvania, he wrote, explaining how one of Lees corps got there earlier than ordered because the fires in the Wilderness had prevented it from going into bivouac the previous evening. But accident often decides the fate of battles. It was a costly campaign, in which Grant willingly traded plentiful Union bodies for those of the irreplaceable manpower of the Confederacy. Even for him the price at times could be too high, as he confessed, I have always regretted that the last assault at Cold Harbor was ever made. It was Grants tenacious engagement of the Army of Northern Virginia that prevented Lee from reinforcing Confederate armies in the West. This opened the way for the sweeping Union campaigns that overran the rest of the South, particularly Major General William Tecumseh Shermans in Georgia and the Carolinas. Grant gave Sherman full credit for the March to the Seaits planning and its execution. He had confidence in his chief lieutenant as well as in his troops, whom he himself had commanded in the Westsixty thousand as good soldiers as ever trod the earth; better than any European soldiers, because they not only worked as a machine but the machine thought. Nevertheless, Grant seemed to begrudge some of the fabulation associated with Shermans bummers, writing: Many of the exploits of these men would fall under the head of romance; indeed, I am afraid that in telling some of their experiences, the romance got the better of the truth upon which the story was founded. Grant applied the same no-frills standard to himself, however, shooting down perhaps the most widely repeated story of Lees surrender at Appomattox. The much talked of surrender of Lees sword and my handing it back, this and much more that has been said about it is the purest romance, he declared, and that was that. By mid-June Grant had essentially finished the second volume. On the recommendation of his doctors, he was taken from the heat of New York City on the private car of railroad magnate William H. Vanderbilt, to the cottage of a friend at Mount McGregor in the Adirondacks. Unable to take food, his once stocky frame down to 125 pounds, Grant continued to put the final touches on the memoirs. Sitting on the front porch, he corrected proofs of the first volume and composed some new material for the second (as many as fifty pages, he told his doctor). Twain paid what was to be his final call at the end of the month, when Grant wrote the works preface, and the manuscript of the second volume was sent to Webster & Company on July 18. Grant died five days later. VOLUME 1 OF THE PERSONAL MEMOIRS OF U.S. GRANT APPEARED AT THE END OF THE YEAR, followed three months later by volume 2. They were weighty tomes, illustrated with pictures of the young and the mature Grant, his birthplace in Point Pleasant, Ohio, and the McLean house at Appomattox, as well as many campaign and battle maps. Three months after publication of the first volume, Twain was able to present Julia Grant with a check for $200,000the largest single royalty yet paid. There was more to come. The Memoirs sold 300,000 sets within two years, and total royalties amounted to $450,000. Ironically, following some initial successes, Twains publishing venture suffered the same fate as Grant & Ward, and Twain had to undertake an around-the-world lecture tour to pay off his debts. Thanks to Twains subscription campaign, the Personal Memoirs of U.S. Grant became, next to the Bible and Uncle Toms Cabin, the most visible volumes in 19th-century American homesat least those outside the South. By 1962, like Uncle Tom, they were rarely read, other than by Civil War buffs, noted Edmund Wilson in his study of Civil War literature, Patriotic Gore. Yet Wilson agreed with Twains assessment of them as the best of their kind since Julius Caesars Commentaries. The reader, Wilson wrote, finds himself involvedhe is actually on edge to know how the Civil War is coming out. Grants race against death to complete his memoirs is often regarded as his most heroic victory, and the book that resulted was generally received as a classic in its field. Matthew Arnold, the English poet and critic, awarded it the high merit of saying clearly in the fewest possible words what had to be said, and saying it, frequently, with shrewd and unexpected terseness of expression. If Arnold found fault with Grants English, which he described as without charm and high breeding, he was answered by no less an authority than Mark Twain. In their line, there is no higher literature than those modest, simple memoirs, Twain remarked in a dinner speech in Hartford, Connecticut. Their style is at least flawless, and no man can improve upon it; and great books are weighed and measured by their style and matter, not by the trimmings and shadings of their grammar. Twain was infuriated by rumors, possibly planted by a vengeful Badeau, that Twain had ghostwritten the memoirs; he insisted that his role had been confined to the editorial work normally exercised by any publisher. If anyone had suggested the idea of my becoming an author, as they frequently did I was not sure whether they were making sport of me or not, Grant had scrawled to his doctor at Mount McGregor. I have now written a book which is in the hands of the manufacturers. MHQ JOHN VACHA is the author of four books on the history of regional theater and the coauthor of Behind Bayonets: The Civil War in Northern Ohio. This article appears in the Summer 2018 issue (Vol. 30, No. 4) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: The Sword and the Pen The Government should ensure that student accommodation is included in so-called rent pressure zones. The call comes from Labour Party Education spokesperson, Senator Aodhan O Riordain. Speaking last night, Senator O Riordain told us: Today, while the Cabinet approved legislative proposals to strengthen the Residential Tenancies Board, hundreds of students were protesting accommodation hikes in DCU outside the Dail" The latest rent increases by private student accommodation providers will see privately-owned DCU student accommodation fees rise to over 10,000 for nine months. That is an extortionate amount for students and their families from outside of Dublin to have to pay to secure a safe, suitable home for their time in college," he points out. "These private student housing providers are manipulating students and especially their parents who want to ensure that their children are in good quality accommodation in Dublin. Advertisement Yesterday, the Minister for Education was trumpeting the fact that targets on provision of student accommodation have been met. Its not much use if those units are too expensive for students to afford." At present, these student accommodation units are exempt from rent pressure zone regulations and are beyond the scope of the RTB as they are deemed to be under license rather than leased to the renter. He added: I fully support the views of DCU Students Union, who are resisting their fellow students as being seen as cash cows. These student accommodation providers cannot shirk their responsibilities to the students and the wider community of the Northside of Dublin. Scottish trio December will launch their new album 'Sister and Brothers' on April 21, with an intimate gig - in their living room in Hamilton December, made up of Ails Pattison on vocals, and Paul Ferrie and Scott Pattison, will release the album as a follow-up to their 2016 record 'I Will Let You Have Your Say'. 'Sister and Brothers' is a deeply personal record, reflecting the reality of growing up in the lowlands of Scotland, focusing on the cycle of poverty that they were entrapped by, the sad stories of broken families and the poignancy of the sectarian divides. Ails Pattison said, "This set of songs is our best attempt to chart how it felt to grow up in Lanarkshire in the 1980s - and to make it through because it wasn't always an easy time.But thats where we come from and our music too. The living room launch gig is because we wanted to do something a bit different that we could broadcast to our audience worldwide via periscope and Facebook live. We also wanted to do something a bit more personal for our long term followers and supporters." December are set to play gigs across Europe this year, with shows in Belfast, Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Dublin. Advertisement Have a listen to 1963, the lead single off the forthcoming album: English pop band Tears for Fears have been forced to postpone their upcoming shows in Ireland, due to "unforeseen health concerns and on doctor's orders". Tears for Fears, formed in Bath by Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith in 1981, were due to begin a tour of the UK and Ireland on April 27. All gigs have been postponed, with the Irish gig on May 2 being pushed back until January 31 2019. Tears for Fears "apologise to their fans and are extremely sorry for any inconvenience caused. They look forward to working on finishing material for their first new album in fourteen years, with the hope of releasing it this autumn." Tickets for 2018 shows remain valid for all rescheduled shows, except Birmingham and Glasgow - where the venues have been change and customers will be provided new tickets upon proof of purchase. The rescheduled dates for Tears For Fears gigs are as follows (with Alison Moyet remaining as a very special guest): Advertisement January 2019 Thu 31st Ireland, Dublin, 3Arena February 2019 Sat 2nd Liverpool, Echo Arena Sun 3rd Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena Mon 4th Brighton, Brighton Centre Wed 6th London, The O2 Advertisement Thu 7th Bournemouth, Bournemouth International Centre Sat 9th Leeds, First Direct Arena Mon 11th Glasgow, The SSE Hydro Tue 12th Birmingham, Genting Arena Wed 13th Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena Additional tickets for the rescheduled gig in the 3Arena are available from all Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. The Monaco (MCO) Token has reached a market capitalization of 114.94 Million dollars in the last 1-Day period. The token traded 5.34% higher against the U.S. dollar during the last 24 hours ending at 09:00 AM EDTon April 18th. The Monaco team has stated that the company is based in Switzerland and that it has no connection with, endorsement, license from the Principality of Monaco. Monaco is a platform for crypto debit cards. Monaco calls them prepaid cards, as the difference lies in that a debit card is linked to a bank account and with prepaid card a person needs to top it up first (in this case via a bank account transfer, bank account linking, credit/debit card or crypto). The Monaco team has put detailed information on their site answering frequently asked questions, about the project, the pre-paid cards, the App, information about the Whitepaper and other things. Their previous Whitepaper was a Token Sale document and the Sale was completed in June 2017. The new document will be published once their legal counsels in multiple jurisdictions and allows them to release the new version of the asset contract. A deadline has not been set for it. Monaco (MCO) Token Todays Performance The Monaco Token has reached a market capitalization of 114.94 Million dollars in the last 24-hour period. Although, its price was seeing a rise, it has already begun dropping in value. The Monaco Token (MCO) saw a rise of 5.34% at 09:00 AM EDT, April 18th. Despite the long rise during the early morning hours, the MCO tokens price is now going down at a faster rate compared to the rise. The fluctuations in the price can be seen in the chart down below: Monaco (MCO) Token Background and Future The Monaco team has stated that the company is based in Switzerland and that it has no connection with, endorsement, license from the Principality of Monaco. The company has picked their logo carefully as it represents the Ethereum Lion, which symbolizes strength, trust and courage. As the Monaco developers believe in symbolism they have also invested in being a Visa program manager. Unfortunately, the Monaco card has been approved by Visa Singapore, meaning that it will be available only in Singapore. It is also worth noting that the Monaco debit card is not directly issued by Visa, nor would it be possible to do so, as the startup has a third-party partner in place to take care of these issues. Monaco is a platform for crypto debit cards, which offers a variety of card options, coupled with a mobile wallet, credit system and an automatic platform for trading. Monaco is a Visa program manager, so they have the ability to issue their own Visa-branded cards and leverage the Visa transaction network. In addition, Monaco offers a token-based card-tier system, as well as token cash-back rewards that work to resemble more traditional credit cards. With that partnership, Monaco aims to become the first major debit card available across global markets. The future of Monaco (MCO) remains uncertain, despite being approved by Visa is a big step in bridging the gap between cryptocurrency and traditional finance. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. JAKARTAHumane Society International recently hosted Indonesias first corporate animal welfare roundtable, bringing together leading food service, restaurant and hospitality companies to discuss the global movement towards higher animal welfare supply chains, specifically with respect to cage-free eggs. Public concern for egg-laying hen welfare has increased tremendously in recent years, and in response, food industry leaders in Asia and around the globe have committed to sourcing exclusively cage-free eggs. The roundtable, which took place on April 5th at Le Meridien Jakarta hotel in Jakarta, included among its speakers the head of the Southern Branch of the Vietnamese Department of Livestock Production, Do Huu Phuong, who presented on the Vietnam livestock production sectors new and growing focus on animal welfare. Sodexo, one of the largest food service companies in the world, spoke on its global cage-free egg commitment and the steps the company is taking to complete this transition by 2025, including in Indonesia and throughout Asia. HSI presented on the scientific basis for cage-free egg production, the global trend towards higher animal welfare products, and its partnerships with companies and governments to successfully transition to cage-free egg supply chains and practices. Sign the no cages pledge! The roundtable was attended by representatives from Asian food and hospitality companies, both those that already have cage-free egg procurement policies, and those interested in adopting the policy, as well as officials from the Indonesian government and representatives from the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association. Dawn Neo, HSI corporate outreach manager for farm animals, said: Were thrilled to host Indonesias first corporate animal welfare roundtable and bring together forward-thinking companies that are committed to higher animal welfare standards in their supply chains. Humane Society Internationals mission calls not only for the improved treatment of animals, but for the support of companies as they implement animal welfare policies, and for greater collaboration among various stakeholders. We want to help ensure that companies have all of the tools and resources they need to make a cage-free future for laying hens a reality. Roshith Rajan, Sodexos director of corporate responsibility for Asia Pacific, said: When Sodexo made a worldwide commitment to source cage-free eggs a couple of years ago, we were the first in our sector to do so, in support of responsible and sustainable business practices. Today, it is heartening to see more than 200 companies from across industries joining the cage-free movement in making commitments and demonstrating where the market is headed. As a company that provides Quality of Life services to millions every day, we aspire to create a better tomorrow for everyone. In Asia and around the world, egg-laying hens spend their entire lives confined in wire battery cages, so small that they cannot even fully spread their wings. Science confirms what common sense tells us: the lack of space and restriction of movement is detrimental to the physical health of these animals and causes enormous frustration and suffering. Fortunately, the world is moving towards higher welfare cage-free production systems. The use of conventional battery cages for laying hens is banned or being phased out under laws or regulations throughout the EU, in five U.S. states, in New Zealand, Bhutan and in the Australian Capital Territory. Officials in the majority of states in India, the worlds third largest egg producer, have declared that the use of battery cages violates the countrys animal welfare legislation, and the country is debating a national ban. Dozens of food and hospitality industry leaders including in Asia, such as Sodexo, Compass Group, Accor and Hilton, among others, have committed to sourcing exclusively cage-free eggs. Blockchain Music Startup VEZT Adds All Star Advisors, CSO VEZT, the blockchain powered marketplace that lets fans share ownership with artists in their favorite songs, has announced an advisory board packed with music industry leaders and the hiring of Swedish producer and music tech investor Andreas Carlsson as Chief Strategy Officer. Carlsson, who is known for his writing collaborations with a wide range of world famous musicians including Katy Perry, NSync, The Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion, is also an investor in and advsor to Soundtrap, which was sold to Spotify for an estimated $30M in 2017. The company also released the names of their growing advisory board, which features an impressive lineup of music industry and entrepreneurial moguls including: Marc Geiger, Head of Music, William Morris/Endeavor Agency; Co-Founder, Lollapalooza Tom DeSavia, Former SVP ASCAP, SONGS Music Publishing' Goodwin Gaw, Chairman of Gaw Capital Partners Jim Guerinot, Manager, The Offspring; Owner, Rebel Waltz, Inc. Polo Molina, Manager, Wil.I.Am, Fergie Of Black Eyed Peas Steven Nerayoff, Co-Founder Of Ethereum, Lisk, & tZERO Jon Pleeter, Head Of Music: ICM Partners Jeff Pulver, Co-Founder of Vonage Jonathan Teo, Co-founder, Binary Capital Peter Paterno, Attorney for Dr. Dre, Metallica Weve built a first class team around a shared vision for how the music industry has evolved, said Steve Stewart, co-founder and CEO of VEZT. We are currently in talks with numerous artists, labels, and publishers and will be announcing these partnerships very soon as we move to launching the platform. VEZT will officially launch its platform in the summer of 2018. Pre-orders for the VEZT app are currently underway on the companys website. Share on: Engineer Robert Fournier represented both projects at the Community Development Board meeting Tuesday night. Pittsfield Board Concerned Proposed Assisted Living Expansion; Praises St. Mary's Plans PITTSFIELD, Mass. Side by Side is looking to expand its assisted-living facility to the east by knocking down a neighboring four-family dwelling on West Union Street. The Community Development Board is concerned that there will be an additional 20 living units with only six parking spaces. The board fears that there are too few parking spots available for that size of a project. "We want to make sure there is sufficient parking that these cars are not on the street or causing an obstruction," Community Development Board Chairwoman Sheila Irvin said. Engineer Robert Fournier, with SK Design Group, however, said the company already owns a number of adjacent parcels with parking. And the company's experience running those facilities is that very few residents own vehicles. "Two out of the 37 residents own vehicles," Fournier said. The West Union Street building is planned to be demolished and a new 4,800 square-foot building constructed in its place. It is eyed to be a 2 1/2-story building with the basement level having offices, a dining room, and utility room. The second floor would host a dining room and 10 housing units and the top floor would be the other 10 units. Such a development would call for 24 parking spaces be available. But Fournier says there is parking in the other areas that are currently going unused. There are currently 24 spaces available, and six will be added, but there are only a total of 18 staff members -- half part time, half full time -- and two residents with cars. "This is all going to become one campus, all connected with sidewalks," Fournier said. He added, "there is no sense of overbuilding parking when it is just going to sit there" and that any visitors would only be a few hours a week and could park on the street like in other urban areas if needed. But Community Development Board member David Hathaway is concerned that in the future there could be problems. He'd like to have a contingency plan in place should the demand for parking change. Hathaway ultimately suggested the board approve it, but only on the condition that the parking gets reviewed in one year and if there are any issues, the company is required to fix it. "That would be one way to help move it along while still giving it some oversight review," he said. "If it works, we're all happy. If not, then they have to figure out what to do." The board felt that an easier way would be to have the developer return with more information about contingency plans. City Planner CJ Hoss said there could be other options such as allowing the special permit to only be valid as long as the company owns continuous lots. But he'd rather sort out those details in communication with Side by Side. The board will take it up again at its next meeting. In other business, the board easily approved the plans for the former St. Mary the Morningstar campus on Tyler Street. Developer David Carver purchased the historic church and surrounding buildings, which came as a relief to many after it had nearly been razed to make way for a Dunkin' Donuts. The city chipped in with incentives to help develop the property into 29 housing units. Carver said the exterior of the buildings won't change much as most of the work will be interior. The changes to the exterior include demolishing a wing on the former convent, changing the entrance of the school building to be handicapped accessible, razing a garage, installing new windows and landscaping. "The one real exterior change is the reconfiguration of the entrance to the former school building and that is an accessibility issue," Hoss said. Fournier said there will be 55 parking spaces and there will be additional 16-foot tall lights for the lots. "We're pretty much reusing all of the utilities that are currently in place with the exception of a new sprinkler line," he said, outlining a new line that connects to all of the building. A new transformer will be installed and all of the utility lines will be underground. The pavement will all be replaced and additional sidewalks at the campus will be added. "We think the front of the property is a little bare. We asked for six trees across the front," added Carver, suggesting some small trees be planted in front of the convent and larger ones by the church. Architect Robert Harrison added that the developers are working with the city's Department of Cultural Development to include an art piece to it. Hoss said that is part of the city signing a compact with the Massachusetts Cultural Council to have arts be considered as part of large development projects. Harrison hopes to find a project that will enhance the property while simultaneously getting local artists involved. The project has been well heralded and the Community Development Board joined that chorus with having no objections to the plans. Imperial Valley News Center School Owner Pleads Guilty to $2 Million Bribery Scheme Involving VA Program for Disabled Military Veterans Washington, DC - The owner of Atius Technology Institute (Atius), a privately owned, non-accredited school specializing in information technology courses, pleaded guilty today to bribing a public official at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in exchange for the public officials facilitation of over $2 million in payments that were supposed to be dedicated to providing vocational training for military veterans with service-connected disabilities. Acting Assistant Attorney General John P. Cronan of the Justice Departments Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Jessie K. Liu for the District of Columbia made the announcement. Albert S. Poawui, 41, of Laurel, Maryland, pleaded guilty to an Information alleging one count of bribing a public official. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge John D. Bates of the District of Columbia. According to Poawuis admissions made in connection with his plea, the Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program is a VA program that provides disabled U.S. military veterans with education and employment-related services. VR&E program counselors advise veterans under their supervision which schools to attend and facilitate payments to those schools for veterans tuition and necessary supplies. According to admissions made in connection with Poawuis plea, in or about August 2015, Poawui and a VR&E program counselor agreed that Poawui would pay the counselor a seven percent cash kickback of all payments made by the VA to Atius. In exchange, the counselor steered VR&E program veterans to Atius and approved Atiuss invoices for payment. Poawui admitted that the counselor and a second VR&E counselor approved payments to Atius without regard for the accuracy of necessary documentation in order to maximize the schemes profits. Between August 2015 and December 2017, Poawui and the schemes other participants caused the VA to pay Atius approximately $2,217,259.44. Poawui paid the first VR&E counselor over $155,000 as part of the illicit bribery scheme. These bribery payments were hand-delivered by Poawui or an Atius employee to the VR&E counselor or the counselors assistant, a veteran who was enrolled in the VR&E program. Poawui also admitted that, with the knowing assistance of a second Atius employee, he made numerous false representations to the VA to enhance the schemes profits. For example, Poawui and the second employee certified to the VA that veterans attending Atius were enrolled in up to 32 hours of class per week, when in fact both knew that Atius offered a maximum of six weekly class hours. After the VA initiated an administrative audit of Atius, Poawui, the VR&E counselor and the Atius employee took steps to conceal the truth about earlier misrepresentations they had made to the VA. Poawuis plea is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBIs Washington Field Office and the VA Office of Inspector General. Trial Attorney Simon J. Cataldo of the Criminal Divisions Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sonali D. Patel of the U.S. Attorneys Office for the District of Columbia are prosecuting the case. Imperial Valley News Center Former FBI Special Agent Pleads Guilty to Leaking Classified National Defense Information Washington, DC - Terry J. Albury, a former Special Agent of the FBI, pleaded guilty today in the District of Minnesota in connection with his unauthorized disclosure and retention of classified national defense information. Assistant Attorney General for National Security John C. Demers, U.S. Attorney Tracy Doherty-McCormick foar the Eastern District of Virginia, and Assistant Director Bill Priestap of the FBIs Counterintelligence Division announced the plea. The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina M. Wright. Today, Terry Albury admitted to violating his oath to protect our country by disclosing to a reporter classified information that, as an FBI agent, he was entrusted to protect, said Assistant Attorney General Demers. Albury admitted that his actions put America at risk. As this prosecution demonstrates, we will not waver in our commitment to pursue and hold accountable government officials who violate their obligations to protect our nations secrets and break the laws they have sworn to uphold. Terry Albury betrayed the trust bestowed upon him by the United States, said U.S. Attorney Doherty-McCormick. Todays guilty plea should serve as a reminder to those who are entrusted with classified information that the Justice Department will hold them accountable. Mr. Albury was entrusted by the FBI with a security clearance, which included a responsibility to protect classified national defense information. Instead, he knowingly disclosed that material to someone not authorized to receive it, said Assistant Director Priestap. The FBI will work tirelessly to bring to justice those who would expose Americas secrets. Today, as the result of the hard work of dedicated special agents, analysts, and prosecutors, Mr. Albury has taken responsibility for his illegal action. In violating his oath of office Terry Albury not only betrayed the American people, but also his fellow FBI employees who work to safeguard sensitive information on a daily basis," said Special Agent in Charge Laycock. No one is above the law and the FBI will continue to investigate individuals who disclose classified material to those who are not authorized to receive it. Albury, 39, worked as an FBI Special Agent in the Minneapolis field office at the time of the disclosures. At the time, Albury also worked as a liaison with Customs and Border Protection at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. In connection with his FBI employment, Albury held a Top Secret//Sensitive Compartmented Information security clearance, and his daily duties provided him access to sensitive and classified FBI and other U.S. government information. According to court documents, beginning in 2016 and continuing through August 2017, Albury knowingly and willfully disclosed national defense information, classified at the Secret level, to a reporter. Albury employed methods to avoid detection, including printing documents that he created by cutting and pasting portions of an original document into a new document so as to avoid leaving a record of having printed the original, classified document. Albury also accessed documents on a classified computer and took pictures of the computer screen in order to photograph certain classified documents. Those additional classified documents were recovered on an electronic storage device found during a search of his home. As set forth in the plea agreement, Albury was never authorized to retain the documents at issue at his residence or to transmit them to any person not entitled to receive them. Albury knew that he was not authorized to remove documents containing National Defense Information and classified information from secure locations, and further knew that he was not authorized to retain them at his residence or to transmit them to any person not authorized to receive them. Albury pleaded guilty to one count of making an unauthorized disclosure of national defense information and one count of unlawful retention of national defense information. Albury faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison per count. The maximum potential sentence is prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the assigned judge. This investigation was conducted by the FBIs Washington Field Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danya E. Atiyeh of the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorneys Patrick T. Murphy and David C. Recker of the National Security Divisions Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. Imperial Valley News Center California and Chile to co-host webinar on climate adaptation strategies Sacramento, California - Prolonged droughts. Erratic rainfall. Fluctuating temperatures. These extreme weather events are just some of the many ways climate change is exacerbating existing challenges faced by farmers and ranchers across the globe. According to the United Nations, more than 80 percent of the damage and losses caused by drought is to agriculture, especially livestock and crop production. But instead of sitting idly by, farmers in California and around the world are adapting to these changes. They are implementing new technologies, forming partnerships and exploring innovative solutions that will better prepare them for climate induced extreme weather events. To better explore these strategies and solutions, the California Department of Food and Agriculture will host a webinar titled, Chile and California: Exploring on-farm climate change adaptation strategies. This free webinar brings together farmers, research scientists and government representatives from Chile and California to discuss strategies and practices to help growers around the world adapt to the impacts of climate change. The event will be held on April 25, 2018 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Registration information can be found at: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2207220504546643969 California continues to work in collaboration with international partners to foster knowledge-sharing partnerships to address climate change impacts on agriculture. This webinar is the tenth in a series of international discussions focusing on climate smart agriculture. For more information, contact Jaydeep Singh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . California Produce Safety Program launches website Sacramento, California - A new website has been launched by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help California farmers understand how to comply with new food safety regulations known as the Produce Safety Rule, which went into effect nationwide in January. The website introduces users to the Produce Safety Program, a newly created unit operating under CDFAs Inspection Services Division. The Produce Safety Program is responsible for conducting on-farm inspections on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to verify compliance with the Produce Safety Rule among California fruit, vegetable and nut farmers. Its estimated some 20,000 California produce farms are covered under this new regulation, said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. The job of bringing these farms into compliance with the Produce Safety Rule is a very large task, and CDFA is committed to working with farmers to give them the information they need. The FDA has determined that on-farm inspections to verify compliance with the Produce Safety Rule will not begin until 2019. This gives CDFA time to begin getting the word out to farmers about how to comply with the new regulation. Via the website, produce farms and industry members can join a mailing list to receive regular updates from the Produce Safety Program. The Produce Safety Program plans to spend the coming year doing everything possible to inform and educate California produce farmers about the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule, said Natalie Krout-Greenberg, CDFA's director of Inspection Services. CDFAs vision is for 100 percent compliance with the Produce Safety Rule. Our hope is that required food safety practices will become ingrained in the culture of California produce farming so that our state continues to grow the safest produce possible. Visit the site at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/producesafety/about.html FTC Testifies Before U.S. Senate Committee Providing Update of Agencys Efforts to Combat Illegal Robocalls Washington, DC - The Federal Trade Commission today updated a U.S. Senate committee on the agencys continued efforts to combat unwanted and illegal telemarketing robocalls. According to the testimony, consumers are justifiably frustrated by such calls and submitted more than 4.5 million complaints about robocalls in fiscal year 2017. The FTC today reaffirmed its commitment to using every tool at its disposal in its fight against these intrusive and illegal calls. Testifying on behalf of the FTC before the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Lois Greisman, Associate Director for the agencys Division of Marketing Practices, said that changes in technology have enabled calls to be made more cheaply and on a larger scale than ever before, leading to increased consumer frustration. Illegal robocalls are more than just a frustrating invasion of privacy, as callers frequently use fraud and deception to pitch their goods and services, leading to significant consumer harm. They also are often used by criminal imposters posing as trusted officials or companies. The testimony details several of the different tools the Commission uses to protect consumers from such calls. For example, it notes that since the Commission began enforcing the Do Not Call (DNC) provisions of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, the FTC has brought 135 enforcement actions seeking civil penalties, restitution for victims of telemarketing scams, and disgorgement of ill-gotten gains against 439 corporations and 356 individuals. As a result of the 125 cases resolved thus far, the Commission has collected more than $121 million in monetary relief for defrauded consumers and civil penalties. The testimony also details FTC enforcement actions targeting robocall violators, noting that nearly all telemarketing robocalls to both landlines and cell phones have been illegal since September 1, 2009. Over the past three years, the FTC, often working with its law enforcement partners, has brought 11 new actions targeting defendants responsible for making billions of illegal robocalls. The FTCs most recent action in the fight against illegal robocalls came just last month, when staff filed a complaint and motion for a preliminary injunction in federal district court alleging that Alliance Security and its founder, Jasjit Jay Gotra, are responsible for more than two million violations of the Telemarketing Sales Rule, including more than one million calls to consumers whose numbers are on the DNC Registry. Alliance installs home security systems and makes outbound telemarketing calls to solicit sales. In addition to calling consumers on the Registry, the FTC alleged the defendants and their telemarketers hid their identity from callers, at times identifying themselves as being with a competitor, such as ADT. The complaint also charged Alliance and Gotra with performing unauthorized credit checks on consumers who received unsolicited telemarketing calls, in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Another victory came in June 2017, when a federal district court in Illinois issued an order imposing the largest civil penalty ever in a DNC case $280 million against satellite television provider Dish Network. The case charged Dish and its telemarketers with making tens of millions of calls often robocalls to consumers on the DNC Registry, as well as continuing to call consumers who had previously asked not to be called again. The FTC actively coordinates with law enforcement partners, technical experts, industry, and other stakeholders for example, providing input to the National Association of Attorneys General Do Not Call working group. The Commission also works closely with federal law enforcement partners to conduct robocall enforcement sweeps. In addition, last month, the FTC and FCC co-hosted a Joint Policy Forum to discuss the regulatory and enforcement challenges posed by illegal robocalls, including Caller ID blocking and neighbor spoofing. The testimony explains the FTCs ongoing efforts to understand what is driving the volume of illegal robocalls and what can be done to develop effective technological solutions. Recognizing that law enforcement, while critical, is not enough to solve the problem, the FTC has aggressively sought new strategies in coordination with technical experts, industry, and other stakeholders. Finally, the testimony details the Commissions new data initiatives to help facilitate technological solutions to stop illegal robocalls, the newly re-designed National DNC Registry Data Book, and the FTCs significant education efforts to help consumers avoid and prevent unwanted calls. The Commission vote approving the testimony and its inclusion in the formal record was 2-0. Zimbabwe National Day Washington, DC - Acting Secretary of State John J. Sullivan: "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to the people of Zimbabwe on your countrys 38 years of independence. "As national elections approach, Zimbabwe has an opportunity to set itself on a new path of political and economic reforms for a promising future. The United States joins the Zimbabwean people in the hope for achieving a more open society, a stable democracy, and a strong economy. We look forward to continuing to develop our friendship with the people of Zimbabwe in the years to come." Bollywood actor Aamir Khan has urged students in India to join Shramdaan for Paani Foundation. Set up in 2016 by the team of the Khans TV series Satyamev Jayate, Paani Foundation helps fight drought in rural Maharashtra. (IANS photo) North and South Korea Reportedly Set to Announce Official End to War Ahead of a summit next week between North Korean premier Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-In, lawmakers from the neighboring states were thought to be negotiating the details of a joint statement that could outline an end to the military conflict between the two countries. Pyongyang and Seoul have technically been at war since the 1950-1953 Korean conflict ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. By Sam Meredith April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - North and South Korea are in talks to announce a permanent end to the officially declared military conflict between the two countries, daily newspaper Munhwa Ilbo reported Tuesday, citing an unnamed South Korean official. Ahead of a summit next week between North Korean premier Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, lawmakers from the neighboring states were thought to be negotiating the details of a joint statement that could outline an end to the confrontation. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Kim and Moon could also discuss returning the heavily fortified demilitarized zone separating them to its original state, the newspaper said. Pyongyang and Seoul have technically been at war since the 1950-1953 Korean conflict ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. Geopolitical tensions have occasionally flared up since the armistice, although to date both countries have managed to avoid another devastating conflict. A successful summit between the Koreas later this month could help pave the way for a meeting between Kim and President Donald Trump. The U.S. president and North Korean leader are poised to hold talks in late May or June, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). This article was originally published by "CNBC " - ===== Trump meets anxious Abe at Mar-a-Lago, with North Korea and trade on the agenda Shut out of North Korea summit talks, Shinzo Abe may move to shut them down Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. We ask that you treat others with respect. Take a moment to read the following - Comment Policy - What Or Who is Information Clearing House and Purpose and Intent of this website: It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Under President Donald Trump, the US has basically eliminated the only real international authority the UN used to have. Here is how this was done: The equivalent, in international law, to a domestic-law crime involving murder, rape, and theft, is an international invasion thats purely for aggressive purposes and not at all authentically a defensive act against an authentic foreign threat that was coming from the invaded foreign country. Consequently, for the US Government now to have removed the UN from any authority over international invasions, is, in domestic-law equivalency, like removing a national government from authority regarding murders, rapes, and thefts, which occur inside that nation. Such a government is no government at all. But, tragically, this is what has happened; and, so, we are now careening into World War III, in this international Wild West world, which we live in (and may soon die in, as things thus head into WW III). The US Government no longer even nominally cares whether or not the UN authorizes its invasions; but, as recently as 2003, it used to, even if only nominally, care. The US has thus effectively discarded the UN altogether, whenever violating the UN is the only way to impose its will against a given target-country. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter In late 2002 and early 2003, US President George W. Bush nominally expressed a desire for the UN to authorize an invasion of Iraq, but failed to receive that authorization and then did the invasion anyway, along with only UK, Australia, and Poland, joining the US-led gang, in this destruction of Iraq. At a press conference on 6 March 2003, just 14 days before he ordered the UN weapons-inspectors to leave Iraq so that he could invade Iraq on March 20th (as he did), Bush said: Elizabeth. Q Thank you, Mr. President. As you said, the Security Council faces a vote next week on a resolution implicitly authorizing an attack on Iraq. Will you call for a vote on that resolution, even if you aren't sure you have the vote? THE PRESIDENT: Well, first, I don't think -- it basically says that he's in defiance of 1441. That's what the resolution says. And it's hard to believe anybody is saying he isn't in defiance of 1441, because 1441 said he must disarm. And, yes, we'll call for a vote. Q No matter what? THE PRESIDENT: No matter what the whip count is, we're calling for the vote. We want to see people stand up and say what their opinion is about Saddam Hussein and the utility of the United Nations Security Council. And so, you bet. It's time for people to show their cards, to let the world know where they stand when it comes to Saddam. Mark Knoller. Q Mr. President, are you worried that the United States might be viewed as defiant of the United Nations if you went ahead with military action without specific and explicit authorization from the UN? THE PRESIDENT: No, I'm not worried about that. As a matter of fact, it's hard to say the United States is defiant about the United Nations, when I was the person that took the issue to the United Nations, September the 12 th , 2002. We've been working with the United Nations. We've been working through the United Nations. Subsequent US Presidents havent been even that respectful of the UNs authority; and current US President Donald Trump is blatantly dismissive of it, so that hes not even requesting UN authorization for his invasions. Thus, the lesson that the US Government learned from the Iraq invasion isnt that the US Government should never again lie about what the evidence actually shows, in order to invade a country, but instead that the US Government should simply ignore the UN whenever the evidence doesnt persuade other Governments that an invasion would be authentically defensive instead of purely an act of international aggression. What might turn out to have been The Most Important UN Security Council Vote Ever was the 10 April 2018 UN Security Councils failure to require the US and its allies to provide evidence to prove that Syrias Government had gassed its own people in Douma on April 7th as the US and its allies alleged, before the US and its allies could, with even just possible legal justification, launch massive bombing of Syria as supposed punishment for the gas-attack that they were alleging. The question of whether or not the UN would authorize the American invasion wasnt even being raised; the question was only whether the alleged gas-attack needed to be independently verified before an invasion might possibly legally be launched and no proposal was passed. Unlike in the 2003 invasion of Iraq, the US never tried to win UN authorization to invade Syria in 2018, but simply invaded, casually ignoring all laws, and even denying the need for evidence to back up its allegations against Syria. A UN like this is, might as well be no UN at all, just a talking-forum and thats what now exists: its a forum merely for the constituent Governments to present their respective propagandas to the world, but no longer actually to negotiate anything, since the UN has no military, and now the US Government has become effectively whatever the US military (including its armaments corporations such as General Dynamics) want it to be and, To hell with the UN! The way now to buy the US Government has become to buy those corporations weapons, and then the US Government will ally itself with that country. This is purely transactional, in the interests of Americas armaments-firms, not in the interests of the invading public, and certainly destructive of the interests of the invaded public, no matter how profitable it may be for the owners of those armaments-firms. (One can talk instead about Wall Street, but theyre mainly the sellers of stock in Americas armaments-firms and associated products and services; so, they are middle-men who represent the interests of the aristocracy, not really themselves necessarily principals people who are within the aristocracy.) President Trump came into office promising a rebirth of American manufacturing, but, so far, the vast majority of his boost to US manufacturing has been only to the US weapons-manufacturers actually by far the largest international arms-sale in world history. On 21 May 2017, I headlined it "US $350 Billion Arms-Sale to Sauds Cements US-Jihadist Alliance and reported that the day before, US President Donald Trump and the Saud family inked an all-time record-high $350 billion ten-year arms-deal that not only will cement-in the Saud familys position as the worlds largest foreign purchasers of US-produced weaponry, but will make the Saud family, and Americas ruling families, become, in effect, one aristocracy over both nations, because neither side will be able to violate the will of the other. As the years roll on, their mutual dependency will deepen, each and every year. That, sadly, has turned out to be true and not only regarding Americas carrying the Sauds water (doing their bidding) in both Yemen and Syria, but in other ways as well. On 21 March 2018, CNBC bannered Trump wants Saudi Arabia to buy more American-made weapons. Here are the ones the Saudis want, and reported what Trump had just negotiated with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman al-Saud, which was a step-up in that $350 billion sale, to $400 billion. CNBC associated the Sauds arms-purchases with investments in the US, so as to mislead their audience to think favorably of these sales, but if these sales were actually investments in anything, it was in the ability of the Saud family to join even more fully with Americas aristocracy so as for them jointly to impose their will upon any country where they both want regime-change control by themselves, instead of by that invaded country's local aristocracy. (Then, the US Government issues economic sanctions against Russia for interfering in our democracy. But the Sauds, and their allies, Israels aristocracy, actually do precisely that, routinely, and very effectively!) So: CNBC said: During the Oval Office talks, Trump touted a creation of 40,000 American jobs due to Saudi military sales. The president used several maps and charts of Saudi acquisitions to further make his point. The crown prince, likewise, added that last year's Saudi pledge of $200 billion in investments will rise to approximately $400 billion and that a 10-year window to implement the deal was already under way. That was a misleading statement about the amounts, too. Here is how Indian Express had headlined and reported on 18 May 2017: "Saudi Arabia to invest $200 billion in US, purchase arms worth $300 billion: As President Donald Trump prepares for his first overseas trip, Saudi Arabia has announced to make a whopping USD 200 billion investment in the US and intends to purchase arms worth USD 300 billion from America, a senior administration official has said. There, too, the Saudi masters got their propagandists to refer to investments in relation to purchase arms worth $300 billion, which turned out, just two days later, on 20 May 2017, to be actually $350 billion and which amount of arms-purchases now has risen instead to $400 billion, which will be paid, as listed in that CNBC news-report to: Lockheed Martin, Boeing, General Dynamics, Honeywell, and Raytheon. When Trump campaigned for the Presidency, he had promised to be anything but a sales-person for Americas war-machine. But, he is so, and this is fascism: socialism for the rich, and survival of the fittest for everyone else. Trump certainly isnt a sales-person for the poor, anywhere. Hes what his fellow-fascists call a populist, in order to insult the public that they must appeal to for votes. American productivity thus will increase in the production of death and destruction; but, as economists view things, that is productivity and added Gross National Product, regardless of how much it actually immiserates the world (and, so, economic theory is part of the fraud that enables all of this, essentially, corruption). Thus, economic theory is as fraudulent as is the international news that the propaganda-agencies spread to the public. Its all a pile of bull, but lots of consumers are buying it, because its all that they know and it satisfies them theyre not even looking for more than the myths. Previously, the Biggest Arms Deal in History was between UKs aristocracy and the Sauds, the Al-Yamamah deal, which boosted UKs biggest weapons-maker, BAE, and in which the massive corruption became the subject of scandals and a Governmental inquiry, which Saudi Prince Bandar bin Sultan al-Saud forced UK Prime Minister Tony Blair to close with no report being issued. And both the UK and US claim to be democracies and both Governments accuse Russia of interfering in their democracy! If the reader wants to know why a web-search for the title of this article How US Has Virtually Destroyed UN probably turns up no mainstream newsmedia in the US-allied world, and even very few alternative news sites, then the reason isnt that they werent offered the article, because they all routinely receive the submission of each of my articles but routinely turn them down. The reason is instead that the most important truths are prohibited from publication in the US-allied world its a world dominated by lies. After all: we invaded and destroyed Iraq for no real defensive reason, and our Government has never apologized for that, much less been held accountable, at all, for it. And now, because of the US Government, the UN isnt even really a debating-forum, any more. Its just a propaganda-forum, now. Eric Zuesse, American writer and investigative historian Syrias Victory The Failed Attack by War Criminals Trump, May and Macron By Peter Koenig April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - April 14, 2018 hours before the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the UN chemical weapons watch dog was to arrive in Damascus to investigate the alleged poison gas attacks in Douma with horrifying false claims of casualties, mostly women and children Trump, May and Macron launched an atrocious attack with 103 missiles on three or four Syrian sites which these criminals claim, the Syrian army was manufacturing chemical weapons, including Sarin and other poison gas, which then, at the order of President Assad, they used to kill their own people. As attested and regularly supervised by OPCW, Syria is free of chemical weapons since 2013. The question begs: Why before the OPCW could verify the claim of a nerve gas attack? The answer is simple, because there was no nerve gas attack. In fact, there was no attack at all. It was all fake and staged. The OPCW would have found out and killed any false justification to assault Syria. Thats why. That President Assad murders his own people, is, of course, a ridiculous claim, making absolutely no sense. Having reconquered Ghouta and Douma from the terrorists, i.e. from the US, UK and French proxies and winning the foreign imposed war, why would anyone poison their compatriots, mostly women and children. Besides, as proven by Russian soldiers who were immediately after the alleged attack on site, there was no attack, there were no signs of an attack a fact corroborated by many people questioned in the street, none of them witnessed any attack, chemical or otherwise. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter This fake event was fabricated and staged by the White Helmets, a group of Al-Qaeda trained propaganda associates to the US / NATO and their European and Middle Eastern vassals. They have done this before, passing as heroes, when in reality they are in full collusion with the different terrorist groups, trained funded and armed by the Pentagon, NATO, CIA and all those who have made it their objective to turn Syria into another chaos and to prompt a regime change. According to a Russian Defense Ministry, reporting on RT, most missiles (71 out of 103) were intercepted by the Syrian armys anti-missile defense system, without interference by Russia. No Russian air bases, i.e. Tartus and Khmeimim, were targeted. Nevertheless, Moscow was enraged about this preposterous and absolutely criminal and illegal assault. Maria Zkharova, the Russian Foreign Ministrys spokeswoman, decried the missile strikes as an act of cowardice, hitting a country destroyed by war that has been trying to survive terrorist aggression for many years. Unfortunately, according to latest reports, four Syrian civilians were killed first degree murder by Trump, Macron and May for which they deserve a Nuremberg type military tribunal with the same rules applied to WWII war criminals. Trump and his brothers in crime, May and Macron, have miserably lost, and by their aggression on a mutilated country, they have strengthened the Syrian people and their allegiance to their President. Of course, none of this you are going to read in the mainstream presstitute. Trump prides himself of a successful attack twittering as happily and brainlessly as usual, A perfectly executed strike last night. Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished! Mission Accomplished is so reminiscent of another horrendous war crime, when George W. Bush, ridiculously disguised as a fighter pilot, declared in 2003 after the US (plus allies) assault on Iraq claimed victory on an aircraft carrier. As the world knows, Iraq today, 15 years later, is a broken nation, a chaos no end, up to two million died, other millions of refugees, a country devastated, with infrastructure just restored sufficiently to allow US oil giants steeling Iraqis riches. ridiculously disguised as a fighter pilot, declared in 2003 after the US (plus allies) assault on Iraq claimed victory on an aircraft carrier. As the world knows, Iraq today, 15 years later, is a broken nation, a chaos no end, up to two million died, other millions of refugees, a country devastated, with infrastructure just restored sufficiently to allow US oil giants steeling Iraqis riches. The same story in Libya. Qaddafi had to die, because he intended to liberate Africa from the western yoke of fiscal and monetary oppression, by introducing the Libyan Gold Dinar as a new African monetary and reserve standard. As of this day the former Anglo and French colonies monetary systems are hamstrung by the British and French Central Banks. For example, take the former French colonies in West Africa (Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger Senegal, Togo) and in Central Africa (Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon). Their currency is the franc CFA (acronym in French for Financial Community of Africa), and although each block of West and East has its own central bank, 85% of their reserves are blocked by the Banque de France, can only be used by the respective country by special permission and often with interest to be paid to the Banque de France (the French Central Bank). Imagine! Their colonial status today is worse than during the 400 years they were called colonies. Today, they are disguised as independent, as no media would talk about the heavy military and financial boot they are under. Qaddafi wanted to free them. So, he had to go. Thats why then French President Nicolas Sarkozy, was the initiator of the NATO campaign and eventual slaughter of the Libyan leader, Muamar Qaddafi. Today Sarkozy, ironically, is under legal proceedings for allegations of illegally accepting more than US$ 60 million from Gaddafi to finance Sarkozys 2007 presidential campaign. , was the initiator of the NATO campaign and eventual slaughter of the Libyan leader,. Today Sarkozy, ironically, is under legal proceedings for allegations of illegally accepting more than US$ 60 million from Gaddafi to finance Sarkozys 2007 presidential campaign. Back to Syria. Whats next? One thing is for sure, Syria is on the list of seven countries that have to fall (as were Iraq and Libya), as eloquently attested by Wesley Clark in an interview with Democracy Now radio in 2007. That means the Washington will not relent until achieving their target, unless the empire is defeated before. So, Russia better be on guard. No longer any trust on what Washington says. It is highly likely that they will strike again. When and how is uncertain. But letting go they wont. Thats their trade mark. Thats written in the PNAC (Plan for a New American Century), their strategic plan to reach full spectrum dominance, world hegemony as thought out by Zionist-led Washington thinktanks, those that make US foreign policy. Unless, the people of France and /or the UK succeed in deposing their criminal leaders (sic-sic). There is currently a move to that extent being planned by the French Parliament, but will it succeed to unseat the former Rothschild wonder-child? Syria is a proud and strong country. Her people will stand up again and again. Their solidarity is increasingly cemented and they stand behind their President. And there is Russia, Iran and Hezbollah an unbeatable alliance. Syria will not give up, nor cave in. The criminal west better be aware of it. * Peter Koenig is an economist and geopolitical analyst. He is also a water resources and environmental specialist. He worked for over 30 years with the World Bank and the World Health Organization around the world in the fields of environment and water. He lectures at universities in the US, Europe and South America. He writes regularly for Global Research; ICH; RT; Sputnik; PressTV; The 21st Century; TeleSUR; The Vineyard of The Saker Blog; and other internet sites. He is the author of Implosion An Economic Thriller about War, Environmental Destruction and Corporate Greed fiction based on facts and on 30 years of World Bank experience around the globe. He is also a co-author of The World Order and Revolution! Essays from the Resistance. ===== International mainstream media 'failing' audiences : A high-ranking UK academic says international mainstream media is far too quick to accept the US led narrative. Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. We ask that you treat others with respect. Take a moment to read the following - Comment Policy - What Or Who is Information Clearing House and Purpose and Intent of this website: It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - With the approach this week of celebrations marking Israels 70th birthday, 12 million people live in the country. Some of them are citizens, some are residents, some are detainees, and all are subjects. Everyones fate has been determined by the countrys governing institutions. On this Independence Day, we have to acknowledge that the countrys genuine borders are the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Jordan River to the east, including not only the West Bank but also the Gaza Strip. Israel controls all this territory and everyone who lives there through various and sundry means, even if from a legal standpoint theres no mention of this. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Forget the law. Israel long ago abandoned it. In practice it rules Israel, the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. In the case of Gaza, it suffices with control from the outside, which is more convenient. On Israels 70th birthday, the time has come to recognize that the occupation of the territories in 1967 is not temporary. It was never meant to be and never will be. The 1967 border has been erased. The distinction between 1948 and 1967 doesnt exist. It was only in the states first 19 years, a blink of an eye from a historical perspective, that the country existed without the territories. For the balance of its history, the occupation has been an inseparable part of it, its character, its government, its essence, its DNA. What existed here for a brief time and is gone will not be coming back. Its critical that we rip the cover off the alleged transience of the occupation, which for some Israelis has been a sweet delusion and for others a dangerous threat. There is an abyss dividing a temporary occupation and a permanent one. In its early years, Israel was small in area and population, but its youth, like everyones youth, quickly passed. For most of its existence, Israel hasnt resembled the girl we remember. Its days as a small country with a Jewish majority have passed and the clock cant be turned back. Its no longer the small woman of our dreams. Its the big woman of our nightmares. >> It's a disgrace to be an Israeli these days | Opinion On Israels 70th birthday, the time has come to recognize that Israel is a binational state under whose control two peoples live, equal in size. It maintains separate governing systems for them: a democratic one for Jews, discrimination for Israeli Arabs, and dictatorship for Palestinians. Its not an equal democracy for all its subjects, meaning, of course, that its not a democracy. Theres no such democracy where whats allowed for one people isnt for another. Therefore, on its 70th anniversary, Israel being called a democracy when fewer than half its subjects live in freedom is nothing but a propaganda trick that has worked to a greater extent than one would have thought. Its not only Israelis who deny and repress this reality. Its more convenient for the Western world, too, to look at Israels more enlightened side, to ignore its dark side and continue to call it a democracy. After all, in the West, what country hasnt also had such a colonialist back yard? And who could really confront Israel, a country that rose from the ashes? Israel is therefore the darling of the West, despite the hollow lip service to the Palestinians, and so the West too has embraced the excuse of the occupations temporary nature: Just wait, wait a little longer for the peace process and the Israelis will be pulling out of the territories. So its important that the lie of the transience of the occupation be exposed. If the occupation isnt temporary, it would be clear that Israel isnt a democracy but rather an apartheid state par excellence. Two peoples and two systems of rights. Thats was apartheid looks like, even if it hides behind excuses ranging from temporariness to security grounds, from the right to the land to the concept of the chosen people, including the divine promise and messianic redemption. These excuses dont change the picture. In South Africa, no doubt an apartheid state, the regime invoked similar excuses to justify its existence. No one bought them. But with Israel there actually are buyers. One difference between South Africa and Israel is that Israel is stronger, more sophisticated and better connected to the world. And it has done a better job obscuring its apartheid. Its big, strong and nondemocratic. Israel oppresses the Palestinians through various means with one result: There isnt a single free Palestinian in the West Bank or Gaza Strip. Their fate is determined by the Israeli government in Jerusalem and the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, and they have no rights at either one. Is this not apartheid? Is it democracy? And now on to the showy and proud Independence Day ceremonies planned by Culture Minister Miri Regev. Lets not rain on her parade. Whose Wars? Israel Continues to Wag the Dog for Middle Eastern Wars By Philip Giraldi April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - In March 2003, Pat Buchanan wrote a groundbreaking article entitled Whose War? in opposition to the Bush Administration fueled growing hysteria over Saddam Husseins alleged weapons of mass destruction which was producing demands for an armed intervention to disarm him. Buchanan rightly identified a number of prominent Jewish officials and journalists closely tied to the Israel Lobby as the principal driving force behind the rush to go to war. Buchanan is still a powerful voice arguing against the war fever in its 2018 manifestation, which is all too similar to the hysteria prevailing in 2003. But if he were writing his article today, even though those demanding war are pretty much the same people with the same names including Podhoretz, Krauthammer, Kristol, Kagan, Brooks and Boot, he would have to broaden his purview to ask Whose Wars? as it is no longer a simple case of going after one third-world autocrat and overthrowing him, we are now instead being urged to attack Syria, Iran and even nuclear superpower Russia due to Moscows support of Damascus and its friendship with Tehran. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Lest there be any confusion, the same country keeps surfacing as a central player in the lead-up to Americas regime-change wars, which now have included an illegal attack on Syria, the second such intervention in the past year. That nation is Israel. Israels fingerprints are all over American interventionism, reflecting Jewish power in the United States and the presence of a plethora of well-funded Israel-centric lobbies, think tanks and media outlets. Just last week, the only persistent voice in the mainstream media who, prior to Trumps cruise missile attack, asked why on earth the United States should be contemplating a major power confrontation that could end life on this planet as we know it over Syria, where Washington has no vital interests, was Tucker Carlson of Fox News. His memorable monologue blasting the talk show generals who have no idea of what is really happening skewered the pretexts for war being bandied about in spite of the lack of any actual threat directed against the United States or a vital national interest is a model for what the Fourth Estate should be doing but isnt. Carlson later followed up with an interview of Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. He asked what might be an American national interest that would mandate military involvement in Syria. Wicker hardly hesitated before responding, If you care about Israel, you have to be interested in whats going on in Syria. Israel indeed. And Israel is not at all shy about what it wants to happen, namely a war in Syria targeting both Damascus and Tehran, leading to a much bigger war with the Iranians. Fought by Uncle Sam, to be sure, as Jewish lives are far too precious to waste. Tel Aviv has long been feeding the propaganda line relating to why war with Syria and Iran are desirable. Gilad Erdan, who is Netanyahus deputy in Likud and serves as Public Security Minister, addressed the latest alleged use of chemical weapons in Douma, saying The shocking attack shows the incredible international hypocrisy of the international community focusing on Israel confronting the terrorist organization Hamas that is sending civilians to our [border] fence, when dozens are being killed in Syria every day. It shows the need for strengthening the presence of Americans and other international forces, because without them the genocide we are seeing will only intensify. Construction Minister Yoav Galant, a former IDF major-general and a security figure close to Netanyahu, also called for military action against the Syrian leader. Assad is the angel of death, and the world would be better without him. The compassion for Syrian civilians, being expressed both in Washington and in Tel Aviv, is, of course, a joke. Donald Trump and John Bolton couldnt care less about Syrian babies and if Trump were genuinely concerned about civilian deaths due to war crimes by governments the first country he would attack would be Israel. Erdan and Galant, meanwhile, serve in a government that has recently shot and killed or injured 2,000 unarmed demonstrators in Gaza, in some cases involving snipers having fun by shooting boys running away and cheering when they were successful, so their hypocrisy is evident. Israel has also been busy at creating a pretext for using Syria as a stepping stone to Iran itself. The Associated Press is reporting comments by Yossi Cohen, head of Mossad, who claims to be 100 percent certain that Iran remains committed to developing a nuclear bomb, which is the old weapons of mass destruction ploy used to jumpstart the Iraq War. Israels bombing attack on Syria that took place one day after the reports of the alleged chemical weapon incident, deliberately targeted Iranians, killing 7 at a military base near Damascus. Iran has promised to respond, guaranteeing that the conflict will expand and draw in both regional and foreign players, definitely including the United States. More recently, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated the U.S., the U.K, and France for bombing Syria, an operation that was coordinated in advance with Israel by National Security Advisor John Bolton. Netanyahu went on to assert that Syrian president Bashar al-Assad must understand that his provision of a forward base for Iran and its proxies endangers Syria, an analysis of the situation which is, of course, self-serving bullshit. Unfortunately, Israel has a receptive quasi-American audience in the team that Donald Trump has pulled together under his son in law Jared Kushner to deal with the Middle East. Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, who is supposed to represent U.S. interests, has become adept at repeating Israeli Foreign Ministry talking points as if they were American policy, while Chief Negotiator Jason Greenblatt has warned demonstrating Gazans to avoid provoking Israel while also failing to advise the Israeli Army that shooting unarmed protesters just might be considered unacceptable. Kushner-Friedman-Greenblatt is an Israeli dream team in place, backed up by as subservient Congress that reflexively does whatever Israel wishes. One wonders why Congressmen and the media are not screaming about the slaughter in Gaza and pondering how and why the United States has surrendered its sovereignty to a tiny client state in the Middle East, but never fear, Jewish power backed by lots of money is firmly in control of any entity that might challenge bad Israeli behavior. On top of Friedman, Greenblatt and Kushner, one might also add National Security Adviser John Bolton, U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. And Trump himself? Who knows what he actually thinks if he bothers to think at all. He has just announced that it is mission accomplished in Syria, suggesting that he is delusional as well as ignorant. Media coverage of Syria, apart from Carlson, scrupulously avoids the issue that the United States is in Syria completely illegally and has been cynically supporting terrorist groups in spite of its pledge that it is in the country to get rid of such vermin. It is a measure of how divorced from actual U.S. security Americas Syria policy has become that the White House has not hesitated to launch a second illegal cruise missile barrage against a government that hasnt attacked the U.S. and doesnt threaten Americans. Bombing the Syrian government hasnt made the U.S. or any other country more secure, and it will likely weaken President Bashar al-Assad just enough to prolong Syrias civil war and add to the suffering of the civilian population. It is a perfect example of a military intervention that is being done for political reasons with no connection to any discernible interests or overall strategy. Syria is only part of a much larger problem. It is remarkable the extent to which Israeli concerns dominate those of the United States, which now has a foreign policy that often is not even remotely connected to actual U.S. interests. Congress and the Special Counsel are investigating Russias alleged interference in Americas political system while looking the other way when Israel operates aggressively in the open and does much more damage. Netanyahu and his crew of unsavory cutthroats are hardly ever cited for their malignant influence over Americas political class and media. Bomb Syria? Sure. After all, its good for Israel. Philip M. Giraldi, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Council for the National Interest, a 501(c)3 tax deductible educational foundation that seeks a more interests-based U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. Website is www.councilforthenationalinterest.org, address is P.O. Box 2157, Purcellville VA 20134 and its email is inform@cnionline.org This article was originally published by " Unz Review " - ===== Uri Avnery: Eyeless in Gaza: IS Israel committing "war crimes" along the border of the Gaza Strip? Join the Discussion By Finian Cunningham April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - With astounding double-think, the US and Britain accuse Russia of "tampering" with the alleged chemical-weapon attack site in Syria's Douma just days after the US, UK and France barraged the county with over 100 missiles. Western Media Cover Tracks of Trump, May and Macron's War Crime in Syria If anyone is guilty of tampering with the alleged crime scene, it is the NATO trio who rushed to bomb Syria just as inspectors belonging to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) arrived in Syria invited there by the Syrian and Russian governments. The frenzied Western media campaign to find Syria and Russia guilty of a war crime involving alleged chemical weapons is further highlighted by the reporting this week by award-winning British journalist Robert Fisk. Fisk, who has been covering Middle East war zones for nearly 40 years, went to Douma city to file his report for The Independent. Credit goes to The Independent for publishing Fisk's investigative work. In the aftermath of the weekend's airstrikes, what he found from interviewing local people and medics is arresting, if not shocking. From Fisk's witness-gathering report, there was no gas attack carried out on April 7 in stark contradiction to what the US, British and French governments have been declaring in hysterical tones for the past two weeks. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Those declarations culminated in the US-led bombing of Syria at the weekend. What's more, the US, British and French leaders are reserving the right to carry out further strikes on Syria if "the regime repeats its chemical-weapons attacks on civilians." What Robert Fisk reports from inside Douma corroborates what the Syrian government and its Russian ally have been saying consistently since the alleged incident on April 7. The incident, they say, was staged by the so-called "first responder" group known as the White Helmets, who work hand-in-glove with notorious terrorist outfits like Jaysh al-Islam and Al-Nusra Front. The White Helmets are also on the pay roll of the American CIA, as well as British and French intelligence agencies. Similar to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's earlier claim, Fisk reports that on April 7, a panic scene was engendered in Douma's hospital by White Helmets activists who shouted that "chemical weapons" were being deployed. These activists began dousing people with water hoses and conveniently had video cameras on hand to capture the chaotic scenes acted out by unwitting civilians. A doctor in the hospital confirmed this to Fisk. As for the supposed dozens of dead that Western governments and media blamed on "animal Assad" and Russian complicity, there is no evidence of the alleged victims. Video footage of dead people in a war zone is hardly proof. This means that US President Trump and his British and French counterparts, Theresa May and Emmanuel Macron, just launched a criminal aggression on Syria in grave violation of international law and the country's sovereignty. This is exactly what many independent observers were decrying at the time of the missile barrage, warning that the presumed evidence for a chemical attack was far from substantiated. Indeed, the suspicion is that Trump, May and Macron knew that their evidential ground for attacking Syria was impossibly thin, and that is why they rushed to bomb the country. It was a decision hastened by the arrival of the OPCW inspectors heading to Douma. The inspectors are due to start their investigative work on Wednesday delayed apparently by security concerns. In all probability, the Douma incident was a propaganda stunt orchestrated by Western-backed anti-government militants and their White Helmets media agents, precisely in order to provoke an external military attack on Syria by the US, Britain and France. Several things stand out about Robert Fisk's latest reporting. This is exactly the kind of critical journalism that other Western media outlets should have been engaged in following the alleged chemical weapon attack on April 7. Credit goes to Fisk and The Independent. But it is a shameful case of "too little, too late." Also, it is notable how Fisk's reportage is being roundly ignored at least so far by other mainstream Western media outlets. That's an impressive feat of self-censorship at a crucial time when the US, British and French governments should be open to accusations of committing a war crime on Syria over their latest blitzkrieg. This is especially so, given their warnings of more to come, over "further" chemical-weapons use. The urgent concern is that these governments are giving themselves a license to act on more false flags. They should be held rigorously to account for their claims. This disregard for international law is made possible because of the appalling willingness of Western mainstream media to regurgitate self-serving claims made by terrorist-affiliated groups in Syria and their propaganda outlets. American, British and French mainstream media have given saturated coverage to the White Helmets and the Syrian American Medical Society, and the dodgy one-man-band operation in Coventry known as the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. CNN, the BBC and France 24 cite these groups as if they are "authoritative" and impartial, when in fact they are all part of the regime-change campaign in Syria sponsored by the US and its British and French allies. It is telling, too, how Robert Fisk is being assailed as a "Syrian, Russian stooge" on social media. The one Western mainstream journalist who has had the integrity to delve into Syria's Douma to uncover a very different critical perspective one that disproves the claims peddled by the US, British and French leaders and other mainstream media is being vilified for principled journalism. Western corporate media are a grotesque mockery of public information and critical, independent accounting of government power. Apart from Robert Fisk, the few other Western journalists to have ventured into Syria to report on what is really happening are independent, "alternative" sources like Eva Bartlett, Vanessa Beeley and Patrick Henningsen. They have exposed the "Oscar-winning" White Helmets group, which is actually complicit in staging atrocities against civilians living under a reign of terror imposed by their terrorist affiliates. It is understood the White Helmets activists behind the Douma provocation on April 7 have since fled the city along with the terrorist gangs under the cover of an evacuation deal with the liberating Syrian and Russian forces, who are now in control of most of the Eastern Ghouta suburbs near Damascus. Western media journalists, if they were really committed to principles of accuracy and critical investigation, should be poring over the rubble in Douma, interviewing local people and finding out what really happened. But they are not. That is why, one suspects, they are not there. That is why the US and Britain are now accusing Russia of "tampering" with the site in Douma because there is no evidence of a chemical-weapons attack, as Robert Fisk reports. That means the US, British and French governments just committed a brazen war crime. This would also explain why Western mainstream media have now quickly moved their focus to allegations of "Russian cyberattacks" on American and British infrastructure. This is a classic case of "keeping ahead of the story." Western governments and their dutiful media do not have a "story" at least not the one they claim in Syria, so the imperative is to change to another subject as quickly as possible. Finian Cunningham has written extensively on international affairs, with articles published in several languages. He is a Masters graduate in Agricultural Chemistry and worked as a scientific editor for the Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, England, before pursuing a career in newspaper journalism. He is also a musician and songwriter. For nearly 20 years, he worked as an editor and writer in major news media organisations, including The Mirror, Irish Times and Independent. After the U.S. launched limited airstrikes on Friday against Syria, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley announced that the U.S. will maintain its illegal presence in Syria until U.S. goals in the area are fulfilled, opening the door for the U.S. occupation to continue indefinitely. While the U.S. military presence in Syria has been ongoing since 2015 justified as a means of countering Daesh (ISIS) U.S. troops have since turned into an occupying force with their failure to pull out following Daeshs defeat in northeastern Syria. Currently, the U.S. occupies nearly a third of Syrian territory around 30 percent including much of the area east of the Euphrates River, encompassing large swaths of the Deir Ezzor, Al-Hasakah and Raqqa regions. Though the U.S. currently has between 2,000 to 4,000 troops stationed in Syria, it announced the training of a 30,000-person-strong border force composed of U.S.-allied Kurds and Arabs in the area, which would be used to prevent northeastern Syria from coming under the control of Syrias legitimate government. Though it backtracked somewhat after backlash from Turkey, the U.S. has continued to train local forces in the area. Russian military sources have asserted that former members of Daesh who were allowed to leave cities attacked by the U.S. and their proxies, as was the case in battle for Raqqa are to be included among the forces ranks. This, along with the U.S. governments insistence on maintaining the occupation until Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is removed from power, shows that the U.S. government has no intention of permitting the reunification of Syria and will continue to occupy the region over the long term. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The illegal U.S. occupation of Syria has been widely noted in independent and corporate media, but little media attention has focused on identifying the wider implications of this occupation and the U.S. main objectives in keeping northeastern Syria from coming under the control of the legitimate, democratically elected Syrian government. As is often the case in U.S. occupations, both historical and present, it is an effort born out of two goals: resource acquisition for U.S. corporations and the destabilization of a government targeted for U.S.-backed regime change. Control of fossil fuel deposits and flow Northeastern Syria is an important region owing to its rich natural resources, particularly fossil fuels in the form of natural gas and oil. Indeed, this area contains 95 percent of all Syrian oil and gas potential including al-Omar, the countrys largest oil field. Prior to the war, these resources produced some 387,000 barrels of oil per day and 7.8 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, and were of great economic importance to the Syrian government. However, more significantly, nearly all the existing Syrian oil reserves estimated at around 2.5 billion barrels are located in the area currently occupied by the U.S. government. In addition to Syrias largest oil field, the U.S. and its proxies in northeast Syria also control the Conoco gas plant, the countrys largest. The plant, which can produce nearly 50 million cubic feet of gas per day, was originally built by U.S. oil and gas giant ConocoPhillips, which operated the plant until 2005, after which Bush-era sanctions made it difficult to operate in Syria. Other foreign oil companies, like Shell, also left Syria as a result of the sanctions. With the U.S. now occupying the area, the oil and gas produced in this region are already benefiting U.S. energy corporations to which Trump and his administration have numerous ties. According to Yeni Safak, the U.S. along with the Saudis, Egypt, and Kurdish officials held meetings where decisions were made to extract, process and market the fossil fuels harvested in the region, with the Kurds being given a handsome share of the profits. As of 2015, the Kurds were said to be earning in excess of $10 million every month. Syrias Kurdistan exports its oil to Iraqs Kurdistan, with which it conveniently shares a border, and it is then refined and sold to Turkey. Though no corporations are publicly involved, the deal between Syrian and Iraqi Kurds was brokered by unnamed oil experts and oil investors. The Kurds in Syria and Iraq did not even sign the agreement in person. They were subsequently informed of the agreement by the United States and instructed to supervise the operation. A source in Iraqs Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) told NOW News that with regard to southern Kurdistan, it was a company and not the KRG that signed the deal, and it is [the company] that directly hands over the sums in cash every month. Given that over 80 foreign companies are involved in the KRGs oil trade, most of them U.S.-based, we can safely assume that many of the same players have also been involved in developing the oil trade of Syrias Kurdistan. Major corporate interests The Trump administrations numerous connections to the U.S. oil industry make this alliance clear. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who was fired in March, was previously the top executive at ExxonMobil, an oil company that unilaterally brokered an oil deal with Iraqi Kurds behind the back of the Iraqi government and has expressed interest in developing Syrian oil interests in the portion of the country currently occupied by the U.S. ExxonMobil also had a major stake in the proposed Qatari pipeline, whose rejection by Assad was a likely factor in jumpstarting the Syrian conflict. Trump himself, prior to assuming the presidency, also had sizable investments in ExxonMobil as well as in 11 other major oil and gas companies, including Total, ConocoPhillips, BHP and Chevron. In addition, even though Tillerson has now gone, his replacement, Mike Pompeo, is equally a friend to the U.S. oil and gas industry. Pompeo is the #1 all time recipient of money from Koch Industries, which has numerous interests in oil and gas exploration, drilling, pipelines, and fossil-fuel refining. While the U.S. occupation of Syria is no doubt motivated by a desire to exploit the regions oil and gas resources for itself, the U.S. refusal to leave the area is also born out of a concern that, were the U.S. to leave, its chief rival, Russia, would claim the oil and gas riches of Syrias northeast. Indeed, according to an energy cooperation framework signed in January, Russia will have exclusive rights to produce oil and gas in areas of Syria controlled by the Syrian government. Since 2014, the U.S. has been aggressively trying to limit Russias fossil-fuel sector, particularly its exports to Europe, and replace them with U.S.-produced fossil fuels. As former Speaker of the House John Boehner wrote in 2014, The ability to turn the tables and put the Russian leader in check lies right beneath our feet, in the form of vast supplies of natural energy. Allowing the Russian fossil fuel sector to strengthen, whether in Syria or elsewhere, would harm U.S. strategic objectives, U.S. corporate bottom lines and the U.S. vision of maintaining a unipolar world at all costs. Location, location: pipeline maps and a zero-sum game with Russia In addition to its fossil fuel resources, Syrias strategic location makes it crucial to the regional flow of hydrocarbons. Having the northeastern section of Syria under the control of the U.S. and its proxies could have a profound effect on future and existing pipelines. As The New York Times noted in 2013, Syrias prime location and muscle make it the strategic center of the Middle East. For that very reason, much of the U.S. Middle East policy has been aimed at seizing control of territory and pushing for the partition of countries to secure safe transit routes for oil and gas. In Syria such plans to partition the country for this purpose date back to as early as the 1940s, when European oil interests in the countrys northeast began to grow. Since then, several countries have tried to occupy parts of northern Syria to secure control of the region for these strategic purposes, including Turkey and Iraq in addition to Western powers. A crucial pipeline already exists in northeastern Syria that connects Syrias oil fields to the Ceyhan-Kirkuk pipeline. Though that pipeline sustained heavy damage in 2014, there are plans to rebuild it or build a new pipeline alongside it. Thus, northeastern Syria also boasts oil export infrastructure that could help Syrian oil travel easily to Turkey and thus to the European market. In addition, the conflict in Syria now in its seventh year was, in part, initiated as a result of clashes over two pipeline proposals that needed to secure passage through Syria. Syria, not long before the foreign-funded proxy war besieged the country, had turned down a U.S.-backed proposal that would take to Europe natural gas from Qatar in favor of a Russia-backed proposal that would take natural gas originating in Iran. Though those pipeline proposals are no longer as powerful in shaping motives as they once were largely due to Qatars rift with other Gulf monarchies and improved relations with Iran the northeastern part of Syria remains key to U.S. objectives. According to the German publication Deutsche Wirtschafts Nachrichten, the U.S. has developed plans to build a new pipeline from the Persian Gulf to Northern Iraq and into Turkey through northeastern Syria, with the ultimate goal of supplying oil to Europe. Russia, for its part, opposes this plan, as it seeks to maintain its own lucrative exports of fossil fuels to Europe. Water and land Beyond fossil fuels and pipelines, northeast Syria boasts several other key advantages in terms of resources. Chief among those is water a resource of prime importance in the Middle East. The U.S.-controlled portion of Syria is home to the countrys three largest freshwater reservoirs, which are fed by the Euphrates river. One of those reservoirs now controlled by the U.S. and its proxies, Lake Assad, is the countrys largest freshwater reservoir and supplies government-held Aleppo with most of its drinking water. It also provides the city with much of its electrical power, which is generated by Tabqa Dam, also located in the occupied territory. Another key hydroelectric power plant is located at Tishrin Dam and is also controlled by U.S.-backed proxy forces. In addition to its abundant water resources, northeastern Syria is also home to nearly 60 percent of Syrias cropland, a key resource in terms of Syrias sustainability and food independence. Prior to the conflict, Syria invested heavily in bringing irrigation infrastructure into the area in order to allow agriculture there to continue despite a massive regional drought. Much of that irrigation infrastructure is fed by the occupied Tabqa Dam, which controls the irrigation water for 640,000 hectares (2,500 square miles) of farmland. Game plan for occupation, partition Unlike the northeasts fossil fuel resources, the U.S. is not hoping to gain financially from the regions water and agricultural resources. Instead, the interest there is strategic and serves two main purposes. First, control over those resources particularly water and the flow of the Euphrates gives the U.S. a key advantage it could use to destabilize Syria. For example, the U.S. could easily cut off water and electricity to government-held parts of Syria by shutting down or diverting power and water from dams in order to place pressure on the Syrian government and Syrian civilians. Though such actions target civilians and constitute a war crime, the U.S. has used such tactics in Syria before, such as in the battle for Raqqa when it cut off water supplies to the city as its proxies took control of the city from Daesh (ISIS). Other countries, like Turkey, have also cut off the flow of the Euphrates on two occasions over the course of the Syrian conflict in order to gain a strategic advantage. By controlling much of the countrys water and agricultural land not to mention its fossil fuel resources the U.S. occupation will not only accomplish its goal of destabilizing Syrias government by depriving it of revenue; it also invites a broader conflict from Syria and its allies, who are eager to prevent another long-term U.S. occupation in the Middle East and to reclaim the territory for Syria. Another way the U.S. has the ability to destabilize Syria through its occupation of the northeast is its plan to have the Saudis rebuild much of the area. Though the U.S. initially allied itself with the Kurds in northeastern Syria, opposition from Turkey has led Washington to focus more on working with Arabs in the area, particularly those allied with or formerly part of Saudi-allied Wahhabi groups, in order to create a Saudi-controlled enclave that could be used to destabilize government-controlled areas of Syria for years to come. The area is set to become much like the Idlib province, which is also essentially an enclave for Wahhabi terrorists. The U.S. plan to create a Wahhabi enclave in northeast Syria was directly referenced in a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report from 2012. That report stated: THE WEST, GULF COUNTRIES, AND TURKEY [WHO] SUPPORT THE [SYRIAN] OPPOSITION THERE IS THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A DECLARED OR UNDECLARED SALAFIST PRINCIPALITY IN EASTERN SYRIA (HASAKA AND DER ZOR), AND THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT THE SUPPORTING POWERS TO THE OPPOSITION WANT, IN ORDER TO ISOLATE THE SYRIAN REGIME [capitalization original] Despite Daeshs defeat, their presence in Northeastern Syria, as the DIA reveals, was cultivated to provide a pretext for the foreign control of the region. Partition chess: thinking two moves ahead Whether the Saudis or the Kurds ultimately end up dominating the portion of Syria currently occupied by the United States is besides the point. The main U.S. purpose in occupying the northeast portion of Syria is its long-standing goal of partitioning Syria, thereby permanently separating the countrys northeast from the rest of the country. Throughout the Syrian conflict, the U.S. government has repeatedly tried to sell partition to the public, arguing that partition is the only solution to Syrias ongoing sectarian conflict. However, this sectarianism was cynically engineered and stoked by foreign powers precisely to bring about the current conflict in Syria and ultimately justify partition. WikiLeaks revealed that the CIA was involved in instigating anti-Assad and sectarian demonstrations as early as March 2011. Declassified CIA documents show that the plan to push partition by directly engineering sectarianism in order to weaken the Syrian state dates back to at least the 1980s. The partition idea was also repeatedly touted by the Obama administration, which stated on several occasions that it may be too late to keep Syria whole. Though the Obama administration has come and gone, the Trump administration is also set to push for partition, thanks to the recent appointment of John Bolton to the position of National Security Adviser. As MintPress recently reported, Bolton has long advocated for combining northeastern Syria with northwestern Iraq in order to create a new country, which Bolton called Sunnistan, that would dominate the two countries fossil fuel resources and would count on the key water and agricultural resources of the region to sustain the population. Bolton called for the Gulf Arab states, like Saudi Arabia, to finance the creation of that state hence the Trump administrations recent attempts to negotiate a deal with the Saudis by which they take over control of the U.S.-occupied portion in Syria if they agree to pay $4 billion for reconstruction. Aiming at Iran While gaining control of key resources for partitioning Syria and destabilizing the government in Damascus, the U.S. main goal in occupying the oil and water rich northeastern Syria is aimed not at Syria but at Iran. As U.S.-based intelligence firm Stratfor noted in 2002, taking control of Syrias northeast would greatly complicate the land route between Syria and Iran as well as the land route between Iran and Lebanon. In January, Tillerson made this objective clear. Speaking at Stanford University, Tillerson noted that diminishing Irans influence in Syria was a key goal for the U.S. and a major reason for its occupation of the northeast. By cutting off the route between Tehran and Damascus, the U.S. would greatly destabilize and weaken the regions resistance axis and the U.S. along with its regional allies would be able to greatly increase its regional influence and control. Given the alliance between Syria and Iran, as well as their mutual defense accord, the occupation is necessary in order to weaken both nations and a key precursor to Trump administration plans to isolate and wage war against Iran. With internal reports warning of the U.S. waning position as the worlds only superpower, the U.S. has no intention of leaving Syria, as it is becoming increasingly desperate to maintain its influence in the region and to maintain as well the influence of the corporations that benefit the most from U.S. empire. Acknowledgment: Investigative journalist Rick Sterling, who specializes in the Syria war, provided MintPress with some images and pertinent information that was used in this story. Top Photo | American troops look out toward the border with Turkey from a small outpost near the town of Manbij, Syria, Feb. 7, 2018. (AP/Susannah George) Whitney Webb April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - AFP reports: At destroyed Syria lab, workers deny producing toxic weapons. Similarly, CBS News reports: One of the targets of U.S.-led coalition airstrikes in Syria was still smoldering late Saturday afternoon, reports CBS News Seth Doane, the only American network correspondent inside Syria. The U.S. military says the Barzeh complex in Damascus was a center for the research, development, production and testing of chemical and biological weapons. Scientist Sayed said his office was there. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter He said its totally incorrect that chemical weapons were being developed there. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) visited here and didnt report anything wrong with this place. A package on the side of the road is anti-venom, which Sayed says is what they were producing. Larry Wilkerson, former chief of staff for Colin Powell, told the Institute for Public Accuracy: OPCW will play it close to the political power realities. It always does. Expect studied ambiguity but aimed at Bashar al-Assad. See recent piece by former weapons inspector Scott Ritter: Trumps Rush to Judgment on Syria Chemical Attack in The American Conservative. Also see by the late editor of Consortium News, Robert Parry: How U.S. Pressure Bends UN Agencies. Parry notes that John Bolton newly installed as National Security Advisor had ousted the head of the OPCW in 2002, Brazilian diplomat Jose Bustani, in order facilitate the invasion of Iraq. Parry also critiques the current head of the agency, Turkish diplomat Ahmet Uzumcu. REESE ERLICH, ReeseErlich2 at hotmail.com Erlich is author of Inside Syria: The Backstory of Their Civil War and What the World Can Expect. A freelance journalist who began reporting from Syria in 2002, he writes the syndicated column Foreign Correspondent. He said today: The official version of the U.S. missile attack on Syria is already unraveling. The supposed chemical weapons factory bombed by the U.S. didnt leak chemicals. There have been no independent confirmations that the bombed sites had any connection to chemical weapons. In 1998 President Bill Clinton directed a missile strike against a chemical weapons factory in Sudan, which turned out to be a pharmaceutical plant. Chemical weapons inspectors are currently in Damascus waiting to visit Douma where the alleged chemical attack took place. Why didnt Trump wait for them to make an inspection? BEAU GROSSCUP, bgrosscup at csuchico.edu Grosscup is author of several books, including: The Newest Explosions of Terrorism and most recently, Strategic Terror: The Politics and Ethics of Aerial Bombardment. He is professor emeritus at California State University-Chico. He said today: Last Fridays U.S.-led air strikes on Syria are part of a battle royal being waged between two powerful constituencies within the U.S. government, both of whose goals are the extension and permanence of U.S. power abroad. With the appointment of John Bolton as President Trumps National Security Advisor, the neoconservatives, whose policy is encapsulated in the goal of regime change via military intervention in rogue nations opposed to U.S. power (Iraq, Libya, Syria, Iran and North Korea) are intent on a last ditch effort to remove Assads Syrian regime via military force so they can get on with a regime change in Iran. The other constituency, now represented by Defense Secretary James Mattis and embedded in the National Security bureaucracy are more intent on avoiding another ground war in the Middle East, preferring limited air strikes, diplomacy and aid to Syrian rebels (ISIS and Al Qaeda) to do the fighting. Differences aside, both laid the use of chemical weapons on the Assad regime, (with no proof produced) even through strategically it is only the U.S./French-backed opposition who gain from the use of chemical weapons, i.e. provoking increased U.S./French military involvement. The problems for both are that Assad is winning on the ground (thus doesnt need to use chemical weapons) and Russian military backing of the Assad regime, thus raising the chance of a superpower confrontation, something Mattis is trying to minimize but Boltons neoconservatives relish. For them, the ultimate regime change is in Russia. All this is troubling for President Trump who seeks a victory in Syria to distract from his domestic woes Either way, the war in Syria will go on, much to the delight of the Israelis, who seek a weakened Syria on their border and a U.S. commitment to regime change in Iran. The neoconservative capture of President Trumps ear suits them just fine. April 17, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Donald Trump has climbed down from the tree he climbed up a few days ago when he gathered a large military force and firepower similar to operation desert storm (but without ground forces). Plan A consisted of a destructive attack on Syria to destroy its army, presidential palace, command and control bases, elite force, strategic military and ammunition warehouses, radar, defence systems and political leadership institutions. Prior to the triple attack on Syria by the US UK France, intensive contacts were carried out by Russia and President Vladimir Putin himself at around 04:00 am to reduce the attack and go to a softer, less significant Plan B. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Russia, in its contact with several heads of state, rejected any hit that could cripple the Syrian Army and instructed the leadership in Damascus that the West would now think very carefully before radically changing the balance of power in the Levant. But what is the real reason behind the US UK Frances attack? Is it the claim of the chemical attack on Duma? The Organisation for the prohibition of the chemical weapons is already in Damascus and its members visit Duma this Saturday to inspect the location where the claimed use of a chemical attack was alleged to have taken place. Why not wait for the results? Sources in Damascus explain that the Syrian Army and its allies, supported by Russia, were carrying out a large attack on rural Idlib and had reached Abu al-Duhur airport when, all of a sudden, the military operation stopped. The entire spearhead force was moved to Ghouta. What happened? Russia had informed the Syrian leadership of a large gathering of forces at Al-Tanf US-occupied military base on the Syrian-Iraqi borders, where tens of thousands of US proxies have received continuous military training. The Russians identified unusual military movements and understood that the US was preparing to push Syrian proxy forces to reach eastern Ghouta, linking itself with around 30,000 jihadists in Ghouta itself. This attack was planned to take place simultaneously with a diversion from Daraa, southern Syria, attacking south of Damascus so as to deceive the Syrian army and its allies into leaving smaller forces around the capital. The US plan said the sources consisted in supporting its proxies and the Ghouta jihadists to reach Damascus and take full control of it. But the shifting of the military operation from rural Idlib to Ghouta spoiled the US plan to impose on Russia an enforced stay in Lattakia and Tartous confined to a limited place, and to finally change the Syrian regime. This geniuss plan would have spoiled all Russias efforts deployed through almost three years of heavy involvement in the war in Syria, and would have given the US the upper hand , just at the moment when Moscow and the Syrian Army were about to end the war, with only few more pockets left to liberate. Russias hit in Ghouta broke the US plan into pieces, and imposed the withdrawal of tens of thousands of militants from Ghouta along with their families, to the north of Syria. The capital is now much safer, with the remaining area south of Damascus occupied by Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group (ISIS) in Yarmouk camp and al-Hajar al-Aswad. Today Russia rendered the US UK France strike meaningless, both in respect of its content and its objectives. Russia was able to impose that US UK France carry out only a limited attack of little value, and with not much chance of altering the reality on the ground in Syria. When Russia vowed to shoot down missiles fired at Syria, Trump answered: Get ready Russia because they will be coming, nice, new and smart. Russia, after the hit, replied: We have used the old Soviet anti-Air defence system against these smart, new and very expensive missiles fired by the Americans. Not only that, the US-UK air strikes hit objectives which Israel bombards almost on a regular basis. By showing the capability to stop two thirds as declared by Russia of the incoming missiles, Syria is taking it as a kind of training with live ammunition against any future Israeli attack on Syrian territory. Israel is very disappointed and seems not at all pleased with this end result. Showing restrain and control, the US Secretary of Defence James Mattis he who said the Pentagon still has no independent evidence to confirm that there was a chemical weapons attack in Syria last week-contested any wide scale attack on Syria that could have triggered a direct Russian involvement and deadly return of fire against US objectives. Mattis accepted an honourable strike to save his bosss inexperienced face. In point of fact, the trios strike on Syria seems have boosted the Syrian Bashar al-Assads reputation: the population celebrated in the streets of Damascus, and mocked the western attack on their country! The trio avoided at all times direct provocation of Russia, circumvented Russian bases and operational theatres instead of overflying. Russia imposed its presence and provoked the US and French navy by carrying out a simulated air attack, to show its willingness to hit back. The Russian navy was positioned opposite the Lebanese coast to cover that angle and avoid blind spots. Moscow managed to avoid a direct confrontation with Washington outside its territory: US military bases surround Syria (Israel, Jordan, al-Tanf, al-Hasaka, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrein, Iraq, Turkey). Russia remembers how Leonid Brezhnev fell into the CIAs trap in 1979, supporting the Mujahedeen six months prior to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan- trap. Zbigniew Brzezinski said the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan was deliberately provoked by the US: It was an excellent idea. It drew the Soviets into the Afghan war and we gave them Vietnam. Putin has avoided the same US trap almost 40 years later. What is the next step? All eyes are directed on the northern city of Idlib controlled by al-Qaeda now that the fate of Damascus is secured. But why Idlib? The situation in Yarmouk camp, south of Damascus, seems directly linked to that of Fua and Kfarya. During the Zabadani negotiation, it was agreed between al-Qaeda and Damascuss allies to keep away from al-Yarmouk, in exchange for the two besieged cities in the north of Syria. However, Damascus is now pushing to clean the capital completely, attempting to persuade its allies to bypass previous commitments. As far as Daraa and Quneitra in the south are concerned, it seems no one in Syria seems willing to provoke the US and Israel at this tense moment; this will maybe be left to the end. In al-Badiyah, the Syrian steppes, ISIS is totally surrounded and can only wait to be exterminated in the coming months. Idlib remains despite the Turkish-Russian-Iranian economical and financial agreement. There is no doubt about the existence of strong differences of an economic nature between partners over Syria. Turkish President Erdogan expressed his support and later satisfaction with the US strikes on Syria. Russia answered by asking him to deliver the city of Afrin to the Syrian government. Irans special envoy for Syrian affairs Ali Akbar Velayati overtly stated that the next objective is Idlib. Therefore, it is now feasible for Turkey to pull out of its dozen observation bases around Idlib, even as Russia pulled out of Afrin prior to the Turkish attack. And Russia expects Erdogan to cancel the previously agreed sale of the S-400 missiles any day. Thus, the compass points to Idlib, Rastan, Jisr al-Shoughour and the Syrian Army forces gathering in rural Lattakia, ready to divide Idlib after liberating the many villages around it. This will bring the world to the next chemical attack appointment in the next operational theatre of the Syrian army and its allies. Would the US stand by al-Qaeda? Why not? It has never really been a question of the use of chemical weapons, since the US holds the largest stockpile of chemical weapons worldwide: the real issue is the defeat of the US faced with the dominance of Russia over the Levant Senior Political Risk Analyst with over 32 years experience covering Europe & the Middle East. Acquiring in-depth experience, robust contacts and political knowledge in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan and Syria. Elijah J. Magnier, Senior Political Risk Analyst with over 32 years experience covering Europe & the Middle East. Acquiring in-depth experience, robust contacts and political knowledge in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan and Syria. https://ejmagnier.com Proof read by: Maurice Brasher Independent Journalist Finds No Evidence of Chemical Weapon Attack In Douma Watch - O ne America News Network Pearson Sharp visited the war-torn town of Douma outside the capital of Damascus, looking for evidence of a chemical attack. However, residents there deny the claims of an attack, and say it was staged to help the rebels escape. There have been no independent confirmations that the bombed sites had any connection to chemical weapons. Posted April 17, 2018 Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter ===== Join the Discussion It is not necessary for ICH readers to register before placing a comment. We ask that you treat others with respect. Take a moment to read the following - Comment Policy - What Or Who is Information Clearing House and Purpose and Intent of this website: It is unacceptable to slander, smear or engage in personal attacks on authors of articles posted on ICH. Those engaging in that behavior will be banned from the comment section. Ovie Omo-Agege, a senator from Delta state, had led some unidentified persons to cart away the mace of the senate, while plenary was going on. Omo-Agege, who has since been arrested by police was suspended for allegedly having contrary opinion to senate president, Bukola Saraki. Many Nigerians found the mace-stealing incident totally ridiculous, while wondering where the security personnel were before it happened. Some of them, took to social media to vent, while some threw jabs at Senator Ben Bruce. See reactions below So all the Security Agents present at the National Assembly could not stop thugs from stealing the @NGRSenate Mace? Its only to harass and intimidate innocent Nigerians that they are good at. JC Ogoegbunam (@youngjc_4j) April 18, 2018 Because if its not play, how do you cart away National Mace from an heavily guarded building in a country that a boy cannot wear crazy jeans with dreadlocks and pass with being arrested. I mean day fucking light!!! Lord Scummander (@zhurg_) April 18, 2018 Mace was taken from the National Assembly with ease and u still think the Offa Robbery is a hard job to do? Think again. Nwagbo Prince (@NwagboPrince1) April 18, 2018 I have been to the senate once and I can clearly remember the crazy security protocols we passed through before getting inIf this mace issue na true please deport me go my Home country USA Sheyi (@sheyisleekk) April 18, 2018 So with all the security in the national assembly, armed thugs still entered and kidnapped our MACE and nothing happened. Nobody stopped them. If it is to beat innocent people, our security agencies will carry first. @Okeydegeneral @youngjc_4j Odohmiky (@Odohchidex) April 18, 2018 The one that is paining me in this video is how the guy carried the mace and walked past Senator Ben Bruce & Bruce just allowed the guy pass like it is nothing despite earning our N13.5 million/monthly. https://t.co/F9ceqXGhj7 Demola (@OmoGbajaBiamila) April 18, 2018 The one that is paining me in this video is how the guy carried the mace and walked past Senator Ben Bruce & Bruce just allowed the guy pass like it is nothing despite earning our N13.5 million/monthly. https://t.co/F9ceqXGhj7 Demola (@OmoGbajaBiamila) April 18, 2018 Punch The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has said the National Assembly may be shut to help President Muhammadu Buhari administration find an end to the spate of killings by herdsmen and militias across the country. Vanguard 30 Chibok schoolgirls, not 15, are alive Salkida Ahmad Salkida, the journalist known for having access to the leadership of Boko Haram terrorists, has again taken to Twitter with new information on the Chibok schoolgirls. The Sun 2019: Buhari appoints Keyamo campaign spokesman The President Muhammadu Buhari Campaign Organisation has appointed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and rights activist, Festus Keyamo as its director of Strategic Communication, for the presidents re- election in 2019. Thisday Senators Demand Sack of Security Chiefs over Escalating Herdsmen Killings Incensed by the escalating spate of killings by so-called herders of cattle in several states in the country, especially in the Middle Belt, senators during plenary Tuesday called for the sack of the service chiefs over their failure to end the violent attacks on communities and the gruesome slaughter of villagers. Daily Times Bakare On Presidency: Sowore Will Do His Turn, I Will Do Mine Tunde Bakare, serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly church, says he and Omoyele Sowore, a presidential aspirant, will lead Nigeria. The Nation Former U.S. First Lady Barbara Bush has died on Tuesday evening at the age of 92, after a series of recent hospitalisation, Spokesman for the family, Jim McGrath, said. Tribune Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Leader, All Progressives Congress(APC) has again blamed past civilian administrations, especially the Jonathan government for the nations economic woes. Guardian A school hostel known as Igbinedion male hostel which some undergraduate male students allegedly used as a gay club in Ekpoma, Delta state, was over the past weekend raided by detectives from the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID). According to a report by DailyTrust, five suspected members of the club identified as Osareinti Omo, 23, Odigie Matthew, 20, Sunday George, 20, Festus Akinbayo, 25 and Ibrahim Duru, were arrested during the raid which was conducted at the wee hours of Friday. The group was allegedly performing initiation ceremony for some teenage boys who were recently introduced into the club when they were arrested based on a tip-off from members of the public on the activities of the group. A police source said the gang collected the sum of N10,000 from new intakes with the promise that they were going to be given protection throughout their stay in Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma. In his confessional statement to the police, Ibrahim Duru said he was initiated into the club by one Osanyade Michael in 2015 while he was in year one. He said Michael, who is the leader of the club, is presently on the run, and that he was wanted by the police. He said: I see nothing wrong in my being gay. It is my life. Our meeting place is in Igbinedion male hostel, Ekpoma. We meet there mainly at weekends but it was later extended to Tuesdays and Thursdays. Other members of the gang are Osazuwa Samuel, Williams Aghedo, Agala Christian, Atamamin Uyi Festus and Omolegie Samuel. I was arrested in 2015 along with Osanyade Michael when police raided Igbinedion male hostel. We were detained but Osanyade jumped bail and since them we have not seen him. Others were later allowed to go on bail with the promise that we were going to put an end to gay activities in the area. Some of us went back recruiting members secretly. Presently we are about 20 in number. People pay us. Togolese-born actress, Liz Da Silva is one of the big babes rocking the Yoruba movie industry. She got into acting a few years ago via her friend, Iyabo Ojo and she has since risen to the very top. Of note is Liz Da Silvas Togolese roots, a news not known to many, even her fans. The pretty role interpreter even revealed to City People GBOLAHAN ADETAYO that her parents are from Togo but they both met here in Nigeria before they agreed to become one. Excerpts: How did you get the name Africulture? It is because of the kind of person I am. I am African, I love where I am from and that is how I got Afri, then I am a cultural person because I love things that has to do with culture and that is why I call it Africulture. What are the new things that have been included? The only thing we just included is giving out awards to notable people out there. If you are conversant with what we have been doing in the past, we help make donations and give to the needy out there. What prompted the idea of making donations to the less privileged people? If you live among them or you know them and you have the fear of God and pity in you, you should have it at the back of your mind that you have to reach out to them because most of them are out there feeling neglected. We have presidents, governors, leaders and good people among them but without us helping them to bring them out of their present situation, how do you expect them to implement the greatness in them? If you dont help them, we are just killing them the more. I dont have enough but I am trying my best to always reach out to them every year till I breathe my last. We have so many people who will need the support of others including me, people should come out to help them, we dont have to wait till we make the millions before we help others. We go on the streets and see them while some are even living very close to you, help anyone who is in need. How do you select the people you reach out to? I dont really have any particular person that I select , the one I did last year, I googled orphanage homes and I picked 2, one is located on CMD Road, Magodo and another one on Isaac John, GRA, Ikeja and I visited the 2 after my event to give them my donation. What I thought of this year is to visit Kano Street in Ebute Meta to pick a girl one at Isale Eko and I will be taking another one but that will be a boy which I am yet to know where to pick from. I am reaching out to 3 people this year. Whatever donation we are able to garner at the event will be given to them. I wouldnt want to give them the cash so they wont misuse it but I will visit their homes to know that actual area they need our help. Are we going to see you giving them scholarships? If I have the opportunity, I will be so glad to do that. I have solely been doing this event without sponsors. It will be pleasant to have at least a sponsor. Away from the event, what has been happening to you lately? I have been doing great, doing what I know how to do best. I just released 2 of my movies titled Iyawo Baba Mi and Kosiwa. Those are the ones I produced and I also featured in other peoples productions. What inspires your movie productions? Writing my scripts, I get inspired with things that happen around me. And that is how I have been writing my scripts since 2008. I have one at hand which I am yet to have the courage of producing and I dont want to discuss about it here, because if I produce it, the person might know that this is her true life story. I am aware that your Dad is not a Nigerian? By birth, I am a Nigerian but by blood, I am from Togo. I grew up on Lagos Island, Obalende to be precise, my parents met here in Nigeria and they got married but the 2 of them are from Togo. Growing up amidst Yorubas helps me in speaking the language. Why did you choose Yoruba movie industry in the first place rather than English movies? I didnt dump one language for another, when I first started, the link I got was from the Yoruba movie industry which I grabbed the opportunity and to the glory of God, I am fine. But that doesnt mean that I cant still cross to the English genre. What brought you into acting? From my secondary school days, all the dramas we do act in school, I used to be the group leader and I got inspired from there. How did you join the Yoruba movie industry? I got into the industry through a friend and a female colleague known as Iyabo Ojo. My first day on set was like I was in paradise. You know what I have been dreaming to do. When I first started, I didnt go on set with them, I was only watching what they were doing to learn from each artiste and as time went on, I was called to play 2 scenes and I was very happy about it. I did my best. You are one of the happening babes in the industry and a lot of people are of the opinion that there is no money in acting. What would you advise the upcoming acts to do to make it? I will say if you want to be successful in whatever that you are doing, you should put God first and do your best, be obedient, listen to people/positive advises and the sky will be your limit. These are the things I did in secret to get to where I am now. Why are you still single? I am not married, which doesnt mean that I am single but I am not under someone. When I will get married or the man in my life is my private business. Mark Angel and Emmanuella have revealed in a chat with NAIJ.NG that a company once offered to buy their Facebook page for $400,000. According to Mark Angel, the money when converted to Naira was worth over N100 million as at the time he got the offer. However, a quick conversion showed that the money was worth N144,000,000. Mark Angel said he declined the offer because its not all about money adding that money cannot buy what we do. He further stressed that you can sell it and start again but there are people who can only get a laugh through that channel and by selling it, you will deny them that chance. Recently, a company wanted to buy out our Facebook page. I thought it as a scam but this company is well known and they offered us $400,000 when I converted it to Naira, it was more than N100million (N144m). My first thought was guys lets sell it. But we cant sell it because its not all about money. Money cannot buy what we do. If you think about it, you can sell it and start again but there are people who can only get a laugh through that channel and by selling it, you will deny them that chance, Mark Angel said. He made this revelation in an exclusive interview with Naija.ng. Mark Angel also said their skit had prevented an African president from taking a rash decision that would have affected his country. There was an African president who told us we saved him from taking a rash decision that would have affected his country. We were invited for dinner and we did not know why we were invited until he shared his testimony with us, Mark Angel said. Talking about why they shot their videos in Port Harcourt. He said, To work in Lagos is very hard. If you want to start shooting, agberos will come and start demanding outrageous sums of money from you. There was a time we were asked to pay N170, 000 settling these touts before we were allowed to shoot. Thats why we shoot in PH and market our skits in Lagos. However, seven-year-old Emmanuella who became famous for her hilarious roles in the Mark Angel series said she wants to be a make-up artiste She said, I want to be a makeup artiste in future. Because I want to beautify peoples face. I also want to be a dancer. See video: Source Naij This content is from: Premium Third Point, Citadel, and other hedge funds are gearing up for this biopharma IPO less than a month after investing in the companys latest financing round. Vancouver, BC - April 18, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) SilverCrest Metals Inc. (TSXV: SIL.V; OTCQX: SVCMF) ("SilverCrest" or the "Company") is pleased to announce drill results from the Luigi Vein on the Las Chispas Property (the "Property") located in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest discovered the Luigi Vein in the footwall of the Las Chispas Vein in mid-2017 but it remained un-named until the Company completed enough drilling to delineate an actual mineral vein. Several of the announced holes in this release were previously disclosed as an un-named vein. There are 23 known epithermal veins on the Property. The Company has tested ten (10) of these 23 veins (the Babicanora, Babicanora Footwall, Las Chispas, Giovanni, La Blanquita, William Tell, Varela, Granaditas, Luigi and Amethyst veins), all of which have drill-intersected high-grade mineralization. The Luigi Vein was not included in the recently announced maiden resource (refer to the Company's news release dated February 26, 2018). N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng and CEO, remarked, "With the addition of the Luigi Vein, we continue to grow our portfolio of high-grade mineralized veins and are beginning to understand the "nature of multiples" when it comes to projecting high-grade previous drill-intercepts in adjacent veins on to new discoveries. This is the tenth high-grade vein we have delineated in the district, which is immediately adjacent to the Las Chispas Vein and accessible by underground workings. The Luigi Vein is named after Luigi Pedrazzini, son of Giovanni Pedrazzini the founder of Minas Pedrazzini Gold and Silver Mining Company which operated at the Property from the late 1800s to 1930. We plan to further drill test the Luigi Vein during H1 2018 and include the results in the proposed updated resources in Q3 2018." The most significant result for this release occurred in Hole LC17-65, which intersected 1.4 metres (true width) grading 13.22 grams per tonne ("gpt") gold and 2,006.7 gpt silver, or 2,999 gpt silver equivalent ("AgEq", based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery). Also noteworthy is Hole LC17-45 which intersected 4.1 metres grading 1.71 gpt gold and 231.8 gpt silver, or 360 gpt AgEq. The following table summarizes the most significant drill intercepts (uncut, undiluted) for the Luigi Vein: Note: all numbers are rounded. All intercepts were previously announced as "Un-named veins" except where noted. * AgEq based on 75 (Ag):1 (Au) and 100% metallurgical recovery. True thickness reinterpreted on intercept from previous news release. New drill intercept. All assays were completed by ALS Chemex in Hermosillo, Mexico, and North Vancouver, BC, Canada. Drill hole numbering for the Luigi Vein is out of sequence and dates back several months into 2017 as the Luigi Vein was not identified as a vein until subsequent holes were drilled. None of the drill holes for the Luigi Vein are included in the Company's maiden resource previously announced on February 26, 2018. Please refer to news releases dated May 11, 2017, August 3, 2017, and November 28, 2017 for intercepts marked as "un-named" from previous announcement of drill results. Hole LCU18-25 is a new intercept for this release. Refer to attached Figure for holes that were below the Company's 150 gpt AgEq cutoff. The Luigi Vein high-grade footprint currently measures approximately 300 metres long by a minimum of 75 metres high by 1.7 metres in average true width, with a weighted average grade of 2.84 gpt gold and 416.6 gpt silver, or 629 gpt AgEq. The Company plans to continue drilling on this vein for potential expansion as part of its Phase III drill program. The Phase III drill program also includes drilling several new and partially-drilled high-grade mineralized veins. An additional 15,000 to 20,000 metres of drilling are planned for Q3 2018. Other ongoing site work includes continued underground mapping and sampling on the Las Chispas Vein, drilling test wells for site water, permitting for various additional work, and review of maiden resource model for optimization and update. In addition to exploration work at Las Chispas, other recent activities in Mexico include the option of the Guadalupe concession located in the state of Durango to another company and the purchase of the Cuestra Blanca Ranch (671.9 ha) in the Las Chispas Area. Through its Mexican subsidiary, SilverCrest now directly owns approximately two thirds of the surface rights over its Las Chispas mining concession. The Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for this news release is N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng, and CEO for SilverCrest, who has reviewed and approved its contents. ABOUT SilverCrest Metals INC. SilverCrest is a Canadian precious metals exploration company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, that is focused on new discoveries, value-added acquisitions and targeting production in Mexico's historic precious metal districts. The Company's current focus is on the high-grade, historic Las Chispas mining district in Sonora, Mexico. SilverCrest is the first company to successfully drill-test the historic Las Chispas Project resulting in numerous discoveries. The Company is led by a proven management team in all aspects of the precious metal mining sector, including taking projects through discovery, finance, on time and on budget construction, and production. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. These include, without limitation, statements with respect to: the strategic plans, timing and expectations for the Company's exploration, rehabilitation and drilling programs of the Las Chispas Property, including drilling test water wells, permitting for various work, and optimizing and updating the Company's resource model; information with respect to high grade areas and size of veins projected from underground sampling results and drilling results; and the accessibility of future mining at the Las Chispas Property. Such forwardlooking statements or information are based on a number of assumptions, which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things: the conditions in general economic and financial markets; availability of skilled labour; timing and amount of expenditures related to rehabilitation and drilling programs; and effects of regulation by governmental agencies. The actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of risk factors including: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities; the interpretation of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; and general market and industry conditions. Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law. N. Eric Fier, CPG, P.Eng Chief Executive Officer SilverCrest Metals Inc. For Further Information: SilverCrest Metals Inc. Contact: Fred Cooper, Investor Relations Telephone: +1 (604) 694-1730 Fax: +1 (604) 357-1313 Toll Free: 1-866-691-1730 (Canada & USA) Email: info@silvercrestmetals.com Website: www.silvercrestmetals.com 570 Granville Street, Suite 501 Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3P1 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investment involves risk and possible loss of investment. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Contact each company directly regarding content and press release questions. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. More disclaimer info: http://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp. Disclosure: Investorideas.com is compensated by SilverCrest Metals Inc for annual news publishing effective January 2017. Additional info regarding BC Residents and global Investors: Effective September 15 2008 - all BC investors should review all OTC and Pink sheet listed companies for adherence in new disclosure filings and filing appropriate documents with Sedar. Read for more info: http://www.bcsc.bc.ca/release.aspx?id=6894. Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. VANCOUVER, British Columbia - April 18, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Atlas Cloud Enterprises Inc. (CSE:AKE) (XFRA:A49) (OTCPINK:ATLEF) (the "Company" or "Atlas Cloud"), an experienced IT service provider focused on becoming the lowest cost producer in the blockchain and digital currency mining sector, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Charlie Kiser to the position of Chief Executive Officer effective immediately. Mr. Kiser is a cryptocurrency and technology veteran. Along with his 20 years of technology experience, Charlie recognized and advocated for the disruptive potential of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in 2014 when he helped take the first pure-play bitcoin and blockchain company public in North America. As the earliest public crypto company, they leveraged both an operational and holding company strategy, investing in 4 crypto start-ups; GoCoin, covering payment processing; Coin Outlet, a bitcoin ATM and distribution network; Gem, a multi factor authentication wallet, and Expresscoin, a retail cryptocurrency outlet. The company built out one of the largest eCommerce platforms that accepted digital currencies, and ultimately moved into the emerging industrial cryptocurrency mining space. During his tenure at the company, Charlie developed a marketing strategy for eCommerce and Digital Currency products, as well as a framework to help acquire cryptocurrency mining equipment through a grassroots acquisition program. He supported two additional rounds of capital investment and led the marketing strategy for the initial launch of a dedicated cryptocurrency mining facility. In his advocacy role at the first public blockchain company, Charlie became deeply embedded in the early crypto community, and helped form an Advisory Board consisting of notable crypto industry veterans. This experience gave Charlie a unique awareness of the regulatory environment for public companies, and he was one of the leading advocates in the first ever Bitcoin Awareness Day on Capitol Hill in Washington DC. During a period as CEO of Griot Inc, he helped build a FinTech accounting and financial platform poised to assist federal contractors and agencies investigate procurement and audit of federal contracts on the blockchain. Charlie is an Advisor to several crypto and technology start-ups including Loci and Build1X and obtained his degree in Finance from West Virginia University. In related news, Fred Stearman moves to the role of Chief Operating Officer, and the Company thanks him for his service as CEO since inception. As a veteran of IT infrastructure, Mr. Stearman's operational experience is invaluable in the identification and buildout of cryptocurrency mining data centres. Mr. Stearman notes, "I am delighted to welcome Charlie to the team and look forward to working closely with him as we move ahead with our strategic plans for 2018 and beyond. It's an exciting time in our industry, and today's announcement is further evidence of our commitment towards building a sector-leading concept and company aimed at increasing shareholder value." The development of the Company's business to digital currency mining has been deemed a fundamental change under the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange. As a result, the Company's expansion of its business remains subject to the approval of the Company shareholders and the Exchange. About Atlas Cloud Enterprises Inc. (CSE:AKE) (XFRA:A49) (OTCPINK:ATLEF) Atlas Cloud Enterprises Inc. is a growth oriented, CSE-listed company focusing on the business of providing co-location and backup/redundancy IT, telecom equipment and cloud computing. Atlas Cloud will provide customers with secure power access, cooling and bandwidth to ensure co-located, back-up or Cloud systems offer minimum risk of failure. Furthermore, Atlas is focused on the blockchain sector and digital currency mining. Atlas Cloud aims to become the lowest-cost producer of digital currency mining and blockchain infrastructure. Atlas Cloud owns a facility currently undergoing preparations for use as a digital currency mining operation located in Electric City, WA. This location benefits from a dedicated low-cost energy source of 5.0 MW and the Company is seeking to significantly expand its operations with the development of additional facilities offering economical, high-yield energy infrastructure opportunities. On behalf of the Board, "Fred Stearman" Fred Stearman, COO Contact Atlas Cloud Investor Relations +1(604) 343-8661 info@atlascloud.ca www.atlascloud.ca The CSE does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including but not limited to, the future business operations of Atlas Cloud. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward- looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in the news release are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company does not undertake any obligations to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities law. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Vancouver, British Columbia - April 18, 2018 (Newsfile Corp.) (Investorideas.com Newswire) Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. (CSE: ATT) (OTCQB: ATTBF) (the "Company" or "Abattis") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire (the "Acquisition") the remaining 10% ownership interest in its subsidiary, Gabriola Green Farms Inc. ("Gabriola"). "We are very happy to now own a 100% interest in Gabriola and integrate it as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abattis. We believe that Gabriola's anticipated LP will complete our suite of downstream offerings and be the highlight of our growth into a full service cannabis company," stated Rob Abenante, Abattis President and CEO. Abattis will acquire the remaining 10% ownership interest in Gabriola from CannaNUMUS Blockchain Inc. for $2.5 million. Following completion of the Acquisition, Gabriola will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Gabriola is a British Columbia company that has applied for a license to produce under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR") on Gabriola Island, one of the gulf islands located in the Strait of Georgia off the coast of British Columbia. Gabriola Island has a consistent temperature and humidity level, which makes it well suited to greenhouse growing. Gabriola's production facilities are expected to be constructed in two phases: Phase 1 - Buildout of its 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, consistent with ACMPR standards. Phase 2 - Upon completion of the Phase 1 buildout, Gabriola will build out an expansion of approximately 20,000 square feet. About Abattis Bioceuticals Corp. Abattis is a life sciences and biotechnology company which aggregates, integrates, and invests in cannabis technologies and biotechnology services for the legal cannabis industry developing in Canada. The Company has successfully developed and licensed natural health products, medicines, extractions, and ingredients for the biologics, nutraceutical, bioceutical, and cosmetic markets. The Company is also seeking to acquire exclusive intellectual property rights to agricultural technologies to be employed in extraction and processing of botanical ingredients and compounds. The Company follows strict standard operating protocols and adheres to the applicable laws of Canada and foreign jurisdictions. For more information, visit the Company's website at: www.abattis.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF ABATTIS BIOCEUTICALS CORP., "Rob Abenante" Robert Abenante, President & CEO For more information, please visit the Company's website at: www.abattis.com or www.northernvinelabs.com For inquiries, please contact the Company at (604) 674-8232 or at news@abattis.com. This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "intends", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include statements regarding: the Acquisition and the expected completion thereof; Gabriola's LP application and the expected effect the LP, once received, will have on Abattis's business profile and offerings; Gabriola's plans for an approximately 26,000 square foot production facility, including respecting the two expected phases of such buildout. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including: that the Acquisition will not complete; that Gabriola's application for an LP will be unsuccessful; that, once received, the effect of Gabriola's LP on Abattis's business profile and offerings will not be as expected; that Gabriola's construction plans will not come to fruition or will not be carried out as expected; that the Company will not be able to execute its proposed business plan in the time required or at all due to regulatory, financial or other issues; that the Company's competitors may develop competing technologies; changes in regulatory requirements; and other factors beyond the Company's control. Additional risk factors are included in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis, available under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements are made as at the date hereof and the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, where because of new information, future events or results, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAS REVIEWED OR ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Student Government senate meetings take place every Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union. The Ames Main Street Farmers Market is a local market that has been a staple of downtown Ames for the past eight years. The market After banning Telegram, the Russian government has now sent requests to Apple and Google to remove the messaging app from their respective app stores. The Federal Service for Supervision of Communications or Roskomnadzor banned Telegram in the country on the orders of a Russian court. Telegram is involved in a tiff with the Russian government as the latter refused to comply with FSBs order of handing over the encryption keys for its messaging service or share the secret messages of its users with the government. The Federal Security Service wants access to the encrypted chat messages of Telegram users citing security reasons. Telegrams founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, refused to comply with the FSBs order thereby leading the Russian court to order a ban on the messaging service. In a bid to ban Telegram, the Russian government ended up asking ISPs in the country to ban hundreds of thousands of Amazon AWS and Google IPs, which effectively constitute the cloud, thereby affecting all other services and websites that rely on it. It remains to be seen if Apple and Google will comply with the Russian governments request. Apple had previously complied with the Chinese government request to remove VPN apps from the Chinese App Store. Whats interesting here is that Telegram is not the only messaging service which encrypts the chats of its users. The reason behind the Russian government going behind Telegram has a political motive as well. [Via Reuters After Sunday's Part 2 of the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 10 reunion, Kim Zolciak-Biermann took to Instagram to apologize to her nemesis NeNe Leakes to try to squash their long-heated feud. "I am so sorry for what has happened @neneleakes We both know the truth, we both know that if I wanted to, I could have a law suit for the lies you have spewed, tweeting out fake texts, implying I am racist, attacking me physically, claiming my daughter tweeted negative about you and your home, we both know these are lies." For her part, NeNe shared, "I really wanna keep it 100 but sometimes you have to just keep it bout 75!" She then broke down her side of the beef and her current stance on their issues: "I wish I could speak so much more freely but its best not too. Sometimes you just have to let people see things for themselves which is what happened here! Ive been called everything in the book and painted so many different colors [I] have to wonder if Im still black. Kim loves to push buttons, lie, talk sh--, insult, then become a victim when shes called out on her sh--! Most people would love for me to be the bully but the only bully here is Kim & her plastic surgeon!" She continued: "I have reacted to it publicly and for that I am sorry. I should have risen above it I personally will no longer engage with you on social media and perpetuate the hate. I am asking you to do the same. We are grown women with families. Enough is enough," she wrote.She added: I want us to move on If you continue this, it will be because you are attempting to stay on the show and stay relevant and thats on you."Leakes also took to Twitter to react to Zolciak's apology in a series of shady tweets. "Please file a lawsuit Chile! Like Im begging you," she wrote by also adding, "You can never WIN when you play DIRTY so throw in the towel! I mean throw in the lips.""Anytime you wanna go to court, Im happy to see you there because your lies have runneth over," NeNe wrote.What are your thoughts? Who's side are you on? Sound off in the comments below!Photo Credit: Google Images A bronze water vessel, known as Tiger Ying, is up for auction in Kent. The Canterbury Auction Galleries /For China Daily A database of looted cultural relics overseas will be released by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage to prevent the sale of stolen objects, a SACH official said. Resource to Looted Chinese Cultural Relics Overseas So Not to Sadden Chinese People Again, written by Huo Zhengxin, assistant dean and professor at the School of International Law of China University of Political Science and Law, was released Saturday by the Cultural Heritage administration on its official website and WeChat subscription. The article points out that although the recent auction of a suspected stolen Chinese bronze artifact in the UK, a water vessel known as the Tiger Ying, was condemned by many countries and organizations, this is not the right time for China to claim sovereignty over looted cultural relics because of the loopholes in international conventions and laws. However, this does not mean China can do nothing about it. First, cultural relics illegally transferred abroad during any era should be claimed by the Chinese government based on the international treaty mechanism of the time. Second, China should make legal claims regarding these looted relics, laying the foundation for recovery of the relics. Finally, institutions and individuals in China should refuse to be involved in the commercial auctions of looted cultural relics. In fact, the official with the Cultural Heritage administration also points out that besides condemning the recent British auctioneer, China needs to do two things to protect its cultural relics. The first, the database of looted cultural relics overseas, is published and those cultural relics will be barred from auction bidding in China. Second, Chinese people should cherish their cultural relics and keep a close eye on "the information platform for China's lost cultural relics", making contributions to the security of China's cultural relics. At the Vietnam-Iran Business Forum held in Hanoi on April 17, the Iranian Parliament Speaker stressed that the fruitful bilateral relations will serve as a catalyst to bolster trade cooperation and investment between the two nations. The Iranian market needs to import seedlings, vegetable oil, rice and materials for paper production, he added. Leaders from the two countries are working to remove bottlenecks in payments and visa granting, he said, expressing his hope that the move would make significant contributions to promoting two-way trade. Representatives from the Iranian delegation said that Iran has an effective policy to attract foreign investment. The country set up six free trade zones, which offer free corporate tax for investors within 15 years, together with other preferential treatment. Notable characteristics of the Iran market, leading enterprises and visa policy for investors to the southwest Asian country were shared at the event. Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador Dung sent his best wishes to Lao Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth and Lao officials in Geneva and their families a New Year of happiness and prosperity He reiterated the close relationship between the two missions in Geneva, reflecting the special ties between Vietnam and Laos at the UN and at multilateral forums as well. He expected the two missions will maintain and develop the traditional relations in professional work and cultural exchange. Lao Ambassador Khan-Inh Khitchadeth, for his part, thanked the Vietnamese diplomats for their congratulations, bringing them joy and luck on the new year of Buddhist calendar 2561. He and other Lao diplomats splashed water on their Vietnamese guests and tied threads on their twists, which are among Lao traditional rituals on the Bunpimay Festival. He underscored that the two countries governments and people need to continue stay united each other as expected by their former leaders. He thanked Vietnam for always supporting and providing help for Laos, particularly at many multilateral forums. At a reception for Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi in Hanoi on April 17, the leader stressed that Vietnam and Indonesia are major trade partners of each other. He noted with pleasure the positive growth of the two-way trade over the past time, at 6.5% during 2012-2016 and 16% in 2017 to hit US$6.5 billion. Highlighting rosy signs of the bilateral investment ties, PM Phuc said Vietnam wants to cooperate with Indonesia in various realms. He told his guest that Vietnam is pushing the improvement of the domestic business environment, urging Indonesian investors to expand their operation in the country. For her part, Minister Retno Marsudi briefed her host on outcomes of the third meeting of the Vietnam-Indonesia Bilateral Cooperation Committee, which took place in Hanoi the same day. She called on the two countries leaders to maintain the exchange of visits in order to step up bilateral cooperation across fields, and the Governments to create the best possible conditions for businesses of both sides to cooperate with each other. Host and guest shared the view that the fruitful collaboration between Vietnam and Indonesia will contribute to consolidating and promoting cooperation and solidarity within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to which both countries are members. While in Vietnam, Speaker Ali Ardeshir Larijani held talks with NA Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan; paid courtesy visits to Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc; and met with Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thien Nhan and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee Tran Thanh Man. The Speaker received leaders of the Vietnam-Iran Friendship Association and attended the Vietnam-Iran Business Forum. On this occasion, he also laid a wreath in tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum, and visited Uncle Hos stilt house and several historical and cultural relic sites. During the talks and meetings with the Vietnamese leaders, the two sides discussed and agreed on a wide range of measures to step up cooperation in the fields of agriculture, fishery, energy, mining, oil and gas, telecommunications and banking. The two sides agreed to further boost cooperation in spheres in which Iran has potential such as pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, banking, tourism-culture, broadcasting and exchange of lecturers and students. Regarding parliamentary cooperation, the two sides consented to increase the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially between the parliaments committees to share experiences in legislation and supervision. The two sides agreed to strengthen the role of supervision and accelerate the effective implementation of deals and agreements signed between the two nations, including those reached by the Inter-governmental Committee of Vietnam and Iran. They also concurred to coordinate together more closely at regional and international forums, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). The Speakers successful visit contributed to the enhancement and development of friendship and cooperation between the Vietnamese and Iranian people. Wang's visit, as well as the dialogue which was held after an eight-year hiatus, are expected to further consolidate the warming-up trend in bilateral ties and open up new space for cooperation, experts said. TIES' WARMING-UP ACCLAIMED "The momentum of improvement in Japan-China bilateral ties has been gathering steam recently following a number of high-level talks, and we are really pleased to see that," said Kaoru Imori, a senior research fellow at a private university in Tokyo. The latest of such high-level talks was between Wang and Kono, he added. China-Japan relations have gone through some twists and turns in recent years, which have affected bilateral communication and cooperation in various areas. Since last year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent positive messages on a number of occasions on enhancing bilateral relationship, which have been noted and welcomed by China. Thanks to joint efforts, bilateral relationship has showed signs of recovery. Bilateral trade rallied to some US$300 billion in 2017, and the number of tourists going to Japan from Chinese mainland reached 7.3 million, up 15 percent year-on-year. "The improvement in ties, marked by Wang's visit, is in the interests of both China and Japan who are close economic partners, and will also have a positive impact on the region's stability and prosperity," said Imori. Jin Jianmin, a senior fellow at Fujitsu Research Institute in Tokyo, said that the improvement is particularly significant under the current circumstances with turbulence continuing and trade protectionism on the rise worldwide. Dr. Shin Chiba, a professor specializing in political theory at International Christian University, said that "strengthening the current Japan-China bilateral ties is indeed good for both countries not only in terms of economic relationships but also other aspects, including political relations, for the present and the future." Liu Di, a professor at Kyorin University in Tokyo, has a similar view,saying enhancing ties with China at such a time also has political significance for Japan. "With destabilizing factors and uncertainties in the world, the Japanese government and the public have increasingly realized the importance of having a good relationship with China in order to adapt to the new circumstances," he said. NEW HISTORICAL OPPORTUNITIES The warming of bilateral ties will also open up a new scope for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially with China's plans to expand reform and opening up and its Belt and Road Initiative, experts pointed out. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new measures for expanding China's reform and opening-up at the 2018 annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia, which will surely provide new opportunities for cooperation between China and Japan, experts noted. Meanwhile, the Japanese economic circle has also been stepping up calls for joining China's Belt and Road Initiative so as to share China's development fruits. Jin said that China and Japan reaffirmed in the economic dialogue the importance of free trade under the multilateral framework of World Trade Organization (WTO), discussed issues about Belt and Road cooperation as well as efforts to promote regional free trade such as the building of China-Japan-the Republic of Korea Free Trade Area (FTA). "As the United States, under US President Donald Trump, is very unstable, I believe that China-Japan economic and political relationships will become all the more important," said Chiba. "Such coordination in trade and investment liberalization policies between the two countries will help curb trade protectionism in the world while providing a stable and predictable policy environment for cooperation between enterprises," said Jin. Besides traditional areas, Jin said that the two countries also pledged to expand cooperation in new economic areas, such as the sharing economy, medical and elderly care, which will bring bilateral economic cooperation to a higher level. "The economic dialogue, covering not only bilateral economic ties, but also Asian economic integration and world free trade, will set a positive example for maintaining and developing global economic order," said Liu. FURTHER EFFORTS NEEDED Experts also noted that current China-Japan ties are still disturbed by various complicated and sensitive factors, including historical and territorial issues. During his visit, Wang called on the Japanese side to work with China to strictly abide by the principles established in the four important political documents between China and Japan. The two sides should properly handle sensitive issues related to the political foundation of bilateral relations, and fully implement the consensus of treating each other as a cooperative partner, Wang said. Hiroshi Onishi, a professor of economics at Keio University in Tokyo, noted that there are still some ultra-rightists in Japan. He called for more people-to-people and cultural exchanges to promote mutual trust and understanding. It's a long-term and challenging task to overcome disturbances and interferences to improve bilateral relationship, and would need the joint efforts of the governments and people of both countries, Liu said. Imori is optimistic about the future of China-Japan relationship. "Personally, I think this (recent improvement in ties) is the direction that Japan and China should always be heading in, even if there might be a few bumps in the roads ahead -- this also underscores the importance of always maintaining open and honest dialogue," he said. Obtained by ABC News(PHILADELPHIA) -- Jennifer Riordan, a bank executive, community leader and mother of two, died Tuesday when her Southwest Airlines flight blew an engine in midair and its debris smashed a cabin window. Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was among 144 passengers and five crew members on board when the Boeing 737 suffered an engine failure some 20 minutes after takeoff from New Yorks LaGuardia International Airport, while en route to Dallas Love Field Airport, according to authorities. Two passengers managed to pull Riordan back inside when she was partially sucked out of the shattered window, according to witnesses. She was given CPR while the pilot was forced to make an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Riordan was transported to a nearby hospital where she later died, though officials did not immediately confirm a cause of death. She leaves behind a husband, Michael Riordan, as well as two children. Jennifer Riordan has passed away as a result of previously reported events on Southwest Airlines flight No. 1380, her family said in a statement. Jennifers vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children. In addition to being a wife and mother, Riordan was vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo in Albuquerque, where she was "loved and respected," according to a company statement. "The Wells Fargo family is saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Jennifer Riordan a community relations leader in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was a well-known leader who was loved and respected," according to the statement. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, Riordan worked in media relations and marketing at the schools Health Sciences Center, according to colleagues. "Jennifer was an amazing community leader, team member, wife and mother," Paul Roth, chancellor for University of New Mexicos Health Sciences Center, said in a statement posted to Facebook. Her passion for our community, our students and our future was unwavering. We are committed to carrying on her work to ensure quality education and career opportunities to New Mexicos youth." Riordan became a key member of the Albuquerque community through her "leadership and philanthropic efforts," Mayor Tim Keller. "Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community," Keller said in a statement posted on social media. "This is a tremendous and tragic loss for Jennifers family and many others throughout our city. Her leadership and philanthropic efforts made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed." The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating Tuesday's incident. Boeing said it is providing technical help to the investigation, with which Southwest Airlines is cooperating. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. A class action lawsuit filed in a Georgia federal district court on Tuesday accuses [complaint, PDF] CoreCivil [corporate website], one of the countrys largest private prison contractors, of maintain[ing] a deprivation scheme intended to force detained immigrants to work for nearly free in order to maximize its profits, in violation of federal labor law and common law equity principles. The action was brought in the US District Court for the Middle District of Georgia [official website] by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Law Office of R. Andrew Free, Project South and Burns Charest LLP [websites] on behalf of three immigrants detained at CoreCivics Stewart Detention Center in Lumpkin, Georgia. The plaintiffs contend that any detainees who refuse to participate in the Stuart Centers voluntary work program are subject to harsh retaliatory conditions. The complaint states that the coercive nature is to such an extent that it is essentially a mandate: CoreCivic deprives detained immigrants of basic necessities like food, toothpaste, toilet paper, and soapand contact with loved onesso that they have to work in order to purchase those items and costly phone cards at CoreCivics commissary. CoreCivic then threatens detained immigrants who refuse to work with serious harm, including the deprivation of privacy and safety in open living quarters, referral for criminal prosecution, and, ultimately, the sensory and psychological deprivation of their humanity resulting from solitary confinement. Under these circumstances, no labor is voluntaryit is forced. The deprivation of basic necessities, placement in solitary confinement, and threatened use of prosecution for failure to follow a work order are all argued as violations of federal forced labor standards [text]. The plaintiffs further argue that CoreCivic, which is one of the nations most profitable private prison companies, has been unjustly enriched as a result of their forced labor practices. Inmates are required to perform the routine work necessary to keep such a facility operational (sweeping, mopping, cooking, scrubbing toilets, etc.) but are only paid between 1 dollar and 4 dollars per day [and] [u]nder no circumstances does CoreCivic pay the detained immigrant workers anything close to the federal minimum wage. The plaintiffs argue that: CoreCivics economic windfall, and the profitability of its immigration detention enterprise, arises from its corporate scheme, plan, and pattern of systemically withholding basic necessities from detained immigrants to ensure a readily available, captive labor force that cleans, maintains, and operates its facilities for subminimum wages under threat of solitary confinement, criminal prosecution, and other sanctions Without this nearly free labor, CoreCivics windfall from immigrant detention would be substantially decreased. As such, the plaintiffs seek damages for all immigrants who participated in the voluntary work program for the past decade. The Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Monday voted 139-56 [text] to approve HB 2050 [text, PDF], which prohibits abortions if the fetus is diagnosed with or believed to have Down syndrome. In April the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania (ACLU) [advocacy website] referred [ACLU report] to the bill as an unconstitutional restriction on reproductive rights, thereby making it unenforceable. Executive Director Reggie Shuford said, The representatives who voted for this bill failed to give any serious consideration to its legal ramifications. Instead, they chose to pursue their extreme agenda to harm women. This bill is unconstitutional and unenforceable. And any serious person in the House knows it. Others in opposition of the bill argue that it does nothing to offer support, financial or otherwise, to those subsequently born with Down syndrome. According to Legislative Director of the ACLU Elizabeth Randol, This bill does nothing to educate or provide assistance to a woman and her family about having a child with a disability and does nothing to ensure that people living with disabilities have access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities, or other vital services they may need. Pennsylvania House Speakers Mike Turzai and Judy Ward, sponsors of the bill, argued [press release] that the bill is an concerned effort to reduce the number of abortions based on the diagnosis of Down syndrome, which is at almost 90 percent. A similar bill was passed in Ohio and was temporarily blocked [JURIST report] by a federal judge, concluding that a womans right to choose to terminate her pregnancy pre-viability is categorical and that the State cannot dictate what factors a woman is permitted to consider in making her choice. In 2016 then-Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed into law [JURIST report] a similar bill, which banned abortions motivated by the fetus gender, race or potential disabilities. This bill was later also blocked by a federal judge, finding that limiting the reasons for an abortion was inconsistent with the notion of a right rooted in privacy concerns and a liberty right to make independent decisions. The Pennsylvania bill now makes it way to the Senate. US Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) proposed a new bill [text, PDF] Monday that would replace the 2001 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force (AUMF). The proposed legislation includes several new provisions including: the use of all necessary and appropriate forces against al Qaeda, the Taliban and Islamic State, along with any designated associated forces; a congressional review process every four years over the military force being used with the president submitting a proposal to modify, repeal, or leave the AUMF; reports from the president to congress on all new designated forces; and immediate force from the president against designated forces with 48 hour notice to congress. If congress chooses not to act within 60 days of the initial report the authorities remain in place. Corker, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said [press release]: There have been a number of efforts over the years to update these authorities, and while there is still work ahead, I am pleased that we have reached an agreement on a product for the committee to consider and that I hope will ultimately strike an appropriate balance of ensuring the administration has the flexibility necessary to win this fight while strengthening the rightful and necessary role of Congress. Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, also explained: For too long, Congress has given Presidents a blank check to wage war. Weve let the 9/11 and Iraq War authorizations get stretched to justify wars against multiple terrorist groups in over a dozen countries, from Niger to the Philippines. Our proposal finally repeals those authorizations and makes Congress do its job by weighing in on where, when, and with who we are at war. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee [official website] has exclusive jurisdiction over AUMF and is scheduled to debate, amend and vote on the proposed legislation the week of April 23. The US Supreme Court on Tuesday held [opinion, PDF] that Microsoft is required to disclose a customers electronic information stored overseas when it was suspected in furthering illegal drug trafficking. The per curium opinion vacated and remanded the judgment [opinion, PDF] of the US court of appeals, which held the disclosure to be unauthorized due to the informations storage in Ireland. The court justified its opinion by citing the newly passed CLOUD Act [text] signed by President Donald Trump in March. The original issue before the court was whether, when the Government has obtained a warrant under 18 USC 2703 [text], a US provider of e-mail services must disclose to the Government electronic communications within its control even if the provider stores the communications abroad. However, the recently passed CLOUD Act amended 2703 and essentially answered the question before the court by stating in relevant part: A [service provider] shall comply with the obligations of this chapter to preserve, backup, or disclose the contents of a wire or electronic communication and any record or other information pertaining to a customer or subscriber within such providers possession, custody, or control, regardless of whether such communication, record, or other information is located within or outside of the United States. The case originated in 2013 when federal law enforcement agents applied to the US district court for a 2703 warrant requiring Microsoft to disclose all emails and other relevant information associated with the account of one of its customers thought to be used to further illegal drug trafficking. Upon determining that the government indeed had probable cause to believe this to be the case, the magistrate issued the requested warrant. The warrant required Microsoft to disclose the contents of the specified email account and all other records associated with the account to the extent that the information is within Microsofts possession, custody, or control. However, Microsoft opposed the warrant when they determined that the accounts e-mail contents were stored in a sole location in Dublin, Ireland. After a hearing in the district court required Microsoft to comply with the warrant despite the informations location overseas, the court of appeals reversed. Then, following the passing of the CLOUD Act, the government obtained a new warrant under the new Acts authority which unambiguously authorized the information disclosure. As both parties agreed that the new warrant replaced the original issued under 2703, the court deemed the case moot, and remanded to the court of appeals to oversee the information disclosure. Four Gorgeous Reasons to Visit Northern France Paris captured my heart in 2002 during my first visit. But it turned into a binding love in 2014 when I returned with Will for our engagement. By the time we returned yet again in 2016, we enjoyed a long-standing relationship. Its a beautiful city and Ill forever have a place in my heart for Parisian culture. But while planning our trip to France this past March, we knew it was time to branch out. Rather than kick around ol Paris for the fourth time in almost as many years, we broadened our horizons and set our sights firmly on new-to-us geography: Northern France. Northern France has so much to offer but its a part of the country that often gets overlooked, especially by Americans. After all, there is no Eiffel Tower or world-famous museum and the weather can be tempestuous at best {especially in the winter!} Nevertheless, we booked an AirBnB and a rental car, figuring we could suss out the itinerary later. Sure enough, we didnt regret it. Northern France is stunning and I only wish wed had more time to explore! You better believe well be making a return trip. Until then, check out our four favorite stops below, and definitely add them to your itinerary if you plan on visiting France in the near future! Honfleur While deciding where to call home base, I naively typed the phrase most beautiful towns in France into the Google machine. High tech, amiright? Most responses were towns located on the France-Switzerland border, and for good reason; its easy to be beautiful when towering mountains are the backdrop! But a few of these lists mentioned a small port town called Honfleur. Glancing through photos, the buildings immediately caught my fancy, so we booked an AirBnB smack in the middle of downtown. Its not a big deal if we dont like it, I explained to Will. Worst case scenario, its just a place to rest our heads. Fortunately, Honfleur makes it impossible to dislike. One of the first things we encountered while driving into town was the Vieux Bassin, or old dock. This stunning little port is likely Honfleurs main attraction, and for good reason. Yachts have replaced the old fishing boats of yore, but its easy to imagine old-time fishermen walking around the docks. Tall, narrow timber-framed buildings with slate roofs line the streets around the port, decked out in their cheeriest colors. To dodge jet lag {and keep the baby awake}, we snagged an alfresco table at one such building and housed a stack of Nutella crepes before lunch. While inhaling the chocolate goodness, I commented to Will: This town is so damn beautiful. I feel like Im living in Beauty and the Beast. Because thats how I felt about Honfleur: like it was straight out of a Disney movie. In addition to the beautiful port, Honfleur has an adorable town center with tiny cobblestone streets zig-zagging every which way. Our AirBnB was a short walk up one such street and I never got tired of window peeping at the art galleries and boutique wine stores and chocolate shops as we walked to and from town. In fact, one night, Will dropped Liliana and I off at the flat, saying he was going to park the car. He was gone an abnormally long period of time and I had just begun to worry when I heard his footsteps climbing the steep staircase. He opened the door with a huge grin on his face, and I immediately saw why: instead of parking the car, he had jogged down the street and snagged a bottle of wine and a box full of delicious chocolates from one of the shops. THIS is how we do vacation, he told me. Man, I love this guy. The Battle of Normandy: D-Day Beaches Just after midnight on June 6, 1944, thousands of American, Canadian, and British forces began an aerial assault on the 50-mile stretch of Normandy coastline. Broken into five beaches, the Allied attacks have become known by the name of the corresponding beach: Omaha, Gold, Juno, Sword, and Utah. The amphibious attack began around 6:30am and with it came the infamous Battle of Normandy. By the end of the first day, only two of the beaches were linked (Juno and Gold); the remainder of the beaches were not linked until June 12, six days later. D-Day was the largest seaborne invasion in history and still takes credit for beginning the liberation of North Western Europe from Nazi-German control. This battle laid the foundation for the Allied victory on the Western Front. But while the invasion was considered a success, it didnt come without loss. Over the entire 76-day battle, the Allied forces reported 210,000 casualties and 37,000 troops killed. I thought about all of this while standing on Omaha Beach. The weather seemed fitting: icy wind gusts whipped through my Gore-Tex shell and needle-like rain drops drilled the side of my face, leaving stinging and angry welts. The weather was so miserable that Will and I opted to leave Liliana in the car and take turns on the beach. This was no place for a baby. I stook in the sand next to the stainless steel sculpture that commemorates the soldiers. In front of me, thundering waves crashed into the shorelines and I imagined thousands of soldiers riding rafts through the white caps, not knowing whether they would ever get a chance to return home again. Behind me, I studied the grass-filled bluffs where German soldiers lay waiting. I tried to imagine men climbing those bluffs with bullets raining down on them. Such courage. Such bravery. Such selflessness. Ive been told the beaches are a veritable zoo during the summer months but Im glad we visited in the winter. Between the horrific weather and the lack of people, I felt I was able to wrap my head around the somberness of the location and its historical importance in a way that would have been impossible with tour buses full of people. Etretat Ill admit it: when showed up in Etretat, I was not in the tourist kind of mood. Liliana experienced a major diaper blowout as we pulled into the parking lot and then proceeded to throw a fit while we tried to change her outfit in the small backseat of our rental car. Fair enough, kid, I thought to myself. I wouldnt like to sit in a diaper either. The situation escalated when we realized that while normal in this neck of the woods, the weather was the kind that can make you miserable: chilly, windy, and wet. This called for multiple layers, a fleece onesie, and then a snowsuit for Liliana before cramming her inside the Ergo on front of me. Needless to say, she was less than pleased and made her opinions known, loud and clear! But, the apple clearly didnt fall far from the tree with that kid. We gave her a 10 minute cap: if she wasnt over it within that time frame, wed head back to the car, figuring she would tell us if she was uncomfortable or cold. But turns out, we didnt need that much time. I hadnt been wandering around the stone-covered beach for two minutes before I realized I was walking in silence. I glanced at her face and saw her wide-eyed and content; she was in love with the beauty of Etretat, too! She isnt the first. Famous artists such as Monet and Eugene Boudin flocked to Etretat to paint the white chalk cliffs and natural arches that dramatically rise from the misty and murky beach. Im no artist, but I understood the appeal. These are like the Cliffs of Insanity, I commented to Will. You know, from Princess Bride? Will headed down to the water with his camera and I scampered around the beach with Liliana, climbing in and out of caves and poking throughout the various tide pools. The rain fell heavily so I busted out an umbrella to keep Liliana dry. I was quite the sight, climbing up and down the cliffs with a sleeping baby hanging on the front of my chest and an umbrella over my head, but you do what you gotta do, right? I found one deep cave that gave access to a windy, dark tunnel you could walk through to reach the other side of the arch. I considered it for a moment, but then remembered the baby sleeping on my chest. Considering tide was rolling in, it was likely better than I not get stuck on the wrong side of the arch with nowhere to go! Instead, we located the well-trodden path that led to the top of the sea arch. Since sunset was fast approaching, we were the only people willing to brave the chilly temps as the sun dipped below the horizon. Fortunately, the rain ceased as darkness began to fall, almost as if Mother Nature was rewarding us for our patience. The weather cleared and we were treated to an ethereal sunset that bathed the deserted beach and white cliffs in a pink tinge, just soft enough to remind you that such a color existed. It was stunning. Le Mont Saint-Michel If Honfleur was like a town from Beauty and the Beast, Mont Saint-Michel was the castle from Sleeping Beauty. To be fair, its not a castle in the true sense of the word. Rather, its more like an island commune, completely segregated from the mainland when the tide rolls into shore. It is located 2000 feet into the ocean which meant it was close enough for peasants to walk to the abbey during low tide. But, during high tide, it was easily defensible. In fact, the islands claim to fame is that it remained unconquered during the Hundred Years War. A monastery sits atop the island, exemplifying the feudal society of the day: God in the middle, then the great halls below that followed by the storage areas below that, and finally, at the very bottom outside of the walls, houses for the fishermen and farmers. Nowadays, you park in a parking lot on the mainland and catch a free bus or walk over the bridge that spans that ocean gap out to the island. Walking through the main gate felt like walking back into medieval times. A stone street climbed the hill with tiny shops on each side. At present, the buildings are filled with creperies and souvenir stores, but I could easily envision royalty and shop keeps from days gone by. We climbed all the way to the top in order to snag a view of the mainland, and I delighted in hearing the church bells toll as we looked out on France. ******************** SaveSave SaveSave In a background briefing on Abe's visit Friday, the official, who asked not to be named, said the meetings at Trump's personal resort Mar-a-Lago in Florida would start in the afternoon on April 17 with a one-on-one meeting, followed by a small-group discussion that will include some of their top national security officials. The Trump-Abe discussions, the second of its kind between the two since last year, would continue with a larger bilateral meeting where the leaders could expand their discussions to include a range of "priority bilateral issues," said the official. He added that the two sides are likely to focus on how their two countries can jointly promote trade ties and ensure universal access to affordable energy, high-quality trade and investment standards. The official also said the visit is an opportunity for the two leaders to continue their coordination on the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula and exchange views before Trump meets Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Later on April 18, the two leaders would give a joint press conference, highlighting areas of mutual interest and cooperation. Abe would depart for home on the morning of April 19. * Russia told the United Nations Security Council on April 17 there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because the United States and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner. * The top US, Canadian and Mexican officials driving the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) renegotiations will meet in Washington on April 19, a Canadian government source said on April 17, as pressure for a quick deal mounted. * The European Commission will put forward a proposed free-trade agreement with Japan for fast-track approval on April 18, hoping to avoid a repeat of the public protests that nearly derailed a trade pact with Canada two years ago. * Russian Prime Ministry Dmitry Medevdev said on April 17 that the Russian economy is facing urgent challenges and it is necessary to keep the economy from being negatively impacted by a new round of Western sanctions. * Turkish cabinet on April 17 advised parliament to extend the state of emergency for three more months. Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said the state of emergency is targeting at terrorists and terror groups, rather than peaceful citizens. * Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and the President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on April 17 asked Europe to "give a push" towards economic and monetary union. * Russia has agreed to a six-month extension of overflight approvals for US airlines, the US State Department said on April 17 hours before the agreement on overflights was due to expire. * Oil prices settled higher on April 17 as investors continued to monitor geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) for May delivery increased US$0.30 to settle at US$66.52 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for June delivery added US$0.16 to close at US$71.58 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange. * Boosting commercial exchanges and investments remain a priority of Romania in its relation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Romanian President Klaus Iohannis told visiting UAE Minister of State Sultan Bin Ahmad Sultan Al Jaber on April 17. Xi calls for efforts to break new ground in national security The CNS Liaoning aircraft carrier and a new-generation nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine participate in the sea parade on Thursday. (China Daily Photo) BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday called for efforts to fully implement a holistic approach to national security and break new ground in national security in the new era. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at the first meeting of the 19th CPC Central Committee National Security Commission, which he heads. Xi stressed efforts to strengthen the centralized, unified leadership of the Party over national security and provide a firm safety guarantee for realizing the two centenary goals and the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. Senior leaders Li Keqiang and Li Zhanshu also attended the meeting which was presided over by Xi. For the four years since its establishment, the commission has initially built up the framework, developed a theory, and improved the strategies of national security, and established mechanisms for coordinating relevant work, Xi noted. "The commission has solved many tough problems that were long on the agenda but never resolved, and accomplished many things that were wanted but never got done," Xi said. "The work of national security has been comprehensively strengthened, and a firm hold has been kept on the initiative in the overall work of safeguarding national security," he added. Xi stressed efforts to guard against all kinds of risks and challenges and enhance capacity-building for national security. To fully implement the holistic approach to national security, both development and security should be ensured, Xi noted. Xi said the work regarding national security should meet the new requirements in the new era. The work at present should be effectively handled while that matters in the long run should also be considered, Xi said. He called for concrete efforts to safeguard political security, establish sound national security systems and institutions, improve strategies and policies and enhance capacity-building. Measures to prevent and control risks, promote rule of law and raise the national security awareness should also be intensified, according to Xi. Xi stressed that the CPC's absolute leadership over national security work must be upheld and the Party should exercise a stronger leading role and more effective coordination in this respect. Moreover, Xi said Party building in national security system should be enhanced to make sure that the personnel working in this system are loyal, reliable and resolute in upholding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership. Tuesday's meeting reviewed and adopted a regulation which stipulates the responsibilities of CPC committees and leading Party members groups at all levels in safeguarding national security. The document requires them to enhance checks and inspections in this regard to ensure that the CPC Central Committee's relevant decisions and policies are properly China will phase out share-holding limits for foreign investors in the automobile sector, the country's top economic planner said Tuesday. Chevrolet Equinox SUVs are being assembled on the assembly line at an auto plant of SAIC-GM, a joint venture between SAIC Motor and General Motors, in Wuhan city, central Chinas Hubei province, 7 April 2017.[Photo:IC] Share-holding limits for special-purpose vehicles and new energy vehicles will be scrapped for foreign investors in 2018, while those for commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles will be lifted in 2020 and 2022 respectively, according to the National Development and Reform Commission. China will also scrap share-holding limits in the shipbuilding and airplane manufacturing sectors for foreign investors this year. The limits will be lifted on shipbuilding processes including design, manufacturing and repair, and on production of airplanes including trunk and regional airliners, general-purpose airplanes, helicopters, drones and aerostats. California almond growers said they were worried over losing exports to its 3rd largest export destination amid rising U.S.-China trade tensions, according to a statement of Almond Board of California. "The entire California Almond industry is closely monitoring the recently imposed China tariffs, as China is the U.S.' 3rd largest export market for almonds, with a value of over 500 million U.S. dollars," said the Almond Board of California's President and CEO, Richard Waycott, in a statement published in American Journal of Transportation on April 13. The Almond Board of California is an agricultural promotion group represents California Almond growers, processors and handlers. It provides information to members about the expectation of supply and demand each year, as well as monitors and creates marketing campaigns to their customers. "Unimpeded market access in China and around the globe is essential, as almonds are California's top agricultural export," Waycott added. Despite strong warnings from business groups and trade experts, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a memorandum last month 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. Trump also ordered his chief trade negotiator this month to consider imposing tariffs on an additional 100 billion dollars of Chinese products. China vowed to fight back immediately and fiercely without hesitation. U.S. farmers are in the eye of the trade storm and worry that they will be the potential victims in the so-called trade war with China. "We encourage continued efforts that will ensure that agriculture, within the global trade environment, continues to expand," said Waycott, appealing for an avoidance of actions that would jeopardize U.S. agricultural trade with China. "Global almond trade is fundamental to the long-term well-being of the state by generating over 100,000 jobs across multiple professions, resulting in more than 21 billion U.S. dollars of gross revenue and adding about 11 billion U.S. dollars to the state's economy," according to the statement. The U.S. almond industry has been active in China for more than 20 years, with marketing and trade promotion activities. Exports to China, prior to the additional tariff, were anticipated to continue growing at about 6 percent per year, according to the statement of Waycott. "Market development activities in China have contributed to economic growth in both countries, benefiting California growers and Chinese consumers with a healthy, safe food choice," he stressed. California is the world's largest producer of almonds, supplying about 80 percent of the global demand. There are around 6,800 California Almond farms. Of those, 91 percent are family farms. Trump says US has direct talks with DPRK at 'very high levels' WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have already started direct talks at "very high levels." US President Donald Trump awaits the arrival of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida US April 17, 2018. [Photo/Agencies] Trump made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in the US state of Florida after his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels, with North Korea (DPRK)," Trump said. He also told reporters that five sites were currently being weighed as the venue for a meeting between him and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un, which has been planned to take place in May or early June. When asked by reporters if any of the sites were located in the United States, Trump said "no." Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. Tan Qindong Guangdong-based doctor Tan Qindong is reportedly out on bail after the procuratorate cited lack of evidence and returned the case to the public security department for further investigation. "It's a victory of justice," Deng Liqiang, director of the legal department of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association (CMDA), told the Global Times on Tuesday. Tan wrote an article in December 2017, saying "Hongmao medicinal liquor is poison." The public security bureau of Liangcheng county in North China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region had detained him since January 2018, where the medicinal liquor company is based, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Sunday. Tan is out of the detention house, Beijing Youth Daily reported on Tuesday, citing Hu Dingfeng, Tan's attorney. He likewise met officers from the local procuratorate and public security department of Inner Mongolia, who said they would review the case. "The facts of the case are not clear, evidence is lacking," according to a notice released by the local procuratorate in Inner Mongolia on Tuesday afternoon on its Wechat account. "The case will be sent back to the security department for supplementary investigation and the current criminal compulsory measures should be changed." Tan's lawyer received the notice and was allowed to take Tan out Tuesday afternoon after he met Tan in the morning on the same day, Deng said. The Ministry of Public Security has started a supervision system over the inspection work of Inner Mongolia's security department, according to a notice released by the ministry on Tuesday. The State drug administration has formed a team to determine whether the category of Hongmao medicinal liquor should be changed from non-prescription to prescription medicine, an administration spokesperson told a press conference on Monday. A total of 137 cases of untoward effects after drinking the liquor were reported from 2004 to 2017, according to the spokesperson. "The company needs to explain the safety and effectiveness of its product to the public," the spokesperson said. By MICHAEL BALSAMO , Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) The largest manufacturer of bump stocks, which allow semi-automatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms, announced Wednesday that it will stop taking orders and shut down its website next month. The announcement comes about a month after President Donald Trump said his administration would "ban" bump stocks, which he said "turn legal weapons into illegal machines." The devices became a focal point of the national gun control debate when they were used in October when a man carried out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. About a dozen bump stocks were found among the weapons used by Stephen Paddock when he unleashed a hail of bullets from his high-rise Las Vegas hotel suite, killing 58 people and leaving more than 800 others injured. Slide Fire Solutions, which is based in Moran, Texas, posted a message on its website saying the company will stop taking orders at midnight on May 20. The company provided no other details and did not say why it was shutting down. There was no immediate response to a request for comment sent through Slide Fire's website and the company's founder and CEO, Jeremiah Cottle, did not immediately respond to a LinkedIn message seeking comment. The Brady Center for Gun Violence filed a lawsuit against Slide Fire after the Las Vegas mass shooting and alleged that the company "provided a product that turned a semi-automatic gun into the functional equivalent of a machine gun, thereby evading longstanding federal law." "Bump stocks should not be available for sale to the general public, and they should never have been allowed to be sold," said Avery Gardiner, the co-president of the Brady Center. "I'm sure in the lawsuit, we'll learn more about their announcement about closing their website and what they plan to do with their assets, including their patent. This sure seems to be a positive development." The Justice Department said last month that it had started the process to amend federal firearms regulations to clarify that federal law defines bump stocks as machine guns. That would reverse a 2010 decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that found bump stocks did not amount to machine guns and could not be regulated unless Congress amended existing firearms law or passed a new one. Some states have also sought their own restrictions. Last week, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, signed a package of bills that included a ban on bump stocks. A far-reaching school safety bill signed last month by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, also a Republican, included a bump stocks ban and was immediately met with a lawsuit by the National Rifle Association. ___ Associated Press Business Writer Matt Ott in Washington contributed to this report. MEDFORD, Ore. If there's any worse place to travel in the country right now than Oregon at large, then it's Southern Oregon specifically. According to a new report from AAA, Oregon gas prices are well above the national average. The current national average is $2.719the highest prices have been in almost three years, since July of 2015. Oregon's average price: $3.138, which is also the highest in three years. A table from AAA (viewable below) ranks prices within Oregon based on metropolitan area. Medford/Ashland's current average gas price is $3.226above the state average, and the highest price of all Oregon metro areas studied. The only higher price comes from Vancouver, Wash.just across the Columbia River from Portland and thus, out of state. According to Marie Dodds, public affairs director for AAA Oregon/Idaho, the chief reasons for climbing gas prices are "higher crude oil prices, unrest in the Middle East, and strong demand for gasoline in the U.S. and around the world." Last month, Dodd said that spiking prices were due in large part to refineries switching from winter-blend to summer-blend gasolines, causing them to go off line for maintenance. Travelers should plan now for higher gas prices for their summer road trips, said Dodds. AAA forecasts that 88 million American families will vacation this summer, with two-thirds of those planning to drive. CLICK HERE to see our article on AAA's report from March. By PHILIP ISSA and MICHAEL CORDER , Associated Press BEIRUT (AP) Assailants opened fire at a U.N. security team visiting the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack in Syria, an official said Wednesday, forcing it to retreat to its base and further delaying a fact-finding mission by outside experts to examine the claims. Gunmen shot at the U.N. team in Douma on Tuesday and detonated an explosive, leading it to return to Damascus, said the head of the international chemical weapons watchdog, Ahmet Uzumcu. He did not identify the assailants. Inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons have been waiting since Saturday to visit Douma, the site of the alleged April 7 attack. They were initially blocked by the Syrian government and its ally, Russia, on Monday. Then on Tuesday, the advance security team from the U.N. came under fire, compounding the delays. The OPCW inspectors have not yet been able to visit the site, and Uzumcu did not say when they would deploy. The town is under the protection of Russia's military police. The Russian military said a Syrian security employee was slightly wounded in the crossfire Tuesday, but no Russian servicemen were at the site of the attack. Journalists visiting Douma on a government-organized tour Monday did not report any security threats. The Associated Press met with residents who said they were overwhelmed by chlorine fumes on the night of the alleged attack, and lost their loved ones. With 11 days now having passed, concerns are growing that evidence could fall prey to tampering or be otherwise compromised. In response, the opposition's Syrian Civil Defense, whose first responders were operating in Douma on the night of the alleged attack, gave the chemical weapons watchdog the locations of victims' graves so it could salvage evidence, the group's chief, Raed Saleh, told the AP. The Civil Defense no longer has a presence in Douma after being evacuated to rebel-held areas of northern Syria when the government took over the town. The government says the Civil Defense is a terrorist organization. The U.S., which has drawn its own conclusions about the attack on Douma, accused the Syrian government and Russia of trying to cover up evidence of their culpability. Washington has not released any details of the evidence it has collected. Russia and the Syrian government denied responsibility for the alleged attack, which took place during a government assault on the then rebel-held town. The Army of Islam surrendered Douma two days later. The U.S., France and Britain struck against suspected chemical weapons facilities belonging to the Syrian government on Saturday, after concluding that Syrian President Bashar Assad's forces were behind the attack. Russia has accused the rebels of staging the attack with support from Britain, an allegation that Britain has strongly denied. Syrian state media reported Tuesday that OPCW inspectors had entered Douma, but the Syrian government later said that only a U.N. advance security team went in. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tuesday the U.S. did not believe the inspectors had entered Douma, and that the evidence was at risk of being compromised as delays dragged on. "We've seen that the Russian government and the Syrian government their whole goal in this is to try to cover up. Their goal is to try to deflect attention," she said. "But the fact of the matter is that Bashar al-Assad is responsible yet again for gassing and killing innocent men, women and children." Russia's military said Tuesday it had uncovered a chemical weapons stockpile left behind by the rebels in Douma. The claim could not be independently verified. First responders and activists say more than 40 people were killed the night of the attack, many found with foam around their mouths, a sign of suffocation. Medical workers said they treated symptoms including difficulty breathing and fainting. If confirmed, it would not be the first chemical weapons attack in Syria's more than 7-year-old civil war. The U.N.-mandated Independent International Commission on Syria has documented more than 30 chemical attacks in Syria between 2013 and the end of 2017 and says at least 25 of them were carried out by the Syrian military. For the rest, it had insufficient evidence to determine the perpetrator. Most involved chlorine gas. Meanwhile, Syrian state media reported that rebels in a town northeast of Damascus were surrendering their weapons as part of an agreement to hand over control to the Syrian government. Fighters from the Army of Islam and their families were to leave the town of Dumayr as part of the arrangement, the state-affiliated al-Ikhbariya TV station said. Some 1,500 gunmen and 3,500 others were expected to relocate to opposition-held territory in northern Syria, it said. The Syrian military would then resume control. The U.N. and human rights agencies say such arrangements amount to forced population displacement, a war crime. They say civilians should not be forced out of their homes in war. ___ Corder reported from The Hague. Associated Press writer Zeina Karam in Beirut contributed to this report. Angel Rodriguez Negron fills his gasoline container at a gas station while others line up behind him, after a general power outage in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Officials say it will take 24 to 36 hours to restore power after a Island-wide blackout hit Puerto Rico nearly seven months after Hurricane Maria. (AP Photo/Carlos Giusti) This Feb. 22, 2016 photo shows blouses and purses on display at the Encore Plus consignment store in Boca Raton, Fla. From wedding dresses to summer apparel, consumers planning to add new items to their wardrobes are being warned to watch out for knock-off brand name merchandise that are increasingly tricking online shoppers.THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP/Kelli Kennedy DAMASCUS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Investigators of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) entered the Douma district in east of Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday to start investigating the allegations of chemical weapons use, state TV reported. No more details were disclosed about the entry of the team to the previously rebel-held district, where an alleged gas attack by Syrian troops reportedly killed dozens of people and triggered off the U.S.-led joint airstrikes on Syria on Saturday morning. Syria has strongly rejected the allegations as fabrication by the rebels and Western countries to justify a military attack on the country. The OPCW investigators, who arrived in Damascus on Saturday, have held several meetings with Syrian officials. The Syrian government and its ally Russia had urged the OPCW to send a team to Douma to investigate the alleged use of chlorine gas. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said his government is keen to cooperate with the investigators, state news agency SANA reported. Mekdad said that the investigators had held meetings with the Syrian government and discussed about carrying out its work with transparency, impartiality, and accuracy. The U.S.-led military strike on Syria has been widely criticized for prejudgment before the investigators reach a conclusion on if there was a gas attack or who should be responsible for it. It is not the first time that the Syrian government has been accused of using chemical weapons. In April, 2017, the U.S. launched a similar missile attack on a Syrian air base in the central province of Homs over the same allegation. In this March 14, 2018 photo, Tricia Shaw, an entrepreneur program student at Schenectady County Community College, shops at the campus food pantry in Schenectady, N.Y. New York is making free food pantries a standard fixture on all its public college campuses. It's part of efforts across the nation to deal with the ripple effect of rising college costs and changing student demographics that make it hard for some students to afford basics such as food. (AP Photo/Mary Esch) Meghan Markle attends a reception with Britain's Prince Harry for the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, Wednesday April 18, 2018. A dog adopted from an Ontario rescue home has proved to be of royal pedigree after having been whisked off to the United Kingdom to live with owner Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Yui Mok/Pool via AP Faith Dickinson is shown in a handout photo. A 15-year-old Ontario girl who scored an invitation to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding says she's now being approached by designers who want to dress her for the big event. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-The Diana Award MANDATORY CREDIT West Kelowna marijuana shops like this one would be banned under a proposed city bylaw that explicitly prohibits the sale of the drug. A public hearing on the measure will be held May 22. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a market-shaking decision on Monday to deny export privileges against ZTE, a leading Chinese telecom equipment company, stoking up the tension of trade relations between the two countries. The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a market-shaking decision on Monday to deny export privileges against ZTE, a leading Chinese telecom equipment company. [File photo: China Business News/IC] This was only the latest and one of the many cases of Chinese companies being sanctioned by the United States over the past years. The Trump administration has been accusing China on trade surplus, intellectual property protection and other issues. China's biggest smart phone producer Huawei still can't make a meaningful entry into the United States after decades of efforts, as AT&T and Best Buy rejected or stopped selling Huawei phones weeks ago due to pressure from the administration in the name of "national security" concerns. "National security" has become a magic tool for the world's biggest developed free market economy to restrict businesses of Chinese companies. While asking China to further open its financial sector, which China did do so gradually based on the reality of its domestic economic development and announced other significant moves recently, the U.S. government blocked China's Ant Financial's acquisition of MoneyGram in January, due to "national security" concerns. "We are disappointed in the termination of this compelling transaction, which would have created significant value for our stakeholders," said Alex Holmes, chief executive officer of MoneyGram, noting the geopolitical environment has changed considerably since nearly a year ago. Due to the same reason, China Zhongwang Holdings Limited, an aluminum product manufacturer listed in Hong Kong, also failed to merge U.S. aluminum firm Aleris Corporation, although afterward the U.S. government announced a 10-percent tariff on imported aluminum products, claiming to force foreign companies to build plants in the United States and bring jobs back. Even a Chinese firm of agriculture and animal husbandry had to drop the planned acquisition of U.S. supplier of breeding pigs Waldo Farms, a deal of 16.5 million dollars. Still, it is "national security" concerns. In comparison, American companies have profited to great extent from the Chinese market during China's opening up and reform drive in the past four decades, thanks to improving business environment and preferential taxation policies specially designed for foreign investments. In its fiscal year of 2017, Apple, the U.S. biggest cell phone maker, sold 44.8-billion-U.S.-dollar products in China, its largest single market overseas. According to the latest annual report released in September 2017 by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a multi-agency panel that reviews foreign purchases of American companies, China had led foreign countries represented in the CFIUS reviews for the fourth consecutive reported year (2012-2015). Given the surging number of transactions that had been scrutinized by CFIUS and the economic environment between China and the United States in 2016 and 2017, there is no doubt that China will remain on top of the list for a six-year straight streak. However, such opaque and unfair scrutiny by CFIUS has become a main hurdle for Chinese companies to invest in the United States. According to a report jointly released by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) and the Rhodium Group last week, Chinese direct investment in the United States fell by more than 35 percent in 2017 due to CFIUS' reviews and China's outbound investment regulatory. The value of newly announced Chinese acquisitions in the United States also plunged by 90 percent from a year earlier and the impact from such decline in investment had been felt on the local level, according to the report. Moreover, the Trump administration and U.S. lawmakers are seeking tighter scrutiny of Chinese investment in the United States through a significant expansion of the CFIUS. This happened at a time when the United States is blaming China for its vast trade deficit while narrowing the door for Chinese investment. China argues that the Chinese people's hard work is part of the reason for China's trade surplus with the United States. A number of facts such as globalization, global division of labor and U.S. dollar's international reserve currency status also play important roles for the surplus. When addressing trade issues, the United States seldom mentions its surplus with China in service sector, and never mentions the U.S. government export controls over China. It is unfair that on one hand the United States restricts the export of high-tech products to China, while on the other it doesn't want China to produce them by itself either. Analysts have said that the U.S. punitive measures taken recently against China are not about trade, but about the impediment of China's development. China is a big developing country, but it's no wonder the country wants to become a developed one, Nobel Prize-winning American economist Joseph Stiglitz said at a panel discussion last week. In the increasingly globalized world, any trade protectionist measures could turn out to be a double-edged sword. The latest U.S. decision on ZTE may hit the Chinese company hard, but the first casualties are its U.S. suppliers. The stock price of ACIA plunged 35.97 percent on Monday, that of Oclaro dropped 15.18 percent, and Lumentum fell by 9.06 percent. >>>Related: Time to start manufacturing chips domestically now The US Commerce Department on Monday banned American companies from selling components to China's telecommunications-gear maker ZTE Corp. With plenty of gadgets, especially chips, purchased from the US, ZTE will suffer heavy losses. The company has already halted trading of its shares in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and shares of its US suppliers fell sharply, with some tumbling more than 30 percent. More>> A Canadian Pacific Railway employee walks along the side of a locomotive in a marshalling yard in Calgary, Wednesday, May 16, 2012. Passenger train services in Ontario are warning of potential disruptions as Canadian Pacific Railway and two of its unions head for a midnight deadline to settle contract issues. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh B.C. Premier John Horgan speaks during a press conference to discuss his meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Alberta Premier Rachel Notley on the deadlock over Kinder Morgan's Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Sunday, April 15, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Adam Bettahar is shown in a Calgary Police handout photo. Police have confirmed that a fleeing suspect who was shot dead by RCMP last month was the killer of a woman found in a Calgary backyard a few days earlier. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Calgary Police MANDATORY CREDIT A sign is seen on the border leading into Canada from the United States near Champlain, N.Y. on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 where many asylum seekers have been crossing. Rising tensions between Quebec and Ottawa eased Wednesday night after new agreements were struck aimed at helping the province deal with an ongoing surge in asylum seekers crossing the Canada-U.S. border. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson Newly disclosed documents show a top secret federal report -- kept under wraps for over a decade -- criticized Canada's spy agency for shortcomings as its members increasingly travelled overseas to interrogate people in foreign prisons in the name of fighting terrorism. CSIS coasters are pictured in Ottawa in a 2011 photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, CSIS The US Commerce Department on Monday banned American companies from selling components to China's telecommunications-gear maker ZTE Corp. With plenty of gadgets, especially chips, purchased from the US, ZTE will suffer heavy losses. The company has already halted trading of its shares in both Hong Kong and Shenzhen, and shares of its US suppliers fell sharply, with some tumbling more than 30 percent. The US launched an investigation into ZTE a long time ago. In 2016, Washington fined ZTE for shipping sanctioned telecommunication equipment to Iran and North Korea, but reconciliation was reached in 2017. This time Washington insisted that ZTE had not disciplined or reduced bonuses on employees it had promised to discipline. Observers believe that this is merely an excuse by the US. As the case has lasted a long time, it's unclear whether the US, by issuing the ban, intends to pressure China on trade. But the event will for sure stir Chinese society and prompt us to speed up development of chips and other semi-conductor technologies. China still lags behind the US in technology. But after decades of reform and opening-up, China has laid a solid foundation and accumulated experiences in this regard. The key issue is that while globalization offers a more convenient and cheaper solution, it has also bred laziness. If importing chips is easier and more cost-effective than domestically producing them, the market will opt for purchasing them, and will become gradually reliant on foreign technologies. China has the capability to manufacture medium- and low-end chips. The production of high-end chips requires more input and a positive response from the market. If the $200 billion that China spends importing chips every year can be used to support domestic technologies, domestically made chips will accrue huge potential. Meanwhile, US high-tech companies will lose the impetus to upgrade their products if they lose the Chinese market. China has never questioned the reliability of US suppliers in the past. But ZTE's case suggests that US supply is not reliable. The global supply chain is fragile in the face of politics. Americans have started to reckon upon means to counter China's rise and restraints on high-tech exports to China are their leverage. The US may use this tool more widely in future. China must prepare for the worst and integrate resources to support the development of core technologies. China's technological exploration shouldn't be upset by US factors. It's time for China to make up its mind and develop domestic technologies. China is the world's largest telecommunications market and it makes sense for the country to offer up a slice of that market in exchange for technology. Now that the US refuses this approach, China should take advantage of the market to directly support domestic high-tech companies. There may be some difficulties during the process, but the country can overcome all hardships and realize technological renovation of domestic firms. China won't allow the US to use chips as a stick against it. China can take steps to replace foreign-made chips with domestic. The Trump administration is helping us Chinese make such a decision. Probably we Chinese will be grateful for Trump's ban some day in the future. The Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops says it's incorrect to suggest that Pope Francis is refusing to apologize to survivors of Canada's notoriously abusive residential schools. Pope Francis arrives in St.Peter's Square for his weekly general audience, at the Vatican, Wednesday, April 11, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Andrew Medichini A photograph of the CBC building in Toronto on April 4, 2012. A charitable group dedicated to preserving the country's broadcasting heritage is calling on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation to stop destroying original television and radio broadcast materials as it moves to digitize the content. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette FILE - In this April 11, 2018 file photo, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens speaks at a news conference in Jefferson City, Mo., about allegations related to an extramarital affair with his hairdresser. Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, he believes there's enough evidence to bring a criminal charge and pursue impeachment of Gov. Eric Greitens for allegedly using a charity donor list for political purposes. (J.B. Forbes/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP, File) This image released by ABC shows co-host Joy Behar, from left, adult film actress Stormy Daniels, and attorney Michael Avenatti during an appearance on the daytime talk show "The View," Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in New York. Daniels released a composite sketch Tuesday of the man she says threatened her in a Las Vegas parking lot to stay quiet about her past sexual tryst with President Donald Trump. Avenatti says they are offering $100,000 for information leading to the man's identification. (Heidi Gutman/ABC via AP) A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. (AP Photo/Corey Perrine) CORRECTS YEAR OF PHOTO TO 1988, INSTEAD OF 1998 - FILE - In this Nov. 14, 1988, file photo, President-elect George H.W. Bush and his wife, Barbara, are shown during a morning beachfront news conference in Gulf Stream, Fla. A family spokesman said Tuesday, April 17, 2018, that former first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) The US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross during his participation in the VIII Summit of the Americas in Lima said that Latin America should look to the US and not to China because it is better for them. To support his claim he said that Latin America has a trade surplus with the US while it has a trade deficit with China. He also said that Latin America exports manufactures to the US but only raw materials to China . What he said is not true, it is a half-truth or even a lie. Although Latin America as a region had a trade surplus with the US of 125.8 billion dollars in 2017 and had a trade deficit with China of 63.3 billion dollars that same year (see Table attached), the figures are distorted by the large trade surplus that Mexico has with the US and the large trade deficit that Mexico has with China. As seen in that table, which also shows the trade balance of China and the US with most of the countries in the region, Mexico had a trade surplus with the US of 132.4 billion dollars in 2017, and with China had a trade deficit of 67.4 billion dollars. But many Latin American countries had a trade deficit with the US. For example Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, among others. And several countries had trade surplus with China, such as Brazil (20.166 billion dollars), Chile, Peru, Venezuela. Then Mexico distorts the figures, and if this country is excluded from the figures of the region, then the trade balance of China and the US with the region is quite different, where the region had a large trade deficit with the US and a small one with China. The trade deficit of 22 Latin American countries (excluding Mexico but also others small countries, and Cuba which does not trade with the US) was of 12.9 billion dollars, while with China was of only 4.2 billion dollars (figures for 2017 or the last available year, see Table below). So the trade deficit of the region (excluding Mexico) with US was three times larger than with China. As for the assertion that Latin America sells mostly manufactured goods to the US and raw materials to China, this is also half true or not true. Once again, if Mexico is excluded (this country mostly sells manufactured goods to the US) it will be found that the region sells to China and the United States mainly raw materials and import of them manufactures. Neither China nor the US are to be blame for the fact that Latin America sell to them mostly raw materials, because the region unfortunately has not developed a competitive industry. If you still want to find a culprit, this would be the US and not China, because the region has only recently increased its trade with China, from the last decade, while with the US it has been trading for a long time. Instead, the region has benefited from trade with China because this country buys more and more products from the region. Thanks to China demand, the prices of raw materials have risen and this has undoubtedly benefited the region. In addition, China is investing a lot of money in the region, mostly in the extraction of natural resources but lately also invests in infrastructure, agriculture, finance and other sectors. Nobody can tell the region to trade with one country and not with another. Latin America should trade with all countries, especially more with countries that grow the fastest, as is the case of China. Rather, the US has lately become protectionist, having withdrawn from the TPP agreement where it was together with Chile, Mexico and Peru, and is renegotiating the NAFTA agreement where it is with Canada and Mexico. In contrast, China has stated that it is in favor of an environment where free trade and investment are the norm and has expressed its willingness to continue opening its country to the world. Carlos Aquino is Professor of Economics at San Marcos National University (UNMSM) and a specialist in Asian Economics. Maria Osterloh holds an MBA from the Normal University of Beijing and is a researcher in IEPA. Cuba's new president Miguel Diaz-Canel, center, looks as the a honor guard marched in, as he stands, from left, beside First Vice-President Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa, Commander of the Revolution Ramiro Valdes, Vice-President Roberto Morales, Vice-President Gladys Bejerano, Vice-President Ines Maria Chapman, and Vice-President Beatriz Jhonson, at the National Assembly in Havana, Cuba, Thursday, April 19, 2018. Raul Castro left the presidency after 12 years in office when the National Assembly approved Diaz-Canel's nomination as the candidate for the top government position. (Adalberto Roque/Pool via AP) CORRECTS TYPO OF CITY NAME - Former Malaysian strongman Mahathir Mohamad smiles during an interview with Associated Press at his office in Putrajaya, Malaysia Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Mahathir says a wave of change is evident among rural ethnic Malays and a 30 percent swing from the bloc's traditional support for the government would be enough to secure the opposition victory in next month's elections. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian) In this April 12, 2018, photo CIA Director Mike Pompeo testifies on his nomination to be the next secretary of state on Capitol Hill in Washington. Two U.S. officials say Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un. PompeoAos trip to the isolated communist nation came in advance of a potential summit between Kim and President Donald Trump. The officials spoke anonymously about PompeoAos trip because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Chinese President Xi Jinping underscored advancing reform and opening-up in the southernmost province of Hainan when deploying an important national strategy for the islands development. Xi outlined the blueprint for Hainan in the next 30 years last Friday at a gathering celebrating the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hainan province and the Hainan Special Economic Zone. Comprehensively deepening reform and opening-up of Hainan includes a cascade of measures, such as developing Hainan into a pilot free trade port and building it into a platform for global connectivity and integrated development. These measures fully demonstrate that China is confident and determined to open up Hainan, and it is walking toward the world in a more confident and responsible gesture and benefiting the latter with its development opportunities. A more open China will cement the international communitys faith in economic globalization and propel the construction of an open global economy. Building a pilot free trade zone and a free trade port is an attempt for Hainan to explore a new way for development and build itself into a pilot ground for comprehensively deepening reform and opening-up, as it offers a strong hand to improve institutions and mechanisms, build a modern economic system and promote high-quality development. China has established 11 pilot free trade zones in Shanghai, Guangdong, Tianjin and other cities and provinces. The zones have become places with the highest level of opening-up in the country. The zones have made active exploration in various sectors, including reform of administrative institutions, investment management, trade facilitation and financial innovation, as well as accumulated and applied success experiences nationwide. The Hainan pilot free trade zone, with a larger population and area than any of its kind in China, is certain to become an important window for China to communicate with the world in the new era. The Chinese characteristics in the building of a free trade port in Hainan will be first reflected by the fact that tourism, modern services and high-end and new technology industry will be made a major pillar of Hainans economy, while intermediary trade and processing and manufacturing will not be a focus. It will also be seen in the fact that the opening-up measures will be carried out step by step until a free trade policy system is built. Moreover, in-depth studies on relevant policies will be conducted for risk prevention. Identification and prevention of major risks will be strengthened, and customs supervision will also be optimized. The three aspects are a new practice and innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and they will definitely provide important guidance to comprehensively deepening reform and opening-up. Hainan, with a broad sea area and rich shoreline, islands, ports, biology and mineral resources, is an important window that China opens to the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Over the last 30 years after the founding of the Hainan Special Economic Zone, maritime resources have become Hainans most prominent feature and comparative advantage. Hainans maritime economy has come to nearly 30 percent of the provincial GDP, creating a rapidly growing tourist number and industrial revenue. Besides, Hainan is also a place where important events have been held, such as the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference. To comprehensively deepen reform and expand opening-up in the new era, Hainan will give a bigger play to the role of its maritime resources by further exploring and releasing its potential in economy, opening-up and international cooperation and becoming strong depending on its ocean sources. (By Bi Jiyao, deputy director of the Academy of Macroeconomic Research under the National Development and Reform Commission) South Korea's presidential Blue House said Wednesday that it was reviewing way to turn the current armistice on the Korean Peninsula into a peace treaty during the upcoming summit with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) later this month. An unnamed senior Blue House official told local reporters that the Blue House was reviewing way and possibility to turn the Korean Peninsula's armistice system into a peace mechanism, according to local media reports. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not peace treaty. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to hold the third-ever inter-Korean summit on April 27 at the border village of Panmunjom. The official, however, noted that there remained process of discussions with relevant parties, saying that if necessary, the three- or four-party agreement would be possible. He said South Korea was reviewing and discussing various ways to develop security situations on the peninsula into a fundamentally peaceful regime, anticipating an inter-Korean agreement to end the war in any form. During the visit by special envoys of President Moon to Pyongyang in early March, top DPRK leader Kim told the envoys that his country would not use any weapons, nuclear and conventional, toward South Korea as long as dialogues continue. Given Kim's comments, the Blue House official wished an inter-Korean agreement be reached to ban any hostile act toward each other, though not using the expression of ending the war, during the upcoming summit. Berikut beberapa tips bermain togel singapore.. 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Shi Yigong I came back with the purpose of cultivating more talented individuals who are both ambitious and down to earth," said Shi Yigong, who resigned from Princeton in 2008 to join Tsinghua University. In January this year, Shi gave up the position of vice-president in Tsinghua and put all his efforts in to setting up Westlake University. His aim? To make it one of the top research-oriented institutes in the world. A Strong School Board The first meeting confirmed a list of 21 board members. Qian Yingyi, dean of the School of Economics and Management department in the university, will work as chairman of the school board. Chen Ning Yang, a Chinese physicist who won the 1957 Nobel Prize in physics, will be the honorary chairman. The school board also decided that all primary donors to Westlake University, including Tencent CEO Pony Ma and Wandas founder Wang Jianlin, are to be honorary board members. During the same meeting, Shi Yigong was voted as president of Westlake University. Shi said in his speech that he is now ready to devote his time to transforming Westlake University into a leading institute and the pride of China. Prof. Xu Tian and Prof. Qiu Min were also appointed as the universitys vice presidents. Xu Tian had served as deputy head of Genetics at Yale University for 15 years and already waived his tenure in order to join Westlake University. Its a good opportunity to come to Westlake University. We will be able to work jointly to push forward multidisciplinary activities and explore new education methods as well, Xu said. The second vice president, Qiu Min, was once the youngest professor at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH). He expressed his expectations of Westlake Universitys success and said that it has been a long term desire to participate in the establishment of a college. A Rising University Westlake University, located in the scenic West Lake area in the Chinese city of Hangzhou, was a private university set up on the basis of Westlake Institute for Advanced Study (WIAS). Chinas Ministry of Education officially approved its establishment on April 2, 2018. The non-profit institution will mainly carry out basic and advanced scientific research, emphasizing the cultivation of competitive innovative talent. The research will be based on four research institutes in biology, basic medicine, natural science, and cutting-edge technologies. A Faculty of Life Sciences (including Biology and Basic Medicine), Faculty of Science, and Faculty of Engineering will come into being, giving priority to 12 first-class disciplines split in to these three categories. With the development of the university, more academies will be set up in the future, such as the Humanities and Social Sciences Academy. Different from some other colleges, Westlake University takes doctoral student training as a starting point and will conduct undergraduate education in due course. It is planned that the number of full-time students will not exceed 5,000. The doctoral degree programs of 2017 officially admitted 19 students and the enrollment of doctoral students of 2018 has also started, with a plan to enroll 130 students. A Way to Privatize Institutions of Higher Education Reform Critics have pointed out that the founding of Westlake University is expected to improve the current situation of higher education in China, discovering a new way for Chinese private universities to become world-class research-oriented institutes. As the article Biologist unveils China's first private research university published by Science Magazine indicated, Westlake University may play a much more important role in a rapidly transforming country. There were 69 private higher education institutes in China in 1949, which were then changed into public schools in the early 1950s. For the following 30 years, China had no private higher education institutes. Although Chinas privately-run higher education sector has been gradually reintroduced since the 1980s, it is still in a relatively small and underdeveloped state. Up to this point, it has primarily focused on vocational and technical education for employment. However, there is no shortage of successful examples of private research universities overseas. In the United States, private universities including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford account for more than half of all universities. In Japan, private universities such as Waseda University and Keio University account for approximately 80% of the total number across the country. The president, Shi Yigong, doesnt deny the doubts about difficulties and challenges they are faced with, stating the road is obstructive and long". However, he is also full of confidence for the future. At the inauguration ceremony of Westlake University on December 10, 2016, Shi Yigong expressed his determination, We expect that in ten or twenty years time, there will be a university in Hangzhou, Zhejiang that is respected by the whole world. Westlake University will provide powerful support for the sustainable development of China's high-tech and even make contributions to world civilization! Related American actor Danny Glover visits Aswan Heart Center on his fifth trip to Egypt Famed American actor Danny Glover paid a visit to the Heart Centre at the Magdi Yacoub Heart Foundation (MYF) during a visit to Egypt's Aswan on Sunday. Following his tour of the center, Glover praised the center's role in saving the lives of many patients, including children. The visit is the actor's fifth to Egypt in recent years. The Magdy Yacoub Foundation was created in 2008 by renowned Egyptian surgeon Professor Sir Magdi Yacoub with the mission of establishing an international medical center of excellence that offers state-of-the-art basic health services to the less privileged free of charge. As part of the MYF, the Aswan Heart Centre provides world-class cardiac healthcare free of charge to the local community and the region. Search Keywords: Short link: An Alexandria Misdemeanour Court handed 10 year prison terms to five defendants on Tuesday over a deadly 2017 train accident near the coastal city that left 41 passengers dead. Among those sentenced included the train's conductor, his aide, and others to ten years in prison. It also sentenced the railway station manager to five years in prison, as well as three-year dismissal from office. The defendants were charged with manslaughter and negligence and have been ordered to pay a fine of EGP 1 million (approximately $56,520). The sentences can still be appealed. In August 2017, a deadly collision near Alexandria left 41 dead and 179 injured after a train en route from Cairo crashed into the back of the train from Port Said. The latter train was stationary at Khorshid station in Alexandria's eastern suburbs at the time. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi ordered the formation of investigative teams in order to identify the reasons behind the accident and hold those responsible to account. Egypt's railway system is notorious for its poor safety record, mostly blamed on lack of maintenance and poor management. Successive governments have failed to enforce basic safety measures for the network. Following the crash, President El-Sisi highlighted the need to upgrade the railway network to prevent deadly accidents, stating that the system needs EGP 180 billion (about $10 billion) to be modernised. On April 9, Egypt's Transportation Minister Hisham Arafat announced a project to revamp the national railway network, announcing EGP 55 billion in investments thru 2022. Search Keywords: Short link: The search for Lois Riess continues to intensify. Electronic billboards with Riess image will be used in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Nevada to assist in the fugitive search for a woman accused of killing her husband in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, before allegedly shooting a woman in Florida who shared a resemblance. A reward of $6,000 is now being offered to anyone with information that leads to an arrest of Riess Related: The search for Lois Riess. She is being sought in connection to the March murder of her husband, David Riess, and to the April murder of Pamela Hutchinson. Riess, 56, of Blooming Prairie, was last seen Sunday, about 50 miles from Corpus Christi, Texas, heading south on Highway 77, Deputy US Marshal John Kinsey told CNN. She is known to have a gambling addiction and often frequents casinos, which accounts for her nickname among local police, according to the US Marshals Service. Riess is believed to be driving Hutchinsons vehicle, a white Acura LT last seen with Florida license plate Y37TAA. MASON CITY, Iowa - Missy Nicholson isn't a big fan that she's hosting meetings to extend Earth Day clean up. I'm a little bit anxious because cleanup was supposed to start Monday till the 30th and nobody can really clean up whenever you can't see where the litter is outside so Im hoping after this next storm it will be quick. You know Iowa weather hopefully it will get warm by next weekend, Nicholson said. Nicholson is the current chair on the Mason City earth day committee. I'm really passionate about the environment I guess I really care and I feel we all have a part to do to leave this place a better place for our kids, Nicholson said. Leading up to their earth day festival scheduled April 28th, they were hoping to have completed a week's worth of clean up around town. They even pushed their Earth Day event back before all this snow hit just in case. While they're still looking for volunteers, they're planning on clean up lasting until May in order to make the world a better place. Normally I don't care with the snow because I enjoy the kids when they get off from school, early they can hang out with me, but right now Im ready for it to be done, Nicholson said. Rochester and Clear Lake have events going all week leading up to Earth Day. For a link to what they have going on you can visit http://www.earthfestrochestermn.org/ http://earthdayclearlake.org/ ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) A black former Minnesota FBI counterterrorism agent pleaded guilty Tuesday to leaking classified documents to a reporter, saying in a statement that he knew it was illegal but felt he had to act against a culture in the bureau that often treats minority communities with suspicion and disrespect. Terry J. Albury, 39, appeared in federal court in St. Paul on one count of unauthorized disclosure of national defense information and one count of unauthorized retention of national defense information. Under his plea agreement, Albury faces a likely sentence of between 37 and 57 months but the decision will be up to U.S. District Judge Wilhelmina Wright, who did not set a sentencing date. Albury said little during the hearing apart from brief answers to the judge's questions, and declined to comment afterward. But his attorneys, JaneAnne Murray and Joshua Dratel, issued a statement to reporters on his behalf saying Albury, who was the only black agent in the FBI's Minneapolis office, acted out of conscience. They said he was troubled by how racism within the FBI affected its interactions with minority communities. "The situation became even more acute for him when, having previously served a tour for the FBI in Iraq, he was assigned to the counterterrorism squad and was required first-hand to implement FBI investigation directives that profiled and intimidated minority communities in Minnesota and other locations in which Terry served," they said. Albury was accused of sharing documents with an online news organization sometime between February 2016 and Jan. 31, 2017. They included a document, dated Aug. 17, 2011, and classified as "secret," that related to how the FBI assesses confidential informants, and an undated document "relating to threats posed by certain individuals from a particular Middle Eastern country." Many of the FBI's counterterrorism investigations in Minnesota have focused primarily on the state's large Somali-American community. Roughly three dozen men from the community left the state to join al-Shabab, a Somali Islamic extremist group, or militants in Syria including the Islamic State group. Others have been convicted on terrorism-related charges for plotting to join or provide support to those groups. The date on the classified document that Albury acknowledged leaking and its subject matter corresponded with a story posted by The Intercept on Jan. 31, 2017, that deals with assessing informants and recruiting them by identifying their "motivations and vulnerabilities." The story references a secret document dated Aug. 17, 2011. Public case documents don't name the news organization or any reporters, nor did any names emerge during the hearing. The Trump administration and Attorney General Jeff Sessions have made prosecuting government employees who leak sensitive information to the media a high priority. Sessions pledged to clamp down on leaks last year, saying the Justice Department had more than tripled the number of active leak investigations since President Barack Obama left office and that the FBI had created a new counterintelligence unit to focus on such case. A second count charged Albury with unauthorized possession of a document "relating to the use of an online platform for recruitment by a specific terrorist group." He acknowledged having classified documents at his home without authorization. The search warrant application says that Albury began working for the FBI as an intern in 2000 and became a special agent in 2005. He was most recently assigned to the Minneapolis field office where he worked as a liaison at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in counterterrorism and other matters, it says. A sworn statement by an FBI counterintelligence agent says Albury accessed at least two-thirds of the 27 classified documents that the news organization posted online. Some of those documents had been photographed from a computer screen, it said, adding that Albury was caught on surveillance video at his airport office photographing his computer screen on three dates last year. Albury remains free on his own recognizance pending his sentencing. DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Iowa children should no longer face so-called "lunch shaming" in school cafeterias under a new law signed by Gov. Kim Reynolds. Reynolds announced Tuesday that she signed the bill, which lawmakers approved unanimously. Iowa is following the lead of several other states that have passed similar legislation banning staff from throwing away meals that were already served or publicly identifying students whose parents owe money. Iowa schools are encouraged, but not required, to provide meals to students who can't pay for them. Many students living in poverty can receive free meals through a federal program, and schools will expand efforts to sign up those who qualify. Schools will also be able to accept private donations to pay off unpaid meal debts. The bill didn't include any new funding. MASON CITY, Iowa A man is now facing two trials in two different North Iowa counties. Joshua Teeter, 20 of Mason City, has now pleaded not guilty in Cerro Gordo County to two counts of 1st degree theft of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony, two counts of 3rd degree burglary, and one count of 2nd degree theft. Hes accused of breaking into a trailer on February 14 and stealing more than $3,500 worth of items, then working with two other men to steal two snowmobiles in Mason City on February 24. His trial is set to begin on May 22 in Mason City. Thats one day before Teeter is also due to stand trial in Worth County on charges of 3rd degree burglary and conspiracy to commit a non-forcible felony. Hes accused of working with two other men in that case to steal a safe from a Worth County home. WAUKON, Iowa An Allamakee County man is facing a 2nd degree murder charge after a trailer court shooting. John Michael Quanrude, 32 of Waukon, has been charged after an investigation by the Waukon Police Department, Allamakee County Sheriffs Office, Allamakee County Attorneys Office, Iowa State Patrol, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Authorities say Quanrude called 911 on Monday afternoon and asked for medical help after an accidental shooting. The first officer on the scene says he was met by Quanrude at the Parkview Trailer Court at 49 Jean Road in Waukon. The officer says Quanrude directed him into a home where a man was lying face down on the floor with a gunshot wound to the chest. Quanrude reportedly said he had fired a warning shot and then shot the man. The victim has been identified as Dean Eliot Russell, 60 of Waukon, the step-father and roommate of Quanrude. He was taken by ambulance to Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon but Russell was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. An autopsy is scheduled with the Iowa State Medical Examiners Office. Quanrude was taken to the Waukon Police Department and officers say when he was told he could not leave, Quanrude attempted to escape twice and had to be tased. Iowa DCI agents searched the home where Russell was shot and say they found gunshot holes through a bedroom wall and door. Quanrude has been booked into the Allamakee County Jail on $100,000 cash only bond. 2nd degree murder carries a sentence in Iowa of up to 50 years in prison. ST. PAUL, Minn. The Minnesota State Board of Trustees is honoring a faculty member at Riverland Community College. An award for Excellence in Teaching has been given to cosmetology instructor Rhonda Besel. Ms. Besel consistently demonstrates excellence in teaching, learning, and scholarship, said Adenuga Atewologun, president of Riverland Community College. Her commitment to student learning is exceptional; she creates a positive and open environment in and out of the classroom; and continuously researches, experiments, and develops best practices to engage students. Notably, Ms. Besel has reduced barriers to deep learning, closed achievement gaps, and created innovative solutions for students to succeed. The Board of Trustees says these awards are meant to recognize professional achievement and encourage the pursuit of excellence. Outstanding educators and administrative and service faculty make it possible for us to provide an extraordinary education for all Minnesotans, said Michael Vekich, chair of the Board of Trustees. The programs our faculty deliver academic programs, advising, financial aid, registration, residential life, and student affairs, just to name a few are vital to our ability to serve students and communities in every corner of the state. ROCHESTER, Minn. There will be no more jail time for the woman accused of causing a brief lockdown at the Boys and Girls Club. Jasmine Taylor Morris, 25 of Rochester, pleaded guilty to 5th degree drug possession after she was arrested on December 16, 2017. Rochester police say she parked a stolen vehicle in front of the Boys and Girls Club and a search found seven grams of cocaine and one gram of heroin inside. Morris has been given a stay of adjudication, five years of probation, and 50 hours of community work service. A stay of adjudication means if she fulfills the terms of her probation, this conviction will be wiped from her record. Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from his Somali counterpart President Mohamed Abdullahi in which he praised Cairo's support for Mogadishu's efforts to restore order and stability in the country, El-Sisi's office said in a statement. The two leaders discussed recent developments in Somalia as well as the Somali government's efforts to restore stability in the war-torn country, where the central government in Mogadishu has for years been battling an insurgency by the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab group. Al-Shabaab has carried out numerous terror attacks in the capital and in other parts of Somalia, leaving hundreds dead or injured. Egypt has regulary sent Somalia humanitarian assistance and medical supplies in response to the country's droughts and terrorist attacks. During the phone conversation, El-Sisi stressed "Egypt's continued support for the unity of Somalia, expressing Egypt's keenness to continue to enhance various aspects of bilateral cooperation between the two countries." The Egyptian president also said Egypt will continue to provide "technical support to the people of Somalia and back them in their efforts to build the institutions of their country and to establish security and stability," the statement said. The Somali president said the two countries will continue their ongoing cooperation to combat terrorism. Abdullahi visited Cairo last August in a trip during which he discussed with El-Sisi mutual ties and cooperation. Search Keywords: Short link: LONDON (Reuters) - Britains upper house of parliament inflicted an embarrassing defeat on Theresa Mays government on Wednesday, challenging her refusal to remain in a customs union with the European Union after Brexit. The Prime Minister, who has struggled to unite her Conservative party over Brexit, has said Britain will leave the EUs single market and customs union after it quits the bloc next March so that London can forge its own free trade deals. That stance widened divisions within the party and raised the prospect of defeat in the upper House of Lords, where the Conservatives do not command a majority. By a vote of 348 to 225, the Lords, from all parties, supported an amendment to her Brexit blueprint, the EU withdrawal bill, requiring ministers to report what efforts they had made to secure a customs union by the end of October. It does not explicitly say Britain must reach a deal on such a union and Brexit campaigners called it a ploy to embolden EU supporters in the lower house of parliament to press their case for May to reverse her position and back a customs union. If in the end we do leave, it should be in way that limits the damage to the countrys wellbeing ... and thats why I believe it makes sense for the government to be asked to explore customs unions, said Lord (John) Kerr, a supporter of staying in the EU at the 2016 referendum. His comments were met by criticism from pro-Brexit peers, who agreed with Viscount (Matthew) Ridley who described it as an attempt to wreck this bill and wreck Brexit - a charge denied by those proposing the amendment. The government minister in the Lords, Lord (Martin) Callanan said ministers could not support the amendment because they did not believe that a customs union was in Britains best interest, suggesting it would seek to reverse the changes. A spokeswoman for the Brexit ministry expressed disappointment over the amendment. It is the first of several defeats the government is expected to suffer in the Lords over the remaining stages of the debate in coming weeks. After the Lords, the bill will return to the House of Commons, possibly as early as next month. Both houses have to agree on the final wording of the bill before it can become law. HOUSE UNDER FIRE After losing the Conservatives parliamentary majority in an ill-judged snap election last June, May relies on the support of a small Northern Irish party to pass legislation. Many in the unelected Lords have been keen to underline that, rather than dictating policy to the government, they were instead giving May a chance to offer alternative ways of leaving the European Union. Some may be fearful over their future. There have been several attempts to reform the Lords, home to around 800 members and often the focus of criticism over their enjoyment of generous allowances. By choosing to target the customs union, the peers have touched on one of the main flashpoints in the Brexit debate, which has sowed divisions across Britain. The main opposition Labour Party says it would want a new customs union if it was in charge of the Brexit negotiations. Mays trade minister, Liam Fox, and others see such a deal as anathema if it prevents London negotiating its own trade deals. But a customs union that sets external tariffs for goods imported into the EU, and allows them to flow freely, would offer a solution to the problem of ensuring no return to a hard border with the bloc on the island of Ireland. According to one of her former officials, May could seek a compromise on a customs deal if it meant safeguarding the union of the United Kingdom by preventing the return of a hard border with EU member Ireland. Gold remains in a wide range on the daily technical charts, with a directional catalyst needed for the next major move, says Lukman Otunuga, research analyst at FXTM. While geopolitical tensions and U.S political uncertainty have inspired bulls, bears remain heavily supported by Fed rate-hike expectations, the analyst says. There is clearly a fierce tug-of-war between bulls and bears. From a technical standpoint, the yellow metal has found minor support around $1,340. If this level proves supportive, prices could venture towards $1,353 and $1,360, respectively. Alternatively, a decline back below $1,340 may encourage a selloff towards $1,324. As of 7:55 a.m. EDT, spot gold was up $2.80 to $1,349.90 an ounce. By Allen Sykora of Kitco News; asykora@kitco.com Commerzbank: Chinas 1Q Gold Production Declines Chinas first-quarter gold production fell by nearly 3% from a year ago to 98.2 tonnes, says Commerzbank. This was due among other things to more stringent regulations, Commerzbank says. China plugs the gap between local gold production and gold demand which totaled 187 tonnes in the first quarter by importing gold, for example from Switzerland or Hong Kong. Thus, market participations will be watching for import data for March that Commerzbank says will be published next week. By Allen Sykora For Kitco News Follow @AllenSykora Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. * LME/ShFE arb: (Adds official midday prices, details) By Maytaal Angel LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - Aluminium hit its highest in nearly seven years on Wednesday amid growing supply concerns in the aftermath of U.S. sanctions on Rusal, while nickel hit a three-year peak on technical factors and fears over additional Russian sanctions. Overnight, global miner Rio Tinto flagged possible downward adjustments to its 2018 aluminium output following sanctions on its Russian partner Rusal . Concerns over the impact of sanctions on Rusal, which began on April 6, have pushed up aluminium up 25 percent so far. "What's happened in the last couple of weeks is unprecedented," said Macquarie analyst Vivienne Lloyd. "Ex-China will be in a deficit of about 5 million tonnes if no Rusal material can be used. Even if you add Chinese (semi manufactured) aluminium exports to the mix, we're still in deficit of 3.3 mln tonnes ex-China if you eliminate Rusal." Some traders and analysts were puzzled about the surge in nickel, attributing it to technical factors, although the market has been fearful recently that the U.S. sanctions could extend to hit Russia's Norilsk Nickel . "We have seen a consistent CTA (black box fund) bid of late. Nickel exhibits the largest spec long of the complex on our estimates at 10.5 percent of open interest," broker Marex Spectron said in a note. PRICES: Three-month aluminium on the London Metal Exchange hit its highest since August 2011 at $2,529.50 a tonne, and traded up 4.9 percent in official midday rings at $2,522. Nickel hit its highest since January 2015 at $15,195, and traded up 5.1 percent in rings at $14,950. ALUMINA: Prices of alumina, the raw material for making aluminium, have surged after Rio Tinto said it could not fulfil supply contracts because of the sanctions on Rusal. Broker SP Angel said the Rio statement and Rusal sanctions only exacerbate global alumina supply constraints. "A source at a smelter ... saying 'phones have been ringing off the hook with people looking for extra metal. They are looking for any extra tonnes, even just a few hundred'." SANCTIONS: Russian news agencies said U.S. President Donald Trump's administration had informed the Russian embassy in Washington that the United States had no immediate plans to impose new sanctions. U.S. ALUMINIUM: U.S. aluminium prices have soared and are expected to diverge from those traded on the LME after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rusal. INDONESIA EXPORTS: Indonesia exported 8,637,595 tonnes of nickel ore up to March 31, 2018 since its ore export policy was revised in January 2017. NORNICKEL: Russia's Norilsk is in talks with battery makers over possible investment in its mining assets. TIN: Indonesian PT Timah estimates around 3,000 tonnes of tin shipments have been held up since March 6 as the company has been unable to get government export approval . OTHER METALS: Copper traded up 1.5 percent in rings at $6,981 a tonne, zinc traded up 1.4 percent at $3,197.50, lead was last bid up 1.2 percent at $2,378 while tin traded up 0.2 percent at $21,525. <^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Top Base and Precious Metals Analysis - GFMS ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^> (Additional reporting by Manolo Serapio Jr., editing by David Evans and Adrian Croft) Messaging: maytaal.angel.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net) ))LME price overview COMEX copper futures Base metals news All metals news All commodities news Metals diary Foreign exchange rates SPEED GUIDES )) Makini Brice, Josh Smith WASHINGTON/SEOUL (Reuters) - CIA director Mike Pompeo, U.S. President Donald Trumps nominee to become the top U.S. diplomat, visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a good relationship, Trump said on Wednesday. Pompeo became the most senior U.S. official known to have met Kim when he visited Pyongyang to discuss a planned summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Trump said on Twitter. Pompeos visit and the Tweet provide the strongest sign yet about Trumps willingness to become the first serving U.S. president ever to meet a North Korean leader, amid a protracted standoff over the Norths nuclear and missile programs it pursues in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. U.S. officials said earlier Pompeo visited over the Easter weekend, March 31 to April 2. Representatives for the White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to a query on the exact date of the meeting with Kim. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsulas armistice to a peace regime, a top South Korean presidential official told reporters in Seoul earlier on Wednesday when asked about the North-South summit. But thats not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea, the official said. South Korea and a U.S.-led U.N. force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The U.S.-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. I do not know if any joint statement to be reached at the inter-Korean summit would include wording about ending the war, but we certainly hope to be able to include an agreement to end hostile acts between the South and North, the official said. Trump said on Tuesday he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the Norths weapons programs. But then Kim declared in a New Years speech his country was a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. He also said he was considering sending a delegation to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, a visit that began a succession of steps to improve ties. But finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) industrialized countries said in a statement they were still concerned about North Koreas evasion of sanctions and its ability to access the international financial system. CHINAS XI TO VISIT PYONGYANG? Pompeos visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks, a U.S. official said. Pompeo flew from a U.S. air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the Souths defense ministry said. The Souths presidential office declined to comment on the trip. Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said she had no information about any Xi visit to North Korea. What I can stress is that China and North Korea have a tradition of high level mutual visits, she told reporters. China is willing to strengthen high-level exchanges with North Korea, deepen strategic communications, expand talks and cooperation, and to bring out the important leading role of high-level contact in China-North Korea relations. Trump said on Tuesday he believed there was a lot of goodwill in the diplomatic push with North Korea, but added it was possible the summit - first proposed in March and which the president said could take place in late May or early June - may not happen, in which case the United States and its allies would maintain pressure on North Korea through sanctions. Nevertheless, Pompeos conversations in North Korea had fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible, according to a U.S. senior official briefed on the trip. The two Koreas have meanwhile been pressing ahead with preparations for the inter-Korean summit next week. South Koreas presidential office said they had agreed to broadcast live, for the first time, parts of the summit, including the hand shake between the two leaders. Additional reporting by Soyoung Kim and Joyce Lee in SEOUL, Susan Heavey, John Walcott and Steve Holland in WASHINGTON, and Christian Shepherd in BEIJING; Editing by Robert Birsel and Nick Macfie THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The arrival of international chemical weapons inspectors at the location of a suspected poison gas attack in the Syrian town of Douma has been delayed after gunfire at the site during a visit by a U.N. security team on Tuesday, sources told Reuters. The U.N. security team entered Douma to assess the situation ahead of the planned visit by inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said the sources, who had been briefed on the teams deployment. The OPCW inspectors are in Syria to investigate an April 7 incident in which Western countries and rescue workers say scores of civilians were gassed to death by government forces, which Damascus denies. The United States, Britain and France fired missiles at three Syrian targets on Saturday to punish President Bashar al-Assad for the suspected chemical attack, the first coordinated Western action against Assad in seven years of war. The U.S.-led intervention has threatened to escalate confrontation between the West and Assads backer Russia, although it has had no impact on the fighting on the ground, in which pro-government forces have pressed on with a campaign to crush the rebellion. Assad is now in his strongest position since the early months of a civil war that has killed more than 500,000 people and driven more than half of Syrians from their homes. DELAY CAUSES DISPUTE A delay in the arrival of the inspectors at the Douma site has become a source of diplomatic dispute, because Western countries accuse Damascus and Moscow of hindering the mission. The United States and France have both said they believe the delay could be used to destroy evidence of the poison attack. Russia and Syria deny using poison gas, hindering the investigation or tampering with evidence. One source told Reuters the advance team had encountered a security issue during the visit to Douma, including gunfire which led to the delay. The source could not provide additional details. Another said the advance team had left after being met by protesters who demanded aid and hearing gunfire. An official close to the Syrian government said the U.N. security team had been met by protesters demonstrating against the U.S.-led strikes, but did not mention any shooting. It was a message from the people, said the official. The mission will continue its work, the official said. Douma was the last town to hold out in the besieged eastern Ghouta enclave, the last big rebel bastion near the capital Damascus, which was captured by a government advance over the past two months. The last rebels abandoned the town on Saturday, hours after the U.S.-led missile strikes, leaving government forces in control of the site of the suspected chemical attack. Syrias U.N. ambassador said on Tuesday the fact-finding mission would begin its work in Douma on Wednesday if the U.N. security team deemed the situation there safe. A U.N. source said the OPCW inspectors would probably not be going to Douma on Wednesday. The U.N. source did not give details of the shooting incident. The source did not say when the inspectors might visit the site, or whether a planned visit to Douma on Wednesday had been postponed. "The Third Field Army forces raided a number of rugged, mountainous areas in central Sinai and killed Nasser Abu Zakoul the emir of the terrorist organization in central Sinai during extensive fire exchange," the statement read. Egypt's Armed forces found six automatic rifles, two hand grenades, large quantities of ammunition and a wireless communication device in possession of the emir, the statement added. The raid in central Sinai comes as part of the two-month-old armed forces' Operation Sinai 2018 in north and central Sinai against terrorist elements. The operation involves land, naval and air forces, as well as the police and border guards. "Third Field Army will continue their efforts to eliminate all Takfiri and terrorist elements in the area," the statement read. Search Keywords: Short link: Canada has ended a ban on belly cargo on direct passenger flights from Egypt following a more than two-year suspension over security concerns, Egypt's Minister of Trade and Industry Tarek Kabil said in a statement on Wednesday. The decision to lift the ban followed a visit by a technical delegation of the Canadian transport ministry to inspect logistics and security measures on direct cargo flights to the Canadian city of Toronto, Kabil said. Canada and the US had imposed a ban on belly cargo on direct passenger flights by Egypt's national carrier EgyptAir shortly after a Russian jet crashed in Sinai in October 2015, an EgyptAir official explained to Ahram Online. However, cargo flights from Egypt were not banned. Freight, including textiles, fruits and vegetables, is often stored under the main deck of passenger planes. The ban on belly cargo on passenger flights has hurt the country's exports to the US and Canada as shippers struggled to find alternatives, given the long time required to send exports via indirect flights. Following the 2015 plane crash, which killed everyone on board, Russia, along with a number of European countries, suspended direct passenger flights to Egypt over safety concerns. Many European countries have since resumed direct flights. Last week, Moscow resumed direct air traffic with Cairo after a long period of talks and Egypt's introduction of enhanced security measures at its airports. According to the EgyptAir official, the ban by the US on belly cargo from Egypt is still in place. Search Keywords: Short link: Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi received in Cairo on Wednesday Mark Allen, the president of Boeing, to discuss civil and defence cooperation between Egypt and the American multinational corporation. The meeting was attended by Egypt's Civil Aviation Minister Sherif Fathy, according to a statement by Egypt's presidential spokesman. El-Sisi expressed Cairo's interest in boosting cooperation between Egypt and Boeing as a leading company in commercial, military, security and aerospace industries. Allen expressed appreciation for his company's more than 50-year presence in the Egyptian market, stressing Boeing's interest in increasing cooperation with the country in light of Egypt's accelerating development process. The president of Boeing also affirmed the company's keenness to take part in the Egyptian International Defense and Arms Exhibition EDEX 2018, scheduled to be held in Cairo in December. The exhibition will be the first of its kind in the North and Central Africa region, with the participation of the largest Egyptian and international companies working in the defence field. The meeting also involved a discussion of the current cooperation between Egypt and Boeing, which includes the provision of commercial aircraft, and discussed developing Egypt's flagship carriers fleet. El-Sisi and Allen also discussed cooperation with Boeing in other fields related to the company's services, such as establishing a local and regional centre in Egypt to serve the Middle East and Africa in aircraft operation and maintenance. As of January 2018, EgyptAirs fleet contained 37 Boeing 737-800, 777-200ER and 777-200ER aircrafts. Last December, Egypt received the ninth B737-800 aircraft, the last in a $864 million deal signed in July 2016 between the national flag carrier and Boeing. Search Keywords: Short link: Employment policies limiting creation of new, quality jobs By Kim Jae-kyoung South Korea has been trapped in a paradox of employment. Domestically, the more effort the government makes, the more difficult it is for young people to find decent jobs. In other words, President Moon Jae-in's job policies are limiting the creation of new, quality jobs in the private sector. Last year, Moon implemented a supplementary budget of 11.2 trillion won ($10.5 billion) to create jobs and formulated another extra budget plan of 3.9 trillion won early this month. However, the job market situation has taken a turn for the worse. The jobless rate reached 4.5 percent in March, the highest level in 17 years. The number of jobs created came to 112,000 from the same month a year ago, sharply down from January's 334,000. Internationally, Korea is isolated in its job market recovery. Many big economies, including the U.S. and Japan, are showing handsome figures in employment, while Korea's labor market has stayed in the doldrums. The jobless rate for the U.S. stood at 4.1 percent in March, the lowest level in 17 years. Japan's unemployment rate was at 2.5 percent in the same month, similar to 2.4 percent in February, the lowest in nearly 25 years. The employment fiasco for Asia's fourth-largest economy is the outcome of a toxic mixture of three forces Moon's contradictory policies, market uncertainties and technology. First, a surge in the unemployment rate is paradoxically associated with Moon's job policies. The Moon administration has been trying to take the initiative in job creation rather than encouraging the private sector to hire new employees. Moon has focused on creating jobs in the public sector by hiring more civil servants and turning irregular workers into regular ones. But he introduced a series of measures, including tax increases and minimum wage hikes, increasing uncertainties and discouraging firms from recruiting new workers. "Over time, businesses in the private sector create jobs, not the government," Sohn Sung-won, an economics professor at California State University-Channel Islands, told The Korea Times. "In deciding to add to employment, the private sector bases its decisions on the current and future economic prospects. Apparently, there are too many economic uncertainties ahead to add to capacity." Minimum wage hike shock By Kim Jae-kyoung Unemployment has become President Moon Jae-in's biggest headache. Despite his all-out efforts, Korea's job market situation has been a far cry from what Moon pledged during his election campaign. In order to find a breakthrough, global economists suggest Moon take a close look at how Germany escaped from a long tunnel of employment troubles. The jobless rate for Europe's largest economy stood at 5.3 percent in March, the lowest level since reunification in October 1990. This has been driven by strong domestic spending and solid international trade. Mauro Guillen, director of the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, said Germany can be a good model for Korea to emulate to find a solution to its employment woes. In particular, he called for Korea to focus more on improving a training system for youths rather than artificially creating jobs in the public sector. "Germany had high unemployment in the 1990s and early 2000s. Then they spent more on training to prepare workers to compete. They also froze wage increases for several years, until 2012 or so," he said. "The result has been a very low unemployment rate, a large trade surplus and even the absorption into the labor force of a large numbers of immigrants." By Yoon Ja-young The country's ministers of finance and industry are heading to the United States this week to discuss major issues such as enhancing transparency in the foreign exchange market and cooperation in nuclear power plant projects. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, its minister Paik Un-gyu is visiting the United States from April 18 to 24. It is his first visit to the country since his inauguration as a minister. Trade, Industry and Energy Minister Paik Un-gyu The visit aims at further strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries, following their agreement "in principle" regarding revision of the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) as well as the United States' exemption of heavy tariffs on Korean steel, according to the ministry. At the IR session in New York, the minister aims at promoting Korea as a dependable partner for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He will stress improving surroundings for investors including decreasing geopolitical risks and uncertainties, following improving ties with North Korea as well as the resolution of trade issues with the United States. He will also meet key figures of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration including Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross as well as U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Donohue and people from the political circle. He has said that he will seek stronger cooperation with the United States in sectors such as the self-driving cars, renewable energies and nuclear power plant construction, especially regarding Saudi Arabia's nuclear power plant project. The country in the Middle East is expected to soon announce a shortlist of preferred bidders for its 21 trillion won nuclear power plant project, and Korea is likely to be included. Paik has said that Korea should consider a strategic partnership with the United States as Korea's technology has advanced considerably. Strategy and Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered his "blessing" to the Koreas to end their decades-long war. Trump appeared to speak to reports the two Koreas could discuss a peace treaty to formally end the 1953-53 Korean War when their leaders meet for a summit next week. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," he said at a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida. "People don't realize the Korean War has not ended. It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. So, subject to a deal, they would certainly have my blessing. And they do have my blessing to discuss that." South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are set to meet on April 27 to talk about denuclearizing the North and bringing peace to the peninsula. The two sides have technically been at war since the three-year conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Trump said five different locations are being looked at for his own meeting with Kim. But the U.S. is not among them, he indicated by shaking his head in response to a reporter's question. "That will be taking place probably in early June or a little before that -- assuming things go well," he said. "It's possible things won't go well and we won't have the meetings, and we'll just continue to go along this very strong path that we've taken." Possible sites for the summit include Mongolia, Sweden, Switzerland and the demilitarized zone on the inter-Korean border, according to pundits. An Egyptian court sentenced on Wednesday four Colombian nationals to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in five burglaries in New Cairo. The court also acquitted the defendants for six other thefts. According to the prosecution, the defendants formed a gang specialised in burglarising homes in the wealthy 5th Settlement district in new Cairo, and confessed to breaking into five villas. Christian Camillo, Jorman Fenanand, Michael Humberto and Christian Esteban were arrested by a special police unit at an apartment in downtown Cairo's Abdeen district on 8 April. Upon searching the apartment, police found gold and diamond jewelry weighing about 2kg, as well as cash in several currencies. Mike Pompeo, the new United States secretary of state nominee, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on his secret visit to the North a few weeks ago, a U.S. report said Wednesday. Pompeo, director of the Central Intelligence Agency, made the trip as an envoy of President Donald Trump over the Easter weekend to discuss the planned Trump-Kim summit, following his nomination as the new secretary of state, The Washington Post reported, citing sources with knowledge of the trip. It was the highest-level meeting between Washington and Pyongyang since 2000 when the then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Kim Jong-il, the late leader of North Korea, according to the report. The report comes as Trump alluded to his direct communication line with Kim during his summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Tuesday (U.S. time). He said the U.S. is having direct talks at "extremely" high levels with North Korea. Trump also referred to the two Koreas' potential summit agenda to end the decades-old armistice, saying that "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war." Five different locations are under review as the venue for his summit with Kim, the president also said, following his announcement on April 9 that the bilateral meeting may be held in May or early June. Ahead of the Trump-Kim summit, President Moon Jae-in will hold a summit with Kim on April 27 at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom to negotiate North Korea's denuclearization and end the armistice that has kept the two Koreas in a technical state of war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce. Pompeo, a hardliner, was nominated to replace Rex Tillerson in mid-March in the wake of Trump's surprise decision to hold direct talks with Kim over denuclearization. Since then, he has led preparatory talks with Pyongyang for the summit, which was initially reported to be held by May. In his Senate confirmation hearing a week ago, Pompeo voiced optimism that Trump can achieve the denuclearization of North Korea through diplomacy in the upcoming summit. "No one is under any illusions that we will reach a comprehensive agreement through the president's meeting," Pompeo said. "But to set up the conditions acceptable to each side, for the two leaders who will ultimately make the decision about whether such an agreement can be achieved then set in place, I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately." (Yonhap) South Korea is seeking to end an armistice left by the 1950-53 Korean War and build a permanent peace regime on the Korean Peninsula, Seoul's unification ministry said Wednesday. U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday extended his "blessing" to the Koreas, which appear to be discussing a peace treaty to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War when their leaders meet for a summit next Friday. "The two Koreas discussed the issue of ending the armistice at a summit in October 2007," Baik Tae-hyun, a ministry spokesman, told a press briefing. "The government is making efforts to declare an end to the war and set up a permanent peace regime." A joint declaration adopted after the 2007 summit stipulated that South and North Korea both recognize the need to end the current armistice regime and build a permanent peace regime. "The South and the North have also agreed to work together to advance the matter of having the leaders of the three or four parties directly concerned to convene on the Peninsula and declare an end to the war," the declaration says. In this April 12, 2018, photo CIA Director Mike Pompeo testifies on his nomination to be the next secretary of state on Capitol Hill in Washington. Two U.S. officials say Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo's trip to the isolated communist nation came in advance of a potential summit between Kim and President Donald Trump. The officials spoke anonymously about Pompeo's trip because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. / AP CIA Director Mike Pompeo recently traveled to North Korea to meet with leader Kim Jong-un, two officials told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The highly unusual, secret visit comes as the enemy nations prepare for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim within the next couple of months. The officials spoke about Pompeo's trip on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss it publicly. The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeo's meeting with Kim, said it took place over Easter weekend just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Trump, currently at his Florida resort hosting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for a possible summit with Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which is slated to take place by early June. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Trump and Kim have not spoken directly. US, NK holding high-level discussions By Kim Rahn South and North Korea as well as the United States will discuss signing peace treaties to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War during next week's inter-Korean summit and the following one between Washington and Pyongyang, a senior Cheong Wa Dae official said Wednesday. The official said Seoul is reviewing with the U.S. the possibility of changing the current armistice agreement into a peace treaty as a means to ensure permanent peace here. The two Koreas remain technically at war as the Korean War ended only with the armistice agreement. His remark came several hours after U.S. President Donald Trump said the two Koreas are negotiating whether they can end the seven decades of hostilities, and expressed his support for it. The summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is slated for April 27. The meeting between Kim and Trump is expected in late May or early June. "We are devising and discussing various ways to develop the security situation surrounding the peninsula into a permanent peace regime," the official said on condition of anonymity. "One such way may be changing the armistice agreement to a peace treaty, and we are reviewing the possibility of it." But he said South Korea alone cannot decide on ending the war as the issue requires close discussion with countries directly involved, including North Korea. Although the armistice was signed by North Korea, China and the United Nations Command, without South Korea, the official said it is undeniable South Korea is one of the countries directly involved. "But the two Koreas alone cannot decide on signing a peace treaty, so we may have to seek a three-party or four-party agreement if necessary." Trump says 'will cancel meeting with Kim Jong-un if unlikely to be fruitful' US troop withdrawal could be put on table CIA Director Pompeo met with Kim Jong-un He noted that when Moon's special envoys visited Pyongyang in March, Kim himself said his country would not take military action against the South. "In the joint declaration to be announced by Moon and Kim after the summit, we want to include an agreement to ban hostilities, although it is not known yet whether we can use the term 'end of the war,'" the official said. "However, we expect to include such an agreement in some form of expression." While North Korea has said it will give up its nuclear weapons if military threats are removed and the safety of its regime is guaranteed, he said South Korea and the U.S. are reviewing various ways to establish peace on the peninsula. "One of them is about how to relieve Pyongyang's concerns (over regime stability) and how to meet its expectations (for rewards in return for disarmament). We are talking about such things from various angles," he said. The official added that Seoul, Pyongyang and Washington have the same concept of "denuclearization," referring to concerns that the allies want the removal of North Korea's nuclear arsenal while Pyongyang also wants the removal of U.S. troops from the peninsula and the lifting of the nuclear umbrella from the South. "But there can be difference in details about how to realize denuclearization. So the countries involved need to discuss them," he said. "But there is no big difference in the main concept, so denuclearization is not a goal that cannot be achieved." Earlier in the day, Trump mentioned the peace treaty discussion between the two Koreas in a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," Trump said. "People don't realize the Korean War has not ended. It's going on right now. And they are discussing an end to the war. So, subject to a deal, they would certainly have my blessing. And they do have my blessing to discuss that." He also said Washington and Pyongyang have been in talks for the summit between him and Kim at "extremely high levels." Several U.S. media have reported that CIA Director Mike Pompeo visited North Korea over Easter weekend, from the end of March to early April, and met with Kim. The visit reportedly came soon after he was nominated as secretary of state. Several days after the alleged secret visit, the Trump administration confirmed direct contact with Pyongyang and the North's commitment to talks with the U.S. for denuclearization. By Kim Bo-eun The upcoming summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will become the first meeting between leaders of the Koreas to be covered live. The two Koreas agreed on live broadcasting of the April 27 summit, in a working-level meeting held Wednesday at the truce village of Panmunjeom. The coverage will begin with the leaders of the Koreas shaking hands there in the third inter-Korean summit _ taking place 11 years since the last meeting in 2007. It will also be the first time a North Korean leader sets foot in the South. The first two summits in 2000 and 2007 between Kim Jong-un's father Kim Jong-il and South Korean Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun were held in Pyongyang. The summit will be held at the Peace House on the South's side of Panmunjeom. The truce village will provide a dramatic backdrop for the meeting of the leaders as it symbolizes the divided Koreas. The agreement on live coverage was made, as the North accepted the South's request. The summit will be nationally televised in the South, but likely not in the North. The second round of working-level inter-Korean meetings on protocol, security and press coverage was held to arrange details for the summit next week. Further meetings will be held to fine tune details. It has not been decided whether a joint press conference by Moon and Kim will take place after the meeting. A day earlier, Cheong Wa Dae stated the Koreas were seeking to host a joint press conference. The timing of the summit and whether a luncheon or dinner will be held have also yet to be decided. In addition, it is to be seen whether the first ladies will accompany their husbands to the summit. The route Kim Jong-un will take to cross the military demarcation line and reach the Peace House on the South's side of the Panmunjeom has also yet to be disclosed. It is yet to be seen whether reporters from the North and South will jointly use the press center within Panmunjeom. Meanwhile, a final high-level meeting is set to take place before the summit. By Yi Whan-woo Kaouther Ben Hania Education ministry calls key universities days before '2020 college admissions plan' submission deadline and request to expand regular admissions. By Kim Hyun-bin Of every 10 high school seniors applying for university this year, 8 are expected to enter through non-scheduled admissions. This categorizes students based on their academic grades and school reports correlated to the majors they apply for. With the drop in applicants for regular admissions, the influence of the College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT) for prospective college students has been declining. The Ministry of Education has called on universities to increase the percentage of their regular admissions and some key universities are looking to change their procedures. Park Chun-ran, vice minister of education is said to have called key university presidents including those of Seoul National, Korea and Ewha Womans requesting they increase their regular admissions. Before 1997, there were two types of admissions, regular and special. Special admissions were abolished as they mostly benefited diplomats' children, residents of farming and fishing towns, and the handicapped. By 2002, all special admissions had been discontinued and non-scheduled admissions sharply increased. In 2007, 48.3 percent of all applicants started going through non-scheduled admissions, however, that number grew to 76.2 percent for this year. Since 2000, the government pushed to increase non-scheduled admissions, aiming to recruit outstanding students with creative minds. However, the government's recent change in its view, expanding regular admissions has become confusing to parents and students. Regular admissions mostly take into consideration academic grades and the CSAT, which is based on a multiple choice test taken annually in November. The education ministry says the move aims to address the drastic reduction of regular admissions. "There are institutions that have 10 to 20 percent regular admissions, and there have been numerous national petitions and forums urging us to deal with the problem. That is why the ministry made an abrupt decision," said an official. Violation of Higher Education Act The Liberty Korea Party (LPK) has reported the vice minister of education Park Chun-ran to prosecutors for abuse of power for pressuring university heads to expand regular admissions. "Vice Minister Park ignored the procedures stated in the Higher Education Act, we call on the prosecution to investigate and punish him for his unlawful act," the LPK said. All universities were obligated to submit "2020 college admissions plans" to the ministry by March 30. However, just a few days before the deadline, Park called or met with key university presidents to request an expansion of regular admissions. University boards had to hold emergency meetings to discuss the issue. The ministry of education claims the vice minister held the meeting to discuss ways to improve the admissions process and the problems facing increased non-scheduled admissions. But the ministry has no jurisdiction over a university's policies on regular and non-scheduled admissions. "Expanding or reducing regular or non-scheduled admissions and other issues related to admissions are subject to education policy laws and the final decision is based on public opinion," said the LPK. "The ministry ignored procedures and laws and acted independently causing great confusion. We have not only an imperial president, but also an imperial education ministry that believes they are above the law." Confusion among parents and students Many parents and experts are against non-scheduled admissions as it is perceived to benefit affluent parents as their children have the luxury of enrolling at numerous afterschool private institutes. However, the abrupt change in the education policy has caused great confusion among parents and high school students. "I believe the back and forth education policy is the cause of the problem," said Lee who has a son in high school. "Next year my son will apply for university and the abrupt change in the education policy just confuses students and parents. I don't think the government is capable of maintaining a stable education policy." Many universities are reviewing the policy of expanding regular admissions, but many are pointing out that this is easier said than done. "The education ministry wants us to change our admissions process but not every university could meet that need," said an official at a university in Seoul. "If we follow every policy the ministry makes, universities won't have autonomy in making admissions decisions at all." By Kim Hyun-bin Cho Hee-yeon, the current Seoul superintendent of education, will announce his candidacy for re-election in polls slated for June 13. He is scheduled to make his official declaration at Seoul City Hall, Friday. "Cho will register with the National Election Commission," said an official from the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education (SMOE). "Then he will hold a press conference at the Seosomun Annex of City Hall on April 20." Seosomun Annex is where Cho was appointed to the post after running unopposed in 2014. The SMOE and the Seoul Metropolitan Government recently released a joint plan dubbed "The 2018-2021 Future Education City." The timing of the joint plan's release, just ahead of the local elections, could be seen as a strong sign that Park and Cho are joining hands. The plan with a four-year budget of 1.9 trillion won ($1.76 billion) does not seem to introduce significant changes, mostly consisting of upgrades and the enhancement of existing education facilities. This is raising even more suspicion that the policy was released to help boost their popularity before the elections. Park's visit to Cho's book publication ceremony last February is also a sign the two candidates are joining forces. After registering his candidacy, Cho will be suspended from performing his duties as SMOE head, and Deputy Superintendent Kim Won-chan will take charge. A day after the election, regardless of the outcome, Cho will be reinstated as superintendent to finish his term until the end of June. There are currently two liberal candidates that will face Cho in a primary race scheduled for May 5 _ Lee Sung-dae, former head of Korean and ' , and Choi Bo-sun, a member of Seoul City Council's education committee. From the conservative camp, Dongguk University professor Park Sun-young is looking to be a strong candidate to run against Cho. Recent popular policies Cho has also recently released an initiative called "Vitalize Seoul English Public Education Plan," aiming to reduce the English education gap between the rich and poor; and to provide an environment where students can naturally learn English. The SMOE is scheduled to hire 561 native English speakers as teaching assistants for all public elementary schools in the capital, starting next year. Last year, the office outlined several policies to help tackle fine dust issues in schools. Cho approved installing air purifiers in every classroom and cutting school days short when fine dust warnings were issued. The Kazakhstan man used a fake gun to resist arrest. / Courtesy of Incheon Airport Immigration Office By Kang Aa-young A Kazakhstan man suspected of being an illegal jobs broker used a fake gun in an attempt to resist arrest at Incheon International Airport on Saturday. Police and the Incheon Airport Immigration Office eventually arrested the man, 54, about 10:40 a.m. The man was at the airport to pick up seven Kazakhstanis. Police said the man was an illegal alien who brokered jobs for his fellow Kazakhstanis. He had been in South Korea since 2015. He resisted police by taking the fake gun from his car. The suspect told police he came by the gun accidently while working. Police arrest a man suspected of being an illegal jobs broker. / Yonhap Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon declares re-election bid, April 12. / Yonhap By Choi Ha-young The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) officially launched its primaries, Wednesday, to select its candidates for mayoral and gubernatorial elections in Seoul, Gyeonggi Province and Gwangju. All candidates will be announced by next Tuesday at the latest, the party said. At the moment, DPK candidates are expected to win the local elections in those areas, considering the overwhelming support for President Moon Jae-in and the low popularity of the conservative parties. For the Seoul mayoral election, incumbent Mayor Park Won-soon and Reps. Woo Sang-ho and Park Young-sun threw their hats into the ring. The incumbent mayor has outpaced the race on opinion polls. However, if he fails to get a majority of the votes, the DPK is required to hold a run-off vote from April 23 to 24. "The run-off vote will inevitably take place," Woo told reporters, Wednesday. "Since negative opinions are rampant among DPK members, Mayor Park is unlikely to gain a majority." The nomination race for the Gyeonggi gubernatorial election is heated as well. The two major candidates former Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung and Rep. Jeon Hae-cheol are poised for a battle. Gwangmyeong Mayor Yang Ki-dae is also challenging the candidacy. While Lee boasts nationwide popularity as a former presidential contender, Rep. Jeon has a solid support base within the DPK for his longtime devotion to President Moon Jae-in. Jeon has blasted Lee's alleged ethical lapse. In response, Lee emphasized that Jeon's nomination may threaten the DPK's majority in the Assembly. Currently, the DPK has 121 seats, only five seats more than the conservative Liberty Korea Party (LKP). "If Lee is nominated, the DPK can continue as the largest party. Otherwise, the Assembly will be unable to back up President Moon's reformist drive," said Lee's spokesman Kim Nam-joon. Three politicians are running for the mayoral election in Gwangju, the traditional heartland for the liberals. They are former lawmaker Kang Ki-jung; Lee Yong-sup, former vice chief of the presidential job creation; and Yang Hyang-ja, supreme council member of the DPK. Currently, Lee is more popular than the two others in the polls. As a result of intraparty competition, the DPK nominated four-term lawmaker Yang Seung-jo for the South Chungcheong gubernatorial election; incumbent governor Lee Si-jong for the North Chungcheong gubernatorial election; incumbent governor Song Ha-jin for the North Jeolla gubernatorial election; former presidential secretary Moon Dae-lim for the Jeju gubernatorial election; Rep. Park Nam-choon for Incheon mayoral election; and Heo Tae-jeong for the Daejeon mayoral election. The Syrian army began preparatory shelling for an assault on the last area outside its control near Damascus on Tuesday, a commander in the pro-government alliance said, building on its recent capture of the major suburb of eastern Ghouta. Recovering the Yarmouk camp and neighbouring areas located south of the city would give President Bashar al-Assad complete control over Syria's capital, further consolidating his grip on power. Yarmouk, Syria's biggest camp for Palestinian refugees since the mid-20th century, has been under the control of Islamic State (IS) militants for several years. Although the vast majority of residents have fled, the United Nations says thousands remain. Assad has benefited from Russian air power since 2015 to regain large swathes of Syria, putting him in his strongest position since the early months of the seven-year-old war. The war has killed more than 500,000 people and has drawn in regional and global powers. The United States, Britain and France launched their first coordinated strikes against Assad's government on Saturday in retaliation for what they say was a poison gas attack on April 7 that killed scores of residents in Douma, the last town in the eastern Ghouta to fall. The Western missiles destroyed three targets that had been evacuated in advance, but did nothing to alter the wider course of the war, leaving Assad's Russian-backed forces still on the offensive with the goal of recapturing the entire country. Damascus and Moscow have both denied using poison gas and have broadcast statements from hospital workers in Douma - which medical aid groups operating in rebel areas have dismissed as propaganda - saying that no chemical attack took place. A team of international chemical weapons inspectors that arrived in Damascus on Friday has still not visited Douma to gather evidence, though Russia said it would do so on Wednesday. Syrian state media reported that missiles had again targeted an airbase overnight, but a commander in the regional military alliance backing the government later told Reuters it was a false alarm. The commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new offensive would target IS and Nusra Front militants in Yarmouk camp and al-Hajar al-Aswad district. Rebels in the adjoining Beit Sahm area would withdraw on buses through an agreement with the government, the commander said. ASSAULT A government media tour on Monday of Douma, the biggest town in the former rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta just outside Damascus, revealed severe destruction and the plight of residents who had survived years of siege. The assault on eastern Ghouta began in February and ended in government victory on Saturday when rebels withdrew from the town, hours after the Western countries were finished with their air strikes on buildings they said were used to research or store chemical weapons and equipment. Each of the rebel groups controlling areas of eastern Ghouta eventually agreed surrender deals that involved withdrawal to opposition-held areas of northwestern Syria including Idlib. After the recapture of eastern Ghouta, Assad still has several smaller pockets of ground to recover from rebels, as well as two major areas they hold in the northwest and southwest. Besides the pocket south of Damascus, rebels still hold besieged enclaves in the town of Dumayr northeast of Damascus, in the Eastern Qalamoun mountains nearby, and around Rastan north of Homs. The pro-government commander said the army had prepared for military action in the Eastern Qalamoun, but that Russia was working on the militants' withdrawal without a battle. State television said on Tuesday that rebels in Dumayr had also agreed to withdraw. In northwest Syria, the largest area still held by rebels, a government assault could bring Damascus into confrontation with Turkey, which has set up a string of military observation posts in the area. Ali Akbar Velayati, a top Iranian official, said during a visit to Damascus last week that he hoped that the army would soon regain Idlib and areas of eastern Syria now held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by Washington. Search Keywords: Short link: By Kim Bo-eun Cheong Wa Dae's confirmation that the inter-Korea summit will address the prospects of signing a peace treaty with North Korea is raising speculation that withdrawing or downsizing U.S. troops stationed in the South could also be on the table. Some analysts here say the presence of U.S. troops could be an obstacle to signing a peace treaty with North Korea. If President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un discuss signing a peace treaty at their summit on April 27, it is highly possible they may also exchange views on U.S. troops stationed here. Signing a peace treaty and removing U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula are not separate issues, as the North may raise this demand in return for giving up its nuclear program in the following summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump. Cheong Wa Dae's confirmation of the agenda came after Trump stated North and South Korea are set to discuss putting an end to the war at their summit next week. The 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, technically leaving the Koreas still at war. "We are reviewing the possibility of switching the system of an armistice on the Korean Peninsula to a system of peace," a senior Cheong Wa Dae official said Wednesday. Ptecticus tenebrifer's larvae are South Korea's new channel to dispose of mounting food wastes. / Capture from Naver blog By Ko Dong-hwan The South Korean government has embraced a rare yet effective, eco-friendly method of disposing of food waste, vowing to expand infrastructure for "ptecticus tenebrifer," a flying insect that feeds on waste when in a larva state. The Rural Development Administration set up new policies to introduce technological and legal bases for breeding the insects' larvae, the arm of the Ministry of Environment said Tuesday. So far the policies' absence has limited the government from using the insects to tackle food waste on a major scale. Larvae have been limited to food waste weighing 100 kilograms or less per day because of a shortage of disposal facilities. The administration had not even prepared standard codes for storing food waste and establishing/controlling breeding compounds for the larvae. The administration began addressing the problem in October 2017, when it revised policies to introduce exemplary standards for breeding and inspecting larvae for food waste disposal. Breeding facilities for ptecticus tenebrifer were subsequently listed as a new type of waste management facility, opening ways to deploy millions of insects to tackle the huge amount of food waste. Ptecticus tenebrifer / Courtesy of Naver Encyclopedia Overseas travelers help carry this rescued dog to its new home, taking it with them on their flight. / Courtesy of Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth By Jung Da-min If you want to help abandoned dogs find new homes, take part in overseas adoption programs. All you have to do is have custody of them on their flight out of the country and then hand them over to a waiting party at the airport of arrival. Most adoptee dogs are destined for the United States and Canada. The voluntary program has recently been organized by animal rights groups in Korea. Previously it was sporadically done by pet lovers. All medical treatments and quarantine procedures ahead, and at the end, of the trips as well as flight expenses for the dogs will be covered by the rights groups that have organized the project. Most adoptee dogs are destined for the United States and Canada. Joining an animal rights group's overseas adoption program, volunteer travelers pose with rescued dogs on their way back to Seattle from Korea. / Courtesy of Animal Peace Korea By Ted Gover President Donald Trump's historic decision to meet Kim Jong-un to address the North Korea nuclear crisis brings with it opportunities for a peaceful resolution as well as risks. Among the many priorities involving this summit, President Trump must safeguard the interests of U.S. allies while striving for verifiable North Korean disarmament. Protecting the security interests of Seoul and Tokyo during the summit is critical for continuing America's role of maintaining stability in East Asia as it has done since the Korean War. It is also imperative for upholding Washington's credibility in the region. For over six decades the United States has helped provide for the security of East Asia and prevent another war on the Korean Peninsula through a combination of alliances, containment, deterrence, sanctions and geopolitical support of its regional allies. In this spirit, any deal that Trump strikes with Kim needs to avoid putting Seoul and Tokyo in vulnerable positions. In part, the differences in outlook that Seoul and Tokyo have with Washington relate to geography. Both Seoul and Tokyo are concerned that Trump may be inclined to strike a deal with Kim that ends Pyongyang's intercontinental ballistic missile program thereby protecting the U.S. and its territories but keeps intact other shorter range missile programs that are capable of striking Seoul and Tokyo. It bears saying that the shorter range missile threat is not confined to solely South Korean and Japanese nationals. Both countries are home to hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens who are also vulnerable. Seoul and Tokyo are also, understandably, wondering what Trump is willing to give up in exchange for North Korea putting a freeze on its nuclear and missile tests. To address these worries, Trump's team would be well advised to review thoroughly with South Korean and Japanese policymakers the wide range of their concerns and core interests before the summit. Consultation with Beijing to determine its red lines is also crucial. In a welcome first step, Trump hosted Abe ahead of the U.S.-North Korea summit at Mar-a-Lago to discuss Japan's concerns relating to both security and the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea in past decades. For his part, South Korean President Moon Jae-in will hold an April 27 summit with Kim. Clearly, Trump's departure from traditional multilateral talks regarding the Korean Peninsula, while presenting opportunities, has left regional allies apprehensive. This has in part led to the Moon-Kim summit and talks of an Abe-Kim summit, raising prospects for disjointed diplomacy. It also provides Kim with opportunities to drive wedges between Washington, Seoul and Tokyo. To guard against this, part of Trump's upcoming diplomacy needs to include assurances to South Korea and Japan that their interests will not be thrown by the wayside during his talks with Kim. Ted Gover (amberjackshoal@yahoo.com), Ph.D., is instructor of political science at Central Texas College, USMC Camp Pendleton. By Kim Ji-soo As warm weather takes hold, people are catching up on meetings that had been put on hold with friends, colleagues or acquaintances. It may even be reunions with former teachers. Former teachers? Yes. A good relationship with former teachers, whom are regarded as beneficiary figure, has long been gone from Korean society, but few people still value and engage in it. This writer reunited recently with a college professor and former classmates. Having first met the professor in my 20s, it was a rare opportunity to see how the procession of time and life transforms us. Despite the passage of several decades, the social role of the teacher as a vessel of life wisdom and guidance and the student as an enthusiastic learner still remained. It was assuring to be able to connect with an "elder" to talk about our past, present and future and make sense of it; this ultimately is what everyone seeks to do, no? Formers classmates who were there all said the meeting prompted them to think about life in one way or another. One may argue in the times where most Koreans are bogged down in the quest for a stable job, a stable family life, a stable mind, a stable retirement and even a stable death meaning at home rather than at a facility or alone such reminiscence over former teachers may come across as idle. Why not make use of innumerable amounts of knowledge on the web or on apps, people may say, virtually just a click away? But different groups or individuals have different levels of access to such knowledge, and the fast pace of change that has descended on Korea calls for an elder or a guide or an interpreter, whether they be young or old, versed in the ways of the human heart and sensibilities and in how they interpret life in the fast-changing Fourth Industrial Revolution era. The existence of such needs is partly being met along with traditional religious centers with the emergence of "life" schools. They include the School of Life in Seoul, a life school founded by Alain de Botton in London and run in Seoul by co-chairwoman Sohn Mina; the "Mind Healing School" run by Ven. Hyemin, and other ones operated by local governments to aid people redesign their lives. Apps and programs aside, one subtle undercurrent that may be preventing people's search for elders' wisdom or teachers may well be the current zeitgeist in Korea to regard anyone in a position of authority as "kkondae," an older person with an aggressive attitude who tends to talk down to younger people, and the current political trend where previous governments are "jeokpye" or accumulated corruption. These sentiments no doubt were incurred as a result of poor actions and steps taken by the former administrations, in particular by Park Geun-hye. The former President Park has been sentenced to 24 years in prison and fined 18 billion won ($16.8 million) on corruption and other charges. Essentially, the court found Park -- as prosecutors demanded and the electorate demanded through the candlelit protests that led to her impeachment -- guilty of abusing the people's mandate by enabling her confidant Choi Soon-sil to meddle in state affairs. Another former President Lee Myung-bak is awaiting trial on multiple corruption charges. Also, regarding the older generation as "kkondae" may be a natural process in any society. Yet the bleak economic prospects as evidenced by the high unemployment rate for young people may well promote the ill-feeling toward any "elder" groups. In sum, reaching out and looking for the wisdom of "elders" beyond generations and political spheres is what we need to work on, to find our path in the chaos of change. By Mac Margolis On April 18, Miguel Diaz-Canel was sworn in as the new Cuban president. The transition is a landmark for the island nation, where for the first time in six decades a Castro will not be in command. It will also shift the mental landscape of a region which even as memories of Latin dictators and Yanqui imperialism fade can still swoon to the revolution that was. No one expects Cuba to radically change course. Although Raul Castro is officially stepping aside, he'll go no further than the top slot at the Cuban Communist Party, where eminence grise is the new khaki. And don't expect a truce in the sexagenarian feud between Havana and Washington, which has only escalated under Trump. Yet Cuba and the U.S. also are bound by strategic interests that have remained remarkably solid despite the continuing vitriol over the Florida Strait. Even as public diplomacy festers, in recent months shared policy initiatives, technical cooperation pacts and binational task forces have survived and, in some cases, even strengthened. It's not just the emergency ops, such as the joint rescue mission earlier this month by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Cuban Border Guard to intercept a boatload of Haitian refugees drifting off the coast of Cuba. Both nations touted the heroics of the island's fire brigade, which in February swooped down to help stop a wildfire that threatened the U.S. military base in Guantanamo a remarkable gesture given how the gringo outpost has long chafed on Cuban pride. Cuba and the U.S. have long coordinated to patrol the maritime borders, and dousing the Guantanamo fire was only possible because of two decades of joint natural disaster response drills by U.S. troops with the Cuban military's Frontier Brigade. Transnational crime also has drawn the Americas' signature enemies closer. Although neither side flaunts it, Havana and Washington have collaborated for more than two decades to interdict drug shipments, human traffickers, cross-border crime cartels, money launderers, and more recently even Medicare cheats. U.S. authorities say Cuba could do more to prosecute international outlaws. Yet the 16-country Financial Action Task Force of Latin America recently acknowledged Cuba's efforts to identify terrorist groups and starve them of assets as "complete and consistent." "Cuba used to be an incredible blind spot in the Caribbean and so a safe haven for international criminals," William LeoGrande, a professor at American University, told me. "The joint crackdown has forced traffickers to shift routes, and that success is one reason so many security professionals have been arguing against rolling back the Obama-era policy of approximation with Cuba." Geoff Thale, a Cuba expert at the Washington Office on Latin America, agrees. "There have been six separate technical exchanges between Cuba and the U.S. in the last year or so," Thale said in an interview. "Despite the chill of the Trump administration, it's clear the U.S. Coast Guard, Southern Command, and the Drug Enforcement Administration all believe that Cuba is an important barrier to crime." This isn't capitulation to Washington's agenda, but the same strain of pragmatism that has driven Cuba to embrace some reforms of its shambolic economy. "As Cuba reintegrates into the global economy and engages with countries in its own hemisphere, it understands the growing risks of money launderers and international crime groups," said Thale. "So it's in their interest to rein this in." Some clear-thinking officials in Washington also have taken note. "There's a growing awareness that a stable, functioning Cuban government is an important force for hemispheric stability," sociologist Bernardo Sorj, a Latin America scholar at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told me. "Though there's little love lost between the two countries, the question is what will happen tomorrow if Cuba destabilizes." More than neighborly good will, U.S.-Cuban cooperation speaks to a broader awareness of the challenges of hemispheric security one that has weathered years of the brute diplomacy that so many of the region's ideologues have favored, and which threatens to rear up again. Beating world-class criminals will be just as daunting as reinventing the New World's oldest command economy. But the U.S. and Cuba share too many interests and vulnerabilities to indulge the hoary antagonisms of last century's quarrel. Mac Margolis writes about Latin America for Bloomberg View. He was a reporter for Newsweek and is the author of "The Last New World: The Conquest of the Amazon Frontier." The article was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Long-term steps needed to hone nation's competitiveness The Moon Jae-in government appears to be short-sighted when it comes to encouraging investment in research and development (R&D), which is the key to raising economic and industrial competitive power in the days to come. It can be seen that the government is neglecting its support of R&D by the fact that it is raising investment by a mere 0.7 percent year-on-year _ compared to 9.8 percent for welfare and 7 percent for education _ over its five-year term. Taking into consideration that the total budget increase rate for the same period is set for 5.7 percent, the budget for R&D was virtually curtailed to the astonishment and concern of the industrial sector. Adding insult to injury, the government has decided to reduce tax support given to businesses that invest in R&D this year. It is worrying that the Moon administration's apparent indifference in R&D policy may reflect its overall view of industry. On the other hand, the government has been preoccupied with achieving visible effects by compiling a "super budget" and a supplementary budget for a business recovery and job creation. Investment for sustained growth is one of the government's major policy goals. Unfortunately, however, the administration has not come up with an ambitious plan to create jobs for the future. R&D was the core driving force that contributed to building the Republic of Korea of today. It helped the nation to survive tough international competition. Investment in R&D "grows up" industry and is rewarded with the creation of good quality jobs. R&D is essential to seizing the initiative in the field of technology. It makes no sense to neglect such an important factor while stressing the trends of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The government needs to reconsider its R&D policy as demanded recently by the National Assembly Special Budget and Settlement Committee. By Kim Yoo-chul The trade ministry allowed key technology affiliates at Samsung and LG Electronics not to release the details of their fabrication facilities after the government agency found workplace assessment reports submitted by Samsung included "national core industrial technologies." Samsung Electronics and its display affiliate Samsung Display welcomed the decision, calling the judgment by the trade ministry's review committee a "plus factor" to keep Korea's leadership alive both in the memory chip and display segments. "Once we release full workplace assessment reports as previously ordered, that will hugely impact the global semiconductor industry, in turn dealing a significant blow to the Korean economy. It's highly likely that rival foreign companies could easily obtain those latest and premium technologies through the reports," an official at Samsung Electronics said Wednesday. Samsung Display spokesman Kim Ho-jeong said his company expected a great economic blow to the nation as the company had been ordered to release workplace assessment reports for its latest display plant applied with a cutting-edge eighth-generation display technology in Tangjeong, south of Seoul. "The full openings may cause a substantial change in the national market share of the display industry, which is truly negative given Korea's decades-long leadership in the sector," said the spokesman, adding Samsung Display still has its eye on the trade ministry. Kang Kyeong-sung, director at the trade ministry's materials and components policy bureau, told reporters the decision was mostly due to the sensitivity of the reports as they included Samsung's in-house manufacturing technologies. "Eleven out of 15 judges on the review committee agreed the submitted Samsung factory reports need to be protected from public scrutiny to protect industrial secrets. Among them are detailed processes in manufacturing both DRAM and NAND chips, the names of chemical products being used in those facilities and the monthly usage. These are parts of national core technologies," the government official said. "What the ministry is worrying about is China is providing huge subsidies to its domestic companies to catch up with rival countries in the booming semiconductor industry. Specifically, China plans to invest as much as 210 trillion won only in the business segment, with the country scouting seasoned experts who worked at Samsung or SK hynix plants. Disclosing the reports, therefore, is against the national interest," the official told reporters in a media briefing held at the government complex in Sejong City. Late Tuesday, the ministry's review committee decided Samsung Electronics should not disclose reports of working conditions at its key semiconductor plants in Giheung, Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek. Under the "information disclosure policy," the trade ministry must get a view of Samsung when it receives a petition from an applicant demanding the company release the information. Still, the employment ministry is insisting the reports including the safety and health information of factory workers should be widely accessible to the public in order to help workers prove their occupational diseases associated with various industrial accidents. LG Display, the chief cross-town rival with Samsung Display in the display industry, also welcomed the ministry's decision. By Kang Seung-woo, Kim Jae-heun Korea's budget carriers -- once a non-factor in the airline industry -- are now expanding their presence against much larger and older airlines. Some budget airlines are seeking to go public -- a barometer of financial soundness -- to create a new growth engine; while the low-cost carrier (LCC) sector is seeking to make inroads into the long-haul segment that has been mainly dominated by the major carriers. In addition, they reported record-high earnings from last year -- some of them posting better operating margins than their larger competitors. Plus, scandals involving Korean Air scions' abuse of power are becoming an extra help in the LCCs gaining positive recognition from the public. "As more people are going overseas, budget carriers' cost structures are stabilizing," said Korea Investment and Securities analyst Choi Go-woon. "Amid lingering challenges such as rising oil prices and China's anti-Korean sentiment, they are showing they can continue to grow." There are six budget carriers in operation in Korea. They are Jeju Air, Jin Air, Air Busan, Air Seoul, Eastar Jet and T'way Airlines. More than anything, the biggest headline among the budget carriers is whether to list their shares on the country's main bourse KOSPI. Currently, Air Busan and T'way are expected to carry out IPOs following those of Jeju Air in 2015 and Jin Air in 2017. Eastar, gaining recognition under the Moon Jae-in administration thanks to its involvement in inter-Korean exchanges, is also preparing for an IPO next year. Market observers say the growing IPO rush by the LCCs is aimed at raising massive funds that will contribute to improving their financial status and the purchase of mid- to large-sized aircraft as part of efforts to secure future growth. "We will seek to boost our financial soundness via an IPO," said CEO Jeong Hong-geun. Air Busan CEO Han Tae-geun has said an IPO is the principle means for a company's investment and growth. "Although the LCC market is rapidly growing, competition is getting fiercer and they are faced with the difficult task of securing additional growth," said a brokerage house analyst. "In that respect, low-cost airlines are trying to raise money for investment." Also, the local budget carriers have set their sights on servicing long haul routes to vie with major airlines such as Asiana Airlines and Korean Air. According to industry sources, a few LCCs are considering introducing the Boeing 737 Max for longer routes. Jeju Air CEO Lee Seok-joo said late last month his company was considering adding the Boeing aircraft to its fleet as early as the second half of 2018 in a bid to expand international services. "We will be able to fly it on medium routes by the second half of the year at the earliest," said Lee Seok-ju, Jeju Air director, during a recent press conference. T'way is considering introducing the aircraft to advance its flight services and better meet customer demand. The Boeing 737 Max, produced to meet the demands of LCCs, can carry up to 210 passengers with a maximum range of 6,510 kilometers. The introduction of the Boeing jet is expected to service passengers who want to travel to Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and other Central Asian countries. The 737 Max is the same size as the 737-800 model. It can carry up to 210 passengers and fly a maximum 8 hours, covering up to 6,510 kilometers. For the LCCs, 2017 is likely to go down as an "unforgettable year," thanks to their record earnings. The six budget carriers reported a combined operating income of 269.4 billion won ($251 million) in 2017, nearly double the previous year's 144 billion won. Their combined revenue also increased from 2.67 trillion won to 3.63 trillion won during the same period. The combined operating margin -- a measure of profitability -- stood at 7.41 percent, up from 5.38 percent in 2016. Jeju Air ushered in the era with the LCC chalking up more than 100 billion won for a full-year operating profit, at 101.3 billion won. In addition, Jin Air and Jeju Air saw their respective operating margins surpassing the 10 percent mark -- 10.9 percent and 10.2 percent -- compared with Korean Air's 8.1 percent and Asiana Airlines' 4.3 percent. "The number of passengers using budget carriers for overseas trips increased by 41 percent from the previous year, while those from major airlines declined by 1.9 percent," said an official at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The latest Korean target of Chinese politics / Yonhap By Jung Min-ho Jeju Air, a Korean budget airline, has removed "Taiwanese or Hong Kong people" from its recent job advertisement after a Chinese student complained. A Jeju Air official told The Korea Times Wednesday that the airline has revised the wording in its promotional flyer from "Taiwanese, Chinese or Hong Kong people" to people "who came from Shandong, Hong Kong and Taiwan" after a Chinese college student in Seoul claimed Taiwan and Hong Kong are not countries. "In response to her complaint, we revised the wording to show regions instead of countries," the official said. "The student was persistent and our advertising agency was unable to handle it skillfully at the beginning, so the issue spread quickly." The promotion was targeting foreign students living in Korea for a paid internship at Jeju Air, with incentives of free travel. The flyers were distributed to colleges across Seoul, including her school (University of Seoul), about a week ago. The student saw the flyer and complained to K-Pal, an advertising agency for Jeju Air, via Instagram. She insisted that it should have said: "Chinese people (including those from Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan)." The student then threatened to tell the Chinese embassy and media if the agency refused to comply with her request. The Jeju Air official said the company apologized to the student on behalf of K-Pal. The incident shows how sensitive the issue of sovereignty has become in China, a country that is increasingly emboldened on the international stage. Earlier this year, Chinese aviation authorities demanded an apology from Delta Air Lines for listing Taiwan and Tibet as countries on its website, while another government agency took aim at fashion brand Zara and medical device maker Medtronic Plc for similar issues. Five Palestinians were injured, one seriously, after Israeli troops fired artillery shots on Khan Younis city in the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip, the Palestinian News & Info Agency (WAFA) reported on Wednesday. The attack, according to WAFA, was directed against a group of Palestinians near the border fence to the east of Khuza'a, a Gazan town that shares borders with Israel. The AFP reported that according to the Palestinian health authorities, the men were on a base belonging to the military wing of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas when they were struck. The injured received medical treatment at the European Hospital. WAFA added that Israel occupation soldiers in watchtowers along the borders also opened fire against Palestinian paramedics. This incident comes amid weeks-long Palestinian protests in Gaza calling for the Right of Return for Palestinian refugees and in rejection of the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and recognise the latter as the capital of Israel. Israeli attacks on Palestinian protesters have so far left 34 killed and hundreds injured. No Israelis have been killed in the violence. Search Keywords: Short link: POSCO Chairman Kwon Oh-joon speaks to reporters after a board meeting at the steelmaker's headquarters in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Wednesday. Kwon offered his resignation which the board accepted. / Yonhap Kwon's abrupt departure seen engineered by current administration By Nam Hyun-woo POSCO Chairman Kwon Oh-joon resigned abruptly from his post Wednesday, raising suspicions the Moon Jae-in administration is following the dubious practice of its predecessors: meddling in the management of private companies. The steelmaker held an unscheduled board meeting earlier in the day and approved Kwon's resignation. "For the future of POSCO, I thought fresh leadership by a young and passionate CEO was needed, and board members agreed with this idea," Kwon told reporters. When asked when he decided to resign, Kwon said he was thinking recently of how to ensure POSCO operates for more than 100 years and came to the conclusion that "one of the changes required for that was a new CEO." Regarding Kwon's resignation, POSCO board Chairman Kim Joo-hyun said the board had a heated debate on the matter but decided to accept it. Kwon will stay in the post until a new chairman is named. In a statement, POSCO said Kwon's health deteriorated during his previous term and doctors advised him to rest. It denied there was any political pressure. POSCO will soon set up a chairman recommendation committee to shortlist a number of candidates as his successor. Kwon was appointed chairman of POSCO in March 2014 and commenced his second term in March last year. The term was scheduled to expire in March 2020. Right after starting his second term, he was put under pressure to step down -- as his predecessors had done whenever the country elected a new president -- despite his strong intention to continue serving in the post. During a ceremony to mark the group's 50th anniversary earlier this month, Kwon said he will "walk the right path" when questioned on whether he would resign. Though he cited fresh leadership, observers pick a police investigation of KT Chairman Hwang Chang-gyu as a decisive factor. Police have been questioning the mobile carrier chief throughout this week over his alleged involvement in illegal donations to lawmakers. They believe KT executives paid 90 legislators a combined 430 million won ($402,000) in illegal donations during the previous 2013-2017 Park Geun-hye administration, and suspect Hwang instructed them or was at least briefed about it. Hwang was also appointed chairman of KT in 2014. Along with Hwang, Kwon was not part of economic delegations accompanying President Moon Jae-in on his foreign trips. Though POSCO said its lack of participation was the company's own choice, allegations were raised that the Moon administration was ignoring CEOs appointed during the previous administration. With Kwon stepping down, POSCO is seeing another chief resigning in tandem with the advent of a new government. Following the late POSCO founder Park Tae-joon resigning after 34 years as the steelmaker's chairman, there has been a change at the top with every new administration. Former Chairman Yoo Sang-boo who led the steel giant from 1998 to 2003 stepped down after being embroiled in a 2003 corruption scandal involving the family of President Kim Dae-jung. His successor Lee Ku-taek also left the post at the start of the Lee Myung-bak administration. The previous POSCO Chairman Chung Joon-yang also quit during the Park administration amid corruption allegations. Founded as a state-run company 50 years ago, POSCO was privatized in 2000. It posted 60.65 trillion won in sales last year, and has a market cap surpassing 29 trillion won as of Wednesday. Its largest stakeholder is the National Pension Service with 11.08 percent, while 57 percent is held by foreign investors. By Kang Seung-woo Jeju Air, the nation's largest budget carrier, is embroiled in an improbable controversy concerning the "One-China" policy. A job advertisement recruiting non-Korean students studying here for "global joyber" -- an internship position to promote the appeal of Korean travel as well as the airline -- drew the ire of a Chinese student who complained the ad ignored China's politically-related principle. An English language poster said the company was looking for "Japanese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Chinese and Hong Kong people" for the job. The Chinese student studying at the University of Seoul took issue with K-Pal, an advertising agency that made the poster, claiming Taiwan and Hong Kong were part of China. According to the student, she first saw the poster in an elevator at the school's dormitory. After several exchanges of words between the two sides, the agency reworded the ad into those "from Shandong, Hong Kong and Taiwan as well as Japan and Vietnam." However, the company has yet to drop the flags of Hong Kong and Taiwan in the updated poster. The Chinese student took the issue to her social network service accounts and state-run China Central Television (CCTV) reported it. She also said the Chinese Embassy here and the Korean foreign ministry are aware of the issue. According to the official English-language website of China News Service, Chinese net users supported the student, saying "You're not alone on the matter." The issue occurred as relations between Korea and China are thawing slightly after a U.S. missile defense system-sparked a diplomatic standoff that sharply reduced the number of Chinese tourists to Korea and hit the local airlines and tourism industries hard. Beijing's One-China policy regards Taiwan as a renegade province, not a country. It is not the first time that a Korean company was involved in a brouhaha over Chinese policy. In 2016, Woori Card came under fire from China after its ad said a Woori Card affiliated with Union Pay can be used in five countries -- Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, China and Japan. Korea International Trade Association (KITA) Chairman Kim Young-joo speaks during a forum on enhancing the Korea-U.S. partnership at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C., Tuesday (local time). / Courtesy of KITA By Nam Hyun-woo Korean business delegates visiting the United States are asking their American counterparts and think tanks to make concerted efforts to ease the Trump administration's protectionist trade stance. According to the Korea International Trade Association (KITA), Wednesday, 39 delegates from domestic businesses including Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, POSCO Daewoo, Hanwha Q CELLS and Hyundai Steel accompanied KITA Chairman Kim Young-joo to visit the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). During the visit to the AEI, Samsung Electronics said it and LG Electronics were "nervous about what kind of new trade measures will be additionally imposed and how much damage will be dealt." Hyundai Steel said the U.S. unfairly imposed a 50 percent anti-dumping duty on it even though it wasn't pricing its steel products lower in the U.S. than in Korea and it is supplying steel to Korean firms active in the U.S., such as Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors. Hanwha Q CELLS, a photovoltaic (PV) solar cell manufacturer, also expressed concern for the expected protraction of U.S. trade protectionism. Their appeals continued during their visit to the Heritage Foundation. POSCO Daewoo stressed the U.S. Commerce Department's antidumping investigations relied on adverse facts-available (AFA) used against it and asked for help from the foundation and the U.S. Congress. The use of AFA refers to the Commerce Department's practice of applying the most negative and adverse facts available in investigation when it judges the investigated company as not cooperative enough for the investigation. During a visit with Senator Jim Inhofe for Oklahoma, Iljin Global, a Korean manufacturer of bearings for motor vehicles, cried foul over the Commerce Department's "pressure" on it over dumping allegations. The Iljin Global delegate said the company has been operating factories in South Carolina and Alabama, and General Motors and Chrysler selected it as best supplier. U.S. trade experts supported their claims during a forum held by KITA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. During the forum, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President Charles Freeman said Korean firms' investments in the U.S. reached a record high of $12.9 billion in 2016, creating 52,000 jobs. Their average wage is also $91,700, which is a high level among foreign enterprises. "Though the U.S. revised rules on using AFA and trade concepts against China, those are used on firms from Korea, which is the strongest ally and economic partner of the U.S.," KITA Chairman Kim said. "Korea continues to expand investments in the U.S. and well understands that only the most competitive companies can survive in the U.S. market, which is one of the world's best consumer markets. To help Korean firms establish factories in the U.S. and produce the best products, there should be more smoothness in the import of materials and parts into the U.S.," Kim said. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Cloudy early, then thunderstorms developing this afternoon. High 76F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Rain. Low 63F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. Rainfall near a half an inch. A record number of women are running in Lebanon's upcoming parliamentary elections, but they are getting much less television air time than their male counterparts, a media monitor has said. A total of 86 women are seeking legislative office in Lebanon's May 6 vote, out of 597 candidates. A study by Maharat, a media monitor now closely following the elections, found television coverage of the elections rarely includes female candidates. From March 26 until April 8, it monitored talk shows, live programming, and news broadcasts, and one-on-one interviews on local television stations. Female candidates were featured as guests just 5.89% percent of the time, Maharat said, although they make up almost 15% of the candidates. The vote will be Lebanon's first in nine years, after the parliament formed in 2009 extended its mandate three times, citing security concerns and an unsatisfactory electoral law. The 128-member body agreed on a new voting system last year, paving the way for next month's elections. "The electoral law guarantees fair competition between the male and female candidates and says they could be granted equal opportunity," said Tony Mikhael, who heads Maharat's media monitoring team. Media organisations, he said, "should support gender equality and give women the same opportunities to put themselves forward as candidates". The country's media outlets have been providing round-the-clock coverage of Lebanon's elections, but Maharat says that comes with a price. The organisation has noted that outlets are charging candidates thousands of dollars for air time and even more for interviews. Many candidates, particularly those coming from outside Lebanon's traditional political elite, say they cannot afford to pay for television coverage. Of the 86 women running, only 12 hail from Lebanon's conventional political parties. One faction -- the powerful Iran-backed movement Hezbollah -- refused to put forward any female candidates. "We in Hezbollah don't have women for this job," said the group's head Hassan Nasrallah in a televised speech in January. The 86 women candidates represent a more than seven-fold increase in female representation compared with the 2009 vote, when just 12 women ran for office. Search Keywords: Short link: Turkish authorities will soon dismiss nearly 3,000 military personnel over links to the movement Ankara blames for the 2016 failed coup, a government minister said on Wednesday. Turkish Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli said officials "discovered a nearly three-thousand strong structure" in the armed forces, state news agency Anadolu reported. "In the coming days they will be dismissed by emergency decree. We have sent (the paperwork) to the prime ministry," Canikli said in parliament. Turkey introduced a state of emergency five days after the July 15, 2016 attempted overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The state of emergency was renewed for the seventh time on Wednesday after parliament approved a three-month extension. The emergency has come under heavy scrutiny as the government has used decrees to suspend or sack over 140,000 public sector employees including teachers and soldiers over alleged links to US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen or Kurdish militants. So far, 8,568 Turkish armed forces personnel have been sacked in a major purge of the military. This includes 150 generals, over half its pre-coup contingent of top ranking officers. Turkey claims Gulen ordered the coup but he denies the accusations. The European Commission on Tuesday urged Turkey to "lift the state of emergency without delay" in its latest report on Ankara's bid to join the EU. "The broad scale and collective nature, and the disproportionality of measures... such as widespread dismissals, arrests, and detentions, continue to raise serious concerns," the Commission wrote. But Canikli defended the state of emergency saying it had "only affected terror organisations, terrorists and their supporters", Anadolu quoted him as saying. "No one has been impacted. And it will continue to have no effect on anyone else." Search Keywords: Short link: Two men have been sentenced to more than 10 years each in federal prison for a series of armed robberies in August of 2016. Kaleem Fredericks, 24, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison, while Calel Calvis Alexis Crofford, 25, was sentenced earlier this year to 10 years and 2 days. The two each pleaded guilty to armed bank robbery, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and Hobbs Act conspiracy. Fredericks additionally pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act Robbery. The Hobbs Act covers robbery or extortion that affects interstate or foreign commerce in any way or degree. The two were charged with six armed robberies in August of 2016, in which they pointed a loaded short-barreled shotgun and a BB gun that looked like a real handgun at customers and employees of a bank, three liquor stores, and a gas station. They additionally were charged with a smash-and-grab theft at a jewelry store. In total, the men acquired more than $30,000, which they then used to entertain themselves. Police say the men then drove to Girdwood and disposed of the shotgun, a backpack, and some of the clothes they wore during the robberies, then they bought tickets to the Virgin Islands and were . Last weeks Western air strikes on Syria only benefited the regime and its allies, being all the more ineffective because they were not part of a comprehensive strategy, writes Bassel Oudat in Damascus The US, backed by allies France and the UK, was more serious this time in its threats against the regime led by Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad, though in the event these threats only culminated in a handful of missile strikes on alleged chemical weapons targets lasting less than one hour. Many commentators had thought Washington and its European allies were planning to punish the regime more severely and hurt its Russian and Iranian allies. The US said the goal of the strikes had not been to overthrow the regime but to curb its ability to produce chemical weapons. In the event, the air strikes were more like fireworks to entertain the regime and its supporters on the streets of Damascus. US goals are uncertain since the strikes did not do much to impact the regime. It seems a deal may have been made with or through Russia at the eleventh hour similar to what happened in 2013 when the regime used chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta and killed some 2,500 civilians. On this occasion, the US made a deal with Russia to disarm Syria of its chemical weapons, and Moscow was able to halt the military operations the then Obama administration had been planning. Something similar may have happened this time too, and Washington likely wanted to put pressure on Tehran rather than on the Syrian regime. The possibly major military moves likely forced Russia to intervene and force Iran to reduce its military presence in Syria, halting the supply of fighters and military equipment. The US missile strikes could now partially weaken the regimes military capabilities, but they will not change the reality on the ground. Russia wants to weaken Iran in Syria, and it may have used the US pressure as an excuse to make this easier. The US must also take into consideration Israels interests before and after any military strike. A strong strike targeting the regime would not benefit Israel, which has had covert ties with the regime for decades, but striking Iran would be of benefit to it as it would lessen the Iranian threat. Before the US strikes there were rumours that the regime and Moscow had proposed removing Iran and its militias from Syria as part of a settlement to prevent the strikes from taking place and starting a new political process. The rumours are likely to be untrue because neither Russia nor the regime have any credibility with the US. In the wake of the chemical weapons attacks in Douma outside Damascus, Russia, Iran and the regime made up a story that the opposition had carried out the attacks itself and then insisted that the UN investigate the matter. In general, the US wants to weaken Iran in and through Syria and create a better climate for a solution to the crisis, while at the same time weakening Irans hand in the wider region and ending Tehrans machinations. However, the Syrian regime alone is unable to end the Iranian influence or remove the Iranian Revolutionary Guard or sectarian militias from Syria. Syria is important for Iran because leaving the country would end the countrys ambitions in the Middle East. Tehran has transformed Syria into a frontline state with Israel and a way of threatening Lebanon and Iraq. It wants to make Syria loyal to Iran and to use the Revolutionary Guard as a launching pad to neighbouring areas. Current US policy in Syria lacks vision and apparently also knowledge of how far Iran has penetrated the Syrian state, army, economy and society. Contradictory statements by US officials are evidence of this haphazard policy, including statements by US President Donald Trump. While the US acted forcefully in response to the deaths of those who died in Douma in Eastern Ghouta as a result of chemical weapons, it did not take such forceful action east of the Euphrates River, which is already under its control. The Syrian regime has emerged elated from the US strikes because they had a negligible impact on it and boosted its ability to block US aggression. Official media outlets have mocked the weakness of the US and promised that the Syrian army will stand up to America and halt it in its tracks. The regime has loudly protested in the Arab League and the UN against the strikes, calling on the world to condemn the tripartite attacks by France, Britain and the US. Syrian opposition figure Sobhi Hadidi said that what the US has done is all PR to save the face of the leaders of France, Britain and the US in this seven-year tragedy. A war criminal like Bashar Al-Assad has been met with silence by the Western democracies or empty words about fighting terrorism. Meanwhile, forces from across the board, including from Tehran, Moscow and Ankara, continue to pound the Syrian people and transform the country into occupied territory. The US strikes were an indirect message to Russia that it is not the only power on the Syrian scene and that the US can take action unilaterally without waiting for a UN Security Council Resolution, he added. They had also redirected the Syrian crisis to the political track and to negotiations that are essential even though Russia, Iran and the regime had thought they could avoid them. Washington had reminded all the players on the ground that it has the firepower not to be intimidated by Russias improvised positions and that a political solution must move forward. One positive outcome of the US strikes would be if they could force those involved to return to the negotiating table, especially the Geneva track which is the only one that has international support. The Geneva I Declaration stipulates forming an interim governing body in Syria with a full mandate. If this were to happen, it would mean the demise of the regime. The Syrian opposition did not welcome the US strikes because they were superficial and ineffective. It mocked the US by saying that Washington had not targeted the regime but had instead targeted a handful of facilities believed to be developing chemical weapons. The problem is not so much the regimes chemical weapons but its artillery and snipers, however. Chemical weapons are not at the core of the crisis, and it is unlikely that the regime will be able to use them again in the near future. Yet, it will continue to displace people from their homes to serve Irans goal of changing Syrias demography. Accordingly, no strikes against Syria will be effective unless they are part of a comprehensive strategy aiming to lead to a transitional phase in which Al-Assad is no longer president of Syria. Anything else simply benefits the regime. *This story was first published in Al-Ahram Weekly Search Keywords: Short link: Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei announced Wednesday that he would no longer use the hugely popular messaging app Telegram, shifting instead to domestic services. The office of President Hassan Rouhani meanwhile issued a directive banning the government and administration workers from using foreign messenger apps to communicate, according to the official IRNA news agency. The announcements came as rumours continued that Iran would soon block Telegram, built by Russian tech guru Pavel Durov and the most popular social media service in the country with some 40 million users -- roughly half the population. "In line with safeguarding national interests and removing the monopoly of the Telegram messaging network, the website for the preservation and publication of the works of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei will stop its activities in this network from this moment," said the last message on Khamenei's Telegram channel. It directed users to accounts on Iranian messaging services, including Soroush and Gap, which the authorities are trying to promote. First Vice President Eshagh Jahangiri and foreign ministry spokesperson Bahram Ghassemi followed suit by closing their Telegram accounts on Wednesday, IRNA reported. Last week, Khamenei issued a statement saying any breaches of online privacy were "haram", meaning they were religiously forbidden. This was interpreted as seeking to encourage the use of domestic apps, which many Iranians fear will be monitored by intelligence services. Khamenei's channel said his move away from Telegram was an initial step towards stopping its use by all "official bodies". On Sunday, the ministry of education banned the use of foreign social media networks in schools. During a wave of protests that hit dozens of Iranian cities in December and January, Iranian authorities temporarily banned Telegram, accusing it of allowing foreign-based "counter-revolutionary" groups to fuel unrest. But the government of President Hassan Rouhani has pushed back against efforts to block Telegram and other popular services such as Instagram, saying thousands of businesses use the service and access to the outside world should not be curtailed. On Tuesday conservative lawmaker Abolfazl Abutorabi said "all foreign messaging services" could be banned on April 21, with Telegram first to go. Soroush claims to have some 5 million users, while Gap has more than 1.3 million. There was no word on whether Khamenei's office would stop using his five Twitter feeds in different languages, which exist despite the service being blocked for ordinary Iranians. Facebook and Twitter are both blocked in Iran, although they are easily accessible using virtual private network (VPN) software. Search Keywords: Short link: European regulators this month began requiring an inspection by early next year of the type of engine that blew apart on a fatal Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday, and a source said U.S. regulators were near a similar rule. The actions by regulators show that there has been some concern, albeit non-urgent, about the engine, a workhorse of the global civil aviation fleet that has logged more than 350 million hours of safe travel but was also being examined after a 2016 accident. Southwest Flight 1380 made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday after an engine ripped apart mid-air, shattering a window on the Boeing 737 and nearly sucking a passenger through. One of 144 passengers died. The CFM56 engine was produced by a joint venture of General Electric Co and Frances Safran SA called CFM International and is one of the most common engines, paired with the world's most-sold plane, the Boeing 737. Boeing and CFM said they will help with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) investigation into the incident. Southwest Airlines Co said it is speeding up inspections of all related engines out of extra caution, which it expects to complete within 30 days. Minimal flight disruptions may result, it said. An early review of the failed engine found apparent metal fatigue where a fan blade had broken off, Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the NTSB, told reporters. "We are very concerned" about metal fatigue, Sumwalt said. "There needs to be proper inspection mechanisms in place to check for this before there's a catastrophic event." In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine, and debris ripped a foot-long hole above the left wing. The 2016 incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose ultrasonic inspections of similar fan blades and their replacement should they fail the test. Sumwalt said the NTSB will review whether the engines involved in Tuesday's incident might have been subject to the directive, which is not yet finalized. The FAA had "determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design," according to its proposal last year. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive last month requiring a one-time ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade on models of CFM56 engines within nine months of April 2. It said that CFM had sent a service bulletin recommending inspections, leading regulators to make the directive. EASA said the directive was issued after the failure of a fan blade on a CFM56 engine, which led to the uncontained release of debris. It did not name the airline involved or the incident, but the service bulletin it referenced was the same as in the FAA proposal. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fan blade failure, possibly resulting in uncontained forward release of debris, with consequent damage to the engine and the aeroplane, EASA said. Southwest's voluntary, accelerated checks will be ultrasonic. American, United and Delta Air Lines did not immediately comment if they too would speed up such checks, though it was unclear if they at all needed to. The FAA proposal estimated 220 engines on U.S. registered planes would be affected and that checks would require two hours of labor per inspection. Any design issues with the long-established CFM56 engine could have repercussions for fleets worldwide. But given that thousands of the engines are already in use globally, industry experts say the focus of the investigation is more likely to fall on one-off production or maintenance issues. A government source said the FAA could finalize its directive soon. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment late on Tuesday, and Southwest declined to say whether it had ultrasonically examined the engine involved in the incident, because the event is under investigation by the NTSB. Search Keywords: Short link: Vatican City, April 18 - Pope Francis called for respect for the life of Alfie Evans during his weekly general audience on Wednesday after meeting the father of the seriously ill British toddler inside the Vatican. The pope also appealed for Vincent Laurent, a severely brain-damaged man in France. Both patients are on life support and their families are fighting legal battles to ensure they continue to receive medical care. Referring to their plights, the pope said "the only author of life, from its beginning to its natural end, is God... it is our duty to do all that is possible to safeguard life". Alfie Evans is suffering from an undiagnosed degenerative disease. His family is in a legal battle with Alder Hey, a children's hospital that says it is best to withdraw ventilation as his condition cannot be treated and has destroyed much of his brain. The boy's parents want to take him to Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital, which is owned by the Vatican. The Rome hospital has reportedly given the same prognosis but would be willing to perform a tracheotomy. Rome, April 18 - President Sergio Mattarella called Senate Speaker Elisabetta Alberti Casellati to his office on Wednesday and gave her a mandate to see if it is possible to end Italy's post-election political deadlock. Italy does not look close to having a new government a month and a half after its inconclusive election on March 4. Last week Mattarella said the political parties had not made significant progress towards the formation of a new government after a second round of formal political consultations. The head of State department's Secretary General Ugo Zampetti said Casellati had been given the task of "verifying the existence of parliamentary majority between the parties of the centre-right coalition and the M5S". The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S), the biggest single party in the new parliament, has so far refused to do a deal with the whole centre right, the biggest coalition. The M5S has called on the anti-migrant, Euroskeptic League, the lead party in the centre right, to drop its ally, Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, to make a deal possible, but so far it has refused. Zampetti said Casellati, an FI member, had been requested to give "an agreed-on indication for the awarding of a mandate of premier to form the government. "The president asked the Senate Speaker to report back by Friday," he added. The centre-left Democratic Party (PD), which has led the last three Italian governments, has said it will be in the opposition after it slumped to its worst-ever showing in last month's vote. The League welcomed Mattarella's decision to give Casellati an exploratory mandate for the formation of a new government. "The mandate for Speaker Casellati is positive for the League because the perimeter of centre right/5-Star government is exactly what the Italian people decided," the League said in a statement released by its press office. "The League is ready to govern, even today. All that is needed is for the others to stop quarrelling". M5S leader Luigi Di Maio said that he would reiterate the anti-establishment group's previously stated positions in talks with Senate Speaker Elisabetta Alberti Casellati after she was given an exploratory government-formation mandate. "I wish the Senate Speaker all the best for her work and I thank President (Sergio) Mattarella for this decision," Di Maio said in a video on Facebook. "This is a precious opportunity for us to clarify things because Italy cannot wait. "We will present our positions and our proposals, consistent with what we have said in recent days, to the Senate Speaker". Rome, April 18 - The anti-migrant, Euroskeptic League on Wednesday welcomed President Sergio Mattarella's decision to give Senate Speaker Elisabetta Alberti Casellati an exploratory mandate for the formation of a new government. "The mandate for Speaker Casellati is positive for the League because the perimeter of centre right/5-Star government is exactly what the Italian people decided," the League said in a statement released by its press office. "The League is ready to govern, even today. All that is needed is for the others to stop quarrelling". Rome, April 18 - Italian Foreign Minister Angelino Alfano on Monday urged his British counterpart, Boris Johnson, to allow a young boy suffering from an undiagnosed degenerative disease to be transferred to medical facilities in Rome. The family of the boy, Alfie Evans, is in a legal battle with Alder Hey, a children's hospital that says it is best to withdraw ventilation as his condition cannot be treated and has destroyed much of his brain. The boy's parents want to take him to Rome's Bambino Gesu children's hospital, which is owned by the Vatican. Alfano asked for the parents' request to be granted to take the boy to the hospital in the Italian capital, "medical facilities of a very high level that accept him in on the base of an agreement". He noted, however, that "Alfie is a British citizen and Italy respects the decisions made in the framework of British national jurisdiction" and that "the British national healthcare system and medical standards are among the highest in the world". The Rome hospital has reportedly given the same prognosis but would be willing to perform a tracheotomy. Three men burst into Nigeria's Senate on Wednesday and snatched the legislature's ceremonial mace, in an incident the body's spokesman blamed on a lawmaker who had been suspended. The men entered the chamber, picked up the mace and left with it in a swoop that lasted less than two minutes. A Reuters journalist at the scene was not able to identify them. Decisions taken in the Senate cannot be approved without the mace, an ornamental staff which symbolises the authority of Nigeria's legislature. A giant statue of a fist holding a golden mace stands outside the parliament building, making it one of Nigeria's most potent government symbols. "Today, some hoodlums led by suspended senator Ovie Omo-Agege walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the upper legislative chamber, the mace," said Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, spokesman for the upper house, in a statement. Omo-Agege is a senator who was suspended last week after a disagreement with other lawmakers. Reuters was not immediately able to contact Omo-Agege for comment. "This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such," Abdullahi said. "All security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilize their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act." Search Keywords: Short link: Greece's top administrative court has ruled that asylum seekers should be allowed to move freely around the country, a decision that could alleviate pressure on overcrowded island refugee camps. A justice source on Wednesday said the Council of State ruling only applies to asylum seekers who arrive from now on, and is not applicable to over 15,000 people already on the islands. It was published Tuesday following a complaint by the Greek council of refugees concerning dramatic conditions in the camps. After crossing over from Turkey, migrants and refugees can spend months in the camps until their asylum claims can be processed, fueling despair and leading to protests and outbreaks of violence. Hundreds of Afghan migrants demonstrated on Lesbos island over the fate of one of their fellow nationals, who was recently hospitalised with a heart ailment. The Greek government is keen to reduce tension on the eastern Aegean islands of Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Leros and Kos, especially as the busy tourist season is about to begin. Local authorities have long protested to Athens over the issue and have blocked state efforts to expand capacity in the camps in retaliation. The court ruling comes amid an increase in migrant and refugee flows compared to last year. According to the ministry, arrivals doubled in the first three months of the year, compared to the same period in 2017, from around 60 persons daily to around 120 on average. "Flows from Turkey have increased but they are still manageable," deputy migration minister Yiannis Balafas told Sto Kokkino radio on Wednesday. So far, only ailing and vulnerable refugees such as unaccompanied minors have been allowed off the islands without full asylum approval, a process that can take many months owing to the sheer volume of applications. Until now, the migration ministry has refused to allow larger numbers of refugees to cross to the mainland, arguing that it would only encourage people smugglers to send more over. A person with knowledge of the issue, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP the government is likely to seek legal avenues to set exceptions to the court ruling. The immigration ministry said it would study the ruling and that it had tabled a new law addressing the issue. A ministry source said the bill will be approved by parliament by the end of the month. Search Keywords: Short link: Two years ago, when Alexander Chee started doing press for his sophomore novel, The Queen of the Night, he was surprised that a particular question continued to plague him. Even though the novel tells the painstakingly researched story of a 19th century woman who is a star of the Paris Opera in Second Empire France a life, an identity, a set of experiences entirely unlike his own he was still asked that same question he had to answer all too often about his debut novel, Edinburgh: How autobiographical is this? Chee is now in the midst of doing press for his first collection of essays, titled tongue firmly in cheek How to Write an Autobiographical Novel. Though the title is meant as a light joke, according to Chee, theres no denying that the book a meditation on the nexus of literature, identity, craft and activism does indeed survey that at-times porous border between art and autobiography. Chee's biography is, indeed, interesting. Born in Rhode Island to a Korean father and an American mother, he is, as he mentioned to me, the first out gay Korean American male author. He was an AIDS activist; he attended the prestigious Iowa Writers Workshop; he is now a professor at Dartmouth and is one of The Times' critics at large. I spoke with Chee by phone. Our conversation has been edited. In the essay Girl, you write, Sometimes you dont know who you are until you put on a mask. One of the books through-lines is a wrestling with identity as imposed from within and without. Could you talk about that in relation to the concept of the mask? That particular essay is about how the first time that I felt comfortable with my face was when I covered it in makeup to do drag. It felt like a weird glimpse, like the opposite of a ghost. Some part of me that mattered was finally visible to myself. Later, when I was teaching a graphic novel class, I found a lucha libre mask for the Blue Demon. I did some research into his character. The idea of putting on a mask to go fight crime became really interesting to me its the conceit of so many superhero stories. I put the mask on, went outside, and I tried to imagine running down the street and stopping a crime. It felt absolutely crazy, yet I could imagine how there could be different identities possible if you were free from other peoples ideas of who youre supposed to be. Thats the power of the mask, which is also the power of the pen name, the screen name, the drag name, the porn name. Stormy Daniels is a powerful name, it turns out. We are in the middle of experiencing the truth of her thats revealed through that name. We think that our truth is located in just one identity or just one name, but I think there are a lot of answers to the question of Who are you? Another of the books through-lines is the relationship between the artist and the activist. Can you talk about that? I did an event for Guernica recently. That magazine openly talks about itself as a magazine for literature and politics. I was thinking about how funny it is that only in America do we think of the two as possibly having a separate identity, and that separation mattering somehow. Im not really sure when that division or that idea that you would respect some sort of division between these things occurred. When I was trying to include the political lives of my characters in what I was writing in writers workshops, especially when I was writing about activists, there would be people quoting Noel Coward: If you want to send a message, send a telegram. And I thought, Well, how lucky for Noel Coward for it to be as easy as that! (Everyone quoting this gave Noel Coward credit, but it was Samuel Goldwyn.) It really seemed like people in my class, and even the teachers, thought that this was a right division. But I was an activist starting very young because of my mom. At ACT UP, we were thinking a lot at the time about how you could affect change without getting arrested, because getting arrested could be very dangerous for people depending on their circumstances. What is civil disobedience for, say, a white man becomes a career-ending decision for a woman or a person of color. If you have HIV, and youre dependent on your medications, and those medications are taken away from you when youre arrested, then that situation can even become life-threatening. Theres that Laurie Anderson idea of language as a virus, so we were thinking a lot about how we get ideas into the culture, how we change the culture. I studied with James Alan McPherson, who taught a class on reinventing myth. He said to us that its the artists responsibility to rewrite the myths of a culture for the next generation. It was a very intense thing to tell a class of writers at the Iowa Writers Workshop. It felt almost religious, but with some time and some thought, I realized that what he was really talking about was that myths contain the information of a culture. Controlling the myth, then, rewrites the culture or it has the power to. How has your approach to writing and teaching writing evolved over the years? My teaching has always been born out of the best of what Ive learned from my own teachers, what I learned on my own and what Im reading. But I would say it has changed to be focused more on character and world building, with the intention of focusing on what the writer Grace Paley calls the imperative to imagine the real to write in a way that makes room for the world as it is, that makes room for the power of the writers own subjectivity to tell us stories we both know are around us and have yet to see on the page. Student writers often write what they think a story is instead of a story they want to tell. I am always teaching them to bridge that gap, always trying to be better at it. The final essay, On Becoming an American Writer, feels like the perfect culmination of the book. That essay is an homage to Jim McPherson. It shares a title with his essay about the 14th Amendment. As I was writing that essay, at first I thought of it as being about writing or about despair, but then I realized that it is about figuring out how to keep writing. I find that I spend a lot of time teaching students how to keep going, even as I am also teaching that to myself. Malone is a writer and editor of the Scofield. Alexander Chee will appear at the Festival of Books at 3 p.m. April 21 on the panel Becoming a Writer with David Biespiel (The Education of a Young Poet) and Nell Scovell (Just the Funny Parts And a Few Hard Truths about Sneaking into the Hollywood Boys Club), moderated by Michelle Franke, and at 11 a.m. April 22 in a one-on-one conversation with Viet Thanh Nguyen (The Sympathizer). Britain accused Russia on Wednesday of breaking the two-decade international ban on chemical weapons, at emergency talks into last month's poisoning with a nerve agent of a former Russian spy. The accusations came as diplomats from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons met behind closed-doors in The Hague to discuss the crisis. Britain's broadcasting watchdog meanwhile opened seven impartiality probes concerning Russia's RT news channel, noting "a significant increase" in programmes warranting investigation since the March 4 poisoning. OPCW experts last week confirmed the British findings that former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter had been sickened by a nerve agent. Founded in 1997, the OPCW oversees the application of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) aimed at eliminating the world's stockpiles of toxic arms. "We will continue to call out Russia's reckless and indiscriminate behaviour when it violates this Convention, and when it threatens global security," British ambassador Peter Wilson told the OPCW. Called by Britain, it was the second meeting of the body's executive council in three days. Syria joined the global treaty ban in 2013 and said it had declared all its toxic arms stockpile, which have since been destroyed. But amid rising accusations that the Syrian regime has maintained a secret weapons programme, the OPCW has becoming increasingly political and divided. After deploying its experts to Salisbury, the OPCW last week confirmed in a report "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical". It did not however publicly name the substance nor its origins, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Moscow has vehemently denied the allegations, and strongly contested the OPCW's findings, alleging that they were manipulated as they failed to disclose the presence of the BZ nerve agent, used by the West, in biomedical samples taken from the Skripals. Wilson hit back however, telling reporters: "BZ wasn't in the samples, they (the OPCW) were testing. It was in the control samples, meaning that the laboratories were doing their job." And he accused the Russians of breaking confidentiality agreements by revealing the name of a Swiss lab. OPCW chief Ahmet Uzumcu refused to be drawn into the war-of-words, but offered reassurances of "the credibility and integrity of this network" and praising the "impeccable" work done by laboratories around the world to analyse samples. The Salisbury crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria after accusations of illicit toxic weapons being used on civilians in its civil war, has sent already-frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also met in closed-session to discuss a dangerous mission by its inspectors to the Syrian town of Douma to probe allegations of a chemical chlorine and sarin gas attack on April 7. The mission had been due get underway on Wednesday, but it was again stalled after it emerged that UN security services came under fire in the town on Tuesday. Uzumcu said he did "not know when" the inspectors would be able to deploy, and warned the mission would only go ahead if the team had approval from UN security services and it had "unhindered access" to the sites. London said meanwhile that the nerve agent substance used in Salisbury had been delivered in "liquid form" and in small quantities. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in the city's hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. British television regulator Ofcom said it was investigating "potential breaches" of the country's broadcasting code by Russia's RT channel. The body has the power to impose financial penalties or even revoke a broadcaster's licence. Several British MPs have called for it to be shut down, accusing if of being "a propaganda mouthpiece for the Russian state." French ambassador to the Netherlands, Philippe Lalliot, renewed calls to Moscow to cooperate "without delay" with the British authorities and clarify whether it had been developing nerve agents. "Those who are cheating on their international obligations risk making the use of chemical weapons seem seriously banal and increasing proliferation activities," he said. Search Keywords: Short link: Californias Division of Occupational Safety and Health said Wednesday it has opened an investigation of working conditions at Teslas factory in Fremont, Calif., where the company is struggling to boost production of its troubled Model 3 electric sedan before it starts running out of cash. The agency takes seriously reports of workplace hazards and allegations of employers underreporting recordable work-related injuries and illnesses and currently has an open inspection at Tesla, said Erika Monterroza, a spokeswoman for the California Department of Industrial Relations, which oversees Cal-OSHA. The action comes four days after an investigative journalism radio show aired a story saying that Tesla is illegally undercounting injuries at its Fremont assembly plant. The company issued a strong denial, calling the show, Reveal, an extremist organization. What they portray as investigative journalism is in fact an ideologically motivated attack by an extremist organization working directly with union supporters to create a calculated disinformation campaign against Tesla, the company said on its website. Advertisement Reveal, run by the Center for Investigative Reporting, is distributed to public radio stations across the country. It said its reporting was based on internal Tesla documents and interviews with dozens of workers, including five former members of Teslas safety team. Workers told Reveal that injuries such as headaches produced by breathing fumes from toxic glue, a head injury resulting from a fall, and various repetitive strain injuries were classified as simple first aid or not related to work at all. The story also took Chief Executive Elon Musk to task for allegedly telling safety officials he didnt like the color yellow, which is why equipment and pedestrian lanes are marked with gray stripes, not yellow. (Tesla pointed out that although the floor markings are gray, yellow signs, guardrails, and posts appear throughout the plant.) In a separate text version of the story, Reveal links to documents that show safety team members complained to Tesla executives about what they saw as dangerous conditions and injury reporting problems before becoming discouraged and quitting the company. Tesla accused Reveal of participating in a plot to encourage workers at Fremont to unionize. The United Auto Workers union is in the midst of an organization drive that has not yet proved successful. In a statement released late Wednesday, Tesla said the charges are baseless. Cal-OSHA is required to investigate any claims that are made, regardless of whether they have merit or are baseless (as we believe these are), and we always provide our full cooperation, a spokesperson said. A Cal-OSHA injury investigation last year found no violations, he said. We have never in the entire history of our company received a violation for inaccurate or incomplete injury record-keeping. Tesla, which portrays itself as a company concerned with sustainable energy and the future of the planet, has long wrestled with workplace safety complaints. Advertisement In 2016, The Times wrote that government records showed workplace injuries at the Fremont plant occurred at higher rates than the average for all auto plants, and with greater frequency than even sawmills and slaughterhouses, although most of the Tesla injuries appeared to be related to long hours and ergonomic design. In February, Tesla boasted that it had lowered its injury rate dramatically in 2017, about level with auto-industry norms. Orly Lobel, a professor at the privately run University of San Diego and a specialist in labor safety issues, said Tesla probably is more concerned about bad publicity than any penalties that might come out of a Cal-OSHA investigation. OSHA is not a very feared agency because its powers are low and its teeth are not very sharp, Lobel said. Although businesses have many reasons to care about workplace safety, from maintaining a productive workforce to fear of lawsuits, most companies see fines resulting from OSHA investigations as a cost of doing business. Given what else is happing at Tesla production problems, quality problems, looming cash problems, bond-rating downgrades Tesla cant be enjoying this publicity, she said. Advertisement But Lobel said the company could be hurting its image with unfounded accusations against Reveal. Nowadays everythings so messy, she said. Our president is always calling things fake news. We dont want that to filter down. While Teslas media relations department keeps a tight lid on information, Musk himself is known for loose talk that sometimes gets him into trouble. In a Rolling Stone article on Musk that ran in November, Musk revealed his attitude toward safety, at least where his children are concerned. He referred to Family Rule No. 1 from the book Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy: Dont panic. In the Musk home, he said, safety is No. 3. Theres not even a Rule Number Two. But even though theres nothing in second place, safety is not getting promoted to number two. The work pace in Fremont is likely to only increase. Musk shut down the Model 3 assembly line this week and sent workers home while the company rips out some parts of the heavily automated line to install systems that are more human-centric. When it restarts next week, according to a leaked email memo from Musk, the company will add a third shift to keep the line running 24/7, to boost production to forecast levels. He said Tesla will be hiring 400 more workers every week for several weeks. Advertisement UPDATES: 4:25 p.m.: This article has been updated with Teslas response to the Cal-OSHA investigation. 3:45 p.m.: This article has been updated with a staff written account. This article was originally published at 12 p.m. A U.S. Air Force official told a Senate subcommittee Wednesday that the new B-21 bomber has completed its preliminary design review and that he was comfortable with the progress made by builder Northrop Grumman Corp. The bomber is now on its way to critical design review, said Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch Jr., the military deputy of the office of the assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition. Citing the nature of the work, Bunch declined to go into further detail about how the Air Force planned to spend the $2.3 billion it requested for the bomber program for fiscal year 2019 when asked by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas). However, he said the program was continuing engineering manufacturing development and some of those risk reduction areas. The first set of software for the platform has been delivered, and the program is getting set up for the next set of software to come in, Bunch told the Senate Armed Forces Subcommittee on Airland during a hearing about Air Force modernization efforts. Advertisement Were making everything ready to begin our test program in the future, he said. Were making good progress. Im comfortable today with where were at, and the progress that Northrop Grumman is making on the program. Northrop Grumman, which won the bomber contract in 2015, is building the aircraft at its plant in Palmdale. The plant also churns out the Global Hawk high-altitude surveillance drone for the Air Force, the closely related Triton drone for the Navy and the center fuselage for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The defense giant has been hiring at a rapid pace in Palmdale and expects to have 5,200 employees at the site by late 2019. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga The largest manufacturer of bump stocks, which enable semiautomatic weapons to fire rapidly like automatic firearms, announced Wednesday that it will stop taking orders and shut down its website next month. The announcement comes about a month after President Trump said his administration would ban bump stocks, which he said turn legal weapons into illegal machines. The devices became a focal point of the national gun control debate after they were used in October by a man who carried out the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history. About a dozen bump stocks were found among the weapons used by Stephen Paddock when he unleashed a hail of bullets from his high-rise Las Vegas hotel suite, killing 58 people and leaving more than 800 others injured. Advertisement Slide Fire Solutions, which is based in Moran, Texas, posted a message on its website saying the company will stop taking orders at midnight on May 20. There was no immediate response to a request for comment sent through Slide Fires website, and the companys founder and chief executive, Jeremiah Cottle, did not immediately respond to a LinkedIn message seeking comment. The Brady Center for Gun Violence filed a lawsuit against Slide Fire after the Las Vegas mass shooting and alleged that the company provided a product that turned a semiautomatic gun into the functional equivalent of a machine gun, thereby evading longstanding federal law. Mimi Carter, a spokeswoman for the Brady Center, did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment Wednesday. The Justice Department said last month that it had started the process to amend federal firearms regulations to clarify that federal law defines bump stocks as machine guns. That would reverse a 2010 decision by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives that found bump stocks did not amount to machine guns and could not be regulated unless Congress amended existing firearms law or passed new legislation. Some states have also sought their own restrictions. Last week, Vermont Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, signed a package of bills that included a ban on bump stocks. A far-reaching school safety bill signed last month by Florida Gov. Rick Scott, also a Republican, included a ban on bump stocks and was immediately met with a lawsuit by the National Rifle Assn. The lunchtime lines at Dos Toros move faster these days customers dont fumble for bills or coins, and employees dont make change. Since around New Years, the Mexican food chain has been cashless. For the vast majority of customers, theres no reaction at all; theyre already paying with their cards. And the significant majority of cash customers dont have any problem with it either, says co-owner Leo Kremer, who has 14 stores in New York and one in Chicago. If people do try to use cash, employees explain the reasons for the change faster service for customers, saving the business time and money. The cashless trend among small and midsize businesses is fairly new. Many of the companies adopting the policy are restaurants with menus and prices more upscale than fast-food chains, but service that aims to be almost as quick as a McDonalds or Subway. During a busy lunch hour with customers lined up at ordering stations and cashiers, forgoing cash means faster transactions. Advertisement Many business owners would rather be cashless. Cash actually costs money banks charge fees for cash deposits and to handle coins. If businesses take in enough cash to justify pickups by armored car services, thats another cost, and given that restaurants can be a target for holdups, they need those services. And counting and checking cash and preparing it for deposit takes up time a manager could spend with staff or customers. We feel a managers time is so valuable, and it was being spent on what is only 10% of our revenue, said Kremer, who also said revenue at Dos Toros hasnt been hurt by the transition. Millions of consumers use little or no cash. In a survey released last month by the financial services company Capital One, 21% of 2,000 people questioned said cash was their most common way to pay for things. But going cashless isnt a slam dunk. Some customers who want to use cash point to a statement on paper money: This note is legal tender for all debts public and private. However, the Federal Reserve says on its website that private companies can make their own policies about cash unless there is a state law saying otherwise. Massachusetts does have such a law. Thomas Nguyen switched two of his restaurants to no-cash and then had a change of heart. Nguyen, whose has three Peli Peli South African fine dining restaurants and a Peli Peli Kitchen fast-casual location in the Houston area, transitioned one restaurant at the end of 2016 and the other last August. Less than 7% of his revenue was coming from cash, and he believed customers would largely be OK with the change. But last month, Nguyen heard from staff at both locations that they were getting daily complaints. That, he said, goes against the idea of running a hospitality business. Its too common of an occurrence when somebody every day is getting surprised or inconvenienced, Nguyen says. Hes well aware that customers can find plenty of other places to go. You cant compete if you think youre going to create a whole set of rules and expect people to follow them, he says. Advertisement One concern about cashless restaurants is that they exclude would-be customers who dont have bank accounts or credit cards. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. found in a 2015 survey that about 9 million U.S. households didnt have bank accounts. Nearly 60% of the households without bank accounts or cards said they didnt have enough money to keep in an account. Customers will be more understanding if store employees explain the rationale for going cashless and how it might benefit them, said Utpal Dholakia, a marketing professor at Rice Universitys Jones Graduate School of Business. I think customers are very happy to trade off their ability to use cash to get this service in return, he said, noting the popularity of apps that let people order and pay for food online or on their phones and bypass the line to pick it up. David Friedman got many complaints when he began testing a no-cash policy at one of his eight Epic Burger locations in Chicago last June before deciding to go cashless permanently at all the stores. Advertisement It has generated the most negative pushback of anything weve ever done, Friedman says. He estimates that his revenue fell about 2% as people who wanted to pay with cash left and never returned. But Friedman isnt turning back. Epic Burger locations have had an armed robbery, burglaries and break-ins six incidents in all in eight years. I made the decision to put my customers and my employees safety as my No. 1 priority, says Friedman, whose restaurants also got dozens and dozens of counterfeit bills from customers. Friedmans revenue shortfall has been more than offset because he no longer pays for bank fees and 30 armored car pickups each week. Advertisement When Tender Greens went cashless this year, it took other steps to improve the experience for customers, says Denyelle Bruno, president of the chain that has 28 stores in California, New York and the Boston area. Customers no longer need to sign charge receipts under $25, and lines move faster since managers have more time to help. Tender Greens, whose menu includes salads, sandwiches, fish and chicken, isnt seeing customers become frustrated while waiting in line and leave, Bruno says. Signs throughout the stores alert customers to the no-cash policy. But occasionally, people are still surprised when its time to pay and some have no other form of payment on them. We give the food to the guest [for free] in those cases, Bruno says. Our goal is never to turn people away when they get to that point. The investigation into a deadly engine failure on a Southwest jet is focusing on whether wear and tear caused a fan blade to snap off, triggering a catastrophic chain of events that killed a passenger and broke a string of eight years without a fatal accident involving a U.S. airliner. From investigators initial findings, the accident appears remarkably similar to a failure on another Southwest plane two years ago an event that led the engine manufacturer and regulators to push for ultrasonic inspections of fan blades on engines like the one that blew apart at 32,500 feet over Pennsylvania on Tuesday. When investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board examined the broken engine in Philadelphia just hours after the plane made an emergency landing, they immediately saw that one of the left engines 24 fan blades was missing. This fan blade was broken right at the hub, and our preliminary examination of this was there is evidence of metal fatigue where the blade separated, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said. Advertisement Metal fatigue is a weakening of metal from repeated use and involves microscopic cracks. It can occur in fan blades, the aluminum skin on most planes, or other metal parts. Investigators will focus on whether the fan blade broke off at cruising speed about 500 mph and started an uncontained engine failure that sent debris flying like shrapnel into the plane, where it broke a window. A woman sitting near the window Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque was sucked partially out of the plane before other passengers managed to pull her back in. A registered nurse and emergency medical technician on board jumped in to try to save the gravely injured woman. But Riordan later died. Seven other victims suffered minor injuries. The pilots of the twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard made abrupt turn toward Philadelphia and began a rapid descent after the engine blew. Oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling, and passengers prayed and braced for impact. We heard a loud noise and the plane started shaking like nothing Ive ever experienced before. It sounded like the plane was coming apart, and I think we pretty quickly figured out that something happened with the engine, retired nurse Peggy Phillips told WFAA-TV in Dallas. She said the plane started losing altitude and the masks came down, and basically I think all of us thought this might be it. Then she heard commotion a few rows behind her. Advertisement It was a lot of chaos back there a lot of really upset people and a lot of noise, and a big rush of air, a big whoosh of air, Phillips said. After a flight attendant asked if anyone knew CPR, Phillips and an EMT laid the woman down and performed CPR for about 20 minutes until the plane was on the ground. If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600 mph and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body, with your face, then I think I can probably tell you there was significant trauma, Phillips said. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. A piece of the covering was later found in Bernville, Pa., about 70 miles west of Philadelphia, Sumwalt said. Advertisement As a precaution, Southwest said it will inspect similar engines in its fleet over the next 30 days. Chief Executive Gary Kelly said there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected Sunday. Passengers praised one of the pilots, Tammie Jo Shults, for her cool-headed handling of the emergency. The former Navy pilot was at the controls when the plane landed, according to her husband, Dean Shults. After the aircraft touched down, she walked through the aisle and talked with passengers to make sure they were OK. She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her, said Alfred Tumlinson of Corpus Christi, Texas. Im going to send her a Christmas card, Im going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome. The jets CFM56-7B engines were made by CFM International, jointly owned by General Electric and Safran Aircraft Engines of France. CFM said in a statement that the CFM56-7B has had an outstanding safety and reliability record since its debut in 1997. Advertisement In 2016, a Southwest Boeing 737-700 blew an engine as it flew from New Orleans to Orlando, Fla., and shrapnel tore a 5-by-16-inch hole just above the wing. The plane landed safely. The NTSB said a fan blade had broken off, apparently because of metal fatigue. Last year, the engine maker and the Federal Aviation Administration instructed airlines to make ultrasonic inspections of the fan blades of engines like those in Tuesdays accident. A Southwest spokeswoman said the engine that failed was not covered by that directive, but the airline announced it would speed up ultrasonic inspections of its CFM56-series engines anyway. The pilots voice was calm yet focused as her plane descended with 149 people on board. Southwest 1380, were single engine, Capt. Tammie Jo Shults, a former fighter pilot with the U.S. Navy, said. We have part of the aircraft missing so were going to need to slow down a bit. She asked for medical personnel to meet her aircraft on the runway. Weve got injured passengers. Injured passengers, OK and is your airplane physically on fire? asked a male voice on the other end, according to an air traffic recording. No, its not on fire, but part of its missing, Shults said, pausing for a moment. They said theres a hole, and uh, someone went out. Advertisement The engine on Shults plane had, in fact, exploded on Tuesday, spraying shrapnel into the aircraft, causing a window to be blown out and leaving one passenger dead and seven others injured. Frightened passengers on board the Dallas-bound flight braced for impact as oxygen masks muffled their screams. In the midst of the chaos, Shults successfully completed an emergency landing at the Philadelphia International Airport, sparing the lives of 148 people and averting a far worse catastrophe. Officials inspect the engine that blew up on a Southwest Airlines flight, forcing it to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia. (Amanda Bourman / EPA ) She has nerves of steel, " one passenger, Alfred Tumlinson, told the Associated Press. That lady, I applaud her. Im going to send her a Christmas card Im going to tell you that with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome. Another passenger, Diana McBride Self, thanked Shults on Facebook for her guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation. She added that Shults came back to speak to each of us personally. This is a true American Hero, she wrote. Others on social media agreed, comparing Shults with Capt. Chesley Sully Sullenberger, who glided his US Airways plane to safety in New Yorks Hudson River in 2009. Southwest declined to name the pilot, though passengers confirmed Shults name on social media, and Shults mother-in-law told the Washington Post she was the pilot. Shults husband also confirmed her name to the Associated Press. Shults declined to comment when reached by the Post. Her mother-in-law, Virginia Shults, told the Washington Post that as soon as she heard the pilots voice on the radio transmission online, she said: That is Tammy Jo. Advertisement It was just as if she and I were sitting here talking, Virginia Shults said. Shes a very calming person. It was also no surprise to her that Tammie Jo Shults was the pilot credited with the skillful landing. Shults mother-in-law and friends described her as a pioneer in the aviation field, a woman who broke barriers to pursue her goals. She was among the first female fighter pilots for the U.S. Navy, according to her alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene University, from which she graduated in 1983. Cindy Foster, who went to college with her, told the Kansas City Star that Shults was also among the first women to fly an F/A-18 Hornet for the Navy. She said she wasnt going to let anyone tell her she couldnt, Foster said. Advertisement Shults persistence in becoming a pilot goes back to her upbringing on a New Mexico ranch, near Holloman Air Force Base, Shults wrote in the book Military Fly Moms, by Linda Maloney. Some people grow up around aviation. I grew up under it, she wrote. Watching the daily air show, she knew she just had to fly. She recalled attending a lecture on aviation during her senior year of high school, in 1979. A retired colonel started the class by asking Shults, the only girl in attendance, if I was lost. I mustered up the courage to assure him I was not and that I was interested in flying, she wrote. He allowed me to stay, but assured me there were no professional women pilots. Advertisement Growing up on a New Mexico ranch near Holloman Air Force Base, Tammi Jo Shults wrote in the book Military Fly Moms, she watched the daily flights and knew she just had to fly. (Kevin Garber / Associated Press ) When she met a woman in college who had received her Air Force wings, she wrote, I set to work trying to break into the club. But Shults, whose maiden name is Bonnell, wrote that the Air Force wasnt interested in talking to her. The Navy let her apply for aviation officer candidate school, but there did not seem to be a demand for women pilots. Finally, she wrote, a year after taking the Navy aviation exam, she found a recruiter who would process her application. After aviation officer candidate school in Pensacola, Fla., she was assigned to a training squadron at Naval Air Station Chase Field in Beeville, Texas, as an instructor pilot teaching student aviators how to fly the Navy T-2 trainer. She later left to fly the A-7 Corsair in Lemoore, Calif. Advertisement By then, she had met her knight in shining airplane, a fellow pilot who would become her husband, Dean Shults. (He also now flies for Southwest Airlines). Because of the combat exclusion law, Tammie Jo Shults was prohibited from flying in a combat squadron. While her husband was able to join a squadron, her choices were limited, involving providing electronic warfare training to Navy ships and aircraft. She later became one of the first women to fly what was then the Navys newest fighter, the F/A-18 Hornet, but again in a support role. Women were new to the Hornet community, and already there were signs of growing pains. She served in the Navy for 10 years, reaching the rank of Navy lieutenant commander. She left the Navy in 1993 the same year that U.S. Defense Secretary Les Aspin ordered military chiefs to allow women to fly in combat missions. Advertisement Shults now lives in the San Antonio area with her husband. She has two children a teenage son and a daughter in her early 20s. Foster, her friend from college, told the Kansas City Star that Shults knew she had to work harder than everyone else. Foster said. She did it for herself and all women fighting for a chance, Foster said. Her approach to parenting, described in the Military Fly Moms book, reflected a similar sentiment. Advertisement We endeavor to teach our children to be leaders, not lemmings, she wrote. This is especially important when it comes to making the right choice while the crowd is pulling in the other direction. Gary Shults, her brother-in-law, described her to the Associated Press as a formidable woman, as sharp as a tack. My brother says shes the best pilot he knows, Gary Shults said. Shes a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people. Her mother-in-law also described her as a devout Christian, adding that she thinks her faith contributed to her calm state amid the emergency landing. Advertisement I know God was with her, and I know she was talking to God, Virginia Shults said. Whatever was going through her mind as she completed her landing, Tammie Jo Shults made time to tell the control tower: Thank you thanks guys, for the help. Schmidt writes for the Washington Post. To read this article in Spanish, click here A second allegation of racial bias at Starbucks has surfaced this time in the Los Angeles area in the days since two black men were arrested while waiting at one of the coffee chains Philadelphia stores. A video, taken at a Starbucks store in Torrance in January, shows a black man claiming he was denied access to a bathroom while a white man was given the entry code. Neither of the men was a paying customer. The video emerged amid outrage over the Philadelphia arrests, which protesters said exemplified the racial disparities that still exist in this country. The arrests, which occurred last week, led Starbucks Chief Executive Kevin Johnson to personally apologize to the men involved and announce that more than 8,000 U.S. Starbucks stores will be closed May 29 so that nearly 175,000 employees can receive racial-bias education training. In the Torrance incident, the black man recording the video whom KABC-TV identified as 26-year-old Brandon Ward asks a white man who used the bathroom whether he had any trouble obtaining the entry code. Ward said the Starbucks workers had refused to give him the code. Advertisement Have you purchased anything in here today? Ward asks the man. No, but I was just about to, the man said. But before you made a purchase they let you use the restroom? Ward asks. I just asked for the code, the man said. You asked for the code, and they gave it to you, right? Ward asks. Before you made the purchase? Thats right, the man indicated. Ward went to the coffee bar to address the discrepancy, talking to a woman who identified herself as the store manager. She told him to stop recording. This is a private business, she told Ward. Ward kept recording. You are actually not allowed to be in here anymore. You need to leave, she told Ward. Advertisement Is it my skin color? Ward asked her. Is it my skin color? The video, which Ward posted to his Facebook page two days after the Philadelphia incident, had more than 700,000 views by Wednesday morning. Activist Shaun King posted it to Twitter, where it was retweeted more than 40,000 times. In a statement, a Starbucks spokeswoman said the company takes the video of the Torrance incident and the commentary surrounding it seriously. [We] are working closely with the team to learn from our mistakes, she said. We are fully investigating our store practices and guidelines across the company. In addition to our own review, we will work with outside experts and community leaders to understand and adopt best practices, including unconscious bias training. Advertisement Starbucks said the training curriculum planned for its employees next month will be developed with input from national and local experts on confronting racial bias. They include Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative; Sherrilyn Ifill, president and director-counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund; former U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr.; Heather McGhee, president of policy center Demos; and Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League. Ward acknowledged Starbucks apologies but said they are useless until the company changes its behavior. If you have a policy, you should abide by those guidelines for everyone, he told KABC-TV. You cant sit here and segregate things, so you might as well put on the store with your policy, whites only, at the end. On Thursday, at about 4:37 p.m. at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, a female employee called police to report two gentlemen in my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave, according to the 911 call, which was released Tuesday. Officers arrived at the Starbucks about 4:41, according to the tape, and at 4:44, officers requested backup and a supervisor for a group of males causing a disturbance. Advertisement By 5 p.m., the officers were headed to their headquarters with two arrests. The tense arrests were captured on at least two cellphone videos, which showed at least six Philadelphia police officers standing over two seated black men, asking them to leave. One officer said that the men were not complying and were being arrested for trespassing. One of the videos had more than 10 million views by Tuesday afternoon. The men were held for nine hours before they were released, said criminal defense attorney Lauren Wimmer, who represented the men over the weekend when they potentially faced charges. No charges were filed, authorities said. That Starbucks store was closed temporarily because of protests outside but reopened Tuesday morning. When the engine blew up on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 from New York to Dallas, and the oxygen masks rained down, there was only one thought that dominated Marty Martinezs mind: sending a goodbye message to his parents. I had no reason to be hopeful, said Martinez, 29, in a phone interview from Philadelphia International Airport after the plane made an emergency landing Tuesday. People were screaming. A window was smashed out by engine debris. Even the flight attendants were crying. So as the plane was going down, I whipped out my credit card and bought Wi-Fi. I thought that was my only avenue to get a message to the outside. Thats how the world came to see the image of Martinez, the founder of a digital marketing company in Dallas, seated in the window seat of row 15 of the Southwest jet, slipping on his mask and then staring into the camera, wide-eyed but remarkably calm, as he prepared for what he believed would be a plane crash that would end his life. The Boeing 737-700 was carrying 149 people. When the left engine exploded it smashed open a window. One passenger died, U.S. regulators said, marking the first accident-related fatality on a U.S.-registered airline in more than nine years. Advertisement A crew member on the plane reported to air traffic controllers that a piece of the plane was missing and someone went out. The dead passenger was identified as Jennifer Riordan, a bank executive and mother of two from New Mexico. Photos posted on social media show the front of the left engine had been ripped open. The National Transportation Safety Board has secured the planes two crash-proof recorders and planned to ship them to its lab in Washington, said NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. This is a sad day, Southwest Chief Executive Gary Kelly said on a video released by the company. On behalf of the whole Southwest family, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of our deceased customer. Martinez had been about 30 minutes into his flight home to Dallas and everything seemed fine, he said. Then he heard a loud boom. Before he could register what it might be, the oxygen masks fell down throughout the plane. Then the window exploded inward two rows in front of him. That put everyone in sheer panic, he said. Nearby passengers huddled around a woman who was slumped in her seat where the window had blown out. She wasnt moving, he said. Other passengers grabbed anything they could lay their hands on jackets and coats to stuff into the broken window. A man was helping there was blood all over him, Martinez said. She made no noise at all. Martinez could see the damaged engine through his window. He looked around frantically as he tried to process what was happening. When he saw how upset the flight attendants were, we thought we were in a really bad place. We were going down. Advertisement As Martinez was live-streaming on Facebook, he looked over at his work colleague in the seat next to him. He looked over to me and was probably wondering, Why is he buying internet right now? Meanwhile hes drafting a text to his wife and sending a message to his unborn son. He estimates the plane was descending for at least 10 or 12 minutes. At some point, he was able to get a mobile phone connection and he dialed his mother. She didnt answer. He sent out a text to friends and colleagues: I want you you to know that I love you all and thank you for all that youve done. Im so sorry!! Planes going down. I love you guys! Then over the intercom came the instructions: Brace yourself! Brace yourself! Brace yourself! The plane landed. The injured woman was taken out first. Advertisement It was only when we had hit the ground and you could tell the plane was slowing down there was just a sigh of relief and cheers across the plane, Martinez said. Everyone was just so grateful to be alive. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Rachel Mumford, who co-founded the Barrys Bootcamp fitness brand, has cut a cool half a million off the price tag of her French farmhouse-style estate in Malibus Point Dume. First introduced last summer at $9.995 million, the rustic estate is now available for $9.495 million. The 1950s home offers 5,800 square feet of living space, replete with warm stone accents and smooth plaster walls. Vaulted ceilings of reclaimed wood hang over the living room, and wood finishes in the kitchen and hallways provide a countryside feel. 1 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) 2 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Paul Jonason) 3 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 4 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 5 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 6 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 7 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 8 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 9 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 10 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 11 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) 12 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 13 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 14 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) 15 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 16 / 19 Photo by Amy Bartlam. Design by Kate Lester Interiors. (Amy Bartlam) 17 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) 18 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) 19 / 19 Hot Property | Rachel Mumford (Paul Jonason) Advertisement Sliding barn doors open to the master suite, which is dressed in similar stone and wood materials. The single-story home holds seven bedrooms and 6.25 bathrooms. Pocketing doors connect an open dining area to the verdant backyard, where grass surrounds a wood deck, pool and spa. The grounds total nearly an acre. Tony Mark and Russel Grether of Compass hold the listing. Mumford, who bought the home three years ago for $7.45 million, launched the first Barrys Bootcamp alongside celebrity trainer Barry Jay in 1998. The brand now boasts locations in New York, Miami, London and Norway, and it counts David Beckham and Mandy Moore among its 40,000 members. jack.flemming@latimes.com Twitter: @jflem94 MORE FROM HOT PROPERTY: Advertisement Fleetwood Macs Lindsey Buckingham gets a landslide $19 million for Brentwood build Time to jump around? Rapper Everlast parts with Corona home for $1.13 million Former Mark Wahlberg estate with bells and whistles galore sells for $12.4 million Snazzy Malibu mobile home was once owned by Baywatch star Pam Anderson Fake news. The impermanence of objects. The stories we tell ourselves. The psychic toll of social media. The dangerous art that can be made with a pencil. These were all subjects of concern to artist and musician Laurie Anderson when she wrote her book All the Things I Lost in the Flood and conceived her latest show, which comes to the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills on Friday. The question is not Who is Laurie Anderson? but rather Who isnt she? Her new work ping-pongs between themes and ideas as swiftly as the artist herself dons the various hats that constitute her multifaceted identity: high priestess of poetry, demon on the violin, sculptor, filmmaker, multimedia creator, digital entrepreneur, inventor, pop rocker, avant-garde historian, widow of the late and great Lou Reed. Anderson has experienced a great deal of loss lately the first alluded to in the title of her book and show, when decades worth of precious art and artifacts were destroyed in the rising waters of Hurricane Sandy, and then a year later, in 2013, the loss of Reed to liver disease. Advertisement After the hurricane she compiled a thick binder with lists of all the things she had lost in the flood and, she writes, I realized that since they were no longer objects, they had an entirely different meaning, and that having these long lists was just as good as having the real things. Maybe even better. We are in a crisis in terms of, not just whats a real story, but what is real. Laurie Anderson Reinvention, not just of oneself but of ones sense of what loss is, looms large in Andersons mind. But at its core, Andersons new work is about language, and the influence it has on art, hers in particular. These are essays about stories, using my own work at different points along the way to talk about it, she said recently over the phone from her studio on Canal Street in New York City. It was really inspired by the fallibility of stories, and the fraying of stories, during the election. Today, she says, We are in a crisis in terms of, not just whats a real story, but what is real. Performance artist Laurie Anderson at her home in Manhattan. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times ) Anderson is an optimist, so that crisis inspired a spirit of inquiry rather than one of doom. Since the beginning of her career in the late 1960s, Anderson has attempted to tell what she calls the national story. Continuing along that trajectory, Anderson began examining stories as the engines of identity. In each chapter of the new book, released in February, she looks at different strategies for putting language into visual art; that is, into instruments, statues, boxes, installations, films and performances. In a chapter titled Talking Statues, Anderson discusses the ways she has tried to tell stories within the confines of traditional museums. How to make work that speaks in that kind of setting? For a 1976 installation titled At the Shrinks, she projected a Super 8 film loop onto a statue, with a speaker behind it. Advertisement Another chapter, Time to Go, examines the ways in which her art has been inspired by the concept of time, as well as dreams, calendars and diaries. On my sixty-third birthday I suddenly realized that I had been asleep for twenty-one years or one third of my life, she writes. And that meant that my dream self was an adult who could if she chose drink, drive, carry a gun and vote in any state. This was somehow very troubling since I usually feel I am running out of time and havent accomplished enough. Time, as a theme, is a constant in Andersons work and conversation. She sees modern life accelerating because of technology. And yet the more we can do with the click of a button, the less time we actually have, she says. Its a catch-22, especially for an artist and storyteller who has long embraced technology. One of her first inventions, in 1977, was the tape-bow: a violin that uses recorded magnetic tape in place of a horsehair bow, with a magnetic tape head in the instruments bridge. She eventually discarded the magnetic tape for digital audio samples. Advertisement Its not like the old days, she says of time. Its really quite sped up. I dont have as much time as I used to have. I used to just goof around. Now that I can do 20 things at once, I do it. Audiences can expect to see Anderson doing 20 things at once during her performance at the Wallis, as she presents a one-woman show that brings the new book to life through the stories (visual, verbal, musical) that have molded her art. Shes one of those people you should see before you die, says Wallis Artistic Director Paul Crewes. Shes bridged so many generations of the arts scene, and whatever generation she was working with, she always seemed to be at the forefront of some new approach. Anderson is currently examining the transience of things, the transience of concepts, and how those concepts could be recontextualized into something sunnier than they might seem at first. Advertisement Im trying at the very bottom of this to describe what loss is what it means to have things and to lose them. Do you try to find a substitute for the thing you lost, or do you pretend you dont care about it? she says. Many people perceive they are losing things now: their freedom or livelihood or future. This perceived loss, and the stories of loss that we tell through social media and the news, have resulted in a polarization that Anderson believes doesnt really exist. She thinks we humans are closer together than our personalized echo chambers of ideas would have us believe. She knows many people who threw themselves completely into their work after the 2016 election, but when she started looking at what that work was, she saw more unifying themes than divisive ones. Most people, it seems, care about one another and the state of the world we live in. Thats just hard to get across in 280 characters, she says. People have the burden of coming up with a coherent personality, and we are not that, she says of our social-media-driven identities. We are all products. Its distressing. It takes a huge toll on people to be seen that way, and to keep up the branding part of their life. Advertisement But we are much more than the digital sum of our parts, she says. We are not Facebook-type people. Anderson is an optimist. And that is the story she is telling. Laurie Anderson: All the Things I Lost in the Flood Where: Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills Advertisement When: 7:30 p.m. Friday Tickets: Sold out. To get on the wait list, call (310) 746-4000 or email tickets@thewallis.org Information: (310) 746-4000, www.thewallis.org jessica.gelt@latimes.com Advertisement @jessicagelt ALSO: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and the farmhouse across the street The projects to receive this years Mike Kelley Foundation grants Advertisement At the Other Minds Festival, the extravagance of gabble South Korea's ambassador to Egypt Yoon Yeo-cheol affirmed that his country is ready to provide support and assistance to North Korea provided it gives up its nuclear weapons programme, citing the common history and language of the two Koreas. The ambassador made the comments during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the inter-Korean summit, which is set to take place on 27 April between President Moon Jae-in of South Korea and Kim Jong-un of North Korea on the South Korean side of the Korean Joint Security Area. Yoon Yeo-cheol said that the inter-Korean summit is an important milestone in South Korea's efforts to achieve lasting peace, mutual trust and stability in the Korean Peninsula. He also expressed his country's hope that such a historic summit will be held on a regular basis. The meeting, if it takes place, will be the third inter-Korean summit and the first in 11 years. It will also be the first time since the Korean War in the 1950s that a North Korean leader enters South Korean territory. The summit is planned to focus on the North Korean nuclear weapons programme and denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The anticipated meeting is widely seen as a significant diplomatic step towards solving the North Korean nuclear impasse. The South Korean ambassador told Ahram Online that the issue of sanctions against North Korea will be discussed. He also pointed out that his country is ready to help its northern neighbor with trillions of dollars, but he declined to reveal the specific nature of this financial support. They [the North Koreans] are asked first to prove their good faith and are also required to provide the necessary safeguards for the denuclearisation issue. Yoon Yeo-cheol also praised the cooperation between his country and the United States, especially with regards to the situation in the Korean peninsula, highlighting his country's continued coordination with Washington and with all friendly countries to achieve peace in the region. North Korea must abandon its nuclear weapons to achieve this peace, he said. US President Donald Trump stunned the international community last month by accepting an invitation of direct talks with the North Korean strong man in a meeting set to take place before the end of May. This would be the first meeting between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader since the Korean War. On China's stance on the summit, the South Korean ambassador told Ahram Online that Beijing would not welcome cooperation between North Korea and the US. However, we have to think that stability would not only be on the Korean Peninsula, but would extend to all neighboring countries, he said. The ambassador said that the policy of South Korean leader Moon Jae-in is comprehensive and a long-term one that aims to achieve peace and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula as well as in Northeast Asia, with its regional neighbours and the international community. The South Korean ambassador said that Seoul has set four strategies for peacefully resolving the standoff with Pyongyang. These strategies include taking a comprehensive step-by-step approach, tackling issues related to inter-Korean relations, ensuring sustainability through institutionalisation and laying the foundation for peaceful unification through mutually beneficial cooperation. The ambassador said that the development of relations will strengthen the already existing inter-Korean agreements, including the 4 July South-North Joint Communique, the 15 June NorthSouth Joint Declaration and the 4 October Declaration. This could be achieved by creating a new economic community through building a unified market on the Korean Peninsula to create new economic growth engines and the establishment of an inter-Korean economic community based on co-existence and common prosperity in coordination with Northeast Asia and among the neighbors of the peninsula, he said. Search Keywords: Short link: For somebody to fundamentally change their mind is the hardest thing, says Chiwetel Ejiofor, reflecting on his new film, Come Sunday. The movie, which premiered at this years Sundance Film Festival and is now streaming on Netflix, stars Ejiofor as a real-life religious figure, Bishop Carlton Pearson, who shook the church when a message from God urged him to shift his beliefs about the existence of hell. You hope it for people, the actor adds. But its so difficult to do, especially after a certain point. You can amend things, but to fundamentally change what you think or feel about is probably the hardest thing. So somebody who does go through a fundamental, psychic, spiritual change is really interesting. Come Sunday, directed by Joshua Marston, is based on a 2005 episode of This American Life and follows a short span in Pearsons life in the late 90s, when he went from leading a massive church in Tulsa, Okla., to being deemed a heretic. The film raises grandiose questions, considering what it means for a religious person to decide that theres no such thing as judgment in the afterlife. It deals with discussions and questions that Ejiofor hadnt necessarily considered before embarking on a years worth of research. Its a lot to think about, he notes, sitting over lunch at Londons Hotel Cafe Royal. To play somebody who has very literal beliefs that I have personally never investigated in that way myself. And how you would go about not believing those things it seemed like a massive shift of somebodys conscious thought. I hadnt seen anything quite like it in terms of analyzing a moment and drawing on that moment to discover or think about a whole host of things. Advertisement Ejiofor was raised Roman Catholic and attended church and Sunday school as a child in London, but he never really engaged with religious outside of an intellectual curiosity. Hed read large parts of the Bible as a teenager, mostly because he was fascinated by the idea of the end of the world, but it wasnt until the actor took on Mary Magdalene (an upcoming drama starring Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara from Lion director Garth Davis) and Come Sunday in succession that he really revisited the idea of faith. The preparation for both films overlapped (Mary Magdalene was shot at the end of 2016, Come Sunday in early 2017), and Ejiofor re-read the Bible on planes ahead of shooting. He also visited churches in Pearsons hometown of Tulsa, as well as Atlanta, where Come Sunday was shot, and, along with Marston, engaged in discussions with religious scholars about the nature of hell. I had some understanding of church, the actor notes. But I didnt engage in faith, exactly, or spirituality at all. I always found it very surface level and I never really investigated it further. It was never presented to me as literal or real. Or if it was presented to me in that way, I didnt perceive it that way. It really wasnt until engaging with these projects that I ever really looked at it from that perspective. I walked away with a new respect for [faith], and I think I gained a lot of perspective and understanding. I got an admiration for people who really engage with faith in its purest form and live lives according to that. Pearson was involved in the production, spending time on set and meeting with the actors. Ejiofor, a theater-trained British actor who received an Oscar nomination in 2014 for 12 Years a Slave, embraced the challenge of transforming into a Southern bishop very much unlike him. It took the year of on and off research and numerous visits to the churches to really begin to feel Pearson in his body. Before visiting inclusion churches, Ejiofor had never heard of their existence, especially coming from Britain. The information one receives about the States, especially in the religious aspect, is pretty myopic, he says. The idea of having a church which has the crescent moon an Islamic symbol and a Christian symbol in Atlanta is simply not information Id come across. But it wasnt a surprise to anybody there. Thats the point of going and seeing it for yourself and figuring out whats true for you. Neither Ejiofor nor Marston feels that Come Sunday was specifically made for religious viewers. On a deeper level, its about inclusion and why inclusivity is essential in all aspects of life, not just in Christianity. Advertisement We had a number of conversations about theology, and he was very rigorous about doing research and speaking to people and reading, Marston notes. We were not simply telling the facts of what happened to Carlton Pearson, but also trying to bring to the screen, in a human form, some very weighty questions. I think it was very important for Chiwetel and for me that he be able to be in the head space of the character. He couldnt just read the lines. He himself had to have wrestled with the same questions that Carlton Pearson had wrestled with. The films release on Netflix feels essential to its success, although Ejiofor doesnt spend a lot of time thinking about distribution or viewing figures. Mary Magdalene, a Weinstein Co. production, doesnt have a release date in the U.S., but the actor just shrugs and says, Im sure it will come out. For Marston, though, that Come Sunday will emerge directly into viewers home is important. One of the values of Netflix is that all those people who are actually interested in this but who might not be able to publicly go to it or be seen walking into the movie theater can watch it in the privacy of their own home, which is great, he says. Ive always believed that, with anything, if you make it as good as it can be, people will come and see it, Ejiofor adds. Theyll find a way of doing that. But the idea that people have the opportunity to see projects that they might have had to travel further to see is appealing. Advertisement The actor is working with Beyonce and Donald Glover on Disneys highly anticipated live-action remake of The Lion King, in which he plays Scar, and he recently finishing directing his first feature, The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, in Malawi. Hes unsure when the latter will be released; in the meantime, hes hoping to find his next theater project. For Ejiofor, the stage is the foundation of acting. Ive spent most of my professional career either doing theater or waiting to do theater, he says. I always feel like its the best continual training as an actor. Its the best way of understanding the craft of connecting with audiences and continuing to wrestle and work with characterization and dialogue and all of the things that are important in figuring how to be a better actor ... So far, I havent been bored at all with being an actor, finding out new things or trying to discover how to do it better. calendar@latimes.com As the Tribeca Film Festival prepares to open its 17th edition Wednesday in New York, the Cannes Film Festival and Netflix have assumed a scorched-earth policy with each other and the general state of theatrical film exhibition is, at best, weak. Theres a philosophical, commercial and maybe even spiritual schism occurring: Is the film festival, in a meta sense, obliged to hold traditional cinema sacrosanct? If Cannes is high church, Tribeca is nailing its programming guide to the cathedral doors. One of the bigger hits at last years festival was The Handmaids Tale, courtesy of Hulu. For the second year, theres a program devoted to independent TV pilots. The section devoted to New Online Work (NOW) routinely sells out, and the virtual reality showcase Tribeca Immersive is a cutting-edge crowd magnet. At what point do you stop calling the Tribeca Film Festival a film festival? Advertisement Weve thought about it, said Jane Rosenthal, a bit conspiratorially, as her Tribeca festival partner Robert De Niro ate a bowl of soup. But theres part of the founders history thats so ingrained with film that you dont want to lose that. Well see, De Niro said, looking up, as time goes on. In the time thats already gone on, the Tribeca Film Festival has seen nearly everything around it change. Founded by Rosenthal, De Niro and Rosenthals ex-husband, Craig Hatkoff in the wake of 9/11, as its virtually always described the festival was meant to revitalize a neighborhood that had been dust-shrouded, grief-stricken and seemingly on the ropes. Now, real estate commands platinum prices; the bohemians have been driven away like barbarians from the gates of Rome; most of the festival takes place elsewhere around Manhattan. But more importantly, the culture being celebrated hasnt just changed, its undergone a revolution one in which Tribeca finds itself on the side of the insurgency. The creators dont seem bound by traditional divisions anymore, so why should we? asked Cara Cusumano, director of programming, during an interview at Tribecas Manhattan offices. We take the lead from the creators and follow the work we find most inspiring. As we noticed that work was expanding beyond feature films, we created platforms in the festival for that work. Those platforms arent brand new for the last several years they have included NOW, Tribeca TV, Tribeca Immersive and, of course, Tribeca Talks, which are apt to involve luminaries from outside the realm of independent cinema, which TFF long championed. But the arguments they inspire are red hot. If Cannes is high church, Tribeca is nailing its programming guide to the cathedral doors. Advertisement Helen (Maya Lynne Robinson) meets her son Troy (Ashton Sanders) for the first time on her last day before execution to say goodbye in Dead Women Walkiing. (Image.net ) Until film exhibition can figure itself out, we have an obligation to [present] stories on any platform, said Rosenthal, before referencing upheaval in the New York film exhibition scene. Were losing 8,000 seats in downtown Manhattan theaters. They turned the Ziegfeld [theater] into a party space. Theyre building theaters in Saudi Arabia. Here, theyre pulling them down. Rosenthal repeated the oft-made point that the content on the likes of HBO, Hulu and Netflix used to be the purview of Hollywood and added citing two films she made with De Niro Wed never get Wag the Dog made today; I dont think youd get Meet the Parents made today. Theyd be doing it on Netflix. She did concede that watching comedies without an audience seemed a little depressing. De Niro agreed: I dont look at a certain movie that Ive done unless I look at it with an audience, he said. Its like watching it in a vacuum. Advertisement And in a sort of backhanded way, Tribeca cultivates that mass-audience experience. Its important to embrace the ways audiences are consuming their media, said Loren Hammonds, who programs TFF Immersive as well as film. One thing we take responsibility for is convening people. You can watch Netflix on your laptop, at home, by yourself. But its quite a different experience to come to Tribeca and see a Netflix film that might premiere in a few weeks or few months, but see it with an excited and culturally curious audience. And have the filmmaker there. And the subjects there. Thats something we stand behind. Rosenthal and De Niro are just finishing Martin Scorseses The Irishman, a big budget period production slated to premiere on Netflix in 2019. Their colleague Paula Weinstein, executive vice president of Tribeca Enterprises, produces the streaming series Grace & Frankie. They belong to a more theater-oriented generation, but as a festival, Weinstein said, our responsibility is to say, Here is the wave of the future. As a festival, you want to say, Heres the online work, heres independent filmmaking and here is Netflix or Amazon or network television. Advertisement Or everything at once. For the first time, said Liza Domnitz, who programs TV/online, we have something, Dead Women Walking, that comes from an online studio, Blackpills, that was conceived as an episodic series and it will be on their platform eventually but were playing it as a feature film. I think they have hopes of also releasing it theatrically. Its a good example of the blending of these platforms, she said. Heres this thing thats meant for online, were putting it in the feature program and theyre hoping to get acquired by a TV studio and develop it further. As Cusumano put it, Were platform agnostic. calendar@latimes.com Thanks to the lush carpet of faux green grass, stacked wooden crates piled to overflowing with fresh produce and a number of sandal-shod guests, the Tuesday night party on La Brea Avenue in Los Angeles could easily have been mistaken for the grand opening of a trendy Silver Lake juice bar. However, bumper crop of leafy greens notwithstanding, it was nothing of the sort. The party, which unspooled in the parking lot of Rick Owens L.A. flagship boutique, marked the opening of a box of Birkenstocks. The Box is the name Birkenstock has given to the shipping-container-turned-pop-up-shops the footwear brand creates with collaborative partners. And the most recent one with fashion and furniture designer Owens opened April 17 and is set to close April 21. The party, co-hosted by W magazine editor in chief Stefano Tonchi and Owens wife, Michele Lamy, was a chance to (avocado) toast the Rick in a Box pop-up and limited-edition collection of collaborative footwear and socks it stocks, available at www.rickowens.eu and www.birkenstock.com. Among the well-heeled and in many cases, bare-heeled guests spotted in the crowd were nightlife impresario (and Freak Show producer) Bryan Rabin, actress Lisa Edelstein, stylist Jeanne Yang,TV personality George Kotsiopoulos, stylist and eyewear designer Alex Israel, Sportie LA co-founder Isack Fadlon, photographer/jewelry designer Lisa Eisner and Birkenstock Chief Executive Oliver Reichert. Advertisement One person who wasnt there? Owens himself, who lives in Paris and hasnt set foot in the City of Angels for nearly two decades. (Im afraid that if I came back to L.A., Id be seduced all over again and never leave, he told The Times in a recent interview.) At left, the farmers market feast from Valerie Confections. At right, a pair of black fur-covered Birkenstock X Rick Owens Arizona sandals. (From left: Owen Kolasinski/BFA.com, Sansho Scott/BFA.com ) But with the farmers market feast laid out by Valerie Gordon (a nice nod to Lamys long-gone Les Deux Cafes restaurant, which Gordon managed before launching her Valerie Confections line in 2004) and the lawn-like surface underfoot, the designer and his take on what the German footwear brand represents felt very much present. I think [the brand is all about the] outdoors, the sun, nudity, sensuality it reeks of good-natured health, Owens recently told The Times. Thats kind of my vibe from Birkenstock. Theres a very natural sexiness there for me. Birkenstock X Rick Owens pop-up, 819 N. La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, April 17-21, www.birkenstock.com and www.rickowens.eu. adam.tschorn@latimes.com For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me at @ARTschorn. By the time authorities found the body of David Riess shot to death and left inside his Minnesota home his wife was gone. It would take another three weeks, and another killing more than 1,500 miles away in Florida, before she was officially named as a suspect. Now a nationwide search is on for 56-year-old Lois Ann Riess, who is wanted on murder charges in both states and has been seen in Iowa, Texas, Louisiana and Florida. On Tuesday, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to her arrest. Advertisement Shes been spotted all over the country, Deputy U.S. Marshal John Kinsey told The Times on Tuesday. David Riess, 54, was missing for two weeks before his business partner at Prairie Wax Worm Farms in Ellendale, Minn., asked Dodge County Sheriffs deputies to check on him. When they went to his residence on March 23 and knocked on the door, there was no answer. They returned later that evening and found his body with multiple bullet holes in it. Lois Riess, of Blooming Prairie, Minn., is shown in an undated photo. Riess is charged with murder in the deaths of her husband in Minnesota and a woman in Florida. Dodge County [Minn.] Sheriffs Office (AP ) His wife was on a road trip in a 2005 Cadillac Escalade, according to the account given by authorities. Before leaving Minnesota, she had transferred $10,000 from her husbands business account into his personal one, then forged his signature on three checks to pay herself $11,000, they said. An avid gambler known to friends as Losing Streak Lois, Riess drove to the Diamond Jo Casino in Northwood, Iowa, which is about 40 minutes from her home. Somebody spotted her on March 24 and called police. But by the time Minnesota authorities drove down Interstate 35 to the casino, Riess was gone. Minnesota prosecutors charged her with second-degree murder and felony theft. Riess was on her way to Fort Myers, Fla., though her precise route is unclear. Advertisement There, Riess hooked up with 59-year-old Pamela Hutchinson. Authorities said they suspect Riess purposely selected Hutchinson for her looks. Riess mode of operation is to befriend women who resemble her and steal their identity, Lee County, Fla., Sheriff Carmine Marceno said at a news conference last week. The two women wound up at Hutchinsons condominium on April 5. Four days later, Hutchinson was found there shot to death, according to Marceno. Advertisement Law enforcement authorities said they connected the two killings when they found the Cadillac that Riess had driven from Minnesota at a park in Florida. Hutchinsons white Acura TL was missing from the parking lot of her condominium. Money, credit cards and identification were missing from her purse, investigators said. Surveillance video provided to The Times by the Lee County Sheriffs Office shows a woman authorities identified as Riess, wearing a blue shirt and tan pants, entering the parking lot of the condo complex and leaving in Hutchinsons car. A separate undated video shows the same woman checking into a Hilton hotel in Ocala, Fla., three hours away, wearing the same clothing. Advertisement Lee County prosecutors have filed charges against her for murder, grand theft of a motor vehicle and grand theft and criminal use of personal identification. Riess was last seen in the Corpus Christi, Texas, area driving an Acura believed to be Hutchinsons. michael.livingston@latimes.com @Livingston_LAT Buried beneath Fresno were some costly surprises for the California bullet train authority, which disclosed Tuesday that the price of utility relocations along a 29-mile section of railway has surged from a 2013 estimate of $69 million to $396 million. Although it was known that moving gas lines, sewer pipes, water mains and communications wire to make way for the route would be more expensive than originally expected, the magnitude of the increase nearly a six-fold jump puts into better focus why the projects costs are rising so sharply. The California High-Speed Rail Authority board on Friday took up the problem, hearing from its staff that the original estimate contained a number of miscalculations. The number of linear feet of utilities that have to be moved was underestimated, as was the cost per foot for the job, according to a staff memo. Then, there were utilities that nobody even knew were in the ground. The authority changed its mind about some of the work, as well, the report said. Advertisement The original cost estimate was based on work performed by the rail authoritys regional consultant, the staff memo said. It did not identify the company, but rail authority records indicate the regional consultant from before 2013 through at least 2015 was Los Angeles-based Aecom. By 2017, the company was no longer on the job. The company did not have an immediate response when contacted. The history of the utility relocations suggests some turmoil in management decisions which the rail authority staff said it would not repeat in the future. The original plan was to have AT&T and Pacific Gas and Electric Co. move their own equipment, rather than allow the main construction contractor, Tutor Perini, to do the work. After getting started, however, the two utilities came back and told the rail authority that they were having trouble meeting the schedule. So, the rail authority handed the job to Tutor Perini in February 2017 and increased the budget to $159 million. By September 2017, the rail authority arrived at a new cost estimate of $396 million, which was not made public until Tuesday. The price hike is part of the $2.8 billion in cost increases for the Central Valley work that were disclosed in January and were incorporated into the draft 2018 business plan released last month. The higher costs would deplete the budget for the utility relocations by April, according to the staff memo. So the board approved moving $40 million from a future contract reserved for installing track in the Central Valley to cover the utility work in Fresno. That $40 million will fund the utility work until July, the memo said. The staff said that best management practices, along with a new database, will enable it to better estimate costs in the future. Additionally, the assumption that utilities will perform relocations will not be repeated, the staff memo said. ralph.vartabedian@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @rvartabedian A small Orange County city at the center of the anti-sanctuary movement in California has been sued for enacting an ordinance that exempts it from the states sanctuary laws, which were designed to protect immigrants in the country illegally. On Wednesday, a Los Alamitos pastor, an attorney who lives and works in the city and a group of concerned residents called Los Alamitos Community United joined forces with several immigrant rights groups including the American Civil Liberties Union to launch the lawsuit. Los Alamitos illegal ordinance causes serious harm to my ability to serve my congregation, the Rev. Samuel Pullen of Community Congregational United Church of Christ in Los Alamitos said. Immigrant worshippers are less likely to come and participate in church services because of their fear that Los Alamitos and its law enforcement officials are helping deport members of our community. The lawsuit asks the court to declare the city ordinance illegal and to order Los Alamitos leaders to comply with the California Values Act, which took effect Jan. 1 and limits local law enforcements cooperation with federal immigration authorities in most cases. Advertisement The litigation comes just two days after the Los Alamitos City Council gave final approval to a law allowing city residents and agencies to ignore the states sanctuary laws. Los Alamitos Mayor Troy Edgar said he could not comment on the pending lawsuit but stated that it will prompt him to focus on promoting a GoFundMe page that he launched last month to help pay for legal costs. Although we are not dependent on this funding approach, I do want to do my part to help our city, Edgar said. As of Wednesday, the city had raised about $11,000 of its $100,000 goal. First introduced in March, the ordinance sparked an anti-sanctuary movement, prompting at least nine other Orange County cities and the Board of Supervisors to voice similar grievances and pass similar resolutions. The Trump administration has gone to federal court to invalidate the state laws, claiming they blatantly obstruct federal immigration law and violate the Constitutions supremacy clause, which gives federal law precedence over state measures. That case is pending. Los Alamitos leaders also voted to file an amicus brief to the Justice Departments lawsuit. Some Orange County cities have filed an amicus brief in support of the federal lawsuit against the states sanctuary laws. Orange County voted to join as a plaintiff in the suit. Mayor Pro Tem Warren Kusumoto, who proposed the initiative that thrust the city into the national immigration debate, declined to comment on the lawsuit Wednesday. Advertisement Earlier, Kusumoto said he was compelled to introduce the measure because he said he believed the states sanctuary laws are in violation of the U.S. Constitution. He then told The Times that he did not consult with the city attorney, city manager, police chief or any other member of his staff before introducing the ordinance. Kusumoto and other Los Alamitos city leaders have been critical of SB 54, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed after the Legislature passed it last year. It prohibits state and local police agencies from notifying federal officials in many cases when immigrants who potentially are subject to deportation are about to be released from custody. The initiative is in addition to sanctuary city laws passed by numerous communities and other state laws that protect those without legal residency, including one that makes it a crime for business owners who have been notified of a workplace audit to voluntarily help federal agents find and detain unauthorized workers without having given employees prior notification. Advertisement Councilman Mark A. Chirco, the lone dissenter on the eventual vote, had warned his fellow council members that the ordinance likely would results in costly lawsuits, begging them to wait for the federal lawsuit to make its way to the court. cindy.carcamo@latimes.com Follow Cindy Carcamo on Twitter @thecindycarcamo When El Rancho High School teacher Gregory Salcido was secretly recorded telling his students that members of the military were dumb and the lowest of the low, the public outcry was swift and withering. Angry community members called for Salcidos firing, while White House Chief of Staff John Kelly a retired Marine general said the teacher ought to go to hell. Within months, Salcido would be out of a job, and his position as a Pico Rivera city councilman would be called into question. On Tuesday, however, El Rancho Unified School District released a report that suggests Salcidos firing was not based on a single classroom diatribe. Advertisement Instead, the report suggests the firing was based on a pattern of alleged outrageous behavior that included bullying students with disparaging comments and corporal punishment; improper use of a classroom computer; and the shocking use of profanity and racial slurs in front of students and staff. Details of the investigation were first reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. Salcido has appealed his dismissal. In an email to the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday, the former teacher wrote: My pending appeal to the State serves as a clear indication of my disagreement with the motivation, method, and contents of the Districts investigation. The investigation was conducted by Steve Hummel, a private investigator who owns the digital forensics and IT firm Paradox Technology. The students that get the most bullying follow a pattern where they are White, Asian, Pro military, Christian or gay, the investigator noted in the report. In his report, Hummel recounted accusations that Salcido called a white student a Nazi, used an anti-Latino slur, singled out LGBT students, made disparaging weight-related comments, grilled a student about religious beliefs, and called a student a bitch during class. A former assistant principal said Salcido would go off on these weird tangents and say, Well because we used to hang black people we should keep hanging them, according to the report. Advertisement He is also accused of sharing controversial views on topics such as suicide and child porn comments that students and parents and administrators found inappropriate. There are multiple allegations from students in the report that he told students that committing suicide is a choice they should be able to make. In a 3-minute audio recording the district provided to The Times, Salcido appears to say that downloading kiddie porn is disgusting but should not be a crime, before suggesting that people with failed suicide attempts should be charged with attempted murder. A student provided the audio to the investigator, and told him that a school employee brushed off her and her fathers complaints and refused to listen to the recording when the incident occurred in the 2016-17 school year, according to the report. Advertisement This isnt Salcidos first brush with misconduct allegations. He was suspended in 2012 for hitting a student. More recently, students told the investigator that Salcido inflicted physical punishment for tardiness. Students claimed they were required to perform squats or pushups in front of the class. A girl in a short skirt was berated in front of the class to do a squat until she left in tears. He was previously warned by administration in writing to stop this practice as it constitutes corporal punishment, according to the report. An analysis of the hard drive on Salcidos classroom computer revealed that he conducted Pico Rivera city business on his El Rancho computer, the report says. The hard drive also included four deleted images, according to the report: three of nude or mostly-nude women, and one of a young boy standing behind a large Sumo Wrestler pulling on his Mawashi (thong like garment). Advertisement The presence of such images on a district-owned computer violates the districts technology use policies, the report notes. The report suggests that administrators at the school were aware of Salcidos alleged behavior, and attempted to address it. During the last decade Mr. Salcido has received numerous letters of reprimand as well as memos about his unacceptable behavior and verbal guidance not to swear, name call, threaten, kick out of class, use racist remarks or bully the students, the report says. One assistant principal, who began his job in October 2017 and was in charge of evaluating Salcido, told the investigator that he noticed Salcidos use of profanity and was concerned about him missing professional development sessions. He added, He really is trying for good, but I dont know if he can manage himself and really do what he wants to do in a professional setting, according to the report. Advertisement Counselors at the school tried to protect students from him, according to the report. One counselor told the investigator that in the last 11 years shes moved about 25 students out of his classes, and others have asked her not to place them in his classes. Anyone that she knew was pro-military or not a highly motivated achiever was not placed in his class. She said it wasnt fair to put those kids in there because of his tactics, according to the report. Another counselor said that students with military ambitions asked to be removed from Salcidos class last semester, the report said. Multiple board members said they were shocked at the details of the report they received last month. Asked why a principal did not notice the behavioral patterns he is accused of and address them, El Rancho Unified school board President Aurora R. Villon said the school has had three principals in the five years shes been on the board, and she has not received complaints about Salcido. Advertisement There are other areas we need to just start looking at as far as why that happened, why it was not reported, Villon said. Children should feel comfortable telling counselors and principals when they are being abused, and, We need to make sure we put in place protocols so situations like this will never happen again, she said. School board member Jose Lara said he believes students should feel empowered to speak up when they are being mistreated, but its the adults responsibility to ensure that doesnt happen in the first place. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. A Franco-Dutch company on Wednesday won a contract to make British passports after the country leaves in the EU, in a blow for Brexit campaigners. "The 11.5 year contract has been awarded to Gemalto after a rigorous, fair and open competition," Britain's interior ministry said in a statement. The 260 million ($370 million, 299 million euros) contract represents a significant saving compared to the 400 million 10-year deal signed with British firm De La Rue in 2009. Gemalto, which is headquartered in Amsterdam and listed on the French and Dutch stock exchanges, will be tasked with designing and producing new blue-coloured passports. The return of blue British passports in place of burgundy-coloured ones synonymous with the European Union was hailed as a symbolic reclamation of sovereignty for those backing Britain's exit from the bloc. UK passports had dark blue covers from 1921, but Britain switched to burgundy from 1988, in common with other passports of what was then the European Community. Picking a foreign firm over a UK manufacturer provoked an outcry in Britain by some politicians and the country's pro-Brexit newspapers. Brexit supporters have said it would be a "national humiliation" if British passports were made in the EU. A petition run by the Daily Mail to keep production in Britain has topped 330,000 signatures. Britain's interior ministry said earlier this month that it had extended the bidding process by two weeks amid the backlash and following a request from De La Rue. But the British firm said on Wednesday it would not appeal the government's decision to pick Gemalto and vowed to "assist with transition to the new supplier". De La Rue's contract expires in July 2019 -- after Britain's departure from the EU next March -- and the new passport production contract is to begin in October 2019. Search Keywords: Short link: The Los Angeles Board of Education adjourned late Tuesday after spending more than 10 hours interviewing candidates and trying to reach a decision on who would be the next leader of the nations second-largest school system. When the meeting finally recessed at 10:11 p.m., a spokesman announced only that the school board would reconvene Friday at noon. For the record: An earlier version of this article stated that Austin Beutner was on the board of Granada Hills Charter High School. Beutner serves on the board of the foundation that raises money for the charter school. Going into the days meetings, there were apparently four finalists, according to sources who could not be named because they were unauthorized to speak. The four were former investment banker Austin Beutner, interim Supt. Vivian Ekchian, former Baltimore schools chief Andres Alonso and Indianapolis Supt. Lewis Ferebee. Advertisement Beutner, 58, appeared to have the inside track. The lack of an announcement could mean several things: that no one had a majority of votes; that the board or the candidate was still trying for more than a slim 4-3 majority; or that a decision has been made but important details of the employment contract remain under negotiation. Another possibility is that the board could be trying to bring in a team of leaders with different skills, possibly choosing more than one person to run the district from among a larger pool of candidates. After the first round of interviews, some of which lasted three hours, the board scheduled finalists for a second round. Ekchian and Ferebee apparently had theirs last week. Alonso arrived for a Tuesday morning interview and Beutner came in the afternoon, the last to be seen. Beutner had been scheduled for last week, but had postponed his second appearance due to a sore throat, sources told The Times. L.A. Unified faces rising pension costs, vastly underfunded retiree health benefits and union pressure to raise salaries all while declining enrollment is draining financial resources. The district has been without a permanent superintendent since September, when Michelle King went on medical leave. King announced in January that she had cancer and would not return to the job. Members of the current board majority were elected with support of charter backers. They include Ref Rodriguez, whose tenure on the board has been tenuous since he was charged last fall with three felonies and more than two dozen misdemeanors for alleged political money laundering allegations he denies. Advertisement After the charges were filed, Rodriguez stepped down as board president but did not give up his seat. But his upcoming trial may make holding onto it more difficult. Rodriguezs uncertain future is one reason behind a push to name a new superintendent quickly while the majority is intact. Charter advocates appear to consider Beutner an ally, though over the last year he has avoided the politically charged topic of charter schools as he raised his profile with the school system. He currently serves on the board of the foundation that raises money for Granada Hills Charter High School and also is a past board member for ICEF Public Schools, a charter group with schools in South Los Angeles. Ekchian was elevated to interim leader by King and has spent her entire career at L.A. Unified. That background and the variety of roles shes handled would have been powerful qualifications at other times. Now a career association with L.A. Unified often seems more like a liability. Advertisement Over the years, the school board has swung between insiders and outsiders. King, who started as an L.A. Unified teacher, was the ultimate insider, and her predecessor Ramon Cortines also had extensive experience in the district as well as valuable experience outside of it, including leading New Yorks public schools. His predecessor, John Deasy, was a veteran superintendent but had never worked for L.A. Unified. The districts last leader without a background in traditional public education was retired Adm. David Brewer, picked in 2006, who had been in charge of a sizable training program within the Navy. The school board bought out Brewers contract in 2008, after concluding that he was not decisive enough. Brewers predecessor was former three-time Colorado Gov. Roy Romer, whose lack of direct education experience was made up for by uber-political skills in a job that involves intense politics. Romer served six years before leaving on his own terms. That stability in leadership has been lacking in the years since. Advertisement howard.blume@latimes.com @howardblume Times staff writers Joy Resmovits and Anna M. Phillips contributed to this report. A suspected drunk driver in a U-Haul truck led Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies on a wild pursuit in Compton on Tuesday afternoon until he bailed on foot into a middle school, authorities said. Live television footage showed the driver hop a fence before disappearing on the Enterprise Middle School campus at 2600 W. Compton Blvd. It appeared the school was empty, said Sgt. Bob Boese of the Sheriffs Department. A California Highway Patrol K-9 unit was sent in to find him. The suspect was taken into custody soon after. He went into the school wearing a gray shirt and emerged in a maroon shirt, television footage showed. Deputies were still searching the school grounds for anything the suspect may have dropped, said Nicole Nishida, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department. Advertisement #Pursuit of UHaul truck ends in Compton with driver taking off on foot and disappearing on or near a middle school campus. Enterprise Middle School. Live @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/r3vyAy7v3U Michelle Tuzee (@abc7michelle) April 17, 2018 alene.tchekmedyian@latimes.com Twitter: @AleneTchek A man who spent nearly 25 years on Californias death row for raping and killing a toddler before his conviction was overturned wont be retried and could be freed within days, authorities said Tuesday. Vicente Benavides Figueroa, 68, has remained in prison even though the state Supreme Court last month overturned his 1993 conviction on grounds that medical testimony at his trial was false. Many doctors who testified to the cause of the girls injuries recanted. Kern County Dist. Atty. Lisa Green said Tuesday that prosecutors wont retry Benavides for first-degree murder and that without the medical testimony, it would be difficult, if not impossible to win a conviction for second-degree murder. Advertisement Even if Benavides was convicted on the lesser charge, he would be immediately eligible for parole, Green said. Benavides will remain on death row at San Quentin prison until a court order to release him is submitted, said Terry Thornton, spokeswoman for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Benavides could be freed quickly once the order is provided, Thornton said. Ive seen it happen in as little as a few hours but it definitely would be within a few days, she said. Benavides was babysitting his girlfriends nearly 2-year-old daughter, Consuelo Verdugo, in Delano in 1991 while the mother was at work. The couple took the injured child to an emergency room. She died about a week later. The couple told doctors that the girl had hit her head on a door, but at trial the defense said the girl may have been struck by a car when she got out of the house and Benavides briefly lost sight of her. A forensic pathologist concluded that the girl died from anal injuries from being sodomized, and several doctors testified that the girls injuries were caused by sexual assault. But nearly all later recanted, saying they hadnt seen her full medical records that indicated there was no evidence of sexual assault when the girl was first hospitalized. Advertisement They also said her genital and other injuries may have been caused by her medical treatment and some said the purported cause of death was anatomically impossible, according to the state Supreme Courts ruling. For almost six years, Gary Winuk was enforcement chief at the states top political watchdog agency, the Fair Political Practices Commission. Now hes representing Los Angeles County as it wages a high-stakes fight against an investigation by the FPPC over whether it illegally spent $1 million in taxpayer money on a political campaign. The probe by state officials was launched after the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. complained about the county running glowing television spots and social media posts supporting Measure H, an effort backed by prominent businesses, labor groups and others to generate hundreds of millions of dollars a year for services dedicated to homeless people. Local governments are going to be incentivized to spend taxpayers dollars on political advocacy unless theyre stopped, said Jon Coupal, president of the Jarvis group. This is one of the most egregious violations weve seen. Advertisement In a statement, L.A. County spokeswoman Lennie LaGuire said the county strongly believes that it conducted this educational outreach appropriately, but declined to comment further. The hiring of the firm that employs Winuk, who served as the FPPCs head of enforcement from 2009 to 2015, is an indication of how seriously the county is taking the matter, experts said. Jessica Levinson, Loyola Law School professor and political ethics expert, said that by adding Winuk to the defense team the county is sending a strong message to FPPC investigators and attorneys who previously worked for him. One of the reasons is to scare off the other side. Another reason is because you want them to continue to take the case as far you need to go, Levinson said. Its hard to think of somebody better qualified to take this case. Winuk now works for the Kaufman Legal Group, which specializes in election law cases. On Monday, he and Kaufman founder Stephen Kaufman spoke to The Times outside of L.A. City Hall about the investigation. They insisted that the countys spending related to Measure H was legal, and Kaufman said they would be putting up a vigorous defense. They declined to get into the specifics of the case. Measure H, which needed at least two-thirds of voters approval to become law, passed over a year ago with more than 69% of the vote. The tax is expected to generate $355 million annually that would be dedicated to services for homeless people. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. complaint contends that the county conducted an illegal political campaign by running ads with positive messages about the measure. Ads touted the measure as real help and lasting change. They also featured inspiring music and mini-profiles of formerly homeless people, but stopped short of explicitly asking viewers to vote for the measure. Anchored by a giant star-studded check mark, the final frames of the ads asked viewers: Are you ready? Vote March 7. Advertisement Coupals group argues that, while taxpayer funds can be used to educate the public with balanced information, they cant be used to run ads that promote a political measure. That would be the force of government putting its thumb on the scale of an election issue, he said previously. Lawyers working for the Howard Jarvis group mocked up ads in exactly the same format as those the county ran, and sent them to the FPPC for an opinion. The FPPC found that the ads would be considered political campaigning, according to correspondence from the watchdog agency. Now, FPPC officials are having to deal with their former boss. By the time Winuk left the organization in 2015, the FPPC had tripled the number of prosecutions it filed from 100 a year to 350, according to the agencys annual report for that year. Advertisement Winuk was also enforcement chief when the FPPC embarked on a complex investigation into whether Republican groups improperly funneled millions of dollars toward California ballot initiative campaigns in the 2012 election. The commission issued a record $16 million in fines in that case. Adam.Elmahrek@latimes.com @adamelmahrek Police have arrested a 29-year-old Pomona man on suspicion of homicide after a family member died at the home they shared, authorities said. L.A. County fire personnel responded to a CPR call in the 1100 block of South Hamilton Boulevard just before 7 p.m. Tuesday, according to a Pomona police statement. The victim, a man around the age of 76, was unconscious and transported to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities said. As of Wednesday morning authorities were not releasing the victims name, pending notification of next of kin, said Pomona Police Lt. Eddie Vazquez. Ricky Rene Maciel, 29, was taken into custody Tuesday night. Maciel is a relative of the victim and the two share the home on South Hamilton, Vazquez said. Investigators believe there was some kind of altercation between family members where the victim fell and hit his head, according to the police statement. Advertisement Maciel is being held on $2.04 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court in Pomona on Thursday morning, according to L.A. County sheriffs records. Anyone with information can call the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. The Riverside City Council has abruptly voted to fire City Manager John Russo, whose pay had drawn scrutiny in recent weeks and led to the mayors filing a lawsuit against the city. The council in February had approved a contract with Russo making him one of the highest-paid city managers in California. Mayor Rusty Bailey, who argued the contract was excessive, tried to veto it, only to be told he did not have that power. Bailey filed suit against the city in March. The suit is pending in Riverside County Superior Court. On Tuesday evening, the council gathered in closed session to discuss Russos performance evaluation. When they emerged from the session, Councilman Jim Perry announced that the council had voted 4 to 3 to fire Russo. Bailey was not at the meeting. Advertisement We thank Mr. Russo for his work, and we wish him well in the future, Perry said. The city has not given a reason for the firing, and Perry on Wednesday declined to discuss the matter further, saying it was a personnel matter. The firing was first reported by the Press-Enterprise. Russo was widely acknowledged to have done positive things in Riverside. He was credited with helping secure the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry for downtown, which is scheduled to open in 2020. And he helped lead the citys efforts to land the California Air Resources Boards $419-million headquarters and testing laboratory, which broke ground late last year. But his new contract which came about three years into his tenure was approved as Russo was asking all city department heads to find ways to cut their budgets. The contract entitled Russo to receive pay and other benefits worth about $471,000 this year and a $675,000 low-interest home loan. In a statement provided by the city, Russo said he loved working with the great team at the city of Riverside. Advertisement We got a lot done, and theres much more that will be happening as a result of our efforts. As a proud resident, I am looking forward to Riversides future, Russo said. paloma.esquivel@latimes.com For more Inland Empire news follow me @palomaesquivel The great San Francisco earthquake of 1906 which occurred 112 years ago Wednesday awakened California to the dangers of earthquakes. Other destructive quakes would follow Long Beach in 1933, Sylmar in 1971, Loma Prieta in 1989 and Northridge in 1994. But none compared to 1906, which left 3,000 people dead and, combined with the subsequent fire, more than 80% of the city of San Francisco destroyed. More than a century later, California is still dealing with that legacy. Some cities are now in the midst of new efforts to retrofit buildings to better protect them during a major quake. These efforts are far from uniform across California and experts say they still leave many people and buildings vulnerable. Here is a breakdown of what is being done and what isnt. Advertisement Northridge quake damage (Los Angeles Times ) Concrete buildings Los Angeles is the largest of a few cities to tackle what officials consider one of the most dangerous types of buildings. A law requires the retrofitting of hundreds of brittle concrete buildings, one of the most vulnerable types of structures in California. But experts have worried that a major earthquake will hit Southern California before the deadline to fix these buildings comes. These buildings were the subject of a 2013 Times investigation. There is a 60% chance that a magnitude 6.7 earthquake the size of the 1994 Northridge temblor or larger will strike the Los Angeles area in the next 30 years, said U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Morgan Page. L.A.s effort is now hitting a key milestone, with the city issuing orders to owners of roughly 1,500 concrete buildings in Los Angeles believed to be at risk, which dot the city in downtown, the Westside, the San Fernando Valley and elsewhere. For property owners who receive the orders, the financial toll could be considerable. Retrofitting could cost millions of dollars. There are no public subsidies available to help pay for the work. Some owners have expressed concerns about how they will pay. The deadly nature of brittle concrete buildings became clear in Los Angeles nearly half a century ago, when 52 people died in the collapse of several concrete structures, including hospital buildings, in the 1971 Sylmar earthquake. Concrete buildings fell again in 1994 during the Northridge quake. Efforts in the 1990s to fix the buildings died amid concerns from property owners about the costs. Earthquake experts say that as many as 50 brittle concrete buildings in the city of L.A., housing thousands of people, could collapse in an earthquake. Which buildings collapse depends in part on where the earthquake strikes and how big it is. Damage from Northridge quake (Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement Soft story apartments Los Angeles and San Francisco and a few smaller cities are requiring retrofits of these wood-frame apartments with weak first stories. Los Angeles inspectors spent about two years developing a list of 13,500 so-called soft story buildings that will probably need seismic strengthening. These apartments, which feature flimsy first floors that often serve as parking spaces, became popular after World War II as Los Angeles was spreading north into the San Fernando Valley and west toward the ocean. But theyve also proven to be vulnerable to violent shaking. Such buildings collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake and the 1994 Northridge earthquake, including one apartment building where 16 people died. Owners of each building have been put on notice, and a number of them have already begun the retrofitting process. The retrofits can cost as much as $130,000, which has sparked concerns from owners and residents feeling the pressure of rising rents and a housing crunch. Advertisement Click here to search our database of affected building by address. Other cities dealing with this include Santa Monica, West Hollywood and Berkeley. Damage from the 2014 Napa quake. (Los Angeles Times ) Single-family homes While single-family homes have traditionally been seen by experts as less likely to be deadly in an earthquake, deaths are still possible, and the financial consequences can be catastrophic. Advertisement Homeowners who endure major damage can face a bill of hundreds of thousands of dollars and years of living out of their home to repair the damage all while still paying the mortgage, experts say. Only about 10% of California homeowners have earthquake insurance. Some Californians have begun to pursue earthquake retrofits for their single-family homes, taking advantage of a grant program that has been funded by the California Earthquake Authority and the state Legislature. Particularly vulnerable are homes of a type typically built before 1979, with a handful of steps above the ground. Theres a problem when the house is attached to the foundation by a flimsy, short wall known as a cripple wall that creates a crawl space. This wall and the wood beams that keep the house off the ground often have not been fastened tightly to the foundation. Advertisement So in an earthquake, the lack of grip between the house and foundation can cause the home to be shoved off as if the shaking has broken the buildings knees. It can be a costly repair raising the home many feet into the air and pouring a new foundation before lowering the house back down. Homeowners in many California earthquakes, from the 1971 Sylmar earthquake to the 2014 Napa earthquake, have suffered such damage. Quake damage in Paso Robles (Los Angeles Times ) Brick buildings California learned the dangers of brick construction when a major earthquake struck Long Beach in 1933, crumbling schools, churches and shops. Some 120 people died. These so-called unreinforced masonry buildings, or URMs, are vulnerable because the mortar essentially crumbles during shaking, bringing down the roof and walls. Advertisement Cities across California now ban this type of construction. URMs that had already been built were mostly left to fate. But as its history of destruction continued Sylmar in 1971, Loma Prieta in 1989 a number of cities found the political will to compile a list of addresses and force owners to either demolish or add reinforcement to their brick buildings. In Los Angeles, after three decades of chasing down the owners of 8,080 URMs, officials say there are now only three left in the city that still need to be retrofitted or demolished. When the Northridge quake struck in 1994, the retrofits proved lifesaving: Not a single person died in a brick building. When a magnitude 6.5 earthquake in 2003 struck downtown Paso Robles, the two people who died were found crushed under an avalanche of bricks outside an unretrofitted historic building. The roof had slid onto the sidewalk, taking the clock tower with it. (The city, which had a retrofit law on the books, had given the owner until 2018 to complete the seismic strengthening.) But one region is particularly behind. Advertisement A Times analysis earlier this year found that as many as 640 buildings in more than a dozen Inland Empire cities, including Riverside, Pomona and San Bernardino, have been marked as dangerous. But they remain unretrofitted despite decades of warnings, according to a Times analysis of the latest building and safety records. These cities are far behind coastal regions of California, which have retrofitted thousands of buildings after devastating earthquakes exposed how deadly they can be. To read this article in Spanish, click here The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 Tuesday to support the Trump administrations lawsuit against California over so-called sanctuary laws that the state passed last year to limit its role in immigration enforcement. The county will file an amicus brief at the first available opportunity, probably if the case moves to a higher court on appeal, said Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, chairwoman of the board. The board voted in closed session after 45 minutes of public comment in which most speakers in the packed chambers urged the supervisors to vote against supporting the lawsuit. Margaret Baker, who lives near the border, told the board that backing the lawsuit would discourage immigrants from reporting crime. Advertisement We see this lawsuit as an attack on our safety and the well-being of our community, she said. David Garcias, president of the San Diego chapter of the union that represents county government employees, told the supervisors, I believe youre on the wrong side of history. This will affect your legacy. The three supervisors who voted to support the lawsuit said it was about public safety. Were talking about people who are crossing the border illegally, coming into this county and committing a crime and them being let loose probably to commit another crime, said Dianne Jacob, supervisor for the district that covers East County. That creates a public-safety issue and creates a problem in our neighborhoods. She worried about terrorists crossing the border illegally, she said. This is a different day than it was 20, 30, 40 years ago, Jacob said. Thats why it was important for us to stand up, as controversial as it was. Gaspar said San Diego was safer before the new laws, specifically Senate Bill 54, went into effect. SB 54 limits the ways in which local law enforcement officers can interact with federal immigration officials. The status quo was safer in San Diego, she said, adding that now immigration officers make more arrests out in the community because they cant make those arrests at jails. The best place for ICE to be is in the jail and not out in the community. Advertisement During the announcement of the vote, Gaspar showed printouts of emails she received from each side of the debate. The stack of emails criticizing her for considering support for the lawsuit was not much thicker than a legal pad. The stack of emails asking her to support the Trump administrations legal challenge was more than a foot tall. Gaspar, Jacob and Supervisor Bill Horn, who represents the northernmost part of the county, voted to support the lawsuit. Supervisor Greg Cox, whose district covers the South Bay, voted against it. Supervisor Ron Roberts, who represents central San Diego, was traveling abroad and did not attend the meeting. Cox said immigration issues need to be solved in Washington. The boards vote is a largely symbolic move that will create fear and divisiveness in our region, waste taxpayer funds and create distrust of law enforcement and local government within many communities, Cox said. Advertisement The Department of Justice filed the lawsuit against California at the beginning of March over three laws. SB 54, the law that received the most publicity when it passed, allows officers to turn unauthorized immigrants over to federal immigration enforcement agencies only if they have committed crimes listed in the legislation. It says local police cannot participate in task forces that are focused on immigration enforcement. It also requires the California attorney general to set policies limiting assistance with immigration enforcement at public schools, libraries and hospitals. Assembly Bill 103 prohibits local governments across California from adding new contracts with the federal government for civil immigration detention or expanding old ones. It also requires the California Attorney Generals Office to monitor conditions in existing immigration detention facilities in the state. Advertisement AB 450 prohibits employers from voluntarily allowing immigration officials into non-public areas of the workplace unless the officers have judicial warrants. It also requires employers to notify employees about upcoming immigration inspections. Morrissey writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune. A decade ago, Juan Cavazos watched as government authorities built a border wall on two acres of his land in the Rio Grande Valley. To smugglers, they created a barrier. To Cavazos, they created a problem. The Rio Grande winds here, and with it, the border. Because the river sometimes changes course, walls have to be built some distance away from its banks. Cavazos, like many property owners in the valley, has land in Brownsville, south of the wall that is still part of the United States, so the Border Patrol installed an electronic gate and showed Cavazos, 75, a retired teacher, how to operate the keypad. Cavazos said the gate works, but has not stopped smugglers. Theres another gap a block away, he said. Trump wants to build the wall, but they need to close the gaps first. Advertisement And there are lots of gaps. On the 1,954-mile southern border, 654 miles are blocked by a fence or wall. Thats particularly troubling in the Rio Grande Valley, the epicenter for drug and migrant smuggling. This region in southern Texas has 316 miles of border and only 55 miles of barriers, with 35 gaps that were left without gates for lack of funding. I liken it to an unfinished house, said Manuel Padilla, Rio Grande Valley sector chief for the Border Patrol. Padilla spoke at a briefing Friday at sector headquarters in Edinburg, about 30 miles north of the border. He called the briefing after Gov. Greg Abbott visited a nearby armory to tout deployment of 650 National Guard troops to the valley to boost border security. Padilla said the area has become chaotic, with increased migrant apprehensions, stash house busts and drug seizures. Yesterday we had our highest apprehension day this fiscal year, well over 700 apprehensions definitely very concerning, Padilla said, noting that the valley accounts for about 40% of apprehensions and marijuana seizures across the southern border so far this year. So far, 237,176 people have been caught crossing the border illegally since the federal fiscal year began in October, about a fifth of them last month. Congress agreed last year to pay for 35 new gates to cover gaps in the valleys border wall. Buying surrounding land and installing the gates is expected to cost $49 million. Construction is scheduled to start in October. We need effective barriers and infrastructure to deny the entry of illegal aliens and contraband, Padilla said. The high activity combined with the lack of personnel, technology and infrastructure provide the ideal environment for chaotic activity along the border communities. One recent afternoon Border Patrol Agent Robert Rodriguez drove southwest of Edinburg to where half a dozen gates are expected to be installed along several miles of border fence near Penitas. The need to leave gaps for property owners and install gates to allow access to their land is one of the distinct challenges of securing the border along the Rio Grande. The two-lane gaps, wide enough for two pickups to pass at once, are currently monitored with security cameras and sensors. Advertisement Smugglers come in here, Rodriguez said. This would be the path of least resistance for them. The gates can be opened using a pass code or remotely by radio, Rodriguez said. Residents are provided codes and instructions. Theyve been pretty cooperative and understanding, he said, noting the gates turn the area from a smuggler hot spot into a deterrent. Its impeding their entry or at least slowing them down, he said. Otherwise, the existing fence just funnels people through there. Advertisement Rodriguez pulled up to one of the metal gates installed in recent years and pointed north, where a flea market was underway. Shoppers flowed past stands hawking fresh mangoes, corn and taquitos. Since the gate was added, migrant apprehensions dropped by half, Rodriguez said. But the gates trouble some locals. After the border wall was extended through a local birding area in 2009, Border Patrol installed a gate thats rarely open to the public, said Tiffany Kersten, who serves on the board of the local Sierra Club. Were very concerned that the same thing will happen at other wildlife refuges scheduled for new wall construction in the area, she said. Advertisement A complete border could adversely effect wildlife in the Rio Grande Valley. (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times) Last month, Congress authorized $1.6 billion for new border barriers, including fencing atop levees that span nearly all of the Rio Grande Valleys Hidalgo County. John-Michael Torres, a spokesman for the local community group La Union del Pueblo Entero, said that gates do little to alleviate the effect of the walls on the local population. Our communities go down to the levees: There are churches, cemeteries, RV parks south of the levees that would be potentially inaccessible, he said. Even if there are gates there, it impacts the livability of those areas. You are stuck behind a wall, and if a gate doesnt open you have to drive miles to get around. Residents were also skeptical that the gates will stop smugglers. Advertisement Officials promised Noel Benavides that if they build a wall across his property in the valley town of Roma, they would install a gate and give him the code. But Benavides said he expects smugglers will acquire the codes soon after. Money can buy anything, said Benavides, 75, who runs a western wear store in town. In Penitas, truck driver Eddie Garcia lives across the street from several gaps in the border fence where he has seen migrants flee into nearby woods. Garcia, 28, has also seen Border Patrol agents give chase, on the ground and in helicopters. The father of three said he feels safe thanks to the patrols, but doesnt expect the chases to end after new gates arrive. Advertisement Theres a lot of ways they can jump the wall, he said of migrants. A gates not going to stop them. molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com @mollyhf Sears opened its first-ever store in Chicago 93 years ago. This summer, it will close its last department store in the city. The embattled retailer this month informed employees at the Six Corners store on the edge of the Portage Park neighborhood of its plans to close in mid-July. With the stores demise, Chicago is losing one more reminder of the heyday of a hometown company that was once the worlds largest retailer. Its just one store, but its planned shutdown comes after the company closed nearly a fifth of its U.S. department stores and shed more than 50,000 jobs in 2017. In the last seven years, its racked up more than $10.8 billion in losses. A liquidation sale at the store, at the intersection of Milwaukee and Cicero avenues and Irving Park Road, is set to begin April 27. The adjacent Sears Auto Center will close in mid-May. Advertisement The company declined to say how many employees work at the store. Workers will be given severance pay and the opportunity to apply for open positions at Sears or Kmart, also owned by Sears Holdings Corp., the company said. Customers at the store on Thursday, some of whom said they had been shopping there for decades, were sad to hear it would close and expressed concern for the employees. Im gonna miss this store, said Cecilia Wietrzak, whos been shopping at Sears since 1975. These days, she goes there to buy inexpensive pajama pants and slippers for her father. Elizabeth Cuebas, a great-grandmother, said she still shopped there regularly for herself and her grandchildren. I was there three times last week, said Cuebas, clutching a colorful reusable shopping bag. Thats my store. But there seem to be fewer shoppers like her, said Tom Rogers, who lives nearby and came hoping to find some deals. These days it doesnt seem to be so busy, he said. Sears had already built a mail-order juggernaut out of its onetime headquarters in Chicagos Homan Square neighborhood when it launched an experiment that would start a second retail empire: its first store. The store opened in 1925 at the companys mail-order plant at Homan Square, with an optical shop and soda fountain. Seven more stores followed that year. Advertisement The Six Corners store opened on Oct. 20, 1938. A $1-million building designed by Chicago architecture firm Nimmons, Carr & Wright, its single display window overlooking the intersection was the largest in the city at the time, according to Sears. It was a massive one-stop shop, featuring a candy store and pet shop along with items shoppers expect to find in department stores today. But as consumers have increasingly shifted where they shop, first to specialty big-box chains and more recently online, the store, however iconic, likely has much more value as real estate, said Neil Stern, senior partner at Chicago-based consulting firm McMillanDoolittle. Even if Sears was doing great, you would still question whether they need these urban stores, and certainly the size they had, he said. Advertisement Stern said he thinks the closure could ultimately be an opportunity for the Six Corners retail district. The once-bustling area has seen some redevelopment in recent years. Its a loss in terms of the nostalgia and for families who grew up shopping there, but in terms of what the next generation of shoppers is looking for, its not going to be a Sears, Stern said. The Six Corners property was one of 265 sold to Seritage Growth Properties, a real estate investment trust, when it was spun off from Sears in 2015. Sears Chief Executive Edward Lampert is an investor in Seritage and chairman of the companys board. Sears continues to operate many of those stores, but Seritage has begun redeveloping others. Advertisement Seritages website lists the Six Corners property, including the 127,110-square-foot main building and the 56,180-square-foot auto center, available for lease. Another option could be to demolish the buildings and redevelop the site. CoStar Groups real estate database shows renderings of what appear to be new retail and residential structures built around an enclosed, outdoor area with a pool and other amenities. Its unclear whether the renderings are conceptual or if Seritage already has specific redevelopment plans. Seritages leasing broker for the site, CBRE Senior Vice President Joe Parrott, could not be reached Thursday for comment. Preservation Chicago has sought to have the store and three other remaining Sears buildings in the city considered for landmark designation. One, in the Ravenswood neighborhood, operated for 90 years and was the longest-standing store in the chain when it closed in 2016. Advertisement I think that would be a double tragedy to lose the retail institution as well as this really wonderful building, Preservation Chicago Executive Director Ward Miller said. Alderman John Arena, whose ward includes Six Corners, said he thinks there are potential opportunities to use some or all of the existing building in a redevelopment, but there are no firm plans for the site. In conversations with Seritage, they understand the iconography of the building and how much it represents Six Corners, he said. Its sad, its a piece of history, but now we can start looking at what do we do going forward, Arena said. The stores closure in July wont be the end of Sears presence in the city. Advertisement Parent company Sears Holdings still has about 150 employees at its main office. Kmart still has one Chicago store, and there are Sears stores in North Riverside, Niles, Chicago Ridge, Vernon Hills, Schaumburg and Bloomingdale. The store at Oakbrook Center closed last summer for renovation and downsizing. The company didnt respond to a request for comment on the status of the renovations. For more than 120 years, Sears has called Illinois home and that is not changing, company spokesman Howard Riefs said in an emailed statement. Although we are disappointed by this last store closure in Chicago, by no means does this change our commitment to our customers and presence to Chicagos residents. Zumbach and Olumhense write for the Chicago Tribune. Samantha Bomkamp and Ryan Ori of the Tribune contributed to this report. lzumbach@chicagotribune.com Advertisement eolumhense@chicagotribune.com Twitter @laurenzumbach Twitter @essayolumhense The UN Security Council has decided to postpone a planned visit to Iraq ahead of May elections at the request of the Iraqi government, diplomats said Wednesday. Iraq told the council in a letter this week that many officials will be busy with the election campaign, which kicked off on Saturday, and will not be able to meet with the ambassadors. "Given the start of the Iraqi election campaign on April 14, and that all political parties and constitutional authorities in Iraq are now involving (sic) in the campaign, which may not enable the council members to meet the Iraqi officials, the Iraqi mission kindly requests that the council defer its intended visit," wrote Iraqi Ambassador Mohammad Hussein Bahr Aluloom in the letter seen by AFP. The ambassador said the mission "looks forward to welcoming council members to Baghdad in the future." No new date for the visit was announced. Iraq will be filling 329 seats in the national parliament in the May 12 election and choosing representatives to provincial assemblies, in the first poll held after the defeat of the Islamic State. The United States was set to lead the council mission with this month's president, Peru. Peruvian Ambassador Gustavo Meza-Cuadra told reporters this month that the council trip to Iraq would be to show support for the elections after three years of war against the Islamic State. Iraq "needs support from the international community for rebuilding the country and to ensure reconciliation" after Baghdad's successful campaign to re-take territory from the Islamic State group, he said. Search Keywords: Short link: A nanny who stabbed two children to death at their home while their mother was taking a sibling to a swimming lesson and their father was out of town was convicted of murder on Wednesday despite her claims she was too mentally ill to be held responsible. Jurors found that Yoselyn Ortega killed 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim in October 2012 and understood the consequences of her actions when she did it. Ortega expressed no reaction to the verdict, staring straight ahead as it was read in court. The childrens father, Kevin Krim, held hands with two alternate jurors who said they would stay for the verdict and then hugged them after it was read, and they cried together. Ortegas lawyer Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg didnt dispute that Ortega killed the children but contended she had an undiagnosed mental illness that got worse in the moments leading up to the attack. Advertisement Mental illness does not announce itself like a bad cough or a limp, Van Leer-Greenberg said during closing arguments. Sometimes it sneaks up and nestles in before anyone takes notice. But prosecutors maintained that Ortega knew what she was doing and acted out of jealous hatred of the childrens mother, Marina Krim, who was richer and happier than she was. She did it intentionally with a full understanding of exactly what it was she was doing every stab, every slash, Assistant Dist. Atty. Stuart Silberg said during closing arguments. Ortega, whos from the Dominican Republic, showed little emotion during the trial and mostly stared straight ahead. But she shook her head forcefully and mouthed no during testimony that her employers treated her well. Jurors heard heart-wrenching testimony from Marina Krim, who spoke of the sickening, desperate moments when she saw her childrens vacant eyes, their small bodies perforated by stab wounds. Krim was at a swimming class with her 3-year-old daughter, Nessie. They went to pick up Lucia from dance class, but she wasnt there. Krim, after finding Lucias and Leos bodies in the familys home, ran outside with Nessie, called for help and started screaming. It was a scream you cant imagine is even inside of you, she testified. I dont even know where it came from. I just thought: Im never going to be able to talk to them ever again. They are dead. I just saw my kids dead. Advertisement Lucia, who was called Lulu, was stabbed more than 30 times and had defensive wounds on her body. Leo was stabbed five times. Their father had been away on a business trip. At Ortegas trial, he spoke of walking down a long hallway at the hospital where he saw his children. They still had this perfect skin and these long eyelashes, Kevin Krim said. They had like sandy brown hair.... You could see they tried really hard to wash all the blood out, but there was still kind of an auburn tint to it that I remember to this day. The fathers testimony brought tears to the jurors and to people seated in the courtroom gallery. The father had no comment after the verdict against Ortega was read. Advertisement Ortega, 55, faces life in prison when shes sentenced next month. A friend in high school once asked Brittany Pettersen if her mom ever grounded her. No, she replied, but I wish she would. For the record: An earlier version of this story said that Brittany Pettersen was the only member of her family to graduate from college. She was the first member of her family to graduate from college. Pettersen was never grounded, never badgered about grades, never hassled about anything. Her mother, Stacy, was too high on prescription opioids, drunk on vodka or strung out on heroin to care. All the while Pettersen struggled to keep her mom alive. Shed dump the booze and hide the car keys. When her mother passed out, she checked her breathing. By the time Pettersen was 8, she was keeping her mother company in the long lines outside the methadone clinic. Advertisement Today Pettersen is a poised, 36-year-old Colorado state legislator, the first member of her family to graduate from college and a Democrat leading the fight here against opioid addiction. Shes battling for expanded insurance coverage for inpatient and residential detox treatment, shes working on a clean syringe exchange program and shes championed safer, more restrictive ways of prescribing opioids. But Stacy Pettersen, 63, remains a work in progress. Shes spent the last three decades mired in drug abuse, overdosing 20 times in one 16-month period. As a family we have been preparing for my moms death our entire lives, her daughter said. Yet as a legislator, Brittany Pettersen rarely spoke of it. She would race from hearings at the Capitol to emergency rooms as doctors resuscitated her mother again and again but said nothing to her colleagues. I honestly never wanted to touch the issue of opioids because it was too personal, she said. I felt like if I cant help my mom how can I help anyone else? Their story is like many emerging from the nations opioid crisis, an epidemic that respects no boundaries and can turn adults into children and children into adults. More than 64,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2016, up to two-thirds of them opioid-related. In Colorado, there were 504 opioid-related deaths in 2016, and provisional data from 2017 shows 536 deaths. Nationally, life expectancy has gone down the last two years in row, said Robert Valuck, director of the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention. Opioids are the single largest slice of these deaths. Usually it takes a war to make it go down that fast. Advertisement State Rep. Brittany Pettersen, right, is working on a bill that would require Colorados Medicaid plan to cover inpatient and residential drug abuse treatment programs, rather than just a three-day detox. (Daniel Brenner / For The Times ) Stacy Pettersens war began 33 years ago when she slipped on a skateboard and hurt her back. I was prescribed a ton of opioids. Oxycodone. Valium. Doctors were pretty lenient then, she said. The person learns in time how to work the doctor. Complain more and maybe get more pills. When her doctor retired, she could no longer get her pills. She went on methadone but it became too expensive. She turned to vodka, more than a quart a day, to soothe the achy limbs, insomnia and flu-like symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Advertisement She once blacked out and dropped a lighted cigarette into her daughters hair. When I hear that I feel really upset. I feel embarrassed and ashamed, she said quietly. Her daughter stared at her without speaking. The two were sitting in Brittany Pettersens living room in suburban Lakewood talking about a past her mother had difficulty remembering. Advertisement As a family we have been preparing for my moms death our entire lives. Colorado state Rep. Brittany Pettersen Pettersen grew up with three brothers. The oldest committed suicide in 2008. She knew her mother was different. She slept all the time and didnt attend school events. In third grade, Pettersen was summoned to the principals office. Someone had called social services about my house, she said. They asked about physical abuse, drug use and I just lied because what was even scarier than living there was being taken away from my family. Advertisement She credits her teachers for helping her navigate life and school in suburban Littleton, just south of Denver. Stacy Pettersen, who ran a home hair-dressing business, suffered physical and sexual abuse in her youth. She dropped out of high school and her two marriages ended in divorce. She cycled through prescription opioids, booze and back to opioids. When a doctor would realize she had a problem, the drug supply stopped. Her neighbor, a heroin dealer eager for new clients, filled the void. Heroin is more intense. It enters your system faster and lasts longer than pills, she said. With heroin you dont need your next dose for like 24 hours. Advertisement Brittany Pettersen left home at 18, waiting tables at night and attending college during the day. When she injured her back in a car wreck, she refused pain medication for fear of becoming an addict. Later on, she began volunteering on political campaigns, drawn to the Democratic Party because she felt it promoted positive interventions in lives like hers. As a kid it was hard to believe people who said you can be anything you want to be, she said. I saw the barriers were so much higher for some. But Im here because of the investments people made in me. When we do that to each other, we change lives. After winning a legislative seat in 2012, she tried to balance her new career with caring for a drug-addicted mother. But nothing I did mattered or changed anything, Pettersen said. I realized I had to say goodbye and keep my mom at a distance so I could do the things I needed to do in my life. There were long periods when we did not talk. I built a wall around my heart. Advertisement Last August, her mom wound up in the emergency room at Swedish Medical Center near Denver for an overdose. She was very close to death, said Dr. Donald Stader, who cared for her that night. We were able to resuscitate her and move her to the intensive care unit. After recovering, she pleaded for help. All Medicaid could offer was a three-day detox program. When my mother asked for help and there was no place to go, it was one of the most hopeless feelings I ever had, Pettersen said. That was the moment that inspired me to do this work. My moms been using drugs for more than 30 years, she needs more than three days of detox. Thats a joke. Advertisement Pettersen and her brother got a court order to have her mother involuntarily committed to an inpatient treatment center for two months. She now resides in a sober living facility. My mom is OK with me sharing her story, Pettersen said. She doesnt like to be reminded but it puts a human face on the discussion. Pettersen is working on a bill that would require the states Medicaid plan to cover inpatient and residential drug abuse treatment programs, rather than just a three-day detox. It would cost Colorado an estimated $34 million but would bring in about $100 million in federal dollars, she said. Pettersen said thats cheaper than sending addicts to emergency rooms and intensive care units. Advertisement It takes upfront costs to get out of a crisis, she said. A few weeks ago, her mother found herself the star witness at a packed hearing at the Capitol, testifying in support of her daughters bill. She was dressed in blue, her long blond hair perfectly coiffed. Hello, my name is Stacy Pettersen. Some of you know me as Brittanys mom, she began nervously. My last 30 years have been tragic for my family and me, but I am here to tell the unexpected ending that I am alive and have been sober for over seven months because I finally got the help I needed. Pettersen sat beside her, beaming. Advertisement Back at the house, she described how their relationship had grown since her mother became sober. We were talking about making a bucket list for you, Pettersen said. What would be on it? Her mom teared up. Id like to try and repair the damage Ive done to my children, she said. I want to make the most of the time I have left and be the best mom I can be. Advertisement To read this article in Spanish, click here Kelly is a special correspondent. The Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled in a case from California that if a law is deemed to be so vague that it is impossible for the government to use it to impose a prison sentence, then it is also too vague to be used to deport a lawful permanent resident. It was another welcome recognition by the court that being expelled from this country can be as devastating a consequence as confinement to a prison cell. By a 5-4 vote, with President Trumps appointee, Neil M. Gorsuch, joining the courts four liberals to form a majority, the court ruled in favor of James Garcia Dimaya, a native of the Philippines who was admitted to the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident at the age of 13. Dimaya pleaded no contest in 2007 and 2009 to two charges of residential burglary. Concluding that burglary was a crime of violence and thus an aggravated felony under federal immigration law, the Board of Immigration Appeals ruled that Dimaya should be deported. The Immigration and Nationality Acts definition of crimes of violence, borrowed from federal criminal law, includes felonies that involve a substantial risk that physical force against the person or property of another may be used during committing the offense a definition that might apply to some burglaries but not others. Justice Elena Kagan, writing for the court, said that definition was simply too unclear to serve as the basis of a deportation. She said it suffered from the same sort of unconstitutional vagueness as a law the court struck down in 2015 in a criminal context. Referring back to the late Justice Antonin Scalias decision in that prior case, Kagan wrote: How does one go about divining the conduct entailed in a crimes ordinary case? Statistical analyses? Surveys? Experts? Google? Gut instinct? Advertisement Kagan noted that the court long had recognized that grave nature of deportation and only last year had said that deportation was a particularly severe penalty that may be of greater concern to a convicted alien than any potential jail sentence. If vagueness in a statute provides grounds to challenge a criminal conviction or a sentence, it ought to be available to immigrants seeking to remain in this country even if they have been convicted of a crime. At a time when the executive branch is giving short shrift to due process for immigrants, its gratifying that the court is willing to protect their rights. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook When does a ballot initiative become law in California? The answer seems obvious: After all the votes have been counted and a determination has been made that it was approved. Duh! Tell that to the California Constitution. It says that statewide initiatives and referendums that have been passed by the voters go into effect the day after election day unless the initiative spells out another start date. But that makes no sense, because in most cases it is not known for sure if a proposition has passed on the day after an election because the ballots havent all been counted. In fact, some ballots may not even have arrived at the county elections office. A recent change to state election law allows mail ballots to arrive up to three days after the election and still be counted in the final tally. Its a constitutional paradox that has created some confusion in recent years. Heres an example: Among the many initiatives on the November 2016 ballot was a referendum on whether to impose or rescind a statewide ban on plastic grocery bags that had been passed by the Legislature two years earlier. The measure was winning the day after the election and was deemed by pundits and pollsters to have passed even though county elections officials were still processing thousands of ballots and the outcome wasnt officially certified until December. So when grocers began complying with the ban immediately (as the ballot language said they should) they were collecting fees that might not really have been owed. The potential for a law to be wrongly put into effect grows every year as more voters cast mail ballots. Advertisement In the end, the early call on the plastic-bag ban measure was correct and so there was no problem. But what if it had gone sideways? Were grocers going to track down all their customers and refund the fees? And what about future initiatives? The potential for a law to be wrongly put into effect grows every year as more voters cast mail ballots and the count on the day after the election becomes less reliable. Thats where Proposition 71 on the June 5 primary ballot comes in. It would change the default effective date for ballot measures to five days after all the votes are fully and completely counted and the secretary of state has certified the election. Theres virtually no opposition to the measure (the ballot argument against it was written by Gary B. Wesley, an attorney who made it his mission 40 years ago to provide a rebuttal to unchallenged constitutional amendments placed on the ballot by the Legislature). Proposition 71 was placed on the ballot with the unanimous support of both houses of the Legislature. It deserves a unanimous yes from voters as well. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook His boss had given him an oh-by-the-way that the next days work at Montanas Department of Labor would include assembling workers information for an Immigration and Customs Enforcement subpoena. Jordon Dyrdahl-Roberts had no doubt that ICE would use that data to try to find undocumented workers and boot them out of the country. And he wanted no part of that. So he quit. Now, as the Montana snow melts into spring, Dyrdahl-Roberts turns his hand to doing more for those immigrants, heartened by a public response thats gone a long way to restoring his faith in America. Click here for the full archive of "Patt Morrison Asks" podcasts One day you're a legal secretary in the Montana Department of Labor, and a week later, you're a hero of what people call the resistance. What happened? When I had sent out the tweet discussing why I had quit my job, I thought I was just talking to the 50 or so people who I converse with regularly on Twitter just like, Hey, I quit my job, heres why. I sent out that message to my friends. Then I turned off my phone and had dinner with my in-laws. Then, just before we were about to get my kid to bed, I quickly checked Twitter and something had happened. This had resonated with people. What did you see on Twitter that night? When I turned my phone back on, Twitter was barely functional. When a tweet goes that viral that fast, you can't use Twitter your mentions are going so fast that it literally will not load. I got messages from all sorts of people, words of encouragement, people asking to talk to me about what happened. It was a lot to take in. One of the reasons why I hadn't expected anything to come of it is, one, I had a fairly small audience. And also, I thought, this was the plan, right? Everyone talks about the resistance. And then I was actually presented with a choice; its like, OK, time to do it. It was a hard decision in that I knew what it meant for my family, but it wasn't a hard decision to actually choose. So you made the decision knowing the economic consequences that were likely to befall you. Were you kind of surprised at yourself? No; there was no way that I could live with myself, [if I had] done that [ICE paperwork task]. ICE has never been my favorite part of the government, but they've become this entirely different agency under Trump. To have been part of that, to have knowingly handed this information over knowing what they would do with it, was just not a thing that I could have done. One of the things that has upset me is the lack of defections you see from a place like ICE. People whose only crime was overstaying a visa or crossing the border or seeking asylum and they were rounding these people up. Wed seen families torn apart. There had also recently been that video of the Border Patrol agents kicking over water that people had left in the desert so asylum seekers could make it across the border, and it wasn't just that they were removing the water some of them looked like they were doing it with a sadistic level of glee. And I was like, I cant be part of that. What did you feel when you saw this reaction? Panic! Then when I realized what was going on, I had to put that in the back seat and deal with this, because while people were paying attention, I thought, Ive got to be able to use this to point out what's going on. Because I think a lot of people have been watching this progression with our immigration policy not necessarily understanding what it means. There was a survey that people now dont understand what happened in the Holocaust. That recent survey found that about 40% of Americans, and 2/3 of millennials, dont know what Auschwitz was the most notorious of the Nazi concentration camps. And right now, the last survivors of the Holocaust are all dying of old age. The understanding of this these things dont start with one big move. It's all little steps. And while you can't draw a one-to-one comparison, there are some really uncomfortable historical parallels. You have a historically maligned group being unfairly scapegoated for a nation's ills. And the laws now are being more and more targeted against them. I have been saying for a while, before this happened, that this started with a discussion about undocumented immigration, but it's not going to stay there and it hasn't stayed there. Theres attacks on work visas. It's expanding to be not just simply anti-undocumented immigration, but anti-immigration. You were surprised by the viral responses to your tweets, but also by the fact that people were voting their support for you with their dollars. I was humbled. What that has allowed me to do is to turn this into my job right now. What Im trying to do is stay on top of immigration news. I had what you might describe as a really rough childhood. It was a lot of chaos. It was a lot of moving around. It was a lot of abuse, and neglect. But it's kind of a lesson in radical empathy. So I feel very deeply for people who might feel like they don't have control of their life right now. I understand very intimately what that feels like, to not know where you're going to be in a week, to really understand that those in authority over you may not have your best interests at heart. So if I can do anything to make it less awful for people, I'm going to do that. I've been working on trying to organize on the ground with people here in Montana, but the biggest problem is we have a lot more ground than we do people. Montana is a predominantly white state, which means if youre an immigrant, even a fully documented, fully naturalized immigrant, you stand out here. There's a danger for anybody in any state who steps forward. They put a bit of a target on their back. If you step forward, you stand out. And so it really becomes the work of very, very white people like me to try to take some of that heat off those people, trying to get legal counsel, trying to organize so that there's a place for them to go. Out of Somerville, Mass., there's this group who set up a text warning system about ICE raids. I ended up talking to some of their people, trying to figure out what it would take to bring that here to Montana. Like I said, its a big state. It's not like you can necessarily mobilize a bunch of people right away to stop someone from being deported. But then we have to figure out a way to help their family in the aftermath. The people you were hearing from, what were they telling you? I got some messages that cut me pretty deep. There were [Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program] recipients; there were their parents, too. They keep getting kicked in the teeth during this debate because all they were trying to do is get a better life for their family, for their children, and they get villainized, like, Well, we like these DACA kids, but their parents, you know, they brought them here. There was someone who was the grandchild of Holocaust survivors who said fewer Jews would have died if more people made the choice that you did. That leveled me. It really helped me realize that yes, what I had done was the right thing, messages like that, that said, This is what more people need to do. Do you think more people did do that, too, in the wake of your doing it? One of the things that has upset me is the lack of defections you see from a place like ICE. I think there should have been more people looking at what they were doing and saying, even if you believe that our immigration laws are just, you should understand that they are being unjustly applied. We are going after people who pose no threat. We are going after people who have been here for decades. But every time [President Donald] Trump talks about closing immigration loopholes, what he refers to as loopholes are just things that allow immigrants to stay. He wants to set quotas for immigration courts so that they will speed up this process which means he just wants them to deport people, even people who would have a right to be here under our current law. We have an asylum system for people to be able to come here and say, I cannot return to my home country without threat of dying. I can't imagine that the reaction you got was universally positive. What were the negatives? For the most part it was overwhelmingly positive, and the negative reactions were fairly toothless insults about my character and masculinity, and trying to say that my wife was going to leave me. Im sort of protected because I'm a white guy on the internet. I don't get the same sort of targeted hate campaigns that pretty much anybody else would. Even the on-the-ground stuff here in Montana, people who disagreed with my politics could respect what I did, taking a stand on what I believed in. The paperwork that you quit over rather than do presumably someone else did it. So what difference do you think you made? Now that its gone viral, I alerted a bunch of people to what was going on. Our undocumented population is 0.3%, maybe 5,000 people. We have 90-some DACA recipients in Montana. I gave them a heads-up that this could be coming. What did you learn about your fellow Americans? I was pretty close to giving up hope on America, because we were marching towards authoritarianism. A lot of people are looking for something right now: Everyone is standing in line, waiting for someone to step forward. Youre watching it in the teachers strikes. But all you need is the numbers. You get a certain percentage of people to walk out they can't do anything. The strike in West Virginia that was a wildcat strike. That was technically illegal. They should all have been fired. But there were so many of them that, had they fired everyone who was part of the strike, theyd have no teachers. There was no way they could handle that. If we could all just join hands and step over the line and say, We're not going to put up with this. Your wife was fine with this. How did you explain this to your 4-year-old? The night I quit, as we were driving home, I'm trying to explain, we may have to do things a little differently at home. I think my kid is brilliant, but I understand theres certain language things that havent quite happened yet. And I got the famous toddler question, Why? I said, I had to make a choice because I didn't want to help break up families. And the response I got turned me into a blubbering mess: Why would anyone want to break up families? My kid already gets it. My child understands that you don't break up families. As parents, we're supposed to do the right thing. And with the full understanding of the historical context of these words had I just followed orders, I couldnt tell my kid, you have to do the right thing even if its hard, [but instead say that] you have to do the right thing unless its really difficult, and thenj ust fold. Support our journalism Already a subscriber? Thank you for your support. If you are not, please consider subscribing today. Get full access to our signature journalism for just 99 cents for the first four weeks. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook. MORE PATT MORRISON ASKS: Guess what? The rich really are different from everyone else and it aint pretty Ken Burns on making his Vietnam War documentary: 'I was humiliated by what I didn't know' Caitlyn Jenner talks Trump, being a transgender Republican and missing Bruce To the editor: In mourning the death of Barbara Bush, our tears are shed not just for the passing of a remarkable first lady and first mother, but for the death of character itself from the stage of the current American political scene. (Barbara Bush remembered as a tough, classy force of nature, April 17) Her passing reminds us, all too painfully, that character was, and always will be, the only thing that matters. Richard Kolodny, Los Angeles .. Advertisement To the editor: My memory dates back to the small Corpus Christi airport in 1970 and the contest between Lloyd Bentsen and George H.W. Bush for one of Texas U.S. Senate seats. Bentsen ultimately won, but on that rainy night, while Bush was standing on something akin to an overgrown card table and doing his best to ignite the small crowd, Barbara was standing right below, holding his raincoat and staring in adoration and whole-hearted support. What a woman. Judith Healey, La Canada Flintridge .. To the editor: Bush was a great first lady and a great mother, and she could be a great teacher for todays leaders if they would only listen. How? One word: compromise. Shes right, its not a dirty word. Richie Murphy, Redondo Beach Advertisement Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: Before voting for Mayor Eric Garcetti in 2020, I would advise those Iowa caucus voters to come to Los Angeles for a tour of our ever-growing homeless encampments. (Eric Garcetti, presidential long shot, journeys to Iowa, the land of dreams, April 15) Garcettis intentions are good, but he has failed to address the problem effectively. He has taken to blaming the dissolution of Californias redevelopment agencies. This article says that Garcettis message is that mayors like himself are doers sleeves turned up, hands dirty. I dont see it. I see talk and little action. Mayor Rudy Giuliani, in New York in the 1990s, had similar quality-of-life problems to deal with. While I was not a Giuliani fan, he did take clear action on many issues, and New York is a better place for his tenure. I dont see the same toughness in Los Angeles right now. If Garcetti cannot make a reasonable dent in homelessness here, how will he fix America and the rest of the world? Advertisement Doug Jones, Los Angeles .. To the editor: I met Garcetti once at a meeting of the Harbor Area Neighborhood Council in 2016. He struck me as intelligent, energetic, genuine, warm and someone who loved the nuts and bolts of governance. What a contrast to President Trump. The trek from the mayors office to the governors office to the Oval Office is not the only path to the presidency in this social media era. Our Apprentice president is, sadly, proof of that. We live in a state where government is under the firm control of Democrats, which keeps Trumpism and the worst of Republican Party policy at bay. It allows the mayor to pursue policy goals and initiatives that would play well in a national campaign. As a native son, Garcetti would be a front-runner in the 2020 California primary. The mayor may need to improve his foreign policy and national security credentials, but that knowledge can be acquired. He is a good campaigner, and with the right financial backers of which California has many he would not remain unknown to primary voters in Iowa and elsewhere. Garcetti would be a long shot, but so was Obama. Advertisement Carlos Garcia, San Pedro Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook To the editor: After reading Harold Meyersons opinion piece, I was left with the impression that California is one large anti-Trump monolith. (In Red America vs. Blue America, California will stay the most active front, Opinion, April 15) Nothing could be further from the truth, as 4.5 million California voters backed President Trump in 2016, fewer only than Texas (4.7 million) and Florida (4.6 million). A significant portion of Californians are not at all happy about their states refusal to cooperate with the Trump administration. Meyerson criticizes Trump for restricting voting rights (requiring official identification sounds reasonable to me), barring refugees from Muslim-majority countries (seems wise until completely vetted), wanting to build a wall on our southern border (controlling all of our borders seems wise), and wanting to ask residents if they are citizens in the next official census (why not?). There is no racism or xenophobia in the Trump administration policies, just reasonable security measures. Meyerson seems to be having a difficult time adjusting to practical solutions put forth by the White House. Advertisement Mike Bennett, Rowland Heights .. To the editor: Meyerson paints a grim picture of Californias battle with the Trump administration, drawing parallels to the strife that preceded the Civil War. But his parting warning-in-passing got my attention. He wrote, The weight of demographics assuming we stay a democracy will eventually defeat them. I wanted to understand why Meyerson expressed concern that our democracy is at risk, so I looked to the publication for which he is the executive editor, the American Prospect, and indeed found the basis for his warning in the magazines article, The Democratic Emergency, warning of the risk that Trump could entrench his powers unchallenged by the Republican-led Congress. One of the hypothetical scenarios under which that could happen is a catastrophe similar to 9/11. Trump could declare a national emergency as justification to suspend some civil liberties or even elections to protect the nation. Can we trust this Congress to stop him? William Goldman, Palos Verdes Estates Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Gavin Newsom releases ad that highlights his push to allow same-sex couples to marry By Phil Willon A new ad from Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gavin Newsom features Phyllis Lyon, who with her partner, Del Martin, received the first marriage license after Newsom vowed to allow same-sex couples to marry when he was mayor of San Francisco in 2004. The current lieutenant governors push for marriage equality thrust him into the national spotlight and he has emphasized that effort to portray himself as a bold, progressive leader. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Failed California housing bill was not a bad idea, Gov. Jerry Brown says By Liam Dillon Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Earlier this month, high-profile housing legislation that would have allowed for four- to five-story apartments and condominiums near transit stops failed to advance in the state Legislature. But had it reached his desk, would Gov. Jerry Brown have signed it? Maybe. I think that was not a bad idea, Brown said of Senate Bill 827 at a meeting with business leaders from the Bay Area Council on Monday afternoon. The bill, written by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), attracted national attention and a maelstrom of opposition in part because it would have eliminated single-family zoning near transit stops in favor of apartments or condominiums. Brown said that a relative of his who lives in West Portal, a low-density neighborhood in San Francisco, told the governor he was horrified by the bill. Brown also lamented dramatically rising housing costs. He said he bought his first house in Los Angeles in 1973 for $75,000 at a time when his salary as secretary of state was $35,000. Now, he said, buying a house for a little over twice ones annual salary is virtually impossible anywhere in the state. FOR THE RECORD May 1, 9:32 a.m.: This post originally misstated the year Brown purchased his house as 1970. It was 1973. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print John Cox begins California barnstorm with the delivery of gas tax repeal signatures By Javier Panzar Gubernatorial candidate John Cox, left, and Assembly candidate Bill Essayli load boxes of signatures for the gas tax repeal initiative. (Francine Orr) GOP gubernatorial candidate John Cox strolled up to the stack of 12 boxes in front of the Los Angeles County registrar-recorders offices in Norwalk on Monday and placed his hands on top of his partys hope for success in 2018. The boxes, stacked four across and three high, contained 211,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees. Cox says the effort has gathered more than 940,000 signatures from registered voters to put the measure on the ballot far more than the 585,407 signatures that are required. The aim: to bring out the partys base to the polls this November and help candidates in tough congressional and legislative races down the ticket. A USC Dornsife/Los Angeles Times poll in November found 54.2% of registered voters surveyed said they would repeal the tax and fee hike, but a survey a month earlier by another group said a majority would vote to keep the higher taxes. Cox was flanked by Bill Essayli, a former federal prosecutor who is challenging Democratic Assemblywoman Sabrina Cervantes of Riverside in the June primary. Cervantes voted for the gas tax and Essayli plans to use that vote against her. He even launched his campaign at a 76 gas station in Norco. This is a central issue in my campaign, he said. Cox also submitted signatures in San Diego on Monday and is headed to Bakersfield, Fresno and Sacramento, as well as Shasta and Butte counties in coming days. We are going all across the state, Cox said. The whole state is paying this tax and the whole state wants it gone. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print All Californians would be able to serve on state boards even people in the U.S. illegally under new bill By Jazmine Ulloa Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) State lawmakers on Monday introduced legislation that would allow all Californians to serve on state boards and commissions regardless of immigration status. Senate Bill 174, by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles), comes as the state is locked in a broader legal battle with the Trump administration over state immigration laws and his call for mass deportations. Lawmakers point to what they say is the states own discriminatory history as their basis for introducing the legislation. The proposal would amend an 1872 provision that was first adopted to exclude Chinese immigrants and other transient aliens from holding appointed civil positions. At the time, antipathy toward the Chinese had been building in California, though, Chinese immigrants opened hundreds of businesses across the state and would play a critical role in building the transcontinental railroad. The Senate bill would delete the phrase transient aliens from the government code and make clear that any person, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, can hold an appointed civil office if they are at least 18 years old and a resident of the state. That would allow any Californian to serve on hundreds of boards and commissions that advice in an array of policy areas, including farm labor, history and employment development. Californias two million undocumented immigrants are a source of energy for our state, Lara said in a statement. It is shocking to read the words of fear and exclusion that are still in California law but belong in historys trash can. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Tony Mendozas fundraising dries up after resignation amid harassment inquiry By Patrick McGreevy Former state Sen. Tony Mendoza (D-Artesia). (Steve Yeater / Associated Press) Political contributions to Tony Mendoza, who resigned from the state Senate under pressure amid sexual harassment allegations, have nearly dried up. New documents he filed with the state in his bid to reclaim the seat he once held show that his support has eroded. As a result, five other candidates for the 32nd District senate seat in the June 5 election have raised more than Mendoza so far this year. With the June 5 election approaching, Mendoza has reported raising just $7,750 in cash from six supporters during the nearly four-month period from Jan. 1 to April 21. Mendoza, a Democrat from Artesia, went on a leave of absence from the Senate Jan. 3 and resigned a month later under the threat of expulsion from colleagues. An investigation ordered by the Senate found a pattern of unwanted flirtatious or sexually suggestive behavior based on testimony from six women. Mendoza has denied wrongdoing. Last year, Mendozas reelection campaign raised $412,600, or an average of about $34,000 per month, from more than 350 supporters. Most of Mendozas 2018 total was contributed by the political arm of the Southern California Pipe Trades District Council 16 on Jan. 22, a month before Mendoza resigned. Mendoza also reported that his campaign loaned $125,000 this year to his legal defense fund. That left him with $446,600 in his campaign account at the end of April. Mendoza is running against eight Democrats and two Republicans. Democrat Bob J. Archuleta, a Pico Rivera city councilman, raised the most, $210,000, during the period. On Monday, Mendoza suffered another setback when the State Legislative Womens Caucus endorsed Democrat Vicky Santana, a member of the Rio Hondo College Board. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newsom and Villaraigosa affairs coming to TV ads in California By Phil Willon An independent political committee backing Republican John Cox for governor released an ad blasting both Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa for their past sexual affairs. The California Deserves Better ad, which was first reported by Politico, criticizes Newsom for having an affair with a woman on his staff in 2005 while he served as mayor of San Francisco. It also goes after Villaraigosa for having an extramarital affair with a television reporter in 2007 while he was mayor of Los Angeles. The ad, which begins airing on Fox stations in the states top media markets Monday, links Newsom and Villaraigosa to the men accused of sexual impropriety in the #MeToo movement, including movie mogul Harvey Weinstein and disgraced Today show veteran Matt Lauer. Powerful men are finally being held to account, punished for inappropriate sexual conduct with women over whom they exercise power, the ad begins. Newsom and Villaraigosa think the rules shouldnt apply to them. The independent campaign committee, called Restore Our Values, already has raised more than $100,000, said Leigh Teece of Emeryville in Northern California, co-founder of the group. Teece, the CEO of a nonprofit that helps line up students with professional mentors, said the campaign will actively support Cox. She called him a true conservative and noted that he supports cutting taxes and opposes Californias sanctuary state policy. John is a business person who has demonstrated integrity, Teece said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Was that Cisneros in the voicemail? Dispute is latest espisode of Democratic infighting in crowded primary races By Christine Mai-Duc Gil Cisneros speaks during a forum at Fullerton College in January. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) With less than five weeks to go before Californias primary, insults and accusations are flying with abandon in the most crowded races Democrats hope to ultimately win. The latest example of this is in the 39th Congressional District, where a half dozen Democrats are vying for a chance to replace Rep. Ed Royce, whos retiring. Its one of several California contests where Democratic leaders are already worried that divisions could ultimately split votes and shut Democrats out of key pickup opportunities. In that race, millionaires Gil Cisneros and Andy Thorburn are going negative about going negative. Cisneros was recently elevated to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committees Red to Blue program in hopes it would serve as a signal to Democratic activists and donors that his campaign was the most viable. But both Cisneros and Thorburn have poured millions into the race, which promises to be a knock down, drag out fight through June 5. At the center of the latest controversy is a voicemail, allegedly left by Cisneros on Thorburns home answering machine earlier this month. The recording, which the Thorburn campaign turned over to media outlet The Intercept, lasts less than 10 seconds. Hi Andy, its Gil Cisneros. Im gonna go negative on you, a mans voice is heard saying. Cisneros campaign manager Orrin Evans denied the candidate made the call, posting a cease and desist letter to The Intercept on Twitter. The letter, sent by a Cisneros campaign attorney, called the voicemail fabricated and demanded that the story be taken down, calling it defamatory. It gave the publication until 3 p.m. Friday to take down the story before they pursue all legal rights and remedies. An attorney for The Intercept, in a letter to Cisneros, said the publication confirmed with multiple sources familiar with Mr. Cisneros that his voice was on the recording, and that it stands by its reporting. Thorburns camp says it flatly rejects Cisneros denial, and that the timing of a negative website filled with unflattering background on Thorburn, released three days later, suggests it was him. Track the California races that could flip the House According to The Intercepts report, Cisneros campaign manager did not respond to initial inquiries about the voicemail, calling its questions ridiculous. In a follow-up statement Friday, Evans said called the episode a dirty, desperate trick by the Thorburn campaign and said they are readying to pursue legal action for defamation and false light against both him and the publication. It sounded like him to me! said Thorburns wife, Karen, in a statement released by the campaign. She was the one who first heard the voicemail, they said. Thorburn campaign manager Nancy Leeds called Cisneros threats Trump-like tactics and accused the candidate of trying to harass and intimidate anyone who stands in his way. Its not the first time candidates from the same party have clashed in the lead-up to the June 5 primary, and its all but certain to not be the last. Cisneros sued two of his opponents, Thorburn and Sam Jammal, over their ballot descriptions until they had to change them. Earlier this month, Democrat Bryan Caforio asked his opponent, Katie Hill, to sign a pledge rejecting the use of independent expenditure committees, entities that neither of them can legally coordinate with, in the race to unseat Rep. Steve Knight (R-Lancaster). Hill refused and called the attempt hollow and likened it to political theater, while Caforio accused her of empty campaign promises. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California Politics Podcast: The money raised in the race for governor hints at a race thats now red hot By John Myers With less than six weeks before election day, the cash raised in the California governors race mirrors the overall dynamics: one major front-runner and a heated race for second place. This weeks podcast episode offers a glimpse into those cash reports and how the Republican field seems more settled in a new statewide poll than the battle between Democrats. We also examine the reasons why a nationally talked-about housing bill in Sacramento was killed by the Democratic authors own allies. Im joined by Times staff writers Melanie Mason and Liam Dillon. You can subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, SoundCloud and Stitcher. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement L.A. County politician sexually assaulted woman when she was 16, lawsuit claims By Dakota Smith A woman sued an unnamed politician in Los Angeles County on Friday, alleging the man sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager after he gave her an unusual-tasting drink. The politician, identified as John Doe, was in his early 40s and a public figure at the time of the 2007 assault, according to the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles Superior Court. The man is an elected official today and lives in Los Angeles, said attorney Lisa Bloom, who is representing the woman identified in the lawsuit as Jane Doe. Bloom declined to say what branch of government the man represents. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Villaraigosa touts his working-class upbringing, accomplishments as mayor in first TV ad By Phil Willon Democrat Antonio Villaraigosa released his first TV ad in the governors race Friday, touting his record and accomplishments as mayor of Los Angeles when up against the economic downturn during the recession. The 30-second television spot opens with a sweeping shot of Los Angeles and cuts to Villaraigosa sitting on a bus. In kindergarten, my sister and I took three buses to get to school. As mayor, I remembered that, Villaraigosa says into the camera. And despite the recession, we built more new schools and rail lines than any city in America, added 200,000 living wage jobs, built 20,000 units of affordable housing and nearly doubled graduation rates. Campaign spokesman Luis Vizcaino said the ad will air statewide over the next week at a cost of approximately $1 million. The commercial will being airing Saturday. Two Democratic rivals in Californias race for governor, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and state Treasurer John Chiang, also launched ads this week, signaling the biggest ramp-up of the campaign as the June 5 primary approaches. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican John Cox. One recent poll has Villaraigosa trailing both Cox and Republican Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach. Chiang has been stuck in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. Last week, an independent expenditure group called Families and Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor, funded largely by a trio of wealthy charter school backers, launched a spot in support of the former mayor of Los Angeles. That ad campaign is focused on increasing Villaraigosas chances of coming in second in the June 5 primary and moving on to the general election. Villaraigosas ad, titled Three Buses, emphasizes the struggles he faced growing up in East Los Angeles and addresses one of his central campaign themes that hes the candidate best suited to help working-class Californians. I know how far a bus can take you, Villaraigosa says in the ad. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sen. Dianne Feinstein wont participate in pre-primary debate By Sarah D. Wire (Tom Williams / CQ Roll Call) California Sen. Dianne Feinstein will not participate in a proposed pre-primary debate because there are too many candidates in the race, her campaign spokesman said Thursday. Political activists with the group Indivisible Los Angeles said they had a venue and date May 5 reserved for a debate with four of the Senate candidates. But they said if Feinstein does not participate, it will be canceled. Feinstein faces 31 primary opponents in her bid for a fifth full term representing California in the Senate. Feinstein staffers initially said she had a prior commitment on May 5 in San Francisco. When organizers offered to let her campaign pick another date, her campaign said it wasnt fair for the group to invite only some of the candidates when there is such a big field, said Tudor Popescu, volunteer community organizer with Indivisible Los Angeles. The invited candidates, all Democrats, were Feinstein, state Sen. Kevin de Leon, political action committee director Alison Hartson and lawyer Pat Harris. They were selected based on fundraising and poll numbers. There are 11 Republicans, 10 Democrats, nine independents and 2 third-party candidates running for Senate on the June ballot. Indivisible Los Angeles is still hoping Feinstein will pick another date, Popescu said. Feinstein spokesman Jeff Millman pointed to a San Francisco Chronicle endorsement of Feinstein, which indicates that she told the editorial board she would be willing to have a debate ahead of Novembers general election. Senator Feinstein looks forward to debating her opponent in the general election, Millman said in an email. Feinstein holds a substantial lead in both fundraising and in the polls. Front-runners in statewide races have routinely declined to debate their challengers, knowing that its free publicity for candidates who dont have the cash to increase their name recognition on their own. De Leon spokesman Jonathan Underland said the state senator has done candidate forums before, but planned to attend the May 5 debate only if Feinstein did. We basically said well clear his calendar 100%, well clear his calendar if Feinstein shows up, Underland said. Wed love to make it happen, but we want her to be there. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement NRA, Olympic shooter sue California over its restrictions on ammunition sales By Patrick McGreevy Olympian Kim Rhode is a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed by the NRA and its state affiliate against California. (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times) The National Rifle Assn. and its state affiliate have filed a fourth lawsuit against California over its gun control laws, this time challenging new restrictions on the sale and transfer of ammunition. The NRA and the California Rifle and Pistol Assn. filed a challenge in federal court to a requirement that ammunition sales and transfers be conducted face to face with California firearms dealers or licensed vendors, ending purchases made directly from out-of-state sellers on the internet. The lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Southern District of California also challenged a requirement starting next year for background checks for people buying ammunition. The lawsuit was filed in the name of Kim Rhode, a six-time Olympic medal-winning shooter, and others. It challenges Californias new ammunition sales restrictions as a violation of the 2nd Amendment and the commerce clause of the United States Constitution. Restrictions on ammunition purchases were included in Proposition 63, approved by voters in 2016, and in bills approved by the Legislature. As a result of these laws, millions of constitutionally protected ammunition transfers are banned in California, Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRAs Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. Californias law-abiding gun owners are sick of being treated like criminals and the NRA is proud to assist in this fight. Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is running for governor, defended his initiative and vowed to fight the NRA lawsuit. We wrote Proposition 63 on solid legal ground and principle: If youre a felon banned from possessing guns in California, then you should not be able to purchase the ammunition that makes a firearm deadly, Newsom said in a statement. California voters said loudly and clearly that guns and ammunition do not belong in the hands of dangerous individuals but once again, the NRA has prioritized gun industry profits over the lives of law-abiding Californians. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republicans hope to ride a gas-tax repeal to victory By Patrick McGreevy In a Central Valley barn decked out in red, white and blue, dairyman and state Senate candidate Johnny Tacherra drew cheers from a crowd of fellow farmers when he said he opposes the California Legislatures hike on gas taxes and vehicle fees. I would not have voted for that. It is not the time to be voting on (raising) the gas tax, said Tacherra, a Republican running against Democratic Assemblywoman Anna Caballero, who voted for the tax increase last year. Three hundred miles away the same week, a campaign mailer arrived at homes in Orange County from an Assembly candidate with a message blaring from the cover in bold type: Republican Greg Haskin tough enough to stand up to Jerry Brown and repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Treasurer John Chiang launches ad in governors race touting his record as a fiscal steward By Seema Mehta In his first television ad in the governors race, state Treasurer John Chiang touts his record on fiscal issues as California faced the recession. Some thought we were done, Chiang says in a voiceover in the 30-second spot he released Thursday, with images of him standing seriously at a lectern and complimentary headlines about his work as controller and treasurer. But I knew better. I made the tough calls. And brought California back from the brink of financial disaster because you trusted me to manage our economy. Chiangs campaign is spending about $500,000 to air the ad in Los Angeles and San Diego in coming days. That buy is dwarfed by seven-figure purchases for ads supporting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa. Newsom is the front-runner, while Villaraigosa is battling for second place with Republican businessman John Cox. Chiang has been mired in the single digits in almost all polling in the race. His ad, called Quiet Storm, tries to portray Chiang as a progressive who is effective and can move policy in Sacramento. Chiang points to his work challenging Wells Fargo before arguing that he could accomplish what doubters say is impossible to improve the states healthcare, housing and schools. I say, we got this, Chiang concludes. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Been ignoring the race for California governor? Thats OK, in some ways its just starting By Mark Z. Barabak On a recent trip to Iowa, Eric Garcetti the mayor of Los Angeles and a possible 2020 White House contestant raised eyebrows with a bit of exuberant outreach. Los Angeles and Iowa, Garcetti insisted, have a ton in common, and he didnt simply mean both are inhabited by carbon-based life forms needing oxygen to survive. Urban or rural, farmer or fashion plate, all of us harbor the same hopes and dreams, the mayor suggested, and if it wasnt a terribly original thought it also wasnt the most egregious sort of political pandering like, say, ordering that every home in Los Angeles be powered by Iowa-produced ethanol. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California voters should expect to decide on an $8.9-billion water bond in November By Liam Dillon (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) A proposal to borrow $8.9 billion for improvements to Californias water quality systems and watersheds and protection of natural habitats is eligible for the statewide ballot in November, Secretary of State Alex Padilla announced in a press release Wednesday. Padilla said the measure, which is backed by agricultural interests, had exceeded the 365,800 valid signatures it needed to qualify for the general election ballot. The bond measure will appear on the ballot unless proponents withdraw it by June 28, the release said. The bond is one of many voters could decide on in 2018. A $4-billion bond for parks and water infrastructure improvements will appear on the June 5 ballot. State lawmakers approved it last year. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print They came for Darrell Issa. They stayed with their inflatable chicken, blue wall and signs for political therapy By Christine Mai-Duc (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune) A mother of two turned ringleader of the resistance and more than a hundred of her faithful followers gathered on Tuesday morning outside Rep. Darrell Issas office in a northern San Diego County suburb. Across the street was her foil, a wedding DJ in a red Make American Great Again cap, setting up hefty speakers for an upcoming war of words. For about 65 weeks the deep divide in America played out along this 100-yard stretch of road in Vista. Here, at 10 a.m. every Tuesday, passersby found signs, chants, songs and, if they were lucky, sometimes a 20-foot-tall inflatable chicken with a Trump-esque coif. Theyd also glimpse the state of the body politic in 2018, a time when shock has turned to anger and post-2016 calls for reconciliation have morphed into grudging acceptance that each side might be better off in their respective corners. Or in this case, their sides of the street. On Tuesday, the anti-Issa, anti-Trump contingent fought this particular battle for the last time, declaring it their final protest at the congressmans office. They said they planned to use their energy to knock on doors and get out the vote, with an occasional protest on the side. Their pro-Trump rivals vowed to show up wherever they do. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Efforts to regulate bail companies have some unlikely allies: bail agents By Jazmine Ulloa Jane Un, chief executive and founder of Abba Bail Bonds, works with a client. ( Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) In recent years, the seriousness and number of official complaints related to the bail industry in California have significantly increased while bail agents and bounty hunters face limited oversight, putting vulnerable communities at risk of fraud, embezzlement and other forms of victimization. This year, as Gov. Jerry Brown has pledged to work with lawmakers in a push to overhaul how courts assign defendants bail and to better regulate bail agencies, even some who profit from the court practice admit its time for regulation. These bail and bail-recovery agents could become unlikely allies, saying they advocate for change because theyve seen the system abuse the poor. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California voters: Get ready for an onslaught of television ads By Seema Mehta After a sleepy campaign, California voters are now being bombarded with television advertisements in the governors race, an onslaught that is expected to ramp up in coming weeks. The ads most frequently seen on television are those promoting Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom, the front-runner in the race, and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who is trying to secure the second spot in the June primary. Newsoms campaign and an outside group backing Villaraigosa are spending seven figures weekly on these efforts, according to filings with the California secretary of states office and a media buyer who asked not to be identified in order to freely discuss the ads. Other gubernatorial candidates are expected to hit the airwaves soon, the media buyer said. State Treasurer John Chiang has reserved a half-million dollars in the coming days in the Los Angeles and San Diego markets, and Villaraigosas campaign has requested availability in at least five of the states biggest TV markets. The GOP candidates in the race, who will be seeking the state Republican Partys endorsement at its convention next weekend, have been much less active. Businessman John Cox in recent weeks has been spending about $90,000 per week, but doubled that this week in Los Angeles and added small buys on KFI-AM radio and cable in markets including Fresno, Bakersfield and Salinas. State Assemblyman Travis Allen of Huntington Beach, who has been scooping up Republican Party endorsements across the state, has yet to make a notable television or radio buy, though he and Cox have received some attention as commentators on Fox News. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republicans ready to turn in signatures for ballot measure to repeal California gas-tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A Chevron gas station in Sacramento shows prices last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican activists said Tuesday that they have collected at least 830,000 signatures for an initiative to repeal recent increases in Californias gas tax and vehicle fees, more than enough to qualify the measure for the November ballot. The activists need 585,407 signatures of registered voters to qualify the ballot measure. Because signatures are still being processed and counted by the campaign, backers hope to have 900,000 by the time they begin turning them in to the counties on Friday, according to Carl DeMaio, a former San Diego City Council member and organizer of the drive. The breadth and depth of voter anger over the car and gas tax hikes is just amazing, said DeMaio, who hosts a radio talk show. We are seeing Democrats, independents and Republicans sign the petition and volunteering to carry the petition, people from all walks of life. The initiative targets a law approved in April 2017 by the Legislature and Gov. Jerry Brown that is expected to raise $5.4 billion annually for road and bridge repairs and improvements to mass transit. The money comes from a recent 12-cents-per-gallon increase in the gas tax, a 20-cent increase in the diesel fuel excise tax and a new annual vehicle fee ranging from $25 for cars valued at under $5,000, to $175 for cars worth $60,000 or more. The petition drive raised more than $2 million with significant contributions from the California Republican Party and Republican members of Congress from California, including House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Bakersfield and Reps. Ken Calvert of Corona and Mimi Walters of Irvine. Republicans hope the issue will help their candidates for office in this years election and hurt Democrats who support the higher taxes. I think this is going to put Democrats in real bad spot, DeMaio said. A spokesman for Brown declined to comment until the signatures are filed. DeMaio said there were approximately 20,000 volunteer petition circulators who brought in more than 250,000 signatures, with the rest collected by paid circulators who received $1 to $2.50 per signature. Its a pretty comfortable margin [of signatures] that we have been able to hit here, DeMaio said. Opposition will grow, he said, as more Californians get their annual vehicle registration notice. The repeal campaign hopes to raise $5 million for the campaign to pass the constitutional amendment, which would not only repeal the increase in the gas tax and vehicle fees but require future increases to be submitted to voters. We know that Gov. Brown and his cohorts are going to spend an amazing amount of money to mislead voters, DeMaio said. But I feel pretty confident that we will repeal the gas tax. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rep. Duncan Hunter sets up trust to raise money for legal expenses amid ongoing criminal investigation By Morgan Cook Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, has filed paperwork to establish a legal expense fund amid an ongoing federal criminal investigation into misused campaign cash. Hunter filed the required paperwork March 27, seeking a rarely granted Legal Expense Fund through which members of Congress under investigation or being sued in connection with doing their jobs or running for office can raise money for their legal expenses. Such funds are administered by an independent trustee and allow donors to give above the maximum amount they can contribute a candidates campaign. Hunter has spent more than $600,000 of campaign money on lawyers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Kamala Harris says she wont take corporate donations anymore By Sarah D. Wire (Jose Luis Magana / Associated Press) California Sen. Kamala Harris says she will no longer accept money from corporate political action committees. In an interview with WWPM-FMs The Breakfast Club, in New York that aired Monday, the senator said she wasnt expecting a question at a town hall this month about whether she would accept money for corporations or corporate lobbyists. At the time, Harris said it depends, but she said on Monday that she had reflected on the matter and changed her mind. Money has had such an outside influence on politics, and especially with the Supreme Court determining Citizens United, which basically means that big corporations can spend unlimited amounts of money influencing a campaign, right? Harris said. Were all supposed to have an equal vote, but money has now really tipped the balance between an individual having equal power in an election to a corporation. So Ive actually made a decision since I had that conversation that Im not going to accept corporate PAC checks. I just Im not. You can watch the video of the interview here. (Harris corporate money comments come about 30 minutes in.) Harris wouldnt be on the ballot for a second Senate term until 2022, though its widely believed that she is planning a presidential bid in 2020. Other potential 2020 presidential candidates, including Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), have also ruled out taking corporate PAC money. Soon after Mondays show aired, Harris campaign sent out a fundraising request noting her new stance. As corporate PACs continue to corrupt our politics and twist Congress priorities at your expense, were going to focus on raising money from small-dollar, individual donors like you, the email says. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement With money tied up in court, California lawmakers try again with new plan to spend $2 billion on homeless housing By Liam Dillon A man sleeps on the sidewalk in front of the Union Rescue Mission in the skid row neighborhood of Los Angeles. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) A measure to spend $2 billion on housing homeless Californians could be on the November statewide ballot. State Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) is pushing the idea to deal with what he said was a burgeoning humanitarian crisis whose epicenter is here in California. De Leons new measure is a do-over for a 2016 plan passed by the Legislature to redirect $2 billion toward building homeless housing from a voter-approved 1% income tax surcharge on millionaires that funds mental health services. A Sacramento attorney sued over that decision, arguing that the move violated constitutional rules on approving loans without a public vote and that lawmakers shouldnt take money away from mental health treatment. The case remains active in Sacramento Superior Court and its unclear when, or if, the state will be able to spend the $2 billion. De Leons Senate Bill 1206 would put the $2-billion loan on the ballot in November, freeing up the money if voters approve the measure. De Leon said had he been able to predict the 2016 plan would end up in court, he would have sought a ballot measure at the time. We thought this was like apple pie and baseball and puppies, De Leon said. Who would oppose the idea of repurposing the dollars to build immediate housing as a permanent solution for homelessness? Obviously with a crystal ball, had I anticipated the litigation, I would have worked to place it on the ballot. De Leon noted that the 2016 plan had bipartisan supermajority support in the Legislature, something his new bill also will need to get on the ballot. Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) is a coauthor of the plan. SB 1206 is scheduled for its first hearing in the Legislature on Wednesday. Should De Leons measure be approved, it will join a crowded list of housing issues before voters in November. Californians will decide on a separate $4-billion bond to help finance new low-income housing and home loans for veterans. De Leon said hes not worried those two measures will compete against each other because voters are aware of the scale of the states housing problems and the proposed homeless housing bond redirects existing dollars instead of raising taxes. Once [voters] know that the impact on their pocketbook is not existent, Im confident that theyll join me and my colleague John Moorlach in support of this measure, De Leon said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California lawmakers say too many former felons are being denied professional licenses By John Myers Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco) along with supporters of bills to allow more former felons to receive professional licenses. (John Myers/Los Angeles Times) A trio of California Assembly members urged colleagues on Monday to pass legislation that would prohibit state commissions and agencies from rejecting a professional license for those who were once convicted of less serious crimes. We cant say we want to rehabilitate people, and then block them from getting the jobs that they need when theyre released, said Assemblyman David Chiu (D-San Francisco). That leads to more recidivism and to more crime. The bills, scheduled to be heard in Assembly committees Tuesday, would ban the use of arrest or conviction records as the reason for denying a professional license. The bill would not apply to Californians who served time for any of the offenses on the states list of violent crimes. The authors, all Democrats, said that a government-issued professional license is required for some 30% of all jobs in the state. Their bills would change the licensing process at the California departments of Consumer Affairs and Social Services and agencies that certify emergency medical technicians. The bills would block prior convictions from leading to the delay or denial of a license unless that crime is directly related to the profession the person intends to pursue. Two of the bills also specifically say convictions less than 5 years old could continue to play a role in licensing decisions. Last year, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a law that keeps private sector employers from inquiring about a job applicants conviction history prior to an offer of employment. Advocates joined the lawmakers at a press conference in Sacramento to point out that limits on awarding licenses should focus only on those whose prior criminal activity could pose a threat to consumers. Continuing to hold people back for crimes that are 6, 7, 8, 10, 20 years old does not actually make sense if youre looking at public safety, said Jael Myrick of the East Bay Community Law Center. One of the proposals, Assembly Bill 2293, seeks to make it easier for ex-felons to get a license allowing a job with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection the same agency that often uses prison inmates to battle blazes around the state. If a person is good enough to risk their life fighting fires for the state of California as an inmate, said Assemblywoman Eloise Gomez Reyes (D-Grand Terrace), their previous actions should not prevent from having a job utilizing the skill set that they learned. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Assembly speaker rebukes building trades union after it targets Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia By John Myers ( (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press)) The decision by a politically powerful labor group to openly campaign against an embattled Los Angeles-area lawmaker drew a sharp rebuke on Friday from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon. The Lakewood Democrat lashed out hours after the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California filed paperwork for a political action committee to defeat Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). Garcia, whos seeking her fourth term, took an unpaid leave of absence in February following allegations of sexual misconduct. She has denied the reports and an Assembly investigation remains underway. Rendon didnt criticize the labor group by name, insisting instead that the decision was driven by oil and gas industry interests. This is a thinly veiled attempt by Big Oil and polluters to intimidate me and my members. It is an affront to my speakership, Rendon said in a statement. We are proud of the work that the Assembly has done to increase jobs and wages while defending our environment. We will vigorously defend the members of our caucus from any ill-advised political attack. A statement from the labor group, which sparred with Garcia last year on her effort to link new climate change policies with a crackdown on air pollution, said it had decided to reverse past support for her. The Trades have thousands of hard working members in Garcias district, and we look forward to lifting up another Democrat in the 58th Assembly to better represent them and their families, said the statement. The political action committees campaign finance filing on Friday listed nonmonetary in kind contributions from Erin Lehane, a public affairs consultant aligned with the building labor group. Lehane said she had begun researching Garcia in November. In January, a former legislative staffer accused her of groping him in 2014. Lehane, who identified herself as a spokesperson for the labor groups political action committee, said on Friday that she believed Garcias hypocrisy threatened a movement that will dictate how much harassment and abuse my daughter will face in her work life. Garcia, who has been an outspoken advocate for women in the #MeToo movement, has complained that her political opponents helped fan the flames of the accusations. Through a campaign consultant, she declined to comment on Friday. Rendons critique came on the heels of a full-page ad in The Times on Friday, partly paid for by the Trades Council, that criticized well-funded ivory tower elites who push proposals that hurt the oil and gas industry. We are the real jobs that fuel the real California economy, read the advertisement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Legal tiff breaks out over independent committees ad backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor By Phil Willon An attorney representing Gavin Newsoms campaign for governor is demanding that California television stations cease airing an ad by an independent political committee supporting his Democratic rival Antonio Villaraigosa. Attorney Thomas A. Willis, in a letter to the stations, said the ad is false and misleading and violates California law because it uses snippets of video footage from Villaraigosas own campaign ads. Willis called that illegal coordination between the campaign and PAC. Under California law, advertisements made by entities other than a candidate are presumed to be coordinated and thus not independent expenditures when the advertisement replicates, reproduces or disseminates substantial parts of a communication, including video footage, created and paid for by the candidate, the letter states. A representative for the independent expenditure committee Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor fired back. Attorney Brian T. Hildreth says those allegations have no merit and accused the Newsom campaign of being misleading. Hildreth sent a letter to the television stations in response, urging them to ignore the Newsom campaigns accusations. He said the Newsom camp appears to intentionally misrepresent the law and that the video use was permissible. He said only six seconds of video from Villaraigosas campaign ads was used, which is well within the legal limits. The independent committee is sponsored by the group California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The ad is airing on broadcast and cable stations statewide. The committees ad is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and as mayor of Los Angeles when there was a drop in crime. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Governors race snapshot: Californians are generally upbeat but not focused on the campaign By Mark Z. Barabak Armand Werden, a 29-year-old community college student who works the taps at Dust Bowl Brewery in Turlock, said the state is on the upswing. (Phil Willon / Los Angeles Times) As California chooses a new governor one of just a handful in the last 40 years not named Jerry Brown the state seems to be enjoying something unusual in these tumultuous political times: a feeling of relative contentment. Not to say things are perfect. Still, more than 100 random interviews conducted over the length and breadth of the state from Redding in the north to Santee in the south, from the Pacific coastline to the edge of the Sierra Nevada found most saying things are looking up, at least so far as Californias direction is concerned. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Sierra Club backs Gavin Newsom for California governor By Phil Willon Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom speaks with members of the public following a debate at USC in January. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) The Sierra Club endorsed Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in the race for California governor, with officials in the established environmental group praising the Democrats record on climate change and clean energy. He has a proven record for leading on environmental protection, public health and clean energy, Kathryn Phillips, director of Sierra Club California, said in a statement released by the Newsom campaign. He understands that we are feeling the effects of climate change and that California must reduce carbon emissions and reach 100% renewable energy to achieve our climate goals. Phillips said the Sierra Clubs extensive network of volunteers will campaign for Newsom as the June 5 primary approaches. Sierra Club executive director Michael Brune also praised the Democrat, saying he will protect California from Donald Trumps attacks on our clean air and water. The Sierra Club joins a series of other influential groups in California that have backed Newsom. The California Medical Assn., the powerful state doctors lobby, announced its endorsement of Newsom on Thursday. The California Nurses Assn. and the Service Employees International Union, one of the most powerful labor unions in the state, also support Newsom. Newsom is the races front-runner in polls and fundraising. A poll released earlier this month by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California found that 26% of likely voters backed Newsom. John Cox, a Republican from Rancho Santa Fe, was favored by 15% of likely voters and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, a Democrat, by 13%. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Californias GOP House members are taking their challengers more seriously and the numbers show it By Christine Mai-Duc For much of last year, consultants and campaign managers for some of Californias most vulnerable Republican incumbents maintained a bullish tone on the prospect that the GOP would hold the House in this years midterms. The National Republican Congressional Committee insisted that longtime Republican incumbents in California had built up reputations as effective champions of local issues that would help them weather a flood of Democratic enthusiasm. Since then Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) and Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) have decided not to seek reelection and the NRCC has opened a West Coast headquarters in Orange County. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California officials say Pentagon has confirmed National Guard funding despite Trump threat By John Myers (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) The awkward dance between Gov. Jerry Brown and the federal government over the National Guard jerked back toward discord on Thursday, when Trump said he would refuse to pay for a new deployment of troops just hours after his administration said otherwise. And a few hours later, California officials said they had received written confirmation from the Pentagon that the mission would indeed be funded. Trump had earlier called Browns decision to approve 400 troops for a mission focused on combating transnational crime and drug smuggling a charade in a tweet. We need border security and action, not words! the president wrote. Governor Jerry Brown announced he will deploy up to 400 National Guard Troops to do nothing. The crime rate in California is high enough, and the Federal Government will not be paying for Governor Browns charade. We need border security and action, not words! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2018 A spokesman for Brown pointed to a tweet written Wednesday night by Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, thanking the California governor for his efforts. Trump was meeting on Thursday with Nielsen at his Mar-a-Lago estate not long after his tweet was posted. A tweet later posted by the California National Guard said that almost three hours after Trumps comment, the state received written confirmation from the Pentagon to fund the mission as outlined by Brown the day before. In short, nothing has changed today, said a subsequent Guard tweet. Just spoke w @JerryBrownGov about deploying the @USNationalGuard in California. Final details are being worked out but we are looking forward to the support. Thank you Gov Brown! Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen (@SecNielsen) April 19, 2018 Brown was the last of the nations border governors to respond to Trumps insistence earlier this month that National Guard troops were needed to assist with immigration-related duties at the U.S.-Mexico border. And he has consistently refused to allow California troops to engage in any mission related to federal immigration law. This will not be a mission to build a new wall, Brown wrote last week to Nielsen and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis. It will not be a mission to round up women and children or detain people escaping violence and seeking a better life. Exactly what the California operations will cost remains unclear, as state officials have said it will depend on decisions made once the mission begins. The funds would not be transferred to the state, but instead would be paid directly by the Department of Defense. Trump has critiqued California several times over the past few days, often writing tweets that embrace the actions by some cities and counties to join his administrations lawsuit against the states sanctuary immigration law. He made similar comments to reporters on Thursday afternoon. If you look at whats happening in California with sanctuary cities people are really going the opposite way, Trump said. They dont want sanctuary cities. Theres a little bit of a revolution going on in California. 2:26 p.m.:This article was updated with additional information from the California National Guard and with remarks from Trump. This article was originally published at 9:51 a.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gay conversion therapy services would be banned under measure advancing in California By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The California Assembly voted Thursday to add gay conversion therapy to the states list of deceptive business practices, following a debate that focused on the personal experiences of several lawmakers and hinted at potential lawsuits to come. It is harmful and it is unnecessary, Assemblyman Evan Low (D-Campbell), the bills author and one of the Legislatures most vocal LGBTQ members, said of the practice. Low, who told Assembly members that he explored conversion therapy as a teenager and suffered depression over his sexual orientation, insisted that the bill would be limited to efforts that involve the exchange of money. Theres nothing wrong with me, he said in an emotional speech on the Assembly floor. Theres nothing that needs to be changed. The bill, which now heads to the Senate, has become the focal point of intense debate on social media. Some religious groups have said that such a law would be a violation of their constitutional rights, while advocates insist the provisions are narrow and theres no credible evidence that the services work. One key part of the debate centers on whether Assembly Bill 2943 would stretch beyond businesses that charge for these programs and extend to printed documents, even Bibles. An analysis by the Assembly Judiciary Committee says the bill would apply only to services that purport to change a persons sexual orientation and offered on a commercial basis, as well as the advertising and offering of such services. Lawmakers who spoke in support of AB 2943 also made clear that they believe those kinds of services have been discredited. This is fraudulent, it should not be occurring, said Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton). But you can still try to pray the gay away, if you like. Assemblyman James Gallagher (R-Yuba City), who said the bill addresses a difficult issue, nonetheless said that its important to ensure laws dont tamper with religious freedom. We have to think about the legitimate experience of people who have gone through conversion therapy and said this was a good thing for them, Gallagher told his colleagues. California law already bans the use of conversion therapy by mental health professionals on those under age 18. Lows bill would expand the states efforts beyond minors. It would join a list of commercial activities deemed unfair or deceptive acts or practices and therefore banned under state law. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gavin Newsom gets backing from doctors group, despite differences over single-payer healthcare By Melanie Mason Gavin Newsom speaks at the California Democrats State Convention in San Diego on Feb. 24. (Kent Nishimura) Californias doctors are siding with Gavin Newsom in the governors race, even though they dont see eye-to-eye on a defining issue of the campaign: single-payer healthcare. The California Medical Assn., the state doctors lobby and a political heavyweight, announced its endorsement of the lieutenant governor on Thursday. Gavin is a lifelong champion for health care in California, and we know he will continue to fight for pragmatic solutions to our most crucial health care challenges, including working to achieve universal access and tackling our states physician shortage, CMA President Theodore M. Mazer said in a statement. Newsom has made his support for state-financed healthcare a centerpiece of his campaign, and he earned the early backing of the most ardent single-payer supporters, the state nurses union. The doctors, meanwhile, oppose the nurses bill, SB 562, which emerged as a flashpoint in the healthcare debate last year. The CMA said the bill would dismantle the healthcare marketplace and destabilize Californias economy. Newsom has said SB 562 should advance in the Legislature, but also said it has open-ended issues that still need to be addressed. The doctors group is also battling with another prominent Newsom endorser, the Service Employees International Union, over a new measure that would impose price caps on an array of medical services paid for by commercial health insurers in the state. The SEIU is a leading sponsor of the proposal; the doctors fiercely oppose it. Newsom and the physicians group have a history of political alignment. Newsom was the first statewide official to support Proposition 56, a 2016 tobacco tax pushed by the CMA that raised revenue in part to increase money for doctors who saw Medi-Cal patients. That year, the association also endorsed two initiatives championed by Newsom: Proposition 63, which imposed new gun control measures, and Proposition 64, which legalized recreational marijuana. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosa for governor hits the airwaves with first ad By Phil Willon Antonio Villaraigosa speaks at the 2018 California Democratic Party Convention in San Diego in February.. (Denis Poroy / Associated Press) A well-financed independent committee backing Antonio Villaraigosas bid to be Californias next governor released its first television ad Thursday, praising his record for working with Republicans and as a candidate for all of California. The ad, which is to air statewide on broadcast and cable stations, is focused on Villaraigosas record as Assembly speaker and mayor of Los Angeles, including on education and a drop in crime while he was at City Hall. To move California forward, we need to help more Californians get ahead, the ad says. Thats why Antonio Villaraigosa brought both parties together to balance the state budget with record investments in public schools and new career training programs. The independent expenditure committee behind the ad campaign, Families & Teachers for Antonio Villaraigosa for Governor 2018, is sponsored by the California Charter Schools Assn. Advocates, according to the California secretary of states office. The committee is spending seven figures per week on the ad buy, said Josh Pulliam, a political consultant for the committee. As mayor of Los Angeles, Villaraigosa clashed with teachers unions, starting with his failed attempt to take political control of the Los Angeles Unified School District. His fight with those unions continued after he left office in 2013. Money has poured into the committee this month from wealthy charter schools supporters: Reed Hastings, chief executive of Netflix, donated $7 million, and Los Angeles billionaire and philanthropist Eli Broad donated $1.5 million. On Wednesday, former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan donated $1 million. The independent expenditure committee is expected to provide a boost to Villaraigosas campaign. Democratic front-runner Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom has a major advantage in fundraising over all other candidates in the race and has received the backing of the California Teachers Assn. and other education unions. A recent Public Policy Institute of California poll also showed Villaraigosa lagging in third place in the race, trailing Newsom and Republican businessman John Cox. The candidates who finish in the top two in the June 5 primary will advance to the November general election, regardless of their party affiliation. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown says Trump administration will fund his National Guard mission without immigration duties By John Myers (Alex Wong / Getty Images) Gov. Jerry Brown formally mobilized 400 California National Guard members Wednesday for transnational crime-fighting duties, thus preventing any effort by President Trump to have the troops focus on immigration enforcement on the Mexican border. The governor announced that federal officials have agreed to fund the plan he announced last week a mission to combat criminal gangs, human traffickers and illegal firearm and drug smugglers in locations around California, including near the border. The order Brown signed makes clear that the troops will not be allowed to perform a broader set of duties as envisioned by Trumps recent comments. California National Guard service members shall not engage in any direct law enforcement role nor enforce immigration laws, arrest people for immigration law violations, guard people taken into custody for alleged immigration violations, or support immigration law enforcement activities, the order read. The cost of the mission, a spokesman for Brown said, will be paid directly by the federal government. No initial estimate has been made, as the exact amount will depend on exactly how the troops will be used. Though the duties of California Guard members were outlined last week, the state had been waiting for an agreement by federal officials to pay for the operations. Since that time, the president has taken Brown and the state to task over its decision to avoid any immigration-related duties at the border. On Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted, Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! There is a Revolution going on in California. Soooo many Sanctuary areas want OUT of this ridiculous, crime infested & breeding concept. Jerry Brown is trying to back out of the National Guard at the Border, but the people of the State are not happy. Want Security & Safety NOW! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border. He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border, Trump tweeted Tuesday. There was no immediate reaction from the White House to Browns announcement. On Tuesday, Brown told reporters in Washington that his plan was consistent with a safer border. That sounds to me like fighting crime, the governor said. Trying to catch some desperate mothers and children, or unaccompanied minors coming from Central America, that sounds like something else. The order Brown issued Wednesday after returning from a brief trip to talk climate change in Toronto and to speak to a national trade union and visit with reporters in Washington is set to expire at the end of September. It specifically says no Guard service member may participate in a mission that would exceed the mission scope and limitations related to transnational crime activity. It also says troops cannot help build any new border barrier. 5:27 p.m.: This article was updated with information related to the cost of the Guard mission and Browns trip to Washington. This article was originally published at 5:13 p.m. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement California bill aims to end practice that keeps workplace misconduct cases out of court By Melanie Mason A California bill would prohibit employers from requiring workers to use private arbitration to settle disputes, a practice that critics say shields improper workplace conduct from public view. The bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) would bar businesses from making employees, when they are hired, waive their future rights to take any harassment, discrimination or other claims to court. Arbitration can be a highly effective dispute resolution method when both parties can choose it freely, when both parties are equal, Gonzalez Fletcher said at a news conference on Wednesday. It is far less successful when the more powerful party forces the other to accept those terms, especially as a condition of employment. Forced arbitration has come under increasing scrutiny since the #MeToo movement, with high-profile figures such as former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson pointing to the practice as shielding workplace abusers from public disclosure because arbitration resolutions often include nondisclosure agreements. Last year, a bipartisan bill was introduced in Congress to end mandatory arbitration in employment agreements. Gonzalez Fletcher said she was pursuing an unusual tool to draw attention to the issue a subpoena issued by the Legislature to compel testimony from a worker bound by a nondisclosure agreement as a result of arbitration. The Legislature has subpoena power but it is rarely used. The bills sponsors believe lawmakers last issued a subpoena in 2001 while investigating price manipulation by Enron. Gonzalez Fletcher said she has requested Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) to issue the subpoena to require Tara Zoumer, who sued the company WeWork in 2016 for overtime pay, to testify before the Assembly Judiciary Committee next week. Zoumers suit was moved to arbitration and resolved. She is now subject to a nondisclosure agreement and could face a financial penalty for speaking publicly about her case. A spokesman for Rendon said the subpoena request is under consideration. Business groups oppose the bill, AB 3080. The California Chamber of Commerce has dubbed it a job biller, claiming it would dramatically increase legal costs for businesses. Banning such agreements benefits the trial attorneys, not the employer or employee, the group said. The bill must first advance from the Assembly Labor Committee on Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print At least 240 House lawmakers want a vote on immigration. California supporters say they arent ready to force one By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock), flanked by Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands) and Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) speak about DACA legislation (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Rep. Jeff Denham says at least 240 of the 430 current House members have signed onto his resolution to hold votes on four immigration bills, and he hopes House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) and President Trump are paying attention to the show of support. But, the Republican from Turlock and his allies said Wednesday that they are not yet willing to commit to forcing Ryans hand through a little-used procedural move called a discharge petition; they acknowledged theres no guarantee that all of 47 Republicans and 193 Democrats House co-signers will back them up if they try to force the issue. Im sure that it is something that will be discussed in the coming weeks. You should not need a discharge petition. When you can show the overwhelming majority of the House, the support of it, you should not need a discharge petition, but it is something we would talk about in the future, Denham said. It is far too early to talk about next steps. Ryan said last week that he opposes Denhams effort, saying its a waste of time for the House to vote on bills the president might veto. Denhams resolution would prompt debate and votes on four very different immigration bills: one favored by the Trump administration, one preferred by Democrats, one bipartisan proposal and another immigration bill of Ryans choice. Whichever got the most votes would move forward to the Senate. All four bills would help Dreamers to differing degrees and include varying levels of border security or immigration enforcement. For example, the Trump-backed bill would also dramatically reduce legal immigration, while the Democrats would only deal with legal status for Dreamers. Democrats say they dont expect the show of support will sway Ryan. Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairwoman Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said Tuesday night she expects Ryan will have to be forced into allowing a vote. It doesnt matter how many signatures we get. We could have every signature, technically, except his, on the floor of the House and... if he doesnt want to, it doesnt happen, Lujan Grisham (D-N.M.) said. Rep. Pete Aguilar (D-Redlands), who gathered the Democratic co-sponsors for Denham, also wouldnt give a deadline for House leaders to act, but said the co-sponsors are only willing to wait weeks not months. We do want to give them an opportunity to bring up the rule and to use whatever process they want, Aguilar said. They do have options, but I think they need to understand that we have options too. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer endorses Kevin de Leon in his insurgent bid against Sen. Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta Tom Steyer, left, and California state Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). (Getty Images; Los Angeles Times) Billionaire Democratic activist Tom Steyer is endorsing state Sen. Kevin de Leon in his insurgent challenge to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and did not rule out funding an outside effort to boost De Leons chances. I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview on Tuesday, pointing to De Leons efforts on issues such as immigration, climate change and gun control while he was the state Senate leader. I know him well and hes a friend. We share a lot of values. Steyer, who flirted with running for the Senate seat, did not criticize Feinstein as he has in the past. Sen. Feinstein has been an outstanding public servant who has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to the service of our state and the country, he said. These are two strong, very good Democrats. I just believe Kevin is the true progressive and he reflects something we need representing California going forward. I have nothing bad to say about Dianne Feinstein. I have a lot of good to say about Kevin de Leon. De Leon faces enormous odds as he tries to oust Feinstein, who has served in the Senate for a quarter-century, is well known to the states voters and has daunting leads in polls and fundraising. But De Leon has gained notable endorsements, most recently from the 2.1-million-member California Labor Federation last week. Campaign finance reports released this week show that Feinstein has more than $10 million in the bank, while De Leon has just more than $670,000. Feinstein, a multimillionaire and one of the wealthiest members of the Senate, has already lent her campaign $5 million and could easily write another check. But Steyer, a billionaire former hedge fund manager, could write a larger one. He is among the largest Democratic donors in the nation and has already committed more than $50 million to push for the impeachment of President Trump and to register young voters. He was noncommittal when asked if he would fund an independent expenditure group on behalf of De Leon. I dont have any concrete plans for that, he said. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Californias largest pension fund sends next years invoice to state government: $6.3 billion By John Myers The California Public Employees Retirement System building (Max Whittaker / Getty Images) As part of a shift toward less optimistic expectations for investment returns to pay for government worker pensions, board members of the California Public Employees Retirement System voted Tuesday to require an almost $6.3-billion payment from the state budget in the fiscal year that begins on July 1. The action, which could receive final approval on Wednesday, reflects a gradually higher annual contribution to public employee pensions by the state and from local governments across California. In 2016, CalPERS approved a half-percentage point decrease in its official estimate of the long-term investment return on its $353.3-billion portfolio. That shift was designed to happen over several years, in hopes it would lessen the financial shock of shifting more of the costs onto government employers. The highest costs are also, in part, a reflection of increases in the size of the states payroll. The states CalPERS payment will be about $450 million more than the total paid in the current fiscal year and more than double what it was only a decade ago. CalPERS board members voted on Tuesdays staff proposal with little discussion, save for a question about the increase in contributions also required from workers hired after a pension overhaul that took effect in June. It seems like it will be a ding on peoples salaries, said Theresa Taylor, the chairwoman of CalPERS finance committee and a member of SEIU Local 1000, the union that represents some 96,000 state employees. The $6.299-billion payment required from Californias state government must now be factored into the budget crafted by the Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown in late June. Brown had already assumed a similarly sized payment in his budget proposal unveiled in January. In February, a coalition representing city governments warned about the effects of rising pension costs under the expectations of less money from Wall Street investments. The report issued by the League of California Cities projected an average increase of more than 50% in annual pension payments made by the states largest cities over the next seven years. A CalPERS staff report notes that the net return on all of the funds investments for the fiscal year that ended in July was 11.2%. But expectations on profits over the next 30 years remain significantly more modest, and theres long been a robust debate about how to properly set those future expectations. The lower the rate of projected investment return, the larger the share of pension costs that must be covered by taxpayers and some employees. Overall, CalPERS officials believe the system has assets to cover 71% of its long-term obligations. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California warns legal pot sellers not to participate in unlicensed 4/20 events By Patrick McGreevy Marijuana on display at a dispensary in Los Angeles. ( (Frederic J. Brown / AFP/Getty Images)) The state issued a warning Tuesday that businesses holding licenses to sell marijuana could face penalties if they participate in unlicensed temporary events away from their stores, including on Friday, April 20, which has become an annual celebration for counterculture groups. The warning was issued ahead of 4/20 by the state Bureau of Cannabis Control. Since Jan. 1, the bureau has issued more than 700 state licenses to sell marijuana for medical or recreational use. The bureau has issued 47 temporary event licenses to groups that are limited to holding the marijuana celebrations on county fairgrounds that have authorized such events with city approval. Any bureau licensee participating in an unlicensed cannabis event may be subject to disciplinary action, the warning said, adding that lawful participation by bureau licensees in any temporary cannabis event that allows sales and/or consumption is dependent upon issuance of the appropriate licenses from the bureau. While many Californians have been issued medical approval to sell or use marijuana, the law does not allow them to participate in unlicensed events, also referred to as Proposition 215 events after the ballot measure that legalized medical pot two decades ago in the state. Participation in such events may lead to civil penalties for unlicensed commercial cannabis activity, the warning said. Meanwhile, a survey of some 1,000 marijuana users that was released Tuesday by the firm LendEDU found that the average 4/20 participant plans to spend $71 on marijuana to celebrate the unofficial holiday, and about 35% of respondents are planning to take off work Friday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California police groups shift position on officer discipline records, now consider support for making some of them public By Liam Dillon Los Angeles Police Department recruits at a graduation ceremony in April (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times) Some major law enforcement groups signaled Tuesday they are willing to support making part of police officer disciplinary records public, a dramatic departure from their past positions. Local and national attention on police shootings and misconduct has led law enforcement organizations to reconsider their blanket opposition to proposals that would give public access to some internal disciplinary investigations of officers. Were going to be open to supporting efforts that would allow for some records to be released, said Ryan Sherman, a lobbyist with the Riverside Sheriffs Assn. Debate over secrecy provisions in officer disciplinary files came during a legislative hearing on Senate Bill 1421 from Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley). Skinners bill, which advanced out of the Senate Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, would require public disclosure of all internal officer shooting investigations and confirmed cases of sexual assault and lying while on duty. Currently, all police discipline information is confidential outside of a courtroom in California, which has some of the nations strictest standards against public disclosure. Unfortunately, the fact that we have such strict restrictions on any access to public records has affected certain communities trust towards our law enforcement, Skinner said during the hearing. Prior to Skinners effort, other have tried to loosen these rules, some of which date back 40 years. Most recently in 2016, a bid by then-Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) failed in a Senate committee. In debate two years ago, no major law enforcement groups indicated they would accept changes to state laws that would make individual internal investigations public, saying they were essential to protect officer privacy and safety. But Tuesday, Sherman and other lobbyists including those representing the states largest police labor organization, signaled they might be willing to entertain changes. They said they were negotiating with Skinner on the bills details. Law enforcement groups still have major concerns about SB 1421 as written. Ed Fishman, an attorney for the Police Officers Research Assn., told legislators that the bill would wrongfully expose police officers who acted within departmental policy to invasions of their privacy. It has unintended consequences that are extreme and will hurt the public, Fishman said. Tuesdays hearing featured testimony from many who have had relatives killed by police officers in recent years advocating for the bill. Senators on the Public Safety Committee also gave public rebukes to law enforcement lobbyists, criticizing them for a lack of diversity and insensitivity to concerns raised by communities of color. I think that you are completely and utterly out of touch with the realities of how those you are representing are perceived by major segments of California, said Sen. Holly Mitchell (D-Los Angeles). You are not going to be able to continue to lobby your way out of it. The bill faces at least one more committee hearing in the Senate before reaching the floor. It will have to pass both houses of the Legislature by the end of August. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Newest member of the California Assembly arrives ready to work on criminal justice issues By John Myers Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove prepares for the oath of office from Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon with her husband, Austin Dove. (California Assembly Democrats) Two weeks after winning a Los Angeles special election, the newest member of the California Assembly says she hopes to focus on reforms to the states criminal justice system during her time in Sacramento. Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles) took the oath of office on Monday, filling one of three vacant seats representing Los Angeles County in the lower house. The Democrat, a former community college trustee and legislative staffer, thanked her mentors in remarks from the Assembly rostrum. So many women, and in my life so many black women, have paid in giving me the kind of morals and integrity and grit that is required to fight on behalf of people that you know, and people that you dont know, she said. Kamlager-Dove won handily on April 3, receiving 70% of the votes cast in the 54th Assembly District which encompasses communities west of downtown Los Angeles, from Crenshaw to Culver City and as far north as Westwood. She will serve the remaining eight months of the term of former Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas, who resigned last year citing health concerns. She has said she hopes to focus her attention on poverty issues and on reform of the states criminal justice system. I think we have an opportunity to really push the needle in terms of how we look at rehabilitation, how we look at incarceration, and how we look at changing the lives oftentimes of poor men and women of color, Kamalager-Dove said on Monday in a video released by Assembly Democrats. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Survivors of violent crime raise their voices in California to call for a new approach to criminal justice By Jazmine Ulloa Aaliyah Smith marches with her cousins. (Jazmine Ulloa / Los Angeles Times) Her father, uncle, a cousin and two older brothers. Those are some of the family members 16-year-old Aaliyah Smith has lost to gun violence. Then there are her friends. Jermaine Jackson Jr., 27, was shot and killed in 2016 while he painted over graffiti in San Francisco. Toriano Tito Adger, 18, was shot there a year later at a bus stop. He called Smith, who was nearby, and warned her to run. She made it inside a library moments before the crack of gunfire. Last week, Smith was among hundreds who gathered in Sacramento for annual National Crime Victims Rights Week events, where calls were issued for a new approach to criminal justice and public safety in California, one that puts survivors at the center of policy. But a debate is brewing over what that entails. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California expects $14 billion in tax payments this month By John Myers State workers handle income tax returns at the California Franchise Tax Board offices. (Laura Morton / For The Times) Gov. Jerry Browns proposed state budget is built on what taxpayers might find an audacious assumption: almost $14 billion in tax payments in the month of April, an average of $83 million collected per hour on every business day of the month. Most of that money will come from the taxes Californians pay in advance of Tuesday nights filing deadline for income tax returns. If history is any guide, the rate of payment could quadruple by weeks end. While tax rules have shifted some of the payment schedules to other months, April remains a vitally important month to the fiscal health of state government. The state controllers office reports more than 15% of all personal income tax revenues in 2017 were collected in April. In the recession years of a decade ago, tax revenue predictions were frequently off the mark by hundreds of millions of dollars. The last two state budgets have seen significant windfalls of personal income tax revenue, thanks in part both to an improving economy and to the continuation of a temporary surcharge on the wealthiest taxpayers extended by voters in 2016. In the budget plan he sent to lawmakers in January, Brown projected a $6.1-billion windfall and proposed using a sizable amount to top off Californias rainy-day fund ahead of schedule. The independent Legislative Analysts Office reports that through the end of last week, the months income tax tally stood at $3 billion, slightly ahead of projections. By the end of the current week, a single days total could be almost that large. Lawmakers began reviewing the governors $190.3-billion spending plan during the winter, but few decisions are made until they get a look at Aprils tax revenues. The governor will release a revised plan based on the new data next month; lawmakers are required to send him a completed budget no later than June 15. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Feinstein war chest tops $10 million while Kevin de Leon struggles to keep pace By Sarah D. Wire Sen. Dianne Feinstein widened her already-massive fundraising advantage in the run-up to Junes primary, raising twice as much in the first quarter than her strongest Senate challenger has sitting in the bank. Feinstein raised $1.3 million between January and March, bringing her war chest to just over $10 million as Californias U.S. Senate race begins in earnest, according Federal Election Commission reports. Former state Senate leader Kevin De Leon, the best known of the more than 30 people who will appear with Feinstein on the June primary ballot, raised just $575,991 in that same period, bringing his cash on hand to $672,331, according to his quarterly FEC report. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump has met his match, says Gov. Jerry Brown in promoting climate action on a quick trip to Canada By John Myers (Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown told a Canadian audience Monday that he believes President Trumps efforts to reverse course on climate change policy are a momentary deviation as others in the United States seek limits on greenhouse gas emissions. Thats very temporary, I can assure you, Brown said at a joint event in Toronto with Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The governors quick international trip, announced only late last week, comes as Wynnes Liberal Party faces a stiff challenge in Junes election from the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario and its leader, Doug Ford. Critics of Wynnes party have called for Ontario to pull out of the Western Climate Initiative, a cooperative agreement between three Canadian provinces and California on efforts to limit greenhouse gases. Brown sought to link the efforts of Canadian conservatives with Republicans in the United States who oppose existing climate change programs. In contrast, he told the audience, several GOP lawmakers voted last summer to renew Californias cap-and-trade program. I would say to the conservatives of Canada, wake up and see what your friends in California are doing, he said. The Democrat took particular notice of Trumps efforts to shift away from climate change policies from the administration of former President Obama, as well as a push by the Environmental Protection Agency to cancel Californias strict limits on automobile emissions. If Trump tries to change that, well have litigation well beyond his term in office, Brown said while also noting Chinese government efforts to produce more low-emissions vehicles. Between California and China, Trump has met his match. What hes saying is not going to happen. Many of the governors remarks, though, were aimed at the tough political situation in which Wynne finds herself with seven weeks to go before Ontarios parliamentary elections. Dangers abound, but success is right in our hands, Brown said. So dont blow it! Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print California voters are getting to know the states attorney general through his aggressive stance challenging Trump By Patrick McGreevy Less than two months from his first statewide election, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra has become adept not only at challenging President Trump but at using the bully pulpit of his office to raise his profile with voters. The aggressive effort may help boost the former Los Angeles congressmans chances at winning a full term in office this fall, almost two years after he was appointed to replace Sen. Kamala Harris in 2017. Appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown, Becerra took office as attorney general four days after Trumps inauguration. Thats afforded him an opportunity to get in front of Californians and potential voters on an array of issues including immigration, healthcare and the environment. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gov. Jerry Brown forms commission for 2020 census outreach By Melanie Mason In an effort to make sure California has a strong showing in the next national census, Gov. Jerry Brown on Friday established a state commission to prepare outreach for the decennial count. It is vitally important for California to do everything it can to ensure that every Californian is counted in the upcoming census, Brown said in a prepared statement. The commissions formation comes on the heels of a Trump administration plan to ask about citizenship status as a part of the census. State officials fear that such a question, which has not been asked in a census since 1950, could chill participation among California residents. That could result in the state losing billions of dollars in federal funds and a seat in Congress. The 23-member panel, appointed largely by Brown as well as picks by legislative leaders, comes from private- and public-sector backgrounds, including civil rights groups, religious institutions and educational institutions. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Garcetti kicks off Iowa visit with 2020 on his mind and a hardhat on his head LA Mayor - and 2020 prospect - Eric Garcetti makes his Iowa debut at the Carpenters Union Training Center. Fearlessly flaunts the never be photographed in head gear/safety glasses rule. pic.twitter.com/14bUOPXMvF Mark Z. Barabak (@markzbarabak) April 13, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Asm. Rocky Chavez takes the lead in race to replace Issa, while Doug Applegate slips By Joshua Stewart A new poll shows that Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez has taken a clear lead over 15 other candidates running to replace Rep. Darrell Issa in Congress and has overtaken Democrat Doug Applegate, the previous frontrunner. In a SurveyUSA poll by 10News and The San Diego Union-Tribune, Chavez, R-Oceanside, has support of 16 percent of likely voters, putting him ahead of Applegate, a lawyer, who was favored by 12 percent of voters and is in second place. The top two vote-getters in June, regardless of party, will proceed to a November runoff election. Competing with Applegate for the No. 2 spot is Democrat Mike Levin, also a lawyer, with support of 9 percent of voters. Several other candidates were right at his heels. Democratic Businessman Paul Kerr and Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, were tied for fourth at 8 percent each. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pro-Kevin de Leon group launches ad castigating Dianne Feinstein By Seema Mehta A group that is supporting Kevin de Leons bid for the U.S. Senate launched a blistering ad against Sen. Dianne Feinstein on Thursday, questioning her progressive principles and tying her to President Trump. The ad buy from A Progressive California is minuscule $10,000 to air it in Los Angeles for one day on CNN and MSNBC during programming such as The Rachel Maddow Show, Hardball with Chris Matthews and Anderson Cooper 360. The minute-long ad features news clips about Feinstein not getting the California Democratic Party endorsement earlier this year, as well as footage of Feinstein saying that Trump can be a good president and appearing to share a laugh with Trump. That moment actually came during a White House meeting in the aftermath of the Parkland, Fla., school shooting when the president suggested an assault weapons ban should be included in a bipartisan bill to expand gun background checks. It also features extensive clips of de Leons speech at the state partys convention. De Leon, who just ended his final term as leader of the state Senate, announced last year he would run against fellow Democrat Feinstein as she seeks her fifth full term. Feinsteins longtime political advisor dismissed the ad, noting the size of the buy. Its not really a buy, said Bill Carrick. Ten thousand dollars in cable in L.A. Poof, its gone. Still, he said he planned to have the campaigns lawyers review the ad to see if it violates campaign law that limits what outside groups like A Progressive California can do. Such groups cannot coordinate with campaigns or candidates, and are limited in how much their messages can support a candidate. Ann Ravel, the former chair of the Federal Election Commission and the California Fair Political Practices Commission, said if the ad was in a state race, she is certain that the state commission would open an investigation into potential coordination with de Leons campaign because of the messaging and the types of footage in the ad. But the bipartisan federal commission cant agree on how to enforce the federal regulations, she said. The problem is [outside groups] understand that given the lack of very strong enforcement at the federal level, theres the ability to stretch the law, she said. A spokeswoman for the FEC declined to comment. Dave Jacobson, a spokesman for A Progressive California, disputed the suggestion that the ad violated campaign law. This frivolous allegation shows that Sen. Feinstein is afraid of the public seeing an ad which showcases her own words, that Donald Trump can be a good president, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Dispute over money emerges in campaign to repeal Californias gas tax increase By Patrick McGreevy A motorist prepares to gas up her vehicle in San Rafael, Calif., in 2015. (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images) A proposed initiative to repeal hikes to Californias gas tax has been caught in the middle of a dispute involving Republican rivals in the governors race. Assemblyman Travis Allen, a Republican candidate for governor, decided in January to drop plans for his own initiative and said he would urge supporters to sign a separate petition being supported by several Republican members of Congress. Then last week, the committee Allen formed to finance his ballot measure reported a $300,000 contribution from PISF Inc., a Novato, Calif., real estate firm. Now, an organizer of the still active Give Voters a Voice committee is urging the Allen committee to immediately donate their funds in support of the ongoing signature gathering efforts. There is only one gas tax repeal measure currently in circulation and that is the measure sponsored by the Give Voters a Voice Committee, said Dave Gilliard, a consultant to the group. PISF Inc., he said, gave to repeal taxes a US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Wednesday pushed back against a report saying he had unsuccessfully urged President Donald Trump to seek congressional approval ahead of last week's air strikes in Syria. Citing anonymous military and administration officials, the New York Times said Mattis had recommended Trump get a green light from lawmakers before launching Friday's cruise missile barrage against three targets the Pentagon said were tied to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons program. "I have no idea where that story came from," Mattis told reporters as he greeted Qatar's defense minister, Khalid bin Mohammed al-Attiyah, at the Pentagon. "I found nothing in it that I could recall from my own last week's activities." Chemical weapons inspectors are waiting to go into Douma, near Damascus, to probe allegations of a chemical gas attack on April 7 that prompted last week's US-led response. Mattis said the regime has previously used delays after such an attack to "try to clean up the evidence before the investigation team gets in. So it's unfortunate they were delayed." Following the deadly Douma incident, Trump tweeted there would be a "big price to pay" after and promised missiles would be coming. His remarks virtually ensured a response to the alleged chemical attack, even though many US lawmakers have expressed reservations over further military engagement in Syria unless Trump can articulate a long-term strategy for the country. A Pentagon official told AFP that there was no debate at the White House, and that "everyone" agreed Trump had the authority needed to launch the strikes. In the days since the US-led strikes, which also saw British and French jets launch missiles, debate in Washington has continued about whether Trump has the legal authorities to conduct strikes against the Syrian regime. On Monday, a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill that would update war powers that first were passed in the days after the September 11, 2001 attacks. US forces have largely been operating under this so-called AUMF (authorization for use of military force) even though the Pentagon's mission has grown far beyond what was envisioned in the early days of hunting Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Since 2001, presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama and now Trump have relied on the authorities, along with a subsequent AUMF in 2002, as the basis for operations against armed Islamist groups. One of the bill's authors, Republican Senator Todd Young, said it "recognizes the unique nature of the Islamist terrorist threat, while also recognizing that Congress must exercise robust oversight." Former president Barack Obama faced sharp criticism when he tried and failed to have Congress approve a plan to attack Assad after the Syrian leader crossed Obama's "red line" and used chemical weapons in 2013. Search Keywords: Short link: Former presidents and dignitaries from across the political spectrum remembered Barbara Bush on Tuesday as a tough, witty first lady fiercely dedicated to her family. Her oldest son, former President George W. Bush, said the family was saddened by her death on Tuesday, but our souls are settled because we know hers was. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end, he said. Im a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Advertisement In a statement released by the White House, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump praised Bush for her work promoting literacy. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well, the statement said. Bush, who suffered from heart and respiratory troubles, was 92 years old. She and former President George H.W. Bush were married for 73 years. Barbara Bush dies at 92; popular first lady was also the mother of a president Former President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama called Barbara Bush the rock of a family dedicated to public service. Well always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, they said, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. Mark McKinnon, a top campaign advisor to George W. Bush, called her one bad ass force of nature. Look out Archangels, theres a new hall monitor! he wrote on Twitter. Advertisement Barbara Bush. One bad ass force of nature. Look out Archangels, there's a new hall monitor! Mark McKinnon (@mmckinnon) April 18, 2018 Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell paid tribute to Bushs renowned toughness and steely resolve. But what really defined Barbaras life was her deep love for her lucky husband George, for her family, and for the country, he said. House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi called Bush a fierce patriot and a bold advocate for family literacy. Advertisement Mrs. Bush brought dignity, civility and spirit to everything she did. Her strength of character, the strength of her principles, and the strength of her faith were a great gift to our nation, she said. Barbara Bush served her country and led her family with dignity and grace. She made children's literacy a lifelong cause and improved so many lives. I'll miss her wit and candor, and I send my thoughts to the entire Bush family. Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) April 18, 2018 Former President Clinton recalled her grit & grace, brains & beauty. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like, he wrote on Twitter. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory. Advertisement Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory. Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 17, 2018 Her son, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush, who ran unsuccessfully for president in 2016, expressed thanks for the outpouring of love and support in recent days. Im exceptionally privileged, he said, to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush. Beautiful statement on Barbara Bush from President George W. Bush. Mothers should keep their sons on their toes. And how beautiful to have a settled soul. It's something we should all aspire to. Amen. https://t.co/ylXNEb8OXA Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) April 18, 2018 Advertisement Near the end of the 1980 GOP presidential primary campaign, was outside the Bush home in Houston on a hot steamy day. Barbara Bush invited the press to join the family around the swimming pool, if we left our reporting gear outside. A classy lady. Mark Knoller (@markknoller) April 18, 2018 michael.finnegan@latimes.com Twitter: @finneganLAT Times staff writer Cathleen Decker contributed to this report. Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. #Georgia Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush. The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump as recently as Tuesday continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops You really are our heroes, he said as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see. James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes he last won reelection by a 14-point margin suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10. Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters... Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children the older ones are 5 and 2 about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican she the race felt m A robust effort to attack Californias housing shortage was rejected Tuesday by a state legislative panel at the Capitol, felled in part by opponents who argued that it treated small cities and large ones like San Francisco the same way. The defeat for Senate Bill 827 came in its first legislative hearing, a surprisingly early end for a bill that had attracted national attention. Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) was attempting to tackle two of Californias most pressing issues: the rising cost of housing and the need for development that is consistent with the states ambitious goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wieners colleagues on the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee contended the bill would be too blunt. I do think we have a housing crisis in the state, said Sen. Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg). But we also have to get it right. Advertisement SB 827 would have allowed for the construction of buildings four to five stories tall within half a mile of rail stops in areas, such as parcels zoned for single-family homes, where they are currently not allowed. Additionally, the bill would have eliminated parking minimums in those locations as well as around bus stops with frequent service throughout the day. By allowing for significant increases in development near transit, Wiener said the bill would help the state reduce a shortage of homes he has estimated at 4 million. It would do so, he argued, in a way that would reduce the need for driving, something state regulators say is essential for California to meet its goal of reducing carbon emissions to 40% below 1990 levels by 2030. The status quo isnt working and we need to do things differently, Wiener said. We need an enormous amount of new housing at all income levels. The bill could have had large effects in large coastal areas across the state that are ringed by mass transit. An earlier version would have affected 190,000 single-family parcels in Los Angeles about half the total in in the city. Almost all of San Francisco would have been similarly impacted. The measure was one of this years highest-profile legislative attempts to address Californias housing affordability problem, an issue that has only grown since the mortgage crisis a decade ago. Nearly 2 million households in the state spend more than half their income on rent, and California has the nations highest poverty rate once housing costs are factored in. The states median home value of $535,100 is more than 2 times the national figure. Gov. Jerry Brown and state lawmakers hadnt made housing a priority until last year when they passed 15 bills designed to subsidize the construction of more low-income housing and make it easier for developers to build. But lawmakers have admitted last years package wont make much of a dent in the states deep shortage of homes. Wiener, the author of one of the highest-profile measures in last years housing package, wanted to take a bigger swing. The broad changes anticipated by SB 827 attracted support by national leaders against housing segregation and substantial opposition from interest groups across the political spectrum. Elected officials in Los Angeles and San Francisco wrote resolutions against the bill, warning about the loss of local power to shape neighborhoods. The powerful state construction workers union and numerous groups representing low-income tenants and affordable housing developers worried about labor standards and potential gentrification and displacement that might arise from large-scale new building. Advertisement In response to all of those concerns, Wiener narrowed the legislation. He reduced allowable height increases to five stories from eight. He also took away the height increases planned near frequently traveled bus routes. And he added measures, such as mandating that developers set aside a portion of their projects for low-income residents, in an effort to allow people of varying incomes to benefit from the new housing. Those efforts werent enough to sway his colleagues, particularly fellow Democrats. Democratic lawmakers from Riverside, Marin, Napa and coastal Los Angeles were worried about the loss of local power to regulate development. They advocated for more low-income housing and fretted over historic preservation. The bill ended up earning four of the seven committee votes it needed to move forward two Democrats and two Republicans. We have to make the right planning decisions when we make these decisions, said Sen. Jim Beall (D-San Jose), the committee chairman, one of a half-dozen Democrats voting no. Wiener vowed to bring the bill back in the future, saying the states housing problems are only going to get worse in the meantime. Advertisement This issue isnt going away, he said. This bill isnt going away. Coverage of California politics liam.dillon@latimes.com @dillonliam The speaker of the Catalan parliament said Wednesday that new elections were not in the region's "interest" while Spain persists in blocking a new president from taking office. Separatist politician Roger Torrent speaking to reporters in Geneva, added that the best candidate for the job is Carles Puigdemont, the former regional president, who is in self-imposed exile. "The scenario of elections is a scenario that, in my opinion, is not at all in the interest of Catalonia," Torrent said, after discussing the Catalan situation with a senior official at the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights. Catalonia has been in political limbo since Spain's conservative central government imposed direct rule on the region after it unilaterally declared independence in October. Separatist parties claimed the most seats in regional elections in December but the Catalan parliament has not sworn in a new regional president, with the three nominated candidates all facing rebellion charges. "I think that this question should be put to the Spanish government and to the courts: How long will they continue to block (Catalonia's president) from taking office?" Torrent said. "It is the Spanish government and the institutions of the state, and in particular the courts, that are blocking the swearing-in from happening," he said. Fresh regional elections will be triggered if a new leader is not in place by May 22. Torrent said it was "normal" that Puigdemont, who is currently in Germany fighting extradition back to Spain, should stand as Catalan president. "Mr Puigdemont is the legitimate president of Catalonia," Torrent said in an interview with AFP. "That's why it is normal for him to present his candidacy for the presidency," Torrent added. However, Torrent stressed that it was not his job to propose candidates as that is the prerogative of Catalan's parliamentary majority. The current nominee, separatist leader Jordi Sanchez, is in prison. Puigdemont, the first choice for the job, went into self-imposed exile after the independence bid. Jordi Turull, the former regional government spokesman who was also nominated for the presidency, is also in jail. The Spanish government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy argues that the separatists are themselves to blame for the delay in naming a new Catalan president, by their failure to put up a candidate who is not embroiled in judicial problems. Torrent meanwhile said he was "satisfied" with his UN meeting. "There is a common concern about the threats to fundamental democratic rights, and, at the same time, there is a shared consensus about the need to find the means to find a political resolution to this conflict," he said. UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdashani confirmed the meeting but provided no details. Search Keywords: Short link: It seems safe to say that no presidential family member will ever be quite like Barbara Bush. Admirers and critics alike respected that she always spoke what was on her mind, forever fiercely loyal to her husband and her son in their times as president and beyond. REMEMBERING THE SILVER FOX At the very least, Bush occupied a rare place in the political history of the United States, only the second woman to be the wife of one president and the mother of another. But she was a political force in her own right, a behind-the-scenes influence and the skills of an effective campaigner, write Valerie Nelson and Cathleen Decker for The Times. Advertisement Sign up for the Essential Politics newsletter TRUMP ON NORTH KOREA, ABOUT THAT LAWYER... President Trump said on Tuesday that direct talks with North Korea have already begun at extremely high levels and that five undisclosed sites are being considered for his meeting with Kim Jong Un. Trump on Wednesday tweeted that CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with the North Korean leader in North Korea last week. That news offered a signal that plans for a once unlikely summit between Trump and the leader of the adversary regime have new momentum. The movement on the North Korea conundrum gave the president a chance to possibly short-circuit the news cycle from Monday when his attorney Michael Cohen had to disclose the name of a celebrity client he had tried to keep secret: Fox News host Sean Hannity. Well be keeping a close eye on both topics on our Essential Washington news feed. STEYER PICKS DE LEON IN HIS BATTLE WITH FEINSTEIN The political partnership of wealthy Democratic activist Tom Steyer and state Sen. Kevin de Leon dates back to 2010, two years before the two teamed on a successful California ballot measure to change corporate tax rules and use the cash for energy efficiency projects. Advertisement Now, De Leon is running an insurgent campaign for the U.S. Senate and Steyer has endorsed him. I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview. But will the billionaire San Francisco environmentalist spend money to help De Leon? After all, this weeks campaign finance reports showed Feinstein with a $10-million war chest, far above what De Leon has for the election season ahead. I dont have any concrete plans for that, he said in an interview with The Times. Advertisement NATIONAL POLITICS LIGHTNING ROUND -- She was confused about Russian sanctions? With all due respect, I dont get confused, said Nikki Haley, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. -- The chances of bipartisan legislation in the Senate to protect Robert Mueller III, the special counsel, from being fired? Not good. Im the one who decides what we take to the floor, said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. -- Theres not much (officially) being said about the role Gina Haspel, Trumps nominee for CIA director, played in the torture of terrorism suspects after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Advertisement -- With Justice Neil Gorsuch casting the deciding vote, the Supreme Court on Tuesday spared a California immigrant from deportation because his conviction for home burglary was not the kind of aggravated felony that would require removing him from the country. -- Moderate GOP Rep. Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania will leave Congress early instead of serving out the rest of his term. -- A former FBI agent who says he was angry about racial targeting by the agency has pleaded guilty to leaking classified documents to a news organization. -- States that have passed laws legalizing recreational marijuana in recent years appear to have found some new, unexpected supporters: Republican politicians. Advertisement -- The IRS is giving you one extra day to file after its website crashed on tax day. HOUSING NEAR TRANSIT: CALIFORNIA PLAN CRASHES In Sacramento, proposals with national buzz tend to stick around until the end of a legislative session a truism that made what happened late Tuesday so surprising. A closely watched bill to push for more, dense housing near mass transit locations in Californias urban areas was killed by a state Senate committee, a rare rebuke for a Democratic lawmaker. Advertisement By allowing for significant increases in development near transit, state Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) said the bill would help reduce a shortage of homes he has estimated at 4 million. Wiener didnt sound like a guy who was giving up on Tuesday night. The status quo isnt working and we need to do things differently, he said. We need an enormous amount of new housing at all income levels. BROWN: CALIFORNIA CAN OUTLAST TRUMP Gov. Jerry Brown wrapped up his out-of-state trip on Tuesday, making his way from talk of climate change in Ontario, Canada, to a Q&A with national reporters in Washington. Advertisement There, he insisted that Trump isnt going to force California to change course on just about anything. We have so many lawsuits now that a few more doesnt make any difference, Brown said of the states strident opposition to federal efforts on everything from illegal immigration to auto emissions standards. CRIME SURVIVORS CALL FOR NEW APPROACH Hundreds gathered in Sacramento recently for annual National Crime Victims Rights Week events, where calls were issued for a new approach to criminal justice and public safety, putting the focus on survivors. Advertisement But a debate is brewing over what that means. As California rolled back sentencing laws through legislation and voter initiatives, a growing victims rights movement has pushed for alternatives to incarceration. On the other side, a smaller but visible coalition of crime survivors and law enforcement officials wants a return to tougher sentences and fewer people on parole. TODAYS ESSENTIALS -- CalPERS is sending an invoice to state lawmakers for pension payments, to the tune of some $6.3 billion. Advertisement -- Turlock Republican Rep. Jeff Denham says he has the votes to force party leaders to consider bills to protect Dreamers. -- After listening to more than five hours of public comments, Los Alamitos City Council members have voted to opt out of the states sanctuary laws designed to protect immigrants in the country illegally. -- The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to require companies that do business with L.A. to reveal whether they are helping to build a wall along the Mexican border. -- California police groups said theyre open to making some of their internal disciplinary records public a marked shift from their previous position in response to a bill from a state senator from Berkeley. Advertisement -- Net neutrality rules in California moved past the first hurdle in Sacramento but not without substantive changes. -- California regulators are warning legal pot sellers not to participate in any unlicensed 4/20 events. -- The Congressional Leadership Fund, a GOP SuperPAC endorsed by House Republican leaders, plans to spend millions on TV ads in three California districts held by vulnerable incumbents. -- Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, in a new radio ad by GOP gubernatorial hopeful John Cox, calls the San Diego County businessman a conservative champion who is gaining momentum in Californias race for governor. Advertisement -- The newest state lawmaker, Assemblywoman Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Los Angeles), took the oath of office in Sacramento on Monday. -- Plan to attend the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books this weekend? The California Politics team present company included and journalists from the Washington bureau will be out in force. Heres the full schedule. To see where well be, filter the list by Politics & History. Also, dont miss the Ask a Reporter booth on the USC campus. (Ill be at the booth at 2 p.m. on Sunday!) LOGISTICS Advertisement Essential Politics is published Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You can keep up with breaking news on our politics page throughout the day. And are you following us on Twitter at @latimespolitics? Miss Mondays newsletter? Here you go. Please send thoughts, concerns and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Advertisement Did someone forward you this? Sign up here to get Essential Politics in your inbox. Move over, Kepler. NASAs TESS spacecraft launched Wednesday at 3:51 p.m. Pacific time on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. In a matter of minutes, the rocket went supersonic, shed its first stage, which returned to a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, and left Earths atmosphere for good, NASA officials said. It will take 60 days before TESS reaches its planned orbit and begins its science mission. So far, the spacecrafts mission is going as planned, officials said. Advertisement An attempt to launch Monday was scrubbed so that SpaceX could run additional analyses on the guidance, navigation and control systems. TESS will use its four cameras to stare at the heavens, searching for relatively small worlds around nearby stars. It will shift its gaze roughly every 27 days, giving it a glimpse of almost every part of the sky by the end of its two-year primary mission. Scientists want to discover planets that are less than four times the radius of Earth, and then use other telescopes to determine the mass of 50 of them. Some of those finds might be small and rocky, like Earth. The mission, led by MIT and managed by NASAs Goddard Space Flight Center, follows NASAs groundbreaking Kepler Space Telescope, whose primary mission has so far revealed 2,244 candidate planets and 2,343 confirmed planets. Of those confirmed worlds, 30 are less than twice the size of Earth and in their stars habitable zone, where liquid water could remain stable on the planets surface. NASA is about to step up its planet-hunting game with the launch of TESS TESS, scientists said, takes that mission even further. While it wont be able to study the planets it finds on its own, it will identify the most intriguing targets for follow-up study. Other telescopes will be able to determine the mass of a share of TESS planets, and future spacecraft, such as NASAs James Webb Space Telescope, will be able to probe some of the promising worlds atmospheres for potentially life-friendly chemicals, such as water, oxygen and methane. Before Kepler launched, we didnt know for sure if Earth-sized planets existed. Kepler was a statistical survey that looked at a small patch of sky for four years, and taught us that Earths are everywhere, Elisa Quintana, an astrophysicist at NASAs Goddard center, wrote Monday in a Reddit Ask Me Anything ahead of the launch. TESS is building on Kepler in the sense that TESS wants to find more small planets, but ones that orbit nearby, bright stars. Advertisement Whereas Kepler looked for planets up to 3,000 light-years away, TESS will focus on neighboring worlds up to a tenth of that distance from Earth. It will look at the planets orbiting red dwarfs, which are stars so small and dim that circling planets with short, easily detectable orbits might still be covered in liquid water. NASA is planning to launch its Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite in mid-April. TESS will help scientists study exoplanets that orbit other stars. The trick is to watch them as they pass in front of their host stars. TESS will scan roughly 85% of the sky over two years and stare at over 200,000 stars. And because its in a highly elliptical, stable orbit thats locked in a resonance with the moon, it wont need fuel to stay on course which means, if the mission is extended, that TESS could be searching the skies for years to come. That orbit will also allow TESS to swing close to the Earth once every revolution which will help the spacecraft unload far more data than Kepler could send home. That trove of information could keep professional astronomers and citizen planet-hunters busy for a very long time, TESS project manager Jeff Volosin said at a briefing Sunday. Advertisement TESS rises as Keplers star begins to fall. The pioneering spacecraft launched in 2009, hobbled in 2013 and then given new life as the K2 mission is set to run out of fuel in the coming months. amina.khan@latimes.com Follow @aminawrite on Twitter for more science news and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE: Advertisement NASA is about to step up its planet-hunting game with the launch of TESS One of the solar systems early planets didnt survive, but its diamonds are now on Earth Organs from drug overdose victims could save the lives of patients on transplant waiting list UPDATES: Advertisement 4:35 p.m.: This article was updated to add that the TESS spacecraft had launched. This article was originally published at 2 p.m. A short stint of heavy rain in Southern California during February wasnt enough to hurt Hollywood Burbank Airports passenger numbers for the late winter month. The airfield tallied 364,245 passengers in February, which was 61,670 more than the same month last year, said Nerissa Sugars, manager of air service development for the airport during a meeting of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority on Monday. Sugars said several flights had to be canceled due to the rainfall, but additional flights added by Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines as well as United Airlines switching to larger aircraft helped boost passenger numbers in February, which is usually a slow month at Hollywood Burbank. Southwest, the largest airline operating at Hollywood Burbank, reported 270,344 passengers in February, which was a boost of 45,211 more compared to the same month in 2017. Alaska also had a good outing in February, with 44,238 passengers, an increase of 14,164 compared to the previous year. United had modest growth, as the airline reported 24,934 passengers, which was 4,791 more than the year before. The passenger count for Delta Air Lines was relatively flat in February, tallying 8,712 passengers, which was a rise of 658 compared to the same month in 2017. JetBlue Airways also had little improvement for the month, reporting 6,923 passengers, just 306 more than last year. American Airlines continued its downward trend at Hollywood Burbank, reporting 9,094 passengers in February, a drop of 3,460 compared to the same month the year before. Hollywood Burbank wasnt the only airport in the region that performed well in February. Los Angeles International Airport had 6,043,279 passengers, which was up by 439,007 compared to last year. John Wayne Airport reported 763,505 passengers, which was 52,495 more than in 2017. Ontario International Airport also did well in February, reporting 353,883 passengers, a hike of 32,616 compared to the year before. Long Beach Airport had 306,233 passengers, an improvement of 30,011 compared to last year. Parking revenue for Hollywood Burbank is starting to show positive growth. Denis Carvill, the airports deputy executive director of engineering maintenance, operations and airline relations, said about $1.5 million was generated by all the parking lots and valet service in February, which is up by about $200,000 compared to the year before. In addition to that revenue, Mike Duong, the airports senior manager of business and compliance, said the airport received $197,829 from ride-sharing companies in February, which was $64,269 more than last year. anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com Twitter: @acocarpio More than 250 parishioners from St. Robert Bellarmine Church in Burbank paid their final respects to pastor emeritus Monsignor Patrick Reilly Tuesday morning. Reilly, who was born on April 13, 1934, in County Longford, Ireland, passed away on April 4, nine days before his birthday. He was 83 years old. There was not an empty seat or a dry eye in the church during the roughly 90-minute funeral service for Reilly, who had been a part of St. Robert since 1986 and was integral to the church staying open, several lifelong parishioners said. Some stayed for the duration of the Mass, with about a dozen or so parishioners sitting in an overflow area just a few feet from the churchs front steps. Other people quickly stopped by in the back of the church to say a quick prayer and pay their respects to the monsignor. Los Angeles Archbishop Jose Gomez led the Mass that morning and was joined by more than a dozen other clergymen. Burbank resident Dan Savant, who has been a member of St. Robert since 1938, said Reilly was a warm and kind person who always offered emotional and spiritual support to those who needed it. He was this gentleman that I could go to with any kind of problem, Savant said. It could be about a myriad of different things, but no matter what it was, youd get some bit of wisdom out of what he said that would really help you. Monica Lewis, a Burbank resident and lifelong parishioner at St. Robert, concurred with Savant, adding that Reilly was practically another member of her family. She said the monsignor would often check to see if everyone in her family was doing well. Lewis added that Reilly spent time visiting her ill grandfather, who was a parishioner at Incarnation Catholic Church in Glendale, to give him a blessing and offer him communion when he became too weak to attend Mass. He was just very involved in our lives, and he was a family friend, Lewis said. He was like family. Monica Wilke, Lewis mother, said Reilly had made a large impact on her and her family. Her children and grandchildren were baptized by him, and he was the officiant at her childrens weddings. Wilke said she and her family have been very involved with the church thanks to the monsignor. Wilke and her husband, Joe, helped organize St. Roberts annual festival for 14 years. Lewis contributes by being a lecturer and a Eucharistic minister. Savant, Lewis and Wilke all concurred that Reilly will be remembered for his successful effort to bring St. Roberts members together and get more people involved with the church. Savant said that before Reilly arrived, there were several factions within the church who did not get along, and it stifled any progress. Savant said the monsignor put an end to that and found a way to encourage parishioners to give more of themselves to the church. Under the monsignors tenure, the church developed several ministries, including a youth ministry, womens ministry and a Filipino ministry. He brought this parish to life, Savant said. anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com Twitter: @acocarpio A Newport Beach resident alleges that City Councilman Scott Peotter and Mayor Marshall Duffy Duffield have committed campaign finance violations related to Peotters bid for reelection this year, and she wants a court-appointed special counsel to look into it. In a complaint filed Thursday in Orange County Superior Court, Martha Peyton claims Peotter broke several state and local campaign finance rules by accepting non-cash donations from Duffield, local activist Bob McCaffery and Balboa Peninsula restaurateur Greg Pappas that either pushed the donors over the contribution limit or were misreported, if they were reported at all. The alleged violations would be misdemeanors under Newport Beach city code, and the city attorney has the power to enforce the code, according to Peytons lawyer, Phil Greer. However, the complaint argues that a local investigation of the allegations would require outside counsel because City Attorney Aaron Harp is beholden to the City Council majority that ensures his continued employment. Peotter and Duffield are considered part of that majority. The council could appoint a special prosecutor, but the complaint claims that is unlikely because of the close, almost incestuous political ties that most of the rest of the council shares with Duffield and Peotter. That leaves a court-appointed prosecutor to act in Harps place, the complaint argues. It is obvious that respondent Harp is beholden to the Team Newport majority if he is to maintain his position as city attorney, the complaint states. As such, due to self-interest and self-preservation, respondent Harp is unable to exercise the discretion necessary to proceed against Duffield and Peotter for fear of being terminated by the council majority and thus has failed to take any action, despite his fiduciary and legal obligation to monitor campaign activities, notify the City Council of violations and take appropriate action. Harp said Tuesday that the city had not been served with Peytons complaint. He had no further comment. Greer said he also filed a complaint on Peytons behalf with the California Fair Political Practices Commission laying out the same allegations. An FPPC spokesman said Tuesday that the agency had not received the complaint. The complaints allege three violations against Peotter: On Dec. 6, they say, Duffield hosted an unreported campaign gathering for Peotter aboard his private yacht. Because Duffield had already given Peotter $1,100, the maximum total contribution allowed under state and local law, the value of the hour-and-a-half harbor cruise tipped Duffield into excess-contribution territory, the complaint claims. A reception beforehand at Woodys Wharf also put restaurant co-owner and previous donor Pappas past the maximum, the complaint alleges. And in June, Peotter held an unreported fundraiser at McCafferys home, according to the complaint. Peotter reported the $1,800 value of the Woodys Wharf reception but said it was for a committee he established to fight a campaign to recall him (the recall effortfailed to collect enough valid petition signatures). Greer said it should have been designated for the committee supporting his regular reelection campaign. Peotter said Tuesday that the reception was properly reported as being for the anti-recall committee, which did not have a contribution limit. He said the events at McCafferys home and aboard Duffields yacht were valued at less than the $500 threshold for reporting a contribution of a hosted private event. Peotter said there were no violations and called the complaints harassment and sour grapes. He was referring to Greer, who ran unsuccessfully for City Council in 2016 and was involved in the recall movement as a lawyer for the recall committee, the petition circulator and a campaign reporting compliance group. In February, the City Council decided to probe possible fraud related to the recall petitions. Greer said Peytons complaints are unrelated to that decision. Mr. Peotter wants to hold everyone to a high standard but doesnt seem to want to be held up to the same, Greer said. The citys investigation of the recall petitions is parallel with one by the Orange County district attorneys office. Recall supporters have criticized the city for launching a parallel investigation, though Greer acknowledged that the investigation Peyton is calling for would parallel any FPPC investigation. But he said it would be different because a court-appointed prosecutor would stand in the place of the city attorney. Greer said he is seeking relief from the county court as well as the FPPC because the commission is notoriously slow and doesnt take allegations as seriously as it should. Jay Wierenga, communications director for the FPPC, declined to comment. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Costa Mesa Councilman John Stephens idea to stage a second city-sponsored Fourth of July festival fizzled Tuesday night when his colleagues declined to commit funding for the cause. Though they said they didnt doubt his intentions were good, council members said they couldnt justify opening the citys wallet to support this years proposed event at the OC Fair & Event Center. I just love John Stephens he always wants to bring everyone together and have a positive experience, and I do believe its very well-intentioned, Councilwoman Katrina Foley said. I just cant support this one because Ill just get beat up for it. Stephens had asked the council to support allocating up to $50,000 for the event, which would have featured live music, concessions, bounce houses and a pyrotechnic display. It would have been held July 3 to avoid conflict with other local holiday celebrations. Council members also decided against writing a check for a virtually identical event last year. At that time, they agreed to let it move forward as long as Stephens raised enough money to cover the cost. Tapping into support from an array of organizations including the Los Angeles Chargers and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Stephens raked in the necessary funding and the event drew about 1,000 people to the fairgrounds, according to city officials. Despite last years fundraising success, Stephens said he wouldnt move forward this time without buy-in from his colleagues. The event, he said, would be an opportunity for the community as a whole to unite in celebration. I really think that we need, and more importantly the community needs, an opportunity to be uplifted, he said. And what would be a better time than when we can come together and say, Look, were Americans, were Costa Mesans, we know were not perfect and we dont always get along, but we can put down our differences for one evening. Councilman Jim Righeimer said he hated to be a party pooper but that he couldnt get behind the concept. Just something about the money being spent on trying to come up with this new, fun party to go to I just have a problem with, he said. Some residents pointed out that last years event essentially cost $50 per visitor to put on an expenditure they didnt feel was justified. Though the party may be off this year, Stephens doesnt appear ready to extinguish the concept for good. Theres always 2019, he said. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter @LukeMMoney A drug and alcohol treatment operator went 0-for-2 on Tuesday as Costa Mesa City Council members rejected permits for local facilities it runs. On a pair of unanimous votes, the council upheld Planning Commission denials for permits for existing Northbound Treatment Services drug and alcohol treatment facilities serving as many as 26 residents at 125 and 131 E. Wilson St. and up to 24 people at 235 and 241 E. 18th St. Though the facilities are state-licensed, Costa Mesa requires that they obtain conditional use permits because they have more than six residents and are in multifamily areas. They also must comply with the citys rule that group homes, licensed alcohol and drug treatment facilities and sober-living homes be at least 650 feet from one another in residential areas. Neither one meets that requirement, according to city staff. The Wilson Street addresses are about 365 feet down the street from a city-approved sober-living home, and those on 18th Street are about 230 feet from a state-licensed drug and alcohol treatment facility. Council members said they didnt hear anything Tuesday night that convinced them it was necessary to waive the rule in these cases. No evidence was presented that the existing supply of similar facilities in Costa Mesa is insufficient to provide individuals with a disability an equal opportunity to live in a residential setting, Mayor Sandy Genis said. Recovering alcoholics and drug addicts are considered disabled under state and federal laws. Garrett Prybylo an attorney with the law firm Zfaty Burns who represented Northbound at Tuesdays hearing said the operator supplies a useful and essential public service, providing a safe and sober environment so its residents can be reintegrated into the world and to the workforce. At the end of the day, this is the only protected class subject to any ordinance in the city of Costa Mesa, he said. There are no other ordinances specifically being applied to protected classes under the Fair Housing Act. Councilwoman Katrina Foley said the city has many sober-living homes and addiction treatment facilities, including others Northbound operates. I dont think theres any shortage of supply, and I do think theres support in the record for the denial, she said. Costa Mesa has approved 18 sober-living and group homes, according to its website. The city also has 101 state-licensed facilities. The proliferation of sober-living homes and treatment and recovery facilities in local neighborhoods has become an increasingly heated topic in recent years. Residents regularly blame such operations for increased crime and noise, snarled traffic, exacerbated parking problems and harm to their overall quality of life. Also Tuesday, a permit appeal from RAW Recovery LLC for its sober-living home with up to 37 residents at 321 and 327 Cabrillo St. was withdrawn before the meeting. That means the Planning Commissions denial of permits for that facility stands, city officials said. luke.money@latimes.com Twitter @LukeMMoney Locals who like to fish off the coast might be surprised to learn that Southern California steelhead were once prized catches along the coast. With dwindling population numbers, these fish are now federally endangered. Their struggle is symbolic of a larger challenge: maintaining healthy waterways for people and wildlife in urbanized coastal California. But real progress is being made toward recovering this iconic species. Recent efforts provide hope that these native fish can coexist with people, even in this highly altered landscape. As urbanization encroaches on natural areas, its a challenge to balance competing priorities like flood protection, clean water and environmental benefits. The South Coast Steelhead Coalition, charged with implementing the Southern California steelhead recovery plan, operates on the principle that endangered species are not an inevitable consequence of development. Its members know that ecology and urban infrastructure can coexist. Composed of over 30 federal, state, local, tribal and non-profit organizations, the coalition works to integrate recovery actions into infrastructure projects that provide additional benefits for people in San Diego and Orange counties. Steelhead reproduce in freshwater, then migrate to the ocean, where they grow for several years before returning upstream to repeat the cycle. These fish require passage up and down coastal rivers, normally in winter months. They also need year-round cool water and spawning gravels in streams that may be 40 miles inland. Rainbow trout are the freshwater form of ocean-going steelhead, staying in landlocked bodies of water their whole lives. These trout are resilient even though their habitat is threatened by low water flow, drought and fires. Recovering steelhead will require removing migration barriers and improving steelhead habitat, as well as preserving existing native rainbow trout populations. One of the most significant fish passage barriers in Southern California is San Juan Capistranos Interstate 5 Bridge Array on Trabuco Creek. The barrier removal project led by California Trout in partnership with Trout Unlimited and funded through state agencies will allow steelhead migration through a flood control channel beneath five bridges. Key partnerships are in place with the Orange County Flood Control District, city of San Juan Capistrano, Caltrans and other agencies to provide fish passage while improving water quality and stream health. This project folds into planned flood control work, ensuring efficient use of taxpayer funds. Another project, on the Santa Margarita River, will replace the Sandia Creek Drive bridge two miles north of Fallbrook. The bridge is a steelhead migration barrier and presents public safety issues due to flooding after storms. Led by Trout Unlimited, the project will fix the fish passage barrier and provide many benefits to Fallbrook residents. This effort leverages a project underway on U.S. Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, that enhances fish passage through a groundwater recharge structure at Lake ONeill. It benefits fish while improving water supply reliability, reducing local dependence on imported water and meeting the long-term water needs of surrounding communities. With these two projects completed, steelhead will have unimpeded passage to high-quality habitat in Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve. Improving habitat and clearing the way for migratory fish like steelhead to reach the upper ranges of a watershed are essential parts of fish recovery efforts. Weve seen salmon and steelhead rebound in other parts of the country where dams are removed and habitat is restored. Theres every reason to believe it will also work here. These projects, combined with water conservation efforts in the San Luis Rey basin to improve irrigation efficiency and protect native rainbow trout, chart a new path to integrate natural processes into urban landscapes. The solutions that have the best chance of success support both wildlife and people. Protecting fish will ultimately restore our rivers, improving water quality for us all in the process. SANDRA JACOBSON is the South Coast Region director for the non-profit organization California Trout, which advocates for sound water policy that balances the needs of fish and people. The efforts are partly funded by the Orange County Community Foundation. Boats can resume entering or exiting Huntington Harbour now that the Coast Guard has finished replacing a one-ton, 20-foot-long navigation light on the Anaheim Bay Jetty. Access to the harbor, which connects to Anaheim Bay, was blocked for about an hour Wednesday afternoon shortly after the Seal Beach Naval Weapons Stations Facebook page gave notice about the closure. The navigation light that was replaced was destroyed during high surf generated by Hurricane Marie off the coast of Mexico in 2014, according to the Facebook post. A U.S. Coast Guard HH-60 Jaykhawk hoists a one-ton navigation light that was installed April 18 on the Alamitos Bay Jetty near Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach. (Courtesy of Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach ) Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella UPDATES: 4:20 p.m.: This article was updated with Huntington Harbour reopening. This article was originally published at 12:30 p.m. Amid pressure from residents, a local school board member and the Anti-Defamation League, Huntington Beach City Councilman Patrick Brenden said Tuesday that he will investigate a member of city and school district panels who is alleged to have referred to minorities as colored people in a YouTube video. I received a ton of comments from both sides, [and] no one has done a whole lot to prove substantial evidence, Brenden said of the allegations against Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark, whom he appointed to the city Finance Commission in 2017. Brenden said he initially asked the city manager Tuesday to look into starting an investigation but was told that responsibility falls on him because he appointed Larrea-Van Der Mark. Brenden said he will continue to dig into the allegations and review public testimony. Larrea-Van Der Mark, of Huntington Beach, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Though Brenden didnt know Larrea-Van Der Mark before appointing her, he said he thought she would be a good addition to the Finance Commission after learning she had been recently appointed to the Ocean View School Districts Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure R by trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin. That committee was formed to provide oversight of expenditures related to a voter-approved bond measure for school facility improvements. Last week, Clayton-Tarvin said she voiced her concerns about the colored people comment to the school board president and superintendent, saying the remark promotes bigotry and doesnt reflect the school district. She also called on the city to remove Larrea-Van Der Mark from the Finance Commission. In an emailed statement Tuesday, Supt. Carol Hansen said the district is reviewing the concerns and researching possible steps. Brendens decision to investigate comes after 11 people, including Peter Levi, Orange County regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, called on the city during Monday nights council meeting to take action against Larrea-Van Der Mark. Levi sent letters to the City Council and the Ocean View School District on Friday, urging them to remove Larrea-Van Der Mark from both panels. The letter lists the civil-rights organizations own allegations against her, including anti-Semitic and racist online comments and activities. We dont always write letters, but when we do, its when we feel strongly to take this statement and do what is right and accurate, Levi said Monday. Its not about liberals or conservatives, its about extremists beyond the spectrum of right and left. Its not on the spectrum when we go down white supremacist realms. Larrea-Van Der Marks online activity has received heightened attention since she spoke in support of Huntingtons Beachs plan to file a lawsuit against California to challenge the legality of state mandates that expand protections for undocumented immigrants. Days after the City Council approved the lawsuit this month, OC Weekly reported that Larrea-Van Der Mark made the colored people comment in a video she uploaded to YouTube in 2017 showing protesters crashing an anti-racism workshop in Santa Monica by a group called Committee for Racial Justice. According to the paper, Larrea-Van Der Mark wrote: This meeting was being ran by the elderly Jewish people who were in there. The colored people were there doing what the elderly Jewish people instructed them to do. It isnt clear when Larrea-Van Der Mark made the comments, which have since been deleted. Brenden described Larrea-Van Der Mark as a caring and helpful person and said the allegations against her form a disconnect with what he has known of her firsthand. Its made me aware, and Im concerned I may be getting slanted, politically driven information, he said. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella The Chinese-Africa Forum for cooperation in economic zones opened in Cairo on Tuesday, attended by representatives from China and six African countries on establishing economic zones, Ahrams Arabic news website reported. Organised by the Chinese embassy and the Suez Canal Economic Zone Authority, the forum aims at strengthening cooperation and sharing expertise. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and his Chinese counterpart will inaugurate an investment conference in September this year in Egypt, Suez Canal Zone Authority chairman Mohab Mamish announced. China is one of the largest investors in the Suez Canal Economic Zone, with China's TEDA corporation, one of the largest industrial developers in the Suez Canal Zone, developing a 7.23 sq km industrial zone in Ain Sokhna. Mamish has invited international investors and companies to invest in Egypt, especially in the zone. He said Chinese companies will invest in the automotive and textile sectors in the zone, Mamish said. Chinese ambassador Song Aigu said China will increase its investments in Egypt, adding that developments in the region will not change Chinas interest in investing in Egypt. The ambassador highlighted Egypts strategic location, which allows it to make success stories in the investment zones it aims to establish, especially the Suez Canal Zone. Egypt's location makes it Chinas gateway to Africa, which is strategic for the Belt and Road Initiative, the ambassador also said. Egypt supports Chinas Belt and Road initiative, which aims at developing trade and transport networks through land and sea routes to connect Asia with Africa and Europe. President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi visited China in September 2017, where he participated in the BRICS Summit. Chinas foreign direct investments in Egypt grew by 75 percent in the first half of 2017, trade and economic attache with the Chinese Embassy Han Peng said in December, with investments mainly in the TEDA industrial zone in Ain Sokhna. In November, Chinas COSCO Shipping signed a $30 million agreement with the Suez Canal Zone to build a 130,000-square-meter logistics park in the TEDA Industrial Zone. Huntington Beach planning commissioners learned more Tuesday about a proposal to develop a three-story, 12-suite boutique hotel along Pacific Coast Highway whose approval by the city zoning administrator was appealed by a commissioner concerned about parking. The session enabled commissioners to ask technical questions and direct planning staff to conduct more research in time for a public hearing slated for May 8. The project, planned for 17145 Pacific Coast Hwy., would require demolition of an onsite car wash that stopped operating in 2015. The proposal includes 1,800 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with the hotel units on the second and third floors. The luxury units would have three or four bedrooms and private kitchens and balconies. The second floor would include guest amenities such as a pool and fitness center. The units would be available for rent on a weekly basis, though daily rentals could be accommodated. The project also proposes 32 parking spaces, 12 which are compact, on the ground level, accessible from Pacific Coast Highway and Pacific Avenue. Because the site is in the non-certified Sunset Beach Specific Plan, Jane James, interim director of community development, said the development standards are different than other parts of the city. The project would require California Coastal Commission approval for a coastal development permit to move forward, James said. The plan, which the zoning administrator approved March 7, was appealed a week later by the Planning Commissions vice chairman, Pat Garcia. Commissioner Michael Grant asked Garcia on Tuesday to explain why he appealed. Garcia said he was concerned about parking and setback issues. Before he could elaborate, city staff reminded commissioners that they were there only to ask questions, not to deliberate or debate. Parking and traffic were recurring topics of discussion. Several commissioners asked staff to provide more in-depth information for the public hearing. Project planner Lindsay Ortega said that based on the specific plan, two parking spaces per unit are required to accommodate guests. Commissioner Dan Kalmick expressed concern with a proposal by Los Angeles-based applicant Cliff Neiman to create a mobile app that would enable guests to access certain amenities and suites during slower times when hotel staff is not onsite. Kalmick asked whether the city would have any control in helping to maintain the property when hotel staff isnt present. He also questioned how guests would handle an emergency. Garcia voiced similar concerns, adding that without onsite supervision for eight months out of the year, who is going to see whats going on? Thats troubling to me. Neiman tried to ease commissioners concerns during a public comment period at the end of the study session. He said the hotel would cater to families typically traveling in one vehicle from places such as Arizona or San Bernardino for a beach getaway. Full-time staff would be present from Memorial Day through Labor Day, he said, though he added he wouldnt rule out more if necessary. He said the hotel would hire security. In terms of management, we think were going to nail it and I think its going to be a great project, Neiman said. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella Good morning. Its Wednesday, April 18. Heres whats been happening around O.C. Top story Los Alamitos exempts itself from states sanctuary laws After more than five hours of public comments, Los Alamitos City Council members gave final approval to an ordinance to exempt the city from the states sanctuary laws designed to protect immigrants in the country illegally. More than 200 people showed up at the meeting, with some lining up late into the night to address council members. Los Alamitos leaders heard from sanctuary supporters who called the ordinance divisive and a waste of taxpayer money. Others supported the move. Los Angeles Times Around the county No evidence Fairview Center personal data was exposed by break-in The state agency that manages the Fairview Developmental Center in Costa Mesa says theres no evidence that personal information of the centers residents or employees was breached by a February break-in at a state building in Sacramento. Daily Pilot Newport Boat Show begins as women start to change sailing Newport Beach resident Karen Prioleau, who teaches boating courses for Orange Coast Colleges professional mariner program and School of Sailing & Seamanship, said she has been seeing more women taking an interest in boating particularly younger women. As the four-day Newport Boat Show returns Thursday for its 45th year, the face of boating, and sailing enthusiasts, may be changing. Daily Pilot Business & real estate O.C. Register asks for public support amid cuts The Southern California News Group, which includes the Orange County Register and Los Angeles Daily News, is pushing back against its owner, Digital First Media, calling for public support in the face of steep cuts that have hollowed out its newsrooms. Los Angeles Times Life & arts Pacific Symphony will perform in Carnegie Hall, then tour in China Orange Countys orchestra will have its debut performance at Carnegie Hall on April 21. A few weeks later, the orchestra will pack its bags and bows for a five-city trek across China, its first international tour since 2006. TimesOC UCI exhibit spotlights Shakespearean costuming for women As a professor and costume designer with the drama department at UC Irvine Claire Trevor School of the Arts, Marcy Froehlich continues to tell a story through the medium of clothing by defining a character and creating a believable world for the actor and audience. TimesOC Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to dailypilot@latimes.com. Angela Guanzon was promised a good job and a good life if she emigrated from the Philippines to the United States, but after arriving in 2005, she was subjected to eating table scraps and sleeping in hallways. Guanzon told her story of being an exploited worker during a presentation on human trafficking hosted last Thursday by Soroptimist International of Glendale. The event, held at Glendale Community College, featured speakers from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking. Guanzon is a member of the organizations Survivor Leadership program. People think that trafficking is always someone undocumented, she said. I came with a legal visa to work in the United States. According to Ima Matul, a program coordinator with the coalition and a survivor of human trafficking herself, Los Angeles is one of the top destination cities from trafficking. She said roughly 50% of the people the coalition helps in Los Angeles County were victims of labor trafficking, 46% were victims of sex trafficking, and 4% were victims of both. One factor that makes people susceptible to exploitation is poverty, according to Matul. Poverty is a huge issue everywhere, not just Third World countries, she said. When she arrived in the U.S., Guanzon said the woman who convinced her to come took her passport and locked it away for safekeeping. She was then made to work as a caregiver in an elder-care facility in Long Beach for 18 hours a day, seven days a week. At the facility, Guanzon and another caregiver were not given a room to themselves. Instead, they slept on floors or anywhere we [could] get comfortable. They had no place to store their belongings and subsisted on whatever uneaten food was left over at the facility. In return for their work, they were paid $300 a month. I get paid and [the woman] told me I owed her $12,000 for my transportation and visa, she said. I had to work for her for 10 years, even though we didnt have a contract. Since we were both Filipino, I trusted her. The woman told Guanzon that, if she tried to escape, she would call the police, tell them she stole something from her and would have her sent to jail. In our country, when you say jail you end up dead, beaten or raped, she said. Eventually, a neighbor living near the facility noticed the long hours Guanzon was working and became concerned about her well-being. That brought her predicament to the attention of the FBI. When an agent attempted to contact her, she didnt believe it at first. I thought it was my trafficker just testing me, so I didnt reply, Guanzon said. Eventually, figuring she had nothing to lose, she replied to the agent and met with authorities to help build a case against the woman. The woman was eventually caught in a sting operation set up by the FBI, and Guanzon testified against her in court. The woman received a five-year prison sentence. By sharing her story, Guanzon said she wanted to show others that there is hope for trafficking victims, that its not the end of the world and there are people out there willing to help. andy.nguyen@latimes.com Twitter: @Andy_Truc Mornings at Balboa Elementary School in Glendale have recently looked a little like an outdoor museum tour because one fourth-grade classroom is participating in a pilot program that combines long walks with podcasts. Elsa Chagolla, executive director of the Glendale Educational Foundation, was at a PTA meeting when a parent suggested she look into the Walking Classroom, a nonprofit that pairs physical activity with traditional classroom learning. The program uses audio kits pre-loaded with a school years worth of lessons. Before implementing the program at a Glendale Unified school, Chagolla visited Vintage Magnet School in Los Angeles, where a teacher has been using the program for a couple of years. She also met with Laura Fenn, the former fifth-grade teacher and current executive director of the Walking Classroom. Based on what we read, heard and saw, we thought it was a wonderful program and worked with GUSD to identify a school and then worked with the principal to identify the teacher, Chagolla said. Adriana Smith, a fourth-grade teacher at Balboa Elementary, was chosen to pilot the program in Glendale starting this past January for her 38 students. Smith has taught in the Glendale Unified system for almost 20 years and said she was impressed after researching the program and progress from other teachers using it as well as the studies that link walking and brain-cell activity. I have a lot of English-language development students and, for them, reading text is sometimes difficult, so for them to be able to listen to common core-aligned podcasts I had to give it a try, she said. Smith schedules the Walking Classroom so students participate in it first thing in the morning. Her fourth-graders grab their Walk Kits and walk around the schools track for about 20 minutes while listening to lessons that cover subjects such as history and science. The early-morning lessons have resulted in reduced absences and tardies for her students, Smith said, because they are eager to be outside with their classmates. She added that her classrooms scores on i-Ready assessments related to lessons from the podcasts have also improved. Even though we never leave campus during the lessons, one of my students said it was like the best field trip ever for her, Smith said. jeff.landa@latimes.com Twitter: @JeffLanda A lawsuit against La Canada Unified School District filed in July 2016 on behalf of a La Canada High School student who was injured after falling from bleachers during a school assembly has been settled, according to the familys attorney. Robert Glassman, a Los Angeles attorney representing the family of now-senior Ethan Kalnins, confirmed Saturday the two parties reached a settlement agreement on April 10, one week before the case was scheduled to appear before a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in a jury trial. Glassman said he was unable to comment on the case or the settlement, pending approval by LCUSD school board members. A student with cerebral palsy, Kalnins had been attending an end-of-the-year assembly in the Hotchkin Family Gymnasium on May 20, 2016, when he fell from the bleachers and fractured his left hip. Glassman claimed the telescopic bleachers were missing guardrails that could have prevented Kalnins fall. A safety and engineering expert, who inspected the bleachers in December of that year, found the guardrails that were supposed to be installed on the bleachers locked up in a corner of the gym. Then-Chief Business and Operating Officer Mark Evans testified in a deposition custodians at the high school had admitted the guardrails had been there for several years. And they simply had not ever installed them to their memory, according to court documents. Glassman said in an interview in December he was seeking compensation for the cost of Kalnins past and future medical care and for the suffering he endured and continues to endure to this day. LCUSD Supt. Wendy Sinnette said Tuesday an agreeable settlement was preferable to bringing the case to court. We care deeply about the student, and if we were able to reach a settlement both parties could sign off on, thats better than going to a trial, where theres an automatic element of the parties being adversarial, the superintendent said. LCUSD Governing Board members will vote on the settlement in a future closed-session meeting, Sinnette added. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine Travelers can remember Barbara Bush with a visit to the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery in Washington, where an informal portrait of the former first lady went on display Wednesday. The photo, taken in 1989 by Diana Walker, captures the down-to-earth first lady in a reflective moment on the White House grounds with her much-loved springer spaniel, Millie, by her side. It will be on display through Sunday on the first floor of the museum. Bush, who died Tuesday, was the wife of President George H.W. Bush and mother of President George W. Bush. She lived in the White House from 1989 to 1993. During her time as first lady, she launched a campaign to wipe out illiteracy, an effort that continues today through her Foundation for Family Literacy. Advertisement She is to be buried Saturday on the grounds of the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M University in College Station. Visitors to the museum can also see portraits of her husband and son in the Americas Presidents gallery. Info: Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, (202) 633-8300 travel@latimes.com Twitter: @latimestravel View islands, rain forests and mountains, and watch for killer whales from your stateroom balcony on American Cruise Lines new five-day Highlights of the Puget Sound tour. The cruise explores the sheltered arm of ocean between Seattle and the mainland of Washington state to the east and the Olympic Peninsula to the west. The fall cruise, a round-trip voyage from Seattle, takes passengers to Anacortes, Friday Harbor and Port Townsend, where they see wildlife including eagles, seals and marine birds. Excursions include a Deception Pass jet-boat tour, whale-watching in Friday Harbor and salmon-tasting in Anacortes. Advertisement Dates: Oct. 13, 17, 21 and 25 Price: From $2,645, including accommodations, meals, daily cocktail hour, Wi-Fi, activities and educational programs. Airfare not included. Info: American Cruise Line, (800) 814-6880 travel@latimes.com Twitter: @latimestravel ALSO In Kauai, where to eat for cheap: 20 places to chow down for $20 Get your glow on with these five light fests and installations Advertisement Heres what Yosemites recent flooding looked like. Oh, those thundering waterfalls The head of the global chemical watchdog agency on Wednesday rejected Russian claims that traces of a second nerve agent were discovered in the English city where former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned. Britain blames Russia for the attack, which it says was carried out by smearing a Soviet-developed nerve agent known as Novichok on a door handle at Skripals house in Salisbury. Moscow denies involvement. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Saturday that Moscow received confidential information from the laboratory in Spiez, Switzerland, that analyzed samples from the site of the March 4 poisoning. He said the analysis done at the request of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons indicated that samples contained BZ nerve agent and its precursor. He said that BZ was part of the chemical arsenals of the U.S., Britain and other NATO countries, and that the Soviet Union and Russia never developed the agent. Advertisement OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said at a meeting Wednesday of the organizations executive council that a BZ precursor known as 3Q was contained in the control sample prepared by the OPCW lab in accordance with the existing quality control procedures. He added that it has nothing to do with the samples collected by the OPCW team in Salisbury. Britains representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Peter Wilson, slammed the Russian foreign ministers comments as a breach of the treaty outlawing chemical weapons. The thing for me that was particularly alarming about Lavrovs statement is, first of all, the OPCW goes to enormous lengths to make sure that the identity of laboratories is confidential and, second of all, either the Russians are hacking the laboratories or they are making stuff up, he said. Either way, that is a violation of the confidentiality of the Chemical Weapons Convention. In a summary of its report last week, the OPCW didnt name Novichok as the nerve agent used, but it confirmed the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury. Wilson told reporters that the OPCW confirmed that they found what we found, and that is a Novichok. Russias representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Alexander Shulgin, repeated Moscows denials and accused Britain of a string of lies. For now, I will only say one thing: The claim that the Technical Secretariat confirmed that this chemical points to its Russian origin is an outright lie, he said in a statement posted on his embassys website. The report itself does not say a single word about the name Novichok; the CWC simply does not contain such a concept. Advertisement Shulgin at a later news conference accused Britain of trying to turn the executive council meeting into a kangaroo court and suggested that Britain could have arranged the attack on the Skripals to counter domestic tension over Britains withdrawal from the European Union. Perhaps the government of Theresa May, weakened by the troubles associated with Brexit, needs society to rally around this government, he said. Shulgin also said Russia wouldnt accept the results of any report on the matter unless it gets full access to investigation details, consular access to the Skripals, and participation in the investigation by Russian experts. The envoy also spent several minutes of digression on Britains alleged very impressive experience of using poison abroad, including involvement in the 1916 poisoning of Rasputin, a self-styled mystic who held great influence with Czar Nicholas IIs wife. Advertisement The Skripals were hospitalized for weeks in critical condition. Yulia Skripal was discharged last week from Salisbury District Hospital, where her father continues to be treated. Wilson said at the meeting that London continues to believe evidence points to Russian involvement in the attempted assassination. We believe that only Russia had the technical means, operational experience and motive to target the Skripals, Wilson said. Wilson warned that the Chemical Weapons Convention was being undermined by a growing use of nerve agents and other poisons, mentioning the 2017 assassination in Malaysia of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns estranged half brother, in addition to the Salisbury attack and the use of poison gas in Syria and Iraq. Advertisement It is being continually violated, Wilson told reporters. He said the convention would be strengthened if all nations fully declared any stockpiles they still have. Member states are supposed to declare all their chemical weapons stocks upon joining the OPCW and destroy them. The OPCW and Russia last year celebrated the destruction of the countrys final declared stocks. Russia clearly has chemical weapons they are not declaring, and they need to do that, Wilson said. China carried out live-fire military drills off its southeastern coast Wednesday in what was seen as a warning to Taiwan of the consequences of pursuing independence from Beijing. Artillery rounds were fired in a zone about six miles off the coast of southeastern China and 108 miles from Taiwan, a Ministry of National Defense spokesman in Taipei said. China intends for the 16-hour drills to discourage Taiwanese from seeking legal independence from the Communist leadership in Beijing, analysts say. Taiwan held its own military drills late last week. They will try to use it as way to influence the people of Taiwan, said Lo Chih-cheng, a ruling party lawmaker in the islands parliament. This is sort of public opinion warfare rather than a military threat. Advertisement President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan at a naval drill April 13 to boost defense readiness. (TAIWAN MILITARY NEWS AGENCY ) China claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory, but the two have been ruled separately since the Chinese civil war of the 1940s. Taiwan government opinion surveys show that more than 80% of Taiwanese oppose unification with China, though some are more comfortable with todays de facto autonomy than with legal independence. The Chinese governments Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman, Ma Xiaoguang, said Friday in connection with the drills that his government was ready to strike down any push for independence. Id like to emphasize again that we have resolute willingness, ample confidence and plenty of ability to defeat any kind of Taiwan independence and defend our countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, the spokesman said in a statement. That comment intends to intimidate Taiwan, the Mainland Affairs Council of the Taiwan government said in a statement Monday. Taiwan will never give in to the threats of the Beijing authorities, it said. Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen rejects Beijings idea that both sides belong to a single China. The two governments have not spoken formally since she took office in 2016. Tsais Democratic Progressive Party also includes senior members who support legal independence. Since Tsai started her term, China has also sent an aircraft carrier through the strait, flown military aircraft near the island and blocked Taiwan from participating with the United Nations, officials in Taipei say. China also held a live-fire drill near Taiwan two years ago. Wednesdays drills come during Tsais four-day trip to Swaziland. The country in southern Africa is one of 20 that recognize Taiwan diplomatically compared to the more than 170 that instead recognize China. The defense ministry in Taipei said it was following Chinas movements at sea and said Taiwan citizens should not be alarmed. Advertisement The military drills may be aimed as well at curbing further relations between Taiwan and the United States, said Yun Sun, East Asia Program senior associate at the Stimson Center think tank in Washington. Jennings is a special correspondent German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday sharply condemned a street assault in Berlin on two young men wearing Jewish skullcaps that has stoked the debate about anti-Semitism in the country. In a surprising twist, however, the victim of the attack, who identified himself on Israeli television as Adam Armoush, later told German TV that he wasnt Jewish, but an Israeli from an Arab family. Armoush told Deutsche Welle Television that he wore the skullcap to make a point to a friend who said it was risky to do so in Germany. I was saying its really safe and I wanted to prove it, but it ended like that, he said. Advertisement Regardless of Armoushs intention, it comes at a time of increased fears of anti-Semitism and indications that attacks against Jews are on the rise. A video of the attack Tuesday showing Armoush being whipped with a belt quickly went viral with people assuming that Armoush was Jewish. Merkel called the attack in the citys trendy Prenzlauer Berg neighborhood a very horrible incident and vowed the government would respond with full force and resolve against growing anti-Semitism in Germany. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas tweeted that Jews shall never again feel threatened here. Its our responsibility to protect Jewish life here, he wrote in reference to the killing of 6 million European Jews by the Nazis in the Holocaust more than 70 years ago. Berlin police said the two men with the skullcaps were 21 and 24 years old, but didnt identify them. The video doesnt show the outbreak of the fight or how it started, but Armoush told Israeli Kan TV that he was leaving his Berlin home when the three people started cursing at them. They kept cursing us and my friend asked them to stop cursing, Armoush told Israeli Kan TV in Hebrew. They started to get angry and one of them ran to me and I knew it was important to film it because there would be no way to catch him by the time police arrived. Advertisement Police said they are still looking for the attackers. Two Jewish organizations posted the video, which showed a young man attacking Armoush while yelling Yahudi! or Jew in Arabic. The head of the Central Council of Muslims in Germany, Aiman Mazyek, demanded punishment for the perpetrators, tweeting that it makes me angry to see such violence full of hatred. Theres anti-Semitism among German citizens, unfortunately, and also anti-Semitism from the Arabic-speaking region and the government will do everything [against it], Merkel told reporters. Advertisement Armoush didnt respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press. The RIAS group said Berlin saw 947 anti-Semitic incidents, including 18 attacks and 23 threats, last year. Anti-Semitic incidents have been on the rise across Germany. Several Jewish students have reported anti-Semitic bullying in schools in recent months and Israeli flags were burned during a recent protest in Berlin. Last week, a rap band that included cynical references about the Nazis Auschwitz death camp in its lyrics won the countrys most important music prize drawing strong criticism from other artists and government officials. Several past winners said they would return their awards. Advertisement German rappers Kollegah and Farid Bang receive the Hip-Hop/Urban National award during the 2018 Echo Music Awards ceremony in Berlin on Thursday. (Axel Schmidt / Associated Press ) German rappers Kollegah and Farid Bang won an Echo award for their new album, including a track that contains the line my body more defined than Auschwitz inmates. Their record company, BMG, defended the rappers Wednesday, citing artistic freedom. The musicians themselves denied anti-Semitism, but apologized for any offense caused. In a separate incident, German aid group GIZ said Wednesday that it has taken action against several employees accused of posting anti-Semitic material on social media. The group, whose biggest client is the German government, said it fired one employee, issued a written warning to another and reprimanded a third. Advertisement GIZ said last month it was alerted by reports in Israeli media to the posts by staff working in Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian territories. One featured Israels flag with a Nazi swastika beneath the words: I hate Israel. Tanja Goenner, chair of GIZs management board, said the group had no reason to assume that anti-Semitism is a general problem. Earlier this month, Germany appointed a diplomat to coordinate government activities against anti-Semitism. The deployment of chemical weapons inspectors into the Syrian city of Duma was delayed after unidentified assailants fired on a United Nations security team visiting the site of a suspected attack, an official said Wednesday. The assailants shot at the U.N. team and detonated an explosive Tuesday, prompting the security team to return to Damascus, the capital, said Ahmet Uzumcu, director general of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, or OPCW. There were no injuries reported, but Uzumcu said that at present, we do not know when the [fact-finding mission] team can be deployed to Duma. Rescue workers aligned with forces opposed to President Bashar Assad as well as medical and media activists accused the Syrian government of dropping deadly chemical munitions on Duma on April 7. Advertisement The attack, which killed more than 40 people and left hundreds wounded, was part of a government assault for control of eastern Ghouta, a collection of suburbs on the capitals eastern flank that had been in rebel hands since 2012. After the April 7 attack, opposition factions in the area ceded control of Duma. Syrian government forces moved into the city, while Chechen military police have kept vigil at its perimeter. Syrian and Russian troops as well as journalists have already accessed the site of the attack. The U.S., Britain and France, which participated last week in a strike targeting what officials said were components of the Syrian governments chemical weapons arsenal, have accused Damascus and Assad ally Moscow of obstructing the watchdog groups work and tampering with the site. Syria and Russia have denied responsibility for the April 7 attack and have accused opposition forces and Britain of staging it. Syrian state media said Tuesday that inspectors had entered Duma. The government later said a U.N. advance team had reached the city. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Tuesday that U.S. officials could not confirm whether the OPCW team had entered Duma and that any delay degrades evidence. We want [the OPCW] to be able to get in as quickly as possible, as safely as possible, but we also want that evidence to be as pure as possible for their investigation, Nauert said. Syria and Russia vehemently denied charges of obstruction. Both have long maintained that allegations of chemical weapons use are false. Advertisement The OPCW, which is mandated by the U.N., is tasked with collecting site samples, speaking to witnesses and documenting other proof of an attack. Its job is to determine whether a chemical weapons attack occurred; it cannot assign blame. The Syrian government has been accused of deploying sarin, a toxic chemical related to insecticides that is lethal to humans, in an attack on Ghouta in 2013, and a strike in 2017 on a town in the rebel-held province of Idlib. In Tuesdays briefing, Nauert said the U.S. had information that leads us to believe that both chlorine and sarin were used in the [April 7] attack. Bulos is a special correspondent. Advertisement Twitter: @nabihbulos Cape Coral police have hit the streets, hoping someone will recognize the man who held up a Cape Coral bank. Uniformed officers were going door to door early Tuesday in the area of the Fifth Third Bank at 2724 Del Prado Boulevard South, showing video-captured photos of the robber. The bank was held up at 1 p.m. Monday by a man who displayed a gun strapped beneath a shirt worn jacket-style, demanded cash, and then fled on foot. No one was harmed but nearby St. Andrew School was placed on lockdown as a precaution. Cape Coral Police Department detectives have released a composite of the bank robber, who is described as a white male 56-57, weighing approximately 200 pounds. He was wearing a blue hat featuring a cobra snake, orange button-up shirt with a white Hard Rock Cafe T-shirt underneath. Anyone with any information on this case or this mans identity are asked to contact the Cape Coral Police Department at (239) 574-3223 or 911. Lehigh Acres Middle Schools Social Studies Department will host a special presentation by Holocaust survivor Ben Alalouf on Thursday at the school beginning at 6 pm. The presentation in free and open to the public. Alalouf was born in 1941 in Skopje, Yugoslavia during the German Nazi invasion of that country. He entered the United States as part of the Safe Haven Project, the only holocaust refugee camp ever established in this country. Alalouf will share his experiences during the Holocaust and his emotional journey to the U.S. We think its very important to remember the tragedies that happened during the Holocaust. This genocide should have never happened, said Richard Keast, who teaches Gifted and Advanced U.S. History at Lehigh Middle School. This is the eighth year Keast has taught history at the school and the third year that his department has hosted a guest speaker who survived the Holocaust and shared their experiences with the students. Each year one of the departments hosts a night. We chose April because it ties in with the national holiday, Holocaust Remembrance Day or, as its called in Hebrew, Yom Hashoah. There are presently less than 500 survivors left who can share their powerful story of survival, Keast said. The word Holocaust derives from the Greek words holos (whole) and kaustos (burned), and was historically used to describe a sacrificial offering. In 1945, the word took on a different meaning under the ruling of Nazi leader Adolf Hitler, who ordered the murder of more than 6 million European Jews, gypsies and homosexuals, by the German Nazi regime during the World War II. The Holocaust was Hitlers final solution and came to fruition under the cover of world war, with mass killing centers constructed in the concentration camps of occupied Poland. According to Keast, this atrocity really hit home with both faculty and students when the school brought over a box car that was actually used to transport people to these concentration camps. Last year the school brought up a box car from Naples that was used to carry men, women and children to these camps. You could see the carvings on the walls of the small car. Amazing to see the names and initials etched into this car many years ago, said Keast. Keast also wanted to give special thanks to the schools Social Studies department head, Miguel Teixiera, for coordinating the speaker for the event. We are very pleased to have him come and speak. The kids are really excited too. We expect to have a pretty full house this year, said Keast. A complimentary spaghetti dinner will be provided for the first 150 people arriving prior to the presentation. The dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 6:00 p.m. Pizza will be available for $5 whole pizza (must be pre-ordered by April 18). Ice tea and lemonade will be complimentary and soft drinks will be available at $1 each. (must also be pre-ordered by April 18) For more information about the event or to pre-order pizza or drinks, call (239)369-6108. The school is at 104 Arthur Ave in Lehigh Acres. Resources for those who have loved ones on the autism spectrum are about to become more accessible in Southwest Florida. Non-profit Family Initiative Inc. will use $102,000 in state grant money toward the new Southwest Florida Autism Center to be built on Southwest 4th Street in Cape Coral. Organizers hope for a fall groundbreaking. This facility is designed to serve anyone in the community on the spectrum, said David Brown, president of Family Initiative. Anjali Van Drie serves as vice president. Over time, the resources gap has widened for families looking for opportunities to provide their loved ones with the support and guidance they need. Church space was rented in Fort Myers to provide assistance. Now, the state-of-the art 3,000-square-foot center will be a big step up to assist those who fall on the spectrum, officials said. Cape Coral City Councilmember Jessica Cosden, who has a daughter on the spectrum, is thrilled about the new autism center. Families with children are moving to Cape Coral at a record pace. The need for autism services in the Southwest Florida area already existed, but has been amplified by this rapid population growth. Family Initiative has changed life for my own family, so I cant wait for them to expand in Cape Coral. Many more families will benefit from David and Anjalis selfless service to the community. A 2015 government survey of parents suggests that 1 in 45 children, ages 3 through 17, have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the fastest-growing developmental disorder in the United States. Autism is found in all racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. We are going to offer clinical and support services, which is scarce Southwest Florida. To have a place that is dedicated and focused for those on the spectrum is wonderful. A large sensory room, with equipment geared towards children and young adults with ASD is one of the highlights of our residence. We want to support the transitional youth and prepare them to have success after schooling as they grow older, Brown said. Family Initiatives support for autism in Southwest Florida has already provided many residents in the area with benefits and programs for those on the spectrum. Their ASD playgroup, provides a warm and welcoming environment for children ages 5-16 to build social skills and make new friends on a weekly basis. They also have partnered with the Alliance for the Arts to offer an Autism Spectrum Diagnosis Art and Play Class for students ages 8-17 that focuses on social communication, engagement with peers, and working together as a group. We cant thank The Southwest Florida Community Foundation and Rep. Dane Eagle enough for their support. We have been working on this project for over a year and truly owe them much gratitude, added Brown. Eagle, R-77th District, was instrumental in obtaining the grant money. On Saturday, April 21, Family Initiative will hold its second annual fundraiser to support ASD families across Southwest Florida. Reeling for Autism will be held at Nervous Nellies on Fort Myers Beach. Many activities, including a fishing tournament, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, kids fishing, food and music will all benefit the autism community in the area. Any anglers wishing to register for the tournament, can do so at fi-florida.org. Older Bethlehem Area School District students sit glued to Twitter waiting to find out if they have a snow day. District parents rely on social media postings and early morning phone calls from Superintendent Joseph Roy to learn of school closures and delays. The district hopes to streamline its notification process by creating a school district phone app that can send push alerts to parents alerting them to important district information, like closures or emergencies. The school board is being asked Monday to approve a contract with NuCitrus Technologies to develop a district-branded mobile app at a cost not to exceed $2,139 with content hosting not to cost more than $100 a month in the first year. Roy said the app will allow the district to send out alerts to parents and aggregate all of its social media channels into one location. "It will complement our robocall system," Roy said. When someone downloads the app, the district will ask users to identify themselves as a parent, student, alumni or community member and opt into certain information. So, if a parent has children at Calypso Elementary and Nitschmann Middle schools, they can indicate that and get school-specific alerts via the app, Roy explained. The district hopes this is an easy way to reach all district stakeholders. Too often people get a new cell phone and forget to notify the district, so they miss out on alerts and folks with no affiliation with Bethlehem schools get woken up at 5 a.m. with a call from Roy. For now, this is a complement to the phone call system, but one day it could replace it if its successful, Roy said. The district also wants to take its student registration process digital so parents can say goodbye to the back-to-school rite of filling out 10 forms for each kid, Roy said. "This is something I have wanted to do for years now," Roy said. "...The intent is that it is easier for parents, but it is also a huge time saver on the administrative secretarial side." The school board is being asked to approve a three-year software contract with SRC Solutions, Inc., at a cost of $55,000 in the first year and $50,000 each following year. All of these elements tie into the district's efforts to take its emergency preparedness efforts digital via a new school safety software program that will take all of its plans digital, putting them into an app easily loaded onto staff members' phones. The school board is scheduled to vote on all of the software contracts at its regular meeting at 7p.m. Monday, April 23 at East Hills Middle School. Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Lehigh Valley International Airport is hoping a new space will make it easier for passengers with sensory disabilities to visit the airport. The airport in Hanover Township, Lehigh County, is partnering with The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties to construct a sensory room for passengers with intellectual or developmental disabilities, such as autism. The room, off the Wilfred M. "Wiley" post departure concourse, will include specialized flooring, low-frequency lighting, a mounted projector and other sensory equipment. It is currently under construction, but it expected to open next month. This is the first airport sensory room in the northeast U.S., and only a few airports in the world have these type of rooms, said Bruce Seidel, director for development at the local Arc. The Arc partnered with Delta to open a multi-sensory room in 2016 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, and Shannon Airport in Ireland opened its quiet room a year ago. Seidel said the room can also be used by passengers with post-traumatic stress disorder, or dementia. "They are incredible," Seidel said of the rooms. On Wednesday, three Arc clients helped spackle the room's walls. Anthony Iannotta, from Easton, was the tallest of the three and helped reach the higher screw holes. His father, Dennis, said the family uses LVIA to travel to Florida. "This is amazing. This is very pioneering," Dennis Iannotta said of the sensory room. He discussed how taking a flight can be an anxious endeavor for the passenger and their family. Unknowns include bad weather, canceled flights, long security lines or problems on the flight itself. "You go through all the scenarios in your head. You think about renting a car instead of flying. You just don't know what the needs are going to be," he said. "It's hard to believe people in airports haven't thought of this sooner. It's amazing." Joseph Mancini, director of programs at The Arc, said the nonprofit raised a "significant amount of funds" to help outfit the room. His daughter Lillian, 9, was helping to spackle. Passengers with sensory disorders face overwhelming hurdles at airports such as loud noises, bright lights, crowds of people and close spaces, all before they even board a flight. The sensory room "really just allows the individual to desensitize," Mancini said, noting LVIA's room is available to passengers before or after a flight. Next month LVIA is hosting its fourth annual "Wings for All" event with The Arc; the event is a national airport rehearsal program for people with autism or other developmental disabilities. The 75 spots have already filled up. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Salisbury Township police investigator asked Tuesday for the public's help in identifying a male perpetrator of credit card theft. Detective Christopher Casey said he is working with investigators with the Whitehall Township and Bethlehem police departments on a joint probe into fraudulent purchases made with stolen credit cards. The cards used had been stolen from vehicles, Casey said. Police circulated photos said to show the perpetrator of $1,017 in fraudulent purchases made March 16 at Walmart in Whitehall Township. Purported photo of credit card fraud theft sought by investigators in Salisbury and Whitehall township and Bethlehem City. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) Police asked anyone who can identify him to contact Detective Christopher Casey at ccasey@salisburytownshippa.org or 610-797-1447, ext. 5880. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Authorities are asking anyone who may find debris from Tuesday's deadly engine failure on a Southwest flight over Berks County to report it to the FBI. Pennsylvania State Police said the "catastrophic event" involving Southwest flight 1380 occurred over northern Berks County. Part of the engine's covering was later found in Penn Township, near Bernville, WFMZ-TV 69 News reports. Any additional debris found should be reported to the FBI Allentown office at 610-433-6488. The National Transportation Safety Board asked anyone with video or photos regarding the Southwest engine failure to contact the board at witness@ntsb.gov. Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank vice president and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, was identified as the woman who died. Passengers reported that shrapnel from the engine ripped a hole in the plane, and they had to hold on to Riordan to keep her from being sucked out of the fuselage. The flight, which left LaGuardia at 10:27 a.m. with 149 people aboard, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, and emergency crews raced to the woman and used a defibrillator in an attempt to save her life, passengers said. Riordan's death is the first passenger fatality in an accident involving a U.S. airline since 2009. The NTSB is investigating the incident; Chairman Robert Sumwalt said the board preliminarily determined the cause as "engine failure." A NTSB news conference is scheduled for 4:40 p.m. at Philadelphia International Airport, and Sumwalt is expected to speak. Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Bushkill Township man admitted Wednesday he killed his cousin, tried to kill his cousin's wife and shot his cousin's dog. By pleading guilty to murder, 61-year-old John Hann will not face the death penalty. Hann killed his cousin, Joseph Mullner, 64, of Lehigh Township, on Oct. 4. He shot Mullner's wife, Melinda multiple times. She survived by playing dead, police said. Northampton County Assistant District Attorney Terence Houck said Melinda Mullner was in the hospital for five and a half months after the shooting. She lost her spleen and kidney and parts of her stomach and large intestine due to the gunshots. Hann came to the Mullners' home that day for an unannounced visit. With him was his sister, who has Down Syndrome, police said. Judge Craig Dally will preside over a degree of guilt hearing on Sept. 24 to determine whether Hann committed first-degree, or premeditated murder, or whether he committed third-degree murder, which is a killing done in the heat of passion. If he's convicted of first-degree murder he will never be eligible for parole. Even if he's acquitted, he still faces significant prison time. He pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder and cruelty to animals, Houck said. Defense attorney Gary Asteak said his case will focus on Hann's state of mind at the time of the crime, what prompted the crime and the "mental dynamics" of Hann. "You know what happened. You don't know why it happened," Asteak said. "You're going to find out why it happened when we go to trial." The murder was in the evening and police tracked Hann down the next morning after an overnight manhunt. He was in a truck on Oakland Road near a home Hann owns in Bethlehem Township. Police said Hann threatened to kill himself in the truck. Schools were locked down for two and a half hours until he finally turned himself in, police said. The sister with Down Syndrome watched Hann start shooting without warning, according to Pennsylvania state Trooper Raymond Judge. "She was standing in the area of the rec room in a state of shock throughout the entire incident," Judge said. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. Is the Trump administration going to levy additional sanctions against Russia for its alleged role in chemical attacks in Syria? That's the subject of some confusion inside the White House. On Sunday, Nikki Haley, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told interviewers that new sanctions against Russian companies assisting Syria's chemical weapons program would be announced Monday. That statement seemed to take the White House aback. National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow said Haley might have been confused about the president's position. Haley responded, "I don't get confused." On Monday, the National Security Council issued a memo explaining that new sanctions were still being weighed. On Wednesday, two sources told Bloomberg News the administration has no immediate plans to impose more sanctions. A Russian Foreign Ministry official said the White House had notified the Russian embassy to say it has no plans for further sanctions. What do you think? Should the U.S. levy additional sanctions against Russia? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to join the conversation in the comments section. UPDATE from BANGOR POLICE: "The May 15 target date for this initiative is being suspended to allow more time to complete a comprehensive plan." INITIAL POST: Bangor police Chief Scott Felchock has a message for those who rent homes to drug dealers. "Beginning May 15th of this year, the Bangor Police Department will post and publish the name of the property owner where drug sales arrests are made," he said on Facebook. "Don't be an absentee property owner. Your name and address are part of the public record." After several recent drug arrests in the Slate Belt borough, the chief wants to put those -- especially out-of-town -- landlords on notice if they "just turn a blind eye" when it comes their tenants and "are just in it for the rent money." Landlords have inspection rights, Felchock said. The public-shaming possibility "might force them" to check on their properties more often, he said. "I think it's time now to make people a little more responsible for who they are renting to," the 20-year veteran of the Bethlehem police force said. He's been chief for four years in Bangor. About half of borough landlords live in places such as New York and New Jersey while the other 50 percent reside locally, he said. "In our borough here, it's time to start making people accountable," he said In his tenure in Bangor -- which he said reflects the time on the job for borough Manager Nathaniel Dysard -- Felchock said together they have improved the community. While declining to comment directly on Felchock's effort to publicly identify landlords after drug busts, Dysard said he agrees there's been some success in the borough. "You can certainly see the town is moving forward," Dysard said. "Housing stock is improving. The value of housing has gone up." While drugs often come into Bangor from New York and New Jersey via Interstate 80, then down Route 611 to Routes 191 and 512, many of the dealers are homegrown, Felchock said. "The large majority have been there the majority of their lives," he said. Sure, maybe they were raised in Pen Argyl, then grew up and moved to Bangor, but trouble hasn't really migrated from the east as it has along Interstate 78, for example, the chief said. Bangor's dealers don't tend to bounce around addresses, as they do in Easton, but are more likely to rent a half-double home for a year or more, Felchock said. The borough has a quality of life ordinance and if someone violates it three times, they can be evicted, he said. Tenants can appeal that ruling, but they don't, he added. They're more likely to move when the violation notice arrives, he said. But since the Northampton County District Attorney's Office doesn't really have tools to punish landlords who rent to drug dealers, Felchock will make the names public, likely on the department's Facebook page. A recent post there got about 7,000 views when announcing drug arrests, he said. The borough has fewer than 5,200 residents, according to a 2106 U.S. Census update. "The sharing of that information quickly populates the views," he said of Facebook's impact with borough police posts. He's hoping by going public, he can change landlord behavior. "I think it's more of an awareness thing," Felchock said, and that's why he announced it a month early. "Maybe peer pressure" will force landlords to get more involved, he added. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Phillipsburg Town Council has delayed its vote to pull its legally required public notices from The Express-Times, the most-circulated newspaper in town. The town is considering publishing its public notices -- which include ordinances, meeting change announcements, budgets and other activity that appear in the newspaper's classifieds section -- instead with both a competitor and a sister publication of The Express-Times, both of which have far lower circulations in Phillipsburg. The decision to table the vote comes one day after two elected officials in favor of the change said their decision is based on news coverage of the town council by The Express-Times, an affiliate of lehighvalleylive.com. Richard Vezza, an executive with The Express-Times' parent company New Jersey Advance Media, has said the company will be exploring legal options. There are 11,561 households in Phillipsburg, according to Express-Times circulation data. The Express-Times daily circulation is 2,783, and 3,095 on Sundays. The Morning Call's daily Phillipsburg circulation is 156, and 165 on Sundays. The Star-Gazette reaches nine people in town when it publishes on Thursdays. The Morning Call is a competitor with The Express-Times. The Star-Gazette is a weekly and part of New Jersey Advance Media, along with The Express-Times, The Star-Ledger, lehighvalleylive.com and nj.com. Public notices published in the Star-Gazette paper would still appear on both websites, though not in The Express-Times. At Tuesday night's meeting, Council President Robert Fulper said he has been in talks with The Morning Call, which he said is looking to expand its coverage in the area. "I ... don't believe it would be a bad idea to have some competition here in town," Fulper said. Councilman Josh Davis unsuccessfully urged the council to reject the motion outright, at least until the Call shows it can boost its circulation here, he said. Until then, Davis said The Express-Times is "the de facto newspaper of Phillipsburg" and the one where residents are most likely to see legal notices. "I don't think we should be shopping based on coverage," Davis said. "Because it would have a chilling effect on all of us when governments are getting involved in what newspapers are covering." Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Business Billion Dollar Deal for SMEs signed in Cape Town 18.04.2018 13:00:42 - Jacques Magliolo, CEO of Magliolo Enterprises (which wholly-owns corporate advisory companies Business Consultants International (BCI) and BCI Venture Capital) today signed a business deal worth US$6 billion (live-PR.com) - Jacques Magliolo, CEO of Magliolo Enterprises (which wholly-owns corporate advisory companies Business Consultants International (BCI) and BCI Venture Capital) today signed a business deal worth US$6 billion. This is the largest single corporate deal signed by any independent South African corporate advisory company. The essence of the deal is to conduct due diligence and research on complex industries for the radical - Jacques Magliolo, CEO of Magliolo Enterprises (which wholly-owns corporate advisory companies Business Consultants International (BCI) and BCI Venture Capital) today signed a business deal worth US$6 billion.This is the largest single corporate deal signed by any independent South African corporate advisory company. The essence of the deal is to conduct due diligence and research on complex industries for the radical restructuring needed to place South African industry and markets at the top of the global map. "We need to be more aggressive," says Magliolo. "Time to take our place in the corporate world." Far too many South African companies have failed in Africa and Australia. The deal is still under confidentiality restrictions, but the essence is that a FUND has been established worth US$6 billion for the acquisition of part of complete stake in South African companies; any sector in any part of South Africa. The deal states the following: 1. Your company must pass Due Diligence, based on International Best Practice research; 2. The directors of the company must take part of three half-day workshops on the expected potential operational and financial required restructuring needed to establish global competitiveness. 3. A valuation is drafted. 4. Depending on the company's requirements, a prospectus and/or a business plan may be required. Once the above has been completed, a presentation will be made to the investment committee of BCI. A decision will then be made, which covers the costs of: 1. Undertake restructuring; 2. List the Business on the JSE; 3. Acquire part or complete shareholding; and 4. costs of expansion, acquisition etc. MORE ABOUT BCI CEO: JACQUES MAGLIOLO Jacques is a specialist in undertaking highly technical economic due diligences, research and feasibility studies on complex industries, such a mining, defence force, astrophysics, chemical and water related industries. Basic Info: MCom (Econ) Born: 1961 Country: Morocco Citizenship: South African Cell: +27 (0) 72 210 2139 Currently completing his PHD in economics (Stellenbosch University) Has written 17 financial books. Five are university textbooks. Corporate advisor in over 1500 projects since June 2000. Associate to Chamber of Mines and numerous stockbroking firms Sits on various Boards of JSE/ALTX listed and private companies Former director and Head of Research for SA Stockbrokers Global Capital Securities. Currently Group CEO of Business Consultants International Member of SA Mining Research House Coaltech Associate Member: Surface Environment Steering Committee EXAMPLE OF PROJECTS COMPLETE ANGLO AMERICAN CORPORATION The Circular Economy: Benchmarking Anglo American Commodities eMalahleni Water Treatment Due Diligence Economic Analysis of Ammonium Sulphate & Mixed Metal Nitrates Economic Analysis of Gypsum Pricing Report Financial Modelling: Kromdraai Water Treatment Plant Mapping the Global Water Treatment Industry Assessment of a coal-based by-product: Brine Water Treatment Plant Due Diligence Water Treatment Plant analysis & Due Diligence - eMalahleni ANGLO & GOLDER ASSOCIATES Institutional Framework for Water Treatment COALTECH & CHAMBER OF MINES FEASIBILITY STUDIES ON CHEMICAL PROCESSING PLANTS: Eutectic Freeze Crystallization Ion Exchange ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Magnesium Hydroxide Magnesium Sulphate Potassium Nitrate Potassium Chloride Sodium Sulphate Sodium Chloride Sodium Nitrate OTHER INDUSTRIES Agriculture: Tobacco Fertilizer: Farmers co-op analysis of BEE Ammonia: Competition Board Petroleum Exploration - Africa: EIA Oil Exploration & Oil rigs (JSE Listed) Aviation (charter cargo African & South American markets) DRC: Gold: African Union Social development: Somalia Domain Mining USA Various report: Eastern Cape Development Corporation Universities: Aids in Africa Astro-physics Rehabilitation of mine land DUE DILIGENCE, STRATEGY AND TURNAROUND STRATEGIES, INCLUDES: JSE companies: Spescom, AECI, PPC Industry analysis: Cement industry: dismantling the SA Cement Cartel Cape Town Sewage SA Infrastructure If you are interested and need capital, call Jacques Magliolo on +27 (0) 72 210 2139 or restructuring needed to place South African industry and markets at the top of the global map."We need to be more aggressive," says Magliolo. "Time to take our place in the corporate world." Far too many South African companies have failed in Africa and Australia.The deal is still under confidentiality restrictions, but the essence is that a FUND has been established worth US$6 billion for the acquisition of part of complete stake in South African companies; any sector in any part of South Africa.The deal states the following:1. Your company must pass Due Diligence, based on International Best Practice research;2. The directors of the company must take part of three half-day workshops on the expected potential operational and financial required restructuring needed to establish global competitiveness.3. A valuation is drafted.4. Depending on the company's requirements, a prospectus and/or a business plan may be required.Once the above has been completed, a presentation will be made to the investment committee of BCI.A decision will then be made, which covers the costs of:1. Undertake restructuring;2. List the Business on the JSE;3. Acquire part or complete shareholding; and4. costs of expansion, acquisition etc.MORE ABOUT BCI CEO: JACQUES MAGLIOLOJacques is a specialist in undertaking highly technical economic due diligences, research and feasibility studies on complex industries, such a mining, defence force, astrophysics, chemical and water related industries.Basic Info: MCom (Econ) Born: 1961 Country: Morocco Citizenship: South African Cell: +27 (0) 72 210 2139 Currently completing his PHD in economics (Stellenbosch University) Has written 17 financial books. Five are university textbooks. Corporate advisor in over 1500 projects since June 2000. Associate to Chamber of Mines and numerous stockbroking firms Sits on various Boards of JSE/ALTX listed and private companies Former director and Head of Research for SA Stockbrokers Global Capital Securities. Currently Group CEO of Business Consultants International Member of SA Mining Research House Coaltech Associate Member: Surface Environment Steering CommitteeEXAMPLE OF PROJECTS COMPLETEANGLO AMERICAN CORPORATION The Circular Economy: Benchmarking Anglo American Commodities eMalahleni Water Treatment Due Diligence Economic Analysis of Ammonium Sulphate & Mixed Metal Nitrates Economic Analysis of Gypsum Pricing Report Financial Modelling: Kromdraai Water Treatment Plant Mapping the Global Water Treatment Industry Assessment of a coal-based by-product: Brine Water Treatment Plant Due Diligence Water Treatment Plant analysis & Due Diligence - eMalahleniANGLO & GOLDER ASSOCIATES Institutional Framework for Water TreatmentCOALTECH & CHAMBER OF MINESFEASIBILITY STUDIES ON CHEMICAL PROCESSING PLANTS: Eutectic Freeze Crystallization Ion ExchangeECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CHEMICAL PRODUCTS Magnesium Hydroxide Magnesium Sulphate Potassium Nitrate Potassium Chloride Sodium Sulphate Sodium Chloride Sodium NitrateOTHER INDUSTRIES Agriculture: Tobacco Fertilizer: Farmers co-op analysis of BEE Ammonia: Competition Board Petroleum Exploration - Africa: EIA Oil Exploration & Oil rigs (JSE Listed) Aviation (charter cargo African & South American markets) DRC: Gold: African Union Social development: Somalia Domain Mining USA Various report: Eastern Cape Development Corporation Universities: Aids in Africa Astro-physics Rehabilitation of mine landDUE DILIGENCE, STRATEGY AND TURNAROUND STRATEGIES, INCLUDES: JSE companies: Spescom, AECI, PPC Industry analysis: Cement industry: dismantling the SA Cement Cartel Cape Town Sewage SA InfrastructureIf you are interested and need capital, call Jacques Magliolo on +27 (0) 72 210 2139 or jacques@bci.za.com and he will call you back. Press Information: Business Consultants International cape town Contact Person: Jacques Magliolo Phone: +27 (0) 72 210 2139 eMail: eMail Web: http://www.bci.za.com 18.04.2018 13:00:42 - Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party. Health Prof. Ugur Sahin receives prestigious European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant for personalized cancer vaccines 18.04.2018 10:14:07 - (live-PR.com) - Mainz, Germany, April 18, 2018 - Prof. Ugur Sahin, Managing Director Research and Science at TRON (Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH), has been awarded one of the prestigious ERC Advanced Grants 2017 for his project 'SUMMIT - Stepping Up mRNA Mutanome Immunotherapy', totaling 2.5 Million Euros over 5 years. The SUMMIT project - Mainz, Germany, April 18, 2018 - Prof. Ugur Sahin, Managing Director Research and Science at TRON (Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH), has been awarded one of the prestigious ERC Advanced Grants 2017 for his project 'SUMMIT - Stepping Up mRNA Mutanome Immunotherapy', totaling 2.5 Million Euros over 5 years. The SUMMIT project will be conducted by Prof. Sahin and his team at TRON, an internationally leading research institute in the development of personalized therapy concepts and biomarkers in the field of oncology. The ERC Advanced Grants are awarded to well-established, leading principal investigators to pursue ground-breaking projects. SUMMIT is one of the 269 projects proposed for funding out of 2,167 submitted proposals within the 2017 application round. Immunotherapy is fundamentally changing the treatment of cancer patients. Personalized vaccines eliciting immune responses against individual cancer mutations have recently moved into the therapy spotlight. Prof. Ugur Sahin is a translational cancer researcher and pioneer in the field of personalized cancer immunotherapy. To date, his work has resulted in more than 70 independent patents, 10 first-in-human clinical studies and advanced development programs of novel cancer therapeutics. "Personalized medicine as a standard-of-care for cancer is a long-standing vision of mine, and I founded TRON in 2010 in order to help me turn this vision into reality. I am thrilled about the funding from the ERC for SUMMIT as it fosters cutting-edge research on two levels: bringing innovative solutions to patients in an area of high unmet medical need, and supporting TRON scientists performing the crucial research for these therapies," said Prof. Sahin. "We are delighted that Ugur Sahin has been awarded the ERC Advanced Grant for his proposal, SUMMIT, and moreover that he plans to carry out this research program at TRON. TRON as a scientific organization was founded on its strong competencies in translational oncology, and the administration of this funding here at TRON not only brings us closer to Prof. Sahin's vision of personalized medicine in cancer therapy, but will be integral in further building TRON's profile as a center of excellence in cancer diagnostics and immune therapies. We are therefore excited to support Prof. Sahin in every capacity," said Michael Foehlings, Managing Director of TRON. Prof. Sahin is also Professor of Translational Oncology and Immunology of the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany. "The ERC Advanced Grant shows once more that Prof. Sahin is one of the outstanding researchers in the field of individual and personalized cancer immunotherapy," said Prof. Ulrich Foerstermann, Scientific Director and Dean, University Medical Center Mainz. "Thanks to Prof. Sahin, we generate immunotherapies 'made in Mainz' and shape the future of oncology." ### About TRON TRON is a leading not-for-profit research organization located in Mainz, Germany, and pursuing new diagnostics and drugs for the immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer and other severe diseases with high medical need. With its core competencies of highly specialized technologies and platforms for cancer immunology, TRON collaborates with academic institutions and biopharmaceutical companies in the development of innovative products. More information about TRON can be found at Contact: TRON gGmbH Dr. Karen Chu Project and Cooperation Management Karen.Chu@tron-mainz.de Tel. +49 6131-2161-204 akampion Dr. Ludger Wess / Ines-Regina Buth Managing Partners info(at)akampion.com Tel. +49 40 88 16 59 64 Tel. +49 30 23 63 27 68 will be conducted by Prof. Sahin and his team at TRON, an internationally leading research institute in the development of personalized therapy concepts and biomarkers in the field of oncology.The ERC Advanced Grants are awarded to well-established, leading principal investigators to pursue ground-breaking projects. SUMMIT is one of the 269 projects proposed for funding out of 2,167 submitted proposals within the 2017 application round.Immunotherapy is fundamentally changing the treatment of cancer patients. Personalized vaccines eliciting immune responses against individual cancer mutations have recently moved into the therapy spotlight. Prof. Ugur Sahin is a translational cancer researcher and pioneer in the field of personalized cancer immunotherapy. To date, his work has resulted in more than 70 independent patents, 10 first-in-human clinical studies and advanced development programs of novel cancer therapeutics."Personalized medicine as a standard-of-care for cancer is a long-standing vision of mine, and I founded TRON in 2010 in order to help me turn this vision into reality. I am thrilled about the funding from the ERC for SUMMIT as it fosters cutting-edge research on two levels: bringing innovative solutions to patients in an area of high unmet medical need, and supporting TRON scientists performing the crucial research for these therapies," said Prof. Sahin."We are delighted that Ugur Sahin has been awarded the ERC Advanced Grant for his proposal, SUMMIT, and moreover that he plans to carry out this research program at TRON. TRON as a scientific organization was founded on its strong competencies in translational oncology, and the administration of this funding here at TRON not only brings us closer to Prof. Sahin's vision of personalized medicine in cancer therapy, but will be integral in further building TRON's profile as a center of excellence in cancer diagnostics and immune therapies. We are therefore excited to support Prof. Sahin in every capacity," said Michael Foehlings, Managing Director of TRON.Prof. Sahin is also Professor of Translational Oncology and Immunology of the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany."The ERC Advanced Grant shows once more that Prof. Sahin is one of the outstanding researchers in the field of individual and personalized cancer immunotherapy," said Prof. Ulrich Foerstermann, Scientific Director and Dean, University Medical Center Mainz. "Thanks to Prof. Sahin, we generate immunotherapies 'made in Mainz' and shape the future of oncology."###About TRONTRON is a leading not-for-profit research organization located in Mainz, Germany, and pursuing new diagnostics and drugs for the immunotherapeutic treatment of cancer and other severe diseases with high medical need. With its core competencies of highly specialized technologies and platforms for cancer immunology, TRON collaborates with academic institutions and biopharmaceutical companies in the development of innovative products.More information about TRON can be found at www.tron-mainz.de Contact:TRON gGmbHDr. Karen ChuProject and Cooperation ManagementTel. +49 6131-2161-204akampionDr. Ludger Wess / Ines-Regina ButhManaging Partnersinfo(at)akampion.comTel. +49 40 88 16 59 64Tel. +49 30 23 63 27 68 Contact information: TRON gGmbH Contact Person: Author: Ines-Regina Buth e-mail Web: http://www.akampioneer.com Phone: 030-23632768 18.04.2018 10:14:07 - Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party. Stock Market News CYBG to operate below guidance as PPI costs escalate 18-04-2018 08:54 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News Director dealings: Keller finance director acquires 24,736 ordinary shares 18-04-2018 15:00 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Stock Market News EU shows increased support for proposed Iran sanctions 18-04-2018 16:21 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. 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They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk For the second time in three games, the fifth-ranked Marshall Thundering Herd mens soccer team played to a draw against No. 10 Kentucky in front of a standing-room-only crowd of 1,728. Properties / Homes The outdoor living space combines privacy and interaction while the interior home features neutral tones with the use of wood, stone and wrought metals to set a timeless rustic charm, all designed to blend in seamlessly with nature offering homeowners the enjoyment of both life and healing. Apr 17, 2018 | By Andrea Sim Blissful Paradise: La Garibaldina Costa Smeralda, Italy Set on a hillside surrounded by rocky hideaways, olive groves and allotments, the La Garibaldina Costa Smeralda situated in Sardinia, Italy is an impressive estate offering privacy and some of the regions most magnificent and charming scenic views along with a spacious yet enviable outdoor living. The highly desirable location is close to the beaches, marinas and the village of San Pantaleo. The bespoke property resides on a landscape that has been thoughtfully-designed to integrate people with nature. The entire development features six separate residences, comprising of the main living area, master accommodation with four en-suite double bedrooms and four guesthouses, all sprawling over an interior size of 10,212 sq ft. The bespoke home exudes touches of neutral tones with the use of wood, stone and wrought metals to set a timeless rustic charm, whilst providing homeowners a quaint setting within a luxury space to live, entertain and rejuvenate. Homeowners who prefer a quieter pursuit can head over to the outdoor terrace to practice yoga, enjoy a leisure swim at the infinity pool, overlooking the archipelago of La Maddalen, or simply go for a relaxing stroll to take in the views of the nearby ocean, hills and mountains. The residence features also a remarkable outdoor entertaining areas, including a fully equipped outdoor kitchen, barbecue and traditional pizza oven, all so perfect for sunset feasts. Dont forget to pop open a bottle of bubbly to kick start the wonderful evening! Visit Christies International Real Estate to make enquiries on the featured property. (Source: Christies International Real Estate) Perhaps the most notable litigation case before the Beijing Intellectual Property Court (the court) in the year of 2017 was the case Iwncomm v Sony Mobile, which is the first standard-essential patent (SEP)-based injunction granted by a Chinese court and involves several interesting topics, including infringement determination on method claims concerning multiple executing entities, infringement activity during research and development, manufacture and test, patent exhaustion on method of use patents, contributory infringement involving non-business user activity, injunctions in an SEP case and determination of damages based on royalty. This article will discuss this high profile case and these topics. More and more SEP-based infringement litigation cases have been emerging, and this article therefore also tries to provide some strategic suggestions for defendants in such litigation cases. Background of the case WAPI (Wireless Local Area Network Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure) is a Chinese national standard for wireless connection. The Chinese government promoted this standard as a Chinese domestic version of WiFi with better security performance, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China approved WAPI's compulsory use in mobile phones in 2009. Iwncomm, a Xi'an based company, is the major contributor to the standardisation of the WAPI standard. It made a declaration in 2003 with the National Information Technology Standardisation Committee of China stating that the WAPI standard might incorporate its patents and that it will license these patents to any implementers on fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory (FRAND) terms. Although it was not identified which patents were SEPs for the WAPI standard, Sony Mobile admitted during the litigation that the asserted patent ZL02139508.X was a WAPI SEP. Iwncomm and Sony Mobile had a long licensing negotiation before the lawsuit was launched. Iwncomm demanded Sony Mobile sign a licensing agreement as early as 2009, but the two parties continuously argued on issues relating to claim chart and non-disclosure agreement from 2009 to 2015 and could not reach an agreement. Finally, Iwncomm filed the patent infringement lawsuit against 35 models of WAPI-compliant mobile phones, manufactured and sold by Sony Mobile, before the Beijing Intellectual Property Court in July 2015. As a common measure, in response to the patent infringement lawsuit, Sony Mobile filed a jurisdictional objection, which was rejected initially by the Beijing Intellectual Property Court and then by the Beijing High People's Court in the appeal case. In the meantime, Sony Mobile also filed a patent invalidation request against the asserted patent of Iwncomm before the Patent Re-examination Board (PRB) of the State Intellectual Property Office of China, but the PRB confirmed the validity of the patent in February 2016. Regarding the patent infringement litigation case, the Beijing Intellectual Property Court held the first court hearing in February 2016, then several court discussions on cross-examinations and a last court hearing in December 2016. Finally, the court issued a judgment in March 2017 in Iwncomm's favour, with Sony Mobile determined as an infringer and subjected to an injunction and damages of over CNY 9 million (about USD 1.4 million). Infringement determination on method claims involving multiple executing entities Claims of the asserted patent ZL02139508.X protect methods of interactions among the mobile terminal (MT), the access point (AP), and the authentication server (AS) for establishing a WAPI connection, and were drafted as method steps executed by the three entities respectively. Such a drafting style is normally not recommended, since in most cases the three different entities are manufactured and sold by different parties (MT by Sony Mobile, and AP and AS by Iwncomm in this case), and no single party executes all the method steps. For methods involving interactions among different parties, it is generally advisable to draft several claim groups defining method steps executed by a single entity (for example, a claim group for methods comprising steps executed by MT only, and the other two groups for AP and AS) if claims drafted in this way still possess novelty and inventive step. However, although the claims of the asserted patent seemed not to be drafted in the preferred style, the court found direct infringement by Sony Mobile determining that Sony Mobile conducted WAPI function tests during the process of research and development, manufacture and ex-factory test of the 35 models of WAPI-compliant mobile phones, and the WAPI function test, involving operations of all the three entities, applied the methods claimed in the asserted patent. In view of the infringement determination approach applied by the court in this case, it seems that for at least electronic products having certain functions, a method claim involving multiple executing entities for implementing a function, like the claims in the asserted patent, does not have any drawback compared to a preferred method claim involving one single executing entity only. This is because it is presumed that the function will be tested at least in the ex-factory test process during which the manufacturer will employ all the related devices, like MT, AP and AS in this case, to execute the method steps as defined in the claim. What could be done by a manufacturer of an electronic product to avoid patent infringement when it confronts a national compulsory standard like WAPI and a related SEP like the asserted patent? We propose two possible strategic solutions: (1) conducting the ex-factory test in a jurisdiction where no patent right is granted for the technology and (2) devising an ex-factory test approach designed around the patent. Considering the characteristics of electronic products, the manufacturer only has to conduct an ex-factory test of functions like WAPI for a small amount of finished products, and thus conducting the ex-factory test in a free jurisdiction is possible and does not incur much extra cost. Regarding designing around the patent, taking the WAPI function test for example, one possible approach is to not set up the whole test environment comprising all the three entities, but only test whether the mobile phone or mobile terminal (MT) could correctly transmit its certificate and receive an authentication result by setting up a different environment comprising MT only and a device other than AP and AS which could also receive the certificate from MT and transmit the authentication result back to MT. Furthermore, manufacturers should keep good evidence of the overseas test or the designing around patent ex-factory test work in case of an infringement assertion by the patentee. No patent exhaustion on method of use patents Controversially, this is the first court decision in China that excludes the application of exhaustion on method of use patents. Specifically, the court did not uphold the two arguments presented by Sony Mobile regarding exhaustion of patent right on the grounds that (i) chips it purchased from Qualcomm were exclusively used to implement the patent and had no other non-infringing use and (ii) the AP and AS it used in the ex-factory test were purchased from Iwncomm. The court literally interpreted Article 69 of Chinese Patent Law which only explicitly prescribes application of exhaustion on product patents and product by process patents and drew a conclusion that exhaustion is not applicable to method of use patents. Sony Mobile has appealed this case to the Beijing High People's Court. Interestingly, in Article 131 of the Guidelines for determining Patent Infringement (guidelines) issued in April 2017 by the Beijing High People's Court, it is stipulated that after a device exclusively used to implement a patented method is sold by the patentee or licensee of the method patent, anyone using the device to implement the method patent shall not be deemed as infringing on the patent right, which indicates that exhaustion shall apply to both the method of use patent and the product by process patent. The court decision is also contrary to the practice in other jurisdictions. For example, the US Supreme Court held in the Quanta v LG case in 2008 that a method patent might be exhausted if the only reasonable use of a product was to implement the method patent and the product had included all the inventive aspects in the method patent. The US Supreme Court also opined that eliminating exhaustion for method patents would seriously undermine the exhaustion doctrine, and patentees seeking to avoid patent exhaustion could simply draft their patent claims to describe a method rather than an apparatus; by characterizing their claims as method instead of apparatus claims, or including a method claim for the machine's patented method of performing its task, a patent drafter could shield practically any patented item from exhaustion. In view of the above, the opinion of no patent exhaustion on method of use patents by the court is controversial. We look forward to seeing developments regarding this issue in further litigation cases in China. If this court opinion is widely accepted in future cases in China, it is advisable for patent applicants to draft their apparatus claims into method of use claims, or at least include a set of method of use claims to avoid exhaustion of patent right. Contributory infringement involving non-commercial user activity Unlike the US practice, Chinese Patent Law provides that only activities for production or business purposes can constitute patent infringement, and non-business user activities are normally considered as non-infringement. Hence, traditionally, patent drafters have always tried to avoid including participation of users when drafting patent claims. However, for method claims defining operations at the user end, user activities inevitably exist, either explicitly or implicitly. As a result, determination of patent infringement for such type of claims has been a challenge in patent litigation cases in China. Since operations involving non-business user activities may not constitute direct patent infringement, patentees try to rely on indirect infringement. However, the Interpretation of the Supreme People's Court on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Disputes over Infringement of Patent Rights (II) (Interpretation (II), effective since April 1 2016) provides that where a party, clearly knowing that a certain product is a raw material, equipment, component or intermediate specially used for implementing a patent, supplies such a product to another party who commits an act of patent infringement, if the patentee claims that the provider's activity is contributory infringement, the courts shall uphold such a claim, meaning that the contributory infringement, as a type of indirect infringement, shall be based on direct infringement. Further, very similar or identical provisions are also stipulated in the proposed amendments of Chinese Patent Law and the above-mentioned guidelines of the appellate court, the Beijing High People's Court. In the absence of direct infringement, the manufacturer or seller who provides a product specially used for implementing a patent to a user will not be deemed as a contributory infringer. This case is indeed a breakthrough for this issue. The court held that Sony Mobile was liable for contributory patent infringement as long as the end user implemented the patented method, but the user did not have to be the direct infringer. The court further stated the reason for the above opinion was that for method claims regarding some patents, the entity implementing all the technical features was normally the user, and the user's implementation did not constitute patent infringement due to non-production and non-business purpose; if the doctrine that direct infringement should be the precondition of the establishment of indirect infringement was inflexibly applied, such patents of method claims could not be protected, which would be a violation of the primary intent of granting patent rights for such method claims by Chinese Patent Law. The above court opinion is the first one in China determining indirect infringement without the basis of direct infringement, which shows the court's determination to provide strong protection of intellectual property rights. This opinion is even more controversial, since it is obviously not consistent with all the above-mentioned provisions of the Interpretation (II), the proposed amendments of Chinese Patent Law, and the guidelines. If this opinion in favour of patentee is adopted in future cases, patent applicants may no longer have to avoid user elements when drafting claims, which will be a very important incentive for filing more patent applications for innovations involving user operations. However, it is still recommended at this stage to draft the patent claims without the user elements or implicitly include the user elements. Injunction and damages in SEP cases The above mentioned Interpretation (II) of the Supreme People's Court of China provides in Article 24 regarding SEPs that where recommended national, industrial or local standards explicitly disclose information on an essential patent that is relevant to such standards, and the patentee is intentionally in breach of its licensing obligations on FRAND terms, when the patentee and the accused infringer negotiate about the patent licensing conditions, thereby resulting in failure to reach a patent licensing agreement, and the alleged infringer has no obvious faults in the negotiations, the courts generally shall not uphold the patentee's claim of injunction. The above Interpretation (II) provision indicates a general standard for determining whether or not to grant injunctive relief based on willingness and fault of the patentee and the alleged infringer during the SEP licensing negotiations, and the court in this case further detailed the standard under different possible actions of the patentee and the alleged infringer. Specifically, the court held that: (i) the injunction claim of the patentee should not be upheld when both parties have no fault, or when the patentee was at fault and the SEP implementer has no fault, which was the circumstance for another high-profile case Huawei v InterDigital in 2013; (ii) the injunction claim of the patentee should be upheld when the patentee has no fault and the SEP implementer was at fault to prevent the reverse hold-up; and (iii) whether or not to grant the injunctive relief should be determined on the basis of degree of fault of both parties when they both have faults. Further, the above-mentioned guidelines of the Beijing High People's Court provide that during the SEP licensing negotiations, the patentee should notify the SEP implementer of information of the SEP and the infringement by the implementer, offer reasonable FRAND licence terms after the implementer shows its interest in a FRAND licence and provide the implementer with a reasonable period to consider the terms. The SEP implementer should respond to the patentee's infringement notice and the proposed FRAND licensing terms within a reasonable period, and should not propose unreasonable licence terms during the negotiation. The above provisions in the guidelines are substantially identical to the decision made by the Court of Justice of the European Union in the Huawei v ZTE case in 2015. The Interpretation (II), the guidelines, and the court decision in this case have shown a clear picture on how Chinese courts determine the fault of parties during the SEP licensing negotiations and whether or not to grant injunctive relief in litigation cases. During the long negotiations between Iwncomm and Sony Mobile from March 2009 to March 2015 in this case, Sony Mobile expressed doubts about whether its mobile phones infringed Iwncomm's patent right and requested Iwncomm to furnish a detailed claim chart. It insisted that the claim chart should be provided without a non-disclosure agreement. The court stated that the claim chart was not necessary in this case since the patent was an SEP for the WAPI technology and had been compulsorily implemented since 2009, and Iwncomm had explained to Sony Mobile the WAPI technology and provided the patent list and licensing agreements. Furthermore, the court considered that the claim chart might comprise opinions and claims of the patentee on the features of the patent claims and the alleged infringing products, and thus the request by the patentee of signing a non-disclosure agreement for the claim chart was reasonable. Hence, the court held that Sony Mobile deliberately delayed the negotiation process, rendering the parties unable to enter into a formal licensing negotiation procedure. The fault belonged to Sony Mobile, and the injunction claim of Iwncomm should be upheld. This was the first SEP-based injunction granted by a Chinese court. The court further upheld the damage claim by Iwncomm of three times of the royalty Iwncomm granted to third party licensees, considering that the patent was a fundamental invention in the field of wireless local area network security and was an SEP, and Sony Mobile was at fault during the negotiation. In view of the Interpretation (II), the guidelines and the court decision, the SEP owner and the SEP implementer should both show good faith and willingness to reach an SEP licensing agreement, offer reasonable FRAND licence terms, provide responses within a reasonable period and not delay or hinder the negotiation process. Considering the position of the defendant in this case, if it saw no infringement after receiving the patentee's infringement notice, it should have actively discussed the case with the patentee in a timely manner and proposed non-infringement arguments to the patentee by including grounds like those it proposed in the litigation case. By taking these actions, the defendant might not have been considered by the court as the party at fault during the negotiation, and might not have been subject to an injunction and high damages by the court, since this case involves several legal issues which have not been clarified in China in the past, including patent exhaustion on method of use patents and contributory infringement involving non-business user activity. Thus the arguments discussing these issues might have been deemed by the court as reasonable claims during the negotiation. As mentioned above, the court decision is in certain ways contradictory to the guidelines issued by the appellate court, the Beijing High People's Court, and we look forward to the decision of the Beijing High People's Court in the appeal case regarding these issues. Jacob Zhang Mr Zhang is a partner at Lung Tin. His practice focuses on patent litigation, patent invalidity, patent prosecution, patent due diligence, freedom-to-operate investigations and anti-counterfeiting, mainly in the technical areas of computer software and hardware, the internet, electronics, telecommunications, semiconductors, mechanics and automation. One of the invalidity cases handled by Mr Zhang was selected as the number one case in the top 10 cases of the Patent Re-examination Board in 2016. Li Yang Mr Li is a partner at Lung Tin where he focuses on all patent matters, with particular expertise in patent invalidation and litigation mainly in the technical areas of telecommunications, computers and electronics. Prior to joining Lung Tin in 2013, Mr Li was a senior examiner at SIPO and a deputy director in the telecommunications section of the Patent Re-examination Board, in charge of re-examinations and invalidations from 2003 to 2013. The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article The potential sale of Wynn Resorts' yet-to-be-finished Boston-area casino project, Wynn Boston Harbor, to MGM Resorts International received a nod of approval from a gaming industry analyst. John DeCree of Union Gaming told investors this week that purchasing Wynn Boston Harbor could result in a double-digit increase in return on investment for MGM than their casino project in Springfield, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports. In his report to investors, DeCree said MGM Springfield "was a great fit for MGM when the license was awarded in 2014, but MGM is a vastly different company today." The report goes on, "In 2014, MGM's total leverage was six times and the company generated $1.5 billion of domestic," the report reads. "Today, MGM's balance sheet is 4.5 times leveraged and going below four times in a hurry. The company now generates over $2.5 billion of domestic cash flow and has significantly expanded its presence on the East Coast with MGM National Harbor and The Borgata. As a substantially larger enterprise, we believe MGM is a good fit for Boston." Union Gaming is a Las Vegas-based investment bank and advisory firm. Industry insiders have confirmed to MassLive that MGM officials are exploring the purchase of Wynn Boston Harbor, a $2.4 billion casino project in Everett. Neither Wynn nor MGM officials have denied early discussions of such a sale. "We remain very excited about the Boston market," Wynn CEO Matthew Maddox said in a statement. "However, our obligation to shareholders is always to maximize the value of our assets and to mitigate risk." Numerous women came forward in recent months, detailing decades of allegations of sexual misconduct by Steve Wynn, the founder of Wynn Resorts. Wynn stepped down as CEO in February and sold the remainder of his stake in Wynn Resorts in March. Following an explosive report in the Wall Street Journal detailing allegations against Wynn, Massachusetts Gaming Commission opened an investigation into the suitability of Wynn Resorts to hold the sole eastern Massachusetts casino license. During a recent commission meeting, gaming chairman Steve Crosby told Wynn officials that the project was allowed to proceed on an "at-risk" basis. The casino has a scheduled opening date of June 2019. MGM is building a $960 million casino project in Springfield slated to open in September. State gaming regulations prohibit a casino operator from holding more than one license to operate within Massachusetts, making the sale of the Springfield casino necessary if MGM were to purchase the Boston-area project. Who would purchase the Springfield property? Springfield is "a compelling opportunity for a number of prospective buyers," DeCree told investors. DeCree listed several potential operators, including Penn National Gaming, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. Penn National pitched opening an $807 million resort in the city's North End. The proposed project featured a 300,000-square-foot casino complex, including 100,000 square feet of gaming space. MGM was chosen as the preferred casino project in the city and Penn National pursued another gaming license in Massachusetts. Penn National was awarded the state's only slots parlor license in 2014 for the Plainridge Park Casino in Southeastern Massachusetts. The licenses allows the company to operate up to 1,250 slot machines but no table games. If Penn National were to make a bid for the license currently held by MGM, the slot parlor license would need to be sold. In reaction to the Springfield casino project, Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods joined together for a satellite casino in East Windsor intended to keep gaming money in Connecticut. Before MGM was awarded the Massachusetts license and deemed a threat to Connecticut gaming operations, Mohegan Sun proposed opening a nearly $1 billion resort casino on 152 acres in Palmer near the Massachusetts Turnpike interchange. The casino plan failed by 93 votes in a 2013 town referendum. Cody Chapman, a spokesman for Mohegan Sun, told the Hartford Courant "that like everyone in the industry, we are watching what happens in Massachusetts closely." By AMANDA JERMYN Special to The Republican We humans are adapted to living on Earth, not in space. When astronauts return from the International Space Station they suffer the effects of microgravity or weightlessness such as loss of bone and muscle mass, balance disorders, loss of taste and smell, and vision problems from changes in eyeball pressure. While a spacesuit and the spacecraft itself provide protection from radiation, these measures are not perfect, and astronauts are still exposed to much higher radiation levels than on Earth. These raise the incidence of cancer, cataracts and damage to the immune system. Some of the ill effects of space travel are temporary, while others are not, and the dangers are likely to increase with longer exposure. So, as preparations proceed to send humans on a journey to Mars that could last up to three years, it's important to understand the long-term effects of space travel on the human body. Identical twin astronauts, Scott and Mark Kelly, proved the perfect subjects for such research, as identical twins start out life with the same DNA. While Scott Kelly spent almost a year on the International Space Station, breaking the record for consecutive time spent in space, Mark Kelly remained on Earth. So you might expect any changes in Scott's DNA to be due to the effects of space travel during that time. Now, two years after Scott Kelly's return to Earth, there's been a lot of hype in the media about the results of the study, including some inaccurate claims that extended time in space altered his DNA by 7 percent. DNA is complicated, and the results were clearly misconstrued. To give you an idea of how large a change 7 percent would be, human beings and cats have about 90 percent of their DNA in common, while humans and chimpanzees share about 96 percent. Furthermore, genetic variation among humans averages only about 0.1 percent. To set the record straight NASA put out a statement explaining that there was no fundamental change in Scott Kelly's DNA: "What researchers did observe are changes in gene expression, which is how your body reacts to your environment. This likely is within the range for humans under stress, such as mountain climbing or SCUBA diving. The change related to only 7 percent of the gene expression that changed during space flight that had not returned to preflight after six months on Earth. This change of gene expression is very minimal." What this means is that changes in the environment can affect whether particular genes are active or inactive, which in turn affects how the body's cells read and react to the genes. We call such changes in gene expression epigenetic. However, these epigenetic changes do not involve changes to the underlying DNA sequence. So Scott and Mark Kelly are still identical twins, even though a small percentage of their gene expression has changed. Some of the epigenetic changes observed were temporary, including changes in the length of Scott Kelly's telomeres, the caps protecting the ends of chromosomes that decrease in length as people age. His telomeres lengthened during spaceflight but returned to their preflight condition within two days of his return to Earth. Of more concern for the planned Mars mission are any long-term effects observed. Two years after Scott Kelly's return to Earth changes persist in gene expression related to his immune system, DNA repair, bone formation, hypoxia (oxygen deprivation in body tissues) and hypercapnia (excessive carbon dioxide in the bloodstream). How long these changes persist remains to be seen, and could raise safety concerns for a future mission to Mars, currently planned for the 2030s. Join the Springfield Stars Club on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Springfield Science Museum for a talk by Kenneth S. Thomas, author of "The Journey to Moonwalking," a story of the effort, sacrifice and innovation required to allow the first humans to set foot on and explore the Moon. Thomas was a spacesuit engineer for 22 years, during which time he became an expert on Apollo spacesuit development. He has been a consultant to the Space History Department of the National Air and Space Museum since 1993. Thomas was due to speak at the February Stars Club meeting but had to postpone his presentation until now. Refreshments will be served, and the public is welcome. The meeting is free for members, with a suggested donation of $2 for the general public. Also, on May 4 at 7:30 p.m., the Stars Club and the Springfield Science Museum will host "Stars over Springfield," an astronomy adventure for the whole family. Amateur astronomer Paul Cardone will give a talk on "Astrophotography at the NMNIGHTS-1 Observatory in New Mexico." A fee of $3 for adults and $2 for children under 18 will be charged. Amanda Jermyn, of Longmeadow, is vice president of the Springfield Stars Club. For more information, visit the club's website, reflector.org, like them on Facebook or call 800-336-9054. A Mexican national who was deported four times was sentenced to federal prison Tuesday for re-entering the United States again. Juan Carlos Cervantes-Rivera, 30, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Boston to eight months in federal prison followed by one year of supervised release. According to prosecutors, Cervantes-Rivera was living in Chelsea in October 2017 when law enforcement officials determined he was in the country illegally. Authorities said Cervantes-Rivera will be subject to deportation proceedings upon completion of his sentence. The board of trustees at tiny Mount Ida College, which plans to close and sell its Newton campus to UMass, repeatedly boosted the compensation of president Barry Brown and other top executives between 2013 and 2016 while the school's debt load increased, according to public filings. Brown's total compensation decreased from approximately $406,000 in fiscal 2014 to $361,000 in 2015, but then jumped to $446,000 the following year, according to forms that Mount Ida was required to file with the IRS as a tax exempt organization. The nearly 24 percent increase in fiscal 2016 -- the last year for which data is available -- coincided with a decrease in the number of hours per week that Brown reported working, from 55 to 40. A Mount Ida spokesperson attributed the change in hours to "a clerical error." Mount Ida's second highest-paid executive, head of academic affairs Ronald Akie, saw his compensation increase from around $249,000 in fiscal 2014 to $261,000 in fiscal 2016, according to the filings. Mount Ida's head of enrollment management, Jeff Cutting, also received a significant compensation bump, from $137,000 in fiscal 2015 to $174,000 in fiscal 2016. Meanwhile, between 2014 and 2016, Mount Ida's debt increased from $58 million to $68 million. Under the deal announced earlier this month, UMass will assume that debt. All 280 faculty and staff at Mount Ida are being laid off, and students have been offered admission to UMass Dartmouth. The IRS forms do not break down how much of each executive's total compensation came from salary or other sources. Mount Ida's filing for fiscal 2017, which ended last summer, is not yet available. The spokesperson said that the college had filed for an extension. "President Brown's compensation was set by the board of trustees at Mount Ida after a review of the market," the spokesperson said. "The president's compensation is in line with the median pay of presidents at peer institutions. It should be made clear that the total compensation figure includes President Brown's retirement benefits and is not only base salary." Brown, who joined Mount Ida in 2012 after serving as acting president and provost of Suffolk University, is credited with increasing the college's enrollment by around 400 students during his tenure. His annual compensation is below average for a college president. According to a study last year by the Chronicle of Higher Education, leaders of private schools nationwide earned $569,932 on average in 2015. Brown's pay is also lower than that of presidents at several other private colleges in Massachusetts with similar enrollments. They include Wheelock College, which will soon merge with Boston University, and Lasell College, which tried to acquire Mount Ida last month. Mount Ida rejected the deal, which would have allowed it to remain open, and struck the agreement with UMass two weeks later. The plan has sparked outrage among many students and their parents, and prompted inquiries by the state board of higher education and Attorney General Maura Healey. Gov. Charlie Baker joined the chorus of criticism last week, saying that Mount Ida's leadership "let down" students and employees by allowing the deficit to widen in recent years. The college has a relatively small endowment ($23.5 million) and enrollment (1,450 students). Updated at 11:46 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2018: video added. HOLYOKE -- The City Council voted 12-0 Tuesday at City Hall to approve borrowing $13.8 million to renovate three schools. The funding means that a new boiler will be installed in the summer at Kelly School at 216 West St., said Whitney G. Anderson, maintenance administrator for the Holyoke public schools. Next year, the borrowing will pay for the replacement of 1,000 windows at Kelly, Sullivan School at 400 Jarvis Ave. and Morgan School at 596 South Bridge St. The Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) has told officials here the state will reimburse the city for 77 percent of the cost. That would mean the state will pay $10.6 million and the city $3.1 million. Check back with The Republican and MassLive.com for additional coverage on the school renovations. HOLYOKE -- Mayor Alex B. Morse said Tuesday he is working with school officials on a compromise to a proposal that had called for changing some transportation to vans from mini-buses and prompted protests from workers. "Anthony Soto and I are working on a compromise plan that accomplishes our desired savings while preserving more of the existing mini buses, drivers and monitors. I will announce the exact details within the next two weeks as the specifics are still being negotiated with the companies involved," Morse said. Soto is the public schools' chief finance and operations officer. The City Council at its meeting Tuesday at 7 p.m. at City Hall is scheduled to consider orders related to the school transportation issue. Among the orders is a resolution calling on the mayor to reject the proposed school transportation contract change that has workers worried. Councilors tabled those orders at a previous meeting out of a concern such actions might be trespassing on mayoral territory. Because only the mayor can execute a contract, the decision lies with Morse, who said he is considering all information on the issue. "I should have this wrapped up by late next week," Morse said. Even though the resolution proposed by Councilor Nelson R. Roman was only advisory and lacked legal weight, Councilor at Large Joseph M. McGiverin urged caution so the Council could avoid being seen as trying to make an executive-branch decision in the contract-related matter. Representatives and members of United Food and Commercial Workers, Local 1459 have criticized the proposed change. They said changing to vans from mini-buses for transportation of some students could eliminate jobs, slash wages and reduce safety, because mini-buses are safer than vans. The change to vans from buses for some of the transportation would save $500,000 to $800,000 next year and $2.3 million to $3 million over three years, Soto said. The change has been proposed as a response to the City Council annually asking school officials to cut spending, Stephen K. Zrike, the state-apponted receiver in managing the Holyoke public schools, has said. Safety would remain the priority, Zrike and Morse have said. The union represents the bus drivers, monitors and mechanics who provide school transportation in the employ of Durham School Services of Holyoke. SPRINGFIELD -- Topics including gun legislation and the role public officials, law enforcement and the community play in ending gun violence were discussed Tuesday night during a town hall meeting in the city's North End section. Massachusetts Parents United and the Teens for Action Springfield hosted the discussion featuring panelists including Hampden District Attorney Anthony Gulluni, State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, Springfield City Councilors Kateri Walsh, Adam Gomez and Jesse Lederman, Springfield School Committee members Maria Perez and LaTonia Monroe Naylor, former city councilor Amaad Rivera and Springfield police officer Julio Toledo. Community members submitted questions before the meeting began and panelists addressed the issues of gun legislation, the role of Springfield gun manufacturer Smith & Wesson in the conversation and what the community can do to help end the violence. For many of the panelists, gun violence has affected their lives personally, including Gonzalez, whose brother was shot and killed; Gomez, who lost his best friend Jafet Robles; and Rivera, whose best friend was shot with a legal assault weapon in a New York City hospital. "I promised my best friend that I would stand up for him and so many others who deserve to have safety in their schools, churches, nightclubs," Rivera, a candidate for the Hampden District state Senate seat, said. "We need to make sure our communities are safer no matter what city they live in and what zip code they belong to." Teen Sarah Reyes, of Longmeadow, who is a member of Teens for Action Springfield, asked the panelists where they stand on the group's demand to meet with Smith & Wesson. "On March 14 a group of students protested outside their gate and demanded to speak with their CEO... and again on March 24 during the March for Our Lives rally," Reyes said, adding that the company has not responded. "How are you supporting efforts to open up a dialogue with them with an understanding that they do employee a large number of people in the community and are an institution in the community?" she asked. Lederman said he is calling on the company to respond to the teens' request. "I call on the CEO and president of Smith & Wesson to meet with the young people from Springfield who want to talk with them about their concerns related to their community," he said. "No one here is calling for Smith & Wesson to close or for employees to lose their jobs. What I have heard them call for is a dialogue on how to have a positive impact on decreasing gun violence." Guluni said he supports a conversation between Smith & Wesson executives and concerned citizens. "I think as you demand accountability and dialogue from your elected officials, to some degree corporate leaders who are vested and benefit from being in this community ... should also engage," he said. "I support the idea that the conversation is apt and should be had." Marlo Brown, a legislative aide to State Rep. Bud Williams, D-Springfield, said that while a conversation with Smith & Wesson is a fair request, the guns being used to kill people are not legal weapons. "We all know where these weapons are coming from. I can take you to the streets where these guns are being sold. It's not legal guns that are the problem, the guys who have the guns are on the block selling drugs," he said. Brown said there needs to be more for youth in the community to do. "I would want Smith & Wesson to continue helping through support of youth programs ... There is nothing for these kids to do, and then we wonder why they get in trouble," he said. When asked what the community can do to help elected officials and law enforcement solve the gun violence problem, many on the panel said showing up and getting involved is the most important thing. "Get involved in the movement," Monroe Naylor said. "A lot of times, people want to talk about it, but let's be about, it let's do something about it. Mentor a child, take a child under your wing and get in the schools." Gomez, who is also running for the Hampden District state Senate seat, said neighborhood boards, schools and volunteer organizations need people to participate. "I'm looking at tremendous people with a lot of vigor to come here and get involved with the conversation, but we need to move past this conversation," he said. "I need you to help your neighborhood boards, your school committee members. I need you to talk to your neighbors and kids on the streets." Teen Trevaughn Smith moderated the event and said he felt the discussion was informative. "I think it's important to know where our political leaders stand when it comes to these issues," he said. "I think it went well and I look forward to collaborating with them in the future." NORTHAMPTON -- An Easthampton man was sentenced to state prison this week for charges related to a 2017 incident involving homemade explosives, court documents show. Hampshire Superior Court Judge Mary-Lou Rup on Tuesday sentenced Bryan Desmarais, 42, to 3 1/2 to 5 years in state prison. Rup also ordered Desmarais to serve 10 years of probation following his release. Desmarais was arrested in February 2017 after a police investigation showed Desmarais had created a number of homemade bombs and exploded them near Lower Mill Pond in Easthampton on Feb. 5, 2017. He was subsequently charged with a long list of offenses, including 10 counts of unlawful placing or secreting of an incendiary device and nine counts of unlawful exploding of an incendiary device, court documents show. According to the Daily Hampshire Gazette, defense attorney Alan Rubin argued at a previous hearing that Desmarais was merely a "tinkerer" who got "carried away" with making explosives. Desmarais detonated them only to celebrate the New England Patriots' Super Bowl victory, Rubin said. The prosecution argued Desmarais showed a lack of concern for the safety of people in Easthampton, according to the Gazette. Desmarais previously denied the charges but switched directions earlier this year, entering a change of plea on April 6, court documents show. A cadre of law enforcement agencies investigated the explosions, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), The FBI Springfield field office Joint Terrorism Task Force, and the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad, among others. Authorities raided Desmarais' residence, discovering a large quantity of material used for the manufacturing of explosives, as well as manufactured explosives, ammunition, and other contraband. He will serve his time at MCI Cedar Junction in Walpole. NORTHAMPTON - Five Hampshire County veterans of WWII and the Korean War will travel to Washington D.C. this weekend as part of the national Honor Flight program. The Honor Flight program transports U.S. veterans to the nation's capital to visit the memorials of the conflicts they were involved in. The program's goal is to show gratitude to veterans for their service. "Our program is just a small token of our appreciation for those that gave so much," the organization's website reads. A national non-profit with regional chapters, Honor Flight covers all the costs associated with the trips, including transportation, medical support, and food costs. The veterans headed to Washington on Saturday are Corado "Ninni" Bracci of Easthampton, Robert Weidhaas of Easthampton, Norman Gray of Southampton, Rudolph Marek of South Hadley and Ernest Ouimette of Holyoke. The five men will leave from the WWII Club in Northampton at 3 a.m. Saturday, traveling to Boston where they will meet up with other New England veterans of WWII and the Korean War at Logan International Airport. They will then leave on a flight to Washington D.C., where they will visit the National World War II Memorial on the National Mall, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and other memorials and sites--including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery. A brief send off will take place at the WWII Club Saturday, and the public is invited to greet the veterans and thank them for their service. The five men will return to Northampton early Sunday morning around 2 a.m. This weekend's event is the first Honor Flight of 2018 for Honor Flight New England, the organization's regional chapter, which is based in New Hampshire. SPRINGFIELD -- Hampden Superior Court Judge Mark D. Mason on Wednesday ruled 24-year-old Travis Washington is too dangerous to be released under any conditions pending his armed robbery trial. Washington, of Springfield, is charged in the West Springfield armed robberies on consecutive nights of two food delivery drivers. Bail was set at $3,000 at his Springfield District Court arraignment, but Washington has not made bail and is in jail in the case. Assistant District Attorney Nina A. Vivenzio asked Mason to declare Washington is too dangerous for any bail or any release conditions. Defense lawyer Nicholas J. Raring asked Mason to keep the bail at $3,000, questioning the strength of the prosecution's case against Washington. Washington faces two counts of armed robbery and two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon. Vivenzio said a delivery person for Gold Chopstick restaurant went on Feb. 16 to deliver food at an address on Birch Park Circle. A man pointed a gun as his head and took the food and his wallet. The next night, a delivery person for Star Pizza was making a delivery to the same address. A man pointed a gun at that person and took the food and his wallet, Vivenzio said. Police followed footsteps in the snow to a duplex where they found Washington as well as food items identical to the Star Pizza order and material from Gold Chopstick. Raring said the Star Pizza delivery driver could not identify Washington. The driver for Gold Chopstick only identified Washington in a photo array after he had seen Washington's photo on MassLive.com, Raring said. Mason said he looked at the allegations in this case plus Washington's record, which includes an armed robbery conviction, in determining Washington cannot be released because he is too dangerous. SPRINGFIELD -- Three abutting lots in Six Corners need a buyer with a bit of creativity to bring something special to the neighborhood, a city official said Tuesday. The city is scheduled to open proposals on April 23 at 2 p.m. from anyone interested in buying the tax-foreclosed lots at the intersection of Walnut and Pine streets. Proposals can be submitted to the Office of Procurement at City Hall. "I think you need a creative look at it, on what you can put there," said Tom Mathews, project manager for the city's Office of Planning and Economic Development. "The city always hopes for someone who will take care of the land, and put it to the best use for the neighborhood." The sale of the land will return it to the tax rolls and benefit the neighborhood, Mathews said. Two Walnut Street parcels within the site are zoned Business A, and the Pine Street lot is zoned Residential B. The city is seeking a proposal that would involve all three lots. Any potential change in zoning would trigger a public hearing and would require City Council approval. A review committee will be established to consider all submitted proposals. The committee will consist of representatives of the city's Office of Planning and Economic Development, Community Development, Office of Housing and Neighborhood Services, the treasurer's office, and someone from the neighborhood. The committee will forward its recommendation to Mayor Domenic J. Sarno. Any sale of the land needs approval from Sarno and the City Council, and any or all proposals can be rejected. The vacant parcels total 12,837 square feet in area, and have a combined assessed value of $37,200, the city said. The parcels are being sold "as is." Under the city guidelines, proposals will be evaluated on factors including qualifications of the developer, compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood and financial feasibility. The payroll director for the Massachusetts State Police has been on unpaid leave for over five months amid an investigation into allegations that she stole money from the department. Denise Ezekiel, the civilian head of the agency's payroll department, was placed on leave on Nov. 1, according to a list of suspensions obtained by MassLive in a public records request. State police spokesman David Procopio confirmed the existence of the investigation and said prosecutors will now decide whether to bring criminal charges. "We conducted an investigation into theft of funds," Procopio wrote in an email. "We have turned the results of our investigation over to the Middlesex DA's office for potential criminal prosecution." MassLive has reached out to the Middlesex DA's office for comment. Ezekiel is on indefinite leave and the agency could take further disciplinary action once the criminal investigation is resolved, Procopio wrote. Calls to a number listed for Ezekiel were not answered and she did not return a request for comment sent to her Facebook account. Ezekiel had an annual salary of $95,031 last year but was only paid a total of $80,980, according to state payroll records, reflecting the two months she spent on unpaid leave in 2017. The investigation into Ezekiel's conduct is the third state police payroll controversy to come to light in recent months. An internal audit, sparked by an internal investigation into overtime shifts taken by Trooper Eric Chin and reporting by WCVB, found that troopers assigned to patrol the Massachusetts Turnpike had raked in overtime dollars for no-show shifts. At least 30 state police officers from Troop E, ranging in rank from Trooper to Lieutenant, have been implicated in the scheme, which allegedly allowed some troopers to pad their take-home pay to over $300,000. Some troopers were paid for as many as 100 shifts they did not work, state police officials have said. The allegations, and the highly public uproar that followed, prompted new State Police leader Kerry Gilpin and Gov. Charlie Baker to promise significant reforms. Earlier this month, Baker announced plans to eliminate Troop E and activate GPS tracking in state police cruisers. The department has also changed its procedures for paying members of Troop F, which patrols Logan International Airport and the Seaport, following a Boston Globe report that revealed a lack of transparency in its payroll practices. The salaries of state employees, including police officers, are public record. But for years, payroll data for Troop F -- which was paid directly by MassPort, rather than Massachusetts State Police -- had not been disclosed. In late March, the state announced that state police would begin paying Troop F directly, with MassPort reimbursing those costs. The troop's payroll information was released publicly last week and quickly led to additional headaches for the agency, following a Boston Globe report that found troopers have taken millions in per-diem payouts for driving their personal cars to work. In an escalating internecine fight, UMass Boston faculty, staff and students rallied against the Mount Ida College deal, decrying a plan for UMass Amherst to acquire the small private institution's 74-acre campus. Faculty and students at UMass Boston, located on a peninsula in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, are questioning deal, pointing to cutbacks on their own campus while officials at UMass Amherst move to take over the Mount Ida campus in tony Newton, Mass. The deal involves the closure of Mount Ida and the routing of its 1,500 students to other UMass campuses, primarily the one in Dartmouth. The deal was "done behind our backs, in our own backyard," Tom Goodkind, UMass Boston's professional staff union president, said at a rally that drew several hundred people to the campus center on Wednesday. "We have had enough," Goodkind said, pointing to layoffs, cutbacks at centers and institutes and an increase in daily parking fees. The budget problems at the campus, amid new academic buildings and extensive utility repairs, have led to the installation of an interim chancellor as a search committee looks for a permanent new chancellor. The rally also drew Barbara Madeloni, who is president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association, a union with 110,000 members across the state. "The Mount Ida purchase is part of a longer and more brutal on assault on the UMass Boston campus," she told MassLive, adding that the deal is a "salt in the wound" for the working-class campus. UMass trustees signed off on the Mount Ida deal while meeting behind closed doors in Amherst on Friday, April 6. UMass officials have defended the deal, saying Mount Ida would have closed regardless of whether or not UMass was involved, and that the budgets of UMass Boston and UMass Amherst are separate. UMass Boston has a bright future, they add, as its own land deal for the former Bayside Exposition Center site could bring in up to $200 million for the campus. They said the deal also provides UMass Amherst with a campus just outside Boston and access to internships and co-ops in the Newton-Needham area, which is known for its cluster of technology companies. The Massachusetts board of higher education is meeting on April 24, with discussion of the deal on its agenda. Board officials say approval from the board is necessary for the deal to move forward and have set up an email for inquiries about the college's closure: MountIdaComments@dhe.mass.edu. Katie Mitrano, president of the undergraduate student body at UMass Boston, urged people at Wednesday's rally to attend the April 24 board meeting and "make sure this deal does not happen." Madeloni also called for a crowd at the April 24 meeting. "It scares the beejesus out of them when we show up en masse," she said. The state board of higher education has asked for more information on Mount Ida's impending closure from the college's leaders, noting that the college waited days after the UMass vote in sending a required notice of closure. Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey's office is also monitoring the deal, and state senators are planning an oversight hearing. Other attendees of Wednesday's rally included state Rep. Dan Hunt, whose district includes UMass Boston, Boston City Councilor Frank Baker, and a staffer from the office of the top budget writer in the Massachusetts House, Rep. Jeffrey Sanchez. A staffer from state Rep. Nick Collins' office also attended the rally. House lawmakers are considering a state budget with a raft of proposed amendments, including one filed by Rep. Collins that bars UMass from using state appropriations to pay for expenses, including debt service, involved in the acquisition of any private college. In a statement, UMass Boston spokesman DeWayne Lehman said the students, faculty, staff and alumni are the campus's "greatest strength." "It is because people care so much about UMass Boston that they rally to its cause and defend its special ethos and mission," he said. "We are confident that these efforts will result in UMass Boston gaining the resources and future it needs and deserves." This post was updated with a statement from a UMass Boston spokesman. A probe of the politically connected Thornton Law Firm found "no conclusive evidence of a crime," despite an initial review from state regulators saying there may have been campaign finance violations, Essex District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett's office said Wednesday. The independent state Office of Campaign and Political Finance had asked Attorney General Maura Healey to look into contributions to candidates from Thornton Law Firm partners and spouses. The agency raised questions over whether partners sought to disguise where the money came from and whether the contributions were with personal funds and were not paid or not reimbursed by the law firm. State law bans corporations from contributing to candidate campaigns and prohibits a person from reimbursing someone else for a political donation. Limited liability partnerships (LLPs) are allowed to donate to ballot question campaigns and super PACs. The investigation into Thornton Law Firm, whose partners have a history of contributing to Democrats, came after a Boston Globe and Center for Responsive Politics report raising questions about donations in 2016. In 2017, the Globe reported that the Office of Campaign and Political Finance said "they have evidence that the firm illegally reimbursed lawyers and their spouses for up to $175,000 in campaign contributions to state candidates and causes" between 2013 and 2016. Citing a potential appearance of a conflict of interest, Healey's office handed the case over to District Attorney Blodgett's office. Healey had received donations from the firm. "While our investigation did not find sufficient evidence to support a criminal charge, we are recommending enhancements to current state campaign finance laws to address the ambiguities in the law that gave rise to these allegations," Blodgett said in a statement. The law firm, founded by Michael Thornton, has maintained that its partners did nothing wrong. "As we have said from the outset, the Thornton Law Firm has fully complied with all applicable rules and regulations concerning campaign contributions," a spokesman said in an emailed statement. "We are pleased that this matter has now been closed with no finding of any wrongdoing." The law firm bills itself as the "largest firm in the Northeast representing victims of asbestos and other toxic materials." Garrett Bradley, a former top Massachusetts House lawmaker from Hingham, is the managing partner. The Globe/Center for Responsive Politics report led to various Democratic Party politicians - including Hillary Clinton, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh and Congressman Joe Kennedy III - to return the money or donate a similar amount to charities. The Blodgett investigation included a certified fraud examiner looking over documents, bank records, campaign finance laws, memos and regulations. "This investigation concurred with an OCPF review that there was a pattern of contributions from nine current or former partners and seven of their spouses and deposits of the same or similar amounts to their accounts," Blodgett's office said in a release announcing the conclusion of its investigation. "However, there was not adequate evidence to conclude that contributions were made with partnership funds or that the Thornton Law Firm reimbursed partners with firm funds for their contributions," the office added. Blodgett's office recommended several changes to state campaign finance laws and regulations, including requiring an annual statement from partners that campaign contributions are made with personal funds, requiring partners to use personal checking accounts for campaign contributions, and requiring LLPs to follow general accounting practices when it comes to accounts formed to hold equity interest held by individual partners. A spokesman for the Office of Political and Campaign Finance declined to comment. A copy of what Blodgett's office sent to OCPF is available below. The lights went out across Puerto Rico Wednesday, less than a week after an economic research firm released a report estimating the months-long electricity issues that have plagued the island and the U.S. Virgin Islands represent the largest power outage in U.S. history. The outage is also the second largest in the world, according to the April 12 report by the Rhodium Group. Researchers Trevor Houser and Peter Marsters compiled information from the Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability, the North American Electric Reliability Corp., news reports and government statistics. "Given the sheer magnitude of the blackout in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, we started asking how it stacks up against other major blackouts around the world, not just in the US," researchers said. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., called the power failures "out of control." "It's time for the Trump Administration to step up and take responsibility for these outages that are afflicting millions of U.S. citizens," Warren said in a statement. "I'm continuing to work with colleagues to get answers and to get help for the people of Puerto Rico." State Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, D-Springfield, who has family living in Puerto Rico, said he is not surprised by the results of the study. "There was a lot of miscommunication between the federal government and the government of Puerto Rico," he said. "The worst thing is that even after power is restored they continue to have recurring blackouts. Hearing they had another one today is very upsetting. It's extremely difficult to get the economy back on track when this keeps happening." A private contractor operating an excavator hit a major transmission line Wednesday and knocked out electricity across the island, according to reports in El Nuevio Dia, Puerto Rico's largest daily newspaper. Officials estimated it would take 24 to 36 hours to restore power. Gonzalez said he is not only concerned about Puerto Ricans on the island, but the hundreds of evacuee families still living in hotels in Massachusetts with the uncertainty of having to leave at any moment. "I am hearing from the welcome centers that FEMA will not extend temporary shelter benefits to more than 280 evacuees after April 20," he said. "I have drafted a letter to the governor to ask what will happen and what is our contingency plan." The Rhodium researchers started by identifying significant global blackouts in the post-war period through news searches and a review of industry and academic literature. "We then tested to see if any of these surpassed the 3.4 billion customer-hours lost in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands using a combination of government statistics, academic literature, and primary news reports. We filled in the gaps with power restoration experience from blackouts with better data. We excluded war-related destruction of electrical infrastructure, which does not meet the traditional definition of a 'blackout,'" the report reads. In an October analysis Houser and Marsters compared blackouts based on the cumulative lost customer-hours of service. Using that metric, Hurricane Maria surpassed all other U.S. blackouts in recorded history by causing over 1.2 billion lost customer-hours a little more than a month after the storm hit. As of the beginning of last week, that number has grown to 3.4 billion. That makes Maria three times larger than the next biggest blackout in U.S. history, Hurricane George, which struck in 1998 in the United States, the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. The report also concludes that the only blackout in world history larger than Puerto Rico's occurred after Typhoon Haiyan, which destroyed portions of Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, in 2013. About 6.1 billion hours of power were lost after that massive storm. According to the report, as of the start of last week, power was back on for 96 percent of Puerto Rico, with 53,000 customers still in the dark. A customer represents a household, which means between 100,000 and 200,000 Puerto Rican residents still lack electricity. HOLYOKE -- The City Council referred to committee proposals to have training provided to municipal employees to spot computer scams Tuesday at City Hall. Councilor at Large Rebecca Lisi proposed these orders that the Council sent to the Public Service Committee: "the mayor coordinate with the HGE and the Holyoke Police Department to provide a training to all municipal employees for how to identify and deal with cyber threats." "the HGE alongside the HPD develop a protocol for identifying, reporting and alerting City Hall employees of possible cyber threats and how to avoid them." The Public Service Committee will begin discussing the orders Monday at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, committee Chairman James M. Leahy said. The training will help employees in these times of sophisticated computer scams, and that will be a benefit to the city, Lisi said. (see video above) The training will be to help employees deal with practices known as "phishing" and "spoofing." Phishing is when a scammer uses fraudulent emails or texts, or copycat websites to get people to share information like account numbers or passwords, which they then use to steal money or identity, according to the Federal Trace Commission (FTC). Spoofing is when a scammer pretends by email to be someone known to the recipient in order to steal money. Spoofing is what happened to City Treasurer Sandra A. Smith in June when someone impersonated a Holyoke Gas and Electric Department official and got Smith to wire-transfer $9,997. Police in Long Island, New York arrested a Brentwood, New York man Dec. 9 in connection with the Holyoke case, officials said. He left behind a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor and a strong work ethic. Those are some of the traits held by fallen Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, the 32-year-old officer who was slain Thursday while serving a warrant in the Marstons Mills village of Barnstable, his obituary reads. Gannon was born in New Bedford and graduated from Bishop Stang High School in 2003. He then graduated with honors from Westfield State University in 2007 with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. One of his professors recalled Gannon always wanted to be a K-9 officer. Hundreds gathered in Yarmouth Saturday for a candlelight vigil in Gannon's honor. Thank you to all who came together as a community to honor Officer Sean M. Gannon at this evenings vigil. Posted by Town of Yarmouth Massachusetts on Saturday, April 14, 2018 Gannon had a master's with honors from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy with a degree in emergency management. He had internships with the Nantucket Police Department and the Westfield Police Department and earned EMT and Life Saving Instructor certificates, his obituary says. For three years, Gannon worked as a member of Stonehill College's campus police then joined Yarmouth Police in 2010. He was part of the department's Emergency Management Unit, a part-time member of the Proactive Anti-Crime Team, and he was the first K-9 narcotics officer for the department. He then acquired his K-9 partner, Nero, who was also shot Thursday. Nero is recovering and back on his paws, Yarmouth police said. "Sean leaves a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues," according to his obituary. "He enjoyed travel, working with his hands, donating his time to Big Brother/Big Sister and being outside. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Sean was deeply intuitive and inspired others to be there best selves." Gannon leaves his wife, Dara, his parents, Patrick and Denise, his siblings, Timothy and his fiancee Mary, Martha and her husband Derrick, his in-laws Kathy and Dean Bryan, and their son Ross, along with many relatives and friends. "Whatever Sean did, he gave 100% of himself. He will be profoundly missed by his family, colleagues, and friends," his obituary read. A wake will be held Tuesday, April 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the St. Pius X Church in South Yarmouth. The funeral will at the same church on Wednesday, April 18, beginning at 11 a.m In lieu of flowers, the family asked people send donations to Yarmouth Police Foundation or The Cape Cod Foundation. Gannon and Nero were shot Thursday while serving a warrant with other officers at a home on Blueberry Lane. Authorities say Thomas Latanowich shot Gannon in the head and Nero in the face and shoulder. Latanowich, 29, was arraigned on a murder charge Friday and held without bail. In a Facebook post, the Yarmouth Police Department said the Massachusetts Criminal Justice system let them down and failed to protect the community and the Yarmouth Police Department. "The name of person who attacked our beloved Police Officer Sean Gannon, and our innocent Police dog K9 Nero, will never be uttered in our building or in any of our Media Releases or Facebook posts," the department wrote. "We only refer to him as 125...which stands for the number of prior criminal charges he has on his Board of Probation criminal record in Massachusetts." SPRINGFIELD - A West Springfield man is being held on $10,000 bail after allegedly stabbing another man five times during a fight on railroad tracks last week. Jerid T. Witt, 20, pleaded not guilty Tuesday in Springfield District Court to attempted murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. The charges were filed after a confrontation between Witt and the victim on April 11 in West Springfield, according to arrest report. The victim, another man and two women were walking along the railroad tracks when they saw Witt walking toward them. Witt and the victim, a 25-year-old male, are enemies and Witt began "yelling some kind of gang related language" before stabbing him, one witness told the police. The victim suffered knife wounds to his stomach, chest and head, with one puncturing his lung, the report said. In a later statement to police, the victim said the trouble began when Witt punched one of his companions and tried to grab a liquor bottle she was carrying, the report said. The victim told police he didn't know Witt, but was able to identify him from photos, the report said. None of the witnesses gave written statements to police. They said Witt was a member of the Bloods street gang and they feared retaliation for cooperating further, the report said. Witt allegedly fled after the stabbing and was taken into custody on Saturday, three days after an arrest warrant was issued. On Tuesday, a prosecutor requested $50,000 bail, citing the severity of the victim's wounds and Witt's arrest record. Defense lawyer Nicholas Raring said his client was homeless and asked for $1,000 bail. Witt is not a gang member and was not the aggressor in the fight, according to Raring, who said his client was outnumbered and the stabbing was in self-defense. Charging Witt with attempted murder was excessive given the circumstances, Raring said. Judge John Payne set bail at $10,000 and continued the case for a pretrial hearing on May 22. Last week, Yarmouth Police Chief Frank Frederickson said fallen officer Sgt. Sean Gannon was the "Tom Brady" of their department. He maintained that persona in the community and his church too, Rev. Paul Carson said at his funeral at The St. Pius X Catholic Church Wednesday. "He was our star too, and always will be," Carson said. Gannon, 32, was shot and killed while serving an arrest warrant in Marstons Mills on Thursday afternoon. His K-9 partner Nero was shot in the neck and the face, but is recovering from emergency surgery. Caron, who knew Gannon well, acknowledged the ghastly nature of his death. He assured mourners that "God was with him" during the altercation. "God sped him out of that darkness and into his arms. That is our hope," he said. The loss of Gannon, a gregarious young officer, seemed to touch all parts of the Yarmouth community. The church was filled to capacity more than an hour before the service began Wednesday. Thousands of police officers filled the street outside the church and packed the pews inside the church. The church played the service from speakers outside and people huddled close to hear. More than 100 people packed an overflow room in the church parish hall where the service was played on a livestream. Inside the church and parish officers from the Cape, Boston and New York City sat side by side. Some used their white gloves to dab tears from their eyes. Caron opened his homily recalling a prank Gannon played on him during his first week as pastor last June. Caron said he was unpacking boxes in his office when a secretary called him to tell him the police where on their way up. "I wasn't here long enough to be in trouble," Caron joked, eliciting a few chuckles and smiles from the otherwise somber crowd. Caron said that Gannon banged on his office door and shouted: "Police! Open up!" When he opened the door: "I saw that wry smile. Those eyes. And suddenly I was enveloped into a bear hug. He said 'Welcome to Yarmouth, Pastor Paul.'" Caron said that Gannon was "saint like" and a "Christian gentleman." "And yet, here we are," he said. Gannon leaves behind his wife, Dara, his parents Patrick and Denise, and his siblings Timothy and Martha. Caron said he spoke to Denise earlier this week and said: She knows in faith he is OK. A mother knows these things." Gannon is a a Westfield State College and Massachusetts Maritime Academy graduate. He his law enforcement career at Stonehill College in 2007 as a member of the campus police and joined Yarmouth police in 2010. Before ending the moving service, a priest addressed Gannon's family. "I know that no words we say here today will take your pain away," he said. "I hope that our presence ... will bring a measure of consolation, knowing that you are not alone." WESTFIELD - A letter sent to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt, signed by 25 U.S. senators, is welcome news to Westfield Residents Advocating for Themselves (WRAFT) founder Kristen Melo. "It is a very strong step forward in advocacy for communities struggling with PFAS contamination in their water supplies," said Melo. Three of four public drinking water wells on the north side of Westfield are inactive due to contamination from firefighting foam used at Barnes Air National Guard Base, according to city officials. Temporary filtration of two of the wells is underway. The letter, dated April 13, states: "We write regarding the serious public health concerns related to groundwater contamination from Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in communities and on Department of Defense (DOD) installations across our states, and to urge you to take swift action to address these concerns." In addition to Massachusetts' U.S. Senators, Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, the letter was signed by senators from California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia. It notes that some of the chemical contaminants are included in the manufacture of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), which has been used in training exercises and to extinguish fires in places such as commercial airports and military installations. Two types of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctyl sulfonate (PFOS), are included on the EPA's Contaminant Candidate List but are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act. "In 2016, the EPA established a lifetime health advisory (LHA) of 70 parts per trillion for concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. However, the LHA is not legally enforceable and cannot be used to determine remediation responsibilities and transfers of surplus DOD property under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)," the letter states. The senators acknowledge efforts by individual states to create stringent standards on contamination, but say it's not enough without EPA backup. "While we applaud these states for taking action, we are concerned that the EPA has not yet declared a federal maximum contaminant level (MCL). A science-based MCL would provide a clear and enforceable nationwide standard for permissible levels of these contaminants," the senators wrote. "An MCL would also inform remediation decisions for sites under CERCLA. DOD has identified military installations for cleanup and remediation, yet is unable to move forward under CERCLA without an MCL. DOD has also highlighted the need for the Office of Land and Emergency Management to determine a cleanup number, which we strongly support. Without an MCL and cleanup number, the unintended result is that many military communities across the country remain in limbo." The senators called upon Pruitt to speed up the EPA's response. "While we are encouraged that the agency recently announced its intention to convene a National Leadership Summit on PFAS, more urgent action is still needed," the letter states. "We urge you, as a part of your efforts, to expeditiously declare an MCL for all PFAS, based on rigorous scientific evidence, as well as a cleanup number from the Office of Land and Emergency Management. This will provide all states, and our local communities, with much-needed certainty to move forward on remediation activities and protection regimes for drinking water systems." Melo said WRAFT is "very encouraged by this development" and is grateful to all those involved. But she said the letter is just a step and residents need to keep advocating. "Residents should keep up the pressure, emails, phone calls, post cards and letters," she said. "They hear us." An Iraqi national living in Westfield until his arrest last year admitted Wednesday he set fire to his Enfield, Connecticut, pizza parlor and collected fire damage claims from an insurance company, according to a U.S. attorney's office press release. Mustafa Zabana, 32, entered guilty pleas in U.S. District Court in New Haven to fraud charges in connection with the June 3, 2016, fire that destroyed Bruno's Pizza on Enfield Street. Federal prosecutors said Zabana was a majority owner of the pizza shop when he set the business on fire, damaging the restaurant and other nearby businesses in the mall where it was located. Zabana filed for insurance claims for the restaurant and received a $5,000 partial payment while he pursued additional payments. He was arrested by federal authorities in March 2017 and has been held since that time. Zabana pleaded guilty to mail fraud, a charge that carries the potential of a 20-year prison sentence. Judge Janet Bond Arterton scheduled sentencing for June 29. As police officers and civilians flood Cape Cod to bid a final farewell to fallen Officer Sean M. Gannon, the Yarmouth Police Department has posthumously promoted the officer to the rank of sergeant. Gannon, 32, was fatally shot last week while serving a warrant in Marstons Mills. "Sergeant Gannon leaves a legacy of high moral integrity, infectious humor, and collaborative work with colleagues," Yarmouth police wrote on Facebook. "He enjoyed travel, working with his hands, volunteering his time to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cape Cod and the Islands and being outside." Gannon's death has rocked the law enforcement community across Massachusetts. Blue ribbons are wrapped around trees and utility poles around Yarmouth. Officers clad in blue filled the streets yesterday for Gannon's wake. Nero, Gannon's K-9 partner, was also shot. He is recovering following emergency surgery. Yarmouth police said Nero will return to the Gannon family. "Sean was deeply intuitive and inspired others to be their best selves," police said. "Whatever Sean did, he gave 100 percent of himself." Gannon's funeral is Wednesday. Hundreds of law enforcement officers arrived at St. Pius X Church on Barbara Lane in the morning. Gannon leaves behind his wife, Dara, his parents, Patrick and Denise, his siblings, Timothy and his fiancee Mary, Martha and her husband Derrick, his "little brother" Riley and his mother Nicole, his in-laws Kathy and Dean Bryan, and their son Ross, police said. Gannon started his law enforcement career at Stonehill College in 2007 as a member of the campus police. He joined the Yarmouth Police Department in 2010. The line-of-duty death has local politicians, including the state Republican Party and Gov. Charlie Baker, calling for the death penalty for cop killers. Medical marijuana patients now have another place to buy their medicine in Central Massachusetts with the opening of a dispensary in Oxford. Curaleaf, located at 425 Main St., opened its doors to customers on Saturday. It's one of 24 registered marijuana dispensaries in the state, according to the Massachusetts Medical Use of Marijuana Program. In Central Massachusetts, Curaleaf is just one of two dispensaries, joining Cultivate in Leicester. Maura O'Brien, dispensary operations manager for Curaleaf's Massachusetts locations, describes the company as "friendly and medically-focused." The national brand has dispensaries in several states throughout the northeast and in Florida. "I've noticed that (medical marijuana) has overwhelming benefits, I've seen all kinds of patients walk through the door - brain injuries, cancer patients, even as small as insomnia, people who just can't sleep - so it's nice to see their journey along the way," said O'Brien, who previously worked for Curaleaf in New Jersey. "Unfortunately a lot of times you do see sick people come in, but I've seen them improve, as well, which is amazing for the community." When a patient walks through the dispensary's doors, they need to show their medical marijuana card and another form of identification to a security guard. Those IDs are then double-checked at an admissions window. New patients receive a patient profile and educational material. "We want to make sure every patient leaves here understanding the product they're using," O'Brien said. Patients are then met by a consultant in the dispensary's waiting room and brought into a private room for a one-on-one consultation. Afterward, they're welcomed into the dispensing area where they can purchase marijuana, pipes, vaporizers and more. Screens above the dispensary's counter show a menu of products, from flowers and concentrates to edibles and topical salves. In the waiting room, a binder on the table has recipe printouts for patients that includes everything from classic pot brownies to raspberry, apple and pear cannacrisp. O'Brien said Curaleaf sees a wide range of patients - some who have never smoked before and others who have been using marijuana for decades. "We take all of that into account, so if we have a brand new patient who has never used cannabis before, we start at the beginning, which is your Indica, your Sativa - letting them know which will be more energizing or more sedating," she said. Curaleaf's Oxford location offers eight strains of marijuana. All products leave the dispensary in child-proof bags. O'Brien said the dispensary emphasizes one-on-one care, so patients get a call back three to five days after picking up their medicine so consultants can check in and find out how the products are working. Assistant Manager Kate Steinberg said the dispensary will always be medically-focused, but hopes to sell recreational marijuana beginning in July or August with town approval. Oxford Selectman John Saad the town has approved recreational marijuana, but the question of whether dispensaries will be allowed to sell recreational marijuana comes down to zoning, which will be voted on during Oxford's annual town meeting next month. He said he supported the opening of Curaleaf's dispensary from the beginning. "This location was a location that was unused for a long period of time and they invested quite a bit of money to get this place looking the way it is right now, so we, as a community, welcome the effort they put into the business because it improves our image and I'm sure it's going to benefit a lot of the taxpayers, not only in Oxford, but around the immediate area, as well," Saad said. Curaleaf already operates a dispensary in Hanover and plans to open a third location in Provincetown. A plow contractor who removed snow for the city of Worcester this year is accused of driving under the influence of heroin after a snowstorm this winter. Matthew Miller plowed snow in Worcester for the 2017-2018 season, including during a storm that started on Feb. 17, city officials said. Two days later, Miller was arrested by Massachusetts State Police during a traffic stop in the city, where a trooper determined that Miller was driving under the influence of heroin. It's the second winter in a row that a Worcester plow contractor has been accused of breaking the law. Last year, Francis Whitenett was accused of using a stolen dump truck while actively plowing city streets. Police started to eye that truck after a man who identified himself as "Kevin" went to Anderson Motors in East Providence, Rhode Island, to purchase parts, using the name of a deceased former city worker and a Worcester Public Schools purchasing form. Whitenett, of Paxton, was indicted in December and he is awaiting trial in Worcester Superior Court. He has pleaded not guilty to 18 charges, including receiving a stolen motor vehicle, larceny over $250, false application for a motor vehicle and forgery of order for money. He is scheduled to return to court on April 30. In Miller's case, State Police troopers on Feb. 19 saw a black 2006 Nissan Altima swerving on Lafayette Street, according to documents filed in Worcester Central District Court. Miller, 27, of Worcester, was in the car with two other men, Michael Iacovone, 47, of Worcester, and James Toohil, 52, of Worcester. Troopers pulled over the Nissan on Southbridge Street. Miller, with "extremely slurred speech," told the trooper he did not have his license on him. Instead, he offered the trooper his date of birth and social security number, Trooper Benjamin Grasso wrote in a search warrant affidavit filed in court. "Miller went to state that he was plowing all night for the city," Grasso wrote. "I also observed that Miller was abnormally sweating and that he appeared lethargic. I also observed that Miller's pupils were constricted." Grasso asked Miller to step out of the car and performed a pat-frisk on him, the affidavit reads. He asked Miller if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages or used any drugs that evening. "Miller stated, 'No but did use heroin the night before,'" the affidavit, filed in late March, reads. "However, Miller had previously stated to me that he was plowing for the city all night." Mike Vigneux, a spokesman for Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr., said the city "only recently became aware of this incident," roughly two weeks after MassLive first asked about Miller's employment status with the city. There have been no complaints recorded in reference to Miller, Vigneux said. Miller is not a city of Worcester employee, Vigneux stressed. To become a city plow contractor, one must submit a snow removal hired equipment application to the city's Department of Public Works for each snow removal season. Those applications are reviewed by the department before a contract is signed, Vigneux said. "The City's snow plow contractors are subject to Department of Public Works & Parks rules and regulations including the requirement to supply a licensed operator and comply with DOT rules in respect to drug and alcohol testing," Vigneux wrote in a statement. "Plow contractors, like all motorists, are required to follow all laws that govern the safe operation of a motor vehicle. The City of Worcester is committed to ensuring the safe operation of all hired plows by adhering to all applicable laws, rules and regulations." In searching the Nissan on Feb. 19, troopers discovered four syringes, three capped and one uncapped, as well as shoe strings in the driver's side door compartment, which is consistent with heroin use, the affidavit reads. Additionally, a loaded .40 caliber Glock model 27 with two high capacity magazines was found in the glove compartment of the Nissan. Miller initially agreed to participate in sobriety testing, but then refused the evaluation before it began, the affidavit reads. An attorney for Miller could not immediately be reached on Tuesday. A total of 76 small clear plastic bags containing 32 grams of what is believed to be heroin were retrieved from Iacovone during the arrest, as well as one small clear plastic bag of white power, State Police wrote. Toohil also had one small clear plastic bag of tan powder on him. State Police have obtained a search warrant for Miller's black Apple iPhone. The phone was seized when Miller was arrested, and troopers observed text messages appear on the phone's screen that indicated Miller was participating in the distribution of narcotics, the affidavit reads. One text message read, "All I needed was a few to hold me down...Call me when u get this bro dam lined [expletive] up and now u guys are m.i.a.," according to the affidavit. Miller, of 101 Lawton St. in Worcester, is facing a total of 13 charges, including possession of a large capacity firearm in the commission of a felony, operating under the influence of heroin, being present where heroin is kept as well as other gun charges and motor vehicle violations. A not-guilty plea was entered on Miller's behalf at his arraignment in February. His next court date is May 7. He has posted $5,000 cash bail. Records on file in court indicate that Miller faced a driving under the influence charge as a juvenile. The men in the car with him are also facing charges. The Fitchburg parents who are facing charges in connection with the death of their 6-year-old daughter and injuries to their 9-year-old son have been ordered held on $250,000 cash bail. Shana Pedroso, 37, and Marvin Brito, 38, were initially held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing at their arraignments in Fitchburg District Court last week. As the two appeared in court Wednesday morning, Brito kept his head down during the hearing and Pedroso glanced around the courtroom. Prosecutor John Melander Jr., Pedroso's attorney, Michael Hussey, and Brito's attorney, Edward Fogarty, agreed to bail rather than hold the dangerousness hearing. Fogarty stood in front of Brito, blocking him from the view of cameras, during the latter half of the hearing. Hussey and Fogarty after the hearing declined to comment. It was unclear if either Pedroso or Brito would be able to post bail. Their two children were discovered bruised and injured at the family home 139 Stoneybrook Road on April 10. Police arrived at the home around noon and discovered the non-responsive girl and injured boy. The two were taken to the hospital, where the 6-year-old girl, who has been identified as Sofia Brito, was pronounced dead. When Pedroso was booked at the Fitchburg Police Department, notes, dated April 9, 2018, were found on her, which indicated that "the children were bad and beaten," court records read. Sofia's brother told police that the two were on a walk with two other children on April 9 when Pedroso and Brito abandoned them. He said he and Sofia were beat up by "bullies." Pedroso and Brito allegedly told the boy not to call 911, court records read. However, Brito was the one who placed a 911 call on April 10 to report that his daughter was not breathing, according to a police dispatch log. The state Department of Children and Families took Sofia's 9-year-old brother into emergency custody. His injuries were not considered life-threatening. The family had never before been reported to the department, officials said. Officials have declined to discuss how the two children were injured and no details of the investigation have been released in court. In the wake of the incident, some people in the community have asked for a place to make donations to assist in Sofia's burial. Anyone who wants to contribute money for the burial can send a check to the Leominster branch of the Department of Children and Families at 690 Mechanic St., Suite 100, Leominster, Mass., 01453. The checks should payable to "The WonderFund" and the memo line should read "burial costs for Sofia Brito," an agency spokeswoman confirmed. Donations for the 9-year-old boy, including toys, can be dropped off at the Leominster Department of Children and Families office between 3 and 5 p.m. today and next Wednesday, April 25. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno's years-long campaign to create a legal apparatus for higher bail levels is back in the news after Judge David Riccardone recently lowered the bail for gun and drug defendant Raul Devers from $20,000 to $1,000. The outrage of Sarno and other political or law enforcement officials over low bail invariably comes after a judge frees a defendant for an apparently paltry sum. Such a case came in December when the mayor called it "a joke" that murder defendant Rafael Martinez was released by Ricciardone on $50,000 bail. Now Sarno - and Ricciardone, a former prosecutor and defense attorney - are back in the headlines. So is the mayor's demand that bail levels reflect the danger of allowing defendants accused of serious criminal behavior back on the street as they await trial. When the Martinez bail was set, Hampden County District Attorney Anthony Gulluni agreed with the mayor, calling the bail level "a terrifying precedent." The amount and the reaction it drew national media attention, and gradually, so is Sarno's campaign to force a different approach by judges who decide what price will set a defendant free. Ricciardone's role in two high-profile cases within four months will only heighten the debate about whether the personal judgment of judges can tilt too favorably to defendants - or whether Sarno's demand for higher bail purposely ignores what bail is designed to accomplish in the first place. Sarno's support of higher bail is likely popular among citizens, but efforts by State Rep. Angelo Puppolo to allow prosecutors an avenue for bail appeal have met with resistance in Boston. At issue - and even proponents of higher bail and an appeal process know this - is the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution, which states that "excessive bail shall not be required.'' Many citizens don't know or don't agree that bail is not designed to set a price on heinous accusations. For one thing, they are only accusations until a trial establishes innocence or guilt - and until that trial, a defendant is presumed innocent in the eyes of the law, if often not in the eyes of the public. Bail is established only as a guarantee the defendant will show up in court, not as an implication of guilt before the trial begins. Massachusetts lawmakers have traditionally shown more empathy for defendants of poor economic means who cannot pay a high bail - meaning innocent defendants must remain in jail - than for high rollers accused of more serious crimes who will show up in court, regardless of the bail amount. The Eighth Amendment, which includes the prohibition on "cruel and unusual punishment" that is fiercely debated today, was originally intended for federal application. The Supreme Court has consistently extended its influence to the states. The Founding Fathers did not write the amendment thoughtlessly. Mindful of mistreatment and intimidation by the British, they were much more concerned about innocent, indigent people being incarcerated without recourse - a fate many Americans suffered in colonial times and in the early days of the new nation - than about letting guilty parties go free. To the Founders, the word "excessive" referred to the level of bail, not the seriousness of the charge. But those early American leaders did not live in a society of rampant illegal drug dealing and today's distinctly urban problems; in 1790, New York was the largest city with 33,000 people and Boston, with 18,000, ranked third. That is why Sarno, Puppolo and others say a review of bail practice is overdue and that higher bail is only fair for the safety of the public - and can be achieved without violating the Eighth Amendment. They must hope so, for history has proven that even understandable outrage doesn't win a showdown when it's up against the Bill of Rights. BOSTON -- Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman said he believes existing regulations are adequate to protect patients' supply of medical marijuana once the recreational industry opens. But, Hoffman said of the regulations, "If they need to be adjusted, they will be adjusted." Patient advocates worry that there will be a shortage of marijuana for registered patients once recreational stores open. In response to these concerns, the Cannabis Control Commission put in place guidelines that will require a store that sells both medical and recreational marijuana to set aside a portion of its inventory for the medical market. "We've, I think, addressed this issue explicitly and to the best of our ability with the best judgment to try to address this issue," Hoffman said. The Republican/MassLive.com recently reported that the first 20 registered medical marijuana dispensaries approved for priority review by the Cannabis Control Commission for recreational licenses have not yet opened to sell medical marijuana. The Massachusetts Patient Advocacy Alliance worries that the companies will go straight into the recreational market and will not serve patients. There is a lack of clarity in the law regarding whether medical dispensaries that are not yet open should be eligible for priority certification, which allows a company to apply earlier for a recreational license and get faster review. Hoffman, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, defended the commission's decision to grant priority certification to companies that have preliminary approval but have not opened dispensaries. "We have used our general counsel to try to form an opinion based upon the ambiguity in the legislation," Hoffman said. Advocates for the industry say the decision will allow more marijuana stores to open more quickly, which will enhance access for everyone. But registered patients get certain benefits that are only available in a dispensary that is part of the state's medical marijuana computer network - including tax-free marijuana, a financial hardship discount and access to higher doses. Hoffman would not commit to requiring a registered marijuana dispensary that gets priority certification to serve medical patients. "We'll consider each of those applications if and when they come and make an informed decision based on the licensing process we articulated," Hoffman said. "We're going to make an individual decision on each license application we get, and I'm not going to get ahead of ourselves and say what applications we're going to approve or not approve." Even if some stores decide not to connect to the medical system, Hoffman said medical supply will be available from existing dispensaries. Massachusetts could receive nearly $120 million in annual federal funding to help cities and towns combat opioid abuse under legislation U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, and U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Maryland, introduced Wednesday. The bill, entitled the "Comprehensive Addiction Resources Emergency Act," calls for federal lawmakers to combat opioid abuse similar to how Congress addressed the HIV/AIDs epidemic under the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act nearly 30 years ago. It seeks to allocate $100 billion in federal funding over 10 years to help states, counties and cities hit hardest by the opioid abuse crisis expand treatment options, support first responders and prevent future addictions, according to the sponsors. Warren, who announced her and Cummings' plan to tackle opioid abuse in late March, said the newly introduced legislation "will funnel millions of dollars directly to the hardest-hit communities and give them the tools to fight back." "We can't defeat the opioid crisis with empty words and half measures. ... Congress has acted before to root out an epidemic when it finally took action against HIV/AIDS -- and Americans across the country are counting on us to do the same today," she said in a statement. Cummings added that "it is time for Congress to come together, put politics aside and get to the heart of the problem: providing adequate and stable funding for states and local communities." According to Warren's office, the bill would provide $4 billion per year to states, territories and tribal governments, including: $2 billion for states with the highest levels of overdoses; $1.6 billion for competitive grants; and $400 million for grants to tribal governments. Counties and cities hit hardest by the opioid epidemic, meanwhile, would see $2.7 billion per year, with $1.43 billion going to those with the highest levels of overdoses, $1 billion for competitive grants and $270 million for grants to tribal governments, officials said. The legislation further calls for: $1.8 billion per year for public health surveillance, biomedical research and improved training for health professionals; $1 billion per year to support expanded and innovative service delivery; and $500 million per year to expand access to the overdose reversal drug, naloxone. If passed, Massachusetts could see a total of $119.5 million in annual funding to help combat opioid abuse, according to estimates. Warren's office noted that the commonwealth would get about $55 million per year in state formula grants to fight substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic. The hardest hit communities in Massachusetts, meanwhile, could receive an estimated total of $64.5 million in annual funding through local grants. In Western Massachusetts, Hampden County, which reported more than 300 drug overdose deaths from 2014 to 2016, could receive nearly $4 million annually to help combat opioid abuse under the legislation, according to the sponsors' estimates. Berkshire County, in turn, could be eligible for nearly $1.3 million annually, Franklin County could see $612,700 per year and Worcester County could receive $7.4 million annually as a result of the bill. It is unclear how much individual cities could see under the legislation. Officials noted that municipalities that choose to receive their share of the county's funding independently, would have their amounts calculated and appropriated based on their share of the county's overall drug overdose deaths. Massachusetts has reported nearly 14,000 opioid-related overdose deaths since 2000, including 2,155 in 2016, alone, according to state Department of Public Health data released in February. The University of Montana released the draft of a proposed plan on April 17 that has major implications for the future of UM. Titled "University of Montana Strategy for Distinction," the preliminary document outlines ideas for creating a sustainable budget while setting the University on a path for future success and a return to growth. The plan offers everything from a refreshed institutional mission statement to key strategies. It also suggests programs for reorganization, discontinuance and potential faculty member reductions. http://news.umt.edu/2018/04/041718stra.php Leaders in Ontario, Canadas second-largest province, are talking a giant step forward: calling for a $2.2 billion plan to create full-day, fully licensed child care for "preschool children from the age of two-and-a-half until they are eligible to start kindergarten, beginning in 2020." Families would save some $17,000 per child. "We listened to parents, educators and child care providers across the province, and theyve told us this move is the right one to make," Kathleen Wynne, the premier of Ontario said. "This investment will make life more affordable for families and allow more parents to make the choice to go back to work, knowing their child is safe and cared for." Ontario calls for investing $2.2 billion for free child care Video: http://view.allegiantdeals.com/?qs=584ca6d7905eec93281fb6ad665ca7e3d23492af27fecdcb8b63a67af11b35f566ba12d8a28babee50d1a0e3feb4d62dc81296caeba0fb829546165b8802b6de97199061d63386e10ae1a17e433634ef *** 60 Minutes Report Allegiant Air Flying Under the Radar With Its High Record of In-Flight Breakdowns http://www.matr.net/article-82356.html *** Senators demand investigation of safety problems at Allegiant Airlines Three U.S. senators called out the Federal Aviation Administration this week for not demanding safety improvements at Allegiant Airlines after a 60 Minutes episode showed the carrier was 3.5 times more likely than seven other airlines to have serious in-flight mechanical failures. By Sherry Devlin Marion Township Trustees Audio Article From left to right: Marion Township Trustees Paul Tabler, Cecil Mayle Jr. and Allen Wogan II recently purchased a Champion Road Grader. They are looking forward to making repairs to the roads in the township. Sorry! An active online subscription is required to access this content. Please login below or... Extension Office Fair Report OSU Extension Report to the Commissioners September 2021 Audio Article 4-H Update Lydia Flores The Morgan County Junior Fair was a success! The junior fair portion would not have been as successful without the help from the Senior Fair Board, Sale Committee, and Junior Fair Board members. These volunteers dedicated many hours to plan and prepare for junior fair.... Chesterhill man indicted, pleads not guilty to arson Audio Article A Chesterhill man was arraigned Tuesday after being charged with arson in relation to a fire at the Marion Community Recreational Center last week. Jared Shook, 31, of Chesterhill, was placed under arrest after the Morgan County Sheriffs Office investigated a fire at the Chesterhill Recreational Center on September 16,... HINDSIGHT 2021 Audio Article 10 Years Ago (2011) Mary McInturf Niceswanger, from Marietta, was spotted riding in a dune buggy at the annual reunion on the McInturf family farm. Jim McInturf offered a ride around the family farm for his 105-year-old aunt in his vehicle, and she gladly accepted. Jim said she loved... Chesterhill Village Council applauds Ron Shaw Field supporters Audio Article Maxwells Pizza was the 1st King of the Hill coed league champs at the Ron Shaw field in Chesterhill on Saturday, Sept. 12. Councilwomen Helen Seyfried and Chastity Mayle both had very complimentary things to say about the people who organized and supported the baseball games which took place this... School Board approves course of study, other matters at Sept. 13 meeting Audio Article During the legislative update, board member Teresa Bowen read data saying school absences were up and test scores were down in the previous school year due to COVID-19. She outlined steps from President Joe Bidens plan to keep children in school, including vaccinations where they are allowed, booster shots and... ANN ARBOR, MI - Construction is quickly progressing at Ann Arbor's first meadery as the owners complete finishing touches and start testing batches of the ancient beverage. Blom Meadworks partners Lauren Bloom and Matthew Ritchey have seen the almost 3,000-square-foot space at 100 S. Fourth Ave. transformed from a former hotel lobby on the ground floor of Courthouse Senior Apartments to a community and production space that will produce different varieties of mead throughout the year. Mead is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting honey with water and has been popular across the world since ancient times. It is naturally gluten-free. Bloom and Ritchey have been working with contractors and designers on a final design that includes built-in tables and chairs, private event space, a long white bar that is ADA-accessible and wooden ceiling installations created by Synecdoche. A projector has been installed for movie nights and a stack of board games are already lined up on shelving behind the bar, along with some of the meadery's glassware and growlers marked with a bee-themed logo "We've been really happy with it," Bloom said. There is still some progress to be made, such as installing signage on the exterior of the building and hanging art near the entrance. "We definitely want to have some media in here that highlights the producers we work with," Bloom said. Bloom is already talking with community groups about hosting monthly events, like yoga and mead activities and Common Cycle bicycle repair workshops. Along with glasses of mead for around $5, the business will sell coffee, tea, canned mead and pre-made cheese plates with rotating items like jam, honey and products from The Brinery. Bloom and Ritchey also plan to implement community-supported mead memberships, with patrons able to sign up for six-month increments and receive one or two growlers of mead or cider each month, along with merchandise and beverage discounts. As the business waits for a liquor license, Bloom and Ritchey are trying out new types of mead in a lab area lined with beakers and scales. "This is where we'll do quality control and test the batches," Bloom said. Some test batches are already inside five 15-barrel tanks, each capable of holding around 465 gallons of mead, along with two smaller-sized serving tanks. Blom Meadworks products will contain around 6 percent alcohol by volume and take about two weeks to create. Bloom described the mead as drier and less sweet than other recipes. The plan is to offer four different kinds of mead, along with a cider and a cyser, which Bloom said is a mix of mead and cider. Bloom and Ritchey said they will source ingredients from around the state, with honey coming from sources on both sides of the state, including Hasselmann's Honey in Fremont and Windmill Honey in Croswell. ANN ARBOR, MI - Ann Arbor is competing in a national contest for up to $1 million to fund a public art event on the Huron River, along with creative workshops and other activities surrounding it. "FLOAT" is the name of the event dreamed up by the minds behind WonderFool Productions, a local nonprofit known for hosting creative workshops and organizing the annual FestiFools and FoolMoon events in Ann Arbor, as well as ypsiGLOW in Ypsilanti. The Ann Arbor City Council voted this week to enter "FLOAT" as the city's official submission in the Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge, a national contest providing up to $1 million for chosen projects that address an important community issue. The city says FLOAT will be designed to raise appreciation and awareness about the Huron River's history and ecology, to encourage sustainable practices, and to generate recreational, cultural and economic impact in both cites through a positive, shared event. The total estimated cost of the project is $1.1 million, with $975,000 being requested from Bloomberg. The proposal anticipates $125,000 coming in the form of donations of money or in-kind materials and services from private entities, corporate sponsors, public grants and foundation grants. No city funds are included in the proposed budget. At least three cities will be selected by Bloomberg in 2018 to execute their projects over the next two years. FLOAT is designed to be a groundbreaking event on the river that runs between Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, connecting citizens of both cities. "Together, citizens of those different cities will celebrate the river's value to building healthy and vital communities, and encourage sustainable practices," the proposal states. "The art will be designed and built by people of the communities, giving them ownership and voice over an issue -- water -- that Michigan residents now realize is a precious resource, and one to be protected." WonderFool Productions intends to draw on its experience producing participatory arts events in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti to bring a similar experience to parks along the Huron River. In Ann Arbor, that includes the Barton, Bandemer, Argo, Island, Furstenberg and Gallup parks. In Ypsilanti, it includes Peninsular, Frog Island, Riverside and Waterworks parks. "Artists and community institutions, businesses and organizations will be paired to lead art teaching-making workshops to create art and interactive experiences in the river's parks that comprise the content and activities for FLOAT," the proposal states. "Artists will be commissioned to make collaborative pieces which explore various aspects of the Huron River. These activities will culminate in a community-built art festival floating, walking and riding between the two communities in a connected and shared celebration." As part of any WonderFool experience, the proposal states, people of all ages and income levels join together to create in the months leading up to the event. On event day, WonderFool says, expect to see enormous puppets, luminaries, music and dancing. "The joy of witnessing collective art-making comes through WonderFool's unique method of hosting a series of community engagement workshops to build familiarity and partnerships between community organizations, artists and citizens," the proposal states. "There is immense power in participatory community art events that highlight local diversity, connectivity, sustainability, and foster curiosity. FLOAT will employ WFP's community engagement model to define issues and creative resolutions in the initial meetings." The project team includes Adriana Zardus, Shary Brown and Jeri Rosenberg, all of whom have been closely involved with the FestiFools, FoolMoon and ypsiGLOW events. Zardus, producer of WonderFool Productions, notes the University of Michigan's Mark Tucker is the founder and puppet master behind FestiFools and co-founder of FoolMoon. The FLOAT proposal notes WonderFool's model provides resources to underserved populations and organizations through partnerships that remove barriers to participation. To come up with a submission for the Bloomberg challenge, the city of Ann Arbor recently issued a call for ideas from community members, soliciting proposals through the mayor's office and the chair of the Public Art Commission. Mayor Christopher Taylor, who takes part in FestiFools each year, convened a review group consisting of staff and a member of the art commission to review proposals. The idea for FLOAT submitted by WonderFool Productions was selected from a pool of 11 different proposals. ANN ARBOR, MI - As a student on the "lower side of the income distribution" at the University of Michigan, as she puts it, Lauren Schandevel was looking to help students like herself navigate the challenges of "being not rich" at the university. The result - an online guide called "Being Not-Rich at UM" - has had significant impact on the Ann Arbor campus and beyond, encouraging other lower-income college students in similar situations to provide their own input on the crowd-sourced document. "Students are understandably excited about it, but administrators have also reached out and expressed their gratitude for the document," Schandevel said. "That, especially, is really encouraging, because I wasn't sure how they would feel about it. "We never meant to undermine the university when we created the document, so I'm glad they view our work as productive rather than combative," she added. "This means, hopefully, we can work together to make campus a more affordable place." The guide, which offers money-saving tips on everything including housing, textbooks, clothing, food and on-campus resources, was born out of some controversy. In January, UM's Central Student Government released a "Campus Affordability Guide," aimed at providing tips and resources for students of all income levels at the university. Schandevel said the fact that the guide addressed the entire student body made it "oblivious" to low-income students who would actually need it. A 2017 New York Times study indicated the median income of a UM parent was $154,000 for students in the class of 2013, which was the highest among 27 "highly selective" public colleges included in the extensive study. "When we met with members of CSG, they explained that it was difficult for them to target lower-income students because they didn't want to appear tokenizing and wanted all students to benefit from the resource," she said. "The problem is that higher-income students -- the kind of students who hire maids or use laundry services -- are not going to be looking at an affordability guide in the first place," she added. "I realized if we were going to have a guide that was going to help lower-income students, we had to make our own." After creating an initial outline for the guide, Schandevel wanted to assemble a team of students to flesh it out, but as more students expressed interest, she opened the document up to the public. UM junior Griffin St. Onge, a Michigan native and first-generation college student, said the wealth of the student population was noticeable after she arrived on campus, not only in terms of financial comfort, but in opportunities they had been afforded. As one of the primary authors of the guide, St. Onge said she was excited to offer her own tips on campus jobs and available scholarships. Within 48 hours of launching the outline of the guide, it had grown to be 30 pages long and it is now nearly 80 pages long. "I think it's important to have a guide like this for students because many people come to this school without the resources and connections that most of our peers have," St. Onge said. "It can be extremely difficult to navigate this kind of atmosphere when you haven't received the cultural education of how to interact confidently with professors and advisers, how to write a resume, where to find scholarships, what your financial aid package means for you and how to apply for and fund the expensive unpaid internships and study abroad experiences that give you that leg up." Schandevel said beyond the tips they've received on where to buy cheap, healthy food, her favorite contributions to the guide have been the personal stories shared by students because it has shown they are comfortable enough to share their own experiences in a public document to help others. The idea has spread to the University of Texas at Austin, which recently launched its own "Being Not-Rich" guide. Ideally, Schandevel said she hopes there will be enough guides to create a nationwide network. "We could not be more excited about the UT Austin guide and we hope other schools follow suit," she said. "If anything, circulating a document like this is a great way to affirm your own experiences and build community." Students from other schools, and even UM staff members have contributed their own advice, St. Onge said. The guide also has resulted in UM's CSG reworking its own affordability guide, while Schandevel and St. Onge have launched a new student organization, the Michigan Affordability and Advocacy Coalition. The organization aims to provide resources to students and community members in need with a focus on housing, food security, health and workers' rights. The guide also includes advice on how other colleges and universities can start their own guide, St. Onge said, bringing her and other creators of the guide a sense of pride that their ideas have spread. "It's really been beautiful to see the perspectives of others and learn of resources that I didn't know about," she said. "Some university staff members have been commenting on the guide as well, adding in their department's resources and providing contact information. "Ann Arbor has huge problems with affordable housing and landlords that take advantage of students who don't know their rights, so once a section started on that, people have been going in and adding amazing information including Ann Arbor city ordinances so that students know how to advocate for themselves and which rental companies might not be the best," she added. "We've also gotten great responses related to food security and resources for applying to graduate school." YPSILANTI, MI - A proposed Ypsilanti City Council resolution to censure Mayor Amanda Edmonds failed after hours of comments from residents Tuesday night, though a report into funding for a controversial China trip will now go to the Michigan State Police. City council voted during its Tuesday, April 17 meeting to send to state law enforcement a report on the city's investigation by Plato Law Firm into funding of the 12-day trip taken by Edmonds and three other officials last fall. The trip to China was described as a fact-finding mission by city officials related to the $150 million to $300 million proposed development in Ypsilanti called International Village, a project that involved financing through foreign investors. Edmonds, Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Brown, Police Chief Tony DeGiusti and Economic and Development Director Beth Ernat traveled to China from Sept. 21 to Oct. 3 in 2017. City council voted Oct. 11 to investigate the trip after hearing hours of testimony from the officials involved, and questions arose about how the trip was financed. The Plato report indicates the funds may have been tied to the developers. Ernat's contract was not renewed as a result of the report, said City Manager Darwin McClary. Councilmembers Beth Bashert, Peter Murdock, Brian Robb and Daniel Vogt voted to direct the City Attorney to forward the report to the Michigan State Police's First District Special Investigation Section upon advice from the office of Washtenaw County Prosecuting Attorney Brian L. Mackie. Council member Lois Richardson voted in opposition of the resolution; Brown was absent. Edmonds recused herself from the vote. Explaining her vote, Richardson said the report was not complete as it did not include interviews with DiGiusti and Brown and she was done with the investigation into the China trip. "I don't want to continue to spend time and money on this issue," Richardson said. "We need to move on, we really need to look at some ways of doing whatever it is we need to do to get some activity on Water Street. As long as we stay bogged down on this, we're not moving forward." In response, Vogt said the state police as an objective party could determine whether additional investigation is needed, or if charges should be pursued in connection with the trip. "It's the most appropriate thing to do at this point and the most in the public interest," Vogt said. The vote to censure the mayor failed with Murdock, Vogt and Bashert voting in favor of the resolution and Richardson and Robb voting in opposition. Bashert said she has heard from multiple people on both sides of the issue and that the China trip has impacted relationships between public officials, city staff and residents of Ypsilanti. "It cost the city. It undermined trust in the city. It cost the city and this council time and effort and credibility," Bashert said. "I wish that today the mayor had accepted a little more responsibility in her statement for those lapses. She did not, in my opinion, do anything that was malicious or intentional." In his comments, Robb said the decision to censure someone for a bad decision was painful. "Are we going to go back and censure someone for purchasing Water Street? That's where this really gets bizarre," Robb said. "I wish we could just table this forever. The point has been made." Richardson also pointed out two other members of the trip, DeGiusti and Brown, were also responsible for inquiring about funding for the trip to China and were not facing a censure from city council. Some residents placed blame on McClary for not overseeing process of securing funding for the trip. And some called for Edmonds to resign during a public comment period that lasted more than two hours. Others described Edmonds as a scapegoat, and that city council and staff were also responsible. Andrew L. Fanta, a local attorney, advised caution ahead of the vote on the resolution to censure the mayor. "It'll give us a black eye and I think it will divide the community," Fanta said, suggesting city council members who had issues with funding for trip to China should have directly contacted the City Attorney's Office to investigate. Terry Heck Seibert, 61 ANN ARBOR, MI - Terry Heck Seibert will be remembered as a gifted actress who enjoyed teaching theatre and inspiring others, said students, friends and colleagues after the Eastern Michigan University professor's death last week. Heck Seibert, co-director of EMU's theatre program, was struck and killed by a vehicle while walking her dog Friday, April 13 in Ann Arbor. She was 61. Heck Seibert, of Ypsilanti, was an EMU alumna and a renowned actress in the community. She had performed Off-Broadway and at the Ally Theatre in Houston, the Cincinnati Playhouse, the Center Repertory Theatre in Walnut Creek, California and the Actors Theatre of St. Paul, according to her EMU biography. EncoreMichigan editor David Kiley said Heck Seibert was a 'true treasure' on and off the stage. "I have had the enormous pleasure of seeing Terry Heck perform twice, and I was so moved both times by the depth to which she inhabited her characters, and the truth of her acting," he said. "And when you hear people you respect speak so frequently of what a generous, thoughtful teacher she was, you know that your community has lost a true treasure." Locally, she performed at the Tipping Point Theatre, Purple Rose Theatre, Williamson Theatre, the Michigan Shakespeare Festival and Jewish Ensemble Theatre, among others. Dr. Lee Stille, Siebert's co-director of theatre at EMU, worked closely with her for the last decade. He said Heck Seibert put her students first and did whatever she could to help them. "She loved her students and was devoted to them," he said. "Every student was an individual. When you were with her, her time was your time." Stille said the theatre department is still in shock over the news. "The community here is just devastated," he said. "She was fierceness and joy and nurturing and one of the most sensitive people I've ever met in my life." One student profoundly impacted by Heck Seibert is Brian Scruggs, who's now an assistant theatre professor at EMU. Scruggs was passing through the theatre department as a student years ago and met Heck Seibert, who convinced him to take her introductory class. He fell in love with theatre and changed his major. The two worked together over the past several years. Scruggs said Heck Seibert looked after everyone in the department and brought positivity every single day. "She's always been the caretaker, always making sure everybody is doing well, kind of like the mother hen of the department," he said. "Even when you weren't doing what you were supposed to be doing, she had a way of talking to you to make you realize your mistake without you feeling undervalued." She was wife to EMU lecturer John Seibert and daughter of emeritus director of records, registration and advising Ann Kettles. Ann Kettles is wife to U.S. Medal of Honor recipient and EMU alumnus Lt. Col. Charles Kettles. A memorial wall in honor of Heck Seibert is in place at EMU's Quirk Theatre building, and a memorial Facebook page also has been created. Heck Seibert was struck about 3:20 p.m. Friday on eastbound Miller Avenue, west of Saunders Crescent in Ann Arbor, said Ann Arbor police Sgt. Bill Clock. She died of her injuries at an area hospital. The driver in the crash, a 56-year-old Ann Arbor man, stopped to render aid and was cooperative with investigating officers, police said. The crash remained under investigation, but police didn't believe speed was a factor, Clock said. There was also no evidence of impaired or distracted driving, he said. Heck Seibert was not in a crosswalk at the time of the crash, according to Clock. No tickets or charges had been issued. The investigation was ongoing. YPSILANTI, MI - The Ypsilanti City Council ultimately approved Eastern Michigan University to move forward with the privatization of its parking operations, but not without advising the university to be more transparent about its major financial decisions in the future. The city council voted 4-2 in favor of a motion permitting the issuance of tax-exempt private activity bonds that will provide a $55 million up-front payment to EMU to execute a 35-year agreement to monetize its parking system. Mayor Amanda Edmonds and council member Brian Robb voted against the motion during the city council meeting on Tuesday, April 17. The vote came after more than an hour of public comment and discussion from EMU and Ypsilanti community members, as well as the council. Several audience and council members believed EMU had not done its part to address concerns brought up by faculty, staff and students - at the suggestion of the council - since the vote on the bonds was tabled during a council meeting last month. "I would suggest heavily, that this is the age of transparency," Council member Beth Bashert said. "Our governmental entity is having some hard lessons on our end and I would suggest that your governmental entity is having some hard lessons on your end. "This is painful and damaging to EMU," she added. Ward 1 Council Member Lois Richardson agreed, openly asking why EMU had not made a better effort to address the details of the parking agreement with both the EMU community and the city council prior to bringing the motion forward. "It's really sad to say that the university has come to this point where they're not willing to be open with their own people," Richardson said. "The university has to do better with an openness within." EMU Vice President for Communications Walter Kraft noted that President James Smith addressed the privatization of parking with the faculty senate a "few weeks ago," but did not provide a specific date of when the discussion took place, acknowledging that communication between the administration and the EMU community must improve going forward. "That is clearly not enough, we should have done more," Kraft said, addressing those who said EMU had not been transparent enough in discussing the privatization agreement. "I respect your point of view and we will learn from it." While a number of members disagreed with the spirit of privatization and the parking agreement itself, those who voted in favor of the agreement did so because they felt there was no benefit in voting it down. Failing to approve the issuance of the bonds would have reduced the up-front payment EMU received from the agreement by about $10 million, EMU Chief Financial Officer Michael Valdes said. "The most likely scenario (if the motion wasn't passed) would be that we financed the transaction with taxable bonds," Valdes said. "As (Ypsilanti City Attorney John) Barr mentioned, that has an impact on the overall valuations of essentially the same cash flow to finance those bonds, which results in less up-front payment to the university." EMU's Board of Regents approved the agreement in December, relinquishing operation, management and maintenance of the university's parking system, consisting of more than 1,100 parking garage spaces, 8,300 parking lot spaces and any other metered or permitted parking spaces. Barr said according to the tax code, private activity bonds like the ones passed Tuesday must be issued by a governmental entity - in this case the city of Ypsilanti. Details behind the agreement are complex. Under the agreement, third-part vendor Preston Hollow Capital assigns rights to Provident Group-EMU Properties, an Arizona-based limited liability corporation, which is in turn owned by Provident Resources Group, a nonprofit corporation based in Georgia. The payment to EMU is financed by sale of the private activity bonds, which are tax exempt, by the Arizona Industrial Development Corp., requiring approval from the city council according to the federal Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1982. During public comment, around 15 people spoke out - the majority against the parking agreement. EMU student Alex Nuttle said the university failed to reach out to students regarding the details of the agreement like it has in other instances. "The university hasn't really reached out to us," he said. "They haven't engaged in a dialogue and they've been silent on this issue of private parking and done a terrible job at giving the information to students who pay the salaries of these administrators making the decisions we oppose." EMU student Sam Jones Darling said privatizing parking is essential in bolstering the university's finances and funding capital projects like the renovations to Sill Hall, the Rec/IM building, Quirk/Sponberg Theatre building and the Science Complex. "If we need that money to go forward to execute renovations for our university that frankly the state of Michigan has been delinquent for years in providing us funding for, I'm going to ask you today: Are you going to stand in our way?" he said. The agreement between EMU and Preston Hollow Capital would cap increases in parking rates at 5 percent each year in the first five years of the agreement, decreasing to 4 percent per year for the remainder of the agreement. Comparatively, Valdes noted in December that the average annual parking rate increase at EMU has been 7.2 percent over the past seven years. YPSILANTI, MI - Christina Oliver decided to send her son to Ypsilanti International Elementary School with the understanding he would be able to continue on the International Baccalaureate track through middle school. Now, that plan is in jeopardy as demand for Ypsilanti Community Schools' International Baccalaureate programs has outpaced the space available at Washtenaw International Middle Academy (WIMA). "I don't want to have to school shop, but I'm telling you I'm going to if my child does not get to go to WIMA or continue the IB track through middle school," said Oliver, whose son currently is in third grade. Ypsilanti Schools opened Ypsilanti International Elementary School as an International Baccalaureate school for preschool through second grade in the 2016-17 school year, and it expanded to add third through fifth grade this school year. Families were drawn to the rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on global citizenship -- and the promise that enrolling at YIES would guarantee their children a spot at Washtenaw International Middle Academy, an IB school for sixth through eighth graders. However, YIES grew so quickly that now there will not be enough room to accommodate the school's current third graders - including Oliver's son - if they all want to go to WIMA when they reach sixth grade. The district is facing a crossroads for the 2020-21 school year and beyond. "If we don't think about what we're going to do now, we're going to have a community problem on our hands," said Superintendent Benjamin Edmondson during a board of education workshop on the future of Ypsilanti's IB programs on Tuesday, April 17. WIMA has room for 64 incoming sixth graders each year, and YIES currently has 69 students in third grade and 70 students in second grade. If YIES students fill all the seats at WIMA, that leaves no room for students from other Ypsilanti elementary schools who may want to attend WIMA or Schools of Choice students who live outside the district and want to transfer to WIMA. Celeste Hawkins, vice president of the school board, noted that it was never the school board's policy to guarantee YIES students admission to WIMA, although district administrators touted the promise of seats at WIMA to families considering the new IB elementary school. The board has not yet made a decision on whether it will continue to guarantee YIES students a spot at WIMA. In the meantime, district leaders are exploring options for adding on to the IB programs. Edmondson said he's anticipating 20 percent of YCS students to be enrolled in an IB program in the 2018-19 school year. To add more middle school IB seats in response to growing demand, he proposed gradually expanding YIES into a preschool through eighth grade program. Extra classroom space could come from relocating the preschool through eighth-grade program to the current Ypsilanti Community Middle School building, which will be vacant starting in the 2018-19 school year; adding on to the current YIES building, located at 503 Oak Street, Ypsilanti; installing portable classrooms at YIES; or building a new school. Funding for some of those options would require district residents to pass a sinking fund, which would generate additional property tax revenue for the school district, Edmondson said. Board members Meredith Schindler and Maria Sheler-Edwards pushed back on the idea of creating a preschool through eighth-grade program as well as potentially moving YIES to the current YCMS building. Schindler pointed out that the district is moving sixth through eighth graders out of Estabrook Learning Community going into the 2018-19 school year, because combining elementary and middle school grade levels in one school didn't prove to be successful. Sheler-Edwards worried about creating instability for YIES by relocating the program. "The school's thriving. It hasn't even finished its second year. ... I think the best thing you could do to destabilize a program is to start messing around with your configuration and your location," she said. In general, the trustees expressed support for expanding the school district's IB offerings to include another sixth- through eighth-grade program, but they want to take more time to hear from parents and consider other options. Another option Edmondson raised would be to move WIMA out of the building it shares with Washtenaw International High School and into a space where the middle school could accommodate more students - although that idea got little traction during the board's discussion. Washtenaw International Middle Academy and Washtenaw International High School (WIHI) currently share a building, although the middle academy is part of Ypsilanti Schools and the international high school is under the authority of the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium. Starting in the 2018-19 school year, both schools will be run by the Washtenaw Educational Options Consortium, which is a collaboration of Washtenaw County's nine traditional public school districts and intermediate school district. Even as a WEOC program, Wasthenaw International Middle Academy will continue to enroll only Ypsilanti students. Sheler-Edwards also proposed installing portable classrooms at WIMA as a way to add classroom space there without building a separate middle school IB program. Another option suggested by Schindler would be to create a middle school International Baccalaureate program within Ypsilanti Community Middle School. The five parents who addressed the school board all voiced similar concerns about wanting to see equity within the school district in terms of which students have access to the IB programs and ensuring there are other high-quality options outside of International Baccalaureate. AUBURN, MI -- For the second day in a row, Confederate flags waved from truck beds outside Bay City Western High School. This time, though, they were met with some opposing protesters. What began with six trucks bearing the flags on Tuesday, April 17, parked along Bryant Boulevard, adjacent to the school at 500 W. Midland Road, has grown to feature dozens of vehicles parked in the same spot on Wednesday. A few counter-protesters displayed rainbow flags in support of LGBTQ rights and one sign that says "Hate Not Heritage," and another that says "Black Lives Matter." Confederate Flags at Bay City High School Confederate flag-bearing trucks met with opposition outside Bay City Western High Posted by The Bay City Times on Wednesday, April 18, 2018 Bay County Sheriff Troy R. Cunningham said deputies are monitoring the situation in case violence erupts. "It's racism," said Kendrix Szilagyi, a Western student and one of the counter-protest's organizers. "We understand that (officials) can't stop them but something needs to be done. We have such a small minority population of students and we're in a conservative area. We're a white-majority school. It's making some of the students and people feel uncomfortable and unwelcome." Students from Bay City Central High School had visited Western earlier in the morning to help in the counter-protest, Szilagyi said. She added many of those with the Confederate flags are not Western students, which school officials confirmed. Cameron Myers, a student waving the Confederate flag, said he's not motivated by racism. "It's not about racism; it's a country boy thing," he said, adding he thinks the symbol has been present since the founding of the United States. "If we were going over there and saying racist slurs and cussing them out, that would be another thing." Myers also said a Confederate flag of his was torn from his vehicle on school property last week. He said it was an "injustice" that no one was punished for the deed. "If we went over there and tore down their rainbow flag, we'd all be expelled," he said. Bay City Schools Superintendent Stephen Bigelow said a challenge facing educators is having good discourse within the classroom. "I'd prefer these discussions happen in classrooms rather than in a parking lot where teachers are there to lead in meaningful discourse," Bigelow said. "School is going on as usual and things are running smoothly within the building itself. "One thing Western is going to do is make sure our kids feel safe in school and we're also talking with kids and working with them in case there are any racial slurs or anything like that going on." Bigelow said staff plan on launching an internal investigation to see if Tuesday's display was racially motivated. "I hope that's not the case, but we need to make sure that's not happening," he said. The history of the colloquially dubbed Confederate flag is typically addressed in the school's curriculum, though Bigelow said staff are considering addressing the symbol's origins and context in special sessions in light of this week's incidents. "It sheds new light on it," he said. "It's obviously a hot topic. I talked with the principal this morning and we're going to look at what is going on and (will consider) having education revolve around that to address the issue itself. If there are some racial underpinnings to this, obviously we have to do more education." Historically, the Confederacy never adopted the Southern Cross symbol as its national flag. The second and third of the short-lived proto-state's three flags featured the symbol in the upper left-hand corner, analogous to the stars on the blue backdrop of the U.S. flag. What is commonly referred to as the Confederate flag today, with the rectangular image filling the entirety of the material, was used by Confederate Army units. "They're doing their legal constitutional duty," said Auburn Mayor Lee Kilbourn of those displaying the flags. "I'm not saying I'm supporting it or for or against it, but people in this country have to start realizing we have to tolerate all peoples' views. That's preached a lot out of Washington and a lot of other places, but it's not practiced. Democrats don't like Republicans' views and Republicans don't like Democrats' views. People have to grow up and need to respect other peoples' views." Kilbourn said he received a call Tuesday from a citizen who was "quite incensed," and suggested banning parking along Bryant Boulevard when vehicles are displaying flags. "How is that treating all people alike?" Kilbourn said. "I can't ban parking on streets because they have flags on pickups, which is their constitutional right. What do I start banning next? Kilbourn added he doesn't know the intent of those who displayed the flags. "If the motive was to intimidate, that was wrong," he said. "Trying to intimidate by race, color, creed, political belief, or religious belief is wrong. We have to respond to that in the right way so that the right message gets out. "Kids go to school to learn and express," the mayor continued. "Part of the beauty of education system is that kids get to express their views back and forth. That's how we learn and grow and change our minds. Hopefully, we have the right environment at Western, whether it's through the history teachers or the guidance counselors that these subjects can be openly talked about in a civilized manner and people can better understand why they do think like that." After the flags appeared Tuesday, 17-year-old junior Kendall Frost told The Bay City Times-MLive some of her fellow classmates organized the display on social media in what she believes was intended to intimidate and bully certain black students. Kendall, who is black, provided screen caps of text messages with racial slurs. She also said some students told her and other black classmates they "shouldn't go to Western because of our skin tone." In a Snapchat video taken by a Western student acquired by MLive, footage depicts at least three males in a vehicle recording the flags' demonstration. At one point, one of the males can be heard swearing and using a racial slur as text appears on screen stating "Fly em high boys." Frost said Wednesday her car is blocked in by two trucks bearing the Confederate flag. "This is ridiculous," she said. "We will be here all day protesting." Matthew Felan, president and CEO of Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance, said the Confederate flag display is disconcerting. "Anytime we see anything like this, we care about it deeply because we want to be a welcoming and inclusive community for business," Felan said. "We want to celebrate and encourage diversity and diverse backgrounds. When you see things like this, it grabs your attention. We don't want to look like an unwelcoming community to anybody on the outside. We want people to feel comfortable to come and invest here. "Whenever you see this, there's a perception," he continued, "and what perception do we want to give to people? And not even perception -- what are we? If there is a problem, let's figure it out. We can't ignore these things and look the other way when they happen. Something is definitely going on." BAY CITY, MI -- It could be another three weeks until Bay City's Independence Bridge is open to motorists. The bridge, which has been closed since Jan. 8, was slated to open at the beginning of April, but was delayed for a mid-April start due to "unforeseen circumstances." Now, city officials have said it may not be until the middle of May when the bridge would be ready for traffic. Rachel Phillips, engineering manager for Bay City, said there were some complications with balancing the bridge and that contractors must order more material. Phillips wants to assure residents that engineers are working around the clock to get the bridge open. "I realize people don't see them working, but the contractors are out working every day," she said. Business owners off the bridge on Wilder Road have said they've experienced 30 percent to 40 percent drops in business while the span has been closed. Right now, workers are trying to get the bridge ready for this weekend's shipping traffic, Phillips said, pointing out that the ships have the right-of-way by law. "But just because it's operational for ships, does not make it safe enough for the vehicles," Phillips said. The project, which started in October with concrete work, included replacement of the bascule span deck grating, span stringers and sidewalks. Ninety-five percent of the $1.45 million project is funded through a grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation, Phillips said. More information on the bridge's status is expected to come out of a meeting Wednesday afternoon, April 18, Phillips said. BAY CITY, MI -- Plans are in the works for a Brazilian steak house to open this fall at Uptown Bay City. Costela Brazilian Steak House will be located at 110 Uptown Drive. Jose Castillo, who came to Bay City from Texas as a migrant worker 20 years ago, says it has always been a dream of his to open a restaurant like this. "I've seen this type of Brazilian steakhouse concept in other parts of the state and I've been dreaming about bringing it to Bay City," he said. "I'm very confident people are going to like it." Costela said the restaurant will have an organic salad bar, but the main course is going to be a variety of steaks that servers will carve up and offer to guests. "We'll be walking around and you'll be able to try 14 to 16 different types of steak," he said. The restaurant is going to have about 40 tables. On Monday, April 16, the City Commission approved a sidewalk cafe license for the restaurant, allowing diners to eat outside. The new restaurant would join Real Seafood Co., Uptown Grill and Adventure Coffee, among other commercial Uptown Bay City tenants. Other recent newcomers to the Uptown Bay City development include Omoni Boutique, Michigan Sugar and Central Michigan University Research Corporation (CMURC). The new restaurant would be located in the same building at Uptown as those businesses. It fills the space that was previously spoken for by chef Tony Gojcaj and radio DJ Johnny Burke. The duo planned to open a restaurant called "Talk of the Town." After Burke was let go from WHNN 96.1 FM as its morning radio show host, Gojcaj said he still had plans to move forward with the restaurant. But in January 2017, Gojcaj died after a short battle with colon cancer. He was 53. Here's a blueprint of the restaurant: Helped by her adult son, 72-year-old Margie Stone, in a long, black winter coat, approached a small group of about a dozen protesters in front of the Oak Park Police Department on Tuesday evening. Her 48-year-old son Todd A. Stone, suffering from cancer and previously diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was killed by police inside her Oak Park home on Dec. 18. Prior to the shooting, Oak Park police say Todd Stone called authorities claiming to be armed with a hatchet and gun, and threatening to "shoot up the neighborhood." The investigation into the shooting was conducted by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office and submitted to Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica R. Cooper's office. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe says the Prosecutor's Office ruled the shooting was justified in late March. Group rallies in wake of recent fatal police-involved shootings of mentally ill men 11 Gallery: Group rallies in wake of recent fatal police-involved shootings of mentally ill men Todd Stone's brother and mother disagree. "My son should not be dead," Margie Stone said Tuesday. "There's any number of ways it could have been handled other than him being shot three times." "He had a hatchet about this big, almost a toy." Stone held her leather-gloved hands about 6 to 8 inches apart while she spoke. "I've been in this community a long time, my brother had too, and I just feel if it's a family city, they should use non-lethal force," said Todd Stone's 40-year-old brother, Donald Stone. "My brother didn't have the strength -- he was going through cancer -- he didn't have the strength to hurt nobody, and he was just hurting inside. "He was just crying out for help." On the day of her son's death, Margie Stone said police parked down the street from the home she moved into in 1982. She heard someone banging on the dining room window, ordering her to "Open the door. Open the door." "And then two officers went in, one with his gun drawn," Margie Stone said. "He was ready. He was ready to kill him." MLive has filed a Freedom of Information Act request for records related to the investigation into Stone's death. The mother, brother and and a longtime friend of Todd Stone joined a small protest of about 15 people that was coordinated by Marcina Cole, who is part of Observers in the Court, an organization focused on the unequal treatment of defendants in the judicial system based on race. Cole said she organized the protest in response to the killing of Stone, as well as two more police-involved killings last week. Troy police shot and killed 23-year-old Robert G. Issa on April 9 outside his family home when Issa allegedly charged police while armed with knives. Antonino Gordon A Royal Oak police officer shot and killed 28-year-old Antonino Gordon of Royal Oak on April 11. Gordon was in the drive-thru of a White Castle and had allegedly fled a traffic stop initiated by the same officer about 15 minutes prior. Police haven't said why the officer opened fire on Gordon. "Justifiable homicide?" Cole says she thought after seeing police reports obtained from Oak Park police related to Stone's death just prior to Tuesday's protest. "I thought 'Am I reading that right?" Speaking to protesters Tuesday, Cole said "this goes on so much, it's normalized." "They are not there, like they used to be, to serve and protect," she said. "Most of the police officers don't live where you live, so they could care less about you, particularly people of color. " ... I say to you today, people who are poor, people of color, do not call the police; you might be a victim." Like Stone, Issa, the man killed by Troy police last week, suffered from mental illness. According to police records reviewed by MLive, he'd been hospitalized for mental wellness checks at least three times in the nine months leading up to his death. Encounters with mentally ill suspects have also proven to be deadly for police. Three of the last five police officers killed in the line of duty in Detroit -- Detroit Police Officer Glenn Doss Jr., Detroit Police Sgt. Kenneth Steil and Wayne State University Police Officer Collin Rose -- were shot by suspects who were either deemed mentally incompetent to stand trial or suspected of having mental health issues. FLINT, MI -- Two former Flint police officers have pleaded guilty to federal charges after admitting to selling internal crash reports. Richard Besson and Jason Groulx both pleaded guilty on Wednesday, April 18, in Flint U.S. District Court after being charged the same day with a single count of conspiracy to commit theft from an organization that receives federal funds. Besson worked as an officer for the Flint Police Department for more than 20 years through 2011, while Groulx was at the department from 1998 through 2018, according to court records. Mayor Karen Weaver learned about the investigation last month and the city placed Groulx on administrative leave, according to a statement from Flint spokeswoman Kristin Moore. Groulx has since resigned, the city said, and the Flint Police Department is cooperating with the investigation. Groulx admitted to printing about 26 crash reports on April 25, 2013, that were not publicly available at the time and were the property of Flint police, according to the plea agreement. He and later delivered them to Besson. The reports were valued at $5,000 and had a watermark that said "unapproved report" on them, the plea agreement said. Besson then gave the reports to a person identified as "Individual A," in exchange for cash, according to court records. Groulx admitted to getting $105 from Besson less than a week later as his proceeds, the plea agreement said. "Individual A" also worked for the Flint Police Department from 1996 to 2011, according to a criminal information filed in the case. His identity has not been released by federal authorities. Besson was listed as a sergeant in a 2007 MLive-The Flint Journal story about a fatal pedestrian crash and Groulx was listed as an officer in that story. Groulx was a sergeant with Flint police as of Jan. 27, according to MLive-The Flint Journal. Arthur Weiss, Besson's attorney, declined to comment to MLive-The Flint Journal on Wednesday. MLive-The Flint Journal could not reach Dennis Lazar, Groulx's attorney, for comment. In a separate case also filed Monday, Brandon Abell pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States after paying off-the-books wages to someone identified as "Individual A" and others to obtain crash reports from the Flint police department. Abell worked for WCIS Media, which provided marketing and advertising services to chiropractors and health care providers, and owned B Abell, Inc., which provided telephone and in-person solicitation services for personal injury lawyers, chiropractors and healthcare providers, court records show. From January 2010 until December 2013, Abell and others conspired to defraud the U.S. and the Internal Revenue Service of income taxes, investigators said. Abell admitted he allowed a person only identified in court records as "Individual B" to access the B. Abell, Inc., bank account to pay business expenses and off-the-books wages to employees. The account was opened in February 2012 and received more than $747,000 in deposits in nine months, court records show. MLive-The Flint Journal could not reach Abell's attorney for comment. Federal prosecutors declined to comment on the cases. Additional details on the investigation were not released. The three men are out of jail on a $10,000 unsecured bond. Sentencing is scheduled for July 31. Abell's plea agreement calls for a sentencing range of 10-16 months, while Groulx's and Besson's agreements call for a six month to one year sentence. Zahra Ahmad contributed to this report. ST. CLAIR COUNTY, MI -- Charges are being sought against a 17-year-old Smiths Creek resident after police say he allegedly threatened to shoot several students at Port Huron High School. The student was interviewed and arrested Monday, April 16, and faces a report of a threat of terrorism charge, a felony count punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Officer Laura Phillips was made aware by school staff that the student made the threats during school in regards to an ongoing disagreement. Phillips is assigned as the high school's resource officer. Staff members and Phillips immediately began to investigate the threat, police said, which led to the student's arrest. The student was lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention Center. The incident is not the first this school year in Port Huron, including an alleged threat spotted by New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman in an Instagram post. Edelman contacted his assistant who then reached out to law enforcement in Massachusetts that were able to located the area the message originated in Port Huron, according to a New York Times story. Port Huron officers went to a local home and found a 14-year-old boy who allegedly admitted to making the threat. Two rifles belonging to the boy's mother were also found in the residence. The teen was charged with one count of making a false report of a threat of terrorism. "The Port Huron Police Department takes threats of school violence very seriously and they are investigated thoroughly," reads a statement from Capt. Joseph Platzer on the arrest. "The Port Huron Police Department would like to thank the individuals who brought this information forward to school staff and would like to remind everyone, that if you see or hear something, say something," Platzer said. The Port Huron Police Department Road Patrol, Criminal Investigative Division, and Major Crimes Unit assisted Phillips and the Port Huron Areas School District with this week's investigation. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A judge has dismissed federal charges against a 70-year-old man accused of committing three bank robberies in 2015 and 2016. Magistrate Judge Ray Kent heard testimony Tuesday, April 17 in U.S. District Court in Grand Rapids and determined that probable cause was insufficient to warrant the charges. He ordered William Francis Minore to be released from U.S. Marshals custody. UpNorthLive.com is reporting that Minore remains held on warrant of out of Grand Traverse County. Minore was suspected of robbing the Huntington Bank in Empire on Sept. 7, 2016, and Honor State Bank in Lake Ann on April 22, 2015, and Dec. 28, 2015. Police alleged he made diversionary 911 calls to distract police, including one about a school shooting. According to a court affidavit, many people familiar with Minore allegedly recognized his voice as the one making the diversionary 911 calls. Minor was charged with bank robbery and use of a firearm in furtherance of a bank robbery. BYRON TOWNSHIP, MI -- A U.S. 131 resurfacing project is expected to provide 2-3 inches of additional clearance for a bridge plagued by trucks striking the span. Michigan Department of Transportation officials on Tuesday, April 17, said the resurfacing project is expected to happen in September and October and involve U.S. 131 from the Allegan County line north of 76th Street. With the "mill and fill" project, transportation engineers expect to give special attention to the area around the 100th Street bridge and lower the pavement slightly under the structure. Crews will mill off 3-4 inches of asphalt and possibly some underlying concrete to gain the cleareance. MDOT administrators say the bridge, with a signed height of 13-feet, 11 inches, has been struck by over-height trucks seven times this year. Most of the strikes have caused little damage. But the first collision on Jan. 12, involving two trucks hauling over-height shipping containers, caused considerable damage. The bridge's westbound lane has been closed for much of the year to allow for repairs. Workers are replacing damaged beams and pouring a new concrete deck, according to MDOT spokesman Nick Schirripa. The bridge is tentatively scheduled to be replaced in 2020, with a new height of 16-feet, 3-inches. Schirripa said that insurance funds from the trucking companies associated with the collisions is expected to cover much of the ongoing repairs. The state released a video Tuesday to talk about the problem with over-height trucks and explain the resurfacing project. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- Police have released two surveillance camera images of a man police say robbed an Independent Bank on Tuesday, April 17. The man walked into the bank, 3090 Plainfield Ave. NE, about 10:05 a.m. and had a handgun. He left the bank with an undisclosed amount of money and entered a vehicle that went north on Plainfield Avenue. Police said the robber was not the driver. No one was injured during the robbery. The robber was wearing a full-length coat with fur around the hood. Witnesses told Grand Rapids police that the get-away vehicle was a black BMW sedan, built between 2004 and 2013, with market alloy wheels and after-market window tint. Anyone with information about the robber or the vehicle can call police at 456-3400 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or www.silentobserver.org PETOSKEY, MI - An Alanson teen was arrested Wednesday morning after leading police on a chase through several neighborhoods and a field. The chase started around 2:40 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, in Petoskey when a city public safety officer tried to stop a vehicle for several violations on East Mitchell Street, according to a press release. Police said the driver, 18, refused to stop and sped up instead. After fleeing through several residential streets the suspect lost control on Northmen Drive and rolled the vehicle onto its roof, police said. Police said the driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot into a nearby field. After a short pursuit by the Petoskey officer and an Emmet County Sheriff's Department deputy, he was taken into custody, police said. Police said the driver was arrested for operating under the influence of narcotics, fleeing and eluding police and resisting and obstructing an officer. In an interview following the arrest, police said, they learned the vehicle was stolen from a central business district in Petoskey and the suspect admitted stealing items from other vehicles in the area. Police are asking citizens who had vehicles parked in that area to check for missing items and if so to contact the Petoskey Department of Public Safety. Police said neither the suspect nor officers were injured during the chase and the driver of the vehicle is lodged at the Emmet County Correctional Facility. GRAND RAPIDS, MI - A transgender woman who works for Spectrum Health has filed a federal lawsuit against her employer and insurer for allegedly failing to provide coverage for treatment, including surgery. Cadence Morton of Caledonia was born a male but has a female-gender identity. She was diagnosed in 2011 with gender dysphoria - her identity being opposite to her biological sex - and began the process of transitioning to female identity. "According to every major medical organization and the overwhelming consensus among medical experts, treatment for gender dysphoria, including surgical procedures, are medically necessary when clinically indicated to treat gender dysphoria," attorney Christine Yared wrote in the lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court. Morton said in a statement: "My employer, Spectrum Health, and insurance provider, Priority Health, are discriminating against me based on my gender identity. ... My employer and healthcare provider are treating me as a second-class employee." Spectrum Health said: "Spectrum Health strives to maintain a diverse and inclusive workplace that is an open and accepting environment for all employees. It is not our practice to comment further on active litigation." Priority Health is aware of the lawsuit but declined to comment on pending litigation, a spokesman said. Morton started working for Michigan Medical PC in July 2004 before it merged with Spectrum Health nearly six years later. Morton is lead application development analyst for information services. Gender dysphoria, once known as "gender identity disorder," is a "serious medical condition defined as strong, persistent feelings of incongruence between a person's experienced gender and that which was assigned to the person at birth, which results in clinically significant distress or impairment," Yared wrote in the lawsuit. "The widely accepted standards of care for treating gender dysphoria are published by the World Professional Assocation for Transgender Health (WPATH). The WPATH Standards of Care have been recognized as the authoritative standards of care by the leading medical organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics," Yared wrote. The treatment can include hormone therapy, sex-reassignment surgery and psychological therapy. Morton has not completed necessary treatment, Yared said. She said that Priority "failed to cover a significant" part of Morton's treatment, including surgery, which cost over $41,000. Priority told Morton earlier this year that "your Priority Health Plan will no longer cover Gender Reassignment Surgery. This policy change has no impact on gender related behavioral health services or pharmaceutical, only surgical services related to Gender Reassignment," the lawsuit said. Later, Priority said that gender-reassignment surgery would be covered if required by state or federal law but said it would not be covered because of an injunction filed in Texas court case. Yared said that case holds no sway on Morton's claims. She said that the Affordable Care Act provides that her client cannot be subjected to discrimination, or denied benefits, by an entity receiving federal financial assistance. "Plaintiff's sex, that being a transgender woman, was a factor that made a difference in Defendants' decisions to subject her to the wrongful and discriminatory treatment ... ," Yared wrote. She said Spectrum provides other workers with insurance coverage for less critical services, including those "considered cosmetic in nature." Michigan State University's Board of Trustees remain in the early stages of their search for the university's next president, with one administrator saying the board's goal is to select a candidate for the position by spring 2019. "They're not rushing even though President Engler has indicated he is not wanting to stay," Provost June Youatt told the Faculty Senate Tuesday. "But I think that the timeline would be to be able to identify someone by spring who would be here in the fall" of 2019. Former Republican Gov. John Engler was appointed interim president by the board on Jan. 31 following the resignation of Lou Anna Simon, who stepped down amid a growing outcry over the university's response to the Larry Nassar sex-abuse scandal. Earlier this month, the board announced plans to hire an adviser to help lay the groundwork for the search. The adviser would help select a presidential search firm and ensure that students, faculty, staff and others connected to the university have a voice in the search. On Tuesday, Youatt said the board had settled on two candidates for the adviser position - both of whom are women, and both of whom are former presidents of large, research universities. Youatt said the board does not have experience conducting a presidential search, and that the hope is the adviser "can help steer them" through the process. MSU's last nationwide presidential search was more than 25 years ago. Trustees selected Peter McPherson, a former Bank of America executive who served in the Ford and Reagan administrations, after the finalist dropped out over remarks deemed racially insensitive. The university now faces the challenge of attracting a candidate to an institution whose foundation has been shaken by Nassar, a former MSU doctor who has been accused of sexually abusing more than 250 women and girls under the guise of medical treatment. He's been sentenced to decades in prison on state and federal charges related to sexual abuse and child pornography. Brian Breslin, chair of the Board of Trustees, could not be reached for comment Wednesday morning. Students and faculty have put pressure on the board to ensure they have a say on which candidate is selected to serve as MSU's top administrator. The Faculty Senate voted on Tuesday to support a policy proposal from the group Reclaim MSU, which recommends that students, faculty and staff have spots on the presidential search committee. The policy also recommends that before the next president is hired, he or she must receive support from two-thirds of the university's Academic Congress. Reclaim MSU bills itself as a coalition of students, faculty and staff who are pushing for change at the university in the wake of the Nassar scandal. WARREN, MI - The Macomb County Health Department is warning any customers of the Buffalo Wild Wings, located at 29827 Mound Rd. in Warren to be wary of potential signs of hepatitis A infection as the disease has been confirmed in an employee at the location. In a press release issued by the MCHD, officials say anyone who dined at the restaurant between Mar. 24, through Apr. 9 should be on the alert for symptoms related to hepatitis A. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dark urine, fever, chills, yellow skin and eyes (Jaundice). These symptoms can develop between 15 to 50 days after being exposed to hepatitis A. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. It is also recommended that anyone who ate at the restaurant get a hepatitis A vaccination as that can prevent the disease if the vaccination is given within 14 days of exposure. More than 800 cases of hepatitis A have been reported in the state of Michigan since August 2016. Of those cases, 216 have been reported in Macomb County, 167 in the city of Detroit, 139 in Wayne County and 108 in Oakland County, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. LANSING, MI - Michiganders receiving Medicaid are one step closer to being required to work 30 hours per week under legislation approved 4-1 by the Senate Competitiveness Committee on Wednesday. Senate Bill 897, sponsored by Sen. Mike Shirkey, R-Clark Lake, would require able-bodied Medicaid recipients to work 29 hours per week in order to continue receiving Medicaid. People would be exempt from the requirements if they met certain criteria, like being over 64, having a disability, being pregnant, or being a caretaker for a dependent with a disability or family member under the age of six. That would leave out people like Claire Maitre of Scio Township, who cares for her 3-year-old and 7-year-old grandsons three days a week now, and more during the summer. She is a Medicaid recipient, but said if she were forced to give up her volunteer work and family childcare assistance she would give up the health insurance. "I may seem poor to you, but my life seems rich," she told the committee. Amid a national push to expand Medicaid Gov. Rick Snyder signed Healthy Michigan into law in 2013. It extended Medicaid to people making 138 percent of the federal poverty level. In 2018 that's an income of $16,753 for one person or $34,638 for a family of four. Healthy Michigan now insures 672,731 people, according to the Michigan Department for Health and Human Services. Until recently, federal rules prevented states from instituting work requirements for Medicaid recipients. The President Donald Trump administration recently opened the door to such policy, approving a handful of waivers from states seeking to implement Medicaid work requirements. The bill would require Michigan to seek such a waiver. It got a hearing in March, but Shirkey slowed it down for more input. Changes to the bill in the substitute reported Wednesday included extending the implementation timeline to Oct. 1, 2019 and delineating more exemptions, Shirkey said. But he is still working with people on the details and doesn't expect what the committee approved today to be the final version. Specifically, he said the 29-hour requirement was subject to change. He's also had high-level meetings with Snyder and some of his staff about the bills. Pete Lund, state director of Americans for Prosperity Michigan, testified in support of the bills, saying they contained "very reasonable requirements." He urged passage over the objections, saying in past instances opponents of change had cited sensationalized concerns. "Whenever we hear that type of over-the-top screaming and yelling, it never seems to come to fruition," Lund said. The Mackinac Center and National Federation of Independent businesses also testified in support of the legislation. Among those who testified against it was Ken Fletcher, state director for the American Lung Association of Michigan. He said most people who get their coverage through Medicaid and are able to work already do. Medicaid recipients would have to do paperwork either to prove they fit into one of the exemptions or to demonstrate they comply with the requirement, he said. The proposal would leave recipients "battling administrative red tape in order to keep coverage," he said. Sen. Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor, was the only committee member to vote against the bill. She had concerns about the number of hours people were required to work and unfair penalties for somebody whose employer doesn't give them the promised number of hours. But she's hoping to work with Shirkey on the bill as it goes through the legislative process. "I want to continue to work with you, Mr. Chair, to make sure that it harms as few people as possible," Warren said. The bill heads now to the full Senate, where Senate Majority Leader Arlan Meekhof, R-West Olive, said he supports it. "I think there's a lot of merit there. Folks that are able-bodied, I think this will help them become more self-sufficient. I think it's a good idea," Meekhof said. He said the plan is for the full Senate to consider it next week. It would need to pass the full Senate and the full House, and be signed by Gov. Rick Snyder, to become law. Numbers show what's happening with Michigan's manufacturing jobs: the state lost nearly 70,000 of them in a decade. Yet the sector remains vital for Michigan, experts say, as technology and automotive sectors converge into mobility. And in between stand thousands of unfilled jobs that fall into the gap as the state looks at its automotive employment and considers what it needs to keep its edge as a national leader. The differentiator: job skills. There's how Emily Hatsigeorgiou is finding stability for her young family. Two years after starting in the automotive program at Washtenaw Community College, she's ready to double her previous pay and aim for a four-year engineering degree while she works a new job at General Motors. "I know I have skills and I know that I have value, and I have job security because of that," Hatsigeorgiou said as she described her trajectory from new auto tech student to near-graduate of Washtenaw Community College. But at WCC, the term "auto tech" is taking on a new meaning from traditional images of that career field - much as advanced manufacturing elements are re-making the world of auto production. WCC's Advanced Transportation Center offers course work in intelligent transportation systems, light weight materials manufacturing and advanced automotive service and repair. It's the kind of program cited by Gov. Rick Snyder as essential for Michigan's future. Students in each segment are exposed to the high-tech developments reshaping the auto industry - and its employment, as it sheds low-skill, high-wage jobs. That doesn't mean there won't be manufacturing jobs, said Al Lecz, director of WCC's Advanced Transportation Center. "I'm optimistic jobs are not going to be lost," Lecz said. "They're going to change. The nature of the jobs is going to change with the technology." The Advanced Transportation Center is an example of how WCC has aggressively positioned itself to fill the jobs void and create or remake programs that prepare students for future job shifts. In the meantime, says Brandon Tucker, dean of advanced technologies at the school near Ann Arbor, "they're also the jobs of today." The community college has invested at least $9 million, thanks in part to state grants, to purchase updated equipment that its business advisors say is in use across industry in Southeast Michigan. The region already is a hub for automotive development and engineering, and it will increase its expertise in new realms as the American Center for Mobility builds its foothold in the region. Beyond the center's future development, Tucker said, business leaders say too many jobs in automotive need specific skills that are hard to find. "(The workforce) in the current industry needs to upskill to stay relevant, stay competitive and get promotions," he said. WCC takes a multi-track approach to create opportunities in its career tech program. Some of it involves courses specific for employers as they pursue training programs. The rest is about creating course work that leads to a certificate or associate's degree while exposing a student to many disciplines. Employers, Tucker said, don't just want a technician who can do one task, like track a vehicle's performance on a dynamometer. They might want that person to weld part of the car back together after testing. Or a tech trained to repair infotainment systems may also benefit from a programming class to understand how it works. Hatsigeorgiou's path to WCC came after she decided not to go to college after high school. Soon after graduation, she married and had two sons, now 7 and 5. She owned a restaurant for a while, and worked in retail. After her divorce, she moved to her parents' home, and worked at a credit union. Earning $26,000 per year didn't allow her to live with her sons on her own, she said, and she looked for options. Eventually, she decided to follow her father's path into automotive repair. She'll finish the auto technician program in May, then will start at GM in June. She now knows how to repair brakes. She can remove an engine. She can read a dynamometer during testing. But her job isn't in a garage; it's in a research and development center. Hatsigeorgiou will earn more than $50,000 per year starting wage as a hydraulic safety technician, testing vehicle safety and crash worthiness at the Milford Proving Grounds. She'll set up the simulated crashes and records results. "I work one-on-one with engineers, interpreting data to report back to them," she said. Lecz says that's typical among the students coming out of WCC's programs, where technicians may build prototypes or work with sensors on connected vehicles. Tucker said while community colleges may once have trained students to run machines, that's not relevant today - automation is taking care of that. Entry-level courses may teach a student, instead, to set up the machines. More advanced classes teach them to program the robots, or troubleshoot. "The manufacturing of today is not our grandfathers' manufacturing," Tucker said. "It's clean labs and computer-aided." He continued: "(Students need) to understand a computer. Then read data and analyze it. It's a much different situation than we had in the past." So far, growth in the program is coming at about 10 percent for each of the last two years, bringing enrollment in the program to 210 students. Another 200 are in the auto service program, while 280 are in welding and fabrication - including working at the school's 22 3-dimensional printers, comprising the largest educational 3D printing lab in the state. What that means for Michigan is that hundreds of people are taking steps toward careers that will help them earn middle class wages of at least $40,000 to $60,000 per year. It also puts more of the state's residents on a path toward the post-high school education that educators and experts say is crucial for the state to increase its productivity and job attraction. Many will move on to four-year degrees, cited as the greatest predictor of prosperity. Hatsigeorgiou sees those benefits. But that's not all that's driving her. She looks back on jobs where she "felt overworked and underpaid," she said. "... Mentally, that takes a toll." Stepping into a field where she had no experience resulted in opportunities that she never dreamed possible: Trips to conferences, meeting mentors, collaborating with new teams. The fulfillment crept up on her. So did the passion. "It's ever-changing, always evolving, never boring," she said. Embracing that change makes the difference for her. It's coming either way, Hatsigeorgiou said, "so you might as well." Over the course of the next several months, MLive will explore issues of economy, education and infrastructure, and what Michigan leaders need to do to create a better future. We'd love to hear from you, about your struggles and your wins, as you navigate Michigan's economic landscape. We want to use your voice and your questions to frame the conversation with candidates as we head into midterm elections. Have a story to share, send us an email to michiganbeyond@mlive.com The U.S. Senate is poised to vote on must-pass legislation with provisions that conservation and environmental groups warn would weaken safeguards against the introduction of invasive species in the Great Lakes through ballast water pollution. A cloture vote is expected Wednesday, April 18 on a bill to reauthorize Coast Guard programs that includes a version of the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). The bill which would remove Clean Water Act authority over ballast water, which is regulated as a pollutant because it introduces invasive species into new ports. The shipping industry has repeatedly pushed for passage of the VIDA bill, which they argue would end a "patchwork quilt" of federal and state pollution discharge regulations. Environmental groups call VIDA a poison pill attached to must-pass legislation that would lock current ballast water standards in place, disincentive adoption of new treatment technologies and curb the public's ability to file citizen suit legal challenges in court. They hope Senate Republican leaders will allow votes on amending the Coast Guard bill to remove the VIDA provisions. If the bill passes the Senate unchanged, the expectation is that it would also pass the House and be signed into law by the president. "If it passes the Senate with VIDA in it, I think it's over," said Marc Smith, Great Lakes director of conservation partnerships for the National Wildlife Federation. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Michigan, said he can't support the Coast Guard reauthorization bill with the VIDA language. "I have always been a strong supporter of the Coast Guard and its mission. However, language inserted into what was otherwise a bill with broad bipartisan support fails to protect the Great Lakes from invasive species - which have caused significant economic and environmental damage to Michigan's unique ecosystem," Peters said. "The Great Lakes support multi-billion dollar tourism and fishing industries and we must take every step possible to prevent invasive species from further undermining our state's waterways." The shipping industry has stepped-up pro-VIDA advocacy efforts as a vote nears. The bill is backed by the American Waterway Operators, U.S. Shipping Industry Coalition and the Lake Carriers Association, the latter of which claims the lakes would "reap many benefits" from a bill that would provide "stricter and more uniform regulations." Jim Weakley, president of the Lake Carriers Association, a trade group representing U.S.-flag shippers, called the VIDA bill "reasonable regulation" that puts the Coast Guard, not the Environmental Protection Agency, in the ballast water regulatory driver seat, because the Coast Guard certifies treatment systems and conducts on-vessel ballast water inspections. "The Coast Guard has expertise in vessel operations," he said. The two agencies share regulatory authority over ballast water, but the Coast Guard isn't required to follow the Clean Water Act -- which is designed to tighten pollution restrictions over time by updating permits with lower limits and new technologies. The Clean Water Act requires permit updates every five years. The VIDA bill increases ballast water discharge standard reviews to 10 years, with some ability for states to formally request a review. Currently, oceangoing ships are required to exchange, or flush, ballast water at sea before entering the St. Lawrence Seaway. The practice, known as "swish and spit," has largely been credited with stemming invasions, although the EPA confirmed two new exotic species of zooplankton were present in Lake Erie in 2016 and 2017. Ships draw-in and discharge ballast water for vessel stability. Foreign ballast water is blamed for bringing invaders like quagga and zebra mussels into the Great Lakes. Smith said flushing ballast water at sea doesn't always fully clean vessels of invasive hitchhikers, and a very small number can wreak environmental and economic havoc. In 2015, the NWF and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) won a federal appellate decision that forced the EPA to rewrite its general ballast water permit by 2018 to strengthen pollution controls. The NWF and NRDC say mid-ocean ballast water flushing and new onboard treatment systems are insufficient protections. Smith said the EPA is expected to accept new technologies when it finalizes it permit re-write. The VIDA bill obviates that work because it "locks in the current standard, which the courts agree is ineffective." "We're happy to have a conversation about one common standard, but not at the expense of removing clean water standards," he said. Weakly argued that overlapping regulations at the state level can cause problems for ships moving between ports on the Great Lakes. He argued that installing treatment systems on Great Lakes freighters, or lakers, isn't feasible due to technical constraints. Presently, lakers are exempt from federal ballast water discharge permit requirements -- although Minnesota does have state discharge requirements for lakers, which can move contaminated water around between Great Lakes ports. Overall, exempting shippers from the Clean Water Act is reasonable because the law was "designed for stationary, not mobile sources," Weakly said. "If a factory is in a fixed location, a state government in addition to the federal government can set constraints on the factory," he said. "With a mobile source, every time you change states you're subject to different requirements." Michigan presently has EPA-delegated authority to enforce Clean Water Act rules. The state requires oceangoing ship disinfect ballast water before entering Michigan waters. Federal law allows states to either certify the EPA standard or go further and set additional rules. "You could literally throw some chlorine pool tablets (into the ballast tanks) and be using one of the process the state of Michigan approves," said Weakly. "When you get to Minnesota, you could exceed their total residual chlorine discharge standard." Smith countered that having to get a separate permit for Minnesota waters "is the cost of doing business" for the shipping industry. "If they can come up with one example of a laker being denied a permit in Minnesota, then let's see it," he said. "I haven't heard from anyone that the state of Minnesota is rejecting permits for lakers." JACKSON, MI - The Michigan Court of Appeals says Tiffany Lynn Reichard cannot claim her actions were made under duress when she was present during a brutal murder in Summit Township nine years ago. "What is lost in this case is that the real issue is not whether defendant was acting under duress, but whether she actually aided and abetted a criminal homicide" the Michigan Court of Appeals wrote in its decision April 17. Reichard, 27, is charged with one count of open murder for the violent death of Matthew Cramton, 56, who was found stabbed to death in his home Jan. 29, 2009. Her then co-defendant, Michael Beatty, confessed he killed Cramton, stabbing him 91 times during a botched robbery. He was sentenced to life without parole Sept. 19, 2017. Reichard, who was in a relationship with Beatty, is accused of aiding in the attempted robbery and helping Beatty destroy evidence of the murder, prosecutors said. Reichard's attorney Andrew Kirkpatrick has argued responsibility for the murder rests on Beatty and that Reichard's actions alongside Beatty were made under duress. Jackson County Circuit Judge Thomas Wilson previously granted Kirkpatrick's request to argue during trial that Reichard was under duress when the murder took place. Prosecutors appealed the decision and the appellate court agreed with prosecutors, reversing the Circuit Court decision, stating it saw "no logical reason to allow the duress defense to negate the predicate and mitigate the first-degree felony murder down to second-degree murder." Reichard was 17 at the time of the murder and there is no indication she participated in the stabbing itself, records show. Prior to her arrest in August 2016, Reichard told police she picked Beatty up from Cramton's home and he was covered in blood, records show. She later changed her story, admitting she helped plan to rob Cramton, believing he had money and drugs. She told investigators she parked near Cramton's home and, with the intent to rob, she was to knock on the door to get Cramton to open it so Beatty could rush in wearing a mask and demand money and drugs while she was to be a look out, court records show. Reichard then told police after the murder she poured perfume on Beatty's clothes and burned them in a grill, records show. Cramton was known as an empathetic, light-hearted soul who would sell goofy hats and painted balloons at the Jackson County Fair every year, said Martin Wolkens, a friend of Cramton who found him stabbed to death. Cramton was unmarried and lived alone in the small two-story house he was killed in, police said. An open murder charge allows a jury to decide between a first-degree or second-degree murder conviction. If convicted of first-degree murder, Reichard will serve a mandatory life sentence without the possibility of parole. Second-degree murder is punishable by up to life with parole being possible. Reichard's next court hearing is scheduled for May 4. Kirkpatrick said he intends to appeal the decision with the Michigan Supreme Court. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - Construction funding requests from Holton and Orchard View school districts as well as nonhomestead millage renewals will appear on the May 8 special election ballot. Holton Public Schools is seeking to borrow $6.9 million and issue general obligation tax bonds to help support several equipment and facility upgrades. Orchard View Schools is asking for renewal of a 1-mill tax for a sinking fund for building improvements. Meanwhile, Fremont and Grand Haven schools are seeking renewals to existing operating millages set to expire at the end of this year. Holton Public Schools bonding proposal The Holton Public Schools Board of Education is asking voters to allow the district to borrow $6.9 million and issue general obligation unlimited tax bonds. The funding will go toward: Remodeling, erecting a secure entry and installing security measures for, equipping and re-equipping and furnishing and refurnishing school buildings. Purchasing school buses. Developing, improving and equipping playgrounds, driveways, parking areas and sites. Holton Public Schools expect to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan program to pay down the district's debt. District officials estimate the total principal amount of that borrowing to be $2.88 million with an estimated total interest of $2.69 million. Because the district recently refinanced existing debt, the bonds can be repaid without additional cost to what taxpayers are currently paying, according to the district. To pay off the bonds, the district could extend an existing 7-mill tax - $7 per every $1,000 of taxable value on all property within the district -- that is expected to expire in 2033, said Holton Superintendent Adam Bayne. If the bond proposal is approved, it is expected to be extended to 2044, depending on property values, Bayne said. None of the bond money could be used for repair or maintenance costs, operating expenses, nor teacher, administrator and employee salaries. Orchard View Schools sinking fund millage The Orchard View Schools Board of Education is asking voters to approve a tax of 1 mill for 10 years to create a sinking fund for capital construction or building repairs, security improvements. A tax of 1 mill equals $50 for the owner of a home with a market value of $100,000. The millage is estimated to raise $282,335 within the first year. School millage renewals Fremont and Grand Haven school districts are seeking renewal of 18-mill nonhomestead tax levies. The nonhomestead millage is levied on businesses and second homes, but not on primary residences.The state, which expects districts to have the tax in place, includes revenue from it in districts' per-pupil state funding grants. Those without the 18-mill nonhomestead tax will have their per-pupil grants reduced. In Fremont, the millage would raise $2.5 million in the first year. In Grand Haven, the millage is estimated to raise $17.7 million the first year. SAGINAW TWP, MI -- The independent delegate for the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw sex abuse investigation reiterated Monday he will adhere to a longstanding church policy by reporting all instances of sexual abuse to authorities. But in at least one case, the diocese might not have followed that procedure. A week after the Rev. Robert DeLand was arrested Feb. 25 on allegations he sexually assaulted two males -- a 21-year-old and a 17-year-old -- in his Saginaw Township condominium, the diocese stated DeLand was once investigated on suspicion of sexual abuse. According to the diocese, in 2005 a woman asked the diocese whether her brother, who committed suicide in 1993, was sexually abused by DeLand in the 1970s. "(That year), after an independent professional investigator completed a thorough assessment," the diocese previously stated. "The independent Diocesan Review Board, Bishop Robert Carlson, who was Bishop of Saginaw at the time, as well as the family agreed that the suspicion against Father DeLand was unfounded." The diocese did not say law enforcement was notified of the sexual abuse suspicion and investigation. The set of procedures which Michigan Court of Appeals Judge Michael J. Talbot, the newly-appointed independent delegate for the diocese, will abide by is called the Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People. It was adopted in 2002 by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops amid a widening investigation into sexual abuse within the Boston archdiocese. Among other procedures, it mandates reporting of sexual abuse allegations to law enforcement agencies. "Dioceses/eparchies are to cooperate with public authorities about reporting cases even when the person is no longer a minor," the charter states. Diocese spokesperson Erin Looby Carlson said Talbot plans to look into the 2005 investigation into DeLand. "Judge Talbot is curious as well," she said. "However, he does not have the information and is lacking access to the files in order to provide a responsible answer right now. He expects it will take some time for him to become familiar with cases in the Diocese of Saginaw, and has committed to remaining in place as long as is necessary." On Monday, April 16, the diocese released a statement saying Talbot plans to formalize his promise to fully cooperate and share any allegations of sexual abuse with law enforcement with prosecutors in the 11 counties the diocese serves. "As delegate, I intend to comply with the mandatory requirements of The Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People adopted by the Catholic bishops of the United States," Talbot was quoted saying in the statement. "As soon as the Diocese of Saginaw receives such a complaint it will be reported to the county prosecutor where the abuse is alleged to have occurred." The diocese released the statement reiterating Talbot's intentions in response to "some public reaction" after his appointment Friday. During his appointment press conference, Talbot implored victims to speak with him. "I need to hear from those who have hesitated to come forward," he said. Following the press conference, law enforcement investigating the diocese statement said victims of sexual abuse by priests should go to the police, not report it to the Diocese of Saginaw or Talbot. The investigation team said the diocese "cannot and should not be used as a clearing house for the reporting of crimes by victims." "That is the function of law enforcement," the statement read. "Any victims of abuse or other crimes should report their allegations directly to law enforcement as opposed to the Diocese or Judge Talbot, its independent delegate." Talbot, who is retiring from the bench on April 25, will act as a liaison between the diocese and media, prosecutors, police and others. Talbot will work voluntarily and will be independent from the diocese, reporting wrongdoing to police if needed, he said. Talbot is a Catholic who wrote the first Victim's Rights Law for the State of Michigan and was responsible for implementing the law in courts and law enforcement agencies in Wayne County, according to biographical information on the Archdiocese of Detroit's webpage. The special investigative team was formed in March and is comprised of the Saginaw County Prosecutor's Office, Saginaw Township Police Department, Tittabawassee Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, and various other state and federal agencies. Nearly a month ago, police raided Cistone's home and two diocese properties. The search warrants, which saw the seizing of documents, records and computers, were executed after prosecutors allege diocese officials failed to fully cooperate in the ongoing investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw. To date, only one diocese priest, the Rev. Robert DeLand, has been criminally charged in the sexual abuse probe. Prosecutors issued further charges against DeLand last week, alleging he additionally sexually assaulted an 18-year-old man, furnished alcohol to a minor and was in possession of a controlled substance. He remains out on bond, but barred by the diocese from practicing as a minister. Another diocese priest, the Rev. Ronald J. Dombrowski, was suspended in early March by the diocese after they received a report he allegedly sexually assaulted a person when they were a minor. He has not been criminally charged. President Donald J. Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen revealed to a federal judge that Sean Hannity is his third mystery client. Cohen's lawyers were arguing Hannity's identity should not be revealed in connection with documents seized from Cohen by federal investigators. Despite the obvious conflict of interest, Hannity railed against the raid without disclosing that he was also a client of Cohen. Should Fox News fire Hannity? PERSPECTIVES Cohen revealed that he was discreetly doing some legal work for Hannity during the same time he was representing Trump in 2017. Here's the latest update from Politico: Hannity failed to reveal his extreme conflict of interest when he railed against Special Counsel Robert Mueller's raid. It turns out, Hannity was one of Cohen's 10 clients in 2017. Hannity framed the situation as: "This is now officially an all hands on deck effort to totally malign, and, if possible, impeach the president of the United States." As Trump's attack dog, the now-disclosed fact that Trump and Hannity are so intertwined is so far out the bounds of journalism that Fox News must fire Hannity if it wants to keep using the word "news" in the company name. Even though Hannity's show is an opinion show, he still has responsibilities to his audience to reveal his biases -- especially when they're so extreme. Hannity has gone off the rails in recent times. He relentlessly pushed the Seth Rich conspiracy even after the family asked him to stop. Hannity says Mueller probe 'off the rails' after Cohen raid At the end of the day, it's on readers to think critically about the information they consume. Hannity isn't going around brainwashing people into believing what they believe. People are actively coming to his show because they agree with him and the views he represents. Hannity didn't reveal that he was under investigation. He probably should have, but that's not a fireable offense. Here's how Hannity put it: The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. In a recent release, VenueNext, a guest experience platform company, announced the availability of its mobile platform in Epics App Orchard. VenueNexts participation in the marketplace provides developers and Epic customers with a mobile solution designed to tie together all of a hospitals patient experience systems including portals like Epic MyChart. The goal is to enable patients to access their health information and hospital services via their smartphone. As we mark our continued growth into healthcare we are excited to join the Epic App Orchard and provide access to our platform to help other hospitals in their journey to improve patient and guest customer service and brand loyalty, said John Paul, CEO and founder, VenueNext. Our goal is to provide a single digital front door by adding the convenience of mobile access to eHealth services like MyChart for everyone that visits their hospital. Since its launch in October 2017, VenueNexts healthcare partner St. Lukes Health System, has increased mobile adoption of MyChart among its patients by 46 percent. The company also recently announced it has partnered with Yale New Haven Health to provide a new single digital front door for its patients and guests across all hospitals and ambulatory services. How VenueNext Works The VenueNext mobile platform consolidates disparate health service applications for a unified, simplified guest experience, so health systems can focus on the evolving needs of patients, guests and staff. Highlights from the app: Patients can log into a fully integrated, native version of MyChart to manage their health records, check labs, make appointments, communicate with their care team, and pay bills. "Couch-to-care" directions ensure patients make it to visits on time with no fear of getting lost. Driving directions help patients find the right parking lot, and blue-dot wayfinding expertly navigates them through the hospital to the department, lab or office. Mass transit directions and rideshare integration is also available to ease the transportation challenge. Mobile food ordering and delivery adds convenience for those that may have multiple visits scheduled throughout the day or may be waiting for a loved one. Licensed third party applications like searching for a doctor, visit scheduling and telemedicine applications can also be incorporated. VenueNext works with Epic 2017 and Epic 2018. Edited by Ken Briodagh Junior Madelyn Guinn and the Morgan Hill Future Farmers of America Officer Team advanced out of the FFA Regional Speaking Competition, which was held March 23 in King City. The regional competition was comprised of FFA competitors from all over the South Coast Region, spanning from Campbell to Los Angeles. Guinn placed third in the region in Prepared Public Speakinga 6- to 8- minute speech, fully memorized on an agricultural topic of the students choosingand advanced to the state competition in April. For regionals, Guinn researched and wrote a speech titled, Cannabis in California, which outlines the effects that the legalization of marijuana has had on the cut flower and ornamental horticulture industry in the state. She was then asked five minutes of questions regarding the content covered in her speech. Joining her at state will be the Morgan Hill FFA Officer Team, which placed second in the region by preparing and entering their Program of Activities, a 135-page document outlining the programs bylaws and events. Also competing at regionals was freshman Jackie Badillo, who qualified in the Creed Speaking Competition. Badillo memorized and recited the FFA Creed, a five-paragraph set of beliefs and aims of the FFA. She was then asked five minutes worth of questions on agriculture and the history of the creed. In addition, sophomores Emily Van Boening and Serena Wood represented the Morgan Hill FFA chapter as voting delegates. Live Oak High School agriculture teachers Kaiti Whitmyre and Amelia Brown are the Morgan Hill FFA Advisors. Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. Maintaining independence and editorial freedom is essential to our mission of empowering investor success. We provide a platform for our authors to report on investments fairly, accurately, and from the investors point of view. We also respect individual opinionsthey represent the unvarnished thinking of our people and exacting analysis of our research processes. Our authors can publish views that we may or may not agree with, but they show their work, distinguish facts from opinions, and make sure their analysis is clear and in no way misleading or deceptive. To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research. Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process. As Earth Day approaches on April 22, around the world countries are working to reduce their carbon footprint. The latest Morningstar Sustainability Atlas shows that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) leadership can come from surprising corners of the globe. This semiannual report examines the sustainability profiles of 46 equity markets based on the constituents of their Morningstar country indexes. The leading markets According to the company-level ESG assessments of Morningstars specialist partner Sustainalytics, leading markets are mostly found in Europe. The Nordics and eurozone are especially strong. But several emerging markets also score well. Colombia is among the global leaders, with Turkey, Hungary, and Taiwan also posting impressive scores. This shows that ESG leadership can come from surprising corners of the globe. It isnt true that sustainability is a luxury that only rich countries can afford. Click on the image to expand Indias position Though India still has a long road to travel before becoming a global sustainability leader, the country scores reasonably well across environmental, social, and governance parameters. As a market for sustainable investors, India is superior to the U.S., South Korea, New Zealand, and China. The U.S. is weighed down by ESG-related controversies plaguing constituents like Wells Fargo and Apple. The Morningstar India Index achieves an overall score of 47, ahead of several markets typically considered more developed. Key index constituents Reliance Industries, Infosys, and Tata Consultancy Services all achieve high scores relative to their global industry peers. Click on the image to expand Key takeaways The Netherlands is the world's leading market for company-level sustainability. Dutch companies especially distinguish themselves with regards to governance. Colombia, Taiwan, Hungary, and Turkey uphold high standards of ESG, with South Africa, Brazil, and Chile posting strong scores as well. This proves that emerging markets companies can be leaders in sustainability. The U.S., U.K., and Swiss markets are especially heavy on companies embroiled in ESG-related controversies. Eurozone and Nordic markets are the globe's green leaders. Social practices are strongest within Europe, but Colombia, Australia, and Taiwan also score highly. Australia scores well on sustainability factors, especially in the area of governance. China, Russia, and the Middle Eastern markets have the most work to do when it comes to sustainability. Exposure to thermal coal is heaviest in the Czech Republic, Chile, and Portugal. Click on the image to expand Other features of the report New to the report is Morningstar Portfolio Product Involvement data, which allows investors to screen for and analyze exposure to a range of products, services, and business activities such as animal testing, controversial weapons, GMOs, tobacco, or thermal coala carbon-intensive energy source. Exposure to thermal coal is heaviest in the Czech Republic, Chile, and Portugal. The company-level scores are sourced from Sustainalytics, which also powers the Morningstar Sustainability Rating for funds. Investors can use the report to identify countries with the greatest ESG investment opportunities and risks. You can learn more about the Morningstar Sustainability Rating here. TOKYO - The names of 3,607 members of the Imperial Japanese Army's clandestine Unit 731, known for conducting heinous live germ and chemical warfare experiments on thousands of Chinese victims, have been disclosed by the National Archives of Japan, a research professor said on Monday. "It is the first time that almost all the real names of the unit's members have been unveiled. We will post them on the website so they can be utilized for research," Katsuo Nishiyama, professor emeritus of Shiga University of Medical Science, told a press briefing on the matter on Monday. The names of those working at the headquarters of the notorious unit, as well as their ranks and other information including their addresses and family members, are disclosed on the list, which is dated Jan 1, 1945. The list covers 52 surgeons, 49 engineers, 38 nurses and 1,117 combat medics operating out of the headquarters of the unit, deceptively dubbed the Epidemic Prevention and Water Purification Department of the Kwantung Army. Unit 731 of the IJA was based in the Pingfang district of Harbin, the largest city then in northeast China. The unit was set up at around 1936 and conducted vivisection experiments on live humans to test germ-releasing bombs and chemical bombs among other criminal atrocities. The unit became Japan's top-secret biological and chemical warfare research base and operated as the nerve center of Japanese biological warfare in China and Southeast Asia during World War II. Biological weapons At least 3,000 people were used for human experimentation by Unit 731 along with a small percentage of Soviets, Mongolians, Koreans, and soldiers of the Allied Forces taken captive. Some of those who were brutally killed were just children. More than 300,000 people across China were killed by Japan's biological weapons during World War II. The Japanese government denied the existence of the unit until 1998, when the Supreme Court indirectly acknowledged it by ruling there was an academic consensus that Unit 731 existed. The first list containing details of Unit 731's war criminals was released in Japan after a request in 2015, but information on the unit's participants was heavily redacted. A declassified list released in January still obscured some of the information of the unit's personnel. The notorious Unit 731 managed to keep its atrocities largely concealed due to the International Military Tribunal for the Far East not prosecuting the unit's commanders under condition they handed over the germ warfare data to the United States. Right-wing forces here have also, since the unit's abominable crimes committed before and during World War II, attempted to sequester the facts of the unit, going as far as denying its actual existence. Chinese victims of Japan's World War II germ warfare program by Unit 731, Zhang Lizhong (left) and Wang Jinhua, show a family portrait during a news conference in Tokyo on July 20, 2005. Shizuo Kambayashi / Associated Press Syrians are seen in the Douma district of Damascus, Syria, on April 15, 2018. On Saturday, the Syrian army declared capturing Douma, the last rebel bastion in the Eastern Ghouta countryside of Damascus, after the evacuation of rebels and their families. The Russian military police also entered Douma after the evacuation of the rebels, who left toward the rebel-held city of Jarablus in northern Syria under a deal with the Syrian government and the Russians. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Investigators of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) entered the Douma district in east of Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday to start investigating the allegations of chemical weapons use, state TV reported. No more details were disclosed about the entry of the team to the previously rebel-held district, where an alleged gas attack by Syrian troops reportedly killed dozens of people and triggered off the U.S.-led joint airstrikes on Syria on Saturday morning. Syria has strongly rejected the allegations as fabrication by the rebels and Western countries to justify a military attack on the country. The OPCW investigators, who arrived in Damascus on Saturday, have held several meetings with Syrian officials. The Syrian government and its ally Russia had urged the OPCW to send a team to Douma to investigate the alleged use of chlorine gas. Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad said his government is keen to cooperate with the investigators, state news agency SANA reported. Mekdad said that the investigators had held meetings with the Syrian government and discussed about carrying out its work with transparency, impartiality, and accuracy. The U.S.-led military strike on Syria has been widely criticized for prejudgment before the investigators reach a conclusion on if there was a gas attack or who should be responsible for it. It is not the first time that the Syrian government has been accused of using chemical weapons. In April, 2017, the U.S. launched a similar missile attack on a Syrian air base in the central province of Homs over the same allegation. BEIJING, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China and Japan will hold their ninth round of high-level consultations on maritime affairs in Sendai, Japan, on Thursday and Friday, a foreign ministry spokesperson said Tuesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying told a routine news briefing that officials from foreign ministries, defense ministries, maritime law enforcement and management departments of both counties will attend the talks. China expects to fully exchange views with Japan on maritime issues of common concern and to strengthen mutual understanding and trust with Japan, Hua said. The China-Japan high-level consultations on maritime affairs were established in 2012. The last round of consultations was held in Shanghai in December. ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) A New Mexico bank executive who died on a Southwest Airlines flight was remembered Wednesday as a dedicated mother of two who helped others find jobs, volunteered around Albuquerque and brought often fractious sides together. Jennifer Riordan's family said in a statement that the 43-year-old community leader died Tuesday on a flight heading from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after its engine blew in midair and shrapnel hit the plane. A retired registered school nurse said she performed CPR on Riordan, who passengers say was partially blown out of a damaged window on the jet. Riordan was killed by blunt impact trauma to her head, neck and torso and her death was ruled accidental, according to James Garrow, spokesman for the Philadelphia Department of Health. Riordan's death generated an outpouring of grief and public sympathy from Albuquerque business leaders, state elected officials, writers and activists all who portrayed Riordan as gracious and selfless. "Jennifer's vibrancy, passion, and love infused our community and reached across our country," her family said. "Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family." The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce held a moment of silence Tuesday night during a special reception for new University of New Mexico President Garnett Stokes. Albuquerque's former poet laureate and slam poetry champion Hakim Bellamy posted on social media that Riordan was a friend to him. "It doesn't seem fair," he said in a tweet . Erin Muffoletto said Riordan was a fellow Chi Omega sorority sister whom she contacted during the economic crisis in 2008 as Muffoletto struggled to find steady employment. "She encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone, looked over my resume and really pushed me," said Muffoletto, who eventually became a sought-out lobbyist in the New Mexico Statehouse. Muffoletto said she spoke with Riordan just days ago. "The last thing she told me was, 'I'm proud of you'," Muffoletto said. Rebecca Avitia, the executive director of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, said that losing Riordan casts a dark, heavy emptiness on the city. "I've heard of references in Mesoamerican lore to a female spirit who appeared to people in need like a blazing sun with wings. In Albuquerque, that was Jennifer Riordan," Avitia wrote in online post. "Jennifer, I already miss you." Riordan was well known in New Mexico, where she built a career over more than two decades in community relations and communications after graduating from the University of New Mexico. At the time of her death, Riordan was a vice president for community relations with Wells Fargo. She oversaw the company's corporate giving program in New Mexico and volunteered her time with a number of area nonprofit groups and boards. Riordan was appointed by the governor to a board focused on boosting volunteerism in New Mexico and in 2015 was presented the Bill Daniels Award for Ethical Young Leadership by the Samaritan Counseling Ethics in Business Awards. "As a parent, I've said to my kids, 'Be kind, loving, caring and sharing, and all good things will come to you'," she told the Albuquerque Journal when she accepted the award. Riordan also served on the boards of Junior Achievement of New Mexico, New Mexico First and The Catholic Foundation. Riordan and her husband, Michael Riordan, a former chief operating officer for Albuquerque under former Mayor Richard Berry, had been married for more than 20 years. "No words can express the depth of our sadness at the passing of Jennifer Riordan," Berry tweeted late Tuesday . "Today our community lost a great leader and a beautiful person." ___ Associated Press writers Susan Montoya Bryan in Albuquerque, and Ron Todt in Philadelphia, contributed to this story. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. STOCKHOLM (AP) A man suspected of masterminding the theft of about 600 computers used to mine bitcoins and other virtual currencies has likely fled to Sweden after breaking out of a prison in Iceland, officials said Wednesday. Swedish police spokesman Stefan Dangardt says no arrest has been made in Sweden but Icelandic police have briefed them on the situation and issued an international arrest warrant. Police in Iceland said they believe Sindri Thor Stefansson fled a low-security prison through a window and boarded a flight to Sweden at Iceland's international airport in Keflavik. Icelandic officials said it was unlikely that Stefansson had to show a passport at the airport since he traveled within Europe's passport-free Schengen travel zone but the plane ticket he used was under someone else's name. Non-European Union member Iceland is member of Europe's borderless travel area. Stefansson was among 11 people arrested for allegedly stealing the powerful computers in a series of four burglaries in December and January in what is considered Iceland's biggest-ever heist. The stolen equipment, which still is missing, has been valued at almost $2 million. Icelandic media have the case the "Big Bitcoin Heist." If used for its original purpose to create new bitcoins the thieves could turn a massive profit in an untraceable currency. Police have arrested 22 people altogether, including a security guard, without solving the burglaries. The escaped prisoner was being held at the Sogn prison in rural southern Iceland, 95 kilometers (59 miles) from the airport. The prison is unfenced and inmates have telephone and internet access. Stefansson had been in custody since February. He was moved to the open prison 10 days ago, police said. "He had an accomplice," Police Chief Gunnar Schram told Visir, an online news outlet in Iceland. "We are sure of that." A passenger on the same flight to Sweden as the inmate told national broadcaster RUV that Iceland's prime minister, Katrin Jakobsdottir, was also on that flight. Jakobsdottir was among five Nordic prime ministers who met with India's prime minister Tuesday in Stockholm. ___ Egill Bjarnason contributed from Iceland. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. WEST MELBOURNE, Fla. Former West Melbourne Deputy Mayor John Tice has resigned from his current post as city councilman, following his arrest stemming from fraud accusations with a charity he once ran. Tice has been accused of embezzling $7,000 meant for non-profit Honor America-Liberty Bell Museum. Investigators say he used the money to buy Miami Dolphins tickets and other items for himself. Tice stepped down from his post as deputy mayor and continued to serve as a member of the City Council until his resignation Tuesday. State Representative Randy Fine alleged in a Facebook post Tuesday that Tice resigned right before West Melbourne Mayor Hal J. Rose was going to publicly demand it. LAKE COUNTY, Fla. Florida wildlife officials are searching for the people responsible for spray-painting a gopher tortoise a protected species with red paint and putting concrete on its limbs. FWC looking for info on spray-painted gopher tortoise Gopher tortoise found covered in red paint, concrete Anyone with info asked to call hotline at 888-404-FWCC WATCH: Facebook Live with update on status of tortoise MORE photos below The tortoise was found in the middle of County Road 455, south of Montverde, Fla., covered with red spray paint and with concrete on its limbs and the top of its shell, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said. Two people who spotted the tortoise took it to Swamp Girl Adventures. "Initially we were very concerned with his help, since he had so much paint on him and the concrete," said Kim Titterington, who runs Swamp Girl Adventures. "But we've gotten him a full vet check, and he seems to be energetic and doing much better." Titterington said that, even though there is a concern because the chemicals from the paint can seep into his skin and shell, getting into the blood stream and causing damage to vital organs. But they expect the tortoise, now named Raphael, to make a full recovery. Titterington said workers have been using a toothbrush and Dawn soap to get the paint off, along with a waterpick for dental use. "We're going to continue watching for any signs that might appear, and continue getting the paint off," Titterington said. We visited with Raphael and Titterington Thursday, and much of the paint is already off of him. Gopher tortoises are state-listed as threatened and are a protected species. FWC said it is illegal and harmful to a gopher tortoise to apply man-made substances, such as paint or concrete, to any part of their body or shell. Titterington said it appears the tortoise got into the concrete first, but she believes the red paint was deliberate. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 1-888-404-FWCC (3922) or email tip@myfwc.com. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. FWC said the tortoise is now being rehabilitated. Facebook Live replay: Status of tortoise WASHINGTON NASA is close to finally having a new administrator. Senate votes to proceed with NASA administrator nomination Almost didn't happen after a brief deadlock in the Senate Rep. Jim Bridenstine would be 1st NASA head from Congress Rep. Jim Bridenstine, R-OK, is President Trump's pick to lead the space agency. On Wednesday the Senate voted to invoke cloture and proceed with nomination and debate for Bridenstine. It almost didn't happen though. For some time the vote to end cloture was deadlocked 49-49. Sens. John McCain and Tammy Duckworth are not in Washington, and Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona actually voted to block the nomination, becoming the only Republican to do so. Normally Vice President Mike Pence would be brought in to break the tie, but he is in Florida at Mar-a-Lago with President Trump. The vote was held open and eventually Flake changed his vote, allowing the nomination to proceed. The final vote on Bridenstine will come up in the next 30 hours, per Senate rules, with a vote likely in the next couple of days. Bridenstine's nomination is controversial because of his limited knowledge of space policy. A congressman from Oklahoma who has served on the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, he lacks formal qualifications in the space or science fields, according to critics, which include US Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Florida. Nelson spoke out against Bridenstine's nomination on the Senate floor Wednesday. "Traditionally the NASA administrator has been well-qualified, is not controversial," Nelson said. "NASA is one of the few remaining areas that has largely avoided the bitter partisanship that has invaded far too many areas of government and our society today. Until now." "The NASA administrator should be a consummate space professional," Nelson added. "That's what this senator wants -- a space professional, not a politician, as the head of NASA. And that space professional ought to be technically and scientifically competent, and a skilled executive." Nelson says senators from both sides of the aisle had expressed doubts about Bridenstine's qualifications both publicly and privately to him. Florida's Republican senator, Marco Rubio, expressed his own doubts to the media last year. But in the end, all Republican senators present voted to end cloture. If confirmed, Bridenstine would be the first congressman to serve as NASA administrator. Editor's note: The Chinese navy will hold a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday, days after it organized a large naval parade in the South China Sea. Two experts share their views on the navy drill with China Daily's Yao Yuxin. Excerpts follow: Help Taiwan compatriots but strictly deal with Tsai Li Zhenguang, a professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University Cross-Straits relations have been at a low ebb due to the Democratic Progressive Party's pursuit of "Taiwan independence" since it took office in May 2016, and have deteriorated further after the aggressive Lai Ching-te became the island's executive head in September 2017. In a way, therefore, the live-fire drill in the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday is the mainland's response to those seeking "independence" of the island. And it is a warning that the situation will further worsen and the trouble mongers will face severe punishments once they cross the red line. Ignoring people's interests and achievements, which the previous government paid great heed to, the Tsai Ing-wen administration on the island has refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus and thus jeopardized cross-Straits ties. So, while helping Taiwan compatriots with more favorable policies such as the latest 31 measures giving the Chinese mainland and Taiwan residents equal treatment, Beijing should deal with the Tsai administration with a firm hand and take measures to deter the separatists from creating more trouble. As part of its political and economic agenda to curb China's rise, the United States has been stirring up tension across the Straits in recent months by, for example, passing the Taiwan Travel Act that allows "mutual visits of all levels of officials" between Washington and Taipei, and promotes the construction of a new building for the American Institute Association in Taiwan. Also, the military drill sends a message to the US that it should stop backing the separatists on the island, because once its wrong policies prompt the separatists to cross the red line, the situation could become very difficult for even the US to handle. The mainland has repeatedly made it clear that it seeks peaceful cross-Straits relations but only under the one-China principle. And the live-fire drill is an important strategic step to warn Taiwan separatists that they should mend their ways. Military prowess can promote unification Wang Xiaoxuan, a Beijing-based expert on military affairs Military exercises are held primarily to enhance a military's comprehensive combat capability. Apart from that, the live-fire drill in the Taiwan Straits on Wednesday is also aimed at preventing Taiwan "independence" seekers from causing more harm to national unity by crossing the red line. The drill has to reach a certain scale to demonstrate Beijing's resolve to deter the island's separatists and safeguard national interests. But the fact that the military drill was announced by the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration rather than some higher level authoritysince the waters are under the jurisdiction of Fujian provinceindicate the mainland is treating the situation rationally, unlike the cross-Straits crisis in 1996. Although the separatists have been consistently making provocative moves, the mainland is still waiting for more rational voices on the island to rise in support of the 1992 Consensus. It has always been a priority for Beijing to maintain peaceful and prosperous cross-Straits ties. On the one hand, Washington has never ceased to trigger tensions across the Straits to fulfill its own strategic interests, especially with Beijing making great progress on the economic and military fronts. China follows the military principle of proactive defense, and its navy's mission is to safeguard the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as to fulfill its international obligations. And to safeguard its national interests, China is developing its navy. This should be a stern warning to the island's separatists that they should desist from creating more trouble, and not forget that the US will abandon them lock, stock and barrel once tensions spiral out of control and they no longer serve its interests. ORMOND BEACH, Fla. An Ormond Beach Police motorcycle officer was seriously injured in a collision with a truck and airlifted to a hospital Wednesday afternoon. Motorcycle cop hurt in crash while responding to call Motorcycle's lights and siren were on at the time, police say Cops: Truck made U-turn in front of motorcycle The crash happened on the 1500 block of Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach at about 3 p.m. The officer was responding with lights and siren to a call regarding a possible armed suspicious person in the area when a white truck made a U-turn in front of him, police said. The police motorcycle struck the driver's side door of the truck. The officer was airlifted to Halifax Hospital as a trauma alert, Ormond Beach Police said, but his condition has not been released. Joe Putting is the lead pastor at Tomoka Christian Church. Putting said the officer attends his church, and the pastor talked to him at the hospital. He doesnt remember what happened; thats the toughest part of it," Putting said. "He said, 'I remember riding my motorcycle and thats the last thing I remember.' He is conscious. He has some broken bones, but he was talking, he was laughing some. He was surrounded by Ormond Police, his brothers in blue. They were getting him to laugh. Hes pretty banged up but going to make a full recovery from what I saw, Putting said. The driver of the truck incurred minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The identities of the driver and motorcycle officer have not been released. Putting said the officer is married and has two children. Hes just a good family man and great police officer, Putting said. The Florida Highway Patrol has been asked to investigate the crash. CAPE CANAVERAL AIR FORCE STATION, Fla. SpaceX sent a NASA probe into space Wednesday evening that will search for alien worlds. Falcon 9 blasted off at 6:51 p.m. Wednesday NASA TESS probe will look for planets outside solar system Company lands booster on drone ship SEE BELOW: Live chat replay The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station at 6:51 p.m. SpaceX postponed the launch Monday night to go over the Falcon 9's navigational systems. The 200-foot-tall rocket is carrying the NASA TESS spacecraft, which stands for Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite. The probe will hunt and scan for planets outside of our solar system that could support life as humans know it. During TESS' two-year mission, four cameras will study and catalog 200,000 planet candidates. TESS will survey an area bigger than the NASA Kepler probe, which launched in 2009, and find planets that are close enough to check out with Earth-based telescopes. "By doing a survey of nearly the entire sky, it's really finding great targets," said Stephen Rinehart, NASA TESS Project Scientist at the Goodard Spaceflight Center. "Something we haven't been able to do before." WATCH: Did you see the #Falcon9 rocket launch from Cape Canaveral today? We have video of this beautiful launch: https://t.co/tIu5IV1sgS pic.twitter.com/qWH8gj6AwK Spectrum News 13 (@MyNews13) April 18, 2018 <_script charset="utf-8" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"> After the launch attempt, SpaceX landed the first-stage booster on its drone ship hundreds of miles out in the Atlantic Ocean, about 10 minutes after launch. The booster was new and had not flown before. In addition, SpaceX for the first time will try to recover its payload fairing which is the big nose cone on the Falcon 9. SpaceX is hoping to use parachutes to help guide the nose cone to a soft landing on the ocean surface after launch. The next scheduled liftoff is another SpaceX Falcon 9, launching on May 4. Live chat replay China is holding a live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait, the first of its kind since 2016. A statement from the Fujian Province maritime safety administration says the drill is taking place from 8 a.m. local time until midnight. China's Taiwan Affairs Office Director Liu Jieyi says the drill aims to "safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity." The drill comes after Chinese President Xi Jinping reviewed the Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy in the South China Sea last week. National Geographic WILD is home to a big family of animal caretakers and rescuers. In these special episodes, check out how the Men of WILD are helping all kinds of creatures one case at a time. Fridays from 8:30pm AEST. Sign up to receive the First Reading newsletter, your guide to the world of Canadian politics. First Reading is your guide to the world of Canadian politics. Sign up now> KHARTOUM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's first peacekeeping helicopter detachment to Sudan (Darfur) successfully completed air transportation of the Pakistani peacekeeping engineers in an troop rotation operation on April 15. These Pakistani engineers were deployed at three mission points under the African Union/United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID). A Chinese peacekeeping helicopter arrived at a mission point located in Sortony in Sector North of the UNAMID at 13:00 on Monday afternoon to pick up the last batch of peacekeeping engineers from Pakistan in this troop rotation action. One hour later, the helicopter landed safely at an airport in EL Fasher, capital city of Sudan's North Darfur State. The Pakistani peacekeeping engineers thanked the aircrew and said it was the first time that they took the peacekeeping helicopter of China, Pakistan's good friend and neighbor, Chinese peacekeepers were very friendly and had excellent flight skills. The detachment consists of one flight company, one maintenance company and one logistics support company with 140 peacekeepers and 4 Mi-171 medium multi-purpose helicopters. It is mainly responsible for air patrols, battlefield reconnaissance, transportation of peacekeeping troops and logistics supplies, transfer of the wounded as well as other support tasks. Meredith News State Poet Laureate visits Inter-Lakes by Erin Plummer New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alice Fogel talks with a community audience at Inter-Lakes High School. (Photo by Erin Plummer) (click for larger version) MEREDITH New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alice B. Fogel talked about demystifying poetry and the ways it can be used for personal expression during a special presentation during a visit to Inter-Lakes last week. Meredith Altrusa Club invited Fogel to come to the Inter-Lakes schools as part of the town's 250th birthday celebration. Fogel worked with students in the schools on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday night, she gave a special presentation for the community at the Inter-lakes Community Auditorium talking about her works and poetry in general. NH Poet Laureate is a five-year position appointed by the Governor and Council. As Poet Laureate, Fogel will read poetry and meet with people including students, prison inmates, people in hospitals, refugees and immigrants, people with mental illness, private homes, and many more places. "It's really amazing how many venues there are for poetry in New Hampshire," Fogel said. Fogel wrote the book "Strange Terrain: A Poetry Handbook for the Reluctant Reader" inspires by a program she did with the NH Humanities Council. "Whenever a poem entered into it, everybody would just shut up," Fogel said. She said she came from a literary family and they reacted the same way about poetry. "I really wanted people to read poetry," Fogel said. She wrote "Strange Terrain," a book that talks about how to explore and experience poetry through an eight-step process. The process encourages people to look at the shape of the poem, the words, sounds, and images. Next is considering the thoughts, emotions, and literary devices. The last step is examine the unknown and what is so mystifying about a poem. She shared a number of her poems and talked about the inspiration behind them as well as some of the sound and literary devices she used. Poems included those inspired by a skydiving story, a story on the moons of Saturn, seeing a comet while boiling sap, and many others. Fogel said she has had a love of stories her whole life, which led to a love of writing. While she normally writes in sentences on a daily basis, poetry provides another opportunity. "Poetry works best for me because I'm not that interested in sounding normal," Fogel said. Fogel said she has seen poetry as a way for people to express their emotions and struggles. She worked in a creative writing class in Keene with refugees, who told some vivid stories of their lives in their writing. "I just feel so proud to have the opportunity to go and talk to people in so many places I wouldn't have the opportunity if I didn't have this title," Fogel said. After the program, Fogel signed books for attendees, and Innisfree book Shop of Meredith had a number of Fogel's books for sale. MEREDITH New Hampshire Poet Laureate Alice B. Fogel talked about demystifying poetry and the ways it can be used for personal expression during a special presentation during a visit to Inter-Lakes last week.Meredith Altrusa Club invited Fogel to come to the Inter-Lakes schools as part of the town's 250th birthday celebration. Fogel worked with students in the schools on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday night, she gave a special presentation for the community at the Inter-lakes Community Auditorium talking about her works and poetry in general.NH Poet Laureate is a five-year position appointed by the Governor and Council. As Poet Laureate, Fogel will read poetry and meet with people including students, prison inmates, people in hospitals, refugees and immigrants, people with mental illness, private homes, and many more places."It's really amazing how many venues there are for poetry in New Hampshire," Fogel said.Fogel wrote the book "Strange Terrain: A Poetry Handbook for the Reluctant Reader" inspires by a program she did with the NH Humanities Council."Whenever a poem entered into it, everybody would just shut up," Fogel said.She said she came from a literary family and they reacted the same way about poetry."I really wanted people to read poetry," Fogel said.She wrote "Strange Terrain," a book that talks about how to explore and experience poetry through an eight-step process. The process encourages people to look at the shape of the poem, the words, sounds, and images. Next is considering the thoughts, emotions, and literary devices. The last step is examine the unknown and what is somystifying about a poem.She shared a number of her poems and talked about the inspiration behind them as well as some of the sound and literary devices she used. Poems included those inspired by a skydiving story, a story on the moons of Saturn, seeing a comet while boiling sap, and many others.Fogel said she has had a love of stories her whole life, which led to a love of writing. While she normally writes in sentences on a daily basis, poetry provides another opportunity."Poetry works best for me because I'm not that interested in sounding normal," Fogel said.Fogel said she has seen poetry as a way for people to express their emotions and struggles. She worked in a creative writing class in Keene with refugees, who told some vivid stories of their lives in their writing."I just feel so proud to have the opportunity to go and talk to people in so many places I wouldn't have the opportunity if I didn't have this title," Fogel said.After the program, Fogel signed books for attendees, and Innisfree book Shop of Meredith had a number of Fogel's books for sale. Meredith News Centerline striping, parking space adjustments among Main Street safety recommendations Despite building complication, highway garage project on schedule Thanks for visiting SalmonPress.com By Express News Service MUMBAI / NEW DELHI: Reviving the spectre of demonetisation, many parts of India on Tuesday reported acute shortage of cash at ATMs. Coming barely a month after RBI data said currency in circulation crossed pre-demonetisation levels and days ahead of the Karnataka elections, Opposition parties lost no time in attacking the government saying its a byproduct of the 2016 note ban. While Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have been witnessing cash crunch for the past few weeks, the situation has escalated pan-India with Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh and even Bihar reporting empty ATMs. READ | Have enough cash in vaults, printing of notes at 4 presses stepped up, says RBI Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Garg said there has been a sharp uptick in cash demand to the tune of Rs 45,000 crore in just 13 days of this month, which is more than double the usual monthly cash absorption of Rs 20,000 crore. Demand has been rising in the past couple of months, he added. While the government did not offer any explanation as to why large volume of cash was being withdrawn, sources pointed to the practice of political parties stocking cash ahead of elections. Karnataka polls are due early next month. READ | Cash crunch in ATMs: Opposition attacks PM Modi; government says normalcy will be restored soon On Tuesday evening, RBI released a statement saying the central bank has sufficient cash in its vaults and currency chests. Nevertheless, printing of the notes has been ramped up in all the four note presses, it said. According to RBI, the shortage is limited to some pockets due to logistical issues of replenishing ATMs frequently. It said the current shortage would be addressed by moving currency to areas that are witnessing unusually large cash withdrawals. Click to watch video Garg offered another explanation for the currency shortage -- lesser inflow of Rs2,000 notes back into the system. There is no cash crunch in the country. Theres around `18 lakh crore worth of currency supply now, which is close to the circulation during the demonetisation period. We keep Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore more currency in stock for excess demand, he added. Finance Minister Arun Jaitely stepped in with his Trust us, theres no cash shortage, tweet to soften public ire, but an estimated 10-12 per cent of the total two lakh ATMs are running dry. Banking Secretary Rajiv Kumar said things would improve in a week. ALSO READ | ATMs running dry reminds me of demonetisation days: Mamata Banerjee The government has also ramped up printing of Rs 500 notes five-fold from Rs 500 crore worth of notes a day to Rs 2,500 crore. That adds up to Rs 75,000 crore worth of notes in a month. For now, according to Garg, the government has Rs 1.75 lakh crore worth of currency in the reserve. We can deal with a situation where the demand for cash in the country doubles from current levels, he added. According to junior finance minister S P Shukla, the government formed a state-wise committee while RBI formed another one to transfer currency from one state to another. As per RBI data, currency in circulation stood at Rs 18.4 lakh crore as on April 6. The unusual spurt in demand for currency in the last three months came from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar. ATMs are also running dry in Delhi, Varanasi, Vadodara and Patna. Withdrawal symptoms The New Indian Express keeps its ear to the ground to understand the hows and whys of cash scarcity Telangana ATMs across the state have gone dry though RBI sent in almost double the amount that was sucked out after demonetisation. Around Rs 70,000 crore worth of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes were withdrawn in the state post-demon. RBI has sent H1.4 lakh crore worth currency to Telangana so far in several instalments. According to finance department officials, money withdrawn from banks is not coming back into the system as deposits in adequate volume. For every H100 withdrawn from banks, normally 60 per cent gets deposited. That figure is now down to 20 per cent in Telangana. Andhra Pradesh Of the estimated 7,000 ATMs in the state, about 1,000 are running dry. As a result, about 40 per cent of financial transactions at ATMs have come down. Most ATMs in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Krishna, Guntur, Kurnool, Anantapur, and Chittoor districts are running out of cash. Circulation of cash has slowed in the past few weeks and the situation has not improved. For unknown reasons, people are not depositing money with banks. Their focus is only on withdrawals, said a senior banker. We are seeding the ATMs regularly, but the cash is getting completely withdrawn in just four hours, said Venkateswara Swamy, Andhra Bank zonal manager in Vijayawada. Delhi People seen crowding the few working ATMs. I went to three ATMs in Bengali Market. No luck. Ditto ATMs at Bhagwan Dass Road, said Savita Singh, an IT professional Karnataka Several cities have been facing cash crunch for the past few days and according to bank officials, the situation wont improve anytime soon. In Hubbali, most ATMs display no cash boards. The situation isnt any better at banks. Customers wanting to withdraw amounts above Rs 50,000 need to give a request one day in advance. Bank employees say they are not receiving enough notes to replenish ATM machines. Bengaluru is slighly better off but large denomination notes are not available at ATMs. According to Srinivasa Babu, president, United Forum of Bank Unions, the shortage is due to logistical mishandling by banks and not the elections. Odisha In Bhubaneswar, SBI customers were seen rushing from one ATM kiosk to another hoping to withdraw cash but in vain. Of the 11 ATMs of SBI TNIE visited across the city, seven were out of cash. At most places, the ATM shutters were down. At others, a notice no cash was pasted. SBIs Customer Services and Channel Management DGM Girish Chandra Nayak said, 90% ATMs in the state ddont not face cash crunch. In the last few days, about 20 per cent are facing the problem. Though there was no shortage of cash in small denominations, Rs 100, Rs200, Rs500 and Rs2,000 notes were not available, which led to cash crunch. In private banks in the city, cash dispensation was smooth. READ. Tamil Nadu Just 14 of the 30 ATMs visited by TNIE in Chennai had cash and four ATMs dispensed only H2000 notes. T Nagar and Pondy Bazaar, the citys bustling commercial hub, had several ATMs running out of cash. Only one out of 10 ATMs in Usman Road in T Nagar that TNIE visited had cash. Also, not one ATM in Pondy Bazaar had cash. In Nandanam, there were long queues in almost every ATM. Out of four ATMs TNIE visited in Royapettah, only one had cash. ATMs in Mount road also ran dry. However, the All India Bank Employees Association said TN was not facing any cash crunch. But in Nagore town of Nagapattinam district, all 10 ATMs were cashless. Kerala Unlike other states, Kerala reported no cash shortage on Tuesday. Finance Minister T M Thomas Isaac who is in Hyderabad now, has assigned the Finance Secretary and Treasuries Department director to monitor the cash flow in association with the central bank. On whether the state has surplus cash at its disposal, an RBI official said the central bank was studying the data and will come to know in a day or two. A senior official of the Finance Department said the department contacted RBI and different agency banks which supply money to the treasuries to check the cash position in the wake of reports of shortage in some states. Theres no shortage of cash,said an SBI executive. Russia has rejected allegations from the United States and Britain that Russian-backed hackers are escalating cyberattacks on American and British companies, government operations and infrastructure. "We don't know what these new accusations are based on," said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. He told reporters during a regularly scheduled media briefing that London and Washington have not presented any evidence, and dismissed the accusations as "groundless" and "unjustified." Washington and London said the widespread, global campaign began in 2015 and could be expanded to launch offensive attacks. The warning came from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and Britain's National Cyber Security Center, and included advice about what companies can do to protect themselves. American and British officials said the attacks affected a wide range of organizations including Internet service providers, private businesses and critical infrastructure providers. They did not identify any victims or provide details on the impact of the attacks. Anil S By Express News Service HYDERABAD: Calling for a policy alternative to take on the multifold challenges raised by hindutva communal forces, the CPM began its 22nd Party Congress - one of the most critical meets in its history - in Hyderabad on Wednesday. At a time when the party is going through turbulent times due to the rift within the central leadership over an alliance with the Congress, the party issued a clarion call to mobilise all secular and democratic forces in the country to defeat the BJP government at the Centre. Inaugurating the national meet, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury underscored the need to strengthen the party's independent moves, while further cementing unity among leftist forces, in addition to forging unity between Left and democratic forces. Only Left and democratic forces can provide a policy alternative to challenges ahead, Yechury said. The Party Congress is being keenly watched for a probable split in the top leadership. General secretary Sitaram Yechury backed by the West Bengal faction has been pitching for an understanding with secular democratic forces including the Congress party. The Prakash Karat camp, amply supported by the Kerala CPM, is however against any move for an alliance with the grand old party. Yechury's draft politically tactical line, voted out at the central committee meet, still has takers in the party. Though Karat would present his draft political line, approved by the party central committee, Yechury too is expected to put forth his alternative draft. Com Sudhakar Reddy, Gen Secretary , CPI speaks at Inaugural Session of the #CPIM22PartyCogress https://t.co/TfoqGKNvQR CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) April 18, 2018 Inaugurating the meet, Yechury also spoke of the threat from the Hindutwa forces. Referring to multifold challenges, he said, "the current BJP central government whose reins are controlled by the RSS is pursuing policies that have imposed unprecedented miseries on the people, while grievously threatening the unity and integrity of the social fabric," he said. The CPM general secretary pointed out that the Left alone is capable of coming up with a policy alternative. "The Left has been the target of both reactionary forces and the communal combine," he added. Sudhakar Reddy: Modi Govt has brought disaster to the nation! It is authoritarian, dictatorial! pic.twitter.com/I2wV38cmzh CPI (M) (@cpimspeak) April 18, 2018 Speaking on the occasion, CPI general secretary Sudhakar Reddy unleashed a scathing attack on Modi government. The BJP government has been following naked communalism and intolerance, hr said adding that the dalits and the minorities are at the receiving end. The RSS has been dictating policies for the country, Reddy said. Terming the BJP government leading to a Fascism, Reddy warned that the enemy should not be underestimated. Political parties are free to make electoral tactics at the time of elections. But the need for mass struggles should not be delayed, he said. The five day Party Congress will take a final call on left forging tie-up with secular parties including the Indian national Congress. The meet will also take a call on another term for Sitaram Yechury. By PTI LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK today for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. CLICK BELOW TO WATCH VIDEO A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Prime Minister @narendramodi reached London, where he will take part in the @Commonwealth18, hold talks with PM @theresa_may and attend various programmes. He was welcomed by @BorisJohnson, UK's Foreign Secretary. pic.twitter.com/kGGcoBYLzF PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 18, 2018 Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. By PTI NEW YORK: Several women's rights and advocacy groups, civil society and inter-faith organisations have joined hands to hold a rally here protesting against the rapes of young girls in Kathua, Unnao and Surat towns, expressing outrage at the horrific incidents and demanding swift justice. The 'United For Justice Rally: Against the Rapes in India' was organised by Sadhana: Coalition of Progressive Hindus along with over 20 advocacy and civil rights groups, including Sakhi for South Asian Women, Women for Afghan Women, Turning Point for Women and Families, South Asian American Womens Alliance, Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality, Shri Shakti Mariamma Temple, Shri Lakshmi Narayan Mandir, Shaanti Bhavan Mandir and Iskcon Sri Sri Radha Govinda, Brooklyn. Organised near a famed statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the city's popular Union Square park here on April 16, the rally was held in response to the recent incidents of rape in Unnao, Kathua and Surat districts as well as against many other "horrors faced by South Asian women every day". The speakers and participants at the rally expressed their solidarity with the young girls "brutalised" by the horrific crimes and demanded swift justice for each family. They also called out the "complicity and hypocrisy" of India's political and religious leaders. Sunita Viswanath, board member of Sadhana and one of the main organisers of the rally, told PTI that the rally was a beginning rather than an end toward calling for action against the horrific rapes and murders and to demand justice. She said the organisers of the rally hoped to raise about $10,000 that would go toward the families of the three rape victims in Unnao, Kathua and Surat. KATHUA RAPE: Minor girl found dead in mysterious circumstances in Jammu and Kashmir, police forms SIT "We are in touch with the fund-raising campaign in India and we can guarantee that funds raised will reach the three families.We hope many people will donate, so that we can bring some relief to these three devastated families," she said. Participants in the rally held up pictures of the minor girl who was gang-raped by six men and then murdered in Jammu & Kashmir's Kathua. They were also protesting the rape of a teenage girl in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. The young girl has alleged that a lawmaker had raped her last summer. They carried placards and posters that read 'Justice for our Girls', 'Silence is Compliance', messages demanding marital rape be made a crime, calling for children to be educated about sex and abuse, changing attitude toward women. UNNAO RAPE: Woman attempts suicide outside Yogi's Lucknow residence over alleged rape by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar Giving a rallying call of "enough is enough", the speakers expressed outrage at the unabated incidents of rape and sexual abuse and at the attitude of government and law enforcement authorities toward the victims of the crimes. "Some actions are so vile that it becomes necessary for people to come forth and condemn them. The recent rapes in Unnao, Kathua and Surat, India, that have come into light are nothing short of absolute monstrosities," Sadhana said. Expressing solidarity with the victims and their families, the speakers said the rapes across India as well as in every corner of the earth were "nothing short of evil" and everyone needed to stand up against the perpetrators. They said they were "shaken, heartbroken, disgusted" over the incidents of rape and enraged to see that politicians and police officers, who were alleged culprits, were being defended by the government and law. SURAT RAPE: Nine-year-old girl raped in Gujarat's Surat; autopsy reveals 86 injury marks, tortured for days Sakhi for South Asian Women's Kavita Mehra called the rapes and crimes against women an "epidemic". "We are sick and tired of what we have to go through for equity and justice. What we need is justice every single day and what we are not getting is justice every single day.We must resist, it is our time to resist and our time to fight back," she said. Speakers called on the government to punish the prosecutors and "not protect them for political gains". Daisy Khan of Women's Islamic Initiative in Spirituality and Equality said she too hails from Kashmir and is heartbroken over the rape-and-murder case of Kathua. "Those who claim to fight for justice are drowning in hypocrisy, fighting against those trying to defend the victims. My heart is breaking because I don't understand how people love the perpetrator and hate and reject the victim," she said, adding that the minor's death should "unite a nation proud of its tolerant heritage but instead they are being incited." "It is heartbreaking that religions are being used as weapons to incite fear and hatred instead of connecting people to God." Khan asserted that the system had failed the minor and it failed women and girls every single day. By PTI WASHINGTON: US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley and the new top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow publicly sparred over a potential sanction over Russia, with the latter accusing her of 'getting ahead of the curve'. In a briefing with reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Kudlow said Haley apparently got confused on the issue of imposing fresh sanctions on Russia. He was responding to a question on Haley's remarks over the weekend that fresh economic sanctions were coming against Russia on Monday, April 16, which did not happen. Haley quickly fought back by saying that she did not get confused. "With all due respect, I don't get confused," Haley told TV news channel 'Fox News' after Kudlow's press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. During his press conference, Kudlo said additional sanctions against Russia were under consideration but not yet implemented. ALSO READ: White House says Russia sanctions still under consideration "She got ahead of the curve. She's done a great job. She's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that. But if you talk to Steve Mnuchin at Treasury and so forth, he will tell you the same thing. They're in charge of this," Kudlow said. "We have had sanctions. Additional sanctions are under consideration but not implemented, and that's all," the top economic advisor to the US President said. Kudlow recently joined the Trump Administration and has been a close friend of the president for the past several decades. Haley, said to be a potential Republican presidential candidate, is the first ever Indian-American cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration. She has been a strong supporter of Trump's foreign policies. Trump has praised Haley several times in the past for her remarkable transformation from being South Carolina Governor to his top diplomat at the United Nations. This is probably the first time that Haley has been seen publicly clashing with anyone inside the Trump Administration. On Sunday, Haley told 'CBS news' that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would be announcing a new set of Russian sanctions on Monday. READ MORE: US to impose new Russia sanctions over Syria: Nikki Haley "They will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons used. And so, I think everyone is going to feel it at this point. I think everyone knows that we sent a strong message, and our hope is that they listen to it," Haley said. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Monday that the Administration was considering additional sanctions against Russia. Yesterday, 'The Washington Post' reported that Trump was not comfortable signing off on additional sanctions on Russia. The opposition Democratic party latched on to the public spat and said that it reflected contradiction in the administration. "Nikki Haley must be so embarrassed today. That she forthrightly says, we're going to be tough on Russia and do additional sanctions one day and the president contradicts her the next. Do they talk to each other? Do they have a set plan? Or is it just up to the president's whim, day to day, moment to moment," Senator Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader said on the floor yesterday. "When it comes to Russia, that's far too serious to rely on a whim, changing attitudes, and maybe an 800 pound gorilla in the room. Something that the president is worried about," he said. 'Its quite impressive': Expensive cars, Leno highlight Audrain event From restored antiques to pristine luxury sports cars, attendees at The Gathering observed dozens of expensive cars at Rough Point on Friday. For the first time in more than a year, the number of Chinese travelers visiting Korea topped the 400,000 mark in March. The Ministry of Justice said Tuesday some 427,000 Chinese visitors came to Korea last month, up 13 percent on-year and 16.5 percent from February. This rebound comes after the diplomatic row between Seoul and Beijing last year over the deployment of a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here from the U.S. When China put a ban on group tours to Korea over THAAD in March last year, the number of Chinese visitors almost halved to 378,000 that month from 614,000 the previous month. Chinese tourists usually account for around half of all foreign visitors coming to Korea annually, and according to Hyundai Research Institute, Korea's tourism sector suffered over US$6.5 billion of damage last year due to the ban. Seoul and Beijing agreed to normalize bilateral relations last October. A thaw in relations following the summit between the two countries' leaders in December and the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang are believed to have boosted the number of Chinese visitors to Korea. The total number of foreign visitors to the country also went up some 30 percent on-month, hitting over 1.3 million people in March. Champaign, IL (61820) Today Rain. Thunderstorms possible...mainly in the afternoon. High near 75F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening giving way to periods of light rain late. Low 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Chinese police have released some 30 North Korean defectors who faced deportation around the time North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited Beijing, Radio Free Asia reported Monday. Most of the 30 defectors, who were arrested in Shenyang and other cities last month, were freed in early April, according to a defector who has settled in South Korea. An activist group working for human rights in North Korea also reported on their release. The defector, Lee Tae-won, said Beijing freed them for fear of criticism from the international community because their arrest and possible deportation got a lot of international publicity from human rights groups. The North Koreans were arrested in Shenyang, on a train bound for Kunming and in other locations over the span of a week late last month, when controls were tightened during Kim's visit on March 25-28. China arrested at least 41 defectors between mid-January and March this year, and at least 33 were detained, according to Human Rights Watch. The U.S. State Department last week expressed concerns over the arrest and repatriation of North Korean defectors in China, who face torture and prison camps when they are sent back. Rex Sham and Gavin Poon have been appointed to the Committee on Innovation, Technology & Re-industrialisation through the Pilot Member Self-recommendation Scheme for Youth, the Government announced today. Their appointment will run until April 12, 2019, when the current term of existing members expires. The committee is among the first batch of government committees to recruit self-recommended youth members under the self-recommendation scheme. Chaired by the Financial Secretary, it advises on matters relating to the promotion of innovation and technology and reindustrialisation in Hong Kong, and puts forward development strategies and work proposals to enhance co-operation among stakeholders. Click here for the membership list. Im told reporters a hotline connecting the leaders of the two Koreas should be set up around Friday, and a test call could take place at that time, but it remains unclear when the two leaders will actually speak on the phone. Chung and Suh went to Pyongyang in March as special envoys of President Moon Jae-in to arrange the summit. It seems the two sides have trouble ironing out disagreements over the agenda after several rounds of working-level talks. National security adviser Chung Eui-yong and National Intelligence Service chief Suh Hoon could visit North Korea once more before the inter-Korean summit on April 27, presidential Chief of Staff Im Jong-seok said Tuesday. Im stressed the significance of the summit taking place at the border truce village of Panmunjom. "It is significant that the leader of the North is visiting the South Korean side" of Panmunjom, he said. "If the summit produces good results, both sides could meet there on a regular basis." He said the focus of the summit "will be the complete scrapping of North Korea's nuclear weapons, the establishment of a permanent peace framework, and improvements in inter-Korean relations." Asked if North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's wife Ri Sol-ju will attend, Im said, "We hope she will come, but it is uncertain at this point." Cheong Wa Dae also voiced hopes that the U.S.-North Korea summit will be held in Panmunjom. A senior Cheong Wa Dae official said, "If it takes place in Panmunjom, it would carry far more symbolic significance that the [1989 U.S.-Soviet Union] summit in Malta." But he admitted that this is "an area of negotiation between the U.S. and the North. The U.S. and North Korea continue fine-tuning plans for the summit, but there are not that many options so Panmunjom or even Jeju Island are both possible." Washington on Tuesday said five locations are being considered for the summit. U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters "very high levels" of discussion between Washing and Pyongyang are already underway. "We have had direct talks," Trump said. The Washington Post said CIA Director Mike Pompeo "made a top-secret visit to North Korea over Easter weekend as an envoy" for Trump to meet with Kim. The BBC on Monday aired a special report on North Korean laborers forced into indentured servitude in foreign countries to earn hard currency for their regime. The "Panorama" documentary series carried a 30-minute episode on North Korean laborers in China, Poland and Russia under the title "North Korea's Secret Slave Gangs." "You're treated like a dog here," one North Korean worker at a construction site in Vladivostok said. "You have to eat trash, you have to give up being a human being." Laborers must hand over most of their earnings to the regime through a supervisor known as a "captain." "Some call it 'party duty.' Others call it 'revolutionary duty.' Those who can't pay it cannot stay here," the worker said. The Chosun Ilbo is hosting the 9th Asian Leadership Conference from May 16-17 at the Walkerhill Hotel in Seoul under the theme, "Globalization in Crisis: Navigating the World with New Opportunities." Global policy experts from the U.S. and other countries are set to converge in Seoul at a moment when summits between the two Koreas and North Korea and the U.S. are just around the corner. Around 150 leaders from around the world are set to attend. They include former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney (77), who supported the hawkish approach to Iraq along with then assistant state secretary John Bolton, who is now the national security adviser. Bolton and other members of Cheney's old team are expected to make up the Trump administration's new security and diplomatic teams. Former U.S. defense secretary William Perry (91) will take the stage too. He was behind the "Perry Process" of resolving the first North Korean nuclear crisis in 1994. Perry played a role in the Clinton administration's decision to consider a surgical strike on North Korean nuclear facilities, but has more recently been calling for a diplomatic solution. Other U.S. experts at the conference will include Bruce Klingner, Walter Lohman and Anthony Kim from the rightwing Heritage Foundation, Victor Cha and Sue Mi Terry from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Jung H. Pak from the Brookings Institution. Atlantic Council CEO Frederick Kempe, senior vice president Barry Pavel and senior fellow Oh Mi-yeon will also discuss the North Korean nuclear standoff. Globalization faces fresh challenges from protectionists and increasing skepticism among voters. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroder will deliver a keynote speech on May 16 sharing his experience in pursuing drastic labor and welfare reforms in the early 2000s to prompt an economic resurgence. Former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende will share his experience in pension reforms and other steps to boost competitiveness. Also attending will be some 20 young innovators, who will share their views on virtual currencies. James Rothchild (33), co-founder of West Arrow and scion of the famous banking family, will deliver his forecast for the global financial markets. And Hu Hao, a senior executive vice president of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, will deliver a speech explaining Chinese President Xi Jinping's "One Belt and One Road" economic initiative. He is considered among Xi's closest economic advisers. Separate sessions led by Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and University of California, Berkeley will also be held with professors lecturing on leadership values. For more information, visit www.alcchosun.com. Huge flocks of cormorants coming to the Han River during their annual mating season between April and June are wreaking havoc with the river's delicate ecosystem. Bamseom islet on the river is littered with their droppings, causing trees to wither and perish. The waters around the islet are home to 32 different types of freshwater fish, but they are being decimated by the cormorants, whose numbers swelled from 427 in 2010 to 1,506 in 2015. Some 3,000 have been counted along the entire river. Last Sunday, around 400 cormorants converged on the banks of the river. One 67-year-old who was fishing said, "I thought they were eagles. It was like a scene out of a scary movie." The cormorants fill their stomach before flying on to Bamseom further up the river. "This is a unique phenomenon that began to appear just two to three years ago," said Eoh Kyung-yeon at the Seoul Grand Park Zoo. Some 1,500 cormorants have gone to roost around the Paldang Dam in Hanam, south of Seoul and another 600 in Suwon. They fly to the Han River every day to fish. Some stay for several months on Bamseom. The Seoul Metropolitan Government sends workers to the islet regularly to clean up the excrement at a staggering cost of W200 million per cleaning (US$1=W1,068). Last month, it deployed three cleaning barges, 10 support ships and 40 workers to clean the trees with water cannon. "Just a few years ago, only the southern tip of the islet had to be cleaned and it took just a day, but now the entire islet is covered by bird dropping and it takes three or four days," a city official said. Construction of the new Mt. Hood Brewing Co. at Tilikum Crossing is currently underway and is expected to open in mid-June. Were bringing the mountain to town, said John Burton, Director of Marketing & PR, Mt. Hood Brewing Co. The Tilikum Station outpost will offer six Mt. Hood Brewing Co. taps and seasonal selections available by the bottle or can, while a signature beer for the new location, developed by Mt. Hood Brewing Co. Head Brewer Bryan Borgmeier, is in the works. Brewing will continue on the mountain and be delivered to the new location, which will not have its own brewing system. The interior is being renovated to accommodate a wood-fire pizza oven (for rotating pizzas) and small kitchen, plus a dining area. The pizzas will be made utilizing classic Neapolitan methods but influenced by local ingredients. [gallery columns="4" ids="27796,27798,27795,27794"] The menu is being developed by Timberline Lodge Executive Chef Jason Stoller Smith and protege, Chris Flanagan. The two chefs worked together for nearly ten years at a well-known Oregon wine country restaurant, the Dundee Bistro. Flanagan took over as head chef at that restaurant when Stoller Smith became Executive Chef at Timberline Lodge in 2010. Eight years later, they have reunited to pair Neo-Neapolitan pizza with Mt. Hood Brewing Co.'s ales at Tilikum Station. The pizzas will be made utilizing classic Neapolitan methods but influenced by local ingredients. Its an interesting location (at a former TriMet transfer station now called Bruun Dock Studios) that has a wide audience of potential customers throughout the day and night. The commuter crowd in the later afternoon and evenings; the lunch crowd from the Central Eastside and near OMSI looking for an additional alternatives for lunch; and the after-hours crowd going to Portland Opera looking for a place to grab a bite.The nearness of the Orange Line also played a factor in the location. Commuters can get off the stop and grab a beer to go or sit down and have a little refuge, says Burton. Theoretically, Eastside riders on the Orange Line could start at Milwaukie Beer Store, hit up Ruse Brewing (opening soon), hop off near the upcoming Vagabond Brewing Portland outpost, hit Apex, Beermongers, Grixsen, and Baerlic, then finish up at the The Tilikum Station. (And if you want to keep walking, head down Water Avenue to Hair of the Dog and Wayfinder.)We see a lot of opportunity for the neighborhood," says Burton. Mt. Hood Brewing's Tilikum Station will be located at 401 SE Caruthers Street. Of note: Mt. Hood Brewing Co. will be a sponsor of Portland Train Day at the Oregon Rail Heritage Center on May 19, 2018. The event takes place right across the street from the new Tilikum Station restaurant, which will still be under construction. THE Zambezi River Authority (ZRA) is investigating possible discharge of effluent into the water body by local authorities following discovery of water hyacinth in the river. Hotels and local authorities dotted along Africas fourth longest river are prime suspects for allegedly discharging effluent into the water body as the water hyacinth plant which is popular in sewer infested water bodies, is found near them. ZRA chief executive officer, Mr Munyaradzi Munodawafa, said this while addressing Victoria Falls Municipality management and ZRA engineers during a tour of the Batoka Gorge Hydro Electric Scheme (BGHES) dam site last Wednesday. The tour was meant to apprise the local authority of progress made so far towards construction of the $4 billion dam which will generate 2400MW of electricity to be shared between Zambia and Zimbabwe. However, there are concerns about the quality of water owing to pollution. Mr Munodawafa said ZRA will be working with the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) and its counterpart in Zambia after noting the water hyacinth near Maramba Hotel, a few kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls. We have noted water hyacinth near Maramba Hotel and we dont know if its because of discharge from the hotel. We are also not sure if its the same plant thats at Kariba Dam, he said. He said ZRA had undertaken to investigate the issue but was quick to highlight that this was not meant to usurp EMA duties. ZRA was constituted by the Zambia and Zimbabwe governments to manage the Zambezi River along the two countries borders. At Kariba what they usually do is to rake the plant to the centre where it gets washed downstream but the problem is that it will affect everyone downstream. So we are assessing how we can come up with a solution to this, Mr Munodawafa said. We have engaged Kariba Town council and we are going to engage Victoria Falls Municipality to make sure there is no discharge into the river so that we prevent pollution and ensure good water quality for the river and for the dam. He said ZRA will also assess upstream to establish the source of water hyacinth, an aquatic plant that blocks sunshine and oxygen thereby causing death of living organisms such as fish, frogs and others. The Batoka Dam wall will be built about 54km downstream from Victoria Falls and its tail end will be at Victoria Falls Hotel near the Victoria Falls Bridge. Mr Munodawafa implored the VFM to be environmentally conscious in discharge of effluent into the river. VFM Town Clerk Mr Ronnie Dube said the local authority has an environmentally friendly sewer management system. In terms of prevention of effluent, we dont discharge into the river. A joint assessment with EMA will be carried out after which we will be able to talk going forward, he said. ZRA hopes to start the BGHES project next year and wants to ensure the water quality is safe in the Zambezi River. The project is a joint initiative by the Zambia and Zimbabwe governments. Chronicle 'We're Going to Get This Done,' Biden Says After Hill Meeting (Newser) Newscaster Carl Kasell, a signature voice of NPR who brought his gravitas to Morning Edition and later his wit to Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me! has died, the AP reports. He was 84. NPR said Kasell died Tuesday from complications from Alzheimer's disease in Potomac, Maryland. He retired in 2014. Kasell's radio career spanned half a century, starting as a morning DJ and newscaster at WGBR-AM in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He spent a decade at radio station WAVA in Arlington, Virginia, going from morning anchor to news director. He was a newscaster for 30 years on Morning Edition until 2009. Kasell then became the official judge and scorekeeper of the Chicago-based show Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me! in 1998. story continues below "He was, and remains, the heart and soul of our show," Peter Sagal, the host of Wait, Wait, tweeted Tuesday; Kasell left his voice on hundreds of answering machines as part of that show's prize. NPR's Melissa Block said of Kasell: "A beloved voice. A radio man through and through. And the kindest colleague you could hope to find." Kasell joined NPR as a part-time employee in 1975 for Weekend All Things Considered and then announced the news on the first broadcast of Morning Edition in 1979 alongside host Bob Edwards. He loved radio from an early age, saying he would play his grandmother's records on a wind-up record player and take commercial breaks. He majored in English at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and helped inaugurate a news program at the university's WUNC station. (Read more Carl Kasell stories.) (Newser) CIA Director Mike Pompeo secretly travelled to Pyongyang over Easter weekend to meet Kim Jong Un for the highest-level direct talks between the US and North Korea since Madeleine Albright's visit as secretary of state in 2000, sources tell the Washington Post and the AP. Pompeo made the highly unusual trip to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Kim and President Trump over North Korea's nuclear program, the sources say. Trump accepted North Korea's invitation to talks last month, but no location has been announced yet for what would be the first-ever meeting between a sitting president and a North Korean leader. The meeting is expected to happen by early June. story continues below Pompeo, who made the trip to Pyongyang soon after he was nominated to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state, told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week that he is "optimistic" that the US can set the appropriate conditions for a meeting that "will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome" that "America and the world so desperately need." Trump was apparently alluding to the meeting Tuesday when he told reporters at Mar-a-Lago that the US and North Korea have already had "direct talks" at "very high levels." He said five different locations are being considered for the meeting, none of which are in the US. (A formal end to the Korean War may be in sight.) (Newser) The matriarch of the Bush family has diedbut family associates say Barbara Bush was her irrepressible self until the very end. "Some of the recent emails indicate she is not quite ready to sign off. Shes answering all of her phone calls herself," family friend C. Boyden Gray, White House counsel to husband George HW Bush, told People hours before the 92-year-old died Tuesday. Another family friend told CBS reporter Jenna Gibson on Tuesday that although she was having difficulty breathing, Bush was "alert and was having conversations last night. She was also having a bourbon." A roundup of coverage: First lady facts. Bush, who was born Barbara Pierce, was not only the wife of the 41st president and mother of the 43rd, she was a distant relative of Franklin Pierce, the 14th president, USA Today reports in a look at lesser-known Barbara Bush facts. story continues below "Heartbroken." Jean Becker, George HW Bush's chief of staff, says the former president is "heartbroken" at the death of his wife of 73 years, CBS reports. "He held her hand all day today and was by her side when she left this good earth," Becker said in a statement. "But it will not surprise all of you who know and love him, that he is also being stoic and strong, and is being lifted up by his large and supportive family." Jean Becker, George HW Bush's chief of staff, says the former president is "heartbroken" at the death of his wife of 73 years, CBS reports. "He held her hand all day today and was by her side when she left this good earth," Becker said in a statement. "But it will not surprise all of you who know and love him, that he is also being stoic and strong, and is being lifted up by his large and supportive family." Family tributes . As dignitaries mourned Bush, some of the most moving tributes came from a family that includes her husband, brother, five children, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, the New York Times reports. "My grandmother's entire life was focused on others," tweeted George P. Bush, son of Jeb Bush. "For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving, and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all." . As dignitaries mourned Bush, some of the most moving tributes came from a family that includes her husband, brother, five children, 17 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren, the New York Times reports. "My grandmother's entire life was focused on others," tweeted George P. Bush, son of Jeb Bush. "For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving, and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all." "Levity, love, and literacy." George W. Bush praised his mother as somebody who brought "levity, love, and literacy" to millions. He said she "kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end" and added: "I'm a lucky man that Barbara Bush was my mother. Our family will miss her dearly," the BBC reports. A life to remember. The AP looks at things to remember about Bush's life, including her efforts to promote literacy among parents and children. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, started during her White House years, has donated more than $40 million to more than 1,500 literacy programs nationwide. The hardest death . The Washington Post reports that Bush, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said she had no fear of deathpossibly because she had already faced the heartbreaking death of 3-year-old daughter Robin from leukemia in 1953. During the months Robin suffered with the disease, her 28-year-old mother's hair began to turn white. Bush, whose funeral will be in Houston on Saturday, will be laid to rest where Robin is buried, in a plot on the grounds of her husband's presidential library in College Station, Texas. . The Washington Post reports that Bush, who suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, said she had no fear of deathpossibly because she had already faced the heartbreaking death of 3-year-old daughter Robin from leukemia in 1953. During the months Robin suffered with the disease, her 28-year-old mother's hair began to turn white. Bush, whose funeral will be in Houston on Saturday, will be laid to rest where Robin is buried, in a plot on the grounds of her husband's presidential library in College Station, Texas. "Lifelong compassion." The death of her daughter left George and Barbara Bush with "lifelong compassion," according to her official White House biography, which notes that they met at a dance when Barbara was just 16. "As authentic as her pearls were fake." In a tribute at the Washington Post, Karen Tumulty praises Bush, known as the family's "enforcer," as someone whose life was the "definition of female empowerment." Her appeal, Tumulty writes, was in her plain-talking "comfort in who she was" after the "glamor and excess" of previous first lady Nancy Reagan. In a tribute at the Washington Post, Karen Tumulty praises Bush, known as the family's "enforcer," as someone whose life was the "definition of female empowerment." Her appeal, Tumulty writes, was in her plain-talking "comfort in who she was" after the "glamor and excess" of previous first lady Nancy Reagan. Notable quotes . The AP lists some memorable quotes from Bush's 1994 autobiography, including: "A question I'm asked all the time: Did anyone tell you what to do, or give you any guidelines, when your husband was in government? The answer is no. Certainly I was given advice on protocol, and occasionally on what to wear or not to wear, but, for the most part, I just depended on the manners my mother taught me." . The AP lists some memorable quotes from Bush's 1994 autobiography, including: "A question I'm asked all the time: Did anyone tell you what to do, or give you any guidelines, when your husband was in government? The answer is no. Certainly I was given advice on protocol, and occasionally on what to wear or not to wear, but, for the most part, I just depended on the manners my mother taught me." "Fierce and fiesty." In a tweet, Bill Clinton praised the wife of the man he defeated in the 1992 election as a "remarkable woman." "She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like," he said. The Houston Chronicle has tributes from more than a dozen other dignitaries in Texas and beyond. In a tweet, Bill Clinton praised the wife of the man he defeated in the 1992 election as a "remarkable woman." "She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like," he said. The Houston Chronicle has tributes from more than a dozen other dignitaries in Texas and beyond. Her legacy. Bush will remembered for the family's political dynasty and literacy efforts that include helping pass the National Literacy Act in 1991, though WMTW in Maine describe's Portland's Barbara Bush Children's Hospital as her greatest legacy of all. She said she was "excited and flattered" to have the hospital named after her in 1995 at the request of a $3 million donor, and read to children at the institution every summer. (Read more Barbara Bush stories.) North Korea has got the jitters about U.S.-led airstrikes on Syria and its wider interference in the Middle East. Both the airstrikes and U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to scrap the nuclear deal with Iran are alarming signs for the regime as it prepares for a summit with Washington, not least because it has closely cooperated with them in the field of weapons of mass destruction. Iran "keeps carrying out its missile program despite pressure from hostile forces, including the U.S.," the official Rodong Sinmun daily wrote Monday. "Iran argues that its missile program has nothing to do with the nuclear deal." U.S. President Donald Trump complained that Iran's continued missile launches and human rights violations run counter to the spirit of the deal. "Either fix the deal's disastrous flaws, or the United States will withdraw," he said in January. Jang Ji-hyang of the Asan Institute for Policy Studies said, "The North will feel heavy pressure ahead of a summit with the U.S., whether the U.S. abrogates the nuclear deal or Iran agrees to renegotiations." The Rodong daily said the more the U.S. is bent on military intervention and pressure, the more resolved the Syrian people are to defend their fatherland. "Our people are providing full support and solidarity to the Syrian government and people in their struggle for justice," it added. (Newser) In 1298, Marco Polo wrote a manuscript, now dubbed The Travels of Marco Polo, describing his adventures along the Silk Road to China, his meeting with Mongol ruler Kublai Khan, and the innovations he came across, like eyeglasses. In the centuries since, some historians have doubted whether the Venetian actually traveled as far as he claimed, based in part on his failure to mention chopsticks, per History.com. But nearly 700 years after his death, Polo is setting the record straight himself. A three-year study of Polo's sheepskin will, written in Latin by a priest-notary in 1324, offers more evidence of Polo's adventures across Asia, reports Reuters. For instance, the will secured the freedom of Polo's indentured servant, a man Polo named Peter, who was from the Tatar clan of Mongols. story continues below Researchers say thisand an inventory of possessions mentioning musk from the far eastsuggests Polo did in fact reach China, which is now the accepted narrative. Christopher Columbus apparently believed it, having carefully perused his own copy of The Travels of Marco Polo, which Pointe-a-Calliere Museum refers to as "the most famous travel guide ever written." The study also helped correct errors in Polo's will blamed on the notary's poor handwriting (a word believed to refer to fabric actually meant a residence) and highlighted the explorer's possible belief in gender equality: Though possessions were usually left to male relatives at the time, Polo gave almost everything to his wife and three daughters. (A Mongol palace described by Polo may have been found.) (Newser) A woman was fatally injured when an engine blew on a Southwest Airlines flight with 149 people on board Tuesdaybut survivors say it could have been a much greater tragedy if not for pilot Tammie Jo Shults. The 56-year-old, who was one of the first female fighter pilots in the US military, is being hailed as a hero for calmly guiding the damaged Boeing 737-700 through a steep descent and an emergency landing in Philadelphia after shrapnel from the engine smashed a window. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card ... She was awesome," passenger Alfred Tumlinson tells the AP. Passengers say Shults walked through the plane to check that they were OK after Flight 1380, which had been en route to Dallas from New York, landed safely. story continues below "We have a part of the aircraft missing, so we're going to need to slow down a bit," Shults told air traffic controllers, per Reuters, adding that the plane was not on fire, but "they said there is a hole and someone went out." Shults, who flew F-18s in the Navy, joined Southwest in 1993. Fox reports that Southwest CEO Gary Kelly praised Shults and the rest of the flight crew for handling the situation "magnificently." Passengers say bank executive Jennifer Riordan, the first person to die in an accident involving a US airline since 2009, was partially sucked out of the smashed window before they pulled her back in. The National Transportation Safety Board, which has sent a team of investigators to Philadelphia, says one of the engine's fan blades was separated and there were signs of metal fatigue. (Read more Southwest Airlines stories.) (Newser) Middle school teacher Kyle Byler thought the Lancaster, Pennsylvania, school board was going to fire him at a meeting Tuesday night because he served students pancakes during state testing. But that was before his story got nationwide attention. The district now says the 8th-grade teacher social studies teacher, who was suspended without pay on April 10 after an assistant principal found him making whole-grain pancakes on an electric griddle, has been cleared to return to work Thursday, Lancaster Online reports. School District of Lancaster spokeswoman Kelly Burkholder says "dismissal action" was never on the agenda Tuesday and no further action will be taken because "the personnel matter has been resolved with the employee, who is scheduled to return to work." story continues below Byler, described by parents as a great teacher and "the 8th-grade dad," says he was told he would be terminated for causing a distraction during the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment testing. Some 100 supportersincluding parents and students holding "Bring Back Byler" signsturned up at Tuesday's meeting to support the Hand Middle School teacher. Burkholder says that if Byler had asked permission to make pancakes during the tests, he would have been turned down, though union spokesman Jason Molloy says there is no rule against serving food during the tests and it is common for the school to offer snacks. The school says the state Department of Education is looking into the incident, Fox 43 reports. (Read more teacher stories.) (Newser) "It's an invasion." That's how residents of one Victorville, Calif., neighborhood are summing up a sudden assault from tumbleweeds, thousands of which piled up there on Monday. Tumbleweeds are a common sight in the area, located an hour outside of Los Angeles; wind gusts carry the prickly bundles across open fields, per the Washington Post. But "normally you get a few flying down the street," a resident tells KABC. "It's never been this bad." With 100 to 150 homes affected, some residents actually called 911, a city spokeswoman tells the Daily Press. A woman adds a neighbor was trapped in his home for two hours as city crews attempted to clear a path through tumbleweeds, as wind gusts in the region hit 70mph. story continues below Residents two states over were having the same problem. After strong winds Monday, tumbleweeds made at least a few homes in West Jordan, Utah, impossible to access, reports Fox 13, noting a video showed workers battling an 8-foot high mound in front of one. "It was probably 10 weeds deep before they could get to the front door," a witness tells KSL, adding it took crews at least 1.5 hours to clear out what he estimates were 3,000 tumbleweeds. The city's parks director says the haul, later pulverized, weighed as much as 2 tons. Elsewhere in town, tumbleweeds were less of a nuisance but still took over yards and driveways. "We just invest in a good pitchfork and gloves," says one resident of the situation. (Aussies can commiserate.) (Newser) Amazon has released an Android browser in India dubbed "Internet," per the Vergebut that's not what the chief minister of Tripura state was referring to Tuesday when he claimed the Internet was invented in India long ago. Speaking in Agartala, Biplab Deb cited the Hindu epic Mahabharata, stressing that a character's ability to describe a 5,000-year-old battle from miles away proved both the Internet and satellite technology existed in ancient India, reports the BBC. Deb was swiftly mocked"Krishna really should have streamed the Bhagavad-Gita on Facebook Live," Rutgers-Newark South Asian history professor Audrey Truschke tweetedbut supporters came out of the woodwork, too. Tripura Gov. Tathagata Roy, for one, said "it is virtually impossible to conceive of devices," including flying chariots described in the myth, "without some kind of prototype," per the Times of India. story continues below Critics say this is part of a wider trend of romanticizing history by the Bharatiya Janata Party, of which Deb is a member, per Newsweek. In September, a BJP member said the airplane was first mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, per the BBC, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also of BJP, has previously claimed plastic surgery was invented in ancient India. "The anti-intellectualism and regressive streak from sections of the BJP continues to astound and worry," critic Rupa Subramanya tweeted. "Rather than solve today's problems theyre busy romanticizing a fictional past that never existed. Pathetic and embarrassing." Still, Deb is sticking to his guns. "My country had the technology years ago, which no country had," he said Wednesday, per NDTV, acknowledging there are "narrow minded people who find it tough to believe this." (This Indian lawmaker wants to ban PDAs.) (Newser) A Wednesday morning tweet by President Trump is being branded a contradiction. "Slippery James Comey, the worst FBI Director in history, was not fired because of the phony Russia investigation where, by the way, there was NO COLLUSION (except by the Dems)!" the president tweeted. As CNN and Reuters point out, Trump was contradicting his earlier comments on Comey's dismissal, which touched on the FBI's investigation into Russian collusion in the 2016 election. "When I decided to just do it, I said to myself, I said you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made-up story," Trump told NBC News' Lester Holt of the firing last May, per Politico. story continues below The official White House narrative at the time was that Trump had fired Comey on the recommendation of Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who'd penned a memo criticizing Comey's handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's private email server. But "regardless of the recommendation, I was going to fire Comey," Trump told Holt. Highly critical of Trump in his new memoir, Comey told ABC News on Tuesday that he can no longer be associated with the Republican Party, of which he's long considered himself a member. It "reflects now entirely Donald Trump's values. It doesn't reflect values at all," Comey said. (Trump also tweeted Wednesday about this police sketch.) (Newser) The family of the 16-year-old fatally crushed by his minivan's backseat, despite two calls to 911, stormed out of a Cincinnati City Council meeting Tuesday. After five hours of testimony about Kyle Plush's death at the special meeting, Councilman Wendell Young offered his closing remarks. "On the day you lost your son, it seems to me everything that could possibly go wrong went wrong," he said, per the Cincinnati Enquirer. "I dont know that any level of finger pointing or witch hunting is going to change that." He went on, per an Enquirer columnist, to paint the meeting as a waste of time and imply that no one person was to blame for Kyle's death. "I dont mean to sound insensitive. ... But theres no amount of money thats going to make you happy." That's when the Plush family got upset. story continues below "It's not about the money," said Kyle's father, Ron. Then Ron's brother Robert spoke up, per WCPO: "That's the most insensitive thing I've ever heard. You guys were doing great until this guy started talking. I'm sorry, you've crossed the line. You have crossed the line. We're out of here." He then got up and left, with the rest of the family following him. Young, who continued speaking for about a minute after that and insisted he hadn't meant to come across as insensitive, left shortly thereafter, and another council member noted, "I think the family had it right. I think they left here with the sense that we werent going to get it right." The hearing had been full of testimony about longstanding problems with the city's 911 system; few new details were offered about Kyle's death specifically, but the police chief said he hopes to complete his investigation within 10 days. (Read more Cincinnati stories.) Hwang Chang-gyu, the chairman of mobile carrier KT, was questioned by police on Tuesday about the company's illegal payments to lawmakers. A police investigation including a raid of KT headquarters has turned up evidence that Hwang was directly involved. KT is suspected of making illegal donations worth W430 million to some 90 lawmakers between 2014 and 2017 (US$1=W1,068). According to police, KT executives first bought gift coupons with corporate credit cards and then converted them into cash before sending it to lawmakers in small brown envelopes to stay below the donation limit and avoid detection. The donations went to members of National Assembly committees that dealt with KT-related issues. (Newser) An entrepreneur known as "Russia's Elon Musk" was apparently raped and tortured in prison before he dieda finding that casts doubt on the official account of his death, Newsweek reports. Valery Pshenichny, 56, was awaiting trial on charges of embezzlement when he was found hanging in his St. Petersburg cell in February. Now an official medical report cited by Novaya Gazeta newspaper says his last days on Earth were horrific: "Electric shock burns from a hot-water boiler cord were found in his mouth," the paper reports. "Lacerations and stab wounds on his body. A broken spine. Simply put, he was tortured." The report rejected claims that Pshenichny had committed suicide but says he was likely tortured by "someone from outside" the prison. story continues below Pshenichny was awaiting trial on charges of embezzling $1.6 million in a contract for military submarines to the Russian government, the Moscow Times reports. The entrepreneur, who had developed a technology for building and fixing submarines, was prosecuted after reporting his partner of embezzlementbut authorities charged Pshenichny instead, notes the Independent. In an unusual twist, Russian authorities are investigating his last days and say there was foul play. But his lawyer Larissa Fon-Arev suggests official corruption was evident from the January day state investigators and security service agents searched Pshenichny's home. "They asked him to take a good look at his suits," she says. "He was told he wouldnt need them anymore, save for his coffin." (Read more Russia stories.) (Newser) A California state university has indefinitely suspended fraternities and sororities after photos surfaced showing a fraternity member in blackface and others dressed up as gang members. The move at California Polytechnic State University was announced Tuesday by school President Jeffrey Armstrong, who said in a lengthy letter to the campus community that it has been gut-wrenching "to witness the hurt so many have felt and continue to feel." The suspension covers "all Panhellenic and Interfraternity Council fraternities and sororities," the letter says. (It does not apply to Cal Poly's cultural fraternities and sororities.) Last week, the university suspended the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity after photos emerged on social media of one member wearing blackface and others posing and dressing up like gang members, the AP reports. story continues below The university took the broader action against all Greek fraternities and sororities after learning of another instance of "racial profiling and cultural appropriation" at the Sigma Nu fraternity, Armstrong wrote. Photos showing three Sigma Nu members dressed as gang members emerged on social media Tuesday. Hundreds of students at the school protested and held an emergency town hall after the Lambda Chi Alpha photos emerged. "If Greek Life is to remain at Cal Poly, these students must re-invent their organizations and activities so they add value to our campus community and foster a culture of inclusion instead of undermining it," Armstrong says. In addition to the suspension, Armstrong says the university is meeting with and fielding ideas from minority students about improving campus culture, hiring a specialist on diversity and inclusion, and requiring training on implicit bias for all campus hiring committees. (Read more blackface stories.) (Newser) A nanny who argued she was too mentally ill to be held responsible for stabbing two children to death at their home has been convicted, the AP reports. Jurors on Wednesday found that Yoselyn Ortega killed 6-year-old Lucia Krim and 2-year-old Leo Krim in October 2012 and understood the consequences of her actions when she did it. They said she was guilty of murder. Ortega's lawyer Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg didn't dispute that Ortega killed the children but contended she had an undiagnosed mental illness that got worse in the moments leading up to the attack. Mental illness "does not announce itself like a bad cough or a limp," Van Leer-Greenberg said during closing arguments. "Sometimes it sneaks up and nestles in before anyone takes notice." story continues below But prosecutors maintained that Ortega knew what she was doing and acted out of jealous hatred of the children's mother, Marina Krim, who was richer and happier than she was. "She did it intentionally with a full understanding of exactly what it was she was doingevery stab, every slash," Assistant District Attorney Stuart Silberg said during closing arguments. Ortega, 55, who is from the Dominican Republic, showed little emotion during the trial and mostly stared straight ahead. But she shook her head forcefully and mouthed "no" during testimony that her employers treated her well. She faces life in prison. (Read more Yoselyn Ortega stories.) Sorry! This content is not available in your region Two most significant issues that made to the front page of major Nepali and English broadsheets published from Kathmandu on Wednesday are the government decision to stop registration and renewal of transport entrepreneur committees and a meeting between the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre that failed to make any concrete progress on the proposed unification. Few newspapers have also highlighted the China visit of Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Important Govt stricter against transport cartels The Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday evening decided to stop registration and renewal of committees of transport entrepreneurs as nonprofit NGOs, thereby effectively ending their monopoly in public transport sectors, according to newspaper reports. Nagarik lead story quotes State Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gokul Banskota to inform that the government decided to stop registration of such organisations at all district administration offices after transport entrepreneur committees decided to launch a strike against the government decision about not limiting route permits to such committees only. But, five major transport federations are set to announce a new joint protest programme on Wednesday, reports Republica. After the Cabinet decision, transport entrepreneurs now need to register themselves as for-profit business companies. Meanwhile, the government has warned of cancelling route permits and suspending their banking transactions if the entrepreneurs resort to the strike demanding monopoly, according to Karobar lead story. Likewise, the government has warned of taking the vehicles under control and operating them on its own, according to Kantipur. Left merger hits roadblock Newspaper reports say the CPN-UML and the CPN-Maoist Centre are now certain that their proposed unification cannot be announced on April 22 now as they had planned earlier after the Party Unification Coordination Committee could not make any progress on contentious issues. Rajdhani reports that the meeting assigned top leaders of both the parties to settle four key contentious issues: I) leadership management, II) ratio of two parties in the new organisation, III) election symbol, and IV) interpretation of peoples war. Kantipur, on the other hand, says there are some more serious unseen disputes including the leadership after general assembly, division of premiership between UMLs KP Sharma Oli and Maoist Centres Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and responsibilities of two chairpersons. Nepal Samacharpatra, however, claims the two parties have agreed to keep the sun as their election symbol. Meanwhile, the two parties are not sure on when they will meet next to discuss the issues, according to Naya Patrika. Apex court upholds Presidents oath The Supreme Court on Tuesday decided that the oath taken by President Bidya Devi Bhandari by then Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli was legitimate, reports Republica in its single column story. A single bench of Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla handed down the verdict scrapping a writ petition filed at the court claiming that the oath was not valid as Parajuli had already been relieved of the post when he administered the oath. Ignored Cases of fake verdicts on the rise Annapurna Post lead story for the day reports that many people have been found to have forged court verdicts on themselves so as to pass through paperwork they require to migrate abroad. Some underground outfits might have been involved in production of such fake documents, the report informs, but quotes Chief of Nepal Police Central Investigation Bureau, Pushkar Karki, to say, This issue is serious, but we are not informed about it. Local units unqualified to deliver justice Nagarik and Republica publish reports from Dang that officials of local governments in the region have been found unqualified to deliver justice to applicants as assigned by the constitution. The reports quote Debaka Belbase, Deputy Mayor of Lamahi Municipality who heads the judicial body at her government, to say that she does not know much about legal provisions; hence, the assignment has been too tough. Provincial govts still lack their own police force Naya Patrika lead story for the day informs that none of seven provincial governments have established their own police force though the constitution envisioned provincial police organisations. The report says Home Ministers of provincial governments have been provided security by staff of the central police force. The report also quotes all seven provincial home ministers about the issue. Former lawmaker arrested in connection with explosion at Indian Embassy field office Police in Biratnagar of Morang district on Tuesday arrested a former lawmaker suspecting his involvement in the explosion targeting Indian Embassy field office on Monday night, Gorkhapatra informs in a single column box story. The arrestee is Babulal Paswan, who was in the Constituent Assembly representing the CPN-Maoist Centre, the report informs, adding that Paswan had later quit the party and joined Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Party Nepal. Interesting New limit on credit card cash access Abhiyan and The Kathmandu Post report that the central bank has issued a new directive on electronic transaction thereby setting limits on credit card cash access among others. Now onwards, credit cardholders are barred from withdrawing more than 25 per cent of their credit limit in cash. Till now, they can exhaust the entire credit line, The Kathmandu Post reports. Earlier, the Nepal Rastra Bank had sent the proposal to all commercial banks before officially introducing the rule, according to Abhiyan. Fairbanks, AK (99707) Today Snow likely. High 36F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of snow 80%. 1 to 3 inches of snow expected.. Tonight Snow in the evening will give way to lingering snow showers overnight. Low near 30F. Winds light and variable. Chance of snow 80%. Snow accumulating 1 to 3 inches. Home Just In Police raid Soaltee casino, arrest six Nepalis for gambling Kathmandu, April 18 Police on Tuesday night carried a raid at Casino Majhong at Hotel Soaltee Crown Plaza in Kathmandu upon receiving a complaint that Nepalis were gambling there. They arrested eight persons from the scene. Nepals law prohibits Nepalis from gambling though foreigners can go to casinos here. Therefore, upon receiving a tip-off that Nepalis were gambling there, the Metropolitan Police Range had mobilised a team for the raid last night. During the raid, six Nepali clients and two officials of the companyManaging Director Binod Shrestha and Executive Officer Om Karmacharyawere arrested, according to DSP Mohan Kumar Thapa, spokesperson of the range. Further investigation is underway. The Daily News-Miner encourages residents to make themselves heard through the Opinion pages. Readers' letters and columns also appear online at newsminer.com. Contact the editor with questions at letters@newsminer.com or call 459-7574. Community Perspective Send Community Perspective submissions by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Submissions must be 500 to 750 words. Columns are welcome on a wide range of issues and should be well-written and well-researched with attribution of sources. Include a full name, email address, daytime telephone number and headshot photograph suitable for publication (email jpg or tiff files at 150 dpi.) You may also schedule a photo to be taken at the News-Miner office. The News-Miner reserves the right to edit submissions or to reject those of poor quality or taste without consulting the writer. Letters to the editor Send letters to the editor by mail (P.O. Box 70710, Fairbanks AK 99707), by fax (907-452-7917) or via email (letters@newsminer.com). Writers are limited to one letter every two weeks (14 days.) All letters must contain no more than 350 words and include a full name (no abbreviation), daytime and evening phone numbers and physical address. (If no phone, then provide a mailing address or email address.) The Daily News-Miner reserves the right to edit or reject letters without consulting the writer. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-day foreign tour and is currently in the United Kingdom, discussed the extradition of fugitive tycoon Vijay Mallya with his British counterpart Theresa May, said sources. Though there was no official statement on this matter, a spokesperson of 10 Downing Street said that the cooperation discussions between both the countries representatives went on till legal matters. Mallya, who is wanted in India in a money laundering case and an alleged bank fraud case, had skipped the country after defaulting loans, and was said to be residing in London. Also Read| PM in London LIVE: Modi addresses Indian diaspora at Central Hall, Westminster The Modi government was continuously targeted upon by the Opposition in the Vijay Mallyas exit. Mallya was arrested twice last year in London but was released on bail. The Indian government is now awaiting through a long process of extradition, and it is expected that a final judgement may come within weeks. The Indian government is represented by the Crown Prosecution service in the London court. India had submitted a 2,000-page dossier in the court as part of the evidence against Mallya. One of the leading arguments that Mallya had put forth in the UK hearings is the poor condition of prisons in India. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in London on Wednesday on a four-day visit to the United Kingdom will address the Indian diaspora present in London and answer several questions raised by the citizens in a talk event titled 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath.' Modi, who arrived for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by May. During the meeting with May, Modi told his British counterpart that there would be no dilution in UK's importance to India even after it leaves the European Union. India-UK ties are diverse and extensive. Our meeting today will give new energy to bilateral cooperation between our nations, Modi said. Meanwhile, Modi didn't forget the important elections back home in Karnataka, where his party is facing a stiff challenge and paid tributes to Bhagwan Basaveshwara's bust located by the Thames. "I am here on the Jayanti of Bhagwan Basaveshwara. During my last visit, I had the honour of unveiling his bust in the UK. Centuries ago, Bhagwan Basaveshwara worked towards social empowerment," Modi said. Lingayats, who comprise 17 per cent of Karnatakas total population, are the followers of Bhagwan Basaveshwara, a 12th-century saint. Today is his birth anniversary and the BJP would not want to miss the occasion and try to make the most of it. On his Jayanti, I bow to Bhagwan Basaveshwara. He has a special place in our history and culture. His emphasis on social harmony, brotherhood, unity and compassion always inspires us. Bhagwan Basaveshwara brought our society together and gave importance to knowledge, Modi tweeted. Karnataka will go to polls next month. The voting will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes would take place on May 15. Also Read | Wont allow division of Veerashaiva-Lingayat communities, says Amit Shah Highlights of the meeting: # 12:15 AM: Earlier when people used to talk on the humanitarian grounds, they only used to talk about western countries. But when we were able to take out 5000-6000 Indians out of Yemen, many countries requested us to take their people out of Yemen safely: Modi # 12:08 AM: I was not born with an aim to be in history books. I request you all- remember our country and not Modi. I am just like you all, a common citizen of India: Modi # 12:07 AM: I was not born with an aim to be in history books. I request you all- remember our country and not Modi. I am just like you all, a common citizen of India: Modi # 12:06 AM: I could not go to the Commonwealth Summit in Malta. This time, Prince Charles came himself to invite me & said you have to attend the summit. Even Queen Elizabeth wrote a letter to me saying that you have to come: Modi # 12:01 AM: My problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations: Modi # 11:58 PM: Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism. I want this Government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong: Modi # 11:56 PM: What prevented Indian Prime Ministers from going to Israel. Yes, I will go to Israel and I will even go to Palestine. I will further cooperation with Saudi Arabia and for the energy needs of India I will also engage with Iran: Modi # 11:54 PM: You all must have seen that the power of your passport has increased. People look at you with proud. India is still is the same. But today we can see a difference. Indian has managed to do this & now people know the power of India: Modi # 11:42 PM:The 125 crore people of India are my family: Modi # 11:30 PM: If you will see where we stand in comparison to previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter. Before 2014, newspapers used to have headlines 'aaj itna gaya', today's news is 'Modi Ji kitna aaya'?: Modi # 11:25 PM: Today, we are working for farmers' welfare, whether it is to double the income of agriculture by 2022, easy availability of urea or neem coating of urea, we are moving forward with a definite goal: Modi # 11:18 PM: It's our country misfortune that after independence, attempts were made to erase the culture & history of India. People were kept from anything but one single family. What Lord Basweshwar did for women empowerment, democracy & social causes is an example for world: Modi # 11:02 PM: One of the things I wanted to do in London was to pay homage to Bhagwan Basaveshwara: Modi # 10:52 PM: I am like any common citizen. And, I also have drawbacks like normal people do. We have a million problems but we have a billion people who can solve them: Modi # 10:40 PM: 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India's poor: Modi # 10:30 PM: I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: Modi # 10:25 PM: We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted: Modi # 10:23 PM: Look back at India's history. India has never desired anyone else's territory. During World War 1 and 2 we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the Wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces: Modi # 10:16 PM: Participative democracy makes good governance possible: Modi # 10:15 PM: Today the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement: Modi # 10:13 PM: During the freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi did something very different. He turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement. He told every person that whatever you are doing will contribute to India's freedom: Modi # 10:05 PM: Yes, people have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over: Modi # 10:04 PM: It is important to be concerned. I am glad that today there is a feeling of hope and resolution in the minds of 500 million people and people are expecting something from me: Modi # 10:02 PM: 'Besabri' is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is nature to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational: Modi # 09:54 PM: People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the Royal Palace: PM Modi # 09:46 PM: PM Modi reaches the centre stage # 09:33 PM: Indian director and head of Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Prasoon Joshi, takes on the central stage. # 09:19 PM: Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to address the Indian diaspora at Central Hall, Westminster. # 07: 15 PM: India-UK ties are diverse and extensive. Our meeting today will give new energy to bilateral cooperation between our nations, says PM Modi The Indian diaspora in the UK brings our countries closer. The diaspora is playing a commendable role in furthering the India-UK friendship: PM @narendramodi during the talks with PM @theresa_may pic.twitter.com/gd8RBDjiK6 PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 18, 2018 # 07:00 PM: PM Theresa May, I am glad to begin my programmes in the UK with this meeting. I thank you for the gesture of Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson welcoming me. This gesture shows your respect for 125 crore Indians: PM Modi to PM May # 04:25 PM: PM Modi pays tributes to Lingayats Bhagwan Basaveshwara in London. PM @narendramodi pays tributes to Bhagwan Basaveshwara in London. pic.twitter.com/QS1xJNBi1D PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 18, 2018 # 03:45 PM: PM Modi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. PM @narendramodi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 # 03:30 PM: A warm welcome and a fire-side discussion! PM @narendramodi welcomed by @theresa_may @10DowningStreet. The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit. A warm welcome and a fire-side discussion! PM @narendramodi welcomed by @theresa_may @10DowningStreet. The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit. pic.twitter.com/mj1a4addM3 Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 # 02:40 PM: PM Modi will take part in 'Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath' programme. Here is the link to watch the programme: https://www.youtube.com/user/narendramodi # 02:40 PM: It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London. It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 # 02:30 PM: Greeting the Indian community outside the Hotel as PM Modi begins his bilateral visit to the United Kingdom with a breakfast meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May 10 Downing Street. # 02:20 PM: On his arrival in London, Modi held a midnight meeting with UK's Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the airport. Day not yet over! Midnight meeting of PM @narendramodi with UK's Foreign Secretary @BorisJohnson at the airport immediately on arrival finally draws curtain to an action-packed day. pic.twitter.com/AkVCyEcJWh Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 17, 2018 # 02:15 PM: "In the second leg of his 3-nation visit, PM @narendramodi arrives in the UK on a bilateral visit and to attend the Commonwealth Summit in London. He was received by UK Foreign Secretary @BorisJohnson at the airport. Another chapter in modern partnership bound by strong historical ties!" tweets MEA India. # 02:00 PM: After a day's visit to Sweden PM Narendra Modi emplanes for London for the bilateral visit to the UK and CHOGM Summit. After a memorable bilateral visit to Sweden and the first ever India-Nordic Summit, PM @narendramodi emplanes for London for the bilateral visit with UK and CHOGM Summit. pic.twitter.com/z3w3Vbvxz6 Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 17, 2018 Although, the BJP traditionally enjoyed the support of Veerashaiva-Lingayat community it was stung by the Congress partys move to allow a separate religion for the Lingayat community. Months before the elections in Karnataka, the Siddaramaiah government accepted the suggestions of the Nagamohan Das Committee to grant a religious minority status to the Lingayats. BJPs chief ministerial candidate BS Yedyurappa, also a Lingayat termed the move politically motivated and partys president Amit Shah reached out to key religious figures of the community to seek their blessings. While Modi is unveiling lord Basaveshwaras bust, Shobha Karandlaje, a BJP lawmaker from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency said that Siddaramaiah should not be allowed to do so as he split the community. "Mr Siddaramaiah split the Lingayat community only with an intention to gain votes and create a vote bank for his party... I request all the Lingayats and Veerashaivas to bar Siddaramaiah from garlanding Basaveshwara's statue," Karandlaje said. Karnataka will go to polls next month. The voting will be held on May 12 and the counting of votes would take place on May 15. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Harminder Singh Mintoo, the chief of militant outfit Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) died after he suffered a massive cardiac arrest in Patiala central jail on Wednesday. Harminder Singh Mintoo suffered a heart attack in Patiala central jail. He was taken to the government hospital in Patiala where he was declared brought dead by doctors, Punjab Police Inspector General A S Rai said. The 50-year-old Khalistani terrorist was lodged in jail since 2014. He was facing several criminal and terror charges and was arrested from the Delhi airport in 2014 after he returned from Malaysia. Also Read | Tamil Nadu Governor apologises for patting journalists cheek He was one of the five prisoners who escaped the Nabha jail on November 28, 2016. However, a day later, he was arrested by the police from Delhis Nizamuddin Railway Station. A group of armed men in police uniform had stormed the maximum-security jail at Nabha in Patiala district and managed to free six prisoners Mintoo, Kashmir Singh, and gangsters Amandeep Dhothian, Vicky Gounder, Gurpreet Sekhon and Neeta Deol. (With inputs from agencies) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Wednesday as part of his four-day visit to the United Kingdom. Modi is set to have a jam-packed Wednesday with a spree of bilaterals meets all through the day. Modi held bilateral talks with his British counterpart Theresa May ahead ofA Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. As part of his visit, the Indian PM shall attend a special tech event hosted for him by Prince Charles. This event will showcase UK-India tech collaborations.A UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport here. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Prince Charles will arrive at the event venue in a Tata electric Jaguar. Modi would be participating in the 885th birth anniversary of 12th-century social reformer Basaveshwara in the London Borough of Lambeth on April 18.A On the evening of April 18, Modi would attend a dinner hosted by Theresa May. Also, as many as 1,500 NRIs would have the opportunity to ask questions to Modi at a special event titled as #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath to be streamed live on TV on April 18 night. Live Updates #2:30 pmA A It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi to Theresa May It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: PM Modi in meeting with British PM Theresa May in London pic.twitter.com/4Dn0wCI9fW a ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 # 2:00 pmA Iam confident that new energy will be added to our ties after todayas meeting. Iam happy that UK will be part of International Solar Alliance - PM Modi I'm confident that new energy will be added to our ties after today's meeting. I'm happy that UK will be part of International Solar Alliance, I believe this is not only fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations: PM Modi in meeting with British PM pic.twitter.com/UVawtdhWX0 a ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 #1:45 pmA A It is a matter of happiness for me that I will get to interact with people here on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara - PM Modi #1:40 pmA I hope we can work together for the people of both India and UK: British PM Theresa May in meeting with PM Modi #1:40 pmA Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets British PM Theresa May at 10 Downing Street in London For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday slammed former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for his comments towards PM Modis silence, and said dont compare your days with those of Modi jis. Prasad, while supporting PM Modis statement over the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes, said that whenever the prime minister speaks, it is heard and action is taken on it. Prasad said, PM spoke strongly on rape incidents terming them shameful & inhuman. Dr.Manmohan Singh unlike your observation,when PM Modi says something it's heard & action is taken.Please Dr.Manmohan Singh don't compare your days with that of Modi Ji's. PM spoke strongly on rape incidents terming them shameful & inhuman. Dr.Manmohan Singh unlike your observation,when PM Modi says something it's heard & action is taken.Please Dr.Manmohan Singh don't compare your days with that of Modi Ji's: RS Prasad on Singh's statement about PM pic.twitter.com/SyOATJr4hX ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 Singh had hit out at the current prime minister for his long silence over the gang rape cases and said that Modi should follow his own advice to me and speak more often. But I think the Prime Minister should follow his own advice to me and he should speak more often. Through press (reports) I know that he used to criticize me for not speaking up. I feel that the advice that he used to give me, he should follow it himself, Singh said in an interview to the Indian Express. Also Read| Speak more often: Maun-Mohan Singh gives it back to Maun Modi The former prime minister also accused several BJP-ruled states of turning a blind eye to the law and order issues, especially womens safety and the lynching of Muslims and attacking Dalits in the region. People are misusing the authority of government. They think they can get away with itlaw and order is the responsibility of state governments. The BJP government at the Centre could send instructions to its state governments to ensure that law and order is properly enforced, and minorities and Dalits and women are treated properly, Singh said. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Bangalore: There is no wave either in favour or against the three key players ruling Congress, challenger BJP and the possible king-maker in Janata Dal (Secular) in the coming Karnataka Assembly general elections, polling for which will take place on May 12. Who among the main contenders the ruling Congress, the BJP or the JD (S) touches the magic mark of 113 for a simple majority will be revealed when votes for the 224-seat Karnataka Assembly are taken up on May 15. As campaigning picked up pace in the only state in South India where the ruling party at Centre, the BJP, is a serious player, it is banking on its star campaigner in Prime Minister Narendra Modi to whip up passions in favour of his partys chief ministerial face BS Yeddyurappa. For the present, the BJP is finding the going tough in Karnataka, a state that historically has a tendency to vote out an incumbent, with Yedddyurappa unable to cash in on sentiments against ruling Congress and Chief Minister S Siddaramaiah. What has become an advantage for the Congress is that Siddaramaiah is the last word in the party in Karnataka, even when it came to candidate selection and poll strategy and campaigning, unlike in the BJP which is running the battle from its New Delhi headquarters. It is not for nothing that Yeddyurappa and his supporters are finding it difficult to counter Siddaramaiahs narrative based on Kannada pride and the manner in which he has managed to paint the Central government as the villain. His googlies picking up the Kannada language or opposition to Hindi found resonance with the Kannadigas or painting the Centre as a step-mother favouring North Indian states or the most recent one of granting minority religious status to the powerful Lingayat community have foxed the local leadership of the BJP and it is left with reacting to the agenda set by Siddaramaiah. Even on the Cauvery battle with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, that is up in protests, the chief minister has managed to present the Supreme Court verdict that reduced water supply to Tamil Nadu as a success of his government even as the Centre has been left with the responsibility of forming a Cauvery Management Board, something that is perceived by the voters as damaging to Karnataka interests. The central government, rapped by Supreme Court for its failure to form the CMB, is trying its best to drag the issue till the polling is completed on May 12. Finding on a weaker wicket, the state BJP is hoping for its pinch hitter to come to the rescue of the team, like he did in Gujarat assembly elections at the fag-end of campaigning and staved off a determined Congress onslaught and retained the state, narrowly. Had Modi not unleashed his eleventh hour or slog over hitting, the BJP may have lost its bastions. Siddaramaiah has turned the Karnataka assembly polls into a fierce regionalism versus BJPs brand of nationalism, making it difficult for his principal opponents to effectively puncture this narrative. The BJP is trying to make corruption its main planks with all its leaders painting Karnataka Congress government as the most corrupt in the country. BJP national president Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his previous visits to the state, described the Siddaramaiah government as the 10-per cent government to drill home the point that nothing works in Karnataka other than a 10 per cent commission. The one problem with the BJP poll plank of corruption is that Yeddyurappa as the CM face weakens this plank as he was, in peoples perception, infamously immersed in corruption and his governance found wanting on different fronts. On this score, Siddaramaiah too is guilty, but in the run up to the polls in over a year, his government tried to project its programmes and also came out with welfare schemes like food for the poor Indira Canteens on the lines of the hugely successful Amma canteens of Tamil Nadu, to cite an example. With elections less than one month away, even as the two biggies fight it out, the Karnataka regional party of former prime minister Deve Gowda is quietly plotting to queer the pitch for both the players. A top Karnataka bureaucrat pegged the numbers of JD (S) between a modest 35 to a high outer figure of 60, something that the pre-poll surveys too are hinting at. Notwithstanding the claims of chief minister and senior Congress leaders, the Karnataka ruling party could fall below the magic number of 113 and will have to do business with Deve Gowda and his son HD Kumaraswamy, after all the votes are counted. But by virtue of being in power at the Centre, it is a game in which the BJP has gained expertise, as recent government formations elsewhere have shown. Indications from the ground are of a hung assembly, with the Congress slightly ahead of the rest. So, the Karnataka general elections too could go down to the wire, like the 20-20 IPL matches, and for the answer to the question who will form the government will have to wait for post-poll agreements. Washington: President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the US was in direct talks with North Korea 'at a very high level' ahead of his planned summit with Kim Jong-un. The two countries were looking at five potential venues for the summit, "but it is not in the United States", Trump told reporters at Mar-a-Lago where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We've also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea," Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. "I really believe there's a lot of goodwill. A lot of good things are happening. We'll see what happens.As I always say, we'll see what happens. Because ultimately, it's the end result that counts, not the fact that we're thinking about having a meeting or having a meeting," he said. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. "We have not picked a site yet, but we've picked five sites where it's potentially going to be. We'll let you know fairly soon. Let's see what happens. We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. Maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said. The US president said irrespective of whether the meeting happens or not, there was mutual respect for each other between the two countries. "I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it won't be. We don't know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens," Trump said. In his remarks, Abe said prior to the small group discussion at the one-on-one session, the two leaders already had a very in-depth discussion focusing on the issue of North Korea and also the economic issues. "On those two points, we actually successfully forged a mutual understanding. So, I'm very happy to see the outcome of our one-on-one discussion," he said. Abe said the planned meeting between South Korea and North Korea was made possible with the help of Trump who successfully pressured Pyongyang into softening its stance. "Since the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in South Korea, we have observed major change in terms of North Korea's behaviour. Background of this change is Donald's (Trump) unwavering conviction, as well as the determination that you demonstrated in addressing the issue of North Korea. So your stance made it possible to achieve this major change," he said. "As a matter of fact, the US has the overwhelming military power in the world.? By using this strength, you have been effectively applying the overwhelming level of pressure against North Korea. And this, actually, successfully led to the outcome that we have already observed," Abe said. The Japanese prime minister expressed hope that the US-North Korea summit meeting yield tangible progress toward resolving a wide range of issues, from nuclear issues, missile issues to the abductions issue. "So this will be a historic meeting, and I certainly hope that there will be progress on these fronts," he said. Trump said he will bring up the abductees. The US President also thanked the Chinese President Xi Jinping for playing a "constructive" role on the issue of North Korea. "He's been incredibly generous. They have never been this way with the United States. I think they have more respect for us, perhaps our leadership, but for us than they've ever had before," he said. "President Xi has been very strong on the border, much stronger than anyone thought they would be.?I'd like them to be stronger on the border. But he has been at a level that nobody ever expected. The goods coming into North Korea have been cut down very substantially. As you know, 93 per cent of the goods coming into North Korea come through China, come through the border," Trump said. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. olalathos During a solo concert this week in Barcelona, Pink Floyd frontman Roger Waters took a moment to address the audience about the recent bombing of Syria. Waters said he was approached by someone before the concert who wanted to get onstage and speak on behalf of the White Helmets about the alleged chemical attacks in Douma.Instead of bringing the anonymous man onstage, Waters addressed the crowd on the issue himself, saying that he believes the White Helmets are a propaganda organization on a mission to justify Western intervention in the region. Waters said he believes that the person who wanted to make a statement was well-intentioned, but misled, and then offered his opinion to the audience.The White Helmets is a fake organization that exists only to create propaganda for jihadists and terrorists, Waters said. Thats my belief. We have opposing beliefs. If we were to listen to the propaganda of the White Helmets and others, we would be encouraged to encourage our governments to start dropping bombs on people in Syria. This would be a mistake of monumental proportions for us as human beings.What we should do is go and persuade our governments not to go and drop bombs on people. And certainly not until we have done all the research that is necessary so that we would have a clear idea of what is really going on. Because we live in the world where propaganda seems to be more important than the reality of what is really going on, he added.The White Helmets have been known to work with terrorists to achieve regime change in Syria. The White Helmets were also caught staging videos of atrocities in an attempt to bait Western powers into war and were later forced to apologize.The group also came under fire last June when video surfaced that showed members assisting in disposing of the dead bodies of Syrian soldiers. The US-backed aid workers were seen celebrating their kill whilst holding the heads of the dead.As it stands, the White Helmets are heavily funded by the U.S. and the UK, as well as many other international entities. That may be the reason they always worked in rebel-held areas of the greater Syrian conflict. The WH serve as a de facto propaganda wing of the West to sway public opinion into supporting regime change in Syria.As proof, one only has to look to the story of Omran Daqneesh, a Syrian boy reportedly pulled from the rubble of a bombed out building. Daqneeshs image was broadcast around the world and used as a propaganda tool against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.The truth was later revealed by The Free Thought Project and others that it is highly likely the opposition itself destroyed the very building in which Daqneesh was residing, then used his image to promote the myth that he was attacked by Syrian forces.According to The New York Times, Mr. Daqneesh told the real story of what happened immediately following the bombing. He never supported the opposition and appeared on Syrian state-run media to proclaim his support for Assad. He described how the White Helmets used his son as a propaganda tool without his permission.They took Omran, got him to the ambulance, where they filmed him. It was against my will. I was still upstairs in the house, Mr. Daqneesh said, adding that he was pressured, and even offered money to use his son as a pawn in propaganda against the Assad regime.Pink Floyds Roger Waters has been consistently anti-war throughout his entire career and is no stranger to controversy. As The Free Thought Project reported in 2016, Waters made some bold statements about the war crimes of Israel in an interview with The Independent. He explained how artists are discouraged from speaking out about the atrocities taking place at the hands of the Israeli military.The only response to BDS is that it is anti-Semitic, I know this because I have been accused of being a Nazi and an anti-Semite for the past 10 years. My industry has been particularly recalcitrant in even raising a voice [against Israel]. Theres me and Elvis Costello, Brian Eno, Manic Street Preachers, one or two others, but theres nobody in the United States where I live. Ive talked to a lot of them, and they are scared s***less. he said.If they say something in public they will no longer have a career. They will be destroyed. Im hoping to encourage some of them to stop being frightened and to stand up and be counted because we need them. We need them desperately in this conversation in the same way we needed musicians to join protesters over Vietnam, Waters added.If propaganda is what the establishment uses to create a culture of war, then art is what the average person can use to create a culture of peace.In times of oppression, it is very difficult for people to speak out against the constant tyranny, and when they do it can be even more difficult to get others to listen. Art is a subtle way of getting the message out to the masses. This is useful because a lot of times people are so entrenched in the mainstream culture that they will become defensive when they come face to face with facts that call their worldview into question. However, if these same ideas are presented in the form of art, people are much less defensive and are more willing to approach the information with an open mind. Art is also used by activists who want to send a message but still remain under the radar.If you really examine some of the greatest works of art in history, you will find that the vast majority of the time, the artist was motivated by some kind of social cause. The art that really moves people and leaves a lasting impression is rarely made with the thought of making a buck or climbing the social ladder. In todays culture, massive advertising schemes and flashy graphics are enough to catch most peoples attention long enough to make a purchase, but youll find that the works of art with real staying power are typically sending some kind of social message.https://www.activistpost.com/2018/04/pink-floyd-frontman-stops-concert-to-explain-false-flag-chemical-attack-in-syria.html Cincinnati, OH (45221) Today Partial cloudiness early, with scattered showers and thunderstorms during the afternoon. High 83F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 40%.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of rain. Low 66F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 70%. Primate E. O. Akeju of New Holy Messiah Church in Ilasamaja, Lagos state on Wednesday announced a set of 32 prophecies wherein he stated t... Primate E. O. Akeju of New Holy Messiah Church in Ilasamaja, Lagos state on Wednesday announced a set of 32 prophecies wherein he stated that God revealed to him that former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, will emerge as Nigerias next president. He also called on APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to be wary of supporting the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari if the former Lagos governor does not want an end of his political career. The prophet maintained that Buhari will be disgraced like former president Goodluck Jonathan if he goes ahead to contest the 2019 elections. Not yet done with Tinubu, the cleric called on him to be mindful of his health and be more prayerful for his children so as to avert another tragic occurrence on any of them. The prophecies also affected former presidents, Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida, both of whom Akeju called enemies of this country, insisting that nobody should take them seriously. He went on to state that the days of both leaders are numbered. These were made known in a statement sent by Primate Akeju on Thursday which reads in full 1. God revealed to me that SEN. AHMED TINUBU should be more careful and prayerful with his health, Also any attempt to support President Mohammed Buhari, for second term will mar his political career. 2. TINUBU should be more prayerful on all his children, in order not to witness another tragic occurrence on any of them. 3. GOV. AMBODE will retain the Lagos Gubernatorial seat without any opposition. 4. God reveal to me GOV. AMBODE should be more careful with his policies and take steps in reshuffling his cabinet because of some traitors. 5. God said PRE. BUHARI will be disgrace just like his predecessor if he re-contest. 6. God revealed to me that all theatre art practitioners should pray against untimely death that might ravage in the industry before the end of this year. 7. PST. T.B JOSHUA should not relocate out of the country because Nigeria is his land of milk & honey 8. ARE. GANI ADAMS; should not be involved in partisan politics so that he will not be disgraced. He should be more closer to God this time around. 9. KWANKWANSO; should be more careful about close political associates and colleagues for there are betrayer among them. 10. SENATOR MUSILIU OBANIKORO; should be watchful and careful against evil plan to assassinate him, it he can pray he will still be a force in Lagos politics. 11. I foresee ATIKU ABUBAKAR becoming next president of his country but there are strong forces behind his plan. 12. God revealed to me ATIKU regime will bring peace and harmony to the nation unlike what we are presently experiencing. 13. INEC should be careful in 2019 election in order not to be used by powerful forces. 14. BIAFRA; God said the unity of the country is paramount, so there is no way for Biafra agitation. 15. All forces behind Biafra will be disgraced if they refused to hearken to the voice of the Lord. 16. God reveal ONI OF IFE will reign beyond the days of his predecessors and will be bless with a son very soon because for his kindness to humanity. 17. OBASANJO AND BABAGIDA; God said they are enemies of this country and nobody should take them serious. 18. CHIEF OLUSEGUN OBASANJO; Days on earth are numbered so he should start rounding up. 19. God revealed BABAGIDA should be prayerful about his health, I see a sudden death. 20. FAYOSE with his PDP will retain EKITI STATE. 21. OYO STATE; if care is not taking by the APC there will be a liberal force in the next election. 22. SENATOR YAYI; God revealed he will leave the Federal Capital Abuja to assume the state governor office in 2019 gubernatorial election. He should also be prayerful for his dream to come true. 23. OTUNBA SUBOMI; He should pray fervently about his health, not to lead to sudden death. 24. BURUJI KASHAMU; God revealed he will retain his seat as Senator in 2019. 25. FUNKE AKINDELE; She should be more prayerful for a generational problem that is beyond her control but the Lord said she will celebrate new baby very soon. 26. National Assembly should pray fervently for death occurrence of some prominent members through accident. 27. The oil sector under the administration of President Mohammed Buhari will suffer collapse next year. 28. President ZUMA will likely end in prison and this will lead to his death 29. SENATOR REMI TINUBU should be prayerful, I see a sudden sickness. 30. PASTOR ADEBOYE; God revealed to me he should prepare his ways because he will soon be call above. 31. Sudden exposure of prominent preachers in the country who had soiled their hand except the repent. The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus yesterday denied collecting N250million out of the $2.... The National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus yesterday denied collecting N250million out of the $2.1billion arms cash allegedly squandered by the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA).He challenged the Federal Government to publish the voucher(s) which he allegedly signed to collect the purported arms cash.He said it was unfortunate that Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which was founded and nurtured by PDP administration to tackle the issue of corruption in the system, had to turn itself into a pawn in the hand of APCBut he was silent on alleged 54 vehicles purportedly bought for him from the proceeds of Strategic Alliance Agreement between Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Nigeria Limited and the Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).Secondus, who bared his mind in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ike Abonyi, said the Federal Government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were desperate to frame him up.The statement said: The attention of the media office of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Prince Uche Secondus has been drawn to the desperation of the Federal Government and its ruling, All Progressives Congress (APC) to frame him up with some blatant fabrications ostensibly to distract him from carrying out his responsibility of rebuilding his party.The National Chairman would ordinarily not want to join issues with the government on a matter already in court but noted regrettably that the administration has great contempt for the court and the rule of law and has instead chosen to use blackmail and media persecution to defame and discredit their enemies. A gimmick Prince Secondus said has failed because Nigerians have come to know the antics of the drowning government.The Federal Government and its agency in their desperation to forge documents and defame him, forgot to reconcile their lies; the Minister of Information and Culture Alh. Lai Mohammad and the EFCC couldnt agree on the date of the purported money collection and whether it was collected by him Secondus or by a faceless fictional Chukwura that has no surname.While they may have embarked on a wide search since 2015 for the surname of the so called aide of the National Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed claimed in his press conference on Good Friday March 29th, 2018 that Secondus collected the money on 19th of February, 2015, EFCC on their part on April 16th, 2018, eighteen days after said the money was collected on February 9th, 2015 and in another version still quoting the same EFCC claimed February 2, 2015.Secondus said he will not succumb to blackmail and intimidation on his mission to reform the PDP.He said it was sad that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which was founded and nurtured by PDP administration to tackle the issue of corruption in the system, had to turn itself into a pawn in the hand of APC.The statement added: Secondus restated his earlier declaration that nothing, not even the blackmail and intimidation lined up against the opposition by the Federal Government would be enough to stop him from carrying out the reform of his party, the PDP, as the programme is aimed at repositioning the party with a view to rescuing Nigeria from the disaster called APC administration.Prince Secondus described as unfortunate and tragic the fact that anti-corruption agency like EFCC founded and nurtured by PDP administration to tackle the issue of corruption in the system had to turn itself into a pawn in the hand of APC administration to witch hunt and harass perceived enemies of government just to impress and keep job.He challenged the government and any agency that have anything against him that just cropped up because he is trying to rebrand his party to bring such evidence to the court and stop character assassination in the media.The statement said: Theres no need to be talking about a case pending in court in the newspapers. If the government has anything to say, they should file it before the court as demanded.The National Chairmans office is aware of a grand design by the government to stop at anything to tarnish his image. But he said that the move would fail. Ahmad Salkida, a journalist with access to the leadership of the Boko Haram, says only 30 and not 15 earlier disclosed by him out of th... Ahmad Salkida, a journalist with access to the leadership of the Boko Haram, says only 30 and not 15 earlier disclosed by him out of the remaining 113 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls with Abubakar Shekau insurgents group are alive.Salkida in a series of tweet on Saturday had said information available to him showed that 15 out the remaining kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls are still alive with the Abubakar Shakau faction led Boko Haram.But Salkida in a new tweets on Tuesday said, two other cells of the group have with them 15 more kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.A leading member of the Jamaatu Ahlis-Sunna LiddaAwati Wal-Jihad or Boko Haram has now clarified the earlier information about 15 girls. Indeed, the 15 Chibokgirls are available, but known to a particular cell that spoke to me emphatically days leading to the 4th anniversaryhe said.However, two other cells within the larger group has brought additional information, clarifying the earlier information, that there is another 10 girls available to another cell. Outside of the 15 and 10, another 5 amongst the girls are also alive as at early hours of today.The new information according to Salkida further revealed that 30 out of the 113 Chibok girls are still alive.But the set of 5, according to the group today, have apparently become permanently embedded in the doctrines and teaching programs of the Sect and have asked not to be considered amongst those likely be included in any release in the future, if there would be any.In Boko Haram, you do not know what you dont have access to because of the segmentation of authority. Its part of the ethos of criminality to restrict access of lieutenants to critical information. You only know what obtains in the cell you control.However, the group has confirmed my earlier tweets that all the 15 Chibokgirls, including the set of five are married and the terms of their release, for those that want to be released, are consistent with the details I provided in my 4th anniversary tweets.The Federal Government and the Nigerian Army had both dismissed Salkidas Saturday tweets that only 15 of the girls were alive, with the Army stating that his aim was to discourage the government from going ahead with its plan to rescue the girlsHe also said the objective of his earlier tweets was to compel the government and Boko Haram to speak, but said the government was being defensive.it is most disappointing that the government in its might and given the machinery available to it, peremptorily declared to the public that it lacks institutional memory regarding the processes of the Chibokgirls. The All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government has done better in the last three years than the 16 years rule of the Peoples ... Tinubu spoke yesterday in Kano as a special guest of honour at the 35th Aminu Kano Annual Memorial Symposium organised by Mambayya House, Aminu Kano Centre for Research and Training, Bayero University, Kano (BUK).The theme was: Democratic governance and the imperatives of party ideology and supremacy.It was to honour Kanos most influential politician of all times and the revered leader of the talakawa, the late Mallam Aminu Kano.Speakers included former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, former governor of old Kaduna State Balarabe Musa, APC chief Usman Bugaje, eminent journalist Dapo Olorunyomi and Dr. Auwal Anwar. BUK Vice Chancellor Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello was represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academics) Prof. Sagir Abbas. The ceremony was chaired by Malam Mahmud Othman.The former Lagos State governor, who was represented by Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, said: When someone can do for you in three years what another did not even try in 16 years, any person with an open eye can see the difference between giver and taker, between friend and thief.He added: The Buhari government has spent inordinate time cleaning the rot and plugging the holes in the corrupt system the others had institutionalised as their strategic policy and national direction.According to him, the APC has been working to steer our national ship from this awful direction in order that we may bring the people and their welfare into safe harbour.Tinubu explained that, had the billions of dollars and trillions of naira that were stolen by past governments been used for the people, the nation would have been able to acquire the infrastructure and implement the programmes that bring greater development and economic justice to allInstead, the select few ate more than their bellies could contain. Distorting the course of justice and hijacking the means of national welfare, they wildly enriched themselves and left the average Nigerian to dine on the passing wind.He said more needed to be done. I envision a time of even bolder action that modernises national infrastructure, implements an industrial plan that revives the textile sector and builds new industries, agricultural reform that provides farmers minimum incomes and greater access to credit.Mortgage reform that opens the door to affordable housing for millions of families, pension reform that insulates our aged from poverty and an expansion of the school feeding into every state and local government.Speaking on party ideology, Tinubu said ideology and principle must hold supremacy, adding that, calling for party supremacy by and for its own sake is nothing but an invitation for people to install and then perpetuate themselves in positions of authority in the party.Tinubu described Malam Aminu Kano as a leader with high moral conduct, pointing out that, this great man could have lived an easy life by exploiting for selfish objectives all the opportunities opened to a man of his great ability and social station.Instead, he devoted himself to the welfare of the people. He took the harder path because it was the true and correct one. As Aminu Kano did, we must do.Bauchi state Governor Mohammed Abubakar who was the Guest of Honour, noted that the questions raised at the symposium could best be answered by studying the life and times of Malam Aminu Kano who he described as upright and down-to-earth.The Chief Host and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Ganduje who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Usman Alhaji Usman, urged politicians to aspire to follow the footsteps of Aminu Kano who he described as a man of integrity, honesty, simplicity and transparency.In his paper Bugaje raised a few posers such as the difference between power and authority, legality and legitimacy, as well as eligibility and sustainability.He argued that it was possible to have power without having authority, adding that it was also possible to be eligible, but not suitable for a given position or office.In order to succeed, he said a leader must be knowledgeable, courageous and selfless; while adding that a leader must be like a shepherd who leads his cattle to a place of pasture and a good place where they can graze.Olorunyomi said the need for the country to be in accord and be united in purpose.In spite of the challenges that Rwanda recently went through, he said the country was able to bounce back into a unified entity where law and order reigned because of unity of purpose. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the invasion of the Senate chamber by hoodlums and the carting away of the mace, the symbol of authority.Reacting to the incident in a statement from his media office in Abuja on Wednesday, Atiku described the attack as a dangerous precedent and an assault on Nigerias democracy by anti-democratic elements.I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution, but it also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy, he said.Atiku said that, given the tension in the country, the timing of the attack could not have come at a worse time for Nigeria; and that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution is unacceptable, evil, and condemnable.The former vice-president noted that it was inconceivable that hoodlums could force their way into the Senate and take away the mace.If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger, Atiku said; warning those behind this illegality to avoid creating a monster that could consume them.Abubakar reminded Nigerians that so many people died in order to bring this democracy about, calling for immediate investigation into the incident and the prompt prosecution of those involved.It is unacceptable and reprehensible to subject the National Assembly to this intimidation and humiliation. This attack by thugs should not go unpunished, no matter who is involved, he added.He urged those pushing the countys political temperature to dangerous levels to desist from it, saying, they are playing Russian roulette with Nigerias hard-earned democracy.He, however, called for unity, calm and an end to the culture of political disunity that is tearing our dear country apart. Reno Omokri, former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has warned Nigerians to be careful of the names we give our children. Be careful the names you give your children, it affect their character. Is it a coincidence that Lai lies, that El-Rufai is made up of the same letters as failure, that Garba speaks garbage, that buratai is brutal? Now look at Omo Agege behaving like an Agege tout! Names matter! Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 18, 2018 Be careful the names you give your children, it affect their character. Is it a coincidence that Lai lies, that El-Rufai is made up of the same letters as failure, that Garba speaks garbage, that buratai is brutal? Now look at Omo Agege behaving like an Agege tout! Names matter! Between Nigerian youths and Buhari, who sits and does nothing? What rubbish from a President who lied that rats chased him from his office so he could work at home! A lazy President who cant supervise his IGP to know where he is calls youths lazy. You will hear from them in 2019! Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 18, 2018 Nigerian youths created Nollywood from scratch without government help. 77% of Black doctors in America are Nigerians, mostly youths who were frustrated out of Nigeria due to inept leadership of the likes of Buhari. In his life, can Buhari name one thing he has run successfully? Reno Omokri (@renoomokri) April 18, 2018 Reno also used the opportunity to throw jibes at the present government.See his Tweet below... Men of the Nigeria Police arrested Senator Ovie Omo-Agege immediately after the plenary.The lawmaker was suspended by the Senate for 90 days last week. He, however, attended the plenary today.The Senate had accused him of leading the armed men who stormed the chamber and snatched the mace while plenary was on.After the plenary, policemen ushered Omo-Agege from the door of the chamber into a waiting pickup van.Details later The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu is currently meeting behind closed doors with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.The meeting which is coming a few hours after the invasion of the Senate chambers by suspected thugs is holding inside Osinbajos office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in London on official visit while the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, is also in Washington. The Federal Government said last night that the indefinite strike action embarked upon by health workers under the auspices of the Joint... The Federal Government said last night that the indefinite strike action embarked upon by health workers under the auspices of the Joint Health Sector Unions was unjustified, threatening to invoke the relevant labour laws in dealing with the striking workers if they fail to return to their duty post.In a statement signed by the Director of Press in the Ministry, Samuel Olowokore said the government was surprised that the workers embarked strike despite the government keeping faith with the terms of agreement signed between the unions and the government.While appealing to the workers to consider the plight of sick Nigerians and return to work, the statement said the government would not fold its hands and watch innocent Nigerians subjected to untold hardship.It said that the decision of the health workers to embark on strike was surprising saying it is surprised that many of the Health Workers Unions operating under the joint group, the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) embarked on another round of nationwide strike despite governments demonstrable commitment to the implementation of the agreement reached with it since their last strike of 20thSeptember 2017.At a period the Federal Government is faithfully managing lean resources to ensure industrial harmony in all sectors, a measure of patriotism is expected of all labour unions to enable government have an equable social and very good labour milieu in which workers could be assured of security of employment.It is on record that government has met almost all the demands of these unions on issues such as the payment of promotion arrears, salary shortfalls among others as per the agreement reached on September 30th2017.The Federal Government therefore wishes to appeal to JOHESU to reconsider its position in view of the immeasurable consequences of its action on sick patients in hospitals across the nation.While the Federal Government restates its commitment to the implementation of the Terms of Settlement reached with JOHESU, it shall not however fail in its sacred responsibility of protecting the lives of the numerous patients in all public health institutions where this group of health workers have unjustifiably withdrawn their services.If this group of health workers persist on continuing this strike, Government will be forced to invoke the provisions of the relevant labour laws, especially Section 43 of the Trade Dispute Act, Cap.T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004 as well as the International Labour Organisation (ILO) principles concerning employers rights over strikes in essential services sector, the statement concluded. President Muhammadu Buhari says many Nigerian youths just want to sit down and do nothing, banking on the notion that Nigerian is an oil... Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, the president said a lot of Nigerian youths have not been to school and they want everything free.About the economy, we have a very young population, our population is estimated conservatively to be 180 million. This is a very conservative one, Buhari said.More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them havent been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria is an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free.The president said he has done well on the three cardinal points of his campaign, including economy and security.Recently, my minister for information was constrained to answer a question on people accusing this administration of doing nothing, he said let Nigerians be reminded what position we were before May 2015, what condition we are now, and what we have achieved between then and now and I think people were impressed with the answer.For security, we have done quite well. Economy, we are doing very well, especially with agriculture; we are providing soft loans, and guarantee is that you have to belong to a certain locality and you have got land, you dont have to go to the bank and need a physical collateral. I think a lot is being done.The president is expected to meet with business leaders and other heads of state as the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting progress through the week. The Nigerian military yesterday commenced plans for a seamless retirement for 39 generals. The Nigerian military yesterday commenced plans for a seamless retirement for 39 generals.The generals, comprising 15 from the Army, 10 each from the Navy and Air Force as well as four attached to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), were enrolled into a two-week entrepreneurship and management training programme organised by the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC) and Empretec Nigeria Foundation.The trainees, who are the second batch to undergo the course at NAFRC, are expected to come up with viable business plans that would be scrutinised by the training facilitators.Inaugurating the workshop in Lagos yesterday, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin urged participants to take the training seriously.Olonisakin said: As senior managers of the military enterprise, you are now being prepared to deploy knowledge already acquired in the course of your career to more civil use. There is no doubt that life after service presents peculiar challenges; one of which is the need for retired officers to be able to still engage in meaningful economic activities with the aim of ensuring a productive and wholesome life after military service.This is the aim of this training workshop. l have been reliably informed that this training will expose you to discussions and exercises that would adequately prepare you to handle challenges encountered in retirement, particularly concerning that of starting your own businesses.I, therefore, congratulate you all on your nomination to this workshop and urge you to take full advantage of the benefits it offers. I also expect that some of the skills you will acquire would add value to your productivity at your respective services.NAFRC Commandant Air Vice Marshal Ajibola Jekennu said the training was designed to equip the senior military officers within retirement bracket with essential tools and requisite information for a productive post-service life.He said: The aim of the programme is basically to refocus attention of the retiring or soon-to retire senior officers to the fact that a meaningful and productive life can still be pursued at retirement. In a couple of days, the trainees shall be taken through various modules in entrepreneurship and management field. These modules have been specially prepared to meet specific needs of the senior officers. They have been designed to be more practical and interactive.Our belief is that experiences and skills, which were accumulated while in service, could still be put to use in civilian business pursuits in order to live wholesome and fulfilling life after retirement.On the long run, our wish is to have officers pre-retirement training fully domiciled at the centre with a regular programme while retaining organisations like Empretec Nigeria Foundation and Yabatech Consult as partners.For now, NAFRC only facilitates such entrepreneurship training through these organisations. Eventually, we hope to develop in-house capacity for entrepreneurial training for officers of all cadres and not just those slated for retirement.Our partnership with Yabatech Consult leads to the award of Advanced Professional Diploma in occupational, security and safety management, which provides our trainees with better employment opportunities and easy job placement in the labour market.Empretecs Country Director Mrs. Onari Duke urged the generals to give in their best, adding that those with good business plans would have access to local and international grants available.According to her, the initiative was from the United Nations (UN) and was presently running in 33 countries. A house of representatives committee probing alleged malpractice at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says Vice-President Yemi... A house of representatives committee probing alleged malpractice at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) says Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo can send a representative to honour its invitation. The committee is investigating the alleged breach of public trust at NEMA and the alleged illegal dismissal of some senior officials at the agency. Last week, it summoned Osinbajo to clear the air on why the officers were dismissed without due process. The vice-president heads the NEMA governing council. Briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee said its intention is to find out if the board under Osinbajo authorised the action. We have also observed with dismay, the ongoing campaign of calumny sponsored to pitch the house against the presidency, especially His Excellency the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Johnson Agbonayinma said on behalf of the committee. The VPs only involvement is because according to the law establishing NEMA, section 2 sub-section 2(a) the Vice President is the chairman of the governing council. We therefore want to know if the council under the vice-president authorised the suspension of the directors. He added that notwithstanding the provision of section 89 of the 1999 constitution which empowers the national assembly to invite any person to appear before it, or its committee during investigations, the committee resolved that Osinbajo can send anybody to represent him considering his busy schedules. He said the committee will leave no stone unturned until we unearth the truth. He added: We will also not shield any public officer who soil their hands no matter how highly or lowly placed. We want to state unequivocally that no amount of blackmail or campaign of calumny will deter or prevent us from conducting this investigation. At one of its hearings last week, the committee ordered the immediate reinstatement of the sacked officials. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned Wednesdays invasion of the Senate chamber by suspected thugs who carted away the mace, the symbol of legislative authority.The party said the development portends grave danger to the nations democracy even as it fingered the ruling party and the Presidency of complicity in the criminal act.In a statement signed by its image maker, Kola Ologbondiyan, the party chided the security agents stationed at the National Assembly complex for allegedly doing little while the surprised invasion lasted.We note that this offensive has been emboldened by series of interferences and direct attacks by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Buhari Presidency on the institution of the National Assembly, particularly the Senate.The APC has foisted on our nation an irredeemable autocracy, which has in three years of governance, gone beyond limits to force Nigerians to accept a government that has no respect for freedom and the ideals of democracy, particularly the constitutional separation of powers.Is it not strange that a legislative day appointed to further deliberate on the re-ordering of sequence of election will be the day that strange elements would invade the National Assembly, particularly, the hallowed chambers of the Senate, to disrupt legislative proceeding and seize the mace?Equally strange is the compromising of security in the National Assembly paving the way for the invasion, the statement read in part.The party further charged the federal parliament To bring forth every legislative instrument to protect itself from external aggressions as well as unravelling every persons, offices and institutions that played any form of roles in this wild attempt to scuttle our hard earned democracy.Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2019 Presidential hopeful, Atiku Abubakar has expressed dismay at the incident, describing it as a threat to the nations democracy.In a press release by the Atiku Media Office, the PDP chieftain warned those who may have aided and abetted the perpetrators of the act to be wary of such actions in the future.He said: I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution but also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy.If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger, warning Those behind this illegality to avoid creating a monster that could consume them.Atiku urged law enforcement agents to immediately swing into action, saying that This attack by thugs should not go unpunished no matter who is involved. Embattled Senator Ovie Omo-Agege whisked away by the police over his alleged role in the invasion of the Senate Chamber has been released... Embattled Senator Ovie Omo-Agege whisked away by the police over his alleged role in the invasion of the Senate Chamber has been released by the police.A statement by his Office confirmed that the Delta Central senator has left the police after Omo-Agege told the police his perspective on the invasion of the National Assembly by armed hoodlums.It said that suspended Omo-Agege denied leading hoodlums to invade the Senate chamber.The senator also said that Omo-Agege denied removing Senate mace and handing it over to the invaders.A statement signed by his Senior Legislative Assistant,Barrister Lucky Ajos entitled Senator Omo-Agege went to work today like other senators; He did not remove the mace of the Senate said:On Thursday, April 12, 2018, the Senate purportedly suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. However, based on legal advice and his understanding of the current position of the law, Senator Omo-Agege today resumed work and sitting with his colleagues.A few champions of the unconstitutional, invalid and tyrannical suspension tried to stop him but those who opposed it welcomed and protected him throughout the sitting. We are grateful to the many Distinguished Senators who stood by Senator Omo-Agege.We are aware of several media reports suggesting that Senator Omo-Agege personally removed or encouraged anyone to remove the Mace of the Senate. This weighty allegation is not true at all.Following the said media reports on the Mace issue, the Police authorities decided to hear from Senator Omo-Agege. He has told the Police his perspective to help them carry out a proper investigation. He has since left the Police. Senator Omo-Agege trusts them to thoroughly investigate this very serious matter.We are also aware of a statement allegedly issued by the Senate Spokesperson, Senator Abdullahi Sabi. Without any investigation, Senator Sabi willfully, deliberately and unfairly made very serious allegations against Senator Omo-Agege on the Mace incident. We are carefully studying Senator Sabis allegations to ascertain their full ramifications. Appropriate responses will follow, as may be necessary. President Muhammadu Buhari has told Commonwealth countries that the best way to business easier for member states was to avoid trade wars and work together to preserve the global trading order.President Buhari who gave the caution while delivering his keynote address on Wednesday, at the Commonwealth Business Forum at Guildhall, London, also called for the support of regional initiatives and domestic structural reforms that would focus on the priorities of individual countries.He identified Trade and Investment Facilitation to generate resources for sustainable development; Ease of Doing Business and Regional Integration that expands markets with safeguards against injurious trade practices from third parties; More Inclusive Growth with the empowerment of women and the youth, as factors capable of making business among Commonwealth countries easierPresident Buhari said, But if we are to make business easier between our countries and going beyond the Commonwealth, we must avoid trade wars and work collectively to preserve the global trading order, support regional initiatives as well as support domestic structural reforms that focus on the priorities of individual countries.He reiterated his belief in wealth creation and employment opportunities within the Commonwealth: If there is a collective Commonwealth Commitment to the Ease of Doing Business, we shall spur growth, multiply wealth and expand employment opportunities. These objectives will be accelerated by trade and investment facilitation.He further stated that Provision of a platform for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs); A radical expansion of human capital for the 21st Century, what is now known as Knowledge Economy; and Provision of hard and software infrastructure for the 21st Century Digital Economy to boost e-commerce, increase efficiency, solve development problems and enhance cyber security, are other factors necessary for an easier business environment.He explained that the Commonwealth Business Forum (CBF) with the subject Making Business Easier between Commonwealth Countries is part of events at this years Commonwealth Heads of State Meeting, CHOGM- 25.The President said Nigeria had already started championing this course with events such as the High-Level Trade and Investment Facilitation Forum for Development convened by Nigeria in November 2017 in Abuja in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS):He said, The Abuja Statement from this Forum: Deepening Africas Integration in the Global Economy through Trade and Investment Facilitation for Development, has become a global and multilateral reference point. We believe that the Commonwealth should lend its support to these types of activities, as a sound model, for Making Business Easier Amongst Commonwealth Countries.To underscore Nigerias commitment to spreading prosperity throughout the Commonwealth, in the past 6 months, Nigeria Co-Chaired with the United Kingdom, the UK All-Parliamentary Group for Trade out of Poverty (APPG-TOP). The Report of this Commonwealth Inquiry Report was launched on 3rd April, 2018.Nigeria affirms its commitment to the principal message from this Commonwealth Inquiry Group that Nigeria co-chaired with the UK. The surest, most sustainable way to lift millions of people out of poverty across the Commonwealth is through boosting trade and investment. We believe that, we, as Leaders in the Commonwealth, should grasp the opportunity and agree a major new focus on trade and investment for inclusive development.He also shared the experiences of Nigeria regarding on-going deep and extensive ease of doing business reforms which are being staged under a 60-day National Action Plan.According to him, Stage 1 focuses on eight areas that make it easier to register businesses, obtain construction permits, get credit, pay taxes, have electricity, trade across borders, facilitate entry and exit of people and register property. These reforms were codified in an Executive Order. Transparency and efficiency across government was mandated and made enforceable. These reforms have resulted in improvements: reduction in cost and time and greater transparency particularly for micro- small and medium sized enterprises.Stage 2 is focused on 11 areas, improving on Stage 1. This stage also covers new areas, including contract enforcement, simplifying the procurement process, and trading within Nigeria. Action in this and subsequent stages will revolve inter alia, around reputational issues.The President said these efforts have been acknowledged as evidenced in the World Banks Doing Business Report published in November last year, which moved Nigeria up 24 places and recognized the country as one of the top 10 most improved economies in the world. He however said more work needs to be done as we enter the next stage.President Buhari noted that, In developing countries, labour and industry are concerned about distortions in trade policies that result in subsidised products which have contributed to exports dumped in developing economies. These have had bad effects in the form of job losses.Growth is not yet inclusive and remains elusive. There are downside risks about disruptions to trade and investment. Global and regional markets have been considerably rattled by the risks of trade wars. Concerns over climate change are unabated and are increasing. There are tasks and duties on all sides.He reiterated his belief in wealth creation and employment opportunities within the Commonwealth: If there is a collective Commonwealth Commitment to the Ease of Doing Business, we shall spur growth, multiply wealth and expand employment opportunities. These objectives will be accelerated by trade and investment facilitation.President Buhari used the opportunity to call on the Commonwealth Business Forum and prospective investors in the Nigerian economy, to participate in the 2018 UK/Nigeria Trade and Investment Forum at the London Stock Exchange. Senate yesterday summoned Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwi... Senate yesterday summoned Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele.It followed alleged withdrawal of $462 million for purchase of helicopters from an American firm.The House of Representatives also referred the matter to its Ethics and Privileges and Finance committees to look into alleged constitutional breach.The upper chamber said Dan-Ali, Adeosun and Emefiele should appear before its Appropriation Committee to explain the withdrawal and payment of the money to the American firm.The resolution followed a Point of Order by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East), who told the Senate the Federal Government withdrew the money in March, 2018.The Appropriation Committee was given one-week to report back to the Senate in plenary for consideration.Anyanwu, who came under Order 43 and Section 80 (20(3) of the Constitution, which prescribed the way and manner money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation can be withdrawn, prayed the Senate to look into the matter.He said the withdrawal and payment were done without National Assemblys authorisation as required by the Constitution.Anyanwu said: I have it on good authority that in March, 2018, from the Federation Account, a whooping sum of $462 million was withdrawn by the Federal Government. The money was paid to an American firm for the purchase of helicopters called Helicopters Techno Fight.This was done without approval from this Senate and from the National Assembly. I know that there was no time any request was brought here for the approval of such an amount by the Federal Government from the Federation Account.As a sitting senator of this country, I want to find out how this thing was done. I will request that we invite the CBN governor, the Ministers of Defence and Finance. They need to tell us how these monies were withdrawn and paid to this American firm without the approval of the Senate.Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, agreed with Anyanwu that the allegation should be investigated to put the record straight.Ekweremadu said: You have heard Senator Anyanwu. I think we should refer this matter to the Senate committee on Appropriation to find out the true position of things regarding that.The Appropriation committee should invite the three people to throw more light on this and report within one week. The House said the Presidency has by that action rendered the National Assembly nonfunctional, which was a breach of the constitution and the privileges of the lawmakers.Tobi Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), while raising a point of order on breach of members privileges, said the payment of $400 million to a United States (U.S.)company for the military equipments procurement was a breach of the constitution and an affront on the National Assembly.This is a breach of privileges of members because the expenditure of $400 million made from the Federation Account was not ratified by the National Assembly.As I learnt, the Federal Government breached our collective privileges by making the parliament completely nonfunctional.Theres a mischief intended about this by not informing the parliament and this is exclusive of the $1 billion that was said to have been approved for the procurement of military equipment to tackle insurgency in the Northeast, he said.In his ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara did not allow debate of the issue but referred it to Ethics and Privileges and Finance Committees to look into it.Saying that the referral was not a full blown investigation yet, the Speaker noted that removal of monies from the Federation Account without the explicit approval of the parliament amounted to stealing of public funds.He said the veracity of the allegation must be investigated whether the breaches occurred or not and to what extent. Some Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday in Abuja said the abduction of the mace at the Senates chamber in the National Assembly was a humiliation of Nigerias democracy.The CSOs told Newsmen in separate interviews that the ugly incident was a challenge to the authority of the National Assembly.Chairman, Partners for Electoral Reform, Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, said the act must have been planned by some people not comfortable with the leadership of the assembly.The mace is the symbol and power of the National Assembly, so if anybody is taking it away, it means that there are people who are uncomfortable with the current leadership, he said.Nwagwu said that the incident was an indication of lack of cohesion in the national assembly.Mr Chidi Onuma, Coordinator, African Centre for Media and Information Literacy, described the incident as frightening.Onuma said the mace is supposed to be the symbol of Nigerias democracy from the legislative point of view. So, if a stranger can just walk in and take it away, that tells us how weak the nature of the legislature is.The public deserve to know what happened and this also calls for thorough investigation because these are the kind of things that happen only in banana republics.It is completely uncalled for; so, we need to know what happened and there should be an investigation on it.He added that there was no way Nigerians could explain what happened on Wednesday at the senate, saying that the incident had a serious implication on Nigerias democracy, the National Assembly and security agencies.On his part, Mr Frank Tietie, Executive Director, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER), said that the entire event was a political conspiracy.The first thing that comes to my mind is that it is a political conspiracy among the leadership and security at the National Assembly.I do not want to subscribe to the cheap conclusion that one man has the intelligence and knowhow to beat the security at the assembly.I believe this is another calculated way of humiliating our country and the price is too much for this kind of political dealings and must be investigated for the purpose of exposing the collaborators, he said.Tietie said that the act was an insult to the entire nation, an insult that Nigeria will not be able to easily recover from in the eyes of other countries.Nigerians cannot imagine that this will happen in the United States, where the same Presidential system operates.He said that the incident was a national embarrassment and that no stone should be left unturned to find out the perpetrators. Frank Tietie, one of the constituents of the suspended lawmaker representing Delta Central senatorial district, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has... Frank Tietie, one of the constituents of the suspended lawmaker representing Delta Central senatorial district, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has called on other members of the senatorial district to immediately commence the recall process of the embattled lawmaker if found to have caused the snatching of the mace from the Senate floor on Wednesday. He condemned the reported brigandage at the National Assembly, where it was reported that unknown persons associated with the suspended Senator, Omo-Agege demobilized the security of the National Assembly and stole the mace of the Senate during plenary, taking same to unknown location. Reacting in a statement Tietie, who is the Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy For Social & Economic Rights, CASER, stated that where it becomes unequivocally clear that Senator Omo-Agege was directly responsible for this disgraceful act, he must be punished according law. He categorically stated that upon such an establishment of malfeasance by the suspended senator, the Urhobo people must immediately commence a recall process against him with alacrity since they are known to be peaceful people have a reputation for using the process of the law to settle all disputes with authorities and in most cases with persons. The statement reads, This (what happened in the Senate) is a national disgrace and raises serious questions of complicity, conspiracy, dereliction, incompetence and negligence. This sad event symbolises the comatose state of affairs regarding our national ethos as a people and a country. It is more worrisome to me that this disgraceful act is associated with the prompting of a supposed senator representing the Urhobo people who constitute Delta Central Senatorial District of Delta State . While at the time of this writing, it has been confirmed to me that the said Senator ovie Omo-Agege has been arrested in connection with this latest desecration of the National Assembly, it is my sincere hope that his involvement is not true. However, where it becomes unequivocally clear that Senator Ovie Omo Agege is directly responsible for this disgraceful act, he must be punished according law. In fact, upon such an establishment of malfeasance by the suspended senator, the Urhobo people must immediately commence a recall process against him with alacrity . While Omo Agege remains an Urhobo man and should expect my love at all times, this act, if associated with him must be vehemently rejected by the Urhobo People . The Urhobo people are known to be peaceful people have a reputation for using the process of the law to settle all disputes with authorities and in most cases with persons. A quick check at the historicity and socio cultural development of the of the peoples of the Niger Delta area show the Urhobos as a people who value due process. They show a great degree of respect for the lawful authority of government and the sanctity of the law courts . This accounts for the high number of qualified lawyers and Senior Advocates of Nigeria of Urhobo origin despite being just well over 5 million in population by latest demographics. The Urhobo people to whom I owe my moral and cultural upbringing with a deep sense of gratitude cannot be associated with such disgraceful acts. I hereby call on the leadership of the National Assembly to urgently review the security situation of the country which should become more apparent to it by now that it cannot be more shambolic than a situation where the mace of the Senate would be forcefully seized in broad day light during plenary and taken to an unknown destination by unknown persons. Thus, the security chiefs of the National Assembly must immediately resign on account of this gross dereliction of duty and crass incompetence in the management of the security of the National Assembly . Also, the Department of State Services (DSS) must not leave any stone unturned in unravelling all those behind this latest disgrace that has redefined Nigerias rank in infamy among the comity of nations. An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday sentenced a United Kingdom (UK) visa applicant, Kolawole Viyon, to three years imprisonment f... An Ikeja Special Offences Court yesterday sentenced a United Kingdom (UK) visa applicant, Kolawole Viyon, to three years imprisonment for lying about his marital status.Justice Mojisola Dada, however, gave him a N300,000 fine option.Viyon was convicted on the strength of the terms of his plea bargain with the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).The terms of the plea bargain agreement are adopted as the sentence of this court and the judgment thereof.He is hereby sentenced to three years imprisonment or the fine imposed, the judge said.Justice Dada said if the fine was not paid within 24 hours, Viyon will have to mandatorily serve his prison term.His counsel, Ms Hannah Adeyemi, told the court that he was ready to pay the fine immediately.ICPC through its counsel, Mr. Gogodoye West, said the defendant committed the offence with Olaronke Akerele on December 13, 2016, at the ICPC Lagos Zonal Office.He said some British High Commission officials in 2016 handed over Viyon and his accomplice, now at large, to the ICPC, for giving false information in their visa application forms.West told the court that in his extra-judicial statement volunteered under caution before Mrs. Nkem Ezenwa, an investigating officer with the ICPC, Viyon made a false statement that Olaronke Akerele was his third and legally married wife.Viyon told Ezenwa and Mr Kenneth Agba, another investigating officer of the ICPC that the wedding between himself and Akerele was conducted by an Imam under Islamic law.The defendant said the marriage was evidenced by a certificate of marriage with number JUN/LB/0000064 dated January 9, 2016 and issued by the Jama-at-ul-Islamiyya of Nigeria.Viyon also lied that he signed the certificate of marriage and that the ceremony was conducted at 108, Tokunboh Street, Lagos Island, the prosecutor said.West said investigation showed that Viyon and Akerele were not married, nor do they have a marriage certificate from Jama-at-ul-Islamiyya of Nigeria.At the resumed hearing of the case yesterday, Viyon pleaded guilty to an amended three-count charge of knowingly making statements which are false.Before his plea bargain was taking, the prosecution applied for the withdrawal of the charge against Akerele, who is at large.The application for withdrawal has become necessary since she has been on the run and we have been unable to apprehend her, the prosecutor said. The National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, said yesterday that the opposition needed collective efforts to ... The National Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Olu Falae, said yesterday that the opposition needed collective efforts to unseat President Muhammadu Buhari.The presidential candidate of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the 1999 general election spoke yesterday in Abeokuta after meeting ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo.He said: We are having a failed government. But we need collective efforts to unseat Buhari.The one-time Secretary to the Government of the Federation described Obasanjo, who defeated him in 1999, as a committed Nigerian passionate about the countrys growth and development.He said: As my boss, he was committed and sincere about developing this country.Obasanjo pledged to leave his door open for Falae and others seeking his advice for the growth and unity of Nigeria.He said he wanted to come and see me and I said my doors were wide open, the former president said.Falae was accompanied by Chief Korede Duyile, Dr. Olu Agunloye,Remi Olayiwola, Mr. Sina Kawonise and Ogun State SDP Chairman Kunle Majekodunmi.Others are Dr. Femi Majekodunmi, Chief Doyin Okupe, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo, Chief Ekundayo Opaleye, Mr. Joju Fadairo and Mr. Gboyega Isiaka. Residents of Brigantine speculated for years about the state's role in the dwindling numbers of their beloved unofficial mascots, the red fox. But with the state's recent admission that it kills the foxes to protect endangered shorebirds, locals have launched a petition to stop the killing of the foxes. Nearly 80,000 people have joined the cause already. Donna DeAngelis, the creator of the petition, recalls walking down the beaches of Brigantine with family, loved ones and the many pets she's had in her 40 years of residency. One of her favorite memories, she said, involves foxes proving the saying "sly as a fox." "My husband and I were walking our akitas in a long dune part of the beach near our house. Now, akitas are bred to ... hunt bears and deer," she explained. "Once they caught the scent of a fox hiding in the dunes, they took off looking for it." The fox scurried off as her dogs tried to find it. Suddenly, the fox popped up close behind the dogs, seemingly out of nowhere. "It was just so cute, you could tell the fox was outsmarting them, playing hide-and-go-seek almost," she said. Other Brigantine residents had similar stories of foxes sneaking up, playing tricks or having fun with other island animals, and shared them on DeAngelis's petition to save the foxes. "What's happening to these foxes is inhumane and not right," said DeAngelis, a self-professed animal activist and retired teacher. "There's certainly a better solution than annihilating the foxes." "The people of Brigantine are outraged," she added. While she knows a petition may not stop the DEP's actions entirely, she's hoping it will at least give citizens a voice. "Something needs to be done," DeAngelis said. "The DEP and Fish and Wildlife Service wrongly blame foxes and people of the area for the plovers losing nesting grounds when in reality it's Mother Nature. The beaches are eroding, storms are killing the birds and hurricanes aren't leaving much nesting ground for them." The DEP has not responded or commented on DeAngelis's petition, but she hopes that with time they will consider giving a voice to the residents of the island about the future of the foxes. Caitlyn Stulpin may be reached at cstulpin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitstulpin. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Federal agents from Philadelphia raided a methadone clinic in downtown Camden Wednesday as part of an ongoing investigation, authorities said. The FBI was at the 424 Market St. clinic to "carry out court-authorized law enforcement activity," according to Carrie Adamowski, a spokeswoman for the FBI's Philadelphia office. She said she could not release any other details. FBI raided the methdone clinic in Camden this morning, just carted dozens of boxes out. @phillydotcom pic.twitter.com/vDFI2zxbsK Avalon Zoppo (@AvalonZoppo) April 18, 2018 Camden County Police Department spokesman Dan Keashen said the clinic was shut down for part of the morning but reopened around 10 a.m. FBI agents were on scene into the early afternoon and its unmarked mobile unit, parked in front of the clinic, departed about 3:15 p.m. People who had been in the clinic to get their doses of methadone said there were fewer staff members handing out the drug and it was being done without the aid of the computer system. A woman outside the clinic said she saw agents "going through the computers" with staff members when she was getting a dose. She said she usually goes to the clinic's mobile unit across town to get methadone, but heard from a friend that she had to get it from the Market Street location due to the raid. A line of around 70 people stretched around the building in the afternoon, down from nearly 200 earlier. The woman said she waited about 45 minutes. She said she was concerned about what the FBI activity might mean for the future of the clinic. She relies on the methadone for maintaining her recovery, she said. "They say you can go to the hospital and get dosed, but they have to have you on file or you can't," she said. The clinic is operated by Camden Recovery Holdings LLC. The company's attorney, Edward Sheehan, declined to comment and staff at the clinic Wednesday said no one there could comment. Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Days after Robin West's burned body was discovered in a house in Orange in September 2016, detectives talked to a man seen picking her up. The Orange resident was a "calm," even "helpful" witness, detectives said. He led them to an abandoned building in his town where he said he'd dropped off the 19-year-old Philadelphia native, who had been living in Union, after taking her to get food. Inside, West was nowhere to be found, Union police Detective Sergio Pereira testified in Superior Court Friday. Prosecutors say it turns out that this witness, Khalil Wheeler-Weaver, was the one who killed West, strangled two more women and attempted to kill a fourth in separate attacks in Essex and Union counties. Authorities allege Khalil Wheeler-Weaver killed (l-r) Joanne Browne, Robin West, and Sarah Butler. (Photos courtesy of Facebook, Instagram) Now, the Essex County Prosecutor's Office and Wheeler-Weaver's public defender have begun arguments before Judge Alfonse Cifelli over whether those statements should be allowed as evidence at Wheeler-Weaver's murder trial. "You never mirandized Mr. Wheeler-Weaver, correct?" public defender Deirdre McMahon asked Pereira. Pereira said he had not, as he did not have evidence a crime had been committed at that point. On Sept. 13, 2016, Union Township police learned that a burned body -- found less than two blocks from the abandoned building Wheeler-Weaver had led them to -- was hers. At the time police questioned Wheeler-Weaver in West's disappearance, Pereira told a court in Newark, "he was a witness" voluntarily providing information in a missing persons case who was free to leave at any time. A Montclair police detective testified Wheeler-Weaver was also not read his Miranda rights for either of two encounters with township investigators probing the disappearance of Sara Butler, a 20-year-old New Jersey City University student prosecutors allege was Wheeler-Weaver's final victim. Detective Pierre Falaise said Wheeler-Weaver told detectives of arranging to meet with Butler, a prior acquaintence, over the social media site Tagged, and going for a drive with her and another man through Glen Ridge that ended with Butler dropping him off. During one of the encounters, Falaise testified, detectives asked Wheeler-Weaver to show them his arms, and noted what appeared to be a scratch scabbing over on one of his triceps. McMahon asked the detective if police considered him a suspect at that point. "At the time, we didn't know what he was," Falaise said. The detective said phone records indicated Wheeler-Weaver's phone number was one of the last Butler called. An affidavit filed with the court last year indicates the county homicide task force later tracked the movements of Wheeler-Weaver's cellphone to place him at the scenes of at least two of the killings. On Dec. 1, 2016, investigators discovered Butler's body buried beneath leaves and debris at the Eagle Rock Reservation in West Orange. Police arrested Wheeler-Weaver in Butler's slaying, and later filed additional charges against him in the killing of Joanne Brown, a 33-year-old Newark resident. An indictment returned by a grand jury last February added charges that included an additional count of murder in West's slaying, as well as attempted murder and sexual assault in an attack on a woman in Elizabeth prior to Butler's disappearance. Attorneys are scheduled to return to court in May for further arguments over whether Wheeler-Weaver's statements can be entered into evidence. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips Savannah Potter-Miller and her classmates often stayed up until midnight studying at the Rutgers Law School library in Newark. "We were determined that we were going to make it," Potter-Miller said. "We came to law school to be lawyers fully prepared to represent anybody in the world." Potter-Miller, a retired administrative law judge from Atlanta, was among 23 students from the North and segregated South who were in the inaugural class of the Minority Student Program (MSP), a progressive initiative Rutgers created in 1968 to improve the law school's woeful racial makeup. The goal: Double the number of black attorneys in the state over the next five years. That first class believed it had no other choice but to succeed. Rutgers, a major player in producing lawyers in New Jersey then, had only two or three black students at the law school in 1967, when the Newark riots occurred. Legal representation statewide among minorities was just as dismal, with fewer than 60 black lawyers practicing out of 8,000. MORE: Recent Barry Carter columns After the riots, Rutgers began to address that inequality under law school Dean Willard Heckel, a civil rights champion, who "was concerned about the absence of minorities," said Frank Askin, a retired Rutgers professor of constitutional law. Askin, known by Heckel for his history as a civil rights organizer, worked with professor Alfred Slocum, one of the MSP founders, to form a committee that would bring about diversity at the law school, and eventually the state. "We (MSP) changed the composition of the New Jersey bar and eventually the face of the bench," Askin said. Fifty years later, the MSP is still thriving and so are its alumni, who returned to Newark Saturday for an evening gala at the Robert Treat Hotel to celebrate a half century of progress. They gathered for an all-day symposium about the program, which not only trained them in social justice, but opened the doors to a profession that still needs their presence. "In this country, diversity is not a weakness. It is a strength," said Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J, an MSP alumnus. "I continue to believe that as our law firms, our courtrooms, our board rooms grow more diverse, our country becomes a far more just, more equal place." Since its inception, the MSP has produced more than 2,500 graduates, and the pedigree is impressive. The scroll, in part, lists Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia Valdes; Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez; Yvonne Segars, the first African-American woman to be the New Jersey public defender, and Marcia Anderson, the first African-American woman to become a major general in the Army, and who is now clerk of the Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Wisconsin. With nametags dangling from their necks, nearly 700 alumni rolled into Newark for the largest gathering of Rutgers faithful in the history of the law school, which means the MSP was more than a diversity program. It helped students -- many who were from a historically underrepresented background -- get acclimated to the rigors of law school. It taught them how to prepare for class, how to read cases and how to be socially conscious lawyers who challenge injustice. "Many of the first 20 people came from an activist background," said Ollis Douglas Jr., a New Jersey public defender for 42 years and a member of that inaugural class. "Rutgers wanted you to go out and give back to the community." That's what Charles V. McTeer did when he graduated in 1972. He returned to Mississippi, where he had been a civil rights worker after graduating college, and became a successful civil rights attorney for more than 30 years, retiring in 2005. "Before we appeared, there were not that many African-Americans who did what we were doing, and the goal was that some of us would become civil-rights lawyers and some of us would become judges in places where there were no judges, where there were no civil-rights lawyers, in local communities, across the South and the North." It was a noble campaign, born of social unrest in Newark, but there were growing pains a year after the MSP started. In 1969, the Association of Black Law Students on campus published an "Indictment of the Law School Community" that was titled "The Rutgers Story: The White Law School and the Black Liberation Movement." It called for an overhaul of the curriculum, even though the law school had already expanded courses when MSP got underway. Lennox S. Hinds, a MSP law student who wrote the indictment, challenged the school in federal court, asserting that Rutgers' attempt to improve its offerings wasn't sufficient. This prompted the administration to cancel classes on Nov. 5, 1969, and meet with students about their concerns. Among their complaints, Hinds said, was that the law school was training lawyers to represent white society to the detriment of blacks, that students were unprepared to practice law and the institution was not addressing the needs of the people in the community. "The law school as a foundation of the legal process had a duty and responsibility to rectify the wrong that we were seeing," said Hinds, who went on to represent Nelson Mandela during a 45-year career in which he became a world-renowned criminal defense and international human rights lawyer. After meeting with students, Rutgers changed its curriculum and the way the law school operated. But the program faced additional challenges in 1978, when the U.S Supreme Court ruled, in Regents of the University of California v. Bakke, that racial quotas and set-asides were unconstitutional. "We said we didn't have a quota," Askin said. "We had a goal looking for diversity and the court ultimately said yes to that." MORE CARTER: Historic Newark school artifacts in search of permanent home | Carter Although it was orginally geared toward students of color, Rutgers expanded the term minority to include disadvantaged whites and any student who can demonstrate a history of socioeconomic or educational disadvantage. Along the way, the MSP has changed lives and made a legal education possible from a network of tough-minded professors and alumni, who give back. "I didn't know what I was doing at first," said Latiqua Liles, who is the first lawyer in her family, and works at the firm Manes & Weinberg in Springfield. "Rutgers was the best choice I could have ever made." "None of us got here by ourselves," said Segars, director of the Educational Opportunity Program at Kean University. "We turned to each other for support, guidance and counsel." That encouragement led David Harris, a 1979 MSP alumnus, to enter the Rutgers' Moot Court competition, which he won as the first black student. The victory, he said, was significant because Rutgers used it to show that blacks were qualified to be in law school and were not taking the place of whites. "I would not have done that had it not been for MSP students telling me I had to compete," he said. Roger Castillo, who graduates from the MSP next month, said he doesn't think he would have received the same backing if he attended a different school. Tony Martinez, who also graduates next month agreed, because he pleaded with the MSP assistant dean Yvette Bravo-Weber to let him participate when he mistakenly didn't select the program while filling out the law school application The MSP is a family, an integral part of their personal and professional identity. While diversity is paramount, one Rutgers law professor is looking forward to the day when that word is no longer an adjective. "There are no diversity lawyers, there are no diversity students, there are no diversity judges," said David Troutt, who is the founding director of the Rutgers Center on Law in Metropolitan Equity. "There are lawyers, and students and judges, and we come from where we come from and we belong here and what we are doing is critically important." Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or nj.com/carter or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL Their town has the highest average property taxes in Gloucester County, but some residents say they'll continue to pay it if it means they can keep their own police department. Wenonah's mayor, however, says the time has come for the borough to act to "control its own destiny" on how it handles its law enforcement needs before, he fears, the state steps in. The borough council -- which governs a one-square mile town of about 2,200 -- has introduced an ordinance to disband the local police force established in 1955 and contract for protection with neighboring Mantua Township. "Some people fear losing Wenonah's unique identity, but I'm confident Mantua will provide the same level of community policing we require," Wenonah Mayor John R. Dominy said. Residents packed borough hall April 12, but despite their concerns, council ultimately voted 5 to 0 to introduce the measure to disband the police force. It goes for a final vote on April 26. In Wenonah, the average tax bill in 2017 was $10,747, but keeping the police is worth it, some residents say. "We do pay astronomical taxes, but if we can still have the same kind of hometown and same kind of police department that makes our families feel safe then it's worth it," said George Braun. Braun, who has lived in the borough since he was a child, says Wenonah is unique and its police force is one of those things that makes it so. "It's like 'Mayberry R.F.D.' It's just a warm place where everybody knows everybody. A place to raise your kids," Braun said. He said he fears response time on police calls would be longer and there won't be the same connection with outside police that residents have now with local officers. The mayor says the Wenonah Police Department is the largest line item -- an average of about $1 million -- in the town's annual $2.6 million municipal budget. It's not the first time the town the fate of the police department and the cost to its taxpayers has been on the table. In 2011, the council -- Dominy was a member -- put the issue to a public vote and it was rejected. But they have no plans of going that way, now. "Council was elected to make this decision," he said, adding a referendum would be "divisive." He said Mantua has offered Wenonah an initial contract for $550,000 a year with "predictable annual increases" to follow. The borough will end up saving $350,000 to $400,000 a year on police costs, the mayor said in a message to resident posted on the borough website. It averages out to be about $400 a homeowner. In addition to the cost-savings, the Mantua Township Police Department has K-9s and detectives, something Wenonah's small force does not. "Really it's more for less," Dominy said of the deal worked out with Mantua. "It's accessing more resources for less money." The deal wouldn't be signed until council gives its final OK. The Wenonah department is made up of six patrol officers (although there is currently one vacancy) and the chief. According to the mayor, officials are working with law enforcement agencies throughout the county to find spots for its officers and the borough will have to negotiate with the chief who is under contract. If disbanded, the departments assets would be sold off. Sings have popped up around Wenonah in support of keeping the local police department. Wenonah Borough Council has introduced an ordinance to disband the department and contract with neighboring Mantua Township for police coverage. (Bill Gallo Jr. | For NJ.Com) With the push in New Jersey for shared-service agreements, the mayor says he fears if Wenonah does not act on its own, the state may come in and force changes, giving the borough little say. It's wiser for Wenonah to act on its own now, he says. Since word spread of the plan to dissolve the Wenonah police signs have popped up in front years reading "Save The Wenonah Police Department" and "We Support Our Local Police." "This is the least beneficial saving at the greatest cost to the fabric of Wenonah," said Braun, noting Wenonah comes out in surveys among one of the safest places to live in Gloucester County. Braun said a large group of citizens are " exploring all options," and noted perhaps only a court injunction could change the course of the way the borough government is heading. A GoFundMe page to raise money to retain an attorney to slow down council's action was established Tuesday. "This is a hard decision, an uncomfortable decision, but a decision necessary to make," Dominy said in his message to residents. " ... It is the right thing to do and the time to act is now." 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 L.A. Fitness has fired a manager and two employees at a New Jersey gym where two black men were kicked out Monday night in an incident captured on video and shared on social media, according to a salesman there. An employee who answered the phone at L.A. Fitness in Secaucus told NJ Advance Media the manager who appeared in the video recorded by one of the men has been "removed from the company." The employee, a salesman who would only give his first name Josos, also said two women who were working that evening and badgered the men are no longer employees. "I know the incident was really bad," said Josos. In a statement emailed to NJ Advance Media on Wednesday evening, L.A. Fitness said it has apologized to the customer and made it clear that his membership is still valid. "Regrettably, our staff unnecessarily escalated the situation and called the police rather than work through it, " the statement said. "Clearly, this is a long time member with a current, valid membership. We want to clarify that no membership was cancelled and no one, including the member's guest, was banned from the club. We have spoken to the member to apologize and assured him that he and his guests are welcome in our clubs at all times." The incident went viral on Facebook after Tshyrad Oates posted four videos saying the club manager called Secaucus police while he and another man were working out. Oates was using a four-day guest pass and his friend is a member at the gym. Even though both men properly checked in when they arrived, Oates said an employee interrupted them to again ask for their membership credentials. Oates wrote on Facebook that his friend "felt racially profiled and embarrassed by the harassment of this L.A. Fitness employee in front of other members at the gym." The friend, who is not named, said in one video that the since-fired manager told him it was terminating his membership. He adds that he has been a paid member of L.A. Fitness for eight years and has had "multiple problems" with workers there. The manager shown on the videos refused to give his name and didn't give a reason for throwing them out, according to Oates. Oates' friend said he had his membership card scanned when he arrived to work out Monday only to have an employee walk up to him minutes later and instruct him to scan it again. "I'm the only person in the gym who has to scan in again," he said in the video, which was shot inside the gym near the front entrance. Later he points out that he and Oates "are the only two black people in the gym. I've been having problems with this staff for months over nothing." In another video, a man who appeared to be the manager pointed at Oates' friend and said, "you're not allowed to film here." Moments later, a police officer said to the manager, "You guys don't like cell phones, I get it, but it's not criminal activity." L.A. Fitness said in its statement that the employee who asked for the customer's membership card after he previously had it scanned "was not working when this member checked in the first time, so she was unaware." L.A. Fitness also said it is "exploring potential training content and opportunities to better train our staff." Oates didn't respond to several messages Tuesday and Wednesday seeking comment. The L.A. Fitness incident took place the day before Starbucks announced that stores across the country will close for one day next month to conduct racial bias training in the wake of the controversial arrest of two black men last week at a location in Philadelphia. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- The fate of a 23-year-old Jersey City man accused of executing a man in an illegal gambling establishment in 2015 will be in the hands of the jury by day's end following closing argument this morning. "I submit to you that if you trust your own eyes, your own identification, that's all you need," Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Leo Rinaldi said after again showing the jury security video clips of the incident during his closing argument in the trial of DeAndre Thomas. Thomas is charged with killing Davonte Carswell, 23, who was shot in the head in Los Yoleros Mini Market Deli on Ocean Avenue on Nov. 15, 2015 and then shot in the face after he had fallen. "That is proof beyond reasonable doubt," Rinaldi told the jury. "That's evidence that leaves you firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt -- but there was more evidence." Rinaldi reminded jurors of the testimony of a Jersey City police officer who went to Ocean Avenue building where Thomas lives a couple times a week to pick up someone. The officer said she spoke to Thomas on her visits there and identified him as the man in the security video a week after the shooting. Months later investigators received Thomas' cell phone records. Comparing Thomas' cell phone use in the security video to the phone records, Rinaldi told the jury "The pattern is an exact match to the phone records of the defendant." Rinald noted that the first time Thomas is seen in the video that day, his phone is pinging off the cell tower closest to the bodega. When he leaves, it pings off the cell tower near his home, and when he returns prior to the shooting, it again pings off the tower near the store. The prosecutor said, "I submit to you that he left to go and get the gun," Rinaldi said. But defense attorney Keith Hirschorn noted that two detectives who viewed the security video identified the man as someone else. He also noted that the time stamp on the security video was off by two minutes when compared the phone records. Hirschorn noted that investigators had no DNA evidence, no fingerprint evidence and no gun was recovered. He noted that the man in the video was wearing a dark hat and although a dark hat was found in an alley near the building and was photographed, it was not analyzed for evidence. Hirschorn called the investigation sloppy and also noted that the medical examiner's report erroneously stated that Carwell was shot three times. "Based upon everything you have seen, there is no doubt that the state has failed to meet its burden of beyond a reasonable doubt and I ask you to find him not guilty," Hirschorn said. " Basically, DeAndre Thomas is on trial based on the word of one South District police officer." This afternoon, the jury will be instructed on aspects of the law pertinent to the charges against Thomas and they will then begin deliberating. On Monday, Thomas' brother, Devon Thomas, was found shot to death in a car in Jersey City. Devon Thomas was charged in a 2012 murder and acquitted in 2015. JERSEY CITY A 25-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that critically injured a woman on the city's West Side early Friday morning, officials said. Dashawn Ramsey faces charges of assault by auto, leaving the scene of a crash that resulted in serious bodily injuries, making terroristic threats, causing a serious crash while driving with a suspended license, and various offenses for possessing cocaine, Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez said. Authorities say Ramsey crashed a burgundy Oldsmobile Aurora into a white Plymouth Voyager near Mallory and Lexington avenues at about 1:20 a.m. A woman who was a passenger in the minivan was ejected from the vehicle. Ramsey and the passenger in his car took off on foot, officials said. His passenger was stopped by police a short distance away, though no charges have been announced against that person. The woman suffered life-threatening injuries and remains in guarded condition at Jersey City Medical Center, officials said. The 25-year-old turned himself into the Hudson County Regional Fatal Collision Unit at about 3:45 p.m. on Monday, Suarez said. Ramsey was represented by attorney Darryl Smith during his first appearance in Criminal Justice Reform court on Tuesday afternoon. The state, represented by Assistant Prosecutor Lynne Seborowski, motioned to have Ramsey detained through his prosecution. He is scheduled to appear for a detention hearing on Friday. Jersey Journal staff writer Michaelangelo Conte contributed to this report. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- A 42-year-old West New York man has been charged with threatening to make public naked pictures of a woman and to call on fellow gang members if she did not pay back money he said she owed him, authorities said. Alfredo Ramos, of Hudson Avenue, appeared in court yesterday on the charges of extortion, stalking and invasion of privacy, the criminal complaint says. Ramos is charged with leaving a detailed text and voice message threatening the woman and claiming that he was affiliated with a Mexican gang and would reach out to gang members if she called police, the complaint says. Finally, he is charged with downloading naked pictures of the woman from her cell phone onto a thumb drive and threatening to send them to her family members and new boyfriend, the complaint says. Ramos made his first appearance on the charges in Criminal Justice Reform Court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny. At the hearing, the judge ordered him released on the charges pending his first court appearance, but noted that Immigration and Customs Enforcement had filed a detainer on him. The detainer will keep him behind bars. The complaint characterizes Ramos and the woman as "ex-friends." JERSEY CITY -- A 24-year-old Pennsylvania man was arrested in a Kearny public-housing complex on Monday after police found he had an unlabeled bottle containing 15 hydrocodone pills and $4,660 in cash, police said. Jason A. Montanez-Medina, of Erie, was charged with drug possession, possession with intent to distribute within 500 feet of public property and within 1,000 feet of property belonging to Harrison High School, the criminal complaint says. The incident began when police pulled over a vehicle for minor motor vehicle infractions and then saw Montanez-Medina, a passenger, stuff what appeared to be a prescription bottle between the passenger seat and center console, the complaint says. Hydrocodone, known by the brand name Vicodin, is considered a semi-synthetic opioid similar to drugs like morphine, codeine and oxycodone. Medicinally, it's used in combination with other products to treat pain and coughs. Montanez-Medina made his first appearance on the charges yesterday in Criminal Justice Reform Court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny. At the hearing, the state moved to detain him through the course of his prosecution. A detention hearing is scheduled for Friday before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. The trial of a 60-year-old Jersey City man charged with strangling his brother in 2016 ended in a mistrial yesterday after jurors told the judge for a third time that they were deadlocked. Gangaram Maharaj faced 30 years to life in prison if convicted of murdering Rajendra Maharaj, 62, inside the victim's Journal Square apartment in February 2016. The trial ended on the fourth day of jury deliberation. Jurors passed notes to Hudson County Superior Court Judge Patrick Arre twice Monday saying they felt they were deadlocked and each time the judge sent them back to the jury room to continue deliberating. Yesterday, the jury listened to the replay of hours of testimony given by a DNA expert before again passing a note to Arre at about 2:30 p.m. saying they were hung. This time Arre dismissed the jury. Hudson County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Ray Worrall said his office had no comment at this time on whether Maharaj would be retried. In her opening statement, Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor Najma Rana noted that DNA found under Rajendra Maharaj's fingernails matched that of his brother. In response, the defendant's attorney, Gerald Miller, said it is not uncommon for two people who live together to have each other's DNA on their person. He said it was even more likely in this case, because his client would often carry his brother after he passed out, apparently from drinking. During the trial, the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Rajendra Maharaj said he had numerous health conditions that could have proven fatal, including cardiovascular disease, but he stuck by his conclusion the man was strangled. Rajendra Maharaj was found dead in the third-floor apartment at 72 Van Reipen Ave. on Feb. 27, 2016, at about 10:30 a.m. by EMTs responding to a 911 call place by the sister of the two brothers. Church is often a place for quiet reflection. But on this day at The Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, the soft silence was at times accented by the sharp and stirring sounds of bagpipes and drums echoing throughout the sanctuary during the 19th Blue Mass. The Mass, a celebration of law enforcement, is organized by numerous local law enforcement agencies and and the Diocese of Trenton. Principal celebrant Bishop David M. O'Connell told the capacity crowd of mostly law enforcement officers that "God alone helps us make sense out of the world." Adding, "My friends, God saves us from the darkness of this world." From the pulpit, he thanked God "for giving you, the women and men of law enforcement, the willingness and the readiness to lay down your life for your friends." Dignitaries sitting in the front pews included Gov. Phil Murphy and his wife Tammy, Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal, Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson and Mercer County Prosecutor Angelo Onofri. The student choir from Trenton Catholic Academy in Hamilton led the music, and students from Notre Dame High School in Lawrence were altar servers. 'Blue Mass' honors law enforcement 15 Gallery: 'Blue Mass' honors law enforcement Michael Mancuso may be reached at mmancuso@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @michaelmancuso Find NJ.com on Facebook. A 76-year-old New Jersey man visiting friends in Georgia with his wife died and two others were injured in a house fire over the weekend, authorities said. Ralph Perone Jr, 76, of Middlesex Borough, died of heart failure, the Cherokee County Coroner's Office said. Perone's wife, Eileen, was treated at a local hospital and has flown back to New Jersey to prepare for her husband's funeral, the Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services said. The Perones were driving home from Florida and had stopped in Woodstock, Georgia for the night. Their hosts, an 82-year-old man and a 74-year-old woman were also hospitalized with injuries. A 5-year-old staying at the house also escaped unharmed. Fire officials said the blaze broke out late Saturday night and destroyed the multi-story home on the 200 block of North Briar Ridge. The remains of a house in Woodstock, Ga. destroyed by a fire Saturday night. (Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services) The 74-year-old resident said a bright light awakened her before the house's smoke alarms went off, authorities said. She then attempted to get the other four occupants out of the house, authorities said. Woodstock is about 33 miles miles northwest of downtown Atlanta. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Breakfast meats and sporting teams have long created a cultural divide between North and South Jersey, but it appears there's a financial divide, too, that stems from the statehouse. The most distressed cities in South Jersey get substantially less state aid -- by about 33 percent -- than the most distressed cities in North Jersey and that funding gap continues to grow, according to a study by the Rutgers University-Camden Senator Walter Rand Institute for Public Affairs. And, as Gov. Phil Murphy tries to sell lawmakers and local officials on his $37.4 billion budget that needs $1.5 billion in new revenue to work, that gap may grow more, the New Jersey League of Municipalities predicts. The study -- conducted by Rutgers University-Camden assistant professor Michael S. Hayes -- looked into the amount of the state aid delivered to all of the municipalities in the state between 2008 and 2016. The towns were divided into north and south (sorry there is no Central Jersey this time), with Burlington and Ocean counties being placed in the south and Mercer and Monmouth Counties set in the north. He took into account each municipality's unemployment rate, child poverty rate, the percentage of residents with a bachelor's degree or higher and percentage of residents with less than a high school degrees to determine the top 10 distressed cities in both ends of the state. The study used an Economic Distress Index to determine the most-distressed cities in each end of the state. State aid to municipalities is comprised of the money collected under the Consolidated Municipal Property Tax Relief Aid (CMPTRA), money paid by public utility companies by way of Energy Tax Receipts Aid (ETR), and other grants and funding programs. When factors such as property values and population were set aside, he found that the gap between the CMPTRA aid distributed to the two regions' distressed cities was about 20 percent in 2009 and has since grown to 50 percent in 2016. "I think the study gives us a better, more nuanced idea of where there are regional gaps in state funding assistance across the state," Hayes said. "It gives policymakers an idea of what to target, and if policymakers want to reduce regional gaps in state funding assistance, the first area to target extra funding would be for the poorest New Jersey municipalities in the south region." Passaic Mayor Hector Lora says his city, like many others around the state, has not seen an increase in state aid in eight years. "We are a distressed city with great potential," Lora said. "Passaic is on the cusp of a complete renaissance which could not be realized without the investment of the state to one of its most at-need municipalities." State aid not only helps Passaic stabilize its budget, but it assist with improving its aging infrastructure, which Lora said in the long run can help support future growth, including a Riverwalk and Bistro District. "What is good for Passaic is good for New Jersey," Lora added. "The fact that the city has a complete infrastructure system, coupled with state aid provides stability which invites investments from the development community." Using what he called "back of the envelope" calculations, Hayes determined in order to close the gap, the state's overall budget would have to be increased by 3 percent, or more than $1.2 billion. The New Jersey League of Municipalities spokesman Michael Cerra said the problem with state aid has gone back multiple administrations and that if the state honored its statutory obligations, everyone would be better off. Cerra also added the issue for state aid could be getting worse. Money collected through the Energy Tax Receipts (ERT) have long been earmarked to be distributed to municipalities for property tax relief -- a measure the League has fought to keep for years. But Gov. Phil Muphy has proposed eliminating that "lockbox" provision which would allow the funds to be used in the general budget. "Any disparity found in the Hayes report has been compounded by the underfunding of property tax relief, and that could be further compounded if the lockbox for energy tax receipts is eliminated," Cerra said. Murphy's office declined to comment on the report and deferred questions to the Department of Community Affairs, the agency which oversees the distribution of state aid. Department of Community Affairs spokeswoman Lisa Ryan said the last substantial change to the formula was in 2010. Ryan added the topic of updating the formula had been considered at times. Ryan disagrees with the study, citing the two significant sources of funding should be factored together and not separately. "Looking at disparities in CMPTRA alone misses the overall picture," Ryan said. "A person who does not understand this relationship between CMPTRA and ETR could easily come to some erroneous conclusions." Chris Franklin can be reached at cfranklin@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @cfranklinnews. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips The scope of President Trump's business interests - whether they are in China or Saudi Arabia or Russia - is still unclear, and his debt to the lending institutions in those countries is largely unknown. The extent to which he may personally benefit from the recent tax reform bill is still uncertain. And the debate over whether his executive decisions truly put America ahead of his own interests rages on. One way to remove some doubt is for Trump to release his taxes, which would expose key details regarding his investments, ventures and partnerships, both foreign and domestic. But as another April 15th passes us by, he's still not keen on transparency. New Jersey can help end this shell game, and after the budget tsunami in Trenton passes, we anticipate the Legislature will take another crack at a bill that requires presidential candidates to release their personal tax returns in order for their names to appear on the ballot in our state. Our state lawmakers took the lead on this last year, after Congress snapped off the klieg lights. But Gov. Christie rejected the measure, calling it "politics at its worst," as Trump and his family waded neck-deep in conflicts of interest from Jersey City to Qatar. It followed a never-ending pattern that included Trump's contempt for our divestment traditions, his disdain of the emoluments clause, his indifference to corruption, and a cabinet glutted with swamp creatures. Other states have introduced similar bills to take effect for 2020. The Maryland legislature passed its version Monday, though it has little chance of being signed by its Republican governor. In New Jersey, however, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, said she will introduce the bill early this summer, and other bill sponsors are keen for another go. "It's all about transparency and giving voters all the information they'd need to make an informed decision," said Assemblyman John McKeon, D-Essex. "Whether it's Trump or anyone else, this should be part of the vetting process, so I don't understand the objections at all." That's because the objections don't hold up. Some say this is an attempt to change the rules just because we don't like person occupying the Oval Office. Actually, every candidate has released their returns since 1980, and Americans should assert their right to review Trump's returns if they have reason to suspect that he is profiting from his office. And alarms should go off when a president makes the obvious political calculation that releasing his taxes would be more damaging to his presidency than the doubt created by not releasing his taxes. Others might argue that it doesn't pass constitutional muster. Laurence Tribe, the eminent constitutional law scholar, told the New York Times last year that ballot access requirements already "vary significantly from state to state," so a state is within its rights to add tax disclosure as a requirement. And even though a signed law is likely to be challenged in court, it has overwhelming public support: Three out of four voters want Trump to release his returns - that includes 62 percent of Republicans - and a huge majority (56-16) still believe that Trump himself benefits by the tax reform plan he signed in December. When we last left it, the president claimed that the new tax bill "cost me a fortune." In the spirit of tax season, it's only fair to see how much it will cost the rest of us. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Yana Paskova/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trumps personal attorney Michael Cohen has suggested four former federal prosecutors serve as special master to review material seized from his properties in an FBI raid. The recommendations came in a letter to Judge Kimba Wood, who had requested candidates from the parties involved in deciding what records are covered by the attorney-client privilege. Wood did not commit to appointing a special master but said during a Monday hearing In terms of the perception of fairness a special master might have a role. Cohens attorneys suggested Bart Schwartz of Guidepost Solutions, Joan McPhee of Ropes & Gray LLP, Tai Park of Park Jensen Bennett LLP or George S. Canellos of Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy. Canellos is a former enforcement director for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Park defended Ng Lap Seng in a United Nations bribery case. All four are former prosecutors in the Southern District of New York, the same office that has been investigating Cohen for months over what theyve called personal business matters. Prosecutors put forth their recommendations for a special master in a court filing Wednesday though reiterated they would prefer to have their internal taint team weed out potentially privileged files. The Government continues to believe, for the reasons articulated at Mondays conference, that a Special Master is not warranted, prosecutors wrote. They suggested three former federal magistrate judges as a potential third party referee: Frank Maas, James Francis IV, and Theodore Katz. Maas spent 17 years on the federal bench and was appointed as an arbitrator to resolve disputes arising out of Bernie Madoffs Ponzi scheme. Francis spent more than 30 years as a federal magistrate and was, for a time, the Chief Magistrate in the Southern District of New York. He oversaw the settlements of hundreds of lawsuits over mass arrests by the NYPD during the 2004 Republican National Convention. Katz served 21 years as a federal magistrate in New York and became known as a thoughtful settlement judge. In one notable case, he presided over the settlement of a breach of advertising contract involving actress Charlize Theron. Cohen has asked the judge to appoint an independent third party to review the material. President Trump did not agree. The president objects to anyone other than himself making the initial assessment of whats privileged, his attorney Joanna Hendon said. On Monday Wood declined to issue a temporary restraining order but she did not rule on how the review would proceed. Prosecutors agreed to provide copies of everything seized including 10 boxes of documents and about a dozen electronic devices to the legal teams of Cohen and Trump and promised not to read anything until the judge decides. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. President Donald Trump's personal attorney revealed to a federal judge Monday that Fox News host Sean Hannity is his third mystery client. Michael Cohen's lawyers had argued that the mystery third client's identity should not be revealed in connection with documents seized from Cohen in a federal raid. Hannity failed to reveal his conflict of interest when he railed against Special Counsel Robert Mueller's raid. Cohen revealed that he was discreetly doing some legal work for Hannity during the same time he was representing Trump in 2017. Hannity framed the situation as: "This is now officially an all hands on deck effort to totally malign, and, if possible, impeach the president of the United States." Hannity is one of Trump's most vocal supporters. His show is seen by the network as an opinion show, but many get their news from it and other shows on the network. Fox News said it was unaware of Hannity's connection to Cohen, but was standing behind him. Should Fox News fire Hannity? Vote in our informal and unscientific poll and tell us why in the comments. Bookmark NJ.com/Opinion. Follow on Twitter @NJ_Opinion and find NJ.com Opinion on Facebook. Gov. Phil Murphy insisted Wednesday he was not suggesting New Jersey's top lawmaker is a racist when he recently called on state Senate President Stephen Sweeney to stop holding up the confirmation of two cabinet nominees who are African-American. "I'm not suggesting for one second that anybody's a racist," Murphy said during a roundtable on college aid at New Jersey City University in Jersey City. Murphy also laughed off how Sweeney, a fellow Democrat, responded to the dispute last week by likening the governor to President Donald Trump, a Republican he often criticizes. "I thought it was a good line," Murphy told reporters with a smile. "I'm a big fan of Steve's and we have an enormous amount in common. Don't believe everything you read -- or in your case, what you write." Sweeney told NJ Advance Media he was happy to hear Murphy's comments. "I appreciate him clearing it up," Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said in a phone interview. "I really do. We've got a lot of work to do." The remarks suggest that Murphy and Sweeney are making up, at least over this disagreement. The racially tinged back-and-forth was the latest chapter of what has so far been a spotty relationship between New Jersey's top two elected officials, who who need to work together to enact things like a higher tax on millionaires, a higher minimum wage, and legalized marijuana. Sweeney said last week he was temporarily keeping the state Senate from voting to confirm Murphy's nominees for state education commissioner, Lamont Repollet, and for higher education secretary, Zakiya Smith Ellis. The Senate president said he was unhappy with answers Repollet gave about fixing school funding in the state and Smith Ellis gave about making college more affordable here. Sweeney said the Senate will eventually confirm the two, but he was "entitled" to his questions being answered. The next day, Murphy defended his nominees as "extraordinary individuals" and said "there's no reason not to confirm" them. He also pointed out that both are African-Americans with doctoral degrees. "Folks need to look up Lamont Repollet and Zakiya Smith Ellis because we have two African-American Ph.Ds on our nominated cabinet," the governor said during an event in Montclair. "It's the most diverse cabinet ever nominated in our state, and it's the most diverse cabinet in the country," Murphy continued. The day after that, Sweeney told NJ Advance Media that Murphy "actually sounded like Donald Trump." "Phil's better than that," Sweeney added. "He really is a better person than that. ... To go and basically allude that someone is a racist or they're playing racism." But Murphy defended himself Wednesday. "We have extraordinary talent that we've been lucky and fortunate to assemble," he said. "We share a common vision, and I think the Senate president and the speaker and members of both chambers share that vision for a stronger and fairer New Jersey that reeks in everything we do." "The common ground overwhelms any amount of things or disagreements we see differently," Murphy added. "I'm very confident we'll get our whole team over the goal line." The remarks came a day after a breakthrough in the disagreement. Repollet told a state Senate committee that Murphy's administration is open to modernizing the state's school funding formula within the next few weeks before the state budget is due June 30. Sweeney had been concerned that Repollet previously said it could take six to eight months. The Senate president told NJ Advance Media on Wednesday that Repollet's comments were a step forward. "He's acknowledging they have the ability to fix it," Sweeney said. "And they're willing to fix it. At the end of the day, what it comes down to is getting it fixed." Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. The chief justice of New Jersey's Supreme Court has a direct response to some "disturbing practices" by local judges accused of abusing their power to impose fines and mishandling court fees: Don't use defendants as cash cows for your town's coffers. New Jersey Chief Justice Stuart Rabner sent a memo to the state's municipal and Superior Court judges on Tuesday following the criminal conviction of one local judge and a federal court decision that found another local court's treatment of poor defendants "effectively extorts payment" from their family and friends. "The imposition of punishment should in no way be linked to a town's need for revenue," Rabner wrote in the memo. "And defendants may not be jailed because they are too poor to pay court-ordered financial obligations." Rabner cited the case of a former municipal judge in nine Monmouth County towns, Richard Thompson, who admitted to falsifying about 4,000 court records to redirect fines from county to municipal coffers. In February, Thompson pleaded guilty to charges related to the scheme, in which he suspended fines for motor vehicle tickets and converted the charge to contempt of court so the money would be paid to the towns that employed him rather than the county government. In another case in Burlington Township, a man who told Judge Dennis P. McInerney he could not afford to immediately pay a $239 ticket for flicking a cigarette out of his car window was ordered jailed on the spot. The man, Anthony Kneisser, filed a lawsuit later backed by the New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union. U.S. District Court Judge Noel L. Hillman found in March that the court had violated the man's constitutional rights by immediately jailing him instead of allowing him to pay in installments. In his memo, Rabner reminded judges that U.S. Supreme Court precedent gives defendants a right to a hearing over whether they can afford to pay fines and fees imposed by a court. A 2016 investigation by the Asbury Park Press found New Jersey's court system was allowing many local towns to treat municipal courts as a major source of revenue. Rabner wrote in his memo that a special committee formed last year was reviewing municipal court practices statewide and was expected to soon release its report. "It will bring to light additional concerns and offer practical suggestions to help start a larger discussion about our municipal court system," he wrote. S.P. Sullivan may be reached at ssullivan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter. Find NJ.com on Facebook. WASHINGTON -- Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. marked Tax Day by reminding everyone that President Donald Trump still hasn't released his income tax returns, which he promised to while on the campaign trail. And he said there's even more of a reason for the president to publicly disclose his tax returns now. Pascrell asserted that Trump continues to profit from his properties, as lobbyists, foreign governments, political campaigns and the president's re-election committee patronize them. "Bribery and graft might have a place in a crime family, but it has no place in the office of the president or in the Congress of the United States," said Pascrell, D-9th Dist. "And this Congress has been absolutely derelict and complicit in the unprecedented conflicts of this presidency." In addition, several Cabinet officials have faced investigations for spending taxpayer money on lavish travel and office furnishings. "President Trump seems to have an unhealthy admiration for authoritarian leaders," Pascrell said. "He seems to have a vision of turning America into an economy and government run by his own greedy and connected circle of oligarchs. But subverting our democracy for personal gain - while Congress looks the other way - is poisonous to our republic and our democracy. And it is anathema to our values." Pascrell proposed Wednesday that the House demand that Trump release his returns, but his measure was defeated largely along party lines, 226-189. "Yet again today Republicans have placed their political fortunes over the health and fitness of the republic," Pascrell said. He said he has tried 18 other times to get the House Ways and Means Committee, which he sits on, to obtain Trump's tax returns but the Republican majority has rejected the request each time. "The American people demand it and we owe it to our democracy to shed light on his conflicts," Pascrell said. Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas, has said he did not want Congress to "rummage around in the tax returns of the president." Trump is the first president in 40 years to refuse to release his tax returns, even as he signed tax legislation that gave most of its benefits to the richest Americans, including himself. He sought a six-month extension to file his 2017 return. Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Taxpayer money can't be used for church repair projects that support religious activities -- even if it's for historic preservation, the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. The state's highest court said millions of dollars in grants Morris County awarded to local churches for historic preservation violated proscriptions in the state Constitution against doling out aid to religious institutions. Morris County had through its taxpayer-funded historic preservation trust fund granted $4.6 million to a dozen churches that used the money to repair stained glass windows with religious imagery, slate roofs, building towers and ventilation systems. A Madison, Wisconsin,-based Freedom From Religion Foundation filed suit, arguing that under the New Jersey Constitution, citizens cannot not be "obliged" to pay taxes for the repair of places of worship. The state Supreme Court agreed Wednesday that the grants violate that Religious Aid Clause, overturning a trial court ruling. It did not order the churches to return the funds. The American Civil Liberties Union, which had filed an amicus brief challenging the grants, said in a statement that the decision "makes a powerful statement: our taxpayer funds should not go to support religious worship." Chief Justice Stuart Rabner delivered the court's opinion, writing that "the plain language of the Religious Aid Clause bars the use of taxpayer funds to repair and restore churches, and that Morris County's program ran afoul of that longstanding provision." Attorneys for the court and churches that had received the funds had argued that disqualifying churches from the grant program would violate their own rights under the First Amendment's protections on religion. The court's ruling stresses that these funds supported "religious uses," as opposed to more secular uses, like refurbishing a playground. Each one has "'active congregations that regularly worship ... and all hold regular worship services in one or more of the structures that they have used, or will use' taxpayer-funded grants to repair." And in fact, the court noted, several of the churches applied for the funds in order to continue to conduct services. "The churches are not being denied grant funds because they are religious institutions; they are being denied public funds because of what they plan to do -- and in many cases have done: use public funds to repair church buildings so that religious worship services can be held there," Rabner wrote. Writing separately, Justice Lee Solomon said that the nature of the grant program puts it at odds with the Religious Aid Claude, but he does not think that clause should "categorically bar churches with active congregations from receiving funds that promote a substantial government purpose, such as historic preservation." A categorical ban, he argued, would violate the First Amendment projections on religion. Kenneth Wilbur, an attorney for the 12 churches, said Wednesday the court overlooked the public interest in preservation. "The majority decision fails to recognize that the purpose of these grants is not to aid religion but to advance the government's secular interest in historic preservation," he said, adding the grant dollars were only used to pay the increased cost of doing historically accurate renovations. The churches are exploring grounds for an appeal, Wilbur said. They include the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, First Reformed Church of Pompton Plains, Church of the Redeemer, Community of St. John Baptist, Stanhope United Methodist Church, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, First Presbyterian Church of Boonton, St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Mountain Lakes, Ledgewood Baptist Church, and Community Church of Mountain Lakes. The Religious Aid Clause has roots in New Jersey's first constitution, adopted on July 2, 1776, and was left "virtually untouched" in the modern Constitution, justices said. New Jersey is one of 29 states that have "compelled support" clauses, according to the ruling. The original clause reads: "No person shall be deprived of the inestimable privilege of worshipping Almighty God in a manner agreeable to the dictates of his own conscience; nor under any pretence whatever be compelled to attend any place of worship contrary to his faith and judgment; nor shall any person be obliged to pay tithes, taxes, or other rates for building or repairing any church or churches, place or places of worship, or for the maintenance of any minister or ministry, contrary to what he believes to be right, or has deliberately and voluntarily engaged to perform." Samantha Marcus may be reached at smarcus@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @samanthamarcus. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. Something happened Tuesday that could help diffuse a dramatic dispute between Gov. Phil Murphy and New Jersey's top lawmaker -- and bring the state closer to fixing its school funding problems. Last week, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney said he was holding up the confirmation of Lamont Repollet, Murphy's nominee for New Jersey education commissioner, because Repollet said it might take six to eight months to remedy issues with the formula the state uses to disburse school aid. Murphy, a fellow Democrat, responded by noting that Repollet is an African-American who holds a doctorate and deserves to be confirmed. Sweeney then responded to that by saying Murphy "sounded like Donald Trump." But on Tuesday, Repollet told the state Senate Budget Committee that Murphy's administration is open to working with state lawmakers to "modernize" and "rework" the funding formula to make it more fair. The would include shifting money from "overfunded" school districts to help districts considered "underfunded." And Repollet agreed to address the matter over the next few weeks, not months, leaving enough time to make changes to the school aid numbers that Murphy has proposed in the state budget due June 30. "The governor's committed to working with this legislative body," said Repollet, who has been serving as acting education commissioner as he awaits confirmation from the full state Senate. "A conversation is going on right now with the legislative leaders." Rejiggering the formula could placate many parents and school officials who are worried about cuts to their schools in the next fiscal year. But it could also cause property taxes to rise or drop in those areas. Neither Repollet nor lawmakers went into detail Tuesday about which districts would be affected or how much money would be involved. But state Sen. Paul Sarlo, the committee chairman, said Repollet's remarks were "huge progress." "This was significant," Sarlo, D-Bergen, told reporters after the hearing at the Statehouse in Trenton. "It was significant in that he said this is not going to be a sticking point." Sweeney told NJ Advance Media he was happy with Repollet's response. "I'm thrilled the commissioner is not gonna wait six to eight months to fix the formula," Sweeney, D-Gloucester, said in a phone interview. "I think that's a very big statement from the commissioner. We want to fix it. We need to get it done." Does this mean the stalemate over Repollet's nomination is over? "He was always going to get confirmed," Sweeney said. "There's no concern over it. But we're gonna fix the formula first." New Jersey's school funding formula has often been criticized since it was instituted in 2008 and upheld by the state Supreme Court a year later. It was underfunded by $9 billion under the eight years of Murphy's predecessor, Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican. But last year, Sweeney negotiated with Christie to reallocate funds from overfunded to underfunded districts in the current state budget. Sweeney wants to fully fund the formula but remove all caps and limits on how much new aid a district can receive from one year to the next. And to achieve that, he wants to continue the reallocation into the next state budget -- Murphy's first as governor. Murphy's $37.4 million budget proposal includes $1.6 billion in tax hikes to help pay for increases in funding to schools, transportation, and public-worker pensions. The plan calls for $283 million in additional school aid, including increases for 94 percent of New Jersey's nearly 600 districts. Murphy has said that's the first step in a four-year ramp-up to fully funding the formula. But Murphy's proposal does not continue Sweeney's reallocation. And critics say overfunded districts with shrinking enrollments would get too much money while underfunded districts with rising enrollments would get too little. Murphy says he's simply following the state funding law. But he told angry parents and school officials at a recent town hall that he's open to reworking the formula, though he didn't specify how or when. State Senate President Stephen Sweeney is shown in a file photo. Sarlo told Repollet during Tuesday's hearing that lawmakers will not support a state budget that does not include two changes to school funding: a reallocation of adjustment aid and a removal of caps on districts with high growth. "The day of reckoning has come for both those items," Sarlo said. The senator asked Repollet if Murphy's administration can fix those issues immediately. "We believe minds coming together with our students in mind, I think we can have something in place," said Repollet, the former superintendent of Asbury Park schools. Repollet said the administration wants the formula to reflect changes in enrollment and demographics across New Jersey. "When I talk about modernizing, I'm talking about a version that represents 2018, that represents the students of 2018, and represents the growth of New Jersey," he said. Sarlo said the total amount of school aid in Murphy's budget plan -- the largest bump in decades -- will likely stay the same. What would change, he said, is how it's allocated. Repollet admitted he's "concerned" about some districts losing aid. "However, our school districts are resilient," he said. Repollet declined to speak to reporters as he left the hearing -- including questions about Murphy and Sweeney's exchange about race. Murphy also declined to answer reporters' questions as he left an unrelated news conference Tuesday. NJ Advance Media staff writer Adam Clark contributed to this report. Brent Johnson may be reached at bjohnson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @johnsb01. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. A $71 billion behemoth of a regional transit project could solve the commuting problems your children might face three decades from now. It's called the Trans Regional-Express or T-Rex for short. The Regional Plan Association, calls it the "largest public works project undertaken since the early 20th Century." T-Rex is a massive commuter rail system expansion of existing NJ Transit, Long Island Railroad and Metro North lines to meet a projected 34 percent increase in suburban commuters to Manhattan by 2040. The RPA outlined the T-Rex when its Fourth Regional Plan was released in November and provided a detailed plan on Wednesday. Could T-Rex save a region choking on its own congestion or will it go extinct on the heap of grand plans never built? T-Rex proposes building more Hudson River and East River rail tunnels, creating two new subterranean rail lines under Manhattan and rehabbing long dormant rail lines in New Jersey. It would require New York and New Jersey's transit agencies to cooperate, so trains from any agency could run through Manhattan across the region. "It's leveraging the commuter rail system and using it to augment and relieve congestion on transit systems, and to create express service," said Richard Barone, RPA vice president of transportation. "We see it as a multi-decade investment, that keeps going. We are digging ourselves out of a hole." RPA wants to lure commuters onto T-Rex trains by promising faster travel from Paterson to Columbus Circle in 26 minutes, to Grand Central Terminal in 29 minutes, or from North Bergen to midtown in 11 minutes. IOW have a rail transit regime that works as reliable intra-state transportation instead of a bunch of diesel-wasting trains doing nothing all day in Sunnyside Yards SiriusXM Rob Thomas Radio (@InsiderTwets) April 13, 2018 Similar plans have been done in Paris and in London, where the first phase of the 15 billion pound Cross rail project was built in nine years and is about to go into service. The first phase of T-Rex relies on the entire $30 billion Gateway project, Barone said. Gateway would construct two new Hudson River rail tunnels, replace and build a second Portal Bridge over the Hackensack River, construct a second set of Northeast Corridor tracks from the tunnel to Newark, a loop track at Secaucus for Bergen County trains to access the NEC and an addition to Penn Station New York. T-Rex would push the new Gateway tunnels across Manhattan across the East River and build a rail station at 31st Street and Third avenue that would connect at a station with the proposed a proposed north-south Manhattan spine. The second phase builds that spine or "the backbone" of T-Rex, a underground rail line along Third Avenue, connecting "the Bronx to the Battery." The uptown-downtown spine would connect to the extended commuter line crossing Manhattan at 31st Street and Third Avenue. Two new subterranean crosstown lines would bisect Manhattan at 57th and Houston streets and cross the Hudson to New Jersey. The 57th Street line would connect to the Long Island Railroad's Eastside Access line to Queens and to a West Shore rail line in Bergen County. The Houston Street line would enter New Jersey in Hoboken and use the dormant Bergen Arches rail line through the Palisades to connect with NJ Transit lines. Both would connect to the Manhattan spine. Those tunnels built would allow for creation of the "Jersey Loop" to take pressure off the PATH, the New York subway system and the Port Authority bus terminal. T-Rex could build New Jersey projects that have been shelved for years. That includes the Monmouth-Ocean-Middlesex line along Route 9 to Ocean County, a Paterson-Newark Light rail line, and the reactivation of passenger service on the New York, Susquehanna and Western Railroad line to Paterson and the former West Shore line. Running trains through the region will also require standardizing trains, electric systems, stations, fares and scheduling between NJ Transit and the MTA's commuter lines. While a complete merger is unlikely, the railroads could be operated by an existing regional agency, Barone said. To finance it, RPA proposes that $2.4 billion annual nibbles are taken out of the $71.4 billion cost over 30 years, Barone said. The two states will have to come up with funding, but T-Rex can be financed with a mix of government and private funding, similar to Cross Rail he said. T-Rex also will use ideas RPA has proposed to reduce projects costs which could knock $20 billion off the estimated cost, Barone said. Experts questioned why the plan doesn't use subways and rapid transit. "Rapid transit is the answer, not commuter rail," said James C. Greller, a retired NJ Transit and NJDOT planner. "I don't see the ridership warranting this expenditure." Alternatives have been overlooked, such as extending L train and 7 line subway tunnels to New Jersey, experts said. "If they extend the L to Hoboken, they will have their direct connection to the subway by going one more station under river and connecting to Hudson Bergen Light rail, NJ Transit commuter trains and relieve pressure on the PATH," Greller said. The plan also is silent about extending the 7 line subway to New Jersey which is supported by the New Jersey Association of Railroad Passengers, said Len Resto, NJ-ARP president. "That is a project that can be "near-term" and offers significant capacity gains," Resto said. "Instead, it is relegated to a mention at the end of one paragraph. Opportunity missed." Resto said T-Rex also says nothing about the role of self-driving vehicles, the affect of climate change on transit facilities or preserving abandoned rail lines from development. Larry Higgs may be reached at lhiggs@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @commutinglarry. Find NJ.com on Facebook. After shots rang out at a 7-Eleven in Linden on Tuesday night, county law enforcement agencies quickly arrested an 18-year-old on murder and weapons charges in the death of a Roselle man felled by gunfire outside the store. Darwin Cadet, also of Roselle, was arrested by members of the Union County Homicide Task Force the morning after authorities allege he fatally shot Brian Pierre, 27, the county prosecutor's office said in a statement. Prosecutors said Linden and Roselle police officers, responding to a report of guns being fired in the 1800 block of East St. George's Avenue around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, found Pierre with gunshot wounds in the store's parking lot. He died on his way to the hospital. Cadet is being held in the Union County Jail pending a detention hearing in Superior Court. It was not known Wednesday afternoon if he had a lawyer who could comment on the charges. The prosecutor's office is urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact Homicide Task Force Sgt. Johnny Ho at 908-403-8271 or Detective Lamar Hartsfield at 908-451-1873. Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips A judge handed down lengthy prison sentences Monday (April 16) to a Gretna couple convicted of sexually abusing three girls, according to Jefferson Parish court records. Elvin Villafranca, 40, was sentenced to a total of 60 years in prison. His co-defendant, Argentina Mesa, 54, was sentenced to a total of 35 years. A jury convicted the couple March 20 following a six-day trial. Villafranca was found guilty of attempted forcible rape of a 13-year-old girl and two counts of sexual battery of a victim under the age of 13. The victims in those two cases were 7 and 9 when the abuse occurred, according to the Jefferson Parish district attorney's office. The jury acquitted Mesa of a being a principal to the forcible rape of the 13-year-old victim. But she was found guilty of sexual battery of the same girl and sexual battery of the 9-year-old victim, according to court records. Gretna police learned of the abuse in November 2014 from the mother of the 7-year-old girl, the district attorney's office said. Villafranca and Mesa babysat the victim at their Newton Street home. The girl's mother discovered that her daughter had been touched inappropriately while there. The 7-year-old's mother reached out to the 13-year-old victim, a relative who had also had contact with Villafranca and Mesa, authorities said. The 13-year-old girl confirmed that she, too, had been sexually abused by the couple. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The 13-year-old victim said the Villafranca and Mesa gave her alcohol during a sleepover before molesting her, according to authorities. The 9-year-old victim also recounted sexual abuse while visiting the couple's home, the district attorney's office said. Judge Stephen Grefer of the 24th Judicial District Court sentenced Villafranca to 10 years for the attempted rape and 25 years in prison for each count of sexual battery. Mesa was sentenced to 10 years for sexual battery of the 13-year-old victim and 25 years for the sexual battery of the 9-year-old, according to court records. Grefer ordered the sentences to be served consecutively because "anything less would deprecate the seriousness of the crimes," according to the district attorney's office. Assistant District Attorneys Laura Schneidau and Emily Booth prosecuted the case. An employee was beaten with a "large gray metal-like object" while chasing a shoplifter from a North Rampart Street gas station, the New Orleans Police Department reported. Investigators on Tuesday (April 17) released an image of the unidentified man accused in the March 25 beating in the 400 block of N. Rampart Street, at the edge of the French Quarter. He is wanted on a charge of aggravated battery. According to the NOPD, the man walked into a Chevron gas station about 11:45 p.m. and took various food items before fleeing. When an employee started to chase the shoplifter, he hit the employee several times with the metal-like object. In a Tuesday news release, the NOPD did not give details on the extent of any injuries to the employee. Anyone with information on the man pictured above should call NOPD 1st District detectives at 504-658-6010 or submit a tip anonymously to Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111 or toll-free at 1-877-903-7867. When Alisa Dobronich went to feed her horses at Magnolia Equestrian Centre in Algiers Friday morning (April 13), she immediately knew something was wrong. Some horses were in the wrong paddock, she said, a gate was broken, and a path had been stamped down in the back, leading down a steep bank peppered with hoof-prints. Then she realized Sparky the pony was missing. His stall, she said, was left ajar. "I was calling his name, shaking his grain, but he wouldn't come," Dobronich said. "I just knew he was stolen, all the signs were there. Plus he's a very calm, trusting horse who would follow you anywhere, even in the middle of the night and blindfolded, so it doesn't surprise me they were able to get him to go." Dobronich said she called her mom and the people who closed the barn the night before, but no one knew what happened. She called the police, but said she felt they were unsure of what to do. So she did the only other thing she could think of - post on social media. Within hours, posts about the missing pony were shared thousands of times, from Louisiana all the way up to Canada. Ultimately, it was social media that brought Sparky home, Dobronich said. She was put in touch with Alysia Maloney, the founder of Equine Advocacy of Louisiana, who recommended putting up a $600 reward for Sparky's safe return. "People will rat each other out for money," Dobronich said Maloney told her. Dobronich took the advice, and on Saturday she got a call from a man who said, "I think your horse is on my trailer." The man said he picked up the horse in Mississippi but was at a trail ride in Alabama, Dobronich said. When he mentioned the reward money, Dobronich called police, who she said advised her to have the man come to her. Shortly after, Dobronich said she got a Facebook message from another man she did not know, asking for more pictures of Sparky. When she sent them, the man told her he was at a trail ride in Alabama and a man was riding her horse. When they left the ride, that man followed the trailer with Sparky in it, and told Dobronich he would make sure she got her horse back. The man, who Dobronich did not name but said is a member of the 504 Boyz Riding Club, made good on his promise and managed to get the trailer to pull over outside Slidell. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up While stopped, the 504 Boyz member jumped onto the trailer, identified Sparky from the photos Dobronich sent him, told the driver he knew the horse was stolen and said he would be making sure he was returned, according to Dobronich. As the two trailers made their way through Algiers, an off-duty police officer pulled them over near Dobronich's barn, she said. Both the driver and passenger were arrested by the off-duty officer, Dobronich said, after she identified Sparky. Eric George, 21, and Clarence Henry, 18, were booked into Orleans Justice Center jail Saturday on one count each of possession of stolen property. Both men appeared in court the next day, where Orleans Justice Center commissioner Jonathan Friedman set their bond for $2,000, but allowed them both to be released on their own recognizance. Dobronich said there was another horse on the trailer, which Henry said belonged to him and that his brother would come pick it up. However, when his brother arrived, the man said he had never seen it before in his life, according to Dobronich. After some investigation, Dobronich said they learned the horse had been reported stolen three weeks ago from Mississippi. As of Wednesday afternoon, it does not appear either Henry or George have been accused in Orleans Parish of stealing the second horse, based on online court records, but Maloney said a warrant was issued Tuesday for Henry's arrest. According to NOPD spokeswoman Ambria Washington, the investigation is still active and New Orleans detectives are working with the Marion County Sheriff's Department. Maloney said the second horse was returned to its owner in Mississippi Wednesday morning. As for Sparky, Dobronich said he is suffering from a serious soft-tissue wound on his leg and is unsure how well it will heal. "He's getting the best care he can, but we just don't know," Dobronich said. Dobronich said she hopes an animal cruelty charge will be added to George and Henry's case, but court records show the two men are only facing possession of stolen property charges as of Wednesday afternoon. In the meantime, Dobronich said she is just relieved to have Sparky home. "I'm so happy," Dobronich said. "Social media gets a bad reputation, but it really did find Sparky. Without social media, I doubt Sparky would be home right now. We just lucked out and are so thankful for everyone who helped share the posts about him." Dobronich made clear that George and Henry are not members of the 504 Boyz Riding Club, who she credits with Sparky's safe return. The club was given the $600 and Dobronich called the reward "deserving." As the city of New Orleans celebrates three hundred years of its founding, there will be many official events and programs commemorating the tricentennial during the month of April focused on the rich history and diverse cultures that have made the city what it is today. Although the city was founded by Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne, Sieur de Bienville in 1718, and the French ruled over the city until 1763, when they ceded the territory to the Spanish, there has been a strong Spanish cultural inheritance due to Spanish rule of the city until 1803. The Spanish presence is embedded in the wrought iron balconies, the Cabildo or historic town hall, Presbytere or priests' residence, St. Louis Cathedral, the streets and other architectural frames of the French Quarter. That is the reason why there are signs on the streets with the names in Spanish. The Louisiana State Museum, in association with Iberdrola, one of the world largest electric utilities companies based in Bilbao, Spain, will be presenting the exhibition "Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans, and the Support for the American Revolution," celebrating Spain and highlighting the grand reopening of the Cabildo after its recent renovation. There's a special opening Friday, April 20, from 7 to 9 p.m., at The Cabildo, located at 701 Chartres Street in Jackson Square. This is a fundraiser for the Louisiana Museum Foundation. The exhibition will be open to the public through July 8. "Recovered Memories" features hundreds of historic artifacts, documents, costumes and works of art from Spanish and U.S. museums, archives and private collections. It tells the story of Spain's influence on the development of New Orleans in the Cabildo, the building that once served as the seat of Spanish Colonial Louisiana. The building was also the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer in 1803, which finalized the United States' acquisition of the Louisiana Territory and at the time doubled the size of the nation. "The legacy of Spanish influence on colonial Louisiana and the young United States of America echoes still today," said Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, whose office oversees the Cabildo and the Office of State Museum. "Spain's administration of colonial New Orleans was not just a footnote to the city's rise and development, but a significant demonstration of Spanish support for the American Revolution and the founding of our country," he added. Admission fees to the museum exhibit, from April 21 through July 8, will be $12 for adults, $10 for students ages 7 through 18, seniors and military personnel. It's free for children age six and under. For more information, call 504.558.0493 or visit www.theLMF.org. Mexican Cultural Institute opening Another important event is the Inauguration of the Mexican Cultural Institute in New Orleans with the presence of the Mexican ambassador to the United States, Geronimo Gutierrez Fernandez, and representatives of the City of New Orleans, highlighting the current exhibition "Decoding the Purity of an Icon" by Mexican-American artist Belinda Flores- Shinshillas. More details in next week's column. International school's 'Taste of Nola' The International High School of New Orleans (IHSNO) presents iStudio and A Taste of Nola, the perfect pairing of the visual and culinary arts, with food from award-winning chefs, music by guitarist Carl Leblanc, student art showcase and silent auction on Saturday, April 21, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Tulane University's Newcomb Art Museum, Woldenberg Art Center, on Newcomb Circle in Tulane's campus. All proceeds from the event will benefit IHSNO and its programs. Tickets include entry to the event and museum, music, food, drinks, a silent auction and more. Tickets are $75 per person and $125 per couple. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: www.ihsnola.org. Loyola Strings Watch the acclaimed violinist Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and The Loyola Strings as they celebrate the 300th birthday of New Orleans in a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at Loyola University New Orleans, 6363 St. Charles Ave. in the Louis J. Roussel Performance Hall. The Loyola Strings is an ensemble of student musicians who rehearse and perform together without a conductor as part of their academic training at the university. The ensemble includes music majors, as well as students who continue to study a string instrument while enrolled in other of Loyola's degree programs. Bernard Noble spent seven years in prison for carrying roughly two cigarettes worth of marijuana while biking in New Orleans. He was released from Bossier Parish Medium Security Prison Thursday (April 12) after changes to state law reduced the penalties for marijuana possession and the Orleans Parish District Attorney's Office agreed to reduce his 13-year sentence. Mr. Noble had become a national emblem of overly harsh and ineffective drug laws and the excessive sentences allowed under Louisiana's habitual offender statute. His 13-year sentence stemmed from earlier convictions for possession of small amounts of cocaine and marijuana, according to the Marshall Project. But even with Mr. Noble as a fresh example of the excessively punitive nature of Louisiana's habitual offender law, the House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee rejected a bill Tuesday to remove nonviolent offenses from the calculation for enhanced sentences. Rep. Chad Brown, a Democrat from Plaquemine, said his House Bill 355 is meant to reduce disproportionate sentences for people with low-level, nonviolent offenses. Sarah Omojola, policy counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center, pointed out that offenders like Mr. Noble could benefit more from substance abuse programs and other counseling. "HB 355 would exclude nonviolent offenses from habitual offender sentencing enhancements. The money saved from these unnecessarily harsh sentences could then be reinvested into rehabilitative alternatives - such as substance abuse counseling and mental health treatment - that would address some of the root causes of crime and create a safer Louisiana," she said in a written statement after the committee vote. To its credit, the state Legislature made sweeping changes to sentencing laws last spring at the urging of Gov. John Bel Edwards, the Justice Reinvestment Task Force and business and civic leaders. That criminal justice legislation lessened the harshness of the habitual offender statute, although the changes weren't retroactive. Since Nov. 1, new convictions for drug and nonviolent offenses will not trigger a life sentence for a defendant with prior convictions. Mandatory minimum sentences will be shorter for habitual offenders. And the length of time that a prior felony conviction could be used to enhance penalties on a new offense has been shortened from 10 years to five. The task force also recommended the removal of nonviolent offenses from the habitual offender sentencing calculation, but that didn't pass. HB 355 would have remedied that omission. There were strong arguments presented to the committee Tuesday. According to tweets by Louisianans for Prison Alternatives, New Orleans public defender Sarah O'Brien said there are "hundreds more like Corey Ladd and Bernard Noble who are sitting in Louisiana prisons for years for low-level offenses." Mr. Ladd testified Tuesday. "Corey Ladd addressing the Administration of Criminal Justice Committee. He was sent to prison for 20 years for possession of marijuana under the habitual offender law," the group tweeted. He told lawmakers that his prior offenses were for drug possession. Why should that result in a 20-year sentence? "The measure isn't how many people we put in jail," Ronal Serpas, former New Orleans police superintendent and the founder of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime, said in an October Washington Post article. "The measure is whether the right people are put in jail. And that's the people we're afraid of, not the people we're mad at." He was referring to indications that U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions wanted to return to a more punitive approach for low level offenses. But Mr. Serpas' message is pertinent in Louisiana as well. "I cried a lot of times in prison silently because you can't do it out loud in a treacherous place like that. But I always said, 'one day it's gonna get better,' " Mr. Noble told the Marshall Project. The situation at last has gotten better for him. But Louisiana is still looking to lock up others in the same situation. That is the wrong approach. The executive director of the Louisiana Sheriffs' Association told lawmakers Monday (April 16) that he had vastly overstated the number of people being held in parish jails for four years and more just awaiting trial. Mike Ranatza originally told the House Appropriations Committee that about 1,300 people had been locked up for four years awaiting their day in court with another 70 people behind bars for five years without their cases being heard. Ranatza now says there are 2,181 people who have been incarcerated for a year or more without going to trial. That includes 1,507 imprisoned between one and two years; 448 held between two and three years; 141 waiting between three and four years; and 85 people who have been confined more than four years, all without a trial. Ranatza said he mixed up the figures for the number of people held over one year with the number of people who had been held for over four years when he first testified. The revised numbers are much less shocking, but still raise questions about how the criminal justice process is working in Louisiana, especially for those unable to afford bail and get effective legal counsel either from the overworked public defenders office or a private lawyer. And there is the issue of how many in this number are being denied the constitutional right to a "speedy and public trial." Louisiana law says a trial must begin within 120 days of a felony arrest or 30 days in a case involving misdemeanor charges. Delays can be granted for various reasons, including those requested by the defendant. But it's still hard to understand how 141 people can be waiting more than three years and another 85 on hold for more than four without violating the Constitution and any basic sense of justice. State Rep. Pat Smith, D-Baton Rouge, told NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporter Julia O'Donoghue that holding more than 2,000 people for longer than a year before they get before a judge is still "unconscionable." She is right. Many of those held in confinement for months will eventually be released with the charges dropped or after being found not guilty, meaning they were incarcerated while being innocent in the eyes of the law. Others will be found guilty and released with "time served," but who knows whether the sentence matched the crime? Ranatza noted that people who haven't been convicted of crimes shouldn't be held with those who have been convicted and are serving their sentences. "It's a classification nightmare for us," he said. "It's better for us for the individual to move through the system." It's also the right thing to do. With all we don't know about these cases, it is clear that an overwhelming number will involved people to poor to post a bond and afford their own attorney. Public defender Jay Dixon had express skepticism at the sheriffs' original count, noting that public defenders have a system that automatically alerts them if nothing has happened in a case for six months and prompts them to file the papers to move the case to trial. But he didn't rule out the possibility of small people falling through the cracks. The sheriffs' association didn't launch its survey out of purely altruistic motives. Local sheriffs are not reimbursed a per diem by the state for holding people awaiting trial. That comes from local budgets and local taxpayers. And that's based on the idea that people who are waiting for their day in court will be moving through the system more quickly. It's good news that Ranatza's first numbers were wrong. But it doesn't mean we don't have a problem. 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 North Fort Myers residents who live near the site of a proposed 330-unit housing development plan to make their opposition known today. The Lee County Board of County Commissioners is expected to vote on a rezoning request for developers of Gully Creek, a housing development planned to be built between Slater and Williams roads, at a public hearing set for 9:30 a.m. April 18 at the Old Courthouse at 2120 Main St. in Fort Myers. The request is to rezone 66 acres from Agricultural to Residential Planned Development, made by the land owners, Daniel Light and Gully Creek LLC, David Johnson Trust for WS Trust and Slater Bend LLC, and LB Anderson & Co. Opponents of the project have gathered the last two Mondays in a meeting room at the Open Bible Church on Slater Road to discuss their strategy and get on the same page for the rezoning hearing. Rae Ann Wessel, who lives in the area, handed out talking points to the nearly two dozen who attended the last residents gathering. You need to make this personal. The more personal the story the better, Wessel said. We didnt pop out of the ground like turnips. We have concerns. Traffic concerns are expected to be among the main issues, along with summer flooding and the areas rural feel. Wessel introduced statistics from the Florida Department of Transportation to make the residents case. Since 2010, there have been five accident-related deaths on Slater Road and 29 injuries, 13 serious. Residents say that another 330 homes, as well as continued development expected in the coming years, will result in Slater Road becoming a thoroughfare that would require expansion, and would lead to more deaths as well as the end of their rural environment. Aggressive driving, distracted driving, drunken driving. Theres been more than $110,000 in property damage. Public safety issues are important, Wessel said. Although the rezoning meeting to be held Wednesday is a public hearing, not all members of the public can speak. Only those who spoke during the hearing examiners hearing will be allowed to address the county commission at todays hearing. Speakers are expected to receive a five-minute time limit. Wessel said he would like those who cannot speak to attend anyway, wearing same-colored T-shirts in solidarity and holding red and green cards to express their quiet agreement or disagreement. Calls to representatives for the developers did not return calls for comment by press time. Judges of the Constitutional court have warned that the police brutality meted out to members of parliament and the general populace last year can lead to the nullification of the age limit law. On December 20, 2017 at least 317 MPs - mostly from the ruling party, National Resistance Movement (NRM) passed the Constitution (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill, 2017. The bill among others, lifted the presidential age limits as well as extended the term of office for members of parliament, presidency and local governments by two years. Justice Alfonse Owiny-Dollo During cross examination of witnesses including the chief of defence forces Gen David Muhoozi, police director of operations (former Kampala Metropolitan Police commander) Frank Mwesigwa, director of police operations, AIGP Asuman Mugenyi, permanent secretary and secretary to the treasury Keith Muhakanizi, cabinet secretary & head of Public Service, John Mitala the seemingly angry judges expressed concerns about the conduct of security forces in policing Ugandans' and the infringement of their political freedoms. Mugenyi was asked why he ordered police to fire teargas at a consultation rally organised by Leader of Opposition Winnie Kiiza in Kasese. Justice Alfonse Owiny Dollo said even former Uganda President and dictator Idi Amin loved Ugandans, and that the way police brutalised MPs opposed to age limit amendment, is an unacceptable way of treating leaders. Mugenyi was also asked if the police order that banned consultations on the age limit law was on the orders of speaker Rebecca Kadaga. "Who told you to rule Ugandans as if they are cows?...Are you aware that this action can lead to the nullification of this law? Your action alone, the action of the police." Justice Kakuru asked. Mugenyi said it was not his decision to restrict MPs from carrying out consultations. He said he issued a directive to enforce a directive by speaker of parliament advising that MPs should not hold consultations outside their constituents. Mugenyi said commanders of the joint security operation met on October 16, 2017 and decided that police should restrict MPs from the opposition from holding. "In the present democratic dispensation under this Constitution here. How can police come up with this kind of communication to a member of parliament, really? Would you be proud of this type of thing." said Justice Owiny Dollo. Earlier, Gen Muhoozi who appeared confident and astute throughout the cross examination even more than the cross examiners, admitted to a fully packed Constitutional court that it was indeed presidential guards that invaded parliament on September 27, 2017. Muhoozi said that he passed on orders down the chain of command for the deployment at parliament after he was called by then inspector general of police Gen Kale Kayihura for support to the police at about 1pm. One of the petitioners' lawyers Ladislaus Kiiza Rwakafuzi put it to Gen Muhoozi that there was already deployment at parliament even before 1pm, the time at which he said Kayihura had called. In defence, Muhoozi said that was because they used troops that are always stationed at parliament. Parliament is co-located with the office of the president and we have a permanent presence of the military at parliament. Even the choice to use those people was because of convenience because they were there and the need was urgent according to the request of the IGP. said Muhoozi. Rwakafuzi asked Muhoozi if he was aware that the militarys invasion of parliament on September 27 was actually forcing and intimidating MPs to do what they are constitutionally mandated to do. Muhoozi said the military were there to restore the integrity of parliament. When asked if he was aware that some MPs had been tortured or beaten on the day the army invaded parliament, Muhoozi said there was no report that indicated that the forces who supported the police beat up the MPs. Lawyer Erias Lukwago told Muhoozi that the National Security Act neccesitates that such deployment has to first be discussed in the National Security Council [NSC]. This was a very urgent matter, we did not have the luxury to go through the NSC to support the police what in their view was an emergency. Muhoozi said. He said as a matter of fact it isnt at all a requirement of the law to discuss such deployment in NSC. Muhoozi said he didn't have to discuss the issue of deployment with the speaker of parliament when it was put to him that shes the head of parliament, where deployment was done. The speaker is above me, way above me and is no where in my chain of command of the security forcethe sergeant at arms was completely out of the question as far as Im concerned he said. Lukwago asked Muhoozi if indeed before the deployment, the presidential guards were in the presidents office. Muhoozi said they were already in the precincts of parliament before the deployment. With the failure of the cross-examiners to ask the right questions, it was left to the judges to ask the questions. Justice Owiny-Dollo asked why the army deployed yet the MPs posed no such big risk. He also wondered what exactly the army went to do that the police couldnt do. Muhoozi said the deployment was premised on the request of Gen Kayihura, who in his assessment requisitioned for support. Justice Kenneth Kakuru asked Muhoozi how the military was able to enter the House immediately soon after the speaker had adjourned plenary. Muhoozi said there was anticipation of violence given the events that happened the previous day. He was also put on the spot why the army continues to detain civilians in military facilities. "Gen Muhoozi, parliament is where the representatives of the people resolve on peoples problems and the governance of the country. When the IGP contacted you, did you feel it necessary given the special status of this institution that you should make some consultations with other authorities particularly those in charge of parliament before making the order you made? Justice Cheborion Barishaki asked. Muhoozi said he trusted the IGPs judgement that he needed backup and it was only a coincidence that on spot there were people competent enough to handle the arrest of VIPs [MPs]. EXPORTED VIOLENCE Justice Kakuru asked Mwesigwa if the security operatives gave the MPs the 30 minutes to vacate the House. "The speaker had adjourned the House so there were no proceedings in parliament...violence had taken place a day before. The speaker comes and says 'those of you who suspended proceedings yesterday, I'm suspending you starting today and I am adjourning this House for 30 minutes to allow you to vacate.' Why did it necessitate the police force to come into the chamber of parliament when their grace period was still on and the speaker had not come back, that is when you would have evicted them in my view....If the speaker had come back that is when they would have defied the speaker's orders." Mwesigwa said the speaker asked the suspended MPs to vacate the House three times and they started singing the national anthem non stop and the speaker ordered the sergeant at arms that by the time I come back the members who have been suspended must be evicted. "Where do you draw the line on the liberty and freedom of Ugandans to engage in politics of this country and political persecution of the opposition? Kakuru asked. Mwesigwa said much as citizens have rights but what is the most important is that their rights do not infringe on the rights of others. Kakuru asked him how police was able to know that by an MP moving another's constituency it would lead to violence. He asked him to cite the law from which he gave orders barring MPs from moving to other constituencies to consult on the age limit law. "How are we supposed to live? Do you have boundaries?" Kakuru asked. Mwesigwa said from those that they arrested for disrupting public order at the consultation rallies, it became clear to police that the suspects were not from those respective constituencies hence the police order banning the rallies altogether. RESPECTED POLICE Justice Owiny-Dollo told Mwesigwa that even with a bad law like the Public Order and Management Act (POMA), the police can still do good. He told him to draw examples from the framers of the very law, POMA who have already been caught up with it. "Even in a bad situation, you can still do good", Justice Owiny Dollo said. He added that the fact that police has to fire teargas to disperse a crowd shows that the police is not respected by the citizenry. Justice Owiny-Dollo said the country is looking forward to the day when a police commander would walk to a crowd and tell them to move another venue and the crowd adheres rather than police firing teargas to drive the point home. He said the reason the police is not respected; is more or less down to the way it operates. Mwesigwa said he'd taken notice of the judges' concerns and as police they will reflect. In many ways, Uganda is suffering from policy paralysis. At one stage, the regime of liberators who captured state power in 1986 promised to build an independent, integrated and self-sustaining economy. That dream was derailed as the Washington Consensus (World Bank, International Monetary Fund and US Treasury) provided unsuccessful antidote Structural Adjustment Programmes to Ugandas not-so-wracked economy. The state was advised to keep out of running business (public enterprises). President Yoweri Museveni became an automatic convert and disciple who preached nothing, during the 1980s through the 1990s, but privatization. The government sold public enterprises including those which were performing well. This rendered several people unemployed. Strangely, the new owners of these companies had no obligation to retain the employees! Yet this new wave of privatization was meant to improve the economy by creating more jobs. They could choose and hire those who fitted their job description. Privatization not only shut people out of jobs, but also strangled the industrialization path Uganda had charted since colonial days. In a report, Economic Development and Industrial Policy in Uganda, authored by Makerere University economist Ramadhan Ggoobi and sponsored by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Ugandas efforts to industrialize hit a snag when the state withdrew its active involvement. The Museveni-led government believed private investors would drive the industrial movement in Uganda. Industrialization cannot happen purely through market forces; it needs government intervention, the report reads. This argument is also buttressed by Dr Ha-Joon Chang, a political economist at the University of Cambridge, in his book, Kicking Away the Ladder: The Real History of Free Trade. Chang argues, in this book, there is no economic giant who has made pecuniary progress without state participation. Virtually, all of todays developed countries actively used interventionist trade and industrial policies aimed at promoting, not simply protecting, infant industries during their catch-up periods, Chang argues. Ggoobi attributes Ugandas reluctance to industrialize to the poor industrial polices. The policies are so weak and cannot be implemented. The policy planners seem to be working at cross purposes, he observes. The report says the current development strategy is uncoordinated, poorly communicated and poorly understood. Indeed, this is manifested in the investment choices the government makes. These choices are absurd. For instance, the government is deluded that if supported, Kiira Ev (the electronic vehicle) will create 2,000 direct and at least 12,000 indirect jobs! I doubt it. And for that reason, cabinet has approved the commercial production of this vehicle, and agreed to pump Shs 120 billion into the project. Kiira Ev is one of those scattered efforts. It is no surprise that with such uncoordinated direction of the industrial chart, the national industrial policy (NIP) has not met any of the set targets. For instance, it had been targeted that by now, manufacturing would be contributing 25 per cent to the gross domestic product (GDP). The contribution has remained at the abysmal seven per cent. It was also once hoped that Ugandas manufactured exports would hit the 30 per cent target. But this has stagnated at 4.2 per cent! The view that the industrialization movement can be driven by the market forces has proven to be wrong. According to Chang, the most important event in Britains industrial development, however, was the 1721 policy reform introduced by Robert Walpole, the first British prime minister, during the reign of George I (16601727). Prior to this, the British governments policies were, in general, aimed at capturing trade and generating government revenue. Even the promotion of woolen manufacturing was partly motivated by revenue considerations. In contrast, the policies introduced after 1721 were deliberately aimed at promoting manufacturing industries. Introducing the new law, Walpole stated, through the kings address to the parliament: it is evident that nothing so much contributes to promote the public well-being as the exportation of manufactured goods and the importation of foreign raw material. (List, 1885, p. 40). Whereas it makes economic sense sometimes to trim or close the loss-making enterprises, the report argues: It might be necessary to set up industries which will never be competitive, but which are needed to keep per capita incomes and employment rising, the report says. The businessman who is out to look for profits and balancing his books will certainly not be interested in maintaining a factory that is making losses. However, government is not out to make profits but to ensure there is production and people have some purchasing power. The antidote to Ugandas desperate situation is to infuse the regime with focused elites who are aggressive and reform-minded. We need to shed off the vampire-oriented technocrats. The author is business development director at The Observer Media Limited. Dear Government (whatever that means), I gladly welcome suggestions to introduce new taxes without cutting on any of the old. Kindly, help us and let every Ugandan realise you are committed to making sure no one carries a smile and that, like white ants, their silence wont save them from being eaten. Squeeze harder until our national anthem becomes wuuwi, wuuwiii. Ugandans deserve it; and what can they do, anyway? You removed term limits as they breathed cold fire, like castrated dogs. Didnt they go back to their houses, like Lira chicken climbing down a tree after a heavy downpour? When they alleged the 2016 elections were rigged and shouted themselves soar about starting to vote as late as 2pm in Kampala, what did they do? Didnt they eventually calm down, like a sorcerer after a spell of possession? Arent they waiting to vote again in 2021; sorry, 2023? When our dear president told them frankly that he is not their servant, all they could do was kick their social media walls in rage. When they tried to publically detest the utterance, they trembled like a thin dog easing itself in the wind. What seemed like was going to be the toughest was the removal of the age limit cap on presidency. I had never seen them fume like that before. They threatened it would only happen over their dead bodies. Perhaps their bodies are dead now, for it already passed! They likened it to rape, but all they did after was to try to repair the bed. When did the noise of a frog stop a cow from drinking water? They were only raging about removal of the age limit, and you challenged them by extending MPs terms, too. That is what the Baganda call throwing someone down and you bite them as well double jeopardy. All we saw afterwards was them coiling like orphaned puppies. With all the direct and indirect taxes they pay, when they go to Mulago hospital and get little or no help, what do they do? Dont the poor ones go back to their homes to die peacefully without the inconvenience of medicine? Of course, they know you are not responsible for their deaths; that is why in their eulogies they say it was Gods will. Those are the people you are dealing with. There is nothing to be scared of. So, anything that can increase our tax base to bring more money to your disposal is okay. I, therefore, suggest that we also consider taxing the following. It is said there are two things we cannot escape: death and taxes. However, you could have observed there are many people dying unnecessarily in our country. We could curb this by introducing a death tax. Families of the deceased should pay a certain amount before we allow them to proceed with burial call it a death fee. I also think the 32 years in which you have allowed them to breathe free oxygen is enough. We should calculate the average amount of air one breathes in every month and ask them to pay some monthly levy name it pay as you breathe. Even the rainwater you have permitted people to harvest at no cost, it is high time they paid per 20 litres. All rainwater tanks should be registered with URA, and be inspected every after a downpour to record the taxable amount of harvest. It is also obvious many of our people are failing to get to our lower middle-income status target because they spend a lot of time talking/chatting. Social media taxes could help on this, but I think they should be revised a little to be more effective. Social media users should be taxed in accordance with the number of words they post, selfies, tweets, re-tweets, and the number of comments they attract. Using wireless internet to access social media should be handled like any other form of tax evasion. There is a lot you need the money for, which every citizen should be able to understand. You know the number of ministers we have (perhaps among the biggest in Africa), the number of MPs, presidential advisors, local government officials, DISOs, GISOs, RDCs, etc. People should also understand facilitating MPs to consult and celebrate victory afterwards took a lot of money that must be replaced. Soon we may also need to facilitate them for the referendum on presidential term extension (one of the most urgent needs of the country). The handshake budget also needs to be boosted. Clearly, the needs are many. Oh, you could as well add secondary needs like roads, hospitals, and schools. As an environmentalist, I am also happy that cars older than eight years will no longer be allowed into the country. Critics who doubted your commitment to environmental protection are silenced now. Those old cars are responsible for destroying our wetlands and emitting volumes of carbon that end up in the heads of our leaders. Those who cant afford newer cars shouldnt mind, soon Kiira Motors will be producing affordable ones. Currently, a litre of petrol goes for around Shs 3,980. But we still experience traffic jam. Add a little tax to take it up to Shs 4,500 to test their response. If they remain calm and quiet, then that would be worrying. Are they alive? I propose at such a stage we use a jet to randomly pour cold water on them. Perhaps, then, they will respond. I am reminded of a certain primary school teacher of mine who would not stop caning you until you cried out in clear expression of intense pain. Flog us, Government, flog harder. jsssentongo@gmail.com The author heads the Centre for African Studies at Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. Mobile phones being smuggled into prisons is a worldwide problem, but Costa Rica may have recently became the first country where people are using trained cats to deliver cell phones into prisons. On Tuesday morning, the Costa Rican Ministry of Justice released a video of a cat intercepted while trying to make its way into La Reforma prison, in Alajuela. Footage shows the feline with a strange parcel strapped to its chest and tied around its neck. After struggling to remove the package from the animal, penitentiary staff cut it open and reveal that it contains a used mobile phone, as well as a charger, a replacement battery and earbuds. Photo: video screengrab The press office of the Costa Rican Ministry of Justice didnt specify where exactly the cat was caught, or how staff managed to spot its valuable cargo, but it did state that it was the second trained cat intercepted by prison guards in the last couple of weeks. But why would someone go through the trouble of training a cat to smuggle stuff into prison? Well, simply put, its safer than having human visitors do it and cheaper than bribing prison staff. A couple of years ago, guards at another Costa Rican prison captured a narco-pigeon carrying 14 grams of cocaine and 14 grams of marijuana for someone on the inside. Photo: Costa Rica Ministry of Justice Pigeons definitely have a higher chance of delivering their cargo, but they can only carry light loads. Cats, on the other hand, can apparently carry a full mobile phone kit with ease. And phones are a valuable commodity for inmates, helping them coordinate their criminal business from the inside, pressure witnesses and even performing phone and email scams. Costa Rica has been trying to ban cell phone reception in penitentiaries for years, but the proposed law has been stuck in constitutional arguments and legislative process since 2016. via La Prensa Libre As a child growing up in Japan, engineer Masaaki Nagumo always dreamed of climbing into his very own Mobile Suit Gundam mecha. As an adult, he finally made that dream a reality. Nagumo created the 28-foot-tall, 7-tonne-heavy LW-Mononofu robot as a project for his employer, industrial machinery maker Sakakibara Kikai, in Japans Gunma Prefecture. The metal colossus took six years to finish, and is probably the worlds largest anime-inspired robot that you can actually ride in and control. It can move its arms and fingers, turn its upper body, and walk forward and backward at a snail-like speed of 1km/hour. As any respectable mecha, it also has a weapon a metal gun that fires sponge balls at a speed of 87 mph. Photo: Sakakibara Kikai It is just a toy, 44-year-old Nagumo told the Asahi Shimbun. But I want people to experience the world of anime and exercise their imagination through it. I will be happy if many people enjoy the robot. Photo: Sakakibara Kikai The LW Mononofu can be powered by both a 200-volt AC electricity source and a 24-volt DC battery. Its cockpit features levers, pedals and buttons that the rider can use to control the movements of the robot, as well as monitors showing live footage shot by cameras installed at five points on its gigantic body. Photo: Sakakibara Kikai Masaaki Nagumo created the LW Mononofu all by himself, including the computer programs, the assembly and even the paintjob. It was a labour of love, though, so he doesnt regret a moment of the six years he spent working on it. Sakakibara Kikai has not disclosed how much it invested into the LW Mononofu, but is considering leasing it to event organizers and other interested parties, if certain conditions are met. That may be problematic due to one tiny detail the LW Mononofu cannot leave the hangar it was built in, because it is higher than the large door. It has to be dismantled to be taken out Sakakibara Kikai specializes in animal excrement processing machines for dairy farming and other types of farm machinery, but started developing anime-inspired robots in 2005, as a way to improve its employees skills and also promote its brand. The LW Mononofu is the companys largest creation yet. Sharp Communications, Inc., has been hired by 1stdibs, a marketplace for collectors and dealers of art objects, design, furnishings and fashion from more than 600 cities worldwide. Sharp Communications was selected to oversee all of 1stdibs PR programs in North America. 1stdibs has secured its spot as the leading luxury e-commerce site, and we look forward to leveraging our capabilities to drive publicity for the platform, said Sharp president Laura Mortensen. Zapwater Communications has been retained by Glenapp Castle, a luxury castle hotel in Ayrshire, Scotland, as its US PR firm for media relations, influencer engagement and strategic partnerships. A family-owned property, Glenapp is a Relais & Chateaux and Pride of Britain Hotel. In addition to Glenapp Castle, Zapwaters international hotel and resort client list currently includes Coco Prive Private Island, La Sultana Signature Hotels, Casa Kimberly (Puerto Vallarta). The S3 Agency has picked up Himalayan Natural Mineral Water. S3 will be tasked with raising brand awareness as Himalayan Natural Mineral Water enters the Chicago and Southern California markets, as well as being distributed nationwide via Amazon.com. The brand is being brought to the U.S. market in a partnership between Tata Waters and Talking Rain Beverage Company. We chose The S3 Agency because of their proven track record with the Tata family of brands in the United States, said Himalayan brand and activation manager Olivia Shjeflo. German firm mc Group is now the European PR agency for Turkish Airlines, the flag carrier airline of Turkey. mc will implement PR activities in 13 countries including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Ukraine and Russia, with the agencys Berlin office serving as regional hub. Utilizing sponsorships and social media activities, the campaign will aim to strengthen the airlines image as a sustainable and socially committed company. Turkish Airlines saw a 9.3 percent bump in passenger numbers for 2017, carrying 68.6 million passengers. White Good and HL Group have been selected to manage PR and marketing efforts for the National Kitchen & Bath Association. HL Group will implement a corporate positioning strategy, focused on thought leadership and building awareness of the organization. White Good will handle strategic marketing communications, with a focus on paid and earned media relations, trade-show and event support primarily for the design industry, and the organizations partnership and ambassador programs. NKBA executive VP of industry relations and chief strategy Suzie Williford says the goal of the efforts will be to help further the impact of the organizations core programs and initiative while establishing NKBAs voice beyond the kitchen and bath industry. Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher supports Germanys Knauf in its proxy fight with building products competitor USG Corp. of Chicago. Knauf, which has made a $5.9B bid for USG, is urging shareholders to vote against four USG director nominees at the May 9 annual meeting. USG, which relies on Sard Verbinnen & Co., said Knaufs bid is wholly inadequate, opportunistic and does not reflect the intrinsic value of the company. Knauf, which owns about 10 percent of USG, knocks it for failing to engage in serious negotiations or show substantive evidence to support its claim that the company is worth more than $42 per-share. The Germans have a key ally in their fight. Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway, owner of 31 percent of USG, plans to vote against the four directors up for election. Joele Frank, Ed Trissel and Annabelle Rinehart represent Knauf. SV&Cs Jim Barron and Pam Greene work the media for USG. #stocks-weekly Seoul stocks likely to face volatility next week: analysts South Korean stocks are likely to face volatility next week amid concerns about energy shortages in China, as well as lingering uncertainties over the bond yield rates in the Unite... #lawmaker resignation offer Scandal-tainted lawmaker offers to resign from National Assembly Rep. Kwak Sang-do, an independent lawmaker who defected from the main opposition People Power Party (PPP) a week ago, offered to resign from his parliamentary seat on Saturday amid... A Beaverton School District deputy superintendent who retweeted a claim that undocumented immigrants "were more dangerous than assault rifles" and should be banned from the U.S. resigned Tuesday. Steve Phillips' resignation came a day after the school district apologized for the official sharing the post and denounced the tweet. A petition was also started calling for Phillips to be fired. Phillips was one of two district deputy superintendents. He was hired in 2016 after serving as the superintendent of the Malheur Education Services District. His annual salary is $171,148. He has issued no public statement on the matter. A message left at number listed under Phillips' name was not immediately returned Tuesday. In a statement Tuesday, Superintendent Don Grotting said the district is "committed to restoring trust in our community." Phillips' tweets came to light last week after he shared a March 25 tweet by Mary Ann Mendoza, the mother of an Arizona police sergeant who was killed in a 2014 head-on crash with an intoxicated wrong-way driver. The wrong-way driver was an undocumented Latino man, who also died in the crash. Maureen Wheeler, a district spokeswoman, said Monday that district officials had since spoken with Phillips about the retweet, that he "realizes his mistake," but that there were no plans to publicly discuss what steps were being taken to address the issue with him. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey By Stephen Phillips | For The Oregonian/OregonLive We live in Portland with a symbol of nature's destructive power: Mount St. Helens, decapitated by the 1980 eruption that took 57 lives and cast a pall over the Pacific Northwest and beyond. But, for all its devastation, this is dwarfed by the catastrophes Lucy Jones chronicles in "The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us (and What We Can Do About Them)" (Doubleday, 256 pages, $26.95). Those events leveled cities, wiped out communities and killed hundreds of thousands. The convulsions that caused them are more common than you'd suppose and in our urban, interconnected world we're more vulnerable than ever. Magnitude 7 earthquakes typically rattle the Earth at least monthly. These tremblors occur mostly undersea or in uninhabited areas. But closer to home, the results can be calamitous, laying out cities. Far from being aberrations, "natural hazards are part and parcel of the systems that make life possible ...," writes Jones. "The distribution of heat through the atmosphere that coalesces into storms is the same movement necessary to bring water out of the oceans, to rain upon land. A planet without earthquakes would be one without mountains and valleys with which to trap clouds, or faults to trap groundwater and bring it to the surface in springs." Moreover, millions of us choose to live in the wake of nature's destruction and path of its recurrence. Jones assails our conceit in looking askance at the folly of Pompeiians, residing next to Vesuvius: "[W]hy build a city ... where the danger is so great? For the same reason that Seattle lies in the shadow of Mount Rainier, Tokyo looks up to Mount Fuji, and Jakarta is encircled by five active volcanoes, including Krakatau: when they aren't erupting, volcanoes make great homes. Volcanic soils are porous with good drainage and lots of fresh nutrients, producing fertile crops. Deformation of the rocks around a volcano often creates good natural harbors and defensible valleys." "Most cities have the potential for a Big One in their future," writes Jones. "Those harbors, fertile fields, and rivers that make everyday life viable are there because of natural processes that can produce disasters." We can include Portland in this number - St. Helens is the same type of explosive volcano as Vesuvius, Jones notes. And this is not to mention our earthquake risk. It's not a matter of if a big one strikes a major city but when, and on the seismically active West Coast we're past due. Herein lies the problem: While violent natural events have occurred throughout geological time, they're not predictable over human lifespans. And randomness is a slippery concept for us, Jones writes. That's why ancient societies ascribed natural disasters to capricious deities or, with the advent of Judeo-Christianity, human agency-immoral conduct. In Asia, parallel traditions held that natural disasters arose from "celestial disharmony." Their occurrence was considered a reproach to a status quo either mired in sin or out of kilter. Science has supplanted the cosmologies these beliefs sprang from, but the ability to predict earthquakes, at least, with any actionable precision has proved elusive. Accordingly, scientists struggle to inject urgency into efforts to earthquake-proof cities or otherwise prepare us. "The Big Ones" is Jones' attempt to jolt us from this collective denial by redressing our amnesia about nature's disruptiveness. There's a good chance you've never heard of the 1783-84 Laki volcanic eruption in Iceland but it clogged the atmosphere with noxious vapors that left a million-plus dead worldwide. Similarly obscure: the 45-day deluge that inundated California in 1861-62, producing a "lake" up to 300 miles lengthwise and as many as 60 miles across in the Central Valley. A 1976 earthquake in Tangshan, China, killed 242,000. Jones is an ideal guide for this fascinating tour. There can be few seismologists with a B.A. in Chinese language and literature besides a Ph.D. in geophysics. She toggles between explanations of the distinctions between a vertical fault, a la the San Andreas, and subhorizontal fault, per subduction zones like our own, and discussions of Maoist politics and Icelandic society. The old cosmologies were onto something after all, suggests Jones. "Suffering from natural disasters can be seen as a consequence of human choice," she writes. "But it is visited upon us for our failure to build sufficiently strong buildings, to adequately maintain our water pipes - at a time when science and experience allow us to know better." *** Lucy Jones When: 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 25 Where: Powell's Books at Cedar Hills Crossing, 3415 S.W. Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton Admission: Free A weekly collection of new hires, transitions, promotions and award winners in Oregon and southwest Washington: MOVES/HIRES: The board of directors for Legacy Health, the Portland-Vancouver area and mid-Willamette Valley nonprofit health system, has unanimously chosen Kathryn Correia for its next president and chief executive officer effective late June 2018. Correia will succeed George Brown, M.D who has served since 2008. Correia served as CEO of HealthEast, a health system serving the east-metro area of Minneapolis, Minn., until 2017 when she led the organization's merger with Fairview Health Services creating the largest health system in Minnesota. After twelve years with The Historic Trust, (formerly known as Fort Vancouver National Trust) Mike True is leaving his position as president and CEO to work for the Murdock Trust as CFO. The board of the Historic Trust has appointed a search committee to lead its efforts in hiring a new president. Oregon Ballet Theater has announced two new hires: Camille Spaccavento has been named the OBT marketing director, and Gregory Smith has been named the development director. Spaccavento, expected to join the company in May, has more than 25 years of marketing experience in the performing arts arena with organizations including the New York City Ballet and the New York City Opera. Smith, who will join OBT in April, has more than 30 years of nonprofit arts fundraising and leadership experience. Funk/Levis & Associates, a marketing firm in Eugene, has announced the hiring of Jesse Summers as an account assistant and junior copywriter. Summers earned his bachelor's degrees in advertising and journalism from the University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. Sarah Brolsma Whitfield has also joined Funk/Levis & Associates' marketing team as a digital marketing manager. ARA, a Newmark Company announces the addition of Lydia Thompson as senior managing director, responsible for originating and managing multifamily investment sales across the region. Thompson will be based in Portland. She brings more 23 years of industry experience in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Southern California. The Oregon Manufacturing Innovation Center continues to grow its company membership with the addition of California-based CG Tech, and the Oregon-based manufacturer, Summit. Summit is located in Hillsboro, and designs steel-based products for industrial use. OMICR now includes 15 manufacturing industry partners and three Oregon public universities. JE Dunn Construction has hired Mel Jones as a senior diversity and inclusion manager. Based out of the company's Portland office, Jones will lead initiatives throughout JE Dunn's west region. Jones brings more than 25 years of experience in construction. Umpqua Bank has promoted Tory Nixon to senior executive vice president and chief banking officer. Paul Holden, Marc Fovinci and Bill Jones have joined the Good Samaritan Foundation board of trustees. Holden is a senior manager with Moss Adams, Fovinci is a CFA, a principal and portfolio manager at Ferguson Wellman Capital Management Jones is a retired teacher who worked for the Hillsboro School District. AWARDS: Dr. I. Howard Fine, a Eugene-based ophthalmologist, is being inducted into ASCRS Ophthalmology Hall of Fame the highest honor in his field and often awarded posthumously. Dr. Fine has traveled, taught, and built clinics in third-world countries. At age 82 Dr. Fine sees patient's in the Eugene clinic every Wednesday morning. Have a new hire, promotion or business award to share? Email us at business@oregonian.com, and put Attention: Business Movers in the subject line. In 2013, Portland officials anticipated the day when they'd celebrate the opening of a Trader Joe's on a prominent corner in Northeast Portland. After the proposal famously became a gentrification flashpoint and the local disagreement made national news, Trader Joe's pulled out. Despite the outcry and the harsh national attention it drew, the project moved forward with only minor changes in the end. On Wednesday, a Natural Grocers store opens on the site at 5055 N.E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. instead. But some of those involved say the unexpectedly intense controversy marked at least something of a turning point, though it remains to be seen whether the city will follow through on some of the promises made in its wake. "The city is realizing that it must treat North and Northeast Portland similar to how it would treat another neighborhood in the city," said Maxine Fitzpatrick, the longtime director of the housing nonprofit Portland Community Reinvestment Initiatives Inc. "It has to seek community voices." The Trader Joe's proposal became public in 2013, when the Portland Development Commission voted to sell a nearly 2-acre site at Northeast Martin Luther King Boulevard and Alberta Street to Majestic Realty Co. of California for just over half a million dollars $2.4 million less than the site's appraised value. A few weeks later, the previously little-known nonprofit Portland African American Leadership Forum released an open letter accusing the development commission of promoting gentrification while doing nothing to mitigate the displacement of black and low-income residents. Black residents made up nearly three-quarters of the neighborhood's population in 1990, but that share fell as housing costs rose, and today the neighborhood is majority-white. The letter demanded more community outreach on the deal, which had been reached in private and the anchor tenant of which Trader Joe's was not announced until the day the commission approved the sale. The nonprofit also sought an affordable housing component on the site, saying the specialty grocery store would only raise housing costs. The city defended its decision as an effort to address a "food desert" not served by many grocery stores in an area with a relatively high poverty rate. Officials said at the time that a housing development wouldn't be feasible on the site. The blowup did cause the city to publicly acknowledge its role in promoting gentrification that caused the displacement of black residents, and the Portland Development Commission since launched an effort to change its image. The agency began calling itself Prosper Portland last year, in part an effort to move past the agency's history of supporting development that pushed out minority communities and low-income residents. Kimberly Branam, who took over as the agency's executive director in 2016, said the agency would also devote $32 million in urban renewal funds toward economic opportunities for black residents and others who hadn't benefitted from the city's previous investments in the area. That funding, she said, was a direct result of community activism that grew out of the grocery store site. "More broadly, it also taught us as an organization about how we need to engage with our community partners," Branam said. "We need to really define and be explicit about and commit to the community benefits." At the grocery store site, the agency is also reserving half of the retail storefronts for local businesses whose rents will be subsidized. Natural Grocers has committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community, as well as making community space available at no cost. The city also devoted $20 million toward affordable housing in neighborhoods nearby, and the city held a series of public forums to develop a five-year plan for investing the funds, which were intended to help residents with generational ties to north and northeast Portland neighborhoods. But a report issued this month found that funds intended to promote homeownership had reached far fewer families than intended, in part because home prices had climbed too high. Applications for subsidized apartments, meanwhile, far outpaced the number of units available. Cyreena Boston Ashby, the former executive director of the Portland African American Leadership Forum, said it's too soon to tell whether Prosper Portland had changed for the better as a result of the controversy. (The nonprofit's current leaders could not be reached.) Ashby said there was still no mechanism for the public to hold the agency to account for the impact of its work. "You can't say that you want a city to be prosperous but not manage the unintended consequences," she said. -- Elliot Njus enjus@oregonian.com 503-294-5034 @enjus Credit clean-energy skeptic Donald Trump with rescuing a Hillsboro solar energy factory. SolarWorld sold its facility Wednesday to a California rival, SunPower, which said it made the deal to get around tariffs the president imposed this winter on imported solar panels. "The catalyst for this was the solar tariffs and the direction the current administration was going in terms of domestic solar manufacturing," SunPower chief executive Tom Werner said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive. Though based in California, SunPower makes its solar panels in the Philippines and Malaysia, and it had lobbied against new tariffs SolarWorld sought on imported solar products. With Wednesday's deal, SunPower now has a domestic manufacturing source that won't be subject to those tariffs. SunPower will move some of its advanced production to Hillsboro, which will make production there more competitive, he said. And legacy production will continue, too, he said. SolarWorld laid off 360 Hillsboro employees last summer after its parent company in Germany declared itself insolvent. The future of 350 remaining jobs had been uncertain while SolarWorld marketed itself to prospective buyers. Wednesday's deal appears to rescue those workers and create the possibility of significant expansion. "It's operating at roughly a 50 percent capacity, so the upside is obvious," Werner said. "Time will tell." SolarWorld and SunPower did not report terms of Wednesday's deal. SunPower reported $1.8 billion in revenue last year, down from $2.6 billion the year before, and a loss of $1.1 billion. It is a subsidiary of French energy giant Total S.A. SunPower shares jumped 11.8 percent Wednesday, joining other solar stocks in a sharp climb based on market expectations of increased solar demand from China and an improved pricing environment. SolarWorld had recently filed comments with U.S. trade regulators suggesting SunPower should be exempt from the tariffs. That reflected SunPower's status as an American company, Werner said, and the pending deal for the Hillsboro site. "They clearly knew this was in the works," he said. Energy industry analyst Ben Kallo, who follows SunPower for the investment firm Baird, said it's still uncertain that the company will get that exemption. So he said it makes sense for SunPower to begin domestic manufacturing, though he said it's not clear that the company can make U.S. production profitable. "The acquisition gives SPWR a toe-hold in the United States and could hedge against the risk the company does not receive an exemption from tariffs," Kallo wrote in a note to clients. SolarWorld spent $440 million to overhaul its 480,000-square-foot Hillsboro factory, built in the 1990s by Japanese electronics manufacturer Komatsu. Komatsu was hit by an industry downturn during construction, though, and never opened the factory. It sat idle for years. Oregon offered SolarWorld tax credits and property tax breaks worth roughly $100 million and made the company a centerpiece of a short-lived strategy to turn the state into a hub for clean technology. And while clean energy boomed in the decade since SolarWorld opened in 2008, the company struggled amid a continued decline in domestic manufacturing and falling solar prices, driven down by a flood of imports. Trump has derided the widely accepted science underpinning climate change. He imposed the tariffs in January at the behest of SolarWorld and another bankrupt American solar manufacturer, both of which argued that Chinese manufacturers were undercutting U.S. producers by dumping solar panels on the domestic market. While Trump's solar tariffs alarmed some in the environmental community, others, including former Vice President Al Gore, defended the decision. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, had long advocated for tariffs to protect domestic solar manufacturers. Wyden tweeted Wednesday that he had a brief conversation with SolarWorld about the sale. He wrote, "I'm cautiously hopeful this sale will be good news for Hillsboro and all of Washington County." SolarWorld lobbied heavily for the new tariffs, arguing that Chinese manufacturers had demolished its business by dumping low-priced solar panels on the American market. Solar installers lobbied against them, warning that tariffs would raise the cost of solar panels and cost the industry thousands of installation jobs. The tariffs announced in January start at 30 percent in the first year, well below the 50 percent level SolarWorld and another bankrupt American manufacturer had sought. But they were apparently enough to fuel SunPower's interest in domestic production and salvage hundreds of Hillsboro factory jobs. "We're thrilled," said SolarWorld spokesman Ben Santarris. -- Mike Rogoway; twitter: @rogoway; 503-294-7699 A veteran Clackamas County sheriff's deputy who refused to participate in an off-color calendar shoot for a co-worker faced two internal affairs investigations after the scandal broke and said he retired because of retaliation. Joel Manley, 51, also alleges that his mostly male co-workers at the county courthouse fostered a "boy's club" atmosphere and ignored important policies, including how to handle drugs that people have in their pockets when they come to do court business. Manley said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive that fellow deputies and his supervisor made work miserable after he turned down the calendar shoot last fall. The photos showed Sheriff's Office employees in various stages of undress. "I kept telling them over and over that is a bad idea," Manley said. "There were a couple of people who were in the calendar who didn't want to but succumbed to the peer pressure." He said one deputy told him he'd covered security cameras in the courthouse with sticky notes to hide cops' poses. Manley, a Sheriff's Office employee for 19 years, also detailed his allegations in a notice he filed with county officials telling them that he plans to sue for harassment and retaliation. Some of Manley's claims echo those of a whistleblowing sergeant who also is suing the agency. In his $1.6 million lawsuit, Sgt. Matt Swanson claims commanders retaliated against him after he tried to initiate an internal affairs investigation into a detective who was ignoring sex abuse cases. Manley said his work environment became so difficult that he retired last month. He said deputies who posed for the calendars were supposed to undergo "command counseling" with the chief deputy, Chris Hoy. Their boss, Dave O'Shaughnessy, was placed on leave for his role and returned to work last month. O'Shaughnessy leads the Civil Division, which oversees security at the courthouse. After details of the photo shoot were reported by The Oregonian/OregonLive, Manley said he was accused of leaking information and became the subject of an internal affairs inquiry. The inquiry found no evidence of wrongdoing, according to a letter Manley received from the Sheriff's Office. The stigma lingered, however, and he said he was increasingly isolated at work. He claims Sgt. Corey Smith, his supervisor, at one point called him a "coward" because he wouldn't participate and a coworker called him a "rat." Smith didn't respond to an email seeking comment. Manley said Smith then filed a separate internal affairs complaint against him in February, alleging that Manley had made a copy of a piece of mail sent to another deputy. The mail was an anonymous complaint about an incident involving members of the agency's tactical team. The complaint said junior members were pressured to wear offensive T-shirts during the last night of training at Camp Rilea last fall. Someone had sent it to about a dozen people in the Sheriff's Office. Manley said he routinely distributed correspondence coming into the courthouse and said he made a copy of the letter for a commander and sent another one through interoffice mail to the sheriff. Later in February, Manley said he came into work to find the insert to a bulletproof vest in his mail slot, which he interpreted as a threat to his personal safety. That prompted him to retire five years earlier than he'd planned, he said. Manley also decided to let county officials know about other issues at the courthouse. In his lawsuit notice to the county, he detailed two concerns in particular: -- On multiple occasions, Manley said he told Smith that deputies and security staff violated policy when they discarded illegal drugs that people often have in their pockets or purses when they come into the courthouse. He said deputies routinely ignored agency policy requiring them to log drugs and take them to the property room. Manley cited an example in February when deputies stopped a man with a heroin-filled syringe. The man fled, leaving his female companion and two young boys at the security gate. A deputy tossed the syringe into a medical waste container and the woman and children left without follow-up, Manley said. He said the deputy didn't alert state child welfare workers as required. -- Last summer, Manley said he overheard a deputy asking supervisors to place him in a courtroom with a combative defendant with the goal of beating him. Court and police records show an altercation occurred in the courtroom later between the deputy and the defendant, Ronald Strasser, that resulted in Strasser's arrest for resisting arrest. "They staged the environment so they would have the opportunity to use force against him, knowing that he is a difficult person to deal with," Manley said. Sheriff Craig Roberts said Manley's allegations relate to pending internal affairs investigations and he couldn't comment. "We will conduct a thorough investigation looking into all of these allegations and we will take appropriate action when completed," Roberts said in an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive. Sitting in his lawyer's office in Sherwood, Manley produced his latest evaluation, dated last September. In it, Smith calls Manley a leader and praises his "outstanding relationships" with local residents, saying he "is well respected by all." Manley also shared a copy of a letter dated March 23 from a Clackamas County fire chief, who praised Manley's "high level of commitment, teamwork and composure in a very stressful environment" after the deputy responded to a medical call. "I am not a disgruntled employee," Manley said. "I actually loved working for the Sheriff's Office." -- Noelle Crombie 503-276-7184 @noellecrombie By EUGENE ROBINSON WASHINGTON -- Keep calm and raise hell. The forces of truth and justice may be closing in on President Trump, but there is no reason to believe they can triumph without massive displays of outrage in the streets and at the polls. Potentially the most serious threat Trump has ever faced came last week when FBI agents raided the office, home and hotel room of his longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen. By all accounts, Cohen's role for the president and the Trump Organization has been that of a "fixer" who brings in deals and makes problems go away. As everyone knows by now, Cohen "facilitated" payment of $130,000 to porn star Stormy Daniels to buy her silence about the sexual tryst she says she had with Trump. And according to a lawsuit filed by former Playboy model Karen McDougal, Cohen was involved behind the scenes in cementing a $150,000 agreement that squelched her story of a 10-month affair she says she had with Trump. But the president's sex life may be the least of his worries on the Cohen front. For more than a decade, Cohen was in a better position than anyone -- arguably, even Trump's children Ivanka, Donald Jr. and Eric, who also worked in the family firm -- to know the intimate details of Trump's business dealings. Was the Trump Organization buoyed by an influx of Russian money, as Donald Jr. once claimed? Were there Russian contacts that have not yet been disclosed? Did Trump or his campaign collude with Russians to meddle in the election? In its real estate sales, did Trump's firm take the required precautions against money laundering by shady characters? Did Trump's swashbuckling business style, of which he so often boasts, ever cross the line into illegality? Cohen can likely provide answers. If necessary, FBI agents may refresh his memory with the audio recordings they allegedly seized of Cohen's phone conversations. "Attorney-client privilege is dead!" Trump tweeted after learning of the raid. "A TOTAL WITCH HUNT!!!" Touchy, touchy. On the rare occasions when federal authorities raid an attorney's office, they must go through elaborate and rigorous procedures. A judge has to approve the search warrant, which requires a showing that evidence of specific crimes will likely be found. Documents seized are examined by a special "taint team" of prosecutors who have had no previous involvement in the case and whose only role is to redact materials covered by attorney-client privilege before passing the rest to the principal investigators. The Cohen raid was authorized not by special counsel Robert Mueller but by the office of the U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York. None of this is good news for Cohen -- or for Trump. The other development that reportedly has the president in a rage is the scathing verdict on his character delivered by former FBI director Jim Comey in a newly published book and an interview with ABC News. All right, Comey does come off as something of a sanctimonious tool. But his book's account of Trump's repeated demands for a pledge of personal loyalty and wholly inappropriate attempts to interfere in the Russia investigation ring true. In the ABC interview, Comey charged that Trump was "morally unfit to be president." Comey compared Trump to a mafia boss -- "It's the family, the family, the family, the family" -- and said there is "some evidence" that the president committed obstruction of justice. Asked by George Stephanopoulos whether he believes the Russians "have something" on Trump, Comey replied, "I think it's possible." For those of us who agree with Comey's judgments about the president and welcome the vise-like pressure on Cohen, all of this is emotionally satisfying. But so what? The White House asserted last week that Trump has the power to fire Mueller, and clearly he would love to do so. Trump could also seek to neuter Mueller's probe by firing his supervisor, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and installing someone more pliant. If Trump took either of these actions, would Congress stand up to him? Not this Congress. Not unless millions protested across the nation to demand action. Massive demonstrations might work -- but also might not. The only sure way of guaranteeing that this aberrant administration is investigated, held accountable and properly restrained is to put Democrats in control of one or both houses of Congress. A new Washington Post poll shows that the Democratic edge over Republicans ahead of the midterm election has narrowed. Instead, it needs to grow. Only you and I can stop Trump. It's all about November. -- Eugene Robinson's email address is eugenerobinson@washpost.com. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group SALEM The trial for suspended Oregon judge Vance Day, who rose to national prominence after refusing to marry gay couples and was later indicted on separate criminal charges, has been postponed. Marion County Circuit Judge Julie Frantz on Monday granted a motion to move the trial from Day's home county, where he faces charges of giving guns to a felon. The ruling, made by Frantz from the bench, was announced in a news release by a spokesman for the Oregon Judicial Department. Day's attorneys requested the change citing concerns over fairness after media coverage of Day's case and his marriage stance. Prosecutors had resisted the motion, writing in court documents that Day had actively sought media attention, including in an appearance on a talk show, hosted by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and via more than $500,000 in direct mail advertising in 2017. Frantz had said she would wait to rule so she could gauge bias in the jury pool, according to a Statesman-Journal report. Day's attorneys could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Day was appointed to the Marion County Bench in 2011 and elected to a full six-year term in November 2012. The criminal case against Day follows earlier ethics charges, for which Day received a three-year suspension, the longest ever handed out by the state's high court. Day first garnered media attention for instructing his staff not to schedule any marriages for gay couples after the ceremonies were legalized in 2014. Shortly afterward he stopped performing marriage services for any couple, regardless of their sexuality. Day's criminal charges stem from a separate pair of incidents in late 2013 and early 2014, when Day allegedly allowed a felon to handle a gun. The felon was a veteran on probation through a special court where Day was a judge. According to the Oregon Commission on Judicial Fitness and Disability, Day had singled out the veteran outside the courtroom, invited him to a wedding, and twice allowed him to handle a gun. The commission and the state Supreme Court later examined whether Day had broken ethics rules during and after the gun incidents, and in his treatment of gay couples, as well as in other incidents. In March, the Supreme Court ruled that he had, and ordered Day suspended for three years for ethics violations, the longest such suspension in its history. The court singled out lies by Day to ethics investigators, questioned his fitness to serve as a judge, and said Day's short-lived same-sex marriage refusal was minor in comparison. But in an appearance on Huckabee's show before the start of his trial, Vance said the investigation of the gun incidents amounted to an attempt to "smear" him for his stance on gay marriage. Day faces two charges for each gun incident one each of official misconduct and aiding a felon in obtaining a firearm. In court documents, prosecutors said Day had spread claims he could face up to 12 years in prison, but in fact faces only probation if found guilty of the felonies, and a maximum of one year each for the misdemeanors. Neither a new date nor a new location for the trial has been set. -- The Associated Press UPDATED 10 p.m. A 27-year-old man with several warrants out for his arrest was taken into custody by police Wednesday after a search that prompted a pair of Northeast Portland school lockouts, police said Wednesday. Gabriel J. Sandoval Gabriel J. Sandoval was wanted on suspicion of robbery, burglary, hit and run and gun possession, according to Portland police. He fled officers and barricaded himself in an apartment at 5205 N.E. Killingsworth St. before being arrested, police said. Authorities suspected he had a firearm. Students from Albina Head Start and Trinity Lutheran School, which were placed on lockdown, have connected with their families, according to police. Members of the Portland Police Bureau's Special Emergency Reaction Team and Crisis Negotiation Team worked for over four hours to apprehend the suspect, police said in a news release. The search unfolded after officers responded to the 5500 block of Northeast 55th Avenue late Wednesday morning to do a welfare check at a home. Police showed up and tried to contact occupants of the home, and the suspect ran away, police said. No one inside the home was injured. Jim Ryan A 58-year-old man who stomped on the face of a homeless musician in downtown Portland was sentenced Tuesday to 7 years and four months in prison. Matthew Lee Owen, a troubled Army veteran with a history of mental health problems, was found guilty of second-degree assault during a jury trial in January. The attack happened about 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 26 near Southwest Fourth Avenue and Washington Street. Matthew Lee Owen (MCSO) The woman, Lori DeTie, had been playing her guitar along the sidewalk, and when she made a mistake in a song, Owen called her a rude name, according to trial testimony. DeTie then wagged her finger at Owen and told him not to use such language, according to the Multnomah County District Attorneys Office. Owen responded by grabbing her arm, throwing her on the ground and repeatedly stomping his hiking boot into DeTies face while she lay on the pavement, according to the prosecution. Bystanders distracted Owen so DeTie could escape, said Deputy District Attorney Todd Jackson. In addition to broken facial bones, DeTie suffered damage to her teeth and a partially detached lower lip and had to undergo surgery. Multnomah County Circuit Judge Leslie Roberts handed down Owen's prison term of more than seven years. Oregon sentencing guidelines called for a minimum 5 years and 10 months in prison. Owen has a history of erratic behavior. Four months before stomping on DeTie, Owen was sentenced for tossing chunks of asphalt off the Departure Lounge deck atop The Nines hotel in downtown Portland. That forced the closure of the sidewalk and street below to pedestrians, cars and MAX traffic. The prosecution said Owen also called some women at the bar insulting names, threatened employees with a knife and tossed over tables. In that case, he was sentenced to 150 days in jail and Veterans Court, a special program designed to connect former members of the service with mental health counseling, drug and alcohol treatment and housing options. -- Aimee Green WASHINGTON -- The Internal Revenue Service announced late Tuesday that it will let taxpayers submit tax returns without penalty through Wednesday, after a long day of technical problems that fueled confusion about what is already one of Americans' most frustrating interactions with their government. A computer glitch at the IRS knocked offline the agency's ability to process many tax returns filed electronically, a stunning breakdown that left agency officials flummoxed and millions of Americans baffled. Senior government officials were at a loss to explain what happened, even as close to 5 million Americans were expected to try to file their taxes before the midnight deadline. IRS officials did not specify exactly what went wrong, saying only that they would undertake a "hard reboot" of their systems. By late Tuesday, the IRS said its systems were back online, and taxpayers could proceed to file returns through the end of Wednesday. Taxes had been due on Tuesday, April 17. (That was two days later than the usual tax-due date, April 15, which fell on a Sunday. Monday was Emancipation Day in the District of Columbia.) "This is the busiest tax day of the year, and the IRS apologizes for the inconvenience this system issue caused for taxpayers," said the agency's acting commissioner, David Kautter. The embarrassing episode recalled other high profile government technology breakdowns, such as the challenging launch of the Affordable Care Act marketplaces, and raised fresh questions about whether the IRS, which has long complained of antiquated computer systems, is prepared for the massive overhaul that is required by last year's sweeping tax cut law. Each year, millions of Americans are required to file tax returns by mid-April for money they earned the prior year. The process can be a financially and administratively painful one, but the IRS is supposed to have sophisticated computer systems that can process millions of last-minute filers. That process faltered between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Tuesday. It wasn't immediately clear how many people were affected or could still take advantage of the one-day delay in the filing deadline - but IRS officials said taxpayers wouldn't have to do anything special to take advantage of the postponement. Many filers who use online tax preparation software like TurboTax or H & R Block or pay their taxes directly to the IRS online were affected. The vast majority of tax preparers, such as accountants, are required to file taxes electrically. The IRS is often at the center of political fights in Washington, with Democrats calling for more funding so the agency can do its job while Republicans had for years worked to pare it back before agreeing to fund the agency at higher levels earlier this year. The IRS has faced steady budget cuts for nearly a decade, with its staff size falling by about 18,000 employees from 2010 to 2017 and a recent report showing it can answer only about 60 percent of calls from tax filers. The IRS is working to implement changes from a sprawling overhaul of the tax code that Republicans passed in December. The agency has been working with businesses to make sure they are withholding the correct amount from workers' paychecks, as well as rolling out online tools that workers can use to ensure their employers calculations are correct. "The IRS is highly vulnerable to IT breakdowns and cyberattacks," said Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union, a nonpartisan group that has pushed for changes to the IRS. Members of Congress also expressed frustration with the agency's performance. "Unfortunately, it's another example where they're not capable of dealing with the volume," said Sen Rob Portman, R-Ohio, who has called for reforms at the IRS partly because of the agency's technological shortcomings. "This is game-day for the IRS, and it seems the IRS can't get out of the locker room," said Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., noted the agency's budget has been repeatedly cut in recent years, which he said he believes could have contributed to the problems. "While we don't yet know what has caused this systems failure, the lack of Republican funding for the IRS to serve taxpayers will only compound the issue. Americans should not be punished for being unable to file their tax returns or pay their tax bills today," said Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, which oversees the IRS. IRS officials were caught surprised by the breakdown Tuesday morning. "On my way over here this morning, I was told a number of systems are down at the moment," Kautter told lawmakers at an oversight hearing Tuesday morning. "We are working to resolve the issue and taxpayers should continue to file as they normally would." "If we can't solve it today, we'll figure out a solution," Kautter said. "Taxpayers would not be penalized because of a technical problem the IRS is having." Tuesday's outage caught at least one White House official off guard. Larry Kudlow, President Donald Trump's top economic adviser, appeared not to know about the problems when asked about them shortly after noon on Tuesday. "The IRS is crashing?" he said, repeating a reporter's question. "It sounds horrible. It sounds really bad. Hope it gets fixed." A spokeswoman for Intuit, the company that owns the TurboTax software, said Tuesday before the delay was announced that taxpayers should continue as normal. "Taxpayers should go ahead and continue to prepare and file their taxes as normal with TurboTax," said spokeswoman Ashley McMahon. "TurboTax has uninterrupted service and is available and accepting e-filed returns. We will hold returns until the IRS is ready to begin accepting them again." The IRS has more than 60 different IT systems for managing the cases of individual taxpayers, according to a report submitted to Congress by an internal IRS watchdog. Many of them have not been updated in decades, and two of them are nearly six decades old - the oldest anywhere in the entire federal government, the report said. In testimony last October, two senior IRS officials warned the agency's systems were at high-risk. "We are concerned that the potential for a catastrophic system failure is increasing as our infrastructure continues to age. Thus, replacing this aging IT infrastructure is a high priority for the IRS," wrote Jeffrey Tribiano, deputy commissioner for operations support, and Silvana Gina Garza, chief information officer, in prepared testimony. For several hours Tuesday, an erroneous page linked to in the IRS' online payment section described a "Planned Outage: April 17, 2018 - December 31, 9999." In his testimony before Congress Tuesday, Kautter said the IRS had prioritized the core filing system in its technology spending. While Republicans had previously favored scaling back the IRS, the party supported more recently efforts to better support the agency. Congress approved $320 million in short-term funding to help the agency implement the new tax law as part of the massive budget deal it passed in March, but many lawmakers say more funding is needed. The House is scheduled to vote this week on a bipartisan bill making major changes to the agency, including by beefing up free tax advisory programs for the poor and by giving taxpayers several new rights and protections. -- Jeff Stein, Damian Paletta, Mike DeBonis America's Coolest Grandpa, Senator Bernie Sanders, is alive and tweeting, and thank goodness he is. In an appeal to Americans both young and old, literally, the Bern showed his support for something Cardi B said in a recent GQ profile, and it gave us pause. Receipts: What he's referring to, if you are lost, is when Cardi talked politics pretty openly with GQ's Caity Weaver which, don't act shook, she does regularly and is right on the money (not to mention that her mere existence is political, but that's a thinkpiece for another time). Anyway, the quote in question was her sounding off about her love for Franklin Delano Roosevelt, our 32nd President. She also knows the order of the presidents by heart. How many of you can do the same? I'll wait. Cardi says: "First of all, he helped us get over the Depression, all while he was in a wheelchair. Like, this man was suffering from polio at the time of his presidency, and yet all he was worried about was trying to make America greatmake America great again for real. He's the real 'Make America Great Again,' because if it wasn't for him, old people wouldn't even get Social Security." She's not wrong, and neither is Bernie for noticing, but this also has "social media manager who is likely a millennial" written all over it. No shade, though! Gotta keep the young'uns engaged somehow! Below, relive Cardi's very real concerns about what the fuck the government is doing with her money: Image via Getty When approaching the hair products aisle, promises come thick and fast: sleek and straight, frizz-free fun, bouncy curls and long, luscious locks all type of buzzwords that lead you to believe the contents in the bottle will tame and tussle to your specifications. But it's never that specific, is it? Related | At First Blush with Marc Jacobs Beauty Those who are unfamiliar with the chemicals that make up your everyday shampoo and conditioner won't be able to spot red flags, nor will people of different ethnicities likely find their hair perfectly catered to by one solution. Instead, we settle. For some that might mean buying a $90 French product set because our fancy hairdresser (who intimidates us) told us to, while others might buy the most cost-effective item from a brand we recognize with a "no palm oil" guarantee. Regardless, we're putting our most fundamental accessory in the hands of corporations whose ingredients we don't recognize, and wonder why our stylists tug at and exclaim about our lifeless, damaged hair. All of this propelled the creation of Function of Beauty, says co-founder Zahir Dossa, explaining there was no emphasis in the beauty industry on the unique needs and preferences of every individual. For those unfamiliar with the brand, it's flagship store in Soho allows women to create their own shampoo and conditioner based on their specific hair goals and day-to-day issues the process took years and two MIT-educated engineers to properly analyze data and create the technology to translate and manufacture the products accordingly. Now, Functions of Beauty has moved online, revolutionizing what women might expect from their haircare. By following a four-step hair quiz consumers can customize their own haircare. Not only is the formula manufactured to suit the exact needs of you hair, you can choose the product's smell (strength and scent), color and personally brand the packaging. "Before I started, I realized how unhappy people were with the products they were receiving," explains Dossa. "Companies don't have the ability to target each person as an individual and therefore have to create products that serve a certain 'group' of people. I realized from the get-go that a big technological push in the beauty industry (from the way people purchased products to the way products were formulated and manufactured) would be a monumental solution." It took off. The natural pivot of our modern society to emphasize individuality, from how we dress to how we curate our social media, meant many millennials gravitated towards a personal touch. With their own name printed across the containers, consumers are able to take ownership of their own formula (and perhaps keep it away from klepto-inclined roommates and family members). Not to mention the products have zero parabens, toxins, sulfate, are cruelty-free and all made in the USA. Function of Beauty is, in short, revolutionary, and will no doubt reach the kind of prevalence where none of us can function without it at all. "I wish [the industry] had less stereotypes and no models or archetypes for beauty," Dossa says. "Every single person is unique and different...why negate that instead of catering to it?" All images courtesy of Function of Beauty Artist Gwenmarie White infuses glossy rose-tinted scenes of teen girlhood with a rough metal edge. She describes herself as a Metalhead Valley Girl who is "interested in what would happen if Laura Ashley listened to Cannibal Corpse, if the subway scene from Possession took place in Limited Too if Lisa Frank ran a dogfighting ring and if Bonne Bell made corpse paint." Her work is lush and pretty on first viewing but sinister upon further consideration. Her videos use bright pop songs, pink backdrops, and cheerleader outfits to sugar-coat a sharp underlying critique of the ways in which patriarchy is violent towards women and causes them to be violent towards one another. In her new film, Skjemt Blod, she pushes the darkness in her work further than ever before. The video, which means "Bad Blood" in Norwegian, shows a group of cheerleaders laughing and hanging out as a a choral-metal remix of Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood" is performed in the background. Though the video begins with typical images of feminine care, it quickly turns violent, as hair braiding turns into backstabbing, smiles into snarls, and an angel is ultimately stripped of her wings by the other girls in the video. Though Skjemt Blod uses Taylor Swift's pop-feminist girl power anthem as a backdrop, it is not a straightforward critique of Swift or of pop culture. White says that her work straddles the line between critique and complicity. The structures at play that lead to internalized misogyny are bigger than any one pop star or song. White instead explores broader questions what does feminine power look like? How can women claim it without presenting themselves as masculine and without hurting one another? How is gender also a racial construct? We talked to her about her interest in Taylor Swift, how her work critiques whiteness, and what her visual influences are. Check out our conversation, and the video, below: Why do the women in the video wear cheerleader outfits? I imagine them as high school cheerleaders who get together for a sleepover party In a description of the work, you mention that "suburban whiteness rears its ugly head" in this video. How is the video a critique of whiteness? I think it's important to acknowledge the complexity of race within tropes such as "the cheerleader" or "the mean girl." On one hand, I'm drawn to the glamour, irreverence, and vicious audacity of these romanticized, late 20th century teen movie stock charactersbut they have a loaded history, and often serve as vessels for the violence of colonialism and capitalism. Wolves in sheep's clothing. I wanted to mess with temporality in the form of slow-mo to turn the conventionally beautiful into the monstrous and grotesque. "Bad Blood" is a song that is supposedly about female solidarity. Were you purposely using that song to critique the way that message might have come short in Swift's work/ in pop feminism in general? No. The song choice was a response to my turbulent and toxic art school experience. I think I identify with Swift as a vilified figure (within my own grad school microcosm), and "Bad Blood" resonates with me as a tale of coming to terms with internalized misogyny and horizontal hostility (in-fighting), which art school is fraught with. It was cathartic to appropriate the song and circulate it within the same space where my experiences were invalidated exclusively by other women. Are you a fan of Taylor Swift's music? Hell yeah! I was initially super impressed by her choice to work with the genius Max Martin, and ended up falling in love with her artistry and the ways in which she owns her subjectivity, sonically and otherwise. The hair braiding scenes remind me of Dua Lipa's "New Rules" video. What were your visual influences? For the sleepover scenes, I knew I wanted to include childhood games that veered off into slightly violent territory. So I deconstructed things like "the chills," and "down by the banks," sitting in "massage trains" (behind each other in a line or circle), and playing with hair and allowed them to move to darker places. There are different gestures and chants depending on the region, but I'm so taken with the underlying aggression of lyrics like "stab a knife in your back/feel the blood rushing down"I wanted to bring them to the forefront. For the world of the band I thought, what if 1998 Bonne Bell-esque corpse paint meets Gorgoroth's infamous Black Mass performance in Krakow? I wanted women to invade traditionally male territory (metal), without having to perform masculinity to be taken seriously. I aimed to do a similar thing with the choir soloist (Bridget Galanis) standing behind the pulpit and dominating that patriarchal space while still looking like she could step out of Clueless. I take hella umbrage with the scapegoating of femininity. I would describe the rest of my aesthetic as "upsetting things happening in Limited Too" haha. Paxton, IL (60957) Today Rain this morning with thunderstorms developing for the afternoon. High 74F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Thunderstorms this evening followed by occasional showers overnight. Low 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%. First Ever Release of 1978 Farah Choir Recording 04/17/18 Payvand.com - After 40 years, a never-before-heard recording of the Farah Choir, which was supported by the former queen of Persia Farah Diba (Pahlavi), has been released in Europe. The release of the recording, which contains seven Persian folk songs, was planned for 1978, but was halted due to the Islamic Revolution. Order on Amazon "In 1973, Farah Pahlavi Charity Foundation commissioned Evlin Baghcheban to establish a conservatory of music in Tehran for orphan children. In this school, Ms. Baghcheban organized a choral group called the Farah Choir," musician and documentary maker Pejman Akbarzadeh stated. "In the years before the fall of the monarchy Farah Choir gave regular concerts throughout the country." For its debut album, in 1978, Farah Choir in Vienna recorded seven folk songs from the provinces of Bakhtari, Lorestan, Mazandaran, and Pars. The songs were arranged by Ruben (Rubik) Gregorian and Samin Baghcheban especially for the choir. "By the time the recording was finished in Austria, Persia was in turmoil with the revolution that brought Islamists to power, and all musical activity, including the Farah Conservatory and its choir, was shut down," Pejman Akbarzadeh added. VIDEO: A performance by Farah Choir in 1978 The recording in Vienna was neglected until the summer of 2010, when Evlin Baghcheban, just months before her death, passed on the materials to Pejman Akbarzadeh who was working to preserve the Baghchebans' musical heritage. The old recordings, under his supervision, has been restored and released in the Netherlands. Recently in an interview, Queen Farah said, "I am delighted that the recording still exists. We created this choir to mentally support the orphan children, but within few years, following the efforts of Evlin Baghcheban, it became a professional choral group which was dispatched to Austria for recording projects as well." Queen Farah Pahlavi and Pejman Akbarzadeh, Paris, January 2018. The Persian Dutch Network is distributing the album internationally. The 2018 production is funded by the Stratham Group and Kayhan London. The CD is accompanied by a bilingual booklet which contains historical information on Persian choral music and rare photos of the Farah Choir. - The CD is Available on Amazon Environmentalist Resigns From Official Post And Leaves Iran Amid Smear Campaign 04/18/18 Source: Radio Farda A prominent Iranian scientist and deputy head of the Islamic Republic's Department of Environment has apparently resigned from his post while abroad after being detained in connection with allegations of espionage against other environmentalists. Kaveh Madani, deputy of Iran's environmental agency Citing a "reliable source," reformist MP Mahmoud Sadeghi tweeted that Kaveh Madani and his wife had left the country after his wife's travel ban was lifted and that Madani had resigned from his post. Ensafnews agency is also reporting on the scientist's resignation. A former professor of environmental management at Imperial College London, in 2017 Madani took the rare step of returning to Iran to serve as deputy head of the Department of Environment, and has been called a "symbol of expat return" under the Rouhani administration. #_ #_ #_ # # # #_ # . pic.twitter.com/U3XZoJPkkt Kaveh Madani (@KavehMadani) April 17, 2018 Shortly after arriving in Iran in September last year, Madani told the English-language Tehran Times that many Iranians abroad were "waiting and watching closely to see what's going to happen," adding, "If I succeed, we might see more people coming back to help the government." "I'm the representative of a generation who left the country and the whole country is complaining about losing this generation and brain drain," he told the Tehran Times in December 2017. He also tweeted at the time: "I have returned with the hope of creating #hope." But just seven months in, Madani was detained after several prominent environmentalists, including Kavous Seyyed-Emami, founder of Iran's Wildlife Heritage, were arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps intelligence unit and charged with spying for foreign countries. Later, it was officially announced that Seyyed-Emami had committed suicide behind bars in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. The reason for Madani's detention and his connection to the "environmental espionage" case were never officially disclosed. In late March, several conservative news outlets published photos allegedly showing Madani dancing and drinking at a festival in Malaysia, and argued that someone who drinks alcohol should not hold such a high office. Madani insisted that he had never even been to Malaysia. Sources close to Madani say the alleged suicide of his colleague Kavous Seyyed-Emami and the circulation of these photos convinced Madani it was unwise to return to Iran and continue in his post. In his tweet, Sadeghi called Madani's resignation a "wakeup call for elite Iranian expats." Earlier, Madani had admitted that his relatives and friends were against his decision to accept an official position in the Islamic Republic, describing it as "lunacy." While serving in Iran, Madani launched the campaign known as "Bi-Zobaleh," (Persian for "no rubbish") focusing on the issue of waste. Launched on Dec. 22, the campaign was aimed at raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility in the community about waste management with the slogan "Let's Start with Ourselves." The campaign was set to continue through April 2, National Nature Day in Iran. Madani studied in Tabriz in northern Iran before getting his PhD in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California. The water expert's departure comes in the midst of a historical draught in Iran, which has been devastating for the environment. Reporting by AFP, Tehran Times, Radio Farda Persian Iran expects delivery of 14 ATR, Airbus and Boeing aircraft this year 04/18/18 Source: Press TV Iran should receive 14 new passenger aircraft this year under agreements signed with Airbus, Boeing and ATR planemakers, a government official has said. Tehran has ordered more than 200 planes since US-led sanctions against the country were lifted in 2016 under a nuclear agreement but US President Donald Trump's threat to rip up the deal next month has raised doubts about deliveries. cartoon by Keyvan Varessi, Ghanoon daily Former Deputy Roads and Urban Development Minister Asghar Fakhrieh-Kashan said on Wednesday Iran should receive eight turboprop ATR 72-600 aircraft from the Franco-Italian company plus three planes from Airbus and another three from Boeing in 2018. Iran Air has agreed to buy 80 aircraft from Boeing and 100 from Airbus in addition to 20 from ATR. Iran's Aseman Airlines has also signed a deal for 30 Boeing jets of the 737 MAX model. Last year, the national flag carrier received three brand-new Airbus jets and eight new ATR turboprops. Fakhrieh-Kashan said ATR is about to deliver two more planes soon and negotiations are underway with Boeing on certain changes in the contract "so that Iran Air can receive three new jets in the current year". "According to the contract, Boeing will have to deliver three planes to Iran Air in 2018, provided that we finance the purchases," he said. As for Airbus, "if we are able to make our downpayments in 2018, three planes will be delivered to Iran Air this year", he added. Iran Chief Executive Farzaneh Sharafbafi has stated that the company did not have problems financing plane purchases from Boeing and Airbus. Her remarks came after industry sources said Iran Air had been slow to pay deposits, which are needed for Boeing and Airbus to start building new jets. There are already doubts over whether Boeing planes will be delivered as early as 2018, due to the lead time needed to order parts for the planes involved, especially long-range 777s. Those doubts aside, there remains the question of what would happen to the deal if Trump withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran and whether the US Treasury will extend licenses for sales of the parts which are built in the United States. "If the American statesmen put restrictions on the delivery of Boeing aircraft to Iran, it would be against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action," Fakhrieh-Kashan said using the official name for the nuclear deal. Current licenses expire at the end of 2020 and would need to be extended to complete the planned deliveries. According to Sharafbafi, the existing licenses are valid until 2020 and include 37-38 Airbus jets, 15 from Boeing and all 20 ATRs. Our attention has been drawn to a story published on Monday, April 16, 2018 with a headline Muslims Are Intolerant Ursula Owusu. The story, culled and sourced from another website, Ghana Crusader, suggested that the Minister for Communications and Member of Parliament for Ablekuma West, Ursula Owusu Ekuful, has endorsed by sharing on her facebook wall, a write-up by one Abdul-Razak. In the said article, the writer voiced out his displeasure over how some Muslims reacted to the comment by Prof Frimpong Boateng that they (Muslims) should consider using WhatsApp not speakers to call for prayers. Our checks, however, indicate that no such endorsement has been made by the Honourable Minister, neither has she commented on the matter of the Azan (the Muslim call to prayer); thus nullifying the content of the said story. Consequently, the article has since been pulled down and taken off our portal. Peacefmonline.com hereby retracts and apologise unreservedly to Mrs Owusu Ekuful for any inconvenience caused or harm she may have suffered because of the publication. Thank you Nana Kwadwo Asante, Editor. Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Former Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo), Ing William Amuna has revealed that Ghana has enough energy capacity to meet the demand of Ghanas power outages. This he noted has led to the supply of power to Ghanas neighbours Ivory Coast and Togo over the past few days - according to Ing Amuna, a total of 100 megawatts to 200 megawatts have been exported so far. Ghana once used to be exporters of power to La Cote DIvoire but when the power crisis happened we became importers of electricity from La Cote DIvoire. Through our collective efforts, we have been able to install electricity supply to Ghana. Today we have over 25% installed capacity on standby. We need not import power. We export power. In fact, for the past three days, Ghana has been exporting 100 megawatts of power to La Cote DIvoire. Togo has similar problems and we export to Togo and Benin, Amuna said at a workshop organized by Siemens Ghana in Accra. However, speaking on the theme, Electrification as a catalyst for growth, Head of Siemens Ghana Edmund Acheampong attributed the revival in Ghanas economy to the steady supply of electricity over the last few months. 2015 was the height of our energy crisis but from late 2016 there has been gradual improvement till now. We are beginning to see a revival in the economy he said He also disclosed that Siemens has the techonology which stakeholders in the waste management sector can leverage on to convert waste to energy. Siemens workshop brought together stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss issues including project financing, next-generation power plant for Ghana Time for F-class GT and Siemens value propositions for the biomass and waste to energy. Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/Peacefmonline.com/ Twitter: @Washman5/ Instagram: Ambrose_wash Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video THE DECEIT OF WESTERN PROPAGANDA Is the world not in a frame of mind to express gratitude to Putin and Russia for not firing back at those Western vessels? I have spent many hours pondering over what to say to Macron and Theresa May. What to say to the knowledgeable statesmen and women of the world. What to say to the masses of this world whose ignorance and belief in the Western propaganda and deceit would have emboldened Macron, Theresa May and the blowman in the White House to do what they did Friday night. I dont know what I can say or do to make people wake up to the fact that Putin and Assad are innocent of the charges leveled against them. What can I say to people around the world to make them realise that Macron, Theresa May and presumably Trump should all be aware that two other countries very much aligned to Britain, France and the US have been responsible for this gassing operation all this while. If the masses of this world and the supposed intelligentsia cannot even see which two nations could very well be guilty of this gassing operation then they do not deserve the freedom and justice that is slowly but surely being curtailed by the savagery of capitalism. The British have told this lie in a hysterical and passionate manner, while the French have told theirs in a cold and calculating manner. If Theresa May, Macron, Trump, Boris Johnson, some selected personnel around them and their intelligence machinery are prepared to subject themselves to the polygraph test to prove to the world that they did not know that the allegations they were directing at Putin and Assad were false, and Putin and Assad to also prove their innocence which I believe in, I will spend the rest of my life apologising to them (West) and wage a campaign telling the world what monsters Putin and Assad are. If Assad the supposed monster were to be subjected to a polygraph test, I believe and I know that he will pass the test...his truth will pass the polygraph test. If Putin of Russia were to be subjected to a similar test, I believe and I know his truth will also pass the polygraph test. I also believe and know that if President Macron, Prime Minister Theresa May, Donald Trump and Boris Johnson were also subjected to the same test on a polygraph, their truth will fail the test and they know it. Assad and Putin are no saints but they definitely are not guilty of this monstrosity brewed in a Western pot. Events of this kind have been staged many a time by warmongering nations and exploited for their own political ends. Wars have broken out following the staging of these kinds of deceitful events. The last well-known example was the one the US staged at the UN. By the time the truth had been established, America and her so-called allies had prosecuted the war against Iraq with its indefensible consequences. On 11th April 2017, a similar staged gas attack was orchestrated right on the verge of a joint Assad/Putin victory in the Syrian conflict and the global outcry fed into Western agenda. Almost to the date of the anniversary of this atrocious crime, it has been committed again when the Assad government has just about won the war. The most recent attempt to stage and accuse Russia and more directly Putin was on British soil but was fortunately exposed by another British institution. What other evidence did the world and its statesmen and women need to recognise the intentions of some of these Western nations? We all remained silent risking the probability of a World War. Is the world so unaware of how close we came to the outbreak of war? We may, therefore, not be in the correct frame of mind to recognise the need to express our gratitude to God, Putin and Russia for the restraint they have exercised in this provocation. We must also congratulate the Russian and Syrian military for intercepting most of the recent missiles. How could Theresa May have fallen for this act? How could the capitalist West feel threatened and intimidated by a Russian leader who has earned the true respect, admiration and loyalty not only of his people, but the world at large? The leadership of both China and Russia are providing the needed international stability while the US and her allies find their feet and their moral compass. The leadership of China and Russia appear to have adopted a sympathetic and supportive role to enable the West recover. In spite of this, the West and her allies are abusing human rights with downright impunity and insensitivity. The cool-headedness of Putin as opposed to the desperation and sometimes hysterical behaviour of certain Western leaders has made a heroic figure of Putin well beyond his borders. A fine opportunity to create a better and stable world based on freedom, justice and morality is being undermined, being rejected in what appears to be a desperate attempt to restore a Cold War climate. Cant leaders of this world speak out? For those of us in the developing world, we only need to remind ourselves of the powers that kept the brutal apartheid regime propped up for so long. A cursory glance at the fate of Palestinians and Yemenis should tell us the callous creature that the savagery of capitalism has turned out to be since the collapse of the bipolar authority. America and her allies have over the years appeared determined to maintain a unipolar power no matter what it takes through incidents of unjust wars, wanton provocation, intimidation and casting of judgement without trial. If integrity, truthfulness and justice must give way to falsehood and deceit to enable them control and rule the world, so be it and to hell with it. If the integrity of intelligence operatives and others can be subjected to polygraph tests to ascertain their integrity and truthfulness, what puts politicians and others above the truth in circumstances of this nature? Jerry John Rawlings Source: Peacefmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Police in northern Ghana are hunting for three brothers after a video of them allegedly flogging their sister with a horsewhip went viral. The disturbing footage, showing a screaming girl being held down on a wooden bench in a courtyard by two strong men and then a third man whipping her, has caused outrage in Ghana. She was allegedly beaten for her habit of coming home late. Otiko Djaba, Ghanas childrens minister, has called for the prosecution of all those involved. This act of brutality is unacceptable in Ghana 61 years on [after independence] and cannot be countenanced by all of us. No woman or girl should ever go through this harrowing and degrading experience in the name of discipline." Emmanuel Horlutu, a deputy superintendent, told BBC Pidgin that the police needed the publics help in apprehending the suspects. The incident was filmed in Shishagu, Sanerugu municipality, in Ghana's Northern Region. Source: BBC Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video Dr Rashid Pelpuo, a former Minister of State in charge of Public Private Partnership during the erstwhile Mahama administration, has refuted allegations that he received double salary as minister and MP. Dr Pelpuo, who was invited by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service in connection with the allegation, told the press on Wednesday, 18 April 2018: I have denied all charges of double salary. I have been a Member of Parliament and was also a Minister. As an MP, I was paid a salary and as a Minister I was given some amount of top up, he stated. I dont interpret it to mean double salary. Essentially, the system will correct and we will get to know how it all goes, he stated emphatically. Dr Pelpuo appeared before the CID together with Fifi Kwetey who was a Deputy Finance Minister. They are represented by lawyers Alex Segbefia and Kojoga Adawudu. On Tuesday, 17 April, three ex-Mahama appointees were cautioned by the CID with a charge of stealing in connection with the same allegation. They are billed to reappear on 14 May. They include Inusah Fuseini, former Lands and Natural Resources Minister; Comfort Doyoe Ghansah, former Minister of State in charge of Social and Allied Institutions and Eric Opoku, former Brong Ahafo Regional Minister. Meanwhile, Mr Fuseini has said even though he received certain payments when he served as Minister of state and MP under the erstwhile Mahama administration, it does not constitute receipt of double salary. Speaking in an interview on Asempa FM after his time with the CID, he maintained that he never set out to receive double payment and I still believe I have never received double payment. I believe that the payments that were given to me were part and the same payment that made up my salary and that the Auditor-General and the Accountant General were instructed to reconcile those payments with the payment I was entitled to before I was paid my net. According to him, his understanding was that the top up was legitimate monies that were coming from the Flagstaff House through government machinery to complement what I was receiving from parliament by reason of the fact that I was a minister of state, adding: Those advances were one and the same, they complemented each other, that is how I saw it. He, however, indicated that the situation, which has been described as inappropriate hence their invitation by the CID, is a system failure, and, so, if it is a system failure, we need to address the system comprehensively. So, you go back and look at all the circumstances similarly placed then you deal with the system. He further stated: I clearly think that I have no bad motive, I had no ill motive, I did not with the intention of defrauding the state, receive double salaries. He explained that such a situation in the public service, is dealt with differently; if the person is paid monies which he is not entitled to or spends money which he is not entitled to spend, they ask him to refund and another reason why I say it is criminally targeted is that I think that this matter should not have gone that way. He pointed out that: If you are addressing a system failure, if there is no criminal intent, you dont address it through criminal action. You address it by looking at the system and drawing peoples attention to the fact that there is a systemic failure, benefits have been conferred on and they should return those benefits Minority Leader Haruna Iddrisu and Second Deputy Speaker Alban Bagbin have also been accused of receiving double salaries as Ministers and Members of Parliament during the era of former President Mahama. The former appointees have denied the allegations insisting this is a clear case of political witch-hunt. Twenty-five lawmakers were initially invited by the police CID, but 18 of them were later asked to disregard that invitation. At a press conference addressed by the Minority Spokesperson on Finance, Cassiel Ato Forson, the Minority said the move was attempts by government to hound and intimidate them into silence by using the CID to embark on a fruitless fishing expedition against their former appointees. According to the NDC legislators, the move is intended to silence and cow them into submission so President Akufo-Addo and his government can get away with whatever ills are happening in society. Source: classfmonline.com Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The closure of 254 Bon-Ton stores will be a big retail hit for communities like Lewistown, where Bon-Ton is the only department store, and will mean the loss of thousands of jobs across Pennsylvania. "It would be devastating to be honest with you," said Rhonda Moore, executive director of Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce which includes Mifflin and Juniata counties. The only other nearby department store is J. C. Penney in Burnham, which is about 3.5 miles away. "A lot of those employees have been there literally out of high school - that has been their career," she said of the Lewistown Bon-Ton. After McMeens department store in Lewistown closed many years ago, Bon-Ton took its place, Moore said. The store is in a convenient location, she added. "We have so many senior citizens able to walk there. Senior housing is nearby, so it would really be hard for them," she said. Other than Bon-Ton and J. C. Penney in Burnham 3.5 miles away, the closest department stores are 30 miles away in State College. Seniors are "not going to drive 30 miles - they really will be at a loss. Literally it's a block they can walk and be there now," Moore said. Moore said more millennials are staying in Lewistown because it has more amenities that in the past, including the recent addition of two new coffee shops, a brewery and a restaurant. Losing a department store like Bon-Ton "would really be a blow to that upswing we're seeing." After a two-day auction, Bon-Ton reported late Tuesday that it had been purchased by investors who plan to liquidate the company. "While we are disappointed by this outcome and tried very hard to identify bidders interested in operating the business as a going concern, we are committed to working constructively with the winning bidder to ensure an orderly wind-down of operations that minimizes the impact of this development on our associates, customers, vendors and the communities we serve," said Bill Tracy, president and CEO of Bon-Ton, in a news release. The impact of that purchase will be the loss of several thousand jobs across south-central Pennsylvania, said David Black, president and CEO of the Harrisburg Regional Chamber and CREDC. That would include stores in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and York counties and company headquarters. "There's a personal cost when something like this happens," Black said. "It's always difficult to transition from one job to another. It absolutely rocks your world, in a very bad way." On the positive side, there are still jobs in retail, and unemployment is about 4 percent, he said. But this probably won't be the last loss of retail jobs, Black said, driven by the tremendous shift going on from brick-and-mortar stores to online sales. "It's hard to tell how long this will last, what the new normal looks like," Black said. "The good thing is our economy here is pretty strong. There will be job opportunities, for those in danger of losing their jobs, and job retraining for fields with broader applications," Black said. In Cumberland County, the Bon-Ton in the Carlisle Point shopping center is already slated for closing, but total liquidation could add the Camp Hill store to the list. Job loss will be a hardship for those involved, but job-seekers would find a healthy labor market in Cumberland County, said Jonathan Bowser, CEO of Cumberland Area Economic Development Corp. "This county has been very healthy. When we have had closures, those who want to reenter the workforce have had good job opportunities to do so," he said. With 4 percent unemployment, which is nearly full employment, Bowser said retailers have had a hard time finding employees. Likewise, he foresees adaptive reuse of Bon-Ton's retail space, noting that Cumberland County is the fastest growing in the state. "There more homes being constructed, families moving in. Retailers know that - this is place they want to be," Bowser said. York County would stand to lose more than 300 jobs if the Bon-Ton headquarters and Bon-Ton stores close, said Kevin Schreiber, president and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance. That's out of about 21,000 employees in retail in York County. "We have to wait and see what happens and watch this process evolve," Schreiber said Tuesday. "It's unfortunate when any company has to go through this, and with Bon-Ton, a legacy company in York, you hate to see it in its current state," Schreiber said. But Bon-Ton's situation is not unique, he noted. "Retail nationally as an industry is evolving, driven by consumer demand and convenience and the Amazon effect. We're seeing the national circumstances of retail coming home to roost here." While the job losses would negatively affect a lot of families, Schreiber said he hopes the new retailers coming to town will present opportunities for many of them. The retail spaces that Bon-Ton closures would open up are prime real estate space, Schreiber said. The next tenants or buyers may seek smaller footprints, so that could result in large stores being divided into multiple ones. York County has about 4.3 percent unemployment. In the Lehigh Valley, there are four Bon-Ton stores and a distribution center. According to a 2016 report, about 550 people are employed by Bon-Ton in that region. If Bon-Ton jobs are lost, those workers will benefit from the Lehigh Valley region having a "well-balanced and diversified economy," said Colin McEvoy, spokesman for Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corp. Retail jobs make up 10.7 percent of the 344,600-worker labor force there, he said, with those 34,380 jobs the second largest category behind health care and social assistance. And while it may be contributing to closure of brick-and-mortar stores, this region has seen growth in e-commerce, McEvoy said. Transportation and warehousing is the fastest growing segment in the labor force - 9.5 percent - with 30,000 jobs. Average pay in ecommerce is $15 per hour, which will offer jobs for those with lower skills. Bon-Ton recently filed state-required 60-day advance notices that it is planning to close four stores in Pa.: 600 Park City Center Lancaster, PA (Staff affected: 184) 3585 S. Church St. Whitehall, PA (Staff affected: 51) 2801 East Market Street, Building E York PA (Staff affected: 332) 2524 Schoenersville Road Bethlehem, PA (Staff affected: 89) In February Bon-Ton announced closure of 42 stores including eight in Pennsylvania. Police in Lancaster are investigating an afternoon shooting that injured one person. A 26-year-old Lancaster man was rushed to the hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound to the leg, which does not appear to be life threatening. According to Lancaster police, the incident occurred like this: Officers were called to the Turkey Hill convenience store on the 400 block of S. Duke St. around 12:53 p.m. today for a report of a man with a gunshot wound. The victim, who had been shot on the 500 block of Chester Street, made his way to Duke Street after being shot. Police found shell casings at the shooting scene. The victim told police he had a confrontation with an unidentified man just prior to the shooting and this was not a random act of violence. Police are looking for additional evidence, witnesses and possible video recordings. No suspect has been identified. Anyone with information should call the Lancaster police, 717-735-3300. Investigators are "moving with a sense of urgency" as they probe the theft of 640 pounds of dynamite and 400 blasting caps from a Lancaster County work site, a spokeswoman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said Wednesday. That effort is focusing not only on finding the thieves who stole that volatile combination, Special Agent Charlene Hennessy said. It also will explore whether the contractor at the pipeline construction site properly stored and secured the explosives, she said. "Investigators are conducting interviews and running down all leads that we have developed," Hennessy said. She said they are conducting an inventory of the explosives and determining if the contractor, Gregory General Contracting Co., followed federal storage and security measures for handling the "high explosives and detonators" and whether all required permits were secured. "As of right now, due to it being an ongoing investigation, I can't specify how these items were stored," Hennessy said. In announcing the theft Tuesday, the ATF said workers discovered the explosives were missing Monday when they noticed a trailer door was ajar. The locks on the trailer were missing, the ATF said. Hennessy said that "generally speaking," federal regulations do not allow detonators to be stored with other explosive material. Asked about the use of a trailer to store the Lancaster County explosives, she referred to federal rules that allow the use of alternate magazines that are constructed in a manner "substantially equivalent" to a tamper-proof and bullet-proof permanent storage magazine. In addition, those regulations require that magazines be fitted with at least two high-grade locks that must be protected by steel hoods to shield them from being cut or pried apart. Unattended vehicular magazines must have their wheels removed or be immobilized in some other manner. Government rules require that magazines be inspected at least once every seven days to ensure their contents are secure. The ATF said the Lancaster County theft is believed to have occurred within three days of its discovery. "These thefts do occur nationwide, but they are rare," Hennessy said. She noted 15 such thefts were reported across the country in both 2015 and 2016. None of the 2016 thefts occurred in Pennsylvania, according to the ATF's tally. Texas saw the most explosive thievery with three incidents that year. Two each were recorded in North Dakota and New Mexico. One batch of explosives was stolen from the military. State police and officers from the Susquehanna Regional Police are working with the ATF to track down the dynamite thieves. The ATF is offering a $10,000 reward for information that helps solve the case. Anyone with information can contact 1-888-ATF-BOMB or log onto ATFtips@atf.gov. In his new book, "A Higher Loyalty," ousted FBI Director James Comey writes about about "ethical leadership," and tries to convince his readers that he's been the epitome of that ideal throughout his career. Marc A. Scaringi However, in just one prominent example he cites, and more fully explained during a recent television interview, Comey discredited his book's theme as he explains the considerable extent to which he allowed politics to influence his leadership of the FBI. Comey writes about his love for the FBI and the Department of Justice because, "they play no role in politics, because they operate independently of the passions of the electoral process." During his recent television interview with George Stephanopoulos of ABC's "20/20" news program, Comey claimed about his tenure as FBI Director, "I really wasn't making decisions based upon political fortunes." Yet, in his memoir and interview, Comey reveals he made arguably his most monumental decision as FBI director based upon just that. In the book, Comey explains why he revealed to the U.S. Congress that, just 11 days before the 2016 presidential election, he had reopened the bureau's investigation of Clinton for her mishandling of classified materials as secretary of state. That revelation, less than two weeks before the election in which Clinton was running as the Democratic nominee, shocked the country. Stunningly, Comey admits he took this action because he considered the political fortunes of Clinton, assumed she would win the election and did not want to undermine the legitimacy of her presidency. Comey wrote, "It is entirely possible that because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls." So, contrary to his expressly stated claim, Comey really was making decisions based upon political fortunes. During the 20/20 interview, Comey was even more emphatic. Stephanopoulos asked: "At some level, wasn't the decision to reveal influenced by your assumption that Hillary Clinton was going to win and concerned that if she wins, this comes out weeks later that is taken by her opponents as a sign she's an illegitimate president?" Comey responds, "it must have been," explaining further that he "was operating in a world where Hillary Clinton was going to beat Donald Trump. And so I'm sure that it was a factor." Comey's admissions are directly contrary to his repeated claims that he does not make decisions based upon political fortunes, as well as his prior explanation that he made the revelation in fulfillment of a promise he made to Congress. Now Comey comes clean - he read the polls, prejudged the election outcome and then made the decision to protect the "legitimacy" of the future Clinton presidency. Although this revelation is perhaps the most striking example of how Comey made decisions based upon political considerations, there are several others. Comey admitted to Stephanopoulos that he was worried that then President Barack Obama's Attorney General and Comey's nominal boss, Loretta Lynch, was trying to protect Clinton during the FBI's investigation. Comey recounts how he went to Lynch to coordinate their public statements about the Clinton investigation. Lynch, a strong Clinton supporter, instructed Comey to use the word "matter" instead of the correct, but politically harmful term, "investigation." Comey admitted Lynch's instruction made him "uncomfortable." But he dutifully carried it out. In "A Higher Loyalty," Comey wrote he was concerned when as president Obama made two public statements about the then ongoing FBI investigation of Clinton that "seemed to absolve her." Comey complained to Stephanopoulos that Obama essentially told the American people "There's no there, there." Comey then tried to excuse the president's conduct by explaining Obama, "...felt a pressure in the political environment because he wanted Hillary Clinton to be elected, to give her a shot in the arm." Comey now claims Obama's actions were inappropriate. But, like with his boss, Lynch, Comey did not object or say so at the time. An ethical FBI Director would have rebuked Obama for, during an FBI investigation, essentially exonerating its target. And that same director would have rebuked Lynch for instructing him effectively to coordinate his public statements about the investigation with the talking points of its target. Comey titles his book, "A Higher Loyalty." Yet, his actions and inactions proved he had a higher loyalty not to the rule of law, as he claims, but to his superiors, Obama, Lynch and, in his mind, the future president, Hillary Clinton. Comey's book and interview undermine his claim to be an "ethical" leader and give ample fodder to his critics who say the "fix was in," that the Obama administration would never prosecute its candidate, the person they all believed would most assuredly and shortly become the next president of the United States. Marc A. Scaringi, of Camp Hill, is a Harrisburg-based lawyer, PennLive Opinion contributor and host of "The Marc Scaringi Show," which airs Saturdays at 1 p.m. on WHP-580 AM and online at iHeart Radio. His work appears biweekly. By Mike Folmer My "Promise to Pennsylvania" calls for strict adherence to Article III of the state Constitution on how legislation is passed. It's why I've insisted as chair of the Senate State Government Committee to publicly vet legislation prior to voting. State Sen. Mike Folmer, R-Lebanon (PennLive file) As redistricting changes have long been a goal of mine, I've wanted for some time to hold a series of hearings on proposed redistricting bills referred to the Committee. However, lawsuits over the 2011 maps forced me to put these hearings on hold. With the conclusion of these court challenges, I was both pleased and relieved to convene the first public hearing on proposals to change our redistricting process. I hope those who watched found it as informative as I did. Article I, Section 2 of the United States Constitution as amended by the 14th Amendment establishes the requirement to apportion Congressional Districts and gives the states authority to establish the qualifications. Article II, Sections 16 and 17 of the Pennsylvania Constitution establish the number of House and Senate Members for the General Assembly and the manner in which those District lines are to be established. These constitutional provisions are why I joined a lawsuit to block the congressional maps drawn by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. I believe the Court exceeded its Constitutional authority - even though I voted against the 2011 maps. I voted against the 2011 maps. I repeat this because of criticisms I've received from some saying I supported the 2011 maps. I didn't. Yes, I have been critical of the court because I believe if we fail to follow our rules of law - the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions - our constitutional republic doesn't work and the judiciary becomes a political weapon. I don't believe having one person draw election lines as the Court did is good public policy - especially when there was no public explanation of how the maps were redrawn, no public hearings were held, and no recourse was given to anyone to challenge the Court's maps. Hopefully, this isn't the type of reform people have talked about with me. There's a reason why both the federal and state constitutions both begin with an enumeration of the powers and responsibilities of the Legislature Article I of the US Constitution and Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution (Article I is our Bill of Rights). Several bills to change the reapportionment process have been referred to the Senate State Government Committee dealing with how the General Assembly's election lines are drawn and/or how Congressional maps are determined. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, six states use independent commissions to draw legislative redistricting maps, one state (Iowa) has legislative staff draw the maps for their legislative districts. Of the six states relying upon independent commissions to draw maps: Alaska uses a 5-member independent commission; Arizona also uses a 5-member commission; California has a 14-member commission; Idaho a 6-member independent commission; Montana a 5-member commission, and Washington State also has a 5-member commission. NCSL also notes 13 states have commissions to draw state legislative districts, including Pennsylvania. Five states appoint advisory commissions to help advise their legislatures about where state legislative district lines should be drawn. These states include: Iowa, Maine, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. At the next public hearing, I hope to learn more about how other states do redistricting and additional possible ways Pennsylvania might change its process. That hearing will be 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 24 in Hearing Room One of the North Office Building. I look forward to continued discussion of these much needed and long overdue reforms. State Sen. Mike Folmer, a Republican, represents the 48th Senate District, which includes parts of Dauphin, Lebanon and York counties. He writes from Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Senate will lose a significant voice for criminal justice reform in Judiciary Committee Chairman Stewart J. Greenleaf when he retires next year. From the death penalty to parole reform, the career of Greenleaf, a Montgomery County Republican, has tracked America's own evolving attitudes on crime and punishment. As costs mounted and prisons filled, Greenleaf, who spent most of his long career in public life as a card-carrying member of the "Throw the Book at Them" school, realized it was the wrong approach. "Here I am passing tough-on-crime legislation, and it wasn't working," he said earlier this month, according to WHYY-FM. So he changed. And state policy, in cooperation with other, like-minded state officials such as Corrections Secretary John E. Wetzel, began to change as well. As Greenleaf heads out the door, and in concert with the Wolf administration, he's trying to pass a raft of criminal justice reform bills. Encouragingly, the Republican-controlled Senate unanimously approved a pair of them on Tuesday. The bills would amend the state's Post-Conviction Relief Act and its DNA testing laws to ensure that the wrong people aren't being sent to jail. The first bill would give someone a year, up from the current 60 days, to petition for a new trial because of the discovery of new evidence. The second would expand access to DNA testing - even for those who have pleaded guilty to a crime. It would also allow someone to file a request for testing after their sentence has expired. In a statement, Greenleaf called the bills "long overdue" and argued that they'll "help ensure that justice is being done in Pennsylvania." And in case you're inclined to dismiss that as mere rhetoric, consider these numbers: According to data provided by Greenleaf's office, 333 wrongfully convicted people have been proven innocent by DNA testing, including 12 from Pennsylvania. In addition, "the real perpetrators were identified in 163 DNA-based exoneration cases. These offenders went on to be convicted of 145 additional crimes, including 77 rapes and 34 murders," Greenleaf's office noted. That's some sobering data. And when you consider that the margin for error when it comes to someone's life is zero, these changes contained in Greenleaf's bills are even more critical. Both bills now go to the state House,which will review them, a spokesman for the Republican majority said. The chamber should follow the Senate's lead by approving Greenleaf's bill by similarly wide margins and send them to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature. It's easy to be tough on crime. But it's even better to be smart about it. Greenleaf's bills accomplish that goal. Legislation aiming to bring an end to horrific hazing tragedies on college campuses like the one that claimed the life of Penn State student Timothy Piazza won passage in Pennsylvania's Senate on Wednesday by a 49-0 vote. The legislation, which would create the Timothy J. Piazza Anti-Hazing Law, imposes tiered penalties tied to the gravity of the hazing offense on individuals and holds institutions and organizations accountable, among other changes including requiring schools to publish a report of campus organizations' track record of hazing incidents. The measure now goes to the House for consideration, where Gov. Tom Wolf is urging its passage so he can sign it into law. "We must give law enforcement the tools that they need to hold people accountable and we must ensure schools have proper safeguards to protect students and curb these practices," Wolf said in a statement. House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin said the leaders of the GOP-controlled chamber "absolutely plan to take up the bill in the relatively near future to make sure what happened to Tim Piazza does not happen anywhere else on any other campus in the commonwealth." The driving force for this rewrite of the state's anti-hazing law was the advocacy efforts of Jim and Evelyn Piazza of Lebanon, N.J., whose 19-year-old son Timothy died on Feb. 4, 2017, a little more than 24 hours after he suffered fatal internal injuries in a series of drunken falls following his acceptance of a bid to join the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Penn State University. "I can only imagine getting that phone call in the middle of the night about this incident that had happened and eventually losing their son," said Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, who sponsored this anti-hazing bill. "They've channeled their pain and anguish as only you can imagine as a parent into a cause to make sure that other parents such as myself or anyone else sending a child to college would never have to go through what they've had to go through." Tom Kline, attorney for the Piazza family, was gratified by the Senate's passage of this legislation that is being cited as a model for the nation. The Piazza "family is encouraged by today's vote and hopeful they soon will be standing alongside Senator Jake Corman, the bill's primary sponsor, Governor Wolf and other Pennsylvania leaders when this landmark legislation is enacted into law," Kline said. The state's current hazing law was "difficult for the prosecutors around the state to use" because it is blind to the gravity of the consequences of hazing incidents, Corman said. According to the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing, hazing currently is graded as a third-degree misdemeanor that carries a one-year maximum prison term but hazing offenses alone rarely result in jail time for first-time offenders. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Centre County, credits the Piazza family with channeling their grief into pushing for a stronger deterrence for hazing in the commonwealth. Corman's bill calls for applying a multi-tiered approach that would allow hazing incidents resulting in death or "significant bodily harm" to be graded as a felony that could carry up to a seven-year prison sentence. Tier-two cases that result in bodily injury would be graded as misdemeanors while hazing with less severe results would be a summary offense. "We've now given prosecutors much more flexibility," Corman said. The legislation defines hazing as any activity that would cause a person to break a federal or state law, forces them to consume alcoholic liquid or drugs to a risk of physical or emotional harm, "endure brutality" of a physical or mental nature, or any other forced unhealthy or unsafe behavior tied to joining an organization or continuing or enhancing membership in it. It creates a new standard for holding institutions and campus organizations accountable for hazing incidents if they are found to not have taken an active role in discouraging or prevent hazing from happening. Institutions can be fined under this proposal and organizations could potentially be faced with forfeiture of property where the hazing incident occurred. Another part of this bill would provide safe harbor for individuals who may be nearby to call for help without fear of prosecution of themselves or the victim for hazing or furnishing alcohol to minors provided they remain with the victim until emergency responders arrive. "One of the problems we've had is people don't want the person to get in trouble. They don't want themselves to get into trouble so therefore they don't call, which was the case in the Timothy Piazza case," Corman said. "Even though he had consumed a significant amount of alcohol during the event and fell down the steps, no one called 911 until unfortunately it was too late." Corman credited the Piazza family with stepping beyond their grief over the loss of their son to take up this issue to provide a stronger deterrence for hazing in the commonwealth. "Hazing, in particular this type of hazing, is something we need to take a stand on and we need to discourage it in Pennsylvania," Corman said. "I think this update of this law will do just that." *This post was updated to include the statement from House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin. A Republican lawmaker violated Pennsylvania House policy against retaliation when he identified, on Facebook, a woman who had accused him of sexual assault, according to a report by Philly.com. That was the conclusion of a portion of a House report on allegations of domestic violence against Rep. Nick Miccarelli, Philly.com reported. Miccarelli had been warned by House lawyers not to take retaliatory action against his accusers, Rep. Tarah Toohil, R-Luzerne County, and a Harrisburg political consultant whose identity has not been made public, according to the Philly.com report. Despite that warning, Miccarelli posted on Facebook on Feb. 28 the name of the political consultant. Depite the finding that he violated House policy, no sanctions are planned against Miccarelli, Philly.com states. Miccarelli's spokesman Frank Keel denies there has been any retaliation. Keel referred to the lawmaker's accusers, who each dated Miccarelli between 2012 and 2014, as "two former, vengeful girlfriends who have yet to produce one bit of evidence to support their outrageous allegations." His statement didn't include an explanation as to why the woman's name was disclosed. Once the House investigation was completed which found the women's accusations to be credible, the findings were turned over to the Dauphin County District Attorney's office, which is conducting its own review of the claims. House GOP leaders, who have called on Miccarelli to resign, are constrained from punishing him for violating House policy because he is an elected official, the caucus spokesman told the newspapers. Miccarelli has announced that he does not plan on seeking re-election to another term. By remaining in office through rest of this legislative session, it ensures him of lifetime health, vision, dental, prescription, and long-term care insurance, along with his wife and any children he has until they reach age 26. About this latest report accusing Miccarelli of violating House sexual harassment policy that prohibits retaliation against anyone who alleges or reports harassment, Keel said, "It's not been enough for them to have succeeded in ending this man's political career with their lies, they're also hell-bent on trying to destroy his character, his reputation and his entire life. "The anonymous accuser Nick named in a Facebook post many weeks ago is retaliating against him because he opted to see other women at the time they were dating and she wanted to be with him exclusively. That decision by Nick broke her heart, so now she's trying to break Nick in half." He went on to say: "We're witnessing the dark side of the #MeToo movement, wherein women feel emboldened to exact revenge on innocent men by leveling false allegations, then stepping back and watching chaos and destruction ensue. This witch hunt against Nick Miccarelli needs to end." The woman who was identified in the Facebook post declined comment in detail to PennLive about that remark, saying, "It's not deserving of a response." Along with identifying the woman on Facebook, one of her attorneys, Terry Mutchler also has said Miccarelli shared intimate photos of the woman during an interview with the Delaware County Times. Miccarelli has been stripped of his security clearance at the Capitol and a security officer is now assigned to provide protection for Toohil, who obtained a three-year protection from abuse order against him that limits his interactions with him to only official business and his access to firearms to only when he is on duty with the National Guard. Pauline Osena is photographed with her two boys Lucien, 6, and Xavier, 2, both who have severe food allergies, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. As a mother of three children, two of which with severe food allergies, Osena is worried about the EpiPen shortage affecting Canada. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Cole Burston Guyana has piecemeal approach to capacity building for oil sector By Kiana Wilburg GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 It appears that for the time being, the government has taken a piecemeal approach to capacity building for the oil and gas sector. Finance Minister Winston Jordan during a press conference he held last week, reminded those present that US$3M from the US$18M signing bonus would be used for capacity building for the oil and gas sector. In response to questions on how soon this money would be used, the Finance Minister said he would not be in a position to say at that time. He said that perhaps, at the next press conference, he would be able to give a better answer. This newspaper then asked Jordan to say what development plan is in place for the use of this money. The economist admitted that, There is no master plan. The Finance Minister explained that the Government informed various agencies on the areas that they would need to improve capacity, but he is not aware that those individual plans have been combined into a master plan. In the interim, he noted, there are several persons who are in various countries on scholarships as regards training for oil and gas. He said that, technically, the government may very well only need to draw part of the US$3M. Jordan noted however that the money is fungible (mutually interchangeable) and that it could be used for other things such as workshops and conferences. He said that these are all part of capacity training. IMF RECOMMENDS The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has informed the government about the need to improve capacity in a number of areas, one of which includes financial management systems. Strong Public Financial Management (PFM) systems are essential for any country to ensure effective and sustainable economic management and public service delivery. Guyana has been carrying out several assessments in an effort to achieve those objectives as best as it could. And while there were some improvements over the years, the International Monetary Fund noted that there is still more which needs to be done, especially since the nation is preparing to be an oil producer by March 2020. During one of its assessments, the Fund noted that the limited capacity at all levels of the Ministry of Finance, and even in various line agencies, will pose significant constraints when the time comes for the implementation of needed reforms for Public Financial Management. To ensure success going forward, the IMF said that reform measures will need to be carefully prioritized and sequenced so as not to overload the limited capacity. The Fund said that the extent and wide-ranging nature of future PFM reforms perhaps requires a more coordinated approach to reform implementation. It said that many countries faced with an extensive body of work have formed a dedicated reform team to organize, coordinate, and facilitate the required reforms in many PFM areas. It said that the reform unit/team will provide oversight, guidance and monitoring to the PFM reform plan, and act as a coordinator of the overall PFM reform programme. The Fund said that a substantial part of their work should be directed to upgrading the skills of staff in the Ministry of Finance and line agencies by developing a core PFM training programme. The Fund also stressed that capacity building in the Ministry of Finance and in line agencies is an important prerequisite for sustainable PFM reform. It said, A comprehensive assessment of required skills is essential for successful implementation. It could be considered to appoint a small group to analyze the long-term capacity building needs, and to develop an overall plan for PFM capacity development, to be managed and coordinated within the reform unit in the Ministry of Finance. The Fund added, The results of the assessment could summarize the skills required in every function. For example, for budget office skills in preparing baseline expenditure are crucial or for macro-fiscal division, the analysis of fiscal risks. The IMF further stated that capacity building efforts could be coordinated with local training institutions. In this regard, it said that the Ministry should explore further, the options to cooperate with local training institutions (e.g. recently-opened Bertram Collins College of the Public Service; University of Guyana) and other partners to deliver necessary training programmes on a continuous basis. It noted that other cost-effective and efficient solutions, such as developing a partnership arrangement with other countries in the region could be a viable option as well. The IMF also asserted that new capacity building actions should be designed to channel appropriate training programmes through these institutions, and to use staff to perform training. In this way, the Fund said that training skills could be further built up in those institutions to provide sustainable ongoing training in years to come. ONGOING ASSESSMENTS As of now, the IMF said that authorities here, in cooperation with the European Commission, are carrying out an assessment of PFM systems. The last integrated fiduciary assessment of PFM and procurement systems was carried out by a team of staff from the Ministry and three external consultants in 2012. According to the Fund, the team used the Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) assessment methodology and the Methodology for Assessing Procurement Systems (MAPS). The Fund said that the findings of the ongoing assessment of PFM systems will be used to update a PFM reform programme. In addition, several developments partners like the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), World Bank, and the Commonwealth Secretariat have recently conducted assessments of PFM reform needs which will provide inputs to the PFM reform programme. The IMF noted that the Office of Budget in the Ministry of Finance has been a focal point for the PFM reforms. At present, the IMF said, the planning and coordination of the PFM reform process seems to depend heavily on the Director of the Office of Budget and one or two heads of key departments. It stressed that there is no dedicated reform unit or team in the Office of Budget or the Ministry to coordinate and guide the PFM reform efforts. At the same time, given current levels of staffing, the Fund observed that most of the staffers are fully engaged in day-to-day operations. It said that many of them are learning how to perform operations on the job as the staff turnover tends to be high. Hit your target - Advertise with us Story by Kiana Wilburg from Kaieter News Kaieteurnewsonline.com 04 18 2018 Copyright 1999-2018 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld (PW) stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article. Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com Best Viewed with IE 5.01+ Windows NT 4.0, '95, '98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixels Guyana ignores IMF's advice to close fiscal loopholes in existing oil contracts By Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 The Government of Guyana has chosen to ignore a prudent recommendation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that would secure greater revenues for Guyana from its oil resource. The IMF told government to close fiscal loopholes in existing Production Sharing Agreements (PSAs) that may be a source of base erosion and profit-shifting activities. The Fund advised the government that this should be done in consultation with oil companies that have already entered into an agreement with Guyana. This recommendation was made in a November 2017 report that the IMF handed to the government. The report details the findings of an IMF team that perused the PSA Guyana signed with ExxonMobil in 2016. The IMF reported that the ExxonMobil PSA has the lowest Average Effective Tax Rate (AETR) of all the fiscal regimes evaluated. The Fund said this result confirms that the terms offered in the agreement are generous to the investor, but were probably required to attract investment at a time in which little was known about the geological prospects of the country. Moreover, some of the countries with the highest AETRs in the sample, such as Norway and Trinidad and Tobago, are mature and well-established producers that have had the opportunity to fine tune their fiscal regimes over time. The IMF recommended that Guyana move in the direction of those countries that have fine tuned their fiscal regimes. The Fund said that Guyana's tax framework needs to be improved. While the government reportedly has intentions to review Guyana's tax framework, it remains firm that it will not be troubling the ExxonMobil contract. Hit your target - Advertise with us Story by Abena Rockcliffe-Campbell from Kaieter News Kaieteurnewsonline.com 04 18 2018 Copyright 1999-2018 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld (PW) stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article. Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com Best Viewed with IE 5.01+ Windows NT 4.0, '95, '98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixels Petrotrin must abide by WGTL Plant deal - Chairman By Rosmarie Sant PORT SPAIN Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 The current board of Petrotrin did not sign the agreement with Niquan Energy for sale of the World Gas to Liquids Plant (WGTL) at Pointe-a-Pierre, but chairman Wilfred Espinet said there is nothing they can do other than to abide by what was agreed to. If there is a legal agreement between the company and some other entity, the company has to maintain the legal agreement or it will be challenged legally, he said. Espinet dismissed claims by the Oilfields Workers Trade Union (OWTU) that the assets of the state owned energy company are being sold out. This board has made no determination at all about selling out any assets, he said. OWTU President General Ancel Roget claims Niquan Energy was formed with the specific aim of acquiring the WGTL, which they did despite not having any track record. Espinet said while the WGTL may have been a bad investment decision for Petrotrin, and the question is whether the agreement for the sale is another bad investment decision, a legal agreement cannot be reversed, In response to Roget's claim that there is an exclusivity agreement where Petrotrin will purchase gas from the National Gas Company, Espinet said: That is a big question you are asking. In an interview with the T&T Guardian in 2016, Niquan's Vice President of Corporate Affairs Malcolm Wells said NGC will earn revenue for the 25 year economic life of the project. He added that T&T will get a return on its US$450 million investment without any further cash investment by the government and there will be access to clean, high quality fuel which will benefit the consumer and the environment. Asked how Petrotrin will benefit from the WGTL, Espinet said: To be honest we have asked people to present us with such a narrative to show us where it is we are going to benefit from the agreement but you see we don't have a right to determine that at this stage. We have to stay with the agreement that is legally in place or push the company into a legal battle costing you more money again. Once it begins operations, the GTL plant will produce 80 per cent diesel and 20 per cent Naptha. Wells said Petrotrin will be responsible for marketing those products. Niquan officials have not revealed details of the commercial deal for acquisition of the plant which it reportedly acquired for US$35 million. Hit your target - Advertise with us TT's PM Roley meet with Shell top executives, New agreements between Gov't, Shell by September By LoopTT PORT SPAIN Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 Government and global oil and gas giant Shell are moving toward securing the long-term future of the gas industry in Trinidad and Tobago, with agreements expected by September. The Trinidad and Tobago delegation arrived in London on Monday which included a team of energy experts led by Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley. Official engagements began almost immediately with Shell executives. The Government's delegation included: Minister of Energy and Energy Industries, Franklin Khan, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, Stuart Young, Mark Loquan, President of National Gas Company, Leroy Mayers, Heidi Wong and Richard Jeremie, Advisors, Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries. Shell's delegation included Maarten Wetselaar, Integrated Gas and New Energies Director, Mr. De La Rey Venter, Executive Vice President, Integrated Gas Ventures, Derek Hudson, Vice President and Country Chairman, Trinidad and Tobago and Anders Ekval, Business Opportunity Manager, Atlantic LNG. This meeting was a continuation of the conversations between the Government and high-level executives of the major energy companies operating locally to discuss the governing principles for discussions and negotiations going forward. Following Monday's meeting, both parties agreed to establish empowered negotiating teams that will meet from the second half of May 2018. These teams will work on a priority basis, on a number of matters including, but not limited to, Atlantic LNG and the socio- economic contribution of the LNG business to Trinidad and Tobago, extensions of various upstream Production Sharing Contracts (PSC), Venezuelan initiatives and new domestic gas arrangements. It is expected that the negotiating teams will report back to their principals with agreements by September 2018. As the Prime Minister continues to place focus on substantial personal effort towards strengthening this country's relationships with multinationals in the energy sector, Government has stated its intention to achieve better returns for its citizens. Both Shell and BP have indicated their willingness to hold negotiations and discussions with the Government. The Prime Minister and the delegation will meet with high-level executives of BP on Tuesday for similar talks. Hit your target - Advertise with us Enel push for a takeover of Eletropaulo, offers 28 reais per share By Reuters SAO PAULO Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 Italy's Enel SpA has launched a takeover offer to shareholders in Brazil's power distributor Eletropaulo Metropolitana SA at 28 reais per share, the distributor said in a securities filing on Tuesday. Enel's offer came hours after rival Neoenergia SA , controlled by Spain's Iberdrola SA and Brazilian pension funds, unveiled a rival takeover offer at 25.51 reais per share. According to documents filed by Eletropaulo with the regulator, a precondition to Enel's offer to all shareholders would be the company canceling a share offering previously proposed. Earlier on Tuesday, Eletropaulo announced its board had approved the issue of 58.9 million new shares, equivalent to a 26 percent stake. Neoenergia's rival offer includes the commitment to buy into this share offering, paying 25.51 reais per share. Eletropaulo will sell its entire new share issue to Neoenergia, as long as other investors do not bid higher than the 25.51 reais, according to the filings. If it succeeds in acquiring the minority stake, Neoenergia has committed to buy all Eletropaulo shares - and take 100 percent ownership - which would value the company at up 5.7 billion reais ($1.7 billion), the companies said. Neoenergia's bid is at a 16 percent premium to Eletropaulo shares' closing price on Monday of 22 reais. Eletropaulo said in the filing its board is analyzing Enel's offer with its financial advisers. ($1 = 3.4191 reais) Hit your target - Advertise with us OPEC-Russia might agreed to extend oil cuts even as stock surplus vanishes Producer group meets in Jeddah to discuss further cooperation. Crude price gains bring windfall revenues for oil exporters By Grant Smith LONDON Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 OPEC and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia this week after all but banishing a global oil glut. While looming political crises threaten to tighten supplies further, the group seems determined to keep its cuts in place. Almost 16 months of output curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners have seen crude rally to a three-year high near $70 a barrel. That's replenishing their coffers after the worst oil slump in a generation, encouraging the producers to extend their intervention even as Venezuela's petro-economy implodes and Donald Trump threatens Iran with sanctions. Would they declare victory now and stop? No way, said Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA. They're happy to see inventories continue to go down, to see prices of $70 or $80. In the end, it's about revenues. The question is at what point do they become uncomfortable with higher prices? While analysts warn that price gains could backfire on OPEC by spurring rival U.S. supplies or crimping demand, ministers gathering in Jeddah on April 20 will focus on ways of prolonging their cooperation. That could include new inventory targets that extend the cuts, and laying the foundations for an alliance that will last for years. Any recommendations this week would have to be ratified at the group's full meeting in June. OPEC and Russia, for decades competitors in the oil market, forged an alliance in late 2016 to combat the surplus unleashed by a boom in American shale production. Though it's taken longer than expected, the strategy is paying off. With inventories subsiding to normal levels, the International Energy Agency says OPEC and its partners can declare Mission Accomplished . Cashing In Saudi Arabia, OPEC's biggest member, says the curbs should continue at least until their scheduled expiry at the end of the year, and possibly into 2019. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih contends this is necessary to ensure markets have properly rebalanced, and that prices are high enough to encourage the global oil industry invests in future supplies. Brent crude advanced 0.8 percent to $72.15 a barrel in London and West Texas Intermediate climbed 0.8 percent to $67.07 a barrel in New York, at 9:54 a.m. Dubai time. Last week, oil in New York and London jumped to the highest levels since 2014. There are other incentives for sticking with the strategy: the IEA estimates that in the first quarter, OPEC nations earned almost $400 million a day more than a year ago because of stronger oil prices. Russia's budget gained about 1.2 trillion rubles ($19.5 billion) last year, according to its Energy Ministry. They are willingly over-tightening this market, said Jan Stuart, an oil economist at consultant Cornerstone Macro LLC in New York. It's not self-defeating if what you are looking for is a little extra money. If the idea is to get a ton of money in the door now, then they're probably doing the right thing. Petro Politics Saudi Arabia is said to seek a price increase to $80 a barrel , according to people familiar with the matter, to cover weighty domestic spending needs and attract investors to a partial sale of its state oil company, Saudi Aramco. Although Russia, less dependent on oil revenues, usually sounds more cautious about pushing on, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he supports prolonging cooperation. Russian oil companies such as Lukoil PJSC have softened initial objections to the deal, which impedes their expansion plans, as the financial rewards become clear. The accord also serves political objectives for Russia, cementing President Vladimir Putin's role as a power-broker in the Middle East, where his government maintains ties with the antagonistic regimes in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and supports Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad against a rebellion backed by western powers. Politics plays its role of course, said Andrey Polischuk, an energy analyst at Raiffeisen Centrobank in Moscow. Russia needs to maintain good relations with its Mideast allies, and now even more than last year. Double Impact Regardless of the benefits, continuing to restrain output may be an odd policy for OPEC when accidental supply losses inside the cartel are mounting and other threats of disruption loom. The group's output reduction is now 60 percent bigger than the planned cut of 1.2 million barrels a day as Venezuela's deepening recession hits its oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, President Trump has vowed to abandon an agreement with Iran on the country's nuclear activity, and potentially reimpose sanctions on the nation's oil trade. If the Latin American country continues to deteriorate and Trump delivers on his Iranian threats, OPEC's unplanned losses could effectively double the impact of its intended production cut. Rather than filling the gap, though, the producers are maintaining strict discipline. Indefinitely Maybe As oil inventories get closer to the five-year average level -- OPEC's stated goal -- Saudi Arabia has said a new target is necessary to filter out the distortion of excessively high stockpiles seen in recent years. The group is considering alternative gauges, such as using a seven-year average. All of the various suggestions that have been floated would give OPEC a rationale to continue cutting, said Societe Generale's Wittner. In Jeddah, the producers will also work on turning the temporary alliance of the past year into a long-term partnership. Russia's Novak said he'd like cooperation to last indefinitely. Energy ministers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, Iraq and Brunei, as well as the chairman of Libya's state energy producer and representatives from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will attend the meeting, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The current production targets are not forever, but a more structured framework than we've ever seen before is something they're working on quite seriously, said Wittner. The agreement is never going to end. Hit your target - Advertise with us Venezuela arrested Chevron employees in corruption crackdown David Paul Morris/Bloomberg Two workers were detained by local authorities on Monday. U.S. major is part of joint venture with state oil company By Kevin Crowley and Lucia Kassai HOUSTON Petroleumworld 04 18 2018 OPEC and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia this week after all but banishing a global oil glut. While looming political crises threaten to tighten supplies further, the group seems determined to keep its cuts in place. Almost 16 months of output curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners have seen crude rally to a three-year high near $70 a barrel. That's replenishing their coffers after the worst oil slump in a generation, encouraging the producers to extend their intervention even as Venezuela's petro-economy implodes and Donald Trump threatens Iran with sanctions. Would they declare victory now and stop? No way, said Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA. They're happy to see inventories continue to go down, to see prices of $70 or $80. In the end, it's about revenues. The question is at what point do they become uncomfortable with higher prices? While analysts warn that price gains could backfire on OPEC by spurring rival U.S. supplies or crimping demand, ministers gathering in Jeddah on April 20 will focus on ways of prolonging their cooperation. That could include new inventory targets that extend the cuts, and laying the foundations for an alliance that will last for years. Any recommendations this week would have to be ratified at the group's full meeting in June. OPEC and Russia, for decades competitors in the oil market, forged an alliance in late 2016 to combat the surplus unleashed by a boom in American shale production. Though it's taken longer than expected, the strategy is paying off. With inventories subsiding to normal levels, the International Energy Agency says OPEC and its partners can declare Mission Accomplished . Cashing In Saudi Arabia, OPEC's biggest member, says the curbs should continue at least until their scheduled expiry at the end of the year, and possibly into 2019. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih contends this is necessary to ensure markets have properly rebalanced, and that prices are high enough to encourage the global oil industry invests in future supplies. Brent crude advanced 0.8 percent to $72.15 a barrel in London and West Texas Intermediate climbed 0.8 percent to $67.07 a barrel in New York, at 9:54 a.m. Dubai time. Last week, oil in New York and London jumped to the highest levels since 2014. There are other incentives for sticking with the strategy: the IEA estimates that in the first quarter, OPEC nations earned almost $400 million a day more than a year ago because of stronger oil prices. Russia's budget gained about 1.2 trillion rubles ($19.5 billion) last year, according to its Energy Ministry. They are willingly over-tightening this market, said Jan Stuart, an oil economist at consultant Cornerstone Macro LLC in New York. It's not self-defeating if what you are looking for is a little extra money. If the idea is to get a ton of money in the door now, then they're probably doing the right thing. Petro Politics Saudi Arabia is said to seek a price increase to $80 a barrel , according to people familiar with the matter, to cover weighty domestic spending needs and attract investors to a partial sale of its state oil company, Saudi Aramco. Although Russia, less dependent on oil revenues, usually sounds more cautious about pushing on, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he supports prolonging cooperation. Russian oil companies such as Lukoil PJSC have softened initial objections to the deal, which impedes their expansion plans, as the financial rewards become clear. The accord also serves political objectives for Russia, cementing President Vladimir Putin's role as a power-broker in the Middle East, where his government maintains ties with the antagonistic regimes in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and supports Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad against a rebellion backed by western powers. Politics plays its role of course, said Andrey Polischuk, an energy analyst at Raiffeisen Centrobank in Moscow. Russia needs to maintain good relations with its Mideast allies, and now even more than last year. Double Impact Regardless of the benefits, continuing to restrain output may be an odd policy for OPEC when accidental supply losses inside the cartel are mounting and other threats of disruption loom. The group's output reduction is now 60 percent bigger than the planned cut of 1.2 million barrels a day as Venezuela's deepening recession hits its oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, President Trump has vowed to abandon an agreement with Iran on the country's nuclear activity, and potentially reimpose sanctions on the nation's oil trade. If the Latin American country continues to deteriorate and Trump delivers on his Iranian threats, OPEC's unplanned losses could effectively double the impact of its intended production cut. Rather than filling the gap, though, the producers are maintaining strict discipline. Indefinitely Maybe As oil inventories get closer to the five-year average level -- OPEC's stated goal -- Saudi Arabia has said a new target is necessary to filter out the distortion of excessively high stockpiles seen in recent years. The group is considering alternative gauges, such as using a seven-year average. All of the various suggestions that have been floated would give OPEC a rationale to continue cutting, said Societe Generale's Wittner. In Jeddah, the producers will also work on turning the temporary alliance of the past year into a long-term partnership. Russia's Novak said he'd like cooperation to last indefinitely. Energy ministers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, Iraq and Brunei, as well as the chairman of Libya's state energy producer and representatives from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will attend the meeting, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The current production targets are not forever, but a more structured framework than we've ever seen before is something they're working on quite seriously, said Wittner. The agreement is never going to end. Hit your target - Advertise with us Wil Reynolds is founder and director of digital strategy at Seer Interactive, a Philadelphia- and San Diego-based company that specializes in Search Engine Optimization (SEO), which, as he puts it, "helps people find stuff on the internet." Reynolds tweeted this sequence of messages in reaction to the Starbucks arrests in Philadelphia, and gave permission to repost it as a column. @wilreynolds: Starbucks has 175,000 U.S. employees. One got caught doing something totally [messed] up. I feel like people jumped on Starbucks a bit fast companies cannot control 100 percent what their employees do on their premises. I'm at only 160 people and I've hired a few jerks in my years who don't represent our values at all. But out of 5,000+ interviews, it is inevitable to have a few jerks squeak by. We have to stop judging companies so quickly for the actions of one person. I judge companies by how they respond, and how quickly they respond. Do they respond due to pressure, or because they feel they must right a wrong? The fact that the CEO flew out, the fact that they are shutting down for one day (losing money) to teach 175,000 people about bias shows the quality of the company. You know how I judge Starbucks? They put their neck on the line trying to do something right when they didn't have to by getting their baristas to talk about race after Ferguson [the 2014 civil disturbances in Missouri after an African American man was killed by a police officer]. People blew them up for it. But you know what, I wish more companies even tried to talk about race and what's going on in this country. But they are scared because it's "bad for business." So here's to you, Starbucks, you responded fast, you [separated] the employee, your CEO seems like he [cared enough] to fly out here to Philly, and not just send public relations people. And that is more than most companies 1/1,000th of your size would do. I spoke with Wil Reynolds at Seer's office in Northern Liberties. He said he's gotten a lot of feedback on his Starbucks piece through social media. "Mostly, people agree." Reynolds, a South Jersey native, graduated from the University of Delaware, where he trained to be a teacher. "Student teaching was great. But administration was brutal. Now, this was back in 1998. So I was really big into technology. I wanted to put kids' grades into Microsoft Excel, you know? And people were like, 'Why are you using a computer?'" "So I started my own company, using computers. From the beginning, we were doing search-engine optimization, and web design. As soon as it took off we let the web design go and we focused on SEO. We focused on [getting our clients enough traffic to gain] paid advertising on Google. We had to track the meaning of data for our clients, tracking activity, and causing our clients to gain more. "Three of the top 15 banks are our clients. A lot of the really big corporate clients don't like to be identified. We find that our clients bring us with them to other companies (for example, in mergers). Our advertising is, our clients' hands-on experience, with us. We are busy. We are having periods of six or eight weeks when we cannot take on new clients. "Finding people is now our biggest issue. We opened a second office in San Diego, not because we had a lot of clients there, but to attract talent." The company is now 120 in Northern Liberties, 25 in San Diego, and, in recent months for the first time, a handful of remote employees."That's a critical part of my growth plan." The company has apartments in Philly and San Diego, but Reynolds expects to grow by hiring more people "in the Dakotas, everywhere." I asked whether he'd worked for Starbucks or its rivals. "What are you, Sean Hannity? I'd love to work with Starbucks. But our team wants to see Philly win. So, I'm trying to work with La Colombe. I like to work with companies that have a sense of vision and purpose, and you can tell by their actions they will make a decision that is right. Starbucks, for a company as big as they are, is like that." Does Seer train staff or does it hire only people who are ready to produce Day One? "We don't expect people to come with so much experience. We prefer to train people up. It's hard to hit the ground running, day one. We expect people to come in and be hungry to learn. "Our industry changes so much and so frequently. So I'm not so into 'what you know,' I'm into that 'you can learn new things.' Pay is attached to tenure. But you overpay, if you hire someone who's been doing this for 10 years, [only to] find out they may use negative old ways of doing the job in client projects. I want someone who's curious. Pay should be attached to efforts or outcomes. That's the issue." Is Philly a good place to be in tech because there are fewer competing tech employers? "I have never been scared of competition. If Amazon came here [HQ2], I think the more companies that come into Philly the better. I work really hard. But if Amazon comes in and they try to take our people, it's a good thing, to be desired. "Everybody here gets a lot of job offers. People know we do good work. The challenge for me is how do I build an environment where everyone wants to be here every day?" Stephen Gardner, chief marketing officer for the Israeli-based Tikun Olam, at the companys grow facility in Safed. Gardner spoke about the company's partnership with Pennsylvania marijuana grower and dispensary operator Ilera Healthcare. Read more A Pennsylvania marijuana producer is partnering with an Israeli cannabis pioneer to cultivate and sell proprietary strains of the plant in the Keystone State. Ilera Healthcare operates a medical marijuana cultivation facility in Waterfall, Fulton County. Ilera plans to open its first state-permitted dispensary in Plymouth Meeting on May 4. Tikun Olam the name means "Repair the World" in Hebrew is a powerhouse in cannabis research. And in Israel, it dominates the medical marijuana market. The Tel Aviv-based company has developed dozens of proprietary genetic strains, some of which are designed to alleviate anxiety, depression, nausea, pain associated with cancer, and other ailments, a spokesman said. The partnership allows Ilera to cultivate and sell strains developed by Tikun. "We wanted to bring together the real science with real premium medicine," said Oludare Odumosu, chief operating officer for Ilera. "That's why we sought them out." Tikun has conducted clinical studies with Israeli hospitals, universities and nursing homes and collected data from 20,000 Israeli patients, said Stephen Gardner, the chief marketing officer for Tikun Olam USA. Unlike in the United States, where the federal government outlaws it, medical marijuana is permitted in Israel. Gardner said the relaxed regulatory atmosphere has allowed Tikun to conduct small, double-blind clinical studies on the effects of marijuana on Crohn's disease and colitis. The company also has studied substituting cannabis for opioids in nearly 3,000 cancer patients. "By using specific strains, we were able to eliminate opioids in 36 percent of a test group," Gardner said. "They were able to move off opioids and use cannabis as a pain relief management tool." Gardner said Tikun and Ilera have no plans to participate in Pennsylvania's groundbreaking clinical research program, which is designed to pair marijuana cultivators with medical schools. "We're going to do a clinical research program on our own," said Gardner, adding that Tikun's senior management is rooted in the pharmaceutical industry. "They believe that on their own they can do trials that are important within the existing structure." Tikun already has licensing partnerships with growing facilities and dispensaries in California, Delaware, Massachusetts, Nevada, Rhode Island, and Washington state. Gardner said Tikun plans to collect observational data from patients where its partners operate. Drexel alumnus Raj Gupta and his wife Kamla donated $2.5 million to create the Gupta Institute at Drexel, while the Haas family matched the gift, bringing the total to $5 million. Read more Drexel University alum Raj Gupta has donated $2.5 million as part of a larger $5 million gift that establishes the Raj & Kamla Gupta Governance Institute, the university said Monday. Gupta, chairman of Aptiv PLC and chairman of Avantor Inc, and his wife Kamla invested $2.5 million to create an institute that will bear their name while the Haas family matched their gift, taking the total donation to $5 million. The Gupta Institute will house Drexel's existing Center for Corporate Governance and its new Center for Nonprofit Governance, "each providing world-renowned business leaders with dynamic governance insights," Drexel said in a release. The Gupta Institute also named Vanguard chairman Bill McNabb as its first executive-in-residence to encourage collaboration between corporate executives, governance leaders and faculty members. McNabb also served as CEO of the Vanguard Group until December 2017. In an interview, Gupta said he served on the board of directors of Vanguard for 16 years, before retiring in December at age 72. "We want the institute to be at the forefront of governance issues for public, private and non-profit industries," said Gupta, who lives in Newtown Square. He earned an MBA from Drexel in 1972. Gupta joined Rohm and Haas in 1971 as a financial analyst and was ultimately elected to the board of directors and named vice chairman in January 1999, before becoming chairman and chief executive officer in October 1999. He assumed the additional title of president in early 2005. In 2009, Gupta left Rohm and Haas after its $15.3 billion acquisition by the Dow Chemical Company, now owned by DowDuPont. And now for yet another national survey released Tuesday on "Tax Day" showing Pennsylvania rates badly on economic issues. This one comes from the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a Virginia-based, limited-government, free-market group that includes 2,000 state legislators from around the country. ALEC calls itself nonpartisan, since it has members from both parties, but it's known for pushing conservative causes such as tough voter ID laws, deregulation, school vouchers, and right-to-work legislation. And, in terms of economic policy, its findings suggest conservative states are more prosperous than liberal states. Top states (Utah, Idaho, Indiana, North Dakota, Arizona) all voted Trump in 2016. Bottom states (New York, Vermont, Illinois, California, New Jersey) voted Clinton. Yet its 2018 "Rich States/Poor States" annual report ranks Pennsylvania 38th in "economic outlook," calling the state one of the nation's five "biggest losers." Maybe you're thinking, wait, didn't Pennsylvania vote Trump, and isn't it run by an increasingly conservative Republican legislature? Why, yes. Yes, it did. And yes, it is. Then why such a low ranking? Nathan Benefield, vice president of the right-leaning Commonwealth Foundation, offers this: "There's a difference between being Republican and being for principled free-market policies." He says the state fares badly with ALEC because of tax, spending, and labor issues. He agrees the legislature has gotten more conservative, but says, "This is a long-term thing. It's not about this legislature or Gov. Wolf. It's that, historically, policy is very slow to change. There's a mentality in Pennsylvania that we've always done it this way." ALEC's Jonathan Williams, one of the writers of the annual report, agrees. He says the state's problems stem from "policy fundamentals, regardless of political majorities in Harrisburg." Pennsylvania consistently ranks low, he says, due to high tax rates, especially corporate, and overall personal tax burden, which is calculated with (and increased by) Philadelphia tax rates. Marc Stier, director of the left-leaning Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, takes a decidedly different view of ALEC's findings: "They should call their report `the economic outlook for oligarchs.'" Stier says states doing best with ALEC are "the states that do the most to help the rich." He says Pennsylvania's economic problems are tied to our "two-state economy" (rural and urban), 20 years of moving the state "in a right-wing direction," and ongoing failure to invest in higher education. He adds the only thing ALEC gives Pennsylvania credit for is not raising the minimum wage, "as all our neighboring states have done, which leads to better job growth." So, it seems, nobody on the ideological scale is happy. And, if you think about it, nobody on any scale has much reason to rejoice. This isn't the only 2018 report in which Pennsylvania shows poorly. In January, the Volcker Alliance, headed by former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker, issued state report cards on budget issues. Pa. got "the lowest possible grade, D-minus." In March, USA Today reported on best states/worst states for business. Pennsylvania ranked 40th. The state currently ranks 44th in the unemployment rate, highest in the northeast. And all this comes on the heels of a 2017 year-end best states/worst states ranking from the financial website 24/7 Wall St. that put Pennsylvania 46th in the nation, after declines in five straight years. On the other hand, we're good at focusing on stricter abortion bills, and finding ways to keep citizens' hands off efforts to reform our election process. That way we can look forward to further national comparative studies to verify an earned reputation as a place where bad politics produces bad policy. And I can keep referring to the Keystone State with a moniker I gave it years ago the Land of Low Expectations. The bar at Chalaco's, a new Peruvian restaurant at Liberties Walk in Northern Liberties. Read more Who'd guess that two Peruvian restaurants would open a mile apart a month apart? This week, I also offer you tastes of a French-Viet BYOB in Montgomery County, a pizzeria in Northern Liberties, and a quaint cafe in Chestnut Hill. Also, with the recent closing of Fair Food Farmstand at Reading Terminal Market, critic Craig LaBan suggests other outlets for local specialty foods. Need food news? Click here and follow me on Twitter and Instagram. Email tips, suggestions, and questions here. If someone forwarded you this free newsletter and you like what you're reading, sign up here to get it every week. Michael Klein Peruvian flavors come north Philly, not exactly a hotbed of Peruvian cuisine over the years, now has two bar-restaurants specializing in the innovative South American mix including European and Asian influences. First out of the gate is Vista Peru, an upscale bar-lounge from the crew behind El Balconcito in Northeast Philadelphia, which recently took the two-level space at 20 S. Second St. in Old City that housed Serrano and Tin Angel. Bars (including a second-floor lounge that is open Friday and Saturday nights) feature cocktails made from the potent brandy known as pisco. Atmosphere is clean and spare, with some seating in front of the bar and a similarly appointed dining room. Menu runs the gamut of Peruvian plates, including generous-portioned cebiches, risotto, shrimp on the plancha, paella, steak, and chaufa (as in, chifa) rice dishes. Entrees range from the mid-teens to $55 for stuffed lobster tail; the whole polla a la brazza (the signature roast chicken, served with potatoes) is $38. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Just up the street in Northern Liberties, where Bar Ferdinand was at 1030 N. Second St., is the brand-new Chalaco's, a more casual-seeming effort. Colombian-born chef Jordi Harper, not yet 30 and in his first Philadelphia venture, is running it for a silent partner based in the Washington area. Bold graphics, including the words "Good conversation starts with a Pisco" over the 17-seat bar, establish a lively mood. Harper says he is tapping local sources for his vegetables, rather than importing ingredients. Dishes on Chalaco's menu, including classics such as lomo saltado (beef tips) and ceviche (here spelled with a "v"), are priced at $18 and under. Roast chicken here is priced at $24 for a whole, $16 for a half, including potatoes and salad. A three-course lunch is available for $10. Chalaco's, which has a decent-sized outdoor seating area, is open for lunch, dinner, and late night daily. Where were doing happy hour Harp & Crown, 1525 Sansom St., 4-7 p.m. weekdays A wine, beer, or cocktail for four bucks? One of the city's best cheeseburgers for six? Shortrib empanada for five? It's hard to beat the deals at Michael Schulson's luxe Center City destination. Happy hour is great enjoyed at the bar or downstairs at Elbow Lane, where the clatter of bowling ball meeting pins mixes with the chatter of the crowd. Where were eating: Colonial Quy-Bau, Spuntino, Cake Colonial Quy-Bau, Corey Nguyen's stylish, sleeper French-Vietnamese BYOB near Willow Grove Park Mall, does it all: casual lunches (wraps and pho, pho example) as well as date-night dinners worthy of your best bottle. This 16-ounce veal chop (topped with mushroom and green peppercorns in a brandy demi and served with broccoli and scalloped potatoes) is a bargain at $30 and you'd probably pay $10 more in Center City. Salvatore Carollo's family is Sicilian, but he's turning out some of the city's finest Neapolitan pizzas at Spuntino in Northern Liberties. (Brother Robert works the wood-fired oven at their Doylestown shop.) This carbonara ($14), with pancetta, caramelized onion, mozz, Pecorino Romano, pepper, and a cracked egg on top, is a best seller. (Note: Closed Sunday-Monday.) Grey Heck's sunny Cake in Chestnut Hill, set in the plant-filled conservatory attached to Robertson's Flowers, screams "ladies who lunch." It's popular, yes, for quiches, sandwiches (such as a proper croque monsieur, chicken salad, grilled cheese boosted by pistachio-basil pesto), and salads (such as this quinoa salad with orzo, spinach, carrots, cashews, and currants, $12). Also good bets are Sunday brunch and Friday dinner. (Note: Closed Monday.) This weeks openings Chalaco's | Northern Liberties Philadelphia's latest Peruvian bar/restaurant comes to Liberties Walk, 1030 N. Second St., on April 18. Lost Bread Co. | Kensington James Beard Award finalist Alex Bois just opened a retail shop attached to his bakery at 1313 N. Howard St., just north of Girard Avenue. It's open 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Love City Brewing Co. | Spring Arts Kevin Walter, a former Yards brewmaster, has set up this roomy tasting room with his wife, Melissa, at 1023 Hamilton St., behind Union Transfer. Light food is augmented by food trucks. Opens April 19. Main Street Pho | Manayunk Pho and other Vietnamese fare (including teas and smoothies), at 4307 Main St. Saxbys | Germantown/Logan The coffee chain has La Salle students operating this cafe, at 5698 N. Wister St., inside La Salle University's Founders' Hall. Tasties | West Philadelphia Barbara Devan, whose Tasties food truck put her on the map, opens a plush soul-fooder with a bar at 1214 N. 52nd St. This weeks closings Bertucci's | Multiple locations Chapter 11 filings have led to the shutdown of the chain's outlets in Bryn Mawr, Norristown, North Wales, and Warrington. Craig LaBan answers your dining questions Reader: So sad about the closing of the Fair Food Farmstand in the Reading Terminal Market. Seven Stars cream, Fiddlecreek yogurt, Daisy Flour now where do I get them?!?! Craig LaBan: I agree that it's a big loss for the Reading Terminal, which found its strongest advocate and showplace for small farm organic produce, humanely raised meats, dairy, and local artisanal food producers of all sorts at the Fair Food stand, from an extensive selection of regional cheeses to Castle Valley Mill grits, local pickles, Jersey Fresh tomatoes and Oma teas not to mention the tiniest Brussels sprouts, organic cranberries and my annual Thanksgiving turkey. It was the year-round one-stop shop with deep local roots that was sorely needed and it was unique in 2003 when Ann Karlen first opened it with a couple folding tables and a chest freezer in the market's Center Court. As the nonprofit grew into larger permanent spaces, it filled the winter void when the outdoor farmers markets went quiet. But as Fair Food's management put it in their closure announcement, the local food movement has grown to the point now where competition everywhere has made their profitability a challenge. The continued rise of Whole Foods and now a MOM's Organic Market nearby have obviously cut into that customer pie, and even more so as those corporate powerhouses finally begin to source more local (not just organic) products. But there was always a sense of careful curation and long-standing relationships with both local producers and customers at Fair Food that can't quite be replicated in a large store setting. So now where to turn? For me, the new Riverwards Produce Market in Fishtown (2200 E. Norris St.) is the best replacement in terms of its well-rounded collection of great local ingredients, from fresh Little Noodle Co. pastas to Lost Bread Co. loaves and Primal Supply meats, and a devoted neighborhood crowd that I think has a chance to support it. It has a professional polish that feels like Fair Food 2.0. The Green Aisle Grocery stores have done this, too, albeit in a much smaller boutique scale. Meanwhile, the region's strong collection of long-standing food co-ops remain a vital resource. The many locations for Weavers Way. The Swarthmore Co-op. Mariposa in West Philly. Creekside in Elkins Park. Essene in South Philly (which, like many of the others, also carries Seven Stars). The network of Kimberton Whole Foods. And there's promise of more. Here are two bright new sources I'm really looking forward to: Ann Karlen plans to carry forward the local cheese collective she assembled at Fair Food with her own (still unnamed company), which will sell both wholesale and retail. Karlen also has a solid tip on where I may be getting my Thanksgiving turkey next year: "the new Primal Supply butcher shop [opening by May at 1538 East Passyunk Ave.] will have you covered." Email Craig here, and join his chat at 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at Philly.com/food. I'm glad Starbucks is closing all its U.S. stores on May 29 for racial bias training after a Philadelphia store manager called the police to eject two black customers who hadn't yet made a purchase and tried to use the bathroom without buying anything. Unfortunately, that racial bias training is not enough. I join activists from Black Lives Matter and the NAACP in calling for confirmation that the manager who called police has been fired from the company, and not just moved to another store. I also join them in calling for an increased number of black and brown managers at Starbucks. Until those things take place, in addition to company-wide racial bias training, Starbucks must be boycotted. And we must not stop at boycotting the store on the corner of 18th and Spruce Streets, where the incident took place. We must commit to boycotting all of them. They must be boycotted because the company has acknowledged that in barring those men from the bathroom, their manager followed Starbucks procedures. They must be boycotted because those men behaved no differently from other Starbucks customers. But perhaps most important, Starbucks must be boycotted because the manager failed to consider the volumes of evidence that indicate contacting police could prove fatal where black men are concerned. "When you call the cops on black and brown people, you put us all in jeopardy," Asa Khalif of Black Lives Matter Pennsylvania told me in a radio interview. "You put us in jeopardy because we're not safe with the police, especially here in Philadelphia. We're not. When the police encounter black people, it ends up in arrest most of the time, or even death. And so we just have to realize, as black people, that we are in a white supremacist system of violence and the main perpetrators are the police. And that's just the way it is. We have to call it for what it is." I wish Khalif was engaging in hyperbole, but he wasn't. Newsweek reported that blacks composed 25 percent of the 1,129 people killed by police in 2017, though blacks are only 13 percent of the population. Thankfully, the Starbucks situation did not escalate to that point, and police say they acted appropriately. Last Saturday, Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who is black, issued a Facebook Live statement shortly after video of the men's arrests went viral. Ross said his officers were polite and professional, making several attempts to escort the men out without arresting them. Ultimately, the men were arrested for trespassing, Ross said, adding that his officers did absolutely nothing wrong. Later in the week, Ross walked back his defense of the officers and issued a public apology to the two men. Still, his initial words stung the black community. "I truly respect Commissioner Ross because he's a great cop and an even greater man," said African American lawyer and activist Michael Coard told me this week. "But his argument that the officers did 'absolutely nothing wrong' is absolutely frightening because it's the same kind of argument Nazis used in their 'we were just following orders' Nuremberg defense, which was summarily rejected by the International Court. And his argument that those black men committed the crime of trespass is absolute bullst. Jaywalking is a crime. Spitting on the sidewalk is a crime. Being drunk in public is a crime. But cops show discretion by never arresting anyone for those crimes. By the way, Mayor Kenney was right about people often simply chilling out in Starbucks without buying anything. But they never get arrested. Oh, my bad. Those people are white." Black people aren't the only ones who feel that way. As cellphone cameras and viral videos have made it impossible to ignore racism, many whites have begun to change their perspective. Toni Bowers, a white woman who joined a Sunday protest outside the Starbucks where the incident took place, is among them. "Like a lot of people my age, I grew up thinking that the policeman was my friend and all that, and I was already over 50," Bowers told me while protesting. "And Michael Brown was killed and our family was on vacation, and we just gave up the vacation and sat on the floor around the TV in the hotel room and couldn't believe what we saw. We can't continue to say: 'Oh, was that person aggressive? Oh, this was a bad cop.' This is a system, and I think white people are finally seeing that a system is in place." It is a system that must be challenged, Minister Rodney Muhammad, president of the Philadelphia branch of the NAACP, told me in an interview, adding that a boycott is the most viable tool for doing so. I agree. That's why, until Starbucks commits to treating my brothers like whole persons, I will boycott every one of their stores. Americans of good conscience should do the same. Solomon Jones is the author of 10 books. Listen to him weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon on Praise 107.9 FM. sj@solomonjones.com; @solomonjones1 On Dec. 12, 2017,, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the troops at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria. Read more MOSCOW The weather was gloriously sunny here on Monday and Tuesday, as if to celebrate the release of tension over the possibility that Saturday's U.S. missile strike in Syria would lead to U.S.-Russia fighting. Perhaps the most significant lesson of the strike is that the military de-confliction channels between Washington and Moscow still work. Oblivious to recent tensions, crowds of tourists, many Russian-speaking, wandered around the Kremlin walls and St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square and the nearby mall inside the famous GUM department store. They flowed in from the pedestrian walkway on Nikolskaya Street, its elegant, centuries-old houses turned into high-end shops and outdoor cafes. As if to advertise Moscow's contradictions, the far end of Nikolskaya looks out at the imposing yellow and redbrick Lubyanka building, once home to the KGB and now housing its successor, the FSB organization. >> Read more: I'll be traveling to Moscow as tensions with Russia over Syria heat up | Trudy Rubin But by Wednesday, the Moscow skies were gray and rainy; the talk had reverted to whether the much-telegraphed strike had demonstrated American weakness. Or whether it might yet precipitate a summit between President Trump and Vladimir Putin. (Moscow is encouraged that Trump just rejected new sanctions on Russia and wants to remove U.S. forces from Syria.) One thing was very clear from Russian Mideast experts: The contest between Washington and Moscow over Syria has implications that go far beyond the boundaries of the Middle East. "Syria is about bigger things," I was told by Maxim Suchkov, editor of Russia-Mideast coverage at the excellent Al-Monitor news website."For Russia, it is more about the makings of a new world order, setting new rules and saying no to 'regime change.'" Russia entered the Syrian fray in 2015 to prevent the toppling of Bashar al-Assad, a dictator friendly to Moscow, just as the United States had enabled the toppling of Libya's Muammar Gaddafi in 2011 and as other dictators had been toppled by "color revolutions" and the Arab Spring revolts. Putin blamed all of these upheavals on Washington machinations. Incorrectly, I'd add. >> Read more: Trump pulls an Obama on Syria So Putin's first goal was to rescue Assad, lest his fall create political chaos and enable Islamist jihadis. (By 2015, given U.S. unwillingness to help secular rebels early in the Syrian revolt, Putin was probably right.) But as Russia achieved unexpected successes, new goals developed, like the wooden Russian nesting dolls that emerge one from the other. "It was all very ad hoc, target of opportunity, " says Yuri Barmin, an expert on Russia's Mideast policy at the Russian International Affairs Council. "Initially it was to save Assad. Then they thought out the rest." With Iran and proxy Shiite militias providing the ground forces, Syrian rebels were pushed back. Russia acquired a major airbase in Syria and a long-term naval base on the eastern Mediterranean at Tartus. "This creates a part of the sea where NATO can't operate unnoticed," says Barmin. "Putin sees the Middle East as key to a lot of things. Push Americans out, power projection, energy policy, trade, tourists." Other Mideast leaders, recognizing Russia as the new power in the region, are rushing to Moscow. After a decades-long absence, Russia has military basing rights in Egypt. Which brings us to "the bigger thing" that Syria represents for the U.S. >> Read more: Russian TV news exacerbates disconnect between Putin and the U.S. | Trudy Rubin Russia sees the U.S. as a declining world power, says Suchkov. As little as Syria may mean to Trump, a withdrawal of the 2,000 U.S. forces in Syria's Northeast Kurdish region would affirm that perception to Moscow. It would open the door to a reemergence of ISIS in Syria and Iraq. It would also convince Tehran that Washington is unable to push back against Iranian expansionism in Syria and the Mideast. I would add that the idea of concocting a Sunni Arab mercenary force to replace U.S. forces, attributed to new Trump national security adviser John Bolton, is utter nonsense. Such a force would never jell, couldn't keep ISIS down, and would be rejected by Syria, Iran, the Kurds, and probably Turkey. This brings us back to the question of whether the end of the missile-strike crisis might precipitate a summit that would serve both U.S. and Russian goals. A summit may yet happen, but U.S. and Russian interests in Syria are so divergent I find it hard to imagine a successful outcome. For starters, Moscow values its relationship with Tehran and will not, nor can it, push the Iranians out of Syria as the Trump team is demanding. If Trump walks away from the nuclear accord with Iran, it's even harder to imagine any Syria deal. More likely: Russia will be left wrestling with how to keep divergent forces in Syria from each other's throats. Can Moscow prevent Iran from precipitating a war with Israel over Tehran's weapons buildup in Syria? Will it stop Turkey from invading the Kurdish heartland? Can it muscle Assad into halting the use of chemical weapons, which could provoke another U.S. strike? Every Russian Mideast expert I spoke to told me Moscow wants to avoid the burdens of becoming the Mideast's new godfather. But this yoke may come with the Kremlin's new preeminence in the region. Putin may come to regret that Trump is so eager to give up this leadership role. Trudy Rubin will be writing from Russia through April 27. Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, R-Benner Township, speaks out front of the Centre County Courthouse to introduce anti-hazing legislation named after Timothy Piazza. Jim and Evelyn Piazza stood with Corman. (Abby Drey/Centre Daily Times/TNS) Read more HARRISBURG The Pennsylvania Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved harsher penalties for hazing that, if passed by the House and signed by Gov. Wolf, would give the state one of the most comprehensive and toughest laws against the crime in the nation. Known as the "Timothy J. Piazza Law," the legislation was put forth by Senate Majority Leader Jake Corman, a Centre County Republican, in response to the death of Pennsylvania State University student Tim Piazza in 2017 following a booze-fueled fraternity party at which hazing is alleged. Eight fraternity members initially were charged with felony aggravated assault and misdemeanor involuntary manslaughter in his death, but a Centre County judge dismissed those charges. The new legislation would make hazing a third-degree felony in the case of serious bodily injury or death, punishable by up to seven years in prison. It also would pave the way for fraternity houses used in hazing to be seized. No other state has such a forfeiture provision for hazing, according to Hank Nuwer, a hazing expert and professor at Franklin College in Indiana, and few states call the crime a felony. "In my opinion, it's trying to overcome the loopholes that have seen the harshest charges in the death of Tim Piazza dropped," Nuwer said of the legislation. "And I agree with that." Wolf and House leadership this week signaled they also are supportive of the measure. "Honestly, what happened up there [at Penn State] is a travesty," Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Majority Leader Dave Reed, a Republican from Indiana County, said. "And if that legislation does come here, we absolutely will be taking a look at it. We want to make sure what happened up there does not happen anywhere else on any other campus in the commonwealth." Wolf issued a statement praising the bill, urging the House to pass it and send it to him to sign. "We must give law enforcement the tools that they need to hold people accountable and we must ensure schools have proper safeguards to protect students and curb these practices," the governor said. The Attorney General's Office, which has taken over prosecution of the Piazza case, said the bill "gives law enforcement the tools we need to hold students accountable" in hazing. Piazza, a sophomore engineering major from New Jersey, was pledging the Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Penn State. He drank copious amounts of alcohol during an alleged hazing ritual and later fell down the stairs. No one called for help for nearly 12 hours, and Piazza later died of head, lung, and spleen injuries. Eighteen members were charged in Piazza's death, with offenses including hazing, reckless endangerment and furnishing alcohol to minors. Fourteen have been bound over for trial. More students are awaiting a preliminary hearing next month. The case has drawn national attention and resulted in a crackdown on Greek life at Penn State. Corman announced the legislation during a break in a preliminary hearing in the Piazza case, held in Bellefonte in March. On the Senate floor Wednesday, Corman said the state's current hazing laws are "inflexible" and don't give prosecutors the ability to tailor their cases to account for a variety of crimes, some of which are minor and others of which could warrant felonies. He said he also hopes the new bill would encourage more people to seek help, noting that no one called for help immediately after Piazza fell. "This would offer a safe harbor for someone to make that call," he said. He also thanked Piazza's parents, Jim and Evelyn, for their input and support. The legislation also has the support of Penn State. "From the beginning, we thought this was very important," Eric Barron, president of Penn State, said. Tom Kline, a lawyer who represents the Piazzas, said he hopes the bill serves as a model for other states. If tougher hazing penalties had been in effect when Piazza died, prosecutors would not have had to resort to involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, he said. Under current Pennsylvania law, hazing is a summary offense. According to HazingPrevention.org's website, only about 10 states currently call hazing a felony in cases where serious injury or death occur. Several states, like Pennsylvania, were moved to act after a tragedy. In Louisiana, where a student died last fall after police said he chugged alcohol during a fraternity initiation event, the House passed legislation this month that would increase penalties for hazing in the case of death to up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000. Nuwer questioned whether the forfeiture piece of the law would hold up in court. Corman said he is focused on deterrence. "Hopefully, we never have to worry about forfeiture," he said. The Zitelman sisters (pictured from left to right) Amy, Jackie, and Shelby launched Soom in 2015. They now sell their creamy sesame spreads to chefs at restaurants across the nation. Read more "Sesame tahini: not just for hummus anymore." So say the single-serving packets of the creamy, sesame-seed paste, the newest product from Philadelphia-based Soom Foods. From coffee milkshakes at Goldie to shrimp Dan Dan noodles at Cheu and chai-spiced smoothies at Sip-n-Glo all of which utilize tahini the sentiment appears to be becoming true as more and more Philadelphia eateries embrace the ingredient. And it's largely thanks to Soom. Soom is the creation of the three Zitelman sisters, two in Philly (Amy and Shelby) and one in Israel (Jackie), who set out on a mission to turn tahini into a pantry staple. Since the company's start in 2013, Soom has enjoyed widespread success, doubling its revenue each year and continuously growing its chef-driven client list. Today, Soom tahini can be found at nearly 20 different restaurants within the city, as well as dozens of others across the country. "But we still have a long, long way to go," said Shelby Zitelman, the oldest of the sisters and Soom's CEO. "We were vending recently at a food gift show in D.C., and only about 50 percent of people even knew what tahini was and that was among a foodie crowd." But on the consumer-side of the spectrum, tahini has yet to make the strides that its most popular partner, hummus, has here in the United States. Hummus, the "official dip of the NFL," has gone far beyond a 1970s snack for vegans. Yet its second-largest ingredient or largest, if we're talking about the version Dizengoff serves still is widely unfamiliar to many here. So what's keeping tahini from going vogue? It may come down to a factor of quality. While Soom prides itself in creating a tahini that's as creamy and easy to stir as a natural peanut butter, many products on the shelves in the U.S. are both chalky and bitter. "The oil spills everywhere when you try to blend it together, and then it tastes bad on top of the mess," said Amy Zitelman, the youngest of the Soom sisters, who with sister Jackie recently was named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30. "I know I never used it." In fact, before Soom, none of the sisters held a particular affinity for the ingredient. It wasn't until Jackie met now-husband Omri Horvitz, an importer of sesame seeds in Israel, that the Zitelmans discovered its potential and also their love for it. Horvitz introduced the sisters to the Israeli version of the nutty paste, derived from a white humera Ethiopian sesame seed. That seed, Soom says, makes all the difference. As with the grapes that create wine and the beans that brew coffee, the origin of the seed creates prominent differences among tahinis. "It tasted like peanut butter to me, and I was really confused, because it was not what I knew tahini to be," Shelby said of the tahini she tasted in Israel. "It sparked a lot of questions, like, 'Why do I enjoy eating this with a spoon?' " Soon after, the sisters began importing tahini from Israel to Philadelphia and Soom was born. The product is now sold at more than 150 independent retailers across a dozen states and on Amazon in both the U.S. and parts of Canada. The new Soom Foods Squeeze Packs, which offer two portable tablespoons of tahini, are available in 12- and 24-packs at soomfoods.com and on Amazon. "Soom is revolutionizing the tehina business in America," said chef and restaurateur Michael Solomonov, who is perhaps Soom's biggest fan. Solomonov uses Soom at his restaurants Zahav, Dizengoff, Rooster Soup Co., Goldie, and Federal Donuts. "The norm in the U.S. had been tahini that was bitter and brown, a product no one wanted to use. And then there was Soom a family- and women-owned business whose seeds are buttery and rich and complex." As the Soom sisters struggle to introduce the ingredient as a whole and under a brand-new light as being this buttery deliciousness they want to show consumers its usefulness goes far beyond hummus. The ticket to doing so might be through those most familiar with the ingredient chefs. Soom sales currently are heavily skewed toward the food-service industry (80 percent), with consumers making up only 20 percent. "We think it will balance out a bit, but they service one another," Shelby said. "When more chefs include tahini on the menu, then more consumers want to find it and use it in their own dishes at home." The sisters all have their favorite, effort-free ways to utilize the ingredient. "I make these mashed sweet potatoes where I use tahini instead of cream or butter and add coconut milk and maple syrup," Shelby said. Amy loves to add a spoonful to Greek yogurt, topped with honey, granola, and bananas; Jackie enjoys drizzling it on charcoal-grilled eggplant. Across the city, chefs are playing their part in introducing the ingredient in creative ways. One of the most visible utilizations is the Tehina Shake at Goldie, which spans flavors from Turkish coffee to mint to coconut to banana. "It's hard to think about our shops without Soom," said Caitlin McMillan, executive chef of Goldie. "With the shakes, it's like liquid halvah. The tahini has this nutty, comforting quality to it like the way dipping cookies in milk says comfort." It's the sweet angle that the Soom sisters see as the prime way to introduce new-time tasters. In addition to traditional tahini, Soom also sells a chocolate-infused version, which has seen increasing sales over the past few months. "You can simply spread it on toast, and it's delicious," Shelby said. "So then it becomes this access point for trying tahini in a way that's as easy as peanut butter." Soom plans to continue to explore the sweet market, and is testing some other sweet tahini spreads. Among Philadelphia chefs, however, the trend is toward the savory, showcasing the ingredient's versatility within not only Mediterranean cuisine but also dishes inspired from around the world. "We use loads and loads of Soom," said Ben Puchowitz, chef and co-owner of Cheu Noodle Bar and Bing Bing Dim Sum, adding that the two Cheu locations alone go through about 10 gallons a month. "There are tons of Asian recipes that involve 'neri goma' or sesame paste, which is basically tahini." It's used to add body and creaminess to the broth of the miso ramen at both Cheus, blended into a Chinese mustard sauce for beef dumplings, and also incorporated into a "pork gravy" served over noodles at Bing Bing Dim Sum, and used in the Dan Dan Noodles sauce at Cheu's Midtown Village location. Soom also makes appearances in menu specials, like steamed eggplant at Bing Bing and in other dumpling dipping sauces. Other Philadelphia restaurants using the product include Hungry Pigeon, Martha, Honeygrow, PS & Co., Animo, Sweetgreen, Cafe Ole, and Stock. "People often ask if there's cream in our Burmese style noodles because the sauce is so smooth," says Tyler Akin, chef and owner at Stock. "It's markedly better than the other stuff I've encountered more pure, nuttier, and a better texture." While creamier than other counterparts on the market, Soom comes at a premium price. Imported from Israel within reach of Ethiopia, where the prized sesame seeds are cultivated the tahini travels nearly 6,000 miles before reaching Philadelphia. It's a far longer route than that of the seeds traveling from Central America, a popular origin for many tahinis created in the States. Coupled with the fact that Soom is still in the start-up stages, the price for the product ranks on the high side among its competitors. It's a trade-off that many chefs are willing to endure. "It definitely costs more money than what we were looking to spend, but it's a superior product," said Justin Rosenberg, founder and CEO of Honeygrow. "And we like supporting small businesses." As Soom continues to promote the ingredient, the sisters know they're going to need all of the support that they can get. "We like to compare it to when people took kale off of the display of buffets and onto plates," Amy said. "It takes education to turn an unknown ingredient into a popular one, but it's possible." With the new single-serving packets launched this past March, Soom hopes to enable more people to sample the product. The sisters have learned that putting the ingredient into action speaks louder than words when it comes to selling it even among their own family. "Our aunt was cooking with friends at their local synagogue, making a ratatouille and the ratatouille was too watery," Amy said. "The kitchen leader said, 'Let's add Soom to make it thicker!', and our aunt was mortified. She didn't want to do it, but it turned out delicious, and she called us and said, 'I think I understand tahini better now!'" Smog especially dangerous to children, seniors, and those with asthma is getting worse in the Philadelphia region including South Jersey, most likely due to climate change, according to the American Lung Association. The association's annual State of the Air report for 2018, released Wednesday, found that all counties monitored in the Philadelphia metro area saw increases in ground-level ozone, also known as smog. The metro area includes from northern Delaware to the Jersey Shore, 10 counties in all. "For ozone, with the sole exception of Atlantic County, N.J., all monitored counties in the Philadelphia metro area posted worse results than in last year's report," the American Lung Association said. That also includes an increase in the level of unhealthy days, the report states. The association has provided a report card on air quality for 19 years. It looks at ozone pollution as well as particle pollution. "When older adults or children with asthma breathe ozone-polluted air, too often they end up in the doctor's office, the hospital, or the emergency room," said Kevin Stewart, director of environmental health for the association's Mid-Atlantic chapter. "Ozone can even shorten life itself." Ground-level ozone is formed when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers, refineries, chemical plants, and other sources react chemically in the presence of sunlight, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More sunlight, plus warmer weather, means smog is more prevalent in summer. Though this winter and spring have seen below-normal temperatures, prior years were among the warmest on record, accounting for more smog year round. The report says the increase in smog "adds to the evidence that a changing climate is making it harder to protect human health." In fact, smog increased in most cities nationwide. The report examined data from the years 2014, 2015, and 2016, the second warmest on record. The Pennsylvania counties with the worst rankings were Philadelphia and Delaware. Philadelphia long has had a smog problem. Environmental groups are waiting to see if the EPA declares the city in violation of the federal Clean Air Act. Despite deadlines, the EPA has refused to say whether Philadelphia has met a 2015 benchmark of 70 parts per billion or less of ground-level ozone in the ambient atmosphere. The EPA was supposed to make its finding by Oct. 1. A federal court ruled this year that the agency, under its administrator, Scott Pruitt, broke the law by missing the deadline, and gave the EPA until April to make a decision. In its new report, the association took issue with EPA efforts to roll back Obama-era rules. "The American Lung Association in Pennsylvania calls on our members of Congress to defend the Clean Air Act, currently under threat from those who want to weaken this effective public health law," Stewart said. "We also call on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement and enforce the law instead of trying to roll back major safeguards such as the Clean Power Plan and cleaner cars, both steps that help us fight climate change and reduce air pollution." On the positive side: Particulate pollution is getting better, most likely because coal plants are shutting down with the switch toward natural gas, the report says. This kind of pollution is composed of soot, chemicals, and tiny particles emitted by coal-fired power plants, diesel fuel, and wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. Wildfires can also cause spikes in particle pollution, which can affect respiratory and cardiovascular health. The report found that "year-round particle pollution levels were all distinctly lower than in the 2017 report, continuing a steady decrease over at least six years." Camden and Chester were among the nation's cleanest counties for particle pollution, with both earning an A. Peter LaRosa showing the needles he collects on the ground in Camden in order to exchange them for new ones in Philadelphia. Read more The sun was still shining when they started reading the names of the dead at the stadium under the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden. It was October of last year, and I was at a vigil for 900 overdose victims from South Jersey and across the region. The vigil's organizers read the names to the strains of a symphony. By the time they finished, it had been dark for hours. I remember looking at the bridge, bathed in the lights from the stadium, as the PATCO train rumbled overhead to Philadelphia one of the arteries of a crisis that's engulfed the whole region. No one is spared, the politicians told the crowd that night. The opioid epidemic has touched every community. I thought of that night again when reading my colleague Aubrey Whelan's story on Camden's needle exchange or lack thereof. The exchange, where people can receive clean needles, the overdose-reversing spray naloxone, and other health care to keep them alive and build the trust necessary to access treatment shut down two years ago after it was displaced by development. It still hasn't reopened, as the death toll rises. In Camden County alone last year, 277 people died of overdoses. It's ludicrous that Camden doesn't have a needle exchange. The debate itself is a relic from 1992, when Philadelphia first opened its own exchange amid widespread pearl-clutching (and threats from the state to arrest its organizers). But in 2018, we have a quarter-century of evidence proving needle exchanges save lives. It's demoralizing to have to even trot it all out again and shameful to litigate arguments that already have been won. But here goes: In 1992, nearly 50 percent of new city HIV cases started with the sharing of a needle. Now, that number is down to 5 percent. In Kensington, the exchange workers saved 280 people by administrating Narcan to overdose victims around the site and flooded the neighborhood with 6,000 kits of the lifesaving antidote. Kensington, one of only three exchanges in the state, has been bearing the weight of the opioid crisis for all of Southeastern Pennsylvania. And since Camden's shutdown, it's picking up the slack for South Jersey, too. Outreach workers are seeing more people from Camden and beyond, said Jose Benitez, the director of the needle exchange. They're doing their part and so much more. But Camden is not alone in digging up old arguments: Remember last month, at the City Council hearing on the opioid crisis, when Councilman Mark Squilla used most of his time to ask questions about efficacy of medication-assisted treatment, the gold standard for treating opioid addiction? We waste time and risk lives when we continue asking questions that already have answers. Philadelphia's Health Department, to its credit, has taken real strides to normalize harm-reduction measures like needle exchanges and distributing naloxone and is now rightfully working to open a safe injection site. It's a concept based on the simple principle that you can't help someone who's died of an overdose. And if you meet people where they're at in their addiction, you're also easing the trauma the crisis visits on a community. If we're going to call this a crisis that touches every community, then our measures to fight it must be in every community as well. That means we need them in every corner of Philadelphia, across the state and across the river, too. In the meantime, Kensington shouldn't bear the full burden. And to remedy that, we need to stop thinking about harm-reduction measures as a burden. We need to start thinking about them as normal community efforts to help our neighbors who are suffering and ease trauma for everyone. Philly is slowly, belatedly starting to have the tough conversations about measures like safe injection sites that will make a difference. Meanwhile, our neighbors across the river are still talking about people's perceptions of needle exchanges. That's how Camden city spokesman Vincent Basara put it: We have to keep in mind the "perceptions" that come with a needle exchange. But all we need to understand is that it saves lives. And any politician or city leader who bows to the stigma surrounding exchanges is only adding to the crisis adding to the list of names we'll all gather to read in the darkness under the bridge next fall. Councilwoman Cindy Bass said Mayor Kenney should end stop-and-frisk in the wake of the Starbucks arrests. The mayor, in one fell swoop, could fix this. So I say: Mayor, fix it. Read more When video of two black men being arrested while waiting for a friend at Starbucks in Center City spread like wildfire across the internet during the weekend, Mayor Kenney said he was "heartbroken." In a carefully worded statement, he quickly announced that the Police Department would review its policies and that the city's Human Relations Commission would examine the company's procedures. In the eyes of City Councilwoman Cindy Bass a member of the powerful group of African American politicians whose support was critical to Kenney's victory in the 2015 mayoral election that isn't enough. "Having your heart in the right place, and sending out sentiments of such, does very little in the neighborhoods where people are affected," she said of Kenney. Political observers said the incident at the chain's 18th and Spruce Streets store could lead to political fallout for the mayor. It could endanger Kenney's progressive brand and potentially fragment his coalition of diverse supporters, many of whom staunchly disagree with one another, such as liberal activists and the Fraternal Order of Police. In Bass' view, the mayor ought to make major changes to the Police Department after the Starbucks arrests namely, end the controversial crime-fighting strategy known as "stop-and-frisk." "I can't understand why it's not already done," she said. "The mayor, in one fell swoop, could fix this. So I say: Mayor, fix it." The arrests have led to nationwide condemnation of not only Starbucks but also the city's police. Some progressives and African Americans, who were key parts of Kenney's voting bloc, have also criticized the mayor's response as not going far enough to hold police accountable. In some ways, Kenney's response to the arrests exemplifies the way he has tried to walk a careful line to keep the disparate parts of his coalition happy. Kenney, who is white, has expressed outrage and shown empathy over the incident at the coffee chain. He said it "appears to exemplify what racial discrimination looks like in 2018." But he has largely placed the blame on the company, not police. Police Commissioner Richard Ross, who is black, has also stood behind his officers, arguing that they "did absolutely nothing wrong." Asked if the police should have arrested the two men in the first place, Kenney has demurred. "It's a very complicated set of circumstances," he said. "A library is a public space. A rec center is a public space. Your own home's kitchen is not a public space. But a private business that opens itself up to the public is kind of like a quasi-public space." Many of Kenney's black political allies have struck a notably different tone. Bass said the men "absolutely" should not have been arrested. Council President Darrell L. Clarke and Councilman Kenyatta Johnson, who are African American, made similar comments. "Let me be clear," Clarke wrote on Facebook. "These men should NOT have been arrested." Some politicians believe Kenney should have joined them in condemning the police officers' decision to take the two men into custody for several hours before ultimately releasing them without charges. One black elected official, who asked not to be named, said they were "disappointed" by the mayor's response to the Starbucks incident, but "not surprised" due to his ties to the police union. State Sen. Anthony H. Williams, who ran against Kenney in the 2015 Democratic primary, said he "would have handled it differently." The mayor "doesn't run Starbucks. But he's responsible for the Police Department," Williams said. "People should hear from those of us in a position of power and authority that this was not handled properly." State Rep. Jordan Harris, the chairman of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus, said, "What we should not do is focus on Starbucks alone this is a policing issue as well." For his part, city police union president John McNesby said the officers "did a great job" and called stop-and-frisk "a big myth": "In the city of Philadelphia, our officers are professional and know they have to have probable cause to stop somebody with a weapon." Kenney's response has also displeased some prominent activists. Reggie Shuford, executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, said that he was first "very satisfied with his initial statements on what happened at Starbucks." But, he said, "I've ultimately been a bit dismayed." "I don't think it was just a Starbucks issue. Certainly the Starbucks employee who called the police was wrong. But I also think the police who handled it were wrong." One of Kenney's most powerful African American allies, Philadelphia NAACP leader Rodney Muhammad, defended him. Muhammad has worked as a consultant for Kenney's political action committee. "I've sat with Jim Kenney on more than one occasion, and I think that at his core, he's a decent human being. And I think at his core he wants to do good." However, Muhammad said it was a "disappointment" that Kenney has resisted calls to discipline the police officers at the scene, adding, "I don't know the set of facts he's working with." Kenney said the officers were "called to assist a store manager with an issue." Larry Ceisler, a longtime political observer working in public relations, said the Starbucks arrests could give power to protesters who have renewed calls for Kenney to keep his campaign promise to end stop-and-frisk. "Is stop-and-frisk something that gets a serious hearing and another look? Probably," said Ceisler, who has worked for the beverage industry against Kenney's soda tax. The ACLU said this week that the police service area where the Starbucks store is located has "the highest racial disparities in pedestrian stops in the entire city." A 2017 report from the organization found that African Americans make up only 3 percent of the area's population, but 67 percent of police stops were of African Americans. Mike Dunn, a spokesman for Kenney, said, "The mayor has been committed to reducing the number of pedestrian stops and frisks made without reasonable suspicion." He said the number of stops in the city fell by more than 50 percent between 2015 and 2017. "I will credit them for a meaningful reduction," said the ACLU's Shuford. "But [stop-and-frisk] continues to disproportionately impact certain Philadelphians. For that reason, the mayor needs to revisit his stance." Ceisler said elected officials' and activists' disagreements with Kenney over these issues "could play out" in a number of other ways that could affect his legislative agenda. "Is it going to play out in the budget hearings?" he asked. "Is it going to play out in some of the things the mayor is asking for property-tax increases and other tax increases?" "The honeymoon" between Kenney and his supporters "is not over yet," Ceisler said. "But I think this is one of those issues one of those core, gut, ugly issues that tests that." At the same time, Ceisler added, Kenney's close relationship with Council members and other politicians "offers the chance to have a more candid dialogue about the incident as well as related issues to hopefully achieve desirable policy outcomes." Notably, Kenney just gave some of the liberal activists upset in the aftermath of the Starbucks arrests something to celebrate: He announced Wednesday morning that he is closing the House of Correction, the city's oldest, most decrepit prison, a longtime progressive goal. Charito Morales, right, speaks as part of a group of activists advocating for Puerto Rican families who came to Philadelphia following Hurricane Maria protest in front of FEMA's Philadelphia office in Philadelphia, PA on April 18, 2018. DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff Photographer Read more An activist who has been helping Puerto Ricans get back on their feet following Hurricane Maria had a message Wednesday for islanders considering Philadelphia: Don't come here. "There's no long-term solution from the government," Charito Morales, a nurse and advocate, said at a morning news conference outside of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Philadelphia office. "We want the city to tell the truth," she said. "They don't have services. Stop coming to Philadelphia or Pennsylvania. They don't have resources. They don't have a place for you to live. Stay home, ask people to help you on the island." Morales' frustration stems from the experience of hundreds of families who came to Philadelphia looking for jobs and housing after losing nearly everything in September's Category 5 hurricane. Some got FEMA assistance for temporary housing, but many others have complained about not being able to get any aid from the local, state or federal governments. The lack of available public and subsidized housing has forced some evacuees into relatives' basements and cramped apartments. The homeless shelters are operating at capacity most days. On Friday, FEMA will stop paying to house some of the evacuee families at hotels. FEMA spokesman Daniel Llargues couldn't say how many of the 116 families currently in Pennsylvania hotels will be allowed to remain after Friday's cuts. But even they won't get much more help: FEMA plans to end the hotel subsidies nationwide by May 14. Morales said the agency told her and other activists that 21 families in Philadelphia-area hotels will lose their housing aid this week. Flanked by several of the evacuees at the event, she said she wants FEMA to extend the hotel stays. One of the evacuees who received a letter telling him FEMA would no longer pay for his hotel room was Jesus Campos. He has been staying at the Center City Holiday Inn since arriving in December with his wife and 12-year-old daughter. Campos soon found work with a moving company. But with five-hour work days at $11 an hour, it's not enough for a rental deposit and continued rent. He's applied for rental assistance from another FEMA program, but every time he checks on his application status, he said, he gets a different answer including that the agency has yet to receive required paperwork. "It's been agonizing," Campos said. His wife and daughter have returned to Puerto Rico. He promised them he would persevere until he found a better opportunity for them here. Moving back home is not really an option, he said. "We don't have power, the water is bad, there are rats in the river, there are dead cows and other dead animals," he said. "We lost everything. What we're looking for is opportunity. We're not looking to live off the government. Just that the government help us." The Philadelphia Housing Authority has two programs designed to help people like Campos and the other evacuees in the wake of a natural disaster. One is supposed to move victims of federally declared disasters to the top of the agency's public housing wait list and another is supposed to provide immediate housing for up to 40 families based on referrals from the mayor. Mayor Kenney, however, has only agreed to refer five evacuee families for public housing. The administration has said that it isn't fair to allow newly arrived evacuees to skip the line for public housing when poor Philadelphia families have been waiting for years. The city charged the Asociacion Puertorriquenos en Marcha (APM) and the Tenant Union Representative Network (TURN) with the selection process. The group focused on families that had individuals with mental or physical disabilities. Rick Olmos, spokesman for APM, said 32 families were interviewed and five were chosen. He declined to name the five families. Sandra Martinez said that about a month ago she was interviewed by a housing counselor at TURN. Neither she nor her husband are working. He has a pending disability benefits application based on liver and leg problems. Martinez said she was told that once she was approved, she would get to select from three potential homes, and she would get one by May 1. Yet Martinez, who has three school-age boys, is still waiting for a call. The Housing Authority is already settling the five selected families. Three need wheelchair-accessible units and will be accommodated, authority spokeswoman Nichole Tillman said. "As soon as the families' information has been verified and completely processed, they will be able to move into their homes," she said. A city spokeswoman said Wednesday that various agencies were working to find housing options for those who will be kicked out of hotels Friday, but didn't elaborate. National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Read more An engine exploded on a Southwest jet enroute from New York to Dallas Tuesday, killing a mother of two, injuring seven other passengers and causing panic in the skies until the plane made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. In a Wednesday afternoon press conference at the airport, the National Transportation Safety Board offered some answers, but still left many questions. "I know that people want answers right away," NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said. "We will do a very methodical investigation." Here is new information that emerged Wednesday: What we learned: Jennifer Riordan, the passenger who died, was wearing her seat belt, Sumwalt said. Despite that, Riordan was still partially sucked out of the plane when the window next to her broke. Passengers pulled her back inside and tried to revive her, but she later died at an area hospital. Riordan's cause of death was "blunt impact trauma of the head, neck, and torso," according to the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office. A maintenance recommendation from the manufacturer of the plane's engine that addressed problems with fan blades would not have applied to the engine involved in Tuesday's mid-air failure. What we still dont know: Why the window next to Riordan broke. Investigators have removed the plastic-like side wall in row 14, where Riordan was sitting, to try to find answers. What caused the metal fatigue in the area where a fan blade broke off from one of the plane's engines. Sumwalt said routine maintenance on the blade includes taking it off every 3,000 hours, making sure there aren't nicks in it, and filing them down if there are. Here are other highlights from Wednesday, as additional information came in about the flight and emergency landing: Left wing banged up pretty good The leading edge of the left wing was "banged up pretty good" from the explosion of the left engine, Sumwalt said at his afternoon press conference. The agency has received multiple reports of people finding pieces of the exterior part of that engine on the ground. The pieces were intended to keep wires from being exposed, Sumwalt said. Upon the explosion, a left bank in the air When the engine exploded, the aircraft began a "left roll of about 41 degrees of bank angle" something that "would be alarming," given that an aircraft that size rarely exceeds 25 degrees of bank angle, Sumwalt said. After a few seconds, the pilot leveled the wings. The plane touched down in Philadelphia at 190 mph, also faster than the speed at which a 737 usually lands (around 155 mph), Sumwalt said. This was due to the plane having to land with a lesser flap setting than is typical, he said. Everybody breathe. We are almost there. A passenger's video posted on Instagram shows flight attendants trying to calm passengers, telling them to relax and breathe, before the flight made in emergency landing in Philadelphia. FBI finds piece of plane in rural Pennsylvania Authorities have collected a piece of the jet that fell to the ground when the plane's left engine exploded. The metal cowl that surrounds the engine landed in a field on state game land in Bernville, Berks County, about 75 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Southwest: Fan blade maintenance recommendation would not have applied to engine that failed on Flight 1380 A spokeswoman for Southwest Airlines said Wednesday a maintenance recommendation from the manufacturer of the plane's engine that addressed problems with fan blades would not have applied to the engine involved in Tuesday's mid-air failure. In 2017, the engine maker, CFM International, issued a bulletin recommending the fan blades on CFM56 series engines receive special attention after 15,000 cycles in service without an engine shop visit, which amounts to about four years of regular use. That bulletin was prompted by an August 2016 incident eerily similar to the one Tuesday. In that incident, an engine identical to the one that failed Tuesday also lost a fan blade, causing an engine failure that threw debris into the plane's fuselage. In the 2016 engine failure, however, no debris entered the passenger cabin and a window did not shatter. That incident remains under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board. "No, the engine was not subject to the bulletin released last year," said Brandy King, the Southwest spokeswoman. She did not specify as to whether the bulletin didn't apply because the engine had not logged 15,000 cycles since its last maintenance or some other reason. She also didn't provide information on when the engine was last inspected. Last August, the Federal Aviation Administration proposed a directive that would have mandated the type of testing the CFM bulletin recommended, an ultrasonic inspection that would reveal flaws in metal parts. That proposal is still going through the FAA's approval process. Man in cowboy hat pulled victim back into plane When the engine explosion caused a window to break and left Riordan partially hanging outside it, a man in a cowboy hat and a firefighter pulled her back inside, according to USA Today. The newspaper identified the cowboy as Tim McGinty and the firefighter as Andrew Needum. A retired nurse than tried to resuscitate Riordan, McGinty said. After the plane landed, she was taken to an area hospital, where she died Tuesday afternoon. FBI to collect parts of plane that fell to ground The FBI is assisting the National Transportation Safety Board in collecting pieces of the Southwest Airlines jet that fell to the ground when the plane's left engine exploded in the skies over Pennsylvania on Tuesday One team has been sent to recover the metal cowl that surrounds the engine that landed in a field on state game land in Bernville, Berks County, about 75 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Anyone who finds debris from the plane is asked to call the FBI's Allentown field office at 610-433-6488. NTSB sets briefing for Wednesday afternoon The National Transportation Safety Board, which is investigating the deadly engine failure aboard Southwest flight 1380, has scheduled a briefing for 4:30 p.m, by its chairman, Robert Sumwalt, at Philadelphia International Airport, where the damaged plane is being stored in a hangar. >>READ MORE: What we know and what we don't about Southwest emergency landing The investigation into the cause will likely focus on a fan blade that broke off from one of the Boeing 737's two engines, Sumwalt said at a briefing Tuesday night. The blade, one of 24 that bring air into the craft's turbo fan engine, broke near where it connected to the engine's hub and there is evidence of metal fatigue near the break. The NTSB, in the meantime, released video of investigator's initial examination of the plane. Nurse who gave CPR to fatally injured passenger describes terrifying scene After the plane was rocked from the explosion there was a rush of air, there was a commotion a few rows behind her and a call for anyone who knew CPR, Phillips said. >> READ MORE: What we know about Southwest flight victim Jennifer Riordan Phillips rushed to the row where a window had blown out and found two passengers trying to pull Riordan, a bank executive from New Mexico, back into the plane. Once Riordan was inside, Phillips said, she and an EMT administered CPR until the plane landed in Philadelphia 20 minutes later and Philadelphia Fire Department medics boarded the aircraft. "If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600 miles an hour and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body with your face then I think I can probably tell you there was significant trauma," Phillips said. Hear radio call between the pilot of Flight 1380 and air-traffic control In a recording of the call between Flight 1380 and Air Traffic Control, the pilot, identified by her family as former U.S. Navy flyer Tammie Jo Shults, calmly reports her plane is in trouble. ATC: Injured passengers, okay, and are you, is your airplane physically plane on fire? Pilot: Not fire, not fire. But part of it's missing. They said there's a hole and, uh, someone went out. Nerves of steel Shults' ability to remain calm as she navigated the damaged aircraft to safety earned her praise from passengers following the traumatic ordeal. "She has nerves of steel," Alfred Tumlinson told the Associated Press. "That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card I'm going to tell you that with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome." >>READ MORE: In their words: Passengers describe "freak accident" Another passenger, Diana McBride Self, wrote that Shults came back to personally speak with passengers once the plane was safely on the tarmac in Philadelphia. Self thanked Shults for her "knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation." "God bless her and all the crew," Self wrote. Police stand outside Starbucks at 18th and Spruce Streets, in Philadelphia, on Monday, April 16, 2018. At the time, demonstrators were inside protesting the arrests of two black men. JESSICA GRIFFIN / Staff Photographer Read more In the 20-second 911 call that preceded the arrests of two black men in a Center City Philadelphia Starbucks on Thursday an incident that has sparked international outrage the caller said the men had refused to make a purchase or leave the store, according to audio of the call and subsequent police radio chatter released Tuesday by Philadelphia police. According to the audio compilation, posted on the department's YouTube page, a female caller dialed 911 at 4:37 p.m. and calmly spoke to an operator, saying: "Hi, I have two gentlemen in my cafe who are refusing to make a purchase or leave." The operator said she would send police to the store at 18th and Spruce Streets, and the call ended. Three minutes later, a male radio dispatcher said a "group of males" was "refusing to leave," according to the audio compilation. Capt. Sekou Kinebrew, police spokesman, said Tuesday night that the 911 operator had not specified in her notes to the dispatching system how many men were at the store, which likely led the radio dispatcher to describe the men as a "group." About four minutes after that radio call, a man said over the radio that a "group of males" was "causing a disturbance" and called for backup and a supervisor. The final radio call was made at 5 p.m., with an officer reporting the arrests of the two men. The police incident report, obtained Tuesday by the Inquirer and Daily News, said the two men who have not been identified cursed at the store manager and refused to leave even though officers asked "multiple times." It also accused the men of insulting the police by saying, "Cops don't know the laws," and "Y'all make 45G a year," remarks to which Police Commissioner Richard Ross alluded in his explanation of the events, released on video Saturday. The report categorized the incident as "defiant trespass," although the District Attorney's Office ultimately declined to charge either man with a crime. Taken together, the audio recordings and police report provide the most complete accounting yet of how officers were summoned to the Starbucks, communicated with dispatchers before arresting the two men, and justified taking them into custody. Police officials did not offer additional comment in releasing the audio compilation. Ross said Saturday that the officers had acted appropriately, and Mayor Kenney defended the officers Monday. The executive director of the Police Advisory Commission, a civilian oversight board, also said Monday that the officers had acted "in accordance with the law" and did not violate department policies, but noted that "we cannot discount the likelihood that the race of these men played an integral part in the precipitation and overall outcome of this incident." Protesters and civil rights groups have criticized the police response as being heavy-handed or even racially motivated, as video of the incident shared on social media showed the men reacting calmly while being confronted and taken into custody. Dozens of people gathered at the store in recent days to hold sit-ins and demonstrations over how black people are treated in Philadelphia, saying the men were targeted because of the color of their skin. The Starbucks manager who called police has left the store pending a company review of what happened. CEO Kevin Johnson visited Philadelphia on Monday and apologized, and the company said Tuesday that it would close all of its U.S. stores one afternoon next month to conduct "racial-bias education" training. A police spokesman, meanwhile, said Tuesday that the incident remained under review by Internal Affairs. Rendering of Hard Rock Atlantic City entrance. The casino, which replaces the old Trump Taj Mahal, will open June 28, 2018 officials announced. Read more ATLANTIC CITY After toughing out five devastating casino closures since 2014, Atlantic City now has a date for the start of its new era: June 28, when Hard Rock Atlantic City will open in the totally redone former Trump Taj Mahal on the Boardwalk. The $1.8 billion Taj Mahal, which now-President Trump opened on April 2, 1990, has been thoroughly de-Trumped and de-minareted, Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen told reporters in New York, in remarks that were transmitted in a glitchy live stream to Atlantic City. Plagued by bankruptcies, the Trump Taj Mahal was finally shut down by billionaire owner Carl Icahn during a protracted labor dispute in October 2016. Soon to come, the giant guitars of the Hard Rock brand and an already-booked-up music lineup, including Blake Shelton, Toby Keith, and Counting Crows, and a Howie Mandel comedy club, with tickets going on sale Friday. Allen promised upscale finishes, stone walkways, and amenities for all segments of the market, including the international gambler. >> READ MORE: Blake Shelton, Amy Schumer in Hard Rock Casino's concert lineup in Atlantic City "One thing I can promise is no minarets," he said. But Allen promised more: that the company and his partners were "100 percent convinced" that the Atlantic City gaming market, which tumbled by the billions and sank the city nearly into bankruptcy, had rebounded and would continue to rebound. He said he and his partners, local builders Joe Jingoli and Jack Morris, had now put more than $500 million into the project, but, unlike the heavily leveraged Taj Mahal, carried no debt. No announcements were made on restaurants, except that one popular one from the Taj Mahal days, Dynasty, would remain. Rooms have been gutted and redesigned, as have two music venues, the now 7,000-seat Hard Rock Live at the Etess Arena and a smaller, 2,000-seat venue. Allen said the casino will employ 3,000 people. Its arrival heralds a dramatic shift in the declining narrative of the beloved seaside resort. The old Revel casino hotel, also at the northern end of the Boardwalk, is looking at a summer opening as well, under the name Ocean Resort Casino and to be operated by Hyatt. No opening date has been announced. "It's a great day for Atlantic City and for the people of AC and the surrounding area to get the jobs we lost back," said City Council President Marty Small Sr. "The confidence in Atlantic City is sky high, and I'm glad to be a part of it." Attending the Atlantic City event, which took place in a preview center blocks from the actual site of the Hard Rock, were Miss America Cara Mund, several executives of the new casino, and Isabel Allen, the wife of Jim Allen. "Atlantic City's going to rock and roll," she promised. An interior view of the House of Correction seen in a 2016 file photo, when Mayor Kenney planned (then abruptly canceled) a media tour of the facility. Read more Just a few years ago, Philadelphia officials were planning to spend millions of dollars on a new prison to replace the oldest city-run facility on State Road, the crumbling, 91-year-old House of Correction. Now, amid a concerted effort to shrink the city jail population by one-third over three years, they intend to simply close the prison instead. On Wednesday morning, city officials announced plans to close the jail by 2020. "Reaching the point where we can shutter this facility once and for all, without needing to build a new prison, this is a milestone," Mayor Kenney said. He remarked on the symbolic weight of the announcement, as Philadelphia's justice system remains in the national spotlight for the arrest last week of two black men sitting in a Center City Starbucks. "We are committed to equity. We are committed to fairness, and we're committed to changing the narrative of how people are viewed and how people are treated in this city and hopefully this country." The jail currently houses just 199 inmates in its 666 cells, according to the current prison census. Systemwide, the jails hold 5,500 people down 26 percent since the reform initiative was announced two years ago. That's a population level not seen in Philadelphia since the 1990s. Kenney said in the same time that the jail population was reduced, major crime also fell by 3 percent. Germel McClure, 24, who spent a month this winter at the House of Correction on $50,000 bail for a gun-possession charge, described the facility as "a dungeon." "It was terrible, worst living conditions ever. It wasn't even decent. The showers were broken, the ceiling collapsing," he said, describing mice skittering across the floor of his cell, frigid temperatures, and mold in the vents. During his stay, he heard another inmate was rushed to the hospital after part of the ceiling fell on him while he showered. Despite its age, Prisons Commissioner Blanche Carney said the House of Correction would not be demolished. Instead, the city is undertaking a planning study to determine the best use for the facility going forward. Officials said that they did not yet know how much it would cost to maintain the jail but that demolishing it would cost millions of dollars. The news conference preempted a push from anti-incarceration activists who were planning a campaign called "Close the Creek" (as it's informally known) around shuttering the facility, and demolishing it for good. "We plan to challenge them on this timeline," Reuben Jones, a member of the No215Jail Coalition, said. "We also want to hold them accountable for not expanding electronic monitoring, [and to get them to] commit to reducing the overall county jail population by half and invest the savings in communities impacted by mass incarceration." So far, the city has reduced its reliance on electronic monitoring even as the jail population has declined, pretrial services director Michael Bouchard said earlier this year. The announcement also comes in advance of City Council budget hearings for the Department of Prisons, which spent $26 million on staff overtime in the last year despite the reduced population. Councilman Allan Domb has been particularly critical. "We're not seeing as a city the corresponding savings we should be seeing," he said in an interview in March. In a statement praising the announcement Wednesday, he said he wants to see the prisons budget reduced by 15 percent a year, or $48 million. But since well before he took office, Mayor Kenney has insisted the jail should be closed. Originally built in 1874 then razed and reconstructed from the same stone in 1927 the House of Correction has no sprinkler system, automated locks, or air-conditioning. Exposed pipes, officials told Billy Penn in one of the misery tours the city offered reporters in 2015, make for plentiful potential weapons. On Wednesday, Councilman Curtis Jones Jr. described the conditions there as "inhumane." "You lay there soaked in sweat, just laying on a bare mattress," a former inmate told the Inquirer in 2015. "You see cockroaches running up the wall, mice running across the floor. That alone is enough to make you want to stay out of jail." In its original design, the jail did not include space for rehabilitation and restorative programming, Carney said. "This gives us an opportunity to provide services that were either limited or unavailable due to our space constraints at the House of Correction." The reduced jail incarceration rate was achieved through reforms including faster case processing, reduced reliance on money bail, and expanded diversionary courts, Municipal Court President Judge Marsha Neifeld said. City officials previously had said closing the facility would not be possible until the jail population fell to 4,800 people. On Wednesday, they said that is still the benchmark, because the House of Correction's medium-security inmates can only be transferred to facilities with similar security levels. The closure leaves five other facilities on State Road. The second-oldest, the Detention Center, dates to 1963. The city jail population could further decline if proposals to end the use of money bail are realized. District Attorney Larry Krasner said he's committed to continuing that downward trend. "When you stop charging things that shouldn't be charged, and you stop asking for bail from poor people for nonserious offenses that they can't pay, you're going to see a reduction," he said. "So we have been delighted, rather than engage in a tug-of-war with all the people up here who have done so much to reduce the prison population, to be a willing partner." Pa. state Represenative Nick Miccarelli (R. Delaware), left, leaves the Luzerne County Court House, Wilkes-Barre, PA., after a hearing on a Protection from Abuse Order filed by State Representative Tarah Toohill (Luzerne,R) Thursday March 15,2018 FRED ADAMS / For the Inquirer Read more HARRISBURG State Rep. Nick Miccarelli violated a House policy on retaliation when he outed on Facebook a woman who has accused him of sexual assault, according to previously undisclosed portions of a House report obtained by the Inquirer, Daily News, and the Caucus. Despite the finding, House leaders have not sanctioned the Delaware County Republican and there are no plans to do so. Miccarelli, according to an unredacted summary of the report, had been warned by House lawyers investigating the allegations not to take any action that could be viewed as retaliatory against two women who had filed a confidential complaint alleging physical or sexual assault. The House Republicans' sexual-harassment policy prohibits retaliation against anyone who alleges or reports harassment. Republican House leaders, who have received a copy of the investigative report, have called on Miccarelli to resign, but say they are constrained from punishing him for retaliation because he is an elected official. "If this were an employee, it would be black and white," House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin said in an interview Tuesday. Concern about about Miccarelli's Facebook post factored into the leaders' call for his resignation, Miskin said. Miccarelli published the name of one of his accusers a political consultant who had asked to remain anonymous in a Facebook post in which he also called the allegations "lies." The other woman, State Rep. Tarah Toohil (R., Luzerne), has publicly revealed her identity. In a statement, Frank Keel, a spokesman for the representative, did not address why Miccarelli posted the anonymous accuser's name. But, he countered, "the truth is Nick Miccarelli is the one who's being retaliated against by two former, vengeful girlfriends who have yet to produce one bit of evidence to support their outrageous allegations." He added: "The anonymous accuser Nick named in a Facebook post many weeks ago is retaliating against him because he opted to see other women at the time they were dating and she wanted to be with him exclusively. That decision by Nick broke her heart, so now she's trying to break Nick in half." Miccarelli has vigorously denied that he sexually or physically assaulted the women. Both accusers had consensual relationships with him at one time. Miccarelli has also rebuffed resignation calls. Instead, he announced last month that he will not seek reelection when his term ends later this year. Miccarelli, an Army veteran of the Iraq war, remains a sergeant in the Pennsylvania National Guard. Under the House GOP's sexual-harassment policy, any effort to "avoid, hinder or corrupt the complaint or investigation process" could result in punishment that includes termination. House lawyers were still investigating the assault allegations when Miccarelli posted the consultant's name. Miccarelli did so after the Inquirer, Daily News, and the Caucus revealed in late February that she and Toohil had filed a complaint against him with the House. In the Feb. 28 Facebook post, Miccarelli said among other things that he and the consultant had dated until 2015, and that the two had exchanged texts and spoken after the relationship ended. He has declined repeated requests to provide copies of text exchanges. House lawyers wrapped up their investigation last month. A March 14 summary of their findings, provided to lawyers both for Miccarelli and his two accusers, said that investigators found the women "credible." Terry Mutchler, who represents Toohil and the political consultant, said in an interview that Miccarelli also has disseminated "intimate" photos that the consultant shared with him during the consensual part of their relationship. "It is retaliation which he had been warned not to engage in," said Mutchler. "And it is an attempt to scare my clients into silence." In their confidential complaint, filed with the House on Feb. 8, the political consultant and Toohil alleged sexual or physical abuse by Miccarelli in separate incidents spanning six years. Toohil, 38, said Miccarelli physically abused her when they dated in 2012, and last month she obtained a restraining order against him. As part of a negotiated agreement, Miccarelli admitted no wrongdoing. The order restricts Miccarelli's ability to possess firearms and limits his contact with Toohil to official business at the Capitol, where the two come face to face on the House floor and in regularly scheduled, closed-door meetings of Republican members. The two also still sit on the same House committee, though Toohil has expressed concerns to House leaders about that arrangement. One sitting lawmaker holding a restraining order over another legislator is unprecedented, at least in modern history. The political consultant alleged Miccarelli forced her to have sex in 2014, after they had stopped dating. After completing its investigation, the House forwarded its findings to the Dauphin County District Attorney's Office, which is conducting its own investigation. That inquiry is ongoing. HARRISBURG State Rep. Chris Rabb is taking no chances. The freshman Democratic lawmaker from Philadelphia has sent a letter to the House's assistant chief clerk about an interaction that he perceived as threatening with a Republican colleague: state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe (R., Butler), the conservative and sometimes controversial legislator from Western Pennsylvania. The exchange, Rabb wrote, occurred after a divisive meeting last week of the House's state Government committee, which Metcalfe chairs. After the meeting, Rabb said he and Metcalfe argued about eleventh-hour changes that had been made to a redistricting bill, and that Metcalfe allegedly told him that "we'd have a very different conversation on the street." "Such language," Rabb wrote in the April 16 letter, "is commonly used as a threat of violence. And being that it is widely rumored that Rep. Metcalfe carries a firearm on him inside of the Capitol complex, I take that threat very seriously." He added: "I wanted to apprise your office of this threat so that all possible measures can be taken to ensure my safety while in the Capitol." Metcalfe could not be reached for comment Tuesday. Rabb, however, tweeted a copy of his letter to his followers, and met with the House's chief clerk, who said he would review the matter and offered additional security. Reached for comment Tuesday, House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin called Rabb's assertions "ludicrous, crazy." He said that during the conversation the two legislators had after the meeting, Rabb used profanity including the word "bull-." Metcalfe, he said, responded by saying that he did not believe Rabb would speak to him like that if the two of them were having a conversation on the street. "The Democrats on that committee go out of their way to try and needle. they poke the chairman," said Miskin. "They poke and prod to get reaction out of the chairman and we are not playing that game. The chairman is not playing that game." Rabb said he does not recall using the word "bull-." But he acknowledged that he cursed within earshot of Metcalfe after the meeting, during which Metcalfe championed an effort to gut a bill that sought to change how congressional districts are drawn. "The problem that I have with people like Daryl Metcalfe is they pretend to be upstanding and they believe that because they don't curse, their vulgarity is any less awful. Their vulgarity is the racist policies and the rhetoric that they spew," said Rabb. Metcalfe is no stranger to controversy, and has been unapologetic about his disagreement with and, sometimes, aversion to progressive causes. Just last December, he made headlines across the state when he proclaimed that he was a heterosexual who did not like to be touched after the ranking Democrat on the State Government committee, Rep. Matt Bradford, touched his arm while trying to make a point. Metcalfe has also locked horns with Rep. Brian Sims (D., Philadelphia), the first openly gay person elected to the state legislature. During a heated exchange last summer, the Butler County representative said Sims called him racist and bigoted. I met Barbara Bush in 1989 when she agreed to host a children's radio show, Mrs. Bush's Story Time first conceived by Philadelphia's own Children's Literacy Initiative. Even though I had worked with President George H.W. Bush during his visits to Pennsylvania, I was nervous about meeting the first lady. We were led into the White House for a meeting, and there she was, sporting her signature blue suit and faux pearls. My butterflies immediately dissipated. Why? Because Barbara Bush welcomed us with a warm greeting, effortless conversation, and a palpable humility that put everyone at ease. As Story Time became more popular, I had many opportunities to see that she was always gracious, a quality that endeared her to millions during and after her White House years. For example, in 1989, she received the Communicator of the Year Award from the Philadelphia chapter of American Women in Radio and Television. She refused to have a "green room" at the hotel because she didn't want any "special attention." As the 500 guests arrived, and she waited to take photos with the VIPs, she mentioned that she knew some people were intimidated by meeting a first lady, so she always tried to make them feel comfortable. Lesson No. 1: Realize that you are not the center of the universe. Later, as we sat next to each other on the dais, we chatted away like two old friends. She chided me for overpaying for designer lipstick she bought hers at the drugstore. She said her husband mentioned that she was becoming more popular than him because of Millie's Book. "I've reached the highest pinnacle maybe in the world, and my dog makes more money than me," he jokingly told her. And she confessed that she stopped coloring her hair because the whole process made too much of a mess in the bathroom. Lesson No. 2: Never take yourself too seriously. I often accompanied her to an elementary school, where she would read to children, and was truly honored to be part of the early days of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy. But George and Barbara Bush, without fanfare, supported many other causes, including C-Change, which fostered collaboration in the fight against cancer. Their daughter, Robin, died of leukemia when she was 3. That loss was much on Barbara Bush's mind when I interviewed her for a magazine story a few years ago. "After Robin's death, every person was more valuable than before," she told me. "She died more than 60 years ago. Isn't that amazing? She'd be a little old lady now." It was a wide-ranging conversation, on her health, politics, civility, dogs and the most important things in life. "To me, faith, family, and friends, in that close order," she said. "Maybe I might put my husband first. When some of my children asked me why I felt that way I would tell them that he and I would lay down our lives for them." Because of their commitment to veterans and military families, George and Barbara Bush each wrote a foreword to books I co-authored on wounded warriors. They even hosted those veterans at their home in Kennebunkport, Maine. During our visit last fall, he was in a wheelchair and she got around in a scooter and needed oxygen. But they made the effort, offering their love and support for those who have sacrificed so much for our country. They didn't even bat an eye when the screech owl brought by one vet left an unwelcome deposit on the president's khakis. I'm sad today, but my heart is full of decades of memories given to me by Barbara Bush, a remarkable, gracious woman who always made time to share a part of her life with me. Dava Guerin is co-author, with Kevin Ferris, who handles communications for Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, of "Vets and Pets: Wounded Warriors and the Animals That Help Them Heal." guerinpr@aol.com Some Breakthrough Discuss sessions felt almost like pitches, as scientists outlined compelling reasons to look for life at their destinations of choice. Carolyn Porco, who led the imaging science team for NASA's Cassini mission to Saturn, gave an overview of findings from the moon Enceladus. Enceladus has plumes that spray material from a subsurface ocean out into space; a lot of that material snows back down onto the moon's surface. The ocean has a salinity comparable to Earth, and Porco said "some of us now regard Enceladus as the most promising place in the solar system to search for life." She wants to go back, preferably with a lander that would collect plume material falling back to the surface. If that's too ambitious, she suggests either an orbiter or slow flyby probe, so long as the spacecraft goes slow enough not to smush potential microorganisms like bugs on a car windshield. She believes any Enceladus mission should include a microscope that can capture images or video of potential life. David Grinspoon, a senior scientist for the Planetary Science Institute, represented Team Venus, which lost out yet again this year in NASA's most recent competitively selected mission call. Venus may have once been habitable; current research puts liquid water on the surface about 2 billion years ago. Grinspoon talked about the intriguing possibility that microbial life could exist in Venus's clouds. Before Grinspoon's talk, David Smith, an astrobiologist at NASA's Ames Research Center, talked about microbial matter that gets swept from Earth's surface up into the clouds. Smith is part of a team trying to figure out what those tiny lifeforms do up there: Do they propagate before fluttering back to Earth? Or are they ripped apart by ultraviolet radiation? Smith's research is relevant because something similar could be happening at Venus. Since we don't expect to find life as we know it on Venus' surface, any cloud life there would have to be self-sustaining. Fortunately, unlike on Earth, there may be places in Venus's clouds where heat welling up from the surface keeps particles aloft indefinitely. More intriguingly, something in Venus' atmosphere is absorbing more than half the solar energy hitting the planet. Could it be a biological process? The idea has been floatedha!but Grinspoon warned there are other explanations, too. What we really need are some samples. Venus is underexplored," he said. One of the destinations that beat out Venus in the above-mentioned mission selection round was Titan. Morgan Cable is part of the NASA team working on the proposed Dragonfly mission, which would explore Saturn's haze-covered moon using a dual-quadcopter that could fly hundreds of kilometers during a 2-year mission. Life as we know it needs three things, Cable said: energy, organics, and solvents (liquids, basically). Titan offers a two-for-one on solvents because it has methane lakes and a subsurface ocean. The idea of sending a drone to Titan may seem far-out, but the dense air and low gravity there make flying easy. Even a human with makeshift wings might be able to fly on Titan. "I want to remind people that NASA dares mighty things," said Cable. Phoenix PD K-9 Bane was killed attempting to apprehend a suspect hiding in an attic. (Photo: Phoenix PD) Phoenix Police K-9 Bane was killed after it was deployed to locate a suspect who had hidden in an attic after leading police on a pursuit and bailing from the vehicle a few hours earlier, said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams. The incident reportedly began with a vehicle theft and pursuit Tuesday afternoon and ended with one woman arrested and a man in the hospital after what police called an officer-involved shooting. Williams did not immediately confirm the man was shot by an officer but said he was injured and taken to a hospital. She said, however, the incident was the 17th police shooting involving Phoenix officers. Police did not specify how the dog was killed, reports the Arizona Republic. The suspect was found on top of Bane before he was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries, Williams said. K-9 Bane was a three-year-old Belgian Malinois who had served the Phoenix Police Department for a little over one year, according to Sgt. Jonathan Howard, Phoenix PD public information officer. A provision in U.S. law requiring the deportation of immigrants convicted of crimes of violence is unconstitutionally vague, the Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday in a decision that could hinder the removal of immigrants with criminal records. The court, in a 5-4 ruling in which President Donald Trumps conservative appointee Neil Gorsuch joined four liberal justices, invalidated the provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act and sided with convicted California burglar James Garcia Dimaya, a legal immigrant from the Philippines. Federal authorities ordered Dimaya deported after he was convicted in two California home burglaries, in 2007 and 2009, though neither crime involved violence, Reuters reports. Justice Elena Kagan said the disputed provisions ambiguity had created confusion in lower courts. Does car burglary qualify as a violent felony? Kagan wrote. Some courts say yes, another says no. Kagan mentioned other examples including rape, evading arrest and trespassing in which courts have also been divided. No one should be surprised that the Constitution looks unkindly on any law so vague that reasonable people cannot understand its terms and judges do not know where to begin in applying it, Gorsuch wrote. The Supreme Court heard arguments in the case on Oct. 2, the first day of its current nine-month term. The court initially heard arguments in January 2017 when it was one justice short, but decided last June after Gorsuch brought the court to full strength to have the case re-argued, putting the new justice in a position to cast the deciding vote. Embed from Getty Images The top court in Massachusetts on Tuesday struck down a state law that banned civilians from possessing stun guns, ruling unanimously that the law violated the U.S. Constitutions Second Amendment, which protects Americans right to bear arms. The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in the case of a man who was criminally charged for possessing a stun gun, holding that such weapons constitute arms as protected by the Constitution, Reuters reports. Therefore, under the Second Amendment, the possession of stun guns may be regulated, but not absolutely banned, Chief Justice Ralph Gants wrote for the 6-0 court. The court dismissed a criminal stun gun possession charge against Jorge Ramirez, who was arrested in 2015 after police discovered one in his pants pocket following a traffic stop. He also was charged with firearms offenses. RED WING, Minn. A request for a changing in the Goodhue County zoning ordinance is bringing a new battle over farms and farming practices in the county. The owners of Circle K Family Farms Yon, Jeff and Mike Kohlnhofer asked the county to amend the zoning ordinance pertaining to the rights of farmers and putting limitations on how neighbors can file nuisance complaints or lawsuits against those whose farming activities are "complying with the local, county, state and federal permits, ordinances, rules, statutes and other regulations." Jack Perry, a Minneapolis attorney who wrote the proposed ordinance change on behalf of the Kohlnhofers, said the proposed Right-to-Farm ordinance is simply meant to codify the countys commitment to the preservation of agricultural operations. However, at the April 16 Planning Advisory Commission meeting, the county submitted its own amendment to the Right-to-Farm ordinance in the countys zoning ordinance. The commission voted 5-3 to support the countys version of the Right-to-Farm amendment. The meeting lasted more than five hours, and about 25 people spoke some for, some against about the proposed change. While the Kohlnhofers version of the amendment would have limited the ability for neighbors to file lawsuits against farmers, the county changed the proposal to eliminate that restriction. "Staff do not believe we have legal authority to deny a party the ability to sue another party, and therefore do not agree with the applicants suggested wording," according to the report from Land Use Director Lisa Hanni. "There is an on-going concern at the Planning Commission that non-agricultural uses in the agricultural districts may limit the establishment, expansion, or continuation of agricultural operations such as feedlots," Hanni wrote in a report to the commision. The countys version of the proposed amendment states, "It is the purpose and intent of this section to reduce the loss to the County of its agricultural resources by limiting the circumstances under which agricultural operations may be considered a nuisance. Agricultural production that complied with all Goodhue County Ordinances, shall not be considered by this County as constituting a nuisance." Yon Kohlnhofer said the main intent of the amendment he and his brothers proposed was to prevent farm operations that are in compliance with the regulations under which they were permitted from being labeled as a nuisance by the county. While the countys version of the amendment isnt what he and his brothers were hoping for, it is a step in the right direction. "What we proposed wasnt what the county proposed," he said. "Its better than what we have." The county board will take up the proposed ordinance on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. In the meantime, the idea of limiting lawsuits that was part of the Kohlnhofers version is a nonstarter, Allen said. The Kohlnhofers have faced several court actions from a group of county residents who have opposed a proposed new hog confinement feedlot to be located about 5 miles northeast of Zumbrota. While that hog facility was approved through environmental review by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and granted a conditional use permit by the Goodhue County Board of Commissioners, the opponents appealed the conditional use permit in state appellate court and requested a review by the Minnesota Supreme Court. Both the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the state supreme court ruled in favor of the farmers. But while the case was making its way through the Court of Appeals, any work on the proposed site was put on hold according to statute. That meant the Kohlnhofers project, which was fully permitted, was stalled from February 2017 to December 2017. Why are photos and videos of cats high-fiving suddenly popping up on Facebook and Instagram? Ask Jackson Galaxy, host of Animal Planets "My Cat From Hell." Last year, Galaxy launched Cat Pawsitive, a program that encourages animal shelters to teach cats how to do tricks, like giving high-fives, to make them more attractive for adoption. Shelters across the country, including KC Pet Project, have been participating. The premise is simple. A kitty who can sit on command, jump through a hoop, give a paw bump or a high five demonstrates to a prospective owner that it can listen to instructions and connect with others. A high five can make a shy cat open up and more aggressive cats play nice, Galaxy preaches. Another benefit: Shelters can be a scary place for animals, and activities like learning tricks are a good stress relief. Big life changes can lead to cats losing their mojo, their confidence, their "raw cat essence," Christie Rogero, program manager for Cat Pawsitive, tells Mother Nature Network. Cats can withdraw and shut down in a shelter setting. "When they arrive in a shelter, they may have lost the only family theyve ever known, or they may have come from a difficult life as a stray on the street," Rogero said. "We help those cats to feel more confident, to feel safe interacting with new people, to even spend more time at the front of their cages actively soliciting attention than hiding in the corner with their face to the wall. "They get the kind of enrichment that cats need to be themselves and show their true personalities to potential adopters. This helps them to make connections and to get adopted more quickly." Ahead of National High Five Day on Thursday who knew that existed? Galaxy is having a contest, inviting animal shelters and pet owners to post online photos and videos of cats giving high fives, using the hashtag #CatPawsitive and the tags @TheJacksonGalaxyProject and @HaloPets. Entries are rolling in. HAVE. YOU. EVER? "Training a cat to do tricks is not as hard as we would think," said Stephen Holdeman, manager of feline behavior and training at KC Pet Project. "All we need is the right amount of patience, timing and motivation." He explained how he does it. After he finds out what kind of food the cat likes, Holdeman uses a technique called "operant conditioning," which associates a cats action with the prediction of getting a reward such as a favorite food or treat. He also uses a clicker, a popular training device that makes a clicking noise. "In the initial stages, we get the cat used to the idea that when it hears the sound of the clicker, one of its favorite treats appears," Holdeman said. "After we have bridged these two ideas together, we can use the clicker to reinforce different actions the cat does to let them know that if they repeat it, they will get a treat." Then he tries to get the cat to "target" something with its paws, usually getting them to play with a wand or toy. He "clicks" the clicker when the cat touches the object with its paw. TIMING IS IMPERATIVE "Making sure the timing of the click is lined up with the action we want is important, so the cat doesnt start to ignore its relevancy," he said. "After several repetitions, the cat starts to link everything together, and learn that when they touch the specific object, they get a treat, and theyre happy to repeat it. Now all you need to do is let your extended hand be the target, and weve got a high five." So far, about 30 shelters across the country have worked with the Cat Pawsitive program, with another 50 expected to participate this year, according to Mother Nature Network. More than 400 cats who participated were adopted during the first two semesters of the program, created by The Jackson Galaxy Project, a charitable program of GreaterGood.org. Its a free program for shelters and rescues, with sponsors including the Petco Foundation and Halo Pets picking up the tab for training materials, online classes and other things such as training treats. And what about all those high five photos and videos? After Thursday, Galaxy will judge them, and five finalists will receive cash and prizes for the animal shelter or rescue of their choice. Grand prize is a $5,000 cash grant and 10,000 bowls of Halo pet food. More info is at felinehighfive.com. Two trombone ensembles will join forces for concerts Sunday in Rochester and April 28 in Northfield. Trombones Anonymous, of Rochester, and Northfield Trombones will perform separately and as one large trombone group in the "Glorious Trombones!" concerts. Musical selections will range from Renaissance and Baroque to classical, romantic and jazz. The Rochester concert is at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Charter House, 211 Second St. NW. The Northfield concert is at 7 p.m. April 28 at St. Johns Hall, 500 Third St. W. Admission to both concerts is free; donations accepted. Todays installment of our Civil War on the Left series notes two recent incidents on campus that should fuel a big bump in popcorn futures prices in the commodity pits. First, at the University of Texas at Austin, a leftist professor who checks all the right boxes is nonetheless in hot water because he stumbled over one of the advanced feminist borders. From The American Spectator: An Antifa group at the University of Texas at Austin is calling for revolutionary violence against assistant professor Robert L. Reece after he wrote a column running afoul of feminist dogma. Reece isnt the kind of academic that radical leftists typically attack. Reece checks so many politically correct boxes that hed normally be immune from criticism. Hes a young black sociologist from a poor community in Mississippi cotton country, deeply involved in issues of intense interest to the Left. He writes for a publication of the race-obsessed, far-left Southern Poverty Law Center. His academic research revolves around the question What is race? as well as inquiries into the historical origins of racial inequality, colorism/skin tone stratification, and racial fluidity. Reeces problems began when he wrote a March 20 article for Vox, How men are adjusting to the #MeToo era: This is going to take a really long time. The piece is subtitled, Men discuss the gray areas of intimate encounters. . . . The story goes on to explain how a student in one of Reeces classes, who is now fully woke, is reflecting on some of his past sexual encounters that may not have fully lived up to the new standards. And naturally the campus left wants Reece to report this student to be prosecuted for rape. Meanwhile, up at Columbia University, a distinguished professor is in trouble for remarking in the classroom that the general term for black in the 1960s and 1970s was negro. This bit of historical accuracy upset some students. (Aside: I checked the Census Bureau once to see when it stopped using Negro in its racial classifications; if memory serves, they changed to black in 1977.) As the Columbia Spectator reported: Maria Fernanda Martinez, CC 18, was one of two nonwhite students in an American studies seminar last year. Her professor told the class that, when studying the 1960s, it was fine to use the word Negroes to refer to African Americans, as it was the term used at the time. Martinez, troubled by these comments, sent her professor an email after class, including links to resources about why using the term is offensive, but said she saw no real change in her professors approach to teaching the material. I didnt pay attention in class after that, said Martinez. Heres the punchline: the professor in question is Todd Gitlin, a far-left veteran of the SDS and the protest movement of the 1960s. I hope hes enjoying the fruits of a campus culture that he helped to create. Whered I put down my bag of popcorn? If youre an old-timer like me, cast your mind back to the tax reform of 1986, which was passed on a bipartisan basis, because Democrats understood the logic of tax simplification and cutting rates down to a lower level with a broader base. Theres one detail everyone has forgotten that is relevant today: President Reagans initial tax reform proposal included elimination the state and local income tax deduction. Pro-tax reform Democrats told Reagan right away that that idea was a total non-starter, and they couldnt support a bill that included eliminating SALT (as we call it now). And so ending the SALT deduction proposal was swiftly dropped, and the bill went forward to passage. Fast forward to recent years. Many thinking Democrats (I know, I know) agreed in principle that our corporate tax rate was too high and should come down. Barack Obama even said it ought to come down to about 25 percent. Hillary Clinton thought so too, if you paid attention to some of her older statements. (In fact, if we had President Hillary today, I think she would have cut the corporate income tax rate, too.) A bipartisan deal like 1986 should have been possible then, no? Not when The Resistance is in full control of congressional Democrats. Because of that intransigence, a Republican-only bill was able to include a sharp (not complete) cutback of the SALT. It is a dagger aimed at the fiscal heart of high tax blue states like Illinois, Connecticut, California, etc. How big a dagger? Sit down for the feel-good story of the dayI lead with the large headline because its just so yummy: President Donald Trumps tax cuts will be anything but for about 1 million California taxpayers who will owe Uncle Sam more money a year from now. Theyre the Californians who will lose a collective $12 billion because the new law caps a deduction they have been able to take for paying their state and local taxes, according to a new analysis by the Franchise Tax Board. Very wealthy Californians earning more than $1 million a year will pay the lions share of that money, with 43,000 of them paying a combined $9 billion. Many of those very wealthy Californians will be liberal Silicon Valley types, so they deserve it. If even 10 Senate Democrats had been willing to play ball with Republicans on the tax bill, they could have mitigated this blow. Im glad they didnt. This is going to be fun to watch going forward. California liberals are already upset that CA is a donor state, that is, for every dollar CA sends to DC, it only gets back something like 88 cents in federal spending, while red states like Alabama get something like $1.10 for every dollar they send to DC. This adverse ratio is going to get worse (from CAs perspective) in the years ahead. Maybe blue states will wake up to the idea of sending less money to DC in the first place? Fun times. Meanwhile, this chart from the Daily Shot people, which displays Bank of Americas index of after-tax wages showing they have spiked in recent months as lower taxes boost paychecks, is fun to take in: I think thats called winning. Chaser: Just came across this headline, which you can file under more winning: New Jersey voters. Right. Im going to mix myself another martini tonight to celebrate. President Andrzej Duda's chief aide Krzysztof Szczerski will hold political consultations with two representatives of French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday, diplomatic advisor Philipp Etienne and European advisor Clement Beaune. "The talks will concern Polish-French cooperation in the field of international security with particular emphasis on the agenda of the UN Security Council and this year's NATO summit, as well as the future of the European Union and bilateral cooperation," Krzysztof Szczerski said on Wednesday. The head of the Polish President's Office will also discuss "the prospect for resuming the work of the Weimar Triangle at the highest level". In Paris, the presidential minister will also take part in a meeting organised by Institut Montaigne, one of the most prestigious French think-tanks, where he will present the Three Seas initiative (for cooperation between the countries situated in the Baltic, Black Sea and Adriatic Sea region in the area of infrastructure). He will also take part in the opening of the Paris Polish Forum 2018, an annual conference organised by the Association of Poles at Paris Institute of Political Sciences. The renewing of cooperation within the Weimar Triangle was one of the topics discussed by President Duda during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in March in Warsaw. The Weimar Triangle was established in 1991 by foreign ministers to develop cooperation between Poland, Germany and France. (PAP) ( Read 7095 Times) Source : Udaipur, Rajasthan.Rajasthan has emerged as a pre-eminent hub for the agro industry industry with a presence across the entire value addition chain from farm to fork, Shri Rajpal Singh Shekhawat, Honble Minister for Industry, Government of Rajasthan said in the conference organized by ASSOCHAM in association with Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MOFPI)-Government of India, Udaipur Chamber Of Commerce & Industry (UCCI) & Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture & Technology. He further added that Food processing industry especially agro-horticultural based has been identified as a thrust area of development in the state. He said that to invite and sustain food processing industries in the state, regular supply of agricultural raw material is critical. Hence we must plan our future in such a way, that if any company sets up unit in Rajasthan, then our farmer must feed that unit uninterrupted and for years to come. He highlighted the industrial support and shaping the building blocks for the aspiring entrepreneurs and SMEs in Rajasthan.Dr. Om S Tyagi, Sr Director, ASSOCHAM in his welcome address highlighted the benefits and opportunities the scheme is creating for farmers, entrepreneurs. He emphasized on the objectives of the scheme which are to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease Agri-Waste.Shri Parag Gupta, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, GOI, gave a holistic picture of the Indian Food Processing industry as well as the scope of Rajasthan to get itself in the forefront. He also spoke about Kisan SAMPADA Yojana and the implementation of the same will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to consumers. He said that farm to the market facility is the key to success of agriculture activities and his ministry is committed to increase the income of the farmers, which is in line with the vision of our Prime Minister.Shri Hansraj Choudhary, President,Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (UCCI)highlighted the immense potential which food processing holds in Udaipur and sharedthe contribution of the Agro Industries has made some significant progress in Rajasthan. Areas like - Agro & Horticulture Processing, Processing of Plantation Crops, organic farming as potential area in the promotion of industrial activities in the state of Rajastan. He emphasized on the recent development in Udaipur and how more can be done in order to enhance the position of Udaipur, He highlighted the contribution of Udaipur Chamber of Commerce and support provided by the chamber to budding entrepreneurs and agro industries. NOIDA, India, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2nd Global Fashion Week Noida 2018 was inaugurated with great pomp and show by people of national and international importance in the presence of large number of delegates from all over India and different countries of the world. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/655519/AAFT_Logo.jpg ) "There is need to bring the talent of this country to a higher level. The talent must work for the nation and not only work abroad. We are promoting all kind of designers whether it is fashion, furniture, jewellery or interior. AAFT School of Fashion and Design has left no stone unturned to provide education at an international level," said Sandeep Marwah at the inaugural session on the first day of the 2nd Global Fashion Week Noida 2018. High Commissioner of Malaysia H.E Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid, Ambassador of Gambia H.E Jainaba Jagne, renowned beauty queen Shahnaz Husain, former Miss Universe Teen Srishti Kaur, Mrs India Finalist 2015 Deepti Chibber and Interior Designer Shailender Sharma jointly inaugurated the fashion and design week by lighting the ceremonial lamp. "Fashion is beauty of mind, soul and body. Use those things, which will enhance your internal beauty," said Sandeep Marwah, President of Fashion Design Week. "There is a huge advancement in science and there is no harm in using the soft and appropriate techniques to enhance fashion in our own life be it clothing, beauty, and looks, be it your internal self," said Padma Shri Shahnaz Husain, known for her beauty products with 400 centres across the world. "This is the first time we are participating in fashion week, next time I would love to have a team from my country to be a part of the ramp. The launching of Indo Malaysian Cultural Forum today is the beginning of many activities together," said H.E. Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid, High Commissioner of Malaysia to India, while nominating Sandeep Marwah as Chair to the forum. "It is a powerful occasion to launch Indo Gambia Cultural Forum. This is a major event for us. From here on we will create more buzz of our relationship," added H.E. Jainaba Jagne Ambassador of Gambia to India while nominating Marwah as the chair to the forum. "I am back to my alma mater. The love and respect, which I have received, has added to my international reputation. Good education and hard work always pay in life," said Srishti Kaur, AAFT alumna and former Miss Universe Teen. Later Sandeep Marwah honored H.E. Dato Hidayat Abdul Hamid with patronship of Indo Malaysian Film and Cultural Forum and H.E. Jainaba Jagne with the patronship of Indo Gambia Film and Cultural Forum. A life membership to International Film And Television Research Centre was presented to Srishti Kaur former Miss Universe Teen. A memento of the festival was handed over to the other honorable guests. A brochure containing information of passing out students of AAFT School of Fashion And Design was released at the same stage. The exhibition of furniture was also opened immediately after the formal inauguration. Director Festival, Ritu Lal offered the vote of thanks. About AAFT AAFT is the premiere film & television institute of India. AAFT- Asian Academy of Film and Television is one of the first ten best film schools of the world. For more information, visit http://www.aaft.com. Media contact: Haripriya +91(0)120-4831143 Asian Society of Film & Television [email protected] SOURCE Asian Academy of Film & Television (AAFT) With Hantile, homeowners are able to generate electricity for their own use, and sell surplus energy to the grid, thus earning a return on their investment. In addition, the Hantile features an attenuation rate no higher than 20% over 25 years, meaning that each tile will maintain an extremely high proportion of its value over time. Each Hantile is insured by the PICC and features a lifetime warranty. From an environmental perspective, the use of the Hantile has the potential to abate vast quantities of carbon dioxide - for example, a house installed with 100 Hantiles can avert the equivalent of 123 tons of coal. Based on the design of a traditional Chinese roof tile, the 2018 next-generation Hantile is not only eco-friendly and economical, it is also aesthetically pleasing. Using only a single layer of glass, as opposed to the previous double-glass model, Hantile's weight is only 5.2 kg with a thickness of 6.5mm - 1.2 mm thinner than the iPhone X. However, while it is incredibly thin, it maintains its high conversion efficiency. Beneath its simple design, the next generation Hantile is truly a revolutionary roofing energy solution. Overall, it utilizes 364 patents with covering a wide range of innovative technologies. When deployed on a large scale, the Hantile promises to make the world greener for generations to come. Finally, the new Hantile is extremely user-friendly and facilitates easy installation. The C-shaped clip of the single-glass Hantile makes it easy to grip, and combined with its lightness, it guarantees a highly efficient installation. The next generation Hantile has also been equipped with a 3-point fixing structure for maximum wind resistance - in fact, it is capable of withstanding a Grade 12 typhoon. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180418/2108379-1 SOURCE Hanergy PUNE, India, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems Market by Architecture (Open MRI Systems and Closed MRI Systems (Standard Bore and Wide Bore)), Field Strength (Low-to-mid Field, High-field (1.5T and 3T), and Very-high Field) - Global Forecast to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the MRI Systems Market is expected to reach USD 7.09 Billion by 2023 from an estimated USD 5.85 Billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 3.9%. The key factors driving the growth of this market include technological advancements leading to the increased adoption of high-field MRI systems, growing geriatric population, and the discovery of new helium deposits. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 141 market data Tables and 33 Figures spread through 158 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/magnetic-resonance-imaging-market-99.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report The closed MRI systems segment held the largest share of the market in 2017 Based on architecture, the MRI Systems Market is segmented into closed and open MRI systems. The closed MRI segment is further divided into standard bore and wide bore MRI systems. In 2017, the closed MRI systems segment accounted for the largest share of the MRI Systems Market. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the superconducting magnets used in these systems to obtain higher image quality and throughput. The wide bore closed MRI segment is also expected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period owing to its patient-friendly design that accommodates larger patients. By field-strength, very-high-field MRI systems to grow at the highest rate during the forecast period The MRI Systems Market is segmented by field strength into high-field (1.5T and 3T), low-to-mid field (<1.5T), and very-high-field (4T and above) MRI systems. The very-high-field (4T and above) MRI systems segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Growth in this market can be attributed to the recently (October 2017) received FDA and CE mark approval of the first 7T MRI system. Ask for PDF Brochure @ https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=99 The RoW segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate between 2018 and 2023 In 2017, Asia Pacific is estimated to account for the largest share of the MRI Systems Market, followed by Europe. However, RoW region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The high growth rate of MRI Systems Market in this region can be attributed to the untapped markets of Africa, growing medical tourism in Brazil and Saudi Arabia, and rising healthcare expenditure in Row countries. The major players in the global MRI Systems Market are Siemens Healthineers (Germany), GE Healthcare (US), Phillips (Netherlands), Hitachi (Japan), and Canon Medical Systems (Japan). Know more about the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/magnetic-resonance-imaging-market-99.html About MarketsandMarkets MarketsandMarkets provides quantified B2B research on 30,000 high growth niche opportunities/threats which will impact 70% to 80% of worldwide companies' revenues. Currently servicing 5000 customers worldwide including 80% of global Fortune 1000 companies as clients. Almost 75,000 top officers across eight industries worldwide approach MarketsandMarkets for their painpoints around revenues decisions. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. MarketsandMarkets now coming up with 1,500 MicroQuadrants (Positioning top players across leaders, emerging companies, innovators, strategic players) annually in high growth emerging segments. MarketsandMarkets is determined to benefit more than 10,000 companies this year for their revenue planning and help them take their innovations/disruptions early to the market by providing them research ahead of the curve. MarketsandMarkets's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. Contact: Mr. Salgarkar MarketsandMarkets INC. 630 Dundee Road Suite 430 Northbrook, IL 60062 USA: +1-888-600-6441 Email: [email protected] Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets SOURCE MarketsandMarkets KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Malaysia's Business to Consumer (B2C) e-commerce market recorded a triumphant growth in the Q4 2017. It achieved 43.5% growth in GMV compared to Q3 2017 and generated close to US$ 800 million, as shared in the Frost & Sullivan's E-Commerce Q4 2017 report released recently. As per Frost & Sullivan's E-Commerce Market program's latest analysis, businesses like Shopee and Lazada were recorded to be the top players in the market with each having about 10% GMV market share. Back-to-back promotional events during the quarter like 11.11, Black Friday/Cyber Monday and 12.12 helped in attracting customers. "The trend of cashing in the tech-savvy young population who are just a touch away from placing an online order is working out for Shopee, whose mobile first approach helped it to become the market leader," shared Mr. Naveen Mishra, E-Commerce Program Director, Frost & Sullivan Asia-Pacific. "Traditional retailers like Watsons, Unilever, Tesco, etc. are also taking advantage of growing e-commerce trend in the country, amid intense competition, high buyer/ seller acquisition and Opex heavy business models, e-commerce players success hinges on the ability to penetrate with sufficient cash to fight the battle," Mishra further added. Notes: In the context of this research Frost & Sullivan defines "E-Commerce" as the sale of goods via an online medium which have been traditionally purchased via physical retail medium. The research excludes electronic sales of: Travel and holiday packages Tickets sale related to travel (air, rail and road) and events (sports, music concerts, etc.) Revenue generated by online gambling sites App store purchases, online gaming services and in-app purchases on such platforms. Ride hailing services and delivery of foods, magazines, household goods, and DVD rentals. The research study primarily focuses on Business to Consumer (B2C) market however the coverage includes individual sellers transacting on the e-commerce marketplaces such as Shopee, Lazada, Bukalapak and others. It excludes Person to Person (P2P) platforms (Mudah, OLX etc.) which primarily lists products and where the transaction does not conclude on the platform. Any revenue reported outside of the definition mentioned here is not part of the Frost & Sullivan's numbers reported here. About Frost & Sullivan Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Is your organization prepared for the next profound wave of industry convergence, disruptive technologies, increasing competitive intensity, Mega Trends, breakthrough best practices, changing customer dynamics and emerging economies? Contact us: Start the discussion Media Contact Melissa Tan Corporate Communications Asia Pacific P: +65 6890 0926 F: +65 6890 0999 E: [email protected] http://www.frost.com Related Links http://www.frost.com SOURCE Frost & Sullivan BENGALURU, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ~Bringing the hospital to the people~ On the occasion of World Health Day, socially cognizant healthcare brand - Medlife organised free health check-up camp at Forum Mall, Koramangala. Celebrated under the sponsorship of Medlife.com, this year's theme encompassed the idea that universal health coverage means that all people and communities receive the health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Medlife collaborated with Euklid Brand Solutions to arrange a one-day free of charge medical camp in Bangalore. Over 200 people were provided with Bone Mineral Density Test and Body Mass Index Test. Most of the visitors were women in their 30's who majorly suffer with bone related disorders at their age. The test results witnessed a large proportion of the population to be either underweight (25% with BMI < 18.5) or overweight (27% with BMI between 23 and 27.9) / obese (16% with BMI 28 +). Only 31% of the subjects had normal BMI between 18.5 and 22.9. 17.5% of the women were obese compared to 11.4% of men, while 29.5 % of the men were overweight compared to 24.9% of women. A higher percentage (32.8%) of women were underweight compared to men (26. 5%). Members from Medlife and Euklid Brand Solutions volunteered for the campaign and managed the long-day activity. Medlife is celebrating the World Health Week with discounts of over 35% on their healthcare products. With the launch of its own private labelled lab called 'Medlife labs' at JP Nagar; it plans to expand its presence all over India. Patients can avail big discounts on sugar level tests, Lipid Profile, Live function basic tests. Medlife has catered to various health-related issues by their tele-consultation services provided by their specialist doctors. Medlife essentials, is an initiative for delivering all health products that are 100% herbal with clinical research formulated for diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular and liver through their website. People can avail 25% off on Medlife branded copper bottles that gently mixes into the water and lends it all its positive properties in the body. Commenting on this campaign, Tushar Kumar, CEO at Medlife.com, commented, "Good health is the most precious thing anyone can have. When people are healthy, they can learn, work and support themselves and their families. Medlife.com is committed for ensuring good health for all. Through this campaign we aim to raise awareness and highlight the importance of regular check-ups especially for woman as she is responsible for the health condition of her entire family therefore the first in her to-do list should be timely healthcare regime." Medlife is essentially an online medicine delivery platform; it also integrates various other aspects of healthcare onto its platform. It provides a complete healthcare package by bringing doctors, patients, laboratories and pharmacies under one roof, thereby providing an entire healthcare ecosystem to the customer for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. The app is easy and consumer-friendly. In fact, customers don't have to go outside the platform for medical assistance unlike various other products available in the market. At the moment Medlife has 1,200 doctor clinics on the platform. About Medlife Founded by Tushar Kumar and Prashant Singh in 2014, Medlife today has emerged as one of the frontrunners in enabling better access to healthcare by offering an array of app-based features such as online consultation, e-pharmacy and health-related services across India. The company has created a unique platform in the fastest growing pharmaceutical & health services market in the world, and this platform can be the foundation of India's leading healthcare services business in the years ahead. Website- https://m.medlife.com/ Twitter- @medlifecare LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/company/9370674/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/Medlifecare/ Media Contact: Neha Misri, [email protected] +91-9284726602 PR Manager Euklid Brand Solutions SOURCE Medlife ANN ARBOR, Michigan, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Xoran Technologies is proud to announce its release of its brand new MiniCAT 2020, a small, low-dose, cone-beam CT (CBCT) scanner specialized to assist physicians in the diagnosis of sinus disease. MiniCAT 2020 is the latest CT system added to the mix of Xoran's growing suite of specialized CT scanners for use by physicians at their patient's point-of-care. MiniCAT 2020 is a streamlined CT system designed for ENT and Allergy physicians who need a quick, affordable CT system in their office to diagnose sinus problems. "We found that ENT and Allergy practices were demanding a lower-cost CT solution for their offices," said Xoran CEO Misha Rakic. "Having diagnostic CT at each and every place a physician sees patients allows for faster diagnosis and increased patient compliance. In response, Xoran created the MiniCAT 2020, a sinus-optimized CBCT that is an affordable solution for our customers and has a larger field of view." In designing MiniCAT 2020, Xoran relied on feedback from its physician customers to develop a low-cost sinus CT system with the optional benefit of Xoran Service, which includes a Comprehensive Service Plan for the life of the system. "We took into account our customers' desire not only to have an affordable CBCT for their offices but also that they want the peace of mind of their MiniCATs covered under Xoran's white-glove Comprehensive Service Plan," said Xoran's Product Manager Russell Jahnke, who added that "over 90 percent of Xoran's ENT and Allergy customers buy extended-service contracts, and they have become accustomed to Xoran's excellent customer service, whether it is in our OEM-provided preventative maintenance that keeps our customers' systems in top shape or in our ability to monitor and perform remote diagnostics on systems in the field." All of Xoran's products are serviced by Xoran service technicians who are full-time CBCT experts providing on-site service as well as real-time phone support through Xoran's direct 800 number 800-70-XORAN. In 2016, Xoran released MiniCAT IQ, a premium CT scanner with advanced imaging capabilities for scanning the sinuses, skull base and temporal bone including the elaborate and tiny bones in the ear. The MiniCAT IQ supplements the performance and features of Xoran's original flagship scanner - MiniCAT. Also in 2017, Xoran released xCAT, a portable intraoperative CT scanner for surgeons that takes real-time CT scans during procedures. A fraction of both the size of conventional full-body CT scanners and the weight, the distinctive xCAT is incredibly compact, turns on a dime and can be easily maneuvered to the patient for updated images during treatment. With xCAT's ultra-small footprint, a patient can be scanned while in the OR and CT images imported quickly and seamlessly into the surgical navigation system. xCAT has applications in ENT, otology, minimally invasive cochlear implants, as well as cranio-maxillo-facial surgeries. With its most recent product release of MiniCAT 2020 this year, Xoran continues its quest to equip physicians with a suite of advanced imaging technologies that assist them in maximizing their efficiency in providing patient care and in fulfilling the company's mission: "Xoran makes the complex simple." With over 700 of its CT systems installed worldwide, Xoran is the pioneer and market leader in point-of-care medical CBCT systems since 2001. For more information, visit xorantech.com. 2018 Xoran Technologies LLC CONTACT Paul Dykstra, Marketing & Communications Manager 734-418-5168 800-70-XORAN [email protected] Related Links http://www.xorantech.com SOURCE Xoran Technologies "Our mission is to help companies grow, from startups to large-scale enterprises, and one of the best ways to put them on the path to success is with proper signage that lets them stand out from their competition," said Evan Foster, National Director for Signarama Australia. "The Boost Your Business contest allows us to support a local business in a big way with a refreshed look featuring our broad array of signage options," he added. How It Works The Boost Your Business contest is open to registered businesses in Australia, including shops, restaurants, factories, offices and more. All entries must be submitted online at www.signarama.com.au/makeover-competition. Entrants will answer in 25 words or less how new signage will boost their business. Entries will be accepted until May 31, 2018. One entry per participant. A panel of judges will determine the winner. The grand prize winner will be announced around early June 2018. The prize package is valued at $15,000. The Signarama located closest to the winner will fulfill the makeover package. Businesses must be in eligible states and territories to qualify. Contest excludes NT. For full contest details and rules, visit the contest page. Signarama is a full-service sign network. From indoor and outdoor signs to vehicle signs to specialty signs, Signarama offers a number of options for customers to attract new business. Their team of experts is available for projects from start to finish, including consultation, design, production, project management, installation and fulfillment. Australia has 105 Signarama locations. The newest store opened in Fyshwick, ACT in February 2018. For more information about Signarama, visit online at www.signarama.com.au. About Signarama Signarama, the world's largest sign franchise, offers branding and messaging solutions in addition to comprehensive sign and graphic services to consumers and commercial customers from business signs, vehicle wraps, and digital signs, to advertising and marketing services. Signarama is part of a successful system of business-to-business franchise brands and development services under the United Franchise Group (UFG). As part of the $49-billion-plus worldwide sign market, Signarama has been at the forefront of the sign industry for more than two decades. Signarama was ranked Number 35 on Entrepreneur Magazine's Top Global Franchises list in 2016. With over 800 locations in 60 countries, the company expects to have more than 1,500 locations worldwide by the end of 2020. For more information, visit www.signaramafranchise.com.au. MEDIA CONTACT: Ashley Soto 305-631-2283 x1005 [email protected] Related Links http://www.signarama.com.au SOURCE Signarama Founding Dean of Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is Appointed as Chairman of the GBSN Board of Directors for 2018 Term WASHINGTON, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Business School Network (GBSN) announces the appointment of Soumitra Dutta as Chairman of the Board of Directors effective April 10, 2018. Professor Dutta succeeds Robert Kennedy, Dean of Nanyang Business School in Singapore. GBSN is a nonprofit organization that partners with business schools, industry, foundations and aid agencies to improve access to quality, locally relevant management education for the developing world. By harnessing the power of a network of over 70 leading business schools on 6 continents, GBSN facilitates cross-border collaboration and knowledge sharing, advancing management education that delivers international best practice with local relevance. Professor Dutta's involvement with GBSN dates back six years. Under his leadership as Dean, the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University first joined the network in November 2012. "Soumitra Dutta and I have known one another for more than a decade. He is a pioneer in management education and the development space, and was among the first to understand the value of GBSN's mission. I am thrilled about his chairing our Board," said Guy Pfeffermann, Founder of GBSN. Soumitra Dutta served as the founding dean of the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business from April 2016 till January 2018. Currently he is a Professor in the Operations, Technology and Information Management Area. Previously, he was the Anne and Elmer Lindseth Dean of the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management. Prior to joining Cornell, Professor Dutta held various faculty and leadership positions at INSEAD, a leading international business school in France and Singapore. "Building capacity in developing countries is essential and GBSN along with its network of partner business schools and corporations can take a leadership role in educating future global leaders and to help solve some of the most critical problems in education, poverty, food availability, climate change, etc.," said Dutta. GBSN's core mission has always been to activate and nurture the network of business schools and corporate partners with whom it works. The aim is to strengthen the business education ecosystems in emerging markets, and through them to support economic transformation in their countries. Being an expert on technology and innovation policy, Mr. Dutta is the co-editor and author of the Global Information Technology Report, published by the World Economic Forum and the Global Innovation Index, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Mr. Dutta is also a widely published author, with research that includes over 150 published articles and over 60 case studies. His research has also been cited widely in the global media. Mr. Dutta serves on the board of Sodexo (a food services and facilities management multinational), Dassault Systemes (a leading 3D software firm) and advisory boards of several business schools, including ESADE (Barcelona, Spain), ESCP (Paris, France) and HEC Montreal (Canada). He also served as Chairman of AACSB International's Board of Directors, the leading global body for the accreditation of business schools, from July 2017 to January 2018. Mr. Dutta is a member of the Davos Circle, an association of long-time participants in the Annual Davos meeting of the World Economic Forum, and has engaged in a number of multi-stakeholder initiatives to shape global, regional and industry agendas. Mr. Dutta received a B. Tech. in electrical engineering and computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), New Delhi, a MS in both business administration and computer science, and a PhD in computer science from the University of California at Berkeley. In 2017, he received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater IIT Delhi. About GBSN The Global Business School Network partners with business schools, industry, foundations, and aid agencies to improve access to quality locally relevant management education. With a growing network of over 70 leading business schools on six continents, GBSN facilitates connections and knowledge sharing between members, and among those schools and the broader business education and development communities. It leverages member expertise to advise, train, and mentor educators around the world. As a global convener and thought leader, it advocates for investment in management education as a tool for economic and social development. GBSN is paving the path for developing country leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs to generate prosperity for their families and societies. Learn more at www.gbsn.org. CONTACT: Nicole Zefran, 202-628-9040, [email protected] Related Links http://www.gbsnonline.org SOURCE Global Business School Network AMSTERDAM, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The fast growing peer-to-peer travel booking platform TRVL.com is acting like a modern day Robin Hood, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. TRVL.com is paying travelers a commission on every booking they make. These commissions are normally only available to travel agents. But since travelers are doing all the work themselves, why have them pay for a service they're not getting? TRVL is supporting payments in Indian rupees and offering local customer service. It has secured extra server capacity to handle the increase in traffic. CEO of TRVL is Arthur Hoffman, who launched Expedia in India 10 years ago. Hoffman: "I am very excited to launch TRVL in India 10 years after I set up business for Expedia. India is a nation of passionate travelers and very likely to embrace innovation and new technology." This is also reflected in recent market research, that shows that India's online hotel market will grow to $4 Bn in 2020. Hoffman knows first hand how competitive the Indian market is. Hoffman: "The opportunity for TRVL, in a context where travelers are used to look for the best prices and show an entrepreneurial mind-set to new technology, is huge." Founder Jochem Wijnands is an experienced entrepreneur who sold his previous company Prss to Apple for an undisclosed amount in 2014. Prss is the mobile publishing platform that became Apple News that launched in 2015 as part of Apple's iOS. Wijnands: "TRVL makes it rain money, that's our mission. Travelers are paying too much. We are rewarding them for acting like a do-it-yourself travel agent by paying them the commission a travel agent would get." How does TRVL work? TRVL is comparing all hotels on the internet to find the best deal. Once you book a hotel, TRVL receives a commission and passes the lion-share of it on to you. On your dashboard you can keep track of outstanding payments. TRVL also features 50,000 hotels with industry discounts of up to 65%, normally only available to professional travel agents. TRVL launched in June last year. It offers access to 2+ million hotels and home-stays, it has users in 117 countries and supports payments in 13 currencies. TRVL media kit Contact Alex Keynes [email protected] Related Links trvl.com SOURCE TRVL If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here TM Prosthodontics Miami, one of the leading places in South Florida for dental implants, conveys the danger of choosing cheap dental implants. While patients are understandably concerned about cost, TM Prosthodontics explains various nuances of why cheap dental implants arent always the best value, nor the best choice. High-quality Miami dental implants should be as affordable as possible, but never cheaply done, explained Dr. Tal Morr, chief prosthodontist at TM Prosthodontics. Its important to remember that teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. If a cut-rate dentist uses low-grade materials, or is not adequately skilled in dental implants, the price of repairing cheap implants can get expensive very quickly, and not just in terms of cost but in the impact on ones smile and quality of life. Miami Residents and the Contradiction of Cheap Dental Implants If a Miami area local has decided to get dental implants, searching for both quality and affordability should be the plan, and is indeed possible. An oral surgeon advertising cheap dental implants may be appealing, but its important to consider the word cheap can mean more than low prices. Cheap can also mean low-grade dental materials, or an unskilled practitioner. Cheap dental implants in Miami can mean different things to different Miami residents. Dr. Tal Morr reminds the Miami community to research dental implant clinics before choosing. The price of badly executed oral surgery can mean painful and expensive fixes. High-quality oral surgery reamed with reasonable monthly payments can ensure a better outcome in the long run. In summary, quality dental implants provided by a top oral surgeon can help Miami local save time and money. About TM Prosthodontics Miami TM Prosthodontics, under the direction of Tal Morr, focuses on dental procedures, such as dental crowns Miami, teeth whitening Miami, and the placement and restoration of dental implants, making it among the top-rated dental implant facilities in the Miami and South Florida area. This additional training, along with his years of experience, sets Tal Morr D.M.D., M.S.D. apart from the other prosthodontists offering dental implant treatments. The costs of dental implants in Miami can be easy to manage with payment plans available. TM Prosthodontics serves the entire South Florida area, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach. Nigeria Has Highest Number of Out-of-school Children in the World -safsms.com Nigerias population growth has put pressure on the countrys resources, public services and infrastructure. With children under 15 years of age accounting for 45 per cent of the 171 million population, the burden on education has become overwhelming. -UNICEF Based on a recent situation report provided by UNICEF on the quality of basic education in Nigeria, it is obvious that education at the primary level needs some urgent attention by well-meaning Nigerians, private and public sectors. "Nigerias population growth has put pressure on the countrys resources, public services and infrastructure. With children under 15 years of age accounting for 45 per cent of the 171 million population, the burden on education has become overwhelming." -UNICEF The responsibility of returning these 10.5 million (most of which are girls) Nigerian children to school, and see them through their primary school education, cannot be left to the government alone. One significant aspect of the tedious fight against illiteracy among our leaders of tomorrow is creating awareness about how many of them are actually out of school. That is the essence of this outreach. One major socio-economic strength we have as a nation is our growing population. What will become of this teeming population if as at now, the number of Nigerian children who are out of school is this alarming? Has Enrolment Dropped in Nigerian Primary Schools? No. From UNICEF assessment of situation of basic education in Nigeria, primary school enrollment has increased in recent years, but net attendance is only about 70 per cent. This means registering more pupils in schools has not increased the total number of Nigerian children who successfully complete primary school education. Increase in primary school enrollment in Nigeria can be attributed to conscious efforts by some state governments to make basic education accessible to everyone, especially at the grassroot level. However, more needs to be done to keep these children in school. Region with Highest Out-of-school Nigerian Children? Primary school enrollment has increased in recent years, but net attendance is only about 70 per cent, but Nigeria still has 10.5 million out-of-school children - the worlds highest number. Sixty percent of those children are in northern Nigeria. -UNICEF. As the figure stands, more than half of out-of-school Nigerian children are from the North. Does this reflect the budget allocation to 19 states that make up Northern Nigeria? More Nigerian Girls Are out of School. Why? About 60 percent of out-of-school children are girls. Many of those who do enroll drop out early. -UNICEF This shows that despite all the campaigns by NGOs and activists clamouring for empowerment of girl child across Nigeria in recent years, many of our girls are still not getting basic education. The importance of educating girl child is quite enormous. It is not a question of which child is more important, it is quantifying how much women influence decisions in families which make the building block of the society at large. If 60% of out-of-school Nigerian children are girls, what kind of families do we look forward to in the nearest future? What kind of decisions will the 'educated men' make when women who mostly influence their decisions are not duly educated? How Much Fund Is Allocated to Education? FG, states voted 7.5% of N43tr budgets on education in 3 years. -Daily Trust An overview of how much has been invested in education sector, primary secondary and tertiary put together, stands at 7.5% in the last 3 years. Interestingly, 19 Northern Nigeria states where 60% of out-of-school children come from have allocated total of N1.03tr to education in 3 years. Whereas, states in Southern Nigeria have allocated total of N912.3bn. How to Keep More Nigerian Students in School? With these interesting figures, especially budget allocation to education by Northern states, it is obvious that everyone appreciates the importance of education in Nigeria. But, the sector has not benefited from strong will of an average Nigerian political officeholder. It is on the citizens, civil right groups, religious bodies and concerned corporate bodies to raise our voices individually and collectively for basic education in Nigeria to get the deserved attention. Nigerian children deserve the best education anyone can get on the surface of the earth. It does not matter whether a boy or girl child, it does not matter whether in the South or in the North. Nigerian children need to be duly educated! For UNICEF, they have focused on strengthening education systems, improved and equitable access to quality basic education and improved quality of teaching and learning outcome through their various programs across the country. However, it is everyone's duty as Nigerians to ensure that the current generation does not hand over to uneducated successor. Lend a hand to achieving this great dream of educating every Nigerian child today. Would you? Infographics: Out-of-school Nigerian Children by SAFSMS SAFSMS is a complete school management software that supports educationists from playgroup to post primary schools. Our school management system is your dream school administrative system that comes with end-to-end solutions including attendance recording, accounting and many more. It is currently in use in schools in about thirty states in Nigeria. Our aspiration is to continue this momentum and to continue disrupting our space by delivering great solutions for our customers Inc. magazine recognized interworks.cloud as one of Inc. 5000s fastest growing private companies in Europe. Inc. 5000 Europe presents a comprehensive look at what may be the most dynamic segment of the worlds economy: fast-growing private companies. "Its a great honor for interworks.cloud to be included in the Inc. 5000 Europe for the first time. We are growing quickly and outpacing our competition in the ever-changing world of cloud business automation. We owe this to the focus, dedication and capability of our team, executing great ideas in record time. Our aspiration is to continue this momentum and to continue disrupting our space by delivering great solutions for our customers," said Vassilis Zografos, CEO at interworks.cloud. The 2018 Inc. 5000 Europe list, unveiled this week on Inc.com, serves as a unique report card on the European economy. Within an uncertain economic climate, latest aggregate revenue among the companies on the list increased by $101.8 billion, nearly doubling aggregate revenue from 2013. The list features an amazing group of thriving businesses growing at unprecedented speed over the past three years: On average, Inc. 5000 Europe companies grew +473% over the past three years, creating over 380,000 jobs in the process. To make the top 500, a company had to have achieved a remarkable three-year growth of 1013%. About interworks.cloud Since 2001, interworks.cloud has invested in the development of a highly innovative software platform to support the implementation of online business management solutions. Its state of the art technological infrastructure and its team's long experience in developing business solutions, contribute to the continuous development of highly innovative products and services. interworks.cloud's unique value proposition to the global market, is the state-of-the-art Microsoft online service automation and robust billing engine, addressing the main pains of the global CSP market. interworks.cloud is represented in Greece, UK, US and Germany with over 50 clients including Microsoft Direct CSPs, Distributors, Telcos and MSPs. Additionally, interworks.cloud reaches more than 6650 resellers via its worldwide distribution network. interworks.cloud is a registered trademark of Interworks S.A., Greece About Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today's innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 19,000,000 today. For more information, visit http://www.inc.com/ The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Now in its 37th year, this prestigious list of the nation's most successful private companies has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Europe list, launched in 2014, covers the 47 member states making up the Council of Europe. For more information on Inc. and the Inc. 5000 lists, visit http://www.inc.com. CEO Einar Augedal Our ambition is to become a fast-growing global PIM software company within the API economy. We look forward to joining forces and strengthening our offering to a much broader market. Bluestone, a tech start-up from 2016 providing state-of-the-art product information management (PIM) solutions, merges with WebOn, a leading Nordic IT company providing solutions for PIM, e-commerce and omnichannel Management. The combined company will offer a unique SaaS platform with features for sharing, collaborating on, and managing product information through APIs and microservices. This part of the software industry is experiencing significant growth, due to the need for for manufacturers, brands, resellers and retailers to transform their business models. The merger of Bluestone and WebOn is a natural next step for both companies. Bluestone, a successful start-up experiencing high interest from an international market, was looking for an implementation partner to boost its global ambition. WebOn, a successful e-commerce vendor on the Nordic tech scene and with experience in implementing digital commerce solutions, was simultaneously looking for a software partner with global reach. Together, operating as Bluestone, they will offer the Bluestone Digital Commerce Platform, which is already recognized for its scalability, reliability, and API connectivity. The merger is expected to be completed on May 10, 2018, following legal clearance. Mr. Einar Augedal has been named CEO of the combined company. He was previously the CEO of WebOn. Mr. Borgar Hestad, who previously was the CEO of Bluestone, will become EVP Sales and Marketing Einar Augedal, CEO of Bluestone, explains: Our ambition is to become a fast-growing global PIM software company within the API economy. We look forward to joining forces and strengthening our offering to a much broader market. ***** About Bluestone Bluestone is a rapidly growing tech company with a global presence, specializing in providing state-of-the-art SaaS software for PIM that empowers retailers to create excellent customer experience. The company has a hard working team with offices in Palo Alto (USA), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Gdansk (Poland), Bangkok (Thailand), and Tonsberg (Norway). For more information, visit http://www.bluestonepim.com About WebOn WebOn is an IT company providing solutions for Product Information Management (PIM) and omnichannel management. Since 1995, the company has developed and delivered market-leading software that allows customers to sell their products through multiple sales channels, such as in web shops, print catalogs, and other media surfaces. The combination of WebOns great products and technical competence makes them a leading force in implementing and operating large and complex solutions in the Nordics. For further information, visit http://www.webon.no When Demons Rush In: an examination of the impact toxic shame has on the psychology and spirituality of people. When Demons Rush In is the creation of published author, Russ McCormack. Born in 1963, the youngest of five sons, Russ grew up in a Protestant family from Dublin, Ireland. They moved to the United States in 1978. At twenty-four years old, Russ became a Catholic, which sent a few ripples through his Protestant heritage. He now simply regards himself as a Christian, a follower of Jesus. Russ obtained a BA in Psychology and a BA in Religious Studies in 1987 from the University of San Diego. He also completed two years of masters work at Loyola University of Chicago in 1991. In 1995, Russ received his doctoral degree in psychology, Psy. D, from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. He has been a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Illinois since 1996. He received his secondary social studies certification in 2003. After teaching high school for the better part of twelve years, he reentered the field of psychology. Russ is presently working in geriatric care while teaching undergraduate courses in psychology at Aurora University of Aurora, Illinois. As a first-time author, I have selected a subject to write about, that reflects both my professional and personal experiences. My own personal story is one of shame turned toxic, and as a licensed clinical psychologist, I have witnessed the devastating effects of toxic shame on the individual, their families, and on their communities. --Russ McCormack Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Russ McCormacks new book examines an unseen epidemic. The experience of shame is universal. It is part of the human experience. It is, however, an experience that has the potential to turn toxic. Toxic shame can wreak havoc on the psychological development and well-being of the individual. In When Demons Rush In, Russ McCormack reveals how toxic shame can equally disrupt and damage the spiritual nature of the human experience as well. By focusing on shame turned toxic, its roots, its causes, and its consequences, the author is seeking to draw attention to what he feels is a monumental threat to the fate of humankind. Taking a two-pronged approach, Russ examines a devastating reality besieging todays individual from a psychological and spiritual perspective. With special emphasis and focus on the spiritual, the author challenges readers to open their minds and hearts to a reality that remains unnoticed and unrecognized. Intertwining the literary substance of When Demons Rush In with a workbook component, this ten-chapter effort is designed to push readers beyond an intellectual endeavor to achieve personal change. View a synopsis of When Demons Rush In on YouTube. Consumers can purchaseWhen Demons Rush In at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about When Demons Rush In, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Government of Western Australia Deploys Ephesoft We were relieved to find Ephesoft has unlimited document volume processing. On top of that, their sophisticated platform uses machine learning tools to add even more value as the system classifies more documents. Our process is more efficient, faster and we can easily find documents. Ephesoft Inc., the leading developer of supervised machine learning-based document capture and analytics solutions, today announced that the Government of Western Australia Department of Communities Housing (Housing Authority), the largest affordable housing provider, operating in land development, housing construction and property management, has selected Ephesofts Transact platform. Process Automation Group (PAG), a systems integrator, are solutions experts who implemented Ephesofts innovative, smart document capture system. The Housing Authority, has over 1,600 staff in 42 locations, delivering affordable, quality housing working with private, government and non-profit partners. The agency provides housing for people who would otherwise struggle to rent or buy. The Housing Authority manages over 36,000 properties, that provides homes for more than 64,000 Western Australians, making it the biggest landlord in Western Australia. Ephesoft is pleased to provide a vital service to Western Australias Housing Authority. Our goal is to help our customers accelerate their document, data and analytics processes and minimise manual processes. The platform is proven to drive efficiency, cost savings and allow organisations to use data to gain insight, said Andrew Rootes, Vice President, Asia Pacific & Japan at Ephesoft. Because of its scale, the Housing Authoritys automated systems generate, create and store millions of documents annually. Six million of these letters and notices sent to their tenants were archived in HP Enterprise Content Manager (ECM) without containment or classification. The lack of containment prevented easy viewing when looking at individual property files and the lack of classification required permanent retention, thereby increasing costs to manage records and support associated infrastructure. It was a challenging, painful and costly process that we had been trying to resolve for years, so we turned to PAG for help, explained Sheryl Gourdis, Manager Corporate Information at the Housing Authority. PAGs deep knowledge of document data extraction enabled them to integrate Ephesoft Transact with both HP ECM and Kofax TotalAgility. Although the Housing Authority already used Kofaxs capture system for its mailroom, they selected Ephesoft Transact due to its flexibility and unlimited volume license to process all documents. We were relieved to find Ephesoft has unlimited document volume processing. On top of that, their sophisticated platform uses machine learning tools to add even more value as the system classifies more documents. Our process is more efficient, faster and we can easily find documents so we can better serve our staff, said Gourdis. PAG quickly implemented the system and provided us with great service and training. They had experience with eliminating manual processes with Ephesoft, which fit our needs and budget. As part of the project, PAG is far along working to automatically extract the relevant metadata via fuzzy matching, which enables each document to be contained with its relevant retention policy applied. In parallel, the system will improve their decentralised document processing through multifunction devices. PAG has worked with the Housing Authority for several years and has advised them on other business improvement processes. Ephesofts platform met all the requirements for our client. Now that a streamlined process is in place, we expect to see the Housing Authoritys records processing cycles decrease over time. We were able to keep our clients costs down while adding tremendous value to their agency, said Adam Niedzwiedz, Director at PAG. About Ephesoft, Inc. Ephesoft, Inc. delivers Smart Capture technology on a private or public cloud platform that turns the worlds unstructured content into actionable information. Using supervised machine learning and a focus on efficiency and reliability, Ephesoft has crafted the next generation of smart document capture technology. Organizations use this power to automate any document-based business processes, improving accuracy, increasing productivity and reducing costs. Ephesoft is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with regional offices throughout the US, EMEA and Asia Pacific. The company is undergoing rapid growth and has customers in over 50 countries. To learn more, visit http://www.ephesoft.com. About Process Automation Group Pty, Ltd Process Automation Group is an innovative technology company focused on delivering leading edge business optimization projects for its customers. Founded in 2014, the company has built an impressive portfolio of customers in Government, Finance, Education and Commercial sectors, across Australia, New Zealand and the United States. For more information, visit http://www.processautomationgroup.com.au. "Corporate conservation is deeply rooted in our company culture. This partnership with One Tree Planted will allow us to expand our efforts and amplify our commitment to preserving our natural resources and helping the environment." Geoff Grow, Founder and CEO of Service Objects Service Objects, the leading provider of real-time contact validation solutions, today announced it will join forces with One Tree Planted as part of the companys ongoing commitment to corporate conservation. The company pledges to plant 10 trees for each new customer. One Tree Planted was established in 2014 with the goal of combining reforestation with education, awareness, and community engagement. By working with local reforestation partners in Africa, Asia, North America, and South America, One Tree Planted selects tree species with the highest survival rates for each region. Though reforestation efforts in many parts of the state could take two years or more, as part of the Million Tree Challenge 500 participating companies will plant 2,000 trees each, per year with the goal of adding one million trees to areas devastated by the recent California forest fires. Service Objects is dedicated to developing the industrys best global contact validation tools to help businesses minimize fraud, streamline shipping and boost sales while also minimizing their environmental impact. Since its founding, Service Objects has enabled a wide variety of companies to solve inefficiencies, adopt paperless strategies, and reduce their environmental footprint by ensuring every contact record in every database is accurate, genuine, and up-to-date. Each month, Service Objects prevents over 300 tons of paper from ever reaching a landfill through its Address Validation APIs. Over the past 16 years, the company has validated over 3 billion transactions, eliminating the need for 193 million pounds of paper, and ultimately saving over 1.6 million trees. Corporate conservation is deeply rooted in our company culture, said Geoff Grow, Founder and CEO of Service Objects. This partnership with One Tree Planted will allow us to expand our efforts and amplify our commitment to preserving our natural resources and helping the environment. About Service Objects Founded in 2001, Service Objects is the leading provider of contact validation solutions, validating online transactions in real-time, including contact name, address, phone, email, and device. Using Service Objects global validation and location web services, businesses can identify potentially fraudulent contact records and transactions, append additional contact information, and process transactions in a more efficient manner. Service Objects has validated over 3 billion contacts, and major brands such as American Express, LendingTree, and Amazon rely on Service Objects for their data validation needs. For more information about Service Objects real-time web services, please visit http://www.serviceobjects.com or contact sales@serviceobjects.com. We take pride in finding innovative ways to simplify and streamline multi-bank connectivity and communications for our clients. - Andreas Lutz, CEO, Fides Fides Treasury Services Ltd., the global leader in multi-bank connectivity and communications, has been named the 2018 Multi-Banking Solution Provider of the Year by The European Magazine. This marks the fourth year in a row that Fides has captured this coveted award. Our continuing goal is to make it easy for corporate treasurers to connect with their banks and treasury platforms, said Fides CEO Andreas Lutz. We take pride in finding innovative ways to simplify and streamline multi-bank connectivity and communications for our clients. The Europeans Global Banking & Finance Awards are part of the organizations annual Global Business Awards, which celebrate achievement, innovation and excellence. Recipients are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by an independent panel of judges to ensure that they represent the premier solutions in all major market sectors globally. This award builds upon the industry recognition Fides has received within the past six months. In November 2017, Fides was named Best Multi-Banking Solutions Company of the Year Global by LeFonti, and received the Global Finance 2018 Treasury and Cash Management Award for Best Overall Program/Best Corporate Implementation in January 2018. It is an honor to receive the Multi-Banking Solution Provider of the Year award again. We truly appreciate this recognition from The European, Lutz stated. ABOUT FIDES Fides is the global leader in multi-bank connectivity and transaction communications. With the industrys largest bank connectivity network, Fides helps over 3,000 active clients communicate with more than 10,000 banks globally. Our geographic reach spans 170 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC regions. Committed to helping corporations optimally connect and interact with their banks for over a century, Fides solutions deliver critical multi-bank account statement, payment workflow and reporting capabilities that allow treasury and finance teams to easily, accurately and securely communicate with their banks through any possible channel such as SWIFT, EBICS, SFTP or any alternative network. Press Contact: Please email marketing(at)fides(dot)ch for all press inquiries ULD Services Team Receives FAA Repair Station Certificate ULD Services Team-Luis, Enrique, Miguel and President Neil Maclean receive FAA Repair Station Certificate in Long Beach CA to repair ULD Containers Mentair Group Pro Assists ULD Services LLC obtain an FAA Repair Station Certification. ULD Services LLC, a Long Beach California aviation company, recently obtained an FAA Repair Station Certificate with the assistance of Mentair Group. ULD Services President, Neil Maclean is excited his company has received the FAA certification. ULD Services is very pleased with the assistance provided by Mentairs Sharon Grey to obtain our FAA Repair Station Certificate. With the FAAs new certification requirements, her expert help made for a very smooth and efficient application and certification process with the FAA. Mr. Maclean said The manuals and forms I was provided were completely customized and every detail was captured to reflect the unique technical aspects of my business. The FAA Data Collection Tools (DCTs) were expertly complied with by Ms Grey. She was a great help to ensure all the correct information was uploaded into the new FAA web portal provided to new repair station applicants. The FAA Inspectors review went very well and Im pleased I selected Mentair to assist me. Mr. Maclean discusses the air cargo transportation industry and the importance of Unit Load Devices (ULD) maintenance and repair. In the last 10 years weve seen a rapid growth in air travel and especially the movement of cargo within the airline industry, low pricing on an airline ticket and online shopping is playing a major role in this continually expanding air transport industry. A large part of todays airline industry uses ULDs to transport their customers items. Baggage and cargo carried in the holds of aircraft are secured so they cannot move within the hold in flight. The primary purpose of a ULD is to improve flight safety compared to bulk loading of holds. Whilst a serviceable ULD properly loaded will indeed achieve this, lack of attention to ULD damage can result in risk arising from the use of containers that are not within their allowable damage limits. Containers are typically lightweight structures comprising a structure of aluminum extrusions, a relatively thick aluminum base sheet, aluminum or composite side and roof panels, and a fabric or metal door. By necessity, they are made as light as possible. However when subjected to severe handling conditions, this will result in the ULD exceeding the damage limitations, becoming unserviceable and in need of repair. ULD Services has been very busy since receiving their FAA certification and they are looking forward to future growth for the company. Mr. Maclean said ULD Services has already won contracts with airlines from the Asia Pacific American Coalition (APAC) region and hopes to broaden the customer base here in the USA by offering the airlines a service where the customer always comes first. ULD Services LLC is located at 2030 West Esther Street, Long Beach California 90813. It is centrally located to the Long Beach, Los Angeles and Orange County airports. ULD Services LLC contact information: Email: nmaclean@uld-services.com Telephone: USA (310) 350-0928. ULD Services is an owner operated Maintenance Repair Operator (MRO) FAA Part 145 Repair Station formed by Neil Maclean. Neil has over 20 Years experience working in the ULD repair and maintenance industry, working in medium and large MRO corporations. He said The employees at ULD Services have extensive experience and are very knowledgeable on all ULD Services repair techniques and assembly of almost every manufactured container ever made. ULD Services understands the need for the airlines to have their ULD equipment returned to service quickly and repaired in accordance with the regulations and at a cost that creates healthy business relationships. Mentairs Managing Partner Sharon Grey said We are proud to have worked with Mr. Maclean to obtain his FAA Repair Station Certificate. These certifications are a partnership between Mentair and the client to ensure they receive a totally customized and useable set of repair station manuals. Its important to provide the client with a set of documents that receive a positive review by the FAA and facilitate a productive and smooth start up for the repair station. We wish Mr. Maclean much success with his business. Mentair is an international consulting company that offers a strong portfolio of aviation consulting services for all types of fixed wing aircraft, helicopter operations, repair stations and ground operations. The company has a network of exceptionally qualified aviation professionals and has the resources to provide clients with a variety of services for business and commercial aviation as well as repair stations and FBOs. Manual development or services to upgrade documents include; repair station manuals, general maintenance manuals, ground operations manuals and hazmat will not carry manuals. Mentair also provides Auditor Training (of interest to IS-BAO / IS-BAH auditors), SMS Training and has registered auditors to perform IS-BAO and IS-BAH audits. Mentair offers services to provide clients with opportunities for process improvements, customized audits, and collaboration to develop methods to sustain benchmark status for their operation. Mentair Group Pro, LLC, P.O. Box 540666, Omaha, NE 68154-0666 http://www.mentair.com Phoenix Arizona USA Office 480-788-9767 and 402-403-9767 Omaha Nebraska USA Office Sharon Grey sgrey@mentair.com Bahama House Hotel Lobby After Renovations Along with renovating our hotel, we have also enhanced our breakfast menu. After reviewing guest feedback, we now offer more breakfast options. The Bahama House Hotel in Daytona Beach, Florida announces their new renovations and enhancements to their breakfast menu. Guests are now greeted with a bright and open new lobby space complete with modern porcelain tile flooring and comfortable seating options. Guest rooms have been repainted with new carpeting, bedding, lighting, window coverings and accent furniture pieces addded. The breakfast area has also been refreshed and redecorated with new furniture and lighting, resulting in a modern layout with seating options ranging from booths to high top tables. Blaine Lansberry, Vice-President of Sales and Marketing for the Bahama House Hotel, states, Along with renovating our hotel, we have also enhanced our breakfast menu. After reviewing guest feedback, we now offer more breakfast options. Their daily complimentary continental breakfast includes a full assortment of breakfast items. Breakfast is served daily from 7:30 am until 9:30 am in the Grand Bahama Room. The new breakfast menu includes make your own pancakes, doughnut holes, assorted Danish, assorted breads, English muffins, croissants, plain and cinnamon raisin bagels, jellies, butter, peanut butter, cream cheese, assorted cold cereal, oatmeal, grits, bananas, assorted yogurts, hardboiled eggs, sausage, orange juice, milk, coffee and tea with condiments. On Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, biscuits and gravy are also served. Travelers can follow the Bahama House Hotel on social media by visiting: https://www.facebook.com/bahamahouse/ Lansberry adds, A daily continental breakfast is included in our affordable rates as well as a daily cocktail hour, free high-speed Wi-Fi internet access, free parking, a daily newspaper, and fresh baked cookies. We never charge a resort fee. Many other hotels advertise a low rate and then tack on additional charges for the amenities that we offer for free. The Bahama House Hotel is a smoke free resort. Located at 2001 South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach, Florida. Lansberry adds, Our easy beach access is a top reason guests stay with us year after year. Many restaurants are within walking distance from our hotel and we are in close proximity to annual festivals such as Bike Week, NASCAR events and more! This Daytona Beach oceanfront resort is located near the Daytona Beach International Airport, the Daytona Beach International Speedway, and the Daytona Beach Flea Market. Many travelers visit the nearby attractions as well as venture to Orlando area theme parks. Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World make for a great day trip. Many room types are available to suit every travelers need. To explore all room options, visit online at https://daytonabahamahouse.com/rooms/. All rooms are over 400 square feet with a private balcony in every room. Guest rooms feature two queen beds or one king bed. Rooms have either an ocean view or an ocean front view. Rooms are available with or without a kitchenette. Rooms with a kitchenette are equipped with a 2 -burner glass cook top, full sized refrigerator with ice maker, microwave oven, coffee maker with starter pack of coffee, toaster, dinnerware for four, and cookware. Rooms without a kitchenette boast a mini-refrigerator, microwave oven, and a coffee maker. Lansberry states, We encourage travelers to book directly for greater flexibility and selection of room. We do sell out for annual events like Bike Week, 4th of July, Spring Break and events at the Daytona International Speedway so we encourage guests to book direct and book early for best room availability. Travelers can book direct by calling 1-800-571-2001 or through the website at https://daytonabahamahouse.com/. Symbiote Defense is a game changing technology that brings full-spectrum endpoint security to nearly all embedded devices in use today. Red Balloon Security, a world leader in universally compatible embedded security technology, today announced a strategic development agreement with and investment from In-Q-Tel, Inc. (IQT), the non-profit strategic investor that identifies and accelerates the development of innovative technologies to support the mission of the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC). The IQT partnership will enable Red Balloon Security to speed up the development of new government and commercial versions of the Symbiote Defense, its flagship security product for embedded devices. Symbiote Defense is a game changing technology that brings full-spectrum endpoint security to nearly all embedded devices in use today. The groundbreaking innovation at the heart of Symbiote Defense allows the technology to be universally compatible with nearly all embedded hardware, operating systems, and firmware stacks. Invented by Dr. Ang Cui at Columbia Universitys Intrusion Detection Systems Lab, Symbiote Defense has already achieved over 14 billion hours of real-world operation without a single recorded failure. We are honored to receive IQTs support and look forward to working with them in the coming months and years to make embedded device security more broadly available to a wide range of industries, from the defense and governmental sectors to critical infrastructure, transportation, health care, consumer electronics and more, said Ang Cui, founder and CEO of Red Balloon Security. The Symbiote Defense is the worlds first viable embedded security solution capable of bringing much needed protection to the critical embedded devices used by dozens of industries. Prior to the strategic agreement with IQT, Red Balloon secured contracts for its technology with the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as with organizations in commercial power, telecommunications, automotive, industrial control, and building control industries. It is also under license for use by Hewlett-Packard, Inc. and other consumer electronics manufacturers. Red Balloon Security's solution is targeting previously unaddressed vulnerabilities in the IoT [Internet of Things] and connected device market, offered George Hoyem, Managing Partner, IQT. It has the potential to significantly improve the security posture of many embedded devices that are critical to our national security. The risks to embedded devices are increasing substantially year over year and we are in a unique position to solve this problem with Symbiote Defense. This technology represents the most promising approach to securing the worlds vulnerable embedded devices. It is a turnkey solution for any industrial, commercial, or military application that relies upon embedded devices. We see a strong future for Symbiote Defense and look forward to working with IQT to realize its potential, stated Dr. Cui. About Red Balloon Security Red Balloon Security is a leading security provider for embedded devices across all industries. Founded in 2011 by Dr. Ang Cui, the companys core technology, Symbiote Defense, was originally developed through Columbia Universitys Intrusion Detection Systems Lab. After a decade of testing, billions of hours of error-free runtime and deployments in the US military, homeland security, critical infrastructure and consumer products, Symbiote Defense is the worlds most advanced and proven firmware defense system for embedded devices. Red Balloon Securitys pioneering industry research is led by a team of world-class academics, researchers and developers who have published seminal research papers in the fields of embedded security and intrusion detection, directed U.S. Department of Defense funded research activities, responsibly disclosed vulnerabilities within hundreds of millions of ubiquitous embedded devices and worked as embedded security researchers within various intelligence agencies. Website: http://www.redballoonsecurity.com About In-Q-Tel In-Q-Tel is the not-for-profit, strategic investor that works to identify, adapt, and deliver innovative technology solutions to support the missions of the U.S. Intelligence Community. Launched in 1999 as a private, independent organization, IQTs mission is to identify and partner with companies developing cutting-edge technologies that serve the national security interests of the United States. For more information, visit http://www.iqt.org. Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital just announced its partnership with Medebound, LLC to assist its newly founded Henan Provincial International Medical Center(hereinafter referred to as the the Center), the first international medical center established in Central China. We are honored to partner with one of the best hospitals in China, said Dr. Sheena Liu, M.D., Ph.D., President and CEO of Medebound. And we are fully committed to providing Chinese patients and physicians with access to the expertise of leading American physicians via our remote tele-consultation platform. Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital, a hospital with nearly 4,000 beds which has been the center of medical excellence in Central China for years. The Center officially approved by National Health and Family Planning Commission of the Peoples Republic of China, is subordinate to Henan Provincial Peoples Hospital. The Center sets up Outpatient Department, Inpatient Department, Physical Examination Department, Imaging Examination, Endoscopy Center, Consultation Center and ICU. With technologically advanced facility and well-trained medical staff, the center aims to provide highly personalized health management, disease prevention, treatment, surveillance for domestic and international patients who have increasing demand for high-quality medical services. Pursuant to the cooperation, Medebound will help patients in the Center access its network of 52,000 US top doctors through its proprietary tele-health consultation platform and its exclusive relationship with Castle Connolly Top Doctors. Many of these US physicians are affliated with top US hospitals such as Dana Farber Cancer Institue and New York Presbyterian, among others. Mr. Guo Jianhua, Director of the Center, said: We are delighted to work with Medebound, a leading player in the field of international remote consultation services to help our patients obtain the access to US top doctors. This collaboration also promises to promote academic communication between Chinese doctors and American doctors. About Henan Provincial People's Hospital Henan Provincial People's Hospital, a sacred life hall with a history of more than one hundred and thirteen years, is located in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province along the bank of the Yellow River. This hospital covers an area of 140mu (about 93,333.33), has 3,900 beds and 249 ICU beds, receives 3 million emergency cases and performs over 90,000 operations each year. This hospital has 11 national key clinical disciplines, such as cardiovascular medicine, cardiovascular surgery, endocrinology, clinical nursing, respiratory medicine, neurology, ophthalmology, nephrology, infectious diseases, emergency medicine and medical imaging. It has 53 national natural science foundation projects and 397 provincial and ministerial level scientific research projects. Its employees have published 3,856 academic papers, of which nearly 300 papers are published on SCI and over 400 papers are published on China's core journals. About Medebound, LLC Founded in 2015, Medebound (http://www.medebound.com/en) is a tele-health/second opinion company with the focus on connecting Chinese patients/physicians with US doctors. This is achieved by creating a proprietary bi-lingual HIPAA-compliant tele-health platform, which facilitates secure medical imaging/records translation, transferring and tele-consultations between Chinese patients/local physicians and leading American specialists; and by establishing an exclusive strategic/equity relationship with Castle Connolly Top Doctors, an established, trusted and authoritative resource for identifying Americas leading physicians, with more than 52,000 U.S. physicians across 72 medical specialties. With this highly-differentiated physician resource and first-of-its-kind bilingual IT platform and a strong execution team operating both in the US and China, Medebound has gained significant market traction with customers including major hospital centers and insurers in China. For more information, contact Erin Shen, Media Relationship, erin.shen(at)medebound(dot)com Haskell, a leading manufacturer of furniture for K-12, higher education, government and corporations, welcomes Tyler McCart and Kathryn Pagano to the business development team. In their roles as Regional Managers, McCart will be focused on Georgia, Alabama and Florida while Pagano will be aligned to New York, New Jersey and Eastern Pennsylvania. Both will be leading Haskells market presence in their regions by supporting company initiatives and programs that drive growth. Tyler and Kathryn are incredible additions to the sales team, said Cristel Hutchinson, VP Sales, Haskell. Both have been focused on helping their public-sector clients succeed since 2009. I look forward to the impact theyre going to make at Haskell. McCart most recently served as a Vertical Business Development Manager at Office Depot where he was responsible for serving public sector clients in Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. Pagano served as a Territory Manager at School Specialty, Inc. where she was responsible for developing partnerships with private and public-school districts in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Both McCart and Paganos expertise on how to solve for the why when working with a 21st Century Learning Environment coupled with their deep commitment to their clients makes them a natural fit for Haskell. McCart holds a degree in business from Coastal Carolina University. Pagano holds a degree in business management & ecommerce technology from Rutgers University. About Haskell For 70 years, Haskell, has been dedicated to designing and manufacturing the highest quality furniture for business, education, government, and institutional enterprises. Our reputation for excellence is built on outstanding customer service, superior manufacturing and comprehensive corporate responsibility. Haskell, Making a Difference in Education! The fact that a part of the sales will go for a charitable cause makes it a unique product for crypto-enthusiasts. Louis Chevrolet Swiss Watches and Bitcoin and Altcoin payment processor CoinGate join forces for a charitable cause. The sales of the new chronograph by Louis Chevrolet will contribute to the research for leukodystrophies treatment backed by the European Association Against Leukodystrophies. Andre Saunier, the CEO of Louis Chevrolet says: Were so proud to support ELA actions. We will donate to ELA Switzerland 10% on each Louis Chevrolet Chrono-Tour Bitcoin Special Edition. Earlier this year, Louis Chevrolet Swiss Watches has launched a limited edition of 99 chronographs that are specifically developed for Bitcoin enthusiasts. Each timepiece has a unique design and can be bought only with a major cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. CoinGate, as a cryptocurrency payment processor, secures every transaction and provides information about the exchange rate. The exact amount of bitcoins paid at the time of the purchase is engraved on the back of the piece, what makes every watch different. Dmitrijus Borisenka, the CEO of CoinGate has stopped in Switzerland to witness the watch on its launch: The design of the Bitcoin chronograph is astonishing and it perfectly depictures the value of cryptocurrencies. The fact that a part of the sales will go for a charitable cause makes it a unique product for crypto-enthusiasts with big gains on Bitcoin investments during the last years to contribute to an important issue. Before, CoinGate has reported on its direction towards promotion of cryptocurrency adoption among businesses. Dmitrijus Borisenka says: The adoption of the cryptocurrencies is highly important, and we try to promote its benefits to a variety of businesses from service providers to luxury manufacturers, as Louis Chevrolet Swiss is. The idea behind cryptocurrencies is, essentially, the decentralized and secure payment method that we aim to provide. The donations, 10% of sales of each watch, will be given to the European Association Against Leukodystrophies. ELA is a notable organization that fights against the rare genetic disease that destroys myelin, what on its turn protects the central nervous system. ELA representative says: Every week, there are 20 to 40 children born with such disease in Europe only. Fostering research and development, along supporting affected families, is our top priority. Since the foundation of the organization in 1992, ELA helped to encourage 447 research projects around the world for this cause. About Louis Chevrolet: Louis Chevrolet, based in Porrentruy, Switzerland, is a Swiss watch brand active in the watchmaking industry since 2006. The know-how and the innovativity of the designer enables the company to offer high-end quality Swiss Made watches at a very attractive price. Launched in 2016, the new lines of the brand (LC-01 & Chrono-Tour) are a complete renewal of the philosophy of the brand. The distribution strategy is only via its online-shop, which allows the customer to have the fairest price. About CoinGate: CoinGate, based in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a cryptocurrency payments company established in 2014. The company offers a range of blockchain-focused services for businesses and individuals, including automated payment processing and brokerage services. CoinGate has a user base 50,000 and boasts monthly volumes exceeding over 10 million with over 1,500 merchants using the companys payment gateway. About ELA: ELA was founded in 1992 and became tax-exempt in 1996. The European Association against Leukodystrophies unites affected families in their fight against a rare genetic disease that destroys the myelin, the white substance protecting the nerves of the central nervous system.Every week, 20 to 40 children with a Leukodystrophy are born in Europe. Since the foundation, ELA has been able to support 447 research projects around the world with a total sum of 42.5 million Swiss Francs. Fostering research and development of therapies is the top priority. Besides that, ELA also financially supports affected families in their difficult everyday life. David Vaughan Investments, LLC (DVI) is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Schoeplein to its Board of Managers, effective as of its March 23rd Board meeting. Kevin is the recently retired Chief Executive Officer of OSF HealthCare, a thirteen hospital health care system serving Illinois and Michigan. He will initially serve a three-year term. Kevin joined OSF HealthCare in 1978, starting out as an Assistant Administrator for OSF Saint Francis Medical Center located in Peoria. Over the following three decades he held a number of executive positions before being named Chief Executive Officer in 2011, a position he maintained until his retirement in 2017. During his tenure, OSF experienced significant growth with an emphasis on its mission of delivering exceptional healthcare and service in its markets. Kevin has a bachelors degree in Business Administration / Finance from St. Louis University, and earned his MBA and Masters in Health Administration from Xavier University. We are very excited to have Kevin join our Board, said Will Williams, DVIs President and CEO. Beyond the obvious skills and experience that he brings to this role, Kevin has demonstrated a unique competency in strategic intelligence. His considerable skills and experience will prove invaluable to both our Board and our senior management team. About David Vaughan Investments, LLC DVI is an investment advisory firm with locations in Peoria, Illinois and Winter Park, Florida. As of December 31, 2017, DVI had total assets under advisement of $2.91 billion. In the fall of 2017, DVI established a new partnership with Morton Community Bank, a $3.5 billion independently owned community bank headquartered in Central Illinois. For the past 40 years, DVI has provided superior asset management services and wealth management solutions to high-net-worth individual and institutional investors. DVI employs a "Quiet Quality" approach to investment management: people of integrity, acting in their clients' best interests... helping them plan for the future, protect what they have worked so hard to attain, and prosper today and for generations to come. For more information visit http://www.dviinc.com. SOURCE: David Vaughan Investments, LLC MultiPlan, Inc. announced they are accepting applications for their Rural Health Outreach Grant. The grant provides financial resources to hospitals serving rural areas to help them introduce or expand services, education, screenings and other programs aimed at improving the health of people in their communities. This year MultiPlan will award grants of up to $7,500 each. The Rural Health Outreach Grant is available to hospitals participating in any of MultiPlans healthcare provider networks including PHCS, PHCS Medicaid, MultiPlan, MultiPlan Medicare Advantage, Beech Street, HealthEOS, Texas True Choice, IHP, HMN and RAN. An application for the grant is posted in the Providers section of MultiPlans website at https://www.multiplan.com/webcenter/portal/MultiPlan/philanthropicprograms. Completed applications must be received by June 15, 2018. Grant recipients will be announced in July. MultiPlan encourages hospitals applying for the grant to come up with innovative solutions for their programs. We want to inspire positive change in the healthcare industry. said Dr. Anthony Sposato, Corporate Medical Director for MultiPlan, We hope our grant helps hospitals in rural areas find new ways to support the healthcare needs of their communities. MultiPlan introduced the program in 1995 and has since awarded over a half million dollars helping fund health services supporting patients across all age categories from pediatric trauma programs to treating the behavioral health needs of the elderly. Information about grant recipients is available on the MultiPlan website. For questions about the grant, contact MultiPlan at rural@multiplan.com. About MultiPlan MultiPlan is committed to helping healthcare payers and providers manage the cost of care, improve their competitiveness and inspire positive change. Leveraging sophisticated technology, data analytics and a team rich with industry experience, the company interprets clients needs and customizes innovative solutions that combine its payment integrity, network-based and analytics-based services. MultiPlan is a trusted partner to over 900,000 healthcare providers nationwide and to 700 healthcare payers in the commercial health, property and casualty, and government markets with 68 million members using our networks. MultiPlan is owned by Hellman & Friedman and other investors. For more information, visit multiplan.com. Shaked Law Firm, Miamis leading personal injury attorneys, explains the importance of having uninsured motorist coverage in a recent blog post. According to Shaked, a Miami car accident attorney, it is important to have adequate coverage to protect you from irresponsible and uninsured motorists. Here are situations when you might need uninsured motorist coverage: The driver at fault doesnt have enough or any insurance coverage Eliminates the necessity that you pay for an accident in which you were not at fault. In states with higher rates of uninsured drivers, coverage can often cost more. How Does Uninsured Motorist Coverage Work? When a driver gets into a motor-vehicle accident, they file a claim with the at fault drivers insurance company. Their insurer then repairs the drivers vehicle, or if it is totaled in an accident, they will cover the cost of the car, any medical expenses, and any financial losses incurred from the accident (for the no-fault party). However, there are some instances in which the at-fault motorist is woefully underinsured or doesnt have insurance at all. Its estimated that about 1 in 8 drivers are completely uninsured. Without uninsured motorist coverage, youll end up paying completely out of pocket for the repair of your vehicle, or if the vehicle is totaled, youll pay out of pocket to replace it. The Difference Between Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Like most forms of liability insurance, there are two different categories of motorist coverage that can protect you from the fault of irresponsible drivers. Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage (also known as UMBI): this type of insurance can cover injury-related expenses ranging from lost wages to medical expenses if you require transport to a hospital. This type of insurance can protect you should the accident turn out to be a hit and run. Uninsured motorist property damage coverage (also known as UMPD): this type of insurance covers anything that happens to your vehicle in the event of an accident. This form of insurance does not cover any damage or injuries sustained in a hit and run accident. Florida does not require coverage, but it is important to have. Due to the high volume of motor vehicle-related accidents in certain states, sometimes uninsured motorist insurance is a requirement. In the state of Florida, however, it is not required. That doesnt mean you shouldnt have it. Its important to safeguard against any possible driving accident that can occur due to someone elses negligence. Whether a driver is rear-ended because someone was distracted with their phone, or a drivers car is sideswiped in traffic, driving can be made much safer by having a proper amount of insurance. Shaked Law Firm is experienced in motor vehicle accidents The attorneys at Shaked Law Firm, a Miami personal injury firm, car accident lawyer Miami, and motorcycle accident lawyer, have years of experience in handling motor vehicle accidents and obtaining large settlements. If youve been injured in an accident caused by an irresponsible driver, Shaked Law Firm is here for you. Shaked Law works on contingency; fees are only paid after a case has been won. Digital Brand Expressions, L.L.C. (DBE) announced today Music Together Worldwide, a globally recognized company that helps parents integrate music into everyday family life with music and movement parent/child classes, has retained DBE as its digital marketing agency. Mary Beth Weil, Director of Global Marketing at Music Together said, Our mission is shared so deeply throughout our organization and we wanted an agency that truly embraced this with us. From our very first meeting, DBE was listening carefully and offering thoughtful solutions. She continued, We are already benefitting from the DBE experience and they are helping us connect with families and potential Music Together licensees in new and exciting ways. As a small giant agency, we are very careful about the clients we add said Veronica Niki Fielding, President and CEO of DBE. From our very first interactions with the leadership of Music Together, we have been impressed by their deep commitment to helping families nurture the musicality of their little ones and how their proprietary programs help children benefit from having music and movement a part of their lives from an early age. Its exciting for our entire team to be working with these amazing professionals. About Music Together Worldwide Celebrating its 30th Anniversary, Music Together is an internationally recognized early childhood music and movement program for children birth through age seven. The Music Together curriculum was coauthored in 1987 by Kenneth K. Guilmartin (Founder/Artistic Director) and Rowan University Professor Emeritus of Music Education, Dr. Lili M. Levinowitz (Director of Research), and offers programs for families; schools; at-risk populations; and children with special needs, in over 3000 communities in over 40 countries. The company is passionately committed to bringing children and their caregivers closer through shared music-making and helping people discover the joyand educational valueof early music experiences. For more information and to find classes near you, visit http://www.musictogether.com. About Digital Brand Expressions Digital Brand Expressions (DBE) is an Omotenashi-driven digital marketing agency specializing in performance paid search and social media marketing. It delivers the agency experience every marketer and brand manager dreams of: great results and real partnering. DBEs clients include well-known brands in the consumer, B2B, manufacturing, media/publishing, financial services, healthcare, and pharmaceutical industries, as well as several national not-for-profits. The agency is headquartered in Princeton, NJ with an office on Madison Avenue in New York City. ### Trademarks and registered trademarks contained herein remain the property of their respective owners. Business licensing provider LicenseLogix expanded its offices to the West Coast, planting roots in Californias capital city, Sacramento. The new office opened at the beginning of January, taking direction from its corporate leaders in White Plains, New York. LicenseLogix is a legal services firm offering a wide range of business license compliance and consulting services to companies and law firms of all sizes and in all industries. From researching business license requirements, to filing tax registrations and license applications, to fully managing the license portfolios of some of the worlds largest companies. We have always been a nationwide firm, and with our new physical location in Sacramento we will realize even greater efficiencies for our customers and strategic partnerships, according to David Yount, LicenseLogix Founder and CEO. According to research conducted by online lending exchange LendingTree.com, Sacramento is the best place to open a small business. A recent article in the Sacramento Bee highlighted the results of Lending Trees study, which included data from more 80,000 queries submitted by new small business owners seeking loan offers-- and which showed Sacramento at the top of the list. We looked at many different locations but Sacramento was always a top pick. It gives us the advantage of greater access to government agencies, better support for our clients and strategic partners in the west, and the ability to save even more time for all of our clients, says David Yount. I am impressed with the community and talent pool in Sacramento and truly believe this is a city on the rise. LicenseLogix, one of the fastest growing private companies in the U.S., according to Inc. Magazine, was founded in 2011. From research to filings to full license audits, LicenseLogix streamlines the process of business licensing, tax registrations, and entity formation for clients in all industries and has become a premier provider of outsourced business licensing services. LicenseLogix helps clients from start-ups to the Fortune 1000 quickly and easily obtain and maintain the proper licensing with a highly skilled team, vast database of licensing requirements and the convenient, web based and iOS application - CLiC (Client License Information Center). To learn more about LicenseLogix products and services, visit https://www.licenselogix.com/. Its a true honor to be recognized year after year for what makes us unique in the marketplace and helps us experience impressive, meaningful growthwhich is doing the right thing every time for our people, our clients and our firm, said Point B Chicago Practice Director Mike Roberts. Point B, Inc., an integrated management consulting, venture investment, and real estate development firm, has been recognized as one of the top places to work in Chicago by Crains Chicago Business for the fourth year in a row. Point B is known for the passion its consultants have for client service excellence and the organizations relentless focus on building a values-driven company and culture that allows exceptional people to thrive. The annual Best Places to Work awards are based on the results of surveys completed by 8,000+ employees from around the Chicago area. The listing recognizes companies for excellence in fairness of pay, relationships with management and co-workers, career development, vacation time and other key workplace issues. Its been an award-winning year for Point B Chicago. After being named the fourth best place to work in Chicago by Fortune magazine in 2017, Chicagos Austre DeHaro was also recently recognized as one of the Rising Stars of the Profession: Top 35 under 35 by Consulting magazine. DeHaro is part of a team of experts dedicated to client success, including Chicagos Steve Hall, Sergio da Silva and Sydney Rickelman, who will introduce an approach to promptly and efficiently address a range of compliance issues in the April 25th Webinar: Facing Regulatory Compliance Issues? Get Back on Track with Remediation Management. Its a true honor to be recognized year after year for what makes us unique in the marketplace and helps us experience impressive, meaningful growthwhich is doing the right thing every time for our people, our clients and our firm, said Point B Chicago Practice Director Mike Roberts. Point B is actively recruiting exceptional consultants in Chicago. To learn about career opportunities at Point B, visit https://www.pointb.com/careers/start-your-point-b-career. About Point B Point B, Inc. helps organizations form, execute, and thrive. With capabilities including Management Consulting, Venture Investment and Advisory, and Real Estate Development, our integrated businesses provide value to the organizations and communities we serve. Our 100% employee-owned firm was named the #1 Best Medium Best Workplace in the United States by Fortune magazine, and is regularly honored as an exceptional place to work. # # # In our experience, more affordable and accessible textbooks and course materials drive bookstore utilization, which results in more prepared students and the overall success of an institution. - John Squires, CEO, Akademos St. Francis College has selected Akademos as its online bookstore provider to help students obtain significant savings on course materials and make purchasing easier through personalized listings linked to their course management accounts. Faculty and staff will benefit from actionable data and analytics that connect learning material selections to academic outcomes. All course materials will be available via the new platform in support of Fall Term 2018, with a pilot during the final summer session. Were pleased to be working with St. Francis College, and look forward to helping them support their mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond, said John Squires, CEO, Akademos. In our experience, more affordable and accessible textbooks and course materials drive bookstore utilization, which results in more prepared students and the overall success of an institution. A wide selection across new, used, rental and eBook formats will be offered and when using Akademos proprietary peer-to-peer Marketplace of over 100 million new and used textbooks, students will save an average of 60% off publisher list prices. Students will also be able to take advantage of free shipping offers, year-round online buyback and a price match guarantee for new textbooks. The Akademos platform will offer seamless integration between the Colleges Ellucian Colleague Student Information System (SIS), Canvas Learning Management System (LMS), and the Akademos online bookstore. The integration will allow students to view a personalized listing of all of their registered courses and their corresponding required and optional materials and to order materials for an entire term in 5-minutes or less. We are always looking for ways to give students more time to focus on their studies, said Jose Rodriguez, Dean of Students. The partnership with Akademos takes away the headache of searching all over the web for the lowest price and gives them a one-stop shop. The online bookstore will also support the colleges faculty and administrators, who will benefit from an easy-to-use and powerful Adoption & Analytics Portal. This platform offers a step-by-step guide for course material adoptions, recommendations and adoption history, and the ability to compare real-time prices for course materials. The analytics tool will also enable faculty and the Colleges leadership to track critical data, including student purchasing and bookstore utilization, that can be easily merged with the institutions student success database. ___________________________________________________________________________ About Akademos Akademos offers customized, online bookstore services and solutions that support what's most important to institutions - from full-service virtual bookstores to unique partnerships and products supporting on-campus shops. Akademos delivers cost savings on course materials for students while providing administrators and faculty with critical control over the textbook delivery process. Akademos offers an innovative textbook marketplace, best-in-class eCommerce platform, eLearning solutions, and a unique adoption and analytics portal. The companys comprehensive supply-chain solution and commitment to responsive personal service makes it the choice of leading institutions throughout the country. Akademos helps institutions deliver the right course materials, at affordable prices, on time. Learn more at akademos.com. About St. Francis College St. Francis College, founded in 1859 by the Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, is located in Brooklyn Heights, N.Y. Since its founding, the College has pursued its Franciscan mission to provide an affordable, high-quality education to students from New York City's five boroughs and beyond. St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, Brooklyn Heights, NY 11201 http://www.sfc.edu The Mobile Growth Agency (TMGA), a mobile app marketing agency, announced today that Dave Cote joined their team as Director of Growth based in Boston. Cote is a seasoned digital strategist with over twelve years experience dedicated to increasing profitability and performance of advertising technology. Cote will leverage his experience cultivating meaningful business to drive growth strategies across all of TMGAs pillars. This includes providing support for their expanding list of clientele and expanding the companys footprint in the app marketing industry. Were excited to welcome Dave to the TMGA team, said Hamilton Bolduc, CEO of TMGA. His hiring symbolizes not only our continuous growth and demand as an app marketing agency, but also our commitment to providing amazing client services. With his people-first approach, industry knowledge and our goal to build a best-in-class agency while cultivating meaningful relationships, weve just supercharged our team. I am thrilled to be joining the amazing team at TMGA, added Cote. We have a tremendous opportunity to grow further and continue to diversify the business, bringing our strong values and service delivery to match the demands and high expectations of our clients. Visit http://tmga.co to learn more about how our campaigns drive ROI for brands and games. About The Mobile Growth Agency: The Mobile Growth Agency creates and executes comprehensive strategies to acquire and engage mobile app users. Its team of talented strategists, marketers, and creative professionals accelerate app growth for brand marketers and game publishers using data-driven, full-stack app marketing that holistically covers user acquisition, attribution, analytics, organic optimization, and engagement. Companies like Bethesda, RetailMeNot, Backflip Studios, and more have expanded their user base with The Mobile Growth Agency. For more information, visit TMGA.co. Nisum, a global business+technology consulting firm, and VTEX, the True Cloud Commerce platform in the digital market, have announced a new partnership today. Nisum is now able to offer and implement the VTEX Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. The partnership is intended to widely leverage business opportunities and enhance digital sales performance throughout the country. We are very excited about our new partnership with VTEX. This partnership gives us a powerful eCommerce solution we can offer our clients. Nisum and VTEX provide complimentary forces that will work together in bringing true fast omnichannel adoption, said Nisum VP of Business Technology Solutions (Nisum BTS), Kyu Cho. With Nisum providing progressive business and technology consulting services combined with VTEXs cutting-edge, cloud based platform, the partnership is a unique alternative in this ever complex and dynamic eCommerce era. VTEX True Cloud Platform is a comprehensive solution driven to brands and retailers wanting to fully manage their digital commerce operation. The unique password-free checkout Smart Checkout offers a seamless experience where users can place orders and leverage from a one-click-buy feature PCI DSS compliant certified. The platform is supported by an elastic cloud infrastructure that can auto-scale to keep the e-stores performance even during peaks. The solution holds the best total cost of ownership along with capabilities which are proven to increase conversion rates in 54% and provide an excellent customer experience as well. We are delighted about our partnership with Nisum, a major player in the North American region, which will certainly help us boost business opportunities throughout the market, said Alex Soncini, VTEX North America General Manager. To establish our company as a global service provider, we must associate ourselves with industry leading partners who have had proven success with fast time-to-market and scalable and cloud-based solutions, which is how we perceive Nisum in its current state. We are sure to leverage highly profitable opportunities for both our companies. About Nisum A preferred advisor to leading Fortune 500 brands, Nisum is a global business+technology consulting firm. We enable transformation for industry-leading brands, building strong omnichannel commerce with smart checkout solutions between B2B and B2C clients and their customers via advanced technologies. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Southern California, we grow alongside our clients by focusing on our motto Building Success Together. Whether youre a hot start-up, or a major global brand, our approach is the same: forge the most powerful connection possible between people, processes, and technology in order to achieve unparalleled success with fast time-to-market, scalable and cloud-based solutions. At the intersection of business and technology, Nisums strategy, management and technical expertise results in integrated solutions that deliver real and measurable growth. About VTEX VTEX is the only multi-tenant True Cloud Commerce platform in the digital commerce market with an auto-scaling elastic cloud infrastructure that leads to higher conversion rates, lower TCO and builds customer loyalty. Utilizing our exclusive patent-pending Smart Checkout technology, a secure, intuitive and easy password-free process, VTEX presents a superior and seamless option for digital commerce with a comprehensive, fully-adaptable and unified solution that keeps pace with ever-changing customer expectations. Companies running the VTEX platform have seen a 54% increase in conversion rates and a significantly low rate of cart abandonment. VTEX platform serves more than 2,300 online stores in 25 countries and is currently trusted by top brands worldwide including Sony, Walmart, Danone, Whirlpool, Coca-Cola, Lancome, Pandora, Avon and LEGO. VTEX is now ranked on Gartners Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce 2017. For more information please contact: Mason Mukai Marketing Coordinator Phone: 714.579.7979x242 mmukai(at)nisum.com Nisum 500 S. Kraemer Boulevard, Suite 301 Brea, CA 92821 -END- Advanced Network Devices joins Syn-Apps' Certified Endpoint Partner Program Syn-Apps is excited to welcome AND to our Certified Endpoint Partner Program. AND has a long lineage of excellence in the audio/visual communication space and we are excited to have them in the family. Ian Pitts, President & CEO, Syn-Apps LLC Syn-Apps LLC, a pioneer in emergency mass notification solutions, welcomes Advanced Network Devices (AND) to its Certified Endpoint Partner Program today. Advanced Network Devices is an early developer of US made PoE IP display and non-display devices that act as endpoints for mass notification systems. Syn-Apps Certified Endpoint Partner Program expands channel resellers product portfolios by providing customers a trusted mass notification solution, complete with plug-and-play integration between Syn-Apps software and certified AND endpoints. The Program helps to facilitate innovation and growth between Syn-Apps and IoT hardware manufacturers while providing mutual customers with true freedom of choice. AND has successfully completed interoperability testing between Syn-Apps Revolution Notification Platform and ANDs full line of display and non-display IP speakers. The API also provides backwards-compatibility between certified AND devices and Syn-Apps legacy notification software, SA-Announce. Syn-Apps has been a valued and trusted partner of AND for quite some time. Were truly excited to attain Certified Endpoint Partner Program status as it not only reinforces our partnership, but also reaffirms our commitment to jointly offering customers leading edge solutions that easily install and flawlessly operate, said Abel Juarez, Director of Sales & Marketing for Advanced Network Devices. Syn-Apps is excited to welcome AND to our Certified Endpoint Partner Program. AND has a long lineage of excellence in the audio/visual communication space and we are excited to have them in the family. We believe our mutual customers will benefit from the superior quality of ANDs products and the first-class service they provide. Native plug-and-play integration providing seamless out-of-the-box functionality is the cornerstone of Syn-Apps Certified Endpoint Partner Program and all AND devices have been tested and certified, providing mutual customers a guaranteed outcome when leveraging Revolution and AND certified endpoints to serve all of their notification needs, said Ian Pitts, President and CEO of Syn-Apps LLC. Manufacturers participate in the program by integrating Syn-Apps API and testing their hardware for interoperability with Syn-Apps notification software. Use of the API is free of charge to IoT endpoint manufacturers and carries a small fee for mass notification providers that integrate Syn-Apps API into their own solutions; allowing them to leverage the growing ecosystem of Syn-Apps certified IoT devices. To learn more, visit: Certified AND Endpoints https://www.syn-apps.com/partners/certified-endpoints/advanced-network-devices Syn-Apps Certified Endpoint Program https://syn-apps.com/partners/certified-endpoints About Advanced Network Devices Advanced Network Devices provides Power over Ethernet (PoE) IP devices for mass notification systems, including bright, flicker-free, multi-color displays and crisp, clear speakers. Equipped with a rich engineering pool and sophisticated technological expertise, AND has produced best-in-class IP communication endpoints for the education, healthcare, government, and defense industries since 2004. About Syn-Apps LLC Syn-Apps is a leader in paging and mass notification solutions designed to improve business processes, increase safety, and streamline internal and external communication. Since 2001, thousands of organizations have integrated Syn-Apps notification solutions with phones, paging systems, IP speakers, and hundreds of other internal systems and services. Since its fruition in 2011, Converge Consulting has worked with over 150 colleges and universities, bringing programs to market for many of higher educations leading brands. The digital agency has deep experience supporting enrollment growth in the business and graduate school marketplace. Converges client roster is home to Clemson Universitys No. 1 ranked Master of Education, No. 7 Best Education School Teachers College Columbia University, University of Iowas top 20 ranked College of Public Health and multiple top 50 business schools, engineering schools and graduate programs. The agency recently received two AVA Digital Gold Awards for their work with Santa Clara University and Mount Vernon Nazarene University. The AVA Digital Awards are an international competition recognizing excellence by creative professionals responsible for digital communication. Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business, located in Silicon Valley, launched a digital advertising strategy to market their MBA, EMBA and four master's degrees, as well as three certificate programs. Leavey also works with Converge to build a brand awareness campaign for their school. Over the course of the partnership, the school has tripled MBA enrollment and doubled enrollment for their masters in supply chain management and finance. "Converge has helped us to not only grow our enrollment, but to think about innovation in higher education in a new way, said Theresa Strickland, Chief Marketing Officer at the Leavey School of Business. Mount Vernon Nazarene University, located in Mount Vernon, OH, worked with Converge to develop target audience personas that fueled a multi-channel digital advertising plan. The campaigns drove qualified students to the MVNU website and accelerated their 2017-18 applications and enrollments. "We cant wait to see where our digital communications go from here, said Katie Booth, Director of Operations at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Working with Converge has helped us shape our audience and take our digital marketing to new heights. The Association of Marketing and Communications Professionals judges each AVA Digital Awards entry at random and based on merit. Judges verbalize criticisms and compliments and agree on a score. Entries are given an award based on the score they receive. About the Company Converge is the digital agency for education with offices in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Raleigh, North Carolina. We develop sound strategy and translate it into campaigns that deliver ROI in a crowded marketplace. Visit the website for more information. QwickSign Signature with Payments QwickSign combines [payments and eSignatures] into a single digital transaction offering great benefits of efficiency and improved cashflow to clients. MagTek, a leader in payment technology and encryption software and services, is announcing today the availability of QwickSign, an eSignature solution with integrated payments. MagTek has collaborated with AssureSign, a leader in the eSignature space, to build-in MagTeks Magensa Payment Protection Gateway (MPPG) into the eSignature service to introduce a new product called QwickSign. Electronic signature has experienced significant adoption over the last decade. So has e-commerce and mobile payments. A high percentage of business transactions exist where e-signing of documents (contracts, quotes, release of liability, etc.) and payments intersect but are completed separately. QwickSign combines these two business processes into a single digital transaction offering great benefits of efficiency and improved cashflow to clients. AssureSigns innovation and experience in the e-signature space, together with a strong interest to explore new opportunities together, made for an excellent partnership from the start, said Rod Vesling, Vice President and General Manager, Identity and Access Management at MagTek. Their recent recognition by Aragon Research as one of the Hot Vendors in Digital Transaction Management, 2017 substantiates the companys capabilities and makes it natural for us to collaborate with payment integration. QwickSign is a cloud-based solution automating traditional ink and paper signing processes. With the integration of MPPG, QwickSign enables businesses to secure payments at the same time. These signing/payment transactions can be initiated either face to face or remotely via email or text. Business customers can complete agreements and payments in minutes versus days, weeks, or months. Organizations save time, increase revenue, reduce costs and improve cashflow. We view MagTek as a leading mobile payments provider with an industry proven, secure infrastructure. Integrating with MPPG provides us with a robust solution for addressing mobile face-to-face transactions as well as remote e-commerce, shared David Brinkman, President and CEO of AssureSign. Encrypting cardholder data, or any information for that matter, at the point of capture and providing it securely to business processors as part of the transaction process is MagTeks specialty. In addition, the companies are exploring other areas of technology synergy where digital transactions can be completed more securely. QwickSign is available now. Stop by MagTeks booth #949 at Transact ETA, Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, NV, April 17 19th, or visit http://www.magtek.com for more information. About MagTek Since 1972, MagTek has been a leading manufacturer of electronic devices and systems for the reliable issuance, reading, transmission and security of cards, checks, PINs and other identification documents. Leading with innovation and engineering excellence, MagTek is known for quality and dependability. Its products include secure card readers, check scanners, PIN pads and distributed credential issuing systems. These products are used worldwide by financial institutions, retailers, hotels, law enforcement agencies and other organizations to provide secure and efficient electronic payment and identification transactions. Today, MagTek continues to innovate with the development of a new generation of security centric products secured by MagneSafe. By leveraging strong encryption, secure tokenization, real time authentication and dynamic payment card data, MagneSafe products enable users to assess and validate the trustworthiness of credentials used for online identification, payment processing, and other high-value electronic transactions. MagTek is based in Seal Beach, California and has sales offices throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia, with independent distributors in over 40 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.magtek.com. About AssureSign AssureSign simplifies the worlds most powerful action the signature. Available as an on-premises, customizable solution for enterprise and as an on-demand, SaaS solution for small business, AssureSign enables any business to create and execute a secure and seamless signature experience. By offering the electronic signature industrys most flexible API, AssureSign has also built an extensive partner program with a proven revenue stream. Founded in 2000, AssureSign has executed over 400 million electronic signatures for many of the worlds most well-known brands. ### Wayback Burgers, Americas favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nations fastest growing burger franchises, is riding a monstrous wave of momentum in 2018. The company is approaching major milestones while introducing its world-famous burgers, fries and milkshakes to fans in brand new states and countries. This surge comes on the heels of a prosperous 2017. The rapidly growing franchise chains global presence was bolstered with the opening of a new restaurant in Sudan. The Sudan location is Wayback Burgers second in Africa, joining the restaurant in Morocco. To date, Wayback Burgers can be found in Argentina, Brunei, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia (with plans to open very soon in the Netherlands and Bangladesh). Domestically, Wayback Burgers, recently ranked as a top 10 best fast casual restaurant franchise by franchiserankings.com, continues to thrive. In Q1, Wayback Burgers opened three new locations, including Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland and Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC (both owned by Azhar Mubeen) and Hinesville, GA (owned by David McElhaney). That third new Q1 location proves the popularity of Wayback Burgers is on full display just off Georgias coast. David McElhaney, who also owns the Beaufort, SC Wayback restaurant, opened his second restaurant in Hinesville, just south of Savannah, in late February, and hes off to a blistering sales pace. In a two-week span, McElhaney netted revenues exceeding $90,000. McElhaney, a veteran of fast-casual restaurants, attributes his success to research, the power of social media, and gut-feelings. Wayback Burgers Executive Vice President, Bill Chemero, is impressed by McElhaneys sizzling sales start, but not entirely surprised. Our success is contingent on providing our guests the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy fresh, never frozen burgers, delicious fries, and hand-dipped milkshakes in a comfortable setting, says Chemero. David knows the business well, did his homework, scouted the perfect location and is now reaping the perks of his meticulous preparation. It was obvious the wonderful residents of Hinesville were starving for quality meals and David is delivering just that as the local Wayback owner. His success is truly a testament to his phenomenal operational skills and commitment to delivering fantastic experiences to each guest. Americas favorite hometown burger joint will soon become a fixture for even more families across the country as Wayback Burgers finalized seven lease signings in Q1, as well: Irving, TX Bobby Tanweer Reno, NV Amar Singh Sacramento, CA Sarib Rehman Round Rock, TX Melvin & Bonnie Diwadkar Mint Hill, SC Anna Turovskaya & Joel White Lexington, SC John Rackus Secaucus, NJ Rab Abdur Wayback Burgers Senior Vice President, Patrick Conlin, believes the company is perfectly situated to satisfy Americas thirst for quality products and excellent guest service. It would be accurate to attribute Wayback Burgers success to multiple strategy sessions, detailed research, intense discussions and executing our brand promise, says Conlin. Bottom line, guests want high-quality, fresh and never frozen burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Our franchisees have consistently delivered exactly that since our inception nearly 30 years ago. We take pride in paying close attention to details and the growth that we continue to experience is proof positive that our guests notice it as well. For more information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://waybackburgers.com/. For franchising information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://franchise.waybackburgers.com/. About Wayback Burgers Founded in 1991 in Newark, DE, Wayback Burgers is a Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise with a reputation for fresh, never frozen, cooked to order burgers and thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, served in an environment that hearkens back to a simpler place and timewhen customer service meant something, and everyone felt the warmth of the community. Wayback Burgers currently operates in 29 states with over 152 locations nationally and internationally in Argentina, Brunei, Sudan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan and Malaysia. Through its executed master franchise agreements, Wayback Burgers plans to open in 37 provinces/countries in the Middle East, Northern Africa, South Africa, Argentina, Brunei, Bangladesh, Ireland; Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Netherlands, with pending letters of intent sent out to Western Germany and the UK. For more information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://waybackburgers.com/. For franchising information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://franchise.waybackburgers.com/. UNSW Sydney Digital education facilitates a global experience... - Professor Geoffrey Crisp, UNSW Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) A new partnership between UNSW Sydney and Keypath Education will expand the Universitys digital learning portfolio with the launch of a suite of new fully online Masters programs. UNSW holds a top world ranking 45th in the 2018 QS World University Rankings and is a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, which represents the top eight universities in Australia. Bringing together UNSWs strengths in curriculum design and delivery and Keypaths expertise in immersive online educational experiences, the partnership will see a number of fully online programs launched by early 2019, starting with Business and Engineering programs, as part of the Universitys digital education strategy. The Universitys aim is to use its flexible learning model and expanding digital campus to offer world-class education to students around the world. UNSW has already redesigned over 70 courses for blended delivery as part of its Inspired Learning Initiative and will extend this to over 600 existing courses over the next five years. Digital education facilitates a global experience, says Professor Geoffrey Crisp, UNSW Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education). Our students need to be able to engage with other students, industry, and community groups or organizations all around the world, and our technology will enable them to do that. Keypath Education Global CEO, Steve Fireng, sees UNSW Sydney and Keypath as working together towards a common goal. Our partnership with UNSW is exciting because our missions align. UNSW is Australias Global University and our mission is to create global access to online learning. Students no longer have to attend a classroom to learn. Today, they can have a world-class educational experience on their laptop or smartphone wherever in the world they may be. Postgraduate online learning is becoming increasingly attractive to mid-career professionals wanting to move into executive roles or new disciplines at a time when they are balancing work, family life, and other commitments. Between 2011 and 2015, there was a 25% increase in postgraduate education online and the trend continues to grow. Keypath is now one of the largest global online higher education enablers, supporting students in 62 countries with infrastructure that accommodates people from different backgrounds and demographics in a range of disciplines. It provides an end-to-end suite of services designed to help universities launch, market, and scale their online programs to reach profitability and more students faster and more effectively. Professor Nick Wailes, Director of AGSM and Deputy Dean at the UNSW Business School, says that coupling UNSWs subject-matter expertise with Keypaths industry best practice in online learning is key to developing quality programs in this competitive emerging market. UNSW has world-class faculty at the cutting edge of their field and the cutting edge of research. The thing that really appeals about Keypath is their emphasis on educational design and development. The Keypath team work closely with subject matter experts to understand what they want the students to learn, what the skills and activities are, and then break that down to make sure we are leveraging the online environment. In an era when many of a students daily interactions can happen in the palm of their hand whether its ordering groceries, catching a ride, or streaming music the opportunity for Keypath is to take the high-quality courses and face-to-face experience UNSW offers and make them engaging and effective online for a global audience. Students arent comparing their online education experience to their experience on campus; they are comparing it to their online banking experience or their online real estate experience, says Ryan OHare, Keypath Education CEO, Australia & Asia-Pacific. So, if it isnt as intuitive and user-friendly, flexible, and accessible as that, then they wont have a quality experience learning online. We need to cater to that, and also ensure they are having a memorable and rewarding student experience. With UNSW we have the opportunity to take best-of-breed from an academic and university perspective and our expertise in online learning, and bring them together to continue to push the boundaries of what can be done in online learning. For more information about the UNSW-Keypath partnership and online program management services, please contact Chris Williams, director of marketing, at chris.williams@keypathedu.com or 847.616.8167. About UNSW UNSW Sydney is a teaching- and research-intensive university ranked in the worlds top 50 universities. The Sydney campus is home to 55,000 students from over 120 countries. It aspires to be Australia's global university, improving and transforming lives through world-leading research, exemplary education, and a commitment to advancing a just society. Learn more at unsw.edu.au. About Keypath Education Keypath Education is dedicated to creating global access to high-quality online education by partnering with the worlds best universities to launch and grow high-quality degree programs via its online program management (OPM) services. Through OPM partnerships, Keypath acts as an extension of the universitys team, keeping its brand and academic rigor intact while accelerating the growth and quality of the university program portfolio. Services provided include market research, capital investment, program development, marketing, student recruitment, retention and course development. The company has offices and partners in the United States, Canada, the U.K. and Australia. Learn more at keypathedu.com. Roger Mumford Homes accepted the award for Best Custom Home Over $1,000,000 for this custom home in Little Silver (pictured here). All members of our management team are respected industry professionals who share my commitment to creating exciting housing opportunities for all lifestyles, said Mumford. These SAM awards attest to our legacy of excellence in the homebuilding industry. Roger Mumford Homes, a leader in the homebuilding industry for nearly three decades, was honored at the 31st Annual Sales and Marketing Gala that was held on April 12th at the Golden Nugget Casino, Hotel and Marina in Atlantic City. Roger Mumford Homes, in partnership with Clay Bonny of Heartstone Development, LLC, accepted the award for Best Interior Design/Merchandising for a Rental Community for Hidden Village Apartments in Aberdeen, NJ. Roger Mumford Homes also accepted the award for Best Custom Home Over $1,000,000 for the McCarthy residence in Little Silver, NJ, and Best Brochure for a Detached Community for Oak Hill Marlboro in Marlboro, NJ. Roger Mumford Homes would like to thank Design 446 for its marketing efforts on these award-winning projects. In addition to our marketing team, we would also like to extend our gratitude to Mary Cook and Associates, Prolific Design Group, Thomas J. Brennan Architects, Maser Consulting and Virtuoso Architects, as well as the NJBA for acknowledging our hard work and dedication, said Roger Mumford, President of Roger Mumford Homes. The Roger Mumford Homes team includes associates who collectively possess a broad spectrum of industry experience including land acquisition, approvals and regulatory management, systems and process facilitation, design, sales, construction, finance and client collaboration. All members of our management team are respected industry professionals who share my commitment to creating exciting housing opportunities for all lifestyles, said Mumford. These SAM awards attest to our legacy of excellence in the homebuilding industry. About Hidden Village Aberdeen Hidden Village is an exceptional new community of 200 exclusive rental residences in Aberdeen. Nestled on 28 acres of beautifully wooded land, Hidden Village boasts innovative apartments, most with direct-access garages, in a convenient, commuter-friendly location. Residents also enjoy access to a community clubhouse and pool with no amenity fees. Rental residences at Hidden Village start at $1,850. Hidden Village is owned and managed by a partnership that includes Roger Mumford of Roger Mumford Homes and Clay Bonny of Heartstone Development, LLC. Those interested are invited to visit http://www.HiddenVillageAberdeen.com or call 732-842-1580. About Oak Hill Estates Oak Hill Estates at Marlboro consists of 17 well-equipped and innovative single-family homes in Monmouth County. Home sites of one-half acre to one acre are situated in a wooded cul-de-sac surrounded by preserved acreage for a private natural setting. Custom landscaping packages and shore colonial designs with classic exteriors create a welcoming streetscape. Homes at Oak Hill Estates are priced from the low $800s. Those interested are invited to tour the furnished Tatum model home. For an appointment, call Sales Manager Keith Larkin at 732-996-8822 or visit OakHillMarlboro.com to become an Oak Hill Estates VIP and receive the latest news and information. About Roger Mumford Homes Roger Mumford Homes was founded in 2005 by Roger Mumford, former President and Co-founder of the Matzel & Mumford Organization, which built over 75 new home communities in New Jersey. The builder has since earned multiple awards in recognition of its excellence in design and detail, reinforcing its brand and reputation. To learn more, please visit http://www.RogerMumfordHomes.com or call 732-842-1580. "We worked within the guidelines established by the FAA to develop an efficient, favorable and cost-effective solution for Part 121 air carriers who are struggling, or will struggle to comply with the mandates set forth in FAR 121.423." Aviation Performance Solutions (APS), an Arizona-based global training organization, announced today at the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS), the introduction of comprehensive turnkey solutions specifically developed to support Part 121 carriers. Airlines that do not have access to Extended Envelope Level C or D simulators must find an alternative way to comply with the congressionally mandated regulation FAR 121.423 Extended Envelope Training for Pilots. This regulation requires all Part 121 Air Carriers to have an Extended Envelope Training Program that includes Stall and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT) in compliance with the FAR 121.423 by March 12, 2019. For air carriers without access to these upgraded Level C or D simulators, it will be difficult, if not impossible, to comply and could result in serious repercussions. FAA InFO 17017 on Enhanced Pilot Training and Qualification for Part 121 Pilots specifically states, Any initial, transition, upgrade, or requalification pilot training and qualification curriculum that has not been revised and approved by the FAA to include the [FAR 121.423] requirements may not be used after March 12, 2019. By providing these solutions, APS will help air carriers ensure they are compliant in the time frame required under this new law. As the global leader in Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, APS has over two decades of experience providing comprehensive and effective UPRT, including Extended Envelope Training (EET), to pilots around the world. Thousands of pilots will participate in APS UPRT in the next year alone, including tens of thousands of airline pilots from two of the largest US legacy airlines and other air carriers globally implementing APS solutions. We worked within the guidelines established by the FAA to develop an efficient, favorable and cost-effective solution for Part 121 air carriers who are struggling, or will struggle to comply with the mandates set forth in FAR 121.423. This solution will help these companies avoid other very costly measures, or the serious consequences of non-compliance, said Paul Ransbury, President and CEO of Aviation Performance Solutions. Most importantly, while helping carriers comply with this new regulation, we are also providing pilots with critical training to effectively mitigate the risk of aviations most fatal safety threat, Loss of Control-in-flight (LOC-I). Our core purpose is to help pilots bring everyone home safely. Learn more: apstraining.com/part121 ABOUT AVIATION PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS Aviation Performance Solutions LLC (APS), headquartered at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, trains thousands of professional pilots and instructors in comprehensive Upset Prevention and Recovery Training skill development. APS provides integrated LOC-I solutions via industry-leading computer-based, on-aircraft (jet and piston), and full-flight simulator Upset Prevention & Recovery Training (UPRT). All training is in full compliance with the Airplane Upset Recovery Training Aid, FAA Advisory Circular 120-109A on Stall Training, ICAO Manual on Aeroplane Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, IATA Guidance Material and Best Practices for the Implementation of Upset Prevention and Recovery Training, and the FAA Advisory Circular 120-111 on Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. APS is the only Part 141 Flight School certified in the delivery of complete upset prevention & recovery, stall/spin and instrument upset recovery training courses worldwide. With additional training locations in Texas (USA), The Netherlands (Europe), and military division in Alabama (USA), APS provides global access to the highest quality Upset Prevention and Recovery Training available. http://www.apstraining.com Aerovitro, an aviation and avionics installation and modification agency headquartered in Monterrey, Mexico, announced recent ADS-B Out installations on Mexican aircraft flying into U.S. airspace. Aerovitro is an authorized Rockwell Collins dealer. The Company recently completed ADS-B Out system upgrades on a Bombardier Challenger 300 and a Learjet 60XR. Rockwell Collins TDR-94D DO-260B compliant transponders and GPS-4000S SBAS receivers were used in the installations meeting stringent worldwide ADS-B Out regulations. ADS-B Out is a cornerstone of NexGen modernization in an aging fleet of aircraft flying today, said Jose Carrera, General Manager of Aerovitro. Aerovitro is fully committed to bringing Mexican aircraft up to U.S. compliance in according with the deadline. We also anticipate Mexico aviation authorities to adopt the same or similar regulations. Rockwell Collins technology was the superior leading choice. The Challenger and Learjet ADS-B Out installations used CMD Flight Solution's AML STC certification, which is approved for use in Mexico. CMD Flight Solutions became the preferred partner for this project because of their cost-effective solution to satisfy the upcoming FAA mandated requirements, said Luis Zamudio, Technical Sales Manager of Aerovitro. Aerovitro currently has more ADS-B Out installations scheduled, including on a Gulfstream G-200 and Falcon 2000. Details regarding these custom upgrades will become available upon project completion and certification. About ADS-B Out ADS-B Out is an airspace mandate in the United States of America, beginning January 01, 2020. This surveillance technology in aircraft determine its position via satellite navigation and periodically broadcasts it, enabling it to be tracked. The Federal Aviation Administration is requiring all aircraft flying in Mode C airspace (Class A, Class B, Class C, and above 10,000 MSL) U.S. airspace be upgraded to meet ADS-B Out compliance. Other regions around the world, including Mexico and Colombia, are also either planning on or evaluating the implementation of ADS-B Out mandates soon. About Aerovitro Aerovitro specializes in administration, maintenance, charter and FBO for national and international civil aviation. For more than 40 years, Aerovitro has leading edge facilities, state-of-the-art equipment and certified industry professionals, allowing us to give the highest level of service and attention to the aviation sector. Our facility can accommodate a wide range of aircraft, specializing in business and commercial jets. Aerovitro is located on the Aeropuerto Internacional del Norte, on road to Laredo Km 20 Hangar 23 in Apodaca, NL Mexico. We are an FAA approved Repair Station, No. X8MY308N. For more information, please visit aerovitro.com This was the first time Hickes used PENETRON products, and the job went very well. Concrete tanks of this size are always a challenge, but the Moraine State Park project went extremely well. Inaugurated April 2018, the new Moraine State Park Wastewater Treatment Plant in Prospect (PA) was constructed with PENETRON ADMIX to ensure a durable and waterproof concrete structure. Located in northwestern Pennsylvania near the crossroads of I79 and I80, the Moraine State Park is visited by over a million people each year for boating, hiking, biking and swimming. A perfect example of environmental engineering, the park was created after a decades-long effort that transformed a former coal mining, and oil and gas drilling site into a verdant 16,725-acre recreation area and natural preserve. Because the rivers and lakes in and around the park are an important part of the areas attraction for tourists, the community of Prospect, PA, was concerned that the existing wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was insufficient to address the increased amount of wastewater and meet more stringent clean water standards. The decision was to demolish the old plant and build a completely new WWTP with the necessary added capacity and technology to meet clean water regulations for both the community and the State Park. PENETRON Delivers Performance Advantages A central element of any WWTP is the concrete treatment tank. The Moraine State Park WWTP project called for a 90x40x18 (tall) storm-water detention reservoir (SDR) tank with 18-inch walls, divided into five separate tanks. However, the first challenge was stabilizing such a massive structure in a very poor soil comprised of clay and sand that would trap any rainwater, immediately flooding the construction site. Hickes Associates, the project contractor, had over 100 piles driven into the soil as a foundation to place the tank, noted Christopher Chen, Director of the Penetron Group. It was like there was no bottom to the construction site Once the piles were in place, it was time to pour the concrete. The concrete supplier was already familiar with a competitive waterproofing admixture, but, after careful consideration of the performance and ease of use advantages, opted for PENETRON ADMIX. The crystalline admixture was added to approximately 1,000 cubic yards (765 m3) of concrete used for the treatment tank. Green Tracer Unique in the Industry PENETRON ADMIX is an industry-leading admixture that effectively reduces concrete permeability and provides a self-healing capability to the matrix. The integrated green tracer, which becomes visible as a light green tint in the bleed water, also provides the construction team with a reliable identification control tool proof that PENETRON is in the mix. The tracer is non-toxic and disappears once the bleed water dries. This was the first time Hickes used PENETRON products, and the job went very well, says Mr. Chen. Concrete tanks of this size are always a challenge, but the Moraine State Park project went extremely well. The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products for concrete waterproofing, concrete repairs and floor preparation systems. The Group operates through a global network, offering support to the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives and distribution channels. For more information on PENETRON waterproofing solutions, please visit penetron(dot)com or Facebook(dot)com/ThePenetronGroup, email CRDept(at)penetron(dot)com, or contact the Corporate Relations Department at 631-941-9700. Prevent Blindness to hold its seventh annual Focus on Eye Health National Summit on July 18, 2018. By sharing ideas and resources, we can work to provide Americans with education on vision issues, access to care, program development and sight-saving services, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. Prevent Blindness, the oldest volunteer eye health and safety organization in the United States, will hold its seventh annual Focus on Eye Health National Summit on July 18, 2018 from 7:30 a.m. 3:30 p.m., at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. A series of presentations will be conducted in relation to this years Summit theme Research to Impact: Honoring 50 Years of the National Eye Institute. Lily Peng, MD, PhD, of Google Brain, will be the keynote speaker for the Summit. Google Brain is a deep learning artificial intelligence research project at Google. Dr. Peng will speak about developing innovations that will specifically impact the future of eye care. Attendees of this free event include patient advocates, national vision and eye health organizations, government representatives, and community-based organizations. Those unable to attend in person will have an opportunity to watch a live video stream of event presentations as well as follow the event on Twitter at #eyesummit. Additional presentations at the Focus on Eye Health Summit include: Improving Access through Telemedicine Moderated by Jorge Cuadros, OD, PhD, UC Berkeley School of Optometry, this session will include presentations from Rajeev Ramchandran, MD, MBA, University of Rochester; Graham E. Quinn, MD, MSCE, Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia; Emily Y. Chew, MD, National Eye Institute; and Lily Peng, MD, PhD, Google Brain. Innovative Screening Models and Their Impact on Global Eye Health Alan L. Robin, MD, Johns Hopkins University and University of Maryland, Board of Aravind Eye Hospital Promising Practices Emerging from NEI Partnerships Michael Steinmetz, PhD, National Eye Institute; Stephen Rose, PhD, Foundation Fighting Blindness; and Cynthia A. Toth, MD, Duke Eye Center and Member of ARVO Telling the Story of OCT Steering Committee Advancing Eye Health in Native American Communities Stacy Bohlen, National Indian Health Board Visions Impact on Learning with Children Moderated by Laura Anderko, PhD, RN, Georgetown University and Chair of the National Center for Childrens Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, this session will include presentations from Gayathri Srinivasan, MS, OD, FAAO, New England College of Optometry; Marjean Kulp, OD, MS, The Ohio State University College of Optometry; and Mae Millicent Winfrey Peterseim, MD, Medical University of South Carolina Eyes on the Hill A Congressional Conversation, with the Congressional Vision Caucus, including Co-Chair Rep. Gene Greene (D-TX) [subject to change] National Eye Health Surveillance System John Wittenborn, NORC at the University of Chicago Sponsorship opportunities are available. Current Gold sponsors of the Summit are Allergan, Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology, The EyeSight Foundation of Alabama, Genentech, International Retinal Research Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Vision, Lighthouse Guild, National Center for Childrens Vision and Eye Health at Prevent Blindness, NORC at the University of Chicago, Shire, and Vision Impact Institute. Silver sponsors include the Alliance for Eye and Vision Research, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Academy of Optometry, American Optometric Association, BrightFocus Foundation, Foundation Fighting Blindness, Lions Clubs International, Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, Thrombogenics and Vision 2020 USA. During the event, Prevent Blindness will present the 2018 Jenny Pomeroy Award for Excellence in Vision and Public Health to the Johns Hopkins University School-Based Eye Care Team. Team members include Megan E. Collins, MD, MPH; David S. Friedman, MD, MPH, PhD; Michael X. Repka, MD, MBA; Robert E. Slavin, PhD; and Nancy A. Madden, PhD. The award is presented annually to an individual, team, or organization that has made significant contributions to the advancement of public health related to vision and eye health at the community, state, national and/or international level. In addition, a Recognition Award will be presented to Paul A. Sieving, MD, PhD, on behalf of the National Eye Institute, honoring its 50th anniversary. The Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit has become a key venue to provide all those committed to improving our nations vision and eye health with the opportunity to collaborate with leaders in public health, community outreach and service, and government agencies, said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. By sharing ideas and resources, we can work to provide Americans with education on vision issues, access to care, program development and sight-saving services. Prevent Blindness will also hold its annual Eyes on Capitol Hill event, providing volunteer patient advocates with the opportunity to meet with their government representatives on Tuesday, July 17. A reception for the Congressional Vision Caucus will be held the evening of this Capitol Hill event. A Congressional briefing will be held on Thursday, July 19. To register or for more information about the 2018 Prevent Blindness Focus on Eye Health National Summit and sponsorship opportunities, please visit http://www.preventblindness.org/eyesummit or call (800) 331-2020. About Prevent Blindness Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness is the nation's leading volunteer eye health and safety organization dedicated to fighting blindness and saving sight. Focused on promoting a continuum of vision care, Prevent Blindness touches the lives of millions of people each year through public and professional education, advocacy, certified vision screening and training, community and patient service programs and research. These services are made possible through the generous support of the American public. Together with a network of affiliates, Prevent Blindness is committed to eliminating preventable blindness in America. For more information, or to make a contribution to the sight-saving fund, call (800) 331-2020. Or, visit us on the Web at preventblindness.org or facebook.com/preventblindness. Prescribers Choice, Inc., and its parent, Sincerus Pharmaceuticals (Sincerus), companies that are revolutionizing the delivery of personalized medicine, today announced the selection of LaVoieHealthScience (LHS), a specialized public and investor relations agency focused on advancing health and science innovations, for its strategic communications program aimed at key stakeholders, including dermatology practices, investors, consumers, advocacy groups and professional societies. With this new partnership we are excited to boost our visibility and make dermatologists and their patients aware of our powerful pharmaceutical disintermediation. We enable consumers to skip the trip to the pharmacy, while drastically reducing consumer costs and delivering customized medications at the point of care. Our proprietary platform and innovative technology provides a complementary solution to physicians and consumers and fills a void that is not currently being addressed by large manufacturers, said Dr. Spencer Malkin, CEO of Prescribers Choice. Physician prescribing is in the state of crisis. It is estimated that up to a third of prescriptions never get filled. A recent study by the American Medical Association reported that nearly 80 percent of doctors feel prior authorizations are making expensive care more difficult for patients. Seventy-eight percent report that prior authorization can lead to treatment abandonment. Prescribers Choice is a game-changer in healthcare, said Donna L. LaVoie, President and CEO of LaVoieHealthScience. The team at Prescribers Choice and Sincerus are smart, pragmatic and focused on providing quality, safety and patient access. Patients need affordable, customized medications along with personalized care and Prescribers Choice offers a powerful tool to promote medication adherence, while maintaining safety standards in a CGMP environment. About Prescribers Choice and Sincerus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Prescribers Choice is a complete resource for dermatologist point-of-care preparation and dispensing of customized medications. The company enables its dermatology practice customers to personalize medicine in their office and dispense it for patients specific needs. Sincerus Pharmaceuticals, named after the Latin word for purity, is the parent company of Prescribers Choice. Sincerus provides outsourced pharmaceutical products in accordance with CGMP standards and has Quality Assurance and Quality Control programs in place to monitor and support all preparations. With todays healthcare environment demanding a safe, secure and reliable supply chain, it is essential that patients and physicians know the source and process through which these pharmaceuticals are made. About LaVoieHealthScience Founded in 2001, LaVoieHealthScience partners with leading health and science brands to build value for their companies, attract capital and reach key stakeholders through integrated communications. The agency has received 31 awards over the past eight years in recognition of the work it has done for its health and science industry-leading clients and is ranked as a leading independent health PR agency. Follow LHS on Twitter at @LaVoieGroup. ### For more information about Prescribers Choice & Sincerus Media Contact: Katie Gallagher Account Manager, PR & Marketing kgallagher@lavoiehealthscience.com 617-374-8800 x109 "With the support of Carnegie Corporation, we will continue to expand our reach and generate nonpartisan, inclusive discussions among a worldwide audience. Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is pleased to announce that it has received a two-year grant for a total of $450,000 from Carnegie Corporation of New York to support the next phase of its educational activities. "Ethics for a Connected World" is an ongoing Carnegie Council initiative that produces educational programs and multimedia and print publications on ethics and international relations. It creates curricula for classrooms, and develops community networks of both young and established moral leaders. The primary goal of these programs and resources is to spark critical thinking and reasoned ethical discussion of global scale challenges, including climate change, democracy, inequality, technology, and migration. "This generous grant will bolster the Council's capacity to engage students, educators, policy professionals, thought leaders, and members of the public in common conversation on global issues," said Joel Rosenthal, president of Carnegie Council. "With the support of Carnegie Corporation, we will continue to expand our reach and generate nonpartisan, inclusive discussions among a worldwide audience." Carnegie Council resources include: -"Ethics & International Affairs," the Council's quarterly academic journal; -Audio and video podcasts, available for free download on iTunes; -Videos, from short clips to hour-long talks, all available on Carnegie Council's YouTube Channel; -Interview and lecture transcripts, original articles, and blog posts. For all these these materials and more, go to http://www.carnegiecouncil.org. ABOUT CARNEGIE CORPORATION OF NEW YORK Carnegie Corporation of New York was established in 1911 by Andrew Carnegie to promote the advancement and diffusion of knowledge and understanding. In keeping with this mandate, the Corporation's work focuses on the issues that Andrew Carnegie considered of paramount importance: international peace, the advancement of education and knowledge, and the strength of our democracy. For more information, go to http://www.carnegie.org/ ABOUT CARNEGIE COUNCIL Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1914, Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs is an educational, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that produces lectures, publications, and multimedia materials on the ethical challenges of living in a globalized world. Screen Shot 2017-11-06 at 6.35.59 PM.png Physicians are looking for a technology that is minimally invasive and also curative Urotronic, Inc., a Minneapolis based medical device start-up, announced today that it has received FDA approval to begin its second U.S. study of its Optilume Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) catheter, a powerful, innovative two-pronged approach to treatment for millions of men suffering from urethral strictures. The latest US IDE Pivotal clinical study, titled ROBUST III, will enroll up to 200 men from 20 clinical sites across the U.S. and will start immediately. The first FDA-approved U.S. trial of the Optilume (DCB) for an Early Feasibility Study (EFS) began in November 2017 and is currently underway in five medical centers around the country. Physicians are looking for a technology that is minimally invasive and also curative, says Dr. Sean Elliott, Principal Investigator of the Robust studies and Vice Chair of Urology from the University of Minnesota. The Optilume drug coated balloon has the potential to decrease the rate of recurrence and provide physicians and their patients better outcomes based on early clinical results. There are roughly 1.5 million doctors office visits in the U.S. to treat urethral strictures, which block the pathway for urine to exit the body from the bladder and can result in a painful, frustrating slowing of the urinary stream. One in five men will develop a urinary stricture and the number of urological procedures is expected to grow rapidly as Baby Boomers age and are more susceptible to urinary tract problems. The most common treatments lead to high rates of recurrence and are frustrating for urologists to treat given the poor outcomes. The Optilume DCB pairs mechanical dilation with powerful drug therapy to provide a simple, out-patient procedure, according to doctors involved in the clinical trials. In the latest US IDE Pivotal clinical study, patients will be randomized - either receiving Urotronics Optilume DCB or the current standard of care based on physician preference. In addition to the two U.S. trials, a third clinical trial of the Optilume DCB is underway in Latin America titled Robust I. Early results from Robust I reveal the Optilume DCB treatment met all the primary and secondary clinical study endpoints, namely significant improvement of symptom scores and urinary flow rates, according to Ramon Virasoro, MD, Co-Principal Investigator of ROBUST III and Robust study physician from Eastern Virginia Medical Center. Moreover, patient quality of life symptom scores significantly improved by 70% or higher at 3 6 and 12 months, peak urinary flow rates improved 17 ml/sec at 3 months with continuous improvement through 12 months, Dr. Virasoro said. Urethral strictures are often caused by infections, trauma or other medical procedures that subsequently injure the lining of the urethra. As the injury heals it develops scar tissue and narrows the tube that carries urine out of the body. We are honored to provide urologists and their patients a solution to prevent recurrence of urinary tract strictures with our Optilume Drug Coated Balloon technology, said David Perry, President & CEO of Urotronic, Inc. We hope to repeat the compelling clinical results from our ROBUST I Latin America study with the pending US Pivotal study, and demonstrate a minimally invasive treatment option that can be performed in a variety of clinical settings, including as an in-office procedure. About Urotronic, Inc. Urotronic, Inc., headquartered in Plymouth, Minnesota, is an early stage medical device company currently conducting clinical trials to support global commercialization of their products. The Optilume drug-coated balloon technology provides a low cost, minimally-invasive treatment option for men suffering from urinary track conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urethral and ureteral strictures, and bladder neck contractures (BNC). The prevalence of BPH and lower urinary tract issues rises markedly with increased age. BPH affects 70% of men 60-69 years of age and 80% of those 70 years of age or older, whereas one in five men will develop a urethral stricture at age 65 or greater. The drug-coated balloon technology under development creates a paradigm change from the methods currently used by urologists to treat these conditions. For more information on Urotronic and our products, please visit us at urotronic.com. ### Our company is very proud of its coastal roots, and weve continually embraced and celebrated the coastal lifestyle since our founding 21 years ago on Coronado Island As part of its ongoing partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, Coronado Brewing is proud to announce a joint beach cleanup with Surfrider in celebration of Earth Day at the Ocean Beach Pier on Saturday, April 21. The public is invited to join Coronado Brewing and Surfrider, beginning at 9 a.m., to remove trash from the beach and waterways. While some supplies will be provided, the public is encouraged to bring reusable gloves, reusable bags and buckets, and reusable water bottles to cut down on waste. In April of 2017, Coronado Brewing partnered with the Surfrider Foundation the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the coasts with the launch of a new collaboration beer: CoastWise Session IPA. In line with Coronados brand mantra to Stay Coastal, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of CoastWise support Surfriders mission to protect the ocean, waves and beaches. Our company is very proud of its coastal roots, and weve continually embraced and celebrated the coastal lifestyle since our founding 21 years ago on Coronado Island, noted Brandon Richards, CEO, Coronado Brewing Company. Our ongoing partnership with the Surfrider Foundation allows us to make a direct, positive impact on the ocean and coastlines that are a fundamental part of the lifestyle we enjoy and celebrate. We hope CoastWise inspires people to get out and enjoy our beaches, while simultaneously supporting their protection. CoastWise Session IPA is brewed with Mosaic hops, giving the beer bright tasting notes of citrus and tropical fruit, with a dry, bitter finish. The beer has made waves of late winning this years National IPA competition in the Session IPA category. At a light-bodied 5 percent ABV, CoastWise is the perfect session beer, and the recyclable can makes it the ultimate beverage to enjoy outdoors this summer. CoastWise is available year-round on draft and in six-pack cans throughout Coronados distribution network. For more information about the CoastWise partnership, visit http://www.coronadobrewing.com/coastwise. For more information about ways to protect the ocean, waves and beaches, visit Surfrider.org. Stay Coastal. Cheers. About Coronado Brewing Company In 1996, when craft beer was still a foreign term and San Diego County was home to only a handful of breweries, the Chapman brothers, Ron and Rick, opened a brewpub in their hometown of Coronado. Today Coronado Brewing stays true to its San Diego roots, brewing a diverse portfolio specializing in abundantly hoppy West Coast-style ales, available in 19 US states and 12 countries. In addition to the long-established pub in Coronado, the company operates a tasting room inside its San Diego production facility, and a tasting room and restaurant in Imperial Beach, California. Coronado Brewing Company is the proud recipient of one of the brewing industry's most prestigious awardsWorld Beer Cup Champion Brewery and Brewmaster for a Mid-Size Brewing Company, 2014. Website: http://coronadobrewing.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coronadobrewingcompany Instagram: @CoronadoBrewing Twitter: @CoronadoBrewing #MermaidSighting #StayCoastal About Surfrider Foundation The Surfrider Foundation is a non-profit grassroots organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of our worlds oceans, waves and beaches through a powerful activist network. Founded in 1984 by a handful of visionary surfers in Malibu, California, the Surfrider Foundation now maintains over 500,000 supporters, activists and members, with more than 80 volunteer-led chapters and 60 clubs in the U.S., and more than 400 victories protecting our coasts. Learn more at surfrider.org. Website: http://surfrider.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/surfrider Instagram: @surfrider Twitter: @surfrider #LongLiveTheBeach #protectandenjoy American Heart Association Heart Ball 2018 For us, the Tampa Bay area is one of the best places in the country to live and work, and we welcome opportunities to show our support of worthy causes in our community. Bayshore Solutions, a leading digital marketing and website development and design company, is proud to announce the companys sponsorship of this months American Heart Association Heart Ball in Tampa. The American Heart Association works tirelessly to promote healthy lifestyle choices, provide CPR education training and educate policy makers and the public on changes that protect and improve the communitys health. Its a cause Bayshore Solutions proudly supports. This is the 60th year of the ball. The event will take place at 6 p.m. April 21 at the Tampa Marriott Waterside. Money raised through sponsorship directly benefits American Heart Association efforts. Participation as a sponsor at the ball is an opportunity for Bayshore Solutions to both support the work of the American Heart Association and demonstrate the companys commitment to the Tampa Bay community. Weve been here in Tampa since we opened for business in 1996, said Kevin Hourigan, President and CEO of Bayshore Solutions. This community is not just where we work, but where we live, raise families and participate with local organizations. For us, the Tampa Bay area is one of the best places in the country to live and work, and we welcome opportunities to show our support of worthy causes in our community. The ball is not the only event Bayshore Solutions has sponsored in 2018. The company was recently a sponsor at Bark in the Park, the annual event at Curtis Hixon Park that raises money for the Humane Society of Tampa. Members of the Bayshore Solutions team attended the event with their dogs, of course to show support for this important organization. Bayshore Solutions also exhibited at the Synapse Innovation Summit, a gathering at Amalie Arena in downtown Tampa that brought together companies from across Floridas growing tech-focused business community. The event allowed for networking and support for technology firms in Tampa Bay and Florida another community initiative Bayshore Solutions endorses. Bayshore Solutions is an end-to-end growth agency that provides customized branding, web development, hosting, and digital marketing solutions, utilizing an evolving methodology built over 20 years. The court-martial case against MSgt Michael Silva has been dismissed by the government. In response, his attorney, Richard V. Stevens, stated that he was "grateful and relieved that Mike Silva and his family can now try to move forward from this difficult time." Attorney Stevens noted that much has been said and written publicly about this case; some of it inaccurate, some of it uninformed, some of it clearly biased. He issued this statement to address some of the previous public coverage of the case. The following were the points raised by Attorney Stevens: Attorney Stevens did not represent Mike Silva in his first trial, but felt it was important to note that while the conviction in Silva's first trial was overturned by the Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals based on a legal error, that legal error cannot be just considered a "technicality." It was far from that. In Silva's first trial, the prosecution was permitted to make an improper argument about how the court members (jury) could consider the evidence in the case. So, not only did the prosecutor seize on the opportunity to make that improper argument, the trial judge instructed the members they could consider the evidence the way the prosecutor said they could. This improper argument was one prosecutors were making at the time of MSgt Mike Silva's first trial (and defense counsel were objecting to) because a case addressing the improper argument had not yet been considered on appeal. So, in the absence of case law prohibiting the argument, prosecutors were gambling that such an argument would hold up on appeal - even though defense counsel were arguing against the legality of the argument. The gamble did not pay off for the government/prosecution. When that prosecution argument was finally considered on appeal by the highest military appellate court - the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces - in a case called United States v. Hills, the argument was found by the Court to be improper, unconstitutional, and to undermine the presumption of innocence. The prosecution used that improper argument in Silva's first trial, the court members considered the evidence in a manner undermining his presumption of innocence, and the improperly obtained conviction in Silva's first trial was overturned based on U.S. v. Hills. Attorney Stevens also stressed that not every case in which the prosecution used that improper argument and obtained a conviction has been overturned on appeal based on U.S. v. Hills. The appellate courts also look at the evidence in the particular case, to determine if a conviction would have been secured despite the improper argument. Specifically, the government must show to the appellate court that there was no reasonable possibility that the erroneous argument contributed to the conviction. The government was unable to show that the erroneous argument did not contribute to the conviction in MSgt Mike Silva's case. The Air Force Appellate Court emphatically disputed the government's claims that they would have obtained a conviction anyway. In fact, with regard to Silva's first trial, the Appellate Court found that the trial prosecutor "hammered" on the improper argument, and the Appellate Court detailed many of the weaknesses in the prosecution's evidence and case that were overcome by the prosecutor using the improper argument. That is why MSgt Mike Silva's case was overturned based on U.S. v. Hills, while some other military cases that raised this issue on appeal have not resulted in an overturned conviction. In addition, because Silva's conviction was overturned based on the U.S. v. Hills issue, the appellate court did not have to address any of the other issues raised on appeal...and there were additional strong issues that were raised on appeal but never addressed, because the case was decided on the U.S. v. Hills issue. In MSgt Silva's re-trial, in which Attorney Richard V. Stevens represented him, multiple pre-trial motions had been raised and were pending, including a motion to dismiss the case. Based on that pending motion to dismiss the case, the Convening Authority dismissed two of the remaining three allegations. That left one allegation for which there were several pending motions, to include the motion to dismiss. Before the motions could be heard, based on inputs received by the Convening Authority, the remaining allegation, and the case, was dismissed. Attorney Stevens expressed his sincere thanks to all of those who have provided support to Mike and his family during this case, describing it as a long and difficult road. Attorney Stevens also thanked Save Our Heroes, not only for their support, but for their considerable efforts in uncovering even more information for the defense to use in the re-trial, which was cited by some of the motions the defense filed before the case was dismissed. Attorney Stevens closed by stating what a pleasure it had been to represent and defend MSgt Michael Silva. Now that the court-martial case is over, Attorney Stevens expressed his hope that Mike Silva and his family can put this painful chapter of their lives to rest. LAW OFFICES OF RICHARD V. STEVENS, P.C. Phone: (888) 399-0693 Web: http://militaryadvocate.com/ Blog: http://militaryadvocate.blogspot.com/ It was upgraded to be more user-friendly and mobile-friendly, and includes weekly, live interactive broadcasts. The educational website helps new and experienced photographers. Jerry Ghionis, regarded as one of the top five best wedding photographers in the world who has been shooting professionally for over 25 years, recently relaunched a photography training website, Jerry Ghionis Photography Training, after celebrating its tenth anniversary. The goal is to provide photographers all over the world with quality education on an online platform, helping them become better wedding and portrait photographers. Jerrys street smart and easy-to-understand style of teaching has helped countless photographers become more profitable and live with a more balanced lifestyle. There is ten years worth of content on the site, said Ghionis, who was named by Photo District News (PDN) as one of the worlds top photography instructors and is a Grand Master of Wedding & Portrait Photographers International (WPPI) and the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) in Australia. It was upgraded to be more user-friendly and mobile-friendly, and includes weekly, live interactive broadcasts. The educational website helps new and experienced photographers. So many of our members use it as a source of inspiration and education before a shoot and become my virtual assistant to watch an experienced photographer at work. The training site also includes real weddings, portrait sessions, fashion shoots, boudoir sessions, posing tips, lighting techniques, photo walks, gear and techniques, sales, business and marketing sections, critiques, post-production and more. Students watch and learn from real behind-the-scenes wedding, portrait, fashion and boudoir shoots and also engage in a private Facebook group that has been created just for members. This is the absolute best training course on the internet for wedding and portrait photographers and more. Hands down! said JGPT member, John McDonald. Fellow JGPT member, Gale Schoenecke, stated, You have made the greatest impact on my shooting more than anyone else over the past 17 years. Your creativity and encouraging others to grow and see in a different way blows my mind! Jerry Ghionis is one of the first photographers to create an online educational platform. He has also been teaching for 18 years and is a Nikon ambassador. To subscribe to Jerry Ghionis Photography Training, visit https://www.ghionis.com. About Jerry Ghionis Jerry Ghionis is arguably the most awarded wedding and portrait photographer in the world and is celebrated as one of the most influential wedding photographers and educators in the industry. Inventor of the Ice Light, a revolutionary LED continuous light and the Omega Reflector, the worlds first 15-in-1 shoot-through reflector, Jerry and his wife Melissa also created the non-profit charity the Soul Society, which cares for poor, homeless and orphaned children in third world countries, one soul at a time. With the flair of a fashion designer and the ingenuity of an architect, his style can best be described as vintage glamour meets contemporary fashion. For more information, please call (866) 505-3064 in the US, +61 3 8587 7155 in Australia, or visit http://www.ghionis.com. About the NALA The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. The information and content in this article are not in conjunction with the views of the NALA. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361. This is a great, complementary team that is ready to support our military clients with our full-service planning and geospatial capabilities. The Pond-Woolpert Joint Venture (PWJV) was awarded an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract by the U.S. Army Engineering and Support Center, Huntsville, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) for real property planning and programming management support services. This five-year, $100 million contract will provide support for Army installations and Department of Defense (DoD) agencies at locations worldwide. This contract is the only worldwide Corps contract for master planning and programming and will allow the PWJV to support a wide range of DoD planning needs. Were excited to be partnering with an excellent firm like Pond, David Ziegman, Woolperts Military market director, said. Our programming and planning capabilities are complementarywere extremely strong together and can therefore offer clients more as a team. We are looking forward to working together on this contract, said Sam Briuglio, Ponds vice president of Military Planning and Geospatial. We have worked with Woolpert on many projects and have a long-standing relationship with them in the industry. This is a great, complementary team that is ready to support our military clients with our full-service planning and geospatial capabilities. About Pond Pond is a technology-driven full-service architecture, engineering, planning, and construction firm providing design solutions to defense, government, corporate and private sector clients worldwide on projects ranging from transportation, energy, medical, education and infrastructure. With 24 locations CONUS and OCONUS, Pond is one of the fastest growing A&E firms in the country, and a leading provider of Military Master Planning, Programming, Real Property Asset Management, and Geospatial to globally support the DoD and other federal agencies. Pond delivers subject matter expertise in MILCON and SRM programming, planning, design, renovation and adaptive re-use projects through multiple delivery methods, all with an emphasis on cost control, quality and schedule. Our work is fortified by our industry-leading SMEs in GIS, PRISMS, and BIM development. For more information, visit pondco.com. About Woolpert Woolpert is the fastest growing architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) firm in the country, delivering value to clients in all 50 states and around the world by strategically blending engineering excellence with leading-edge technology and geospatial applications. With a dynamic R&D department, Woolpert works with inventive business partners such as Google and Esri; operates a fleet of planes, sensors and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS); and continually pushes industry boundaries by working with advanced water technologies, asset management, building information modeling (BIM) and sustainable design. Woolperts mission is to help its clients progress and become more progressive. For over 100 years and with 25 offices across the U.S., Woolpert serves federal, state and local governments; private and public companies and universities; energy and transportation departments; and the U.S. Armed Forces. For more information, visit woolpert.com. Lindsay Jankowski OpenArc, the leading technology consulting firm specializing in flexible, innovative IT staffing, software development and strategy solutions, today announced the appointment of Lindsay Jankowski to the position of Sr. Account Manager. As part of the OpenArc team, Jankowski will focus on delivering IT staffing services to clients locally and nationally. With over ten years in IT staffing and recruiting, Jankowski specializes in account management, contingent workforce policies, new business development and recruiting strategies to drive both revenue and growth for key accounts. I am honored to join a team that is consistently recognized as one of the top staffing and recruiting firms in all of North America and knowing Im coming into a workplace awarded Best Places to Work in Western Pennsylvania", allows me the opportunity to begin contributing immediately to deliver client solutions that exceed expectations, said Jankowski. Having worked with Lindsay in previous roles, shes been successful at building strong relationships with clients and has the industry expertise to represent her clients brand, culture and values to attract top-talent for building teams," said Bethany Simon, Executive Vice President at OpenArc. Key initiatives for Jankowski in 2018, include expanding OpenArcs vast network of clients, developing tailored solutions for existing clients and delivering exceptional service that is representative of OpenArcs core values. For more information on Ms. Jankowski or to connect with her on LinkedIn visit, https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-jankowski-6740734/ About OpenArc OpenArc is a technology consulting firm providing industry-leading technical talent placement, software development, and technology strategy services to clients nationwide. OpenArc has recently been named one of Inc. 5000's Fastest Growing Companies and awarded 7th Fastest Growing Firm by Consulting Magazine. OpenArc works closely with business clients and talent candidates to understand their strategies and goals for a customized approach to their needs. More information about OpenArc may be found by visiting http://www.openarc.net. Follow on Twitter at @openarcnet. All product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Pepper Gang's Business Development Team Discussing Client Strategies Those who are looking to turn their marketing efforts from a cost center into a profit center will benefit from our strategic consulting services. - Stefanie Daneau Boston-based agency, Pepper Gang, announces new strategic consulting services that are aimed at businesses seeking help with their marketing efforts. Pepper Gang consulting offers tried and true marketing strategies, in depth understanding of one's business and target audience to provide guidance that will get them from point A to point B. Their marketing experts will be offering a wide variety of consulting services including: Social media Digital advertising Digital marketing SEO, off-page and on-page Blogging General training "We've always offered strategic consulting to our current client base, but now we're able to expand those services to new clients as well," said Director of Business Development, Stefanie Daneau. "Those who are looking to turn their marketing efforts from a cost center into a profit center will benefit from our strategic consulting services. At Pepper Gang, we have the years of experience and awareness of new strategy that will get your company back on track." What businesses can expect from these new consulting services: Top line growth Reduced wasted spend Turn marketing efforts into profit For more information about their strategic consulting services and more, please visit the Pepper Gang website: https://www.peppergang.com. About Pepper Gang: Pepper Gang is the Boston-based digital marketing company committed to the growth and success of their clients' business. The company was born out of a desire to tell each brand's story in a way that compels like-minded consumers to align with the brand. Meet the Pepper Gang team and read their story at https://www.peppergang.com. Marcella P. Arthur, VP WW Marketing & Channel Operations We are ready and very dedicated to expanding our migration partner ecosystem, commented Chris Clark, chief executive officer at TDS. With their proven backgrounds, unique migration channel experience and our commitment for growth, these individuals have already impacted our channel momentum. Trusted Data Solutions (TDS), the global leader in legacy data management and transformation, today announced the addition of Marcella P. Arthur as Worldwide Vice President, Marketing & Channel Operations and Richard Marshall as Director of Channels. These two-seasoned channel and migration industry veterans were strategic acquisitions by the company whos looking to expand the companys global channel footprint and cement their migration leadership. Two years ago, TDS acquired Akaibu, a market-leading migration tool, to extend their already superior migration practice. TDS, the first vendor to successfully migrate a customer archive, has continued to expand from their end-to-end migration services, to tools that will enable customers self-migration to and from an unmatched number of sources. We are ready and very dedicated to expanding our migration partner ecosystem, commented Chris Clark, chief executive officer at TDS. With their proven backgrounds, unique migration channel experience and our commitment to marketing for growth, these two individuals have already started to impact our channel momentum. Consecutively named to the Channel Reseller News (CRN) Magazine Women of Channel list, Arthur is known in the industry for her ability to deliver proven and measurable sales-centric marketing strategies that leverage the channel. Arthur will be heading the companys global marketing strategy, channel operations and relationships with key alliances such as Microsoft. Prior to TDS, Arthur held various leadership roles at TransVault, Mimecast, Binary Tree and Microsoft in her two decades as a marketing and channel visionary and strategist. After more than two decades in the archive migration space, this new role with TDS is one of the most thrilling of my career, said Marcella P. Arthur, worldwide vice president, marketing and channel operations. With TDS unmatchable technical depth and expertise in migrating all legacy data types, as well as their commitment to continue to invest beyond their already expansive global footprint, I look forward to cementing marque growth within the email migration space that I am already deeply rooted in, as well as the backup tape and audio recording systems industries which they have always reigned in with their proprietary tools and expertise. Richard Marshall, joins with over 25 years of channel sales management experience that ranges from Silicon Valley startups to international ISVs, is on board to demonstrate his tenure by recruiting a new regime of migration partners in his role as Director of Channel within the Americas. Also, a TransVault alumni, Marshall and Arthur will partner their expertise to build a program that will enable partners looking for the best of breed tool or a completely managed service to migrate their clients to and from any source, archive or platform. I was blown away by TDS portfolio of offerings and how technically advanced the solutions and services are compared to the landscape, Marshall echoed. The massive archive migration ecosystem I helped build over the years will surely benefit from this and the ability to migrate to and from an unfathomable number of sources I have come across and yet could not support in the past. For more information on Trusted Data Solutions, their management team and their services, visit their website at http://www.trusteddata.com. About Trusted Data For more than two decades, Trusted Data (TDS) has led the market in legacy data management. As foremost experts in backup tape restoration, email migration, and voice retrieval, Trusted Data continues to be the preferred choice for eDiscovery companies, corporations, government agencies and legal firms that require a trusted partner for their data transformation initiatives. Trusted Datas leadership is demonstrable in their commitment to expand the needs of their growing customers and partners by regionalizing their services and operations. Headquartered in New York City and two additional international headquarters in United Kingdom and Singapore, Trusted Data maintains one of the most expansive global restoration assurance facility footprint in the market with facilities in New York, New Jersey, California, England, Wales, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore managing total of 1.5 million tapes, over 500 Petabytes of data, across 37 thousand projects. TDS is a wholly owned subsidiary of TDS Global Holdings which is privately held. PeerWell, whose mobile technology helps people prevent, prepare for, and recover from surgery, has announced the launch of an extension of its platform to help patients identify and avoid trip and fall hazards. PeerWells Trip & Fall Hazard Detector uses artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze the video stream from a smartphones camera in real-time, and augmented reality (AR) to alert people of hazards to correct. Trip and falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults, and a primary source of complications and readmissions after surgery. 29 million older adults fall every year. Falls result in $31 billion in annual Medicare costs. Sadly, many of these falls are preventable, but sending trained experts into patients homes is cost prohibitive and logistically challenging for most health systems in the country. PeerWells Trip & Fall Hazard Detector extension allows users to walk around their homes with their smartphone cameras on while the systems real-time artificial intelligence identifies and flags trip and fall hazards. When the Trip & Fall Hazard Detector identifies a hazard, an augmented reality alert will be superimposed over the video display. After the evaluation, photos of the problem areas will be shown to the patient with education on how to fix them. PeerWells AI will assign patients homes a risk score, which can be used by health systems to allocate in-home occupational therapy visits and inform discharge planning. In home patient safety is a key focus area for the healthcare industry, driven by the aging of western populations, continued pressure to reduce hospital length of stay, and the rapid growth of same-day surgery. Falling is a top driver of injuries in older adults, and of special concern after a surgical procedure like a hip or knee replacement," explained Dr. Michael Mont, orthopaedic surgeon. "Right now, we do not have any tools to help patients identify and remove trip and fall hazards in their homes besides costly home visits or confusing brochures. PeerWells interactive AR extension in a sense extends physicians reach to help patients properly set up their home and ensure the safety in recovery." Until now, augmented reality has mostly been used in gaming, said Manish Shah, CEO of PeerWell. Weve combined it with real-time image recognition powered by our AI to bring this life-saving tool to patients. This technology continues to put us years ahead of the industry. Most image recognition systems are trained using publicly available data sets. Here, there is no data set like this, so even the foundational data is proprietary. PeerWell will offer this as a new component of its existing platform, which includes smartphone based range of motion assessment, autonomous care path creation, and the tracking of over 40 data streams per episode of care. PeerWell has collected over 1 million mHealth records to date, enabling its artificial intelligence based system. PeerWells new augmented reality Trip & Fall Hazard Detector, can be viewed here. About PeerWell PeerWell is a healthcare technology company that helps patients prevent, prepare for and recover from surgery. Every year 50+ million people undergo major procedures like joint replacement surgery, spinal fusion, and ACL reconstruction. Using PeerWell, patients are guided through a care path that is powered by data. They prepare mentally, physically and environmentally to succeed through surgery and recover quickly. Learn more about PeerWell's fully automated PreHab to ReHab patient solution at https://www.peerwell.co. OEConnection LLC (OEC), a leading technology employer in Northeast Ohio, sponsored the 15th annual High School Programming Contest on the campus of Baldwin Wallace University on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. OEC was excited to welcome a record number of participating high school teams and students to compete in solving the most computer programming problems in the shortest amount of time. Thirty-four teams totaling 130 students from a record 23 high schools across Northeast Ohio and as far as Columbus, joined in the competition. This years winning team was from University School. Baldwin Wallace students from the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) chapter managed the event, including creating the problems and solutions, updating the scoreboard, managing the judging system and awarding the prize to the winning team. Its rewarding to see students from all around Northeast Ohio share a common interest in computer programming and be able to see their minds at work during this contest, Susan Penko, competition co-organizer and Baldwin Wallace University computer science professor, said. The support we receive from OEC for this event every year is greatly appreciated. OEC recognizes the importance of developing student interest in computer programming. We value the educational partnership we have developed with Baldwin Wallace University, and are fully committed to helping to promote Northeast Ohio as a technology hub. This is an event we look forward to each year, said Amy French, OEC Executive Vice President of Human Resources. Skilled software developers are in high demand and this contest gives students a chance to explore new ideas and learn more about the technology field, which we hope sparks a lifelong interest for them. OEC has been the corporate sponsor of the annual Baldwin Wallace University High School Programming Competition since 2007. About OEC OEConnection (OEC) is the leading automotive technology provider for OEM distribution networks, enabling automakers and dealerships around the world to deliver parts and service information quickly and accurately into the hands of repairers in collision, fleet, mechanical and retail segments, as well as their own service lanes, through a suite of parts cataloging, supply chain, pricing, ecommerce, service and business intelligence solutions. OEC serves nearly 50 international auto brands and fleet companies, and more than 150,000 dealership and repair customers worldwide. OEC is headquartered in the greater Cleveland area at 4205 Highlander Parkway, Richfield, Ohio, USA, 44286. Additional information is available at http://www.oeconnection.com or by emailing Kathy Jambor at Kathy.Jambor@oeconnection.com. It is crucial that we cultivate the next generation of military competent social workers. The Cohen Veterans Network has a deep commitment to education and training as we work to improve the lives of this countrys veterans and military families. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), a national not-for-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the mental health care of veterans, have jointly published the Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Military Social Work for social work programs and educators. This comprehensive curricular guide will help educators prepare social workers to address the specific needs of military service members and their families. The new guide updates CSWEs 2010 Advanced Military Social Work Practice Guidelines, led by CVN President and CEO Anthony Hassan, EdD, LCSW, and supports teaching of skills related to the nine competencies in the 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. It is crucial that we cultivate the next generation of military competent social workers. The Cohen Veterans Network has a deep commitment to education and training as we work to improve the lives of this countrys veterans and military families, said Hassan. Caring for our military and their families requires a community-based approach and expertise based on a set of specialized competencies, said CSWE President and CEO Darla Spence Coffey, PhD, MSW. We are grateful for the work of the taskforce and the generous support of the Cohen Veterans Network. The specialized guide, created with interprofessional collaboration between social work practitioners and educators, will equip the social work community to meet the specific needs of veterans and their families to ensure the highest quality of care, said CSWE VP of Education Jo Ann Regan, PhD, MSW. To develop the guide, CSWE convened an international task force of 60 faculty members and expert practitioners who serve service members, veterans, and their families. Faculty task force members were from social work programs that have military social work concentrations, specializations, tracks, certificate programs, and/or courses in their curricula. Access the Specialized Practice Curricular Guide for Military Social Work here. About the Cohen Veterans Network The Cohen Veterans Network is a 501(c)(3) not for profit philanthropic foundation whose mission is to improve the quality of life for post-9/11 veterans and their families by focusing on improving mental health outcomes. The goal of the Cohen Veterans Network is to build a network of low-to-no cost outpatient mental health clinics for veterans and their families in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. Learn more about the Cohen Veterans Network. ABOUT CSWE Founded in 1952, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States. Its members include more than 750 accredited baccalaureate and masters degree social work programs, as well as individual social work educators, practitioners, and agencies dedicated to advancing quality social work education. Through its many initiatives, activities, and centers, CSWE supports quality social work education and provides opportunities for leadership and professional development, so that social workers play a central role in achieving the professions goals of social and economic justice. CSWEs Commission on Accreditation is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education in the United States and its territories. Learn more at http://www.cswe.org. Record-setting Camaro from Coast Packing/R&E Racing When youre creating the worlds fastest street car, things happen quickly in this case, even more quickly than anticipated, as Coast Packing Companys R&E Racing Team learned to its delight at the 10th Annual NMRA/NMCA All-Star Nationals in Atlanta on April 5-8. Predicted to be a front-runner, the new, built-from-the-pavement-up screamer, driven by Coast Packing CEO Eric R. Goose Gustafson, did the forecasts one better, making the new Camaro the quickest Pro Charger-equipped car in 1/8th mile drag racing. Gustafson recorded a 3.755@200 mph at the Atlanta Dragway in Commerce, Georgia. In the VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod class, 22 cars sought to qualify for the 16 available spots. Pacesetter Jason Hamstra went out in the semifinals to Gustafson, who met Craig Sullivan in the final round the first time both drivers had been to an NMCA Pro Mod final. Sullivans .020-second reaction time wasnt enough to top Gustafson, who snagged the win, 3.77 to 3.85. Gustafson world-class drag racer and multi-time NMCA VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw and NMCA West ProCharger Street Outlaw champion -- and crew chief Cameron Hensley returned to action for the first time since 2016. The Camaro made its debut in March at the Muscle Car Mayhem season-opening event in Bradenton, Florida. Everything happened so much quicker than anticipated, Hensley said. We didnt expect anything like this on just our second race out. This is all due to our incredible team and our years of knowledge, all coming together in one amazing project. Nobody had ever run 3.70s or 200 mph with a centrifugal supercharged door-slammer Pro Mod car, so we were the first to do that, Gustafson told NMCA Digital. I still cant believe its true. Things were working properly and the car was responding to changes we were making by going quicker and faster. The Gary Naughton Race Cars-built chassis is topped with a carbon fiber 1969 Camaro body made by Cynergy Composites and painted and airbrushed by Larry Jeffers Race Cars. Tuned by Jason Lee and Patrick Barnhill of PTP Racing of Worthington, OH, the 526ci Brad Anderson Enterprises Hemi and ProCharger F-3R-136 sit under the one-piece front end. The car is equipped with a Libertys transmission and rolls on a Mark Williams Enterprises rear-end, Strange Engineering suspension components, struts and shocks by Precision Racing Suspension and Hoosier tires, and 2017 NMCA VP Racing Fuels Xtreme Pro Mod champion Steve Summers handled the wiring and finishing touches. John Urgo drives the teams rig to the races; additional support comes from Coast Packing Co., Gustafsons father, Ron, and ProCharger. Next up for the Chevy is the 17th Annual NMCA Quick Fuel Technology Bluegrass Nationals, May 17-20 at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Meanwhile, Coast/R&E Racings 1989 Mustang will continue to traverse the circuit, in races organized by the NHRA, NMCA and NMRA. Gustfason and Hensley are expected to split driving duties in select NMCA or NMRA VP Racing Fuels Street Outlaw events. The Mustang is currently receiving chassis upgrades at Lyons Custom Motorsports, and is now powered by a Pettis Performance-built small-block Ford fronted alternately by a ProCharger supercharger or a Precision turbo. Doffing his crew chief hat, Hensley who, away from the track, is Coast Packings Plant Engineer -- is spending this week at the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) Future Leaders Meat Industry Summit in San Antonio, networking and taking in education sessions and committee meetings. The honor is the second for Hensley this year. In February, he was named to the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) Sixth Annual Young Leaders 30 under 30, Program, designed to engage the next generation of professionals in the foodservice industry. IPPE is sponsored by the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA), the North American Meat Institute (NAMI) and the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association (USPOULTRY). Hensley, 28, of Hermosa Beach, is the first Coast Packing employee so honored. About Coast Packing Company Now marking its 96th year in business, Coast Packing Company (http://www.coastpacking.com), a closely held corporation, is the number one supplier of animal fat shortenings particularly lard and beef tallow -- in the Western United States. The company sells to major manufacturers, distributors, retailers, smaller food service operations and leading bakeries. The company participates actively in diverse ethnic markets from Hispanic retail chains, with its VIVA brand, to various Asian specialty markets. Based in Vernon, Calif., Coast Packing Company is regional, national and, increasingly, global. In some cases, supplier relationships are multigenerational, extending back 50 years and more. Coast is a founding member of the Healthy Fats Coalition (http://www.healthyfatscoalition.org/). For more information about Coast Packing Company, visit: http://www.coastpacking.com. Follow us via social media on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/coastpackingco, Twitter @coastpackingco and Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/coastpackingco. PKF OConnor Davies, LLP, the nation's 29th largest accounting and advisory firm, announced today that it has once again been named to the Vault Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America, for the fourth consecutive year. This year, PKF OConnor Davies rose in the rankings to 19th overall. This year and over the last several years, the Vault rankings have been a rewarding validation of our ongoing commitment to our employees and our clients, said Kevin J. Keane, Managing Partner of PKF OConnor Davies. The fact that weve experienced tremendous growth while strengthening our workplace and culture is something that makes me proud every day. As more employees seek out and join the Firm for its recognized workplace culture, PKF OConnor Davies has ranked higher and higher in the Vault rankings since it first made the list four years ago. For the 2019 Vault Accounting 50, it received improved rankings in 16 out of 18 quality of life categories and in all diversity categories. The Firm ranked in the top five among accounting firms nationwide in four categories relationships with supervisors, client interaction, work/life balance and promotion policies. The Vault Accounting 50 is compiled from surveys using a weighted formula based on the issues accounting professionals care about most in an employer, including prestige, firm culture, satisfaction, compensation, work/life balance, business outlook and formal and informal training. PKF OConnor Davies has nine offices in four states and continues to expand with mergers and acquisitions in the Northeast and Washington, D.C. region. It is dedicated to promoting from within and helping employees at all levels develop their skills and grow their careers. About PKF OConnor Davies, LLP PKF OConnor Davies, LLP is a full service certified public accounting and advisory firm with a long history of serving clients both domestically and internationally. With roots tracing to 1891, nine offices in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Maryland, and more than 700 professionals, led by over 100 partners, the Firm provides a complete range of accounting, auditing, tax and management advisory services. PKF OConnor Davies is ranked number 29 in Accounting Todays 2018 Top 100 Firms list and the Firm is also recognized as a Leader in Audit and Accounting, a Pacesetter in Growth and one of the Top Firms in the Mid-Atlantic. PKF OConnor Davies is ranked number 28 in INSIDE Public Accountings 2017 Top 100 Firms list and recognized as one of the Top Ten Fastest-Growing Firms." In 2018, PKF O'Connor Davies was named one of Vault's Accounting 50, a ranking of the 50 best accounting employers to work for in North America, and ranked among the top 50 most prestigious accounting firms in America in a complementary Vault survey. The Firm is the 11th largest accounting firm in the New York Metropolitan area, according to Crains New York Business, and the 11th top accounting firm in New Jersey according to NJBizs 2017 rankings. By consistently delivering proactive, thorough and efficient service, PKF O'Connor Davies has built long-lasting, valuable relationships with its clients. Partners are intimately involved in the day-to-day management of engagements, ensuring a high degree of client service and cost effectiveness. The Firms seasoned professional staff members employ a team approach to all engagements to provide clients with the utmost quality and timely services aimed at helping them succeed. Continuity of staffing and attention to detail in all client engagements make the Firm stand out among its competitors. PKF OConnor Davies is the lead North American representative of the international association of PKF member firms. PKF International is a network of legally independent member firms providing accounting and business advisory services in over 400 locations in 150 countries around the world. With its tradition, experience and focus on the future, PKF OConnor Davies is ready to help clients meet todays ever-changing economic conditions and manage the growing complexities of the regulatory environment. For more information, visit http://www.PKFOD.com. Not only do we strive to offer our affiliate partners the best payment terms, we also want them to feel at ease doing business with us. We know this integration will smooth out the billing process while ensuring our affiliates cash flow -ReviMedia CEO, Frans van Hulle ReviMedia, a global partner network, has selected Payoneer, a leading online payments company, to transform the way they send cross-border payments to their affiliates around the world. This partnership will allow ReviMedia to send payments to over 200 countries and territories and distribute funds in over 150 currencies through Payoneer's robust and flexible payment platform. ReviMedia works with a network of global affiliates. Through Payoneer, ReviMedia will be able to deliver fast and flexible payment options worldwide to their network. "Not only do we strive to offer our affiliate partners the best payment terms, we also want them to feel at ease doing business with us. We know this integration will smooth out the billing process while ensuring our affiliates' cash flow, said ReviMedia CEO, Frans van Hulle. ReviMedia joins Payoneer's vast ecosystem of over 4 million users and thousands of corporate clients, including industry giants like Airbnb, Amazon, Getty Images, Google and Upwork. Through Payoneer's innovative payments platform, ReviMedia will now be able to deliver fast, low-cost, flexible payment options to its affiliates around the world. Payoneer users will now have the ability to get paid in real-time from ReviMedia and access the funds in their local currency. "We are happy to announce that ReviMedia is joining our roster of valued clients and to expand the Payoneer network for our users," stated Yair Tal, Head of Payoneer Enterprise. "Our mission is to empower businesses to grow globally by providing them with a wide range of cross-border payment solutions. We look forward to working with ReviMedia to open up new international opportunities for their business." About ReviMedia ReviMedia is a performance based media company empowering affiliate marketers and advertisers to meet their growth driven goals. ReviMedia provides media partners and direct response advertisers with a variety of opportunities, including owned and operated offers in mortgage, home services, and insurance along with partner offers across a wide range of verticals. The company is a leader in native, social, and display advertising, search and email marketing with powerful analytics, and optimization technology. ReviMedia was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in New York. iData Research The reimbursement cuts will price DCBs above a justifiable range for some hospitals, limiting access to DCB technology" According to a new series of reports by iData Research, the total U.S. market for peripheral vascular devices was valued at approximately $5.9 billion in 2017. Of the many segments that contribute to this market value, the drug-coated balloon (DCB) market is forecasted to be one of the fastest growing. Drug-coated balloons have emerged as a promising technology for treating peripheral arterial disease. Since launching in late 2014, the superficial femoral artery (SFA) DCB market has increased rapidly in market value. In 2017, over 95% of DCBs sold in the U.S. were used in the SFA, with the remainder being used in arteriovenous (AV) access procedures. However, the market is expected to contract in 2018, following the expiration of the transitional pass-through payment (TPT) on December 31st 2017. As of January 1st 2018, the cost of DCBs has been packaged into payments for associated procedures. As a result, plain-old balloon angioplasty (POBA) and DCB procedures are reimbursed at the same rate. The reimbursement cuts will price DCBs above a justifiable range for some hospitals, limiting access to DCB technology and causing unit sales to decline, explains Kamran Zamanian, PhD, CEO at iData Research. The reduction in reimbursement is also expected to accelerate price erosion in the DCB market. However, annual market declines are anticipated to remain in the low-single digits for the foreseeable future. Learn More About This 2018 Peripheral Vascular Market Analysis from iData Research To combat the decline, DCB manufacturers are looking beyond the SFA market to uncover additional growth by developing technologies to address new indications, namely AV access and below-the-knee (BTK). C. R. Bard is leading the race to obtain approval for and launch a BTK DCB. However, the company is not expected to bring its device to market until 2019. The launch of a BTK DCB in 2019 will provide additional fodder for the total DCB market, contributing to an uptick in unit sales growth. As of January 2018, Medtronic, C. R. Bard and Philips are the only companies with FDA-approved DCBs. C. R. Bard launched their first DCB product in late 2014, one quarter before Medtronic entered the U.S. market. This early launch date has historically given C. R. Bard the lead in terms of the number of accounts held. However, Medtronic has gained account share since launching and has now pulled even with C. R. Bard. Many other companies are in the process of bringing a DCB to market, including Boston Scientific, QT Vascular and Surmodics. For Further Market Information More can be found in a series of reports published by iData Research entitled the U.S. Market Report Suite for Peripheral Vascular Devices and Accessories 2018. The U.S. market for peripheral vascular devices includes peripheral vascular stents, PTA balloon catheters, drug-coated balloons, atherectomy devices, CTO devices, embolic protection devices, peripheral thrombus management, carotid shunts, stent grafts, surgical grafts, diagnostic and interventional catheters and guidewires, introducer sheaths, inferior vena cava filters, AV access thrombectomy devices, vascular closure devices, transcathether embolization devices and peripheral IVUS catheters. iDatas suite of reports on this subject covers the United States and 15 countries in Europe. These include a comprehensive analysis on units sold, market values, average selling prices, procedure volumes, forecasts, as well as detailed competitive market shares and analysis of all major players. Email us at info(at)idataresearch(dot)net or register online for a U.S. Market Report Suite for Peripheral Vascular Devices 2018 brochure and synopsis. About iData Research iData Research (http://www.idataresearch.com) is an international consulting and market research firm, dedicated to providing the best in business intelligence for the medical device industry. Our research empowers our clients by providing them with the necessary tools to achieve their goals and do it right the first time. There is no better time to purchase a Cat Utility Compactor, says Ross Farmer, Sales Manager. Hawthorne Cat, the exclusive Cat equipment dealer in San Diego, the Hawaiian Islands, and the Pacific Region, has made it easier than ever to purchase a new Cat Utility Compactor. Purchase a qualifying new Cat Utility Compactor from now until June 30, 2018 and receive 1.9% financing for 36 months, plus a 3-year/3,000 hour Powertrain and Hydraulic Equipment Protection Plan (EPP). Cat compactors offer a wide range of drum widths that let you precisely match the machine to the job requirements. Choose from popular Cat compactors like the CB1.7, CB24B, and CB34B and get the coverage and protection you need built for the way you do business. For a complete list of eligible models, visit http://www.hawthornecat.com/cat-utility-compactors-finance-offer. There is no better time to purchase a Cat Utility Compactor, says Ross Farmer, Sales Manager. Protect your business with the coverage you need and give yourself some peace of mind. Contact your Hawthorne Sales Representative at 800.437.4228 for complete offer details. Joshua Creek Ranch Top Guides and Management Team Accepts the Award! A lot of people in this industry are blessed because our customers come with a smile on their face and they usually leave with a bigger smile. And, the friends that weve made over these last 29 years have been wonderful. -- Joe Kercheville, Joshua Creek Ranch Chairman & Cofounder Joshua Creek Ranch (Boerne, TX) was officially named the 2018 Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year this past weekend at the 32nd Annual Orvis Guide Rendezvous in Asheville, North Carolina. Joshua Creek Ranch has been a pioneer in the wingshooting lodge business for nearly 30 years. Since becoming a part of the prestigious Orvis Endorsed Program just four years ago, the award-winning lodge has already been named a finalist for the esteemed Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year designation for three consecutive years 2016, 2017 and now 2018 where the Texas Hill Country Lodge won top honors. For more than three decades, the Orvis Guide Rendezvous has provided a forum for the best-of-the best in the wingshooting and fly-fishing industries to collaborate, learn, network and socialize with their peers. Its also an opportunity for Orvis to recognize lodges, guides, outfitters and dog breeders who are literally the best in the world based on customer feedback among other established criteria. The customer review that was read in the announcement of Joshua Creek Ranchs win exclaimed, My brother-in-law and I chose Joshua Creek Ranch and arrived with very high expectations. As we approached and drove alongside rows of trees and well-maintained fields, we felt all of our stress from busy lives leave us. The ranch is very organized and rustically designed. The service is warm and personable and yet professional. The guides are friendly and unmistakably very knowledgeable. After a long day of enjoying hunting, we came home to the Stone House with the fireplace aglow! JCR deserves its multiple Orvis highest endorsements! Highly recommend! We're coming back with our families! In addition to the Ranch accolades, for the past two years, a hunting guide from JCR has also been nominated for Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Guide of the Year. In 2017, JCR guide, Eric Harrison, won the top honor and Joseph Zinsmeyer was recently a finalist for the award in 2018. The professional guide and dog program at JCR are instrumental to the Ranchs long-time wingshooting success. Upon receiving this years award for Orvis Endorsed Wingshooting Lodge of the Year, Joshua Creek Ranch Chairman and Cofounder, Joe Kercheville, recognized their team effort and praised their affiliation with Orvis. He went on to say, a lot of people in this industry are blessed because our customers come with a smile on their face and they usually leave with a bigger smile. And, the friends that weve made over these last 29 years have been wonderful. Joshua Creek Ranch is open year-round to the public by reservation only and also features corporate, family and sporting & social membership opportunities. Wingshooting is the primary focus from September 1st through May 1st each year. Resort amenities and outdoor sporting recreation are the main attraction during summer months. ABOUT JOSHUA CREEK RANCH: Joshua Creek Ranch, located in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, is nestled on an isolated stretch of the pristine Guadalupe River and Joshua Creek just 45 minutes northwest of San Antonio. The Ranch's diverse terrain is a perfect habitat for the best Upland Bird hunting in Texas, as well as decoyed Mallard Duck hunting and Dove hunting excursions in season. Sporting enthusiasts also enjoy shooting on two scenic sporting clays courses and fly-fishing for Rainbow Trout. There's trophy Axis Deer hunting year-round and Whitetail Deer and Turkey hunting in season. With luxury lodging, gourmet dining and premier conference & event facilities, this sportsmans paradise is a one-of-a-kind destination resort that is ideal for corporate events, family getaways, special occasions and milestone celebrations. Joshua Creek Ranch is the only lodge in Texas that is both Endorsed by Orvis and recognized by Beretta for Excellence in Wingshooting. Link to Orvis Nomination Press Release: https://news.orvis.com/fly-fishing/congrats-to-the-nominees-for-the-2018-orvis-endorsed-awards Link to Orvis Profile for Joshua Creek Ranch: http://www.orvis.com/p/joshua-creek-ranch-tx/2a7m "Artificial General Intelligence is the only human invention that cannot be designed to solve a specific problem it has to be raised." Mounir Shita, Founder & CEO, Kimera Kimera today announced its webinar to explain its single-algorithm Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) technology the technology that will fundamentally change what it means to live on Planet Earth. Kimera will host a webinar on May 3 where the company will share the science and implementation of its AGI. Kimera is the worlds first company to develop a working model of AGI. Register for Kimera's Technical Deep Dive Webinar: http://www.kimera.ai/webinars Scientific Approach Backed by Rochester Institute of Technology: Kimera will be sharing its AGI infrastructure with Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) this fall. RIT is the first university to integrate AGI into their teaching and research. RIT supports Kimeras quantum mechanics based approach to AGI and reached out to the company. The technology will be integrated into instruction that is aligned with the well-being of humanity. VIDEO Kimera Visit to Rochester Institute of Technology: Watch Video AI Industry Perspective on Artificial General Intelligence: Dr. Pedro Domingos, Professor in Computer Science & Engineering at University of Washington comments on the invention of a master algorithm, or single-algorithm AGI Inventing it would be one of the greatest advances in the history of science. It would speed up the progress of knowledge across the board, and change the world in ways that we can barely begin to imagine. Kimera AGI Fundamentals: In 2005, Mounir Shita, Kimera founder and CEO began researching one fundamental question which lacked a sufficient scientific answer: What is intelligence? Instead of pursuing neuroscience based approaches to AI, Kimera discovered that generalized intelligence could best be modeled in software using principles from quantum mechanics. Kimera developed its General Theory of Intelligence defining intelligence and modeling it in a computer algorithm. The AGI learns to understand users and their world with ever increasing accuracy. Through using its space-time expansion algorithm, anything the technology learns can be applied wherever it has value, for any user regardless of domain. About Kimera Incorporated in 2012, Kimera Systems, Inc. is the developer of the worlds first artificial general intelligence (AGI) technology that enables connected devices to proactively assist people in their everyday lives while bettering humanity in the process. As the technology learns, it becomes aware of users goals and understands the context of their activities with every increasing accuracy. Anything the technology learns can be applied where it has value, to any user in any situation. Through eventually understanding the collective goals of society, the company envisions the technology to assist in solving some of humanitys most pressing problems, from eliminating global poverty to finding a cure for cancer. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and will launch an Initial Coin Offering (ICO) this summer. For more information visit Kimera.ai Media Contact: Adam Peer pr(at)kimera.ai +1 503.504.5919 For company updates, follow Kimera on social media: YouTube: KimeraSystemsChannel Telegram: t.me/KimeraAGI LinkedIn: Kimera Systems Facebook: KimeraSystems Twitter: @KimeraSystems Throughout Beatriz Villanueva Rudecindos life and in her present occupation, people have requested her advice and counsel. She has seen their suffering and would like to help them discover true happiness the way she discovered it on her journey to find her true self. She feels the best way to do this was to write The Tears of the Caterpillars: Las Lagrimas de las Orugas (published by Balboa Press). The book shares the stories of two children and their families as they meet and influence each other in their journeys to realize their destinies. Hector and Laura, who came from two social environments, are victims of bullying in different ways. After the paths of these two disheartened children intertwine, both must decide whether to let their circumstances rule over them or rise above their challenges to overcome issues in their childhood. As you read their stories, you will learn how to get rid of the negative thoughts others may have inadvertently or purposely planted within your mind. You will also learn how to break free of the captivity imposed upon you through the words and actions of others. You will come to realize that the world is a mirror of your feelings, thoughts, desires, and interpretations, Rudecindo says. Every situation, relationship, and event is the mirror of something you have on the inside of you. You will come to see the connection between your inside and outside worlds and learn how to function as a victor instead of a victim, an overcomer instead of living in oppression, blessed instead of unfortunate, and powerful instead of powerless! Though this book reads like a novel, it is based on a true storymy story. My prayer is that as readers follow the characters in this book, they will relate to one of them and learn from their journey the true path to happiness in spite of the circumstances in the world around them, Rudecindo adds. The Tears of the Caterpillars: Las Lagrimas de las Orugas By Beatriz Villanueva Rudecindo Hardcover | 6 x 9in | 186 pages | ISBN 9781504380669 Softcover | 6 x 9in | 186 pages | ISBN 9781504380652 E-Book | 186 pages | ISBN 9781504380799 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Beatriz Villanueva Rudecindo was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. She studied philosophy and literature in La Universidad Autonoma de Santo Domingo, and earned a masters degree in education from City College in New York City. She has two daughters, two grandchildren and resides in Suffern. Balboa Press, a division of Hay House, Inc. a leading provider in publishing products that specialize in self-help and the mind, body, and spirit genres. Through an alliance with indie book publishing leader Author Solutions, LLC, authors benefit from the leadership of Hay House Publishing and the speed-to-market advantages of the self-publishing model. For more information, visit balboapress.com. To start publishing your book with Balboa Press, call 877-407-4847 today. For the latest, follow @balboapress on Twitter. "Giftbasket.com prides itself on outstanding quality and customer service. Our gifting experts are the best in the industry. Our team goes above and beyond the clients expectations to ensure we provide each recipient with an amazing gifting experience that will last a lifetime." GIFTBASKET.COM, the premiere online retailer, has now launched a brand new website just in time for Mothers Day. With more than 1,700 gift baskets available for all occasions or events, GIFTBASKET.COM has increased its service offerings and customization; providing the ultimate experience for your business or personal needs. GIFTBASKET.COM which produces upwards of 35,000 baskets annually is also under new leadership. Adam Miller, the former SVP of North American Operations for Dean and Deluca and the Fresh Foods Division at Fairway Market, is now the new Chief Operating Officer based in Stony Point, New York. Miller says that while there are many choices in this space, there are unique advantages to GIFTBASKET.COM that will help the consumer cut through the clutter. GIFTBASKET.COM prides itself on outstanding quality & customer service. Our gifting experts are the best in the industry. Our team goes above and beyond the clients expectations to ensure we provide each recipient with an amazing gifting experience that will last a lifetime. We aim to be the one-stop-shop for all gifting needs, whether personal or for business. The mission of GIFTBASKET.COM, as detailed on the new website, is to provide something for everyone; including but not limited to gourmet food and chocolate baskets, newborn baby baskets, and spa-related baskets. But, in addition, now GIFTBASKET.COM will provide its own gift basket concierge service; helping create the ultimate experience for the recipient by allowing custom gifts at all price points. The internet has provided consumers with full customization in every sense. From millennials to baby boomers, GIFTBASKET.COMs concierge service will provide the perfect gift chosen by the consumer wrapped in a beautiful basket of your choosing. Whether its dinner and a show, a trip to a spa, or any other idea that comes to mind, Giftbasket.coms concierge service is ready and waiting to provide the ultimate gift. Giftbasket concierge seemed like a logical extension of our platform given the tremendous popularity of our build your own basket which allows consumers to make their own giftbasket on our website said Miller. GIFTBASKET.COM has also acquired a portfolio of websites including FRUITGIFTBASKET.COM, WINEGIFTBASKET.COM and BABYGIFTBASKET.COM. By adding these and others to the suite of names, GIFTBASKET.COM has branded itself as the premiere gift basket company; catering to any/all life experience. New offerings, new website, new leadership. Check out GIFTBASKET.com Follow on Social Media: Twitter @giftbasketusa Facebook: giftbasketonline Instagram: giftbasketusa About Us: Based in Stony Point, NY, Giftbasket.com, a multi-million dollar business, has been providing superior quality gift baskets since it was founded by its former owner in 2013. With over 1,700 pre-selected baskets, as well as our internet based option to build your own basket, Giftbasket.com can provide the perfect gift option to anyone. The company was sold in late 2017 to an owner operator group dedicated to making Giftbasket.com the gold standard in the gifting industry. With over 15,000 square feet of space and a dedicated staff, most of whom have been here since the companys creation, Giftbasket.com assembles all baskets on site. This ensures that all items remain fresh and are carefully packed to make a beautiful impression when delivered. With shipping capability across the United States and around the world, GIftbasket.com can accommodate individual or corporate needs. At Giftbasket.com, our mission is to provide SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE. An experiment to demonstrate cooling technology developed at WPI has spent more than a year aboard the International Space Station This is the first time ever for this type of cooling pump technology in space, and the outcome has been very positive. This positions us well for the next phase of the work.Jamal Yagoobi An innovative new method to cool spacecraft on long missions, technology that may one day play a crucial role in NASAs quest to send astronauts to Mars and other deep-space destinations, has proven successful in a long-term experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The research is paving the way for an orbital test of a more complex version of the cooling system in 2021. Developed by a team of mechanical engineers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), the system uses electrically charged fluids to absorb and carry heat away from electronics and other heat-generating equipment. With no moving parts, the technologys simplicity and reliability make it an attractive option for long-duration space missions that will take astronauts far from the security of their home planet. Were greatly encouraged that our work has been deemed a success said Jamal Yagoobi, professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at WPI and principal investigator for the research, which has been supported by NASA for more than a decade. This is the first time ever for this type of cooling pump technology in space, and the outcome has been very positive. This positions us well for the next phase of the work. Yagoobis cooling system is based on electrohydrodynamics (EHD). It uses electrically charged fluids that continuously circulate through tiny tubes in the cooling system, absorbing and carrying heat away from its source. The system creates no noise or vibrations and requires minimal electric power to operate, unlike current mechanical cooling systems. Yagoobi said a primary goal of the current experiment, called Electrohydrodynamically Driven Liquid Flow in Parallel Micro-Tubes, was to make sure the system can function well in zero gravity conditions over a long duration. The experiment, launched aboard the SpaceX Dragon SpX-10 commercial resupply craft in February 2017, will continue to operate on the ISS until August 2018. Meanwhile, Yagoobi and his team are working on another, far more complex experiment that is scheduled to launch to the orbiting station in 2021. Called Electohydrodynamically Driven Liquid Film Flow Boiling, the new system uses a two-phase, non-mechanical EHD pumping system with a condenser section and a boiling section. In this more-advanced system, the condensed liquid film is electrohydrodynamically pumped toward the heat source, where it boils. The bubbles generated during the boiling are extracted by another EHD mechanism in the absence of gravity, carrying heat away from the heat source. The liquid is then condensed and pumped back to the heat source. Research on spacecraft cooling technology is critical for the future of space exploration, since the combination of solar radiation and heat produced by high-powered electronic devices and humans living and working within the spacecraft can lead to rising temperatures that, if unchecked, will harm astronauts and damage or even destroy electronics. As spacecraft begin to travel further from Earth, fool-proof and efficient cooling technology, like the systems produced in Yagoobis lab, will become increasingly important. When youre in space, you cant open the window and let the cold air come in and cool you off, said Yagoobi. As we move forward, a lot of electronics will be jammed into a very small area in a spacecraft or in a satellite. Were going to use a lot more advanced electronics and produce a lot more heat. Thats why we need to develop this technology. Whether its for travel to Mars or any other mission outside Earth, you have to have cooling devices that are very effective, durable, and non-mechanical, and which require minimal power to function. Yagoobis second ISS experiment is expected to run from 2021 to 2022. Because of its complexity, Yagoobi and other scientists will need to be available 24/7 to answer any questions the astronauts might have about the experiment. This is going to be highly complex, he explained. Results will be downloading every five seconds. If theres a correction needed, we have to provide it right away. We want to make sure this is successful. Yagoobi and Jeffrey Didion, a senior thermal engineer at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, are co-principal investigators on both projects. The two researchers have worked together since the mid-1990s. They also are working in conjunction with NASAs Glenn Research Center and Zin Technologies Inc., which is partially fabricating the setup of the 2021 experiment. The cost for the entire 2021 experiment is expected to be about $10 million. In addition to its potential use as a cooling system for the next generation space stations, the technology is expected to be used in satellites and future long-distance spacecraft. The technology also has applications on Earth, in industrial cooling and heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. Yagoobi has received funding from NASA every year for the past 26 years to support his research on electrohydrodynamic cooling systems. He flew aboard zero-gravity airplane flights in 2012 and 2013 to test prototypes of the cooling system and is scheduled for another flight in late 2018. These flights are essential for developing new technologies for space applications. Beyond developing successful technologies for use in space travel, the research is fulfilling one of Yagoobis childhood dreams. When I was a little kid, I always wanted to be an astronaut, he said, but I knew that was not going to happen. So I said to myself, I have to do space-related work. And thats what I did. About Worcester Polytechnic Institute Founded in 1865 in Worcester, Mass., WPI is one of the nations first engineering and technology universities. Its 14 academic departments offer more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, engineering, technology, business, the social sciences, and the humanities and arts, leading to bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. WPI's talented faculty work with students on interdisciplinary research that seeks solutions to important and socially relevant problems in fields as diverse as the life sciences and bioengineering, energy, information security, materials processing, and robotics. Students also have the opportunity to make a difference to communities and organizations around the world through the university's innovative Global Projects Program. There are more than 40 WPI project centers throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Contact: Andy Baron, Associate Director of Public Relations Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts 508-831-5916, ajbaron@wpi.edu We are excited to partner with OSIsoft to provide their customers with cutting-edge machine learning technology that allows them to harness the power of PI System data to transform their business operations. Toumetis Inc., a leading provider of machine learning solutions for the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), today announced a Technology partnership with OSIsoft LLC, the company behind the popular PI System and a leader in operational intelligence, to provide advanced machine learning and cognitive computing solutions that deliver actionable intelligence to improve operational and equipment performance for industrial organizations. The partnership enables organizations that use the OSIsoft PI System to capitalize on the benefits of AI through Toumetis advanced machine learning platform which identifies patterns from connected IoT data to predict asset maintenance and process anomalies. The use of advanced machine learning and cognitive computing technologies on operational data can dramatically improve margins and reduce operating costs by providing equipment and operational insight in complex production processes, said Mark Willnerd, founder and CEO for Toumetis. We are excited to partner with OSIsoft to provide their customers with cutting-edge machine learning technology that allows them to harness the power of PI System data to transform their business operations. Toumetis Cascadence suite of products bridges the gap between traditional operational technologies and big data to deliver actionable intelligence that improves efficiency, quality and throughput. With Toumetis machine learning solutions, PI System customers can: Rapidly transform massive IIoT data into profitable business outcomes Reduce the complexity of managing industrial assets and operations Accelerate the delivery of tangible performance improvement Toumetis has also partnered with PA Consulting Group, a leading global management and technology consultancy based in London, UK to facilitate the delivery of its advanced machine learning solutions for PI System customers around the world, with initial focus on the oil and gas industry. Both companies are currently working with a large upstream oil and gas producer to deploy Cascadence to enable predictive maintenance and production optimization of a high-cost, high-consequence asset expected to result in significant financial benefits. The Toumetis solutions increase the value of PI System implementations with machine learning technology. The disruptive use of machine learning on production and operations data streams results in valuable insights our industrial clients can utilize to dramatically improve operation and financial performance metrics, said Bill McAleb, Head of Oil & Gas for PA Consulting Group. With the Cascadence suite of products, PA Consulting is able to deliver significant financial improvements for our oil and gas clients which aligns with our goal of achieving exceptional results that have accretive, lasting impacts on business performance. PA Consulting Group is a firm of more than 2,600 technologists, innovators, strategists, leaders and developers, specializing in management and IT consulting, technology and innovation. PA operates globally from offices across Europe and the Nordics, the United States, Mexico, and the Gulf. Many industrial organizations dont have the in-house data science expertise required to distill predictive insights from PI System data, said Brian Bostwick, Data Science Industry Principle at OSIsoft. Toumetis innovative machine learning solutions give our customers the ability to gain intelligence about their industrial assets and operations to reduce operating costs and improve bottom line financial performance. Toumetis will be exhibiting at the upcoming OSIsoft PI World User Conference in San Francisco, CA and presenting a session titled Using OSIsoft Cloud Service to Fuel Cognitive Computing and Machine Learning on Thursday, April 26. About Toumetis Toumetis is a leading provider of advanced machine learning solutions for a smarter Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Combined with our predictive analytics capabilities, the flexible Cascadence platform helps Fortune-1000 companies improve efficiency, quality and throughput by distributing highly efficient algorithms that enable asset performance data to be intelligently cascaded to stakeholders in secure, permission-based views. Working across North America and Europe, our team of industry-leading data scientists and developers bring more than 50 years of experience in predictive analytics and machine learning to take your IoT solution from concept to completion in weeks or months, not years. Learn more at http://www.toumetis.com. About OSIsoft, LLC. OSIsoft is dedicated to helping people transform their world through data. The PI System captures data from sensors, manufacturing equipment and other devices and turns it into rich, real-time to improve productivity, make critical decisions or develop new products. Over 1,000 leading utilities, 95 percent of the largest oil and gas companies and more than 65 percent of the Fortune 500 industrial companies rely on the PI System to get the most out of their businesses. Worldwide, the PI System manages over 1.6 billion data streams. To learn more, please visit http://www.osisoft.com. About PA Consulting Group We Make the Difference. An independent firm of over 2,600 people, we operate globally from offices across the Americas, Europe, the Nordics, the Gulf and Asia Pacific. We are experts in consumer and manufacturing, defense and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government, healthcare, life sciences, and transport, travel and logistics. Our deep industry knowledge together with skills in management consulting, technology and innovation allows us to challenge conventional thinking and deliver exceptional results that have a lasting impact on businesses, governments and communities worldwide. Our clients choose us because we dont just believe in making a difference. We believe in making the difference. http://www.paconsulting.com. In the last couple of years, more robust action by several private sector actors suggests that the market is waking up to the potential benefits of consumer price transparency and incentive programs. A Pioneer Institute study finds some significant improvements in the online cost estimator tools created by Massachusetts three largest health insurers, but there is much still to be done for the carriers to maximize the opportunity price transparency represents. Online cost estimator tools give consumers/plan members online information about a range of information for outpatient and many inpatient procedures. These tools display the amount that has to be paid by consumers to any particular provider, how much the plan pays the provider, and information about provider quality. Consumers can compare several providers at the same time. Price transparency can help initiate reforms that reduce healthcare costs and allow market forces to drive patients to lower-cost, higher-value providers, said Barbara Anthony, primary author of MA Health Insurers Have Improved Their Consumer Price Transparency Efforts, But Significant Work Remains. A 2012 state law required health insurers to develop online cost estimator tools by October 2014. In 2015, the advocacy group Health Care for All (HCFA) assessed the tools developed by Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), and Tufts Health Plan, which together controlled nearly four-fifths of the state health insurance market. HCFA gave each a grade of C. The same law also requires hospitals and doctors to provide consumers with prices of services upon request. Previous Pioneer studies showed very poor compliance by Massachusetts providers with the Commonwealths transparency law. As a follow up to the HCFA study, in late 2017, Pioneer assessed the same carriers performance and found their tools more user friendly. They cover between 700 and 1600 procedures, a vast improvement over the initial numbers of procedures available in 2015. Importantly, Pioneer found that all three carriers are embracing incentive/reward programs to attract workers at entities with 250 or more employees to lower-cost, high-value providers. Pioneers study was done with the full cooperation of the carriers. Under incentive/rewards programs, employees are rewarded by either small or no co-payments or cash rewards from $25 to several hundreds of dollars for choosing lower-cost, high-value providers such as outpatient surgical centers rather than a hospital outpatient clinic. HPHC has developed a program called SaveOn that makes it easier for members to switch providers to avoid co-pays or earn cash rewards. BCBS has aggressively embraced and marketed cash incentive programs to both businesses and municipalities. In all cases, the plans say they are embracing incentive programs and transparency to compete with large national carriers here and regionally. Both the HPHCs and THPs tools are a significant improvement over their initial cost estimator tools. After their common vendor pulled out of the market, the carriers had to entirely revamp their tools. The results are new, easy-to-navigate online tools which display out-of-pocket consumer costs, the remaining deductible, and quality metrics. Since 2015, BCBS has made several improvements that make its product more consumer friendly: by simply changing the name of its tool from Find a Doc to Find a Doc and Estimate Costs, by making the tool much more prominent on its website, and clearly showing both out-of-pocket costs and remaining deductibles. BCBS also has an improved website for consumers. Despite significant progress, however, deficiencies remain. The carriers had about 297,000 aggregate inquiries on their cost estimator tools from early 2014 through 2017, compared to a potential market of at least three million people that the three carriers cover. The number of aggregate inquiries shows that carriers still have a lot of work ahead to achieve price transparencys potential to rein in healthcare costs, said Pioneer Institute Executive Director Jim Stergios. In 2015, Massachusetts median annual household income was around $70,000 and the average family in the Commonwealth spent about $20,000 on premiums and cost sharing. These figures show that transparency in healthcare is important to the budgets of Massachusetts families, added Stergios. HPHCs and Tufts estimator tools still dont provide cost data on many behavioral health procedures. The BCBS site is compatible with online translation tools, but none of the carriers cost estimator tools are readily available in a language other than English. Anthony noted that While state government has not provided any compliance leadership for consumer price transparency, now, after overcoming resistance and a lack of support, the market is waking up to the potential benefits of price transparency and incentive programs. Comments from Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tufts Health Plan: In a rapidly changing healthcare environment, providing consumers with transparency around cost and quality information is important and will help them make informed healthcare choices, said Harvard Pilgrim President and CEO Eric Schultz. We at Harvard Pilgrim have long been committed to promoting the value of transparency, and we are pleased to see that Pioneer Institute continues to keep a public focus on the issue. We were happy to work with them on this report. Blue Cross is pleased that the Pioneer report acknowledges our ongoing commitment to providing our members with state-of-the-art tools to make informed decisions about the cost and quality of their healthcare. Members who understand their benefits those who arent surprised by bills and feel empowered are much more likely to be satisfied members and engaged patients. I thank Pioneer Institute for their continued focus on this issue, said Andrew Dreyfus, BCBS President and CEO. Transparency is essential among all stakeholders in healthcare to ensure that customers and employer groups can make informed healthcare decisions, said Tom Croswell, President and CEO at Tufts Health Plan. [O]ur new, easy-to-use tool enables members to not only find high-quality, high-value providers in their area, but also see their potential costs from the beginning to the end of a procedure. The new tool is simpler and far surpasses the capabilities of the first generation of transparency tools. We applaud Pioneer Institutes work on keeping this important issue at the forefront. About the Authors Barbara Anthony, a lawyer, is a senior fellow in healthcare at Pioneer Institute focusing on healthcare price and quality transparency. She is also an associate at the Harvard Kennedy Schools Center for Business and Government. She served as Massachusetts Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation from 2009 to 2015. Scott Haller graduated from Northeastern University with a Bachelors Degree in Political Science. He started working at Pioneer Institute through the Northeasterns Co-op Program and continues now as the Lovett C. Peters Fellow in Healthcare. He previously worked at the Office of the Inspector General. About Pioneer Pioneer Institute is an independent, non-partisan, privately funded research organization that seeks to improve the quality of life in Massachusetts through civic discourse and intellectually rigorous, data-driven public policy solutions based on free market principles, individual liberty and responsibility, and the ideal of effective, limited and accountable government. SunCHECK: Integrated Quality Assurance in Radiation Therapy We are excited to release SunCHECK 2.0, and to make flexible workflow automation a reality in radiation therapy QA. Today, Sun Nuclear Corporation releases significant new functionality for its SunCHECK Platform an integrated, independent solution for Patient and Machine QA in radiation therapy. Designed to support a broad range of planning and delivery technologies, SunCHECK 2.0 streamlines and standardizes workflows allowing greater overall focus on Patient Safety. With SunCHECK, hospitals and cancer centers gain: One Solution for Radiation Therapy QA. Managing all Patient and Machine QA in a consistent way helps reduce the likelihood of errors going undetected. Speed and Efficiency through Automation. Less time spent on manual tasks means more bandwidth for data analysis, clinical decisions and continuous improvement. Access from Anywhere. SunCHECK is browser-based and accessible to staff through a secure network. From dashboard reviews to deep data analysis, a single database drives the entire process. Within the SunCHECK Platform, SunCHECK Patient integrates all phases of Patient QA into a seamless workflow, including Secondary Checks, Phantomless Pre-Treatment QA and In-Vivo Monitoring. Key new functionality includes: EPID-based Transit Dosimetry, compliant with 2013/59/EURATOM, Article 83 Pre-set, yet customizable, dose tolerances per phase, with Universal Metrics Expanded 3D secondary dose and MU calculation support, including for TomoTherapy (Monte Carlo-based), HDR Brachytherapy and stereotactic cone systems SunCHECK Machine helps to improve standardization and ease compliance reporting for Daily, Monthly and Annual QA across locations, machines and staff. Key new functionality includes: Standard and complete TG-142 templates User-friendly editing or creation of customized QA templates and tasks Direct device connectivity to Sun Nuclears Daily QA 3 and IC PROFILER solutions Centralized data storage and flexible reporting for accreditation and compliance We are excited to release SunCHECK 2.0, and to make flexible workflow automation a reality in radiation therapy QA, said Jeff Simon, CEO of Sun Nuclear. As a global partner to both radiation oncology clinics and technology vendors, we know independence and integration are equally important requirements. SunCHECK 2.0 balances these requirements to improve Patient Safety. SunCHECK 2.0 will feature prominently in the Sun Nuclear booth (#2300) at the ESTRO 37 congress, 20-24 April, in Barcelona, Spain. Limited space is available for related educational talks and demonstrations. About Sun Nuclear Corporation Sun Nuclear is the worldwide leader in Patient Safety solutions for Radiation Oncology. We design and manufacture devices and software to ensure radiation prescriptions are accurately and consistently delivered to cancer patients. We hold numerous patents for groundbreaking product designs, and distribute solutions globally, both directly and through a network of 60+ distributors. Gammex, a leader in patient alignment technology and QA tools for the diagnostic radiology field, is a wholly-owned subsidiary. Visit us: sunnuclear.com. Follow us: @sunnuclear. Give A Note Foundation logo These educators have demonstrated both creative answers to needs in their school communities and a true desire to reach all students with music, creating inclusive programs that also meet the needs of diverse student populations. This spring Give A Note Foundation invited proposals for the Music Education Innovator Award that demonstrate school music programs led by creative music educators using innovative and sustainable strategies in non-traditional or traditional secondary music courses. These programs needed to show they were designed to attract students not typically enrolled in music education courses, in efforts to increase access to music education through diversity in curriculum and approach. Thank you to founding sponsor of the Music Education Innovator Award grants, the CMA Foundation. Grant applications came in from around the country, and Give A Note is pleased to announce the five recipients of the Music Education Innovator Awards. These music programs will receive $4,000 grants to build upon programmatic successes to date, in efforts to create lasting change in their schools or districts. We are excited to share these innovative approaches to bringing music education to more students, said Give A Note President and Board Chair Beth Slusher. These educators have demonstrated both creative answers to needs in their school communities and a true desire to reach all students with music, creating inclusive programs that also meet the needs of diverse student populations. Research continues to show us that a quality music education will have a positive impact on a students academic achievement and social development, said Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach. We are honored to be able to help celebrate and recognize those who are creating innovative curriculums and help to ensure their hard work, creativity, and dedication to music education will continue as they drive their program forward. The 2018 Music Education Innovator Award recipients are: Ethan Chessin, Camas High School, Camas, Washington: The Business of Music.Each year, we commission a commercial musician or rock composer to write a full-length concert performance for my choirs to perform alongside professional musicians from the community. As my students learn about the composition process, they also gain knowledge from a variety of music-industry expertsand apply it. A talent buyer explains her job, and then my students pick the opening act for their final performance. Later, a publicist teaches about press releases, and then the student-written press release is shared in local media. Record label executives help students design the album, graphic designers help students with poster art, sound engineers teach about live sound, and more. This year were focusing on the digital recording and marketing of music, so students are filming and editing music videos and setting up a website to market the recording. Ginny Coleman, Tuscaloosa County High School, Northport, Alabama: All Together Now: Including Children with Severe Disabilities in Choir.The TCHS Wildcat Choir is currently in its third year. This choir is an adapted choir class, which means that it provides high school students with and without disabilities the opportunity to work together to learn popular music and perform in the community. . . . [I]t is one of the first of its kind to include students with mild, moderate, severe, and multiple disabilities, including some who are non-verbal, in a high school choral classroom where instruction is specifically designed to meet the needs of all students. Brian Gallagher, Ramona High School, Riverside, California: Mariachi de la dinastia Ramona.This program was inspired by the desire to create the only Mariachi program in the district in an effort to reach more students, including them in instrumental music. Mariachi de la dinastia Ramona provides an opportunity for students to work with local professionals to perform and hone their music-making and music business skills. Additionally, the program provides an opportunity to work within the community through performance and engagement opportunities. Chris Gemkow, York Community High School, Elmhurst, Illinois: Music Production Program and the York Album Project.The Music Production Program at York High School [includes] three different levels of Music Production in which students learn how to create, compose, record, and produce a wide variety of music. Each student musician who continues on through all three levels of the program writes, records, and releases an EP of 3-5 original songs as the culminating music production project. The Music Production program also serves as the headquarters for the extra-curricular music program called The York Album Project comprised of student musicians from York High School who extend the skills learned in Music Production by collaborating every year to write, record, and release an album of all original material. Warren Mize, East Central High School, San Antonio, Texas: Music Business and Industries Two-Year Course.The program is designed for independent student musicians, composers, technicians, producers, et al. Recognizing we were not reaching these fringe musician students, we created a two-year course of study to prepare these students for success in the music industry. Year one is an introduction to music business and industry careers, presenting a broad overview of the music and recording industry and explaining how the various segments operate on a day-to-day basis. . . . Students are encouraged to think as entrepreneurs as well as marketers. Year two is a practicum/internship with several hands-on opportunities aligned with students interests. Students learn the structure of, and relationship between the recording, publishing, marketing, and live performance industries. These recipients will be invited and recognized at the CMA Foundations Music Teachers of Excellence event. They will also be invited to present on their schools programs at the 2018 National Conference of the National Association for Music Education in Dallas, Texas, this November 11-14 (all-expense paid). Minimally intrusive reporting requirements will be developed to allow for other schools and districts to learn from the resulting models, with associated music educators serving as Innovative Ambassadors to the field. ### Media Contact: Ashley Wales Give A Note Foundation (805) 236-4928 AshleyW(at)giveanote(dot)org About Give A Note Foundation Since 2011, Give A Note Foundation has conducted national awareness campaigns and raised funds to support and strengthen music education programs across the U.S. The programs have reached millions of parents and students and provided more than $1.2 million in direct grants to schools. Learn more about Give A Note Foundation at http://www.giveanote.org. Help give the gift of music! Text MusicEd GAN to 20222 to donate $10! Message & Data Rates May Apply. Details: http://www.giveanote.org/giving/. You can follow Give a Note on Twitter and on Facebook. About the CMA Foundation Established in 2011 as the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association (CMA), the CMA Foundation is committed to improving and sustaining music education programs all across the United States, working to ensure every child has the opportunity to participate in music education. Through strategic partnerships, professional development and grant distribution, the CMA Foundation, a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has invested more than $21 million in over 85 programs across the national public school system, after school programs, summer camps and community outreach organizations. Guided by the generosity of the Country Music community, proceeds from CMA Fest, the four-day long music festival held annually in Nashville, are used to power the CMA Foundations social impact and unique model of giving. For more information visit CMAfoundation.org. Munroe Regional Medical Center, Ocala, FL Munroe Regional Medical Center has a long history in this community and is a valuable asset to the region. We look forward to building on that and giving patients greater access to the Florida Hospital network of care, said Mike Schultz, President and CEO, West Florida Division. Adventist Health System, the parent company of Florida Hospital, announced today it has signed an agreement for the lease of 421-bed Munroe Regional Medical Center and its related outpatient locations and the purchase of certain assets. The transaction is expected to close during the third quarter, and once official, the facility will join the West Florida Division as the second largest hospital in the division and the third largest in Adventist Health System. We are excited to bring our unique brand of whole-person, faith-based care to this community, said Mike Schultz, president and CEO, West Florida Division of Adventist Health System. Munroe Regional Medical Center has a long history in this community and is a valuable asset to the region. We look forward to building on that and giving patients greater access to the Florida Hospital network of care. The Florida Hospital network includes 27 hospitals, 10 of which are in the West Florida Division and includes Florida Hospital Carrollwood, Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, Florida Hospital Dade City, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lake Placid, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Sebring, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Tampa, Florida Hospital Wauchula, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Work to complete the transaction will take place over the next few months, allowing time for Adventist Health System and subsidiaries of Community Health Systems to plan for the future of the hospital and to ensure a smooth transition. Florida Hospital is a respected health care provider and becoming a part of their organization creates an exciting opportunity for the hospital to become part of a large regional network, said Jim OLoughlin, chief executive officer for Munroe Regional Medical Center. Working together, we can continue the hospitals commitment to care for the Marion County community, including the indigent and uninsured population, and to provide our patients with access to quality health care services. The transaction includes Munroe Regional Medical Center located at 1500 SW 1st Avenue, Ocala, Florida, 34471, as well as a free-standing emergency department and other outpatient locations. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals. Until the transaction is complete, current ownership will remain in place. Financial terms have not been disclosed. About Florida Hospital, West Florida Division of Adventist Health System The West Florida Division of Adventist Health System is currently comprised of nine acute-care hospitals including Florida Hospital Carrollwood, Florida Hospital Dade City, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Lake Placid, Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center Sebring, Florida Hospital North Pinellas, Florida Hospital Tampa, Florida Hospital Wauchula, Florida Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, as well as two freestanding offsite Emergency Rooms including Florida Hospital Central Pasco ER and Florida Hospital Palm Harbor ER. Additionally, it has one post-acute care facility, Florida Hospital at Connerton Long Term Acute Care, over 45 multi-specialty Florida Hospital Physician Group practices, 15 Florida Hospital Express Care at Walgreens clinics and 6 Florida Hospital Centra Care Urgent Care Centers. About Adventist Health System With a sacred mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, Adventist Health System (AHS) is a connected system of care for every stage of life and health. More than 80,000 skilled and compassionate caregivers in physician practices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home health agencies and hospice centers provide individualized, wholistic care. A Christian mission, shared vision, common values, focus on whole-person health and commitment to making communities healthier unify the systems 46 hospital campuses and hundreds of care sites in diverse markets throughout nine states. About Munroe Regional Medical Center Munroe Regional Medical Center (MRMC) is a Joint Commission accredited 421-bed acute care hospital serving Ocala, Marion County and the surrounding area. MRMC offers 24/7 Emergency Care, Diagnostic Testing, Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery, Womens Services including Labor and Delivery, a Level II NICU, Bariatric Weight Loss Surgery and Inpatient and Outpatient Therapy. Munroe Regional Medical Center also features a certified Chest Pain Center with specific accreditations for atrial fibrillation and heart failure. The creation of a data science for all ecosystem is the goal of a new initiative at Purdue University that will make data science education part of every students learning experience on campus while also boosting research and partnerships to help grow the data-driven economy. The Integrated Data Science Initiative (IDSI) is focused on applying data science research to pressing fundamental and socially-relevant issues while establishing an educational ecosystem of data fluency to prepare students for the rapidly expanding future of a data-driven, knowledge economy. Initiated by Jay Akridge, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs and diversity, and Suresh Garimella, executive vice president for research and partnerships, the initiative has been formulated through two cross-campus working groups, forums and with input from campus-wide discussions. "Data science the grand interdisciplinary challenge to extract new knowledge from big data through advanced analytics presents a transformational opportunity for Purdue," Akridge said. IDSI adds another major goal to the university-wide Purdue Moves initiative, which was launched in 2013 to strengthen and expand the universitys preeminent reputation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The initiatives education focus includes a transformational component to prepare every Purdue student with a fundamental understanding of data science in their chosen field. Purdue students will graduate with the deep analytical thinking skills needed to use data in new ways to reason reliably, intelligently and creatively. They will be a valuable resource for business both in the data science fields and all the sectors that are becoming more data intensive literally every day. This will be achieved through classroom and lab activities, undergraduate research opportunities, and data-science learning communities in which undergraduates from various disciplines will have the opportunity to learn together. Jenna Rickus, associate vice provost for teaching and learning, is spearheading the educational activities. Phil Burkholder, Rolls-Royce, president Defense Aerospace North America, said, At Rolls-Royce, digital innovation is crucial to our current and future success as a world-leading industrial technology company. For programs such as our IntelligentEngine and R2 Data Labs, an acceleration hub for data innovation, we will need a new generation of digital experts to reach our goal of providing advanced, efficient propulsion systems. We welcome Purdue Universitys expanded role in training these next-gen critical thinkers in digital innovation. A request for proposals to advance the data science education ecosystem has been released to faculty. Proposed projects will work across disciplines to create an integrated ecosystem of courses, curricula and data science programs. The research arm of the data science initiative, housed in Discovery Park, has hosted four targeted data science research workshops on health care; defense; ethics, society and policy; and fundamentals, methods and algorithms. A request for proposals has been released to generate new insights and contributions from multidisciplinary teams. These areas will complement existing strengths in cyber security, digital agriculture, health and life sciences, manufacturing, transportation and infrastructure. Support for research and integrative teams, data science fellowships, and alliances with strategic partners are among the activities being coordinated by Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, Discovery Parks chief scientist and executive director. In support of the research and education areas, data science-focused physical sites throughout campus are envisioned from dedicated student residential living and learning communities to faculty-industry collaboration spaces. The Convergence, a planned building in the Discovery Park District on the west end of campus, has been proposed as a home for private-sector companies to enhance their collaborations with Purdues data science-enabled research and education activities. Purdue has a culture of multidisciplinary and collaborative research engagement. When we couple that with our record of building lasting strategic partnerships, it provides us a perfect environment for data science programs to flourish, Garimella said. Integration and collaboration among these diverse efforts will provide the recipe for success that each seeks. Sunil Prabhakar, professor and head of the computer science department, has been appointed to lead this rapidly advancing initiative as the inaugural IDSI director. Working in concert with the IDSI steering committee, chaired by Patrick Wolfe, the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science, and with Purdue faculty input, Prabhakar will guide and maximize the impact of the teaching and research initiatives, identify collaborations across the campus, help secure and allocate resources from public and private sources, and provide a central focus and hub for the universitys many data science activities. Dr. Prabhakar has the background and experience to fully engage an extensive community of data science experts, from professors, scientists and scholars to government and private-sector companies, Akridge said. He is a scholar in database management, with the leadership skills and respect across our campus to successfully launch this exciting new initiative. Prabhakar also will coordinate with Information Technology at Purdue (ITaP) to develop infrastructure support for data science research and teaching across campus, and he will work with the Office of Corporate and Global Partnerships to engage private and public partners. Purdue has all the right people and experience to impact this emerging field, Prabhakar said. Faculty and staff are excited and passionate about preparing our students and equipping our researchers with the tools they need to be successful in this pervasive and inclusive field. Its exciting to spearhead a project that has the potential through research and education to touch the lives of so many students while having a direct economic impact. By 2020, an estimated 2.72 million new U.S. job postings will seek workers with skills in data science and analytics according to a report by the Business-Higher Education Forum, a nonprofit membership group of Fortune 500 CEOs and college leaders, and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, a large consulting and auditing company. Data science is applicable to every major and each student attending Purdue, and we intend on fulfilling the expectation that Purdue graduates are ably prepared with the analytical skills they will need in the data job market, Prabhakar said. Prabhakar's research lies in the area of data management. His current research is focused on developing novel database systems for managing probabilistic or uncertain data, and ensuring authenticity and integrity of outsourced databases. In his earlier work, he addressed performance issues in large-scale, modern database applications such as multimedia, moving-object, and sensor databases. The efficient execution of I/O is a critical problem for these applications. Prabhakar's interest also lies in the design and development of digital rights management for databases using digital watermarking techniques for structured (e.g. relational databases) and semi-structured (e.g., XML) data. Prabhakar received an NSF CAREER award in 1999 for his work on large-scale data management. He was named a University Faculty Scholar at Purdue in 2009, is widely published and holds patents for rights assessment over digital data through watermarking, and ensuring the authenticity of data stored in untrusted environments. Prabhakar received his bachelors degree (BTech) from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi in Electrical Engineering in 1990, and both his masters degree and Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 1998. Writer: Pamela Burroff-Murr, burroff(at)purdue.edu Sources: Jay Akridge, akridge(at)purdue.edu Suresh Garimella, garimell(at)purdue.edu Sunil Prabhakar, sunil(at)purdue.edu To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System and inspire others to get outside, a total of 86 L.L.Bean employees will hike in pairs along sections of the trail ranging from 10 to 20 miles each day until September. New England outdoor retailer L.L.Bean, best known for its Maine-made L.L.Bean Boots, took the first steps today of a hike that will last all summer, with teams of employees relaying along the 2,180-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) leading from Georgia to Maine. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Trails System and inspire others to get outside, a total of 86 L.L.Bean employees will hike in pairs along sections of the trail ranging from 10 to 20 miles each day until September. The L.L.Bean relay continues the companys decades-long support and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail. The first team of the L.L.Bean AT Relay began the hike this morning at Springer Mountain, Georgia amid icicles and chilly temperatures. Grace Bender and Jeff Morton both work at the L.L.Bean retail store in Mashpee, Massachusetts and were thrilled to be the lead relay team. Grace and I wore our packs around the store to get used to having the weight on us for long periods of time and it inspired many of our customers to get outdoors and start hiking, Morton said. The pair will hike the first 109 miles into North Carolina, where they will tap the next team from the L.L.Bean store in Danbury, Connecticut, who will continue to Tennessee. Along the way, hikers will be capturing photos and sharing their journey through 14 states using the hashtag #LLBeanATrelay on social media. L.L.Bean and its employees have supported the preservation of the Appalachian Trail for decades through charitable support of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and its partner trail clubs, as well as hands-on trail maintenance. Since 1980 the company has organized trips for employees who volunteer their time for a week in the northern Maine woods to keep an 18.5-mile section of the trail passable for the thousands of hikers who pass through each year. This year, in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and the ATC, L.L.Bean is helping maintain the trail in a new way. L.L.Bean AT Relay hikers are photographing and collecting data on key views from the trail that will allow NPS and ATC to assess and track how the landscape along the trail is changing. The Appalachian Trail is a national treasure and a tremendous resource for outdoor recreation, said Janet Wyper, Community Relations Manager for L.L.Bean. Weve had the privilege of helping maintain it for many years, and were delighted to send our employees out on the trail with a new task to help preserve it for current and future generations. The Appalachian Trail is one of eleven National Scenic Trails, as established by the National Trail System Act of 1968. About L.L.Bean, Inc. L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In the past five years, L.L.Bean has donated over $6 million toward conservation and land stewardship. L.L.Bean currently operates 39 stores in 17 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at http://www.llbean.com, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest, Google+ and Instagram. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 8:00 pm The Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual awards ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 22, during which the business leader, citizen and young professional of the year are to be announced. Each year, the chamber receives nominations for this titles, after which the number of nominees are narrowed down in each category. Anyone wishing to purchase tickets for the event, which is almost sold out, can do so by contacting Magdalene Adenau at the chamber at 360-385-7869, ext. 201. This year, there are three nominees for each award: Business Leader of the Year Karle and Jens Coppenrath have owned Port Townsend Vineyards for three years, initially planting 11 acres of northern European grapes on Portuguese Hill in the heart of town. The company employs 18 people, and in 2015, broke ground on its getaway winery. Located off Sims Way, that facility includes wine production and a tasting room. This part of the couples business opened in June. The Coppenraths are looking forward to completing the restoration of the C.F. Clapp Building in downtown Port Townsend, where they plan to offer a full wine immersion experience, from farm to plate and vineyard to glass. As longtime residents of Port Townsend, were deeply rooted in the community, Karle Coppenrath said, noting it is important to keep things local. It was our top priority to reinvest in Port Townsend, so we intentionally established our three locations within city limits. Our goal is to bolster the local economy by providing year-round employment, donating our space to local nonprofit organizations and collaborating with community members in our custom crush facility. Betsy Davis, executive director of the Northwest School of Wooden Boatbuilding, joined the school in October 2014. The school and students bring about $2 million annually to the county, Davis said. The schools new marine systems program, launched with a grant from the states Department of Commerce, will expand career opportunities for graduates and trained technicians for employers. The school provides a unique educational experience as the only degree-granting postsecondary school based in Jefferson County. Amy Howard, executive director of The Boiler Room, became acquainted with that nonprofit as a haven when she moved to Port Townsend in 2000 as a homeless youth. The organization, which employs seven staff members and has 75 volunteers, offers a safe space for growth and improvement of individuals, which is what helped Howard. Individual engagement is critical to community well-being and resilience, especially in isolated and small populations like ours. The Boiler Room is unique as a safe space with no barriers to access, Howard said. This means, regardless of lifestyle choices, race, gender, age, ability, sexual orientation, national origin or income level, every patron is equally welcome to use and enjoy The Boiler Room, as long as they are willing to learn what respect looks like in the space. Citizen of the Year Rita Hubbard has been nominated for Citizen of the Year for her volunteerism, which began 20 years ago, according to her nomination letter. It described Rita has an amazing talent at getting others to volunteer as well. She is involved with the Rhododendron Festival, Jefferson County Fair board, Christmas for Children project and other groups. Rita is not a one-dimensional individual, she does it all, her nomination letter stated. She is an incredible powerhouse and great resource to have in your corner. Mark Cooper has been a volunteer since his arrival in Port Townsend, although he attended many Local 20/20 meetings before his move. His volunteering did not stop there. He continues working with other organizations such as Citizens for Local Food, Climate Action Group and more. Its critical for this generation to help subsequent generations succeed, especially because the economic landscape has changed so much, Cooper said. Just one small example is higher education. I worked my way through college and when I graduated, I had zero debt. To do this today is virtually impossible. Matt Woodward was nominated for his involvement in addressing the affordable housing problem in Jefferson County. Woodward noticed the issue when he moved to the area. He became involved in organizations such as Homeward Bound to help make a difference. When we live in one of the richest countries in the world, housing should not be an issue we are worrying about, Woodward said. Melanie Bozak starting volunteering in Port Townsend almost as soon as she moved here, more than 33 years ago. At first, she organized junior bowling, then joined the Rhododendron Festival Association, the Kiwanis Club of Port Townsend and other organizations. I have always been involved in many organizations in our area, and I get such a deep fulfillment of giving and serving others, Bozak said. Its truly a passion for me to help make our community a better place for all. Judy Alexander has made it a point to focus on giving back to others and helping the community through her volunteerism. Her biggest efforts have gone toward the local food system by making sure she sets up time in her day to volunteer. She said it is important to like what she does, but what is even more important is to draw the line when work is done to allow for her true passion of volunteering. Young Professional of the Year Sam Lillie, owner of Vinder, said he decided to develop a business after seeing a need in the community to get easy, convenient access to fresh, local produce at all times of the day. The business, which is entering its third season, connects neighbors with homegrown foods. Within four months of launching our website in Port Townsend, we registered users in over 90 cities and 18 states, Lillie said. We have been contacted by people in Canada, Australia, Mexico, Spain and more. People want this. Before we roll out worldwide, though, we are focusing on two major markets: Port Townsend and Austin, Texas. James Lagergren, owner of Rainshadow Home Inspection, uses observation, tools and knowledge of construction to help people live in safe and energy-efficient homes. Rainshadow Home Inspection, the second business Lagergren has owned, is 2 years old. He inspected more than 250 homes in its first year and has been working on even more this year. My business model is based on giving back to the community that has built me up the only way I can do that is by giving my time and sharing the financial success that I have had with those in need, he said. I think that as a young professional and millennial, we need to do more than previous generations to address the growing problems in our rural communities that include lack of access to affordable housing, lack of access to living-wage jobs and lack of infrastructure to support a thriving rural economy. Andrea Love, owner of Andrea Animates, launched her business locally because she gets to do what she loves in an area she loves. She opened her art business in 2014. I have worked largely by myself over the years, occasionally bringing in contractors, she said. I imagine a day when Im working with more people, drawing from the amazing talent in this area to make productions that are bigger than I can make alone. This is something that Im working toward. Martha Trolin (photo not available) was nominated for her volunteerism, which she has been doing for 68 years now. Trolin is involved with emergency preparedness to bring neighbors together and focus on safety. I believe that community is a human construct, that we make it up, and that it always reflects our values, for the good and the bad, Trolin said. If there is a need, or some really great possibility, or something missing, its simply up to us. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 8:00 pm The Coast Seafoods Company is asking the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear a case in which the court sided with the Olympic Forest Coalition and remanded the case back to the U.S. District Court. The coalition is suing Coast Seafoods over its discharge of effluent from its oyster-growing facility into Quilcene Bay. On March 9, the 9th Circuit Court agreed with the U.S. District Court for Western Washington, Tacoma, which had concluded the seafood company needs to obtain a National Pollution Discharge Elimination System permit. That is what the Olympic Forest Coalition wants the company to do. Its definitely a ruling in favor of Olympic Forest Coalition, said attorney Paul Kampmeier, who represents the Quilcene-based coalition. Kampmeier said the coalition still has to prove Coast Seafoods polluted Quilcene Bay. Lacy Ogan, communications manager for Pacific Seafood Shellfish, which owns Coast Seafoods, wrote in an April 9 email that the company has filed a petition for a rehearing on the 9th Circuit Courts decision. In its request, the company is arguing the court had ruled in another case that if an aquatic animal production facility does not meet the criteria to be classified as a concentrated aquatic animal production facility, it does not need a discharge permit. That is the crux of Coast Seafoods position it does not need a NPDES permit. Tony Dal Ponte, Coasts deputy general counsel, stated in a March 19 email the 9th Circuit Courts opinion was inconsistent with existing EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) regulations and guidance. Coast Seafoods is a leader in environmental sustainability and vocal advocate for clean water, Dal Ponte wrote in a statement. Our oyster hatchery fully complies with all current permitting requirements and, as confirmed by the Washington Department of Ecology, there is no compelling reason to require additional coverage under the NPDES permit program. The hatchery is located at 1551 Linger Longer Road in Quilcene. It is owned by Pacific Seafood Shellfish, a company employing 2,500 people at more than 35 facilities in seven states, according to its website. Ogan said the Quilcene facility employs 20 people. BACK TO 2013 The suit against Coast Seafoods was filed in January 2016 alleging Coast hired a consulting firm back in 2013 to assess the effluent from its hatchery. Rensel Associates Aquatic Sciences, also known as Rensel Associates, was hired to document certain pollutants in its effluent but did not test for chlorine, the 9th Circuit Courts opinion noted. The coalition filed a citizen suit contending that on seven occasions in 2014, there were discharges of chlorine from the hatchery into Quilcene Bay. The coalition filed suit and argued Coast Seafoods had not obtained an NPDES permit allowing it to do that. That same year, Coast asked Ecology if it needed an NPDES. Ecology responded in July 2016 that an NPDES was not necessary. Ecology officials concluded the hatchery did not meet the criteria for a concentrated animal-feeding operation. Ecology officials also said they had reviewed the report Rensel Associates had done and concurred with it. Coast then asked the court to dismiss the complaint, contending, Despite the hatcherys use of pipes, ditches and channels to discharge pollutants into Quilcene Bay, a NPDES permit was not required. The U.S. District Court denied Coast Seafoods motion to dismiss the case and the 9th Circuit Court affirmed that decision. It is undisputed that discharges from point sources must obtain NPDES permits, 9th Circuit Court Judge William A. Fletcher wrote in the March 9 opinion, adding it also is undisputed that pipes, ditches and channels are point sources. The disputed question is whether pipes, ditches and channels that discharge pollutants from a non-concentrated aquatic animal production facility are point sources, he wrote. We further conclude, as a necessary corollary, that pipes, ditches and channels that discharge pollutants from an aquatic animal production facility that is not a (concentrated aquatic animal production facility) are point sources for which an NPDES permit is required, he wrote later in the decision. Judge Fletcher also wrote there was no indication in 2016 the Ecology Department had ever conducted its own assessment of pollutants discharged from the hatchery or considered any other source of information other than the Rensel report. Assuming, as we must, that the allegations in the complaint are true, there are discharges of chlorine from the hatcherys pipes, ditches and channels that require an NPDES permit, Fletcher wrote. A CLEANER BAY Connie Gallant, president of the board for the Olympic Forest Coalition, said the nonprofit is not trying to close the business and only wants the company to get a permit and filter any pollutants. The goal has not changed. What we want is to have them get the NPDES permit and filter any outgoing fluids they have. Thats what will keep the bay cleaner, Gallant said. Its the only fair thing for the residents of the community. Kids swim in the bay and around the marina, and theres a lot of activity from shrimpers. It affects our local economy if the waters are full of the brown crud coming out of their pipes. Gallant also said it is not clear if there are any health issues, but as a responsible employer, she said, Coast needs to take responsibility for what it is discharging into the bay. Posted Wednesday, April 18, 2018 3:45 am Port commissioners unanimously approved the creation of a specific fund to receive donations for the construction of a new Point Hudson south jetty to replace the current one, which is slowly failing. The vote to create the fund was made during the April 11 commission meeting. During the March 20 Port of Port Townsend special meeting, six local businesses and individuals said they would donate a total of about $155,000-$175,000 to help pay for the higher costs associated with a fall start date for construction of a new south jetty, should that project move forward. At the same meeting, port commissioners nixed the option for an earlier summer start date for construction of the south jetty in order to better accommodate the 2018 Wooden Boat Festival. The estimated cost for the south jetty project is about $4 million. The new fund is meant for pledged donations collected and specifically reserved and used only toward costs associated with the construction of the Point Hudson south jetty. The fund is established for a very simple reason here, and that is because the port needs to know with certainty what funds it has available at the time it provides notice of intent to award a contract to the apparently low bidder, said Eric Toews, director of planning for the port. Bids will be opened at 10 a.m. May 7, and notice of intent to award the contract could be May 15, Toews explained, adding the port must know for certain what donated funds are available by May 14. If the port has sufficient funds available through a combination of a $1.12 million grant from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, a $3.2 million bond the port may soon authorize and $155,000-$175,000 from the donation fund the port will proceed toward award of the construction contract. If sufficient funds are not available, the port will not award the contract, and donations will be refunded. Sam Gibboney, executive director of the port, noted the funds would only be used for construction and for no other purpose. She said the ports legal counsel indicated any donations would be tax deductible, but cautioned donors to talk with their own tax advisers to make sure that was the case. Businesses and individuals who have pledged to donate money include The Northwest Maritime Center, $80,000-$100,000; Peter Hanke with Puget Sound Express, $50,000; Tom Aydelotte of Docs Marina Grill, $20,000; Chris Bakken with Sea Marine, about $5,000; Chris Hanson and Dan McRae, unspecified amounts. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 8:00 pm Robert Wayne Phillips, a 13-year employee of Jefferson County Public Utility District, died April 16 after the PUD truck he was driving on State Route 20 drifted off the road and into a ravine, striking a tree. Phillips, 72, was driving a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado pickup eastbound on SR 20 at 11:25 a.m. when his utility truck left the road. He was returning to the PUDs Four Corners operations center after checking on PUD projects around Jefferson County, PUD communications manager Will ODonnell wrote in a press release. The front left side of the truck hit a tree, and the tree broke about 30 feet from the ground, falling on a guardrail and partially across the highway, said Jefferson County Undersheriff Art Frank. Traffic was blocked for about an hour to allow East Jefferson Fire Rescue to attend Phillips and a road crew to deal with the tree. Phillips was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the accident, according to an initial Washington State Patrol report. Alcohol and drugs are not suspected as being involved in the accident, the report said. The patrol is investigating, WSP spokesperson Russ Winger said. Its still under investigation. We dont know why he drove off the road, Winger said. No one else was injured in the accident. PUD MOURNS LOSS ODonnell said PUD employees are mourning the loss of their coworker, who was better known as Bob. Debbie Lund, PUD human resources manager, said it is the first time the PUD has lost an employee on the job. Bob was very well liked, and his loss has affected our employees deeply. Were doing our best to work through. Our sympathies go to family and friends, Lund said in a press release. Phillips was a special project coordinator for the PUD and had a variety of duties. Bob wore so many hats, said PUD assistant manager Kevin Streett in a release. I worked with Bob from the very beginning of my time here at the PUD, and he will be sorely missed. He was instrumental in the transition to adding the electric utility. Phillips was originally hired as a water distribution manager in 2005 and also had worked at a customer service counter, taking payments and answering the phone, according to ODonnell. When the utility began offering electric service, Phillips moved to the electrical division and served as purchasing agent. He worked with Streett and former general manager Jim Parker to obtain all the tools and equipment necessary to get the electrical division up and running by April 2013, ODonnell said. PUD billing coordinator Kim Holt, who took over customer service duties from Phillips in 2012, described Phillips as ornery and a lot of fun. Like others, she said she was going to miss him. Bob lived a very full life, said Casey Finedel, GIS specialist for the PUD, according to the release. He had great stories. Hed even been the mayor of a small town in Colorado at one time. Its going to take some time for all of us to process his loss. ACCIDENT DETAILS East Jefferson Fire Rescue public information officer Bill Beezley said in a press release that the driver was extricated from the vehicle by emergency responders by the side of the road before he collapsed. Firefighters immediately began CPR, which eventually proved unsuccessful, Beezley wrote. Phillips was pronounced dead at the Jefferson County International Airport. EJFR had taken him there with the hope that an airplane could take him to a hospital in Seattle, Beezley said. Units from Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue, Discovery Bay Fire and Quilcene Fire Rescue assisted after the accident. Phillips was the second person killed on State Route 20 this year. Karen D. Najera, 59, of Sequim, died Jan. 5 after the car she was driving swerved across the centerline on State Route 20. That accident occurred on SR 20 near the intersection with Moa Hill Road, according to a WSP report. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 9:19 am What do I want to be when I grow up? It is a question everyone asks themselves at some point during childhood and even early adulthood. The Quilcene School District is helping kids answer that question. On April 19, the district will host its third annual career fair for kindergartners through 12th-graders. The event, called Show Us Your Work, takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Its really about connecting kids in kindergarten through 12th grade to the Olympic Peninsula work opportunities or businesses, said Bill Breakey, a learning specialist for Quilcene School District. Its to help cultivate their vision for future success. Both students and businesses/exhibitors will be showing work at the event, Breakey said. More than two dozen Jefferson County businesses will participate, and students will present what they have been working on this year. Although Quilcene School District students are the ones showing off their work, students from all over the county are invited to attend and learn about career options, Breakey said. Its a community-wide event, he said. The doors are open to the whole community. Last year, an estimated 350 people attended. (It) was to really solidify many of the reasons why were in school, Breakey said of why the event was originally established. Its really great to be in school today, but the reason were here is to build a better tomorrow. New businesses participating this year include First Federal Bank, Taylor Shellfish, the Port Ludlow Inn and the Korean Womens Association, Breakey said. Other businesses attending include Jefferson County Library, the YMCA, The Evergreen State College, Jefferson Healthcare, Red Dog Farm, Jefferson County Sheriffs Office and many others. THE EVENT The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m. with a chicken dinner made by Veda Wilson and her vocational cooking students. The dinner is free, with any donations going to the Quilcene Food Bank. After dinner, beginning at 5:30 p.m., kids and parents can wander the school. Exhibitors will have more than 40 booths in the gymnasium. Its set up so that kids and families can go from table to table and engage in conversation with each of the businesses there, said Breakey. The elementary school will be open for people to stop by and see students work. And in the boardroom, seniors will be giving presentations on their senior projects. It all adds up to a lot of work, he said. Work, work, work, work! Breakey noted many organizations and individuals are helping out with the event, including Quilcene Assembly of God, Veda Wilson, Susan Bettinger, Robert Heck, Traci Kaiser, Jessie Gaudio, Brinnon School District, Quilcene Schools Maintenance Department, and Quilcene Schools staff and students. He especially wanted to thank Kristi Adams and Sierra McCoy of Washington Reading Corps, who were the main organizers of the event. Theyve just done an awesome job, he said. They even designed a passport for students to fill with stamps received from visiting businesses. Breakey said feedback from the past two events has been incredibly positive. Kids come back all fired up about their plans, he said. Posted Tuesday, April 17, 2018 8:00 pm The initial shock, which came with the 2018 property tax, still lingers as I gather myself together for the April payment deadline. This year, my taxes have increased by $400 for a modest tract house I have lived in for 32 years. This is an astounding amount to pay, but theres a reason. It can be found by visiting our state Legislature and the governors office, which, for six years, has failed to meet the state constitutional duty to make provision for the education of all children residing in Washington. The Washington State Supreme Court ruled in the McCleary versus the state of Washington case that the Constitution be honored and, thus, the bill is well over $7 billion. And, the state is being fined $100,000 per day until it complies. It has not complied yet, but will get $4 billion from property taxes. That is why my share is $320.28. And, that is why over half of my tax bill funds education. In 2016, we said yes to a $40 million bond to construct a grammar school to house only 329 children. Just 329 kids skipping to a multimillion-dollar new school, which looks increasingly like a college campus. My share of that is $346.05 plus another $474.19 for an M&O tax. I am paying my property tax from a fixed income as a senior who has always funded schools in School District 50. Now, we hear rumbling sounds for the annexation of the fire district and some squeaks from the sheriff who wants to hire four policemen to the tune of $140,000 per year. When does this gouging end? How many voters have asked our legislators why this is so? I have yet to have an answer from any of the three. KATHLEEN JACKSON Port Townsend The passenger who died aboard a Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday has been identified as Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Riordan, 43, was publicly identified by an assistant principal at the Albuquerque school attended by her children, the Associated Press reported. Riordan had been a vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo since 2008. According to her LinkedIn page, she was in charge of the bank's public relations, internal communications, community involvement, and work with nonprofits. Before that, she served in a similar position Citigroup. Riordan was a graduate of the University of New Mexico. A media briefing by the National Transportation Safety Board's chairman, Robert Sumwalt, on Tuesday first confirmed that a passenger had been killed in an accident. An hour later, Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly sent out a video message and press release. Neither revealed the passenger's identity. "On behalf of the Southwest family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for the family and the loved ones of our deceased customer," Kelly said in the video message. "They are our immediate and primary concern and we will do all that we can to support them during this difficult time." Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 suffered a catastrophic failure of its left engine while en route from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas Love Field. The Boeing 737-700 made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport shortly before noon local time. Photos of the aircraft indicated the front portion of the CFM56-7B engine including the fan blade had sheared off. Shrapnel from the disintegrating engine punctured the fuselage and a window, causing the cabin to depressurize. In addition to Riordan's death, seven other passengers were injured. Read more about the Southwest incident: According to her, it is distressing and disappointing that Ghanaians have made Moesha a target for freely speaking her mind on the subject of sex and relationships. Women must be allowed to speak freely about sex Moesha became an object of public scrutiny after she said on CNNs Sex & Love Around The World series, that in Ghana many women rely of married men to survive due to the tough economic conditions. The actress trended on social media throughout last week, and was bashed by the public both on the airwaves and on social media. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection also released a strong-worded statement condemning Moesha for tagging Ghanaian women along in her comment. However, in a sharp riposte, Mrs. Amanpour has come to the defense of the embattled actress, insisting Ghanaians have been unfair in their treatment of Moesha. According to her, she is hurt and angry to see such an innocent woman condemned by the press and by many people on social media In a statement released through CNN, the 60-year-old presenter said women around the world must be allowed to speak freely on such matters without shame. I am so surprised to see this happening in Accra, a city that has rightly got so much attention recently for being one of the most economically and politically successful capitals in Africa. Indeed I was heartened while I was in Accra, listening to a speech by the President himself, defending the rights of the free press to report fully, accurately and fairly, she said. The CNN host added: I urge my colleagues in the Ghanaian press to reserve judgment for the whole episode, and for the people to understand that all must be seen in context, not judged on one excerpt. I also respectfully urge the President of Ghana and the minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection to stand up for the rights of one of their own who was simply enjoying a carefree, boisterous and mostly humorous conversation with me. The 19 edition of the VGMA was successfully hosted last Friday at the International Conference Centre (AICC) to celebrate deserving artistes. However, the awards was shrouded in controversy after some artiste complained of being robbed in their nominated categories. A section of Ghanaians also felt that some of the awards went to underserving artistes instead of the right people. However, CharterHouse have now released the official voting poll, which was independently collated by KPMG. The certified results show that Patapaa had just 18.14%, whiles eventual winner Fancy Gadam scored 28.12% to scoop the Most Popular Song category. Also, in the Artiste of the Year category, Ebony scored a whopping 50.825 of the votes to emerge winner. The hierarchy of the legislature has declared the mayhem at its plenary and the making away of the mace as treasonable and called on security forces to retrieve the mace and arrest the perpetrators and their mastermind for prosecution. *RESPONSE TO TODAYS INCIDENT IN THE SENATE CHAMBER*Today, some armed hoodlums led by suspended Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the Upper Legislative Chamber, the mace.This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such. All security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilise their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act.This action is also an affront on the legislature, and the leadership of the House has come to express their support against this action.The Senate is now in an Executive session.An updated statement will be released immediately after the closed door session.*Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi**Senate Spokesperson* The news has gone viral taking dominance in international media. Historically, President Museveni has been described as a tyrant and autocrat because of his hard stance on issues bothering on morality and the fact that he has held onto power for over three decades, as well as his declaration of interest in contesting the next election after Machiavellian removal of ceiling on presidential terms. At a press conference held recently, the East African leader is quoted as saying: Let me take this opportunity to warn our people publicly about the wrong practices indulged in and promoted by some of the outsiders. One of them is what they call oral sex. The mouth is for eating, not for sex. We know the address of sex, we know where sex is. You push the mouth there, you can come back with worms and they enter your stomach because that is a wrong address. Ibrahim Mahama who is the brother of ex-president John Mahama said he was successful before his brother occupied the office of the presidency. I dont go anyplace fearing my shadow, running away from my shadow. When I started business John Mahama hadnt even picked up his forms to become MP, he said. Ibrahim Mahama who is considered as one of the wealthiest people in Ghana was speaking to graduate students of the University of Ghana on how to become successful entrepreneurs at the 2018 GRASSAG Entrepreneurship Seminar. He also denied allegations that he made his money through illegitimate means and never took advantage of his sibling being in power to milk the state. I want to set the record straight that I was who I was; I was successful. Thats why I can chop my money without looking back and thinking that Amidu is coming to call me. And that is the confidence I do have. After President Akufo-Addo appointed Martin Amidu as the Special Prosecutor many people said he will investigate Ibrahim Mahama. READ ALSO: 3 big positions at MTN vacant However, Mr. Mahama said that he has nothing to fear about the Special Prosecutor, Martin Amidu since he has nothing to hide. Mr. Mahama also announced the support of $2,000 for 20 of the graduates at the event with viable business ideas. He called on other businesses to support the youth with great business ideas. There are a lot of very successful other businessmen who should listen to the youth. What the youth are looking is $2000 or $3000. Lets be able to do what others did for the likes of us that helped us to start our businesses that have now become a monster." He was granted a GH100,000 bail with one surety. Ernest Green arrested Ernest Green, 28, was held for allegedly raping the patient who came to the facility to seek malaria treatment. READ MORE: Nurse arrested for raping European tourist at Damango Hospital The tourist, who is also a social worker, had visited the Mole National Park last Wednesday from her Volta Region base when she took ill and was rushed to the hospital. Police said the Mr Green asked the victim if she would prefer a private ward when she was checked in but she opted for the sideward because of her condition. The tourist told the police that the suspect frequented her ward many times before the rape incident. Mr Green sensed the victim's discomfort with the frequent visits and asked her to relax. READ ALSO: Armed robbers reportedly murder security officer at Damango According to the victim, on the day she was raped, she came back from the washroom very weak, because she was suffering from a running stomach, to meet the Mr Green in her room. She said because of her condition she could not get onto the bed, and hence reluctantly accepted Mr Green's help. Mr. Green realized her situation and offered to help her get to her bed. However, she said, upon helping her to the bed, the nurse started fondling her breast and ended up having unprotected sex with her. "I cant tell [my exact salary], because they will do all kinds of deductions and at certain times some of the monies will hit your account and you dont even knowAs at 2013, 2014, the money that I get from Parliament is GH40. There was a time I even thought they stopped paying me from Parliament and Im getting money from the executive alone but when I got there, they said no, we are doing some deductions, your car loan this and that So you dont even understand the whole thing they were doing," she said. He said this is likely to lead to our own version of Nigeria's terrorist group, Boko Haram. Boko Haram did not just fall from the sky. They were political operatives in Nigeria just like invincible forces and they fell out with the establishment. Somebody gave them religion and put some money in them and this is what we have", he explained. Invincible Forces is a security group with various branches across the country instituted by the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) government. Crabbe called on President Akufo-Addo to disband this group before it becomes a menace we can't contain as a country. Your responsibility in the new patriotic party is a responsibility towards Ghana so you cant just be making decisions and doing things within and think that those things will not overflow to Ghana, it will play out, he said. She said she has never uttered and will never subscribe to such views about Muslims. The statement said, "That report is palpable falsehood and well-calculated by miscreants to create disaffection between the Minister, Mrs Ursula Owusu-Ekuful and the Muslim Community." "The Office of the Minister strongly cautions persons who have made it their preoccupation to publish such falsehood and create disaffection between the minister and any religious group to desist from suck reckless and tribalistic reports", the statement said. The student, later identified as Selorm Ohene, is reported to have been high on drugs when he was confronted by the Police. In a video which has since gone viral, the Cambridge Police officers are captured taking the Harvard student down, with one of the officers repeatedly punching him whiles he was on the ground. The Police explained that they received a call last Friday informing them about a naked man roaming the streets. According to them, the student resisted arrest when they confronted him, leaving the officer with no other option than to strike him on the ground to gain compliance. The altercation has been widely condemned in the UK, with certain quarters questioning the professionalism of the Police. READ ALSO: Meanwhile, the Mayor of Cambridge, Marc McGovern, has waded in the matter, insisting the Police it will be thoroughly investigated. Selorm has, however, been charged with disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, resisting arrest and assault, after he reportedly roamed the streets naked. Watch the video below: Christian Hayden, 30, recalled a security guard searching his bags as he left a nearby Barnes & Noble. The guard found his copy of Ta-Nehisi Coates memoir The Beautiful Struggle, and would not let him leave until the staff had checked the shelves to make sure no copy had been stolen. Trevor Johnson, 27, a bike courier, recalled being arrested in the square four years ago after an officer asked him to turn off his music and he got up to walk away. And earlier this year, Michele Bradshaw, 49, said she left a Nordstrom Rack not far from the Starbucks after she noticed a security guard following her through the aisles of clothing. In fact, statistics show that Rittenhouse Square, with its hotels, boutique museums and upscale shops, has the highest racial disparity in the city when it comes to police pedestrian stops. Although black people account for just 3 percent of the residents in that police subdistrict, they made up two-thirds of the people stopped by police in the first half of 2017, according to figures collected by the American Civil Liberties Union. It is clear that African-Americans are not welcomed in that part of the neighborhood, period, said Jordan A. Harris, a representative in the state House and chairman of the states legislative black caucus. On Tuesday, Starbucks, whose chief executive, Kevin Johnson, has apologized for the incident, said it would close more than 8,000 of its stores on May 29 to conduct anti-racial bias training for nearly 175,000 employees. A small group of activists and clergy members met with Howard Schultz, the companys executive chairman, and the Philadelphia district attorney for about an hour Tuesday afternoon. Though all the attention is being directed toward Starbucks, some activists, politicians and policy experts place the blame for the incident on a system of law enforcement that is disproportionately harsh toward black people. I think the cops behavior was not only outrageous, but it was par for the course, said Rashad Robinson, the director of Color of Change, a racial justice organization. Its what happens day in and day out in communities around the country. But the case also raises tricky questions of law enforcement policies and practices, like when officers should make arrests instead of using other methods to resolve nonviolent disputes. A manager at the Starbucks cafe called the police, saying that the two men were sitting in the store without purchasing anything and that they had refused to leave. The eight-minute video clip of the encounter shows three officers in bicycle helmets standing around two black men, who were sitting and calmly responding to the officers questions. One of the men told the police that they had a meeting, and the officer told him, Ill give you one more chance to leave. A few minutes go by, with the officers and the men continuing to exchange words, when a white man who was supposed to meet the men showed up. He began arguing with the officers, saying that they were discriminating against the two black men. Eventually, the white man said they would just go somewhere else, but the officer responded, Theyre not free to leave, adding that they had already failed to comply. A short time later the two black men were placed in handcuffs and taken to the police station to be booked. Initially, the citys police commissioner, Richard Ross, emphasized that the officers who made the arrest followed policy, they did what they were supposed to do, they were professional in all their dealings with these gentlemen and instead they got the opposite back. But in an interview with a local television station on Monday, the commissioner struck a more conciliatory note and admitted that he wished that Starbucks had never called the police. The whole thing is unfortunate, Ross told WPVI, an ABC affiliate. Wish it hadnt happened, from start to finish. Though he defended the officers and said that it appeared they had not done anything wrong, the commissioner said that the department was now reviewing its procedures. If we had our druthers, we wouldnt have came there in the first place, he said. Policing experts said that while it was not clear the officers did anything in violation of the law or police policy, the emphasis at many departments would have been on trying to avoid any incident like the one that played out. Audio of the 911 and dispatch calls, released Tuesday, also raised questions about how those calls may have affected the officers as they responded to the call. Hi, I have two gentlemen in my cafe that are refusing to make a purchase or leave, said the Starbucks employee who called 911. But when the dispatcher put out the call to police, he said: Weve got a disturbance there. A group of males refusing to leave. Ronal Serpas, a former police chief in New Orleans and Nashville, Tennessee, said it was troublesome that an arrest occurred, given the tremendous discretion officers have to handle such situations. Using every available alternative to a physical arrest, within department policy, should be the goal in a case like this, said Serpas, who is now a professor at Loyola University New Orleans. Jim Bueermann, the president of the Police Foundation, a nonpartisan research organization, said that the incident reflected a systemic problem with how police deal with such episodes. This is a very typical example of the difficult place police officers find themselves in every day, where a business is on one side, saying, We want you to enforce the law, because these people are being uncooperative and are technically violating the law,' Bueermann said. And on the other side, officers are trying to be sensitive because of the nature of the situation and everyone involved. This city has struggled for years to curb discriminatory police stops. The police department entered into a consent decree with the ACLU after the organization sued the city in 2010. Since the election two years ago of Mayor Jim Kenney, who campaigned partly on an agenda of curbing unjustified police stops, the total number of pedestrian stops has fallen by half. The proportion of unjustified stops has also dropped sharply, according to Mary Catherine Roper, deputy legal director of the Pennsylvania ACLU, crediting the mayors efforts. But the racial disparity in pedestrian stops has not budged, and 1 in 5 stops are still made without any justification, she said. Black residents say that those stops are acutely felt in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood in the center of the city, the site of the now infamous Starbucks. The neighborhood was the part of town where African-Americans were driven because of riots started by white residents in the mid-1800s, according to Marcus Anthony Hunter, the chairman of the Department of African-American Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles. The rise of housing projects, and later urban renewal, eventually led to a decrease in the black population, he said. And over the past 20 years, the neighborhood has become almost all white because of gentrification. Linda Richardson, a 71-year-old black woman, lived just off Rittenhouse Square in 1967, with her white husband and their young daughter, when the neighborhood had become majority white. People often mistook her for her daughters nanny. Even back then, she said, she remembered that little black boys who wanted to play in the square were often asked to leave. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. People of Haitian descent make up 20 percent of the Caribbean population in Flatbush and the local Haitian parade used to pass directly in front of the barbershop. Miami already has a Little Haiti, Flambert, 42, a bus driver for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said as he sipped from a miniature bottle of Rhum Barbancourt. But the Haitian presence out here is real strong. It makes sense. Not everyone in the central Brooklyn neighborhood agrees. Last year, an area bounded by Flatbush, Church and Nostrand avenues was designated the Little Caribbean cultural district, making a separate Haitian district redundant, some local leaders say. Bichotte says there were plans to name the area Little Haiti dating back more than a decade. Now, with momentum fueled by anger over recent slights by President Donald Trump, prominent members of the Haitian community in Brooklyn and New York state are hoping the City Council will officially designate Little Haiti in May. The designation, said members of the nonprofit group Little Haiti BK, is a recognition of the cultural role that Haitians have played in the city and the country, and a sign that the areas Haitian community is coming of age. The resolution would also serve as a formal recognition by the City Council, which organizers hope will make it easier to work with tourism and business improvement officials. People are stepping all over us so weve got to empower ourselves, Bichotte said during a meeting of the Little Haiti BK organizing committee at her district office on Flatbush Avenue. But even as the push for a designation grows, the areas Haitian character is already eroding, as gentrification and the movement of Haitians to the suburbs trigger changes. While the number of Haitian-Americans grew to 1.1 million in 2016, from 623,000 in 2000, New Yorks place in the Haitian diaspora has been falling. In 2016, 20 percent of the countrys Haitians lived in New York, down from 30 percent in 2000. In contrast, the Haitian population in Georgia and Pennsylvania more than tripled to over 30,000 people each in 2016. Still, Brooklyn has more than 90,000 Haitian-Americans, giving it the third-highest concentration in the country, according to an analysis by the Migration Policy Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. This is Haitian territory, but its changing, said Ricot Dupuy, director and station manager of Radio Soleil dHaiti, New Yorks first Haitian radio station. The proposal calls for naming an area bounded by Avenue H, Brooklyn Avenue, Parkside Avenue and East 16th Street the Little Haiti Business and Cultural District to foster a strong sense of belonging, security and pride among residents, businesses, nonprofits and community groups in Flatbush, the group wrote in a letter to members of the City Council. The district is designed to help promote Haitian-owned businesses but also includes proposals to create a Haitian cultural center, rename streets and erect a monument. Members of the group backing the idea acknowledge that they cant stop gentrification but want to leave a legacy behind, something that says we were here and that our ancestors will be proud of, said Jackson Rockingster, president of the Haitian-American Business Network. Trumps derisive remarks about Haiti, and his decision to end the program that allowed Haitians to live and work in the United States after the devastating 2010 earthquake, remind many Haitians of their history of being disparaged in the United States. After they began arriving in large numbers in the 1980s, stereotypes about Haitians committing crime or spreading diseases such as HIV were commonplace. This designation is about redefining the narrative, said Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, chairwoman and co-founder of the Haitian Roundtable, a civic group of Haitian-American professionals. What has happened over the last couple of months makes it even more urgent. Some of those stereotypes about Haitians exist even among other Caribbeans. In September, Ernest Skinner, a Brooklyn political operative who questioned the need for a Little Haiti, wrote to elected officials that Sowing division may be why Haiti has never been able to reach its full potential and why it is considered a Fourth World country despite the noble start it gave to the Independence movement among people of color. Bichotte demanded an apology. In an email, Skinner said he has a record of strong and unwavering support for all in the Caribbean diaspora. Skinner is a political mentor of Jumaane Williams, a city councilman who denounced the remarks, is a sponsor of the Little Haiti effort and supports having both a Little Caribbean and a Little Haiti. Williams, a candidate for lieutenant governor, said that Haitis unique culture is often maligned. As a child, Williams said, his best friend was Haitian and he felt a strong affinity because they were both Caribbean. Williams parents are from Grenada. But Williams said he soon noticed that his friend often didnt mention that he was Haitian and used his Anglicized name. I slowly realized there was a difference. Haiti is a part of the Caribbean, but the hard truth is that its sometimes left out when people talk about the Caribbean, Williams said. John Mollenkopf, who directs the Center for Urban Research at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and studies the political integration of immigrants, said, There is this pecking order in the Caribbean with Anglophones thinking of themselves as superior to French-speaking Haitians. Not everyone agrees with that assessment, either. We see Haiti as very much being a part of the Caribbean, said Shelley Vidia Worrell, founder and chief curator of CaribBEING, a group that promotes Caribbean art and culture and launched the Little Caribbean district. For us, there was never anything that needed to be separated. Jensen Desrosiers, the owner of Tonel Restaurant & Lounge, a well-known Flatbush Haitian night spot on Rogers Avenue, said he and his partners were hoping for a cultural district when they opened five years ago. If you have a friend in New York City and you want to give them a taste of Haitian culture, youd bring them to this neighborhood, Desrosiers said as he shared classic Haitian dishes such as pork griot and tassot with Bichotte, Rockingster and a local businessman, Fritz Masse Clairvil, after the Little Haiti BK planning meeting. Little Haiti is already happening around us, Clairvil chimed in. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. John Tsoho, Justice of the Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, fixed June 5 to deliver judgment in the suit after listening to arguments of counsel and adopted processes. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1142/2017, was instituted by the Incorporated Trustees of Advocacy for Societal Rights Advancement and Development Initiative (ASRADI), led by its Executive Director, Adeolu Oyinlola. In the suit, Godwin Emefiele, the governor of the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) was requested to disclose how much it cost taxpayers money to pay for Buharis London medical bills. The suit also sought to know how much it cost the country to keep the presidential and crew for 103 days at the Stansted Airport in the UK while President Buharis treatment lasted. On the last adjourned date of Feb.16, the CBN and its governor had opposed the suit, arguing that it was not within their immediate responsibilities to disclose such information. ASRADI had said in the suit that the CBN and its governor refused to honour its Freedom of Information request contained in its letter of Oct. 19, 2017. President Buhari undisclosed ailment President Muhamadu Buhari returned to the country in August 2017 after spending about 103 days in London where he received medical treatment for an undisclosed ailment. The Nigerian senate described Wednesday's hoodlum invasion of the upper chamber as an assault on democracy and an obvious act of treason. At the wake of plenary of Wednesday, hoodlums suspected to be led by suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege (Delta central) walked into the plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the Upper Legislative Chamber, the mace. The situation caused embarrassment as the Senate swiftly moved into executive session to determine the gravity of the issue and next line of action. Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Upper Chamber's Spokesperson, in a statement released immediately after an executive session described the action as an "act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such." "This action is also an affront to the legislature, and the leadership of the House has come to express their support against this action. "The Senate mandated the Inspector General of Police, and Director General of the State Security Service (SSS), , to retrieve the mace stolen by the hoodlums within 24 hours." The Senate, however, continues the plenary with a reserved mace as members of the Nigeria Police arrest the suspected Senator. Senate President speaks from Washington, D.C. Bukola Saraki, President of the Senate, speaking from Washington on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, where he is attending the Spring Meeting of the World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF), lauded the swift reaction of his colleagues. With the way the Senate has defied those seeking to undermine it, we have sent out a strong signal that we are always ready to defend our constitutional mandate and nothing will deter us from this. I associate myself with the comments of the Deputy Senate President that we are ready to get to the roots of this assault on democracy and ensure that those who are responsible, no matter how remote, will be brought to justice, Saraki stated in a statement issued by Yusuph Olaniyonu, his Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) Senator Ovie Omo-Agege The lawmaker, who is representing Delta Central under the platform for the ruling party, APC, was suspended for 90 days over his remarks that the amendment of the 2010 Electoral Act is targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari. Punch reports that the news was shared by the churchs Director of Education, Dr. Godswill Israel during his visit to the National Advanced School of Theology, Ewu. A statement was later issued by the Registrar of NAST, Rev. Rufus Agboola. According to Dr. Israel, entrepreneurial studies will now be added to the curriculum of its trainee pastors in the churchs 10 seminaries. He used Apostle Paul who was a great preacher and a tent maker to justify this new addition. The cleric believes this will give pastors the theological and practical knowledge needed in todays economy. ALSO READ: Daddy Freeze reacts to video of Pastor Adeboye asking for N1B Fast Facts on Assemblies of God The church is officially known as the World Assemblies of God Fellowship. It is located in over 212 countries with about 384,000 ministers and 67.9 million members, according to Wikipedia. In Nigeria, the official website says that there are 3.6 million members worshipping in over 16,300 branches. It is currently being led by Rev. Dr. Chidi Okoroafor. Apparently, demons are now removed by priests over the phones, according to Christian Today. This shocking news was revealed during a Vatican conference on exorcism that held on Monday, April 16, 2018. Speaking to over 200 aspiring exorcists gathered in Rome, Professor Giuseppe Ferrari said, Priests pray with people on the phone to calm them down, but if you are not there you cannot control the physical aspects. Some exorcists say it is effective. Whether it is orthodox or correct, I couldnt say, he added. He teaches the Course on Exorcism and the Prayer of Liberation at the Vatican-approved Pontifical Regina Apostolorum University in Rome. The priest was backed by Cardinal Ernest Simoni, an Albanian Catholic leader, who said carrying out exorcisms on the phone is possible thanks to Jesus. More people want exorcism nowadays The removal of demons has reached its highest peak as more people are now demanding exorcisms. The number of exorcisms has definitely increased over the years, as the requests to carry out exorcisms has increased, Professor Ferrari noted. Demand is growing, absolutely, Father Anthony Barratt, a British priest based in Albany, New York, also said. I think it is partly due to the internet, which makes it (satanism) so accessible. Films and television programmes are also a factor. Theres a fascination, he added. Reportedly, the number of people requesting exorcisms has tripled to 500,000 in Italy over the last 10 years. This is why the Vatican is insisting that every Catholic diocese in the world should have a trained exorcist. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was jointly signed by the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun and the Provost of the Federal College of Education, Osiele, Dr Ayodele Ajayi. Speaking during sealing of the partnership, which held at Lagos State University Conference room in Ojo, the university VC stressed the need to ensure quality and excellence on the partnership. ALSO READ: 53 candidates sit for Common Entrance in Cotonou This ceremony is not just about the papers we will sign. There has to be a commitment from both partners to see this work. For us in we are committed to excellence''. LASU , FCE Osiele partnership will work Fagbohun added that the two institutions can make the partnership a success. Our common goal is to make a difference in this country. And from what we have seen on paper, I believe the two institutions are convinced of making this a success. In line with its goal for gender parity, the International festival had released its catalogue of female filmmakers. Out of 13 films on the line-up, six female filmmakers are featured, and Rafiki was the only Kenyan entry, making it the first time a Kenyan feature film would make it to the festival. Rafiki filmmaker and creator Wanuri Kahiu described her film as "a story about all that is good and difficult about being in love so that for those fortunate moments we are lifted above our prejudices". According to the film's press kit, Rafiki was inspired by the short story that won the 2007 Caine Prize: 'Jambula Tree', by Monica Arac de Nyeko, a coming-of-age story about two girls in love, set in Uganda. The filmmaker noted that making a film about two women in love that was set in Kenya was challenging a deep-rooted culture of cynicism about same-sex relationships She recalled the ant-gay campaigns that were ongoing in East Africa during the five years of developing the project. Wanuri mentioned Uganda's proposed "Kill the Gays" Bill, which called for the death penalty for all Ugandans found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality". Rafiki is the story of friendship, love, loyalty and the aspirations of two young women, Kena and Ziki, whose families happen to be on opposing sides of the political divide. The deceased were identified as Yusuf M Bello, a 400L student, who served as the President, Biological Science Students Association (BIOSSA). Others include Nancy SamAchak and Grace Fyafa Thomas, a Botany student from the academic institution. AFP News reported that the deceased had embarked on a school road trip when the incident occurred. Cameroon's Regional Governor, Jean Abate Edii confirmed the deaths in a report. Following a tornado, a tree fell on to a group of Nigerian students staying in Bouba Ndjida national park, the governor told AFP concerning the tragedy. According to many reports, 16 other students were injured in the incident. They have been relocated to a hospital where they are expected to receive medical care. Two students killed in fatal accident News reports have revealed the tragic death of two students of Our Lady of Fatima School, Kuru, located in Plateau State. The victims were reportedly killed in a fatal accident involving their school bus. An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at the scene of the accident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the incident occurred due to brake failure. A total of 100 children and seven staff were on the bus; two children were killed instantly, while those injured have been taken to hospitals, the official said. According to him, a boy and a girl was killed in the accident. He also added that 18 kids were taken to Our Lady of Fatima Hospital, Jos, 76 to the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos, while four others were rushed to Bukuru Specialist Hospital. Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong, has visited some of the injured students who were taken to the Plateau Specialist Hospital. Lalong, while visiting the kids on their individual beds, spoke to them in whispers, urging them to be strong. The Chief Magistrate, Mr P. E. Nwaka, ordered that Agbo be remanded in Kirikiri Prisons, and the case file sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice. Nwaka adjourned the case until May 9 for mention. The accused, who resides at Mende, Maryland, Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement. Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Christopher John, told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 26 at his residence. John said the accused lured the girl to his room, and had sexual intercourse with her and asked her not to tell anyone. She, however, told her mother what had transpired between her and the accused. The case was reported at the police station and the accused was arrested for questioning, he said. The victim, a 13-year-old Beninoise girl, was sexually abused at the Ilupeju residence of her employer, leading to an unexpected pregnancy. Oyedele reportedly warned her against sharing the details of her encounter. She risked a possibility of sudden death if she shared the information according to a Punch News report. I work as a maid at Ilupeju. Whenever I finished working and went to the backyard to sleep, the boy, Friday (Oyedele), would use a ring to sleep with me. "When I decided to tell people, he said I should not. Friday said if I did, I would die. Whenever I tried to tell people, I would forget. "The man is 29 years old. He told me so himself. I am three months pregnant, the 13-year-old Beninoise girl told Punch. SP Chike oti, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed Oyedele's arrest and has been scheduled for a court arraignment on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. An intervention by a staff of the Office of the Public Defender, had ensured that attention was given to the alleged sexual abuse though the family of the suspect claimed the pair were in a mutual relationship. Mum flogs Islamic cleric who molested daughter in mosque A video has captured a mother as she got busy in the business of beating an Islamic cleric who reportedly molested her daughter. The footage showed the woman in company of a group of people who visited a mosque. Some men who gathered at the scene were seen in an attempt to subdue the scholar who moved sheepishly as an angry mum hit him severally with a cane. The Mile 12 riots would become one of the most referred-to cases of violent upheaval for a decade or so (until new Mile 12 riots happened for the same reasons last year). The riots inflamed from a small scuffle for power between the Yoruba leadership of the market and Hausa traders. Last years riot was a near repeat of 1999. Walking through streets guarded by ethnic militia branded as the Oodua People's Congress much later, I saw the human cost of the intolerance that led families to leave the area for weeks. Staring at bodies in the gutter as my family walked through an area protected by the OPC, it was hard to understand that, for a brief period, in a market possibly visited by every Nigerian tribe under Gods sun, Yoruba and Hausa just couldnt see eye to eye. You can say the same for just about any country if you look hard enough but it doesnt change the fact that in Nigeria, we wear our intolerance on both sleeves. Our society, either by culture, deliberate design or just sheer chance, is so fragmented that the average person is raised to gravitate towards a strong identity. Unwittingly though, in doing so, he absorbs and assumes the traditional biases tied to that identity with alarming ease. ALSO READ: These are some of the most prejudiced things that average Nigerians say A good example; That Igbo people have numerous children and use up a lot of space, is a common tribalistic trope widely believed in many parts of South-Western Nigeria. So, even though theres no data to support this, Chubuike from Imo has no chance of getting the flat of his dreams from the old Yoruba landlord in Ebute-Metta, even though he can afford it. In isolated instances like this, bigotry has become all too easy to sweep under the carpet, because who really cares what Mr. Dike feels about his Igbo Muslim neighbour as long as he doesnt hurt anybody. We insist on this attitude, a rare form of intentional obliviousness, a refusal to acknowledge a reality that we meander through on a daily basis, against all odds. Power in Numbers But very often, these divides and the intolerance they have festered manifest in the group, rather than the individual. The major difference here is that while the individual may not have the power to show that he hates the Igbo man; a group has the power in numbers to show it and act upon it. It is in those times that our problems become prominent. It is also in those times, like the Mile 12 riots or the Shiites Riot in Abuja, that we get a small taste of what we might have unwittingly predisposed ourselves to and the small lines that separate us from a descent into anarchy. Yesterday, on Monday, April 17, 2018, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a Shiite sect of Muslims, clashed with the Nigerian Police at the Unity Fountain in Abuja. Ignoring the Police ban on protests in the area, the group gathered in the hundreds to protest the detention of its leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky who has been in custody for over two years. According to Abuja residents and media reports, the protest had begun peacefully, but when things became rowdy, the Police intervened and made it rowdier. Millions of naira were lost in damaged property. The Police says that it arrested 115 of the sects members. The sect alleges that some of its members were killed by the police. ALSO READ: Shiites protesters and Police clash in Abuja for a second day We can do a 360 about the intricacies of the politics of Shia Muslims in a country where the President, along with over half of the population are Sunni Muslims. What matters though is the sheer bigotry on display. The Shiites are a minority in Nigeria, even among muslims, and in the North, it is a fact that is rubbed in their faces at every chance. Two years ago, when the group admittedly erred by cordoning off a major road, soldiers fired on a large celebration killing many of the groups members, including members of Zakzakys family. The easy question would be What did the Shiites ever do to you?, but the more pertinent one is Why cant we just leave them alone? In a country whose sustenance is dependent on many strong cultures co-existing peacefully, the Shiites are the latest victim of our raw intolerance, the spectrum of hate that bubbles underneath the relationship between groups. A history of bigotry In 2000, it was the Christians of Kaduna, who were on both sides of two waves of violence after Sharia Law was introduced to the state by the states governor, Ahmed Maikarfi. In 2001, it was the Christians and Muslims of Plateau State who let political and demographic tensions spill over into loss of life. ALSO READ: These are 5 of the deadliest massacres in Nigerian history Recently, its been the people of Nigerias North-East, murdered en masse by a terrorist group which wants to create a caliphate in the country, governed by ultra-Islamic ideals and principles. What is perhaps most troubling is that there is a wide catchment area at the intersection between our deep-rooted tribalism and religious intolerance. The lines that divide us along tribal lines are also, for the most part, the lines that divide us on religious terms. While one must acknowledge minority communities or towns like Yola where there is a large Christian population, the North is seen, and for good reason, as the Muslim part of the country. The south is the majority-Christian area. Which means when disputes start in either region of the country, there are standing fissures waiting to be ignited into something much bigger. It is why the Mile 12 riots of 1999 degenerated from a dispute between Hausa traders and their Yoruba Landlords into a full-on battle between every other tribe versus the Northerners. Few countries are in such a dicey situation. And just in case you were wondering where they are, they are in the Middle East and Africa; most of them like Sudan or the Central African Republic have become a by-word for the variety of civil unrest that people expect from African countries. All these would be warnings to Nigeria, but as with all the lessons that time has tried to teach us, weve simply been busy with other things while in class. Nigerias multi-religious, multi-ethnic culture is an inspiration to millions of black people across the world but at home, its people fight, each desperate to make sure that whatever group or belief they are affiliated with is not subsumed or derogated. With an Instagram post the actor and director says: "Wow!!! Time flies!!! 5 years already!!! 5 awesome years has passed since I said those 2 words "I do" at His altar to "my miracle" my PFL, "my twinsoul" "my realest gee" @floxyokey....thanks for being real." On her Instagram page, the actress writes: "Happy anniversary baby @iyke_okey "Five years ago you held my hand and asked me if I wanted to go on this marital journey with you and without hesitation, I screamed an unapologetic YES!!!! Five years later, like oliver twist. I want some more I want another 5years, 10years, 50 yearslets go baby "Although I am a bit nervous sometimes because I know say your old age go tough but make we dey go small small she. Lollllll.. Love you OBIM @iyke_okey." The Deputy Registrar, Information and Publication of the university, Malam Sanusi Saad, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jalingo on Wednesday. Saad said that the incident occurred on April 16 during a devastating rainstorm at about 3:15 p.m. He said that the students were 400 level students of the Biological Science Department of the university on a research trip to the neighboring Cameroon. The spokesman named the dead students as Nancy Sam-Achak, Grace Thomas and Yusuf Mohammed, the president of the departments students association. He said that the Head of the Biological Science Department, Dr Robert Houmso, who was also in the trip and 16 other students were injured during the incident. The president said this while speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum in Westminster on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. He said the country's youthful population is reliant on the notion that Nigeria is an oil-rich nation, which leads to the demand for free things. The president also praised his administration's performance since he was elected into office in three years ago. He said, "About the economy, we have a very young population, our population is estimated conservatively to be 180 million. This is a very conservative one. "More than 60 percent of the population is below 30, a lot of them haven't been to school and they are claiming that Nigeria has been an oil producing country, therefore, they should sit and do nothing, and get housing, healthcare, education free." "Recently, my minister for information was constrained to answer a question on people accusing this administration of doing nothing, he said, 'Let Nigerians be reminded what position we were before May 2015, what condition we are now, and what we have achieved between then and now' and I think people were impressed with the answer. "For security, we have done quite well. Economy, we are doing very well, especially with agriculture; we are providing soft loans, and guarantee is that you have to belong to a certain locality and you have got land, you dont have to go to the bank and bring physical collateral. I think a lot is being done." Buhari in London The president is in the United Kingdom for 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings and recently met with British Prime Minister, Theresa May, at Downing Street, London on Monday, April 16, to discuss Nigeria-British relations ahead of the meetings. While speaking to May during Monday's meeting, President Buhari focused on the three main agenda of his administration - security, economy and fight against corruption. He also urged British companies to invest more in Nigeria. He said, "British companies like Unilever, Cadbury, and many others have stood with Nigeria through thick and thin. Even when we fought a Civil War, they never left. "But like Oliver Twist, we ask for more investments. We are encouraging more British companies to come to Nigeria. We appreciate the support you have given in training and equipping our military, particularly in the war against insurgency, but we want to also continue to work with you on trade and investment. Justice John Tsoho, gave the order on Wednesday, following an application made to that effect by counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Aminu Alilu. When the matter was called, Alilu told the court that all attempts made to effect service personally on Uwajeh had proved abortive. The matter was last adjourned for service and for the second time, the defendant evaded service as he did the previous ones. One of the bailiffs of this court went to the address of the defendant and was almost shot by the police guarding his house. The prosecutor told the court that Uwajeh was aware of the matter and that his counsel had earlier said that he traveled out of the country and would appear in court as soon as he returned. The Federal Government had filed a four-count charge bordering on forgery, impersonation and fraud against Uwajeh, a self-acclaimed United Kingdom based private investigator. The Federal Government alleged that an investigation carried out by the Police, following a petition revealed that Uwaje tried to obtain money from Sen. Andy Ubah through fraudulent means. Justice Tsoho wondered why someone who the state wanted to bring to justice will be protected by agents of the same institution. According to him, giving the circumstances, Section 124 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act has become inevitable. Accordingly, leave is granted to serve the criminal summons through substituted means. The judge urged those who will be going to effect the substituted service to be careful, following what had transpired the first time they tried to serve the defendant. The Mace, which is the symbol of authority of the Senate, was carted away by some hoodlums allegedly led by the suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja and published on Facebook, Atiku said he is disappointed. "I am utterly embarrassed, shocked and outraged by this ugly development because it is not only a threat to a major democratic institution but also represents a grave danger to the survival of our democracy," he said. Atiku noted that using illegal and unconstitutional methods to threaten the authority of a key democratic institution is evil and unacceptable. He wondered how the thugs could force their way into the Senate chamber and steal the Mace. "If criminals could commit such security breach with impunity, it means that our entire democracy is in danger. Those behind this illegality to avoid creating a monster that could consume them. "It is unacceptable and reprehensible to subject the National Assembly to this intimidation and humiliation. This attack by thugs should not go unpunished no matter who is involved", the former vice president added. ALSO READ: Suspended Senator breaks into NASS with thugs, steals mace Atiku appealed to those heating up the polity to desist from it in the interest if Nigeria's hard-earned democracy. The judge, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq, however, gave the convict N 5,000 option of fine. Danfulani, of Jabi Motor Park, Abuja, was convicted on a count charge of possession of stolen item. The convict pleaded guilty to the offence, and begged the court for leniency. Earlier, the prosecutor, Zannan Dalhatu, had told the court that Danfulani was arrested by a police patrol team, led by Insp. Abu Muhammed, in Utako Abuja, on April 14. On the same date, Danfulani was arrested in possession of iron rods. During police investigation, he confessed to the crime of being in possession of stolen item, Dalhatu said. An IkejaChief Magistrates Court which gave the ruling, directed that the accused should be remanded in Kirikiri Prisons for judgment. The accused was arraigned for stealing to which he pleaded guilty. Earlier, the Prosecutor, Police Sgt. Raphael Donny told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 7 at LAGBUS Asset ManagementOffice, Ojota. Donny said the accused stole the spare parts from the store of the organisation. Items stolen by the accused include an alternator, a cylinder, a key starter, an engine wiper and an injector, all valued at N200, 000. He was about to escape when he was caught by a vigilance group. The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos, 2015. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section stipulates a three-year jail term for offenders. The meeting is said to be underway at the vice president office's wing of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja. According to Daily Trust, the meeting is not unconnected to the chaos that happened in the Senate on Wednesday morning. Stolen mace Some hoodlums allegedly led by the suspended Senator Ovie Omo-Agege invaded the Senate plenary session and stole the mace, which is the symbol of authority of the Senate. Following the incident, the police arrested Omo-Agege as the Senate described the stealing of mace as a treasonable offence. The senator was suspended for forming a Buhari group which opposed the amendment the Electoral Act which seeks to alter the sequence of elections. The Electoral Act as amended by the Senate has the presidential election coming last and the national assembly election holding first. Ezekwesili stated this at the official launch of the Red Card Movement at the popular Berger bus stop in Abuja on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. Emphasizing on the power citizens wield, she maintained that unless Nigerians wake up and stand against the failure of government, the country would remain the same. We are here today to activate the office of the citizen which is the office that every Nigerian citizen occupies. A citizen doesnt have to be in government in order to have a voice as to how they are governed. We want to mobilize citizens so that they will know that they have the power to determine the kind of government that will lead this country. Government that is competent, capable and has character When citizens dont put their voice in how they are governed, then we are going to stay as a failed country forever. We decided to use our red card as a way of saying to people who have failed in governance to go and get out of the field of governance, she declared. Ezekwesili who said she can't serve in the Muhammadu Buhari government also disclosed plans to have a similar launch of the movement across the thirty-six states of the federation. Similarly, another member of the movement, Aisha Yesufu, said the vision of the movement was to lay the foundation for a new Nigeria. Yesufu dismissed insinuations in some quarters of the movement being sponsored by either a political party to discredit the current government. To understand why the mace is missing from the senate on a warm Wednesday afternoon, you need to follow the short story below: Election sequence 1. February 14, 2018: The red chamber of the national assembly dissolves into a rowdy session as senators adopt the amended electoral act. 2. INECs order of elections has the presidential election holding before other elections. The senate doesnt like this for obvious reasons. 3. The electoral act as amended by the senate, has the presidential election coming last and the national assembly election holding first. 4. The sequence of elections cause disharmony in the senate as its seen as a ploy by the Saraki led national assembly to unseat Buhari in 2019. Buhari withholds assent 5. March 13, 2018: Buhari refuses to assent to the amended 2018 electoral act as forwarded his way by the national assembly. 6. In withholding his assent, Buhari said the amended sequence of elections by the legislature will infringe on the constitutional role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to organise, undertake and supervise elections as enshrined in Section 15(A) of the third statue to the Constitution. 7. The president also cited grounds upon which an election can be challenged by candidates and the national assemblys possible interference in local government elections as other reasons why he prefers to keep his ink dry. 8. The senate is now split between lawmakers who support Buharis withholding of assent and those who favour amendment of electoral act. 9. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is in the camp of senators who back Buharis position. Buhari support group 10. Omo-Agege floats Buhari support group in the senate. 11. Omo-Ageges group is called Parliamentary support group in Senate for President Muhammadu Buhari. 12. The senate doesnt like this, so Omo-Agege is called to order by his colleagues. He apologizes in plenary for his actions. 13. However, after apologizing, he sues Senate President Bukola Saraki. 14. The senate is livid. Saraki is miffed; his ego bruised. 15. The senates ethics and privileges committee sits over Omo-Agege and finds him guilty. Omo-Agege suspended 16. The senate ethics committee recommends that Omo-Agege be suspended for 181-legislative days for his actions. Senate President Saraki who presides at plenary on the day is fuming as he says: I think in this chamber, if we want to talk about who has the right to say he is Chairman of a Parliamentary Support Group for Mr. President both by action and by what we have done, I think that I have the right to lead that more than anyone else here. Those of us that understand politics, understand that because of our own peculiar interest, sometimes some people decide to act like they are holier than thou or more committed at the expense of others. This is not something that we should tolerate, and I believe that in an institution like this we must show discipline, but at the same time we must also show compassion. 17. Saraki reduces Omo-Ageges sentence from 181 legislative days to 90 legislative days. Saraki adds that; There are some people who are fanatics and such actions will expose a lot of people and allies. The senator involved, Senator Agege should withdraw the case, the support group should be disbanded and out of compassion, we amend the recommendation of the committee to 90 days and we move forward. Mace is stolen 18. April 18, 2018: Omo-Agege and a couple of thugs sneak in through one of the glass barricades within the national assembly and make for the mace. Time check 11:55am 19. Omo-Agege shields the thugs who seize the mace, dash through the aisle in the red chamber and disappear into thin air. 20. Senate President Saraki is absent from plenary. He is away in the United States of America where he is attending this year's Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). That means Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu taking charge of proceedings on the day the thugs came visiting. 21. The senate heads into an executive session. Because there is no mace, Senator Shehu Sani takes off the belt from his waist and places it on the table as the symbol of authority. The senate invaded. Mace taken away. Deliberations on whether to adjourn or not. I and others insisted that the senate must not adjourn. I removed my waist belt and lay to serve as a mace for us to continue. My colleagues seconded. Then a spare mace brought in and the session continued. Good drivers are not known when the road is smooth, Senator Sani said. Omo-Agege returns 22. Senate resumes plenary at about 12:30pm. April 18, 2018. 23. Omo-Agege returns to the senate in his three piece suit and looking fly. 24. Police officers arrest Omo-Agege around 1:50pm and drive him off in a black Hilux van. Senator Omo-Agege was arrestedat the National Assembly after hoodlums who accompanied him into the Senate carted away the maceduring plenary on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. The suspended lawmaker was walked into a waiting Police vehicle at the entrance to the White House at the end of the days plenary. A source who craved anonymity told Pulse that top government officials are trying to influence Omo-Ageges release, a situation which has left the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris, and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami in disarray. Police are under pressure to release Omo-Agege, the source said. People in the Presidency and Senators close to the Presidency have been calling the IG to release him. "The IG is torn between allowing due process to be followed, or releasing an ally of the President. The AGF is also torn between filing charges against him, or letting it just slide," the source added. When contacted, president spokesman, Garba Shehu, however, declined comments on the matter. Sowore and his team have been moving from city to city to convince Nigerians he can do a better job than the incumbent PresidentMuhammadu Buhariahead of the 2019 election. In his bid to capture the hearts of the Muslim faithful in the north and across the country, Sowore, a Christian, was seen in some photos and video circulating online, praying in a mosque with other Muslims. The photos have generated mixed reactions on social media, with some criticising the move and describing it as mere deception. Sowore visits Emir of Kano Last Thursday, Sowore paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, at his palace in Kano. He told the emir that Nigerian youths are tired of being blocked by the old politicians in governance, stressing that that is the main reason he launched his presidential aspiration. Sowore added that as an aspirant in the coalition party, he could turn things around in Nigeria within the shortest period. The publisher added that as an aspirant in the coalition party, he could turn things around in Nigeria within the shortest period of time, boasting that he could build Kano-Kaduna road in months. In his remarks, Emir Sanusi cautioned politicians against violence, urging them to engage in issue-based campaigns. The lawmaker, who was recently suspended, sneaked in through one of the glass barricades within the National Assembly complex and had the mace seized. The hoodlums that accompanied the Senator escaped from the chamber with the mace and fled in a black SUV. According to an initial statement signed by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, Omo-Agege's action amounts to "an act of treason". The mace is the symbol of authority in the Senate and no plenary sessions can legitimately take place in its absence from the chamber. In a follow up statement, Senator Abdullahi revealed that the Nigeria Police Force and DSS have been authorised to retrieve the mace. The Senate also recommenced its session with a spare mace in place of the stolen one. The statement read, "The Senate has resumed plenary about 15 minutes ago after coming out of an executive (closed door) session where the earlier incident of forceful removal of the mace was deliberated upon. "The session is holding with the mace, the official symbol of authority firmly in place, and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, presiding. "The Senate also decided that it will get to the roots of this sad assault on democracy and an obvious act of treason which the seizure of the mace by some armed hodlums represents. "The Senate has mandated the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Idris Kpotum Ibrahim and Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Mallam Lawan Daura, to retrieve the mace stolen by the hoodlums within 24 hours. "At the moment, some House of Representives members led by Deputy Speaker. Hon. Yusuf Lasun, are in the Senate chambers in solidarity visits. The session is presently live on NTA Channel 10. "We are determined to conclude all matters slated on the Order Paper for today, even if it means us sitting until 6pm", says Ekweremadu." Senate President Bukola Saraki was not present when the incident happened as he is away in the United States of America to attend this year's Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Deputy Senate President, Ike Ikweremadu, presided over the day's session at 10:53am, shortly before the invasion started at 11:15am. Omo-Agege's suspension On April 12, 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 legislative days for his conduct in objecting to the electoral amendment bill which is seeking to reorganise the order of elections in the country. Omo-Agege, alongside nine other Senators, had staged a walkout after the Senate passed the bill. Following criticism that trailed his allegations that lawmakers were plotting against the president, he apologised to his colleagues. The lawmaker had also been in the Senate's firing line for his involvement with a group called "Parliamentary support group in Senate for President Muhammadu Buhari". When his case was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the lawmaker approached the Abuja division of the Federal High Court to challenge the investigation. The committee went ahead to recommend a 181-day suspension which was later reduced to 90 by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. The lawmaker, who was recently suspended, sneaked in through one of the glass barricades within the National Assembly complex and had the mace seized. The hoodlums that accompanied the Senator escaped from the chamber with the mace and fled in a black SUV. The mace is the symbol of authority in the Senate and no plenary sessions can legitimately take place in its absence from the chamber. Senate President Bukola Saraki was not present when the incident happened as he is away in the United States of America to attend this year's Spring Meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF). Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, presided over the day's session at 10:53am, shortly before the invasion started at 11:15am. Act of treason - Senate reacts In reaction to the incident on Wednesday, Senate Spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Abdullahi, said the lawmaker's action is "an act of treason". The statement read, "Today, some hoodlums led by suspended Senator, Ovie Omo-Agege, walked into the Senate plenary and seized the symbol of authority of the Upper Legislative Chamber, the mace. "This action is an act of treason, as it is an attempt to overthrow a branch of the Federal Government of Nigeria by force, and it must be treated as such. "All Security agencies must stand on the side of due process and immediately mobilize their personnel to retrieve the mace and apprehend the mastermind and the perpetrators of this act. "This action is also an affront on the legislature, and the Leadership of the House has come to express their support against this action." The statement also disclosed that the Senate proceeded with a closed door executive session where it was decided to recommence the day's session with a spare mace. Thugs almost abducted 2 Senators - Ekweremadu In his reaction to the ugly incident, Senator Ekweremadu alleged that the thugs that stole the mace also attempted to abduct two lawmakers during the commotion. He defiantly remarked that lawmakers refuse to be intimidated by such criminal behaviour which is an "affront on democracy". He said, "They forcefully took away the mace at the senate and they passed through this entrance, passed through all the gates and left the national assembly with that mace. "They attempted kidnapping two of our senators, but we decided that we will not be intimidated by this circumstance. We would stand by our democracy, we would defend our democracy. "It is an affront on democracy, it is an affront on the senate, it is an affront on the national assembly, and it is an affront on our parliament, but we are going to stand together to ensure that we continue the assignment Nigerians gave us to represent them. "We are going to get to the root of this matter and I believe that I speak the mind of all of you here if I say that security agencies must recover our mace within seven days." APC condemns attack on Senate The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has released a statement in reaction to the incident, condemning it as "an attack on our democracy". The statement read, "The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to the invasion of the Nigerian Senate by suspected thugs who disrupted Wednesdays plenary and made away with the mace. "The APC hereby condemns this action and views it as an attack on our democracy and a desecration of the hallowed institution of the National Assembly. We therefore call on security agencies to take all necessary actions to recover the stolen mace and ensure that the perpetrators and their sponsors are brought to justice." Senator Omo-Agege, who is the prime suspect in the theft case, is a member of the APC. Omo-Agege's suspension On April 12, 2018, Senator Omo-Agege was suspended for 90 legislative days for his conduct in objecting to the electoral amendment bill which is seeking to reorganise the order of elections in the country. Omo-Agege, alongside nine other Senators, had staged a walkout after the Senate passed the bill. Following criticism that trailed his allegations that lawmakers were plotting against the president, he apologised to his colleagues. The lawmaker had also been in the Senate's firing line for his involvement with a group called "Parliamentary support group in Senate for President Muhammadu Buhari". When his case was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges, the lawmaker approached the Abuja division of the Federal High Court to challenge the investigation. The committee went ahead to recommend a 181-day suspension which was later reduced to 90 by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Hoodlums led by suspended lawmaker, Ovie Omo-Agege forced their way into the Senate carting away the Mace at about 11:55am. The incident caused pandemonium at the National Assembly leading to a disruption of the activities of the upper legislative chambers for almost an hour. The Senate moved into an executive session minutes later to deliberate on the next line of action. The senate invaded. Mace taken away. Deliberations on whether to adjoined or not. I and others insisted that the senate must not adjoin. I removed my waist Belt and lay to serve as a mace for us to continue, My colleagues seconded. Then a spare mace brought in and the session continued. Good drivers are not known when the road is smooth, Senator Sani said via Twitter. Plenary resumes The Senate resumed plenary at about 12:30pm after coming out of an executive session where the earlier incident of forceful removal of the mace was deliberated upon.With a spare mace, the official symbol of authority in place, and Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, presiding. "The Senate also decided that it will get to the roots of this sad assault on democracy and an obvious act of treason which the seizure of the mace by some armed hodlums represents. The hoodlums severely attacked some members of staff of the National Assembly, particularly the Sergeant-at-Arms on Chamber duties," a statement by Senate spokesman, Abdullahi Sabi said. IGP, DSS boss summoned The Senate mandated the Inspector General of Police, Idris Kpotum Ibrahim and Director General of the State Security Services (SSS), Lawan Daura, to retrieve the mace stolen by the hoodlums within 24 hours. Some House of Representatives members led by Deputy Speaker, Yusuf Lasun, are in the Senate chambers in solidarity visits. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who stated this on Tuesday while speaking with reporters after visiting seven technology and innovation hubs in different parts of Lagos, South West Nigeria, said a similar council has already been created for the industry. He said: Already, we have an Industrial and Competitiveness Council. But what we want to look at is doing one for technology and one for innovation as well so that we bring in some of the key players and thinkers around technology, working with the government and working with government officials to develop policy and to develop all of the various ways by which we can help them to what they are doing better. Professor Osinbajo noted that so much innovation was going on in Nigeria and that there were many creative young Nigerians and innovators changing the way of doing things. I have seen for myself the sheer creativity and completely blown with what I see here and other places, he said, pointing out that practically every type of enterprise has been affected by technology and innovation. The Vice President, who chairs the Economic Management Team of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the National Economic Council, NEC, said government recognizes that technology is imperative to commerce and trade in contemporary society and has collaborated with a number of hubs to create a seamless environment for them to thrive. He listed the hubs that government was working with to include the Civic Hub in Abuja; the North East Hub, which focuses on the use of technology and innovation to tackle the humanitarian challenges in North East Nigeria; and the Climate Change Hub, in collaboration with the Lagos Business School. He added that government planned to collaborate with the Co-Creation Hub, one of the hubs he visited on Tuesday. The vice president, who was accompanied during the visit by the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and other government officials, said that government was anxious not to get in the way of enterprise, but to partner with them and create the right environment for business. The vice presidents visit to the hubs also took him to Paystack , Ikeja; Andela, Ilupeju; Workstation and African Fintech Foundry, Victoria Island. Others were the Crowdy Farm and Flutterwave, both in Lekki. Each of the hubs has young Nigerians developing ideas and designing solutions to various problems in confronting mankind. At the Co-Creation Hub, Yaba, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Bosun Tijani, informed Professor Osinbajo, that the firm was founded not only to build businesses but also to use technology positively. He said his firm was also creating awareness that what we need to build as a nation is to make the most of technology. The move will be followed by commercial vehicles in 2020 and passenger cars in 2022. China currently restricts foreign auto firms to a maximum 50 percent ownership of joint ventures with local companies. China's fifth-largest auto maker BAIC, which has a joint venture with Mercedes Benz and another with South Koreas Hyundai, collapsed almost 13 percent in Hong Kong, while Brilliance China Automotive shed almost nine percent. And Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), which has joint ventures with Italian-American carmaker Fiat Chrysler and Japan's Toyota, slumped 10 percent -- the daily limit -- in Shanghai before slightly recovering by the break. It was down 8.77 percent in Shanghai and plunged nine percent in Hong Kong, where it is also listed. GAC is China's number six car maker and it invested 1.2 billion yuan ($191 million) with a Chinese partner to develop smart new energy cars last year. The nation's biggest carmaker SAIC Motor Corporation, partner of Volkswagen and General Motors, dropped 2.45 percent by the break in Shanghai. While the seventh biggest carmaker Geely, whose Chinese billionaire boss Li Shufu became the largest single shareholder of Mercedes-Benz maker Daimler in February, dived 4.46 percent in Hong Kong. Chinese electric car manufacturer BYD dropped 2.54 percent in Shenzhen and 4.15 percent in Hong Kong. The liberalisation meets a longtime demand of the United States and other countries seeking better access for their companies in the world's biggest car market and one of the largest markets for air travel. The NDRC will also lift restrictions on foreign ownership of aircraft manufacturing firms this year, including those that make large-body commercial airliners, regional jets, helicopters and drones. The news also weighed on aircraft and equipment makers. AVIC Aircraft Co. slipped 0.80 percent in Shenzhen while AECC Aviation Power also lost 0.82 percent in Shanghai. The NDRC said the shipbuilding industry would this year scrap foreign ownership restrictions on firms designing, making and repairing vessels. The Chinese government has given scant details about the manoeuvres, with a Fujian province maritime safety administration statement merely saying last week that the day-long drills would start at 8:00 am (0000 GMT). China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi said Monday the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". As she left for Africa on Tuesday, Tsai said Taiwan has "the confidence and determination to safeguard the country's security". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are part of one country. China sees the island as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. "It is likely that these drills were planned months ago, but they are a useful warning to Taiwan and the US to not cross Chinese red lines,"China expert at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, told AFP. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. After the Communist Party-led parliament paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life, the Chinese president warned on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. "The mainland must create military pressure to let the other side know that no matter whether it happens gradually or they really declare independence, it is totally unacceptable," Song Zhongping, military commentator for Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told AFP. Song, a former lecturer at a People's Liberation Army university, said the Liaoning is likely to participate in Wednesday's drill, as it "has a lot of advantages for resolving the Taiwan problem." "It can effectively acquire control of the airspace, and even effectively block the US-Japanese alliance's strategy for intervening in China's plan to settle the Taiwan issue," he said. A flotilla including the Liaoning has conducted combat training in the South China Sea in the past few days, the navy said on Tuesday. 'Psychological warfare' Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office, with Panama switching allegiance to China last year. Swaziland is among just 20 nations that still recognise Taipei. The drill "is part of Beijing's psychological warfare against Taiwan, and possibly a means to divert attention from Tsai's visit abroad by compelling media to report on the military drills," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. The planned drill could also serve as a signal to Washington, which sent an aircraft carrier through the disputed South China Sea last week. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier. Beijing protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. Prosecutors from Stuttgart and Munich were joined by some 160 police officers in a search of "10 sites" in the states of Baden-Wuerttemberg and Bavaria, the Stuttgart prosecutor's office said in a statement. The three unnamed individuals are under investigation for suspected fraud and false advertising stemming from the manipulation of exhaust treatment in diesel vehicles manufactured by Porsche. "The three accused consist of one member of Porsche's executive board and one senior manager. The third accused no longer works for Porsche," prosecutors said. A Porsche spokesman told AFP that searches were taking place at the company's offices in the southwestern city of Stuttgart, as well as at Audi's offices in Ingolstadt. "Audi AG and Porsche AG are cooperating fully with the investigating authorities," he added. Both high-end carmakers are owned by Volkswagen, which admitted in 2015 to using cheating software designed to dupe pollution tests in some 11 million cars worldwide, mainly in its own-brand VW cars but also in those made by Audi, Porsche, Skoda and Seat. Sea of legal woes It is the first time Porsche's offices have been searched over the diesel cheating controversy, while Audi has already been raided three times over the past year, most recently in February. A spokeswoman for the Munich prosecutor's office told DPA news agency that Wednesday's searches at Audi "had nothing to do" with a separate probe into Audi's role in the diesel scam. Audi developed the V6 3.0-litre diesel engine used in some of the manipulated cars. Prosecutors declined to give further details about the Porsche raids, which come less than a week after the Volkswagen group replaced its CEO -- former Porsche boss Matthias Mueller -- in a bid to turn the page on the "dieselgate" scandal. Mueller, who led Porsche between 2010 and 2015, took the helm of the VW group in the turbulent days after the scandal broke. But he too came into prosecutors' sights as the group plunged into a sea of legal challenges at home and abroad that have already cost the auto giant over 25 billion euros ($31 billion) in fines, buybacks and compensation. Stuttgart prosecutors said last year they were investigating Mueller over market manipulation, suspecting he failed to share information about the diesel scandal quickly enough with shareholders. Last Friday, Mueller was replaced as CEO by VW brand chief Herbert Diess, who has vowed to steer the company out of the crisis by pushing on with much-needed reforms and continue a shift towards electric cars and sustainable mobility. The "dieselgate" saga has cast a pall over Germany's vaunted car industry, with suspicions of emissions manipulation spreading to other carmakers. Luxury carmaker BMW and Mercedes-owned Daimler have both had their offices raided by investigators searching for evidence of possible cheating. "I said, what are you talking about, 'I'm illegal'? I can't be illegal, I've been here from when I was eight years old." Bryan, now a grandfather, thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, since he moved to Britain legally as part of the so-called Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. But he and many others who failed to regularise their status have been caught up in a clampdown on illegal migration, which has seen them declared as undocumented migrants and unable to work or access benefits. Outrage over their plight led to a personal apology from Prime Minister Theresa May to Caribbean leaders on Tuesday, and ministers have promised that no one will be deported or detained. After a long and expensive battle with the authorities, Bryan received his right to remain in Britain in February -- but nothing will change the trauma he and his family have been through. "It was a nightmare," he said, his T-shirt spattered with paint from the decorating job to which he has now happily returned. "It's nice that she (May) apologises because she realises they were wrong, but I didn't feel the apology, to be honest. It didn't make no difference to me," Bryan said. "Put me back where I was before they arrested me, that would be nice -- I didn't have no debts before immigration come in, I wasn't worrying and fretting about anything," he said. "My life was put on hold." Bryan speaks with a thick London accent and considers himself British, but he admitted his treatment had "tested" his allegiance to his adopted country. "It broke the trust that I thought I had with the British," he said. 'He'd be on the street' In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them a legal right to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' or siblings' passports and then never applied for their own. In recent years a government clampdown on illegal immigration has begun to identify those without papers -- scooping up many elderly people from the Windrush generation. Bryan was particularly vulnerable because he struggles with reading and has few documents -- he has never even opened a bank account -- making it hard to find the required proof of his life in Britain. He was detained twice, first for three weeks, after which he was told to report every fortnight to the authorities. "That was the worst, going to sign on and not knowing if you're going to come out," he said. In November last year, he was detained again and booked on a plane to Jamaica two days later. An immigration lawyer obtained a last-minute injunction and he was released. But each time he and his family say they received no official explanation -- until they contacted a newspaper, The Guardian, after which his case progressed rapidly. When he received confirmation of his status in February, "it was great, but I still didn't feel great because my debts was rolling on me, my missus was stressed," he said. Once Bryan finally gets his British passport, he is looking forward to travelling to Jamaica where his mother now lives. He said he would apply for government compensation for legal costs which have left him in debt, and the couple may also sue for wrongful detention. The evacuation zone covers the central railway station, the economy and transport ministries, an army hospital and the embassies of Indonesia and Uzbekistan, a police spokesman told AFP. Police said it was not yet clear how many thousands of people would be affected but predicted to local media that "it will be big, it will be a major hassle". The Deutsche Bahn rail company and urban transport operators prepared for large-scale disruptions around the central hub for trains, trams and buses. The bomb, which was discovered during construction work on Heidestrasse in the district of Mitte, was "safe for now", police said, reassuring nearby residents that "there is no immediate danger". Allied planes blasted Nazi Germany during the Second World War, and vast urban and industrial areas remain littered with unexploded bombs and other ordnance often found during construction projects. The Nation on Wednesday reported of a plan the Nancy Macharia led Commission to gazette the 71 teachers, and in subsequent blacklist them form any other employer. The teachers are accused of deserting duty, having sexual relations with their students which makes up the majority of the cases insubordination and negligence among others. In 2016, 22 teachers who had sexual relations with their students were banned from ever teaching in Kenya while in 2015, another 126 teachers were deregistered. Further, it is notified for general information that pursuant to Sections 30 (4) & (5), 23 (2) of the Act: Where the name of a teacher is removed from the register of teachers, such a person shall not be reinstated except by direction of the commission, said TSC chief executive officer Nancy Macharia. The teachers were removed between May 2017 and February 2018. A teacher whose name has been removed from the register shall cease to be a teacher for purposes of this Act with effect from the date of such removal, said Ms Macharia. On average, the TSC hears 110 cases per month, according to the report. Here is the full list 1. Mwamburi M Keke 2. James Kitema 3. Duncan Muhando 4. Moses K Kaos 5. Wilson Ngugi 6. Stephen Ngila 7. George Wambayi 8. Winston Odhiambo 9. Mutia Kisemei 10. Oliver Mwambere 11. Japeth Odangi 12. Hussein Ibrahim 13. John Kariuki 14. Wycliffe Wafula 15. Samuel Waweru 16. Benard Chepkwony 17. Martin Mulongo 18. Joseph Simiyu 19. Johnstone Wando 20. Paul Okusimba 21. Dominic Mwangangi 22. Ruwa Chongwa 23. George Oduori 24. Gitoru Njoroge 25. Murungi W Kaburi 26. Jacob K Barno 27. Thumbi Kingaru 28. Denis Maluche 29. Stanley Kamau 30. Boniface Mutungi 31. Peter Ojwang 32. Francis Ogendo 33. Stanley Ndichu 34. Daniel Komen 35. Stanely Mosi 36. Brian M Kirwa 37. Paul Olweny 38. Mutua Mulinge 39. Dennis Shibutse 40. Nicholas Muia 41. Daniel Muthui 42. Christopher Abuye 43. Jacob Ndolo 44. Jackson Imbuku 45. Simon Nyambane 46. Dickson Odera 47. Edwin Ongeri 48. Stephen Mutunga 49. Boniface Mutinda 50. Titus Munywoki 51. Simon Kimutai 52. Joseph K Rutto 53. Paul Bett 54. Allan Karanja 55. Shadrack Omollo 56. Lazarus Omondi 57. Evans Ogato 58. Simon Kyale 59. Jonathan Ogaso 60. Joseph Rotich 61. Charles William 62. Joel Kiptoo 63. Muendo Makewa 64. Henry Amukoah 65. Gibson Makini 66. Stephen Mwambua 67. Vincent Odhiambo 68. Gerald Mutisya 69. Boniface Mutungi 70. Josphat Nyaanga P op culture has turned former President Richard Nixons enemies list into the butt of jokes 45 years after the famously ruthless and paranoid president created it, in part, to monitor journalists. A new Trump administration effort to compile a database of journalists and media influencers is not the least bit funny and represents a clear threat to First Amendment rights. Congress should intervene to stop the Department of Homeland Securitys efforts to monitor 290,000 global news outlets. The department has advertised for a contractor to help compile a database of journalists, editors, foreign correspondents and bloggers to identify top media influencers, and said it wants the outlets sentiment to be included in the data collected. Sentiment apparently refers to the contractors analysis of whether the coverage represents pro-Trump, neutral or anti-administration coverage. Its particularly threatening that this move comes from a president who regularly uses the term fake news to discredit mainstream news outlets that practice nothing more dangerous than reporting on Donald Trumps words and deeds. The fake-news label has been used to confuse citizens as they try to inform themselves about what their government is up to. The importance of press freedom in this context cannot be overstated. Democracy cannot survive if the public does not keep informed or is deliberately misinformed. Traditionally the United States has been a world model of press freedoms, providing fertile ground for a vast and diverse society where all views can be shared. Debating the news and criticizing those who provide it is a well-practiced American pastime and symbolic of our free society. One of the marks of authoritarian political leaders is their penchant for attacking legitimate news outlets that cover them. Sowing divisions and undermining news media credibility help them consolidate control. Thats why authoritarian leaders in Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Myanmar and Venezuela so regularly arrest journalists and put them on trial. When Trump tells bald-faced lies, like saying he won in a landslide or had the biggest audience ever for his inauguration, he says the media is lying when they report facts that counter his false claims. His constant drumbeat of fake-news denunciation threatens to silence the truth. There can be no good reason for Homeland Security to collect data on news media operations. The solicitation calls for monitoring of media coverage in terms of content, volume, sentiment, geographical spread, top publications, media channels, reach, ... top posters, influencers, languages, momentum, circulation. Trampling on the First Amendment is wrong and dangerous. Seeking to identify and label coverage is a slippery slope in a free and democratic society. Even at a time of heightened vigilance against foreign meddling in U.S. elections, a government list of media influencers can only serve to chill those who are contributing to the marketplace of ideas. St. Louis Post-Dispatch April 1975 Two fires destroyed two buildings in Tucumcari within 2 1/2 hours. The first building claimed by the fire was Gambles store. The auditorium was the last building to be claimed by the fire and as a result Trojan Junior High was closed. Members of the Tucumcari Fair Board held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new fairground facility. New Mexico State Police arrested a Texas man 11 miles east of San Jon for transporting 265 pounds of marijuana. Grover Payne was appointed as the new assistant hospital administrator at the Dan Trigg Hospital. He worked with hospital administrator Don Alexander on the proposed hospital budget and other hospital functions. Recent events suggest a possibility that China will place a 25% tariff on soybean exports from the United States to China. Such a tariff would result in lower soybean prices and have numerous price and cost effects. We evaluate these impacts on the 2018-2021 financial performance of an average 1,700 acre grain farm located in central Illinois. Our analysis indicates a 25% tariff would result in a significant deterioration in cash flow. An attendant 20% farmland price decline would result in over a $500,000 decline in the farms net worth by 2021. Background Recently, the back and forth between the United States and China over tariffs has drawn intense interest. Each country has threatened to impose tariffs on important products from the other country. China threatened to impose tariffs on agricultural commodities such as soybeans, corn, beef, and dried distillers grain (DDGs). Because of the size of U.S. exports to China, the proposed Chinese 25% tariff on soybeans has received a great deal of attention. Whether or not these tariffs are imposed remains to be seen. Obviously, the imposition of a 25% soybean tariff will have large impacts on Midwest grain farms. Analysis This article evaluates the impacts of a 25% soybean tariff on an average central Illinois grain farm using the Gardner Farm Income and Policy Simulator (GFIPS). The model along with the central Illinois case farm examined here was more fully discussed in a March 6th farmdoc daily article. The case farm represents an average central Illinois grain farm enrolled in Illinois Farm Business Farm Management. Located in McLean County, Illinois, the farm has 1,700 acres, of which 11% is owned, 44% is share rented, and 45% is cash rented. At the end of 2017, the farm has $3,780,000 in net worth, a 26.8% debt-to-asset ratio, a 1.79 current ratio, and a debt coverage ratio of 150.6%. We simulate this farms performance from 2018 through 2021. The farms financial performance is examined under a baseline scenario, assuming that a 25% tariff on U.S. soybeans to China is not imposed. Then, three alternatives are evaluated that divide the impacts of a 25% Chinese tariff into parts: Lower Prices. Soybean and corn prices likely would decline as a result of the imposition of a 25% soybean tariff. Lower Prices plus Lower Costs. As a result of price decrease, non-land costs and cash rents likely will decrease. In addition, acreage in central Illinois, and more generally the Midwest, would switch from soybeans to corn. Farmland Price Declines. Lower commodity prices likely will lead to lower farmland returns and lower cash rents. As a result, farmland prices likely would decline. Each of the three above scenarios represents a variation from the baseline described in the following sections. Lower Prices Taheripour and Tyner recently examined several scenarios in which the Chinese government enforces import tariffs on United States soybeans ranging from 10% to 30%. They predict such tariffs could result in an annual loss in United States economic well-being ranging from $1.7 billion to $3.3 billion. At the farm level, that could mean a sharp short-term decrease in the price a farmer would receive and a 2% to 5% decline in prices over a few years. The tariffs could also lead to other economic implications at the farm level such as influence on the price of other commodities and land values. For the baseline without the impacts of tariffs, a corn price of 3.70 per bushel is used for each year from 2018 to 2021 (see Table 1). The soybean price is $9.70 per bushel for 2018 and then $9.50 per bushel for each year from 2019 through 2021. If China imposes a 25% tariff on their imports of U.S. soybeans, we estimate the 2018 soybean price will be sharply lower, moving down from $9.70 per bushel to $8.85 per bushel. This impact would then settle at $9.00 per bushel in 2019 through 2021. The increase in 2019 to 2021 prices is assumed due to a move away from soybeans to other crops. Some commentators expect more of a 2018 decline in soybean price than used here. While a larger price decline may occur, payments from crop insurance and the Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) program would begin at approximately $8.70 per bushel (see farmdoc daily, April 10, 2018). The imposition of a 25% tariff is assumed to have a small impact on 2018 corn prices. The 2018 baseline corn price is $3.70 per bushel moving down to $3.65 per bushel with the imposition of the 25% tariff. The lower price is assumed because of the positive correlation between corn and soybean prices. Corn prices would then be lowered to $3.50 per bushel in 2019 through 2021, largely due to an assumed increase in corn acres and a reduction in soybean acres. The lower commodity prices would result in lower net incomes. Over the 2018-2021 period of the simulation, the average net income under the baseline scenario is $50,677 per farm. The price response from the 25% imposition of tariffs results in over $44,000 less net farm income. The average net income over the four-years of simulation is $6,480 per farm (see Table 2). Price and Cost Declines The economic response to a 25% tariff would extend beyond prices. Costs and cash rents likely would decline as well. Here we assume that non-land costs would decline by $10 from 2019 through 2021. This mirrors some of the cost reductions that occurred in 2013 through 2016, as the commodity prices declined from 2012 highs. We also assumed that there would be a $30 per acre decline in cash rent over the three-year period, meaning cash rents are estimated to be $257 in 2019, $247 in 2020, and $237 in 2021. This scenario assumes a large drop in cash rents. Cash rents are notoriously sticky in coming down. The low prices of this scenario are assumed to necessitate a cash rent response. A lower soybean price would make corn relatively more profitable than soybeans. Hence, we assume there would be a 5% acreage shift from corn to soybeans over the projection period. Changes in costs and the switch in acres reduce the impacts of the price declines on net income. After considering these cost reductions and price shifts, average net income over the four-year projection period would be $24,124 (see Table 2). While reductions in costs offset part of the income declines from the lower price scenario, the resulting income is still very low compared to the baseline. Even under the baseline, the average $50,677 net farm income does not result in a stable financial position. Net worth for the farm equaled $3.78 million at the end of 2017. Under the baseline without tariffs, net worth at the end of 2021 is reduced to $3.67 million (see Table 3). The current ratio is reduced from 1.79 at the end of 2017 to 1.67 at the end of 2021. Overall the working capital position is weakened. The operation no longer generates sufficient funds to cover its debt obligations, as indicated by the debt coverage ratio being 95.1%, lower than 100% when the operation is providing enough funds to cover debt obligations. As a result, debt relative to assets increases, as indicated by the increase in debt-to-asset ratio from 26.8% at the end of 2017 to 29.2% at the end of 2021. The imposition of a 25% tariff would increase the financial deterioration. Table 3 includes end-of-2021 balance sheet values for all three scenarios analyzed for tariffs (see appendix for values of the current ratio, debt-to-asset ratio, and debt coverage ratio over time). The Lower Prices and Costs column shows the combined impacts of lower prices and lower costs. Considering the price and cost impact, net worth declines to $3.59 million in 2021, an additional $80,000 loss over the baseline scenario. Working capital is further weakened leading to a current ratio of 1.45 and debt coverage ratio would be 85.3%. These levels indicate very serious cash flow issues. Debt-to-asset ratio is projected to be 30.9% at the end of 2021. This farm would face the need to reduce cash flows and likely also need to restructure debt. There still is equity on the farm to allow for financial responses, but equity is eroding. Lower Farmland Prices This farm owns 11% of its 1,700 acres and has $2.05 million of farmland real estate assets on the balance sheet at the end of 2017. Lower farmland returns likely would result in a decline in farmland prices. We assumed a 10% decline in farmland price in 2019, with an additional 5% decline in 2020 and 2021. The reduction in farmland prices would not have any cash flow impacts but would lower net worth and increase debt-to-asset ratio. Net worth is projected at $3.20 million at the end of 2021, a decrease of $580,000 from the 2017 levels. Debt-to-asset ratio would be projected at 34.2%. The farmland price decline worsens the financial position of the farm. Summary The imposition of a 25% soybean tariff by China on U.S. soybean exports would result in a worsened financial and wealth position for the case farm examined in this article. Cash rent declines would need to occur to offset some of the price declines. Farms with different structures than the single case farm examined in this article could face different financial results. The 25% tariff would have larger negative impacts on farms with higher debt levels and higher amounts of cash rent. The reverse is true as well. Farms with lower debt levels and lower percentages of cash rents would fare better. In closing, it is important to underscore that these estimated impacts are not forecasts. The financial and wealth situation of farms in 2021 will depend upon many events, one of which may be a 25% tariff on soybeans. The other events may offset or exacerbate the negative impacts of a tariff on U.S. soybeans by China estimated in this article. YouTube Video: Discussion and graphs associated with this article Congestion Pricing Is A Terrible Idea Congestion pricing hearings are now taking place. We cannot believe anyone is even considering this terrible idea. It is going to cause a rift between... Astoria Civic Association Will Be Sorely Missed The Astoria Civic Association has existed for 87 years. They have been a community institution ever since the founding by Judge Charles J. Vallone when... QUIZ: Guess the Road Songs We can't wait to get back on the road again! Play this quiz and see if how many you can get right! ABSTRACT Background: Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological cancer among women in the developing countries. It is preventable by early detection and treatment of the precursor lesions. Cervical cytology became the standard screening test for cervical cancer and premalignant lesions with the introduction of the Papanicolau (Pap) smear. Aim: to determine the uptake, indications and results of cervical cytology in a tertiary health center in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: a 5-year descriptive study of the results of cervical cytology among women who attended the gynaecological outpatient clinic of the Hospital. Results: a total of 597 cases of cervical Pap smears were received at the histopathology department during the study period out of which 20 (3.4%) were inadequate for cytological evaluation. The patients age ranged from 15 to 80 (mean 38.8 SD = 11.4) years. The average annual uptake of the Cervical smear was 9.3% of the total number of patients seen in the gynaecological clinic during the study period and the main indications were routine medical check-up, 256 (42.9%) and cervicitis 76 (12.7%). About 398 (66.7%) were normal smears while 152 (26.3%) were abnormal. Non-specific inflammatory changes were present in 113 (74.3%) cases. Cytology was positive for intraepithelial lesions in 6.8% (39/577) cases. Eighteen percent (7/39) of them were high-grade lesions while squamous cell carcinoma was detected in 12.8% (5/39) cases. Conclusion: the uptake of cervical cytology of 8.7% is low and the main indication was routine check up. Premalignant lesions were detected in 6.8% of cases. Keywords: Cervical Cytology, Cervical Cancer, Nigeria 1. Introduction Cervical cancer is the main cancer among women in sub-Saharan Africa, India, and other parts of the developing world [1] . India accounts for a quarter of worlds burden of the disease [1] . The country accounted for 23.2% (123,000) of new global cervical cancer cases and 25.1% (67,000) of cervical cancer related deaths [2] . Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer related death in women in most developing countries of the world and has over 500,000 new cases and more than 300,000 deaths globally each year [3] . It is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in Jamaica [4] . In Nigeria, cervical cancer accounted for 67.8% and 77% of genital tract malignancies in Sokoto and Zaria respectively [5] [6] . Most of the patients present with advanced stages of the disease when treatment for cure is not feasible. This ugly scenario is due to ignorance, poor health seeking behaviour, presence of risk factors such as sexual promiscuity, polygamy, early sexual debut and large number of pregnancies [3] [5] . Similarly, there is no organized screening practice to detect the early forms of the disease. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the highest burden of cervical cancer occurs in developing nations where there is a lack of effective screening programs and low uptake of Pap smear or pelvic examination [7] . Cervical cancer is preceded by a pre-invasive lesion, which can be detected by exfoliative cytology like a Papanicolau (Pap) smear examination [7] . Therefore, it is considered preventable, as the premalignant stages can be detected cytologically and effective treatment can be offered. The disease is of public health importance, it is common and serious. The natural history of the disease has been known for a long time and it therefore meets the criteria for screening for prevention. Cervical cancer is caused by persistent infection with the oncogenic strains of human papilloma virus (HPV) particularly HPV 16 and 18 [5] [8] . The risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix is about 400 times higher following infection with HPV16 and about 250 times higher following infection with HPV18 compared to the risk in uninfected women [9] . The infection is sexually transmitted and is therefore related to lifestyle. Up to 80% of women acquire the infection in their lifetime [10] . Most of the infection by the virus is cleared by the body defence mechanism, but in about 5% - 10% of cases it becomes internalized. It is this persistent infection that results in cervical dysplasia and ultimately cervical cancer. Screening with the conventional Pap smear has been seen to be accompanied by a dramatic reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer in different countries of the world [11] . Cervical cytology became the standard screening test for cervical cancer and premalignant lesions with the introduction of the Papanicolau (Pap smear) in 1941 [12]. The goal of cytological screening is to sample the transformation zone, the area where the physiological transformation from columnar endocervical epithelium to squamous (ectocervical) epithelium takes place and where dysplasia and cancer arise. Well-organized cervical cancer screening programmes have reduced the mortality from cervical cancer by up to 50% in the developed world [8] . However; in most low-resource countries of the world screening facilities are either absent or rudimentary. Most screening programs are opportunistic, isolated and not population based. Similarly, the uptake for the Pap test is low even when it is available [13] . Despite these limitations; the conventional Pap smear is still the most widely available screening method for cervical cancer especially in low resource settings. The liquid-based cytology (LBC) aims to minimize errors of omission and commission inherent in the conventional Pap smear. It is now the standard test used by the National Health System (NHS) of the United Kingdom for cervical screening program [11] . However it is yet to take root in many low resource settings. Recently, HPV DNA testing has been recommended by the WHO as a standard screening method for cervical cancer. This is based on the fact that HPV DNA is found in over 95% of cervical cancers and precursor lesions worldwide [8] . This non-cytological method of screening is not readily available in most centres in Nigeria. Despite the high prevalence of cervical cancer in Nigeria, there is no organized national HPV vaccine immunization programme to provide for primary prevention of the disease. We present the result of a 5-year screening programme for cervical cancer by the conventional Pap smear in tertiary health institution in Nigeria. 2. Aims and Objectives The study aimed to determine the indications, uptake and the results of cervical cytology in a tertiary health institution in Nigeria 3. Subjects and Methods This is a review of all cases of cervical smears that were assessed at the Histopathology department of the hospital over a 5-year period (1st of January 2011 to 31st of December 2015). The smears were from women attending the gynaecological outpatient department and in whom pap was advised by the treating gynaecologist for clinical indications. The hospital is a tertiary health institution located in the region of Nigeria. It has 886 bed spaces and provides tertiary and secondary health care services to neighbouring states. It also runs residency training program for doctors in the various sub-specialists including Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Histopathology among others. The hospital cases are those referred from health institutions in the metropolis and also from neighbouring states. It also receives referrals from Niger Republic, a country located in the northern frontiers of Nigeria. The study was commenced on the 27th of July 2016 and was completed on the 23rd of October 2016; a period of three months. The Hospitals Research and Ethical Committee (HREC) approved the study (HREC/2016/No.532). The case notes of patients who had Pap smear during the period of study were retrieved from the medical records department. The records were traced to the Histopathology department where the cytology results were extracted and analyzed. Data obtained included the socio-demographics of the patients such as age, parity, place of residence, occupation, indications for cytology, previous cytology, specimen adequacy and results of cytology were recorded in a proforma. Statistical analysis of the collected data was performed using the SPSS IBM version 20 (IBM version 20.0. Armouk, NY: IBM Corp.). The results were expressed in frequencies, means, percentages, tables, figures and charts. The Bethesda system TBS (2004) with standardized terminologies for reporting cervical cytology was adopted in this study. 4. Results A total of 597 cases of cervical smears were received in the histopathology laboratory during the period of study. About 3.4% (20/597) were inadequate or unsatisfactory for cytological evaluation according to the Bethesda criteria and were thus discarded. The rest 577 smears were analyzed and thus constituted the study population. The age of the patients ranged from 15 to 80 years with a mean of 38.82 [SD = 11.42] years. The annual uptake of the Pap smear shows an increasing trend as shown in Table 1. The modal year was in 2013. The average annual uptake of the conventional Pap smear was 9.28% as shown in Table 1. Cytology was performed mostly for routine indications in 42.9% (256/597), cervicitis 12.7% (76/597), abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in 12.1% (72/597), suspected cervical cancer 7.7% (46/597) while the least indications were post menopausal bleeding (PMB) 3.2% and utero-vaginal prolapse 2.8% (17/597) respectively as shown in Table 2. Thus in about 57.1% (341/597) of cases, the Table 1. Annual uptake of cervical cytology in relation to overall patient load. Table 2. Indications for cervical smear. indication for cytology was due to gynaecological problems. About 66.7% (398) of the smears revealed normal findings (NILM) while 26.3% (152/577) were abnormal cytology (including epithelial anomalies, reactive cellular changes of inflammation and infections). Out of the 152 abnormal cases, 113 (74.3%) were reported to have non-specific inflammatory changes, 16 (10.5%) showed low grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL) as in Figure 1, 7 (4.6%) HSIL (moderate or severe dysplasia) as in Figure 2, while 5 (3.3%) revealed squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). There were 11 cases of atypical squamous cells out of which 8 (5.3%) were ASC-US and 3 (2%) were ASC-H as shown in Table 3. The LSIL showed cells with koilocytic changes suggestive of HPV infection and mild dysplasia. Thus cervical intraepithelial cell lesions were observed in 39/577 (6.8%) of the Pap smears. Figure 1. Photomicrograph of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL). Figure 2. Photomicrograph of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL). Table 3. Cytological diagnosis of pap smears. NILM = negative for intraepithelial lesion or malignancy, SCC = squamous cell carcinoma, HSIL = high-grade squamous intra-epithelial lesion, LSIL = low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, ASC-US = atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance, ASC-H = atypical squamous cell where high grade lesions could not be excluded. The maximum number of patients screened in this study i.e. 62.1% (371/597) belonged to the age group of 26 - 45 years followed by 139 (23.4%) patients within the 46 - 65 age range and was least with those in the 7th and 8th decades of life. Many of the cervical smears 28.8% (172/597) were performed for routine indications in women within the active reproductive age group of 16 - 45 years. This age group is characterized by intense sexual activity, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HPV infection, abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB), non-specific inflammation processes and cervicitis as shown in Table 4. Table 5 showed indications for cytology in relation to cytological diagnosis. Abnormal epithelial changes were observed in 11 (4.6%) cases of routine cervical smears and 2 out of the 5 cases of invasive carcinoma observed in this study were seen among those who came for routine screening. Table 6 showed that 3 out of the 5 cases of SCC observed in this study were present within the 46 - 55 year age group. Cervical cancer is common within the age range of 40 - 59 years with a mean of 55.5 years. Similarly, most of the high grade cytological lesions (6 out of 7) were prevalent within the same age bracket but were absent in patients below the age of 25 years. 5. Discussion The aim of screening for cervical cancer is mainly to detect and treat pre-malignant or pre-invasive lesions before they progress to malignant lesions. In this study, the prevalence of squamous intraepithelial lesion was 6.8%. This is low compared to the 19.8% observed from previous studies from Sokoto, 12.2% in Enugu and 9.7% from Ibadan [13] [14] [15] . Studies carried out on epithelial cell abnormalities in cervical cytology have shown 4.3% in Kuwait, 7.9% in Saudi Table 4. Indications for pap smear in relation to age. Table 5. Cytological diagnosis in relation to indication. Table 6. Cytological diagnosis in relation to age. Arabia, and 6.8% in New Delhi India respectively [16] [17] [18] . The worldwide range of positive cytology from the conventional Pap smear is 10% [19] . The relatively low rate of positive cytology observed in this study could be attributed to the large number of clients 256/597 (42.9%) that had cytology performed for routine indications and not based on gynaecological symptoms. In the previous study from this centre, most of the indications for cytology were symptom-based (79.4%), while in Ibadan it was 53.8% [13] [15] . We also observed from the previous study from this institution that the Pap smear was taken for routine indications in only about 21.5% of cases, while in this review cytology for routine medical check-up was performed in 42.9% of patients [13] . Thus, even though the awareness has appreciated, screening for cervical cancer is still opportunistic and not the organized population based. The annual uptake of the Pap smear showed a rising trend from 1.3% in the previous study to 9.3% in this review [13] . This recent increase in the uptake of the conventional Pap smear in our institution could be attributed to the awareness campaign, health education and workshops which were carried out within the hospital complex, places of worship and through the print and electronic media during the periods of 2012 to 2013. Thus, from this study, awareness of the value of cervical cancer screening may have translated to utilization and increase uptake of the Pap smear. This underscores the need for a well-organized population-based national screening programme for cervical cancer. Chronic cervicitis is a very common condition in adult females and preferentially affects the squamo-columnar junction and the endocervix [18] . It is often accompanied by metaplasia in the epithelium. In this study, we observed that cervicitis was an indication for cervical cytology in 12.7% (76/597) of cases and inflammatory lesions were detected in 20% (113/577) of cervical cytology. Thus cervical smear examination is a valuable tool in the diagnosis of cervical infections which are very common in women of reproductive age group [18] . Atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASC-US) were observed in 8 (1.4%) of cases in this study. Previous studies have reported the association of ASCUS in a significant proportion of women with Trichomonas vaginalis infection [16] [17] . However this study did not identify any causative organism. A previous review from this centre identified Trichomonas vaginalis in 4% of the smears [13] . Overall, epithelial cell abnormality of 6.8% was observed in this study, LSIL was present in 2.8%, ASCUS 1.4%, HSIL 1.2%, squamous cell carcinoma 0.9% and ASC-H in 0.5% of cases respectively. In a study of 6173 Pap smears taken for routine screening in Alexandria Egypt, abnormal smears were found in 101 (1.63%) out of which 0.98% was diagnosed as ASCUS, ASC-H 0.11%, LSIL 0.10%, while HSIL was present in 0.016% of cases [20] . The low incidence of cervical intraepithelial lesions and cervical cancer in Egypt was attributed to sexual behaviour, male circumcision, and religious culture [20] . It thus lends credence to the fact that cervical cancer is more prevalent in Africa south of the Sahara desert. However, it was also noted that most of the patients with gynaecological symptoms were excluded from participating in the Egyptian study [20]. The major controversy in cervical cancer screening involves the age at which to begin screening (with the Papanicolau smear). In this review, we observed that epithelial cell anomalies were rare in patients below the age of 25 years but became more prevalent thereafter. This is comparable with studies from Egypt [20] . It is thus reasonable to begin screening after the age of 25 years. However, cervical cancer has been detected in women as young as 21 years of age [5] . According to the American Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology (ASCCP), cervical cancer screening should begin at age 21 years [21] . They stated that women under the age of 21 should not be screened regardless of the age of sexual debut or other risk factors. This is because cervical cancer is rare in adolescents and young women and may not be prevented by cytology screening [21] . Cytological abnormalities are common in this age group and can lead to labelling, anxiety, extended surveillance, and invasive procedures such as colposcopy [21] . 6. Conclusion In conclusion, this study has observed that the annual uptake of the conventional Pap smear in our institution showed a rising trend, but most of the indications remain symptom based. The presence of epithelial cell abnormalities on cervical cytology is consistent with literature. Awareness of the value of cervical cancer screening could result in increased utilization and uptake of the Pap smear. Cite this paper Singh, S., Nnadi, D.C., Anas, R.F., Ango, I.G., Umar, A.G., Mohammed, U. and Mohammed, Y.K. (2018) Cervical Cytology: A Review of 597 Cases in a Tertiary Health Centre in Nigeria. Case Reports in Clinical Medicine, 7, 259-268. https://doi.org/10.4236/crcm.2018.74024 References U.S. national appeals 3-year-long sentence in Russia for fraud RIA Novosti, Vitaly Belousov 12:39 18/04/2018 MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI) U.S. national George Hager convicted of $7 million fraud in Russia has appealed a 3-year prison sentence given to him by Moscows Presnensky District Court on April 10, the courts press-service has told RAPSI. The defendants accomplices received prison terms ranging from 3.5 to 4 years. The court found that Hager and two other people misrepresented themselves as senior government officials offering potential clients to organize appointment to high-ranking positions at the Russian Federal Agency for Fishery for $7 million. According to investigators, in the spring of 2016, the defendants received $300,000 from a victim as a part of the sum. In May 2016, one of the defendants was arrested. Pussy Riot member gets 100 hours of community service for Telegram action 15:22 18/04/2018 MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI) - Maria Alyokhina, a member of the infamous feminist punk group Pussy Riot, on Wednesday received 100 hours of compulsory community service for unauthorized action against blocking of Telegram messenger, the spokesperson of the Meshchansky District Court of Moscow Yulia Kotomina has told RAPSI. On Tuesday, two other young women, Yulia Kostenko and Alina Muzychenko, were fined 10,000 ($160) and 20,000 rubles ($325) respectively for participating in the action. All the women were found guilty of organizing a mass concurrent stay and (or) movement of citizens in a public square resulted in breach of public order. On Monday, thirteen participants of the action came to Lubyanka Square in central Moscow where the Federal Security Service is located. They threw multicolored paper planes at the FSB building thus protesting Telegram blocking. Russian communications watchdog Roskomnadzor started blocking the messenger on April 16 following a court order. Moscows Tagansky District Court tasked Roskomnadzor on April 13 with putting a stop to sending and receiving messages through Telegram until the messenger fulfills its obligations by providing deciphering keys. The ruling came into force immediately. According to the communications watchdogs statement, Roskomnadzor received the ruling and forwarded the relevant information to operators. In June 2017, Roskomnadzor requested Telegram management to comply with the Russian legislation or face blocking of the messenger. Telegram founder Pavel Durov agreed to register the service in Russia. However, he refused to abide by laws incompatible with Telegram privacy policy, Durov wrote on his VKontakte (VK) page in late June. In July, Durov received the FSB requests to provide information for decoding messages of six app users. In September, law enforcement authorities drew up administrative protocols against Telegram because of law violation, as Durov failed to reply for the request. The Meshchansky District Court of Moscow has fined the company 800,000 rubles ($14,000) for refusal to provide FSB with information on message decoding concerning several users. The messenger insists that it is technically impossible to transfer encryption keys. Telegram has been found guilty of failure to store and (or) furnish information on users and their messages to law enforcement agencies. The ruling has become effective. In December, Telegram Messenger LLP filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court of Russia seeking to cancel the Federal Security Services (FSB) decree establishing the procedure for provision of information on decoding of user data. On March 19, the lawsuit was dismissed. Telegram was obliged to comply with the FSB order within 15 days. The company filed an appeal with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against the fine, lawyer Damir Gainutdinov told RAPSI on March 22. In early April, the Presidential Council for Human Rights called Roskomnadzor to refrain from blocking Telegram messenger in Russia and asked FSB to find other ways of legal access to the messages of users endangering the national security. According to the Federal Law On Information, Information Technologies and the Protection of Information, organizers of information distribution on the Internet must submit information about users and their messages to the authorized governmental bodies conducting investigative activities and ensuring the state security. Two criminal cases opened after another attack in Russian school Fotolia/ Dominik Herz 10:58 18/04/2018 MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI) Investigators of Russias Bashkortostan Republic have launched two criminal cases after an incident in Sterlitamak town where a teenager allegedly attacked a teacher and tried to set a school on fire, the Investigative Committee has stated. According to preliminary information, a 17-year-old student entered an informatics class and used a knife to cut a classmates hand and stab a teacher. Later he allegedly used a flammable liquid to set the school on fire which made one of the students to jump out of the window. The alleged attacker reportedly stabbed himself. The fire did not result in any casualties. The suspect and the victims were transferred to a hospital. Law enforcement officers are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Two criminal cases were launched, one is classified as attempted murder and another one is classified as negligence. Russias Children Rights Commissioner Anna Kuznetsova is closely monitoring the situation, her press-service stated. In January, Russian schools suffered two attacks. On January 15, a student in the 10th grade and a former pupil of the same school in Perm intentionally caused multiple stab wounds to nine 4th graders and their teacher. The victims were hospitalized. The alleged attackers have been charged with attempted murder of more than two children collusively committed by a group of persons. On January 19, a student of Buryatia's school entered the building and attacked pupils of the 7th grade; after that he set fire in a classroom with a bottle containing flammable liquid. Three children and a teacher were injured during the attack. Alleged assailant of Russian journalist partially admits guilt RAPSI 17:11 18/04/2018 MOSCOW, April 18 (RAPSI) Alleged assailant, who wounded prominent Russian journalist Tatyana Felgenhauer with a knife, Boris Grits, has partially pleaded guilty during the first court hearing on the matter, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom. A prosecutor in the case read out arguments for compulsory medical treatment reiterating that Grits is charged with attempted murder. According to the results of complex psychological expertise, the defendant could not comprehend reality or social danger of his actions and could not control them. Grits admitted his guilt in part and said that he did not want to commit a murder. The defendants lawyer Igor Zuber told RAPSI earlier that actions of Grits should be considered as deliberately causing a grave harm to health instead of attempted murder. According to investigators, on October 23, Grits sneaked into the Echo of Moscow radio station and stabbed his victim in neck with a knife. Felgenhauer survived the attack and was transported to a hospital, where she underwent a surgery. Investigators believe that the alleged assailant wanted to commit kill the journalist but failed because he was stopped by the radio stations staff. The defendant has dual citizenship of Russia and Israel. Defense lawyers said that they would seek to transfer Grits to Israel. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate , We're sorry, this article is not currently available By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 04/18/2018 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. featured Molly Duff and Jonathan Francetic telling their friends and family days ahead of "Decision Day" they had agreed to get divorced during Tuesday night's episode of the Lifetime series' sixth season.Molly and Jonathan's marriage has been a roller-coaster from the start, as Jonathan has been shut out from any physical intimacy or affection. Molly never found her husband physically attractive -- although she recognized he's handsome and they have important values, hobbies and marriage expectations in common.Well, a blowout fight at an Orlando bar during last week's episode resulted in the end of their marriage and Molly moving back in with her mother seven into this extreme social experiment.More than 50 days into the marriages, Jonathan revealed to the cameras, "We both pretty much think this marriage is over."Jonathan and Molly both sought out loved ones for support and advice following their split.Molly told her sister that Jon's decision to record their argument was a violation of trust and that was "it" for her, while Jonathan told his pal that being married to Molly was like continuously running into a brick wall with no progress or hope."We have already determined that we are getting divorced," Jonathan told his friend. "I've put so much into this marriage that I'm devastated."Molly also told her sister that Jon had "made it very clear" he didn't want to stay married to her.Meanwhile, Shawniece Jackson and Jephte Pierre were doing great as Decision Day neared. Shawniece didn't want to be a failure, so she was scared and nervous about this day. She called it "the most important decision of my life."But Jephte admitted that if he had to decide whether to stay married or get a divorce immediately after their trip to Vermont, he probably would have given up and let her go.However, Jephte noted a lot had happened since then, like a new adorable puppy, and they were in a good place."I think we're a good fit... I could see myself with her in the long run," Jephte told the cameras.Shawniece then revealed Jephte was everything she wanted in a husband, except for his stubbornness.On Day 53, Ryan Buckley hosted the guys for dinner at his apartment, while Shawniece had the ladies over her place.Jonathan remained quiet for a while and the guys could tell something was up, so it didn't take long for him to admit the breakup. Jonathan told the guys that even Dr. Jessica Griffin believed he had been a victim of "verbal and emotional abuse.""We both know we're walking into Decision Day saying no," Jonathan noted.Jephte opened up about his fight with Shawniece in Vermont that resulted in confusion and second-guessing in attempt to relate to Jonathan; however, he made it clear that he was happy overall.Ryan then took this opportunity to admit he was torn over whether to remain married to Jaclyn Schwartzberg since they fought often and she had made a habit of shutting him out."We're not as close as we were, like, I just feel more distant now. If we were to cut ties, I wouldn't be heartbroken at all," Ryan confessed."That's one of the biggest reasons I feel like I don't know what's going to happen. Because why would I feel nothing if I'm getting divorced from my wife?"Jephte insisted it wasn't fair for Ryan to judge Jaclyn after only seven weeks with her, and Jonathan seemed to agree."Ryan is about as confusing as Molly at this point. I think he's scared and doesn't want to get hurt, which is fair and valid. But some of it just doesn't compute. I think Ryan's expectations are really high... and it's only hurting his situation," Ryan explained in a confessional.Regardless of what was to occur on Decision Day, Jephte hoped the guys would stay in touch and remain friends after this.Meanwhile, Molly revealed her bad news to the girls on "Taco Tuesday.""It's 150 percent permanent," Molly told the girls of her pending divorce, "like not a single question [in my head]... there's no going back."Molly claimed she had put all of her effort into the marriage but Jonathan eventually lost patience with her over their lack of a physical connection.Molly wished she and Jonathan could at least end on the same page, with a mutual feeling of respect and closure, but she feared that wasn't going to happen -- especially since Jonathan refused to answer her attempts at communication.After the dinner, once Ryan and Jaclyn returned home, Ryan confessed to his wife that he was "really torn" over their future together. And after dropping that bombshell, he insisted to Jaclyn that he had every right to feel scared and apprehensive at this point.Ryan admitted he was still unsure about Decision Day, and she was shocked and blindsided. She thought they both wanted to make the marriage work. Jaclyn therefore began questioning herself, thinking, "What am I still doing? Because you could end it in five days."Ryan addressed his concerns about their frequent fights and how they threatened divorce every time an argument happened. Ryan feared divorce would always be an option and an escape if they were to stay married, and he didn't want that type of tumultuous relationship."If it's going to work, it's going to work. If it's not, it's not," Ryan pointed out."It's not going to work with that attitude," Jaclyn noted, later adding that her marriage was "hanging by a thread" and "it might actually be over."The next day, Jonathan drove to see his mother Cheryl and his stepfather to disclose the fact he's getting a divorce. Cheryl called it "a shame," as she was excited for her son and seemed to really like Molly.Cheryl could tell her son was very disappointed, but she knew it would only be a matter of time before he bounced back. Jonathan said the experts did a great job matching him with Molly but the situation wasn't right.That night, Jaclyn helped Molly pack her stuff when Jonathan wasn't home. Molly couldn't believe Jonathan could cut her off so easily, as she sent him a long text message that he never responded to. She felt Jonathan blamed her for everything and took no responsibility.Jaclyn then expressed to Molly how Ryan was suddenly confused about their relationship, and Molly told Jaclyn that she should never have to convince her husband to want to be with or stay with her.On Day 55 of the marriages, Shawniece and Jephte got into a little tiff over their cars, and he acknowledged they often disagreed. Shawniece felt she couldn't win with Jephte, and she clearly thought the argument was over something silly.But it didn't take long for the couple to laugh things off, and Shawniece realized Jephte cared and wanted their marriage to work just as much as she did.Meanwhile, Jaclyn was devastated, feeling her marriage was "on the brink of divorce."However, Ryan apologized to his wife for acting weird and being unsure. Jaclyn was so happy to hear regret in Ryan's voice, because she confessed that she had felt "super hurt" by his doubts. At the end of the day, Jaclyn really wanted to be with Ryan.As part of his apology, Ryan presented Jaclyn with a very sweet and thoughtful gift. He had molded flowers from their wedding day into a dainty silver necklace, and she cried tears of joy.Ryan and Jaclyn were continuing to build trust in one another, and Ryan acknowledged he didn't want to mess things up. Evolving a common work ethic and culture will be critical so that the merged entity does not lose focus on the common enemy outside -- and instead becomes more obsessed with internal turf wars, says Indrajit Gupta. The coming together of Vodafone and Idea Cellular -- the biggest merger in Indian corporate history -- is underway. While a few regulatory clearances are still awaited, the leadership team has been announced late last month. Vodafone-Idea will be the largest telecom company by market share, revenue and subscriber base. The anticipated synergies are expected to be around $10 billion over the next three years or so. And so, it is a good time as any, to ask: Will this merger provide a moat for Vodafone-Idea to stave off the brutal attack from Reliance Jio? By all reckoning, the answers are somewhat unclear. Lets look at the reasons why. Vodafone-Ideas revenue table is starting to come down. From July last year, when Jio began to make deep inroads, Vodafone-Ideas combined revenues have dipped from about Rs 750 billion to Rs 65,000 crore. It took a while to react to Jios penetration pricing. Partly because it didnt have the capacity to manage any increase in volumes, which would have been inevitable, if it dropped prices. In Vodafones Mumbai circle, capacity utilisation is said to be at 150 per cent, resulting in frequent call drops. Idea has a similar problem in Pune, its lead market. In other words, they are caught in a bind. Even Jio first went after data subscribers and gradually turned its attention to voice, and is now looking to target enterprise customers, who account for a significant part of Vodafones revenue and profits. By consolidating the network and freeing up spectrum, the merger will help bring huge savings. But harmonising the network will take time. While there are some estimates floating around, it would be reasonable to assume a lead time of at least 12 months. So Vodafone-Idea will have to fight Jio and Airtel with its hands tied behind its back, at least for another year. Whats likely to happen in that period, especially if Jio continues its assault for the next four quarters? By all reckoning, Jio has its eyes set on ramping up market share, even at the cost of profitable growth. In a capital-intensive business like telecom, ramping up market share may be the only way that a challenger might break into the market. Thats exactly what Reliance Jio has done. It may be hurting too, except that it possibly has the cash flows to sink in at least another $10 billion from its total estimated capex of $50 billion. The bruising price war has already consumed the fringe players. Telenor, Tata, Reliance Communications and Aircel have folded up. Reliance is at almost 20 per cent market share, while Vodafone-Idea will be a little more than 37 per cent and the balance with Airtel (27 per cent) and others (like BSNL). Any significant market share gains from Jio will now have to come from Vodafone-Idea and Airtel. So far, Airtel has matched Jio on every front, and it has the spectrum to pick up new subscribers. Unless Vodafone-Idea is able to continue matching Jios tariffs across the board, it could face a run on its subscriber base. And it wont be able to do so, unless it has the spectrum and the network in place. Any loss of market share will mean reduced cash flows -- and that in turn will impact the ability to raise capital and shore up ones network. Airtel has done that well. And, it is continually looking to build up its war chest. Vodafone-Idea is hoping to put up more capital too, but how soon it can do so remains to be seen. If Vodafone-Idea decides to not match Jios blistering pace of investments, it would only signal that it is prepared to eventually settle down at a lower market share that it reckons it can legitimately justify. And if Jio is able to grab at least 40 per cent revenue market share in the next couple of years, it will then look to dominate the market and look to leverage that to raise prices. Thats not all. In any merger of two large corporate entities, blending the two cultures will pose enormous challenges. As a global telecom giant, Vodafone has its own ways of working. It is known to create large bureaucracies at the head office. Its pay scales are significantly higher. On the other hand, the leadership team at Idea is seen as more grounded and a lot less flamboyant. Evolving a common work ethic and culture will be critical so that the merged entity does not lose focus on the common enemy outside -- and instead becomes more obsessed with internal turf wars. This will be a real challenge ahead, especially since the new leadership team under Balesh Sharma is largely untested in managing a venture of this scale. Plus, there is the added challenge of combining the two brands as well, since neither player is prepared to give up theirs. Photograph: PTI Photo. Indrajit Gupta is co-founder at Founding Fuel. While the mango season started with the Alphonso variety trading at Rs 18 a kg (model price), it jumped to Rs 30 a kg at the wholesale Vashi mandi. Mango prices are likely to remain firm this year because of lower production estimates on adverse climatic conditions and the governments sustained effort to boost Indias exports during the ongoing harvesting season. Adverse agro-climatic condition with a mix of sudden change and hot and cold weather followed by untimely rainfalls and hailstorms across the north-eastern states has resulted in massive crop damage this year. The weather suddenly turned hot during the peak mango flowering season of January and February, followed by immediate change to cold weather and then warm conditions again. The harvesting of early crop was preceded by a hailstorm in major growing regions, including the north-eastern states, resulting in huge crop damage. Thus, consumers who wait for a year to taste mango, the king of fruits, will have to pay more this year. While the mango season started with the Alphonso variety trading at Rs 18 a kg (model price), it jumped to Rs 30 a kg at the wholesale Vashi mandi. Its price, however, fell to Rs 14 a kg by the second week of April before recovering again to trade on Tuesday at Rs 20 a kg. In the physical retail market, the Kesar variety is being quoted at Rs 100 a kg which stands at 30-40 per cent higher than last year. Adverse agro-climatic condition has lowered mango crop size this year by 10-15 per cent. Sudden change in weather from cold to warm and vice versa during the peak flowering season, followed by hailstorms during early progress of fruits, damaged mango crop heavily. Thus, we expect mango price to remain elevated throughout this season, said Ravi Vaghasiya, partner, Nilkanth Organic Mango Farm, a Gujarat-based exporter which primarily sends its mangoes to Canada and Switzerland. Based on early indication, however, the Union agriculture ministry in its First Advance Estimate released in January, had forecast Indias mango output to rise by 5 per cent to 20.7 million tonnes (mt) this season compared to 19.5 mt last year. Based on lower output estimate, mango supply is set to remain scarce this year. Thus, Indian exporters may find it difficult to meet growing export demand of certain varieties of mango, said a senior official in charge of mango exports at one of Indias largest fruit exporters. However, D K Sharma, vice-president of All India Mango Growers Association, believed weather conditions in the next two months would be crucial for the growth and saleable quality of mango. Meanwhile, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (Apeda) has initiated a massive promotional programme to boost exports of mango this season. Apart from the traditional markets, Apeda has designated its dedicated officials to focus on increasing Indias market share in China, Kazakhstan, South Korea and Iran. Special attention is being given towards growth of mango exports to the US and European Union. India primarily exports Dusheri, Badami, Hapus, Safeda and Totapuri varieties, to name a few, to consumers of Indian and local origins. Iran opened its market for mango import from India last year and we exported some quantity last year. Being a natural ally importing many commodities from India, we see huge potential for mango exports to Iran. "We plan to ship container-loads of mangoes through the sea route. We would take some of Pakistans share in the Iran market, said a senior Apeda official. India enjoys a very thin presence in the global mango market. Data compiled by Apeda showed Indias total exports at 52,761 tonnes (worth $ 66.94 million) for the financial year 2016-17 compared to 36,779 tonnes ($50.04 million) in the previous year. Experts forecast an increase of at least 15 -20 per cent in mango exports this year. Photograph: PTI Photo Want to know how to claim tax deduction on property income you earn? Do you know how to withdraw unclaimed EPF money? Kuldip Kumar, director, Transcend Consulting, answers your tax queries. I rent out my property for Rs 300,000 a year. What deductions can I claim? Rental income is taxable under the head Income from House Property. Under Section 24 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, you can claim a deduction on the municipal taxes paid during the year on the property. Thereafter, from this net amount, 30 per cent of it is allowed as standard deduction. There is no deduction for the actual repair or maintenance. In case you borrowed money to acquire or build this house, the interest payable is also permitted to be claimed as a deduction. However, after claiming all the above deductions, where the net result of income from house property is a loss, this would be adjusted against any other income during the year. However, such adjustment of loss is capped at Rs 200,000. Any excess can be carried forward for the next eight years to be adjusted against any future loss, which may arise under the head income from house property. I have changed four employers. Every time a new Employees Provident Fund (EPF) account was opened. I have not claimed any of this money in the past 11 years. I am told that it's better that I should withdraw the money as the process of transfer is very cumbersome. What would your advice be? Since you are in employment, technically you cannot withdraw the PF money. However, you may consider transferring your PF accumulation from all the four accounts to the account that you maintain with your present employer. If all your past accounts are linked to the Universal Account Number (UAN), it can be easily transferred using the online process. Check with your previous employers and consider transferring the funds online. I am a salaried individual. I have a personal loan and a gold loan. Can I get an income tax deduction for interest paid on these loans? Unfortunately, no deduction is available for interest paid on personal or gold loan. If you were in business and used the funds for business purposes, you could have claimed the interest as business expense. My brother became a citizen of the United Kingdom five years ago. He owns a house that was bought 16 years ago. If he sells the house now, will he be liable for capital gains tax? How can he transfer the money abroad? Are there any restrictions on the money a person of Indian origin can repatriate in a year? Taxability in India depends on the tax residency status of the individual, which in turn depends on the number of days he has spent in India during the year. Assuming that your brother is settled in the UK and has visited India for less than 182 days in the relevant tax year, he is likely to qualify to be a non resident under Indian tax laws. Since the house which he will sell is situated in India, the gain arising on it would be subject to tax in India. Since your brother held the house for 16 years, the resultant gain would be considered as long term capital gain and would subject to tax at 20 per cent. Indexation benefit will also be available. Since your brother stays in the UK, he may also be taxed on such gain according to UK tax laws. If such double taxation takes place, the credit for taxes paid in India may be available against the UK tax liability, in accordance with the Indo-UK tax treaty. If your brother plans to save tax by reinvesting the gain in another house under Section 54, he should consider the taxation aspects in the UK. Where no tax is paid in India, credit will not be available and taxes may still need to be paid in the UK. These are general comments and your brother should analyse his UK tax position to frame his views based on the above comments. Regarding remittance of proceeds, that should not be a problem, so long as taxes have been paid, the relevant paper work is completed, and the amount does not exceeds $1 million. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com The views expressed are the expert's own Avista helped some companies restructure their debt in such a way that overseas investors had to take a steep haircut Avista Advisory, the investment advisory firm founded by Rajiv Kochhar, earned an income of Rs 300 crore in the last four years, according to company officials who were quizzed by Indian investigative agencies. A large part of the income was used to pay salaries and attract talent in India and Singapore, the company said. Avista Advisory is owned by Rajiv Kochhar, brother-in-law of ICICI Bank MD and CEO Chanda Kochhar. A large part of Avistas income came from restructuring of debt of corporate clients, including Suzlon, Morepen Laboratories, Videocon Industries, Jindal Stainless, Sterling Biotech, GTL Infrastructure and Jaypee group of companies, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) officials said. Some of these companies were also customers of ICICI Bank. Avista helped these companies restructure their debt in such a way that overseas investors had to take a steep haircut. However, the income earned by Avista does not point to any wrongdoing till more information comes out, said officials quoted above. An e-mail sent to Avista Advisory did not elicit any reply till the time of going to press. Rajiv Kochhar was the first person to be questioned by the CBI on allegations of quid pro quo made by a whistleblower. He was stopped from flying to Singapore on April 5 at the Mumbai airport and was interrogated on his role in the quid pro quo allegations made to the Prime Ministers Office in 2016. Officials and directors of Deepak Kochhars company NuPower Renewables are under investigation and have been called to New Delhi this week for questioning, said a source close to the development. In case of NuPower, investigators were interested in finding out Accion Diversified Strategies Funds source of funds, the officials added. Accion had invested Rs 4 billion to buy 55 per cent stake in NuPower. Preference shares issued to Mauritius-based DH Renewables, a subsidiary of Accion Diversified Strategies Fund, were converted into equity shares in March 2017 following a valuation report prepared by Price Waterhouse. The money trail of Accions funds is important for investigating agencies since they want to find out the actual investors in the fund based in Cayman Islands. Apart from foreign investments, NuPower also received a Rs 64 crore loan from Videocon Industries, which led to allegations of conflict of interest since ICICI Bank had lent funds to Videocon group. ICICI Bank board, Videocon International and NuPower Renewables have denied any wrongdoing. A Videocon official said its Rs 64 crore loan to NuPower would be repaid with interest in 2021 according to the initial contract, but NuPower had said the loan would be converted into equity shares of the company. One third of faculty positions vacant. One per cent seats empty. New IITs lag in infrastructure, research. Abhishek Waghmare and Sahil Makkar report. Indian Institutes of Technology are struggling to fill vacant faculty positions and seats, despite efforts by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) to provide more autonomy and resources to these institutions. The shortage of full-time teachers at IITs was 34 per cent at the end of 2017-2018, up from 25 per cent in 2007-2008, according to data tabled in Parliament. Ten years ago, there were only seven IITs, now there are 23. In 2014-2015, the vacancy was 38 per cent. "The government is not taking care of the IITs because it is in favour of privatisation of higher education," says Bhalchandra Mungekar, member of the Rajya Sabha's standing committee on higher education. In its report, the committee has noted demands for grants for 2018-2019. It has also noted that increasing the retirement age of teachers from 60 years to 65 years has not resolved the issue. 'Either our young students are not attracted to the teaching profession or the recruitment process is a prolonged one and involves too many procedural formalities, or both,' the committee said. MHRD officials say filling up positions in the IITs was a continuous process. "People with good academic and professional records are hired. It takes time, but it does not mean classes are not being taught. In fact, teachers compete with each other to take classes," points out an MHRD official responsible for overseeing the functioning of the IITs. Abhay Karandikar, dean of faculty at IIT-Bombay, who is in line to become the director at IIT-Kanpur, says the institute is making every effort to fill vacant faculty positions. "We have to ensure cabins, laboratory space and research equipment," he says. "These require funds and time, since infrastructure support cannot be provided instantly.". One solution is hiring adjunct and visiting faculty as well as post-doctoral researchers. Another solution suggested by the Rajya Sabha committee report involves raising the age of superannuation, encouraging faculty to undertake consultancy, hiring contract, adjunct and visiting faculty. But with a large number of professors likely to retire soon, there would be a crunch, some of them say. Funding is another area of concern. At present, the Centre is the only source of funding for the IITs. According to revised estimates for 2017-2018, the government spent Rs 82 billion on the IITs, up 50 per cent from Rs 54 billion in 2016-2017. However, for 2018-2019, the Centre has budgeted only Rs 56 billion, although the institutes had sought Rs 115 billion. This is likely to affect the newer IITs which are facing a severe shortage of funds for infrastructure, according to Mungekar. As a result, the quality of research and job placements for students are trailing those of the older IITs. "If we remove old IITs from the IIT universe," says Mungekar, "then the new ones do not paint a good picture." The MHRD official quoted above says the government had set up the Higher Education Funding Agency to provide loans of up to Rs 1 trillion. HEFA has disbursed Rs 21 billion in loans to six institutions: The IITs in Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Kharagpur and Kanpur, as well as the National Institute of Technology, Suratkal. The institutes will have to repay the principal while the Centre will return the interest. The institutes are also being encouraged to generate revenue through research and patents. For the next round of HEFA loans, the government plans to repay both the principal and the interest. Funding and teacher vacancies are not the only two pressing problems at the IITs. Some of them are also unable to fill seats. In 2017, the number of vacant undergraduate seats rose to 121, compared to three in 2014, though it is a minuscule fraction of 11,000 new seats added last year. Traditional programmes such as civil engineering and highly specialised ones such as biochemical and pharmaceutical engineering are facing difficulties in attracting students. Students are opting for branches that directly relate to new technologies and job prospects. Professors said most students preferred computer science or related branches. "This year, the last round of student counselling at the IITs ended before the last round at the National Institutes of Technology. Some students who secured admission to future-ready programmes such as computer science at the NITs left their pharmaceutical engineering seats at BHU (IIT-Banaras Hindu University)," says a professor. It was not possible, he adds, to fill seats falling vacant after the admission process was completed. However, only the new IITs are facing this issue. At IIT-BHU there are 32 vacant seats, 23 at IIT-ISM (Dhanbad) and 13 at IIT-Jammu. 'Some disciplines may be considered for being shut down or suspended for a few years,' Satya Pal Singh, minister of state for human resource development, said in a written reply to a question in Parliament. Kindly note: Lead image posted only for representational purposes. Photograph: Sahil Salvi 'The biggest challenge Swaraj and Sitharaman will face is how far they can take their counterparts Pompeo and Mattis seriously.' 'One just doesn't know how long they will even keep their jobs.' 'They are basically salesmen peddling American wares.' 'Actually, there is nothing like 'American policies' in the Trump era,' says Ambassador M K Bhadrakumar. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra D Modi with United States President Donald J Trump at the White House, June 2017. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said 'no' to fast tracking talks with her American counterpart James Mattis. Delhi prefers that the originally planned 2+2 foreign and defence minister-level meeting takes place first before 'Mad Dog' Mattis got his turn. The Pentagon betrayed its interest in somehow getting Sitharaman across to Washington as quickly as possible, being the decision maker on arms purchases. external Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's power lies, after all, in using twitter only. The American zest to regard the Naredra D Modi government as an ATM machine has become so brazen and scandalous. Sales by US vendors zoomed to $5 billion in 2017 and the predatorial instinct is rearing its hood. Just as Sitharaman was travelling to Moscow recently, The New York Times held out a crude threat that US sanctions against Russia might come to haunt India if she dared to finalise the deal for the S-400 missile defence system or the Russian fifth-generation jet stealth aircraft. In the event, Sitharaman didn't close the deals, but the fact is that the Americans just alerted us about the pitfalls of putting all our eggs in their basket. Given the American panache for imposing sanctions on countries with independent foreign policies, Delhi needs to be extra vigilant. Meanwhile, the fate of the '2+2' format as such remains unclear. What is this format anyway? From the American side, quite obviously, the format is useful for canvassing business such as Lockheed Martin's push to sell single-engine pre-historic F-16 fighter jets to India whose production is being phased out in the US. Fundamentally, a question mark needs to be put on the strategic assumptions underlying India's 'defining partnership' with the US now that there has been a change of guard in the foreign policy establishment in South Block. Simply put, the foreign policy trajectory pursued during the period from January 2015 till February 2018 proved to be detrimental to India's interests and strategic autonomy. The current trends in regional and international politics underscore the importance of strengthening India's strategic autonomy: The downhill slide in India-China relations; the tensions in US-Russia relations; the looming US-China trade war; the thaw in China-Japan relations; China-ASEAN normalisation; China's growing influence in South Asia, etc. But the biggest challenge that Swaraj and Sitharaman will face as co-chairpersons of the '2+2' format with the US is how far they can take their counterparts Mike Pompeo and Mattis seriously. Not only are these gentlemen not authoritative enough to spell out US policies, one just doesn't know how long they will even keep their jobs. They are basically salesmen peddling American wares. Actually, there is nothing like 'American policies' in the Trump era. The Washington Post carried two reports this week underlining the utter confusion within the Trump administration. Even the president is not necessarily the last word. One of these two astonishing reports titled 'Trump a reluctant hawk has battled his top aides on Russia and lost' narrates shocking details on how the former NSA in the White House H R McMaster simply hoodwinked a bumbling Trump into approving the proposal to expel 60 Russian diplomats from the US last month: 'The next day, when the expulsions were announced publicly, Trump erupted, officials said. To his shock and dismay, France and Germany were each expelling only four Russian officials...' 'The president, who seemed to believe that other individual countries would largely equal the United States, was furious that his administration was being portrayed in the media as taking by far the toughest stance on Russia...' 'Growing angrier, Trump insisted that his aides had misled him about the magnitude of the expulsions. "There were curse words," the official said, "a lot of curse words".' The second Washington Post report narrates how even the famous Nikki Haley can no longer pretend to be Trump's authoritative voice. I am reminded of the Roman emperor Caligula (AD 37-41). He had a favorite horse Incitatus whom he once planned to designate as Roman consul. Caligula used to hold parties for friends in the steed's grand stables. In a fit of exuberant joy, he once named Incitatus a minister of state. The Trump presidency has not quite reached that point yet, but bizarre things are happening in the Washington Beltway -- like in Caligula's decadent Rome in decline and fall. India will be well advised to keep a distance. 'What if this was my child?' 'My 3 year old, my 8 year old, my 17 year old?' 'Would I be insular, silent?' 'Would I protect those who I so actively protect now?' asks Preeti D'Mello. IMAGE: People participate in a protest march at Carter Raod in Mumbai's Bandra to demand justice for victims in the Kathua and Unnao rape cases. Photograph: Uttam Ghosh/ Rediff.com 'Primitive societies live by the Rule of Might, and the strong prevail.' 'Advanced societies live by the Rule of Law, and the privileged prevail.' 'Enlightened societies live by the Rule of Love, and everyone is lifted higher.' -- Michael, Dooley We are a barbaric society that lives by the rules of lawlessness and prejudice, and the aggressors prevail. In times of such deep moral degradation, of absolute annihilation of humanity, there seems to be no possibility to renew faith and move on. The issue of rape and molestation in India has become so commonplace, brutal and cruel -- it cannot be ignored and yet our outrage is momentary and passing. According to the National Crime Record Bureau, one in every two children is raped in India, and the rapes of the girl child has gone up by 82% from the previous year in 2016. The newspapers every morning read like obituaries of children raped, molested, abused by whosoever can -- most times by people in close proximity -- fathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, teachers and almost always those who have power or strength. There are no human rights, leave alone child rights. The rapists walk freely, believing what they did was not such a big issue, was a mistake, and in most cases did not happen at all. The onus of proving the crime is that of the victim while the architects of outrage use the law, political muscle and money to keep themselves safe. There seems to always be sinister motives driving the victim -- never the accused. The raped were not really raped -- they are trying to take over property, schools, bribe the rich by making ridiculous allegations, ruin reputations and even as bizarre as a cross-border conspiracy. Our response as fellow humans is even more disgraceful. Most of us hold our silence, some express outrage and then there are those who support the predators. Self-preservation is a natural instinct even though fence sitting when a child is drugged, raped and killed is incomprehensible. Those who raise their voice and offer their shoulder are far and few, and their good intent often loses momentum with time and the onslaught of the system. What is inexplicable is the support for the predators -- funding and flag-raising, chanting of patriotic slogans like these children are not our own or even against us as country, strong voices out of dissent against such allegations against the rapists. What is it that these supporters of rapists can't see -- if the images and the chargesheets are not sufficient, what more proof would they need? Does the accused's clean record establish their innocence forever, especially in a stigmatic society when such rape cases rarely surface? Or is it that we have abandoned our souls, are apathetic and couldn't care as long as the problem is not ours? Maybe I do care for only who and what I consider mine and will stand to support them, even if the crime is a barbaric, heinous, rape and murder of a child? The question does come up -- what if this was my child? My 3 year old, my 8 year old, my 17 year old? Would I be insular, silent? Would I protect those who I so actively protect now? Kathua saw an 8-year-old free spirited girl drugged, gang raped for days and brutally murdered. Unnao saw a 17 year old raped under the ruse of employment and her father killed. Mumbai saw two 3 year olds raped on a school premises, allegedly by the founder. This is the broken fabric of our social system, of our Indian-ness. We have not been able to keep our children safe. The power of the perpetrators of these crimes is beyond the muscle and the money they bring. The cops support them, the political system backs them, the recipients of their dole stand by them and worse still, those greedy of their influence back them. There are also those worried and scared for the everyday ease of their loved ones who preserve themselves by defending the criminals. Kathua saw the Hindu Ekta Manch wave the Indian flag, chant 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' in defence of the accused. How do these add up when a Muslim child is raped and killed? In Unnao, the victim fought the authorities for a year for her voice to be heard and lost her father in the process. In the Mumbai school, the accused rapist was arrested six months post the FIR and released on unconditional bail within days, and the chargesheet was filed nine months after the FIR -- that only after the high court ordered the transfer of the case to another police station. There has been no ease in these cases, but for the Mumbai school the high court cancelled the bail of the accused founder, and the Supreme Court upheld it. The drama does not stop there, with several parents and teachers of the school conducting a fund-raising initiative for the accused founder's legal fees and the school administration continuing to staunchly support him. If we were truly just and compassionate: Why would the same parents raise funds for the accused founder, and not raise funds for the middle class parents of the 3 year old? Does she not deserve the support for a fair trial? Why have the residents of Jammu not raised the tricolour for the 8 year old in Kathua, or chanted patriotism for a fair, unbiased, investigation? Does she not deserve the backing of her country? Why has the police not used the force they exerted on the Unnao victim's father on the accused MLA's family? Do they live by the same rules? We are a prejudiced nation. The killers of Nirbhaya still live off the taxpayers despite being on death row. Citizens drag through their entire lives in search for justice. Politicians rule this country and the people of this country have adapted to injustice, might, corruption and power. Are we becoming a condemned nation with a spineless population? Till the time we do not wake up to embrace each other's pain, honour the diversity that exists in religion, community and status, connect to love, support and keep each other safe -- the demonic forces of inhumanity will continue to erode, rape and demolish us. The only way to be safe is to keep each other safe. Until then, this land of Buddha and Gandhi will continue to be raped. Preeti D'Mello is a parent and a member of Parents for Action against Abuse. The trip was the highest level meeting with a North Korean leader since 2000 when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, in Pyongyang. Lalit K Jha/PTI reports A combination photo shows CIA Director Mike Pompeo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump. Photograph: Reuters Central Investigation Agency director Mike Pompeo travelled to Pyongyang for a secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, United States President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday, the highest level US contact with the reclusive state ahead of a planned summit between the two leaders. CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who is also Trumps nominee for Secretary of State, last week met Kim, Trump said in a tweet. The meeting in North Korea went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed, Trump said. The two countries are now preparing for a summit meeting between him and Kim Jong un, he said. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearisation will be a great thing for world, but also for North Korea! Trump said in his tweet. Pompeos trip was the highest level meeting with a North Korean leader since 2000 when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, the father of the current leader, in Pyongyang. South Koreas President Moon Jae-in and Kim are due to meet next week. The two sides have agreed to broadcast parts of the summit live, the Souths state news agency Yonhap has reported. Trump told reporters during a joint media appearance on Tuesday with the visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, that the summit meeting is likely to take place in June or early. Five venues are being looked into for the meeting. But it does not include the United States, he said. I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong-un. And hopefully that will be a success. Maybe it will be, and maybe it wont be. We dont know. But we will see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. We are going to see what happens, Trump said. Weve also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels -- extremely high levels -- with North Korea, Trump said before a restricted bilateral meeting with Abe. Asked about the location of the potential venues, Trump confirmed that they were outside the US. We have not picked a site yet, but weve picked five sites where its potentially going to be. Well let you know fairly soon, he said. North Korea has been isolated for decades because of its alleged human rights abuses and its pursuit of nuclear weapons, in defiance of international laws and UN sanctions. It has carried out six nuclear tests, and has missiles that it says could reach the US mainland. Pompeos secret trip to North Korea was first reported by The Washington Post. The extraordinary meeting between one of Trumps most trusted emissaries and the authoritarian head of a rogue state was part of an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Trump and Kim about North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, the daily reported. The clandestine mission came late last month, soon after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state, The Post said. Trump however tweeted that the meeting took place last week. The New York Times said that the White House has used intelligence, rather than diplomatic channels, to communicate with North Korea, ever since last month, when Trump unexpectedly accepted Kims invitation to meet. Pompeo has been in close touch with the director of South Koreas National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who American officials said brokered Kims invitation to Trump, The Times said. According to Wall Street Journal, Pompeo went to North Korea before his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee last week. During the hearing expressed optimism about the proposed meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un. Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation [that] will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America so desperatelyAmerica and the world so desperately need, Pompeo said. Advocates representing the media houses told the court that the mistake of disclosing the name and showing photograph of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law. IMAGE: People participate in a candle light vigit to protest over government's alleged 'inaction' in Kathua and Unnao rape cases, at Chandkheda in Ahmedabad. Photograph: Santosh Hirlekar/PTI Photo The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed 12 media houses to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim in Jammu and Kashmir. The court also indicated that it may enhance the amount that has to be deposited by the media houses in the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund, which have apologised for revealing the details of the victim. It asked them to file separate affidavits explaining their conduct in three days and directed that the compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh each should be deposited with the registrar general of the high court within a week. The money would be transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir legal service authoritys account to be used for the Jammu and Kashmirs victim compensation fund. The court, which had initially suggested imposition of Rs 25 lakh cost on each of the concerned media house, later said for the time being, they should deposit Rs 10 lakh each. Of the 12 media houses which were issued notices by the court, nine made their appearance through their counsel today. At the outset, a bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar said it would like to see the editors of the media houses to be present in the court as some line has to be drawn. The bench said the repercussions of revealing the identity of a rape victim have to be faced by the entire family who also suffer ostracisation from the society. Advocates representing the media houses told the court that the mistake of disclosing the name and showing photograph of the victim was due to their ignorance of the law. They said there was misconception that they could name her as she was dead and it will facilitate the prosecution of the accused. The bench also directed that wide and continuous publicity be given to the statutory provisions of the law regarding the privacy of victims of sexual offences and punishment for revealing their identities. While Section 23 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act lays down the procedure for the media to report cases of sexual offences against child victims, Section 228A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) deals with disclosure of identity of victims of such offences. The penal law provides for jail term of two years with a fine. On April 13, the high court issued notices to 12 media houses for disclosing the identity of an eight-year-old girl who was gang-raped and killed in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district. In its news reports connected with the case, The Press Trust of India has not disclosed the name or put out a photograph of the victim. When senior advocate Sudhir Nandrajog, representing one of the media houses, said the name and photographs of the victim were already in public domain in Kashmir since January, the bench said this does not mean that the media also has to show it. You are showing the childs photograph on the background on TV channels and inciting anger against the accused. The POCSO Act is very clear that if the child dies, even the parents cannot give consent to reveal her identity. The family suffers from long term repercussions and is ostracised from the society, it said. The problem arises if there are others girls in the family. It does not matter whether you are 8-year-old or 98-year-old, people will question you, why you were wearing this and why you were out, the bench said, adding we have to set our own limits on freedom of expression. Asking which media house had published the two provisions of the law the day after the courts April 12 order, it said if wide publicity had been given to these laws, the social media would also have stopped revealing the victims details. Doesnt the public have a right to know this? When the nation wants to know everything else, doesnt the nation want to know this also, it said. Observing that such conduct by the media was happening in other such cases as well, it said even the worst criminal has a right to fair trial and the kind of influence which media has, injustice is done to the trial court also. Advocate Anuradha Dutt, appearing for a news channel, said there was no justification for what they have done and they were at a fault. There was some confusion. I hang my head in shame. We have stopped it, she said. The advocates said the media houses will be willing to pay the compensation to enable some help to the victims of sexual violence and their families. The court had earlier prohibited them from effecting any publication including the name, address, photograph, family details, school details, neighbourhood or any other particulars which may have an effect of leading to the disclosure of the identity of the child victim. The eight-year-old from a minority nomadic community had disappeared from near her home in a village near Kathua in Jammu region on January 10. Her body was found in the same area a week later. The state polices Crime Branch, which probed the case, filed the main charge sheet against seven persons and a separate charge sheet against a juvenile in a court in Kathua district last week. The charge sheet revealed chilling details about how the girl was allegedly kidnapped, drugged and raped inside a place of worship before being killed. She is survived by her husband, ex-US President George Herbert Walker Bush, five children -- including former President George W. Bush -- 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. IMAGE: Former first lady Barbara Bush with her husband and former US President George Herbert Walker Bush and son and former President George W. Bush. Photograph: Jason Reed/Reuters Former First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush, wife of a United States president and mother of another, died Tuesday. She was 92. Her husband George Herbert Walker Bush, the former US president and her son George Walker Bush, also a former president, were by her side along with other family members when she breathed her last at her Houston home. "A former First Lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92," said a statement from the office of her husband. Funeral arrangements would be announced as soon as is practical, the statement said. She is survived by her husband, five children -- including former President George W. Bush -- and her brother Scott Pierce, as well as 17 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Over the past few years, she had been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. In her final days, she decided against seeking additional medical treatment. Bush was last hospitalised for bronchitis in January of 2017 alongside her husband, who was being treated in the ICU. Joining the nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania said Barbara Bush as a wife, mother, grandmother, military spouse, and former First Lady, was an advocate of the American family. "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognising the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection. She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well," Trump said. In another statement issued by his campaign, Trump said the former First Lady will always be remembered for bringing strength and dignity to the White House, the Presidency, and America. "Because of Mrs. Bush's dynamic personality and devotion to her family, she will serve as an inspiration for future generations of Americans to come," Trump said. "Barbara Bush always approached her responsibilities with great integrity, and will also be remembered for her humility and understanding of the challenges of everyday Americans," he said. Melania Trump also expressed condolences at Barbara Bush's demise. "Throughout her life, she put family and country above all else. Her dedicated service to the American people was matched only by her compassion and love of family," Melania Trump said. "She was a woman of strength and we will always remember her for her most important roles of wife, mother, and First Lady of the United States. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the Bush family as we honour her legacy," she said. Barbara Bush, the New York native and longtime Texas resident served as America's first lady beginning 1989 -- when her husband was elected as the President of the United States -- till 1993. Later, her son George W. Bush was also president of the US, serving from 2001 until 2009. Her son Jeb Bush was the 43rd governor of Florida, and also a 2016 Republican presidential candidate. Born in 1925, Bush spent her childhood in Rye, New York, before moving to South Carolina to attend the prestigious Charleston boarding school Ashley Hall, according to the White House. Known for her wit and fortitude, Bush spent her final years with her husband in their homes Houston, Texas, and Kennebunkport, Maine. When asked if she planned to follow her skydiving husband's lead and take a leap on her milestone 90th birthday in 2015, the former First Lady told media, "I'm too smart to jump out of a perfectly good plane. I am not jumping out of an airplane. I am not an idiot." She also wrote multiple children's books and published a memoir -- Barbara Bush: A Memoir and Reflections: Life After the White House -- in 2003. In 1992 she also authored Millie's Book, written from the perspective of the first dog. Son and former President George W Bush released a statement saying his "dear mother" had passed away and that the family would "miss her dearly". "My dear mother has passed on at age 92. Laura, Barbara, Jenna, and I are sad, but our souls are settled because we know hers was," the statement said. "Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions. To us, she was so much more. Former President Bush said that his mother "kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until the end". Former Florida Governor Jeb Bush in a statement said that he was "exceptionally privileged" to be her son. Former US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle said that she was the rock of a family dedicated to public service. "We'll always be grateful to Mrs. Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House, but were even more grateful for the way she lived her life as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit,"Obama said. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Barbara Bush holds a revered place in the hearts of generations of Americans. "Her husband, our 41st president, wrote in his last days in office: history will show that she was beloved because she was real and she cared and she gave of herself. Who could say it better?," he said. The president said he was hopeful that "all among us will fulfill the responsibility of securing our girl child". IMAGE: President Ram Nath Kovind addresses at the the 6th convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Jammu and Kashmir's Kakriyal. Photograph: @rashtrapatibhvn/Twitter President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday termed as "barbaric" the Kathua gangrape and murder case and said it was the collective responsibility of society to ensure such things do not happen with any girl in the country. The president spoke on the matter while addressing the 6th convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Jammu and Kashmir's Kakriyal. "It is the collective responsibility of all of us, anything like this should not happen with any girl in any part of the country", he said, terming the incident as "heinous and barbaric". The president said he was hopeful that "all among us will fulfill the responsibility of securing our girl child". The brutal gang rape and murder of the eight-year-old girl has already seen a nationwide outrage with protests being observed across the country. Earlier in the day the president arrived in Kakriyal on his maiden two-day visit to Jammu. The president was received by Governor N N Vohra, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, Legislative Assembly Speaker Kavinder Gupta and Legislative Council Chairman Haji Anayat Ali at the Technical airport, a spokesperson said. Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh and Revenue Minister Abdul Rehman Veeri were among those who received the president. After a busy day in Stockholm, Sweden, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. PM Modi is in London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The PM will also have a top-level meeting with Britains Prime Minister Theresa May as well as a meeting with Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace. Heres a glimpse of NaMos busy English day. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. He arrived after his one day visit to Sweden. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport. Johnson said he was excited about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on huge economic advantages. Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together, Johnson said in a statement. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May met at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting. The PM was greeted with the customary handshake by his British counterpart. Very welcome to London, Prime Minister, May said as she greeted Modi. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr May and Modi held wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement after Britains exit from the European Union. Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr A senior Indian official said that a slew of agreements will be signed between India and the UK during the prime ministers visit. A memorandum of understanding (on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr After his meet with Theresa May, Modi paid floral tributes at the bust of 12th century Lingayat philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara at Albert Embankment Gardens on the banks of the river Thames. The event was organised by The Basaveshwara Foundation, a non-profit organisation-based in the UK that has installed the statue of Basaveshwara. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr The Basaveshwara statue installed at the Albert Embankment is not only the first statue to be unveiled by an Indian Prime Minister in the UK, but is also the first conceptual statue approved by the British Cabinet in the vicinity of the Parliament. The approval was given as a mark of respect to Indian philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara for promoting democratic ideals, social justice and gender equality. Basaveshwara (1134-1168) was an Indian philosopher, social reformer and statesman who attempted to create a casteless society and fought against caste and religious discrimination. India has recognised Basaveshwara as one of the pioneers of democracy and his statue was installed in the Indian Parliament during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Photograph: MEAIndia/Flickr PM Modi met Britains Prince Charles at an exhibition organised to celebrate Indias role in the history of science and technology. The Prime Minister Modi and Prince Charles visited the exhibition on 5,000 years of Science and Technology in India, tweeted Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson at the ministry of external affairs. Photograph: @ClarenceHouse/Twitter The exhibition, hosted by the Prince of Wales, celebrated Indias role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering. The Prince of Wales and Modi also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group. Photograph: @ClarenceHouse/Twitter Prime Minister Narendra Modi called on Queen Elizabeth II at the Buckingham Palace and discussed issues of mutual interests. Photograph: @DDNewsLive/Twitter Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath programme in London also said that people have more expectations from his government because they know that it can deliver. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said days of incremental change are over and Indians have become more aspirational under the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government at the Centre, taking a dig at the previous governments and their governance of making people dependent on the state. Modi also said that people have more expectations from his government because they know that it can deliver. People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over, Prime Minister Modi said while speaking at the Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. WATCH: Modi arrives at Central Hall Westminister for the event with the Indian Diaspora Responding to a series of questions moderated by Prasoon Joshi, the Chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification, Prime Minister Modi said he was not born with an aim to be in history books. Slamming his detractors, Modi said his problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations, Modi said in his more than two-hour long interaction. I want this government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism, he added. Modi said earlier the government was centred around a family but people have shown that in democracy even a tea seller can become their representative and shake hands at the royal palace. Noting that there is big difference between then and now , Modi said, when the policy is clear, intention is clear, and the intentions are noble, then you can achieve the desired result. Responding to a question, Prime Minister Modi said impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational, he said. Earlier, people had adopted a chalta hai attitude but now they have high expectations from us, Modi said, adding that the 125 crore people of India now feel excitement, hope and expectation. If you will see where we stand in comparison to previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter, he added. You all must have seen that the power of your passport has increased. People look at you with pride. India is still the same. But today we can see a difference. Indian has managed to do this and now people know the power of India, Modi said, comparing his governments achievements with that of his predecessors. He asked what prevented Indian prime ministers from going to Israel, referring to previous governments policy of avoiding highest-level visit to the Jewish state. Yes, I will go to Israel and I will even go to Palestine, said Modi, who is the first Indian prime minister to travel to both Israel and Palestine in two separate visits. I will further cooperation with Saudi Arabia and for the energy needs of India I will also engage with Iran, Modi said, referring to the two Middle East oil-rich power centres who are at odds with each other. He also warned Pakistan and said India will not tolerate those who export terror and will respond to them in the language they understand, referring to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the Line of Control. When someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language, he said, amid applause. We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted, he asserted. Invoking the father of nation, Modi said that during the freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi did something very different and he turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement. He told every person that whatever you are doing will contribute to Indias freedom. Today, the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement, the prime minister said, adding that he was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of Indias poor. On recent incidents of rapes of minor girls in the country, Modi expressed grief and called it an evil of not just the individual but also of the society. Terming it as matter of concern, he said, We always ask our daughters about what they are doing, where they are going. We must ask our sons too. The person who is committing these crimes is also someones son. He has a mother too in his house. When asked whether he can change the country alone, Modi said he was an ordinary citizen just like any other Indian. We have a million problems but we have a billion solutions, he said. I can make mistakes but I will not do any work with ill intention, Prime Minister Modi said. Responding to a question on Modicare, he said his government was working for the health of every Indian. Our focus is on three things -- education for students, employment for youth and medicines for the elderly, he said, adding that the Ayushman Bharat health care scheme will cover more than 10 crore poor families providing them coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually. Modi also lauded the 12th century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara and said he dedicated his life to the people and worked to unite them. Basweshwar did for women empowerment, democracy and social causes is an example for world, Modi said. Photographs: @PIBIndia/Twitter The best in international photojournalism was recently announced by World Press Photos Annual Photo Contest. Despite fierce competition, the jury was forced to select just a handful of images from more than 73,044 photos by 4,548 photographers across 125 different countries. This years grand prize was awarded to Venezuelan photographer Ronaldo Schemidt, earning him the title of Press Photographer of the Year. Here are some of the winners. Aam Aadmi Party leader Raghav Chadha, whose appointment as an advisor to Delhis Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia was cancelled after directions from the home ministry, on Wednesday slammed the move as political vendetta and said he has returned the Rs 2.50 honorarium he received for his services. The tussle between the AAP government and the Centre escalated on Tuesday with the cancellation of appointment of nine advisors to Delhi ministers following the Union home ministrys directions which said these posts were not sanctioned. Hitting out at the Centre, Chadha said at least the home ministry should have realised that his tenure as an adviser had ended in 2016. Chadha, who is a chartered accountant, was appointed as an advisor to Sisodia from January 16 to March 31, 2016, to use his talent in preparation of the budget. He said his removal, along with eight other advisors including Atishi Marlena, smacks of political vendetta. On one hand we appoint people like Atishi Marlena, the Bharatiya Janata Party appoints (its spokespersons) Sambit Patra and Shazia Ilmi on board of PSUS, Chadha said. He said that the reason behind sacking Marlena and other advisors was that the BJP could not match up with the good work done by the Delhi government in the field of education and health. While we cannot change what is in the past, please accept enclosed a demand draft of Rs 2.50 in favour of the Ministry of Home Affairs that I earned in my capacity as advisor as a token of my remorse, Chadha said in the letter he has sent to Home Minister Rajnath Singh. He said appointment of Amardeep Tiwari, media advisor to law minister, Arunodya Prakash, media advisor to deputy chief minister, had the approval of the then Lt Governor Najeeb Jung. He, however, did not furnish any document to back his claim. According to an order issued by the General Administration Department of the Delhi government, the MHA had written in its letter that the posts of advisers are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister of Delhi. Appointment of nine advisers was accordingly cancelled. AAPs national spokesperson Dilip Pandey the Centres decision is non serious step taken because political arrogance. China on Wednesday said its relations with India have seen 'great strides' and the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will further enhance 'political trust' between the two countries. Swaraj will arrive in Beijing on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on April 22 to take forward attempts by both countries to reset ties strained by last year's 73-day Doklam military standoff as well as a host of other issues. "We believe Swaraj's visit will further enhance political trust between the two countries and elevate the China-India strategic cooperation partnership," said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. "We have seen great strides in all-around cooperation. This year, there is a positive momentum in bilateral ties. We would like to work with the Indian side to maintain high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, properly manage disputes and move forward bilateral ties," Hua said. The issues of discord between the two countries include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China blocking India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group as well as its opposition to efforts to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the United Nations. This will be Swaraj's first meeting with Wang after he was elevated last month to be the state councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He holds the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister. During their talks, Wang and Swaraj will exchange views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of mutual concern, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. Swaraj is also scheduled to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation on April 24 besides meeting Chinese Hindi scholars and students. Hua said foreign ministers of all eight-member countries of the SCO will take part in the meeting on April 24. SCO, in which China plays an influential role, is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. This is the first foreign ministers' meeting after India and Pakistan were admitted into SCO last year. All parties will exchange views on SCO cooperation and major international and regional issues, Hua said. The meeting will lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit of the SCO at the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit. The Chinese leadership will have group meeting with heads of delegations. Foreign Minister Wang will chair the meeting. The ministers will exchange views on all important international and regional issues. At the end of the meeting, the ministers will witness signing of outcome document, she said, adding that 'we believe all sides will take the opportunity to build on consensus, reach more cooperation and ensure success of Qingdao summit'. Swaraj and Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will be visiting China virtually around the same time. Sitharaman is also due to take part in the SCO defence ministers' meeting on April 24. The visit of Swaraj and Sitharaman were taking place as India and China stepped up high level exchanges to defuse tensions following the Doklam standoff. Ahead of Swaraj's talks with Wang, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Director of China's Foreign Affairs Commission and member of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC) Yang Jiechi in Shanghai on April 13 during which the two sides held in-depth talks on improving relations. Search Refworld and / or country All countries Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana Brazil British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Croatia Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Cote d'Ivoire Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Eswatini Ethiopia Falkland Islands Fiji Finland France French Guiana French Polynesia Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region of China) Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau (Special Administrative Region of China) Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island North Macedonia Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Palestine, State of Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Helena Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Serbia Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Sudan Spain Sri Lanka Sudan Suriname Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu U.S. Virgin Islands Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland United States of America Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Viet Nam Wallis and Futuna Western Sahara Territory Yemen Zambia Zimbabwe Islamic State a Deadly Force in Kabul Publisher Jamestown Foundation Author Mukhtar A. Khan Publication Date 6 April 2018 Citation / Document Symbol Terrorism Monitor Volume: 16 Issue: 7 Cite as Jamestown Foundation, Islamic State a Deadly Force in Kabul, 6 April 2018, Terrorism Monitor Volume: 16 Issue: 7, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5ad710f64.html [accessed 2 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Islamic State a Deadly Force in Kabul Publication: Terrorism Monitor Volume: 16 Issue: 7 Afghanistan is no stranger to brutal terrorist attacks, but this year began with a series of particularly vicious deadly attacks in Kabul, the only secured and highly fortified city in the country. Even more worryingly, most of these attacks were claimed by the local franchise of Islamic State (IS), known as IS-Khorasan. Over the first three months of the year, the group carried out more than six attacks, targeting a military hospital, the Supreme Court, police officers, the military and Afghanistan's Shia minority. Last year, between October and December, IS-Khorasan carried out over half a dozen bombings in Kabul and killed over 130 people. IS formally launched its Afghanistan operations on January 10, 2015, when Pakistani and Afghan militants pledged their allegiance to its so-called caliphate in Syria and Iraq (Lomritob, February 8). Since then, IS-Khorasan has proved itself to be one of group's most brutal iterations, attacking soft targets, targeting Shia populations, killing Sufis and destroying shrines, as well as beheading its own dissidents, kidnapping their children and marrying off their widows. Tactical Decisions and Strategic Targets IS-Khorasan chose to base itself in Afghanistan's Nangarhar Province, a strategic location bordering Pakistan's tribal areas. Its recruits came from both sides of the porous border and could easily escape a surgical strike or military operation by fleeing to either side of the Durand line. It took them only a few weeks to expand their outreach from their Nangarhar base to at least four other provinces in the east, south and west, namely Logar, Zabul, Helmand and Farah provinces (BBC Pashto, February 25, 2017). The presence of IS-Khorasan in these five provinces was important from a strategic point of view. Nangarhar is, no doubt, a safe place for staging militant activities and recruitment due to its geographical proximity to Pakistan, while Logar is considered a gateway into Kabul and is frequently used as a staging ground for attacks in the capital. During the war against the Soviets, it was referred to as Bab-ul-Jihad (the Gate to Jihad). Zabul is equally important, being a transit route for insurgents and also for U.S./NATO supplies and convoys. Helmand, despite a large presence of international troops, has its own importance as a home to the Taliban and a hub for the drugs trade, a lifeline for insurgents, including IS-Khorasan. Finally, the eastern province of Farah, into which the group infiltrated within the first few weeks of its existence, borders Iran and has a sizable Shia majority population (Mashriq TV, January 6). From the very beginning, IS-Khorasan identified its targetsShia communities, foreign troops, the security forces, the Afghan central government and the Taliban, who had not previously been challenged by an insurgent group. Despite rigorous bombing and military operations against IS-Khorasanincluding the deployment of the largest conventional bomb, the GBU-43 Massive Ordnance Air Blast, in April last yearthe group has maintained its presence in almost 30 districts across the country. In the north, the group has made bases in Kohistanat, Sar-e-Pol province, Khanabad, Kunduz province and Darzab, Jowzjan province. Its penetration and influence in the north has worried the Central Asian Republics and Russia (Shamshad TV, January 22). IS has attracted and recruited militants from terrorist outfits like the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU). However, it is the Kabul Cells of IS-Khorasan that has most concerned the Afghan government and the international community. Attacks by Kabul Cells Kabul became the first target on the IS-Khorasan agenda after the group established a base in neighboring Logar province in early 2015. From the beginning, it carried out small-scale attacks and targeted killings, but most of these went unnoticed by the international media. It received more attention when it carried out at least four targeted attacks against Shia Muslims in Kabul late in 2016. The first attack was in July that year when two suicide bombers struck a peaceful rally of Shia minority and killed about 80 people and wounded more than 230, the deadliest attack in Kabul since 2001. The Taliban condemned these attacks, which marked a shift in the 40-year long war in Afghanistan along more sectarian lines. Since then, the group has expanded its operations, with at least three IS-Khorasan cells in operation in Kabul. These are unconventionally structured terrorist cells in comparison to others in Afghanistan, which goes some way to explaining how they have remained undetected. Many of those involved are middle-class, educated people, including professors, doctors, engineers and young university students. They go about their work and in the evenings meet to plan, before returning to their homes. They change and adapt their tactics to the changing needs and situations. Afghan security forces claim to have busted several such cells recently. One such cell, IS-Khorasan's coordination and planning center, which had been used for storing weapons and ammunition, was uncovered and busted in January. Another 13-member IS cell in Kabul was busted in January, and had allegedly been planning a series of major terror attacks in the city (Tolo News, January 3). Over time, these cells have become increasingly active, sophisticated and barbaric. Despite tight security, IS-Khorasan was able to attack a Shia crowed near Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul on March 21, while worshipers were celebrating Nowruz, the New Year festival. The suicide bomber killed at least 33 people and injured 65 (Shamshad TV, March 22). On March 9, an IS-affiliated suicide bomber attacked a Shia crowd in Kabul and killed at least nine people who had gathered to mark the anniversary of the death of their leader, Abdul Ali Mazari (BBC Pashto, March 9). Only a day before, fighters from IS-Khorasan stormed Sardar Daud Hospital, the largest military hospital in Kabul, and killed more than 30 people. The gunmen had dressed as doctors. In February, the group attacked the Afghan Supreme Court, killing 22 people in the immediate vicinity (Radio Azadi, February 8). IS-Khorasan called those they attacked "apostates" and "tyrant judges with blasphemous judgments." The group also took responsibility for the January 4 suicide attack in Kabul, which claimed the lives of more than 20 people, including a number of police officers (Tolo News, January 5). Just a week before, it claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Shia cultural center in Kabul, in which more than 41 people were killed and another 84 were wounded (Tolo News, December 28, 2017). On Christmas Day, IS struck near the building of the Afghan intelligence service and killed six people. And just a week before Christmas, IS attacked another intelligence center in the capital. Brutal and Resilient IS-Khorasan has modeled its brutal tactics on those of its parent operation in Iraq and Syria. It considers itself to be the only pure Islamic group, rejecting the radical but more traditional Deobandi Sunni Taliban and the Salafist beliefs of al-Qaeda. IS-Khorasan promotes an ideology that classifies Shias as apostates, although Afghanistan had been largely unfamiliar with sectarian violence, and their methods have often been found unacceptable in Afghanistan's traditional society (Daily Wahdat, January 18). This has, however, left IS-Khorasan isolated. Not only are the Afghan government and its U.S. allies seeking to combat it, but neighboring countries including Pakistan, Iran, the Central Asian states and Russia have showed serious concerns at its growing influence. Furthermore, while there are some 20 terrorist outfits operating in Afghanistan, none are friendly to IS. Over the last three years, the Taliban has fought the group. The Afghan government is conducting operations to uproot them. U.S. and NATO forces continue to bomb their bases. General John Nicholson, commander of NATO-led forces in Afghanistan, has said that since March 2017, they conducted some 1,400 operations against IS-Khorasan and killed half of their fighters, estimating that about 1,500 remain (1TV News, February 25). The reality on the ground, however, is that IS influence and attacks are becoming more pervasive and more deadly. Dozens of IS-Khorasan senior leaders, including its four emirs, were killed in air strikes and operations leaving IS-Khorasan as a somewhat leaderless group, but it has not lost its strength to strike back in Kabul or been forced from its stronghold in Nangarhar. Indeed, the Afghan media claims that in recent months the group has been able to attract disgruntled Taliban members and foreign fighters, including militants from China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Chechnya, France, Algeria and Pakistan (Lemar TV, February 18). Implications for Afghanistan IS-Khorasan remains unpopular among the deeply traditional society of Afghanistan, but it has proven itself able to lure Taliban defectors and disgruntled youth to its cause. The group's propaganda is more sophisticated than that of the country's other militant group, with dedicated teams for social media platformsa major concern for many Afghans because of social media's popularity among the Afghan youth (Shamshad TV, January 20; Pajhwok News, December 5, 2017). There are fears that if IS-Khorasan continues to gain ground and influence, fleeing jihadists from Syria and Iraq will make Afghanistan a new base for their efforts to form an Islamic caliphate (Daily Hewad, March 10). With Afghanistan struggling to reach political settlements with its insurgent groups, a strengthened IS-Khorasan could deepen the sectarian rifts the group has established in the country, and this would make it harder to bring about the social cohesion necessary for this kind of dialogue. If IS-Khorasan cannot be effectively countered, then the political landscape of an already complex society stands to become even more complicated. Copyright notice: 2010 The Jamestown Foundation El Dorado Hills, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/18/2018 --Excel Home Healthcare Inc. is a well-known company that offers the best home nurse in El Dorado Hills and Somerset California services. Excel Home Healthcare Inc. has obtained the name for offering premium quality care to patients so that the individuals can lead a better quality life and retain their independence and privacy. 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Individuals all through Amado, Sacramento, Placer and Eldorado counties rely on the professionals at Excel Home Healthcare as they can offer the kind of care they require with the sympathy and self-respect that they are worthy of. The company also offers palliative care services for patients who are very much in need of it. To set-up an appointment with the professional here, one can straightaway call on 916-936-0555. Apart from this one can also visit the website of Excel Home Healthcare Inc. to get more information about the insurances that the company accepts and the home care services in Cameron Park and Clarksville California that it provides for the elderly adults, disabled individuals as well as other patients. About Excel Home Healthcare Inc. Excel Home Healthcare Inc. offers the top quality palliative care services and home nursing care for residents in Clarksville California, Cameron Park, Dorado Hills, White Rock, Somerset California, and close by areas. Selbyville, DE -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/18/2018 --According to a latest research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. "Interceptor missiles market is anticipated to exceed USD 14 billion by 2024." Consistent threat of attack from opposing nations will drive the industry demand. Countries including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Israel, UAE have already bought the product to boost their defense strength. Defense budget across the globe has witnessed considerable growth during the past years. For instance, in 2015, the defense spending across China was around USD 131 billion, this further increased by 11% in 2016 reaching USD 145 billion. Increasing defense budget will support the revenue generation owing to superior purchasing power along with growing investment focusing on R&D. For instance, in December 2017, India successfully tested its advanced air defense interceptor missiles. However, high production cost along with high capital investment may hamper the new players from entering the interceptor missiles market. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2401 Shifting trends towards constant innovations and upgradations will fuel the interceptor missiles market demand. For instance, HQ-9 upgraded to HQ-19, has witnessed significant growth in 2016. The technology can offer defense ballistic missiles in lower earth orbit, targeting satellites and featured with kinetic kill vehicles KKV. In addition, this can intercept the ballistic missiles over distance of 3,000 kms. These advancements of the product operating at altitude of over 200 km with relative velocity of 10km per simulation is expected to drive the interceptor missiles market share from 2017 to 2024. Surface to air is expected to dominate the interceptor missiles market share accounting over 80% by 2024. This can be credited to portability and light weight application of the product. In addition, advancement in the SAMs capable of distinguishing friendly aircraft from enemy airplane will further fuel the segment growth. Water to air will witness growth over 7% owing to growing penetration of the product across the globe for marine border defense. Interceptor missiles market of up to 125 kms range is estimated to hold major share contributing demand over 2,000 units during the forecast timeframe. Consistent boost in the penetration of these product including PAC-3, SM-3 and Iron Dome particularly in Middle East countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE and Israel will account the industry dominance. Interceptor missiles over 200 kms range will witness revenue growth at over 18% owing to increasing penetration of advanced product. Consistent advancement in the defense sector particularly in countries including China will boost the business growth. Make an Inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2401 PAC-3 will contribute to major interceptor missiles market share accounting at over USD 6 billion during the forecast timeframe. Increasing demand of the product particularly from matured economy will boost the industry growth. For instance, in January 2013, the U.S. army initiated several contracts accounting around USD 755 million for procuring 168 PAC-3 and equipment and associated services. HQ-19 will witness growth at over 40% over the forecast timeframe. This can be attributed to increasing trend towards upgrading HQ-9. Its advanced properties compared to its counterparts will positively influence the industry penetration. MEA interceptor missiles market will exhibit major share over the forecast timeframe owing to proliferating threats of enemy attack across the region. Consolidation of various countries with industry participants for procuring the product will further drive the industry demand. For instance, Qatar and UAE is estimated to sign a contract with Lockheed Martin for providing Patriot. Europe interceptor missiles market will exhibit growth over 7% during the forecast timeframe owing to increasing demand from Poland and Sweden. Boeing Co., Aerojet Rocketdyne, Lockheed Martin Corp., Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon Co. are among notable interceptor missiles market participants. Consistent development in the product portfolio is among major strategy adopted by the manufacturer. For instance, in January 2018, Lockheed Martin made improvements in Aegis increasing its capability for reduction in reaction time and rapid detection of threats. Buy this industry insights spread across 250 pages with 558 market data tables & 11 figures & charts from the report, "Interceptor Missiles Market Size By Surface (Surface To Air, Water To Air), By Range (Upto 125 Kms, Between 125 To 200 Kms, Above 200 Kms), By Technology (THAAD, PAC-3, SM-3, HQ-19, HQ-9, Iron Dome, FD-2000, Patriot-GEM-T, Aegis Ashore, Aster), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, Romania, UK, France, Russia, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Kuwait, Turkey, UAE, Qatar), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024" in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/securecheckout/paymenta/2401 Chapter 6. Interceptor Missiles Market, By Technology 6.1. Global interceptor missiles market share by technology, 2016 & 2024 6.2. THAAD 6.2.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.2.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.3. PAC-3 6.3.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.3.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.4. SM-3 6.4.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.4.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.5. HQ-19 6.5.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.5.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.6. HQ-9 6.6.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.6.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.7. Iron Dome 6.7.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.7.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.8. FD-2000 6.8.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.8.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.9. Patriot GEM-T 6.9.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.9.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.10. Aegis Ashore 6.10.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.10.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 6.11. Aster 6.11.1. Market estimates and forecast, 2013-2024 6.11.2. Market estimates and forecast, by region, 2013-2024 Browse Full Table of Contents (ToC) @ https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/interceptor-missiles-market About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. New York, NY -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/18/2018 --Atlantic Group, a leading national recruiting and staffing firm headquartered in New York City with offices in Philadelphia, Boston, and Stamford, CT., today announced the addition of its new Payroll Outsourcing Services department. Atlantic Group specializes in providing finance, accounting, operations, investor relations, IT, corporate services, administrative support, and healthcare recruiting and staffing solutions. By adding payroll outsourcing services to its industry-leading service lines, Atlantic Group now also offers a variety of fast, flexible payroll solutions that help employers save time, decrease payroll taxes, and lower insurance costs. "Our payroll experts will help save valuable time by processing payroll reports and distributing funds correctly and on time," says John Ricco, Founding Partner, Atlantic Group. "No more reconciling payroll errors, no more cutting manual checks, no more payroll headaches." Atlantic Group payroll experts also help reduce payroll tax risk for your business by staying on top of payroll tax regulations so you don't need to. Regardless of what state you're in, Atlantic Group payroll outsourcing features include: - Calculate and pay federal, state and local taxes on your behalf - Create, distribute and file W-2's and 1099's for all employees - Create and file all Quarterly 94l's for your business - Respond to all related payroll tax notices from the IRS or state payroll agencies By utilizing Atlantic Group payroll outsourcing services, each and every employee that is outsourced into the Atlantic Group platform will decrease your company's workers' compensation insurance liability, and health insurance premiums, saving you time and money. In addition, all employees have access to the Atlantic Group Payroll Services portal which will allow them easy access to paystubs and W-2's, and Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting. When your business needs the flexibility to allocate resources to more critical areas, Atlantic Group Payroll Outsourcing Services provide the solutions your company needs. "Atlantic Group is fully equipped to provide outsourced payroll services to help alleviate administrative and payroll costs for your business," says Ricco. "Whether it is 1 or 1000 employees, our certified payroll team will customize a payroll outsourcing solution that will accommodate your short and long term needs so you can focus on managing and growing your business." About Atlantic Group Atlantic Group was founded in New York City in 2006 with a primary focus on Finance, Accounting, Operations, Investor Relations, and other infrastructure roles. The firm has evolved over the last 10 years into a more diverse and comprehensive recruiting and staffing organization, with capabilities that now include staffing and recruiting solutions for Finance and Accounting, Corporate Services, Fashion, Temporary Staffing, Administrative Support, Construction, Information Technology, and Healthcare industries. In addition to New York City, Atlantic Group has offices in Philadelphia, Boston and Stamford, CT. Atlantic Group 19 W 34th St Suite 806 New York, NY 10001 212-271-1180 http://atlanticrecruiters.com/ A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. Jewellers in India are expecting 15-20 percent increase in sales this Akshaya Tritiya, mainly on the back of positive market sentiment, stable prices and ongoing wedding season. Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on 18 April this year, is considered an auspicious day to buy the gold in the country. "Things are looking positive this year and the prices are also stable. There is also a lot of traction for wedding jewellery due to ongoing marriage season. Overall, there is a positive sentiment in the market, so we are hoping 15-20 percent growth in sales this Akshaya Tritiya, compared to last year," said Nitin Khandelwal, Chairman of All India Gem And Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC). He, however, said that the demand for yellow gold, especially trendy items and wedding jewellery will be more than diamond jewellery."We are also witnessing a slowdown in demand for the high-end niche jewellery," he added. Aruna Gaitonde, Editor in Chief of the Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished Pallinghurst wants to build Gemfields into De Beers of coloured gemstones 18 april 2018 News Pallinghurst, which now wholly-owns Gemfields said it is planning to build the company into the De Beers of coloured gemstones. Company chairperson Brian Gilbertson said they would support their mining operations with a unique and industry-leading auction platform, developments in proof-of-origin technology and have active marketing campaigns to drive demand for coloured gemstones. He said Pallinghurst had cut back on expensive international expansion ambitions to focus on optimising its two key mining operations, Kagem in Zambia and Montepuez in Mozambique. With this transformation into an operating company, the Kagem and Montepuez mines become the foundation upon which we intend to build the future of the company, said Gilbertson. Both mines are recognised as world leaders in emerald and ruby mining respectively, providing a solid platform for future expansion. Meanwhile, company chief executive Arne Frandsen said they made a strategic decision to expand the groups emerald footprint and restart operations at the Mbuva-Chibolele licence in Zambia, located adjacent to Kagem. Likewise, we gave the go-ahead to commence bulk sampling activity on what will become the Megaruma ruby mine in Mozambique, with a view to increasing our presence in the ruby market, he said. Through its successful auction system, Gemfields has cemented its position as the worlds leading supplier of both rubies and emeralds. Frandsen said the fall in the Gemfields share price resulted in an unrealised loss of $64 million, which was more than offset by a bargain purchase gain of $96 million, being the amount by which the fair value of Gemfields net assets exceeded the share price of the company at the acquisition date last year. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Buzz! Between Perth and New York, several phones occurred thus resulting to the birth of the inevitable for two friends. But for the duo Avi and Ruz from Scratch, the logical evolution would be performing live in their now respective hometowns. th grade, five years after the two became friends, that Avi and Ruz performed together for the first time. Nothing really evolved out of the initial association as the two chose quite the opposite ends of the geographical hemispheres to continue with their academics. Ruz moved to Australia and Avi had the great American dream. To talk about S cratch , its quite crucial to know the duo that forms the crux of its sound Ruzbeh Irani (Ruz) and Avinash Lalwani (Avi). A series of events during school led to the early introduction and the union, early on, had no intentions concerning music. This was two decades before they even released their first studio effort on music platforms. It was not until 10grade, five years after the two became friends, that Avi and Ruz performed together for the first time. Nothing really evolved out of the initial association as the two chose quite the opposite ends of the geographical hemispheres to continue with their academics. Ruz moved to Australia and Avi had the great American dream. The duo in their respective scenes joined a few bands to explore their own musical know-hows but would eventually find comfort in each other and the compatibility that was first observed many years ago. Ruz, the self-taught guitarist, and Avi, the drummer, continued to indulge in phone-calls brainstorming ideas related to music. It was only a matter of time for the two to compose originals together. Scratch, the name and its existence occurred, over one of those idea-sharing phone-calls. The band has released three originals so far: Soak, Newer things and I Dont Mind. Quite naturally, a limited discography must ensure shades of versatility, if not pretentious display of diversity. And Avi and Ruz certainly manage to provide a precise idea of the duos consumption of music throughout the years. The songs, three of them, reflect Avi and Ruzs different and important experiences that resulted into the beginning of what looks like a slow and gradual effort to increase their studio efforts. Early 90s grunge, Led Zeppelin and Tool feature in the duos list of influences and one quick glimpse into Scratchs universe and the obvious effect can be noticed. How the two musicians managed to collaborate despite zero physical meetings remains yet another reminder of the role of technology and social media in evolution of music itself. We used an online music collaboration platform called splice ( www.splice.com ) to record this album. It was a game changer for us. Splice enables musicians to record, comment and maintain versions of your tracks regardless of where you live. With Splice, we jammed, wrote, re-wrote and recorded both rough and final versions of each song. For free! We were lucky that the technology became available at around the same time that we were ready to undertake this project. Splice made what could have been a very tedious project, a fairly straightforward one. In addition to Splice, we use WhatsApp to communicate, and also maintained a google drive of ideas and riffs for future songs. Soak was mixed by an engineer in New York whereas Newer Things was mixed in Perth and the songs were mastered by London-based legendary mastering engineer Stuart Hawkes, elaborates the vocalist. The first single Soak welcomes you to the riff driven world of Soak, dominated by necessarily heavy drum patterns, and clean vocals. The single contains all the essential elements to find itself in the latest volume of the legendary modern rock album cassettes that became a sensation in the mid-2000s in India. Newer Things, released two months ago, sounds like the duos tribute to every sonic influences that helped them craft their sound. The vocals have a good ol grunge vibe to it, the classic rock riffs and, simply, the production behind the single stays consistent to the outcome of Soak. If Soak and Newer Things lie on the opposite ends of Scratchs sonic spectrum, then the latest single I Dont Mind succeeds to find the median. An alternative rock composition at its glorious best, the song drives through a constant emotion thanks to the neatly arranged variables like clean guitar tones, no nonsense vocal efforts and a rather simplistic approach to the complementing lyrics that speak about lack of regrets. The entire credit does not go to technology, of course, for the duos studio efforts so far. The personal obstacles and neatly executed plans had a crucial role to play in the inception of these three songs. If you pick your continents wisely, long distance collaborations can be easy! Perth and New York have a 12 hour time difference; so I would work when Ruz was asleep, and hed be ready to take over while I slept. said the singer. Metra Metra has announced several construction projects planned for 2018 aimed at improving track and bridge maintenance, upgrading communications and signaling systems and enhancing stations. The commuter railroad has planned major projects to replace declining bridges along its UP North and Milwaukee District West lines, as well as plans to build new track portions on the UP West Line. The 2018 construction program also details several smaller infrastructure improvement projects set for implementation throughout the railroads 11 lines, officials said. Some of the planned work began during the first week of April and will continue through the fall, depending on weather conditions, officials said. We plan to take full advantage of the construction season by making improvements where we can with our limited funding, said Jim Derwinski, Metras CEO and executive director. Our goal is to be as efficient as possible with the resources available to maintain our rail system and to move forward with the upgrades necessary for the implementation of the Positive Train Control safety system. Some of the work will be taken on by Metras in-house crews, while contracted construction firms are set to handle larger projects. Metras 2018 capital program outlines $84.8 million that has been allocated for the following types of projects: $5.5 million for station improvements $20.9 million for track maintenance and improvements $12 million for bridge projects $4.5 million for rail crossing replacements $39.7 million for signal system upgrades, including $30 million for positive train control (PTC) Additional funding for some of the projects was allocated in previous capital programs or came from outside sources, officials said, such as municipalities and Metras freight railroad partners. Metra and its partners aim to replace about 92,000 crossties this year, officials said. BNSF will replace about 12,000 crossties on one of its main tracks between Hinsdale and Aurora, as well as resurfacing mainline track from Downers Grove to Aurora. Metra said it began work to replace 17,000 ties from Fox Lake to Libertyville on its Milwaukee District North Line during the first week of April. The work will also include the continued upgrade of the signal system on this section of track in preparation for PTC implementation, Metra said. On the Metra Electric Line, the railroad will replace 10,000 ties on the South Chicago and Blue Island branch lines beginning in May. Another 10,000 ties will be installed on the Rock Island Beverly Branch Line later in the summer, officials said. Union Pacific Railroad (UP) also plans to resume or begin several projects in 2018. On the UP West Line, work will continue on two multi-year projects to add eight miles of third track to remove bottlenecks that are a significant source of delays. The two projects combined will cost more than $100 million, Metra said, and funding is being provided by UP and Metra. UP also intends to replace 43,000 ties on the UP West Line as part of its general maintenance program. Metra has also planned several improvements for bridges, including 15 on the Milwaukee District West, Metra Electric and UP North lines. Crews began work in the fall of 2017 along the Milwaukee District West Line on a $34 million multi-year project to replace a 130-year-old single-track bridge above the Fox River in Elgin with a double-track bridge. Part of the project is funded through a $14 million federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant, with the remaining funding supplied by Metra and Canadian Pacific. Along the Metra Electric Line, Metra will rehabilitate its bridges at 63rd and 64th streets in a $1.2 million project that will involve the removal and replacement of deteriorated concrete from the bridge abutments and the underside of the bridge decks. Along the UP North Line, Metra plans to continue a $45 million, multi-year project to replace 11 bridges for the inbound tracks over several streets. As U.S. railroads nationwide are ramping up their efforts to meet the federally-mandated implementation deadline for PTC safety systems, Metra said its crews are upgrading signal and communications systems on each of the lines it controls. Metra also has plans to make improvements to 21 road crossings systemwide in 2018, including in communities such as Downers Grove, Chicago, Grayslake, Brookfield, Medinah, Elgin and more. The railroads 2018 program includes $30 million to fund PTC-related signal and communications projects and $2 million for signal system upgrades. Metras planned signal and communications work for 2018 includes: Metra Electric Line Complete of a $9.3 million project to upgrade the signal system at the 11th Place interlocking Milwaukee District North Line Install a new signal system along 17.7 miles of track between Libertyville and Fox Lake Milwaukee District West Line Continue a $6 million project to install a new interlocking in Elgin and upgrade seven crossings as part of the Fox River Bridge replacement project. Renew interlockers at Elgin and near its Big Timber Road Station, install a new control point at Franklin Park and renew a control point in Franklin Park. Rock Island Line Upgrade the signal system and crossing circuitry on the Beverly Branch for PTC compatibility, upgrade interlockings at Gresham and near the Brainerd Station on the Beverley Branch and upgrade crossing circuitry at 139th Street near the Robbins Station. Metra will also install two new control points and renew control points, well as renewing the EJ&E interlocking in Joliet. SouthWest Service Line Complete an upgrade of the signal system at an interlocking near 74th Street in Chicago, which is estimated to cost $1 million Metra has also planned improvements for 30 of its 242 stations in 2018. Aside from painting and general repair projects, the railroad has plans to complete a $3 million project to renovate its Hazel Crest Station and a $2.95 million renovation of the concourse at the LaSalle Street Station in Chicago. The Cumberland Station along Metras UP Northwest Line will also be renovated and a $2.4 million project at the Cary Station will bring about a new station house. Enel S.p.A. (ENLAY.PK,EN) said that Enel Brasil Investimentos Sudeste, S.A., a company fully owned by Enel's Brazilian subsidiary Enel Brasil S.A., has launched a voluntary tender offer for the acquisition of the entire share capital of Brazilian power distribution company Eletropaulo Metropolitana Eletricidade de Sao Paulo S.A., for a price per share of 28.0 Brazilian reais and conditioned on the acquisition of a total number of shares representing more than 50% of the company's share capital. The overall investment under the Offer is expected to total up to 4.7 billion Brazilian reais, equal to 1.1 billion euros at the current exchange rate. Enel's subsidiary Enel Americas S.A., which is Enel Brasil's controlling shareholder, will provide Enel Sudeste with the necessary financing for this investment. The transaction is in line with the Enel Group's current strategic plan and, if successfully executed, would mark another step forward in strengthening the Group's presence in the Brazilian distribution sector. The exercise of the voting rights of the shares acquired by Enel Sudeste in the Offer is subject to the approval of the Brazilian antitrust authority and the exercise by Enel Sudeste of control over Eletropaulo is subject to the approval of the Brazilian energy regulator. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Today's Daily Dose brings you news about Arcus' phase I trial data of AB928; FDA briefing documents related to GW Pharma's Epidiolex; STELLAR results of Novocure and FDA approval of Rigel's ITP drug and Ultragenyx Pharma's X-linked hypophosphatemia drug. Read on Arcus Biosciences Inc. (RCUS) presented encouraging results from its ongoing Phase 1 trial of AB928, its dual adenosine receptor antagonist, in healthy volunteers. The compound has been shown to be safe and well tolerated at all doses evaluated and achieves near complete inhibition of A2aR adenosine receptor activation in blood samples from healthy volunteers," said Terry Rosen, CEO of the Company. The trial includes a single-ascending-dose (SAD) portion as well as a multiple-ascending-dose (MAD) portion. In the SAD portion, single doses of 10, 25, 75 and 150 mg and a twice-daily dose of 100 mg have been evaluated. In the MAD portion, doses of 10, 25, 75 and 150 mg QD and 200 mg QD (with food) have been administered to subjects for four consecutive days. Complete results from this trial, including pharmacodynamic data for the 200 mg BID (with food) dosing cohort, will be released following the unblinding of data in mid-2018, added the Company. RCUS went public on the New York Stock Exchange on March 15, 2018, offering its shares at a price of $15 each. The stock closed Tuesday's trading at $16.95, up 1.44%. GW Pharmaceuticals PLC (GWPH) rose more than 11% on Tuesday, following the release of favorable briefing documents for the advisory committee meeting scheduled for April 19, 2018, to review the NDA for Epidiolex. Epidiolex is the Company's proprietary oral solution of pure plant-derived cannabidiol, or CBD. It is proposed for the adjunctive treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) or Dravet syndrome (DS) are rare, severe forms of epilepsy with onset in early childhood and poor long-term prognoses. In the briefing document, the FDA staffers wrote, "Overall, CBD-OS (Epidiolex) provides a positive benefit-risk for patients with drug-resistant LGS or DS and can satisfy an unmet need by providing an additional treatment option to reduce the number of seizures in LGS and the first indicated treatment option for DS. The FDA's final decision on Epidiolex is expected by June 27, 2018. If approved, analysts expect Epidiolex to bring in excess of $1 billion in annual peak sales. GWPH closed Tuesday's trading at $134.13, up 11.24%. Novocure (NVCR) has reported positive data from its phase II pilot trial of Tumor Treating Fields in mesothelioma, dubbed STELLAR. The STELLAR trial demonstrated clinically meaningful improvements in overall survival and progression free survival among patients who received Tumor Treating Fields plus standard of care chemotherapy, pemetrexed and cisplatin or carboplatin, compared to historical control data of patients who received standard of care chemotherapy alone. According to the Company, the final data exceeded the results of the interim analysis presented in December 2016 at the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) 17th World Conference on Lung Cancer for all efficacy endpoints. No device-related serious adverse events were reported. Novocure will submit the full data for presentation at an upcoming medical conference. Tumor Treating Fields in combination with standard of care chemotherapy is an investigational treatment for pleural mesothelioma and is not approved for this indication yet. NVCR closed Tuesday's trading at $23.25, up 7.89%. The FDA has approved Rigel Pharmaceuticals Inc.'s (RIGL) Tavalisse, an oral drug, for chronic immune thrombocytopenia in adult patients. Immune thrombocytopenia, or ITP, is a bleeding disorder in which the blood doesn't clot due to a low number of blood cell fragments called platelets (Source: NIH). The Company plans to launch Tavalisse in the United States in late May 2018. Analysts expect Tavalisse to rake in peak sales of $360 million. Amgen's Nplate and GlaxoSmithKline/Ligand Pharma's Promacta are the other two FDA-approved drugs for ITP. RIGL closed Tuesday's trading at $4.11, up 10.19%. In after-hours, the stock was up 12.90% to $4.64. Burosumab, whose trade name is Crysvita, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in adult and paediatric patients one year of age and older. X-linked hypophosphatemia, or XLH, is a rare, hereditary renal phosphate-wasting disorder characterized by hypophosphatemia, rickets and/or osteomalacia, and diminished growth. Developed by Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (RARE) and Kyowa Hakko Kirin Co. Ltd., Crysvita is an antibody that blocks fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a hormone that causes phosphate urinary excretion and suppresses active vitamin D production by the kidney. Crysvita is the first drug to be approved by the FDA to treat X-linked hypophosphatemia. RARE closed Tuesday's trading at $54.68, up 1.60%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Total S.A. (TTA.L, TTFNF.PK,TOT) Wednesday said it has entered into an agreement with the controlling shareholders of Direct Energie for the proposed acquisition of 74.33 percent of its share capital, at a price of 42 euros per share, ex-dividend of 0.35 euros per share. The total value of the deal is around approximately 1.4 billion euros. Upon the conclusion of the acquisition, Total will file with the French Financial Market Authority - Autorite des marches financiers for a mandatory tender offer on the securities of Direct Energie which are traded on Euronext Paris at the same price per share of 42 percent. The offer will represent a 30 percent premium above Direct Energie's closing share price on April 17. The offer thereby values Direct Energie at approximately 12.5 times its 2018 projected EBITDA. Direct Energie said its Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction. The acquisition will help Total to actively pursue its development in electricity and gas generation and distribution in France and Belgium For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News MGIC Investment Corp. (MTG) reported Wednesday a net income for the first quarter of $143.6 million or $0.38 per share, up from $89.8 million or $0.24 per share in the year-ago quarter. Adjusted net operating income was $144.6 million or $0.38 per share, compared to $117.1 million or $0.31 per share in the prior-year quarter. Total revenues for the quarter grew to $265.8 million from $260.9 million in the same quarter last year, with net premiums written of $236.9 million and net premiums earned of $232.1 million. On average, analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report earnings of $0.35 per share on revenues of $274.92 million for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Investment income was $32.1 million, compared to $29.5 million for the same period last year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Bitcoin rebounded Wednesday morning after a sharp fall late Tuesday, which was apparently due to a "whale dump" that refers to a single seller offloading a significant amount of the top cryptocurrency. The price of Bitcoin dropped more than $200 in under 30 minutes to around $7,860 at about 4 am ET. That was in contrast to expectation that there would be a rally as the Tax Day passed. Meanwhile, positive remarks on cryptos by the IMF Chief served to boost market sentiment. Here is a wrap of the main news from the cryptocurrency and blockchain world over the past 24 hours. Coinbase Appoints Newly Acquired Earn.com's Founder As CTO Coinbase, the leading cryptocurrency exchange operator, acquired the paid email startup Earn.com and made the founder-CEO Balaji Srinivasan its first chief officer. The San Francisco, California-based Earn.com's blockchain-enabled platform allows senders to pay users in digital currency for replying to emails and completing tasks. Read more... IMF's Lagarde Praises Cryptos Now After Last Month's Warning After detailing on the dark side of crypto-assets last month, International Monetary Fund Chief Christine Lagarde now has a set of praises for the role of cryptocurrencies in the financial market. In her latest blog post, Lagarde says crypto-assets enable fast and inexpensive financial transactions, while offering some of the convenience of cash, making overseas transfers in a matter of hours, not days. Read more... New York AG Launches Inquiry Into Crypto Exchanges New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman launched an inquiry into virtual currency trading platforms or exchanges as part of a broader effort to protect cryptocurrency investors and consumers. Schneiderman's fact-finding inquiry called Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative will delve into the policies and practices of platforms used by consumers to trade cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ether. Read more... Bank Of Japan Not To Issue Digital Currency Bank of Japan (BoJ) has made it clear that it will not issue a central bank digital currency, citing financial stability concerns. However, the Deputy Governor of Japan's central banking authority said there is need to understand innovative technologies for its future possible application in the central bank infrastructure. Read more... Blockchain To Hurt Swiss Banks Most: Moody's A new report by global rating agency Moody's says Blockchain technology has mixed credit implications for global banking systems. While the technology has the potential to significantly reduce the costs and time involved in cross-border banking transactions and increase banks' efficiency, it could put pressure on their fees and commissions, Moody's Investors Service said in a report. Read more... Tutorial: Crypto Lexicon - HODL A space to explain the crypto world jargon, a word a day. And HODL is the word for today. One of the most common slang terms in the crypto sphere, HODL means to hold or remain invested in Bitcoin or any particular cryptocurrency, rather than sell it, amid falling prices. Read more... Current Prices As of 9.20 am ET on Wednesday, Bitcoin was up 0.33 percent at $8,104.78 and Ethereum was higher by 0.5 percent at $517.50 on Coinbase. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Forex News After indicating a willingness to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership less than a week ago, President Donald Trump appeared to throw cold water on the idea in a post on Twitter late Tuesday. "While Japan and South Korea would like us to go back into TPP, I don't like the deal for the United States," Trump tweeted. "Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesn't work." "Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for OUR workers," he added. "Look how bad WTO is to U.S." The tweet from Trump comes as he is meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida. Japan was a member of the Trans-Pacific Partnership, although South Korea was not part of the massive trade deal. Trump indicated in a post on Twitter last Thursday that he would rejoin the TPP if the agreement reached under President Barack Obama is renegotiated. "Would only join TPP if the deal were substantially better than the deal offered to Pres. Obama," Trump tweeted. "We already have BILATERAL deals with six of the eleven nations in TPP, and are working to make a deal with the biggest of those nations, Japan, who has hit us hard on trade for years!" A statement from White House Deputy Press Secretary Lindsay Walters said Trump had asked U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and chief economic advisor Larry Kudlow to look at whether a better deal can be negotiated. "Last year, the President kept his promise to end the TPP deal negotiated by the Obama administration because it was unfair to American workers and farmers," Walters said. She added, "The President has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year." The U.S. could face some difficulty rejoining the TPP, as the eleven other nations in the pact signed a new agreement last month known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News An Indian startup company that was planning to launch a crypto exchange has filed a complaint challenging the central bank's ban on the country's commercial banks providing services to investors in digital currencies. Ahmedabad-based Kali Digital Ecosystems Pvt. Ltd. filed a writ petition in the High Court of the Indian capital Delhi against the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Ministry of Finance, and the Goods and Services Tax Council (GST Council) seeking "an appropriate writ, order or direction quashing the circular" which it describes as "arbitrary and unconstitutional." The petitioner says that it had planned to launch a cryptocurrency exchange platform named CoinRecoil in August, for which substantial investment had been made. However, "the of the Petitioner is stillborn on account of the impugned circular," the petition says, referring to the restrictions on banking services to Indian cryptocurrency purchase/exchanges. Firms or individuals in India can no longer avail the services of the country's banks, e-wallets, and payment gateway providers to purchase and sell cryptocurrencies after the Reserve Bank earlier this month slapped a ban on banks providing services to investors in digital currencies. In its monetary policy review, the Reserve Bank Deputy Governor Bibhu Prasad Kanungo said the decision was taken in view of "the associated risks." The central bank asked banks already providing such services to cryptocurrency investors to stop them within three months. Kali Digital Ecosystems argued that the RBI guideline violates citizens' constitutional right to carry on any occupation, trade or business. It also pointed out that the order violated CoinRecoil's right to be treated as equal before the law, guaranteed by Article 14 of the Constitution. The petition also drew an analogy referring to reward points offered by airline companies and compared it with virtual currencies. Reports say that despite RBI's circular, CoinRecoil's official launch will take place as scheduled. "If not in India, then in (some) other foreign country," CoinRecoil's co-founder Kunal Barchha was quoted as saying. The court adjourned the case for hearing on May 24. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley has dismissed claims she was confused about new sanctions against Russia, eliciting an apology from National Economic Council Director Larry Kudlow. "With all due respect, I don't get confused," Haley said in a statement on Tuesday following remarks Kudlow made to reporters. Haley indicated on CBS's "Face the Nation" on Sunday that Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin would announce additional sanctions on Russia for supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Monday. "You will see that Russian sanctions will be coming down," Haley said. "Secretary Mnuchin will be announcing those on Monday, if he hasn't already." However, subsequent reports said President Donald Trump put the brakes on imposing the new sanctions, with White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders saying a decision would be made in the near future. The apparent disconnect raised questions in the media, leading Kudlow to tell reporters there may have been "momentary confusion." "She got ahead of the curve," Kudlow said of Haley. "She's done a great job. She's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that." Haley's response to his remarks reportedly led Kudlow to call the U.N. Ambassador to apologize in effort to mend fences. "She was certainly not confused," Kudlow told the New York Times. "I was wrong to say that totally wrong." "As it turns out, she was basically following what she thought was policy," he added. "The policy was changed and she wasn't told about it, so she was in a box." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News (Agencia CMA Latam) - Cuba's National Assembly appointed Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermidez officially as a candidate to succeed Raul Castro as the country president, paving the way to mark the first time in 59 years that a Castro would not be the head of the nation. Even being a sole candidate, the Diaz-Canel nomination needs to be approved by the 605 deputies of the National Assembly, who started to cast their votes Wednesday. Raul Castro will probably remain as head of the Communist Party. The lawmakers also voted to elect the other members of the Council of State, Cuba's executive arm. The lawmakers also elected the National Assembly's board. The chairman-elected was Esteban Lazo Hernandez, with Ana Maria Mari Machado as vice president and Miriam Brito Sarroca as secretary. by Agencia CMA Latam For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Union Women and Child Development Minister Maneka Gandhi on Wednesday termed West Bengal as the only place in the country where illegal killing of wild animals is "allowed and encouraged", prompting an angry reaction from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who demanded an apology from the minister for "insulting adivasis" (tribals). Days after a Royal Bengal tiger was gruesomely killed in Lalgarh forest of West Midnapore district, Gandhi took a dig at Banerjee, accusing her of not taking action against the culprits to save her vote bank. Referring to the hunting festival known as 'Shikar Utsav' in the Ayodhya Hill area in Purulia district during Buddha Purnima, Gandhi claimed that thousands of animals are killed every year and said the festival should be banned immediately. "Thousands of so-called tribals come to the forests around Lalgarh and kill thousands of animals every year. This year was no exception. They do not kill the animal for themselves. They are being used by smugglers and poachers and the state forest department has done nothing about this," said Gandhi, also an animal activist. "West Bengal is the only place in India where such illegality is allowed and encouraged. It is extremely important to stop the 'Shikar Utsav' here," she said. "The point is that, if the Chief Minister was interested she could have stopped it in two minutes. But it is all about the vote bank. If 10,000-15,000 animals die for the sake of securing the vote bank, what can you do?" the minister said. On April 13, the tiger, that had strayed into the forest, was found dead with multiple wounds, including a spear thrust into its body. There are allegations that the big cat was killed by hunters. Soon after Gandhi's comments were aired by television channels, Banerjee came up with a hard-hitting statement, calling the minister's remarks "unwarranted". "I am saddened that a Union Minister has made unwarranted comments about a community. She said that Adivasis are poachers and they torture animals. I feel she should apologise to the Adivasi community. "With people like them in the Cabinet, the government as well as the nation is in a precarious situation. I completely condemn the comment made by her. Adivasi brothers and sisters are our assets. Is she aware how many forests and deep forests we have in Bengal? Does she know how many tigers, elephants, rhinos, bisons or deer are there in Bengal?" she asked. Banerjee wondered how the minister came to know the animal was killed by the Adivasis. "Many people have different theories about the death of the tiger... The Union Minister is commenting without knowing anything about Bengal's culture,' she said. "She must apologise to the nation. Bengal has a rich culture and heritage. She has no right to insult Bengal and Adivasis. We will not tolerate it. People of Bengal will give a befitting reply," she added. Banerjee claimed that curious people had come to see the tiger after it had died. "Even when people die, relatives and others come to pay their respects. How can she compare this with Shikar Utsav? She cannot ridicule a tradition of the Adivasi community? "In her bid to insult Bengal, she has insulted Adivasis. I am the last person to tolerate it. People of all communities, religions and cultural backgrounds live together in harminy in Bengal. She does not understand this culture. Their culture is creating divisions among people," Banerjee added. At least 21 members of a wedding party were killed after a mini-truck they were travelling in fell into the Son river in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district, an official said on Wednesday. The accident in which more than 20 others were injured, occurred late on Tuesday when the driver lost control of the vehicle while crossing the Jogdaha bridge. The mini-truck crashed through the railing and plunged into the river. The wedding party was en route to Bahari in Sidhi from Deosar in Singrauli district. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed grief over the incident. The relief and rescue operations continued through the night. All bodies have been recovered. The injured were in hospital. Modi, British PM discuss ties post-Brexit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his bilateral engagements in Britain on Wednesday with a meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May during the course of which they discussed the bilateral relationship after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). "The two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into our bilateral engagement post-Brexit," Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted following the meeting at 10, Downing Street. Modi arrived here on Tuesday night from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation Europe tour that will also see him visiting Germany. In a special gesture, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received him at the airport. This is his second official visit to Britain after his visit in November 20-15. May visited India in November 2016, her first visit outside the EU after assuming office. Later on Wednesday, Modi is scheduled to attend a number of events, including a meeting of Indian and British CEOs and a live interaction with the diaspora. The Indian leader will also attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that his life at the railway station was about his personal struggles and the person in the Royal Palace here was the 'Sevak' (servant) of 125 crore Indians. "The person in the railway station was Narendra Modi. The person in the Royal Palace in London is the Sevak of 125 crore Indians," said Modi during an interactive session at the Central Hall in Westminster when he was asked about his journey from a railway station to the palace here. "My life at the railway station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said Royal Palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India," he said. "The railway station is a special part of my life as it made me go through the struggles of life from being a common man to the Prime Minister of India. "People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the Royal Palace," he added. India and Britain on Wednesday signed a number of agreements and announced initiatives, including in the areas of technology, trade and investment, during the course of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here. The two sides signed a framework agreement for the UK-India Cyber Relationship, committing to a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace; and cooperation in exchange of information and strategies for effective cyber security incident management and threat response. An MoU on cooperation and exchange of information for the purposes of combating international criminality and tackling serious organised crime, to establish a mechanism for the exchange of criminal records, immigration records and intelligence, was also signed. On rejuvenation of river Ganga, an MoU has been signed between the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC), UK. The MoU will enable Britain to support the Indian government in sustainable management of water resources in the Ganga basin through collaborative programmes of research and innovation and exchange of policy experts with the support of UK Water Partnership. Another MoU seeks to strengthen institutional cooperation in the field of sustainable urban development, to include business engagement, programme and project design, access to finance, knowledge exchange and research and innovation, to build on existing cooperation on the Smart Cities Mission. An MoU has been signed on skill development, vocational education and training to promote collaboration and capacity-building. In the area of regulation of safe nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes, an arrangement has been arrived at between Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India (AERB) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation of Great Britain (ONR). A statement of intent between India's NITI Aayog and Britain's Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has been signed which will enable the two sides to explore potential for regular engagement on technology cooperation in areas such as electric vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, and advanced manufacturing, as well as utilising AI, big data and analytics capability for evidence-based policy making. Another MoU was signed to enhance cooperation on livestock husbandry, fisheries and agro-forestry. An addendum covering research in humanities and social sciences has been added to the 2004 Newton-Bhabha MoU, which supports research and innovation capacities of both sides for long-term sustainable growth. A non-governmental MoU was also signed between the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) and College of Medicine to set up a centre of excellence in ayurveda and traditional Indian medicine. In terms of technological alliance, India's Nasscom and Britain's TechUK have set up a Tech CEO Alliance which will bring together 10 CEOs from five British and five Indian major tech firms for industry-to-industry dialogue on digital skills, future business growth and collective challenges and opportunities. To promote trade, investment and finance, India and Britain launched the Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF) that will leverage City finance to invest in India's growth, announcing Eversource Capital, a joint venture between Lightsource BP and Everstone Group, as the Green Growth Equity Fund Manager. An initial investment of 240 million pounds from both governments will catalyse additional City finance for green projects in India and UK companies will be able to bid for infrastructure projects financed by the Fund. The Fund will invest in renewable energy, clean transportation, water and waste management in India as part of India's flagship National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). India and Britain also announced a Dialogue on Investment to improve mutual understanding of priorities and review future opportunities for cooperation. Earlier in the day, Modi and his British counterpart Theresa May held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed a wide range of issues, including the bilateral relationship after Britain's exit from the European Union. The Indian leader arrived here on Monday from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Europe which will also see him going to Germany. Modi will attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on April 19-20. Renewable energy advocates, citizens groups decry Congresss recommendation for Meralcos dirty, costly contracts Press Release March 27, 2018 QUEZON CITY Civil society organizations slammed the recent recommendation issued by the House of Representatives Committees on Energy and Good Governance and Public Accountability supporting the approval of Meralcos controversial deals with its affiliate generation companies. After almost a year of investigating the irregularities surrounding Meralcos seven Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with its sister generation corporations, the House of Representatives Committee on Energy ended up recommending the approval of the questionable contracts, said Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) Executive Director Gerry Arances. This goes against the facts and evidence presented by civil society, affirmed by the Ombudsmans finding of possible collusion between Meralco and the ERC, he continued. Quezon Representative Cong. Danilo Suarez filed the motion to recommend the contracts for approval after Bayan Representative Cong. Zarate moved to investigate the anomalous deals entered into by Meralco without the required competitive selection process (CSP), suspiciously waived by the ERC for the distribution utility. CEED has twice presented in the hearings conducted by the Committees on Good Governance and Energy the effect of approving these contracts on the environment, the electricity bills of consumers, and the countrys commitment to abandon coal and increase the share of Renewable Energy, said CEED Legal Officer Atty. Avril De Torres. While the decision to approve these contracts lie solely on the ERC, the recommendation of the House of Representatives may overshadow the various irregularities surrounding the deals, and their negative implications on the consumers, she continued. De Torres reiterated how these PSAs accounting for 3,551 MW of power will lock in millions of Filipinos to relying on costly and dirty energy from coal for at least twenty years once approved. The opportunity cost of losing the interest of coal investors is not enough to subject the end-users to such an unfair deal, De Torres responded to Rep. Suarezs comments. The resolution disregards the willingness of clean energy companies to fill in the energy needs of the consumers while respecting the governing rules ensuring that consumers will be provided the cleanest, most competitive energy option, De Torres continued. Atty. Aaron Pedrosa of the multisectoral coalition Sanlakas, among the oppositors in the applications filed by Meralco and its affiliate coal companies, denounced how Meralco has successfully mobilized support from almost all branches of the government, even with its blatant disregard for good governance and the rights of the consumers. From the TRO by the Court of Appeals lifting the suspension of the seven ERC commissioners suspected of colluding with Meralco, to the Lower Houses recommendation of Meralcos power deals, the countrys largest power company has successfully maneuvered to getting its way at the expense of Filipino citizens, said Pedrosa. On top of that, it is using fear tactics to scare consumers into thinking that the rejection of their contracts will lead to massive brownouts, which the House of Representatives reflected in their resolution, he said. BERLIN (AP) German Chancellor Angela Merkel has kind words for New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, with a little bit of prompting. Asked Tuesday by Television New Zealand whether she had any advice on coalition governments for Ardern and to assess their first meeting, the four-term chancellor launched into a typically academic answer about the two coalition systems. She ignored the second half of the question. Puzzled when the reporter pressed for more, Ardern turned to Merkel and explained with a smile: "she wants to know if you found me likable." Flustered, the normally staid Merkel gushed: "My God, can't you see it was a wonderful meeting? Time flew by. It was highly interesting and it was fun. You can be proud of your prime minister, if you want to write that." Dear Editor Re: P.M. snubs Samoa Observer The Prime Ministers approach against the Samoa Observer is one that is well planned, to gain favor and support from someone in the office which has the authority to control media outlet. Someone that he could manipulate or threaten when he gains control of that persons mind and heart as happened everywhere in government. But his actions is confirmation that Samoa Observer is doing a fine job of informing the public of news worthy realities in our country. The man cant rest when there are entities questioning him that he cannot control. Lord only knows how much of the taxpayers money that was spent on lawsuit filed against Mr. Campbell who asked tough questions about the tsunami donations. Now he is willing to spend a million dollar to find O.L.P. and other bloggers, all because he cannot bring them under his feet and his control. Its time for Samoa to do the right thing and get him out of office. Galufatioo Tautuailevao Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi is in London this week. He is among World and Pacific leaders attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (C.H.O.G.M.) being held there. The Prime Minister is accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Tomaimano Shem Leo, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Peseta Noumea Simi. The meeting; held every two years is being chaired by Queen Elizabeth II under the theme Towards a Common Future. It was officially opened by the Commonwealths Secretary General, Patricia Scotland, who said collective wisdom is the Commonwealths greatest asset. Indeed, as I said in my Commonwealth Day message this year: We draw wisdom and insights from secular streams of thought, and from the many communities and traditions that are the sea of faith. I have faith in our Commonwealth. And do you know why? she said. Because we also draw wisdom and inspiration from business, from youth, from women and from civil society and each and all of these tributaries are adding from the glorious diversity of their hinterland to our vast Commonwealth ocean of knowledge and understanding." This practical grounding to all our collaboration means that collectively we are responsive to needs." Most valuably, it enables us to scan the horizon from many vantage points and perspectives, alert to emerging threats and on the lookout for fresh opportunities. We then take counsel together, we plan, we imagine, we innovate." As a convoy on the high seas, or a caravan in the desert, we draw protection from being together, and we guard to make sure that none are left behind." These are not poetic flights of fancy; they are practical realities for a globalised world. According to Scotland, the Commonwealth leaders were made for this moment. So this House of Dreams can fire our imagination. Imagination can be turned into reality; and the outworking of that reality towards a common future becomes our Commonwealth future. We are joined together, not my treaty, but by will. We are choosing to be members of this Commonwealth, conjoined by our values which are precious, hard won and durable. Friends and colleagues, comrades and counterparts, let me leave with you some words of Nelson Mandela who, as a young man, stood in the street outside this building looking skywards and dreamed of a better future." And he said this: Vision without action is just a dream, action without vision just passes the time, and vision with action can change the world'." This is what we are doing together now: changing the world. And our Commonwealth, our one third of the world can, if we choose, lead the way for a common future not just for our Commonwealth but for everyone. I know in this room we have everything we need to do that. So go change the world! St. Josephs Primary School in Leauvaa was presented its first chicken coop library by 12-year-old Epifania Tusani from Auckland, New Zealand, yesterday. The chicken coop mini library was inspired by her father, Tuala Tusanis childhood stories of growing up in Samoa. The idea was born out of a memory her father retold her often about his after school chores, which included feeding the chickens. The young entrepreneur and philanthropist wanted to give back to the schoolchildren in her fathers village by encouraging them to read. While the chicken coop library doesnt have chickens, it would instead contain nuggets of knowledge. Epi raised the money to build the chicken coop and her father secured the sponsorship of the books through Frankies Supermarket, Big Bear and the Orator Hotel to start off the first mini library. The Principal of St Josephs Primary, Sr. Lavalea Lelenimo told the Samoa Observer that such an initiative is very welcomed at their school, especially during a time when there is no school library. At the moment you can see we only have the phase one of the new parts of the building. In two years time we are aiming to build a computer and science lab as well as a library. We have no library so we are going to take Epis chicken library and utilise it to strengthen our childrens reading skills. Sr. Lavalea said these types of projects not only serve a practical purpose but that the initiative of a young person to provide opportunities for their peers can only inspire other children to do the same. This is a simple project but behind it theres a story and then there are a whole lot of benefits to the students at the same time. At St Josephs, we always believe in opportunities for the young people and opportunities for the students no matter how big or small the project, we believe that it will inspire and benefit the kids." The challenge for us now as a school community is how can we take Epis chicken library concept and build on it to create an even bigger movement that will benefit more children. The small library has big plans in the works and Epis father, Tuala, told the Samoa Observer that several schools have contacted him to express their interest of having a chicken coop library for their students. Together with sponsors Frankies Supermarket, Fero, Big Bear and Orator Hotel, the concept of the Epis chicken coop library may take on a life of its own. Epifanias philanthropic initiatives began at age eight when she raised money to buy a water tank for St. Josephs Primary School by making cupcakes and selling them. Last year she raised money to provide 150 students at Savaia Primary School in Lefaga with jandals. The death of a 16-year-old girl from Lotosoa Saleimoa is now the subject of a Police investigation. This is according to Police Media Spokesperson, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, who said the matter was reported to them last week. Auapaau said the deceased was reported before to Police because she was involved in a matter on 28 March, 2018. It was from that point that the Police noticed that something was wrong with the young girl, he said. The Police questioned her about her situation and she said that she had just finished drinking weed killer, he said. Police officers rushed her to the hospital and she was discharged on 1 April, 2018. She later died on Thursday last week. Seawall attack In another matter, Police have arrested two young men and are still hunting for the third person. The trio are believed to have attacked a young man from Mulifanua at the seawall in Apia last week. Auapaau says the victim was at Seana Bar that night and when the bar closed, he walked towards the seawall waiting for the early morning bus to return to Mulifanua. While he was resting on the seawall, three young men attacked him and threatened him with a knife to give them his shirt, money and shoes, he said. The victim works as a bus driver assistant for Taeaomanino Transport. Savalalo attack In a similar matter, Police are still looking for three young men who attacked another man at the Savalalo Flea Market in Apia last week. Auapaau said the victim was buying a cigarette from a shop at the market when three young men approached him. The other man took his money from his pocket. He was begging them to give back his money, when he was attacked. Machete attack Auapaau confirmed that a young man is fighting for his life at the National Hospital at Motootua after sustaining serious injuries from a machete attack. The accused appears before Court on 23 April, 2018. The victim and the accused are both from Fasitoo-Uta. Sexually transmitted infection, Syphilis, is found to be present among sex workers in Samoa. This is according to the Ministry of Healths Global Aids Monitoring report 2018 for the period between January and December 2017. The testing was conducted during a workshop with Ministry of Healths H.I.V. programme staff and National Health Services workshop on sexual health education and talanoa session on 4 October and 13 December, 2017. This is the seventh annual report to U.N.A.I.D.S. since 2010, says Director General of the M.O.H, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri. This year entitled Global AIDS Monitoring (G.A.M.) Report and is evidence of Samoas commitment to the global response to H.I.V., A.I.D.S., S.T.I.s, and T.B. This commitment stems from the Political Declaration on H.I.V./A.I.D.S: Intensifying Our Effort to Eliminate H.I.V. /A.I.D.S. adopted by the United Nation member states at the high level meeting held in New York in 2011. In 2016, the commitments were reaffirmed when Samoa signed the new political declaration agreeing to end the H.I.V. epidemic by 2030 within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals. The Global A.I.D.S. Monitoring Report is a highly regarded report with an in-depth analysis of core indicators that provide insight into our national efforts in alleviating H.I.V./ A.I.D.S. through collective prevention initiatives and programs carried out by our various committed stakeholders and health sector partners, said Leausa in the report. He pointed out that S.T.Is pose considerable threats to morbidity and possible mortality in both adults of reproductive age and newborns. The S.T.Is can also significantly increase the risk of H.I.V. transmission if not addressed in our population. He said if S.T.Is are not managed and prevented, they can contribute negatively to healthcare costs attributable to treatment and care, programme management and other costs that will in turn affect the Governments overall health budget. 2017 was a year of considerable achievements for all entities involved in the national response. We seek to maintain and expand these advancements as we work to eliminate H.I.V. and S.T.Is. Samoas new H.I.V, A.I.D.S. and S.T.I. Policy 2017-2022 was launched in 2017 to guide the national response to combat new and ongoing challenges. Over the years, Samoa has received financial support from several international and regional partners. The Government of Samoa also contributes significantly through providing human resources and managing the logistical aspects of the National Programme for H.I.V, A.I.D.S, S.T.Is and T.B. The ongoing support and care offered by the National Health Service for our P.L.W.H.A. and our S.T.I. and T.B. patients is greatly appreciated. Additionally the Government of Samoa through the Ministry of Health acknowledges the continuous support rendered by the U.N.D.P./ Global Fund to Fight H.I.V., Tuberculosis and Malaria and World Health Organization, stated Leausa in the report. The talanoa session with the sex workers conducted by the M.O.H. employees included sexual health education and prevention training, linking sex workers to testing and treatment services, deliver condoms and lubricants, deliver dignity kits that contain toiletries and hygiene supplies to compliment condom distribution and building the trust of the sex worker community for future M.O.H. programmes. The M.O.H. H.I.V. programme staff, in addition to the nurse specialist of the Communicable Disease (C.D.) Clinic, facilitated the process. Fourteen sex workers who attended the programme and received all objective services comprised 11 females and three faafafines. Three tests were reactive for H.I.V., one test was reactive for syphilis and one H.I.V. reactive case was lost to follow-up. All four were screened for H.I.V. and syphilis and that follow up appointments were booked with the nurse specialist for reactive cases at the C.D. Clinic. Confirmatory testing was conducted. All participants received a dignity kit with condoms, lubricants, sanitary pads, toothbrushes and paste, undergarments, soap, and deodorant. Staff were able to build trust with this community for future programming. Sex workers want to continue with programming efforts. According to the report for female sex workers in the study, most engage in sex work for economic reasons. Sex work currently is illegal in Samoa. About 58 percent of the women had children and no other source of employment. Their average sexual partners in the past month were 10, with nine of those being paying clients. None of the women had accessed a sexual health service within the past 12 months nor had been tested for H.I.V. The report further indicates that while sex work is illegal in Samoa, yet there is no immunity for carrying condoms. Homosexual acts and transvestism are no longer criminalised under the Crimes Act 2013. However the establishments of business or public spaces that promote homosexual acts are identified in the current Crimes Act. There is also no legislation that specifically criminalises the transmission of H.I.V. however it can be prosecuted under the Crimes Act as causing grievous bodily harm, where areas malintent must be established. There is also no specific legislation regarding blood safety and accountability for such transmissions. Criminalisation of sex work and pervasive negative cultural attitudes towards those who engage in sex work are the most difficult challenges for health workers to reach commercial sex workers. It prevents sex workers from going to providers for fear of discrimination or legal action, says the report. The report says major advances in prevention programming were made in 2017 with faafafine and sex workers. The Ministry of Health supported Samoa Faafafine Association (S.F.A.) in obtaining a sub-recipient agreement with the U.N.D.P./Global Fund for support and funding. This allowed U.N.D.P./Global Fund funding, which was increased due to Ministry of Healths satisfactory performance, to be channeled directly to S.F.A. to support their increasing efforts on health and prevention. Additionally, there was much work done in gaining the trust and rapport of the sex worker community. This population is highly stigmatised and harassed by the Police due to the illegal nature of sex work in Samoa. They are therefore very distrusting of participating in Government programmes for these reasons. The staff of the Ministry of Health H.I.V., S.T.I., and T.B. programmes met groups of sex workers in order to consult them on what programmes they need, as well as to demonstrate that the Ministry of Health is there to support them in making the best choices for their health and healthcare. After several informal meetings and discussions, the first sex worker outreach events were conducted in 2017, bringing testing, education and referral services directly to this population. These efforts were well received by the sex worker community who has agreed to expand programming and outreach in 2018. Although this took an incredible amount of time, effort, and extensive work to ensure confidentiality, Ministry of Health was able to begin the process of engaging this key population group. Another issue pointed out from the report is that collecting data on key populations is difficult when they do not have legal status. In the case of sex workers, commercial sex work is illegal making it very difficult to get research studies and interventions approved because of the cnfidentiality risk. For faafafine (transgender males), third gender status is not nationally recognised. Therefore data that includes that gender category is captured in programme records and cannot yet be monitored nationally in surveillance. In the case of faatamaloa (transgender females), this label is usually one that the community uses to identify an individual rather than a term for personal identity. Therefore, service providers are faced with the challenge of identifying these patients during clinical data collection. Without health information confidentiality and privacy legislation in place, M&E data collection poses serious risks and ethical dilemmas. Sensitive health data is legally the property of the clinician or officer that creates the record or database. This poses serious risks as there is no legal framework of accountability if such data were to be made public. Exposure of an individuals sexual health information could result in severe social repercussions, due to the heavy stigma against H.I.V., S.T.Is and sexual health. There is a concern that expanding data collection without legal protection methods is unethical. There is also no mechanism or infrastructure for a national electronic system of health data. This leads to duplication, loss to follow-up, unavailable health/treatment histories, according to the health report. The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County is holding a free fire safety training class and workshop later this month in Descanso, especially for residents of Descanso, Alpine, Pine Valley, Jacumba and Boulevard. At the event, participants will learn principles used by firefighters in suppressing wildland fires and protecting structures, as well as evacuation and survival tips. Fire safety instructors will also teach fire behavior prediction and how to apply that knowledge to the topography, fuels, weather and the construction of homes in the backcountry areas. The workshop will be held from 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Descanso Library and includes lunch. The training will include a field trip to selected homes for site assessments. The workshop will be conducted by Metro Arson Strike Team Investigator Capt. Eric Kelley of the San Diego City Fire Department, and hosted by the Descanso Fire Safe Council and the South Division of the San Diego County Fire Authority Community Emergency Response Team. Advertisement There is no charge for local residents, representatives of community Fire Safe Councils and CERT members. Descanso, an unincorporated part of San Diego County with about 1,500 residents, is east of Alpine and west of Pine Valley, areas where there is a real threat of wildfire. As more people, homes and businesses move closer to open space, the risk of wildfire damage increases, says Sheryl Landrum, director of the Fire Safe Council. We cant stop fires from happening altogether, but we can reduce the damage to our homes and communities by learning about how fires behave and how to be better prepared, Landrum said. The Fire Safe Council of San Diego County was formed in 1997 as a nonprofit corporation through a collaboration between the Lakeside-based Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County along with partners from local, state, federal and tribal fire agencies. The Fire Safe Council holds workshops in communities considered high risk for wildfires. Some of the most vulnerable are in residential areas that abut open space typical for homes in the backcountry. Registration is required by visiting the Events page at firesafesdcounty.org/events/, contacting Britney Munoz at (619) 562-0096 or sending an email to britney.munoz@rcdsandiego.org Advertisement karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com There is an alley in Lemon Grove you dont want to avoid. Five street artists armed with dozens of cans of spray paint and buckets of paint have been working for several weeks to paint six walls and two electrical boxes behind a home health care business. They splashed the formerly beige concrete walls of San Diego Homecare Supplies, and the walls of a metal storage building across the alley, with vivid shades of yellow, orange, purple and blue, leaving behind a tapestry of bright flowers, plants, geometric shapes, animals and creatures that pique your imagination. They did so at the invitation of Sydel Howell, who with her mother, Sara Cummings, has operated the business more than 20 years. The store stocks thousands of items related to wellness and recovery from leg compression stockings to post-mastectomy needs to wheelchairs. Advertisement The circa 1950s building used to house a hardware store. Howell said the dull outdoor walls have been a graffiti target for years and she was at a loss what to do. Then she became inspired during a January visit to the Wynwood Art District in Miami, which turned a blighted area into a hip and happening gallery-filled hotspot. Howell hired Beth Emmerich, who lives in Grass Valley, to paint a couple of walls on the back of her building at 7846 Broadway, across from a small city parking lot. Howell had seen Emmerichs work on the side of a tattoo shop in North Park, found her on Facebook and brought her down to San Diego, where Emmerich once lived (and has plans to move back). I was like a kid in a candy store when Sydel showed me the walls, Emmerich said. There was so much space to work in. Emmerich decided she would spread the work around, inviting four of her friends who are savvy in mural art to help Gloria Muriel, Alex Banach, Maxx Moses and KJ Ashley. It has been absolutely amazing, Howell said. Its beyond what I ever imagined. Im so excited about it. A positive change is what everybody needs, especially in these times. My hope is that when you create pride in something, it makes you want to take care of it. Thats my hope. I told the optometrist next door, Youre next! He tells his clients now to park in the alley he is so proud of it. The bold and bright murals have only been up a few weeks but have already created a buzz among other Lemon Grove businesses, residents and visitors. Advertisement San Diego-based artist KJ Ashley adds some finishing touches to an electrical box in an alley behind San Diego Homecare Supplies in Lemon Grove. (Karen Pearlman/San Diego Union-Tribune ) On a recent afternoon, four of the artists were gathered in the alleyway discussing and touching up some of their work. While they were there, San Diego resident June Elliott, a self-employed food deliverywoman, drove up. Elliott, 70, told them she now drives down the alley twice a day, five days a week, to look at the murals. She said she thought it was a shame that theyre back here instead of in the front. Theyre gorgeous, she told the artists. It makes you happy when you drive up. These walls have always been dull and oppressive, really kind of depressing. It takes you on a little trip without drugs. And Ive heard that murals like these discourage graffiti, too. Advertisement City Councilwoman Jennifer Mendoza has seen the tagging on the walls. Mendozas manicurist is next door to Howells business. She said the area has been blighted for years. Ive seen what goes on back there, and its not good, Mendoza said. So now I think this is something that is going to give this area such a lift. People are going to stop and look at those murals and its going to be so uplifting and give positive momentum in that back area. Mendoza said she gets much of the same feeling from when she drives by the Lemon Grove Bakery, which has on its side an award-winning, five-part mural. Those paintings 65-feet wide by 18 feet tall, filled with art depicting the Kumeyaay people, the 15th and 16th century Spanish Conquest, 1800s Mexican heritage, 19th century buildings and a current look at Lemon Grove were created over an eight-year span, starting in 2005. The new murals behind the medical supply store are just around the corner from the city-sponsored Lemon Grove Breezeway Mural Painting Project that was completed last year. That work, on the side of a wall off Lester Street, boasts bright orange, green, purple and yellow tones, painted trees and the words Lemon Grove in cursive writing inside a painted lemon. Advertisement Additionally, just down the street, the city in 2015 used a $30,000 grant to turn both sides of an underpass at Buena Vista Avenue near state Route 94 into huge murals featuring flowers and birds. Howell said all the art in Lemon Grove is a positive that can have a domino effect with a reason to visit and a reason to stay. Mural art, including this piece by Maxx Moses, is on display in an alley behind San Diego Homecare Supplies in Lemon Grove. (Karen Pearlman/San Diego Union-Tribune ) People like to go where they feel good, to be uplifted, to be joyful, that positive energy, she said. I would love that our customers come to us after being recommended by a doctor or friend, and then that they come back to Lemon Grove because of the feeling they got... to have them say, Lets to go the place with the murals. Then to have them shop at our stores in the area and eat at one of our restaurants. Advertisement Howell said theres no reason Lemon Grove businesses cant work together to continue the work all the artists have started. She brought up her motivating visit to the Wynwood district in Florida, which she said she learned was an area that used to be very derelict with tagged buildings and homeless people. The businesses beautified the area, all these amazing restaurants and shops and art galleries opened up, Howell said. I see no reason we cant do something like this in Lemon Grove. I hope other businesses will be inspired too and get on board. I hope this is just the tip of the iceberg and not the end. Advertisement karen.pearlman@sduniontribune.com The Carlsbad City Council authorized a letter Tuesday opposing state legislation that, if approved, would consolidate the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority with the San Diego Unified Port Authority. As written, Assembly Bill 3119 by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher would take away what little control Carlsbad has over McClellan-Palomar Airport, a single-runway airfield serving commercial jets and private pilots near the intersection of El Camino Real and Palomar Airport Road, city officials say. Its not going to be good for business, its not going to be good for residents, said Councilman Michael Schumacher. The main goal of the proposed legislation is to turn over control of Lindbergh Field in San Diego to the Port Authority. However, the Port Authority also would take control of land use plans at all 16 airports now under the Airport Authority. Advertisement McClellan-Palomar Airport is owned by the county, though the city is responsible for zoning at the airport through the Carlsbad General Plan. However, the proposed legislation attempts to remove that control from Carlsbad and other North County and East County cities. This is clearly a take of local control, Schumacher said, adding that several other cities, along with some chambers of commerce and commercial airlines, have opposed the legislation. Resident Hope Nelson, a representative of the nonprofit Citizens for a Friendly Airport, spoke in favor of the citys letter, which will be sent to the appropriate state legislators. There is way too much we dont know yet on this bill, Nelson said, adding that it needs more study before the Legislature approves it. The vote to have city staffers prepare the letter was 4-1, with Cori Schumacher, no relation to Michael Schumacher, opposed. Cori Schumacher first brought up the subject of AB 3119 at an earlier council meeting with the suggestion that the city assist in drafting the legislation to gain greater control of the airport in Carlsbad. There are multiple ways we could advocate for more local control, she said. San Diego County is nearing the end of a four-year effort to update the McClellan-Palomar Airport Master Plan. Advertisement The proposed master plan update outlines plans to extend the runway, add safety features and make other improvements to the airport over the next 20 years. Some residents of Carlsbad, Vista and Encinitas have opposed the improvements, saying they amount to an expansion that will increase noise, traffic and safety hazards around the airport. The master plan update is expected to be approved by the county Board of Supervisors later this year. Advertisement philip.diehl@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @phildiehl In her nearly 16 years as La Jolla Playhouse general manager, Debby Buchholz has been part of some significant history from the launch of the smash-hit musical Jersey Boys in 2004 to the current Broadway success of the Playhouse-bred Come From Away. Now, Buchholz is about to make history of her own, as the first woman to serve as the institutions managing director. The Playhouse is announcing today that Buchholz will join artistic director Christopher Ashley as one of the renowned regional theaters top two leaders, overseeing the companys administrative and financial operations. She succeeds Michael S. Rosenberg, who is departing after nine years as managing director to take on the same position at New Jerseys McCarter Theatre Center. Buchholzs official start date is May 1. Advertisement Buchholz comes to the job with an abundance of qualifications. Not only has she already helped run the Playhouse since 2002, but she is a Harvard Law School-trained attorney and former corporate lawyer with deep experience in such areas as contract negotiations, fundraising and human resources. The Solana Beach resident, a native of Woodland Hills in the L.A. area, also has longtime local ties as a graduate of the University of California San Diego, where she studied political science. And Buchholz, who served as counsel to both the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Symphony Orchestra in the nations capital before joining the Playhouse, also has been active with theater on a national level. She is the vice president and a longtime board member of the League of Resident Theatres, which represents 75 of the largest theaters across the country, including the Playhouse and the Old Globe Theatre. Ashley, the theaters artistic chief since 2007, said Buchholz was such a clear choice for the job that the theaters board chose not to launch a national search (the customary next step) after Rosenberg announced his exit in March but that if it had done so, Debby is the one we wouldve been lucky to get. I feel as though Debby is the person who everybody wants in American theater right now, said Ashley, talking alongside Buchholz at the Playhouse on Tuesday. Her skill set is immense shes a great manager, and shes really got her eye on, How do you support the arts? Shes personable and articulate and wise, and really fun to work with. Its really a tribute to Debby and the institution that we have this extraordinary person ready to step into this job. Buchholz said that while there had been efforts by other theaters over the years to recruit her away as managing director, this is where I want to be. I grew up at UCSD, my family is all here, my kids were raised here. (Buchholz and her husband, Todd, an author who was a White House economic adviser to former President George H.W. Bush, have three daughters.) Advertisement The inclusive management approach of Ashley and Rosenberg, Buchholz said, has meant that she already is well-versed in much of what her new job will demand. It wasnt a classic general-manager position, she said of her previous job. It was a lot of sharing. And a lot of letting me do the things Ive always enjoyed doing and am good at. She noted that her years at the Playhouse have bridged the tenures of former artistic chief Des McAnuff and his successor, Ashley, and said: Watching two amazing artistic directors do the job differently, and grow the institution differently and to be able to participate in that has been a dream job. Buchholz, a daughter of two schoolteachers whose early introduction to theater included a high-school role as Mustardseed in A Midsummer Nights Dream, now will head up the financial operations of an institution with a budget of about $17 million a year and one of the highest profiles in American theater. Advertisement Three shows that premiered at the Playhouse are on Broadway right now: Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Escape to Margaritaville and Come From Away, and Ashley won a Tony Award last year for directing the latter. Another Playhouse-bred musical, Miss You Like Hell, just opened at the esteemed Public Theater in New York. Buchholz sees her new job as in large part keeping true to what got the institution to the position it enjoys now. Its not about, We want to get bigger and we want to do more, she says of planning for the Playhouses future. Its about, We want to do what we do better and deeper. Advertisement jim.hebert@sduniontribune.com Advertisement Twitter: @jimhebert Racy. Provocative. Taboo. Cathartic. These are just some of the words that describe the new thought-provoking exhibit at the Museum of Man, entitled PostSecret, which asks the question, Would you share secrets with a stranger? The answer seems to be a resounding yes. The brainchild of artist Frank Warren, the community-based project launched in 2004, and has to date amassed a collection of over a million secrets from all over the world. Warren has posted them in his six books, his blog and in special exhibitions, including the White House. Entering the exhibition, visitors can sense an overwhelming feeling of collective release, as eyes dart across postcard after postcard of confession. Simply seeing the wall of myriad filed secrets behind Plexiglass can elicit a gasp, as comprehension sets in about the amount of pain, anxiety, and emotions trapped within those pages. Insider tip: Take a deep breath, start at the beginning and take your time this isnt an exhibition you want to rush through. Also included in the exhibition are mixed media works by Buffalo entitled Secret Self and Burning, two large scale figures grappling with their inner emotions. Secret Self depicts a person enveloped in an amorphous blog of faces with multiple expressions, while Burning sits with knees drawn up with a head encased in ashen flowers and flames. Advertisement A post card from PostSecret. (Courtesy photo) Its very likely with a highly charged exhibition like this, visitors may find themselves feeling a whirlwind of emotion, including empathy, knee-jerk judgement, anger, happiness and even profound sadness. As the museum notes on the exhibitions accompanying text, Some may shock, but others youll recognize as if they were your own. In fact, the exhibition invites everyone to become a part of the journey, with an open invitation, workstation, and supplies to take, design, and write a card, and drop it in the provided mailbox. Here are just some of the secrets revealed in the exhibition. What is your reaction? No matter how hard I work, how skilled I am, how many good things I do, nothing will ever make up for being fat. I wish I had voices in my head, just so I would have someone to talk to. What you did to me wasnt a crime, but it should be. I dont hate the beach as much as I say I do. I just find bare skin disgusting . . I fear Im going to be alone for the rest of my life...and I dont want to have to settle in order not to be. Ready to post your own secret? The PostSecret team will be around San Diego to help you release your inner thoughts. You can meet the team, and create your own postcard during the following events (more information is available at https://www.museumofman.org/upcoming-events): Veterans Museums Kid Fun Fest: noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 29 at 2115 Park Blvd., Balboa Park PostSecret Live with Frank Warren: 7-9 p.m. Thursday, May 10 at UCSD. At this interactive presentation, Warren will be discussing the project, signing books, taking questions and guests can make their own postcards to submit. Tickets are $15 for Museum Members and students and $20 for E-Club Members, University of California San Diego Price Center West Ballroom, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla PostSecret Street Team appearance: 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 19 at Hazard Center, 7510 Hazard Center Dr., Mission Valley Advertisement Find out more about the exhibition at museumofman.org/exhibits/postsecret and Frank Warrens project at postsecret.com, postsecretlive.com and postsecretshow.com Museum of Man, 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001, museumofman.org As details about CIA Director Mike Pompeos visit to North Korea were confirmed by President Trump on Twitter on Wednesday, South Korea said it would seek to establish a peace agreement with the totalitarian state in the upcoming summit between their leaders this month. South Koreas national security advisor, Chung Eui-yong, made the statement about the potential for a formal end to the Korean War to reporters Wednesday. The announcement followed President Trumps comments on the North Korea situation as he held talks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Hostilities in the conflict ended in 1953 with the signing of an armistice agreement, but the North and the South remain technically at war. Chung was part of a delegation that met with Trump at the White House in March and announced the possibility of a historic summit between the president and Kim Jong Un, the third-generation dynastic leader who has overseen North Koreas rapid advancement as an emerging nuclear state. Advertisement The national security advisor told reporters in South Korea that he recently talked with his new U.S. counterpart, John Bolton, about the possibility of establishing a peace agreement between Seoul and Pyongyang. Chungs precise words, delivered in Korean, were difficult to translate, but his office said he used the term peace regime or peace system rather than treaty. Some experts said that meant a broader structure to maintain peaceful relations. This is because Seoul has long believed that a peace treaty isnt enough to sustain peace and that they need a comprehensive mechanism or system for peace that will guarantee that the Cold War structure is abolished forever, said Duyeon Kim, a visiting senior research fellow at the Korean Peninsula Future Forum in Seoul. Chung said the pair discussed, in depth, ways to establish a peace system through prohibition of any provocation on the peninsula, to address concerns North Korea may have, and to ensure a bright future to North Korea if it makes the right decision. North Korea experts said such an agreement could be tricky given the international structure of the armistice, signed in 1953, that involved China, North Korea and the United Nations forces commanded by a U.S. general. South Korea has no official capacity to sign any agreement that abrogates the armistice agreement, said Bong Youngshik, a research fellow at Yonsei Universitys Institute for North Korean Studies in Seoul. But an agreement is possible at the summit. Bong said he was referring to a deal involving a nonaggression pact between the two nations, something thats been discussed in the past. Duyeon Kim said the North and the South could revisit a scenario, envisioned years ago, about a bilateral peace agreement and then having China and the United States use it to replace the armistice. Advertisement The rapid pace of developments ahead of the summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in worries some experts, such as Robert Kelly, a political science professor at Pusan National University in South Korea. He remains concerned that North Korea might get rewarded, despite repeated and internationally condemned provocations involving its nuclear and missile programs in 2017, because the timeline to achieve something is so compressed. What is Moon ready to concede given this kind of talk? And how come we have no idea what the North is going to bend on? Im just worried Moon is so anxious for a deal, that hell give away too much, he said. Meanwhile, Moons summit planning committee released details Wednesday night about the protocol, security and media issues related to the upcoming meeting, set for April 27 at Panmunjom, a diplomatic outpost along the highly fortified border separating the two countries. For example, the North and the South have agreed to broadcast major parts of the summit live, including the first handshake of the leaders, ending some speculation about what parts of the meeting might be visible to the public. Advertisement Stiles is a special correspondent. He commands U.S. Coast Guard forces from the shores of East Africa to the Rocky Mountains, rescuing mariners at sea, enforcing fishing laws, interdicting smugglers and protecting Americas ports, and Vice Adm. Fred M. Midgette says his Coasties need more money. In a Wednesday morning speech laying out the state of the nations smallest military force, the commander of Coast Guard Pacific Area said at the San Diego Military Affairs Council meeting at Naval Base Point Loma that Congress could chip in more to fund global maritime operations. We have a rich man, poor man story thats going on right now, Midgette said. The Coast Guard runs on about a $10 billion annual budget, and staffing is 60 percent of that. While Congress has increased spending on capital projects such as building new cutters and a heavy icebreaker, Midgette said lawmakers have skimped on what he calls the lubrication that makes the gears work the $3 billion earmarked for funding sea and air operations worldwide. Advertisement Thats been squeezed hard, he said. And its been squeezed hard for four, five, six years now, even below the sequestration cuts that came out on federal spending. The Coast Guard was operating even below those. Over the past decade, Congress paid the militarys bills with a series of continuing resolutions, with fewer funds flowing to the armed forces due to spending caps enacted in 2011s so-called sequestration legislation. That deal between Capitol Hill and the White House forestalled a federal debt default but it cut deeply into the militarys spending on readiness and some operations. The Coast Guard draws funding from both the Department of Defense and Homeland Security, the agency that controls it, and saw reductions in both budgets. Midgette knows something about operations. Hes the 14th Gold Ancient Mariner of the Coast Guard, an honor bestowed on the officer with more than a decade of accumulated time at sea and who has worn the services cutterman insignia the longest. A Virginia native, Midgette, 57, has commanded four cutters and served aboard the Taney, Point Ledge, Point Winslow, Katmai Bay, Harriet Lane and Forward, plus the Coast Guards barque Eagle and the Navy destroyer Fife. Today, his Alameda-based command covers half the earths waters and he eyes resurgent Pacific powers such as China and Russia launching their own coast guard fleets to challenge American might in hot spots such as the Arctic Ocean and the South China Sea. Midgettes Coast Guard is the only armed American maritime presence in the Arctic, where melting sea ice continues to open up new shipping routes and natural resources coveted by other nations, eight of which border the polar region. Advertisement Thats really the gateway to the United States from the top of the world, he said. And there are folks really going gangbusters building in that part of the world right now. To exploit the Arctic and other frigid waterways, the Russians have 44 icebreakers, with 10 more under construction and three new vessels planned. The U.S. Coast Guard has two, although Congress budgeted $750 million this year to build a new one. You can have a paper presence, which we have a good time of the year, when we talk about how we own the Arctic. Or you can be up there in force and claim your sovereignty that way, Midgette said. Advertisement Midgettes mariners have long regulated the $6 billion fishing industry in Alaska but his patrols increasingly target the central and west Pacific Ocean to combat illegal and unreported floating factories that stay at sea for years, offloading their catch to other vessels to try to circumvent international laws. He calls it money laundering but with fish and its a national security issue for Oceania island nations. Up to 80 percent of their gross domestic product stems from fishing, which they also rely on for food. The U.S. Coast Guard has been the ringleader in a pact of Pacific nations that includes Japan, South Korea and China countries that often squabble but united to enforce fishing rules so that the global catch doesnt collapse. Its a bright spot in an area where theres otherwise a lot of friction, Midgette said. Advertisement It hasnt been so bright on another front. Although the Coast Guard continues to set annual records for the amount of cocaine interdicted at sea, smuggling operations have shifted away from the Caribbean Sea to a vast six million mile stretch of the Pacific Ocean. Midgette estimates that his cutters intercept only about one out of every five boats trying to get narcotics to North America. The narco-syndicates behind the shipments are destabilizing several Central American countries with corruption, chaos and crime. When you end up with 60,000 kids on your southwest border and you wonder whats going on, Ill tell you that maybe some of that has to do with the place they used to live is so violent that people are leaving it. There are many reasons, I understand that, but violence is certainly one of them. Advertisement You dont have to go to the Middle East or Afghanistan to find the highest homicide rates in the world, theyre right here in El Salvador and Guatemala. And its all being driven by drugs, he said. Advertisement Military Videos On Now D-Day paratrooper from Coronado jumps again in France at age 96 On Now Remembering war's fallen, one name at a time On Now In Ramona, an airplane and an aviator provide living lessons on World War II 1:43 On Now Video: Navy's newest vessel sails into San Diego and a new future in surface warfare On Now Video: U.S. Navy files homicide charges over warship collisions On Now Stopping Marine hazing On Now Video: U.S. Navy Air Crew Grounded After Creating Vulgar Sky Drawing On Now Navy says Asia Pacific ship collisions were avoidable On Now Hundreds of recruits get sick at Marine boot camp On Now Cutler Dawson Talks Navy Federal cprine@sduniontribune.com The U.S. General Services Administration is preparing to embark on a major infrastructure project on the San Diego-Tijuana border: A $122-million upgrade to the Otay Mesa Port of Entry that would include expansion of the busy ports pedestrian and truck processing capacities. In the planning stages for nearly a decade, the single-phase project is slated to launch construction this fall and be completed by the fall of 2021. It was funded as part of the $1.3-trillion federal spending bill approved last month. It will make the commercial facilities more efficient, and it will make the pedestrian facilities more efficient, said Anthony Kleppe, a senior asset manager with GSA. The project calls for the doubling of pedestrian lanes from six to 12, and link to a future Otay Mesa Transit Center being built by the San Diego Association of Governments. Scheduled to open in January 2019, the transit center will be the southern terminus of the future South Bay Rapid Project, a 26-mile rapid transit route that will run between the Otay Mesa Port of Entry through eastern Chula Vista to downtown San Diego. Advertisement Another key element of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry upgrade involves increasing the number of northbound commercial import booths from nine to 15. The ports commercial side is the second busiest on the U.S.- Mexico border and the busiest on the California border averaging some 3,500 truck crossings per day. Trade is up, and we need the expanded infrastructure to ensure we are ready to accommodate trade growth while minimizing wait times, said Alejandra Mier y Teran, executive director of the Otay Mesa Chamber of Commerce. The project has numerous other elements. According to GSA, these include: construction of a new commercial annex building; commercial vehicle circulation improvements; new commercial export booths; construction of an employee and visitor parking structure; relocation of the hazardous materials docks; a new pedestrian ramp to the future SANDAG transit center; development of a regional training center for U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and a dedicated return-to-Mexico lane. sandra.dibble@sduniontribune.com @sandradibble Kern County prosecutors on Wednesday said they will not file criminal charges against federal immigration agents involved in a crash that killed two farmworkers trying to flee from the agents. Delano police had asked the district attorneys office to determine whether the two agents, Ramiro Sanchez and Dimas Benitez, should be charged with giving false information to police after statements they made to officers were contradicted by surveillance video. First, there is no credible evidence that either agent lied in their statement, said Kern County Dist. Atty. Lisa Green. And second, I do not believe legally, that is under the law, we can pursue charges of giving false information to a peace officer. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents Sanchez and Benitez came under scrutiny after the March 13 crash that killed Santos Hilario Garcia and Marcelina Garcia Profecto. The couple, who were in the country illegally, had initially stopped when one of the agents put on his emergency lights to pull them over, but then fled before crashing into a utility pole at high speed. Advertisement According to a report by Delano police, an ICE deportation officer told police that, after the initial stop, he was not in pursuit with emergency lights/sirens. But surveillance video showed the immigration officers cars traveling in the same direction as the couples vehicle with their emergency lights activated. In a review of the surveillance video, Green said, the two agents appear to be obeying traffic rules and neither agents vehicle appeared to be overtaking the Ford. Surveillance video showed an unidentified civilian vehicle in between the couples car and the agents vehicles, Green said, and the civilian was operating the car in a normal manner and did not appear to be yielding to any law enforcement activity. As to the lights, which were on, it is a reasonable interpretation of the evidence that the emergency lights that were activated for the traffic stop remained on after he jumped in his vehicle to follow the Ford, Green said. Green noted that Sanchez was never asked by Delano police if he had turned his lights off after the initial traffic stop. As to Agent Benitez, he stated they were obeying all traffic regulations and he was not engaged in a pursuit, Green said. Green said that a pursuit describes actively attempting to apprehend a suspect who is attempting to avoid arrest while operating a motor vehicle at high speed and using evasive driving techniques. Were the agents following the Ford? Yes. Were they speeding and or passing cars in order to catch up to the Ford or to actively apprehend the people in the Ford? No, Green said. That is not depicted on the video evidence nor in any of the witness statements that were provided to us. Additionally, Green noted, in order to have violated the statute, a false statement would need to pertain to a material fact. Advertisement These statements are not material, Green said. The only way they could be considered material is if the pursuit with lights and sirens was a factor in the cause of the accident. Three civilian witnesses who were interviewed by the Delano Police Department stated the Ford Explorer was not being chased or followed by any law enforcement vehicles at the time of the accident. Those witnesses statement, in combination with the Delano Police Departments conclusion that the primary collision factor was an unsafe turn with an associated factor of unsafe speed on the part of the occupants of the vehicle of the Ford, leads me to find that the statements are not material. After the announcement, the United Farm Workers Foundation expressed frustration over the decision not to pursue charges. Santos Hilario and Marcelina did not get justice today from the Kern County district attorney, and they deserve it, Diana Tellefson Torres, the executive director of the foundation, said in a statement. They were farm workers who worked hard to provide for their family. They and their six orphaned children are just the latest casualties of the federal governments recent targeting of hardworking immigrant farm workers who feed all of us. Sanchez, one of the deportation officers, told police that on the morning of the crash, he and colleagues were conducting surveillance on an apartment in order to detain Celestino Hilario-Garcia, who was targeted for removal from the country. Advertisement Sanchez said that a colleague witnessed Santos Hilario Garcia, whom they mistook for Celestino Hilario-Garcia, enter a vehicle in front of the apartment, along with a woman and a girl. Sanchez and Benitez followed the car in black, unmarked Jeeps as the couple dropped their daughter off at school. Shortly afterward, Sanchez activated his emergency lights to signal the car to pull over. Santos Hilario Garcia complied, but as Sanchez got out of his car, the couples vehicle sped away, the report said, and eventually crashed. Garcia, 35, and, Profecto, 33, both died at the scene. Though Garcia matched the description of the arrest target, he was not the same individual, according to ICE. Advertisement Santos Hilario Garcia had been convicted in 2014 of driving under the influence and was voluntarily returned to Mexico three times between 2008 and 2017. Last year, he was removed under the provisions of expedited removal. Profecto had no prior encounters with ICE. In an earlier statement, the immigration agency cited sanctuary policies that have pushed ICE out of jails and force our officers to conduct more enforcement in the community which poses increased risks for law enforcement and the public. It also increases the likelihood that ICE will encounter other illegal aliens who previously werent on our radar, ICE spokesman Richard Rocha said. The case came amid rising tension between local agencies and ICE in California, as officials and police have to choose whether they will cooperate more with the immigration agency or abide by the states sanctuary laws, intended to protect immigrants in the country illegally. Advertisement Delanos interim police chief, Raul Alvizo, has stressed that in referring the case to the district attorney, his department was only trying to do its due diligence. Its not any different than say, for example, you were involved in a traffic accident and there was some issues there. Were going to send it to our D.A., Alvizo said in an interview last week. Because we dont want anybody to come back and say that were hiding or were trying to cover up for anybody. Were doing it the way we do it for anybody else. UPDATES: 12:50 p.m.: This article has been updated with comments from Kern County Dist. Atty. Lisa Green. Advertisement This story was first published at 10:15 a.m. Amid pressure from residents, a local school board member and the Anti-Defamation League, Huntington Beach City Councilman Patrick Brenden said Tuesday that he will investigate a member of city and school district panels who is alleged to have referred to minorities as colored people in a YouTube video. I received a ton of comments from both sides, [and] no one has done a whole lot to prove substantial evidence, Brenden said of the allegations against Gracey Larrea-Van Der Mark, whom he appointed to the city Finance Commission in 2017. Brenden said he initially asked the city manager Tuesday to look into starting an investigation but was told that responsibility falls on him because he appointed Larrea-Van Der Mark. Brenden said he will continue to dig into the allegations and review public testimony. Advertisement Larrea-Van Der Mark, of Huntington Beach, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Though Brenden didnt know Larrea-Van Der Mark before appointing her, he said he thought she would be a good addition to the Finance Commission after learning she had been recently appointed to the Ocean View School Districts Citizens Oversight Committee for Measure R by Trustee Gina Clayton-Tarvin. That committee was formed to provide oversight of expenditures related to a voter-approved bond measure for school facility improvements. Last week, Clayton-Tarvin said she voiced her concerns about the colored people comment to the school board president and superintendent, saying the remark promotes bigotry and doesnt reflect the school district. She also called on the city to remove Larrea-Van Der Mark from the Finance Commission. In an emailed statement Tuesday, Supt. Carol Hansen said the district is reviewing the concerns and researching possible steps. Brendens decision to investigate comes after 11 people, including Peter Levi, Orange County regional director of the Anti-Defamation League, called on the city during Monday nights council meeting to take action against Larrea-Van Der Mark. Levi sent letters to the City Council and the Ocean View School District on Friday, urging them to remove Larrea-Van Der Mark from both panels. The letter lists the civil rights organizations own allegations against her, including anti-Semitic and racist online comments and activities. We dont always write letters, but when we do, its when we feel strongly to take this statement and do what is right and accurate, Levi said Monday. Its not about liberals or conservatives, its about extremists beyond the spectrum of right and left. Its not on the spectrum when we go down white supremacist realms. Larrea-Van Der Marks online activity has received heightened attention since she spoke in support of Huntingtons Beachs plan to file a lawsuit against California to challenge the legality of state mandates that expand protections for immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally. Advertisement Days after the City Council approved the lawsuit this month, OC Weekly reported that Larrea-Van Der Mark made the colored people comment in a video she uploaded to YouTube in 2017 showing protesters crashing an anti-racism workshop in Santa Monica by a group called Committee for Racial Justice. According to the paper, Larrea-Van Der Mark wrote: This meeting was being ran by the elderly Jewish people who were in there. The colored people were there doing what the elderly Jewish people instructed them to do. It isnt clear when Larrea-Van Der Mark made the comments, which have since been deleted. Brenden described Larrea-Van Der Mark as a caring and helpful person and said the allegations against her form a disconnect with what he has known of her firsthand. Advertisement Its made me aware, and Im concerned I may be getting slanted, politically driven information, he said. Vega writes for Times Community News For 12 agonizing days, search crews have combed the murky waters off Northern California in search of three missing children who were believed to be in an SUV that was driven off a cliff by one of their mothers. None of the searchers was sure they would ever find them. Investigators had pulled five bodies from the wreckage, but could not locate three of the adopted siblings. Were they in the car when 38-year-old Jennifer Hart steered their GMC Yukon toward the ocean, or were the three missing children somewhere else and alive, authorities wondered. Faced with that latter possibility, the FBI issued missing persons posters for the unaccounted Hart siblings Tuesday. There was one for 16-year-old Hannah Jean Hart. Her lips pursed together into a tight smile in both pictures, hiding her teeth. There was another for 15-year-old Devonte Jordan Hart, his signature fedora perched atop his head and a megawatt smile lighting up his face. A different photo, one of tears streaking his face as he hugged a police officer during a Black Lives Matter protest, went viral in 2014. And there was a cropped picture of 12-year-old Ciera Maija Hart, her hair plaited in individual braids with barrettes at the ends. Her name on the poster is misspelled Sierra, as it was first reported. Advertisement The missing children could currently be traveling together, the FBI statement read. Meanwhile, the search continued above and below the crash site with a team of divers and pilots braving, at times, strong currents and frigid temperatures. Then on April 7, they made a sad discovery. What appeared to be an African American female body was pulled from the water. On Tuesday, authorities identified the body as belonging to Ciera Hart. The revelation confirmed what many feared at least one of the missing children was involved in the fatal crash. Very sad news, a woman posted on the Mendocino Sheriff Departments Facebook page. Rest In Peace, Ciera. The discovery of Cieras body still leaves many unanswered questions about the fatal March 26 crash. Jennifer Hart was legally drunk when she drove a sport utility vehicle 100 feet into the Pacific Ocean off a remote stretch of Highway 1 in Mendocino County, killing her, her wife and three of their six children. The fatal plunge appears to have been intentional. There are no skid marks and the vehicle was at a full stop before accelerating off the cliff, authorities said. Based on preliminary reports, it appears the SUV had stopped about 70 feet from the cliffs edge, then sped off it, authorities said. The speedometer was pinned at 90 mph, California Highway Patrol Capt. Bruce Carpenter said. Advertisement Carpenter said Friday that no one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt. This case is baffling, he said. Toxicology tests also showed that Jennifer Harts wife, Sarah Hart, had a significant amount of an ingredient primarily used in Benadryl in her system, Carpenter said. Two of the children also were determined to have Benadryl-type substances in their system, he said. The two women were found dead inside the car March 26, and three children were found outside the vehicle, officials said. Advertisement In the days leading up to the crash, neighbors in Woodland, Wash., reported the parents to social workers with allegations of possible child neglect. Authorities said they will continue their search for Devonte and Hannah. When asked if the discovery of Cieras body places all the children in the SUV, FBI spokeswoman Cameron Rogers Polan said not necessarily. For more California breaking news, follow @AngelJennings. She can also be reached at angel.jennings@latimes.com. When I interviewed local community advocate Sean Sheppard last year about Game Changer, his program that uses sporting events to bring members of law enforcement and the community together to talk about racism and other thorny issues, we met at Starbucks. As the coffee giant battles a public-relations meltdown after a controversial encounter between a white employee and two black men in a Philadelphia store, the irony of our interview location is not lost on either of us. When this started to unfold, my phone blew up, said Sheppard, who is black. But I cant tell you how many people, myself included, have met someone at Starbucks, never spent a dime, and nothing happened. Ive used the restroom and nothing happened. I feel like Starbucks has always been a meeting place, a gathering place and a safe space, said Sheppard, adding that the company has offered the use of local stores for Game Changer meetings and has been supportive of the organization. It has always been that way to me. I dont feel any differently now. Advertisement Starbucks trustworthy reputation as the place where you can meet anyone for any reason took a big hit last week, when an employee in a downtown Philadelphia store refused the mens request to use the restroom because they hadnt bought anything. The men who were there to meet a friend were eventually asked to leave. When they declined, the employee called 911. The men were arrested on suspicion of trespassing, taken into custody and hauled away. Starbucks did not press charges, and the men were released. But when a video of the encounter went viral, the controversy boiled over like an over-foamed latte. The encounter happened last Thursday. The company apologized on Twitter two days later. But as the #BoycottStarbucks hashtag started trending and protesters began showing up in Starbucks stores, the companys chief executive, Kevin Johnson, released a long statement calling the situation a reprehensible outcome and reassuring customers that the company stands firmly against discrimination or racial profiling. The Philadelphia employee who called the police is no longer working at the store. And earlier this week, Starbucks announced that it will close more than 8,000 stores on May 29 to conduct racial-bias training for nearly 175,000 employees. How much can a company do to tackle the wildly diverse mindsets and experiences of 175,000 employees in one day? Not much, probably. But is this just a bunch of corporate air? Given that Starbucks became a corporate powerhouse by virtue of its ability to be the office, living room and community square for the masses, it better not be. They need to focus not just on customer service, but on people care. How do we care for people from the minute they walk in the door, whether they buy anything or not? said Daniel DelCastillo, a managing partner for the San Diego-based Best Human Resources Consultants and an adjunct professor at SDSUs Fowler College of Business Administration. They need to measure the diversity of their clientele and get feedback from customers about how they have been treated. And they need to bring accountability to diversity management. When you make the diversity element part of (the employees) performance, people pay attention. When I think about Starbucks, I always go back to 2014. That was the year I spent many weekends in the Inland Empire, shuttling from the Rancho Cucamonga memory-care facility where my mom was living to the family home that I was helping my brother clear out to the nursing home 9 miles away where my dad lived. Advertisement In between, I would stop at one of the many local Starbucks for whatever sustenance I needed at the moment. Sometimes it was a cake pop for my mom. Sometimes it was coffee to get my brother and me through another emotional round of de-cluttering. Sometimes it was a sandwich to eat in the car on the way back to San Diego. Sometimes it was just a place to sit and gather my exhausted thoughts before moving on to the next thing. Access to a small creature comfort can be a big deal, and Starbucks needs to do its best to ensure that everyone has access to the comforts this ubiquitous company is uniquely positioned to provide. Its big. Now it has to be better. Starbucks is one of the few places that we all go to. They are a magnet for all races, Sheppard said. I cant tell them how to run their business, but I know there is an opportunity for them to play a leadership role in bringing people together on a regular basis. Advertisement Twitter: @karla_peterson Advertisement karla.peterson@sduniontribune.com Rebuked by a jury for his departments investigation into the death of Rebecca Zahau. Questions about his jailers shackling pregnant inmates when they go into labor. Changing his position on the pressing immigration issue of the day. The news isnt getting any better for Sheriff Bill Gore as the June election approaches. This latest string of trouble came in less than a weeks time earlier this month. Advertisement That follows another rough stretch for Gore several weeks ago: A deputy was charged with 14 counts related to sexual misconduct accusations by numerous women, a lawsuit accusing a now-retired assistant sheriff of sexual harassment, renewed attention to deaths in the county jail, a claim by a commander that he was demoted because hes running against Gore. The sheriff himself poured gasoline on that last fire recently by freely admitting he considered firing Cmdr. Dave Myers after he announced his candidacy. The Zahau verdict two weeks ago jolted San Diegos legal and law enforcement communities. A Superior Court jury in the wrongful death civil trial concluded that Rebecca Zahau didnt commit suicide at a Coronado mansion in 2011 and that her boyfriends brother, Adam Shacknai, is legally responsible for her death. The jury said he must pay more than $5 million to her family. Not many were predicting such an outcome based on the evidence presented at the trial, but also because the Sheriffs Department investigation determined Zahau hung herself. The standard of proof and number of juror votes needed to reach a verdict for such a civil case is less than in a criminal murder trial. People started asking: Did they botch the investigation? The Sheriffs Department made matters worse by issuing a terse reaction to the jurys verdict. We completed a comprehensive and professional investigation and stand behind it. We have no further comment about this civil lawsuit, Lt. Karen Stubkjaer said in a statement. Someone within Gores ranks realized how this tin-ear response sounded because they eventually came out with a more nuanced and sensitive statement. Advertisement In regards to the criminal investigation, the Sheriffs Department stands by the findings of the Medical Examiners Office and our investigators. These findings were supported by forensic evidence and medical examinations, the second statement said. We are always open to reviewing any evidence that could impact our conclusions. Additionally, we are also willing to meet with the Zahau Family to look at any new evidence that came out of the civil trial, the statement said. On Monday, Gore opened up a review of the case. Shortly after the jurys verdict, the heat on Gore was such that he seemed to welcome the distraction of a query as to why he shifted on a contentious immigration issue: Should the county supervisors join the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit aimed at overturning Californias immigrant sanctuary laws? Advertisement Gore initially said hed recommend the supervisors stay out of it, but days later went neutral, saying he didnt want to be in the position of telling the board what they should or shouldnt do. I called Gore to talk about this change the day after the Zahau verdict came down. He joked that he was glad to talk about something else. Think about that for a moment. Normally, having to address a blatant flip-flop on a high-voltage issue like immigration would be a nightmare for an elected official. Here, it served as a bit of a respite from an even bigger problem. The sheriff said he had been inartful when first stating his position. It maybe coincidence, but Gore has the same political consultant, Jason Roe, as Supervisor Kristin Gaspar, who is running for Congress and proposed that the county join the federal suit. Advertisement On Tuesday, the board voted to support the administrations lawsuit. Then the question was raised about whether the Sheriffs Departments policy on shackling inmates in labor violated state law. The San Diego County Sheriffs Department restrains women inmates who are in labor as a matter of routine, despite a state law that limits the use of restraints except in certain dangerous cases, journalist Kelly Davis wrote in an article published by the Voice of San Diego. The shackling of inmates in labor, which is allowed in many states under different circumstances, is hotly debated. Advertisement In response, Gore said the department erroneously misrepresented its policy in a letter that was referred to in the Voice story. The mistake is not theirs, it is ours, he said in a statement. The letter to the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board reflected an outdated policy, Gore said, adding the shackling of pregnant inmates is restricted. The care and respectful treatment of our pregnant inmates is a priority and we regret our misrepresentation of how we treat them, he said, adding that the letter was not appropriately vetted. Advertisement Error or not, the issue created more bad publicity for the sheriff. Myers, Gores opponent, said he was still concerned about the inmate-shackling policy. But he has had a litany of disagreements with Gore. He also said he will re-open the Zahau investigation if elected. Unlike Gore, Myers said he would have advised the Board of Supervisors against getting involved in the Trump administration lawsuit over the states immigrant sanctuary laws. Stay out of it. You have no business being in it, Myers said he would have told the supervisors. Advertisement Even if the Trump administration prevails, he said he would oppose allowing immigration agents to once again be stationed in the county jail. Theres absolutely no purpose to have ICE in our jails, he said. Myers said the Sheriffs Department is facing mounting problems under Gore and its taking a toll internally. Morale is very bad, he said. Advertisement Among other things, he pointed to the case of Deputy Richard Fischer, who in February pleaded not guilty to eight felonies and six misdemeanors resulting from sexual misconduct allegations. Myers wont have the financial and political resources to match Gore, who has broad support from the San Diego establishment and among law enforcement leaders. Nevertheless, Myers is getting enough fodder to make some noise. An Escondido man lured his friend to a park, beat him to death and then posted evidence of and references to the incident on his Snapchat page, a prosecutor said Tuesday during as a trial began in Vista Superior Court. Authorities say Salvador Sanchez, now 20, dressed in white as a symbol of purity, he reportedly told them when he attacked 20-year-old Maithem Alfuraiji last April. He also made cryptic postings including bizarre rap lyrics about dying in the arms of a friend which, combined with the fact that Alfuraiji was missing, left of two Sanchezs friends so alarmed that they went to police. Sanchez, who faces one count of murder, has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. His defense lawyer suggested in his opening statement to the jury Tuesday that the defendant believed he needed to kill because God told him to. Advertisement Maithem Alfuraiji (Facebook ) Because of the insanity plea, the trial in the courtroom of Vista Judge Robert Kearney could consist of two phases. First, prosecutors must prove Sanchezs guilt. If he is found guilty, the burden shifts to the defense to show that Sanchez was legally insane at the time of the killing. During her opening statement, Deputy District Attorney Claudia Plascencia told the jury that Sanchezs relatively new friendship with Alfuraiji had begun to deteriorate by the time Sanchez invited Alfuraiji to hang out with him at Mountain View Park in Escondido on the night of April 27, 2017. What Maithem didnt know that night was that the defendant planned to kill him, she said. Sanchez, who was a competitive wrestler in high school, stood 3 inches taller than Alfuraiji, and outweighed him by 40 pounds. The evidence will show that Maithem spent the last few minutes of his life clawing at the defendants neck, the prosecutor said. She told the jury that Sanchez held Alfuraiji in a chokehold until he drew every last breath from his body. After the killing, the prosecutor said, Sanchez called a friend, said he needed help and asked him to meet him at the park. The friend showed up and was shocked when Sanchez dragged Alfuraijis body into the backseat and told him to drive to Valley Center to ditch the body. Advertisement The friend, she said, complied out of fear. But he did not go to police. Plascencia said Sanchez, an aspiring rapper, made videos of himself covered in the victims blood and then posted original lyrics on his Snapchat account. One part read: in the arms of a friend is where u die. When friends asked him about the postings later, Sanchez told them hed killed Alfuraiji, the prosecutor said. And when they laughed in his face, he pulled out the blood-stained white clothes from his closet. The friends went to police, who investigated and confronted Sanchez. He eventually led them to the body, which had been dumped on the Rincon reservation. Advertisement During his opening statement, Deputy Public Defender Ricky Crawford said Sanchez whose mother was 13 when she became pregnant with him had spent his early years bouncing around with family from New Mexico to California to Mexico with a grandmother. In middle school, he went back and forth between Escondido with his father and Alabama, where his mother who had become a devout Christian was living. He attended two years of high school there. He spend his last two high school years at Escondido High School, graduating in 2016 before heading back to Alabama for the summer. That same year, Crawford said, Sanchezs faith in Christianity increased, and he started speaking in tongues. Sanchez met Alfuraiji in January 2017, after hed returned to Escondido. The attorney said the two men and two other buddies became a party crew. Crawford showed the jury bizarre short videos Sanchez made of himself talking to the camera, presumably after the killing. In one, he said I believe everyone is saved. But I believe if you die, you go straight to Heaven so I dont feel guilty. Advertisement Witness testimony is expected to continue Wednesday. Advertisement teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Going into the final weeks of the primary election campaign, Democrats have more cash on hand than Republicans in two high-profile Congressional races in the San Diego County region. In the crowded race to replace Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, four Democrats have more money in their campaign treasury than the Republican who has the most funds available, according to campaign finance reports filed this week. Democrat Sara Jacobs of Encinitas has $1.1 million in her treasury, followed by Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano at $515,000, Paul Kerr of Rancho Santa Fe at $345,000 and Doug Applegate of Oceanside at $235,000. The Republican who comes in fifth place in terms of cash on hand is Kristin Gaspar of Encinitas, at $185,500. She is followed by Republicans Rocky Chavez of Oceanside at $184,700 and Diane Harkey of Dana Point at $179,000. The Republicans got into the race later than the Democrats, because Issas decision not to seek re-election in the 49th Congressional District came late in the political cycle. Advertisement In the neighboring 50th Congressional District, Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, is seeking re-election. Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar of Jamul has more cash on hand as of March 31, at $333,000. Hunter has $309,500. Democrat Josh Butner of Jamul is next in line at $308,000. Both major parties said they were campaigning with the wind at their backs. Republicans are well-positioned to win with a slate of great candidates running on a strong economy and security for families, National Republican Congressional Committee Spokesman Jack Pandol said in an email. Meanwhile, Democrats are engaging in a progressive purity party dragging the field so far to the left, no amount of liberal donors money could render them electable. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee said that the partys candidate fundraising success shows that they are connecting with voters where Republicans are failing. Democratic candidates across California are tapping into the grassroots donor base that has shown up in town halls, marches, and protests across our state. Meanwhile, complacent, vulnerable Republicans are failing to put together campaigns that can communicate with voters, spokesman Andrew Godinich said by email. Heres a rundown of the top candidates in each district, ranked by the most money raised in the first quarter of this year: 49th District Kerr, a businessman, raised the most in the quarter with $943,253 in receipts, including $900,000 he gave to his own campaign. With nearly $2 million raised since announcing his candidacy, including just over $1.6 million he has self-financed, hes by far the biggest fundraiser and with $1.61 million in expenses, the biggest spender so far. San Juan Capistrano City Councilman Brian Maryott, a Republican, raised $420,828 in the first quarter, including $400,000 he loaned his campaign. He had $59,241 left at the end of the period. A total of $20,828 came from sources other than his own funds. Advertisement Levin, a lawyer, leads the pack for individual contributions with $309,000 raised, a figure that includes donations big and small from people, but not funds from political action committees. He raised $326,274 in the first quarter. Harkey, a member of the state Board of Equalization, raised $312,509 in non-self-funded contributions. Thats the most of any of the Republicans by that measure. Jacobs, a former non-profit executive, is not far behind Kerr with $1.69 million raised since launching her campaign, including nearly $1.1 million she has self-financed. She raised just shy of $300,000 in the first quarter. Gaspar, a member of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, leads the GOP with cash-on-hand, with $185,494 left in her account, just above Chavez. She raised $261,252. Advertisement While Chavez, an Assemblyman, has been first or second in polls, he has struggled as a fundraiser. He raised $203,747 in the period, including a $100,000 loan he made to his campaign. While polling in either first or second, Applegate, Issas opponent in 2016, continues to struggle as a fundraiser, and is at the back of the pack among Democrats. He raised $133,858 in the quarter, and just over $1 million since launching his campaign. 50th District Hunter raised $210,268 in the first quarter, putting him at the top of the pack and slightly ahead of his closest Democratic challenger. He has raised $681,000 for the race, but legal expenses related to a campaign finance investigation have taken up much of his spending. Democratic challenger Ammar Campa-Najjar, a former Department of Labor spokesman, raised $205,243 in the first quarter and has raised $725,398 since launching his campaign. Advertisement Democrat Josh Butner, a former Navy SEAL, raised $176,226 in the quarter, and has raised $599,000 total. San Diego businessman Shamus Sayed, a Republican candidate, raised $67,640 in the period and $253,179 since launching his campaign. He has loaned his committee $150,000. El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells entered the race in late February and raised just over $16,000 in the six weeks before the reporting period ended. He has about $11,200 left after expenses. Democrat Patrick Malloy, Hunters opponent in 2016, raised $125, and, after various expenses, had $31 left. Advertisement Twitter: @jptstewart Advertisement joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 A Grossmont College political science professor who was an avid bicyclist was killed Tuesday in the Flinn Springs area when he was hit by a minivan driven by a woman who fell asleep, authorities said. Brian Jennings, a 58-year-old Alpine resident, was riding his mountain bike when he was hit around 3:15 p.m. on eastbound Old Highway 80 east of Soldin Lane, the county Medical Examiners Office said. He was wearing a helmet and riding in the bike lane when he was struck. The woman driving the Toyota Sienna, a 67-year-old Spring Valley resident, fell asleep at the wheel and drifted across the painted white line and onto the right hand shoulder, according to the Medical Examiners Office and the California Highway Patrol. Advertisement After striking Jennings, the minivan hit a metal bus stop sign, a mailbox and ran into a parked Ford F-150. Investigators said it is not known if alcohol or drugs were a factor in the crash, said CHP Officer Travis Garrow. When paramedics arrived, bystanders already were performing CPR on Jennings but his injuries were too severe. He was transported to a hospital, where he died. Professor Jennings was well known among students for his humor, his respect for divergent political opinions, and for his passion for teaching comparative politics and U.S. government, Grossmont College President Nabil Abu-Ghazaleh said in a note sent to college staff. In addition to his classroom commitments, Professor Jennings served in faculty leadership roles on and off campus, especially in helping to cultivate student leaders. Jennings was a popular teacher and gifted speaker who often had a waiting list for his classes. He would act as a social justice advocate for his students, looking out for the underdog and the downtrodden, said Agustin Albarran, Grossmonts dean of the English, Social and Behavioral Sciences, and a close friend of Jennings. Albarran said he and Jennings often took long bike rides together sometimes longer than 100 miles and would have deep conversations about life, family, work and contemplating our existence while riding. He was just a person who loved life and lived life to the fullest, the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back, he said. On Wednesday, Albarran told Jennings classes about his death and he said his students were absolutely devastated. People at the college have begun discussing ways to honor Jennings, including organizing a voter registration drive in the fall and scheduling a memorial ride. Jennings received his bachelors and masters degrees in political science from San Diego State University and taught at Grossmont and Cuyamaca colleges, SDSU, and a Central Texas College program on Navy bases. He began teaching full time at Grossmont in 2005. Advertisement My favorite thing about teaching is watching the lights come on for students when they grasp concepts, he said in a biography posted on a teachers union website. My favorite comment from a student was, Now I know why they make us take this class. Jennings is survived by his wife, Nancy Jennings, a communications professor at Cuyamaca College, and sons Brennan and Kenny. In the past year, Jennings traveled with his wife and rode all the tallest peaks in Colorado, Arizona and California. At the age of 58, he was riding like he was in his 20s, his wife said. He also enjoyed camping, hiking and sailing, and at one point lived aboard a boat for two years while island hopping from Florida to Venezuela. He also was an amateur astronomer. Advertisement He was very passionate and his students loved him because he was funny and tried really hard to not be biased with his political beliefs, which is hard to do, especially as polarized as we are today, Nancy Jennings said. But maybe more importantly he was a huge bicyclist and adventurer. He just loved travel and adventures and he was passionate about sharing those things with his children. Advertisement Twitter: @karenkucher (619) 293-1350 karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com Authorities released the name Tuesday of a 20-year-old man fatally shot by an unknown assailant last weekend in front of a Ramona home. Deputies responding to reports of gunfire found Ivan Nivinskus of Ramona mortally wounded on the ground in front of a house on Wood Rock Lane shortly after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, according to sheriffs officials. He died at the scene, Lt. Michael Blevins said. The county Medical Examiners Office determined that Nivinskus suffered multiple gunshot wounds and ruled his death a homicide. Advertisement Officials have not disclosed a suspected motive for the slaying. The family of a mentally ill man is suing the Sheriffs Department and San Diego police, contending he died as a result of injuries he received while in the county jail. Paul Silva, 39, died on March 28 at UCSD Medical Center. He had been taken there by deputies on Feb. 22, suffering from brain damage and other injuries. His death came less than two days after he had been taken to the jail by San Diego police. Silva lingered in a coma for nearly five weeks before he was removed from life support by his family, said Eugene Iredale, one of the familys lawyers. The family filed claims against the county and city on April 13, and plans to pursue a lawsuit in federal court. At a news conference Tuesday, his mother, Leslie Allen, said she called police to her home the morning of Feb. 20 because her son was outside his mothers house, yelling and agitated. She said she told the dispatcher her son was a diagnosed schizophrenic who was likely not taking his medication and had been cooperative when police were called in the past. Advertisement Allen said she wanted police to take her son to the county mental heath hospital. But a San Diego police officer concluded that Silva was under the influence of methamphetamine, and arrested him taking him to jail instead of the hospital. The claim says that Silva didnt get mental health treatment while in custody. Instead he was assaulted by deputies, Tasered and hit by less-than-lethal water balls. At one point he was wrestled to the ground with such force that his lung collapsed, he suffered a heart attack and eventual brain damage, the claim says. In a statement Tuesday, a spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department said little about the incident other than saying that after Silva was booked on Feb. 20, he was observed by staff in apparent medical distress and then taken to the hospital. Hospital intake records from Feb. 22, provided by Iredale and the familys other lawyer Jim Frantz, say that Silva was brought to the hospital after becoming agitated in jail because of suspected stimulant use. At the time he was admitted, doctors were told he had been Tasered four times in jail. Allen and Manuel Silva, Paul Silvas father, both said their son did not use drugs. And toxicology tests performed at the hospital on Feb. 22 show he tested negative for any drugs in his system. The hospital records also say that Sheriffs Detective Daniel Murtaugh told doctors that when Silva was booked he admitted to using methamphetamine, as well as being schizophrenic and having diabetes. (His family said he was not diabetic). Murtaugh told doctors that Silva began having symptoms of excited delirium and was to be taken to the hospital. While being handcuffed, however, Murtaugh told doctors Silva became agitated, throwing himself against walls and floor. Deputies used water balls and the Taser Murtaugh said Silva was Tasered twice before forcing him to the ground in a prone position with handcuffs behind his back, when he stopped breathing. Advertisement The Medical Examiners office said Tuesday that Silvas cause of death is still pending. The Sheriffs Department in a statement said that the death is under investigation. In an interview, Iredale said the case highlights how the jail mistreats the mentally ill and deputies use excessive force. He faulted the department for not revealing more about the circumstances surrounding the death. While the case is under investigation, he said, no one has contacted Silvas parents or family members. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and we think this department needs a lot of disinfectant, Iredale said. The death was not publicized and was reported to the Citizens Law Enforcement Review Board, which reviews deaths of all inmates in custody. In fact, the death was reported by sheriffs officials on Tuesday, said CLERB Executive Director Paul Parker. Advertisement The claims are against the city for making a false arrest for being under the influence, and the county for not providing adequate care and using excessive force. The spokeswoman for the Sheriffs Department cited the litigation and declined to comment on Silvas death. The City Attorney did not respond to a request for comment. Advertisement Twitter: @gregmoran greg.moran@sduniontribune.com San Diegans, including former Mayor, Gov. and Sen. Pete Wilson, remembered first lady Barbara Bush as warm but tough on Tuesday. She was, I think, an extraordinary woman of great good sense and great good humor, which she happily shared with the nation, Wilson said. He said people could sense her genuineness. I think that is part of what made her so appealing to people who were not part of politics, not even interested in politics, he said. People instinctively liked her and trusted her. Advertisement Wilsons wife, Gayle, recalled Bush as wise and helpful as head of the organization known as the Senate Wives. She had great wisdom, and she would impart that to us, she said. Gayle Wilson said she remembered being concerned about how to dress at events after noticing that some men wore business suits at a function billed as black-tie. I asked, How do you know what to wear? and she said, Just remember that whatever the senators wife wears is the right thing to wear, she said. That gave me great comfort. Rancho Santa Fe resident Richard Rovsek, head of the Spirit of Liberty Foundation, spent eight years working on special events such as the Easter Egg Roll and Christmas at the White House and Camp David under the Reagan administration. She was Americas first lady, he said. She was also Americas grandmother. She also was funny. Rovsek said Bush had told him that somebody came up to her after her husband was elected vice president and said how much she loved her son. I knew then thats when I should have dyed my hair, she told Rovsek. Advertisement The Secret Service loved Barbara Bush, he added. The White House staff loved her. She would go down to the kitchen and bake chocolate chip cookies for the Secret Service and staff members. Barbara was warm, kind, gracious and extremely proper but never stuffy, he said. Even though she could be tough when she was protecting her husband or her family, you always felt like you were being hugged by a family member. Sean Walsh served as press secretary and deputy chief of staff for Gov. Wilson. Earlier, he spent six years in the Reagan-Bush White Houses in the Office of the Vice President and as an assistant press secretary. Barbara Bush probably more than any other human being I know and Ive known her for 30 years lived life on her own terms, Walsh said. Advertisement He remembered her as friendly and good humored, but also said there was a steeliness about her. Being a kind person who cares about people doesnt mean not being stern, he said. She was not averse to a bit of adventure, perilous at times. During a winter at Camp David, Walsh remembered when she went sledding with a visiting Arnold Schwarzenegger and broke her leg crashing into a tree. The one thing they were really great at, everybody in the Bush clan, was they were frenetic about sports, he said. She encouraged people to put it all out there. She didnt mind if you lost, only if you didnt participate. Advertisement Julie Meier Wright, secretary of trade and commerce for Gov. Wilson, met Bush in 1988 when she accompanied her on a campaign appearance in Southern California. She was classy, Wright said. She was very comfortable in her own skin. She spoke her mind, and she had a wicked sense of humor. Wright said her popularity was exceptional, and she praised all family members. There is a dignity in the Bush family that is all too rare in politics today, she said. Advertisement George Condon, White House correspondent for National Journal and former San Diego Union politics reporter, recalled Mrs. Bush as extremely dedicated to her family, and the enforcer when anyone got out of line. He specifically recalled the state dinner where President George H. Bush threw up on the lap of the Japanese prime minister. While other people may have thought her blank expression seemed uncaring, Condon said he knew that she had warned him not to go to the dinner because he had been ill all day. The look on her face was not that of concern, he said. It was the look any husband would get when he ignored the advice of his wife. Diane Bell and Michael Smolens contributed to this article. Advertisement Homeless Playlist On Now San Diego hepatitis outbreak continues to grow: 481 cases On Now Homeless entrenched in booming tent city along Santa Ana River On Now San Diego mayor agreed to homeless hub, then delayed, advocates say On Now Homeless outreach in San Diego On Now Video: Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #8 On Now In poverty himself, 'Water Man Dave,' is the fearless saint of San Diego's homeless 5:41 On Now Video: Homeless living in cars find safe havens 2:21 On Now Street Art: Portraits of San Diego's Homeless #7 On Now Pitching a tent plan for San Diego's homeless On Now Homeless efforts get $80M boost for various services Advertisement gary.warth@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @GaryWarthUT 760-529-4939 In three pouches, three wriggling wallabies are growing up at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Theyre being hand-raised by keepers at the Ione and Paul Harter Animal Care Center nursery. Wallabies are basically miniature kangaroos, and as such are marsupials. They spend the first part of their lives in their mothers pouch. Or in this case, soft cloth pouches at the nursery. The three red-necked wallaby joeys, two girls and one boy, are being bottle-fed a special marsupial milk substitute, along with some solid food. The wallabies spend most of their day sleeping in their pouches, but come out for their meals and for a peek at each other. Theyll even touch noses, said Kimberly Millspaugh, senior keeper, in a Safari Park statement. Advertisement Visitors can see the baby wallabies at the Animal Care Center in their nursery at Nairobi Station, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Theyre eventually destined for the upcoming Walkabout Australia section. Walkabout Australia is being designed to offer visitors unusually intimate, close interactions with native Australian animals, including kangaroos and wombats. Wallabies are not endangered. They are listed as an animal of least concern on the International Union for Conservation of Natures Red List of Threatened Species. Gussie Zaks never took much credit for surviving the Holocaust. It was just a miracle, she said. What happened afterward, though, was her doing. For four decades, sometimes two and three times a day, the Del Cerro resident visited classrooms, jails, law-enforcement academies, civic clubs, the state legislature anywhere that would have her. Never again, was her message. Mrs. Zaks believed sharing what she had experienced the five years in forced-labor camps, the loss of her parents and most of her six siblings would convince others, especially young people, to stand up to another potential genocide. Advertisement How can I relax? she asked a San Diego Tribune reporter in 1987. The kids need to know the truth. Mrs. Zaks died March 11 at Seacrest Village retirement community in Encinitas. She was 92 and the mother of two, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of five descendants she delighted in referring to as her revenge against Hitler. Born Gussie Unglick on Dec. 31, 1925, in Klobuck, Poland, she was familiar with anti-Semitism even before the Nazis rose to power. She and the only other Jewish child in her school were singled out by the teacher, excluded from singing and barred from an annual trip to see a Black Madonna shrine in a nearby town. She was a teenager when she was sent to her first labor camp, and as she often told her audiences, she felt lucky. The alternative was a death camp. She worked in factories and in fields, a half-dozen camps in all. One time, after guards caught her stealing a potato from a field, she was told shed be sent to Auschwitz to die. A supervisor who liked how hard she worked intervened. Another time, when guards were selecting prisoners to work in the flax fields, her cousins held her up so she looked taller. It worked she got picked, avoiding a death sentence again. In January of 1945, she was marched with hundreds of other girls and young women through the snow every day for 12 weeks before they were loaded on railroad box cars and shipped to Bergen-Belsen, another notorious camp. They were all mostly skeletons by then. Mrs. Zaks would later estimate her weight at 70 pounds. She said she was one or two days away from dying when British troops liberated the camp on April 15, 1945. Sick with typhus, she was sent to Sweden to recover, and then went to Belgium to live with an aunt. Almost everyone else in her family had perished in the Holocaust, some 200 people by her count: parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins. Advertisement She married another Holocaust survivor and they had two children. The marriage didnt last, and she eventually connected with Mike Zaks, someone she knew as a child in Poland. He too was a Holocaust survivor, and his marriage was also foundering. They eventually married and settled in San Diego and forged a relationship that lasted 45 years until his death in 2008. When Mrs. Zaks first considered sharing her Holocaust story with local students, her children thought it was a bad idea. Parts of San Diego had a history of anti-Semitism, with restrictions on where Jews could buy houses, son Jack Morgenstern remembered. And she talked with a heavy accent and wasnt that confident, he said. We were worried about a backlash. But she fooled us all. She was so short she could barely see over the steering wheel of her white Cadillac, but soon she was driving all over the county, talking about her past and preaching tolerance, even when it meant staring down skinheads in Juvenile Hall who tried to tell her the Holocaust never happened. She garnered a nickname: Gutsy Gussie. Advertisement She was a force of nature, said Leonard Rosenthal, rabbi emeritus at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in San Diego, where Mrs. Zaks and her late husband were active members and donors. After she spoke at schools, she often was surrounded by children who wanted hugs or to get their pictures taken with her. They sent thank-you letters, some of them remarking how they thought their life was hard until they heard what shed gone through. Tough on the outside, she was a pussycat with her own children. Daughter Marcia Rosenberg remembered her 17th birthday, which unfolded like many others, with her mom busy. Marcia felt overlooked, even when her mom asked her to go to lunch. At the restaurant, Marcias friends were waiting. Her mom had arranged a surprise party, complete with balloons and banners. Her heart was all family, her daughter said. Advertisement Mrs. Zaks enjoyed playing cards and mah-jongg, cooking, and traveling. One trip, in 2003, was to Poland. She went to Treblinka, the camp where she believes her parents perished. She got in a shouting match in Krakow with women at a hair salon who insulted Jews. And she went to the Black Madonna shrine, the one her school teacher had barred her from seeing when she was young. Now I can die in peace, she told family members. In addition to her son and daughter, survivors include two grandsons, two granddaughters, and five great-grandchildren. Services were held March 13 at Tifereth Israel. Friends consider it a blessing that she passed away before the results of a recent poll were released showing that two-thirds of American millennials couldnt correctly identify Auschwitz, the largest of the Nazi concentration camps, where an estimated 1.1 million people died. Advertisement That would have made her very, very sad, Rabbi Rosenthal said, and it would have made her want to redouble her efforts to go out and educate people. Advertisement john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com The article on Sunday morning titled Gillespie official says no conflict (April 15), sounds like no collusion. Then, Sunday night, I watch 60 Minutes telling another no conflict story with the Federal Aviation Administration ignoring Allegiant Airlines safety record. Gillespie Field Development Council should not exist. Other cities do not have these councils. These airport councils are ripe for conflicts of interest and corruption. The FAA should not oversee the airlines. The FAA should only handle air traffic control. National Transportation Safety Board should handle safety for trains, planes and trucks. Elected officials should handle airport development and budgets. The FAA and airport councils are nothing more than lobbyists for the aviation industries, both nationally and locally. Please keep up the good work. The public needs a Watchdog story on San Diego county government especially after the SANDAG corruption. Advertisement Robert Germann Lakeside As a former resident of Fletcher Hills, I attended scores of Gillespie Field Development Committee (GFDC) meetings. It was common practice for council members to vote on issues involving companies or businesses they owned or worked for. Only after several complaints to the Board of Supervisors did council members begin to recuse themselves from voting, yet they continued to wield influence. One can only guess how many sweetheart deals have been transacted over the years at Gillespie Field. Those involved deny they ever profited from these transactions. Doesnt the Board of Supervisors have a fiduciary duty to ensure that those who advise the county on land use are free of conflict? The GFDC has been allowed to operate under the radar for almost two decades. Ordinary citizens addressing the council have been treated with disdain inside the chambers and verbally attacked outside of them. The GFDC is nothing more than a fiefdom serving no one but its members. Sue Strom Bankers Hill Advertisement Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. The man who is supposed to be the Leader of the Free World sits and stews while watching hours of Fox News then fires off tweet storms dissing his Cabinet, the FBI, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, etc. He never talks about how he can and will Make America Great - Again. Its only discourse. Trump is paralyzed by the fear he will be exposed as a fraud while we, the American people, suffer through the chaos he has created as he becomes further unhinged. Debbie Checkwood Advertisement Oceanside Trump has repeatedly said he would drain the swamp. We could not imagine he would replace it with quicksand. Robert Linder Oceanside In the interests of national security, the best place for a wall would be one around the White House. Harold Mensch Advertisement Poway The poisonous rhetoric of the president takes many forms. Perhaps the worst is his gleeful embrace of industrial pollution via reckless deregulation. How much silica dust is he willing to inhale to extract more of that beautiful clean coal? A big spike in black lung cases means nothing to him, or the rest of the GOP, so long as profits rise. This nightmarish, corrupt presidency must be brought to a legal halt ASAP. Advertisement David Kennedy Clairemont Letters and commentary policy The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below. Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook. Is a revolution afoot in California? President Donald Trump believes so, and he used that term on Wednesday in tweeting about a recent wave of support from some cities and counties in the Golden State in response to his administrations lawsuit against the state over its so-called sanctuary immigration policies. The tweet came one day after the San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted to support the lawsuit. The U.S. Justice Departments lawsuit against California was filed early in March and argues that three California laws, which limit the states cooperation with federal immigration authorities, are unconstitutional. U.S. Attorney General Jeff Session argues the laws violate the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution because they have interfered, and will continue to interfere, with federal law enforcement efforts. Gov. Jerry Brown and California Attorney General Xavier Becerra fiercely oppose the lawsuit and have vowed to fight it in court, standing by the state laws. But in the meantime, outside of Sacramento, some Californians are using their local governing bodies to express their disagreement with Brown and Becerras leadership on the issue. San Diego County follows Orange County and many cities in that county in showing support for the lawsuit in one fashion or another, from opting out, to joining the federal lawsuit, or using resolutions or other means for signaling their views. Does this qualify as a revolution? We wanted to take a closer look. Heres a breakdown of how San Diego and Orange Counties are showing support for the presidents crackdown on immigration policies. San Diego County Population: 3,337,685 Trump voters in 2016: 477,766 (37 percent) Action: Board of Supervisors voted to support the Trump administrations lawsuit against California. Details: The county missed the deadline for filing an amicus brief with the federal trial court hearing the case, so supporters voted 3-1 in support of filing a brief if and when the case is heard by a federal appeals court. The three supervisors who voted to support the lawsuit said it was about public safety. Read more about their decision here. Other cities taking action: Escondido (population 151,613) joined the federal lawsuit on April 4 with a 4-1 vote from its City Council. Orange County Population: 3,190,400 Trump voters in 2016: 507,148 (42.3 percent) Action: The Orange County Board of Supervisors voted on March 27 to join a federal lawsuit against California's sanctuary laws. Details: The supervisors voted 4 to 0 to join the lawsuit. Other cities taking action: Los Alamitos (population 11,600) was the first to speak out on March 19 by opting out of the sanctuary laws. It was later joined in showing support for the Trump administration in one fashion or another by Dana Point (34,012), Aliso Viejo (51,424), Fountain Valley (56,529), Huntington Beach (200,652), Mission Viejo (200,652), Newport Beach (86,688), Orange (140,504), San Juan Capistrano (36,276), Westminster (91,565) and Yorba Linda (68,235). Will more cities and counties join these efforts? The deadline is now passed for cities and counties wanting to attach themselves to the federal lawsuit, though Californians may seek other venues for expressing opposition to the so-called sanctuary policies. The issue has come up in the 2018 governor's race, for example. Assemblyman Travis Allen, R-Huntington Beach, has made it a staple of his campaign. State Sen. Kevin de Leon, the Los Angeles Democrat who wrote one of the bills being fought by the Trump administration, urged local governments to not follow Orange Countys lead. "Pushing a racist and anti-immigrant agenda devoid of facts or supporting legal analysis is a pretty sad use of taxpayer resources, especially when it could result in crippling legal costs for cities that rush to join this dead-end effort," he said in a written statement. Here in San Diego County, the reaction to the support for the Board of Supervisors decision has been very split politically. Does this appear to be a revolution to you? Do you have any thoughts about the Board of Supervisors decision? Send them in a tweet to @sdutideas or an email to letters@sduniontribune.com. Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @abbyhamblin A recent tumbleweed invasion in Victorville, California a remote city northeast of Los Angeles best-known for being on the freeway from L.A. to Las Vegas has attracted national attention after images of homes buried under the rolling dry weeds have gone viral all over social media. But you have to see the images to believe it. Authorities blamed wind gusts of up to 60 mph for blowing the dry weeds into neighborhoods where as many as 150 homes were affected by the invasion, the Victorville Daily Press reported. Some homes were so buried in tumbleweeds that residents called 911 for help. Tumbleweeds are no strangers to many parts of California and a few other states like Texas and Kansas, and they can be seen rolling across roads or stuck in fences. But where do these invasive, prickly weeds come from? Tumbleweeds are a plant Russian thistle, alive and thriving. Courtesy: University of California Tumbleweeds are essentially the dead, dried-up remains of a plant that grows on the surface. Several plant species can turn into tumbleweeds, but the University of California says the name of the plant most commonly associated with them is the Russian thistle. The scientific name of the Russian thistle is Salsoa tragus, which is part of the Chenopodiaceae family plant, also known as Goosefoot family, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition to their bushy and prickly characteristics, one large plant can produce more than 200,000 seeds. When it dies and its stem breaks from the soil, the tumbleweed will roll around dispersing its seeds wherever the wind takes it thats how their invasion expands. They are not native to North America As the name suggests it, the plant is native to Russia. Russian immigrants in 1873 introduced it to the U.S. when it was used as a contaminant in flax seed in South Dakota. Then in 1895, they were introduced to the Pacific Coast when tumbleweeds found their way on railroads and livestock cars headed to Californias Antelope Valley. The Russian thistle is now commonly seen in states like California, Oregon, Washington, Texas and even Southern states like Louisiana, Georgia and Florida. They are a nuisance everywhere, not just California Tumbleweeds are an agricultural pest and people all over, not just California, have shared their experiences with the dried up plants. Check out these images from people in Oregon, Washington, Kansas and even Arizona. The USDA is making efforts to eradicate tumbleweeds for good the government has apparently imported viruses from Russia and Hungary to test them, according to Western Farm Press. But that solution has yet to be put to the test. Email: luis.gomez@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @RunGomez Read The Conversation on Flipboard. Frank Magnasco, a California native, recently returned back to the Golden State after working as a bartender in New York for 13 years. Once in San Diego, he picked up at Little Italys Juniper & Ivy, just seven months ago. Throughout his years working behind the bar, he was always fascinated by the creativity and inventive nature of cocktail competitions, which lead him to enter the Manhattan Experience. After beating out some fierce competition, Magnasco will return to the city where he started his journey to present his cocktail, The Tribeca, during the final round of competition on Monday, April 23. The Manhattan Experience is a national cocktail competition where bartenders showcase their twist on the classic Manhattan. The grand prize: an all-expenses paid trip for two to London. Out of hundreds of cocktail submissions and rounds of cuts, Magnasco is the only California bartender to make it to the final round. He, along with five other bartenders, will be at The NoMad in New York City to see who is will walk out with the title The Master of the Manhattan. PACIFIC recently got a chance to chat with the mixologist about how he got into the business, the influences behind The Tribeca and why this competition is special for him. Magnasco is a California native but spent a number of years bartending in New York City. (Courtesy photo) PACIFIC: How did you get into bartending? FRANK MAGNASCO: I started working as a host in a restaurant, that was one of my first jobs out of college. I was working at a corporate restaurant in New York City in Times Square to kind of make ends meet. In this corporate restaurant it was the culture to move up and to better myself. So I moved up I became a server, then a bartender. I really fell in love with bartending. What brought you to San Diego? I was living in New York for 13 years and I really needed a change. San Diego is a bit of a homecoming for me, Im from Northern California, originally, so I wanted to move back closer to my family, but San Francisco is too expensive and Los Angeles... the traffic is terrible. I have a couple of friends that live (in San Diego), its a perfect fit for me. When you first moved to San Diego, what was it like getting into the bartending industry? It was a little difficult at first, I kind of had to change my expectations about moving here and just getting a job. I really wanted a job when I got off the plane and that wasnt the reality. I had to put some work in, I applied to a number of places. I was really lucky because, my roommate found a post online for Juniper & Ivy. I went in for an interview, I mean I could not have dreamed of a better fit and a better job. Whats your favorite drink to make? Right now, its the cocktail that I am competing with in this competition. Juniper & Ivy was generous enough to put it on the menu, its called Fennelly It Has Happened To Me and its a Woodford cocktail with Woodford Reserve bourbon, orange liqueur, Dolin dry vermouth, a roasted fennel syrup that we make and a little angostura bitters. Its a stirred cocktail, I like stirred cocktails rather than shaken cocktails because I have a conversation with my guest as Im making them. When youre not serving the drinks, what do you like to order? Depends on my mood. I will always love drinking Manhattans, I know that sounds a little cliche because Im in a Manhattan competition, but its been true all my adult life. I will always be interested in ordering Manhattans because every single Manhattan is different, the slightest little variation or certain ratio of sweet vermouth changes the cocktail completely and what youre choosing as your support ingredients for the bourbon that you choose is really important, too. But if I am feeling different, Ill order mezcal neat with a sour beer thats been a lot of fun. I really do enjoy going to new cocktail bars and trying their cocktail menu. So usually Ill order something that catches my eye. Any food to go with that drink? I love food, and I think thats part of the reason why Juniper & Ivy has been such a great fit for me because its such a food centered restaurant. The food is important there and they do such an amazing job there. I love trying a bunch of small plates and trying a lot of different things as opposed to getting one big entree. Doing a bunch of things and seeing what works what wine is going to be pairing great with this or whatever, so thats always fascinating. How did you hear about the Manhattan Experience competition? What compelled you to enter? Im a member of the United States Bartenders Guild. The USBG is a great resource for bartenders. That is basically how I found out about the Woodford Manhattan competition. Not only was it a brand that Im passionate about ... but also, the fact that it was a Manhattan competition was really important as well. Im half Italian, half Sicilian and I grew up with my Italian family drinking Manhattans at family functions and holidays so its always been something thats very close to my heart. That is kind of what propelled me to enter this competition as opposed to the many other competitions that are going around in that community around this time of year. Whats the influence behind The Tribeca? Certainly, the main influence is my time working in New York, in Tribeca. ... I tend to enjoy fancier restaurants and drinking fun cocktails, and providing that experience is so fascinating for me, so I wanted to create an elevated Manhattan. Tribeca is one of Manhattans most elevated neighborhoods. Its a place where theres a lot of young people theyre wealthier young people, but theyre young people, nonetheless, so its not super stuffy like the Upper East Side its a lot a fun. I definitely wanted to pay homage to my experience working there. But then also, my choices behind each of the ingredients in this particular Manhattan, The Tribeca, were based off of experimentation and testing. I made decisions based on taste and then kind of went from there to build around the cocktail. The Tribeca pays homage to his experiences in New York and the nostalgia of a Mahattan cocktail. (Courtesy photo) What are you looking forward to while at the competition or in New York? Its very special to be able to represent San Diego in New York City. Im really looking forward to meeting up with the other five (finalists) because I was really able to connect with them in Kentucky (where the semi-finals were held). ... Obviously, looking forward to getting a slice of my favorite pizza and having a bagel from my favorite bagel place, I have a number of friends that Im excited about connecting back with at the competition. Try it out... Bust out those bartending skills by creating The Tribeca at home. The Tribeca 1.5 oz Woodford Reserve Double Oaked 0.75 oz Carpano Antica Formula Vermouth 3 dashes Orange Cream Bitters 2 dashes Woodford Spiced Cherry Bitters Stir ingredients over ice until perfect, strain into chilled coupe glass. Orange peel pocket square garnish expressed over cocktail and glass then clipped to rim. Capt. Christopher Knighten says he has two families one related to him by blood and another in which he is just as deeply committed due to their willingness to serve the public. Knighten, who has led San Diego Police Departments Northeastern and Northwestern divisions since January, says he treats his two families the same. He expects them to do their best, while he strives to help them in that endeavor. I give my (five) kids my best, my time and talents because I want the best (for them), he said. It is the same for this family, the San Diego Police Department. Knighten, a 22-year SDPD veteran who previously served 10 years in the Marine Corps and five with Carlsbad Police Department, said just like he is involved with his childrens lives, he makes a point every shift to walk around the police stations to shake the hands of the sworn officers and civilian staff to greet them and see how they are doing. He said this lets them know they are cared for, gives him an opportunity to be a mentor and help them with their career needs by getting to know them. One of the first ways he did that upon being assigned to the two divisions Northeastern is headquartered in Rancho Penasquitos and includes communities along Interstate 15, such as Rancho Bernardo is by requesting the photos of the scores of officers, civilian staff and senior volunteers so he can greet them by name. It is important I know their name, he said. My philosophy, Its nice to be important, but more important to be nice, he said. Making sure the community is taken care of is where my job is most important. His leadership style, revolving around the family concept, has a ripple effect in the community, he said. When the officers are in a good mood, that impacts their work performance. When I take care of them ... they do their jobs better, he said. It trickles down and they pay it forward. Knighten added, I believe in happy cops, who use less force and are more receptive when things happen. He pointed to the weekly quote he posted outside his door. Credited to Dave Yu, it said, There are no bad days. Only bad attitudes. Previous weeks inspirational quotes are posted nearby. They include: Always do your best. Treat people with respect, and take responsibility for all of your actions. No great feat has ever been accomplished by striving to be mediocre. Do the Right thing. Do your job; Do it well. Were all counting on you. Work hard and good things will happen... Tony Gwynn. Reputation is how you are perceived by others, while Character is who you are. If you raise your expectations, they will rise to the challenge. But dont be ridiculous! Remember, you encourage what you tolerate. Knighten said when he arrived at Northeastern he asked the staff what they wanted from him. Their priorities are kept on his desk, so he can see them every day. My expectations from the officers are that they help hold me accountable, he said, adding, I work for them. They are out there on the radio calls, contacting the public, so I must provide what they need to do their jobs. The second item on their priority list: longevity. While his tenure is dependent upon the departments needs, Knighten said he understands how those at Northeastern feel about frequent leadership changes (each captain staying a year or less) that they have experienced in recent years. In response to that, Knighten said he made a point to emphasize that he has unpacked all his boxes and decorated his office a visual symbol of his plan to stay put for as long as possible. Knighten, who has a bachelors degree in business management and masters in public administration, has worked in many divisions over the past 22 years. As for his desire to work in law enforcement, the Bay Area native said his mother reminded him upon graduation from the police academy that at age 6 he expressed a desire to be a police officer. Its something I have a passion for, he said. His decade in the Marine Corps it included serving in the Gulf War with the infantry was a fantastic time, but he accomplished all he wanted to in the military. He worked with Carlsbad Police in its motorcycle unit for five years the maximum allowed and left because he wanted to work in a bigger area with more opportunities. After serving as a patrol officer in SDPDs Western Division, he spent 10 years in Traffic Division as a motorcycle officer. It gave him wide-ranging experiences since traffic stops often led to discovering something else, like drugs in a vehicle. His favorite assignments were being the field lieutenant in charge of patrol operations, where he was one of four (they had 12-hour shifts), covering the citys 342 square miles, from San Pasqual to the border. It was a very cool job, great for perspective and learning the neighborhoods of the city, not just my community. His other fantastic job was at Internal Affairs once as a detective sergeant, later as its lieutenant. Were the guardian of the departments honor. Thats huge. He said IAs officers investigate citizen complaints made against officers. We had to protect them from false accusations and correct things that have gone wrong, Knighten said. It protects the honor of the organization. (Some officers) did something wrong, because were humans and make mistakes. But when a complaint is unfounded, he said exonerating the officer is equally important. Its a fantastic job where I learned so much about the inner workings of the organization, he said. Knighten said one of the departments biggest challenges is its officer shortage about 250, which impacts Northeastern, the departments largest division geographically. It covers 104 square miles, from San Pasqual to State Route 52, serving around 225,000 residents. A pay increase coming in July should help with recruitment, he said, adding the city offering competitive pay is not the only solution, but one of many to retain and attract officers. Crime-wise, Northeasterns biggest challenge is crimes of opportunities. Car prowls are high due to people leaving purses, briefcases, backpacks and other items visible in their vehicles. Criminals pull on door handles to see if someone forgot to lock a door, and it doesnt take much to break a window, he said. Commercial burglaries are also on the rise and Northeastern is working with Poway Sheriffs and Escondido Police to investigate a series where businesses are being targeted at night. Residential burglaries are also of concern, especially as the weather warms and people leave their windows open. Using a dowel or lock to keep the window from being pushed open is essential, he said. Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com While sales have been weak for residential hot tubs in recentyears, there are signs of a rebound taking hold, said Steven M.Hammock, president ofWatkinsManufacturing Corp. in Vista. Advertisement Industrywide, hot tub sales hit a high of 417,000 in 2005 beforeslipping to 175,000 in annual units sold at the nadir of the GreatRecession in 2009, according to figures provided by theAssociation of Pool& Spa Professionalsin Alexandria, Va. Sales hit a peak of$2.2 billion in 2004 and fell to a low of $912 million in 2010. The latest reports from the pool and spa trade group show thatsales have recovered somewhat in 2011, but it doesnt yet havefinalized figures. The industry has largely been hurt by declinesin house values and the inability of homeowners to pull equity outof their properties to make luxury additions. Still, lest anyone forget what hot tubs are for, Hammock remindseveryone, Theyre for relationship-building. Ive never found anyone who doesnt like sitting in a hot tub,"said Hammock. Its a gathering spot and a place to improverelationships and have conversations. For half the people, we market it as a place to go be withsomeone. For the other half, its a place to be alone and unwind.It makes them feel better, improves sleep and lowers bloodpressure. But being the biggest maker doesnt mean Watkins can sitquietly, according to Hammock. He says his company is looking tooffer more price points on hot tubs as a way build relationships,and grab more market share, so it can stay the biggest. The $200 million in annual revenue company ---- which is a unitof Taylor, Mich.-based Masco Corp., a home improvement and buildingproducts maker with a market capitalization of $4.6 billion ----recently acquired the assets of American Hydrotherapy systems, amanufacturer of spas in Ontario. The addition of Freeflow Spas tothe companys family of hot tub brands fits perfectly with itsconsumer strategy to deliver the right products to the rightmarkets at the right prices. In other words, Watkins now offers a hot tub priced for everyonefrom rich to poor. Advertisement The acquisition we just made is for products that fit into theentry level (category) for the customer that heretofore was pricedout of the market, Watkins said. The American Hydrotherapy Systems purchase was the second bigpurchase by the nearly three decade-old Watkins. The firstacquisition was El Cajon-based Caldera Spas back in 1999, and whichwas largely moved to the 300,000 square foot Vista plant by themid-2000s. An additional 160,000 square feet of factory space issituated just south of the U.S.-Mexico border. On a visit to the Vista plant last week, some floor space wasbeing cleared to make way for the American Hydrotherapy line at theWatkins factory, which employs more than 500 workers. The recently added low-end spas sell for between an estimated$1,595 to $2,995 for the American Hydrotherapy models, and from$12,995 to roughly $15,000 for the higher-end ones ---- calledHotSpring. Advertisement But just because its Valentines Day, Hammock says it isntlikely youll see an uptick in purchases this time of year ---- butthey do get heavy use in these shoulder months when SouthernCalifornia is going from chilly to warm. The stocky 52-year old Hammock grew up with Watkins nearly fromits beginnings 30 years ago when it built about five tubs a day, ina metal building surrounded by a hillside of chicken coops whereCal State San Marcos stands today. Now Watkins can churn out up to 300 tubs daily, some with itsproprietary ACE salt water sanitizing systems that keeps watercrystal clear and clean. Hot tubs made by Watkins are not attachedto the pool, and can come with colored lights, TVs, reclining seatsmolded to your body, and as many as 50 jet streams thumping againstyour body. Hammock says hiring at Watkins has picked up again as theeconomic meltdown in recent years seems to finally halted. Ourbusiness is growing in a difficult market, as we are putting theright product in front of people. 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. At approximately 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16, the Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department (SVFD) received a call of a fire at Saratoga Forest Management lumber mill. According to reports, smoke was spotted coming from piles of sawdust at the mill as early as noon. Within minutes of arriving on the scene, SVFD requested dispatch to call both Encampment Volunteer Fire Department (EVFD) and Ryan Park Fire Department (RPFD) to the scene as well. As the fire spread and smoke filled the skies, town residents made their way to Saratoga Inn Overlook subdivision. As employees of the mill attempted to quench the fire with hoses and fire extinguishers, the screech of sirens pierced through the roar of the Wyoming wind which continued to exacerbate the flames. Carbon County Fire Department (CCFD), along with EVFD and RPFD, came onto the scene rapidly while the Carbon County Sheriff's Office, Highway Patrol and Saratoga Police Department established perimeters. While it seemed at times as if the fire might be under control at times, the prevailing wind coming from the west did nothing to help responders and continued to stoke the flames. With high winds present, the fire jumped from one pile of wood chips to another before engulfing stacks of timber. By 4 p.m., as the situation was declared a "Code Red," spectators at the Saratoga Inn Overlook were asked to leave the area as the flames and the smoke continued to climb. According to Weather Underground, a commercial weather service, Saratoga had gusts up to 52 miles per hour (mph) with maximum wind speeds of 39 mph. The high winds provided additional frustrations for the fire departments attempting to contain the blaze. Two hours after the initial call came in, the fire could be seen from Wyoming Highway 130 as the wind pushed the flames up the hill toward the cemetery. Businesses and private residences around Saratoga Forest Management were evacuated as the danger to the east side of Saratoga increased. County and local authorities worked on prohibiting access around the lumber mill as traffic became congested with people slowing down to look at the rapidly increasing inferno. Saratoga Sun staff The fire raged throughout Monday night. While the multiple fire departments dispatched to the scene continued to fight the blaze, local, county and state authorities swarmed in and out of town in an effort to shut down roads that were being used by residents to view the fire. Pic Pike Road, Southeast River Street, Carbon County Road 504 and 205 and Saratoga Lake road all had access restricted to them. Smoke from the fire could be seen as far away as Walcott and flames were visible to drivers descending into the Valley. By 7 p.m. high winds that had been plaguing the fire crews died down and smoke began to disappear. As of Monday night, weather forecasts for the following day called for a 50 percent chance of rain with a possibility of turning to snow showers in the afternoon. As the temperature dropped and the sun began to set, authorities started to open the roads that had been closed earlier that day. During a press conference held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday at the Saratoga Town Hall, Mayor Ed Glode declared the situation an emergency but informed the public that the fire was 100 percent contained and had burned 45-50 acres. Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/17/2018 -- China Border Security System Market Research Report 2018" and can be used to gain valuable insight into this market. The report's user can add the data in this report to his or her own knowledge on the global market, in order to create a solid ground of successful business and investment choices in this market. The report provides a professional, progressive, and exhaustive analysis of the global market, noting down the current scenario of the market along with past data. Download Sample Copy @ http://qyreports.com/request-sample?report-id=30014 In this statistical study, the China Border Security System Market has been broadly analyzed on the basis of the type of the product, material, their application, and the geographical existence of this market. Europe, Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa have been identified as the main regional markets across the world in this market report. Top Key Players In Global Market: Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon company, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Thales SA, BAE Systems Plc, FLIR systems, Inc., Elbit systems Ltd., Saab AB, Finmeccanica SPA, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd., Moog, Inc. The report also covers the trends in development activities in the China Border Security System Market, which includes the status of marketing channels available, the details of traders and distributors still functioning, and an analysis of the regional export and import. The report ends with a conclusion on this global market which will help the report's users assess their standing in the market as well as create successful strategies in the near future. The various factors supporting the market's growth and those posing threat are studied in the report in detail. Additionally, the market study segments the China Border Security System Market based on end-user and products & services. In these sections, it shields various factors impelling the market's trajectory across the segments. Furthermore, it recognizes the most lucrative of them all to help investors take the well-informed decision. Get Full Info About This Report @ http://qyreports.com/enquiry-before-buying?report-id=30014 The effect of the predominant laws of the land on the overall operation of the China Border Security System Market is studied in detail as well. Besides classifying the most promising areas of growth, the report also highpoints the dominant competitive landscape in the global market. Besides gauging the effect of policies adopted by these companies on the overall market, the report studies them on the basis of their economic and business overview, product portfolio, and development exhibited over the last few years. Get Up To 40% Discount @ http://qyreports.com/ask-for-discount?report-id=30014 Table Of Content: Chapter 1 China Border Security System Market Overview Chapter 2 China Economic Impact on Industry Chapter 3 China Market Competition by Manufacturers Chapter 4 China Production, Revenue (Value) by Region Chapter 5 China Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions Chapter 6 China Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Chapter 7 China Market Analysis by Application Chapter 8 Manufacturing Cost Analysis Chapter 9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers Chapter 10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders Chapter 11 Market Effect Factors Analysis Chapter 12 Market Forecast (2018-2023) Chapter 13 Appendix Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2018 -- Botswana's government and regulator critical of Liquid Telecom joint venture Effective regulatory reform has turned the Botswana's telecom market into one of the most liberalised in the region. There is a service-neutral licensing regime which takes into account the increasing convergence of technologies and services. A number of operators now compete effectively, particularly in the mobile segment. To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @ https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1722963 Although the number of mobile subscribers fell sharply at the end of 2016, Botswana still has one of the highest mobile penetration rates in Africa. Popular use of multiple SIM cards from different operators has delayed the introduction of mobile number portability, with the telecom regulator not convinced of the facility's economic benefits. In a bid to generate new revenue streams and secure market share, the three mobile network operators (MNOs) Mascom Wireless (an affiliate of South Africa's MTN), Orange Botswana (backed by Orange Group) and BTC have entered the underdeveloped broadband sector by adopting of 3G, LTE and WiMAX technologies. In the fixed-line broadband market they compete with a large number of ISPs, some of which have rolled out their own wireless access infrastructure. After a period of stagnation, the number of internet users has risen strongly in recent years, largely the result of lower prices following improvements in international connectivity. Historically, the landlocked country has depended on satellites for its international bandwidth, and on other countries for transit capacity to landing points of international submarine fibre optic cable systems. The landing of additional cables in the region in recent years has improved the competitive situation in this sector, while prices for connectivity have fallen by up to 70%. The stability and cheaper cost of fixed-line broadband services continues to attract subscribers, though mobile internet remains the preferred choice for most, particularly among the large proportion of younger people in the country. The much delayed privatisation of BTC has been facilitated by the transfer of network assets and the management of BTC's involvement in two key submarine cables to the newly created wholesale operator Botswana Fiber Networks (BoFiNet). BTC through this process has been transformed into a retailer of services. An IPO was completed in April 2016. There was considerable interest in the 44% of the company made available, with 5% reserved for employees and 51% being retained by the state. Some 50,000 private investors now have a stake in the operator. Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @ https://www.researchmoz.us/botswana-telecoms-mobile-and-broadband-statistics-and-analyses-report.html/toc Key developments: Government commits BWS461.35 million for ICT infrastructure in 2018-19 budget; BTC reports 8.7% increase in revenue for fiscal 2017; government investigates potential illegality of JV between Botswana Power Corporation and Liquid Telecom; Orange Botswana partners with Barclays Bank to develop m-money service; BoFiNet completes three fibre network expansion links costing BWP200 million; regulator introduces Unified Licensing Framework; regulator imposes reduction in mobile termination rates; Orange Botswana and Mascom extend LTE services; report update includes telcos' data to Q3 2017, regulator's 2017 annual report and market data to Q1 2017, Telecom Maturity Index tables, charts and analysis, recent market developments, recent market developments. Companies mentioned in this report: Botswana Telecommunications Corporation (BTC); Mascom Wireless (MTN); Orange Botswana (Vista Cellular); beMobile; Botsnet; MTN Business; InfoBotswana (IBIS); Broadband Botswana Internet (BBI); OPQ Net; Mega Internet; Global Broadband Solution (GBS); Tsagae Communications; Virtual Business Network Services (VBN); Bytes Technology; Fourth Dimension; Hi-Performance Systems; Microteck Enterprises; Tharinet; Netspread; First National Bank. About ResearchMoz ResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators. Contact Us: Mr. Nachiket Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free) Email: sales@researchmoz.us Follow us on LinkedIn at: http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/18/2018 -- Medical tourism is one of the most dynamically growing industries today. Considered to be the direct impact of globalisation of healthcare, medical tourism certainly exhibits strong growth potential globally. However, based on FMI's research, the market of medical tourism is expected to concentrate within most of the emerging economies of the world. As developing nations are increasingly heading toward technological advancement and quality services in the medical and healthcare sector, the global medical tourism market is anticipated to witness robust growth over 2014-2020, predominantly in Asian countries. The top treatments people travel abroad for, include cancer therapy, cardiovascular surgeries, orthopaedic treatments, dentistry, cosmetic surgeries, reproductive treatments, weight loss therapies, health screenings, and medical tests and scans. In severe cases, a sizeable patient population also seeks second opinion from specialist doctors out of their countries. Key Drivers High treatment costs and lengthy waiting times for medical procedures, being the two major factors in driving medical tourism, are also supported by easier and cheaper international travel. While the U.K.'s population prefers to travel abroad for bypassing long waits, patients from the U.S. travel outside for availing of treatments at cheaper costs. Request For Report Sample@ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-249 Medical excellence along with international accreditation are the key factors fuelling a majority of international patient flow, eventually boosting international medical tourism. Currently, over 600 medical departments and hospitals all over the globe are accredited by the U.S. Joint Commission International (JCI). The number of accredited facilities is projected to increase almost by 20% each year. This is another important driver associated with the market growth. Developing countries, with ever-evolving innovation and demonstrable achievements in medical research are estimated to accelerate the approaching medical tourist flow over the forecast period. Growing healthcare investments by various government and private sectors are also anticipated to further bolster the market growth. Key Restraints However, medical tourists are highly prone to a wide variety of health risks after they return. The conditions may include TB, paratyphoid, amoebic dysentery, deep vein thrombosis, and more; usually caused due to poor post-operative care and inadequate rest. This could affect the market to some extent. Stringent documentation processes, issues related to visa approval, and limited insurance coverage are reportedly some of the most deterring factors for the global market. Global Medical Tourism Market: Segmentation FMI's research on the global medical tourism market offers a six-year forecast, segmenting the market on the basis of type of medical treatment and geography. On the basis of the type of treatment, the market is segmented into cosmetic treatment, cardiovascular treatment, fertility treatment, dental treatment, orthopaedic treatment, and other general treatments. On the basis of geography, the market is segmented into Asia pacific, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America, and South America. Regional Outlook Some of the prominent medical tourism centres across the globe include Thailand, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Costa Rica, Israel, Brazil, Turkey, the Philippines, Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, Mexico, Poland, Canada, and the U.S. According to Patients Beyond Borders, the global medical tourism market is currently growing at an impressive rate between 15% and 25%, and the flow of patients seeking cross-border treatment options will be the highest in Mexico. South and Southeast Asia are expected to dominate the global market in the near future. Based on MTA's recently released Medical Tourism Index, there are 41 countries participating in the global medical tourism market. While India broadly secures #1, Israel ranks #1 in the quality of services and facilities. India is renowned for specialist cardiac surgeries, while Singapore is a popular medical tourism destination owing to the expertise in complicated surgical procedures. Thailand has been a popular destination for medical tourism and millions of patients have travelled to Thailand since 2006. It is also the top cosmetic surgery centre globally. Malaysia offers state-of-the-art medical infrastructure and treatments by highly skilled medical professionals, making it another sought after centre among medical tourists. With economically affordable treatment options and favourable government initiatives, Malaysia is anticipated to acquire one of the top market positions in the global medical tourism market, during the forecast period. Key Players: Global Medical Tourism Market Some of the top key players in the medical tourism industry include Asian Heart Institute (India), Apollo Hospitals (India), Prince Court Medical Centre (Malaysia), Gleneagles Hospital (Singapore), Min-Sheng General Hospital (Taiwan), Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital (Bangkok), Raffles Medical Group (Singapore), Clemenceau Medical Centre (Lebanon), Bangkok Hospital (Thailand), Bumrungrad International Hospital (Thailand), Fortis Healthcare Ltd. (India), Wooridul Spine Hospital (Korea), KPJ Healthcare Berhad (Malaysia), Anadolu Medical Centre (Turkey), and Asklepios Klinik Barmbek (Germany). Request For Report Table of Content (TOC): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-249 While these players rank amongst they compete on the basis of exceptional service quality, optimum patient comfort, and relatively reasonable costs for various treatments. Several facilities are also undergoing mergers, acquisitions, affiliations, and joint ventures for delivering enhanced medical care, thereby strengthening their market positions. A few prominent examples of highly productive collaborations include the collaboration between Bumrungrad International Hospital (Bangkok) and IBM Watson for better cancer care, and the collaboration of Anadolu Medical Centre (Turkey) with Johns Hopkins Medicine (U.S.). One of New Guineas dancing birds-of-paradise the Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise (Lophorina niedda) was finally confirmed to be an entirely new species, thanks to its distinctive dance. The Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise is found only in New Guineas far-western Birds Head, or Vogelkop, region. In a paper published in the journal PeerJ, ornithologist Dr. Edwin Scholes of Cornell University and field biologist and photographer Dr. Tim Laman of Harvard University show and tell half-a-dozen ways this bird is distinct from the more widespread Superb Bird-of-Paradise (Lophorina superba), now called the Greater Superb Bird-of-Paradise the bird known for its bouncy smiley face dance routine. After you see what the Vogelkop form looks like and acts like in the wild, theres little room for doubt that it is a separate species, said Dr. Scholes, the leader of the Birds-of-Paradise Project at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. The courtship dance is different. The vocalizations are different. The females look different. Even the shape of the displaying male is different. When expanded for courtship display, the Vogelkop males raised cape creates a completely different appearance crescent-shaped with pointed tips rather than the oval shape of the widespread form of the species. The way the Vogelkop male dances for the female is also is distinctive, the steps being smooth instead of bouncy. With full species status, the Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise becomes the fourth endemic bird-of-paradise to the Birds Head region of Indonesian New Guinea, a fact that underscores the importance of this region as a center of endemic biodiversity worthy of enhanced conservation protection, the researchers said. _____ E. Scholes & T.G. Laman. 2018. Distinctive courtship phenotype of the Vogelkop Superb Bird-of-Paradise Lophorina niedda Mayr, 1930 confirms new species status. PeerJ 6: e4621; doi: 10.7717/peerj.4621 Researchers have discovered 124 genes that play a major role in determining human hair color variation. The findings were published online this week in the journal Nature Genetics. In order to identify the previously unknown hair color genes, Professor Tim Spector of Kings College London and colleagues analyzed DNA data from 290,891 people of European descent, together with their self-reported hair color information. The data were supplied by UK Biobank and 23andMe Inc. By comparing the hair color of the group with their genetic information, the study authors identified 124 genes (123 genes on the autosomal chromosomes and one gene on the X-chromosome) involved in the development of hair color, of which more than 100 were not previously known to influence pigmentation. They also demonstrated that predicting hair color with this new genetic information is more accurate than with previously known genes. This work will impact several fields of biology and medicine. As the largest ever genetic study on pigmentation, it will improve our understanding of diseases like melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer, Professor Spector said. The genes that affect hair color also affect other cancer types, while other pigment genes affect the chances of having Crohns and other forms of bowel disease. Our work helps us to understand what causes human diversity in appearance by showing how genes involved in pigmentation subtly adapted to external environments and even social interactions during our evolution, Professor Spector noted. We found that women have significantly fairer hair than men, which reflects how important cultural practices and sexual preferences are in shaping our genes and biology. Besides substantially increasing our understanding of human pigmentation genetics in general, finding these new hair color genes is also important for further increasing the accuracy of hair color prediction from DNA traces in future forensic applications, which can help to find unknown perpetrators of crime, said co-lead author Professor Manfred Kayser, from the Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam in the Netherlands. While the genetics of hair color is an interesting problem in itself, we hope that better understanding of the biology of melanin pigmentation will be applicable to studies of diseases that interact with pigmentation, such as skin cancer or vitiligo, said co-author Dr. David Hinds, principal scientist at 23andMe Inc. _____ Pirro G. Hysi et al. Genome-wide association meta-analysis of individuals of European ancestry identifies new loci explaining a substantial fraction of hair color variation and heritability. Nature Genetics, published online April 16, 2018; doi: 10.1038/s41588-018-0100-5 Miclyn Express Offshore (MEO) in its recent H1 FY18 announcement noted that international oil companies (IOCs) and national oil companies (NOCs) will resume replenishing reserves gradually and that activity levels are still expected to improve in some regions, mainly in the brownfield and inspection, repair and maintenance (IMR) segments. Major Malaysian fabricator Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering (MMHE) meanwhile was cited as saying by local media on the sidelines of its recent AGM that it expects more jobs that it can tender for to become available in the market. "Signs do suggest that the industry is recovering slightly. From the tender activities perspective, we should see more of that as some of the oil majors have started to revalidate some of the tenders," md and ceo Wan Mashitah Wan Abdullah Sani was quoted as saying. However ahead of these expected orders there was still a need to weather the current challenging conditions. MEO said it would weather the storm by remaining focussed on the more resilient shallow water production related activities, as well as maintaining current utilisation levels by leveraging strategic customer relationships while maintaining operational excellence and cost control. In the most recent reporting period, MEO noted that repositioning of assets to the Middle East has helped utilisation but the market is still oversupplied and suffers from low rates, especially in the projects segment, which suffered from low activity as well. Like MMHE, it did however see bid/tender activity levels in the Middle East, Asia and Australia coming online by 2019 however. MMHEs Wan Mashitah said jobs were currently scarce due to oil price volatility with major players deferring a lot of investment decisions. "However, these oil majors will not defer their investments indefinitely. Should the oil price continue to improve and stay stable, we should see more jobs in the market in the future," she noted. Women in Metro Detroits brewing world are quietly, and rather effectively, securing their place in the craft beer industry. While the brewing scene still remains a male-dominated space here in Michigan, women working in the industry are quick to point out that their numbers are growing, and any negative attitude towards female influence tends to come from the consumers, not from their peers. That's why Metromode and our sister publication Model D take a closer look at how these four women are making their mark. Chelsea Piner Piner is the Head Brewer at Traffic Jam and Snug in downtown Detroit and earned her stripes working at the prestigious Stone Brewing Co. She is the first to admit its not all fun and games. Brewing is really hard work without a lot of glamour, she reveals. The people in the industry are probably what I love most about it. Chelsea Piner Photo by by Joe Powers at Insitu Photography. I also love the balance of science and artistry which I find really unique to craft beer. When shes not brewing, she pitches in part-time at Ale Marys in Royal Oak. It's a great side job for a brewer because I am always tasting the best beers out there and can learn and get inspiration, Piner says. Piner says shes meeting more and more women who play an integral part of getting a beer from tank to glass. For me personally, most of any stigma I've felt hasn't come from people working in the industry, she explains. I have gotten snide comments that I've wondered (or in some cases known) wouldn't have been said to a man, which is unfortunate, but my overall experience has been fantastic. Annette May May burst into the craft beer scene as the first female Certified Cicerone in 2008 and hasnt stopped educating people about beer since. She teaches at Schoolcraft, runs Cicerone programs, and hosts classes through her own company, Know Beer!. Beer education is huge here, says May. Its not surprising, given our thriving craft beer industry. May was also a founding member of Fermenta, a nonprofit collective for women in the industry. While weve written previously about the dangers of highlighting women as the odd one out in brewing, the collective has won over even the harshest of critics Annette May. Photo by Joe Powers at Insitu Photography May says Fermenta which has just opened up a Wisconsin chapter is not so much about defending womens roles in brewing, but about connecting them with employment and scholarship opportunities, and providing mentorship. I'm sure there are still pockets of the boys club mentality, but overall I don't think it's nearly as bad as in some professions, and here in the Michigan craft beer industry I don't see this a lot. As long as a woman can do the job, that is all that's important. There are good brewers in Michigan, being either male or female doesn't really factor into it. The only relevant thing here might be mentoring: more female brewers equals more role models, which equals more women attempting to become brewers or enter the profession. Pauline Knighton-Prueter Knighton-Prueters love affair with the craft beer crowd started early. Growing up we would visit Shorts Brewing Co every weekend as my parents have a cottage in Central Lake, she says. I absolutely loved the environment and remember thinking (as a teenager) I want to meet the people who are behind this culture. Now the sales manager (and formally a beer liberator) at Shorts and vice-president at Fermenta, Pauline believes the respect women receive in brewing is partly because of the non-conforming attitude of the craft crew. Due to the creative nature of the industry, people are open-minded and I feel are really appreciating the growing diversity, and embracing it. There is no doubt that I am often the only women in the room, but I am respected and listened to. Pauline Knighton-Prueter Kinghton-Prueter agrees that its tough work. Yes it is fun, she concedes, but we all work really hard, as there is a ton of competition and the market is difficult right now. You have to be a hustler. She also believes women draw others to the craft beer club and are helping promote the industry. The more women participate in the industry, the more female consumers will grow, she explains. When you have someone who you can relate to talking to you about the industry and about beer, it encourages you to try it, to take a chance and be a part of it. We need more women to be champions for other women. Liz Crowe Crowe is another founding member, and now current president, of Fermenta, and approaches the industry from a slightly different perspective. With a background in marketing, Crowes current project involves writing romance novels set in breweries. I have had a ton of fun teaching readers a bit about the craft beer scene by setting my books in breweries, Crowe admits. Her last novel, Tapped (part of a Brewing Passion series), explores the love/hate relationship between breweries and their distributors that Crowe herself has experienced working for breweries in the past. I felt that its dynamic made for fascinating study, she says. Liz Crowe. Photo by Joe Powers at Insitu Photography She believes the rapid expansion of the craft beer industry in the US has contributed to the gender equality within it. If there is any stigma about women working in breweries, its pretty much dissipated as more and more women prove themselves ready, willing, and more than capable of handling tasks. She particularly enjoys seeing women at all levels of the brewing process. Every time I visit a new brewery or tap room, Im gratified to find more and more women in charge, she says. Women are opening up malting companies; hops farms, distribution companies, and other crucial, peripheral businesses even as more women are taking over brew houses as both the assistant and head brewers. China has been funding Confucius Institutes (CI) language programs under the communist regime's Ministry of Education since 2004, in which it forms partnerships with American universities. There are currently 103 branches on campuses across the U.S. The question that needs to be addressed is does the communist regime just want to promote Chinese culture or is there something more unethical about its intentions? In an in-depth report just issued by the National Association of Scholars (NAS) http://www.nas.org/projects/confucius_institutes it reported concern that American universities are becoming financially dependent on China, as typically a university receives $150,000 in start-up funds and $100,000 in subsequent years. The NAS research found that Chinese teachers at CI felt pressured to avoid certain topics that are censored in China, such as the Tiananmen Square massacre, Falun Gong, Tibet, Taiwan and criticism of Communist Party legitimacy. In recent years, faculty at universities that host CI have often voiced concerns about their campus branch having been established in secrecy, being beyond local faculty control and competing with their modern language program. Many universities are now choosing to cut their ties with CI. The University of Montana in Missoula has had a CI since 2008. CI is also in ten Montana high schools. What is really being taught to our children? CI had a booth at the county fair in Kalispell last year that attracted mostly children by offering Chinese games. Are we being infiltrated unknowingly? They are very good at slowly integrating into the community, first making their presence known by the use of soft power. We need to wake up and not let easy money sway our decisions concerning curriculum about Chinese culture and language. Press Release April 18, 2018 Amid SAF's P60-M unreleased allowance controversy ANGARA RENEWS CALL FOR PASSAGE OF BILL THAT WOULD STRENGTHEN RIGHTS, RAISE BENEFITS OF PNP Senator Sonny Angara is pushing anew for the passage of a bill that aims to strengthen existing rights and raise the benefits and allowances of the members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), amid the alleged P60-million unreleased allowances of the elite Special Action Force (SAF). "Kakarampot na nga lamang na allowance, nagawa pang ipagdamot sa ating mga magigiting na SAF troopers. We call for the immediate resolution of such withheld allowances and we urge the PNP leadership to not let this disservice to our troops happen again," said Angara, who echoed the call for a Senate probe into the issue. A plunder case was filed by active and retired SAF officials against former SAF commander Director Benjamin Lusad, SAF budget officer Senior Supt. Andre Dizon and Maila Bustamante and James Irica of the SAF Finance office. Based on the complaint, the respondents reportedly failed to give the P30/day or roughly P900/month additional subsistence allowance of the SAF commandos for more than two years despite receiving the fund from the PNP leadership. Angara is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill 138 or the Magna Carta for the PNP that seeks to provide bigger allowances and benefits to both uniformed and non-uniformed PNP personnel. The Magna Carta ensures that they will be provided with cost of living allowance, clothing allowance, quarters allowance, and subsistence allowance, as well as longevity pay, reasonable leaves and retirement programs. PNP personnel who accepts assignments in remote areas or isolated situations, and is exposed to hardship and combat situation or other hazard unusual to peacekeeping, crime prevention and investigation activities, will be compensated with a remote assignment allowance and special hardship allowance, similar to combat pay of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. "This Magna Carta seeks to put dignity into the country's premiere police force. The government should provide support to foster a highly efficient and competent PNP. It's the least we can do as they put their lives at stake in their commitment to preserve peace and order and protect the lives of Filipino people," Angara said. The proposed measure likewise seeks to establish a holistic PNP development program which includes merit promotion system, performance evaluation, in-service training, moral recovery program, physical and mental fitness programs, and other programs that would sustain the professionalization of the PNP. Press Release April 18, 2018 Lacson Pushes Probe Into P59.8-M PNP-SAF Allowance Row More at: https://pinglacson.net/2018/04/18/lacson-pushes-probe-into-p59-8-m-pnp-saf-allowance-row/ Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson is pushing a Senate investigation into a P59.8-million mess involving the withholding of daily subsistence allowance and explosive ordnance disposal hazardous pay for the Philippine National Police's elite Special Action Force. Lacson said the withholding of such allowances, if true, threatens to demoralize members of the SAF, who are the frontliners in fighting terrorism and criminality. "We cannot allow, yet again, another injustice to be committed against our heroes in uniform who are in the forefront of our fight against the ills of terrorism and criminality, lest we risk demoralization within their ranks. Thus the need to probe into the said allegations," he said in Senate Resolution 712. He cited the need to revisit existing laws and their implementation, to make sure police officers receive the benefits due them and to punish the erring parties concerned. Lacson's Senate resolution directs the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the alleged illegal withholding of the release of the allowances. It seeks to propose remedial legislation "to correct the same and put a stop to this unlawful practice to the prejudice of the intended beneficiaries." Lacson, who headed the PNP from 1999 to 2001, said the unlawful withholding of these funds, if true, "constitutes a criminal or unlawful act and runs counter to the evident policy of the President to increase the pay of our military and uniformed personnel in order to repay them for their sacrifices." To strengthen the SAF, some 4,000 members who engage in life-threatening police operations are entitled to a daily additional subsistence allowance (ASA) of P30 a day (P900 a month), and allocations for EOD Hazardous Pay. This is usually given by the unit's finance sergeant every quarter. Yet, Lacson cited records showing the 4,000 SAF members only got their share of ASA for January 2016 and January to July 2017. Lacson added members of the SAF had approached him to air their grievances on the matter, furnishing his office a copy of their complaint affidavit and annexes filed before the Office of the Ombudsman. When confronted with the issue of the non-release of ASA, then SAF head Director Benjamin Lusad and SAF budget officer Senior Superintendent Andre Dizon admitted they got the unreleased ASA and admitted using the amounts for operational expenses, fellowship and training - but without showing proof of the liquidation. Press Release April 18, 2018 Legarda Co-Heads PHL Delegation to the 2018 World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings Senator Loren Legarda will attend the 2018 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) from April 18-21, 2018 in Washington, DC, as Alternate Head of the Philippine Delegation, with Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno as Head of Delegation. Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committees on Foreign Relations, Finance and Climate Change, was designated by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor A. Espenilla, Jr. as Alternate Temporary Governor of the Philippines to the IMF. Also part of the Philippine Delegation are Finance Undersecretary Gil Beltran, Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretaries Adoracion Navarro and Rolando Tungpalan, and Commissioner Rachel Anne Herrera of the Climate Change Commission. The Spring Meetings of the IMF and WBG is a venue for central bankers, ministers of finance and development, private sector executives, and academics to discuss issues of global concern, including the world economic outlook, poverty eradication, economic development, and aid effectiveness. Legarda's participation ensures that the Philippines will be able to engage these stakeholders in advancing green investments. "Our economies have been affected by climate change and it will continue to do so if we go business as usual. We must pursue a development path consistent with the 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming limit under the Paris Agreement, not only because it is the best way to protect our people and climate, but also because it will spur sustainable, resilient and inclusive economic growth," said Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience and UNFCCC National Adaptation Plan Champion. On April 18, Legarda will attend the Second Annual High-Level Strategy Session (HLSS2) on Sustainable, Healthy Cities, and Sustainable Energy Solutions organized by AirQualityAsia (AQA) and US-Asia Institute. She will speak about Parliamentary Leadership on Carbon Reduction Policies - Implementing the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Clean Air. On April 19, Legarda is among the panelists for the IMF Gender Coffee Chat: "Advocating for Women Empowerment: Voices from the Field", and will attend the "Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition Third High-Level Assembly" to be chaired by WBG President Jim Yong Kim and IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, and the "High-Level Roundtable on Maximizing the Development Impact of the Belt and Road Initiative." The Senator will also participate in the High-Level Event, "Towards a Blue Economy: Concrete Actions for Addressing the Ocean Health", which will bring together representatives of World Bank client and donor countries to take stock of progress in improving marine environmental health and to discuss financing mechanisms to support the development of the Blue Economy. The World Bank Group also organized a Technical Dialogue with the Philippine Delegation on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRM) and Climate Change (CC). The meeting will incorporate highlights of high-potential activities focused on seismic risk and resilience as well as climate change resilience. On April 20, Legarda will share her thoughts on the World Bank's long-term engagement on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), the Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (Kalahi-CIDSS) Program, and the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR), during the BWG-organized Technical Dialogue on Social Protection and Community-Driven Development. The Senator will also speak at the Roundtable with World Resources Institute (WRI) and at the Roundtable at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), and will participate at the forum on "The Future of Resilience: Banking on Cities." On the sidelines of the IMF-WBG Spring Meetings, Legarda will meet with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde; Senator Cory Scott Gardner, Subcommittee Chair on Asia and the Pacific, Senate Committee on Foreign Relations; and Ambassador John Negroponte and Hank Hendrickson of the US-Philippines Society. Trans-Tasman Resources is defending the Environmental Protection Authority-appointed committees decision to grant a marine consent for its offshore iron mining project in a hearing underway in Wellington this week. The company sought permission to extract 50 million tonnes of seabed material a year to export up to 5 million tonnes of iron sand per year from the ocean floor in the South Taranaki Bight, generating an annual $400 million in export revenue. Consent was granted last August, under a series of conditions. However, iwi, conservation and fishing interests have argued the consent should never have been granted at the four-day hearing this week. In its submission Wednesday, TTR said appellants have raised more than 80 alleged errors of law, with some overlap between them, and the majority of these errors are questions of fact, or involve applying settled law to the facts, which are not questions of law. While the appellants allege the impacts of sand mining are "largely unknown and potentially devastating, that claim ignores the extensive evidence that the Decision Making Committee had in relation to effects, TTR said. Regarding the appellants emphasis on the precautionary principle, the information gathering powers, natural justice and adaptive management arguments, the submission said none of these arguments bear scrutiny. TTR argues the committee made full use of its information gathering powers, all natural justice principles were followed, with all parties given the opportunity to comment on new information, evidence extensions were granted on request and hearing procedures were made available to all parties. The company also submits that none of the conditions imposed amounted or contributed to an adaptive management approach and in relation to all the other grounds the EPA interpreted and applied the law correctly. The submission said whether the court might prefer or even reach a different factual founding is not a question of law. The appeals should be dismissed. Kiwis Against Seabed Mining one of the appellants said the case will set a precedent and it's ready to go all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Seeka Limited (NZX: SEK) Clears First Hurdle in Orangewood Amalgamation Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 The New Zealand government has proposed phasing out the Growth Grant administered by Callaghan Innovation and introducing a 12.5 percent research and development tax incentive in a discussion document released today. According to Research, Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods, New Zealand's gross expenditure on research and development is 1.28 percent of gross domestic product, compared to an OECD average of 2.38 percent. While business expenditure on R&D has been rising it is still only 0.6 percent of GDP, she said. The government is committed to increasing R&D expenditure to 2.0 percent of GDP over 10 years and the R&D tax incentive is one tool to get there. There is a need for an increasing contribution from the private sector and 'that's why we are introducing an R&D tax incentive as a further addition to the system of government support for New Zealand's innovation framework," said Woods. Woods said "obviously, there needs to be a careful approach to distributing tax incentives" and over the next six weeks, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Inland Revenue and Callaghan Innovation will be seeking feedback through a variety of channels. If the proposal is implemented, the tax credit on eligible expenditure will be available to businesses doing R&D in New Zealand from April 1, 2019. Woods said the definition of R&D must be "as clear and robust and practical as possible." Under the proposal, R&D would be defined as activities conducted using "scientific methods that are performed for the purposes of acquiring new knowledge or creating new or improved materials, products, devices process or services" that are intended to advance science or technology as well as any related support activities. A business would need to spend a minimum of $100,000 on eligible expenditure, within one year, to qualify. A business will be able to claim a tax credit for up to $120 million of R&D expenditure per year. This equates to a tax credit of $15 million each year, based on the proposed 12.5 percent rate. Currently, the government seeks to promote the commercialization of innovation through Callaghan Innovation grants. According to the discussion document, the growth grant administered by Callaghan would be phased out with the introduction of the tax incentive but will continue as normal until final decisions are made by the government. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. It is allowable to use some form of non-de-plume for your name, however we recommend real email addresses are used. Comments from free email addresses such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc may not be approved. Anti-spam verification: Type the text you see in the image into the field below. You are asked to do this in order to verify that this enquiry is not being performed by an automated process. Related News: Seeka Limited (NZX: SEK) Clears First Hurdle in Orangewood Amalgamation Vital Healthcare Property Trust (NZX: VHP) Announces Debt Refinance and Facility Limit Increase Restructure of Cannasouth Cultivation Limited (NZX:CBD) 1st October 2021 Morning Report Gentrack Group Limited (NZX: GTK) Market Announcement New Zealand King Salmon Investments Limited (NZX: NZK) 1H22 Half Year Results Announcement 30th September 2021 Morning Report Pictor and SCIENION partner to commercialise high-throughput SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing system to support ongoing fight against pandemic Rakon Limited (NZX: RAK) Upgrades Earnings Guidance and Appoints New Director The Warehouse Group Limited (NZX: WHS) Annual Result 2021 Oil prices rose to their highest level since late 2014 after government data showed U.S. crude stockpiles fell last week and as the market continued to worry about supply disruptions in key fossil fuel-producing nations. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures hit $68.45, a fresh high going back to Dec. 2, 2014. The contract was last up $1.20, or 1.8 percent, at $67.72. Brent crude oil futures rose $1.12, or 1.6 percent, to $72.70 a barrel by 12:07 p.m. ET (1607 GMT). It earlier touched $73.41, matching an intraday high going back to Nov. 28, 2014. U.S. commercial crude inventories dropped by 1.1 million barrels in the week through April 13, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported. Stockpiles of gasoline also dropped by 3 million barrels, while distillates fuels including diesel declined by 3.1 million barrels. "It's a bullish report with the across-the-board drawdowns in everything," said John Kilduff, founding partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital. "There was really strong demand for gasoline, summer-like demand for gasoline," he said. Gasoline demand was nearly 9.9 million barrels a day. Crude futures were already higher ahead of the release after a report from the American Petroleum Institute on Tuesday afternoon previewed the drop in stockpiles. At current levels, futures are approaching levels not seen since Thanksgiving of 2014, when OPEC refused to take steps to stop a decline in oil prices, sparking an even sharper drop. OPEC has since reversed course, reaching a deal with Russia and other oil producers to cut output by 1.8 million barrels a day starting in January 2017. The deal, which runs through the end of this year, has nearly shrunk global oil stockpiles to their five-year average. A committee that monitors adherence to the cuts meets in Saudi Arabia on Friday, and the wider group will gather in June to determine whether the agreement should be adjusted. Some senior Saudi officials are reportedly targeting $80 per barrel oil, and could argue for keeping the production caps in place to achieve that goal. A rally in recent weeks has been fueled by concerns over geopolitical tension in the Middle East and potential disruptions to oil supply. An air strike on Syria by the United States, France and the UK stoked fears of conflict with Syrian government allies Russia and Iran, two of the world's biggest oil producers. Rocket attacks by rebels in Yemen on top oil exporter Saudi Arabia have also contributed to oil's geopolitical risk premium. The market is also waiting to see whether President Donald Trump will reimpose sanctions on Iran as a May 12 deadline approaches. Meanwhile, production continues to decline in Venezuela, where economic crisis has paralyzed the nation's lifeblood oil industry. CNBC 2018 Actor Arya is getting several troll comments for his decision in the grand finale of the reality show Enga Veetu Maapillai. The shows theme was to select an apt soulmate for Arya from 16 contestants and in the final episode, Susana, Agatha, and Seethalakshmi were shortlisted as the finalists. When everyone expected to Arya to announce his soulmate, the actor sounded too dramatic saying he doesnt want to choose one contestant at the stage and hurt others. Arya asked more time to announce his decision and the episode ended abruptly. Netizens were disappointed with the staged drama and they have been posting troll comments on Twitter. Some of them even say that Arya has used the opportunity and played in the lives of the innocent young girls by shattering their dreams. But a few of them have also posted in favor of Arya, a fan said the actor is also a human being and he needs more time to take an important decision in his life. The rival gang says right from the beginning Arya knows that he has to choose one girl as his soulmate so asking more time is a lame excuse, they say that the actor not only hurt the contestants but also cheated all the viewers. One person was arrested in Belagavi after the police seized fake Indian currency notes with the face value of Rs 7 crore. A case has been registered, reported ANI. : Amid a cash crunch that has beset most of India, Karnataka Police seize fake Indian currency notes with face value of Rs 7 crore. Karnataka: Police seized fake Indian currency notes with the face value of Rs 7 crore in Belagavi; One person arrested, case registered pic.twitter.com/chSueohEjr ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured hassled customers that the government will fix the problem quickly, officials attributed the cash crunch to crop procurement and hoarding of high denomination currency ahead of elections in Karnataka. The government said it suspects that Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded and plans to increase 5-fold the printing of Rs 500 notes. Within a month, it said, Rs 70,000-75,000 crore will be printed. ATMs of both public and private sector lenders in several cities were either not operating or showed no cash signs, a situation that officials insisted was not alarming and did not warrant panic. Cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Bihar, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh were impacted by the cash crunch. : The Kathua rape case on Tuesday appeared to cast its shadow on the Jammu-Kashmir politics with the Bharatiya Janata Party asking all its nine ministers to resign to bring in fresh faces, days after two other party leaders had to quit the coalition government amid a nationwide outcry over their presence at a rally against the chargesheet in the gruesome incident. The day also saw BJP MLA Lal Singh, who along with his party colleague Chander Prakash Ganga had to quit as ministers last Friday, hold a roadshow from Jammu to Kathua during which he demanded a CBI probe to ensure justice for the victim and asked Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti to resign for her failure to address the issue. The BJP has been under pressure from the opposition parties and civil society ever since Singh and Ganga took part in a rally against the chargesheet in the rape-and-murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua, which was seen by many as support for the accused in the case. The two ministers subsequently resigned. While Singh embarked on a roadshow earlier on Tuesday, the BJPs state unit later in the evening asked all its nine remaining ministers in the two-year-old government, led by Peoples Democratic Partys Mehbooba Mufti, to tender their resignations to enable the party to bring in fresh faces in the state government. According to top state government sources, a reshuffle is now likely to take place later this week in the government. The state can have a maximum of 25 ministers including thechief minister. Currently, 14 portfolios are with the PDP and the remaining with the BJP. Singh trained his guns on Mufti and demanded that she should resign, saying it was her biggest failure and if she has wisdom and conscience, she should resign. If two ministers can sacrifice their posts in the interest of peace, those who are actually responsible for creating such an atmosphere should listen to their conscience, Singh said targeting the PDP leader. The tone of Singh was completely different from his speech at the March rally in Kathua where he had demanded a CBI probe accusing the crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police of arresting people without any proof. However, Singh appeared to be changing his narrative today, saying he wanted a CBI probe so that justice could be ensured for the victim. Internet services in Jammu were snapped by the police as several rumours were floating in the city. Some of the rumours and misinformation campaign has potential of spreading communal tension in the city, therefore, we snapped it, a senior police officer said, adding a decision to restore the services will be taken on Wednesday. Singh, the former forest minister, said the CM has failed to understand the popular sentiment and was yet to seek a CBI probe into the brutal incident. Asked about his decision to resign from the state government, Singh blamed the media for creating a perception and forcing him to quit. We resigned because the perception created by the national media was not good. It portrayed the situation in a wrong way, which was not the case at all. It was portrayed that the entire Jammu region was siding with rapists, he said. It (the perception) created problems for our prime minister and country. It was not good. So, we preferred to resign. We have not done anything wrong, Singh added. The brutal gang rape and murder of the girl has already seen a nationwide outrage with protests being observed across the country. The case is also being reportedly widely in the international media. : Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the United Kingdom for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport in London. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements today, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London today. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Democratic congressional candidate Max Rose has nearly $900,000 in cash-on-hand, out-raising all of his Democratic competitors as well as Rep. Daniel Donovan and Donovan's Republican primary competitor, Michael Grimm. Rose, a Purple Heart veteran, has $891,598.45 in cash-on-hand -- the amount of money a campaign has left over after its expenses -- and raised $573,214.69 from January through March of this year, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings. Donovan, who raised $305,257.26 this quarter, has $739,475.68 in cash-on-hand. Grimm has $359,606.67 in cash-on-hand and raised $190,243.19 during the most recent quarter. "For too long, Congress has either ignored our problems or screwed us over," said Kevin Elkins, Rose's campaign manager. "Our campaign's overwhelming support is proof that people aren't going to take it anymore and that Max Rose is the person who will shake things up and change our politics for the better." He said, "Perhaps Dan Donovan would have more support if he spent less time focused on which pictures to hang in the post office and more time focused on defeating the drug epidemic, preventing gun violence, and repealing the tax hikes his Republican colleagues leveled on New York." Donovan's campaign spokeswoman, Jessica Proud, criticized Rose for raising a significant portion of his campaign contributions outside of New York. "That's rich coming from Nancy Pelosi's handpicked candidate who just moved to Staten Island and has raised nearly half his money from everywhere but New York," said Proud. "Whether it was passing his signature FEMA reform legislation, his successful fight to get benefits for our 9/11 heroes, or his work to tackle the opioid epidemic and make our nation more secure, Dan Donovan's record of delivering results is unmatched by any candidate in this race," Proud continued. IN OR OUT OF DISTRICT? Out of Rose's 1,063 itemized donations, 51 came from within New York's 11th congressional district, according to this quarter's filings. Donovan received 82 donations from Staten Island and South Brooklyn residents out of the 283 itemized donations his campaign raised in the first quarter of 2018. Out of Grimm's 160 campaign contributions this quarter, he received 96 donations from NY-11 residents. WHERE THE OTHER DEMS STAND On the Democratic side, Michael DeVito Jr. raised $9,342.34; Zach Emig raised $3,063.69, and Radhakrishna Mohan raised $5,090. FEC filings show that Omar Vaid's campaign raised $20.18 the quarter, but a campaign official told the Advance that the filing was a misstep. The Advance saw a copy of the campaign's most recent "report of receipts and disbursements" -- a form that must be filed with the FEC -- that showed the campaign raised $23,607.18. Paul Sperling's campaign didn't reach the $5,000 in donations or spending threshold needed to warrant filing with the FEC. The Democratic and Republican primary elections are on June 26. FOLLOW CLIFFORD MICHEL ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police investigated two unfounded threats against Staten Island middle schools Tuesday, according to a spokeswoman for the city Department of Education. IS 72, in New Springville, and IS 61, in Brighton Heights, had threats made against them, according to the spokeswoman. "The NYPD responded to two non-credible threats on Staten Island today," she said in a statement. "Safety always comes first, and these were thoroughly investigated out of an abundance of caution. All students and staff are safe and the schools are providing additional support." The DOE didn't provide further details on the incidents, and the NYPD did not respond to a request for comment. BROOKLYN, N.Y. -- The trial for the controversial Staten Island attorney indicted in a scrap-metal fraud scheme has been put over to the summer. Richard Luthmann, and his co-defendants, George Padula III and Michael Beck, were set to go to trial in mid-May, but it was rescheduled for July 9 during a conference in Brooklyn federal court Wednesday. The Staten Island men are charged with various counts of wire fraud, money laundering, kidnapping and extortion conspiracy. Federal prosecutor Moira Kim Penza said there are on-going plea negotiations with Padula and Beck. Beck is charged with kidnapping and extortion, but not yet in connection to the scrap-metal scheme, although prosecutors plan on adding those charges in a superseding indictment, Penza said in court Wednesday. There are no current plea discussions with Luthmann, said his attorney, Arthur Aidala. "He's not going to say he did something he didn't," Aidala said after the proceeding. "We look forward to trial." Luthmann and Beck are out on bail, while Padula remains held at the Metropolitan Detention Center without bail. The U.S. launched a missile strike against the Assad regime in Syria after its government carried out a deadly chemical attack on civilians. Critics say bombing isn't enough -- if we really want to address the humanitarian crisis, we should take in more Syrian refugees. But the Trump administration has only allowed 11 Syrian refugees into the country this year, and immigration hardliners argue taking in refugees make us vulnerable to terrorism. What do you think? PERSPECTIVES President Donald Trump said of Assad's suspected chemical weapons attack against civilians, "This is about humanity, and it cannot be allowed to happen." But critics have pointed out the Trump administration has only allowed 11 Syrian refugees into the country this year. If Trump really cares about the humanitarian crisis in Syria, he should let in more refugees. If President Trump wants to address the humanitarian catastrophe that is the Syrian civil war, he should fulfill our obligation to accept refugees. We have admitted only ELEVEN Syrian refugees this year. Completely unacceptable! Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) April 16, 2018 In 2016, the United States accepted more than 15,000 Syrian refugees. More than four months into 2018, weve accepted just 11 refugees. The United States must open its arms to those who have experienced the unspeakable horrors of the Syrian civil war. pic.twitter.com/rFlzWVCQuL Sen Dianne Feinstein (@SenFeinstein) April 17, 2018 If you support bombing Syria but won't welcome refugees from there, shame on you. nate bowling (@nate_bowling) April 14, 2018 What is the point of the great experiment known as America if we cannot open our doors to families who are fleeing horrific suffering and violence? Oxfam America has called upon Trump and the U.S. government to lift the ban on Syrian refugees. We bombed Syria and hurt the people of Syria BECAUSE the Syrian government hurt the people of Syria, and then we dont accept any refugees from Syria after we bomb their home. What is wrong with our president? emilia (@PoliticalEmilia) April 15, 2018 But others, like David French of the National Review, argue that we cannot allow sympathy for refugees to blind us to the dangers they might pose to U.S. citizens. Muslim immigrants pose unique, terroristic threats that can't be ignored. Trump criticized Obama and Clinton for their approaches to the Syrian refugee crisis. Crooked Hillary wants a radical 500% increase in Syrian refugees. We cant allow this. Time to get smart and protect America! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 22, 2016 Refugees from Syria are now pouring into our great country. Who knows who they are - some could be ISIS. Is our president insane? Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 17, 2015 And millions of Americans are vehemently opposed to letting more immigrants in, even if they are fleeing civil war. Others think we just need to implement solutions that make these unstable nations safer, rather than taking in millions of people. bringing in refugees by the droves is not the answer. Fix the problem at it's source. Destroying Assad's oppressive regime=no more refugees. Canooks (@themehmichael) April 7, 2017 The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we'd love to hear what you have to say. Chairman of Chinese asset manager faces graft probe Beijing, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 The chairman of a Chinese state-controlled asset management company is under investigation for suspected graft, becoming the latest high-profile figure ensnared in the government's anti-corruption dragnet. The anti-corruption agency said late Tuesday that Lai Xiaomin, chairman of state-controlled China Huarong Asset Management Co., was being investigated for "serious violations of (Communist) party discipline and law," a euphemism for graft. China Huarong is the country's largest distressed-asset management company and Lai, 56, is one of the most high-profile figures to be probed by the National Supervision Commission, a new super anti-graft agency set up in March. The commission works alongside the Communist Party's Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), which has punished more than one million officials since 2012. China Huarong shares were suspended from Hong Kong trading Wednesday morning. Lai joined the company in 2009 and was appointed chairman and party chief in 2012. Prior to that, he worked in the central bank and the China Banking Regulatory Commission. Huarong is one of four companies set up by the government in 1999 to help clean up bad debt piles choking China's banking system. The company has since expanded into investment, loan and property businesses. By the end of 2017, its total assets reached $300 billion, according to the company's annual report. China's anti-graft campaign launched in 2012, after President Xi Jinping took the reins of the Communist Party, and has snared errant party officials. On Monday, prosecutors said the former head of China's insurance regulatory body, Xiang Junbo, 61, was charged with bribery and abuse of power. The investigation into Lai comes weeks after Anbang Insurance Group Co. founder and former chairman Wu Xiaohui was tried for fraud after the government seized the company in February. Page Content Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, says more than eight million tonnes of plastic leaks into the ocean each year equal to dumping a garbage truck of plastic every minute, according to United Nations (UN) Environment. Minister De Weever commends Divi Resorts for getting rid of plastic straws at all of its Caribbean resorts on Aruba, Barbados, Bonaire, St. Croix, and Sint Maarten. The aforementioned is part of Divi Resorts green initiative to curb pollution by removing straws from all of its properties. As our country builds back better and stronger, there are strong reasons for businesses to operate in a more sustainable manner by reducing ones carbon footprint when it comes to environmental stewardship. Sint Maarten as a tourist destination has to step up to the plate. I commend Divi Resorts for taking the initiative of doing away with plastic straws. This should also be explored by other hospitality and tourism driven businesses. Let it be an industry driven approach. We all have a responsibility towards our environment and if every business were to take measures it will have a much larger impact on society, on the way we do business on a daily basis in the country, and on our countrys carbon footprint. We have natural resources that our tourism-dependent economy depends upon. These natural resources are our beaches, the sea, lagoons, ponds, and our terrestrial areas. Our Nature Foundation sounded the alarm after the Easter-holiday weekend about the amount of garbage that was left behind on our beaches. We need to do better, and I appeal to the populace and to the business community to start thinking seriously about our environment and start taking measures to lower our carbon footprint and being more environmentally conscious and responsible, Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Tuesday. Each year, tonnes of plastic ends up in the oceans, wreaking havoc on marine wildlife, fisheries and tourism, and costing at least US$8 billion in damage to marine ecosystems. Up to 80 per cent of all litter in our oceans is made of plastic. According to some estimates, UN Environment says at the rate we are dumping items such as plastic bottles, bags, cups after a single use, by 2050 oceans will carry more plastic than fish and an estimated 99 per cent of seabirds will have ingested plastic. Page Content Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, says the appointment of May-Ling Chun as Interim Director of the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB), will benefit the national tourism recovery of the country. May-Ling is not a newcomer to STB, as she had a stint as director of St. Maarten Tourism Bureau from 2011-2012. May-Ling holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the John F. Welch School of Business, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT, and a Bachelor's Degree in Hotel/Restaurant Management and a Minor in Business from New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, New York, and a HAVO High school diploma from Peter Stuyvesant College. I would like to congratulate May-Ling Chun on her appointment as she is well qualified for the job. At this stage of our countrys post-Irma development, we need to ensure the tourism and travel industry that we have the best and brightest minds at the forefront in order to move our country forward during these very challenging times. May-Ling Chun will be working with seasoned staff at STB in continuing to get the message out that we are open for business. To-date STB staff have been doing a wonderful job, and they are well aware what is at stake and what needs to be done. We have to keep our industry partners updated on destination developments ensuring more flights return as more of our accommodations reopen. In the end, our country will have a better tourism product. We are on the right track and moving in the right direction. It will not be easy as we move into the slow season. It will be challenging, but we all have to contribute to promoting the destination as we bounce back, Acting Minister of Tourism Affairs Cornelius de Weever said on Monday. May-Ling was Manager of the countrys newest accommodation - Commodore Suites, located in the heart of Simpson Bay, and prior to that, May-Ling was involved in a number of projects related to marketing consulting, sales, product development, public relations, human resources, training, product development, business development, extensive market research. Chun was also Oyster Bay Beach Resort's Director of Operations from 1999 - 2002. May-Ling has served as second vice president of the executive Board of St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association (SHTA) from 2009 - 2011 and as a board member from 1999 - 2009. May-Ling is also a board member on the Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performance Arts; co-founder of the St. Maarten/St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) and of the annual SHTA Crystal Pineapple Awards. PHOTO CUTLINE: Acting Minister of TEATT Cornelius De Weever (6th from left) along with the newly appointed Interim Director May-Ling Chun (7th from left) and staff of STB. Page Content Acting Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT) Cornelius de Weever, welcomes the return of United Airlines to the destination. United Airlines returned on Saturday, April 14 to Princess Juliana International Airport. The airline will provide once a week airlift out of Newark, New Jersey. The return of United Airlines once again demonstrates that the country is slowly moving forward and the destination is open for business. Even though its a once weekly flight, it still translates into additional airlift to the destination. This should further influence airfares as well to the destination. United Airlines shows that they are committed to the destination and over time we expect additional flights to be added as the country slowly returns to pre-Irma level. Every new partial resort opening further strengthens our national economy. Airlines are looking at how fast our hotel infrastructure re-opens and this results in additional airlift. We have a number of partial resort openings taking place in the coming weeks and months. These re-openings will lead to employment opportunities and places for our visitors to stay and enjoy the Friendly Island, Acting Minister of Tourism Cornelius de Weever said on Monday. United Airlines and United Express operate approximately 4,500 flights a day to 338 airports across five continents. In 2017, United and United Express operated more than 1.6 million flights carrying more than 148 million customers. United has the world's most comprehensive route network, including U.S. mainland hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Newark/New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C., according to the airline. United operates 744 mainline aircraft and the airline's United Express carriers operate 518 regional aircraft. The airline is a founding member of Star Alliance, which provides service to 191 countries via 28 member airlines. By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree Heidi Gutman/ABC(WASHINGTON) -- In his first-ever Twitter acknowledgement of a claim made by adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, President Donald Trump circulated a composite sketch early Wednesday morning of a man she said threatened her to keep quiet about the affair, calling it a "con job." Trump called the person detailed in the sketch a "nonexistent man" and said it was a "total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)!" The account he retweeted is unverified and appears to belong to a woman in Scotland, according to the Twitter bio. The Twitter user initially tweeted at the president that the sketch looked like Daniels' ex, in response to an earlier tweet the president posted about California and border security. The adult-film star, legally named Stephanie Clifford, said she had a sexual encounter with Donald Trump more than a decade before he became president. Trump's longtime personal attorney, Michael Cohen, has admitted he paid Daniels $130,000 in 2016, weeks before Trump was elected president. In a statement to ABC News in February, Cohen said it was a private transaction using his "own personal funds." The president has continued to deny claims of the affair. Aboard Air Force One earlier this month, he also denied knowing anything about the payment Cohen made to Daniels. Daniels and her attorney, Michael Avenatti, first showed the sketch on The View on Tuesday morning. They offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to identification of the man that they said threatened Daniels. Avenatti later tweeted that they increased the reward to $131,000. Daniels described the man, who allegedly approached her in a parking lot in 2011 and commented on her daughter, who was sitting in her car seat. The man told her it would be "a shame if something happened to her mother and that she should keep quiet about her 2006 alleged affair with Trump, Daniels said. At the time, she didn't report the incident to police. Daniels said she's speaking out now "because I'm tired of being threatened." "I'm done being bullied," she said. Daniels has been outspoken about the alleged affair with the president despite the non-disclosure agreement that was part of the payment from Cohen. She now faces a lawsuit of up to $20 million, according to papers that Trumps legal team filed in March saying that she has violated the terms of that agreement at least 20 times, which would amount to $20 million in damages based on the agreements $1 million penalty clause. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 22: 23: % foreach my $c (@categories) { 24: <%perl> 25: my $category_id = $c->get_id(); 26: my @stories = Bric::Biz::Asset::Business::Story->list ( { element_type_id=>1148, category_id=>$category_id , Order=> 'cover_date', publish_status => 't' , OrderDirection=> 'DESC' , Limit=>10 } ); 27: 28: 29: ... code stack: /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html:25 /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm:951 /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj:17 /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html:149 Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. Trace begun at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Exceptions.pm line 129 HTML::Mason::Exceptions::rethrow_exception('Can\'t call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25.^J') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 160 HTML::Mason::Component::run_dynamic_sub('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f63a06d6258)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 951 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f63a0c4f0d8)', 'main') called at /var/cache/mason/obj/1784076917/main/smetimes/dhandler.html.obj line 17 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f63a06d6258)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1305 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 958 HTML::Mason::Request::call_next('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f63a0c4f0d8)') called at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/autohandler_template.html line 149 HTML::Mason::Commands::__ANON__ at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Component.pm line 138 HTML::Mason::Component::run('HTML::Mason::Component::FileBased=HASH(0x7f63a06e0208)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1303 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 1295 HTML::Mason::Request::comp(undef, undef, undef) called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 484 eval {...} at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 436 HTML::Mason::Request::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f63a0c4f0d8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f63a0c4f0d8)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x7f63a01fff40)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f63a0d052b8)') called at (eval 487) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x7f63a0d052b8)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. The streets of Surrey will be filled with the sounds and sights of Sikhism this Saturday as more than 300,000 people are expected to participate in the citys annual Khalsa Day Parade to celebrate Vaisakhi. The parade or Nagar Kirtan considered the largest of its kind outside India will be a lively celebration to mark the Sikh New Year, pay tribute to the harvest and commemorate one of the most important days in the Sikh calendar - the creation of the Khalsa. The Khalsa, was founded in 1699 as a Sikh brotherhood and sisterhood to fight adversity and continues to be at the heart of Sikhism. From here the Sikh nation grew with a renewed identity and as a collective faith underlined by the principles of sewa or sacrifice for their fellow human beings. Vaisakhi is the holiest celebration in the Sikh faith, and honours the Sikh values of tolerance and generosity, peace, equality and justice, said Premier John Horgan. As we gather to honour the most important date in the Sikh calendar, we pay tribute to the many contributions of the Sikh community to British Columbia. For more than 100 years, B.C. has been home to one of the largest Sikh populations outside of India. Our history has been shaped in part by Sikh people in B.C., and our lives are enriched by the inclusive, multicultural society we are so lucky to live in. British Columbia is a better place because of it. Our government will continue to champion the values of diversity, inclusion and mutual respect. And we will work to make life better for every person, in every community. Vaisakhi is celebrated widely in communities around the world, and I hope everyone will join together and experience the generosity of the Sikh community as we celebrate a happy and prosperous Vaisakhi, he said in a statement. Last year, the government of BC declared April as Sikh Heritage Month and announced that 15 South Asian historic places were being added to British Columbias Register of Historic Places. Some of the recognized sites include: Punjabi Market, Vancouver a collection of small businesses and stores, which historically have catered to the Punjabi community, this historic location illustrates the evolution and development of South Asian businesses following their initial involvement with the B.C.s lumber industry. The Punjabi Market was thriving in the 1970s when a large influx of Punjabi people settled in South Vancouver and became inextricably woven into the citys cultural fabric. It is also one of the gathering spots during Vaisakhi. Golden Sikh Temple, Golden One of the earliest Sikh temples in B.C., though no longer standing, the gurdwaras significance is recognized in its original location. The temple was far outside the Lower Mainland, and demonstrates early Sikhs had settled into B.C.s southeast region. The gurdwara was a place where people practised their faith, socialized with others of the same faith and received the emotional support they needed to work and live so far from their homeland. Topaz Street Sikh Gurdwara, Victoria Originally established in 1912 followed by the construction of a new building in 1969, this historic place was built by pioneers of the community, who faced many hardships in their journeys to British Columbia. It served free meals and was a place for new immigrants to connect with the community. The values of Sikhism will wash over the streets of Surrey this Saturday everybody is welcome, said Harbinder Singh Sewak, who has been a key organizer of the Surrey parades. Along the parade route in Surrey, Sikhs will share a message of peace, equality, and freedom of religion regardless of caste or creed, while community volunteers will hand out food and drinks to everyone in attendance. Over 2500 participants representing over 20 community organizations will participate in this event, with thousands more celebrating the spirit of Vaisakhi in roadside booths along the parade route. The most important float in the procession will carry the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikhs, regarded as the teachings of the religions Ten Gurus The giving of food is at the heart of the Khalsa celebration, said Moninder Singh, Dasmesh Darbar Temple spokesman, urging those attending the parade to bring non-perishable food items. The Vancouver Vaisakhi parade which attracted tens of thousands was held last week. Parade Route Attendees of all cultures are welcome at the Surrey Vaisakhi Parade, which begins at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Darbar Temple (12885 85th Avenue in Surrey). The parade, which features a variety of floats, community groups, live music and dancers and performers travels along 124th Street, turns left onto 75th Avenue, continues on 76th Avenue, onto 128th Street, then back to the Temple. Seen here looking like the exact sort of substitute teacher that would think starting a fight club in their classroom would be a good idea when he was high, 23-year old Ryan Fish poses for his mugshot after being arrested for allowing students to slug it out fight club style in a math classroom in Montville High School in Montville, Connecticut. He also looks like he's been crying. The students told police Fish even moved classroom trash cans out of the way so they can keep fighting each other. When police asked Fish what happened during class, he told them "I would let them be teenagers and let them get their energy out." In the arrest warrant, Fish told police he didn't set up the fights but he would watch them, and said: "I will admit that I did at one point egg them on." He also mentioned, "the truth is I'm an idiot and wanted to befriend them." He also said, "I'm immature." Fish says he felt bad about the whole thing, saying "I would say I feel horrible about what happened to be honest. I didn't think it was ok, I didn't know what else to do." Ahahahahaha, he just wanted the students to like him. Man, I've got the feeling this guy's got a hard time making friends. Also, starting an organized, extracurricular fight club is one thing, but you can't just let kids go at each other all willy-nilly in a math classroom. You ever been stabbed by the pointy end of a compass before? It hurts. Just ask the kid I stabbed with the pointy end of a compass. "It hurts." Told you. It's cool though we became friends in detention after I let him stab me with a mechanical pencil. Thanks to K Diddie, for reminding me of Mrs. Gitland, the best high school substitute teacher of all time (she spent the whole period telling stories like about how her daughter was growing weed in Arizona). Different strokes for different folks -- that was her motto (also the reason I've used it as a tag for 1,798 Geekologie articles). The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2018 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement China to hold military drills in Taiwan Strait Beijing, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2018 China is scheduled to hold live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, flexing its military muscle after warning Taipei about seeking independence or closer ties with Washington. It is the first such exercise in the waterway since 2016, and it coincides with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of the self-ruled island's few remaining international allies. The Chinese government has given scant details about the manoeuvres, with a Fujian province maritime safety administration statement merely saying last week that the drills would take place from 8:00 am until midnight. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi said Monday the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". As she left for Africa on Tuesday, Tsai said Taiwan has "the confidence and determination to safeguard the country's security". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are part of one country. China sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. "The mainland must create military pressure to let the other side know that no matter whether it happens gradually or they really declare independence, it is totally unacceptable," Song Zhongping, military commentator for Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told AFP. After the Communist Party-led parliament paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life, the Chinese president warned on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Song said the Liaoning is likely to participate in Wednesday's drill, as it "has a lot of advantages for resolving the Taiwan problem." "It can effectively acquire control of the airspace, and even effectively block the US-Japanese alliance's strategy for intervening in China's plan to settle the Taiwan issue," he said. - 'Psychological warfare' - Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office, with Panama switching allegiance to China last year. Swaziland is among just 20 nations that still recognise Taipei. The drill "is part of Beijing's psychological warfare against Taiwan, and possibly a means to divert attention from Tsai's visit abroad by compelling media to report on the military drills," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. The planned drill could also serve as a signal to Washington, which sent an aircraft carrier through the disputed South China Sea last week. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier. Beijing protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. China said the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations". US plans to send American 'IS fighter' to third country Washington, April 17 (AFP) Apr 17, 2018 The US government intends to hand over to a third country an American citizen captured in Syria allegedly fighting for the Islamic State group, rather than present him to the US justice system, a court filing showed Tuesday. In the Trump administration's first decision on how to deal with citizens caught fighting for a designated terror group, the US military plans to turn over the man, a dual US-Saudi citizen born in the United States and now held in Iraq, to an unnamed country as early as late Thursday. The American Civil Liberties Union, which has been representing the man, known in court documents only as "John Doe", said it plans to ask the court to block the transfer, arguing that he has not been charged with a crime and has the right to due process under US laws. "The Trump administration has been detaining this American citizen unlawfully for more than seven months, and forcibly rendering him to another country would be an unconscionable violation of his constitutional rights," said ACLU attorney Jonathan Hafetz. "He should either be charged or freed, not handed over to an unnamed foreign government." The notice was made in a sealed two-page filing to the federal district court in Washington DC late Monday. A heavily redacted version of the filing was released Tuesday, saying the government had bowed to the court's requirement that it give a 72 hour notification before it intends to transfer the detainee. The country he will be transferred to was blacked out in the public document. The government has earlier said it has two countries he could be sent to; one is widely presumed to be Saudi Arabia, the second could be Iraq. The man is the only known US citizen held as an alleged enemy combatant from the battlefields of Iraq and Syria. On September 14 the Pentagon confirmed that they were holding him, saying he had been fighting for the Islamic State group and surrendered to the allied Syrian Democratic Forces in Syria days earlier. He was moved to Iraq where he has been interrogated by military and FBI investigators. The International Committee of the Red Cross was given access to him, and the ACLU sued to be able to represent him. In subsequent discussions with him, the ACLU says he asserted his habeas corpus rights to be charged under US law or be freed. It's not clear why the government refuses to hand him over to the US justice system, as other Americans accused of terrorism have been. But analysts think the Trump administration wants to avoid the fundamental question of whether an American caught fighting for Islamic State has any rights. Between 100 to 200 US nationals traveled to Syria and Iraq after 2010 to work and fight in their ranks, according to various estimates. A handful are known to have been killed, but the number isn't clear: the US has not provided any data. Iraq and Syria's Kurds are holding a large number of captured IS "foreign fighters", including some with European nationality. Most of their home countries don't want them, posing a dilemma that US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said in February was "an international problem." Trump has pledged to be tough on any US jihadists, threatening to send them to the military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, where 41 non-American detainees are held. But rights lawyers say that putting "John Doe" in Guantanamo would also violate his rights as a citizen. China holds live-fire drills in Taiwan Strait Beijing, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 China held live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday but Taipei dismissed the exercises as "routine" after expected large-scale naval manoeuvres failed to materialise. Beijing had announced the drills last week, further ramping up tensions following stark warnings against any independence moves by the self-ruled island which China sees as its sovereign territory. Vessels had been told to avoid a certain area off the Chinese mainland's coast, triggering speculation that a flotilla spearheaded by China's sole aircraft carrier would take part in the exercise. But Taiwan's defence ministry said Wednesday that the drills only involved land-based artillery conducting "routine" shooting practice. Beijing has yet to release any information about the drill, which Chinese authorities had said would run until midnight, without giving any details about which military equipment or personnel would be involved. "China deliberately released fake information to exaggerate it, to make it sound huge when in fact it's small," Taiwanese defence ministry spokesman Chen Chung-chi told AFP. "It's the cheapest way of verbal intimidation and sabre-rattling," Chen said, adding that such exercises had been held every year since 2007, except for last year. The drills coincided with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of Taipei's few remaining international allies. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi had said Monday that the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are one country. China sees the democratically-governed island as a renegade part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Beijing has also been angered by Washington's arms sales to Taipei. China protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main weapons supplier. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly-appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. - 'Psychological warfare' - "The mainland must create military pressure to let the other side know that no matter whether it happens gradually or they really declare independence, it is totally unacceptable," Song Zhongping, military commentator for Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told AFP. Song, a former lecturer at a People's Liberation Army university, had predicted that the Liaoning could participate in Wednesday's drill, as it "has a lot of advantages for resolving the Taiwan problem". "It can effectively acquire control of the airspace, and even effectively block the US-Japanese alliance's strategy for intervening in China's plan to settle the Taiwan issue," he said. A flotilla including the Liaoning has conducted combat training in the South China Sea in the past few days, the navy said on Tuesday. But no Chinese navy ships were reported to be in the Taiwan Strait as of Wednesday afternoon. Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office. Panama switched allegiance to China last year and Swaziland is one of Taiwan's 20 remaining allies. The drill "is part of Beijing's psychological warfare against Taiwan, and possibly a means to divert attention from Tsai's visit abroad by compelling media to report on the military drills," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. "Chinese media have played up the significance of these exercises, but in reality that will be relatively limited, and this time it's unlikely they will cross into Taiwan's side of the median line in the Taiwan Strait," Cole said. Japan anti-nuclear governor quits over sex scandal Tokyo, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 An anti-nuclear Japanese governor stepped down Wednesday after a magazine alleged he paid university students for sex, a resignation that could boost the government's plan to restart the country's mothballed reactors. Ryuichi Yoneyama was elected governor of Niigata prefecture in 2016 on a pledge to prevent the restarting of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power station, the world's biggest nuclear plant, about 200 kilometres (130 miles) northwest of Tokyo. His unexpected victory, in which he narrowly beat a government-supported candidate, posed a challenge for the pro-nuclear policy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Yoneyama, a 50-year-old unmarried doctor and lawyer, paid women in their 20s to have sex, according to the Shukan Bunshun weekly magazine. "I decided to step down to avoid further turmoil and to take responsibility for my actions," he told reporters, bowing deeply in front of the cameras. "It was hard to find someone to date... I did give gifts and money to get attention" from the women, he said. "I wasn't able to tackle the nuclear issue, which I thought was a historic mission." A 22-year-old student told the magazine he was "a good client." Prostitution is illegal in Japan but prosecution is rare. There are seven reactors across the 4.2-million-square metre (45-million-square feet) Kashiwazaki-Kariwa site. The central government can overrule a governor's opposition to restarting nuclear reactors. But Abe has promised to win approval from local communities before approving restarts under stricter post-Fukushima safety rules. Dozens of reactors across Japan were switched off in the aftermath of the March 2011 Fukushima accident, the worst nuclear disaster in a generation, and there are seven currently operating. The catastrophe forced resource-poor Japan to turn to expensive fossil fuels to plug its energy gap. But fears about the safety of nuclear power and radiation exposure linger, challenging a push by Abe and utility companies to switch back on the country's stable of reactors. Egypt army says killed jihadist leader in Sinai Cairo, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 Egypt's military said Wednesday it had killed a jihadist leader in the Sinai Peninsula, where the Islamic State group is carrying out an insurgency. During an operation in mountainous areas, Egyptian forces "killed Nasser Abu Zaqul, the central Sinai commander of the terrorist group, after significant exchanges of fire," the army said in a statement. The military said it found a rifle, two grenades and a large quantity of ammunition with the slain insurgent leader. Egypt's army launched a major offensive against the jihadists on February 9 in the northern Sinai Peninsula, in an attempt to neutralise a local branch of IS. More than 100 of the rebels and at least 30 government troops have been killed since the operation, dubbed "Sinai 2018," was launched, according to official figures. Egypt has been hit by significant militant attacks in recent years, especially after the army toppled Islamist former president Mohamed Morsi in the summer of 2013, amid mass protests against his government. Hundreds of soldiers, police and civilians have been killed in the attacks. In late November, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi gave three months for his security forces to re-establish control in Sinai, a deadline since extended. Sisi secured a second term with an overwhelming victory in a presidential poll last month with 97.1% of the vote. On Saturday the president extended a nationwide state of emergency originally declared in April 2017 by a further three months. It is the fourth extension of the measure, imposed in the wake of attacks against Coptic Christian churches in the cities of Tanta and Alexandria, which killed 45 people. A regional state of emergency has already been in place in Sinai for several years. Turkey to sack 3,000 more military over Gulen links Ankara, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 Turkish authorities will soon dismiss nearly 3,000 military personnel over links to the movement Ankara blames for the 2016 failed coup, a government minister said on Wednesday. Turkish Defence Minister Nurettin Canikli said officials "discovered a nearly three-thousand strong structure" in the armed forces, state news agency Anadolu reported. "In the coming days they will be dismissed by emergency decree. We have sent (the paperwork) to the prime ministry," Canikli said in parliament. Turkey introduced a state of emergency five days after the July 15, 2016 attempted overthrow of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The state of emergency was renewed for the seventh time on Wednesday after parliament approved a three-month extension. The emergency has come under heavy scrutiny as the government has used decrees to suspend or sack over 140,000 public sector employees including teachers and soldiers over alleged links to US-based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen or Kurdish militants. So far, 8,568 Turkish armed forces personnel have been sacked in a major purge of the military. This includes 150 generals, over half its pre-coup contingent of top ranking officers. Turkey claims Gulen ordered the coup but he denies the accusations. The European Commission on Tuesday urged Turkey to "lift the state of emergency without delay" in its latest report on Ankara's bid to join the EU. "The broad scale and collective nature, and the disproportionality of measures... such as widespread dismissals, arrests, and detentions, continue to raise serious concerns," the Commission wrote. But Canikli defended the state of emergency saying it had "only affected terror organisations, terrorists and their supporters", Anadolu quoted him as saying. "No one has been impacted. And it will continue to have no effect on anyone else." German jihadist tied to 9/11 attacks caught in Syria: Kurdish commander Qamishli, Syria, April 18 (AFP) Apr 18, 2018 A Syrian-born German national accused of helping to plan the September 11, 2001 attacks has been detained by Kurdish forces in Syria, a senior Kurdish commander told AFP Wednesday. "Mohammed Haydar Zammar has been arrested by Kurdish security forces in northern Syria and is now being interrogated," the top official said, without providing further details. Zammar, who is in his mid-fifties, has been accused of recruiting some of the September 11 hijackers. He was detained in Morocco in December 2001 in an operation involving CIA agents, and was handed over to the Syrian authorities two weeks later. A Syrian court sentenced Zammar to 12 years in prison in 2007 for belonging to the Muslim Brotherhood, a charge that at the time could have resulted in the death penalty. But conflict broke out in Syria four years later, and many hardline Islamist prisoners were released from jail or broke free and went on to join jihadist groups fighting in the war. Al-Qaeda operated a branch in Syria known as Al-Nusra Front, but the affiliate has since claimed to have broken off ties. The Islamic State jihadist group also rose to power in the country's north and east, but a US-backed alliance has ousted it from swathes of its onetime "caliphate." The Syrian Democratic Forces, a coalition of Arab and Kurdish fighters, has caught several foreign members of IS in Syria in recent months, particularly since the SDF captured the northern city of Raqa from the jihadists. The Kurdish commander who spoke to AFP on Wednesday declined to say whether Zammar had been actively fighting as a member of an extremist group in Syria. The Pentagon said it had nothing to confirm on Zammar's capture but was looking into it. Thank You, Donald! What Trump Means for Germany's Future The cracks in trans-Atlantic relations caused by Donald Trump's election provide an opportunity for Germany to finally forge ahead with its own foreign policy. One that draws Europe together and fights for what is right. Paris, April 18, 2018 (SPS) Dozens of French demonstrators have condemned on Tuesday their government support to the Moroccan regime occupation of the Saharawi people during a solidarity sit-in with French activist Claude Mangin-Asfari after being prevented from visiting her husband,. The protestors condemned the French government's negative attitude towards the Sahrawi cause, assuming it the responsibility of the arbitrary measures taken by the Moroccan state, against French citizenship and human rights activist Claude Mangin-Asfari, who was prevented yesterday from visiting her imprisoned Sahrawi political husband. They have called on their government to exert pressure on the Moroccan state to immediately release all Sahrawi political prisoners and stop the arbitrary arrests of Saharawi civilians in the occupied Territories of Western Sahara, expressing full rejection of France's complicity with the Moroccan regime in plundering Saharawi people wealth which constitutes a blatant violating the decision of the European Court of Justice. it is time for France to play its natural role in ending the suffering of the Sahrawi people in accordance with the requirements of international law and UN resolutions. the protesters stressed SPS 125/090/TRA New data from these statistics will be published on the home page of the Students and qualifications. Published: 18 April 2018 Education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree increased further According to Statistics Finland's Education Statistics, around 129,000 students attended education leading to a university of applied sciences degree and good 12,000 students education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree. The number of university of applied sciences degrees completed was 23,500 and that of higher university of applied sciences degrees 2,800. The number of students attending education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree grew by nearly 11 per cent and the number of degrees by around 10 per cent from the previous year. There were no great changes in the number of students and degrees in education leading to a university of applied sciences degree. Students and completed degrees in universities of applied sciences from 2002 to 2017 Biggest fields clearly gendered It has been possible to study for a university of applied sciences degree in education arranged as daytime or multiform studies from 2015 onwards. A total of 103,200 students studied in daytime programmes and 25,900 in multiform programmes in 2017. Women made up 52 per cent of students attending education leading to a university of applied sciences degree. Around two in three, or 65 per cent, of students in education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree were women. At around 30 per cent of all students, there were most students in education leading to a university of applied sciences degree in the field of health and welfare. More than four out of five of them were women, 83 per cent. The field of technology was the second biggest, where 23 per cent of students were studying. Of them, 84 per cent were men. The third biggest was the field of business, administration and law, where around one-fifth of university of applied sciences students were studying. In total, around three-quarters of all students in education leading to a university of applied sciences degree were studying in these three fields. In education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree the number of students was also highest in the field of health and welfare, one-third of all students. Slightly more than every fourth student in education leading to a higher university of applied sciences degree was studying in the field of business, administration and law and around every fifth in technology. The number of students was highest at Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, 16,400, and the second highest at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, 10,400. The next most students were studying at the universities of applied sciences of Tampere, Turku and South-Eastern Finland, all of which had well over 9,000 students. The smallest universities of applied sciences by number of students were Aland University of Applied Sciences, which had 521 students, and the Police University College with 806 students. Women completed good 60 per cent of all degrees Most university of applied sciences degrees were completed in the field of health and welfare, 37 per cent. Eighty-seven per cent of them were completed by women. The second most degrees were completed in the field of business, administration and law, 21 per cent. Two-thirds of these degrees were completed by women. The number of degrees completed was the third highest, 18 per cent, in the field of technology, where good four-fifths of degrees were completed by men. Women completed around 62 per cent of university of applied sciences degrees. The number of higher university of applied sciences degrees completed was also highest in the field of health and welfare, 36 per cent, and the second highest in the field of business, administration and law, 22 per cent. Women completed 70 per cent of all higher university of applied sciences degrees. Completed university of applies sciences degrees from 2008 to 2017 The highest number of degrees was attained at Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, slightly over 3,000, and the lowest at Aland University of Applied Sciences, 60. More detailed time series data on university of applied sciences students and degrees according to education and university of applied sciences, for example, are available in the tables in databases . Source: Education. Statistics Finland Inquiries: Jukka Jalolahti 029 551 3588, koulutustilastot@stat.fi Director in charge: Jari Tarkoma Publication in pdf-format (215.1 kB) Updated 18.4.2018 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): University of applied sciences education [e-publication]. ISSN=2489-3196. 2017. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 2.10.2021]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/akop/2017/akop_2017_2018-04-18_tie_001_en.html NEW ORLEANS, April 17, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until May 11, 2018 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against BRF S.A. (NYSE:BRFS), if they purchased the Companys securities between April 4, 2013 and March 2, 2018, inclusive (the Class Period). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Get Help BRF S.A. investors should visit us at https://www.claimsfiler.com/cases/view-brf-sa-securities-litigation or call to speak to our claim center toll-free at (844) 367-9658. About the Lawsuit BRF S.A. and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws. The alleged false and misleading statements and omissions include, but are not limited to, that: (i) BRF employees bribed regulators, among others, to unduly influence results of inspections to conceal unsanitary practices at the Companys food processing plants; (ii) the discovery of the foregoing conduct would foreseeably subject the Company and its officers to heightened regulatory enforcement and/or prosecution; and (iii) as a result of the foregoing, BRFs financial statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. About ClaimsFiler ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. ClaimsFiler's team of experts monitor the securities class action landscape and cull information from a variety of sources to ensure comprehensive coverage across a broad range of financial instruments. To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com. Hamilton, Bermuda, April 18, 2018 - Seadrill Limited ("Seadrill" or the "Company") announces that its Plan of Reorganization (the "Plan") has been confirmed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas. The Plan has near unanimous support from the Company's stakeholders and emergence from Chapter 11 is expected within the next 60-90 days. The Plan strengthens our capital structure with $1.08 billion of new capital, extending and re-profiling $5.7 billion of secured bank debt, and converting $2.3 billion of unsecured bonds to equity, while leaving employee, customer, and ordinary trade claims largely unaffected. Once implemented, we will have a strong liquidity position that will enable us to take advantage of a market recovery and to deliver our business plan. Commenting today, Anton Dibowitz, CEO and President of Seadrill Management Ltd., said: "Confirmation of the Plan represents a major accomplishment for Seadrill and all our stakeholders. The near unanimous support for the Plan we put forward demonstrates the level of backing we have had from all stakeholders. It is also reflects the hard work we have all put in over many months to successfully recapitalize the Company. "There is no question that Seadrill is a great company, with the best people in the industry and we will now have the platform and strengthened balance sheet to continue to develop our business and serve our customers with the high standards they have become accustomed." CONTACT: Prime Clerk US Toll Free: 844-858-8891 Brazil Toll Free: 0-800-591-8054 Mexico Toll Free: 01-800-681-5354 Nigeria Toll Free: 070-80601847 Norway Toll Free: 800-25-030 Saudi Arabia Toll Free: 800-850-0029 Singapore Toll Free: 800-492-2272 Thailand Toll Free: 1-800-011-156 UAE Toll Free: 8000-3570-4559 UK Toll Free: 0-800-069-8580 Email: seadrillinfo@primeclerk.com FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This news release includes forward looking statements. Such statements are generally not historical in nature, and specifically include statements about the Company's plans, strategies, business prospects, changes and trends in its business, the markets in which it operates and its restructuring efforts. These statements are made based upon management's current plans, expectations, assumptions and beliefs concerning future events impacting the Company and therefore involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this news release. Consequently, no forward-looking statement can be guaranteed. When considering these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risks described from time to time in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 20-F (File No. 001-34667). The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of these factors. Further, the Company cannot assess the impact of each such factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to be materially different from those contained in any forward looking statement. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Shares is the leading weekly publication for retail investors. It is packed with investment ideas, news and educational material to help build and run portfolios and get more from your money. Shares puts on free Investor Events throughout the year across the country. They provide an opportunity for investors to learn more about companies on the stock market and hear from a range of investment experts including fund managers and Shares journalists. English Latvian Riga, Latvia, 2018-04-18 07:42 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- This is to inform that ABLV Bank, AS has increased share capital of two of its subsidiaries Pillar Development, SIA and New Hanza Centre, SIA (formerly known as ABLV Building Complex, SIA). The share Capital of Pillar Development, SIA was increased by EUR 5.75 million and now amounts to EUR 39.45 million, while the New Hanza Centre, SIA share capital was increased by EUR 4.9 million and now amounts to EUR 35.1 million. The Pillar Development, SIA share capital increase is aimed at paying for the construction works already done in the multifunctional culture centre Hanzas perons that is a former Rigas cargo railway station at the New Hanza territory, as well as to complete the principal construction works under the reconstruction of this historically important building. The New Hanza Centre, SIA share capital increase is also related to the construction works at New Hanza building the block of office premises: the started works need to be paid for and the piling has to be completed. The said construction works are important to prevent long-term losses regarding these unfinished objects. In accordance with the decision of the shareholders of ABLV Bank about the voluntary liquidation of the bank, real estate development and management is not a priority for the bank right now, therefore, ABLV Bank, AS invested the buildings at 21a Elizabetes St. and 23 Elizabetes St. in NHC 5, SIA, which is a subsidiary of New Hanza Capital, AS, the subsidiary of ABLV Bank, AS, in order to facilitate its further management, maintenance, and collaboration with the tenants. Thus, the NHC 5, SIA share capital is increased by EUR 8.19 million and now amounts to EUR 8.2 million with ABLV Bank, AS obtaining 98.71% of its shares. The abovementioned decisions are coordinated with the Financial and Capital Market Commission. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glacier Lake Resources Inc. (TSXV:GLI) (Glacier or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the Hackett and the North Wolverine properties in the Sheslay area of northwestern British Columbia. The properties are located approximately 38 kilometers northwest of the village of Telegraph Creek, and approximately 95 kilometers west-southwest of Dease Lake. Association for Mineral Exploration British Columbia (AMEBC) notes that; The Sheslay area, located in northwestern British Columbia, is one of the most promising grassroots mineral exploration areas in Canada, and this highly prospective area has been explored for many years by a number of companies. The Hackett property adjoins the eastern border of the Hat property, owned by Doubleview Capital Corp. (Doubleview). The Hackett property is interpreted to be underlain by volcanic-sedimentary assemblages and intrusive rocks of the Stuhini Group. Exploration continues at Doubleviews Hat property with the discovery of the Lisle Zone in 2014. Doubleviews website reports; The known Lisle zone (currently 500m x 1000m) occurs near the southeastern edge of the Hat complex and suggests a potential to host several similar size mineralized porphyry bodies in Anomaly E, A, C, D and the least explored Hoey zone, all of which remain to be investigated. Glacier Lake cautions readers the presence of copper mineralization on the Hat Property is not necessarily indicative of similar mineralization on the Hackett Property. The western border of the Hackett property is less than a kilometre away from Doubleviews Lisle Zone, and the Hoey Zone is located near Big Creek on the boundary with the Hat property. A limited exploration program conducted in 2014 (assessment file #34955) returned strongly anomalous gold and copper values in rock grab samples, from oxidized mineralized showings from the western flank of the Hackett property. Two east-west trending mineralized occurrences were discovered in an area of limited exposure. The initial discovery mineral showing (sample numbers 16846 and 16847) returned 24 and 594 parts per billion (ppb) gold, and 598 and 2970 parts per million (ppm) copper, respectively. Approximately 150 meters upstream on Big Creek from the discovery showing, another strongly oxidized showing returned 128 ppb gold and 935 ppm copper. The Company considers these initial sample values very significant, representing the first anomalous gold and copper values returned from the Hackett property and further feel they may represent the extension of porphyry style mineralization indicated in surface sampling and diamond drill holes on the contiguous Doubleview Hat property. Glacier Lake cautions investors it has yet to verify the Hackett property exploration data. The North Wolverine property is located approximately 6 kilometers southwest of the southern boundary of the Hackett property and is completely surrounded by Garibaldi Resources Ltd.s large Grizzly property. The Wolverine showing (Minfile 104J 059) is located on the southern boundary of the North Wolverine property, lying along the Golden Bear Mine Road. Excerpts from the Minfile report include: Mineralization consists of pods or perhaps disrupted veins of massive pyrite and chalcopyrite which occur in fault gouge cutting a microcrystalline, marginal phase of the diorite. The largest segment of vein consists of massive pyrite and chalcopyrite and is approximately 8 metres long. It yielded from less than 34 to up to 154 grams per tonne gold over a 0.4 metre width. Several smaller segments of massive pyrite yielded grades up to 16 grams per tonne gold, however, others are only weakly anomalous or barren (Assessment Report 20945, page 17). The segments of veins have been found only within the trenched areas of the main showing. Amarc Resources Ltd. 2004 exploration activities outlined multiple gold and copper soil anomalies north of the Wolverine Showing which are now within the North Wolverine property. Glacier Lake cautions investors it has yet to verify the North Wolverine property exploration data. We are very pleased to increase our growing property portfolio with the addition of these exciting assets in B.C.s prolific Golden Triangle region, says Saf Dhillon, President/CEO. We plan to further evaluate other projects within Canada and abroad as we await our assays from our Phase I drilling at Silver Vista, B.C. The assays are being held in the ALS Labs until all samples have been collected, tested and then they will be released in their entirety. The Company is planning a summer exploration program on the Hackett and North Wolverine properties consisting of property reconnaissance, prospecting and sampling. The objective of the first-pass program is to verify the documented mineral showings, follow-up the soil anomalies and prospect favourable areas. In consideration for the claim blocks, Glacier Lake will complete a cash payment of $20,000 and issue three million common shares. Completion of the acquisition is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. All common shares issued will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period. The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, PGeo, a member of the Glacier Lake advisory board and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 -- Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. For additional information please feel free to contact: Saf Dhillon President/CEO Glacier Lake Resources Inc. Tel: 866-687-7059 Dir: 604-688-2922 saf@glacierlake.ca Please visit our Website at: www.glacierlake.ca Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MGX Minerals Inc. (MGX or the Company) (CSE:XMG) (FKT:1MG) (OTCQB:MGXMF) is pleased to its 100% wholly-owned subsidiary ZincNyx Energy Solutions, Inc. (ZincNyx) has signed a Letter of Intent (the LOI) to enter into a partnership agreement with New York based systems integrator Digital Energy Corporation (Digital). Under the terms of the agreement, Digital will install the ZincNyx battery system at a demonstration site in New York City. Upon successful completion of the first project, ZincNyx and Digital will develop additional installation sites and work to expand distribution of the ZincNyx technology. The project will demonstrate ZincNyxs patented zinc-air flow-battery technology in combination with an onsite co-generation plant to reduce cost and increase revenue through multiple value streams, including peak shaving, demand response and economic dispatch. The ZincNyx flow battery chosen for this project employs a unique zinc-air chemistry that is safe for use in densely populated areas. The project will identify the operational and regulatory requirements to be satisfied for deployment in the state of New York. Digitals choice, amongst many high capacity batteries, is the zinc-air system that has long been recognized as highly advantageous due to its inherent safety, high energy density and abundance of its raw materials. The other unique advantages of the ZincNyx system, such as the ability to simultaneously charge and discharge, flexibility to optimize power and energy needs, low cost of energy for long durations and modularity, further simplified the decision. We are delighted with this partnership with Digital Energy, said ZincNyx President and CEO Suresh Singh. Digitals years of experience with system integration and energy generation will greatly enhance our ability to deploy energy storage solutions throughout the United States. Digital is excited to partner with ZincNyx to bring lower cost energy storage solutions to New York State. We believe the ZincNyx flow battery product, along with revenue streams from the New York State REV initiative and the NYISO, will provide a high value proposition for this and future projects, said Digital Energy Vice President Jon Lilian. About ZincNyx Energy Solutions ZincNyx Energy Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of MGX, has assembled an experienced team to execute the development and commercialization of a dependable renewable energy source. With both environmental and efficiency factors in mind, ZincNyx strives to meet the growing need for secure and reliable power. MGX intends to publicly list ZincNyx and pay a partial share dividend to MGX shareholders of record (see press release dated April 3, 2018). The record date is expected to be announced shortly. About Digital Energy Digital Energy is a project development and energy consulting firm. Digital focuses on maximizing financial performance, by working with DER (Distributed Energy Resources) owners, to efficiently operate their energy assets. Digital believes that combining other DER technologies with the ZincNyx flow battery solution will provide a mechanism for DER owners to derive additional value. Digitals participation in FERC, NYISO, and PSC proceeding has led to beneficial regulatory changes for DER owners. Digital is currently participating in several regulatory proceedings that will provide additional value streams to the owners of these types of energy assets. Digital is uniquely positioned to assist owners in monetizing the full value of their facilities. To learn more about Digital Energy visit www.digitalenergyny.com. About MGX Minerals MGX Minerals is a diversified Canadian resource company with interests in advanced material and energy assets throughout North America. Learn more at www.mgxminerals.com. Contact Information Jared Lazerson President and CEO Inquiries: info@mgxminerals.com Web: www.mgxminerals.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively "forward-looking information") within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "potentially" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by the Company is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking information as a result of various factors. The reader is referred to the Company's public filings for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects which may be accessed through the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. NAPLES, Fla., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HealthLynked Corp. (OTCQB:HLYK) today announced release of its access control panel feature. A key service to members of the HealthLynked Network is the ability to share of their Personal Health Records with the healthcare providers they choose. HealthLynkeds access control software allows users to control who can access their medical information, including: their HealthLynked medical profile summary page, personal medical record archive, the ability to request personal health records from their providers, and more. Access can be limited to view only or a user can grant full edit capabilities to their healthcare providers and healthcare surrogates in order to add, delete, and/or edit their medical information. This allows HealthLynked Network users to assure that their medical information is up to date and accurate. Medical record access is also controlled at the level of each record and time parameters can be established as an additional level of security. HealthLynked CEO Dr. Michael Dent stated, The access control software allows our users the unique ability to take full control of their medical information. A user can control who can access, edit and add information to their HealthLynked profile and Personal Health Record. The access control software operates to keep the patient in charge of their medical information while at the same time allowing healthcare providers and healthcare surrogates to maintain the most up-to-date information on behalf of the patient. Dr. Dent went on to say Having practiced for over 20 years, I am aware of the need for patients and physicians to share sensitive medical information and maintain privacy. The HealthLynked personal health record system allows patients and their healthcare providers to work together to assure the efficient exchange of medical information and improving healthcare for all our members. About HealthLynked Corp. HealthLynked Corp. provides a solution for both patient members and healthcare providers to improve healthcare through the efficient exchange of medical information. The HealthLynked Network is a cloud-based platform that allows members to connect with their healthcare providers and take control of their medical information. Members enter their medical information, including medications, allergies, past surgeries and personal health records, in one convenient online and secure location, free of charge. Participating healthcare providers can connect with their current and future patients through the system. Other benefits to our providers include the ability to utilize the HealthLynked marketing tools to connect with their active and inactive patients to improve patient retention, access more accurate and current patient information, provide more efficient online scheduling, and to fill last minute cancelations using our real time appointment scheduling mobile application. Healthcare providers pay a monthly fee to access these HealthLynked services. For additional information about HealthLynked Corp. visit www.healthlynked.com Forward Looking Statements Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as may, could, expect, intend, plan, seek, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict, potential, continue, likely, will, would and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. Certain risks and uncertainties applicable to us and our operations are described in the Risk Factors section of our most recent annual or quarterly report and in other reports we have filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These reports are available at www.sec.gov. Company Contact: George O'Leary Chief Financial Officer goleary@healthlynked.com LAS VEGAS, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trustifi announced today the addition of Neville Pokroy, MD, a prominent Las Vegas doctor, specializing in nephrology, to its board of directors. Dr. Pokroy brings more than 41 years of experience in the medical field. That industry holds massive amounts of private data and is extremely vulnerable to email security breaches and phishing, said Idan Udi Edry, CEO of Trustifi. Having such a distinguished veteran choose to be on our board shows not only his recognition of our technologys application in the industry but also his belief in the success of the company. Dr. Pokroy has held academic appointments in South Africa, Israel, the UK and the US. He currently has a medical practice in Critical Care and Nephrology and is Medical Director of Davita Dialysis in Las Vegas. He is also on the Medical Executive Committee for Summerlin Hospital. I am honored to be a part of this board, said Dr. Pokroy. Keeping patient information private and protected is part of our duty as caregivers. Trustifis technology can easily be applied in the medical industry, from clinics and hospitals, to private practices, clinical trials, and pharmaceuticals." Last month, Trustifii nationally launched its secure email platform, including a highly sought-after feature, Trustifi Postmarked Email, which acts as a federally approved digital substitute to the U.S. Postal Services (USPS) certified mail. In addition to date/time and geo-based location tracking, the service offers several unique feature sets including encryption, two-factor authentication, and real-time sensitive content review of an email being drafted. It alerts the sender of any content (including the file names of attachments) with potentially sensitive data a user may want to examine before sending. Unlike most email encryption platforms, Trustifi Postmarked Email is certified and can be used in legal proceedings or court as evidence. By using Trustifi, both organizations and consumers can easily send time-sensitive, confidential data via an encrypted email to a recipient (who does not have to have the service), for just pennies, and be alerted when it has been opened and read, by whom, where, and if the email was forwarded or printed. The encryption also continues throughout the forwarding and replies to the email. The secure feature includes two-factor authentication to assist with data loss prevention by confirming the correct recipient of the outgoing email. The platform includes free plugins for Google Chrome and Microsoft Outlook. To view the pricing and benefits, please visit https://trustifi.com/pricing. About Trustifi Trustifis subscription services include secure email that delivers sensitive content detection, military-grade encryption, geo-based location tracking, and scalable e-Signature as well as regulatory compliance features in a simple to use, all-in-one interface. Its patented, SaaS-based Trustifi Postmarked Email service is a federally-accepted method of sending legal documents online. Headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada, and funded by venture capital firm Redhills Ventures, Trustifis founders have deep experience in cryptography, non-repudiation, and cybersecurity. They are focused on what they do best: secure communications. The service is used by enterprises, small businesses, and consumers who want to ensure confidentiality and security in the delivery of their emails when they contain sensitive information. For more information about the company visit www.trustifi.com or email info@trustificorp.com. Follow the firm via Twitter at @Trustifi. SCOTTSBLUFF - Regional West announced today that it is adding the management and oversight of a fixed wing aircraft to its Air Link air ambulance flight program. The new partnership will enhance Air Links air medical transport services with the fixed wing aircrafts capability to travel longer distances, carry larger patient loads, and safely fly in varying weather conditions. Med-Trans Corporation, a leading air medical company, is partnering with Regional West to assist with adding the fixed wing aircraft to its helicopter services. The airplane will be based at Western Nebraska Regional Airport in Scottsbluff. The Air Link helicopter will continue to be based at the Regional West campus. We are excited to expand upon the exceptional service and advanced care that has been provided by the Air Link team throughout the region for over 20 years with the addition of the fixed wing aircraft program, said John Mentgen, Regional West President and CEO. This new partnership provides a comprehensive air ambulance transport system and furthers our commitment and expertise to provide excellent patient care services as the regions Level II Trauma Center and acute care hospital. The expanse of Western Nebraska poses unique challenges both for those who need care and for the health care providers charged with serving them, especially when the need is in rural areas. That is one of the reasons why reliable, quality air ambulance service is so vital for our region. Since November 1995, Regional Wests Air Link air ambulance helicopter service has provided advanced life support and transportation for acutely ill patients and in the critical minutes following traumatic injuries. The Regional West Air Link program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), a nationally recognized organization that ensures such programs meet national standards for safety, education, and training. The Air Link program serves a vast region spanning western Nebraska, eastern Wyoming, southern South Dakota, and northern Colorado. The Air Link flight crew, which includes flight nurses and paramedics, are Regional West staff. Peter Meyer, MD is the medical director of the flight program and a Regional West emergency department and trauma center physician. We are very pleased to be able to respond to Regional Wests growing needs in the region by adding fixed wing medical transports to its growing comprehensive approach to providing emergent medical services, said Med-Trans President Rob Hamilton. High Plains OCIA of Nebraska chapter of Organic Crop Improvement Association held its annual general membership meeting on Saturday, March 24 in Sidney to elect officers for 2018 and conduct other business. Bernie Fehringer was elected president of the High Plains chapter for 2018. Current and newly elected board members include Mark Jones of Oshkosh, Walt Kallsen of Big Springs, Mike Wiest of Lodgepole, Cliff Johnson of Sidney, and Dennis Demmel of Ogallala. A resolution was adopted to amend the Bylaws. The classification of Farmer/Processor was removed and classification of Contract Processor was edited due to no longer being relevant to the chapter. In other business, the members approved a budget for the 2018 year, discussed the 2018 scholarship program and heard reports from the crop improvement committee. The Organic Crop Improvement Association was established to provide organic crop improvement through professional development of organic farmers. The process includes technical assistance, education and research. OCIA International also provides impartial third party certification of organic farmer and processor members through uniform standards used to define identity and quality of organic foods. The High Plains OCIA of Nebraska chapter, organized in 1998, has members who are certified organic producers in Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming and South Dakota. Supporting members are also welcome. Sara Fehringer of Sidney, Nebraska is the Chapter Administrator and can be reached at 308-254-3330 for more information. LINCOLN The global emergence of climate change should get farmers thinking and acting locally, according to nearly a half-century of data analyzed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The new Nebraska study suggests that climate shifts between 1968 and 2013 drove about 25 percent of the collective fluctuations in corn, soybean and sorghum yields across the Great Plains. Both temperature and precipitation had their fingerprints on that quarter of the variability, which (itself) varied with location and crop, said study co-author Meetpal Kukal, doctoral student in biological systems engineering. There are clear signatures of climate in the crop-yield patterns that we quantified here. But the magnitude and direction of those climatic effects often differed within a state, sometimes even across neighboring counties. In certain counties, temperature and precipitation shifts accounted for up to 52 percent of the variance in crop yields; in others, those factors seemed to have virtually no effect. The study further found that corn, soybean and sorghum responded differently to similar changes in climate factors. People talk a lot about global climate change and continent-level change, said senior author Suat Irmak, Eberhard Distinguished Professor of biological systems engineering. Quantifying whats happening globally is great, but we cannot generalize that to everywhere. We need to go into more local areas to look at those interactions so that effective region- or location-specific methods and strategies can be developed. We have average, aggregated numbers over the (whole) region, Kukal said. But its always better to look at finer scales when possible. Irmak and Kukal analyzed U.S. Department of Agriculture data for 834 counties across nine states -- North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas -- that collectively produced 46 percent of U.S. corn yields, 89 percent of sorghum and 36 percent of soybean. The 46-year span is among the longest analyzed in a study of climatic effects on agriculture, the researchers said, with most prior studies covering a maximum of 30 years. The studys findings could help guide the allocation of vital but limited resources, Irmak said, including the aquifer-derived water used to irrigate crops. Because some areas of a state produce far greater yields than do others, even moderate shifts of temperature or precipitation in those areas could substantially affect the food and fuel production of an entire state or even a region, he said. Whereas precipitation shifts explained the sorghum variance in just 17 percent of counties, for instance, those counties produced 49 percent of the sorghum in the Great Plains. And though only 18 percent of counties could pin their soybean variance on precipitation shifts, those counties produced 32 percent of the regions soybean. The three crops showed varying degrees of sensitivity to temperature increases, which occurred in 578 of the 834 counties. Irmak and Kukal concluded that corn -- followed by soybean, then sorghum is most susceptible to rising temperatures. Despite this -- and further emphasizing the importance of county-level analysis the researchers found that more counties actually saw their corn yields increase rather than decrease under a warming climate. How? Corn was often irrigated, which seemed to more than offset the potential effects of rising temperatures. Non-irrigated corn was roughly twice as sensitive to temperature increases, the study reported. This buffering effect of irrigation, which aligns with prior research, also appeared when examining overall yields. The variance in yields of non-irrigated corn, sorghum and soybean was 77, 69 and 63 percent higher, respectively, than their irrigated counterparts. Changes in climate accounted for just 8 percent of the yield variance in irrigated corn vs. 41 percent of non-irrigated corn; 4 percent vs. 35 percent of soybean; and 9 percent vs. 23 percent of sorghum. Yet the interactions between precipitation and irrigation differed among the crops: Non-irrigated corn was 43 times more sensitive than irrigated corn to shifts in precipitation, whereas non-irrigated soybean and sorghum were only about three times more sensitive. Those nuances illustrate the value of collecting local data that accounts for different climate variables, crop types and growing conditions, the researchers said. I hope we are successful in getting across the message that there are changes in temperature and precipitation, (but) those changes are different over time and location, and they are having different impacts on our agricultural productivity, Irmak said. That can help high-level advisers, decision-makers and policymakers to identify locations where those impacts are greatest so that resource allocation or re-allocation can make (fields) even more productive. Our agricultural productivity has national implications on the economy, on jobs, on social issues these are really important and big topics. I hope they take home the message that things are changing, and we need to be proactive and pay attention to those so that we can sustain our productivity. Irmak and Kukal reported their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. The study is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-21848-2. Nebraska Extensions Tractor Safety & Hazardous Occupations Courses will be offered at Gering and Gordon in June, as well as and 10 other Nebraska locations this year for teens 14 or 15 years of age who will work on a farm. Federal law prohibits youth under 16 years old from using certain equipment on a farm unless parents or legal guardians own the farm. Certification received through a course provided by Nebraska Extension grants an exemption to the law, allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and work with certain mechanized equipment. Anyone older than 15 is also welcome to... Its a failsafe combination; speed and style. When power is wrapped up in a sophisticated package there isnt much to contest. Rush is a superyacht that combines these elements yet has never been offered for charter or sale before. Hoping for a buyer who will enjoy her in the summer, we asked about her suitability for the continental regions we all know and love. Julia began, RUSH is like a Ferrari of the seas: a highly-styled / stylish vessel with stabilizers, a quite unusual asset of 50m open speed boat of this quality. You can easily make a quick run from Monaco to Saint-Tropez, or join the most beautiful spots of Porto Cervo in perfect peace of mind, arriving with style and elegance. She continued, Thinking about her speed is also thinking about the quality of cruising: here again, thanks to her pristine condition and intensive care, RUSH is among the best in her category. The Imperial management standards have a high reputation within our industry! Aptness for the Med confirmed, it surely wont be too much of a challenge to find a new owner for RUSHs impressive list of superlatives, but Mangusta-builds have a strong silhouette and we wanted to know who she would be most suited-to. A buyer who loves speed, roaring design and unrivaled quality of materials is the ideal one to own RUSH, explained Julia. The Mangusta 165 range is unique, and so their owners: being a part of this legend is an achievement that we wish to her future buyer. She is not only fantastic from the outside: she boasts plethora of details that makes her really standing out in her range! But its not just her sporty exterior that provides a draw, on the inside, her interior reflects that of a much more spacious vessel. Ornate and inspiring, her list of stand-out features is endless. Julia described, There is so much to say about her interiors, but lets start by the beginning: its a vessel which was supervised during her construction by the Imperial teams, so we pushed the standards very high with Overmarine to reach the expectations of our client. Involved in the original build and design process and now her sale, Imperial Yachts are experts on Rush, inside and out. Details include, An abundance of Wenge wood, Mother of Pearl, Onyx, silk blend carpets and high-end designed Foglizzo leather wall panels her layout is also impressive: our teams did all the necessary for any space on board to be fully optimized: it results a 5-cabins layout with an additional spa/Mmassage room, very unusual on open boat. The best in her high octane class, 50m Rush is introduced to the market for the first time with Imperial Yachts and we look forward to seeing her new owners crossing horizons on board in the coming season. The Costa del Sol has become a haven for vehicles known in Spain as VTCs; these are pre-booked vehicles with drivers, which tourists often use to travel from the airport to their hotels. They are normally dark-coloured top-of-the-range saloon cars, similar to a normal taxi in appearance, and are often used by companies such as Cabify. In Malaga province VTC licences have tripled in the past four years and there are now 683, according to a report published by the Ministry of Transport last month. The ministry regulates the business, although it is the regional governments who grant the licences. The numbers have been steadily increasing. There were 604 in November, 571 in July last year and only 240 in 2014, and now only Madrid (2,933) and Barcelona (920) have more VTCs than Malaga province. When these figures are compared with the 2,741 taxis which operate in Malaga, according to the National Institute of Statistics (the ministry's figures only show the 2,583 which are authorised for inter-urban services), it becomes clear that this province is the furthest from complying with the ratio of one VTC for every 30 taxis which is established under Land Transport regulations. At present there is one VTC for every four taxis in Malaga (1:5 in Madrid, 1:12 in Barcelona and 1:10 nationally). In other words, officially there should only be 86 VTCs or, viewing it from another perspective, there should be 20,490 taxis. This is not the case in other tourist destinations, because two other factors increase the competition in this region even further. Firstly, in Andalucia another 456 licences (161 of them in Seville) have been granted which enable the drivers to operate anywhere in the region by prior reservation. One example is Cabify, which as well as having a presence in Malaga, also operates in Seville, Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia. The company has about 100 self-employed drivers who move between Malaga and Seville provinces according to demand. At present the majority are in Seville but in the summer they will come to the Costa del Sol to expand the service there, mainly in Malaga city, Marbella and other tourist resorts such as Torremolinos and Benalmadena. The second factor is that 5,759 VTCs in Spain are authorised to work outside their normal region as long as those journeys do not exceed 20 per cent of their quarterly turnover. It was the arrival of several dozen vehicles from Madrid to take advantage of the Malaga Fair which set off the tense conflict with local taxi drivers last August. Figures from the Unauto-VTC union show that about 30 companies are operating these vehicles in Malaga province, in addition to self-employed drivers who work for tour operators, travel agents or apps like Cabify. The 1:30 ratio is being ignored in this area because the last socialist government liberalised the sector and withdrew this restriction in 2009. This led to numerous new licences being granted. When the conservative PP came into power in 2013 it tried to stop this by changing the law, but it took two years for the new regulations to come into force and the 1:30 ratio did not take effect until November 2015. Legal vacuum Because so many licences had been granted (1,881 were issued between December 2009 and November 2015), the Junta de Andalucia stopped issuing them, but last November the Supreme Court found in favour of two companies who had been denied 80 licences by the Community of Madrid. The taxi sector now fears that other companies will follow suit and the courts could ratify the 10,000 applications for licences which had been made in Spain before November 2015, of which 1,000 were in Malaga. Is there enough work for them all? The taxi drivers fear that the future looks increasingly bleak, while Unauto-VTC and Cabify say there is enough demand. For an area and a population as large as Andalucia there are not that many licences. Taxis and VTCs have always coexisted on the Costa del Sol. The difference now is that major companies have come onto the scene and are also doing urban journeys, just as we are allowed to, says Unauto-VTC's Andalucia representative, Pablo Garcia. The director of Cabify in Malaga, Marta Campos, says this is a good time for tourism on the Costa del Sol and that coexistence is possible because the two services can complement each other and we can open new paths of collaboration. The president of the Taxi Confederation of the Costa del Sol, Jose Royon, is less pessimistic than some, insisting that by providing a quality service and doing things well everything will be fine. However, he does stress that the rules have to be the same for everybody. We are highly regulated, in terms of fares and times of leaving our municipality, while VTCs have total freedom to move around and set their prices according to demand, he complains. He says there should be more controls of VTCs because they are only supposed to be booked in advance but are often seen picking clients up in the streets or driving near taxi ranks in the hope that someone flags them down. The government believes it has found a way to prevent that problem by obliging VTC drivers to enter every journey they make on a central register, and the Junta de Andalucia is legally restricting the issue of VTC licences by asking councils for a report about demand for the service in their area. A new regulation will also prevent licences being transferred to anyone else for a period of two years after issue. LONDON, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Living under the strict rules of Yugoslavias socialist government was not always easy for the Karic family. Limitations on private enterprise conflicted with the familys long-held entrepreneurial spirit, while high unemployment and the mass emigration of skilled workers made economic growth difficult to achieve. It wasnt until the country loosened its ideological restrictions in the 1960s that the Karic familys business ideas could finally come to fruition. After opening the first private factory in Eastern Europe, they subsequently created the BK Group and set about transforming it into an industrial network of more than 400 contractors. The prevailing communist power structures in Beijing and Moscow may have disapproved the familys entrepreneurial endeavours, but the development of the local economy was a vindication of their efforts. Today a BK Group subsidiary, Dana Holdings, continues to show how private enterprise can deliver sustainable growth and empower local workers. The real estate construction company has already completed more than 1,000 projects across various markets and has many more planned for the future. Among its most high-profile developments is Minsk World, a 3,000,000sq m mixed-use project scheduled for completion in 2028. When finished, it will comprise 30,000 high-quality residential units, 305,000sq m of Class A office space and a new International Financial Centre capable of attracting investment from all over the world. Although the fall of the Iron Curtain has certainly caused an upturn in fortunes for many former-Soviet countries, there remains work to be done. States in Central and Eastern Europe still need an estimated 615bn of investment in transport infrastructure to catch up with countries in the West. Fortunately, Dana Holdings is helping to make that happen, one project at a time. For more about Dana Holdings and how its construction projects are providing a boost to economies in Eastern Europe, check out an exclusive article in the latest edition of World Finance, available in print, on tablet and online now. www.worldfinance.com World News Media is a leading publisher of quality financial and business magazines, which enjoys a global distribution network that includes subscriber lists of prominent decision-makers around the world. CONTACT INFORMATION World News Media Elizabeth Matsangou Editorial Department +44 (0)20 7553 4162 elizabeth.matsangou@wnmedia.com Syracuse, N.Y. -- A city agency has approved an increase in the value of sales tax exemptions for two development projects that have run millions of dollars over their original construction budgets. Pioneer Cos. reported spending $14.2 million more than its original $27.5 million budget to redevelop the historic, 21-story State Tower Building at 109 S. Warren St. It converted vacant and underutilized office space on the building's upper floors into 61 apartments and renovated office and retail space on its lower floors. Much of the extra spending was to correct water damage to the building's exterior, the company said. More than 60,000 lineal feet of asbestos-containing caulking was replaced and many of the building's parapets were rebuilt. BVSHSSF Syracuse LLC, the developer of the 244-unit Peak Campus student housing project set for occupancy this fall at 945 E. Genesee St., said its costs have risen from $66.6 million to $71.5 million. It attributed the increase to higher spending on construction, furniture and fixtures, and the city fire department's requirement that overhead power lines be buried. Rendering shows what the Peak Campus student housing project on East Genesee Street in Syracuse will look like when it opens this fall. (Rick Moriarty | rmoriarty@syracuse.com) The Syracuse Industrial Development Agency previously had granted both developments exemptions from sales taxes on construction materials and furnishings. The value of those exemptions approved by the agency were based on the original cost estimates of the projects. In the case of the State Tower Building, the value of the sales tax exemption was set at $803,886. At the company's request, the development agency voted 4-0 Tuesday to increase the value of the exemption by $596,114 to $1.4 million. The value of the sales tax exemption for the Peak Campus project was set at $1.36 million. The development agency voted 4-0 Tuesday to increase that by $359,919 to $1.72 million. Rich Puchalski, executive director of Syracuse United Neighbors, objected to the agency granting the increased exemption for the State Tower Building redevelopment. He said the agency should not be granting tax exemptions for high-end, downtown housing when the city has over 1,500 vacant homes, many of them in the low-income South, Southwest and Near Westside neighborhoods represented by his organization. "It's time to change things up," Puchalski said. "It's time to build up the south and near-west sides." After the meeting, Puchalski said he would like to see the agency require the developers of high-end housing projects that receive tax exemptions to contribute to a "community benefit" fund to improve the housing stock in the city's poorer neighborhoods. Honora Spillane, deputy commissioner of the city Department of Neighborhood and Business Development, said the agency is looking for ways that it can contribute to the revitalization of the city's neighborhoods. She noted the agency voted in October to pay for a $75,000 study of ways to revitalize the South Avenue business corridor, which runs through some of the poorest sections of the city. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 Rome, N.Y. -- John Collins was standing outside the milk house at his dairy farm this morning when he heard yelling coming from inside. He ran in, he says, and saw his worker, Marcial de Leon Aguilar, pinned up against the window by armed men. The men did not identify themselves and were screaming at Aguilar, Collins said. "I run and say, 'What the hell is going on in here?'" Collins said. Then the men told Collins they were officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. He asked them for a warrant or some paperwork to explain what they were doing. They had none, he said, so he ordered them to get off his property and leave Aguilar alone. As this happened, Collins said, Aguilar's children watched. They were waiting nearby for the school bus to come. Collins said the officers put Aguilar in handcuffs and took him across the rural road to their vehicles. At least seven officers had come onto the small farm, Collins said. Adrian Smith, a spokesman for ICE, said he was looking into the situation and would comment when he knew more. Collins said he followed the officers cross the street and asked them why they were taking Aguilar, but he didn't get a straight answer. He also continued to ask for paperwork, but was not offered any by the ICE officers. Aguilar and his wife, Virginia, are Guatemalan. Aguilar has worked for Collins for about nine months, Collins said. Aguilar, his wife, and his children live in a home on Collins' property. Collins said Aguilar had proper documentation to work for him. And he's been paying taxes since working for Collins. Aguilar's wife, Virginia, and the couple's four children were not in the U.S. until recently. She was caught crossing the border, illegally, with the children. Collins said she has been meeting with ICE officers since she arrived, and is seeking asylum for herself and the children because of the violence in Guatemala. Collins said Virginia met with ICE officers as recently as last week, and has another meeting scheduled for this Friday. At times, Aguilar has accompanied his wife, who is pregnant, to some of the meetings, Collins said. Collins said he isn't sure why ICE officers came for Aguilar and he was upset that they came onto his property without any notification or permission and roughed up Aguilar in front of his four children. Just like police officers, ICE officers are required to provide a warrant before they go onto private property. "ICE needs a warrant. If they go on someone's property without one, they are violating the law," said immigration law expert and Cornell law professor Stephen Yale-Loehr. Collins said the officers gave him nothing when he continued to ask. Collins followed the ICE officers across as they took Aguilar, in handcuffs, to their three waiting vehicles. "I told them you can't come in here without a warrant," Collins said. "They can't take someone and throw them up against the wall because of the color of their skin." Collins attempted to take photos and video with his phone. When he did that, he said, one of the ICE officers grabbed his phone and threw it into the road. Then they handcuffed him and threatened to arrest him for hindering a federal investigation, he said. But then the officers uncuffed him and left with Aguilar in the backseat of a dark Dodge Caravan. "This was something you see on TV," Collins said. "You don't expect it to be here." Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246 WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday thwarted a bipartisan effort to protect special counsel Robert Mueller's job, saying he will not hold a floor vote on the legislation even if it is approved next week in the Senate Judiciary Committee. McConnell said the bill is unnecessary because President Donald Trump will not fire Mueller. "We'll not be having this on the floor of the Senate," McConnell said on Fox News. His comments came amid widespread opposition to the bill among members of his caucus, with several GOP senators saying the bill is unconstitutional. Others said it's simply not good politics to try and tell Trump what to do, likening the legislation to "poking the bear." The bipartisan legislation was introduced last week as Trump publicly criticized Mueller, who is investigating potential ties between Russia and Trump's 2016 campaign as well as possible obstruction of justice by the president. Trump, fuming about a raid of his personal lawyer's office by a different division of the FBI, said last week that the Mueller investigation is "an attack on our country" and is "corrupt." Trump has also privately pondered firing Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, who is overseeing Mueller's investigation. Within a day of Trump's criticism, Republicans Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina combined two bills they introduced last summer to protect special counsels. They introduced the new bill along with Democratic Sens. Chris Coons of Delaware and Cory Booker of New Jersey, and Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, a Republican, announced that his committee would vote on the bill. The legislation would give any special counsel a 10-day window to seek expedited judicial review of a firing, and would put into law existing Justice Department regulations that require a firing to be for "good cause." Democrats immediately jumped on the legislation, but many Republicans have been cool to it. At least three of the 11 GOP members of the Judiciary panel have said they will vote against it and another five have said they have questions about its constitutionality. Grassley is one of those with concerns, but said he felt obligated to hold a vote. Republicans off the committee had questions too -- and some acknowledged that it could be politically difficult. South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds said Tuesday that Trump should make the decision on his own and be responsible for the consequences. "I think having Congress tell him what we believe he should do in this case is simply poking the bear, and I'd just prefer not to do that," Rounds said. Oklahoma Sen. Jim Lankford said the bill is a "political distraction." "You create this whole constitutional political stir over something that is not going to happen," he said. Others said there was little point. "It's about as popular as cholera with the leader in the Senate and it's about as popular as malaria in the House," said Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary panel. "I think most people think we're picking an unnecessary fight with the president." Coons bristled at the criticism that the legislation is unconstitutional, noting that several courts have upheld similar special counsel statutes. "If I were convinced this were unconstitutional, I would not be moving it," said Coons, a lawyer. At a September hearing on the two separate bills, before they were combined, scholars were divided on whether the bills were constitutional, with some voicing concerns that allowing the judicial branch that authority over an executive decision may not pass muster in the courts. "I think it's probably unconstitutional and I don't think there's any realistic chance that the president will fire Mr. Mueller," Sen. John Cornyn, the No. 2 Republican in the Senate and the former Texas attorney general, said Tuesday. McConnell agreed, adding that Trump would never support the legislation. "Just as a practical matter, even if we pass it, why would he sign it?" McConnell said in the Fox interview. Republicans who have talked to the White House almost uniformly have held the line that Trump will not fire Mueller or Rosenstein -- including Tillis and Graham, who say they are pushing the legislation because it would be good policy under any president. "I don't think he's going to fire Mueller, but I think institutionally it would be nice to have some protections," Graham said Tuesday. Tillis acknowledged last week that he had taken some "heat" from conservatives for the bill, but told the Judiciary panel, "this is really an opportunity to take an ethical stand, and not do it when the situation benefits you." Democrats said Republicans opposed to the legislation were simply protecting Trump. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Judiciary Committee, said the argument over constitutionality is a "red herring used by some of my colleagues as a pretext for opposing the bill, when they really have other reasons." He gave no specifics. Virginia Sen. Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate intelligence committee, said the special counsel bill is "so much more" than another policy debate. "I think this will be one that history will judge us all," Warner said. NEW YORK -- A disabled city bus driver was found stabbed to death in his Brooklyn apartment Tuesday afternoon, and police are trying to determine if he was murdered or took his own life. Otis James' wife and daughter found his body on the floor of their first-floor apartment on Central Ave. in Bushwick, at about 4:30 p.m., after they returned from work, police sources said. James worked as an MTA bus driver as recently as 2017 but used a wheelchair after he was wounded in a shooting during a trip to Haiti a few years ago, one of James' friends, who didn't give his name, told the Daily News. "His daughter was screaming, 'My dad! My dad!' the friend said. "It was awful." Police brought James' sobbing wife and daughter out the home, near Cornelia Ave. as they investigated. A knife was found by his body, police sources said. The city medical examiner's office will determine how he died, but detectives believe he was murdered, sources said. James leaves behind three daughters, said his oldest, Charise James, 26. "My dad was fun. He was beyond fun. He was always smiling. He was a great dad," she told The News. "The police aren't telling us anything. They won't let us in. It doesn't make any sense." MTA officials couldn't confirm whether James was currently working as a bus driver. -- By Kerry Burke and John Annese, New York Daily News BATAVIA, N.Y. (AP) -- Police in upstate New York say a woman was stabbed to death and left at a motel. WHAM-TV reports Genesee County Sheriff's deputies found the dead woman Monday when they responded to a call at the Sunset Motel. The Monroe County Medical Examiner's Office has determined the woman was killed by "sharp force trauma to the carotid artery." Police say the woman's death is suspicious. Investigators are trying to determine the identity of the victim. The Genesee County Sheriff's Office has scheduled a news conference on Wednesday. Candidates named in city and school elections With the passing of the filing deadline for the upcoming city and school election, several area governing bodies including the City of Tama and ... TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BELGRAVIA CAPITAL INTERNATIONAL INC. (CSE:BLGV) (OTCQB:BLGVF) (Belgravia or the Company) has appointed Dr. Sam Hanna as Chief Medical Officer of its cannabis dermatology division. Dr. Hanna is a well-recognized Canadian dermatologist with experience in numerous clinical studies for dermatology drugs across North America. Belgravia Dermatology Division ICP Organics: The Company announced the appointment of Dr. Hanna on January 10, 2018, as Special Advisor to Belgravias wholly owned subsidiary, ICP Organics. Dr. Hanna now assumes leadership for all medical aspects of development of cannabinoid based active pharmaceutical ingredients for dermatological conditions. Dr. Hanna, with the assistance of a biotechnology consultant, has completed initial market studies. The Company has selected specific dermatological indications for topical application of medically claimed drugs. Dr. Hanna is currently engaged in careful analysis of relevant scientific studies in order to establish developmental approaches. This includes selecting biological markers and drug delivery methodologies. He will also add to the technical team and build out regulatory, and marketing staff and consultants. Dr. Hanna has previously participated in numerous dermatology clinical studies. Dr. Sam Hanna, Chief Medical Officer of ICP Organics stated: There are currently dermatological conditions, such as certain types of dermatitis and psoriasis where the medical needs are not yet fully satisfied by current treatments. There is good evidence that cannabinoids may provide therapeutic value. I am excited to be working with ICP Organics in the development of cannabinoid-related ethical drug products. For example, Cannabidiol has been associated with reduced keratinocyte proliferation and lipostatic effects. Related molecules have relevant effects in dermatology impacting androgenicity and inflammation. We are currently adding to the technical team and working on establishing intellectual property strategies. In addition, we are defining the scope of the necessary pre-clinical work that will lead to Phase 1 clinical trials. Mr. Mehdi Azodi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company stated: We are pleased to welcome Dr. Hanna as Chief Medical Officer. When Dr. Hanna joined the Company, initially as special advisor, we made reference to the fact that the Cannabinoid market is growing rapidly and that according to the Journal of Clinical Investigation there is sufficient scientific data to strongly encourage future study in clinical trials in skin disease areas. In addition to carrying out ethical drug work we are also defining faster-to-market products, which will be marketable in Canada on an accelerated basis as the House of Commons and the Senate approve the new cannabis legislation. Such products may include claimed products that would likely be regulated, in part, as Natural Health Products. Longer-term ethical products are those that would be regulated under the Food and Drugs Act in Canada and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States. Both areas are of interest to us. Mr. Azodi continued: We expect to make a series of announcements over the next few weeks regarding Belgravia and ICP Organics developments in this area. Dr. Hanna, with the assistance of another medical advisor, Dr. Shoaib Sheikh, and other biotechnology consultants are advancing our plans aggressively. We are also engaging at present patent attorneys and laboratories experienced in pre-clinical and clinical testing and the handling of cannabis-derived ingredients. Dr. Hanna will be joining the Board of Directors of ICP Organics. Ms. Genevieve Roch-Decter and Ms. Nicole Marchand are stepping down from the Board but will continue as consultants. Additional Board appointees can be expected in the near term. The Company is grateful to Ms. Roch-Decter and Ms. Marchand for their contributions to the Company in its various stages of development. They will continue to provide financial advisory services to Belgravia Capital. Belgravia Capital Business Model: Belgravia continues to take a multi-tiered approach in the development of its licit cannabis value added portfolio of investments and operating businesses. Belgravia Incubator identifies and finances early stage companies where Belgravia believes it can add value. Belgravia Holdings makes measured investments in public and private companies, primarily Cannabis related, but also in technology verticals. Belgravia Royalty and Management Services has developed a targeted royalty and fee income model, with revenues currently in place. Additional specific information about the diversified model will be provided over the coming weeks. About Belgravia Belgravia Capital International Inc. is focused on its three core business divisions: Incubation, Investments and also Royalty and Management Services. Belgravia will also develop new companies with a focus on the cannabis industry. The Incubation division will provide services to support the development of early-stage companies in the Cannabis space and other technology areas. Belgravia Holdings, the Investments division, invests in various private and public companies with a focus on licit cannabis, technology, and, on an opportunistic basis, resources. Belgravia and Royalty and Management Services has developed a targeted royalty and fee income model. In the Cannabis space, the Companys geographic focus is primarily in Canada. Further, the developing cash and investment asset base can also support international expansion on a selective basis. Canada has powerful national government legislation leadership in Cannabis, Cannabis friendly and supportive physicians, and the worlds strongest Cannabis capital markets. For more information, please visit www.belgraviacapital.ca Forward-Looking Statements Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements that use forward-looking terminology such as may, will, expect, anticipate, believe, continue, potential or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, statements regarding planned investment activities & related returns, trends in the markets for fertilizers and medicinal or recreational use of cannabis, the timing or assurance of the legalization of recreational cannabis, the timing for completion of research and development activities, the potential value of royalties from water and other resources, and other statements that are not historical facts. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to, changes in market trends, the completion, results and timing of research undertaken by the Company, risks associated with resource assets, the impact of general economic conditions, commodity prices, industry conditions, dependence upon regulatory, environmental, and governmental approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing, and risks associated with cannabis use for medicinal or recreational purposes. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. For More Information, Please Contact: Mehdi Azodi, President & CEO Belgravia Capital International Inc. (416) 779-3268 mazodi@blgv.ca NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canstar Resources Ltd. ("Canstar" or the Corporation) (TSX-V:ROX), Adventus Zinc Corporation (Adventus) (TSX-V:ADZN) and Altius Minerals Limited (Altius) (TSX:ALS) are pleased to provide an update in relation to Canstars acquisition of the Newfoundland base metal exploration assets of Adventus and the Daniel's Harbour Zinc Project from Altius, as previously announced by Canstar on February 21, 2018 (the Transaction). Private Placement Closing On April 17, 2018 Canstar completed a non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,500,021 (the Offering). The Offering consisted of the sale of 8,333,699 common share subscription receipts (Common Share Receipts) at a price of $0.06 per Common Share Receipt and 12,500,000 flow through subscription receipts (Flow Through Receipts) at a price of $0.08 per Flow Through Receipt (together, the Subscription Receipts). Altius Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altius, has purchased 6,250,000 Flow Through Receipts for the amount of $500,000. Upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below), each Common Share Receipt shall be exchangeable for one common share (Common Share) of Canstar. Each Flow Through Receipt shall be exchangeable for one flow through share (Flow Through Share) of Canstar within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada). The gross proceeds of the Offering less offering costs (the Escrowed Funds) are currently in escrow pending delivery of the Release Notice (as defined below) by the Corporation to Capital Transfer Agency Inc. (the Escrow Agent) on or before May 31, 2018. The Escrowed Funds shall be released from escrow by the Escrow Agent to the Corporation upon the satisfaction of the following conditions (together, the Escrow Release Conditions): (i) the execution of the definitive share exchange agreement among the Corporation, Adventus, Adventus Newfoundland Corporation, and Altius Resources Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Altius; (ii) the execution of the definitive asset purchase agreement between the Corporation and Altius Resources Inc.; (iii) the completion or irrevocable waiver or satisfaction of all conditions precedent to the Transaction; (iv) the receipt of all required shareholder, third party (as applicable) and regulatory approvals including, without limitation, the conditional approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the TSX-V) for the Transaction and the Offering; and (v) the Corporation having delivered a Release Notice to the Escrow Agent confirming that the conditions set forth above have been met or waived (the Release Notice). If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before May 31, 2018, the Escrowed Funds together with accrued interest earned thereon will be returned to the holders of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. The securities issued and issuable pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four month and one day statutory hold period. In connection with the Offering, the Corporation paid finders a cash commission of $52,806 equal to 6% of the aggregate gross proceeds raised by finders. A total of 754,200 broker warrants (Broker Warrants) equal to 6% of subscription receipts raised was paid to finders. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Common Share at a price of $0.06 until the date which is twenty-four (24) months following the closing date of the Offering, whereupon the Broker Warrants will expire. The net proceeds of the Offering will be applied to Canadian exploration expenses (within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada)) and for a first phase Newfoundland exploration program, G&A, corporate activities, and working capital expenses. Canstar will ensure that the proceeds received from the amount allocated to the purchase of the Flow Through Receipts will be used to incur expenses which qualify as Canadian Exploration Expenses and Flow-Through Mining Expenditures for purposes of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and will renounce such expenses with an effective date of no later than December 31, 2018. The securities offered have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or applicable state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to persons in the United States absent registration or an exemption from such registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and applicable securities regulatory authorities. Exploits Project Option Agreement On April 5, 2018 Canstar entered into an option agreement (the Option Agreement) with local prospectors (the Optionees) to purchase 11 mineral claims covering 275 hectares near Red Indian Lake in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador (the Exploits Project). The Exploits Project, located approximately 5 km southwest of the Mary March Project, contains recently discovered massive sulphide boulders with geological similarities to the Duck Pond Deposit. In consideration for entering into the Option Agreement, Canstar will pay the Optionees $10,000 in cash and issue to the Optionees the equivalent of $5,000 in Canstar Common Shares. Assuming the completion of subsequent payments totaling $30,000 to the Optionees in cash and the equivalent of $30,000 to be paid in Common Shares by the third anniversary of the entering into the Option Agreement, Canstar will own a 100% interest in the mineral claims subject to a 1% royalty interest retained by the Optionees. The securities issued to the Optionees will be subject to a four month and one day statutory hold period. The Option Agreement is subject to the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals by Canstar being received on or before April 25, 2018 and the satisfaction of certain other closing conditions customary in transactions of this nature. Warrant Extension Canstar has applied to the TSX-V to extend by one year the term of the common share purchase warrants (2016 Warrants) issued pursuant to a private placement of its units completed on May 2, 2016, as described in more detail in its news release dated May 2, 2016. When originally issued, the 2016 Warrants were exercisable into Canstar Common Shares at $0.175 per Common Share until May 2, 2018, subject to the option of the Corporation to accelerate the expiry of the 2016 Warrants upon giving a thirty days written notice in the event of the trading price of the Common Shares on the TSX-V equaling or exceeding for 20 consecutive trading days $0.25 (the Acceleration Option). Subject to final approval of the TSX-V, the 2016 Warrants will be exercisable into Canstar Common Shares at $0.175 per Common Share until May 2, 2019, subject to the Acceleration Option. About Canstar Canstar Resources is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company. Canstar's objective is to discover and develop economic mineral deposits primarily in North America. Currently, Canstar's focus is on its mineral exploration properties in Newfoundland. About Adventus Adventus is a well-financed and unique company focused on zinc-related exploration and project development globally. Its strategic shareholders include Altius Minerals Corporation, Greenstone Resources LP, and Resource Capital Funds; as well as other highly respected investors in the mining business. Adventus owns large prospective land packages in both Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, and is earning a 75% ownership interest in the Curipamba copper-gold-zinc project in Ecuador. In addition, Adventus has a country-wide generative exploration alliance with its partners in Ecuador. Adventus is based in Toronto, Canada, and is listed on the TSX-V under the symbol ADZN. About Altius Altius directly and indirectly held diversified royalties and streams generate revenue from 15 operating mines. These are located in Canada and Brazil and produce copper, zinc, nickel, cobalt, iron ore, potash and thermal (electrical) and metallurgical coal. The portfolio also includes numerous pre-development stage royalties covering a wide spectrum of mineral commodities and jurisdictions. It also holds a large portfolio of exploration stage projects which it has generated for deal making with industry partners that results in newly created royalties and equity and minority interests. The Altius exploration team was recently awarded the 2017 Prospector/Explorer Award from the Newfoundland Branch of the CIMM for its recent work on project generation. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSX-V acceptance and shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of Canstar should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Forward-looking Statement This press release contains forward -looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as believes, anticipates, expects, is expected, scheduled, estimates, pending, intends, plans, forecasts, targets, or hopes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, will, should might, will be taken, or occur and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the closing of the Transaction, anticipated drilling at Buchans Camp, satisfaction of closing conditions, approval of the TSX-V, approval by the shareholders of Canstar and the potential for exploration. Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events or developments that Canstar, Adventus and Altius expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Although Canstar, Adventus and Altius has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Canstar, Adventus and Altius do not undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. All monetary figures referenced in this press release are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. For further information from Canstar, please contact: Karen Willoughby, Director Corporate Communications, at 1-866-936-6766 or kwilloughby@canstarresources.com. For further information from Adventus, please contact Christian Kargl-Simard, Chief Executive Officer, at 1-416-230-3440 or christian@adventuszinc.com. For further information from Altius, please contact Chad Wells cwells@altiusminerals.com or Flora Wood at 1-877-576-2209. The Motorola Moto G6 Plus is prepared to make its debut with a new Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 on board alongside other variants. This information has arrived shortly after the manufacturer announced that its official reveal is set next week in Brazil. Most of the details surrounding Lenovo-owned brand's upcoming handset had been previously leaked and the most recent listed its prices. Furthermore, the retail listing, which was leaked online confirmed three variants for the G6 series, the Moto G6 Play, Moto G6, and Moto G6 Plus. Benchmarking New Units Apparently, Geekbench has listed the data pertaining to the smartphone's new chipset along with several other specs. The motherboard model number is sdm660 and the RAM size of the unit tested is 4 GB. It likewise included a breakdown of the CPU confirming it will run on eight cores and a clock speed of 2.21GHz. Previous speculations suggested that the Moto G6 Plus will have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 on board. Experts note that the test scores are somewhat unexpected from the caliber of its chipset, however, it is likely that the numbers generated were affected by its prerelease software. The results could be different once the final retail model is taken for another spin through the benchmark tool. Designing An Eye-Catcher Despite Motorola's intention to market the Motorola G6 Plus and its variants as solid mid-range options for consumers, its overall design has made it look like a premium flagship smartphone. The dual-camera setup surrounded by a round-shaped notched metallic bezel oozes with finesse. These days, most top-shelf models from various manufacturers come with the dual-camera option. Additionally, the company's decision to go with a glass-covered rear panel adds another point for style. The only thing that's missing to complete the classy ensemble would have been the smaller bezels up front, but that would be wishful thinking to consider given its price point. Even though the Geekbench results say otherwise, the G6 lineup is positioned to be a solid midrange tier device. Hardware That Matters An incredible design, however, would mean nothing if its internal hardware barely offers what users want in a mid-tier smartphone. That is why Motorola has equipped the Moto G6 Plus and other models in the lineup with decent components. Although some speculations had suggested that a Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 would have catered to its requirements, the benchmark listing revealed a Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 instead. Its twin cameras are a combination of the 12-megapixel and 5-megapixel sensor alongside a dual-LED flash. Selfies are delegated to the 16-megapixel front-facing unit. Also, all three Moto G6 models from the catalog will run on Android 8.0 Oreo upon launch. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists have discovered more than 100 new genes that determine the color of a person's hair. Previously, scientists knew about only 13 genes that influenced hair color. This finding could help forensic scientists determine the color of strands of hair left behind in crime scenes. Hundreds Of Genes Researchers from King's College London and Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam were able to uncover hundreds of new genes that play a role in people's hair color. The study was published in the journal Nature Genetics. It could help scientists understand other areas of the body, not just hair color. Scientists examined the DNA of almost 300,000 people of European descent. The people involved in the study self-reported information about their hair color. Researchers used data from UK Biobank, 23andMe, and the International Visible Trait Genetics Consortium. Participants had their hair color compared to their genetic information. This information is stored in millions of locations in the human genome. They were able to discover hundreds of genes that controlled pigmentation. Unlike the 13 genes that were discovered to play a role in hair color, these hundreds of new genes are more accurate at detecting hair color than the previously discovered genes. Researchers found that the new genes explain 35 percent of red hair, 25 percent of blond hair, and 26 percent of black hair. It could also mean that there are more than just the genes discovered that influence hair color. They also found that women were 25 percent more likely to report having blonde hair than men. They were also three times less likely to say that they have dark hair. One of the factors that complicate the findings is that there are children who are born blond, but their hair turns a different color after some years. Scientists still don't know why this happens or if it related to any of the genes discovered in the study. Benefits Of The New Genes Lead author on the study Tim Spector says that this study is the biggest genetic study on pigmentation. This could help scientists understand the aggressive skin cancer melanoma. It could also affect other types of cancer. Pigment genes could affect the chances of having Crohn's or other bowel diseases. Other conditions that are linked to pigmentation include skin, testicular, prostate, and ovarian cancers. This work could shed light on how pigmentation genes have adapted to external environments. These findings could also help forensic scientists determine the hair color of a suspect. If forensic scientists manage to find DNA at the crime scene, there is an about 90 percent certainty that they could tell what their hair color will be. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Facebook is making several clarifications about how it collects data from users. Turns out the embattled social company presently embroiled in one of the most critical data privacy issues of the modern era still collects information from users who don't actively use the network. In a blog post, product management director David Baser explained that third-party services send data about their users to Facebook regardless whether those users have active Facebook profiles. Yup, Facebook Collects Your Data Even If You Don't Use Facebook In exchange of that information, Facebook helps those services serve ads pertinent to accounts and analytics that paint a broader picture of how people use their apps. Facebook gets this kind of data by virtue of websites and services that incorporate like and share buttons or via websites that offer Facebook logins. Simply put, when someone visits a website that uses Facebook's services, the company receives information regardless whether that person is logged out of their account or don't have one. "This is because other apps and sites don't know who is using Facebook," wrote Baser. Among the companies that employ Facebook plugins include Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and a host of others. Amazon, Google, and handful of websites similarly offer logging in via Facebook. Most of these companies, if not all, offer advertising services. "In fact, most websites and apps send the same information to multiple companies each time you visit them." What Facebook Does With Your Data Facebook uses information it's collected to make its content and ads better, explained Baser. In addition, the company also uses that information to keep the site secure. For example, receiving data about the sites a particular browser has visited can help Facebook better identify bad agents. If someone attempts to log in from a different IP address, Facebook will prompt the account with questions for verification purposes. Also, if a browser visits a particular site hundreds of times in the span of a short period, Facebook might determine it as the workings of a bot and implement appropriate actions. Baser also explained the kind of control users have with their data. Users may opt out of ads or delete their profiles, for example. Most of what's stated above isn't new information, however, but rather Facebook's attempt to become more transparent with its audiences. The company's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, recently appeared before the U.S. Congress to answer questions regarding privacy amid the site's messy Cambridge Analytica fiasco, in which information from tens of millions of people were acquired without their consent. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Following the Meltdown and Spectre controversy last year, Intel is making steps to enhance security from malware and other types of viruses. Intel will soon allow virus scanners to make use of integrated graphics chipsets to scan for malicious attacks. Because GPUs will do most of the work, this move could potentially enhance performance and battery life on some systems. "With Accelerated Memory Scanning, the scanning is handled by Intel's integrated graphics processor, enabling more scanning, while reducing the impact on performance and power consumption," said Intel's VP for platform security division Rick Echevarria. Initial benchmark tests yielded a massive decrease in CPU utilization when this feature was turned on from 20 percent to as little as 2 percent. Intel To Offload Virus Scanning To GPU Most of Intel's modern processors will support Threat Detection Technology, including sixth, seventh, and eighth-generation models, enabling the GPU to take some of the processing power allocated for virus scanning. The current setup is much different. The strain of scanning is usually put on the CPU, meaning the machine could see lessened performance as a result, since a chunk of the processor is being used for the job. Giving this job to the GPU will ease the CPU, needless to say. Which also means battery performance might improve, according to Intel. The company is entering a partnership with Microsoft to roll out this feature, which is headed to Windows Defender Advanced Protection Threat this month. Intel Security Essentials Intel is going to congest new security features under the umbrella term "Security Essentials," which will represent a common suite of hardware security features, firmware that enable them, and software libraries that make use of them. Some Atom, Core, and Xeon-branded hardware will be able to support Security Essentials, meaning any software running on these architectures will be able to utilize Intel's hardware-based security improvements. Aside from changes to software, Intel has also announced that it will change the fundamental design of its chips so as to prevent incidents such as Meltdown and Spectre where vulnerabilities inside Intel's chip design were found to be easily exploited to perform a number of harmful of things, such as acquiring sensitive data from ever happening again the future. Some of the changes include secure boot and hardware protections to safeguard applications from potential attacks. Again, these changes are hardware-based, meaning the physical makeup of the chip will have actual differences from previous designs. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Depression is currently the leading cause of disability worldwide according to the World Health Organization, and recently researchers have found 78 genes that could further explain this condition. Scientists at the University of Edinburgh analyzed patient data from UK Biobank, an international resource dedicated to the study cancer, diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular diseases, and other life-threatening conditions. Depression Triggers DNA records of 322,580 individuals were scanned to identify if certain genes can be linked to three major depression phenotypes: broad depression, major depressive disorder, and ICD-9 and ICD-10-related MDD. Broad depression is characterized as having "nerves, anxiety, tension, and depression." They thought that the genes responsible for triggering depressive symptoms are related to synapses, the cell connectors which transmit electrical and chemical signals. To test their hypothesis, the scientists conducted a parallel study of genetics data from 23andMe, a genomics and biotechnology company based in Mountain View, California. "Depression is a common and often severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. These new findings help us better understand the causes of depression and show how the UK Biobank study and big data research has helped advance mental health research," said Dr. Andrew McIntosh, a professor at the University of Edinburgh Center for Clinical Brain Sciences. Of the identified genes in the study, 78 were associated with broad depression, two genes with probable MDD, and one gene with ICD-coded MDD. The researchers wrote that broad depression may include types of personality or psychiatric disorders, while MDD and ICD-coded MDD "offer more robust definitions for depression." Lead author Dr. David Howard said their findings present a whole new perspective in understanding depression, adding that the research suggests the disease is "partly genetic." The study was published April 16 in Nature Communications. Understanding Depression In 2017, 23andMe recruited 15,000 individuals with depression and 10,000 people with bipolar disorder for genetic data pooling. The research is meant to understand the role of genes in specific neurological processes like decision-making, visual perception, and attention. "By studying intermediate phenotypes such as cognitive function alongside genetics and other environmental variables on a massive scale, we hope to take a significant step forward in the study of depression and bipolar," said Dr. Emily Drabant Conley, VP of Business Development at 23andMe. Similarly, a 2016 study published in Nature Genetics, in conjunction with Massachusetts General Hospital and Pfizer, pinpointed 15 genetic locations that are associated with major depression. The study data came from 23andMe consenting clients of European descent, who were grouped based on self-reported history of depression. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Tesla Model 3 production is temporarily halted, as the company says the assembly line has entered a "planned production pause." The highly anticipated Tesla Model 3 is already behind schedule and this is the second temporary shutdown in just three months. This time, however, the shutdown of the production line at Tesla's plant in Fremont, California, was planned. Tesla Model 3 Production Pause According to a new report, the temporary halt will be just for a few days. Although the pause was reportedly planned, Tesla employees told BuzzFeed News that they had no prior knowledge of this, and the news came as a surprise. During the four or five days that production will cease, the workers are advised to either use their vacation days or stay home on unpaid leave. A few workers, meanwhile, might get the chance to do paid work in other departments within the plant. Nevertheless, a Tesla spokesperson reiterates the same statement from February, ensuring that the temporary halt is necessary. Tesla Planned Downtime "Our Model 3 production plan includes periods of planned downtime in both Fremont and Gigafactory 1," explains the Tesla spokesperson. "These periods are used to improve automation and systematically address bottlenecks in order to increase production rates. This is not unusual and is, in fact, common in production ramps like this." Despite the challenges that Tesla keeps facing with the Model 3, CEO Elon Musk recently said he's feeling confident that the company will be able to ramp up production for its vehicles. At the same time, Musk also said last week that Tesla did indeed over-automate the vehicles' production. This planned pause, which came as a surprise to employees, could be related to this acknowledgment and Tesla could be looking to tweak its production process to rely less on automation and more on human workers. Yes, excessive automation at Tesla was a mistake. To be precise, my mistake. Humans are underrated. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 13, 2018 Tesla Model 3 Production Rate Back in August 2017, Tesla expected Model 3 production to churn 5,000 cars per week by the end of the year. As it failed to meet its initial expectations, the company then adjusted its planned production rate back in January saying that this quarter, it should make roughly 2,500 vehicles per week, but it plans to hit 5,000 Model 3 cars per week by the end of the second quarter. Model 3 production woes have affected Tesla's profitability and the company is still facing losses, but a production ramp-up in the second quarter could turn things around. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple Inc. is working on the way to disrupt the news industry by preparing to launch a new premium service. Apple News Now! Bloomberg has reported that the Cupertino, California-based company is expanding its reach into the news industry by using the recently acquired Texture. Up until Apple purchased the app, Texture allowed its subscribers to have access to 200 publications in exchange for $9.99 a month. Insiders close to the company stated that Apple already eliminated 20 positions from the acquired app and have already started to fold the remaining Texture employees into Apple News. The Apple News Update The business news outlet added that the relaunched Apple News app is expected to revive with this critical update sometime next year with a premium service offering. While the technology company has not revealed any definitive information regarding how much the service would cost Apple customers, it is expected that the company would give back a portion of the revenue toward publications and their respective companies. Apple Developments The news of plans that Apple is interested in starting a news subscription service comes one day after it was revealed that Philo was heading to Apple TV. Philo will cost potential users $16 a month, and it would not allow people to get news and sports. However, Philo would let its customers catch content from various cable services including AMC, Discovery, and Nickelodeon. In addition to acquiring Philo and Texture, it has been revealed Apple has a low tolerance for leakers. In a Bloomberg report, Apple caught 29 employees leaking information regarding company product. Only 12 of the 29 employees were arrested. There have also been reports that the Apple HomePod is a flop with consumers. Sales have been lagging to the fact that it will not work with Android phones. Users also claim that Siri is not as reliable as Google Assistant for Home and Alexa for Amazon Echo when it comes from assisting the user. Also, while Apple HomePod users can access their Apple Music with HomePod, they will not be able to access Spotify on the device. Do You Remember, Newsstand? Before Apple Inc. established Apple News and acquired Texture, the software company had a platform called Newsstand. iOS users were able to access magazines and newspapers in a digital library. However, users had to separately purchase subscriptions from their favorite media outlets if they wanted to continue using it. Wired Magazine reported that Apple discontinued using Newsstand in 2015. Tech Times reached out to Apple Inc. for a comment. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Scientists have analyzed diamonds found in a meteorite that crashed on Earth a decade ago. They were able to demonstrate that the origin of the diamonds wasn't a result of the impact but that the growth took place inside of a planet. An ancient planet may have aged long enough to form diamonds but not survive the tumultuous period during the formation of the solar system. Diamonds From Another Planet A meteorite crashed into the Nubian desert of Sudan in 2008. This was the first time that a team of scientists tracked an asteroid that became a meteor. Students from the University of Khartoum recovered more than 600 pieces of the meteorite. The meteorite was then named the Almahata Sitta. Researchers from Switzerland, France, and Germany published a study in the journal Nature Communications showing that the Almahata Sitta contained tiny diamonds inside it. They also determined that the diamonds were formed on a protoplanet during the formation of the solar system at least 4.55 billion years ago. Scientists determined that the pressure needed to form the diamonds would have to have taken place inside of a planet. They calculated that there would need to be a pressure of 200,000 bar (2.9 million psi). This calculation suggests that the protoplanet may have been as large as Mercury or even Mars. Lead author of the study Farhang Nabiei says that these materials are coming from a time that science has no access to. By examining these materials, they're able to get a picture of the early solar system. At that point, there were many more planets, and some were still forming. Almahata Sitta is classified as ureilite. These rocks come from a time that's between the primitive material at the beginning of the solar system and the rocks that come from modern planets. These types of rocks always have diamonds inside of them. Scientists can't trace them to a source because the planet in question no longer exists. These diamonds may not fit a typical opinion of diamonds. They're small. The Washington Post describes them as "less than a fraction of a percentage of an inch in diameter." At first, it was believed that the diamonds formed with the shock of colliding with another body. This was disproved when the researchers noticed that the diamonds were too large to have formed that way. Coauthor of the study Philippe Gillet says that the meteorite is a remnant of a planet that no longer exists. He describes it as the first generation of planets that were destroyed or swallowed up by a larger planet. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) ("Cardinal" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has filed a National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report in respect of the Mineral Resource Estimation announced on 5 March 2018. The NI 43-101 Technical Report can be viewed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Companys website at www.cardinalresources.com.au. ABOUT CARDINAL Cardinal Resources Limited (ASX/TSX: CDV) is a gold-focused exploration and development Company which holds interests in tenements within Ghana, West Africa. The Companys Namdini Project has an Indicated Mineral Resource of 6.5Moz of gold contained in 180Mt at 1.1g/t Au at a cut-off of 0.5g/t Au and an Inferred Mineral Resource of 0.5Moz of gold contained in 13Mt @ 1.2g/t Au at a cut-off of 0.5g/t Au. The Company is focused on the development of the Namdini Project through advancing the Pre-Feasibility study, supported by additional multi-disciplinary engineering activities. Exploration programmes are also continuing at the Companys Bolgatanga (Northern Ghana) and Subranum (Southern Ghana) Projects. For further information contact: Archie Koimtsidis Alec Rowlands CEO / MD IR / Corp Dev Cardinal Resources Limited Cardinal Resources Limited P: +61 8 6558 0573 P: +1 647 256 1922 Disclaimer This ASX / TSX press release has been prepared by Cardinal Resources Limited (ABN: 56 147 325 620) ("Cardinal" or the "Company"). Neither the ASX or the TSX, nor their regulation service providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. This press release contains summary information about Cardinal, its subsidiaries and their activities, which is current as at the date of this press release. The information in this press release is of a general nature and does not purport to be complete nor does it contain all the information, which a prospective investor may require in evaluating a possible investment in Cardinal. By its very nature exploration for minerals is a highrisk business and is not suitable for certain investors. Cardinals securities are speculative. Potential investors should consult their stockbroker or financial advisor. There are a number of risks, both specific to Cardinal and of a general nature which may affect the future operating and financial performance of Cardinal and the value of an investment in Cardinal including but not limited to economic conditions, stock market fluctuations, gold price movements, regional infrastructure constraints, timing of approvals from relevant authorities, regulatory risks, operational risks and reliance on key personnel and foreign currency fluctuations. Except for statutory liability which cannot be excluded and subject to applicable law, each of Cardinals officers, employees and advisors expressly disclaim any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in this press release and excludes all liability whatsoever (including in negligence) for any loss or damage which may be suffered by any person as a consequence of any information in this Announcement or any error or omission here from. Except as required by applicable law, the Company is under no obligation to update any person regarding any inaccuracy, omission or change in information in this press release or any other information made available to a person nor any obligation to furnish the person with any further information. Recipients of this press release should make their own independent assessment and determination as to the Companys prospects, its business, assets and liabilities as well as the matters covered in this press release. Forwardlooking statements Certain statements contained in this press release, including information as to the future financial or operating performance of Cardinal and its projects may also include statements which are forwardlooking statements that may include, amongst other things, statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, production and prices, recovery costs and results, capital expenditures and are or may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other conditions. These forward looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Cardinal, are inherently subject to significant technical, business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from estimated or anticipated events or results reflected in such forwardlooking statements. Cardinal disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to any forwardlooking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, circumstances or results or otherwise after todays date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, other than required by the Corporations Act and ASX and TSX Listing Rules. The words believe, expect, anticipate, indicate, contemplate, target, plan, intends, continue, budget, estimate, may, will, schedule and similar expressions identify forwardlooking statements. All forwardlooking statements made in this press release are qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. Investors are cautioned that forwardlooking statements are not guarantees of future performance and accordingly investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forwardlooking statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Findings of two new studies, which were published in the journal mBio on April 17, revealed that mice living in apartment buildings and at the most exclusive addresses in New York City are carrying disease-causing bacteria, viruses, and antibiotic-resistant bugs. Bacteria, Viruses, And Superbugs In Mice Droppings Analysis of feces from more than 400 mice that were captured from buildings in Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan, and Queens show that the droppings contained viruses that have never been seen before and those that have not been known to causes diseases in humans. Researchers also found that the feces contain disease-causing pathogens as well as antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as those that have become almost untreatable at hospitals. Although it is not clear if the bacteria carried by the captured city mice pose health threats to people or have already caused diseases, rodents have long been associated with illnesses such as the Black Death. Preventing Mice From Spreading Diseases Humans should do their part to prevent contracting diseases from mice. One way to do this is to ensure that food, and even garbage, are kept in mouse-proof containers. Mice tend to leave their dropping and urine anywhere they scurry, which can spread germs. Ian Lipkin, from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, who is part of the two studies, noted that most of the trapping they did was close to garbage pails and trash compactors. "People put everything into these," he said. "There's going to be fruit and old bread and all kinds of things. There is plenty of opportunities for infection and for bacteria to remain behind." People also need to control rodent infestation. Lipkin said that people should clean up with germ-killing products such as bleach if they find evidence of rodents at home. "Mouse droppings may contain harmful bacteria that are difficult to treat with common antibiotics," said Lipkin said. "Contaminated areas should be thoroughly cleaned, and contaminated food should be discarded." Charles Calisher, from Colorado State University, who was not involved in the studies, said that large apartment buildings need to fill any gaps in the foundation. Residents should also trap and control rodents found indoors. Will Cats Help? As for getting a cat to help control rodents, Calisher warned that cats also have their own viruses. It may not also be a good idea to get a cat for the sole purpose of killing mice. If an infestation is serious, getting help from a professional exterminator is a better option. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft is spearheading an initiative that includes 33 tech companies to prevent cyberwarfare. The organizations came up with this agreement at a 2017 technology conference. The 34 Companies CNN reported that the 33 other companies that joined Microsoft in this new mission came from various corners in the technology industry. The roster includes social media organizations Facebook and LinkedIn, legendary rating tracker Nielsen, web security company Cloudflare, and software companies such as Cisco, Dell, GitHub, and Oracle. Other companies that are part of this massive movement include FireEye, Telefonica, RSA, and Nokia. Together, they signed a document called the Tech Accord. Tech Accord 101 Microsoft president Brad Smith published information about the Tech Accord in a Tuesday, April 17, blog post on the company's website. Smith wrote that the Tech Accord's purpose is to advance online security around the world through four principles. First, the 34 companies would protect all their users. Second, the companies who have signed the agreement would oppose cyberattacks on innocent people and businesses. It was strongly indicated that the Tech Accord organizations would also not work with government organizations if those leaders choose to declare cyberwarfare against their own people. Third, the group will pledge to help organizations by establishing partnerships with a plethora of individuals and groups to prevent viruses from getting onto the World Wide Web. Finally, all 34 organizations have decided to bolden their supporters by strengthening their cybersecurity. Smith noted that all Tech Accord companies would educate their customers and developers about future threats. They would also provide the necessary tools that are needed to prevent cyberwarfare. An $8 Trillion Prediction CNN learned that the cost of cybersecurity attacks on businesses and groups would reach $8 trillion by 2022. It has also been reported that there were several notable organizations, including Apple, Amazon, and Google's parent company Alphabet, abstained from joining in on the Tech Accord. Cyberwarfare Update As the Tech Accord moves forward with its initiative, reports of cyberwarfare have increased over the past few months. Near the end of December 2017, South Korean authorities believed that North Korea attacked one of their cryptocurrency exchange programs, YouBit. The alleged hackers, which attacked YouBit on Dec. 19, 2017, took an estimated 17 percent of cryptocurrency. The U.S. Air Force introduced a new form of defense in electronic warfare. When the military held its Red Flag 17-1 on Jan. 24, 2017, they used an F-35 A Lightning II along with several non-kinetic duty officers to help the U.S. Air Force address cybersecurity and other forms of electronic warfare. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A passenger on a Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas has recorded the fear they experienced aboard the Southwest plane that suffered engine explosion. Marty Martinez, founder and CEO of Social Revolts digital marketing in Dallas shared that as the plane is going down, all he can think about is purchasing internet to at least communicate to the outside world for whatever that could have taken place. He was able to successfully shared two videos on his Facebook of what happened inside the plane. Southwest Airlines Engine Explosion Videos The first video showed him on the phone with his oxygen mask on. The record is heavily distorted but Martinez was able to write descriptions in the comment section of the video. The passengers assumed right away that there was engine explosion and that it shattered one of the windows killing a passenger, writes Martinez. At this point, flight attendants attended to the crying passengers. A woman was sucked into the hole but was pulled back into the plane. A passenger also had a heart attack. While there had been great panic inside, Martinez says the attendants have quickly covered the hole caused by the explosion. They were also calling for other passengers to help. At this point, the attendants were also trying to revive the woman. After the moment of terror, the plane landed dramatically and it smelled like fire with ash coming down on everyone thru the vents, describes Martinez. He says it was terrifying but everyone was alright or so he thought. The woman died according to officials. Boeing 737 With CFM56-7B Engine The Southwest Airlines flight 1380 was flying from New York to Dallas and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia following the explosion. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, there was damage to of the aircraft's engines as well as the fuselage. The plane is a twin-engine Boeing 737 that is powered by the CFM56-7B engine made by CFM International. In a statement, CFM international says that it already sent technical representatives to examine the plane. They are tasked to determine the cause of the accident. Nonetheless, the company assures that its engine has remained safe and reliable for airplane use. "The engine has accumulated more than 350 million flight hours as one of the most reliable and popular jet engines in airline history," the company says in its statement. Southwest Airlines Flight Explosion Investigation It takes the most complicated engineering systems to create an aircraft engine. And once engine failure happens, investigation requires complicated analysis of the aircraft's maintenance practices and the mechanical engineering involved. Investigations also require knowledge on metallurgical and material sciences. Investigators are faced with the challenge of interpreting remains of the plane as the physical evidence and how to logically correlate them to what could have caused the accident. In the case of the Southwest Airlines explosion, the National Transportation Safety Board is heading the investigation. CFM and Boeing assured that they are both providing technical assistance in the investigation. As of press time, NTSB is organizing its preliminary readouts. Chairman Robert Sumwalt says his team will return to Washington, bringing with them the airplane's flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder. Meanwhile, here are Martinez's videos of the Southwest plane engine explosion: 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Researchers in Japan will conduct a trial of a cancer-detecting tool that will allow people to test themselves by simply using their own urine samples. Hitachi, a Japanese multinational conglomerate company, could be the first in the world to provide people with the most convenient means of screening for cancer. The company has created a method that would only need urine samples to detect whether a person has the deadly disease. Specifically, the method is designed to test for breast and colon cancer. Chiharu Odaira, the spokesman for Hitachi, says they will test the method using 250 urine samples. They would like to initially find out if these samples can derive accurate results even after being stored at room temperature. Aside from making cancer screening convenient for people, the method, if proven to be successful, would be particularly advantageous for small children with cancer. Young children are commonly traumatized by needles used during cancer screening. Ultimately, the method will allow all people to detect cancer at its early stage even without the intervention of a medical organization. Early Detection Of Cancer Symptoms Hitachi has begun developing the technology two years ago when its researchers realized that the definitive weapon against the disease is its early detection. In a paper published in November 2017, Hitachi explains that one out of two people in Japan is being diagnosed with cancer. However, even with this concerning statistic, many Japanese are reluctant to undergo regular screening due to a busy schedule. They also tend to dismiss regular check-ups because cancer generally lacks symptoms at an early stage. With this observed attitude from people, Hitachi realizes the need for a technology that will detect cancer without having them go to a medical facility, and urine is the only substance that people can acquire by themselves. Novel Way Of Assessing Risk Of Cancer Through Urine Samples Further research revealed that there were no precedents for cancer testing using urine. No countries in the world have tried the specimen for use in cancer screening. This comes as striking for the Hitachi researchers since urine contains metabolites or substances that are products of metabolism. Consequently, they began analysis of urine from cancer patients that are donated from an international institution. The urine samples used in the analysis revealed 1,300 metabolites, of which 30 can be considered as biomarkers or substances that indicate progress and existence of a certain disease. "Using 30 biomarkers from among these, a look at their measured values for 15 cases each of breast cancer patients, colorectal cancer patients, and healthy subjects showed that we had made a breakthrough in being able to discriminate the difference between cancer and not cancer," says Minoru Sakairi, chief scientist at Hitachi's Center for Exploratory Research, of the Research & Development Group. This analysis paved the way for the upcoming experiment. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A study warns that impacts of modern-day climate change are similar to the scenarios that had taken place before a mass extinction happened million years ago. An event called Permian-Triassic mass extinction killed 90 percent of all animals on Earth some 252 million years ago. It took about another five million years for the ecosystems to recover from what happened. Scientists from the Arizona State University describe the episode as the "greatest catastrophe in the history of life on Earth." It seems, however, that worse is yet to come as the events that led to the mass extinction are also happening at present as brought by climate change. Rapid Oceanic Environmental Changes In the years leading to the mass extinction, the Earth's oceans showed severe loss of dissolved oxygen. This occurrence is called marine anoxia. Initially, the team from the university wanted to determine the exact time when the anoxia occurred, its scope of the damage, and if it took place even after the Permian-Triassic. The latter should explain why it took another five million years for the ecosystem to recuperate. To conduct the study, the scientists chose a marine ecosystem that was destroyed during the Permian-Triassic mass extinction. They found their perfect sample of sediments collected in modern-day Iran. These sediments were deposited 246-252 million years ago in a shallow tropical ocean near the equator. Specifically, the team analyzed the variations of the uranium isotopes found in these sedimentary deposits. The team's analysis published in full in the journal Science Advances has revealed that the episodes of mass extinction coincided with episodes of ocean anoxia, which resulted from changes in ocean circulation and nutrient levels in the Early Triassic. "This finding provides important insights into patterns of oceanic environmental change and their underlying causes, which were ultimately linked to intense climate warming during the Early Triassic," wrote Feifei Zhang, lead author of the study. The most interesting and worrying result of the analysis, according to co-author Stephen Romaniello, is how similar the marine anoxia of the period to the oceanic changes observed at present. The similarity is particularly striking in terms of the rapid climate warming and nutrient fluctuations seen in the oceans today. Modern Climate Change The consequences of modern-day climate change include loss of sea ice, accelerated and longer sea level rising, and more intense heat waves, according to NASA. Furthermore, past environmental reports highlighted that glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes are prematurely breaking apart, and trees are either flowering or die sooner. Most recently, two new studies stated that the Atlantic Ocean current has drastically slowed down and at its slowest pace in 1,600 years. Researchers said that global warming has caused this incidence. If this occurrence persists, the African region bordering the Sahara Desert could experience severe dryness. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A young boy in Colorado was made a member of the Colorado Springs Police Department at the tender age of 4. Joshua Salmoiraghi was sworn into the department on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, in full police uniform. Joshua's Journey Joshua is currently battling Stage IV Kidney Cancer which he was diagnosed with when he was three years old. Joshua's diagnosis was revealed on Father's Day Weekend in 2017 after doctors found a tumor in his left kidney. After the 4-year-old underwent intensive surgery to remove the 11 cm tumor, he received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The doctors declared him in remission, however, another tumor was found in his left lung in January 2018. The doctors have stated that Joshua will begin a six-month treatment at Aurora Children's Hospital. This new treatment is said to be more aggressive and rigorous than his previous one and will be very strenuous on Joshua. Joshua The Police Officer The ceremony was filled with doughnuts and fun for the new police officer. Joshua's father, Joseph, told Fox News that though Joshua wasn't understanding what was going on at the moment, he had the time of his life. "People who don't know him are here for him, that's a huge blessing," Joseph stated. Not only was the young officer sworn in during a special ceremony, Joshua was also able to sit in the back of the fire truck and spray the firehouse since the fire department also attended the ceremony. Joshua arrived at the Police Operation Center for his Officer swearing in ceremony. Yes, there are donuts! pic.twitter.com/u4G6tNaex4 April 17, 2018 Joshua has two older brothers, Benjamin and Timothy, who are 10 and 7 respectively. Joshua and his family recently moved to Colorado Springs after his mother, Amanda, who is a major in the US Air Force, was re-stationed. The family mentioned that they were worried about moving so suddenly but have felt very welcomed by the people of Colorado Springs. "[As parents] the hardest part of making the decision [to continue treatment] is that it's going to hurt him and cause him suffering and pain. But we have to put emotions aside because it's what's needed and necessary, Joseph also stated. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study suggests that the oceans' best hope for controlling its large currents might rely on the smallest sea creatures. Tiny Fishes Assemble Several scientific studies have revealed that small ocean animals such as shrimp and krill might be able to control the ocean's turbulence. On April 18, Nature released a study from several Stanford University scientists who studied these creatures. The scientists revealed that if swarms of these tiny sea creatures can come together, then the beings would be able to make an impact on the world's oceans. For their research, the scientists put shrimp into two giant water-filled containers. Next, they simulated the ocean's currents by putting in a device that created mini whirlpools inside those water-filled containers. The invention also could separate both the shallow waters with salty liquids. According to Science News, the shrimp that was used in the university's experiments represented many of the ocean's inhabitants including krill and copepods. Together, researchers believed that this duo would team up to deliver nutrients to phytoplankton near the surface. The research team used LED lights in hopes that the tens of thousands of shrimp that was inside the giant tanks hoped that the small crustaceans would migrate in either an upward or downward direction. The group found that if the shrimp traveled together in close groups, the shrimp had the power to magnify their impact. The scientists stated that when the shrimp swam upward towards the currents, it kicked in a backward direction. The result of their movement caused a chain reaction where it reached the entire group of shrimp. The Stanford University scientists believed that the crustaceans would be able to move several hundreds of meters in the ocean. The Next Chapter The research team has noted that they would like to test their research. The Stanford University team revealed that they would need to certify their findings near an ocean. One of the members of the group stated to the Stanford News Service that they would need to find swarms of krill and the spots that they were looking for the tiny sea creatures in various locations such as the California coast and Antarctica. Oceans Update While the Stanford University research team prepares to enter the next phase of their experiment, the ocean has been a topic of several scientific current events. Climate change is being blamed that the Atlantic Ocean's circulation is at the lowest point in 1,500 years. Scientists have discovered that the oceans have generated a second magnetic field thanks to the moon's manipulations. A study that was published on Feb. 22 stated the ocean's coral reefs are in grave danger when carbon dioxide dissolves out of the atmosphere and into the ocean. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sellbyville, Delaware, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Water Taxi Market is anticipated to cross USD 500 billion by 2024; according to a new research report by Global Market Insights, Inc. Increasing disposable income along with high standards of living has led to a substantial growth in recreational and travel activities, primarily driving the industry growth over the forecast timeframe. Rising preference towards water taxis is attributed to provision of numerous sightseeing opportunities including waterfront cruises, historic landmark cruises, snorkeling, and scenic tours. Continuously improving economic conditions across the globe is further strengthening the water taxi market penetration owing to increased expenditure on recreational activities. Sail boats are leading the product segment and will continue its dominance with approximately 78% volume share over the next seven years. Substantial production of these boats coupled with their high usage for covering short distances will primarily drive the industry growth. Cost effective nature of the product will further support the segments dominance. Ferries will witness over 6% CAGR from 2018 to 2024 owing to their lesser travel rates as compared to the counterparts. They are used for the passenger transportation, majorly for the work purposes. Their proliferating production is another factor positively influencing the industry growth till 2024. Request for a sample of this research report @ https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/2510 Various benefits offered such as quick point to point transportation and considerable reduction in road & rail traffic congestion are increasingly attracting the customers. Their high usage as comparatively economical transportation mode than others will further propel the water taxi market growth over the next seven years. Electric ferries have witnessed a surging demand over the past years owing to rising vitality of green movement across the globe, further impacting their production significantly. However, capital intensive nature of these taxis along with high operational costs may curb the growth of water taxi market participants. Increased preference towards the product has led to regular innovations which in turn will drive the market size from 2018 to 2024. Advent of autonomous water taxis is a trend which has gained traction among the customers and industry participants. They are totally battery-powered by solar panels and water energy and range from about 80 to 100 kilometers. Adoption of vessel tracking data from the automatic identification system of U.S. Coast Guard is another technological advancement that assists in measuring ship dwell time. These emerging trends are expected to offer stable growth prospects to the market over the forecast timeframe. Diesel is expected to dominate the water taxi market with over 58% volume share by 2024. Strong prevalence of the fuel in the marine industry coupled with high presence of diesel-driven taxis across the globe will essentially contribute to the revenue generation. Hybrid taxis will exhibit over 5% CAGR over the next seven years owing to provision of various benefits including lesser noise and water pollution. Strengthening penetration of green movement will further promote their usage, further propelling the industry growth. Browse key industry insights spread across 200 pages with 370 market data tables & 10 figures & charts from this 2018 report Water Taxi Market in detail along with the table of contents: https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/water-taxi-market North America water taxi market share will dominate the overall industry, surpassing USD 287 billion by 2024. Established marine industry coupled with presence of prominent manufacturers will primarily contribute towards the revenue generation. The marine transportation has witnessed increasing passenger traffic in the countries including Canada and U.S., further supporting the regional dominance. Asia Pacific market will witness growth at over 5% from 2018 to 2024 owing to their increasing production of across the region. Easy availability of cheap labor along with shifting consumer preference towards usage of these taxis due to increasing traffic congestion on roads and railways will drive the regions growth. Ferretti, Sunseeker, Brunswick, Beneteau Group, and Azimut-Benetti are among the prominent water taxi industry vendors. Other noticeable players include Catalina Yachts, Hunter, Mac Gregor, American Sail Inc., Bavaria Yachtbau, and Princess. The industry participants are continuously focusing towards continuous advancements to gain competitive edge. They are increasingly adopting emerging technologies such as autonomous water taxis and marine hybrid propulsion to enhance their visibility in the industry. Make an Inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/2510 Browse Related Reports: Barge Transportation Market Size By Product (Dry Cargo, Liquid Cargo, Gaseous Cargo), By Barge Fleet (Open, Covered, Tank), By Application (Coal & Crude Petroleum, Agricultural Products, Coke & Refined Petroleum Products, Metal Ores, Secondary Raw Materials & Wastes, Food Products, Beverages & Tobacco, Basic Metals & Fabricated Metal Products, Chemicals, Rubber & Plastic, Nuclear Fuel) Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, France, Belgium, Netherlands, China, India, Japan, Brazil, Mexico), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/barge-transportation-market Marine Diesel Engines Market Size By Technology (Low Speed, Medium Speed, High Speed), By Application (Merchant [Container Vessels, Tankers, Bulk Carriers, Gas Carriers, Roll On/Roll Off], Offshore [Drilling Rigs And Ships, Anchor Handling Vessels, Offshore Research Vessels, Floating Production Units, Platform Supply Vessels], Cruise And Ferry [Cruise Vessels, Passenger Ferries, Cargo Ferries, Fast Ferries, Yachts], Navy), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, Italy, Norway, UK, France, Russia, Denmark, China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Vietnam, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Angola, Egypt, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina) Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2017 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/marine-diesel-engine-market About Global Market Insights Global Market Insights, Inc., headquartered in Delaware, U.S., is a global market research and consulting service provider; offering syndicated and custom research reports along with growth consulting services. Our business intelligence and industry research reports offer clients with penetrative insights and actionable market data specially designed and presented to aid strategic decision making. These exhaustive reports are designed via a proprietary research methodology and are available for key industries such as chemicals, advanced materials, technology, renewable energy and biotechnology. THUNDER BAY, Ontario, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mexican Gold Corp. ("Mexican Gold" or the "Company") (TSXV:MEX) (OTCQB:MEXGF) (FRA:4QW1) is pleased to announce initial sampling results for four high-grade gold bearing veins at its Pueblo Nuevo concession. The sampling was carried out at the historical Timiahua I, Tamiahua II, Dos Rios and El Cajon mines. Sampling results at the Tamiahua I reported 90.82 g/t gold and 37.2 g/t silver over 0.42 metres contained within 2.2 metres grading 17.01 g/t gold and 7.61 g/t silver. A grab sample of quartz vein material at the El Cajon mine yielded 32.2 g/t gold and 231.0 g/t silver. The high-grade gold bearing veins were sampled as part of the Mexican Golds 2018 Phase 1 field exploration program being carried out at the Pueblo Nuevo concession, Santa Cruz and Changaro zones. The field exploration work is on-going and includes mapping, sampling and trenching and constructing access trails see press release March 27, 2018. Highlights from the sampling program include: The Timiahua I vein yielded 90.82 g/t gold and 37.2 g/t silver over 0.40 metres contained within 2.2 metres grading 17.01 g/t gold and 7.61 g/t silver The Timiahua II vein sampled 10.65 g/t gold and 21.1 g/t silver over 0.45 metres A grab sample of the quartz veining at the Cajon mined assayed 32.2 g/t gold and 231 g/t silver Sampling of the vein at the Dos Rios mine graded 5.43 g/t gold and 40.88 g/t silver over 1.18 metres Brian Robertson, President and CEO, commented: These initial high-grade sample results exceeded our expectations and further confirm historical reports on the high-grade vein structures at Pueblo Nuevo. We continue to discover more historical workings with our extensive on-going field exploration program. The Pueblo Nuevo veins occur as mesothermal quartz veins and are generally 20 to 50 cm in width, strike NNE with sub-vertical dips and lack post-mineral deformation. The dioritic wall rock shows argillic alteration and sulphides over 30 cm to 1 metre on either side of the veins. Wider zones of multiple, parallel quartz veinlets have recently been found in some areas. Most of the mines within the area are below the diorite sill contact, but the largest mine resides in altered carbonates above the contact. The La Miqueta mine, which has 21 known levels, lies within a 400 metre-wide zone of quartz-biotite schist developed within silicified limestone. This contrasts with the brittle deformation in the intrusive rock below. Table 1 Highlights Sample Results Tamiahua I, Tamiahua II, Cajon and Dos Rios Mines Location Sample No. Width Metres (m) Au (g/t) Ag (g/t) Comments Tamiahua I 11738 0.40 90.82 37.2 Vein first level -channel Tamiahua I 11737 0.80 0.72 1.2 Hanging wall channel Tamiahua I 11736 1.0 0.524 0.90 Foot wall channel Weighted Av. 2.20 17.01 7.61 Tamiahua II 12001 0.18 22.82 21.1 Vein First level - channel Tamiahua II 12010 0.30 4.54 6.2 Vein Second level - channel Tamiahua II 12013 0.50 2.78 5.0 Vein Second Level - channel Tamiahua II 12016 0.15 7.77 41.7 Vein Second Level - channel Tamiahua II 12019 0.20 2.05 6.5 Vein Second Level - channel Tamiahua II 12022 0.45 10.65 36.2 Vein Second Level - channel Tamiahua II 12025 0.22 10.98 62.0 Vein Second Level - channel Tamiahua II 12028 0.22 9.68 18.4 Vein Second level - channel Tamiahua II 12034 0.20 6.07 36.7 Vein Second Level - channel Cajon 11740 Grab Sample 32.2 231 Grab sample quartz veining (1) Cajon 11724 0.20 3.53 30.9 Vein - channel Dos Rios 11727 0.35 3.86 16.3 Vein - channel Dos Rios 11730 0.18 8.25 59.1 Vein - channel 11731 1.00 4.92 37.6 Hanging Wall - channel Weighted Av. 1.18 5.43 40.88 Assays are uncut, length weighted average values. Grab samples are selected samples and are not necessarily representative of the mineralization on the property To view the Portal at Tamiahua I South Mine please click the following link: http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/9070d88b-bf6e-416b-b894-e465b168d2e6 To view the Vein at Tamiahua I South Mine please click the following link: http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/a2f3eb11-c3b5-407d-b860-3a6b641cbb9b (1) Information Regarding NI-43-101 Initial Mineral Resource Estimate In 2017, the Company reported an initial mineral resource estimate of 304,000 gold equivalent ounces (Au Eq ozs)(3) contained within 4,970,000 tonnes grading 1.90 g/t Au Eq (0.92 g/t Au, 0.59% Cu. 4.37 g/t Ag) in a Measured and Indicated category for the Eldorado/ Juan Bran and Santa Cruz zones, with an additional Inferred Resource of 719,000 Au Eq ozs contained within 10,304,000 tonnes grading 2.17 g/t Au Eq.( 1.08 g/t Au, 0.66 % Cu, 3.99 g/t Ag) (reported in the Companys news release dated August 1, 2017, and the 43-101 report titled NI 43 - 101 Technical Report Mineral Resource Estimate Las Minas Gold Copper project, John T, Boyd Company, Mining and Geological Consultants, Denver, Colorado, USA , Report No 3830.001 dated September, 2017, prepared by John J. Read, P. Geo., Q.P. and Sam J. Shoemaker Jr., Registered Member S.M.E, Q.P.) The report is available on SEDAR. About Las Minas The Las Minas Project hosts near-surface gold, silver and copper skarn mineralization and high-grade gold - silver epithermal vein deposits. The project is comprised of six mineral concessions covering approximately 1,616 hectares (3,995 acres), with several small scale, past-producing mines and a number of untested targets. The district is host to a large gold, silver and copper skarn system that has a production history that extends back to the Aztec era. The Las Minas diorite intrusive measures approximately 10 kilometres in diameter and underlies the Las Minas concessions. The mineralization controls and association with magnetite appear to be similar to the Guerrero Gold belt, which is the site of the Los Filos and Morelos gold deposits. Quality Assurance/Quality Control The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Sonny Bernales, P. Geo., a registered Professional Geoscientist in the Province of British Columbia and a qualified person as defined by NI 43101. Mr. Bernales is responsible for logistics and supervision of all exploration activity conducted by Mexican Gold on the property. Where possible, veins and exposed mineralization are sampled as composite channel samples. The channel samples are cut right-angled to the strike of the veins and average 5 to 6 kilograms in weight. Channel samples are most representative of the sample types followed by grab and select samples. The Company has implemented and adheres to a strict Quality Assurance/Quality Control program which includes inserting mineralized standards and blanks into the sample stream, about 1 for every 10 samples. The standards and blanks were obtained from CDN Resource Laboratories Ltd. of Langley, BC, Canada. Each sample bag is properly sealed and kept in a secured, restricted storage place prior to shipping to the lab. Samples are shipped directly by Mexican Gold or picked-up by the lab vehicle with chain of custody/sample submittal signed and dated. The Company sends its samples to SGS Mineral Services (ISO/IEC 17025) at Durango, Mexico, an accredited and independent laboratory. About Mexican Gold Corp. Mexican Gold Corp. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company committed to building long-term value through ongoing discoveries and strategic acquisitions of prospective precious metals and copper deposits in Mexico. Mexican Gold is exploring the Las Minas Project, which is located in the core of the Las Minas mining district in the Veracruz State, Mexico, and is host to one of the largest under-explored skarn systems known in Mexico. For more information, please contact. Brian E. Robertson, P. Eng., President & CEO Phone: 807-474-4270 or 807-251-1816 Fax: 807-474-4272 E-mail: info@mexicangold.ca Website at www.mexicangold.ca CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about the magnitude or quality of mineral deposits, anticipated advancement of mineral properties or programs, future operations, results of exploration, prospects, commodity and precious metals prices, future work programs, anticipated financial and operational results, capital expenditures and objectives and the completion and timing of mineral resource estimates. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including the risks identified in the Company's disclosure documents available at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Mass extinction paved the way for rise of the dinosaurs Washington DC (UPI) Apr 16, 2018 For decades, scientists have worked to understand the demise of the dinosaurs. But what about the circumstances that ushered in the dinosaurs? Decidedly less is known about how the dinosaurs first arrived, or how they quickly came to dominate the planet. New research, however, suggests they benefited from another mass extinction, some 232 million years ago. The earliest dinosaur species show up in the fossil record around 245 million years ago, at the beginning of the Triassic Period. Di ... read more TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Cobalt Corp. (TSXV:FCC) (ASX:FCC) (OTCQB:FTSSF) (First Cobalt) and US Cobalt Inc. (TSXV:USCO) (OTCQB:USCFF) (US Cobalt) are pleased to announce that US Cobalt has mailed its management information circular, relating voting materials and letters of transmittal (collectively, the Meeting Materials) to US Cobalts securityholders in connection with the special meeting (the Meeting) of US Cobalts securityholders to be held on May 17, 2018. At the Meeting, US Cobalts securityholders will be asked to approve the previously announced plan of arrangement transaction (the Transaction), announced March 14, 2018, pursuant to which First Cobalt will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of US Cobalt. US Cobalt shares will be exchanged on the basis of 1.5 First Cobalt common shares for each US Cobalt common share. US Cobalts board of directors unanimously recommends that US Cobalt securityholders vote in favour of the proposed Transaction. If the Transaction is approved at the Meeting, subject to the receipt of final court approval and other regulatory approvals (including approval from the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States), it is anticipated that the Transaction will be completed on or about May 28, 2018. The Meeting of US Cobalt securityholders will be held on May 17, 2018 at the offices of Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP, Suite 2200, 885 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3E8 at 11:00 a.m. (Pacific time). All US Cobalt securityholders are encouraged to vote by proxy or in person at the Meeting. The Meeting Materials have been filed on US Cobalts profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and US Cobalts website (www.uscobaltinc.com). About First Cobalt First Cobalt aims to create the largest pure-play cobalt exploration and development company in the world. First Cobalt controls over 10,000 hectares of prospective land covering over 50 historic mines as well as mineral processing facilities in the Cobalt Camp in Ontario, Canada. The First Cobalt Refinery is the only permitted facility in North America capable of producing cobalt battery materials. First Cobalt seeks to build shareholder value through new discovery, mineral processing and growth opportunities, with a focus on North America. About US Cobalt US Cobalt is focused on the acquisition and development of high grade battery metal deposits in North America. The Iron Creek Cobalt Project, located in the prolific Idaho Cobalt Belt, is the focus of a 40-hole, 35,000 foot (10,700 metre) drill campaign to confirm a 1.3M ton grading 0.59% cobalt historical estimate (non-compliant with NI 43-101) and a Resource Estimate prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 is expected on the project in 2018. As an exploration company with cobalt and lithium assets in both Idaho and Utah, US Cobalt is well positioned in the pipeline for potential future production of battery grade metals which are critical components to power storage solutions including lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles and consumer electronics. On behalf of First Cobalt Corp. Trent Mell President & Chief Executive Officer On behalf of US Cobalt Inc. Wayne Tisdale President For more information visit or contact: Heather Smiles Investor Relations info@firstcobalt.com +1.416.900.3891 www.firstcobalt.com Wayne Tisdale President info@uscobaltinc.com +1.604.639.4457 www.uscobaltinc.com Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release may contain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (together, forward-looking statements) within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as plans, expects', estimates, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words, or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results, performance and opportunities to differ materially from those implied by such forward-looking statements. In particular, forward-looking information included in this news release includes, without limitation, the anticipated closing date of the Transaction, the receipt of final court approval and other regulatory approvals. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements are set forth in the management discussion and analysis and other disclosures of risk factors for each of First Cobalt and US Cobalt, filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although First Cobalt and US Cobalt believe that the information and assumptions used in preparing the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements, which only apply as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed times frames or at all. Except where required by applicable law, First Cobalt and US Cobalt disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Historic Estimates US Cobalt considers the cobalt and copper tonnage and grade estimates above as historical estimates. The historical estimates do not use categories that conform to current CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves as outlined in National Instrument 43-101, Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101) and have not been redefined to conform to current CIM Definition Standards. They were prepared in the 1980s prior to the adoption and implementation of NI 43-101. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources and US Cobalt is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources. More work, including, but not limited to, drilling, will be required to conform the estimates to current CIM Definition Standards. Investors are cautioned that the historical estimates do not mean or imply that economic deposits exist on the Iron Creek property. US Cobalt has not undertaken any independent investigation of the historical estimates nor has it independently analyzed the results of the previous exploration work in order to verify the accuracy of the information. US Cobalt believes that the historical estimates are relevant to continuing exploration on the Iron Creek property. Students at his former high school gave Lance Corporal Taylor Conrad a heartfelt salute and sendoff as his funeral procession passed near the school Tuesday. Conrad, a 24-year-old Marine and 2012 graduate of Central High, was laid to rest Tuesday. He died in a recent helicopter crash in California. +8 Family: Central Marine killed in helicopter crash wanted to join military since third grade From the time he was in elementary school, Taylor Conrad had wanted a military career, even writing a poem in the third grade about joining th Can't see the video below? Click here. After funeral services at Greenwell Springs Church, a military-led procession made its way to the Louisiana National Cemetery near Zacharye. As the procession passed Central High, hundreds of students holding American flags stood in silence. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Taylor is one of us, Principal David Prescott said. Our students wanted to show their patriotism and show how much we appreciate what Taylor and a whole bunch of other men and women have been doing for our country. See the full WWL-TV story here. +2 On chilly, soggy day, onlookers pay respects to fallen Marine in Denham Springs DENHAM SPRINGS The temperature was steadily dropping as persistent rain fell Saturday afternoon in Denham Springs. That did not matter to th Touching video: Marines receive body of Lance Cpl. Taylor Conrad at New Orleans airport The body of fallen U.S. Marine and Central native Lance Corporal Taylor Conrad returned home to Louisiana on Saturday, more than a week after Another protester has been arrested for blocking construction of the Bayou Bridge pipeline, this time in Vermilion Parish. A woman locked herself in a cement-filled barrel in a work trench near Maurice on Wednesday, according to a news release by the L'eau est La Vie Water is Life Camp. Other demonstrators played music and protested against both pipeline company Energy Transfer Partners and Louisiana House Bill 727, a proposal that would lay out specific criminal penalties for people who trespass or damage pipeline property, or who conspire to do so. Environmentalists see proposed Louisiana law to protect pipelines and penalize protesters as overreach Fearful of large-scale protests like those that surrounded the Dakota Access pipeline, Louisiana legislators have joined their counterparts in L'eau est La Vie, which issued a news release on Wednesday's incident and distributed photos, did not identify the protester who was arrested. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up The incident on Wednesday is at least the third in which a protester has been arrested. Five people have been arrested at those events. Equipment also was damaged in Assumption Parish. Bayou Bridge began construction earlier this year and is designed to carry crude oil between Lake Charles and St. James Parish. Proponents say it will be an economic juggernaut for the region's oil and gas sector, while detractors fear oil spills and economic damage, particularly to the Atchafalaya Basin. +2 Criticized as 'serious polluter,' company building Bayou Bridge Pipeline cites 99.99 percent delivery rate The companies building the Bayou Bridge Pipeline have spilled 87,273 barrels of hazardous liquids in 527 separate events in the past 15 years, Protesters block Bayou Bridge Pipeline construction supply site in Calcasieu Parish Two women from New Orleans on Thursday morning dressed up as crawfish and chained themselves inside The city-parish is taking the first steps toward trying to fulfill Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul's pledge last month to create a plan that would make BRPD one of the highest paid police departments in this state. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broomes office and BRPD have requested $39,500 for a pay scale study from SSA Consultants, which is the same firm that produced a city-parish employee pay study in 2013. That study led to 2 percent raises for more city-parish employees, along with a retooled benefits package. But this time, SSA Consultants would analyze BRPD salary figures, recruitment strategies, overtime pay, benefits structures, exit interviews and more. SSA recently completed a pay study for the city of New Orleans, including the New Orleans Police Department, and SSA Partner Christel Slaughter said Wednesday that they found incentives for NOPD officers that could be interesting to explore in Baton Rouge. Personally, I think the study is going to show what weve been preaching for a long time how severely underpaid our officers are and the hours you have to work in a week to make a living, said Sgt. C. Bryan Taylor, the BRPD Union President, who said he is supportive of the study. BRPD starting salaries are $33,968 once an officer has completed the training academy and is six months into the job. Their counterparts at the East Baton Rouge Sheriff's Office earn $38,153 as starting salaries, while Louisiana State Police earn $49,448 after they complete field officer training. New Orleans police recently received 10 percent pay raises, boosting entry-level officer pay there to $46,900. City-parish Chief Administrative Officer Darryl Gissel and BRPD Deputy Chief Johnny Dunnam both said Wednesday that the pay study could help to get a better grasp on the disparities between BRPD and other departments. The question is, do we have other things that offset (the salary)? Gissel said. Our retirement benefits are pretty generous. You cant just compare salaries, you have to compare everything in the overall package. Sweeping pay raises for New Orleans police officers approved by City Council The New Orleans City Council on Thursday approved a sweeping overhaul of police pay that includes raises of at least 10 percent for most rank- Dunnam said all parties agree that BRPD officers need a pay raise, and that the study is the next step toward making that a reality. Taylor said the union is willing to negotiate over benefits depending on the salary trade-offs, but that benefits are all we have right now because the pay is terrible. Paul referenced BRPDs pay problems during his widely viewed news conference last month when he announced the discipline for BRPD Officers Blane Salamoni and Howie Lake II. Salamoni shot and killed Alton Sterling in July 2016 in a graphic incident captured on cellphone videos that sparked protests. Paul fired him last month. During the news conference, Paul pleaded with the public to respect police officers. The good works from most of the police force do not make the headlines, he said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up We dont even want to pay our police officers, said the new chief, a veteran of state police. But yet we want them to wear all of these different hats. Pay our police officers. They deserve it. BRPD has also had retention and recruitment issues for the past few years, as the 32 BRPD resignations in 2016 were three times higher than resignations in 2012. Slaughter said that tapping into the exit interviews from people who have prematurely left the police department will be illustrative for BRPD. She said her firm found that officers were likely to leave after eight years with NOPD. Broomes administration and BRPD will need approval from the East Baton Rouge Metro Council to go forward with the study. They will also ask for a related change that will allow a group of BRPD commanders to be paid an extra $1.50 an hour during their 40 hour workweeks. Those who receive the extra money would be BRPDs three new deputy chiefs, the director of community services, the violent crimes unit commander, the training services director and the narcotics commander. The officers in each position are paid hourly, but they could not earn the extra $1.50 during over time shifts or days off. +2 More BR law officers resigning, retiring in recent years; could risk, scrutiny be cause? Growing numbers of police officers and sheriff's deputies in Baton Rouge have been voluntarily leaving the force in recent years, departures t Metro Councilman Matt Watson crafted a property tax proposal late last year for increased BRPD pay, but could not garner enough council support to place the proposal on ballots. We have studied everything to death, Watson said Wednesday. We have spent so much money on studies that we probably could have built a new Mississippi River Bridge and paid the police officers what they deserve and taken care of our drainage issues, just with the money weve spent studying and restudying problems that are obvious to the people of East Baton Rouge. But Watson said that if the study is what it takes for Broomes administration to give raises to police officers, then he will likely support it. The Metro Council is expected to vote April 25. +3 Why support appears to be lacking for Baton Rouge police pay raise tax proposal A proposal to put a new tax on the ballot to raise the pay of Baton Rouge police officers appears to be losing support. Staff Writer Grace Toohey contributed to this report. SPARTANBURG, S.C., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Roughly 80% of criminal offenses in the United States involve substance abuse. Recidivism rates, as well as burdens on taxpayers, dramatically drop when individuals break their addictions. In response, probation and parole programs across the nation have increased drug and alcohol testing, despite widespread staffing and budgetary challenges. Probation and parole officers build counselor-style relationships with their clients. The need to open each meeting with a breath test wastes time and undermines the trust and open communication essential to rehabilitation. Breathalytics newly launched breathalyzer kiosk solves this challenge by automating the alcohol screening process. The key innovation in this solution is its ability to identify users quickly and reliably, which prevents cheating and frees officers for other essential duties. Breathalytics kiosks use Integrated Biometrics Watson Mini two-finger scanner to verify identity for each parolee. Watson Minis light-emitting sensor (LES) technology is small, lightweight, and uses very little power, making it an ideal component for the overall Breathalytics solution. We needed a compact biometric sensor thats extremely rugged and doesnt need regular maintenance, said David Kreitzer, CEO of Breathalytics. Watson Mini is a perfect fit. It provides the identity verification input we needed to bring this product to market, as well as the reliability that our automated approach to sobriety testing requires. Watson Mini meets law enforcement requirements for FBI Appendix F certified scans. The scanner is ideal for unattended applications due to its low maintenance and its ability to capture fingerprints across all age groups and finger conditions. The Breathalytics kiosk supplements biometric fingerprint scanning with facial recognition for an additional layer of identity verification. A second camera records the entire testing process so that officers have verified proof that the person tested is the person validated by the system. Once identified, parolees prove their sobriety by breathing into the system through a disposable straw. The entire process takes roughly 30 seconds. The modular nature of Breathalytics solution also enables remote testing, so that parolees remain in compliance with their terms of release while working or visiting outside their court-mandated range. Similar markets for these testing kiosks include airlines, trucking firms, or any other industry that requires proof of sobriety. Breathalytics fresh approach to sobriety testing is a smart, unexpected identity management solution, added Stephen Thies, Chief Executive Officer of Integrated Biometrics. Its another example of how the creative application of biometric hardware and advanced software delivers new ways to save time and money and improve lives for almost any market. For more information on Integrated Biometrics or the companys comprehensive line of rugged, low-power, compact EL optical fingerprint scanners, visit www.integratedbiometrics.com, email sales@integratedbiometrics.com or call +1-864-990-3711. Contact Breathalytics at www.breathalytics.co, email contact@breathalytics.co or call 651-340-6592. About Integrated Biometrics Integrated Biometrics, LLC designs and manufactures FBI-certified fingerprint sensors for law enforcement, military, homeland security, national identity, election validation, social services, and a wide range of commercial applications. The companys patented light-emitting sensor (LES) technology enables lightweight scanners that outperform traditional prism-based devices in size, power consumption, portability, and reliability. Identity management solutions providers, government agencies, and corporations around the world rely on Integrated Biometrics products to enroll and verify individual identity quickly and accurately, even in remote locations. About Breathalytics Breathalytics is an employee-owned company with a philanthropic mission. Founded with the goal of helping reduce recidivism and alcohol abuse, we strive to bridge the gap that separates the supply and demand for alcohol screening. Without the same budgetary constraints, our correctional clients will be able to test participants at optimal frequencies for successful rehabilitation. By helping individuals break free from alcohol abuse, we also hope to curtail the enormous impact of the symptoms of this problem. From drunk driving to domestic violence, broken homes, and loss of jobs, these issues all stem from the same root. Our efforts add to the incredible work performed by thousands of correctional agents, advocacy organizations, treatment centers, and support groups around the nation. Working together, even this seemingly insurmountable obstacle can be overcome. Media Contact: David Wright Integrated Biometrics +1-408-363-2843 david.wright@integratedbiometrics.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://resource.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/3b06aa75-90aa-4ba0-87e9-d0951aeb9dcd Auburn University fraternities will ban hard liquor at events on chapter property after an uptick in incidents on campus and high-profile incidents at other universities, according to a report. The schools Interfraternity Council of Presidents, made up of presidents of IFC fraternities, recently voted to approve the ban, saying that it was a step toward preventing possible future tragedies. It will take effect May 5, according to the Auburn Plainsman, the universitys student-run newspaper. We feel that there are steps that other schools have taken and steps that we needed to take to prevent a tragedy that has unfortunately plagued other universities, Gavin McGettigan, IFC president, told the Plainsman. In our experience, we have observed issues with liquor consumption at parties on chapter premises, which led us to this solution. 'Max Gruver Act' to create harsher penalties for hazing in Louisiana swiftly wins House passage, heads to Senate Louisiana could soon be among the states with the strictest criminal penalties for hazing after the death of an LSU freshman last fall has pro The move comes after a recent increase in IFC Judicial Court cases and hospital transports from fraternity events. The IFC attributed at least some of that increase to the overconsumption of hard liquor on fraternity properties, the Plainsman reported. Any fraternity found breaking the new rule may be put on a cease-and-desist, according to the report. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up In the last year, at least four fraternity pledges have died in the U.S. in incidents linked to hazing or binge drinking, setting off a national debate about Greek Life reforms. LSU fraternity pledge Maxwell Gruver died in September after a hazing incident at the Phi Delta Theta fraternity house where he was forced to chug 190-proof liquor. He was pronounced dead the following morning at a hospital. His blood alcohol level was 0.495. +3 LSU announces zero-tolerance policy for hazing, but six arrested in Gruver case still enrolled at school From now on, LSU students who are caught hazing will be expelled and the involved fraternities or other student organizations will be kicked o In February, LSU President F. King Alexander announced that LSU students caught hazing will be expelled and the involved fraternities or student organizations will be kicked off campus. In addition, all Greek chapters will be required to have a written policy that bans hard alcohol and kegs from houses and events. Read the full Auburn Plainsman report here. Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission A former Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola guard convicted of covering up an inmate beating will be retried on a federal charge of beating the handcuffed and shackled prisoner during the brutal 2014 assault. Ex-Angola Maj. Daniel Davis, 41, of Loranger, was found guilty in Baton Rouge federal court in January in the cover-up, but the jury could not reach a verdict on a count that accused him of beating the inmate on a prison breezeway. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles declared a mistrial on that count. Ex-Louisiana State Penitentiary guard not convicted in 2014 beating of inmate but is found guilty in cover up An ex-Louisiana State Penitentiary guard was convicted Friday in the cover-up of the 2014 brutal assault of a shackled and handcuffed Angola inmate. Federal prosecutors in Baton Rouge and Washington, D.C., filed notice last week of their intention to try Davis again on the unresolved count. Mr. Davis maintains his innocence regarding any allegations that he assaulted anyone at Angola, Andre Belanger, one of the attorneys who represented Davis at his trial, said Wednesday. Hes looking forward to clearing his name in court. During a mid-February status conference, deGravelles had encouraged the parties to discuss whether the unresolved count could be taken care of through a plea agreement. In an effort to resolve the case via plea agreement, the United States extended a good-faith plea offer, which the Defendant rejected, prosecutors Fred Menner Jr., Chris Perras and Zachary Dembo wrote last week in stating their intention to retry Davis on the unresolved count. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Davis was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, falsifying reports in a federal investigation, tampering with a witness and perjury. He was acquitted on a charge that accused him of physically assaulting the inmate at a prison tier. +2 Judge: Federal prosecutors can't conduct post-trial interviews of jurors in Angola beating case Prosecutors trying to decide whether to retry a former Louisiana State Penitentiary guard on a charge of beating an Angola inmate cannot inter The prisoner suffered fractured ribs, a punctured lung and dislocated shoulder, and other injuries. Three ex-Angola guards have pleaded guilty in the case. John Sanders and James Savoy, both of Marksville, and Scotty Kennedy, of Beebe, Arkansas, have not been sentenced. Sanders and Kennedy testified against Davis. Sanders admitted he punched the inmate repeatedly in the head in retaliation for an earlier incident. Savoy admitted failing to intervene when he witnessed other guards using excessive force against the inmate. Kennedy pleaded guilty to depriving the prisoner of the right to be free from cruel and unusual punishment, and to conspiracy to obstruct justice. Sanders, Savoy and Kennedy were captains at Angola. Davis and Sanders had prior excessive force complaints filed against them, prosecutors said, but Kennedy had a clean record at the time of the inmates beating. So Davis, Kennedy, Sanders and Savoy decided to falsely document that Kennedy was the only one who had used force on the inmate believing internal affairs investigators would view allegations against Kennedy with less scrutiny, according to prosecutors. The inmate sued Davis, Kennedy, Sanders and Savoy after the incident, and the case was settled in 2016. The companies building the Bayou Bridge Pipeline have spilled 87,273 barrels of hazardous liquids in 527 separate events in the past 15 years, according to a report entitled "Oil and Water" released Tuesday by Greenpeace and the Waterkeeper Alliance. Authors Tim Donaghy and Donna Lisenby culled through federal records of spills between 2002 and 2017 involving Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco which merged last year plus their subsidiaries and joint ventures. Phillips 66 is also a Bayou Bridge partner, though ETP is the majority shareholder in the project, which is under construction and designed to carry crude oil underground 163 miles between Lake Charles and St. James. ETP, Sunoco and their subsidiaries released 3.6 million gallons of hazardous liquid, enough to fill 5 Olympic-sized swimming pools, the authors wrote, citing data from the Pipeline Hazardous Material Safety Administration. Most was crude oil, though there were also spills of refined petroleum products and other flammable or toxic materials, plus an additional 2.4 million gallons of drilling fluids, sediment and industrial waste created by drilling two pipelines through the Rust Belt. ETP is "clearly a serial water polluter," Lisenby said in a conference call with reporters. Oil industry officials have repeatedly defended pipelines, saying they are far safer than trucks, ships and railroads, especially with new technologies being developed. So much oil flows through American pipelines, and almost all of it arrives safely, they've said. "In 2016, the Energy Transfer family of companies transported 1,424,694,595 Barrels (a 23% increase over 2015) of onshore crude, onshore (highly volatile liquids,) and onshore refined and/or petroleum products through approximately 79,700 miles of pipeline of which 99.99% was delivered safely to its intended destination (versus 99.96% in 2015)," spokeswoman Vicki Granado wrote in a Tuesday email to The Advocate. "While our goal is to maintain a 100% delivery rate, we are pleased with the results of the constant improvement processes we have in place." Environmentalists see proposed Louisiana law to protect pipelines and penalize protesters as overreach Fearful of large-scale protests like those that surrounded the Dakota Access pipeline, Louisiana legislators have joined their counterparts in Environmentalists, however, remain unimpressed and continue to push for a greater focus on renewable sources of energy. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Donaghy said he was alarmed that the spills have continued at a steady rate, with no indication they'll cease any time soon. That's one reason the paper uses its findings to argue against Bayou Bridge. If that pipeline has spills at the national rate, it would release eight significant spills in the first five decades, they argue. A significant spill is defined as the release of at least 50 barrels. One barrel contains 42 gallons. Bayou Bridge will eventually connect with facilities in Nederland, Texas. ETP officials have said that having another more-efficient route between Texas and Baton Rouge-area refineries will improve safety because it will lessen reliance on other, more dangerous methods of transportation. On the Bayou Bridge website, the company writes that it will also have the benefit of being able to refine more American crude, decreasing reliance on foreign supplies. There have been 11 incidents in the Nederland area, though only one was significant a 2004 spill at a Sunoco facility that released 100 barrels, according to an interactive map released with the "Oil and Water" report. The largest spill on the books occurred at a Sunoco tank farm in Pennsylvania in 2005, when a worker's mistake released 436,000 gallons of crude oil. The oil was contained, and the company was fined $150,000. Other top 10 major spills, however, harmed wildlife, leaked into sewers, caught fire or contaminated waterways, including Tete Bayou near Mooringsport in 2014, the report states. One reason ETP is so disliked by environmental groups is for its involvement in the Dakota Access Pipeline, which sparked widespread protests for its potential threats to the environment and for crossing native American lands. That pipeline, which began operations last year, has already reported seven spills, Donaghy and Lisenby wrote. Meanwhile, the company emphasizes the economic impact of additional infrastructure, including millions of dollars paid for land access, approximately 2,500 construction jobs, and additional tax revenue. "The real facts on the economic benefit of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline are being misrepresented by a small number of those who dont want you to know the truth," the company wrote on its website. Sen. Dan Claitor, R-Baton Rouge, right, lauds Sen. JP Morrell, D-New Orleans, left, for having the courage to sponsor what Claitor said would be an unpopular bill, SB243, but one that Caliator supported, before the Senate voted to passed a bill, that would let voters decide whether Louisiana should remain one of only two states in the U.S. that allow criminal juries to reach a verdict in serious felony trials on a split vote, Wednesday, April 4, 2018 at the State Capitol. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Solstice Gold Corp ("Solstice" or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has been advised by the TSX Venture Exchange (TSX-V) that the Company has received conditional approval to list its common shares on the TSX-V as a Tier 2 Mining Issuer under the ticker symbol SGC. Approval is subject to the completion of customary listing requirements of the TSX-V, including the filing of all required documentation. The Company will provide further information once the TSX-V has confirmed an effective listing date. Executive Chairman David Adamson stated, We would like to thank our shareholders for their ongoing support. We look forward to building shareholder value as we embark on our 2018 exploration program at our highly prospective Kahuna gold project for which we plan to provide an update on in the short term. The Company would also like to announce that its Board of Directors has appointed Solstice President Marty Tunney as a director of the Company. About Solstice Solstice is a new gold-focussed exploration company created through the spinout by Dunnedin Ventures Inc. of 806km2 (100%) of the district scale Kahuna Project (Kahuna or the Project) and certain other rights covering an additional 860km2 of the Project, all with no underlying option or earn in payments. Kahuna is located in Nunavut, Canada only 26 km from Rankin Inlet and approximately 7 km from the Meliadine gold deposits owned by Agnico-Eagle Mines Ltd. Solstice has 66.8 million shares outstanding and is well financed with $8 million in the treasury. Solstice is committed to responsible exploration and development in the communities in which we work. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. On Behalf of Solstice Gold Corp. David Adamson, PhD Executive Chairman For further information please visit our website at www.solsticegold.com or contact: Marty Tunney, PEng President info@solsticegold.com Forward Looking Statements Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects", plan and similar expressions. There can be no guarantee that continued exploration at Kahuna, which is at an early stage of exploration, will lead to the discovery of an economic gold deposit. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations and business prospects, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. This announcement contains information with respect to adjacent or similar mineral properties in respect of which the Company has no interest or rights to explore or mine. Readers are cautioned that the Company has no interest in or right to acquire any interest in any such properties, and that mineral deposits on adjacent or similar properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on the Companys properties. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance and all investors are urged to consult their investment professionals before making an investment decision. Investors are further cautioned that past performance is no guarantee of future performance. A state House panel shot down several bills Tuesday that would have placed new restrictions on some weapons signaling a near-certain end this session for gun legislation largely prompted by recent mass shootings. The House Administration of Criminal Justice Committee rejected four weapons-related bills, ranging from bans on so-called "bump stocks" to stricter background check protocols. Each was voted down along party lines, with Democrats favoring sending the bills to the House floor for consideration and Republicans or members without a party voting to kill the measures. "It's a hard conversation to have with many people whose minds are already made up," state Rep. Denise Marcelle, D-Baton Rouge, remarked at one point. "I think we have to have these conversations and we have to do something sooner rather than later." The votes came in rapid succession during the committee hearing, even as states around the country eye new restrictions on guns following a shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, that left 17 people dead last month. Some Republicans on the national stage have embraced the calls for tighter gun controls and it has sparked protests across the country, including a march on the Louisiana State Capitol grounds. But Tuesday's votes in the conservative House Criminal Justice Committee serve as a strong indication that the Louisiana Legislature won't implement new laws on guns this session, as the panel is a key hurdle for such legislation to pass. Legislation aims to prohibit people younger than 21 from purchasing assault weapons in Louisiana Nikolas Cruz was just 18 years old when he legally bought the AR-15 he used to kill 17 people at a Florida high school in February. Louisiana is generally seen as a gun-friendly state due to its hunting-rich culture and swaths of rural land. Advocates for tighter gun laws, many of them dressed in bright red shirts, packed the committee room, as did advocates for gun rights who oppose any new restrictions they view as encroaching on their Second Amendment rights. "If I want to protect my home or my car or my family, I shouldn't have to wait," Nina Roland, a homeowner from Kenner said of one bill that would institute a new 10-day waiting period for some gun purchases. "We're in an age of technology where it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to do a background check." Mike Weinberger, founder of the Home Defense Foundation, meanwhile, argued that restricting weapons based on the number of rounds they would shoot also was an encroachment upon homeowners' rights to defend themselves. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "You need more rounds," he said. "For the average citizen ... having more than 10 rounds is absolutely essential." Rep. Pat Smith, a Baton Rouge Democrat who proposed the ban on modifications called "bump stocks" that were used in the deadly shooting at an outdoor concert in Las Vegas that left 58 people dead and 851 injured, said she worried about the number of outdoor festivals Louisiana has. "This device only gives the user power P-O-W-E-R for rapid fire, and you only use it to kill," she said. Erin Luper, a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, repeatedly testified against Tuesday's legislation, arguing that restrictions would only affect law-abiding citizens and wouldn't curb criminal activity. "We don't want dangerous criminals to get their hands on firearms," she said. The State Senate voted 26-9 last week to reject legislation that would have required people to be at yeast 21 years old to purchase firearms that the law defined as "assault weapons" including long-rifles like AR-15 used in the Parkland shooting. It would not have applied to hunting rifles. Hand-gun sales are already restricted to those at least 21. Rep. Barbara Norton, D-Shreveport, said she was frustrated by inaction on gun legislation. "We here in the state of Louisiana have to start somewhere," she said. "I'm not speaking against guns, I'm speaking against what they can do." Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, had proposed legislation that he said would discourage the use of what his bill sought to identify as "assault weapons" that could be used against law enforcement and other victims. "I just find it strange that we would put gun rights ahead of human rights," he said. Legislation that would set up statewide rules for Uber and Lyft won Louisiana House approval Tuesday evening. The measure, by House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, cleared the House 97-1. It next faces action in the state Senate. Bill to expand, regulate Uber and Lyft in Louisiana breezes through House committee A second push to craft uniform rules for Uber and Lyft, and expand the ride-sharing service to rural areas, cleared the House Transportation C Last year a similar bill was endorsed by the House but died in the Senate. Backers said the rules are needed because they now vary from parish to parish, causing problems for riders. Barras told the House the bill would also allow Uber and Lyft services to be offered statewide, and boost their presence in rural areas. "This is an opportunity to establish an industry in Louisiana that I think serves our purpose," Barras said. "It certainly serves our citizens in a safe and efficient manner," he added. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Barras said he has no access to the ride-sharing service where he lives in New Iberia. The bill would grandfather in existing fee agreements between Baton Rouge, New Orleans and other cities with Lyft and Uber. The rule would apply to fees in effect on March 1. Bill to set up statewide rules for Uber, Lyft shelved and possibly dead A bill that would set up statewide rules for ridesharing services Uber and Lyft was shelved Tuesday in a Senate committee, killing the House-p That issue, and concerns that those arrangements would be scrapped, helped kill the bill last year. Uber and Lyft are ride-sharing services. Customers use them like taxis but the trips are pre-paid and customers hail rides by using an app. Under the bill, local governments could charge fees of up to 1 percent of each gross fare. The State Capitol was a couple degrees hotter Wednesday after the House Municipal, Parochial and Cultural Affairs Committee passed a resolution to name St. Martinville the Louisiana Pepper Capital of the World." House Concurrent Resolution 36, brought by Breaux Bridge Republican Rep. Mike Huval, would honor the city for its history in the spice industry. Hot sauce and Louisiana peppers have been a main economic driver in the community since Edmund and Louise Bulliard produced the first commercially sold cayenne pepper sauce in 1910, Huval said. The Bulliard family continues the tradition with Cajun Chef Products, a hot sauce and Cajun food company founded in 1958. The city is also home to Peppers Unlimited of Louisiana, a hot sauce manufacturer founded by another branch of the Bulliard family in 1993. Together, the two companies produce over 25 million gallons of pepper sauce and products each year, ship to 100 countries and employee over 250 residents in St. Martin Parish, according to Huvals resolution. The citys pepper pride isnt limited to the Bulliard family. For 26 years, the St. Martinville Kiwanis Club has honored the citys spicy heritage with its annual Pepper Festival. The festival includes a pepper eating contest, features local Cajun and Zydeco music and names a pepper king and queen, Huval said. The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up Huval told The Advocate hes very pleased this designation is finally coming to pass. He took up the bill after being approached by the St. Martinville City Council and St. Martinville Mayor Thomas Nelson. It makes you proud, he said. Its like anywhere else Gonzales has jambalaya, Ponchatoula has the strawberries, and Breaux Bridge has the crawfish. It gives you something to carry on your shoulders. Youre proud to be able to say that were the Pepper Capital of the World. Reps. John Berthelot, R-Gonzales, and Stephen Pugh, R-Ponchatoula, whose cities are the homes of the jambalaya and strawberry capitals respectively, gave St. Martinville their blessing on behalf of the two foodie capitals. Rep. Joseph Bouie, D-New Orleans, joked that a title can't be effectively conferred without a taste test. Without a sample, I dont know if I can vote for this bill, he said. Huval countered and said thered be enough hot sauce to go around when the bill came to the House floor. A bill that seeks to establish stricter policies against sexual harassment in state government is moving forward at the Capitol, as new data shows that Louisiana taxpayers have paid more than $5.1 million on harassment lawsuits over the past decade. House Bill 542 has been advanced to the Senate floor as a potential omnibus for various proposals that would more clearly spell out how the state handles sexual harassment allegations and efforts to prevent workplace harassment. It advanced out of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday without objection. Multiple reviews of the state's workplace sexual harassment policies in recent months have all highlighted the same fact: The state does not have a uniform sexual harassment policy. Agencies are not even required to adopt minimum standards. Lawmakers initially set out on different approaches: One plan would require agency heads to develop clear anti-harassment policies with minimum standards and mandate annual training for every public servant. It would also establish a yearly reporting process for each department to track harassment claims and create a written reprimand system for punishment. Audit: Sexual harassment lawsuits have cost Louisiana taxpayers $5.1M+ in past decade Louisiana has spent more than $5.1 million on at least 84 lawsuits involving sexual harassment claims since 2009, a new audit has found. Another approach would set one uniform policy for how harassment cases are handled and how victims of harassment are protected across all departments, rather than leaving it to vary by agency. It also would create a tiered punishment system including a possible demotion or firing upon second offense, as well as one-on-one training when someone is found to have harassed a coworker and additional training for those tasked with investigating harassment claims. Lawmakers have vowed to work to merge the ideas before HB542 hits the Senate floor, possibly the last major hurdle before the legislation reaches the governor's desk for approval. "It's been a lot of hard work, but it's been worth it," said Rep. Barbara Carpenter, a Baton Rouge Democrat who is sponsoring HB542, which began as the department-by-department proposal. Sen. Sharon Hewitt, a Slidell Republican who had proposed the farther-reaching, uniform harassment bill, said she will work to get at least some of her ideas into the final version. "I believe we all want our policies to be better," she said. Hewitt said she doesn't think an agency-by-agency approach is strong enough. "It empowers the agencies to develop their own policies with some minimum standards," she said. "I don't believe we are going to end up with something uniform across the agencies." The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up A former executive for an oil company, Hewitt said she has previously been tasked with handling harassment claims against employees. "You need to know what to do when someone comes to you with a complaint and that doesn't come out in one hour of training," she said. Wednesday's movement on the anti-harassment effort, came as lawmakers were responding to the findings of a recent probe from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor that found the state has spent millions on handling harassment claims in recent years and hundreds of complaints have been reported. The auditor's investigation was prompted a request from Hewitt after the abrupt resignation of one of the governor's top aides who had been accused of sexual harassment. The auditor found that more than 330 harassment charges have been reported internally in the past five years more than half of which fell within the state's higher education and corrections systems. "I find that to be a very significant number," Hewitt said. Louisiana's efforts to address sexual harassment in government have joined a national examination of misconduct issues propelled by the exposure of allegations against high profile figures across several industries, including Hollywood and the media. The state agreed last month to pay $85,000 to settle claims against Gov. John Bel Edwards' former deputy chief of staff, Johnny Anderson, who resigned in November amid allegations that he had harassed a woman he supervised. Anderson has denied any wrongdoing in a statement attached to the settlement agreement. More recently, Secretary of State Tom Schedler has also faced a lawsuit stemming from allegations that he sexually harassed an employee for more than a decade allegations that he denies. Schedler, a Republican, has said he won't step down before his term expires in 2020 but also will not seek reelection. Allegations against Anderson and Schedler have frequently been referenced as lawmakers look to strengthen the state's laws. "This is a very timely topic," Hewitt said. "Whether it was in the governor's office or the secretary of state's office, I've been a very vocal critic of those issues." The auditor's findings and recommendations that the state establish a uniform policy or at least minimum standards closely mirror the conclusions reached by other reviews from a legislative panel and a governor-appointed task force. The Cajun Navy and other groups that volunteer during disasters could coordinate with state emergency leaders and gain access to some equipment under legislation that is advancing to the state Senate for review. The Louisiana House on Wednesday voted 81-11 in favor of House Bill 388, which would allow the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to establish an opt-in credentialing program for volunteer groups who assist in the response to declared disasters. It now heads to the Senate for consideration. "The whole state benefits from this bill because we are not going to stop having disasters," said Rep. Valarie Hodges, a Denham Springs Republican and one of the bill's primary sponsors. State emergency response leaders have generally supported the idea of establishing a system of "credentialing" nonprofit volunteers before the next disaster to better keep track and coordinate an effective response. Louisiana looks to better coordinate disaster volunteer efforts, including Cajun Navy Louisiana's emergency management leaders have set out to better coordinate volunteer efforts for future disasters, as federal assistance may b GOHSEP officials spent several weeks meeting with various volunteer groups, including factions of the volunteer-based "Cajun Navy," informal collectives of boaters who have drawn national attention for their search-and-rescue efforts after the 2016 floods in Louisiana and Hurricane Harvey in Texas last year. Hodges and family members were among the estimated thousands of people rescued by the volunteer boaters when their home flooded in August 2016. She said her bill was inspired by their efforts. The bill was praised by other legislators who represent areas hard-hit by the historic flooding. +9 President Donald Trump makes quick stop in Lake Charles to thank guardsmen, Cajun Navy for Harvey response President Donald Trump made a brief stop in Lake Charles on Saturday to thank members of the Louisiana National Guard and the Cajun Navy who h The scoop on state politics in your inbox Get the Louisiana politics insider details once a week from us. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up "When it comes to a time of crisis, we need everybody," said Rep. Rick Edmonds, R-Baton Rouge. "Every one of us needs every one of us." Under the proposal, volunteers would have the ability to apply for credentialing through GOHSEP to gain access to some state-owned equipment and communications systems to aid recovery and relief. They also can receive limited training to help with their efforts. "Right now, they have no training and they are doing this," Hodges said. "This is beneficial to give them the training they need." But at least some members of the Legislature remain skeptical of the idea of bringing volunteer groups on board to handle the state's recovery efforts. Rep. Terry Landry, D-New Iberia, said he was concerned about a potential slippery slope that could be created: First, they are given radios for communication, he said, but would that ultimately lead to blue lights on volunteers' cars or state-issued guns? "I know the volunteers do great work when there is a time of emergency," Landry said. "I think we're rushing to do some feel-good legislation that is going to cause some problems in the long run." GB Sciences, which operates a cultivation center in Nevada, is licensed to produce medical marijuana in Louisiana by the LSU AgCenter. GB has started a growing operation in Baton Rouge and already is planning phase two, based on an expansion of treatable conditions recently approved by the Legislature and governor. Protocol for Pivotal Clinical Trial Has Been Submitted to the US FDA LOS ALTOS, Calif., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Retrotope announced today peer-reviewed publication of positive Phase 1b/2a trial results for the companys lead candidate, RT001, in patients with Friedreichs ataxia (FA). RT001 is the first in class of a new category of drugs called D-PUFAs (deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acids), which are designed to protect against free radical damage resulting in cell death that is a hallmark of several degenerative diseases, including FA. In an article titled, Randomized, Clinical Trial of RT001: Early Signals of Efficacy in Friedreichs Ataxia (DOI:10.1002/mds.27353), appearing online in Movement Disorders, results of the randomized, double-blind, comparator-controlled Phase 1b/2a trial demonstrated early signals of drug effect (including statistically significant improvements in peak exercise workload compared to placebo) and positive safety and tolerability. Theresa Zesiewicz, M.D., FAAN, Director of the University of South Florida Ataxia Research Center and principal investigator of the Phase 1b/2a study, commented, These are the first findings published in a peer-reviewed journal demonstrating that a D-PUFA can show both safety and early indications of possible efficacy over a short treatment window of 28 days in patients with a progressive neurodegenerative disease such as FA. While biological activity was not a primary goal of the study, we are encouraged by the study results and look forward to further progress of the program. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, two-dose Phase 1b/2a study met all primary safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic (PK) goals in 18 patients who completed the 28-day period of treatment. Patients were randomized 2:1 (RT001:placebo) in either a low dose or high dose cohort. RT001 was found to be safe and tolerable, with plasma levels approaching saturation by 28 days. An additional subject (#19) with a low body mass index experienced steatorrhea taking the highest dose and discontinued the study. This is a common complication of high polyunsaturated fatty acid dosing in, for example, hypercholesterolemia, and self-resolved in several hours. Other adverse events during the study were either very mild or not drug related. Fatty acid metabolites of RT001 were also detected and demonstrate that the drug participated in normal fatty acid processing. For the 18 patients who completed the study, there was an improvement in peak workload during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in the drug group compared to placebo (0.16 watts/kg; p = 0.008), as well as improvement trends in peak oxygen consumption and in stride speed. Peter G. Milner, M.D., Retrotopes Chief Medical Officer, stated, The Phase 1b/2a trial provides an early signal that RT001 may be able to address one of the most important concerns of FA patients, namely, the ability to generate additional energy during exercise and avoid the profound fatigue in performing most tasks. Based on these findings and additional positive results from the trial, we intend to move RT001 forward in this disease and have submitted a pivotal study protocol to the US FDA for review. The company also announced publication of a letter titled, Strong Correlations Among Four Measures of Disease Progression in Friedreichs Ataxia (DOI:10.1002/mds.27351), appearing online in Movement Disorders. The letter reported on the high correlation of CPET measures with other well-studied disease severity measures during the Phase 1b/2a trial, and supports using CPET as a primary endpoint in larger, longitudinal studies of FA. About Friedreichs Ataxia (FA) FA is a debilitating, life-shortening neurodegenerative disorder that affects approximately 5,000 people in the United States, and over 30,000 people worldwide. A progressive loss of coordination and muscle strength leads to motor incapacitation, the full-time use of a wheelchair, and ultimately early death, typically from cardiomyopathy. There is currently no approved treatment for FA. In 2017, the FDA granted Retrotope Orphan Drug Designation for RT001 in FA. Retrotope is greatly indebted to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) for its support in all aspects of its clinical trial design and execution, including recruiting and financial support for patients travel costs to participate in the trial. About RT001 RT001 is a patented, first-in-class, orally available D-PUFA, a deuterated polyunsaturated fatty acid, that incorporates into mitochondrial and cellular membranes and stabilizes them. Retrotope and others have discovered that lipid peroxidation, the free-radical damage of polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) in mitochondrial and cellular membranes, may be the primary source of cell death in several degenerative diseases, including FA and Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (INAD). The presence of D-PUFAs (RT001) can help protect (fireproof) against this attack and potentially restore cellular health. About Retrotope Retrotope, a privately held, clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, is creating a new category of drugs to treat degenerative diseases. Composed of proprietary compounds that are chemically stabilized forms of essential nutrients, these compounds are being studied as disease-modifying therapies for many intractable diseases such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers, mitochondrial myopathies, and retinopathies. RT001, Retrotopes first lead candidate, is being tested in clinical trials for the treatment of Friedreich's ataxia, a fatal orphan disease, and in compassionate use studies for a fatal, childhood neurodegenerative disease, Infantile Neuroaxonal Dystrophy. For more information about Retrotope, please visit www.retrotope.com. Retrotope Media Contact: Justin Jackson, Burns McClellan 212-213-0006, ext. 327, jjackson@burnsmc.com SOURCE: Retrotope, Inc. 4300 El Camino Real, Suite 201 Los Altos, CA 94022 650-575-7551 With a new school year beginning, Gov. John Bel Edwards on Tuesday reiterated his call to place a trained officer in every Louisiana school, b Louisiana, say hello to ALICE. She is a single mom with two kids who works full-time yet struggles each month to make her rent, utilities and Dan Fagan: Fiscal cliff not nearly what governor cited as an excuse to raise taxes Calvin Duncan poses for a photo with two stacks of legal paperwork filed under "Notification of Direct Appeal Decision" and Non-unanimous Jury Verdict issues" in his Central Business District office in New Orleans, La., Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Duncan is a former Angola inmate who is pushing the United States Supreme Court, through repeated petitions on behalf of inmates convicted on non-unanimous jury counts, to overturn the state's unusual law allowing murder convictions of a 10 to 2 jury serious felony cases. When it comes to taxes, essential services have to be paid for, and one of them in Louisiana more than almost anyplace else in the world is fl With House Speaker Paul Ryan on his way out and the fall election season rapidly approaching, theres a theory that the current Congress wont be taking on major policy initiatives for the rest of the year. One possible exception, though, is an issue thats being followed particularly closely in Louisiana. According to Business Insurance, legislative experts are expecting a big fight over the future of the federal National Flood Insurance Program, which is set to expire July 31 after a series of short-term extensions. The latest drop-dead date comes just as hurricane season is approaching its peak, which is sure to get peoples attention. And while another extension is always a possibility, perhaps even a likelihood, one key lawmaker whos about to leave Congress is maneuvering to get a major rewrite on the books while he still can. Stephanie Grace: On flood insurance renewal, later is better than sooner Watching Congress try to get things done and usually failing can be an infuriating exper House Financial Services Committee Chairman Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, is an outspoken skeptic of the subsidies that make insurance affordable in flood-prone areas, which puts him at odds with fellow Republicans in Louisiana. A key player in the debate, as in the past, is likely to be House Minority Whip Steve Scalise, a leading conservative who may be angling for Ryans job and also represents a district where Hensarlings free-market ideas could prove devastating. This is going to be a major showdown at the end of July, Scalise told the publication. I think this is from a property/casualty (insurance) standpoint, the biggest remaining issue of the year in the Congress. One of many points of debate is highlighted in a new report issued by the NFIP, which found that better-off homeowners are significantly more likely to buy flood insurance than those who struggle to make ends meet. A major goal of the program is to get more potential customers to purchase insurance, and the study suggests need-based subsidies could help make that a reality. But it also adds yet another point of contention in a long-running, ideologically loaded debate over how closely rates should reflect risk. Thats a fight that many following the issue would love to put off until Hensarling is safely retired. This photo shows an IRS W-4 form on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, in New York. Workers are starting to see more take-home pay as employers implement the new withholding guidelines from the IRS. How much extra cash depends on several factors, such as workers' income, how often they are paid and the number of withholdings allowances they claim on their IRS Form W-4 with their employer. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) PHILADELPHIA (AP) A Southwest Airlines pilot who made an emergency landing Tuesday after the jet apparently blew an engine, got hit by shrapnel and lost a window, is being praised for her "nerves of steel" in helping to prevent a far worse tragedy after the catastrophe killed one passenger and left seven others hurt. +3 One dead after Southwest Airlines jet blows an engine; woman nearly sucked out PHILADELPHIA (AP) A Southwest Airlines jet blew an engine at 32,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, setting off a desper Tammie Jo Shults was at the controls of the Dallas-bound Flight 1380 when it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, said her husband, Dean Shults. The twin-engine Boeing 737 that left New York with 149 people board was hit by shrapnel that smashed a window and damaged the fuselage, killing a passenger and injuring seven others, authorities said. The pilot took the plane into a rapid descent as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling braced for impact. Shults was among the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. military, according to friends and the alumni group at Shults' alma mater, MidAmerica Nazarene. Shults was a 1983 graduate of the university in Olathe, Kansas, where she earned degrees in biology and agribusiness, said Carol Best, a university spokeswoman told The Kansas City Star. Passenger Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, lauded Shults and her crew for their professionalism. "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. I'm going to send her a Christmas card I'm going to tell you that with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome," Tumlinson said "The lady, the crew, everything, everybody was immaculate. They were so professional in what they did to get us on the ground." Shults' brother-in-law, Gary Shults, said her husband also is a Southwest pilot and told him she had made the emergency landing. "She's a formidable woman, as sharp as a tack," said Gary Shults, a dentist in San Antonio. "My brother says she's the best pilot he knows. She's a very caring, giving person who takes care of lots of people." Passengers said she walked through the aisle and talked with them to make sure they were OK after the plane touched down. +6 NTSB: Blown jet engine on deadly Southwest flight showed 'metal fatigue' PHILADELPHIA (AP) A preliminary examination of the blown jet engine of the Southwest Airlines plane that set off a terrifying chain of event U.S. transportation Secretary Elaine Chao extended her sympathies to the loved ones of the passenger who died, Jennifer Riordan, of New Mexico, and praised the pilot, crew and others who were on board. "I commend the pilots who safely landed the aircraft, and the crew and fellow passengers who provided support and care for the injured, preventing what could have been far worse," Chao said in a statement. Travelers said fellow passengers dragged Riordan back in as the sudden decompression of the cabin pulled her part way through the smashed window. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said it was the first passenger fatality in an accident involving a U.S. airline since 2009. ___ Wallace and AP business writer David Koening reported from Dallas. Its time to grab cowboy-casual garb and head to the 13th annual Tails But No Black Tie equestrian fundraiser. Gates open at 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at Equest Farm horse stables, 1001 Filmore Ave., at City Park. The event includes a casual viewing of horses and visiting with riders from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. The grandstand opens at 6 p.m. for cocktails and hors doeuvres. Following the national anthem at 6:30 p.m., there will be dinner and grand prix activities, including horse and rider competitions to win $10,000 in prizes, starting at 7 p.m. The event includes the Calcutta Parade of Horses auction. Beautiful horses and world-class riders will navigate a 15-jump course, and those who jump a clean round will compete in the jump off. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children, who must be at least 4 to enter. Admission includes a ringside view of the Grand Prix and the choice to bring food and beverages or visit concession stands. VIP reserved grandstand tickets are $175, and patrons will enjoy up-close views, a catered dinner and open bar. The Tom Fisher Jazz Ensemble will entertain, and an auction will be held for a rug donated by NOLA Rugs. For ticket information, visit http://www.tailsbutnoblacktie.org/tickets.htm or call (504) 483-9398. Equest Farm, situated on 27 acres in the heart of New Orleans City Park, is a full-service equestrian center offering horseback riding lessons, boarding and summer camps. For information, visit www.equestfarm.com. UNO book sale Browse through thousands of used books at rock-bottom prices when the Friends of the UNO Library holds a three-day sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 19; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, April 20; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, on the fourth floor of the Earl K. Long library on the UNO campus, 2000 Lakeshore Drive. Sales will support resources not covered by the library budget. Past sales helped purchase an independent server for the universitys digitized historical records of the Louisiana Supreme Court, and a high-tech lab used by students. The event also supports opportunities for librarians. Top stories in New Orleans in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up First look admission, from 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday, is $5. After that, admission is free for the rest of the event. For information, visit http://libguides.uno.edu/friends/friends. LPO at the park Bring blankets, folding chairs and picnics for the annual Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Swing in the Oaks event from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, at the Goldring/Waldenberg Great Lawn at City Park. Arrive early for a good spot. Food and drinks will be sold. A rain date is set for Wednesday, April 25. Food meets art Seasoned chefs will pair with International High School of New Orleans students to create Studio & A Taste of NOLA from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, April 21, at the Newcomb Art Museum on the Tulane University campus. Student artwork will be featured along with auction and food fare by chefs Will Avelar, David Slater, Adolfo Garcia, Joaquin Rodas and Edgar Caro. Guitarist Carl Leblanc will entertain, and there will be a silent auction. Tickets, $75 and $125 for couples, must be purchased by Thursday, April 19. Attire is cocktail casual, and proceeds will benefit the high school at 727 Carondelet St. For information, visit www.ihsnola.org. Vision 20/20 Sci High students learning pathways into fields including biomedical, engineering and graphic design will share their visions and celebrate the 25th anniversary of the New Orleans Science and Math charter school at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 19, at The Wisdom Home, 2507 Prytania St. Dress is business casual. Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... ATHENS, Greece, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Diana Shipping Inc. (NYSE:DSX), (the Company), a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend the present time charter contract with Cargill International S.A., Geneva, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Santa Barbara. The gross charter rate is US$20,250 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties, for a period of about eighteen (18) months to about nineteen (19) months. The new charter period is expected to commence on April 24, 2018. The m/v Santa Barbara is currently chartered, as previously announced, at a gross charter rate of US$12,000 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties. The Santa Barbara is a 179,426 dwt Capesize dry bulk vessel built in 2015. The Company also announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International S.A., Geneva, for one of its Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Myrto. The gross charter rate is US$14,000 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum thirteen (13) months to maximum fifteen (15) months. The charter is expected to commence on April 24, 2018. The m/v Myrto is currently chartered, as previously announced, at a gross charter rate of US$8,000 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties, for the agreed period of the time charter. The Myrto is a 82,131 dwt Kamsarmax dry bulk vessel built in 2013. The employment extension of Santa Barbara as well as the employment of Myrto are anticipated to generate approximately US$16.09 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charters. Diana Shipping Inc.s fleet currently consists of 50 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 22 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of the Companys fleet is approximately 5.8 million dwt with a weighted average age of 8.65 years. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Companys website, www.dianashippinginc.com. Information contained on the Companys website does not constitute a part of this press release. About the Company Diana Shipping Inc. is a global provider of shipping transportation services through its ownership of dry bulk vessels. The Companys vessels are employed primarily on medium to long-term time charters and transport a range of dry bulk cargoes, including such commodities as iron ore, coal, grain and other materials along worldwide shipping routes. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Matters discussed in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides safe harbor protections for forward-looking statements in order to encourage companies to provide prospective information about their business. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements, which are other than statements of historical facts. The Company desires to take advantage of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and is including this cautionary statement in connection with this safe harbor legislation. The words believe, anticipate, intends, estimate, forecast, project, plan, potential, may, should, expect, pending and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, our managements examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although we believe that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies which are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, we cannot assure you that we will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections. In addition to these important factors, other important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of world economies and currencies, general market conditions, including fluctuations in charter rates and vessel values, changes in demand for dry bulk shipping capacity, changes in our operating expenses, including bunker prices, drydocking and insurance costs, the market for our vessels, availability of financing and refinancing, changes in governmental rules and regulations or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, general domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents or political events, vessel breakdowns and instances of off-hires and other factors. Please see our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a more complete discussion of these and other risks and uncertainties. On the day in which the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi, one year after the publication of the Encyclical of Pope Francis Fratelli tutti, the Meeting "Faith and science: towards COP26" will be held in the VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE:GET.CN) (OTCQB:GLNNF) (FKT:GJT) (Glance or the Company) today announced that the Board of Directors of Glance (the Board) has adopted new initiatives aligned with corporate governance best practices. As part of those initiatives, Glance announced that the Board has removed director Penny Green, who is not an independent director, from two Board committees. Also, Glance comments that it has noticed irregularities in the share trading and ownership disclosure of Ms. Green, who has launched a shareholder requisition seeking control of the Board. In addition, Glance informs shareholders that Ms. Greens three dissident nominees names and biographies have quietly and suddenly disappeared from her dissident website. Governance enhancements With regard to Glances governance initiatives, they include a minimum share ownership policy for directors (the Ownership Rules), a Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee Charter and new Corporate Governance Principles. The new Ownership Rules are intended to encourage independent directors to own common shares of Glance (Shares) whether or not they receive compensation beyond stock options for serving on the Board. All of Glances independent directors are committed to complying with the new stock ownership policy, said Kirk Herrington, Chair of the Board. This new ownership guideline will continue to strengthen the alignment of shareholder and director interests as we move forward. Highlights of governance initiatives Glance will now require independent directors to maintain a minimum ownership of 100,000 Shares after they have been on the Board for at least three years. Among the highlights of the new Corporate Governance Principles are: ensuring that the business is managed with integrity and ethical business standards; all directors will act in the best interest of Glance and will put the interest of Glance ahead of any single stakeholder, shareholder or group or their own interests; Glance will communicate openly and effectively with its shareholders, other stakeholders and the public generally, and maintain strict compliance with all applicable securities laws regarding disclosure and trading; ensuring that there is a long-term strategic plan in place for Glance which is reviewed annually with the Board; and the adoption of a majority voting policy for the election of directors of Glance. In order to align Glance with governance best practices and comply with the newly adopted Corporate Governance Principles, the Board has decided to remove Ms. Green from Glances Audit Committee and Compensation Committee. As a non-independent director, Ms. Green is no longer eligible to serve on those committees. Irregularities in Ms. Greens ownership percentage disclosure Glance noticed an irregularity in Ms. Greens ownership percentage disclosure after comparing her two proxy fight news releases dated February 21, 2018 (the Requisition News Release) and April 10, 2018 (together, the Proxy News Releases) against her filings on SEDI. Ms. Green claimed consistent ownership of approximately 12.27% of Shares in the Proxy News Releases. Based on her SEDI filings Ms. Green held, directly and indirectly through a controlled entity, 15,180,063 Shares on April 10, 2018, which Glance believes was approximately 11.26% of the issued and outstanding Shares. Glances calculation takes into account the following changes since February 21, 2018: Ms. Greens net divestiture of 5.1% of her holdings, based on her SEDI filings; and the increase of 2.8% in the issued and outstanding Shares, based on Glances public disclosure. Other irregularities in Ms. Greens proxy fight trading disclosure The Requisition News Release advertised Ms. Greens acquisition of 180,000 Glance units (Units) through Glances December 2017 public financing.1 The Requisition News Release did not mention that between February 2, 2018 and February 6 2018, Ms. Green disposed of 212,900 Shares into the public market, according to her SEDI filings. This represents more Shares divested than Units bought. Glance believes that the Requisition News Release, issued 15 days after February 6, 2018, should have mentioned the sales. In addition, the Requisition News Release failed to mention Glances repurchase of a portion of the outstanding Shares (the Buyback), which commenced on February 5, 2018. During the first two days of the Buyback, Ms. Green sold 171,000 of her Shares. It was never Glances intention that the Buyback would be used to create demand for Ms. Greens divestitures. Ms. Green never informed the Board of her intention to sell during the Buyback when it was being discussed by the Board, even though proceeding with the Buyback was at Ms. Greens behest. To be perfectly clear, Glance is not criticizing Ms. Greens decision to sell Shares. Subject to compliance with Glances policies and applicable securities laws, officers and directors are entitled to do so. Other Glance directors have sold Shares from time to time for personal financial reasons. The difference is that Glances other insiders have not sold Shares while issuing a news release suggesting they are accumulators of Shares, as Ms. Green has. Also, no other Glance director sold shares during the Buyback, according to their SEDI filings. Ms. Greens late filings of trades Since Glance went public in 2016, Ms. Green has reported approximately 370 trades on SEDI, of which approximately 160 ($1.8 million of transactions) were reported after the deadline for such filings. Ms. Greens late filings represent a full 42.7% of her Glance trades. These late filings represent a blatant disregard for compliance with securities laws. Moreover, the late filings are unfair to shareholders, who cannot react in a timely fashion. In its annual Management Information Circular (MIC), Glance is required to disclose ownership by shareholders with more than 10% of issued and outstanding Shares as of the record date. If Ms. Greens SEDI filings indicate that she still holds, directly or indirectly through a controlled entity, more than 10% of the issued and outstanding Shares, the MIC will provide that disclosure to shareholders. But Glance cautions that there can be no assurance Ms. Greens SEDI filings will be up to date, given her extensive trading activity and her extensive late-filing track record. On average, Ms. Greens late filings were nearly six days after the five-day deadline and they ranged as late as 212 days after the deadline. Among recent transactions, she filed an exercise of stock options on March 30, 2018, which was 29 days after the trade and 24 days after the deadline for filing. Glance encourages Ms. Green to file all of her trades by the deadline going forward. Ms. Greens trading during a blackout Just last month Ms. Green reported 43 trades on SEDI that appear to violate a trading blackout imposed on all Glance directors, officers and employees pursuant to the terms of Glances Corporate Disclosure Policy. The apparent violation involved the sale by Ms. Green and an entity Ms. Green reports as being controlled by her of an aggregate of 265,430 shares for a collective value of $229,705 or an average of $0.865 per share. Glance imposed the blackout after the close of markets on March 6, 2018 to prevent insiders from trading prior to the disclosure of Glances fourth quarter 2017 financial results on March 29, 2018. Glances Corporate Disclosure Policy specifically prohibits trading of Common Shares by insiders of Glance during trading blackouts without receiving permission from Glance. Ms. Green did not receive such permission. No other directors of Glance reported trades during the blackout. Trading filed by the Griffins For completeness, Glance wishes to call shareholders attention to trading filed on SEDI by Glances CEO Mr. Griffin and by Glances CTO Ms. Griffin. The Griffins, who are husband and wife, now collectively own 15,050,832 Shares, equivalent to 11.16% of the issued and outstanding Shares. The Griffins recent transactions consist of the following: on April 5, 2018 Ms. Griffin exercised options to acquire 380,000 Shares; and on April 6, 2018 Mr. Griffin exercised warrants to acquire 575,000 Shares. Mr. Griffin holds 14,670,832 Shares and Ms. Griffin holds 380,000 Shares, according to SEDI filings. Neither of the Griffins have conducted any other Glance transactions since late fall 2017. At that time Ms. Griffin exercised options to acquire 20,000 Shares and sold them in the public market, according to her SEDI filings. Also at that time Mr. Griffin exercised warrants to acquire 75,000 Shares, according to his SEDI filings. Earlier in 2017, Mr. Griffin sold a net of approximately 2.2 million Shares, according to his SEDI filings. Trading filed by Kirk Herrington Also for completeness, Glance also wishes to call shareholders attention to a transaction filed on SEDI by Glances Board Chair Kirk Herrington. The filing shows that Mr. Herrington owns 25,000 Shares, having exercised options to acquire those shares on April 13, 2018. Mr. Herringtons filings show that he has not conducted any other Glance transactions since late 2017. At that time he exercised options to acquire a total 387,500 Shares and sold them in the public market, according to his SEDI filings. Quiet, sudden disappearance of Ms. Greens dissident nominees names Glance is calling attention to the quiet, sudden disappearance of Ms. Greens three nominees from her dissident website. The nominees names and biographies were posted to the website when it was launched to great fanfare with a news release on April 10, 2018. Now that information is unavailable, with no explanation. Glance believes the names and biographies were removed after a news release issued by Glance on April 12, 2018 calling attention to irregularities in the biography of one of those nominees. Glance suggests that shareholders should now be asking Ms. Green the following questions: Why has Ms. Green removed the names of her nominees from her dissident website just a few days after having launched it? Can Ms. Green confirm the names of her three dissident nominees? Does Ms. Green believe that she performed appropriate due diligence with regard to her nominees prior to launching her requisition? Do Ms. Greens nominees believe that they performed appropriate due diligence with regard to each other and Ms. Green prior to agreeing to stand for election? Has Ms. Green now performed belated due diligence with regard to her dissident nominees, and if so, what were the results of that belated due diligence? Glances ongoing disclosure Glance does not intend to provide insider ownership and trading information on an ongoing basis, other than in the MIC or other required disclosure. Glance notes that SEDI filings are an obligation of individual insiders and can be reviewed at no charge on SEDIs website at https://www.sedi.ca. Glances intends that the MIC will include a complete response to Ms. Greens proxy fight communications. Glance expects to file the MIC, including a description of Glances excellent progress and prospects, well in advance of the contested June 12, 2018 shareholders meeting. Pursuant to applicable securities laws, Glance does not intend to solicit proxies for that meeting until the MIC has been filed. About Glance Technologies Inc. Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to shop, order goods and services, make payments, access digital receipts, redeem digital deals, earn great rewards & interact with merchants. Glance offers targeted in-app marketing, geo targeted digital coupons, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, merchant manager apps, a large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. Glance has also recently purchased a blockchain solution and is working on a rewards-based cryptocurrency. For more information about Glance, please go to www.glance.tech . For more information, contact: David Jan Paola Ashton Investor Relations VP Business Development 1-866-258-1249 604-839-0337 investors@glancepay.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: may, believe, thinks, expect, exploring, expand, could, anticipate, intend, estimate, plan, pursue, potentially, projected, should, will and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. These forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to, among other things, Glances intention to file a response to Ms. Greens proxy fight communications well in advance of June 12, 2018 shareholders meeting, Glances expectation that the MIC will include a complete response to Ms. Greens proxy fight communications, Glances expectation that the MIC will include a description of Glances excellent progress and prospectus, Glances intention not to solicit proxies for the June 12, 2018 shareholders meeting until the MIC has been filed and the development of a rewards based cryptocurrency. Although Glance considers these forward-looking statements to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among other things, the risk that Glances directors have not complied with the five-day deadline for filing trades of Shares, risks related to the ability of Glance to file a response to Ms. Greens proxy fight communications on schedule, the risk that the MIC will not be accurate due to a failure to file trades of Shares on SEDI by Ms. Green, the risk that Glance will fail to have excellent progress and prospects and the risk that Glance will not be able to successfully develop a rewards based cryptocurrency. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are in addition based on various estimates, forecasts and projects as well as expectations, beliefs and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the response to Ms. Greens proxy fight communications will contain a description of Glances excellent progress and prospects and the timing for filing this response and that Glance will be able to develop a rewards based cryptocurrency. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward looking statements in this press release, see the section entitled Risk Factors in the most recent Prospectus of Glance, which may be accessed through Glances profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. 1 Each Unit consisted of a Share and warrants to acquire additional Shares from Glance at fixed prices over two years. San Francisco Event Draws Investors and Industry Leaders from Private and Public Companies in the Digital Media and Technology Marketplace NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Accelerize (OTCQB: ACLZ) (OTCBB: ACLZ) and its digital marketing software division CAKE has been invited to attend the SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Internet & Digital Media Conference, being held May 8-9 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. For more information about the conference or to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Accelerize Inc. management, please contact your SunTrust Robinson Humphrey representative. The SunTrust Robinson Humphrey Internet & Digital Media Conference brings together institutional investors as well as publicly traded and private companies in the digital media and technology marketplace. Attendees will have access to keynote presentations, panel discussions, one-on-one meetings and more. For more information about the conference, visit https://suntrust.dealogic.com/clientportal/Conferences/Agenda/List/46?menuItemId=2. About CAKE by Accelerize CAKE, a division of Accelerize Inc., provides proprietary cloud-based solutions to collect, attribute and optimize the performance of digital marketing return on investment, in real-time. Bringing clarity to cross-channel marketing campaigns, we empower advertisers, agencies, publishers and networks from more than 50 countries worldwide with the insight to make intelligent marketing decisions. CAKE by Accelerize is headquartered in Newport Beach, Calif. with operations in London and New Delhi. For more information, visit www.getCAKE.com. About Accelerize Accelerize Inc. (OTCQB: ACLZ) (OTCBB: ACLZ) offers marketing technology solutions that revolutionize the way advertisers leverage their digital advertising data. For more information, visit www.accelerize.com. Use of Forward-looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements from Accelerize Inc. within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and federal securities laws. For example, when Accelerize uses statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will" and similar expressions, Accelerize is using forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations of the management of Accelerize only, and are subject to a number of factors and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements: changes in technology and market requirements; our technology may not be validated as we progress further; we may be unable to retain or attract key employees whose knowledge is essential to the development of our products and services; unforeseen market and technological difficulties may develop with our products and services; inability to timely develop and introduce new technologies, products and applications; or, loss of market share and pressure on pricing resulting from competition, which could cause the actual results or performance of Accelerize to differ materially from those contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, Accelerize undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For a more detailed description of the risk and uncertainties affecting Accelerize, reference is made to Accelerize's reports filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Company Announces Closing of Reverse Takeover Transaction and Completion of Related Subscription Receipt Offering NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO US NEWSWIRES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ether Capital Corporation (NEO:ETHC) (Ether Capital or the Company, formerly named Movit Media Corp.) is pleased to announce that it has completed its previously announced reverse takeover transaction (Transaction) pursuant to which it has acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of Ethereum Capital Inc. (Ethereum Capital) by way of a three-cornered amalgamation. In connection with the Transaction, the Company has delisted its common shares (Shares) from the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) and listed its Shares for trading on the Aequitas NEO Exchange (the NEO Exchange) under the symbol ETHC. The Company expects that the Shares will begin trading on the NEO Exchange on April 19, 2018. The completion of this transaction and commencement of public trading represents a critical step in Ether Capitals mission, said Som Seif, Executive Chairman and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Ether Capital. We are excited to provide investors with the opportunity to invest in the first publicly listed company focused solely on the Ethereum ecosystem and to help drive industry-shifting disruptive technologies, said Mr. Seif. Through Version One, Ive had the opportunity to experience first-hand the innovation that blockchain technologies are bringing to a number of industries, said Boris Wertz, Lead Independent Director of Ether Capital. The combination of resources and industry-leading expertise that Ether Capital has allows us to be at the forefront of this innovation and capitalize on opportunities in the sector, said Mr. Wertz. Immediately following the commencement of trading, Ether Capital will begin implementing its business plan which will initially involve investing the majority of its available funds in Ethereums native utility token Ether as a strategic asset. Ether Capital will opportunistically acquire Ether through exchanges/brokerages approved by the Company, targeting a total investment of 80-90 percent of its available capital into Ether. The Company will announce material changes and will disclose its holdings in Ether in the Investors section of its website, which will be updated at a minimum on the last day of each week. Completion of Ethereum Capitals Subscription Receipt Offering Immediately prior to the closing of the Transaction, the escrow release conditions for Ethereum Capitals previously announced private placement offering (Offering) of 18,000,000 subscription receipts (Subscription Receipts) at a price of $2.50 per Subscription Receipt were satisfied and the net proceeds of the Offering in the amount of approximately $42.2 million were released to the Company. In addition, on the escrow release, each holder of Subscription Receipts received one common share in Ethereum Capital (ECI Share) for each Subscription Receipt held. On the closing of the Transaction, Ethereum Capital amalgamated with the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, with the amalgamated entity becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Ether Capital plans to use the net proceeds of the Offering to implement the Companys strategy though a combination of acquiring Ether and through strategic acquisitions of Ethereum-based businesses. Commencement of Trading The Companys common shares are expected to commence trading on the NEO Exchange at market open on April 19, 2018 under the ticker symbol ETHC, subject to final approval by NEO Exchange. The Transaction In accordance with the terms of the transition agreement (the Transition Agreement) dated January 29, 2018, among the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiary and Ethereum Capital, the Company continued from British Columbia to Ontario, consolidated its Shares on the basis of one post-consolidation Share for every 12.5 Shares issued and outstanding and changed its name to Ether Capital Corporation. The Company also adopted a new by-law and share compensation plan. In effecting the reverse takeover by way of amalgamation, each ECI Share was cancelled and the holders thereof received one Share for each ECI Share held. After giving effect to the Offering and the Transaction, there are approximately 20,776,289 post-consolidation Shares issued and outstanding. New Board of Directors and Management Team In connection with the Transaction, the Company welcomes a new Board of Directors and management team. The Company is led by an experienced group of individuals from both the technology and investment sectors, including Co-Chief Investment Officers Som Seif and Benjamin Roberts, CEO Michael Conn and CFO Scott Bartholomew. The Board of Directors, elected at a meeting of shareholders of the Company on April 13, 2018 to serve effective on the closing of the Transaction, includes: Ben Roberts, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Citizen Hex; John Ruffolo, Executive Managing Director of OMERS Platform Investments; Joey Krug, Co-Founder of Augur and Co-Chief Investment Officer of Pantera Capital; Boris Wertz, Founding Partner of Version One; Liam Horne, Co-Founder of Counterfactual and L4 Ventures; Colleen McMorrow, Director at Exco Technologies and former Audit Partner at Ernst & Young; Cam di Prata, Founder and Managing Partner of Gibraltar & Co.; Michael H. Conn, Founder and Managing Partner of Quail Creek Partners; and Som Seif, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Purpose Investments. About Ether Capital Corporation Ether Capital is a Toronto-based technology company whose objective is to become the central business and investment hub for the Ethereum ecosystem. Ether Capital will invest in Ethereums native utility token Ether as a strategic asset, and selectively invest in or acquire Ethereum-based businesses. Founded by a highly experienced Board of Directors and management team, Ether Capital has the resources, experience and relationships to support businesses and invest in industry-shifting disruptive technologies. For more information, visit http://ethcap.co/ Further Information For further information concerning this press release, please contact: Michael Conn Chief Executive Officer, Ether Capital 1-416-583-5541 mconn@ethcap.co This press release is not an offer of securities for sale in the United States, and the securities described in this press release may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933. The NEO Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, scheduled, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will occur or be achieved. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements in regard to the prospects for blockchain technology and the Ethereum platform, the Companys business and strategy, the use of proceeds from the Offering, and the listing of common shares on the NEO Exchange and timing thereof. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical, technological and social uncertainties; uncertainties in regard to the development and acceptance of blockchain technology and the Ethereum platform; uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals. Although the forward-looking information is based on the Companys reasonable assumptions at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that the common shares will be listed on the NEO Exchange or that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Breakfast presenter Matty McLean has emotionally opened up about how he feels as a gay man during the drama going on with Israel Folau. A fortnite ago, Australian rugby star Folau wrote on Instagram that all gay people are destined for hell. The husband of Silver Ferns star Maria Folau (nee Tutaia) attracted widespread condemnation after telling an Instagram commenter that God's plan for homosexuals is "HELL... unless they repent of their sins". After being asked for his opinion on the matter, Matty McLean emotionally spoke about how he feels about it. "It is really, really hard to watch people say those kinds of things. Especially if you live your life as a really proud, gay man and I'm so sick of people standing behind - people keen saying 'oh it's ok, he's allowed to have an opinion'. I call bull on that. You cannot continue to stand behind religious views and spout this biggeted, hateful, homophoic speech. It's really disgusting to see." By Mata Press Service Southeast Asia has one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world, but overfishing and destructive fishing threaten its sustained existence. Across the region, 64 percent of the fisheries resource base is at a medium to high risk from overfishing, with Cambodia and the Philippines among the most heavily affected, a report by the Asia Foundation said. Meanwhile, the United Nations reports that in Asia, there will be no fish stocks for commercial fishing by 2048. If trends continue, there will be no "exploitable fish stocks" for commercial fishing by 2048. Around that same, the region will lose 45 per cent of its biodiversity and about 90 per cent of its crucial corals, if nothing changes, said Asia co-chair Sonali Seneratna Sellamuttu, a senior researcher at the International Water Management Institute. "All major ecosystems are threatened in the region," she said. The experts and scientists are recommending expansion of sustainable aquaculture within the region to help reduce pressures on natural fish stock. Sea-farming can be especially helpful to small-scale fishery communities looking to shift into a more stable (and sustainable) livelihood, while expansion of freshwater aquaculture in inland farming communities can concurrently increase fish supplies sustainably, the Asia Foundation said after a recent fisheries summit in Bangkok which was attended by over 80 expertsdiplomats, scientists, activists, entrepreneurs, and civil society organizations from over 20 countries. There is also a significant lack of science-based knowledge about the regions marine ecosystems to inform policies that would lead to the establishment of sound models for fisheries management, as well as insufficient focus on cultivating alternatives to wild catch fisheries, such as sea-farming and inland freshwater aquaculture. As competition for remaining fish stocks grows fiercer, some experts warn that the regions entire fisheries industry will soon collapse. Estimates suggest that in order to prevent this, all countries fishing in the region would need to cease all destructive fishing practices and reduce harvest by nearly 50 percent. In Asia, in recognition of the potential effects of diminishing marine-capture fisheries, many countries have turned to aquaculture as a means to reduce overfishing while increasing fish supply, providing employment, and generating foreign income. Currently, Asian countries account for the nearly 90 percent of global aquaculture production. In 2016, China produced 51.4 million tonnes of farmed fish, accounting for more than 60 percent of global fish production from aquaculture. Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines are major farmed-fish producers as well. Owing to growing concerns over the safety of the farmed fishery products and environmental impacts of the intensive freshwater and coastal aquaculture, China has made expanding mariculture a priority of the governments 13th Five-Year Fisheries Development Plan. A recent study entitled Mapping the global potential for marine aquaculture published in nature.com said marine aquaculture presents an opportunity for increasing seafood production in the face of growing demand for marine protein and limited scope for expanding wild fishery harvests. Even after applying substantial constraints based on existing ocean uses and limitations, we find vast areas in nearly every coastal country that are suitable for aquaculture. We suggest that the vast amount of space suitable for marine aquaculture presents an opportunity for countries to develop aquaculture in a way that aligns with their economic, environmental and social objectives, the study said. Given the status of fish stocks, the only way to meet this rising demand will be through aquaculture, states Zhang Hongzhou, a Research Fellow at the China Program at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Considering the fact that aquaculture in the South China Sea region is becoming increasingly intensified, sustainable fish farming in other regions such as United States, Africa, and Latin America, should be promoted to increase the global fish supply, he said in his study. According to the Global Aquaculture Alliance aquaculture production is projected to grow from 47.2 million metric tons in 2006 to 93.6 million metric tons by 2030, while wild fisheries production is expected to decline from 64.5 million metric tons to 58.2 million metric tons during that same time. To feed the worlds growing population, aquaculture has to deliver an additional 46.4 million metric tons to meet the worlds seafood needs, the organization said. How Canada can help save Asias oceans The global demand for seafood is steadily increasing. Population growth, rising per capita incomes, and urbanization are fueling a 7 - 9% increase in demand each year, says the Canadian Aquaculture Industry Alliance (CAIA) According to Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, aquaculture will need to supply 2/3 of the worlds seafood requirements by 2030. Without aquaculture, the world will face a seafood shortage of 50-80 million tonnes by 2030. Few countries can match Canadas natural advantages when it comes to aquaculturean enormous coastal geography, an abundance of cold, clean water, a favourable climate, a rich marine and fishery tradition, and established trade routes to the United States, Asia, and Europe. However, Canada has yet to fully capitalize on its opportunity to become a global aquaculture leader, said CAIA. Canadas aquaculture production has shown little growth since 2000. Through a comprehensive analysis of Canadian aquaculture, CAIA determined that the principal factor constraining the growth of the aquaculture sector was Canadas complicated and inefficient aquaculture regulatory system. The Alliance projects that with the proposed legislative, regulatory and policy reforms, by 2024 Canadian aquaculture could: increase production to over 378,000 tonnes per year; generate more than $6.35 billion in economic activity per year; increase GDP to $2.5 billion per year; employ more than 32,500 Canadians; increase output by 120%, but increase water acreage by only 38%; occupy only 1.35% of the total area biophysically suitable for aquaculture in Canada a much, much smaller footprint than in other countries. /NOT FOR DISSEMINATION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/ OTTAWA, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LIVEWELL FOODS CANADA Inc. ("LiveWell" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Companys management team will attend the GMP Securities 2018 Cannabis Conference being held on April 19, 2018 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Toronto. LiveWells management team will also be available for meetings. Interested investors should contact their GMP Securities representative for further conference information. About LiveWell LiveWell Foods Canada Inc. (Ottawa, Canada) is dedicated to the highest quality standards in delivering cannabis and hemp products. Together with its strategic partners, Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX:WEED) and Canopy Rivers Corporation, LiveWell is retrofitting an existing 540,000 square foot greenhouse facility in Ottawa, Ontario. LiveWell is also constructing a state of the art Global Innovation Centre complete with a Cannabis and Hemp Research & Processing facility and a 1 million square foot grow, in Litchfield, Quebec. Upon completion, the combined will measure 1,540,000 square feet of greenhouse capacity, all built to an unparalleled level of quality assurance, procedures, and testing. The company has established partnerships with leading sector names, with interests and operations abroad. LiveWell also distributes retail and bulk hemp products under the O-Hemp brand and plans to distribute cannabis edibles and infused products. For more information visit www.livewellfoods.ca Cautionary Statement: Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "plan, could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual future results may differ materially. The forward-looking information contained in this press release is made as of the date hereof and the Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein. This is not an offer for sale, or solicitation of an offer to buy, in the United States or to any U.S. Person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended) of any equity shares or any other securities of the Company For Media Inquiries Kimothy Walker Communications Advisor (613) 859-3753 info@livewellfoods.ca Lea Manuel (514) 569 7282 Former US first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, triggering an outpouring of praise for the matriarch of a Republican family once at the apex of American politics. "A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at the age of 92," said a statement from the office of George H.W. Bush. They were married for 73 years. Barbara Bush has long been considered the rock at the center of one of America's most prominent political families, as the wife of a president and the mother to another -- George W. Bush -- and to Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor and onetime presidential aspirant. She first met her husband-to-be at the age of 16 when she was a schoolgirl and he was a student at an elite preparatory school in Massachusetts. They married in 1945 while he was on leave from wartime service as a naval officer. The couple had six children. As first lady, from 1989 to 1993, she embraced the cause of universal literacy, and founded a foundation for family literacy. As tributes poured in to honor the life of Barbara Bush, President Donald Trump hailed her as an "advocate of the American family." "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection," Trump said. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." - 'Force of nature' - Her son Jeb wrote: "I'm exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush." And his son George P. Bush tweeted: "I will miss you, Gannybut know we will see you again." "Barbara inspired us all to be the best version of ourselves," said Orrin Hatch, America's longest-serving Republican senator. Trump's Democratic predecessor Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said "We'll always be grateful to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House." "But we're even more grateful for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit," they added. Madeleine Albright, who under Democratic president Bill Clinton was the first woman to serve as US secretary of state, remembered Bush as a "woman of incredible determination, wit and compassion who embodied America's best values." Bush gained a reputation for toughness, wry humor and straight-speaking. Asked in 2010 about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin -- who sought the vice presidency in 2008 -- she told an interviewer: "I sat next to her once, thought she was beautiful, and I think she's very happy in Alaska, and I hope she'll stay there." Icelandic whaling company Hvalur said Tuesday it would resume its controversial hunt of endangered fin whales after a two-year suspension, sparking angry protests from animal rights activists. The only company in Iceland that hunts fin whales, Hvalur packed away its harpoons in 2016 because of commercial difficulties in Japan, its biggest market, where consumption has been in decline. Tokyo also introduced restrictive import regulations, notably new standards to measure levels of chemical pollutant PCB in whale meat. "We are going to resume commercial whaling because the Japanese bureaucracy seems to have loosened up and the Japanese authorities have listened to us," Hvalur chief executive Kristjan Loftsson told AFP. In addition, Hvalur said it plans to collaborate with researchers from the University of Iceland to develop medicinal products made of whale meat aimed at combatting iron deficiency -- a condition that affects almost 30 percent of the global population, or two billion people, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Iceland's whaling season opens on June 10. Whalers this year have a quota of 161 fin whales, compared to 150 in 2017. In addition, Hvalur is entitled to use 20 percent of its unused quota from last year, which means it will be allowed to hunt 30 additional fin whales. In 2015, during the last hunt, Hvalur killed a record 155 fin whales. Read also: Sea Shepherd pulls plug on Japan whale hunt 'Doesn't belong in modern times' "I'm very disappointed," said Sigursteinn Masson at the Icelandic branch of the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). "This decision is not based on real market needs and is not in line with public opinion polls on whaling, which doesn't belong in modern times." A poll published in October 2017 by the IFAW indicated that 35.4 percent of Icelanders supported the fin whale hunt, compared to 42 percent in 2016. The volcanic island has only one other whaling company, IP-Utgerd Ltd, which specialises in hunting Minke whales, a much smaller species. Iceland and Norway are the only nations that openly defy the International Whaling Commission's 1986 moratorium on hunting whales. Iceland resumed whaling in 2006. The practice has drawn fire from numerous corners including the European Union and the United States which in 2014 threatened Iceland with economic sanctions. Japan has used a legal loophole that allows it to continue hunting the animals in order to gather scientific data -- but it has never made a secret of the fact that the whale meat from these hunts often ends up on dining tables. The International Union for Conservation of Nature declared the fin whale -- the planet's second largest animal after the blue whale -- an endangered species in 1996. Current fin whale stocks in the North Atlantic are difficult to estimate, with the most recent tallies dating back to the early 2000s when their number was put at approximately 53,000. Johns Creek, Georgia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sirrus Corp. (Sirrus or the Company) (OTC PINK: SRUP), an emerging cybersecurity solutions provider, is pleased to announce the launch of Digital Deadbolt, a proprietary hardware-based network security passkey device. The Sirrus Digital Deadbolt USB/Bluetooth enabled fob-style passkey incorporates several innovative security and design improvements intended to enhance overall network security and administration capabilities. Sirrus Corp. is currently in advanced discussions with prospective customers for implementation of the Digital Deadbolt into their security plan. During each login to computer systems, proven cryptographic network protocols secure important data transmitted to servers so that hackers cant steal your credentials because they remain on your PC in the form of the secret key, commented Sparrow Marcioni, CEO of Sirrus Corp. Unfortunately, if the hackers compromise your PC, its game over because they can copy your secret key and gain access to all your sensitive data. The Digital Deadbolt takes system security to the next level and keeps your secret key on a portable locked fob-like device that goes with you. Because the hardware-based network security key fob doesnt directly connect to the internet, hackers cant access it remotely. And since it remains with the authorized user at all times, gaining unauthorized physical access to the Digital Deadbolt device and the protected system will be exceedingly difficult. Your authentication token simply isnt there to steal. The same Digital Deadbolt also authenticates users to specific PCs, leaving no opportunity to steal access credentials with keyboard loggers or by locating a password database. Disconnecting or walking away with the Digital Deadbolt (depending on USB or Bluetooth) locks the PC screen. The screen can only be unlocked when an authorized Digital Deadbolt returns/is plugged back in. Marcioni concluded, Gaining remote terminal access is one of the greatest areas of cybersecurity risk for hospitals and medical facilities. The Digital Deadbolt is the perfect application for our healthcare clients to address this risk by providing each of their doctors, nurse, etc. with Digital Deadbolts as a means of accessing and updating patient information or where access to other secured devices requires additional authentication. We look forward to providing this innovative extra layer of network security to our clients. About Sirrus Corp. Sirrus Corp. (OTC PINK: SRUP) provides security technology products and services to assist companies with protecting their assets and information. The Company is primarily focused on providing cybersecurity services to healthcare companies in the United States, which are required to be in compliance with government regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Additional information regarding Sirrus Corp. and Sirrus Security can be found at www.sirrussecurity.com. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release by Sirrus Corp. (Sirrus) may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by words such as expects, plan, believes, will, achieve, anticipate, would, should, subject to, or words of similar meaning, and by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Although Sirrus management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; and the ability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all. Known risks and uncertainties include those identified from time to time in the reports filed by Sirrus Corp. with the SEC. Sirrus assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. The Indonesian pavilion is highlighting handmade designs and local talent at the Salone del Mobile Milano in Milan, Italy, which kicked off on Tuesday. "What we are highlighting here is first, the handmade part, and second, the style part," said Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf) marketing deputy Joshua Simandjuntak in a statement. The Indonesian "IDentities" pavilion, which can be found in Rho's Hall 14 Stand F30, is not only offering products but also promoting its designers, hence each product label comes with the name of the designer. "Our promotion strategy is different this year. Last year there was still a mix between designers and manufacturers. This year we promote manufacturers that have intellectual property based on research, design and development," added Joshua. The agency expects the 27 Indonesian representatives participating in the event until April 22 to expand their network with global furniture, home accessories and product companies looking for design talent and service. Read also: Indonesian furniture designers to head to Milan fair "Indonesian design is very popular here since it has a signature that other countries, especially European, do not have, which is its handmade aspect," said Indonesian Trade Promotion Centers (ITPC) Milan director Narita N. Hatibie, who attended the opening event. With "Global Creative Resources" as the pavilion's theme, Bekraf aims for Indonesia to become a global source for creative inspiration, "not only material- or product-wise, but also designer service," said Joshua. Tony Sofian of furniture design company Kayunara, who is part of the Indonesian delegation, told The Jakarta Post that it was his first time attending the event. "This event is huge; so far we've welcomed many visitors who were interested in our products, the materials we use, etc." "Our competitors here are all great; Ive learned so much and gained a lot of inspiration, such as how to better display and market our products," he added. Tony highlights that Indonesia is rich in culture, local materials and craftsmanship, which other countries do not have. "Unconsciously there will be local values that we bring to our design process. I think the biggest challenge for us as Indonesian designers [to compete globally] is our capacity to innovate, manufacture and showcase our works with international standard quality." (kes) Mangku Sitepoe is a veterinarian and general practitioner born in November 1935 in Lau Tepoe village, Salapian district, Langkat, North Sumatra. Raised in a traditional family, he grew up to become a medical professional due to a fervent desire to make a contribution to the nation. At the age of 83, when most people enjoy their retirement, Mangku remains active by sharing his expertise and serving the public at his medical practice at the Bhakti Sosial Kesehatan clinic in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. In his spare time, he writes medical books and working papers. He is involved in various public health issues, ranging from research on the Zika virus and malnutrition in Papua to keeping low-income families healthy. Mangkus active life keeps him in high spirits. A visual documentary of his daily activities was shot by professional photographers in collaboration with Singapore-based TV station Channel NewsAsia to put super octogenarians in the spotlight. Under the theme Never Too Old, this project is aimed at spreading the message that advanced age poses no barrier to individuals who want to keep working. The second child of Jombot Sitepoe and Benamalem Ginting, Mangku was brought up in a small village between the Wampu and Ular rivers before Indonesias independence, where he had to face various diseases that could only be treated by traditional means. His childhood experiences later nurtured his interest in medicine. Now in the autumn of his life, he is longing to return to his village to help the local community. His career as a veterinarian started as soon as he graduated from Gajah Mada University in Yogyakarta in 1963. After 15 years, the father of two became a general practitioner after graduating from the University of North Sumatra in 1978. His deep admiration for life and living beings has also motivated the further development of his medical capacity. Mangkus story as a child who had to conduct self-circumcision, an adult who became a veterinarian and physician and a senior citizen whose passion for furthering his profession has motivated everyone. His continuous contribution to his fellow human beings serves as an inspiration on how to live a good life. The joint venture formed by China's e-commerce giant Alibaba and the world's largest hotel group Marriott International eight months ago will put an exclusive booking portal online next week, said Marriott in Shanghai on Tuesday. The website, which acts as a flagship store also accessible through Alibaba's travel platform Fliggy, will allow Chinese tourists to book the group's more than 600 properties in the Asia-Pacific area. It is expected that all of the group's 6,500 properties in 127 countries will be accessible through the website in the future. This is the first time that Marriott has created a one-stop booking experience, and it is created exclusively for the Chinese market, since it acquired Starwood Hotels and Resorts in September 2016. "China is the No. 1 source (of tourists) for most of the travel destinations in the Asia-Pacific area. The number of both inbound tourists and those traveling abroad has surged recently, which led to our joint venture with Alibaba," said Craig S. Smith, president of Marriott International's Asia-Pacific region. "Marriott is one of the top hotel operators, and Alibaba is the same in its field. By combining Ali's intelligence and our 90 years of experience of accommodating travelers, the joint venture will be an exciting journey with a lot more to come," he added. Marriott's Global President Arne Sorenson said in an interview earlier this month that the partnership with Alibaba has already encouraged "a few million" new members to sign up for its loyalty program, one of the world's largest in the hospitality industry that boasts 110 million members. Read also: Alibaba Cloud opens data center in Indonesia But the company is hoping to enroll as many of Alibaba's 500 million users as possible, with more benefits and packages to be rolled out under the JV. While for Alibaba, the partnership will allow its travel platform to better rival Ctrip, especially in the leisure tourism segment, which saw explosive growth over the past decade, and may do so in the coming years as well. According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, Chinese outbound tourism expenditure soared to $261 billion in 2016, up by 12 percent from the previous year and eleven times that of a decade ago. But only five percent of people in China have passports. Marriott also said it would allow Alibaba's members to stay at some of its most popular properties, initially 1,000, without any down payment and to pay after checking out. The announcement was made after Marriott unveiled its new global loyalty program on Monday in the US, which integrated Starwood's SPG program and Marriott's into one. "The world is changing from people saving to buy the best handbags and watches to purchasing unforgettable luxury experiences," said Smith, vowing to reward loyal guests with more experiences than just "free rooms". Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 09:03 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf240c4 1 City LGBT,WhatsApp-Group,killing Free The police have arrested a man for allegedly killing Ali, 33, whose dead body was found in Waru alley in Cawang, East Jakarta, on Monday night, because he was angry at the victim for adding him to a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) WhatsApp chat group. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Argo Yuwono said the police had arrested Petrus Paulus Ualubun, 21, at his relatives house in Cikarang, West Java, on Tuesday morning. The suspect was mad at the victim when the latter added him to an LGBT WhatsApp group, as the suspect [claimed not to be a part of that community], Argo said on Tuesday as reported by kompas.com. The suspect invited the victim to meet, then assaulted and killed him, Argo said. Ali, who was a resident of Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, was found dead with stab wounds. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 13:13 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf3020b 4 Business Apple,IT-industry,BSD,Airlangga-Hartarto Free US tech giant Apple Inc. has set its sights on Indonesia as the location of its third largest IT center in the world, following the establishment of similar centers in Brazil and Italy, the Industry Minister has said. Industry Minister Airlangga Hartato said the planned IT center was to be located in Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD), an integrated development in South Tangerang, Banten, and developed by the Sinar Mas Group. "I hope that, with our cooperation with Apple, Indonesia will become one of the world's business hubs," said Airlangga. The minister added that Apple's plan was in line with the government's latest Industry 4.0 efforts that aimed to improve the peoples welfare. Under its Indonesia 4.0 roadmap, the government has planned the gradual digitalization of the manufacturing industry. To achieve its objective, Airlangga said, the government needed to encourage activities that would boost innovations in applying the latest technologies. "Both need education and funding to make it happen," he said, as quoted in a tempo.co report. The Indonesia 4.0 program focuses initially on five sectors: food & beverages, textiles & clothing, automotive, chemicals and electronics. Airlangga said the government had decided on the five sectors in considering their impact on the economy and more attractive investment potential. (srs/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Thu, April 19, 2018 06:00 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf48d7c 1 National bootleg-liquor,oil-palm-plantations,Cicalengka,West-Java,oplosan,bandung,Bandung-regency,Jambi Free West Java Police personnel have arrested the owner of a factory producing oplosan (bootleg liquor) in Cicalengka, Bandung, West Java, which reportedly killed dozens of people in the regency. The suspect was apprehended at a location at the border of Jambi and South Sumatra on Wednesday. West Java Police general crime investigation department director Sr. Comr. Umar Surya Fana confirmed the arrest. We only provided back up for the operation because we are not the ones currently handling this case. The arrest took place in a house used as a rest area for workers on an oil palm plantation, said Umar. He further said the arrest had occurred at around 5:30 a.m. The suspect has been taken to Bandung," Umar said. The whereabouts of the suspect had been unknown since the first week of April. He was suspected to have left his house on Jl. Raya By Pass, No. 40, Cicalengka, Bandung regency, after many consumers who had drunk his oplosan died. Based on data from Cicalengka General Hospital, 34 out of 247 bootleg liquor victims taken to the hospital died. West Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Agung Budi Maryoto said the oplosan victims in Bandung regency had expanded to Majalaya and Cileunyi. Six people were reported to have died at Ebah Majalaya Hospital, while AMC Cileunyi Hospital reported four oplosan-related deaths. Meanwhile, seven people died in Bandung city. For cases in Bandung city and Bandung regency, all victims apparently died of consuming oplosan produced by the same factory at [the suspect's] house, said Agung. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 12:38 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf2eb88 4 National bridge-collapsed Free A bridge connecting the regencies of Lamongan and Tuban in East Java and an overpass under construction in North Sulawesi collapsed on Tuesday, adding to the list of construction failures in Indonesia. The Babat-Widang Bridge came down on Tuesday morning, killing at least two people and injuring one. Three trucks and a motorcycle fell into the Bengawan Solo River below the bridge, kompas.com reported. Bojonegoro Police traffic chief Adj. Comr. Aristianto Budi called on road users to make a detour. One lane of the bridge can still be used, but due to heavy traffic its probably better to take another route, via Bojonegoro, he said. Meanwhile, an under-construction overpass over the Manado-Bitung toll roadwhich is also under constructioncollapsed on Tuesday afternoon. The overpass was intended as an alternative for road users while the toll road is being built. Puspita Anggraeni, the corporate secretary of state-owned construction firm PT Wijaya Karyathe project contractor, said the workers were casting concrete when one of the slabs collapsed, kontan.co.id reported. As many as 21 workers have been evacuated from the site. In February, a girder pole on the Bekasi-Cawang-Kampung Melayu (Becakayu) toll road near the Kebon Nanas toll gate in East Jakarta collapsed, injuring at least seven people. In the same month, a retaining wall at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport collapsed, killing one person in a passing car. (swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 18:15 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf40b6c 1 City eviction,justice,Sandiaga-Uno Free Deputy Jakarta Governor Sandiaga Uno says not all demolished residential areas can be restored the way the administration did in Kampung Akuarium in North Jakarta, because not all citizens requests can be met by the city administration. We cannot say yes to all citizens requests like we used to, can we? Not all homes are habitable. Housing should be upgraded while taking care of the health and education aspects, Sandiaga said at Jakarta City Hall on Wednesday as reported by kompas.com. Sandiaga said the administrations efforts to restore Kampung Akuarium was based on principles of justice but it could not be applied to all evicted citizens. The administration has budgeted up to Rp 21 billion (US$ 1.52 million) to build shelters for the evicted residents of Kampung Akuarium, Kampung Kunir in West Jakarta, and Bukit Duri in South Jakarta. However, the construction of the Kampung Kunir and Bukit Duri shelters has yet to begin. The residents were evicted during the administration of then governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, mainly as part of a flood-mitigation program. According to the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH), during the two years of Ahoks tenure, a total of 25,533 Jakarta residents were evicted. Earlier this year, Sandiaga called on the flood-affected residents of Bidara Cina to hand over their land to the city administration to help move forward with a flood-mitigation project. Sandiaga said that up to 16 community units (RW) in Jakarta would be organized under the Community Action Plan program. He added that the administration would revise the necessary regulations and budget for the program to be approved. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18 2018 Central Jakarta Police narcotics officers have shot dead a man, identified only as T, who was allegedly involved in distributing crystal methamphetamine. Central Jakarta Police deputy chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Arie Ardian said T had long been on the polices most-wanted list. We seized 104 grams of crystal meth that T kept in the dashboard of his car, Arie said, as quoted by kompas.com on Monday. Earlier, the police had detained and questioned two other suspects, EF and BD. During the raid on Thursday, T told the police that he had obtained the drug from a man called ACE. The police opened fire when T allegedly resisted an order to direct them to ACEs residence. He was shot in the chest. We rushed him to Kramat Jati Police Hospital, but it was too late, said Arie. to Read Full Story SUBSCRIBE NOW Starting from IDR 55,000/month Unlimited access to our web and app content e-Post daily digital newspaper No advertisements, no interruptions Privileged access to our events and programs Subscription to our newsletters We accept Register to read 3 premium articles for free Already subscribed? login ... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 18:56 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf42cd8 4 Business Indonesia,Norway,Trade,CPO,warning,#PalmOil Free Trade Minister Enggartiasto Lukita has warned Norway over the proposed ban of import of crude palm oil (CPO) and its derivative products from Indonesia by the countrys parliament. Enggartiasto delivered his warning when he met with Norway Fisheries Minister Per Sandburg at Enggartiastos office in Jakarta on Wednesday. If the ban [on CPO and its derivatives] is implemented, Indonesia will reject fish imports from Norway, he said, as reported by kontan.co.id, saying Indonesia would consider it a declaration of trade war. During the meeting with Sandburg, Enggartiasto said he had received an explanation that the proposal was made because the countrys parliament was dominated by opposition parties. But according to Enggartiasto, Sandburg assured him that the Norweigian government had rejected the proposal. However, Enggartiasto said the ministry would still monitor the matter due to an intensive negative campaign on CPO in the Scandinavian country. Indonesian export value to the country reached US$65.5 million in 2017, while Indonesia's imports from Norway were recorded at $237.7 million, mostly fish and fishery products. (bbn) FORM 8.3 PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY A PERSON WITH INTERESTS IN RELEVANT SECURITIES REPRESENTING 1% OR MORE Rule 8.3 of the Takeover Code (the Code) 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Full name of discloser: OZ Management LP and Och-Ziff Management Europe Ltd (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): The naming of nominee or vehicle companies is insufficient. For a trust, the trustee(s), settlor and beneficiaries must be named. (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Hammerson plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 17 April 2018 (f) In addition to the company in 1(c) above, is the discloser making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state N/A YES If YES, specify which: Intu Properties plc 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: 25p ordinary (GB0004065016) Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 7,680,867 0.967 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 7,680,867 0.967 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(c), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchase/sale Number of securities Price per unit (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit 25p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 350,000 GBP 4.91 25p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 648,000 GBP 4.93 (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the person making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the person making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? NO Date of disclosure: 18 April 2018 Contact name: Janine Frederick Telephone number: 02077584420 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panels Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Codes disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panels website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Palu Wed, April 18 2018 The Indonesian Militarys (TNI) territorial operation task force in Poso, Central Sulawesi, has confiscated two handmade weapons along with ammunition from a resident of Towu village, Poso regency, Central Sulawesi. The TNI did not reveal the identity of the owner. Tadulako Resort Military Command spokesman Maj. (Inf) Asrar said the task force had received reports from locals about the weapons. After receiving the reports, we immediately went to the location and confiscated the weapons, along with the ammunition, Asrar said on Monday afternoon. The weapons included one handmade pistol and one handmade rifle, while the ammunition included seven SS 5.56-millimeter bullets and four Colt 3.8-mm bullets. Poso Military Command commander Lt. Col. (Inf) Dody Triyohadi called on locals to report illegal weapon ownership to relevant authorities immedia... Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kurniawan Hari (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 11:30 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf2c766 1 Business startup,venture-capital,summit,digital,creative-economy Free Indonesia will for the second time host the Global Ventures Summit where startup investors from Silicon Valley in the United States and others will raise funds and discuss the development of startup companies in the country and beyond. Unlike last years event that took place in Bali, this years summit from April 25 to 27 will be held in Jakarta. According to a statement from GVS managing director Ahmed Shabana, the Silicon Valley Tours The World summit will have over US$30 billion in Silicon Valley funds with a $50,000 Pitch Battle. Since last year, GVS has helped over 12 companies secure over $20 million in funding in Los Angeles, Bali, Dubai and Mexico City. The investors coming to GVS Jakarta this year include Silicon Valley's Google Ventures, Base and Angelist. The speakers scheduled to take part in the summit include founder of homegrown ride-hailing app Go-Jek Nadiem Makarim and Google's ventures partner Lo Toney. Hari Sungkari from the Creative Economy Agency will talk about innovation and Bali 2019 while Luis Ernesto Gonzales from @ProMexico is set to discuss technology ecosystems in Latin America. In addition, the summit will also discuss transportation venture funding and early-stage venture challenges. On the last day, Boye Hartmann from @Y Digital Group Asia will discuss blockchain startups while Cynthia Johnson from @Bell + Ivy will discuss Hollywood's branding tactics. In addition, Ken Ratri and Aulia Halimatussadiah from @Geek Hunter and Zetta will talk about talent and community. Tickets and information can be found on www.gvsummit.co/tickets. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Kharishar Kahfi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 18:02 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf3e20e 1 National KPK,BLBI-case Free The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has completed a dossier on Syafruddin Arsyad Temenggung, the former chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), in regards to a graft case pertaining to irregularities surrounding the disbursement of Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI). Investigators have handed over evidence and the suspect [] to the KPK prosecutors, KPK spokesman Febri Diansyah said in a statement on Wednesday. Graft busters summoned Syafruddin on Wednesday along with his lawyer Yusril Ihza Mahendra to witness and sign documents regarding the handover. The suspect denied all allegations. I issued the letter [for the Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI)] as ordered by the Financial System Stability Committee (KKSK); therefore, it was not my personal intention, Syafruddin said. Syafruddin, who was appointed IBRA chairman in 2002, issued a letter for Sjamsul Nursalim, the owner of Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI), freeing him from the obligation to pay Rp 3.7 trillion in debt owed to the government, which disbursed the fund under the BLBI scheme. The antigraft body named Syafruddin a graft suspect in April last year and moved to detain the suspect late last year. He was the first official to be named a suspect in the case after a three-year investigation that looked into old documents and saw former ministers in former president Megawati Soekarnoputris Cabinet undergo questioning. The case reportedly caused Rp 4.5 trillion in state losses. (swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 14:16 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf34aba 1 City LRT,fares Free City-owned construction company PT Jakarta Propertindo (Jakpro) has said the light rapid transit (LRT) fare is expected to be around Rp 10,000 (73 US cents) without a subsidy from the Jakarta administration. Jakpro president director Satya Heragandhi said on Tuesday that the fare would be enough to cover the operation of the LRT, as quoted by wartakota.tribunnews.com. He added, however, that the fare had yet to be determined because Jakpro still needed to communicate with the City Council. On Friday, two LRT cars from South Korea arrived at Tanjung Priok Port in North Jakarta. The two are part of the 16 LRT cars that will serve the 5.8-kilometer LRT line connecting Velodrome in Rawamangun, East Jakarta, to Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. The development of the first LRT line is set to be completed before the commencement of the Asian Games, held from Aug. 18 to Sept. 2. Meanwhile, Jakpro has been preparing for the development of the second phase of the LRT from Velodrome to Dukuh Atas and Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. We are still trying to find other sources of finance [for the construction] other than the city budget. We will make sure that the process is accountable, Satya said. (cal) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Nethy Dharma Somba (The Jakarta Post) Jayapura, Papua Wed, April 18, 2018 18:48 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf426bd 1 Politics KPUD,KPUD-Central-Mamberamo,KPUD-Papua,Central-Mamberamo,Constitutional-Court,MK,2018-regional-election,Papua,Panwaslu Free Supporters of regent and deputy regent candidates in Central Mamberamo regency have allegedly protested violently over a Constitutional Court (MK) ruling that an independent pair is not eligible to participate in the upcoming regional elections. The mob allegedly burned down the Central Mamberamo Elections Commission (KPU Central Mamberamo) and Elections Supervisory Committee (Panwaslu) offices in Kobakman on Wednesday morning. The MK rejected an election dispute [lawsuit] filed by independent candidate pair Itaman Thago and Onny Pagawak, making their supporters angry and [resulting in] the launch of an arson attack, KPU Papua member Tarwinto told The Jakarta Post in Jayapura on Wednesday. Thago-Pagawak filed a lawsuit with the Makassar State Administrative Court (PTUN) against KPU Central Mamberamos decision to declare the pair ineligible to run in the simultaneous regional elections on June 27. KPU Central Mamberamo said there was not enough voter support for the two candidates. The MK decision was signed on Monday, said Tarwinto. With the ruling, only one candidate pair, Ham Pagawak-Yonas Kenelak, will participate in the Central Mamberamo election. The Pagawak-Kenelak ticket was supported by all political parties, which have seats at the Central Mamberamo Legislative Council. Tarwinto asserted that it would not be acceptable for KPU Central Mamberamo to delay the June 27 election despite the incident. The regional election will continue to run as scheduled. We will hand over the arson attack incident to law enforcers, he said. Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar said the situation in Kobakman had been dealt with as security officers immediately took measures to disperse the mob soon after they launched the attack. (ebf) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) The Jakarta Post Thu, April 19, 2018 05:33 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf4851f 1 City odd-even-license-traffic-policy,traffic,toll-road Free Greater Jakarta Transportation Body (BPTJ) head Bambang Prihartono says the odd-even license policy designed to ease traffic in Jakarta has caused bottlenecks at several exit tollgates. Bambang said the bottlenecks were found on the Cikampek toll road leading to Bekasi and Jagorawi toll road to Bogor in West Java, which intersect in Cawang, East Jakarta. [That is because] the policies are implemented differently [on toll roads]. On the Jagorawi and Cikampek toll roads the odd-even policy starts at 6 a.m., meanwhile on Jl. Sudirman - Jl. Thamrin [in the inner city], it starts at 7 a.m., Bambang said. He said the agency would hold a discussion with the Jakarta Transportation Agency to synchronize the odd-even policy on Sudirman-Thamrin and the toll roads. If the odd-even policy at the two site starts at the same time, bottlenecks in Cawang can be avoided, he said. The Transportation Ministry has been conducting a trial run of the odd-even policy at Tangerang 2, Kunciran 2, and Cibubur 2 tollgates on traffic heading to Jakarta from April 16 to 20. (ami) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Apriadi Gunawan (The Jakarta Post) Medan Wed, April 18, 2018 18:46 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf42287 1 National gunshoot Free Troubled Central Lombok Police deputy chief Comr. Fahrizal will undergo two weeks of intensive treatment at Medan Mental Hospital after shooting his brother in-law to death two weeks ago, a police official has revealed. [Fahrizal] will be treated at the mental hospital for two weeks. The psychiatrists will examine him to evaluate his mental state, a North Sumatra Police spokesperson, Adj. Sr. Comr. MP Nainggolan, said on Wednesday. Medan Mental Hospital director Chandra Syafei confirmed that the hospital had received a reservation for Fahrizals treatment made by the North Sumatra Police. We have no clue as to why he is being sent here. The police actually have psychiatrists. But maybe because this case is important, so we will receive him, Chandra said. Fahrizal, 41, a former police detective with the Medan Police, shot his brother in-law, Jumingan, 33, to death at his parents house in Medan, North Sumatra, on April 4. Jumingan died on site from six bullet wounds. The police have yet to reveal the motive behind the shooting. We cant identify his motive yet because hes currently very unstable, North Sumatra Police chief detective Sr. Comr. Andi Rian said. (swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Daily Star/ANN) Dhaka Wed, April 18, 2018 15:46 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf3977f 2 World #Rohingya,#RohingyaCrisis,#Myanmar,#MyanmarRohingya,#Bangladesh,#women,#UNSC,#UNSecurityCouncil,#rape,#violence Free Where I come from, women and girls have been gang-raped, tortured and killed by the Myanmar army, for no other reason than for being a Rohingya, said Sultana Razia, a lawyer who specializes in trauma, mass rape and trafficking of Rohingya girls and women. She said her research showed that Myanmar troops raped well over 300 women and girls in 17 villages in Rakhine State since August last year. With over 350 villages attacked and burned since August 2017, this number is likely only a fraction of the actual total number of women raped, she said at the Security Council's open debate on preventing sexual violence in conflict on Tuesday. The debate, presided over by Peru, takes place at a time when Myanmar's military has been put on a UN list of government and rebel groups "credibly suspected" of carrying out rapes and other acts of sexual violence in conflict. The Security Council is also preparing for a visit to Myanmar and Bangladesh later this month. Myanmar's military crackdown forced some 700,000 Rohingyas to flee to Bangladesh. Doctors without Borders said 6,700 Rohingyas were killed in just one month since the atrocities began late August. The widespread threat and use of sexual violence was integral to their strategy, humiliating, terrorising and collectively punishing the Rohingya community and serving as a calculated tool to force them to flee their homelands and prevent their return, said the UN Secretary General's report on sexual violence in conflicts, released on March 23. The violence is linked with an inflammatory narrative alleging that high fertility rates among the Rohingya community represents an existential threat to the majority population in Myanmar, it said. Razia Sultana, a senior researcher with Kalandan Press and a coordinator of the Free Rohingya Coalition, said Rohingya girls as young as six were gang-raped during the military atrocities in Rakhine. Women and girls were caught and gang-raped in their homes, as they were running away or trying to cross the Bangladesh border. Some were horribly mutilated and burned alive, she said at the debate on behalf of the NGO Working Group on Women, Peace and Security at the UN in New York. She was the first Rohingya woman to address the UN's most powerful body. Razia Sultana said sexual violence involved hundreds of soldiers and occurred across a vast part of Rakhine. She added that the scale and breadth of violence provided strong evidence that rape was systematically planned and used as a weapon. The pattern of mutilation of women's private parts after rape, suggests a specific directive to instil terror among Rohingya people but also to destroy their very means of reproduction, she said during the debate addressed by representatives of 70 countries. Razia, who has been working with Rohingya women in the refugee camps in Bangladesh since 2014, said the international community, especially the Security Council, has failed the Rohingya. This latest crisis [could] have been prevented if the warning signs since 2012 had not been ignored, she said. She urged the Security Council to meet the female survivors during its visit to Bangladesh, while also putting pressure to end impunity, support political and legal reform, and stop the oppression of all ethnic peoples in Myanmar. "It is hypocritical to condemn the human rights violations and express horror at the new violence, while then also selling arms to Myanmar and seek explorative licences to mine its natural resources," she said. Pramila Patten, the UN special envoy on sexual violence in conflict, said sexual violence continued to be employed as a tactic of war, a tactic of terrorism, and a tool of political repression in 2017 not only in Myanmar but in many other countries. She told the Council that accountability was urgently needed to stop wartime rape "from being once again 'normalized' due to the frequency and impunity with which it is committed." Bangladesh's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Ariful Islam, urged the international community to take concrete actions to end sexual violence in conflicts, according to a statement issued by the UN Security Council. If such violence is not stopped and the Rohingya women are provided protection, there is no hope of safe and dignified repatriation of the Rohingya, he said. Topics : This article appeared on The Daily Star newspaper website, which is a member of Asia News Network and a media partner of The Jakarta Post Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jennie Matthew (Agence France-Presse) New York, United States Wed, April 18, 2018 09:53 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf25fd4 2 Business Starbucks,racial-discrimination,closure,store Free Starbucks will close stores and corporate offices across the United States on May 29 to conduct "racial-bias education," the company announced Tuesday, following outrage over the arrest of two black men in one of its cafes. It was the latest bid by the behemoth coffee chain to recover from last Thursday's incident in Philadelphia, which was captured on video and went viral, viewed millions of times. The video posted on Twitter by a Starbucks client shows uniformed police questioning and then handcuffing the two men, who offer no resistance, as a white client repeatedly asks an officer, "What'd they do? What'd they do?" Starbucks said more than 8,000 stores would be closed on the afternoon of May 29 and training provided to nearly 175,000 employees, and incorporated going forward. CEO Kevin Johnson, who has also apologized, said the company was "committed to being a part of the solution" and that he had been in Philadelphia "listening to the community, learning what we did wrong and the steps we need to take to fix it." "Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities," he said. The curriculum will be designed "to address implicit bias, promote conscious inclusion, prevent discrimination and ensure everyone inside a Starbucks store feels safe and welcome," the company said in a statement. Philadelphia police said they received a 911 call from a Starbucks worker who said the men were trespassing, after refusing to buy anything. Police said officers had "politely" asked the two to leave before finally arresting them. They reportedly asked first to use the bathroom, but were told it was only for paying customers. The two men's lawyer Lauren Wimmer told a CBS affiliate in Philadelphia that they had been waiting for a third man to arrive for a business meeting. - Indignities, suspicion - Starbucks declined to prosecute and the men were released. Ex US president Barack Obama's former attorney general Eric Holder and Bryan Stevenson, a civil rights lawyer who has exonerated innocent prisoners on death row, will be among those experts consulted on the curriculum, Starbuckssaid. "Being treated with respect and dignity at a place of public accommodation is an essential aspect of full citizenship," tweeted NAACP Legal Defense Fund, which fights for racial justice and which is also being consulted. "The reality is that most black Americans regularly face the indignities of being treated with suspicion," it added. "This is a crucial next step in fighting implicit bias," tweeted Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, another expert consulted. The woman who posted the video, Melissa DePino, said a Starbucks employee called police because the men had not ordered anything, while they waited for a friend. "All the other white (people) are wondering why it's never happened to us when we do the same thing," she tweeted. "The men were sitting there peacefully quietly and they were put in handcuffs and they were walked out of the store, humiliated, embarrassed and put in a patrol car," DePino subsequently told MSNBC television. The video drew widespread attention. Drummer Questlove of the group Roots tweeted a question: "Waiting in a Starbucks while black is a crime?" Starbucks has also launched a review of training and practices to make reforms where necessary, and once completed, this will be made available to other companies, including their licensee partners, it said. The company has more than 25,000 coffee shops around the world. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Wed, April 18, 2018 19:05 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf43e2c 1 City drug-dealer,shooting,death Free A suspected drug dealer who was known to police as a dangerous recidivist was shot dead in Tangerang, Banten early Monday morning after attacking police officers with a machete. Tangerang Police chief Sr. Comr. Harry Kurniawan said the officers were at the suspect's residence in Karawaci, in order to arrest him. The suspect resisted arrest, so our officers had to [shoot him], Harry said on Monday as reported by tempo.co. The police also confiscated a kilogram of heroin and 103 ecstasy pills from the suspect's residence. Harry said that the man, whose identity was not disclosed, was a suspected international drug dealer who also distributed heroin in Greater Jakarta. He was a [known] recidivist, he said, adding that the suspect was a former inmate of the maximum-security Nusa Kambangan prison in Cilacap, Central Java. Harry said the police had followed a lead generated from the Apr. 14 arrest of a pregnant woman for possession of 98 ecstasy pills. Tangerang Police also gathered other evidence from the woman's South Tangerang residence, including ecstasy powder, two mobile phones, two bongs, a pack of cigarettes and a weighing scale. The womans arrest led [to other arrests]," said Harry, including the arrest of four other drug suspects in South Tangerang. The suspects are being charged under Law No. 35/2009 on narcotics, which carries a maximum sentence of death or life imprisonment. (ami) The Annual General Meeting of Koninklijke Vopak N.V. (Royal Vopak) held on 18 April 2018 passed the following resolutions: Adoption of the financial statements for the 2017 financial year. Approval of the proposed dividend. A dividend of EUR 1.05 per ordinary share with a nominal value of EUR 0.50 will be distributed wholly in cash on 25 April 2018. As from 20 April 2018, the shares of Vopak will be listed ex-dividend on Euronext Amsterdam. Discharge from liability of the Executive Board members' conduct of the company's affairs for the 2017 financial year. Discharge from liability of the Supervisory Board members' supervision exercised for the 2017 financial year. Re-appointment of Mr. E.M. Hoekstra (Eelco) as Chairman of the Executive Board for a term of 4 years. Re-appointment of Mr. F. Eulderink (Frits) as member of the Executive Board for a term of 4 years. Re-appointment of Mr. M.F. Groot (Mel) as a member of the Supervisory Board for a term of 4 years. Appointment of Mr. B. van der Veer (Ben) as a member of the Supervisory Board for a term of 4 years. Appointment of Mrs. L.J.I. Foufopoulos - De Ridder (Lucrece) as a member of the Supervisory Board for a term of 4 years. Approval of the proposed amendments to the remuneration policy for the Executive Board. The amendments concern the short and long-term variable compensation plans as per January 2018. Authorization of the Executive Board for a period of 18 months, up till and including 17 October 2019, to acquire, subject to the approval of the Supervisory Board, for valuable consideration, fully paid-up ordinary shares in Royal Vopak, on the stock exchange or otherwise, up to the maximum number that may be held by the company in accordance with the law and the Articles of Association in force at the date of acquisition. Appointment of Deloitte Accountants B.V. as the external auditor of Royal Vopak and their engagement to examine the company's financial statements for the 2019 financial year. Profile Vopak Royal Vopak is the world's leading independent tank storage company. We operate a global network of terminals located at strategic locations along major trade routes. With over 400 years of history and a strong focus on safety and sustainability, we ensure safe, efficient and clean storage and handling of bulk liquid products and gases for our customers. By doing so, we enable the delivery of products that are vital to our economy and daily lives, ranging from oil, chemicals, gases and LNG to biofuels and vegoils. Vopak is listed on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange and is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Including our joint ventures and associates, we employ an international workforce of over 5,700 people. As of 18 April 2018, Vopak operates 66 terminals in 25 countries with a combined storage capacity of 35.9 million cbm, with another 3.1 million cbm under development that will be added before the end of 2019. For more information, please contact: Vopak Press Liesbeth Lans - Manager External Communication, Telephone: +31 (0)10 400 2777 | e-mail: global.communication@vopak.com Vopak Analysts and Investors Laurens de Graaf - Head of Investor Relations, Telephone: +31 (0)10 400 2776 | e-mail: investor.relations@vopak.com This press release contains inside information as meant in clause 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Benjamin Harvey (Bloomberg) Istanbul Wed, April 18, 2018 20:43 1262 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf4705c 2 World #Turkey,#election,#Elections,#Erdogan Free Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for early elections on June 24, moving them forward by more than a year from their scheduled date. Erdogan announced the decision in Ankara on Wednesday after meetings with Devlet Bahceli, leader of the nationalist party allied with Erdogans Islamic-rooted Justice and Development Party, and Binali Yildirim, the prime minister. The election is set to transform the political system of the regions largest economy, eliminating the prime minister job and centralizing power in the presidency. The lira extended gains after the announcement, appreciating 0.7 percent to 4.07 per dollar as of 4 p.m. in Istanbul. Stocks traded 0.9 percent lower. Erdogans ruling party has never called early elections in the nearly 16 years its been in power, and had repeatedly rejected speculation that itd call them this year. Many analysts had predicted an early vote nonetheless, saying a deteriorating economic outlook would prompt Erdogan to change the date rather than risk seeking reelection in a downturn. Bahceli proposed on Tuesday that the vote be moved forward to Aug. 26 of this year from November 2019. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington Wed, April 18, 2018 08:53 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf215a9 2 World North-Korea,US,Donald-Trump,kim-jong-un,diplomacy Free The United States has had contacts at the highest levels with North Korea but Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said late Tuesday. The Washington Post reported that CIA chief Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to Pyongyang over the first weekend of April and met with Kim. The meeting was part of an effort to prepare for a historic meeting in the coming weeks between Trump and Kim, the paper said, quoting two people with direct knowledge of the trip. The visit came shortly after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state. Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders clarified earlier comments by Trump, who appeared to answer "yes" to a question shouted by a reporter as to whether he had already spoken with Kim. "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly," Sanders said. Trump, in Florida hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, confirmed direct contacts between the United States and North Korea. He gave his blessing to discussions aimed at formally ending the Korean war. Setting the stage for a major breakthrough at a series of upcoming summits, Trump said "a great chance to solve a world problem" was within reach on the Korean peninsula. Side-by-side with Abe at Trump's Palm Beach, Florida resort, the US president said that a rare inter-Korean summit later this month could, with his "blessing," discuss an elusive peace treaty. Trump confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" and that "five locations" were being considered for his meeting with Kim. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Washington, United States Wed, April 18, 2018 13:15 1263 2c798a31c212039f000dc5df9cf311ca 2 World NorthKorea,kim-jong-un,trump Free The United States has had contacts at the highest levels with North Korea but Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un have not spoken directly, the White House said late Tuesday. The Washington Post reported that CIA chief Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to Pyongyang over the first weekend of April and met with Kim. The meeting was part of an effort to prepare for a historic meeting in the coming weeks between Trump and Kim, the paper said, quoting two people with direct knowledge of the trip. The visit came shortly after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state. Both the White House and the CIA declined to comment on the report. White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders clarified earlier comments by Trump, who appeared to answer "yes" to a question shouted by a reporter as to whether he had already spoken with Kim. "The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly," Sanders said. Trump, in Florida hosting Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan, confirmed direct contacts between the United States and North Korea. He gave his blessing to discussions aimed at formally ending the Korean war. Setting the stage for a major breakthrough at a series of upcoming summits, Trump said "a great chance to solve a world problem" was within reach on the Korean peninsula. Side-by-side with Abe at Trump's Palm Beach, Florida resort, the US president said that a rare inter-Korean summit later this month could, with his "blessing," discuss an elusive peace treaty. Trump confirmed that Washington and Pyongyang had been in contact at "very high levels" and that "five locations" were being considered for his meeting with Kim. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Jamie James (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, April 19 2018 Gugup (Nervous, 2017) Courtesy of Richard Meyer Since the time of Raden Saleh 200 years ago, innovative Indonesian artists have been global in their outlook, seeking inspiration and marketplaces outside the archipelago; likewise, the islands have long enticed foreign artists to come here for the sunshine and low cost of living. The latest overseas arrival to make his mark in Indonesia, American painter Richard Irwin Meyer, began his career in New York at the Museum of Modern Art, and now he is finding success in Jakarta. As Meyer put it, I moved from a Western art capital that is showing its age to an emerging capital of art in Asia, which is bursting with vitality. Some powerful figures in the Indonesian art scene have taken him to their heart. A wide-ranging survey of Meyers vibrant, delicately nuanced abs... Pilgrims going on the haj are in for a real treat this year in a luxury and spiritual sense of the word. The Haramain high-speed rail service connecting the two Islamic holy cities of Mecca and Medina will be ready in time to transport an estimated 2.5 million passengers during the peak of the pilgrimage in August. We have successfully conducted test runs. Now we are putting the final touches on the administrative side, including ticketing, Faisal Alghamdi, project manager at King Abdulllah Economic City Station, told visiting Indonesian journalists. The 453-kilometer double-track railway links Mecca with Jeddah, King Abdul Aziz International Airport, King Abdullah Economic City (a port city on the Red Sea) and Medina. We have built the tracks as close as possible to the route Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, took when he made the hijrah, Faisal said, referring to the journey the Prophet had made to escape persecution in Mecca and launch a new community in Medina in the seventh century. That event was later used to mark the start of the Islamic lunar year. Pilgrims will not need to spend days in the heat of the desert making the journey. They will travel in safety and comfort with air-conditioner, WiFi and other luxury amenities at up to 360 km an hour. The distance will be covered in just two hours, including a few stops along the way. The train, which can transport up to 834,000 passengers per day, uses a Spanish system and contractors, but is a more advanced version of the current train linking Madrid and Barcelona, Faisal said. This will be the first high-speed train in the Middle East. The Haramain train, including the construction of state-of-the-art, fully automated stations, is one of many massive projects underway as Saudi Arabia works to boost its capacity to accommodate haj and umrah (minor haj) pilgrims. Under the Saudi 2030 Vision, the country plans to welcome as many as 30 million pilgrims a year, including up to 5 million for umrah. Indonesia currently sends around 220,000 haj pilgrims and close to 1 million umrah pilgrims annually. Other big projects include the expansion of both grand mosques in Mecca and Medina, as well as hotels and other amenities in the cities. But the train project will be Saudi Arabias center piece this year as the kingdom solidifies its claim as the Custodian of the two Muslim Holy Cities. Travel trends for people of the millennial generation are ever-changing. Local tourist agency Dwidayatour digitally researched 1,700 millennial internet users and found some interesting insight, as reported by KompasTravel. Soul-searching is out, idea-searching is in Millennials typically dont travel to learn something about themselves. Seven of 10 millennial travelers go to the ends of the world to search for new ideas and stimulate their creative bones. The fresh ideas gathered from their travels will be applied in their work, businesses or start-up companies. The point of traveling is no longer to refresh, but to build ones creativity for work, said Dwidayatours commercial vice-president, Hendriyapto, on Friday. Quantity, not quality Setting them apart from older travelers, who look for quality, millennial travelers prefer shorter but more frequent getaways. They travel for two to five days, with an average of four trips per year. This new habit is reflected in high demand for tickets on weekends, said Hendri. Read also: Millennials embracing cosmetic surgery, report finds Tight budget does not matter Because of their new habit of opting for short trips, millennial travelers dont generally need a lot of money to support their lifestyle. A budget of Rp 2 million to Rp 10 million (US$700) is enough to finance trips around Indonesia or abroad, thanks to special offers from airlines and hotels. Tourist attractions still win Contrary to popular belief that millennial travelers look for alternative' locations in their travels, Dwidayatour's survey shows that popular landmarks and attractions are still popular in this segment, with culinary spots sitting at number two on the search list. (asw) We write to echo our constituents frustration about the ongoing traffic issues at the Grand and Clinton Streets intersection on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Constituents continue to contact our offices about the vehicle gridlock in this area, along with quality of life concerns, such as noise, that stem from this traffic. It is critical that your agencies work swiftly with the community to find solutions to this ongoing traffic problem. In June of last year, the Transportation Department agreed to begin a traffic study in the area. In December, the agency said the initial results were inconclusive, but that traffic planners were continuing to evaluate possible solutions. In the recent letter, the elected officials indicated that DOT has agreed to present its latest findings and to lay out recommendations at the May meeting of Community Board 3s transportation committee. They urged the city to implement changes before the looming L Train shutdown and the opening of Essex Crossing, when congestion is expected to worsen. Back in February, Commissioner ONeil responded to an earlier plea from Niou for more traffic agents, especially during the weekends when gridlock approaching the Williamsburg Bridge is especially bad. The commissioner said the NYPD conducted a site survey, which determined that the intermittent congestion is due to a construction project encompassing a three block radius around Grand Street and Delancey Street, and by motorists using Clinton Street as the primary access point to the Williamsburg Bridge. As ONeill noted, an electronic sign was placed on Grand Street at the end of January notifying motorists of alternative routes to the bridge. He also said traffic agents were being assigned to the area between 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on weekends. You can read both letters below. We are also embedding a DOT presentation from a traffic town hall sponsored by Grand Street Democrats earlier this year. Well let you know when the date and location of the May community board meeting is published. Separately, CB3 and the Lower East Side Partnership are setting up a public visioning session to discuss broader transportation issues in the immediate area. Details about that meeting have not yet been announced. Grand/Clinton Street Traffic Letter from Elected Officials by The Lo-Down on Scribd Clinton/Grand Street Traffic Concerns by The Lo-Down on Scribd KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The millions of taxpayers who still have not filed a tax return have an unexpected extra day to file, with the IRS moving the deadline to April 18 due to IRS system outages on the planned April 17 deadline. Even with the extra day, some of them are not going to be able to meet the deadline. If they dont file either a return or an extension by the April 18 deadline, theyre going to face a monthly penalty that is 10 times more than the penalty for not paying their tax bill. Filing an extension and making sure to pay any tax owed is the best way to avoid adding unnecessary costs to tax liability. Theres still time to avoid all penalties. Pay at least 90 percent of your 2017 tax bill and file an extension by the April 18 deadline and youre in the clear, said Kathy Pickering, vice president of regulatory affairs and executive director of The Tax Institute at H&R Block. It may be easier said than done though. Not only is time a factor, but you have to be able to make an accurate estimate of your tax liability to make sure you pay at least 90 percent. Filing an extension helps but doesnt exempt procrastinators from paying The monthly penalty for not filing a tax return is 10 times greater than the penalty for failing to pay. The best way to avoid this penalty, which could quickly add up to 25 percent to their tax bill, is to file a completed tax return or apply for an extension. However, an extension doesnt apply to any payments due. The extension to file is not an extension to pay for those taxpayers who owe the IRS money. Taxpayers must pay at least 90 percent of their 2017 tax bill by April 18 or they will face late-payment penalties and interest. Still, filing an extension will save them the larger failure-to-file penalty. The monthly penalty for not paying in full is 0.5 percent of the unpaid balance per month with a maximum of 25 percent. The monthly penalty for not filing a tax return is 5 percent and capped at a maximum of 25 percent. For example, for someone who owes $1,000, the failure-to-pay penalty starts at just $5 per month, but the penalty for failing to file a return starts at $50 per month and thus maxes out very quickly. If the failure-to-file penalty and the failure-to-pay penalty both apply in the same month, the maximum combined penalty that month is 5 percent. Taxpayers who cannot pay have options if they work with the IRS Time and making accurate estimates arent the only obstacles to avoiding penalties. You also have to have the money available to make the payment. But if you dont, a tax professional can help you understand your payment options to minimize your penalties, said Pickering. If a taxpayer cant pay their balance due all at once, they may qualify for one of several tax payment alternatives. For example, they can request a short-term extension to pay, make an installment agreement or even pay with a credit card. In some instances, the taxpayer may qualify for an offer-in-compromise. By working with the IRS, taxpayers may reduce or eliminate their penalties. A tax professional can help taxpayers determine the best way to pay their tax bill in their unique situation, as well as estimate their tax liability so they can avoid failure-to-pay or underpayment penalties. Unfortunately, The Content Is Not Here You have arrived at this page because the page or post you were looking for no longer exists. Please check our main navigation pages for other content: Home Page IDEX ASA will hold its annual general meeting on Wednesday 9 May 2018 at 09.00 hours at the Vika Atrium Conference Centre in Oslo. The notice with attendance form will be sent to the shareholders today and is also enclosed in pdf file or available from the link at the end of this notice. The annual report for 2017 has been published in a separate notice. The notice of the annual general meeting and the annual report for 2017 are available at the company's web site, www.idexbiometrics.com, and can be requested from the company at no charge from ir@idexbiometrics.com Following the annual general meeting on 9 May, the CEO of IDEX, Stan Swearingen, will give a presentation of the company's interim report for the first quarter of 2018. The presentation, which will start at 09.30 am or after the annual general meeting has adjourned, is open to the public and will be webcasted. Contact Charlotte Knudsen, Director of IR and Communications, +47 9756 1959, ck@idexbiometrics.com Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/idexasa About IDEX IDEX is a leading developer of advanced off-chip fingerprint sensors and complete system solutions to a range of biometrically-enabled applications, including smart cards, Internet of Things (IoT) and mobile. The company's technology is based on a fundamentally unique architecture that delivers form factor flexibility and superior cost-performance characteristics. IDEX's total addressable market represents a fast-growing multi-billion unit opportunity. IDEX ASA is traded on the Oslo stock exchange under the ticker IDEX. For more information, please visit www.idexbiometrics.com DAYTON, Ohio, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB), a leading National Security company delivering advanced engineering services, cybersecurity and product solutions, announced today that its secure cloud engineering and data analytics experts are attending the 2018 RSA Conference this week in San Francisco, California. The team is on-hand to announce the spring product release of the Rapid Analytic Deployment and Management Framework (RADMF), which now incorporates operator feedback received over several years from multiple Department of Defense (DOD) customers, with more advanced tools to rapidly and efficiently meet cybersecurity mission requirements. By utilizing premium open source technology, combined with scalable commercial cloud infrastructure, RADMF provides a comprehensive and accredited industry solution for many long-standing problems in cyber and big data that include: Accessibility: Makes data more accessible and usable for DoD mission partners through a new distributed query (i.e., query data across all partner platforms from a single access point), as well as shared analytics and workflows. Makes data more accessible and usable for DoD mission partners through a new distributed query (i.e., query data across all partner platforms from a single access point), as well as shared analytics and workflows. Cost: Eliminates the need to buy stove-piped and point solutions with large license fees. Along with the Big Data Platform (BDP) and commercial cloud deployment, it reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to on-premise solutions. Eliminates the need to buy stove-piped and point solutions with large license fees. Along with the Big Data Platform (BDP) and commercial cloud deployment, it reduces Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to on-premise solutions. Flexibility: Ingests petabytes of data in any format, and performs data normalization and transformation to assist analysts. Ingests petabytes of data in any format, and performs data normalization and transformation to assist analysts. Portability: Deploys to enterprise, tactical, and regional environments. Deploys to enterprise, tactical, and regional environments. Security: Ensures data security down to cell level across all tiers, which is critical for customer downstream sharing of findings across multiple title of authority/title of command. Ensures data security down to cell level across all tiers, which is critical for customer downstream sharing of findings across multiple title of authority/title of command. Speed: Rapidly deploys the full platform in four simple UI-driven clicks or by voice command. The platforms advanced cyber mission tools also include inline click-to-content for packet capture (PCAP), malware analysis, Secure DevOps of analytics, machine learning, as well as artificial intelligence capabilities to assist a variety of mission use cases that include intelligence correlation and fusion. This comprehensive solution was recently selected as the U.S. Governments Unified Platform (UP) Prototype. With our mature and proven solution now in the Governments hands, the paradigm should shift from spending money on platform and infrastructure, to bringing more data and advanced analytics together with viable machine learning and artificial intelligence capabilities that greatly assist the cyber defender, said Duane Shugars, Vice President of Operations for Enlighten IT Consulting, a MacB company. We must move from todays alert and block strategy to a more predict and prevent strategy. ABOUT MACAULAY-BROWN, INC. (MacB) Over the past 38 years, MacAulay-Brown, Inc. (MacB) has been solving many of our Nations most complex National Security challenges. We are committed to delivering critical capabilities in the areas of Intelligence and Analysis, Cybersecurity, Secure Cloud Engineering, Research and Development, Integrated Laboratories and Information Technology to Defense, Intelligence Community, Special Operations Forces, Homeland Security, and Federal agencies to meet the challenges of an ever-changing world. With Corporate Headquarters in Dayton, Ohio and National Capital Headquarters in Vienna, Virginia, our 1,500 employees worldwide are dedicated to developing mission-focused and results-oriented solutions that make a difference where and when it matters most. Learn more about MacB at www.macb.com. ABOUT ENLIGHTEN IT CONSULTING (EITC), a MACAULAY-BROWN, INC. (MacB) COMPANY Since 2007, Enlighten IT Consulting (EITC) has been an innovative provider of advanced and mission-critical big data infrastructure, secure cloud engineering, and analytic solutions for federal, state, and local clients with specific emphasis on the warfighter and decision makers responsible for national defense and security. A premier partner of Amazon Web Services (AWS), EITC has collaborated with AWS to provide innovative solutions to meet many of the challenges facing the U.S Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community related to big data, cyber analytics, data fusion and IT transformation. The company was named one of Baltimores Top Workplaces in 2017 by the Baltimore Sun Media Group. EITC was acquired by MacB in December 2016, and is headquartered in Linthicum Heights, Maryland. Follow MacB Highlights include Jazz Legend #3, The Mall #1, and Long Live Pro Wrestling #0. Source: Scout Comics JAZZ LEGEND #3 Written by JC Lacek and Illustrated by Vincent Dubourg Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000253800311 Motocity's jazz phenom Martin Comity has reached a tipping point with a mysterious new street drug aptly named New Blue. After a batched performance at the War Room which left Martin humiliated and tarnished the venues reputation, the club's owner, Sweety, has no choice but to set an example of Martin. Realizing she has lost her star performer, Sweety sets her sights on compensation, be it blood or money. Unfortunately for the peculiar writer Benjamin Way, Sweety is convinced blame rests solely on his shoulders. JAZZ LEGEND is a neo-noir meets cosmic fantasy inspired by the lives and works of jazz great Miles Davis and the father of beat literature, Mr. William S Burroughs. LONG LIVE PRO WRESTLING #0 Written by James Haick III and Illustrated by Branko Jovanovic Full Color, 32pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000257600011 Evan Dandy is a former pro wrestler turned talk show host who has transcended the wrestling business and has become a huge pop culture superstar. On the eve of his talk show's network premiere, Evan's integrity and former profession come under fire. Will Evan be able to control his temper or will he lash out and put his network deal in jeopardy? Find out in the premiere episode of Scout's new BINGE imprint! LONG LOST: PART TWO #1 Written by Matthew Erman and Illustrated by Lisa Sterle Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000247700711 The second chapter of LONG LOST begins here. After venturing to their southern mountain home and learning some shocking news concerning their mother, Piper and Frances have gone missing and are now lost and alone in a place unknowable. Together, they must struggle and survive as they make their way back to Hazel Patch from where ever it is that they are. Join Scout Comics in the final six chapters of the critically acclaimed series, LONG LOST. THE MALL #1 Written by Don Handfield and James Haick III and Illustrated by Rafael Loureiro Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000256900111 Fresh from the pages of Scout Presents: The Mall Free Comic Book Day, the MALL is set in everyone's favorite decade, the 1980's. This coming of age crime story takes place in a small Florida town at the height of the popularity of indoor malls. Whenthe head of the Cardini Mob Family mysteriously dies, his three illegitimate children each inherit a store in the mall. While the stores front as legal businesses, the real money is in the illegal businesses. The kids are thrust into a world of crime, all the while just trying to survive normal high school life. It's a John Hughes movie set in the Godfather universe. Co-written by History Channel's Knightfall writer Don Handfield and Solar Flare's James Haick III. Retailer Incentives: Retailers purchasing 10 copies of the Cover A will unlock unlimited orders of Cover B.Please reach out to your CS rep with questions about retailer incentives. SHIVER BUREAU #6 Written and Illustrated by Walter Ostlie Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000250700611 Sherlock Holmesmeets Ghostbusters in SHIVER BUREAU. The old horror movie adage says to "never split up". However, when Pickle and Trish face down a shadow monster, an evil mastermind, shivers, a giant snake, and a really scary little old lady, they have no choice but to multitask. Pickle's in a real pickle this time and Trish may not be around to berate him for his overuse of puns. STABBITY BUNNY Volume 1 Trade Paperback Written by Richard Rivera and Illustrated by Dwayne Biddix Full Color, 176 pages, $19.99 ISBN: 9781635353716 Scout's break-out hit for 2018! From the kidnapping of seven-year-old Grace to the terrifying reveal in issue six, this volume collects the first 6 issues of Stabbity Bunny! A supernatural force has been pursuing her family for generations and Grace is now the target of this ancient evil. Fortunately, an unexpected protector intervenes, her plush bunny, Stabbity, handed down through the family for almost 100 years. Horror and mystery combine in this captivating, best-selling series. WELCOME TO PARADISE #5 Written by A.C. Medina and Illustrated by Morgan Kendrick Sawyer Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000251400411 The final stage is set for Bett, Gunnar and Manny as our three "heroes" make their last stand with the fate of the entire Bunk in their hands. It's an epic climactic last issue for Scout Comics' latest action, post-apocalyptic thriller, WELCOME TO PARADISE! See you all on the other side of the door...if there's anything left! WELCOME TO PARIDISE is The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly set in an underground bunker the size of California, 300 years after the Apocalypse. ZINNOBER #2 Written by Ralf Singh and Thorsten Brochhaus and Illustrated by Ralf Singh Full Color, 32 pages, $3.99 UPC: 85999000255200211 After their far-reaching run-in with a cult of dragon worshipers, Claire, James, and its newest addition Andrew, make their way back from the long-winding tunnels of London's subway system to the surface to take care of some unfinished dangerous business at Piccadilly Circus. Dangerous business, that is. As Claire and Andrew grow closer, much to the discomfort of James, the curious young scientist hatches a plan with the potential to turn the war on dragons in their favor. But is he telling the truth? And what plan does a mysterious cult member have in store for James? All this, plus a glimpse into the tragic past of our main heroes, in another action packed adventure in ZINNOBERs apocalyptic dragon-ruled wasteland. Highlights include Archie Meets Batman '66 #1, Betty & Veronica: Vixens #8, and Jughead: The Hunger #7. Source: Archie Comics VAMPIRONICA #4 NEW ONGOING SERIES! The vampire siege on Riverdale begins! Will Veronica lead the town towards salvation... or doom? Script: Greg and Megan Smallwood Art: Greg Smallwood, Jack Morelli Cover: Greg Smallwood Variant Covers: Francesco Francavilla (B), Fiona Staples (C) On Sale Date: 7/18 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. ARCHIE #32 It all comes down to this! The Riverdale gangheld hostage by Cheryl Blossom's father! Reggieat last paying for his crimes! And when all is said and done, Riverdale is turned upside down once more! Script: Mark Waid, Ian Flynn Art: Audrey Mok, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli Cover: Audrey Mok Variant Covers: Robert Hack with Kelly Fitzpatrick (B), Peter Krause with Rosario "Tito" Pena (C) On Sale Date: 7/4 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. ARCHIE MEETS BATMAN '66 #1 Two iconic comic book characters meet up for the FIRST TIME in this historic crossover mini-series! A battle in Gotham City extends its reach into Riverdalewith Mr. Lodge becoming enemy #1 of the dynamic duo! Now it's up to Veronica to recruit some help and place a call... to the Batcave! Script: Jeff Parker, Michael Moreci Art: Dan Parent, J. Bone, Kelly Fitzpatrick, Jack Morelli Cover: Michael Allred with Laura Allred Variant Covers: Derek Charm (B), Francesco Francavilla (C), Sandy Jarrell with Kelly Fitzpatrick (D), Dan Parent with J. Bone and Rosario "Tito" Pena (E), Ty Templeton (F) On Sale Date: 7/18 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. ARCHIE SUPERTEENS VS. CRUSADERS #2 Archie Comics' two superhero teams THE SUPERTEENS and THE MIGHTY CRUSADERS face off against the evil Dr. Zardox in the conclusion to this epic to-issue crossover event! Script: Ian Flynn, David Williams, Gary Martin Art: Kelsey Shannon, David Williams, Gary Martin, Jack Morelli Cover: David Williams, Gary Martin, Kelsey Shannon Connecting Cover 2 Variant Cover: David Williams, Gary Martin B&W Cover On Sale Date: 7/25 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. BETTY & VERONICA: VIXENS #8 NEW STORY ARC! "Hunted," Pt 3: As more women go missing in Riverdale, the Vixens worry that they may have been used as a pawn in someone's evil scheme. They need to come up with a plan to save the missing ladiesbut is it too late? Script: Jamie Lee Rotante Art: Sanya Anwar, Elaina Unger, Rachel Deering Cover: Sanya Anwar Variant Covers: Veronica Fish (B), Sandra Lanz (C) On Sale Date: 7/18 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. BETTY & VERONICA: VIXENS VOL. 1 (TR) Betty and Veronica assemble the Vixens: a squad brought together to take out the dangerous Southside Serpents gang. These aren't "Archie's Girls"they're starting a revolution in Riverdale! Script: Jamie L. Rotante Art: Eva Cabrera, Elaina Unger, Rachel Deering Cover: Fiona Staples 978-1-68255-899-7 $14.99 US/$15.99 CAN 6 5/8 x 10 3/16" TR 136 pp, Full Color Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/4 JUGHEAD: THE HUNGER #7 While Jughead confronts Reggie and his pack, the Coopers are done fooling around and send in the big guns for Jug. Will heand his sister Jellybeansurvive the chaos? Plus, a member of the Riverdale gang makes a startling decision that will change EVERYTHING! Script: Frank Tieri Art: Pat and Tim Kennedy, Joe Eisma, Bob Smith, Matt Herms, Jack Morelli Cover: Adam Gorham Variant Cover: Tyler Boss (B), Michael Walsh with Josh Hixson (C) On Sale Date: 7/11 32-page, full color comic $3.99 U.S. JUGHEAD: THE HUNGER VOL. 1 (TR) Jughead Jones has always had an insatiable appetite... but what if his hunger came from a sinister place? When a murderous menace is on the prowl, taking the lives of some of the most well-known and esteemed inhabitants of Riverdale, Jughead and his family's dark legacy comes to light in this horrifying collection for TEEN+ readers. Script: Frank Tieri Art: Pat and Tim Kennedy, Joe Eisma, Bob Smith, Jim Amash, Matt Herms Cover: Michael Walsh 978-1-68255-901-7 $17.99 US/$19.99 CAN 6 5/8 x 10 3/16" TR 144 pp, Full Color Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/18 ARCHIE AND ME COMICS DIGEST #9 BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Hot or NOT!" Riverdale is having a heat wave, and the gang is just trying to stay coolVeronica's mansion is the only option for a cool retreat, but she's away on vacation. What will they do? Script: Dan Parent Art: Bill Galvan, Bob Smith, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli Cover: Bill Galvan, Rosario "Tito" Pena On Sale Date: 7/25 128-page, full color comic $6.99 U.S. ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #290 BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "Lost & Confounded" Archie, Betty and Kevin have jobs as counselors at summer camp. When a little girl loses her teddy bear, it becomes a mad dash to find it. What lengths will the counselors go to save the day for a homesick kid? Script: Dan Parent Art: Bill Golliher, Bob Smith, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli Cover: Bill Galvan, Rosario "Tito" Pena On Sale Date: 7/4 192-page, full color comic $6.99 U.S. ARCHIE'S BIG BOOK VOL. 4: FAIRY TALES (TR) Take a magical trip down Storybook Lane with this collection of the best fairy tale stories ever told in Riverdale! From glass slippers to giant beanstalks and yellow brick roads to tales from under the seas, this classic collection will have you entertained for hours! Script: Various Art: Various Cover: Dan Parent 978-1-68255-903-1 $19.99 US/$11.99 CAN 6 5/8 x 10" TR 224 pp, Full Color Direct Market On-Sale Date: 7/25 BETTY AND VERONICA FRIENDS FOREVER: TRAVEL TALES #1 Classic Betty and Veronica-style stories are back with this collection of fun tales that see the two iconic BFFs travel the world and get into all kinds of international adventures! Script: Bill Golliher Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli Cover: Dan Parent On Sale Date: 7/11 24-page, full color comic $2.99 U.S. B&V FRIENDS JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #263 BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "The Empress's New Clothes!" Queen Veronica has it all... yet she still wants more! Tired of Veronica's spoiled ways, handmaiden Betty promises the Queen a new dress that's invisible to all those beneath her. Will Queen Veronica's new wardrobe suit her needs or will she be in for a surprise? Script: Bill Golliher Art: Dan Parent, Rich Koslowski, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli Cover: Jeff Shultz, Rosario "Tito" Pena On Sale Date: 7/18 192-page, full color comic $6.99 U.S. WORLD OF ARCHIE JUMBO COMICS DIGEST #80 BRAND NEW LEAD STORY: "We Can Work it Out!" Pop Tate opens a snack bar on the beach and hires Archie and Betty to work there. But when Betty gets sick, Jughead fills in and things go awryespecially when they run out of food and have to improvise! Script: Dan Parent Art: Jeff Shultz, Jim Amash, Glenn Whitmore, Jack Morelli Cover: Bill Golliher, Bob Smith, Rosario "Tito" Pena On Sale Date: 7/11 192-page, full color comic $6.99 U.S. Highlights include The Trials and Tribulations of Miss Tilney #1, Ninjas vs. Robots Vol. 1, and BLACK HOPS: U.S.A.-*-G.I. #2. Source: Antarctic Press BLACK HOPS: U.S.A.-*-G.I. #2 (of 2) (miniseries, full color, 32 pgs., $3.99 U.S.) Cover: Dave Dorman Story: Mark Pellegrini Art: Timothy Lim & Brian Denham "Buns of the Patriots, Part 2" Alone in the depths of North Korea, it's up to U.S.A.-*-G.I., America's black ops commando leporid, to infiltrate a fiercely guarded ICBM facility. His mission: thwart its launch. Getting in will be next to impossible, and getting out will be even harder, as enemies both unexpected and unbelievable await him... some with guns loaded and some with fangs bared. Echo Base Search & Rescue T-shirt, S (T-shirt, full-color, $21.99 U.S.) Art: Joe Wight When you've finished your circle, whether or not you've found any life readings, you'll want this circle on your shirt as a sign that you're ready to help in any weather. S, M, L, XL: $21.99 U.S. each XXL: $23.99 U.S. each XXXL: $24.99 U.S. each Gold Digger Summer Fun Special (one-shot, full color, 32 pigs., $3.99 U.S.) Story/Art: Various The weather's heating up, the sun and surf are a'calling, and we figure everyone deserves a break. In fact, we're giving our hardest-working creator the month off! While Fred gets a few days' rest, enjoy this bonus round of beach bashes and summer celebrations with the Gold Digger crew, brought to you by fans like you! Mangazine Vol. 4 #1 (quarterly, full color, 56 pages, $4.99 U.S.) Story/Art: Various Raise the sails and the sales, 'cause an A.P. flagship is back! Mangazine has returned! Captained by the able Ben Dunn, Godfather of American Manga, this ship's loaded with fresh talent and fine art! From a demoness wreaking harsh justice to a guitarist rocking his mad ax in a world out of Mad Max, from palace intrigue on a distant world to a duel of baked goods versus baked bads here on ours! All hands on deck, and prepare to enjoy! Ninjas vs. Robots Vol. 1 (softcover TPB, 8.5 x 11, full color, 118 pgs., $14.99 U.S.) Story & Art: Erik Klaus When ninja Princess Yuki Tachibana awakens on Robot Island, she has all of her ninja skills and none of her past memories. Now, she must battle every evil foe and some of her ninja friends too (oops!), as they fight their way to the other end of the Isle of Bots to unlock her hidden memories and halt the Dark Robot Regime! The Trials and Tribulations of Miss Tilney #1 (miniseries, full color, 32 pgs., $3.99 U.S.) Story: David Doub Art: Sarah Elkins, Danielle Alexis St. Pierre London Post columnist Henrietta Tilney finally gets her chance to be a real reporter. Her first assignment: interview Lord Beowulf Harwood, mass murderer. But the the genial (if rather incorrigible) Lord Harwood and his brilliant but near-amoral associate, Dr. Charles Plum, proclaim his innocence. Something tells Miss Tilney that he is right, but finding out the dark secrets behind his framing may be the death of them all! Trump Trading Cards: Uncut Promo Sheet 2 (8.5 x 11, full color, $9.99 U.S.) Art: Brian Denham There are so many cards out there, some of them very fine cards, we're sure. However, some companies are definitely not sending their best cards. We are going to give you a big, beautiful sheet of trading cards, and it's going to be solid, 3 x 3, which is very nice. We're thinking about some see-through capability, maybe with perforations, but you can be sure these cards will have some solid borders. Highlights include Clankillers #1, Brothers Dracul #4, and Relay #1. Source: Aftershock Comics ANIMOSITY #16 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.25.18 writer: Marguerite Bennett artist: Rafael De Latorre color: Rob Schwager letters: Marshall Dillon cover: Rafael De Latorre w/ Marcelo Maiolo As Sandor prowls the Walled City, Jesse must struggle to free herself from the human supremacists before their hideous plan is complete... From Marguerite Bennett (INSEXTS, DC Bombshells & Batwoman) and Rafael de Latorre (SUPERZERO) comes the hit series that HAD to be told at AFTERSHOCK! BABYTEETH #12 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.18.18 writer: Donny Cates artist: Garry Brown color: Mark Englert letterer: Taylor Esposito cover: Garry Brown With almost every horrible truth laid bare for the Ritter family, the journey to save Clark and Heather (And Marty??) begins. Say...that reminds me...what have Heather and Clark been up to lately, anyway? Find out in this crazy new issue of your favorite Anti-Christ baby book, BABYTEETH! From Donny Cates (RELAY, Thanos, Venom, Dr. Strange, God Country, Redneck) and Garry Brown (THE REVISIONIST) comes a pulse-pounding series that HAD to be told at AfterShock! "Babyteeth is firing on all cylinders with compelling characters and brilliant artwork. Damn, this is good." James Ferguson of Horror Talk BETROTHED #5 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.11.18 writer: Sean Lewis artist: Steve Uy letters: Simon Bowland cover: Steve Uy With their friends gravely hurt and their loved ones murdered, Kieron and Tamara return to Earth. And not just Earth, but their high school. After all, if the traitors and warlords of their home planet Priam want to fight, it's gonna be be jungle warfareand our heroes are going to bring them to the worst place for a fight imaginable. From writer Sean Lewis (CLANKILLERS, The Few) and artist Steve Uy (Uncanny X-Men, Avengers Initiative, Grumpy Cat) comes a sci-fi series with a fun mix of Archie and Saga that HAD to be told at AfterShock! "[BETROTHED is] a fun concept, with interesting characters and a huge universe to grow into. 9/10" Brett Monro of We Talk Podcasts BROTHERS DRACUL #4 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.18.18 writer: Cullen Bunn artist: Mirko Colak color: Maria Santaolalla letterer: Simon Bowland cover: Mirko Colak w/ Maria Santaolalla The Brothers DraculVlad and Raduhave grown skilled at slaying the undead. But they soon discover that there is more than one type of vampire, and some are more difficult to kill than others. Especially when the brothers themselves are on the verge of turning against one another! From writer Cullen Bunn (DARK ARK, UNHOLY GRAIL, X-Men Blue, Deadpool, Venom) and artist Mirko Colak (UNHOLY GRAIL,The Punisher) comes a tale of brothers and blood that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics! CLANKILLERS #1 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.18.18 writer: Sean Lewis artist: Antonio Fuso letters: Dave Sharpe cover A: Antonio Fuso cover B: Juan Doe The kick-off of a NEW SERIES! Like the demented stepchild of Game of Thrones, Braveheart and Mark Millar's Kick Ass, Sean Lewis (BETROTHED, The Few, Coyotes) brings readers into an ancient Ireland filled with clans, mystics, warriors and monsters of mythic proportion! Finola has a problemher father is losing his mind. All the old king cares about is power...and Finola thinks power is stupid. Finola thinks her vicious older sisters are stupid. Finola thinks the royal court is stupid, and above all she thinks the clans across the country are stupid. So she makes a plan with her good friend Cillian: Let's kill all the clans. And then, we go for dad. Filled with countless twist and turns, CLANKILLERS promises to be a wild ride! From writer Sean Lewis (BETROTHED, The Few) and artist Antonio Fuso (James Bond, G.I.Joe) comes a revenge thriller that HAD to be told at AfterShock! DARK ARK #8 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.04.18 writer: Cullen Bunn artist: Juan Doe letterer: Ryane Hill cover: Juan Doe The Mother of Monsters has risen...and she cries out to her children. The bonds of supernatural blood are strong. Will any of the beasts on Shrae's Ark be able to resist? From writer Cullen Bunn (X-Men Blue, Deadpool, Venom) and artist Juan Doe (ANIMOSITY: THE RISE, AMERICAN MONSTER, WORLD READER) comes a sinister tale of biblical proportions that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics! "Bunn, Doe, and Hill are a dream team, each contributing mightily to making this a fantastic book!" Grant Stoye of Court of Nerds Her Infernal Descent #4 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.25.18 Writers: Lonnie Nadler & Zac Thompson Artist: Kyle Charles Colorist: Dee Cunniffe Letterer: Ryan Ferrier Cover: Kyle Charles w/ Dee Cunniffe Lynn is stranded on her own, left to wander a strange level of hell being gentrified by angels! As the inferno continues to change, Lynn must face her greatest failure. From Lonnie Nadler and Zac Thompson, the writers of the break-out hit The Dregs and Cable, and Kyle Charles, the artist of Roche Limit, comes a journey through hell that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics! THE LOST CITY EXPLORERS #2 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.18.18 Writers: Zack Kaplan Artist: Alvaro Sarraseca Colorist: Chris Blythe Letterer: A Larger Worlds' Troy Peteri Cover: Rafael La Torre & Marcelo Maiolo SECOND ISSUE! When teenagers Hel and Homer Coates learn the underground world below Manhattan may hide the mythical Lost City of Atlantis, and their father may be somehow trapped there, the danger has only just begun! The two teens enlist their friends on a mission to recover the rest of their dad's research and rescue him before his shadowy employer finishes covering up the failed expedition. Explore science fiction and archeology in this new adventure series by Zack Kaplan (Eclipse, Port of Earth) and Alvaro Sarraseca (Magnus, Turok) that HAD to be told at AfterShock! "The story follows a group of millennial teenagers who go on an underground adventure to rescue one of their fathers in a mash-up of sci-fi supernatural archeology and urban exploration with a Stranger Things vibe." Zack Kaplan PESTILENCE: A STORY OF SATAN #3 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.25.18 writer: Frank Tieri artist: Oleg Okunev colors: Rob Schwager letters: Marshall Dillon cover: Tim Bradstreet Knights, zombies, demons, corruption, death, betrayal and Satan...the Seven Deadly Ingredients involved in the making of this issue of PESTILENCE! Another can't-miss issue! Written by the master of violence, gore, and mayhem, Frank Tieri (Harley Quinn, Marvel vs Capcom, Wolverine, Deadpool), with spectacular art from illustrator Oleg Okunev, and covers by Eisner Award-nominated artist Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher, Hellblazer) comes the series that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics! "The truth about the Crusades is finally told and you'd be dead wrong to miss it. Great characters and detailed art make this a must read." Patrick Hayes of SciFi Pulse RELAY #1 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.11.18 Writer: Zac Thompson Story by: Eric Bromberg, Donny Cates & Zac Thompson Artist: Andy Clarke Colorist: Dan Brown Letterer: Charles Pritchett Cover A: Andy Clarke and Dan Brown Cover B: Christian Ward NEW SERIES! A perfect future of intergalactic travel and community. Every newly discovered planet is unified culturally through a monolithic structure known as the Galactic Relay. Although the towering monument is meant to inspire conformity of ideas, technology, and progress many resent the foreign structure. Jad Carter, a Relay employee, must keep the peace and act as an emissary to new civilizations. But when he finds the Relay's mythological creator, Hank Donaldson, his idea of reality and the universe shatters. Equal parts The Fifth Element and Philip K Dick, and directly springboarding off the previously released Free Comic Book Day RELAY #0, this series is an exploration of monoculture, identity, and the deceptive nature of legend set in a thriving future where humanity forcibly assimilates new worlds. Written by Zac Thomspon (Cable, The Dregs, HER INFERNAL DESCENT), with art by Andy Clarke (REPLICA, Batman), and a story conceived by Zac Thompson, Eric Bromberg (PESTILENCE) and Donny Cates (BABYTEETH, Dr. Strange, Thanos, Venom, God Country), this powerhouse of a series that HAD to be told at AfterShock! A WALK THROUGH HELL #3 / $3.99 / 32 pages / Color / on sale 07.25.18 writer: Garth Ennis artist: Goran Sudzuka colors: Ive Svorcina letters: Rob Steen cover: Andy Clarke & Jose Villarrubia The grim discoveries made by Shaw and McGregor seem hauntingly familiar, and their most recent and disturbing case may hold the answers. But as horror builds upon horror, those very answers may prove too much to bearand even lead to their own damnation. A new kind of horror story for modern America, written by Garth Ennis (Preacher, The Boys, Crossed) and drawn by Goran Sudzuka (Y: The Last Man, Hellblazer) that HAD to be told at AfterShock! ANIMOSITY VOL 3 TP: "The Swarm" / $14.99 / 128 pages /color / on sale 07.04.18 writer: Marguerite Bennett artist: Rafael De Latorre color: Rob Schwager letters: Marshall Dillon cover: Rafael De Latorre w/ Marcelo Maiolo Tensions run high as betrayal stings Jesse in a way she could have never imagined. Can Kyle shed his humanity enough to aid Jesse in her quest? Can Sandor forsake his bestial nature in order to save that which he loves? The answers lie within! Meanwhile, Sandor, Jesse and the survivors hear rumors of a mysterious Walled City where safety may be waiting...but will their journey there be too high a price to pay? Collecting ANIMOSITY #9-13all five issues from the third story arc of this highly-acclaimed series! BRILLIANT TRASH VOL 1 TP: "GOD CRASH" / $17.99 / 144 pages / Color / on sale 07.11.18 writers: Tim Seeley & Steve Seeley artist: Priscilla Petraites color: Marco Lesko letters: Marshall Dillon cover: Mike Norton & Addison Duke Collecting all six issues from the first story arc. In the near future, a super-powered teenage girl wipes the heavily disputed Old City of Jerusalem off the map. Now, in the politically charged world of the "Lady Last Word Incident", a click-bait headline writing "journalist" holds the key to a med-tech conspiracy that could allow people buy superpowers for the cost of days off their lifespan. From Tim Seeley (Revival, Grayson) and breakout art sensation Priscilla Petraites, comes the series that HAD to be told at AfterShock Comics! "Writer Tim Seeley and artist Priscilla Petraites put team up to deliver one of the most dazzling stories on the comics shelf." Stephen Gustafson of 411 Mania MONTREAL, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OneCap Investment Corporation ("OneCap or the Corporation") (TSX VENTURE:OIC) is retracting the news release titled OneCap Announces Results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment for a 300 t/d Regional Gold Processing Plant in Colombia dated April 16, 2018, as a result of a review by the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF). The technical disclosure is not considered a preliminary economic assessment as defined by National Instrument 43-101 as the economic analysis contained in the study is not based on mineral resources; nor is the study based on a mineral property material to the Corporation; nor is Daniel Goffaux, P.Eng., a co-author of the study, independent of the Corporation, all requirements pursuant to NI 43-101. The news release should read as follows: In 2017, OneCap has initiated a regional sampling program of the artisanal production sites in South Bolivar in order to evaluate the gold potential within 40 kilometres of the Corporations Las Marias gold property (the Area) and identify concessions for possible acquisitions. The positive results from this survey, conducted on sites not owned by the Corporation, (December 5, 2017 news release) led to the engagement in January 2018 of Bumigeme Inc. (Bumigeme), an engineering firm specialized in metallurgy and plant design in Montreal, to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of operating a 300 t/d (105,000 tonnes per year (t/y)) regional gold milling and processing facility in the Bolivar South province. The processing facility would treat the mineralized material from the artisanal mining sites in the Area where 60 producing sites have been surveyed and revealed an average daily production of 413 t/d at 16.17 g/t Au and 293.52 g/t Ag; including 301 t/d at 21.0 g/t Au and 380.36 g/t Ag at 5 g/t Au cut-off. Metallurgical testwork, supervised by Bumigeme, were performed at Actlabs in Thunder Bay on composite samples representing a weighted average of the daily production of the 60 artisanal producing sites. The results of those tests were used to design a flowsheet for a gravity followed by cyanidation processing plant and to calculate its operation cost. The highlights of the report entitled Study of the regional gold processing plant, 300t/d mill project, Department of Bolivar (South), Colombia are: Results indicate gold recovery of 90% using a process flowsheet consisting of gravity separation followed by cyanidation; Mineralized material from different artisanal miners to be trucked to the plant, weighted, assayed and stockpiled individually; Dry tailing will be produced and stockpiled; The capital expenditure for the Mill Project is estimated at US$10.9 million. Outlook for Q2-2018 On the Las Marias project, results from work performed until now are being carefully analyzed by the Corporation in order to design the next exploration phase, including additional trenching and rock geochemical survey. A diamond drill program will be considered subject to positive results from the trenching and geochemical survey and securing additional funding. On the regional gold processing plant, the results of this study show a potentially viable project. The Corporation will first evaluate the financial markets appetite for this kind of project and then define the technical, financial and regulatory parameters to implement the Mill Project. Before proceeding with the Mill Project, the Corporation should obtain the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) approval that could trigger a Change of Business (COB) as defined by Policy 5.2 of the Exchange. The securities of OneCap could be subject to a trading halt until the Corporation satisfies Exchanges requirements for a COB and receives shareholders approval. Qualified Persons This news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel Goffaux, P.Eng., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The report has been prepared by Bumigeme and Daniel Goffaux (D.G. Mine Consultant Inc.). The qualified persons at Bumigeme responsible for the preparation of this report are independent of OneCap. Mr. Goffaux is not independent of the Corporation as he acts as principal technical advisor for the Corporation. The clarification in this news release will be reflected in the annual Management Discussion and Analysis and the Corporation will update its filing on SEDAR (www. Sedar.com). About OneCap OneCap is a mineral exploration company with its exploration activities focused in Colombia. Rejean Gosselin, President and CEO : Tel: 514.303.0950 E-mail: rgminero@gmail.com The Study is preliminary in nature and information set forth in this news release and the Study include certain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on assumptions exposed to major risks and uncertainties. Although OneCap deems the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, the Corporation cannot provide any guarantee as to the materialization of the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements. The Corporation expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release. A group of honors students takes to the streets of Prague, Czech Republic, to explore the city during a study abroad trip in the summer of 2016. They spent five weeks in Slovakia and traveled to the surrounding countries of Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria. Noem announces relaunch of new social studies standards review process The standards proposed by the Department of Education (DOE) will be "set aside," Noem said, and she has asked DOE officials to restart the process from the beginning. SAN FRANCISCO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Udemy, the global marketplace for learning and teaching online, today announced the addition of new exclusive courses on the platform that focus specifically on skills development for business leaders. This expansion builds on the already popular leadership category and features courses from business luminaries such as former Netflix chief talent officer Patty McCord and world-famous author Deepak Chopra. Were always looking to grow our course offering to best fit the needs and demands of our students, said Frank Visciano, vice president of marketplace content and operations at Udemy. Its our belief that not all teachers are found in a classroom, and we aim to bring the knowledge of real-world experts directly to our students. The expansion of the leadership category continues this mission by introducing courses built by industry luminaries who share their knowledge gained through years of business experience. Udemys course selection is fueled by 30,000 instructors contributing their subject-matter expertise in over 65,000 courses on the platform. This expansion will feature a dozen new courses, including: Build a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility by Patty McCord. She shares insights from her time as chief talent officer at Netflix, including how to create high-performing cultures, how to practice radical honesty in the workplace, and how to motivate others with challenging work, not promises and perks. by Patty McCord. She shares insights from her time as chief talent officer at Netflix, including how to create high-performing cultures, how to practice radical honesty in the workplace, and how to motivate others with challenging work, not promises and perks. The Ultimate Disruption Playbook by bestselling author and business strategy expert, Charlene Li. She provides students with an actionable framework, built on research and experience, to help build their own disruption strategy to create change and spur growth. by bestselling author and business strategy expert, Charlene Li. She provides students with an actionable framework, built on research and experience, to help build their own disruption strategy to create change and spur growth. The Soul of Leadership with Deepak Chopra by world-renowned author, teacher, and integrative medicine pioneer Deepak Chopra. He shares with students why authentic, empowered, and responsible leadership comes from the soul, and how expanding awareness, harnessing creativity, and mastering emotional freedom are the keys to becoming the great leader you were meant to be. I have worked for years both building corporate cultures, and advising companies on how to develop strong and accountable cultures, said Patty McCord. Through my course on Udemy, I offer lessons on how students can build a culture of responsibility within their organization. Students will have access to best practices honed through years of working with some of the most successful companies in Silicon Valley. These courses, and many others, are currently available within the Udemy leadership category. For more information about becoming a Udemy instructor, please click here. About Udemy Udemy was founded in 2010 with the aim of improving lives through learning. Udemy is a global marketplace for learning and teaching online where more than 20 million students learn from an extensive library of 65,000 courses taught by expert instructors in over 50 different languages. Whether learning for professional development or personal enrichment, students can master new skills through self-paced, on-demand courses, while instructors have a way to share their knowledge with the world. For companies, Udemy for Business offers subscription access to a collection of business-relevant courses as well as a simple platform to host and distribute their own content in one central place. Udemy is privately owned and headquartered in San Francisco with offices in Ireland, Turkey, and Brazil. Contact: Romina Varriale Director, Global Communications romina.varriale@udemy.com . - ... WESTON, Fla., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Petrone Worldwide, Inc. ($PFWI), a worldwide leader in the hospitality industry, with global distribution and logistics capabilities, announces its shareholder update, and immediate focus for 2018 growth. Petrone Worldwide Inc. seeks to be at the forefront of the consumer products hospitality industry by way of handling the complete sales, marketing, logistics, and warehousing; therefore, exploiting multiple revenue channels. According to Statista www.statista.com/statistics/257519/us-consumer-electronics-e-commerce-revenue/ (2017) In 2016, overall U.S. desktop retail e-commerce sales surpassed 291.8 billion U.S. dollars. To execute this immediate growth the company signed an advisory contract with one of the industrys top consultants Meridian IR. Victor Petrone CEO stated, We could not be more excited to work with Meridian, we have already expanded our visibility in the market and are committed to engaging investors through its new and rebranded social media outlets. With Meridian handling much more of the workload Victor Petrone is utilizing his ability to increase the company's product offering. Some of the major retailers we are currently working with in this billion-dollar industry are Walmart, The Home Depot, T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, Marshalls, and Lowes. Details about these significant partnerships will be outlined in the near term. In addition to our marketing strategy, Petrone is launching another facet to our business model launching a new website. www.PetroneTech.com will focus on consumer electronics and some of the most sought after tech in the market cryptocurrency mining equipment to mine the likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Petrones out of the box creativity and focus on increasing shareholder value is the companys way of thanking the public for its patience as we strive for success in 2018. The company is making headway on cleaning up the balance sheet to better position the company financially and prevent further dilution as well as any reverse split. Last week Alpine Clearing notified the company of a delay in clearing sub penny securities which currently will prevent further conversions. Petrone Worldwide, Inc. will continue to update both the public and shareholders on a regular basis by way of press releases, social media outlets listed below, financial statements, and other SEC disclosures. About Petrone Worldwide, Inc. (OTCQB:PFWI): Petrone Worldwide, Inc. Operates in the hospitality industry with global operations capabilities. Now providing third party logistics services for overseas manufacturing companies attempting to sell their goods worldwide, PFWI sells and markets products under its own proprietary name and acts as distributor for a wide variety of companies within the hospitality trade. For more information visit www.petroneworldwide.com Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov For further information, please contact: Meridian IR & Consulting 323-364-3793 Petrone Worldwide Inc. 2200 N. Commerce Parkway Suite 200 Weston, FL 33326 DENVER, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RLH Corporation (NYSE:RLH) is seeing strong momentum in 2018 thus far with the addition of hotels in all segments. As the company focuses on franchise development, notable hotels have been added to key markets, including San Francisco; Monterrey, California; St. Louis; and San Antonio. As we begin the second quarter of 2018, our pipeline shows tremendous strength, as the company continues resilient focus on our franchise business, said RLH Corporation Chief Development Officer Paul Sacco. Our mid and upscale brands have now surpassed 100 hotels and we are continuing to see solid growth among our economy brands. We are focused on continuing to build on strong RevPAR through our guest management system, RevPak, and sustained returns to our hotel owners and stakeholders. Since the start of the year, RLH Corporation has signed franchise agreements for the companys first refreshed Signature hotel in San Francisco; 10 agreements with hotels owned by affiliates of Inner Circle Investments and managed by Inner Circle Management; and retained franchise agreements on six sold properties including Bend, Oregon; Boise, Idaho; Pasco and Richland, Washington; and Redding and Eureka, California. This week we announced the sale of Red Lion Inn & Suites Bend, the companys sixth of 11 hotels listed in the fall of 2017. We have made a major step in truly becoming an asset light company, with all sold hotels retaining franchise agreements with RLH Corporation, adding to the companys momentum, said RLH Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer Greg Mount. We are committed to our franchise growth and anticipate the sale of these 11 hotels to significantly reduce or eliminate long-term debt, allowing us to increase cash reserves for future franchise agreement growth initiatives. To learn more about franchising with RLH Corporation, visit franchise.rlhco.com. We dont wait for the future. We create it. About RLH Corporation Red Lion Hotels Corporation is an innovative hotel company doing business as RLH Corporation and focuses on the franchising, management and ownership of upscale, midscale and economy hotels. The company focuses on maximizing return on invested capital for hotel owners across North America through relevant brands, industry-leading technology and forward-thinking services. For more information, please visit the company's website at www.rlhco.com. Social Media: www.Facebook.com/myhellorewards www.Twitter.com/myhellorewards www.Instagram.com/myhellorewards www.Linkedin.com/company/rlhco Investor Relations Contact: Amy Koch O: 509-777-6417 C: 917-579-5012 investorrelations@rlhco.com Media Contact: Dan Schacter Director, Social Engagement and Public Relations 509-777-6222 dan.schacter@rlhco.com Montreal, CA (H4T1V6) Today Rain. High near 13C. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Rainfall around a quarter of an inch.. Tonight Cloudy with periods of light rain. Low around 10C. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 80%. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Wildflower Marijuana Inc. (CSE:SUN) (FWB:RSP) (Wildflower or the "Company") has amended its previously announced financing on March 19, 2018 related to the acquisition of 16 cannabis license in the state of California. The Company will complete a private placement of units (Units) at a price of C$1.30 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $4,263,686. Each Unit shall consist of one common share of the Issuer and one half of one share purchase warrant (Warrant). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at a price of $2.50 for a period of 12 months following the closing date of the private placement. Once resale restrictions on the Shares having expired and upon Companys shares trading at or above a weighted average trading price of $3.50 for 20 consecutive trading days, Wildflower may give notice that the Warrants will expire 30 days from the date of providing such notice (in writing to Warrant holders and via a news release). In addition, the Company will complete a convertible debenture financing in the amount of $2.5M. The debenture will have a maturity date of two years from the closing date of the Offering (the "Maturity Date") and will bear interest from the date of closing at 8.5% per annum, payable semi-annually on June 30 and December 31 of each year. The Convertible Debentures will be convertible, at the option of the holder, into units of the Company at any time prior to the close of business on the last business day immediately preceding the Maturity Date at a conversion price of $1.30 per unit (the "Conversion Price"). Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one half of one share purchase warrant with each warrant entitling the holder to purchase one common share at a price of $2.50 for a period of 2 years from the date of issue of the Convertible Debentures. The Company may force the conversion of the principal amount of the then outstanding Convertible Debentures at the Conversion Price on not less than 30 days' notice should the daily volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares be greater than $3.50 for any 20 consecutive trading days. The above mentioned financings have been fully subscribed and will close this week. Total commissions payable pursuant to the financings amount to $77,833 and 31,000 broker warrants exercisable at $2.50 for a period of two years. The proceeds will be used for the acquisition of the California cannabis licenses including an operating dispensary and the property in Los Angeles. All securities issued pursuant to the placement will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of closing. About Wildflower Marijuana Inc. Wildflower is a cannabis company focused on developing and designing branded cannabis products. Wildflower sells its CBD+ products online and to retailers throughout the US and also produces and markets its THC products in regulated cannabis jurisdictions. On Behalf of the Board of Directors William MacLean ____________________________________ William MacLean Director and CEO THIS NEWS RELEASE, PROVIDED PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE CANADIAN REQUIREMENTS, IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES, AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF THE SECURITIES DESCRIBED HEREIN. THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE UNITED STATES SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR ANY STATE SECURITIES LAWS, AND MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS ABSENT REGISTRATION OR APPLICABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. These statements relate to future events or future performance. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forwardlooking statements or information. Forwardlooking statements and information are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "appear", "seek", "anticipate", "plan", "continue", "estimate", "approximate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "predict", "potential", "targeting", "intend", "could", "might", "should", "believe", "would" and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements and information are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations and plans of management of the Company relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such statements and information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Since forwardlooking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, the risks associated with the marijuana industry in general such as operational risks in growing; competition; incorrect assessment of the value and potential benefits of various transactions; ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources; failure to obtain required regulatory and other approvals and changes in legislation, including but not limited to tax laws and government regulations. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forwardlooking statements, timelines and information contained in this news release. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. The forwardlooking statements and information contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof and no undertaking is given to update publicly or revise any forwardlooking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws or the Canadian Securities Exchange. The forward-looking statements or information contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The Canadian Securities Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. 400-1505 West 2nd Ave, Vancouver, B.C., V6H 3Y4 Tel: (604) 559-0420 www.wildflower.ca info@wildflower.ca remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. English German Basel, Switzerland, April 18, 2017 - Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) reported that shareholders approved all proposals of the Board of Directors at today's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM) for the financial year 2017. The shareholders approved the annual report, the financial statements, and consolidated financial statements for the financial year 2017, and approved the discharge of the members of Basilea's Board of Directors and Management Committee. Shareholders also approved carrying forward the accumulated deficit, and re-elected PricewaterhouseCoopers AG, Basel, as auditors. The shareholders re-elected Domenico Scala as Chairman and Dr. Martin Nicklasson, Dr. Nicole Onetto, Steven D. Skolsky and Dr. Thomas Werner as members of Basilea's Board of Directors. The shareholders also elected retiring CEO, Ronald Scott, as a member of the Board of Directors. In addition, Dr. Nicklasson, Mr. Skolsky and Dr. Werner were re-elected as members of the Compensation Committee and Dr. Caroline Cron was re-elected as Independent Proxy. The terms of all these individuals last until the end of the AGM 2019. "I am delighted that Ron Scott has been elected as a member of the Board of Directors," said Domenico Scala, Chairman of the Board of Directors. "We are convinced that his strategic thinking and detailed knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and capital markets will be of tremendous value to support Basilea in its continued growth." He added: "As Ron Scott is retiring from his role as CEO, the Board would also like to thank him for his significant contributions to the success of Basilea since the founding of the company and welcomes David Veitch in his new position as CEO." The shareholders approved the extension of the authorization to increase the share capital by one additional year to April 2020. They also approved to amend the Articles of Association in order to clarify that the preferential subscription rights of the existing shareholders may not be excluded in case of a public takeover offer. Finally, the shareholders approved the proposed maximum aggregate amount of the compensation for the Board of Directors for the period until the AGM 2019, the maximum aggregate amount of fixed compensation for the Management Committee for the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019, and the maximum aggregate amount of variable compensation for the Management Committee for the period from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. In a non-binding advisory vote, the shareholders also endorsed the aggregate amount of the Management Committee's variable compensation for the financial year 2017. Ronald Scott in his presentation to the shareholders stated that 2017 marked a successful year in the implementation of Basilea's strategy to maximize the value of its commercialized drugs, the antifungal Cresemba (isavuconazole) and the antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole). He highlighted the partnerships with several leading pharmaceutical companies which cover more than 100 countries worldwide, including Pfizer for Cresemba in Europe. Basilea received CHF 79 million in upfront payments in 2017 and is eligible for up to USD 1.1 billion in total milestone payments from transactions completed during the year. He also updated shareholders on the progress achieved in the clinical development programs in anti-infectives and oncology, such as the start of the phase 3 program with the goal to gain regulatory approval for ceftobiprole in the U.S. He concluded that at the end of his tenure, the company is well-established with two products on the market, a global network of partners and a sound financial position as the basis to support sustainable company growth and value creation in the coming years. CEO designate David Veitch added: "Early 2018 already saw a number of additional product launches. The antifungal Cresemba was launched in Switzerland and our antibiotic Zevtera in Argentina and Canada. We expect further launches this year, which will lead to increasing revenue contributions from our partnerships for our two key anti-infectives products. In addition, we look forward to further advancing the clinical programs with our existing projects and are actively working towards extending our pipeline in our focus areas of anti-infectives and oncology, which could come from both internal innovation as well as from selectively in-licensing appropriate assets into our pipeline". At the meeting, 26.7 percent of the total voting rights were represented. Currently, 60.5 percent of the total issued shares are registered in Basilea's share registry. About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a commercial stage biopharmaceutical company developing products that address the medical challenge of increasing resistance and non-response to current treatment options in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections, fungal infections and cancer. With two commercialized drugs, the company is committed to discovering, developing and commercializing innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head of Corporate Communications & Investor Relations +41 61 606 1102 media_relations@basilea.com investor_relations@basilea.com This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. TheBusiness Development Officer is responsible for building the business andcommercial capacity of a wide range of stakeholders engaged in the L4L project.These stakeholders will include, amongst others, agrovets, community animalhealth workers (CAHWs), goat breeding associations, marketing associations andVSLAs. The Business Development Officer will also be responsible for capacitybuilding the wider field team on market-based approaches to development andbusiness development, as well as ensuring best practices in these areas are integratedinto all field activities. In addition, the Business Development Officer willcontribute to Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) activities,particularly with regards to developing and disseminating record keeping toolsfor the different stakeholders engaged in business-focused activities. The BusinessDevelopment Officer will be based in our field office in Moroto, Karamoja, andwill report to the Project Coordinator. NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greystone, one of the nations preeminent real estate lending, investment and advisory companies, announced that it has welcomed National Apartment Advisors of Texas to the Greystone network. The new joint venture, Greystone NAA, focuses on providing a full range of multifamily advisory services to clients in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, capitalizing on Greystones comprehensive financial platform and NAAs multifamily sales expertise in those regions. Heading the Greystone NAA team is a group of real estate advisory leaders with over 80 combined years of experience. Since founding the company 5 short years ago, the NAA team has closed more than 150 transactions totaling over $1 billion. Abraham Garza III and Jordon Emmott are co-founding partners of NAA, alongside NAA partner Shayan Hasnain. Rounding out the Greystone NAA team are directors Jamie Harrington, Ryan Mendez, and Walter Montague, senior analyst Sunjay Arya, with Lindsay Steszewski leading operations. NAA has consistently been one of the most active and competitive brokerage companies in Houston, said co-founding partner, Jordon Emmott. This joint venture with Greystone will give us a platform which puts us on a level playing field with our competition. I have no doubt that we will be able to further excel as a team and deliver far superior results for our clients. The Greystone NAA team will specialize in multifamily and mixed-use property or land acquisitions and dispositions for both institutional and private investors. With its extensive regional market knowledge, the Greystone NAA team has been touted as a top deal producer in the Houston commercial real estate market in its five-year history. I am thrilled to welcome such an energetic, driven, and robust team with expansive real estate market knowledge across the state of Texas to Greystone, said Jim McDevitt, President, Greystone Real Estate Advisors. Combining NAAs sales advisory expertise with Greystones existing lending resources based in Irving and nationwide, we have a dynamic dream team of entrepreneurial and motivated salespeople. I feel this team will be unstoppable, and cant wait to see what they accomplish. About Greystone NAA Greystone NAA focuses on providing a full range of multifamily advisory services in Texas. Its Real Estate Advisors team provides services in sales, acquisitions, and a full spectrum of advisory services including debt, acquisition, and investment sales in commercial real estate. For more information, visit www.greycoadvisors.com. About Greystone Greystone is a real estate lending, investment and advisory company headquartered in New York. Its Multifamily Real Estate Advisors team provides services in sales, acquisitions, and a full spectrum of advisory services including debt, equity, acquisition, and investment sales to multifamily owners and investors of affordable and marketrate housing. For more information, visit www.greyco.com. PRESS CONTACT: Karen Marotta Greystone 212-896-9149 Karen.Marotta@Greyco.com Egypts top mufti has issued a fatwa, or a religious decree, saying that buying Facebook likes is prohibited under Islam because its a form of fraud and deception. Grand Mufti Shawki Allam regularly issues all sorts of fatwas, usually in response to questions by Muslims seeking religious guidance in matters related to even the most trivial issues. The questions are asked of the Dar al-Ifa, the Sunni Muslim institution in charge of religious rulings, mainly based on the Muslim holy book of Quran and the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. The mufti posted on the institutions Facebook page earlier this week that it is religiously prohibited to pay someone to click a like on a promotion. Allam says its deceptive, citing Muhammads saying, He who deceives is not of us. (AP) President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that his CIA chief secretly met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea and said a good relationship was formed heading into the adversaries anticipated summit. Mike Pompeos highly unusual talks took place last week, Trump tweeted, and went smoothly, with details about the presidential meeting within the next few months being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Trump wrote while at his Florida estate, where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump had disclosed on Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea were holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for a possible summit. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which could take place by early June. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Confirmation of Pompeos trip later came from two officials, who were not authorized to discuss the meeting publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The Washington Post, which first reported the development, said it took place over Easter weekend just over two weeks ago, shortly after Pompeo was nominated to become secretary of state. Kims offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many by accepting it. U.S. officials indicated over the past two weeks that North Koreas government had communicated directly with Washington that it was ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. It would be the first-ever summit between the U.S. and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Koreas nuclear weapons and its capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the U.S. mainland. The U.S. and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for U.S. intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, the then-director of U.S. national intelligence, James Clapper, secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. China, North Koreas closest ally, said it welcomes direct contact and talks between the U.S. and North Korea after news emerged of Pompeos meeting with Kim. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing Wednesday that Beijing hopes the two sides will work on a political resolution of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and set up a peace mechanism. The Koreas are technically still in a state of war after fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a cease-fire, not a peace treaty. At a Senate hearing last week on his nomination, Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Koreas nuclear weapons program at the planned summit, but said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearization. Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need, Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Kim has pivoted to international outreach. The young leader met Chinas President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Kims first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarized zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. (AP) PRINCETON, N.J., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olden Lane Securities LLC (Olden Lane), a financial services firm established in 2015 to create innovative alternative investment solutions in fund formats, announced that its Target Outcome Funds received an award for Structured Technology Innovation at the Structured Products Association and Prospect News Structured Investments Leading Edge Awards. Launched in March 2017, Target Outcome Funds are a new category of Unit Investment Trust (UIT) developed by Olden Lane and designed to offer liquid, transparent and cost-effective SEC-registered funds for outcome-driven returns. Through combining US Treasuries and exchange-listed option contracts which reference ETFs tracking broad-based equity indexes, Target Outcome Funds can offer efficient exposure to equity-market benchmarks within certain risk parameters, such as protection against downside risk. Michel Serieyssol, CEO of Olden Lane Securities LLC said, We are honored to receive this recognition from Prospect News and the Structured Products Association for product innovation. Since our firms inception weve believed that UITs offer a compelling structure for outcome-driven investments in an asset owner and consultant friendly vehicle. Olden Lane has refined and improved the UIT architecture so that it can be used as an effective portfolio management tool. Samuel Rosenberg, Managing Director of Olden Lane Securities LLC said, Target Outcome Funds offer a practical risk management tool in a friendly investment company wrapper. Since the beginning of the year we have seen volatility increase and we believe that giving investors the opportunity to reduce their exposure to market declines, even at the cost of some appreciation, is a prudent strategy for many portfolios. The Structured Investments Leading Edge Awards recognized 14 structured product deals from 2017 based on achievements including: new structures, innovation in index design and client needs met. The deals were selected based on conversations with bankers, advisers and other professionals in the industry, out of a universe of unregistered and registered deals, including more than 13,500 deals registered with the SEC in 2017. Additional information can be found at www.prospectnews.com. Olden Lane is an innovative financial services firm established in 2015. Olden Lanes team has decades of experience in alternative investments, liquid alternatives, product structuring and distribution. The firm is a pioneer in creating a new category of Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) that offer liquid, transparent and cost-effective SEC-registered funds for outcome-style returns. The firm also utilizes its product structuring and distribution expertise to offer outsourced business development and consultant relations for select European-based hedge funds. Additional information is available at www.oldenlane.com. CONTACT: Michel Serieyssol Chief Executive Officer Olden Lane Securities LLC Tele: 609 436 9535 mserieyssol@oldenlane.com MEDIA INQUIRIES: Ed Rowley ASC Advisors LLC Tele: 203 992 1230 erowley@ascadvisors.com Unit Investment Trusts (UITs) are sold only by prospectus. There is no assurance that a unit investment trust will achieve its investment objective. Before Investors make any investment, they should carefully read the prospectus for more complete information about securities being offered. Investors should understand characteristics, risks, and rewards of each UIT as well as those of the reference asset before making a decision to invest in the security. Investors should contact their own accounting, tax or legal advisors to review the suitability of any investment. This and other information about the UIT is contained in the prospectus and should be read carefully before investing. To obtain a prospectus, please contact your financial advisor or download one at the SEC's EDGAR filing system (sec.gov/edgar.htm) or www.oldenlane.com. Investing in Target Outcome Funds involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There can be no guarantee that a Target Outcome Fund investment strategy will work as designed, and unitholders may suffer substantial losses. Further, the returns on an investment in units are not expected to track the returns of an investment in the underlying Exchange Traded Fund, because the returns of the units are based on the price performance of the Exchange Traded Fund and will not reflect any dividends paid on shares of the Exchange Traded Fund. The expected final distribution amount per unit will depend primarily upon the closing price of the underlying Exchange Traded Fund on the Funds expiration date and will be subject to reduction for fund expenses. The Israel Police announced that as part of Israels 70th anniversary celebrations, hundreds of thousands of closed files will be canceled from the police registry. Police Commissioner Roni Alshich explained that one of the principles of the polices reform is a clear distinction between the normative citizen and the offender and the recognition that even the normative citizen is liable to sin and stumble. Therefore, the Israel Police is acting for the purpose of situational prevention to assist normative citizens to refrain from committing offenses, and sometimes to assist those who committed an offense to return to the fold and conduct a normative life. The process will not be automatic and one wishing to have ones case expunged from the record will require one to file an official request with police. On the occasion of the festivities, the police decided that it would be appropriate to invest during the concentration of effort and exceptional resources, regardless of the citizens appeal. At the end of the procedure, approximately 339,000 investigation files involving some 300,000 citizens of the State of Israel, residents of the region, foreigners and tourists will be removed from the registry, of which about 34,000 are minors. Implementation of the outline will begin in the coming weeks. The police emphasize that in the framework of the outline, closed investigation files will not be canceled for serious violent offenses, serious assault offenses, security offenses, murder offenses and offenses under section 17 of the Criminal Register and Rehabilitation of Offenders Law. Cancellation of the files will be computerized by the police. The process of canceling closed files will be carried out according to the following cumulative parameters: 1. The procedure will apply to a person who has two closed investigation files in his name. 2. Cancellation shall be affected if the following conditions are not met: (a) A person who is awaiting trial is entitled to open a file in his name, referring to a case in which a person is questioned on a suspicion of committing an offense and has not yet made a decision, or an indictment has been filed and the legal proceedings have not yet been completed. (b) In the case of the citizen, there is a determination by a court that the proceeding in his case has ended with a conviction or without a conviction, and has not yet passed the statutory erasure period. The outline does not prevent any citizen from applying to the Israel Police to cancel closed investigation files that are not included in the outline. The Minister of Public Security and Strategic Affairs, Gilad Erdan, referred to the initiative to erase prescriptions: This is a real message to civilians investigated on suspicion of criminal activity that will remove the stigma of their past. The Ministry of Public Security accompanied the initiative, Protecting the rights of civilians, even those investigated by the police, is paramount. I see great importance in the initiative to delete records and welcomes the fact that hundreds of thousands of citizens will be given the opportunity to open a new page on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, said Minister Gilad Erdan. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) The three Supreme Court justices headed by Court President Esther Hayut, ruled on the petition for the approval of Palestinians entering Israel to participate in the Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day ceremony. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman has banned the 13th annual alternative Memorial Day ceremony, which he calls a desecration, explaining I will not lend a hand to the desecration. The event is a joint Israeli-Palestinian event for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror, including Palestinians who feel reconciliation is a desired and obtainable possibility. Lieberman added, This isnt a remembrance ceremony, but a display of bad taste and insensitivity, which offends the bereaved families, and they are dearer to us than anything else. In light of the decision, Combatants for Peace organization and the Forum of Bereaved Families petitioned the High Court of Justice. The justices accepted their petition and in effect canceled the decision of the Minister of Defense. In their decision, the judges ruled: Permits to enter the joint ceremony were made possible in previous years, in accordance with the legal notices and the procedures of the respondents, and the professional level of the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories believed this year that Palestinians should be allowed to attend the ceremony. It was further ruled that the Defense Ministers decision does not take into account the reality created over the years and the legitimate expectations created by the participants in the ceremony, and even completely ignores the harm to the bereaved families and the public. Therefore, the court ordered that special entry permits for Israel should be allowed for participation in the joint ceremony for 90 Palestinians, similar to the number of permits allowed in 2016, subject to a specific examination regarding security or other reasons. Defense Minister Lieberman responded to the judges ruling: The High Court of Justice created this morning a tie between bereavement and terror, between murderers and the murdered. The courts decision affects the most national and uniting day for the people of Israel. The end result: instead of unification, division. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) A North Carolina city council voted Monday to prohibit its police department from engaging in international exchanges with agencies whose officers receive military-style training. News outlets report the Durham City Council voted 6-0 for a policy that resulted from a petition by the activist group Jewish Voice for Peace seeking a ban on any partnership the department might enter into with Israeli defense forces or the Israel police. Proponents say Israeli tactics promote racial bias and police militarization. I hope this spreads, Hillsborough resident Debra Rosenstein told the council during her turn at the podium. Speakers from other cities were allowed to speak at the meeting. Because all of us who care about fighting racism, and all of us who care about trying to have democracy maintained or exist in this country we need to not have militarized police forces, Rosenstein said. Hillsborough is about 15 miles (24 km) northwest of Durham. Some opponents viewed the petition as a display of anti-Semitism. The Fraternal Order of Police lodge wrote to the council opposing the petition, saying it serves to push their anti-police agenda. A police spokesman said the department hasnt engaged in any exchanges with Israel and doesnt plan to. WRAL-TV reports former Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez spent a week in Israel undergoing training. None of the training had anything to do with militarization, Lopez said. It was about leadership, it was learning about terrorism and then learning about how to interact with people who are involved in mass casualty situations and how to manage mass casualty situations. Lopez also said while he was chief, two of his commanders went to Washington, D.C., to receive training from Israeli police, and he felt the experiences were valuable. (AP) IDF forces and security services who operate the ports and crossings prevented a major terror attack in Israel on Wednesday when they apprehended a truck being driven by Palestinians in Samaria near the Reihan crossing. The truck was carrying a large bomb that would have been capable of detonating and creating a massive explosion. The high powered bomb, had the capacity of ten large pipe bombs, and was woven into the roof of the truck. The truck had been carrying supplies intended for towns located on the green line inside Israel. Police sappers worked to deactivate the explosive device and the driver was detained for investigation. High ranking members of the Defense Ministry believe that the explosive was supposed to be detonated during an attack that was to be carried out during Independence Day celebrations somewhere in central Israel. Head of the Port and Crossings Authority Erez Siddon praised the work of the security personnel at the crossing: I am proud of the officers who acted exactly as they should have in this case and followed protocol in a successful search. Throughout the entire process of spotting the suspicious vehicle to trapping it when it attempted to flee the crossing after it had been exposed as carrying an explosive device, the officers acted exactly as we would have expected them to. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman said: The professionalism and awareness of the officers for the Port and Crossings Authority of the Defense Ministry exposed an explosive device and prevented a large scale terror attack on Israels 70th anniversary. We will hunt down the despicable people who planned this attack. They will neither know day nor night until we apprehend them. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem) Throngs of Yidden will converge upon the tziyun. Throngs of Yidden will join in a united Tefillah to the Creator of the World from the remote Hungarian village of Kerestir. Throngs of Yidden will tear down the gates of Shamayim with their prayers on the great day, chiefly among them a minyan of talmidei chachamim arriving especially from Eretz Yisrael to daven at this auspicious site specifically on this date. And they will be coming to daven on behalf of each and every person who seeks to be represented at this unique Tefillah event. 3 Iyar, the yahrtzeit of Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir, zya is drawing rapidly closer. And this is a day everyone wants to utilize. Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir gained renown for his ability to wreak miracles on behalf of Yidden who came to seek his help. Gedolei Hador would send Yidden in need of parnassah directly to him, saying that the key to parnassah was in his hands! And Harav Yeshaya would use this key over and over again A blessing that left his lips never remained unfulfilled. Miracles were a regular occurrence at the tables in the tzaddiks courtyard in Kerestir. These tables symbolized the chessed activities of Harav Yeshaya, who declared about himself that he was involved in lasova velo lerazon Harav Yeshaya dedicated his entire being for the sake of his Jewish brethren. He saw to it that no Yid who came to his door ever left hungry. Tables laden with fresh, hot food available for the taking were set up in the courtyard of his home. His kitchen was always buzzing with helpers who stood over the pots while the tzaddik himself would serve the guests the best food Kerestir had to offer. Harav Yeshaya was always on the lookout for ways to practice gemilas chessed, to the point where, before he left this world, he asked his students to perpetuate his acts of chessed and gave his word that he would intercede in Shamayim on behalf of anyone who did so. Indeed, there is an organization that fulfills this tzvaah. The Birkas Yeshaya organization has shouldered the responsibility to fulfill the difficult mission of perpetuating Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir incredible chessed enterprise in todays day and age in Eretz Ysrael. Birkas Yeshaya sees to the support of hundreds of avreichim who study Torah, ensuring that they can toil over their studies without worrying in the least about how they will feed their families. How do they do it? Birkas Yeshaya runs a special store that stocks a variety of basic household necessities. This does not accept credit cards, checks, or even cash How do customers pay? The customers at this incredible store are avreichim who are members of learning institutions supported by Birkas Yeshaya. They collect what they need from the shelves, approach the counter, withdraw their special cards and with the sums loaded onto their cards based on the amount of pages of Gemara they study per month (30 blatt, 50 blatt, and even more). The value of items they buy is deducted from the card. Simple, easy and respectable. This is the type of tzedakah Harav Yeshaya loved to do: He would support righteous Yidden in a dignified manner, so that they didnt feel embarrassed to be supported by others. This criterion, which Birkas Yeshaya insists upon, has earned Birkas Yeshaya the admiration and praise of all the Gedolei Hador, shlita, who describe it as the most mehudar tzedakah Harav Yeshayas yeshuos come throughout the year, but on the day of his yahrtzeit, all the gates of Shamayim open wide and all obstacles are removed. In Hungary, prior to World War II, 3 Iyar was a day that masses of Yidden teemed to the tziyun of the saintly Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir, and many, many of them merited yeshuos. In our generation, too, Yidden seek to take advantage of the date upon which the gates of parnassah open wide over the cemetery in Kerestir, and many people fly to Hungary in order to pray at the tzaddiks grave on this day. But it isnt really necessary to board a plane in order to be present at this incredible event, the krias Yam Suf of parnassah. Birkas Yeshaya dispatches a special delegation of ten rabbanim and talmidei chachamim to the tziyun of Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir with a list of the tzaddiks partners those who contribute to the chessed enterprise that perpetuates his legacy, those he promised to help from Shamayim. Contact us in order to partner with Birkas Yeshaya and be represented at the awe-inspiring tefillah event on 3 Iyar at the tziyun of the Rebbe Harav Yeshaya of Kerestir Investors of funds that track the FTSE Russell emerging markets index will soon gain a stake in Saudi Arabia's biggest listed companies. The kingdom will become the largest Middle Eastern market in the FTSE Emerging Index by December 2019, with an overall weighting of around 2.7 per cent. This could increase to 4.6 per cent should Saudi Arabia's stock market listing of the state's energy giant Saudi Aramco go ahead as expected. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has led efforts to encourage foreign investment to grow the kingdom's domestic companies and diversify its economy away from oil Even those who invest in global trackers could end up with a small slice of Saudi Arabia. The FTSE Emerging Index is a component of its Global Equity Index Series, and the Arab state is projected to have a 0.25 per cent weighting in the latter. FTSE Russell will begin including Saudi Arabian domestic stocks into both indices from March 2019. The change comes amid efforts from Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to encourage foreign investment to grow the nation's domestic companies and diversify its economy away from oil through a plan called 'Vision 2030' As part of the plan, the Tadawul, the largest stock exchange in the Arab world, introduced measures to make it easier for for foreigners to invest. But was does this all mean for investors? We take a look. What does mean for investors? Why Saudi Arabia makes the cut FTSE Russell formally reviews country classifications within its FTSE GEIS using a comprehensive methodology. The review incorporates ongoing country classification research and feedback from FTSE Russells independent external advisory committees to designate markets as Developed, Advanced Emerging, Secondary Emerging or Frontier. Saudi Arabia will be promoted to Secondary Emerging market status for inclusion in the FTSE Emerging Index and FTSE GEIS following an interim country classification review in March. The market authorities in Saudi Arabia have taken the required steps to implement market reforms and now meet the formal requirements for inclusion, according to FTSE Russell. As passive funds seek to replicate the performance of a given index, the changes to the FTSE Emerging Index and FTSE GEIS will be mirrored by those that track the indices. There will be some additional transaction costs to investors. But Oliver Smith, portfolio manager at IG, says these costs should be marginal and headline management fees should stay the same. The risk profile of the indices' trackers will also shift. 'Perhaps counterintuitively it should slightly reduce the overall volatility of the index due to the positive diversification effect of adding an asset with lower correlation to the other countries,' Smith said 'However one-off geo-political risk is slightly increased. Just because a country becomes more accessible to invest in, it does not mean that it is a safe investment. 'Emerging markets are littered with countries that once seemed a sure fire bet (e.g. Venezuela, Turkey, Egypt) that then go through very difficult periods.' Saudi Arabia is a developing country - meaning that there could be hidden investment gems just waiting to be unearthed. Yet, any small exciting companies are not likely to make the cut in an index dominated by a few big firms. 'Dont expect Saudi to give you exposure to the next tech giant,' Smith said. 'The index is concentrated in mature businesses, predominantly chemicals, telecoms and banks.' These are the countries currently in the FTSE Emerging Index that Saudi Arabia will join Moral objections The idea of investing in Saudi Arabia might not appeal to some investors from a moral standpoint. The country has attracted negative headlines for its treatment of women, who until recently weren't able to obtain a driving licence humans rights violations. It also adopts a hardline approach to dealing with crime and dissidents. Investors who hold strong views against this might wish to stay clear of all emerging market investment funds, as the could include other countries with questions over their human rights records, ranging from China to Egypt. Those invested in a FTSE Emerging Index tracker but who do not want exposure to Saudi Arabia for whatever reason, could consider switching to a passive MSCI emerging markets index fund, which still omits Saudi Arabia. For those wedded to the idea of investing in emerging markets but wish to do so ethically, your choice is limited. Trackers of the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) ESG Leaders Index provide exposure to companies with high environmental, social and governance performance, but this is only relative to their sector peers. So the ESG benchmark is set lower than the standard for developed markets. The trouble with ethical/ESG investments is they are subjective nature. You should therefore look under the bonnet of every such fund to ensure that they are aligned with your ethical stance. English Icelandic Marel hf. will publish its 1Q 2018 interim consolidated financial statements after market closing on April 23, 2018. Investor meeting and webcast On Tuesday April 24, 2018, at 8:30 am (GMT), market participants are invited to an investor meeting where CEO Arni Oddur Thordarson and CFO Linda Jonsdottir will give an overview of the financial results and operational highlights. The investor meeting will be held at the company's headquarters in Iceland. Breakfast will be served from 8:00 am. Please note that the meeting will also be webcast on www.marel.com/webcast. Financial calendar Q1 2018 results April 23, 2018 Q2 2018 results July 25, 2018 Q3 2018 results October 31, 2018 Q4 2018 results February 6, 2019 Investor relations For further information, please contact Tinna Molphy via email tinna.molphy@marel.com. The boss of shopping centre owner Hammerson was dealt a humiliating blow yesterday as his dream of creating a 21billion retail empire was shattered. The company, whose estate includes the Bullring in Birmingham and Bicester Village in Oxfordshire, abandoned plans to merge with rival Intu following a backlash from investors. In a dramatic U-turn, Hammerson said that the proposed 3.4billion takeover of Intu was now no longer in the best interests of shareholders after its leaders had spent weeks trying to persuade them otherwise. Merger off: Hammerson chief David Atkins has been forced to abandon plans to merge with rival Intu following a backlash from investors The revolt by his own investors was branded humiliating for Hammerson chief David Atkins following his earlier enthusiasm for a deal that would have created an empire of around 80 shopping centres and retail parks worth 21billion. David Tyler, Hammersons chairman, said: Ultimately we have to listen to the shareholders. And the failure triggered an angry response from Intu chief executive David Fischel, who said the excuses offered by Hammerson were unsatisfactory and added: Im cross about the wasted time and energy. Atkins, 52, hatched the take-over plan over drinks with long-time friend Intu chairman John Strachan, 66, last summer before announcing his intentions to great fanfare in December. We quickly came to the conclusion that we would be better together to take the business forward, Atkins said at the time, adding that the deal marked an exciting milestone in the history of Hammerson. The enlarged company would have brought together key Hammerson assets with Intus centres including the Metro Centre in Gateshead, Lakeside in Thurrock, and the Trafford Centre in Greater Manchester. But right from the beginning investors were far from convinced and Hammerson shares plunged more than 6 per cent on the day the deal was announced. The stock continued to fall, sinking as low as 435p last month, before French rival Klepierre launched an audacious 5billion bid for Hammerson that valued the company at 635p a share. The approach from the French was rebuffed by Hammerson chairman David Tyler, piling further pressure on the company to convince shareholders of the merits of its tie-up with Intu. With investor unrest mounting, APG, one of Hammersons biggest shareholders, last week said it would vote against the deal with Intu. Hammerson finally abandoned its plans yesterday, telling the rest of its shareholders to vote down the deal. It noted that a number of high street chains had collapsed since the deal was announced, as well as a decline in confidence in the retail industry among investors. It is also apparent from extensive engagement with shareholders that there is a wide range of views on the merits of the Intu acquisition, it added. Hammerson shares rose 4.2 per cent, or 20.6p, to 514.2p as it outlined plans to boost value by selling assets, returning cash to investors and concentrating on high-end outlets. But Laith Khalaf, a senior analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said: This is an embarrassing and humiliating U-turn for Hammerson. The demise of the take-over has prompted a jump in the Hammerson share price, which is a pretty quantifiable judgement on the merits of the deal. Russ Mould, of broker AJ Bell, said: The move to abandon the Intu deal is undeniably a big reverse for Atkins, given how actively he championed it. However, you can at least say that he appears to have listened to his shareholders. FORT MYERS, Fla., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc., the largest global provider of integrated cancer care services, announced today that, following an extensive national search process, it has appointed Kimberly Commins-Tzoumakas as its Chief Executive Officer to lead the company into the future. Kim has served as the Interim CEO since January, 2018. The Company's owners include certain funds and accounts managed by Beach Point Capital Management LP, Governors Lane, LP, J.P. Morgan Investment Management, Inc., Oaktree Capital Management, LP, Roystone Capital Management LP, and HPS Investment Partners LLC. The search was led by Heidrick and Struggles (H&S) who is also leading the Company's search for a Chief Financial Officer. H&S provided the Board with outstanding candidates for this role," said Thomas D. Gordon, Board Member and former Chief Executive Officer of Cedars-Sinai Medical Network Services. "Following an extensive vetting process and review of these candidates, the Board unanimously selected Kim to serve in this role due to her leadership skills and the confidence our physicians and employees have in her abilities." The Board Chair, Jeff Goldberg, also noted, "we are confident we have found the right leader for the next phase of 21st Century Oncology and look forward to exploring growth opportunities throughout the country. Ms. Commins-Tzoumakas said, "The last few months have been challenging but exciting as we develop a leadership team and vision to lead us into the future. Our physicians are world class and the ability to work side-by-side with them as we transform this company is an honor. The support from our owners and board members will ensure our success in the future." Prior to this role, Kim Commins-Tzoumakas has over 20 years of experience working with complex health care providers in both non-profit and for-profit entities and served as the Michigan Office Managing Partner and a Board Member for Hall, Render, Killian, Heath and Lyman. About 21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. 21st Century Oncology Holdings, Inc. is the largest global provider of integrated cancer care services. The Company offers a comprehensive range of cancer treatment services, focused on delivering academic quality, cost-effective patient care in personal and convenient settings. As of March 31, 2018, the Company operated 172 treatment centers, including 136 centers located in 17 U.S. states and 36 centers located in seven countries in Latin America. Media Contacts Sard Verbinnen & Co. Andrew Cole 212.687.8080 / Steven Goldberg 310.201.2040 21CO-SVC@sardverb.com MANZINI The war between the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and contractors is far from over. This is because the concerned Swaziland contractors have rejected the CIC draft regulation and intend to hire an attorney to assist them in challenging it. The contractors took this resolution during their meeting which was held at The George Hotel yesterday. The contractors want the lawyer to make sure that their concerns get addressed in the draft regulations before approval. They claimed that information they gathered was to the effect that the CIC has already submitted the draft regulations to the Attorney Generals office and Minister of Public Works and Transport for presentation without their approval. They also want the lawyer to assist them in making sure that the CIC draft regulations was in alignment with the construction Act and the CIC Act itself. Their belief is that the draft regulation was in conflict with the above Acts and it was making it hard for them to operate their businesses in the country. Again, they want the attorney to make sure that the draft regulations were in line with the laws of the country and assess the relationship between the CIC, Swaziland Contractors Association (SCA) and the contractors in general. There was an argument that CIC draft regulation was not in line with the countrys immigration laws as some foreign contractors were still regarded as foreigners yet they had been doing business in the country for over 20 years. In fact, they said the regulations does not speak to the immigration laws on how many years does a foreign contractor need to be in the country before being regarded as a local. Their main concern was why they were supposed to pay registration fees to CIC and SCA. They argue that they should only subscribe to SCA and should their association that affiliate to CIC not them as individuals. Currently, contractors have no choice but to pay certain amount to CIC in order to get tenders. In their terms of reference, the concerned contractors will give the lawyer 15 working days to work on the matters and make presentation to SCA, members and CIC. The Swaziland concerned contractors Maurice Du-Pont said all they want was that the CIC regulations should make it easy to do business in the country. Currently, there is too much red tape in the industry, said Du Pont. He said they do want a regulatory body as contractors but emphasised that it should make it easy to do business in the country. He said they want to do business with ease. The concerned contractors stressed that in the first place, they were not supposed to be members of CIC as their association was SCA. They said the challenge was that they were already paying registration fees to CIC because they fear to lose tenders. CIC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nhlanhla Dlamini confirmed that the draft regulations had been submitted to the ministry of public works and transport about a week ago. He said this was done for further legal consultations to be undertaken by govt, which would culminate in the presentation of the regulations to Cabinet for approval and then Parliament. MANZINI- The future of the over 200 textile employees remains bleak after their employer and the landlord failed to reach consensus regarding unpaid rent. Following their employers instruction that SWM Manufacturer employees should report to work yesterday, with the hope that the rent issues would be solved, it turned out that the situation had not changed. The employees were first denied entry into their workplace on Monday morning due to that their employer owed rent for the building owned by kidnapped businessman Almor Oliviera. Yesterdays developments were that the directors father, who was lobbying on behalf of SWM, failed to get through to the landlord when he asked that he pays half of the rent owed. Information was that SWM owed E400 000 for rent since August 2017. According to SWM representative Jeff Neveling, when engaging the landlord, she made it clear that half the money did not cut it, but stated that they would only access the property after the balance had been settled. This was the same feedback that the employees were told by Neveling. This response did not thrill the workers as they demanded to know their fate. They wanted to know whether they would be paid their wages and when the firm would reopen for business. The feedback that the boss is giving us does not hold water. We are supposed to get paid this Friday, but it is clear that management does not have money right now. We have rent to pay as well, so we need something solid, said the employees. When asked about the fate of the company, Neveling said he could not guarantee that the firm would reopen, but it was his wish to see it up and running again. He said he was still to return to the companys directors in Durban, to discuss how they would raise money for rent, as well as for paying the employees wages. Neveling said if all went well, he hoped to settle the owed rent by Friday so that by Tuesday all operations would be back to normal. The representative also mentioned the Swaziland Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA) was also roped in to assist in getting the company back on its feet. I seriously did not know that the firm owed rent and word was that there was no notice served before the closure was implemented, Neveling said. Still dissatisfied, the employees engaged Labour officials, who were present when Neveling was addressing them and asked that he (Neveling) should make an undertaking on behalf of SWM, to assure them that their jobs would still be secured even after the rent was settled. The workers further required that Neveling should agree to pay them their terminal benefits, should it happen that the firm remained closed for a period of 30 days from yesterday. I can get it done. Employees may be paid their fortnight wages by latest Saturday, Neveling told the Labour officials. MBABANE Government is seemingly not prepared to submit itself for arbitration for the unresolved dispute regarding the cost of living adjustment. Through the office of the Attorney General, the State is opposing an application filed by the Swaziland Nurses Association (SNA) that it should submit itself for arbitration. The matter briefly appeared yesterday before Judge President of the Industrial Court Sifiso Nsibande. Government lawyer Bonisile Tshabalala informed the court that they were unable to file detailed papers outlining why the State was opposing the application. Tshabalala said this was because the person who was supposed to depose to an affidavit was currently committed in preparations for the 50/50 double celebrations. SNA lawyer Mluleki Ndlangamandla informed the court that he had withdrawn as its attorney. He went on to tell the court that SNA indicated that it would engage another lawyer or even re-engage him. This resulted in the matter being postponed to May 3, 2018. In their application, the nurses contended that they deserved to be awarded a cost of living adjustment of 7.58 per cent, while government averred that it was unable to do so due to fiscal and cash flow challenges. SNA is praying for an order directing the Government Negotiations Team (GNT) to submit itself to the arbitration proceedings. Respondents in the matter are the GNT and the Attorney General. The application by the nurses comes after the Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration Commission (CMAC) issued a certificate of unresolved dispute. In his founding affidavit, SNA Secretary General Sibusiso Lushaba submitted that the Industrial Court had the jurisdiction to hear and determine this matter by virtue of the provisions of Section 8(1) of the Industrial Relations Act of 2007. Giving a brief background of the matter, Lushaba said sometime in 2017, SNA and three other unions that bargained with government reported a dispute at CMAC. He pointed out that the three other workers unions were SNAGAP, SNAT and NAPSAWU. The gist of the matter in the dispute that was reported on behalf of our fully paid up members relates to the cost of living adjustment for the financial year 2017/2018, submitted Lushaba. According to Lushaba, prior to reporting the dispute, they were engaged in negotiations with the Swaziland Government, which was duly represented by its negotiations team. He said there was, however, a deadlock at the conclusion of the negotiations and, therefore, there was no agreement. Lushaba highlighted that, it was on these premises that they then opted to report a dispute because in their view a dispute had arisen by virtue of the deadlock. The matter having been referred to CMAC was conciliated upon and our position as public sector unions was that our members deserved at the very least a cost of living adjustment of 7.85 per cent, which we requested the government to duly implement, contended the secretary general. He told the court that they substantiated the basis of this request by stating that all bills which were an essential need for all human beings in the country had increased a couple of times over the years. Another reason they forwarded, according to Lushaba, was that despite the increase, their members salaries had remained stagnant for quite a notable elongated period of time. MBABANE Like raging bulls in the same kraal, police and demonstrators clashed a number of times. This was during a march led by pensioners to deliver petitions to government ministries and Cabinet offices yesterday. The petition was about the reversal of the Public Service Pension Fund (PSPF) from being a Category A parastatal to Category B. The pensioners were mostly retired teachers and were joined by members of the Swaziland National Association of Teachers (SNAT), Trade Union Congress of Swaziland (TUCOSWA), Swaziland Youth Congress (SWAYOCO) and representatives of other trade unions. Police and some demonstrators had to be separated a number of times from exchanging fists during the march, attended by less than 500 people. The first heated moment was witnessed near the Embassy of the Republic of China on Taiwan, where some demonstrators blocked the intersection going towards the Central Bank. A senior police officer forcefully moved the demonstrators out of the way to allow traffic flow, however, the protesters refused. More police officers had to jump to their boss aid as he was outnumbered by the young supporting protesters. Eventually, the situation was contained but only for a while as yet another scuffle happened adjacent to the Mbabane Government Hospital. This was after the petition delivery to Cabinet. Pensioners initially said they would board transport that would ferry them to Parliament to deliver the petition. Protestors broke the police barrier line and marched towards the Ministry of Education and Training, in the process blocking a vehicle from the Operational Support Services Unit (OSSU) from driving past them. The protesters formed their own barrier line, while dancing and chanting in front of the vehicle ignoring the sound of the sirens. Police officers had to again come to the rescue as they physically shoved them out of the way. This was not taken kindly by the marchers, who shoved back and exchanged heated words with the law enforcers. So visible was the confrontation that construction workers at the Mbabane Government Hospital stopped working and watched while others took pictures. Another serious confrontation happened at the intersection, next to Galp Filling Station, which started after a protestor was shoved by a police officer for marching towards the direction of Kia Motors. The demonstrator told the officer not to touch him as they were not friends. The police officer continued to shove him away but other protestors joined in and told the officer not to intimidate one of their own. More police officers also joined the scuffle and a war of words ensued. Do not ever touch me like that again as we might cross paths some day, the protestor said. MBABANE A prominent Malkerns businessman has found himself in the middle of a sex scandal after he allegedly refused to pay a sex worker. The businessman who will not be named for now allegedly refused to pay the sex worker E500 for performing oral sex on him. This incident happened before the Easter Holidays at the businessmans home at Malkerns. *Patricia, the sex worker said they agreed on certain conditions with the businessman including using a condom but none of these were obliged to. Relating her encounter she said when they arrived at the businessmans homestead she was ushered inside the house and the businessman did the courtesy to control his bull terrier dogs. It was just the two of us in the house and he started making his demands raising his voice, *Patricia said. Immediately, she said the mood changed and the businessman demanded that she perform oral sex on him without protection and as well as had sexual intercourse with her. According to *Patricia they had not agreed on sexual intercourse but was later forced to do it. However, she alleged that during the sexual intercourse encounter, the businessman was wearing a condom. *Patricia further alleged that the businessman wanted to forcefully have kinkier sexual acts with her, something she flatly refused to do. This angered him so much and he ended up refusing to pay me, Patricia said. She said the businessman allegedly threatened to release his dogs on her and further said he would not let her go until she agrees. However, due to the nature of her job *Patricia said she feared reporting the businessman to the police who still has not paid her for the trade. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vertical Designs Colombia Inc. SAS. (Vertical Designs Colombia) is a privately held whole owned subsidiary of Vertical Designs LTD based in Abbotsford, BC, Canada currently signed under a Letter Of Intent to enter the public markets with Bullion Gold on the TSX.V. Affinor Growers (CSE:AFI) is pleased to announce that on April 17, 2018 a Letter of Intent between licensee Vertical Designs Colombia and Petrocol Holdings Ltd, a privately held company that has an application applied for to mass produce medical cannabis on property currently owned by Petrocol Holdings Ltd in Colombia. Once definitive agreement is agreed and executed no later than July 20, 2018, the immediate plan is to begin the installation of 50 of the Affinor Growers Patented Vertical Farming Towers after Cannabis Production license is granted from federal government of Colombia. The first 50 rotating stainless steel towers will produce roughly 35 to 40 lbs. of dried mass every 60 days per tower which takes up about 120 square feet foot print each growing right outside with fruiting cycle all year naturally in sun and organic engineered soil. The 3 years plan is to ramp up production and begin to supply the Tobacco, Pharma Industry and become the leader with low cost high quality trusted product and ramp up over 2 years to 5000 towers which will produce anywhere from 1,050,000 lbs. to 1,200,000 lbs. per year at this location. The estimated revenues from selling the premium organic product at a rough wholesale price of $200.00 per lbs USD equates to over $200,000,000 USD per year gross revenue with and estimated gross profit margin of $140,000,000 USD per year once running full capacity creating roughly 300 jobs and giving Affinor Growers a purchase order for $1,000,000.00 for the first 50 towers and $100,000,000.00 over a period of 2 years for 5,000 more to the project while adding to the Agriculture GDP of Colombia. As per the Exclusive Caribbean license released February 21, 2018, Affinor Growers the patent holders of the Vertical Farming Technology will receive a 10% voting shares ownership in Vertical Designs Colombia and will receive 1 seat on the board in exchange for the exclusive license to mass produce Fruits, Vegetables and Cannabis. Affinor Growers will appoint Mr. Nick Brusatore to help ensure all Governance and Protocol is met for the rapidly growing development in Colombia. About Affinor Growers Affinor Growers is a publicly traded company on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ("AFI"). Affinor is focused on growing high quality crops such as romaine lettuce, spinach, strawberries and Cannabis using its vertical farming techniques. Affinor is committed to becoming a pre-eminent supplier and grower, using exclusive vertical farming techniques. Neither Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control that may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. AFFINOR GROWERS INC. "Nicholas Brusatore" Former US first lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, triggering an outpouring of praise for the matriarch of a Republican family once at the apex of American politics. Barbara and George H.W. Bush were married for 73 years, and the widower "of course is heart-broken to lose his beloved Barbara," his chief of staff Jean Becker said in a statement. "He held her hand all day today and was at her side when (she) left this good Earth." The ex-president, who is 93 and has been in ill health in recent years, is "determined to be there" for his family while in mourning, Becker added. Funeral arrangements were due to be announced soon for Barbara Bush, who was also survived by five of her children and their spouses, 17 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and her brother, Scott Pierce. She was preceded in death by her second child, Robin, who died of leukemia as a toddler. In honor of Bush\s life, President Donald Trump ordered that the US flag be flown at half-staff until sundown on the day she is buried, at all public buildings and grounds, as well as military posts and vessels. Bush has long been considered the rock at the center of one of America\s most prominent political families, as the wife of a president and the mother to another George W. Bush and to Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor and onetime presidential aspirant. She first met her husband-to-be at the age of 16 when she was a schoolgirl and he was a student at an elite preparatory school in Massachusetts. They married in 1945 while he was on leave from wartime service as a naval officer. The couple had six children. As first lady, from 1989 to 1993, she embraced the cause of universal literacy, and founded a foundation for family literacy. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum to honor her life. Trump hailed her as an "advocate of the American family." "Amongst her greatest achievements was recognizing the importance of literacy as a fundamental family value that requires nurturing and protection," Trump said. "She will be long remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served unfailingly well." \Force of nature\ Her son Jeb wrote: "I\m exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush." And his son George P. Bush tweeted: "I will miss you, Ganny - but know we will see you again." "Barbara inspired us all to be the best version of ourselves," said Orrin Hatch, America\s longest-serving Republican senator. Trump\s Democratic predecessor Barack Obama and his wife Michelle said "We\ll always be grateful to Mrs Bush for the generosity she showed to us throughout our time in the White House." "But we\re even more grateful for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humility and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit," they added. Madeleine Albright, the first woman to serve as US secretary of state, remembered Bush as a "woman of incredible determination, wit and compassion who embodied America\s best values." Bill Clinton, who succeeded her husband in office, added: "Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit and grace, brains and beauty. "She was fierce and feisty in support of her family and friends, her country and her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory." Bush gained a reputation for toughness, wry humor and straight-speaking. "She was smart, generous, kind, & a force to be reckoned with," said House Republican Steve Pearce. Asked in 2010 about former Alaska governor Sarah Palin who sought the vice presidency in 2008 she told an interviewer: "I sat next to her once, thought she was beautiful, and I think she\s very happy in Alaska, and I hope she\ll stay there." Senator John McCain, who is battling cancer and was at the top of the ticket with Palin a decade ago, recalled that "Barbara understood that the greatest joy in life comes from putting the needs of others before yourself." SOURCE: AFP Asheville, NC, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- A new research paper, Siting of Wood Pellet Production Facilities in Environmental Justice Communities in the Southeastern United States has been published this month in Environmental Justice, a peer reviewed scientific journal, by Sam Davis, research manager at Dogwood Alliance and Stefan Koester, of Tufts University. The paper examines the burgeoning wood pellet production industry in the Southern United States, where the facilities are increasingly marred by controversy around self-proclaimed statements of being clean and green energy. As efforts to decarbonize the electric sector take on increased urgency, governments are turning to wood pellets as a potential renewable energy resource. This is especially true in Europe, which has become the worlds largest importer of wood pellets for use in electricity facilities. However, the production of pellets from woody biomass has immediate community-wide impacts on air and water quality. Wood pellet production facilities release fine particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds in the air while operating, which can place a substantial burden on nearby communities already struggling with other polluting industries in the area. Davis and Koester examined the relationship between locations of wood pellet production facilities and the economic and racial diversity of areas where they are located. The authors found that wood pellet production facilities in the southeastern United States are 50% more likely to be located in Environmental Justice (EJ) communities -- counties where the poverty level is above the state medium, and at least 25% of the population is nonwhite. These data add to growing evidence that biomass facilities in the US South place an undue burden on areas struggling with economic and environmental justice issues. said Davis. We hope that this paper will encourage communities and local governments to think twice before allowing a polluting industry like wood pellets to take up residence in their towns. This finding identifies a worrying trend in wood pellet production facilities (also known as biomass facilities) in the South -- that they are being placed in low-income communities of color where often other polluting industries exist. This pattern was especially egregious in both North Carolina and South Carolina, where every large wood pellet production facility analyzed was located in an existing Environmental Justice community. The paper also highlights the Dobbins Heights community, in Richmond Co., North Carolina, where the community organization Concerned Citizens of Richmond County organized to try and prevent construction of a wood pellet production facility owned by Enviva. Envivas Richmond County facility, which was recently permitted, will join a Perdue chicken plant, Duke Energy, Piedmont Natural Gas, CSX, and a connecting point for the Piedmont and Atlantic Coast Pipelines. We really see the impacts on the ground in communities like Dobbins Heights in Richmond County, where an Enviva wood pellet plant under construction will join all of these other polluting industries in one very concentrated area. said Emily Zucchino, community network manager at Dogwood Alliance. Its just not fair to those residents who want clean air and a safe, healthy environment for their families. Attachments [April 18, 2018] VizExplorer Signs New Agreement with Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma VizExplorer, a leading provider of operational intelligence solutions to the gaming industry, today announced that it has signed an agreement to deploy its packaged operational intelligence solutions at Native Lights Casino and Tonkawa Hotel & Casino, operated by the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma. Between the two casino properties, the tribe oversees more than 1,000 slot machines on nearly 44,000 square feet of gaming space. Seeking to optimize profitability at each casino, Tonkawa selected VizExplorer's packaged solution to deliver a core set of functionality intended to optimize gaming operations, manage marketing campaigns and improve player development efforts. "We are excited to have a complete enterprise analytics suite scaled to the size of our operation that includes floorViz, campaignViz and hostViz, and look forward to the impact of these solutions on our overall efficiency and profitability," said Russell Martin, President of Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma. "VizExplorer has made ts mark on gaming in Oklahoma across large and small casinos and we look forward to proving the power of our solution at the Tonkawa Tribe's gaming properties as well," said VizExplorer's Peggy Rogers, VP of Sales - Central Region. The agreement was handled by VizExplorer reseller Game Changing Technologies, a provider of licensing and consulting services to companies doing business in the casino industry. VizExplorer will exhibit in booth 329 at the upcoming Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention, held April 17-20, 2018 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Request a product demonstration and learn about VizExplorer's speaking engagements during the conference at www.vizexplorer.com/niga. About VizExplorer VizExplorer offers operational intelligence (OI) solutions to the gaming industry. The next generation in data-driven decision making, OI lets businesses analyze live, fast-changing data and take immediate action using a single toolset. VizExplorer's applications and tools help enterprises address smart space and profit optimization, marketing campaign management, CRM and customer service, and service and dispatch management. VizExplorer is headquartered in San Diego, with offices in Las Vegas and Wellington, New Zealand. www.vizexplorer.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418005057/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 17, 2018] RSA Conference 2018 Announces Recipients of Annual Awards RSA Conference, the world's leading information security conferences and expositions, today announced the recipients of its annual awards: Excellence in the Fields of Information Security, Mathematics and Public Policy. This year also marks the addition of the new Award for Excellence in Humanitarian Service. The recipients of this year's RSA (News - Alert) Conference Awards are: Award for Excellence in the Field of Humanitarian Service Tim Jenkin, The African National Congress The very first award recipient, Tim Jenkin, is a former political prisoner, prison escapee and communications officer for the African National Congress. His accomplishments in the realm of social justice are unparalleled. Jenkin and his team are revered for the creation of an ingenious communication system that enabled Vula operatives to penetrate South Africa's borders in secret, ultimately smuggling messages to the then imprisoned Nelson Mandela. Due to circumstances at the time, in the mid-1980s, Jenkin and team could not use commercial or open source cryptographic software. As it was too complex to build their own public-key system, they opted for a computerized version of the one-time pad system. This system, along with a way to send messages electronically, was essential in ending South African Apartheid. Jenkin embodies the height of humanitarianism, as he put his life in danger to create a better world for those who were oppressed. Award for Excellence in the Field of Information Security Michael Assante, Security Expert and ICS Curriculum Lead, SANS Institute (News - Alert) Over the past 15 years, Michael Assante, a security expert and curriculum lead at the SANS Institute, has provided valuable guidance to government, intelligence, military and industrial organizations to help protect large-scale power and other business systems from malicious intrusions perpetrated by criminals, terrorists and nation states. He served as CSO of both American Electric Power and The North American Electric Reliability Corporation as well as a strategist at Idaho National Labs, where he led the team that discovred the mechanism by which remote attacks could physically damage equipment used in industrial processes. A member of the U.S. Commission on Cyber Security under Barack Obama, Assante also spearheaded the power systems technical team that assisted the Ukraine in dealing with the aftermath of remote attacks on the country's power grid. Assante was awarded the Outstanding Achievement Award by RSA Conference in 2005 in the practice of security within an organization. Award for Excellence in the Field of Mathematics Professor Ran Canetti, Boston University, and Professor Rafail Ostrovsky, UCLA This year's award honors both, Ran Canetti, professor of Computer Science at Boston University and Tel-Aviv University and Rafail Ostrovsky, professor of Computer Science and Mathematics at UCLA for their groundbreaking, influential work on Novel Models and Protocol Notions for Secure Computation Tasks. Their combined experience developing novel problems, models and fundamental notions, opened the door for multiple new directions in cryptography. Jointly, they made essential contributions to proactive security, efficient zero-knowledge protocols, novel signature schemes and encryption schemes with additional properties, including deniable encryption. Professor Canetti made crucial contributions to Universal Composability, limitations of Random Oracle Model and HMAC function. Professor Ostrovsky enhanced encryption in new directions for big data, including Oblivious RAM (News - Alert) and its applications, Encryptions with keyword search on cypher texts, Private Information Retrieval for single server and efficient searching and processing of encrypted data in the cloud with strong privacy guarantees. Award for Excellence in the Field of Public Policy Admiral Michael Rogers, United States Navy Since 2014, Admiral Michael Rogers, of the United States Navy, has served as the Director of the NSA and Commander of the U.S. Cyber Command, where he plays a seminal role in building up the military's cyber-warfighting unit. During Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Admiral Rogers managed the intelligence portfolio for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specializing in computer network attacks. In 2009, he became director of intelligence for that same body of uniformed members of the U.S. Department of Defense and soon became commander of the United States Fleet Cyber Command, overseeing the Navy's cyberwarfare efforts. Known for his bold, outspoken leadership and his highly decorated 30-year tenure in the Navy, Admiral Rogers is well respected for his vital achievements in protecting the United States from cyber-attacks, both domestic and foreign. "This year's RSA Conference Awards winners have shown what it takes to be true leaders and role models in humanitarian service, mathematics, public policy and cyber security," said Linda Gray Martin, Director & General Manager of RSA Conference. "These recipients follow a long line of award winners that include leaders from both the public and private sectors. We look forward to seeing how their collective efforts will shape the future of our industry." About RSA Conference RSA Conference is the premier series of global events where the world talks security and leadership gathers, advances and emerges. Whether attending in the U.S., the EMEA region, or the Asia-Pacific region, RSA Conference events are where the security industry converges to discuss current and future concerns and get access to the people, content and ideas that help enable individuals and companies to win, grow and do their best. It is the ultimate marketplace for the latest technologies and hands-on educational opportunities that help industry professionals discover how to make their companies more secure while showcasing the most enterprising, influential and thought-provoking thinkers and leaders in security today. For information on events, online programming and the most up-to-date news pertaining to the information security industry visit www.rsaconference.com. RSA Conference logo, RSA, Dell, EMC (News - Alert) , Dell EMC and other trademarks are trademarks of Dell Inc. or its subsidiaries. Other trademarks may be trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180417005006/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 17, 2018] Modis launches in Singapore to support technology consulting and professional staffing services Launch of an Adecco Group brand to meet the increasingly sophisticated technology requirements of organisations based in Singapore SINGAPORE, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Backed by the Adecco Group, the world's leading HR solutions partner, Modis is expanding its international Information Technology business into Singapore to support its ambition to become the number one global technology professional staffing and solutions company. Combining global strength and scale with local expertise, Modis is built to deliver agile and intelligent end-to-end solutions for its customers, including professional staffing and consulting, project services, managed services, customised solutions, and full IT outsourcing projects. The technology sector in Singapore is currently undergoing a tremendous transformation, with companies needing to become fully 'digital' and to make the best use of data in order to be successful. To achieve this, they must either add, or have ready access to, talent in areas such as software development, systems engineering, cloud computing, big data analytics and cybersecurity. However, the pool of available skilled IT talent has already fallen below employer demand with the shortage expected to worsen, with companies continuing to report difficulty in accessing qualified IT talent with the necessary experience or specialised skills [1]. In Singapore, Modis will create true business value by assembling high-quality specialist teams initially in the areas of information technology - working for, or in, partnership with its clients. In addition, Modis will offer candidates an unrivalled, diverse portfolio of projects and career development opportunities with the flexibility and security they need to thrive. Modis Singapore will be headed by French national Pierre-Francois Vieau -- who has overall responsibility for the brand in Singapore and who will later explore opportunities in other markets. Pierre-Francois has lived and worked in Australia and South East Asia since 2009, involved in various roles within large global recruiting firms. Globally, the expanded Modis will serve about 20 territories across four continents, combining the existing Modis businesses in IT, engineering and life sciences solutions in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia - with the 11 other IT, engineering and life sciences brands from within the Adecco Group. Additionally, Modis globally this year has unveiled an entirely new visual identity that reflects its evolution as a global leader in the science and technology professional staffing and solutions sector. The new Modis will empower its associates, consultants, clients and candidates to connect smarter in a rapidly changing world of work, combining the strengths of the existing Modis business with the Adecco Group's proven track record in 60 international markets, including Singapore. The Adecco Group is strengthening its position in attractive growth sectors to improve performance, services and value for its customers, and to attract new candidates and clients. "Modis is unique in its ability to enhance any project within the tech world, by connecting companies with the right talent solutions for their needs," said Pierre-Francois Vieau. "We will offer our clients top expertise, flexibility and agility to embrace innovation throughout their project or product life cycle, to drive change, or to accompany them in their digital transformation." "Modis exists to support its clients in improving effectiveness and performance within their organisations, from full project management and professional placements to up-skilling and consultancy." Modis will cover the Adecco Group's full range of professional staffing, project management & outsourcing, up-skilling and re-skilling, and consultancy in the IT sector. Ian Lee, Regional Head, APAC, The Adecco Group, added "Launching Modis in Singapore is highly complementary to the existing Adecco Group brands in place -- that includes the Adecco General Staffing Brand and Spring Professional. The group is well placed to support the increasingly sophisticated needs of organisations across Singapore". With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Modis has already built a reputation as a leading expert in IT and engineering solutions across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. The expanded Modis consists of more than 30,000 associates and consultants worldwide, with a network of 20 centres of excellence and delivery centres, offering customers the opportunity to benefit from best practices in their industries. In Singapore, Modis joins other Adecco Group brands that operate in the market -- including Adecco, Spring Professional, Lee Hecht Harrison & Pontoon Solutions. [1] Based on Job Vacancies 2017, Ministry of Manpower, Singapore [February 2018] For further information, please contact: Pierre-Francois Vieau, Director, Modis Singapore [pierre-francois.vieau@modis.com] modis.com.sg +65 6835 3400 Ian Grundy, Head, Marketing & Communications, APAC, The Adecco Group [ian.grundy@adeccogroup.com] adeccogroup.com About Modis Modis is a leader in STEM professional staffing, consulting, outsourcing and customized workforce solutions, particularly for IT, engineering and life sciences across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia. With more than 20 years of experience in these fields, the expanded Modis consists of more than 30,000 associates and consultants worldwide and has a network of 20 centres of excellence and delivery centres. Globally, Modis is a part of The Adecco Group, the world's leading HR solutions partner. In Singapore, Modis is a division of Adecco Personnel Pte Ltd (EA Licence Number 91C2918). About The Adecco Group The Adecco Group is the world's leading HR solutions partner. We provide more than 700,000 people with permanent and flexible employment every day. With more than 34,000 employees in 60 countries, we transform the world of work one job at a time. Our colleagues serve more than 100,000 organisations with the talent, HR services and cutting-edge technology they need to succeed in an ever-changing global economy. As a Fortune Global 500 company, we lead by example, creating shared value that meets social needs while driving business innovation. Our culture of inclusivity, fairness and teamwork empowers individuals and organisations, fuels economies, and builds better societies. These values resonate with our employees, who voted us number 2 on the Great Place to Work - World's Best Workplaces 2017 list. We make the future work for everyone. The Adecco Group is based in Zurich, Switzerland. Adecco Group AG is registered in Switzerland (ISIN: CH0012138605) and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ADEN). The group is powered by eight lead brands: Adecco, Modis, Badenoch & Clark, Spring Professional, Lee Hecht Harrison, Pontoon, Adia and YOSS. Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20180417/2107074-1 SOURCE Modis Singapore [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd (TSX-V:MTB) (Frankfurt:M9U) (Mountain Boy) is pleased to report that it recently attended the Kamloops Exploration Group (KEG) meeting and will be attending the Oilfields Minerals & Markets Forum (OMMF) in Houston, Texas. Mr. Lawrence Roulston and Mr. Rene Bernard, Directors of Mountain Boy, attended the KEG meeting and Mr. Roulston will be attending the OMMF conference from May 6th to 8th, 2018. Due to the importance of new sources of the mineral barite to oilfield service companies, the OMMF organizers added a session on emerging barite sources and invited Mountain Boy to present the details of the barite found on its Surprise Creek project. The Surprise Creek property covers an area of approximately 12 km of known VMS (Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide) style mineralization generally hosting copper, zinc and lead, with some gold and silver. Folding within the Surprise Creek claims has resulted in repeated sections of prospective VMS horizons. Anticlinal structures have resulted in the prospective VMS horizon being present along both the west and the east sides of the Surprise Creek claims. There are at least six separate VMS boulder trains or showings on the Surprise Creek property. The Company website at www.mountainboyminerals.ca shows the location of the VMS style of mineralization recent drill results. Abundant barite is common on the Surprise Creek property. It is a common constituent of Kuroko style VMS systems, forming layers above the base metal-silver mineralization. To date only 4 short drill holes have tested the barite rich portion of the Ataman zone at the headwaters of Surprise Creek. The barite in itself is significant as the Company has demonstrated that a high quality product can be achieved through floatation with significant base and precious metal recovery in tests completed by SGS Canada Inc dated September 28, 2017. Barite is used by the oil and gas industry as a weighing agent in drilling muds and there is a large production shortage in North America. With increased oil and gas prices drilling activities have increased and demand and prices for barite are rising. With the deep water port of Stewart, B.C. within half an hour of trucking from the deposit, Mountain Boy could compete on the international markets. Barite is currently selling from US$120 to US$180 per ton depending on the location, and would add considerable value to the economic potential of a silver/base metal operation at Surprise Creek. The world barite market is estimated to steadily increase from US$2.2 billion in 2016 to US$4.1 billion by 2024 according to Global Market Insights, Inc. of Delaware, USA. Further information on the OMMF can be found on its webpage at http://imformed.com/get-imformed/forums/oilfield-houston-2018/programme/ Ed Kruchkowski, P. Geo., a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101 has reviewed the geological sections of this news release. About Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. is a Canadian based mineral exploration company with a diverse property portfolio within the Stewart region located in the very prolific area of British Columbias Golden Triangle. It owns 20% of the Silver Coin project, a gold-silver-base metals project that has a NI43-101 compliant resource estimate. Mountain Boy is also exploring silver-base metals on its American Creek and Bear Valley properties, as well as copper-gold on its Stewart area claims. For a complete listing of the Company assets and developments, visit the Company website at www.mountainboyminerals.ca . For investor information please call 604-687-3520. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF MOUNTAIN BOY MINERALS LTD. Mark T. Brown CPA, CA Chief Executive Officer Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its regulation services provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains forwardlooking statements related to the anticipated closing of the royalty purchase. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties, including risks related to receipt of required regulatory approval and general transaction closing risk. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. The Company expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise except as otherwise required by applicable securities laws. [April 17, 2018] Yardi Named Real Estate Software Company of the Year in the United Arab Emirates DUBAI, UAE, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global real estate technology firm recognized at the 2018 Arabian Business Real Estate Awards in Dubai At the recent Arabian Business Real Estate Awards, Yardi was honoured to accept the Real Estate Software Management Company of the Year award. Hosted by Arabian Business, a weekly business magazine published in Dubai, the awards honour the most accomplished companies and senior executives from around the region. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676064/Yardi_Logo.jpg ) The real estate awards ceremony took place at the Ritz Carlton, Dubai and celebrated one of the fastest growing industries n the UAE. Drawn from a select group of over 600 companies and individuals, 21 awards were handed out across a variety of real estate sectors. Said Haider, Yardi regional sales director for Middle East, accepted the award on the company's behalf. "We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Arabian Business. Yardi has a proven track record of success across the Middle East, as we provide customer solutions that represent the best use of technology and innovation for commercial and residential real estate," Haider said. To learn more, watch a video about the awards ceremony. For further details about Yardi's technology solutions for real estate companies in the Middle East, visit yardi.com/ae. About Yardi Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, Calif., and serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Europe and North America. For more information, visit yardi.com/ae. [April 18, 2018] WISeKey Cybersecurity Technology secures TraNexus Blockchain based Travel Engine WISeKey Cybersecurity Technology secures TraNexus Blockchain based Travel Engine April 18, 2018 - Geneva, Switzerland - WISeKey International Holding Ltd (WISeKey) (SIX:WIHN), a leading Swiss cybersecurity, Blockchain and IoT solutions company, today announced that it has partnered with TraNexus, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, to secure the TraNexus Blockchain Engine, using WISeKey's Cybersecurity IoT technology. This will be a new Blockchain Travel platform for apps that manage documents, currencies, bookings and experiences to make travel easier, better value, greener and more fun. TraNexus will streamline the travel process for business travelers and tourists alike while creating an entirely new travel experience for green-minded adventure-seekers around the world, with a heavy emphasis on augmented reality and big data applications. Through the partnership, the TraNexus Blockchain Platform will be secured by the WISeKey RooT of Trust (RoT) technology for IoT, a unique offering that combines all the hardware, software, and Trust Model required to take the blockchain security to a new level. The WISeKey RoT for Blockchain is a vertical security framework, a one-stop-shop security software tool with a user-friendly interface and easy-to-integrate API that manages the life-cycle of devices and their digital certificates. Easy to implement, hard to attack, the WISeKey Trusted Blockchain framework offers secure solutions even when the IoT device is in an unsecured environment, such as during production or in the field. The TraNexus Wallet will initially be a central storage location for Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), WISeCoins and TraNexus Coin (TNX). Users will be able to purchase TNX inside the application and also be able to instantly convert between Bitcoin & Ethereum whenever they want to do so. The wallet will also be an assembly point for all electronic documentation for the trip as well as the digital identity of the traveler. Ultimately it will become the go to place for e-visas, tickets, hotel bookings etc. as well as the vehicle for payment. WISeKey will secure the TraNexus Wallet providing users with contactless access to their private key and allowing them to make contactless transactions and payments. The TraNexus Wallet uses a combination of Near Field Communication ("NFC") technology with highly secured solutions provided by the WISeKey Semiconductors and will now be available through the TraNexus Wallet App. Every time a contactless Blockchain transaction is made, such as a cryptocurrency transaction, the private key is verified from the NFC Hardware storage to enable the transaction. While the exchanges and software wallets continue to get hacked, the hardware wallets have gained popularity as they are providing the most secure solution for transaction and payments. Through the TraNexus Wallet, hardware wallets will become contactless and users will be able to establish multiple private keys into the secure store using the same TraNexus wallet App and access these private keys while making transactions in contactless mode. "The TraNexus Wallet App will be compatible wit most of the existing blockchain technologies and will work as part of an overall system using WISeKey Blockchain-as-a-Service ("BaaS") technology offerings. WISeKey's technology offers the security and scalability TraNexus anticipates it will need as the use of TraNexus grows," said Professor Geoffrey Lipman the Director of the TraNexus program and long-time travel industry leader. "By combining WISeKey's Secure Element (our tamper-resistant silicon chip) and its managed Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) systems with the TraNexus Blockchain we are bringing a powerful solution that increases the level of safety for users of the TraNexus ecosystem, while ensuring maximum interoperability and trust on the system," said Carlos Moreira, Founder and CEO of WISeKey. Blockchain technology can help overcome many existing problems and inefficiencies which have been widely identified: planning, purchasing, security, transportation, accommodations, visitor's experience, shopping, and again for the return journey. This extends from the products into the linked services, supply chains and infrastructure. We intend to capture blockchain benefits for travelers - to make travel easier, better value, greener and more fun. Global Travel & Tourism is the world's largest industry and the total number of travelers doubles every 15 -20 years. There are currently over 1 billion international trips per year and over 4 billion domestic. By 2030, Travel & Tourism is expected to support 1 in 9 of all jobs and to account for 11.4% of global GDP. It will outperform the global economy. About TraNexus: "TraNexus." Ireland will manage the sale and routine token auctions, as well as hold and disperse funds. Operations will be handled by a dedicated corporation, "TraNexus Blockchain Solutions" (TBS,) set up in Belgium at the heart of the E.U. A percentage of its income will be devoted to SUNx - the Strong Universal Network, fighting Climate Change through Impact-Travel. The companies will be fully compliant with evolving global policies and regulations on blockchain and cryptocurrency deployment. Disclaimer. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus or a listing prospectus. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of TraNexus TraNexus Limited, Company Registered in Ireland: 624039. Professor Geoffrey Lipman Director, GeoffreyL@TraNexus.ie Marcel Henry Director, MarcelH@TraNexus.ie http://www.TraNexus.com About WISeKey: WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading global cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale digital identity ecosystems with a patented process. WISeKey's Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust ("RoT") provides secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, for the Internet of Things, Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence. The WISeKey RoT serves as a common trust anchor to ensure the integrity of online transactions among objects and between objects and people. For more information, visit www.wisekey.com. To receive WISeKey's latest news, subscribe to our Newsletter or visit the WISeKey Investors Corner. For further information, please contact: WISeKey Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO +41 22 594 3000 Info@wisekey.com WISeKey Investor Relations US Lena Cati The Equity Group Inc. +1 212 836 9611 lcati@equityny.com Disclaimer: This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] AxiomSL Recognized as the Category Leader for "Data Integrity and Control Solutions in Financial Services" by Chartis Research For the Second Year NEW YORK, LONDON and SINGAPORE, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AxiomSL, the leading global provider of regulatory-reporting, risk and data-management solutions, today announced that Chartis Research, a provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology, has named AxiomSL a 2018 Category Leader in its FinTech Quadrant, "Data Integrity and Control Solutions in Financial Services." This is the second year Chartis has recognized the company as a Category Leader for this solution. "We're pleased that Chartis Research has recognized our industry-leading data integrity and control platform for the second year," said Alex Tsigutkin, Founder and CEO of AxiomSL. "As the volume and diversity of data pools explodes and stakeholders' expectations for improved governance, data quality and controls keep rising, it is critical for financial firms to optimize business processes and exert higher data integrity and control. AxiomSL's state-of-the-art platform brings together people, processes and controls to address intrusive, fragmented and data-intensive regulatory mandates, best practices in risk management and business efficiency. This intelligent data-management platform leverages data as an enterprise asset, enabling executives to enhance decision-making processes, business growth and change management. It's immensely gratifying to have our team's hard work and commitment to innovation recognized by an organization that has as outstanding a reputation as Chartis." At the core of AxiomSL's ControllerView "Platform for Change" is an innovative technology that combines the following important functions: Integration and management of data taxonomy ; ; Native understanding of relationships and transformations with drill-down to data and process; Continued control from data implantation to data visualization through a unified user interface; Fully integrated data logic and process visualization in a unique graphical navigator ; Support for big data, real time processing and Cloud. AxiomSL's ControllerView platform is equipped with a dynamic data-lineage module that can be compared to the company's "GPS" navigator - tracking the 'data route' from source to final destination and collecting vital information and analytics that can streamline and optimize the client's processes in a controlled environment. This data-lineage module captures and documents data flows, data transformations, critical data elements and business logic throughout the entire regulatory and internal management reporting process. The intelligence gathered yields business value and faster time-to-market, while delivering the most reliable and trusted data. "Our clients are thinking strategically about data, especially when initiatives such as BCBS 239 have made data lineage a top concern," Tsigutkin added. "With regulators asking for more granular and timely information - with quarterly, weekly and sometimes daily frequencies - tactical approaches and manual processes that attempt to capture lineage and document it in Excel are unsustainable. Our data-driven platform alleviates those operational inefficiencies by automating the delivery of thousands of data points. The goal of AxiomSL's core platform is to provide seamless integration of new technologies and analytics to process more data, bring more control and governance, make development easier and enable faster processing. Our most recent innovation has been to certify our platform with Amazon Web Services, giving clients the choice to implement regulatory reporting and risk management solutions on the Cloud." "AxiomSL's data- and process-driven platform interfaces across business functions, and its data quality control procedures help ensure the accuracy and transparency of data," said Sidhartha Dash, Research Director, Chartis Research. "The platform also allows executives to reuse and leverage data and processes while avoiding siloed responses." Our most recent innovation has been to certify our platform with Amazon Web Services, giving clients the choice to implement regulatory reporting and risk management solutions on the Cloud. Chartis' Category Leaders combine depth and breadth of functionality, technology and content with the required organizational characteristics to capture significant share in their market, and they demonstrate a clear strategy for sustainable, profitable growth. Their best-in-class solutions offer the range and diversity, sector coverage and financial strength to absorb demand volatility in specific industry sectors or geographic regions. Chartis' FinTech Quadrant reports are written by experienced analysts with hands-on experience in selecting, developing and implementing financial technology solutions for a variety of international companies in a range of industries including banking, insurance and capital markets. The findings and analysis in the FinTech Quadrant report reflect Chartis analysts' considered opinions, along with research into market trends, participants, expenditure patterns and best practices. Chartis uses a combination of sources to gather market intelligence. These sources include vendor evaluation forms, risk technology user surveys, interviews with subject-matter experts, customer reference checks, vendor briefing sessions and other third-party sources. About AxiomSL: AxiomSL is the leading global provider of regulatory-reporting, risk and data-management solutions for financial services firms, including banks, broker dealers, asset managers and insurance companies. Its unique enterprise data management (EDM) platform delivers data lineage, risk aggregation, analytics, workflow automation, validation and audit functionality. For more information, visit AxiomSL at www.axiomsl.com. About Chartis Research Chartis is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology. It is part of the Insight division of InfoPro Digital, which includes market leading brands such as Risk and WatersTechnology. Chartis' goal is to support enterprises as they drive business performance through better risk management, corporate governance and compliance, and to help clients make informed technology and business decisions by providing in-depth analysis and actionable advice on virtually all aspects of risk technology. RiskTech Quadrant, RiskTech100 and FinTech Quadrant are registered trademarks of Chartis Research (http://www.chartis-research.com). Media Contacts: Danielle Orsino Francine Gittins Water & Wall Group AxiomSL danielle@w.group fgittins@axiomsl.com +1 646 343 9672 +1 212 248 4188 SOURCE AxiomSL [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] FinancialForce Unveils New Office Location in New York City NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FinancialForce, the number one customer-centric ERP cloud vendor built on the Salesforce Platform, announced the opening of its New York City office. This new location opens on the heels of a marquee year for FinancialForce, and expands its global footprint, which includes offices in North America, United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia. Located on the Avenue of the Americas, the newest office puts FinancialForce in the financial capital of the world, opening opportunities to more closely serve customers in key markets, as well as cultivate and recruit top talent. Our priority has always been to employ a customer-centric focus in all areas of our business, said Tod Nielsen, president and CEO of FinancialForce. The New York City office places FinancialForce in the center of world-class innovation and talent. But most importantly, it offers the potential for greater access to, and closer collaborations with, our customers. Since Nielsens appointment as CEO in 2017, FinancialForce has curated a powerhouse of industry veterans to pilot this period of growth including Fred Studer as chief marketing officer; Gordy Brooks as chief financial officer; Dan Brown as chief product officer, and most recently, Andrea Lagan as chief customer officer. Headquartered in San Francisco, FinancialForces New York office will support the companys growing customer base. More than 1,350 customers in 30 countries have implemented FinancialForce solutions, including mid-market enterprises to leading Fortune 500 companies such as Cisco, HP Enterprise, and Salesforce. The Company also achieved more than $100M subscription annual recurring revenue exiting its fiscal year ending January 31, 2018. As FinancialForce continues on its growth path, the company is gearing up for Community Live, an annual gathering of customers, industry leaders, and product experts for a dialogue on business strategy, educational sessions, and networking. The conference will take place from June 25-27 in Las Vegas, NV. For more information on Community Live and to register to attend, visit https://communitylive.financialforce.com. FinancialForce is also a Platinum sponsor at the Technology Services World conference in San Diego. Stop by booth number 8 to meet with PSA experts. About FinancialForce FinancialForce is the leading cloud ERP provider for the new services economy. The #1 ERP native to the Salesforce platform, FinancialForce unifies data across the enterprise in real-time, enabling companies to rapidly evolve their business models with customers at the center. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in San Francisco, FinancialForce is backed by Advent International, Salesforce Ventures, Technology Crossover Ventures, and UNIT4. For more information, visit www.financialforce.com. Media Contact: Letty Ledbetter Vice President, Global Communications, FinancialForce lledbetter@financialforce.com +1.510.409.1969 Tricia Nugent Highwire PR tricia@highwirepr.com (646) 838-1190 ext. 40 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Hawaiian Electric and Opus One Solutions Working to Boost Distributed Energy Resources on O'ahu Grid HONOLULU and TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hawaiian Electric Company and Opus One Solutions are collaborating to integrate and manage increasing levels of customer energy resources on the Oahu grid. This project will help address the challenges of managing high levels of distributed energy resources (such as private rooftop solar, energy storage, electric vehicles) while controlling infrastructure costs. It is funded in part by Elemental Excelerator, a growth accelerator and catalyst for deployment and growth of new technologies. Opus Ones GridOS Dynamic Hosting Capacity software will help Hawaiian Electric system operators understand how much distributed energy resources (DER) can be accommodated on a feeder (or neighborhood circuit) in near real-time to optimize grid assets and distributed energy resource assets, while maintaining stable and reliable service for customers. Hawaii is experiencing an exciting and challenging technology transformation that enables Hawaiian Electric to demonstrate energy innovation by fundamentally changing the way distributed energy resources are integrated into the grid, said Colton Ching, Hawaiian Electric vice president for energy delivery. Opus Ones unique approach to hosting capacity analysis and optimization will demonstrate the value of this approach to grid modernization for the benefit of all stakeholders. Oahu is at the forefront of DER integration, with nearly a third of single-family homes already using private rooftop solar and a goal of tripling rooftop solar statewide by 2030 as well as one of the highest electric vehicle use per capita. This could require millions of dollars to upgrade the physical network infrastructure, poles, and wires to accept more on the network without damaging reliable service for customers. Haaiian Electrics distribution engineers will evaluate optimal site locations for DERs and associated grid benefits using Opus Ones GridOS Integrated Distribution Planning solution suite. This software platform will provide Hawaiian Electric with full situational awareness of the distribution grid and DER hosting capacity as well as capacity constraints, allowing strategic increases in acceptance of DERs on the distribution network. Opus One Solutions reduces the need for significant infrastructure upgrades by leveraging the value of DERs to the grid, while also accommodating the interest for increased DER penetration, says Joshua Wong, president and CEO of Opus One. By partnering with Hawaiian Electric, a utility at the forefront of the transformation to 100% renewable energy, we can provide value to grid planning and operations, and improve customer choice. About Opus One Opus One Solutions is a software engineering and solutions company with the vision of a distributed energy network. Opus Ones intelligent energy networking platform, GridOS, optimizes complex power flows so that it can deliver real-time energy management and integrated planning to distribution utilities and other managers of distributed energy assets. GridOS is modular, scalable, and integrates seamlessly with existing data systems to unlock greater potential for distributed energy resources, including renewable generation, energy storage, and responsive demand. GridOS also facilitates the management of microgrids from homes to businesses to communities for unparalleled grid resiliency and value to the electricity customer. www.opusonesolutions.com About Hawaiian Electric For 125 years, Hawaiian Electric Company has provided the energy that has fueled the islands' development from a Hawaiian kingdom to a modern American state. Hawaiian Electric Company and its subsidiaries Maui Electric Company and Hawai?i Electric Light Company serve 95 percent of the states 1.4 million residents on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Lana?i and Molokai. hawaiianelectric.com About Elemental Excelerator Elemental Excelerator helps startups change the world, one community at a time. Each year, the organization selects a cohort of 12-15 companies that best fit its mission and funds each company up to $1 million to improve systems that impact peoples lives: energy, transportation, water, agriculture, and beyond. To date, Elemental Excelerator has awarded over $22 million to 63 companies. elementalexcelerator.com Media Contacts: Jodi Echakowitz, Boulevard PR (for Opus One) jodi@boulevardpr.com 416-271-7250 Peter Rosegg, Hawaiian Electric Peter.Rosegg@HawaiianElectric.com 808-543-7780 Lauren Tonokawa Elemental Excelerator lauren@elementalexcelerator.com 808-554-6404 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Local Insight, Global Power: BNN Bloomberg, Canada's Definitive Source for Business News, Launches April 30 BNN Bloomberg announces BLOOMBERG MARKETS, an all-new international daily series, hosted by Amanda Lang in Toronto and Shery Ahn in New York TV schedule expands to 22 hours of live programming on weekdays, featuring comprehensive coverage of Canadian and international markets All-new BNN Bloomberg Radio becomes Canada's first business news radio station To tweet this release: https://bmpr.ca/2qDWZcJ TORONTO and NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 /CNW/ - BNN Bloomberg, Canada's definitive source for business news, launches on Monday, April 30, it was announced today. Providing audiences with unparalleled coverage across television, digital, and radio platforms, Bell Media and Bloomberg Media Group together will launch BNN Bloomberg with a comprehensive slate of business news content, poweed by Bloomberg's 2,700 business journalists and analysts in 120 countries. The major partnership sees BNN, Canada's most-watched source for televised business news, add Bloomberg's vast array of financial news, market data, analysis, video, and television programming to its already considerable range of assets. To coincide with the brand's launch, BNN Bloomberg will be available for a special free preview from Monday, April 30 to Thursday, June 28, through television service providers across Canada. The live stream of the channel will be available to TV subscribers for the first time on BNN Bloomberg digital platforms, including BNNBloomberg.ca and the BNN Bloomberg mobile app. BNN Bloomberg also announced today a new signature afternoon program, BLOOMBERG MARKETS, co-produced by BNN and Bloomberg, and distributed around the world. Hosted by Amanda Lang in Toronto and Shery Ahn in New York, BLOOMBERG MARKETS delivers the most important global business and breaking markets news and information as it happens. Also on April 30: Canada's first-ever business news radio station, BNN Bloomberg Radio, will launch in Vancouver and be heard across the country on iHeartRadio, featuring a live audio stream of the BNN Bloomberg television channel first-ever business news radio station, BNN Bloomberg Radio, will launch in and be heard across the country on iHeartRadio, featuring a live audio stream of the BNN Bloomberg television channel BNN Bloomberg will begin simulcasting with CTV from 5-5:30 a.m. MT in the Calgary and Edmonton markets in the and markets A rebranded, revamped BNNBloomberg.ca and BNN Bloomberg app will launch To view full press release, click here. SOURCE Bell Media [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] MicroLink Devices Achieves Certified 37.75% Solar Cell Power Conversion Efficiency NILES, Ill., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MicroLink Devices, Inc. has achieved a 37.75% power conversion efficiency from a three-junction epitaxial lift-off (ELO) thin-film solar cell. The device performance was officially certified by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and tested under the industry standard air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) simulated 1-Sun solar spectrum. The 37.75% efficiency is the highest reported for a triple junction ELO solar cell produced on a 6-inch GaAs substrate production platform. The specific power of this ELO solar cell design exceeds 3000 W/kg under 1-sun AM0 spectrum, which is the world's record in comparison to any other solar cell technology. These solar cells are currently used to provide energy to the Zephyr HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) platform produced by Airbus Defence and Space in Farnborough, UK. MicroLink has an exclusive licensing agreement with NREL for the inverted metamorphic multi-junction (IMM) technology used to manufacture the high-efficiency solar device. MicroLink's proprietary ELO process makes it possible to peel off thin layers of active solar cell material that were deposited on a GaAs semiconductor substrate. The expensive GaAs substrate can also be reused multiple times to lower manufacturig costs. MicroLink's ELO technology development has been supported over the past decade by numerous US agencies including NASA, DARPA, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Office of Naval Research, NAVAIR, Army Research Office, Army REF, CERDEC, ARPA-E, and the Department of Energy. "We are continuing to push the limits of what can be achieved with the ELO technology," said Dr. Noren Pan, founder and president of MicroLink Devices. "Our triple-junction IMM ELO solar cells combine the highest efficiency with the lowest mass density of any solar cell technology available today. This represents a compelling solution for demanding unmanned aerial vehicle and satellite applications." More details about the record ELO cell performance will be presented at the upcoming Space Power Workshop in Los Angeles (April 23-27) and IEEE Photovoltaics Specialists Conference in Waikoloa, HI (June 10-15). About MicroLink Devices: Established in 2000, MicroLink Devices is located in Niles, IL and specializes in the design, epitaxial growth and fabrication of compound semiconductor devices including heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs), solar cells, lasers and photodetectors. In recent years, MicroLink has ramped up the production of its ELO-based solar cells and sheets for use in mobile power, unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), and traditional satellite applications. Contact Information: Mark Osowski (193602@email4pr.com) Phone: +1 847 588 3001 Fax: +1 847 588 3002 Web: www.mldevices.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/microlink-devices-achieves-certified-37-75-solar-cell-power-conversion-efficiency-300631962.html SOURCE MicroLink Devices [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Concept3D Announces OSIsoft PI System Integration DENVER, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Concept3D, a leader in bringing physical spaces, assets and data into the digital world through 3D modeling, virtual reality (VR), interactive maps and immersive virtual tour software, today announced that it has become an OSIsoft partner with the new capability of integrating and displaying operational data from OSIsoft's PI System. With digital transformation top-of-mind, more companies are seeking ways to visualize and present operational data in an intuitive and visual format, particularly when tied to physical locations such as plants, manufacturing facilities and locations that require remote monitoring. The Concept3D platform is ideally suited as a visual hub for data and information, presenting it in an interactive, 3D map format and giving staff and connected partners - located anywhere in the world - the ability to access and visualize data, and rapidly move from location to location. "The power of the Concept3D platform is intuitive data access and visualization, and we're extremely excited to be able to now offer integration with OSIsoft's PI System," said Robert Johnson, VP of Business Development, Concept3D. "The PI System is well-known as the standard in making operational data usable and accessible to industrial companies, and the integration makes it possible to add a visual, geographic element to complement PI System data." The PI System captures and organizes the massive amounts of operational data from equipmentsensors, power supplies, manufacturing tools, turbines, enabled configurable streaming analytics, and serves it up in a coherent way so people can improve production, ave money, improve safety or implement an analytics program. The PI System makes operational data and associated analytics accessible, usable, and valuable, with the ultimate goal of operational intelligence and the ability to make informed business decisions from the plant floor to the boardroom. The system is licensed in 65 percent of the Fortune 500 industrial companies and captures data from 1.5 billion sensors at more than 19,000 sites across 127 countries. OSIsoft serves nine primary markets: oil and gas; utilities; pharmaceuticals, food and beverage; metals and mining; pulp and paper; and chemicals, with expansion happening in transportation (railroads, light rail, shipping, car fleets), facilities, data centers, and discrete manufacturing. "It will be exciting to see how the Concept3D platform gives PI System clients a highly visual, geographic way to access and view their data," said Craig Harclerode, Industry Principal, Oil and Gas, OSIsoft. "There's a lot of potential here and Concept3D has built a unique and powerful system for operational data integration, normalization, analytics, and visualization." Concept3D clients include data centers, convention centers and event venues, universities, resorts and hospitality, healthcare, and retirement communities, among others. About Concept3D: Founded in 2006, Concept3D is a leader in creating immersive online experiences with 3D modeling, interactive maps and VR-enabled virtual tour software. Concept3D software brings any physical location, assets and data into an intuitive and navigable digital format, providing clients with a powerful competitive edge through applications like data visualization, wayfinding, and immersive VR-enabled virtual tours. Concept3D clients include convention centers and event spaces, data centers, healthcare and retirement facilities, large commercial sites, resorts, hotels and theme parks, as well as universities and many other locations. Learn more at https://www.concept3D.com. About OSISoft: OSIsoft is dedicated to helping people transform their world through data. To learn more, please go to www.osisoft.com or email us at partners@osisoft.com. Media Contact for Concept3D: Matt Bennett 193562@email4pr.com 303-909-0530 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/concept3d-announces-osisoft-pi-system-integration-300631549.html SOURCE Concept3D [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] MilesTek Launches New USB 3.0 Cable Assemblies with Thumbscrews LEWISVILLE, Texas, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MilesTek, a leading manufacturer and supplier of products designed to address military and avionics applications, announced today that it has released a new series of USB 3.0 cable assemblies with thumbscrews to address high vibration and vision applications. The new MUS3A-series cables feature a unique molded connector on one end of the assembly that includes two thumbscrews and a standard male USB 3.0 connector on the other end of the assembly. The thumbscrew connector is beneficial in many military and industrial applications where standard friction fit USB connectors can become dislodged from jostling, vibration, etc. Additionally, these cables are manufactured per the mechanical requirements of the USB3 Vision standard and feature 30-micro-inch gold-platd contacts and throughput of 4.8 Gbps. Connector options include USB 3.0 Type A, B and Micro-B combinations. "Our unique panel-mount USB 3.0 cables with thumbscrews were developed to address applications often found in military and industrial applications where excessive vibration or accidental cable pull can occur. This secure design will also appeal to our OEM customers who manufacture machine vision equipment," said Mark Hearn, Product Manager. MilesTek's new USB 3.0 cables with thumbscrews are in stock and available for immediate shipment. For more information about this release, please contact: Peter McNeil MilesTek 17792 Fitch Irvine, CA 978-682-6936 x1174 About MilesTek: MilesTek designs and manufactures a broad range of MIL-STD-1553B and Ethernet connectivity products to address Military Avionics, Aerospace, Industrial and government applications. In addition to a wide selection of off the shelf products, MilesTek can custom manufacture cable assemblies and harnesses. MilesTek is headquartered in Lewisville, Texas and is AS9100C and ISO9001:2008 certified. MilesTek is an Infinite Electronics company. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/milestek-launches-new-usb-3-0-cable-assemblies-with-thumbscrews-300629673.html SOURCE MilesTek NEW YORK, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CGS, a global provider of business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services, recently wrapped up its 14th fashion, apparel and consumer goods event, INSIGHT 2018. The three-day conference was attended by more than 150 customers and industry experts, who exchanged strategies, tactics, solutions and ideas affecting the retail and consumer products markets. The event for industry professionals and executives using the BlueCherry suite covered a host of topics including the state of the retail environment, speed to market, cloud and cybersecurity, and the future of BlueCherry. Speed-to-market is currently a top priority for brands. A panel of well-known industry thought leaders addressed the topic: John S. Thorbeck, Chairman at Chainge Capital; Lawrence DeParis, President of Retail Marketing Society; and Michael Rosen, CFO at Velvet by Graham and Spencer. They discussed consumers need for instant gratification, while brands are pressured to optimize their end-to-end supply chain to expedite product development, manufacturing and inventory fulfillment. A strong enabler of speed-to-market includes ERP and PLM technology platforms for supply chain efficiency and visibility. Showcasing the Future of BlueCherry: Open API In line with the event theme of Enrich your Ecosystem, the audience learned about the next generation of supply chain visibility. Presenters outlined new product initiatives to enhance and strengthen the BlueCherry end-to-end supply chain offering. The BlueCherry architecture is opening its platform to the ecosystem marketplace through an open API to benefit the user community. This improvement to the platform will allow for more visibility in the supply chain and improved data integrity, providing extensive service to CGSs global customers. Ultimately, BlueCherry customers will have more access to predictive and prescriptive insights throughout the supply chain. The ecosystem is a great metaphor for what is going on in todays retail environment, said Laura Huffman, Business Application Systems Manager, Lysse. Its not only about our BlueCherry ERP, EDI or B2B eCommerce solutions. BlueCherry touches every fundamental process of our business, such as our B2C API integration with Shopify, or our B2B sales team, providing outside sales reps with real-time availability of products. All of those connections are working together in harmony to create a successful business. We had another highly successful INSIGHT, across the board, said Paul Magel, President, CGS Applications division. It was great to see and hear from so many of our senior-level BlueCherry community attendees, as well as share with them the latest trends and challenges from leading industry speakers. This conference is meant to share the latest, while also gaining directly from our users an understanding of their current and long-term needs. Throughout the year, we continually strive to develop and implement cutting-edge, best-in-class solutions and services. While at INSIGHT, we deliver our take on the next generation of supply chain architecture in a high-quality experience for our valued BlueCherry community audience. About CGS For nearly 35 years, CGS has enabled global enterprises, regional companies and government agencies to drive breakthrough performance through business applications, enterprise learning and outsourcing services. CGS is wholly focused on creating comprehensive solutions that meet clients complex, multi-dimensional needs and support clients most fundamental business activities. Headquartered in New York City, CGS has offices across North America, South America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. For more information, please visit www.cgsinc.com and follow us on Twitter at @CGSinc and @BlueCherryCGS and on Facebook. Media Contact: Susan Sweeney, CGS newsroom@cgsinc.com [April 18, 2018] 2018 Syngenta Crop Challenge in Analytics winner announced Syngenta and the Analytics Society of INFORMS are proud to recognize a team from The International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) in Colombia as the winner of the 2018 Syngenta Crop Challenge in Analytics. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418006055/en/ Left to right: Crop Challenge committee chair Nicolas Martin; CIAT team members Hugo "Andres" Dorado Bentencourt, Andres Aguilar, Daniel Jimenez and Sylvain Delerce; Syngenta head of seed product development Dan Dyer. (Photo: Syngenta) The competition, hosted by the Analytics Society of the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS), concluded during the 2018 INFORMS Conference on Business Analytics & Operations Research in Baltimore, Maryland, where five finalist teams presented their submissions to the Crop Challenge prize committee. This year's Challenge asked participants to use a real-world dataset to develop models that predict how well corn hybrids will perform in untested locations. Finalist teams from Brazil, Colombia, Germany and the U.S. presented their models, which have the potential to help plant breeders make better decisions regarding which hybrids to advance commercially and provide to growers-while confronting the ongoing challenge of field-testing limitations. The winning team, which included Andres Aguilar, Hugo "Andres" Dorado Bentencourt, Sylvain Delerce, Michael Caraccio, Juan Camilo Rivera, Maria Camila Gomez, Steven Humberto Sotelo and Anestis Gkanogiannis, was awarded a $5,000 prize for the submission, "Speeding up maize hybrids breeding schemes using machine learning." The team represents CIAT, a not-for-profit research and development organization that aims to reduce poverty and hunger in developing countries by helping farmers improve crop production sustainably. "In this specific challenge we had to deal with genetic data, which was a little bit new for us," said CIAT team member Sylvain Delerce. "And what we see is that analytics and optimization can really play a big role and it's very promising." The submissions were evaluated by the prize committee based on the rigor and validity of the process used to determine optimal corn hybrids, the quality of the proposed solution and the finalists' ability to clearly articulate their approach. "The finalists' submissions represent the type of analytical thinking which can enable the sustainable agriculture of the future," said Dan Dyer, head of seed product development, Syngenta, and Crop Challenge judge. "When we look at the plant breeding of the future, we see data scientists and mathematicians playing an increasingly critical role. By collaborating with them, we can find new ways to improve crop production." The runner-up submission, "Bridging concepts from Bayesian theory, Artificial Intelligence and Genetics: A novel Bayesian Network methodology for predictions and decision-making," authored by Jhonathan Pedroso Rigal dos Santos from Brazil, received a $2,500 prize. The third place entry, "Genotype - Environment Interaction (G by E) Analysis using Deep Neural Networks Approach," authored by Saeed Khaki, Hans Mueller and Lizhi Wang from Iowa State University, received a $1,000 prize. "All of he finalists brought an exceptional level of sophistication and creativity to their entries," said Nicolas Martin, assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Crop Challenge prize committee chair and member of INFORMS. "These insights from data analytics experts can help us solve some of the complex challenges found in agriculture." The Syngenta Crop Challenge in Analytics was established in 2015 with funding provided by prize winnings awarded to Syngenta in connection with its receipt of the 2015 Franz Edelman (News - Alert) Award for Achievement in Operations Research and the Management Sciences. The competition aligns with Syngenta's commitment to make crops more efficient - one of the tenets of The Good Growth Plan, a global initiative to improve the sustainability of agriculture. For more information about the Syngenta Crop Challenge in Analytics, visit www.ideaconnection.com/syngenta-crop-challenge. Join the conversation online - connect with Syngenta at social.syngentaUS.com. About Syngenta Syngenta is a leading agriculture company helping to improve global food security by enabling millions of farmers to make better use of available resources. Through world class science and innovative crop solutions, our 27,500 people in over 90 countries are working to transform how crops are grown. We are committed to rescuing land from degradation, enhancing biodiversity and revitalizing rural communities. To learn more, visit www.syngenta.com and www.goodgrowthplan.com. Follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) at www.twitter.com/Syngenta and www.twitter.com/SyngentaUS. About INFORMS With 12,500 members from nearly 90 countries, INFORMS is the largest international association of operations research (O.R.) and analytics professionals and students. INFORMS provides unique networking and learning opportunities for individual professionals, and organizations of all types and sizes, to better understand and use O.R. and analytics tools and methods to transform strategic visions and achieve better outcomes. The INFORMS Analytics Society, a subdivision of INFORMS, promotes the integration of a wide range of analytical techniques and supports activities that illuminate significant innovations and achievement in the growing field of analytics. Web Resources: Know More, Grow More Syngenta Newsroom Syngenta U.S. Thrive INFORMS Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This document contains forward-looking statements, which can be identified by terminology such as 'expect', 'would', 'will', 'potential', 'plans', 'prospects', 'estimated', 'aiming', 'on track' and similar expressions. Such statements may be subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from these statements. For Syngenta, such risks and uncertainties include risks relating to legal proceedings, regulatory approvals, new product development, increasing competition, customer credit risk, general economic and market conditions, compliance and remediation, intellectual property rights, implementation of organizational changes, impairment of intangible assets, consumer perceptions of genetically modified crops and organisms or crop protection chemicals, climatic variations, fluctuations in exchange rates and/or commodity prices, single source supply arrangements, political uncertainty, natural disasters, and breaches of data security or other disruptions of information technology. Syngenta assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, changed assumptions or other factors. 2018 Syngenta. 9 Davis Drive, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709. The Syngenta logo is a registered trademark of a Syngenta Group Company. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Syngenta supports but is not a sponsor of this INFORMS challenge. Entrants must read and agree to terms and conditions of the challenge, found with the registration mate materials. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180418006055/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Human Longevity Clinical Labs LLC Receives Accreditation from College of American Pathologists SAN DIEGO, April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Accreditation Committee of the College of American Pathologists (CAP) has awarded accreditation to Human Longevity Clinical Labs LLC, San Diego, California, based on results of a recent on-site inspection as part of the CAP's Accreditation Programs. The facility's director, Kenneth J. Bloom, MD was advised of this national recognition and congratulated for the excellence of the services being provided. Human Longevity Clinical Labs LLC is one of more than 8,000 CAP-accredited facilities worldwide. HLI's CEO, J. Craig Venter, PhD said, "I am proud of our laboratory team for their hard work and diligence in achieving this important and necessary accreditation from CAP. We look forward to continuing to provide our clients with comprehensive and quality health information as part of our Health Nucleus experience." The United States federal government recognized CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program, begu in the early 1960s, as being equal-to or more-stringent-than the government's own inspection program. During the CAP accreditation process, designed to ensure the highest standard of care for all laboratory patients, inspectors examine the laboratory's records and quality control of procedures for the preceding two years. CAP inspectors also examine laboratory staff qualifications, equipment, facilities, safety programs and record, and overall management. About the College of American Pathologists As the world's largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, READ THE CAP ANNUAL REPORT at www.cap.org. About Human Longevity, Inc. Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI) is the genomic-based, health intelligence company empowering proactive healthcare and enabling a life better lived. HLI combines the largest database of genomic and phenotypic data with machine learning to drive discoveries and revolutionize the practice of medicine. HLI's business focus includes the HLI Health Nucleus, a genomic-powered, clinical research and discovery center which uses whole genome sequence analysis, advanced clinical imaging and innovative machine learning, along with curated personal health information, to deliver the most complete picture of individual health. For more information, please visit http://www.humanlongevity.com. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/human-longevity-clinical-labs-llc-receives-accreditation-from-college-of-american-pathologists-300632458.html SOURCE Human Longevity, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Young Canadians learn to tell fact from fake for Media Literacy Week 2018 OTTAWA, April 18, 2018 /CNW/ - MediaSmarts, Canada's centre for digital and media literacy, and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF) are pleased to announce that this year's Media Literacy Week will focus on helping students decipher truth from fiction online. The week, to be held Nov. 5 to 9, will have as its theme "Fact or Fake: Help the World Stop Misinformation in Its Tracks" to highlight the importance of verifying that online information is true, unbiased and relevant. "Young Canadians aren't just passive consumers of media anymore they're broadcasters too," says Cathy Wing, Co-Executive Director of MediaSmarts. "It's harder than ever to tell the difference between accurate information and advertising, misinformation and parody, and it's easy for any of us to inadvertently spread false information." "With the international spotlight on 'fake news,' teachers can help students develop the search, authentication and critical thinking skills needed in the digital age," says CTF President H. Mark Ramsankar. "They can also emphasize the importace of practicing those skills in everything from academic research to social media feeds." Media Literacy Week, an annual event co-hosted by MediaSmarts and CTF since 2006, highlights the importance of teaching children and teens digital and media literacy skills. Over 90 collaborating organizations including the National Film Board, the Prime Minister's Awards for Teaching Excellence, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, libraries and teacher organizations participate each year by organizing activities across Canada and internationally. Media Literacy Week was officially adopted in the U.S. in 2015, where it is led by the National Association for Media Literacy Education. MediaSmarts welcomes TELUS and Facebook as Platinum Sponsors, and YouTube and Bell as Gold Sponsors of Media Literacy Week 2018. Announcements of events, programs, partners and more will continue leading up to Media Literacy Week in November. For updates, visit medialiteracyweek.ca or sign up for the e-bulletin. About MediaSmarts MediaSmarts is a Canadian not-for-profit centre for digital and media literacy. Its vision is that children and youth have the critical thinking skills to engage with media as active and informed digital citizens. MediaSmarts offers hundreds of digital and media literacy resources for teachers, parents and librarians on its website. About CTF Founded in 1920, CTF is a national alliance of provincial and territorial Member organizations that represent over 238,000 teachers across Canada. CTF is also an affiliate of the 30-million member Education International. SOURCE Canadian Teachers' Federation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 18, 2018] Rivian Welcomes Business Leaders from Bloomington, Normal, and McLean County, Illinois to Tour Its Plymouth, Michigan Operations NORMAL, Ill. and PLYMOUTH, Mich., April 18, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rivian hosted representatives from government, education and business from Bloomington, Normal and McLean County, IL at Rivian's new design and engineering center in Plymouth, MI. These members of the Economic Development Commission helped attract Rivian to acquire the 2.6 million square foot manufacturing facility in central Illinois. Meeting with Rivian executives, they received a behind the scenes tour of Rivian's vehicle design, advanced engineering and proprietary technology for its first two fully electric vehicles, a pick-up truck and SUV. The Company also provided an overview of its business strategy and production plans. RJ Scaringe, CEO and Chairman of Rivian, commented, "We appreciate the interest and support that Bloomington, Normal and McLean County have given Rivian over the past year and loo forward to growing our workforce in central Illinois and increasing our involvement in local activities." "We gained a deeper appreciation for the technology Rivian has developed the level of energy of their team is contagious," said Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington Normal Economic Development Commission. "I am really excited to have a company so focused on technology in our backyard and I'm looking forward to the company emerging from stealth mode this year." Additionally, discussions were held with Rivian senior management regarding future growth plans for the Company's Normal site and identifying areas of collaboration for supporting education and other local initiatives. About Rivian With the introduction of its first vehicle in 2020, Rivian is advancing the shift to electric, autonomous and shared mobility. Rivian vehicles will incorporate the company's cloud-based digital architecture, self-driving platform and advanced battery system. It has vehicle design and engineering operations in Michigan, technology and engineering in California and manufacturing facilities in Illinois. For more information visit www.rivian.com. CONTACT: Laura Wight, 212-300-1813, lwight@apcoworldwide.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rivian-welcomes-business-leaders-from-bloomington-normal-and-mclean-county-illinois-to-tour-its-plymouth-michigan-operations-300632551.html SOURCE Rivian [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] Anchorage, Alaska, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska announced today that it has received a Brand Excellence Award from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA). The annual awards honor Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies that excel in developing and enhancing the overall BCBS brand image. Nearly 106 million Americans trust the Blue Cross and Blue Shield brand with providing reliable, high-quality health care coverage to them and their families, said Scott P. Serota, BCBSA president and CEO. We are proud to recognize those BCBS companies that have exceeded member expectations and delivered exceptional service to the communities they serve. Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska received the Brand Excellence Award in the Member Retention category for having an especially high percentage of members renew their coverage over the past year in the state. Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska currently serves 163,000 members. We are focused on making healthcare work better for our customers, said Jim Grazko, President of Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska. Were excited to accept this Brand Excellence Award for member retention as it reinforces our commitment toward making the customers experience simple and easy." This marks the 23rd year that BCBSA has presented Brand Excellence Awards to recognize BCBS companies nationwide in categories that promote the BCBS brand, including attracting new customers, fostering loyalty among existing customers and brand innovation. Available for interviews Jim Grazko President, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska About Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska, which has operated in Alaska since 1952, is a not-for-profit, independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. Premera and its family of companies provide comprehensive health benefits and tailored services to approximately 2 million people, from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. About the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide health care coverage for one in three Americans. BCBSA provides health care insights through The Health of America Report series and the national BCBS Health Index. For more information on BCBSA and its member companies, please visit bcbs.com. We also encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out our blog. TORONTO, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Datametrex AI Limited (the Company or Datametrex) (TSXV:DM) (FSE:D4G) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Ronin Blockchain Corp., has begun mining a combination of alt coins such as Zcash, Zcoin and Monero as well as Ethereum in both its Quebec and China locations. Ronin looks to maximize its 150 MW capacity in China and is also in discussion with a number of industry strategic partners that see the value in this massive footprint. The China jurisdiction along with the support from our partner GoSun has tremendous advantages and economies of scale. This footprint is one of the largest in the cryptocurrency mining sector today and should give Ronin key advantages, says Michael Frank, CEO of Ronin Blockchain. About Ronin Blockchain Corp. Ronin Blockchain Corp., is a wholly owned subsidiary of Datametrex AI Limited. Ronins business model is based on a centralized AI powered mining platform to operate a geo-diversified footprint of industrial scale Blockchain mining operations. Ronin has the potential to deploy state of the art mining capability across high value mining locations in North America, Asia and Europe from a centralized command center to maximize efficiency and profitability for GPU-based mining. Additionally, Ronin will also investigate further use of its expertise in software development and Artificial Intelligence algorithms to develop future revenue streams within the Blockchain space. About the Company Datametrex AI Limited is a technology focused company with exposure to four exciting verticals. Big Data, collecting data from retail point of sale environments, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through its wholly owned subsidiary, Nexalogy ( www.nexalogy.com ). Implementing Blockchain technology for secure Data Transfers through its joint venture company, Graph Blockchain ( www.graphblockchain.com ). and Industrial Scale Cryptocurrency Mining through its wholly owned subsidiary, Ronin Blockchain Corp. ( www.roninblockchain.com ). Additional information on Datametrex is available at: www.datametrex.com To stay informed about Datametrex, please join our Investor Group on 8020 Connect http://bit.ly/2fPUNwF for all upcoming news releases, articles comments and questions. For further information, please contact: Michael Frank- CEO, Ronin Blockchain Corp. Phone: (416) 482-3282 ext.225 Email: mfrank@datametrex.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws, including statements regarding the timing and completion of any blockchain related activities as the subsidiary is newly incorporated and has no current operations. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance or results, since it involves risks and uncertainties. There is no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in forward-looking statements. Some of the factors on which the forward-looking statements are premised include (but are not limited to) the lack of material changes to general economic, market and business conditions. Except as required by law, the Corporation does not assume and expressly renounces any obligation to update any forward-looking information, which is only applicable on the date on which it is given. A 26-year-old Kearney man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for having sex with a minor at a Claycomo fire station. Scott Pelc, who listed an address in the 400 block of Porter Street, was sentenced Friday to two consecutive five-year terms in prison for having sex with a 15-year-old. Kansas City firefighter accused of spitting on child working desk duty job A Kansas City firefighter accused of spitting on a 3-year-old child is back on the job. Social media reaction to this reinstatement has been harsh and seemingly already convicts this local 1st responder before his day in court. Checkit: Witness Kansas City East Side Fountain Presser Party For This Year's Springtime Ritual, Kansas City Leaders Celebrate One Fountain's Makeover Singing "freedom is coming soon," members of the Paseo Academy choir serenaded a small crowd at the Spirit of Freedom fountain Tuesday morning. "There's two things for me that signify springtime. One is opening day for the Royals, and the other is turning on the fountains in Kansas City," said Kansas City Parks and Recreation board commissioner Allen Dillingham. Fear The Cowtown Skies??? Southwest plane involved in engine blow out was in Kansas City recently KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Southwest Airlines plane that suffered an engine blow out Tuesday and made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport had serviced Kansas City passengers at least three times since April 6. Today's Blaze Along The Toy Train Line Fire breaks out at abandoned building at 19th, Main Kansas City firefighters responded to a fire on the third floor of a vacant building near 19th and Main streets. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Kansas City Hiring Spree Sprint Venture Group will add 1,000 jobs in downtown Kansas City - Kansas City Business Journal The insurance company initially planned to lease 150,000 square feet at Twelve Wyandotte Plaza through next year. Instead, rapid growth has the company planning to lease 170,000 square feet by early spring next year, and it has reserved 40,000 square feet on a couple of additional floors. Buy Local In Brookside New Brookside Whole Foods location brings local product to the shelves KANSAS CITY, Mo. - As the mystery opening date for the new Kansas City, Missouri, Whole Foods approaches, 41 Action News wanted to know what local products will be on the shelves. Whole Foods said they pride themselves on supporting local business, and team leaders at the new Brookside location said there will be plenty of local products in the store. Kansas City Double Take Seg. 1: Is Kansas City Safe From Cyberattacks? Seg. 2: Urban Design, Gardens And Climate Change. In light of recent cyberattacks in Atlanta and Baltimore, data security is becoming a larger focus of municipal governments across the country. Today, we looked at Kansas City's own data security, and some of the measures the city has taken to protect against ransomware and other harmful technologies. Downtown KCMO Great Cause Rightfully Sewn stitches 'United Nations of Sewing' concept in Crossroads A new studio space in the heart of Kansas City's creative community will thread the needle for expanding capacity for Rightfully Sewn to help diverse, at-risk women, as well as support its nonprofit mission, said Jennifer Lapke. We're shameless in our lust for all of the important Kansas City news stories. However this bit of international celeb family drama inspired a quick peek:She's 47 & keeping it tight . . . Also, her bikini promo is a big part of Internets publicity for her fashion line. And so the youngster could be biting the bikini that feeds him.News closer to home . . .And this is thefor right now . . . "House Speaker Todd Richardson (R), House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr (R), and House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo (R) are all calling for the resignation of Gov. Eric Greitens (R). " At the outset of this process, we said the governor needed to be forthright and accountable for his actions. After thoughtful consideration of the findings in the House committees report and todays news that the Attorney General has evidence to support another felony charge, we believe the governor needs to take responsibility for his actions. Leaders at all levels of government are entrusted with an incredible responsibility to the Missourians we represent. When leaders lose the ability to effectively lead our state, the right thing to do is step aside. In our view, the time has come for the governor to resign. CNN hot take: How the heck is Eric Greitens still the governor of Missouri? Greitens Commentary from Kansas City, MO Rep. Judy Morgan (D) Jackson County Conspiracy Theory in their latest mailer The chorus demanding the Missouri Guv to do the right thing has grown even louder this evening . . .Their statement:#########Of course the Guv has refused.Closer to midtown, here's a word on the topic from our local Missouri reps & politicos . . .I'm sick and tired of these "Family Values" politicians like Greitens who talk one way and act another way. On the campaign trail, Greitens proclaimed, " I'm Eric Greitens, I'm a Navy Seal, native Missourian, and most importantly, a proud husband and father." And yet, he admitted to cheating on his wife. In my book "Family Values" includes being faithful to your spouse and Greitens failed that test.However, his transgression of an extramarital affair pales in comparison to what really happened between Greitens and Witness 1 (his victim). My heart goes out to this woman who suffered sexual assault inflicted upon her by the governor. Like I've already publicly stated - I believe her.However, I also feel sorry for Sheena Greitens and her children. Knowing that your husband cheated on you is bad enough, but having all these sordid details plastered all over the media has to be gut-wrenching. The British Broadcasting Company even covered the governor's scandal.I wholeheartedly agree with our Minority Leader Gail McCann Beatty. She said: "The sworn testimony of Eric Greitens' victim is credible; the denials of Eric Greitens are not. If he will not act honorably and resign, then the House must initiate impeachment proceedings. That process must begin now, not weeks or months from now.""There are credible rumors thatWe don't want to spread fake news; this report comes from a well known source in Jefferson City politics and got picked up by national media. It also is consistent with Greitens' well document history of bullying other office holders."#############Developing . . . Fox4: "There have been six bank robberies so far this month, five in the past week alone, in the metro. That has the local FBI office investigating." "The uptick in bank robberies the metro has seen recently is definitely concerning, and it's keeping FBI agents very busy as they try to connect the dots to see if these crimes are related." Despite the economic gains under the current administration, some locals are looking for cash in a hurry and their efforts might be more organized than news watchers suspect.Checkit:Nevertheless, whilst violent holdups are captivating . . .And that's why this blog's investment strategy is long on crypto . . .Developing . . . According to a statement released by the Jackson County Sheriffs Department, Sharp takes full responsibility for his actions. I allowed my judgment as Sheriff and my obligations to Jackson County be clouded because of my feelings for someone I cared very deeply for in the past, said Sharp in the statement. I am accountable for my actions. This was a personal failing and is entirely my responsibility. Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Bakers office was first made aware of the misconduct and Sharps involvement in a civil case against the county last year. My office was notified in late 2017 by the county counselor of concerns regarding a pending civil action involving the Sheriff, Peters Baker said in a statement issued this afternoon. We contacted a law enforcement agency and began our own investigation into the matter. We also closely monitored the on-going civil litigation involving Jackson County. While the allegations that have come to light are extremely troubling, todays resignation satisfies the states interest regarding a potential quo warranto action to remove the Sheriff from office. We will continue to monitor this matter and take any appropriate action in the future. Here's an open "secret" exploited by political enemies amid election season.Gossip about an alleged affair came upin TKC blog comments and nothing came of it. And then, credit where it's due, dox touting the drama were pushed to local media and became relevant as the Courthouse devolved into chaos over the past year.but Sheriff Sharp benefited from the "friendly" administration of disgraced former Exec Mike Sanders.This would be more important if anybody really cared or thought about Jackson County prior to property tax time . . . OR if anybody but a small clique of Democratic Party politicos knew Sheriff Sharp.MSM:Developing . . . Greek Americans have always been a very active community in the United States reinforcing the historic ties between the two nations and certainly boosting tourist inflows over the years LOS ANGELES The 12th Annual Los Angeles Greek Film Festival (LAGFF) will be held on June 6-10 at the landmark Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles. The five-day Festival celebrates the best of new films from Greek filmmakers worldwide and promotes Greek cinema and cultural exchange while bridging the gap between the filmmakers and Hollywood. This year, a record number, over 175, films were submitted, with subjects ranging from immigration and economy collapse to documentaries about the beauty and history of Greece. Special Orpheus Awards are given to the most outstanding new films in the dramatic, documentary, and short film category. The theme of this years Orpheus Awards is The Academy of Greeks, paying tribute to Greek artists who have received an Academy Award or Oscar nomination since 1935. All Awards presenters will be female to reflect LAGFF support of the #TimesUp movement. The Closing Night feature film precedes the star-studded Awards Ceremony which will be followed by a Greek feast under the Hollywood stars at the Egyptian courtyard. The Best Supporting Actor of West Side Story, George Chakiris, will be one of the honorees this year with actress Rita Moreno presenting his Award. Tentative LAGFF Events Schedule: June 4 Soft Opening at UCLA (TBA) June 6 Red Carpet Opening Night Film & Gala with a special performance by singer-songwriter Ariana Savalas June 7 Film Screenings June 8 Film Screenings and Retrospective June 9 Film Screenings and Filmmakers Brunch June 10 Red Carpet Closing Night Film, Orpheus Awards Ceremony & Gala LAGFF is a 501 (3) non-profit organization and open to all filmgoers and patrons of the arts. The full program schedule and tickets are available at www.lagff.org Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Los Angeles Greek Film Festival Source: thenationalherald.com Washington, DC, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today the Neighborhood Reinvestment Corp., dba NeighborWorks America, announced it will award $65 million in flexible grants to 242 nonprofit organizations, all members of the national NeighborWorks network. This fiscal-year (FY) 2018 grant funding (appropriated through Public Law 115-141- the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2018) will provide these organizations with much-needed resources to further NeighborWorks America's vision of making every community in the country a place of opportunity. With the generous support of Congress, NeighborWorks America is proud to award these grants to NeighborWorks network organizations throughout all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia to provide affordable housing opportunities, build strong neighborhoods and create jobs. Through our strong investment in our network, we franchise excellence throughout our nearly 250 organizations, said NeighborWorks Americas interim President and CEO Jeffrey Bryson. A strong indicator of the value of these grants is that in FY17, we leveraged $59 of other investments for every $1 provided by Congress to NeighborWorks America resulting in a direct investment of $8.3 billion in communities across the country. In FY17, NeighborWorks America and the NeighborWorks network provided more than 455,000 housing and counseling services, including: Loutro (from the Greek bath) is a small and picturesque fishing village on the southern coast of the Chania Prefecture in the west of Crete, greekreporter.com notes in a recent article adding that it lies between the town of Chora Sfakion and the coastal village of Agia Roumeli, known for being the exit to the Samaria Gorge. The History of Loutro This tiny bay attracts visitors due to the many ancient baths that have been found in the area. It is also the site of the ancient city of Phoenix (today Finikas) which used to be the port of the old Anopolis, higher up in the mountains. And it was a rather significant harbor during Classic times. As years passed, Loutro also functioned as the port that the region of Sfakia would use during the winter. Its natural shape offered great protection during bad weather conditions. The area of Loutro was also a shelter used by Saracen pirates. These would find refuge in the bay from where they attacked ships passing by. When the Venetians managed to conquer the port, they constructed a small fortress which ruins are still visible. There are also the remains of a later Turkish fortress in the hills of Loutro. How to get to Loutro There are not many ways to access the bay of Loutro. Boats run several times daily from the nearby city of Chora Sfakion, reaching the village in about 30 minutes. It is also possible to arrive hiking along the coastal mountain road from Chora Sfakion. The trail passes over some of the most inaccessible but picturesque beaches of the Libyc sea. What to Do in Loutro The village is famous for the tranquility and rather limited nocturnal life. Other than spending the day swimming its turquoise waters, Loutro has a great local cuisine. Seaside tavernas offer a wide range of fresh fish dishes usually, the catch of the day cooked right after you have made your choice. The ones who would opt for more active adventures elect to hike in the scenic mountains, reaching places of unique beauty, such as the upper village of Anopolis or the different bays along the coast. As Loutro is worldwide famous for its crystal clear waters, the strip of coast is rather narrow making it difficult at times to find a free spot on the pebbles. For this reason, many board one of the local taxi boats to visit the different solitary beaches around. Nearby Beaches Among these beaches, Perivolakia and Timio Stavros are totally solitary and rather small. They have a rocky coast while the transparent waters combine with the sparkling white pebbles. Marmara Marmara is also known as Dialiskari beach. This spectacular secluded bay of pebbles is situated very near the exit of the gorge of Aradena, 5 km west of Loutro. Here is where the ones hiking the Aradena Gorge rest before continuing on their path. Marmara is a term that stands for marbles, and it is the name the beach gets due to colorful rocks and sea caves in the place. Since there are no roads, it is possible to get to Marmara there either with a boat or walking from Loutro (about 60 minutes). There is one small tavern near the beach as well as umbrellas. Glyka Nera The best-known of the beaches near Loutro is Glyka Nera (meaning sweet water). This spot is popular due to the wide extension of sand mixed with pebbles, the impressive deep blue of its waters, and the shady tamarisk trees. The beach lies between Chora Sfakion and Loutro and it became known when, in 2003, London Times included Glyka Nera in the list of the 20 Best Beaches in Europe. Very much like everywhere on the southern coast of Crete, seawater is generally cold because of the springs, even during midsummer. Its name makes reference to the natural sources of drinkable water to be found gushing from the pebbles. Nevertheless, those deciding to take a day trip to Glyka Nera should overlook the fact that after a very dry season, springs can be completely dry. In summer a tavern built on the water sells food and cold drinks. Access to Glyka Near is normally by boat, but adventurers can also enjoy the path departing from Chora Sfakion (about 30 minutes). It is not odd to find goats on the way and even to sunbathe with them on the beach. The trail beginning in Loutro takes about an hour instead. Despite many describe the path as too near the edge of the mountain, the road is part of the European E4 footpath, therefore safe and well conserved by the local authorities. Ferries run daily connecting Loutro to nearby cities and to Agia Roumeli, the exit-point of the Samarian Gorge. Here you can read more about the southern beaches of Crete. Source: Gabi Ancarola/greekreporter Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Maesi64 License: CC-BY-SA On Tuesday, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will be visiting the remote Greek island of Kastellorizo to inaugurate two new desalination plants that will produce 400 cubic meters of water per day, which will meet the daily needs of the islands residents. Mr. Tsipras will then travel to Rhodes, where he will address the 13th Regional Development Conference of the Southern Aegean. Kastellorizo will become a self-sufficient island in terms of water supply, and will not depend on the transport of water by ship, especially during summer months, Deputy Minister for Shipping and Island Policy Nektarios Santorinios noted. The minister also stressed that for the first time, self-sufficiency of potable water is achieved, and the cost per cubic meter is reduced to around 1/5 of the price that the Greek State had been paying up to now for the transport of water by ships. Read more here. RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons Copyright: Enpatrais License: CC-BY-SA Source: int.ert.gr Damac Hotels & Resorts, the hospitality arm of luxury real estate developer Damac Properties, sees Expo 2020 Dubai as an opportunity to go beyond the current 13,000 keys being developed, and to reach 15,000 keys by 2021, said its chairman. Today, Dubai is one of the most visited cities in the world and as it gears up to welcome over 20 million visitors leading up to Dubai Expo 2020, the industry has completely shifted gears with more than 29,000 hotel rooms in 95 projects currently at different stages of construction, remarked Hussain Sajwani. Damac Hotels & Resorts will be present at Arabian Travel Market 2018, running from April 25 to 28 in Dubai, UAE, a leading global event for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry for the last 25 years. The event generates more than $2.5 billion of travel industry deals. The most interesting aspect of Dubais hospitality sector is that one size does not fit all. While measurable sector growth is calculated in terms of room volumes and revenue, travellers finding unique destination experiences are what define long-term success in any market, Sajwani said. Dubai and the UAE have successfully found a formula to consistently deliver unique experiences for tourists, and the numbers verify this as well - Dubai visitors occupied 29.2 million room nights last year, up more than one million from the year before. Sajwani explained that when Damac Hotels & Resorts was founded six years ago, it was established to create at-home experiences for travellers by providing luxury hotel stays that combine the comfort of home. Damac Maison Royale The Distinction which launched last September, is the perfect example of an ultra-luxury, five-star hotel apartment offering which makes visitors feel at home while creating a luxury experience based on the finest services, he said. Dubai is also a preferred destination for visitors from neighbouring countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, who prefer Sharia-compliant amenities. Damac responded by introducing the Ghalia brand, offering the first certified Sharia-compliant serviced luxury hotel apartments. By constantly creating innovative offerings and experiences, Damac continues to attract investors and end-users for its hospitality products, said Sajwani. TradeArabia News Service Leading legal firm Al Tamimi & Company said it had played a key role in helping Bahrain's Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) draft the implementing regulations in line with Law 27 of 2017 concerning the Promulgation of the Real Estate Sector Regulation Law. Rera was established in October last year to improve real estate regulation throughout Bahrain and stimulate investment opportunities within the sector. The board of directors was constituted with Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa appointed as the chief executive officer. Lauding the company's work, Sheikh Mohammed said: "Al Tamimi have worked tirelessly with Rera since their appointment in drafting the resolutions and providing their legal and regional experience. The Authority looks forward to continuing to work with Al Tamimi in the years to come." The new law, together with the resolutions, will provide comprehensive legislation for the real estate sector in Bahrain. The establishment of Rera creates the necessary government authority to implement the law, with such regulation providing greater structure to and confidence in the real estate market. Tara Marlow, a partner and head of Al Tamimis Real Estate practice, said: "The real estate sector in Bahrain is continuing to develop and mature. We are delighted to be part of this important project and the exciting future of Bahrains real estate market." Foutoun Hajjar, partner and head of office at Bahrain, congratulating Rera on its successful operational launch on March 1, said: "Al Tamimi looks forward to supporting the authority with continued efforts to enhance efficiency and further stability in the real estate sector."-TradeArabia News Service Dubai Investments, a leading, diversified investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, has unveiled its new corporate logo and brand identity in line with its futuristic growth vision across the UAE, regionally and internationally. This comes as part of the companys strategy to align its diversified business portfolio into different industry verticals real estate; direct investments; building materials and construction and others, including education and healthcare sectors, said a statement from the company. The new logo also echoes Dubai Investments strategic roadmap on sustained investments that transcends sectors and geographies in an evolving business landscape, it stated. Khalid Bin Kalban, the managing director and CEO, said the company was invest in its capabilities to continue its success. "The new identity builds on the companys strong brand equity by integrating its businesses, highlighting the synergy across its subsidiaries and strengthening its uniqueness through enhanced value creation, aligned to its futuristic vision," he noted. "Over the last 23 years, the company not only invested in diversified sectors but also unveiled innovative concepts and developed the businesses to build a strong portfolio. Now is the time for Dubai Investments to target new growth horizons by prioritizing focus sectors as well as markets as part of its envisioned goal to become a global company," he added.-TradeArabia News Service KPMG Al Fozan & Partners, a leading provider of audit, tax, and advisory services, has announced plans to create more than 700 jobs over the next five years with special focus on Saudi nationals. The company has achieved significant growth in its audit, tax, and advisory business and expects to make a similar increase in the upcoming years from both public and private sectors that will use professional firms to help them transform their businesses to keep pace with the changes in the countrys economy. Abdullah Al Fozan, the chairman of KPMG MESA and KPMG in Saudi Arabia, said the group is witnessing record growth in the kingdom due to the increasing demand for its services by both the private and public sector, with a particular focus on advisory. "In line with the current stress of the government, the KPMG Chairman expressed confidence" that growth will continue to increase during the next five years," he noted. Al Fozan said KPMG was looking to recruit highly qualified nationals to fill professional roles. At the end of the first quarter of this year, there were about 1,200 employees in KPMG in Saudi Arabia of which over 500 were Saudi nationals. "KPMG plans to add at least 700 professionals over the next five years to meet the expected growth in business. In line with this plan, we have moved into new spacious offices in Jeddah and Khobar. KPMG has already signed a lease agreement for a new office complex in Riyadh," he added. Moreover, Al Fozan pointed out that the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) at the beginning of this year was an important landmark for the kingdom that the Saudis should take advantage of, as this opens up huge opportunities for professionals and others. "In the long run, we are confident that VAT will benefit everyone and create huge employment opportunities for Saudis, both in public and private sectors. The employment opportunities will be in the areas of accounting, IT design & implementation, tax advice and to work as Tax Inspectors in GAZT," he added.-TradeArabia News Service Turkey will be hosting its first luxury yacht charter show on the Turkish Riviera next month, sponsored by Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum. The first TYBA Yacht Charter Show will take place from May 3 to 6 at Yalkavak Marina, an exclusive hub for megayachts close to the towns historic heart, and expects to attract yachting enthusiasts from across the Eastern Mediterranean. We are delighted to have formed a partnership with this prestigious event, not least because, as a waterfront property, we feel a strong affinity with the sea, said Makis Antonatos, general manager of Caresse, Bodrum. A number of our guests have used the marinas moorings for their own vessels; we can also charter gulets, boats and yachts for families who wish to explore the secluded coves and bays that surround this scenic region. Resting upon rolling hills on a tranquil peninsula, Caresse, Bodrum is a distinguished boutique destination for discerning travellers. Stylish design-led decor, superlative service and jaw-dropping Aegean views elevate the guest experience, leaving lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come. Caresse, Bodrum is deservedly popular with holidaymakers from the Arabian Gulf, many of whom choose to spend time on a private cruise. The hotel has seven vessels available for charter, including the Sunseeker XS 2000 speedboat featured in James Bond film Casino Royale; a stunning 32-metre superyacht and even a traditional Turkish gulet, handcrafted in wood using age-old techniques. - TradeArabia News Service Etihad Cargo and the International Fund for Houbara Conservation (IFHC), one of the worlds leading conservation programmes, recently transported a shipment of more than 100 vulnerable Houbara bustards for release into their natural habitats. In the past three years, the partnership between the two organisations has led to the successful relocation and integration into the wild of more than 3,000 Houbara across the world. The venture, which is part of the Sheikh Khalifa Houbara Reintroduction Programme, began in 2014, when the two organisations signed a partnership agreement. In 2017 alone, more than 2,000 birds were transported safely to countries in Asia and North Africa, which have more hospitable environments, thereby increasing the birds long-term survival. The Houbara are bred in centres in Abu Dhabi managed by IFHC and then released into their natural habitat in countries across the world. IFHC has developed protocols based on ground breaking ecology on the breeding and release of the Houbara, and every release site is studied to ensure the birds have the optimal chance of survival. Justin Carr, vice president of Etihad Cargo, said: Our motto is From Abu Dhabi to the world and it is literally the case with our partnership with IFHC. It is an honour to be able to safely transport the Houbara to countries where they can thrive, and play a small part in Abu Dhabis project of restoring this iconic species in the wild. Etihad Cargo has a strong record of safely transporting animals around the world be it returning vulnerable or endangered species to their natural habitat or reuniting pets with their families. Commenting on the partnership, Mohammed Saleh Al Baidani, director-general of IFHC, said: The range of the Houbara stretches from Morocco to Mongolia, so it is critical that we are able to move the birds from Abu Dhabi to countries across the species range safely and securely. Etihad Cargo has proved itself in terms of destinations and security, and together we are helping restore the iconic Houbara to countries where it has been in historic decline. It is another example of how Abu Dhabi is leading the way, both in conservation and commerce. Abu Dhabis Houbara programme was initiated over 40 years ago by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, to restore sustainable wild populations of the species to the areas of the world where they were under threat of extinction. In that time, it has developed into the worlds leading Houbara conservation programme. Etihad Cargo receives the Houbara at the Live Animals facility at Abu Dhabi International Airport. The climate in the aircraft hold is adjusted to the ideal level to ensure the birds comfort during the flight. As is standard when transporting live animals, the Houbara are the last to be loaded onto the aircraft and the first to be offloaded. In 2016, Etihad Airways signed the Buckingham Palace Declaration, as a demonstration of support for the prevention of trade in illegal wildlife. The UAE is signatory to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and the airline provides the necessary support to help ensure that wildlife controlled under Cites is not carried unless the necessary paperwork is in order. While the transport of Houbara is usually prohibited under Cites, permission is granted on this occasion in support of an official conservation programme. - TradeArabia News Service Monday, United Way of North Carolina, which manages the statewide NC 2-1-1 information and referral system, and Unite Us, a leading care coordination platform that enab-les health care and social services to seamlessly work together, announced the launch of a joint product offering to support public, private and nonprofit organizations addressing the social determinants of health in North Carolina. The offering will expand NC 2-1-1s state-wide information and referral systems community resource directory and call centers by combining them with Unite Us care coordination and outcome tracking software. The solution will digitally connect 2-1-1 with providers across the state, enabling public, private and nonprofit organizations to more efficiently work together. These collaborative networks will support North Carolinians by ensuring that co-occurring needs have been met, while also gaining complete visibility into the entire health journey of each patient. Through this joint offering, service organizations and individuals in need will have access to a growing network of community providers (clinical and non-clinical). The network of providers will facilitate collaboration through secure electronic referrals, and track every client interaction, service delivered and outcome occurring between agencies. The integrated solution will equip health systems, health plans, government agencies and most importantly local communities across the state to efficiently manage and address the social determinants of health in their community. Our goal is to launch a next-generation information and referral system leveraging the existing NC 2-1-1 infrastructure with the Unite Us technology to provide a social infrastructure supporting health care and human services across the state. This new tool will connect people to resources to meet their social determinants of health needs and track care outcomes, said Laura Marx, president and CEO of United Way North Carolina. We are excited to launch this first of its kind model that will transform traditional information and referral across the country. We also want to reassure North Caro-linians who wish to self-serve that we will continue to offer an avenue that maintains their confidentiality. NC 2-1-1 is the state-wide information and referral system providing residents in all 100 counties access to health and social services resources. With the health care industrys transition to value-based care models, leaders are looking for health systems to further integrate with community organizations, making this infrastructure critical for seamless integration of service delivery. Traditional information and referral has been used for decades to connect individuals in need to services but has typically fallen short when it comes to tracking outcomes. Through this combined offering, health systems and community-based organizations will seamlessly connect clients to services, track external progress and outcomes, and gain complete visibility into the full journey of each client they serve. This fully integrated system ensures no individual falls through the cracks, improves outcomes and has the potential to significantly reduce costs across the state. There is a massive shift occurring within the health care sector, which mirrors a sea-change in government and philanthropic grants. Providers and grantees increasingly must prove their impact on patients and communities. Without capturing patient outcomes, there is no way to measure progress or meet government and fiduciary requirements, said Taylor Justice, president and co-founder at Unite Us. This partnership is a testament to NC 2-1-1s leadership, recognizing this shift and developing the infrastructure North Carolina needs to best serve its population. Incumbent District Attorney Greg Newman is facing a challenge from Mary Hollocker in the Republican primary. No Democrat filed to run. Mary Ann Hollocker Age: 49 Family: Husband, a daughter and son. Occupation: Henderson County Magistrate; professor at local four-year college. Education: Bachelor of science from Loyola Chicago; J.D. from Golden Gate University. Prior Political Experience: None What have you done/will do to accelerate the time cases are handled through the court system? Hollocker: I will have the Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) review dockets and court files ahead of time to prepare for court. The ADA should be fully aware of what cases are on the docket prior to coming into the courtroom. I will have victim witness counselors set up interviews for the assigned ADAs with victims and witnesses prior to court. ADAs will be required to talk to law enforcement prior to trial both for input and to aid in trial preparation. I will create a better hierarchy within the office so that seasoned attorneys are supervising less experienced attorneys. I will work toward limiting cases being continued over and over. I will require ADAs meet with defense counsel outside of court to discuss and negotiate cases. How could the costs of district/superior court be reduced? Hollocker: Better efficiency in the DA's office would lead to a reduction in costs in both District and Superior Courts. If ADAs would review the cases and work to resolve the cases with defense counsel prior to the court date, this would alleviate congestion in the courtroom and thereby cut down on costs. If cases can be resolved in Superior Court prior to trial, this would cut down on the costs of jury trials. With an open office citizens can come and resolve certain types of traffic citations without having to sit in traffic court for hours at a time, again reducing court congestion. What can be done to reduce the rate of recidivism? Hollocker:I will request higher bonds for people who commit additional crimes while out on bond. I will request sentences that are calculated to deter future criminal conduct. I will advocate for specialized courts, such as drug court, to deal with the root of the problem. Drug court would be for nonviolent offenders who are committing crimes because of their addiction. Drug court is not for drug dealers. I would reduce the dismissal rate and make use of deferred prosecutions rather than just dismiss a case. What do you see as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any? Hollocker: That depends on the definition of justice. When courts are ineffective, that is an obstacle. When there is a lack of interest in cases and empathy for the victims, that is an obstacle. Inexperienced ADAs who have no mentors or supervisors are an obstacle because they are ineffective. Lack of transparency in the District Attorney's Office is a huge obstacle, arising from the lack of communication between law enforcement, victims and other agencies What have you done/will do to improve coordination with law enforcement and the clerk of courts? Hollocker: I will work hard to improve the relationship between the Clerk's Office and the DA's Office. I have a strong relationship with law enforcement and I will continue to foster that relationship. I will have meetings with the clerk and law enforcement supervisors to ensure that our offices are communicating and address any problems as soon as they are brought to my attention. I will make sure that my staff and I are available to all agencies and the public. What can the district attorney do outside of the courtroom to improve the judicial system? Hollocker: Communicate with the legislature to advocate for necessary resources for the DA's Office. Coordinate with law enforcement in trainings regarding changes in laws and practice to benefit all offices. I will make sure ADAs are trained in all areas of criminal law. Participate in PSAs and educate the public about the judicial system. What is your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? Hollocker: I think my greatest accomplishment to date is the fact that I have earned the confidence of local law enforcement such that they asked me to run for District Attorney. Their faith and support in me throughout this process has been very encouraging. Regardless of the outcome in this race, this process has been a learning experience. What is your position on plea bargaining and when should it be used? Hollocker: Plea bargaining, a practice approved by the courts, is sometimes a necessary part of the judicial process. Plea bargaining is used to reduce the caseload in both District and Superior Courts. It is appropriate in some cases if both the law enforcement officer and the victim have been consulted and consent to the agreement. Greg Newman Age: 56 Family: Wife, Kim, and three children Occupation: District Attorney for Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties since 2013. Education: UNC Asheville and the University of Dayton School of Law. Prior political experience: Mayor of Hendersonville 2005-2009; candidate for Congress 2010. What have you done/will do to accelerate the time cases are handled through the court system? Newman: Since taking office as the District Attorney in 2013, my office has significantly reduced the time between the arrest of a defendant and the disposition of the case. This is especially true in the cases of those in custody with our county jails. What I found was that some cases were ready to be prosecuted, but were continued multiple times for a variety of reasons - some legitimate, others not so much. Some cases were on hold because forensic evidence being tested in the state crime lab was not complete. Some cases were delayed due to mental illness issues requiring the defendants to be hospitalized until they could be evaluated. What I have done, however, is to assemble a team of lawyers that is experienced and aggressive in trying cases before a judge or jury. This practice has resulted in successful verdicts, guilty pleas, substantial prison sentences, and much needed closure for our victims of crime. How could the costs of district/superior court be reduced? Newman: The best way to reduce, or to at least maintain, the current levels of funding is to resist efforts to burden our courts with "programs" that do everything for criminals except hold them accountable for their crimes. We are not trained in my office to be social workers, but we take an oath to prosecute criminal acts that occur in our three-county district. Coddling criminals by offering pathways to programs and benefits that ignore the criminal acts jeopardize the safety of our communities and undermine respect for the rule of law. What can be done to reduce the rate of recidivism? Newman: Recidivism rates can be reduced when judges sentence defendants to active prison sentences. North Carolina law allows too many defendants to be placed on probation, thereby providing an inadequate consequence to criminal activity. Also, crimes such as breaking and entering and larceny need to carry greater penalties. The opioid epidemic is a problem in all communities and this addictive behavior is responsible for much of the property crimes in the area. I am part of the community efforts in all three counties in my district to develop strategies to address the opioid crisis. What do you see as the greatest obstacles to justice, if any? Newman: The greatest obstacle to achieving justice is having adequate court dates for our Superior Court trials. As District Attorney, I have requested and been granted additional time for Superior Court in all three counties. But our area continues to grow and the demand for court time grows as well. To keep pace with the seriousness of the cases we face, additional dates for our jury trials will be necessary to avoid undue delay, especially for our victims. What have you done/will do to improve coordination with law enforcement and the clerk of courts? Newman: I enjoy good relationships with both Sheriff Mahoney and Police Chief Phil Harris. Our lines of communication are open and I value their help and friendship. Likewise, the relationship with the clerk's office is strong and I appreciate and respect the work they perform. The people of Brevard and Transylvania County should be very proud of the high level of law enforcement protection and service by your Clerk of Superior Court. What can the district attorney do outside of the courtroom to improve the judicial system? Newman: As DA, I am very active in all three counties I serve. I meet with business owners, local pastors, school officials, medical providers, etc. to provide some level of insight to the court system. More importantly, I believe, is to be involved in the community to help improve the lives of those who are struggling in some way so that coming into the court system is an experience that can be avoided. For instance, I am part of various local groups formed to address the issues of domestic violence, child abuse, opioid and other substance addictions, mental illness, education and unemployment. I am most gratified with my association to First Contact Addiction Ministries, which is a faith-based organization that can provide long-term addiction care for those persons serious about breaking free from drug abuse. What is your greatest accomplishment in your legal career? Greg Newman Newman: I have been practicing law for 28 years and have had a great variety of experiences along the way. I have practiced in both the private and public sectors and have enjoyed successes in both. I have met both interesting and wonderful people who have experienced some type of traumatic event in their life and who are faced with the intervention of our court system. My greatest accomplishment, however, is not a particular case or verdict, but the fact that I have a professional reputation of being honest and competent at my work. While I have to seek the approval of voters, my greatest desire is to honor God with my life, irrespective of any position I may hold. What is your position on plea bargaining and when it should be used? Newman: Plea bargaining is an effective way to resolve many cases as long as a just result is achieved. It is also an inappropriate outcome in other cases. When a plea agreement is reached, a defendant must appear before a judge and admit his or her guilt, which is significant. We usually enter into plea agreements when the evidence is lacking in some way or if a just outcome can be reached in lieu of a trial. My assistant DAs consider each case carefully before entering into agreements, and in many cases I will not approve plea agreements for the repeat and serious offenders. English French OTTAWA, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canadas unions are celebrating todays announcement by the Standing Committee on Health that recommends a single-payer, universal prescription drug plan for Canada. The recommendation came in its report Pharmacare Now: Prescription Medicine Coverage for all Canadians, tabled in the House of Commons today. Nearly 100 expert witnesses presented to the Committee, with the majority arguing that Canada needs universal, comprehensive, and publicly-administered prescription drug coverage. This announcement reinforces what weve heard at town hall meetings across the country: the current patchwork prescription drug system isnt working. This is a great first step that will hopefully lay the groundwork for implementation of universal pharmacare in Canada, said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. Last fall, the CLC launched a national campaign calling for universal pharmacare. Its pan-Canadian pharmacare town hall tour has so far visited 23 communities and garnered nearly 50,000 petition signatures and 7,000 emails to Members of Parliament. Over 3 million Canadians cant afford their prescriptions and many people have reported skipping doses or splitting pills to stretch out their prescriptions, said Yussuff. Everyone knows someone who cant afford to take their medication as directed. Canada is the only developed country in the world with a universal health care program that doesnt include a universal prescription drug plan. Coverage in Canada vastly differs depending on where you live. Earlier this year, the government committed to a pathway to establishing universal pharmacare in its federal budget. Nobody should have to choose between paying for groceries and paying for the medication they need. Thats why we need a pharmacare plan that covers all Canadians, regardless of their age, income or where they live or work, he said. For more information, please contact: Chantal St-Denis CLC Communications 613-355-1962 Email: cstdenis@clc-ctc.ca Transylvania County government has announced that the evaluation of the Norway Spruce tree at the courthouse is complete and the tree will remain a fixture on the courthouse site. We couldnt be more pleased with the outcome of the work of our project team developing the courthouse cupula project, including evaluation of the tree, Commission Chairman Larry Chapman said in a press release. Concerns were raised during construction planning about the health of the tree and what would be necessary regarding the landscaping in order to facilitate this important project for the historic structure. Now that we have recommendations in hand, we can make sure that both the historic courthouse building and the tree continue to be a central part of downtown Brevard. The project team employed Andrew Wagner, of Heartwood Tree Service, to evaluate the trees health now and long term prior to making a determination on how best to proceed with work scheduled to take place in late May and June, the release said. County staff were scheduled to address the courthouse cupula this year in the FY 18 budget, Assistant County Manager David McNeill said. Whenever we approach a project, we make sure that we conduct due diligence to assess impacts of the project and make sure that we have the best information available. Concerns about the trees current and long-term health, impact of the construction project, additional growth impact onto the side walk and the potential for the root system to encroach on the rock wall were in need of evaluation. The process included engaging both horticulture and arborist professionals to clearly understand the situation before making a recommendation just like we employ an architect with experience in historic buildings to guide the design plans. The recommendations from the arborist include regular pruning and treatments that will limit growth, so that it does not outgrow the area. Norway spruce trees can grow as tall as 70 to 90 feet, double the height the tree is currently, the release said. County staff is working to make sure that construction plans will not impact the tree, but some of the boxwoods will have to be removed to provide access to the cupula. A landscaping plan is in development for the courthouse project that will continue to add to the attractiveness of the courthouse building, County Manager Jaime Laughter said. The county has a huge responsibility as stewards of the historic building and being the center of our community activity. Our maintenance and grounds staff now has a plan in hand from the arborist that will give us a treatment protocol, so that we can make sure that this tree is there for more generations of our children all the time, but especially at Christmas. Staff made the right call pulling in expertise, and we are all pleased with the outcome. A rumor that a decision had already been made to remove the courthouse upset community members last week that had many on social media commenting and sending in letters to commissioners because the tree has become endeared to many over the years, the release said. While the reaction may have been premature, the concern over the tree encouraged our citizens to reach out and participate in government by letting their opinions be known, Chapman said. Seeing our citizens taking an interest in county government and exercising their voice is a good thing for our community because decisions are not always easy. Citizens should be informed and involved. Nearly 1,500 hotels in the U.S. have battled it out all year to be crowned the 'Most Wanted' properties worldwide in the Hotels.com Loved by Guests Awards 2018, where the judges are the guests themselves. Hotels.com believes that the way to find the 'Most Wanted' properties is to ask the customers themselves... so they did just that. Knowing that reviews are becoming even more influential than the official star ratings, Hotels.com looked at over 25 million Hotels.com guest reviews on the website to pick the winners. New York, Chicago and Houston topped the list of award-winning cities in the U.S., continuing their reign from last year. Additionally, travelers can check into award-winning properties in more than 500 towns and cities across the country. For travelers visiting the Big Apple, there are many Most Wanted properties to choose from with 20 properties receiving an average guest rating of 9.4 or higher. The Mark and The Library Hotel both received a 9.6 average guest rating, with Conrad New York and Hotel 50 Bowery not far behind with a 9.4. Chicago also boats properties that guests loved, with The Sono Chicago, The Peninsula Chicago and The Langham all receiving a 9.8 average guest rating. In Houston, travelers had some exciting options with the Hotel Granduca Houston and The Lancaster Hotel both receiving a 9.6 average guest rating. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, which received a 9.4, was another highly rated option. Top 5 Cities in the U.S. winning Loved by Guest Most Wanted Awards: New York - 20 hotels Chicago - 17 hotels Houston - 16 hotels Washington, D.C. - 11 hotels Austin, Texas - 11 hotels The competition was tough, with an astonishing 3,400 properties across 91 countries being identified as truly outstanding. The winning hotels had to receive a rating of 9.4 (out of 10) or above to be categorized as one of the world's 'Most Wanted' properties. Globally, the U.S. stormed ahead with 1,498 properties snapping up a 'Most Wanted' award, running away from the competition, with Italy (232), the UK (192), Canada (126) and Spain (101) making up the top five countries to scoop awards. While the U.S. had the most 'Most Wanted' hotels total by far, the awarded properties were widely spread across several cities in the states. The cities around the globe where travelers are most likely to check into a Most Wanted award-winning hotel are: Rome (39), Florence (38), London (36), Hanoi (36) and Venice (32) - with the Italians speeding away with three out of the top five cities. To bag the best deals on hotels in these top destinations, download the Hotels.com mobile app for access to Secret Prices. The Most Wanted More than 20 properties around the world received an outstanding '10 out of 10' in their reviews throughout the whole of 2017, an impressive golden record. The UK stole the show with six hotels receiving top marks, followed by five in the U.S. and two in the Czech Republic. Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Iceland, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Canada and Bali all had one hotel each with a perfect report. Best in Class Whether it's a pampering session, a sun lounger staycation or even a dollop of luxury you are looking for, Hotels.com Loved by Guests 'Top100' winners will have it all. With 1,000 properties across 10 categories, including - Luxury, Business, Boutique, LGBT, Beach, Ski, Family, Spa, New and All Inclusive, there will be no shortage of options when planning your next trip. These awards celebrate the best 100 in each group, so you can tailor any vacation to your every need. For all of your family travel needs, Paniolo Greens at Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii received an average guest rating of 9. The Maven at Dairy Block in Denver received a 9.2 average guest rating for its newness. For the perfect beach getaway, COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach in Miami Beach, Florida received a 9.2. A few popular LGBT hotels include Fifteen Beacon in Boston and Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California, both received a 9.4 average guest rating. "The Loved by Guests awards are all about Hotels.com guest reviews, the good the great and the awesome! We know that people value fellow guest opinions even more than star ratings these days, so we're giving everyone super clear access to just that and highlighting the properties that truly stand out," said Johan Svanstrom, president for Hotels.com. "When you're scrolling through your smartphone, it is really easy to skim through reviews about the insanely huge bed, the 'out of this world' avocado on toast, the life-altering spa treatment or the fantastic hotel staff who took great care of you. There are 25 million verified guest reviews that can offer inspiration for your next trip as well as help you pick a great hotel for your needs." All the award-winning properties are bookable through the award-winning Hotels.com mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Look out for the Loved by Guests badges to find your favorite. Check out some of the winning hotels on Facebook and Instagram using the #LovedbyGuests hashtag or visit https://www.hotels.com/page/loved-by-guests-2018/. To save big on trips, travelers can use Hotels.com Rewards, which lets you earn free* nights while you sleep and gain access to instant savings like Secret Prices**. Secret Prices are lower rates that aren't available to everyone and offer up to 50% off thousands of properties in popular destinations every day. With Hotels.com Rewards, you earn a free night for every 10 booked. It's that simple. In addition to these savings, Hotels.com and Capital One have joined forces to bring travelers even more extraordinary travel rewards! Capital One Venture and VentureOne cardholders can earn unlimited 10x miles (10 miles per dollar) when they pay using their Venture or VentureOne card at Hotels.com/venturethrough January 31, 2020. Notes to Editor *To receive a Most Wanted award, properties must have received an average customer review score of 9.4 or higher, based on a minimum of 50 reviews and based on reviews from December 2016 - November 2017. **To receive a 'Top 100' award, the 1,000 hotels with a rating of 9+ review score in each category were chosen, based reviews from December 2016 - November 2017. Countries with 20 or More Most Wanted Award Winners United States 1498 Italy 232 Great Britain 192 Canada 126 Spain 101 Mexico 76 Germany 69 Vietnam 65 Japan 65 Portugal 62 France 60 Australia 51 Greece 40 Thailand 39 Poland 37 Brazil 37 Croatia 36 Taiwan 30 New Zealand 30 Czech Republic 29 Middle East 27 Netherlands 27 Indonesia 26 Ireland 25 Austria 24 South Korea 21 Turkey 20 Iceland 20 Most Wanted Award Winners by City Top EMEA Cities Rome 39 Florence 37 London 35 Venice 31 Barcelona 30 Paris 29 Prague 28 Amsterdam 24 Lisbon 22 Berlin 21 Top North America Cities New York 20 Montreal 17 Chicago 17 Houston 16 Vancouver 12 Quebec 12 Washington 11 Austin 11 Key West 10 Charleston 10 Top APAC Cities Hanoi 36 Tokyo 18 Siem Reap 15 Hoi An 13 Kyoto 12 Bangkok 10 Taipei 10 Ubud 10 Seoul 7 Singapore 6 Top LATAM Cities Mexico City 12 Buenos Aires 11 Santiago 9 Bogota 8 Cancun 6 Sao Paulo 5 Cusco 5 Puerto Vallarta 5 La Fortuna 5 Cartagena 4 About Hotels.com Hotels.com is the place to go if you're looking for a place to stay. We really love travel and we know you do too. That's why we make it really easy to book with us. With hundreds of thousands of places to stay around the world and 90 local websites in 41 languages, Hotels.com has it all. So, whether you're looking for value in Vegas, treehouses in Thailand or villas in Venezuela, it's all just a click away. And with our "Reward-winning" loyalty program you earn free* nights while you sleep and get access to instant savings like Secret Prices...what could be better? Booking just got smarter too. With over 25 million real guest reviews and an app so easy to use that it's been downloaded more than 60 million times, you can be sure to find the perfect place for you. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 STEINHAUSEN, Switzerland, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) today issued a quarterly Fleet Status Report that provides the current status of and contract information for the companys fleet of offshore drilling rigs. As of today, the companys contract backlog is $12.5 billion. This report includes the following: GSF Development Driller I Awarded a one-well contract offshore Australia; Transocean Spitsbergen Customer exercised two one-well options in the Norwegian North Sea; Transocean Arctic Awarded a one-well contract, plus a one-well option in the Norwegian North Sea; and Henry Goodrich Customer exercised a six-month option offshore Eastern Canada. The report can be accessed on the companys website: www.deepwater.com. About Transocean Transocean is a leading international provider of offshore contract drilling services for oil and gas wells. The company specializes in technically demanding sectors of the global offshore drilling business with a particular focus on ultra-deepwater and harsh environment drilling services, and believes that it operates one of the most versatile offshore drilling fleets in the world. Transocean owns or has partial ownership interests in, and operates a fleet of 47 mobile offshore drilling units consisting of 27 ultra-deepwater floaters, 12 harsh environment floaters, two deepwater floaters and six midwater floaters. In addition, Transocean owns two ultra-deepwater drillships under construction. The company also operates one high-specification jackup that was under a drilling contract when the rig was sold, and the company will continue to operate the jackup until completion or novation of the drilling contract. Forward-Looking Statements The statements described in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements contain words such as "possible," "intend," "will," "if," "expect," or other similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on managements current expectations and assumptions, and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, but are not limited to, estimated duration of customer contracts, contract dayrate amounts, future contract commencement dates and locations, planned shipyard projects and other out-of-service time, sales of drilling units, timing of the companys newbuild deliveries, operating hazards and delays, risks associated with international operations, actions by customers and other third parties, the future prices of oil and gas, the intention to scrap certain drilling rigs, the benefits, and other factors, including those and other risks discussed in the company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and in the company's other filings with the SEC, which are available free of charge on the SEC's website at: www.sec.gov. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize (or the other consequences of such a development worsen), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to the company or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by reference to these risks and uncertainties. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that occur, or which we become aware of, after the date hereof, except as otherwise may be required by law. All non-GAAP financial measure reconciliations to the most comparative GAAP measure are displayed in quantitative schedules on the companys website at: www.deepwater.com. This press release, or referenced documents, do not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and do not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of Transocean and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of Transocean. Analyst Contacts: Bradley Alexander +1 713-232-7515 Diane Vento +1 713-232-8015 Media Contact: Pam Easton +1 713-232-7647 HOUSTON, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Exterran Corporation (NYSE:EXTN) (Exterran or the Company) today announced that it will release its first quarter 2018 results on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 after the market close. The Company has scheduled a conference call for Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 10 a.m. Central Time to discuss the results. The call will be broadcast live over the Internet. Investors may participate either by phone or audio webcast. By Phone: Dial 877-524-8416 at least 10 minutes before the call. A replay will be available through Thursday, May 10, 2018 by dialing 877-660-6853 and using the passcode 13679034. By Webcast: Connect to the webcast via the Investor Relations section of Exterrans website at www.exterran.com. Please log in at least 10 minutes in advance to register and download any necessary software. A replay will be available shortly after the call. About Exterran Corporation Exterran Corporation (NYSE:EXTN) is a global market leader in natural gas processing and treating, compression and production products and services, providing critical midstream infrastructure solutions to customers throughout the world. Outside the United States, Exterran Corporation is a leading provider of full-service natural gas contract compression and water treatment solutions, and a supplier of new, used, OEM and aftermarket parts and services. Exterran Corporation is headquartered in Houston, Texas and operates in approximately 30 countries. For more information, visit www.exterran.com. Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this release (and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release) other than historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements may include words such as guidance, anticipate, estimate, expect, forecast, project, plan, intend, believe, confident, may, should, can have, likely, future and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. Examples of forward-looking information in this release include, but are not limited to: Exterrans financial and operational strategies and ability to successfully effect those strategies; Exterrans expectations regarding future economic and market conditions; Exterrans financial and operational outlook and ability to fulfill that outlook; demand for Exterrans products and services and growth opportunities for those products and services; and statements regarding industry activity levels and infrastructure build-out opportunities. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of uncertainties and factors, many of which are outside Exterrans control, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. As a result, any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. While Exterran believes that the assumptions concerning future events are reasonable, it cautions that there are inherent difficulties in predicting certain important factors that could impact the future performance or results of its business. Among the factors that could cause results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are: local, regional, national and international economic conditions and the impact they may have on Exterran and its customers; Exterrans reduced profit margins or loss of market share resulting from competition or the introduction of competing technologies by other companies; Exterrans ability to secure new oil and gas product sales customers; conditions in the oil and gas industry, including a sustained imbalance in the level of supply or demand for oil or natural gas or a sustained low price of oil or natural gas; Exterrans ability to timely and cost-effectively execute projects; Exterran enhancing its asset utilization, particularly with respect to its fleet of compressors; Exterrans ability to integrate acquired businesses; employment and workforce factors, including the ability to hire, train and retain key employees; Exterrans ability to accurately estimate costs and time required under Exterrans fixed price contracts; liability related to the use of Exterrans products and services; changes in political or economic conditions in key operating markets, including international markets; changes in current exchange rates, including the risk of currency devaluations by foreign governments, and restrictions on currency repatriation; risks associated with Exterrans operations, such as equipment defects, equipment malfunctions and natural disasters; any non-performance by third parties of their contractual obligations, including the financial condition of our customers; changes in safety, health, environmental and other regulations; the effectiveness of Exterrans internal controls going forward, including the existence of any control deficiencies identified in the future; the results of governmental actions relating to pending investigations, including Exterrans pending Securities and Exchange Commission investigation; the results of any shareholder actions relating to the restatement of Exterrans financial statements; the effect of the agreements related to Exterrans spin-off, and the anticipated effects of restructuring its business; and Exterrans indebtedness and its ability to fund its operations, capital commitments and other contractual cash obligations, including our debt obligations. These forward-looking statements are also affected by the risk factors, forward-looking statements and challenges and uncertainties described in Exterrans Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission available on the Securities and Exchange Commissions website www.sec.gov . A discussion of these risks is expressly incorporated by reference into this release. Except as required by law, Exterran expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. gspannu7@gmail.com Washington, April 18 India, which has recovered from disruptions caused by demonetisation and the rollout of the GST, must fully implement the new nationwide indirect tax to avoid tax revenue underperformance resulting in cuts to capital expenditures, the IMF said on Wednesday. In its Fiscal Monitor report titled Capitalising on Good times, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said that relatively buoyant revenues supported by base-broadening efforts and lower capital expenditures were offset by higher spending (including higher compensation to states for the rollout of the GST) and lower profit transfers from the Reserve Bank of India due to costs incurred during the demonetisation. In India, fiscal consolidation was paused in fiscal year 2017/18 at the federal level as the economy recovered from disruptions related to demonetisation and the rollout of the GST, it said. In India, a return to a gradual path of growth-friendly fiscal consolidation is desirable to create fiscal space, but full and smooth implementation of the new goods and services tax is necessary to avoid tax revenue underperformance resulting in cuts to capital expenditures, the IMF said. According to the IMF, overall fiscal deficits in emerging markets and middle-income economies fell marginally in 2017 for the first time after four years of steady increase, explained mainly by fiscal adjustment among commodity exporters. On average, the overall deficit declined from 4.8 per cent of GDP in 2016 to 4.4 per cent of GDP in 2017, with diverging fiscal developments across countries. Commodity exporters have continued to push through reform to adjust to lower for longer oil prices. The headline fiscal balances improved in most commodity exporters, supported by a pickup in commodity prices and by expenditure cuts (Gulf Cooperation Council members, Mexico, and Russia). In contrast, the fiscal position was relaxed in major noncommodity exporters, including to provide stimulus to the economy (China, India, Thailand), the IMF said. The average trend among emerging market and middle-income economies is largely driven by rising fiscal deficits in China, which are higher when off-budget spending is also taken into account. In contrast, fiscal consolidation in Brazil continued in 2017, it added. According to the report, in emerging market and developing economies, fiscal policy is appropriately focused on consolidation, especially in those countries that are still adjusting to lower commodity prices. However, the speed of adjustment could be fine-tuned and, in some cases, it can be more ambitious, it said. Several countries could step up the speed of their fiscal adjustment, the IMF said, adding that given the strength of the recovery, Brazil should quicken the pace of consolidation and front-load the fiscal effort. PTI editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 18 A delegation of the Chandigarh Beopar Mandal, along with the owner of Gopal Sweets, the victim of a robbery incident, raised security concerns with SSP Nilambari Jagadale Vijay during a meeting. They discussed the law and order situation, particularly the robbery incident with the owner of Gopal Sweets and the extortion call received by the owner of Kumar Brothers, Sector 11. Anil Vohra, president of the mandal, said the culprits behind these incidents should be arrested soon. Charanjiv Singh, chairman of the mandal, said the recent incidents had created a feeling of insecurity among traders. They demanded that the security in markets be enhanced. G Parthasarathy G Parthasarathy As sectarian Shia-Sunni and civilisational Arab-Persian-Israeli rivalries dominate the geopolitics of our western neighbourhood today, India faces a very different situation from what it confronted four decades ago, when the 1973 Arab-Israeli conflict flared up. The Organisation of Arab Petroleum Oil Exporting Countries (OAPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, announced an oil boycott of countries like Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, the US and the UK, considered to be pro-Israeli. They found themselves squeezed by an Arab embargo on oil supplies. A cash-strapped India found itself in a desperate economic situation, as oil prices rose rapidly from $3 to $43 per barrel. Saudi Arabia demanded that New Delhi should close the Israeli Consulate in Mumbai, or face an Arab oil boycott. An enraged Prime Minister Indira Gandhi refused to comply. India emerged relatively unscathed, thanks to developments like oil supplies from the Soviet Union, the discovery of Bombay High oil and gas and assistance by the Shah of Iran, who enjoyed a cosy relationship with Israel. Four decades later, the global energy and geopolitical scenario stands drastically changed. With the discovery of shale oil/gas in the US and Canada and huge oil reserves in Venezuela, untapped shale gas reserves in Argentina, and with Mexico adding to world oil supplies, North America and parts of Europe are relatively immune to blackmail. This is more so as Russian oil and gas contribute to meeting energy demands in Europe and across Eurasia. Saudi Arabia is now forced to seek Russian cooperation in regulating world energy supplies. Oil prices once at $130 a barrel slumped to $30 and now hover around $60-70 per barrel. The major markets for oil supplies from the Arab/Persian Gulf countries are China (8.4 million barrels per day, bpd), India (4.4 million bpd) and Japan (3.4 million bpd). In the meantime, the oil producing Gulf monarchies, who are major suppliers of oil, are today preoccupied in dealing with a resurgent Iran, which is presently free from Western-led international sanctions. Iran is evidently seeking to become the dominant power in the energy-rich Gulf region. The strategic scenario in our oil-rich West is now very different from what it was earlier. The advent of the Islamic Republic in Iran has led to a drastic downturn in Irans relations with Israel. Tel Aviv has fomented the hostility to Iran across the world. Iran, in turn, has behaved irresponsibly towards Israel, backing the radical Palestinian group Hamas and even calling for the destruction of Israel. Iran has also sought to change the balance of power in the Arab world, challenging Saudi pre-eminence, provoking former Saudi king Abdullah to ask American military Commander Petraeus to cut off the head of the snake. With the ambitious and impetuous Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman now urging an all too willing President Trump to reimpose crippling economic sanctions on Iran, tensions are set to escalate in our western neighbourhood. With some deft handling by Prime Minister Modi, our relations with the Arab Gulf states, notably Saudi Arabia and the UAE, have improved significantly, with the Saudis reaching out to us, to permit Air India over-flights to Israel. Despite these developments, the Gulf region is tense, given the Saudi intervention in neighbouring Yemen, where thousands of innocents have perished amidst a bitter conflict with Iran-backed Yemeni rebels. There is today a significant Shia-Sunni dimension in rivalries across the Islamic world. With the American intervention in Iraq leading to majority Shia rule there, its effect is being inevitably felt in Shia-ruled, Sunni-majority Syria, where the Russians have intervened decisively in favour of the Iran-backed Assad regime, forcing the Americans on the back foot. India has wisely stayed away from any participation in this rivalry. Iraq is now our largest supplier of oil, overtaking Iran and even Saudi Arabia. Given the bitter rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran and the likelihood of the Trump administration reimposing sanctions on Iran, India will have to navigate its path through its western neighbourhood with dexterity. Our primary interests lie in the safety and welfare of the over 7 million Indians living in Arab Gulf countries. These countries together with Iraq, which can remain our largest supplier of oil, should remain the focal point of our attention, even as we make every effort to sustain economic cooperation with Iran, especially on issues of connectivity. India should continue its emphasis on ties with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Oman. While Iran remains the third largest supplier of oil to India, imports from Iran are showing signs of decline. Iran has notably been less than forthcoming, or transparent in dealing with projects for oil and gas exploration by India. We would, however, have to reassess the global energy scenario if, as appears likely, American sanctions are reimposed on Iran by the Trump administration, in coming months, though given the glut in global oil supplies, the effect on global oil prices would be manageable. Venezuela now has an important role to play in Indias oil imports. The new entrant is the US, where Indian companies have invested significantly in the exploration of shale gas, like they have done for oil and gas in Russia. The US will soon become the largest producer of oil and gas in the world. Gas supplies from the US have now commenced and are set to grow significantly. Thus India, which is today the third largest consumer of oil in the world, after the US and China, has wisely cast its net far and wide to meet its energy needs. We have learnt lessons from the past and are not over-dependent on any single country. While doing so, we have avoided getting involved in regional rivalries, tensions and conflicts in the Islamic world. We must always be prepared for crises in Islamic oil supplying countries, which may necessitate the use of our naval and air assets for evacuation and ensuring the safety and security of Indians living there. We are preparing to develop a significant storage capacity of petroleum in the event of any cut off of oil supplies because of regional tensions. We are also, wisely, placing greater emphasis on the countrys energy security. We are today, a significant exporter of refined petroleum products, estimated at $35.9 billion in 2017. rchopra@tribunemail.com New York, April 17 US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney has commended the celebration of the Sikh culture through the annual Turban Day event at the iconic Times Square, saying such events gave the Sikh faith and tradition the respect it deserves. Maloney had joined President of the American India Public Affairs Committee Jagdish Sehwani and Sikhs of New York for Turban Day on April 7 at the popular New York destination. The gathering in Times Square celebrated South Asian Culture and the art of turban tying. It was my pleasure to join the Sikh community for Turban Day in Times Square, Maloney said in a statement. She said the day held special meaning for her because not so long ago Sikhs were not permitted to wear turbans while on duty in the Army. She added that in 2010, she had interceded on behalf of Simran Preet Singh Lamba, who requested permission to keep the articles of his Sikh faith while serving in the Army. So it is wonderful to see a day celebrating this important cultural tradition and giving it the respect that it deserves, Maloney said. The Sikhs of New York have organised the Turban Day in the city since 2013 with the aim of educating people about the Sikh faith and identity and to promote equality. This year the organisation created a world record for most turbans tied in eight hours. Representatives from Guinness World Records judged the event in Times Square and presented the organisation with an official certificate upon successfully achieving the record. The organisation won the certificate from the Guinness World Record for the most turbans tied in eight hours was achieved by Sikhs of NY (USA) in Times Square in New York, USA, on April 7, 2018. Turban Day brings together hundreds of volunteers from the Sikh community who tie colourful turbans on New Yorkers, tourists and Americans from across the country visiting Times Square. While tying the turbans, they also talk about the Sikh identity, making people aware of the culture. The event has been aimed at spreading awareness among Americans and other nationalities about the Sikh religion and its articles of faith, especially the turban, which has often been misconceived and misidentified as being associated with terrorism, particularly in the years since the 9/11 terror attacks. PTI singhking99@yahoo.com Telanganas agony for the past few months has now spread to at least four more states Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Speculation is rife about the causes elections, festivals, social welfare scheme payments, tightness in overall money supply or the cascading effect of demonetisation. Festivals and elections do not really account for this rare run on ATMs as they are integrally interwoven in Indias socio-political calendar and never culpable for this type of a cash crunch. A former RBI official has already pointed out that the currency in circulation should have been much more had demonetisation not taken place. The government has partially acknowledged this reasoning by promising to supply adequate currency notes in the coming days and months. With an ailing Finance Minister at the helm, the government has much to explain. If, as the Union Finance Ministry admits, it detected an unusual spurt in currency demand in the last three months and ATMs have run dry in several states of rural India, why were corrective measures not taken till now after, of course, carefully identifying variations and anomalies in withdrawals? If the governments prognosis is indeed on the ball, the cash shortage should subside very soon. But figures showing that the growth in bank deposits is below the pre-demonetisation levels suggests that people are hoarding money instead of depositing it with the banks. This means the public is nervous, tends to believe intermittent rumours about the security of their money and feels it is safer to keep its money under the mattress. The situation may calm down soon if it is just a case of under preparedness and poor logistics on the part of the RBI. But the government should not rest on its oars till it completely eliminates the possibility of loss of public confidence in the banking system. If fears of distrust are even partially true, a slow-motion run on the banks cannot be ruled out. In such cases, mere printing of massive amounts of currency will be inadequate. To avoid paying a political cost for this mismanagement, the government may need to overhaul the management of its monetary policy institutions. gspannu7@gmail.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 18 Ishapur Kheri, a village in Sonepat district of Haryana with a population of 5000, has barred girls from using mobile phones and wearing jeans, as the villagers fear that it makes them elope with boys. Prem Singh, the sarpanch of the village, had issued this diktat a couple of months ago during a panchayat but he as well as other village heads have got active now to ensure that the ban is implemented. We have schools up to 12th standard in our own village for girls. After that, the girls have to go to Sonepat for higher studies. Three college-going girls from the village had eloped with boys two years ago against their familys wishes, bringing bad name to the entire village. The girls in question used to keep mobile phones and wear jeans, the sarpanch told The Tribune while justifying his diktat. He adds that when the girls use mobile phones, they get in touch with boys and make plans to run away with them. Similarly, by wearing jeans, the girls attract unnecessary attention of boys which finally leads to incidents like elopement. The sarpanch said the public proclamation of the diktat had been made throughout the village twice through public address system and now he had been meeting villagers to educate them on necessity of these orders. Dr Reicha Tanwar, professor and former director of the Womens Studies Research Centre, Kurukshetra University, however, finds the panchayats diktat shocking. I am shocked and ashamed to be from Haryana because everyday when I open the newspaper I find new stories of violence against women and girls which is gory and numbs ones mind. Rather than tackling the problem from the root we have civil society groups trying to blame the girls for this state of affairs, she said. When the mindset of our society is such that people do not feel the guilt even in killing their daughters, we cannot expect anything better. Tanwar added. Preeti Bhardwaj, vice chairperson of the states Womens Commission says that it was unfortunate that some people have such mindset even in the present day environment. It is wrong to say that if a girl wears jeans or keeps a mobile phone, she will elope with someone. If social media has its adverse effects, it is on boys as well as girls both, she added. Sonepat Deputy Commissioner Vinay Singh when asked whether the district authorities had taken any cognisance of the diktat first expressed ignorance. However, the DC called up again to tell that he had spoken to the sarpanch, who had assured him that the diktat is several months old and there was no fresh action by the panchayat now. LAKESIDE, Calif., April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pebble Creek Companies, Casbri Development and Presidio Residential Capital have closed on 6.2 acres in western Lakeside, Calif., where the joint venture partners plan to build Riker Ranch, a development with 20 single-family homes. The retail value of this community is expected to exceed $14.3 million. The new homes will feature three floor plans (one single level at 2,800 square feet and two, two-story homes ranging from 2,836 to 3,009 square feet). These residences will be priced from the high $600,000s. We are thrilled to provide much-needed housing in San Diegos East County, said Gary Arnold, principal and co-founder of Pebble Creek Companies. The extension of the 52 Freeway through Santee to SR-67 opens up this market to commuters and move-up buyers, among others. We expect these homes to sell quickly. Riker Ranch is easily accessible from the I-8 and the 52 Freeway and is located within the Lakeside Union School District, which allows children to open enroll in any school, including the top-ranked River Valley Charter School. Riker Ranch is a joint venture project with Presidio Residential Capital, a San Diego-based real estate investment company. According to the National Association of Home Builders formula to determine the local impact of single-family housing in typical metro areas, adding 20 single-family homes will generate $6 million in local income, $756,000 in taxes and other revenue for local governments and 83 local jobs. About Presidio Residential Capital Presidio Residential Capital is a real estate investment company focused on the residential housing sector. Headquartered in San Diego, California, the firm provides capital in the form of joint ventures for the entitlement, development and build-out of for-sale residential projects throughout the Western United States. Presidio has infused more than $1 billion into the economy to capitalize the housing industry. The firms goal is to invest in excess of $150 million in capital for home-building projects in the Western United States in the next 12-plus months. It currently has investments in Arizona, California, Nevada, Colorado and Washington with current committed capital of $800 million focused on 100+ projects. The firm is affiliated with a privately held registered investment advisor specializing in alternative investment strategies who has a long history of investing in the home-building sector. Current assets under management total more than $2.5 billion. Online and social media: www.presidioresidential.com, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. About Pebble Creek Pebble Creek Companies' principals Teri Smith and Gary Arnold are an experienced team with more than 30 years of homebuilding experience that can handle any construction project from start to finish. Pebble Creek's elite team of employees, consultants and professionals share our philosophy of "doing what you say" with an emphasis on quality. We take advantage of our big-company expertise and small-company overhead to design and build residential, commercial and government projects with the best possible blend of quality and affordability. www.pebblecreekcompanies.com About Casbri Development Casbri Development Inc.s principal is David Lother who has over 30 years expertise in land acquisitions, entitlement, and development and is a licensed civil engineer. Lother has had direct management responsibility for over 10,000 homes in his career in senior management positions at both public and private home building organizations. editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 18 The Centrally funded Promotion of Agricultural Mechanisation for In Situ Management of Crop Residue scheme will be launched in the state. The Centre has allocated Rs 215 crore for the scheme for management of crop stubble on the field itself. The scheme will also be implemented in Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi to improve air quality in the NCR and will be monitored by the Prime Ministers Office. The in situ management of crop residue involves management of the residue in the field by sowing the next crop using equipment while the stubble is still standing and letting the straw mix in soil and work as manure. It does not involve collection of paddy straw for use as fuel in power generation or convert its products like bio-char for used as fertiliser. The contours of the scheme were finalised at a meeting of high-level task force headed by the Prime Ministers Principal Secretary Nripendra Misra recently. Chief Secretaries of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi are members of the high-level task force. Sources say the burning of wheat straw is also rampant in the state, but the government will primarily focus on preventing paddy stubble burning. Since wheat straw is burnt in summer, its smoke disappears soon. However, burning of paddy stubble causes smog in Delhi during winters, as the smoke mixes with fog to pollute the air. Under the action plan, 6000 straw management implements will be given to farmers on 50 per cent subsidy. Eight types of equipment have been selected for this purpose. We plan to promote setting up 900 custom hiring centres by farmers associations or cooperative societies. These will be given straw management equipment on 80 per cent subsidy, says DK Bahera, Director, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department, Haryana, who also attended the meeting. He says a sum of Rs 35 crore has been reserved for information, education and communication (IEC) purposes, so that people can be educated against stubble burning. Last year, the state government distributed 9,496 implements on subsidy and helped farmers groups set up 421 custom hiring centres in the state. A sum of Rs 75 crore was received from the Centre for the scheme last year, of which Rs 66 crore can be spent. Paddy is grown on 13.2 lakh hectares in the state. Of this, basmati is cultivated on 7.67 lakh hectares and non-basmati on 5.53 lakh hectares. Agriculture experts are of the view that the stubble of non-basmati variety, which is burnt on the field, can be used as fodder for animals. Our plan is to either manage stubble on 5.53 lakh hectares, or persuade farmers to opt for diversification and grow some other crop, says Bahera. rajivbhatia82@gmail.com Chandigarh, April 18 Himachal Pradesh will take up the issue of its 7.19 per cent share in electricity generated from power projects run by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) with the governments of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan to get the matter expedited. Himachal Pradesh has been demanding its share in electricity generated from BBMB power projects for long. In 2011, the Supreme Court had upheld the state's claim of 7.19 per cent share in BBMB power projects located in Himachal Pradesh's territory under the Punjab Reorganisation Act 1966. The state had worked out over Rs 4,000 crore of arrears as per 7.19 per cent share which was to be paid by Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. "We are planning to raise the issue of our claim with the states of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan. We will raise our demand as per the SC directions. We will get this matter expedited," Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur told reporters here today. "We have been demanding it. But till now, Punjab is not ready because the amount (of claim) is big," he said. Thakur said he has already held a meeting with Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and the state chief secretary in this regard. To a question on whether Himachal Pradesh will seek any royalty from Punjab and Haryana for water supply, Thakur said that the state would raise its demand of share in BBMB as per the Supreme Court ruling. "Water flows from Himachal Pradesh to Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan and even Delhi. Former Himachal Pradesh chief minister Shanta Kumar had once demanded royalty for power projects but it was not taken seriously at that time," the chief minister said. The Himachal Pradesh chief minister also raised the issue of staking claim in 7.19 per cent posts of Chandigarh administration as per the provisions of Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966. Till 1993, officials from Himachal Pradesh used to work in Chandigarh administration on deputation. "Our share of 7.19 per cent in (posts of) Chandigarh administration had not been taken up effectively. But now we will raise this issue in coming time without getting into any sort of confrontation," Thakur said. - PTI editorial@tribune.com Kathua, April 18 National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday asked the groups seeking a CBI probe into the Kathua rape-murder case to have faith in judiciary and let it take a decision in the matter. While favouring death penalty for the accused, the NC chief, however, said the innocent, if any, should not be punished. He was talking to reporters at Lakhanpur on the sidelines of a private function. Devender Singh Rana, NC legislator and partys provincial president, accompanied him. He demanded the state government to bring in a legislation that would have a provision of awarding death penalty to rapists of minors. The ruling PDP-BJP government has been creating a wedge between Kashmir and Jammu regions by pursuing wrong policies. We should make efforts to keep all three regions united, Farooq said. Lashing out at the state government, the NC president said the Mehbooba Mufti-led government had done nothing in the last three years. The government has failed to keep its promises. We will face many difficulties in bringing the state back on track. The Prime Minister had sanctioned Rs 80 crore to the state and this government needs to explain to the people where the sum has been spent, he said. OC To usher in peace, dialogue needed Jammu: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said dialogue is the only way forward to herald peace in the Indo-Pak region. He urged the two nations to initiate meaningful engagement to sort out various issues. The NC has been consistently and strongly vouching for Indo-Pak talks and this has now even been endorsed by the army chiefs of the two countries, which is a welcome development, Farooq said in an informal interaction with the media after paying obeisance at the Golden Temple in Amritsar. tns editorial@tribune.com Suhail A Shah Anantnag, April 18 At least 19 students, including five girls, were injured at three places across South Kashmir as protests, demanding justice for the Kathua rape and murder victim turned violent. Four of the injured students, three of them with pellet injuries, were referred to various hospitals in Srinagar for special treatment. Over 50 students, mostly girls, were also hospitalised in Anantnag, Pulwama town and Tral areas of south Kashmir due to suffocation from tear gas. Student protests, demanding justice for the victim, were reported from Anantnag, Bijbehara and Dooru areas of Anantnag district, Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral areas of Pulwama district, Kulgam and Shopian towns. Students held placards seeking justice for the victim and took out marches at these places. At other places, the protesting students dispersed peacefully. Clashes were reported from Anantnag, Awantipora, Tral and Pulwama. Security forces, as per local sources, used pellets, tear smoke shells and baton charge to disperse the protesting students at these places while the students threw stones in return. The clashes left 12 students injured in Anantnag town, five in Pulwama town and two in Tral town of South Kashmir. We have shifted three of the injured to Srinagar for specialised treatment. All three have sustained pellet injuries, the Medical Superintendent of the Pulwama district hospital said. A student injured in Anantnag, as per doctors at the district hospital, was also shifted to Srinagar. The rest of them were treated locally. The girls who had suffered suffocation after inhaling tear smoke gas were treated locally and most of them have been discharged, a health official said. A police statement, meanwhile, maintained that the four persons, including two policemen, were injured in Anantnag and no one was injured in Pulwama. A peaceful protest was allowed. However, some miscreants tried to enforce a shutdown by stone-throwing in Anantnag. Four people were injured in the violence, a police statement read. Hurriyat condemns use of force on students Srinagar: The All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) condemned the use of force on students in Srinagar, Anantnag, Tral, Pulwama, Sopore, Baramulla Ganderbal and other areas on and outside the premises of t heir educational institutions, in which dozens of students were grievously injured. The APHC said using force against protesting students instead of providing them space and opportunity to express their feelings was extremely unfortunate and reflected the vengeful mindset of the authorities. Senior APHC leader Mukhtar Ahmed Waza visited the district hospital in Islamabad to inquire about the injured children. Waza strongly condemned the use of force by the police and paramilitary forces. TNS shalender@tribune.com Mona Regional cinema of our country has left internationally acclaimed filmmaker Shekhar Kapur stunned. What an eye opener it has been chairing the National Film Awards 2018, tweeted famed director and jury chairperson of the 65th National Film Awards. He added, Its world class. For Hindi cinema no longer can compete with the quality we saw from other languages. Unfortunately, mainstream media and Bollywood enjoy a highly incestuous relationship. So the brilliance of the new regional cinema remains hidden from audiences. Its time for that to change. Since the beginning of 2018, regional cinema has given stiff competition to its Hindi and English counterparts in Chandigarh too. A Punjabi film placed next to not a big ticket English or Hindi movie has fetched more viewers. And that too, more than once! Tricity isnt partial to Punjabi films alone. It also has viewers for Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Bengali cinema. There might just be a show a day, and only in two of the biggest malls that the Tricity boasts of Elante and VR Punjab but it serves as a valued link for folks from different parts of the country who call Chandigarh home. Big pull Telugu star Nanis films get a huge response in his hometown, Hyderabad. But Chandigarh isnt oblivious to his box-office pull. This actor-producers releases make it to the city and why not, its one way to live their language and life back home for Andhra and Telangana folks here. Sujata PV Ratnamurthi came to City Beautiful two weeks back and it was only on Friday that she felt at home. She attributes this feeling to a show of Krishnarjuna Yudham. For Sujata, who hails from Kurnool district, it was a family outing and she sure is glad to have found Telugu cinema in Chandigarh, where she is rather new. Guru Charan, employed with PGIMER, finds regional cinema a connect to home, which he has left behind to pursue his career dreams. Show time Interestingly, its just not southern superstars aka Rajinikanth or Mahesh Babu, who have marked their attendance in Tricity cinemas, or a mere Baahubali thats been a huge success, but regular films too. While the major audience is the distinctive community for a show from their own region, the response is good enough to dedicate at least one show a day. It sure is nice to watch films in ones own language, shares Chetan M, from Visakhapatnam, currently doing internship in the city. A film buff, equally fond of Hindi, English and Telugu cinema, Chetan loves to watch films in his native tongue. Krishnarjuna Yudham has left him far from impressed. But some mediocre movies hardly ever killed anyone, right? And, like-minded company is a joy to behold. Naresh, also from Vizag and on same internship programme as Chetan, started his weekend with a Telugu film and he couldnt be happier. Culture connect For Johnson P, every Malayalam movie is a must because his son Justin loves them. When Elante opened, Malayalam movies were regularly screened, but not now, he rues. In an effort to make sure children are in touch with their culture, films work just fine. Interestingly, some of Johnsons friends play comic characters in films and what he enjoys best is clapping for them! His last in cinema was Mohanlals Munthirivallikal Thalirkkumbol. In city from 1993, hes been running a news agency. One does miss home. Being in the hall with family and friends reliving the native scenario, its like reconnecting with the roots, he says. Unlike Delhi and Mumbai, we dont have many Malayalam shows here in Chandigarh, says Sanat B. The last cinema experience he loved was Drishyam, which starred, in his words, Big B of Malayalam cinema, Mohanlal. Films work as a window to the world left behind. Comfort factor Its Prabhu Devas magic that pulled Sangeetha to watch silent thriller Mercury. A banker, accompanied by her daughter, she is a Tamilian, but brought up in Karnataka, and a huge Prabhu Deva fan who hails from that state. I have grown up watching his films, and cinema in our language is very comforting. We often come with family to enjoy Tamil movies. Tamil gets the best response in the city, many a times the shows are houseful, shares Raj Juneja, representative for distributors in the region. While Bengali hasnt fared too well, the rest Telugu, Tamil, and Malayalam fetch good footfall, he adds. mona@tribunemail.com rchopra@tribunemail.com Ahmedabad, April 18 In a joint operation, the CBI and the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) have arrested three promoters of Vadodara-based Diamond Power Infrastructure Ltd (DPIL), accused of defrauding a consortium of banks of Rs 2,654 crore, officials said on Wednesday. The three promoters--SN Bhatnagar and his sons Amit and Sumit--were held from a hotel in Udaipur on Tuesday night, they said. DPIL manufactures electric cables and other electrical equipment. The CBI had sought our help in nabbing the Bhatnagar trio. Based on a tip-off that they were hiding in a hotel, a joint team of the Gujarat ATS and the CBI conducted a raid in Udaipur in Rajasthan on Tuesday night and held them, said a senior ATS official. The CBI had filed a complaint against the promoters two weeks ago. The Bhatnagars had remained out of the clutches of the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Income Tax Department despite the agencies conducting raids at the DPILs facilities in Vadodara. According to the CBI, the DPIL had fraudulently availed credit facilities from a consortium of 11 banks (both public and private) from 2008, leading to outstanding debt of Rs 2,654.4 crore as of June 29, 2016. It was declared a non-performing asset in 2016-17. The company allegedly submitted false stock statements to the lead bank by treating receivables more than 180 days (non-current assets) as less than 180 days (current assets) to get more drawing power in the cash credit accounts. The CBI alleged that the DPIL extensively utilised cash credit limits for obtaining a large number of letters of credit, and many of them could not be honoured by the company and were thus forced charged on the credit limit. Bank of Indias exposure to the company is Rs 670.51 crore, Bank of Barodas exposure is Rs 348.99 crore and that of ICICI Bank is Rs 279.46 crore, the CBI FIR said. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com New Delhi, April 18 With Karnataka heading for the polls in May, Facebook has announced a third-party fact-checking programme in the state to fight spread of fake news on its platform. The social media giant on Tuesday announced a partnership with BOOM, an independent digital journalism initiative, for a pilot programme that will be rolled out in the state. Karnataka goes to election on May 12, and the counting of votes will take place on May 15. Starting today, BOOM, certified through the International Fact-Checking Network, non-partisan international fact checking network at Poynter, will be able to review English language news stories flagged on Facebook, check facts, and rate their accuracy, Facebook said in a blog post. BOOM is part of Ping Digital Network (www.pingnetwork.in) based in Mumbai. It is a fact-checking website and has been in existence since 2014. Facebook has 217 million monthly active users in India. We are beginning small and know it is important to learn from this test and listen to our community as we continue to update ways for people to understand what might be false news in their News Feed, the social networking giant said. Once a story is rated as false, Facebook has learned to reduce its distribution by 80 per cent. When a fact-checker rates a story as false, we will show it lower in News Feed, significantly reducing its distribution. This, in turn, stops the hoax from spreading and reduces the number of people who see it, Facebook said. Pages and domains that repeatedly share false news will also see their distribution reduced and their ability to monetise and advertise removed. If the third-party fact-checkers write articles debunking a false news story, Facebook will show it in Related Articles immediately below the story in News Feed. Well also send people and Page Admins notifications if they try to share a story or have shared one in the past thats been determined to be false, Facebook noted. According to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, it is important to make sure no one interferes in any more elections, including in India. Our goals are to understand Facebooks impact on upcoming electionslike Brazil, India, Mexico and the US midtermsand to inform our future product and policy decisions, he said while testifying before the US Congress last week. The most important thing I care about right now is making sure no one interferes in the various 2018 elections around the world, he told a panel of 44 Senators. Zuckerberg said Facebook will ensure that its platform is not misused to influence elections in India and elsewhere. IANS rchopra@tribunemail.com London, April 18 India is among four countries to pool into an innovative USD 5 million fund for small states to obtain easier access to international trade finance to diversify their economies and achieve the sustainable development goals. The announcement of the Commonwealth Small States Trade Finance Facility came at the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London. The announcement came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK overnight. He will attend bilateral meetings on Wednesday before the multilateral dialogue with 52 other heads of government as part of the 25th CHOGM on Thursday. India joins Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Malta to inject capital into the new scheme, which has Standard Chartered Bank and the Bank of Baroda as its facility managers. This new scheme is an example of the innovative and collaborative approaches that are pioneered by the Commonwealth; they have a hugely positive impact on the lives and livelihoods of people in our smaller and more vulnerable member countries, said Baroness Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Without such a scheme, small states find it difficult to access the funds they need to diversify their economies and build inclusive prosperity by expanding trade. This impairs their ability to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, she said. The Commonwealth Secretariat-backed trade finance facility guarantees 10 per cent of any loans secured to develop trade and sustain economic and social development. This guarantee could release USD 100 million of incremental trade finance over a three-year period to any of the 31 Commonwealth nations classified as small states. The trade finance facility has taken five years to develop by a working group including the International Finance Corporation, Government of Malta, Central Bank of Malta, Export Import (EXIM) Bank of India and the Commonwealth Secretariat. This working group developed a mechanism, in the form of a guarantee facility that will encourage international banks to offer higher trade finance lines to financial institutions in the small states by reducing their credit risk. The concept is based on a highly innovative use of blended finance that seeks to achieve maximum impact with minimal levels of official assistance, the secretariat said. The facility is hosted and administered by Malta. Pilot countries selected for the spring launch of the scheme include Bahamas, Botswana, Brunei, Dominica, Fiji, Mauritius, Namibia and Seychelles. PTI rajivbhatia82@gmail.com London, April 18 Warning Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday asserted that India will not tolerate those who like to export terror and will respond to them "in the language they understand", as he referred to the 2016 surgical strikes conducted across the LoC. The prime minister, during the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster here, said when "someone has put a terror export factory in place and makes attempts to attack us from the back, Modi knows how to answer in the same language". Modi's remarks came in response to a question on the surgical strikes by a member of the audience who had speech disability. The prime minister choked with emotion on seeing the speech impaired elderly man ask the question on the strikes with the help of a person, and lauded him for his strength and conviction. In his reply, Modi said, "Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated. "We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted." The prime minister asserted that he was proud of the Army as they executed the surgical strikes with perfection and were back after finishing the task before dawn. Modi also narrated how India first informed Pakistan about the strikes and then told the media and the people about it. "I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them. We were calling them since 11 AM but they were scared to come on phone, at 12 we spoke to them and then told the Indian media," he said. Citing India's history, Modi asserted that India never looked to capture anyone else's territory. "During World War I and II, we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN peacekeeping forces," Modi said. Asked what he thought of some people questioning the valour of the Army, Modi said he does not want to use the stage to criticise anyone. "I just hope, God gives them wisdom," he said to peals of laughter from the audience. In a well calibrated operation, on the intervening night of September 28-29, 2016, the Indian Army moved across the LoC and smashed four terror launch pads that were under the guard of a Pakistani post located 700 metres from the LoC. The Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) was severely hit in the cross-LoC surgical strikes on the launch pads with assessment reports of radio intercepts indicating that around 20 of its militants were killed. - PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Agartala (Tripura), April 18 Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday reiterated his statement that the Internet and satellites existed since the Mahabharata era. Speaking to ANI, Deb said only narrow-minded people will find it difficult to believe the facts stated by him. They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Do not get confused and do not confuse others, Deb said. Earlier, while speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, Deb said "the Internet was invented by India lakhs of years ago. The Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind King about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means the Internet was there, the satellites and that the technology was there in this country at that time, he said. The BJP leader said that the European nations and the United States may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually Indias technology. The Internet and satellite system had existed in India during lakhs of years ago. The richest culture belongs to our nation and I feel proud of it. Even today, in the Internet and software technology, we are ahead. See Microsoft, it may be a US company but most of its engineers are all from our country, he added. ANI rchopra@tribunemail.com London, April 18 Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday assured his British counterpart Theresa May that the UK's withdrawal from the European Union offers opportunities to "further increase" bilateral trade ties as the two leaders had "fruitful discussions" on multiple aspects of India-UK relations and issues like counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism. Modi, who arrived at 10 Downing Street for a breakfast meeting, was greeted with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, Prime Minister," May said as she greeted Modi. Both leaders discussed ways to boost cooperation between India and UK. "Wonderful meeting with Prime Minister @theresa_may at 10, Downing Street. We had fruitful discussions on multiple aspects of India-UK relations," Prime Minister Modi tweeted after the meeting. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders had wide-ranging talks on redefining and infusing new energy into the bilateral engagement post-Brexit. A statement issued by 10 Downing Street after the meeting said that the Syria air strikes, counter-terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism were among some of the key topics covered by both leaders. "Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit. He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so," a Downing Street spokesperson said. "The Prime Minister (May) updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UK's withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020," the spokesperson said. May reiterated the UK's position on Russia's recent "destabilising behaviour", underlined by the attack in Salisbury on former Russian double Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia and the protection provided for the Syrian regime's repeated use of chemical weapons against its people. "They reflected on the progress made on bilateral defence and security cooperation since the Prime Minister's visit to India in 2016 and the agreement to a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties underpinned by a succession of high level visits and exchanges," Downing Street said. During a discussion on cooperation between the two countries on legal matters, which is likely to have covered extradition matters, May also welcomed the return to the UK of the Chennai Six, the former British soldiers accused of piracy and were freed from an Indian jail last year. The two leaders said trade between the UK and India had grown strongly over the last year and agreed to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier to do business in both countries and enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future. May and Modi discussed a new UK-India Tech Partnership, which will create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both our economies. Looking ahead at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Thursday, they also agreed on the importance of working together to build a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens. A flash mob of sari-clad women from Indian Ladies in UK, accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian PM with banners such as In India, Peace is always in Fashion. After his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Modi visited the Science Museum to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. "The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum," Clarence House tweeted. It said the exhibition celebrates India's role in the history of science and technology by exploring its contributions to subjects including space exploration and engineering. Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 per cent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. A series of demonstrations, including a silent protest to condemn the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, have been planned by various groups at Parliament Square here his visit. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Stockholm, April 18 India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security Council, according to a joint statement issued here after the first Indo-Nordic Summit. The Nordic countries agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members, said the statement issued late Tuesday. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for the Councils reform, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic countries welcomed Indias application for membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with his counterparts from the five Nordic countriesSweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Finlandhave reaffirmed their support for the UN and the Secretary-Generals reform efforts to ensure a world body fit to support member states to deliver on Agenda 2030. India and the Nordic nations also agreed to deepen cooperation on issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change at the Summit which was attended by Modi during his visit here. The Summit emphasised Indias strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India, said the statement. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were the major challenges for the international community. The leaders discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. They noted that womens full and meaningful participation in political, social and economic life is key to inclusive development and agreed to promote the empowerment of women. India signed MoUs in the areas of urban development, animal husbandry and dairying, food safety and agricultural research and education with Denmark and it signed an MoU with Iceland on the establishment of an ICCR Chair for Hindi language between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland. With Norway and Finland, Modi had an engaging interaction on trade and investment, shipping and port-development, blue economy, renewable energy, health, information technology and green transport solutions, External Affairs Ministry spokesman Raveesh Kumar tweeted. India and Sweden co-hosted the India-Nordic Summit on the second and final day of Modis visit to Sweden. For India, Nordic countries are a potential source for clean technology, environmental solutions, port modernisation, cold chain, skill development, innovation among other areas. The Summit welcomed the Nordic Sustainable Cities Project aimed at supporting the Smart Cities programme of the Indian government. According to figures provided by the External Affairs Ministry, Indias trade with the Nordic countries totaled around $5.3 billion in 2016-17, with cumulative foreign direct investment in India at $2.5 billion. IANS amansharma@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 18 Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ongoing visit to London for the Commonwealth Summit on Wednesday discussed the issue of Vijay Mallya with his UK counterpart Theresa May. According to sources, Mallyas extradition issue figured in official talks between the two leaders. The 61-year-old liquor baron is wanted for defaulting on loans worth Rs 9,000 crore to bail out his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Mallya who has been evading Indian justice system continues to make headlines with his flamboyant lifestyle in the United Kingdom where he was arrested twice and released on bail last year. While 10 Downing Street suggested that legal matters had been discussed between the two leaders, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in response to a question said,The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised. Mallya has called charges against him as politically motivated and opposed the ongoing complex extradition trial on various grounds, including poor state of prisons in India. India has submitted a 2,000-page dossier against Mallya in court as evidence through the Crown Prosecution service representing the Modi government. A final judgement in the case is expected in the next few weeks. The meeting comes at a time when UK is keen to enhance trade ties with India in the post-Brexit scenario. UK is today the largest G20 investor in India over the past decade while India has the fourth largest number of investment projects in the UK. India-UK name Pak terror groups Terrorism was also a key component in official talks held in London and reflected in the joint statement. The leaders agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people; for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters, said the joint statements. Naming terror outfits operating from Pakistani soil the statement further added, The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities to protect our citizens, including Lashkar-e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS (Daesh) and their affiliates, as well as tackling the online radicalisation and violent extremism which feeds this. singhking99@yahoo.com Tribune News Service KAKRIYAL (REASI), April 18 Amid nationwide rage over the Kathua rape and murder case, President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said such incidents are shameful and an eye-opener for society. In obvious reference to the case, the President said the incident that occurred in Jammu and Kashmir had shattered and shocked the entire society. After 70 years of Independence, such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society we are developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman, he said while addressing the sixth convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Kakriyal area of Katra. Perhaps the most beautiful thing in the world was the smile on the face of an innocent child. The greatest benchmark for society to judge its success would be to keep our children safe. Protecting every child and ensuring all children feel secure is the utmost responsibility of society. In various parts of the country, our children are sometimes victims of heinous crimes, he said, adding, The occurrence of such barbaric incidents... is a matter of shame. We have to ask ourselves what are we giving our future generation? Rs 10 lakh fine by HC New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed 12 media houses to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for revealing the identity of the eight-year-old Kathua rape victim. The court also indicated that it may enhance the amount that has to be deposited in the J&K Victim Compensation Fund. The media houses have apologised. PTI pardeepdhull@gmail.com Yash Goyal Our Correspondent Jaipur, April 18 Rajasthan BJP chief Ashok Parnami on Wednesday resigned from his post. He tendered his resignation to party president Amit Shah. Party spokesman Anand Sharma said the resignation was accepted today by the party high command. The name of new incumbent would be announced later today, he added. In his letter to Shah, Parnami said: I have worked for strengthening the party as its worker. I will continue to work on the responsibilities given to me as a disciplined party worker. I have my own business, hence I wish to quit the post, he added. Partys debacle in the January 29 bypolls to the Alwar and Ajmer Lok Sabha seats and the Mandalgarh Assembly constituency, and downfall in panchayat and civic bodies polls were the main reasons behind his resignation, a senior BJP leader told The Tribune. Parnami is likely to be replaced by a seasoned Jat or minority leader as the state party president, he added. A Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje loyalist, Parnami was appointed the Rajasthan BJP chief in February 2014. He is also a legislator from Jaipurs Adarsh Nagar constituency. Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary Arun Singh today appointed Parnami as a member of the national working committee. With PTI singhking99@yahoo.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 18 Barely two days before the end of Justice Ramendra Jains term as an Additional Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Supreme Court collegium has asserted its authority, asking the government to appoint him as a Permanent Judge of the High Court. It would only be appropriate that the proposal for appointment is processed most expeditiously keeping in view that the term of Justice Jain is going to expire on April 19, said the three-member collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in its recommendation dated April 17. Decisions regarding appointment of HC judges are taken by a collegium of top three judges led by the CJI. The other two judges who were part of the unanimous decision were Justices J Chelameswar and Ranjan Gogoi, who have been questioning the style of functioning of the CJI in allocation of cases to top court judges. The collegium's assertion assumes significance in view of the recent controversy surrounding the collegiums recommendation for appointment of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph and senior advocate Indu Malhotra as judges of the Supreme Court. The government has been sitting on the file for more than three months. The collegium had on March 26 recommended Justice Jain to be made a Permanent Judge but the government sent his file back to the CJI for reconsideration. The collegium has now reiterated its recommendation. Under the current system of appointment of judges, the government can only send back the collegiums recommendation once and if the collegium reiterates its recommendation, the government is bound to implement it. We have gone through the observations made in the file referred back to the CJI... on March 26. The collegium resolves to reiterate its recommendation, especially when no specific reason except the issue of his transfer for seeking reconsideration has been recorded in the file, read the resolution adopted by the collegium. As Justice Jain has been performing well and no information warranting his transfer has come to our notice, he be allowed to continue to function in that High Court, keeping in view the depleted judge-strength, the resolution quoted from its July 12, 2017 minutes of meeting. amansharma@tribunemail.com New Delhi, Apirl 18 The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday on a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge B H Loya, who was hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Loya had allegedly died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on December 1, 2014 when he had gone to attend the wedding of a colleague's daughter. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud had on March 16 reserved the judgement on the pleas. The Maharashtra government had argued in the apex court that all pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death were motivated and aimed at targeting "one individual" in the guise of upholding the rule of law. It had come down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the top court by some activist lawyers in the Loya case and said that the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments. Meanwhile, those seeking an independent probe into the matter had referred to the sequence of events to highlight that a fair investigation was needed to rule out any foul play in the death. The issue of Loya's death had come under spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister had fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. But Loya's son had on January 14 said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes. In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP president Amit Shah along with Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief P C Pande, Additional Director General of Police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and N K Amin have already been discharged. Several accused, including police personnel, are currently facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005. The case was later transferred to CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai. A batch of pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala and Maharashtra-based B S Lone, was filed in the top court seeking an independent probe into Loya's death in 2014. Four senior-most apex court judges -- Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph -- at their January 12 press conference had questioned the manner in which sensitive cases were being allocated and Loya's case was one of them. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Chennai, April 18 Under fire for patting the cheek of a woman journalist, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday tendered an apology to her. The 78-year-old governor had patted Lakshmi Subramanian on the cheek when he was about to leave the venue of a press conference, triggering an outrage by the journalist fraternity and opposition parties, including the DMK. In a letter to Subramanian, the governor said he patted her out of affection and appreciation of her performance as a journalist. I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist, he said. Referring to the mail the journalist, who works for an English weekly, had sent to him, Purohit said, I do understand from your mail that you are feeling hurt about the incident. Purohit said he, therefore, wished to express my regret and apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt. PTI gspannu7@gmail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 18 There was no indignity associated with furnishing proof of identity, Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) told the Supreme Court on Wednesday. During a hearing on petitions challenging the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and almost 40 government notifications, senior counsel Rakesh Dwivedi told a five-judge Constitution Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra that furnishing proof of identity was only a regulatory procedure adopted by various institutions. Aadhaar number was one of the optional documents sought from those filing writ petitions in the Supreme Court. "There is no indignity. These are regulatory procedures", Dwivedi, representing UIDAI, said. Referring to the proximity card issued to lawyers for entering the Supreme Court, Dwivedi said "I don't think my fundamental rights are breached if I'm asked for proximity cardNobody can say I will not identify myself, but I want to relate, he said. If one wants to relate with an individual or institution, he/she can't chose how they will identify themselves, said Dwivedi, adding every institution was asking for some identification procedure to be followed. Various offices were asking for fingerprint identification of employees, he said. As the Bench said insistence of any form of identity must be relatable to its purpose, the senior counsel agreed with it. To the court query if it was not necessary to give a choice of identity to people, Dwivedi said: You want to associate with an institution, you want some benefits, then you cannot say I will only give my choice of identity. "How does a security system function if that was allowed? he wondered. The Bench said if biometric authentication is attached to every transaction entered into by a person, it would "form a wealth of information" necessitating the need for data protection. However, Dwivedi said UIDAI did not aggregate the data of any individual and therefore there was no question of surveillance. It sought to know if a person is unable to get ration due to failure of authentication, then any other family member can produce the Aadhaar number to get the benefits. If there were any isolated area in the country where Aadhaar services have not been reached and asked about its status in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, it asked. uttara@tribuneindia.com Satya Prakash Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 18 Barely two days before the expiry of Justice Ramendra Jains term as an additional judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Supreme Courts Collegium has asserted its authority asking the government to appoint him as a permanent judge. It would only be appropriate that the proposal for appointment of Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain as permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is processed most expeditiously keeping in view that the current term of Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain is going to expire very shortly on April 19, 2018, said the three-member Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra in its recommendation dated April 17. Decisions regarding appointment of high court judges are taken by a Collegium of top three judges led by the CJI. The other two judges who were part of the unanimous decision were Justice J Chelameswar and Justice Ranjan Gogoi, who have been questioning the style of functioning of the CJI in allocation of cases to top court judges. The Collegium's assertion assumes significance in view of the recent controversy surrounding its recommendation over appointment of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph and senior advocate Indu Malhotra as judges of the Supreme Court. The government has been sitting over the file for more than three months, inviting criticism from Justice Kurian Joseph, who wrote a letter to the CJI demanding a full court meeting of all judges to discuss the issue. The Collegium had on March 26 recommended Justice Jain to be made a permanent judge but the government sent his file back to the CJI for reconsideration of the recommendation. But the Collegium reiterated its recommendation for appointing Justice Jain as a permanent judge. Under the current system of appointment of judges, the government can only send back collegiums recommendation once and if the Collegium reiterates its recommendation, the government is bound to implement it. We have gone through the observations made in the file referred back to the Chief Justice of India for reconsideration of the recommendation made by this Collegium on 26th March, 2018. The Collegium, on reconsideration, resolves to reiterate its recommendation for appointment of Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain as Permanent Judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court, especially when no specific reason except the issue of his transfer for seeking reconsideration has been recorded in the file, read the resolution adopted by the Collegium. So far as the proposal of transfer of Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain is concerned, a perusal of the minutes dated 12th July, 2017 would clearly reveal that the Collegium which also included all the three members of this Collegium, recorded specific reasons for retaining him in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, it noted. As Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain has been performing well in the Punjab and Haryana High Court and no information warranting his transfer has come to our notice, the Collegium is of the considered view that he be allowed to continue to function in that High Court, keeping in view the depleted Judge-strength of the High Court. The Collegium resolves to recommend accordingly, the resolution quoted from its July 12, 2017, minutes of meeting. We do not see any good ground for linking the proposal of transfer of Mr. Justice Ramendra Jain with the proposal for his appointment as Permanent Judge and even for revisiting, at this crucial juncture, the above-referred decision dated 26th March, 2018 for his appointment as Permanent Judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, the Collegium said rejecting the governments stand on his appointment and transfer. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 17 More than two years after Akali leader Mukhjit Singh Mukha was allegedly killed by a Punjab Police team, the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday ordered a compensation of Rs 20 lakh for the victims wife, Harjit Kaur. The state has already paid Rs 5 lakh to the family. For paying the remaining amount, Justice Rakesh Kumar Jain set a three-month deadline. Seeking a Rs 50-lakh compensation and a government job, Harjit Kaur had moved the High Court through counsel Mohinder Kumar, claiming that her husband was killed by a police party of Amritsar district on June 16, 2015, which waylaid him and indiscriminately fired gunshots at him in his car. The High Court was told he sustained 23 bullet injuries. Reports in the media had quoted the Commissioner of Police as saying that the police team had killed Mukha after mistaking him for a gangster. The counsel told the court that the then Deputy Chief Minister, Sukhbir Singh Badal, visited the victims family and announced compensation and a government job for the widow. Subsequently, Harjit Kaur was given a cheque for Rs 5 lakh, which was inadequate. Also, the government did not provide a job to her. The Punjab Government, during the course of hearing, told the Bench that the services of seven erring cops had been placed under suspension following the shootout. singhking99@yahoo.com Tribune News Service Patiala, April 18 Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Harminder Singh Mintoo died under mysterious circumstances at the Central Jail here on Wednesday. He was accused of having links with Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and was facing trial in at least 15 cases of terror and other crimes. Also read: Mintoos death snaps link between Khalistan outfits Jail officials claimed Mintoo, 50, suffered a cardiac arrest in his barrack. Since Mintoo was an undertrial, a judicial probe under a court-deputed magistrate would be conducted. Additional DGP (Prisons) IPS Sahota has asked IG (Prisons) Roop Kumar Arora to oversee the proceedings. Mintoo, sources said, was being treated for a heart ailment for the past three years and was to be taken to the PGI for a checkup on April 20. Mintoo was grilled by multiple agencies over the past few years. He attended proceedings from the jail premises via video conferencing in a court case in Jalandhar at 2 pm on Wednesday. After he returned to his cell, he complained of chest pain and uneasiness around 4.15 pm. The doctor confirmed that Mintoo had suffered a cardiac arrest and we shifted him to Government Rajindra Hospital, where he was declared brought dead, said Jail Superintendent Rajan Kapur. Since Mintoo was an A category accused, he used to undergo trial through video conferencing, he said. A post-mortem would be conducted on Thursday. In November 2014, Mintoo was arrested by Punjab Police from the IGI airport on his return from Thailand. At the time, he was accused of involvement in 10 terror cases. Mintoo had used Thailand as a base to mobilise funds to enlist support for Khalistan and radicalise youth. He travelled across Europe and South-East Asia on a fake Malaysian passport and frequented Pakistan. In November 2016, Mintoo escaped from the Nabha jail along with five others, including gangster Vicky Gounder who was killed in an encounter earlier this year. Mintoo, with a trimmed beard and moustache, was arrested the next day. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2018 First Quarter Conference Call Annual Meeting Date: May 8th, 2018 Date: May 8th, 2018 Time: 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) Time: 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) You are invited to participate in Acadian Timber Corp.'s 2018 First Quarter Conference Call & Webcast on May 8th, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss results and current business initiatives with members of senior management. You are also invited to participate in the live Webcast presentation of Acadian Timber Corp.'s Annual Meeting of Shareholders at www.acadiantimber.com on May 8th, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). This presentation will be archived for future reference. Quarterly results will be released after market close on May 7th, 2018 and will be available on our website at www.acadiantimber.com under Press Releases. The First Quarter Conference Call will also be webcasted live on our website, where it will be archived for future reference. To participate in the First Quarter Conference Call, please dial 1-866-521-4909 toll free in North America (Canada and the USA), or for overseas calls, please dial 1-647-427-2311 at approximately 8:50 a.m. For those unable to participate in the First Quarter Conference Call, a taped rebroadcast will also be available until midnight June 8th, 2018. To access this rebroadcast, please dial 1-800-585-8367 or 1-416-621-4642 Conference ID #5756359. If you have any questions about the Conference Call, please contact Jon Syrnyk, Investor Relations at +1-604-661-9622 or jsyrnyk@acadiantimber.com. Acadian Timber Corp. is a leading supplier of primary forest products in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern U.S. with a total of 2.4 million acres of land under management, Acadian is the second largest timberland operator in New Brunswick and Maine. Acadian owns and manages approximately 1.1 million acres of freehold timberlands in New Brunswick and Maine and provides management services relating to approximately 1.3 million acres of Crown licensed timberlands in New Brunswick. Acadians products include softwood and hardwood sawlogs, pulpwood and biomass by-products, sold to approximately 85 regional customers. Acadians shares are listed for trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol ADN. amansharma@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Patiala, April 18 Khalistan Liberation Force (KLF) chief Harminder Singh Mintoo died of 'cardiac arrest' here on Wednesday evening, officials of Patiala Central Jail where he was lodged said. ADGP (Prisons) Inderpreet Singh Sahota has recommended a judicial inquiry into the death of Mintoo. He said Mintoo felt uneasy before appearing in a video-conference in an ongoing case trial. He had undergone the video conferencing at 2 pm in a case registered against him in Jalandhar and was in his cell when he suffered a cardiac arrest. The jail doctors treated him before he was rushed to Rajindra Hospital. Mintoo was lodged in the Patiala jail from past over a year. Senior Intelligence officials rushed to Patiala to ascertain the detailed cause of his death, as his links with ISI and various international spy agencies were under scanner. He had escaped from Nabha prison in a sensational jailbreak on November 28, 2016, only to be arrested a day later. Who is Harminder Singh Mintoo? In November 2014, Harminder Singh Mintoo was arrested by Punjab Police from the Indira Gandhi International airport on his return from Thailand. At the time of his arrest, Mintoo was accused of being involved in 10 terror-related cases. Mintoo was using Thailand as his base to mobilise funds for the banned organisation. He was using online resources to enlist support for the Khalistan cause and to radicalise youth. Using a fake Malaysian passport and identity card, Mintoo travelled extensively across Europe and South East Asia in order to develop contacts. He frequently made trips to Pakistan, where he was reported to have acquired funds and support. In India, Mintoo was named accused in several terror cases, including the attack on Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and on three Shiv Sena leaders. He was allegedly tasked by the ISI of Pakistan to carry out an attack in Punjab on Independence Day. However, the plan had failed. In November 2016, Mintoo escaped from the Nabha jail in Punjab along with five other dreaded gangsters. Six to eight armed men had stormed Nabha jail and opened fire. They eventually helped the six inmates escape from the prison. Apart from Mintoo, the other four gangsters who escaped included Gurpreet Singh, Vicky Gounder, Neeta Deol and Vikramjeet Singh Vicky. Mintoo was nabbed from Delhi's Nizammuddin railway station a day after the Nabha jailbreak. amansharma@tribunemail.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Kalanaur (Gurdaspur), April 18 A 15-year-old school girl was murdered after she was suspected to be raped by unidentified persons at Manepur village of Gurdaspur district. Manepur falls within the jurisdiction of Kalanaur police station. The incident comes barely days after half-a-dozen social organisations took out a candlelight march in the city and its adjoining towns of Dhariwal, Dinanagar and Batala to protest the Kathua and Unnao rape incidents. Officials, at that time, had assured the protesters that the emphasis of the police department was on crime prevention. IG (Border) Surinder Pal Singh Parmar said the moment news of the crime surfaced in the wee hours of Wednesday, he despatched a team of senior officers, including Gurdaspur SSP Harcharan Singh Bhullar, to the spot. The minor's body was found abandoned in a run-down panchayat ghar adjoining the village Gurdwara, barely 100 metre from her house. The SSP said prima facie it appeared that some men tried to force themselves on the girl. "Later, to ensure that no proof remained of their misdoings, they murdered her. Investigations are still on. We have called forensic science experts and a dog squad has also been pressed into service," said the SSP. Bhullar, along with senior officers, was camping at the crime scene at the time of filing this report. The IG (Border) is expected to rush to the village later in the evening from Chandigarh where he has gone to attend a pre-scheduled meeting. The minor's body has been sent for post mortem at the Gurdaspur civil hospital. The hospital authorities have constituted a board of doctors on the request of the police to ascertain if the girl was actually raped or not. Sources said women doctors were rushed to the village on the request of the SSP. editorial@tribune.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, April 18 Keen to serve chemical-free langar to devotees at the Golden Temple and other gurdwaras under its control, the SGPC has decided to expand its organic farming activities. SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said Rs 9.04 crore had been allocated in the current budget, adding that the area under cultivation of organically grown vegetables would be increased. Our aim is to use organic vegetables at all gurdwaras. The shrines that possess more than five-acre land have been told to cultivate vegetables and pulses on at least one acre in an organic manner to start with, he said. At present, onion, carrot, peas, radish, cabbage, spinach, fenugreek seed (methi) and now fruits are being grown majorly at the Satlani Sahib Gurdwara farm. The produce caters to the Golden Temples kitchen, which receives 10 quintals of vegetables every 3-4 days. However, its not enough to meet the requirement to prepare langar for 60,000-70,000 people daily. So, the purchase is also made from the market. Farmers from nearby areas donate freshly harvested vegetables. The SGPC-run gurdwaras own 13,000 acres in Punjab, Haryana and HP. SGPC additional secretary Diljit Singh Bedi stated that on an experimental basis, around 40 acres at Gurdwara Gurusar Satlani Sahib were earmarked as a model organic farm in 2015 and various varieties of vegetables were grown on six acres. Next year, seven acres were added to the project. In August 2017, a resolution was passed at the executive body meeting, according to which 15 gurdwaras were told to cultivate organic vegetables. Now, 18 more have been told to follow suit, he said. The SGPC is being assisted by Punjab Agro Industries Corporation Limited (PAIC) to gain expertise in soil testing and experimenting with new vegetables. Recently, 1,500 saplings of special guava were planted on Satlani Sahib land. Instead of pesticides, we are spraying neem patta, lassi, cow urine etc. on the crop, as advised by experts, said Bedi. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, April 18 Former Akali minister Sucha Singh Langah on Wednesday moved the Punjab and Haryana High Court, seeking the transfer of the rape case against him to a court outside Punjab on the ground that the presiding officer was hostile towards him. Taking up the petition through senior advocate Jasjit Singh Bedi, Justice Lisa Gill put Punjab on notice. Bedi said the presiding officer reportedly told the petitioner in the court that he would be convicted, come what may. He added that the officer refused to accept the petitioners medical report and stated that he was feigning illness to avoid an appearance before the court. Langah was humiliated when he was asked to remove his pyjamas to show the angiography scar, Bedi said. The counsel pointed out that three district attorneys had been changed in the case. A special team of three additional district attorneys has been constituted for conducting the trial. The counsel said even after the prosecutrix did not support the prosecution case, the petitioner was told that he would be convicted. This apparently leads to the irresistible conclusion that a fair and impartial trial is not possible, he added. The petitioner also claimed that the FIR was apparently an outcome of political rivalry as it was registered just before the Gurdaspur Lok Sabha byelection. A former MLA from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district, Langah was booked on September 29 last year, days ahead of the bypoll. The complainant, however, told the court that she was not the woman seen in the video that went viral. singhking99@yahoo.com MR. E.L. Iyer who went to England with Mr. J. Baptista has just returned to India. An account of his impressions of British opinion about the future of India is published the latest issue of Young India. It would appear that the presentation of more Indians to counteract the work of Lord Sydenham and others is most urgent at present as the British people are anxious to know the truth about India and exercise their influence in the future settlement of the country. The Labour Party, said Mr. Iyer, was "prepared to apply in the case of India the same principles of self-determination as in be case of Ireland, Poland or other of the small or weaker nationalities of Europe." The labour leaders were surprised at the modest claims put forward by the Congress-League scheme. Under these circumstances it would be most damaging to India if the Sydenham party were allowed to misrepresent India. uttara@tribuneindia.com The Hague, Apr 18 Britain accused Russia on Wednesday of breaking the two-decade international ban on chemical weapons at emergency talks into last month's poisoning with a nerve agent of a former Russian spy. The accusations came as diplomats from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons met behind closed-doors in The Hague to discuss the case. Experts from the watchdog last week confirmed the British findings that former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter had been poisoned with a nerve agent. "We will continue to call out Russia's reckless and indiscriminate behaviour when it violates the CWC (Chemical Weapons Convention), and when it threatens global security," British ambassador Peter Wilson said. "Russia has a proven record of conducting state-sponsored assassination," he claimed, according to a tweet from the British delegation to the OPCW. "It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination," Wilson said. It was the second meeting of the Hague-based body's executive council in three days, and was called by Britain to discuss the probe into the poisoning of Skripal and his daughter last month in the British town of Salisbury. Founded in 1997, the OPCW oversees the application of The Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) aimed at eliminating the world's stockpiles of toxic arms. After deploying its experts to Salisbury, the OPCW last week confirmed in a report the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical. It did not however publicly name the substance or its origins, which Britain says was a Novichok nerve agent of the sort first developed in the Soviet Union in the 1970s. Moscow has vehemently denied the allegations, and in a tweet by the Russian embassy to the Netherlands mocked the British statements. "No plausible alternative, highly likely (twice), it is likely that, strong probability, probably, may have been, may have - that is the wording again used by the delegation at the @OPCW. What a depth of argumentation!" it said. The Salisbury crisis, coupled with Russian support for its ally Syria after accusations of illicit toxic weapons being used on civilians in its civil war, has sent already-frayed relations between Moscow and the West plummeting to new lows. On Monday, the OPCW's governing executive council also met in closed-session to discuss a dangerous mission by its inspectors to the Syrian town of Douma to probe allegations of a chemical chlorine and sarin gas attack on April 7. The mission, due to get underway on Wednesday, has been hit by delays, amid fears from Western powers that crucial evidence has already likely been removed. London said meanwhile on Tuesday that the nerve agent substance used in Salisbury had been delivered in "liquid form" and in small quantities. A meticulous clean-up has now begun in Salisbury, and the town's cemetery where Skripal's wife and son are buried was re-opened on Tuesday. But nine other sites, including a pub and a restaurant the Skripals visited, remain closed off and the work could take several months. The Skripals were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury. Sergei Skripal, 66, remains in the city's hospital, though he is improving rapidly and no longer in a critical condition, doctors said in their last update on April 6. Yulia Skripal, 33, who had been visiting her father in England when the attack took place, has been discharged and is continuing her recovery in a safe house. The Group of Seven industrial powers condemned the attack "in the strongest possible terms" yesterday. They agreed it was "highly likely" that Russia was responsible and there was "no plausible alternative explanation". AFP uttara@tribuneindia.com AMSTERDAM, April 18 It is not clear when an Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons fact-finding mission will be able to travel safely to Douma, Syria, the British ambassador to the body said on Wednesday. Ambassador Peter Wilson told reporters that OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu had said the departure of a team of inspectors was delayed after an incident in which an advance UN security detail performing reconnaissance in Douma was forced to withdraw after being fired upon. Earlier, a diplomatic source told Reuters that Uzumcu had said when UN security forces arrived at the city on Tuesday, a large crowd gathered. When they went to look at one potential site, they were subjected to gunfire and light shelling and withdrew. The fact-finding mission will be unable to depart until it is given a green light for departure by the UN security detail, the source said. Reuters ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Washington/Seoul, April 18 CIA director Mike Pompeo, US President Donald Trumps nominee to become the top US diplomat, visited North Korea last week and met leader Kim Jong Un with whom he formed a good relationship, Trump said on Wednesday. Pompeo became the most senior US official known to have met Kim when he visited Pyongyang to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of summit are being worked out now. Denuclearisation will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Trump said on Twitter. Pompeos visit and the Tweet provide the strongest sign yet about Trumps willingness to become the first serving US President ever to meet a North Korean leader, amid a protracted standoff over the Norths nuclear and missile programmes it pursues in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions. US officials said earlier Pompeo visited over the Easter weekend, March 31 to April 2. Representatives for the White House and the State Department did not immediately respond to a query on the exact date of the meeting with Kim. At the same time, old rivals North Korea and South Korea are preparing for their own summit, between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War a major factor in talks. As one of the plans, we are looking at a possibility of shifting the Korean peninsulas armistice to a peace regime, a top South Korean presidential official told reporters in Seoul earlier on Wednesday when asked about the North-South summit. But thats not a matter than can be resolved between the two Koreas alone. It requires close consultations with other concerned nations, as well as North Korea, the official said. South Korea and a US-led UN force are technically still at war with North Korea after the Korean War ended with a truce, not a peace treaty. The US-led United Nations Command, Chinese forces and North Korea signed the 1953 armistice, to which South Korea is not a party. Trump said he backed efforts between North and South Korea aimed at ending the state of war. Such discussions between the two Koreas, and between North Korea and the United States, would have been unthinkable at the end of last year, after months of escalating tension, and fear of war, over the Norths weapons programmes. But then Kim declared in a New Years speech his country was a peace-loving and responsible nuclear power and called for lower military tension and improved ties with the South. Reuters Kim turns to his wife, sis to soften his image North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appears to be trying out a new tactic to boost the image of his authoritarian regime -- hes putting the spotlight on the women in his life Over the past few months, Kim has increasingly shared the stage with his younger sister, who became an instant celebrity as his envoy to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, and his wife, a former singer in her late 20s But the greater public role for Kim Yo Jong, his sister, and Ri Sol Ju (pic), his wife, comes as Kim is embarking on a charm offensive a series of summits and diplomatic moves that have significantly raised his international profile The timing suggests hes hoping to change the optics of his regime, if not its iron-fisted domestic policies, by presenting a softer face to the outside world Pompeos visit was arranged by South intelligence CIA director Mike Pompeos visit to the North was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks Pompeo flew from a US air force base in Osan, south of Seoul, an official with the Souths defence ministry said. The Souths presidential office declined to comment on the trip Amid the diplomatic flurry, CNN reported that Chinese President Xi Jinping also planned to visit Pyongyang soon, after North Korean leader Kim made a surprise trip last month to China, its major sole ally Neither a new nor simple idea The two Koreas, ahead of a leaders summit next week, are discussing a peace agreement that could officially end the state of war that has technically lasted since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice not a treaty. South Korea and a US-led UN force are technically still at war with North Korea and the idea of an official peace deal to change that is neither new, nor something that can be resolved in a single inter-Korean summit, analysts say. North Korea has previously maintained that it would only negotiate a peace treaty with the United States. The Norths first leader and founder of the ruling Kim dynasty, Kim Il Sung, for example, raised the idea of a peace deal with US President Jimmy Carter in the 1970s. North and South Korea have seriously discussed the idea before. In 1992, the two sides agreed to endeavour together to transform the present state of armistice into a solid state of peace. The last inter-Korean summit in October 2007 concluded with a declaration by the two Koreas to recognise the need to end the current armistice regime and build a permanent peace regime and to work together and declare an end to the war. On Wednesday, a spokesman for Souths unification ministry said the government was looking to build on that 2007 position. reuters CALGARY, Alberta, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trican Well Service Ltd. (Trican) intends to release its First Quarter 2018 results on Thursday, May 10, 2018 before the open of the market. The Company will host a conference call on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. MT (12:00 p.m. ET) to discuss the Companys results for the 2018 First Quarter. To listen to the webcast of the conference call, please enter the following URL in your web browser: https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/wce4iod2. You can also visit the Investors section of our website at www.tricanwellservice.com/investors and click on Reports. To participate in the Q&A session, please call the conference call operator at 1-844-358-9180 (North America) or 478-219-0187 (outside North America) 15 minutes prior to the call's start time and ask for the Trican Well Service Ltd. First Quarter 2018 Earnings Results Conference Call. The conference call will be archived on Tricans website at www.tricanwellservice.com/investors Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Trican provides a comprehensive array of specialized products, equipment and services that are used during the exploration and development of oil and gas reserves. Requests for further information should be directed to: Dale Dusterhoft President and Chief Executive Officer E-mail: ddusterhoft@trican.ca Michael Baldwin Senior Vice President, Corporate Development E-mail: mbaldwin@trican.ca Robert Skilnick Chief Financial Officer E-mail: robert.skilnick@trican.ca Phone: (403) 266-0202 Fax: (403) 237-7716 2900, 645 7th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 4G8 Please visit our website at www.tricanwellservice.com. Blow for blow A trade war between America and China takes shape The two countries threaten to descend into a sequence of tit-for-tat retaliations TALK of tariffs is in danger of developing into cries of trade war. On April 3rd America published a list of some 1,300 Chinese products it proposes to hit with tariffs of 25%. Just a day later China produced its own list, covering 106 categories. As the Chinese saying goes, it is only polite to reciprocate, said the Chinese embassy in Washington, DC. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics, a think-tank, Americas list covers Chinese products worth $46bn in 2017 (9% of that years total goods exports to America; see graphic). Chinas covers American goods worth around $50bn in 2017 (38% of exports). The sums were enough to move markets on April 4th, though the S&P 500 index soon made up lost ground. The element of surprise The domain turkeytelegraph.com may be for sale. Please click here to inquire An exhibition commemorating the 80th anniversary of birth of Peoples Artist of Turkmenistan Durdy Bayramov was held in Ashgabat. Relatives and friends, colleagues and students of the Academy of Arts, general public and representatives of the mass media gathered at the Museum of Fine Arts on this occasion. The exhibition of the artists graphic and pictorial works occupies several halls at the museum. All works, including 115 paintings and 145 graphic works, were donated by the author to the museum in his time. According to those people who knew Durdy Bayramov, the artists studio was home to his many friends, acquaintances, artists, writers and musicians who used to pose for him. He was a master of the psychological portrait. His style organically combined the traditions of the Turkmen school of painting, classical realism and impressionistic innovations. The commemorative exhibition of works by Peoples Artist of Turkmenistan Durdy Bayramov featured portraits of famous people, such as People's Artist of Turkmenistan Baba Annanov, conductor Khydyr Allanurov, People's Artist of Turkmenistan and Film Director Alty Karliyev, peoples bakhshi Sakhi Dzhepbarov, artist Stanislav Babikov and many others. TURKMENISTAN.RU, 2021 Germany is frustrating Emmanuel Macrons grand ambitions The reality is that Paris and Berlin are no longer natural allies Wolfgang Munchau The message is clear: German chancellor Angela Merkel (right) is saying no to French president Emmanuel Macron (left) on eurozone reform AFP The Franco-German honeymoon has ended. At the beginning of the year, Angela Merkel, German chancellor, and Martin Schulz, the former leader of the Social Democratic party, agreed that Germany would enter into a meaningful dialogue with Emmanuel Macron, the French president, on reform of the eurozone. As it turned out, the eurozone agenda was a personal project of Mr Schulzs, not of the SPD. When he was ousted as leader in February, the party lost interest. The grand coalition is once again in power, but now without the only interesting project that would have justified its existence. Olaf Scholz, the SPD finance minister and the partys new strongman, is notably cool on the whole idea. On the important issue of a European deposit insurance scheme, he is as sceptical as his predecessor, Wolfgang Schauble. The opposition to eurozone reform from inside Ms Merkels party, the CDU, and its Bavarian sister party, CSU, is as strong as ever. The CDU/CSU group in the Bundestag rejects all but one of the items on Mr Macrons reform agenda. They do not want an enlarged European Stability Mechanism, the rescue umbrella, nor a single eurozone budget. And like Mr Scholz they do not want a European deposit insurance scheme until the Italian banks have managed to get rid of most of the bad loans on their balance sheet. They do not want debt relief for Greece, either. The only reform idea for which there is some lukewarm support is that of a fiscal backstop to the bank resolution fund, something that should have happened a long time ago. The message is clear: Germany is saying no to Mr Macron on eurozone reform, at least in substance. There may still be some token deal, perhaps a tiny eurozone budget with no macroeconomic significance. To add insult to injury, Ms Merkel also preemptively ruled out German involvement in military action against the Syrian regime. I wonder how those two unrelated messages from Germany will be received. France is now in exactly the position Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front, has warned about: in a monetary union in which the voice of France counts for little and a geopolitical situation in which the UK is the more reliable partner. Mr Macrons enthusiastic support for European integration contrasts with the unchanged political reality that France and Germany are no longer natural allies. Unlike in France, the pro-European parties in Germany are in retreat. Ms Merkels party lost 1m votes to the Free Democrats and the Alternative for Germany, both of which advocate policies that would lead to the destruction of the eurozone. Sixty CDU/CSU MPs voted against the Greek support programme in 2015. If faced with a similar rebellion today, the grand coalition would no longer have a majority. Does this make eurozone reform impossible? I do not think so. The June deadline for eurozone reforms was chosen because Mr Macron needs something concrete to show before the European elections in May 2019. As a longstanding advocate of eurozone reform, I am finding myself in the unusual position of favouring a tactical retreat. It would be better to wait for a better moment to push the two issues that really matter, neither of which is on the agenda right now: the creation of a single safe asset, or a eurozone bond; and the legal and political separation of national governments and their banks. Reformers should exploit the fact that the large and persistent current account surpluses of the northern eurozone countries make them vulnerable to a sudden disruption of trade flows. Only an existential crisis that threatens the very survival of the eurozone has the potential to concentrate minds in the northern eurozone. A very large current account surplus makes you strong in good times, but weak in bad. Now is not the moment to extract concessions from Germany or the Netherlands. The alternative is wasting scarce political capital on weak reforms. We would also have to accept conditions that might add to financial instability, like Germanys demand for a semi-automatic debt restructuring or caps on bank holdings of sovereign bonds. If the alternative is a big leap in the wrong direction, standing still would constitute relative progress. IMF shows poor track record at forecasting recessions Economic predictions presented as precise numbers are far from that in reality Valentina Romei and Keith Fray Blowing hot and cold: The difficulty in getting forecasts right is not unique to the IMF The IMF is set to release its twice yearly global outlook on Monday, providing economic growth forecasts for almost every country in the world. However, a closer look at its record on reading the future suggests it is unlikely they will accurately predict even how many economies will expand or contract this year. The FT looked at the number of countries that the IMF expected to be in recession for every year since 1991 and compared it with the number of economies that turned out to have actually contracted. Over the last 27 years, the IMF has predicted every October that an average of five economies will contract the following year. In practice, an average of 26 have contracted. This suggests that the six countries that the IMF predict will be in recession for 2018 could rise to as many as 31. The difficulty in getting forecasts right is not unique to the IMF. All macroeconomic forecasters are poor at predicting downturns, David Turner, head of the economics department at the OECD told the FT. Recessions are not rare, echoed Prakash Loungani, a macro-economist at the IMF. What is rare is a recession that is forecast in advance. Despite an increased amount of economic data being available, the ability to predict downturns remains dismal, he told the FT. Extreme volatility during the global financial crisis complicated economic forecasting said the OECD. In October 2008, after the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the IMF forecast that seven countries would be in recession in 2009 and it predicted global output would expand by 3 per cent. In reality, world GDP contracted by 0.1 per cent and 91 countries went into recession. In that October, the IMF predicted an economic expansion for 2009 for both the US and Japan. Instead, the worlds largest economy contracted by nearly three percentage points and Japans economy shrank by 5.4 per cent, its worst annual performance since the second world war.Also, the IMF sometimes gets the countries wrong. Greece, for example, is one of the eight countries that the IMF expected to be in recession in 2016, but it is not among the 25 countries that the IMF now considers to have been in recession in that year. The fact that forecasts are typically over-optimistic for horizons beyond the current year is not necessarily the result of economist optimism. They fail to forecast strong booms, just as they fail to predict recessions, said Mr Loungani, suggesting that economic forecasts are too rooted in thinking that things stay close to normal or will revert to normal soon. Economic models are not precise and they are based on lots of assumptions that may not turn out to be true, said Paul Donovan, the chief economist at UBS Wealth Management. The problem is not only with models and assumptions, but also with hard data. Economic data are continuously revised, sometimes in a significant way, even in countries with usually reliable data. In the last 24 years of UK quarterly GDP data, almost every final figure has been different from the initial release, sometimes by one full percentage point. The US economy expanded by an annualised rate of 3.2 per cent or contracted by 0.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2015 according to different revisions of the same data. Similarly, in Q1 2011 the US economy was revised from registering a strong expansion to a strong contraction. The IMFs April outlook is often more accurate. This is because it is easier to get a forecast right for the current year than the following year. The April report is better able to signal a recession for the current year than the October publication, but one that is much milder than what transpires, says Mr Loungani, author of several studies. Economic forecasts should provide broad trends, not specific numbers said Mr Donovan, they should assess whether an economy is growing about trend, below or above trend. Specific forecasts create an illusion of precision, he added. Having decimal points in forecasts is purely to prove that economists have a sense of humour said Mr Donovan. GLO.ACT organized the first strategic planning meeting of CSO alliance against trafficking in persons Bogota, Colombia - 17 April 2018 - Under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT), on 6 April 2018, UNODC organized the first planning meeting of 'La Alianza', Colombia's alliance of civil society organizations (CSOs) against TIP. The aim of the meeting was to support the alliance in identifying its strengths and weaknesses and to develop a plan to strengthen its work between 2018-2020. The event brought together 21 representatives from 15 CSO from around the country. During the meeting, participants expressed the need to strengthen coordination between government and CSO in the fight against TIP, given that both have experience and valuable knowledge that should be used to address this crime in the country. Speaking at the event, Mr. Carlos Andres Perez Gallego, National Project Officer for GLO.ACT in Colombia, said, "One of the roles of the GLO.ACT project has been to facilitate and guarantee a respectful dialogue between all the actors involved in the fight against TIP and the Smuggling of Migrants (SOM) in Colombia". Mr. Tito Contreras Angarita, Cooperation Officer at the European Delegation to Colombia, highlighted that "one of the important results achieved by GLO.ACT in Colombia is the creation of networks and platforms accessible to all interested stakeholders in the fight against trafficking in human beings and migrant smuggling". Ms. Betty Pedraza, General Director of Corporacion Espacios de Mujer, one of the CSOs with technical secretariat role in the alliance said, "This meeting is a great opportunity to analyze how we are all working against human trafficking and how we can collectively have more impact." The meeting concluded with participants agreeing on how to keep the alliance operational over the coming years. In addition, strategies on how to approach local and national authorities, after the up-coming presidential elections, were agreed upon. The need to develop mechanisms to improve the alliance's visibility and communication was also addressed. Concrete agreements will be included in the first action plan of 'La Alianza' that will be shared amongst all key alliance stakeholders over the next few weeks. The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms. For more information, please contact: Mr. Carlos Andres Perez GLO.ACT National Project Officer carlos.perez@un.org www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/ Twitter: @glo_act GLO.ACT supports workshop for judges on migrant smuggling and human trafficking Hurghada, Egypt - 17 April 2018 - In collaboration with the National Coordinating Committee on Preventing and Combating Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling and the National Center for Judicial Studies, UNODC, under the framework of GLO.ACT, organized a second training seminar for 39 senior judges and investigators from Upper Egypt and Cairo from 3 - 6 April 2018. Participants also included 5 military judges from the Red Sea Province and 3 designated investigators from the National Control Authority. Egypt is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking in persons and the smuggling of migrants. Primary smuggling routes are from the Horn of Africa and Eastern Africa, taken by migrants seeking passage to Europe by departing Egyptian shores. In 2016, Egypt adopted Law No. 82/2016 on Combating Illegal Migration and the Smuggling of Migrants, which merged the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Illegal Migration and the National Coordinating Committee for Combating and Preventing Trafficking in Persons (NCCPIM & TIP). Together with Law No. 64 of 2010 on Trafficking in Persons, Egypt has a comprehensive legal framework to combat TIP and the smuggling of migrants (SOM). UNODC supports the implementation of the legal framework with training series for police officers, prosecutors and judges in order to strengthen national capacity to investigate, prosecute and adjudicate crimes of human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The aim of the workshop for the senior judges was to develop their knowledge on national legislation with regards to TIP and SOM. The workshop was opened by Counselor Omar Abdel Hafiz, Assistant Minister, UNODC representative and NCCPIM representative. In his opening statement, he commended the efforts made by UNODC to assist the government in countering TIP and SOM and stressed that UNODC should continue its efforts to assist all institutions in Egypt to counter all types of organized crimes. He went on to highlight the success of the first training held in Aswan in February 2018 and also highlighted the positive feedback from different judges around the country. The four-day workshop covered a broad range of topics such as: The constituent elements of the TIP and SOM: definitions and differences; The United Nations Convention on Transnational Organized Crime; The national law on TIP with practical cases; The national law on SOM with practical cases; Protection principles in SOM cases; and The emergence of cyber investigations and digital evidence. Counsellor Mohamed Ezzat, Senior Coordinator at the International Cooperation Administration of the General Prosecutor's Office, and Mr. Khalid El Nakady, Senior Coordinator at the NCCPIM & TIP, both spoke during the opening ceremony of the workshop. Mr. Ezzat said, "The Public Prosecution Office appreciates the efforts by UNODC to strengthen the capabilities of the national prosecutors". He also thanked the European Union (EU) for its support on migrant smuggling interventions. Meanwhile, Mr. El Nakady commended UNODC for its training model and emphasized Egypt's willingness to engage in strategic cooperation with all international organizations and donors, including the EU. The judges were very interested in the training due to the fact that that very few of them knew anything about Egypt's relevant laws on TIP and SOM. Upon conclusion of the workshop, the participating judges gave very positive feedback, highlighting the need to continue this training series all over the country to familiarize the majority of the judiciary personnel with the relevant laws, international conventions and protocols. Particular emphasis was given to the need to raise awareness about the importance of adopting a victim-centered approach when dealing with TIP cases. Two senior Egyptian judges who contributed to the workshop as trainers and as UNODC experts highlighted the importance of digital evidence and cyber investigations in most of the criminal cases presented. The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. GLO.ACT works with the 13 countries to plan and implement strategic national counter-trafficking and counter smuggling efforts through a prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships approach. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms. For more information, please contact: Mr. Faisal Hegazy GLO.ACT National Programme Officer faisal.hegazy@unodc.org www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/ Email: glo.act@un.org Twitter: @glo_act GLO.ACT supports the National School of Judges in development of specialized curriculum on trafficking in persons Kyiv, Ukraine - 17 April 2018 - Under the framework of the Global Action against Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants ( GLO.ACT) and in collaboration with the National School of Judges, UNODC organized a two-day workshop from 12 to 13 April 2018 to develop a teaching curriculum on specifics of cases related to trafficking in persons (TIP). To date, the available curriculum does not have a strong focus on TIP. The hope is that this new curriculum will provide the necessary theoretical background whilst also making available practical exercises to future judges. This should make a significant difference to the work of the future judges, since one of the reasons why court rulings often appear lenient is because judges do not have adequate training on how to interpret Article 149 of Ukraine's criminal code. In many TIP cases, due to a lack of training on TIP, judges do not fully appreciate the severity of the crime or the devastating impact it has on its victims. During the workshop, acting judges from all over Ukraine, as well as former judges with extensive expertise in cases related to TIP and international partners including IOM worked on the development of the training curriculum for future judges. Discussion about the content to include in the curriculum covered the following subjects: National and international legislation on TIP; Types of TIP cases and modern trends; Cases related to the conflict in the east of Ukraine; Qualification of the TIP crimes (Article 149 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and differences from other crimes; Practical aspects with regards to the application of Article 149 of the Criminal Code by the courts; Features of the evidence in criminal cases on TIP; Ethical aspects of the court hearings; Damages and compensation, civil litigation in connection with the criminal case; and Sentencing of perpetrators. During the meeting, UNODC GLO.ACT National Project Officer Mr. Rostyslav Gavrylov said, "It is a great honor for us to be able to work with the National School of Judges in Ukraine and support the work on the development of the training course, which will become integral to the overall school curriculum. We believe that with our contribution we will be able to develop a course that will enable judges from all over the country to better fight against the awful crime of human trafficking." Meanwhile, Oksana Gorbunova from IOM said, "We are grateful to our colleagues from UNODC who have initiated this important work and developed an important partnership with the National School of Judges to develop an up-to-date training course on TIP." The next workshop meeting is scheduled to take place 5 to 6 June 2018 in Kyiv. The aim of the meeting will be to review the course materials and cases added to the practical exercises. It is expected that the upgraded curriculum will be available in the autumn of 2018 and that a training-of-trainers event will utilize the curriculum nationwide. The Global Action to Prevent and Address Trafficking in Persons and the Smuggling of Migrants (GLO.ACT) is a four-year (2015-2019), 11 million joint initiative by the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The project is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). GLO.ACT aims to provide assistance to governmental authorities and civil society organizations across 13 strategically selected countries: Belarus, Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Kyrgyz Republic, Lao PDR, Mali, Morocco, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, South Africa, Ukraine. It supports the development of more effective responses to trafficking and smuggling, including providing assistance to victims of trafficking and vulnerable migrants through the strengthening of identification, referral, and direct support mechanisms. For more information, please contact: Rostyslav Gavrylov, National Project Coordinator, UNODC rostyslav.gavrylov@un.org www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/glo-act/ glo.act@un.org Twitter: @glo_act TATE Summer Bridge Scholars at the San Antonio River Authority field trip in 2017. (April 18, 2018) -- Students in the Transfer Academy for Tomorrows Engineers (TATE), a joint program between the Alamo Colleges and UTSA, will participate in a summer research internship that will allow them to try on careers in engineering. The TATE program addresses the increasing national demand for qualifying engineers in the workforce by providing Alamo Colleges engineering majors with a seamless academic pathway to transfer to UTSA to complete their bachelors degrees. The TATE Scholars Program, now in its seventh year, is an educational summer experience for transferring students who are interested in acquiring research and technical writing skills. The program a collaborative partnership between the UTSA Institute for P-20 Initiatives, UTSA College of Engineering, Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute and the Alamo Colleges. During the first four weeks of the program, students will explore topics such as sustainability and green energy, learn how to gather information and organize a research paper and presentation. At the completion of the first four-week program, participating students will receive a scholarship stipend of $1,000. Additionally, students may get an exposure to the research process and creative inquiry through a four-week paid research internship in a UTSA laboratory or U.S. Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service laboratory. There is a great need to prepare next-generation researchers to leverage future opportunities in clean energy and sustainable systems, said Krystel Castillo, GreenStar Endowed Associate Professor in Energy and director of the Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute at UTSA. Our goal is to close the gap between rigorous engineering competencies and soft skills; we aim to instill in our students the teamwork, communication and systems skills needed to transcend disciplinary boundaries in the energy and sustainability areas. TATEs summer internship program is a partnership with the UnderGraduate Research, Education and Training (U-GREAT) program, a Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates project sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). The collaborative partnership strives to increase the number of first-generation students pursuing a four-year degree by providing them with the opportunity to participate in intense summer experiential learning opportunities. The TATE program has worked to improve the transition of engineering students from the Alamo Colleges to UTSA through this unique summer bridging experience. We are committed to helping transferring engineering students get acclimated to campus and helping to prepare them for the next step in their academic journeys, said Darrell C. Balderrama, director of Retention and TRiO Programs for the UTSA Institute for P-20 Initiatives. The Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute was founded by UTSA in 2010 to leverage UTSAs diverse knowledge in energy and related areas, and to position San Antonio as a significant contributor to the 21st century global energy economy. The institute integrates scientific discovery, engineering innovation and policy deliberations with pragmatic implementation and a commitment to multicultural traditions to realize the promise of tomorrows America as a global energy leader. The UTSA Institute for P-20 Initiatives enables pre-K through 20 students to develop and complete their educational goals through collaborative partnerships with K-12 and postsecondary institutions and other organizations in the San Antonio community. It targets individuals who might not otherwise have access to postsecondary educational opportunities. TATE Scholars Program Eligibility Requirements An under-construction steel factory collapsed due to strong wind in Binh Duong province, killing one and injuring three others. Source: VNA/VNS. Photo: Huyen Trang The injured are undergoing treatment at the provincial hospital. The factory, belonging to an individual company, was located in My Phuoc 3 Industrial Park, according to police in Ben Cat town. The workers were working on the construction of the steel factory. It was raining, and the wind was strong, which knocked down the factory, a police source said. One of the workers could not run fast, and an iron bar fell on him, resulting in his death, he added. Police in Ben Cat town reached the spot to inspect and investigate the matter. At 7 PM on April 17, police gathered information from witnesses for the investigation. Ha Van Tham, former chairman of OceanBank This morning, on April 18, the Hanoi Peoples Court began the appeal trial of Ha Van Tham, former chairman of OceanBanks management board and other defendants. Ha Van Tham and OceanBanks former general director Nguyen Xuan Son have appealed against the courts decision in September 2017 after being found guilty on the charges of embezzling property (Article 278 of 1999 Penal Code) and abusing position and/or powers to appropriate property (Article 280). Nguyen Minh Thu, former deputy general director and chairman of the OceanBank management board, also appealed against being found guilty on the charge of abusing positions and powers to appropriate property. Pham Cong Danh, former chairman of Thien Thanh Corporation, and Hua Thi Phan, former chairman of Phu My Investment Co., Ltd., have appealed against the whole first instance verdict. The remaining 20 defendants also appealed. Some of the companies appealed against the orders to pay compensation. However, five defendants (all former directors of OceanBanks branches) withdrew several days ago. They were sentenced from 24 months of non-custodial re-education to 20 months of suspended imprisonment on the charge of deliberately acting against the States regulations on on economic management, causing serious consequences (Article 165 of the 1999 Penal Code). Nguyen Xuan Son, former general director of OceanBank The first instance verdict showed that in 2010-2014, Ha Van Tham directed his officers to spend nearly VND1.6 trillion ($70.5 million) on interest payments for some organisations and individuals without any contracts. Nguyen Xuan Son supported Tham to implement and direct the spending of this amount. Additionally, Son was found to have received VND246 billion ($10.84 million) from Tham. VND49 billion ($2.16 million) of this came from Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam). At the end of 2012, Ha Van Tham directed Nguyen Van Hoan to authorise a VND500-billion ($22 million) loan for Pham Cong Danh (former chairman of Thien Thanh Corporation) without any collateral. This violated the regulations of the State Bank of Vietnam on loans and caused a loss of VND500 billion ($22 million) to OceanBank. Earlier, the Hanoi Peoples Court sentenced: Ha Van Tham to life imprisonment for offences under Article 278, 280, 179, and 165 of the 1999 Penal Code; Nguyen Xuan Son to death for offences under Article 278, 280, and 165; Nguyen Minh Thu to 22 years of imprisonment for offences under Article 165 and 280; Nguyen Van Hoan to 22 years of imprisonment for offences under Article 280 and 179; Pham Cong Danh to 14 years of imprisonment for offences under Article 179; Hua Thi Phan to 17 years of imprisonment for offences under Article 179; 42 remaining defendants from 24 months non-custody re-education to four years of imprisonment. Additionally, Ha Van Tham has to pay VND800 billion ($35.24 million) in damages, Son VND300 billion ($13.2 million), and Phan VND500 billion ($22 million) to the bank. Sabibeco is opening its six brewery to compete with foreign competiors Most recently, Saigon-BinhTay Beer JSC (Sabibeco), an affiliated brewer of Vietnam's leading beer firm Sabeco, kicked off the construction of the Saigon-Long Khanh beer manufacturing plant with a total investment capital of VND900 billion ($39.51 million). Covering an area of 4.5 hectares in Dong Nai provinces Long Khanh commune, the plant is expected to come into operation by April 2019 with the annual capacity of 100 million litres. The plant will be equipped with machinery and manufacturing lines imported from beer manufacturing equipment supplier Krones Group. The aim of this beer plant is to contribute to the firms plan to become the leading brewer in the country. According to the plan, Sabibeco will increase its capacity to 1 billion litres per year by 2020. Once the Saigon-Long Khanh plant comes into operation, it will be the sixth beer manufacturing plant operated by Sabibeco. At present, the firms five beer manufacturing plants are focusing on improving the Sagota beer brand in both the domestic market and overseas markets. At present, Sabeco is the largest brewer in Vietnam with a market share of 41-43 per cent, while the runners-up are Heineken with 25-27 per cent, Habeco with 16 per cent, and Carlsberg with 10 per cent, respectively. With the total consumption of about 3.8 billion litres of beer each year, Vietnam is an attractive market luring in numerous foreign brewers, including Carlsberg, Heineken, and AB Inbev. These investors are determined to increase their market shares via M&A deals. Notably, in March, Ceest Hart, chairman cum general director of Carlsberg, arrived to Hanoi to look for specific plans to increase Carlsbergs holding in Habeco. In the framework of the visit, representatives of Carlsberg discussed with the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), Habeco, and relevant authorities the state divestment progress. After Carlsberg, which holds a 17.3 per cent stake in Vietnams third-largest brewer, failed to use its priority purchasing rights to buy more stakes in Habeco, Ceest Hart stated during his visit that Habeco is a good asset and Carlsberg will offer a competitive price for a stake in the brewer. Along with Carlsberg, Heineken and AB Inbev also expressed ambitions to acquire Habecos stakes to increase their market share in Vietnam. Another foreign brewer wanting to increase its presence in Vietnam is Thai Beverage (Thaibev). Accordingly, after acquiring a 53.59 per cent stake in Sabeco, Thaibev announced plans to sell between 1.85 and 2 billion litres of beer and increase Sabecos market share to 50 per cent this year. Being the largest shareholder of Sabeco, we will support the corporation to become the leading brewer in Vietnam. We will take Sabecos products into F&Ns distribution system in Vietnam and other countries, and simultaneously increase Sabecos beer sales in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, said Koh Poh Tiong, chairman of F&Na member company of Thaibev)at Sabecos meeting to summarise the business results of 2017 and the development plan for 2018. At present, Sabeco is the largest brewer in Vietnam with a market share of 41-43 per cent, while the runners-up are Heineken with 25-27 per cent, Habeco with 16 per cent, and Carlsberg with 10 per cent, respectively. A view of high-rise buildings around Ngoc Khanh area in Ha Noi. The Ministry of Finance has proposed a tax on houses depending on their construction value as part of a draft law on property tax. - VNS Photo Thai Ha Under the proposed law, there are two options: imposing tax on houses with construction value of either more than VND700 million (US$30,400) or VND1 billion ($43,500). The proposed tax rate is 0.3 or 0.4 per cent annually, with only the surplus construction value above the proposed threshold to be taxed. For example, if the threshold is set at VND700 million, the owner of a VND1.7 billion ($74,000) house would have to pay tax on VND1 billion, equivalent to VND3-4 million ($132-176) per year. The construction value of a house is determined by factors including its type, scale and how many years it has been in use since construction. If the tax on houses worth more than VND700 million is applied, the finance ministry will be able to collect property tax of about VND23.3 trillion ($1.01 billion) to VND31 trillion ($1.4 billion) per year. If the second option is approved, the tax collection is estimated to vary from VND22.7 trillion ($987 million) to VND 30.3 trillion ($1.3 billion). The ministry currently favours taxing houses worth more than VND700 million at a rate of 0.4 per cent. According to Pham Dinh Thi, director of Ministry of Finances Tax Policy Department, data from other countries show that the lowest property tax rate stands at 0.2 per cent. However, countries mostly apply high rates like Indonesias 0.5 per cent and the 1-2 per cent in the Philippines. He said taxing houses and trade-service construction work will impact enterprises production and business. The draft is scheduled to be submitted to National Assembly for feedback in 2020. The ministry is also seeking to increase land tax. Under the same draft law, land taxes in some categories might rise by multiple times compared with those currently stated in the Law on Non-Agricultural Land Use Taxes. For example, housing land might get a 0.3 to 0.4 per cent tax rate, ten times higher than current minimum rate of 0.03 per cent. The draft law on property tax also proposes tax on personal vehicles such as planes, yachts and cars worth more than VND1.5 billion ($65,000). Controversies heated Truong Thanh Duc, chairman of the BASICO Law Firm, said a property tax law was necessary, however, peoples incomes must be taken into consideration when studying the law enforcement, he said. Dang Hung Vo, former deputy minister of environment and natural resources, agrees with the land tax hike by ten times, saying that housing land tax of 0.4 per cent, 0.5 per cent-tax on business, trade and service land are reasonable. In the future, it could be increased to 0.7 to 1 per cent. If land tax is high, land prices will fall, while if the tax is low, speculative hoarding might happen. If the tax is high, anyone who wants to buy land must consider whether they can afford the tax or not, he said. However, he opposed the housing property tax proposal, adding that developed countries impose housing tax depending on house area (not on value). Nguyen Anh Tu, a State officer living in Ha Noi, told Vietnam News Agency that a house in Ha Noi and HCM City can not be bought for less than VND700 million. I had to borrow 70 per cent of the house value from the bank to afford the payment, not to mention additional fees. Now if I have to pay an annual property tax, I dont know when I could pay off the debt, he said. Finance and banking specialist Nguyen Tri Hieu told the agency that imposing tax on land and houses is crucial to create equality in owning properties. However, the property tax law should require land tax only. People already pay personal income tax. There will be overlapping taxes if we require people to pay tax on the money they use to buy a house, he said. Le Hoang Chau, president of HCM City Real Estate Association, said if the law takes effect, the real estate market will be impacted, slowing business and investment activities. Disagreeing with the proposal, HCM City Real Estate Association proposed no tax on houses worth less than VND1 billion to support low-income and low middle-income people. Chau also proposed a 0.4 per cent-tax on housing land, apartment building land and houses worth more than VND1 billion. Policemen investigating Phan Huu Tuan's house last night The MoPS has just prosecuted Phan Huu Tuan (63, living in Tay Ho district, Hanoi), former deputy director general of the General Department of Intelligence, for the charge of deliberate disclosure of classified information (Article 337 of the 2015 Criminal Code). After one hour of inspection at his home last night, the policemen has seized a package of documents. The investigation agency also arrested and started prosecution of Nguyen Huu Bach, former security officer, for the same charge. In order to expand the investigation of the case of deliberate disclosure of classified information, tax evasion, and abusing position and powers while performing official duties" (Article 281of the 1999 Penal Code), the investigation agency has initiated proceedings against numerous former leaders of the central city of Danang. They are: Tran Van Minh, former Chairman of the Danang Peoples Committee in 2006-2011 on the charge of Offences against regulations on the management and use of State-owned property that lead to losses or wastefulness (Article 219) and Offences against regulations on land management (Article 229); Van Huu Chien, former Chairman of the Danang Peoples Committee in 2011-2014 for offences under Article 219 and 229; Nguyen Dieu, former director general of the Danang Department of Natural Resources and Environment for offences under Article 229; Tran Van Toan, former deputy director general of the Danang City Department of Natural Resources and Environment for offences under Article 229; Le Canh Duong, director of the Danang Board of Investment Promotion and Support for offences under Article 229; Phan Van Anh Vu (Vu Nhom), former chairman of the Management Board of Bac Nam 79 JSC and former chairman of Nova Bac Nam 79 JSC. On January 4, Phan Van Anh Vu was taken into custody after 20 days of hiding in Singapore. In addition to the charge of deliberate disclosure of classified information, he is investigated for other offences related to economic activities, including the case at Dong A Bank. During 2006-2014, the leaders of Danang approved to sell public houses and lands. Through the inspection of numerous public real estate projects, the Government Inspectorate determined that Danang made a loss of VND3.4 trillion ($150 million). Phan Van Anh Vu was involved in some of these projects. The case of billion-dollar appropriation at Dong A Bank continues to be investigated Earlier, the investigation agency concluded that Tran Phuong Binh (former general director of Dong A Bank) directed all activities of funding and investment at Dong A Bank and abused customers trust to appropriate property, causing a loss of VND3.405 trillion ($150 million). The conclusions pointed out that Dong A Banks accumulated losses were VND31.075 trillion ($1.37 billion) and equity capital was negative VND25.451 trillion ($1.12 billion), while total assets at the time of the violations were only VND47 trillion ($2.1 billion), for which Binhs violations were responsible. Binh was found guilty on the charge of abusing trust to appropriate property as he directed DAB officers to spend VND1.16 trillion ($51.1 billion) to acquire the bank's shares, exchange VND294 billion into $13.9 million without proper documentation to later use for personal purposes and using an additional VND309 billion ($13.6 million), also for personal purposes. Binh was also charged with intentionally violating regulations on economic management, causing serious consequences for his directions to spend VND467 billion ($20.6 million) for interest payments, VND85 billion ($3.75 million) for loan settlements, and VND49 billion ($2.16 million) for other personal purposes. He also directed to spend on gold and foreign currency illegally, causing a loss of VND1.6 trillion ($70.5 million). Nguyen Thi Kim Xuyen (deputy general director of Dong A Bank) used virtual companies and individuals to support Binh to withdraw VND467 billion ($20.6 million) for the acquisition of DAB shares. She also appropriated VND40 billion ($1.8 million) from the bank. She is charged with abusing trust to appropriate property and intentionally violating regulations on economic management. During the investigation, Tran Phuong Binh has returned VND4 billion ($0.18 million). The investigation conclusions also stated that Binh caused the loss of VND200 billion ($8.8 million) for DAB while raising the bank's charter capital from VND5 trillion ($220.3 million) to VND6 trillion ($264.3 million). Phan Van Anh Vu (Vu "Nhom," former chairman of Bac Nam 79 Construction JSC) was complicit in his crimes through buying 60 million DAB shares with the total value of VND600 billion ($26.4 million). Vu Nhom mortgaged his land holding in Danang city to collect VND400 billion ($17.6 million) from Dong A Bank, then used this to purchase DAB stocks. The remaining amount was paid by the bank as per Binhs instructions, after which Vu signed fake documents showing that he had already paid the VND200 billion ($8.8 million) to Dong A Bank. Thereby, Vu Nhom has to return VND200 billion ($8.8 million) to DAB and relevant agencies will investigate and prosecute him later. In this case, on April 2, the investigation agency proposed to prosecute 21 defendants including: Tran Phuong Binh, former general director, vice chairman of the management board of Dong A Bank; Nguyen Thi Kim Xuyen, former deputy general director, member of the management board; Nguyen Thi Ngoc Van, former deputy general director; Nguyen Duc Vinh, former head of treasury at the headquarters; As well as 17 leaders and treasurers of different DAB branches. Earlier, on January 4, the Ministry of Public Security took defendant Phan Van Anh Vu into custody after he was deported from Singapore. On December 21, 2017, MoPS issued an arrest warrant for Phan Van Anh Vu because he was accused of "Deliberately disclosing state secrets; appropriating, trading in and/or destroying state secret documents," according to Article 263 of the 1999 Penal Code. Kido will purchase 51 per cent in Golden Hope Golden Hope is a 51-49 joint venture company between Sime Darby Plantation from Malaysia and Vocarimex. Kido will take over the 51 per cent held by the foreign firm, according to Bizlive. Despite Golden Hopes bleak business results, Kido still decided in favour of the deal hoping that they can help Golden Hope overcome its difficulties and then utilise it to gain control over the cooking oil market segment. According to Kido general director Tran Le Nguyen, with the firms financial potential and managing experience, Kido will restructure the operations of Golden Hope and turn a profit. Nguyen added that Golden Hopes case is similar to Tuong An Vegetable Oil JSC. After being merged with Kido, Tuong An got a new lease on life with increases in both revenue and profit. Previously, Nguyen released that Kido has completed the negotiations for the purchase of a food manufacturing and processing firm which has an annual revenue of VND1.6-2 trillion ($70.4-87.9 million). In late May 2017, the company wrapped up the purchase of more than 32.8 million shares of Vocarimex, increasing its total stake to more than 62.1 million, equal to 51 per cent. Besides, in November 2016, Kido spent more than VND1 trillion ($43.9 million) to buy 65 per cent of Tuong An Vegetable Oil JSC. The highlight in Kidos business results in 2017 was the soaring revenue thanks to the contribution of the two newly acquired cooking oil producers. Notably, Kido reported a net revenue of over VND7 trillion ($308.2 million), doubling the 2016 figure with a gross profit of VND1.49 trillion ($65.6 million) and pre-tax profit of VND569 billion ($25.05 million). It set the revenue target of VND10 trillion ($440.3 million) this year. To reach this, Tuong An conducted wide restructuring, refocusing manufacturing and distribution activities towards the high-end segment. Besides, the company extended its product portfolio by adding packaged products in manufacturing, contributing to expanding its operations in general. Kim Young Hwan (right) and his wife, Hoang Thi Cuc, at the court hearing. - Photo vov.vn Kim Young Hwan, 55, a RoK national, was sentenced to life imprisonment for swindling to appropriate properties. Vietnamese nationals Hoang Thi Cuc, Hwans wife, and Giang Vinh Thang were sentenced to 16 years and 20 years in prison, respectively, for committing similar offences. Nguyen Ngoc Dai received 11 years in prison for abusing trust to appropriate assets and counterfeiting organisations stamps and documents. Another defendant, Nguyen Thi Nhung, was sentenced to three years in prison for abusing trust to appropriate assets. According to the indictment, Hwan and his wife established Hoang Kim Development, Trading and Investment Joint Stock Company in 2014. The company is not authorised to send people to work or study overseas, but the defendants sent labourers to work in RoK under the guise of internship in Korean schools. Hwan and his wife promised that after the internship, each labourer would be offered a job of US$1,200-1,700 per month. If the Korean language skills of overseas students pass the beginning or higher level in the first three to six months, the school refunds 30-50 per cent of the tuition fee. The accused gained the trust of the labourers by offering them fake recruitment in some schools. In the process, Hwan and his accomplices swindled VN10.3 billion ($450,000) in total. They refunded VN1.4 billion ($60,900) to the victims. Hwan himself was accused of swindling another VN6.9 billion ($300,000). He had 13 criminal records in RoK. At the court hearing, the couple confessed that they had sent most of the swindled money to two other people in RoK, adding they were unable to compensate. $220 million long-delayed Tan Mai pulp and paper mill have its investment certificate revoked At present, the Quang Ngai Department of Planning and Investment, in collaboration with relevant authorities, has completed the procedures to withdraw the investment certificate of the Tan Mai pulp and paper mills complex, according to the assignment of the Quang Ngai Peoples Committee. In 2009, Tan Mai Group received the investment certificate for these projects. According to the initial plan, these projects would have a total investment capital of VND1.95 trillion ($85.6 million) with an annual pulp capacity of 130,000 tonnes and the annual high-end paper capacity of 200,000 tonnes. The construction, covering an area of 45 hectares in Binh Son district, was expected to be kicked off in October 2009 to come into operation in 2011. During the construction process the investor proposed the Quang Ngai Peoples Committee to adjust the investment capital as well as the constructions deadline no less than five times. However, the province only approved adjustments for the first three times. Accordingly, the investment capital was increased to VND5.01 trillion ($219.5 million) and the deadline for completing the construction of the pulp mill was adjusted to December 2012 and the paper mill to December 2013. However, the construction was only kicked off in July 2010 and was suspended in December 2012. At the time of suspending the construction, the investor had only completed the environmental impact assessment report, the detailed construction plan, and took over the land to implement the project. If a sufficient number of investors express intention to develop projects on the plot, the district Peoples Committee will organise an auction for the land use right. According to the conclusions of the provinces inspection team, the investor committed numerous violations between 2009 and May 2017. Notably, Tan Mai failed to comply with the investment process, including failing to prove its financial potential for the added investment capital and delaying in the implementation of the construction. Besides, the province completed the site clearance and handed over the land for the investor in May 2010, however, it was not until May 2017 that Tan Mai completed the procedures for the certificate of land use right. In addition, the investor violated the construction schedule by being 52 months late with the pulp mill and 40 months late for the paper mill compared to the deadlines approved after the third adjustment. According to the Quang Ngai Peoples Committee, the investors lack of financial potential was the major cause behind the long delays. Thus, the investor will have to bear the entire responsibility for the incident. Most recently, the Quang Ngai Peoples Committee assigned the Quang Ngai Department of Planning and Investment in collaboration with the Quang Ngai Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other relevant authorities to revoke the investment certificate of these projects. Tran Hoang Vinh, the representative of the Quang Ngai Department of Planning and Investment, told VIR that the department has completed the procedures for the revocation and will send the decision to the investor and wait for their response. Since the construction was suspended, the investor has yet to announce whether it will resume the projects or withdraw. In case the projects are officially revoked, the Binh Son District Peoples Committee will take over the management of the land which was handed over for these projects. If a sufficient number of investors express intention to develop projects on the plot, the district Peoples Committee will organise an auction for the land use right, Vinh added. Manulife Vietnam wins The Best Life Insurance Service Award for ninth year This is the ninth time the company receives the prestigious award for its continuous contributions to the Vietnamese economy through providing excellent insurance services, placing the customers in the centre of all operations, and enhanced community-oriented activities. In pursuit of our customer-centric strategy, Manulife Vietnam has intensively invested into improving service quality to improve customer experience, constantly expanding our operational network across the country, as well as teaming up with prestigious partners to boost the number of transaction offices to better serve customers and roll out new products, said Paul George Nguyen, CEO of Manulife Vietnam. Early this year, Manulife has scaled up its charter capital to surpass VND5.7 trillion ($250.23 million) to focus on developing digital projects tailord to the customer services segment and our financial advisory team, to materialise our long-term and sustainable development commitment in the Vietnamese market, he added. Last year, Manulife has launched a raft of customer service improvement programmes, such as applying NPSystem to measure customer satisfaction on its hotline and indemnity payment services. The system will gather and analyse all feedback from customers, helping the company to optimise customer experience. Manulife Vietnam also pilots digital technology applications to constantly improve service quality. With VND5.72 trillion ($254 million) of charter capital, the company is currently the largest life insurer in Vietnam. It also holds the No.1 position in the bancassurance segment. The Golden Dragon Awards and Vietnam Excellent Brand Awards are the largest annual events organised by Vietnam Economics Times Group since 2001 in recognition of the outstanding achievements in production and business and the significant contributions made to the Vietnamese economy. Sixty-two foreign enterprises were presented with a Golden Dragon Award, while 100 domestic enterprises were recognised as a Vietnam Excellent Brand at this years ceremony. Boracay's annual tourism revenues bring more than a billion dollars into the Phillipines' economy. (Photo: AFP/STR) President Rodrigo Duterte has branded the tiny central island and its world-famous white-sand beach a "cesspool". He has ordered visitors be kept away from Apr 26 so facilities to treat raw sewage can be set up and illegal structures torn down. On Tuesday, authorities laid out a lockdown plan to keep out all foreign and Filipino tourists using more than 600 police, including a 138-member "crowd dispersal unit". "In any transition, especially for a drastic action such as this, there is always confusion, uncertainties, and low morale," the regional police director, Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag said at a public forum on the island, aired on national television. "What we did was to identify the sources of confusion, sources of uncertainty and sources of low morale that might result to agitation and eventually into a security issue," he added. Boracay residents will be obliged to carry new identification cards and will be banned from boating and night swimming, he said. Entry to the 1,000-hectare island, located 300km south of Manila, will be limited to a single small sea port. Island residents' new identity cards are expected to be distributed three days before the shutdown, and security forces will conduct a "capability demonstration" next week, Binag said. Businesses in the area, which previously lobbied for a phased rehabilitation, have warned that an abrupt shutdown could lead to bankruptcies and job losses for many of the island's 17,000 hotel, restaurant and other tourism workers, plus some 11,000 construction workers. The island drew two million visitors last year, earning the country more than a billion dollars in tourism revenue, according to official data. The abrupt decision to close Boracay has forced hundreds of hotels, restaurants, tour operators and other businesses to cancel bookings, leaving clients fuming. The threat of closure first emerged in February when Duterte accused Boracay's businesses of dumping sewage directly into the island's turquoise waters. "I will close Boracay. Boracay is a cesspool," Duterte said in a speech in his southern home city of Davao. The Duterte government maintains it is legal for it to deploy police and bar tourists from the island. UNIQLO visiting the production line of Hualida Garments in Texhong Hai Ha IP Texhong Textile Group started to build Hai Ha IP in November 2014, which is the largest foreign-invested project in Quang Ninh with the total registered capital of $450 million and taking up an area of 660 hectares. For the operation of the IP, the group has received extensive support from Quang Ninh province to complete investment procedures, land clearance, and the construction of the transport and power systems. Thereby, 6-kilometres of internal road, a transformer station system, and a wastewater treatment plant with the capacity of 6,000cu.m per day have been built. It is expected to put another 10,000cu.m wastewater treatment plant into operation in this June. There are five secondary investors operating in the fields of yarn, dyeing, and textiles and garments at Texhong Hai Ha IP, creating over 6,000 jobs for locals. Leaders of UNIQLO and Texhong discussing investment policies While visiting the IP, UNIQLOs delegation was impressed by the development and scale of investment of Texhong Textile Group Limited and the secondary investors at the park. They expressed optimism about prospects of actually bringing a project to the IP. UNIQLO, which is wholly-owned subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., is a Japanese casual wear designer, manufacturer, and retailer. This is the fourth largest fashion brand in the world, and is one of the highest tier stocks on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. UNIQLO has a thousands of stores in its distribution chain in numerous countries across the globe, such as the US, Australia, UK, France, China, and South Korea. During the visit, the UNIQLO delegation has paid much attention to the production line of Hualida Garments Co., Ltd. (also in the IP), which is promising news for both the IP and Hualida Garments. Does UNIQLOs visit signify a potential foray to the Vietnamese market by the Japanese fashion retailer? In case UNIQLO has designs that extend over utilising the country as an affordable manufacturing hub with great export ties to global markets and plans to open official stores in Vietnam, fashion giants Zara, H&M, and newcomer Superdry are looking at heightened competition at a market that is already throwing sparks. NPRs News Broadcaster Carl Kasell wraps up a sound check for his final appearance on Wait Wait . . . Dont Tell Me: Carl Kasells Farewell Show, at the Warner Theater in Washington on May 15, 2014. We, the G7 Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and the European Union, are united in condemning, in the strongest possible terms, the use of chemical weapons in the April 7 attack in Eastern Ghouta, Syria. We fully support all efforts made by the United States, the United Kingdom and France to degrade the Assad regimes ability to use chemical weapons and to deter any future use, demonstrated by their action taken on April 13. This response was limited, proportionate and necessary and taken only after exhausting every possible diplomatic option to uphold the international norm against the use of chemical weapons. Use of chemical weapons is a breach of the Chemical Weapons Convention and constitutes a threat to international peace and security. The repeated and morally reprehensible use of chemical weapons by the Assad regime in the past has been confirmed by independent international investigators. We condemn this deliberate strategy of terrorizing local populations and forcing them into submission. Syrias possession of chemical weapons and their means of delivery are illegal under UN Security Council Resolution 2118 and the Chemical Weapons Convention. We stand together against impunity for those who develop or use these weapons, anywhere, anytime, under any circumstances. We remain committed to a diplomatic solution to the conflict in Syria. We commend and support UN Special Envoy de Misturas efforts towards an inclusive and credible political transition in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 2254 and the Geneva Communique. 1. The Syrian conflict has entered its eighth year of continuous and widespread violence, persistent and brutal violations of international law, including abuses of human rights and international humanitarian law, by all parties as well as the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Daesh. The Syrian regime bears the overwhelming responsibility for the catastrophic humanitarian situation and the suffering of the Syrian people. We strongly condemn the continued and repeated use of chemical weapons by the regime in Syria, including the latest attack on Douma, which is a grave breach of international law and an affront to human decency. In this context, the Council understands that the targeted US, French and UK airstrikes on chemical weapons facilities in Syria were specific measures having been taken with the sole objective to prevent further use of chemical weapons and chemical substances as weapons by the Syrian regime to kill its own people. The Council is supportive of all efforts aimed at the prevention of the use of chemical weapons. This is the position expressed on behalf of the EU at the OPCW. 2. In this context, recalling previous Council Conclusions on Syria, notably those of 4 April 2017, the Council agrees that the objectives of the "European Union Strategy on Syria" remain valid. 3. We underline that the momentum of the current situation should be used to reinvigorate the process to find a political resolution of the Syrian conflict. The European Union reiterates that there can be no military solution to the Syrian conflict. Contrary to this, since last year, the Syrian regime, supported by its allies Russia and Iran, has intensified its military operations without regard for civilian casualties. The EU condemns in the strongest terms all attacks, both deliberate and indiscriminate, against civilian populations, and civilian infrastructure, hospitals and schools. The continued deliberate denial and obstruction of humanitarian access to those in need is in blatant violation of international humanitarian principles and must stop. The EU deplores the Russian-backed regime offensive which has caused devastation in Eastern Ghouta and calls for airstrikes to cease immediately, especially in Idlib and the south of Syria. The EU calls upon all parties to the conflict, especially the regime and its allies, to implement the ceasefire to ensure humanitarian access and medical evacuations as unanimously agreed in UNSC Resolution 2401. In this context, the prospects for a political solution are being put further away. Also, the Turkish military operation in north-western Syria has further complicated the situation, led to significant displacement of the local population and is another source of grave concern. In this regard, the EU deplores repeated violations of the so-called de-escalation areas and urges the Astana guarantors, Russia, Iran and Turkey, to ensure cessation of hostilities and unhindered, safe and sustainable humanitarian access throughout all of Syria, and to fulfil their commitments towards achieving a nationwide ceasefire in Syria as well as sieges to be lifted. The EU voices strong concerns about reports of social and demographic engineering in areas throughout Syria. 4. The military escalation since the beginning of this year has further aggravated the already dire humanitarian situation inside Syria. In particular, the situation in Eastern Ghouta and Idlib has significantly deteriorated. 13.1 million people are in need of assistance and face serious protection concerns, with 6.1 million internally displaced and close to 3 million people trapped in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. The protection of civilians is a legal obligation, a moral duty, as well as a matter of urgency. Contamination by explosive devices also causes grave concerns. The EU remains committed to saving lives and alleviating suffering by addressing the needs of the most vulnerable persons across the country. The protection of the civilian population, which is the primary responsibility of the Syrian regime, and ensuring aid is delivered in a timely manner and in accordance with humanitarian principles, are urgent priorities. In this context, the EU strongly condemns the parties to the conflict for the persistent blocking and denial of humanitarian access to people in need, including of urgent medical evacuations and the consistent removal of medical items from humanitarian convoys by the Syrian regime. This must end. The EU demands that all parties to the conflict, especially the Syrian regime, grant unhindered, unimpeded, country-wide, safe and sustained access to the people in need wherever they are, in compliance with international humanitarian law. Welcoming the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2393 in December 2017 which offers a lifeline to millions of Syrians in need by allowing cross-border assistance, the EU will spare no efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance to all population in need across Syria though the most direct routes. The EU condemns the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare through the besieging of populated areas, as well as the forced displacement of populations, both of which may amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity. The EU will continue intensive humanitarian diplomacy, including at the Brussels II Conference, to explore all options to improve access and protection as well as to promote humanitarian principles for the delivery of aid. The EU also expresses deep concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in north-western Syria, in particular in the region of Afrin following the Turkish military operation, and stresses the urgent need for humanitarian organisations to be provided with safe, unhindered and immediate humanitarian access. In this region and across the country there is an urgent need to create the conditions for a safe, voluntary and dignified return of IDPs and refugees. 5. The EU repeats that any sustainable solution to the conflict requires a genuine political transition in line with UNSCR 2254 and the 2012 Geneva Communique negotiated by the Syrian parties within the UN-led Geneva process and remains committed to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Syrian state. In this context, the EU commends the tireless efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Syria Mr Staffan de Mistura to facilitate the implementation of all relevant UNSC resolutions. The Syrian-led constitutional committee under UN auspices in Geneva should be implemented now as a priority and further steps should swiftly follow to enable a negotiated political transition process. The EU deplores the Syrian regimes obstruction strategy in the UN-led talks and calls upon the regimes allies to ensure that the Syrian regime fully engages in this UNSC-mandated process. The European Union will spare no efforts in support of a peaceful solution to the Syrian conflict. A lasting peace in Syria is the ultimate objective of the EU. 6. The EU continues to support the Syrian political opposition in its constructive engagement in the political process in Geneva and its work with civil society. The EU supports the full and effective participation of women in the political process and welcomes the work of the opposition to further this goal. The EU commends the work of the Syrian Negotiation Commission, the united inclusive opposition delegation in the UN-led negotiations, and its commitment for a negotiated solution to the conflict. 7. Syrias destiny lies in peace, democracy, equal citizenship and the rule of law. The European Union will continue to work for this with determination and with consistency, for the Syrian people. The EU will continue to work with Syrian civil society, as essential stakeholders in an inclusive process, to promote democracy and human rights in support of peace and stability in Syria. 8. The EU continues to support the efforts of the Global Coalition to counter Daesh and reiterates that only a genuine political settlement in line with UNSCR 2254 and 2012 Geneva Communique that addresses the root causes of violent extremism and terrorism will lead to its lasting eradication in Syria and the wider region. The EU underlines that all actors in Syria must focus on the fight against Daesh which is not yet over. Preventing the resurgence of the terrorist organisation remains a priority. To contribute to the enduring defeat of Daesh, the EU will engage in stabilisation efforts in the areas liberated from Daesh by the Global Coalition in north-eastern Syria. Inclusive, independent and representative local governance will be an important factor for the deployment of more comprehensive, sustainable, and inclusive European stabilisation efforts. 9. The EU calls upon all parties to release all persons who are detained contrary to International Humanitarian Law and of the political detainees held mostly in the regimes prisons as well as detention centres, in line with UNSCR 2268. It calls for information on cases of forced disappearances. Access to all detention facilities in Syria should be granted to independent monitors. The EU provides its full support to the UN efforts to create a secretariat to solve this issue as part of the Geneva process. 10. Accountability and transitional justice based on due process that facilitates a genuine national reconciliation are a prerequisite for a lasting peace in Syria. The Council underlines the need for accountability and the EU will remain at the forefront of the accountability efforts and relentlessly pursue accountability for the atrocities committed in the Syrian conflict. All those responsible for breaches of international law, in particular of international humanitarian law and human rights law, some of which may constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity, must be held accountable, including those committing crimes against religious, ethnic and other groups and minorities. Impunity for such crimes is unacceptable and thus the EU will continue to support the documentation of human rights violations and efforts to gather evidence in view of future legal action. In this respect, the EU supports the important role of the Commission of Inquiry and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, and stresses the importance of increased cooperation and of providing sufficient financial resources for them to continue their vital work to ensure accountability in Syria. The EU reiterates its call to have the situation in Syria referred to the International Criminal Court. In the absence of avenues for international justice, the prosecution of war crimes under national jurisdiction where possible represent an important contribution towards securing justice. The EU and its Member States are fully committed to preventing impunity and will seek to explore possibilities of concerted action in the pursuit of justice for violation of international law committed in the Syrian conflict. The EU will continue to consider further restrictive measures against Syria as long as the repression continues. 11. The EU reiterates its strong condemnation of the repeated use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Daesh as confirmed by the OPCW/UN Joint Investigative Mechanism (JIM) and reported by the Commission of Inquiry. The EU is also concerned by continuing reports of regime use of chemical weapons in Eastern Ghouta and other areas in Syria in recent months, including the most recent reports of a devastating chemical attack on Douma. The EU stresses its grave concerns about the violations in Syria of the Chemical Weapons Convention and the universal prohibition of the use of the chemical weapons. The EU fully supports the work of the OPCWs Fact Finding Mission to continue examining reports on the use of chemical weapons and of the Declaration Assessment Team to continue examining the gaps and discrepancies of Syrian declarations until it is satisfied that Syrias chemical weapons programme is irreversibly dismantled. In July 2017 and in March 2018, the EU imposed additional restrictive measures on Syrian high-level officials and scientists for their role in the development and use of chemical weapons and is ready to consider imposing further measures going forward. In this respect, the EU urges the UNSC to rapidly re-establish an independent attribution mechanism to ensure accountability for perpetrators of chemical weapons attacks. In this regard, the EU regrets the Russian vetoes of the renewal of the JIM mandate in November 2017. The EU calls upon all countries to use their influence to prevent any further use of chemical weapons and supports the International Partnership against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. 12. The EU will continue to support the resilience of the Syrian population, in line with the EU Strategy on Syria. Work will address needs related to safe and equal access to civil documentation, housing and property rights to ensure that the rights of Syrians are preserved and that those displaced are provided the basic conditions to be able to return to their homes in a dignified, safe and voluntary way when conditions allow. The EU will continue to provide resilience support through the provision of education, job creation, support for local civilian governance structures in opposition held areas, including by working with the Syrian Interim Government, and work to avoid the collapse of the state administration. The EU will seek to increase assistance, combining cross-border assistance with support from inside Syria and will aim at delivering aid as part of a larger effort to address the needs of the population all across Syria, to prevent violent extremism and sectarianism and to build local resilience. EU assistance must benefit the population of Syria and avoid benefits accruing to the Syrian regime that would legitimise its national and local governance. The EU will not engage in early recovery/stabilisation efforts in any part of Syria that could support social and demographic engineering. 13. The EU reiterates that it will be ready to assist in the reconstruction of Syria only when a comprehensive, genuine and inclusive political transition, negotiated by the Syrian parties in the conflict on the basis of UN Security Council Resolution 2254 (2015) and the 2012 Geneva Communique, is firmly under way. The EU continues to actively support the UN in its coordination of post-agreement civilian stabilisation planning and will maintain its work with International Financial Institutions and other donors. Special responsibility for the costs of reconstruction should also be taken by those who have fuelled the conflict. 14. The EU is conscious of the effects the Syrian conflict has on neighbouring states who have demonstrated their commitment and resilience in hosting millions of Syrian refugees over the past few years, and confirms its commitment to provide them with support. The Council welcomes the achievements reached through the EU as well as Member States assistance, including the EU Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian crisis, and the progress made in the implementation of the EU-Jordan and EU-Lebanon Compacts, to address the crucial needs of the Syrian refugees and their host communities in the region. The EU notes that the conditions for the repatriation of Syrian refugees, as defined by UNHCR, are currently not in place. The situation in the hosting countries remains critical and there is an obvious need to sustain efforts to help these countries in coping with the challenges linked to the refugee crisis, including with regard to the needs of Palestine refugees. 15. The Council welcomes the second Brussels Conference on "Supporting the Future of Syria and the Region" that will be held on 24-25 April 2018 under the co-chairmanship of the European Union and the United Nations, following up the Brussels conference of April 2017, the London conference of February 2016, the Kuwait pledging conferences of 2013-15, the Berlin and Helsinki Conferences of 2014 and 2017. The overarching objective of the Conference is to maintain the attention of the international community to the Syrian conflict and enhance support for the populations affected. The specific conference objectives are 3-fold: It will deliver a message of ongoing broad international support to UN-led efforts towards finding urgently a political solution to the conflict, in line with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including UNSCR 2254 and the Geneva Communique, It will address the worsening humanitarian situation inside Syria, and reiterate the EUs and the international communitys continued strong support to the neighbouring countries hosting more than 5.6 million Syrian refugees. The Conference will also take stock of the implementation of international commitments made for Syria and the region a year ago at Brussels I and will seek new financial pledges aimed at addressing the growing needs in Syria and in the region. The EU and its Member States as the leading donors helping to mitigate the worse effects of the Syrian crisis, with more than EUR 10.6 billion in assistance provided since 2011 and accounting for two thirds of the EUR 5.6 billion Brussels I pledge, will again deliver a substantial pledge at Brussels II, encouraging the international community to share the burden, in particular through further pledges to the UN humanitarian response plan. Thank you again for your invitation to me to brief the North Atlantic Council on 15 March regarding the recent attack in Salisbury. I am pleased that we have been able to remain in close contact with you and NATO Allies following this attack, and particularly grateful for the measures taken by you and many Allies m response. As you are aware, yesterday the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons published their report summarising the analysis of environmental and biomedical samples relating to the investigation into the attempted assassination of Mr Skripal and his daughter. Thank you for the public comments you have already made regarding this. As signatories to the Chemical Weapons Convention, all NATO Allies have received the full report, and several will take part in next Wednesdays meeting of the OPCW Executive Council which the UK has called. The OPCWs_ analysis matches the Defence Science and Technology Laboratorys own, confirming once again the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical of high purity that was used in Salisbury. OPCW have always been clear that it was their role to identify what substance was used, not who was responsible. I would like to share with you and Allies further information regarding our assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible for the Salisbury attack. Only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and the motive. First, the technical means. DSTL scientific analysis found that Sergey and Yulia Skripal were poisoned using a specific Novichok nerve agent. OPCWs analysis confirmed the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical. This was found in environmental samples taken at the scene and in biomedical samples from both Skripals and Police Sergeant Nick Bailey, the first responder. DSTL established that the highest concentrations were found on the handle of Mr Skripal s front door. These are matters of fact. But, of course, the DSTL analysis does not identify the country or laboratory of origin of the agent used in this attack A combination of credible open-source reporting and intelligence shows that in the 1980s the Soviet Union developed a new class of fourth generation nerve agents, known as Novichoks. The key institute responsible for this work was a branch of the State Institute for Organic Chemistry and Technology at Shikhany near Volgograd. The codeword for the offensive chemical weapons programme (of which Novichoks were one part) was FOLIANT. It is highly likely that Novichoks weredeveloped to prevent detection by the West and to circumvent international chemical weapons controls. The Russian state has previously produced Novichoks and would still be capable of doing so. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities ofNovichoks. Russias chemical weapons programme continued after the collapse of the Soviet Union. By 1993, when Russia signed the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), it is likely that some Novichoks had passed acceptance testing, allowing their use by the Russian military. Russias CWC declaration failed to report any work on Novichoks. Russia further developed some Novichoks after ratifying the convention. In the mid-2000s, President Putih was closely involved in the Russian chemical weapons programme. It is highly unlikely that any former Soviet republic (other than Russia) pursued an offensive chemical weapons programme after independence. It is unlikely that Novichoks could be made and deployed by non-state actors ( eg a criminal or terrorist group). Second, operational experience. Russia has a proven record of conducting statesponsored assassination. The Owen Report from the UKs public inquiry into the death of Aleksandr Litvinenko concluded in January 2016 that he was deliberately poisoned with Polonium 210, that there was a strong probability that the FSB directed the operation, and that President Putin probably approved it. Commenting on other suspected assassinations between 2002-2006 Sir Robert Owen wrote: "These cases sugge-st that in the years prior to Mr Litvinenkos death, the Russian state may have been involved in the assassination ofMr Putins critics" and that "the Russian state rriay have sponsored attacks against its opponents using poisons". Since 2006, there have been numerous suspected Russian state-sponsored assassinations outside the former, Soviet Union. During the 2000s, Russia commenced a programme to test means of delivering chemical warfare agents and to train personnel from special units in the use of , these weapons. This programme subsequently included investigation of ways of delivering nerve agents, including by application to door handles. Within the last decade, Russia has produced and stockpiled small quantities ofNovichoks under the same programme. Third, the motive. Sergey Skripal was a former Russian military intelligence (GRU) officer, convicted of espionage in 2004. It is highly likely that the Russian intelligence services view at least some of its defectors as legitimate targets for assassination. We have information indicating Russian intelligence service interest in the Skipals, dating back at least as far as 2013, when e-mail accounts belonging to Yulia Skripal were targeted by GRU cyber specialists. We therefore continue to judge that only Russia has the technical means, operational experience and motive for the attack on the Skripals and that it is highly likely that the Russian state was responsible. There is no plausible alternative explanation. I would of course be pleased to brief you or NATO Allies further regarding this attack. I know that NATO will remain seized of the need to confront the increasingly aggressive pattern of Russia behaviour of which the attack in Salisbury was an acute and recent example . I am copying this letter to the Delegations of all NATO Allies as well as those of Western European Partners. I will also send a copy to the Office of the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Grande. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Republic Records On April 20, Ariana Grande will bless the world with what is likely to be her newest single, No Tears Left to Cry. Is it a soaring ballad? Is it a bop? Is it a club jam? Grande recently stepped out to perform at the March for Our Lives rally in Washington, D.C. Her most recent album was Dangerous Woman, and it came out in 2016, which means the fandom is damn good-and-ready for some new material. This week, we assembled a list of 100 pages that shaped the course of American comic books. There are many candidates for the title of first American comic book, and we chose to begin our retrospective with a page from Lynd Wards 1929 protographic novel Gods Man. Its a wordless narrative told in the form of woodcut images, telling of a young artist who makes a Faustian pact with a mysterious stranger to get a magic paintbrush. It was a smash hit at the time, and though its largely forgotten by the general public now, one man has kept Wards memory alive: cartoonist and comics historian Art Spiegelman. We caught up with Spiegelman to talk about who Ward was and why Gods Man still matters. The following is an edited version of our conversation with him. I first encountered Wards work, I think, as a teenager. There were some reissues that came out in the 60s and I found it. I immediately saw it as an extension of the things I was interested in, which is lowbrow pulp. This was somehow part of my slob-snob culture, but a pretty classy aspect of it. In other words, it was somehow related to comics. Gods Man was the first one I discovered. I was very impressed specifically with the technique. Each of the pictures were so built, and understanding that they were chopped into wood was interesting. I already had a tilt toward Expressionist-looking images and this was definitely in that zone. I think the idea of a magic brush I still want one. I already was also into silent movies, and it was obviously akin in its inspirations to that. There were comic books that were done with great dedication, but they were few and far between. Most comic stuff seemed like it was not considered. Here was clearly a deeply built thing. I ultimately got to meet Lynd Ward at an unrelated woodcut show in upstate New York when I was kind of a campus hanger-on, having been kicked out of college. He was just surprised I was by far the youngest person in that room. I think the next youngest person was in their 60s, and then up from there. It was late in his life. He had friends who had a framing shop and gallery in Binghamton, New York, and he was selling mostly his landscapes and things like that on his woodcuts. And I asked him what comics he liked as a kid, and he just looked blankly at me like, Comics? And he explained that his dad had been a progressive preacher in Chicago, actually, and as a result, Sunday funnies were not part of life. That was a day of worship. Excerpt from Gods Man. Photo: Lynd Ward. Photo: Cape & Smith He grew up with Gustave Dores Bible illustrations as his pulp narratives. And he grew up with them in a very isolated situation. He had developed tuberculosis and, as a result, he was up in the wilds of Canada because the air was thin enough to be breathable. He had contracted it because his father had been working in the slums with poverty-stricken workers. He spent large chunks of the year off in almost isolation in the woods in the far north looking over and studying his Dore woodcut engravings. And when I said, Are there any comics you looked at since? the only comics he thought of that he actually admired and liked was Prince Valiant. He was a progressive, ambitious, young artist who studied in Germany after he finished his American schooling, and found himself lucky enough to go to Paris where the action was, then to Germany where he ended up studying wood engraving, woodcuts, and lived that life. It was there that he found the work of Frans Masereel, who is the person that invented this genre, and is the most prolific worker in it. Belgian, very left wing, very exuberant style, and intense maker of woodcuts, who kind of by making a cocktail out of medieval wooden chapbook, and the silent cinema frames, and an interest in woodcuts, coming into Europe made him do these picture stories. They were intense, exciting, and certainly excited the young Lynd Ward. Kicking around back in America and New York looking for illustration work, he had been inspired by what hed seen by Masereel, and it made him do things that were more detailed kinds of woodcuts than the white cuts of Masereel. He got a publisher interested and Gods Man was done in some kind of ungodly quick time. He was doing the process of making wood engravings, telling the story in pictures, and nobody in America had really seen anything like it. There was nobody to speak of who had seen Masereels work, so this was the first exposure to such a thing. Photo: Lynd Ward It caught on like wildfire, even though it came out on literally Black Tuesday, or Black Friday. Id have to look in the book to remember which day was black enough to inaugurate the Great Depression in 1929. The result was a book that became a kind of best seller, cause celebre when it came out. So he was riding high and did more of these books. I dont think any of them did quite as large an edition, or as well as Gods Man, but the novelty of it alone caught peoples attention. His novels became more ambitious. Wild Pilgrimage was a more political story, more nuanced, more psychologically engaged by having two colors of woodcuts. The objective action was in black-and-white prints and the subjective action you cut to the world as seen by this kind of homely, hulking, unsatisfied worker. His subjective world was done in brownish-red sets of paints. The story would flash between the two points of view. And Ward had in the first book, second book, and all of them, a much more theatrical, cinematic approach to the compositions, a strong awareness of old venerable German woodcuts from the Middle Ages, and built something kind of extraordinary with that. His last woodcut novel was in 1937. Its called Vertigo. Its great. Hes trying to grapple directly with the rise of Nazism. It was a very complex story like I said, his ambition kept him going. Vertigo was one that tells of a love triangle between a strapping young man, a young woman who was an inspiring violinist, and a millionaire who was able to interfere in their lives without knowing he was doing it. Its a totally thwarted love affair that goes through the Depression and economics of the Depression and the politics of all that in very, very beautiful woodcuts of various sizes. Photo: Lynd Ward A number of illustrators and cartoonists admired Ward. Myself included. I did a comic strip about my mothers suicide called Prisoner on the Hell Planet. I was working on scratchboard in order to have some of the gravitas, the engraved quality of Wards images. Artists like Bernie Wrightson come to mind. People working in mainstream comics saw this and realized that it had remarkable qualities. Will Eisner claimed that he conjured up the term graphic novel for a book he was trying to sell to an adult audience because he was a kid when Gods Man was first published, so it landed on him. He obviously was influenced by it in the sense that he had wanted to be an Expressionist stage designer after seeing The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and before settling for comics life and it shows in the kinds of compositions he used that Lynd Wards influence was often very useful to have. The pictures of him running through the city were an influence on Allen Ginsberg when he was writing of Moloch. When Susan Sontag wrote her really important essay on camp, which she made a list of high camp and low camp, she included Gods Man, because it hit her when she was young and she obviously was taken by it, but also saw it as histrionic, just a build to the top. More generally, the model of something that is a picture story akin to comics that was accepted culturally was important to us. The cultural aspirations that came with my wanting to make comics of a certain moment and ones that Eisner had in his moment were given a model by Gods Man. These things, they burn their way into ones eyeballs. Kasell. Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Carl Kasell, who announced the news on NPRs Morning Edition and served as an official scorekeeper on Wait Wait Dont Tell Me!, died on Tuesday of complications from Alzheimers disease in Potomac, Maryland, reports NPR. He was 84. Kasell began his celebrated career in radio broadcasting at just 16 years old when he DJd a late-night music show in his hometown of Goldsboro, North Carolina. He continued to spin music on the air for his college radio station, WUNC at University of North Carolina, and after enlisting in the army he returned to the airwaves in Goldsboro and then in Northern Virginia before landing a part time job at NPRs Weekend All Things Considered in 1975. In 1979, Kasell read the news on the first-ever broadcast of Morning Edition. He would continue to serve as a newscaster on the program for the next 30 years. In 1998 he revealed his funny side when he became the official judge and scorekeeper of the news quiz show Wait Wait Dont Tell Me! During the shows run contestants could win his famous voice on the outgoing message of their answering machines. Kasall retired in 2014. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images After hearing graphic accounts of Bill Cosbys drug use this week, today the jury in the comedians felony sexual-assault retrial heard from book publisher Judith Regans sworn affidavit. The statement detailed her decision to cut accusations about Janice Dickinsons rape by Cosby from the models much-talked-about memoir. In 2002, Regan told investigators that allegations of Cosby raping Dickinson where purposely redacted from Dickinsons memoir, No Lifeguard on Duty: The Accidental Life of the Worlds First Supermodel, because the publisher worried about being sued without sufficient evidence proving the models claims. At the time, no other women had quite so publicly accused Cosby of rape Regan and the lawyers at the publisher were worried about taking such a big chance on painting the legendary comedian as a sexual predator. In the Montgomery County Courthouse today, Deputy DA Stewart Ryan held up a copy of the sworn affidavit in which Regan corroborated Dickinsons testimony from last week that, indeed, the story was modified to deal with this issue without any legal problems. Regan also confirmed that Dickinson repeatedly made her allegations against Cosby drugging and raping her known at the time, and that she was very upset about not being able to tell the story in the book. I insisted that it not appear in the book, Regan said. She was very angry about that. Dickinson is one of four so-called prior-bad-act witnesses that testified for the prosecution in court since the beginning the retrial. She claimed that Cosby drugged and raped her in Lake Tahoe in 1982, an allegation the defense vigorously questioned in cross precisely because the story never made it into her otherwise wild tell-all. In her own defense, Dickinson shocked the courtroom when she described Cosby smelling like cigars and body odor as he raped her, never seeming to lose step despite the defense team railing against her credibility. Regan, no stranger to controversy herself (she conducted the notorious If I Did It interview with O.J. Simpson and cut her teeth at the National Enquirer before creating her own imprint Regan Books) was questioned about her truthfulness by the defense during cross-examination. Being associated with controversial projects and celebrity gossip didnt do Regan any favors when it came to the defense. Cosbys lead counsel challenged her credibility only to meet a few prosecution objections, including one related to truthfulness during her stint at a notorious tabloid. But Regan held tight to her story. Its a complicated situation when youre publishing memoirs, Regan said, because people are entitled to interpret the events of the their lives the way that they see fit. Photo: Netflix Cary Fukunaga, Emma Stone, and Jonah Hill have been working on a Netflix series that looks trippier than your freshman year of college. Per Netflix, Maniac is the story of two strangers who find themselves caught up in a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial gone awry. The ten-episode show is based on a 2014 Norwegian satire series, and is Fukunagas first directing gig since Beasts of No Nation for Netflix. Sally Field, Justin Theroux, Julia Garner, and Jemima Kirke also star in the black comedy. See the first-look photos below. Photo: Michele K. Short / Netflix Really wild how this photo of Emma Stone and Jonah Hill doesnt even look like a highbrow Superbad reunion, but it actually kind of is. Photo: Michele K. Short / Netflix Caress us like one of your Glossier-pink buttons, Justin Theroux. Photo: Michele K. Short / Netflix Maybe its because shes dressed all in red, but actually, yes, its definitely that shes dressed in head-to-toe scarlet Sally Field seems like Netflixs chicest villain this side of Mahershala Alis Cottonmouth. Photo: Michele K. Short / Netflix It looks like Emma Stone is tensely whipser-yelling at Jonah Hill, who has surprisingly become the earnest king of Instagram. Photo: Michele K. Short / Netflix Netflix hasnt released Maniacs premiere date yet, so theres no telling how long well have to wait to see if Jonah Hill is playing the titular role. Cosby. Photo: Mark Makela/Getty Images As the prosecutions felony sex assault case of Bill Cosby pushes forward at the Montgomery County Courthouse outside of Philly, the presiding Judge Steven ONeill announced today that the jury will be hearing about the comedians admitted use of quaaludes. While the prosecution has been pushing for the jury to hear about Cosbys statements about using quaaludes to entice women into sex, the defense has rigorously objected, saying at one point this morning that the revelation has no bearing on the case. Cosby, who has denied all allegations against him, claimed in a statement to investigators in 2005 that he gave Andrea Constand, the accuser at the center of the retrial, over-the-counter allergy medication the night she alleges that she was drugged and raped in his suburban Philly home in 2004. But in that same deposition, he also admitted using quaaludes with other women. When you got the quaaludes, was it in your mind that you were going to use these quaaludes for young women that you wanted to have sex with? asked Constands then-attorney Dolores Troiani. Yes, Cosby replied. Did you ever give any of those young women the quaaludes without their knowledge? Troiani asked. Cosbys attorney objected and advised the comedian not to answer the question. The 80-year-olds shocking statements about recreational drug use were first made public during the first trial against Cosby last year that ended in a hung jury in June. What may be different this time around is that the jury has heard from a total of five women who have told very similar stories on the witness stand about being courted by Cosby and being furnished with drugs and alcohol before drifting in and out of consciousness and raped. During Constands exhausting two-day testimony, she echoed the four accusers who came before her, alleging that Cosby gave her a pill before she, too, lost the ability to move and speak, and was, she said, sexually molested by Cosby. Based on todays decision a big win for the prosecution its likely the defense will spend even more time trying to discredit the accusers, particularly Constand, rather than make much of the former TV dads admitted drug use. The defense will argue that the several women who testified against Cosby are motivated by factors such as a money and fame, explained defense attorney Stuart Slotnik from Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney in Philadelphia. In one instance an accuser indicated that she did not know she was molested, but assumed she was because of what she has seen in the media. In another example, an accuser indicated that she published a fictional account of what happened with Cosby for a paycheck. He added, The defense will implore the jury to focus on the charges and the one accusers testimony that is related to those charges. The defense must point out that the other accusers, who do not have criminal charges against Cosby, only testified in an attempt to tar and feather Cosby because the evidence in the case is weak. Constands testimony will likely be examined even further today as law enforcement officials take the stand to discuss the investigation into the night at Cosbys home 14 years ago. Yesterday, almost as if to downplay the controversial $3.4 million settlement Constand received in 2006 from Cosby, a sticking point that the defense has been using to paint Constand as greedy, she said she took the money to make the alleged incident from just two years before go away. It tore my family apart, she said. We just wanted it over. Dont mistake Trina Robbinss gentleness for shyness. There have been many comic books with all-female creative teams since the 79-year-old writer-artist-editor came up in the underground comix scene of the late 1960s and early 70s. Shes overjoyed for their success. But she wants you to know exactly where she, and the 1970 comics anthology she spearheaded, fit into history. We produced It Aint Me Babe Comix, which is the very, very, very first all-woman comic book, she told an audience at the San Francisco Public Library a few years ago. And I stress this because, a couple of times, people have written about me and its like theyre hedging their bets, and they say, And she produced one of the first. Well, yknow what? Its not one of the first. Her voice dropped down a quarter-octave. Its the fucking first. And that comic wasnt the only instance in which Robbins helped shape the development of comic books and the way we perceive women in them. Just two years later, she helped launch the longest-running comics series created and edited entirely by women, Wimmens Comix. On top of that, in its first issue, she wrote and drew a short story called Sandy Comes Out, which starred the first extant lesbian comic-book character outside of pornography. Later, she became the premier historian of female comics creators, penning one prose book after another on the topic. The women she writes about managed to carve out niches in the boys club that is the American comics industry an achievement she shares with them. If you havent heard of Robbins, its in no small part due to the fact that the comics ecosystem has historically been uninterested in feminist rhetoric and female achievement. Thats changed to a significant degree in the past decade, which has seen more and more outspoken women creators rising in the ranks. But Robbins was their distant forerunner. Her time in the underground was rarely a smooth ride, and the bumps along the way were sometimes created by her tendency to advance a version of feminism that both inspired and rankled those around her in that underground. Robbinss awakening came when shed already built a remarkably unusual life. Born Trina Perlson in Queens in 1938, she spent her childhood fixated on any comic she could find with a female protagonist and started drawing, first for herself and then for sci-fi fanzines. Suffering from chronic low self-esteem, she dropped out of Queens College and moved to Los Angeles in the early 60s to work as a nude model for magazines. She married a magazine impresario named Paul Robbins, who got her out of the girlie-mag business, and she proceeded to become a part of the the L.A. rock and folk scene, designing clothes for musicians and, oddly enough, becoming the Trina of Joni Mitchells Ladies of the Canyon. Cover of It Aint Me Babe Comix. Photo: Trina Robbins By 1966, she was a full-on hippie and moved to downtown New York City after having a vision in which her father died. She founded a clothing boutique there called Broccoli (so named due to a drug trip in which she thought she could communicate with the vegetable) and started drawing trippy comics in the form of ads for the store in alternative paper The East Village Other. In 1969, she got published in her first comic book as part of the nascent underground-comix movement, a loose collective of creators (some of the best-known include R. Crumb and Art Spiegelman) and publishers who specialized in boundary-pushing printed stories. Her thick-inked contributions to the movement tended to be more abstract than obscene, and by the time she decided to leave Paul, arrived in San Francisco in 1969, and joined up with the booming underground scene there, she had built a growing reputation for herself. But 1969 was probably most remarkable for Robbins not due to her creative output, but rather her reading material. She came across an article headlined WHY THE WOMEN ARE REVOLTING in an alternative newspaper called The Berkeley Barb and transformed from an effervescent hippie into an ardent second-wave feminist. Its hard to overstate how much this transition changed Robbins. Patrick Rosenkranz, a longtime chronicler of the underground movement, tells me he, later in life, checked a quote with her while preparing a book and she replied, I never said that. Well, fortunately I had all my transcripts, so I sent it to her and showed it to her, he says. And she said, Well, that was before I was in womens liberation. I dont feel that way anymore. What she did feel at the time was left out. She attempted to fall in with the comix crowd in which her boyfriend, underground creator Kim Deitch, had become a star. It didnt exactly work, and Robbins is certain that it was because she was a woman. Though she was able to get work published in outlets like the groundbreaking feminist newspaper It Aint Me Babe, she was rarely asked to contribute to actual comic books, which were all edited by men. And there was social exclusion too: Robbins recounts in her 2017 memoir Last Girl Standing that Deitch would receive party invitations in the mail, addressed to Kim Deitch, never to Kim Deitch and Trina Robbins. When she did get into events, she writes that they could be sexist nightmares. One dinner gathering allegedly involved the guys going from room to room, trying to get away from me, and me following. The vibe was clear: why isnt this bitch in the kitchen where she belongs? Whats more, she felt that the work these men were producing was increasingly awful in its depictions of women. For example, in her memoir, she cites Crumbs 1970 comic Underground Hotline, in which the artist imagines himself strangling a female TV interviewer who calls him out on the sick stuff he draws. I think that a lot of these guys simply were misogynist, she tells me. It turned out what a lot of these guys, what they had in their head was very vicious stuff, very violent stuff. Whether or not the work of Crumb and his ilk was, indeed, misogynist is a matter of much debate and wont be resolved here. With any analysis of Robbins comes the question of why, exactly, she never totally fit in with the undergrounders. On one hand, no one can deny that the underground was male-dominated. On the other hand, there are some who were there who say Robbinss primary problem wasnt structural sexism, but rather her art, personality, and politics. When I ask collaborator Barbara Willy Mendes whether she agrees with Robbins about the no-girls-allowed aspects of the scene, she replies, I dont think that I think it was as sexist as it was She trails off for a moment, trying to be careful in her words about her friend, then concludes, I think, for me, it wasnt. Rosenkranz says Robbins wasnt invited to contribute to many comic books because she wasnt good enough. Underground cartoonist Diane Noomin says Robbins had sort of a queen-bee approach to feminism and that there were a lot of people who were afraid of her. Robbins in 1982. Photo: photo by Alan Light Whatever the reasons for her marginalization, she didnt allow it to stop her from being bold. Though her artwork from the period remains alluring and distinctive, her most important underground legacy is the work she did behind the scenes. In 1970, she and Mendes put together and edited It Aint Me Babe Comix (named after, though not directly affiliated with, the paper), a single issue filled to the brim with female-led stories and joyous feminist advocacy. It was the first comics anthology exclusively made and edited by women, and thus an oft-unsung turning point in the history of comics art a terrain-shifting move, as comics historian Hillary L. Chute puts it to me. Robbins followed that up with 1971s all-woman anthology All Girl Thrills and a solo comic called Girl Fight Comics in 1972. But that was all, in a way, a prelude to the longest-lasting of the projects Robbins helped get off the ground: Wimmens Comix. Founded in 1972 after publisher Ron Turner asked Robbinss compatriot Pat Moodian to put together a womens-lib comic, it went on to become the most significant all-woman comics series of the next two decades. It was also the source of what was perhaps her most momentous artistic conflict. Robbins was deeply involved in the publication from the very beginning as a contributor and leader. We should be delicate about that latter term, though, as Wimmens Comix was designed to be as egalitarian as it was feminist, with a rotating editorship for each successive issue. Flip open the early issues and youd find a dizzying range of stories that deal with womanhood in one way or another. It had everything from the social realism of Lora Fountains A Teenage Abortion to the weed-fueled high fantasy of Sharon Rudahls Tales of Sativa, as well as Robbinss aforementioned, groundbreaking Sandy Comes Out, which was oddly enough inspired by the coming-out of R. Crumbs sister Sandy. The anthology would go on to feature the work of cartooning giants like Alison Bechdel and Melinda Gebbie, always striving to push boundaries and raise feminist awareness. But all was not well in the revolution. Wimmens Comix also featured the debut of one cartoonist who would become Robbinss loudest critic: Aline Kominsky, now Aline Kominsky-Crumb. She had a style that couldnt have been more different from that of Robbins. Where the latter was fond of refined elegance in content and presentation, Kominsky was committed to radical messiness. Kominskys stories for Wimmens Comix were autobiographical affairs that depicted, in uncomfortably vivid detail, her own self-hatred and neuroses. Robbins wasnt a fan of the work, but she was even less keen on Kominskys decision to date R. Crumb. Kominsky and Noomin grew resentful of Robbins. [W]e were feeling increasingly annoyed and alienated from the group, especially from Trina Robbins and her minions, Kominsky wrote of herself and Noomin in her 2007 graphic memoir Need More Love. We unabashedly liked men. We liked being sexy, and felt our Female Power to be a positive force We also started looking at Trinas and Sharon Rudalls [sic] work more critically, and concluded that it was shallow, childish, simplistic, and humorless. We were more comfortable seeing ourselves as Bad Girls, sluts, anarchist artists doing whatever we pleased. The resentment was and is mutual, though Robbins thinks it has less to do with politics than personalities. I think they just dont like me and just never liked me, Robbins says. I think its as simple as that. Whether or not that was true at the outset, Robbins certainly gave them reason for bitterness in time. In April of 1975, a fateful article was published in the Barb, written by a woman named Sally Harms, ostensibly about sexism in the underground-comix scene. But the key passage was a bit of spite in which Robbins was quoted as saying Kominsky and Noomin were camp followers (an archaic term for women who sexually serviced men in the military) that [t]heir work is obviously crude, and that Ive already rejected work thats better than theirs. Kominsky and Noomin had enough. They set out and formed their own all-woman comic, Twisted Sisters. We didnt like Trinas definition of feminism, Noomin tells me. We were more interested in irony and self-deprecation and autobiographical stuff than presenting idealized Amazons who looked like Sheena of the Jungle. It was kind of a difference of opinion. Says Rudahl, It wasnt any kind of deep-seated philosophical artistic split. It was just plain jealousy, and that was typical high-school, bad-girl stuff. Whatever the cause, the split rocked the underground. Unfortunately, it seemed to force some of the other women in that collective to take sides, recalls publisher Denis Kitchen, who had been one of the few men to invite Robbins into his comics. I think I thought initially, Well, itll fly over, and it didnt. Page from Sandy Comes Out in Wimmens Comix No. 1. Photo: Trina Robbins Robbins was criticized from the left flank, as well, on the grounds that Wimmens Comix didnt include enough work from queer women and women of color. We reached out to all women in our comic; we always asked for submissions, Robbins says, but we just never got anything from women of color and there really wasnt much we could do until we finally got a submission from a lesbian. None of that should overwrite the impact of the work Robbins and her comrades made in the underground. Nor should historians forget Robbinss subsequent work after the underground scene petered out in the late 1970s. She went on to edit the all-woman erotica comic Wet Satin and contribute to the transgressive French anthology Ah! Nana. She completed acclaimed graphic novels like 1981s Dope and 1985s The Silver Metal Lover. She even did a brief stint on DC Comics Wonder Woman, becoming the first woman to draw a Wonder Woman comic (a bittersweet landmark, given that it took four-and-a-half decades of the characters existence for that to finally happen). Perhaps most important for long-term posterity are her excavations of female comics creators like Ethel Hays and Edwina Dumm in her books on the subject, the most recent of which is 2013s Pretty in Ink. Throughout it all, she has remained a firebrand. Any time there was talk about integrating the industry more or getting comics to girls, that was Trinas crusade, says comics journalist and editor Heidi MacDonald. She would speak out on behalf of women creators past and present and help organize campaigns to promote them. As MacDonald puts it, She didnt want to be alone, didnt want to be the only woman in the room. She stopped drawing comics in the early 1990s due to a bout of depression and, according to her, the fact that people ceased inviting her to draw. But she has continued to write comics and prose. Just last year, in addition to publishing Last Girl Standing, she also put out an adaptation of a Yiddish short-story collection her father wrote in the late 1930s, illustrated by 15 different artists. At one point in our conversation, she draws a comparison between herself and Hilda Terry, a cartoonist shes written about, who died at her computer at the age of 93: Thats how I want to go, she says. And Robbins thinks the world is finally catching up to her and her aspirations. Though there are still many mountains to climb, women and gender issues are more prominent in the comics world than theyve ever been, with a bevy of female writers, artists, and writer-artists working on everything from superhero series to autobiographical webcomics. I used to be a voice crying out in the wilderness, you know? she says. Im not anymore. There are all of these women. Theyre so talented. Theyre so smart. That could be the end of the statement, but Robbins cant resist just a little bit of self-congratulation: They all think like me. Roseanne Darlene v. David Season 10 Episode 5 Editors Rating 5 stars * * * * * Previous Next Photo: Greg Gayne/ABC Maybe its because of my newfound yacht-rock obsession, but also because it really fits, the Dave Mason hit We Just Disagree has been stuck in my head since watching this episode about Darlene and Davids bittersweet romance. Masons lovely 1977 ballad is the story of a couple who has broken up because, We cant see eye to eye; there aint no good guy, there aint no bad guy, theres only you and me, and we just disagree. Sad as it is for those of us whose favorite Roseanne couple, aside from Dan and Roseanne, has always been sarcastic Darlene and sweet, sensitive, easily influenced David, the two just cant get along. Despite a hopeful, well-intentioned but doomed shot at reconciliation, Darlene and David ultimately agree theyre not meant to be a couple. One hiccup in the Dave Mason narrative: David has some bad guy culpability. He reappears in Darlene and their kids lives to help celebrate Harriss birthday. Its the first one he witnesses in person in several years, after failed promises that he would show up. We still dont get any specifics about how Mark died, but David mentions his brothers death and fear of his family obligations as the reasons he ran away years earlier and joined a charity group that builds houses for poor people in third-world countries. (Deadbeats Without Borders, Darlene calls it during one of her more bitter moments.) Darlene was left behind with the solo responsibility of keeping a roof over the head of Harris and Marks namesake nephew. Its with shame and a sincere desire to make up for lost parenting time that David returns, telling Darlene hes signed a lease on an apartment in Lanford. Hes realized he wants to be a better man, and for that he gives credit to his new girlfriend, named Blue because, of course she is but Darlene makes it clear by kissing him and tossing him onto her bed that she doesnt care that hes dating a crayon. The morning after, Darlene and David discuss their reunion as if its a done deal. Hell talk to Blue, and Darlene will talk to her dad; Dan is also (violently) displeased about Davids responsibility-shirking world travels. Darlene tries to usher him back out the bedroom window from whence he stealthily entered the Conner abode the day before, until she can pave the path to his official reappearance in the house. David protests, saying hes unafraid of Dan. Darlene tells him thats cute, but insists he leave through the window. Cute? he objects. Why do you always have to belittle me like that? Im a grown man. God, dont be so sensitive, Darlene says. David: Dont tell me what not to be. Fine, then do be less sensitive, Darlene says, getting the last word, but also telegraphing that the duo has very unresolved issues. He asks her to be less controlling, telling her hes a different person now. Other than your father, Im not so easily intimidated, David says. Darlene wants them to forget about this tiff and move forward with their plans. But Becky and Roseanne, who has secretly kept in touch with David, greet Darlenes reunion news with skepticism. You guys are a disaster as a couple, Roseanne says. Its like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and David. Darlene insists David is different, more self-aware now, which seems true. She also says the reason David left originally was because he couldnt handle the pressure of being a dad. Roseanne tells her thats not true. He left because you guys were fighting all the time and thats what he couldnt handle, Roseanne says. He told me. Adds Becky, echoing what Darlene told her previously about moving on with her life after Marks death, You guys have been going at this for 20 years you told me I never moved on after Mark died. End the misery. Grieve and get on with your life. Your words. David didnt die, Darlene says. But your marriage did, her sister tells her. And then Darlene has to acknowledge her own doubts to David, when he arrives for Harriss party. Were delusional if we think we can make each other happy, Darlene tells him. Were gonna fight, youre gonna run, and were gonna break the kids hearts. We talked, he counters. We know what went wrong. We belong together. Youre the first person I loved, and I still love you. Darlene: I love you, too. And if was just us, I swear I would keep doing this over and over again, even if it never worked. But its not just us. Overall, another deeply satisfying episode, even if its also another installment that reinforces how much the Conner family continues to struggle after all these years. In some ways, Darlene v. David feels like a concentrated amount of sorrow because of the decision to use this season as a fan-pleasing catch-up with the Conners. It also feels authentic, though, because even back in the day there were hints that what attracted teenage David to Darlene being in awe of her boldness and intelligence and creativity adult David might feel emasculated by. Darlene is very much her mothers daughter; she has a cutting quip at the ready for everyone in her orbit, and shes exceedingly confident in her opinions. But David is not Dan. Roseanne and Dan are equals, with mutual respect for each other and for themselves. David spent a lot of his teenage days living in the Conner household, deferring to Darlene. Even with the occasional outside friend or date who would embolden David during their relationship breaks, Darlene was always the one with the hand, to get all Seinfeld-ian about it. That didnt change, as this reunion reveals, but Davids reaction to it did. Hence Blue. And, to paraphrase Mr. Mason, the end of Darlene and Davids love song. Couch Surfing Darlene v. David is so rich it doesnt need a B story line, but we get one anyway, courtesy of Bev, Roseanne and Jackies mom, whos now also dwelling at 714 Delaware Street since being kicked out of her retirement home. The retirement home asked me to leave, she explains after showing up at Roseannes door. Apparently, at my age, Im not supposed to enjoy a healthy sex life with multiple partners in multiple parts of the facility. That she also gave gonorrhea to her fellow residents sealed her exit. Its good to have Oscar winner Estelle Parsons back, with her Bev as wacky (and annoying to Jackie) as ever. Dan, explaining why he cant forgive Davids decision to leave his family (and proving why he remains one of the all-time greatest TV dads and husbands): You may think about it, you may dream about it, you may gas up your bike and make sandwiches, but you dont ever do it. Johnny Galecki and Sara Gilbert should most definitely be on Emmy ballots this year. He doesnt get to deliver performances with this emotional heft on that other sitcom hes on, and she is stealing this entire season so far. That they so easily slip back into their roles together with such fantastic chemistry is a highlight of the revival. David and Darlene split before Harriss party began, but he does get a nice moment with his daughter on the Conner front porch. And a much more tension-filled, but deserved, one inside the house with Dan. Heres how that goes after David tells his father-in-law that hell be back permanently in Lanford in two weeks: Dan: Great. Then thats when youll see the kids. Questions, comments? David: No, sir. Dan: You always were a smart boy. The episode ends with the Conners having a cake-eating contest with contestants faces fully immersed in his or her own cake. I dont know if it was an intentional callback, but it reminds me of my favorite Roseanne episode: season fours Aliens, another emotional wallop of an installment that ended with a cathartic Conner family ice-cream fight. Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope. Photo: Mitch Haaseth/ABC via Getty Images Shonda Rhimess Scandal, which ends its seven-season run Thursday night, is a rare revolutionary TV drama that never became full of itself. It dealt in controversy on the regular, tackling everything from racial politics and sexual power dynamics in a workplace to PTSD, executive privilege, and the efficacy of torture, even letting its heroine have a rare TV abortion that was entirely elective and presented as no huge deal. (Legendary pot-stirring TV producer Norman Lear, who brought abortion to prime time in 1972 on the sitcom Maude, watched the episode and said he was shocked that it was so matter-of-fact.) But this material was always woven into a larger fabric of unabashed melodrama, which meant that during all the years when it ran concurrently with Netflixs House of Cards, there was never any question which series had a more clear-eyed view of what it was doing, and what the audience wanted from it. Scandal was also a little miracle of genre fusion, somehow managing to be several seemingly incompatible shows at the same time. Rhimess Washington potboiler was a political procedural; a workplace drama (centered on the heroines damage-control firm and the White House that it frequently helped); a swaggering Washington techno-thriller in the vein of 24 and Homeland (often focusing on the nonexistent, ultrabrutal, super-covert spy agency B613), and a juicy nighttime soap in the vein of Dallas, Dynasty, and other series that were an inescapable part of the fabric of TV in the 1970s and 80s, when Rhimes was growing up and must have formed her sense of what the medium could be. This was the sort of series where high-powered PR wizard Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) could carry on a torrid, ongoing affair with the president of the United States, Tony Goldwyns Thomas Fitzgerald Fitz Grant III, driven mainly by the kind of overwhelming sexual chemistry that brought nations to ruin in ancient tragedies, and ultimately go public with it. It was the sort of show where the tumultuous love life of Fitzs ultimately deposed chief of staff, and later vice-president to Mellie Grant (Bellamy Young), Cyrus Beene (Jeff Perry), a gay man, could have the sorts of fantastically fraught relationships with men that male-female couples had been having on TV since the mediums inception, and treat them with specificity, yet also with a refreshing lack of special care (to Olivia, any complications that Cyrus posed were just one problem among many that would need to be dealt with). It was also the sort of political series where the use of covert operatives and professional torturers to solve foreign-policy problems (and settle personal grievances that had nothing to do with politics) was accepted as a horrendous given, never as a pretext to wring hands and pretend to be shocked that the United States of America would stoop so low when it had been doing that kind of thing since the 1700s. (Guillermo Diazs Huck, a B613 operative with a disturbing knack for torture who was discovered homeless on a subway platform by Olivia, was the focal point for many of these stories.) On Scandal, grand jury investigations were quashed for no other reason than to prevent government accountability; secrets were maintained through blackmail and threats of imprisonment, kidnapping, torture, and murder; and the inner workings of government were shown to be driven largely by fear, pride, and personal grievance. It all seemed profoundly cynical, perhaps fashionably so, when Scandal debuted, but it now seems prescient. The show captured the national mood of 2018 in 2012, a neat trick. Perhaps most significantly, in terms of Rhimess biography, it was a series that could put a black woman front and center, then assert the same writing privileges that had been accepted on shows driven by white men for 20 or 30 years: You dont have to like lead characters as long as you find them interesting. And Olivia, a lawyer and former White House aide turned master of spin, was fascinating. There was a familiar core aspect great at what they do, but emotionally a train wreck that is the model for a lot of memorable TV leads, including Andy Sipowicz, Tony Soprano, and Don Draper. But once you got into the fine brushwork, you saw that there was nobody like her on TV, and never had been. That Olivia was a black woman in a white-dominated world was never lost on Scandal, and there were times when the show commented specifically on the issues that someone like her would face (the first season leaned into Liv and Fitzs affair and acknowledged the vast power differential by sardonically comparing them to Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings). Many more aspects of her biography did her the courtesy of freighting her with neuroses that anyone would have if theyd grown up with a father (Joe Mortons Rowan Pope), who was the former boss of B613, and a mother (Khandi Alexanders Maya Lewis), who was wrongly presumed dead in a plane crash, and turned out to be such an agent of chaos that she plotted to kill the president by planting a bomb at a senators funeral. Like House of Cards and Homeland, Scandal was less a fictionalized real world than a dream world with real-life accents and issues, stirred into stories that were largely driven by the psychology of the main characters. The extreme trauma of Olivias high-achieving but emotionally dysfunctional childhood was never far from the series mind, and Scandals attentiveness to her psychology was one of the only things that allowed the anything-goes plotting to seem even vaguely coherent. Olivias hard-charging demeanor and frequently masklike expressions synced up with her tendency to compare herself and her staff to gladiators. She always seemed to be wearing armor and helmet even when she was clad in a $4,000 gown and Gucci pumps, or a fabulous long jacket with Dorothy Gaspar gloves and a Prada purse (her clothes were her armor, really). The arena was Washington and the wider world, and its striking to look back on the full run of the series and realize how many of her decisions, political and personal, were driven by angsty binaries: either hurt someone or get hurt. Rhimess great triumph here, ultimately, lies in creating a show that was blatantly an expression of her sensibility, yet populist enough in its storytelling rhythms that it could reach a wide popular audience that loved the show enough to go wherever it led them. A lot of what Scandal did could be boiled down to the conceptually simple yet logistically complex act of making the show youd been fantasizing about your whole life but had never been able to watch before, because the industry didnt used to allow for that kind of vision. She kicked open a lot of locked doors so many that weve only begun to count them all. The totality of her achievement, from Greys Anatomy to Scandal to How to Get Away With Murder and the Greys spinoffs, and whatever she makes to fulfill her Netflix deal, is staggering, and it seems clear now that Olivia Popes first entrance marks the moment when Rhimes went from being a formidable showrunner to an institution. Cary Elwes. Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for HBO Let the 80s nostalgia burn on. Cary Elwes (of The Princess Bride and your adolescent dreams) is set to join Stranger Things season three as Hawkins, Indianas Mayor Kline, according to Deadline. Described as handsome, slick and sleazy your classic 80s politician, Elwes will join a cast stacked with other 80s favorites like Winona Ryder and Paul Reiser, as a politician more obsessed with his image than the people hes governing. Also joining the cast: a local journalist named Bruce, to be played by Jake Busey. Bruce is described as having questionable morals and a sick sense of humor. The Idaho County Sheriff's Office is currently searching for a missing 25-year-old woman from Grangeville. Shawnta Larae Pankey was last seen on foot near Pine Bar -- along the Salmon River -- about 10 a.m. Sunday. Shawnta is about five-feet-four about 135 pounds, with long red curly hair, and brown eyes. She was last seen wearing a blue and green tank top, blue jeans, pink cowboy boots and was possibly carrying a brown leather purse, according to a news release from the Sheriff's Office. "Shawnta has no cell phone or vehicle -- and has made no contact with family members," the release said. The Idaho County Sheriff's Office, Idaho County Sheriff's Search and Rescue, Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game, Bureau of Land Management and family members are currently searching the area around Pine Bar and Graves Creek. Anyone who may have seen Shawnta in the past several days is urged to contact the Idaho County Sheriff's Dispatch Center at 208-983-1100. As top national security officials continue to work behind the scenes to prepare for an audacious one-on-one meeting between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, a key sticking point has emerged: where to hold the talks. Even as matters of substance like the scope of the summit and the composition of the delegations are being sorted through, the two sides remain at odds over the logistical details, according to US and other officials familiar with the matter. During CIA Director Mike Pompeo's secret Easter weekend visit to North Korea, Kim personally promised that denuclearization would be a topic of discussion during the meeting with Trump, two sources familiar with the meeting told CNN. Another administration official familiar with the talks described Kim as "personable and well prepared" for the discussion. But the venue for the talks remains the main sticking point, that official and several others familiar with the matter said. Pompeo's visit to Pyongyang, according to Trump in a tweet Wednesday morning, "went very smoothly." He added that "denuclearization will be a great thing for the world, but also for North Korea!" and "details of Summit are being worked out now." At Mar-a-Lago later Wednesday, Trump hailed Pompeo's personal chemistry with the North Korean despot. "He just left North Korea, had a great meeting with Kim Jong Un and got along with him really well, really great," Trump said. "And he's that kind of a guy. He's really smart but he gets along with people." Possible locations US officials have narrowed possible locations for the historic talks to a handful of sites in Asia and Europe, according to two people familiar with the matter. Those officials said that previously discussed sites -- including Washington, Beijing, Seoul and Pyongyang -- have either been ruled out or are now considered less likely. Trump told reporters on Tuesday that there were five locations under consideration, none of which are in the United States. Asian destinations In Southeast Asia, Singapore has been viewed as a likely possibility, with cities in Vietnam and Thailand also under consideration. Singapore has had diplomatic relations with North Korea since the 1970s, said Jasper Kim, director of the Center for Conflict Management at Ewha University in Seoul, although recently relations have been strained. "Singapore represents to both parties an idyllic economic city state -- something that North Korea, or a free economic zone within the country could aspire to." He considers Vietnam and Thailand to be less likely venues. "Vietnam, symbolically, would be an interesting choice. It was a divided state, what you see after the post-divided state era is rapid growth, but it still holds a lot of the hallmarks of the communist era. Holding it there would be a symbol from Kim -- 'we can keep communist political system married to a Western capitalist system.'" He says Thailand, currently under military dictatorship, would be a "comforting" choice for a North Korean delegation, "but probably not up high on the list. It could be a third, neutral choice," if the two sides can't agree on another venue. US officials say the location for the talks is subject to a number of factors, including how far Kim is willing or able to travel by train or airplane. For this reason the Mongolian capital, Ulaanbaatar, is also seen as a possibility, though is not considered as likely as the other locations. "This location would definitely be advantageous to North Korea. It's a state that's had relations with North Korea for half a century. At the same time it's a burgeoning economy, which sends a signal -- that this could be North Korea (in the future)," Jasper Kim said. "(Kim) doesn't like to travel far -- it is definitely a factor. Politically, economically and from a security point of view it has upsides for North Korea." European options Switzerland and Sweden are also possibilities, along with other European countries who maintain diplomatic relations with North Korea. Stockholm would be on the "upper half" of a list of likely venues, Kim said. "Among Western states, Sweden is arguably among the closest (to North Korea). That kind of diplomatic relationship is important." Switzerland would also be a top choice, he said. "Kim went to school there, he's familiar with it. The US is familiar with it as well and it has a long history as a neutral state. It's way up there on the list -- it sits in the intersection of the Venn diagram of neutrality (and) security." Neutral venues More pressing, the officials said, is managing the optics of a location that appears neutral to both sides. Kim, for example, is believed to be unwilling to meet on a US aircraft carrier off the Korean coast. Trump, meanwhile, may be unwilling to travel to the demilitarized zone lest he be viewed as arriving on Kim's home turf. One US official said the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, is not an option for meeting, in the view of officials, who described it as all but impossible to secure and protect from bugs and nerve agents. As long as a site for the talks remains undecided, officials have been unable to identify a date for the event. Trump and the White House maintain they are aiming for a summit by late May or early June. Secret talks Secret talks between North Korean and US intelligence officials have been ongoing for weeks, as CNN has previously reported. South Korean intelligence officials have a long history of working very closely with US counterparts; there is one US official paired to nearly every official working in South Korean intelligence and they often work side by side -- in Seoul and other areas like Afghanistan. National security adviser John Bolton, in just 10 days on the job, has already met with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan, two sources familiar with the meetings told CNN. He met both national security advisers on the same day last week, and was received fondly. It was a "very substantive meeting," according to Matt Pottinger, the top Asia official on the National Security Council, who said Bolton's talks included a "very clear exchange of views on planning for both of these summits." It's possible Bolton and Pompeo will return to Pyongyang before the summit takes place, the sources familiar with the meetings said. Additionally, a "hotline" between the two Korean leaders is being set up this week, a topic discussed by South Korean Cultural Minister Do Jong-hwan on Tuesday. According to a source familiar with the planning, arranging a hotline is difficult technically and otherwise, and officials are still deciding where to install it -- -- inside the South Korean President's office or a nearby agency. The cultural minister also told reporters in Seoul that South Korea will be seeking a peace treaty during those discussions that would formally end the Korean War, which technically is still underway even though hostilities ended more than six decades ago. Trump, currently hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago, said on Tuesday that South Korea had his "blessing" to seek an end to the Korean War during next week's inter-Korean summit, parts of which could be aired live, according to South Korean President Moon Jae-in. (CNN) -- For 20 minutes, the Southwest Airlines jet was a normal flight from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard. The plane was flying at 32,500 feet Tuesday morning as passengers settled in for the three-hour flight. Suddenly, alarms blared in the cockpit as what sounded like an explosion boomed from the left side of the plane. Oxygen masks swiftly dropped from the ceiling. What followed was a terrifying sequence of events that ended with one woman dead, seven people injured and an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. 'Everybody was going crazy' Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 took off from LaGuardia Airport at 10:27 a.m. and landed in Philadelphia about 11:23 a.m. The Boeing 737 was headed to Dallas with 144 passengers and five crew members. For about 20 minutes, everything seemed calm. Then "a loud boom" suddenly jolted the plane, passenger Marty Martinez said. "About five seconds later, all the oxygen masks deployed," he said. "I immediately knew something was wrong. It just didn't register what could have been." Something in the engine broke apart midair and burst through the window, passengers said. A woman was sucked toward the hole where the window once had been as passengers struggled to pull her back in. "Everybody was going crazy, and yelling and screaming," Martinez said. "As the plane is going down, I am literally purchasing internet just so I can get some kind of communication to the outside world." Objects flying out As the plane quickly descended and passengers continued scrambling to pull the woman away from the window, other passengers stuffed clothes and jackets into the hole, said Martinez, who was sitting two rows away from the woman. Those items got sucked out of the plane, too, he said. "We could feel the air from the outside coming in, and then we had smoke kind of coming in the window," Martinez said. In the chaos, it was hard to hear anyone. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 estimated the plane descended from 31,684 feet to 10,000 feet in about five minutes. "It was very loud, so announcements from the pilot or any other crew would not have been heard," passenger Amy Serafini said. Passenger Matt Tranchin watched the commotion as people tried to help. "Everyone kind of descended on where this hole was," he said. He thought about his family and whether he'd see them again. The thoughts were terrifying. "That I'll never live to see my son born. That I'll never be able to say goodbye to my wife, say goodbye to my parents. But I am. I feel really very fortunate for that," he told CNN affiliate WPVI. Nurse performs CPR After trying to pull the woman back for several minutes, a man in a cowboy hat and a second man finally got her into her seat, Serafini said. A nurse aboard the flight performed CPR. "We started CPR on the lady, which we continued for about 20 minutes. We were still doing CPR when the plane landed," Peggy Williams said. "We made every effort that we could possibly make to save this woman's life." Martinez said it was a rough landing, and he wasn't sure if the plane was going to crash. The jet could have been landing on a freeway for all he knew, he said. "I didn't know if we were going to be running into a building. I didn't know what state the plane or even the pilot was in, if we were in condition to land," he said. "Finally when we ... came to a halt, of course, the entire crowd was (in) tears and people crying and we were just thankful to be alive." Air traffic call Before the plane landed, the pilot asked the air traffic controller to send medics to meet it on the tarmac. "Injured passengers OK, and is your airplane physically on fire?" the air traffic controller asked. "No, it's not on fire, but part of it is missing. They said there's a hole and that someone went out," the pilot responded. "Um, I'm sorry, you said there was a hole and somebody went out? Southwest 1380, it doesn't matter we will work it out there," the air traffic controller said. The controller asked other planes to prepare for the airport to be shut down. The investigation The National Transportation Safety Board said a preliminary look at the engine shows one of its 24 fan blades was missing. There was evidence of metal fatigue where the blade attached to a hub, according to NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt. "In aviation, there should be inspection techniques and procedures in place to detect something like that. What we want to find out is why was this not detected ahead of time," Sumwalt told CNN on Wednesday. Metal fatigue is not something that could be seen at a glance, and because it was internal, even a careful maintenance inspection from outside the engine may have missed it, he said. The fan blade spins at several thousand revolutions per minute, so when it was "liberated," Sumwalt said, it basically broke into shrapnel. It was not an explosion, he said, likening it more to a car's combustion engine throwing a rod, which bangs around the engine. "More than likely, when the engine fan blade separated, it caused the cowling to separate and end up in this small town northwest of the airport," he said. The cowling was found about 70 miles from where the plane landed. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly said the plane was inspected Sunday, but he had no details on what parts were examined. "I'm not aware of any issues with the airplane or any issues with the engine involved," he said. Sumwalt told CNN that Kelly assured him Tuesday night that Southwest will be conducting "an aggressive ultrasonic inspection campaign for their entire fleet." The flight data recorder and the cockpit voice recorder have been sent to Washington, Sumwalt said. Passenger identified as 43-year-old mother of 2 The woman killed was identified as Jennifer Riordan, 43. She worked for Wells Fargo in Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to the bank. Southwest said hers was the first in-flight death in company history. "This is a sad day and our hearts go out to the family and the loved ones of the deceased customer," Kelly said. "We will do all that we can to support them during this very difficult time." In a statement, Wells Fargo called her "a well-known leader who was loved and respected." She is survived by two children and her husband, Michael Riordan, who was once the chief operating officer for the city of Albuquerque, CNN affiliate KOAT reported. The-CNN-Wire & 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved. Police in Tuscumbia are asking for your help after a string of car burglaries within 24 hours. A viewer sent us this video and said it shows a man rummaging through her family's car with a flashlight. She told us she filed a police report. Tuscumbia police believe this is video of the suspect they're looking for in connection with these car burglaries in the Colonial Heights neighborhood. WAAY 31's Breken Terry spoke to police about what makes this rash of burglaries different. Tuscumbia police told WAAY 31 about 8 people's cars were broken into in the Colonial heights area, and the suspect actually broke out people's windows and used tools to get into cars. For people who live in the area, they're on high alert. "The main thing is to keep everything important inside and in a safe place. If you have a safe keep it there." Patty McDonald's family lives in the Colonial Heights neighborhood where thieves broke into multiple cars. She called it worrisome. "I have a sixteen year old grandson and he has a lot of friends that live around here. They walk to each others houses so it's a little scary to think of them out here like that." Tuscumbia police told WAAY 31 thieves broke into eight cars last Thursday night and Friday morning on Memory Land and Hemlock Street. Police said the suspect broke out people's windows and used tools to get into the cars - even if they were locked. "It's really mind boggling to me because we have so many elderly families that live around there and we're just concerned about them and us also." Tuscumbia police said the suspects took guns, money, and pretty much anything of value from the cars. Mary Napier lives on Hemlock Street - she says her neighbors are banding together to be on the look out. "If they see something at out house out of the norm to call the police." The 24th of July is a special day for Samaritans. 24/7 is a day we use each year to highlight that we are available... WATERFORD is the most sunny city in Ireland and the county is second in the sunshine league, being pipped to first place by our... ... but you will need to show proof of jab get into bars STUDENTS heading to college in September will not have to be vaccinated... WATERFORD is marking time with a new museum in the Viking Triangle. The Irish Museum of Time is the first of its kind in the... AMP's disastrous foray in front of the banking Royal Commission - including admissions it had misled customers and the regulator - is likely to have lasting effects for the battling wealth manager. AMP conceded it had made false statement to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and senior staff ignored legal advice that charging of customers for services they did not receive was unlawful. The Royal Commission runs for a year but some of the implications are already being considered. Any recommendation to limit the extent to which financial service organisations can use their financial planning arms to sell their products, would hurt AMP more than the other large players, say fund managers and analysts. This is because AMP, more than the big four banks, depends the most on its planners to recommended "house" financial products. So it was galling to hear Health Minister Greg Hunt link so-called gay cure therapy to freedom of speech . What he should have been saying is this practice is indefensible, causing harm and suicide. He should have been saying it has absolutely no place in a modern Australia. Instead he supported people's right to defend this disgusting practice. These conversations introduced me to "gay conversion therapy" - the practice of trying to change sexual orientation using psychological or spiritual interventions. It is widely discredited. Britain and several American states are taking action to to outlaw it. But no such action has been taken in Australia. I was just 16 when I began conversations with a Sydney church leader that would change the course of my life for the following decade. They would lead me to celibacy, shame and, ultimately, to wanting to die. As a young Christian, knowing I was gay was tough. I had been taught by my faith community that gay people were perverted, evil and were oppressed by demons. As a child I listened to adults express beliefs identical to Israel Folau's recent comments, that gay people are destined for hell. Being in danger of hell scared me beyond belief. I started seeing a Christian counsellor who began counselling me toward heterosexuality. When I confided in this church leader that I thought that I may be gay, he suggested that I could be "healed", telling me about an "ex-gay" ministry. To a teenager like me, ridden with guilt, anxiety and revulsion at my emerging attraction to the same sex, the idea I could be healed of the "sickness" of homosexuality was appealing. The church taught me to hate myself, and now it was telling me there was a way to be fixed. I decided that after I had finished high school I would concentrate all my energy on finding healing from my sickness by moving away from Sydney to complete a program widely known as an "ex-gay ministry" - the now defunct Living Waters course. Loading The course involved weekly meetings that resembled Alcoholics Anonymous. Wed read from a textbook that detailed spiritual and pseudo-scientific reasons for our "broken sexuality". After a sermon, wed split into small groups where we were instructed to confess our sins of the week and receive prayer and an anointing in oil. After nine months, I finished the course and I was as gay as I had ever been. A pilot has escaped with relatively minor injuries after crashing his helicopter in Kosciuszko National Park. The 45-year-old male pilot was the only occupant of the helicopter, and managed to escape from the wreckage with head lacerations. One man in his 50s has been injured in the helicopter crash. Credit:Reuters/Jason Lee It's understood the helicopter caught fire after crashing around 2:30pm on Tuesday, but was extinguished without the assistance of NSW Fire and Rescue. Multiple paramedic units responded, including a rescue helicopter. It was a hard phone call to make ... I kind of avoided telling them I got bitten by a shark. There were roughly five surfers enjoying the South West waves when Mr Travaglini was attacked about 8am. The father of two said surfers with him at Gracetown break Cobblestones helped save his life after suffering deep leg wounds from a 4m great white shark. Shark attack survivor Alejandro Travaglini has recounted from his hospital bed how he survived the terrifying encounter while surfing on Monday. Earlier, surfers had been forced from the water after an earlier shark sighting at the same break, spending an hour on the beach before some of them ventured back in. No one could see it. We were all watching the waters and there was nothing there ... obviously it was a bad call, Mr Travaglini told Seven News Perth. He said surfers were back in the water for only minutes before a friend spotted the shark that attacked him. He said there it is ... as in theres a shark ... and he started paddling, Mr Travaglini said from Royal Perth Hospital, where he had a second operation on Wednesday to stitch deep wounds in his legs. I started doing the same ... paddling towards the shore and two seconds later I felt something grab me. It bit my left leg and the struggle began." The WA Attorney General has offered an apology and a $1.3 million ex-gratia payment to the Broome man who spent nearly five years behind bars after he was wrongly convicted over the death of Josh Warneke. Gene Gibson, who is from the remote desert community of Kiwirrkurra, was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years behind bars in 2014 over the Mr Warneke's death. Gene Gibson, photographed in 2011, was wrongly convicted over Joshua Warneke's death. Credit:Damien Thornber He appealed his conviction on the basis he suffered a miscarriage of justice because he did not have the cognitive ability or language skills to understand what was happening. His conviction was thrown out by the Court of Appeal on April 12 last year, and Attorney General John Quigley announced the state government had granted Mr Gibson a $1.3 million ex-gratia payment on Wednesday afternoon. Taipei: China has issued a warning against attempts to "split" its territory as it began live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday. The military manoeuvres are being seen by observers as a clear message of disapproval against growing support for the self-ruled island from the US. The drills, the first to be carried out in the sensitive waters since the 2015 election in Taiwan, are also viewed as a warning against what Beijing sees as growing moves towards independence from the Taipei government. Washington: President Donald Trump is tweeting in the defence of an American pastor who is being tried in Turkey on charges that he aided terror groups and committed espionage. Trump tweeted late on Tuesday that "Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason." Trump says: "They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!" Washington: President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that his CIA chief secretly met with Kim Jong-un in North Korea and said "a good relationship was formed" heading into the adversaries' anticipated summit. Mike Pompeo's highly unusual talks took place "last week," Trump tweeted, and "went smoothly," with details about the presidential meeting within the next few months "being worked out now." Pompeo is the highest-ranking US official to visit the isolated nation since former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright in 2000. "Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump wrote while at his Florida estate, where he was hosting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. London: Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will attend a security meeting with British counterpart Theresa May and other intelligence allies amid growing concern over unconscionable Russian tactics in the Syrian crisis. Mr Turnbull will head to the meeting within hours of arriving in London for this weeks Commonwealth summit, with the talks expected to consider the danger from further Russian cyber attacks after damage to British and US targets in recent days. Theresa May and Malcolm Turnbull are expected to discuss the danger from further Russian cyber attacks. Credit:AP Foreign Minister Julie Bishop blasted the Russian tactics and issued a general warning about the prospect of malicious attacks on internet services from sources in Russia. This pattern of behaviour on the part of Russia is a concern not only to Commonwealth countries but globally, Ms Bishop said. The headquarters of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are seen in The Hague, Netherlands. Credit:AP Syria and its main backers, Iran and Russia, say claims of chemical weapons use were concocted by rebels, rescue workers and the West. The team from the organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons arrived in the suburb east of the capital, 10 days after the alleged attack, raising concerns that any evidence the inspectors find could be useless. New York: International chemical weapons inspectors on Tuesday entered Douma, the Syrian town that was the site of a suspected poison gas attack that led to Western airstrikes against the Syrian government, state media reported. It is the second time recently that the organisation has been thrust into a geopolitical crisis another high-profile case, the poisoning of a Russian former spy and his daughter in Britain, also drew attention to the group. The organisation is among the few groups to have received a Nobel Peace Prize, which it did in 2013. But what is it and how do its investigators work? And what weight do its conclusions carry? What does the OPCW do? The organisation works with the 192 countries that have signed the Chemical Weapons Convention, an international agreement that "prohibits the use, development, production, stockpiling and transfer of chemical weapons." Its job is to monitor compliance with that treaty, and to work toward ridding the world of chemical weapons. It also has a role in verifying the elimination of those weapons. Chris Jackson/Getty Images(LONDON) -- More reliable than baby due dates in the Lindo maternity wing of St. Mary's Hospital in London, are the die hard royal baby watchers outside. They're few, they're dedicated, and they're here rain or shine. "We come as soon as they put the parking restrictions on," Maria Scott, 46, from Newcastle told ABC News, with a British flag tied around her shoulders like a cape. The parking restrictions come when authorities set up the press pen, and clear the street for motorcade access, Scott explained. Kate's due date is rumored to be next week and they've been camping out for nine days already, just to be on the safe side. Scott and her friends were here outside the prestigious, private Lindo Wing for Prince William and Kate Middleton's first two kids, George and Charlotte - and they're not going to miss the third. "I've done it so long, I know the routine, the helicopters and the motorcade" said Terry Hutt, 83, from Camden Town, whose dashing Union Jack suit has been a mainstay at royal events for decades. "And I explain it to people who haven't done it before." "As soon as I get that feeling," Hutt said, obviously excited at the thought, "butterflies, is what women call it, butterflies, that's it - I'll get on my feet and be ready." But why camp out? One might ask. Hutt, Scott, her daughter Amy Thompson and John Loughrey, 63, also donning a Union Jack suit, were all seated on a bench in the sun outside the hospital, next to some camping chairs and a tent draped with the British flag. Scott said it's all about the electric atmosphere. Loughrey added that it was also about the celebration and the champagne. And for 83 year-old Hutt, well, it's tradition and team work. "You've got to be here to experience it, seeing it on TV doesn't do it justice," Scott said, her flag now slightly off kilter. "It's just a wonderful feeling you get. The excitement is magical!" The whole experience on the day of the birth doesn't last long. The Duke and Duchess emerge with their newest addition on the steps of the Lindo Wing, wave, say a few words to the crowd, and then they're off. That's it. Did Amy Thompson ever think her mom was a bit nuts, honestly? "No, no," Thompson says. "I've been brought up knowing everything about the family - and she's always been this way. Everyone has their thing and this is ours." Like her mother, she too, has become an ardent royal fan. "It's indescribable. It means the world," Thompson adds. The tight-knit group has done multiple events together and they say Kate even sent them breakfast the morning she gave birth to Charlotte. So, when do they think this new baby, the fifth in line for the throne, will arrive? "Well, I was wrong," Hutt said. "I thought it would be last night and I got all packed up and ready to go." Scott has her eyes on this weekend. "I think it's going to be on the 21st, the Queen's birthday," she said. Her daughter, Thompson and the others nod in agreement. "That would be lovely for the Queen. A wonderful birthday present." The group is split on whether they think it will be a boy or a girl. And as for names, Philip Michael, Victoria, Elizabeth and Alice are all offered as viable options. Hutt adds that he might like like them to name the baby after him or his wife. In the end though, he's just hoping for a healthy baby for the happy couple. "It's going to be a beautiful day," Hutt said, adjusting his matching Union Jack printed fedora. Like Thompson said, everyone has their thing. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. While Armenias National Assembly voted to elect Serzh Sargsyan as the countrys next prime minister, protesters continued to close off streets in downtown Yerevan and elsewhere. People encircled various government buildings not allowing anyone to enter or exit. Police detained scores of people who took to the streets in opposition to Sargsyans election as prime minister. Police in riot gear used razor wire and armored vehicles to close off all roads leading to the National Assembly. Anti-Serzh Sargsyan movement organizers, led by Nikol Pashinyan, have called for a mass rally in Republic Square. A Hetq reporter on the scene says that police and men in civilian dress are dispersing anti-Serzh Sargsyan protesters gathered in France Square and are loading some into nearby buses. Police are also chasing down some of the fleeing protesters, and if caught, beating them. Yerevan resident Anahit Karapetyan says police summoned her to the Nor Nork station for questioning where she saw police beating young people, who had been detained, as they entered the police station. Ashot Aharonyan, who heads the Police Departments Press Office, says five people have been taken to the Nor Nork station as of 10:30am today. Hetq visited Aknashen, a village in Armenias Armavir Province, where a group of men, gathered outside and playing backgammon, were discussing the political situation in the country. They say theyre following the protests coordinated by the "My Step" and "Reject Serzh" initiatives, mainly getting information from the younger generation, who learn about the events from the Internet, since Armenian TV companies misrepresent the reality or do not provide information at all. Rubik Vagharshakyan, one of the villagers, participated in the 1990s Artsakh War. He says that today's authorities are comfortably sitting in their chairs at the expense of people like himself. He is convinced that there will be global changes in Armenia if the protests are nationwide, like in the early 1990s. Hes dubious about the possibility of changing the system, but he supports the youth who struggle for it. Reacting to the speech of prime ministerial candidate Serzh Sargsyan at the National Assembly yesterday, where Sargsyan talked about recent economic growth of Armenia and number of depositors reaching one million, Rubik says: "Our country is a good place, but everybody is fed up with the authorities. People emigrate every day. Where is the economic growth? A few wealthy people grow their own business, but what about the others? Who will pay the state debt worth $7 billion? You and I, right? Whats good about it? Theyre only good at talking. As for one million bank depositors, the villagers joke that perhaps Serzh Sargsyan confused the number of borrowers with the number of depositors, or it was about the depositors whove kept their money in the banks since Soviet times, which has nothing to do with the social condition of people today. Moreover, these deposits have not been received up to now. "I do not have enough money to buy food today, how can I make a deposit? Most of the villagers have lots of debts. If you enter the village shop, youll see the long list of people who owe to the shop. The situation is particularly terrible in the villages. In each village, there might be a couple of people who have made a deposit, says Rubik. Rubik says the society is quite polarized in Armenia - there are the very rich and the poor. And the rich do not want the poor to live well and develop the economy. As an example, he refers to the officials, owning hundreds of hectares of land and greenhouses. Rubik believes Its them who make the villagers product too cheap. "The rich now do not talk about money in numbers, but only in tons. They are so illiterate that they do not know how to write one million in numbers, but they own a lot of money. People do not go out into the streets because they are disillusioned. We saw what happened: people followed Tsarukyan, and then he stepped back. People hate the present leaders, but they are disappointed with each and every one. Migration proves that," adds Rubik. Ashot Barseghyan, another villager, doesnt believe in the economic development claims, either. No one thinks about the villagers; they only think about themselves. Nothing in this country will change for the better. It's only getting worse. Villagers products are not sold, they are cheap, is that good?" asks Ashot. Hetq talked to several young people from Aknashen. They were planning to form groups and join the demonstrations in Yerevan. They want things to change, and not be forced to emigrate. Note to Readers After the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan prime minister on April 17, Yelk Alliance MP Nikol Pashinyan, who spearheaded the Im Kayl (My Step) movement to prevent Sargsyans election, declared a Velvet Revolution to be carried out on a rotating basis. Protesters will briefly occupy government buildings, urging civil servants inside to join them. The intent is to disrupt the normal flow of life in downtown Yerevan, blocking traffic on major streets, and then hold evening rallies in Republic Square. Today marks the sixth day of civil disobedience in Yerevan. Dakota Kuhns/Western Nebraska Observer Mike Beatty talks with vendors at the recent Veterans Resource Fair, hosted during Transit Week by the Kimball County Veterans Service Office. "We combined the two events, (Nebraska Transit Week and Veterans Resource Fair) and the transit service provided lunch," Kimball County Veterans Resource Officer, Bob Jenner, said. Thirty area veterans attended with a total of 16 providers/vendors. The Mobile Vet Center was a big hit, according to Jenner. "It was bigger than last year and I felt that it was really beneficial," Jenner said. He has already started planning to expand services next year. By WestKyStar & Pam Spencer, CIty Information Officer Apr. 18, 2018 | 05:19 AM | PADUCAH, KY Paducah Planning Director Tammara Tracy says, The Spring Quilt Exhibit & Window Contest is a fun way for downtown and Lower Town businesses to link their products and unique gift items with the internationally-known quilt show. I encourage businesses to embrace all of Paducahs special events in creative ways. Participating businesses were eligible for cash prizes in either the large or small window display categories. Contest sponsor, Paducah Bank, provided $200 to each first place winner and $100 to each second place winner. The Paducah Civic Beautification Board provided vouchers for the four winning businesses to purchase dogwood trees. AQS made large award posters for the winners to display in their windows. Judges from the Paducah School of Art & Design viewed the windows on Friday, April 13 to select the winners. Jill Jones with the Paducah Civic Beautification Board and Melissa Yates representing Paducah Bank notified each winner. The winners are as follows: Large Window Display 1st Prize - Paducah Antique Mall, 407 Broadway (pictured from left to right: Jill Jones, Karen Baker, and Melissa Yates) 2nd Prize MAKE, 628 Broadway (pictured from left to right: Jill Jones, Alaysia Hamilton, and Melissa Yates) Small Window Display 1st Prize - Courtyard Antiques, 319 Broadway (pictured from left to right: Melissa Yates, Curtis Grace, and Jill Jones) 2nd Prize - Fleur de Lis, 219 Kentucky Avenue (pictured from left to right: Jill Jones, Judith Bray, and Melissa Yates) For more information about Paducah Main Street, a division of the Paducah Planning Department, call 270-444-8690 or visit www.paducahmainstreet.org. Winners of Paducah Main Streets Spring Quilt Exhibit & Window Contest were recognized this week when sponsors arrived at their business entrances via horse-drawn carriage.Award winners were notified in the Spring Quilt Exhibit & Window Contest, a partnership between Paducah Main Street, Paducah Bank, AQS and the Paducah Civic Beautification Board. Downtown and Lower Town merchants were invited to participate in the contest which involved the decorating of store windows with a quilt and dogwood theme to get ready for the current 54th Annual Dogwood Trail and AQS QuiltWeek. Email To : Multiple e-mail addresses must be separated with a comma character(maximum 200 characters) Email To is required. Your Full Name: (optional) Your Email Address: Your Email Address is required. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 17, 2018 | 09:05 PM | PADUCAH, KY The Quilt Channel returns for its 28th year during this week's American Quilter's Society's Quilt Show and Contest in Paducah. The Quilt Channel will air quilt-related programming from 6:00 am to midnight through Saturday locally on Comcast Cable Channel 7, or on the go with live streaming of programming to your desktop or mobile device at www.TheQuiltChannel.com. "The Quilt Channel delivers educational and entertaining programming from the nation's top quilting celebrities to local quilt artists all on one-channel only 5 days a year," said Linda Schmitt, owner of S & W Productions of Paducah. "We are proud to provide this service to our visitors and local residents." The Quilt Channel is an annual favorite for the thousands of quilters visiting Paducah. Programming includes episodes of the quilting industry's most popular television programs. These include Eleanor Burns' "Quilt In A Day," Alex Anderson & Ricky Tims "The Quilt Show," Fons and Porter's "Love of Quilting" along with local quilt makers and fiber artists. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 18, 2018 | 05:47 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY A traffic stop early Wednesday morning led to a Hickman County woman's arrest on drug charges. The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said deputies conducted a traffic stop on a car for traffic violations just after 2:00 am. Deputies said the driver, 32-year-old Adrienne Kowalczyk, of Clinton, was under the influence of intoxicants. Deputies searched the vehicle and found methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia items. Kowalczyk was placed under arrest and transported to the McCracken County Regional Jail. She's charged with possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs and operating on a suspended or revoked license. By Paul Schaumburg, Graves County Schools Apr. 13, 2018 | 01:31 PM | MAYFIELD, KY "We are standing up in support of public education," said Graves County Education Association president Michael Delaney, as he and 15-20 fellow members and supporters of the Graves County and Kentucky education associations stood in front of the performing arts center corner of Graves County High School Friday morning, April 13. "We thought it was time for us to speak up and show the community that we know where our place is and that's with our students, while at the same time voicing our concerns about funding, our pensions, and the future for these students of Graves County." Delaney continued, "If the (state) legislature continues on the path it's going, the future of these school districts is in question. There's no doubt about that. The financial burdens they've placed on public education is just onerous." The future also is affected, Delaney said. "It is difficult anymore to bring people into teaching because of the demands placed on our time and resources. The legislature has made that even more so at this point with the revamping of the pension, placing new hires into a new system. It's going to be more difficult than ever to recruit and retain quality teachers. So, we are standing out here today, showing folks that we are supportive of what we do that we do stand up for public education, even when it might not be popular with some folks." Delaney said he's hopeful, based on recent events. "We started with the governor's proposal back in the summer that was draconian, to put it nicely. At this point, we have come so far. We have the best SEEK funding we've ever had in the state. Current teachers' retirement isn't going to change. We have added back into the budget both transportation funds and family resource and youth services centers. The cost of living allowance for retirees is staying the same. We went into this with a list of things, saying these things can't change and they met us there, with the exception of the retirement for new teacher hires and the sick day calculation. We think there's reason to celebrate, but the fight continues. Even today on the hill (in the General Assembly), we have to override two vetoes today." KEA has influenced the conversation, Delaney said. "We're happy with the ground we made up with our legislators. I believe we started the session miles and miles apart, but because the members of KEA and our communities and everybody across the commonwealth stood up and said, 'No! We must invest in our children and our communities. I believe those legislators heard us loud and clear. Then, the legislators came back to the table with more (funding). Are we 100 percent happy? No, we're not, but we're going to take our celebrations where they're due." 10:04pm People marching to Baghramyan Avenue. 9:52pm Pashinyan again urged diaspora representatives to join the movement and called on Serj Tankian to come to Yerevan. Pashinyan then read Tankians Facebook page post describing the events in Armenia as unbelievable and that what is taking place as civil disobedience versus a corrupt system. He called on people to march on government buildings early tomorrow morning and block their entryways. Pashinyan then led the crowd towards Baghramyan Avenue, where the National Assembly and Presidential Palace are located. Another rally is scheduled for tomorrow at 7pm. 9:30pm MP Nikol Pashinyan, whos spearheaded the movement opposed to Serzh Sargsyans election as prime minister described it as a wave of action and proceeded to enumerate the protests that have taken place in Armenia and the diaspora. He claimed that protesters had removed a photo of Serzh Sargsyan hanging in the Armenian Consulate in Marseille and publicly burnt it. Pashinyan told the crowd that donations from the diaspora supporting the movement continue to be received. He boasted that the Reject Serzh movement is the first in post-Soviet Armenia not linked to any outside power. The Yelk Alliance parliamentary faction head said he had received numerous letters from citizens of Armenia now living overseas, writing that they are flying back to participate in the protests. Pashinyan rejected criticism that the movement was targeting school pupils and convincing them to attend the protests. He said the law on organizing demonstrations had no age restrictions on participation. Turning the tables, he asked why the Ministry of Education and Science has never condemned the practice of schools forcing pupils, balloons in hand, to participate in tawdry public relations campaigns for Serzh Sargsyan. Dear kids, remove Serzh Sargsyans photo from all you schools and toss it aside, declared Pashinyan. 8:47pm Rally organizers played a new rap-inspired song called Reject Serzh over the loudspeakers. The crowd responded with shouts of bravo, bravo. 8:34pm Yelk Alliance MP Ararat Mirzoyan told the crowd that for the past ten years the people of Armenia have lived in an environment of lies and falsehoods. He listed the unfulfilled promises made by ex-president, and now prime minister, Serzh Sargsyan. Mirzoyan argued that either Sargsyan never intended to fulfill those promises, or that he wasnt able to. In both cases, he said, Sargsyan and his ruling Republic of Armenia Party are unfit to lead Armenia. We cannot let our country devolve into a circus. We must stand up until victory, Mirzoyan told the crowd. Reject Serzh initiative member Armen Grigoryan took the stage, announcing that the international media is covering developments in Armenia. He noted that its interesting that no foreign leaders have yet congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his election. 8:12pm Reject Serzh initiative member Armen Grigoryan told a crowd of several thousand attending the second mass rally in Yerevans Republic Square that demonstrations opposed to yesterdays election of Serzh Sargsyan as prime minister have taken place in Marseilles and Moscow. Theyve taken down a photo of Serzh in a Gyumri school. It had been illegally placed there, and by removing it, respect of the law has been restored, Grigoryan said. He claimed that officials at the Ministry of Education and Science had banned any Facebook, YouTube or Radio Liberty broadcasts, so that workers wouldnt be able to follow the protests outside. Civil Contract political party Vice President Suren Papikyan read the names of parliament deputies who voted in favor of Serzh Sargsyan becoming prime minister in yesterdays election. He said the 77 MPs who voted in favor of Sargsyan are worthy of public reproach. By The Associated Press Apr. 17, 2018 | 04:49 PM | FRANKFORT, KY The Kentucky Board of Education has voted to accept the resignation of Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt.The board's decision comes one day after Republican Gov. Matt Bevin replaced seven board with new members. The appointments mean all eleven members of the board have now been chosen by Bevin, who took office in December 2015.Wayne Lewis was named the interim commissioner with a salary of $150,000.Pruitt has been commissioner since September 2015. Bevin said Tuesday before the board's vote he was unhappy with the state's recent decline in test scores but said the decision to keep Pruitt was up to the board.Original Story (2:00 PM)The Kentucky Board of Education is meeting privately to decide whether to keep the state's commissioner of education.Republican Gov. Matt Bevin appointed seven new board members on Monday. The board is now entirely composed of people he appointed. The board then called a special meeting for Tuesday to discuss the possible dismissal of an employee. The only employee the board has authority over is Education Commissioner Stephen Pruitt.Bevin told reporters Tuesday he was not happy with Kentucky's recent test scores. He said the decision on whether to keep Pruitt was entirely up to the board.Pruitt has been commissioner since September 2015. Bevin took office in December 2015. By Asbed Kotchikian Since April 13, 2018 protesters in Armenias capital Yerevan have been gathering in public spaces, barricading roads and demonstrating against the apparent continuation of the countrys leadership under former President (and newly minted Prime Minister) Serzh Sargsyan. Sargsyans move to continue his rule came as he supported and spearheaded through his Republican Party of Armenia (HHK in Armenian) constitutional amendments in late 2015, which effectively transformed the Republic from a presidential to a parliamentary system of government. While Sargsyan initially dismissed the claim that he was seeking the office of PM, in early 2018 representatives of his HHK party as well as his ally, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation-Dashnaktsutyun (ARF-D), started floating the idea that Sargsyan was the only apparent and qualified candidate to continue managing the country as PM. With a comfortable lead in the parliamentary election of 2017 (which was marred by reports of vote-buying and other electoral irregularities), the HHK and ARF-D formed a ruling coalition controlling almost two-thirds of 105-member National Assembly. This allowed Sargsyan to proceed with his plan to nominate, and confirm Armen Sarkissian, the new President of Armenia (mostly a ceremonial position since the constitutional amendment). While the recent demonstrations, sit-in protests and acts of civil disobedience are not a new phenomenon in the country, there are many trends that are common to similar outbursts that have occurred in Armenia in the past couple of years. The most notable of these include: the summer 2015 Electric Yerevan movement which witnessed mass demonstrations against the hike of electricity prices; and the July 2016 hostage crisis where a handful of Nagorno-Karabakh war veterans and others stormed a police station in Yerevan, took hostages and demanded, among other things, the resignation of then President Sargsyan. The main functional similarities among the recent protests and demonstrations in Armenia, is that they are all manifestations of disenchantment and frustration with the political malaise that has dominated the country in the past decade or so. This political dissatisfaction has been closely associated with Sargsyans rule, who has managed to consolidate all the levers of power to guarantee his continued control of the country. That being said, every time a socio-political issue triggers protests and demonstrations in Armenia, there is almost always the same reactionor mythsthat Armenians or Armenia analysts project and utilize to either describe or discredit those events. This is especially true for government and pro-government circles in Armenia as well as organized diasporan institutions operating on a different plane than that of Armenia. It should be noted that while talking about the Armenian Diaspora, it is counter-intuitive to assume that all of the diasporas are organized, or that the organized institutions represent the majority of the diasporan views when it comes to issues in Armenia. Myth 1: The protests are isolated cases of a few disgruntled individuals The ability of any regime or a group to discredit their opponent almost always comes down to the numbers game. To discredit any group or movement, its always possible to downplay them as few reckless individuals or to deny that the motivation for these gatherings are nothing more than adventurists trying to make a name for themselves. This myth is usually propagated by the regime and its supporters in, what can be described as an ostrich policy, where ignoring the socio-political ailments of a society and having a tunnel vision of what is good in the country are a far better strategy than taking responsibility and trying to address those issues. This myth has been echoed on more than one occasion in Armenia during the past several years (March 2008 events, Electric Yerevan:, etc.) and took the form of eyewitness accounts and news reports that demonstrators were small in number and that the crowds gathered in various public spaces were nothing more than a bunch of young individuals who were just letting off steam. While it is true that most of the demonstrations in Armenia have a large percentage of younger (less than 30 year-old) activists, it is not unusual that this demographic is more active and involved in social movements as it is the generation that was either born or grew up in post-Soviet Armenia. Unhindered by censorship and supported by social media, it is this group that seems to have the ability and flexibility to mobilize and get organized in order to channel not only their own frustration but also the frustration of their parents. Regardless of the number of protesters, whether theyre in the hundreds or in the thousands, a responsible government should be equipped to address those issues but more important to listen to what is being said rather than dismiss it as childs play. Myth 2: Protesters are being led by opportunist politicians to further their own goals One interesting phenomenon that almost all demonstrations, protest or movements in Armenia (and elsewhere) have in common is that rarely do they begin with leaders calling for action. The most common typology of mass movements is that, more often than not, leadership emerges from the movement but doesnt necessarily initiate it. Protests and revolutions in Ukraine (2004), Georgia (2003), Tunisia (2010), Egypt (2011), Iran (1979) and elsewhere showed over and over again that mass protest and uprisings rarely had a clearly defined and identified leaders; rather the leadership emerged from the ranks or was sometimes hijacked (or handed over by the protesters themselves) by political figures. The need for politicians to be relevant at times of demonstrations or revolutions is best captured by the words of Alexandre Auguste Ledru-Rollin, a French politician There go my people. I must find out where they are going so I can lead them. (While this quote or a variation of it is attributed to Ledru-Rollin, it is more likely apocryphal). Nikol Pashinyan, the most visible face in the Yerevan demonstrations, has been trying to establish himself as a viable opposition leader at a time when no other political force or party has stood up in support of the protesters. One cannot articulate the true motives of Pashinyanwhether he truly believes in the movement or if it is just an opportunity for him to become more relevant in Armenias political scenebut he does have a record of unsuccessfully trying to play a leading role in previous mass demonstrations in Yerevan (especially during the 2015 Electric Yerevan movement and 2016 Sasna Dzrer hostage crisis). Regardless of the motives of politicians in attempting to lead demonstrations, the true intention of these demonstrations cannot be simply dismissed as adventurism or opportunism. However, there is always a risk that any politician who manages to take control of a movement might end up abandoning their constituents, thus throwing them into deeper despair and hopelessness (something that occurred in the aftermath of 2013 presidential elections and the ensuing mass protests). Myth 3: Hidden hands are guiding these protests Perhaps one of the most common defense mechanisms to utilize force against demonstrators, as well as to dismiss the true nature of the discontent they articulate, is through false claims. One such claim and a conspiratorial argument by regimes and their supporters is that outside forces are encouraging these movements to destabilize our country. This attitude and argument is not uniquely an Armenian phenomenon; rather one can observe similar attitudes in the larger post-Soviet space, the Middle East and other regions. (The list is long but similar arguments have been used in Chile in 1970 after the election of leftist Salvador Allende, in Egypt in 2011 during the Tahrir Square demonstration, in Ukraine in 2013). The epitome of this myth was in March 2008 when after the disputed presidential elections in Armenia (which witnessed the rise of Sargsyan to power), there were mass demonstrations in Armenia. The government eventually utilized force to disperse the protesters with the support of various political parties in and outside of the country. The most common explanation given by diasporan organizations, which were criticized of inaction at a time when human rights were being violated in Armenia, was that the government had provided undisputed proof that the demonstrations were being controlled by outside forces and that it was the prudent thing to close ranks with Sargsyan even if his election was questionable. This strategy of outsiders threatening the nation has become more prevalent in recent years around the globe and has provided populist leaders with an opportunity to create enemies when there are none. Such cases have occurred in Hungary recently under Viktor Orban, in the United States under Donald Trump and in Russia under Vladimir Putin. Observing strategies like this, one cannot but help remember the words of 18th century English writer Samuel Johnson: Patriotism is the last refuge of the scoundrel. Myth 4: Diaspora to the rescue? One major misconception that still persists is the level and extent of the potential contribution of Armenian Diaspora when it comes to issues of socio-political justice in the Armenia. There have been many attempts by political figures in Armenia (mostly opposition) to recruit the help of the diaporas mostly to no avail. This misconception is perpetuated by the constant affirmation, dubbed the diaspora as a savior syndrome, sought by some politicians. The erroneous view that the diaspora can serve as savior for Armenias opposition has been repeatedly manifested in recent years (be that the appeal that Sasna Dzrer made to the diasporans to help their movement or be it the invitation that Pashinyan has extended to prominent Armenian figures such as Serge Tankian or Charles Aznavour to join their movement. As mentioned above, a clear distinction should be made between the organized diaspora institutions vs individuals who have their separate connection, understanding and interpretation of events in Armenia. Providing a factual analysis of what percentage of the Armenian Diaspora is huddled around institutions (the most prominent ones being the Armenian General Benevolent Union and the ARF-D) is near impossible. An educated guess might be not more than 20%, which means that an overwhelming number of diasporan Armenians are either indifferent to, or have a limited impact on, socio-political issues in Armenia. Regardless of the reasons why the Armenian Diaspora (be that the organized masses or the independent individuals) is more often than not passive about such events in Armenia, the fact remains that the expectations of Armenians in Armenia from the Diaspora, far exceeds the willingness of the Diaspora to engage in any meaningful contribution to improve the political climate in the country. One of the commonly repeated mantra in various circles has been the positive role that the Armenian Diaspora could play in the democratization process of Armenia. While this is not a farfetched expectation, one has to keep in mind that even if a large number of Armenians live in (quasi)democracies, most of them do not practice democracy within their immediate institutions. Elections for organizational and community leaders in most diasporic organizations are not much different than what Armenia has witnessed in its on local and general elections in the past two decades. What adds insult to injury is that most of the diasporan media has either criticized the recent demonstrations in Armenia or belittled them, focusing instead on Genocide recognition or the 100th anniversary celebration of the short-lived Armenias First Republic. This is not a new phenomenon, and in recent years most Armenians in Armenia have come to realize that for the Diaspora, maintaining the political status quo is something acceptable even if that meant the consolidation of Sargsyans power in Armenia and the increased chance of a single party rule in the country. Change, real change in Armenia, cannot be imported, it must be brewed and implemented from within. Its about Armenias citizens taking ownership and demanding their rights without waiting for the diasporas contribution. This realization seems to have taken root in recent years where the diasporas role has become less relevant (at least among the younger generation) in the minds of Armenian citizens. Conclusion Previous experiences of mass demonstrations and protests in Armenia could provide a window as to how the latest Reject Serzh protests might end. While the protesters might increase in number in the coming days, the regime will not hesitate to wait for the right moment to use limited force and dismantle the barricades and disperse the demonstrators. It is often said that demonstrators learn from their previous experiences but that is also true in the case of governments. Utilizing excess force in the past (especially during Electric Yerevan movement when the Armenian police used water cannons to disperse the initial gathering of small number of protestors), could swell the number of people in the streets. The likelihood of this and any future protests to successfully change the regime and achieve Sargsyans resignation as PM is quite low. However a more important issue that one has to keep in mind is that demonstrations are not always able to realize the goals that they set out to achieve. Over the past several years, demonstrations and protests in Armenia have gone through predictable cycles. After the initial outburst, mass gatherings and demands, they wither away until the next outburst. The challenge has always been to find opportunities and organization to continue with piecemeal attempts to reform the electoral, political, educational or social spheres in between those outbursts. This is most probably because of the absence of a viable opposition party which could take on the mantle of social reform in between elections and/or in between demonstrations. Nevertheless, these flickers of demonstrations and civil disobediences are an important mechanism to make sure that no matter how much power is consolidated at the top echelons of government, the ability to assemble and reject unilateral decisions by the regime will always keep the glass ceiling of political oppression higher and, to some extent, keep the political leadership on their toes. In an ideal world, the energy and dedication of the demonstrators should be channeled and translated into political/legislative action, but since none of the political parties in Armenia (including self-labeled opposition groups) is capable of translating that energy, the best that one could hope for is to maintain the level of political awareness and activism among the citizens. Even if the repeated demonstrations in Armenia run the risk of fomenting disenchantment, as they are not able to achieve the larger goal of seeing the departure of Sargsyan and his regime, this is perhaps an episode in the larger context of keeping Armenias citizens aware of and responsible for protecting their rights. Wars are won one battle at a time! (Asbed Kotchikian is a professor of political science and international relations at Bentley University, just outside of Boston. He has taught and lived in Armenia extensively and has researched social movements, civil society and ethnic conflicts in Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq.) By: Paige Cline The hills are still green for the most part, but a little[Read More] WiGBits Headline News Would you like to receive our WiGBits? Signup today! WiG Entertainment News Would you like to receive our WiG Entertainment News? Signup today! Digital Issue Would you like to receive our Digital Issue? Signup today! Aluta continua for economic freedom The struggle for economic freedom in South Africa continues, says American Civil Rights leader, Reverend Jesse Jackson. Jackson, one of of Americas foremost civil rights, religious and political figures says that while Africans have acquired political freedom, they now need economic freedom through access to capital. Known as the Conscience of the Nation and the Great Unifier in the US, Jackson was invited by the African Centre for the Study of the United States at Wits University to deliver a talk in the Great Hall on Monday, 16 April 2018. His talk, titled Looking at the similarities of civil rights matters in America and South Africa - then and now, highlighted parallels between South Africa and the United States of America. Both countries have the same history of racial segregation and prejudice for the US it being slavery and for SA apartheid. Our struggles are parallel. We were enslaved during the same period. We were segregated during the same time. Although both the US and South Africa won the battle against slavery and apartheid, today we still face an economic struggle, said Jackson. We have ended apartheid and slavery but we do not have access to capital. Africans need land reform today. Today we are free, we can vote, we have our president and our politicians but today we are not equal. While many South Africans will commemorate Freedom Day on 27 April 2018, freedom is still not enjoyed equally in the country. Despite 24 years of democracy in the country, economic inequality still persists. Our struggle was not to be free alone, our struggle was to be free to be equal. Freedom was not our goal. Freedom was the need we had to acquire to fight for equality. Today we are free but not equal. Today, black South Africans do not control banks, mass media, insurance, pensions, ships, international trade, construction, agriculture, engineering, technology, science, said Jackson. Receiving great applause from the audience in the nearly packed Great Hall, he further added that today blacks are freer-er and whites are richer, stressing the unequal distribution of wealth in the country. The founder and president of the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, has over the past 40 years played a pivotal role in virtually every movement for empowerment, peace, civil rights, gender equality, and economic and social justice. Jackson has been delivering talks on equality and human rights in Johannesburg during his visit to the country. He came to bid farewell to struggle veteran, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and paid tribute to the political activist in his talk. He hailed Mama Winnie for the role she played in fighting apartheid, describing her as the light that shone during the dark political upheavals of the country. The light in darkness was Winnie. We must forever appreciate the role that she played, he said. The analysis of the IMFs macroeconomic data suggests that sub-Saharan African economies are accumulating debt in major part because their economic and financial fundamentals have been weakening in the past decade. Simply put, most African countries have not fully exited the 2008-09 economic contraction and their economic performance has been sliding since. Therefore, poor economic performance is forcing almost all African economies to leverage, but this is not a sustainable strategy. For the purposes of a nuanced analysis, macroeconomic data of nine African countries was gathered and collated. The resultant index comprises Nigeria, SA, Mozambique, Angola, Ghana, Zambia, Algeria, Egypt and Morocco. Using a comparative analysis approach, the overall macroeconomic finding is that African economies are in the throes of a continuing downturn and that the economic situation has scarcely improved to reach pre-2008-09 levels. According to the index, the average growth rate for the cited African countries was 4.3% in 2009, but by 2016 output had contracted to 2.1%. In 2009 the average budget balance to GDP of the countries was a 5.2% deficit, and by 2016 the deficit had widened to 5.8%. The latter reading suggests fiscal imprudence and an inability to manage budgetary constraints. Our index further indicates that in 2009 the general government revenue to GDP was 24.2% but by 2016 this ratio had declined to 21.2%. This ratio implies that these African states are struggling with revenue collection. In SA, for example, revenue collection has been cited as a credit rating risk by various ratings agencies. The index further indicates that with revenue collection down, government expenditure to GDP has been reduced from 29.4% in 2009 to 27.8% in 2016. This ratio suggests a complete rejection of Keynesian thought that government spending is the fiscal option out of an economic slump. Overall, these indicators collectively attest to poor economic performance and further explain the major reason so many African countries depend on debt. Indeed, our index shows that in 2009 average gross government debt to GDP was 32.2% but by 2016 this ratio had doubled to 60.5%. The unfolding economic distress in the African subsector carries widespread risks, but these seem to be concealed from financial risk analysts, hence the oversubscriptions that abound in the market. Harvard University economists Carmen Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff showed in their seminal work This Time is Different that financial markets seldom learn from their follies, and that credit risks are seldom fully appreciated in the financial investment subsector. Notwithstanding the refrain of the African renaissance, African economic policy thinkers appear to have failed to drive economic recovery. Martin Wolf of the Financial Times opines that European counterparts have missed the mark as well in some respects. Granted, during the recent economic crisis creditor nations such as Germany and the UK fared better, quickly forestalling the rise in unemployment and decelerating declines in output. In contrast, debtor countries in the eurozone experienced long delays in recovery: their economies continued to contract; unemployment grew; and competitiveness slumped. Whatever Wolfs impatience with eurozone policy leadership, several clear initiatives by the European Central Bank such as asset purchases and the banking union are now reaping dividends, whereas Africa is still anchored to the trough. Increasing public debt levels, as is the case in most African markets, is not the answer. Instead, the solution for highly leveraged African economies is a change of course and adoption of pro-growth and stability measures. This is policy leadership, and it is complemented by adopting a proper macroeconomic strategy for recovery, anchored on investment and consumption. Resilience in the economy will be realised by investing in real assets, deceleration of rent seeking and investment prudence by the financial services sector. Dr Seth Mukwevho is a lecturer in the Wits School of Governance. This article was first published on https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/. Democrats don't think they are going to win next week's special election in the reliably Republican suburbs west of Phoenix. But in a year where Arizona is slated to have multiple high profile general election races in November -- including a closely watched contest for the state's open Senate seat, a chance to challenge Arizona's Republican governor and a winnable open House seat -- a dozen Democrats in the state and around the country told CNN that they see their efforts to back a longshot congressional candidate as a test run for November. Republicans aren't taking any chances either, spending over $1 million in the race and getting President Donald Trump to record a robocall earlier this month to boost early voting. "Nancy Pelosi wants to send a liberal Democrat to Congress to represent you. We can't have that," Trump says in the call, a recording of which was obtained by CNN, that went out to voters on April 6. "If that happens, illegal immigrants will pour right over your border, bringing their drugs and their crime with them, right into your neighborhood, right into your back yard." Democratic leaders would certainly like to win the special election that pits Republican Debbie Lesko, a former state senator, against Democrat Hiral Tipirneni, a physician, in Arizona's 8th district. And a win for the Democrat would be an arguably bigger sign of a looming blue wave than even Democrat Conor Lamb's unlikely win in suburban Pittsburgh earlier this year. But Democrats realize that the odds of a victory are long. The district backed Trump by 21 percentage points in 2016, there are around 78,000 more registered Republicans than Democrats in the district and the party didn't even put up candidates in 2014 and 2016 against now-former Rep. Trent Franks, who resigned in December amid sexual harassment allegations. A number of national and state Democrats working in the special election have begun to acknowledge that they now hope the race can be used as an indicator of what to expect in Rep. Kyrsten Sinema's key Senate race later this year. Their thinking goes like this: If Tipirneni can keep it close with Lesko in a district that Trump won by more than 20 points, Democrats stand to make significant gains in the state later this year given Trump only won Arizona overall by roughly 3 points in 2016. "We are seeing the special as a test run of how we are going to gear up for 2018," said a senior Arizona Democratic Party official, who asked for anonymity to speak candidly. "We firmly believe in Hiral or else we wouldn't be supporting her, but at the end of the day, we are seeing this a good exercise for what we need to do in 2018." Another top operative in the state said, "There are clearly lessons to be learned from this race and it is just another proof point. Of course it will be relevant to the story of how the general election will play out seven months later." Democrats have long viewed Arizona as a place where the party could make gains. Hillary Clinton's campaign, in the waning days of what they thought was a winning effort, announced that she would make a last-minute trip to Arizona to, in their minds, turn the state blue in November. That didn't come to fruition, though, and Trump carried the state and the election. Bullish on 2018 Since the loss, Democrats have grown more confident about the prospect of picking up the House in November. Emboldened by their win in Pennsylvania and a field of new candidates in races once considered off-the-map for most Democrats, the feeling inside the party is that anti-Trump fervor will turn at least one half of Capitol Hill blue in November. But the Senate is another story. Democrats face a tough map in the upper chamber, where they are forced to defend 26 seats this year, including several in states Trump overwhelmingly won in 2016 -- namely Sen. Jon Tester in Montana, Sen. Claire McCaskill in Missouri and Sen. Joe Donnelly in Indiana. That makes a state like Arizona key, where the retirement of Republican Sen. Jeff Flakes gives Democrats a chance to go on offense and pick up a much-needed seat. Which is the main reason why Sinema's Senate campaign, according to a Democratic operative with knowledge of the race, is closely watching the outcome in Tuesday's special election, viewing the contest as an indicator of how they need to run later this year. If Tipirneni keeps it close, the operative said, expect to see Sinema and other Arizona Democrats look to make healthcare a center point in their campaigns, much like Tipirneni has done. Another operative noted that the organizing in the reliably Republican district has allowed Democrats to reach out to voters that they had left untouched in 2016 and make inroads with voters who backed Trump. The key to those efforts may be seniors, the operative said, noting that they appear to be animated by health care messaging and are open to leaving Trump in the midterms. That matters broadly in Arizona, but particularly in the special election, where senior voters will make up the bulk of those who cast ballots. Over 134,420 ballots have already been cast through early voting as of Monday, according to data from the Arizona Secretary of State provided by a source familiar with the race. Of those ballots, 48% have been by registered Republicans and 27.5% by self-identified Democrats. Seniors, as expected, make up the bulk of the ballots, with 54% of all votes cast coming from voters 65 and older. In 2012, the last time Democrats ran a candidate in the district, the total number of ballots cast was 272,791. Despite almost all special elections having national implication over the last year, this race has largely flown under the national radar. Lesko outlasted state Sen. Steve Montenegro, who found himself in the midst of a sexting scandal, to win the primary earlier this year, and Tipirneni beat progressive activist Brianna Westbrook. Lesko has tried to cast Tipirneni as too liberal for the district and has backed Trump's plan to build a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border and celebrated the Republican-backed tax reform. Tipirneni, on the other hand, has positioned herself as a non-traditional politician, released a detailed health care plan and attacked Lesko as "everything you hate about politics." Trump's robocall touts Lesko as a "conservative Republican" and says the former state senator stands with him. "Like me, Debbie Lesko is strong on the wall, strong on immigration and will cut your taxes. I need you to vote for Debbie Lesko be returning your early voting ballot today," he said. "With your help, we will help, and we will definitely make America great again. A very wonderful phrase." 'Panic money' Tipirneni has raised $664,920 during the race, over $100,000 more than Lesko's $539,403. But much of the spending has come from outside the respective campaigns, with Republican organizations spending over $1 million a race that has been reliably Republican for years. The Democratic National Committee, according to a party official, has not directly spent on the race, but did provide the Arizona Democratic Party with a "five-figure" grant to upgrade their voter outreach and registration efforts. The DNC, the official said, has backed a digital ad campaign for Tipirneni and used its organization to spur voter turnout in the district. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee has been even less involved, spending no money on television in the contest, but the group Tax March -- a nonprofit that is part of the "Not One Penny" progressive coalition -- announced earlier this month that they were spending $500,000 on ads criticizing the new Republican tax law in the Phoenix media market. And the Progressive Turnout Project spent $30,000 for field work earlier this month. That nominal action has spurred Republicans to spend over $1 million to back Lesko, a welcome sign for Democrats who want Republicans to spend money in reliably red districts. The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent over $500,000, according to Federal Election Commission filings, including a recent $250,000 ad buy to close out the race. The Republican National Committee has also spent close to $500,000, according to filings, with much of that going towards mail and turnout operations. And the Congressional Leadership Fund committed earlier this year to spend $100,000 on phone and digital operations aimed at spurring conservative voters to support Lesko. Democrats have relished the Republican spending in the race ever since it began to intensify in March. "It's panic money," said one Democrat. It was last Wednesday that Whitesboro Police Officer Kevin Crossley was killed in an accident on Oriskany Boulevard while on duty. Family, friends and the community are currently paying their final respects at the Adirondack Bank Center in Utica until 8 p.m., but the outpouring of gratitude from people who live along Officer Crossleys beat started days ago. Photo of Officer Kevin Crossley courtesy of Facebook Photo of Officer Kevin Crossley courtesy of Facebook Blue lights, blue ribbons and even hand-painted signs adorn porches and businesses on and around Clinton Street in Whitesboro in honor of Crossley. Many of those people are now at the Adirondack Bank Center paying respects to the officer who kept watch over them for seven years. Its a ceremonious sendoff fitting for a man who served the community in not one, not two, buy three capacities, as a full-time officer for the Whitesboro Police Department, a part-time officer for the Whitestown Police Department and a former member of the Whitesboro Fire Department. Those who loved Officer Crossley, knew him casually, and some who never even met him are filing into the Aud to say thank you and let his family know that his service meant something to them. At 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, the hearse pulled up alongside the American flag, held up by Yorkville and Whitesboro fire departments aerial trucks, and an honor guard stood at attention on each side, offering a salute as their brother passed by. A funeral service for Officer Crossley will begin with a law enforcement walk-through at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Adirondack Bank Center, and the public is welcome to attend. If youre unable to make it in person, you can watch the full service at WKTV.com/livestream. For a list of road closures from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow due to the funeral, click here. UTICA, N.Y.-- During the overnight hours between Officer Kevin Crossley's calling hours and funeral, a team of law enforcement officials took turns standing guard over his casket. It was a solemn and silent watch, as officers and Crossley's family prepare for the funeral. "We anticipate officers coming from California, Hawaii as far as west, and of course we have our Canadian partners," Jack Keller, with Trooper D of the New York State Police said. Crossley was serving as a Whitesboro police officer when he was killed in a car accident on Oriskany Boulevard last week. "You only have nine officers that are signed to that department, so they're going to need some help and some support in getting through all this," Keller said. Keller also said the local law enforcement community will support Crossley's family in the months ahead. "We know that after this funeral tomorrow, they're going to need it the most, and I think they're going to realize this is a brotherhood, a sisterhood and we're going to be there for them after the funeral," Keller said. Crossley's funeral begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Adirondack Bank Center Wednesday morning. Wife honors late husbands legacy with $1 million gift Honoring Perles Janice Griffith created the endowment to honor her husbands lifelong commitment to public service. Photo courtesy of Jan Griffith Photo - of - Hide Caption The Richard S. Perles Professorship in Government will support Arts & Sciences faculty at William & Mary The late Richard Dick Perles 62 will impact generations of faculty at William & Mary through a $1 million gift made in his memory to fund a government professorship at the university. Perles wife, Janice Griffith, created the endowment to honor her husbands lifelong commitment to public service. Perles, who passed away in 2005, was an accomplished lawyer who was known for his community involvement, sharp sense of humor and quick wit. I wanted to honor Dick for his extraordinary life and his civic participation, Griffith said. He always expressed a great interest in William & Mary and enjoyed his education there so I thought it would be especially appropriate to honor his memory with this gift. By providing salary, research and teaching support, the Richard S. Perles Professorship in Government will ensure that dedicated and talented faculty continue to enrich the academic enterprise. We are enormously grateful to be able to honor distinguished faculty members in government with this named professorship, said Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences Kate Conley. The gift will help us recruit and retain top-notch faculty as well as recognize their outstanding work. It will also let our faculty know how valued they are by alumni, and I think that sends a very powerful message. Perles, a government major, loved being surrounded by history as he pursued his undergraduate degree on William & Marys storied campus. He was especially interested in American history, governance and contemporary politics while he was a student. After graduating from William & Mary, Perles earned his law degree from Fordham University School of Law. He and Griffith met in New York City and forged a bond that spanned 30 years of marriage. Perles, whose legal work included real estate transactions and commercial and tort litigation, worked at New York City law firms before opening his own law practice in New York and Connecticut. The couple relocated to Atlanta in 1996 upon the appointment of Griffith, a law professor, as the dean of Georgia State Universitys College of Law. Perles again set up a general practice law office. Now a law professor at Suffolk University in Boston, Griffith teaches State and Local Government Law. Dick was the consummate lawyer. He was adept at both counseling and advocacy. In addition, he possessed sound judgment that made him a natural leader as well as an outstanding lawyer, Griffith said. He helped his clients plan for the future, even in areas of the law unmarked by settled boundary lines. He met the ideals of the lawyer-statesman by providing leadership in his community with exceptional wisdom and skill. Dick believed that a lawyers professional duties should include civic participation. Dick served on local government boards, often providing the leadership needed to effectuate new initiatives, Griffith said. He also provided pro bono legal services to community groups in need of a strong advocate for their causes. Griffith said her husband had a passion for protecting our natural resources. He served on the Stratford, Connecticut Waterfront Harbor Management Commission and was a forceful advocate for the protection of Stratfords Great Meadows Marsh when its existence was threatened by potential development. In Atlanta, his leadership in the late 1990s led to the creation of a Grant Park Conservancy with a mission to restore and preserve Atlantas oldest park, Griffith said. Advancing teaching excellence is a key priority in the For the Bold campaign, and the Perles Professorship will do much to enhance the caliber of the liberal arts education for future William & Mary scholars. For more information about how For the Bold is making an impact, visit our campaign website China News on Women Sorry, the page you requested was not found. If you're having trouble locating a destination on Womenofchina.cn, try visiting the Womenofchina Home page Energoatom awaits approval for energy bridge tender 18 April 2018 Share Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator Energoatom expects the country's Cabinet of Ministers to approve soon tender documents required to attract a private partner to the 'energy bridge' project. The project aims to make the export of electricity to the European Union possible by disconnecting unit 2 of the Khmelnitsky nuclear power plant from the Ukrainian national grid, and to attract funding required to complete units 3 and 4 at the plant. Stanislavsky and Kulczyk at the meeting with Energoatom (Image: Energoatom) Ukraine expects to start supplying electricity to the EU network via the so-called energy bridge as early as next year, and to complete the project by 2025. The energy bridge will link Khmelnitsky 2 to Burshtyn Energy Island and connect with powerlines to Rzeszow in Poland and Albertirsa in Hungary. Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers adopted a decree on the Ukraine-EU energy bridge in June 2015. This followed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the project in March that year between Energoatom, Ukrenergo and Polenergia. Energoatom President Yury Nedashkovsky recently discussed the project with Dominika Kulczyk, co-owner of Kulczyk Investments. Polish energy company Polenergia International is part of Kulczyk Investments holding. According to an Energoatom statement on 13 April, Kulczyk said the project is of great importance in both the economic and political contexts. "Poland needs Ukrainian electricity and in turn Ukraine needs Poland for further energy integration with the EU," he said. Nedashkovsky noted that four years had passed since the idea of an energy bridge between Ukraine and the EU had been formed. "During this time, we have managed to do a lot: the project received the support of the Ukrainian government and a consortium of leading companies was created to implement it. Still, difficult questions remain, but I'm sure that we will manage to solve them jointly," he said. "We expect in the near future the approval by the Cabinet of Ministers of the tender documentation, which is needed to hold a tender to determine a private partner for the Ukraine-EU Energy Bridge project. One of the points of the documentation is the procedure for allowing Energoatom to access the interstate [electricity market] for 20 years, which will ensure unhindered exports of electricity," he added. Nedashkovsky also said the project had been discussed at a recent meeting of Ukrainian Energy Minister Igor Nasalik with members of the Fuel and Energy Committee of the country's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, and representatives of the national commission on state regulation of the energy and utilities sectors. Grzegorz Stanislavsky, a member of the board of Polenergia, said a report from the European Network of Transmission System Operators (ENTSO-E) is expected to be published in June, with recommendations on ensuring the energy security of the Baltic States. "The Baltic countries have been trying for many years to get their own energy systems connected to the unified energy system of the European Union, but this process is still being hampered," he said. "We are working to ensure that the ENTSO-E report reflects the possibility of using the Ukraine-EU energy bridge as one of the most effective instruments for improving the energy security of the Baltic countries and their further integration into the EU energy system by creating a [link] between the energy bridge and Lithuania's energy system. "Another strong argument in favour of the soonest possible implementation of the project is the forecast of a systemic electricity deficit in Poland [equivalent to] about 9000 megawatts of installed capacity from 2025." In its statement, Energoatom noted that the working group for the energy bridge project within Ukraine's Energy and Coal Industry Ministry had in September last year approved an analysis of the feasibility of a public-private partnership. Energoatom has since said that an international energy consortium for the implementation of the energy bridge project would be formed by Westinghouse Electric Sweden AB, Polenergia International Sarl (Luxembourg) and EDF Trading Limited (UK). The project foresees electricity export from Khmelnitsky 2 in two ways: via the 750kV transmission line to Rzeszow in Poland and the line to the Albertirsa substation in Hungary. Upgrading work on these lines will enable the addition of 1000 MWe of nuclear power to the existing export potential of Burshtyn Energy Island, which is currently supplied exclusively by thermal generation (550 MW). Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Email Sign Up For Our Free Weekly Newsletter Sign Up Free | The WPJ Weekly Newsletter Relevant real estate news. Actionable market intelligence. Right to your inbox every week. Go Thank you for your interest! You will now be receiving our Weekly Real Estate Newsletter. Real Estate Listings Showcase According to global property consultant JLL's new report titled ---- cities in Asia Pacific and worldwide are getting smarter, but they must be ready for the cyber security risks that accompany the growing adoption of tech-enabled real estate and infrastructure.Commissioned by JLL and authored by start-up community Tech In Asia, the report analyses the convergence of real estate and technology in 13 markets across the region and the ways that emerging technologies are being applied to connect urban real estate, infrastructure and services.Smart cities initiatives are being implemented worldwide with many high profile examples in Asia Pacific. India has announced its intention to transform 100 municipalities with its Smart Cities Mission and more than 500 cities in Mainland China have started their smart transformation, while Japan and South Korea have also boasted their smart city projects. Singapore is progressing its Smart Nation vision, which was launched in 2014, and Hong Kong has rolled out its Smart City Blueprint with development plans being mapped out for the next five years to enhance the effectiveness of city management. Last month, a US$23 million ASEAN-Australian investment fund was further announced to support smart cities in Southeast Asia.Albert Ovidi, JLL Asia Pacific COO, says: "Property technology - or proptech - is a key tool in the future development of cities and we in the real estate business have a vital role to play, particularly in smart property development and management. Digital infrastructure investment is increasingly important for cities to create more livable environments and attract and retain the best talent.""But considering the region's acceleration in the use of the Internet of Things (IoT) and high reliance on data collection and analysis, it's imperative for smart cities to develop effective safeguards against cyber risk."Denis Ma, Head of Research at JLL in Hong Kong, adds: "Hong Kong's position as one of the region's most mature and liquid real estate markets offers great opportunities for the development of proptech in the city. In our opinion, the government's latest move to earmark HK$50 billion in the 2018/19 Budget to support innovation and technology in the city is a big step in the right direction and this will go a long way in helping Hong Kong develop as a smart city. However, to truly see this industry flourish, Hong Kong will also need to address its IT talent issues in a bid to ensure that it has the substantial pool of talent to augment the city's historical focus on trade and finance. This will require parents to change their mindset and encourage their children to consider careers as software engineers rather than in finance."According to the report, as the real estate industry becomes more technologically advanced, it has increased exposure to such risks. Though many proptech start-ups service the residential market, the commercial sector is not immune. In fact, property owners and tenants face pressures due to the rise of smart buildings where they have building management systems on their smart phones."Many of the exciting innovations being developed in the proptech sector, such as smart home controls or drones for property management, have the potential to improve user experience, and save time, money and energy," explains George Thomas, JLL Asia Pacific CIO. "As a firm, we are committed to harnessing the latest technology to provide new products and services for our clients. But we also have to consider the implications of data security and privacy as the sector evolves."Along with the continued development of advanced proptech tools, cyber policy initiatives are underway across the Asia Pacific region, as governments work towards reinforcing domestic information systems security, collaborating with international partners for intelligence sharing, improving threat identification, and protecting critical infrastructure.In what could be one of the most impressive tech trends in 2018, the convergence of blockchain and IoT (BIoT) may be one solution to combating cyber risks. BIoT is expected to unleash a new range of services and businesses, among which smart buildings and homes would benefit. BIoT would allow real-time access to data from sensors, with blockchain offering protection. Most importantly, it would build trust, reduce time and accelerate transactions."As the proptech space evolves there are huge opportunities for real estate owners and occupiers," concludes Mr. Ovidi. "Smarter cities and workplaces bring incredible prospective value. But in order to reap their full benefits, we have to prioritize systemic resiliency to ensure we manage the potential risks." Passengers on Washington DC train were horrified to see a naked man assaulting several people who were on their way to work, according to police. The Metro Transit Police said that they have arrested 24-year-old Deon Tyrel Toye after being accused of assaulting passengers on the Red Line early on Thursday morning. On Twitter, police wrote: Naked subject arrested at Dupont Circle this morning identified as Deon Tyrel Toye, 24, of District Heights. He was charged with robbery force & violence, threats in a menacing manner, and threats to do bodily harm. He was booked into jail pending a bail hearing. According to the police investigation, Toye stripped naked and boarded the Red Line at around 6:00 a.m. He confronted other passengers and assaulted some of them. Toye then walked back and forth in the train while yelling. Police officers who arrived at the scene had to use a Taser to subdue him. One passenger took video of the naked man assaulting who appeared to be a transit employee. Nobody was seriously injured. Police believe that Toye was under the influence of drugs at the time. The suspect in a fatal hit-and-run crash remains jailed held on a $2 million bond. Police said Luis Velasquez Ortiz was driving on 32nd Street Wednesday when he hit and killed motorcyclist Juan J. Moreno-Tamayo. Velasquez then fled the scene. Velasquez Ortiz is considered a flight risk. He is from Guatemala and has been in the country illegally for 15 years. While in the U.S. he's been convicted of DUI and possession of a controlled substance. "It was actually the day you guys broke the news and said that he had fled. And the first thing that went through my mind was 'Oh my God, another family is going to go through the mourning of a loved one, just like we're doing, said Michelle Root. Michelle Root feels for the loved ones of Juan Moreno-Tamayo as her daughter, Sarah Root, was killed in a crash in which authorities say was also caused by an illegal immigrant. That suspect, Edwin Mejia, disappeared after posting bond. That was two years ago. Mejia had no felony background. But that's not the case with Velasquez Ortiz. Its led some people to the question: Why was he still here? "Well, that's a good question. I mean, I would like to get those answers from ICE," said Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine. Kleine says an illegal immigrant's identity is imperative in carrying out the law. Along with getting them booked and behind bars. He says his office takes that very seriously. "To make sure ICE gets notified so that they can take action. Because they're the ones who are responsible for that," he said. While many continue still searching for answers, many more continue to fight for change. "I just wish that we could have prevented this from happening to this gentleman, as well," said Root. 6 News has learned if Velasquez Ortiz does post his $2 million bond, immigration officials are prepared to detain him and deport him. Hundreds of thousands protested in Barcelona on Sunday against the imprisonment of Catalan nationalist leaders and for those who fled abroad following the failed independence bid last October to be allowed to return. Since October, Catalonia has remained under the control of Madrid after Popular Party (PP) Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy invoked Article 155 of the Spanish Constitution and sought to decapitate the secessionist movement through arrests with the support of the Socialist Party (PSOE) and the Citizens party. The Catalan parliament has been unable to appoint a new premier or administration four months after Rajoy imposed elections on December 21, when the separatist parties were re-elected with a small majority. If a new leader is not elected by May 22, new regional elections must be held. Around 315,000 people took part in the demonstration, according to the Catalan municipal police. The organisersSpace for Democracy and Co-existence (Espai Democracia i Convivencia), which comprises social and cultural groups; the Catalan branches of Spains two largest trade unions, the CCOO and the UGT; nationalist political parties; and the pseudo-left Podemos-led coalition Catalonia in Commonall estimated the turnout at 750,000. The demonstration was held under the slogan, We demand the freedom of all politicians and imprisoned leaders, as well as the return of the exilesa reference to the nine jailed and seven exiled secessionist leaders who organised the failed independence bid. They are accused of sedition, rebellion and embezzlement and could face sentences of up to 30 years in prison. Many of the protesters wore a yellow ribbon to show solidarity with the jailed leaders. However, there were far fewer independence flags than in previous demonstrations, as it attracted considerable numbers of workers and youth who did not support secession but opposed Rajoys repressive actions. The manifesto of Space for Democracy and Co-existence calls for the defence of Catalan institutions and the right of the Catalans to decide their future and makes a firm commitment to the outcome of 21-D [December 21 election]. It pleads that Political problems have to be solved in the political sphere and through dialogue and negotiation. A message was read out to the demonstration from the president of Omnium Cultural, Jordi Cuixart, saying, There are moments of injustice but also of hope. All of you are the motor of the struggle for freedom for a future without sacrifices for anyone. Unity, dignity and courage. Thank you for not forgetting usdo not let yourselves be frightened, continue fighting for civil rights in a peaceful way. For six months, Cuixart and Jordi Sanchez, the former president of the Catalan National Assembly (ANC), have been locked up in prison. Sanchez was elected a Together for Catalonia (JxCat) deputy on December 21, but attempts to propose him as a candidate to head a new Catalan regional government have twice been prevented by the courts refusing to let him out of jail to be sworn in. Both men are accused of organising pro-independence demonstrations last September, which led to some policemen being trapped inside a government building and their vehicles being damagedto the tune of around 17,000! They are also accused of mobilising people to obstruct police as the police attempted to close down polling booths and confiscate ballot boxes during the October 1 independence referendum. Former vice premier and Republican Left of Catalonia (ERC) leader Oriol Junqueras; ex-ministers Joaquim Forn, Jordi Turull, Raul Romeva, Josep Rull and Dolors Bassa; and former parliamentary speaker Carme Forcadell also remain incarcerated. Ousted regional premier Carles Puigdemont is in Germany awaiting a decision on his extradition following his arrest there on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) earlier this month. The court in Schleswig-Holstein freed Puigdemont on bail on April 6 and rejected the charges of rebellion in the warrant. It has yet to rule on another, lesser charge of embezzlement. Last week, Spanish prosecutors sent new information claiming Puigdemont incited violencehoping to bolster the rebellion charge. Others nationalist leaders in exile are Toni Comin, Meritxell Serret and Lluis Puig in Belgium, Anna Gabriel and Marta Rovira in Switzerland, and Clara Ponsati in Scotland. EAWs have been reissued against them. During the demonstration, the spokesperson of Puigdemonts Together for Catalonia coalition, Elsa Artadi, said it disproved claims that the independence movement had disintegrated: To all those who say that the movement is demobilised, that people are tired, we show them once again that is not the case and that the result of 21-D is felt today in the streets. Lluc Salellashas, a national secretariat member of the petty-bourgeois nationalist Candidatures of Popular Unity (CUP), went further, proclaiming that the demonstration marked the definitive beginning of the Catalan spring to end the authoritarianism and the regime of 78 in Cataloniaa cipher for the bourgeois democratic state set up after the end of the Francoist dictatorship. Roger Torrent, the current speaker of the Catalan parliament, denounced the repression that threatens the fundamental pillars of democracy that the Spanish State is making. Referring to the broad number of organisations on the demonstration, some of whom do not support independenceincluding the CCOO, UGT and Catalonia in CommonTorrent added, When we are transversal, when we are plural and we join in the defence of rights and democracy, we are unstoppable. The theme of transversality was also stressed by Marta Vilalta, spokesperson for Esquerra Republicana, who repeated the partys call for a democratic front against repression, and the head of Catalonia in Common, Xavier Domenech, who declared that transversal mobilisation is the way to recover rights and freedoms. That broad layers of the population took part in Sundays protest against mass repression and authoritarianism shows the deep-rooted opposition that exists and is to be welcomed. However, the most urgent warnings must be made: Xavier Domenechs words are a fraud. Spains Podemos party has played the central role in blocking an independent mobilisation of the working class against the PPs attacks, adopting an impotent policy of issuing moral appeals to Rajoy to negotiate with Barcelona. Last year, Podemos helped organise White demonstrations, since demobilised, under the slogan, in Spanish and Catalan, Hablemos/Parlem (Lets Talk). But the manifesto was wrapped in the language of patriotism and an appeal for Podemos to be recognised as a potential saviour of Spain at a time of acute crisis. This crisis is not simply one of the 1978 Spanish Constitution, as Podemos and the CUP suggests, but of European and world capitalism. The budget battles and fights over regional autonomy between the ruling elites in Madrid and Barcelona developed over a decade, as the European Union reacted to the global financial collapse with massive bank bailouts financed by devastating austerity measures against the working class across the continent. The formation of a Catalan capitalist republic, led by politicians who have long supported austerity and imperialist war, will do nothing to resolve this international crisis. Indias principal Stalinist party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), enters its triennial congress, which begins today in Hyderabad, deeply divided. From the standpoint of the interests of the working class, the differences are inconsequential. They revolve around which of two right-wing political courses to followspecifically how overtly to align with the Congress Party, till recently the Indian bourgeoisies preferred party of government. Like ruling elites around the world, the Indian bourgeoisie is hurtling to the right, embracing reaction, militarism, and authoritarian methods of rule. In 2014 it brought Narendra Modi and his Hindu supremacist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to power to intensify anti-worker neoliberal reform and more aggressively pursue its great power ambitions on the world stage. To enthusiastic applause from big business, the BJP government has slashed social spending, ramped up disinvestment (privatization), gutted environmental and labour regulations, and transformed India into a frontline state in Washingtons military-strategic offensive against China, while stoking Hindu communalist reaction. Four years on, there is a groundswell of worker and toiler opposition to the government and more broadly to mass joblessness, chronic poverty, and rampant social inequalitythat is to say, to the catastrophic outcome of more than a quarter-century of pro-investor reform. The Stalinists have responded to this intensification of class struggle by redoubling their efforts to harness the working class to the parties of the bourgeoisie and to the state, claiming that the courts and other parts of the apparatus of capitalist repression can be bulwarks in the fight against communal reaction. One faction, led by party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury, favours an understanding with the Congress for the 2019 elections, as well as explicit alliances with various casteist and regional parties, including erstwhile BJP allies. The rival factionheaded by Yechurys predecessor, Prakash Karatagrees that the main task is to defeat the BJP government by rallying all the secular and democratic forces, including what it characterizes as the regional bourgeois parties. But it opposes any pre-poll understanding or electoral alliance with the Congress Party. The Indian media is portraying Karat as the leader of a resolutely anti-Congress faction. But this is far from the mark. If needed to prevent the BJP from returning to office, it would favour, once the votes have been counted, the CPM supporting a Congress-led government, just as the CPM did during the first three years Karat was party general-secretary. Nor, as Karat and his supporters have made clear, are they opposed to the CPM striking electoral alliances with parties, like the DMK in Tamil Nadu, that are themselves in an electoral bloc with the Congress, so long as the CPM is itself not formally tied to the Congress Party. Just how narrow are the differences between the two factions was exemplified by an editorial Karat wrote for the March 25th issue of the CPMs English-language weekly, Peoples Democracy. It effectively called for an Anybody but BJP electoral strategy, in which the CPM would help to maximize the pooling of the anti-BJP votes, by supporting whichever opposition party in a given state is best able to defeat the BJP and its electoral allies. While repeating his opposition to an electoral alliance or understanding with the neoliberal Congress, Karat made clear that the CPMs policy of pooling votes would also apply to the Congress in those states where it is the strongest opposition party. A few days later, the CPMs Central Committee put a version of this into practice. It urged voters in Congress-ruled Karnataka to support whichever candidate in a given electoral district is most likely to prevail over the BJP candidate in the state elections to be held May 12. While the CPM waves red flags and on occasion declaims about a socialist future, it has functioned for decades as an integral part of the Indian political establishment. For a two-decade period, from 1989 to 2008, the CPM and its Left Front propped up a series of right-wing Indian governments, most of them Congress led. With the shipwreck of the Indian bourgeoisies post-independence state-led development project, these governments, beginning in 1991, implemented the new agenda of the Indian bourgeoisie, transforming India into a cheap-labour haven for global capital and pursuing ever-closer relations with Washington. Both factions defend this record, as well as the imposition of what they frankly term pro-investor policies in the three states where the CPM has held office over the past quarter century: West Bengal, Kerala, and Tripura. They also have no differences over the CPMs support for the great power ambitions of the Indian ruling class, including the massive expansion of Indias military might since the turn of the century, through the development of a blue-water navy and a nuclear triad. And the Yechury and Karat factions are united in promoting a phony anti-imperialism. To the Indian bourgeoisies military-strategic partnership with Washington and the ever-growing danger of war, they counterpose not the development of a global socialist anti-war movement, but the call for a multilateral world order and for the Indian elite to assert its strategic autonomy so it can more freely pursue its own predatory interests. Nonetheless, the two factions have long been at loggerheads. Indeed, so bitterly have they been divided that on several occasions over the past two years it has been impossible to rule out an impending split. In January, Yechury tendered his resignation as party head after the Central Committee rejected his draft of the main political resolution to be placed before this weeks party congress and adopted the resolution submitted by the Karat faction. On the orders of the party leadership, Yechury agreed to remain in his post. But he has made clear that he and his supporters will exercise their right to overturn the Karat factions tactical line at this weeks congress. According to press reports, more than seven thousand amendments to the fifty plus-page resolution have been submitted. A large number of these are said to directly pertain to the policy split within the party leadership. The Karat faction is also reported to be preparing a challenge to Yechurys re-election as general secretary, although he only assumed the post at the last congress in 2015. The general secretary will be selected by the incoming Central Committee and announced at the congresss conclusion. Behind the deep factional cleavage lies a huge erosion of the partys electoral support, as a result of its implementation of right-wing policies where it has held state office and its close identification with Congress Party-led national governments, and of its influence within the Indian political establishment. As recently as 2009, the CPM-led Left Front was the third-largest force in Indias parliament and governed three states, including West Bengal, where it held office since 1977. Today it has less than a dozen seats in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of the national parliament, and forms government only in Kerala. The Yechury faction, which is based in West Bengal, fears that without an explicit bloc with Congress it will be wiped out in the 2019 elections, due to the states increasing electoral polarization between the Trinamul Congress and the BJP. The Kerala-based Karat faction, on the other hand, believes that any explicit CPM bloc or understanding with the Congress will damage their prospects in Kerala, where the Congress is the Left Fronts principal adversary. In addition to these conflicting electoral compulsions, the Karat faction, which includes much of the CPM-allied Centre of Indian Trade Unions bureaucracy, is motivated by its fear that allying with the Congress will only further discredit the CPM among working people and under conditions where there could be a rapid shift left. In this regard, Karat has highlighted the groundswell of support for the British Labour Party left Jeremy Corbyn, because of his claims to oppose austerity and war. Shorn of its left-sounding rhetorical flourishes, Karats call for the CPM to focus on building peoples movements is based on the calculation that the Stalinists can best regain their influence within the Indian bourgeoisie by demonstrating that they continue to play a vital role in containing and politically smothering social opposition. The real attitude of the Stalinists to the growing resistance of the working class is typified by their abandonment of the Maruti Suzuki workers who have been jailed for life on frame-up murder charges for challenging the sweatshop conditions that prevail in Indias new globally connected manufacturing industries. Continuing their efforts to isolate the Maruti Suzuki workers, the Stalinists 50-page plus resolution contains not a single reference to them or their plight, although it is common knowledge that employers across Indian routinely threaten to do a Maruti Suzuki to intimidate and silence worker opposition. The struggle by around 50,000 lecturers, librarians, administration staff and technicians to defend their pensions and conditions has been betrayed by the University and College Union (UCU). Last Friday, the union leadership achieved its desired goal. After 14 days of strikeswhich the UCU, in collaboration with management, had sought to close downmembers voted to accept an offer from the Universities UK (UUK) by a 64 percent to 36 percent majority. UCU leader Sally Hunt hailed the result as a clear majority in favour of the proposals. In reality, despite the UCUs incessant pressure on members to accept the offer over the nine-day balloting period, more than a third of the 33,973 who voted rejected the deal. In addition, almost 20,000 (19,442) did not vote at all. This means that 31,672 members out of a potential 53,415, have not endorsed the deal--fully 59.2 percent of those balloted. Nonetheless, in the absence of a political alternative to the trade union leaders, the bureaucracy has been able to shut down the action. The strike was the largest ever held at higher education institutions in the UK, with workers at 65 universities striking to oppose the decimation of their pensions. Under UUK proposals some members of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) were set to lose more than 200,000 of their retirement income, and many others, tens of thousands of pounds. The ultimate aim of UUK, as stated in their August 2017 policy document, is to end a national pension scheme altogether in favour of flexible schemes. The UCU leadership claims to have extracted concessions from UUK but this is a lie. Management has only committed to convening a Joint Expert Panel, comprised of actuarial and academic experts nominated in equal numbers from both sides. This will deliver a report on the valuation of the USS. Further proposals will be made that will invariably fall far below staff demands, given that the USS trustees and the pension regulators are not obliged to accept the outcome. The proposal states that current contributions and benefits from the USS, including Defined Benefits (DB), could continue for members, but only for another year--until at least April 2019. After that, management will be able to put in place mechanisms to end the DB system and move to an inferior Defined Contributions plan. That is why managementwith the backing of the UCUrefused to include a No Detriment clause in the eight-point offer supposedly guaranteeing that USS members will not suffer further pension cuts. The UCU Higher Education Committee played the key role in getting the offer through by suspending the strikes after 14 days of action and referring it to an e-ballot. This was aimed at isolating staff, who were then subject to a battery of UCU propaganda insisting no better offer would be forthcoming. This was essential under conditions in which there was widespread opposition to the proposed deal from UCU branches that had met and discussed the offer. Several branches passed motions of no confidence in Hunts leadership. UCU strikers had already rejected the first shoddy deal the union agreed with UUK on March 12, which would have resulted in the loss by lecturers of an average 19 percent in the value of their pensions, and the maintenance of the current defined benefits scheme for just three years. The following day thousands of UCU members met in universities nationally and rebelled against the UCU. Hundreds surrounded the UCUs London headquarters and demanded the agreement endorsed by the union the previous evening be repudiated. It was to demobilise this opposition that, before the ballot period had even begun, the UCU reduced the number of universities scheduled to be involved in strike action this week from 65 to 13. The closing down of the strike is an indictment of the UCU Left, which functions as the political appendage of the bureaucracy. The UCU Left comprises various pseudo-left organisations--who have members on the unions leading bodies--most prominently the Socialist Workers Party (SWP). Having refused to wage a struggle against the efforts of the union tops to sabotage the action, the UCU Left now seeks to persuade workers that the union is a fighting organisation that requires only a few cosmetic changes at the top. A UCU Left statement, issued as the e-ballot closed on April 13, hailed a growth in membership during the strike, which produced a transformation in our union in just a matter of weeks, creating a broad layer of new activists and leaders throughout our union. The problem, however, is that workers had been recruited into an organisation preparing to sell them out. And the pseudo-left--rather than utilising this recruitment to mount a rebellion against the bureaucracywas politically disarming workers in the face of these preparations. A subsequent statement issued April 13, after the Yes vote was confirmed, accepted that the union bureaucracy remains in control of pension negotiations, even while admitting that pension cuts were the only likely outcome. The union now has a complicated dual task: keeping up the pressure for the best outcome from the Independent Expert Panel, the UCU Left wrote, and, at the same time, maintaining our organisation so that if the outcome is a pension cut--as is likely--we are able to ballot for industrial action and carry it out effectively. After making, in its initial April 13 statement, a few token criticisms of an e-ballot that exposed a deep democratic deficit in our trade union, the UCU Left declared, [W]e need democratic structures and a democratic culture that properly reflects our transformed union. As for Hunt, the UCU Left declared in its statement following the Yes vote, We have no desire to personalise the issue but she must publicly affirm that [future] negotiations must go through the proper channels. And if she is not prepared to carry out UCU policy then she should stand down altogether. The SWP similarly declared in the run-up to the ballot result that the strikes have created a stronger, more dynamic union, insisting that all that is required is the refurbishing of a transformed, fighting union. The truth is that the UCUs sell-out is not the result of deficient structures or a culture, just as Hunts actions are not simply a matter of her personality. They flow organically from the nature of the trade unions themselves, which function as industrial policemen on behalf of the government and employers. Their ability to increase the exploitation of their membersthrough declining wages, the erosion of pensions and other social rightstherefore depends on the suppression of the democratic rights of the rank-and-file. That is why the defence of workers jobs, conditions and living standards cannot be entrusted to the unions. The pseudo-left seeks to conceal this fact because they speak for privileged middle-class layers, hostile to the political independence of the working class, and function as factions of the Labour Party and union apparatus. Throughout the dispute the Socialist Equality Party and its Education FightBack campaign sought to arm workers with an understanding of the unions and the political context in which their struggle was unfoldingan ever-deepening crisis of global capitalism that was the source of austerity and war. Only the building of new rank-and-file and workplace committees that reject the subordination of the working class to the capitalist profit system and which make the defence of the social needs of all workers the axis of their struggle can show the way forward. This requires the adoption of a new, socialist perspective and the building of a genuinely socialist partythe Socialist Equality Party. On Monday, the US and British intelligence agencies released a joint report charging Moscow with unspecified cyber warfare against the West. The American media was filled with hysterical warnings that Russia may have hacked millions of personal devices as well as critical infrastructure. The tenor of the media coverage was epitomized by the New York Times, which labelled the intelligence agencies report a computer-age version of a Cold War air raid drill, but asking citizens to upgrade their password rather than duck and cover. The coordinated campaign comes amid the unravelling of the official pretext for Friday nights illegal US-British-French bombing of Russias ally Syriathe claim that the Assad government carried out a chemical weapons attack in eastern Ghouta on April 7. On Sunday, the Independent published an on-the-spot report by well-known veteran journalist Robert Fisk, an expert on Middle East policy, who visited Douma, the town in Ghouta where a gas attack supposedly occurred. Fisk spoke with Dr. Assim Rahaibani, who works at the medical clinic where the widely publicized videos were filmed showing children being hosed down with water, ostensibly to relieve poison gas inhalation. He quotes Rahaibani as follows: I was with my family in the basement of my home three hundred metres from here on the night, but all the doctors know what happened. There was a lot of [government] shelling and aircraft were always over Douma at nightbut on this night, there was wind and huge dust clouds began to come into the basements and cellars where people lived. People began to arrive here suffering from hypoxia, oxygen loss. Then someone at the door, a White Helmet, shouted Gas!, and a panic began. People started throwing water over each other. Yes, the video was filmed here, it is genuine, but what you see are people suffering from hypoxia, not gas poisoning. This account is in line with statements by Russian authorities, who have charged that the White Helmets, the anti-Assad rebel organization funded by Britain, staged the gas attack under orders from UK intelligence to provide its Western sponsors with a pretext for intervention. Fisk notes that by the time he arrived in Douma, the White Helmets had already left to join fighters of the Islamic fundamentalist group Jaysh-al Islam, who fled Douma for Idlib under an agreement brokered with Russia. Fisks report is a devastating exposure of the lies of the governments of France, Britain and the US, which have provided no evidence to substantiate their charges against the Assad regime. The imperialist governments narrative was immediately disseminated by a corrupt media that functions shamelessly as a propaganda arm of the state. As the World Socialist Web Site insisted from the outset, the incident was a CIA-organized provocation to provide a pretext for imperialist intervention, continuing the seven-year-long US regime-change operation against Russias ally Assad, during which time Washington has armed and funded right-wing Islamist proxies. Fisks report is at the same time a damning indictment of the corporate media, along with various pseudo-left organizations, such as the International Socialist Organization, which regurgitated all of the governments lying pretexts and made no effort to investigate them. The media has responded to Fisks report by burying it. In the 24 hours since its publication, neither the Washington Post nor the New York Times, which in 2005 called Fisk probably the most famous foreign correspondent in Britain, has reported on Fisks on-the-spot story. The US government responds to each exposure of its lies by concocting new ones. The chemical weapons charge followed directly after the collapse of the unsubstantiated British and US claims that Russia carried out the attempted assassination on British soil of its former agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia, using a nerve agent. Both Yulia and Sergei are now on their way to a full recovery despite having supposedly been poisoned with the most fatal military-grade agent in existence. Yesterdays report by the FBI and the UKs National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Advisory: Russian State-Sponsored Cyber Actors Targeting Network Infrastructure Devices, is no more credible. Like previous charges levelled by the intelligence agencies against Moscow, there is not a single piece of evidence contained in the document to back them up. Out of its 21 pages, approximately 15 provide generic information about computer network security flaws commonly exploited by what the report refers to as cyber actors. They give generic advice for users and network administrators to improve digital security. These include not using the same password across multiple devices, avoiding unencrypted communication protocols, and replacing outdated hardware and security software. The first six pages include the only references to Russia, but provide no details, much less evidence, of any specific activities. Every one of the charges against Moscow begin with phrases such as: FBI and NCSC have high confidence that; the US and UK governments assess that; they have received information from multiple sources that, etc. None of this has prevented the media in both the US and UK from dutifully amplifying the latest charges. A front-page article published by the New York Times, US-UK Warning on Cyberattacks Includes Private Homes, cites the comments of Rob Joyce, a special assistant to the president and cybersecurity coordinator for the National Security Council, declaring that Russians are seeking to exploit the increasing popularity of Internet-connected devices that you and I have in our homes. Revealing more than it intended, the article states that the government document had been in the works for a long period and was not a response to any recent events. In other words, the intelligence agencies were awaiting the opportune moment to publish it. Its release serves several purposes. First, to create a mood of panic in the population so as to facilitate a major escalation of the confrontation with Russia. Second, to counter the popular distrust in the media and disbelief of what is widely seen as the latest pretext for yet another war against a Middle Eastern nation, and, third, to suppress anti-war sentiment and legitimize the crackdown on democratic rights and censorship of the Internet, under the banner of combating Russian cyber warfare and fake news. The connection between the drive to war and Internet censorship was made clear by the statements of Pentagon officials following the attack on Syria. US Defence Secretary James Mattis warned Friday that there would be a rise in Russian disinformation in response to the US and allied strikes. Pentagon spokeswoman Dana White stated that Russian claims that Syrian air defence missiles had shot down 71 of the 105 missiles fired on Syria were part of a disinformation campaign that has already begun. She said there had been a 2,000 percent increase in Russian trolls over 24 hours. These claims are aimed at identifying any statements that contradict the official narrative of the US government and military as foreign disinformation and essentially treasonous. The FBI report is no doubt also aimed at fuelling the ongoing campaign by the intelligence agencies and the Democratic Party demanding that Trump further escalate the confrontation with Russia. The Times and the other Democratic Party-aligned media denounced the Trump administrations announcement yesterday that the US will not at this time impose further sanctions on Russia, contradicting the statements of Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, over the weekend. The Times quoted Democrat Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, who said, I am outraged that President Trump pulled back sanctions on Russia for its support of the Assad regime. Times columnist Nikolas Kristof, who has made his career promoting imperialist wars in the name of human rights, praised the arch-reactionary Haley against Trump in an appearance on MSNBC, declaring that she was much better regarded than almost any other member of the administration in foreign policy. The joint strikes carried out in Syria on Saturday morning by US, British and French forces expose the role of the New Anti-capitalist Party (NPA), which has long supported imperialist intervention in the Middle East. As workers and youth come into struggle against the Macron government in France, the NPA is working to strangle popular opposition to war, so that Macron can launch his missile strikes despite overwhelming popular opposition. This underscores the need for workers and youth to build a movement against war in opposition to these petty-bourgeois, pseudo-left groups. The pretext provided by the imperialist powers for the bombing was that the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad carried out chemical attacks on April 7 in Douma, the last stronghold of the rebels backed by European and American imperialism in eastern Ghouta. This is the latest lie in a long list of pretexts concocted since 2011 by Washington, London and Paris to bring down the Assad regime in support of the Islamist rebels. Without even attempting to provide any evidence for their allegations, the major powers launched strikes that risk provoking open conflict with Russia. The NPA has unreservedly aligned itself with the lies used to justify the attack on Syria. On Saturday, it wrote: We call for a rejection of the sordid campaign to cast in doubt the latest criminal chemical attacks of the regime against civilians, men, women and children in Douma, corroborated by substantial evidence from citizens and medical services on the ground. At the same time, conscious of the deep popular opposition to war and the reintroduction of compulsory military service, it claimed to oppose the bombing of Syria, from the standpoint that it will not sufficiently harm the Assad regime. But we condemn without any ambiguity the latest military adventure led by Trump in Syria, it states, and the French participation in this bombing campaign, which is aimed at providing the illusion that the Syrian people will now be better protected. These statements expose the NPA as a propagandist for imperialist war. To date, the NATO powers have not been able to provide any evidence or coherent details about the accusations against the Assad government. They have provided no credible explanation for why the Assad regime would launch a chemical attack, just as it was on the verge of routing the Islamist militia financed by the US and its allies. But Macron has nonetheless launched attacks against Syria, a country that has not attacked France. The allegations of Washington, London and Paris have no credibility. The journalist Seymour Hersh exposed that the chemical attacks in Ghouta in 2013, which served as the pretext for Washingtons and Paris war threats against Syria at the time, were carried out by Islamist militias supported by Turkey and NATO. At the time, faced with popular opposition and a potential conflict with Moscow, Washington was forced to pull back following the defeat of the British parliamentary vote to authorise war. The allegations over the events in Douma follow on the heels of a series of provocations cooked up against Russia in the Skripal affair, which has now been completely discredited. For weeks, London, with the support of Washington and Paris, accused Russia of poisoning Sergei and Yulia Skripal, expelling dozens of Russian diplomats stationed in Britain. It has nonetheless become clear that neither the British government nor the United Nations can prove that the chemical agent used against the Skripals originated in Russia. The NPAs criticisms of the military strikes are hypocritical; they are aimed at protecting the NPA from the anger of French workers, 70 percent of whom are hostile to the bombing of Syria, according to various online polls. And the organizations to which the NPA is seeking to tie French rail workers and university students striking against Macrons austerity policies make no effort to conceal their enthusiasm for the military aggression of Macron, Trump and May in Syria. The NPA has called for a broad alliance with forces allied with the Socialist Party (PS), including Benoit Hamon and the Stalinist Communist Party of France (PCF), against Macron. Hamon, the 2017 presidential candidate of the PS, called for French attacks against Syria on France Inter. I think that this crime cannot go unpunished, he said. The crime of attacking ones own population with chemical weapons cannot go unpunished I am tired of seeing how this dictator, supported by numerous countries, including Russia, continues to massacre his own population, particularly with the use of chemical weapons. The Stalinist French Communist Party (PCF) has cynically refused to openly applaud Trump and Macron, in the vein of Hamon. Instead, it called for a stronger legal presentation of the lies used to justify the war, and that the murderous attacks by Trump, Macron and May be part of a more credible diplomatic strategy. PCF General Secretary Pierre Laurent said the support of his party depends on the conditions in which the operation is carried out, and that launching attacks without UN backing is a problem. According to Laurent, it is of course necessary to prevent the use of these chemical weapons, as should already have happened The entanglement of the actions of different great powers in the region renders the situation extremely concerning. We cannot separate any eventual military action from a political strategy to end the war, because one cannot resolve this situation by such actions alone. The pose of opposition of the NPA, PCF and Company to the military strikes is fraudulent. It is aimed at trapping workers and youth engaged in struggle against Macron in a coalition of petty-bourgeois parties who are long time allies of the PS and support imperialist war. These organisations pose an enormous danger not only because of their indifference to the threat of a world war; their support for imperialist wars reveals their hostility to any struggle against Macrons austerity measures. Macron has reiterated on numerous occasions that he has no intention of pulling back from his pro-market, anti-working class economic reforms. Behind his efforts to destroy the social gains of workers lies the need of French imperialism to finance a military program of 300 billion by 2024, announced this year at the Munich security conference. To obtain the colossal sums of money that the strategists of French imperialism want to spend on the military machine, the ruling elite knows that it must carry through Macrons austerity measures. To fight against austerity, however, it is necessary also to oppose imperialist war, including its defenders in the NPA, which represent a privileged, anti-Marxist layer of the upper-middle class. Their role is a warning that there can be no reformist way forward for the class struggles that are erupting against Macron and the NATO governments. Driven by the geopolitical crisis produced by a quarter century of imperialist wars across the Middle East and Eurasia, since the Stalinist dissolution of the Soviet Union, the ruling elite is pushing at any cost to drastically restructure class relations via authoritarian means, in order to permit France to participate in the new imperialist carve-up of the world. And the petty bourgeois of the NPA want to arm the French state in order that it will be able to defend their privileges on the global stage. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP), the French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI), is opposed to all military escalations and fights for a new political orientation in the working class. The SEP bases itself on the perspective of the ICFI, which provides the necessary socialist strategy to the emerging international anti-war movement of the working class. It warns workers and youth that the supporters of imperialist war will inevitably betray their struggles, and that the only progressive way forward lies in building a revolutionary movement with the aim of taking political power by the working class across Europe. In this context, the French trade unions longstanding support for the war in Syria must be noted. Already in 2012, as the US authorities were admitting that their agents in Syria were Islamists tied to Al Qaeda, the unions close to the NPA and PCA, including the Stalinist General Confederation of Labour (CGT) and the NPA-linked Solidarity union, published a declaration titled, The French trade unions on the side of the Syrian people. In this declaration, they vigorously condemn the war launched by the Assad regime against the Syrian people, not the imperialist proxy war against Syria. They demanded that imperialist powers intervening in Syria provide a plan of action for directly aiding the population. In other words, they provided an apology for the imperialist intervention in Syria under a humanitarian guise. Their support for the European and American strikes on Syria are a direct continuation of this reactionary effort. It is a sign that workers and youth must urgently take their struggles into their own hands and out of the control of the pro-imperialist bureaucracies. The latter seek only to betray these struggles, and in doing so to prepare ever new escalations of imperialist war. US President Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are holding their two-day summit this week at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida in the aftermath of the US-led airstrikes on Syria and amid sharpening geo-political tensions globally, including throughout Asia. While both men have touted their good personal rapport, cracks in the relationship have been emerging over key issues, especially trade and North Korea. Abe and Trump head deeply unpopular, right-wing regimes that are seeking to overcome their mounting economic and political crises by whipping up nationalism and militarism. The two longstanding military allies are united in their determination to contain and confront China, but are increasingly at odds over the means for doing so. Trumps escalating threats of trade war against Beijing pose economic dangers for Japan which relies heavily on China as its number one trading partner and cheap labour platform. Moreover, Trump is targeting not only China for trade war measures, but also Japan and other countries that have surpluses with the US. Abe is certain to press Trump for exemption from the latest US aluminium and steel tariffs that shocked Japan and other allies, particularly as they were imposed on the grounds of national security. Trump, however, was openly menacing towards Japan, declaring that Abe has a little smile. And the smile is, I cant believe weve been able to take advantage of the United States for so long. So those days are over, he said. Trump cut across Abes economic agenda from day one of his administration by repudiating the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP), in which the Japanese prime minister had invested a great deal of political capital. The White House no doubt expected the TPP to collapse, but instead Japan refashioned the agreement into a bloc in which, it, as the worlds third largest economy, would play the central role. Now Trump has upset Abes plans again by announcing that the US could re-enter the TPP. As the Trump administration has ratcheted up its confrontation with North Korea, Abe has been the staunchest of allies backing the presidents bellicose threats to totally destroy the Pyongyang regime and echoing his declaration that talks were a waste of time. Abe has exploited the so-called North Korean threat to advance his own ambitions to remilitarise Japan and remove all legal and constitutional constraints on the use of the military to prosecute the strategic and economic interests of Japanese imperialism. Now Trump has blindsided Abe once again, announcing out of the blue in March that he would hold a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. As Abe arrived in the US, the media reported that direct talks with North Korea were proceeding at extremely high levels. Sharp differences have already emerged over the purpose of any negotiations, with Trumps nominee as the new US secretary of state, CIA chief Mike Pompeo, suggesting in confirmation hearings that the US might accept a nuclear-armed North Korea without long-range missiles. Such a deal would leave Japan vulnerable to North Koreas medium-range missiles. The potential for sharp disagreements at the Abe-Trump summit is compounded by the fact that both leaders are battling for their political lives. Trump is embroiled in bitter feuding with sections of the US political establishment and military-intelligence apparatus for his supposed failure to take an aggressive stance towards Russia, especially through a more forceful military intervention in Syria. He is also facing a rising tide of opposition from workers and youth, exemplified by spreading strikes by teachers. Abe is no less under siege over two scandals involving, in the first instance, government favours to ultra-nationalist associates involved in establishing a kindergarten, and a veterinary medicine faculty in the second. Last Saturday, 30,000 to 40,000 people gathered in central Tokyo, with smaller protests in other cities, to demand Abes resignation. Abes poll ratings are plunging. Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, regarded by Abe as his mentor, declared this week that the situation is getting dangerous and suggested that Abe would have to quit in late June. Regardless of the immediate outcome of the Abe-Trump summit, the fissures in US-Japanese relations will continue to fester, with the potential to lead to confrontation and conflict. The aggressive nationalism of both leaders is not simply a product of these individuals, but rather an expression of the deepening crisis of global capitalism that is fuelling the drive towards world war. Confronted with its historic decline, US imperialism, having failed to secure its global hegemony through a quarter-century of wars in the Middle East and Central Asia, is preparing for conflict with any rival power that stands in its way. The Trump administrations National Defence Strategy of January 2018 spelled out the strategic shift, declaring that inter-state strategic competition, not the war on terror, was now the primary concern. While specifically naming China and Russia as the main strategic competitors, by implication longstanding allies such as Japan could also be targeted. Japan is confronted with a similar historic dilemma. Having been a technological powerhouse and the worlds second largest economy for decades, Japan was shoved into third place by China in 2010. Its diplomatic, economic and military standing has continued to slide, triggering intense discussion in ruling circles over how best to prevent Japans further decline. Abes aggressive remilitarisation is the response of the ultra-nationalist wing of the ruling class that never accepted the countrys defeat in World War II or responsibility for its war crimes, and has resented playing second fiddle to Washington in Asia. The main focus of both the US and Japan, which will undoubtedly be reflected in the outcome of the Abe-Trump summit, is to contain and eventually subordinate China to their imperialist interests. However, todays allies could in the not so distant future become bitter enemies. It is not forgotten in either Tokyo or Washington that the two countries fought a brutal war in the Pacific between 1941 and 1945 that killed millions over which power was going to dominate Asia. Police in the northern Detroit suburbs shot to death two men in back-to-back encounters April 9-10. Both of the victims were young white men in their 20s, one apparently suffering from mental illness. On the morning of Monday, April 9, Troy Police Department officers were called to a home on Saddle Brook Court for the fourth time in less than a year, each time because family members were frightened of threatening and erratic behavior by 23-year-old Robert Issa. On the three previous occasions, Issa was hospitalized with a diagnosis of manic behavior due to bipolar disorder, and then ultimately released to his family. According to police reports, on at least one occasion the manic episode came after Issa stopped taking prescription medicine for his mental illness. Police claimed that when they arrived Monday, Issa came at them with knives and attempted to force his way into an unmarked police car, continuing his attack even after being Tasered. One cop then opened fire, hitting Issa four or five times and killing him. Troy police do not wear body cameras, and there has not been a police-involved killing in the Detroit suburb in 20 years. Issa was well known to the police because of the three previous incidents, one of which he spat on a police officer, although he missed him. The same officer was involved in the third police visit to the familys home. It is not known whether the same officer was involved in the final visit that ended in Issas death. The second police killing took police in Royal Oak, near a White Castle restaurant at the intersection of Thirteen Mile Road and Coolidge Road. Police pulled over 28-year-old Antonino Thomas Gordon of Commerce Township for a traffic violation shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 10, but he drove off rather than accept the ticket. A few minutes later, the police officer saw Gordons vehicle in the drive-through lane of the White Castle, and he pulled his vehicle in front of Gordon to block his exit. When Gordon again attempted to drive off, the officer fired at least four shots, causing Gordons car to veer into another vehicle and crash. Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the car he struck suffered minor injuries and was taken to a nearby hospital. One eyewitness told local television station WDIV, We saw the cop pull up to White Castle, and we saw him get out and draw his gun immediately. We heard four or five gunshots. The witness continued, describing the victim, We could see him swerving and driving really slow, and he looked out of it. And then he just started coasting into oncoming traffic, and I assumed that he passed out. Royal Oak police sought to rebut the logical conclusionthat the police officer shot and killed a man because he was angry over his previous drive-off from the traffic ticketby releasing Gordons criminal record, which consisted solely of motor vehicle violations, such as driving under the influence and speeding. These were totally irrelevant, since Gordon was not driving his own car and the policeman who pulled the trigger could not have known of them. Joseph Dedvukaj, an attorney whose niece was married to Gordon, told the press, There is no question that this officer was not justified in killing him. This officer basically became the judge, jury and executioner. A police officer is not above the law and must obey the law like any other citizen, he continued. He knew the difference between right and wrong when he did what he did yesterday. Dedvukaj said Gordon was a construction worker who wanted to go into business for himself. He said that the young man did not do anything to provoke the police officer to draw his weapon, point it at him and pull the trigger four or more times, killing him. PHILADELPHIA (AP) The Latest on a plane making an emergency landing in Philadelphia (all times local): 7 p.m. A bank executive and mother of two from New Mexico has been identified as the woman who died after a Southwest Airlines jet plane blew an engine and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. News of Jennifer Riordans death was first shared by the assistant principal of the Albuquerque Catholic school attended by her two children. In an email to parents, assistant principal Amy McCarty wrote that the family needs all the prayers we can offer. Riordan was a vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo bank. She was the wife of Michael Riordan, who served until recently as the chief operating officer for the city of Albuquerque. The New Mexico Broadcasters Association on social media said Riordan was a graduate of the University of New Mexico and former board member. ___ 6:20 p.m. The head of Southwest Airlines says that there were no problems with a plane involved in a fatal emergency landing when it was inspected two days ago. Chief executive Gary Kelly said at a news conference in Dallas Tuesday that there were no problems with the plane or its engine when it was inspected Sunday. One person was killed and seven injured after the twin-engine 737 apparently blew an engine at 30,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. The plane from New York to Dallas landed in Philadelphia. Kelly says the plane has gone through 40,000 takeoffs and landings since it was delivered in July 2000. That includes 10,000 since its last overhaul. He declined to identify the crew or the name of the dead passenger. ___ 5:45 p.m. The US transportation secretary is praising the pilots, crew and passengers for helping to prevent a far worse tragedy on a Southwest flight that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. One person was killed and seven injured after the twin-engine 737 apparently blew an engine at 30,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window. The plane was headed from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard when it detoured to Philadelphia. Secretary Elaine Chao said her department is working with the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause and ensure the safety of the traveling public. ___ 5 p.m. A crew member on a plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia reported to air traffic controllers that a piece of the plane was missing and someone went out. In the audio recording of the exchange, the crew member says the plane needed to slow down. Photos posted by passengers showed a heavily damaged window near the damaged engine. Passengers reported seeing a woman being given medical attention on the plane. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt says that one person died in the accident. No details have been released on how the passenger died. Seven others were injured. ___ 4:35 p.m. The company that made the engine that blew apart on a Southwest Airlines jet says it is helping investigators figure out what went wrong. CFM International said in a statement Tuesday that it sent technical experts to help the National Transportation Safety Board officials. A passenger died after the left-side engine on a Southwest jet blew apart over Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The pilots made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. CFM is a joint venture of General Electric and Frances Safran. The company says the type of engine on the Southwest plane is installed on more than 6,700 planes and has flown more than 350 million hours since its introduction in 1997. The company says the engine has an outstanding safety and reliability record. ___ 3:15 p.m. A federal investigator says one person has been killed after a plane with engine failure made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt said Tuesday that the engine will be shipped for a detailed examination. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. Philadelphias fire chief says that one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition and seven were treated for minor injuries. ___ 2:35 p.m. Philadelphias fire chief says that one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition after a Southwest Airlines plane made an emergency landing. Philadelphia Fire Department Commissioner Adam Thiel (TEAL) declined to release any additional details on the victim or their condition. He says that seven other passengers were treated for minor injuries, but none had to be taken to the hospital. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. Thiel says that there was a fuel leak and a small fire when firefighters arrived. He didnt release any additional details on the landing. ___ 2 p.m. A passenger aboard a Southwest Airlines plane that made an emergency landing in Philadelphia says at least one woman was taken to the hospital. Amanda Bourman, of New York, said that the woman was taken off the plane by emergency medical workers Tuesday after the emergency landing around 11:20 a.m. The Federal Aviation Administration says a flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. Passenger Marty Martinez says a window exploded mid-air and posted photo of a damaged window and emergency oxygen masks dangling down. It wasnt clear if anyone else was injured. ___ 1:50 p.m. The Federal Aviation Administration says a flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing at Philadelphias airport after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. Passenger Marty Martinez says a window exploded mid-air and posted photo of a damaged window and emergency oxygen masks dangling down. The National Transportation Safety Board says it is taking over the investigation. ___ 12:45 p.m. A passenger on a Southwest Airlines plane says a window was damaged after a problem with its left engine and the plane made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Southwest Airlines says there were 143 passengers and five crewmembers on board the flight Tuesday en route from New Yorks La Guardia Airport to Dallas. The airline says something went awry and they landed at Philadelphias airport. Passenger Marty Martinez says a window exploded mid-air and posted photo of a damaged window and emergency oxygen masks dangling down. Passengers were seen walking off the plane on the tarmac at the airport and the left engine of the plane is damaged. It wasnt immediately clear if anyone was hurt. Messages seeking comment from the Federal Aviation Administration werent immediately returned. ___ 12:20 p.m. Southwest Airlines says that one of its planes heading from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport to Dallas Love Field landed safely in Philadelphia. Tracking data from FlightAware.com shows the flight was heading west over New Yorks southern tier when it abruptly turned toward Philadelphia. Passengers were seen walking off the plane on the tarmac at the airport and the left engine of the plane is damaged. It wasnt immediately clear if anyone was hurt. Messages seeking comment from the Federal Aviation Administration werent immediately returned. ____ 12:15 p.m. A Southwest Airlines plane has made an emergency landing at Philadelphias airport with what appears to be a damaged engine. Passengers were seen walking off the plane on the tarmac at the airport. Passengers on board posted on social media that the plane was en route from New York City to Dallas when something happened. Messages seeking comment from the Federal Aviation Administration werent immediately returned. Firefighters are on the scene but a spokeswoman couldnt provide any details. GREENCASTLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Actress and author Jenna Fischer is encouraging college students to pursue their dreams. The actress is best know for her role as Pam on the hit television show "The Office." Fischer visited DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, Tuesday. She was invited for an Ubben Lecture. Before the lecture she spoke with journalism students in a press conference and acting students in a question and answer session. Jenna Fischer says, "This is the place in life when you go from the cocoon of your academics to the real world and it's such an important part developmentally." Fischer offered words of encouragement and explained why she chooses to speak with young people just beginning their professional careers. "What's important to me about coming out and speaking to students is that this is when I needed this book. It was right at this time. This is when I needed this encouragement. This is when I needed this advice." Fischer's book, "The Actor's Life: A Survivial Guide," details her journey to success including her struggles. She says it was several years until she got a speaking role and years more before she landed on "The Office." "I think that I just want people to know that just because it's hard doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. It's just hard and that's life. If you want something and love something enough you just have to keep those steps moving forward even though it is difficult." DePauw student journalists say they learned from the experience from both working the press conference and listen to Fischer's answers. Fischer also says college is a good first step before pursuing a career. "I think that time in college is so important because you figure out who you are separate from your parents and separate from your parents' politics and separate from the way you were raised. It's like where you get to get away and think who am I, what do I want to be in this world." A satellite startup just signed a first of its kind deal that it hopes will bring it more business in the red-hot small satellite market. York Space Systems announced Tuesday that it signed a contract with Rocket Lab, a California and New Zealand-based startup that aced its first-ever rocket launch in January. The companies plan to streamline and reduce the cost of getting a small satellite to space. York and Rocket Lab want to upend the current system, which takes months for satellites to undergo what's called "mission integration" - tests and retrofitting to ensure a satellite can fly safely aboard a rocket. Their partnership will eliminate that process by doing all the integration work up front, making it easier and cheaper for a company to purchase a York satellite and get it to space on a Rocket Lab vehicle. "The space industry has always been really fragmented," Rocket Lab CEO Peter Beck told CNNMoney. "So, in order to really reduce the time frame from idea to orbit, [you have to think of the satellite] and rocket as a marriage." This agreement is the first of its kind and could provide a window into what's to come for the small satellite industry and a new era of ultra-cheap launches. The back story Throughout history, launching objects into space has involved lengthy time frames and many millions of dollars. The cumbersome process has made space inaccessible to companies and research groups that would otherwise find it useful to send up their own data-collection or communications satellites. As technology has evolved, small satellites that are cheaper and more capable have come onto the market. But those satellites still need rockets to get to orbit. And today's rockets aren't built for lightweights. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, for example, can deliver hefty telecommunications or military satellites into distant orbits. The rocket has a bargain sticker price of $62 million and can hoist more than 50,000 pounds into space. Related: Meet Rocket Lab, the newest player in the global space industry Small satellites headed for Low-Earth Orbit can tag along on Falcon 9 launches, but they'll be a secondary payload. And with high demand for getting small satellites into space, there's no telling when a hitchhiking opportunity will arise. But a number of commercial space startups have plans for small, simple rockets that can fly frequently at unheard of price points. Just a few million dollars per launch. Rocket Lab is one of those startups, and in January it made spaceflight history by becoming the first among these SmallSat launch providers to actually deliver satellites into orbit with its $5.7 million Electron-R rocket. Now, customers are lining up. Beck, the CEO, says he wants the Electron-R to launch eight times this year and eventually reach a once-per-month cadence. The second-ever of its launches is slated to come in the next few weeks. The S-Class York, founded in 2015, has developed what it says is a highly versatile satellite - a base structure that can be rejiggered to perform all types of tasks in orbit. It's called the S-Class, and it's about the size of a mini fridge, costs less than $1 million, weighs up to 150 pounds, and can stay in orbit for three to five years. York plans to mass manufacture the S-Class as a sort of ready-to-use small satellite platform. Dirk Wallinger, the firm's CEO, outlined a few ways the satellite can be used in an interview with CNNMoney. Insurance companies could use S-Class satellites to give them better weather modeling and assess damages after natural disasters. Oil and gas companies like Shell and Exxon could use an S-Class to scan the Earth for undiscovered resources in remote areas. There are already satellites in orbit that can provide this type of information. But the data those satellites deliver can be accessed by anyone. Related: AI companies spot a business opportunity in space That is one reason Wallinger says companies have an appetite for buying their own, personal satellites: They'll have exclusive rights to whatever data it collects. And York's new deal with Rocket Lab is aimed at making it more economically feasible for companies and research groups to get it done. The deal isn't exclusive. So, York is free to ink similar deals with Rocket Lab's competitors. Richard Branson's Virgin Orbit and Arizona-based startup Vector both plan to put rockets into orbit for the first time in the coming months. Likewise, other small satellite builders are free to make deals with Rocket Lab. There are still questions, however, about how sending up hoards of tiny new satellites can be done responsibly. Experts have called for the industry to regulate itself to ensure that there are no collisions as Low-Earth Orbit gets more crowded. And it remains to be seen exactly how long there will be strong demand in the SmallSat industry. Wallinger, however, is confident this is just the beginning. The S-Class already has 91 governmental and commercial customers. And Wallinger says it's only the "tip of the iceberg" for how many use cases there could be. Rocket Lab plans to launch the fist S-Class, retrofitted to take images of the Earth for Finnish space firm Iceye, in November. OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - Oktibbeha County officers seized more than 80 firearms, which resulted in the arrests of two men. On April 12, Oktibbeha County deputies arrested 18-year-old Marquez Williams of Starkville on two counts of burglary of a residence. He also faces a marijuana charge. During the investigation, deputies executed search warrants at a business and a residence in Oktibbeha County. The searches yielded the firearms and other stolen items. Investigators then arrested 37-year-old Joseph Bell of Starkville on charges of receiving stolen property. Williams' bond was set at $10,458. Bell's bond was set at $10,000. More arrests are expected. JACKSON, Miss. (WTVA) - Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves has ordered the Mississippi state flags to be lowered to half-staff to honor former First Lady Barbara Bush. Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92. RELATED: Former First Lady Barbara Bush dies Barbara Bush served our nation as First Lady with grace, honor and humor, Lt. Gov. Reeves said. She and President Bush were dear friends with the late Congressman Sonny Montgomery and several Mississippi leaders. She loved the people of Mississippi, and the people of Mississippi loved her back. Lt. Gov. Reeves signed the executive order today as Acting Governor. In accordance with the executive order, Mississippi flags on all state buildings and grounds will be flown at half-staff today through sunset on the date of interment. HOUSTON (RNN) Barbara Bush has died, according to CNN. A spokesperson for the Bush family announced Sunday on Twitter that former first lady, Barbara Bush, who is 92 years old, had decided to not seek any more medical treatment. The announcement came following a recent series of hospitalizations, and after consulting with her family and doctors. According to CNN, Mrs. Bush had been suffering for a while and had been in and out of the hospital battling with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, and congestive heart failure. Jim McGrath, a post-White House spokesperson for President and Mrs. George H.W. Bush, said the former first lady was surrounded by a family she adored and appreciated the many kind messages and especially the prayers she received. Copyright Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. SANDY SPRINGS, GA (WBRC) - A former corrections officer in St. Clair County, AL is now facing additional charges in a series of sexual assault cases in Georgia. Forty-eight-year-old Matthew Lee Moore of Springville is being held without bond in the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta. He is back in Georgia after his arrest earlier this month in St. Clair County. He was employed as a correctional officer at the St. Clair County Correctional facility in Springville, AL until his arrest on these charges back in late March. Moore has been under investigation since November 2015. He is a suspect in multiple sexual assault cases in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. DNA was collected from Moore at the time of his arrest. After analysis, the DNA profile of the suspect matched DNA collected from victims in 2010 and 2015 in Sandy Springs, GA. Moore's DNA also matched that collected from victims in Homewood, AL, in 2008, Birmingham in 2010, and Cobb County, GA, in 2010. Moore is also a suspect in another sexual assault case earlier this year in Jupiter, Florida. DNA evidence is pending analysis in that case. In addition to the sexual assault charges in Sandy Springs, he is also charged with impersonating an officer, rape, aggravated sodomy, false imprisonment, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and aggravated assault with intent to rape. Detectives working the case in Georgia believe there may be many victims of Moore who have not yet come forward, but police are now encouraging them to do so. Copyright 2018 WBRC. All rights reserved. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Tallahassee students are responding to recent calls for military action in Syria. Members of the Tallahassee Chapter of Students for a Democratic Society are calling an emergency event and speaking out against those renewed calls. Wednesday they will be meeting at Florida State University to discuss what they call ways to "combat expansionist and imperialist U.S. foreign policy." This comes after President Donald Trump ordered air strikes in Syria last week in retaliation for the latest suspected chemical weapons attack on civilians by Syrian leader Bashar al Assad. The group is planning to meet at the Integration Statue on FSU's campus Wednesday at 5 p.m. GADSDEN COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Gadsden County Commissioners voted to bring some beauty to the interstate! Tuesday night the board agreed to ask the Florida Department of Transportation for about $240,000 to fund a beautification project. The money would be used to spruce up one of the county's four exits off I-10. The goal is to attract tourists passing through and encourage them to spend money in the county. GRADY COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) - For the first year ever, Grady County is painting the whole town blue, calling on the community to come together for National Child Abuse Prevention Month. Monday night, members from the Department of Family and Children Services, local leaders, and state employees joined together for a ceremony. Sekema Harmon, the state of Georgia assistant division director was the speaker at the ceremony. Harmon says until getting into her position now that requires her to read through every incident report involving a child, she never knew the size and magnitude of child abuse in Georgia. "Our children deserve it, we don't need to have one more child die because we haven't done all that we can do to help and change that," said Harmon. "Our children deserve that." Officials say right now there are currently 40 kids in foster care in Grady County and 17 active cases. LEON COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor has asked state officials and other commissioners to look into pay disparity within the county and the Sunshine State. Commissioner Proctor stopped by the Governor Rick Scott's office Tuesday and dropped a letter urging the Governor to take leadership to close gender and racial disparities in the State of Florida. According to Pew Research Center women earned 82 percent of what men earned in 2017. "We're asking women to vote for us. The Governor is asking women to vote for him but you can't ask for a whole vote of a woman," said Proctor. "The full vote of a woman and pay here in only three fifths or four fifths of the value of her services one you work under the employment of he state and if you want a whole vote, give her a whole check." The commissioner will also be giving a letter to Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi within the coming week. WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - An inmate who escaped from the Wakulla County Jail and crossed state lines is now back in Florida. Joel Cooper was last booked in a Florida State prison in Raiford. He was caught in Phoenix , Arizona at the beginning of March, nearly four months after escaping through the ceiling of a library in the jail with two others. Daniel Cotterman is still in New Mexico, awaiting extradition. Casey Martina remains in the Wakulla County Jail. WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - The final two inmates out of the three that escaped the Wakulla County Jail in November have been caught. Joel Cooper was caught leaving a hotel in Phoenix, Arizona and Donald Cotterman was arrested in a hotel room in Las Cruces, New Mexico. We sat down with Wakulla Sheriff Jared Miller, who tells us how it felt to finally catch the criminals. "It was a sigh of relief for me as the sheriff. I have been concerned ever since it happened, like I said, my number one problem is that I did not want them to hurt anyone," said Miller. "Worried about the safety of not only the people in Wakulla County, but throughout the United States or wherever we ended up getting them at." The pair recently captured, will be extradited back to Wakulla soon. The first inmate, captured in North Carolina one week after their escape, remains behind bars in Wakulla. WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. (WTXL) - Two escaped inmates who have evaded capture for months have finally been taken into custody. Sheriff Jared Miller says that the last of the inmates, Joel Teraill Cooper and Donald James Cotterman, were arrested in two different states. The Wakulla County Sheriff's Office says that Cooper was arrested by the Phoenix Police Department as he was exiting a hotel room. He was booked into the Maricopa County Jail and WCSO was notified. No information was publicly released about his capture to avoid alerting Cotterman. Cooper has waived extradition and will be returned to the Wakulla County Jail soon. On Wednesday, Cotterman was found and arrested in a hotel room in Las Cruces, New Mexico, by the United States Marshals Service. He was subsequently booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center. Once the extradition process is resolved, Cotterman will be returned to the Wakulla County Jail. Before their arrest, the two had been seen in North Carolina. The third inmate, Casey Martina, was arrested in Rockwell, North Carolina back in November 2017 and remains incarcerated in the Wakulla County Jail. At this point, no additional information is being provided as the investigation remains active with respect to events that happened following their escape. Once the case is fully closed, WCSO says they will provide an update to the public. Cooper, Cotterman and Martina escaped from the jail through the ceiling of the jail's law library back in November 2017. WORLAND The Washakie County Commission met on Tuesday and heard a variety of reports from county agencies, most notably regarding a water project on the Lower Nowood. WORLAND The Washakie County Commission met on Tuesday and heard a variety of reports from county agencies, most notably regarding a water project on the Lower Nowood. In the wake of the Town of Ten Sleep formally rejecting a proposal to supply water to the Lower Nowood Improvement Service District (LNISD) in 2015, the Wyoming Water Development Commission agreed to appropriate $1,696,600 in... Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-17 21:33:50|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close Sun Shuopeng, head of Chinese Red Cross foreign aid medical team, speaks during a press conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, April 17, 2018. China will provide free medical treatment for 25 Afghan children with congenital heart diseases, a Chinese Red Cross foreign aid medical team announced here Tuesday. (Xinhua/Dai He) KABUL, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China will provide free medical treatment for 25 Afghan children with congenital heart diseases, a Chinese Red Cross foreign aid medical team announced here Tuesday. "As soon as our team arrived in Kabul, we carried out screening for 150 children with congenital heart disease (CHD) to register eligible kids for providing them with free medical treatment in China," said Sun Shuopeng, head of the team. The 25 kids, including eight girls and 17 boys, are the second group of children to be sent to China for treatment. Under a program launched last year, China will provide free medical treatment for around 100 children suffering from CHD at the first phase in Afghanistan, according to Sun. Out of a total of 100 patients, some 21 children had received treatment in China last year and returned home after successful surgeries. Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan Liu Jingsong said more efforts are underway to enhance people-to-people bonds, especially in the fields of health and culture between the two neighbors. Secretary General of Afghan Red Crescent Society Nilab Mobarez thanked the Chinese delegation for their service to Afghans and expressed gratitude to China's humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. LONDON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Britain's main opposition Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn repeated his call Tuesday for a War Powers Act to force Prime Minister Theresa May to seek parliamentary approval ahead of any military action. Corbyn led a three-hour debate in the House of Commons over parliament's rights in relation to the approval of military action by British forces overseas. Although Corbyn won by 317 to 256, a majority of 61, political commentators described it as a symbolic victory. The vote did however highlight mixed feelings among politicians of different parties over whether the prime minister and her senior ministers can send British troops into battle and military action without first seeking approval from lawmakers at Westminster. Corbyn said the debate has been about the rights and role of parliament, and with no written constitution, he said there was need a war powers act to formalize the process of Britain engaging in military action. The debate, and six hours of debate Monday, came as a result of Britain's involvement in weekend air strikes in Syria alongside France and the United States. Labor has called for a "war powers act" to enshrine into British law that the government must seek parliamentary approval before committing to planned military action. Corbyn said May ordered the weekend air strikes on Syria without observing a 2011 convention by the previous Conservative coalition government that the House of Commons should have a chance to debate before troops were committed to military operations. During today's debate Corbyn said May's decision not to recall parliament last week ahead of the military action showed a flagrant disregard for the convention. May told MPs it would have been wrong to recall the British parliament before the air strikes last weekend in Syria as it might have helped the enemy, adding that uncertainty was crucial. She said: "Our ability to exploit uncertainty was a critical part of the operation, and that uncertainty was also a critical part of its success." May said a war powers act proposed by Corbyn would mean interventions, like the action have taken last week in Syria, would become unviable. May has refuted suggestions that Britain joined the military action in Syria on the orders of U.S. President Donald Trump. She said it was her job as prime minister to make decisions about military action, and parliament's responsibility to hold her to account for the decisions she takes. During Monday's debates in the House of Commons, May refused to give an assurance that she would ask for parliamentary approval before she sanctioned military action. FREETOWN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union said Tuesday it would support Sierra Leone's new parliament with 3 million euros to facilitate the work of the legislators, rehabilitate committee rooms and the IT system in the House of Parliament. EU Head of Delegation to Sierra Leone Tom Vens made the announcement at an induction ceremony of 146 newly elected members of parliament. He said the EU would provide embedded technical assistance to parliamentary administration, which would start next month and continue for the next three years. "We would finance critical infrastructure works with three million euro, to facilitate the work of the legislators," Vens said. " "Several parts of this building, which dates back to 1961, are in need of repairs, including improvements to the water and sanitation system and the rehabilitation of committee rooms. The IT system currently does not meet the parliament's needs, nor does the sound system in the plenary room," he said. The new Sierra Leone parliament will start sitting on Thursday, Apirl 19, and members of parliament will elect the speaker. BUJUMBURA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen on Monday night attacked a village in western Burundi, killing two persons and injuring three others, witnesses told Xinhua on Tuesday. Burundian Minister of Security Alain Guillaume Bunyoni confirmed the attack, in Karwema village in Bubanza province, but didn't give casualty figures. Gunmen in military uniforms attacked the village at around 8 p.m., said a woman whose son was killed in the attack. "They shot dead my son and burned our house before running away," she said. One person had been killed at her neighbors' house and three others had been seriously injured, she added. Other witnesses said a truck carrying cement heading to the Burundian capital Bujumbura from Cibitoke province was ambushed in the village. Villages near the Rukoko forest reserve have witnessed several ambushes near the road linking Bujumbura to Cibitoke, often by gunmen who then flee to neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. DAR ES SALAAM, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) on Tuesday suspended tourist visits to Lake Manyara National Park in the country's northern tourist circuit after heavy rains damaged a bridge. Visits by tourists to the Lake Manyara National Park are temporarily suspended after flash floods swept away a bridge over Marera River, TANAPA Corporate Communications Manager Paschal Shelutete said in a statement. "We urge all visitors to temporarily suspend their planned visits to the park," said Shelutete. "Visits will resume when water levels subside." Lake Manyara National Park is well known for its lions, elephants, large buffaloes, and zebra herds that congregate on the grassy plains. Meanwhile, the number of people killed by flash floods caused by the ongoing rains in the country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam rose from nine to 14, police said on Tuesday. According to a statement released last week by Tanzania Meteorological Agency, the rains were expected to continue for some time. The statement mentioned hardest-hit regions as Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Coast, Kilimanjaro, Manyara, Arusha, and Morogoro. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 01:55:07|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Mark Lowcock on Tuesday expressed concern about insufficient commercial imports, particularly food, to Yemen. "We remain very concerned about commercial imports through all of Yemen's ports, most particularly (the Red Sea ports of) Hudaydah and Saleef," Lowcock told the Security Council. Before the war, Yemen relied on imports to cover 90 percent of staple food and nearly all its medicine and fuel needs, he said. "Commercial shortages and delays at ports have led to sharp increase in the price of food and household necessities. Ports are the lifeline of Yemen." Price increases, especially of food, are forcing hundreds of thousands of destitute families to turn to humanitarian assistance for their very survival, he said. The United Nations is encouraging all those concerned to accelerate the normalization of commercial shipments into Hudaydah and Saleef, as well as to Yemen's other ports, he said. "We are worried that shipping companies are reluctant to enter Yemeni waters." The reasons are related to problems with foreign exchange and the banking sector as well as the ports, but the result is that insufficient food is being imported, he explained. Lowcock also voiced concern over the fact that Sanaa airport remains closed to commercial traffic. The closure of the airport is preventing thousands of critically ill patients from traveling abroad to seek treatment unavailable in Yemen, he said. Military activities conducted in the proximity of the airport over the last month have affected humanitarian flights. Yemen, which has been in war since 2015, remains the world's worst humanitarian crisis, he said. Three quarters of the population, or more than 22 million people, urgently require some form of humanitarian help, including 8.4 million people who struggle to find their next meal, said Lowcock. BERLIN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The embattled German car maker Opel announced on Tuesday the cancellation of all of its existing contracts with intermediate part suppliers. The goal of the radical measure was to achieve new agreements with suppliers which would improve the profitability and performance of the car maker, a spokesperson for Opel told press. Around 1,600 contracts would be dissolved throughout Europe, 385 of which are based in Germany. Speaking to the automotive magazine Autohaus on Tuesday, however, Juergen Keller, the head of Opel's German operations, emphasized that only 12 suppliers would not receive a new offer from the Ruesselsheim-based car maker. It would hence be inappropriate to describe the move as a permanent reduction in Opel's supplier base. According to Keller, the negotiation of new contracts would begin imminently. The Opel executive predicted that resulting agreements would then become enforceable from early 2020 onwards. Opel has recently been acquired by the French automotive group PSA. PSA chief executive officer Carlos Tavares has since vowed to slash costs at the loss-making German car maker by 1.1 billion euros (1.4 billion U.S. dollars) each year despite commitment not to close any existing plants or lay-off staff. "Step by step, we will create a sustainable future for our company in Germany with measures to improve our competitiveness," a related statement released by Opel CEO Michael Lohscheller read. Nevertheless, automotive expert Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer warned on Tuesday that the escalation of an ongoing dispute between Opel's management and labor representatives over the exact shape of corporate restructuring efforts could still witness the shuttering of several German plants. Demands by the influential IG Metall trade union for PSA to preserve existing collective wage agreements at Opel might be used as an excuse by the new French owners to backtrack on earlier assurances to hold on to production facilities in Germany. "In the end, we may yet see the closure of Opel plants in Kaiserslautern and Eisenach," Dudenhoeffer told press. CAPE TOWN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane pledged on Tuesday to open a fresh investigation into a corruption scandal involving a number of politicians. Mkhwebane made the commitment during a presentation of her annual report and budget to Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Service. Responding to concerns raised by MPs about the lack of progress into the role of politicians in the scandal in relation with the controversial Indian Gupta family, Mkhwebane said, "The file will be opened and the matter will be investigated about the role of the politicians, as well as to the impact on beneficiaries." Mkhwebane was referring to the Vrede Dairy Farm project in Free State Province, into which the provincial government poured 220 million rand (about 18.3 million U.S. dollars) in 2013. Only 2 million rand (166,000 dollars) were in fact spent on the project. Most of the money allegedly went to Estina, a company owned by the Guptas. Then Free State Premier Ace Magashule, who is now secretary general of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), was blamed for the mishandling of the funding. A number of local officials allegedly benefited from the project. In a previous investigation, Public Protector Mkhwebane found that the Free State Agricultural Department did not properly handle the Vrede Dairy Farm Project. Mkhwebane directed Magashule to institute disciplinary proceedings against all implicated officials involved in the project and submit a report to her office on the action he would take once a disciplinary process has been concluded. Magashule left this job undone as he was elected ANC secretary general last December. In January this year, the Hawks, a special anti-crime unit, conducted search and seizure operations relating to the Vrede Dairy Farm, at Magashule's premises and that of the provincial Department of Agriculture. The investigation into the scandal has since hit snags. Mkhwebane's pledge on Tuesday to reinstate investigation into the matter was welcomed by Mathole Motshekga, chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Service. "No one is above the law," he said, noting that everyone involved in allegations of mismanagement, maladministration or corruption must be investigated. "This money was meant for poor South Africans to lift them out of the levels of poverty they are currently living in," Motshekga said. NEW YORK, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Some unseen viruses as well as bacteria capable of causing life-threatening human illness were found in New York City's house mice, according to a new study published Tuesday. The findings are part of the results from a research by the Center for Infection and Immunity at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health. The researchers gathered 416 mice from predominantly residential buildings in seven sites across New York City over a period of 13 months to see whether they carry any dangerous germs. Mice across the city carry numerous dangerous diseases including shigella, salmonella, clostridium difficile and leptospira, which cause fever and gastrointestinal distress in humans, according to the study published by mBio, a journal of the American Society for Microbiology. Some of the bacteria were resistant to three common antibiotics, it showed. In addition, the mice carried 36 types of viruses, most of which had never before been seen in mice. Estimates of New York City's rat population range from 250,000 to millions. WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- One person on a U.S. passenger plane died Tuesday after it made an emergency landing in the U.S. city of Philadelphia due to engine failure. The Boeing 737-700, operated by Southwest Airlines, was flying from New York City to Dallas when one of its engines failed. Passengers said the plane was able to land "safely", and initial reports said one person, who was hurt by crashed window, was taken to hospital. U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Robert Sumwalt later confirmed one person died from the accident. Southwest Airlines said in a statement that 143 travelers and five crew members were on the flight and the company was trying to gather further information. Photos shared on social media by passengers showed the engine was badly damaged. Previous news reports said the damage was caused by an explosion. According to multiple accounts, passengers on board the plane went through terrifying moments as the plane entered a dive, and some were said to be crying or vomiting. The Philadelphia fire department said at a press conference the plane came down "in a fairly rapid manner", and preliminary examination of the flight record showed the aircraft dropped 5.2 kilometers in five minutes. A passenger named Marty Matinez made a brief Facebook live on his account at the final moments of the flight, saying "Engine exploded in the air and blew open window 3 seats away" from him. The U.S. NTSB has announced an investigation into the incident. All air traffic at Philadelphia was put on hold. VIENNA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Tuesday offered his country's full support to the United Nations (UN) as part of its efforts toward peace negotiations on the Syrian conflict. In a statement provided to the APA, Kurz said he had spoken to UN special envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura about Austria's willingness to play the role of a mediator. "I spoke about possible confidence-building measures and first steps towards a peaceful solution to the Syria conflict," he said. The chancellor argued that "everything must be done to prevent a further escalation," in the heated issue. There cannot be a military solution to the conflict, the chancellor further stated. Austria has a long tradition of being a place where dialogue can be held and also of being a "bridge-builder," the chancellor said. Russian Prime Ministry Dmitry Medevdev attends a meeting with memebers of the the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in the Moscow region, Russia, on April 17, 2018. (Photo by Russian government) MOSCOW, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian Prime Ministry Dmitry Medevdev said Tuesday that the Russian economy is facing urgent challenges and that it is necessary to keep the economy from being negatively impacted by a new round of Western sanctions. Despite the currently positive economic growth, many urgent tasks have remained to be resolved, especially given the situation connected with another round of anti-Russian sanctions, such as pressure measures taken against Russian companies, Medvedev said at a meeting with members of the board of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs. "It is obvious that we must not allow the good sprouts of our economy to fall under the negative effects of sanctions ... We are well aware that these are illegitimate ways of resolving political problem with economic means," Medvedev said. He added that unfair competition is "simply unacceptable" in the legal sense, which does not only put pressure on Russian companies operating domestically but also on foreign markets. The prime minister again stressed that Russia will support the companies on the sanctions list. Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury announced it had imposed new sanctions on 38 Russian individuals and entities, including seven business leaders and 17 senior officials, for their alleged "malign activities" around the world. In response, Medvedev said Moscow is mulling countermeasures possibly targeting U.S. securities and businesses while working out proposals on providing support to companies affected by the sanctions, including those in the metals, energy and defense sectors. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 08:46:52|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close U.S. President Donald Trump (Xinhua file photo) WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) have already started direct talks at "very high levels." Trump made the remarks at his Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S. state of Florida after his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. "We have had direct talks at very high levels, extremely high levels" with the DPRK, Trump said. He also told reporters that five sites were currently being weighed as the venue for a meeting between him and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un, which has been planned to take place in May or early June. When asked by reporters if any of the sites were located in the United States, Trump said "no." Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. "They do have my blessing to discuss the end to the war," said Trump before his meeting with Abe on Tuesday afternoon, referring to the upcoming inter-Korean summit. The 1950-1953 Korean war ended in armistice. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war. Abe was on a two-day working visit at Mar-a-Lago starting from Tuesday, during which he was supposed to discuss with Trump the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, bilateral trade and other issues. TRIPOLI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Libyan coast guard on Tuesday rescued more than 200 illegal immigrants on two rubber boats off western coast, according to a local official. "The department has received 204 illegal immigrants of nine African nationalities, including 71 women and 10 children, after they were rescued by a coast guard patrol and taken to Tripoli naval base," Husni Abu-Ayana, media officer of Tripoli's anti-illegal immigration department, told Xinhua. The migrants were housed inside the department's headquarters in Tripoli, Abu-Ayana said, noting that they were provided with first aid and accommodation services by the International Medical Corps. Libya has become a preferred departure point for illegal immigrants hoping to cross the Mediterranean Sea into Europe due to insecurity and chaos in the North African country following the 2011 uprising that toppled former leader Muammar Gaddafi. Improved weather conditions have increased the flow of migrant boats from Libya towards Europe, particularly off the country's western coast. According to official figures, the number of migrants rescued off Libyan coasts during the first quarter of 2018 is more than 4,000. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 10:22:11|Editor: pengying Video Player Close Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia (Front), addresses a UN Security Council meeting on the Humanitarian situation in Syria at the UN headquarters in New York, April 17, 2018. Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Tuesday branded a new draft Security Council resolution on Syria, which was circulated by France, Britain and the United States, as "untimely and unnecessary." (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Tuesday branded a new draft Security Council resolution on Syria, which was circulated by France, Britain and the United States, as "untimely and unnecessary." The draft was circulated among the 15 members of the Security Council on Saturday and negotiations began on Monday. But Nebenzia showed no interest at all. "At first glance, (the draft is) untimely and unnecessary," he told reporters on Tuesday. Russian representatives were present at the first round of negotiations "just to hear," but believed the effort was not timely, he said. "On Friday they waged an aggression against Syria, on Saturday they came with a political solution, don't you think it's funny?" he asked, in reference to the missile strikes carried out by the three countries on Syria. French Ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said Monday that the new draft resolution would be a comprehensive one, covering political and humanitarian issues and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. "The goal of the resolution is clear: it is for the Security Council to restart collective action to deal with the chemical weapons dossier, to protect civilians and to work toward a political settlement of the Syrian crisis," Delattre told reporters on Monday. Nebenzia argued on Tuesday that there have already been Security Council resolutions covering political and humanitarian issues concerning Syria. As to chemical weapons use in Syria, Nebenzia said an investigative mechanism is no longer necessary. "They (The three countries) attributed the guilt and they already punished the culprits, why do they need any investigative mechanism any more?" he asked, again in reference to the missile strikes on Syria over reports of chemical weapons use in the Arab country. Security Council members have been trying to set up a new inquiry mechanism for chemical attacks in Syria since such a mechanism was disbanded in November 2017 after Russia vetoed the extension of its mandate. Russia last week again vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution for the purpose of establishing an investigative mechanism for chemical weapons use in Syria. A Russian-drafted resolution for the same purpose failed to pass the threshold of nine votes in favor of adoption. Besides the French-drafted resolution, Security Council members also have in their hands a Swedish-drafted text, which includes a request to the UN secretary-general to immediately dispatch a high-level disarmament mission to Syria to address all outstanding issues about the use of chemical weapons in the country once and for all. However, council members have not engaged seriously on the Swedish draft. WASHINGTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The White House said on Tuesday that the U.S. government has had talks "at the highest levels" with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), but there have been no talks yet between President Donald Trump and DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. The White House statement came minutes after Trump seemingly hinted that he has already talked with Kim. When asked by reporters if he has spoken directly with Kim, Trump, during a photo-taking session at his Mar-a-Lago resort in the U.S. state of Florida, said "yes." However, it was not clear if Trump was responding to the question, as many questions were being darted at the president, who was accompanying visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his wife. "In regards to talks with leader Kim Jong Un: the president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly," said the White House statement issued after the confusing incident. On Tuesday afternoon, Trump himself also said that Washington and Pyongyang have already started direct talks at "very high levels," without specifying how "high" the level was. Meanwhile, CIA Director Mike Pompeo has reportedly made a top-secret visit to the DPRK over Easter weekend as an envoy for Trump. The trip made by Pompeo, who was also Trump's pick for the state secretary to replace Rex Tillerson, was an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between the leaders of the two countries, reported the Washington Post. However, there is currently no official confirmation on Pompeo's visit. Trump was expected to meet Kim in May or early June. The venue of the meeting has still to be decided, but Trump said on Tuesday that five sites are currently being weighed and none of them is located in the United States. Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. Abe was on a two-day working visit at Mar-a-Lago starting from Tuesday, during which he was supposed to discuss with Trump the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and bilateral trade, among other issues. NEW DELHI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At least 21 people were killed and 12 others injured after a mini-truck carrying members of marriage party fell from a bridge in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, police said Wednesday. The accident took place Tuesday night over the Sone river in Sidhi district about 573 km east of Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh. "Last night 21 people were killed and 12 others injured when a mini-truck carrying marriage party fell off a bridge over the Sone river here," Dilip Kumar, Sidhi district collector said. "The injured have been admitted to the district hospital and condition of three is stated to be critical." Authorities said the rescue work has been completed. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has expressed deep sorrow over the accident and announced an assistance of 3,045 U.S. dollars to each family that lost kin in the accident. Police have registered a case and ordered investigations to ascertain reason behind the accident. Deadly road accidents are common in India often caused due to overloading, bad condition of roads and reckless driving. An official report says on an average 400 deaths take place every day in India due to road accidents. HANOI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's central bank on Wednesday raised its reference exchange rate between Vietnamese dong and U.S. dollar by 5 Vietnamese dong to 22,482 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar. With the current trading band of plus or minus 3 percent, the ceiling exchange rate is 23,160 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar, and the floor rate is 21,716 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar, said the State Bank of Vietnam. Despite the hike in reference exchange rate, listed rates at big commercial banks in Vietnam dropped compared to those on Tuesday. BIDV cut 5 Vietnamese dong from both rates, buying the greenback at 22,735 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar and selling at 22,805 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar. Vietinbank lowered its listed rates by 4 Vietnamese dong each to 22,734 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar for buying and 22,804 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar for selling. In the first two days of this week, the central bank adjusted down its reference exchange rate with total magnitude of 15 Vietnamese dong per U.S. dollar. According to Vietnam's National Financial Supervisory Commission, the central exchange rate in late 2017 rose around 1.6 percent against early 2017, while the average rate offered by commercial banks decreased 0.2 percent, and on the free market dropped some 1.5 percent. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 12:12:27|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close (Xinhua file photo) by Xinhua writer Deng Xianlai BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has since his election campaign been criticizing China for what he said were Beijing's "unfair trade practices," and the recent build-up to what could become a China-U.S. trade war suggests the president is determined to act. However, a breakdown of facts will show that Washington's excuses for escalating its trade tensions with China do not hold water. CASUAL DECISION TO IMPOSE TARIFFS ON CHINA Before explaining how the algorithms by which the United States has come to the conclusion that its trade deficit with China amounts to over 375 billion U.S. dollars are apparently questionable, let's see just how casual Trump's decision, as of now, to impose tariffs on a total of 150 billion dollars worth of Chinese goods is. "China has been asked to develop a plan for the year of a One Billion Dollar reduction in their massive Trade Deficit with the United States. Our relationship with China has been a very good one, and we look forward to seeing what ideas they come back with. We must act soon!" Trump wrote in a March 7 tweet. Reports suggesting the number was severely inflated by the Trump administration itself came shortly after the president fired off the tweet. The Wall Street Journal reported on March 8 that the administration requested that China shave 100 billion dollars off the deficit, citing sources familiar with the matter as saying the request was made by U.S. officials to their Chinese interlocutors a week before. If a lack of intra-administration communication was not the reason for the obvious discrepancy between Trump and administration officials' assertions, then it seems we can rightly assume that the proposed tally of tariffs was nothing but to add the math up. BIASED ALGORITHMS IN DETERMINING DEFICIT Now come the algorithms. The United States calculates trade deficits and surpluses based on where a product is finished instead of on value added, a method that renders its unilaterally-concluded China deficit number unconvincing. In an opinion piece published on April 2 on the Foreign Affairs magazine's website, Philip Levy wrote: "Since China is the latest stage in the (global value) chain, a finished product can appear to have come from China, even if Chinese value-added is relatively small." Levy, who tried in his article to justify U.S. acceptance of China's accession into the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001 as one and the only right decision, pinpointed the exact symptom of Washington's ill-devised calculations. Indeed, a lot of products with the "made in China" labels oftentimes turn out to be assembled in China using imported parts. Take Apple's electronic devices for example. According to statistics dating back as early as 2010, 58.5 percent of iPhone's profits went to the Apple company, whereas China's labor cost only constituted 1.8 percent of inputs. While profits gained by Apple from the iPad slipped to 30 percent in the same year, the percentage of China's labor cost stood at 2 percent, pretty much the same as that of the iPhone and still in stark contrast with Apple's gains. It is crystal clear that it is the American company -- and subsequently the U.S. economy -- that has harvested most of the profits, not the Chinese assemblers. Yet, the Apple products, along with many other Chinese-finished commodities, are considered by the Trump administration to be items by which Beijing has taken advantage of Washington. Moreover, the structure of China-U.S. trade matters as well. China sells mainly daily necessities to the United States that usually have low profit margins, while the United States sells things like aircraft and automobiles to China, ones that undeniably have more added values. Trump is so vehemently concerned about bilateral trade balance. If he decides to abandon the cliche of national security concerns and sell high-end equipment to China, he would have overturned the deficit "conundrum" with a flip of the hand. In fact, Beijing, judging from both the complementary nature of the bilateral trade structure and a win-win point of view, has on multiple occasions urged Washington to loosen its grip on exports that the latter worries comprise "sensitive technologies." Unfortunately, though, China's efforts have so far been to no avail. UNFAIR BLAME ON CHINA FOR DECLINE OF MANUFACTURING Last but not least, as far as the decline of the U.S. manufacturing sector is concerned, there is little the United States can righteously complain about China. During his presidential campaign, Trump spared no effort to blame China for harming the U.S. manufacturing sector. Although bringing home American manufacturers was a key pledge in Trump's protectionist "Make America Strong Again" slogan, statistics once again suggests that the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs is more of a domestic issue than something caused by such external reasons as the China factor. In the same Foreign Affairs article, Levy said the share of manufacturing employment in total U.S. nonfarm payrolls -- the primary indicator used to assess U.S. job creation -- fell from 12 percent in December 2001 to 8.5 percent in December 2017. He called the decline, which came in the wake of China's accession into the WTO, "a drop of just over 29 percent ... that actually represents a slowing of a preexisting trend." Levy said the share of labor in U.S. manufacturing fell by more than 33 percent between 1985 and 2001, the 16 years leading up to China's WTO membership. That backed up his conclusion that China, if anything, had actually played a much lesser role in the downward trend. Turning the calendar back by a further 16-year time, the author said "we can see the same trend in the United States: a 31 percent drop from an initial 25.9 percent in 1969." "That occurred during a period in which China was largely isolated from the global economy and it therefore cannot be held responsible," Levy said. SEOUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's presidential Blue House said Wednesday that it was reviewing way to turn the current armistice on the Korean Peninsula into a peace treaty during the upcoming summit with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) later this month. An unnamed senior Blue House official told local reporters that the Blue House was reviewing way and possibility to turn the Korean Peninsula's armistice system into a peace mechanism, according to local media reports. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in armistice, not peace treaty. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to hold the third-ever inter-Korean summit on April 27 at the border village of Panmunjom. The official, however, noted that there remained process of discussions with relevant parties, saying that if necessary, the three- or four-party agreement would be possible. He said South Korea was reviewing and discussing various ways to develop security situations on the peninsula into a fundamentally peaceful regime, anticipating an inter-Korean agreement to end the war in any form. During the visit by special envoys of President Moon to Pyongyang in early March, top DPRK leader Kim told the envoys that his country would not use any weapons, nuclear and conventional, toward South Korea as long as dialogues continue. Given Kim's comments, the Blue House official wished an inter-Korean agreement be reached to ban any hostile act toward each other, though not using the expression of ending the war, during the upcoming summit. HOUSTON, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Texas Governor Gregg Abbott issued a statement Tuesday night on the passing of former U.S. first lady Barbara Bush, praising her contributions to the country's education in particular. "Barbara Bush dedicated her life to helping others. As only the second woman in history to be both the wife and the mother of U.S. presidents, Barbara had a unique and profound impact on our country," read the statement. "Spearheading the fight against illiteracy, she created the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, working to improve the lives of those less fortunate through education," the statement continued. Barbara Bush died Tuesday at the age of 92, days after she decided to give up treatment for her illnesses. General public wishing to pay respect to Mrs. Bush can do so on Friday as she lay in repose at St. Martin's Church in Houston, a few blocks from the home she and George H. W. Bush built after he was defeated for re-election in 1992. A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday at the same church. Then a motorcade will carry her body to the George Bush Presidential Library Center in College Station, Texas, on the campus of Texas A&M University. There, she will be laid to rest near the grave of a daughter, Robin. Barbara Bush served as the first lady during her husband George H. W. Bush's presidency between 1989 and 1993. She is also the mother of former President George W. Bush, who served between 2001 and 2009. SKOPJE, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia has a clear recommendation for the start of the European Union (EU) membership negotiations, Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev said on Tuesday. "After two years of conditional recommendation Macedonia returned to its path of Euro-integration," Zaev said after the European Commission (EC) Progress Report on the European Union Enlargement regarding Macedonia was published. Zaev considered this as a big day for Macedonia. Macedonia Deputy Prime Minister for European Affairs Bujar Osmani considered the positive assessment of the European Commission on Macedonia's progress as a stimulus for continuing reforms aimed at Macedonia's EU membership. Osmani said the next step until June is to resolve the name issue with Greece, so that the EU will give a recommendation for the opening of talks. The EU on Tuesday supported the opening of formal membership talks with Albania and Macedonia. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini said the EC, the executive arm of the EU, recommended that member states open accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia. "A step forward today for Macedonia and Albania is a step forward for the entire region, expressing belief that the countries of the region would present concrete reform results to meet expectations of their citizens," Mogherini said in Brussels. In a statement, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said that "he hopes the progress report for Macedonia will be an additional motive for resolving the name issue with Greece." Macedonia is formally called the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) at the UN. However, Macedonia is also the name of a northern province in Greece and the Greek authorities are worried that the use of the same name by the neighboring state could lead to territorial claims. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 13:42:43|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Trade frictions with the United States have a limited and controllable impact on the Chinese economy, an official from China's top economic planner said Wednesday. "China has prepared multi-level response plans and backup policies for the US-initiated trade frictions," Yan Pengcheng, spokesperson of the National Development and Reform Commission, told a press conference. Supply-side structural reform and new growth momentum have laid a solid foundation to prepare China for the external impact, he said, citing the reassuring performance of China's economy in the first quarter. China's economy demonstrated its resilience by delivering a solid start to the year with GDP expanding 6.8 percent year on year at comparable prices in the first quarter, official data showed. "China, with a population of nearly 1.4 billion, has a huge domestic market, and even if the east goes dark, the west still shines," he said. "We are confident and capable of sustaining the stable development of our economy," he said. While certain sectors of Chinese exports will be affected to some extent, consumers and related manufacturers in the United States will pay the price of U.S. protectionism, Yan said. "We hope to work together with other countries to conform to the trend of the times and create a more favorable environment for globalization and cross-border investment," he said. SEOUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's exports of information and communications technology (ICT) products posted the second-biggest figure in March, contributing to the economy's continued export growth, a government report showed Wednesday. The ICT exports advanced 18.6 percent from a year earlier to 19.14 billion U.S. dollars in March, marking the biggest except for the record high of 19.25 billion dollars tallied in September last year, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Imports in the ICT sector stood at 9.06 billion dollars in March, sending the ICT trade surplus to 10.08 billion dollars. The ICT exports kept a double-digit expansion for 16 months since December 2016 due mainly to strong demand for locally-made semiconductors, of which exports jumped 44.3 percent to 10.98 billion dollars. Outbound shipments of computer and peripherals surged 61.1 percent to 1.1 billion dollars last month, but mobile phone exports tumbled 17.8 percent to 1.37 billion dollars as local manufacturers increased production in overseas factories. Display panel shipments declined 14.7 percent to 2.2 billion dollars in the cited period. ICT exports to China, South Korea's biggest trading partner, jumped 27.5 percent to 10.33 billion dollars, with those to the United States and Vietnam recording a double-digit increase. TIRANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama hailed on Tuesday the positive recommendation made earlier in the day by the European Commission (EC) for the opening of negotiations for his country's European Union (EU) membership. Albania just opened a new chapter in its history, Rama said, noting that Albania, which became an official EU candidate country in 2014, still has a lot of challenges ahead. "Albania has now a new status in the international arena and finally came out from another crossroad between the past and the future," Rama said, adding that the recommendation was a recognition of Albania's merits. "Albania has shown devotion and patience. Albanians deserve to have all their efforts, sacrifices and confidence in the common values and vision of the Union recognized," said Romana Vlahutin, ambassador of the European Union Delegation to Albania. Albanian President Ilir Meta called the EC's recommendation an encouraging, long-awaited and strategic act for the country's European future. Meta praised the EC as a precious and unsparing friend of the candidate countries and expressed the confidence that the current moment would make Albania a more hopeful European country. Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ditmir Bushati said on social media that the reforms undertaken in Albania are yielding fruits. "This is a day to roll up the sleeves and keep up with the hard work," he said. While presenting in Brussels the EC Progress Report for the Western Balkans countries, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini noted that the EC appreciates the bloc's enlargement policy. "Enlargement increases stability and security. The process is built on fair and rigorous conditionality, and each country is assessed for its reforms on the basis of merit," said Mogherini. Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn emphasized that Albania has made significant progress in fulfilling five priorities and judicial reform in particular, which has achieved tangible results in the process of re-evaluating judges and prosecutors. "It is about maintaining and deepening the current reforms and momentum when it comes to Albania in key fields, such as public administration reform, fight against organized crime and corruption, judicial reform and protection of minorities," he said. In November 2016, Albania received the EU recommendation to open EU accession negotiations conditioned primarily upon the implementation of a judicial reform package passed earlier the same year. WARSAW, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on Tuesday that increased logging in Bialowieza forest in Poland has violated EU environmental laws and the Polish government is facing massive fines. At least 10,000 trees have been felled in the ancient forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site nourishing plenty of animals and plants, including Europe's largest herd of bison. UNESCO has classified the forest nestled across Poland and Belarus on the watershed of the Baltic and Black Seas as a site of "outstanding universal value." Poland argued that its decision to increase logging was necessary to combat beetle infestation. But the ECJ found that Poland's own documents showed logging posed a greater threat to Bialowieza's integrity. A minimum fine of 4.3 million euros (about 5.3 million U.S. dollars) could be levied against Poland unless the tree felling is stopped, according to the court. "If they comply with the judgment, no problem," an EU official told the Guardian. "If they don't, we have a possibility to go to a second infringement procedure that may end up in fines." The ECJ ruling was hailed by environmental activists. The group ClientEarth said the decision was for now only on paper and called for the Polish government to scrap its original approval of logging. CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian Greens launched a bid on Wednesday to protect a stretch of coast from oil exploration by having it put on the United Nations' World Heritage list. A coalition of groups opposed to oil exploration on Wednesday launched a global campaign to have the Great Australian Bight included on the register. The Great Australian Bight is a large oceanic bight on the coastline of South Australia. Its length is defined by the Australian Hydrographic Service as 1,160 km. Sarah Hanson-Young, a Greens senator, said experts were confident that the ocean area would meet the strict criteria required to be declared a site of global significance by the United Nations. She said the bight had a larger range of marine life than the already-listed Great Barrier Reef with 85 percent of its species not found anywhere else. "The Great Australian Bight is under increasing threat from multinational fossil fuels companies wanting to drill for oil and gas, risking tourism and fishing industries, coastal communities and the precious marine life that call it home," Hanson-Young told News Corp Australia on Wednesday. "(In 2017) scientists discovered 275 species and a further 887 species already known to science were found in the area for the first time." "The underwater environment is so diverse that scientists are yet fully to understand the richness of this complex ecosystem." A successful campaign would make it much harder for oil companies to receive approval to carry out exploration within the bight. Both Chevron and BP have abandoned plans to drill in the area with BP modelling finding that an oil spill in the bight would be nearly impossible to contain. However, the federal government's National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority is currently considering a proposal to carry out oil and gas exploration within 100 km of the Australian mainland. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 14:17:50|Editor: Yamei Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Brazil said on Tuesday that it will resume meat exports to Indonesia at an early date after the South Asian country's import restrictions for years due to concerns about food security. The two countries' negotiations over trading details are in the final phase, Brazilian Minister of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply Blairo Maggi said, adding that an Indonesian technical group is on the way to several slaughterhouses in Brazil. Brazil has also negotiated with South Korea over meat exports and plans to further expand markets in China and Russia, the minister said. In March last year, Indonesia decided to stop importing beef and chicken from Brazil after a highly publicized meatpacking scandal raised doubts about the country's food products. CAIRO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The China-Egypt cooperation, which is fruitful and beneficial to both peoples, has lifted the bilateral political and economic ties to a new height, Chinese and Egyptian officials have said. At the opening ceremony of the two-day China-Africa Cooperation Zones Symposium in Cairo on Tuesday, Mohab Mamish, head of the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), hailed the "remarkable" cooperation between the two countries. "The Egyptian-Chinese cooperation is remarkable. It is in favor of the two peoples and we welcome it," Mamish told the symposium under the theme of "Results and Experiences." China attaches great attention to enhancing cooperation with Africa in general, and Egypt in particular, he noted. China's TEDA corporation, one of the oldest and largest developers of the SCZone, is currently working on the development project of an area of 7.23 square km in Ain Sokhna district in the northeastern province of Ismailia. The first phase of the project attracted some 68 enterprises after completion. As one of Egypt's national mega projects, the development of the SCZone offers a promising investment opportunity for global companies. This is illustrated by the success of China's fiberglass giant Jushi, a tenant company of TEDA industrial zone, which has recently helped Egypt become the world's third largest producer of fiberglass after the United States and China. "The industrial area in Ain Sokhna is a model of cooperation between the two sides, where TEDA, which develops the area, honorably represents China and we do value its role in Egypt's development," Mamish noted. China spares no effort to contribute to the development of African states through investment projects and construction of industrial areas, he said. Ji Peiding, a member of Foreign Policy Advisory Group of China's Foreign Ministry, hailed the "close cooperation" and "strategic partnership" between China and African states in various fields. "China is the largest trade partner of Africa over the past consecutive nine years, as the volume of trade exchange between the two sides has reached 170 billion U.S. dollars last year," Ji, also China's former Deputy Foreign Minister, said in a statement. The Chinese diplomat pointed out that there are 3,100 Chinese companies investing in development projects in Africa, in addition to China's contribution to the UN peacekeeping forces and peacemaking missions in Africa. "China is one of the largest developing countries and Africa has potentials. Cooperation between the two sides would bring the largest benefits for all," Ji noted. China has the required technology, expertise and finance to help sustain the development of Africa, he explained. "The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has become an important platform for cooperation between the two sides since the FOCAC summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015," Ji said. Meanwhile, China's Ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo said China will give the FOCAC summit due in September in China's capital Beijing "a new push for partnership with Africa to enhance cooperation in all fields." "China has invested 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in more than 20 economic zones in Africa, creating jobs for about 60,000 people," Song said. "Egypt has a promising economic future and China will support Egypt to achieve development and deepen mutual cooperation," the Chinese ambassador added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 14:32:52|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Housing prices remained largely stable in major Chinese cities in March amid the government's tough purchase restrictions, official data showed Wednesday. As the government maintained purchase restrictions aimed at containing speculative demand, new home prices softened in the country's first-tier cities, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). New home prices in first-tier cities declined 0.6 percent year on year last month, while prices of existing houses in these cities went down 0.1 percent year on year. The property market in second-tier cities is also showing signs of slower growth, with the year-on-year growth of new home prices sliding 0.2 percentage points from a month earlier. New home prices went down on a yearly basis in nine of the 15 major cities considered the "hottest markets." On a month-on-month basis, new home prices fell in 7 of the 15 cities, while Tianjin and Hefei saw home prices flat with February. "Housing prices were generally stable as market controls have continued to take effect," said NBS statistician Liu Jianwei. During previous years, rocketing house prices, especially in major cities, had fueled concerns about asset bubbles. To curb speculation, local governments rolled out or expanded their restrictions on house purchases and increased the minimum downpayment required for a mortgage. This year's government work report reiterated that "houses are for living in, not for speculation." "We will support people in buying homes for personal use, and develop the housing rental market and shared ownership housing," it said. CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland has overtaken New Zealand as the biggest source of international visitors to Australia for the first time. Data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) on Wednesday showed that 1.39 million people visited Australia from the Chinese mainland in the 12 months to February 2018, a 13.2-percent increase on the previous months. The number of Chinese visitors to Australia has tripled since 2010 and Tourism Australia expects further growth up to 3.9 million every year by 2026. Tourism Australia expects 42 percent of all international visitors to Australia to come from the Chinese mainland by 2020. Steve Ciobo, Australia's minister for trade, tourism and investment, said New Zealand remained a strong market for Australian tourism with 1.36 million visitors over the 12-month period. Despite New Zealand traditionally being the biggest source of visitors to Australia, Chinese tourists have been outspending those from any other country since 2011. "China has been Australia's most valuable inbound tourism market since 2011, with visitors spending a record 10.4 billion Australian dollars (8.07 billion U.S. dollars) in the year ending December 2017," Ciobo said in a media release on Wednesday. "This growth is set to continue with China's increased prosperity forecast to fuel another trebling of numbers over the next decade to 3.9 million by 2026-27. "The 2017 China-Australia Year of Tourism, a landmark open capacity aviation agreement with China and significant visa reform, has contributed to this incredible growth," Ciobo said. CANBERRA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Australia is playing host to a record number of international students on the back of an influx of the Chinese mainland students. Simon Birmingham, Australia's minister for education and training, announced on Wednesday that the number of international students enrolled to study in Australia in February was up 13 percent from February 2017 to 542,054. The figure represents significant growth from 2013 where the number of total international enrolments was 305,534. The Chinese mainland remained the biggest source of international students in Australia with 173,000, or 31 percent of the total, an 18 percent increase from 2017. India, Malaysia, Vietnam and Nepal, which had the highest growth at 57.4 percent, came next. "International education is going from strength to strength," Birmingham said in a media release on Wednesday. "We are thankful that so many international students choose to enhance their knowledge and skills in Australia, providing a richer and more diverse experience for both Australian students and other international students." "International education is vital to the people-to-people links and knowledge sharing between Australia and the rest of the world." Education exports were worth 32.2 billion Australian dollars (25 billion U.S. dollars) to the economy in 2017, a 22 percent increase on 2016, with growth expected to remain strong as the number of international students continues to rise. "The sector also supports around 130,000 local jobs through tourism, retail and hospitality," Birmingham said. While Asia has been a traditional source for students in Australia, universities have sought to diversify their student population, prompting strong rises in the number of students from Brazil and Colombia. Andrew Norton, higher education program director at the Grattan Institute, said the international student market presented an opportunity for huge profits for universities. "Because the government has effectively capped the number of domestic students, international students are becoming an increasing percentage of all students," Norton told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday. "A lot of that revenue to universities is being invested in buildings and in research activities." International students are particularly prominent in institutions belonging to the Group of Eight; an organization comprising the country's eight leading research universities. "That means there are huge numbers of international students living in the inner cities of Australia's big capitals," Norton said. "That is transforming the rental market, it's transforming the nature of the restaurants in the area, it's changing what the streets look like. So this is having a big effect on certain parts of Australia well beyond the university gates." Senior police official killed in S. Afghan bomb attack Source: Xinhua 2018-04-18 14:42:54 KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior police official was killed and three policemen wounded in a bomb attack in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Wednesday, a provincial police source said. Editor: Lifang Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 14:57:55|Editor: pengying Video Player Close Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM) Marketing Director Sarah Brandow (L) presents the Cutting Edge Award trophy to 360 ESG President Wu Yunkun in San Francisco, the United States, April 17, 2018. China's leading Internet security company, 360 Enterprise Security Group (360 ESG), Tuesday was honored with the Cutting Edge Award for its outstanding achievements in Internet endpoint security at an annual global information security conference here. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) SAN FRANCISCO, April 17 (Xinhua) -- China's leading Internet security company, 360 Enterprise Security Group (360 ESG), Tuesday was honored with the Cutting Edge Award for its outstanding achievements in Internet endpoint security at an annual global information security conference here. It's the first time that 360 ESG has grabbed the award in the world security industry with its next-generation product, Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR), which can work seamlessly with other security infrastructure of enterprises to form an effective protection and defense system. The Cutting Edge Award is part of the prestigious annual Infosec Awards 2018 announced by the world renowned Cyber Defense Magazine (CDM) to commend a total of 13 anti-virus and Internet security firms for the category of endpoint security, such as Kaspersky Lab, a famous Russian computer security firm, and Comodo Group, a U.S. cyber security company. CDM Marketing Director Sarah Brandow, who presented the Cutting Edge Award trophy to 360 ESG President Wu Yunkun at the 2018 RSA Conference, said the Infosec Awards 2018 honored 200 winners from about 500 finalists that emerged from 3,000 highly competitive candidate firms and vendors from across the world for their innovative and state-of-the-art security products and services. "I'm really glad to see more Chinese security companies are at the conference and really excited for the future of cybersecurity on a global scale," said Brandow, adding that the CDM "recognized what 360 ESG has done for cybersecurity." "Guided with the intelligence of big data threats, the EDR system is capable of breaking a complex, high-level threat security response into a series of proactive process such as location, assessment, response and fixing, thus providing a reliable solution to high-level threat issues," Wu said. Zhang Cong, 360 ESG deputy president who heads the EDR program, said the company's data-driven security product can lock down endpoint threats via its latest security clues in the shortest period of time and make an in-depth analysis of the threat to the endpoint victims through real time data and historical terminal information, which will help detect the flaws in local network terminals and trigger a corresponding reaction through an automated response mechanism. The annual five-day 2018 RSA Conference, which focuses on global information security and cybersecurity, attracted more than 40,000 representatives from over 500 information security companies and vendors across the globe, including 360 ESG and some other Chinese security product and service providers. It opened Monday. SEOUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A former South Korean unification minister on Wednesday stressed the need to declare an end to military confrontation between the two Koreas at an upcoming summit with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) later this month. Lee Jong-seok, who served in 2006 as the unification minister under former President Roh Moo-hyun, said at a forum in Seoul that the upcoming inter-Korean summit needs to bear fruits on the issue to build a peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. What must be done is to remove military confrontation between the two Koreas, Lee said. The former minister accompanied former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung to Pyongyang for the first-ever inter-Korean summit in 2000. South Korean President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un agreed to meet face-to-face on April 27 at the border village of Panmunjom. The first and second inter-Korean summits were held in Pyongyang in 2000 and 2007 between South Korean former presidents Kim and Roh, and Kim Jong Il, the late DPRK leader and the father of current leader Kim Jong Un. Lee, who is included in an elder advisory group for President Moon to prepare for the third inter-Korean summit, told the forum that South Korea needs to propose to the DPRK setting up representative offices both in Seoul and Pyongyang during the summit. The Blue House of South Korea said Wednesday that it was reviewing way to turn the current armistice on the peninsula into a peace treaty at the upcoming summit. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war as the 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 15:07:57|Editor: pengying Video Player Close An Afghan security force member inspects the site of a blast in Kandahar city, capital of Kandahar province, Afghanistan, April 18, 2018. A senior police official was killed and three policemen were wounded in a bomb attack in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, on Wednesday, a provincial police spokesman said. (Xinhua) KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A senior police official was killed and three policemen were wounded in a bomb attack in Kandahar city, capital of Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar, on Wednesday, a provincial police spokesman said. "Mohammad Janan was martyred and three policemen were wounded after a bomb planted in his vehicle running along a road in the city was detonated," spokesman Zia Durrani told Xinhua. Janan served as commander of a battalion of Afghan Border Police (ABP) in the province. No passerby was hurt in the incident which occurred at around 09:20 a.m. local time in Police District 4 of the city, Durrani added. The injured were shifted to a nearby hospital and a probe was launched by provincial police department into the incident. No group has claimed responsibility for the latest targeted attack. Security situation has been improving in Kandahar, the former stronghold of Taliban, over the last months, as security forces have conducted search and cordon operations across the province. But the militants attack government interests in the province from time to time. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 15:12:57|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close A cashier collects payment with Alipay in Tokyo, Japan, Dec. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Ma Ping) by Xinhua writer Yan Lei, Jon Day TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday wrapped up a three-day official visit to Japan, during which he co-chaired the fourth high-level economic dialogue between China and Japan with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Wang's visit, as well as the dialogue which was held after an eight-year hiatus, are expected to further consolidate the warming-up trend in bilateral ties and open up new space for cooperation, experts said. TIES' WARMING-UP ACCLAIMED "The momentum of improvement in Japan-China bilateral ties has been gathering steam recently following a number of high-level talks, and we are really pleased to see that," said Kaoru Imori, a senior research fellow at a private university in Tokyo. The latest of such high-level talks was between Wang and Kono, he added. China-Japan relations have gone through some twists and turns in recent years, which have affected bilateral communication and cooperation in various areas. Since last year, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent positive messages on a number of occasions on enhancing bilateral relationship, which have been noted and welcomed by China. Thanks to joint efforts, bilateral relationship has showed signs of recovery. Bilateral trade rallied to some 300 billion U.S. dollars in 2017, and the number of tourists going to Japan from Chinese mainland reached 7.3 million, up 15 percent year-on-year. "The improvement in ties, marked by Wang's visit, is in the interests of both China and Japan who are close economic partners, and will also have a positive impact on the region's stability and prosperity," said Imori. Jin Jianmin, a senior fellow at Fujitsu Research Institute in Tokyo, said that the improvement is particularly significant under the current circumstances with turbulence continuing and trade protectionism on the rise worldwide. Dr. Shin Chiba, a professor specializing in political theory at International Christian University, said that "strengthening the current Japan-China bilateral ties is indeed good for both countries not only in terms of economic relationships but also other aspects, including political relations, for the present and the future." Liu Di, a professor at Kyorin University in Tokyo, has a similar view,saying enhancing ties with China at such a time also has political significance for Japan. "With destabilizing factors and uncertainties in the world, the Japanese government and the public have increasingly realized the importance of having a good relationship with China in order to adapt to the new circumstances," he said. NEW HISTORICAL OPPORTUNITIES The warming of bilateral ties will also open up a new scope for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, especially with China's plans to expand reform and opening up and its Belt and Road Initiative, experts pointed out. Chinese President Xi Jinping announced new measures for expanding China's reform and opening-up at the 2018 annual conference of Boao Forum for Asia, which will surely provide new opportunities for cooperation between China and Japan, experts noted. Meanwhile, the Japanese economic circle has also been stepping up calls for joining China's Belt and Road Initiative so as to share China's development fruits. Jin said that China and Japan reaffirmed in the economic dialogue the importance of free trade under the multilateral framework of World Trade Organization (WTO), discussed issues about Belt and Road cooperation as well as efforts to promote regional free trade such as the building of China-Japan-South Korea Free Trade Area (FTA). "As the United States, under U.S. President Donald Trump, is very unstable, I believe that China-Japan economic and political relationships will become all the more important," said Chiba. "Such coordination in trade and investment liberalization policies between the two countries will help curb trade protectionism in the world while providing a stable and predictable policy environment for cooperation between enterprises," said Jin. Besides traditional areas, Jin said that the two countries also pledged to expand cooperation in new economic areas, such as the sharing economy, medical and elderly care, which will bring bilateral economic cooperation to a higher level. "The economic dialogue, covering not only bilateral economic ties, but also Asian economic integration and world free trade, will set a positive example for maintaining and developing global economic order," said Liu. FURTHER EFFORTS NEEDED Experts also noted that current China-Japan ties are still disturbed by various complicated and sensitive factors, including historical and territorial issues. During his visit, Wang called on the Japanese side to work with China to strictly abide by the principles established in the four important political documents between China and Japan. The two sides should properly handle sensitive issues related to the political foundation of bilateral relations, and fully implement the consensus of treating each other as a cooperative partner, Wang said. Hiroshi Onishi, a professor of economics at Keio University in Tokyo, noted that there are still some ultra-rightists in Japan. He called for more people-to-people and cultural exchanges to promote mutual trust and understanding. It's a long-term and challenging task to overcome disturbances and interferences to improve bilateral relationship, and would need the joint efforts of the governments and people of both countries, Liu said. Imori is optimistic about the future of China-Japan relationship. "Personally, I think this (recent improvement in ties) is the direction that Japan and China should always be heading in, even if there might be a few bumps in the roads ahead -- this also underscores the importance of always maintaining open and honest dialogue," he said. (Video editor: Cao Ying) Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 15:17:58|Editor: ZX Video Player Close KUNMING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A giraffe in a zoo in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, died after getting its neck trapped between tree branches, local authorities said. The tragedy happened Monday afternoon when the male giraffe, Hairong, was playing outside at Kunming Zoo while trying to scratch an itch on the tree, the zoo said. Wang Ang, veterinarian of the zoo, said that zoo workers immediately rushed to the site, where they found the giraffe had gotten stuck in a gap between branches. Wang said that they sawed the branches off. When Hairong was rescued, the giraffe collapsed on the ground and couldn't move its limbs, a sign of stress. The giraffe later died of heart and lung complications. Among the four giraffes in the zoo, 10-year-old Hairong was the tallest. The animal had been living at the zoo for five years and often used the tree to scratch itself. The zoo will check all animal habitats to prevent such tragedies from happening again, Wang said. (File photo) Journalists visit the sand table model of the joint Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone established by China's TEDA corporation, one of the oldest industrial developers of the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), in Ain Sokhna, east of capital Cairo, Egypt on March 13, 2017. (Xinhua/photo) CAIRO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The China-Egypt cooperation, which is fruitful and beneficial to both peoples, has lifted the bilateral political and economic ties to a new height, Chinese and Egyptian officials have said. At the opening ceremony of the two-day China-Africa Cooperation Zones Symposium in Cairo on Tuesday, Mohab Mamish, head of the Suez Canal Authority and the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZone), hailed the "remarkable" cooperation between the two countries. "The Egyptian-Chinese cooperation is remarkable. It is in favor of the two peoples and we welcome it," Mamish told the symposium under the theme of "Results and Experiences." China attaches great attention to enhancing cooperation with Africa in general, and Egypt in particular, he noted. China's TEDA corporation, one of the oldest and largest developers of the SCZone, is currently working on the development project of an area of 7.23 square km in Ain Sokhna district in the northeastern province of Ismailia. The first phase of the project attracted some 68 enterprises after completion. As one of Egypt's national mega projects, the development of the SCZone offers a promising investment opportunity for global companies. This is illustrated by the success of China's fiberglass giant Jushi, a tenant company of TEDA industrial zone, which has recently helped Egypt become the world's third largest producer of fiberglass after the United States and China. "The industrial area in Ain Sokhna is a model of cooperation between the two sides, where TEDA, which develops the area, honorably represents China and we do value its role in Egypt's development," Mamish noted. China spares no effort to contribute to the development of African states through investment projects and construction of industrial areas, he said. Ji Peiding, a member of Foreign Policy Advisory Group of China's Foreign Ministry, hailed the "close cooperation" and "strategic partnership" between China and African states in various fields. "China is the largest trade partner of Africa over the past consecutive nine years, as the volume of trade exchange between the two sides has reached 170 billion U.S. dollars last year," Ji, also China's former Deputy Foreign Minister, said in a statement. The Chinese diplomat pointed out that there are 3,100 Chinese companies investing in development projects in Africa, in addition to China's contribution to the UN peacekeeping forces and peacemaking missions in Africa. "China is one of the largest developing countries and Africa has potentials. Cooperation between the two sides would bring the largest benefits for all," Ji noted. China has the required technology, expertise and finance to help sustain the development of Africa, he explained. "The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has become an important platform for cooperation between the two sides since the FOCAC summit was held in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015," Ji said. Meanwhile, China's Ambassador to Egypt Song Aiguo said China will give the FOCAC summit due in September in China's capital Beijing "a new push for partnership with Africa to enhance cooperation in all fields." "China has invested 4.5 billion U.S. dollars in more than 20 economic zones in Africa, creating jobs for about 60,000 people," Song said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 15:33:02|Editor: pengying Video Player Close TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the army's "peaceful" role in the region as the country celebrated the National Army Day. Iran's defense program has a peaceful nature and the Islamic republic has no intention to invade other countries, Rouhani said in a ceremony to mark the event. Rouhani blamed foreign forces for the cause of insecurity in the region. "The invaders have nested in our region and have illegitimate presence,"he said. "They (the west) invade the other country in the region without licence from the United Nations," he said in a reference to the recent U.S.-led aggression on Syria under the pretext of Syrian army's alleged use of chemical weapons. "In a context where big powers use the terrorist groups as their tools in the region, we need to equip our armed forces with deterrent means," he added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 15:58:05|Editor: pengying Video Player Close by Raul Menchaca MATANZAS, Cuba, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Today, Playa Giron is just another tranquil beach in northwest Cuba, but over fifty years ago, it was the scene of bloody battles that turned April into an important month in Cuban history. Some 57 years ago today, the United States suffered its first military defeat in Latin America at the hands of inexperienced Cuban troops who took up arms to defend their country's revolution at Playa Giron, in the Bay of Pigs, some 300 km southeast of Havana, in the Zapata Swamp. The invasion by U.S.-backed Cuban exiles was the culmination of Operation Pluto, a plan hatched by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency in close collaboration with the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the U.S. armed forces, and approved by President Dwight Eisenhower on March 17, 1960, and by his successor John F. Kennedy. Its goal was to destroy the fledgling Cuban Revolution with a one-two punch: use air and naval power to establish a beachhead for the arrival of a provisional government from Miami, that would then demand a U.S. military intervention. "The operation included taking over a civilian airport near Playa Giron, and establishing a civilian government that was already prepared in Miami," veteran journalist Eduardo Yasell, who in 1961 worked as a war correspondent for the Verde Olivo (Olive Green) journal published by the Cuban army, told Xinhua. On April 15, two days before the scheduled landing, U.S. planes painted over with Cuban insignia bombed three Cuban military airports to cripple Cuba's air capabilities. A day later, during the funeral of the Cubans killed in the attack, revolutionary leader Fidel Castro delivered a fervid speech at the Columbus Cemetery in Havana, for the first time proclaiming the socialist character of the Cuban Revolution. The U.S.-trained Assault Brigade 2506, composed of about 1,200 Cuban exiles, landed at the Bay of Pigs on April 17, sparking the beginning of bloody clashes with Cuban troops led by Castro himself. Castro had set up a command center at a nearby sugar factory, from where he ordered Captain Jose Ramon Fernandez to take Playa Giron in 72 hours. "Fidel was the first to reach the front," 83-year-old Yasell said. By April 19, the Cuban troops had captured the last of the invaders, who short of ammunition and lacking air backup, were forced to retreat or surrender, signalling Cuba's victory. Seven American B-26 bombers were shot down and the invaders' Houston and Rio Escondido ships were sunk. According to Cuban figures, the invaders suffered 108 casualties and 1,197 were taken prisoner, while 156 Cuban soldiers died in the fighting. Among the prisoners, five were sentenced to death and nine to 30 years in prison for various crimes, but the rest was returned to the United States in exchange for food, medicines and tractors. Washington also pledged to pay 70 million U.S. dollars for material damages. However, the White House violated the pact, paying only 50 million in products that Cuba denounced as expired. Cuba's victory destroyed the myth of U.S. invincibility and consolidated Castro's power, while the invasion radicalized the Cuban Revolution, pushing the new government closer to the Soviet Union. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a key part of the history of tense ties between Havana and Washington, and the reason why the last two Congresses of the Communist Party of Cuba, in 2011 and 2016, were held in April, considered a historically critical month for Cubans. It is also why April 19, the day Cubans mark the anniversary of the Playa Giron victory, was chosen for President Raul Castro and his generation of revolutionary fighters to hand over power to a younger generation of Cubans entrusted to uphold the principles their predecessors so valiantly fought for. SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Western Australia's Margaret River Pro surf event has been called off by organisers on Wednesday, due to the elevated risk of sharks after two local men were attacked in separate incidents earlier in the week. With the contest suspended yesterday, World Surf League (WSL) Chief executive Sophie Goldschmidt said in a statement today it was a difficult decision to cancel the popular annual event, but surfer and staff safety are paramount. "The situation in Margaret River is unique right now with the presence of actively aggressive sharks in the area," she said. "The WSL puts the highest premium on safety." "This cannot be just talk, and it cannot be compromised." On Monday two surfers were lucky to have survived separate attacks just six kilometers away from the main break at Margaret River. The first incident occurred at Cobblestones beach in Gracetown on Monday, when 37 year old Alejandro Travaglini was mauled by a shark with the attack requiring him to undergo emergency surgery on both legs. Just hours later at a nearby beach known as Lefthanders, Jason Longgrass, 41, was also bitten on the leg. Earlier that morning Surf Life Saving Western Australia reported several sightings of sharks in the area, including a four-meter Great White. According to Australia's Shark Smart website, a decomposing whale carcass closeby is likely to be what has attracted the predators. "That could lead to sharks coming close in to shore along this stretch of coast," a statement said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 16:13:07|Editor: pengying Video Player Close TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the army's "peaceful" role in the region as the country celebrated the National Army Day. Iran's defense program has a peaceful nature and the Islamic republic has no intention to invade other countries, Rouhani said in a ceremony to mark the event. Rouhani blamed foreign forces for the cause of insecurity in the region. "The invaders have nested in our region and have illegitimate presence,"he said. "They (the west) invade the other country in the region without licence from the United Nations," he said in a reference to the recent U.S.-led aggression on Syria under the pretext of Syrian army's alleged use of chemical weapons. "In a context where big powers use the terrorist groups as their tools in the region, we need to equip our armed forces with deterrent means," he added. To secure its territory, Iran will increase its deterrent power, and the country will not wait for any permission to produce the defensive weapons it needs, said Rouhani. Iran's neighbors should be assured that the defensive power of Iran is not a threat to them, he said, adding that Iran's regional policy is based on friendly relationship with its neighbors. In Tehran, different units of Iranian army staged parades in the ceremony to show the latest Iranian military achievements, especially those in missile and radar technology. The home-grown missile systems of Kamin-2, Tabas and Sayyad, as well as air defense systems of S-300 and S-200, radar systems, tanks, armored vehicles were among the military hardware on show. In the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, a parade of Iranian warships and destroyers was also held by Iran's Navy forces. Chief of Staff of Iran Armed Forces, as well as Air Force, and Navy, and the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) commanders attended the ceremony in Tehran. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 16:18:08|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close SYDNEY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Melbourne-made short film All These Creatures was selected by the Cannes Film Festival on Wednesday to compete for the 2018 Short Film Palme d'or. Along with six others, the film was chosen from 3,943 short films around the world that were received by the Cannes selection committee. All These Creatures focuses on the social code around mental illness and follows a 13-year-old boy who lives with a destructive father. Screenwriter and director Charles Williams said he can't think of a higher honor for him than being selected by the Cannes. After considering about 400 children for the lead role, Williams finally decided Yared Scott was the one. "We had a whole range of kids, but we eventually settled on Yared Scott, who was born in Ethiopia and raised by his adoptive parents in Melbourne," Williams said. To ensure the story is well matched for Scott, William consulted a lot of experts from Melbourne's Ethiopian community, and surprisingly everyone thought the film was written specifically about Ethiopians. Shot in the culturally diverse area of Dandenong, the east Melbourne suburb provided the perfect gritty backdrop for the 13-minute film. The official award ceremony of the 71st Cannes Film Festival will be held on May 19 in France. An Iranian military truck carries parts of a S-300 air defence missile system during a parade on the occasion of the country's annual army day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran. (AFP photo) TEHRAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday hailed the army's "peaceful" role in the region as the country celebrated the National Army Day. Iran's defense program has a peaceful nature and the Islamic republic has no intention to invade other countries, Rouhani said in a ceremony to mark the event. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani delivers a speech during a parade on the occasion of the country's Army Day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran. (AFP photo) Rouhani blamed foreign forces for the cause of insecurity in the region. "The invaders have nested in our region and have illegitimate presence,"he said. "They (the west) invade the other country in the region without licence from the United Nations," he said in a reference to the recent U.S.-led aggression on Syria under the pretext of Syrian army's alleged use of chemical weapons. "In a context where big powers use the terrorist groups as their tools in the region, we need to equip our armed forces with deterrent means," he added. An Iranian military truck carries part of surface-to-air missiles during a parade on the occasion of the country's annual army day on April 18, 2018, in Tehran. (AFP photo) To secure its territory, Iran will increase its deterrent power, and the country will not wait for any permission to produce the defensive weapons it needs, said Rouhani. Iran's neighbors should be assured that the defensive power of Iran is not a threat to them, he said, adding that Iran's regional policy is based on friendly relationship with its neighbors. In Tehran, different units of Iranian army staged parades in the ceremony to show the latest Iranian military achievements, especially those in missile and radar technology. The home-grown missile systems of Kamin-2, Tabas and Sayyad, as well as air defense systems of S-300 and S-200, radar systems, tanks, armored vehicles were among the military hardware on show. In the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, a parade of Iranian warships and destroyers was also held by Iran's Navy forces. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 16:53:17|Editor: pengying Video Player Close ADEN, Yemen, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Yemeni anti-terror troops killed two leading members of the Yemen-based al-Qaida branch in the southern province of Abyan on Wednesday, a security official told Xinhua. The two were killed in a shootout with the anti-terror troops who raided their hiding place in Alwadhea district of Abyan province, the security source said on condition of anonymity. "The two leaders refused to surrender themselves voluntarily and engaged in an armed confrontation with the soldiers in the area," the local source said. He said that the forces found explosives, a number of guns, grenades and ammunition in their possession. According to the security source, the pair were leading field commanders of the terrorist group in Yemen and wanted by the local authorities for their participation in armed attacks. Over the past few months, the Yemeni security forces backed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have arrested dozens of al-Qaida militants in similar raids in Abyan and other neighboring southeastern provinces. The al-Qaida network, mostly operating in eastern and southern provinces, has been responsible for many high-profile attacks against security forces in the country. Scores of al-Qaida militants engaged in the ongoing fighting against the Shiite Houthis in al-Bayda province and other Yemeni provinces. The Yemen-based al-Qaida branch, seen by the United States as the global terror network's most dangerous branch, has exploited years of deadly conflict between Yemen's government and Houthi rebels to expand its presence, especially in southeastern provinces. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 16:58:17|Editor: pengying Video Player Close HAVANA, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Changes in Cuba over the past decade are manifested not only in the thriving private restaurants and luxurious hotels, but also in its people, who are optimistic about their future thanks to the economic reforms launched by President Raul Castro in 2011. Cubans had been grappling to overcome the hardships during what they referred to as the "special period" following the demise of the Soviet Union nearly three decades ago. Although efforts by late leader Fidel Castro had largely failed and the economic stagnation lingered on, Cubans still gave credit to their revolutionary icon. After Castro handed over power to his younger brother Raul Castro in 2006, the latter initiated sweeping political, economic and social reforms not seen since the triumph of the Cuban revolution in 1959, resulting in an improved living standard for the people. As the younger Castro is set to step down from his second term as Cuban president, Cubans across the island and from all walks of life have been speaking highly of his 12 years in office. "In recent years the standard of living of Cubans has risen in one way or another and this has been influenced by his determination to start updating the economic model," a young worker called Jorge Alvarez told Xinhua, praising the president as being very positive. Alvarez said Castro, on the verge of turning 87 in June, was intrepid in taking that step and cautious when putting decisions into practice due to their complexity. "He did just as he said, step by step without haste but without pause. He made important and far-reaching changes for the development of the country, such as promoting private property and allowing more foreign investment," Alvarez said. Juan Triana, a professor in economics at the University of Havana, said one of Castro's greatest achievements was that he eliminated the suspicions of Cubans toward foreign direct investment (FDI). Triana said FDI was perceived as "an enemy of our development process" in Cuba in the 1970s. As time went by, it was considered "something necessary but done in very timid manner." "In the 1990s it was accepted as a necessary evil, later as a complement to the economy, and currently as a strategic need for the development of the country," he said. Triana said extensive transformations are being carried out at all levels, politically, economically and socially. However, a lot remains to be done as only 25 percent of the over 300 reform guidelines approved by the ruling Communist Party in 2011 have been implemented as of now. The most important thing, Triana said, is the will to continue on this path, which has created an ideological foundation and a political platform that will allow the country to advance much further in the short term. Although the target level of income of ordinary citizens hasn't been reached -- and neither have the planned growth rates -- there is a vision charting out specific steps to materialize the reforms. In 2017 the Cuban economy grew 2 percent, only half of what was projected at the beginning of the year. There were multiple reasons for the slow growth, including domestic financial limitations, the continued crisis in its regional ally and main economic partner Venezuela, as well as damages by Hurricane Irma worth 13 billion U.S. dollars. "Much progress was made in the idea that all sectors of the economy can and should contribute to growth, and that it is the government's task to pursue an appropriate legal framework so that everyone can contribute in one way or another," said Triana. In that context, the academic also referred to non-state forms of management, specifically private or self-employed workers as they are known on the island and non-agricultural cooperatives. As regards reforms in the private sector, the scholar said the process is pending since privatization is "something new for Cuba," adding, however, that the government will approve small and medium-sized private companies "in the near future." Silvio Reyes, one of the nearly 600,000 private workers in the country, also highlighted the importance of deepening the reforms in an interview with Xinhua. Reyes said the changes made by Castro have been significant because they've opened the possibility for citizens to embrace a new dynamism in their lives. "I started working on my own several years ago and I believe that not only did my family income grow, but also my contribution to society through the service I offer and the taxes I pay," he said. He also praised other measures, such as the new migration policy approved in 2013 which eliminated obtaining government permits to travel abroad, as well as the authorization of home and car purchases for ordinary citizens. Lourdes Gomez, who works in the state-owned sector, thinks Castro says little but is more concerned about practical actions. "He knew how to combine what had been achieved by Fidel Castro, whose legacy will last forever, and at the same time undertake the changes that were necessary," said Gomez. She said sometimes the pace of implementation of the reforms was slower than what people desired, but it was understandable given the lack of resources and other short-term problems. "There is also the negative impact of the economic blockade imposed by the United States, which is the main obstacle to the development of the country," she added. U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to roll back the detente achieved during Barack Obama's presidency that saw the two bitter foes resume a diplomatic relationship with each other. Despite the setback, the reality is that Cubans have never expected benefits from Washington. "The results of Raul's government are evident and without relying on the United States," said Juan Valera, an elderly man. He said Castro was consistent with the policies outlined by his late brother Fidel and never gave up "the revolutionary ideals or the socialist process." The younger Castro, Valera said, faced the challenges in the best possible way "with intelligence and solid principles," instead of sticking to the old development path. A two-day parliamentary session starting on Wednesday will decide the composition of Cuba's ninth legislature, where 605 lawmakers will elect a new president and other senior government officials. The leadership reshuffle carries historic significance in that it will end almost six decades of rule by the Castro family in Cuba. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 17:08:19|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump welcomed visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his resort Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Tuesday. The two leaders are discussing topics of bilateral concern, including Trump's upcoming meeting with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and bilateral trade. Experts say while the two sides try to seek common ground, noticeable differences will linger. TRUMP-KIM MEETING On Tuesday afternoon, Trump and Abe, who was on a two-day working visit in the United States, held a one-to-one meeting followed by a restricted bilateral meeting. Trump told reporters before their restricted bilateral meeting that during the two days the two leaders would talk about the situation on the Korean Peninsula and bilateral trade, among others. Trump said that he and Abe had developed "a very close relationship," adding that U.S.-Japan ties "have never been closer than they are right now." Trump also said that he looked forward to meeting with Kim, hoping "that will be a success." The Trump-Kim meeting has been planned to take place in May or early June. Referring to the upcoming meeting, Abe said that he hoped "there will be tangible progress toward resolving the outstanding issues of concern, including nuclear issues, missile issues, as well as the abductions issue, which is the Japanese top priority issue." The DPRK acknowledged in 2002 that it had abducted 13 Japanese nationals in the 1970s and 1980s. Talks on the issue were shelved in December 2012, when the country launched a long-range missile. Acknowledging Japan's concern, Trump responded that Washington will "bring up the abductees" in his meeting with Kim. "Abe had established the best personal relationship with Trump and yet felt blind-sided by Trump's sudden and impetuous decision to accept the North Korean (the DPRK's) invitation for a summit meeting," Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow for Northeast Asia at conservative think tank the Heritage Foundation's Asian Studies Center, told Xinhua. The main purpose of Abe's trip may be communicating to Trump the importance of Japanese security interests in the upcoming summit with Kim, Douglas Paal, vice president for studies at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told Xinhua. Tokyo was concerned that its interests might be overlooked by Washington. "One big concern is that Trump might strike a deal with Kim that reduces the threat to the United States but does not change the growing threat to Japan," said Paal. Abe would also "seek to ensure that Trump agrees that Japan needs to be present at any multinational negotiations" regarding the Korean Peninsula issue, Jeffrey W. Hornung, political scientist at The RAND Corporation, told Xinhua. BILATERAL TRADE The Trump-Abe discussion was the second of its kind between the two since last year. While the DPRK remains a primary focus of the meeting, trade issues are also on top of the agenda. "He (Abe) would like to resolve the steel/aluminum tariffs issue which implies Japan is not an ally," said Paal. "Trump never lets go of the trade deficit as an issue, and seems to have an underlying skepticism of the Japanese in general," said the scholar. While Trump gave exemptions to other U.S. allies, such as South Korea, Australia and Canada, he did not do the same for Japan. "Abe had invested significant political capital to develop the relationship with Trump but was politically wounded when Trump withdrew from the TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership, an 11-nation Free Trade Agreement that will eliminate 98 percent of tariffs in the trade zone) as well not giving Japan an exemption from Trump's protectionist tariff initiative," said Klingner. White House economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Tuesday that the United States was expecting a free trade deal with Japan at some point, while acknowledging that the two countries had some differences on trade. "We have certain disagreements with respect to some of the trading issues. We'll iron those out hopefully," Kudlow told reporters during a briefing ahead of the Trump-Abe meeting. "Should his efforts to cultivate a friendship with Trump prove to pay no dividends, Abe will surely be open to political criticism that would further hurt his chances at successfully running for a third term as his party's leader in the fall," said Klingner. TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A U.S. military helicopter on Wednesday made an emergency landing at an airport in southwestern Japan, the defense ministry here said. The UH-1 turbo-equipped utility helicopter apparently made the emergency landing at Kumamoto airport to avoid what the defense ministry described as a serious accident. The UH-1 was flying alongside an AH-1 attack chopper when it made the emergency landing. The AH-1 also touched down at Kumamoto airport, the ministry said. No injuries were caused to the occupants of the helicopter or personnel on the ground as a result of the emergency landing, but rising instances of mishaps and accidents involving U.S. military aircraft have drawn staunch criticism from locals, municipal officials as well as the central government. On March 29, A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) UH-1 chopper also made an emergency landing at Yonago airport in Tottori Prefecture, causing the runway to be closed for around two hours. A similar incident involving a UH-1 helicopter occurred on Jan. 6 and involved the chopper making an emergency landing on a sandy beach on Ikei Island, in Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture. The U.S. Marine Corps said the emergency landing on the small islet was due to "indications of the main rotor moving at too high a speed." The UH-1 transport helicopter touched down just 100 meters away from a residential house, renewing concerns and anger among locals in Okinawa about the safety of U.S. military hardware owing to the increasing frequency of potentially fatal mishaps and accidents recently. Kumamoto airport, the site of the latest incident on Wednesday, is used by both civilian aircraft as well as Japanese Self-Defense Forces aircraft. According to the ministry, the mishap did not affect regular operations at the airport. Photo taken on April 16, 2018 shows the newly built power poles factory along Yei road in Juba, capital of South Sudan. The South Sudan government on Monday launched a factory producing concrete poles that will facilitate an ambitious project done by a Chinese company to rehabilitate and expand the Power Distribution System in Juba, its capital. (Xinhua/Denis Elamu) JUBA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The South Sudan government has launched a factory producing concrete poles that will facilitate an ambitious project done by a Chinese company to rehabilitate and expand the Power Distribution System in Juba, its capital. The Minister of Dams and Electricity, Dhieu Mathok, said that the factory, rented by Power China, will produce some 13,350 poles for the electricity distribution in the capital and other states. "The main objective of this project is to increase the supply capacity and reliability of the power distribution system in Juba. Access to the grid will replace the use of generators by the population, allow supply of energy at more affordable price and, hence contribute toward economic growth and poverty eradication in South Sudan," Mathok said during the inauguration of the plant along the Yei road in Juba. He disclosed that it will help solve the problem associated with non-availability of concrete poles for the project and to mitigate the risk of importing poles from other countries. "This factory will create positive impact on the construction of the national grid in South Sudan. It is owned by South Sudanese business people but currently it has been taken over by Power China for a brief period of one year," he said. South Sudan is largely generator driven economy with continued electricity blackout in the wake of the collapse of the generator power plant operated by the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC) in 2013. Chinese and South Sudanese engineers are seen during the launch of the newly built power poles factory along Yei road in Juba, capital of South Sudan, April 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Denis Elamu) Wang Cun, an official with Power China said they got the contract to build the electricity project in June 2016 and that they will continue to support South Sudanese staff with skills and knowledge and also work with the government on several major power projects. "We have achieved much from these projects and we also suffered much from the instability and continuous conflicts all these years, but we confirm and believe the year of 2018 will be a year of peace and development in South Sudan," Wang said, adding that the company has been operating in South Sudan since 2009. He disclosed that Power China has conducted several projects before South Sudan won independence from Sudan in 2011 such as the peace road project from Renk to Malakal, Maridi water plant and Malakal municipal road projects. Wang said they will immediately reorganize all necessary resources to increase post-production capacity and immediately shall commence the erection of these poles to all corners of Juba city and start the distribution. "We shall do as we did before to recruit more local technicians, engineers and laborers during the construction period, so that they are there in place for similar projects in the near future. We shall make more efforts to improve these local staffs' working environment and to realize sustainable development of Power China and Sino-hydro in South Sudan," said Wang. Power China has been committing itself in the economic development of South Sudan and has signed eight commercial contracts with the government of South Sudan since independence like the Juba-hydro power project and the Tharjiath thermal power plant project. Liu Xiaodong, the Charge d'Affaires at the Chinese embassy in South Sudan, said Power China has been working very hard in the engineering and procurement in the earlier stage of the project and also thanked the South Sudan government and the African Development Bank for their strong support. South Sudan's Minister of Dams and Electricity Dhieu Mathok delivers his speech during the launch of the newly built power poles factory along Yei road in Juba, capital of South Sudan, April 16, 2018. (Xinhua/Denis Elamu) Liu added upon completion Juba will have an upgraded power distribution system with 2,250 lighting points along the main roads in the capital and lamps will be LED ones. The project falls under the Juba Power Distribution System Rehabilitation and Expansion Project, which was funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB). ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Foreign Ministry on late Tuesday criticized the latest EU report on Turkey, saying the bloc is unwilling to understand the difficulties Turkey is facing. Unfortunately, the European Commission is once again unwilling to understand the difficulties of the period we are passing through, a written statement released by the ministry said. The statement complained that the Commission was "unable to be objective and balanced." Turkey's operation against several terrorism organizations also contributes to the security of EU member states, it stressed. The European Commission on Tuesday published the latest progress report which criticized Turkey for moving rapidly away from the path of EU membership. It also called for the lifting of its state of emergency, but praised the country's humanitarian efforts for the nearly 4 million refugees it hosts within its borders. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag hit back the EU report for not treating Turkey "fairly or objectively," saying that the report of the EU did not mask its unfairness towards Turkey. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 17:58:32|Editor: ZX Video Player Close DAMASCUS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Foreign Ministry said Wednesday that a security team of the Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) entered Damascus' eastern Douma district a day earlier to assess the security situation ahead of the entry of the chemical weapons' experts. The ministry said the entry of the security team came upon the request of the OPCW investigators, who arrived in Damascus last Saturday to look into allegations of chemical weapons use by the Syrian army in Douma ahead of its liberation from the rebels last week. A day earlier, the state media outlets in Syria said the experts of the OPCW entered Douma, but the ministry's statement apparently comes to clarify that only a security detail of the team entered to assess the situation ahead of the entry of the actual investigators. The arrival of the OPCW team comes as the United States and Western allies have already struck Syrian military positions over the allegations of the toxic gas attack in Douma on April 7. Western powers have preceded the mission of the OPCW with a series of missile strikes, which U.S. President Donald Trump described as targeting the chemical weapons capabilities of the Syrian regime. While completely denying the accusations, the Syrian government stressed that it would cooperate and facilitate the work of the OPCW team to expose the reality in Douma, which has become back under the government control after last week's rebel evacuation to rebel-held areas in northern Syria. S. Korea, DPRK agree to broadcast live inter-Korean summit: Seoul Source: Xinhua 2018-04-18 17:58:33 SEOUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed to broadcast live major events of the upcoming inter-Korean summit after holding working-level talks Wednesday in the border village of Panmunjom, the Blue House of South Korea said. Editor: ZX TOKYO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Japan's Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda will resign from his post amid allegations that he sexually harassed female reporters, Finance Minister Taro Aso said Wednesday. Fukuda's resignation came less than a year after he took on the role as the ministry's top bureaucrat and at a time when the ministry has been under fire for a number of improprieties, including a cronyism scandal implicating Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Several al-Shabab militants were killed and others injured after heavy fighting between Somali National Army (SNA), backed by African Union forces, and the militants in Qoqani location in Lower Jubba region southern Somalia, officials said Wednesday. Hassan Aden Mohamed, an army official in the area told reporters that the militants' claims to have captured the area and killed soldiers' are baseless, saying they are in full control of the area at moment. "Al-Shabab fighters attacked our bases in Qoqani location in this region on Tuesday, then we resisted and fought with the terrorists, killing several of their fighters and injured others during the battle that lasted more than an hour. There are no casualties on either SNA or AMISOM," Mohamed said. Al-Shabab militants claimed victory in the latest fighting in Qoqani location near Afmadow town in Lower Jubba region, saying they captured the SNA bases in the area and killed some soldiers. The militants carry out attacks against SNA and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) under AU mission in Somalia despite frequent airstrikes in the region by United States military. JUBA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The UN children's fund (UNICEF) said on Wednesday another 200 child soldiers have been released from armed groups in South Sudan's Western Yambio area bringing the total number to over 500 children since the start of 2018. UNICEF said this was the second release of children in a series that will see almost 1,000 children freed from the ranks of armed groups in the coming months. "No child should ever have to pick up a weapon and fight," Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF's Country Representative in South Sudan said in a statement issued in Juba. The children released were from the ranks of the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSLM) which in 2016 signed a peace agreement with the government and is now integrating its ranks into the national army, and from the Sudan People's Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) led by the former First Vice President Riek Machar. The UN agency disclosed that when the children return to their homes, their families will be provided with three months' worth of food assistance to support their initial reintegration. The children will also be provided with vocational training aimed at improving household income and food security. In addition to services related to livelihoods, UNICEF and partners will ensure the released children have access to age-scale education in schools and accelerated learning centers. UNICEF released 311 children from armed groups in the Yambio area in February. However, the UN agency said that an upsurge in violence in July 2016 stalled original plans to release children, but momentum is now building for further releases in future. "For every child released, today marks the start of a new life. UNICEF is proud to support these children as they return to their families and start to build a brighter future," Mdoe added. During the ceremony, the children were formally disarmed and provided with civilian clothes, medical screenings will now be carried out and children will receive counseling and psychosocial support as part of the reintegration program which is supported by UNICEF and partners. "UNICEF, UNMISS and government partners have negotiated tirelessly with parties to the conflict so as to enable this release of children," Mdoe added. However, he added that the work does not stop here since the reintegration process is a delicate one which they must now ensure the children have all the support they need to make a success of their lives. UNICEF added that despite this progress, there are still 19,000 children serving in the ranks of armed forces and groups in South Sudan, adding that so long as the recruitment and use of children by armed groups continues, these groups fail on their commitment to uphold the rights of children under international law. "As peace talks resume and the future of the transitional unity government is debated, UNICEF urges all parties to the conflict to end the recruitment of children and to release all children in their ranks," it said. The UN children's fund requires 45 million U.S. dollars for the children release program which will also support the demobilization and reintegration of the 19,000 children over the next three years. South Sudan descended into violence in December 2013 after political dispute between President Salva Kiir and his former deputy Riek Machar led to split within the SPLA, leaving soldiers to fight alongside ethnic lines. The 2015 peace agreement to end the conflict was weakened after the outbreak of renewed fighting in July 2016. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 18:38:45|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close KUNMING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A man has been trampled to death by a wild elephant in southwest China's Yunnan Province, local authorities said Wednesday. The local government of Menghai County in Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture was informed that a villager in Mengwang Village found a man trampled to death by a wild elephant near farmland at around 2 p.m. on Tuesday. An investigation conducted by staff from the county forestry bureau, the forestry security department and an insurance company showed the incident happened Monday evening and the victim was a 63-year-old man surnamed Chen, a native of Chongqing Municipality. Investigators contacted the victim's family, and his relatives will arrive soon to deal with the aftermath. Monitors said currently there are over 10 Asian elephants wandering around Mengwang Village, and people should be aware of the danger. In recent years, there have been occurrences of wild animals, such as elephants, causing casualties and property damage in Yunnan. The provincial government has bought insurance to help cover losses. The wild Asian elephant is an endangered species. In China, the animals mainly live in Xishuangbanna, Pu'er and Lincang in Yunnan. The population of the species in China has grown from over 170 in the 1990s to around 300 today. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 18:43:46|Editor: ZX Video Player Close Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (R) meets with Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2018. (Xinhua/Wang Ye) BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan on Wednesday met with Foreign Minister of Nepal Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Beijing, vowing to promote bilateral ties to a new high. During the meeting, Wang said China-Nepal relations enjoyed healthy development with steady progress in bilateral cooperation in various fields. "In China's opening-up, reform and the socialist modernization drive, a very important lesson is to properly handle the relationship between stability and development," Wang said, adding that stability is the prerequisite for development, and development is the basis for stability. He said China is glad to see that Nepal has completed its political transition and shifted its focus to economic development. Wang said he hopes the two countries can jointly implement the existing consensus and agreement and take the Belt and Road Initiative as an opportunity to expand all-around cooperation in order to promote bilateral ties to a new high. For his part, Gyawali said Nepal and China are comprehensive cooperative partners, and the new government of Nepal will firmly pursue the one-China policy. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 18:53:50|Editor: ZX Video Player Close A siberian tiger cub is seen at the China Hengdaohezi Feline Breeding Center, the world's largest Siberian tiger breeding center, in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, April 18, 2018. More than 30 cubs have been born this month at the center.The center was established in 1986 with only eight tigers. Now it has more than 1,000. Siberian tigers are one of the world's most endangered species. They mainly live in northeast China and eastern Russia. (Xinhua/Wang Jianwei) HARBIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- More than 30 cubs have been born this month at the world's largest Siberian tiger breeding center in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province. The China Hengdaohezi Feline Breeding Center is expected to welcome around 100 cubs this year, according to the center. The center controls the breeding season in the winter so that most of the cubs are born from April to May. All the cubs are in good health, but most of them have to be fed yolk and milk by staff, said Li Xin, a staff member at the center. Around 80 percent of female tigers of breeding age at the center are between five to six years old, when they are the strongest and are able to become pregnant easier than older tigers, said Liu Dan, chief engineer at the center's Harbin base. Siberian tigers are one of the world's most endangered species. They mainly live in northeast China and eastern Russia. The center was established in 1986 with only eight tigers. Now it has more than 1,000. WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday morning that CIA chief Mike Pompeo has met Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in a secret visit to the northeast Asian country last week. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea (the DPRK) last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed," said Trump in a tweet. PHNOM PENH, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia will deploy a total of 80,000 security personnel to ensure security and public order during the July general election, National Police deputy chief Gen. Kirt Chantharith said on Wednesday. "Up to 80,000 security forces, including police, soldiers, military police and state security guards, will be deployed to protect the election," he said during the opening ceremony of a training course on the election law and the code of ethics for security agents during the election. Cambodia is committed to holding the election in a free, fair and orderly manner without any intimidation, Chantharith said. The Southeast Asian country is scheduled to hold the general election on July 29. In the last election on July 28, 2013, the ruling Cambodian People's Party of Prime Minister Samdech Techo Hun Sen won 68 parliamentary seats against 55 seats for the now-dissolved opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party in the 123-seat National Assembly. ISLAMABAD, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Two more children died on Wednesday in Pakistan's southern district of Tharparkar due to various reasons, taking the total death in the region for similar cases to 177 so far this year, local media reported quoting government hospital sources. All the deaths have been occurred due to malnutrition and the outbreak of multiple viral infections in Tharparkar, a district in the country's Sindh province, said doctors at the government hospital. According to the statistics released by the Health Department of Sindh, 55 children died due to the similar viral infections and malnutrition in January, 45 died in February, and 56 in March. At least 21 infant deaths have been reported in April so far. Furthermore, at least 1,500 children die each year due to malnutrition, viral infections and lack of proper medical facilities in the remote region of the province, said the health department. According to media reports, parents of affected children are also concerned over lack of medical facilities in the government hospitals of small cities. In local hospitals, patients are facing severe problems due to lack of doctors and medicines, said the reports. Earlier this month, United Nation's Children Fund has released a report, putting Pakistan on the list of countries with highest mortality rates with 22 infants dying before even turning one month old. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 19:28:59|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) will meet in Beijing next Tuesday to prepare for the SCO summit, which will be held in east China's Qingdao City in June. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will host the meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers. In addition to foreign ministers from India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov and director of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) Executive Committee Yevgeniy Sysoyev will also attend the meeting. "They will exchange opinions on SCO cooperation in various fields as well as major international and regional issues," foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Wednesday at a daily press briefing. This meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers is the first since the organization's membership expanded last June to include India and Pakistan, according to Hua. "We hope that all sides can take this meeting as an opportunity to build consensus and roll out more cooperation measures to ensure the success of the summit and better development of the SCO," Hua said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kairat Abdrakhmanov, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Erlan Abdyldaev and Pakistani Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif will also pay a visit to China. Lavrov's official visit to China, from next Monday to Tuesday, demonstrates the high level and distinctiveness of China-Russia ties, as his Chinese counterpart just wrapped up a visit to Russia in early April, Hua said. "The two sides will exchange opinions on recent high-level visits, as well as international and regional issues of common concern," she said. LAGOS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Health workers in Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, have commenced nationwide strike, an official said Wednesday. Obisesan Oluwatuyi, General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NAHP), told reporters in Abuja, the country's capital, that they would not call off the strike until government meets their demands. "The soldiers have been let loose, no retreat, no surrender until government does the needful," the scribe added. Members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) had earlier threatened to embark on a nationwide indefinite strike beginning on Tuesday midnight due to alleged Federal Government's failure to meet their demands. Josiah Biobelemoye, President of the union, who issued the strike notice on Monday, attributed the industrial action to what he described as the insensitivity and lackadaisical attitude of drivers of the health sector. He directed all JOHESU members in federal health institutions across the country to commence the strike at midnight of April 17. Biobelemoye listed their demands to include upward adjustment of CONHESS Salary Scale, arrears of skipping of CONHESS 10 and employment of additional health professionals. Other demands are implementation of court judgments and upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 years. Biobelemoye recalled that the union suspended its last nationwide strike on Sept. 30, 2017, after signing a Memorandum of Terms of Settlement (MOTS), with the federal government. OSLO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Norway's Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS said Wednesday it has entered into contract worth 124 million euros (153 million U.S. dollars) with the Royal Malaysian Navy for delivery of the Naval Strike Missile (NSM). The NSM will be equipped to Malaysia's six new Littoral Combat Ships and the contract is a follow-on to the agreement announced April 9, 2015, for NSM shipboard equipment, the company said in a statement. The ships, which are being built by Malaysia's Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, are based on Gowind Class design of Naval Group, a French industrial group specialised in naval defence and marine renewable energy. The NSM will be deck mounted and integrated to the SETIS combat management system provided by Naval Group, according to Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS. "This contract provides the Royal Malaysian Navy with an important surface-to-surface-missile capability and confirms NSM's very strong position in the international market," Eirik Lie, president of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS, was quoted as saying in the statement. "NSM is currently chosen by Norway, Poland, Germany and Malaysia," he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 19:44:03|Editor: pengying Video Player Close RAMALLAH, April 18 (Xinhua) --- Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Tayseer Jaradat said Wednesday that Palestinians are exerting efforts to block Israel from being voted as member of the UN Security Council on June. Jaradat affirmed that contacts are underway with members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League to foil Israel's attempt to get a seat on the UN Security Council, saying "it is irrational that Israel gets this status while it violates all UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions." The senior diplomat accused Israel of obstructing the "efforts to achieve peace in the region, through its continued occupation and settlement activity," and urged the international community to take a more serious position towards it. The UN Security Council elections to select five temporary members to sit on the 10-member council are scheduled on June. Israel is competing with countries like Germany and Belgium for the 2019/2020 session membership. In order to qualify, the country must get the support of over two thirds of the 193-member UN General Assembly. Meanwhile, Palestinian Foreign Ministry slammed the Israeli magistrate court ruling allowing Jewish settlers to celebrate Israel's independence day in the yards of Al-Aqsa mosque in the old city of East Jerusalem. The ministry warned against the consequences of legalizing such steps and "normalizing the settler incursions" into the holy site. The site of Al-Aqsa mosque, known to Muslim as the Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as the Temple Mount, is located in East Jerusalem's Old City, a territory that Israel seized from Jordan in a 1967 war and annexed shortly later. The annexation has never been internationally recognized. ZAGREB, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Croatia will sign a contract with a Chinese consortium on the construction of the Peljesac Bridge on April 23, Croatian Minister of Sea, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butkovic confirmed on Wednesday. Butkovic told Xinhua that the construction of the bridge would begin immediately, despite the appeal submitted to court on Monday by the competitors, who attempted for the second time since January to challenge Croatian authority's decision of awarding the project to the Chinese bidder. A Chinese consortium led by China Road and Bridge Corporation won the bid for the construction of the first phase of the bridge and its access roads in January, when local road operator Harvatske Ceste (Croatian Roads) decided the Chinese offer was better than the ones from Austrian construction firm Strabag and an Italian-Turkish consortium. The decision was challenged days later by the competitors who accused the winner of offering "dumping prices" and enjoying "state aids". The appeals of the other bidders delayed the whole procedure and were rejected by Croatia's State Commission for Control of Public Procurement Procedure (DKOM) in late March for lack of evidence. DKOM decided that the Chinese consortium had fulfilled all technical conditions for the project and that the price claims in the appeal were not accurate. The Chinese consortium will begin preparations immediately, but it will take some time until the construction site is organized, according to Butkovic. "All things have been put to an end for us, and as far as Strabag's appeal is concerned, we will see how the court proceeds," said the minister. The Peljesac Bridge, with an estimated value of over 400 million euros (485 million U.S. dollars), is one of the most strategic infrastructure projects in Croatia. EU fund will cover 85 percent of the total cost. It is designed to be 55-meter high and 2.4 kilometer-long with four lanes, connecting the southernmost part of Croatia around Dubrovnik with the rest of the mainland. WELLINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern highlighted the deepening partnership between New Zealand and Germany following her meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin on Wednesday. "Germany's leadership has been vital in helping Europe, and indeed the world, weather the storms of the past decade," Ardern said in a statement. "As a country that shares Germany's commitment to open, democratic societies and the rules-based international system, New Zealand welcomes the role Germany plays in advancing these values," she said. The prime minister discussed with Merkel a range of key regional and international security challenges, and shared concerns about challenges to global institutions and rising protectionism. Ardern thanked Merkel for German's strong support for a free trade agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the European Union, and conveyed New Zealand's hope that negotiations would get under way in May. "We agreed there needed to be a new model for FTAs that reflected social and environmental goals as well as trade, and the importance of rules-based trade regimes," Ardern said. The two sides also discussed the prospect of collaboration on space. COLOMBO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka pledged financial contribution to the Small States Trade Financial Facility of the Commonwealth to support the small states to access global markets, the Finance Ministry said on Wednesday. Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera has signed an agreement for this purpose on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London on Tuesday. The move was initiated at the CHOGM Summit held in Colombo in 2013. "It is expected that the Commonwealth Small States will have access to 300 million USD of incremental trade finance over a three-year period from this program. As an anchor investor, Sri Lanka has donated more than 1.5 million USD towards this fund since 2015," the ministry said. Samaraweera said Sri Lanka's pledge towards this scheme reflects the Sri Lankan government's commitment to espousing the values and the spirit of the organization. Other countries supporting this endeavour by pledging financial commitment include India, Mauritius and Malta. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 20:04:14|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with India to expand their practical cooperation and make new and bigger development in bilateral ties, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Wednesday. China-India relations have developed positively this year, Hua Chunying said at a routine press briefing, adding that China will work with India to maintain high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, and properly manage and control their differences. At the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will pay a working visit to China and attend the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the spokesperson said. Wang will hold talks with Swaraj during her visit, and both sides will exchange views on bilateral ties as well as international and regional issues of common concern, Hua said. "I believe Swaraj's visit will further enhance mutual political trust between the two countries and promote bilateral strategic cooperative partnership," she said. Ugandan army officers carry the caskets bearing the bodies of Ugandan peacekeepers killed in Somalia, at Entebbe military airbase about 40 kilometers south of Kampala, Uganda, Aug. 2, 2017. A plane carrying the bodies of peacekeepers killed in Somalia touched down at Uganda's Entebbe International Airport on Wednesday. Twelve Ugandan peacekeepers were killed and nine others injured by Somali militant group Al-Shabaab on Sunday while on patrol. (Xinhua/Samuel Egadu) MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Tuesday lauded Ugandan soldiers for ensuring a safer and stable Somalia. AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in charge of support and logistics Salvator Harushimana praised the troops who have completed their tour of duty for their diligence. "During their stay, they performed their duties with dedication and a high level of professionalism," Harushimana said in a statement issued in Mogadishu. "They did not only represent Uganda well but also made the African Continent proud." The soldiers are part of battle group 21 of the Uganda People's Defense Force who were tasked with securing Mogadishu and neighboring regions. Harushimana said the battle group participated in many operations, ranging from conducting combat operations against al-Shabab to securing the Main Supply Routes, to conducting regular patrols and escorting vehicles carrying humanitarian relief aid. Soldiers stand guard during the formal inauguration ceremony of the United Nations Guard Unit (UNGU), a defensive military enity mandated to protect UN staff and installations in Mogadishua, capital of Somalia, May 18, 2014. The UNGU is made up of 410 troops provided by the Uganda People's Defence Forces. The Guard Unit, led by a Ugandan Commander, falls under the responsibliity of the UN designated official in Somalia. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse) Speaking at the function, Uganda's Deputy Ambassador to Somalia Nathan Mugisha called for more investment in social amenities critical for the survival of the populations to help supplement efforts being made by the military to stabilize the country. Mugisha also noted that there is need to enhance governance, justice and rule of law and humanitarian support in liberated areas to enable residents lead a normal life. He commended the Somali National Army for remaining resolute in the face of multiple challenges and urged the international community to aid the force in its efforts to secure the country. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 20:14:20|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade said Wednesday it will make moves to facilitate imports and exports in the coming three years. The council said it would help about 100 countries and regions to promote up to 10,000 commodities in China, especially the imports of advanced technical equipment, key components and high-quality consumer goods. "Expanding imports plays an important part in turning China into a trader of quality," said Feng Yaoxiang, departmental head of the council, at a monthly press conference. Meanwhile, the council will organize delegations to go abroad to make collective purchases and hold meetings for entrepreneurs from both home and abroad. It will also hold activities to recommend Chinese brands and services abroad, while soliciting foreign investments. China earlier this month unveiled a number of landmark measures to be taken this year to significantly broaden market access, from significantly lowering import tariffs for vehicles to opening up the financial sector. The country's foreign trade had become more balanced since the start of this year, with import growth outpacing exports and the trade surplus narrowing by 21.8 percent in the first quarter of this year. China's exports rose 7.4 percent year-on-year in the first three months while imports grew 11.7 percent, resulting in a trade surplus of 326.18 billion yuan (about 51.85 billion U.S. dollars), according to the General Administration of Customs. In the first quarter, total foreign trade volume expanded 9.4 percent to 6.75 trillion yuan from the same period last year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 20:24:23|Editor: pengying Video Player Close BEIRUT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Around 500 displaced Syrians gathered Wednesday in Lebanon's southern town of Shebaa, waiting for buses that will take them to "safe zones in Syria," the National News Agency reported. The displaced will be evacuated, through the Masnaa border crossing in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa valley, from Shebaa and Hasbaya to Syrian towns of Beit Jinn and Mazraat Bit jin, the report said. The repatriation was directly coordinated between the Syrian authorities and the refugees themselves. The chosen safe areas are a direct reflection of Ghouta battle according to a security source who told Xinhua on condition of anonymity that "it is a prelude to a series of successive operations that has nothing to do with the Lebanese government." The United Nations Higher Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) has made direct contacts with the displaced persons making sure their return is voluntary. The source said Lebanon's General Security Directorate will supervise the transfer and will check their identity papers and accompany them with logistical and security measures. The United Nations refugee agency said there are more than 1 million Syrian refugees who fled their war-torn country since the eruption of the rebellion against the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011. COLOMBO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The death toll from fatal accidents during the Sri Lankan New Year has reached 50 while over 600 people have been hospitalized in road mishaps during the past one week, police said Wednesday. Officials from Sri Lanka's main Colombo National Hospital said most of the victims who succumbed to their injuries were motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians. The highest number of accidents were reported on April 14 and 15, from Anuradhapura, in the island's north central province. Police Spokesperson SP Ruwan Gunasekara said the accidents were mainly due to drunk driving and speeding. Over 500 drivers were also arrested for drunk driving from various districts during the New Year period. Security had been tightened across the country since April 12 to nab drunk and speeding drivers and prevent any incidents from taking place. Sri Lanka celebrated its local New Year from April 12 to 15, with a majority of citizens on holiday for over a week. WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday morning that CIA chief Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in a secret visit to Pyongyang last week. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea (the DPRK) last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed," Trump tweeted. Trump's words came one day after reports, citing anonymous officials of the White House, revealed Pempeo's top-secret visit as Trump's envoy in recent weeks. The trip made by Pompeo, who was also Trump's pick for the state secretary to replace Rex Tillerson, was seen as an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between the leaders of the two countries expected in May or early June. "Details of Summit are being worked out now," Trump said. On Tuesday afternoon, Trump, during his meeting with visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said that Washington and Pyongyang have already started direct talks at "very high levels." Tension on the Korean Peninsula has thawed in recent months. Seoul and Pyongyang have agreed to hold a summit on April 27, the first meeting between the leaders of the two sides in 11 years. NEW DELHI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Over 40 houses were gutted in a devastating fire Wednesday in northern Indian state of Himachal Pradesh, police said. The fire broke out in Khasani village of Shimla district, the capital city of Himachal Pradesh. "Over 40 houses were completely destroyed in a fire which broke out early today in Khasani village in Rohroo subdivision here," a police official posted in Shimla said. "The fire has left 50 families homeless." According to officials the fire spread quickly and engulfed the locality. "The houses were mostly built in wood and the fire reduced over 40 of the structures to ashes by the time the fire tenders reached the spot," the police official said. Locals said they struggled hard to prevent the fire from spreading in the locality having a cluster of about 150 houses. A local government official Babu Ram Sharma said it took more than five hours for the firefighters to contain the blaze. "The victims have been provided temporary shelter, clothes and ration," Sharma said. "We will soon make a loss assessment and all possible assistance will be given to the victims." The cause of the fire was not immediately known. Police officials said they were trying to ascertain the reasons that triggered the devastating blaze. Locals suspect electric short circuit as the reason behind fire. Chances of fire in Indian villages and cites are usually high as people usually ignore safety standards vis-a-vis fire and store fuel and combustible materials in a haphazard manner. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 20:54:38|Editor: ZX Video Player Close HANGZHOU/SHENZHEN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Inside a traditional Chinese house with stylish green bricks and black tiles in the city of Hangzhou, Nikk Mitchell and his team are pursuing their dreams in the VR industry. Canadian Mitchell established his company in June 2017 and now has a team of over 30 employees from countries including China, Poland, Russia, the United States, and Uganda. "Hangzhou is a combination of modern and ancient styles, and you can see art, history, and culture everywhere, and it inspires our VR development," he said. The team is considering combining the art of calligraphy with VR technology. With a dream to discover the world, Mitchell arrived at China in 2006 at the age of 18. In 2012, he was amazed by a VR video he saw online, and decided that he wanted to work in this industry. He started to study VR technology and found an online community to meet people who shared the same interests. Thanks to China's encouragement of innovation and entrepreneurship, Mitchell is seeing his VR dream turn into reality. Mitchell's company is located in Dream Town, Hangzhou's entrepreneurial cluster, which offers free workspaces and other services such as financing and business advice. "Some entrepreneurs in Canada still don't have their own offices after years of work," he said. For 28-year-old Russian Artem Zhdanov, China is also where he is pursuing his dreams. After graduating from college with a major in Chinese language, he left his hometown in Siberia and moved to Guangzhou, China's southern economic powerhouse. Over the past six years, he has built a Russian-language news website about China, co-founded a consulting company, and set up an online store on Chinese e-commerce platform Taobao. The news website now has 100,000 monthly visits, and the products he sells online -- such as T-shirts, cups, and chopsticks with interesting Chinese phrases -- have become popular with expats living in China. "My childhood dream was to be a diplomat. Now my website and Taobao store are like bridges connecting foreigners with China." "China is an ideal place to start a business. As long as you have an idea and the resolution, you can easily build a business here," he said. Zhdanov wants to connect Russian entrepreneurs with investors and incubators in China. "There are so many unicorn companies in China, and the government has been provided great support for hi-tech development. I would like to tell more Russian makers that instead of only looking at Silicon Valley, they can also make their dreams come true in China." According to the Expat Explorer 2017 Report published by HSBC, a move to China, which is one of the world's economic powerhouses, offers expats numerous career and income advantages. Seven in ten expats in China said the country offers strong job prospects compared with only five in ten globally. Half of all expats interviewed in China said they have more chances to acquire new skills here than at home, and they earn significantly more than the global average expat salary. The number of foreign employees in China has increased at a staggering pace over the past decades. More than 900,000 foreigners were employed on the Chinese mainland in 2016, according to official data. In the 1980s, less than 10,000 foreign experts worked in the country every year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 20:54:38|Editor: Lu Hui Video Player Close Photo taken on March 23, 2018 shows the Inaugural Ceremony Site of Boao Forum for Asia, Qionghai City of south China's Hainan Province. The 2018 Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) is scheduled for April 8-11 in Boao, a town in the southern Chinese island province of Hainan. (Xinhua/Yang Guanyu) BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China will offer greater visa-free access for tourists from 59 countries to Hainan from May 1, in a move to support reform and opening up in the country's southernmost island province, the State Immigration Administration announced Wednesday. Under the new policy, group and individual tourists from 59 countries, including Russia, Britain, France, Germany, and the United States, can visit Hainan visa-free and stay there for up to 30 days on condition that they book their tour through travel agencies. Hainan has offered a 15-day visa-free stay for group tourists from 21 countries since 2000, and added another five countries to the list in 2010. "By extending the policy to individuals and the stay to up to 30 days, the government aims to attract more international tourists, nurture the tourism industry and meet the needs of foreign individuals," said the administration's vice head Qu Yunhai. The eased visa-free access to Hainan is part of China's effort to build the province into "a free trade port with Chinese characteristics," as stated in the guidelines on supporting Hainan to deepen reform and opening up, released by central authorities Saturday. The island has become a famous tropical resort for overseas tourists in recent years, with the number of overseas tourists exceeding 1.1 million in 2017, up nearly 50 percent year on year. Last year, Hainan received nearly 320,000 tourists from the 26 countries with visa-free access, 3.5 times the number recorded in 2016. Tourists from Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea (ROK)and Russia accounted for more than 90 percent of the total. "The policy will inject vitality into Hainan and bring us closer to our goal of becoming a world-class destination," said Sun Ying, director of the provincial tourism development commission. "Now, it's our golden time!" said Li Yongquan, who has been a guide for foreign tourists in Hainan for 18 years. Li said local tourist guides should be ready themselves for the influx of foreign tourists. The association of travel agencies in Haikou, capital of Hainan, plans to offer language and cultural training to employees with more than 200 local travel agencies, according to Mai Weiwen, secretary-general of the association. More direct flights are planned to countries with visa-free access. Hainan already has 57 international flights to countries including Germany, Malaysia and Thailand, with plans for at least 16 new overseas routes this year. It aims to have at least 100 overseas routes by 2020. Related: Hainan to establish new offshore duty-free shop Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 21:09:43|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Palestinian young man Alaa Dally (C) is seen inside al-Quds hospital in Gaza City, on April 18, 2018. Dally was injured by an explosive bullet during the anti-Israel rally on the Gaza-Israel border. The borderline area between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel GAZA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli tanks stationed on the border between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel fired several tank shells into the coastal enclave, injuring five Palestinians, medics said Wednesday. Ashraf al-Qedra, spokesman of the health ministry in Gaza said in a short text message that five Palestinians were injured by the shrapnel of an Israeli tank shell fired on an area east of the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis close to the border with Israel. He said the five casualties were in moderate condition and were evacuated to hospital in the city. Meanwhile, Palestinian security sources and eyewitnesses said that the Israeli artillery fired several tank shells on eastern Khan Younis, targeting a military facility that belongs to militant groups in the coastal enclave. Israel Radio reported quoting Israeli army officials that the Israeli artillery fired on the area shortly after unknown militants opened fire from the area on an Israeli army force that was patrolling the borders. The borderline area between eastern Gaza Strip and Israel has been witnessing a series of violent actions and security tensions, mainly since the six-week rallies and marches organized in the coastal enclave in March 30 and will go on until May 15. Al-Qedra said that since the start of the rallies, the Israeli army killed 33 Palestinians and wounded more than 3,000 demonstrators. Two more Palestinians were killed in the West Bank during the same period, according to medical sources. WINDHOEK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The President of Angola, Joao Lourenco will pay a State Visit to Namibia from May 3 to 5 and participate in the 40th Anniversary of the Cassinga Massacre commemoration, on invitation of the country's President Hage Geingob. The southern African country on May 4 will commemorate the Cassinga Massacre in which the then South African Apartheid regime attacked the Cassinga Refugee Camp, and killed thousands of Namibian civilians and hundreds of Angolans on May. 4, 1978. The Ministry of International Relations on Wednesday in a statement said during the commemoration, the President of Angola will lay a Wreath at Heroes Acre and participate as Guest of Honor at the event. "As we pay tribute to these heroes and heroines, who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that has brought about our freedom and independence, Namibia has decided to commemorate this Anniversary at the National level at Heroes Acre, on May. 4," added Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International relations, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Meanwhile, the International Relations Ministry has also invited all Cassinga survivors and others to attend the national event to be held in the capital city, Windhoek to pay tribute to the heroes and heroines who perished in Cassinga. JOHANNESBURG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Scores of commuters in Johannesburg were left stranded due to the bus strike on Wednesday. The nationwide bus strike kicked off at 05:30 a.m., while taxi and rail operators braced for crowds and long queues. The strike came after talks between the union and the employers reached a standstill. At least 50 bus companies are not operating across the country as the strike intensifies. Nationwide bus services such as MyCiTi in Cape Town, Putco, Rea Vaya and Gautrain bus service in Gauteng and Algoa Bus Company in the Port Elizabeth area are among those that downed their tools. Bus drivers are demanding better pay and working hours. The National Union of Metalworkers (Numsa) of SA, which has members in the bus sector, are demanding 12 percent increase but their employers are willing to offer 7.5 percent. Other demands included a subsistence allowance for drivers who did long distance travel, and were forced to sleep out. "Numsa wants to inform the public that the decision to embark on a strike was not taken lightly. In fact, we took this decision as a last resort," union's general secretary, Irvin Jim told Xinhua in a telephone interview from Pretoria. He urged bosses to return to the negotiating table as soon as possible for a quick settlement. A Johannesburg woman, only identified as Betty, said her employers told her to stay at home for her safety as the bus strike continues. "I'm considering to stay at home," Betty said. She does not live near a rail route, but Metrorail said it would monitor the situation and extend service times where possible. A Wits university student who relies on passing trade at the Rea Vaya bus station said she would probably also stay at home for the day for her safety. A cellphone repairman who works in Johannesburg central Business district (CBD) said he would make the call on Thursday morning whether it would be safe for him to go into work next to the bus station. "I will first and foremost make a call and then decide," he said. Xinhua heard it on good authority that negotiations to resolve the bus drivers' pay dispute could start on Thursday at the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration(CCMA). "We hope to start at the CCMA on Thursday," said Gary Wilson, secretary general of the South African Road Passenger Bargaining Council on Tuesday afternoon. NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A UN environment expert has called for the adoption of conservation agriculture in Africa to help save the continent from climate change. Richard Munang, UN Environment Africa Climate Change Coordinator, said that if not checked, climate change is projected to shrink Africa's economies by a whopping 75 percent in the next few years. "With climate change in the picture, the negative challenges it poses in the agriculture sector will be compounded by multiple other problems that will lead to food insecurity in the continent," Munang said on Wednesday at a conference in Nairobi. He called for the adoption of smart agriculture, adding African countries agriculture sectors are at risk due to climate change. Munang observed that Kenya's agriculture sector alone is projected to record 1 degree celsius temperature increase that will reduce crop revenue by 14 percent in the next two years. He noted that conservation agriculture is capable of increasing yields by over 300 percent, from a high of seven bags to 30, and with additional benefits of reduced labor and improved soil fertility. According to the UN Environment official, studies show that nature based agriculture can increase yields by up to 128 percent under the changing climate to enhance food security. "Conservation agriculture can save farmers 30-60 percent in labor and time to enhance farm level incomes," he added. He told farmers attending the conference to embark on climate smart agriculture and inter-cropping to help change the micro climate of the regions by growing crops that perform well under the current climatic conditions like sorghum. He gave an example of Malawi that has used a similar technique where farmers are substituting maize for high value, climate resilient sesame. The UN official noted that conservation agriculture techniques like minimum tillage and mulching not only increase yields like the conventional approaches promise, but go an extra mile to take care of the soils. He said that Africa's population, especially the 200 million strong youthful populations, needs to be leveraged as the primary resource in driving conservation agriculture. "Once appropriately exercised, this model could potentially create as many as 17 million jobs annually for Africa's youth and also catalyze an agro-sector projected to be worth 1 trillion U.S. dollars by 2030," he added. Munang noted that through the UN Environment and the African Union (AU) through Ecosystem based Adaptation for food security in Africa Assembly (EBAFOSA), countries are fostering this amalgamated approach in developing these sectors with significant socioeconomic and climate impacts. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 21:19:48|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China hopes that dialogue between the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) will be successfully held with positive results, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying Wednesday. Hua made the remarks on the possible meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong Un. On Tuesday, Trump said that Washington and Pyongyang had already started direct talks at "very high levels." He also said that five sites were currently being weighed up as the venue for a meeting between him and Kim, which is planned for May or early June. Meanwhile, CIA chief Mike Pompeo has reportedly made a top-secret visit to the DPRK recently as an envoy for Trump. Hua said China welcomed the direct dialogue between the U.S. side and the DPRK. "As the saying goes, a good start is half success," Hua said. China hopes that all parties concerned will continue the dialogue to increase mutual trust and expand consensus, she said. She called on related parties to push forward the political solution of the peninsula issue following the "dual-track approach," namely to promote denuclearization on the peninsula and establish a peace mechanism. "In this process, we should take care of the legitimate concerns of all parties and finally form a package solution to fundamentally realize the long-term stability of the peninsula," Hua said. As a close neighbor of the peninsula, China is firmly committed to advancing the process of peacefully resolving the peninsula issue, according to Hua. She said China holds a positive and open attitude toward all efforts that are conducive to resolving the peninsula issue through dialogue and consultations. ( China will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the peaceful resolution of the peninsula issue, she added. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 21:44:57|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Wednesday reiterated the one-China principle, urging relevant African countries to join the family of China-Africa friendship and cooperation. Responding to a question concerning Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, Hua Chunying told a routine press briefing, "There is only one China. Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory." Hua said the government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government that represents China, which is recognizd by both a United Nations resolution and an overwhelming majority of the world's countries. She said that Gambia, Sao Tome and Principe have returned to the track of China-Africa friendship and cooperation, which fully indicates that the one-China principle is what people want. "We sincerely hope that relevant African countries get a clear understanding of the international trend and join the family of China-Africa friendship and cooperation at an early date," she said. Vehicles wade through floodwater in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, April 16, 2018. At least nine people have been killed in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam by heavy rains pounding the city for three consecutive days, police said on Monday. (Xinhua) DAR ES SALAAM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Tanzania has suspended tourist visits to Lake Manyara National Park in the country's northern tourist circuit after heavy rains damaged a bridge. Visits by tourists to the Lake Manyara National Park are temporarily suspended after flash floods swept away a bridge over Marera River, Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Corporate Communications Manager Paschal Shelutete said in a statement. "We urge all visitors to temporarily suspend their planned visits to the park," said Shelutete. "Visits will resume when water levels subside." Photo taken on April 16, 2018 shows a flooded area in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. At least nine people have been killed in Tanzania's commercial capital Dar es Salaam by heavy rains pounding the city for three consecutive days, police said on Monday. (Xinhua) Lake Manyara National Park is well known for its lions, elephants, large buffaloes, and zebra herds that congregate on the grassy plains. Meanwhile, the number of people killed by flash floods caused by the ongoing rains in the country's commercial capital Dar es Salaam rose from nine to 14, police said on Tuesday. According to a statement released last week by Tanzania Meteorological Agency, the rains were expected to continue for some time. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 21:49:58|Editor: pengying Video Player Close DOHA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Qatar has signed a partnership agreement with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) to launch a diplomatic training program, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported on Wednesday. The agreement was signed in Doha by Ali Khalfan al-Mansouri, Qatar's permanent representative to the UN and Nikhil Seth, UN assistant Secretary-General and Executive Director of UNITAR. Under the deal, the two sides will launch a program which aims to train and develop diplomats' skills in developing countries. The UNITAR, UN's principal training arm since its establishment in 1963, provides government officials with training in peacekeeping and conflict prevention. Qatar is currently facing a blockade by a number of Arab countries, mainly Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, since last June. The Arab bloc accused Doha of funding terrorism, while the latter has strongly rejected the allegations. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 21:55:00|Editor: ZX Video Player Close ULAN BATOR, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China and Mongolia signed an agreement here Wednesday on the implementation of the technical assistance project to save Mongolia's endangered Gobi bear (Mazaalai) and improve their range. The agreement was signed by Sun Weiren, commercial counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Mongolia, and Gantomor Nyamdavaa, head of the Environment and Natural Resources Management Department at Mongolia's Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The three-year project will be implemented from the beginning of this summer with a non-refundable aid of 110 million RMB (17.5 million U.S. dollars) from the Chinese government. Due to lack of food, Mazaalai is currently the world's rarest bear, with only 28 Mazaalai bears left, according to a recent research. They mainly feed on roots, berries and sometimes rodents, but refuse to eat human-made substitute-plants. MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) on Wednesday called on the international community to help Somalia develop capacity to tackle the potent threats in the country. Senior AMISOM officials including security officials who ended their fourth Bi-annual Counter IED Conference in Mogadishu reached agreement on measures to tackle effectively the threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) that present a major threat to the country's stabilization process. "The conference resolved among others to encourage the use of forensics and intensify training of personnel to help counter the threat posed by IEDs," participants said in a joint statement issued by the AU mission. The conference acknowledged that the indiscriminate use of IEDs by al-Shabab militants posed a major risk to the realization of sustainable peace and stability in the Horn of Africa country and emphasized efforts that will decisively tackle the problem. The AU mission-backed conference brought together key stakeholders who included senior officials from Somali security institutions, AMISOM and international partners. Francisco Madeira, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia, lauded the partners for their continued support and commitment to capacitating AMISOM personnel on how to deal with the threat of IEDs to security forces and the civilian populations. "We need this commitment and solidarity to continue until we are able to say that Mogadishu is really safe and dependable. That the MSRs (main supply routes) linking Mogadishu-Beletweyne; Mogadishu-Baidoa; Mogadishu-Barawe; Dhobley, Afamadow and Kismayo, Kansuma Bridge, are all passable, safe and free of IEDs," said Madeira. Salvator Harushimana, AMISOM Deputy Force Commander in Charge of Support and Logistics, called for greater collaboration between stakeholders in order to find a lasting solution to the IED problem. At least 3,000 civilians have been either killed or injured by IEDs in Somalia in the past three years, the UN Mine-Action Service (UNMAS), UN's demining agency, said in early April. It said the year 2017 was the deadliest, in large part due to an IED attack on Oct. 14 in Mogadishu which killed more than 500 people and injured over 300 in twin bombings. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:05:05|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) film festival will be held in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province from June 13 to 17, an official said Wednesday. This event, co-hosted by the State Film Administration and Shandong provincial government, aims to promote cooperation and exchange between SCO states, said Li Guoqi, deputy director of the State Film Administration. The film festival will invite film professionals from the eight member states and four observer states of SCO, Li added. About 60 films produced by SCO states will be screened during the festival. Film is a universal language and can build a bridge of friendship between different nations, said well-known film producer Han Sanping, who will be the president of the festival jury. "I believe the festival will allow cooperation and exchange between SCO states to reach a higher stage and will promote mutual learning among civilizations of SCO states," Han said. Film star Jackie Chan has been honored as the image ambassador for the event. Slated for June in east China's Qingdao City, the SCO summit this year will be the first since a membership expansion last year. The SCO now includes China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan as full members. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:05:05|Editor: pengying Video Player Close TIKRIT, Iraq, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi security forces Wednesday launched an operation to hunt down remnants of Islamic State (IS) militants, in mountainous area in Iraq's central province of Salahudin, a provincial security source said. A joint force from the Iraqi army, police and paramilitary Hashd Shaabi brigades advanced in the morning to Makhoul mountain range and nearby Khanouqah hills in the northern part of Salahudin province to chase IS militants who repeatedly carried out attacks against civilians and Iraqi security forces in the area, Colonel Mohammed Khalaf from Salahudin provincial police told Xinhua. The troops, backed by helicopter gunships and artillery, cleared large areas and pounded suspected hideouts of IS militants, Khalaf said. The troops found four bodies of the extremist militants and seized caches of weapons and ammunition, including explosive belts and other equipment, Khalaf added. Khalaf also said that a soldier was killed in a roadside bomb explosion while operating in Khanouqah hills. The operation came six days after bomb attacks by IS militants on mourners at the cemetery of Sdeira al-Suflah, a village in east of the town of Shirqat, some 280 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which killed 10 mourners and wounded 14 others. The mourners were gathering at the cemetery to bury four villagers who were also killed earlier by IS bomb attacks. The attacks came despite repeated operations by Iraqi security forces to clear the areas around Shirqat of the remnants of IS militants. During the past few months, dozens of IS militants fled their former urban strongholds in Mosul, Salahudin province and Hawijah area in the west of Kirkuk after the Iraqi forces cleared these areas through major anti-IS offensives. However, many IS remnants have resorted to hideouts in mountainous and rugged areas near the rivers of Tigris and Zab, as well as Himreen mountain range that extends to neighboring Diyala province in eastern Iraq. On Dec. 9, 2017, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi officially declared full liberation of Iraq from IS militants. But small groups of IS militants regrouped in the rugged areas and have been carrying out attacks against the security forces and civilians despite the repeated Iraqi military operations to hunt them down. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:05:06|Editor: Lifang Video Player Close Yang Jiechi (L), member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, attends an unveiling ceremony of the International Development Cooperation Agency, April 18, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China Wednesday officially unveiled its International Development Cooperation Agency. The new agency will be responsible for strategic guidelines and policies on foreign aid; coordinating and making suggestions on major related issues; reforming the foreign aid system; and making plans and overseeing their implementation. Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said that the agency would safeguard world peace and promote common development. The agency is important for Chinese diplomacy and the Belt and Road Initiative, said Yang. He said that for more than 60 years, China has provided assistance to other developing countries without any political conditions. China will strengthen cooperation with developing countries, and increase aid, especially to the least developed countries, to contribute to narrowing the North-South gap and building a community with a shared future for humanity. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi also attend the ceremony. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:05:07|Editor: pengying Video Player Close KIEV, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has to intensify its anti-corruption efforts and energy reforms to receive the next portion of aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukrainian Finance Minister Olexandr Danylyuk said on Wednesday. "We have at the moment two prior actions, which are not completed. First is passing the law on the creation of an anti-corruption court, second is an automatic adjustment of the gas tariffs to market level," Danylyuk, who is now on a visit to the United States, was quoted as saying by his ministry's press service. Last week, Ukraine's central bank said it hopes to receive a total of 2 billion U.S. dollars from the global lender this year to replenish the country's foreign exchange reserves. Under a cooperation program launched in 2015, the east European country has received about 8.7 billion dollars from the IMF, which helped its economy avoid collapse amid the crisis. The disbursement of the aid was suspended since April 2017 over Ukraine's failure to implement the agreed reforms, while the cooperation program is set to end in March 2019. ABUJA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Suspected political thugs invaded Nigeria's Senate building on Wednesday and carted away the Mace during a plenary session, authorities said. The thugs overwhelmed the security personnel, ran into a waiting vehicle outside the plenary hall and drove away in a commando-like manner, bearing with them the staff of office regarded as the symbol of authority of the Senate. The Nigerian Senate described the act as "a sad assault on democracy." A senator suspended last week by the leadership of the parliament was alleged to be the sponsor of the sacrilege, a spokesman for the Senate said. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Nigeria's oil-rich Delta State was suspended for 90 legislative days last week, for challenging the sequence of next year's general election after it had been arranged by the parliament. Omo-Agege had alleged the Senate of working against President Muhammadu Buhari who is running for a second term of office next year. The suspended senator accompanied the thugs as they invaded the Senate building, seized the mace and drove away, witnesses said. Senate spokesman Abdullahi Sabi said the act is tantamount to treason. However, plenary resumed after the commotion with an executive or closed-door session where the earlier incident of forceful removal of the mace was deliberated upon. The Senate has mandated the national police chief and the head of secret police to retrieve the stolen mace within 24 hours. ADDIS ABABA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Close to 4,000 Chinese passengers use the Ethiopian airline's flight services on a daily basis, the Ethiopian Airlines Group revealed on Wednesday. Ethiopia's flag carrier in its report presented to the Ethiopian parliament on Wednesday indicated that the Chinese passengers represent one of the largest customer bases of the airlines. The Ethiopian airlines group, which is widely recognized as one of Africa's fastest growing airlines, has been frequently expressing its interest to attract Chinese passengers into the African continent and beyond. Esayas Woldemariam, Managing Director of Ethiopian airline's International Service, recently told Xinhua that the airlines has strong aspirations to grow its relations with its Chinese customers towards "being the most Chinese-friendly transit hub and airline in the African continent." Noting why the Ethiopian airline is preferred by majority of Chinese passengers, Woldemariam said that "we have a Chinese help desk here at the hub for passengers passing through here to Africa and coming back, we have Chinese dedicated staff here, we have Chinese crew on board, we have Chinese food, and we have Chinese call-center." The airline also celebrates Chinese festivals in a bid to attract its Chinese customers, which include a special event for Chinese nationals returning home for the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival every February. Ethiopian Airlines is currently the biggest carrier of passenger and cargo between China and Africa, with 5 destinations in China that are Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Chengdu and Guangzhou. The company has also finalized its preparations to add Shenzhen on the list. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:30:15|Editor: pengying Video Player Close MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Somali forces on Wednesday took control of five villages in Middle Shabelle regions in southern Somalia which had been under al-Shabab rule, military officials have said. Ali Alasow, a commander based in the Middle Shabelle region, told journalists the forces recovered five villages under al-Shabab control following a military operation. "Our forces conducted a massive operation to the liberate areas under the terrorists," said Alasow. "Five villages are now under put control including Qordhere, Qorah Madobe, Waraxley, War-Cise and Qab-duco," the commander said. Alasow added the forces are still continuing with the operation to ensure all the militants are flushed out of the areas they still have control on. The forces did not encounter much resistance from the militants, a resident told Xinhua. "When the al-Shabab heard the forces were heading to the village, they withdrew immediately," Aweys Abdi, a resident told Xinhua. The capture of the villages added to several others regained in the recent by joint Somali and African Union forces operations and is gradually reducing the militant group's hold of the regions in the southern Somalia. President of Turkey and Leader of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), Recep Tayyip Erdogan, gestures as he gives a speech during an AK party's parliamentary group meeting at the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in Ankara, on April 17, 2018. (AFP photo) ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkey will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, 2018, instead of the scheduled date in November 2019, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in Ankara on Wednesday. His statement came after a meeting with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli who called on the government to hold early elections on Tuesday. Changing to the executive presidency has become urgent for the future of our country, Erdogan said in a news conference, noting that they have agreed to approach early election positively with the nationalist opposition leader. "Turkey's cross-border operation in Syria, and the situation in both Syria and Iraq have made it necessary for the country to overcome uncertainty," Erdogan stressed. "We are immediately launching the legal process regarding the matter without a doubt. Turkey's Supreme Election Board will also start preparations for the elections as soon as possible," he added. On Tuesday, Bahceli made a call to hold presidential and parliamentary elections earlier than the scheduled date, saying "it has become too difficult to get to November 2019 with stability and equilibrium under the current circumstances." The elections, which were earlier scheduled for fall 2019, are important as a new executive presidency agreed in a referendum will come into force. On April 16, 2017, Turkey held a referendum during which the majority of voters decided in favor of an 18-article bill to switch from a parliamentary to a presidential system. ISLAMABAD, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan's provincial government of the northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will purchase 380 buses from China to be utilized in the Rapid Bus Transit Service project. A spokesperson of the provincial government said on Wednesday that a delegation of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government will leave for China on Friday to procure the buses for the project. The government of Pakistan's northern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is currently completing the Rapid Bus Transit Service project in Peshawar. The project, which is being built at 49 billion Pakistani rupees (420 million U.S. dollars), is expanded over 26 kilometers from Chamkani area to Hayatabad area in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The Rapid Bus Transit project will have 31 bus stations, while the line also contains a 3.5 km-long area of underpasses. Apart from the project, the whole road structure along the east to the west corridor will also be revived and a new bicycle lane will be introduced. The construction activities on the Peshawar Rapid Bus Transit Service project kicked off in November 2017. It is being constructed concurrently with the famous Peshawar Ring Road. It will not only provide commuters an easy way to commute through the city but also redirect heavy vehicles from the city. The South Asian country has similar transit bus projects in other cities, including Lahore, Multan, and the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. BRUSSELS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Portugal will take over the leadership of NATO's Baltic air policing mission from Denmark on May 2, NATO said in a press release Wednesday. NATO Baltic air policing missions have been carried out since 2004 with NATO allies taking turns deploying their interceptors and staff in the Baltic states in a four-month rotation. The Portuguese Air Force will deploy four F-16M fighter jets, as well as a 90-strong detachment of pilots, ground crews and support personnel to Siauliai, Lithuania. France and Spain will also take part in the mission with French Air Force Mirage 2000-5 fighters and Spanish Eurofighter jets deployed at bases in Estonia and Lithuania. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:55:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close JERUSALEM, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A "powerful" explosive device was found in a Palestinian truck at a West Bank checkpoint on Wednesday, the Israeli Defense Ministry said. The bomb was found after the driver was stopped for a routine check at the Rehian crossing between the northern West Bank and Israel. The driver was arrested, the ministry said in a statement. The vehicle also carried goods to Israeli settlements in the area, according to the ministry. The incident came as Israeli security forces were on full alert ahead of the mass celebrations for the country's 70th anniversary of its founding on Wednesday night. On Tuesday, Israel closed all exits from the West Bank for two days, citing security concerns. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 22:55:21|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi holds talks with Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali in Beijing, capital of China, April 18, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling) BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Nepali Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali Wednesday in Beijing, vowing to strengthen interconnectivity between the two countries. Wang said China and Nepal had reached consensus on the Belt and Road Initiative and would improve interconnectivity in various fields including port, railway, highway, aviation, electric power and telecommunications, so as to build a highly-interconnected network across the Himalayas. Wang called on the two sides to seize opportunities, cement traditional friendship and maintain high-level exchanges. Gyawali said the Nepali side firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and appreciates China's help over the years. Gyawali applauded the idea of building a community with a shared future for humanity, adding Nepal stands ready to join the Belt and Road Initiative, and hopes to promote bilateral comprehensive cooperation up to a higher level. BANGKOK, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China offered 1.7 million U.S. dollars from the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) Special Fund to Thailand on Wednesday to boost cross-border economy and trade, business exchange and e-commerce. Chinese Ambassador to Thailand Lyu Jian and Permanent Secretary of Thai Ministry of Commerce Nuntawan Sakuntanaga signed the cooperation agreement on LMC Special Fund projects here on Wednesday. China initiated the LMC Special Fund during the first LMC Leaders' meeting in Sanya of China's southern Hainan province in March 2016 with the aim of supporting the small and medium-sized cooperation projects put forward by the six Lancang-Mekong countries. The six Lancang-Mekong countries include China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Lyu said during the signing ceremony, "our six countries have worked together in the past two years to turn the idea of LMC into reality, bringing benefits to our six countries and the region." Lyu said the Mekong countries will gain greater benefits as China will expand opening-up and continue to increase its input in the LMC. China will keep close cooperation with Thailand to deliver visible and tangible benefits to people in the region, Lyu added. Sontirat thanked the Chinese government for financially supporting the LMC cooperation and said the cooperation agreement will facilitate the LMC member countries to achieve their goals on social and economic development and help to transform "the Mekong into a river of peace, prosperity and progress." The ministry also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mekong Institute, an intergovernmental organization serving Lancang-Mekong countries to boost economic growth in the region. KIEV, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Ukrainian Interior Ministry and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have agreed to cooperate on combating drugs and cybercrimes, the ministry said on Wednesday. The memorandum on mutual cooperation was signed in Washington by Ukrainian Interior Minister Arsen Avakov and FBI Director Christopher Wray, the ministry said in a statement. The signing of the deal will enable the two parties to cooperate on issues related to information exchange and the access to certain technical facilities, the statement said. Avakov on Sunday kicked off a five-day visit to the United States to hold talks with the FBI chief and representatives of the U.S. Department of State. Russian Ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia attends a Security Council emergency meeting on Syria at the UN headquarters in New York, April 14, 2018. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia on Tuesday branded a new draft Security Council resolution on Syria, which was circulated by France, Britain and the United States, as "untimely and unnecessary." The draft was circulated among the 15 members of the Security Council on Saturday and negotiations began on Monday. But Nebenzia showed no interest at all. "At first glance, (the draft is) untimely and unnecessary," he told reporters on Tuesday. Russian representatives were present at the first round of negotiations "just to hear," but believed the effort was not timely, he said. "On Friday they waged an aggression against Syria, on Saturday they came with a political solution, don't you think it's funny?" he asked, in reference to the missile strikes carried out by the three countries on Syria. French Ambassador to the United Nations Francois Delattre said Monday that the new draft resolution would be a comprehensive one, covering political and humanitarian issues and the use of chemical weapons in Syria. "The goal of the resolution is clear: it is for the Security Council to restart collective action to deal with the chemical weapons dossier, to protect civilians and to work toward a political settlement of the Syrian crisis," Delattre told reporters on Monday. Nebenzia argued on Tuesday that there have already been Security Council resolutions covering political and humanitarian issues concerning Syria. As to chemical weapons use in Syria, Nebenzia said an investigative mechanism is no longer necessary. "They (The three countries) attributed the guilt and they already punished the culprits, why do they need any investigative mechanism any more?" he asked, again in reference to the missile strikes on Syria over reports of chemical weapons use in the Arab country. Security Council members have been trying to set up a new inquiry mechanism for chemical attacks in Syria since such a mechanism was disbanded in November 2017 after Russia vetoed the extension of its mandate. Russia last week again vetoed a U.S.-drafted resolution for the purpose of establishing an investigative mechanism for chemical weapons use in Syria. A Russian-drafted resolution for the same purpose failed to pass the threshold of nine votes in favor of adoption. Besides the French-drafted resolution, Security Council members also have in their hands a Swedish-drafted text, which includes a request to the UN secretary-general to immediately dispatch a high-level disarmament mission to Syria to address all outstanding issues about the use of chemical weapons in the country once and for all. However, council members have not engaged seriously on the Swedish draft. ATHENS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos as well as the Greek Foreign Ministry on Wednesday urged Turkey to abide to international law and refrain from "absurd claims" in response to the latest announcement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry regarding sovereignty over the Imia/Kardak islets in the Aegean Sea. "We always want to have good relations. We favor Turkey's European perspective, but this requires respect of the European Union and Greece's borders, and we are not willing to make concessions," Pavlopoulos said while welcoming Estonian Defense Minister Juri Luik at the Presidential Mansion in Athens. Europeans are prepared to protect these borders which are clearly defined by international law, the Greek President stressed, according to Greek national news agency AMNA. The Greek leader's remark came following a Turkish Foreign Ministry announcement that claimed that "the Kardak islets (Imia for Greece), their territorial waters and their air space are under Turkish sovereignty." In 1996, the two neighboring NATO members came to the brink of war over a sovereignty dispute of Imia/Kardak islets, while in recent months tensions have increased again over a series of issues. Ankara's statement was made after the release on Tuesday of the European Commission's 2018 Turkey Country Report and the Enlargement Strategy Paper. "While the European Union calls on Turkey to respect European law, Turkey responds with an announcement that provocatively violates it. It reiterates a flagrantly illegal stance, ignoring the fact that the legal status of the Aegean is fully enshrined in international law," said an e-mailed Greek Foreign Ministry announcement Wednesday. Greek sovereignty over Imia is clear and beyond doubt, according to the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923, the Italian-Turkish Agreements of 1932, and the 1947 Treaty of Paris, the Greek side stressed. "Once again, the European Commission's criticism of Turkey has induced the latter to make absurd claims. We call on Turkey to come to its senses and to use the findings of the Commission's report as a useful tool for self-criticism in improving its image in public opinion and in the international community," the Greek ministry statement concluded. HAVANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Cuba's National Assembly of People's Powers began a two-day session on Wednesday morning to elect a successor to President Raul Castro. The 605-member legislative body opened the plenary session at the Convention Center in the capital Havana. It will elect the 31-member Council of State that governs the country, including Castro's successor. The vote will take place on Wednesday, but the results will be disclosed Thursday in another plenary session. The new president will be the first person outside the Castro family in almost six decades. Raul Castro took over power in 2006 from his elder brother Fidel Castro who led a revolution that triumphed in 1959 in the island country. After handing over power to his successor, Raul Castro will remain as a deputy to the parliament and as the first secretary of the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party of Cuba, which is considered as the leading force of the Cuban society. First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is widely seen to be Raul Castro's successor. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 23:40:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- In today's China, it does not take long for one to see the country's thriving Internet sector. In any city, people use their mobile phones every day to shop, order food, hail a car, pay utilities and do many other things. All in all, China has 700 million Internet users, more than 4 million websites, the world's most extensive 4G network and a huge online marketplace. Its retail transactions combined are larger than anywhere else. The country's Internet industry began to develop in the 1990s but the pace notably picked up in the last two decades. Take the Internet infrastructure for example. In 2017 alone, China added 7.05 million kilometers of optic fiber, extending its total length in the country by 23.2 percent. The watershed event: a key speech made by President Xi Jinping on April 19, 2016 on the work of cybersecurity and informatization. The speech and many others made by Xi since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012 showed the strategic thinking on building China's cyber strength. A state plan on developing a "digital China" over the next decade was issued. Substantial progress is aimed in the five years starting 2016. Three principles have been made clear. Firstly, China's cyberspace development should adhere to the people-centered development philosophy. Xi has said that Internet-based services should be expanded to reach more people, costs be lowered, and the majority of people benefit. Secondly, Xi said big data was the next stage of informatization development. He has ordered China to study big data development and its implications for society. He said China should examine its gains and shortfalls in this particular area and push for a national big data strategy. Thirdly, building a "community with a shared future in cyberspace." Xi has called for global efforts to make the Internet -- a common homeland for humanity -- more beautiful, cleaner and safer. Remarkable advances have been made, such as in government e-administration. Across the country, nearly 32,000 government websites have been set up to bring public services online. Mobile apps are being used for the public and government to interact. Internet technology has penetrated many areas. Life is easier for online trainer Zhang Fan. Using a new camera and software system, he can monitor the study progress of each student in his virtual class and have the computer design individualized teaching methods and materials. Business is in bloom for tea farmers in southern Guangdong Province. Like many living in remote mountains, they use the Internet to sell local products to customers across the country. China's digital economy grew to 27 trillion yuan (4.29 trillion U.S. dollars) in 2017, making up 32.9 percent of the gross domestic product. With the growth of good roads and the Internet, e-commerce has become a big driver of rural consumption. Developing a "digital China" is good for boosting the people's sense of fulfillment and is a requirement for speeding up China's modernization. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at the core, China's cyber strength will continue to grow and push for the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. STRASBOURG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- European Council President Donald Tusk gave a strong warning to Britain on Wednesday in an address here to the European Parliament that there would be no Brexit deal until a solution was found for the still unresolved Irish border issue. In a debate on the outcomes of the European Summit in March, Tusk explained that the 27 remaining member states of the European Union (EU) had adopted guidelines on the future relationship between the bloc and Britain, and that they welcomed progress that had been made on the withdrawal agreement. "We want to use the positive momentum in these negotiations to finally settle outstanding issues such as the solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland," Tusk told Members of European Parliament (MEPs) gathered for a plenary session. European leaders are concerned that without a creative solution, there would be a collapse of the Northern Irish peace process, which depends on a soft border between the British province of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, which will remain an EU member state. "Without a solution, there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition," he warned, indicating that European leaders would assess the progress made on the negotiations in June. The comments come after Tusk confessed "sometimes I am even furious about" Brexit in a speech in Dublin earlier this month. Analysts reckoned that it demonstrates that EU red lines would remain non-negotiable, risking a so-called "hard Brexit", even if progress had been made in other aspects of the talks. "For Brexit voters, this whole thing is a slow, endless agony," British MEP and leading Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage said in response to Tusk's comments. "We didn't vote for a transition deal, we voted to leave," he said, adding that British Prime Minister Theresa May was someone who "doesn't really believe in Brexit," and who is "just carrying out the will of the people". "I'm concerned we're heading for a really bad deal from a British perspective," he said. "You are right, Mr. Farage, Brexit will not bring any good to anyone," Tusk said in his closing remarks, adding he was "shocked" to find himself agreeing with Farage. On March 29, 2019, Britain will leave the EU, leaving negotiating teams less than a year to reach agreements in order to ensure a two-year transition period reduces potentially negative impacts. A "hard Brexit" would happen in the case of no deal, reverting relations between London and Brussels to existing international treaties, such as rules in place under the World Trade Organization (WTO). BRUSSELS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday recommended a "swift and smooth" conclusion of the Economic Partnership Agreement with Japan and the trade and investment agreements with Singapore, saying it would send a clear message against protectionism and in defense of multilateralism. "We now hope for a swift and smooth conclusion of these agreements, which will allow EU firms, workers, farmers and consumers to reap the benefits of these deals as soon as possible," said European Commission vice-president Jyrki Katainen, who is responsible for jobs, growth, investment and competitiveness for the commission. "The impact of these agreements will go far beyond our respective shores -- it sends a clear and unambiguous message that we stand together against protectionism and in defense of multilateralism. This is more important than ever," said European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker. Once approved by the Council of the European Union, the agreements will be sent to the European Parliament, with the goal that they enter into force before the end of the current mandate of the European Commission in 2019. The investment protection agreement with Singapore will follow its ratification procedure also at EU member state level. The Japan agreement is the biggest bilateral trade partnership ever negotiated by the European Union. The trade and investment agreements with Singapore are the EU's first completed bilateral deals with a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). In this file photo taken on March 17, 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House in Washington, D.C. (Xinhua/AFP) WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump will meet German Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House on April 27, the White House said on Wednesday. The two sides will work together to address a broad range of geopolitical and economic challenges, the White House said in a statement. Merkel visited Trump last year. Her fresh trip will come three days after French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to make the first state visit to the White House since Trump took office. Relations between Washington and Berlin have been bumpy, as the two sides have clashed over NATO defense expenditure, trade and the Iran nuclear deal since Trump took office over a year ago. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-18 23:50:39|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close THE HAGUE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The global chemical arms watchdog, Organization for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), said Wednesday that its fact-finding mission (FMM) team has not yet been deployed in Douma, Syria. "At present, we do not know when the team can be deployed to Douma. I shall only consider such deployment following approval by the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), and provided that our team can have unhindered access to the sites," OPCW director-general Ahmet Uzumcu told a meeting of the organization's executive council. Nine members of the OPCW team arrived in Damascus on Saturday. "The security for the sites where the FFM plans to deploy was under the control of the Russian Military Police. UNDSS has made the necessary arrangements with Syrian authorities to escort the team to a certain point and then for the escort to be taken over by the Russian Military Police. However, the UNDSS preferred to first conduct a reconnaissance visit to the sites, which took place yesterday [Tuesday]. FFM team members did not participate in this visit," said Uzumcu. "The UNDSS will continue to work with the Syrian national authority, the local councils in Douma, and the Russian Military Police to review the security situation," he added. OPCW is investigating the alleged use of chemical weapons during the attack in Douma on April 7. Activists, local rescuers and rebels in Syria claim that the Syrian forces used chlorine gas in the attack on Saturday against Douma, in the rebel-held area near Damascus. The Syrian government has denied the allegations and called it fake news. KIGALI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Rwanda National Police Wednesday handed over its judicial police functions to the newly formed Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB). The judicial functions transferred to RIB include criminal and counter-terrorism investigation, crime intelligence, and economic and financial crimes investigation. More than 400 judicial police officers who worked for the police will now work under RIB, which is under the oversight of the Ministry of Justice. The handover of responsibilities is expected to ease the work on all parties in the justice sector and improve professionalism and efficiency, said Rwanda's Justice Minister Johnston Busingye at the handover event in the capital city Kigali. Busingye described the handover as a big day in the history of the east African country especially in the rule of law. Jeannot Ruhunga, who was appointed as Secretary General of RIB by Rwandan President Paul Kagame earlier this month, promised that RIB would focus on cybercrime, human trafficking, drug trafficking and corruption, among others. The changes are meant to strengthen the justice systems in order to effectively respond to the challenge of contemporary crimes, said Emmanuel Gasana, Inspector General of Police. He pledged Police will work closely with RIB in their respective responsibilities so as to leave no vacuum for criminals to occupy. RABAT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Speaker of the Moroccan House of Advisors Hakim Benchamach and a visiting Indonesian delegation of lawmakers called Wednesday for establishing stronger ties between the two nations. Benchamach met the delegation from the Regional Representative Council of Indonesia, one of the two parliamentary chambers in Indonesia on Wednesday. During talks between the two sides, Benchamach said that Morocco and Indonesia have common values in civilization, culture and geostrategy, which serve as distinguished bases for the establishment of a model partnership between the two countries. The Moroccan official praised the fraternal relations and fruitful cooperation between the two countries and peoples, based on the values of active solidarity, strong synergy, and mutual respect and consideration. He also underlined the importance of parliamentary cooperation in the promotion and consolidation of Moroccan-Indonesian relations, stressing the need for developing concrete actions, plans and projects to strengthen bilateral ties. Likewise, the Indonesian parliamentary delegation called for the establishment of a Moroccan-Indonesian parliamentary dialogue to further consolidate cooperation between the two states. The delegation said the visit to Morocco will give new impetus to relations between Rabat and Jakarta, highlighting the potentials for strengthening partnership between the two countries, especially in the economic, trade, security, cultural and educational fields. BERLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- In the biggest single operation in the history of German police, more than 1,500 officers of German police have carried out nation-wide raids against members of a suspected illegal prostitution ring on Wednesday. A police spokesperson confirmed media reports that seven arrest warrants were successfully delivered and that over 100 individuals were temporarily taken into custody. German interior minister and Christian Social Union (CSU) leader Horst Seehofer described the raids as an unprecedented strike against a "network with nation-wide branches." The raids began early on Wednesday morning (CET) and have so far been carried out in twelve federal states. Security officers searched more than 60 housing- and business premises which are believed to be connected to an international criminal syndicate operating in the German red-light industry. According to police, the senior leadership of the prostitution ring is made up by between 15 and 20 individuals with German and Thai nationality. Several suspects were arrested in brothels and massage parlors and are believed by investigators to have resided in Germany illegally. A 59-year-old Thai woman and a 62-year-old German man are considered to be the primary suspects in building the illicit and highly-profitable network in Germany which trafficked Thai women and transsexuals in order to let them work as prostitutes. Evidence encountered by investigators suggests that the 59-year-old woman and 62-year-old man were able to personally earn a 7-digit figure through their criminal activity A police spokesperson noted that special forces did not encounter any resistance when they arrested the German-Thai couple. "The mission was concluded without any incidents," the spokesperson told press. The two ring-leaders have been formally charged with human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation. "Many hundreds of men and women were subjected to the inhumane and limitless greed of traffickers over the course of years and across national boundaries," a statement by interior minister Seehofer read. ADDIS ABABA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian House of People's Representatives announced Wednesday that it will elect new house speaker and approve the appointments of new cabinet members. According to the announcement, the Ethiopian parliament's lower house in its Thursday's session will evaluate and endorse the new cabinet members as per the recommendation made by Ethiopia's new Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. Abiy Ahmed, who was unanimously endorsed by the Ethiopian House of People's Representatives (HoPR) as Ethiopia's Prime Minister earlier this month, is expected to reshuffle the East African country's cabinet members, majority of whom were appointed by the HoPR as per the recommendation of former prime minister Hailemariam Desalegn in November 2016. The 2016 cabinet members reshuffle was made as a response to persistent public dissatisfaction, which in some occasions turned violent in some parts of the country. Even though protests decreased since then, renewed mass demonstrations triggered by ethnic clashes and anti-government rallies had forced Desalegn to resign from the premiership, eventually succeeded by Abiy Ahmed as Chairman of the ruling coalition, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front. The Ethiopian House of People's Representatives has also announced on Wednesday that the session on Thursday will also appoint new house speaker. House Speaker, Abadula Gemeda, had submitted resignation letter in October last year. BERLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Two young Jews have become the victims of an anti-Semitic verbal and physical assault here, German police confirmed on Wednesday. Video footage of the incident caught on a smartphone camera has been spread widely across online media. According to police, a 21-year-old Israeli national and a 24-year-old German national were attacked while walking through the affluent Berlin district of Prenzlauer Berg. Both individuals were wearing kippas, a traditional form of Jewish headwear, which led to animated three male strangers to begin hauling anti-Semitic insults at them. Verbal abuse escalated into physical assault when the perpetrators were urged by one of their victims to refrain from the insults. Online video footage shows how an Arab-speaking member of the group began lashing out at the 21-year-old Israeli with his belt while repeatedly calling him a "Jahudi," which is the Arab word for Jew. The younger victim was treated for minor injuries and subsequently told public broadcasters that he and his Jewish friend had been "walking on the street as normal", minding their business, when the attack began. When he tried to follow the group of perpetrators after the assault he was threatened with a glass bottle before a female eyewitness intervened. The State Protection Office of the German police, which is responsible for politically-motivated offenses, has launched an investigation into the case. Levi Salomon, the spokesperson for the Jewish Forum for Democracy and against anti-Semitism, told press on Wednesday that it was "unbearable" that a young man was openly attacked on the streets of the German capital just because he had worn a symbol of his Jewish faith. The incident showed that "Jewish people are not safe here either," Salomon added. He urged policymakers and civil society to unite in finding an adequate response to a growing number of anti-Semitic incidents, particularly pronounced in circles of young Muslim males. Fears of growing anti-Semitism are currently the subject of heated public debate. Speaking to the newspaper Passauer Neue Presse, Helmut Holter, president of the German standing conference of the ministers of education and cultural affairs, warned that it was not enough to merely react to incidents after the fact. Holter emphasized that there were also increasing numbers of anti-Semitic offenses at German schools, creating a need for pedagogues to eliminate racist sentiments among youth. Earlier, revelations that a second-grade schoolgirl was bullied at a Berlin primary education institution by older Muslim pupils because she was Jewish provoked widespread condemnation in German media and society. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 00:05:41|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Lawmakers vote on extending the ongoing state of emergency at Turkish parliament in Ankara, Turkey, on April 18, 2018. Turkish parliament on Wednesday approved a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for three more months. (Xinhua) ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish parliament on Wednesday approved a motion to extend the ongoing state of emergency for three more months. This seventh extension move means the period of state of emergency in Turkey will reach two years, and the parliamentary and presidential elections will be held under the state of emergency. Turkey declared state of emergency on July 20, 2016, five days after a failed coup attempt that kill 250 people and left thousands injured. Turkish government accused the U.S. based Muslim preacher Fethullah Gulen as chief plotter behind the coup. Speaking after a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdag said that the state of emergency is targeting at terrorists and terror groups, rather than peaceful citizens. Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP), however, urged the government to lift state of emergency soon, saying it would cast shadow over upcoming elections. TRIPOLI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- General Abdarrazzaq al-Nathuri, Chief of Staff of the Libyan eastern-based army, on Wednesday survived an assassination attempt in the eastern city of Benghazi, said the army's information office. "A car carrying a bomb was parked on roadside in the eastern entrance of the city of Benghazi, in the Sidi Khalifa district. It exploded as soon as his convoy passed by," the statement said. The statement demanded that everyone cooperate with the security services regarding suspicious movements of sleeper cells inside and outside Benghazi. A source of the army told Xinhua that the attack on the convoy "did not cause human casualties, but damaged some cars in the convoy." "The explosion occurred at 3:40 p.m. local time (1340 GMT)," the source said, stressing that the "entrances and exits of Sidi Khalifa were closed so that security services can extensively search the area to ensure that no other car bombs are in the neighborhood." by Jawid Omid, Farid Behbud HERAT, Afghanistan, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan government is determined to save the rich, historical sites and cultural facilities in the insurgency-hit country, an official told Xinhua during a recent interview. The western Herat province with Herat city as its capital, 640 km west of the country's capital of Kabul, is home to a number of famous historical and cultural sites. "We have had some successes in protecting and maintaining historical and cultural sites in Herat," Aria Raufian, head of Herat's Information and Culture Department, told Xinhua. "And besides the government's efforts, the Agha Khan foundation (a non-governmental association) has also contributed to the protection of more than 52 sites in different parts of Herat, like the old city and the Qal'a Ikhtiyar al-Din or castle of Ikhtiyar al-Din." "In addition, we have rebuilt some heritage sites such as the great Temple of Herat. In total about 3 million U.S. dollars have been spent on historical and cultural sites' protection and fortification in recent years in Herat," Raufian added. The official urged for more protection of archeological sites in the countryside. "However, more efforts are needed for the preservation of rich Afghan cultural sites. If more urgent measures are not put in place to preserve the historical monuments and cultural heritages, we could lose major parts of our heritage, particularly in restive and insecure areas in the countryside," he noted. The provincial government plans to protect, preserve and rebuild all of the cultural heritage sites in Herat in the upcoming years, said Raufian. The comments came as the country marks the International Day for Monuments and Sites, which falls on Wednesday. The day is also known as the World Heritage Day and is observed by different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences, round table talks and media coverage around the world. Since the fall of the Taliban regime, in addition to the Agha Khan Foundation and the government of Afghanistan, Italy and private investors have contributed to the rebuilding and protecting the cultural sites. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has also played a role in the preservation of cultural heritage sites across Afghanistan over the past 17 years, according to Raufian. Herat is one of the most important destinations in Afghanistan for regional and international tourists, particularly religious tourists, but it is obvious that a lack of security remains a major problem. In 2017, about 500 foreign tourists visited the cultural and historical heritage sites in Herat and more than 100,000 domestic tourists visited the city. "We are planning to attract more than 2,000 tourists here from international and regional countries in 2018, which will be a great achievement," the official said. ABUJA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's capital Abuja has recorded two deaths from an outbreak of Lassa fever which has spread to almost 20 states in the country since the beginning of the year, local health authorities said on Wednesday. The deaths were recorded from three confirmed cases of the acute viral hemorrhagic fever within three months in the city of Abuja, said Humphrey Okoroukwu, a local health official. Okoroukwu, who heads the public health department in Abuja, said 38 suspected cases of Lassa fever have also been reported and investigated so far within the city. At least 120 people have been confirmed killed so far in at least 19 states in Nigeria, including Abuja, since the first case was detected on Jan. 1. Humans usually become infected with the Lassa virus from exposure to urine or feces of infected multimammate rats. Other than common preventive measures such as washing hands regularly, the World Health Organization has also recommended keeping cats. BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Bruneian government welcomes anyone to be involved in the fisheries industry, whether it be through catch or aquaculture methods using cages or ponds, Haji Ali, the sultanate's Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism said on Wednesday. "Opportunity is now wide open as the Ministry of Primary Resources and Tourism continues to offer new licenses for those interested to be involved in the fishery industry, apart from providing facilities to acquire technology related to fisheries," the minister told national broadcaster Radio Television Brunei on the sidelines of a local tuna processing plant's opening ceremony. Haji Ali added that the increase of fishing vessels or boats will also provide other spinoffs as more processing plants will be operated in Brunei. However, he said more focus will be put on aquaculture as it is more stable, and easier to control the output throughout the year without being affected by bad weather such as high waves or strong winds. KAMPALA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ugandan security agencies are getting worked up as a previously uncommon crime, kidnap-for-ransom, is on the rise. Over the past several months local media is full of stories about kidnaps and the perpetrators are asking for ransom. One case that police is grappling with is a high schoolgirl who was reported missing. The kidnappers called her relatives demanding a 10 million shilling (about 2,800 U.S. dollars) ransom. Herbert Muhangi, the police commander of Flying Squad, a unit charged with fighting such crime, told Xinhua in a recent interview that his men are tracking the kidnappers of the missing schoolgirl. There are cases where police has recorded success in arresting kidnappers and there are instances where such operations have turned out to be fatal. One case happened in the capital Kampala, where a daughter of city politician was kidnapped and a ransom asked. "We apprehended the suspects, rescued the girl and soon we shall arraign the suspects in court," said Muhangi. In another case, a kidnapped girl was abandoned in Mubende, about 145 km west on Kampala, after the police mounted pressure on the suspects. Another one was fatal. Kidnappers early last month killed the daughter of a businessman after taking the ransom money. According to police, parents of Susan Magara paid over 700 million shillings (195,000 U.S. dollars) to have her released but the kidnappers ended up killing her. Investigations are still ongoing and one of the perpetrators, according to police, is said to be in South Africa. Police say they are now faced with a challenge of the genuine kidnap cases being mixed with fake ones. Muhangi said there is an increase of people faking kidnaps when they want to extort money from their relatives or employers. Police say out of the seven cases of kidnap reported in the past one week, only two had similarities of true kidnap. Five of them were not related to kidnap. These cases were reported in Mbarara and Kyenjojo districts in western Uganda and in Kampala. "In Mbarara there were two cases reported. In one of the cases, a young man wanted to cheat his parents of three million shillings (over 800 dollars)," Muhangi said, noting that the man was later tracked and arrested. "The other case in Mbarara was of a house girl who abandoned a baby after stealing some property from her bosses. So it was not a case of kidnap per say," Muhangi added. In another one, a lady connived with her boyfriend to extort money from her relatives. In a bid to clamp down on the kidnap-ransom crime, the government announced a ban on the sale of SIM cards arguing that criminals were using unregistered numbers to call relatives of their victims. The government announced stringent measures on how to get a new SIM card and also ordered all telecommunication companies to block unregistered telephone lines. According to the police, in the case of Suzan Magara, the suspects are said to have contacted her family using several lines that police could not trace. "People have been using SIM cards registered in pseudo names, which become difficult to trace in case of any crime. But with the new measures where every SIM card must be registered in the owner's names, we shall do better," said Muhangi. Muhangi said the Flying Squad is now better equipped to handle kidnap cases conclusively. "We have all the required resources ranging from vehicles, fuel, ICT experts and well-trained field officers. We can easily take swift action once informed in time." Muhangi said as police plays its part, the public also needs to take preventive measures. "The jobless youth should also avoid meeting people who call them and promise them jobs. Those who start relationships on social media and want to become intimate without knowing each other should also look out," he warned. Muhangi tipped parents to create passwords for their children. "Train children on how to deal with strangers. Give them pass codes. Once the kidnappers fail to introduce the codes and passwords, definitely nothing will take place." RABAT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A total of 6.2 tons of cannabis was seized in a police raid in Morocco's northeastern city of Nador, the Moroccan police announced in a statement on Wednesday. According to the statement, 10 people were arrested in the raid that took place simultaneously in three locations in Nador and its suburbs. The suspects were charged over working for an international drug trafficking network. The police also seized knives as well as three Morocco-registered cars and three others registered overseas. Despite efforts to crack down on cannabis farming in the past decade, Morocco remains the world's largest cannabis resin harvesting country, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. SKOPJE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Macedonia deserved recommendation for the opening of European Union (EU) membership negotiations, EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn said here Wednesday, while presenting the European Commission Progress Report of Macedonia to Prime Minister Zoran Zaev. "Macedonia has gone a long way in spite of the many challenges and is now on the European path. There are positive changes, renewed feeling of transparency, energy and hope. You feel good vibrations in the country and this must be rewarded," Hahn said. "The Macedonian government must continue on the reforms, especially in the judiciary system," he said. Meanwhile, Zaev said for Macedonia to receive a clean recommendation is a strong incentive for achieving the difficult, but attainable goal such as the start of EU membership negotiations. "This year's recommendation is pure (and) unconditional. Macedonia fulfilled the basic democratic criterion for starting the negotiations. We will work harder until June in order to get the date for the negotiations," Zaev said. On Tuesday, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini recommended that member states open accession negotiations with Albania and Macedonia. Macedonia is formally called Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) at the UN. Macedonia is also the name of a northern province in Greece and Athens is worried that the use of the same name by the neighboring state could lead to territorial claims. The solving of name row that exists between two countries is seen as main obstacle that Macedonia has to overcome in order to make progress towards the European Union and NATO integration. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 00:40:49|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Visitors visit the 44th international building and trade fair in Belgrade, Serbia, on April 18, 2018. An annual international building and trade fair opened here on Wednesday, hosting more than 20 Chinese manufacturers of building materials, tools and machines, looking to extend their business to Serbia and the region. (Xinhua/Nemanja Cabric) BELGRADE, April 18 (Xinhua) -- An annual international building and trade fair opened here on Wednesday, hosting more than 20 Chinese manufacturers of building materials, tools and machines, looking to extend their business to Serbia and the region. The 44th edition of the Building and Trade Fair offered a diverse exhibition in the area of construction industry with more than 600 companies from 27 countries and regions, and China was for the second year in a row represented with a separate pavilion. The fair was opened by Serbian construction minister Zorana Mihajlovic who said in her keynote speech that the exhibition was a true reflection of the growing Serbian economy. "With progress and growth of the economy we can mark an increasing number of exhibitors here at the construction fair, while Serbia looks completely different than five years ago when it comes to the economy," she said. Many of the Chinese companies are here for the first time, trying to establish cooperation with local partners, or surveying whether the demand in the regional market warrants opening their own distribution center or a branch office in Serbia in order to extend their business to this part of Europe. Such is the story of Rocky Chan, representative of Xinhu Aluminium, one of the top aluminum extruders in China. Chan said that his company was at the fair for the first time to test the market potential. "This market is new to us. In past, our major markets were in Russia and Poland, but now we set to expand, and we are looking for new markets," he told Xinhua. Chan said he hopes to make sales in the Serbian and regional markets, find local partners and distributors, but also open a distribution center in Serbia. For Betty Zhang, however, this is a second participation here. She represents Expo-Linking agency that organizes the joint participation of several manufacturers of stone products, machines, and tools. She told Xinhua that companies were satisfied with the potentials of local market. "We think that Serbia is a new market for stone products. We had good sales last year and found new partners, so we decided to attend this fair again," she said. The international building and trade fair traditionally gathers experts in construction, architecture and planning, construction companies, manufacturers of tools, machines and materials, according to the fair organizers. It also includes a separate stone expo, that deals with products made of natural stone and accompanying industries. Besides China, national pavilions include Austria, Croatia and Turkey, while companies come from Russia, the United States, Germany, Ukraine, Poland, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, Denmark as well as some countries of the region. ZAGREB, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A delegation of the Croatian Parliament led by Speaker Gordan Jandrokovic halted the official visit to Serbia and returned home on Wednesday, after an incident caused by Serbian parliament member Vojislav Seselj who trampled the Croatian flag. The incident occurred in front of the Belgrade National Assembly building, when Vojislav Seselj grabbed a Croatian flag and insulted the Croatian delegation. The Croatian delegation decided to return to Zagreb soon after the incident. "Despite a very good start of the official visit and commitment to do the best for the improvement of relations between the two countries, because of this act, which has grossly violated the dignity of the Republic of Croatia, the Croatian Parliament broke up the visit," said a statement of the Speaker of the Parliament. Gordan Jandrokovic is the first Croatian Parliament Speaker to come to Belgrade for an official visit. He was scheduled to meet with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister Ana Brnabic on Thursday. Before the incident, during the talks between Jandrokovic and his counterpart of Serbian National Assembly Maja Gojkovic, it was stated that it was a "historic visit", and although Croatia and Serbia disagree on many topics, "it is necessary to talk about everything". NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has been urged to intensify hemophilia screening efforts in order to reduce treatment costs, the patient lobby said on Wednesday. Kibet Shikuku, the Chairman of the Kenya Hemophilia Association (KHA), told a media briefing in Nairobi that most people affected by the bleeding disorder are not aware they have the condition. "As a result, most of the patients present themselves to health facilities after they have suffered consequences of frequent bleeding to the extent that they need more drugs to manage the condition as compared to if they sought early intervention," Shikuku said. "We are therefore going to conduct an awareness campaign to ensure that all hemophiliacs are put under treatment in order to prolong their lives," Shikuku said. He noted that the cost of managing the ailment is expensive as children affected by hemophilia need approximately 500 U.S. dollars per day for three days every week to contain the disease. Shikuku said that currently approximately 650 patients has been diagnosed with the ailment out of an estimated 4,300 individuals based on Kenya's current population. The chairman said that so far only 15 percent of potential patients are on medication. According to the ministry of health, hemophilia is a heredity condition that mostly affects males. Shikuku said that up to 99 percent of all cases are inherited from parents with the rest being acquired. KHA said that most of the patients in Kenya receive drugs donations for managing their conditions from the World Federation of Hemophilia. He noted that this is not a sustainable situation so the government needs to intervene by providing medication to patients. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 01:00:52|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Huang Xingyuan (R) addresses a seminar co-organized by Cypriot Foreign Ministry and the Chinese Embassy, in Nicosia, Cyprus, on April 18, 2018. Huang Xingyuan said at the seminar that the Belt and Road Initiative benefits the world and China's commitment on trade liberalization, multilateralism. (Xinhua/Zhang Zhang) NICOSIA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At a seminar co-organized by Cypriot foreign ministry and the Chinese Embassy on Wednesday, Chinese ambassador to Cyprus Huang Xingyuan said the Belt and Road Initiative benefits the world and China's commitment on trade liberalization, multilateralism. The Belt and Road Initiative, which was put forward by China in 2013, is a good solution to many challenges currently facing the world, Huang told a packed audience of Cypriot officials, foreign diplomats, and scholars. The ambassador said the initiative was an antidote to the rise of the anti-globalization mentality. "As some countries tend to care more about their own domestic interests, the regional economic integration has been faced with difficulties, the global free trade system has encountered serious challenges, and the global economic governance has been caught in a difficult situation," he added. The Belt and Road Initiative aims to make China develop and the world prosper, he said. Huang said that since the initiative was put forward, it has received positive responses from many countries across the world, including Cyprus. Answering a question regarding the trade dispute between China and the United States, Huang said: "We believe that the trend of globalization and trade liberalization is irreversible." MOGADISHU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- At least two senior Somali army soldiers were killed and unknown others injured in a landmine attack on Wednesday near Bal'ad town in Middle Shabelle region in southern Somalia. The two Somali National Army (SNA) soldiers including a commander were killed when militants ambushed their vehicle, prompting a fierce gunfight between the soldiers and the insurgents. Information Minister for Hirshabelle State in Somalia Abdiweli Muhamed Abdi told Xinhua by phone that the attack was caused by a remotely controlled device which targeted an army vehicle coming from Mahaday town to Mogadishu. "We have the report that al-Shabab militants attacked an army vehicle from Mahaday district with senior army commanders. The two soldiers were killed in the attack and some others injured in the fierce fighting that ensued," Mohamed said. He added that there were casualties on the militants' side but could not establish the number of those killed or injured. The terrorist group's affiliated website said that the militants killed five government soldiers, recovered weapons and later burned the military vehicle. The latest killings come as the Somali army backed by the African Union peacekeeping force have mounted a joint offensive against the militant group in southern region. The army officials said the operation will continue until all regions still under al-Shabab control are liberated. The incident took place in the same region where soldiers had earlier captured five villages in Middle Shabelle region which were hitherto under the group's control. BAKU, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Azerbaijan's new president, Ilham Aliyev, took office on Wednesday with a vow "to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the state, to serve the people with dignity," official Azertac reported. "Exercising the authority of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, I swear to observe the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan," said Ilham Aliyev. Soldiers of Azerbaijan's armed forces brought the national flag of Azerbaijan and the flag of Azerbaijani president under the solemn march to the stage. The president took the oath by laying his hand on the Holy Quran. "By laying my hand on the Holy Quran, I swear to be committed to the national and spiritual values and traditions created by the Azerbaijani people for centuries and constantly cherish them," Ilham Aliyev said. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Parliament of Azerbaijan. Addressing the inauguration, Chairman of the Constitutional Court Farhad Abdullayev said that the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan on April 17 approved the results of the presidential election and declared Ilham Aliyev as the president of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Azerbaijani state officials, government members, MPs and family members of the president attended the inauguration. Ilham Aliyev won a fourth term as president of Azerbaijan on April 11. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 01:25:56|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday announced Turkey will hold snap presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24. His statement came after a meeting with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, who on Tuesday made a call to the government for early elections which was scheduled in November 2019. "Changing to the executive presidency has become urgent for the future of our country, Erdogan will be the presidential candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)," he said. "We have widely discussed the proposal of Mr. Bahceli in our executive board. We have decided to give a positive response to this proposal on holding early elections," he added. "We are immediately launching the legal process regarding the matter, and without a doubt, Turkey's Supreme Election Board will also start preparations for the elections as soon as possible," the president said. Erdogan underlined that Turkey's ongoing military operations into Syria, regional developments and macroeconomic necessities require an "urgency" for the country to immediately start the implementation of the executive-presidency model instead of waiting for Nov 2019. The two parties, AKP and MHP, are likely to submit a bill for snap polls to the parliament, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday. The AKP-MHP seats at the parliament are sufficient to vote for early elections, but the government also has to legislate the law that regulates the procedures and principles of the presidential elections. The ruling party calls for snap polls because they are not able to rule the country, opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesperson Bulent Tezcan said. "We are ready for any elections," he said, but the main opposition party has yet to announce its presidential nominee. CHP leader is likely to run for the presidential elections. Good (Iyi) Party leader Meral Aksener on Wednesday said she will run for presidential elections and will collect 100,000 electoral signatures to be a candidate. Turkey is sliding toward a political, economic and legitimacy crisis and snap polls is inevitable for the AKP-MHP," pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Sezai Temelli said. Temel Karamollaoglu, the head of the Islamist Felicity Party (SP), said that they want to have a meeting with Abdullah Gul, the former president and one of the founders of the ruling AKP, when an "opportunity" has arisen. The SP had previously hinted nominating Gul as their presidential candidate in the upcoming polls. The move for snap polls, 17 months before the scheduled date, by the nationalist party and the ruling party was unexpected. The government repeatedly insisted that the elections will be held at the scheduled time. The elections, which were due to be held in fall 2019, are important as a new executive presidency agreed in a referendum in 2017 will come into force. The nationalist party long before has announced that it will unconditionally back President Erdogan's candidacy in the crucial presidential polls which would grant the president formally sweeping powers. The MHP leader aligned his party to Erdogan's ruling AKP after a failed coup of July 2016. The two parties formed a pre-election alliance "People's Alliance" in February, prepared legal basis for the alliance and stepped up for changes in regulations in election procedures, but the process has not finalized yet. For the part of the AKP, Erdogan needs every possible vote to get elected as the executive-president, which requires at least 50 percent plus one vote in the first round. Erdogan won nearly 52 percent of the vote in the 2014 presidential polls. Some 55 million Turkish people will be eligible to vote for the president. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan speaks during a press conference at the Presidential Complex in Ankara where he announced the upcoming electoral timetable on April 18, 2018. (AFP Photo) ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday announced Turkey will hold snap presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24. His statement came after a meeting with the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli, who on Tuesday made a call to the government for early elections which was scheduled in November 2019. "Changing to the executive presidency has become urgent for the future of our country, Erdogan will be the presidential candidate of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP)," he said. "We have widely discussed the proposal of Mr. Bahceli in our executive board. We have decided to give a positive response to this proposal on holding early elections," he added. "We are immediately launching the legal process regarding the matter, and without a doubt, Turkey's Supreme Election Board will also start preparations for the elections as soon as possible," the president said. Erdogan underlined that Turkey's ongoing military operations into Syria, regional developments and macroeconomic necessities require an "urgency" for the country to immediately start the implementation of the executive-presidency model instead of waiting for Nov 2019. The two parties, AKP and MHP, are likely to submit a bill for snap polls to the parliament, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said Wednesday. The AKP-MHP seats at the parliament are sufficient to vote for early elections, but the government also has to legislate the law that regulates the procedures and principles of the presidential elections. The ruling party calls for snap polls because they are not able to rule the country, opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) spokesperson Bulent Tezcan said. "We are ready for any elections," he said, but the main opposition party has yet to announce its presidential nominee. CHP leader is likely to run for the presidential elections. Good (Iyi) Party leader Meral Aksener on Wednesday said she will run for presidential elections and will collect 100,000 electoral signatures to be a candidate. Turkey is sliding toward a political, economic and legitimacy crisis and snap polls is inevitable for the AKP-MHP," pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) co-chair Sezai Temelli said. Temel Karamollaoglu, the head of the Islamist Felicity Party (SP), said that they want to have a meeting with Abdullah Gul, the former president and one of the founders of the ruling AKP, when an "opportunity" has arisen. The SP had previously hinted nominating Gul as their presidential candidate in the upcoming polls. The move for snap polls, 17 months before the scheduled date, by the nationalist party and the ruling party was unexpected. The government repeatedly insisted that the elections will be held at the scheduled time. The elections, which were due to be held in fall 2019, are important as a new executive presidency agreed in a referendum in 2017 will come into force. The nationalist party long before has announced that it will unconditionally back President Erdogan's candidacy in the crucial presidential polls which would grant the president formally sweeping powers. The MHP leader aligned his party to Erdogan's ruling AKP after a failed coup of July 2016. The two parties formed a pre-election alliance "People's Alliance" in February, prepared legal basis for the alliance and stepped up for changes in regulations in election procedures, but the process has not finalized yet. For the part of the AKP, Erdogan needs every possible vote to get elected as the executive-president, which requires at least 50 percent plus one vote in the first round. Erdogan won nearly 52 percent of the vote in the 2014 presidential polls. Some 55 million Turkish people will be eligible to vote for the president. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 01:40:59|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close BEIJING, April 18 (Xinhua) -- China will dispatch 395 peacekeepers in May to Mali for one year on a UN mission. Officially formed on Wednesday, the battalion will be China's sixth batch of peacekeepers to be deployed in Mali. It consists of a 170-person guard unit, 155 sappers and a medical unit of 70. They will take on tasks such as repairing roads, bridges and runways in mission areas, protecting the headquarters in war zones, and treating the sick and wounded. Among the 395 peacekeepers, a chemical defense brigade has been on the peacekeeping mission in South Sudan five times, and nearly 100 officers and soldiers have conducted peacekeeping missions more than twice. BERLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The new "grand coalition" government in Germany has begun nominating a host of new ambassadors to major global capitals on Wednesday. In a first step of the wider diplomatic personnel reshuffle, Emily Haber, previously secretary of state in the interior ministry, has been named as the new and first female German ambassador to the United States in Washington DC. Her predecessor Peter Wittig will return to Europe after a four-year transatlantic stint to head the German embassy in London. Additionally, the current German ambassador to China Michael Clauss will be transferred to Brussels where he will serve as Germany's ambassador to the European Union (EU). A successor to take over Clauss' post in Beijing has not been named yet. Contrary to earlier reports, the German ambassador in Paris Nikolau Meyer-Landrut will remain at his post in France for the foreseeable future. The decision was justified on the grounds of particularly intense ongoing Franco-German diplomatic cooperation in the context of planned European Union reforms. BERLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), Christian Social Union (CSU) and German Social Democrats (SPD) parties participating in Germany's "grand coalition" have become embroiled in a row over new consumer rights legislation on Wednesday. Talking to the newspaper "Handelsblatt", SPD legal policy spokesperson Johannes Fechner accused the CDU/CSU of preventing reforms which would make it easier for large groups of consumers to file class action lawsuits together, for example in the ongoing car emissions scandal "dieselgate". "The CDU/CSU are blocking the legislative process with regards to the question of the right to bring proceedings and are hence endangering the timetable (for reforms)," Fechner complained. Fechner said that it was unclear to him where the need for additional discussion arose in the CDU/CSU given that the topic had already been enshrined in the "grand coalition" agreement. In the document, the CDU, CSU and SPD vowed to create a new legal mechanism by Nov. 1, 2018 to ensure to consumers could bring collective action against German carmakers accused of emissions-cheating practices like Volkswagen before the lapse of related limitation periods. The key point of remaining disagreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD is over which types of parties would be allowed to launch so-called "template lawsuits" covering the basic claims of a large group of plaintiffs. The coalition agreement reserves this right to "qualified institutions" like consumer protection groups which would clarify fundamental legal questions in court before consumers pursued their related individual claims in a separate process. According to media reports on Wednesday, however, the CDU and CSU are now keen to impose stricter limits on what kind of organizations would be considered as "qualified". CDU/CSU legal policy spokesperson Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker told the press that it was "important that a new market was not created for large legal practices or associations with a business model focused on issuing warning letters." Winkelmeier-Becker accused SPD justice minister Katarina Barley of being responsible for delaying legislative changes and insisted that the CDU/CSU were still committed to meeting the November deadline. Both the SPD and CDU/CSU factions in the dispute have announced the desire to reach a preliminary cabinet decision on the issue by the end of April. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 01:46:01|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close A man holds a poster of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a bus transporting Syrian refugees at the Jdaidet Yabous border point in Damascus, Syria, on April 18, 2018. Over 500 Syrian refugees returned Wednesday from Lebanon to Syria as they are set to return to their homes in the southwestern countryside of Damascus, state news agency SANA reported. (Xinhua) DAMASCUS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Over 500 Syrian refugees returned Wednesday from Lebanon to Syria as they are set to return to their homes in the southwestern countryside of Damascus, state news agency SANA reported. Buses transporting the refugees from the town of Shebaa south of Lebanon crossed the Jdaidet Yabous border point into Syria on Wednesday evening. Those people will return to their homes in the Beit Jinn town in the southwestern countryside of Damascus after the rebels withdrew from that area last December. The return of Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Syria has been discussed between both governments. In January, Syria's Minister of Reconciliation Ali Haidar said that Syria was preparing for the return of refugees from Lebanon. As of October 2016, Lebanon hosted 1.5 million Syrian refugees, including 1 million registered with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), half of them children below 18 years old, along with 31,502 Palestinian Refugees from Syria, according to the Lebanese government. In October of 2017, Lebanese President Michel Aoun said his country could no longer handle vast numbers of Syrian refugees, urging world powers to help the refugees return to the calmer parts of their country. KIEV, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ukraine has received 50 million euros (about 62 million U.S. dollars) from the European Union (EU) for energy efficiency projects, the Ukrainian government press service said on Wednesday. The funds will go to the Energy Efficiency Fund, the money from which are used mostly for improving the heat insulation of residential buildings, said a statement on the government website. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Gennady Zubko said in a statement that Kiev is counting on receiving more aid for energy effectiveness from the EU and other international donors in the coming years. Ukraine, which uses three times more energy per person than the average EU member state, is struggling to cut its dependence on energy resources, of which around 40 percent are supplied from abroad. This year, Ukraine has allocated 61.3 million dollars from its budget to finance the Energy Efficiency Fund. The Ukrainian government has listed boosting the energy efficiency among its priority tasks. BERLIN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- German state prosecutors and regional police have searched several premises associated with the car makers Porsche and Audi in the ongoing "dieselgate scandal", a spokesperson for the Stuttgart State Prosecution Office confirmed on Wednesday. The spokesperson told press that Stuttgart-based Porsche and Ingolstadt-based Audi were being investigated for potentially committing criminal offenses of fraud and illicit advertising in connection to diesel emissions cheating practices. Three Porsche employees, including one member of the management board, have been formally listed as suspects in the case by German judicial authorities. Reacting to the incident on Wednesday, a Porsche spokesperson said investigators had examined and secured documents at corporate premises. Porsche and Audi, both of which are subsidiaries of the larger Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen Group, are being targeted in a joint investigatory effort by state prosecutors in the "dieselgate" scandal. The spokesperson said the two firms were fully cooperating with the authorities. Around 30 state prosecutors, as well as 160 officers have joined forces to shine a light on Porsche and Audi's potential involvement in the installation of illegal software which understated nitrogen oxide (Nox) emissions levels produced by diesel vehicles including the Porsche "Cayenne". Audi was responsible for delivering large six-cylinder diesel motors to Porsche used in the "Cayenne" SUV of the brand. The Stuttgart State Prosecution Office noted that Audi premises in Ingolstadt and in Neckarsulm were also searched, but did not provide any additional information to press. A spokesperson merely said that investigators were trying to secure more evidence to assist ongoing investigations. Porsche has voluntarily ordered recalls of its Macan SUVs following reports that diesel versions of the model emitted significantly more NOx than is permissible under European Union (EU) clean air regulations. The German ministry for transport subsequently ordered a formal ban on new registrations for Porsche "Cayenne" cars with 3.0-liter diesel motors. So far, Porsche and Audi's mother corporation Volkswagen has paid out more than 25 billion euros (31 billion U.S. dollars) in settlements and fines as a result of the "dieselgate" scandal since 2015 in the United States alone. The Braunschweig State Prosecution Office is currently investigating senior Volkswagen managers on suspicion of market-manipulation offenses committed by the publicly-listed car maker. MOSCOW, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday expressed readiness to facilitate the resumption of intra-Syrian negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations (UN). During a phone conversation, Putin and Kurz discussed the situation in Syria, which has been aggravated by the missile strikes conducted by the United States and its allies, the Kremlin said. The leaders underlined the primary importance of providing humanitarian aid to the Syrian people, according to a Kremlin press release. The eighth round of UN-sponsored negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, between the Syrian government and the opposition since early 2016 concluded on Dec. 14, 2017, making little progress due to a wide rift. The ninth round was held in Vienna, Austria, on January 25-26, resulting in a truce between the warring sides in Eastern Ghouta countryside of Syria's capital of Damascus. The UN-backed intra-Syria negotiations have been suspended since then. The United States and its allies launched a wave of missile strikes last week, saying it was in response to a chemical weapons use by the Syrian government forces in the rebel-held district of Douma in Eastern Ghouta on April 7. According to UN data, the Syrian crisis over the past six years has caused 330,000 deaths and displaced half of the country's population, with 13.5 million people in need of humanitarian aid. Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Facebook logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018. (REUTERS PHOTO) MOSCOW, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Russian telecommunication watchdog Roskomnadzor reiterated Wednesday its threat to block Facebook by the end of 2018 if it does not comply with the country's legislation. Roskomnadzor head Alexander Zharov told Izvestia newspaper that the watchdog's representatives will inspect Facebook this year to check whether the company has reacted to Roskomnadzor's previous demands, including localizing Russian citizens' databases as well as removing all "prohibited" information. "If none of them is fulfilled, partially fulfilled, or the Russian state is not informed about the intention to implement these actions, then, obviously, the question of blocking will arise," Zharov said. Various amendments to Russian legislation, which became effective from September 2015, require Internet service providers to store and process personal data of Russians on the territory of Russia. Roskomnadzor warned Facebook of a possible blockade in the end of 2017 unless the company agrees to store personal data of Russians on domestic servers, which, according to Zharov, Facebook has failed to do so far. Roskomnadzor started blocking instant messaging service Telegram in Russia on Monday, for its failure to provide the watchdog with encryption keys, which may give access to users' personal data. Telegram founder Pavel Durov said that although Russia accounts for just around 7 percent of the messenger's 200 million users, it will do everything in its power to bypass the blockade. By Wednesday afternoon, Telegram is still operating on many platforms in Russia in spite of the watchdog's efforts. Roskomnadzor blocked U.S.-based LinkedIn in 2016 for its refusal to localize Russian citizens' databases. NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan police said Wednesday they have intensified search for three terror suspects they believe have sneaked to Somalia to join al-Shabab terror group. Police spokesman Charles Owino said Mohamed Abdalla Asman alias Papa alias Raymond from Majengo in Nairobi, Hamisi Hemed alias Baloteli and Ali Ahmed Ali, both from the coastal town of Malindi are already in Somalia undertaking training. "The three are said to have sneaked out of the country early this month with help of some local al-Shabab contacts whom we are pursuing," Owino said in a statement issued in Nairobi. He said the suspects plan to sneak back into the country to stage terror attacks on unspecified locations. "They are in contact with other suspected terrorists within the country with whom they are planning local attacks," said Owino. He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and called for cooperation to stop the terrorists' mission. "We therefore warn those who do not cooperate with the police, especially parents, that withholding information on suspected radicalization, they risk losing their children," Owino warned. According to the police, Asman is an ex-convict who was released from jail in July 2017 after arrested by security agencies on October 4, 2013, while on his way to Somalia. At that time he had been facilitated by Sheikh Ibrahim Umar alias Amru who taught him religion at Answar Sunna Mosque and later made plans for his travel to Somalia but the plan never materialized. Before their escape to Somalia both Hemed and Ali worked at Arafat hotel owned by one Mahfudh in the coastal town of Malindi, said Owino. "It's deeply regrettable that there are still some families and Kenyan businessmen who are knowingly abetting radicalization, recruitment and facilitation of their kins to join terror groups," said Owino. He urged that anyone who may see the three to report them and any suspicious individuals that could be engaged in radicalizing youths. Kenya is currently engaged in the fight against the militia group in southern Somalia where its soldiers under the African Union peacekeeping mission (AMISOM) have intensified fight against the insurgents. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 02:56:18|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, April 18 (Xinhua) -- A United Nations spokesman said Wednesday that some 137,000 people remain displaced from Syria's Afrin district in the Tall Refaat, Nabul, Zahraa and Fafin areas as a result of hostilities and military operations that began on Jan. 20. "In addition, an estimated 150,000 people remain inside Afrin district, where access to people in need continues to be extremely limited," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, said at the daily news briefing, citing the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs as saying. While the UN continues to provide assistance to people displaced from Afrin, the UN does not have direct regular access to the district, and humanitarians operating in the area continue to face access challenges, "largely due to movement restrictions enforced by actors on the ground," he said. On Tuesday afternoon, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Mark Lowcock briefed the Security Council, providing updates on Raqqa and other places. Lowcock said that since Da'esh was forced out of Raqqa in October, nearly 100,000 people have returned to Raqqa city. However, conditions are not conducive for returns, due to "the high levels of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive device contamination, widespread and severe infrastructural damage, and a lack of basic services," said the spokesman. Aerial photo taken on May 10, 2017 shows solar panels on roofs in Cixi City, east China's Zhejiang Province. (Xinhua/Xu Yu) BOSTON, the United States, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The China-proposed global energy interconnection (GEI) initiative provides a visionary solution for the world to make a transition from fossil-fuel based energy to a renewable energy future, a U.S. expert said. Proposed by China in 2015, GEI is a globally interconnected strong and smart grid with ultra-high voltage (UHV) grid as the backbone, which will serve as a platform for extensive development, deployment and utilization of clean energy worldwide. "What is important of the global interconnection idea is that it provides a visionary future in which we are able to use solar energy and wind energy in a constructive way to address problems of the world," Michael B. McElroy, professor of environmental studies at Harvard University, told Xinhua on Tuesday. Studies have showed that if implemented smoothly, GEI will basically be in place by 2050 and help create a world where clean energy generates more than 81 percent of the total amount of electricity globally. The plan will add 0.2 percent annual growth to the world economy, lower the cost of electricity by 2.8 U.S. cents per kWh compared to the current price, and create a total of over 100 million jobs. McElroy, who is also the director of the Harvard-China Project on energy, environment and economy, believed that the cooperation between China and the United States in the energy sector is very important and there are a number of ways of sustaining such cooperation within the GEI framework. "There is going to be strong connection between individual U.S. companies and Chinese equivalents, and then there is going to be strong leadership in the individual states in the United States to consider about the issue," the expert said. "The research work we are doing at Harvard is also important, we are very committed to a strong relationship with China in this particular area," he said. "There is a great deal of basic support of the renewable energy issue in the United States. I am pretty much optimistic that we can do things together," he added. WASHINGTON, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Treasury announced on Wednesday it has imposed sanctions on one Syrian person and his organization for smuggling people to the U.S. border. The Treasury designated Nasif Barakat and the Barakat Transnational Criminal Organization, accusing the group, which was based in Homs of Syria, of facilitating the smuggling of Syrian and Lebanese nationals to the U.S. border using a variety of travel routes, according to a statement. The designation was "an important step toward disrupting Barakat's prolific human smuggling operations in Syria and around the world," said Sigal Mandelker, Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, in the statement. The sanctions would freeze any assets that a blacklisted person or entity holds under U.S. jurisdiction and ban any U.S. individuals or companies from making business deals with them. STRASBOURG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- European Union (EU)'s trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told reporters here Wednesday that U.S. tariffs imposed on steel and aluminum are distorting global trade and may undermine global economic growth. "We can already see tendencies of distortion of trade that affect the EU as well," and "we are seeing a recovery and a potential growth in trade and global growth, but it is threatened by these tariffs," Malmstrom said. PURE PROTECTIONISM Calling the behavior "pure protectionism", Malmstrom said the EU would not be offering any concessions in an attempt to be made exempt from the tariffs before the May 1 negotiation deadline, but "we expect to be permanently and unconditionally exempted from these measures". EU officials have argued that these tariffs run counter to global trade rules under the World Trade Organization (WTO), and damaging to international trade flows. Telling reporters that talks between Washington and Brussels were ongoing, Malmstrom said the EU had not received any guarantees. She also expressed concern about increased tensions over trade between the United States and China, saying it could develop into something "very worrisome for the global economy". WTO CONSULTATIONS REQUESTED The WTO confirmed on April 17 that the EU had filed a consultation request with the organization on April 16 regarding the newly implemented U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs. "Notwithstanding the United States' characterization of these measures as security measures, they are in essence safeguard measures," the EU said in its request, according to WTO documents. The EU also claimed that Washington failed to notify the WTO committee on safeguards about its decision to apply the measures, and that these measures do no comply with relevant provisions of the agreement on safeguards. U.S. President Donald Trump announced on March 8 that the United States would impose import duties of 25 percent and 10 percent respectively on imported steel and aluminum products due to how they endangered "national security". On March 22, the United States said it would provisionally exempt the EU, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea, and that the exemption period would end on May 1. In response to the same measures, China submitted a consultation request to the United States under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism in early April, and formally initiated a dispute settlement procedure. HELSINKI, April 18 (Xinhua)-- An elderly woman living in eastern Helsinki was found dead in her apartment. The deceased apparently passed away several weeks ago without being noticed, even though she should have been visited frequently by social workers, local media reported on Wednesday. The woman was found dead at her home on Monday. Arja Peiponen, director of senior service department of Helsinki's health and social care services, told Finnish News Agency STT that the woman had been a customer receiving home care service since 2015. The deceased had been hospitalized and returned home several weeks ago and she should have been visited, according to Peiponen. She added that the case is now under investigation at the senior service department, alongside an investigation conducted by the police. Peiponen told the Finnish national broadcaster Yle that it would be premature to say whether the incident was a case of negligence, adding that it could be a human error or a critical communication mistake at the department. Silja Paavola, chairman of the Finnish Union of Practical Nurses, told Yle that such an unnoticed death of a home care client is not common, but not surprising. She pointed out that the work of practical nurses is overloaded quite often. According to Paavola, surveys show that a care provider has 10-15 clients to visit in the morning and about 20 clients later in the day. The union has warned the home care industry that the social workers' workloads have been too much for some time now. "This should never happen in a welfare state," Paavola was quoted as saying. VIENNA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Austrian government has confirmed Wednesday it will provide a further 4 million euros (5 million U.S. dollars) in humanitarian aid in Syria. Foreign Affairs Minister Karin Kneissl said in a press release the money would be drawn from the government's foreign disaster fund, and be targeted at two partner organizations who will provide efficient humanitarian aid. The majority of the funding will go to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and is to go toward the distribution of food parcels, repairing water facilities, the provision of farming equipment and seeds, and activities to protect the civilian population in the war-stricken country. The remainder will go to UNICEF, where it will be spent on healthcare, nutrition, education, and the protection of children. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz also welcomed the cabinet's decision to provide the funding, noting that the conflict has been responsible for 400,000 deaths, and over 5 million refugees who have fled Syria. "Alongside our efforts toward a diplomatic solution, it is also our responsibility to help on the ground," he said. VIENNA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz has spoken to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss the escalating conflict in Syria, local media reported. Kurz spoke to the Russian leader in a telephone conversation about diplomatic initiatives in solving the Syrian crisis as well as possible confidence-building steps toward a de-escalation of current tensions. He said in a media statement later that a further escalation, particularly between Russia and the U.S., must be avoided at all costs. He also noted that Russia, as an "important player" in Syria, must be part of finding a peaceful solution. Kurz noted the Russian leader was calm in light of the recent escalations following a U.S.-backed missile strike in Syria, and appeared open to a continuation of dialogue. The chancellor reiterated his stance that Austria could play host to negotiations, and indicated that Putin appeared open to this suggestion. Kurz had also spoken to his German counterpart Angela Merkel earlier, covering the same issues. He told the Krone newspaper that both were in agreement that there could be no military solution to the Syria conflict. People visit the booth of Chinese telecommunication firm ZTE Corporation during the 2017 Mobile World Congress Americas (MWCA) in San Francisco, the United States on Sept. 12, 2017. (Xinhua/Wu Xiaoling) By Xinhua writers Xu Xingtang and Wang Naishui NEW YORK, April 17 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a market-shaking decision on Monday to deny export privileges against ZTE, a leading Chinese telecom equipment company, stoking up the tension of trade relations between the two countries. This was only the latest and one of the many cases of Chinese companies being sanctioned by the United States over the past years. The Trump administration has been accusing China on trade surplus, intellectual property protection and other issues. China's biggest smart phone producer Huawei still can't make a meaningful entry into the United States after decades of efforts, as AT&T and Best Buy rejected or stopped selling Huawei phones weeks ago due to pressure from the administration in the name of "national security" concerns. "National security" has become a magic tool for the world's biggest developed free market economy to restrict businesses of Chinese companies. While asking China to further open its financial sector, which China did do so gradually based on the reality of its domestic economic development and announced other significant moves recently, the U.S. government blocked China's Ant Financial's acquisition of MoneyGram in January, due to "national security" concerns. "We are disappointed in the termination of this compelling transaction, which would have created significant value for our stakeholders," said Alex Holmes, chief executive officer of MoneyGram, noting the geopolitical environment has changed considerably since nearly a year ago. Due to the same reason, China Zhongwang Holdings Limited, an aluminum product manufacturer listed in Hong Kong, also failed to merge U.S. aluminum firm Aleris Corporation, although afterward the U.S. government announced a 10-percent tariff on imported aluminum products, claiming to force foreign companies to build plants in the United States and bring jobs back. Even a Chinese firm of agriculture and animal husbandry had to drop the planned acquisition of U.S. supplier of breeding pigs Waldo Farms, a deal of 16.5 million dollars. Still, it is "national security" concerns. In comparison, American companies have profited to great extent from the Chinese market during China's opening up and reform drive in the past four decades, thanks to improving business environment and preferential taxation policies specially designed for foreign investments. In its fiscal year of 2017, Apple, the U.S. biggest cell phone maker, sold 44.8-billion-U.S.-dollar products in China, its largest single market overseas. According to the latest annual report released in September 2017 by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a multi-agency panel that reviews foreign purchases of American companies, China had led foreign countries represented in the CFIUS reviews for the fourth consecutive reported year (2012-2015). Given the surging number of transactions that had been scrutinized by CFIUS and the economic environment between China and the United States in 2016 and 2017, there is no doubt that China will remain on top of the list for a six-year straight streak. However, such opaque and unfair scrutiny by CFIUS has become a main hurdle for Chinese companies to invest in the United States. According to a report jointly released by the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations (NCUSCR) and the Rhodium Group last week, Chinese direct investment in the United States fell by more than 35 percent in 2017 due to CFIUS' reviews and China's outbound investment regulatory. The value of newly announced Chinese acquisitions in the United States also plunged by 90 percent from a year earlier and the impact from such decline in investment had been felt on the local level, according to the report. Moreover, the Trump administration and U.S. lawmakers are seeking tighter scrutiny of Chinese investment in the United States through a significant expansion of the CFIUS. This happened at a time when the United States is blaming China for its vast trade deficit while narrowing the door for Chinese investment. China argues that the Chinese people's hard work is part of the reason for China's trade surplus with the United States. A number of facts such as globalization, global division of labor and U.S. dollar's international reserve currency status also play important roles for the surplus. When addressing trade issues, the United States seldom mentions its surplus with China in service sector, and never mentions the U.S. government export controls over China. It is unfair that on one hand the United States restricts the export of high-tech products to China, while on the other it doesn't want China to produce them by itself either. Analysts have said that the U.S. punitive measures taken recently against China are not about trade, but about the impediment of China's development. China is a big developing country, but it's no wonder the country wants to become a developed one, Nobel Prize-winning American economist Joseph Stiglitz said at a panel discussion last week. In the increasingly globalized world, any trade protectionist measures could turn out to be a double-edged sword. The latest U.S. decision on ZTE may hit the Chinese company hard, but the first casualties are its U.S. suppliers. The stock price of ACIA plunged 35.97 percent on Monday, that of Oclaro dropped 15.18 percent, and Lumentum fell by 9.06 percent. ROME, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Italian oil, gas and power giant ENI plans to make investments worth 7 billion euros (about 8.7 billion U.S. dollars) in Italy over the next four years, ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi told the Italian financial community on Wednesday. Decarbonisation and green energy are part of the company's 2018-2021 strategy, the company said in a statement. "We operate in tens of countries around the world... but our roots are here in Italy," Descalzi said. "In fact, Italy is the country in which we are planning to invest the most -- 7 billion euros over the next four years, of which one billion has been earmarked for green activities, including research and development expenditure for the decarbonisation process," said the statement. The CEO also discussed the so-called Progetto Italia (Italy Project) to create 25 renewable energy production facilities on some of ENI's reclaimed industrial sites. Additionally, Descalzi said ENI is the first company to have converted a traditional oil refinery into a bio-refinery, in Venice, and by the end of the year it will complete the conversion of a plant in Gela, Sicily. These plants will produce one million tons of green diesel per year by 2021, making ENI one of Europe's leading producers. The company has also launched projects involving green chemicals, such as intermediate products from vegetable oil and experimental plantations of guayule, a Mexican shrub with latex-yielding leaves, for the production of natural rubber. Descalzi said the company is focusing on solar power, energy storage, advanced biofuels, biomass and wind power. It is also researching products and processes with low environmental impact and technologies linked to the circular economy, according to the company statement. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 04:56:42|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SANAA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's dominant Houthi movement said its air defense forces shot down a U.S.-made fighter drone on Wednesday in the Yemeni Red Sea port city of Hodeidah. "The air defense forces of the army and popular forces shot down a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in Hodeidah," Houthis said in a statement posted on the Saba News Agency controlled by the rebels. The Houthi movement, which has been controlling the capital Sanaa and much of the country's northern provinces including Hodeidah for nearly three years, provided no further details. There were no immediate comments by the U.S. army, which has been operating such fighter drones over Yemen to combat the al-Qaida branch in the war-torn Arab country. On Oct. 1, 2017, the Houthis said they fired a surface-to-air missile and shot down a U.S.-made General Atomics MQ-9 Reaper drone in the north of Sanaa. The United States, the main supporter of the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iranian-allied Shiite Houthis in Yemen, admitted losing its fighter aircraft. Saudi Arabia is leading a mostly Arab military coalition to fight Houthi rebels in Yemen since March 2015, in a bid to restore President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, who was ousted by Houthis in September 2014. The war has killed more than 10,000 Yemenis, mostly civilians, and displaced over 3 million others, according to humanitarian agencies. MEXICO CITY, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Two shootouts between armed men and the police left 10 alleged gang members and six officers killed in Mexico's coastal town of Zihuatanejo, in the southern state of Guerrero, the local government announced on Wednesday. Guerrero's security spokesperson, Roberto Alvarez Heredia, said that the clashes had happened on Tuesday afternoon. His statement revealed that the first shootout happened in the community of Coacuyul, when a gang opened first on a police patrol. The fight lasted around 30 minutes, with the police officers shooting dead 10 gunmen. Minutes later, another patrol was attacked in the community of Las Mesillas, leaving six dead policemen. "The attorney-general of the state has begun an investigation into these events and has not removed the possibility that the ambush was a reaction to the clash that took place nearby in the community of Coacuyul," explained Alvarez Heredia. Guerrero has been the most violent state in Mexico for the last two years, with over 2,200 murders a year. This is seen as the result of ongoing gang wars between around 20 criminal groups for the control of marijuana and heroin and their illegal trafficking. In the last week alone, gunmen wounded another two federal police officers in an ambush in the state. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 05:16:46|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close QUITO, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Ecuador said on Wednesday it will stop hosting peace talks between Colombia's government and the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group as long as the rebels continue to carry out "terrorist acts." "I have asked Ecuador's foreign minister to stop these talks ... for as long as the ELN does not pledge to stop carrying out these terrorist acts," Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno said in an interview with Colombian news networks RCN News and NTN24. The decision follows a spike in crime along Ecuador's border with Colombia, including the recent abduction and killing of a three-man press team that was reporting on the border situation, and the kidnapping of a young couple. In addition, four Ecuadorian military troops have been killed in the region, where rebels and drug traffickers operate. The talks have been taking place in Ecuador's capital Quito, with the ELN looking to strike a similar peace deal with the government as Colombia's Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) did in 2016, putting an end to five decades of fighting. The FARC has since renounced violence and transformed into a political party. Both kidnappings were blamed on a dissident faction of the FARC that broke away after the group struck the peace deal. Colombia's two negotiating sides have held five rounds of talks in Quito, though conversations were suspended for two months after the rebels launched renewed offensives following the end of a temporary ceasefire. The fifth round of talks was expected to continue until May 19, ahead of Colombia's May 27 presidential elections. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 05:41:52|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, April 18 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Wednesday called for efforts to relaunch peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis, state-run Petra news agency reported. The king made the call at his meeting with visiting Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Any peace talks should be based on the two-state solution to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, he said. The Jordanian king also hailed the key role Austria has played in the Middle East peace process, as the European country will chair the EU's presidency in the second half of this year. On Jerusalem, the king highlighted the importance of the holy city to Muslims and Christians, saying Jerusalem is the key to peace and stability in the Middle East. For his part, Van der Bellen said Austria was keen on increasing cooperation with Jordan in various areas. Also in the day, an Austrian-Jordanian business forum was held in Jordan, with 19 Austrian companies and more than 100 representatives from Jordanian companies, chambers, ministries and institutions attending it. At the opening ceremony, Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen lauded the long-term good relations between the two countries. "The potential for trading and investment activities for Austrian companies in Jordan has not yet been fully exploited," he said. Yarub Qudah, Jordan's minister of Industry and Trade, said his country is looking for "long-term strategic partnerships" with Austria. HELSINKI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The increasing trend of Finnish Members of Parliament leaving their positions before the end of tenure has raised controversy in Finland. On Wednesday, long time social democratic MP, former minister of social services and former minister of communications, Susanna Huovinen announced to leave her position, and unusually gave the reason as the difficult mental environment in the parliament. Huovinen said it was exhausting to work in an atmosphere where negative talks and racism have increased. She said the challenge would require cooperation of all democratic forces but she would rather leave it to her companions. The reference to racism and strict attitudes by Huovinen has been understood as a reference to the polarization brought by the right wing populists, seen mainly in the Finns Party and its breakaway fraction the Blues. Huovinen will take up an executive position in a charitable shelter operation in her home area. She is the 9th MP to quit since the election of the current parliament in 2015. Traditionally, Finnish MPs vacated their seats to take up public service positions or to become a Member of the European Parliament. But in the current parliament, MPs have quite often left for private sector employment, taking their knowledge of public sector operations to work as lobbyists. On the cabinet level, a conservative minister for health left for an executive position in the commercial health care industry and a minister for economic affairs became the CEO the Confederation of Industries some years ago. Debate of the ethics of a job change culminated earlier this spring when a conservative MP switched to being a director at an interest organization of the pharmaceutical industry. Her move received public criticism from senior MPs in the Social Democratic Party and the Center Party. A social democratic MP said the way the conservatives move to become business lobbyists reflects the "formula of becoming corrupt". "When the MPs have amassed information and built their networks, they can be easily purchased to work as promoters of business interest," said another social democratic MP. In Finland, legislation does not call for any cooling off period before an MP or a minister switches to work in the private sector. Former speaker of parliament Maria Lohela defended the practice. She said in February that the parliament cannot determine how a person plans his or her working life after parliament. An MP's resignation needs to be approved by the plenary session. Despite the even tough criticism, no resignations have been blocked by fellow parliamentarians. Local commentators have said the meaning to be an MP has changed. In terms of popular support, they are nowadays more like media products that have individual characters, while MPs in older time were more like members of a group. Besides representing a political party, MPs have more varied ties with interest groups. Being in the parliament may be just one step in their "ideological career" or promotion of certain interest. Compared internationally, the Finnish system of multi-seat constituencies makes the pull-out an MP easier. If an MP wants to get out, the next-in-line from his or her election list will come in. So a change will not bring in someone who represented another list. BUJUMBURA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Burundi's National Assembly, lower chamber of the parliament, on Wednesday passed a bill that allows the police to search at any time without a search warrant. Some opposition lawmakers however said the bill meant to restrict liberties of citizens. "The new law is coming to fight terrorism and other crimes like rape or people keeping or owning arms illegally. It brings a lot of innovations like night-time searches and searches without necessarily warrants," Burundian Justice Minister Aimee Laurentine Kanyana told MPs when clarifying the bill at the parliament in the capital city Bujumbura. Police agents will be allowed to carry out searches in a neighborhood or a village where suspects have been reported even at night because it has been noticed that Burundi is not saved from terror attacks like grenade explosions, said Kanyana. The bill provides that police agents can carry out searches at any time even without a search warrant if they have informed the prosecutor through a phone call or a message, she said. The search warrant should quickly follow the search operation in order to "give credibility" to the operation, she added. Kanyana said the bill also provides the search of a computer of a suspect or social networks used by the suspect and allows police officers to secretly install cameras or recorders in a car or a house of suspects in order to identify and arrest them. Some opposition MPs however voiced their concerns regarding what they described as the "restriction" of citizens' liberties. Night-time searches and searches without a prosecutor's warrant can be at the origin of insecurity, they said. "A policemen can bring weapons and put them at a suspect's house. He will pretend that they are yours and arrest you," said Agathon Rwasa, second vice-speaker. Ruling party MPs argued that night-time searches are operated without any problem in western countries like France, Belgium and the United states to prevent or fight terrorism and other criminal acts. After being passed by the lower chamber, the bill will go to the Senate for approval. BANJUL, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The People's Republic of China has offered 400 short term study packages to the Gambia government as part of bilateral education exchange between the two countries, Gambia's information minister, Demba A. Jawo said on Wednesday at a press conference. "The Chinese government has offered these short courses through bilateral support. The first batch of twenty Gambians would be departing today (Wednesday evening)," he said. Jawo said the beneficiaries will be trained on information and communications for mainstream media and government officials, mainly staff of his ministry and its line agencies. "Another twenty five will be leaving next week to be trained on cyber security," he said. He also informed that the Chinese government has provided 40 fully-funded scholarships to the West African state for human resources development in 2018. The Gambia and China resumed bilateral ties in 2016 after it was severed in 1994. Source: Xinhua| 2018-04-19 06:27:06|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close by Burak Akinci ANKARA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday voiced his support for Andrew Brunson, an American pastor on trial in Turkey over charges of espionage and links to the Gulen movement, amid fractured U.S.-Turkish relations. "Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason," Trump tweeted. "They call him a spy, but I am more a spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!" the U.S. president said in his first-ever tweet on Turkey, a NATO ally. The 50-year-old Andrew Brunson, a Christian pastor who has lived in Turkey for more than 20 years, was indicted for helping the Gulen movement, which Ankara accuses of being behind the failed coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016. He faces up to 35 years in prison. The ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) led by Erdogan, promptly retorted the Trump's remarks. "We are used now to Trump's tweets. He is acting as if there is no judiciary system in Turkey," said AKP Spokesman Mahir Unal during an interview with private NTV news channel. "We have our courts here and the court will decide on the pastor and we will all respect it. It is not Trump but the court that will decide on the faith of this cleric," he added. Brunson has been the pastor of Izmir Resurrection Church, serving a small Protestant congregation in the third largest city in Turkey. The U.S. State of Department also released a statement saying the entire government is "following Mr. Brunson's case closely." "We hope that the judicial system in Turkey will resolve his case in a timely, fair and transparent manner," it said. Last May, at a face-to-face meeting with Erdogan in Washington, Trump called for Brunson's release, the White House said at the time. But Erdogan suggested that his fate could be linked to the U.S.-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Turkey has repeatedly demanded his extradition, while the U.S. always refuses citing lack of sufficient evidence. "Give us the pastor back, they say. You have one pastor (Gulen) as well. Give him to us," Erdogan said in September. "Then we will try him (Brunson) and give him to you," he added. Gulen denies any role in the 2016 coup, which killed 250 people. A state of emergency has been in force since then. Brunson appeared in court for his first hearing in Izmir on Monday, where his lawyer said the pastor, detained 18 months ago, was in custody because of his religious belief in a Muslim country. "I want the whole truth to be revealed," Brunson told the court. "I reject the charges mentioned in the indictment. I was never involved in any illegal activities," he said. Prosecutors presented a lengthy indictment saying Brunson had been using missionary activities as a cover to work with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), a separatist movement blacklisted by Turkey, the U.S. and the EU as a terrorist organization, as well as the Gulen Movement, labelled as a terrorist group by Ankara. They also claim that Brunson passed along state secrets and intelligence that might be useful in the event of an armed conflict, such as the location of railway stations. "I've never done something against Turkey," Brunson said, rejecting the charge of his involvement in the Gulen Movement. Turkish judges refused to release him and fixed the date of the next hearing on May 7. Brunson's trial is just one of the several legal cases roiling U.S.-Turkish relations. The two countries are at odds over U.S. support for the Kurdish militia in northern Syria, as Turkey considers the militia a terrorist organization and launched a military campaign against it in late January, raising fears that Turkish and American troops could come face-to-face in a potential conflict in war-torn Syria. HAVANA, April 18 (Xinhua) -- The Cuban government said on Wednesday that Cuba is a safe country, rebuffing Canada's decision to declare its embassy in Havana as "a mission without accompanying relatives." Ottawa's measure means its diplomats will not be allowed to bring their families with them to Cuba, due to the alleged acoustic attacks reported by Canadian and American diplomats in 2017. "Cuba ratifies that a rigorous investigation carried out by a group of highly qualified experts did not find any evidence of the suffering reported by the Canadian diplomats, nor any sign of any attack or incident on Cuban soil," said an official statement issued by the island's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Cuban authorities said they respected the decision adopted by Canada but considered it "unjustified." They stressed that the island is a safe country for the almost five million international tourists visiting the island every year, including more than one million Canadians. Havana also highlighted its guarantee of protection for all diplomats accredited in the nation, no matter where they come from. "Cuba will continue working closely with the Canadian government ... and through cooperation among correspondent agencies and high-level experts to find conclusive explanations for the reported ailments," said the foreign ministry. The Cuban government invited medical experts from both sides to share all possible information, while respecting the privacy of those affected. Former American Ambassador to Budapest Eleni Kounalakis is running for Lieutenant Governor of California this year. In a Medium post the former diplomat harshly criticised Hungarys government and warned that the Orban model can spread in the US. Orbans hold on power is more entrenched than ever, and his xenophobic, nationalist platform continues to spread beyond Hungarian borders, writes Kounalakis, who was ambassador to Hungary under President Barack Obama from 2010 to 2013. His reforms dramatically reduced checks and balances. He weakened democratic institutions by reducing the independence of the media and by asserting political influence over the judiciary, academic institutions, and even religious institutions, she writes. Kounalakis claims that Donald Trumps 2016 victory has been a boon for autocratic leaders everywhere. Both as a validator of their own heavy-handed approach to governance, and a symbol that winner-take-all leadership is back in fashion. Around the world, would-be autocrats are seizing the opportunity created by the election of Donald Trump to consolidate power as quickly and efficiently as possible. The world is holding its breath to see what happens when a would-be autocrat Donald Trump meets the worlds oldest and strongest democracy. I have faith that our system will prevail. But not without the active engagement of our citizenry. Democracy, at its root, is self-government: government of the people, by the people, for the people. And people around the world are paying attention, she concludes. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in a letter highlighted Hungarys good relations with the Asian city state as well as its stance favouring an EU-Singapore free trade agreement. Singapore hopes to strengthen bilateral ties in trade, investment and education, the Hungarian prime ministers press chief said, citing the letter. Silvio Berlusconi, who heads Italys Forza Italia party, congratulated Orban in a letter saying your exceptional election results show the overwhelming consensus about your person and your party in Hungary. Bechara Boutros Rai, the Patriarch of the Syriac Meronite Church of Antioch, in his letter praised Orbans determination to keep your country close to [its] Christian roots and the initiative offering grants to Christian youth from Syria to study in Hungary. Twenty-seven of the 28 national EU ambassadors to Beijing have compiled a report that sharply criticizes Chinas Silk Roadproject, denouncing it as designed to hamper free trade and put Chinese companies at an advantage, Handelsblatt has learnt. Only Hungarys ambassador refused to sign the paper. According to the report, the One Belt One Road project runs counter to the EU agenda for liberalizing trade and pushes the balance of power in favor of subsidized Chinese companies. EU officials said China was trying to divide Europe to strengthen its hand in relations with individual member states. Countries such as Hungary and Greece, which both rely on Chinese investment, have in the past shown theyre susceptible to pressure from China, Handelsblatt writes. Its not the first time Hungary is protecting China, Hungarian news site Index.hu reminds. In 2016, together with Croatia and Greece, Hungary blocked a common EU response to this weeks international arbitration panel ruling on the South China Sea. Brian Thomas Smollar IRONWOOD, Mich. - Brian Thomas Smollar, also known as "Smiley" and "Yipples" to family and friends, 48, of Ironwood, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 13, 2018, at his home. Brian was born on June 1, 1969, in Ironwood to Louis E. and Marilyn (Maradik) Smollar. Brian was a graduate of Luther L. Wright High School Class of 1987 in Ironwood. He worked as a handyman for local farms and in building construction, as well as HVAC. He also enjoyed driving semi trucks for many years; Halvor Lines, Waste Management and others. He was the kind of man who enjoyed helping his friends and family and if you needed a hand, he was there to help and it was always with a smile. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding snowmobiles, four-wheelers and any other outdoor activity. He loved tinkering around his home and was a former member of a local bass fishing club. He will be sadly missed by his mother, Marilyn, his former wife, Violet, and his step-daughter, Amber Sandquist, siblings Theresa (Jim) Talaska, Louis J. (Julie) Smollar and Jeff (Randy Lyon) Smollar, two nieces and one nephew: Tanya Isaacson and Alyssa and Jared Smollar, as well as other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Louis E. Smollar. There will be a gathering to celebrate Brian's life on Thursday, April 19, from 3 to 6 p.m. at The Elk and Hound Restaurant, 200 Country Club Road, in Ironwood. McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Tanya Isaacson, 38 Michigan Ave., Montreal, WI 54550. For more information and to express condolences to the family, please visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Source Essay In 1983, many Virginia runaway slave ads were reprinted (along with slave ads for the other southern colonies) in a four-volume compilation edited by Lathan Algerna Windley, a history professor at Morgan State University, entitled Runaway Slave Advertisements : a Documentary History from the 1730's to 1790. Windley's accomplishment in gathering up and publishing the ads was enormous, and scholars since have made extensive use of his compilations, but this project seeks significantly to go beyond Windley's volumes. Windley's volumes included only ads for runaway slaves; this database includes Windley's runaway and captured ads for slaves and servants, as well as advertisements drawn from numerous other sources. This database contains the complete transcription of every ad; Windley cut out portions of advertisements that did not deal directly with runaway African-Americans. If a runaway slave of African descent traveled with a white servant or servants, for example, descriptions of the servants were not included in the published version. By including runaway servant ads as well as those for slaves, this database offers a unique look at the lower orders in eighteenth-century Virginia, allowing users to compare and contrast the positions of unfree whites and blacks across time. Further, Windley's works did not include ads for captured runaways. Sheriffs and other county officials frequently advertised captured runaways being held in the county jail or the public prison in Williamsburg. There is also a small number of captured ads for suspected runaways taken up by private individuals. The inclusion of all captured ads allows for cross-referencing of individuals listed in runaway ads who were later captured, and provides additional descriptions of runaways. Windley's volumes were not indexed, and although he included appendices listing runaways described in more than one ad, he died before he could fully cross-reference the ads. This database includes a search function in which every word in every ad is searchable. The search can also be constrained to names of runaways or subscribers, thus users interested in a specific owner or name of a runaway can simply enter the term with the proper constraint and all ads containing that name will be selected. In addition, Windley's four-volume set did not include ads which listed runaways a second time or ads for the same runaway in a different edition of the Virginia Gazette: he simply noted the date and edition of the newspaper, the name of the runaway, and the subscriber's name. This dataset includes the full text of all advertisements, including ads for the same runaway in different editions of the Gazette. There are often subtle differences in the descriptions which can provide additional information about the individuals listed. Individuals listed in the ads are cross-referenced so that by clicking on the runaway's name, users can access a window with all ads listing that particular person. This database therefore significantly expands Windley's pioneering work by making available a large number of advertisements that are not included in his volumes. Each ad here also contains a bibliographic note of the volume and page if published in Windley and the phrase "not in Windley," if not found in Windley's volumes.' Coun Perez reiterates warning to barangay leaders involved in drugs 07 Aug 2017 Hits:37 Comments(0) Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Jerry Perez yesterday reiterated his warning to all barangay officials from using or selling drugs. Perez said he is closely monitoring the activities of all the barangay officials and vowed sanctions against erring leaders. Aqui gane na mio barangay ya quita ya iyo na puesto cunel dos barangay leaders quien mas temprano ya sale positivo na... Lahore: Nearly a week after former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was banned from holding a public office and contesting elections, the PML-N leader left for London along with his daughter to see his cancer-stricken wife on Wednesday. Nawaz Sharif's departure for London has triggered intense speculation that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him. While Sharif family's official spokesman did not reveal anything on his possible return, Nawaz's daughter Maryam, in a tweet, vowed to return before the next hearing if they were not granted an exemption from an appearance by an accountability court where proceedings over the family's London properties was underway. Off to London to see Ami. If exemption not granted, will return before next hearing Insha'Allah. Pls remember her in your special prayers. pic.twitter.com/W0v64Ycsfj Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) April 18, 2018 "My mother is hospitalised again. Remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers," Maryam had tweeted after the family issued a statement informing that the two would leave for London to see the ailing Kulsoom Nawaz. Kulsoom Nawaz the wife of Pakistan's deposed PM - had earlier undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had earlier stated that the procedure was successful, but her condition later deteriorated. Despite Maryam's tweet, the analysts believe that it is likely that Sharif will skip his appearance before a combined investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau in Lahore on April 21. NAB has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for illegal construction of a road leading to his Jati Umra, Raiwind residence. Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court last week, is due to appear in the accountability court on April 23 in a corruption case. But it is likely that he may skip it. Last week, Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi had shown reluctance to place the names of Nawaz Sharif and his family on the Exit Control List (ECL). The NAB had asked the government to include the names of Sharif's children - Maryam, Hassan and Hussain and his son-in-law retired Captain Safdar Awan - on the ECL. All of them are being tried in accountability courts regarding the Panama Leaks cases. His both sons are already in London. They have been declared proclaimed offenders by the accountability court in the corruption cases against them. Opposition parties especially the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has criticised the government for not placing the Sharif family on ECL. (With Agency inputs) NEW DELHI: Actor-turned-politician Divya Spandana attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks on former prime minister Manmohan Singh having ties with Pakistan. Hitting out at PM Modi the former Congress MP from Karnataka's Mandya tweeted, "Why do they need social media platforms to spread fake news when they have the PM to do it, right?" Why do they need social media platforms to spread fake news when they have the PM to do it, right? https://t.co/xiG5FCqYQL Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) April 17, 2018 In an interview to DNA, Spandana said that the Prime Minister made allegations which had no basis at all. She also spoke at length about the challenges facing the Congress party in her home state Karnataka. Divya Spandana is the reason behind turn-around of Congress fortune on the social media. While talking about fake news, the Congress leader said that fake news is a problem but people in-charge of big social media platforms are themselves politically aligned which makes it difficult to contain rough edges of social media. With not even a month left for Karnataka to go to polls, both ruling Congress and opposition BJP have entered a high-pitched battle on the ground and on social media. Karnataka polls are scheduled to be held in a single phase on May 12 and the counting of votes will be done on May 15. VVPAT machines, apart from EVMs, will be deployed in Karnataka for the polls. The date of notification is April 17 and the last date to file nominations is April 24. The scrutiny of nominations will take place on April 25 and the last day for withdrawal is April 27. The 224-member Assembly expires on May 28 in the state where the Congress is currently in power, with 122 seats against the BJP's 43. Karnataka is one of the eight states where polls were scheduled this year. While Siddaramaiah-led Congress is eyeing a second term in the state, BJP wants to spread its wings to the 22nd state. Bengaluru: Continuing with his barrage of allegations against BJP, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused the party of harbouring criminals. Speaking to members of the press, Siddaramaiah said that the BJP is guilty of thinking like criminals. "It (BJP) is a party of criminals. Not all of them are criminals but they should not think like criminals," he said in what has become a major Congress vs BJP battle ahead of state elections here next month. Siddaramaiah has been leading Congress' charge against BJP in Karnataka - attacking the party on numerous issues including treatment of farmers, accusations of helping corporations and on PM Modi-led government's recommendation to the 15th Finance Commission to use the 2011 census to determine how much money the Centre will devolve to different state governments. He has also attacked BJP's state chief and CM candidate BS Yeddyurappa with whom he has engaged in Twitter duels. To counter him and his party, BJP national chief Amit Shah too has fired one salvo after another. Blaming the Karnataka government for corruption and mis-rule, he said on Wednesday that both the CM and his government is guilty of sleeping in the name of governance. Bengaluru: On a day when Karnataka CM Siddaramiah termed BJP as a party of criminals, Amit Shah returned scathing fire by questioning what decades of Congress rule had done for the state. The verbal battles ahead of assembly elections next month have intensified in recent days with both BJP and Congress leaders trading barbs. While Siddaramaiah most-recently said BJP thinks like criminals do, Amit Shah highlighted the current state government's inability to tackle problems like corruption and slow development of infrastructure. "I want to ask Rahul (Gandhi): Your great grandfather (Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru) ruled this state, then Indira Gandhi, then Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi. Congress had four generations in command here but what did each generation do to help? PM Modi's government at the centre has done more for Karnataka in the last four years than four generations in Congress could ever do," said Amit Shah. The BJP national chief then went onto accuse Congress leaders of coining terms like Hindu terror and warned that those guilty of murdering BJP workers in the state won't be spared once BS Yeddyurappa is voted to power. "For several years, Congress defamed the country around the world by using terms like saffron terror and Hindu terror. Now, Congress leaders say they never used these words despite being on record having said so. I ask you Rahul ji, does terror have any religion?" said the 53-year-old. "Siddaramaiah government has been shielding those who have murdered BJP workers in the state. I assure you, once BJP government comes to power, these criminals would be brought back even from the depths of hell and put behind bars." Amit Shah has been spearheading BJP's campaign in Karnataka - a state the party feels could be its first political port of call moving south. Stakes are high as a defeat could halt the momentum BJP is banking on ahead of Lok Sabha elections. Congress too has a lot to lose as the party is now on the cusp of being wiped out. Karnataka - apart from Punjab - is the only big state still under its control. Mumbai: Actor Malavika Mohanan, who plays the lead role in Iranian director Majid Majidi's Hindi film "Beyond the Clouds", feels honoured to have competed for the role alongside top stars like Deepika Padukone and Kangana Ranaut. Casting director Honey Trehan had informed Malavika, who has acted in Malayalam films, about big actors vying to be part of "Beyond the Clouds", including Deepika and Kangana. "Everybody was contending, so he was like if you get it, good. The reason why I was cast is because I fit the character. I was happy I got the role. I love these actors. "I think they are amazing and to be considered as a competition alongside them is an honour. I am glad I got to work in this film," Malavika told PTI. The actor said when she first got a call from Trehan, she did not know that she will be doing look test for Majidi's film. Malavika, daughter of renowned cinematographer K U Mohanan, was told to share some of her pictures in Indian look. Later, Trehan told her that she will have to do a look test for the film. "Trehan said don't get your hopes up as lot of big actresses have done a look test... And are competing for it. Every actor wants to work with him. I was given a context and told to interpret the character in my own way. "I went home, decided what Tara would wear, like a bindi, nose ring, earring and did dusky make-up. I told my father to click some pictures on real locations like Madh Island," she said. It seems Majidi was impressed with the pictures as she did not have to go through audition. "The look that was locked for the film was 90 per cent of my interpretation, like the nose ring, bindi and the hair. So I was happy that we envisioned in the same way," she added. Malavika is not worried about the hype surrounding her co-star Ishaan Khatter, who comes from a film family. He is the half brother of Shahid Kapoor. The two play siblings in the upcoming film. "We both were cast as Majidi sir saw the characters of Tara and Amir in us. Ishaan is a very talented actor. He is very sharp and a quick learner. I have done a couple of more films than an average newcomer, so that (experience) did help. "The team has been sweet to us, we have had incredible experience while working on the film," she said. During her college days, the 25-year-old actor had done a project 'Understanding Cinema', which is when she became aware about the work of the "Children of Heaven" director. "I had seen four-five films of his and I had liked them. So I was in a way familiar with his work. Language was not an issue as I understood what he was trying to say. We also had a translator on the sets." The film is slated to be released on April 20. Mumbai: Indian TV's adorable 'Naagin' Mouni Roy who has wowed audiences by her beauty and performances, is all set to make her Bollywood debut this year. She will make a splash on the silver screen with Akshay Kumar starrer Gold directed by Reema Kagti. And the latest about her is that she has been roped in by Arbaaz Khan for Dabangg 3. Yes, you read that right. Mouni will have a small but significant part to play in the third instalment of the blockbuster franchise starring superstar Salman Khan. Mouni, who has already worked with Salman while shooting promos for Bigg Boss season 11, will play his former love interest in Dabangg 3., reports DNA. There were reports suggesting that Mouni will have a lengthier role than Sonakshi Sinha who essays Rajjo. But that's not true. Both Sona and Mouni will have smaller roles to play. "Mouni only has a special appearance, with screen time of just about 15-20 minutes," DNA quoted a source as saying. Her character will appear flashbacks. A certain part of the film will be a prequel to Dabangg. Apart from Dabangg 3, Mouni has another big project in her kitty. She has an important role to play in Ayan Mukerji's Brahmastra trilogy starring Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt. She was in Bulgaria a few weeks back to shoot for the film. New Delhi: A day after several parts of Andhra, Telangana, MP, Bihar, UP, Punjab, Chhattisgarh and poll-bound Karnataka reported cash shortages at ATMs and banks, Principal Economic Advisor Sanjeev Sanyal blamed the social media for the panic and the consequent urge among people to draw maximum cash. Sometimes due to long weekends this disruption happens. The social media has been instrumental in this panic, but we are trying to reach out the issue. Sanyal told Zee Media. Stating that there could be several reasons for the cash crunch, he said. The demand of cash goes ups and down but since last 2-3 weeks the demand has surged unusually. But I assure that the situation will become normal soon,. The delay in recalibration of cash vending machines to dispense Rs 200 notes is understood to be one of the reasons for the currency shortage in some parts of the country. Meanwhile, the printing of Rs 2,000 notes has also been halted for a past few days. RBI and government priority is to print small notes and Rs 2000 notes, but the government feels that Rs 2000 notes are sufficient in the current situation. We have many options if we find that Rs 2000 notes are being hoarded, he added Defending the currency circulation he said that our economy has expanded in 2 years but pre-demonetisation level the ratio is still low. Meanwhile digital transaction has expanded may fold. Currency availability is more a management issue than a policy. But after analysing if we find that there is systemic failure, we will take steps, Sanyal said. The RBI on Tuesday said shortage "may be felt" in some pockets largely due to logistical issues of replenishing ATMs frequently adding that the recalibration of ATMs being still underway. Denying that there is any shortage of currency in circulation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also said that the "temporary shortage" in certain states is being "tackled quickly" and that there is "more than adequate" currency in circulation. "Overall there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the banks. The temporary shortage caused by 'sudden and unusual increase' (in demand) in some areas is being tackled quickly," he tweeted on Tuesday. NEW DELHI: In a veiled attack on the government, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said that no matter what attempt is made to stall the development of Amethi, no one can stop his Lok Sabha constituency from becoming a world-class education hub. While addressing a public gathering on Tuesday, the Congress chief said that after about 10 to 15 years from now when the name of California and Singapore will be taken, people will also mention Amethi in the same breath. "After 10-15 years when people mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath," he said. The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Amethi. On Monday, Rahul Gandhi hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he was on a visit to a school in Amethi. On being asked about the implementation of laws in villages by school students in Amethi, the Congress president had said that they should ask the same to the Prime Minister instead. Rahul Gandhi kick-started his Amethi visit On Monday. On his arrival at the Chowdhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, he faced protests from a group of party workers, alleging that the party had fallen to middlemen and demanded that the leadership should take action against such people. Gandhi gave them a patient hearing and assured them of necessary action before leaving for Amethi by road. There, he went straight to Shuklabazaar where he paid his condolences at the house of a party worker who passed away some time back. His cavalcade thereafter drove to Zainabganj where he met locals and party workers. Rahul Gandhi also laid the foundations of some development projects. He met farmers and inaugurated a passport seva kendra, a road project, and a private school. (With inputs from agencies) The Jawaharlal Nehru Technical University (JNTU) is slated to release the AP EAMCET 2018 admit cards on Wednesday April 18 on official website sche.ap.gov.in. The AP EAMCET 2018 examination conducted by Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education AP SCHE is scheduled to begin on April 22, 2018. Notably, the admit cards for the Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test AP EAMCET 2018 will not be sent to candidates through post or mail and can only be downloaded from official website sche.ap.gov.in/eamcet. The admit card will carry details like schedule for examination, timing, centre details. Heres how to download AP EAMCET 2018 admit card: # Visit official website sche.ap.gov.in # Click on AP EAMCET 2018 Admit Cards link # It will take you to a new window # Log in to your account using registration number and password # Admit card will appear on the screen # Download the admit card Stockholm: Coinciding with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's five-day tour of three nations, the Nordic countries on Wednesday pledged support to India's bid for permanent membership in a reformed and expanded United Nations Security Council. The five Nordic countries - Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway, and Finland also issued a joint statement terming New Delhi as a "strong candidate" for the world body's top organisation. The five Nordic states also called for the urgent expansion of the UN Security Council and making it more accountable. The joint statement was issued late on Tuesday after the first Indo-Nordic Summit during which Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with his counterparts from the five Nordic countries. During the meeting, the leaders of the Nordic states reaffirmed their support for the UN and the Secretary-General's reform efforts to ensure the world body is more accountable and effective to the realities of the 21st century. Modi, Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Finnish Premier Juha Sipila, Iceland Premier Katrin Jakobsdottir, Norwegian Premier Erna Solberg and Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven participated at the Summit titled 'India-Nordic Summit:Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity'. The first India-Nordic Summit was held on the theme Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity. We had fruitful discussions on economic ties, global security, innovation and climate change. https://t.co/xV4xoBqDXk pic.twitter.com/S4q26FCo9o Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 17, 2018 They also reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development as well as the ambitious implementation of the Paris Agreement. "The Nordic countries agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members," the joint statement said. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for reform of the UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic countries also welcomed India's membership bid for the Nuclear Suppliers' Group (NSG) and "reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity," it said. India and Sweden co-hosted the India-Nordic Summit on the second and final day of Modi's visit to Sweden. India and the Nordic nations also agreed to deepen cooperation on issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change at the Summit. The Prime Ministers also pledged to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change. During the summit, the Nordic leaders emphasised the Indian government's strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development and lauded its national flagship programmes such as 'Make in India', 'Startup India', 'Digital India' and 'Clean India'. Nordic solutions in clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health, life-sciences and agriculture were also discussed. The leaders noted that the unique strengths of India and the Nordic countries offer immense opportunities for trade and investment diversification and mutually beneficial collaboration, the statement said. The leaders reaffirmed the importance of free trade as a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and realising the Sustainable Development Goals. They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, and underpin a growing engagement between the Nordic countries and India, it said. Modi and the Nordic leaders acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were major challenges for the international community. (With PTI inputs) The Bank of India has invited applications for 158 vacancies for the posts of officers (credit) in the general banking stream. There is no reservation for ex-Servicemen candidate in the officers cadre. The number of vacancies and also the number of reserved vacancies is provisional and may vary according to actual requirements of the Bank. Candidates, intending to apply for above post should ensure that they fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria specified by Bank for respective post. Selection will be through online test and/or personal interview, depending on the number of applicants/eligible candidates. The structure of online examination will be: 1. English Language - minimum 50 marks 2. General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry - minimum 50 marks 3. Financial Management - minimum 50 marks Qualifying marks stipulated above are for General Category candidates. Candidates belonging to the Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC/PWD), filling in vacancies reserved for the relevant category, will be entitled to a relaxation of 5% marks in relation to that stipulated for general category candidates. How to apply: Candidates can apply only online from 20 April to May 5. No other mode of application will be accepted. Before applying online, candidates should: (i) Scan their photograph and signature ensuring that both the photograph and signature adhere to the required specifications. (ii) Have a valid personal email ID and mobile no., which should be kept active till the completion of this Recruitment Process. Bank may send call letters for the Online Examination/Interview etc. through the registered e-mail ID. In case a candidate does not have a valid personal e-mail ID, he/she should create his/her new e-mail ID and mobile no. before applying on-line and must maintain that email account and mobile number. Candidates will have to go to the Banks website bankofindia.co.in and click on the Career and then click on the link Recruitment of Officers in General Banking Stream - Project No. 2018-19/1 Notice dated 01.04.2018. This will open a new window. In this window click on APPLY ONLINE Candidates are advised to carefully fill and verify the details filled in the online application themselves as no change will be possible/ entertained after clicking the FINAL SUBMIT BUTTON. Validate your details and Save your application by clicking the Validate your details and Save & Next button. Click on the Preview Tab to preview and verify the entire application form before FINAL SUBMIT. Click on Payment Tab and proceed for payment. The application form is integrated with the payment gateway and the payment process. The payment can be made by using only Master/ Visa Debit or Credit cards or Internet Banking. Patna: A man was hung upside down and beaten mercilessly by locals in Darbhanga's Hingoli village for allegedly stealing a mobile phone. In a video made by a bystander, the accused is seen being thrashed by a group of men who then go on to hang him upside down using ropes and a chain. The incident took place in full view of women and young children. #WATCH Man beaten and hung upside down for stealing a mobile phone in Darbhanga's Hingoli village. Police says, '3 people who thrashed the man have been arrested.' #Bihar pic.twitter.com/KOzE1XBo9D ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 Local police officials, according to news agency ANI, have arrested three people accused of having beaten the man. LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a charm offensive on what was supposed to be an unscripted townhall-style meeting in London. The programme, titled 'Bharat ke Saath Sabke Saath' saw the Prime Minister touch on topics ranging from the high-profile rape cases to the economy and from democracy to personal legacy. "Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism. I want this Government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. Your criticism is a gold mine to me. My problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations," he said to a cheering audience. Modi also claimed he was not very bothered with the legacy he would leave. "The Vedas, the oldest extant books, continue to guide the world. The fact that we do not know who wrote the Vedas proves that history means nothing. It is about our actions now. Always remember the country, not Modi," he said. He also sought to address a question on the apparently rising discontent over the slow pace of the reforms that he had promised during his campaign. "Impatience is not a bad thing. If someone has a bicycle, that person aspires to own a scooter. Someone who has a scooter aspires to owning a car. It is natural to aspire for more. India's is getting increasingly aspirational," he said. "People have higher expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it. The days of gradual change are over," he declared. PM Modi answered questions from the audience, in which he said there was no question of tolerating terrorism. "We believe in peace. But, we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will respond strongly in a language they understand. The surgical strikes were one way of conveying that India has changed," he said to strong applause. PM Modi also returned to one of his pet themes - of moving forward together. He said gone man alone could not bring change. "We have a million problems, and we have a billion people to solve them We have left no stone unturned to bring about a positive change," he said. New Delhi: In yet another incident which brings the city to shame, a cab driver was arrested and sent to judicial custody on Wednesday after a lady passenger accused him of masturbating while driving the vehicle. News agency ANI reports that the incident took place last Sunday (April 15). In her complaint to the police, the lady passenger has said that soon after she got into a cab, the driver began masturbating in front of her while still negotiating traffic outside. The shocked lady reportedly asked him to stop the car and she eventually filed a complaint. Incidents such as this are hardly new in a city where crimes against women - in some form or the other - are shockingly common. On April 8, a taekwondo instructor - Sandeep Chauhan - was arrested on charges of flashing and masturbating in front of two women. One of the women filed a complaint in which she alleged that Chauhan flashed at her when she was on her balcony and later followed the second woman till outside her home - making lewd comments, flashed her and began masturbating in front of her. At a time when recent rape incidents involving minors have shocked the entire country for being absolute gruesome, incidents of flashing and public masturbation are no less heinous. The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered all media houses who revealed the identity of eight-year-old victim in Kathua rape and murder case to pay a fine of Rs 10 lakh each. The media houses who have already received notices will have to cough up the penalty. Amount collected as fine will be transferred to the Jammu and Kashmir victims compensation fund, ordered the Delhi High Court. The court further said that anyone who would disclose the identity of the victim can be imprisoned for six months. The next date of hearing in the case is April 25. Delhi High Courts ordered came even as President Ram Nath Kovind said that it is shameful that such incidents are taking place even 70 years after Independence. "After 70 years of independence, such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman," he said. There has been massive uproar over the recent cases of rapes in Kathua in Jammu and Kashmir and Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. An eight-year-old girl child in Kathua in the Jammu region, who belonged to a nomadic Bakerwal community, had disappeared from near her home in the forests on January 10. A week later, her body was found in the same area, and medical examination pointed towards sexual assault and torture. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also expressed his anguish over the incident. Assuring that no criminal would be spared, he had tweeted, "Our daughters will get justice. Such incidents shake our sensibilities". Candidates who are due to appear for the Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET 2018) will not be allowed to take the test if they are late by even a minute. The Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada is conducting the Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET) on behalf of the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) in 2018. The admit cards for AP EAMCET 2018 will be made available on the official website sche.ap.gov.in/eamcet on Wednesday, April 18. The AP EAMCET Examination (Engineering) will be held on 22 April, 23 April, 24 April and 25 April. The AP EAMCET Examination (Agriculture) will be held on 25 April, and 26 April. The candidate needs to clear the AP EAMCET for admission into various professional courses offered in University/ Private Colleges in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The admit cards for the Engineering, Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test AP EAMCET 2018 will not be sent to candidates through post or mail. As per the notification dates given on the website sche.ap.gov.in/eamcet downloading of the hall tickets for AP EAMCET 2018 will begin from Wednesday, April 18. Here is how candidates appearing for the exam can download the AP EAMCET 2018 admit card: 1. Visit official website sche.ap.gov.in 2. Click on AP EAMCET 2018 Admit Cards link which will redirect you to a new window 3. Log in using your account using registration number and password 4. Your admit card will appear on the screen 5. Download the admit card and save it for future use. The candidate does not have the option of choosing specific date/session to appear for the AP EAMCET-2018 entrance examination. This information is known to him/her only after downloading Hall Ticket. For any reason, if the candidate fails to appear in the given slot, he/she is treated as absent. LONDON: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday arrived in the United Kingdom for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements, starting with his bilateral meeting over breakfast with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. A specially designed all vegetarian breakfast has been set up for the Indian PM. Executive chef of St James Court Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate Shenoy Karmani has been appointed to prepare the breakfast. Karnmani's team of eight members will be serving "Ghar Ka Khana" to Prime Minister Modi. The menu includes tea, coffee, Poha, Upma, Puri, Bhaji and Seera among other traditional delicacies of India. His lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel, will be high on the specific Gujarat-based delicacies including khaman, dhokla, khandvi, dal, dal pakora, torai masala, stuffed karela, paneer bhurji, and khichdi. The food preparations will be done in pure clarified butter. Modi and his counterpart are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration during the bilateral meeting on Wednesday. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue -- which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 -- on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London tomorrow before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. (With agency inputs) NEW DELHI: India and Sweden signed six agreements on the sidelines of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's three-nation tour which began from Monday night. In the first bilateral visit by an Indian premier to the Nordic nation in 30 years, PM Modi is on a five-day visit to three European countries - Sweden, United Kingdom, and Germany. Following his landing in Stockholm, PM Modi was greeted by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven. Later, the Prime Minister met the Indian diaspora outside a hotel in Sweden. India and Sweden jointly organised the India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm on Tuesday, which was also attended by the prime ministers of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Later, PM Modi flew to the UK where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and hold bilateral talks with his British counterpart Theresa May. On Wednesday evening, PM Modi will address "Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath" in a globally broadcast live event from the historic Central Hall Westminster in London, following in the footsteps of speakers such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. According to the Europe India Forum, the organisers of Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath, the Indian prime minister will address people of all nationalities. Here is the list of MOUs/Agreements signed and exchanged on the occasion of the Prime Minister's visit to Stockholm: MOUs/Agreements between India and Sweden - Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future between Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation MOUs/Agreements between India and Denmark - MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development between the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs of India and the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark - MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying between Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark - MOU on Food Safety Cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration - MOU on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Denmark MOUs/Agreements between India and Iceland - MOU on the Establishment of the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland Following his landing in Stockholm, PM Modi was greeted by his Swedish counterpart Stefan Lofven. Later, the Prime Minister met the Indian diaspora outside a hotel in Sweden. India and Sweden jointly organised the India-Nordic Summit in Stockholm on Tuesday, which was also attended by the prime ministers of Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland. Later, PM Modi flew to the UK where he will attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) and hold bilateral talks with his British counterpart Theresa May. On Wednesday evening, PM Modi will address "Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath" in a globally broadcast live event from the historic Central Hall Westminster in London, following in the footsteps of speakers such as Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. According to the Europe India Forum, the organisers of Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath, the Indian prime minister will address people of all nationalities. Here is the list of MOUs/Agreements signed and exchanged on the occasion of the Prime Minister's visit to Stockholm: MOUs/Agreements between India and Sweden - Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future between Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation MOUs/Agreements between India and Denmark - MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development between the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs of India and the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark - MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying between Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark - MOU on Food Safety Cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration - MOU on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Denmark MOUs/Agreements between India and Iceland - MOU on the Establishment of the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has alleged that there is an international conspiracy to hit Indian economy. He made the remark in the wake of cash crunch in several ATMs in different parts of the country, which has already triggered a war of words between the government and the opposition parties. Speaking to mediapersons, Yadav asked where the cash was if not in ATMs. He further asked if the cash was being held back on the directions of the government. Targeting Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre over the issue, Yadav said, This goernment printed maximum amount of currency, but where is cash if its not there in ATMs? Is it being held back on govt direction? He added, There is cash crunch even when paper, ink and machines are being brought from abroad. I think there is an international conspiracy to hit the Indian economy. This comes a day after Congress president Rahul Gandhi also attacked the Modi government as many ATMs ran dry in different states and cities. Targeting the Prime Minister, the Congress chief said, Modiji has destroyed the banking system. Citing instance of the multi-million Punjab National Bank (PNB) scam involving celebrity jeweller Nirav Modi, the Gandhi scion said that despite the Diamond merchant fleeing with Rs 30,000 crore, the Prime Minister kept calm and maintained silence. The Congress chief further alleged that PM Modi ceased the circulation of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 notes from the Indian markets and handed them over to Nirav Modi. "Modi Ji (Narendra Modi) has destroyed the banking system. Nirav Modi fled with Rs 30,000 crore and the Prime Minister didn't utter a word. We were forced to stand in queues as he snatched 500-1000 rupee notes from our pockets and put in Nirav Modi's pocket," said Rahul Gandhi. Severe cash crisis has thrown life out of gear as ATMs have run dry in several states and cities including Telangana, Hyderabad, Varanasi, Vadodara, Bhopal, Patna and a few areas in Delhi. Cash-starved customers have been queuing in large numbers outside ATMs and banks for the last few days in several cities to withdraw currency notes from vending machines, but most of them were either out of service or had a board notifying "no cash". Many customers also went to the bank branches but several bank officials said that the banks' infrastructure has been unable to handle the huge rush resulting in long serpentine queue. CHENNAI: Infosys co-founder NR Narayana Murthy has expressed concerns over the 'faulty' education system due to which there is a huge talent crunch in the country. Criticising the prevailing education system for emphasising on rote learning rather than problem-solving, Murthy said that the situation is seriously affecting entrepreneurship. Murthy made these remarks while speaking at an interactive session at the Asian College of Journalism in Chennai. Outlining the flaws in the current education system, Murthy said that due to the rote learning culture, nearly 80-85 percent youngsters are not suitably trained for any job, according to a Money Control report. While stating that the governments play a huge role in providing a better entrepreneurial atmosphere, he said the country is lagging behind in creating a positive startup atmosphere. India is not at the forefront of the start-up culture. Compared with the US, UK, Germany or China, I dont think we are anywhere close, Murthy was quoted as saying. While interacting with students, Murthy asked them to first decide in which sector or field they want to become an entrepreneur before thinking about entrepreneurship. The next step is to join a company in that field and understand all about its sales, marketing and human resources and then give full dedication to the project, he further explained. Although he lauded several good initiatives taken by the present political dispensation, Murthy regretted that the ''corporate governance in the country is far behind the global standards.'' On the threats of automation and artificial intelligence taking away many jobs, Murthy said that it was more hype than reality NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a three-nation tour, arrived in the United Kingdom on Wednesday. The Prime Minister is in the UK for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). PM Modi was received by UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the Heathrow airport in London. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..Thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two Prime Ministers are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas, and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Here's PM Modi's programme schedule in London (as per IST): 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM: Breakfast meeting with Theresa may at 10, Downing Street 3:30 PM - 3:45 PM: Visit to the exhibition on 5000 years of Science & Innovation 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM: Living Bridge Themed Reception at IInd Floor, Science Museum 4:30 PM - 4:35 PM: Pushpanjali at Basaweshwara Bust 6:00 PM - 7:10 PM: Visit To Research Lab, India-UK CEO Forum, India-UK Science Collaboration 8:30 PM - Audience with Queen at Buckingham Palace 9:30 PM - 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sab Ke Saath' - Interaction program with Indians around the globe 12:30 AM - Dinner hosted by Theresa May for CHOGM Leaders (With inputs from PTI) London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently in the United Kingdom as part of his five-day tour of three nations, met Prince Charles at an exhibition on Indian science and innovation in London on Wednesday. PM Modi was welcomed by Prince Charles at "Illuminating India: 5,000 Years of Science and Innovation" at the Science Museum here. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Raveesh Kumar, later tweeted a picture of the meeting between the two leaders during the London exhibition. PM @narendramodi welcomed by HRH Prince Charles at the Science Museum in London. PM and Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited the Exhibition on 5000 years of Science and Technology in India. pic.twitter.com/xLy7sVHcnq Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 Interacting with people who act as a bridge to strengthen people-to-people relationship between two countries. PM @narendramodi and HRH Prince Charles @ClarenceHouse visited Living Bridge Themed Reception at the Science Museum. A Yoga Centre of Excellence was also inaugurated. pic.twitter.com/UpvPFMnbNK Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2018 Both PM Modi and Prince Charles also undertook a tour of the exhibition which showcases "the remarkable history of Indian innovation and discovery, which has been influencing and changing people's lives for 5,000 years". They also watched a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the Science Museum here. The Prince and @narendramodi watch a performance by the Akademi South Asian dance group at the @sciencemuseum.#CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/bgtBlIqeMP Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) April 18, 2018 PM Modi then paid floral tributes at the statute of 12th-century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara. PM @narendramodi pays tributes to Bhagwan Basaveshwara in London. pic.twitter.com/QS1xJNBi1D PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 18, 2018 Prior to visiting the Indian science and innovation in London, PM Modi held a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May during the course of which the two leaders discussed the bilateral relationship after Britain's exit from the European Union (EU). PM Modi is also scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, which will be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. The event, which is billed as the centrepiece of the "Living Bridge" theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve the PM addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. An estimated 1,700 people, mostly from the Indian diaspora in the UK, successful in a ballot of free online registrations will attend the event organised by the Europe India Forum. "It will be a no-holds-barred interaction with Prime Minister Modi, in a manner and format never witnessed before," said Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Foreign Affairs Department. At the end of the live telecast, Modi will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by May as a formal welcome to the CHOGM. The Prime Minister will attend this year's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20. Modi's UK visit focuses on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors in India. PM Modi arrived here on Tuesday night from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation Europe tour that will also take him to Germany. In a special gesture, British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received him at the airport. This is Modi's second official visit to Britain. May visited India in November 2016, her first visit outside the EU after assuming office. (With Agency inputs) CHANDIGARH: The results of Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) class 10 and class 12 of are likely to be announced by the last of April 2018 or first week of May 2018. Once declared, the candidates will be able to check their results by visiting the board's official website at pseb.ac.in. The results will also be made available on results site indiaresults.com. The examinations for Class 10 were held between March 12 to March 31 and that of Class 12 were between on February 28 to March 24. The announcement of results of PSEB Class 10 and Class 12 exams have been delayed this year. This is because the board is conducting re-test of a few subjects. As per the new dates, the re-examinations will be conducted from April 17 to April 20. In a notification released on the board's official website - pseb.ac.in - the announcement was made. "Due to Copying, Cancelled Examination of Class 10th and 12th will be held on April 17th to 20th," the notice read. Exam schedule of Class 10 - April 17: Maths, Science, Punjabi, Music, Home Science, Agriculture April 18: English, Tailoring & Stitching, Science April 19: Punjabi A April 20: Punjabi B Exam schedule of Class 12 - April 17: General English, Punjabi, Hindi, Sanskrit, History, Music, Psychology, Biology and Computer Science April 18: General Punjabi, Sports April 19: Environmental Science This year, over 406,200 students reportedly appeared for the board's Class 10 exams while nearly 327,159 students took the Class 12 exams. Last year, the passing percentage for Class 10 students was reportedly 57.50 while for Class 12 it was 65.33. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) was established in November 1969 through a legislative enactment. It was set up for the development and promotion of school education in the state of Punjab. For further query candidates can visit the PSEB official portal - pseb.ac.in Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed members of the Indian community in Sweden. Talking about the vision of his government, the Prime Minister said that the road ahead is long but we have our destination in sight and determination in heart. Reaching out to the Indian diaspora in Sweden, the Prime Minister said that India did not have just one Ambassador in the country. He said, We have one embassy in Sweden but we have more than one ambassador. Each one of you is our ambassador. PM @narendramodi addresses Indian Community in Stockholm, Sweden pic.twitter.com/G29PO71YAs PIB India (@PIB_India) April 17, 2018 He further talked about the various schemes launched by the BJP-led NDA government in India, saying empowerment is the new tool. Referring to social welfare, he said that the government had implemented a model called JAM. For social welfare we have JAM Jan Dhan Yojana for opening bank accounts of the poor, then we have Aadhaar, and them Mobile; and combining all three, we have implemented direct benefit transfer, which takes money directly to those who are in need of help, said PM Modi. Talking about the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, the Prime Minister said that over 3.6 crore gas connections had been given under the scheme while earlier people had to request for even getting their LPG cylinders re-filled in black. He further said that his government had even announced the launch of worlds biggest scheme Ayushman Bharat, pointing that one stage of it has even been launched. He said that there were two major parts of the scheme to spread a web of health centres across India and to benefit those living in extreme poverty. Prime Minister Modi also invoked the achievements of pugilist MC Mary Kom and shuttler Saina Nehwal at the Commonwealth Games in Australia earlier in April while addressing the Indian diaspora. Extolling the thought of India, Modi, addressing a gathering of around 2,000 people of Indian origin at the Stockholm University here, said: "The achievements of Mary Kom and Saina Nehwal make our hearts swell in pride." All through the tenure of Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi kept asking him to speak more often on social issues. The advice seems to have travelled a full circle now with Manmohan Singh asking PM Modi to speak more often. Singh on Wednesday asked Modi to "follow his own advice" to him and "speak more often". In an interview to The Indian Express, Singh said: "I think the Prime Minister should follow his own advice to me and he should speak more often. Through press (reports), I know that he used to criticise me for not speaking up. I feel that the advice that he used to give me, he should follow it himself." Hitting out at the PM, Singh said that Modi's failure to speak gave the people a chance to think that they could get away with anything would any action being taken against them. He added that he was glad that the PM broke his silence and assured that "daughters of India" will get justice. He also blamed Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for not handling the Kathua rape case properly. He claimed that her approach to the case might have been affected by her coalition partner, BJP. "There are bound to be pressuresbut if it is carried to such an extent that you can condone the sad demise of an eight-year-old girl having been raped and kept for a week in a temple, that is the most shocking thing," Singh said. He accused the Centre of turning a blind eye to law and order issues in the country just a year before the general elections in 2019. "People are misusing the authority of government. They think they can get away with itlaw and order is the responsibility of state governments. The BJP government at the Centre could send instructions to its state governments to ensure that law and order is properly enforced, and minorities and Dalits and women are treated properly," he said. Facing the heat over patting the cheek of a journalist, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has now issued a clarification over the incident. In a letter to the journalist, the Governor has said that he gave a pat on her cheek considering her to be like his granddaughter. You had asked a question when we had got up and were proceeding to leave after the close of the Press Conference. I considered that question to be a good one Therefore, as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed. I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter, said the Governor in the letter. According to the Governor, the pat was an expression of affection and appreciation for her performance as a journalist. The Governor also expressed apologised for his gesture. I do understand from your mail that you are feeling hurt about the incident. I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt, he said. Heres the full text of the Governors letter: Madam Journalist, I have received your e-mail dated 18.04.2018. You had asked a question when we had got up and were proceeding to leave after the close of the Press Conference. I considered that question to be a good one Therefore, as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed. I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist. since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years. I do understand from your mail that you are feeling hurt about the incident. I wish to express my regret and my apologies to assuage your sentiments that have been hurt. I suppose you will respond through a mail of acknowledgement. Yours sincerely. (BANWARILAL PUROHIT) The statement from the Governor came after a group of journalists in Tamil Nadu wrote to him demanding an unconditional apology over the incident. The incident occurred when Purohit had called a press conference to speak on a case, which involved a professor allegedly luring students to sexual encounters and who had claimed to have known the Governor. Lakshmi Subramanian, a senior journalist for a well-known weekly magazine, was also present for the press conference and when she asked Purohit a question, he patted her on the cheek without her consent without giving an answer. She later took to Twitter to vent her anger at how her personal space had been invaded upon. New Delhi: Standing by his claim that internet and satellites existed during the Mahabharata era, Tripura CM Biplab Deb called those slamming him as 'narrow-minded.' Deb had recently claimed, while speaking at a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, that the country had internet and satellites during ancient times. "How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," he had said. Defending it, he on Wednesday accused those who were questioning him. "Narrow minded people find it tough to believe this. They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Don't get confused and don't confuse others," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Deb, who is a former gym trainer and an active RSS worker, has been called out for after making the claims about origins of internet and satellites. Netizens, in particular, have had a field day taking jibes at him. On the Kauravs whatsapp group: Duryodhan: Bros, plz put a selfie on profile so i know who is who! (99 oks) #Mahabharata #BiplabDeb gamehunter (@gamehun29940207) April 18, 2018 I don't know these kind of people with this mentality should hold office more #BJP handed over them a state truly surprising first #YogiAdityanath now it's #BiplabDeb He might be true his ancestors may owned a mobile brand at that time #Biplab_Phones #TripuraCM #Tripura ???????? Sachin Gp ??? (@sachinGp17) April 18, 2018 The 46-year-old Deb took oath as CM of the state on March 9 after BJP managed to upstage CPM - a party that had been in power for 20 years under Manik Sarkar. Sarkar - widely known as the country's most humble politician, had shifted to a one-room CPM guesthouse with his wife after giving up his official residence. San Francisco: Continuing with its efforts to protect users' privacy after the Cambridge Analytica scandal, Facebook on Wednesday introduced new privacy updates for its users in Europe as part of the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that will be effective from May 25. Apart from seeking inputs from regulators and government officials, privacy experts and designers, Facebook brought together hundreds of employees across product, engineering, legal, policy, design and research teams to finalise new updates. When it comes to ads based on data from partners, like websites and apps that use business tools such as Like button, Facebook will now ask people to review information about this type of advertising and to choose whether or not they want us to use data from partners to show them ads. "If you've chosen to share political, religious and relationship information on your profile, we'll ask you to choose whether to continue sharing and letting us use this information," Erin Egan, Vice President and Chief Privacy Officer, Policy at Facebook said in a blog post. "Including this information on your profile is completely optional. We're making it easier for people to delete it if they no longer want to share it," added Ashlie Beringer, VP and Deputy General Counsel. Regarding the face recognition technology, Facebook is now giving people in the EU and Canada the choice to turn on face recognition. "Using face recognition is entirely optional for anyone on Facebook," the post added. "While the substance of our data policy is the same globally, people in the EU will see specific details relevant only to people who live there, like how to contact our Data Protection Officer under GDPR," Faceboom said. "As part of our phased approach, people in the rest of the world will be asked to make their choices on a slightly later schedule," the company added. The EU has asked businesses and service providers globally to comply with GDPR that comes into force from May 25 this year. The EU GDPR has been designed to harmonise data privacy laws across Europe -- to protect and empower all EU citizens' data privacy and to reshape the way organisations across the region approach data privacy. After four years of debate, the GDPR was finally approved by the EU Parliament on April 14, 2016. Organisations that fail to comply with the new regulation will face hefty fines. NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday condemned the Kathua gangrape and murder of an eight-year-old girl and questioned how someone can do such cruelty to a little child. She called the Kathua rape victim as a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi. "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society," said Mehbooba Mufti. How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti in Katra on #Kathua case pic.twitter.com/pgzcFik6zN ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 Of late, there has been a massive uproar over the recent incidents of gangrapes in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua and Uttar Pradesh's Unnao. An eight-year-old girl belonging to the nomadic community had gone missing on January 10 while grazing horses in Rasana forest in Kathua's Hiranagar area. Her body was found a week later. Police investigations revealed she was held captive inside a temple, sedated and repeatedly raped before her murder. In Unnao, an 18-year-old woman alleged that BJP MP Kuldeep Singh Sengar and his associates raped her in June 2017 and that authorities had refused to register her complaint. The teen survivor also claimed that the BJP lawmaker is behind the alleged custodial death of her father. He father, aged around 50, was rushed to a hospital from the district jail on Monday night and died during treatment. He had been arrested on April 5 under the Arms Act. Bengaluru: Striking a confident note, BJP's chief ministerial candidate for the upcoming Karnataka Assembly elections BS Yeddyurappa said on Wednesday that the 'lotus' would bloom in the state. "I'm confident that Karnataka will be the 22nd state where the lotus will bloom in its full glory. It is time we restore the pride of Karnataka," he tweeted. In another tweet, he took on the current Siddaramaiah-led Congress government and said, "Development and good governance have been ousted from Karnataka since Siddaramaiah government came to power. BJP will strive to provide a clean and efficient govt while enabling a participatory approach in governance." I'm confident that Karnataka will be the 22nd state where the 'Lotus' will bloom in it's full glory. It is time we restore the pride of Karnataka! #ShahSaffronSurge B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 18, 2018 Development and good governance have been ousted from Karnataka since @siddaramaiah govt came to power. @BJP4Karnataka will strive to provide a clean & efficient govt while enabling a participatory approach in governance.#ShahSaffronSurge B.S. Yeddyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 18, 2018 On the other hand, BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of having defamed the country in the name of "saffron terror and Hindu terror" and demanded an apology from party chief Rahul Gandhi following the acquittal of five right-wing activists in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case. He said the Congress had committed the 'sin' of "linking the great Hindu culture with terrorism. "The great Hindu culture taught the world about culture, peace and civilisation for lakhs of years, and the Congress party has committed a sin by linking it to saffron terror," Shah said in his address at a meeting of party's 'Shakti Kendra' in Bengaluru. "Rahul ji, terror has no religion. Now Congress says we never used these words. Many Congress leaders including (Karnataka) CM Siddaramaiah are on the record using these terms," he said. Following the BJP attack in the wake of the Mecca Masjid blast verdict on Monday, the Congress had said there was nothing called 'saffron terror' and asserted that terror cannot be linked to any religion or community. The party had also asserted that neither its leader Rahul Gandhi nor the party ever used the phrase. April 24 is the last date for filing nominations for the Assembly elections, while scrutiny will be taken up on April 25. The last date for withdrawal is April 27. Polling will be held from 7 am to 5 pm across the state on May 12. Votes will be counted on May 15. Karnataka has 4.96 crore registered electors, including 2.52 crore men and 2.44 crore women. Over 15 lakh are first-time voters in the 18-19 age group. (With Agency inputs) Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said he is still under pressure to contest from north Karnataka, fuelling speculation again whether he would opt for an alternative or a second constituency in the May 12 assembly elections. However, the chief minister, who has been fielded from Chamundeshwari, also said he has made it clear to the Congress high command about his unwillingness to contest from two constituencies. "Yesterday leaders from the district (Bagalkote) had come to me once again in the night. SR Patil, GT Patil, sitting MLA Chimmanakatti's son, also people from other constituency (Badami), are pressurising that I will have to contest (from there)," Siddaramaiah said. Not acceding to Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats -- Chamundeshwari in Mysuru and Badami in north Karnataka, the Congress in its list of candidates for 218 seats announced on April 15, had named Devraj Patil as its nominee from Badami. But issuing of B-form (required to be filed by a political party mentioning name of its approved candidate) to Patil has been put on hold. Earlier this month, a delegation of party leaders from north Karnataka had met Siddaramaiah and urged him to contest from Badami constituency in Bagalkote district in the region. There were speculations that Siddaramaiah was looking for another constituency amid reports it will not be an easy battle for him in the seat. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Siddaramiah today said, "They had come to me once again saying there is confusion as there are several candidates (in Badami); and if I contest it will benefit the party. I have told them that I will discuss, so it?is held up (issuing of B form the party candidate)." Asked if "held up" meant that chances are still open for him to contest from Badami in Bagalkote district in north Karnataka, he said "...You understand whichever way you want. "I have made it very clear to the high command. I'm not interested and I do not want to contest from two constituencies. I have made it very clear to the high? command," he added. Siddaramaiah's reported wish to contest from two seats is said to have met with stiff opposition from veteran party leaders Mallikarjuna Kharge and Veerappa Moily, following which it was decided to field Patil. But, this has led to internal squabblings within the local unit of the party with many including sitting MLA Chimmanakatti opposing it. Chimmanakatti has said if the Chief Minister is not contesting from Badami, he should be the candidate. Badami with strong Kuruba presence, the community to which Siddaramaiah belongs, was seen as second safe option for the Chief Minister. Siddaramaiah has won five times and tasted defeat twice in Chamundeshwari, that gave him "political birth". Making his debut in the Assembly in 1983, he got elected from Chamundeshwari on a Lok Dal Party ticket, from where he has won five times and tasted defeat twice. He had been representing Varuna constituency in Mysuru since 2008, which has now been allotted to his son Yatindra. Kolkata: Kolkata's iconic Kalighat Kali temple, which is considered as one of the 51 'Shakti Peeths' (seats of divinity) in the country, has been beautified with nearly 250-kilogram silver. Specially trained artisans from Rajasthan have played a vital role in the renovation of the 200-year-old temple in the city, said reports. The sanctum sanctorum of the temple has been decorated with coloured marbles and the inner walls have been coated with silver coupled with fine carvings by the Rajasthani craftsmen. According to the age-old tradition, the doors of the famous temple are closed around midnight every day and reopened for public 'darshan' after Mangal Aarti which is held around 4 am every day. It was only during this period - four hours during which the doors remained closed the artisans from Rajasthan could perform the beautification work. The beautification work of the temple - one of the holiest spots for Hindus lasted for nearly two-and-a-half years. As part of the temple beautification work, about 250-kilograms of silver was used to decorate the chhatra (parasol) of Goddess Kali and her throne. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had earlier announced plans to refurbish and beautify the area surrounding the iconic Kalighat Kali temple in the city, which is expected to start soon. The Mamata Banerjee government had earlier refurbished and beautified surroundings of Dakhineswar Kali temple, Tarapeeth, Furfura Sharief, Belur Math, etc. The Trinamool Congress government now plans to beautify the entire Kalighat area, keeping the basic structure intact and without evicting anybody. Following a high-level meeting, which was attended by senior ministers, Kalighat temple officials, senior police officials and bureaucrats, the Chief Minister had said that the beautification drive would entail "only adjustment and readjustment" in the locality around the 200-year-old temple. The plan is to keep the entire temple's original structure intact. The West Bengal government has also conducted a survey before initiating the beautification work around the temple. The TMC government had tasked the city's civic body - Kolkata Municipal Corporation - to formulate three to four Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). New Delhi: Ace comedian Kapil Sharma has been hogging limelight these days, but sadly not for good reasons. He has been under the scanner for using foul language against a journalist and his former managersPreeti and Neeti Simoes on social media. Kapil's abusive Twitter rant not only shocked his fans but also threw light on his current state of mind. Several celebs, who have worked with him previously came out in his defence and supported him. After a lot of hullaballoo, the star comedian has finally broken his silence and talked about his ongoing controversies. "I think I need some me time and need to recuperate. I've been working too hard for too long. There is a lot in the pipeline and lot of new exciting projects which I will talk about soon," Kapil told IANS in an e-mail interview when asked about the reason behind his absence from the small screen so abruptly. "The reality right now is that I have worked very hard and I love what I do. I just need some time off and I promise you that I will be entertaining you again, as that is what I thrive on," he added. He has been embroiled in controversy ever since reports of his infamous mid-night brawl with fellow actor Sunil Grover caught attention. Soon after that, the latter, who was an integral part of 'The Kapil Sharma Show' made an exit midway followed by other co-actors. Now, his latest Twitter rant against former managers and a senior scribe has shocked his fans. For the uninitiated, Kapil filed a complaint against the news agency and its editor along with his former managers Preeti and Neeti Simoes. He tweeted the copy of his legal document, claiming that these people are trying to tarnish his image and pull him down. However, Preeti clarified her stand and in a shocking statement revealed that she is afraid that Kapil is suffering from depression and requires immediate medical help. More recently, Ali Asgar, who played Dadi on Kapil's comedy show said after a recent meeting with him that Kapil was in tears, could not speak and had Simoes' name written on his hand. However, star comedian's spokesperson denied such claims. Kapil, who is now dating Ginni, said he was very happy together with her. "What is most damaging and hurtful is when comments are made by those people that you consider your friends and your well-wishers. Over the years, I have always been about my work and that is what continues to drive me. Irrespective of what is said, my work will continue to be my biggest motivation," Kapil told IANS. "It is hurtful to read things which are not true. I am learning to focus only on my work and not pay heed to any negativity. My work is my worship and that's what means the most to me," said the comedian. He opened up on reuniting with his old team and said, "I am very happy for them, and in the same way, I would just want them to be happy for me too. There is ample space for them to grow in the industry and I wish them the very best." Kapil made his comeback with 'Family Time With Kapil Sharma', however, it didn't flag off as expected and it has reportedly gone off air. Many television celebs have supported to Kapil, from Shilpa Shinde, Sugandha Mishra, Krushna Abhishek and Bharti Singh, to Sunil Grover, Kiku Sharda, Ali Asgarall have expressed their concerns about his health. (With IANS inputs) Jaipur: Rajasthan BJP chief Ashok Parnami today resigned from his post after he was made member of the party's national working committee. The development comes ahead of Assembly polls in Rajasthan later this year. Confirming that he has submitted his resignation, Parnami said, "I have worked for strengthening the party as its worker. I will continue to work on the responsibilities given to me as a disciplined party worker". Asked if his resignation was a fallout of the BJP's defeat in the recent bypolls, Parnami said that any defeat or victory is a collective responsibility and individuals are not responsible. BJP national general secretary Arun Singh today appointed Parnami as a member of the national working committee. Parnami was appointed as Rajasthan BJP chief in February 2014 and is also a BJP legislator from Jaipur's Adarsh Nagar constituency. The Banyan tree in Pillalamarri of Mahabubnagar district in Telangana is like no other. The second-largest tree of its kind, it has attracted hordes of tourists in its 700 years of existence but is now being provided critical support to help it sustain itself. The tree has been suffering from a major termite infestation and is now being injected with a special saline drip to rejuvenate it, according to news agency ANI. The saline drip - essentially a special and diluted chemical - promises to kill the termites that have dragged the centuries-old ficus tree to the cusp of death. The saline treatment is from bottles seen for patients in hospitals and reports say that hundreds of these bottles have been put up at different parts of the tree for a comprehensive treatment. Times of India further reported on Tuesday that concrete walls have also been constructed to provide much-needed support to the long, heavy and now drooping branches. The tree is listed as one of the major tourist destinations on travel website Tripadvisor with close to 6000 reviews and a 'Certificate of Excellence.' Chennai: A collective of journalists in Tamil Nadu have lashed out against Governor Banwarilal Purohit for patting the cheek of a lady reporter without taking her permission. In a letter addressed to him late on Tuesday night, the journalists have demanded that he should issue an unconditional apology. The incident occurred when Purohit had called a press conference to speak on a case which involves a professor allegedly luring students to sexual encounters and who had claimed to have known the Governor. Lakshmi Subramanian, a senior journalist for a well-known weekly magazine, was also present for the press conference and when she asked Purohit a question, he patted her on the cheek without her consent without giving an answer. She later took to Twitter to vent her anger at how her personal space had been invaded upon. In their letter to Purohit, the collective of TN journalists too have sought to remind him that his act was even more shocking because he is a constitutional figure. "Your action today in touching the cheek of a senior lady reporter who asked you a question at the press meet was patronising at best and a violation of her rights as a woman at worst," read the letter. "It, however, does not behove the Constitutional head of a State to throw basic courtesy and respect to the winds and attempt to touch a lady without her consent, even if the gesture may have been paternal in nature. " The letter then reminded Purohit of provisions in the law which prohibit harassment and make it a cognisable offence which is also non-bailiable. "Mr Governor, we the journalists of Tamil Nadu demand that you offer an unconditional apology to the journalist in question and also assure all journalists of Tamil Nadu that you will not violate their rights in the future," the letter read in conclusion. Although there has been some support for Purohit online since the lady reporter first tweeted - many claiming that it was 'good touch', most agree that it is the act itself and not the intention which should be frowned upon. BENGALURU: In yet another incident of statue defacing and vandalism, a sculptor of the Father of Indian Constitution, B R Ambedkar was damaged by unidentified miscreants in a village in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia. According to Inspector of Rasra Police Station, Jagdish Chandra Yadav, the incident took place at around 2 am. Ballia: A statue of Dr BR Ambedkar vandalised by unidentified miscreants in Rasra's Sardaspur Village, statue later repaired by police and a new statue installed in its place, case registered. pic.twitter.com/HDrrGmSTO3 ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) April 18, 2018 One of the hands of the statue was found damaged in Sardaspur village following which a case has been registered against unidentified persons. The statue was later repaired by police and a new statue has been installed in its place. Meanwhile, policemen have been deployed at the spot. Despite strong words by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and clear directives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, there has been no end to the incidents of vandalism of statues of iconic leaders and ideologues. Several incidents of statue vandalism of famous personalities, including Mahatma Gandhi, Syama Prasad Mukherjee, E V Ramasamy Periyar and Vladimir Lenin, have been reported from various parts of the country over the last few months. Earlier this month, the Uttar Pradesh Home Department had directed the state police to ensure the security of the statues of famous figures in the state. The police would monitor and ensure the security of the statues of famous personalities in the state, principal secretary of Home Department Arvind Kumar had said. In addition, the Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Om Prakash Singh had written a letter to Superintendents of Police (SPs) of all districts regarding the issue and asked them to work in ensuring the statues' security. Statues B R Ambedkar have always been targeted along with the other eminent figures. His statues have been vandalised in places across the country including Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur, Bhind's Kheria Village of Madhya Pradesh and in Rajasthan's Achrol. Reports of incidents of vandalism of statues started pouring in soon after the results of the Assembly elections in Tripura were declared. Following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the Left bastion, a mob demolished a statue of Communist ideologue Vladimir Lenin in Tripura. These incidents have sparked a war of words between political parties as well. PM Modi, however, had recently made an appeal to people to not indulge in the vandalism of statues. Following this, the Union Home Ministry had issued a directive to states to ensure that no such incidents take place. (With inputs from PTI) Beijing: China on Wednesday proposed an India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on long term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the Oli-led government came to power in recent elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an MOU on the China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries through ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate it. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbours Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his landlocked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. Washington: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed his CIA director had met with North Korea's Kim Jong Un on a secret visit to Pyongyang. The meeting comes ahead of a planned summit meeting between the two leaders. "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now," tweeted Trump. "Denuclearisation will be a great thing for the world, but also for North Korea," he added. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Trump had earlier said that the summit could, with his 'blessing', explore a peace treaty to formally end the conflict. "We are looking at the possibility of replacing the armistice regime on the Korean peninsula with a peace regime. But this is not something we can do by ourselves. It needs close discussions with relevant parties including North Korea," a senior official at South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Wednesday, AFP reported. As per media reports, Trump plans to hold a summit meeting with Kim within the next two months. The pair have not spoken directly, the White House said, but the US President revealed Tuesday there had been contact at "very high levels" to prepare for the historic meeting - an apparent reference to Pompeo's visit, as per AFP. US officials also said that no decision has yet been made on a meeting venue, but China, North Korea, South Korea and Panmunjom in the Demilitarised Zone between the two Koreas are seen as possible locations. Beijing is North Korea`s sole major ally, an alliance dating back to the Korean War, but relations deteriorated after China supported United Nations sanctions to punish Pyongyang over its nuclear weapons programme. Last month Kim had made a surprise visit to Beijing to meet President Xi Jinping in what was believed to be the North Korean leader's first trip outside his isolated nation's borders since he succeeded his father in 2011. Senior Chinese officials have since travelled to Pyongyang amid mounting speculation Xi might make a reciprocal visit. Meanwhile, South Korea said on Wednesday it is considering how to change a decades-old armistice with North Korea into a peace agreement. Kim is expected to meet South Korea President Moon Jae-In at a landmark meeting on April 27, with a bid to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. The Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two sides 'technically at war'. The Demilitarised Zone between them bristles with minefields and fortifications. While the US-led UN command, China and North Korea are signatories to the decades-old armistice, South Korea is not. Next week's meeting will be just the third summit between the North and South since the armistice was signed 65 years ago. (With AFP inputs) Havana: Miguel Diaz-Canel was proposed in Cuba`s parliament on Wednesday as the sole candidate to replace Raul Castro as president, which will make him the island`s first non-Castro leader since the 1959 revolution. Castro, 86, is stepping down after 10 years in office. The National Assembly was due to vote later in the day on the proposal to replace him with Diaz-Canel, a 57-year-old engineer who is currently first vice president. Diaz-Canel, born after the revolution, embraces technology and appears socially liberal. Also a stalwart of the ruling Communist Party, he is considered a safe bet to inherit the ideological mantle of Castro and other elderly leaders who helped Fidel Castro oust US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista. The new president is likely to be cautious at first, seeking to consolidate support among conservatives despite desire among young Cubans for faster development. He is unlikely to challenge one-party rule. While this week`s assembly is promoting younger leaders of government, Castro and other elders of the revolution will likely retain a degree of power on the Caribbean island as senior leaders of the Communist Party until a party congress set for 2021. Wearing a dark suit in place of military fatigues, Castro sat near Diaz-Canel as an official read out the names of proposed leaders to the 604 legislators gathered at a convention centre in a Havana suburb. Castro became president in 2008 when his brother, Fidel Castro, formally handed over power as his health deteriorated. Fidel Castro died in 2016 aged 90. Raul Castro brought change, significantly thawing relations with the United States for the first time since the revolution took the island on a sharply leftward path. He also introduced market reforms to one of the world`s last Soviet-style centrally planned economies. But Cuba`s economy remains smaller than it was in 1985, when it had the support of Communist ally, the Soviet Union, and some Cubans are pessimistic about their lives improving. The economy is suffering the effects of a crisis in oil benefactor Venezuela. Relations with the United States are strained anew under President Donald Trump and Cuba has few allies in the region. The rubber-stamp assembly will vote on another 30 other members of Cuba`s state council along with the replacement for Castro. The new president and state council are due to be sworn in on Thursday. It is often said that while most countries have an army, in Pakistan, it is the Army which has a country. And this is perhaps why such an idea persists - Pakistan's cabinet approved a budget for 2018-19 that gave the military Rs 1.2 trillion Pakistani Rupees (PKR), which was 23 percent of the total budget. Combined with the debt and interest repayments, more than half of the total budget of Pakistan went straight out of control of the government elected by the people. Pakistan's total budget for 2018-19 was PKR 5.237 trillion. A whopping 30.7 percent, or PKR 1.607 trillion was just repayment of existing debt and interests, up 17.8 percent from last year. Debt servicing a defence alone accounted for 53.7 percent of the total budget of Pakistan, newspaper Express Tribune reported. So, compared to a defence budget of PKR 1.2 trillion, how much did the government allot for development? Just PKR 800 billion. That's just 15.2 percent of the budget. And, that's a massive 20 percent lower than it was last year. A senior official has characterised the 10 percent rise in military expenditure as a 'normal rise' and said no 'extraordinary increases' are expected in coming years. The budget also featured a record level of deficit of PKR 2.029 trillion, all of which would be bridge by further borrowing. This means Pakistan will just for this year borrow 25 percent more than it will pay back. This is perhaps better understood from the context of the coming elections in Pakistan - an unprecedented third in a row. Ratings agencies like S&P and Fitch, and global financial institutions like IMF have all expressed alarm over the fact that Pakistan is increasingly becoming financially unsustainable. Pakistani politicians have however been busy selling the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a magic wand solution, creating the illusion that it will start paying out within a year. All this, without taking much of the cost of CPEC into account. Even the State Bank of Pakistan has said it does not have a clear picture of how much of CPEC's cost is based on loans from China, how much is Chinese investment and how much the Pakistan government is footing. Whoever wins the election later this year, or even if the military returns to power, the new government is now faced with handling a country that's in even more of a financial shambles than ever before. Read the original text at 112.ua. After falling from a height (Sverdlovsk region, Russia) Maxim Borodin, an investigative journalist for the local newspaper Novy Den (New Day), died in the intensive care unit of one of the hospitals in Yekaterinburg. This man was first who declared the death of the soldiers of the so-called Wagner Group in Syria, whose activities were also seen in eastern Ukraine. Although the investigators have not yet specified the exact cause of his death, some friends and colleagues of Borodin believe that the fall from height was not a suicide or an accident. He became the 159th murdered journalist in Russia during Putin's rule. Reports of the tragic incident that happened to journalist Maxim Borodin appeared last Thursday, April 12. The editorial office of New Day, where he worked recently, noted that he fell from the height of the fifth floor "under circumstances not yet clear". "Our colleague is in the intensive care unit of hospital No. 23 in Yekaterinburg, and doctors are doing everything possible to help Maxim, his condition is currently assessed as consistently difficult. Law enforcement agencies joined in. The conclusions about the circumstances of the incident would be made later," editorial staff noted. However, the injuries received during the fall were too serious, and after several days of struggle for life, April 15, Borodin passed away without regaining consciousness. The circumstances of the tragedy that occurred on April 12 are unknown. Investigators assume that the journalist fell out of the balcony of his own apartment, which is located on the fifth floor, most likely by accident, e1 reports. In particular, such a conclusion was made on the basis that the dwelling was closed from the inside. "This circumstance indicates that no one left the apartment and there were probably no strangers in it. The keys to the home were lying on the ground, a note that would clarify the situation was not found. The police had to enter the apartment with the help of "Owls" special units in the presence of neighbors and representatives of the editorial office," said Valeriy Gorelykh, spokesman for the Interior Ministry of the Sverdlovsk Region. At the same time, friends and colleagues of Borodin do not believe in an accident. As Russian journalist and blogger Alexander Tverskoy notes, he became the 159th dead journalist in Russia during Putin's rule. Colleagues from the Yekaterinburg edition of e1 believe that the journalist had no reason to commit suicide. At the same time, one of Borodin's acquaintances mentions that shortly before his death he fell victim to the attack. "I do not believe in anything, I never wrote anything superfluous about anyone. For a long time, I was silent, but now, I will make an exception. April 5, 2018. April 6 and 7, I had a big event with guests from Moscow, and I call Maxim Borodin to come as a guest and, if possible, send an operator from the "New Region" media to our press conference. Maxim answered: "I cannot do it, I am in intensive care." I asked "What happened? Why?" Maxim answered: "Do not worry, everything's all right, I was attacked from behind on the street. I do not know who it was. They busted my head. April 12, 2018. I read the news and find out that Borodin "accidentally" fell out of the window. April 15, 2018. Maxim Borodin died. And I know perfectly well that Max had adrenaline and excitement for all these crime stories. We have known each other for a long time. Everyone who knows him personally knows that he will begin to search and investigate every case ... But what happened is terrible and disgusting. And I know for sure that with all of Borodin's weaknesses for women, alcohol and soft drugs, he would never do it. Moreover, he was waiting for a promotion at work, and he was going to move to Kurgan in May to work as the chief editor of some media. I very much hope that the truth, in our difficult times, at least once will prevail," Paulina Andreyevna wrote on her Facebook page. Another Borodins friend Alexei Stolyarov in the commentary to this post recalled that the aforementioned attack was not the only one: in October of last year after an interview to the television channel Dozhd, the journalist was hit on the head with an iron pipe. According to him, this was due to Borodins investigation about one sect, but he "did not tie it to the authorities." Open source According to Borodin's friend Vyacheslav Bashkov, two days before the tragic incident, the journalist reported that his apartment was surrounded by the law enforcers. "On April 11 at five o'clock in the morning Maxim called me via Facebook messenger and with a worried voice said that he was surrounded by security officials. A man with arms is on the balcony, and people on the stairs stand in camouflage and masks. Maxim expressed the opinion that in the shortest time they would break into him with a search, and now, apparently, they are waiting for the permission of the court... The hour flew by, and then Borodin rang again and said with a guilty voice that he was mistaken, apparently, some sort of exercises, and apologized. Maxim dealt with journalistic investigations of crimes, and any paranoia was understandable. It is better to overreact. I did not call him after that, although I waited for him to write something on Facebook. But he did not write. On the 13th the media reported that Maxim was found under a balcony and he was in intensive care... Having talked with Maxim Borodin's colleague and other journalists, I came to the conclusion that I may be the last one with whom he spoke. Of course, this must be checked. How to check whether the journalist of the criminal news agency "New Day" Maxim Borodin did not have uninvited guests from the security forces, which he spoke on the morning of April 11, 2018. We need to know for sure that they did not help him to fall out of the balcony," he wrote on his Facebook page. As a result, the investigative department of the Kirovsky district of Yekaterinburg began a pre-investigation investigation into the death of the journalist. Maxim Borodin was known for his journalistic investigations on politics and crime. For example, he found out that the time of publication of Navalny's film about Nastya Rybka coincided with the attempts of foreign offshore companies to recover 200 million dollars from Oleg Deripaska (and explained why it is important). In another material, Borodin told me who and why he was fighting against Alexei Uchitel's film Matilda. The great scandal around the film about the relationship between the future Emperor Nicholas II and the ballerina Matilda Kshesinskaya flared long before it went to big screens and was accompanied by massive protests until the ban on displays. In another article, he wrote about why Valeriy Zadorin, the head of the Investigative Committee of the Sverdlovsk region, was removed from his duties. One of Borodin's latest investigations was the material about the fate of the fighters of the "Wagner Group" in Syria. In particular, he was among the journalists who were the first to tell about the death of "Wagner Group" in Syria after the air strike of the international coalition on February 7 this year. February 9, an American television station CBS, citing sources in the Pentagon, said that on February 7 in Syria, Russian mercenaries who were trying to seize the oil field near the village of Hisham were attacked by an international coalition under the command of the United States. As a result, the attackers were defeated. According to various sources, several dozen to several hundred people were killed, including Russian citizens, probably fighters of the "Wagner Group." Russian authorities at first denied the death of Russians, and later recognized that dozens of Russian citizens suffered as a result of the clashes. However, the Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that it was not about the military. Wagner Group is an unofficial armed formation, also called the Russian private military company. The group operated on the territory of Ukraine, and then in Syria since 2014. In June 2017, it was included in the US sanctions list. Farewell ceremony to Maxim Borodin will be held April 18, in the mourning hall of the city hospital. Read original article at 112.ua I have a friend who has been on the front-line positions for a long time. And he has a daughter, who is only 9 years old. And do you know what does she do every morning, and then in the afternoon, and then in the evening? She is watching news from the front. And every time the news about the killed soldiers arrives, this little girl starts calling her dad to find out that this is not his name hidden under that figure. The soldier, which will be discussed below, also left a daughter at home. But she is too small and will not remember her father. In Ukraine, a new generation of children is growing up, who will have archival videos, photos and memories of friends and relatives about their parents. Our task is to keep these memories. At least for the sake of those who do not know whether they will return home alive. Denys Nachosny (call sign "Chechen") was born on September 2, 1986 in the village Markeyev of the Kherson region. He lived in the city of Genichesk. He was drafted into the army during the mobilization on February 8, 2015, demobilized in April next year, and on September 5, 2016 he signed a contract with the Armed Forces, because he did not manage to stay home at home after being in the war. And at that time in the Kherson region, combat coordination and completing of the 34th mechanized infantry battalion was underway, therefore the decision to continue the service was quick. Sergeant, deputy platoon commander (then acting platoon commander) - commander of the combat vehicle of the 3rd branch of the 1st platoon of the 2nd company of the 34th separate motorized infantry battalion of the 57th separate motorized infantry brigade. Such sergeants are in desperate need of our army. Chechen was fair and brave, responsible and principled, he was not afraid of the enemy. The tasks assigned to him, Denys fulfilled five points out of five. He constantly took part in all battles, not losing a grenade launcher from his hands. On the eve of St. Nicholas Day in December 2017, a battle took place in Pisky, and Chechens stood with another soldier under the enemy's fire until the cartridges were over. And during the reloading a burst bullet exploded. Adrenaline went off scale, but Denys immediately oriented himself and dragged his colleague to the hospital near which they stood. Fortunately, all remained alive, and it was thanks to Chechen's ability to immediately make the right decisions. On June 14, 2017, his battalion was relocated to Pisky. Chechen immediately went to the checkpoint, where he was all the time, at which he died heroically. On March 8 this year, his contract expired. At the end of the month he went home, where he got married and sign a new contract with the Army, and on April 8 he returned to his native battalion. A few days before his death, he was wounded: the bullet passed casually through the temple and flew farther. Denys categorically refused to go to the hospital and stayed with his guys. He did not give up. Never. He was killed on April 12 at 17:50 near the village of Pisky, Donetsk region, as a result of a bullet wound from the enemy sniper. First, the sniper wounded another soldier, and Denys rushed to help him and fell from the next shot, which turned out to be fatal. He was buried on April 15 in the village of Krasnoye. He had parents, wife and daughter. My friend continues to be there, where over the every corner, with every next step on the iron-filled ground, he can die. And at home, a little girl is waiting for him she, at her age of 9, carefully studies the meager lines of front-line news. Once he told me on the phone: "You know, when I hear her cheerful voice, this is the incentive for which I am ready to sacrifice my life, so that my daughter would not feel what the war is." I know. I believe. And I hope that I will not have to write about him, as I had to do about Denys, who gave everything he had for the peaceful life of his daughter and his people. Even for the peaceful life of those who are indifferent to this war, because mines do not explode in their city, instead of it the birds of the spring sing. The Russian mercenaries attacked Ukrainian positions 45 times over the past 24 hours. Some of the attacks included the use of heavy weaponry banned by Minsk agreements. In Luhansk region, the occupant forces shelled Luhanske, using 152 mm artillery. 82 mm mines and rocket-propelled grenades hit the area as well. The enemy used 120 mm mortars in Troitske. 120 mm mines hit Ukrainian positions in Vodyane and Hnutove (Donetsk region). Novotroitske came under fire from 82 mm mortars and RPGs. Enemy IFVs opened fire in Vodyane and Pavlopol. Small arms fire was observed in Shyrokyne and Nevelske. Snipers attacked the emplacements near Hnutove and Lebedynske. One Ukrainian serviceman died and another three were injured in the fights. Earlier five workers of the station suffered due to the shelling The Donetsk Filtration Station has stopped its work as the website of 'Donbas Water' reported. It took place at 15:05. 'The supply of the drinking water was stooped to Avdiivka, partially to Donetsk and Yasynuvata, Chervony Partyzan, Kruta Balka and Verkhnyotoretske villages', the message said. As we reported the militants shelled the convoy of the filtration station's workers. Five workers suffered, one of them is in the serious confition. Also, Oleksandr Evdokimov, the acting Director of 'Donbas Water' supposed that the station will be closed on April 18, 2018. As we reported Russian mercenaries may go for a provocation against the OSCE observers. On March 23, OSCE monitoring mission resumed surveillance in the conflict area, using drones. Earlier in April, militants did not let the observers launch a drone, threatening them with guns. The Head of Donbas Water supposed that the station will be closed on April 18 The workers of the Donetsk Filtration station were shelled, five people wounded. Oleksandr Evdokimov, the acting Director of 'Donbas Water' claimed this as Hromadske reported. It is reported that the convoy of the working shift of the Donetsk Filtration station moved to the station and was shelled. 'It was a day shift of the workers of the filtration station. They moved in the working bus and were shelled. Five of them are wounded, one of them is in serious condition', Evdokimov noted. He added that the wounded are in the hospital in Yasynuvata. They have the gunshot wounds. 'Now we are making a decision how to take the night shift that is in the filtration station but, it is likely that they will stay until the morning', he said. The director also supposed that the station will be closed on April 18. As we reported Russian mercenaries may go for a provocation against the OSCE observers. On March 23, OSCE monitoring mission resumed surveillance in the conflict area, using drones. Earlier in April, militants did not let the observers launch a drone, threatening them with guns. The session is traditionally held in the Belarusian capital city Open source Representatives of Minsk Trilateral Contact Group gathered in Belarus for another round of talks. The issue of possible contamination of drinking water in the militant-held areas of eastern Ukraine will be among the topics for discussion. Earlier, the mercenaries said they would flood Yunkom, the coal mine near Donetsk. The area is known for having hosted the nuclear probes during the Soviet times. Ukraine, Russia and the OSCE will also discuss the release of POWs. Besides, Ukraine expects Russia to reply to Kyivs offer to exchange Ukrainian political prisoners for 23 Russian citizens who currently serve time in Ukrainian prisons. The Alliance members expect the written copy to be released, and then they can proved the final evaluation of the document, - Rose Gottemoeller, Deputy Secretary General The NATO praised the fact that the Ukrainian government developed the Law on National Security, adding provisions on civilian control over the military and special services. Rose Gottemoeller, NATO Deputy Secretary General said this as quoted by Yevropeiska Pravda outlet. 'We were glad to see that the provision on civilian control over the military and special services was added into the draft. It also deals with the Defense Ministry's structure and the SBU (Ukraine's State Security Service, - 112 International): it is very important to provide civilian oversight', she said. According to her, now the members of the Alliance are waiting for the text of the draft law in the written form to make the final assessment. 'We heard that the provisions were added to this draft during the first reading in the Parliament. Now we are waiting for the written text of the draft to make the ultimate assessment. In general, we are satisfied with the fact that the law was approved and from the essence of the changes, submitted in the respective provisions', Gottemoeller added. Earlier this month, the Verkhovna Rada supported the president's bill on the national security of Ukraine, taking into account the proposals of the respective parliamentary committee. The draft law clarifies conditions of coordination and subordination of the security and defence forces. The President is the one who manages these forces. He declares war, martial law and state of emergency; makes decisions about general and partial mobilization in the military; makes orders and intructions on security issues; leads the National Security and Defence Council; appoints and dismisses the Secretary and Deputies of the National Security and Defence Council; appoints and dismisses the High Command of Military Forces (on the recommendations of Commander-in-Chief), etc. Previously, Petro Poroshenko declared that the final version of the law on the national security provides for parliamentary control over the military's activities, which is in line with NATO standards. Tthe representatives of the ICRC have not had access to Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and on the occupied territories over the years of the war at all At the Trilateral Contact Group session, Ukraine insisted on access for the International Committee of the Red Cross to the prisons on the occupied territories, as Iryna Herashchenko, First Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, the President's Humanitarian Envoy at the Minsk peace talks, wrote on Facebook. We insist on the immediate access to the prisons on the occupied territories for the ICRC and today I raised this question many times. The ICRC should facilitate the search for the missing, the information of the detainees, monitoring of the situation in the prisons, Herashchenko said. According to her, the ICRD has full access to Ukraines penitentiary system, while the representative of the ICRC have not had access to Ukrainian prisoners in Russia and on the occupied territories over the years of the war at all. Besides, Herashchenko appealed to the OSCE coordinator and Russias representative to facilitate the unblocking of the searches of the missing on the occupied territories. At the humanitarian subgroup session in Minsk I addressed Toni Frisch, the OSCE Coordinator, and Russias representative demanding to apply all possible efforts and their absolute influence to facilitate the process of searching the missing on the occupied territories and assist the Ukrainian side to receive the information on our soldiers, who have been kept in ORDLO prisons, we do not have any information on their location or condition, Herashchenko stated. According to her, Russia did not respond to the proposal to exchange 23 convicted Russians for Ukrainian prisoners. And again, I stress the readiness of the Ukrainian side to hand over 23 Russians convicted for the crimes against territorial integrity in exchange for Ukrainians kept in Russia as soon as possible. We have not received the response to this offer. At the same time, the representative of the ORDLO (separated districts of Donbas and Luhansk regions, - ed.) continue including these Russians in the lists as militiamen the residents of young republics, she wrote. As Herashchenko believes, Russia does not express interest towards its citizens kept in Ukrainians prisons. As it was reported earlier, at the Trilateral Contact Group session Ukraine stated about its readiness to exchange 23 Russians for its political prisoners kept in Russia. 73 Ukrainian hostages came back home. 233 persons were transferred to the occupied territory. Servicemen apologized for the incident; they did not receive the timely warning that the flight was scheduled in that area An OSCE drone came under fire as the Ukrainian military shot at it; the incident occurred in Chabanivka, Luhansk region. This was mentioned in the daily report prepared by the Mission. 'While flying a mini-UAV near Chabanivka (government-controlled, 66km north-west of Luhansk), the SMM heard more than 100 shots and bursts of small-arms and heavy-machine-gun fire 400-500m west. Imagery taken by the UAV later revealed military position about 700m west of the SMMs position. The UAV had been flying 300m west from this military position when the SMM heard bursts from at least four different small arms and one heavy machine-gun 400-500m west', the message said. The SMM initiated an emergency landing of the UAV, the OSCE reported. 'The small-arms and heavy-machine-gun bursts followed the UAVs flight path towards the SMM position but ceased once the UAV was within visual range of the SMM. As the SMM was departing the area, it encountered five soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, one of whom apologized for the incident after saying that he had ordered his men to shoot at the UAV. 'because he had not received advanced warning of the flight', the report went on. OSCE SMM added that the Ukrainian side was notified of the scheduled flight in that area. The output of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Ukraine used as fuel for cars within the period between January and March 2018 (the first quarter of the current year) dropped by 8% in year-over-year terms. At the same time, the nations LPG autogas imports added 16.9%. The production of LPG stood at 101,200 tons in the first quarter of 2018, whereas LPG totaled 287,800 tons, according to Oleksandr Sirenko, an analyst from the UPECO fuel consultancy, UNIAN reports. The share of LPG for vehicles in the structure of LPG consumption is over 88%, while that of petrochemicals is 6.5%, whereas LPG used in the household segment and agro-industrial complex accounts for around 5%, Sirenko said. According to Oleksandr Sirenko, Russia still remains the major supplier of LPG to Ukraine. Factoring in the reverse exports via Belarus, the share of Russia in the import balance is close to 45%, or 158,700 tons, Sirenko added. In 2017, the LPG market in Ukraine (total consumption) increased by 7.5%, to 1.59 million tons. Over 95% of the LPG was used as motor fuel. Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany plans to meet Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia against the tensions between the West and Russia due to the Syria Conflict. Also, the leaders discussed the Donbas Conflict and the construction of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline as DW reported. Earlier during the phone call, Merkel partially accused Russia of the chemical attack that took place in Douma on April 7. She said that Moscow as an ally of Bashar al-Assad is also responsible for the use of the chemical weapons. However, Kremlin has not announced the meeting between Merkel and Putin after their phone conversation. Moreover, Russia emphasized that the missile strikes on Syria launched by the US, UK and France threaten the settlement of the crisis. 'The Russian president stressed once again that the actions by a group of Western countries, which committed an act of aggression against Syria, grossly violated the norms of international law, including the UN Charter, and substantially damaged the peaceful settlement of the Syrian crisis', Kremlin said. On April 13, the U.S. troops landed a missile strike on chemical infrastructure in Syria; the UK and France joined in. The strikes killed at least six people and dealt damage to a number of weaponry research objects. On April 7, the volunteer organizations reported that the chemical attack at Douma, the East Ghouta took place. As a result of this attack at least 70 people died. The Syrian government and Russia called this information untrue, while the US and allies have blamed Bashar al-Assad for the attack. In its turn, Russias Foreign Ministry claimed that the missiles should aim the terrorists. The General Staff of Russia recommended the US and its allies to restore Syrian Raqqa instead of threats. As at April 13, Germany and Italy refused to participate in the possible military operation in Syria. It is undefined whether Ukraine's intention will be depicted in the NATO decisions Open source The NATO members will pay attention to Ukraine and its intentions to become an alliance member at the summit. Rose Gottemoeller, the Deputy Secretary-General of NATO claimed this as European Truth reported. 'We will pay the attention to all partners in the documents and declaration of the summit and Ukraine is an important partner of the NATO. It is early to talk about the specific wording as we should agree on the content of the summit's documents. But I predict that you will see there a clear intention to support the Ukrainian efforts in the reforms and the clear desire to recognize the already implemented reforms', she said. According to her, NATO hails the annual national program Ukraine-NATO 2018. 'As I know, you have already begun the preparation for the working out of the program for 2019', Gottemoeller added. She also commented whether Ukraine's intentions will be depicted in the summit's decisions: 'we hail the European democracies that strive for the membership'. As we reported on March 10, the NATO admitted Ukraines aspirations to obtain full membership in the Alliance and gave it a NATO aspirant status. On April 12, Poroshenko emphasized that Ukraine will insist on the getting the program of the strengthened opportunities and NATO Membership Action Plan (MAP). The Membership Action Plan (MAP) is a NATO programme of advice, assistance and practical support tailored to the individual needs of countries wishing to join the Alliance. It was launched in April 1999. German industrial giants such as Siemens, Daimler and Volkswagen are working with legal entities related to Russian citizens on the sanctions Germany is to address the Administration of Donald Trump, the U.S. President, to release Germanys companies from obligating the new anti-Russian sanctions, as The Wall Street Journal reported referring to Germans civil servants. As the news agency informs, the question is to be discussed during the visit of the German Finance Minister to Washington this week. Besides, Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, will raise the question on the special approach to Germanys companies at the meeting with Trump. German industrial giants such as Siemens, Daimler and Volkswagen are working with legal entities related to Russian citizens on the sanctions. The heads of Germanys companies claim that the new penalty measures may cost Germany hundreds of millions of euros and put the united efforts to impede the banks from funding Russias new projects at risk, the news agency reported. Earlier, the U.S. imposed new anti-Russian sanctions on April 6. Russian businessmen and entrepreneurs, whose wealth is more than $1 billion are on the sanctions list. Alexey Miller, CEO of Gazprom, Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, and Aleksandr Zharov, the Head of Roskomnadzor (Federal Service for Supervision in the Sphere of Telecom, Information Technologies and Mass Communications, - ed.) appeared in the sanctions list as well. Andriy Parubiy, the Spokesperson of the Verkhovna Rada, entrusted the Functional Committee on Culture and Spirituality to consider the question on an exceptional basis The Verhovna Rada documented the Presidents appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch concerning the creation of a Unified Local Orthodox Church in Ukraine, as Andriy Parubiy, the Spokesperson of the Verkhovna Rada, said during the morning session of the Verkhovna Rada on Wednesday. Rada, the official channel, broadcasted it. Parubiy said that the relevant appeal of Petro Poroshenko, Ukraines President, has been just documented. It is about a draft decree on the support of the Presents appeal to Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch, to receive the tomos on the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine. I entrust the Functional Committee on Culture and Spirituality to consider the question on an exceptional basis to present it in the Verkhovna Rada tomorrow on Thursday, April 18, 2018. Tomorrow we will consider this decree, I call everyone for coming to the session, Parubiy said. He expressed hope for the appeal to get the constitutional majority of votes. I believe that the decree will get more than 300 votes as the tomos on the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine is a fundamental matter of the development and existence of Ukraine. Therefore, I ask everyone to be present at the session tomorrow. As far as I know, the Committee gathers today. I hope that the Committees decision will be positive, the Spokesperson of the Verkhovna Rada stated. As it was reported earlier, Petro Poroshenko, Ukraines President, wrote a letter to the Ecumenical Patriarch requesting to grant Ukraines Orthodox Church an autocephaly and called the PMs to support his initiative. It should be noted that several jurisdictions exist in Ukraine simultaneously since the 1990s. They call themselves Orthodox Local and Autocephalous Churches. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Moscow Patriarchate and Romanian Orthodox Church of Metropolis of Bessarabia have canonical status. Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Kyiv Patriarchate was not acknowledged canonically. Besides, there is also Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in Ukraine, which is unacknowledged. Also, the president held the meeting with Metropolitan Onufriy, the Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine held the meeting with the primates of the Orthodox churches and accepted the appeal to Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch on the provision of the tome on the autocephaly for the Ukrainian church with the signs of all bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate and Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church as the press service of the president reported. 'His Holiness, the Patriarch of Kyiv and All Rus'- Ukraine Filaret officially passed to Poroshenko the appeal to Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch on the provision of the tome on the autocephaly for the Ukrainian church signed all bishops of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate', the message said. Patriarch Filaret noted that the appeal signed by all bishops and expressed the hope that the decision of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will become the beginning of the recognized Ukrainian local Orthodox Church. 'The Ukrainian state had stood the war and it showed that Ukraine exists and will exist. And if it exists, the church the spiritual basis should be in Ukraine so that it can be a state. We fight for the spiritual basis for the Ukrainian state'. The head of the state also held the meeting with Macarius, the Metropolitan of Kyiv, the Primate of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church and officially accepted the appeal to Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch on the provision of the tome on the autocephaly for the Ukrainian church signed all bishops of the Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. Poroshenko thanked the primates for the gathered signs and prepared appeals to the Ecumenical Patriarch. Also, he held the meeting with Metropolitan Onufriy, the Head of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate. Poroshenko told the Metropolitan about his visit to Istanbul where he held the meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch and Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate members that were devoted to the perspectives of the provision of the tome on the autocephaly for the Ukrainian church. 'Many hours discussion of Ukraine's fate, the fate of the Ukrainian church took place. His Holiness very actively entrusted the care about all citizens of Ukraine, support to our country in the response to the aggression in such difficult time when Ukraine loses its best sons and daughters', Poroshenko reported. The Ukrainian president and Onufriy exchanged the opinions on the activation of the interfaith dialogue in Ukraine. As we reported on April 17, Petro Poroshenko signed an appeal to Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch with a plea to provide tome towards the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and urges the Verkhovna Rada to support it. Since 90-s there are a few jurisdictions in Ukraine that call themselves Orthodox local and autocephaly Churches. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate and Metropolis of Bessarabia of the Romanian Orthodox Church have the canonical status. Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate is canonically not recognized. Also, there is unrecognized Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. The president asks the Ukrainian parliament to support the appeal Petro Poroshenko, the President of Ukraine intends to appeal to Bartholomew, the Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch with a plea to publish tome towards the autocephaly of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church and urges the Verkhovna Rada to support it as 112 Ukraine broadcasted. 'I as the president made a decision to appeal to the Ecumenical Patriarch, His Holiness (Bartholomew) with a request to provide a tome of the Ukrainian independent, actually, local autocephaly church', Poroshenko claimed. Also, the president urged the Ukrainian parliament to support the appeal. 'I would ask you, my dear colleagues, as there are the things that unite us, because the president is the representative of the Ukrainian nation and the parliament is the representative of the people to support this appeal as soon as possible', the president added. As we reported Petro Poroshenko claimed that Ukraine is close as never before to the creation of the autocephaly of the local churches. Since 90-s there are a few jurisdictions in Ukraine that call themselves Orthodox local and autocephaly Churches. The Ukrainian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate and Metropolis of Bessarabia of the Romanian Orthodox Church have the canonical status. Ukrainian Orthodox Church Kyiv Patriarchate is canonically not recognized. Also, there is unrecognized Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church. At the Trilateral Contact Group session, Ukraine proposed to exchange 23 Russians for its political prisoners kept in Russia. Russian did not react to this Russia did not respond to Ukraines proposal in the Trilateral Contact Group to exchange 23 convicted Russians for its political prisoners, as Iryna Herashchenko, First Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada, the President's Humanitarian Envoy at the Minsk peace talks, wrote on Facebook. And again, I stress the readiness of the Ukrainian side to hand over 23 Russians convicted for the crimes against territorial integrity in exchange for Ukrainians kept in Russia as soon as possible. We have not received the response to this offer. At the same time, the representative of the ORDLO (separated districts of Donbas and Luhansk regions, - ed.) continue including these Russians in the lists as militiamen the residents of young republics, she wrote. As Herashchenko believes, Russia does not express interest towards its citizens kept in Ukrainians prisons. As it was reported earlier, at the Trilateral Contact Group session Ukraine stated about its readiness to exchange 23 Russians for its political prisoners kept in Russia. 73 Ukrainian hostages came back home. 233 persons were transferred to the occupied territory. The agreement on the visa-free regime between Kuwait and Ukraine was signed during the visit of President Petro Poroshenko to Kuwait The visa-free regime between Kuwait and Ukraine has come into force today, on April 18, 2018, as KUNA reported. The agreement on the visa-free regime between Kuwait and Ukraine was signed during the visit of President Petro Poroshenko to Kuwait. 'This agreement comes into force on April 18, in synchrony with the jubilee of the diplomatic relations between two countries', the message said. As we reported, on March 18, Petro Poroshenko officially visited Kuwait where he agreed on the bilateral liberalization of the visa regime. Also, Petro Poroshenko held the meeting with Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar during the official visit to the state. It is noted that the sides positively noted the visible intensification of the Ukraine-Qatar relations and active development of the trade and economic cooperation. Particularly, during the negotiations, the sides noted the presence of the various goods of agricultural industry complex and products of the domestic metallurgy at the Qatari market. This year Ukraine intends to file not only the 6th lawsuit to the ECHR but also several others Ukraine intends to file a lawsuit to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) against Russia due to the violation of the rights of the Ukrainian political prisoners. Ivan Lishchyna, the Deputy Justice Minister for ECHR affairs claimed this as Ukrainian News reported. 'This year we plan to file not only the sixth lawsuit but also several others. But we do not reveal the details because we are in the active gathering of the information and it is too early to disclose the content of the planned lawsuits. But we can say that the sixth lawsuit concerns the Ukrainian political prisoners. We gather the information and form the claim', Lishchyna said. He also noted that Ukraine has already filed five lawsuits against Russia. Two of them concern the annexation of Crimea and violation of the human rights in the peninsula, another two concern the violations in Donbas. One lawsuit concerns the transfer of Donbas children to Russia. Earlier Ukraine hired British lawyer Ben Emmerson for 140, 000 who previously defended the family of murdered Russian intelligence officers Aleksandr Litvinenko to represent Ukraine at the ECHR. Open source Viktor Yanukovych, a former president of Ukraine agreed to the cancelation of the planned storming of the Mezhyhirya Residence with Dmytro Yarosh, then Head of Right Sector. MP Mykhailo Dobkin claimed this during the questioning at Obolon Court on state treason case of Yanukovych as 112 Ukraine broadcasted. 'Yanukovych ordered Yakymenko (the former SBU Head, - 112 international) to connect him with Yarosh. Then he was passed the phone and he talked, as I understood with Dmytro Yarosh, he talked about some agreements that Mezhyhirya Residence would not be atacked. A half an hour passed and information about the attempt of the storming or seizure of Mezhyhirya was removed as people did not make it there', Dobkin said. According to MP, the second talk of Yanukovych with Yarosh 'did not succeed' and the strangers entered the territory of the residence. He also said that on February 22, Yanukovych negotiated with Arseny Yatsenyuk, the former Prime Minister of Ukraine. Earlier it was reported that Yanukovych arrived in Kharkiv Regional State Administration on the night of February 21 to 22, 2014 where Dobkin, then Head of Kharkiv Regional Administration (now he is the MP from Opposition Bloc) met him and provided the transport for the further escape. Adobe Theater Poignant human drama, is what Hercule Poirot declares to be afoot at the manor of the Amory's, an uppity British family, whoof coursehave a lot more coursing through their lives than is outwardly apparent. Everything frothing under the surface is revealed in due time by our clever detective Poirot in this classic Agatha Christie thrillerher first play ever penned for the stage. Christie wrote more than 60 novels, and her play The Mousetrap has been running continuously on London's West End for more than 50 years. A penchant for big reveals, atmospherics and the unsuspected runs through much of Christie's work and has set the bar for classic mystery fictionsthis production at Adobe Theater (9813 Fourth Street NW) certainly satisfies the itch for such vintage noir. The play opens with practically the whole cast of characters stalking through the library of the estate and out again, using the small set well and immediatelypurely through movement familiarizing us with the players in the crime drama. This is our first hint at director Mario Cabrera's skill in executing the work, and more delightfully surface throughout. The first whodunit of the fun escapade are plans that go missing for a very valuable formula developed by the patriarch of the Amory family, Sir Claud. The play is set in the early 30s, and as whispers of war circulate the world over, Sir Claud has developed a weapon that could kill millionsand as such, it is worth its weight in royal pounds. Though the invention in question has global implications, the dramas that unfold around it are intimate and familial. When Sir Claud slumps over dead after the whole house has gathered and the lights are snuffed, the plot, inevitably, thickens. In comes Hercule Poirot, Christie's most famous character, who ducks his mustached head into both novels and plays by the writer. In this particular production, Dehron Foster assumes the role of the clever detective whose little grey cells, wade through the red herrings to strike upon the truth. Foster fits Christie's descriptions of the Belgian detective and plays him admirably, stealing every scene that he's written into. Foster subtly plays up the laughs to be had at the cost of the starched upper crust family, while still maintaining a certain tenderness that has made the character of Poirot so sweet and endearing in so much of Christie's catalog. The rest of the cast is just as capable, though Foster is undeniably the centerpiece of the action. Sarah Runyan's untraditional flapper in bright red lipstick is a breath of fresh air, as is Terri Rossi's depiction of silly old biddie Miss Caroline Amory. The play could be called so many thingsmystery, love story, thriller, romantic comedyand it is, actually, all those things. Amid the unchangingthough well-dressedset, a multitude of these poignant human dramas play out, each artfully moving the story forward and fleshing out the characters and their motives. Suspects abound and part of the fun of settling into the audience at the recently renovated theater is drawing our own conclusions as the story unfolds, though we may always be a step behind Poirot. However we categorize the play, and whether we are Christie fans or not, what we are treated to in this rendition of a classic, though little produced play is a genuinely enjoyable piece of theater. Adobe Theater's Black Coffee creates the appropriate mood, renders its characters nicely and doles out clues artfully. It is well worth a watch during its tenure through May 6 at the North Valley theater. Tickets and more information can be found online at adobetheater.org. Rob M. I spent last week idly chewing pen caps and trying not to think about cigarettes. At the April 2 meeting of the Albuquerque City Council, a measure to decriminalize the possession of an ounce or less of cannabissponsored by Councilor Pat Davis and Councilor Isaac Bentonpassed by a hair. It was exciting, but in a gross and embarrassing way. A good friend of mine likes to tell me that the people of ABQ are about two decades behind the rest of the country. I'd say a 5-4 win for a decriminalization bill means we can drop it to about five years instead. I guess I should be celebrating. Of course it means that four of our illustrious City Councilors Republicans Brad Winter, Don Harris and Trudy Jones, along with Democrat Cynthia Borregofeel that locking people in a cage for using a substance that doesn't harm anybody is a good thing. That's about 44 percent of our Council, mind you. And that's despite the seemingly overwhelming support for the measure we see coming from their constituentseven the Police Union, of all groups. Borrego, the only Democrat to vote against the bill (despite the unofficial stance recently taken by the New Mexico Democratic Party at the pre-primary convention last month in support of federal cannabis legalization) reportedly said she was doing so because she was worried that street cannabis could potentially be laced with other, more dangerous drugsa fair argument in support of legalization and regulation, but hardly relevant in the current context. After all, we're talking about altering how we punish offenders, not looking for ways to make illegal cannabis more available. Which really makes me wonder what ludicrous rationalizations the other three Council members who voted no were nursing. These are people we elected, remember? But I've been told to count my heaps of blessings and look for silver linings many, many times before. Maybe I'm overreacting. So this was a couple weeks ago. After passing through the Council, the measure crossed Mayor Tim Keller's desk. As you might have noticed, I've been a fan of Keller's from his time as state auditor. There aren't many things in the world that get me more excited than seeing corrupt, power-mad shits get what's coming to them. And I've had the distinctly physical pleasure of reading about the many times Keller did just that over the last few years. (I must confess I was kind of bummed when I realized he wasn't going to keep playing Batman for the state, but there again: Be happy with what you have, I suppose.) Which I believe is why I developed a harping sense of paranoia over the last week. When I first heard Keller was the final hurdle between us and decriminalization, I knew we were in the clear. Of course he'll sign it, I said. A few days later, I was starting to get the nervous tics. I'm sure he'll sign it, right? After a week I was already writing a dear John letter and considering moving to back to Texaswhere a prison is a prison, and no one's even pretending to be progressive. But the knot in my stomach and the tooth powder in my mouth was wasted. Last Thursday, Keller put pen to paper and made it official. Maybe the Councilors who voted against it will move away to some place where the population enjoys having their friends and family get screwed by their leaders (you kids would absolutely love it in Texas). Yes. And here are the new rules: First of all, it's still a criminal offense under state law to possess cannabis if you aren't a patient enrolled in the medical program. If any officer chooses to do so, they can pursue those charges. That being said, the city's criminal ordinance will be replaced with a civil one carrying only a $25 fine. It's still a misdemeanor offense. Previously, getting caught with an ounce or less of cannabis would land a $50 fine and up to 15 days in jail the first time. Repeat offenses could get a $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. (Insanely, those weren't even close to the worst cannabis laws out there. South Dakota has a state law that can fine a person up to $2,000 for the same amount and throw them in jail for up to a year!) It's completely wild for someone who grew up in the heyday of D.A.R.E (which I'm always surprised to find still exists) and Just Say No to read this statement from the mayor: Removing the criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of marijuana will free up precious resources for law enforcement, who have plenty on their plate already. Were facing real challenges in Albuquerque and this is a step in the right direction to allow our officers the flexibility to better prioritize their time tackling violent crime and property crime in our city. Police Chief Michael Geier also showed his support of the legislation, saying it would allow officers to focus on violent crime, property crime and drunk driving. My nasty cynicism aside, this is a real step forward for us as a city. The logistical problems of defending bad laws are obviously an issue for a police force so desperately short-staffed. The real victory was a moral one, though. The mayor, police and most of our City Council just publicly took a step toward a more rational, caring society. That place is looking less and less like a fever dream every day. PLEASE NOTE! Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate! All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited! (One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!) Tania Vasallo discusses "How to Claim Your Value and Charge What You're Worth." Our guest speaker is Tania Vasallo, who has worked for advertising agencies in Miami & New York City developing multimillion dollar campaigns for some of the world's most renowned companies: Starbucks, KFC, AT&T Wireless, Samsung, Nabisco. She will discuss "How to Claim Your Value & Charge What You're Worth." In this action-packed session youll learn: The #1 Mindset Shift that Allowed one of Tanias clients to go from charging $100 per Hour to Selling $15,000 Packages Insider Tips for Saving $1,000s on Marketing that Doesnt Work How to Win Your Ideal Clients Over within 15 Seconds of Meeting You The #1 Secret to Consciously Build Yourself Up vs. Bring Yourself Down Larry Rimer Overhead, they are a common sightdark figures cutting across the clear sky, the distinct shallow V-shape of their bodies as they dip low to feed on carrion by the roadside or come to roost in large groups in the branches of a Cottonwood. Turkey Vultureswho make their living as nature's cleanup crew, feeding on the carcasses of dead animalsoften get a bad rap in popular culture. Histrionically they are associated with death and uncleanliness, though the service they provide is vital to the health of the far flung and diverse ecosystems in which they are found. In the home of Larry Rimer, a longtime volunteer of Hawks Aloft, a local nonprofit that deals in conservation of birds of prey, a large female Turkey Vulture is settling into a new life. Her eyes are surprisingly kind, softer than those of say, a Red-tailed Hawk, which she is a bit bigger than, though she shares the same sharp vision. She is inquisitive about her new surroundings. She spreads her broad, dark brown wings, catching a slight breeze before settling on to Rimer's heavy leather glove. This particular birdwho was given the name Beautyis settling into her role as an Avian Ambassador at Hawks Aloft and will soon begin participating in educational programs for people across the state and beyond, teaching them about the importance of her species. There are seven species of New World Vulturesof which, the Turkey Vulture is the most common of the three found in North America. They use a sophisticated sense of smella rarity in the bird worldto locate carcasses and then use their highly corrosive stomach acids to digest the meat, even from bodies that carried diseases like anthrax, cholera and rabies. Without this service, not only would there be corpses littering the landscape, but diseases would spread more rapidly and widely. Beauty, however, didn't have much of an opportunity to be such a vital piece of the vast, interconnected biome that she sprang from. All the birdsalmost 30 in totalthat live with experienced Hawks Aloft staff (full disclosureI myself am one of those staff) and volunteers are permanently injured, meaning their injuries are such that they cannot be re-released into the wild. Beauty's injury is unique. You can't see it on her body, covered in feathers in shades of gray and brown. Her disability is entirely internal. Beauty, now approximately 5 years old, is a human imprint. As a nestling she was snatched from her nest near Corona, N.M., southeast of Albuquerque. She was kept by the family that took her, who called her Bonehead. We don't know what the conditions were like where she lived, but we do know that she didn't know that she could fly. Although physically perfect, she never learned this behavior so innate to her species; she is a poor flier today and crash lands into barriers in her aviary. Taking a bird like Beauty from her nest isn't just illegalit's cruel. She has never had the opportunity to experience life as she was intended to, and is instead relegated to a life apart from others of her species, who are quite sociable. Turkey Vultures, though they scavenge independently, are quite gregarious and spend their nights in large volts. However, because of her history, Beauty is quite sociable with humans and Rimerwho she bunks withis adoring of her. Soon, she will head out to classrooms and other events, where Hawks Aloft provides all manner of programming. The groupwho has done work such as this since 1994offers a year-long conservation education program to Title 1 schools called Living with the Landscape, as well as a variety of other modes of bringing this vital information to adults and children alike. By hearing the story of one birdwho is right there in front of youthe message resonates more loudly, and those who listen walk away more empowered to swing things back in favor of nature. For Beauty a new phase of life has just begun. Though she's still gaining her wings and adjusting, it's a life with greater meaning and that will serve her species well. As her bare, pink head swivels in Rimer's backyard, taking it all in, it is striking how apt her new name actually is. Follow Beauty's storyand that of many other birdsby connecting with Hawks Aloft on Facebook and Instagram (@hawksaloft) or visit their webpage hawksaloft.org. [Provisional Translation] On April 17, 2018, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press occasion at the Prime Ministers Office.Regarding his visit to the United States, the Prime Minister said,Various issues have been pointed out concerning government affairs. The government cannot do without the trust of the public. To gain the confidence of the public, I, as the head of the government, am determined to responsibly ensure that the whole truth is uncovered for each and every issue and to clean out the stables.I am heading to the United States today and will hold a Japan-U.S. summit meeting with President Trump over the course of two days. I intend to confirm our bilateral cooperation on the North Korean issue as well as the economic issues, and to convey the robust ties of the Japan-U.S. Alliance.I would also like to confirm that we will continue to apply maximum pressure on North Korea towards its abandonment of nuclear weapons and missiles in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner. In addition, with respect to the abduction issue, which is our greatest priority, the first U.S.-North Korea summit meeting will be convened; prior to this summit meeting, I will do my utmost to ensure that progress is made towards the resolution of the abduction issue and coordinate our efforts with President Trump.With regard to the economic issues, I hope to exchange views based on our common understanding that Japan and the U.S. will play leading roles in the economic growth of the Indo-Pacific region through free and fair trade and investment.There will be various opportunities for discussion over the two days, and I hope to engage in extensive and candid dialogue with President Trump on issues relating to North Korea and the economy. Artists are far better subjects for biopics than writers for the simple reason that they actually do something visual. That doesnt mean every artist who picks up a paintbrush or bangs on some clay is ripe for the treatment. But a stereotypical artistwhat with the equal eye for beauty and pain and the manic-depressive mood swingsdoes make for a compelling cinematic subject. Final Portrait is little more than a brief, surface-level sketch drawn from the life of Swiss painter and sculptor Alberto Giacometti. Based on the book A Giacometti Portrait by American author James Lord, the film limns a scant two-week period late in the artists lifebut captures the artistic temperament better than many more expansive biopics. James Lord (Armie Hammer, increasing his indie film street cred after Call Me By Your Name) is an American author and art critic bumming his way around Paris in a suit and tie (its 1964, after all). One day, he wanders down a brick alleyway and into the crumbling, clay-spattered studio of Giacometti (Geoffrey Rush, adding to his list of famous faces, which includes Albert Einstein, Sir Francis Walsingham, Peter Sellers, Leon Trotsky and the Marquis de Sade). Famed for his lumpy, elongated human figures, Giacometti is something of a hallmark mid-century artist. Casually, Giacometti mentions that he might like to paint a portrait of Lord. Not opposed to a little flattery, Lord agrees. Giacometti assures him it will take no more than a couple hours, an afternoon at the most. But as the artist chain-smokes, swears at the canvas, struggles with his elusive muse and is distracted by both wife (Sylvie Testud) and mistress (Clemence Poesy), the models work stretches from hours to days to weeks. Rushs Giacometti is a charming old crank, shuffling around his studio, flitting from one unfinished creation to the next and taking frequent breaks of wine or food or jaunts in his mistress convertible. Giacomettis brother Diego (Tony Shaloub) is a craftsman in the studio and provides some of the most down-to-earth advice about the man. Frustrated by the endless distractions and itching to return home, Lord considers ditching out. But something keeps him glued to the chair, unmoving. Is it his need to understand the artist? Is it his desire to become part of art history? Or is he searching for a deeper connection to the man himself? To call Final Portrait a biopic is to oversell it a bit. The good-natured, almost offhanded film gives us little background on Giacometti and offers scant information on Lord. Its not meant to illuminate the life story of either man. Instead, its a portrait in miniature. Perhaps the easiest way to understand it is to look behind the camera at the films writer-director, noted actor Stanley Tucci. Some 20-odd years ago, he whipped up a delicate little souffle called Big Night, which didnt so much capture the scope and breadth of 1950s-era fine dining as offer an evocative glimpse into the mind of one uncompromisingly creative chef. Final Portrait does largely the same thing. Theres very little internal drama going on here, and theres a creeping feeling that Tucci is stretching Lords narrow accounting just to make 90 minutes. And yet its hard not to feel like Lord, sitting in that chair, growing ever more restless, desperate for something to happen, but unable to get up and leave. The insights gained are small but significant. Giacomettis obsessive, stumbling attempts to capture his friend in paint and canvas are emblematic of art in general. A portrait is never actually finished, says Giacometti, warning himself as much as his subject. Rather than aggrandize his subject, Tucci continually reduces him. A self-critical artist who annihilates his professional life with his quest for perfection, a venal man who screws up his personal life by relying on his wife and muse but openly taking a prostitute as his mistress, Alberto Giacometti is a mass of insecurities and contradictionsand yet somehow these flaws give life to his fussy, existential works. Kudos to Rush who imbues Giacometti with a chaotic and humorous mix of manic exuberance and depressive enervation. In the final tally, Final Portrait is a microcosmic chamber drama, an old-fashioned two-hander in which two characters meet, interact and part company. It rarely dips below the surface, butlike a great many works of artits a fascinating surface, nonetheless. Maria Gesualdi Sometime just before his star-struck reign began and then right before the end of the age of the slight elfin guitar god from the northern woods, America developed and fooled around with a truly alternative rock sound that the antics of Nirvana can be said to both presage and be the derivative of, too. Heres what I mean. Lets assume college rock can be defined by a work by the Pixies, called Surfer Rosa that dropped in 1988while the Cobain was still lost in Aberdeen, trying to figure out how to sound like Buzzo. Among other prophets of the age, Kim Deal played bass on that definitive Pixies outing, providing a transgressive yet translucent role model for future groovy rock star identities which had previously been predominately male in presentation. Dude probably heard that album in the same way Wilson heard Rubber Soul for the first time. And as his life collapsed around him, on a never-ending, never grateful tour for an album he didnt particularly care for, Last Splash, by a band called The Breedersthat featured Kim Deal and her twin sister Kelley on lead guitardropped just in time to end the summer of 1993 with some strand of hope. I say a strand of hope because at that time it was mostly a matter of what band sounded most authentic, most like it came from the same dark woods and bright jet airplane-making environment that had hatched the likes of Kurt and Crist and Wayne and the boys at STP and all of them all. And that sucked. But The Breeders were different: calmly, purposefully manic, gritty and casually informed about pop musicin a way that put the plaid-clad alpha males of the great Northwest I mentioned above to shame. There wasnt an ounce of metal in what The Breeders were doing and it totally rocked. And they were three quarters female. Besides Kim and Kelley, Josephine Wiggs played bass; Jim MacPherson handled drums but didnt interfere with and somehow cooly complimented the rocked-out yoni energy these three women dispensed on stage. And now 25 years have passed since all of that happened. I met the quartet at a gig they were doing in Santa, at the convention center in the fall of 1993. Back then I was working as an assistant monitor engineer. Serio. Great fun. You need more treble. Everyone is much older now. Now, Im writing about music more than I am mixing it. And I was wondering what Kelley Deal was up toher band The Breeders, are playing on Thursday night, April 19, here in Burque, after allwhat she thought about being part of one of the most culturally influential rock bands of the ages now and back then in the golden age, too. This is what she told me as we talked. Weekly Alibi: Hi, is this Kelley Deal? Kelley Deal: Yes. Hey, this is August March. Can we talk, because Ive been thinking about The Breeders. I worked your concert in Santa Fe back in 1993; that plus the fact I have a twin brother named Albino who lives in Dayton has led me to non-stop listening of Last Splash this past week. Can you help me, Kelley? [Laughs] Youre fucking kidding me, Albino! How do you spell his name? Hes a professor at the university He hangs out at all the seedy bars by the university, so yeah I can see how you might know him. Hes a famous Chicano poet. Well, its a pleasure to meet you. If I see him oh, my god, thats fantastic. So yeah, so youre old too, huh? Yeah, now Im like the local music critic, but en serio, I wondered what it was like for you 25 years ago and how are things, the scene, different now? For me, everything has changed. Its hard to quantify that, but everything is subtly different. Im different; the music landscape is very different. I think, and Im not going to be one of those old gen-xers that says back in my day, music mattered. I do recognize that music has a different place in peoples lives today. Just like, you know, going out and seeing shows. Thats where everything in the social milieu happened; they didnt have other options. Now people have, for better or for worse, a digital world. Im not the type to complain to say, back in my day, if you wanted to talk to someone, you had to go find them, knock on their door and look em in the eye. I like change; I like innovation. Its all good. I have to say, I like being part of the future, too. For those of us that have survived its pretty cool, no? Its totally cool! Thats how it was then, thats how it is now. I was reading about how musicians went on strike in the 30s when bands began playing on the radio. This has always been a thing; old technology is replaced by new technology. Technology can disrupt an industry. Its either evolve or die. Are you seeing that kind of evolution among audiences during this tour and is this a good time to tell you that Kendrick Lamar won the Pulitzer prize? I wanna get more involved in that. I looked at that yesterday and thought, He did what? I dont understand it, Im not railing against it, but obviously I need to learn more about todays [pop culture]. I only started listening to his work, three years ago and Im like, how did I not know about this? I have feelings about that. For me, because I would like to, you know, somehow dip my toe in that pool, experiment with that sound. And there are ways I could do it. But I cant because I dont play the blues. I will never play blues music authoritatively. I wont do it, and I wont be some white chick singing the blues. Well, you all seem to come from that Midwest or East Coast rocanrol tradition anyway, that has its own baggage, I would think. Yeah, its funny, growing up in the Midwest and going out every weekend as a kid and hearing every iteration of bad white blues imaginable. That really makes you say no. Those kinds of experiences have really turned me off to moving too far off genre. The Breeders always seemed like an alternative to that genre-hunting, an alternative to the alternative, as it were. While grunge rock rose and then faltered, your alternate timeline, filled with creative individuals like your sister and Tanya Donelly continued to create innovatively. How and why? We werent of that ilk. We were kinda put in with a lot of other bands at the time, we were mostly being influenced by things that were going on in Boston, on the East Coast. We never looked to the Northwest for inspiration or influence. Initially, those sorts of bands werent even on my radar. I first heard about it in the alternative press, when grunge started making the news. It seemed very regional at the time. We were really focused on what Throwing Muses was doing. That was in Rhode Island. And the Pixies: Boston, Boston, Boston. Whats important to you now, as you revisit the glory of the past while creating a new, sqeaky-clean version of a beloved band? Im having a really good time doing it. I was reading through an interview we did, where Josephine [Wiggs, the bassist] was talking. I re-read it. Shes very thoughtful. She was talking about how, before, when youre doing this rock thing, you are in a different age bracket, so youve got so much ahead, there appears to be so much more to come. You dont think about the road that youre on. Not to get old on you August, but, now I do feel like this involves renewed appreciation forseriouslyevery single note I play. Im like, this is the bitchin lick that goes here, and god, thats a cool lick! And then theres our goal, on with the show and Jim [MacPherson, the drummer] plays with so much joy; and Kim is having a blast, jamming, fucking things up left and right. Im just really appreciating all of that now. Kim and I have been playing together since we were 13 and so this is what we do. Together. Kelley, are you part of the avant-garde? Whats that like? [Laughs]. Its awesome, it feels really good. This is the thing that makes me high. Its the thing that makes me tingle. Music makes sense to me and orients me to the correct point on the compass. I like that were an art rock band, so thanks for that. And tell your twin I said hi! Dont forget to come up and give me a hug if you see me on Thursday! Right on! Bye, Kelley. Dateline: Louisiana A man has received at least 10 speeding violations since 2011 for a stationary truck parked in front of his home. According to Fox News, New Orleans resident Donald Schultz is claiming that a stationary speeding camera installed on his street has issued his legally parked truck at least 10 speeding tickets since 2011. Schultz says the camera, which is set to take a photo whenever someone driving over the speed limit passes in front of it, is positioned in such a way that when a speeding vehicle triggers the camera, instead of focusing on the offender, the camera will focus on whatever car is parked in front of the house. Schultz has reportedly had to address the problem on multiple occasions by physically going to court and explaining the situation. He told reporters that at one point, the problem had escalated so far that he had been given the telephone number of an employee of the traffic violations office to avoid the burden of making a physical appearance in court. The issued tickets have ranged between $75 and $110. Reportedly, the issue stopped for a small time after a contractor repositioned the camera in 2016. The city of New Orleans has dropped the most recent ticket issued and made a statement indicating that the company responsible for interpreting the cameras' data will be trained more extensively on how to manage it. Dateline: Connecticut A new study has found that bathroom hand dryers blow out particles of feces along with air. Researchers at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine recently published a report in Applied and Environmental Microbiology that analyzes the bacterial content in the school's restroom hand dryersdesigned to suck up air from the surrounding area and blow it on a person's hands after they've been washed. The study found that air coming from the hand dryers contains much more bacteria than normal bathroom air. Tests performed on hand dryers in 36 bathrooms located at the university showed that as many as 60 different bacterial colonies can be blown out of a device in just one 30-second blast. According to the researchers, several samples collected contained Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria that can sometimes cause serious infection and even death. Nearly all the bacteria came from aerosolized feces which escapes when toilets flush, said the study's author. The paper also looked at the effects of using a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter on the machines. The filters allegedly keep bacteria particles from passing, but the researchers found they only blocked about 75 percent of the bacteria. Whether the filters were working properly was not made clear. The University of Connecticut has installed paper towel dispensers in all 36 bathrooms used for the study. Dateline: Australia An Australian judge dismissed a man's claims that his boss abused him by farting with malicious intent. Business Insider Australia reports that an unfair dismissal case instigated by David Hingst, former employee at Construction Engineering Australia in Melbourne, alleges that the Hingst's supervisor repeatedly harassed him at work. According to the complaint, the supervisor, Greg Short, would often lift his bum and fart in Hingst's direction. Allegedly, Short once held the man down to fart on top of him. Hingst claims the behavior caused him to develop depression, anxiety and resulted in physical injuries. While Short reportedly admitted to farting in the office, he denied aiming his farts at Hingst and deliberately attempting to offend him. He also theorized that the issue was based around the pair's cultural differences, suggesting that Hingst's German origins preclude him from understanding the Australian view of flatulence as a source of humor. The judge ruling over the case rejected Hingst's complaints, stating that he had not proven his claims regarding the frequency of the occurrences or their deliberateness. According to the ruling, the judge said Hingst failed to prove that the flatulence was bullying, but rather that it was humiliating and disgusting. The trial reportedly lasted 18 days and involved 15 witnesses. Dateline: Turkey A squirrel who lost its two front legs after being caught in a trap is mobile again after receiving a set of prosthetic wheels. According to Daily Sabah, a squirrel named Karamel was accidentally caught in an illegal trap set by hunters near Batman, Turkey, and subsequently lost both of its front legs following a series of surgeries. After hearing about Karamel's story, squirrel-lover and computer engineer Tayfun Demir came up with a plan to give the injured animal some of its mobility back. Working with orthopedists Mustafa Gultekin, Dr. Tolgay Satana and physical therapist Eylem Kucuk, Demir has developed a set of prosthetic wheels that replace the legs and allow the animal to move upright under its own volition. The project is the first of its kind. The team is currently training Karamel to move properly while using the prosthetic. Newscity DA Calls for Stricter Gun Laws Bernalillo County's District Attorney is calling for expanded limits on existing gun laws. According to the Albuquerque Journal, District Attorney Raul Torrez sent a letter to Gov. Susana Martinez last week which said his office had examined the state's current gun laws and felt that some changes needed to be made in response to the national rise in school shootings. Torrez advised expanding the list of people prohibited from possessing firearms. Currently, state law only prohibits the sale of firearms to those who have been convicted of a felony as adults. Torrez says the list should also include violent juvenile offenders, anyone convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence charges, all offenders subject to orders of protection filed in domestic violence cases and those too incompetent to stand trial. He also suggested the state increase its ability to seize firearms used in felonies and violent crimes and improve its system for reporting offenders to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System. Last Saturday, April 14, a number of gun advocates gathered at the capitol to show support for the Second Amendment. KOB4 reported that while they expressed the fear that the government might remove their rights, participants held widely varying views on national gun policy. Just about anyone you talk to who is engaged with la politica in this stateand I hope thats a plentiful amountknows that the outcome of the governors race in N.M. will give direction to our cultures movement. Either we will all trudge ahead, forward-looking as we strive for solutions that daunted the last administration or we remain tethered to a system whose hallmarks are depletion division. Its clear that in order to embrace and manifest progress in this state, we are going to need a Democratic governor and legislature to turn the tide on Trumpian and Tejana-based poor governance. But, apparently thats going to take some work. The Democratic primary campaign, so far, has been marked by internecine fighting and a lack of unity that bodes badly for maintaining inertia though the general election. Of a more interesting note that is the not- necessarily- sinister, but indeed- with- oily- undertones campaign of Congressman Steve Pearce, the only Republican vying for the highest office in our state. Dude has all sorta Trump cards in his wallet if you will allow the pun; aspects of his candidacy that might in fact signal his ascendancy come November. Democrats should be worried because Pearce could become a serious deal-breaker. Their number one goal should be preventing this; spending time taking each other apart only makes a Pearce Administration more probable. Clearly its up to the Dems to clean up their act (this scenario has played out before, much to the chagrin of voters who tend to remember the state Democratic party as the one with a persistent taste for crow) and take their rightful place at the executive table, but in the meantime, lets take a look at the basic structure of this years contest for command of the Roundhouse, from an Alibi perspective. courtesy of the candidate Steve Pearce Pearce represents the southern voters of this state, with a congressional district that spans the lower half of New Mexico. Sixty-three percent of the district is white and has regularly voted for Republican presidents; congressional representatives from this district have traditionally been of the elephant variety too; a notable exception was Democratic congressman Harold Runnels, who served through the 70s. Besides agriculture, the major industries are based in the extraction, refinement, transport and distribution of the fossil fuels, oil and natural gas. Pearce is from Hobbs, N.M., one of the southern hubs of the states gas and oil industry. Not surprisingly, the largest contributors to Pearces campaign, as first detailed in New Mexico In Depth, have so far been a plethora of oil and gas companies with an interest in New Mexico. It should be noted that the gas and oil industry does play a huge role in our states economy. This year and late last year, a large, unforeseen, but cautioned-about rise in the states oil and gas revenue was a major contributor to a solid budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Pearce, longtime friend and proponent of the industry, is well aware of this competitive advantage in that he can say he represents growth and prosperity. Significantly, Pearce recently won a court case that essentially allowed the candidate to donate money from his previous congressional campaign to his latest effort to be elected. The result of this soon to be settled legal hurdle means that Pearces campaign is now the top fundraiser of all four gubernatorial campaignsDemocrats included. Those sorts of resources are one more reason that Democrats should focus on Pearce. Though Pearce has some heavy cudgels in his bag, it doesnt take much research to find the deep, Trumpian holes in his soul, aspects of his persona and policy that should make him essentially unelectable. Just last month, the Huffington Post reported that, a scant 10 years ago, Representative Pearce appeared at a meeting in Carrizozo, N.M., where he spoke on numerous topics, including LGBTQ rights and marriage equality. Pearce told those gathered that the latter would lead to polymorphism and consequently concluded, Where this all gets headed is toward the access to benefits, and so you can imagine that a person would say, Oh all these people in California dont have access to AIDS treatments. ... They might say this to themselves: Im gonna marry everybody in California with AIDS, and suddenly theyve got access to the, maybe the benefit program, the health insurance that a single person has. Wow. Pearce was also the elected representative of the people who wrote in his 2014 memoir that because of biblical principles, wives must voluntarily submit to their husbands. Its clear that embracing the values that Pearce represents, whether it be his connection to unrenewable, dead-end energy sources or backwards-looking social agenda, will not be good for this state and its citizens. Meanwhile, Pearces social media crew have been floating the statement that their man is tied with frontrunner Grisham, yet another reason Dems should be doing their due diligence now and not later. courtesy of the candidate The Democrats Im sure the Dems agree with that last sentence, you know about the inherent foolishness of electing Pearce to lead New Mexico. But you wouldnt know it from the way theyre running their campaigns. As detailed in this weeks Newscity, the number two and number three contenders for the democratic nomination to be governor are busy battling each other in court. Former media executive turned favorite son Jeff Apodacahis dad was governor for one term back in the 70sis trying his damnest to get fellow Las Crucan Joseph Cervantes thrown off the primary ballot. Even though a judge dismissed Apodacas latest complaint, the candidates attorney told the Santa Fe New Mexican that she intends to appeal to the state Supreme Court. In the meantime, there has been no clear word on where either candidate stands with regard to substantive issues facing this state, especially how they plan to counter the machinations of a Trump administration that Pearce is practically ready to partner with after he assumes power because of a possible Dem meltdown post-primary. The frontrunner in the Democratic field, Michelle Lujan Grisham, is not without her problems either. In particular, this candidates tenure as secretary of our states department of health continues to be under media scrutiny; the student newspaper at New Mexico State University (arguably smack in the middle of Apodaca and Cervantes territory) very recently examined the controversies Grisham encountered when she served in this position during the aughts. Further, there is some controversy surrounding Grishams current efforts. Disruptions of campaign events by a former staffer who claimed that she was wrongfully terminated from her positionbased on her transgender statuslead to criminal charges against former intern Riley Del Rey after she allegedly grew violent when confronted by authorities. The situation grew more complicated last week when Del Rey teamed with defense attorney JoHanna Coxwho is also the Republican candidate for Secretary of Stateand asked for a jury trial. Of course Grisham denies that any discrimination was involved and states that she didnt even know Del Rey was transgender. All of that is reasonable, coming from a reasonable candidate many assume will be the Democratic flag-bearer for the Land of Enchantment, come November. But the news remains distracting, a potential stumbling block for votersnot to mention fodder for Pearcewith strong opinions about the LGBTQ community. Clearly Grisham needs to weather this controversy but she also needs to make substantive moves to see that it is resolved sooner rather than laterso that it is no longer any concern after the primary season is merely a memory, so that the looming giant that is Steve Pearce can be faced bravely and without reservations or distractions. YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The US State Department has reacted to the latest developments in Armenia, mentioning that the State Department is closely following the ongoing demonstrations in downtown Yerevan and other cities of Armenia, "We note the significant protests taking place in Yerevan and other cities in Armenia, as thousands of Armenian citizens have taken to the streets to exercise their right to expression and peaceful assembly. We are monitoring closely ongoing protests in downtown Yerevan and other cities in Armenia. We are encouraged by the responsible and respectful behavior of the vast majority of protestors and police throughout the last several days. We are troubled, however, by reports of sporadic clashes between police and protesters, including some injuries. We encourage both government authorities and the protesters to exercise restraint and avoid any escalatory or violent actions", the US State Department said, according to the US Embassy in Armenia. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Taking into account the public calls of the opposition demonstrators in an attempt to involve school-aged children and teenagers in the recent protests, the ministry of education and science called on political forces, civil initiatives and individuals to refrain from attempts on including minors in the mass demonstrations, the ministry told ARMENPRESS. Taking into account the safety and age-related sensitivity of school children, the ministry also called on parents to be attentive towards their school-aged children and teenagers. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. A great number of the opposition demonstrators led by MP Nikol Pashinyan comprise minors. Many schoolchildren are among the protesters. Earlier police called for ruling out the participation of teenagers in demonstrations citing safety concerns. We ask parents to be attentive on the whereabouts of their children and their actions, police said in a statement. In any situation, all of us are responsible for teenagers and the youth, and ensuring their safety is the duty of all of us. Taking into account the public calls of the opposition demonstrators in an attempt to involve school-aged children and teenagers in the recent protests, the ministry of education and science called on political forces, civil initiatives and individuals to refrain from attempts on including minors in the mass demonstrations, the ministry told ARMENPRESS. Taking into account the safety and age-related sensitivity of school children, the ministry also called on parents to be attentive towards their school-aged children and teenagers. Opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his crowd of supporters reached the Prime Ministers residence in Baghramyan Avenue earlier in the morning. Earlier the demonstrators occupied the citys France Square. Baghramyan Avenue did not have the same amount of heavy police presence as yesterday and the protesters reached the PMs residence easily. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. More than 80 people were detained for misdemeanor. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenias healthcare ministry informs that on April 18, as of 11:00, five citizens, who were injured during the ongoing rallies in Yerevan, continue receiving treatment in hospitals, the ministry told Armenpress. Doctors said 4 of them are in satisfactory condition. One of the injured is under control in the intensive care unit for the disease not connected with the injury. The police officer, who underwent surgery, has been moved to the Police Hospital. All injured people have passed necessary medical examinations and receive appropriate treatment. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Demonstrators of the illegal rally in Yerevan, which began April 13th, continued unlawful actions April 16 by ignoring the decision of the police to cease the demonstration. After the April 17 evening rally in Republic Square, nearly 70 protesters arrived in the Mashtots Tumanyan intersection and began causing public disturbances by destroying city property, namely signboards, traffic lights and traffic signs. The mob was reportedly angered by the cleaning activities of the citys waste management service. The angry mob also attacked on-duty police officers, and even obstructed reporters. A criminal case has been initiated, the Prosecutor Generals Office said. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. More than 80 people were detained for misdemeanor. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The airport of Bratislava, Slovakias capital city, is used as a transit point for smuggling Czech rocket launchers and howitzers to Azerbaijan, Czech reporters have revealed in an article in The Slovak Spectator. The article mentions that taking into account the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, there is a ban on exports of weapons from Slovakia to Azerbaijan, a ban which has factually been violated, The Slovak Spectator reported. The weapons are reportedly produced by the Czechoslovak Group holding, owned by Czech armourer Jaroslav Strnad, according to Czech Television. Although the company has denied the claims, shortly after broadcasting report, an employee of the Slovak arms factory MSM spoke up and described how old weapons are re-built in the Trencin-based company and then transported via Israel to Azerbaijan, the TASR newswire reported. The information was leaked after the Azerbaijani army boasted with the weapons of Czech origin in an ad showcasing the modernized self-propelled gun, the Dana howitzer, with a range of 18 kilometers, and the multiple rocket launcher Vampir, with a 20-kilometre range. The whole process starts with bringing the old DANA howitzer that is disassembled directly in the company, the MSM employee described to the reporters of the Czech Television, as quoted by TASR The Slovak Spectator reported. The MSM employee provided detailed description on the process. The new facilities, including navigation, camera and communication systems, are sent from Israel, the employee added. The employee also revealed they signed a contract for distributing 18 howitzers and 15 rocket launchers this year, and the same amount next year, as reported by TASR. The Czech Defence Ministry said that the intelligence service is monitoring the weapon exports. Czech reporters contacted MSM holding over the matter. The company confirmed the delivery of DANA-M1 and RM-70 systems to Israel. However, it refused to provide more details. The company also rejected any business concerning weapon systems with Azerbaijan. The reporters even recorded one such transport on camera. The transport of one rocket launcher started on December 27, 2017, and was carried by a truck from Trencin to the Bratislava airport, where it was moved to the plane owned by Azerbaijani airlines, Silk Way. It then flew to Tel Aviv in Israel, where company Elbit, who was described as the end customer, resides. The data then revealed that the plane continued to Baku in Azerbaijan. Nothing is unloaded in Israel; there is only a stop to make sure the papers are correct, the employee of MSM told the Czech Television. The plane flies directly from the Israeli airport to Azerbaijan. Under the current rules, the arms dealers can sell weapons only to countries that are considered safe and where the buyers show the end-user certificate. While Israel meets the criteria, Azerbaijan does not. The companies belonging to the Czechoslovak Group have tried to receive permission to deliver weapons to Azerbaijan, but failed to receive it both in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, TASR reported. Neither MSM nor the Czechoslovak Group have confirmed that the weapons end up in Azerbaijan. The Slovak Economy Ministry has asked the licence holder to comment on the information. The company said that the end user and customer was an Israeli company, as its spokesperson, Maros Stano, told Czech Television. However, the Economy and Foreign Affairs Ministries are monitoring the situation, Stano added, the article reads. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian Police detained 66 participants of the rally organized by opposition MP, leader of Civil Contract party Nikol Pashinyan in Yerevan, the Police told Armenpress. The citizens were detained on April 18 at 12:00. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out rallies in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. More than 80 people were detained for misdemeanor. From the morning of April 18 the rally participants again closed the France Square, then marching through Baghramyan Avenue reached the Prime Ministers residence. Later the Police restored the traffic in the France Square. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. State Secretary of Finance of the Netherlands Menno Snel will attend the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Armenia next week, NL Times reports. This is the first time a member of the Dutch government will be present at the commemoration. From now on a Dutch Minister or State Secretary will attend the commemoration every five years, RTL Nieuws reports. Two months ago the lower house of Dutch parliament, recognized the Armenian Genocide. The NL Times article also mentioned that after the recognition, Turkish media targeted five Dutch parliamentarians who have a Turkish background. Turkish website En Son Haber published their names and photos under the headline: "The five Turks who have betrayed the motherland". The lower house had also demanded that the government send a representative to the commemoration of the genocide, and the government agreed. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan 1. Comments must not be racist, misogynistic, homophobic, or otherwise bigoted. 2. Comments must not involve little more than name-calling and insulting remarks. 3. Comments must not be made by "anonymous" or "unknown". 4. Comments must not try to sneak in some free advertising for themselves (like spam). I invite anyone who wishes to comment on this blog to do so. I enjoy the comments, whether you agree with what I have said or not. But some people want to abuse the right to comment, and since this is my blog, I have decided to lay down the following rules. If your comment violates these rules, it will not be published. YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The Yerevan Police Department is carrying out actions for restoring public order and public safety in locations of the illegal demonstrations. Police are particularly taking actions to prevent and cease the rallys actions on obstructing traffic and restricting the rights of citizens, police spokesman Ashot Aharonyan said on Facebook. People who are obstructing on-duty police officers and their actions in the locations of the demonstrations are being detained and brought to police stations for identification and solving the issue of administrative liability. Detainees will be released immediately in case of absence of suspicion on committing offenses, he said. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Aharon Adibekyan, director of Sociometer independent sociological center, says the results of the voting held in the Armenian parliament on April 17 were predictable, reports Armenpress. Adibekyan told reporters that the polls conducted among 100 experts show that current Prime Minister Serzh Sargsyan is the most appropriate political figure who is aware of Armenias foreign policy field. 60% of the respondents saw Serzh Sargsyan as prime minister, 30% - current President Armen Sarkissian and 10% - Karen Karapetyan, he said. The Republican Party is the most powerful political force in Armenia which can dictate its leader what position to adopt in the political field. According to the sociologist, the situation changed so that Serzh Sargsyan agreed to assume the PMs post for political reasons. There is such an atmosphere in Armenia that Serzh Sargsyan is the only guilt for everything. There is an impression that only one person makes a decision in the country. But it isnt so. During his tenure as Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan was stating that its necessary to jointly look for a way to get out of this situation, Adibekyan said. Commenting on the appropriateness of electing Armen Sarkissian as President of Armenia, the sociologist said he has quite a big experience in communication which is very important feature for the president. He, as a person representing the country, is quite experienced, Aharon Adibekyan stated. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Demonstrators of opposition MP Nikol Pashinyans rally attempted to block the Tumanyan-Mashtots intersection in downtown Yerevan when police officers interfered and didnt allow protesters to shut down traffic. Yerevan police detained one person from the area, ARMENPRESS correspondent reported. The opposition MP and his supporters continue marching in the city. The demonstrators are currently holding a sit-in at the intersection of Arshakunyats Avenue near the Circus building. Demonstrators led by opposition lawmaker Nikol Pashinyan once again occupied the France Square in downtown Yerevan in the morning of April 18. At 10:00 in the morning, the MP arrived in the Square and his crowd began blocking the Mashtots Ave. intersection. Our movement has support. Thanks to all those people who participated in organizing this process, he said. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. More than 80 people were detained for misdemeanor. Police reminded that it has earlier ruled to lawfully stop the illegal rally in accordance to the law, and the organizers have been notified, but ignored the decision. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenia serves as a platform for the Brazilian businessmen to enter Russian and Iranian markets, Armen Avak Avakian director of Business Armenia, told reporters on the sidelines of the Armenian-Brazilian Business Forum in Yerevan on April 18, Armenpress reports. Armenias geographical position is quite convenient for ensuring the link from the Persian Gulf to the Black Sea, and secondly, we have economic ties with the Russian market, other countries of the EAEU [Eurasian Economic Union], Iran and the European Union. We believe that there are broad opportunities for the Brazilian businessmen to work in the region through us, the official noted. He said the Brazilian companies which produce and export goods to Russia or Iran, can establish their productions here by using the EAEUs opportunities. In this regard the Business Armenia chief attached importance to the activity of the Armenian free economic zones where it is possible to produce and export goods with privileged tax terms. Armenia also has free economic zones where there is an opportunity to conduct an activity without taxation regime. We have separate free economic zones in the fields of jewelry, IT, and in late 2017 we launched the Meghri Free Economic Zone. When the free trade agreement is signed between Iran and the EAEU, this zone will play an important role in our economic relations, he said. Talking about Armenias overall investment environment, Armen Avak Avakian said the ongoing reforms here are directed for both the local and foreign businesses to feel comfortable in the country. As for the export of Armenian goods, the Business Armenia head said the greater the distance between the countries, the bigger the export volumes of goods so that in the total expenditures the relative share of logistic costs will decrease. But, according to him, at the moment there is a problem of ensuring great volumes to Brazil. The total trade turnover between Armenia and Brazil in 2017 comprised 73 million 475 thousand USD, increasing by nearly 40% compared to 2016. The import of goods from Brazil affected the growth, but in terms of export decline was recorded. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. 72 people have been detained as of 14:00 from the locations where opposition MP Nikol Pashinyans demonstrations are underway, Yerevan Police Department (YPD) told ARMENPRESS. Six minors have also been detained for participating in riots. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. Police reminded that it has earlier ruled to lawfully stop the illegal rally in accordance to the law, and the organizers have been notified, but ignored the decision. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The Human Rights Defenders Office has demanded police to immediately release minors who have been detained without grounds. Representatives of the Ombudsman continue working for protection of rights of the detainees in police stations, the office said, adding that they are constantly monitoring the situation. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Armenias IT production can be attractive in the Brazilian market, Agemar de Mendonca Sanctos Ambassador of Brazil to Armenia, told reporters in Yerevan on the sidelines of the Armenian-Brazilian Business Forum, adding that the IT is one of the dynamically developing fields in Armenia, Armenpress reports. We are confident that Armenia has opportunities which should be promoted. In line with the Brazilian businesses, we also should promote the development of Armenian businesses. There is a belief according to which Armenias future is the development of the IT field. There are young people in Armenia who are excited by this field and there are brains which can deal with it. And we are thinking about the development of this sector so that both the Brazilian and Armenian businesses will develop, the Ambassador said and attached importance to the mutual visits of businessmen, as well as the visits of the Armenian community of Brazil in terms of strengthening the bilateral ties. According to the Ambassador this meeting will become a platform to deepen the bilateral commercial ties. I also want to state that today trade is not a bilateral, but a multilateral process which can be used not only by Armenia and Brazil, but also other countries of the region, Ambassador Agemar de Mendonca Sanctos said. In this context he highlighted Armenias role in terms of access to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Iran and Georgia. English translator/editor: Aneta Harutyunyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Demonstrators led by opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan have surrounded the governmental building on Vazgen Sargsyan Street which houses the ministry of Diaspora, ministry of education and science, ministry of justice and the foreign ministry. ARMENPRESS correspondent reported from the scene that the protesters marched from Grigor Lusavorich Street heading to Republic Square and ended up blocking the ministries. Pashinyan used a loudspeaker to address ministry staff, calling to join them for the upcoming 19:00 rally. Since April 13, opposition MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are carrying out demonstrations in Yerevan. The situation escalated when the crowd began sporadically blocking traffic and launching sit-ins in major streets and squares of the city. On the same day, a brief clash took place between police officers and demonstrators in Baghramyan Avenue. Six police officers, Pashinyan himself and around 40 demonstrators sought medical attention. Police reminded that it has earlier ruled to lawfully stop the illegal rally in accordance to the law, and the organizers have been notified, but ignored the decision. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. As part of fighting cybercrimes, the National Security Service of Armenia eliminated a criminal syndicate comprising Armenian citizens who were engaged in bank account fraud, the National Security Service told ARMENPRESS. The scammers were active in 2017-2018 and used social media to commit fraud. The syndicate targeted over two dozen citizens of Artsakh, created fake social media accounts under the names of their family members and tricked them into providing bank details under the pretext for sending remittances from abroad. The scammers later used the bank account information to cash out money. Five scammers have been arrested. An investigation is currently underway to identify and discover the remaining accomplices of the criminals, as well as the entire circle of victims. In addition to the abovementioned case, the NSS also uncovered a transnational syndicate of bank scammers. In particular, a group of Russian citizens committed bank fraud by getting hold of bank accounts of several Armenian citizens and causing 160,000 dollars in damages. Two citizens of Armenia have been charged as accomplices. In addition, another case was uncovered involving a group of 4 citizens of Spain, Lithuania and Georgia. The group illegally obtained bank information from US-based banks. The scammers later illegally transferred more than 32 million drams to their accounts and attempted to withdraw it from ATMs. But they were unable to cash out the money because Armenian banks assessed the transactions as suspicious and the accounts were frozen, and credit cards were blocked. English translator/editor: Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. Russian Kommersant newspaper has reported about the intention of Belarus to implement the agreement on exporting 10 Polonez multiple launch rocket systems. Azerbaijan is believed to be the possible buyer of the systems. Earlier, Azerbaijans defense minister had visited Belarus to get acquainted with the production technologies of the weapons. Interestingly, earlier, in February 2018, it was reported that Armenia had managed to block the Azerbaijan-Belarus deal. Our position on supplying arms to Azerbaijan is clear and has not changed. As refers to the given report, the MFA has not the work style to comment on information received from anonymous sources, spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry of Armenia Tigran Balayan announced in an interview with ARMENPRESS, responding to the reports of Kommersant. The sources of Kommersant had noted that the deal will be received negatively in Yerevan, adding that the Iskanders located in Armenia can act as a deterrent in the relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Kommersants source close to the Belarusian defense ministry informed that the first supply can take place already in 2018. According to him, the first agreement is about the export of 10 multiple launch rocket systems. Legal procedures are in the final stage, while the customer completes it financial issues. The source refused to reveal the buyer, but two top managers in the Russian defense industry informed that its Azerbaijan. Azerbaijans foreign ministry has not commented yet. The source of Kommersant assesses the agreement as a delayed answer to the Iskanders supplied to Armenia by Russia. He reminded that back in 2016 Azerbaijans defense minister Zakir Hasanov had threatened to inflict a destructive blow on Stepanakert, Artsakhs capital, but the supply of only one division of the Iskander forced Azerbaijan to think better, after which the sides started to negotiate under Russian brokering. But earlier this year, sources both in Minsk and Yerevan reported that Armenia had managed to block that deal. Armenia and Belarus are both members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. We wanted to sell Polonez systems to Azerbaijan but Armenia, our CSTO partner, was against that deal. The deal was blocked, Belarusian military analyst Alexander Alesin said. English translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, 18 APRIL, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 18 April, USD exchange rate is down by 0.80 drams to 480.99 drams. EUR exchange rate is down by 1.23 drams to 594.84 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate is down by 0.04 drams to 7.79 drams. GBP exchange rate is down by 7.35 drams to 682.62 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price is down by 146.83 drams to 20754.48 drams. Silver price is down by 0.04 drams to 257.09 drams. Platinum price is down by 101.24 drams to 14304.37 drams. YEREVAN, APRIL 18, ARMENPRESS. The rally organized by MP Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters took place in the evening of April 18. ARMENPRESS reports the opposition MP urged to organize demonstrations in smaller cities and villages, including blocking bodies of local government and streets and highways, as well as other activities. Referring to future steps, Pashinyan emphasized that they will continue the tactics of paralyzing the functioning of state bodies. At the same time, addressing the young people and teenagers, who are fiery urged them to remain entirely in the logic of peaceful activities. Referring to the participation of minors and schoolchildren in the protests, Pashinyan said that they can even organize some actions and it will be lawful as prescribed by the law on Freedom of assembly. Nikol Pashinyan also thanked the Yerevan State University and the Armenian State Pedagogical University for their behavior for the doors of the mentioned universities are not closed in front of them. Apart from Nikol Pashinyan some other public and political figures also delivered speeches. The rally was followed by a march to Baghramyan Avenue. English translator/editor: Tigran Sirekanyan NEW YORK With aesthetics reminiscent of 2013's A Thing of Beauty, today's CockyBoys release of the debut scene from its new series, Love: Lost and Found, is the latest from Jake Jaxson and RJ Sebastian. Love: Lost and Found features Sean Ford, Allen King, Taylor Reign, Cory Kane, Levi Karter, Jasen Zhu and Troy Acolla with a special appearance by Francois Sagat. Episode one begins with couple Taylor Reign and Cory Kane jetting off to sunny Mexico to have some fun with each other, and whomever else they might meet. They've invited their newly single friend Sean Ford, who's in need of cheering up. But Sean isn't quite ready yet to leave his woes behind and cut loose like his buddies, even when he goes with them to a party yacht with other "open-minded" couples (one being Allen King and Levi Karter). By the time the uninhibited fun moves to a local bar, the seeds are planted for some couple swapping. As the night progresses and leads to after-hours, Taylor and Corey end up in a full-on threeway with Allen King. CockyBoys owner and Director Jake Jaxson stated, This series was such a pleasure to shoot and reminded me that I work with the best group of models around. Everyone got along so well, and worked together to create a beautiful series that I think fans can connect to on numerous levels. Bakery supplier Lantmannen Unibake UK has appointed Richard Stowey to head its UK site operations. Stowey will be responsible for all UK operations, including end-to-end supply chain, technical, procurement and capital investment programmes. He will also look after the companys two high-output UK factories, based in Milton Keynes and Bedford respectively. His most recent experience is associated with managing large-scale new factory build projects for Noble Foods and Dairy Crest. I want to spend this year focusing on our factory and, ultimately, the things we are measured by, said Stowey. To achieve this, were making our senior team far more visible and accessible in the bakery, and giving the teams a more defined drumbeat to operate to, making sure we are all working together as one cohesive and united team. Stowey said he was also looking forward to the firms capital investment into its burger bun and bread lines, which he believed would help expand capacity to meet customer demand and improve efficiency. Stowey previously worked in site general management positions with Northern Foods for seven years, followed by meals and sandwich manufacturing experience as operations director at Buckingham Foods and Premier Foods. Now that it is fully apparent, to all who have the ability to pay some modicum of attention, that Imposter President Biden has extreme cognitive issues, in addition to being an inveterate liar: Can OUR Republic continue with this Executive Office that has completely failed, so many times, on far too many issues here at this early date in this abysmal presidency? No, Joseph R. Biden is completely unqualified, morally and cognitively, to represent real Americans, and lead this Republic of disparate peoples. Yes, Joseph R. Biden has started whispering again, even softer now than before; so, I know he still cares, plus, OUR media will soon stop reporting on Afghanistan in favor of OUR Socialist ideals. The N.C. Supreme Court will have another chance to join the political tug of war pitting Gov. Roy Cooper against state legislative leaders. How the high court responds to that opportunity will offer more clues about its willingness to play partisan politics.The Republican-led General Assembly prevailed over the Democrat Cooper in two court rulings last week. Cooper quickly announced plans to appeal. It's likely that neither the governor nor the legislature will abandon the legal battlefield until the state Supreme Court has had its say.This won't be the first time the court's seven justices end up settling one skirmish in an ongoing political feud.Back in January, the court's four Democrats voted against its three Republicans in a case involving the newly merged state board overseeing state elections and ethics issues. That ruling favoring the governor in Cooper v. Berger marked just the third time (in 59 total cases) that the justices had split along party lines.And the ruling stood out for more than just its party-line division. Breaking with normal practice, the Supreme Court released its Cooper v. Berger opinion without advanced notice on a day that had not been scheduled for newly released court rulings.Justices also released Cooper v. Berger by itself. In contrast, the court had released seven opinions on its previous regularly scheduled opinion date in December. It released 18 more on the next regularly scheduled date in March.Whether inspired by the subject matter - a time-sensitive election administration dispute at the start of a new election year - or other reasons, the Supreme Court set Cooper v. Berger apart from its other cases.Since that case, the high court has returned to a pattern fairly consistent with justices' work in 2017. That was the first year that the current seven-member court started hearing cases together. Regardless of Democrats' newly won 4-3 majority, most 2017 cases ended with unanimous rulings. Of the minority of cases in which justices split, most splits had nothing to do with party labels Since Cooper v. Berger, the state Supreme Court has handed down another 29 opinions this year. Twenty-three, nearly 80 percent, have been unanimous. Just two of the cases have produced 4-3 splits. Neither of those splits involved party-line votes. Instead, Democratic Justice Sam Ervin IV (author of the Cooper v. Berger majority opinion) joined with the court's three Republicans to form a majority in both cases.In fact, since Cooper v. Berger, Ervin and the three Republican justices have joined the majority in every single case. (In one March case, technically a unanimous 7-0 decision on the outcome, Ervin and his three fellow Democrats endorsed a majority opinion, while the three Republicans agreed - or concurred - only with the result.)Meanwhile, Democrats have been the lone dissenters in recent months. Justice Cheri Beasley has written four dissents this year. That's three more than she wrote throughout 2017. Justice Michael Morgan has authored two dissents and Justice Robin Hudson one.It's true that no other case this year has featured the partisan political angle associated with Cooper v. Berger. Most have had little or no relation to any current political or public policy dispute.But that fact makes the Cooper v. Berger ruling stand out in even starker contrast. When a court rarely splits along party lines (four times in 88 cases since January 2017), a party-line vote in a case involving partisan politics is bound to raise eyebrows.The current court has not backed the governor in every dispute. In March, the Supreme Court refused Cooper's latest plea to block the elections and ethics board from moving forward. A one-sentence order signed by Morgan shot down Cooper's request.Now court observers will watch closely as the justices decide how to handle the latest partisan disputes. They involve three questions.First, can the General Assembly order the governor to include funding for Opportunity Scholarship school vouchers in his budget proposal? Second, can the General Assembly shrink the N.C. Court of Appeals from 15 members to 12 by depriving the governor of appointments to appellate court seats that are vacated in the middle of a term? Third, must the governor cede control of all money in the state treasury to lawmakers?A lower court has answered "yes" to all three questions. In the case of voucher funding and the Appeals Court downsizing, that "yes" emerged from a partisan split on a three-judge Superior Court panel. Two Republicans cast the affirmative votes, while a Democrat dissented. In the case of control over state funds, though, the same Democrat was the sole presiding judge. He ruled in favor of the Republican-led General Assembly and against the Democratic governor.No one should be surprised if the Supreme Court takes up the first two issues, given the split trial-court ruling. Even with no partisan element, it's common for an appellate court to settle issues that prompt such division within lower courts.It would be more remarkable if justices decide to address the third, clear-cut decision favoring the General Assembly. That case contained no hint of partisan bias on the bench. A reversal from the Supreme Court would inject at least the appearance of partisanship.Justices probably would like to avoid another 4-3 party-line split. As one former appellate colleague has said,Much of our faith in the judicial system is based on the perception that courts place the law before party politics. The United States spends more on health care than any other industrialized country but doesn't get better results, as measured by average life expectancy. Have you heard this claim before? Did you respond with agreement or skepticism?In recent years, I've devoted much study and practice to exploring why we disagree so vociferously about public issues. My goal hasn't been to eliminate political disputes. That would be impossible and silly. Indeed, I've spent most of my career arguing about public policy. I'm not going to stop advocating my views and trying to influence governmental decisions.What I really want to know is why our disagreements seem to have become so solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and endless. Both opinion polls and everyday experience confirm that most North Carolinians, like most Americans, are dissatisfied with the way we practice politics.The current political discourse alienates and separates us. It fosters an impoverished, simplistic understanding of what are often highly complicated problems. It is nasty and brutish, resembling less a self-governing republic than amateur night at a seedy comedy club. The only Hobbesian adjective that doesn't apply here is short. It's like we're all crowded into a steamy station wagon on a trip that never ends, all the while bickering about who touched whom first.We the people are resentful about all this - registering some the lowest ratings for our political leaders and public institutions in the history of survey research - but also culpable ourselves. Politicians are to blame for failing to set a better example. And the rest of us are to blame for following their example, rather than demanding they truly lead or duly leave.I am far from having a full toolbox of solutions for all these problems. But I will offer two insights I've drawn from recent experiences with the North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership , which trains those who aspire to elective or appointive office in our state, and with the North Carolina Leadership Forum , a project based at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy that convenes current leaders from government, business, and nonprofits to promote constructive engagement across our political differences.The first insight is that we can't have meaningful arguments without sharing at least some of the same facts. Some people come to believe things that are demonstrably untrue, certainly. More common and more problematic, however, is that we have some facts but not all of them, or not a clear-eyed understanding of what they mean.The second insight is that we mostly share a common set of values but we don't rank them the same way. Consider these five terms: freedom, virtue, security, equality, and prudence. You may well respond favorably to most or all of them. But depending on which one ranks highest on your priority list, you probably lean Republican (for the first two groups, libertarians and traditionalists), Democratic (for the second two groups, communitarians and progressives), or split your ticket.If both facts and values separate us, are we doomed to an endless cycle of antagonism and frustration? No. If we better understand why other people might reasonably form a different conclusion about a political issue, we'll be less likely to go nuclear on them. We may even crack the door open to a real conversation that could change their minds - or our own.Don't worry, I'm not going to leave you hanging about health care. Yes, it is indisputably the case that America is a big spender. But it's less clear that we get little from our investment. Average life expectancy is affected by many things, not just the availability and quality of medical services. If we exclude fatal injuries from homicides, car crashes, and industrial accidents, for example, America's average life expectancy is at the top of the list (p. 22).Already thinking of responses to my claim? That's great - as long as you aren't just thinking of ways to attack or insult me. Let's trade facts. Let's compare our priority lists. Let's talk. Tom Campbell What should we expect when we invest $150 million in reading programs for our elementary students? I'm not sure what the objectives were, but I am pretty certain the results weren't what anyone wanted.In 2011, North Carolina's legislative leadership recognized our reading crisis. Only 34 percent of our fourth grade students were considered proficient (having solid academic performance) in reading and just 68 percent possessed basic grade-level skills, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress or NAEP test. When launching the Read to Achieve Initiative Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger stated that in the first three grades children learn to read and from that point on they read to learn. Reading proficiency is the launching pad for success in school and life.Since then North Carolina has invested $151.7 million on Read to Achieve. The results: the 2017 NAEP assessment indicates a five percent improvement to 39 percent among fourth graders, while 33 percent of eighth graders read proficiently. Just over one-half of our state's white or non-poor students were considered proficient, however only 19 percent of black students and 22 percent of Hispanic and low-income students achieved proficiency status.We've known for years that socioeconomically disadvantaged and minority students were not receiving the "sound basic education" our constitution dictates. It is a troubling realism that we cannot change the economic circumstances, the home environments or many other factors that contribute to these students' low performance. We are earnestly seeking solutions for low performing students but with spotty results. While some students are achieving and doing well in our current system, we clearly are not moving the needle far enough and fast enough for far too many.Once the world's leader in elementary and secondary education, the U.S. doesn't even rank in the top 20 nations now. The Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) tests 15 year olds from 72 countries every three years. The 2015 scores rank the United States 40th in math, 24th in reading and 25th in science scores. Compared to the 2012 tests, we dropped 11 points in math, while remaining flat in reading and science.Just as we united with single-mindedness to win World War II we need a similar resolve to reinvigorate our education system. It begins with higher expectations of students and parents, more rigor in subject matter, longer class days and calendar years, and includes improved technology and learning techniques, better trained educators and, yes, we need to be prepared to spend greatly increase funds for education. But too much data shows money alone isn't the secret sauce, as we learned with the $151 million our state spent trying to improve reading. And let's be clear on another essential point - our teachers and principals may be on the front lines, but they cannot win this war of a greatly improved educational system alone.This country and our state are failing our children; more importantly, we are condemning ourselves to a much less healthy future. Whether we want to acknowledge it or not we are indeed part of a global economy and we cannot competitively compete with a mediocre education system. Not to overdramatize, but this is a war we cannot avoid and one we cannot afford to lose. Contact: White House White House Press Office " -Hardworking taxpayers will see more money in their paychecks as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law by President Donald J. Trump. Today is the last "Tax Day" under the old system. Next Tax Day in 2019, taxpayers will clearly see the results of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as Washington will be taking less of their hard-earned wages. Approximately two-thirds, 65 percent, of all households will see lower marginal income tax rates in 2018, according to a recent analysis by the Tax Policy Center. Taxes are expected to decline across all income groups. 82 percent of middle-income taxpayers are expected to receive an income tax cut. A typical family of four earning $75,000 a year and with two children will see a tax cut of more than $2,000 in 2018. Americans deserve a tax code that enables them to file their taxes without an army of lawyers and accountants and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will help do just that. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, a large majority of American families will have their taxes simplified because of the increased standard deduction. Dozens of special interest tax breaks and loopholes have been eliminated, which will raise $4 trillion in revenue to help offset tax cuts for American workers and families.Less money taken out of workers' paychecks will mean more money freed up to provide for their families and invest in their future. Americans deserve a tax system that has their backs and the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act does just that by taking less out of workers' paychecks and supporting their efforts to provide a better future for their families. As a result of the tax cuts and reforms signed into law by President Trump, American families can look forward to: Lower individual tax rates. A nearly doubled standard deduction, from $6,500 to $12,000 for individuals and from $13,000 to $24,000 for married couples. A doubled Child Tax Credit, increased from $1,000 to $2,000 per child. A new $500 tax credit for dependents age 17 or older. An expanded medical expense deduction. No more individual mandate penalty tax. Expanded use of 529 education savings accounts, which can now be used to help pay for elementary and secondary education in addition to college.President Trump has heard directly from hardworking taxpayers about how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is improving their lives. Since signing these historic tax cuts and reforms into law, the President has held a series of meetings and events with workers, business owners, and families to hear their stories. In West Virginia, President Trump heard from Tony Hodge, a rural mail carrier with two young children, who said that his "family has been able to save, this year, $2,417" because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Jessica Hodge, Tony's wife, told the President that "this is a big deal for our family." Sean Farrell, an engineer at Service Pump and Supply in West Virginia with two children in private school, spoke with President Trump about how the expansion of 529 savings account is helping his family. Farrell told the President: "Last month, we opened for the first time a 529 account. Previously, these accounts could only be used to spend on college education. With the changes to the tax law, we can now spend it with St. Joe, for our kids' K-12 education." During an event in Ohio, Deana Spoleti, who works in customer service at Sheffer Corporation, told the President "we'll have money in the bank, more money to make ends meet" due to tax cuts. In an Oval Office meeting, John Anfinson, an Iowa small business owner, said that his granddaughter and her husband are "going to have about $6,000 additional money they got to keep." The Icelandic government will allow Hvalur to kill 161 fin whales, as well as allowing it to use 20 percent of its self-allocated and unused quota from last year, which means up to 191 whales could be killed. Photo by Alamy 706 shares Iceland seems to be the most confused of nations when it comes to whales. On the one hand it attracts international tourists from all over the world to go out and see whales as part of their encounters with Icelands many natural wonders. On the other hand it kills whales for profit, with some portion of the kill even being fed to some of the same tourists in restaurants and cafes. Yesterday, the whaling company Hvalur hf, whose name means Whale, Inc. in Icelandic, announced it would resume its killing of endangered fin whales after a two-year hiatus. The Icelandic government will allow Hvalur to kill 161 fin whales, as well as allow it to use 20 percent of its self-allocated and unused quota from last year, which means up to 191 whales could be killed. And all of this killing will happen in defiance of the International Whaling Commissions global moratorium on commercial whaling. Icelands decision will rightly cause outrage all over the world, and the countrys government should really know better. Hvalur is a 70-year-old killing enterprise, owned by a wealthy citizen with outsized influence in the Land of Fire and Ice. And Hvalur is the principal reason why this otherwise ecologically responsible nation continues to support an ecologically irresponsible practice. The fin whale, our planets second largest animal after the blue whale, is classified as a globally endangered species. During its last hunt, in 2015, Hvalur killed 155 of them. Then the company took two years off apparently because of a declining market for whale meat in Japan. The commercial whaling industry in Iceland also hunts minke whales in defiance of the moratorium. Icelands greenlighting of Hvalurs actions is especially disappointing and surprising in light of the fact that the United States has undertaken a rigorous review process of Icelands whaling activities and certified Iceland under the Pelly Amendment, a legal provision that includes potential economic sanctions against nations that are compromising marine conservation goals. The United States imposed sanctions under this process for Icelands participation in the trade of whale meat and products. Whales face multiple threats in todays oceans from pollution, climate change, entanglements in fish nets and ship strike. The global moratorium is needed more than ever, and its a shame that Iceland would bow to the will of one man and one company. Iceland returned to the International Whaling Commission in 2002 with a reservation to the commercial moratorium, a claim 19 member nations objected to at the time. Controversially, Iceland was allowed to vote on its own readmission. At the time, many IWC governments strongly objected because the country, bound by the moratorium to which it had agreed in 1982, had quit and rejoined but then opted out of the single most important conservation measure of the treaty. Countries do not normally quit simply because they dont like the conservation measures to which they have agreed. Youre either in or youre out. Iceland is one of just three nations that conduct and otherwise encourage commercial whaling in defiance of the IWCs global moratorium, with Norway and Japan being the other two. Japans whaling fleet recently returned to port with a kill total of 333 minke whales taken in its months-long hunt in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary in Antarctic waters. Shinzo Abe, Japans prime minister, is an unabashed supporter of whaling. The leader likes to invoke cultural arguments even in defence of a rapacious whaling industry that is fundamentally commercial and not genuinely rooted in Japanese tradition. In this respect, Iceland, Japan and Norway are in the same boat, as nations deeply unmoored from world opinion and sensitivity toward the plight of the whales as a matter of shared feeling and concern. Their continued whaling stands in the way of the urgent work of saving whales from looming threats that require the concerted energy and constructive action of a united global community. This week . . . London Oxford Airport's annual pre-EBACE briefing highlighted the huge variety of innovative companies operating on site, from long standing players like CAE and Airways Aviation, to newer tech startups, such as bulk procurement specialists Aviaa. New kids on the block Hullo Aircrew and FLYT are both receiving great traction for their apps, for flight crew and helicopter charter respectively. When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, the crew of an American seaplane were caught off guard near New Zealand. Unable to return across the Pacific, they were forced to fly home "the long way" all the way around the world. In this week's episode of the Futility Closet podcast we'll follow the adventures of the Pacific Clipper on its 30,000-mile journey through a world engulfed in war. We'll also delve into the drug industry and puzzle over a curious case of skin lesions. Show notes Please support us on Patreon! In Canada, we're just months away from seeing the nationwide decriminalization of marijuana. There's still a ton of legislative junk to work out: the provinces and our Federal government, as well as a whack of NGOs still bickering over important points like how the cops should identify or handle impaired driving, how to use the tax money legalized cannabis will generate, and where just as with cigarettes it'll be cool to smoke the stuff. I know it'll all get squared away and, despite the fact that I've no taste for the stuff myself, I think that legalizing the drug will likely leave the country better off than it was when it was illegal. According to The Guardian, The Liberal Party of Canada, of which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau belongs to, is looking to table legislation that could decriminalize other illegal drugs as well. The Liberals will be discussing whether or not they'll adopt decriminalization as a party policy at a meeting on the country's east coast this week. The decriminalization of hard drugs like heroin and crack cocaine can go a long way towards harm reduction among addicts, decrease the spread of infectious disease and take a serious chunk of profits out of the black market. As The Guardian points out, " Portugal has seen dramatic drops in overdose deaths, HIV infection rates and drug-related crimes, while the number of drug users seeking treatment has increased." In Canada, we've been practicing harm reduction around narcotics use for years. In Vancouver, where I lived for close to a decade, injection drug use is rampant on the lower east side of the city. If you want to see what desperation, illness and need look like, all you need do is take a walk through that part of the city's downtown core. To attempt to provide a safe environment for addicts and other marginalized individuals, the city and a number of private interests offer low-barrier housing in the area. The hope is that by getting drug users off the streets and into a safe environment where they can shelter and, if they choose to do so, use narcotics, lives can be saved. Being in a safe place that users can call their own can also save lives: If the time comes where someone decides that they want to kick their habit, the housing's management staff are there to suggest next steps and assist their tenants in getting the help that they need. And that's not the end of it: Vancouver's also the home of a groundbreaking safe injection site. At Insite, drug users are provided with clean syringes, alcohol swabs, and all of the other gear they need to use their drug of choice in the safest manner possible. They can shoot up and stay at the facility as long as they like. Nurses stand by at Insite to offer advice on healthcare, safe injection strategies, getting into rehab and if need be, to intercede in the event of an overdose. It's a facility that has been saving lives and helping to stop the spread of infectious disease for years. I can't even begin to imagine how much good or what challenges could arise, for that matter from adopting a national standard for narcotics decriminalization. Should the Liberals adopt the policy that the drugs should be decriminalized, two of Canada's three major political parties will be of the same mind on the concept. Image via Flickr, courtesy of Alex Guibord In 1853, the U.S. Government bought a 29,670 square mile chunk of dirt in a deal that, as history buffs will tell you, ended up being called the Gadsden Purchase. It was a dick move: purchasing the land meant bisecting the territory of the area's indigenous Tohono O'odham Nation. This left half of the Tohono O'odham in Mexico and the other half in the United States. Today, the Tohono O'odham are a federally recognized tribe, with somewhere around 34,000 members. This number includes around 2,000 Tohono O'odham who live in Mexico. It's not uncommon for the tribe to cooperate with Homeland Security where protecting the border is concerned. But guess what? A tribe that had their lands split up by the Federal government once isn't crazy about having it done again. According to Splinter, the Tohono O'odham Nation controls the second largest land base in the United States. This includes a full 75 miles of the U.S./Mexico border. Given that members of their tribe live on both sides of the border, they're less than chuffed with the notion of allowing the National Guard onto their lands to surveil their territory or to allow a border wall to be built on their property. The reasons for their objections are sound: Having a wall thrown up in the middle of their land would keep members of their tribe from easily traveling to participate in culturally important events on their own frigging land. From Splinter: Tohono O'odham chairman Edward D. Manuel recently went on a local radio station to tell members of the tribe that no National Guard or military personnel were welcomed on the land, according to a spokesperson for Manuel's office. The tribe also released a statement announcing the Border Patrol has agreed to not send military personnel to its land. (Border Patrol officials in the Tucson Sector, which covers the area where the tribe lives, did not respond to a request for comment.) It'll be interesting to see, should the Trump administration ever get its shit together and sort out the funds for a border wall, how things shake out with the Tohono O'odham. I'd love to think that they'd be successful in keeping the Feds off of their soil. But the pessimist in me feels that their desire to freely traverse their own lands could fall by the wayside in favour of the ineffectual security plans of the current Administration. Image via Wikipedia Commons Don Cardy is a town councillor in Brant County, Ontario; on August 29, 2017, late at night, Cardy replied to a post in Arabic with a two-word post: "Fucking raghead." In the ensuing debate, Cardy explained that he believed Canada and Ontario were being destroyed by their governments' willingness to accept migrants from the Middle East. When a citizen lodged a complaint with the integrity commissioner, Cardy claimed that his account had been hacked in the middle of the night. Once the commissioner began her investigation, Cardy sent his computer to the town's IT department and asked them to wipe his hard-drive because his PC had started to "behave strangely and became unusable." When Cardy was found to have made similar racist statements in 2016, he claimed those were also the work of a mysterious hacker. The commissioner's report says that Cardy's destruction of the evidence frustrated her investigation and prevented her from resolving the facts of the case. Shortly after Munro began her investigation, Cardy decided to then delete his Facebook account and have a member of the town IT staff wipe his hard drive. He said this was because his computer had started to "behave strangely and became unusable." Munro said that this effectively prevented her from getting to the bottom of the case, but her lengthy report details all of the holes in his hacking story in hilariously deadpan language. "Had the posts to Facebook all been in the middle of the night or the wee hours of the morning, it would be easier to believe that they were the work of a hacker," Munro wrote. "Posting repeatedly during the day and evening using tools that are easy to detect is either the work of an unsophisticated hacker or a person who wanted to be found out." She also noted that Cardy claimed a hacker had made similar inappropriate comments that were identified on his account from 2016. "It seems unusual that a hacker who was determined to interfere with Councillor Cardy's Facebook account would post something in 2016 and then stand dormant for almost a year," Munro pointed out. Small Town Councillor Posts Racist Slur on Facebook, Claims He Was Hacked, Then Deletes His Account and Wipes His Hard Drive [Kaleigh Rogers/Motherboard] Like a scene from a 1970s horror flick, tumbleweeds invaded a neighborhood in Victorville, California on Monday, racing towards a neighborhood at 60mph and piling up so high against houses that some residents were calling 911 for help. "We're not exactly sure how many homes are affected, but we're estimating about 100 to 150 homes in that area," a Victorville spokesman told the Victorville Daily Press. "The primary goal is to clear the front of the houses, to remove the tumbleweeds in order to allow residents safe access to their homesWith the winds as strong as they are, as soon as they clear certain areas, more tumbleweeds are blowing right back in." Not surprisingly, crews had to work overtime into the night to get rid of these thorny invaders. Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni doesn't want people to use their mouths in ways he does not approve, so he trying to ban oral sex. This is the same gentleman who made it a crime not to report people suspected of being gay. ""Let me take this opportunity to warn our people publicly about the wrong practices indulged in and promoted by some of the outsiders. The mouth is for eating, not for sex. We know the address of sex; we know where sex is. From The Week: The remarks come as part of a broader crackdown on sexual freedoms by the socially conservative evangelical leader. Sexual activity "against the order of nature" has been outlawed under Uganda's penal code since the colonial era, but Museveni's comments reflect a toughening of existing laws in recent years, mostly targeting the LGBT community. Amid rising concern about the "spread" of homosexuality, partly stoked by US-backed evangelical Christian preachers, in 2009 one of Museveni's ministers proposed legislation making same-sex activity punishable by death. Museveni is enjoying his fifth term in office, and has run the corruption-plagued country for over 30 years. His estimated net worth is $4 billion and Forbes ranked him among The World's 10 Worst Dictators. In 1968, the Supremes ruled in Terry v. Ohio that the police did not need "probable cause" to stop a person, it was sufficient that they have "reasonable suspicion." The justices on the majority side said that this erosion of the Fourth Amendment would be relatively innocuous, serving to streamline police procedures without real harms. But in his dissent, Justice William Douglas predicted that Terry would be the basis for the effective criminalization of being black in America, giving the police legal cover to stop anyone who seemed "suspicious," and making it nearly impossible to prove that stops were racially motivated. Half a century later, Douglas has been vindicated. Terry created the crimes of Walking While Black, Driving While Black, Going to Starbucks While Black, and Being Alive While Black. The Framers wrote the Fourth Amendment out of fury at the British government's practice of using "writs of assistance" to stop and search anyone they didn't like the looks of. Terry has revived them, and with modern, high-tech, militarized policing, Terry has ushered in an era where cops are like the Robocop versions of colonial Redcoats, converting the Crown's retail authoritarianism to a wholesale business that runs like an assembly line on double-speed. Last month, Cleveland City Councilman Kevin Conwell was out for a walk when a couple of campus cops decided he was "reasonably suspicious." They were following up on a report of a black homeless man with missing teeth who had been "mumbling." Conwell, who has all his teeth but who is, in fact, black, and had roughly similar clothes "fit the description." Today, "reasonable suspicion" enables police to seize on suspicion. The Orwellian device subverts the Fourth Amendment's original intent. Probable cause had been a limit on police discretion. Through Terry, magisterial authority gave way to police authoritarianism. Thus, the Supreme Court abdicated judicial control in favor of police control, what President Richard Nixon called "law and order." "Reasonable suspicion" gave police officers, in effect, general warrants to seize or search ("stop and frisk") people of color with impunity. Conwell's official title did not protect him from the de facto general warrant that led to his stop. Case Western President Barbara Snyder later apologized and promised more and better training of campus police officers. Would she have apologized if he were an ordinary citizen and not a legislator? What about the other racially-profiled African American males that Conwell wondered about? Douglas wrote: "To give the police greater power than a magistrate is to take a long step down the totalitarian path." Insofar as Case Western Reserve University makes Terry stops, it has taken that long step. Rather than apologize for a singular Terry stop, President Snyder should insist on no more Terry stops. Better yet, President Snyder should dissolve her police force to get our university back to being a college campus rather than miniature police state. From "Probable Cause" to "Reasonable Suspicion": The Subversion of the Fourth Amendment [Taru Taylor/Truthout] On Monday in Zimbabwe, thousands of nurses went on strike, demanding better salaries. The strike came hot on the heels of the country's doctors returning from their own weeks-long strike, which took place for similar reasons. With no nurses standing by to assist doctors or to see patients, hospitals in the African country have been forced to turn away people looking for care. Instead of negotiating with the nurses or passing legislation that would send them back to work, Zimbabwe's vice-president, Constantino Chiwenga, apparently decided to fire them all. Because doing that always calms things down in a country that's facing growing labor unrest. According to The Guardian, vice-president Chiwenga believes that the strike actions undertaken by the country's doctors and nursing staff are politically motivated and stated that his "Government has decided in the interest of patients and of saving lives to discharge all the striking nurses with immediate effect." Yep ensuring that healthcare professions are never allowed to return to their jobs of you know, saving lives, is definitely gonna be in the best interest of any patients they might have treated. Chiwenga called the strike "deplorable and reprehensible," citing the fact that the government had released 12m to boost their pay and allowances. There's no word, however, on how much this amount would increase the state of each nurse's wages, or when the money would actually come into use. But don't worry Zimbabwe, there's good news! The government plans on hiring any unemployed or retired nurses that it can find to fill in the massive hole that your government just created in your country's healthcare system. So, it's totally cool. Chiwenga comes by his terrible ideas honestly enough. Up until November, he wasn't a politician, he was a career military officer who only came into political office after helping to force the country's long-time President, Robert Mugabe, out of office, this past November. It'll be interesting to see how Chiwenga's strong-armed bullshit plays out: in recent days, the country's teachers have also threatened to walk if they're not treated to an increase in pay. As for the ousted nurses, their union has "noted" Chiwenga blathering, but has opted to continue with their strike action. Image via Pexels News / National by Staff reporter Presidential Affairs and Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi is set to battle it out with National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman Larry Mavima for the Zvishavane-Shurugwi senatorial seat in Zanu-PF primary elections set for May 5.Mumbengegwi is the current Senator, but Mavima says it was now his turn to represent the area in the upper House."I am Mberengwa to the core, my heart has always been part of the people because I was born there and raised in that area and all my dreams and aspirations have been born out of that rich community and it is with humility that I handed my CV, so that I can pay back by serving the people," he said.Zanu-PF Midlands provincial spokesperson, Cornelius Mupereri yesterday confirmed that both Mumbengegwi and Mavima had submitted bids to contest the Zvishavane-Shurugwi senatorial seat.Mumbengegwi is seen by many in Zanu-PF as a close ally to former President Robert Mugabe and a loss in the party's primary elections spells doom for his political career. News / National by Staff reporter Police's Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has urged members of the public in possession of firearms either lawfully or illegally to surrender them to police stations countrywide for verification.In a statement today, CID acting spokesperson Detective Assistant Inspector Portia Chinho said the verification exercise was necessary as some licenced holders were no longer in the same position as they were when they applied for the firearms."The Zimbabwe Republic Police, Criminal Investigation Department, is calling for all holders of firearms either lawful or illegal to surrender them to police stations for the verification exercise," she said. News / National by Staff reporter A suspected robber, who reportedly shot a Harare man in a crossfire between armed robbers and police last week has appeared in court.Prince Makodza, 29, was not asked to plead when he appeared before Harare magistrate Tilda Mazhande charged with murder.The matter was remanded to April 26 after he was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.The State alleges that on April 13, at around 1pm, Makodza with his accomplices Carrington Mutevera, Ben Mashingaidze and Amon Nhimura, who were on the wanted list for armed robbery cases were being pursued by a team of CID Homicide.The team caught up with Makodza and team at number 1 Adlinn Road Marlborough, Harare who were travelling in a Honda Fit registration number ACT 2727.When they saw the detectives, the accused persons sped off but were cornered opposite number 1 Adlyn Road.They reportedly disembarked from their car and ran away while firing at the police officers before they took cover behind a precast wall at number 1 Adlyn.The State also alleges that they shot and killed Chatsama Muchesa, who was in his office at the premises.The police officers shot back at Makodza and Nhimura and they managed to apprehend them. Opinion / Columnist "Zanu PF is a political party that respects the liberty of the people and respects harmony and peace. Zanu PF has always propagated love for one another and we thrive on unity. This allegation that soldiers have been deployed all over to assist is not true. We have structures as Zanu PF of our own members who are on the ground," said Engelbert Rugeje.A few weeks ago President Mnangagwa also denied that Zanu PF has even rigged elections included the land mark 2008 elections. "Where is the evidence of vote rigging?" He argued with the UK Economist reporter.This confirms that we are dealing with a party of seasoned thugs. Rugeje was one of the army thugs who became notorious in the wanton violence of 2008 and 2013 elections and for him to now pretend these events did not even happen show that Zanu PF has not changed or repented."We have been preaching peace starting with the president and the top leadership of the party. Even in our gatherings are those outside Zanu PF and government, we have always been preaching about peace, peace and non-violence and for anyone to allege that we are fomenting violence in the rural areas it is mischievous," Rugeje maintain.How cynical!So, ED and the whole junta leadership is out preaching peace and non-violence and yet the regime has stubbornly refused to implement the democratic reforms giving the Police their statutory powers to investigate, arrest and charge all those responsible to politically motivated violence. If the Police had those powers Rugeje and many other Zanu PF thugs would still be in jail. President Mnangagwa would not be asking the stupid question; "Where is the evidence of election violence?"If you are going to rig the elections get your own thugs to police the whole flawed and illegal electoral process. That way, you can be absolutely certain there will be no Police records, no evidence, no arrests, no court convictions, nothing. In the mayhem of the 2008 run-off elections, millions of Zimbabweans were forced out of their homes, beaten up and/or raped. Over 500 were murdered. But because the Police are so politically, they are a department of Zanu PF in all but name, no one was ever arrested.Indeed, the Police joined their fellow Zanu PF thugs in punishing the people for daring to reject Zanu PF in the March 2008 vote and making sure they never ever do it again. Political Commissar Rugeje has been reminding people of the violence of 2008 and 2013 if they do not vote for Zanu PF in the coming elections.Zanu PF is a party of ruthless thugs who have enjoyed absolute power for the last 38 years because they rigged elections, cheated and used violence to secure victory. Anyone who thinks the regime will now play by the rules and hold free and fair elections is naive, to say the least.The only way to end this vicious cycle of rigged elections is for the country to be forced to implement the reforms BEFORE the elections. The flawed elections must be declared null and void and thus force the country to appoint an interim administration that will implement the reforms. There is no other way out!"Zanu PF is preaching peace, to say otherwise is mischievous!" says Rugeje, a veteran of Zanu PF thuggery and violence. He can afford to be dismissive, aggressive and arrogant; he will break the peace to punish the mischievous; he knows that he is above the law! Opinion / Columnist International Community will endorse EDM's rigging shenanigans as it did in Kenya. With the head of state making a lot of noise promising to hold free, fair and credible election in July one tends to ask what is it that the famous 'crocodile' is relying on since Zanu Pf has not won a credible election since 2000.The ruling party has been relying mostly by using the army while taking advantage of state apparatus to manipulate its long stay in power since the days of the ousted former president Robert Mugabe. For starters one needs to understand that the war veterans played a pivotal role in retaining Mugabe into power in 2002, while some bootlickers such as former South African head of State Thabo Mbeki salted the controversial win of Robert Mugabe back into the state house, In 2008 the army plus ZEC made sure that Mugabe retained back to the Zimbabwe House, more so in 2013 the controversial NIKUV Company which is believed to be an Israelite company rubber stamped Mugabe's victory once again.This is the same company that is alleged to have kept the ousted Gambian former president Yahya Jammeh in power while it is also alleged to have assisted Uhuru Kenyatta to retain power in Kenya under a dark cloud of controversial August 8 2017 elections which were later nullified by the Justice Maraga led constitutional court.Since taking over from his former boss president Emmerson Mnangagwa has been portraying a Good Samaritan' face especially to the international community and one of his key messages to these countries besides enticing and tempting investors it is the message of Free and fair elections come July, this has become his gospel and he has even invited the international community to oversee the upcoming general election. However knowingly that he is not popular to the electorate what then is the crocodile' dicing with that gives him confidence of even inviting the international community. In a same comparison one can also note that the international community was also present in Kenya when the August 8 2017 elections were being rigged and they even endorsed its credibility, In Kenya, election observers praised an election that critics say was clearly a compromised vote. Days before the August poll, a top election official in charge of the security of the country's new $24 million electronic voting system was found dead outside of Nairobi, tortured and strangled. On Election Day, the system, which was meant to transmit the results to Nairobi, broke down. Totals from many voting stations were sent by text message instead despite all these loopholes the European Union endorsed a flawed poll. The international community of past namely SADC and AU has been used to rubber stamp Zanu Pf elections victory with Thabo Mbeki, Olusegus Obasanjo and Nkosazana Zuma all came to Zimbabwe to salt rigging at its highest level which kept Mugabe in power. The nullification of the August 8 2017 election in Kenya should give the opposition an eye opener as it proved that the international observers including the European Union cannot be trusted when it comes to observing credible elections in Africa.Zanu PF is more calculative when it comes to election rigging and come July 2018 the international community will endorse EDM into power, Nelson Chamisa and his MDC Alliance plus the general populace are using a blind eye towards the current Zanu Pf government forgetting that Robert Mugabe never rigged any election but it was Emmerson Munangagwa plus the army that he used to continuously rig elections for his long stay in power and in recent interviews Mugabe even said elections won't be free and fair, As much as I hope to see democracy taking shape in Zimbabwe it is day dreaming to believe that Nelson Chamisa will win an election against an oiled group of thugs who have been in this game of rigging for more than a decade. In terms of violence that won't happen this time, but rather the whole election manipulation will be centred on ballot papers, voters roll and the transmission of election data to the central command. The late Tsvangirai did the same blunder in 2013 by participating in an already flawed election and Nelson Chamisa is going to do the same, hate it or love it, Victor Matemadanda statement on Chamisa recently leaves a lot to be desired I quote "If Chamisa wants a debate, maybe he can engage the Zanu-PF Youth League that is his level. We can't imagine the President taking time off serious bread and butter issues to respond to a goat that is scratching the walls from outside," said Cde Matemadanda. Scratching the walls from outside that statement proves to an intellectual that Zanu Pf doesn't care about how many people will turn out to vote for the opposition as they have already put in place an election End Game'.The biggest if not the only weakness of the opposition in Zimbabwe which Zanu Pf has continued to use as its muscular weapon to stay in power for more than a decade has been the failure by the opposition to counter election rigging which is done by Zanu Pf, until and unless the opposition finds a solution to this deity god called rigging of elections' Zanu Pf will remain in power passing the baton stick from EDM to Chiwenga from Chiwenga to Shiri from Shiri to Rugeje from Rugeje to Sibanda."The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything." once said Joseph StalinKnowledge Hakata is a cutting edge political analyst who is also a co-founder of Demos Cratos a political think tank organisation. He can be contacted on knowledgehakata@yahoo.com How to Buy the Right Watch Size and Fit Find the Perfect Watch Size and Fit for Your Wrist With These Picks The AskMen editorial team thoroughly researches & reviews the best gear, services and staples for life. AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. Product photos from retailer sites. Dimensions, calibers, casebacks, complications, color, straps each year watchmakers unveil more dizzying choices to suit every taste and trend in the world of timepieces. While classic watch designs remain so because of their innate elegance and appeal, theres often a wide variety of subtle differences. Whereby those in the know can tell when a certain watch was made and even how much you paid for it. But, rather than trying to impress someone else, you should always base your watch selection on what you find personally appealing. In addition, size, that includes both the diameter of the watchs case and its thickness, and fit are crucial components to consider when searching for the perfect timepiece. RELATED: Best Watches Under $500 Ask The Experts While visceral emotion takes over somewhere on the purchasing journey, understanding where you stack up on the small, medium and large size curve is the critical first step to properly sizing a watch. Watch sizing is something that often trips up even the most stylish men, Paul Altieri, founder of online luxury watch boutique Bobs Watches, and one of the worlds top watch collectors, tells AskMen. While the trend is on the wane, many guys have an innate tendency to buy watches that are simply too large, or wear larger watches with sober business suits which is about the same as shouting Look at my watch! not always what youre going for. Which is not to say that big watches dont have their place. If you can carry off a certain brash style and sprezzatura, as the Italians say, then a large luxury watch can enhance the effect, sort of like driving up in a Ferrari. Its a bold statement, its ostentatious, its going to get you noticed. And sometimes that isnt a bad thing. However, Altieri cautions, by the same token, there is nothing worse than seeing a small watch on a large wrist. For example, the classic Rolex Datejust, which is 36mm, is fine with a normal sized wrist. But it wont work on an exceptionally large wrist. The best way to go about it is to select the perfect watch size for your build and wrist diameter. If youre over six feet and well built then a larger watch is probably the way to go. If youve got skinny wrists and arms then an oversized watch is just going to look ridiculous. Size Matters Blake Buettner, Director of Watches at StockX, the live bid/ask marketplace backed by Eminem and Mark Wahlberg, adds that "finding a watch that fits is less about social trends and more about being comfortable with a watch that fits your wrist. There are plenty of factors and fine points to consider in order to find a comfortable watch, such as the thickness of the case, angle of the lugs [the contact points between the watch strap and its face,] any curvature to the case, and how the strap or bracelets integrate into the case. He adds that one rule that most people should stick to is this: the lugs should not overhang the edges of your wrist. Of course, this isnt set in stone, but generally speaking, if the lugs are overshooting the confines of your wrist, youll have a difficult time wearing the watch day-to-day in a comfortable manner. If your wrist is south of seven inches in circumference, you may want to stick to watches under 44mm in diameter, if you plan on wearing it often. A 40mm watch will fit perfectly, and you can even pull off 38mm watches without too much trouble. The rest really comes down to preference. Watch Straps Fastening a watch to your wrist today seems so uncomplicated, its innate. The ritual, however, is less than a century old. And over the last 100 years, straps have quickly evolved to include diverse metal and material types becoming as symbolic as the watches themselves. Rolexs Oyster bracelets and clasps are perhaps the most iconic, though there are many others. Rubber, nylon, leather, metal for every differentiating element that distinguishes one finely designed timepiece from the next, there are just as many strap materials used to complement them. Determining which strap works best with a watch is, again, largely subjective to the wearer and also defined by its intended use. Some measurement and understanding of strap type, however, is essential to getting it right. Watch Strap Materials Rubber, polyethylene and leather straps are currently more popular than ever, on account of their interchangeability and style. Higher-end versions of polyethylene straps will wear better and last longer. Rubber straps are popular for their juxtaposition of materials, with the likes of Audemars Piguet and Hublot offering luxury pieces contrasted against the rather pedestrian, but highly utilitarian material. Replacing A Strap If youre looking to replace your strap, youll first need to know your strap size. To do so requires nothing more than measuring between lugs, in millimeters. Measure the watch, not the band, as bands especially leather or inexpensively made nylon shrink with wear. If its a simple replacement or upgrade to an existing strap, some (predominantly leather ) will have the sizing indicated somewhere on the band. This will be a helpful starting point. Metal strap measurements start the same way (with the lugs), but most will come with standard links that any seller or jeweler can easily adjust. The Fine Points Diameter, case thickness, straps, and lug width are the main elements that factor into properly sizing a watch. Case diameter is the length of the watch face head-on. This includes the bezel (the ring surrounding the watchs face). Some bezels are quite thin, while others Submariners or Omegas Planet Ocean series, for example are noticeably thicker. When it comes to diameters, most mens watches range from 36mm to 43mm. History, however, has tended to favor smaller profiles; the look is refined, though small when held up against todays designs. 39mm to 41mm diameters tend to fit most wrists. Case thickness is literally the thickness of the watch as it sits on your wrist. It can range dramatically. On the beefier side, youll see watches as thick as 16mm; slimmer pieces will be around 8mm. Some even less. Note: If you do decide to wear a watch with abnormally large case sizing, you'll have a hard time cuffing shirts unless yours are custom made. A watch owes its thickness to the number of complications, i.e. functions beyond displaying hours and minutes. Therefore a watch that tells time and displays the date has one complication. Chronographs, for example, tend to have a greater case thickness on account of the number of complications in the movement. Classic three-hands are much thinner fewer bells and whistles require less space. Slimmer watches tend to be viewed as more refined, better paired with suits and formal occasions. Lug width is simply the inner distance between the straps contact points. The total length of a watch is captured by measuring lug-to-lug, tip to tip. This measurement will, among everything else, help to determine how well a watch will sit on your wrist. All In The Wrist Matchmakers have been toying with watch sizes since the advent of power reserves and sweeping second hands. Sizing often mimics the times: the mood of the economic environment, general sentiment, a trend towards exhibitionism or the opposite. Cuff ready watches have, for the last two years, been the preference of watch houses, fueled by interest in vintage designs and customer preference for a cleaner, less expensive product. So which is right for you? The most important aspect of a wristwatch to consider after its individuality is fit. Large, bulky, complicated faces on small wrists look ridiculous on almost every occasion. Unless you own several, it is not a practical choice. If you want a size that works well with your wrist and find yourself in a shop, this can often be done by trying some small (36-39mm), medium (39-43mm) and large (43mm-plus) size faces against your wrist. Youll quickly see which proportionality makes sense. To be more accurate, grab a tape measure or ribbon, wrap it around your wrist and take a measure. Small wrists are measured 6.25-6.75 inches in diameter, medium 6.75-7.25, and large, 7.25-7.75 inches. By pairing small, medium and large faces to your wrist type and size, youll quickly eliminate a lot of choices timepieces that may be impressively complex in the case but rather ill-fitting in real life and narrow down a field that works best. The Right Fit How the watch should fit on your wrist is again, subjective. Dont look for textbook definitions here. You dont want your watch sized so big that it slides up and down when worn. Itll look ill-fitting and be largely uncomfortable to wear across occasions. Too tight and youll be left with an imprint on your wrist an easy, tell-tale sign you need better sizing. On this one, go with what feels (and looks) good; once properly sized, your timepiece should look as if it was made for you specifically. Round Vs. Rectangular Modern watchmaking is said to be defined by several technological advancements: the introduction of sapphire crystals, quick-set date complications and synthetic luminous paint, among them. There is a segment of the watch world still focused on pushing the boundaries of what is possible in a simple 41mm casing. More complications, different powered movements, and dive watches able to explore at greater depth. For some, this appeals. Theres another segment of the market, however, that is focused on something entirely different: vintage and certified pre-owned timepieces that age and can be rather unique. That tell a story of its manufacturing. While many watchmakers manufacture modern square and rectangular designs, wearing a rectangular watch face versus a round one suggests an appreciation for both history and modernity. It is moot to argue that round-faced timepieces are more sophisticated than rectangular designs. There is a place for both in a mans collection. And like everything else watch-related, a lot comes down to personal preference. The industry makes more round watches because people tend to buy more of them, again, perhaps because they are more familiar or perhaps due to simple economics. Some have said that round designs are associated with longevity, versatility and durability, which probably also has something to do with it. If youre someone that wears a jacket to work every day, the good news is you have options. Rectangular watches are every bit as technical and look every bit as sophisticated (maybe more?) than their round-faced brethren. And vintages ones, if youre lucky to pick one up, suggest you know a thing or two about Haute Horlogerie that others do not that you have an appreciation for the tiniest details, which often grace vintage timepieces. Rectangular design is not something wed pick as our one and only, but definitely, done right, its a spectacular and very stylish addition to a watch collection. The Band Wagon Is there a band type or color of watchband that works best for your skin tone? This is a question youll often see on watch forums a rather ridiculous one in our humble opinion. Two things will determine band type and color, and neither of them has anything to do with your dermal layers. The first is the watch itself. Bands should match the bezel or the watch face there needs to be some element of cohesion between the two that completes the piece. With metal alloys, this is taken care of. With leather or rubber, usually, some element of the face is paired with the strap. If youre replacing a watch band, dont overcomplicate. Pick something you like and that suits the watch and things will generally work out. The second factor for determining band type and color is what you do in it every day. If you spend your days in an office of reasonable formality, what color of shoes do you wear most often? Likely brown, and therefore brown leather straps might be a good place to start. Alloys can go either way, which is why the industry sells more of them. There are, however, exceptions to every rule. Youd be hard-pressed to say a Rolex Sea-Dweller doesn't look as at home with jeans as it does with a suit jacket; the same goes for Shinolas Runwell. Their appeal is in their versatility, which wed counsel is the North Star on deciding between the watch worlds many shades. Skin tone has nothing to do with it. The Best Watches For Every Size Small (36-39mm) Hamilton Khaki Field Automatic Hamilton, the oldest American watch brand, is a favorite for literary references and possibly a brand owned by your grandfather. And thats a good thing. Hamilton has mastered the elegance, style and affordability in inexpensive, reliable automatics. This is one of the best decisions you can make at the price point. $483.98 at Amazon.com Cartier Tank Francaise The Cartier Tank is one of the most iconic mens wristwatches ever made, and in the smallest size, its a rather subtle expression of luxury. This is another piece we would recommend picking up pre-owned. Most will assume you spent much more on it, which could be to your advantage. $3,950 at Cartier.com Mondaine SBB Stainless Steel Swiss-Quartz Watch This easily readable watch has become one of the true design classics, recognized the world over. In fact, it is the official Swiss railways watch, and we all know how punctual they are. It now comes in a variety of sizes but the smallest version will suit many wrist sizes. $207.54 at Amazon.com Rolex Airking The smooth bezel. The in-house movement. The heritage of the brand. The ultimate in versatility and elegance and a signal that you know your own worth. This is the complete package and a perfect sized watch. $5,995 at Amazon.com Medium (39-43mm) Tissot Quartz Chronograph This is one of our all-time favorite watches in the under $400 range, with classically cool looks and a stealthy edge, thanks to its blacked-out appearance. As Swiss brands go Tissot may not carry the prestige of some, but what you get for your hard-earned cash is pretty impressive. $387.96 at Amazon.com Tag Heuer Aquaracer Most if not all modern dive watches owe their inspiration to the Rolex Submariner, though some have found interesting ways of putting their own thumbprint on what is now an iconic design. Tags Aquaracer puts itself in that category with this ceramic-bezeled beauty. In navy, its a piece that adds versatility to any collection. $1,368 at Amazon.com MVMT 40 Series If youre getting in on the ground level watch-wise, keeping the expenditure to a minimum while you figure out what kind of timepiece suits you best makes a lot of sense. This classic, disarmingly simple watch says you dont need bling to impress anyone, you just need to know what time it is. $96 at Amazon.com Baume & Mercier Capeland Chronograph Baume & Mercier may be considered one of the more entry-level brands in the true Swiss luxury sphere, but that just means you wont be overpaying. This is a grown-ups watch, when you're ready to stash the Timex youve been wearing since freshman year and make a real play for the corner office. $2,092 at Amazon.com Large (43mm+) Bulova Moonwatch This is one of the all-time best deals in the world of watches, designed in homage to one of the first watches worn by astronauts in space. Bulova, established in 1875, has always offered Swiss craftsmanship and reliability at affordable prices, and this watch is no exception while also upping the style quotient. $555.26 at Amazon.com Panerai Luminor 8 Days Panerai watches were originally made for elite Italian underwater commandos, oversized for visibility underwater. The brand retains its bold military style, and wearing one is a statement as well as an indication that you might be a bit of a badass. This version also features an eight-day power reserve. $6,150 at Amazon.com Timex Intelligent Quartz Chrono Timer Watch Only Timex could even make us consider recommending such an inexpensive watch. This piece is perfect for creatives and those with an eye toward stylish design at an infinitely accessible price point. $225 at Amazon.com Longines Heritage Automatic Longines always makes its way to our 'best watch' roundups because of their considerable value. Another heritage Swiss brand, since 1832 theyve been making aviation-inspired pieces of elegance and distinction. This retro style piece will exude confidence and quiet elegance in any situation. $1,675 at Reeds.com Whether you end up spending $100 or $1000, make sure the watch fits you perfectly. No one wants to have a watch that is too big or doesnt align with their style. You Might Also Dig: AskMen may get paid if you click a link in this article and buy a product or service. To find out more, please read our complete terms of use. By Tsvetelia Tsolova SOFIA (Reuters) - When Bulgarian student Zhelyaz Andreev got a job at the Sofia office of a Miami-based company to help pay his way through university the last thing he expected was to be sucked into an international incident. He was wrong. Last week, Bulgarian authorities arrested him following an Interpol Red Notice on a U.S. Department of Justice indictment for conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government and violate the Syria embargo by selling aircraft parts to Syrian Arab Airlines. A judge ordered his release but banned him from leaving the country pending an extradition hearing. Dozens demonstrated to support him. Four other Bulgarians who worked at the Sofia office of export company AW-Tronics also face similar charges. As a result, the 29-year-old finds himself at the center of a diplomatic incident. "I do not feel guilty. Everything I did in this company in the three years I worked there was a result of my job description ... and the direct orders of my superiors," he said. The case has touched a nerve in Bulgaria, the European Union's poorest state, where many young people prize jobs with foreign companies because they pay better. Some said his case shows the peril young Bulgarians can face if foreign employers breach rules set outside the country. Demonstrators last week in Andreev's hometown of Dobrich in northeastern Bulgaria and the capital held signs that read: "You could be next" and "Working in a call center is not a crime." Andreev faces charges for his role in six deals linked to the export of aircraft parts to Syria's national air carrier between October 2013 and March 2014, according to the indictment. He joined the company in May 2013 and told Reuters he was the contact person with the airline but did not sign documents because he his position was so junior. He said he was not warned about the U.S. embargo and was unaware of its existence. The U.S. embassy in Sofia declined to comment. The Bulgarian justice ministry said it has contacted the U.S. Department of Justice and consultations could start this week. There was no immediate comment from the justice department. Bulgaria's state prosecutor said last week he would not seek the detention of the other four pending talks with U.S. authorities. Charges against Andreev are part of an indictment against 11 people including his two former managers who are Miami residents of Iranian origin. They, along with the company's export compliance officer, pleaded guilty last October to conspiracy to defraud the United States and illegally export aviation parts and equipment to Syria. They were sentenced in December to up to two years in prison. "I assumed that after the main defendants ... who are the owners of the company and who took all the managerial decisions pleaded guilty ... the situation for us would calm down," said Andreev, who is soliciting donations to help him hire a lawyer in the United States. Washington put Syria's national air carrier under embargo in 2013 for transporting weapons and ammunition to Syria with Hezbollah and Iran's revolutionary guards. (Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) House mice aren't just a nuisance but a potential source of infections, say researchers who trapped and tested more than 400 of the rodents from apartments across New York City. City dwellers tend to fear rats more than mice because they're bigger and can be seen scurrying in subways or in alleys. The researchers previously studied how rats carry disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella and C. difficile. But they were concerned mice might actually pose a greater health risk because they live with us in houses and apartments. Dr. Ian Lipkin, a professor of epidemiology at Columbia University, and his colleagues spent 13 months trapping 416 mice living in large apartment buildings across the city, particularly in their garbage collection areas. The researchers conducted genetic analyses of the mice droppings. They found mice from all parts of the city carried bacteria associated with gastrointestinal and other diseases. And some strains had genes that help thwart the effect of antibiotics. "We found a lot of antibiotic resistance in some of these bacteria, which we think may have implications for understanding not only the ubiquity of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment but also potential sources of human infection," said Lipkin, whose research was published Tuesday in the journal mBio. In the vicious cycle of resistance, antibiotics kill some bacteria, but some of the fast-growing microbes evolve and find ways to protect themselves against the drugs. When that happens, people can develop infections that are much harder to treat. Antibiotic resistance is a major challenge, and scientists are still trying to figure out how it develops and how the resistance genes might be spreading among species. Lipkin said while they haven't proven mice are responsible for transmitting disease to humans, he recommends exercising caution. "If you have mice in your house, particularly if they're in and around your living space, this is a potential health risk," he said. Story continues "If you've got mouse droppings and they're anywhere near food, for example, these need to be cleaned up with sterilizing disinfectant." And if a mouse actually touched any food, he said, even just a nibble, it's not safe to eat. City mice with C. difficile The researchers say their study is the first to document C. difficile DNA in house mice in an urban setting. Lipkin suspects mice in other major cities carry it, too. His team also found Leptospira in mice. The bacteria, commonly found in rat urine, can cause an infection called leptospirosis. The risk to humans is thought to be greatest during floods like those caused by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico last year because the rodents' urine gets washed into the flood waters. While human cases of leptospirosis are rarely reported in New York, there was a recent cluster of three cases in the Bronx, including one death, the study's authors said. Researchers in Vancouver previously discovered Leptospira in rats in the Downtown Eastside, but they didn't observe a link to disease in humans. "We went looking in Vancouver to see if we had evidence of excess leptospirosis in the human population and we couldn't find any," said co-author Dr. David Patrick, a medical epidemiologist with the B.C. Centre for Disease Control. "Obviously it gets wet here but people aren't wading through flood waters." Dr. Scott Weese, an infectious disease specialist at the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph who worked on the Vancouver study, said a bit of perspective is needed when evaluating the possible threat of mice spreading drug-resistant diseases. "Everything that moves" could be carrying such bacteria, he said, so it depends on the likelihood of exposure. For example, there's probably a much better chance you could be exposed to disease-causing microbes in your food or from touching a pet without washing your hands than from rodents. "If you say, 'OK cook your meat properly or get mice out of your house, which is going to be the best thing to protect you?' Well, cook your meat properly." Slaughterhouse legacy Lipkin and his team in New York hope to study outbreaks of human disease to see if antibacterial resistance can be linked back to rodents and to explore how that might occur. The researchers also published a second study in the same issue that focuses on viruses found in the house mice. They found nine viruses, none of which is known to infect humans. Interestingly, Lipkin said, one of the viruses looks like a bug that typically infects pigs. The researchers presume the virus has been circulating in an area of the city that used to have a lot of slaughterhouses, and that the virus jumped from pigs to mice. HELSINKI (Reuters) - A Moroccan man told a court in Finland he was "in war against women" when he went on a rampage in the Finnish city of Turku last year, stabbing two women to death and wounding eight more people, local media reported. Abderrahman Bouanane, at the time a 22-year-old asylum seeker, spoke in district court on Tuesday, where he is on trial on charges of murder and attempted murder "with terrorist intent". Bouanane told the court that before the attacks last August, he had visited mosque and recorded a video in which he talked about U.S.-led air strikes in Syria and the fight for Islamic State. When he started the attacks on the market square, he said, he couldn't control himself. "I honestly felt like I was controlled remotely... The idea was to keep attacking as long as a head falls," Bouanane said via an interpreter, according to the newspaper Helsingin Sanomat's online edition. Two women were killed and six more women were injured. Two men were hurt when they tried to help the women. Police stopped the attacks by shooting Bouanane in the leg. A psychiatric assessment concluded that Bouanane was criminally responsible for the attacks. Police said he was a "lone wolf" who saw himself as a soldier for Islamic State. The militant group did not take responsibility for the attack. "My target was to hit women, not men ... I was in war against women," Bouanane said, according to Helsingin Sanomat. The hearing was broke off on Tuesday when Bouanane suddenly declined to sit in his chair or stand, without giving a clear reason. Bouanane had been radicalised shortly before the attack, police investigation showed, and his application for asylum had just been rejected. The case marks the first terror-related attack in Finland. The prosecutor is seeking a life sentence, which in Finland means at least 12 years in prison. Bouanane has admitted the attacks, but his defense has denied terrorist intent, according to the definition in Finnish law. (Reporting by Jussi Rosendahl, editing by Larry King) LISBON (Reuters) - Volkswagen is to set up a software development center in Lisbon joining a growing list of companies attracted to the information technology scene in the country, which only recently emerged from its economic crisis and bailout. The center will employ 300 software engineers, web developers and other specialists in the medium term and will develop cloud-based solutions for corporate processes and online services for its vehicles, especially trucks, the German car manufacturer said in a statement on Tuesday. It did not say how much it planned to invest. Volkswagen, which is already one of the largest foreign investors in Portugal, has recently expanded its Autoeuropa plant southeast of Lisbon to make its new compact T-ROC sport utility vehicle. Lisbon's Mayor Fernando Medina said VW's latest move was recognition of Lisbon's drive to build a vibrant tech and creative center, where people could also have access to a high quality lifestyle. In January, Alphabet Inc's Google said it would open a new support center for Europe, Middle East and Africa in Oeiras on the outskirts of Lisbon, which would create 500 tech jobs. Various technology companies already have their local offices in Oeiras. Last year, Lisbon hosted for the second year in a row the annual Web Summit - one of the world's largest technology conferences - which has already helped attract tech investment in Portuguese start-ups, as well as new jobs at larger companies. (Reporting By Andrei Khalip, editing by Axel Bugge and Jane Merriman) The Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming says more information on marijuana store applicants will be released later this week including how many are local and how many are from out of province. Minister Gene Makowsky told reporters there had been hundreds of applicants for the process, which will select successful candidates through a lottery. Makowsky confirmed Saskatchewan-based retailers would not be given any preference. "Anyone is free to get into the process, as long as they meet the requirements," he said. "That's part of our trade obligations within Canada." SLGA is set to issued 51 permits for private stores to sell marijuana in Saskatchewan communities and First Nations after it is legalized across the country. Municipalities were given the option to opt out of having a cannabis store. Saskatoon was allotted seven licenses, Regina was allotted six and smaller cities such as Prince Albert, Moose Jaw and Lloydminster got two. The province has announced any business caught selling marijuana without a permit would be subject to fines of up to $100,000 per day and a six-month prison sentence. Saskatchewan will receive 75 per cent of a federal cannabis excise duty tax. PST will also apply to any retail sales. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in the midst of a trip that will see him visit three countries in 10 days. The foreign tour marks the prime ministers first trip abroad since his controversial visit to India, which led to political consequences still being discussed months later in Ottawa. During his first stop, Trudeau landed in Lima to attend the eighth Summit of the Americas. The meeting serves as a gathering for heads of state from North and South America. However, this summit did not include U.S. President Donald Trump, who opted to stay in Washington, D.C., to handle the situation in Syria. U.S. Vice-President Mike Pence attended the summit and met with Trudeau as the two countries inch closer toward a potential new NAFTA deal. Pence says an updated agreement could be announced soon. The vice-president also thanked Trudeau for Canadas support of U.S., French and British military action in Syria, which Trudeau called unfortunate but necessary, The Canadian Press reports. While in Perus capital, the prime minister delivered a speech and conversed with foreign leaders. Trudeau tweaked his schedule to fly back to Ottawa instead of Paris in order to meet with the premiers of British Columbia and Alberta regarding the differences of opinion on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which has been approved by the federal government. No new agreements came from that meeting. The prime minister then flew to Paris for his first official visit to France in his role. Trudeau reconnected with French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders before becoming the first Canadian prime minister to address the French National Assembly. Trudeau is rounding out his trip with a visit to the U.K. to meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May and the Queen. The prime minister also attended the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. By Eric Onstad and Polina Devitt LONDON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Rusal may be forced to divest most of its portfolio of overseas operations if the aluminum giant cannot restructure them to evade U.S. sanctions and ensure a flow of raw materials. U.S. sanctions imposed against key allies of Russian President Putin have already started to cripple United Company Rusal's extensive string of international operations from Sweden to Guinea to Australia. Rusal, the world's second biggest aluminum producer behind China Hongqiao Group Ltd, is heavily dependent on its international network of mines and refineries. These last year accounted for 53 percent of its output of raw material ore bauxite and 64 percent of production of semi-processed sister alumina. "How does Rusal continue to fund its operations and produce metal if its raw material supply chain is broken?," said Robin Bhar, head of metals research at Societe Generale. One key will be finding shipping and logistics firms willing to take the risk to transport those supplies, industry sources said. Shipping giants Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) both said they were halting any new trade with Russian entities targeted by U.S. sanctions. "Like everywhere, it's greed and fear. At some point greed wins," said a industry source who declined to be named because he was not allowed to speak to the media. "The bigger the company the more reluctant it will be, but smaller companies that can go under the radar may think the risks are worth it if they can get a really good price." To view a graphic of Rusal's Alumina Output, click: https://reut.rs/2vpaG4l FORCE MAJEURE Rio Tinto, which supplies bauxite to some of Rusal's refineries and buys refined alumina, said it will declare force majeure on some contracts, showing the immediate impact on Rusal's supply chain. Rio also said on Friday it was reviewing Rusal's 20 percent stake in the Queensland Alumina refinery. Illustrating knock-on effects, French aluminum smelters in Dunkirk and St. Jean de Maurienne are scrambling to find alternative alumina supplies after being cut off from material from Rusal's Irish refinery, said Johan Vlietinck, CGT union official at the Dunkirk smelter. Rio is selling the Dunkirk smelter to Britain's Liberty House while the other smelter is owned by Germany's Trimet. Another crucial issue is funding since the U.S. sanctions prohibit Rusal from doing transactions in dollars. The Russian government has pledged to provide Rusal with short-term liquidity and offer other assistance, but that help will mainly assist the domestic assets and may do scant good overseas. "When it comes to Rusal's Russian operations, they should continue to operate without restriction... but the same is not true for the remainder of the portfolio, each one of which has its own set of unique problems," said senior analyst Anthony Everiss at consultancy CRU. Many governments are working behind the scenes to keep Rusal operations running in their countries to safeguard jobs, but the easiest way to ensure this may be to transfer ownership, said Goldman Sachs. "Rusal's international facilities are...under potential restructuring. The alumina and bauxite facilities...could therefore change hands," the bank said in a research report. Restructuring asset ownership into non-sanctioned entities has precedents in Russia going back to Gunvor in 2014, it added. To view a graphic on Rusal's Bauxite Output, click: https://reut.rs/2vkX8H5 GUINEA SUPPORTIVE The authorities are supportive in Guinea, which accounts for more than a quarter of Rusal's bauxite output, and the mines are continuing to operate, according to industry sources in the country. The main issue will be logistics and finding middlemen who do not have any links with the United States, an industry source said. The Dian-Dian project, the world's largest bauxite deposit, was still on track to launch production by the end of April, a senior official with the project told Reuters. With expected output of 3 million tonnes a year, it would nearly double Rusal's bauxite output in the country. In Ireland, Rusal's biggest alumina refinery, Aughinish, is under threat because Rio Tinto, which provided bauxite for the plant, has declared force majeure. The plant has enough bauxite to last to the end of June, local media reports said. The plant did not reply to emails seeking comment. The Swedish Kubal aluminum smelter, the only metal producing operation outside of Russia, was still producing but had halted deliveries, a local newspaper said. (Additional reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris, Daniel Dickson in Stockholm, Samb Saliou in Conakry, Graham Fahy in Dublin and Jonathan Saul in London; Editing by Veronica Brown/Keith Weir/David Evans) Badges University System of Maryland Developing Digital Badges for Career Readiness This summer, five institutions within the University System of Maryland (USM) will begin piloting digital badges to help students validate and communicate their career-ready skills. The system is deploying Portfolium's BadgeLink digital badging and learning pathways platform as part of its Badging Essential Skills for Transitions initiative, which will award eight badges aligned with competencies developed by the National Association of Colleges and Employers: collaboration, communication, critical thinking, globalism, inter-culturalism, leadership, problem solving and professionalism. BadgeLink "allows institutions to track student learning along curricular and co-curricular pathways and automatically award digital badges when students have unlocked achievements or demonstrated competencies," a news announcement explained. Features include: An administrative portal for badge management, including a library of badges and rubrics; Easy creation of badge-earning pathways; Assessment tools for validating evidence of student competencies and automatically issuing badges; and Reporting on student learning outcomes data. USM's William E. Kirwan Center for Academic Innovation will also use Portfolium's reporting tools to assess the initiative at both the institutional and systemwide level. The system's multi-year agreement with Portfolium includes "expansion incentives for USM institutions to opt into broader use of Portfolium ePortfolio and Portfolium Assessment at a discounted price," the announcement said. Mobile Computing Why One Professor Prefers Electronic Ink Over Fancy Tablets A professor of electrical engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University uses Sony's Digital Paper device for e-textbooks, lecture notes, grading and more. There is no app store where people can acquire new uses for it. The interface is dim. And the stylus has to be recharged just like the device itself. Yet, at least one instructor wouldn't give up his Sony Digital Paper, even for the most tricked-out iPad Pro or Microsoft Surface. But then Akhan Almagambetov isn't like most people. This assistant professor in electrical engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Prescott campus disavows PowerPoints, has been known to rip up textbooks and is highly protective of his eyes. It was that last point that drove Almagambetov to the Digital Paper in the first place. The backlit screen of a regular computer gives him severe eyestrain after just 30 minutes of usage, he said. "I'm an electrical engineer so I spend my whole entire life in front of a computer. I absolutely hate computer screens." He much prefers the electronic-ink displays like the ones that are used on the Digital Paper as well as the Kindle. "With the Kindle, I can read for hours and my eyes don't hurt." However, he has found that the Sony device goes a cut above Amazon's device in two big ways. First, it allows the user to write on the screen with the use of an "active pen," an input device similar to the styluses sold by Wacom. And second, the rendering of the PDF is incredibly sharp. "For example, if you have really crisp diagrams in your textbook, you can be sure they'd be butchered by the Kindle," insisted Almagambetov. "The amazing thing with Digital Paper is that it renders the PDF as you'd see it on paper, which is really, really cool." That level of precision is important to Almagambetov, who serves as a reviewer for a variety of IEEE journals. "I can just annotate the journal article and one of my research assistants types up my comments and submits it as a review. Or with revisions going back and forth on a paper that we're trying to publish, that's invaluable. I can just make hand annotations and then somebody else will correct their errors. For my electrical engineering journal reviewing, the shading, the detailed diagrams all turn out the way they're really like." An example of an exam done entirely on Sony Digital Paper devices. The student completed her work and uploaded a PDF of it, and it was graded by the instructor, who used a different color (red) for his comments. How to Use Digital Paper for Class Sony's latest (and second) release, the DPT-RP1, features a 13-inch display from E Ink with a resolution of 2200 x 1650 and 226 dots per inch. Although the device runs Linux firmware on Android, the platform is locked down it's truly just a PDF machine. Or, as Almagambetov put it, "I say it's a one-trick pony, but, boy, what a trick!" Here are four ways Almagambetov uses Digital Paper for instruction: To replace physical books.He no longer hauls around engineering textbooks. Now, he loads them as PDFs onto his device. Here's where ripping up textbooks comes in handy: When a book isn't available in a PDF format, he yanks off the book binding and scans each page with his document scanner to create his own PDF file. As a curriculum repository.He maintains all of his notes on the Digital Paper. That includes lectures, homework assignments, exams and solution sets. If he's combining lectures or moving material around, he doesn't have to start from scratch he just copies and pastes and creates a new PDF. My generation talks about doubt a lot. Its not surprising. This so-called Christian culture of doubt has emerged at a time when its becoming clear just how much young adults crave a faith thats authentic and aligned with their lived experience. Instead of fiery evangelists, we are embracing Christian figures who give honest confessions of uncertainty and push the boundaries of what Christians can politely discuss. Were interested in analysing evangelical hypocrisy or wrestling with the doctrine of hell, hearing theology from a former porn star or questioning how transgenderism fits in the Bible. Truth is explored through conversations, not through being told what to think. Writers like Rachel Held Evans and podcasts like Bad Christian are igniting imaginations not despite their unconventional stance, but because of it. Of course, this doubt trend has ruffled feathers. Critics say that this glorification of doubt is a postmodern hipster Christianity that ignores that the Bible deals in absolutes. Its said that its putting our subjective feelings above Gods word. As one person tweeted: In the Bible, doubt is always rebuked. In the post-evangelical culture, it is given a publishing platform. So, is doubt culture a good thing or not? Without a doubt, there are two extremes As CS Lewis would say, we tend to fall into two opposite and equal errors when it comes to doubt. Many of us will have grown up in conservative circles where saying that you doubted was akin to saying you had cancer. Being part of a faith tradition was an all in proposition, and struggling with one part meant you doubted all of it. If you questioned too much, then you werent trusting God with that child-like faith we need to have. But this approach has had destructive effects. Weve seen Christians willing themselves to squash their doubts down and just have more faith, and many have fallen away because of it. When important and legitimate questions are not taken seriously or even understood, it drives a wedge between faith and the rest of your life. Doubts end up festering into unbelief. The opposite approach is also slippery. Some progressive Christians embrace ambiguity so much that they become uncomfortable with any absolutes at all. What Jesus really said and did is watered down, turning blacks and whites into greys. Eventually, it can slide into pluralism. But if you look at doubt in the Bible, you see a more complex approach. Doubts, in the Bible, are not treated as sinful in themselves, but the motivation needs to be finding truth. Think of Job, who fell into despair when his God seemed to have abandoned him. Or Jacob, who literally wrestled with God. Check out the Psalms, too. Jesus rebukes Peter and Thomas for doubting, but he also has compassion on Nicodemus and Nathanael for having questions. Biblical doubt is a case-by-case basis. Its neither the sin that conservatives might say, nor an excuse for complacent ambiguity. Rather, its a chance to sink or swim, to retreat into comfort or mature into faith. Whats more, its not the opposite of faith; rather, you could think of doubt and faith as two sides of the one coin. As one writer commented: Understood properly, this biblical view sees the role of doubt as constructive to belief A bold Christian affirmation is that because faith in Christ is true and fears no question or challenge, doubt can be a stepping stone to a tougher, deeper faith. What we do with our doubt is essential. Falling into sin like cynicism or disobedience is easy when you doubt. But coming to God with our questions exploring our questions with all our mind can make doubt a chance to hear Gods voice and deepen our faith. After all, our faith is alive and active (Hebrews Chapter 4, verse 12). As Rachel Held Evans once said; Doubt is the fire that enlivens faith. Doubt taught me to hold my faith and beliefs in an open hand. You may well ask if its okay to doubt. But shouldnt we also ask if its okay to never doubt? O, me of little faith So the doubt part of doubt culture isnt inherently terrible, and from my own experience, Id argue that the culture isnt either. Im no stranger to the unpleasant dissonance of doubt. But my doubt could have been toxic if I hadnt found a weird kind of community with doubters of the world. The boys of Bad Christian may cuss and throw grenades on tradition, but they remind me that were all bad Christians with a great Saviour. Rachel Held Evans has brought sass and crackle as she counters evangelical conceits, particularly as a feminist. Truths Table brings a voice to African-American women tired of white supremacy in evangelicalism. Dan Koch makes dense theology and political debate into digestible food for thought, while Pastor With No Answers is a humble exploration of all sorts of weird and wonderful people who make up the church, delivered by a pastor who fights depression. These people are on the fringes, they arent afraid to speak differently and didnt have all their ducks in a row. Their guests didnt either. Even when I didnt always agree with their views, my thinking has been stimulated and sharpened, and my brokenness felt less broken. Sitting on the other side, I can say, wholeheartedly, that Im grateful for the people who are destigmatising doubt, however scared or heretical they might feel at times. Were it not for them, I might not have known I wasnt the only one who felt like an outsider. Tennyson wrote, There lives more faith in honest doubt, believe me, than in half the creeds, and its apt. Signs of the times More than 500,000 young people aged between 18-34 drifted away from Christian faith within a decade in Australia, and trends are similar in Canada and the United States. Young people are crying out for a safe space to come to terms with their faith. But reports suggest they are coming up empty. They are finding themselves in a world more complex than a simple, inherited or socialised faith could handle, and in a church borne of politics, unable to tolerate [their] questions and too caught up in attractional forms of ministry to be present wherever they are, as one expert put it. Is it any wonder that young adults are finding refuge in non-traditional voices who ask the same questions they are? Making people into pariahs for questioning is more problematic than doubts themselves. The popularity of the culture of doubt may be just the wake-up call that the church needs. Cheryl McGrath is a writer, editor, list-maker and blogger. She lives in Melbourne, works as a copywriter and has a background in editing and publishing. You can read more of her writing at TwentySixLetters.org. Cheryl McGrath's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/cheryl-mcgrath.html. Altadis U.S.A. has amassed a large portfolio of brands, with some more active than others. One of the more dormant brands over the past five years has been the Trinidad brand. Like several of Altadis U.S.A.s brands, it has a counterpart in the Habanos S.A. portfolio (after all, Altadis U.S.As parent company Imperial brands owns half of Habanos S.A.). In 2012, Altadis attempted to put a modern spin on Trinidad like it had done with the Romeo by Romeo y Julieta and created Trinidad Paradox. Eventually, the line was discontinued and really the only activity under Trinidad since then was 2015s limited edition Trinidad Lost Blends. Last year, Rafael Nodal who was now overseeing product development and innovation at Altadis took his spin at reviving Trinidad and would create Trinidad Santiago. This time Trinidad Santiago is planned to be a regular production line by Altadis U.S.A. Today, we take a closer look at the Trinidad Santiago in the Robusto size. Almost a year ago, Nodal and his company Boutique Blends entered into a strategic partnership that saw Altadis U.S.A. take over Boutique Blends distribution and Nodal become a part of the Altadis U.S.A. team, where he would eventually take over product development and innovation. Nodal had been no stranger to Altadis U.S.A. as back in 2015 (prior to joining Altadis) he collaborated with the company to produce the limited edition Romeo by Romeo y Julieta Aging Room Small Batch F25. Trinidad Santiago would become Nodals first project with Altadis U.S.A. since the strategic partnership had been agreed to. When Nodal worked on the Romeo Aging Room Small Batch F25, that cigar would be produced out of Jochy Blancos Tabacalera Palma. For the Trinidad Santiago, he once again turned to Blanco and Tabacalera Palma. Since Tabacalera Palma is located in the city of Santiago in the Dominican Republic, that is how the name Trinidad Santiago was derived. The use of Tabacalera Palma as a production partner continues a strategy Altadis U.S.A. has been executing on namely producing cigars at other factories such as Plasencia S.A., Tabacalera Fernandez, and most recently Ernesto Perez-Carrillo Jrs Tabacalera La Alianza. Without further ado, lets take a look at the Trinidad Santiago Robusto and see what this cigar brings to the table. Blend Profile As for the blend, the Trinidad Santiago uses 100% Dominican Habano tobacco. Its a profile Nodal was familiar with as, when he developed the Romeo Aging Room Small Batch F25, it also was a Dominican puro using Dominican Habano tobacco in all of the components. Wrapper: Habano Dominicano Binder: Habano Dominicano Filler: Habano Dominicano Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Tabacalera Palma) Vitolas Available One other similarity with the Romeo Aging Room Small Batch F25 is that the Trinidad Santiago has the same three frontmarks. While the F25 used musical-themed vitola names, the Trinidad Santiago uses traditional names. The cigars for the Trinidad Santiago are presented in 20-count boxes. Robusto: 5 x 48 Toro: 6 x 54 Belicoso: 6 x 52 Appearance The Dominican wrapper of the Trinidad Santiago Robusto had a medium brown color to it. Upon closer examination, some darker mottling can be seen on the wrapper. This was definitely a wrapper that was on the thicker side. While there was a light coating of oil on the wrapper, the wrapper also had a sandy texture to it when held in the hand. On the surface of the wrapper, there were some visible veins as well as some visible wrapper seams. The Trinidad Santiago has two gold-colored bands. The primary band is highlighted by the Trinidad T logo in black font. To the left and right there are several gold Trinidad T logos sitting on a black background. On the far right is the text Est Ranchuelo Cuba 1905 (the location and year the brand was founded in Cuba) in a small black cursive font arranged in landscape mode. The secondary band surrounds the footer of the cigar. It is gold in color with black trim. On the center of the band is the text SANTIAGO in large black font. Preparation for the Cigar Experience Prior to lighting up the Trinidad Santiago Robusto, I used a straight cut to remove the cap. Once the cap was removed, I proceeded with the pre-light draw. The cold draw delivered a mix of cedar and natural tobacco. There also was a slight graham cracker sweetness that I picked up. Overall the pre-light draw of this cigar delivered a satisfactory pre-light experience. At this point, I removed the footer band, lit up my Trinidad Santiago Robusto and awaited what the smoking experience would have in store. Flavor Profile The Trinidad Santiago Robusto started out with a healthy dose of natural tobacco flavor. What stood out was that the natural tobacco notes had both sweet and savory components to them. Meanwhile, there were complementary notes of cedar, mixed black and red pepper, and earth in the background. The retro-hale delivered an additional layer of red pepper. Throughout the first half, the natural tobacco flavor varied in terms of whether the sweet and/or savory qualities were more prominent. As the Trinidad Santiago Robusto moved into the second third, the natural tobacco began to shed some of its savory qualities. Simultaneously, the earth notes started to make their way into the forefront. Meanwhile, the cedar and pepper notes remained secondary. As the Trinidad Santiago Robusto moved into the second half, there was an increase in both the cedar and pepper notes. The cedar notes increased at a much faster rate than the pepper notes. The earth and natural tobacco notes remained primary, but now the natural tobacco had shed some of the sweetness it had early on. The last third of the Trinidad Santiago Robusto still saw the earth and natural tobacco in the forefront. This was balanced out by notes of cedar and pepper. This was the way the smoking experience of the Trinidad Santiago Robusto came to a close. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature. Burn and Draw The Trinidad Santiago Robusto had no problems maintaining a straight burn path. For the most part, the burn line was on the straight side as well. The resulting ash was firm with a light gray color to it. Meanwhile, the burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal. The draw to the Trinidad Santiago Robusto was ideal. It had a touch of resistance to it which is something I consider the positive. At the same time, this cigar was low maintenance to derive flavor from and delivered a nice volume off smoke production. Strength and Body In terms of strength and body, I found the Trinidad Santiago Robusto to be on the upper end of medium. For the most part, I didnt find much variance in the intensity levels of both attributes. The strength and body balanced each other nicely with neither attaining dominance. Final Thoughts The Trinidad Santiago uses the tagline A Dominican Cigar with a Cuban Soul. While some of the packaging had somewhat of a Cuban influence, I found my smoking experience with the Robusto showcased the robustness of what Dominican tobacco has to offer. I particularly loved the first third when this cigar delivered its savory qualities. As the cigar experience progressed, I did find the wow factor I experienced early on had diminished, but in the end, it was still a very good cigar. For a relaunch of the Trinidad brand, it does seem like Trinidad Santiago has fallen under the radar, so its a cigar Id recommend checking out. This is a cigar I would recommend to either the novice or experienced cigar enthusiast. As for myself, its a cigar I would certainly smoke again and its one worthy of buying multiples to keep in the humidor. Summary Key Flavors: Natural Tobacco, Cedar, Pepper, Earth Burn: Excellent Draw: Excellent Complexity: Medium Strength: Medium Body: Medium Finish: Very Good Rating Value: Buy Multiples Score: 90 References News: Altadis U.S.A. Releasing Trinidad Santiago Price: $8.90 Source: Purchased Brand Reference: Trinidad Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released draft of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) proposing multiple strategies to reduce air pollution. It aims to tackle increasing air pollution problem across country in comprehensive manner. The goal of NCAP is to meet prescribed annual average ambient air quality standards at all locations in country in a stipulated time frame. However it does not mention of any specific target and time frame. Under NCAP, the MoEFCC plans to take host of measures to bring down air pollution. Objectives of the NCAP Augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring network across country to ensure comprehensive and reliable database. To have efficient data dissemination and public outreach mechanism for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution. To have feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution. Measures to be taken by MoEFCC under NCAP Under proposed NCAP, the MoEFCC will augment air quality monitoring network, identification of alternative technology for real-time monitoring, set up of 10 city super network, indoor air pollution monitoring and management and air pollution health impact studies. Other measures under it also includes air quality forecasting system, issuance of notification on dust management, three-tier mechanism for review, assessment and inspection for implementation and national emission inventory. Earlier Union Minister Harsh Vardhan had said that MoEFCC hopes to bring down air pollution in around 100 non-attainment cities by 35% in three years and 50% in five years. Non-attainment cities are those considered to have air quality worse than National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). However, NCAP released by MoECC has no reference to the target it internally conceived and publicly announced. Two Russian women, both holding children in their arms, were also sentenced to life in prison Baghdad: Iraq on Tuesday sentenced a French woman to life in prison for belonging to Daesh, the latest in a series of court rulings since the countrys defeat of Daesh. Djamila Boutoutaou, a 29-year-old of Algerian origin, told a Baghdad court that she had left France with her husband, a rapper. She said she thought they were going on holiday but when I arrived in Turkey I discovered that my husband was a terrorist. She said she was forced by her husband to join Daesh and live in the caliphate that Daesh proclaimed in 2014 straddling Syria and Iraq. Her husband was killed near the former Daesh stronghold of Mosul, northern Iraq, and her son died in bombardment, Boutoutaou said. Two Russian women, both holding children in their arms, were also sentenced to life in prison at the same hearing. Iraq declared victory in December against Daesh, which at one point controlled a third of the country. The Iraqi anti-terrorism law empowers courts to convict people who are believed to have helped Daesh even if they are not accused of violence. In January, an Iraqi court condemned a German woman to death after finding her guilty of belonging to Daesh. A court the following month sentenced another French woman to seven months in jail for entering Iraq illegally but ordered her release on time already served. Several dozen Turkish women have been sentenced to death under Iraqi anti-terrorism laws. | 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 Iraqi courts have sentenced to death a total of more than 300 people, including dozens of foreigners, for belonging to the Islamic State group, judicial sources said Wednesday. The suspects are being tried by 2 courts, 1 near the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul in northern Iraq and another in Baghdad which is dealing notably with foreigners and women. Since January in the capital, 97 foreign nationals have been condemned to death and 185 to life in prison, according to a judicial source. Most of the women sentenced were from Turkey and republics of the former Soviet Union. In January, an Iraqi court condemned a German woman to death after finding her guilty of belonging to IS while on Tuesday a French woman was sentenced to life in prison. At the court In Tel Keif near Mosul, 212 people have been sentenced to death, 150 to life in prison and 341 to other jails terms, Supreme Judicial Council spokesman Abdel Sattar Bayraqdar said in a statement. "It has been proven that they carried out criminal actions at public hearings conducted in accordance with the law during which the convicts' rights were guaranteed," he said. Iraq declared victory in December against IS -- also known as ISIS -- which at one point controlled 1/3 of the country. On Monday the justice ministry said 11 people convicted of terrorism-related charges had been executed in Iraq, which according to New York-based Human Rights Watch is the world's number 4 executioner. "These executions follow rushed trials of ISIS suspects which are riddled with due process violations, including convictions based solely on confessions which are sometimes extracted by torture," said HRW senior Iraq researcher Belkis Wille. "Iraq's mishandling of the ISIS trials not only denies victims real justice, but also risks sending innocent Iraqis to their deaths." Iraq reportedly sentences Kyrgyzstani woman to death for ties to ISIS The Central Criminal Court of Iraq sentenced 7 foreign women, members of the ISIS terrorist organization, including a native of Kyrgyzstan, to life imprisonment and death penalty, RIA Novosti reported with reference to the Iraqi Al Sumaria TV channel. A French woman and 2 Russian women were sentenced to life in prison for links to the ISIS. According to the broadcaster, 3 women from Azerbaijan and 1 from Kyrgyzstan were handed a death penalty. Iraqi court sentences 4 foreign women to death for joining IS An Iraqi court on Tuesday sentenced 4 foreign women to death and 3 to life in prison for joining the extremist militant group Islamic State (IS), the Iraqi judiciary said. The Iraqi Central Criminal Court issued verdicts of death penalty for "3 Azerbaijani women and a Kyrgyz woman for being members of IS group," the Supreme Judicial Council said in a statement. The court also "sentenced a French woman and 2 Russian women to life imprisonment for joining IS group," the statement said. The Iraqi judiciary frequently sentenced women of foreign nationals to death and imprisonment for joining IS militants, including 16 Turkish women, sentenced to death on Feb. 25. After the Iraqi forces defeated IS in Iraq in 2017, hundreds of IS loyalists were killed or captured, while many others are still at large in hideouts in Iraq or abroad. Tuesday verdicts came a day after the Iraqi Ministry of Justice said it had executed 13 Iraqi prisoners, 11 of them over charges of terrorism, despite international calls to end the death penalty. The increase of executions in Iraq has sparked calls to stop capital punishment by the UN mission in Iraq, European Union and some international human rights groups, which have criticized the lack of transparency in Iraqi courts. Death penalty in Iraq was suspended on June 10, 2003, but was reinstated from Aug. 8, 2004. | 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 al-monitor.com, April 18, 2018: akipress.com, April 18, 2018: xinhuanet.com, April 18, 2018 In the end, the photographs of a smiling 5-year-old girl juxtaposed with a menacing-looking Isidro Delacruz - staring straight into the camera on the night of the child's murder - might have helped jurors decide Delacruz needed to die. A Tom Green County jury sentenced Delacruz, 27, to death late Tuesday in the slaying of 5-year-old Naiya Villegas after more than 3 years of trial delays. The jury of 8 women and 4 men went into deliberation at 10:30 a.m. to answer the special issues questions that resulted in the death penalty on the 5th week of trial. Delacruz appeared emotionless when 119th District Judge Ben Woodward read the sentence in the courtroom, with relatives of both families present alongside half a dozen Tom Green County Sheriff's deputies. Delacruz grinned when staff on the defense team patted his shoulders as he walked out of the courtroom in handcuffs. Family members had been meandering in and out of the courtroom throughout the day as they waited for the jury to make a determination. The same jury found Delacruz guilty of capital murder last month in the child's death. Naiya died in an ambulance on the way to the hospital after her throat was slit twice in the middle of the night at her mother's home in the 2700 block of Houston Street on Sept. 2, 2014. Delacruz's parents declined to comment Tuesday evening as family members hugged each other outside of the courthouse. Members of Naiya's family said they are thankful justice was served, adding they were planning to hold a vigil on the courthouse lawn when the case concludes. "In the ultimate betrayal, Naiya's short life was brutally, maliciously ended," 51st District Attorney Alison Palmer said in a statement after the sentencing. "No family should have to endure the loss of a child, especially in these circumstances, at the hands of one who professed to love her. "To the family of Naiya Villegas, you have my deepest sympathies. I hope this resolution brings them some measure of closure, and that they will remember the beauty of Naiya and know that she has found justice." Delacruz's defense team declined to comment. Attorneys took less than an hour each to argue their case Tuesday morning. Court-appointed attorneys Robert R. Cowie and William P.H. Boyles said Delacruz experienced personality disorders, learning disabilities and physical abuse during his upbringing, which affected him in adulthood. The defense told jurors life imprisonment is itself a death sentence in prison. Palmer said Delacruz has proven he is incapable of accepting responsibility for his actions and can't follow rules. She argued a sketchy work history, drinking while on probation, numerous run-ins with the law and destructive conduct such as making shanks while he was awaiting trial in the Tom Green County Jail were all examples of impetuous behavior. The punishment phase of trial had 2 delays when it began this month. Woodward halted trial for several days the first week of April because an official gave prosecutors new school records on Delacruz. Defense attorneys immediately filed for a mistrial and a 6th continuance based on the receipt of the additional school files, but Woodward ultimately turned down their motions. Woodward also delayed proceedings for a day last week for undisclosed reasons. About 100 witnesses were called to testify, including the child's mother, who broke down and nearly collapsed in the courtroom when she saw a picture of Delacruz's bloody hand print inside her house. Trial began in January when some 350 San Angelo residents reported to the McNease Convention Center for jury duty. "It was common to hear prospective jurors say they did not want to serve on this jury, but they would because it is their responsibility as a citizen," Palmer said. "Many said they knew the case would be difficult, but if their friends or family were involved as a victim or defendant, they would want responsible citizens on a jury to hear the case. I am humbled by this sense of civic duty and community." 12 jurors and 2 alternates were eventually impaneled after more than 7 weeks of tedious individual examination by attorneys. "I thank all of the venirepersons who took time for jury selection, and I thank the 14 who so diligently served on this jury," Palmer said. "They have my deepest respect." This was the 1st time Palmer had prosecuted a capital case seeking the death penalty that had gone to trial. The last death penalty trial San Angelo saw was in May 1999, when a Tom Green County jury sent Luis Ramirez to death row when he hired a hit man who shot and killed fireman Nemecio Nandin because Nandin was having a relationship with Ramirez's ex-wife. Delacruz's case will automatically be filed for appeal. | 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 King claimed he was told by inter-planetary sources the mountain was holy and added two decades after his death, the annual pilgrimage continues. (Photo: Pixabay) In a shocking revelation, an international spiritual organisation The Aetherius Society that describes itself as a growing religion with a global following now says that Jesus was an alien. According to a report published in The Daily Star, the group is planning a cosmic mission to holy mountain Holdstone Down in north Devon, where founder George King apparently came face to face with Christ in 1958. According to members, King, who died in 1997, claims he heard a voice appointing him as an earthly representative of an interplanetary parliament in the 1950s. Operation Prayer Power, the pilgrimage to the mountain will take place on Saturday, July 28 and according to the groups website, the mission will see spiritual power invoked through prayer and mantra and directed into a specially designed physical container for later release. The report goes on to add, according to an early documentary King had said: Dimly out of the corner of my eye I saw something in the sky. Then I saw a being which kind of appeared before me I didnt see him walk up to me, I opened my eyes and he was there." The documentary further elaborates that King said that He was very tall, dressed in a long robe, had long brownish hair and there was a lot of radiance around him. King then goes on to make the claim that even though He did not tell him, King knew he was Jesus and he had come from the planet Venus. King attributed it to some sort of telepathic impression that he picked up. King claimed he was told by inter-planetary sources the mountain was holy and added two decades after his death, the annual pilgrimage continues. The group claims Holdstone Down is just one of several holy mountains, with another also located in Devon as Yes Tor, near Okehampton. Other spiritual mountains are thought to include Castle Peak in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, Mount Ramshead in New South Wales, Australia, Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and Le Nid d'Aigle near Les Houches in France. The group claims its philosophy and teachings come from highly advanced intelligence from Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and Venus. CIA Director Mike Pompeos conversations fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. (Photo: Wikimedia commons) Washington: US Secretary of State nominee and CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over the Easter weekend and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss a planned summit with US President Donald Trump, US officials said on Tuesday. Pompeos trip made him the most senior US official ever known to have met with Kim and provided the strongest sign yet to Trumps willingness to become the first serving US president ever to meet a North Korean leader. Pompeos conversations fueled Trumps belief that productive negotiations were possible with North Korea over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs, but far from guaranteed, according to a US senior official briefed on the trip. Also Read: Trump reveals direct North Korea contacts, OKs peace talks The visit, a second US official said, was arranged by South Korean intelligence chief Suh Hoon with his North Korean counterpart, Kim Yong Chol, and was intended to assess whether Kim was prepared to hold serious talks. Pompeo, one of Trumps most trusted advisers, returned to report that it was worth continuing to pursue the possibility of a summit, but added that no site had been selected from lists of options, and consequently no logistical arrangements had been made so far, the second official said. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Trump said earlier on Tuesday the United States was engaged in direct talks at extremely high levels with North Korea to try to set up a summit between him and Kim. He sowed some confusion by suggesting he had been speaking to Kim directly, but later clarified by saying: Lets leave it a little bit short of the highest level. Spokeswoman Sarah Sanders added: The president said the administration has had talks at the highest levels and added that they were not with him directly. Asked about Pompeo, she said: The administration does not comment on the CIA directors travel. An optimistic course Pompeo told his Senate confirmation hearing for the post of secretary of state this week he was optimistic a course could be set at a Trump-Kim summit for a diplomatic outcome with North Korea, but added that no one was under any illusion that a comprehensive deal could be reached at that meeting. Pompeo said the aim of the summit would be an agreement ... such that the North Korean leadership will step away from its efforts to hold America at risk with nuclear weapons and that Pyongyang should not expect rewards until it takes irreversible steps. Pompeos trip made him the most senior US official to visit North Korea since then-intelligence chief James Clapper in 2014. The news came after Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe opened two days of talks at the presidents Mar-a-Lago retreat in Palm Beach, Florida. Minister Avakov calls on U.S. to introduce sanctions against possible contractors of Nord Stream 2 The construction of Nord Stream 2 is to start in 2018 and end by late 2019. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine's economy ministry sets up ad hoc group to monitor trade with Russia The move is extremely important in the context of Moscow's military and economic aggression against Ukraine. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter March was the target date for completion of tests on the project. Russia's drive to build a large power-generating turbine to lessen its dependence on Western technology has suffered a major set-back after a prototype broke beyond repair, two sources familiar with the project said. In the past few years Russia has imported the large-capacity gas turbines required to run modern power stations from firms such as Siemens, GE and Alstom, as reported by Reuters. After Western sanctions were imposed on Russia over the conflict with Ukraine four years ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin urged officials to replace imported technology with home-grown substitutes in energy, software, aerospace and medicine. The mishap with the 110 Megawatt turbine, a capacity large enough to power a sizeable town, underlines the technical challenges. Testing was underway on a prototype 110 MW turbine at the Saturn engineering plant in Rybinsk, central Russia, in December last year according to one of the two sources, who are both in the energy sector and familiar with the results of the tests. "The turbine fell apart," said the first source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject. "They tried to repair it in time for March, but they did not manage it." March was the target date for completion of tests on the turbine. Putin, in power since 1999, won a second consecutive term in an election on March 18. Read alsoSiemens continues litigation to stop launch of turbines illegally delivered to occupied Crimea KlimkinThe first source, and a second source, both said it was not possible to rebuild the prototype turbine and the project would have to start again with new equipment. "The turbine broke up," said the second source, who requested anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to the media. "There's no turbine, that's it." Without any home-grown equivalents, Russia should in most cases still be able to buy turbines from Western suppliers, but U.S. and European Union sanctions have made it harder to import Western power technology under certain circumstances. Read alsoRussia's appeals court confirms Siemens claim over turbine transfer to Crimea rejectedLast year Russia clandestinely delivered turbines made by Siemens to a power station in Crimea, which is subject to sanctions, and the European Union retaliated by imposing extra sanctions on officials and companies involved in the operation. Cabinet not to allow monopolization of petroleum products market Groysman Ukraine needs investments in oil refining industry to provide citizens with inexpensive and high-quality petroleum products. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine, EU sign EUR 50 mln agreement to support Energy Efficiency Fund The Ukrainian Energy Efficiency Fund has been set up by the Ukrainian government earlier this year in close cooperation with the EU and Germany. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter United Nations peacekeeping missions are far more complicated today than when the peacekeepers job consisted primarily of keeping the warring parties apart. Today's multidimensional peacekeeping operations are called upon not only to maintain peace and security, but also to facilitate the political process, protect civilians, assist in the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration of former combatants; support the organization of elections; protect and promote human rights; and assist in restoring the rule of law. It is also dangerous work. According to the United Nations, last year, 56 of their peacekeepers died as a result of violence. So it makes sense to prepare peacekeepers, prior to deployment, for the kinds of challenges they will face in real-world peacekeeping operations. In late February and early March, over 1000 peacekeepers, from more than 30 countries, took part in Shanti Doot 4. Shanti Doot, which means Ambassador of Peace, is a multinational United Nations peacekeeping exercise designed to familiarize the participants with situations they may encounter during deployment on peacekeeping operations. The exercise took place at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training, with support from the Global Peace Operations Initiative, a peacekeeping capacity-building program managed by the U.S. Department of State in partnership with the Department of Defense. The training participants at Shanti Doot 4 had the opportunity to learn from numerous international instructors with extensive real-world peacekeeping experience. The multinational exercises and training sessions provided the opportunity for an exchange of knowledge, skills, and techniques between subject matter experts and international instructors, for the benefit of all involved. U.S. Pacific Command and the United States State Department Global Peace Operations Initiative are pleased, indeed honored, to partner with our friends in Bangladesh, in support of the training of multinational military forces to conduct real-world United Nations peacekeeping operations, said U.S. Airforce Major General James O. Eifert. Exercise Shanti Doot 4 is one way we continue to enrich the relationship, while simultaneously strengthening multinational partnerships around the world. It is impossible to talk about raising the retirement age in Ukraine until the average life expectancy of Ukrainians is increased, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Pavlo Rozenko has said. "You know the principled position of the president, the government and my personal on this issue [increasing the retirement age]... Three years ago, at the first negotiations with the International Monetary Fund, I categorically objected to any possibility of raising the retirement age in Ukraine. This question cannot be considered until the life expectancy of Ukrainians is substantially increased in Ukraine. If the life expectancy of men in Ukraine is now 63-65 years, what kind of an increase in the retirement age for men we can talk about?" Rozenko told journalists in Kyiv on Tuesday, April 17. He noted that all government activities should be aimed at creating normal living conditions for people, obtaining normal medical care, preventing accidents and premature death in order to reach the level of European countries in terms of life expectancy. "And then our country will have an opportunity in 10-15 years, and we will be able to say that let's increase the duration of working life in order to increase the level of pension provision. Today, we have no arguments to raise the retirement age," Rozenko said. Kernel sees 21.8% decline in grain sales, 14% fall in sunflower oil sales in Q3 of FY2018 Kernel, a large Ukrainian agrarian group, cut grain sales by 21.8% in the third quarter of FY2018 (July 2017-June 2018), to 1.088 million tonnes. According to a company report posted on its website, bulk sunflower oil sales in January-March 2018 fell by 14%, to 252,740 tonnes, and bottled oil sales decreased 24.4%, to 26.16 million liters. Over the period the holding crushed 848,860 tonnes of sunflower seeds, which is s1.4% less than in Q3 FY2017. According to the document, the throughput volumes at the company's export terminals fell by 6.1%, to 1.515 million tonnes. In 9M FY2018 Kernel cut grain sales by 25.1%, to 3.074 million tonnes, bottled oil sales by 6.9%, to 85.8 million liters and boosted bulk oil sales by 14%, to 914,680 tonnes. Grain sales stemmed from a countrywide harvest decline, delayed harvesting campaign, and low willingness of farmers to sell crops waiting for better prices. According to the document, In Q3 FY2018 Kernel completed the disposal of corporate rights in subsidiaries leasing in total 34,000 hectares of farmland in Ukraine, which were suboptimal for company's operations. Combined proceeds are expected to be $19 million. Kernel is the world's largest producer and exporter of sunflower oil, the leading producer and supplier of agricultural products from the Black Sea region to the world markets. Nibulon plans to start building cargo sea vessels in summer 2018, Director General of Nibulon Olekskiy Vadatursky has said in an interview with the Ports of Ukraine publication. "In March this year, for the first time at our shipyard, building of a dry cargo ship with a length of 100 meters was launched. And in the summer, after the reconstruction of the shipyard facilities, we will be able to build full-sized cargo ships of 140 meter length. We plan to build a specialized marine vessel with deadweight of 10,000 tonnes as a transshipment raid station," he said. According to Vadatursky, the vessel will be equipped with two cranes, which can handle up to 20,000 tonnes of grain per day. The deadline for its delivery is July 1, 2019. "As we build our own marine fleet, we will extend the transport chain from the agricultural producer to the final consumer on the Nile," he said. The general director of Nibulon said that for the 12 years since the beginning of the implementation of infrastructure projects, to date, $1.76 billion has been invested, in particular about $100 million over the past year. Nibulon LLC was established in 1991. It is one of the largest operators in the grain market of the country. It has elevators with a total capacity of about 2 million tonnes, as well as its own transshipment terminal with a capacity of 5 million tonnes in Mykolaiv. Interior Minister of Ukraine Arsen Avakov during a working visit to the United States has held a meeting with Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Christopher Wray, which was followed by signing the Memorandum of Mutual Cooperation. The framework agreement between the Ukrainian Ministry and the FBI will allow a radical breakthrough in matters related to information exchange, access to certain technical capabilities, the press service of the Ukrainian Interior Ministry reported on Wednesday. "And one of these possibilities is the second document that we have signed today between the National Police and the FBI Department. It is aimed at combating organized crime. We have discussed with the FBI director a number of threats that come to us from Putin's regime. We also outlined some general steps that will allow combating Russian aggression," Avakov said. As reported, interior minister of Ukraine during his working visit to the United States discussed the confrontation of the Russian hybrid threat with representatives of the U.S. State Department. Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko and members of the Cabinet of Ministers discussed at a meeting on Tuesday the formation of a united local Orthodox church, establishing interaction among government institutions, and the introduction of sanctions against Russia similar to the ones imposed by the U.S., Education Minister of Ukraine Liliia Hrynevych has said. "As regards yesterday's meeting. We spoke about several issues, starting with the Ukrainian local church. The president informed us about the results of his meeting [with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on April 9] in Istanbul, as this is a very important event," Hrynevych said at a briefing after a government meeting on Wednesday, answering journalists' questions about the president's meeting with Cabinet members. In addition, the education minister said that the meeting addressed the matter of establishing cooperation of the parliament, the president and the Cabinet. "Plus, we also discussed the issue of sanctions [against Russia], which is also a very broad issue. The government is currently preparing this project, coordinating it, holding numerous meetings, and we are working on this important document, which, after their publication, will deserve special attention of the media," the minister said. As reported, on April 6, the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), in consultation with the Department of State, designated seven Russian oligarchs and 12 companies they own or control, 17 senior Russian government officials, and a state-owned Russian weapons trading company and its subsidiary, a Russian bank. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko welcomed the expansion of U.S. sanctions against the persons involved in the 'Kremlin list,' expressed the hope that the European Union will do the same, and also said that he expected the Ukrainian National Security and Defense Council to propose synchronization of sanctions regimes with the United States. The Kyiv authorities will return to the city's ownership the facilities that were illegally taken from the public, Kyiv City State Administration's press service has reported. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said at the beginning of a Kyiv City Council meeting on Tuesday, April 17, that the relevant issue had been included in the agenda. "The issues of ownership and property include the draft decision on the return of the Zoriany movie theater to the Kyiv community. I am convinced that we must take this decision. We are returning to the city ownership the facilities that were once impudently and illegally taken away from the community. We will continue to do so," Klitschko said. He also added that the Kyiv authorities were overhauling and reconstructing the premises of kindergartens, which had been used for other purposes for decades. Klitschko recalled that the other day he visited a kindergarten in the city's Sviatoshynsky district, which already accepts children. "It has been overhauled and equipped, and now this is the most modern and comfortable institution. This year, we will open eight newly constructed and reconstructed kindergartens in the capital," the mayor said. He also noted that "ten renovated parks and several tourist zones will open in Kyiv this year." "At the same time, not everyone understands that all this is being done for residents of Kyiv. I am now talking about acts of vandalism that have increased in the capital," Klitschko said. Kyiv's Shevchenkivsky District Court on Wednesday denied a request from military prosecutors to take a saliva sample from imprisoned Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine nonaligned deputy Nadiia Savchenko. "The investigation judge did not grant the request," says the decision. At the start of the hearing evidence included a mobile telephone, on which biological material was found the reason prosecutors requested the mandatory saliva sample from Savchenko. Savchenko's lawyer Dmytro Buhai argued the motion should be denied because it would denigrate Savchenko and violate her human rights. Savchenko, who attended the hearing, said she would regard attempts to extract biological samples from her as acts of torture. Disgraced ex-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych was convinced his February 21, 2014 agreement with opposition leaders would be kept and that guarantees from the United States and Russia would be honored, Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Opposition Bloc) deputy Mykhailo Dobkin said during a Wednesday appearance in Kyiv's Obolonsky District Court, where the trial is taking place. "Yanukovych told me in detail about his big personal victory in making the agreement. He even said the United States and Russia guaranteed fulfillment of the pact. He travelled to Kharkiv in order to avoid provoking more unrest in Kyiv and to begin making legislative changes pursuant to the agreement," Dobkin said. The deputy added that on the night of February 21 to February 22, 2018 Yanukovych communicated with ex-Prime Minister and opposition leader Arseniy Yatsenyuk, complaining that agreements to withdraw protesters and lift the blockade of government buildings were not kept. Dobkin also said he heard telephone conversations during which Yanukovych spoke with guards at his Mezhyhirrya residence about "armed persons" arriving at the site. According to the MP, ex Ukrainian SBU Security Service chief Oleksandr Yakymenko then spoke with Right Sector leader Dmytro Yarosh, agreeing that his residence not be stormed. Dobkin, then Kharkiv governor, said he stepped up security arrangements in line with Yanukovych's visit. He said he did not expect Yanukovych to flee to Russia. Dobkin declined to comment on Yanukovych's March 1, 2014 letter to Russian President Vladimir Putin requesting Russian military assistance to maintain order in Ukraine. He said he considers Crimea to be part of Ukraine and blamed events in early 2014 on persons in power from the end of February 2014. Among the cacophony of voices calling for change in Iran, one stands out for being wholly unexpectedthat of hardline former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Once Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khameneis favorite, Ahmadinejad has become outspoken in his criticism of the regime, especially its oppression of freedom, and his supporters have grown in number and evolved from a motley mix of conservatives who disagree with Khamenei to a serious political force. Ahmadinejad began clashing with the Supreme Leader during his second term in office from 2009-2013. Khamenei rejected Ahmadinejads appointment of his close relative and populist figure Esfandiar Rahim Mashai as his vice-president. In May 2011, Ahmadinejad fired his Intelligence Minister Heidar Moslehi, but again Khamenei over ruled his decision. Moslehi was re-instated and Ahmadinejad refused to go to work for eleven days, to no avail. In February 2012, Ahmadinejad hijacked a session of Iranian parliament on live TV by screening a video showing parliament Speaker Ali Larijani, Chief Justice Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli's brother brother Fazel demanding a bribe from two other officials, bringing disgrace to regime insiders. In May 2013, Ahmadinejad defied Khameneis advice and nominated himself as a candidate to run for president. The Guardian Council disqualified him. In the winter of 2018, as the judiciary clamped down on his allegedly corrupt aides, Ahmadinejad wrote several letters to Khamenei and gave speeches criticizing the way Khamenei ruled the country, questioning the regimes integrity, and attacking the judiciary with an especially harsh tone. It was at this stage that Ahmadinejad and his aides started sit-ins at shrines and mosques in various parts of Tehran during which they openly criticized state officials, including the heads of the legislative, judiciary, and executive branches, and finally Khamenei himself for failing to control those three institutions. In one letter, Ahmadinejad called on Khamenei to fire the heads of the three branches and to introduce fundamental changes everywhere, including in his own office. When the courts jailed two of his closest aides, Mashai and Hamid Reza Baqai, Ahmadinejad attempted to mobilize others against the system. It was then that he encouraged 300 of his supporters to echo his attacks on state officials and his criticism of the system by co-signing a letter to Khamenei. The number of signatories of this letter later reached as many as 800. All of the signatories are known to be part of Irans diverse conservative camp, mainly those who worked with the Ahmadinejad administration between 2005 and 2013. Ahmadinejads supporters before the publication of this letter were mostly disorganized and without any political background. After this initial letter, the groups criticism of the regime spread to engulf not just the three branches of government, but also other institutions such as Guardian Council, state TV, The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, and Friday prayer leaders. His wide circle of supporters now includes members of the Basij (an IRGC affiliated paramilitary force), and university students and lecturers. They warned Khamenei in the letter that his regime is becoming increasingly lifeless and fragile and needs fundamental reforms. They expressed concern over the unsatisfactory situation of justice, freedom, democracy and independence in the country. The importance of the letter is that those who signed it, until recently sympathized with the regime, but are now using the same language as the opposition. Although they are still not influential players in Iranian politics, they appear to be establishing themselves as a sizeable force that could put its mark on future developments at the right time. Iraq has sentenced two women from Russia to life in prison after convicting them of belonging to the extremist Islamic State group. The two women sentenced by a Baghdad court on April 17 were identified by officials from Chechnya as natives of Daghestan, which neighbors Chechnya in Russia's North Caucasus region. Russian state media reports citing Iraqi television said three women from Azerbaijan were sentenced to death at the same hearing, as was a woman from Kyrgyzstan. Details about those women could not be immediately confirmed. AFP reported that five women from Azerbaijan were sentenced to death at the hearing. The discrepancy between that report and the Russian state media reports could not immediately be reconciled. The two Russian women sentenced to life in prison held small children in their arms during the hearing. Iraq in December declared victory against IS militants who at one point controlled a third of the countrys territory. The countrys anti-terrorism laws allow courts to convict those believed to have assisted IS militants even if they have not been accused of violent actions. Iraq is reportedly holding more than 1,000 foreign women suspected of IS links, most of them from Turkey and the former Soviet Union. Some of these women have been sentenced to death. The Associated Press reported last month that Iraq is holding more than 19,000 people due to alleged IS ties. Human Rights Watch, which estimated a similar figure late last year, has warned that Iraq's anti-terror laws are sweeping up suspects with minimal IS involvement. It said in December that 7,374 people had been found guilty of involvement in IS under Iraq's antiterrorism laws since 2014, of whom 92 have been executed. Iraqi authorities have yet to announced the carrying out of death sentences against foreign women convicted of belonging to IS. With reporting by AFP, TASS, RIA Novosti, The New York Times, Reuters, AP, and The Daily Telegraph JERUSALEM, April 17 (Reuters) Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighboring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Iran, along with Damascus and its big-power backer Russia, blamed Israel for an April 9 air strike on a Syrian air base, T-4, that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members. Iranian officials have promised unspecified reprisals. Israeli media ran satellite images and a map of five Syrian air bases allegedly used to field Iranian drones or cargo aircraft, as well as the names of three senior IRGC officers suspected of commanding related projects, such as missile units. The information came from the Israeli military, according to a wide range of television and radio stations and news websites. Israel's military spokesman declined to comment. However, an Israeli security official seemed to acknowledge the leak was sanctioned, telling Reuters that it provided details about "the IRGC air force (which) the Israeli defence establishment sees as the entity that will try to attack Israel, based on Iranian threats to respond to the strike on T-4." The official, who requested anonymity, would not elaborate. Israels Army Radio reported that, given tensions with Iran over Syria, the Israeli air force cancelled plans to send F-15 fighter jets to take part in the U.S.-hosted exercise Red Flag, which begins on April 30. "EXPOSED" Roni Daniel, military editor for Israeli TV station Mako, said the disclosure was a signal to Iran that its deployments in Syria "are totally exposed to us, and if you take action against us to avenge (the T-4 strike) these targets will be very severely harmed". According to Daniel, Israel was bracing for a possible Iranian missile salvo or armed drone assault from Syria. There was no immediate response from the IRGC or Syria. The Iranian death toll in T-4 was unusually high. "It was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets - both facilities and people," the New York Times on Sunday quoted an Israeli military source as saying. Iran, Israel's arch-foe, has cast its military personnel in Syria as reinforcements helping President Bashar al-Assad battle a seven-year-old insurgency. The Iranians have also described their cargo flights to Syria as carrying humanitarian aid only. An Israeli-Iranian showdown over Syria has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed drone launched from T-4 penetrated its air space. Israel blew up the drone and carried out a raid on Syrian air defences in which one of its F-16 jets was downed. "Israel is headed for escalation," Yaacov Amidror, former national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. "There could be a very big belligerent incident with Iran and Hezbollah." While not claiming responsibility for the T-4 strike, Israel has restated a policy of preventing Iran setting up a Syrian garrison. Scores of previous such raids went unanswered but Israel worries that changing conditions may now embolden Iran. Russia, which long turned a blind eye to Israeli actions in Syria while serving as a brake on retaliation by Iran or its Lebanese Hezbollah guerrilla allies, is now at loggerheads with Western powers over accusations, denied by Syria's government, that it has used chemical weaponry in fighting. (Additional reporting by Bozorgmehr Sharafedin in London; writing by Dan Williams; editing by Mark Heinrich) JERUSALEM (AP) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday issued a veiled warning to Iran, saying in a Memorial Day speech that his country will defend itself against anyone that tries to harm it. The premier's remarks on Israel's national day of mourning come amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran over an alleged Israeli airstrike targeting a Syrian air force base last week that left at least four Iranian military personnel dead. Iran has threatened to retaliate, casting a shadow over Israel's celebration of its 70-year Independence Day celebrations, which were to begin at sundown. Netanyahu said Israel is "determined to stand strong" in the face of "continued incitement by our neighbors, a great many of whom refuse to come to terms with our existence." He warned that "anyone who raises a hand against us won't be spared." Israel has repeatedly warned that it will take action to prevent Iran from entrenching its forces in neighboring Syria or transfer strategic arms to the Shiite militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has carried out numerous airstrikes in Syria, most believed to have targeted suspected arms shipments bound for Hezbollah. But in recent weeks, Israel and its archenemy Iran have moved closer toward open conflict. In February, Israel shot down what it says was an Iranian drone, launched from Syria, carrying explosives aimed at an Israeli target. Israel responded with airstrikes in Syria, with one warplane shot down, while destroying Syrian anti-aircraft systems at the T4 air base. Last week, that same base was attacked in an airstrike that Syria, Iran and Russia all blamed on Israel. The Israelis have not commented on the strike, which killed at least four Iranian military personnel, but Iran has vowed revenge. Earlier on Wednesday, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on Twitter called for "offensive plans against the enemy," without specifically naming Israel. Earlier this week an aide to Khamenei said Iran is capable of destroying Israel and "if you provide an excuse for Iran, Tel Aviv and Haifa will be razed to the ground." Netanyahu spoke at ceremonies paying respects to fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism at the Mount Herzl cemetery in Jerusalem, hours before Israel was to begin celebrating its 70th anniversary at sundown. The government is celebrating the country's many economic and cultural accomplishments, while Israelis spend the day with dancing, fireworks, parties and barbecues. But this year's festivities have been tempered by rising tensions along its northern front with Syria and on the southern border with the Gaza Strip. Israel has fought half a dozen wars with Arab countries since its establishment in 1948, battled two Palestinian uprisings and endured dozens of deadly militant attacks. Military service is mandatory, and after decades of conflict most Israelis have personally experienced the grief of war or know someone who has. Israel counts 23,646 people who have been killed in wars and terror attacks since the fight for independence began, with 71 new names joining the list this year. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 105 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said April 18. Armenians 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, April 18 Trend: The OSCE monitoring held along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops on April 18 passed without incidents, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry. The monitoring was held under the mandate of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative in Azerbaijans Fuzuli district. On the Azerbaijani side, the monitoring was held by Simon Tiller and Gennady Petrica, field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative. On the Azerbaijani territories, occupied and controlled by Armenian armed forces, the monitoring was held by Andrzej Kasprzyk, personal representative of the OSCE chairperson-in-office, and field assistants of the OSCE chairperson-in-office personal representative Mikhail Olaru and Ognyen Yovic. 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, April 18 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Protracted conflicts in the OSCE area call for full attention, said State Secretary of Slovenias Foreign Ministry Andrej Logar in Vienna April 18. He made the remarks during the official opening of Slovenias Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation, said a message on OSCEs website. Slovenias Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation will be characterized by the countrys commitment to the ongoing efforts to restore confidence in the OSCE area, Logar said He noted that protracted conflicts in the OSCE area, erosion of arms controls, crisis of confidence- and security-building measures, increased radicalization, proliferation of terrorist activities and the misuse of information are just some of the issues that call for full attention. There is a greater need than ever for an open dialogue among the participating states. Slovenia truly sees the OSCE as being capable of fostering dialogue, rebuilding trust and promoting stability, he added. Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is among the protracted conflicts in the OSCE area. 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, April 17 Trend: Estonian President Kersti Kaljulaid has congratulated President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his victory in the April 11 election. "Your Excellency, I congratulate you on your re-election as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. I am confident that we will continue working together in order to strengthen the bilateral relations between our two countries. Please accept the assurances of my highest consideration as well as my best wishes for the welfare and prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people ," reads the congratulatory letter. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: The inauguration ceremony of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was held at the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan Parliament). The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani officials, members of the government, MPs and the President's family. Honorary cortege which accompanied President Ilham Aliyev left for the Milli Majlis where the inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. The inauguration of President Ilham Aliyev, who has been elected president of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a popular vote, was declared open. The event participants warmly welcomed President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Under the accompaniment of the ceremonial march, soldiers of the Armed Forces brought on to the stage the national flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the standard (flag) of the President of Azerbaijan. Chairman of Azerbaijans Constitutional Court Farhad Abdullayev and the judges of the Constitutional Court were invited to the stage. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan, having approved the conclusions of the Central Election Commission on the results of the Azerbaijani presidential election by its resolution dated April 17, 2018, declared Ilham Aliyev the president of Azerbaijan, Farhad Abdullayev said. Ilham Aliyev, who was elected the president of Azerbaijan, in accordance with Article 103 of the countrys Constitution, is invited to take an oath in the presence of judges of the Constitutional Court, he said. President Ilham Aliyev laid his hand on the Constitution of Azerbaijan and swore an oath. Exercising the authority of the Azerbaijani president, I swear to observe the Constitution of Azerbaijan, to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the state and to serve the people with dignity, said Ilham Aliyev. Then the national anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The president swore an oath by laying his hand on the Holy Quran. By laying my hand on the Holy Quran, I swear to be committed to the national and spiritual values and traditions created by the Azerbaijani people for centuries and constantly cherish them, said Ilham Aliyev. Having knelt, President Ilham Aliyev kissed the national flag of Azerbaijan. The president also delivered the speech at the event. The inauguration ceremony ended. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by his family members, has visited the Alley of Honors to lay a wreath at the tomb of national leader Heydar Aliyev after the swearing-in ceremony. The head of state and his family members put flowers at the grave of prominent ophthalmologist, academician Zarifa Aliyeva. They also placed flowers at the graves of state figure Aziz Aliyev and professor Tamerlan Aliyev. President Ilham Aliyev together with his family members also visited the Alley of Martyrs. The head of state paid respect to Azerbaijani heroes who gave their lives for the country`s independence and territorial integrity. The head of state laid a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument. The president and his family members enjoyed panoramic view of Baku. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and his family members have visited the National Flag Square. Chief of the guard of honor reported to President, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. The head of state saluted the soldiers. The national anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan was played. A salute was fired in honor of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. The guard of honor passed in front of the head of state under the accompaniment of a military march. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: Armenians destroyed our mosques, but they dont understand that we have erected the destroyed mosques in our hearts, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev during his inauguration ceremony on April 18. Our army building policy is the only right policy. Great work was done in the beginning of implementation of this policy and the army building process has proceeded rapidly. Sometimes we are criticized: why do you spend so much funds for this? But the life shows that we have conducted a right policy. Today the Azerbaijani army is among the strong armies on the global scale. Our army is among the strong ones in terms of equipment, ammunition, weaponry, machinery and combat capability. We provide our army with everything it needs. We buy the most modern weapons and will continue to do so, said the head of state. "The enemy also saw the strength of the Azerbaijani army. The April fights are our glorious history, our great victory. Azerbaijan's army liberated parts of the territories of Agdere, Fizuli and Jabrayil districts. We control thousands of hectares of territories. Life is returning to these lands and the Azerbaijani flag is flying on these lands. People have returned and a new settlement has been established. Our military victory shows the strength of the Azerbaijani people, their invincible spirit. It shows that the Azerbaijani people will never accept this occupation and we will liberate our lands. We need to be even stronger in order to achieve this and we will be so, said the head of state. The Jojug Marjanli settlement has turned into a symbol of our revival. The life which has returned to Jojug Marjanli makes every Azerbaijani glad and proud. Armenians, the vandals, the Armenian leadership have committed genocide against our historical monuments as well and destroyed our mosques. But they do not understand that the destroyed mosques live in our hearts, we have erected the destroyed mosques in our hearts. After liberating the lands from occupation, we brought a mosque similar to the Shusha mosque, destroyed by the vandals, to Jojug Marjanli, built it there and today, our people can pray on these lands. This shows that we will never accept the occupation, added President Aliyev. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: Azerbaijan will continue the policy of isolating Armenia from all regional projects, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev during his inauguration ceremony on April 18. "We have been active in international organizations over the past 15 years and will continue to be active. International organizations support Azerbaijan's position; particularly, international organizations support our fair position on settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It is enough to say that over the past 15 years, many of the most influential international organizations have accepted our proposal on the conflict and adopted very important resolutions. There it is indicated that the conflict should be resolved within the territorial integrity of our country," he said. President Aliyev reminded that the UN General Assembly, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the Economic Cooperation Organization, GUAM and other organizations have adopted resolutions supporting Azerbaijan's position on the conflict. "In the past, the UN Security Council and the OSCE adopted resolutions that create a legal framework for settlement of the conflict," he added. President Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijan has been able to fully secure the support of international organizations in issue of settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "We have exposed the occupation policy of Armenia. We have achieved Armenia's isolation from all regional projects today. The resolutions of the UN Security Council are the main and legal basis for settlement of the conflict. We have been able to prove to the world that we are right. Although campaigns are carried out against us, Armenian lobby organizations carry out campaigns against us. However, these campaigns have failed to affect the decisions of international organizations. We have achieved political and diplomatic success. No one recognizes the so-called Nagorno-Karabakh and I am sure that no one will recognize it. The so-called referendum held there was condemned by our neighbors and international organizations," he said. President Aliyev further reminded that Nagorno-Karabakh is the historical land of Azerbaijan. "There is a legal base. We have strengthened this base over the past 15 years. Over the past 15 years, we have been able to convey the truth about the conflict to the world community. Books were written, maps, ancient maps were presented and exhibitions were held. Over 10 countries recognize the Khojaly massacre as genocide. Our diplomatic and political success is yielding its results," he said. The president said that today Armenia has turned into a deadlock country. "We do not hide that thanks to our efforts we have isolated Armenia from all regional projects, and this policy is yielding its results. We will further continue this policy and I am sure that we will achieve what we want. The Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict must be resolved solely within the territorial integrity of our country. There is no other way. Azerbaijan will never allow establishment of the second fictitious Armenian state in our territory," he said. President Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan informs the world community and public that not only Nagorno-Karabakh, but also the modern Armenia is the historical land of Azerbaijan. "We convey it to the world community not with word alone, but with proofs. Scientific works are written, archives are studied and historical books are written. There is enough historical evidence to prove that. In the early 19th century, 80 percent of population of the Irevan Khanate was Azerbaijanis. We have been subjected to several deportations. We must convey all this, and we do convey, and this is yielding results," he said. "Our principled position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is supported by the Azerbaijani people. We will not refuse from this policy, we will isolate the occupant from all work, regional affairs also in the years to come, and expose them. In the coming years, our power will grow, because big initiatives and projects being realized today will increase our strength," President Aliyev said. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Yukiya Amano in Baku on April 18. Amano congratulated the head of state on his victory in the presidential election and said that their meeting's coinciding with President Aliyev's swearing-in is a remarkable event. Noting that Azerbaijan is a very important partner for the International Atomic Energy Agency, Yukio Amano hailed the high level of cooperation and joint work with Azerbaijan on a number of important projects. President Aliyev thanked for the congratulations and underlined the importance of Amano's visit to Azerbaijan. The head of state hailed good partnership between Azerbaijan and International Atomic Energy Agency and the ongoing work on a number of joint projects. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his hope that Azerbaijans cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency will continue developing in the years to come. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 19 Trend: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated President of Israel Reuven Rivlin. "On behalf of the people of Azerbaijan and on my own behalf, I congratulate you and your nation on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Israel Independence Day," President Aliyev said in his letter. "I believe that the development of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Israel will further serve the best interests of our nations,"he noted. "On this remarkable day, I extend my wishes of your good health and success in your activities, and of peace and prosperity of the friendly people of Israel," the president added. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) and ATL Tech company operating in information and telecommunication sphere signed a Cooperation Agreement. The signing ceremony gathered BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov, Chief Executive of ATL Tech company Rashad Mirzayev, Technical Director Vurgun Hajiyev, Training Coordinator Khanim Akhundova, and the Higher Schools professors, lecturers and students. Greeting the guests, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov expressed his contentment regarding development of relations between BHOS and ATL Tech, which offers variety of services including IT consulting, systems integration, security, software services and solutions. The rector said that two BHOS students had already been hired by the company and urged the Higher Schools graduates to take use of special internship opportunities offered by ATL Tech and, thus, to gain more professional knowledge and experience. Technical director of ATL Tech Vurgun Hajiyev made a detailed presentation on activities of the company. He informed the participants that by using the most advanced in-house technology, the company helps organizations to simplify and streamline their daily operations and achieve maximum efficiency, while minimizing costs. Vurgun Hajiyev provided detailed information about ATL Techs internship program for students. Having invited BHOS undergraduates to participate in this program, he emphasized that the company would provide all necessary support and assistance for their professional development. In his words, after successful completion of the internship the students may start their career within the company. After the presentation, BHOS rector Elmar Gasimov and Chief Executive of ATL Tech company Rashad Mirzayev signed a Cooperation Agreement, which covers perspective works and obligations of the parties. Then fourth-year Process Automation Engineering student of the Higher School Amiraslan Bakhishli who is working at ATL Tech talked about his experience and job responsibilities in the company. The meeting concluded with a question and answer session. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: An Azerbaijani-Swiss business forum is planned to be held in Baku in July 2018, the Azerbaijani economy ministry said in a message on April 18. This was announced during a meeting of Azerbaijan's Economy Minister, the chairman of the Joint Commission on Cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the Federal Council of Switzerland Shahin Mustafayev and Swiss Ambassador to Baku Philip Stalder. The minister highlighted the development of the Azerbaijani-Swiss relations, and noted that the Azerbaijani president attaches great importance to expansion of the cooperation between the two countries. There was noted that the head of the Azerbaijani state annually participates in the Davos Forum and other important events. There was noted that an Azerbaijani-Swiss business forum is planned to be held in Azerbaijan during the visit of the head of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, Swiss commerce minister Johann Niklaus Schneider-Ammann to Azerbaijan. During the visit, the Swiss minister will also familiarize with the Sumgait Chemical Industrial Park and the Balakhani Industrial Park. Mustafayev further noted that the illegal activities of some Swiss companies in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan is unacceptable. There are currently 71 Swiss companies in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan has invested $ 1.2 billion in Switzerland. The trade between the two countries amounted to $240 million in 2017, which shows more than a 40 percent growth. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Azad Hasanli Trend: The frequency of trains running on the Baku-Kiev railway route can be increased, Evgeny Kravtsov, acting chairman of the board of the Ukrainian Railways JSC, wrote on his Facebook page. He said that the issue can be considered in case of higher demand. "We hope that passengers will appreciate the convenience of this route. If the demand grows, we will consider possibility of increasing the frequency of trains running to the capital of Azerbaijan," he wrote. Previously it was reported that the route of the passenger train Baku-Kharkov No.369-370 will be extended to the "Kiev-Passajirskaya" station from April 21, 2018. Thus, the Baku-Kharkov train will become the Baku-Kiev train from April 21. The train will pass Kharkov, Poltava, Mirgorod and Lubny cities of Ukraine. The train will leave from Baku once a week, on Thursdays at 01:35 [local time], and arrive in Kiev on Monday at 11:46 [local time]. On the same day, at 14:37 [local time], the train will return back. The train will arrive in Baku on Thursday at 04:10 [local time]. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: Turkmenistan and Tajikistan discussed the state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations in the political, trade-economic and humanitarian spheres, the Personnel and Special Information Department of the Tajik Foreign Ministry said in a message April 18. The discussions were held as part of the meeting between Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Aslov and Turkmen deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov April 17 in Dushanbe city. The sides also discussed issues of cooperation between the two countries within the framework of international and regional organizations. Following the meeting, the parties exchanged instruments of ratification regarding the intergovernmental agreement on strategic partnership between Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. On April 17, Dushanbe hosted the 23rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). Ministers and deputy foreign ministers of ECO member countries took part in the meeting. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Fifteen agro-parks are planned to be launched in Azerbaijan in 2018, Executive Director of the National Entrepreneurship Support Fund (NFES) of Azerbaijan Shirzad Abdullayev said at a press conference April 18. "The first stage of work has already been completed on three agro-parks. Furthermore, construction and installation work is underway at 26 agro-parks, while territory planning is underway at 16 agro-parks," Abdullayev said. He said that overall, work on creation of agro-parks in Azerbaijan is proceeding at a high pace. In total, 45 agro-parks with a total area of 191,800 hectares are planned to be created in the country's 30 districts, according to Abdullayev. "In this regard, the government is rendering great support. In total, state funds worth 311.8 million manats were invested in the creation of agro-parks, while soft loans worth 107.6 million manats were allocated for creation of 15 agro-parks , investment incentive documents were issued for 24 projects worth 107.6 million manats, implemented in 14 agro parks," said Abdullayev. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu- Trend: In March 2018, the number of vessels arriving in Turkey's ports amounted to 17,408 units, the Turkish Ministry of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communication told Trend on April 18. During the reported period, the number of ships that arrived in Turkish ports, flying the flag of Turkey, was 8,911, while the number of vessels flying flags of other countries - 8,497. The gross registered tonnage of all vessels during the reported period was 199.3 million tons. "The gross registered tonnage of vessels arriving in Turkish ports and flying the Turkish flag amounted to 36.9 million tons, and vessels flying the flags of other countries - 162.3 million tons," the ministry said. The schedule of vessels arriving in Turkish ports in March 2018: Ports of Turkey Ships and gross tonnage Number and tonnage of ships flying the Turkish flag Number and tonnage of vessels flying a foreign flag In total Number of ships tonnage Number of ships Tonnage Number of ships Tonnage Amasra 21 2, 536 1 2, 545 22 5, 081 Ambarli 466 5, 349, 740 556 20, 289 059 1 022 25, 638, 799 Ayancik 15 757 0 0 15 757 Bartin 31 51, 114 71 262, 838 102 313, 952 Cide 35 1, 782 0 0 35 1 782 Fatsa 20 16, 384 7 16, 715 27 33, 099 Gerze 9 985 0 0 9 985 Giresun 12 8, 549 6 12, 355 18 20, 904 Gorele 1 31 0 0 1 31 Hopa 223 82, 068 21 138, 543 244 220 ,611 Igneada 18 1, 059 0 0 18 1, 059 Inebolu 53 65, 479 6 18, 234 59 83, 713 Karadeniz Ereglisi 121 464, 620 88 1, 351, 312 209 1, 815 932 Karasu 10 22, 259 49 178, 838 59 201, 097 Kefken 48 2, 403 0 0 48 2, 403 Ordu 8 1, 154 0 0 8 1, 154 Pazar 2 357 0 0 2 357 Rize 47 81, 828 2 7, 897 49 89, 725 Sinop 27 7, 296 3 16 ,717 30 24, 013 Surmene 20 3, 536 0 0 20 3, 536 Sile 18 1, 892 0 0 18 1, 892 Tirebolu 17 81, 126 0 0 17 81, 126 Unye 77 148, 513 24 119 ,283 101 267, 796 Vakfikebir 5 1, 270 0 0 5 1 ,270 Zonguldak 60 318, 711 99 1 ,641 ,604 159 1, 960, 315 Alanya 5 4, 240 4 58, 010 9 62, 250 Aliaga 405 2 ,502, 534 896 20 ,136, 719 1, 301 22, 639, 253 Anamur 5 160 0 0 5 160 Ayvalik 107 27, 975 1 74 108 28, 049 Bandirma 138 311, 869 223 1 ,128, 393 361 1 ,440, 262 Bodrum 209 63 ,118 35 7, 871 244 70, 989 Botas 41 467 ,457 151 8 ,873, 886 192 9, 341, 343 Bozcaada 109 25, 647 0 0 109 25, 647 Cesme 241 1 ,098, 607 83 18, 506 324 1 ,117, 113 Datca 3 21 0 0 3 21 Dikili 45 4 ,648 21 69 ,416 66 74 ,064 Edremit 124 8, 122 0 0 124 8, 122 Enez 89 10, 929 0 0 89 10, 929 Erdek 54 18, 231 0 0 54 18 ,231 Fethiye 39 364 15 63 ,196 54 63, 560 Finike 8 768 0 0 8 768 Foca 68 3, 760 0 0 68 3 ,760 Gemlik 395 2, 374, 965 601 13, 045, 348 996 15 ,420, 313 Gocek 14 5, 364 1 141 15 5, 505 Gokceada 43 2 ,233 0 0 43 2, 233 Gulluk 185 428 ,287 80 797, 997 265 1 ,226, 284 Iskenderun 440 1 ,665, 972 771 14, 736, 141 1, 211 16 ,402, 113 Izmit 1 158 5, 815, 407 1, 452 29, 035 ,327 2 610 34, 850, 735 Karabiga 207 397, 758 103 2 ,402, 085 310 2 ,799, 843 Kas 17 2, 640 0 0 17 2 ,640 Kemer 19 93 0 0 19 93 Kusadasi 98 9 ,221 3 46, 858 101 56 079 Marmara A. 194 174, 261 26 129, 674 220 303, 935 Marmaris 58 19, 878 4 19, 274 62 39, 152 Mudanya 24 8, 715 0 0 24 8 ,715 Silivri 15 1 ,644 0 0 15 1, 644 Tasucu 44 21, 154 164 1,188, 112 208 1 ,209, 266 Tekirdag 304 1, 373, 605 409 10, 168, 768 713 11 ,542, 373 Tuzla 513 4 ,303, 768 258 2, 628, 039 771 6, 931, 808 Yalova 223 2 ,072, 390 114 1, 874 ,095 337 3 ,946, 485 Karatas 243 7, 503 0 0 243 7, 503 Manavgat 7 309 0 0 7 309, Trabzon 61 216, 737 123 793 ,443 184 1, 010, 180 Samsun 292 864, 781 604 3 ,179, 301 896 4, 044 ,082 Istanbul 491 991, 795 121 1 ,959 ,132 612 2, 950, 927 Antalya 100 526, 193 66 1 ,030 ,336 166 1 ,556, 529 Izmir 178 1 ,975, 789 365 6, 141, 949 543 8 ,117, 738 Canakkale 283 327 ,553 35 441, 719 318 769, 272 Mersin 251 2, 128, 042 835 18, 358, 796 1, 086 20 ,486,838 In total 8 911 36, 979, 961 8, 497 162, 388, 546 17, 408 199 ,368, 507 --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Details added (first version posted on 15:00) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Anvar Mammadov - Trend: Azerbaijans National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) issued soft loans worth over 50 million manats to 135 entrepreneurs in the first quarter of 2018, NFES Director Executive Shirzad Abdullayev said at a press conference in Baku April 18. He said these funds were allocated for implementation of projects worth 357 million manats. Their implementation will make it possible to create 5,145 new jobs, he added. Some 74 percent of this amount was issued in the Azerbaijani districts and 26 percent of loans were issued in Baku, Abdullayev said. Compared to the first quarter of 2017, the number of financed projects increased by 31 percent, their total cost grew 5.8 times, the amount of allocated loans increased 2.3 times, and the number of jobs created at their expense grew 12.4 times. He noted that since the beginning of the Funds activity, entrepreneurs received soft loans worth 2.1 billion manats. These funds were allocated to about 35,000 entrepreneurs for the implementation of projects worth 4.7 billion manats, he added. Up to 160,000 new jobs were created at the expense of these loans. Some 71 percent of soft loans were allocated for the development of agricultural sector, 29 percent of soft loans were allocated for the development of industry and other spheres. This is while 93 percent of the projects were financed through medium and small loans. He noted that in 2017, the NFES started financing investment projects at the expense of the funds returned. In general, more than half of the loans issued since the beginning of the Funds activity (53 percent, or 1.1 billion manats) were financed at the expense of the returned funds, and the rest amount of the loans were financed at the expense of the state budget, Abdullayev said. Abdullayev told Trend earlier that it is planned to allocate soft loans of 170 million manats through the NFES this year. However, the NFES can expand the volume of concessional lending for 2018. (1.7 manats = $1 on April 18) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Azerbaijan plans to begin exporting eggs to Russia and Iran, Executive Director of the National Entrepreneurship Support Fund (NFES) of Azerbaijan Shirzad Abdullayev said at a press conference April 18. Abdullayev said that if in the past Azerbaijan could not completely provide itself with this product, now the local production is sufficient not only to ensure domestic demand, but also aim for export. He stressed that the Fund pays a great attention to creation of modern poultry farms. "Since its establishment, the NFES has issued preferential loans worth 138.4 million manats to create 40 poultry farms with a total cost of 283.2 million manats," Abdullayev said. The NFES was established in 1992. To date, about 35,000 entrepreneurs were granted soft loans worth 2.1 billion manats for realization of projects worth 4.7 billion manats. Thanks to these loans, up to 160,000 new jobs were created. 71 percent of soft loans were directed to development of the agricultural sector, and 29 percent - development of industry and other spheres. Average and small loans accounted for 93 percent of the total number of the funded projects. (1.7 manats = $1 on April 18) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 Trend: On April 17, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting devoted to measures taken on improvement of the system of mutual settlements in sectors of the economy, reducing receivables, payables and debts to the budget, the Uzbek media reported on April 18 citing the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Head of the state noted that cases of arrears have increased due to ineffective management and unbalanced distribution of cash flows in sectors of the economy. A number of measures have been taken recently for addressing this situation. A new system is created, the Enforcement Bureau at the General Prosecutors Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan is established in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan On measures of further strengthening the payment discipline in the sphere of supplying and consumption of electric power and natural gas, as well as radical improvement of executive enforcement systems of May 29, 2017. Bad debts of Uzbekneftgaz and Uzbekenergo companies were written off. The accounts payable of Uzagrokimyokhimoya JSC have been reduced by budgetary loans. 670 billion sums are left on the account of oil refineries for the year, and 100 billion sums on the account of power stations. The liquidity lost by commercial banks was compensated through liquidation and reorganization of farms due to the budget funds. At the meeting it was noted that taken measures are yielding good results, but this is not enough. The fact that, as of March 1 of the current year, accounts receivable and accounts payable in sectors of the economy grew by 16 and 13 percent, respectively, compared to the previous year was critically analyzed. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that sustainability of any enterprise depends on the accuracy of calculations, the activity of managers will be assessed on this basis. It was noted that in some industries there is an imbalance between production and sale of products, the system of debt collection is ineffective, the existing measures of influence are insufficient for increasing the payment discipline of officials and citizens. Companies and enterprises, the receivables of which remain at a high level have been listed. Instructions were given on improving the system of mutual settlements in sectors of the economy, reducing receivables, payables and debts to the budget, introducing a system in which tax, banking, service and other agencies will mutually compare the state of arrears by the end of each month. The need for developing electronic interaction and exchanging information between organizations was noted. it was noted that to date, there are no cadastral documentation in more than 1.1 million residential properties, and these properties are not included in the taxable base. As of April 1 of the current year, a high tax debt remains to the extrabudgetary trust funds. In turn, in the period of 2015-2017, the budget and extrabudgetary trust funds lost 49.2 billion sums as a result of unjustified provision of tax benefits. In addition, goods worth 90.5 million dollars are stored in customs warehouses for more than 3 years. The true reasons for the emergence of arrears are the lack of consideration of specific indicators of production and sales of products in the economic sectors, the lack of electronic interaction and information exchange between government departments, the inadequate orderliness of the tax and customs control system, the ineffectiveness of the debt collection system, insufficiency of the defined measures in this sphere for strict compliance payment discipline by officials and citizens. The Head of the state gave instructions to Deputy Prime Ministers, heads of relevant ministries and departments on improving the system of mutual settlements in the sectors of the economy, reducing receivables, payables and debts to the budget, introducing a system for comparing the state of debt between tax, banking, service and other organizations at the district, regional and republican level by the end of each month, monthly critical analysis of the state of arrears on the results of verifications in the complexes of the Cabinet of Ministers, acceleration of work on establishment of interagency electronic interaction and exchange of information. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: Over the past years, 12 banks, which have been authorized organizations of the National Fund for Entrepreneurship Support (NFES) of Azerbaijan, were closed in the country, NFES Executive Director Shirzad Abdullayev said at a press conference on April 18. Abdullayev said that the total amount of the NFES funds in these banks was 200 million manats. A part of this amount has already been returned to the Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF), which acts as the liquidator of these banks, according to Abdullayev. "Presently, we are negotiating return of these funds or transfer of loans to other authorized banks [of the NFES]. Over 40 million manats of soft loans serviced by the closed banks have already been returned to ADIF. Ten million manats were directly transferred to our treasury account. Furthermore, we are also working on transfer of the remaining loans to other banks. We have already reached a preliminary agreement," said Abdullayev. Speaking about the NFES funds in Demirbank, Abdullayev said that the Fund issued soft loans for 40 million manats through the bank. "We have already appealed to ADIF and Azerbaijans Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FIMSA) so that they allow transferring the loans on these projects to other banks. All the projects are ongoing, payments on loans are timely returned to ADIF," Abdullayev said. NFES was established in 1992. To date, about 35,000 entrepreneurs have been granted soft loans worth 2.1 billion manats for realization of projects worth 4.7 billion manats. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: North-Kazakhstan region increased exports of goods to Russia and Kyrgyzstan, the head of the statistics department of the region Maral Nurzhupova said at a meeting of the local executive body. She stressed that the growth of exports to Russia and Kyrgyzstan positively affects the export potential of the region, adding that the volume of the region's exports in January-March 2018 increased by 1.6 times. Touching upon the economy of the region, Nurzhapova said that in the first three months of 2018, North Kazakhstan achieved growth in almost all of the priority sectors. "The growth of industrial production amounted to 64.4 billion tenge, food production increased by 36 percent, production of plastic products - by 18 percent. The gross output of agriculture amounted to 22.5 billion tenge in the reporting period," Nurzhupova said. The local officials also agreed that the region can achieve higher indicators due to the diversification of agriculture production. The management of the region also expects growth in industrial production and construction sector. Exchange rate for 18 April, 2018: $1 - 328 tenge The global financial messaging service provider SWIFT plans to continue staying outside of politics, the company said Wednesday referring to Chief Executive Officer Gottfried Leibbrandt, TASS reports. "Neutrality is integral to SWIFT, its one of our core principles. As a unique utility to the global economy, we believe in serving the global financial community in its entirety. Having as many customers on our network as possible is beneficial to everyone, and in the interests of all global economic flows," CEO was quoted as saying at the annual general meeting in Moscow. Amid a sharp deterioration of relations between Russia and the west, disconnection from SWIFT is one of potential scenarios being discussed now. Earlier this week CEO of Russias top lender Sberbank Herman Gref said he doubts that Russia will be disconnected from SWIFT. SWIFT is an international interbank system for transferring data and making payments. More than 11,000 financial institutions are connected to it in over 200 countries around the globe. The possibility of Russia's disconnection from SWIFT has been discussed since 2014, when the first anti-Russian sanctions were introduced. Then the European Parliament adopted a resolution, in which it among other measures called for exclusion of Russia from the system. However, the management of SWIFT found that such recommendations violated rights and did damage to the company. Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.18 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: Events in 2017 and 2018 set a positive framework for Azerbaijan's future oil and gas production, Ashley Sherman, Principal Research Analyst Caspian at Wood Mackenzie told Trend. Extension of the contract for development of Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli (ACG) block of oil and gas fields to 2050 and first production from Shah Deniz Phase Two (on schedule for H2 2018) are globally significant milestones that will help shape the outlook for several decades, she said. "However, oil and gas each have increasingly different trends. Azerbaijan's oil production is declining and the goal is to manage that decline as well as possible at ACG and SOCAR-operated fields. In contrast, sales gas output will almost double by 2025 thanks to Shah Deniz Phase Two alone," noted Sherman. The principal research analyst pointed out that a priority for Azerbaijan and SOCAR is to diversify the outlook, so that production and international investment are not so reliant on these two megaprojects. "Respective talks with Total and Statoil to develop Umid-Babek and Karabakh are ongoing in 2018," she said, adding that drilling for early production at the Absheron gas-condensate field has already started. Equally, Azerbaijan's diverse potential extends across the energy value chain, said Sherman. "The SOCAR Polymer and SOCAR Carbamide projects will be launched in 2018. Progress on the larger SOCAR GPC petrochemical project is also a top priority," she said Sherman. Wood Mackenzie is an international consulting company providing a wide range of services in the fuel and energy industry. The company was founded in 1973 and its headquarters is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. In Azerbaijan, Wood Mackenzie works both with representations of its global clients and with local companies. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Anvar Mammadov Trend: A joint venture of Azerbaijans state oil company SOCAR and UKs Petrofac international service provider to the oil and gas production and processing industry - SOCAR Petrofac passed state registration, Vergiler, the newspaper of Azerbaijans Taxes Ministry, reported April 18. The companys authorized capital will be 100,000 manats. The company is registered at the following address: Heydar Aliyev Ave., 121, Narimanov district, Baku. The official representative of the company is Azerbaijani citizen Ruslan Ibrahimov. The joint ventures Supervisory Board includes Fuad Suleymanov, Khalig Mammadov, Karim Osseiran and David Fisher. The company passed state registration on February 22, 2018. In December last year, SOCAR and Petrofac signed an agreement on the establishment of SOCAR Petrofac joint venture. The joint venture is expected to render services for more advanced education and training for employees involved in international energy projects on the basis of modern programs. The purpose of the establishment of SOCAR Petrofac joint venture is more effective use of commercial opportunities in training in the oil, gas and petrochemical sectors of Azerbaijan, raising the level of knowledge and skills of oil industry workers. According to the agreement, SOCAR will own a 51-percent stake in the new joint venture, while Petrofac 49-percent stake. The agreement on joint venture was signed by SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev and Global Head of Training Services at Petrofac Engineering and Production Services Karim Osseiran. The infrastructure of SOCARs Department of Education, Training and Certification will be used during the training. (1.7 manats = 1 USD on April 18) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: Azerbaijan will be represented at the meeting of the OPEC+ ministerial monitoring committee, to be held on April 20, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry told Trend on April 18. Azerbaijan will be represented by Deputy Energy Minister Samir Valiyev at the meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The OPEC+ monitoring committee was established to monitor the fulfillment of obligations to reduce oil production. In December 2016, at a meeting of oil producers in Vienna, 11 non-OPEC member countries (including Azerbaijan) agreed to cut the oil production by a total of 558,000 barrels a day. The agreement was concluded for the first half of 2017 and was extended until the end of the first quarter of 2018 at a meeting on May 25, 2017. At the last OPEC meeting in Vienna, the agreement was again extended until the end of 2018. Azerbaijan supported the decision. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Spain's Gas Natural Fenosa has transferred its obligations under the deal on gas sale within the Shah Deniz 2 project to the Italian company Edison, Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR said in a message on April 18. The signing ceremony for transfer of obligations at SOCAR Tower in Baku was attended by representatives of SOCAR, Azerbaijan Gas Supply Company (AGSC), Edison, and Gas Natural Fenosa. Edison got the right to supply gas within the Shah Deniz 2 project for a period of 25 years. The gas supplies will be launched in 2020 after construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is completed. This step is part of a major agreement on purchase of the Gas Natural Vendita Italia gas distribution network by Edison. The transfer of the right to sell gas from the Shah Deniz 2 from Gas Natural Fenosa to Edison is one of the key conditions of this deal. As part of the Shah Deniz 2 project, gas production will increase from 9 to 25 billion cubic meters per year. The produced gas will be exported to Turkey and the European markets through the expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of the Trans-Anatolian (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic (TAP) gas pipelines. A contract for development of the Shah Deniz offshore field was signed on June 4, 1996. The field's reserve is estimated at 1.2 trillion cubic meters of gas. The shareholders in the contract are: BP, operator (28.8 percent), AzSD (10 percent), SGC Upstream (6.7 percent), Petronas (15.5 percent), Lukoil (10 percent), NICO (10 percent) and TPAO (19 percent). Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Husein Valiyev - Trend: Azerbaijans mobile health system technology will enter the market of African countries, the project's manager Shahlar Pashayev told Trend. Presently, the system is being used in Burundi, while its expansion to the markets of Namibia and South Africa is expected in the future, he said. "We see great potential and demand for similar technological solutions in the markets of African countries. Here, we mainly cooperate with state commercial structures that offer e-health services. Particularly, we have already launched the system in Burundi, where presently, only one station is being used. Their number will be increased in other medical institutions in the future. By late April, we plan to visit Namibia, where we will negotiate the application of the mobile health system technology with the Health Ministry," Pashayev said. The goal of the mobile health system technology is to teach people a healthy lifestyle and allow to pass a checkup. The checkup results are sent to the e-mail address and to the mobile phone via SMS. The data of all checkups are automatically recorded in the user account at saglikliyasamadestek.com. The user can see checkup results in the graphs. The statistics of the checkup results allows to take timely measures in advance to prevent possible health problems. In case of necessity, recommendations are sent to a user upon need to see a doctor, to pass checkup or on which days he/she should be cautious, etc. Technically, the system is based on a mobile health station and an Internet portal. Access to the portal allows to observe the current indicators, and also to compare them with the previous ones, which helps to eliminate possible risks, prevent them by taking the necessary measures. Barama Hackath on 2018, the project designed as training course and competition for junior programmers, has started with the organizational assistance of Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center by Azercell Telecom LLC and PASHA Bank support. Hackathon is a globally recognized competition where the programmers are tasked to work as a team to develop digital products within a limited timeframe. The similar project is regularly held by gigantic companies, such as Google, Netflix, Facebook, HP and Microsoft. This time, developers will be tasked to create standalone platform for Azercell providing customers real-time information about their device repair status via SMS and in-platform notifications. The competition with the participation of 15 teams will kick off at 9.00 on May 5 and last for 36 hours until 21.00, May 6. The developed mobile applications will then be presented to the board of judges on May 10. The first place winner will conclude a contract in the amount of AZN 5,000 with Azercell while the second and third places will receive valuable awards and presents from PASHA Bank and Barama. In order to take part in the project, the developers are required to fill in the registration form at hackathon.barama.az. The deadline for registration is May 2, 2018. Ozsut restaurants will provide catering services during the project and portal technote.az and Barama Media will provide the official media support. For more information, please contact [email protected] The leader of the mobile communication industry, the largest taxpayer and the biggest investor of the non-oil sector of Azerbaijan Azercell Telecom LLC was founded in 1996. With 48% share of Azerbaijans mobile telecom market Azercells network covers 80% of the territory (excluding 20% of the occupied territories) and 99,8% of population of the country. Currently, 4,5 million subscribers choose Azercell services. Azercell has pioneered an important number of innovations in Azerbaijan, including GSM technology, advance payment system, mobile internet services, Metro coverage, 24/7 call centre service, 7 day/week Front Office service, M2M services, one-stop-shopping approach Azercell Express offices, Online Customer Care and Social Media Customer Care services, Mobile Customer Care office, mobile e-signature service ASAN Imza etc. Azercell deployed first 4G LTE services in Azerbaijan in 2012. According to the results of mobile network quality surveys of Global Wireless Solutions company and international systems specialized in wireless coverage mapping such as Opensignal and Testmy.net, Azercells network demonstrated the best results among the mobile operators of Azerbaijan. On April 18, Nar and ADA University have agreed to expand their existing cooperation by signing a partnership agreement. The planned projects include cooperation with ADA University Fund, aiming to support students with the highest results; cooperation with ADA Innovations Center engaged in stimulating startup projects; provision of internship and career opportunities for students and graduates of ADA, and involvement of Nar employees in trainings held by the Universitys career development programs. During the signing ceremony of the agreement, the CEO of Azerfon LLC Gunnar Pahnke mentioned significant perspectives of cooperation between Nar and ADA University in the context of implementing the operators comprehensive corporate social responsibility projects. I am confident that this fruitful cooperation platform will contribute largely to the development of education and enlightenment in the country, as well as to bringing up professionals in the area of information and communication technologies, and development of new innovative projects said Mr. Pahnke. The vice-rector of ADA University Fariz Ismayilzade expressed his gratitude to the representatives of the mobile operator for considering scientific and educational projects as one of the main directions of Nars corporate social responsibility strategy: Contemporary career-oriented academic programs of ADA are bringing together theory and practice. In this view, we believe that communication between our students and Nar employees, who have wide experience in their relevant fields, will bring some very beneficial results. Azerfon LLC (Nar) has started its operations on March 21, 2007, and within a short period of time became one of the leading companies of the telecommunications and mobile communication industry of Azerbaijan. The Nar brand name was selected as the symbol that resembles the cohesion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Azerbaijan with the modern life. Nar cooperates with the various universities and governmental bodies, supports student events and sponsors intellectual contests as one of the main directions of its wide-range corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy. Visit nar.az for more detailed information about the corporate social responsibility strategy of Nar. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: Air Astana JSC announced an open tender for provision of consulting services to assess the possibility of creating a cargo airline. The deadline for submitting applications for participation in the tender through the electronic procurement information system (EPIS - www.tender.sk.kz) is 10:00, May 14, 2018. For further information, please call: 8 (727) 258-41-36 (ext. 4590) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Uzbekistan simplified conditions for travel companies to carry out their activity, the presidential decree, published on the National Legislative Database of Uzbekistan website on April 18 said. According to the information, the period required to consider licenses of travel agencies was reduced from 15 to 10 days. Travel companies will now be able to obtain permits in local branches of the State Committee for Tourism Development. The licenses were earlier being issued only in the central office in the capital. The document also provides for the reduction in the number of documents required for registration due to the cancellation of the requirement for the applicant to provide a copy of documents confirming the existence of his own or rented premises for the implementation of tourist activity that meet the legal requirements established. The Government of Uzbekistan is paying special attention to the development of tourism sphere. In early April, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev established the Office for International Cooperation in the tourism development sphere. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Authors of civil projects, aimed at solving social problems in the Central Asia and Azerbaijan in 2016-2017, will participate in the contest announced by the Kazakh Association of Civil Society Development (ARGO), Uzbek media reported on April 18. We called our competition Level Up Prize. Level Up is a stable expression, meaning transition to a new level. We are very interested in projects from the countries of the Central Asia and Azerbaijan, thanks to which people's lives have changed for the better. The projects may lead to changes in the life of a small village or to solution of a specific problem of the particular social group. What is important - is that these projects appeal to people's feelings, inspire them to positive changes, executive director of the association Jamilya Asanova said. Not only non-profit organizations, but also business communities and simply active citizens can take part in the competition. To do this, the willing individual need to fill out an application posted on the organization's website and indicate the essence of the initiative, and note what changes occurred as a result of their project, attach photos and videos. Applications are accepted until April 30, 2018, 18:00 (GMT 5+). The winners will be determined by online voting, and the awarding ceremony will take place during the 9th International Conference Development Stories: Insights Into Development, June 13-14, 2018 in Almaty. The ARGO is holding this contest for the fourth time already. In 2017, 9 projects from 6 countries received awards. Among the best projects were Tajik Mama and Nuri Umed (Tajikistan), Smile.KG and Civic Alliance for Improving Nutrition and Food Security (Kyrgyzstan), Youth Network for Equal Training Y-PEER (Turkmenistan), the Public Fund Umit Uzbeu and the Public Association RUH (Kazakhstan), the Association For Environmentally Friendly Fergana (Uzbekistan). --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Fikret Dolukhanov - Trend: Such global technology giants as Amazon, IBM, Cisco, Microsoft Corporation, Alibaba Group and Google are showing interest in the Uzbek market, which can provide them with a number of unique opportunities, Minister for Information Technology and Communications Development of Uzbekistan Azim Akhmedkhadjaev said, Uzbek media reported. He said that these companies pay attention to Uzbekistan, because throughout the CIS space they dont have data processing centers, which would help reduce the cost of doing business. The Uzbek market will provide them with opportunity to create capacities so that they can more promptly carry out their operations with neighboring countries, he said. This greatly influences the decision of the end user, whether he or she will use the services of these companies or not. For example, a request that a person sends from Riga to a remote server of Alibaba in Hong Kong when making purchase takes a certain amount of time, Akhmedkhadjaev noted, adding that before the server replies, the consumer can cancel the purchase. We need to ensure that Uzbekistan is the center of IT technologies in the region, it can become a sort of information hub, he said. To this end, it is necessary that as many experts as possible come to Uzbekistan from abroad to exchange information, that is, we must create a convenient platform for everyone. Earlier, representatives of Amazon Web Services (a subsidiary of Amazon) discussed with representatives of the Uzbek government the possibility of building data centers using solar panels in Uzbekistan. In addition, Cisco company offered Uzbekistan cooperation in working out a strategy for the development of smart and safe cities, while Google Global Cache offered Uzbekistan to cooperate in improving the quality of Google services for local users. As part of projects of smart and safe cities, Uzbekistan also plans to closely cooperate with Huawei, a Chinese multinational networking, telecommunications equipment, and services company. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Uzbekistan welcomes the upcoming inter-Korean summit in April 2018 and confirms its support to efforts of the Republic of Korea aimed at establishing peace, stability and security on the Korean peninsula. According to the press-service of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry, the statement was made by Minister Abdulaziz Kamilov during the meeting with Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha on April 18 in Tashkent. Heads of the foreign ministries of the two countries exchanged views on topical issues of the bilateral agenda and certain international and regional problems. The sides discussed the realization of the agreements achieved within the framework of the fruitful summit of the leaders of Uzbekistan and South Korea on Nov. 22-25, 2017 in Seoul. The parties underlined that the Joint statement on comprehensive development of the strategic partnership and numerous documents on bilateral cooperation totaling $10 billion raised the Uzbek-Korean dialogue at a completely new level. The ministers confirmed their mutual interest in development of cooperation in political, trade and economic, investment, cultural and other spheres and discussed certain steps in these directions. The Korean foreign minister informed his counterpart about efforts of the South Korean on solution of situation on the Korean peninsula. The sides expressed confidence that positive results of the upcoming inter-Korean summit will create favorable conditions for the further development of the South and the North of the Korean peninsula and the whole region. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov The Russian Energy Ministry is working with Iran on extension of the agreement on oil supplies to Russia under the oil-for-goods program for five years, Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Tuesday, TASS reports. "The first supply has already been completed, the next ones are arranged. The agreement is effective; it has been extended. We generally believe that it should be renewed for 5 years and work on this matter," Novak says. It was reported earlier that Iranian oil supplies under the program amount to 5 mln tonnes per year. The first delivery was made in November 2017 and totaled 1 mln tonnes. In May 2017, Iran and Russia reached an agreement to begin oil supplies under the oil-for-goods program established back in 2014, when the anti-Iranian sanctions were still in effect. The volume of the deal was agreed to stand at 100,000 barrels a day. Earlier, Russias Minister of Energy Alexander Novak said that the oil-for-goods program was seen as a mechanism to boost trade between the two countries as proceeds from oil sales were meant to buy Russian-made commodity and services. According to Novak, Iranian oil would go for refining in those countries that buy such oil. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Umid Niayesh Trend: Iran averagely exported 2.5 million barrels per day (mb/d) of oil to Asian and European countries during the March of 2018, the countrys oil ministry said April 16. The exports included 2.1 mb/d of crude oil and 400,000 barrels per day of condensates according to the ministry's report. China and India were the biggest crude oil importers from Iran, with an average 1 million barrels per day of crude oil purchase from the country. Iran is expected to increase the figure to 1.3 million barrels per day in April, the ministry said. Total (France), Hellenic Petroleum (Greece), Shell (BritishDutch), Eni and Saras (Italy) were among Irans major European customers in March. South Korea was the first destination for Irans condensate exports. The country exported 200,000 barrels per day of the ultra light oil to the Asian country. Iran has decreased condensate exports to South Korea to meet its domestic demand, in particular the gas condensate feed stock for Persian Gulf Star Refinery in the southern province of Hormozgan. Iran averagely exported 2.6 mb/d of oil to Asian and European countries during the last fiscal year, ended March 20. The exports included 2.115 mb/d of crude oil and 428,000 barrels per day of condensates during the one-year period. Over 60 percent of Irans crude oil and condensate exports were shipped to Asian refineries. Iran was exporting 2.5 mb/d of crude oil and gas condensate before it got hit with sanctions in 2012, of which 18 percent was supplied to the EU. After 2012, the EU cut Iran oil purchase and Asian countries had to decrease Iranian oil import gradually, which led to decreasing export of Iranian oil and gas condensate to 1.2 mb/d in 2015. After elimination of sanctions in 2016, based on nuclear agreement, Iran resumed its oil exports. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iran is hopeful to receive eight more ATR airplanes as well as three Airbus over the current year. According to the agreement between Iran and the Airbus, if we manage to make the down payment, the company will deliver three new planes, IRNA news agency quoted the Iranian deputy transportation minister, Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan, as saying. Following the implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA/nuclear deal) in January 2016, Iran inked deals to acquire 100 planes from Airbus, 80 from Boeing and 20 from ATR. The Islamic Republic has already received 11 aircraft, including three Airbus and eight ATR. Speaking about the countrys contract with Boeing, Asghar Fakhrieh Kashan said that the deal has seen no changes but there are concerns due to the US President Donald Trumps approach to the nuclear pact. Our agreement with Boeing has been subject to no changes. However, due to Trumps unexpected decisions, we have to remain vigilant in order to rule out the possibility of facing any risks or problems regarding our payments, he said. Back in March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived in Tehran as part of a European drive to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran that President Donald Trump is threatening to scuttle. On May 12, Donald Trump is expected to decide whether to continue waiving sanctions under a US law. So far, Iran has adhered to the terms of the nuclear deal, as verified by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors in 10 reports since the pact was implemented in January 2016. But the economic benefits Iran is receiving in return have fallen short of expectations, even after energy and financial sanctions were lifted. Major banks and companies have avoided engaging with Iran from fear of running afoul of remaining US restrictions or seeing a snapback of sanctions given Trumps threats. Trump has told the Europeans that they must agree to fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal or he would re-impose the sanctions that Washington lifted as part of the pact. Tehran, Iran, April 18 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad Trend: Iran is in talks with Turkish officials to eliminate import tariffs on petrochemical products from the Islamic Republic, an Iranian trade official told Trend. Reza Kami, the co-chair of Iran-Turkey Joint Chamber of Commerce, has said that Turkey has imposed a 6.5 percent tariff on imports of petrochemical products from Iran. "However, Turkey has refrained from levying the same tariffs on countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Therefore, we are in talks with Turkish officials to abolish the tariffs on imports of Iranian petrochemical products," he said. Speaking about the two countries plan to hit $30 billion in bilateral trade, he said that the economic structure of the two countries makes it possible to fulfill the plan. Saying that energy sector accounts for 80 percent of total trade turnover between Iran and Turkey, he added that the volume of trade between the two countries began to grow since the year 2000. According to the official, the trade between the two countries grew by 22 percent over the last year to stand at $11 billion in 2017. National currency swap In a recent development, Iranian sources reported that the two countries have opened their first letter of credit for business transactions in their national currencies as the two countries move to ditch the US dollar and the euro in bilateral trade. The first foreign exchange swap in the Iranian rial and Turkish lira came over the past week after months of anticipation, which followed an agreement signed last year to use local currencies in trade. The Central Bank of Iran has said that its agenda was to seal other deals for forex swap in local currencies with the countries which have major transactions with Iran. The aim is to facilitate trade with neighboring countries, channel forex operations of individual and legal persons via the banking system, make use of international payment instruments and reduce risks in foreign exchange operations. Irans petrochemical output Iranian petrochemical plants produced 49 million tons of petrochemical products during the first 11 months of the last Iranian fiscal year (March 20, 2017-Feb. 20), indicating an increase of 106 percent year on year. The volume of the petrochemical exports in the mentioned period reached 20 million tons, 108 percent more compared to the same period of the preceding year. The value of Irans petrochemical exports was $10.4 billion. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Gazenfer Hamidov Trend: Iran has exported 11 billion cubic meters of gas to its north western neighbors, including Turkey during the last fiscal year (ended March 20), Yadollah Baibordi, an official with the National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC), said. Baibordi, who heads Zone 8 of the NIGC's Gas Transfer Operation said that over 17 billion cubic meters of gas was transferred via the zone for domestic consumption in various sectors including households, power plants and industry in the period, the NIGCs official website reported. The official added, that in general 29 bcm of gas was transferred via Zone 8 of the NIGC during the last fiscal year, which is 7 percent more compared to the preceding year. According to the Iranian officials the Islamic Republic exports 27 million cubic meters per day (mcm/d) of gas to Turkey, barters about 1 mcm/d with Armenia, while swaps the same volume with Azerbaijan. Turkeys gas import from Iran in 2017 accounted to 9.2 billion cubic meters. Irans overall gas exports to Turkey accounted to 7.8 and 7.7 bcm in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Iran has announced that beside the exist deals with Turkey, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Pakistan and Iraq, the country is in talk with Afghanistan, Oman, Kuwait and other Persian Gulf countries to export gas. Iranian gas refineries processed 214 billion cubic meters (bcm) of sweet gas during the last fiscal year, ended March 20, 2018. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iran has held a large-scale military parade on the occasion of the national army day, exhibiting its latest military achievements and capability. President Hassan Rouhani, the chiefs of the army, air force, and navy, as well as senior commanders of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) attended the event, state media reported. Addressing the event, Rouhani once again described the countrys defense program as peaceful, renewing the Islamic Republics pledge that Tehran has no intention to invade other countries. President Rouhani also said that the country is after cordial and brotherly ties with its neighbors. He emphasized Irans right to develop national deterrence power, stressing that the country will not wait for any permission to produce the defensive weapons it needs. The army began the parade this morning near the mausoleum of the late founder of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, in southern Tehran. During the parade, the units of the armed forces displayed their new defense achievements and equipment. A short-range air defense system dubbed Kamyin-2 was also unveiled during the parade. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Khalid Kazimov Trend: Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has arrived in New York on a six-day visit to attend a UN Meeting on Peacebuilding and Sustaining Peace. Mohammad Javad Zarif is also expected to address US Council on Foreign Relations, Iranian media outlets reported. According to the reports, Zarif will discuss the latest regional developments in particular Syrian and Yemeni crisis as well as Irans nuclear deal during the visit. Zarif earlier said that a possible decision by the US on pulling out from the 2015 nuclear deal would draw an unpleasant reaction from Iran and the international community. Back in March, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian arrived in Tehran as part of a European drive to salvage the nuclear deal with Iran that President Donald Trump is threatening to scuttle. On May 12, Donald Trump is expected to decide whether to continue waiving sanctions under a US law. So far, Iran has adhered to the terms of the nuclear deal, as verified by International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors in 10 reports since the pact was implemented in January 2016. But the economic benefits Iran is receiving in return have fallen short of expectations, even after energy and financial sanctions were lifted. Major banks and companies have avoided engaging with Iran from fear of running afoul of remaining US restrictions or seeing a snapback of sanctions given Trumps threats. Trump has told the Europeans that they must agree to fix the terrible flaws of the Iran nuclear deal or he would re-impose the sanctions that Washington lifted as part of the pact. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Azad Hasanli Trend: Fintech companies are actively strengthening their positions in the financial markets. However, the application of innovative solutions requires a separate regulatory base, and sometimes even space for experiments. The so-called "regulatory sandboxes" exist in different countries, starting from Bahrain to the UK, and within framework of them companies can experiment with new financial services in a limited environment. Unfortunately, Azerbaijan yet lacks such "sandbox", which significantly limits possibility of appearance of fintech companies in the market. Innovative and prospective start-ups are forced to leave Azerbaijan due to the lack of legislation. For example, Maliyya start-up allowing p2p-lending without participation of financial institutions was forced to move to the UAE, where it was granted Innovative Technology License (ITL), a special license for fintech companies. Nevertheless, the situation can change for the better in Azerbaijan soon. Azerbaijans Financial Markets Supervisory Authority (FIMSA) told Trend that favorable conditions will be created in the country for fintech companies. This will be possible after the adoption of a law "On payment services and systems," which is being developed by FIMSA. The law is expected to expand introduction of innovative payment methods in the country. The importance of creating satisfactory regulatory framework for fintech companies can not be overestimated. Their role in the financial sector grows yearly. In Europe, the use of fintech services allows residents to save about 7 billion euros annually, according to Azimo company. The fintech industry will help economies of developing countries to increase GDP volume by six percent, or about $ 3.7 trillion by 2025, according to McKinsey. Last year, investments over $27 billion were made in the fintech industry, while since 2010 the figure reached $ 100 billion. Despite the rising investments, fintech companies can not be assessed as competitors to banks. The latter already have established sales channels, while fintech companies, instead of creating competition, can offer innovations to optimize this work and expand access to financial services. Fintech companies and banks can be competitors in case fintech companies could find out markets for their services. However, banks themselves also develop. The digitalization of financial services is planned to be expanded in Azerbaijan starting 2018 within the framework of the Strategic Road Maps. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) assists local banks in this through its program entitled "Electronic and Digital Financial Services". Certain progress has already been achieved in this direction. For example, in some banks, the level of customer use of mobile applications and Internet banking reaches 60-70 percent. However, the question is whether the current banking system will be preserved in 5-10 years or it will inevitably be transformed under the impact of financial innovations? In Europe and the United States, some bank branches perform a role of show-room, where customers can get acquainted with their services, but then customers use their services through mobile applications. Founder and CEO of Ukraine's IDNT Company Mykola Chumak believes that in the future banks in Baku will have three or five branches. Chumak told Trend that more and more banking operations will be self-service one and performed online. Then, bank branches will act as a bridge between the physical world and the virtual, assisting clients in understanding the new service, as well as in performing more complex operations that can not yet be carried out online. Today, Azerbaijan lags behind other countries in the sphere of financial technologies. However, development of relevant legislation and the "Strategic Road Map on the development of financial services" allow to hope that this segment will be able to get a boost for development. Azad Hasanli, head of Trend's Russian Service The leader of the Civil Contract opposition party, MP Nikol Pashinyan, has urged his supporters to blockade all government facilities across the country, TASS reported. "The whole country can hear me at the moment. I am urging everyone to head to government buildings, get into offices, paralyze the activity of the entire government sector," Pashinyan told a meeting late on Wednesday. He said "rural residents and residents of townships should compel all heads of local administrations to join the opposition movement". On April 13, Armenias opposition started mass protests against the candidacy of former president Serzh Sargsyan for prime minister of the country. However, Sargsyan was elected Prime Minister on Tuesday amid the rallies. Nikol Pashinyan said on Tuesday he was launching a velvet revolution. A car bomb hit the convoy of the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military outside Benghazi on Wednesday, killing one person and wounding at least two other people, though he himself survived, security and military officials said, Reuters reported. Abdel-Razeq Nathouri was traveling from Benghazi to his base in al-Marj, a small eastern town, when his convoy was hit some 20 km (12 miles) outside Benghazi. Nathouri, in a video which his office said was recorded after he had returned to his base, said a plot to assassinate him had failed. Nathouri is chief of staff to forces run by Khalifa Haftar, who has been receiving medical treatment in Paris, a French source said on Friday, confirming earlier reports from Libyan officials and media. No more details have been provided on the treatment of Haftar, whose forces control much of eastern Libya home to some of the countrys biggest oilfields. Haftar, a possible contender in national elections that could be held by the end of 2018, has built his reputation on delivering stability in Benghazi and beyond, promising to halt the anarchy that ensued after a NATO-backed uprising ended Muammar Gaddafis long rule nearly seven years ago. Haftar launched his military campaign in Benghazi in May 2014 in response to a series of bombings and assassinations blamed on Islamist militants. He declared victory in July but bombings hit two mosques this year in the port city. Venezuela and Spain said on Wednesday they would normalize relations and restore ambassadors after a spat in January that followed European Union sanctions against the South American nation, Reuters reported. President Nicolas Maduro in January withdrew his envoy to Madrid in response to what he called repeated meddling in the countrys internal affairs, leading Spain to respond in kind. The two countries agreed to begin a process of normalizing diplomatic relations, they said in a joint statement, adding that ambassadors would be restored in the coming days. The European Union in January sanctioned a group of Venezuela officials over abuses associated with opposition protests, a move that followed a series of sanctions by Washington over similar issues. Venezuela has faced heavy criticism from the United States and Europe, as well as Latin American neighbors, for last years creation of an all-powerful legislature called the constituent assembly that critics call the creation of a dictatorship. The decision to call a snap presidential election for May 20 has been widely criticized as undermining the possibility of a free and fair election in the crisis-torn country. Maduro routinely criticizes Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during live television broadcasts, and has accused Spain of working with other European governments to destabilize his government. Russia is making active efforts to restore Eastern Ghouta, a suburb of Damascus, but it is important now for other nations, too, to render assistance, the Russian Ambassador to the UN, Vasily Nabenzya told a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, TASS reports. "As part of fulfilling Resolution 2401 of the UN Security Council, in coordination with Syria, Russia has made unprecedented efforts to improve the situation in Eastern Ghouta where the militant units, who are drawing on external support, have kept the local population hostage over several years," he said. "As a result of protracted and tense talks the irreconcilable militants pulled out of the area and bloodletting was averted there," Nebenzya said. "The evacuated civilians are returning to their homes now," he said. "About 60,000 people have returned there already." "The situation in Eastern Ghouta is stable by and large," Nebenzya went on. "To support law and order, prevent provocations, protect civilians, and provide humanitarian and medical assistance to it, the Russian military police is cooperating with the Syrian local administrations." He also recalled that the Syrians were clearing up the rubble of buildings in the city of Douma with the aid of construction vehicles offered by Russia. "In the meantime, restoration in Eastern Ghouta requires precisely-targeted assistance by the entire international community, including the UN and its specialized agencies," Nebenzya said. "We call on our counterparts to join these efforts." On February 24, 2018, the UN Security Council passed Resolution 2401 on ceasefire in Syria for a minimum of 30 days in order to provide humanitarian assistance to the population. The resolution did not cover the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra terrorist grouping. The Western countries pressed for adopting a resolution on the background of the situation in Eastern Ghouta where the Syrian Army units were keeping thousands of armed militants in encirclement. Russia and China plan to sign a contract on production of the Advanced Heavy Lifter (AHL) helicopter in May-June, a source in Russias defense-industrial sector told TASS. "The Russian side plans to sign a contract in the first half of 2018," he said, adding that "the contract cost and payment procedure are currently finalized." The Russian-Chinese AHL (Advanced Heavy Lift) helicopter is being co-developed by Russian corporation Russian Helicopters and Chinese corporation AVIC. According to the information released by the partners, the machine will have a maximum takeoff weight of 38.2 tons, a service ceiling of 5,700 m, a range of 630 km and a maximum speed of 300 km. The AHLs lifting capacity will stand at 10 tons for internal cargo carriage and at 15 tons for underslung cargo. U.S. President Donald Trump voiced his support on Tuesday for Pastor Andrew Brunson, who is on trial in Turkey on charges he was linked to a group accused of orchestrating a failed 2016 military coup, in a case that has compounded strains in U.S.-Turkish relations, Reuters reports. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!, Trump tweeted. Brunson, a Christian pastor from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for more than two decades, was indicted on charges of helping the group that Ankara holds responsible for the failed 2016 coup. He faces up to 35 years in prison. Earlier during a phone talk, US President Donald Trump asked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extradite Brunson. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The Turkish Armed Forces have eliminated 29 militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which were on the "wanted list" for the last five years, the General Staff of the Turkish Armed Forces said, Turkish media reported April 18. All of the terrorists were eliminated in the Amanos mountains in Turkeys Hatay province. The eliminated militants were involved in blowing up military convoys of the Turkish Armed Forces, armed attacks on military units in the eastern provinces of Turkey. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Leader of the opposition Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Turkey Devlet Bahceli will hold a meeting today, on April 18, to discuss Bahcelis proposal to hold early presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey, the Turkish media reported April 18. The meeting will take place in the Presidential Palace in Ankara. On April 17, Bahceli proposed to hold early parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey. Bahceli said the early elections should be held on Aug. 26. Presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections will be held in Turkey in 2019. The parliamentary and presidential elections are expected to be held on the same day in 2019. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu, Ali Mustafayev Trend: Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kairat Abdrakhmanov will pay an official visit to Turkey on April 18-20, 2018, a source in the Turkish Foreign Ministry told Trend. "We plan to hold the 4th meeting of the Joint Turkish-Kazakh Strategic Planning Group in Ankara on April 19, 2018, within Abdrakhmanov's visit. The meeting will be held with participation of delegations of foreign ministries of the two countries. Abdrakhmanov will also meet with the Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu," the source said. Kazakh foreign minister will also take part in a number of high-level meetings to discuss important issues for bilateral cooperation. The parties are expected to discuss the details of the forthcoming visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Turkey, which will take place in spring of 2018. Turkey and Kazakhstan will hold a meeting of a high-level strategic cooperation council within Nazarbayev's visit to Turkey, where the parties will discuss the state of bilateral relations and important aspects of regional policy. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has stated about the need for early presidential and parliamentary elections in Turkey, Turkish media reported on April 18. "The government welcomed the proposal of Bahceli [Leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) of Turkey Devlet Bahceli] to hold early elections. The elections will be held on June 24, 2018," he said. Devlet Bahceli previously proposed to hold early parliamentary and presidential elections in Turkey. Bahceli said the early elections should be held on Aug. 26. Presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections will be held in Turkey in 2019. The parliamentary and presidential elections are expected to be held on the same day in 2019. Baku, Azerbaijan, April 18 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has always differed from other political leaders, because he has always opposed the holding of snap parliamentary elections. Leader of the countrys Nationalist Movement Party Devlet Bahceli has recently made a statement urging the Turkish government to hold snap parliamentary and presidential elections. Bahceli said that snap elections must be held on August 26, 2018. Today, following his meeting with Bahceli, President Erdogan said the snap parliamentary elections will be held in Turkey on June 24, 2018. "During the talks with Head of the Nationalist Movement Party Devlet Bahceli, we discussed the proposal to hold snap presidential and parliamentary elections," Erdogan said. Erdogan added that Turkey faces the need to take actions to eliminate political uncertainty as a result of its operations in Syria and historically important events in the region, mainly in Syria and Iraq. Why does Turkey need snap parliamentary elections? As is known, as opposed to other political parties, the Nationalist Movement Party and the Justice and Development Party agreed on unity during the presidential election that was to be held in 2019. In January 2018, Bahceli refused to nominate a candidate from the Nationalist Movement Party in the presidential election in favor of the ruling Justice and Development Party. Bahceli stressed that the Nationalist Movement Party will not nominate a candidate in the presidential election in 2019. He added that the Nationalist Movement Party will support the candidacy of the countrys incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdogan if he decides to participate in the election. Secondly, as opposed to other political parties, in particular, the Republican People's Party, the opposition Peoples' Democratic Party and Iyi Parti, the Justice and Development Party and Nationalist Movement Party are fully ready for the election. Such a situation and the readiness of the Nationalist Movement Party and the Justice and Development Party testify that other parties will not have any chance of winning the parliamentary election. As other parties have not yet made decisions concerning their candidates in the presidential election, one can say that Turkeys incumbent president will win the presidential election. But one must not forget that Turkey is a country of political surprises. It is not ruled out that one of these days other political parties, namely, Republican People's Party and Peoples' Democratic Party will agree on a coalition during the parliamentary election and nominate a single presidential candidate. --- Rufiz Hafizoglu is the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Trend Agency. Follow him on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Mike Pompeo, the director of the CIA, had a secret meeting with Kim Jong-un in North Korea during Easter, according to US reports. Two people with direct knowledge of the trip told the Washington Post that Pompeo met the North Korean leader over Easter as part of an effort to lay the groundwork for direct talks between Donald Trump and Kim. The mission came soon after Pompeo was nominated to be secretary of state. The CIA has not confirmed the meeting, which would be the highest level meeting between the two countries since 2000, when then secretary of state Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il, Kims father, in Pyongyang. It would also mark the first time the previously reclusive Kim Jong-un has met a senior western official. Asked about the report, a White House spokesman said: We do not comment on the CIA directors travel. The New York Times also reported Pompeos secret trip to North Korea over the Easter holiday, which fell this year at the end of March and beginning of April. A few hours before the Washington Post report was published, Trump told the press about an unspecified high-level meeting. KYODO NEWS - Apr 18, 2018 - 02:05 | All, World A plan being floated among Japan, the United States and South Korea is aimed at the complete denuclearization of North Korea by the summer of 2020, diplomatic sources said Tuesday, in a rejection of Pyongyang's "phased, synchronized" approach in exchange for benefits. The three countries are seeking an early end to Pyongyang's development of nuclear weapons and missiles after past attempts allowed North Korea incremental incentives to halt its nuclear program and led Pyongyang to buy time and further develop nuclear weapons, the sources close to Japan-U.S. relations said. The time frame for North Korea's denuclearization may be addressed during Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's trip to the United States from Tuesday to Friday for talks with President Donald Trump, the sources said. The two leaders are set to discuss a road map toward the "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization" of North Korea. Trump is apparently eager to push for the denuclearization of North Korea at an early date so that he can score diplomatic wins ahead of the presidential election in November 2020. Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are expected to meet for the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit, possibly by the end of May or in early June. Japan believes setting a target before the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in the summer of 2020 will help create momentum for denuclearization, the sources said. Tokyo is hoping that a resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue will lead to progress on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang decades ago, the sources said. (Kim Jong Un, Photo Courtesy of Korea Media) Kim proposed the "phased, synchronized" approach toward denuclearization at his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on March 26, according to the Chinese government. The approach suggests that Kim will not agree to denuclearization steps without benefits such as an easing of sanctions or the provision of economic assistance. In prior talks with Japan, the United States denied such an "action for action" approach had been pursued previously and said it envisions a package agreement under which it will assure North Korea that it is not seeking regime change in exchange for Pyongyang's complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, the sources said. The United States also touched on a target date of around the summer of 2020 during the consultations, while other possible goals such as within 2018 or within a year after a U.S.-North Korea agreement have also been floated among Japan, the United States and South Korea, the sources said. Meanwhile, some Japanese, U.S. and South Korean officials concede that making concessions to North Korea to a certain degree is unavoidable in order for Pyongyang to take steps towards denuclearization, including disabling nuclear facilities and readmitting inspectors, they said. KYODO NEWS - Apr 18, 2018 - 22:32 | All, World U.S. Secretary of State-designate Mike Pompeo met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week, U.S President Donald Trump said Wednesday after media reported on Pompeo's recent secret mission to the North to prepare for the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit. "Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed," Trump tweeted, adding that details of a summit are "being worked out now," apparently referring to direct talks between him and Kim expected by early June. Trump said the meeting between Pompeo, currently director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and Kim took place last week. The Washington Post reported that the "top-secret visit to North Korea" took place around April 1 to lay the groundwork for the summit over North Korea's nuclear weapons program, citing two unnamed people with direct knowledge of the trip. "Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" Trump also said in his Twitter post. (Mike Pompeo and Kim Jong Un) [Left photo: UPI/Kyodo] White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders on Tuesday neither confirmed nor denied the report, only saying, "The administration does not comment on the CIA director's travel." The mission came soon after Trump nominated Pompeo to be his new secretary of state in place of Rex Tillerson, according to the Washington Post. The report was published as Trump said during the first day of a two-day meeting from Tuesday with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Palm Beach, Florida, that Washington has had direct talks with Pyongyang "at extremely high levels" to arrange the U.S.-North Korea summit. Trump said a meeting with Kim will take place "probably in early June or before that assuming things go well." At the same time, Trump also said he may decide not to go ahead with the meeting, a comment considered an effort to push Kim to take concrete action to achieve the permanent denuclearization of North Korea. "We'll either have a very good meeting or we won't have a good meeting. And maybe we won't even have a meeting at all depending on what's going in," he said. Trump said he is looking at five potential sites for the unprecedented meeting, held despite no diplomatic relations between Washington and Pyongyang. (U.S. President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Palm Beach) None of the five places under consideration is in the United States, he said. Trump did not elaborate further on the five locations, but countries such as Mongolia and Sweden, and the truce village of Panmunjeom on the border between the Koreas, have been floated as possible sites for a Trump-Kim meeting. Speaking to reporters earlier Tuesday, Matt Pottinger, senior director for Asia at the U.S. National Security Council, warned that if Pyongyang intends to buy time by conducting direct talks with Washington, "there will be an unhappy result." Pottinger said Abe and Trump will coordinate policy in advance of a Trump-Kim summit "so that we make sure that Japanese interests and American interests are both fully accounted for." "Japanese security interests are American security interests," he said. "That's why we are allies. That's what it means to have an alliance." Trump said Washington and Tokyo "are locked" and "very unified" on matters related to North Korea. Preparations for a Trump-Kim meeting and trade issues have been dominating the Abe-Trump talks at the U.S. leader's Mar-a-Lago estate. 13,834 new COVID cases in Kerala after 1.05L tests on Friday With this, the number of active COVID cases in the state rose to 1,42,499. Of the new cases, 13,138 contracted the virus through contact while 74 came from outside the state. Striking a blow for agile with DOD weapons systems In a recent report, called Design and Acquisition of Software for Defense Systems, the Defense Science Board (DSB) has raised its influential voice on behalf of a move by the Department of Defense towards greater use of agile development approaches for software being developed for weapons systems. DSB is a prestigious advisory body established more than 70 years ago to give DOD advice and recommendation on scientific, technical, manufacturing and acquisition issues. Its members are senior military, government and industry experts, often retired. The new report was commissioned by Frank Kendall when he was the Obama-era DOD undersecretary for acquisition. It begins by discussing the importance of the issue. While recognized as central to enterprise business systems and related information technology services, the report states, the role software plays in enabling and enhancing weapons systems often goes underappreciated. In fact, the report continues, many of the capabilities provided by our weapons systems are derived from the software of the system, not the hardware. This shift from hardware-enabled capabilities to software-enabled capabilities is increasing quickly. As a 2017 paper published by the Institute for Defense Analyses notes, The Department of Defense is experiencing an explosive increase in its demand for software-implemented features in weapon systems. The new report has a fairly conventional discussion of the advantages of agile, which I suspect will provide few surprises to people who have followed the general debate on agile vs. waterfall: "The main benefit of iterative development the ability to catch errors quickly and continuously, integrate new code with ease, and obtain user feedback throughout the development of the application -- will help the DOD to operate in todays dynamic security environment, where threats are changing faster than Waterfall development can handle." There is an interesting discussion, which was new to me at least, of the advantages of agile for ongoing development of cyber defense capabilities. Checking a software systems code base daily keeps manageable the number of changes required to comply with a large base of cyber rules," the report states. "When a new vulnerability is discovered, additional rules are formulated to detect similar errors in code. Perhaps the most interesting thing about the DSB report is its publication right now. The report may be coming at just the right time. Stan Soloway -- an old friend, former senior DOD acquisition innovation official from my government days in the nineties, and currently head of the consulting firm Celero -- notes that the Defense Digital Service and Ash Carters DIUx, are turning out to be more influential than many predicted. This ties in to my conclusion in a blog a while ago that the U.S. Digital Service and 18F were becoming part of the federal IT ecosystem. To some extent it is the result of the uniform military leadership (think customer) pushing back against a traditional system that doesn't deliver, Soloway said. Congress recently directed the Defense Innovation Board to study the use of agile software development for DOD. At the end of March, the DOD inspector general -- not exactly an organization that is usually on the cutting edge of support for innovation -- published a report entitled Contracting Strategy for F-22 Modernization. That report, which came out after the DSB report, criticized DOD for not developing a new contracting strategy to support a move to agile for software for the next generation of the F-22 fighter. Even more recently, Defense Undersecretary for Acquisition and Sustainment Ellen Lord stated, "I believe we are at an inflection point in terms of doing things differently. We are pivoting from the traditional waterfall software development methodology to agile and devops. So we are coding every day, testing every night. Soloway told me that, though there is uncertainty about how exactly agile will be implemented, the debate is over. Agile is the way forward. I don't think there is much debate anymore over its efficacy. At the end of the nineties, after a period when innovation was very much promoted in the procurement system, I noted a change in the delay between when a management innovation was developed in the private sector and when it came to government. When I entered the government in 1993, agencies were still buying off-the-shelf software in individual shrink-wrapped packages, though the private sector had moved to site licenses perhaps a decade earlier. (The government moved to site licenses later that decade.) By the late nineties, the gap between the introduction of reverse auctions in buying commercial items in the private sector and the government was down to a little more than a year. I was proud of that change. Fast forward to agile software development. The Agile Manifesto, calling for a new way to do software development, was published in 2001, and over the next several years, agile started to spread in commercial software development -- eventually becoming the standard way to do business. The idea didnt really hit the federal government until about 2012 or so, and has been spreading only gradually, though it has been spreading. So we seem to be back to a 10-year gap between innovations coming to the private sector and their being adopted in government. That delay is far too long. If DOD gets serious about moving towards agile, this will be a tipping point for the use of agile in government. Thats a long time coming, but better late than never. If agile starts becoming the common way to do business, government will need to grapple with how to do it right. The IG report on the F-22 modernization highlights a very concrete problem with contracting strategy, which is that traditional incentive fee methods to incentivize contractor performance do not apply so well when deliverables are not specified in advance, which will happen as agile spreads. More broadly, the government needs to adapt its contract management processes to an agile world. The limited experience so far suggests that agile requires more, or at least different, contract management resources to allow frequent communication between customers and developers. (I am starting some research work on post-award contract management in DHS, and the people helping me out have told me this is their experience with agile orders.) Perhaps the TechFAR team at USDS and the Office of Federal Procurement Policy needs to be reconstituted to address such questions. By Andrew Hay April 17 (Reuters) - The pilot who safely landed a stricken Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday got her first flying experience in the U.S. Navy, touching down F-18 fighter jets at 150 miles per hour on aircraft carriers. Tammie Jo Shults, 56, may have drawn on her Navy skills when one of the two engines on her Boeing 737-700 blew and broke apart at 32,000 feet on Tuesday, forcing her to implement a rapid descent towards Philadelphia International Airport. The explosion killed one passenger and nearly sucked another out of a shattered window. One of the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy, Shults calmly told air traffic control that part of her plane was missing, and she would need ambulances on the runway. "So we have a part of the aircraft missing so we're going to need to slow down a bit," Shults told a controller. Many of the 144 passengers sang her praise on social media after Shults thanked them for their bravery as they left the plane. "The pilot Tammy Jo was so amazing! She landed us safely in Philly," said Amanda Bourman on Instagram. Passengers identified Shults as the pilot. Southwest Airlines declined to name the crew of flight 1380 and Shults was not immediately available for comment. Authorities said the crew did what they were trained to do. "They're in the simulator and practice emergency descents..and losing an engine... They did the job that professional airline pilots are trained to do," National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt told reporters. "GOD SENT HIS ANGELS" Shults might never have become a pilot if she had not been so determined to fly from a young age. She is quoted on fighter plane blog F-16.net saying she tried to attend an aviation career day at high school but was told they did not accept girls. A native of New Mexico, she never lost the urge to fly and, after studying medicine in Kansas, applied to the Air Force. It would not let her take the test to become a pilot, but the U.S. Navy did. Story continues She was one of the first female F-18 pilots and became an instructor before she left the Navy in 1993 and joined Southwest, according to the blog. A Christian, who is married to a fellow pilot and has two children, Shults said that sitting in the captain's chair gave her "the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight." Bourman was among passengers who said they had been saved by divine intervention. "God sent his angels to watch over us," she said. (Reporting By Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico; additional reporting by Bill Tarrant in Los Angeles; Editing by Neil Fullick) * After opening in Paris, JD.com plans an office in Milan * JD.com launched Toplife to woo luxury buyers * Rival Tmall also pitching to brands (Adds Tmall comments) By Emma Thomasson MADRID, April 18 (Reuters) - Chinese e-commerce company JD.com made a pitch on Wednesday to attract more European luxury brands to its site, saying it could offer faster delivery and better protection against fakes than bigger rival Alibaba Group Holding. China's second-largest e-commerce business is planning an office in Milan, after opening its first in Europe in Paris in January. It is also teaming up with Spanish brands, international president Winston Cheng said in Madrid. "We are looking for other venues as we expand," he told journalists at the World Retail Congress. "We have one of the highest quality bases of consumers inside China, growing very rapidly." Both JD.com and Tmall are major sponsors of the congress, an annual gathering for executives, and both held competing lunch events as they made their pitches to brands. In October, JD.com launched Toplife, a platform which aims to woo luxury buyers with same-day deliveries and premium services, including extra clean and secure warehouses with special air filters. It rivals Luxury Pavilion, a similar portal launched in August which is backed by Alibaba's Tmall platform and features products from fashion groups such as Burberry. Tmall launched a membership programme for Pavilion users last week. In its pitch to brands, Tmall puts a focus on the technology and customer data it can offer, such as a smart mirror it had on display in Madrid where users can try on different outfits. "That is how we fundamentally differentiate ourselves from e-retailers. We are not a retailer. We are a platform to enable brands and retailers," Tmall President Jet Jing told Reuters. DIGITALISED MARKET Jing said brands can get new ideas from China, citing the example of connecting customers in remote Chinese areas to online beauty advisers from cosmetic company Estee Lauder . Story continues "It is the best testing bed for all the European brands and retailers to try out in this mobilised and digitalised market for a new way to run a business," he said. JD.com puts the focus on its advantage over Alibaba of running all its own logistics, allowing it to promise same and next day delivery on more than 90 percent of orders, as well as its "zero tolerance" policy towards counterfeit goods. "Fake goods is a big issue in China. Our focus on authenticity has led to our success," Cheng said. Chinese shoppers made up 32 percent of the worldwide luxury market in 2017, more than any other nationality, consultancy Bain & Co said, making it a crucial market for fashion brands. Cheng said Toplife had already signed up 20 brands, including names from the Kering group such as Saint Laurent and Alexander McQueen. He said they have been attracted by its offer of delivery within one or two hours by white-gloved employees in suits, with the tallest and best-looking chosen for the task, some of them former soldiers. He noted growing Chinese demand for luxury products, with the Gucci brand getting 100,000 searches a day on its site and sales of premium Spanish ham up 700 percent last year. While JD.com is focusing for now on southeast Asia for expansion outside of China, Cheng said the company could eventually make moves into Europe. "There are a lot of offline players and even online players reaching out to us because of our scale and because of our willingness to partner," he said, adding that any deal would have to be with "a very large retailer". "Europe seems to be a battleground between maybe the Chinese and Amazon," he said, noting that the American giant had an advantage because of English being a global language. "When we try to expand, particularly in Europe, we need to make sure we're ready from these two aspects: language and culture." (Reporting by Emma Thomasson Editing by David Evans and Edmund Blair) Bitcoin price With all of the attention on the movements in the bitcoin price, now could be the time to get your hands on BTC spinoff Bitcoin Cash, one trader says. Brian Kelly, founder of Investment firm BKCM, tells CNBC the technical signs including a possible breakout are pointing to an opportunity in Bitcoin Cash (BCH). Investors apparently taking his advice, with the No. 4 cryptocurrency by market cap trading in the green today alongside other altcoins, up nearly 16% at the time of publication. Kelly points to a trio of reasons why BCH is attractive at these levels, including the following He says BCH is in the Monty Python zone, where like the movie it may have been left for dead and even mostly dead but despite being absolutely crushed its not dead yet. A potential breakout on the horizon Rising volume Kelly used a long-term BCH chart from December 2017 till now to illustrate his point, where the $790 price level was support but has since become resistance. A breakout would indicate higher moves. Meanwhile, based on a shorter time frame reflecting trading in BCH year to date, he points to a couple of down moves that have begun to form a triangle underpinned by strong volume. Those are the first things traders look at, that I look at, to say, something might be changing here, Kelly said. If we get that breakout, youre looking at higher moves, Kelly told CNBC. Kelly has been making calls on the cryptocurrency market left and right, recently telling CNBC that the bitcoin price was likely to set a new record in 2018 and then it would be upward and onward from there. This plays into his call on BCH, because Kelly says youre going to need a continuation of the bitcoin rally. Buy the Dip CCN recently reported on the rivalry between BTC and BCH traders, one that may have been responsible for the temporary suspension of the Twitter account with the handle @bitcoin. Kelly is bitcoin/altcoin-agnostic, as evidenced by his advice to buy the dip in bitcoin since the price has pulled back from its recent advance. Story continues What was expected to be the start of bitcoins next bull run got interrupted after New Yorks attorney general revealed he made an information request into more than a dozen cryptocurrency exchanges. But according to Kelly, its just market action on the heels of a big run. Featured image from Shutterstock. The post Crypto Investment Firm Founder Turns Bullish on Bitcoin Cash appeared first on CCN. Cryptocurrencies prices were mixed on Wednesday Investing.com Cryptocurrencies prices were mixed on Wednesday as IMF Chief Christine Lagarde called for global co-operation on virtual currencies regulation. Bitcoin was trading at $7,943.9.0 by 12:26AM ET (04:26GMT) on the Bitfinex exchange, down 1.4% over the previous 24 hours. Ethereum, the worlds second largest cryptocurrency by market cap, slipped 0.3% to $507.4 on the Bitfinex exchange. Ripples XRP token traded 0.7% higher to $0.66769 on the Poloniex exchange. Meanwhile, Litecoin added 0.8% to $134.6. Just as a few technologies that emerged from the dot-com era have transformed our lives, the crypto assets that survive could have a significant impact on how we save, invest and pay our bills, Lagarde said on Tuesday, adding that crypto-assets must first earn confidence of consumers and regulators before they can operate in a meaningful and lasting way. An important initial step will be to reach a consensus within the global regulatory community on the role crypto-assets should play. Because crypto-assets know no boundaries, international cooperation will be essential, Lagarde further noted. Elsewhere, New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said on Tuesday that he would conduct a fact-finding inquiry into 13 cryptocurrency exchanges. With cryptocurrency on the rise, consumers in New York and across the country have a right to transparency and accountability when they invest their money, Schneiderman said in a statement. Yet too often, consumers dont have the basic facts they need to assess the fairness, integrity, and security of these trading platforms. Our Virtual Markets Integrity Initiative sets out to change that, promoting the accountability and transparency in the virtual currency marketplace that investors and consumers deserve. Related Articles Suspect From Iceland Bitcoin Miner Theft Escapes Prison Amazon Granted Patent For Streaming Data Marketplace With Bitcoin Use Case Reddit Community: A Game Predicted Bitcoin 28 Years Ago By Dasha Afanasieva, Clara Denina and Toby Sterling LONDON/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Dutch energy company Eneco is working with investment bank Citi (C.N) to advise on its privatisation, which should kick off soon, three sources familiar with the matter said. The U.S. investment bank joins ABN Amro (ABNd.AS), which advises the company's management, and boutique firm Aperghis, working with shareholders, and will take instruction from both the company and the owners as they move forward to resolve a long-standing conflict, one of the sources said. Eneco declined to comment. Citi did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company, whose largest shareholder is the Rotterdam municipality, said on Monday Jeroen de Haas, chief executive since 2007, will leave on Sept. 1. Eneco said its supervisory board reached the decision "in close consultation" with De Haas but declined to clarify the reasons for his departure. Eneco's 53 municipal shareholders voted for privatisation in October, clashing with the company's management who wanted to operate as independently as possible and to continue investing heavily in sustainable energy. Sources had previously valued the company at around 4 billion euros ($5 billion). One of the sources said De Haas had preferred the initial public offering of the company. After months of feuding, shareholders and Eneco's board had agreed in February that the company would be sold, paving the way for privatisation in the coming months. Potential bidders include a consortium led by Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L), French energy company Total SA (TOTF.PA), Italy's Enel (ENEI.MI), Engie (ENGIE.PA), Verbund (VERB.VI), Orsted (ORSTED.CO) and Fortum (FORTUM.HE). In March, Eneco reported a rise in underlying 2017 sales and profit as well as higher debt due to acquisitions. [L5N1QQ26B] ($1 = 0.8070 euros) (Additional reporting by Stephen Jewkes in Milan, editing by David Evans) Why Is MGIC (MTG) Down 3.1% Since Last Earnings Report? MGIC (MTG) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. Eni S.p.A. E announced its intention to explore offshore gas reserves in Algeria. The company is likely to allocate billions for expanding operations in the country over the coming three years. For this, Eni will increase the scope of its business with Sonatrach, which focuses on exploring oil and gas resources in Algeria and is owned by the government. Eni projects resources, located off the coast of Algeria, to be more profitable and believes that the country has significant reserves of natural gas. In Algeria, Eni spent roughly $600 million in 2017. The amount of the companys imported natural gas from the country was recorded at 11 billion cubic metres. The government of Italy is planning to import natural gas from Algeria, Azerbaijan and Libya to transform the country into a major supplier in the Southern Europe. Notably, Italy has shifted its focus to Russia for natural gas imports in the past few years, thanks to the sluggish output of gas in Algeria. However, the scenario is changing as Sonatrach has become successful in entering fresh accords with Eni for further upstream activities. In 2017, Algeria started operating a gas field that had been delayed. Also, three additional fields will commence operation in 2018. Based in Rome, Italy, Eni is an integrated energy player. In the past year, the stock has returned 22.6%, outperforming the industrys 16.3% gain. Eni carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked players in the energy space include Mammoth Energy Services, Inc. TUSK, Baytex Energy Corp. BTE and Flotek Industries, Inc. FTK. All the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Mammoth Energy is expected to witness year-over-year surge of 246.5% in 2018 earnings. Baytex managed to beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in each of the prior three quarters. Flotek Industries is expected to see year-over-year earnings growth of 557.1% in 2018. Story continues Can Hackers Put Money INTO Your Portfolio? Earlier this year, credit bureau Equifax announced a massive data breach affecting 2 out of every 3 Americans. The cybersecurity industry is expanding quickly in response to this and similar events. But some stocks are better investments than others. Zacks has just released Cybersecurity! An Investors Guide to help Zacks.com readers make the most of the $170 billion per year investment opportunity created by hackers and other threats. It reveals 4 stocks worth looking into right away. Download the new report now>> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Baytex Energy Corp (BTE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Flotek Industries, Inc. (FTK) : Free Stock Analysis Report Eni SpA (E) : Free Stock Analysis Report MAMMOOTH ENERGY (TUSK) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Students cheating in exams has been around for as long as theres been exams. But while most individual-level cheating involves a few scribbled notes and surreptitious trips to the bathroom, prosecutors in Singapore have busted a cheating ring they say used hidden earpieces and smuggled cellphones to make tens of thousands of dollars. As the BBC reports, Singaporean tutor Tan Jia Yan pleaded guilty to helping six Chinese nationals cheat in English, Math, and science exams. The exams were nationally-administered O-level exams, typically taken when the subject is around 16. Don't Miss: Todays top deals: Nest Thermostat, AirPods knockoffs, spy camera pen, Echo Dot for your car, more However, the 32-year-old Tan Jia Yan registered for the GCE O-levels as a private candidate, and then taped an iPhone with a live FaceTime call to the inside of her shirt. The iPhone relayed back the exam to accomplices at the tuition center. Those accomplices would then call the students, who had flesh-colored earpieces in, and read the answers to them, Channel News Asia reports. The scheme ran for five days in 2016, but was eventually uncovered when an invigilator noticed an unusual noise coming from one of the participants in the scheme. He was taken aside after the exam and asked to remove his vest, under which a mobile phone was found, Channel News Asia said. A Bluetooth device and a skin-coloured ear piece were also found on him. The tutor and accomplices were well paid for their services, according to the BBC. The principal of the tutoring center received $8,000 as a deposit and $1,000 for every extra pupil, with all the money fully refundable if the students failed the exam. The BBC didnt report whether anyone did actually get the money back. BGR Top Deals: Trending Right Now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com BEIRUT, April 17 (Reuters) - A false alarm led to Syrian air defence missiles being fired overnight and there was no fresh attack on Syria, a commander in the regional military alliance that backs the Syrian government told Reuters. Syrian state TV reported overnight that anti-aircraft defences had shot down missiles fired at an air base in the Homs area, and a media unit run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah said missiles had also targeted an air base near Damascus. The commander, who spoke on condition of anonymity, attributed the malfunction to "a joint electronic attack" by Israel and the United States targeting the Syrian radar system. The issue had been dealt with by Russian experts, the commander said. (Writing by Tom Perry Editing by Andrew Heavens) A salesman shows gold bangles to customer inside a jewellery showroom on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a major gold buying festival, in Kochi, India April 18, 2018. REUTERS/Sivaram V By Rajendra Jadhav and Eileen Soreng MUMBAI/BENGALURU (Reuters) - Demand for physical gold was lower-than-usual during a key festival in the world's second biggest consumer India as local prices peaked and a cash crunch curbed retail spending. On Wednesday, Indians celebrated the annual festival of Akshaya Tritiya, when buying gold is considered auspicious. "Consumers want to make purchases for Akshaya Tritiya, but they are not comfortable with the current price. They are making smaller purchases," said Chanda Venkatesh, managing director of CapsGold, a bullion merchant based in the southern city of Hyderabad. In the local market, gold prices were nearly 10 percent higher during the current festival period compared with last year, with prices trading around 31,573 rupees per 10 grams, the highest level since August 2016. This is also the highest price levels seen on record for the month of April compared with the previous corresponding periods. Usually the market trades in a premium on Akshay Trititya day, but a Mumbai-based dealer with a global trading firm said it was surprising to see it either at a discount or at par. Dealers in India were offering a discount of up to $1 an ounce on official domestic prices this week, down from $2 last week. The domestic price includes a 10 percent import tax. A cash-crunch was also hurting retail demand in many parts of the country, said Nitin Khandelwal, chairman at All India Gems & Jewellery Trade Federation (GJF). In the last few weeks, banks' automated teller machines (ATMs) had run out of notes in different parts of the country. Bankers and operators of automated teller machines say the sudden shortage of cash in some Indian states is mainly the result of the central bank printing fewer 2,000 rupee notes over the past few months in favour of harder-to-hoard smaller bills. Meanwhile, demand across major centres in Asia remained sluggish as benchmark prices hovered close to a two-and-half month high. Story continues Spot gold was 0.4 percent higher at $1,352.22 an ounce at 1250 GMT on Wednesday, having hit an 11-week high at $1,365.23 last week. Premiums charged in top consumer China were about $5 to $7 an ounce, little changed from last week. "The demand is not too much ... and will slow down from here," Peter Fung, head of dealing at Wing Fung Precious Metals in Hong Kong said, adding that some buying interest could come in around the $1,310-$1,320 level. Hong Kong premiums edged up to 50 cents to $1.20 this week, versus the 50-60 cent range last week. Premiums in Singapore were also little changed from last week and ranged between 70 cents to a dollar. Demand across South-east Asia has been slow, a Singapore-based dealer said. For the third straight week, gold was being sold at par with the global benchmark in Japan. ($1 = 65.6600 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav in Mumbai and Eileen Soreng in Bengaluru, additional reporting by Apeksha Nair; editing by David Evans) Iran has issued a threat against Israel following last weekend's attack on an Iranian drone base in Syria. A senior Israeli official reportedly admitted that the event was "the first time we attacked live Iranian targets both facilities and people." The first months of 2018 have seen Israel broaden its Syria i nvolvement to increasingly target its longtime nemesis, Iran, directly. Iran has issued a threat against Israel following last weekend's attack on an Iranian drone base in Syria . "Tel Aviv will be punished for its aggressive action," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Ghassemi told local press Monday. "The occupying Zionist regime will, sooner or later, receive an appropriate response to its actions." The strike, which killed seven Iranian military advisors from the country's elite Quds Force in the Syrian city of Homs, has been neither confirmed nor denied by Israel's government. But a senior Israeli official admitted to The New York Times that the event was "the first time we attacked live Iranian targets both facilities and people." Amid an already chaotic and internecine war involving numerous parties fighting for their own calculated interests, another conflict is coming into focus: the escalation of clashes between Iran and Israel. Since 2013, Israel has carried out more than 100 airstrikes in Syria, primarily targeting the Iranian-funded Lebanese militia group Hezbollah and military convoys. This hasn't featured heavily in news headlines, however, as Israel prefers to act in the shadows to reduce the pressure on adversaries to respond, and because Russia, with whom it has good relations, has so far tolerated its military actions. But the first months of 2018 have seen Israel broaden its intervention to increasingly target its longtime nemesis, Iran, directly. A shooting war "The only thing more complex than the Syrian civil war would be the Syrian civil war overlaid with an Israel-Iran shooting war," said Henry Rome, Iran researcher at global risk consultancy Eurasia Group. This would inevitably drag the U.S. further into the conflict in support of Israel, while potentially empowering Russia as a mediator due to its relatively good relations with both sides. Story continues Israel and Iran's strategic aims in Syria come into direct conflict with one another. Iran seeks a permanent presence in Syria and Lebanon part of what regional experts have called the growing "Shia crescent" of influence in the Middle East as a long-term, strategic objective. And Israel sees an increasing threat in this deepening influence near its borders, which it fears could result in launching posts from which Hezbollah could attack. "There are many Israelis who have felt obliged to plan out a war with Iran, and their political leaders have spoken ominously about that in recent years," former U.S. ambassador to Syria Richard Murphy told CNBC, noting that the threat posed by Hezbollah is "considerable" given the missiles it commands in Lebanon and in supply posts in Syria. Therefore, a major red line for Israel, according to Rome, is the presence of permanent Iranian air, naval, or ground military bases in Syria hence its strike on the drone base. Drone wars The strike came two months after an Israeli F-16 was shot down by Syrian anti-aircraft defenses during an earlier attack on a drone base prompted by an armed Iranian drone entering Israeli airspace in early February. The two Israeli pilots onboard were ejected over Israeli territory and landed in stable condition. This instance underscores just how easily the war could widen, pulling the two adversaries into full-blown conflict over Syria. "Israeli intervention in Syria could easily trigger an escalation of the conflict or a further spillover of violence into the region," Ryan Turner, a senior risk analyst at PGI Group, told CNBC. And Israel's military actions are unlikely to abate, as its fundamental aim is to prevent Syria from being used as a base to threaten its interest. "To that end, Israel will continue to target Iranian military infrastructure in Syria and attempt to prevent the transfer of advanced weapons of Hezbollah," Turner added. Following the Iranian foreign ministry's statement, Hezbollah issued one of its own: Naim Qassesm, the group's deputy secretary-general, announced that Iran would retaliate at a time and place of its choosing. The next major flashpoint between the two? The Assad regime's fight for the southwestern city of Daraa, some 50 miles from the Israeli border. "The Israeli military fears the regime will use Hezbollah and Iranian forces to fight the battle and entrench themselves near the city," said Eurasia Group's Rome. He described this as "intolerable" for Israel, which would act militarily to stop the establishment of permanent Iranian positions. But while escalation is increasing, an all-out war between the two is unlikely, Murphy believes. "I don't think that's on the cards right now. The Iranian goal is to make sure Assad survives." And so far the Syrian president has done so, with the help of Tehran and Moscow, and is consolidating his power in much of the country. "It's a game that has its dangers," the ambassador said. "It's intense seeming, but it can be controlled by Tehran and Jerusalem, and I think they would not seek open warfare," Murphy said, adding that Syria itself is in no condition to be in active conflict against Israel. But each Israeli strike risks retaliation, said Turner, and "that has the potential to trigger a new cycle of escalation and violence that may not be easily contained." More From CNBC FILE PHOTO: A J.P. Morgan building is seen at Canary Wharf in London, Britain May 17, 2017. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth/File Photo PARIS (Reuters) - JPMorgan (JPM.N) is considering moving almost 200 banking jobs from London to Paris after Britain leaves the European Union, Les Echos newspaper reported on Wednesday, citing unidentified sources. Boosted by reforms undertaken by President Emmanuel Macron, Paris has overtaken Frankfurt as the most popular destination for the number of finance jobs to be shifted out of Britain after Brexit, a Reuters survey found last month. "Paris has become attractive again, even from a tax point of view," Les Echos cited an anonymous source as saying. JPMorgan's Daniel Pinto, who holds the shared positions of president and chief operating officer, discussed the issue with Bank of France Governor Francois Villeroy de Galhau during a meeting in New York on Wednesday, the paper said, adding that the bank had yet to make a final decision. Macron, a former investment banker, and his government are pushing through social and economic reforms to re-shape the French economy and restore France's image among investors. He has already made hiring and firing easier by easing labour regulations, slashed a wealth tax, introduced a flat 30 percent tax rate on capital income and scrapped the highest bracket of payroll tax for banks. JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon was also one of the guests at Macron's pre-Davos summit at the palace of Versailles in January where the French president pitched his country to some of the world's most powerful business executives. (Reporting by Michel Rose; Editing by Dan Grebler) Its not just Donald Trump thats morally unfit for US politics, senior Republican activist says Comey told ABC news Sunday that Trump is "morally unfit to be president." Trump fired Comey last year during an FBI probe into possible ties between alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election and Trump's 2016 campaign. Comey is releasing a book Tuesday that reportedly includes details on the U.S. president. A Republican strategist leapt to the defense of President Donald Trump following comments made by former FBI Director James Comey at the weekend. Comey told ABC news Sunday that Trump is " morally unfit to be president ." But Jan Halper-Hayes, who was a consultant to Trump's transition team and the former chair of Republicans Overseas, said he is not the only politician with a questionable character. "There are so many in Congress that are morally unfit," she told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" Tuesday. "I know a lot of politicians that are morally unfit, and what ideal do we have? I mean really I know that we set these high values and these ideals and there are a lot of people that don't subscribe to high values and still accomplish things," she added. Trump fired Comey last year during an FBI probe into possible ties between alleged Russian meddling in the U.S. election and Trump's 2016 campaign. Both Moscow , Trump and the White House deny any wrongdoing. According to Halper-Hayes, the question people should be asking is whether the lawmakers in office are getting the job done. "Are we going to have an idealistic view or are we going to have a problem-solver in there? (in the White House)," she asked. Brian Klaas, fellow in comparative politics at the London School of Economics, countered by telling CNBC that a president should be a "man of principle and character." "If Hillary Clinton was being accused of these things, I would not be standing here defending her. I think there's an objective view about what you should expect of your leaders and Donald Trump is not even close to that," he said Tuesday morning. Story continues "Do you believe this (Trump) is a person who's a man of principle and character, the answer is clearly no, so then the question is why do you defend him?," he questioned. Comey is releasing a book Tuesday that reportedly includes details on the U.S. president. More From CNBC Attention dividend hunters! Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) will be distributing its dividend of CA$0.94 per share on the 24 May 2018, and will start trading ex-dividend in 5 days time on the 24 April 2018. Investors looking for higher income-generating stocks to add to their portfolio should keep reading, as I take a deeper dive into Royal Bank of Canadas latest financial data to analyse its dividend attributes. See our latest analysis for Royal Bank of Canada 5 checks you should do on a dividend stock Whenever I am looking at a potential dividend stock investment, I always check these five metrics: Is its annual yield among the top 25% of dividend payers? Has it consistently paid a stable dividend without missing a payment or drastically cutting payout? Has dividend per share amount increased over the past? Is it able to pay the current rate of dividends from its earnings? Will it be able to continue to payout at the current rate in the future? TSX:RY Historical Dividend Yield Apr 18th 18 How well does Royal Bank of Canada fit our criteria? The company currently pays out 46.72% of its earnings as a dividend, according to its trailing twelve-month data, meaning the dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Going forward, analysts expect RYs payout to remain around the same level at 45.69% of its earnings, which leads to a dividend yield of 4.11%. In addition to this, EPS should increase to CA$8.36. Reliablity is an important factor for dividend stocks, particularly for income investors who want a strong track record of payment and a positive outlook for future payout. In the case of RY it has increased its DPS from CA$2 to CA$3.64 in the past 10 years. It has also been paying out dividend consistently during this time, as youd expect for a company increasing its dividend levels. These are all positive signs of a great, reliable dividend stock. Compared to its peers, Royal Bank of Canada has a yield of 3.78%, which is on the low-side for Banks stocks. Story continues Next Steps: With these dividend metrics in mind, I definitely rank Royal Bank of Canada as a strong income stock, and is worth further research for anyone who considers dividends an important part of their portfolio strategy. Given that this is purely a dividend analysis, I recommend taking sufficient time to understand its core business and determine whether the company and its investment properties suit your overall goals. There are three essential aspects you should further research: Future Outlook: What are well-informed industry analysts predicting for RYs future growth? Take a look at our free research report of analyst consensus for RYs outlook. Valuation: What is RY worth today? Even if the stock is a cash cow, its not worth an infinite price. The intrinsic value infographic in our free research report helps visualize whether RY is currently mispriced by the market. Other Dividend Rockstars: Are there better dividend payers with stronger fundamentals out there? Check out our free list of these great stocks here. To help readers see pass the short term volatility of the financial market, we aim to bring you a long-term focused research analysis purely driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis does not factor in the latest price sensitive company announcements. The author is an independent contributor and at the time of publication had no position in the stocks mentioned. southwest airlines emergency landing Mark Makela / Reuters The passenger killed Tuesday in an engine accident on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 was partially sucked out of a broken window, The New York Times reported. The Times cited another passenger, Max Kraidelman, as saying passengers and flight attendants were able to pull the woman back into the aircraft. Another passenger was said to have positioned his back against the opening in the cabin for 20 minutes and reported feeling severe pressure. The passenger killed Tuesday in the engine accident on Southwest Airlines Flight 1380 had been partially sucked out of the plane's broken window, The New York Times reported. The flight from New York to Dallas had to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia after its left engine exploded in midair. Southwest said one passenger died and seven others were injured. The Associated Press identified the passenger who was killed as Jennifer Riordan, 43. Passengers interviewed by The Times described a frightening scene after the explosion. "The top half of her torso was out the window," a passenger identified as Max Kraidelman told The Times of the woman who was killed. "There was a lot of blood because she was hit by some of the shrapnel coming off the engine after it exploded." Kraidelman said that other passengers and flight attendants were able to pull the woman back into the aircraft but that she was unconscious and had significant injuries. He said CPR was performed on the woman and a defibrillator was also used on her as the plane made its emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. Video: Investigators Find Part of Southwest Airliner Outside Philadelphia For more news videos visit Yahoo View. Another passenger, identified as Matt Tranchin, said a fellow passenger positioned his back against the opening in the cabin for 20 minutes and reported feeling severe pressure. An audio recording obtained by NBC contained an exchange between the flight's pilot and air traffic control in which the pilot said she was told a passenger "went out" of the aircraft while it was in the air. Story continues The National Transportation Safety Board's chairman, Robert Sumwalt, said the death on the flight was the first in a US passenger airline accident in over nine years. Before Tuesday, the most recent fatal accident came in February 2009 near Buffalo, New York, when an aircraft operated by the now-defunct regional airline Colgan Air crashed. Fifty people were killed in that crash, including one person on the ground. The NTSB sent a team to Philadelphia to investigate the crash on Tuesday. The agency said a full investigation would take 12 to 15 months. Read More about the Southwest Incident: NOW WATCH: The chief economist at a $163 billion firm dispels one of investing's biggest myths See Also: SEE ALSO: Southwest says it's 'devastated' after major engine failure leads to a fatality (Adds quotes, details on injured) By Mark Makela PHILADELPHIA, April 17 (Reuters) - An engine on a Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight with 149 people aboard apparently exploded on Tuesday, forcing an emergency landing in Philadelphia as one passenger was killed and another one was nearly sucked out a window of the plane, the airline and federal officials said. The fatality on the flight from New York was the first in a U.S. commercial aviation accident since 2009, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics. After an engine on the plane's left side blew, it threw off shrapnel, shattering a window and causing cabin depressurization that nearly pulled out a female passenger, according to witness accounts and local news media reports. "We have a part of the aircraft missing, so we're going to need to slow down a bit," the plane's captain, Tammy Jo Shults told air traffic controllers in audio released on NBC News. Asked by a controller if the jet was on fire, Shults responds it was not but added, "They said there is a hole and someone went out." "A woman was partially, was drawn out of the plane and pulled back in by other passengers," Todd Bauer, whose daughter was on the flight, told NBC's affiliate in Philadelphia. NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt told a news briefing in Washington that one person had been killed, but declined to elaborate. The fatality was a passenger, according to Southwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly. NO FIRE "The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the customers, employees, family members and loved ones affected by this tragic event," Southwest said in a statement. Flight 1380 had 144 passengers and five crew members, Sumwalt said. One passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition, and seven other people were treated for minor injuries at the scene, said Philadelphia Fire Department spokeswoman Kathy Matheson. Matheson could not confirm how the passenger in critical condition sustained her injuries. Story continues Sumwalt said the NTSB believes parts came off of the engine but it has not determined if it was an "uncontained engine failure." There are protection rings around the engine to keep shrapnel from coming out. Even though we believe that there were parts coming out of this engine, it may not have been in that section of the engine that technically would qualify this as an uncontained engine failure, he said. "We don't think there was a fire at all," he told the media briefing before departing for Philadelphia. He said the NTSB sees about three or four uncontained engine failures a year, including non-U.S. carriers. 'EVERYBODY WAS GOING CRAZY' Flight 1380 was diverted to Philadelphia after crew members reported damage to an engine, the fuselage and at least one window, the Federal Aviation Administration said. "Everybody was going crazy, and yelling and screaming," passenger Marty Martinez told CNN. Martinez said objects flew out of the hole where the window had exploded, and "passengers right next to her were holding onto (the woman being pulled out). And, meanwhile, there was blood all over this man's hands. He was tending to her." Television images showed that most of the outer casing around the left engine of the Boeing Co 737-700 had ripped away and a window near the engine on the plane's left side was missing. Southwest said the aircraft had been bound for Dallas Love Field in Texas from New York's LaGuardia Airport before it diverted to Philadelphia. "All of a sudden, we heard this loud bang, rattling, it felt like one of the engines went out. The oxygen masks dropped," a passenger, Kristopher Johnson, told CNN. "It just shredded the left-side engine completely. ... It was scary." Southwest shares fell more than 3 percent after the NTSB reported the fatality, then cut losses to close down 1.1 percent at $54.27 a share on the New York Stock Exchange. Boeing said on Twitter that it was aware of the incident and was "gathering more information." The plane's engines are made by CFM International, a French-U.S. venture co-owned by Safran and General Electric, which was not immediately available for comment. (Additional reporting by Tim Hepher in Paris, Andrew Hay in New Mexico, David Shepardson in Washington, Alana Wise and Peter Szekeley in New York; Writing by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Bill Tarrant and Jonathan Oatis) Trump takes aim at Gov. Jerry Brown's decision to limit California's National Guard mission at the border. "The high crime rate will only get higher," Trump tweets. Brown said he would not permit troops to fully engage in immigration enforcement on the border. President Donald Trump on Tuesday took aim at California Gov. Jerry Brown's decision to limit his state's National Guard troops' mission at the border. "Looks like Jerry Brown and California are not looking for safety and security along their very porous Border," the president tweeted. "He cannot come to terms for the National Guard to patrol and protect the Border. The high crime rate will only get higher. Much wanted Wall in San Diego already started!" TWEET The Democratic governor said he would not permit National Guard troops to fully engage in immigration enforcement on the border. Such a move would run counter to Trump's plan to bolster the military presence at the border as he awaits construction of his long-promised wall. The Republican governors of Arizona, New Mexico and Texas are already on board with Trump's National Guard demand and have moved quickly to draw up deployment action plans. On Tuesday, a National Security Council representative, who declined to be named, addressed the matter with a softer tone than the president's. "The Trump Administration is committed to improving our national security by strengthening controls at our southern border," the representative told CNBC. "Until Congress acts on President Trump's common-sense solutions, the National Guard is helping to fill the gap. We remain hopeful that California will accept our help to stop the flow of drugs and gang members across the border into their communities." The Trump administration said Monday that California had rejected the terms for troop deployment set out by the president. "The governor determined that what we asked for is unsupportable, but we will have other iterations," said Ronald Vitiello, U.S. Customs and Border Protection's acting deputy commissioner. Story continues Brown had said last week that he would deploy the troops but not to serve in an immigration-enforcement role. Meanwhile, the AP reports that California National Guard spokesman Lt. Col. Thomas Keegan said "state officials have not rejected anything" since Brown proposed a formal agreement Wednesday with the Homeland Security and Defense Departments that prohibits any involvement in immigration. "The federal government has not yet responded," Keegan told the news organization. The White House and the California National Guard did not respond immediately to CNBC's request for comment. Last week, Trump praised Brown's pledge to send 400 troops to the border. "California Governor Jerry Brown is doing the right thing and sending the National Guard to the Border," Trump tweeted. "Thank you Jerry, good move for the safety of our Country!" TWEET Outside of California, about 650 National Guard troops are working on the border mission in Texas, nearly 250 in Arizona and more than 60 in New Mexico. Earlier this month, Trump said he wants to send as many as 4,000 National Guard troops to the border until the wall is built, but the scope, cost and duration of the plan are still largely up in the air. Building a border wall, and having Mexico pay for it, was one of Trump's key pitches to his nationalist voter base during the 2016 campaign. But since he hasn't been able to secure the approximately $25 billion in funding he desires for the wall, Trump is instead pushing for heightened military presence at the border. "Until we can have a wall and proper security we're going to be guarding our border with the military. That's a big step," the president has said. U.S. officials have provided few logistical details for carrying out Trump's orders. More From CNBC [caption id="attachment_27368" align="alignnone" width="620"] Michael Cohen Michael Cohen. (AP photo: Andrew Harnik)[/caption] For many at Squire Patton Boggs, the nature of Michael Cohen's presence in the firm's New York office was a mystery. Cohen, who was given an office on the firms 23rd floor at Rockefeller Center as part of a strategic alliance with his practice, kept a lock on his door. He didnt appear to work on client matters with firm attorneys in New York, and whatever benefit he provided to the firm wasnt apparent to his office colleagues. Some inside the firm also had concerns about the alliance, even before Cohen's legal troubles devolved to the point of FBI agents raiding his office. Sources who spoke to New York Law Journal on Tuesday said Cohen, a longtime aide to President Donald Trump and his private attorney, kept to himself and didnt frequently interact with New York personnel at Squire. Federal agents swept into Squires office at 30 Rockefeller Plaza on Monday morning to seize recordsa highly unusual event for any law office. Im surprised any time FBI agents show up at an office to collect documents, said one attorney tied to the firm when asked for a reaction. On the same day as the raid, Squire announced that the partnership with Cohen had been called off. The firms arrangement with Mr. Cohen reached its conclusion, mutually and in accordance with the terms of the agreement, the firm said in a statement Monday. We have been in contact with federal authorities regarding their execution of a warrant relating to Mr. Cohen. These activities do not relate to the firm and we are in full cooperation. Squires alliance with Cohen, lasting roughly a year, was first announced in April 2017. A press release by the firm said it would partner with Michael D. Cohen & Associates to advance the interests of its clients. The National Law Journal reported at the time that a statement from Squires chairman and global CEO Mark Ruehlmannnow removed from the firms websitesaid the arrangement would benefit clients by bringing together Cohen and the firms lobbyists. Clients worldwide increasingly confront challenges and look to seize business opportunities that intersect with governments worldwide, Ruehlman said in a statement at the time. A spokesman for the firm on Tuesday described the arrangement as a type of referral relationship between Cohen and Squire. But what exactly Squire or Cohen gained from the strategic alliance in the end is unclear. Two attorneys who asked not to be named said the firm kept them in the dark about any client interests Cohen was advancing for the firm, and said they did not observe his work on any firm matter. Some inside Squire were also "concerned" about him being at the firm office and having his connection, one source said. Still, the attorneys said Cohen was not disruptive and was a discreet presence, his door sometimes seen closed. He spoke with other lawyers only in passing to say hello in the elevator or hallway. He didnt go to office meetings, lunches or social events, one source said. The firm gave him a partner-size office with stock furniture, but he wasnt connected to the firms equipment and he didnt have secretarial support, sources said. He was a tenant, said one source, describing the relationship. He had space he was given. I had no idea what he was working on, the source added. News reports on Tuesday said investigators were searching for documents about payments to women who claim they had affairs with Trump. A spokesman for the firm said he had nothing further to add" beyond the firm's comment. Stephen Ryan, Cohens attorney and a partner at McDermott Will & Emery, did not respond to an email message seeking comment. FILE PHOTO: A view shows a tower of the Kremlin (R) and the Foreign Ministry headquarters (back) in Moscow, Russia March 16, 2018. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/File Photo By Claire Milhench and Sujata Rao LONDON (Reuters) - "Who's next?" investors in Russia are asking as they scramble to clear their portfolios of "oligarch risk" - holdings in companies that may be next in line for U.S. sanctions after metals company Rusal was targeted last week. The threat of more sanctions had already made investors wary of Russian companies, seen as more vulnerable to U.S. action than the sovereign. Their fears proved justified when on April 6, the U.S. Treasury slapped sanctions on a range of Russian companies and "oligarchs" -- businessmen deemed to be close to the Kremlin. Aluminum company Rusal, controlled by Oleg Deripaska, has been one of the main targets. Rusal itself has warned that the impact of sanctions could trigger technical default on some of its debts. Earlier sanctions on major Russian companies were so-called sectoral sanctions which limit U.S. investor participation in debt-raising for sanctioned firms. The sanctions imposed on Rusal this month go further, barring U.S. investors from having any dealings with the sanctioned entities. Russia's sovereign debt and assets of other Russian companies are not yet sanctioned but that might change. Washington is looking at new sanctions aimed at Russian companies allegedly dealing with equipment related to chemical weapons in Syria. "The question investors have is: who is next? Could you extend Rusal-style sanctions to other companies? Potentially they could," said Greg Saichin, chief investment officer for emerging market debt at Allianz Global Investors. "We know of a number of individuals who are either owners of companies or have stakes in companies, who may be next in line ... There is oligarch risk so we have moved to reduce the Kremlin element in the portfolio," he added. A list of 210 wealthy Russians named by the U.S. Treasury in January is widely seen as the place to look for clues. It contained 96 oligarchs, including Vladimir Potanin, co-owner of Norilsk Nickel, metals magnates Alisher Usmanov and Alexei Mordashov and CEOs of two big state-run banks. Story continues John Bates, a portfolio manager at PineBridge Investments, said he had reduced exposure to companies with high "oligarch risk", noting that if sanctions were expanded "we could be in another quite severe leg down in terms of valuations." The latest U.S. sanctions have caused pain across Russian markets, which were riding high with investors prior to last week's sell off. Investors' Russian bond holdings as of end-March would have been around $46 billion, assuming their allocation to Russia was the same as its share in various global bond indexes, data from State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) shows. CALCULATED RISKS Last week, as the rouble dropped 6 percent, equities fell 4.6 percent and Russian corporate dollar bond yields surged by an average 100 basis points, those portfolios would have suffered heavy losses. Ratings agency Fitch said the sell-off reflected fears the sanctions list would be extended, possibly to companies that transact with the already designated entities and individuals. As a result, investors are not ready yet to pick over the wreckage for bargains. Even before the meltdown, asset managers had been screening Russian companies to avoid exposure to those already subject to sanctions imposed after Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region in 2014. Ironically though, those sanctions made companies' debt more attractive to some investors. A volatile rouble, government pressure to cut external debt and higher barriers to raising debt on international markets steadily reduced their outstanding debt levels. Russian companies, excluding banks, have about $270 billion in hard currency debt according to TD Securities, and just $13 billion falls due in 2018. Servicing that will not be a problem -- unless they are hit with sanctions too. Fund managers would have to take a "calculated risk" on which Russian names to sell, Saichin of Allianz said. "If no sanction has been imposed you basically have to sit on it," he said, noting there were few buyers for the bonds anyway. Money managers in general see low sanctions risk for Russian sovereign debt and securities of state-run flagship companies such as Gazprom, which supplies a major part of Europe's energy, or Sberbank, Russia's biggest bank. Others such as Lukoil or Phosagro, which have kept themselves at arms' length from the Kremlin, are also considered a safer bet. Markets reflect that view -- the bonds of steelmaker Severstal, around 80 percent owned by Alexei Mordashov, were the biggest fallers last week from a list of mining and energy firms, after Rusal and Polyus Gold, Abhishek Kumar, lead investment manager for emerging markets fixed income beta at SSGA, noted. Polyus is controlled by the family of Suleiman Kerimov who is on the sanctioned individuals list. Bonds in Evraz, Norilsk Nickel, Metalloinvest and steel pipe maker TMK also fell an average 3-5 cents last week, while Lukoil and state firm Rosneftegaz fell the least. "Clearly, the sentiments are against any companies dealing in commodities," Kumar said. Steelmaker NLMK is controlled by Vladimir Lisin while TMK is majority-owned by Dmitry Pumpyansky. Neither man is on the list of sanctioned individuals. As for Russia's sovereign debt, most investors are sitting tight, believing Washington will not bar investors from it, even if the U.S. Congress is trying to build support for such a step. Salman Ahmed, chief investment strategist at Lombard Odier Investment Managers said the "mindset" was not to ditch Russian government debt even if the latest sanctions had raised fears the sovereign might be hit. "We think that would be highly unlikely. It would be like an act of war," he said. (Reporting by Claire Milhench; graphic by Dhara Ranasinghe; additional reporting by Helen Reid, Karin Strohecker, Polina Devitt, Maya Nikolayeva and Oksana Kobzeva. Editing by Jane Merriman) INDUSTRY INSIGHT How artificial intelligence is transforming GEOINT Artificial intelligence has improved by leaps and bounds since IBM's chess-playing Deep Blue defeated reigning world champion Garry Kasparov in 1997. But that early face-off illustrated machine learning in its nascence: A computer makes sense of data it is given, finding patterns and crafting solutions based on the presented scenarios. One major difference today is that modern ML systems have access to infinitely more data from which they can uncover relationships and predict outcomes without pre-existing empirical models. The new frontier in ML is turning geographic data into deep location intelligence. Enabling applications to understand relationships in geographic data is the key to addressing some of the most pressing threats facing the geopolitical world today. And the people at the forefront of these challenges are in the intelligence community. Geoenabling intelligence data Infusing location intelligence with AI technology has the potential to transform the role of geospatial intelligence staff, allowing them to offer more timely and complete analysis. In recent years, advances in AI algorithms for object recognition and broad-area searches have removed much of the inherent uncertainty from GEOINT decisions made in the field. Combining AI and intelligence information can allow us to move beyond simple recognition and into intelligent models for alerting and notification. The scale, complexity, nature and pace of modern conflicts demands fresh approaches to delivering intelligence capabilities. Location intelligence provides the key to understanding situations better with the kind of deeper insights that real-time spatial analytics enables. For instance, if an intelligence analyst tracking smugglers who are crossing borders has a mass of point locations received through observations, sensors and reports, a spatial query could filter out the relevant data and identify smugglers' possible routes. The analyst can then visualize the relationships between the people, groups and objects and determine the threats likely course of action. Recognizing images and patterns However, GEOINT analysts still challenged by the necessity of collecting much of their intelligence from unconventional sources. While this data has a location component, it often must be extracted from its source and scrubbed before it can be analyzed. Humans can't examine every single pixel of an image or watch every second of a video to unlock valuable data. AI, however, can extract that information from imagery and locate it in space and time, so that it can then be connected with other relevant data. AI can also do these types of tasks faster and more effectively than humans. Intelligent tools for better decision-making Algorithms can also analyze and learn from imagery and location data based on known patterns to help organize and categorize the information analysts need and care about most. For instance, if specific types of structures are commonly used for storage or manufacturing, these types of structures can be easily codified, understood and ultimately identified by pattern recognition filters in ML algorithms. Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking innovations that AI can enable in the GEOINT analysts day-to-day activities is giving the detection and reporting of foreign threats a real-time edge. Algorithms are allowing the GEOINT community to model indications and warning scenarios. That allows information regarding a threat -- whether to the U.S. military, political or economic interests or to citizens abroad -- can be assessed the instant that data in processed. In scenarios where time is of the essence, the ability to perform real-time analytics on intelligence about a foreign threat, determining whether it requires warning or more decisive action, is crucial. Intelligence analysts have a specific set of needs, and each of those needs contain a component of location. The integration of location intelligence into the GEOINT analysts toolkit allows for a more holistic and contextual understanding of the data they see every day. Applying the cutting-edge AI technology to spatial analytics creates a smarter GEOINT capability, a definite edge. The intelligence community must make sense of mountains of geospatial information quickly and turn that into actionable intelligence for decision-makers. A technology that performs the time-consuming and detailed function of classifying this data frees up GEOINT analysts to make the cognitive connections that only trained human intelligence personnel are able to understand. Aker ASA's wholly owned subsidiary Aker Capital AS ("Aker") has entered into an agreement with Geveran Trading Co. Ltd (a company indirectly controlled by trusts established by John Fredriksen for the benefit of his immediate family) ("Geveran") and Joh Johannson Eiendom AS to establish a residential real estate development company, FP Bolig Holding AS ("FP Bolig"). "This is a new strategic step for Aker's real estate development. We are strengthening our real estate initiatives by entering into joint ownership with two prominent investment companies", said yvind Eriksen, President & CEO of Aker ASA. Under the agreement, FP Bolig will acquire three real estate land areas at Fornebu from Aker. Over a ten-year period, it is expected that FP Bolig will develop approximately 80,000 square meters of residential properties, corresponding to around 1,000 apartments. Two of the projects will be owned and developed by a 50-50 joint venture between OBOS and FP Bolig, while the third project will be fully owned by FP Bolig. Aker and Joh Johannson Eiendom AS will own 37.55 per cent each of FP Bolig, while Geveran will own the remaining 24.9 per cent. "The partnership with Joh Johannson Eiendom, Geveran and OBOS gives us the opportunity to further develop Fornebu and strengthens our financial capacity to evaluate new opportunities", said Eriksen. As part of the transaction, Aker's assets have been valued at NOK 828 million on a debt- and cash-free basis, which implies an equity value of approximately NOK 580 million. The transaction is expected to release approximately NOK 360 million in cash for Aker and will realize an accounting gain of approximately NOK 190 million to be booked in the second quarter of 2018. Upon completion of the transaction, Aker's real estate assets will primarily comprise its 37.55 per cent ownership in FP Bolig, other commercial properties and land areas at Fornebu and in Aberdeen, and a portfolio of late-stage residential projects in Norway. Since its establishment in 2012, Aker's real estate company has developed and sold properties with a total market value of approximately NOK 7 billion. Pareto Securities AS acted as financial advisor to FP Bolig. ENDS For further information, please contact: Investors: Per Kristian Reppe, Investment Manager & Head of Investor Relations Phone: +47 24 13 00 67 Mobile: +47 900 33 203 Media: Atle Kigen, Head of Corporate Communications Phone: +47 24 13 00 08 Mobile: +47 907 84 878 This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5 -12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. Washington, DC, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Washington, DC [April 18, 2018] The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced today the 2018 Restaurant Neighbor, Faces of Diversity and Ambassador of Hospitality award winners, celebrating diversity and inclusion, community service and hospitality leadership in the restaurant industry. Seven winners were selected from hundreds of nominations and the coveted Ambassador of Hospitality award went to chef Rick Bayless. The NRAEF honored each winner at a special VIP dinner in Washington, D.C. Their incredible stories of overcoming personal challenges, achieving their dreams and giving back to the community were shared with industry icons and members of Congress. We have a long tradition of recognizing and encouraging diversity and inclusion, and celebrating community engagement and our industry icons, said Rob Gifford, Executive Vice President of the NRAEF. With over one million restaurants in the U.S., our industry opens doors of opportunity for people of all backgrounds and cultures every day. Each year, the Foundation is excited and honored to recognize the people and businesses that truly embody these values and principles. Restaurant Neighbor Award Winners The Restaurant Neighbor Award, developed in partnership with American Express, highlights outstanding local and national charitable service and philanthropy. Recipients of the 2018 Restaurant Neighbor Award receive a $10,000 contribution in their name to support the charitable organization or program of their choice. This years winners include: BURGER KING McLAMORE Foundation: Since 2000, the Foundation has provided scholarships, supported literacy projects and built schools and libraries, helping more than 700,000 children and families. In over a decade and a half, the Foundation has awarded more than $35 million, reaching students in North America as well as students in South Africa, Zambia, Tanzania, Cambodia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, India and Dominican Republic. Watch the video here. Wildflower Bread Company: A family-owned business operating 16 fast casual restaurants, the Wildflower Bread Company supports four principal pillars through the Wildflower Cares Foundation: food insecurity, education, women and animal advocacy. The company has donated more than $4.4 million in baked goods, and served breakfast to over 76,000 students. Watch the video here. Anna Maria Oyster Bar: The owners of the Anna Maria Oyster Bar embarked on a journey to demonstrate how businesses in the community can improve grade-level reading for students and did so by helping 74 kids read more than 1,600 books in the span of four weeks. Each student received backpacks filled with school supplies and one-on-one support in the four-week program. Watch the video here. Faces of Diversity Award Winners The Faces of Diversity award, sponsored by PepsiCo Foodservice, honors champions of diversity and inclusion and restaurateurs who have achieved the American Dream. This years winners include: Anil Yadav, CEO, Yadav Enterprises, Inc. (locations in California and Texas): After emigrating from India to San Francisco at the age of 17, Yadav landed his first restaurant job as fry cook in a Jack in the Box and is now the largest operator of the same concept. Today, his San Francisco-based company runs more than 350 restaurants, including Jack in the Box, TGI Fridays, Dennys, El Pollo Locos, Corner Bakery Cafe and Sizzler. Watch Anils video here. George Wasai, Director of Food and Beverage, Legends Hospitality (Dallas, Texas): In his 28th season with the Dallas Cowboys Organization, Wasai came to the U.S. from Ghana with his parents at the age of 14 and started his foodservice career as a dishwasher. He has grown to become a pillar in his community, as he rose to the management ranks and earned the respect of colleagues who recognize him as an integral part to the organization, overseeing all food and beverage for the Dallas Cowboys. Watch Georges video here. Michaela Mendelsohn, Owner and Chief Executive, El Pollo West Corporation (California): Mendelsohns rise from her start as a dishwasher to her position as Owner and Chief Executive of Pollo West Corporation, a 17-unit franchise of El Pollo Loco, is just a small piece of her story. Mendelsohn is also a transgender woman breaking barriers in the restaurant industry by creating safe spaces so that transgender/gender non-conforming persons can succeed her company has hired more than 40 transgender employees and 25 percent are on the pathway to management. Watch Michaelas video here. Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award Named in honor of Thad and Alice Eure, the Ambassador of Hospitality Award, sponsored by Ecolab, is bestowed upon an industry leader who displays an unwavering commitment to elevating and advancing the restaurant and foodservice industry. This years winner: Rick Bayless, Chef, Frontera Restaurants (Chicago, Illinois): Rick Bayless, recognized and award-winning chef, is the 2018 winner of the NRAEFs lifetime achievement award. He launched the Frontera Farmer Foundation in 2003, which has awarded 200 grants and provided more than $2 million; created the Frontera scholarship, and founded a culinary training program for low-income residents of Chicagos West Side. Watch Ricks video here. For more information on each winner, including images and videos, go to: https://chooserestaurants.org/Industry-Involvement/Awards ---------------------------------------------- About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the industrys training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance todays and tomorrows restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready partnering with community based organizations to provide opportunity youth with skills training and job opportunities; Military helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship Project a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org. Attachment As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ News of the uprising spread quickly across the world and there were messages of support sent to the people of Iran via social media. For years, the Iranian regime has been trying to pass its main, and only viable, opposition off as insignificant and with very little influence or popularity among the Iranian people. However, this time around, the Supreme Leader of Iran himself Ayatollah Ali Khamenei acknowledged that the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI / MEK) had played a major role in the organisation of the protests. The Supreme Leader admitted that the MEK has more influence than the regime has previously claimed. He said that it was able to attract people to participate in the protests regarding high prices. Khamenei also said that there were other significant influencers behind the protests mentioning in particular the United States that plotted and an Arab country that provided financial support. The MEK is the organised opposition that has been victim to the regimes campaign of suppression. Many MEK members and affiliates have been executed by the regime throughout the years and countless more have been unjustly imprisoned and tortured. In 1988, the regime killed around 30,000 political prisoners (of which many were linked to the MEK). The hateful crime against humanity became known as the 1988 massacre and it remains unpunished. Furthermore, many of the officials that were behind the organisation of the massacre went up in the ranks of the government and occupied high positions. The regime has tried to sully the MEKs reputation through a demonization campaign. It has published many books that are full of lies and mistruths and it managed to get the opposition listed for some time as a terrorist organisation. It has lobbies abroad that have had significant influence with high-ranking officials around the world. In other words, the regime will do all that it takes to discredit the opposition. News is spreading that regime change in Iran would mean that the United States will be drawn into another war a similar conflict to the war in Iraq. However, we must not be fooled because there are wars raging the whole way across the Middle East. Because of the Iranian regime and its meddling and its support of Syrias Bashar al Assad and its fuelling of conflicts and so on. If there was regime change in Iran, the conflicts would fizzle out. And looking at the domestic situation the people of Iran would finally be able to look forward to a bright future where they are free from suppression, oppression and human rights abuses. No one believed this obvious lie, but why would Syria even make this claim? Well, it turns out that the area was home to one of the largest depots in the country. A depot that is being used by Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah. The occupants fled the area, fearing US airstrikes in retaliation for Syrias use of chemical weapons against civilians in Douma. The airstrikes from the US, Britain and France targeted research and storage facilities believed to be involved in the use of chemical weapons, which raises the question: why did the Israeli attack single out Iranian targets? Well, the Israeli government has seen an uptick in the threat posed to the Jewish state by the Iranian Regime and its proxies in Syria. In February, we saw an Iranian reconnaissance drone enter Israeli airspace only to be shot down. This Iranian incursion was a dangerous precedent, putting the rival countries into direct open military confrontation for the first time, as previously the Iranian Regime has used its many proxy groups to attack Israel. Upon further analysis the Israeli government determined that the captured drone was not simply being used for reconnaissance. Instead, it was sent as part of a military operation and, therefore, represented a serious development in the conflict. Thats why Israel is now confronting Iran in Syria. And this is not the first time. On April 9, Israel launched a retaliatory airstrike on the T-4 air base from which the drone was controlled, which killed seven IRGC members. Only two weeks ago, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani met with his Russian and Turkish counterparts to celebrate their presumed victory in Syria, but now the tables have turned. While the Israeli operation was smaller than that of the US, the UK, and France, theres no mistaking that it much more decisive and perhaps even more significant. Their few attacks through the Syrian civil war have typically targeted the IRGC and its militias, including Lebanons Hezbollah, Iraqs Assaeb Ahl Al-Haqq, the Afghan Fatemiyyoun, and others, but if this continues it may well help bring down the Syrian and the Iranian Regimes. Abdulrahman Al-Rashed, the former general manager of Al Arabiya news channel, wrote on Arab News: Today, the pressure on Iran is so massive that, unless it announces a partial withdrawal from Syria, we are set to witness another round of regional war on Syrian soil, this time against Iran and Hezbollah. Furthermore, let us not forget that Irans economy continues to suffer after years of crippling sanctions, with the national currency hitting an all-time low. Two Chinese aircraft handed to NAC Two 17-seat Y12e aircraft have been handed over to Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) amid a function here Tuesday. Dhankuta forest fires put many settlements at risk Fires at two community forests in Dhankuta have burned through more than 100 hectares of forest land since Saturday evening. The fires at Wagle Community Forest and Chureghati Community Forest had not been contained until late Monday afternoon. Makwanpur locals submit memo to Deuba, seek to keep Hetauda as provincial capital Peoples representatives, political parties, private sector and members of the civil society from Makwanpur district on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba demanding that Hetauda be kept as the provincial capital of Province 3. The "Living" Constitution Is in Serious Condition By David Stolinsky. April 16th, 2018 Original Source FBI raids office, home, hotel room, and safety deposit box of Donald Trumps longtime personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, and seizes computers, flash drives, phones, and records. - News report Lifelong liberal and Hillary voter Prof. Alan Dershowitz calls raid on lawyer really appalling, a dangerous day for lawyer-client relations, and unconstitutional. - News report As Martha Stewart, Lewis Scooter Libby, and Michael Flynn learned to their sorrow, when you talk to federal agents, and you say something that contradicts what others said, you can be sent to prison - even if there was no provable underlying crime. This being the case, a Miranda warning should be required before anyone is interviewed by a federal agent. They tell us, See something, say something. But as recent cases including the Parkland school shooting proved, even if we say something, they may not do anything. And as Martha, Scooter, and Michael proved, if you say something, they may toss you in the slammer. (Yes, Libby was just pardoned, but his career was ruined, and he lived as a convicted felon for 14 years.) But now we have descended to the next level of government intrusion. Now we have reached, Dont say anything, even to your lawyer. At any time, federal agents can raid his office, his home, his hotel room, and his safety deposit box. They can seize all his computers, flash drives, phones, and other records. And if they can do that to the Presidents lawyer, they can surely do it to anyones lawyer, including yours. ....... Be sure to read this important article in full - it makes many observations that should gravely concern every Constitutionally minded American. There is no doubt that for far too long the Constitution has been under attack from numerous directions, which makes oaths of office frequently seem little more than the paying of lip service to a tradition. There is a very slippery slope and it has been gradually sliding down hill - "The Constitution isn't actually dying - not yet. But it is seriously ill." "You don't have to be Jewish to fight by our side." You just have to love freedom. 2018 JPFO All rights reserved. jpfo@jpfo.org 1-800-869-1884 Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership 12500 NE 10th Pl. Bellevue, WA 98005 USA "America's most aggressive defender of civil rights" We make the NRA look like moderates Join JPFO Back to Top Foreign Minister Gyawali meets Chinese counterpart Wang Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali, who is on a five-day official visit to China, held a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing on Wednesday. Scientists in the United States have proposed a new way to define Alzheimers disease. They want the definition based on biological signs, such as changes in the brain, instead of memory loss and other customary signs of the disease. The Associated Press says the move is aimed at improving Alzheimers research by using more objective, factual measures, like brain imaging tests. The researchers want to choose patients for studies and get them tested sooner, when treatments may have more chance to help. But it is too soon to use these brain scans and other tests in patient care because U.S. health officials have yet to approve them for that purpose, experts say. For now, American doctors continue to depend on the tools they have long used to study thinking skills to identify most cases. The new definition will have an important effect: Many more people will be considered to have Alzheimers because the biological signs can show up 15 to 20 years before other signs do. The numbers will increase dramatically, said Clifford R. Jack Junior of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He said, There are a lot more cognitively normal people who have the pathology in the brain who will now be counted as having Alzheimers disease. Jack is a brain imaging specialist. He led a group of experts who amended medical guidance on the disease. The group worked with the U.S. governments National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimers Association, a non-profit group. The new guidelines were published last week in Alzheimers & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimers Association. About Alzheimers About 50 million people worldwide have some form of dementia. The word dementia is a general term for a loss of memory and other mental abilities. In the United States, about 5.7 million people have Alzheimers disease under its current definition. But about one-third of people over age 70 who show no thinking problems actually have brain signs that suggest Alzheimers, Jack noted. There is no cure. Current medicines just temporarily ease signs of the disease. Many hoped-for treatments have failed, and doctors think one reason may be that the studies involved patients who had already suffered too much brain damage. Dr. Eliezer Masliah is director of the Division of Neuroscience at the Institute on Aging. He said that by the time a doctor identifies a patient as having the disease, it is very late. He said, What weve realized is that you have to go earlier and earlier, just as doctors found with treating cancer. Another problem is that as many as 30 percent of people being tested in Alzheimers studies based on behavioral signs did not have the disease. They instead had either other forms of dementia or other medical conditions. That makes it unclear if experimental treatments for Alzheimers might help. The new definition aims to improve identification of medical conditions through brain imaging and other tests. Better Testing Many other diseases already are defined by biomarkers. Biomarkers are objective health measures. For example, one biomarker for diabetes is blood sugar level. Biomarkers for Alzheimers disease were not possible until a few years ago, when brain scans and spinal fluid tests were developed for the purpose. They measure two proteins, amyloid and tau, as well as signs of nerve injury, degeneration and brain shrinkage. The new guidelines identify use of these biomarkers to measure a patients condition as it worsens. What to do? People may be worried and want these tests for themselves or a family member now. Yet the Mayo Clinics Clifford Jack advises against doing so. Theres no proven treatment yet, he says. You might find a doctor willing to order them. However, spinal fluid tests are somewhat invasive, and brain scans can cost up to $6,000. In the United States, health care plans usually do not pay for such tests because they are considered experimental research. Americans with signs or a family history of dementia, or even healthy people concerned about the risk can consider taking part in one of the many studies being done. Im Caty Weaver. Marilynn Marchione reported this story for the Associated Press, George Grow adapted her report for VOA Learning English. Cay Weaver was the editor. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story dramatic adj. greatly affecting ones emotions; sudden and extreme cognitively adj. of or related to ones ability to think pathology n. the study of diseases and of the changes they cause degeneration n. a break down or lowering of effective power We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section. A Southwest Airlines airplane had to make an emergency landing Tuesday after an engine was damaged and a window broke. One passenger died. The plane was flying from New York City to Dallas, Texas. It made its emergency landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, just before 12 p.m. Passengers breathed through oxygen masks. They feared the plane would not make a safe landing. Some of them were saying prayers, like Amanda Bourman of New York. She told the Associated Press, I just remember holding my husbands hand and we just prayed and prayed and prayed. She added, The thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldnt grow up without parents. Passenger Marty Martinez had a different idea. He sent out a Facebook live video of himself and others on the plane putting on their oxygen masks. Martinez, who is from Texas, wrote on his Facebook page, Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!! The answers were immediate. Soon, thousands of people were watching the frightening event take place live. One Facebook user wrote, I am praying for you. Another: Jesus be the pilot! Some gave suggestions for what to do: Stay as compact as possible. Brace yourself. Bourman told the AP that everyone shouted to brace for impact when the plane started to land. They then praised the pilot after she set the aircraft down. National Transportation Safety Board chairman Robert Sumwalt said one person was killed. He added that it was the first passenger death in a U.S. airline accident since 2009. Seven other people were treated for minor injuries. Several news reports say that a woman sitting next to the window that broke was partly sucked out of the plane. Other passengers held onto her and pulled her back in. Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel said there was a fuel leak in one of the plane engines. He said it was quickly brought under control after the landing. He said the passengers did some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances. Hai Do adapted this story for Learning English based on AP and other news reports. Ashley Thompson was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story passenger - n. a person who is traveling from one place to another in a car, bus, train, plane, etc... compact - adj. smaller than others brace - v. get ready for something difficult or unpleasant impact - n. the act or force of one thing hitting another aircraft - n. airplane suck - v. to pull something with the force of moving air amazing - adj. causing great surprise or wonder circumstance - n. a condition or fact that affects a situation This is Whats Trending Today An American pilot who made an emergency landing Tuesday after the plane lost an engine is being praised for her nerves of steel. The pilot, Tammie Jo Schults, was flying a Southwest Airlines plane from New York City to Dallas, Texas, when the engine blew and broke apart. She landed the plane safely in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Sharp pieces of the engine struck and broke one of the planes windows. One passenger died after being partly sucked out of the plane. That passenger, Jennifer Riordan, was sitting next to the window that broke. Seven other people were hurt. Schults, who is 56 years old, took the plane into a fast descent. Passengers used oxygen masks and prepared for the force of landing. Schults clear thinking during a high-pressure situation helped save many lives. Schults is familiar with high-pressure situations. She got her first flying experience in the United States Navy, touching down fighter planes at speeds of 240 kilometers per hour. She was one of the first female fighter pilots in the Navy. As the Reuters news agency reports, Schults wanted to become a pilot from a young age. In a story on the fighter plane blog F-16.net, she said she tried to attend an aviation career day at her high school. But she was told they did not accept girls. After serving in the Navy, Schuts joined Southwest Airlines as a pilot. She started working there in 1993. On Tuesday, Schults calmly told air traffic control that part of her plane was missing, and that she would need emergency workers on the ground after she landed. Passengers praised Schults for being calm and caring in an extremely difficult situation. One passenger, Diana McBride Self, wrote on Facebook, Tammie Jo Schults, the pilot came back to speak to each of us personally. This is a true American Hero...A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery... Another passenger, Alfred Tumlinson, thanked Shults and her crew. He told the Associated Press, She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her. Im going to send her a Christmas card...for getting me on the ground. She was awesome. And thats Whats Trending Today. Im Ashley Thompson. Ashley Thompson adapted this story for Learning English based on reports by the Associated Press and Reuters. Hai Do was the editor. Write to us in the Comments Section or on our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story suck - v. to pull (something) with the force of moving water, air, etc. descent - n. the act or process of going from a higher to a lower place or level aviation - n. the business or practice of flying airplanes, helicopters, etc. applaud - v. to express approval of or support for (something or someone) awesome - adj. extremely good A new report on the performance of American students found little or no improvement over the past year in mathematics and reading skills. The 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress - also known as the Nations Report Card - was released April 10. The report is based on tests of students across the United States. The Department of Education organized the testing. Among the reports findings was that only about one-third of 8th grade students were considered proficient in reading and math. Generally, most eighth graders are 13 or 14 years old. The Department of Education defines proficiency as solid academic performance. It says students who reach this level have a good knowledge of the subject and can use their knowledge in real-world situations. These students are also able to use analytical skills related to the subject. About 40 percent of 4th graders were found to be proficient in reading and math. The report found just 25 percent of 12th grade students had math proficiency, while 37 percent reached that level in reading. In science, 38 percent of 4th graders were rated proficient, while about 34 percent of 8th graders demonstrated proficiency. Results of the latest Report Card were similar to other reports released in recent years. In a statement, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos said the latest study shows that much can be done to improve the nations education system. As she noted, The Report Card is in, and the results are clear: We can and we must do better for Americas students. Our nations reading and math scores continue to stagnate. DeVos said she was concerned the assessment found major differences between the highest and lowest performing students. These differences were widening, she said, although billions of dollars had been spent in an effort to reduce them. DeVos praised the state of Florida for being one bright spot in the latest Report Card. She said Florida students showed significant improvement in 4th and 8th grade math, and 8th grade reading. Carissa Miller is head of the Council of Chief State School Officers. She told the Associated Press the assessment shows much work needs to be done to prepare students at all levels for college, careers and life. It is clear we as a country must do better by all of our students, especially our lowest-performing kids, she said. How do US students rate internationally? A leading measure of student performance worldwide is the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). It is carried out by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The most recent study involved about 540,000 15-year-olds living in 72 nations and economies. The test includes a mix of multiple-choice questions and some requiring original answers. Students are tested in different subject areas. The students also provide information about themselves, their home, school and learning experiences. PISA studies are completed every three years. The latest one, in 2015, found that U.S. students performed below students living in other economically developed nations. American students had an average test score of 497 in reading, which was just above the OECD average of 493. The U.S. score for math was 470, and 496 for science. The country with the highest PISA scores overall was Singapore. Students there had average test scores of 535 in reading, 564 in math and 556 in science. The next highest-scoring students were in Japan, Estonia, Taiwan, Finland, Macao and Canada. Australia, Britain, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland had scores averaging in the low 500s in the three subject areas. PISA says it produces the reports to provide governments and educators around the world with information to help make decisions about education policies. However, planning and carrying out the tests is a complex process. Some educators and school activists have criticized PISAs testing and reporting methods. Critics have pointed out that in some countries for example, China PISA testing is only done in a few cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai. They argue this ignores Chinas rural areas - where the majority of students live and where other studies have shown lower performance levels. PISA has also been accused of lacking neutrality. Critics say the findings generally support the economic role of public schools because it is part of the OECD. In 2014, a group of educators wrote an open letter to PISA director Andreas Schleicher to express their concerns about the PISA system. Among the concerns were that PISA testing had led to an increase in standardized testing across the United States. This led to ratings of student and teacher performance from methods widely known to be imperfect, the group wrote. Miyako Ikeda is a senior analyst of PISA data. She says the organization completes careful research and experiments with trial questions in an effort to create the best possible testing. Ikeda says there is also intense cooperation between nations taking part and the OECD in an effort to collect the best sample data. It is a very collaborative process between the participating countries in the OECD, to make sure that what we observe in the scores is not due to technical issues, she said. She added that the main goal of PISA is to go past measuring only performance levels in different subjects. Instead, she said, tests are designed to also show a students problem solving skills and readiness to use knowledge in real-world situations. Im Bryan Lynn. And I'm Dorothy Gundy. Bryan Lynn reported this story for VOA Learning English. George Grow was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. _______________________________________________________________ QUIZ Quiz - US Education Repport Card Says Much Can Be Improved Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story assessment n. the act of making a judgement about something academic adj. of or related to a school analytical adj. of or relating to the careful study of something stagnate v. to stay the same and not grow or develop spot n. a small amount; a small mark original adj. independent; not a copy multiple adj. involving more than one score n. the number of points someone gets in a test or game sample n. a representative part of something collaborative adj. involving two or more people working together for a set purpose Antofagasta plc, through its subsidiaries, primarily engages in the exploration, evaluation, development, and mining of copper properties in Chile and internationally. It operates through Los Pelambres, Centinela, Antucoya, ZaldAvar, Exploration and Evaluation, and Transport segments. The company explores for copper concentrates containing by-products, such as molybdenum, gold, and silver; and copper cathodes. It holds a 60% interest in the Los Pelambres mine; a 70% interest in the Centinela mine; a 50% interest in the ZaldAvar mine; and a 70% interest in the Antucoya mine located in Chile. The company also provides rail and road cargo, and other ancillary services. In addition, it offers rail and truck services to the mining industry in the Antofagasta Region. The company was incorporated in 1888 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Antofagasta plc is a subsidiary of Metalinvest Establishment. Read More China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited, an investment holding company, provides cellular and fixed-line voice, and related value-added services in the People's Republic of China. It also provides broadband and other Internet-related, information communications technology, and business and data communications services. In addition, the company offers communications technology training, technical, and Internet information and value-added telecommunications services; telecommunications network construction, planning, and technical consulting services; and consultancy, survey, design, and contract services relating to information and construction projects. Further, it provides customer, project design consultation and management, property management, e-payment, venture capital investment, communications technology development and promotion, auto informatisation, financial, data processing, and tourism and information services; advertising design, production, agency, and publication services; technology development, transfer, and consulting services; and technology promotion service of intelligent transportation system's products. Additionally, the company offers technology development and consultation, and other services; technology research and development, consultation, and services of TV video and mobile video; internet of things technology, and online data processing and transaction services; and big data, and cloud computation and infrastructure services. It also provides online video and reading materials; network music; financing leasing services; and data analysis and application services, as well as sells handsets and telecommunication equipment. As of December 31, 2019, it had approximately 254 million 4G subscribers, 83 million fixed-line broadband subscribers, and 54 million fixed-line local access subscribers. The company was incorporated in 2000 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Unicom (Hong Kong) Limited is a subsidiary of China Unicom (BVI) Limited. Read More Srinagar, April 18: Across Kashmir (IOK), dozens of male and female students were injured in firing by the Indian troops on the protesters who hit the streets, for another day today, to demand death penalty to callous and brutal rapists and killers of Kathua victim girl, Aasifa. The students took to streets in across Kashmir including Srinagar, Ganderbal, Badgam, Shopian, Islamabad, Kulgam, Bandipora, Kupwara, Pulwama and Baramulla districts against the shameful act, perpetrated by communal elements in Kathua district. The Indian troops resorted to brutal firing and teargas shelling, leaving scores of students critically injured. Massive clashes were particularly reported from KP Road, Gulshanabad, Lal Chowk, Janglat Mandi, Arin, Pulwama, Bemina and other areas. The injured students were admitted to different hospitals and those with pellets were referred to Srinagar hospitals. More than fifty students, mostly females, of Government Degree College Tral fainted during teargas shelling. The troops damaged many vehicles of the college. The authorities suspended class work in the Islamic University of Science and Technology, at Awantipora in Pulwama, soon after clashes got intensified between protesting students and the troops. Lawyers, traders and members of civil society and other organizations also staged protests to demand culmination of the proceeding in the rape and murder case on the fast track. The following companies are subsidiares of UnitedHealth Group: 1031387 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1070715 B.C. Unlimited Liability Company, 1st Avenue Pharmacy Inc., 310 Canyon Medical, 310 Canyon Medical LLC, 4C MSO LLC, 4C Medical Group PLC, 5995 Minnetonka LLC, ABCO International Holdings LLC, ACN Group IPA of New York, ACN Group IPA of New York Inc., ACN Group of California, ACN Group of California Inc., AHJV, AHJV MSO, AHN Accontable Care Organization LLC, AHN Central Services LLC, AHN Target Holdings LLC, AMIL International, AMIL International S.a.r.l., APS Assistencia Personalizada a Saude Ltda., ARC Infusion, ASC Holdings of New Jersey LLC, ASC Network LLC, ASI Global, ASI Global LLC, Access Administrators Inc., Access HealthSource Administrators Inc., Access HealthSource Inc., Access I.V., Administradora Clinica La Colina S.A.S., Administradora Country S.A., Administradora Medica Centromed S.A., Advanced Care, Advanced Care Pharmacy, Advanced Pharma Inc., Advanced Surgery Center of Clifton LLC, Advanced Surgical Hospital LLC, Advantage Care Network Inc., Advocate Condell Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Sherman Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate Southwest Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, Advocate-SCA Partners LLC, Alere Health, Alere Health Improvement Company, Alere Healthcare of Illinois, Alere Wellbeing, Alere Wellology, Alere of New York, Aliansalud Entidad Promotora de Salud S.A., All Savers Insurance Company, All Savers Life Insurance Company of California, Alliance Surgical Center LLC, Aloha Surgical Center LLC, Ambient Healthcare, Ambient Healthcare Inc., Ambient Healthcare of Central Florida, Ambient Healthcare of Georgia, Ambient Healthcare of Northeast Florida, Ambient Healthcare of S. Florida, Ambient Healthcare of West Florida, Ambient Holdings, Ambient Holdings Inc., Ambient Nursing Services, AmeriChoice, AmeriChoice Corporation, AmeriChoice Health Services, AmeriChoice of Connecticut, AmeriChoice of New Jersey, AmeriChoice of New Jersey Inc., American Health Network of Indiana Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Indiana II LLC, American Health Network of Indiana LLC, American Health Network of Ohio Care Organization LLC, American Health Network of Ohio II LLC, American Health Network of Ohio LLC, Amico Saude Ltda., Amil, Amil Assistencia Medica Internacional S.A., Amil Lifesciences Participacoes Ltda., Antelope Valley Surgery Center L.P., Analisis Clinicos ML S.A.C., Apothecary Holdings Inc., Apothecary Shop of Phoenix Inc., AppleCare Medical Management, AppleCare Medical Management LLC, Aquitania Chilean Holding SpA, Arise Physician Group, Arizona Physicians IPA, Arizona Physicians IPA Inc., AssuranceRx, AssuranceRx LLC, Athens ASC Holdings LLC, Audax Health Solutions, Audax Health Solutions LLC, Austin Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., Avella Patient Access Program Inc., Avella Specialty Pharmacy, Avella of Austin Inc., Avella of Columbus Inc., Avella of Deer Valley Inc., Avella of Denver Inc., Avella of Gilbert Inc., Avella of Las Vegas II Inc., Avella of Orlando Inc., Avella of Phoenix III Inc., Avella of Sacramento Inc., Avella of Scottsdale Inc., Avella of St. Louis Inc., Avella of Tampa LLC, Avella of Tucson II Inc., Avella of Tucson Inc., Aveta Arizona, Aveta Health Solutions Inc., Aveta Inc., Aveta Kansas City, Aveta Tennessee, AxelaCare Health Solutions, AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings, AxelaCare Intermediate Holdings LLC, AxelaCare LLC, B.R.A.S.S. Partnership in Commendam, Banmedica Colombia SpA, Banmedica Internacional SpA, Banmedica S.A., Beach Surgical Holdings III LLC, Behavioral Healthcare Options, Behavioral Healthcare Options Inc., Belleville Surgical Center Ltd. an Illinois Limited Partnership, Benefit Administration for the Self Employed L.L.C., Benefitter Insurance Solutions Inc., Birmingham Outpatient Surgical Center LLC, Blackstone Valley Surgicare GP LLC, Blue Ridge GP LLC, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings I SRL, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings II SRL, Bordeaux (Barbados) Holdings III SRL, Bordeaux Holding SpA, Bordeaux International Holdings Inc., Bordeaux UK Holdings I Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings II Limited, Bordeaux UK Holdings III Limited, Bosque Medical Center Ltda., Brandon Ambulatory Surgery Center LC, BriovaRx, BriovaRx, BriovaRx Infusion Services, BriovaRx Infusion Services 102 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 200 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 204 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 209 Inc., BriovaRx Infusion Services 305 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services 402 LLC, BriovaRx Infusion Services Inc., BriovaRx Specialty LLC, BriovaRx of California, BriovaRx of California Inc., BriovaRx of Florida, BriovaRx of Florida Inc., BriovaRx of Georgia, BriovaRx of Georgia LLC, BriovaRx of Hawaii, BriovaRx of Indiana, BriovaRx of Louisiana, BriovaRx of Louisiana L.L.C., BriovaRx of Maine, BriovaRx of Maine Inc., BriovaRx of Massachusetts, BriovaRx of Massachusetts LLC, BriovaRx of Nevada, BriovaRx of New York, BriovaRx of New York Inc., BriovaRx of Texas, BriovaRx of Texas Inc., CDC Holdings Colombia S.A.S., CLISA Clinica de Santo Antonio S.A., CMO Centro Medico de Oftalmologia S/S Ltda., CMS Central de Manipulacao e Servicos Farmaceuticos S.A., CNIC Health Solutions Inc., COI Participacoes S.A., COI Clinicas Oncologicas Integradas S.A., Cabin Enterprises LLC, Cabin Holdings LLC, California MedTrans Network IPA LLC, California MedTrans Network MSO LLC, California Medical Group Insurance Company Risk Retention Group, Camp Hill-SCA Centers LLC, Capital City Medical Group L.L.C., Cardio Management, Cardio Management Inc., Care Improvement Plus Group Management, Care Improvement Plus Group Management LLC, Care Improvement Plus South Central Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus Wisconsin Insurance Company, Care Improvement Plus of Texas Insurance Company, Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha Ltda., Casa de Saude Santa Therezinha S.A., Castle Rock SurgiCenter LLC, Catalyst360, Catalyst360 LLC, Catamaran Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Catamaran Health Solutions, Catamaran Holdings I, Catamaran IPA III, Catamaran Mail, Catamaran PBM of Illinois II, Catamaran PBM of Puerto Rico, Catamaran PD of Pennsylvania, Catamaran PD of Puerto Rico, Catamaran Rebate Management, Catamaran S.a.r.l., Catamaran Senior Services, Catamaran of Pennsylvania, Cedar Park Surgery Center LLC, Cemed Care - Empressa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Cemed Care Empresa de Atendimento Clinico Geral Ltda., Central Indiana Care Organization LLC, Central Ohio Care Organization LLC, Central de Compras SpA, CentriHealth Corporation, CentriHealth UK Limited, CentrifyHealth LLC, Centro Medico Hospitalar Pitangueiras Ltda., Centro Medico Odontologico Americano S.A.C., Centro Medico PJ Ltda., Centro de Entrenamiento en Reanimacion y Prevencion Limitada (CERP), Centro de Servicios Compartidos Banmedica S.A., Centromed Quilpue S.A., Centros Medicos y Dentales Multimed Ltda., Centurion Casualty Company, Channel Islands Surgicenter L.P., Channel Islands Surgicenter Properties LLC, Charleston Surgery Properties LLC, Charlotte-SC LLC, Childrens Surgery Center LLC, ChinaGate (Hong Kong) Limited, ChinaGate Company Limited, Citrus Regional Surgery Center L.P., Clinica Oftalmologica Danilo de Castro Sociedade Simples, Clinical Partners of Colorado Springs LLC, Clinica Alameda S.A., Clinica Bio Bio S.A., Clinica Ciudad del Mar S.A., Clinica Davila y Servicios Medicos S.A., Clinica Medico Cirurgica de Santa Tecla S.A., Clinica San Borja (La Esperanza del Peru S.A.), Clinica San Felipe S.A., Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Clinica Sanchez Ferrer S.A., Clinica Vespucio S.A., Clinica del Country S.A., Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare, Coachella Valley Physicians of PrimeCare Inc., Coalition For Advanced Pharmacy Services, Coalition for Advanced Pharmacy Services Inc., Coastal Physicians Management Inc., Collaborative Care Holdings, Collaborative Care Holdings LLC, Collaborative Care Services, Collaborative Care Services Inc., Collaborative Care Solutions, Collaborative Realty, Collaborative Realty LLC, Colmedica Medicina Prepagada, Colonial Outpatient Surgery Center LLC, Colorado Innovative Physician Solutions Inc., Colorado Springs Surgery Center Ltd., Comfort Care Transportation, Comfort Care Transportation LLC, Commonwealth Administrators, Connecticut Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Connecticut Surgery Properties LLC, Connecticut Surgical Center LLC, Connextions, Connextions HCI, Constructora e Inmobiliaria Magapoq S.A., Consumer Wellness Solutions Inc., Country Scan Ltda., Crescent Drug Corp., Cypress Care, Cypress Care Inc., DBP Services of New York IPA, DBP Services of New York IPA Inc., DTC Surgery Center LLC, DWIC of Tampa Bay, DWIC of Tampa Bay Inc., DaVita Magan Management Inc., Danbury Surgical Center L.P., Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company, Day-Op Surgery Consulting Company LLC, Definity Health, Dental Benefit Providers, Dental Benefit Providers Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of California, Dental Benefit Providers of California Inc., Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois, Dental Benefit Providers of Illinois Inc., Derry Surgical Center LLC, Diagnostico Ecotomografico Centromed Ltda., Diasnostico por Imagenes Centromed Ltda., Dilab Medicina Nuclear Ltda., Diplomat Pharmacy, Distance Learning Network, Distance Learning Network Inc., Doctor + S.A.C., Dry Creek Surgery Center LLC, Dublin Surgery Center LLC, Duncan Printing Services, Duncan Printing Services LLC, E Street Endoscopy LLC, ELG FZE, EP Campus I, EP Campus I LLC, East Brunswick Surgery Center LLC, Electronic Network Systems, Electronic Network Systems Inc., Elual Participacoes S.A., Empire Physician Management Company, Empire Physician Management Company LLC, Employers Health Choice PPO Inc., Empremedica S. A., Endoscopy Center Affiliates Inc., Enterprise Life Insurance Company, Equian, Equian LLC, Equian Parent Corp., Esho Empresa de Servicos Hospitalares S.A., Etho Empresa de Tecnologia Hospitalar Ltda., Evercare Collaborative Solutions, Evercare Collaborative Solutions Inc., Everett MSO Inc., Excellion Servicos Biomedicos Ltda., Excellion Servicos Biomedicos S.A., Excelsior Insurance Brokerage Inc., Executive Health Resources, Executive Health Resources Inc., Executive Surgery Center LLC, Eye Clinic Oftalmologia Clinico Cirurgica e Diagnostico Ltda., FMG Holdings, FMG Holdings LLC, FOR HEALTH OF ARIZONA, Family Health Care Services, Family Home Hospice, Family Home Hospice Inc., First Rx Specialty & Mail Services, Florida MedTrans Network LLC, Florida MedTrans Network MSO LLC, For Health, For Health Inc., For Health of Arizona Inc., Fortified Provider Network Inc., Fortify Technologies Asia LLC, Fortify Technologies LLC, Foundation Financial Services Inc., Franklin Surgical Center LLC, Freedom Life Insurance Company of America, Freeway Surgicenter of Houston LLC, Frontier MEDEX Limited, Frontier Medex Tanzania Limited, FrontierMEDEX, FrontierMEDEX (RMS), FrontierMEDEX (RMS) Inc., FrontierMEDEX Government Services, FrontierMEDEX Government Services LLC, FrontierMEDEX Inc., FrontierMEDEX Kenya Limited, FrontierMEDEX US, FrontierMEDEX US Inc., Fundacion Banmedica, GRANTS PASS SURGERY CENTER LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center LLC, Gadsden Surgery Center Ltd., Gainesville Surgery Center L.P., Gainesville Surgery Properties LLC, Genoa, Genoa Healthcare Inc., Genoa Healthcare LLC, Genoa QoL Wholesale LLC, Genoa Technology (Canada) Inc., Genoa Technology Inc., Genoa Telepsychiatry Inc., Genoa of Arkansas LLC, Glenwood Surgical Center L.P., Glenwood-SC Inc., Golden Outlook, Golden Outlook Inc., Golden Rule Financial Corporation, Golden Rule Insurance Company, Golden Triangle Surgicenter L.P., Grapevine Finance LLC, Greater Hartford ASC LLC, Grove Place Surgery Center L.L.C., Guardian Health Systems Limited Partnership, H&W Indemnity (SPC), H&W Indemnity (SPC) Ltd., H.I. Investments Holding Company LLC, HCP ACO California LLC, HCP ACO Nevada LLC, HCentive Technology India Private Limited, HMI NewCo LLC, Harken Health Insurance Company, Hayes-Strub LLC, Health Business Systems, Health Care-ONE Insurance Agency Inc., Health Inventures Employment Solutions LLC, Health Inventures LLC, Health Net Insurance of New York, Health Net Services (Bermuda) Ltd., Health Plan of Nevada, Health Plan of Nevada Inc., Health Technology Analysts Pty Limited, HealthAllies, HealthAllies Inc., HealthCare Partners ASC-LB LLC, HealthCare Partners Management Services California LLC, HealthCare Partners RE LLC, HealthFirst IPA Inc., HealthMarkets Group Inc., HealthMarkets Inc., HealthMarkets Insurance Agency Inc., HealthMarkets LLC, HealthMarkets NewCo Inc., HealthMarkets Services Inc., HealthSCOPE Holdings Inc., HealthScope Benefits Inc., Healthcare Partners Plan of Nevada Inc., Healthcare Solutions Inc., Heartland Heart and Vascular LLC, Help S.A., Help Service S.A., Highlands Ranch Healthcare, Highlands Ranch Healthcare LLC, Home Care I.V. of Bend, Home Infusion With Heart, Home Medical S.A., Hospice Inspiris Holdings, Hospice Inspiris Holdings Inc., Hospitais Associados de Pernambuco Ltda., Hospital Alvorada de Taguatinga Ltda., Hospital Ana Costa S.A., Hospital Maternidade Promater Ltda., Hospital Samaritano de Sao Paulo Ltda., Hospital Santa Helena S.A., Hospital de Clinicas de Jacarepagua Ltda., Humedica, Humedica Inc., Hygeia Corporation, Hygeia Corporation (Canada), Hygeia Corporation (DE), Hygeia Corporation (Ontario), INOV8 Surgical at Memorial City LLC, INSPIRIS of New York IPA, INSPIRIS of New York Management, INSPIRIS of New York Management Inc., INSPIRIS of Texas Physician Group, IRX Financing I LLC, Illinois Independent Care Network, Imed Star Servicos de Desempenho Organizacional Ltda., Impel Consulting Experts, Impel Consulting Experts L.L.C., Impel Management Services L.L.C., Indian River Surgery Center Ltd., Indian River Surgery Properties LLC, Indiana Care Organization LLC, Infusource, Ingram & Associates, Ingram & Associates LLC, Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3001 S.A., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo 3600 Ltda., Inmobiliaria Apoquindo S.A., Inmobiliaria Clinica Santa Maria S.A., Inmobiliaria Vinamed Ltda., Inmobiliaria e Inversiones Alameda S.A., Inspiris, Inspiris Inc., Inspiris Services Company, Inspiris of Tennessee, Instituto do Radium de Cammpinas Ltda, International Psychological Services Pty Limited, Inversiones Clinicas Santa Maria S.A., Isapre Banmedica S.A., Isapre Vida Tres S.A., Johnston Surgicare L.P., Joliet Surgery Center Limited Partnership, LHI, Laboratorio ROE S.A., Laboratorios Medicos Amed Quilpue S.A., LifePrint Health, LifePrint Health Inc., LifeStyles Marketing Group Inc., LifeWell Ltd. Co., Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization, Lifeprint Accountable Care Organization LLC, Lifeprint East, Lifeprint East Inc., Logistics Health Inc., Lotten-Eyes Oftalmologia Clinica e Cirurgica Ltda., Louisville S.C. Ltd., Louisville-SC Properties Inc., Loyola Ambulatory Surgery Center at Oakbrook Inc., Lusiadas - Parcerias Cascais S.A., Lusiadas A.C.E., Lusiadas S.A., Lusiadas SGPS S.A., MAMSI Insurance Resources, MAMSI Life and Health Insurance Company, MD Ops, MD Ops Inc., MD-Individual Practice Association, MD-Individual Practice Association Inc., ME AHS UC LLC, MEDEX Insurance Services, MEDEX Insurance Services Inc., MGH/SCA LLC, MHC Real Estate Holdings, MHC Real Estate Holdings LLC, MIAMI SURGERY CENTER LLC, MSLA Management LLC, MXMD Centros De Cancer, Mamoeco Mamografia e Ecografia Centro de Diagnostico, Managed Physical Network, Managed Physical Network Inc., March Holdings, March Holdings Inc., March Vision Care, March Vision Care Inc., Marin Surgery Holdings Inc., Maryland Ambulatory Centers, Maryland-SCA Centers LLC, Massachusetts Assurance Company Ltd. PIC, Massachusetts Avenue Surgery Center LLC, Mat-Rx Development, Mat-Rx Fort Worth GP, MedExpress Development, MedExpress Development LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Alabama LLC, MedExpress Urgent Care Inc. - Ohio, MedExpress Urgent Care Maine Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care New Hampshire Inc., MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach, MedExpress Urgent Care of Boynton Beach LLC, MedSynergies, MedSynergies LLC, MedSynergies North Texas, Medalliance Net Ltda, Medalliance Net Ltda., Medica Health Plans of Florida, Medica Health Plans of Florida Inc., Medica HealthCare Plans, Medica HealthCare Plans Inc., Medical Clinic of North Texas PLLC, Medical Hilfe S.A., Medical Preparatory School of Allied Health, Medical Support Los Angeles Inc., Medical Surgical Centers of America Inc., Medical Transportation Services, Medical Transportation Services LLC, Medication Management Systems Inc., Melbourne Surgery Center LLC, Memorial City Holdings LLC, Memorial City Partners LLC, Memphis-SC LLC, Memphis-SP LLC, Mesquite Liberty LLC, Metro I Stone Management, Metropolitan Medical Partners LLC, Metropolitan Medical Transportation IPA LLC, Mid Atlantic Medical Services, Mid-West National Life Insurance Company of Tennessee, Midwest Center for Day Surgery LLC, Mile High SurgiCenter LLC, Mississippi Surgery Holdings LLC, Mississippi Surgical Center Limited Partnership, Mobile Medical Professionals, Modern Medical Inc., Monarch Management Services, Monarch Management Services Inc., Montgomery Surgery Center Limited Partnership, Mountain View Medical Group LLC, Mt. Pleasant Surgery Center L.P., Multiangio Ltda., Muskogee Surgical Investors LLC, Mustang Razorback Holdings, Mustang Razorback Holdings Inc., My Wellness Solutions LLC, NAMM Holdings, NAMM Holdings Inc., NSC Fayetteville LLC, NSC Greensboro LLC, NSC Lancaster LLC, NSC Seattle Inc., NSC Upland LLC, Nashville-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., National Foundation Life Insurance Company, National MedTrans LLC, National Pacific Dental, National Pacific Dental Inc., National Surgery Centers LLC, Neighborhood Health Partnership, Neighborhood Health Partnership Inc., Netwerkes, Netwerkes LLC, Nevada Medical Services LLC, Nevada Pacific Dental, New Orleans Regional Physician Hospital Organization L.L.C., New West Physicians Inc., Newton Holdings LLC, North American Medical Management - Illinois, North American Medical Management California, North American Medical Management California Inc., North Puget Sound Center for Sleep Disorders LLC, North Puget Sound Oncology Equipment Leasing Company LLC, Northern Nevada Health Network, Northern Nevada Health Network Inc., Northern Rockies Surgicenter Inc., Northwest Surgicare LLC, Northwest Surgicare Ltd., Nutritional/Parenteral Home Care, Nutritional/Parenteral Home Care of Huntsville, OC Cardiology Practice Partners LLC, OSB Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Ltda., Omesa S.A., OmniClaim LLC, Oncocare S.A.C., OneNet PPO, OneNet PPO LLC, Optimum Choice, Optimum Choice Inc., Optum, Optum Bank, Optum Bank Inc., Optum Biometrics, Optum Biometrics Inc., Optum Care Inc., Optum Care Services Company, Optum Clinical Services, Optum Clinics Holdings, Optum Clinics Holdings Inc., Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings, Optum Clinics Intermediate Holdings Inc., Optum Digital Health Holdings LLC, Optum Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Global Finance (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Global Solutions (India) Private Limited, Optum Global Solutions (Philippines), Optum Global Solutions (Philippines) Inc., Optum Global Solutions International B.V., Optum Government Solutions, Optum Government Solutions Inc., Optum Growth Partners LLC, Optum Health & Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd, Optum Health & Technology (Hong Kong) Limited, Optum Health & Technology (India) Private Limited, Optum Health & Technology (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Optum Health & Technology (UK) Limited, Optum Health & Technology (US), Optum Health & Technology (US) LLC, Optum Health & Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Health & Technology Holdings (US), Optum Health & Technology Holdings (US) Inc., Optum Health & Technology Servicos do Brasil Ltda., Optum Health Services (Canada) Ltd., Optum Health Solutions (Australia) Pty Ltd, Optum Health Solutions (UK) Limited, Optum Health and Technology FZ-LLC, Optum Healthcare of Illinois, Optum Healthcare of Illinois Inc., Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services, Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services LLC, Optum Inc., Optum Infusion Services 100 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 101 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 103 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 201 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 202 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 203 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 205 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 206 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 207 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 208 Inc., Optum Infusion Services 301 LP, Optum Infusion Services 302 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 308 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 401 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 403 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 404 LLC, Optum Infusion Services 501 Inc., Optum Insurance of Ohio, Optum Insurance of Ohio Inc., Optum Labs, Optum Labs Dimensions, Optum Labs Dimensions Inc., Optum Labs Inc., Optum Labs International (UK) Ltd., Optum Life Sciences (Canada) Inc., Optum Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co., Optum Management Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Optum Networks of New Jersey Inc., Optum Nevada Accountable Care Organization LLC, Optum Operations (Ireland) Unlimited Company, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Pennsylvania Inc., Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas, Optum Palliative and Hospice Care of Texas Inc., Optum Perks LLC, Optum Pharmacy 701 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 702 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 703 LLC, Optum Pharmacy 705 LLC, Optum Public Sector Solutions, Optum Public Sector Solutions Inc., Optum Rocket, Optum Rocket Inc., Optum Senior Services LLC, Optum Services, Optum Services (Ireland) Limited, Optum Services (Puerto Rico) LLC, Optum Services Inc., Optum Solutions UK Holdings Limited, Optum Solutions do Brasil Tecnologia e Servicos de Suporte Ltda., Optum Technology, Optum Technology LLC, Optum UK Solutions Group Limited, Optum Women's and Children's Health, Optum Women's and Children's Health LLC, Optum of New York Inc., Optum360, Optum360 LLC, Optum360 Services, Optum360 Services Inc., Optum360 Solutions LLC, OptumCare ACO Florida LLC, OptumCare ACO Holdings LLC, OptumCare ACO New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Clinical Trials LLC, OptumCare Colorado ASC LLC, OptumCare Colorado LLC, OptumCare Colorado Springs LLC, OptumCare Endoscopy Center New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Florida CI LLC, OptumCare Florida LLC, OptumCare Health Plan of California Inc., OptumCare Holdings Colorado LLC, OptumCare Holdings LLC, OptumCare Holdings New Mexico LLC, OptumCare Management LLC, OptumCare New Mexico LLC, OptumCare New York IPA Inc., OptumCare South Florida LLC, OptumHealth Care Solutions, OptumHealth Care Solutions LLC, OptumHealth Financial Services, OptumHealth Financial Services Inc., OptumHealth Holdings, OptumHealth Holdings LLC, OptumHealth International B.V., OptumInsight, OptumInsight Holdings, OptumInsight Holdings LLC, OptumInsight Inc., OptumInsight India Private Limited, OptumInsight Life Sciences, OptumInsight Life Sciences Inc., OptumRx, OptumRx Administrative Services, OptumRx Administrative Services LLC, OptumRx Discount Card Services, OptumRx Discount Card Services LLC, OptumRx Group Holdings, OptumRx Group Holdings Inc., OptumRx Health Solutions LLC, OptumRx Holdings, OptumRx Holdings I LLC, OptumRx Holdings LLC, OptumRx Home Delivery of Illinois, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio, OptumRx Home Delivery of Ohio LLC, OptumRx IPA III Inc., OptumRx Inc., OptumRx NY IPA, OptumRx NY IPA Inc., OptumRx PBM of Illinois, OptumRx PBM of Illinois Inc., OptumRx PBM of Maryland, OptumRx PBM of Maryland LLC, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania, OptumRx PBM of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx PBM of Puerto Rico LLC, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin, OptumRx PBM of Wisconsin LLC, OptumRx PD of Maryland, OptumRx PD of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumRx Pharmacy, OptumRx Pharmacy Inc., OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada, OptumRx Pharmacy of Nevada Inc., OptumRx of Pennsylvania LLC, OptumServe Technology Services Inc., Orlando Center for Outpatient Surgery L.P., OrthoNet Holdings, OrthoNet Holdings Inc., OrthoNet LLC, OrthoNet New York IPA, OrthoNet New York IPA Inc., OrthoNet Services, OrthoNet Services Inc., OrthoNet West, OrthoNet West Inc., OrthoNet of the Mid-Atlantic, OrthoNet of the South, OrthoNet of the South Inc., Ovations, Ovations Inc., Oxford Benefit Management, Oxford Benefit Management Inc., Oxford Health Insurance, Oxford Health Insurance Inc., Oxford Health Plans (CT), Oxford Health Plans (CT) Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NJ), Oxford Health Plans (NJ) Inc., Oxford Health Plans (NY), Oxford Health Plans (NY) Inc., Oxford Health Plans LLC, P2 Lower Acquisition, P2P Link LLC, PCCCV, PCCCV Inc., PCN DE Corp., PHC Subsidiary Holdings, PHC Subsidiary Holdings LLC, PHYS Holding Corp., PHYSICIANS DAY SURGERY CENTER LLC, PMI Acquisition, PMI Acquisition LLC, PMSI, PMSI Holdco II, PMSI Holdings, PMSI Holdings LLC, PMSI LLC, PMSI Settlement Solutions, PMSI Settlement Solutions LLC, POMCO Inc., POMCO Network Inc., PPH Holdings LLC, PacifiCare Health Systems, PacifiCare Life Assurance Company, PacifiCare Life and Health Insurance Company, PacifiCare of Arizona, PacifiCare of Arizona Inc., PacifiCare of Colorado, PacifiCare of Colorado Inc., PacifiCare of Nevada, PacifiCare of Nevada Inc., Pacific Casualty Company Inc., Pacifico S.A. Entidad Prestadora de Salud, Paoli Ambulatory Surgery Center, Paoli Surgery Center L.P., Parkway Surgery Center LLC, Pasteur Plaza Surgery Center GP Inc., PatientsLikeMe, PatientsLikeMe LLC, Patrimonio Autonomo Nueva Clinica - PANC., Payment Resolution Services, Payment Resolution Services LLC, Peoples Health, Peoples Health Inc., Pharmaceutical Care Network, Pharmacy Review Services, Pharmacy Software Holdco Inc., PhyServe Holdings, Physician Alliance of the Rockies LLC, Physician Care Partners, Physicians Health Choice of Texas, Physicians Health Choice of Texas LLC, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland, Physicians Health Plan of Maryland Inc., Physicians Plaza Holdings LLC, Plano de Saude Ana Costa Ltda., Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico, Plus One Health Management Puerto Rico Inc., Plus One Holdings, Plus One Holdings Inc., Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes, Polar II Fundo de Investimento em Participacoes Multiestrategia, Polo Holdco, Polo Holdco LLC, Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center Inc., Pomerado Outpatient Surgical Center L.P., Precision Dialing Services Inc., Preferred Care Partners, Preferred Care Partners Holding, Preferred Care Partners Holding Corp., Preferred Care Partners Inc., Preferred Care Partners Medical Group, Preferred Care Partners Medical Group Inc., Premier Choice ACO, Premier Choice ACO Inc., Premier Surgery Center of Louisville L.P., Prime Health, Prime Health Inc., PrimeCare Medical Network, PrimeCare Medical Network Inc., PrimeCare of Citrus Valley, PrimeCare of Citrus Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Corona, PrimeCare of Corona Inc., PrimeCare of Hemet Valley, PrimeCare of Hemet Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Inland Valley, PrimeCare of Inland Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Moreno Valley, PrimeCare of Moreno Valley Inc., PrimeCare of Redlands, PrimeCare of Redlands Inc., PrimeCare of Riverside, PrimeCare of Riverside Inc., PrimeCare of San Bernardino, PrimeCare of San Bernardino Inc., PrimeCare of Sun City, PrimeCare of Sun City Inc., PrimeCare of Temecula, PrimeCare of Temecula Inc., ProHEALTH Fitness of Lake Success, ProHEALTH Fitness of Lake Success LLC, ProHEALTH Medical Management LLC, ProHealth Medical Management, ProHealth Physicians, ProHealth Physicians ACO, ProHealth Physicians ACO LLC, ProHealth Physicians Inc., ProHealth Proton Center Management, ProHealth Proton Center Management LLC, Procura Management, Procura Management Inc., Progressive Enterprises Holdings, Progressive Enterprises Holdings Inc., Progressive Medical, Progressive Medical LLC, Progressive Solutions, Promotora Country S.A., Pronetics Health Care Group, Pronounced Health Solutions Inc., Prosemedic S.A.C., Prospero Management Services LLC, Pueblo-SCA Surgery Center LLC, Pulse Platform LLC, QoL Acquisition Holdings Corp., Quality Software Services, QuarterMaster Newco LLC, R&H Family Fitness Unlimited LLC, Rally Health, Rally Health Inc., Real Appeal Inc., Recaudacion y Cobranzas Honodav Ltda., Redlands Ambulatory Surgery Center, Redlands-SCA Surgery Centers Inc., Reliant MSO LLC, Research Surgical Center LLC, River Valley ASC LLC, Riverside Electronic Healthcare Resources Inc., Riverside Medical Management, Riverside Medical Management LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Meadowlands LLC, Riverside Surgical Center of Newark LLC, Rocky Mountain Health Maintenance Organization Incorporated, Rocky Mountain HealthCare Options Inc., SC Affiliates LLC, SCA Alaska Surgery Center inc., SCA Athens LLC, SCA Austin Holdings LLC, SCA BOSC Holdings LLC, SCA California Surgical Holdings LLC, SCA Capital LLC, SCA Cedar Park Holdings LLC, SCA Clifton LLC, SCA Danbury Surgical Center LLC, SCA Development LLC, SCA EHSC Holdings LLC, SCA EWASC Holdings LLC, SCA Hays Holdings LLC, SCA Heartland Holdings LLC, SCA HoldCo Inc., SCA Holding Company Inc., SCA Holdings Inc., SCA IEC Holdings LLC, SCA Indiana Holdings LLC, SCA Nashville ASC LLC, SCA Pacific Holdings Inc., SCA Pennsylvania Holdings LLC, SCA Premier Surgery Center of Louisville LLC, SCA ROCS Holdings LLC, SCA Rockledge JV LLC, SCA SSC Holdings LLC, SCA SSSC Holdings LLC, SCA Sage Medical LLC, SCA Sage Medical MSO LLC, SCA Southwestern PA LLC, SCA Specialists of Florida LLC, SCA Stonegate Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Center of Cullman LLC, SCA Surgery Holdings LLC, SCA Surgery Partners LLC, SCA Surgicare of Laguna Hills LLC, SCA Teammate Support Network, SCA eCode Solutions Private Limited, SCA of Clarksville Inc., SCA-Albuquerque Surgery Properties Inc., SCA-Alliance LLC, SCA-Anne Arundel LLC, SCA-Applecare Partners LLC, SCA-Bethesda LLC, SCA-Blue Ridge LLC, SCA-Bonita Springs LLC, SCA-Brandon LLC, SCA-Castle Rock LLC, SCA-Central Florida LLC, SCA-Charleston LLC, SCA-Chatham LLC, SCA-Chevy Chase LLC, SCA-Citrus Inc., SCA-Colorado Springs LLC, SCA-Connecticut Partners LLC, SCA-DRY CREEK LLC, SCA-Davenport LLC, SCA-Denver LLC, SCA-Denver Physicians Holdings LLC, SCA-Derry LLC, SCA-Doral LLC, SCA-Downey LLC, SCA-Dublin LLC, SCA-Encinitas Inc., SCA-Eugene Inc., SCA-First Coast LLC, SCA-Florence LLC, SCA-Fort Collins Inc., SCA-Fort Walton Inc., SCA-Franklin LLC, SCA-Frederick LLC, SCA-Freeway Holdings LLC, SCA-Ft. Myers LLC, SCA-GRANTS PASS LLC, SCA-Gainesville LLC, SCA-Gladiolus LLC, SCA-Grove Place LLC, SCA-Hagerstown LLC, SCA-Hamden LLC, SCA-Hilton Head LLC, SCA-Honolulu LLC, SCA-Houston Executive LLC, SCA-IT Holdings LLC, SCA-Illinois LLC, SCA-JPM Holdings LLC, SCA-Kissing Camels Holdings LLC, SCA-MC VBP Inc., SCA-Main Street LLC, SCA-Marina del Rey LLC, SCA-Mecklenburg Development Corp., SCA-Memorial City LLC, SCA-Merritt LLC, SCA-Midlands LLC, SCA-Midway Management LLC, SCA-Mobile LLC, SCA-Mokena LLC, SCA-Mokena Properties LLC, SCA-Morris County LLC, SCA-Mt. 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Best Buy and Amazon announced an exclusive partnership this morning that will have Best Buy selling Amazon Fire TV Edition smart televisions in its stores, with more than 10 Fire TV Edition models coming soon from Toshiba and Best Buys own Insignia brand. The new TVs will be sold in Best Buy stores, at BestBuy.com, and at Amazon.com, where Best Buy will be selling items as a third-party seller for the first time. While Amazon and Best Buy are often seen as rivals, Best Buy has been selling Amazon Kindle eReaders, Fire tablets, and Alexa-enabled smart speakers in its stores for years. Whats a bit surprising is that it looks like Best Buy isnt just going to start selling Insignia smart TVs with Amazon Fire TV software. The company is also said to be ditching Insignia TVs with Roku software. Up until now Best Buy had used Rokus software for its smart TVs. Youll still be able to find TVs with Rokus user interface from other companies in Best Buy stores. And Best Buy will continue to sell Roku boxes and sticks for people that want to add the user interface to their existing TVs. But this is still bad news for Roku (and good news for Amazon) for a few reasons. First, Best Buys Insignia TVs are among the cheapest the store offers. So while they may not be the best smart TVs that money can buy, theyre often attractive choices for value-conscious shoppers. And second, most 1080p and 4K TVs that ship these days already have some sort of smart TV functionality built in, reducing the need to buy a 3rd-party box or dongle. Sure, some customers who prefer Roku to Fire TV may buy a new Insignia TV and a Roku device that they can plug in. But I suspect that most will just go with the built-in smart TV functionality. After using an Amazon Fire TV Stick for the past few years, I recently made the switch to Roku. While the Fire TV operating system is more powerful in some ways (you can sideload apps like Kodi), Ive generally found that it takes longer to boot and it currently lacks an official YouTube apps. Google Play Movies also doesnt work with Amazons Fire TV platform. While I use an Amazon Kindle to read eBooks and an Amazon Fire HD 8 to read digital comics and watch videos, among other things, Ive decided that Rokus platform is a better fit for the TVs in my living room and basement. Your needs may be different. Thats one of the nice things about having multiple platforms to choose from. But investors seem a bit worried for Roku: the companys stock price dropped by almost 10% today, after the Wall Street Journal reported that the Amazon/Best Buy deal meant the end of Best Buys Insignia-branded Roku TVs. Share this article: Share this: Facebook Twitter Reddit Pocket Tumblr Pinterest LinkedIn Email Questions regarding the role of Macau and the influence of the Greater Bay Areas plan in the region dominated yesterdays debate between the Chief Executive (CE), Chui Sai On, and the lawmakers. The Legislative Assemblys (AL) plenary session was called to discuss matters related to this years policy address. Many lawmakers expressed doubts regarding the influence and relevance of the Greater Bay Area plan. Most wanted more information on the Central Governments projects and expected policy outcomes involving Macau as well as nine cities from the neighboring regions. Lawmaker Kou Hoi In was one of the first to address the topic in a direct manner, questioning the CE on the opportunities and missions created by the Greater Bay and on how Macau will adjust and integrate such a project in order to catch that fast train, he asked. In his reply, Chui noted for the first time that we are still waiting for the plan of the Greater Bay area [from the Central government], a reply that was repeated many times afterwards within the questions of several other lawmakers. Nevertheless, the CE explained that Macau has been reinforcing the cooperation between the regions, and stated that two of the important beneficial factors for Macau from this integration are a stable water and energy supply. Other topics included in the policy related to issues such as the ease on the circulation of people and goods [in the area] and the ease on mutual investments which create opportunities for people from Macau to invest in the continent and, at the same time, opportunities also for the other regions to invest in Macau. Trying to summarize the benefits, the CE said: This will ease the lives of all people living in this area, noting that there are already several test-projects being held in different areas. We need to be prepared to embrace this plan and to have an open mind [to receive it], he said. Lawmakers Ip Sio Kai, Zheng Anting, Si Ka Lon, Song Pek Kei, Iau Teng Pio and Vong Hin Fai were some of the other lawmakers who also wanted to know more about the challenges and opportunities offered by the Greater Bay Area plan, from business to juridical perspectives, passing through health care, elderly support and the development of the smart city. Lawmaker Song mentioned briefly the situation of elderly parents who want their descendants to work and live in Macau. The Macau Federation of Family Reunion was one of the four groups demonstrating at the entrance of the AL while the session was being held inside. The CE acknowledged that in some aspects, namely the juridical, there are some significant differences between the regions, but reaffirmed that Macau should continue to develop its role of becoming a world centre of tourism and leisure and a platform of connection between China and the Portuguese-speaking countries. Regarding topics such as the development of a Smart City, he added: We are a little late on this matter. To keep up with the regional evolution we need to work more. Regarding the juridical regimes, the CE noted that several documents are currently in the legislative process, and are expected to be completed this year. As for the questions related to the care of elderly people in the bay, Chui replied, our policy always has been and continues to be [for the elderly people] to spend their old age in their own communities [families] but they choose to spend it in China which is also an option [that we are considering]. We are currently studying the possibility of a regime of [health] insurance that [will cover health care expenses] independently of the city where the person chooses to spend their old age, Chui said, replying to Zheng, but noted that it is important to first, get the insurance; and, second, check on the quality of the services provided in the hospitals of those nine cities [of the Pearl River Delta]. coutinho questions ce on fongs punish ment LAWMAKER JOSE Pereira Coutinho questioned the Chief Executive (CE) on the unfair punishment attributed to the former director of the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau Fong Soi Kun (four years without retirement pension), claiming that the government is making Fong a scapegoat to avoid investigating the responsibilities of other high officials during Typhoon Hatos response. The CE, similar to last weeks press conference at the government headquarters, did not want to comment on the penalty attributed, citing the fact that the case is now under appeal. Nevertheless, the CE reaffirmed that he has already given orders to the Secretary for Administration and Justice, Sonia Chan, to proceed to review the responsibilities of the governments high-ranked officials. China announced plans yesterday to allow full foreign ownership of automakers in five years, ending restrictions that helped to fuel its escalating dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump and strained relations with other trading partners. The change would scrap rules that require global automakers to work through local state-owned partners, an arrangement that forces them to share technology with potential competitors. It was unclear whether that might help to mollify Trump, who has threatened to hike tariffs on as much as USD150 billion of Chinese goods in response to complaints Beijing pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. The development reflects growing official confidence that Chinas young but fast-growing automakers can compete with global brands and a desire to make the industry more flexible as Beijing promotes development of electric cars. The industry had been waiting for details since President Xi Jinping announced in a speech last week that ownership restrictions would be eased and auto import duties reduced. Limits on foreign ownership of electric vehicle producers will be eliminated this year, the Cabinets planning agency said. That will be followed by a similar repeal for makers of commercial vehicles in 2020 and passenger vehicles in 2022. Following a five-year transition period, all ownership restrictions will be lifted, said the announcement by the National Development and Reform Commission. Until now, global automakers such as General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG have been allowed to own no more than 50 percent of a joint venture with a Chinese partner and were limited to two ventures. Automakers complied because they gained access to Chinas populous market, which passed the United States in 2009 as the worlds biggest by number of vehicles sold. Sales of sedans, SUVs and minivans last year totaled 24.8 million units, about 55 percent of which was American, European, Japanese and Korean brands. Independent domestic brands such as Geely, which owns Swedens Volvo Cars, SUV maker Great Wall and electric car brand BYD Auto are developing technology and increasing exports. Geely has bought a nearly 10 percent stake in Daimler AG, becoming the German automakers biggest shareholder and gaining leverage to push for technology sharing. State-owned Dongfeng Motor Group, which has joint ventures with Nissan Motor Co. and other brands, bought a 14 percent stake in Frances PSA Peugeot Citroen in 2014. Chinese companies such as Geely and Great Wall have financial power and technology resources, said industry analyst John Zeng of LMC Automotive. Its not like 10 years ago, when foreign brands had a big technology advantage. He said the latest shift is part of Beijings effort to accelerate development of electric vehicles, which have a central role in the ruling Communist Partys industry plans. China is the worlds biggest electric vehicle market, with last years sales rising 53 percent over 2016 to 770,000 vehicles. Beijing is using sales quotas and fuel efficiency standards to press global automakers to help local suppliers develop battery technology. A deputy industry minister said in September that Beijing was developing a timetable to join France and Britain in ending sales of gasoline cars. BYD, which has a joint venture with Daimlers Mercedes unit, is the biggest global electric car producer by number of units sold and has a factory in California that produces electric buses. Foreign brands will not have as much of an advantage as they had with combustion engines, said Zeng. More or less, Chinese brands already compete with them on a similar level in electric cars. Beijings restrictions led to clashes with Washington and other governments. The United States, Canada and Mexico won a World Trade Organization ruling in 2008 that China was improperly promoting local components suppliers by imposing import taxes on autos assembled in Chinese factories from foreign parts. But by then, automakers already had shifted to local suppliers and were transferring technology. Trump complained Beijing was hampering trade by charging a 25 percent import duty on most cars while the United States charges less than 3 percent. The impact on companies such as GM, VW, Nissan Motors Co. and Ford Motor Co. that have joint ventures with Chinese partners is likely to be limited at first. Their contracts with Chinese partners extend for up to 30 years. They have developed supply and factory networks, research centers and other joint activities that would be costly and difficult to unwind. GM also has a venture with state-owned Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. to produce and market vehicles in India. The change could be a boon to U.S. electric brand Tesla, which has avoided a joint venture that would require it to share battery technology. The company imports its cars from California, which adds import taxes to the sticker price. Joe McDonald, Beijing, AP The Court of Second Instance (TSI) has rejected an appeal filed by developer Moon Ocean requesting the voidance of an Official Gazette notice published in April 2013. The notice revoked Moon Oceans right to use the land opposite Macau International Airport, where it was planning to build the residential project La Scala. It occurred after the Court of First Instance found Moon Oceans major shareholder Joseph Lau guilty of bribing former Secretary Ao Man Long. TSI now ruled that the land grant was revoked because the administrative acts preceding it are void. 844 mandatory disease declarations in March The Health Bureau (SSM) registered 844 mandatory disease declarations in March 2018, according to a statement released on Monday. There have been evident changes in the number of some diseases, especially in cases of infection, with influenza (610 cases) and rotavirus gastroenteritis (32 cases), both increasing compared to the same period last year but recorded a decrease when compared to February. Fifty-two cases of chickenpox have been registered, which represents an increase both annually and monthly. Fifteen cases of tuberculosis were recorded, in addition to one case of AIDS and five cases of HIV. Highest SME confidence index recorded The highest SME confidence index during the last eight quarters was recorded in the first quarter of 2018. The latest report from the Macao Chamber of Commerce on the confidence index of Macaus SMEs reflects that local SMEs continue to be optimistic about their future. The SMEs confidence in the social environment shows the same rate of increase as the revenues from the Macaus gaming industry. The confidence of employees suggested a stable trend. The association further revealed that the index indicates that local SME employers are holding a cautious attitude concerning the expansion of their human resources. China yesterday ordered importers of U.S. sorghum to pay deposits for possible higher tariffs in an anti-dumping investigation, adding to growing trade conflict with Washington. A preliminary ruling by the Commerce Ministry said U.S. sorghum was being sold at improperly low prices, hurting Chinese farmers. It said importers must post bonds of 178.6 percent of the value of their goods to cover possible anti-dumping duties while the probe is completed. Beijing launched the sorghum investigation on Feb. 4 in what some businesspeople saw as a warning shot after President Donald Trump hiked tariffs on Chinese-made washing machines and solar modules. Since then, Trump has threatened to raise duties on up to USD150 billion of Chinese goods in a dispute over technology policy. Beijing has responded with its own list of U.S. goods for possible retaliation. The measures on sorghum, a grain used in animal feed and for making the fiery traditional Chinese liquor baijiu, target farm areas that voted for Trump in 2016. China is one of the biggest foreign markets for U.S. sorghum growers. Investigators concluded dumping of U.S. sorghum substantially damaged Chinese competitors, the Commerce Ministry said. It said prices of U.S. sorghum fell 13 percent from 2013 to 2017, while shipments increased 14-fold. The ministry said results of a parallel anti-subsidy investigation of U.S. sorghum would be released later. AP In a first for Macau, the government is planning to organize a large-scale disaster prevention drill in the middle of 2018, head of the Department of the Education and Youth Affairs Bureau (DSEJ) Kong Ngai said this week. The DSEJ, together with the police force, held an explanatory session on disaster prevention works in schools in the Escola Kao Yip, where it informed school representatives from all of the regions 77 non-tertiary schools, that a drill will take place in May or June, before the end of the 2017/18 academic year. All 77 schools will be included in the drill, according to Kong. On the sidelines of the explanatory session, Kong said that the DSEJ has always been working to establish emergency mechanisms with schools. This time, we are just continuing to enhance them based on Macaus traditional mechanisms. There will be several new types of disaster occurring [in the future]. In the future, the communication will be bidirectional. The schools will have to communicate with DSEJ. To the best of my knowledge, [regarding] such a big-scale, bidirectional communication mechanism, [in addition to the drills,] which will be organized twice every year, this is the first time [that they are being organized], Kong confirmed. Following the first drill, the second is expected to take place in October or November. The program is planned to be continued annually. According to DSEJs explanation, the drills do not necessarily require participation by every single individual in each school. All 77 schools must organize one drill per semester, and the drills should be mainly related to wind prevention, flooding prevention and fire prevention. After each drill, schools will have to write a drill evaluation report and deliver it to DSEJ. The disaster prevention program covers six disaster categories: typhoons, flooding, fires, gas poisoning, nuclear radiation and earthquakes. In addition to these two drills, the local government has also scheduled an extra pre drill for April 28. All 77 schools will participate in it, to be held at the Ha Huan and Coloane district. Besides the DSEJ, other governmental departments will also join the activity. Regarding disaster supplies, Kong noted that the government does not hope schools will store too much food, but that they can store more disaster related materials. The drills are expected to allow the schools to be familiar with how to protect themselves in an emergency. Chinas economic growth held steady in the quarter ending in March amid a worsening trade dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump, buoyed by strong e-commerce and factory output. The worlds second-largest economy expanded by 6.8 percent over a year earlier, in line with the quarter ending in December and down slightly from 2017s full- year expansion of 6.9 percent, data showed yesterday. It was above the official 2018 target of around 6.5 percent, which would be among the worlds strongest if achieved. A government spokesman expressed confidence Chinas $12 trillion-a-year economy can withstand Trumps threatened tariff hikes on up on Chinese goods in a dispute over technology policy. China has room to maneuver following efforts to develop more self-sustaining growth based on domestic consumption and reduce reliance on trade, said Xing Zhihong, spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics. China is fully capable of responding to Sino-U.S. trade frictions, responding to challenges and maintaining sustained and healthy economic development, Xing said at a news conference. Forecasters expect Chinese growth to cool this year as Beijing tries to rein in rising debt seen as the biggest threat to economic stability by tightening controls to cool a boom in real estate sales and bank lending. Last years expansion was unexpectedly strong but activity began to weaken in March. Chinas economy entered 2018 with solid growth momentum, Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics said in a report. But momentum slowed in March, compared to the first two months, pointing to slower growth ahead. The statistics bureau said growth compared with the previous quarter, the standard used by other major economies, slowed to 1.4 percent from 1.6 percent in the final three months of 2017. Beijing has begun to report such quarter-on-quarter figures in recent years but its headline number is measured against a year earlier, which makes Chinese growth seem smoother than that of other economies. Europe and other trading partners also complain China is flooding global markets with unfairly low-priced steel, aluminum and other goods, threatening jobs abroad. We worry about the long-term implications but view a trade war with substantial short-term growth impact as unlikely, Kuijs said. The ruling Communist Party is trying to steer China to slower, more sustainable growth based on domestic consumption instead of trade and investment. But Beijing has repeatedly set that back by relying on infusions of bank lending to shore up the economy since the 2008 crisis, adding to rising debt. In a positive sign for efforts to encourage consumer spending, retail sales rose 9.8 percent, accelerating from Decembers 9.4 percent growth, according to the statistics bureau. E-commerce sales surged 35.4 percent, up 3.3 percentage points from the previous quarter. Factory output rose 6.8 percent over a year earlier. While we dont think Chinas economy is expanding as rapidly as the official figures claim, there is broader evidence to suggest that a recovery in industry did prevent growth from slipping too much last quarter, said Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics in a report. Investment in factories, real estate and other fixed assets rose 7.5 percent, up from 2017s 7.2 percent growth. Outside of industry, activity looks to have cooled recently, Evans-Pritchard said. Construction growth is slowing as local governments pare back infrastructure spending in order to control debt levels. Chinas trade balance swung to a rare deficit in March as exports shrank 2.7 percent over a year earlier. Trade accounts for less of Chinas economic activity than in earlier years but still supports millions of jobs. In a speech last week, President Xi Jinping promised to open Chinas markets wider, cut import duties on autos and ease restrictions on foreign ownership in the auto and finance industries. He gave no details and didnt directly address Trumps complaint that Beijing improperly pressures foreign companies to hand over technology. The ruling partys annual development plan, announced last month, calls for further cuts in the bloated state-owned steel industry and a bigger role for market forces and entrepreneurs. AP French President Emmanuel Macron yesterday urged the European Union to reform itself to offer better protection for its citizens in a world troubled by wars and authoritarian regimes. The 40-year-old leader, who wants to play a key role in the EU, outlined his vision for Europes future in a speech at the Strasbourg-based European Parliament. Macron said democracy is the best chance for the EU to fight rising nationalism on the continent. Faced with authoritarianism, the answer is not democratic authoritarianism but the authority of democracy, he said. Macron called for an energetic campaign for the European Parliament election in May 2019 as the EU also deals with the challenges of Britains departure. He told EU lawmakers that its important to have a democratic, critical debate on what Europe is about. Macron said citizens want a new project for the EU that addresses their concerns and fears in a world in which allies such as the U.S. are turning their backs on multilateral trade and climate change pacts. All EU countries, except Britain and Hungary, have agreed to seek the opinions of their citizens on the EUs future through debates and online consultations by summer. The pro-European leader ruled out any enlargement of the EU until the 28-nation bloc is more deeply integrated and has undergone thorough reform. He said now isnt the time to allow Western Balkans countries to join. Speaking after Macron, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker warned that the EU isnt just a club led by France and Germany. Juncker said Macrons arrival in power in France has given new hope to the worlds biggest trading bloc. But he recalled that Europe is an ensemble, even with Britain set to leave the EU next year. Macron will meet with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin tomorrow, as France and Germany aim to agree on proposals for EU reforms by June. During Macrons speech, some European lawmakers raised placards reading Stop the war in Syria and Hands off Syria to protest joint airstrikes Saturday by U.S., Britain and France on chemical weapons facilities in Syria. Hitting back those who criticized the absence of a U.N. mandate for the airstrikes, Macron showed signs of anger. (We) are outraged each time by images weve seen of children, women who died of a chlorine attack, he said, almost shouting. Do we sit back? Do we defend rights by saying: rights are for us, principles are for us, and realities are for other? No! No! He said the U.S., France and Britain intervened in a legitimate, multilateral framework and stressed that the airstrikes specifically targeted three Syrian chemical weapon facilities without any human life loss. AP The New Macau Association is calling on the Chief Executive (CE), Chui Sai On, to withdraw the Executive Order announced on Monday regarding the agreement to mutually recognize driving licenses between the city and mainland China. Yesterday the suspended legislator, Sulu Sou, handed an interpellation outside the Legislative Assembly (AL) for the Chief Executive to recall the relevant dispatch, stressing that there was no public consultation and that it did not provide substantial justification to the public. The Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, has been authorized by Chui Sai On to sign the agreement concerning mutual driving license recognition with the Ministry of Public Security of China, according to a dispatch published in Mondays Official Gazette. According to the agreement, driver license holders in Macau will not be required to take an exam to apply for a mainland license. A similar policy will apply to driver license holders in the mainland when they drive for fewer than than 14 days in the SAR. Yesterday, the New Macau Association criticized the move, calling it irresponsible governance. Sulu Sou stressed that the guidelines stipulate that policies of major significance should be consulted upon accordingly, and that principles such as encouraging fair public participation and enhancing transparency of consultation and capacity of responsiveness should be followed. Its conflicting with the governments policy, said the young lawmaker. The policy [of mutual recognition of driving licenses] raises questions but the government did not listen to any public opinion. We cannot accept this, it is an irresponsible action by the government, Sou told the press. Thus, Sou called on the CE, who was present at yesterdays AL session, to firstly, withdraw the dispatch of authorization, and secondly, to host a public consultation, allowing the community to deliberate and clarify the pros and cons within. I believe that this is a breach of principles of scientific decision- making and good governance, Sou emphasized. Sou raised a question as to the reasons behind the Executive Branchs rejection of the statutory consultation, claiming that the mutual recognition of driving licenses is related to the direction and planning of the society fitting into the definition of policies of major significance stipulated by the Regulatory Guidelines on Public Consultations. We can predict that [there] is a big [political] power to push this policy. If its not any political power to push this policy, the government should [have given] more detailed information and reference to support this policy, said Sou. There is a strong reason for the public to criticize and question [the matter], he added. Lam, Chui see no relation to any political factors After Official Gazette notice was published, the director of Transport Bureau (DSAT), Lam Hin Sam, announced that a schedule has not been made yet concerning the signing of the agreement. Moreover, Lam claimed that the mutual recognition is absolutely unrelated to any political factors, and that the policy solely serves the purpose of aiding local residents when visiting mainland China. Questioned as to whether the government will call for an end to the agreement in case the number of related traffic accidents increase after the policy comes into effect, Lam refused to comment. Asked to comment on the matter by lawmakers Au Kam San and Ng Kuok Cheong, Chui Sai On said yesterday that the mutual recognition is not a result of political pressure. Inversely, he said, a study has been done before the measure was green-lighted. 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LLC, XOOM Ontario Holdings LLC, XOOM Solar LLC, and eV2g LLC. EnQuest PLC operates as an oil and gas development and production company, explores for, extracts, and produces hydrocarbons in the United Kingdom, North Sea, and Malaysia. It primarily holds interests in the Magnus, Kraken, the Greater Kittiwake Area, Scolty/Crathes, Alba, Thistle/Deveron, Heather/Broom, Alma/Galia, and the Dons area. The company also has interests in the PM8/Seligi and PM409 production sharing contracts in Malaysia. In addition, it holds interests in 10 operated production licenses and 3 production hubs. As of December 31, 2020, the company had proved and probable reserves of 279 million barrels of oil equivalents. Further, it is involved in the construction, ownership, and operation of an oil pipeline; marketing and trading of crude oil; and leasing activities. EnQuest PLC was incorporated in 2010 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Constant supply Nepals economic growth potential is undoubtedly hampered by its reliance on fossil fuel imports and its landlockedness, both of which raise costs of production. Still, if there is one thing that keeps Nepalis eternally optimistic about the countrys future is its supposedly massive hydro-power potential. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A Mayo Clinic study finds no evidence that children given anesthesia before their third birthdays have lower IQs than those who did not have it. A more complex picture emerges among people who had anesthesia several times as small children: Although their intelligence is comparable, they score modestly lower on tests measuring fine motor skills, and their parents are more likely to report behavioral and learning problems. The findings are published in Anesthesiology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in 2016 that prolonged or repeated sedation before age 3 may affect brain development. The warning was based largely on data from animals, which may or may not apply to children. Mayo researchers studied 997 people born from 1994 through 2007 in Olmsted County, Minnesota, the home of Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus. They were grouped according to the anesthesia exposures they had before their third birthdays: 206 had two or more; 380 had one; and 411 had none. Ear, nose and throat procedures were the most common surgeries. The researchers used the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records database, brain function testing at ages 8-12 or 15-20, and parent reports to assess behavior and brain function. Beyond their anesthesia exposure, the three groups of patients were matched to be as similar as possible. Intelligence, memory, and several other measures of brain function were similar among the groups. However, those with multiple exposures to anesthesia had modest declines in fine motor skills, such as the ability to draw figures with a pencil, and how quickly they processed information when reading. Their parents reported more learning and behavioral problems, such as difficulty reading; behaviors consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; breaking rules; or displaying aggression, anxiety or social withdrawal. Parents whose children had anesthesia once under age 3 reported more problems with mental skills known as executive functions - skills that help with memory, impulse control, planning and flexibility - but not with other behaviors. "For the majority of kids undergoing surgery, the results overall are reassuring," says lead author David Warner, M.D., a pediatric anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. "About 80 percent of kids who need surgery under age 3 only need one, and it's relatively brief." Several other studies also show little evidence that a single anesthetic is associated with significant harm. "Although we do have some concerns about the children who are receiving multiple anesthetics, it's important to note that our results don't allow us to conclude that anesthesia itself is causing problems," Dr. Warner says, adding that other factors, such as the conditions that make surgery necessary, could contribute. "However, the fact that we found some problems in some of these children means that research in this area needs to continue, including further analysis of our data." In the meantime, in most cases the benefit of surgery outweighs any risk, Dr. Warner says. However, the potential for problems may need to be part of the decision-making process when parents and surgeons discuss surgery, he adds. Explore further Young children exposed to anesthesia multiple times show elevated rates of ADHD More information: David O. Warner et al. Anesthesia and Neurodevelopment in Children, Anesthesiology (2018). Journal information: Anesthesiology David O. Warner et al. Anesthesia and Neurodevelopment in Children,(2018). DOI: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000002121 Jung Hyup Kim (rear), an assistant professor of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering at the University of Missouri, and his team of students -- including Ph.D. student Wenbin Guo, recently traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to study just how these kinds of brief interruptions affected nurses in their emergency department. Credit: Amy Parris, MU College of Engineering Interruptions in workflow, such as a phone call while working on another task, or when a colleague stops by for a chat, can lead to inefficiencies in the workplace. For nurses working in emergency departments, those interruptions could affect patient care. Now, a study from the University of Missouri has determined that workflow interruptions are most likely to occur during two key eventselectronic medical record documentation and direct patient care. Findings suggest that changes in workflow in emergency departments could increase the care team's efficiency and help improve patient care. "Our analysis showed that when emergency department nurses were interrupted in patient care activities, their workload was about two times higher," said Jung Hyup Kim, an assistant professor in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering in the MU College of Engineering. "When electronic medical documentation was added to those tasks, the workload was about four times higher than in a non-interruption scenario." Kim and his team of graduate and undergraduate students traveled to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., to study how brief interruptions affected nurses in the emergency department. The "time and motion" study was completed over the course of a week, during which Kim and his team observed a group of experienced nurses and studied their tasks. After noting the ED nurses' most frequent tasks, they broke them down into eight basic categories, such as direct care, documentation, social breaks and other tasks including supervision and education. They also noted the five most common interruptions to the nurses' work included phone calls, colleagues, residents, doctors and relatives of the patient. Kim and his team then used this information to create two simulation modelsone illustrating how efficient the workflow was without interruption and another to illustrate the potential effects of interruptions on tasks. The model was used to reach the conclusions regarding the higher workloads after interruptions during EMR documentation and patient care. "Our study showed that ED nurses should be trained to avoid answering questions or non-emergency phone calls while delivering direct care to patients and while engaged in EMR documentation," Kim said. "Also, relatives of patients should allow the health care worker to perform critical duties without interruption." Their study, "The Impact of Interrupting Nurses on Mental Workload in Emergency Departments," was published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction. The Missouri Research Council provided funding for the study. Dhaka-Kakarbhitta direct bus service to start from April 23 Three years after the agreement, a direct service will come into operation among Bangladesh, India and Nepal. A doctor carries a transplant kidney during surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. Keeping transplant livers on "life support" at body temperature preserves them better than the prevailing method of near-freezing, and could reduce the number of donor organs thrown away, a study said Wednesday. Currently most donor livers are stored in an inert state at temperatures just above freezing until they can be transferred to a recipient. But many end up damaged, meaning that only a portion of livers harvested for transplant get used despite an urgent, and growing, organ shortage. "Approximately one in five patients died on the UK liver transplant waiting list last year, whilst, paradoxically, almost 500 livers from deceased organ donors were not... transplanted," study co-author Constantin Coussios of the University of Oxford told AFP. "This was because the suboptimal condition of many donor organs is such that these are unlikely to work after being preserved in an ice box. Despite many advances in liver transplantation, the method of organ preservation has scarcely changed in 30 years." A newer method called normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) uses a machine to pump blood through the liver at 37 degrees Celsius (98,6 degrees Fahrenheit)the human body temperature. The technique keeps the liver functioning artificially while feeding it oxygenated blood, medicine, and nutrients. But scientists did not know if it actually works better than the prevailing method, prompting the first-ever study to compare the warm and cold liver storage methods. Coussios and a team studied what happened to two sets of donor livers100 stored on ice, another 120 with NMP, and published their findings in the science journal Nature. The NMP livers, the authors found, had 50 percent less "graft injury" than the near-frozen organs, and could be kept for considerably longer. Liver is 'a patient' More of the NMP livers them could be transplanted. The number of livers retrieved from donors but rejected after storage "was reduced by 50 percent," said Coussios. By keeping it functioning artificially, NMP allowed for easier assessment of liver quality than was possible with a near-frozen, hypothermic organ, he saida sort of pre-surgery "test drive". The team concluded that widespread use of NMP could cut the number of people who die waiting for a transplant while harvested organs are discarded. The first NMP device, dubbed OrganOx, was trademarked in 2016, and has started to be used in Europe, India, and Canada, said Coussios One of the study authors is a former chief executive of OrganOx Limited, and Coussios is its technical director. In a comment also carried by Nature, Stefan Schneeberger of the Innsbruck Medical University in Austria said the team made a "convincing case" for the effectiveness of NMP, which he said treats the liver "like a patient. "It is perfused, monitored, and fed by a machine. If it performs well, it is transplanted immediately; if not, it might undergo treatment, modification or repair before transplantation." The long-term effects of NMP must be studied before it can be concluded to be a more effective and suitable method for organ storage, Schneeberger added. Coussios said further study is needed into the cost-effectiveness of the technology. Explore further Transplanted livers help body defend against organ rejection, study finds More information: A randomized trial of normothermic preservation in liver transplantation, Nature (2018). Journal information: Nature A randomized trial of normothermic preservation in liver transplantation,(2018). nature.com/articles/doi:10.1038/s41586-018-0047-9 2018 AFP Credit: CC0 Public Domain What shapes the basic features of a language? Brock University developmental psychologist Jan Frijters is part of an international, multi-disciplinary research team that found people whose mother tongue contains many consonants also carry a specific gene variation that helps them to distinguish a wide range of sounds. The team, led by Jeffrey Gruen at Yale University, examined DCDC2, a gene strongly associated with the brain's capacity to process phonemes. A phoneme is a basic unit of sound that makes up words in a language, such as 'p' and 'b' in pit and bit. The number of phonemes varies from 20 to 60 per language. The researchers examined the phonemes of languages spoken by 43 populations on five continents to see the extent to which genes play a role in subtle language differences. They concentrated on a component of the DCDC2 gene called READ1, which has been consistently linked to dyslexia. The researchers studied how READ1 mutated over a four million-year period in nonhuman primates, Neanderthals, Denisovans and modern humans, and found that a variation of READ1 called RU1-1 was associated with variations in the number of consonants in a language. There are more than 7,000 languages spoken globally, which are thought to have been shaped by migration, conquests and geographic isolation of populations, the researchers say. However, this new study suggests that genetic factors also play a role in changes in language. In determining this genetic connection, Frijters says the groupconsisting of geneticists, a statistician, linguists, a pediatrician and a developmental psychologistlooked at three major characteristics of languages: tone, vowels and consonants. "Think of a brain that has a lower capacity to discriminate specific types of sounds," says Frijters, an associate professor of Child and Youth Studies. "You need a language that has a small number of very distinct sounds or a low number of consonants." In contrast, "a brain that can distinguish lots and lots of these types of sounds can handle a language that has very fine-grained distinctions between the consonants," he says. "Of course, the amount of information that needs to be transmitted by every language is constant, because we are all human, so languages that have fewer consonants pick up the information load in other ways." Some languagesespecially those in Asian and African countriesare highly tonal, using many pitches and inflections. In Mandarin Chinese, for instance, the word 'ma' has several different meanings depending on the tone used to say the word. Languages also differ with the number of vowels, with high numbers in Estonian, Finnish and Danish. But the team found that only consonants are associated with genetic variations, specifically the RU1-1 allele group of READ1, says the study. "The brain uses distinct strategies to process and encode vowels and consonants, which are modified by dyslexia genes. Genetic variations of these genes, along with other cultural and linguistic processes, may account for differences in consonant use between populations," the researchers conclude. Yale University's Mellissa Demille is first author on the paper, "Worldwide distribution of the DCDC2 READ1 regulatory element and its relationship with phoneme variation across languages," which was published April 16 in the journal PNAS. Explore further All languages may originate from Africa: study More information: Mellissa M. C. DeMille et al. Worldwide distribution of the DCDC2 READ1 regulatory element and its relationship with phoneme variation across languages, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2018). Journal information: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Mellissa M. C. DeMille et al. Worldwide distribution of the DCDC2 READ1 regulatory element and its relationship with phoneme variation across languages,(2018). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1710472115 Listeria costaricensis is the official name given to the new bacterial species described by investigators from the Costa Rican Institute of Technology (TEC) and the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria at Institut Pasteur. Listeria is a bacterial genus comprising 18 species. Two of them are pathogenic to humans and animals upon consumption of contaminated food. Listeria monocytogenes, the best characterized pathogenic species, can cause gastroenteritis, septicemia and central nervous system infection, mostly in immunocompromised individuals, as well as fetal and neonatal infection. While the new species Listeria costaricensis is non-pathogenic, its characterization will nonetheless increase the understanding of the pathogenic potential of Listeria. "The discovery of Listeria costaricensis will allow comparisons with pathogenic Listeria species, in order to better understand the behavior and adaptations of these bacterial pathogens," explained TEC biotechnologist Kattia Nunez. Listeria costaricensis was isolated from water collected at an industrial drainage area in the Costa Rican province of Alajuela after three years of sample collection and research. "In Costa Rica, there have been few studies on microbiological diversity. Our recent finding reflects the biodiversity of Costa Rican soils and suggests that this Central American country is a fertile environment for this type of research," said Javier Pizarro-Cerda, research director at the Institut Pasteur, who participated in the study and now heads the Yersinia Research Unit. For Marc Lecuit, head of the Biology of Infection Unit at Institut Pasteur and the French National Reference Center for Listeria, this collaboration illustrates the public health and scientific dimensions of the activities of the WHO-collaborating center on Listeria, which assists colleagues from around the world on the characterization of Listeria isolates. Listeria costaricensis has been registered in the microorganism collections of the Institut Pasteur in Paris and in the DSMZ, in Germany; its description was published in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (30.01.2018, Vol. 68: 844-850). Following this discovery, the Institut Pasteur and TEC, which have engaged in informal collaborations since 2013, signed a cooperation agreement to facilitate the continuation of collaborative work between the two institutions. Explore further How dormant listeria hides in cells More information: Kattia Nunez-Montero et al, Listeria costaricensis sp. nov., International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology (2018). Kattia Nunez-Montero et al, Listeria costaricensis sp. nov.,(2018). DOI: 10.1099/ijsem.0.002596 Spending on HIV/AIDS globally between 2000 and 2015 totaled more than half a trillion dollars, according to a new scientific study, the first comprehensive analysis of funding for the disease. The total was $562.6 billion over the 16-year period. Annual spending peaked in 2013 with $49.7 billion. Two years later, $48.9 billion was provided for the care, treatment, and prevention of the disease. "This research is an important initial step toward global disease-specific resource tracking, which makes new, policy-relevant analyses possible, including understanding the drivers of health spending growth," said Dr. Christopher Murray, director of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. "We are quantifying spending gaps and evaluating the impact of expenditures." Globally, governments were the largest source of spending on HIV/AIDS in 2015, contributing $29.8 billion or 61 percent of total spending on HIV/AIDS. Prepaid private spending was the smallest, making up only $1.4 billion of the 2015 total. Development assistance for health (DAH), funding from high-income nations to support health efforts in lower-income ones, made up 0.5 percent of total health spending globally in 2015; DAH totaled 30 percent of all HIV/AIDS spending in 2015. Consider: Not only does sub-Saharan Africa have the largest HIV-positive population (24.4 million in 2015), it also depends most substantially on DAH: 64 percent of HIV/AIDS spending in the region is DAH. South Asia also has a high level of dependence on donor financing, with DAH making up 45 percent of spending on HIV/AIDS. "Reliance on development assistance to fight HIV/AIDS in high-prevalence countries leaves them susceptible to fluctuations in the external resources available for HIV/AIDS," said IHME's Dr. Joseph Dieleman, lead author of the study. "Nations' HIV/AIDS programs are at risk for gaps in support and unrealized investment opportunities." Overall health spending worldwide, which totaled $9.7 trillion in 2015, Dieleman said, continues to rise and outpaces economic growth in many countries, although 66 percent of this spending was in high-income countries. Low-income countries, which together make up 8.8 percent of the global population, represent less than 1 percent of health spending globally. Spending per capita in 2015 varied widely across countries, spanning from $28 per capita per year on health (Central African Republic) to nearly $10,000 (United States). "With growth steady or accelerating, it is more important than ever to understand where resources for health go and how they align with health needs," he said. The study, "Spending on health and HIV/AIDS: domestic health spending and development assistance in 188 countries, 1995-2015," was published today in the international medical journal The Lancet. Dieleman, Murray, and IHME researchers worked with the organization's health financing collaborative network, a group of 256 researchers in 63 countries. Explore further New study finds people covered by universal health coverage will fall far below SDGs More information: Joseph L Dieleman et al. Spending on health and HIV/AIDS: domestic health spending and development assistance in 188 countries, 19952015, The Lancet (2018). Joseph L Dieleman et al. Spending on health and HIV/AIDS: domestic health spending and development assistance in 188 countries, 19952015,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30698-6 Access to data visualizations: vizhub.healthdata.org/fgh/ Journal information: The Lancet Pot-smoking teens may not be dooming themselves to a destiny of dim-wittedness, a new review suggests. The memory and thinking abilities of teenagers do not appear to be as strongly affected by heavy marijuana use as previously suspected, according to an evaluation of data from dozens of previous studies. Further, intellectual effects that do crop up from frequent pot use appear to wear off soon after a teenager stops partaking, researchers report. However, this study only looked at the short-term intellectual effects of heavy pot use, not use for many years, which could have a significant detrimental impact, experts said. Study said lead researcher J. Cobb Scott said that after 72 hours of abstinence, the memory and thinking deficits of heavy users diminishes to the point of insignificance when compared against the intellectual capacity of nonusers. He is a neuropsychologist with the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia. "The length of abstinence was associated with how big the effect size was," Scott said. "We don't know if three days is a perfect cutoff for this. We don't know the maximum point at which abstinence might benefit cognitive functioning." It's still unknown whether smoking pot for decades could lead to deeper and more persistent declines in mental ability, Scott said. Teens also might be at increased risk of other potential problems linked to marijuana use, such as psychosis or addiction, which were not examined in this review. "The more you use cannabis, the more likely you are to have problems with cannabis, just like any other substance," Scott said. For the review, Scott and his colleagues pooled data from 69 studies involving more than 2,100 pot users. The ages of participants ranged from 18 to 30 in most of the included research. The scientists found there were detectable differences in mental ability between heavy pot users and nonusers, "but they were smaller than expected," Scott said. "It's considered a small difference between groups, so the clinical significance of that is kind of questionable," Scott said. "It does raise a question of how big are these differences in a practical sense, and what those differences mean in someone's life." The researchers also found that risk of damage to memory and thought did not vary based on age. "Adolescents were not at heightened risk compared to young adults," Scott said. And finally, the study found the intellectual effects of pot smoking tended to fade when teens stopped using. The findings were published April 19 in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. "It's somewhat refreshing to see that, after a period of abstinence, it may not have the same impacts as what we thought," said Dr. Scott Krakower, assistant unit chief of psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, N.Y. He was not involved with the study. These findings likely apply to "the majority of users of cannabis," Scott said. "Most people who use cannabis don't use it heavily for 20 years." But it's still an open question whether teens who continually smoke cannabis heavily for years will have ongoing problems with their ability to remember and reason, Scott said. "It's important to think about the much longer-term effects of heavy use of cannabis, which this analysis doesn't tell us that much about," Scott said. Experts have been concerned that teenage brains are still developing, and heavy pot use could alter their neurology in key ways that will affect their future ability to think and reason. This review does not clear up those concerns completely, because it shows that there are detectable effects between pot smokers and nonusers, Krakower said. "They're saying basically there's not maybe as large of a difference in cognitive functioning, but they're still saying there is potentially some cognitive dysfunction," Krakower said. "Even the smaller changes in cognitive function can still have long-lasting impacts on younger adults and adolescents." Additionally, it's tough to gain knowledge from reviews like this because the researchers are combining data from vastly different studies, which used different ways to measure mental ability and to judge the frequency of pot use, Krakower added. "It's hard to make an interpretation based on all of this," he concluded. Explore further Marijuana may lead non-smokers to cigarettes More information: J. Cobb Scott et al. Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults, JAMA Psychiatry (2018). Journal information: JAMA Psychiatry J. Cobb Scott et al. Association of Cannabis With Cognitive Functioning in Adolescents and Young Adults,(2018). DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.0335 Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Credit: Northeastern University How do you feel when you're angry? Tense? Jittery? Exhausted? Is it the same every time? Is it identical to how your best friend, co-worker, or barista feel when they experience anger? In all likelihood the answer is no, that how you experience anger varies between situations, and that how you experience it varies from others. According to new research from Northeastern, how your body physically changes during anger and other emotions can also widely varyfindings that upend hundreds of years of conventional wisdom. Psychologists have long operated under the notion that categories of emotionanger, sadness, fear, disgust, happiness, surpriseeach have its own physiological fingerprint. For example, your blood pressure should go up when you're angry or your heart rate should rise when you're scared. That assumption, however, is not true. That's according to new research led by Lisa Feldman Barrett, University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern, Karen S. Quigley, research associate professor of psychology, and Erika Siegel, postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, and a former Northeastern doctoral student who started the work as part of her dissertation. Barrett, Quigley, and their colleagues performed a meta-analysis of more than 200 studies that measured the emotional states and corresponding bodily changes of more than 8,400 people. The results, published recently in the journal Psychological Bulletin, showed that variation is the norm when it comes to physical changes during emotion. Former doctoral students Paul Condon, Yale Chang, and Molly Sands, as well as Jennifer Dy, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, were co-authors of the study. "We conclusively show across hundreds of studies that this common-sense beliefthat each emotion has its own bodily fingerprintis just false," Barrett said. For example, Barrett said bodily responses such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure fluctuate significantly across all emotion categories. The new study suggests there is not, in fact, a single physiological fingerprint for each emotion, but rather a population of potential responses. In past research, Barrett has also shown there is little scientific evidence that emotions have specific facial expressions. "It turns out that people scowl in anger about 20 percent of the time. They make many, many different facial movements when they're angry, and they also scowl at times when they're not angry," she said. "Variation, again, is the norm." What findings could mean for tech companies Debunking this long-held myth could have major implications for technology companies that build emotion-reading gadgets and apps, Quigley explained. "These companies usually assume that a pattern of peripheral physiological measures can tell you how a person feels, such as trying to detect 'happiness' using only physiological responses," Quigley said. "This work shows that it is just not that simple." The new findings, Barrett explained, are relevant to companies focused on developing artificial intelligence platforms to read human emotion. "Instead of building one model that reads anger for everybody in the whole world, you may need to build a model that reads the variable changes in anger for a single person over time, depending on the context," Barrett said. Neil Harrison, Wellcome Clinician Scientist and Reader in Neuropsychiatry at Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the United Kingdom, studies how changes in the body interact with the brain to modulate emotion. He said the question of whether emotional categories have bodily fingerprints has stumped scientists "dating back at least to the time of Darwin." "This impressive study by Barrett and colleagues represents perhaps the most ambitious attempt yet to address this question," Harrison said. "The findings suggest that rather than adopting a classical approach, there is a more fundamental need to reappraise the whole concept of emotion-specific patterning of automatic nervous system responses." Explore further Was Darwin wrong about emotions? More information: Emotion fingerprints or emotion populations? A meta-analytic investigation of autonomic features of emotion categories. Psychological Bulletin, dx.doi.org/10.1037/bul0000128 Journal information: Psychological Bulletin Emotion fingerprints or emotion populations? A meta-analytic investigation of autonomic features of emotion categories. Spending on cancer drugs in the United States has nearly doubled in the past five years and continues to grow, imposing substantial financial burden on patients with cancer. One of the biggest drivers of this growth is targeted cancer drugs - small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapies for cancer that target specific genomic aberrations. Now, a group led by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has proposed three solutions to maximize the clinical benefit and affordability of targeted cancer drugs. The recommendations were published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Lead author, Justin E. Bekelman, MD, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology and member of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center, will also discuss the recommendations today in a major symposium at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Chicago (Session SY04). To consider potential solutions, the University of Pennsylvania convened the Gant Consortium, a multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders from cancer medicine, patient advocacy, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and health care economics, policy, law, and regulation, co-chaired by Bekelman. On the basis of these discussions, the authors propose three principal solutions: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should develop guidance that defines minimum clinically meaningful effect sizes required for approval of targeted cancer drugs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should conduct a demonstration project in which Medicare negotiates prices for targeted cancer drugs and employs formulary tools to prioritize highly effective drugs while protecting access to therapy for every cancer indication. Practice guidelines should prioritize targeted cancer drugs and treatment regimens by clinical benefit and price. "The remarkable national commitment to cancer research, and the promise, expense, and projected growth of targeted cancer drugs call for solutions to promote drugs that yield meaningful clinical benefits while reducing overall price growth and out-of-pocket spending for patients." Bekelman said. Spending on cancer drugs in the U.S. jumped from $26 billion in 2012 to more than $45 billion in 2016, and 60 percent of that growth is the result of spending on targeted cancer drugs. According to at least one estimate, cancer drugs will account for one-quarter of the late-stage pharmaceutical research and development pipeline in the U.S. by 2021, and 87 percent of these products will be targeted agents. The authors point to two specific drugs as examples. The first is imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It's highly effective and has relatively low toxicity compared to previous CML therapies. The 10-year overall survival rate for CML patients taking the drug is 84 percent, and the introduction of the drug in 2001 more than halved the mortality rate of CML cases in the U.S. In 2015, Medicare's estimated monthly price for the drug was $9,299. For contrast, the co-authors also consider neratinib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The drug was approved by the FDA after improving invasive disease-free survival by 2 percent (from 92 percent to 94 percent) after two years of follow up, but without published survival data. The estimated monthly price of the drug is $10,500. "Imatinib shows the promise of targeted therapy, whereas neratinib exemplifies the concern that marginally effective treatments are putting a strain on U.S. health care spending," said senior author Steven Joffe, MD, MPH, the Emanuel and Robert Hart Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and co-Chair of the Gant Consortium. "Distorted pricing of marginally effective cancer drugs could crowd out the capacity of the US health system to pay for highly effective cancer drugs that yield meaningful clinical benefits or for other therapies of public health importance." Regular FDA approval for drugs is based on demonstration of clinical benefit, defined as longer life, better quality of life, or an established surrogate for one of the two. Accelerated FDA approval for drugs is based on results reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. "The FDA has not specified what characterizes meaningful clinical benefit for regulatory approval," Bekelman said. "This ambiguity is problematic in cases where new targeted cancer drugs show statistically significant but clinically questionable improvements. Thoughtful guidance on what defines minimum clinical benefit for drug approval would help manufacturers design appropriate trials and help patients and their doctors make decisions about cancer therapies." Researchers also pointed to the need for Medicare to be able to negotiate for targeted cancer drugs, something that's not currently allowed. As of now, Medicare pays for cancer drugs under the Part B and D benefits. In Part B, hospitals and physicians buy the drug, and then bill Medicare at 6 percent above the average sales prices. Under Part D, insurance companies or pharmacy benefit managers typically manage pricing negotiations. "As the largest purchaser of cancer drugs in the U.S., Medicare should pilot a program where it has the tools to negotiate directly with drug makers on price," Joffe said. "This can be achieved while still giving patients access to cancer drugs for every available indication." Finally, the authors call for evidence-based practice guidelines to give physicians and patients a better ability to consider the prices of targeted cancer drugs alongside their benefits and harms when selecting treatments. Although organizations that produce practice guidelines have taken steps to incorporate costs, they should go further. "Guidelines should rank order cancer regimens and targeted cancer drugs by effectiveness and price and promote greater price transparency," Bekelman said. Explore further Two drugs are better than one in fight against leukaemia Credit: CC0 Public Domain A strategy that examines a patient's overall heart disease and stroke risk to determine blood pressure treatmentrather than blood pressure levels aloneis more effective at preventing events like heart attacks, strokes and death, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine. "These results challenge past paradigms in hypertension management and highlight the merits of using predicted cardiovascular risk to guide blood pressure-lowering treatment intensity," said first author Kunal Karmali, '07 MD, MS, '16 GME, a Northwestern Medicine cardiologist and a former fellow in Preventive Medicine. Donald Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, senior associate dean for Clinical and Translational Research and chair of Preventive Medicine, was also a co-author of the paper. Traditionally, clinical guidelines on the use of blood pressure-lowering drugs have been based primarily on a patient's blood pressure levels. In contrast, guidelines for aspirin and cholesterol management use a multivariable cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment approach. Such an assessment takes into account a range of factors, such as age, sex, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and smoking status to guide treatment initiation and intensity. "We can't focus only on the blood pressure numberwe have to think about the whole patient and the context of their other risk factors." Previous researchincluding a study published in The Lancet co-authored by Karmali and Lloyd-Joneshas also suggested the benefit of using CVD risk assessment in making blood pressure treatment decisions. But until now, no study has directly compared the two strategies using clinical trial data of actual patient outcomes. In the current study, the international team of investigators analyzed individual data of more than 48,000 participants in 11 clinical trials. They compared the two strategies across the spectrum of risk and blood pressure levels, and demonstrated that a treatment strategy based on predicted five-year CVD risk could prevent more events including stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure and CVD deathas well as require the treatment of fewer people, than a strategy based on systolic blood pressure level alone. Although future prospective studies are needed to confirm the results of the study, the authors note that the findings lend further support to the role of CVD risk assessment in blood pressure treatment decisions for moderate- to high-risk patients, especially those without diabetes or existing cardiovascular disease. "These data strongly support the paradigm shift in how we think about preventing cardiovascular events with blood pressure lowering. We can't focus only on the blood pressure numberwe have to think about the whole patient and the context of their other risk factors," Lloyd-Jones said. "The recent 2017 blood pressure guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology specifically recommend assessing risk quantitatively, and considering that in addition to the blood pressure level." Explore further No cardiovascular disease reduction with intensive blood pressure lowering treatment More information: Kunal N. Karmali et al. Blood pressure-lowering treatment strategies based on cardiovascular risk versus blood pressure: A meta-analysis of individual participant data, PLOS Medicine (2018). Journal information: PLoS Medicine , The Lancet Kunal N. Karmali et al. Blood pressure-lowering treatment strategies based on cardiovascular risk versus blood pressure: A meta-analysis of individual participant data,(2018). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002538 A major step forward has been made by researchers at the University of St Andrews towards finding new treatments for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), the commonest genetic cause of infant death. SMA, which affects 1 in 6000 babies in the UK, is a form of motor neurone disease, in which motor neurones die, resulting in progressive paralysis. The severest type of SMA (type 1) usually results in a life expectancy of less than two years, but there are also later-onset types. SMA is caused by reduction in the amount of a protein called SMN (survival motor neurones). The SMN protein is needed in all types of cell, so it is not clear why motor neurones are particularly sensitive to damage. Dr. Judith Sleeman and Dr. Catherine Botting of the School of Biology at the University, along with Professor Tom Gillingwater and Dr. Ewout Groen at the University of Edinburgh, have discovered that Neurochondrin, an essential protein found in nerve cells, interacts with the protein SMN. The research, published in the Journal of Cell Science, found that this interaction most likely occurs in mobile structures within the cell, important in transporting biological messengers inside nerve cells. Transport within cells is of particular importance in motor neurones, due to their huge length, connecting the spinal cord to muscles throughout the body. Within the spinal cord, Neurochondrin is present in particularly high amounts in motor neurones, suggesting that it is important in the cells most severely affected in SMA. The researchers now plan to examine whether the Neurochondrin protein is involved in the damage to motor neurones seen in SMA patients, and investigate design of novel therapies for SMA based on this interaction. Dr. Sleeman, Lecturer in Developmental Cell Biology in the School of Biology at the University of St Andrews, said: "This is a very exciting time for SMA research, with the first treatment recently released and promising results from gene therapy trials. However, it is unlikely that the treatments currently available or in development will provide a complete cure for SMA or be suitable for all patients. It is imperative that we understand how cells are damaged in SMA patients to continue to improve the lives of people affected by this devastating condition." Explore further Cell study may aid bid for motor neurone therapies More information: Luke W. Thompson et al. Neurochondrin interacts with the SMN protein suggesting a novel mechanism for spinal muscular atrophy pathology, Journal of Cell Science (2018). Journal information: Journal of Cell Science Luke W. Thompson et al. Neurochondrin interacts with the SMN protein suggesting a novel mechanism for spinal muscular atrophy pathology,(2018). DOI: 10.1242/jcs.211482 Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said on Tuesday that the attacks on Syria will be regarded as a shameful heresy at international relations, and advised all to be sensitive to illegal interference in regional developments, IRNA reported. Rouhani made the remarks in a telephone conversation with his Turkish counterpart Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday. Iran attaches importance to Turkey as a neighboring Muslim state; Rouhani said, adding that Tehran is satisfied with deepening of excellent ties between the two countries. The recent military strike of the US, Britain and France on Syria was a shameful heresy at international organizations letting some bullying powers to invade any country they wished, Rouhani said. During the telephone conversation, the Turkish president, for his part, said Ankara welcomes expansion of all-out relations and cooperation with Tehran. On Syrian developments, President Erdogan said the country's territorial integrity should be respected and all should know that the country's problems should be resolved through political means and also recent developments proved the significant joint efforts of Iran, Russia and Turkey in dealing with the country's developments. Criticizing the use of chemical weapons, he said the UN inspectors should launch their investigations and all parties should help them to attain their goals. YEREVAN. Zhoghovurd (People) newspaper has learned from well-informed sources that some MPs of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) faction at the National Assembly (NA) on Tuesday took the capital city Yerevan subwayand togetherto the NA, to take part in ex-President Serzh Sargsyans election as the next Prime Minister. According to some information, a special [subway] train operated for them at a specific hour. Because of the protest demonstrations in Yerevan, police blocked Baghramyan Avenue [where the NA is located], and [therefore] the [RPA] deputies decided to surmount the barrier in this way. Otherwise, there was concern that if the police opened the road to their cars, the demonstrators also can attack. One fact, too: Several NA staff () went to the parliament at around 4 oclock at night to understand the situation from inside and present it to their bosses, wrote Zhoghovurd. 3 persons serving life sentence in Armenia on hunger strike Aliyev promises appropriate response if Armenia provides clear maps of minefields 168.am: Why Turkey private plane lands in Yerevan? Turkey, Russia play important role in stability and security in the region, says Azerbaijan president Azerbaijans Aliyev ready to meet with Armenias Pashinyan at any time when latter is ready Armenia deputy PM, Czech Rep. FM discuss regional developments Petition filed with court to arrest Armenia army general staff deputy chief Armenia ex-ruling party official: Inadmissible to start substantive talks with Turkey, Azerbaijan today Armenia official: Corridors or roads may be opened which Azerbaijanis or Turkey will be able to use Man, 55, found dead hanging from tree in Armenias Vayots Dzor Province village forest 1,152 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Yerevan hosts CIS Tourism Council regular meeting Georgia ex-President Saakashvili was preparing coup after local elections, says ruling party leader Armenia Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting may take place in possible near future US, Turkey top defense officials discuss military cooperation Georgia local elections kick off Newspaper: Azerbaijanis impose another restriction at Vorotan section of Armenias Goris-Kapan motorway China air force sends 38 warplanes off Taiwan coast Newspaper: Armenia arrested ex-defense minister refuses to testify Bloomberg: Eurozone records record inflation of past 13 years in September Biden, Armenia ambassador exchange messages in writing Serzh Sargsyan to Aliyev: If there was no shift of power in Armenia, you would never see Shushi and Hadrut Georgia President says she won't grant pardon to Saakashvili Armenia's Prime Minister and President meet Georgia Prosecutor General's Office: Verdicts against Saakashvili are not subject to appeal GeoProMining Armenia obtained 60% of Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine on Sep. 30, 2021 Saakashvili has new wife, sensational news announced on day of his arrest Armenia PM receives Czech FM Armenian Turkologist: Russia and Turkey are compelled to cooperate, and this is in Moscow's favor Saakashvili's United National Movement political party announces preparation for large-scale demonstration ANCA: Israel sending descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors as its ambassador to Azerbaijan Armenia Armed Forces General Staff's deputy chief Stepan Galstyan is detained Georgian presses report that Saakashvili is in a prison in Tbilisi Armenian and Russian FMs hold phone talks Garibashvili: Saakashvili is apprehended in Georgia Digest: Azerbaijan declares Armenians wanted, Armenia arms supplier to be arrested Biden administration to ramp up existing billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese imports Serzh Sargsyan: Congress of Republican Party of Armenia will be held at the end of this year Iranian Ambassador to Armenian justice minister: Iran has plans to make investments in Armenia Armenia PM congratulates Cyprus President on Independence Day Armenia defense minister, Iran Ambassador discuss situation in the region Armenia MOD receives Japan Ambassador Armenia ruling party presents program ahead of elections of Council of Elders of Gyumri Karabakh search for fallen Armenian soldiers remains yields no results Friday Armenia Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine co-owner: This is first step in broader investment vision Armenia Deputy PM Suren Papikyan receives UK Ambassador Armenia premier congratulates on 72nd anniversary of People's Republic of China Celebrity content on Instagram is linked to negative user feelings Iran ambassador to Azerbaijan: Dreams of Zionism for this region will never be interpreted Dollar goes up in Armenia Sarkissian: Armenia highly values relations with China Peskov: Putin and Erdogan discussed construction of new nuclear power plants in Turkey Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia Australians to be allowed to travel abroad from November Armenia high-tech industry minister receives Japan Ambassador Armenia v. Azerbaijan case hearing days announced at International Court of Justice Suicide occurs in Artsakhs Vank village Pakistan bans unvaccinated adults from domestic flights Ambassador to minister: India ready to further deepen collaboration with Armenia in defense sector President: Armenia attaches great importance to cooperation with China Azerbaijan declares Armenians wanted on charges of committing crimes during its own military aggression Ex-President Kocharyan discusses future tactics with opposition Armenia Faction MPs, analysts (PHOTOS) Turkey and Greece to hold next round of bilateral talks on October 6 Azerbaijan prosecutor general plans to hold accountable foreign companies working in Karabakh Woman, 74, dies of coronavirus in Artsakh Yerevan to host 5th meeting of Armenian-Czech intergovernmental commission Armenia FM: Karabakh conflicts peaceful political settlement remains on agenda Prague welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs New York meeting, says Czech Rep. foreign minister Armenia ambassador briefs US Congress member on challenges after Azerbaijan military aggression against Karabakh Czech Rep. FM visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan (PHOTOS) FM: Artsakh ready to negotiate with Azerbaijan on equal footing 934 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Artsakh President has new Chief Adviser Iran Army Ground Forces begin military exercises in northwestern border Armenia government plans to increase revenues by almost 30% in 2022 state budget, which is unrealistic Australias New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns Grape harvest in Artsakh's Amaras valley carried out with interruptions due to Azerbaijan provocations Newspaper: Reporting, providing fake, false information to Armenia parliament inquiry committees to be criminalized? Newspaper: Armenia army general staff chief to be summoned for questioning Greece PM says he has no intention of entering into arms race with Turkey Armenia arms supplier to be arrested International Court of Justice to hold public hearings over Armenia v. Azerbaijan lawsuit on October 14-15 Israel opens embassy in Bahrain US couple die from COVID-19 in same hospital one minute apart GRECO releases interim report on Armenia, says situation incompatible with judicial independence Russian analyst predicts granting of special status to Karabakh and "eternal" presence of Russian peacekeepers Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Ground Force commander warns Azerbaijan Armenia ex-defense minister Davit Tonoyan arrested South Korean authorities prepare for regular contacts with Pyongyang More than half of Britons are disappointed with Brexit Erdogan on purchase of S-400s and Turkey's relations with the US: It was worth it Russia MFA: Moscow hopes OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' visit helps organize Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders' meeting Erdogan: "Zangezur corridor will open opportunities for the region" Serbia, Kosovo agree to reduce tension on border Digest: Armenian ex-defense minister charged, Putin and Erdogan discuss Karabakh conflict Armenia FM and Iran Ambassador discuss situation on Goris-Kapan motorway Newly appointed Ambassador of France presents credentials to Armenia President Russian MFA: Moscow continues to work on the release of Armenian POWs Russia MFA: Moscow has submitted proposals to Yerevan, Baku on border delimitation talks Armenia justice minister meets with head of CoE Office in Yerevan, presents ministry's reforms agenda YEREVAN. The rally of the movement, led by My Step initiative leader, Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) of Armenia Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan, is in progress on Wednesday morning, at France Square in capital city Yerevan. On Tuesday, Pashinyan and his supporters closed off and marched through several streets in downtown Yerevan. Subsequently, they blocked the buildings of a number of state agencies. In the evening, a rally of thousands of people held at Republic Square at the heart of Yerevan, where Pashinyan presented his plan. We need to block departmental buildings, roads, highways, he had said. Tomorrow, we will start operations at 10am. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee that will coordinate all actions, and they will begin the third phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. On Monday, Police used special means, especially stun grenades, against the demonstrators at Baghramyan Avenue. As a result of these clashes, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere taken to hospital. And on Tuesday, police detained several demonstrators from the streets of Yerevan. According to police, 76 of the 82 people that were detained have been released. On March 31, the opposition Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armeniaand whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next Prime Ministerand which concluded on April 13, with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square. But on Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. YEREVAN. After being closed off for several days, Baghramyan Avenuein Armenias capital city of Yerevanwas reopened on Wednesday morning. Police have removed the barbed wires, special measures, and armored equipment from the avenue. France Square also is open at this time, and traffic there has been restored in full. At present, the demonstrators, who were to start a rally at 10am at France Square, are assembled nearby the Aram Khachaturian statue. On Tuesday, My Step initiative leader, Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters closed off and marched through several streets in downtown Yerevan. Subsequently, they blocked the buildings of a number of state agencies. In the evening, a rally of thousands of people held at Republic Square at the heart of Yerevan, where Pashinyan presented his plan. We need to block departmental buildings, roads, highways, he had said. Tomorrow, we will start operations at 10am. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee that will coordinate all actions, and they will begin the third phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. On Monday, Police used special means, especially stun grenades, against the demonstrators at Baghramyan Avenue. As a result of these clashes, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere taken to hospital. And on Tuesday, police detained several demonstrators from the streets of Yerevan. According to police, 76 of the 82 people that were detained have been released. On March 31, the opposition Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armeniaand whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next Prime Ministerand which concluded on April 13, with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square. But on Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. YEREVAN. All 86 people whom the police detained in capital city Yerevan on Tuesday, and on suspicion of committing an administrative offense, were released late in the evening, the Police of Armenia informed Armenian News-NEWS.am. But eighteen detained students were held in police custody for more than nine hours, instead of three hours, as specified by law. On Tuesday, My Step initiative leader, Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters closed off and marched through several streets in downtown Yerevan, and in protest of ex-President Serzh Sargsyan being elected Prime Minister. Subsequently, they blocked the buildings of a number of state agencies. In the evening, a rally of thousands of people held at Republic Square at the heart of Yerevan, where Pashinyan presented his plan. We need to block departmental buildings, roads, highways, he had said. Tomorrow, we will start operations at 10am. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee that will coordinate all actions, and they will begin the third phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. On Monday, Police used special means, especially stun grenades, against the demonstrators at Baghramyan Avenue. As a result of these clashes, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere taken to hospital. And on Tuesday, police detained several demonstrators from the streets of Yerevan. On March 31, the opposition Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armeniaand whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next Prime Ministerand which concluded on April 13, with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square. But on Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. Catholicos of All Armenians receives new Ambassador of Sweden 3 persons serving life sentence in Armenia on hunger strike Aliyev promises appropriate response if Armenia provides clear maps of minefields 168.am: Why Turkey private plane lands in Yerevan? Turkey, Russia play important role in stability and security in the region, says Azerbaijan president Azerbaijans Aliyev ready to meet with Armenias Pashinyan at any time when latter is ready Armenia deputy PM, Czech Rep. FM discuss regional developments Petition filed with court to arrest Armenia army general staff deputy chief Armenia ex-ruling party official: Inadmissible to start substantive talks with Turkey, Azerbaijan today Armenia official: Corridors or roads may be opened which Azerbaijanis or Turkey will be able to use Man, 55, found dead hanging from tree in Armenias Vayots Dzor Province village forest 1,152 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Yerevan hosts CIS Tourism Council regular meeting Georgia ex-President Saakashvili was preparing coup after local elections, says ruling party leader Armenia Security Council chief: Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting may take place in possible near future US, Turkey top defense officials discuss military cooperation Georgia local elections kick off Newspaper: Azerbaijanis impose another restriction at Vorotan section of Armenias Goris-Kapan motorway China air force sends 38 warplanes off Taiwan coast Newspaper: Armenia arrested ex-defense minister refuses to testify Bloomberg: Eurozone records record inflation of past 13 years in September Biden, Armenia ambassador exchange messages in writing Serzh Sargsyan to Aliyev: If there was no shift of power in Armenia, you would never see Shushi and Hadrut Georgia President says she won't grant pardon to Saakashvili Armenia's Prime Minister and President meet Georgia Prosecutor General's Office: Verdicts against Saakashvili are not subject to appeal GeoProMining Armenia obtained 60% of Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine on Sep. 30, 2021 Saakashvili has new wife, sensational news announced on day of his arrest Armenia PM receives Czech FM Armenian Turkologist: Russia and Turkey are compelled to cooperate, and this is in Moscow's favor Saakashvili's United National Movement political party announces preparation for large-scale demonstration ANCA: Israel sending descendant of Armenian Genocide survivors as its ambassador to Azerbaijan Armenia Armed Forces General Staff's deputy chief Stepan Galstyan is detained Georgian presses report that Saakashvili is in a prison in Tbilisi Armenian and Russian FMs hold phone talks Garibashvili: Saakashvili is apprehended in Georgia Digest: Azerbaijan declares Armenians wanted, Armenia arms supplier to be arrested Biden administration to ramp up existing billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese imports Serzh Sargsyan: Congress of Republican Party of Armenia will be held at the end of this year Iranian Ambassador to Armenian justice minister: Iran has plans to make investments in Armenia Armenia PM congratulates Cyprus President on Independence Day Armenia defense minister, Iran Ambassador discuss situation in the region Armenia MOD receives Japan Ambassador Armenia ruling party presents program ahead of elections of Council of Elders of Gyumri Karabakh search for fallen Armenian soldiers remains yields no results Friday Armenia Zangezur Copper Molybdenum Combine co-owner: This is first step in broader investment vision Armenia Deputy PM Suren Papikyan receives UK Ambassador Armenia premier congratulates on 72nd anniversary of People's Republic of China Celebrity content on Instagram is linked to negative user feelings Iran ambassador to Azerbaijan: Dreams of Zionism for this region will never be interpreted Dollar goes up in Armenia Sarkissian: Armenia highly values relations with China Peskov: Putin and Erdogan discussed construction of new nuclear power plants in Turkey Catholicos of All Armenians receives newly appointed Ambassador of Sweden to Armenia Australians to be allowed to travel abroad from November Armenia high-tech industry minister receives Japan Ambassador Armenia v. Azerbaijan case hearing days announced at International Court of Justice Suicide occurs in Artsakhs Vank village Pakistan bans unvaccinated adults from domestic flights Ambassador to minister: India ready to further deepen collaboration with Armenia in defense sector President: Armenia attaches great importance to cooperation with China Azerbaijan declares Armenians wanted on charges of committing crimes during its own military aggression Ex-President Kocharyan discusses future tactics with opposition Armenia Faction MPs, analysts (PHOTOS) Turkey and Greece to hold next round of bilateral talks on October 6 Azerbaijan prosecutor general plans to hold accountable foreign companies working in Karabakh Woman, 74, dies of coronavirus in Artsakh Yerevan to host 5th meeting of Armenian-Czech intergovernmental commission Armenia FM: Karabakh conflicts peaceful political settlement remains on agenda Prague welcomes Armenia, Azerbaijan FMs New York meeting, says Czech Rep. foreign minister Armenia ambassador briefs US Congress member on challenges after Azerbaijan military aggression against Karabakh Czech Rep. FM visits Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan (PHOTOS) FM: Artsakh ready to negotiate with Azerbaijan on equal footing 934 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Artsakh President has new Chief Adviser Iran Army Ground Forces begin military exercises in northwestern border Armenia government plans to increase revenues by almost 30% in 2022 state budget, which is unrealistic Australias New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns Grape harvest in Artsakh's Amaras valley carried out with interruptions due to Azerbaijan provocations Newspaper: Reporting, providing fake, false information to Armenia parliament inquiry committees to be criminalized? Newspaper: Armenia army general staff chief to be summoned for questioning Greece PM says he has no intention of entering into arms race with Turkey Armenia arms supplier to be arrested International Court of Justice to hold public hearings over Armenia v. Azerbaijan lawsuit on October 14-15 Israel opens embassy in Bahrain US couple die from COVID-19 in same hospital one minute apart GRECO releases interim report on Armenia, says situation incompatible with judicial independence Russian analyst predicts granting of special status to Karabakh and "eternal" presence of Russian peacekeepers Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Ground Force commander warns Azerbaijan Armenia ex-defense minister Davit Tonoyan arrested South Korean authorities prepare for regular contacts with Pyongyang More than half of Britons are disappointed with Brexit Erdogan on purchase of S-400s and Turkey's relations with the US: It was worth it Russia MFA: Moscow hopes OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs' visit helps organize Armenian and Azerbaijani leaders' meeting Erdogan: "Zangezur corridor will open opportunities for the region" Serbia, Kosovo agree to reduce tension on border Digest: Armenian ex-defense minister charged, Putin and Erdogan discuss Karabakh conflict Armenia FM and Iran Ambassador discuss situation on Goris-Kapan motorway Newly appointed Ambassador of France presents credentials to Armenia President Russian MFA: Moscow continues to work on the release of Armenian POWs Russia MFA: Moscow has submitted proposals to Yerevan, Baku on border delimitation talks YEREVAN. The marching demonstratorsled by My Step initiative leader, Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) of Armenia Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyanon Wednesday afternoon arrived outside Yerevan State University (YSU), where they decided to take a stopover. [Here] well do a small assembly for 15 to 20 minutes, and [then] continue our march, Pashinyan announced, and he called on the YSU students to boycott their classes and join their movement. Subsequently, the demonstrators entered the YSU main building from its secondary entrance and went out to its main entrance. Pashinyan said they had come here because they had received a report that the YSU doors were closed before the students. On Tuesday Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters closed off and marched through several streets in downtown Yerevan, and in protest of ex-President Serzh Sargsyan being elected Prime Minister. Also, they blocked the buildings of a number of state agencies. In the evening, a rally of thousands of people held at Republic Square at the heart of Yerevan, where Pashinyan presented his plan. We need to block departmental buildings, roads, highways, he had said. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee which will coordinate all actions, and that they will begin the third phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. Yerevan Police on Tuesday detained 86 people, who, as per the law enforcement, were released late in the evening. On Monday, Police used special means, especially stun grenades, against the demonstrators at Baghramyan Avenue. As a result of these clashes, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere taken to hospital. And on Tuesday, police detained several demonstrators from the streets of Yerevan. On March 31, the Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armeniaand whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next Prime Ministerand which concluded on April 13, with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square. But on Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. YEREVAN. As of Wednesday at noon, police detained 68 people in capital city Yerevan, informed the Police of Armenia. On Tuesday, My Step initiative leader, Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters closed off and marched through several streets in downtown Yerevan, and in protest of ex-President Serzh Sargsyan being elected Prime Minister. Subsequently, they blocked the buildings of a number of state agencies. In the evening, a rally of thousands of people held at Republic Square at the heart of Yerevan, where Pashinyan presented his plan. We need to block departmental buildings, roads, highways, he had said. Tomorrow, we will start operations at 10am. Also, he noted that they will form a revolutionary committee that will coordinate all actions, and they will begin the third phase of their actions on Wednesday. Tomorrow, the entire city of Yerevan will be paralyzed, he added. Yerevan Police on Tuesday detained 86 people, who, as per the law enforcement, were released late in the evening. On Monday, Police used special means, especially stun grenades, against the demonstrators at Baghramyan Avenue. As a result of these clashes, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere taken to hospital. And on Tuesday, police detained several demonstrators from the streets of Yerevan. On March 31, the opposition Civil Contract Party, led by Nikol Pashinyan, had started a protest march through several towns of Armeniaand whose objective is to prevent the third term in office by ex-President Serzh Sargsyan; but this time as the next Prime Ministerand which concluded on April 13, with a rally at Liberty Square in downtown Yerevan, and then with a round-the-clock sit-in at France Square. But on Tuesday, the National Assembly elected Serzh Sargsyan as the Prime Minister of Armenia. Russia may block Facebook in 2018, Roscomnadzor chief Alexander Zharov told Izvestia newspaper. According to him, Russia might consider blocking Facebook if the platform fails to locate the Russian citizens database and remove all illegal content. If the company fails to fulfill requirements or Russia is not informed about the intention to take certain steps, the country will block the social network, he said. According Alexander Zharov, he regularly held meetings with Facebook representatives and raised this question again in February, 2018. Roscomnadzor chief also questioned the possibility of the work of Amazon and Google services on the territory of Russia following Telegram ban. After Telegram ban, the agency blocked more than 15 million IP-addresses. Telegram founder, Pavel Durov, in turn, said that Telegram remained available for the majority of Russias residents About 60 Russian companies applied for legal assistance to the International Human Rights Group Agora because of the massive ban on IP addresses. The OSCE Mission conducted a planned monitoring of the ceasefire regime on the border of Artsakh and Azerbaijan, in the north-east direction of the Hadrut region on April 18, in accordance with the arrangement reached with the authorities of the Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh Republic). From the positions of the Defense Army of the Republic of Artsakh, the monitoring was conducted by Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office (CiO) Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk and his Field Assistants Ognjen Jovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Mihail Olaru (Moldova). From the opposite side of the border, the monitoring was conducted by Field Assistant to the Personal Representative of the OSCE CiO Ghenadie Petrica (Moldova) and Personal Assistant to the CiO Personal Representative Simon Tiller (Great Britain). The monitoring passed in accordance with the agreed schedule. From the Artsakh side, the monitoring mission was accompanied by representatives of the Republic of Artsakh Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defense. YEREVAN. If their participants do not break the law, the protests being held in capital city Yerevan raise the international standing of Armenia. Gagik Minasyan, an MP from the ruling Republican Party of Armenia, stated about the aforementioned at a press conference on Wednesday. He noted that some Armenian citizens have taken to the streets to exercise their rights. That is a normal phenomenon for democratic countries, the deputy added, in particular. In his words, the opposition and the authorities conduct over the past several days inspires the hope that protests will not turn into unrest. But Minasyan stressed that the special means, which the police had used against the protesters, were lawful. Otherwise, as per the ruling party lawmaker, the police would not have resorted to such action. My Step initiative leader, opposition Civil Contract Party member, and National Assembly (NA) Way Out (Yelk) Faction head Nikol Pashinyan and his supporters are staging protests on Yerevan streets, ever since April 13, and by blocking streets and squares. They protest against ex-President Serzh Sargsyan being elected Prime Minister of Armenia. As a result of the clashes during these demonstrations, 46 peopleincluding Pashinyanwere injured, and police detained several dozen people. In addition, a criminal case has been filed into the protesters bursting into the Public Radio of Armenia building and regarding an incident that occurred at an intersection in downtown Yerevan. Ex-President Serzh Sargsyan was elected Prime Minister at Tuesdays NA special session, and by a vote of 77 for and 18 against. House panel agrees to suspend lawmakers put in judicial custody The Regulation Drafting Committee of the House of Representatives has agreed on provisions for automatic suspension of lawmakers facing custody on any charges. Armenian Cultural Days that will be held in Malta from 18 to 30 April have kicked off. It is for the first time that a European country is hosting such a massive event dedicated to theArmenian culture, Armenian Ambassador to Italy and concurrently Ambassador to Malta (residence in Rome) Victoria Baghdasaryan told reporters. The Ambassador thanked President of the European Foundation for Support of Culture Konstantin Ishkhanov and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) Board, under the Executive Chairmanship of Sigmund Mifsud for organizing Armenian Cultural Days. The event is organized by European Foundation for Support of Culture (EUFSC) endorsed by the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government of Malta, the Culture Ministry of Armenia, Arts Council Malta and the Valletta-2018 Foundation. The cultural events will start with the concert dedicated to the world-famous composer Aram Khachaturian on the occasion of the 115th anniversary of his birth. The program includes the Violin Concerto in D minor performed by the Rector of the Kazakh National University of Arts Aiman Mussakhajayeva accompanied by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor is the Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia Sergey Smbatyan. The program will also include an unprecedented concert by the prominent Armenian pianist Nareh Arghamanyan playing with the Maltese musicians. They will perform the works of the celebrated Grammy-nominated Armenian composer Tigran Mansurian, Aram Khachaturian and the famous Maltese composers. Screenings of selected movies by talented Armenian filmmakers the National Artist of the Republic of Armenia Artavazd Peleshyan, the National Artist of the Republic of Armenia Michael Poghosian and the young director Narek Safaryan will be held. Exhibitions dedicated to the great Armenian composers Komitas and Aram Khachaturian as well as Khachkars and The Mystery of Stones exhibitions will be presented. The premiere of Images of the Great Siege, the symphonic cycle for two orchestras by composer Alexey Shor, which is dedicated to the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 will be held. The concert that will feature the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra and the Armenia State Symphony Orchestra within the frameworks of the Malta International Music Festival. Gifted children from Malta and holders of scholarships from the Art and Culture Foundation from Armenia will present an exceptional concert program. Among the participants is an Armenian dance ensemble ARAXE which combines traditional Armenian dances with the elements of modern choreography. With the support of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), the best Junior Eurovision contestants from Armenia and Malta will perform. The world-famous Khachaturian Trio (Armine Grigoryan - piano, Karen Shahgaldyan - violin, Karen Kocharyan - cello) will also perform a concert program. The Armenian Cultural Days in Malta will close with THE MAGIC CELLO concert which will be held in the Republic Hall of the Mediterranean Conference Center. The Honored Artist of the Republic of Armenia, winner of the International Tchaikovsky Competition Narek Hakhnazaryan will perform accompanied by the Armenian State Symphony Orchestra under the direction of artistic director and chief conductor of the Sakhalin Symphony Orchestra Tigran Hakhnazaryan. Monte Cristo Spirits launched a series of wine dedicated to the 25th anniversary of the establishment of the Maltese-Armenian diplomatic relations and the Armenian Culture Days in Malta. Leader of My Step initiative MP Nikol Pashinyan urged to continue civil disobedience as thousands gathered for a rally at Republic Square on Tuesday evening. Addressing a huge crowd, Pashinyan called to surround government buildings, to close down streets and highways starting from 10am Wednesday morning. After being closed off for several days, Baghramyan Avenue was reopened on Wednesday. Later on the demonstrators gathered near presidential residence where newly elected PM Serzh Sargsyan will work. In his address to Sargsyan, Pashinyan warned that from now on the new PM will have to look outside through police shields and barbed wire. The protesters led by Pashinyan continued their march in downtown Yerevan. They held a sit-in near the City Hall and blocked the building of the Armenian Foreign Ministry. Police said 84 people were detained and 30 out of them released as of Wednesday afternoon. A serviceman of Artsakh army Ruslan Manukyan (born in 1998) was fatally wounded on Tuesday. Manukyan died at the protection area of a Defense Army unit, and as a result of a landmine explosion. The United States and Russia have reacted to the protests taking place in Yerevan and other cities in Armenia. We are monitoring closely ongoing protests in downtown Yerevan and other cities in Armenia, State Department said in a statement. We are encouraged by the responsible and respectful behavior of the vast majority of protestors and police throughout the last several days. State Department urged both government authorities and the protesters to exercise restraint and avoid any escalatory or violent actions. Spokesperson for Kremlin Dmitry Peskov said they are monitoring the developments in Armenia, and above all we hope that things will unfold within the framework of law. He also added that Vladimir Putin sent a telegram of congratulations to Serzh Sargsyan as Armenian PM, and later they had a phone call. Dutch State Secretary Menno Snel of Finance will attend the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide in Yerevan. This is the first time a member of the Dutch government will be present at the commemoration after the Dutch parliament passed a resolution recognizing the Armenian Genocide. From now on, a Dutch Minister or State Secretary will attend the commemoration every five years. President Armen Sarkissian on Wednesday signed an executive order. Accordingly, ex-Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan has been appointed First Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia. And with two other presidential decrees, Vache Gabrielyan and Armen Gevorgyan have been appointed Deputy Prime Ministers. Lets set sail Enhanced connectivity between Nepal and India was the theme of Prime Minister KP Olis recent visit to India. The inauguration of the Integrated Check Post at Birgunj and possible expansion of a rail link to Kathmandu were outcomes along expected lines. The Glendale City Council directed City Staff to negotiate the final Ground Lease Agreement for the Armenian American Museums Downtown Glendale site with a lease term of up to 95 years at $1 per year and approved the Museums Stage 1 Design Plans. The landmark approval marks a major milestone for the historic project and a major victory for Museum supporters. On the eve of the 103rd Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Museum supporters and community members packed into Glendale City Hall to witness the historic vote by the Glendale City Council. Museum representatives presented their vision for a three-story, 59,800 square-foot cultural and educational complex that would be located in the southwest corner of Central Park. The Museum will feature Permanent & Traveling Exhibitions, Performing Arts Theater, Demonstration Kitchen, Learning Center, Archives, Cafe, and Store. City Staff and urban design firm SWA Group also presented their vision for a redesigned Central Park that would preserve the parks open space, improve its amenities, and serve the community as Glendales new gathering place with the Museum as its focal point. We are pleased that the Glendale City Council and City of Glendale officials share our vision of building a world class cultural and educational center in the heart of Downtown Glendale that will be the pride of our entire community, stated Museum Co-Chair Archbishop Hovnan Derderian. The Armenian American Museum is a historic project that will celebrate culture, education, and empowerment and will serve as a bridge that will connect our diverse community members together in the spirit of humanity, stated Museum Co-Chair Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian. Glendale City Councils approval of the Stage 1 Design Plans is the first major approval for the project leading to the Stage 2 Plans review and the final Ground Lease Agreement consideration anticipated for Summer 2018. The initial term of the Ground Lease Agreement will be 55 years with options to extend the lease term for four 10-year periods totaling 95 years with a ground lease rate of $1 per year. Following the landmark approval, the Armenian American Museum plans to launch its capital campaign to raise funds for the construction of the cultural and educational center. The Museum will be hosting a Community-Wide Telethon on September 9, 2018 and holding its inaugural Gala at the Dolby Theater on December 9, 2018. Locking system to be fitted on more tankers Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) will be installing a security locking system on oil tankers bringing fuel through the Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa border points from April 23 in a bid to eliminate pilferage in transit. Currently, only tankers entering Nepal through Kakarbhitta are fitted with the locking system. The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today addressed the Indian Community in Stockholm. He thanked the Government of Sweden, in particular, His Majesty the King of Sweden; and the Prime Minister of Sweden, Mr. Stefan Lofven who was present at the event, for the warm welcome he received in Sweden. He said that India is going through a great transformation today. He said that the current Union Government had been elected on the mandate of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas. He said the Government has worked towards a developed and inclusive India, in the last four years. He said all efforts are being made to create a New India by 2022. The Prime Minister said that through initiatives such as International Yoga Day, efforts are also being made to see that India emerges as a global thought leader once again. He said the world is looking at India with confidence. In this context, he mentioned humanitarian relief and rescue efforts, the International Solar Alliance, and membership of key regimes such as MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group. He said the world is acknowledging Indias technological capability, including its space programme. The Prime Minister said that because of digital infrastructure, the format of engagement between citizens and Government is changing. Technology is bringing about accountability and transparency, he said. He said access to Government is no longer a privilege, but a practice. In this context, he mentioned faster file disposal, Ease of Doing Business, GST, Direct Benefit Transfer, and access to cooking gas through the Ujjwala Yojana. The Prime Minister said that through the MUDRA scheme, there are new opportunities available to entrepreneurs. He said 74 percent of the beneficiaries under the MUDRA scheme till now, are women. He also mentioned the Atal Innovation Mission, Skill India and Start Up India. The Prime Minister said that India is also building International Partnerships to boost innovation. In this context he mentioned the innovation partnership with Sweden, and a similar initiative with Israel. He said the Government is focusing on Ease of Living. In this context, he also mentioned the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which he described as the worlds biggest healthcare assurance scheme. The Prime Minister said that these steps are indicative of a transformation in India. He said that towards this end, the partnerships with Sweden and the other Nordic countries are very important. The Prime Minister urged the gathering to not limit their connect with India, to just an emotional one. He said the emerging New India offers them many opportunities to innovate, trade and invest as well. The British Prime Minister, Theresa May, on Tuesday in London urged countries that had made laws banning same-sex marriage to change their stand. She described such laws as outdated legislations. May made the call while addressing leaders at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting holding in the British capital. Nigeria is one of the Commonwealth nations that have promulgated laws against same-sex marriage. May promised her countrys support for any country that would revoke the law. She said three countries that had earlier made such laws recently revoked them and advised others to emulate them. She said no one should make any law persecuting or discriminating against another person on account of who the person chooses to love. The Prime Minister recalled that the last Commonwealth meeting resolved to float an organisation that would promote the interest of gays, lesbians and transgenders. She said, Recent years have brought welcome progress. The three nations that have most recently decriminalised same-sex relationships are all Commonwealth members, and since the heads of government last met, the Commonwealth has agreed to accredit its first organisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Yet there remains much to do. Nobody should face persecution or discrimination because of who they are or who they love. And the UK stands ready to support any Commonwealth member wanting to reform outdated legislation that makes such discrimination possible, because the world has changed. When, in 1953, the newly-crowned Queen Elizabeth set off on a tour of the Commonwealth, she travelled by air, sea and land on a journey that took more than five months. Today, many members of the Youth Forum have only ever known a time in which they can instantly converse with one another regardless of where in the world they live. Unlike previous generations, todays young people dont need an organisation like the Commonwealth to connect them. They can build their own bridges, forge their own links, mastermind and run their own campaigns. If the Commonwealth is to endure in such a world, we must demonstrate our relevance and purpose anew. We must show what the Commonwealth is capable of and this summit can be the moment where that change begins to happen. May also stated that her country was investing 44m for improving the abilities of member-nations to independently curb any menace of natural disasters in their countries. Senate yesterday summoned Defence Minister Mansur Dan-Ali, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele. It followed alleged withdrawal of $462 million for purchase of helicopters from an American firm. The House of Representatives also referred the matter to its Ethics and Privileges and Finance committees to look into alleged constitutional breach. The upper chamber said Dan-Ali, Adeosun and Emefiele should appear before its Appropriation Committee to explain the withdrawal and payment of the money to the American firm. The resolution followed a Point of Order by Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Imo East), who told the Senate the Federal Government withdrew the money in March, 2018. The Appropriation Committee was given one-week to report back to the Senate in plenary for consideration. Anyanwu, who came under Order 43 and Section 80 (20(3) of the Constitution, which prescribed the way and manner money from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation can be withdrawn, prayed the Senate to look into the matter. He said the withdrawal and payment were done without National Assemblys authorisation as required by the Constitution. Anyanwu said: I have it on good authority that in March, 2018, from the Federation Account, a whooping sum of $462 million was withdrawn by the Federal Government. The money was paid to an American firm for the purchase of helicopters called Helicopters Techno Fight. This was done without approval from this Senate and from the National Assembly. I know that there was no time any request was brought here for the approval of such an amount by the Federal Government from the Federation Account. As a sitting senator of this country, I want to find out how this thing was done. I will request that we invite the CBN governor, the Ministers of Defence and Finance. They need to tell us how these monies were withdrawn and paid to this American firm without the approval of the Senate. Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided, agreed with Anyanwu that the allegation should be investigated to put the record straight. Ekweremadu said: You have heard Senator Anyanwu. I think we should refer this matter to the Senate committee on Appropriation to find out the true position of things regarding that. The Appropriation committee should invite the three people to throw more light on this and report within one week. The House said the Presidency has by that action rendered the National Assembly nonfunctional, which was a breach of the constitution and the privileges of the lawmakers. Tobi Okechukwu (PDP, Enugu), while raising a point of order on breach of members privileges, said the payment of $400 million to a United States (U.S.)company for the military equipments procurement was a breach of the constitution and an affront on the National Assembly. This is a breach of privileges of members because the expenditure of $400 million made from the Federation Account was not ratified by the National Assembly. As I learnt, the Federal Government breached our collective privileges by making the parliament completely nonfunctional. Theres a mischief intended about this by not informing the parliament and this is exclusive of the $1 billion that was said to have been approved for the procurement of military equipment to tackle insurgency in the Northeast, he said. In his ruling, Speaker Yakubu Dogara did not allow debate of the issue but referred it to Ethics and Privileges and Finance Committees to look into it. Saying that the referral was not a full blown investigation yet, the Speaker noted that removal of monies from the Federation Account without the explicit approval of the parliament amounted to stealing of public funds. He said the veracity of the allegation must be investigated whether the breaches occurred or not and to what extent. Home | News | General | Police say attack on Governor Al-Makuras convoy politically motivated - Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa says the attack on Governor Umaru Al-Makuras convoy was politically motivated - He said preliminary investigation had revealed that the attack had political undertone - The commissioner also said that the police had embarked on intensive patrol of various settlements in the affected area Commissioner of Police in Nasarawa state, Mr Ahmed Bello, says Tuesdays attack on Governor Umaru Al-Makuras convoy by some youths at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Agwatashi, Obi local government area, was politically motivated. Bello told newsmen in Lafia shortly after a security meeting at the Government House, Lafia, that preliminary investigation had revealed that the attack had political undertone. He said investigation had begun to unravel those behind the incident, saying that the police would not rest on their oars until the perpetrators were arrested and punished. According to him, the security situation in the area had been brought under control with the deployment of police personnel. READ ALSO: APC might be imperfect but we are far from PDP - Tinubu The commissioner also said that the police had also embarked on intensive patrol of various settlements in the affected area with minimal security presence in order to ward off any attack. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor had visited the IDPs camp to assess the situation following the killing of over 32 persons by suspected herdsmen the previous week. However, when the governor attempted to address the IDPs, some youths in the camp started chanting different slogans, which made the governor to leave the camp. The situation became tensed when the youth began to pelt the governors convoy with stones, thereby compelling the police to disperse them with tear gas. Al-Makura blamed the situation on frustration caused by the challenges the IDPs faced. The reaction from the people is understandable given their plight and we have to use diplomacy to address the issues. Continuing to address them at the moment would not yield any result, so, we decided to avoid further altercation. However, this action appears to indicate that the problems in some of these communities are self-inflicted. If people can conduct themselves in this way, then you know that there is more to it than what is happening, Al-Makura said. The governor, however, advised the leaders of the communities to caution their people against mob actions and disrespect for law and order. If you will want to take laws into your own hands, you will be left to defend yourselves. However, as a responsible government desirous of protecting lives and property, we shall explore all avenues to ensure the safety of the people, he said. He directed chairmen of the affected local government areas to take stock of the people displaced with a view to providing relief materials to them. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 new app NAIJ.com had earlier reported that Governor Umaru Al-Makuras convoy was on Tuesday, April 17, pelted with stones by some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at Agwatashi, Obi local government area, when he paid a visit to the camp. Al-Makura had visited the camp with security chiefs in the state to assess situation arising from the Sunday killing of 32 persons in the area by suspected headsmen. Southern Kaduna killings, Part 2 - on NAIJ.com TV: [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Falana seeks explanation for fuel subsidy increase from N261bn to N1.4trn lagosHuman rights activist and Lagos Lawyer, Chief Femi Falana, SAN, yesterday filed a Freedom of Information request to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources demanding details of how the Nigerian governments payment of N261.4 billion per annum in fuel subsidy skyrocketed to N1.4 trillion. In the FOI request addressed to Ibe Kachikwu, the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Falana said the ministry failed to account for millions of litres of imported fuel between December 2017 and March this year. Femi Falana In December 2017, according to Mr Falana, the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) said the nations consumption rate of fuel was 28 million litres per day and that subsidy cost was N726 million per day (N261.4 billion per annum). But last month, Maikanti Baru, the NNPC Group Managing Director, said the corporation paid N774 million daily fuel subsidy due to a heightened petroleum consumption of 50 million litres per day. On April 6, Mr Kachikwu said the annual expenditure on fuel subsidy has risen to over N1.4 trillion. We are not unaware that the increasing consumption rate has been blamed on the smuggling of imported fuel from Nigeria to neighbouring countries by some economic saboteurs, Mr Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stated in his FOI request. Assuming without conceding that the story of smuggling is true the total volume of fuel consumed by Benin, Togo, Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Ghana is said to be less than 250,000 litres per day. You will agree with me that this does not explain the difference of 32 million litres per day between the consumption rate of imported fuel in December 2017 and March 2018. Mr Falana accused the minister of failing to disclose the amount realised from the sale of the 60 million litres at N145 per litre as well as the sale of the 445,000 barrels of crude oil allocated to the NNPC daily by the Federal Government. Honourable Minister, the convenient defense of smuggling as cheap justification for a gap of 32 million litres a day (at N145 per litre is N4.6 billion daily) is untenable given the billions of Naira continually expended on Project Aquila Software by the Petroleum Equalization Fund (PEF), a parastatal under your watch in the Petroleum Ministry, to track every litre of petroleum product evacuated from the Depots and sold at retail stations in the country. Since the Project Aquila Software has the capability to identify theowners and locations of all trucks loading petroleum products in Nigeria, why has your office and NNPC continued to blame smuggling for the drain of N4.6 billion daily on petroleum products? How many of the truck owners involved in the alleged smuggling have been arrested and arraigned in court since Aquila has the database of all Truck Owners in the country? Mr Falana requested for copies of the Bill of Laden and DPR certified Cargo Discharged Certificates of the imported subsidised Petroleum Products into the Country from December 2017 to March 2018 and the Offshore Processing Agreements pertaining to the Sale of the 445,000 barrels of crude oil per day plus any additional crude Barrels approved for domestic consumption from December 2017 to March 2018. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Are we as a people fair to those who put down their lives so that we remain united ? IBB Says Nigerians may not believe him due to June 12 saga Relives cordial relationship with Abiola even during the crisis A young Nigerian in the mould of Awo, Zik, Ahmadu Bello, OBJ must lead in 2019 Afenifere, Junaid Mohammed, Osuntokun react By Dapo Akinrefon & Gbenga Oke LAGOSFormer military President, Ibrahim Babangida, Monday night, reminisced over his role in aborting the June 12, 1993 elections won by late business mogul, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, saying he may go down in history as a leader without an autobiography. Former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida The June 12 presidential election annulment, which put the country on edge, is still generating controversies in the country nearly 25 years after. Leaders worldwide are known to give account of their lives in written form, with a view to reflecting on their past and keeping the present generation informed. Babangida, who spoke in an interview on Channels Television programme, Roadmap 2019, expressed doubts that Nigerians will find his book interesting and inspiring. According to him, Nigerians have a wrong impression of some of his actions in office between 1985 and 1993 when he served as Military President, citing the annulled June 12, 1993 elections. Babangida, who also spoke on the need for a new generation of Nigerians to take over the reins of power in the country in 2019, said: People may not read it (autobiography) because it is coming from a dictator. A lot will say dictator, he cancelled June 12 and that will kill the book. On June 12 election If God spares my life, I will discuss about June 12 election because I still believe people dont get what we were trying to put across. Nobody has ever sat down to say the two persons involved are friends, what went wrong? We tried to rationalise why we had to do what we did but nobody is prepared to listen to us. I have never seen anybody write anything on this to try to give people a different version altogether. The elder statesman wondered why people have been saying the election was the freest and fairest in the countrys history and yet failed to credit his government for the record. They keep saying he cancelled the freest election but why not give us credit for conducting that election, he asked. Babangida said the public misconception did not affect his relationship with Abiola, saying they were in touch, even during the June 12 crisis. He (Abiola) knew my feelings, I knew his feelings on the country generally because we do talk about Nigeria with the presumed winner of the truly democratically freest election, we talked about it, we even talked about it during the crisis itself. Ill hate to say that despite all that, two of us understood ourselves very well, that the level of friendship is so strong that we value our relationship very much but like I said of the typical Nigerian, its always the people. If you try to educate them, it sounds boring, or if you try to reason, he said. Abiola and June 12 The late Moshood Abiola, a philanthropist and successful businessman, had won the election which was later annulled by the then military government headed by Babangida. The poll, which was adjudged as one of the freest and fairest in Nigerias democratic history, was the first presidential election held in Nigeria since 1983 when the military took power in a coup. Abiola of the then Social Democratic Party, SDP, had defeated Bashir Tofa of the National Republican Convention, NCP. Nigeria needs a young leader IBB On the need for the country to be led by a young Nigerian in 2019, Babangida said: I want to see a young man with the vision of Obafemi Awolowo. I want to see a young man who has the charisma of Sardauna of Sokoto, Ahmadu Bello. I want to see a young man who has the eloquence, education, and powers of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe; and I want to see a young man who has convictions like General Olusegun Obasanjo, retd. If these two parties, (APC and PDP) are not options, then somebody should be sitting down to think about what to do, surely not to add 90 more political parties, but a constructive outfit that is durable because we have a free press. I havent seen arguments why these two are not options. I may have my own opinion but I think the arguments have not been well articulated. During the war of national unity, at least, two or three million people lost their lives in the course of keeping the country one. Are we as a people fair to those who put down their lives so that we remain united? I think to be fair to them, we have no option but to accept what they have done because they sacrificed their lives for us to remain united. We shouldnt negotiate anything about the unity of Nigeria. On the ongoing insurgency perpetrated by Boko Haram in the country, Babangida said: What we tend to forget is that the insurgents have also got tacticians or people who think for them, and once they do that, then you have a problem. You have to find a way of countering the information they dish out. There is no way other than good equipment, training, psychological operations to win the war. His statements should guide usAfenifere In its reaction, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, said Babangidas remarks should guide everyone in the future. Afeniferes National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yinka Odumakin said: I read Babangidas statement and I think those are the remorse of his twilight which should guide all of us to weigh our actions before they are taken. If there had not been annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, he (IBB) would have written his memoirs. The lesson for all of us is that we should not take actions that we will not be able to correct. Babangida is absolutely right Mohammed Also, a Second Republic lawmaker, Dr Junaid Mohammed, said the former Military President was right that he conducted a free and fair election in 1993. Mohammed said: I will say that, under the two party systems that was available to Nigerians, the elections were credibly fair, otherwise, it would not have been possible for someone like M.K.O. Abiola to win elections, landslide, especially in places like Kano. I think the General has every right to say that. I do not believe in the people who want to demonise Babangida, I think he should do his autobiography if he feels like and I am sure Nigerians will read him. But I totally agree with him on what he said that he conducted the freest elections in Nigeria. Its unnecessary self pityOsuntokun On his part, Political Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Mr Akin Osuntokun said: This is unnecessary self-pity. In the first place, people do not read autobiographies only because they love the author. Big time controversies sell biographies as much as identification with the author. So, on the contrary, I am sure a lot of Nigerians will like to hear the whole saga of the annulment debacle from the horses mouth. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Nepal seeks Chinese help for gainful aircraft operation Tourism Minister Rabindra Adhikari has requested Chinese to help Nepal to operate the aircraft recently received from China more profitably. Home | News | General | Chibok: Reps set up cttee to unravel current status, non-release of schoolgirls By Levinus Nwabughiogu ABUJAWorried by their continued stay in captivity, the House of Representatives, yesterday, set up an adhoc committee to investigate the circumstances of the abduction, status and non-rescue of the remaining 113 Chibok schoolgirls in Borno State. The decision was consequent upon a motion brought before the House on the heels of the 4th anniversary of the abduction. Adopting the motion entitled, Four years anniversary of abduction of Chibok schoolgirls: Call on the Federal Government to urgently rescue remaining Chibok schoolgirls in captivity, sponsored by Asabe Bashir (Borno) under Matters of Urgent Public Importance at, yesterdays plenary, the House called on the executive arm of government to urgently conclude negotiations and secure the release of the remaining abducted Chibok girls as well as the remaining Dapchi girl in Boko Haram custody. The House also urged the executive arm of government to be proactive in its duty to protect lives and property of Nigerians, especially school children. Ruling on the matter, Speaker of the House, Mr Yakubu Dogara, urged the government to ensure that the country would not mark another anniversary with the remaining girls not being united with their families. Bill to amend power sector reforms passes 2nd reading Meanwhile, the House in a related development, passed for second reading the Bill for an Act to Amend Electricity Power Sector Reform Act, Cap E7 , Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. If passed into law, the act would prohibit and criminalise estimated billing by electricity distribution companies and provide for compulsory installation of pre-paid metres to all power consumers in Nigeria. The bill is being sponsored by Majority Leader of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General NRB sets cash withdrawal limit on credit card to 25pc The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the central monetary authority, has introduced a new directive on electronic transaction, which bars credit cardholders from withdrawing more than 25 percent of credit limit in cash. At present, credit card users can exhaust the entire credit line by withdrawing cash. Home | News | General | Nasarawa killings: IDPs pelt Gov Al-Makuras convoy with stones By Peter Duru The convoy of Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State was, yesterday, pelted with stones by some Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, at Agwatashi, Obi Local Government Area, when he paid a visit to the camp. Gov. Al-Makura Al-Makura had visited the camp with security chiefs in the state to assess situations arising from Sundays killing of 32 persons in the area by suspected headsmen. This came on a day village Head, Chief Iyongovihi Ninge, was reportedly killed by suspected herdsmen who attacked Chembe settlement in Ukemberagya/Tswarev ward of Gaambe-Tiev, Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. Recall that suspected headsmen attacked some communities in Keana, Obi and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State and unleashed mayhem on the people. When the governor attempted to address the IDPs, some youths in the camp became unruly and started chanting slogans, which forced him to leave the camp. The situation became tensed when the youths began to pelt the governors convoy with stones, thus compelling the police to disperse them with teargas. Governor reacts Reacting, Governor Al-Makura attributed the situation to frustration as a result of challenges the IDPs are facing. He said: The reaction from the people is understandable, given their plight and we have to use diplomacy to address the issues. Continuing to address them at the moment would not yield any result, so we have decided to avoid further altercation. However, this action appears to indicate that the problems in some of these communities are self-inflicted. If people can conduct themselves in this way, then you know that there is more to it than what is happening. The governor, however, advised the leaders of the communities to caution their subjects against mob actions and disrespect for law and order. He said: If you will want to take laws into your own hands, you will be left to defend yourselves. However, as a responsible government desirous of protecting lives and property, we shall explore all avenues to ensure the safety of the people. Suspected herdsmen kill village head in Benue Meanwhile, gunmen suspected to be herdsmen, yesterday afternoon, attacked Chembe settlement in Ukemberagya/Tswarev ward of Gaambe-Tiev community in Logo Local Government Area of Benue State, killing a village head, Chief Iyongovihi Ninge. A source in the community told Vanguard on phone that the traditional ruler was killed in his farm when the armed herdsmen stormed the area with a large number of herd. The source said: The armed herdsmen came with a large number of cattle, plundering germinating yam seedlings and all that was in peoples farms in the community. They met the village head in his farm where he had gone to inspect the clearing of his farm in readiness for the cultivation of yam seedlings. They shot him at the back and he died on the spot. On hearing the gunshot, everyone within the area ran for their lives though we cannot at the moment ascertain if more persons were killed but several families were crying that they could not trace their family members. Contacted, Benue State Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, said he was yet to receive reports of the attack. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Court stops planned sale of 9Mobile, as shareholders demand $43.33m refund By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA The Abuja Division of the Federal High Court has stopped planned sale of the distressed telecommunication firm, Etisalat (now 9Mobile), following a legal action by aggrieved shareholders of the company. 9Mobile The high court, in a ruling by Justice Binta Nyako, dated April 17, ordered all the parties to maintain status quo, pending hearing and determination of the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CR/288/2018. The plaintiffs- Afdin Ventures Limited and Dirbia Nigeria Limited who claimed to be major investors in Etisalat, told the court that they were left out in the firms decision making process, even as they demanded for a refund of their invested funds estimated at $43,330,950. Cited as defendants in the suit were Karlington Telecommunications Ltd, Premium Telecommunications Holdings NV, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Central Bank of Nigeria, Etisalat International Nigeria Ltd and Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC). Justice Nyako had after she had listened to an ex-parte motion the plaintiffs filed through their lawyer, Mr. Mahmud Magaji, SAN, for interim injunctions, held that the defendants ought to be heard. The court therefore ordered the service of all the processes on the defendants, including the 3rd and 5th (First Bank and Etisalat), whose addresses are outside jurisdiction. The case was subsequently adjourned till May 14 for mention. Basically, the plaintiffs are praying the court to among others reliefs, declare that the planned sale of Etisalat to Smile.Com and Glo Network, without paying them the money with which they bought their shares, is unlawful. They also urged the court to order the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants to refund to them the total sum of $43,330,950 with which they bought their 4303395 shares at $10 per share. The plaintiffs equally prayed the court to award N1billion in general damages against the defendants and in their favour. in a statement of claim they filed before the court, the plaintiffs said they bought shares in Etisalat from the 1st and 2nd defendants (Karlington Ltd and Premium Holdings) through a private placement memorandum in which the 3rd defendant (First Bank) served as a custodian of the plaintiffs share certificate. They said while the 1st plaintiff (Afdin Ventures) bought 1,300,391 Class A Shares at $13,003,910, which it paid for on August 14, 2009, the 2nd plaintiff (Dirbia Ltd) acquired 3,300,004 Class A shares at $30,030,040, for which it made payment on September 3, 2009. The plaintiffs said they paid for the shares through the 1st and 2nd defendants First Bank accounts. In their supporting affidavit that was deposed to by the General Manager of the 1st plaintiff and a director in the 2nd plaintiff, Sani Ibrahim, he told the court that the problem with Etisalat resulted from the mismanagement of its funds. He said the plaintiffs grouse arose from not only the firms mismanagement, but also its inability to declare dividends from 2009 till date and the move by the defendants to conduct a clandestine sale of the company at the detriment of the plaintiffs. According to him, In 2015, the 1st, 2nd and 5th defendants took several loans from 13 Nigerian banks with a view to expanding and boosting their telecommunication business, but that the money was not properly utilised, leading to heavy indebtedness on the 1st, 2nd and 5th defendants. He added that, owing to the resultant heavy indebtedness, the 1st and 2nd defendants rebranded the 5th defendant (Etisalat) and changed its name to 9Mobile with a view to selling it off and obtaining money to pay its numerous debts. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants have failed to declare dividends on the shares of the plaintiffs since 2009 till date. The 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants have completed arrangement to sell the rebranded 9Mobile to Smile.Com and Glo Network without the knowledge of the plaintiffs, who are its major investors. If not restrained, the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th defendants will sell Etisalat International (also known as 9Mobile) and disappear with the plaintiffs investment, Ibrahim averred. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Paudel bags Barbara Adams Investigative Journalism Award 2017 Journalist Dilip Paudel of Nagarik Daily has been named the winner of Barbara Adams Investigative Journalism Award 2017. Home | News | General | Alleged N40bn fraud: Ex-Customs boss, Dikko faults inclusion in looters list By Ikechukwu Nnochiri ABUJA Erstwhile Comproller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Mr. Abdullahi Inde Dikko, on Wednesday, faulted his inclusion in the list of alleged looters released by the Federal Government. Customs boss, Dikko The former customs boss denied his alleged involvement in the looting of about N40billion as was claimed in the second list of alleged looters that was recently released by the Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. In a statement that was released on his behalf in Abuja by a group under the aegis of Committee of Concerned Customs Officers, CCCO, Dikko, said he served and retired voluntarily in 2015 without blemish. He insisted that with the automation of the revenue collection process of the NCS, it was impossible for anyone to divert the services revenue under any guise. Dikko attributed his travails to some interested groups, who he said were bent on maligning his name having tried unsuccessfully to drag him into partisan politics. With the reforms Dikko introduced, the process of revenue collection is now water-tight and absolutely shielded from manipulation and unauthorised access by anybody, no matter how highly placed. All import and excise duties are paid to commercial banks and it is compulsory that the money be remitted to the Federation Account at 6 o clock everyday of business and every morning. All the money collected resides at the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Comproller-General is never a signatory to any account. The money allocated to Customs was not without control. All projects strictly followed due process. The Comproller-General had his expenditure and approval limits, and reported to the Board of Customs and Excise and also the Federal Executive Council. As a non-partisan professional, even in retirement, Dikko remains unflinching in his loyalty to Nigeria and the institutions of government. He has never betrayed his family, the Customs, as an institution, and the government and people of Nigeria for the privilege given him to contribute his quota towards the development of critical agency as the NCS, read the statement signed by leader of the group, Assistant Comptroller (AC), Jonah Amache. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Iraq sentences 212 to death in Mosul area since recapture from IS Judiciary Iraqi courts have sentenced 212 people to death in Mosul and surrounding areas, most of them for complicity with Islamic State, since the area was retaken by Iraqi forces in July and August 2017, a judiciary spokesman said on Wednesday. Mosul was home to two million people before being overrun in 2014 by Islamic State which proclaimed a caliphate stretching into neighbouring Syria. Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared full victory over the group in December 2017 after Iraqi forces drove its last remnants from the country. Since then, Human rights groups have accused Iraqi and other regional forces of inconsistencies in the judicial process and flawed trials leading to unfair convictions. Iraqs Supreme Judicial Council said on Wednesday that criminal courts falling under the Nineveh Federal Court of Appeals, whose jurisdiction includes Mosul, had so far ruled on a total of 815 cases since the area was recaptured from Islamic State. The statistics coming from the criminal courts show that 815 people have gone on trial and that 212 were sentenced to death. A further 150 were sentenced to life in prison, said judiciary spokesman Judge Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar. It was not immediately clear how many, if any, of the death sentences had been already carried out. The vast majority of these rulings were against elements of the Islamic State terrorist organisation who were proven to have committed crimes, and came after public trials conducted in accordance with the law. Defendants were afforded their rights, Birqdar said. He said another 341 people were jailed for various terms and 112 were acquitted. New York-based Human Rights Watch released an 80-page report in December accusing Iraqi federal and Kurdish regional judiciaries of violating the rights of Islamic State suspects with flawed trials, arbitrary detentions under harsh conditions and broad prosecutions. NAN CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Nothing was left behind for my executive to work with despite Akpabio's N100m donation - Akwa Ibom CAN chairman - The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Akwa Ibom state, Dr Ndueso Ekwere, has lamented that he inherited empty treasury from the former leadership of the association - He said that nothing was found in the treasury despite the N100 million donated to the association by former governor, Godswill Akpabio - Ekwere also said that due to lack of funds and perfection of documentation, the land also donated to CAN by the former governor had not been developed Akwa Ibom state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Dr Ndueso Ekwere, has lamented that despite the N200 million donated to the association, his executive inherited an empty treasury from the former leadership of the association. He said that the leadership headed by Archbishop Cletus Bassey left nothing behind for the present executive to work with, Independent reports. NAIJ.com notes that while briefing newsmen in Uyo on Monday, April 16, Ekwere said that the land also donated to CAN by the former governor had not been developed because of lack of funds and perfection of documentation. READ ALSO: Zimbabwean government fires thousands of striking nurses He said: We are yet to see the N100 million donated to us by former Governor Godswill Akpabio since we came into power. "We have set up a committee to review the land and take proper ownership; even if we will have offices at the at the International Worship Centre as promised by the state governor, we still need the land for investment purposes. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, NAIJ.com previously reported that the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) was sued by the youth wing of the association (YOWICAN), over the tenure of its chairman. Daniel Kadzai, YOWICANs national chairman, dragged the associations leadership before a federal high court in Gwagwalada, Abuja. In the suit, Kadzai challenged the attempt to terminate his tenure as national chairman of YOWICAN, when it had not yet expired. Is it really appropriate for Christians to pay tithe? - on NAIJ.com TV [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Piles of uncleared cargo choke Birgunj dry port Piles of uncleared cargo are choking the Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Sirsiya, Birgunj as importers have been reluctant to collect their stuff from the dry port. Home | News | General | Best ways to start a debate Starting a debate is an art, and almost anyone can master it. Thoroughly prepare for the upcoming debate, form your opinion, make a list of questions that you want to ask others and tune in to an open perception of others' ideas and thoughts. And then the state, on which the debate started, will necessarily be resolved peacefully. How to start a debate introduction? Several rules, the observance of which will help to make the debate efficient and lead the debate to a unified solution: Before the beginning of direct debates, the initial data of the problem and specific rules of conduct for all participants should be indicated during the debate. The organizer of the meeting brings to the attention of the participants the essence of the problem and explains some points of the debate process. For example, how participants should address each other; how questions should be asked and answers given to them, etc. Such an instruction is necessary to avoid incorrect treatment, interruption, manifestations of violent emotions and other phenomena that can turn the debate into a farce. All alternatives to the solution of the problem that is proposed by the parties to the dispute must be recorded for the convenience of their further consideration. Ideally, opinions and answers should be recorded on a board that is equally well visible to all present. If you cannot find a rational answer for a long time, or at least indicate its alternatives, do not stick to it. Proceed to the next question, leaving the previous one open. Go back to all the outstanding issues at the end of the debate and try to look at them from a different angle. All people invited to the debate should have the right to speak and actively exercise this right. It is necessary to observe elementary rules of etiquette. Each participant should begin to speak only when his speech ends the previous one. The Participants in the debate should not allow oneself to interrupt, go over to individuals, and offend each other. Such moments are often found in domestic disputes, but when it comes to school, public or business debate, the behavior of the interlocutors should be restrained. Each judgment, spoken in opposition to another expressed opinion, must be supported by objective arguments. Phrases of the type "You are wrong just because I think so," "This cannot be and the point" should not be used. A widespread and very dangerous enemy of debates is stereotypes and generalizations. By one fact alone, conclusions cannot be drawn just as well as one should not allow any stereotypical judgments about a phenomenon or a professional group. If possible, we need to back up the arguments with statistics and research data. First, it will help to make an objective picture of the problem under debate, and secondly, such arguments are always better to convince the interlocutors than any personal conclusions. READ ALSO: Top 10 free job posting sites in Nigeria During the debate, you need to adequately respond to criticism of your opinions from other participants. If you are told "you are wrong" and reasonably argue this, you should think about and reconsider your judgment taking into account the heard remarks. If you are asked a question, and the answer seems obvious to you, do not grin and mock the asker, but answer the question politely and maximally intelligibly. Perhaps a person is not such a specialist in this field, like you, and the question posed to him is incomprehensible and complicated for him. All participants in the debate should only operate on verified data and facts and do not distort them in their favor. To give out other people's prosperous thoughts and achievements for their own, trying to increase their authority in the eyes of other participants in this way is also not a good idea. Best way to start a debate speech Tell a fascinating story Ask a question the answer of which is already known to everyone Provide a 100% statistics data Use a powerful reference How to start a debate opening statement? Address the audience State what are you arguing about and the position you hold State slowly and clearly Debate topics What is more critical: law or custom? Do I need a school uniform? + and - TV ads Civil marriage for or against Choice of profession Modern Youth Music I cannot = I do not want Those who do not learn from their mistakes are doomed to repeat them Men and women are equal for performing any work Morality depends on a culture Love-illusion Technical progress has changed our lives for the worse Viewing television is detrimental to mental health Do you think that the indigenous population of the state should prevail? The market for and against, the market system Romantic love in the modern world? Modern conflicts of generations Heaven and Hell. Beyond the earthly life Debate examples A Debate About Smartphones in Class Many students use smartphones during school hours, thereby worsening the level of knowledge obtained. Many of the applications in the phone take a lot of time and distract from the lesson. Video debate example: https://ru.coursera.org/learn/understanding-arguments/lecture/h26WY/a-student-example-a-debate-about-smartphones-in-class THBT the police should use racial profiling when fighting crime Video debate example: https://goo.gl/YfGu9V Remember that the best start of any debate, is either a a funny instance or an interesting and powerful quote on the topic under discussion. It will be much easier if you address not everyone individually, but directly to the moderator of the debate, since it is the one who leads them. READ ALSO: What is teaching profession all about [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Ayem Akpatuma: 182 suspects arrested in Benue, Taraba, Kaduna A total of 182 suspects were arrested in Benue, Taraba and Kaduna states during the conduct of Exercise Ayem Akpatuma by the Nigerian Army in the three states and three others. arm The Director, Defence Information (DDI), Brig.-Gen. John Agim, announced the figure, while giving update on the just- concluded exercise which also covered Nasarawa, Niger and Kogi states. Agim also said the army lost 13 personnel during the exercise which began on Feb. 15 and ended on April 5, while seven others sustained various degrees of injury. Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) was conducted to assist civil authority to address the recurring farmers/herdsmen clashes and other forms of crimes in the six states. However, the exercise was extended in Taraba till May 14 in view of the prevailing security threats in the state, according to Agim. Giving the breakdown of arrests, the DDI said 147 herdsmen, six cult members, five rustlers and six armed bandits were apprehended in Benue and 15 suspects in Taraba. According to him, in 1 Division Area of Responsibility (Kaduna), 13 bandits were arrested during the period. All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Police for further action, Agim said He said the following weapons were recovered in Benue, while the exercise lasted: one AK47 rifle, one FN rifle, three AK47 magazines and nine rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other recoveries in the state, he said were: 23 rounds 7.62mm Nato ammunition; 13 Dane guns; 38 machetes; several spear/axes and assorted charms. Also recovered in Benue, Agim said, were 18 motorcycles and 15 cell phones. In Taraba, the DDI said four AK47 rifles; three magazines; 96 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition; eight rounds of 9mm ammunition and 19 locally made guns were recovered. The others, he said, were five locally made pistols; one shot gun and 27 live catridges; while 16 assorted arms were recovered in 1 Division Area of Responsibility (Kaduna). Agim commended community chiefs, Chairmen of Local Governments and governors in areas covered by the exercise for providing useful information that was instrumental to its success. NAN CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Police investigate rape and murder of girl, 14 A teenage girl has been murdered after apparent rape at Om Satiya Rural Municipality-6 in Rupandehi district. Police said the body of 14-year-old Saraswati Harijan was found in a field one kilometre away from her home on Tuesday morning. United Nations official lauds Nepals reforms The United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs Miroslav Jenca lauded Nepals reforms, political transformation and peace process on Monday, the concluding day of his visit to country. Home | News | General | Breaking: OAU suspends Professor Akindele Indefinitely over sexual demand - OAU has suspended Professor Richard Akindele involved in demand-for-sex scandal - This decision was reached by the committee set up by the institution - The lady involved has not appeared before the panel yet The authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife has reportedly suspended Professor Richard Akindele indefinitely for allegedly demanding for sex from a student. The Punch reports that this decision was taken by the committee set up by the institution to look into the issue on Wednesday, April 18. A telephone conversation between the professor and a student was leaked where the lecturer asked the female student for sex before he would upgrade her result from 33. The member of the committee claimed the student was a postgraduate student doing her Masters in Business Administration but that while she has not appeared before the committee yet, the lecturer has. He said: The committee recommended the indefinite suspension of the professor pending the time the final report will be ready. The committee established a prima facie case against the professor. But note that this is the interim report of the committee. The committee invited the professor and the female student. We identified the student and invited her, but she did not appear. Only the professor honoured our invitation. I dont want to tell you what he said on the telephone. NAIJ.com had reported that the vice chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Eyitope Ogunbodede, said that the institution may involve the police to verify a telephone conversation involving one of the varsity's professors, Richard Akindele, who was accused of demanding sex from a female student in exchange for mark. The VC stated this while speaking to newsmen in Osogbo on Sunday, April 15. He said that the case had not been reported to the police by the university, but it might involve them to get to the root of the matter if investigation runs into a hitch, Punch reports. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Attack on Senate: Senator Yayi reportedly escapes kidnap, receiving treatment Senator Adeola Yayi reportedly escaped a kidnapping attempt during an attack on the Senate by suspected hoodlums. NAIJ.com had reported that the Senate had come under attack on Wednesday, April 18 when the mace which is the symbol of authority was taken was some hoodlums. READ ALSO: Mace theft: Names of arrested 5 suspects emerge Senator Ovie Omo-Agege representing Delta central has been accused of bringing in the thugs to cause mayhem due to his suspension. In a statement by Kayode Odunaro who is the media aide to Senator Yayi, it was reported that some hoodlums attempted to kidnap the Lagos senator but he forced his way out of the moving vehicle. The senator is reported receiving treatment. Read statement below: Around the same time Omo-Agege led thugs into the chambers today, Senator Adeola Yayi was kidnapped right in front of the White House wing of the National Assembly. As Omo Agege highlighted from one of 3 SUVs, Senator Yayi was pushed into one of the SUVs and attempt was made to drive him out of National Assembly. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app The Senator escaped by forcing the car door open and jumping out of the moving vehicle. He sustained injuries and now receiving treatment Meanwhile, he Nigerian Senate reacted to the invasion of its chamber by supporters of a suspended senator, Ovie Omo-Agege. Earlier on Wednesday, April 18, supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) senator from Delta state, stormed the red chambers and stole the mace (the symbol of authority in the parliament). In a statement sent to NAIJ.com, the Senate spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger, APC), described the action as an act of treason and called for police action. TOP-4 Over-the-top Reactions of Nigerian Lawmakers to Certain Circumstances | NAIJ.com TV [embedded content] Source: Naija.ng CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Mace snatching: FG orders probe of senate invasion By Adekunle Aliyu and Johnbosco Agbakwuru As Ekweremadu exonerates Buhari, Osinbajo from invasion The Federal Government has expressed shock at the invasion of the National Assembly and the subsequent snatching of the Senate mace by thugs on Wednesday Thugs going with the Mace. Photo by Gbemiga Olamikan Also the Presidency sympathized with the leadership and members of the senate for the invasion of the upper legislative chamber by suspected thugs and promised to join hands with the parliament to fish out those behind it. In a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the security agencies have been directed to immediately unravel the circumstances surrounding the breach of security that led to the invasion. He said the security around the National Assembly complex would also be reinforced to prevent a recurrence. Senate invasion: Presidency sympatises with senate THE Presidency sympathized with the leadership and members of the senate for the invasion of the upper legislative chamber by suspected thugs and promised to join hands with the parliament to fish out those behind it. Meanwhile, the leadership of the senate led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, (senate), Senator Ita Enang briefed the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, on the invasion of the senate. In an interview after the closed-door meeting with the Vice President, Senator Ekweremadu said that the Vice President condemned the attack on the red chamber and promised that the presidency would join hands to ensure that the perpetrators were fished out. The Deputy Senate President while fielding questions on why he was at the villa said, Well I am sure you are aware of the Senate invasion today and we have to come and brief the Vice President because the President is not in town, so it was appropriate for him to know what transpired because we run democracy we are all in one government and it is the responsibility of the President or the Vice President to ensure that there is law and order in the country And once we have this kind of major development it is important that he is briefed at the earliest opportunity. So, the Senate President is out of the country, its therefore my responsibility to come over and brief the Vice President. He has sympathized with us over what happened and he is going to join forces with us to ensure that we get to the root of the matter to make sure that this will not happen again. For us its a threat to our democracy, the invasion of the parliament is not acceptable to any person, its not acceptable to me, its not acceptable to the VP, its not acceptable to my colleagues, I believe its not also acceptable to the President so those who acted this script must be on their own. All we need to do as a country is to ensure that this is forestalled and I want to appeal to the media to help us discourage this kind of brigandage so that people have to behave in a very responsible manner, but let me assure you that we are on top of the situation, we did our sitting today and we are going to continue tomorrow. On whether Senator Ovie Omo-Agege who was recently suspended by the senate and accused of being behind the invasion has legal right to enter the chamber, he said, It was a breach of the law for him to force himself into the chambers. As I said, police is still investigating we are going to find out the details of those who aided him to come in and then some of them I believe have been arrested and we will get to the root of the matter. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | Ekiti 2018: Secondus, Mark others storm Ekiti to reassure aggrieved parties National leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today reassured aggrieved aspirants on the platform of the party for the Ekiti July 14 governorship poll that the May 8 primary of the party would be free, fair and transparent. The aggrieved parties, Dayo Adeyeye, Biodun Olujimi, and Mr. Owoseni Ajayi and others, like Dare Bejide and Sikiru Lawal who have defeated to others parties, were aggrieved because of governor Ayodele Fayoses overwhelming support for his deputy, Kolapo Olusola, also an aspirant for the poll. Assuring the party members and angry aspirants, National Chariman of the party, Prince Uche Secindus, said: I assure you once again, there will be transparency and the process would not cheat anybody. I urge you to join the leaders to work together to ensure a free and fair transparent primaries,eminent Nigerian are conducting the primaries. We urge you to remain calm. We also urge INEC and security agents not to be partial but come to defend democracy doing that the best if our people will serve the people the best. From here we are moving to other parts of the country for sensitization. Also ex- Senate President, David Mark, who was the chairman of the reconcilation committee that brought all aspirants and governor Fayose togither, said: First is that I have been working on bringing peace to Ekiti by reconciling all parties and that has been done very well. I thank you supporters for the peace and agreement to work together. Secondly, is to assure you that the process leading to the final election of whoever will become PDP candidate in Ekiti for the July poll will be free fair and credible. If we are insisting that INEC must be fair, it means we will have to do so ourselves at the party level. Nobody will write delegates names, every one will vote for candidate of his choice. We will ensure this and all stakeholders will ensure it. We want to show the world what internal democracy is. Internal democracy will ensure that you all fight for your preferred candidates and we will ensure that. I am very confident that PDP will be in Ekiti . Governor Fayose also allayed the dears of the aspirants saying: There is no value you can add to us more than this. Your presence has gingered everyone because the party is on ground here. When I was to contest in 2014, we won in 158 wards out of 177 Ward. If APC gets ten wards this time, I will conceded the governorship poll to them. I am the landlord of APC here, I defeated Adebayo their grandfather, his great grand son will equally be defeated. I want the other aspirants to be comfortable, the ultimate is to defeat APC in Ekiti and Nigeria any party operation that cannot is not a party. I will not do anything that would undermine this , the party and the Governor aspirants. In a matter like this there will be many interest. I am for Olusola but whosoever that wins the primaries I will stand by that person. The worst PDP man is the best of APC. I wont behave like the mother of the biblical twins who killed her own child. If the other aspirants are not comfortable with my coming to the primaries I wont come. If you lose and the process is transparent you should support the party, . The aspirants were also allowed to give their words of commitment and while speaking , Adeyeye said: I believe this meeting is to assure all of us in Ekiti that there will be free and fair primaries. We want free. If there is anybody who has written names of delegates, they should tear it off. The party has also assured to publish all names of delegates and that by May 8 everyone will vote in secret ballot, and no one will be intimidated or suspended or harassed. If this is done, I am assured that PDP will coast home with victory. This is the first time I have seeing PDP being very well organized in the primaries. I appeal to all us that we should maintain our peace. Dont feel harassed or intimidated, the leaders at the national level have assured us and I believe governor Fayose has supported it. Also speaking, Senator Olujimi said: This is a good beginning because before now most of us could not come home to do anything but your comments as leaders would change the tide of things. There is very much work to do, we need to set up another committee to do another reconciliation the right thing has to be done. If the right thing is done I am sure we wont have problems even at the national level. Also speaking his mind, Olusola said:As an aspirant, I am committed to a free fair primaries and by the grace of the almighty God I remain loyal to this noble party and ready to abide by the rules and regulations of this party.We the PDP in Ekiti are on ground and we will ensure that we work together for victory. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General Home | News | General | LUTH, FMC Ebute-Meta, join JOHESU strike Lagos Activities at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos, and Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute-Meta, were crippled on Wednesday as the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU) commenced. JOHESU The group, with membership drawn from five affiliate unions, is asking for the immediate implementation of the agreement signed with the Federal Government. The unions include the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP) and Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWUN). Others are Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) and Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria. JOHESU members are demanding for a good salary structure, payment of outstanding salaries as well as uniform allowances among other demands. Correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), who visited the hospitals, report that only resident doctors and consultants were seen attending to some patients on admission.. Mr Johnson Shaba, Chairman of JOHESU, LUTH Chapter, told NAN that the efforts made through several committees to get the Federal Government to implement the agreements reached upon were unproductive. Shaba said that in spite of the 30-working day ultimatum given to the Federal Government, it had yet to satisfactorily address the pending issues. We are also not happy about the strike but we are fighting for our rights and demand of service. Other health professionals went on strike and they were attended to within two weeks. I believe there should not be any partial or biased mind in the health sector because we all should be treated as one. So, we plead with Nigerians to bear with us as we were left with no other option than to take our destiny in our hands, Shaba said. Also speaking, Prof. Olufemi Fasanmade, Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) at LUTH, said that the management of the hospital was aware that members of JOHESU were on a nationwide strike. According to Fasanmade, the management of LUTH has made arrangements to work with the available manpower, along with qualified medical volunteers. There are many patients still in the wards and we are managing to care for them with the limited staff we have. We are also managing emergency services to those requiring such. We regret any inconveniences the strike will have on our esteemed patients while hoping that the issues which precipitated the strike will be resolved soonest between the Federal Government and JOHESU, he said. At the Federal Medical Centre, Ebute Meta, Lagos , activities appeared normal as some patients were seen being attended to by doctors. The management of FMC was, however, not available to speak to NAN on the issue. Mrs Adebola Adetunji, a patient at FMC, called on the Federal Government to look into the situation as soon as possible and ensure that JOHESUs demands were met. Health workers going on strike in this age and time is a big problem; government should please respond to them before this will get out of hand. How can these doctors cope with this situation? If we are clamouring for quality healthcare and health workers are still going on strike, then it will be very difficult for us as a nation to achieve that, she said. Also speaking, Mr Joseph Odibo, another patient, told NAN that strikes by health workers should be avoided in the interest of patients. Strikes in health institutions should by all means be avoided because it is very dangerous; peoples lives are involved, so it is very critical. We want the government to act fast on this issue; we are spending long hours before we are attended to because only few doctors are attending to many patients, he said. (NAN) AOI/OKG/VIV/OJO CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: General White paper and red flags The recent white paper on the economy presented by Finance Minister Yuba Raj Khatiwada has sparked a debate among economists and politicians. The paper has brought the countrys poor economic conditions to the fore and raised a number of red flags. Home | World | Africa | Khupe opens new party offices Expelled MDC deputy president Thokozani Khupe has opened new party offices in the Bulawayo central business district. As her split with MDC president Nelson Chamisa became imminent last month, a faction led by Khupe took control of the party's Bulawayo provincial offices, but was ordered to vacate by the High Court. While the Khupe camp complied with the order, yesterday her personal assistant Witness Dube confirmed occupying new offices. "Our use of new offices in town is a measure we had to take especially for preparing for congress since Bulawayo is the hosting province," Dube told Southern News. "After our 21 April extraordinary congress, we will definitely revisit the Chamisa cabal's usage of our party offices ahead of a congressional and Constitutional acting president of the MDC-T, Khupe, whom we expect to be affirmed as the substantive president of our party," he said. Their new offices are on the first floor of Centurion building, corner 9th Avenue and Herbert Chitepo. Khupe, organising secretary Abednico Bhebhe and party spokesperson Obert Gutu were expelled from the MDC last month for defying a national council resolution endorsing Chamisa as president. Her allies dismissed the expulsions as null and void, instead, opting to go for an elective congress that is ostensibly meant to elect the former deputy prime minister as substantive MDC leader. As if that is not enough, Khupe, Bhebhe and Gutu were expelled from Parliament after being recalled by the party. As a result, they ceased to represent the MDC and its interests. Khupe has also notified the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission that she will be contesting in the harmonised elections as an MDC official. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM: Africa Milan (AFP) - While design aficionados flock to Milan from around the globe for the world's largest furniture fair, Italy's kings of kitchen style are looking beyond its borders to beat a sluggish domestic market. As the six-day "Salone del Mobile" got under way in Italy's fashion capital on Tuesday, the country's kitchen design industry was celebrating a 3.2 percent growth in exports last year. The event hosts more than 2,450 exhibitors, of whom nearly a quarter are foreign. Last year, it attracted around 300,000 visitors from 165 countries. The 779 million euros ($961 billion) generated by the kitchen sector is behind only Germany and China. Consultancy firm Bain & Company estimates that the global design market grew four percent in 2017 to 35 billion euros, a figure that is destined to triple over the next 10 years. Milan's Centre for Industrial Studies (CSIL) says global kitchen exports are expected to reach $6.7 billion in 2021, an increase of about 20 percent from 2016. And with the country slowly emerging from the global financial crisis, companies are capitalising on Italy's reputation for style abroad to give themselves a place at the table. "We realised (during the crisis) that it was time for us to focus on exports," Paolo Zampieri, head of Zampieri Cucine, a small company that employs 34 people. "The domestic market was once more than enough, but the purchasing power in our country has diminished and the competition is very strong." - 'Release Valve' - The crisis has sped up the concentration of the sector. "Twenty years ago, there were 300 kitchen companies in Italy, today there are around 100. Six companies account for around half of production and 30 percent of exports," CSIL research director Aurelio Volpe told AFP. After being almost invisible abroad for the best part of a decade, exports account for 35 percent of Zampieri Cucine's sales. Story continues The company is experiencing double-digit growth and others in the sector are benefitting from a more outward outlook. "These companies have found a release valve in the export market. Even small businesses have found niches abroad," says Volpe. Veneta Cucine is one of Italy's big six, and group controller Denise Archiutti says that the "companies that have managed to survive the crisis have become bigger, more productive and more technologically flexible". "Production logic has changed, with increasingly personalised products made to measure and at the moment of order," she adds. France is the industry's largest export market -- as it is for the furniture sector as a whole -- and where last year it saw a 10.7 percent increase in sales, followed by the United States and Switzerland. Volpe notes that Italy is playing to a more refined market than number one exporter China, which mostly sells low-cost kitchens to the United States. Meanwhile Volpe says that Italian exports to China "have recorded an increase of 50 percent in a year." I bet Lucasfilm was like "Shit, go ahead and announce it because we are really looking bad compared to DC of all fucking people." Edited at 2018-04-18 01:34 pm (UTC) Reply Thread Link 2nd unit doesn't get a co-director credit so I've been sideeying the way these news have been phrased but it's still an important position & I'm happy for her Reply Thread Link ia just imagining lucasfilms cesspit of whites patting themselves on the back over the good press is rly irritating to me lol obviously tho it's amazing for her and i wish she was directing the whole shebang because why the fuck not Reply Parent Thread Link IA, I don't think most people understand what a 2nd unit director is and are too lazy to Google. Also Mahoney is a director so to me this seems like kind of a step backwards unless they are purposely grooming her for the next Star Wars film. Just hire some women to direct Disney, it's not that hard. Reply Parent Thread Link they're probably grooming her to work on that jon favreau series thing, whatever it is Reply Parent Thread Link it def feels like a step down but now I see ppl (not only here) doing the most shitting on 2nd unit as a position w/o knowing what skills are required for and what effort goes into it smh one can criticize LF's bs without putting down ppl who are making your popcorn cinema @ least visually enjoyable tbh Reply Parent Thread Link It seems more lateral to me. If she was mainly directing tv and then goes to do Star Wars 2nd Unit. Same amount of work(ish), but higher profile project. Reply Parent Thread Link MTE - I'm not sure what Ava is doing, but she like JJ so that's why she is championing this nonsense. Reply Parent Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link mte the way they're announcing it is obviously PR. I do hope this leads to more work for her, though. Reply Parent Thread Link Feeling bad that DC of all movie franchises are being more diverse huh. Bet Kathleen isn't too happy lol. But this is great news though! Reply Thread Link Yay! Now we might get lightsaber finn! Reply Thread Link It seems so backwards this news is being celebrated. Mahoney is a great director and has lots of experience in that job. Maybe being second director on a big franchise film is Disney's way of grooming her for a big franchise film, but given both Disney and Star Wars' track records I'm not holding my breath. Reply Thread Link ia Reply Parent Thread Link I went to check her imdb after cos I had to remind myself that she isn't some newbie. This is so very random. I hope this is a stepping stone. Reply Parent Thread Link Once again this seems like a minimal amount of effort, but I guess it's something. #Justice4AmericanCrime tbh Reply Thread Link I was so upset when it got cancelled Reply Parent Thread Link It deserved better than ABC. :\ I feel like it would've done so much better on cable. Reply Parent Thread Link I'll take it. Congrats to her, I'm sure she's hella excited. Reply Thread Link Aren't there actually quite a lot of female assistant directors? And they just never get the chance to actually do their own movies? Reply Thread Link My heart leaped... but then I read "second unit". Oh. Reply Thread Link What is second unit exactly? Like filming the sunset and shit? Reply Thread Link lmao i mean pretty much, establishing shots and close-ups of items, stuff like that Reply Parent Thread Link + stunt/action scenes Reply Parent Thread Link so she should be happy for a step back because it's lucasfilms? Reply Thread Link This is nothing to celebrate over tbh ...at least to me, I mean every step counts, but it's the big steps that make waves, call me when a black woman or any woman or man of color get to be THE director ...not some second unit thing, I never knew existed until yesterday. Reply Thread Link This is good. Hopefully this puts her ass closer to the director chair. Reply Thread Link The thing is she HAS worked as a director in film and TV so I'm baffled at this being celebrated. Call me when Disney hires her to direct something of her own. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, Ava also celebrated Cloverfield Paradox so she has her blind spots lol. Mahoney ain't stupid -- she is positioning herself in the Disney/Star Wars machine. It might not be a SW trilogy they handed her but this is nothing to scoff at imo. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lolz, that just means shell do stuff like pickup shots and other misc stuff. All the boring stuff the main director doesnt have time to do. Reply Thread Link This week sees the arrival of(because 4/20, do you get it?!?), andin wide release. But this post is for the little guys - the movies that make your friends say "Why do you want to see that? I never heard of it".Note that the movies listed are in their first week of limited release, so it may take them a few more weeks to show up in your local arthouse theater. Check out the posts from the past couple of weeks for more movies that may have just opened near you: Releases from April 13 : Father Gabriele Amorth: William Friedkin (: Documentary: Father Gabriele Amorth performs his ninth exorcism on an Italian woman.: The director ofdecided he wanted to see an actual exorcism. Does anyone's head do a full 360? You'll have to watch to find out. : Louis Garrel, Stacy Martin, Berenice Bejo, Micha LescotMicheal Hazanavicius (: Biography, Comedy, Drama: Paris 1967. Jean-Luc Godard, the leading filmmaker of his generation, is shootingwith the woman he loves, Anne Wiazemsky, 20 years his junior. They are happy, attractive, in love. They marry. But the film's reception unleashes a profound self-examination. The events of May '68 will amplify this process, and the crisis that shakes the filmmaker. Deep-rooted conflicts and misunderstandings will change him irrevocably. Revolutionary, off-the-wall, destructive, brilliant, he will pursue his choices and his beliefs to the breaking point.: Originally titled, the film premiered at Cannes 2017 and was nominated for the Palme d'Or. Jean-Luc Godard called the film a "stupid, stupid idea".Corey Feldman, Malcolm McDowell, Bruce Davison, Rutger HauerBen Jagger (: Action, Horror, ThrillerSet in a bloodthirsty Los Angeles, one rogue detective's obsessive search for the truth behind his parents' murders leads him to confront a monstrous duo of Queeny and Vince who drag him into a hellish nightmare he was never prepared for. Lost to an underworld of horrors dating back to the dawn of time, he soon discovers that he is actually the last surviving member of the Nash family, a historic clan of demon hunters. As he is forced to acknowledge a foreboding destiny, he is attacked and brutally left for dead, only to be recovered by Macy, a pure soul who is led by the mysterious Blind Prophet. At last, Detective Nash is reborn the ultimate killer. Seeking vengeance he wages a violent war on the Beasts that roam the darkness of this world, finally embracing his true legacy - CORBIN NASH, Demon Hunter.: It's rated TV-MA(?) but also has a (very limited) theatrical release.: Catherine Keener, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Callum Keith Rennie, Miranda Frigon: Courtney Balaker: Drama: A small-town nurse named Susette Kelo emerges as the reluctant leader of her working-class neighbors in their struggle to save their homes from political and corporate interests bent on seizing the land and handing it over to Pfizer Corporation.: This is Courtney Balaker's first feature film. It won a couple of awards at last year's Santa Barbara International Film Festival and several other small film festivals, and is based on a true story.Tate Ellington, Tara Summers, Victoria Clark, Harris Yulin: Josh Klausner (: Adventure, Comedy, Musical: Seeking an escape from his isolated life in New York City, Alex accepts a mysterious invitation to house sit a picturesque 'Enchanted Cottage' on Long Island. There he ends up lost on a surreal musical all-night odyssey of misadventures.: It's also available via VOD.Ashley Bell, Noi Na, Lek ChailertAshley BellDocumentary, Action, Adventure: A heartwarming and hopeful story about a team of elephant rescuers, led by world renowned Asian elephant conservationist Lek Chailert, as they embark on a daring 48-hour mission 500 miles across Thailand to rescue a 70-year old captive blind Asian elephant and bring her to freedom. The touching story exposes the plight of Asian elephants and the people who work tirelessly to save them.: This is actress Ashley Bell's directorial debut. She has starred in films such asand Chinese boy, 5, dies despite 14-hour rescue mission after he fell into deep-water well A boy who fell into a deep-water well in eastern China died on Wednesday after firefighters worked overnight to rescue him, according to local newspaper reports. The five-year-old boy had been stuck in the 100-metre (330ft) well for over 14 hours when he was rescued early on Wednesday morning in Jinzhongzi county, Shandong province, Qilu Evening News reported. The well was only 20cm in diameter, and the boy, whose name was not disclosed, was stuck about 6 metres from the top, according to the report. Chinese toddler who plunged 15 metres into well pulled to safety after dramatic 9-hour rescue The well did not have a cover and there were no warning signs around it, according to The Beijing News. It could be a well for irrigation built by farmers its so deep because there has been a drought for four years and the groundwater level is low, a government spokesman told news portal Thepaper.cn. Firefighters initially caught one of the boys arms with rope, but the well was too narrow for him to be dragged out safely, according to Qilu Evening News. They had to use a dozen excavators and crushers to dig away the soil surrounding the well and drill it open from the side next to the boy. He was sent to hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Chinese toddler rescued by firefighters after falling 6 metres into narrow pit at construction site The child was collecting wild vegetables with his family when he fell into the well at around 4pm on Tuesday, villagers told the newspaper. More than 30 incidents of people falling into wells have been reported in Shandong province since 2013, it said. Many of the cases involved children falling into deserted irrigation wells on farmland. This article Chinese boy, 5, dies despite 14-hour rescue mission after he fell into deep-water well first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the awarding of the Order of Lapu-Lapu Magalong Medal and Philippine National Police (PNP) Medal of Valor to the 44 fallen troops from the PNP Special Action Force (SAF) at the Malacanan Palace on April 17, 2018, gives his assurance that justice will be attained for the fallen heroes while their kins will continue to receive welfare assistance programs from the government. RICHARD MADELO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO President Rodrigo Duterte will lead the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) change of command today. Outgoing chief of staff General Rey Leonardo Guerrero will turn over the AFPs top post to Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez. Guerrero was supposed to retire on December 17, 2017 when he reached the mandatory retirement age of 56. However, President Rodrigo Duterte extended his service for four more months. Guerreros stint in the AFP centered on focused military and intelligence operations. Under his term, over 6,000 members of the New Peoples Army were neutralized. He closely supervised the massive rehabilitation of the war-torn Marawi city and improvements in the AFP as part of its modernization program. The turnover ceremony will be held at Camp Aguinaldo, where the outgoing chief of staff will be honored with a testimonial parade and review and will be awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor. UNTV News & Rescue The post President Duterte to lead AFP change of command appeared first on UNTV News. The top bureaucrat at Japan's finance minister quit Wednesday following allegations he sexually harassed female reporters, saying he wanted to clear his name. Junichi Fukuda has denied a magazine report he harassed several women, but calls for him to step aside have grown in recent days. Finance Minister Taro Aso announced the resignation late Wednesday, saying Fukuda told him he wanted to "clear his name." "I thought it would be difficult to fulfil my job responsibility with the situation after the reports and offered my resignation to Finance Minister Aso," the top bureaucrat told reporters shortly afterwards. "I apologise to the people I have caused trouble to." The Shukan Shincho magazine last week reported that Fukuda had made inappropriate comments to several female journalists and on Friday released audio of what it said was the top bureaucrat at a bar with a reporter. "I'll tie up your hands. Can I touch your breasts?" a male voice on the recording says. "Shall we have an affair once the budget is approved?" The magazine said several other women, who have not been identified, also accused Fukuda of inappropriate behaviour, including asking to kiss them and take them to a hotel. Fukuda came out fighting earlier this week saying: "I did not have such a conversation with a female reporter." "I don't recognise that I made sexually harassing remarks that would make female reporters feel offended," he added in a statement issued through the ministry. On Monday, Fukuda he said he had no intention of resigning and added that he would sue the magazine for libel. Aso initially appeared to dismiss the allegations against Fukuda, saying he had given the top bureaucrat a verbal warning and felt he was "sufficiently remorseful." But he subsequently said Fukuda would be fired if the allegations were proven, and the finance ministry said Monday it had asked independent lawyers to investigate, urging any women who had experienced harassment to cooperate with the inquiry. On Wednesday, Fukuda said he didn't "recall having such a horrible conversation." "I don't know if the recorded voice was my own. But I'm aware that there are many who said it sounded like Fukuda's voice." The Shukan Shincho has defended its reporting and on Wednesday said it had additional audio, purportedly of Fukuda sexually harassing a female journalist in 2016. Japan has one of the world's worst records for female political representation and has deeply entrenched gender attitudes. Just 2.8 percent of rape victims go to the police, according to a 2017 government survey, and the #MeToo movement that has raised awareness of sexual harassment worldwide has had a relatively muted reception in Japan. The harassment scandal comes as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government struggles with the fallout from two cronyism scandals, one of which involves the alteration of official documents by finance ministry officials. An algorithm tool developed by Purdue Polytechnic Institute faculty will help law enforcement filter out and focus on sex offenders most likely to set up face-to-face meetings with child victims. The Chat Analysis Triage Tool (CATT) was presented last week by principal investigator Kathryn Seigfried-Spellar, assistant professor of computer and information technology, at the International Association of Law Enforcement Intelligence Analysts Conference in Anaheim, California. Seigfried-Spellar said law enforcement officers are inundated with cases involving the sexual solicitation of minors some interested in sexual fantasy chats, with others intent on persuading an underage victim into a face-to-face meeting. CATT allows the officers to work through the volume of solicitations and use algorithms to examine the word usage and conversation patterns by a suspect. Seigfried-Spellar said data was taken from online conversations provided voluntarily by law enforcement around the country. "We went through and tried to identify language-based differences and factors like self-disclosure," she said. Self-disclosure is a tactic in which the suspect tries to develop trust by sharing a personal story, which is usually negative, such as parental abuse. "If we can identify language differences, then the tool can identify these differences in the chats in order to give a risk assessment and a probability that this person is going to attempt face-to-face contact with the victim," Seigfried-Spellar said. "That way, officers can begin to prioritize which cases they want to put resources toward to investigate more quickly." Other standout characteristics of sexual predators grooming victims for a face-to-face meeting is that the chats will often go on for weeks or even months until a meeting is achieved. Those involved in sexual fantasy chatting move on from one youth to another quickly. The project started as a result of a partnership with Ventura County Sheriff's Department in California. Seigfried-Spellar said the research discovered tactics like self-disclosure is used early in a predator's talks with a potential victim. "Meaning that we could potentially stop a sex offense from occurring because if law enforcement is notified of a suspicious chat quickly enough, CATT can analyze and offer the probability of a face-to-face," she said. "We could potentially prevent a child from being sexually assaulted." Seigfried-Spellar worked in developing CATT with two co-principal investigators, associate professor Julia Taylor Rayz, who specializes in machine learning and natural language processing, and computer and information technology department head Marcus Rogers, who has an extensive background in digital forensics tool development. CATT algorithms examine only the conversation factors and do not take the sex of either suspect or victim into consideration, at this time. The project began with initial research done by Seigfried-Spellar and former Purdue professor Ming Ming Chiu. The exploratory study examined more than 4,300 messages in 107 online chat sessions involving arrested sex offenders, identifying different trends in word usage and self-disclosure by fantasy and contact sex offenders using statistical discourse analysis. The trends determined through this research formed the basis for CATT. The research, "Detecting Contact vs. Fantasy Online Sexual Offenders in Chats with Minors: Statistical Discourse Analysis of Self-Disclosure and Emotion Words," has been accepted and will be published in the journal "Child Abuse and Neglect." Initial plans are to turn the tool over to several law enforcement departments for a test run. Seigfried-Spellar said CATT could be handling data from active cases as early as the end of the year. The conversation analysis provides the basis for future law enforcement tools as well, she said. "What if there is a chat online and you don't know if you're chatting with an offender or someone who is 15 years old pretending to be 30," she said. "Maybe then, this tool can analyze the differences in an actual 13-year-old versus someone who is pretending to be 13 or an actual adult versus someone who is pretending to be an adult. "So, you can then start trying to figure out, language wise, who this person is I'm chatting with." At some point, she believes CATT could even teach officers to better portray a 10-year-old victim by perfecting constantly changing factors like language, emojis and acronyms. "In these types of operations, our goal isn't to entrap people," she said. "In these, the offender is initiating, and as they do that, law enforcement is simply responding. "If officers can respond in a way that speeds up the process, that gets the person off the street sooner compared to waiting eight months to allow a trust relationship to develop." Explore further The virtual door to online child sexual grooming is wide open The Large Hadron Collider will be entirely upgraded, and ALICE, one of its four major experiments, will be equipped with a new particle detection system comprising 88,000 units of the SAMPA chip. Credit: FAPESP A Brazilian chip will be used to upgrade the detection system used in A Large Ion Collider Experiment ( ALICE), one of the four major experiments at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's most powerful particle accelerator, located on the Franco-Swiss border. The chip is called SAMPA and was designed at the University of Sao Paulo's Engineering School (Poli-USP) in Brazil. SAMPA has been tested in several countries and analyzed by an international group of experts. It passed with flying colors and received the green light for large-scale fabrication. Taiwan-based TSMC will produce all 88,000 units required to upgrade ALICE. "The new chips will be used to instrument two of ALICE's detectors: the TPC [Time Projection Chamber] and the MCH [Muon Chamber]," says Munhoz , associate professor with habilitation at USP's Physics Institute (IFUSP) and one of the leading researchers behind the chip's development. "The TPC tracks the charged particles produced in the LHC. The MCH specifically measures muons." It is worth recalling here that the muon is an elementary particle similar to the electron, also with an electric charge of ?1e and a spin of 1/2, but with 200 times its mass. The muon is classified as a lepton. The development of SAMPA had the support from the Sao Paulo Research Foundation. Understanding SAMPA's role in ALICE Munhoz explained how the TPC works and SAMPA's role in the device. The TPC is ALICE's main detection system. It basically consists of two concentric cylinders, the larger of which is 5 m in length and 5 m in diameter. The region between the two cylinders is closed at both ends and filled with gas. The particle beams that are destined to collide travel along channels inside the smaller cylinder, where the environment is predominantly vacuum. The ion collisions produce thousands of particles, which pass through the wall of the inner cylinder, ionize the gas atoms, and pass through the outer cylinder before being absorbed. A large electric potential difference is applied between the closed ends. This knocks electrons off the gas molecules, then the electrons are driven to either end of the cylinder. The positions of the charges are determined, and from these, the paths and nature of the particles produced in the collisions are identified. To determine the positions of the hits and the incident charge values, the ends of the cylinder are covered with grids comprising more than 500,000 pads or channels. Each set of 32 channels will be instrumented with a SAMPA chip. The MCH works somewhat differently, but the principle is the same. SAMPA optimizes the process scanning twice the area "The job done by each chip is to read out the incident charges, transform the readout into a voltage signal, convert the signal from analog to digital, perform internal digital processing, and send the information to external processors," says Munhoz, who coordinates the FAPESP-funded Thematic Project. "All the chips operating together will produce those famous images of collisions showing jets of thousands of particles, each of which follows a specific path." SAMPA will replace the current generation of chips used in ALICE. In the existing configuration, two chips are needed for each set of 16 channels: one only reads out charges and generates the corresponding voltage signal, while the other converts the analog signal into bits and performs digital preprocessing of the bits. With much more compact electronics, one SAMPA chip will perform both operations and process 32 channels instead of 16. Once the chips have been produced in Taiwan, they will be tested one by one in Sweden. They will be installed in ALICE in 2019-20, when the entire LHC will undergo an upgrade to increase the rate of collisions between lead nuclei by a factor of 100. "This itself makes SAMPA necessary because the existing equipment wouldn't be able to handle such a huge increase in the collision rate," Munhoz said. "Today, ALICE is operating at 500 collisions per second. In 2021, it's expected to operate at 50,000 collisions per second. The scientists foresee that this will increase the probability of rare events such as the production of heavier quarks or the formation of light-element anti-nuclei." The main focus of ALICE is the study of quark-gluon plasma, which is formed when very high levels of energy break the bonds between quarks and gluons so that they are no longer confined in hadrons (protons, neutrons, mesons) and move about freely. "Two decades ago, no one knew whether such plasma really existed," Munhoz said. "In the mid-2000s, with the first experiments performed at RHIC at Brookhaven National Laboratory in the US, the scientific community became convinced that quark-gluon plasma could be produced in the laboratory. We're now entering a phase of greater precision, in which we're looking for more accurate measurements in order to achieve a deeper understanding of the properties of this plasma. The increased frequency of collisions in the LHC should make this possible." According to Van Noije, FAPESP's support has been fundamental in bringing the project to fruition. He expects the development of SAMPA in Brazil to effectively contribute to future measurements by ALICE, enabling the international scientific community to obtain much more data and a deeper understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and, by extension, of the universe itself. Explore further Experiment confirms fundamental symmetry in nature Stormwater proves toxic to Coho salmon. Credit: Tiffany Royal, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission. WSU scientists have discovered that different species of salmon have varying reactions to polluted stormwater runoff. In a recent paper published in the journal Environmental Pollution, scientists found that coho salmon became sick and nearly died, within just a few hours of exposure to polluted stormwater. But chum salmon showed no signs of ill-effects after prolonged exposure to the same water. "It really surprised us," said Jen McIntyre, an assistant professor in WSU's School of the Environment. "Not that the coho were affected so quickly, but how resistant the chum were. We saw no impact at all in the chum's post-exposure bloodwork." Survival in the tank Stormwater is toxic to fish because it can include carcinogenic hydrocarbons, metals and other organic compounds, most of which have yet to be identified. McIntyre and her team collected stormwater runoff in large tanks from roads and highways in western Washington. Then they placed salmon in that water for four hours, or until the fish showed signs of illness. Blood samples were then taken from all of the fish. Only a few coho lasted four hours before having to be removed. In the test afterwards, the team found a significant increase in lactic acid concentrations and their blood was thicker and more concentrated. Their blood pH was thrown off and the amount of salt in their plasma decreased significantly. The chum test results showed none of those changes, all these fish lasting the full four hours without showing any signs of distress or sickness. "These fish are very closely related," said McIntyre, who works at WSU's Puyallup Research and Extension Center. "They're the same genus, but obviously something is significantly different physiologically. We just don't know what that difference is yet." Jen McIntyre monitors a chum salmon swimming in tank filled with stormwater runoff. She took measurements throughout the time each fish spent in the water. Credit: Tiffany Royal, Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission The study was done at the Suquamish Tribe Grovers Creek Salmon Hatchery, with fish donated by the Suquamish Tribe. McIntyre worked on the project with fellow WSU scientists, along with colleagues from the NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Clues for next round McIntyre and her team noticed a few clues for where to start their next round of investigations: studying what makes the chum nearly impervious to toxic runoff. One is that the coho looked hypoxic, meaning they weren't getting enough oxygen. But the water had plenty of oxygen, so they'll look at blood circulation issues, how the fish metabolize oxygen in their muscles, and a few other areas. "We don't know if the thicker blood is a symptom of the problem, or if that's the initiating event that then causes the oxygen deprivation," McIntyre said. "There's a lot of work still to come, but this really narrows down where we need to look." They're also hoping that looking further into chum will turn up clues about how they resist the effects of toxic runoff. Four days, no symptoms In a later study, not included in this paper, McIntyre and her team conducted a prolonged exposure test on chum. Those fish swam in the stormwater runoff for four days and none of them got sick. "We're still trying to understand how they're unaffected," she said. "It's actually really impressive." Another problem for the coho is that scientists don't know what particular contaminants in the runoff are causing the problems. "There's a whole variety of heavy metals and hydrocarbons in that water," McIntyre said. "And a whole bunch of chemicals we are working to identify so that we can protect more delicate species like coho salmon from the effects of human pollution." Explore further Salmon face double whammy from toxic stormwater More information: Jenifer K. McIntyre et al, Interspecies variation in the susceptibility of adult Pacific salmon to toxic urban stormwater runoff, Environmental Pollution (2018). Journal information: Environmental Pollution Jenifer K. McIntyre et al, Interspecies variation in the susceptibility of adult Pacific salmon to toxic urban stormwater runoff,(2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.03.012 Digital communication between ships could help optimise shipping routes and reduce fuel consumption. Credit: B.S. Halpern (T. Hengl; D. Groll) / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Electric ferries and digital communication between ships could help in the quest to decarbonise maritime transport, a sector which is often perceived as being the green option but could still do much to lower its environmental footprint. The global shipping industry currently emits around 1000 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere each year, but according to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, this could be slashed to almost zero by 2035 through a combination of technical, operational and policy measures. In line with such ambition, an electric ferry, set to launch this summer, will travel through Danish waters powered by electricity alone. The boat will take passengers from Aeroe island to towns on the mainland and will replace the diesel vessel currently in use. Dr. Trine Heinemann is project coordinator for E-ferry, based on Aeroe, whose municipality is one of the project's partners. 'We have a long tradition of being self-suppliant with sustainable energy,' she said. 'But then our only connection to the mainland is passenger ferry, so I think there's a local interest in trying to reduce emissions from that.' Passenger ferries, though still more environmentally friendly than air travel, run on diesel and so there's potential to cut their pollution. Hybrid vehiclesusing electricity in the harbour and fossil fuels on the open seaare becoming increasingly widespread, but fully electric ferries are scarce, Dr. Heinemann said. As with electric cars, a short battery lifespan hampered the evolution of electrically powered ferries, which could go just two nautical miles until recently. But as the lifespan of rechargeable batteries has grown, so has the potential of electric vessels. The E-ferry can travel 22 miles without needing a top-up. The boat will make seven trips a day, recharging after each journey for 15 or 20 minutes as cars are loading on and off. A long charge overnight boosts the ship's battery power. 'At the end of the day, basically we are getting close to the energy reserve level,' Dr. Heinemann said. 'It gets to a point where we really want to kind of fill the batteries up again. So that's what we do during the night with slow charging so that the battery's up to full capacity in the morning when we start sailing again.' At the moment, the electricity comes from Denmark's national grid but Aeroe makes electricity from solar power and wind. If the ferry were able to draw on local sources of electricity it would be carbon neutral, Dr. Heinemann notes. Safety Safety is also a key concern for electrically powered vessels. Batteries that operate at sea need a special level of approval, and so engineers on E-ferry have developed a special type of foam which sailors could use to tackle an electrical blaze in the event of fire. The project's Swiss-German partner, Leclanche, is the first company to win approval for a maritime battery system. Meanwhile, potential running costs are dropping all the time because battery materials are getting cheaperfalling by 40% since the project's launch. In fact, with lower fuel and maintenance costs, the E-ferry will run more cheaply than conventional diesel-based vessels. A ferry can run for 30 to 40 years before it reaches the end of its lifespan, and the E-ferry is expected to pay for itself far ahead of then. 'I'm fairly confident that that will show not a 10-year break-even (but) maybe six- or seven-year break-even just for this one,' Dr. Heinemann said. Christopher Saarnak from the Danish Maritime Authority says that shipping could also be made greener by better use of digital communication. Despite its use of state-of-the-art technology, the maritime industry remains stubbornly old school in much of its activity. Crew rely on paper documentation when a ship docks in a harbour, sending informationabout passengers and cargoto the authorities by courier. A digital system would allow mariners to optimise their route and send and receive messages to and from the harbour authorities. 'If you enable information exchange, you would be able to tell the ship not necessarily to rush to the nearest harbour where they would have to wait,' he said. 'Instead, they could save fuel consumption by sailing more slowly. Saarnak coordinates a project called EfficienSea2, which is developing a range of digital tools for improved connectivity between ships at sea and from sea to shore. An information-sharing platform called the ArcticWeb allows mariners and cruise ships sailing in the Arctic Sea to communicate about navigation, icebergs and ice formations and to coordinate search and rescueimproving safety and minimising the risk of tankers or other vessels foundering and damaging the environment. Acid rain The project is also helping ships to communicate on emissions which extend beyond CO2. The maritime industry accounts for 13% of global sulphur oxide emissions, a gas that causes acid rain, and lung disease and respiratory illness in humans. By 2020, the International Maritime Organization will curtail sulphur-based fuels outside emission-restricted zonesa move experts describe as one of shipping's most defining moments. The EU already curbs the emissions of ships calling at EU ports, and has created sulphur emission control areas, called SECAs, in the Baltic and North Sea. But reporting on sulphur emissions is inconsistent, reliant on national policies and randomised checks. Engineers on EfficienSea2 have developed machine-to-machine technology that can collect and relay data automatically. 'What we have done is to create an automatic sulphur emission data transfer from the chimney of the ship,' Saarnak said. 'The exhaust data is transferred directly to the ship owner, but it could also be transferred directly to the authorities to prove that you're sailing in an environmentally friendly manner.' Explore further The urgency of curbing pollution from ships, explained Credit: Yossi Sheffi In 2010, the environmental group Greenpeace launched an online campaign against Nestle, the food-production giant. Nestle's KitKat bars, the campaign charged, contained palm oil supplied by a company that was improperly clearing rainforests. But Nestle, as MIT Professor Yossi Sheffi discusses in a new book on sustainability in business, thought it had already addressed the issue. The company had adopted a "no deforestation" policy, stating it would no longer use palm oil from companies clearing forests after 2005. In 2009, Nestle had joined a group developing industry standards on the issue, the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. Nonetheless, within eight weeks of the start of the Greenpeace campaign, Nestle dropped the supplier providing the palm oil in question. Perhaps the campaign had affected KitKat sales. Maybe Nestle executives grew weary of seeing activists dressed up as orangutans outside company headquarters in Frankfurt, Germany. (Orangutans are losing their habitat due to deforestation for palm oil plantations.) In any case, the public relations problem had become significant. But in the view of Sheffi, an MIT professor and leading expert on logistics in business, such episodes can create an overly simplistic narrative about business and the environment. Sustainability in commerce, Sheffi says, should not be regarded as a matter of "good or evil," but is typically a clash of "people versus people" around the world, who have their own different interests at stake. "It's the importance of the environment against being able to have a job and afford things," Sheffi says. Indeed, as Sheffi sees it, these are precisely the central trade-offs of sustainability: We need a clean environment, but consumers also want affordable products, and tens of millions of people make a living as part of the global supply chain that brings consumer products to people. Improving sustainability in these circumstances, Sheffi contends, is not a straightforward matter. So when exactly should companies pursue sustainability measuresand when is it in their interest to hold off? That is the question Sheffi explores in the new book, "Balancing Green: When to Embrace Sustainability in a Business (and When Not To)," just published by the MIT Press. To grasp the importance of the issue, consider that industry, as Sheffi points out in the book, consumes about half of all energy produced. Still, as Sheffi also notes, most consumers do not make purchasing decisions with the planet in mind. "People say they're willing to pay for sustainability, but when they go to the checkout counter, almost nobody does," says Sheffi, who is the Elisha Gray II Professor of Engineering Systems at MIT and director of MIT's Center for Transportation and Logistics. "Or 10 to 15 percent of people do, modestly, but it's not enough to move the market." Sustainability certainly does become an important consumer issue when activist campaigns arise, however. Sheffi believes this is one factor that makes "risk mitigation" the first broad reason why companies should pursue sustainability measures. In some cases, those hazards are reputational, as Nestle experienced, but in other cases, it may be that environmental changes are affecting a company's resources. In either case, Sheffi notes, environmental inaction carries risks. "Companies should respond to pressure or be just ahead of pressure," Sheffi says. But for the most part, he adds, "I think companies should lead on good products, good marketing, good quality, and selling them to as many people and getting a good profit. That's legally the role of a company." A second reason firms may pursue sustainability measures, as Sheffi details, is cost-cutting. As the book notes, manufacturers such as Siemens and BASF have made their own facilities more energy-efficient, while beverage giants such as Coca-Cola and brewer AB InBev have lowered water consumption and thus reduced costs. The office-supply firm Staples reduced the fuel consumption of its delivery trucks by 20 percent by limiting their top speed to 60 miles per hour, and realized $3 million in annual savings from that change alone. "The main activity many companies are doing is saving energy, and saving energy is totally tied both to a reduced carbon footprint and to reducing costs," Sheffi says. At the same time, says Sheffi, "Sustainability is a supply-chain issue." And, as he writes in the book, "for many companies the bulk of their carbon footprint is generated by their suppliers and their customers." Thus it is not enough to limit a company's carbon footprint when most of its environmental impact is elsewhere. In fact, as Sheffi also writes, "without accounting for the supply chain, companies can just outsource their pollution and appear greener." A third impetus for pursuing corporate sustainability, Sheffi notes, is "hedging," as he puts it; being green might pay off in the long run if that's where the market moves. "Customers may change," Sheffi says. "Millennials are more attuned to sustainability concerns. It could be that as these people get more purchasing power, the market may change." In this vein, some companies launching green product linessuch as Clorox, with its "Green Works" cleaning productshave not necessarily cashed in, but have gained knowledge about manufacturing and marketing such products, which may be more valuable in the future. And as Sheffi notes in the book, there is a small class of firms already practicing what he calls "deep sustainability," meaning they "have always explicitly prioritized" their environmental agenda, and "sell specifically to customers who value that." For instance, among other practices, the clothing manufacturer Patagonia publicly discloses its supply chain to an unprecedented degreeyou can go online and quickly learn that a favorite jacket uses fabric from suppliers in Belgium, China, and Taiwan, and is sewn by a supplier in Vietnam. Still, as Sheffi says, prestige clothing brands have more limited audiences and "are not likely to be a big multinational competing with Zara and H&M or any of the biggest sellers of clothing." In short, sustainability is difficult precisely because of the complex convergence of consumer demand and global supply systems, in a diverse world. Or, as Sheffi writes in "Balancing Green," different "people in many countries, coming from diverse socioeconomic classes and varied value systems, will not make the same choices in what they buy, what they supply, and how they feel about the confluence of environmental and economic issues. The challenge for companies is that they must bridge these wildly diverse outlooks on the world and the environment." Explore further How companies can lessen the shocks of a volatile world More information: Balancing Green: When to Embrace Sustainability in a Business (and When Not To): Balancing Green: When to Embrace Sustainability in a Business (and When Not To): mitpress.mit.edu/books/balancing-green Kitecam picture of the Dallol, with the research groups at the edge. Credit: Jani Radebaugh/Europlanet Credit: Jani Radebaugh/Europlanet The Danakil Depression in Ethiopia is a spectacular, hostile environment that may resemble conditions encountered on Mars and Titan as well as in sites containing nuclear waste. From 20-28 January 2018, five teams of researchers and more than 30 support staff visited two locations in the region to study the microbiology, geology and chemistry at the Dallol hydrothermal outcrop and the saline Lake Afrera. The research trip was supported by the EU-funded Europlanet 2020 Research Infrastructure (RI), which has organised a series of field campaigns over the past two years to characterise the site as an analogue for other planetary surfaces and for astrobiological studies. Dallol is a uniquely hostile place for life due to the combination of its extreme salinity, high temperature, and acidity. It is one of the hottest places on Earth, at more than 100 metres below sea level. Upwelling water, rich in many different salts and heated by magma close to the surface, forms brightly-coloured, highly acidic pools. Toxic gases, including chlorine and sulphur vapour, hang in the air. Karen Olsson-Francis and Vincent Rennie from the Open University are studying how microbiology is affected by variation in the physical and chemical conditions at Dallol, and where pockets of habitability might be found. They focused on two channels of highly acidic, saline water with temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius. The pair took measurements on-site and collected samples for further analysis in the laboratory. Kitecam image of the salt flat surface, with one of the research groups (Vaz and Bandeira) and camels, which daily carry salt from a mine at the edge of a lake near the Dallol up to market. Credit: Jani Radebaugh/Europlanet "Our initial findings showed that microbes may be present, despite the extreme salinity and acidity," said Rennie. The team will now undertake further geological and microbial analysis in the coming months and hope to have preliminary results of the outflow channel study by early September. Hugo Moors and Mieke De Craen of SCKCEN also studied microbiology in the context of the geology and the chemistry of the water at a number of locations, and successfully tested a range of new sampling techniques and sample preservation systems. In addition to their astrobiology research related to exoplanets, the pair are using Danakil as an analogue for nuclear waste. "The extreme conditions in the Danakil Depression might resemble some of the conditions encountered in the disposal of waste from nuclear reactors. We will now try to cultivate microbes and chemically analyse samples of the water from Danakil to attempt to understand what might be able to survive in nuclear waste," said Moors. Next summer, the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter will begin a study of rift zones on Mars, which are characterised by salt deposits and ancient magma systems and have strong similarities to the Afar rift currently forming between the Erta Ale and Dallol volcanoes. To support the upcoming mission observations, Daniel Mege of the Polish Academy of Sciences and Ernst Hauber of DLR carried out a preliminary study of the structure of hydrothermal systems and took soil samples from several centimetres below the surface to determine microbial life present. The Europlanet 2020 RI field trip team approaching the Dallol site. Credit: Alex Pritz/Europlanet "We need to analyse our findings, but some of the preliminary results look very exciting," said Mege. "We've also carried out reconnaissance work for a ground magnetic survey next year, in which we aim to characterise intrusive magmatic activity in the rift. We look forward to returning in 2019." Jani Radebaugh of Brigham Young University, with Ralph Lorenz of the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, used a handheld digital camera and 'kite-cam', a kite-lofted GoPro, to create image-derived Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) at a variety of locations across the playas and other regions in the Afar. They have gathered 15 different image datasets at a variety of locations, which they will then compare to RADAR data on the roughness of the terrain. "This region is absolutely spectacular for field work from a planetary perspective, as there are so many unusual and extreme environments that have strong planetary analogues," said Radebaugh. "The comparison of our datasets gathered on the ground with RADAR images taken from space, which quantify roughness in a different way, will help us interpret data from space missions on the roughness of surfaces at Titan and Mars." David Vaz and Lourenco Bandeira of the Centre for Earth and Space Research of the University of Coimbra surveyed the shape, subsurface geometry and ages of fault scarps on a rift located south of Lake Afrera. Understanding how erosion degrades these volcanic structures in very arid environments on Earth will enable them to interpret similar features on Mars and infer erosion rates throughout the Red Planet's geological history. Pool at the Dallol site. Credit: Alex Pritz/Europlanet Vaz said: "When you spend several years at a computer, looking at images from the surface of Mars and trying to understand what happened there, it's easy to lose the sense of scale. Going to the field, and actually seeing things with your own eyes gives you a more real perspective on what you are dealing with. To achieve our purpose of using fault scarps as paleo-environmental markers on Mars, it would be great to survey other faults, with different ages and presenting different states of preservation. On this trip, the geophysical instruments that should give a perspective on the underground fault geometry did not work, but that's the price we pay when working in such remote and difficult conditions. We hope to return to the site to carry out further studies." Felipe Gomez, Nuria Rodriguez and Beatriz Flores of CAB-INTA worked on the preparation of the Danakil site as a planetary analogue for Europlanet 2020 RI's transnational access programme, which provides funding for researchers to visit the site and carry out experiments. Beatriz Flores, Ernst Hauber, Mieke De Craen, Hugo Moors and Mikael Tamrat at Dallol. Credit: Alex Pritz/Europlanet "The diversity of the research carried out by these five teams shows the versatility of this exotic landscape for planetary research," said Gomez. "We have already had interesting findings about the preservation of organic matter under such harsh conditions, which gives important clues about martian habitability. Any scientist can now apply to carry out planetary experiments at Danakil. We look forward to seeing the results!" "In visiting Danakil, we have purposely brought together people from different parts of the world to encourage the sharing of ideas across institutions, countries and continental boundaries," said Gian Gabriele Ori of the International Research School of Planetary Sciences in Pescara, who led the expedition. "Seasoned researchers have worked side by side and shared their experience with young scientists. It has been a very successful trip." The expedition was supported by Monica Bufill and Daniela D'Alleva of the International Research School of Planetary Sciences in Pescara, Italy, Miruts Hagos from Mekelle University and Mikael Tamrat and Zablon Beyene of Zab Tours Ethiopia. The team was accompanied by photographer, Alex Pritz. Explore further Rainbow-coloured hydrothermal systems show spectrum of extreme life on Earth Provided by Europlanet Credit: University of Manchester Flexible televisions, tablets and phones as well as 'truly wearable' smart tech are a step closer thanks to a nanoscale transistor created by researchers at The University of Manchester and Shandong University in China. The international team has developed an ultrafast, nanoscale transistor known as a thin film transistor, or TFT, - made out of an oxide semiconductor. The TFT is the first oxide-semiconductor based transistor that is capable of operating at a benchmark speed of 1 GHz. This could make the next generation electronic gadgets even faster, brighter and more flexible than ever before. A TFT is a type of transistor usually used in a liquid crystal display (LCD). These can be found in most modern gadgets with LCD screens such as smart phones, tablets and high-definition televisions. How do they work? LCD features a TFT behind each individual pixel and they act as individual switches that allow the pixels to change state rapidly, making them turn on and off much more quickly. But most current TFTs are silicon-based which are opaque, rigid and expensive in comparison to the oxide semiconductor family of transistors which the team from the UK and China are developing. Whilst oxide TFTs will improve picture on LCD displays, it is their flexibility that is even more impressive. Aimin Song, Professor of Nanoelectronics in the School of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, The University of Manchester, explains: "TVs can already be made extremely thin and bright. Our work may help make TV more mechanically flexible and even cheaper to produce. Credit: University of Manchester "But, perhaps even more importantly, our GHz transistors may enable medium or even high performance flexible electronic circuits, such as truly wearable electronics. "Wearable electronics requires flexibility and in many cases transparency, too. This would be the perfect application for our research. "Plus, there is a trend in developing smart homes, smart hospitals and smart cities in all of which oxide semiconductor TFTs will play a key role." Oxide-based technology has seen rapid development when compared to its silicon counterpart which is increasingly close to some fundamental limitations. Prof Song says there has been fast progress in oxide-semiconductors in recent years and extensive efforts have been made in order to improve the speed of oxide-semiconductor-based TFTs. So much so some oxide-based technology has already started replacing amorphous silicon in some gadgets. Prof Song thinks these latest developments have brought commercialisation much closer. He added: "To commercialise oxide-based electronics there is still a range of research and development that has to be carried out on materials, lithography, device design, testing, and last but not the least, large-area manufacturing. It took many decades for silicon technology to get this far, and oxides are progressing at a much faster pace. "Making a high performance device, like our GHz IGZO transistor, is challenging because not only do materials need to be optimised, a range of issues regarding device design, fabrication and tests also have to be investigated. In 2015, we were able to demonstrate the fastest flexible diodes using oxide semiconductors, reaching 6.3 GHz, and it is still the world record to date. So we're confident in oxide-semiconductor based technologies." Explore further Wavy transistors that vertically gain width without increasing their on-chip footprint for future flexible displays More information: Yiming Wang et al. Amorphous-InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors Operating Beyond 1 GHz Achieved by Optimizing the Channel and Gate Dimensions, IEEE Transactions on Electron Devices (2018). Yiming Wang et al. Amorphous-InGaZnO Thin-Film Transistors Operating Beyond 1 GHz Achieved by Optimizing the Channel and Gate Dimensions,(2018). DOI: 10.1109/TED.2018.2807621 If Facebook has to pay a Federal Trade Commission penalty for the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, it will join a very short list of companies to have done so. Of 91 cases involving online privacy issues the Federal Trade Commission has brought since the first in 1998, just two companies have paid civil penalties specifically for violating adult users' privacy, a USA TODAY analysis of FTC data shows. They are Google, which paid $22.5 million in 2012 and Upromise, which paid $500,000 in 2017. The numbers aren't surprising to experts because of the constraints on the FTC when it comes to policing consumers' privacy rights. Broken promises The United States does not have a specific law against privacy breaches. The FTC, a government watchdog agency, can only bring an action against a company if it promised to protect customers' privacy and then didn't live up to its vow, or if the company violated specific rules protecting the privacy of children or credit reporting. In a few cases it has also demanded companies pay back money obtained fraudulently. When children or credit reporting aren't involved, it can't extract monetary penalties unless a company has already reached a settlement with the commission for breaching privacy promises, and then finds the company violated the settlement. If a company refused to reach a settlement, the FTC could take legal action and potentially demand penalties immediately. Because it's already under an FTC settlement, Facebook risks becoming one of the rare cases in which a company is hit with monetary penalties, a rap that could total millions of dollars. It had its "first strike" in 2011 when the FTC found it deceived consumers by telling them they could keep their information on Facebook private, and then repeatedly allowed it to be shared and made public, according to the FTC. It agreed to a consent decree that barred it from making misrepresentations about the privacy or security of consumers' personal information, required it to ask users to agree before enacting changes that override their privacy preferences and prevented it from letting anyone access a user's material more than 30 days after the user has deleted his or her account. In addition, Facebook was required to establish and maintain a comprehensive privacy program designed to address privacy risks associated with the development and management of new and existing products and services. It also had to produce independent, third-party audits of that privacy program every two years for the next 20 years. Cambridge Analytica triggers a probe Last month, on the eve of two explosive newspaper investigations, Facebook disclosed that it knew in 2015 that nearly 300,000 Facebook users who had downloaded a personality quiz app called This Is Your Digital Life had their information shared with Cambridge Analytica. Facebook failed to alert individual users that their data had been improperly harvested until this month. The FTC is now investigating whether allowing the personal information of 87 million users to be accessed by political ad targeting firm Cambridge Analytica, without their consent, constitutes a violation of that decree. If the FTC finds it does, that could lead to civil penalties of as much as $16,000 for each violation of the order. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg doesn't think it will come to that. In his testimony before Congress last week, he said "it certainly appears that we should have been aware that this app developer submitted a term that was in conflict with the rules of the platform." But when asked whether the incident amounted to a violation of the FTC settlement, Zuckerberg said no. "My understanding is thatis not that this was a violation of the consent decree," he said. Google's $22.5 million penalty If Facebook does end up paying, it will become just the third company guilty of this kind of violation be forced to do so. In the majority of cases the FTC has brought against companies for online privacy issues49 of 91 the commission couldn't ask for money. Instead it reached a non-monetary settlement agreement with the companies, essentially a "first strike." Should those companies get a second strike, they could be subject to a monetary penalty, but not before. The settlements require them to implement a comprehensive privacy program and generally obtain regular, independent audit. Usually the company must file a report every two years for 20 years after the settlement, as Facebook has been. Money from civil penalties only comes into play when a company has breached its "first strike" settlement agreement, which both Google and Upromise did. At that point the FTC can hit the company with penalties. Google paid out the largest amount so far, $22.5 million, from a 2012 commission finding that the company misrepresented to users of the Safari Internet browser that it would not place tracking "cookies" or serve targeted ads to those users. That violated a 2011 settlement order the FTC had with the company over Google's Buzz social network that was part of Gmail. Google had led Gmail users to believe that they could choose whether or not they wanted to join the network, but the options for declining or leaving the social network didn't fully work. In the Upromise case, which cost it $500,000, the FTC found in 2017 that the company didn't disclose to consumers the full extent of the data it collected about them or how it used that data. This violated a 2012 agreement the FTC had with the membership reward service, which was aimed at consumers trying to save money for college. It had used a web-browser toolbar to collect consumers' personal information without adequately disclosing the extent of the information it was collecting. There has been one case in which a seeming second strike didn't result in a payout. Last week the FTC strengthened its settlement with Uber over a 2016 breach in which tens of millions of Uber riders and drivers' data was accessed, without adding civil penalties. However the 2017 settlement with Uber hadn't yet been finalized. Administrative complaints and orders must go out for public comment and must gain final approval from the Commission after the comment period. Because that hadn't yet happened, there was no basis for seeking civil penalties from Uber. Were users deceived? In Facebook's case, FTC commissioners will now must determine whether it did indeed violate the terms of its settlement. Experts don't agree on what that outcome might be. "One has to make an argument that consumers were deceived about friend information sharing, and that's a difficult point to prove," said Chris Hoofnagle, a law professor a the University of California at Berkeley and author of Federal Trade Commission Privacy Law and Policy. Others say there's no question Facebook will be dinged. "This has got to be about the easiest case ever presented to the FTC," said Marc Rotenberg, executive director of the non-profit Electronic Privacy Information Center in Washington D.C. EPIC pushed the FTC to include privacy in its purview back in 1995 and sued the agency in 2012 for not enforcing the order against Facebook. He expects Facebook's penalty will be between $100 and $200 million and will take between three months and a year to be issued. In many ways, money will be the least of Facebook's concerns, said William Kovacic, a law professor and privacy expert at George Washington University. With a market capitalization of $485 billion, even hundreds of millions of dollars is just a rounding error for Facebook. Far more damaging could be a new settlement the FTC might bring against the company,one that imposes even stronger conditions on how it can treat users' dataand make money from itin the future. In his testimony before Congress last week, Facebook CEO Zuckerberg said, "We need to take a broader view of our responsibility around privacy than just what is mandated in the current law." "The FTC might say, 'You better believe it,'" said Kovacic, who chaired the FTC from 2008 to 2009. As the FTC gets a better handle on the extent of data collection and use by such sites, it could begin to do more on privacy enforcement than it has in the past. "I think this is just a beginning of a long and animated debate about privacy," said Stephen Calkins, a law professor at Wayne State University Law School. He served as general counsel for the Federal Trade Commission from 1995 to 1997. 2018 USA Today Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The structure of the proposed photosensitizer conjugate. Credit: Lobachevsky University A team of researchers from Lobachevsky University (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia) headed by Professor Alexei Fedorov, chair of the Organic Chemistry Department, is working to create a new generation of targeted anti-cancer drugs for photodynamic therapy. Today, there are many ways to fight cancer. The problem is that every case of cancer is unique in its own way, and there is no single winning treatment strategy. Doctors can try to combine different therapies and observe the best response to their combination. On widely used treatment method is photodynamic therapy. "In this method, a photosensitizer is injected into the bloodstream or applied to the affected area of the skin, and used to destroy tumors. When this molecule is activated by light, a number of chain processes are initiated that result in the death of tumor cells," Fedorov notes. However, there are some problems associated with the application of this approach. Current photosensitizer drugs have a number of serious advantages, but one significant drawback: The selectivity of their accumulation in tumor tissue is very low. In other words, when these drugs are administered to the patient, they are distributed almost evenly between healthy tissues and those affected by tumors. It is quite obvious that this balance should be shifted toward predominant accumulation in tumors. Current efforts of researchers in many countries are focused on achieving this goal. Confocal images of cells after incubation with the photosensitizer. Credit: Lobachevsky University To address this problem, the team of Prof. Fedorov used the concept of the "chemistry of conjugates," molecules consisting of several active parts. The researchers decided to combine the therapeutic properties of classical photosensitizers based on natural chlorophyll with highly selective molecules based on targeted drugs. The idea is simple enough: to synthesize two separate molecules with different but important properties, and then combine them to produce one molecule with a full set of properties. As a result of this approach, a significant improvement in the pharmacological parameters of new drugs was expected, due to the targeted portion of the molecule. With the help of the scientists from the Research Institute of Chemistry of Macroheterocyclic Compounds (Ivanovo), the starting material was isolated to create the photosensitizer part of the conjugate from the Arthrospira blue-green algae. Based on this material, the targeted compounds were obtained at the Lobachevsky University. Biological tests conducted on cell and animal models at the Lobachevsky University Biophysics Department have shown that the synthesized molecules accumulate tens of times more efficiently and faster than molecules containing only the photosensitizer part. The results of this work that were published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry in January 2018 open up the possibilities for creating a new class of drugs for photodynamic therapy. However, this was just the first stage of the project. After obtaining the initial positive results, a vast field opens for optimizing the structure of the molecule in order to reduce the toxicity of drugs and to increase their selective effect on tumor tissues. Currently, work is under way to create the next generation of photosensitizer conjugates that will surpass their predecessors in most aspects. Later, preclinical trials are planned for the most effective new compounds. Explore further A unique amino acid for brain cancer therapy Provided by Lobachevsky University Credit: NASA The Colorado High-resolution Echelle Stellar Spectrograph, or CHESS 4, was successfully launched on a NASA Black Brant IX sounding rocket at 12:47 p.m. EDT, April 16 (4:47 a.m. local, April 17) from the Kwajalein Atoll in The Republic of the Marshall Islands. The CHESS 4 mission will study the interstellar medium, the matter between stars. The mission focuses on translucent clouds of gas, that provide the fundamental building blocks for stars and planets. These clouds have very low densities and the only way to study them is to measure how a cloud is affected by a starand its associated outpouring of stellar material, the stellar windmoving through it. The payload systems reported a nominal flight, proceeding as expected. The payload is to be recovered, making it the second NASA astronomical mission with water recovery. Hampered by high winds since the targeted launch day of April 13, the CHESS 4 left the pad with only 13 minutes left on the last day of the launch window. The CHESS 4 instrument was developed by the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics at the University of Colorado, Boulder. The mission was preceded by the launch of the Penn State Water Recovery X-ray (WRX) rocket experiment on April 4. The successful launch of both missions brings to an end this year's Kwajalein campaign. Explore further NASA set to launch rocket carrying Penn State led experiment NASA's ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) arrives at Kennedy Space Center in preparation for launch to the space station this summer. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/KSC A new instrument that will provide a unique, space-based measurement of how plants respond to changes in water availability has arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida to begin final preparations for launch to the International Space Station this summer aboard a cargo resupply mission. NASA's ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) left NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, on April 6 by ground transport and arrived at Kennedy Space Center on April 9. A few days after it reaches the space station, ECOSTRESS will be robotically installed on the exterior of the station's Japanese Experiment Module Exposed Facility Unit. ECOSTRESS will give us new insights into plant health by quantifying the temperature of plants from space as never before, measuring regions as small as 230 feet (70 meters) on a side, or about the size of a small farm. It will do this by estimating how much water plants are releasing to cool themselves (i.e., evapotranspirationthe equivalent of sweating in humans). This will tell us how much water different plants use and need, and how they react to environmental stresses caused by water shortages. ECOSTRESS will estimate how much water moves through and out of plants by tracking how the temperatures of plants change. The data from its minimum one-year mission will be used by ecologists, hydrologists, agriculturalists, meteorologists and other scientists. NASA's ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) is inspected after arrival at Kennedy Space Center. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/KSC "Most satellite measurements of plant surface temperature are made at a particular time of day, often in the mid-morning, when plants are not stressed," said Simon Hook, the project's principal investigator at JPL. "ECOSTRESS takes advantage of the space station's orbit to obtain measurements at different times of day, allowing us to see how plants respond to water stress throughout the day." Until now, scientists addressing this question globally have had to estimate how that same-time-of-day snapshot varies over the course of a day. ECOSTRESS promises to eliminate much of this guesswork. NASA's ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station (ECOSTRESS) will be installed on International Space Station's Japanese Experiment Module - External Facility (JEM-EF) site 10. The investigation will take advantage of the space station's orbit to measure plant surface temperatures at different times of day, allowing scientists to see how plants respond to water stress throughout the day. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/KSC ECOSTRESS is expected to provide key insights into how plants link Earth's global carbon and water cycles. ECOSTRESS data will be used in conjunction with other satellite and ground measurements, such as those from NASA's Orbiting Carbon Observatory-2 satellite. By doing this, scientists hope to understand more clearly the total amount of carbon dioxide plants remove from the atmosphere during a typical day. In addition, they hope to better identify which areas on the planet require more or less water for the amount of carbon dioxide they take up. In practical terms, the year of data gleaned from ECOSTRESS will be useful for agricultural water managers. This data should improve our understanding of how certain regions are affected by drought and help agricultural and water management communities better manage water use for agriculture. The high ground spatial resolution of ECOSTRESS data will be useful for research on the effects of drought on agriculture at the field-scale. Explore further New NASA insights into the secret lives of plants Burial in the ancient sea of Zealandia: a Toipahautea whale skeleton is slowly covered by sand 27-28 million years ago, on its path to become a fossil. Credit: Reconstruction by Chris Gaskin, Geology Museum, University of Otago University of Otago palaeontologists are rewriting the history of New Zealand's ancient whales by describing a previously unknown genus of baleen whale, alive more than 27.5 million years ago and found in the Hakataramea Valley. The new genus and species of extinct baleen whale is based on a skull and associated bones unearthed from the Kokoamu Greensand, a noted fossil-bearing rock unit in the South Canterbury and Waitaki district from the Oligocene period, which extends from about 33.9 million to 23 million years ago. At this time, New Zealand was an archipelago surrounded by shallow, richly productive seas. Former Ph.D. student in the University of Otago's Department of Geology, Cheng-Hsiu Tsai and his supervisor, Professor Ewan Fordyce, have named the new genus Toipahautea waitaki, which translates in Maori as a baleen-origin whale from the Waitaki region. Professor Fordyce says the discovery is significant in New Zealand's fossil history. "This is a pretty old whale that goes almost half-way back to the age of the dinosaurs. We are tracking whale history back through time," Professor Fordyce explains. "This newly-named whale lived about 27.5 million years ago. It's about as old a common ancestor as we have for the living baleen whales like the minke whales and the right whales." Baleen whales are a group of Mysticeti, large whales usually from colder waters that lack teeth but have baleen plates in the upper jaw which are used to filter food such as krill out of large quantities of seawater. Fossil preparator Andrew Grebneff preparing the bones of the new fossil whale Toipahautea and removing them from a protective plaster jacket. Credit: R. Ewan Fordyce, University of Otago The fossil was actually recovered from the Hakataramea Valley in South Canterbury 30 years ago in January 1988. However, it was only worked up in recent years with Dr. Tsaiwho is now currently working at the National Taiwan Universitybeginning his thesis only a few years ago. The thesis provided the analytical framework to identify and name the new whale. The research paper announcing the new archaic baleen whale was published today in the scientific journal, Royal Society Open Science. While the skeleton of the whale was disarticulated when it was excavated, the bones were closely associated, which gave the palaeontologists plenty of material to work with. In particular, the highly diagnostic earbones were preserved, helping with identification. The skull was about one metre long and the body about five metres, which means it was a reasonably small species, Professor Fordyce says. "That's about half the size of an adult minke whale." It was previously known that the baleen whales can take on board thousands of litres of water in the lower jaws which they scoop open to get great mouthfuls of water and food. Toipahautea waitaki's jaws were toothless, long and narrow, Professor Fordyce says, suggesting that it fed in a similar way to the modern-day minke whales. The researchers were not able to determine how this whale died. Professor Fordyce says it could have been attacked by a shark, stranded on a beach or died of disease. When it died, it sank to the bottom of the sea floor with its skeleton falling apart and becoming a hub for coral and other organisms to grow on. Professor Fordyce expects the ancient whales' history books may keep being rewritten in years to come. "We are pretty sure there are some species [of baleen whale] that will be older than these. But right now it anchors the modern baleen whale lineage to at least 27.5 million years." The Toipahautea waitaki fossil was collected during fieldwork funded by a grant from the National Geographic Society with further lab work also funded by the Society. More information: Cheng-Hsiu Tsai et al. A new archaic baleen whale Toipahautea waitaki (early Late Oligocene, New Zealand) and the origins of crown Mysticeti, Royal Society Open Science (2018). Journal information: Royal Society Open Science Cheng-Hsiu Tsai et al. A new archaic baleen whale Toipahautea waitaki (early Late Oligocene, New Zealand) and the origins of crown Mysticeti,(2018). DOI: 10.1098/rsos.172453 Heart urchins, also known as sea potatoes, build their homes along almost every coast. Though they are small, they are ecosystem engineers, digesting organic material along the seafloor and building burrows that other sea creatures call home. Credit: Ecomare/Oscar Bos Tsunamis bring destruction. The massive waves can rip homes from beachside perches and wipe coasts clean of life. But tsunamis also bring change in their wake and can influence the lives of creatures large and small. In a new study published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans, a journal of the American Geophysical Union, researchers explore how tsunamis impact shallow marine environments, also known as benthic environments, and the small, burrowing animals that dwell there. To investigate the ecological footprint of tsunamis in detail, lead researcher Koji Seike from the Geological Survey of Japan at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan, looked to one potato-sized creature, the heart urchin, Echinocardium cordatum, and how it was impacted by the 2011 Tohoku tsunami in Japan. "They look like a small-sized mammal, like a hedgehog or a mouse," Seike said, who also compared the invertebrates to manju, a type of Japanese sweet bun. Seike also refers to heart urchins as "ecosystem engineers" for their influential roles in benthic environments. As bioturbatorsmixers of seafloor sedimentthey free nutrients once bound in soil and build burrows other creatures can use. The new study found that because tsunamis leave sandy layers of varying grain sizes in their wake, they can influence the distribution of heart urchin burrows. Burrows made in larger-grained sand deposits tend to collapse, so the urchins were largely restricted to areas where the 2011 Tohoku tsunami deposited fine-grained sand. When a tsunami strikes, it can wipe entire sections of the seafloor (and the creatures that dwell there) clean, leaving untouched patches of fine and coarse sand in their place. In Japans Funakoshi Bay, the heart urchin was among the first to recolonize the freshly laid tsunami deposits, where they burrowed only as deep as the fine sedi-ment allowed. Credit: Koji Seike By controlling the distribution of coarse and fine-grained sandy deposits, the tsunami influenced where the urchins burrowed and, ultimately, where they perform their ecologically significant job as bioturbators. Understanding the heart urchin's ecological role and how it's influenced by tsunamis is imperative in understanding the health of coastal ecosystems, Seike added. "The tsunami disturbance alters fundamental environmental components of coastal ecosystems like topography or substrate grain size," Seike said. "Revealing the effect of the tsunami event is essential for our understanding the natural history of regions where tsunami disasters occur." Digging down When the Tohoku earthquake struck offshore Japan on March 11, 2011, it produced huge tsunami waves. Some of the waves were 40.5 meters (133 feet) tall and reached up to 10 kilometers (six miles) inland. The tsunami also wiped away many of the benthic sea creatures from Funakoshi Bay, a subsection of Japan's northeastern coast. The huge waves laid down mixed patches of fine and coarse sand. This provided a clean slate for Seike and his team to explore how the tsunami's freshly deposited sand would influence benthic creatures, like the heart urchin, when they recolonized the bay. To stay alive, the heart urchin maintains a breathing tube that reaches to the seafloor surface. If the seafloor becomes too coarse, it can collapse the urchins breathing tube. Credit: Koji Seike Seike monitored how many heart urchins returned, how their body size changed over time, which type of sand they chose to burrow in and how deep they dug. Aquarists suspected heart urchins tend to burrow only in soft, fine sand, but the new study provides confirmation that wild heart urchins show a clear preference for finer sand. By sticking sediment cores in a computed tomography scanner, the researchers produced X-ray images revealing clear pictures of the burrows and how deep they ran. The scans showed heart urchins tend to burrow through fine sand, stopping when they meet coarser granules. Heart urchins burrow a few centimeters into the sandy seafloor, where they collect and eat organic debris. To survive underground, the urchins maintain a set of tubes: a couple of tubes for excreting waste and one tube to the surface for breathing. Heart urchins maintain the structural integrity of these tubes by emitting a mucus adhesive that keeps their burrow walls roughly in place. The urchin's mucus holds up well enough against fine sand and mud, but coarse grains collapse under pressure like a miner's tunnel, according to the new study. By depositing layers of coarse sand, tsunamis can dictate the distribution of heart urchin burrows, the researchers found. Although the urchins of Funakoshi Bay returned to their pre-tsunami body sizes a few months after the tsunami, bays and benthic creatures elsewhere may not fare as well. Some tsunamis leave behind many more coarse deposits that can persist for hundreds or thousands of years, according to the study. Understanding the interplay between natural disasters like tsunamis and the ecological impact they leave behind is essential for stewarding and understanding coastal ecosystems, Seike said. Explore further Geologists determine the breadth and depth of erosion from an ancient tsunami in Northern California More information: Koji Seike et al. Lasting Impact of a Tsunami Event on Sediment-Organism Interactions in the Ocean, Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans (2018). Journal information: Journal of Geophysical Research Koji Seike et al. Lasting Impact of a Tsunami Event on Sediment-Organism Interactions in the Ocean,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/2017JC013746 This story is republished courtesy of AGU Blogs (http://blogs.agu.org), a community of Earth and space science blogs, hosted by the American Geophysical Union. Read the original story here. " " A drone image of the new Nazca Lines found in December 2017 outside Lima, Peru. Screen shot from YouTube/HowStuffWorks Two hundred feet (60 meters) above the Peruvian desert, a drone moves in a grid-like pattern. Its operator is mapping ancient Nazca ground drawings, some of which are estimated to be 2,500 years old, and searching for signs of looting. But among the thousands of well-known Nazca Lines known as geoglyphs, the drone's 3-D camera reveals something else: long, narrow lines just inches in diameter and more than 100 feet (30 meters) long. These previously undiscovered geoglyphs were found in December 2017 near Lima, Peru, as a team of drone-armed researchers funded by the National Geographic Society came across dozens of ancient lines and figures carved into the desert and only partially visible even by overhead high-resolution 3-D images. Many of the lines, some of which appeared to be figures of warriors, had been reduced to faint marks and depressions in the soil. Some of the lines were only a few inches across, too faded to be picked up by powerful space satellites and too sprawling to be recognized by people on the ground. Advertisement While some of the ground drawings were most likely made by the Nazca during rain-requesting rituals, others may be credited to the land's even earlier inhabitants. The Paracas and Topara cultures also made huge land drawings between 500 BCE and 200 CE. While the Nazca were known for line drawings, their predecessors most often drew human figures. The newfound lines aren't necessarily in immediate danger of damage. They are within the bounds of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that was previously formed to protect Nazca-built lines. After the newly discovered lines are mapped, they are expected to be registered with the Peruvian Ministry of Culture. Using drones to discover archeological sites that can't be readily seen by the human eye has the potential to protect historically significant finds from all manner of threats, including urban and rural creep, thieves, vehicles and even environmental advocates. Forged land deeds and illegal housing have already erased some of the country's ancient lines. Now That's Interesting According to National Geographic, the Nazca Lines include over 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures and 70 plant and animal designs, also called biomorphs. Thousands of people rallied in Armenia's capital on Wednesday to protest the election of former president Serzh Sarkisian as prime minister, viewed by the opposition as a power grab. Police detained dozens of protesters who sought to block one of Yerevan's major thoroughfares, an AFP reporter said. Activists also massed outside Sarkisian's residence earlier on Wednesday. They were protesting against the 63-year-old's election to the post of prime minister after a decade serving as president from 2008. Parliament voted in Sarkisian as prime minister on Tuesday, sparking the largest protest in Armenia in years, with tens of thousands taking to the streets. Heeding a call from opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan, protesters had held rallies over recent days to denounce a change in the political system that they say is a bid to ensure Sarkisian can remain in power. A constitutional amendment approved in 2015 has transferred governing powers from the presidency to the premier. The opposition denounced Tuesday's parliamentary vote to make Sarkisian prime minister, saying the pro-Moscow politician lacked popular support. Pashinyan has called for "a peaceful velvet revolution" and urged his supporters to set up "revolutionary committees" across the country. Sarkisian, a former military officer, has been in charge of the landlocked South Caucasus nation of 2.9 million people for a decade. He also held the office of prime minister from 2007 to 2008. The country's new president, Armen Sarkisian, was sworn in last week but his powers will be weaker under the new system of government. Even though the two men share the same surname, they are not related. Protests began in the capital Yerevan on Friday and have since spread to the country's second and third largest cities, Gyumri and Vanadzor. On Monday police used stun grenades against protesters who tried to break through a barbed wire cordon to get to the parliament building. Authorities said 46 people, including six police and opposition leader Pashinyan, sought medical help. China is scheduled to hold live-fire drills in the Taiwan Strait Wednesday, flexing its military muscle after warning Taipei about seeking independence or closer ties with Washington. It is the first such exercise in the waterway since 2016, and it coincides with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen's visit to Swaziland, one of the self-ruled island's few remaining international allies. The Chinese government has given scant details about the manoeuvres, with a Fujian province maritime safety administration statement merely saying last week that the drills would take place from 8:00 am until midnight. China's Taiwan Affairs Office director Liu Jieyi said Monday the drill was "an action to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland". As she left for Africa on Tuesday, Tsai said Taiwan has "the confidence and determination to safeguard the country's security". Relations between Beijing and Taipei have deteriorated since Tsai came to office in May 2016, largely because she has not embraced the position that Taiwan and China are part of one country. China sees the island as part of its territory to be brought back into the fold and has not ruled out reunification by force. Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is traditionally pro-independence and her newly appointed premier William Lai is a long-standing independence advocate. "The mainland must create military pressure to let the other side know that no matter whether it happens gradually or they really declare independence, it is totally unacceptable," Song Zhongping, military commentator for Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV, told AFP. After the Communist Party-led parliament paved the way for Xi Jinping to rule for life, the Chinese president warned on March 20 that "all acts and tricks to separate the country are doomed to fail". That same day, China's sole operational aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, sailed through the Taiwan Strait. Song said the Liaoning is likely to participate in Wednesday's drill, as it "has a lot of advantages for resolving the Taiwan problem." "It can effectively acquire control of the airspace, and even effectively block the US-Japanese alliance's strategy for intervening in China's plan to settle the Taiwan issue," he said. - 'Psychological warfare' - Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate Taiwan internationally since Tsai took office, with Panama switching allegiance to China last year. Swaziland is among just 20 nations that still recognise Taipei. The drill "is part of Beijing's psychological warfare against Taiwan, and possibly a means to divert attention from Tsai's visit abroad by compelling media to report on the military drills," said J. Michael Cole, a Taipei-based senior fellow at the University of Nottingham's China Policy Institute. The planned drill could also serve as a signal to Washington, which sent an aircraft carrier through the disputed South China Sea last week. Washington switched diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China in 1979 but maintains trade relations with the island and is its main arms supplier. Beijing protested last month after President Donald Trump signed a bill allowing top-level US officials to travel to Taiwan. China said the US should stop official exchanges with Taiwan to avoid "damaging Sino-US relations". Hong Kong localist activist Edward Leung Tin-kei told a court on Wednesday that he felt very sorry for assaulting police officers during the Mong Kok riot on the Lunar New Year two years ago. Leungs apology came as he explained to a jury on his second day of testimony that he had never intended to use violence when he went to the popular shopping district on February 8, 2016 in support of local hawkers. He had allowed anger to get the better of him, and felt very sorry about it, he said. The former Hong Kong Indigenous spokesman, 26, is on trial with four other men on charges of rioting and inciting others to take part in a riot. He earlier pleaded guilty to a separate count of assaulting police. The High Court previously heard that Leung threw the top part of a rubbish bin in the direction of some officers and attacked a sergeant with a plastic bottle and a wooden board, leaving the policeman with a swollen ear and cuts on his knees. Two years on, Leung said he had reflected on the events and had been reminded of the principle, Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It was a simple principle, Leung said. If I did not want to be treated with violence, I should not have inflicted violence on others. But he was stopped from making further comments as Madam Justice Anthea Pang Po-kam noted they were irrelevant to the issues disputed in the trial. Prosecutor Eric Kwok Tung-ming SC pointed out that Leung had used foul language against the Food and Environmental Hygiene Departments (FEHD) hawker control officers. Leung agreed. A video played in court showed throngs of masked men and women, including members of Leungs group, swearing and demanding FEHD officers and the police leave and let the hawkers sell their wares. If I did not want to be treated with violence, I should not have inflicted violence on others Story continues Edward Leung Kwok also drew Leungs attention to a post on his groups Facebook page dated February 7, 2016, calling for readers to valiantly defend the street vendors. Leung said: I did not publish this. I saw this afterwards. When Kwok then showed him a video of the crowds pushing against officers to prevent police from advancing, Leung testified that he had not witnessed the scene at the time. I believe you would agree there was a breach of peace, the prosecutor said. Leung disagreed. But he agreed the crowds had at times blocked cars from turning onto Portland Street, where the hawkers had gathered, and obstructed other road users, presenting a problem that required police handling. The prosecutor further suggested that the people gathered might have broken a number of laws, as unlicensed hawkers set up stalls while revellers obstructed roads. But Leung said the authorities should not have taken action because, as he understood it, there was an unspoken agreement within the community that such hawkers could do business during Lunar New Year. This is Hong Kongs local culture, he said. I think there is no problem with that. Kwok pressed on: You believe there is no problem with breaking the law, or possibly breaking the law, to achieve your purpose of safeguarding the characteristics of street hawking? I didnt think there was no problem, Leung replied. Legally, one could be prosecuted. That is the consequence; the price to pay. But you did so anyway, Kwok continued. Was it because you believed you could achieve justice by breaking the law? Leung said it was not. His testimony was scheduled to continue on Thursday. This article Hong Kong localist Edward Leung sorry for assaulting police officers during Mong Kok riot first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. While design aficionados flock to Milan from around the globe for the world's largest furniture fair, Italy's kings of kitchen style are looking beyond its borders to beat a sluggish domestic market. As the six-day "Salone del Mobile" got under way in Italy's fashion capital on Tuesday, the country's kitchen design industry was celebrating a 3.2 percent growth in exports last year. The event hosts more than 2,450 exhibitors, of whom nearly a quarter are foreign. Last year, it attracted around 300,000 visitors from 165 countries. The 779 million euros ($961 billion) generated by the kitchen sector is behind only Germany and China. Consultancy firm Bain & Company estimates that the global design market grew four percent in 2017 to 35 billion euros, a figure that is destined to triple over the next 10 years. Milan's Centre for Industrial Studies (CSIL) says global kitchen exports are expected to reach $6.7 billion in 2021, an increase of about 20 percent from 2016. And with the country slowly emerging from the global financial crisis, companies are capitalising on Italy's reputation for style abroad to give themselves a place at the table. "We realised (during the crisis) that it was time for us to focus on exports," Paolo Zampieri, head of Zampieri Cucine, a small company that employs 34 people. "The domestic market was once more than enough, but the purchasing power in our country has diminished and the competition is very strong." - 'Release Valve' - The crisis has sped up the concentration of the sector. "Twenty years ago, there were 300 kitchen companies in Italy, today there are around 100. Six companies account for around half of production and 30 percent of exports," CSIL research director Aurelio Volpe told AFP. After being almost invisible abroad for the best part of a decade, exports account for 35 percent of Zampieri Cucine's sales. The company is experiencing double-digit growth and others in the sector are benefitting from a more outward outlook. "These companies have found a release valve in the export market. Even small businesses have found niches abroad," says Volpe. Veneta Cucine is one of Italy's big six, and group controller Denise Archiutti says that the "companies that have managed to survive the crisis have become bigger, more productive and more technologically flexible". "Production logic has changed, with increasingly personalised products made to measure and at the moment of order," she adds. France is the industry's largest export market -- as it is for the furniture sector as a whole -- and where last year it saw a 10.7 percent increase in sales, followed by the United States and Switzerland. Volpe notes that Italy is playing to a more refined market than number one exporter China, which mostly sells low-cost kitchens to the United States. Meanwhile Volpe says that Italian exports to China "have recorded an increase of 50 percent in a year." Kylian Mbappe struck a brace and Christopher Nkunku added a late third as Paris Saint-Germain marched into the French Cup final thanks to 3-1 win at Caen on Wednesday. PSG travelled to the Normandy coast with the French league title already wrapped up and looking to take another step towards what would be a fourth consecutive Cup triumph -- a record -- if they beat third division Les Herbiers at the Stade de France on May 8. But while dominant throughout, Unai Emery's men were kept on their toes in an at times messy encounter in which they had one goal chalked off by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and Mbappe's second fall under its scrutiny before it was confirmed nine minutes from time. PSG should have opened the scoring early but Angel Di Maria saw a weak rolled shot collected by 'keeper Brice Samba on 17 minutes. But despite poor pitch conditions, the French champions were quickly into their stride with Mbappe, outstanding on the night, opening the scoring on 21 minutes. A textbook move from midfield saw Edinson Cavani in possession to the left of the area. When the Uruguayan striker rolled across the area, Samba misjudged his lunge to leave Mbappe with an easy tap in from yards out. PSG were firmly in control against a Caen side reeling from four consecutive league defeats. But Patrice Garande's men pounced to level shortly before the half-time interval. PSG's defence stepped back amid a Caen offensive and when a deflected shot fell to Ismael Diomande his shot deflected off Adrien Rabiot to leave Kevin Trapp snatching for thin air. PSG replied moments after the second half began after a defensive blunder by Damien Da Silva saw Cavani add his name to the scoresheet. It was ruled out for offside, Di Maria the culprit. But with the clock ticking down, Caen's hopes of taking the tie into extra-time were dashed by yet another textbook move that saw PSG restore their lead. Again, VAR was used to check whether Cavani was offside when he ran on to a slick backheel by Di Maria and rolled across the area for Mbappe to fire past Samba nine minutes from time. This time, the goal stood. PSG added a third in the final minute of added-on time after Nkunku completed a great one-two to run through and leave Samba with no chance. South Korea to offer economic and political sweeteners if North Korea allows in nuclear inspectors South Korea will demand the North freezes its missile programme, disclose its nuclear capacity and allow in nuclear inspectors in exchange for economic and political concessions from Seoul, a senior South Korean national security adviser said ahead of a summit between the two nations leaders. Moon Chung-in, a special adviser on foreign affairs and national security in Seoul, said he expected significant outcomes from the talks between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on April 27, although it was highly unlikely US troops in the South would be withdrawn as part of any deal. President Moon may also submit a formal declaration of peace with North Korea at the UN General Assembly in September if the two leaders can strike an agreement, the adviser told the South China Morning Post. The Korean war ended in 1953 after an armistice was signed, but no formal peace agreement was made. As long as Pyongyangs denuclearisation commitment is verifiable, incentives may be provided in various forms including military, political and diplomatic assurances to the regime, the adviser Moon said. CIA chief met Kim Jong-un during secret visit to North Korea The United States, South Koreas main military ally, may also provide incentives, he added. If North Korea is willing to denuclearise in a complete and a verifiable way, then the incentives by the US, as well as other countries in the world, will be quite hefty, said Moon. These could include North Koreas long demands for an easing of international sanctions, removing it from a list of sponsors of international terrorism and suspending the use of some US strategic weapons, he said. If North Korea is really committed to denuclearisation, those kinds incentives wont face any kinds of obstacles, Moon said. Kim should know that he cant have nuclear weapons and economic development at the same time Moon Chung-in, South Korean security adviser Hopes of an end to the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula have risen in recent months after North and South Koreas leaders agreed to talks. Kim Jong-un is also to meet with US President Donald Trump. Story continues Kim made an unexpected trip to Beijing last month and met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump, meanwhile, said on Tuesday the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for his summit with Kim. CIA director Mike Pompeo travelled to North Korea last week to meet with Kim. Trump gives his blessing as Koreas plan to end their war Security adviser Moon said he was surprised by the speed in developments, adding that Kim had become very proactive in pursuing talks with South Korea. Moon suggested that the North Korean leader realised he had to pay more attention to pursuing pressing economic reforms to improve the livelihood of his people in the diplomatically isolated state. Kim should know that he cant have nuclear weapons and economic development at the same time. Therefore, unless he makes fundamental concessions in the area of nuclear issues, he cannot achieve economic development, Moon said. Kim has so far not demanded the withdrawal of US troops in South Korea in his recent meetings with South Korean officials, including talks held last month with Seouls special envoy Chung Eui-yong, according to Moon. Troop withdrawals have previously been raised as a precondition for denuclearisation by Pyongyang. Moon also said the deployment of the US-developed missile shield system may not be needed in South Korea if the dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear weapons was achieved through negotiation. Plans to use the system triggered a furious response from Beijing, which regards the technology as a threat to national security. If there is some sort of peace agreement through a declaration of an end to the Korean war, then China will get involved in the process of building peace in the Korean peninsula because China is a legal party to the armistice agreement, said Moon. Trump says US has had extremely high-level talks with North Korea However, he was sceptical of the need for a formal peace treaty, noting that the two Koreas already have a myriad of agreements to ensure peace in the region. We can make peace with existing agreements and declarations without drawing up a separate formal peace treaty, he said. This article South Korea to offer economic and political sweeteners if North Korea allows in nuclear inspectors first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. More from South China Morning Post: Venezuela's opposition-controlled National Assembly on Tuesday approved plans to prosecute President Nicolas Maduro for corruption, in a non-binding yet symbolic vote by a legislature which is effectively powerless. During the session, lawmakers voted to impeach Maduro over his alleged involvement in the vast corruption scandal centering on the Brazilian construction giant Odebrecht that has engulfed much of Latin America. Journalists were unable to attend the session after being blocked by the military police. "There are sufficient grounds to take this legal process forward over acts of corruption," read the resolution, which was approved by 105 deputies but rejected by the two lawmakers representing the regime. The vote however only has symbolic value as the Supreme Court, which is loyal to Maduro, has systematically blocked all of the National Assembly's efforts to prosecute the president or his government. The opposition won a historic victory in legislative elections in late 2015, taking 112 of the National Assembly's 167 seats. However it has never been able to exercise any real power, especially after Maduro installed a powerful new body, the Constituent Assembly, in July 2017. The Assembly's 545 seats are filled with Maduro allies and has unlimited powers to dissolve the National Assembly or amend laws. On Twitter, Venezuela's top prosecutor Tarek William Saab denounced the National Assembly's vote as "a farcical and immoral act," saying it lacked any "legitimacy." Saab's predecessor, Luisa Ortega Diaz said last year that she had proof implicating Maduro and his close allies in the Odebrecht scandal, prompting a major government backlash and forcing her to flee the country in August. Last month, Brazil's Estado newspaper said Maduro had awarded Odebrecht almost $4 billion for public works in exchange for donations to his 2013 campaign, citing documents in the possession of Brazilian and Venezuelan prosecutors. Gripped for months by its worst political and economic crisis in decades, Venezuela is becoming increasingly isolated on the international stage, with Maduro facing mounting criticism over his authoritarian rule. Also, Waitrr raises more than target, OCBC Bank collaborates with Google, Funding Societies raised US$25M, and Twitter may be filled with bots Lazada Philippines partners with First Digital Finance to launch cardless instalment payment option [Press release] Lazada has partnered with Philippine fintech company First Digital Finance to launch a cardless instalment payment option to the e-commerce platform. The BillEase platform was launched by First Digital Finance in September 2017 to give eligible customers with the option to pay for their purchases in instalment without the need for a credit card. It has since received over 50,000 applications. BillEase is an exciting platform that provides an attractive payment solution. Were offering Lazada customers a new way of financing their online purchases that is private and secure with flexible payment terms, said First Digital Finance co-founder Georg Steiger in a press statement. Also read: This Taiwanese startups helps creatives build content, nabs US$5M Series A While Lazada has various payment methods on its website and app, this new payment feature is the first beyond traditional methods like credit cards or cash-on-delivery. Were pleased that weve been able to respond to positive and constructive conversations weve had with our customers to provide this new payment service. Lazada is proud to be the only e-commerce company in Philippines to offer payment via instalments to customers with this partnership, said Inanc Balci, CEO of Lazada Philippines. BillEase is only one of the services by First Digital Finance, which also offers lending facilities for overseas Filipino workers and an online ending platform. Waitrr surpasses initial target in FundedHere campaign [Press release] Singapore-based food and beverage mobile ordering payments app Waitrr has raised a significant amount of capital through crowdfunding platform FundedHere. Amount raised exceeded the initial target and was funded by twelve registered FundedHere investors including reputable Singaporean investors Andy Lim, Founder and Chairman of private equity firm Tembusu Partners, and Steve Kek, CEO of OMG Venture. Story continues Waitrr is an app that lets diners order food and make instant payments on their smartphone devices. It contains the full menu of its onboarded restaurants and orders on the app go directly to the kitchen. A favourite feature during lunch hours is its takeaway option, wherein users simply order and pay for their meal using the app before going to the restaurant and simply picking up their orders without the need to queue. Waitrr was launched in 2015 and now boasts a user base of 15,000 customer and 110 restaurants. Also read: Its gold baby! Malaysia investment startup raises Series A from 500 Startups We are thankful for the enthusiasm and support of the community at FundedHere, which both validates our business model and proves that we are on the right track with our product. We will put these investments to good use in our journey to improve restaurant service and create seamless dining experiences for all, said Tim Wekezer, Waitrr Founder and CEO, in a press statement. Waitrrs campaign is the third oversubscribed campaign of FundedHere in recent months, following medtech startup AEvice Health and cleantech startup EcoWorth Tech. The crowdfunding platform is Singapores first equity and debt-based crowdfunding platform and has raised a cumulative S$8.1 million in funding for nineteen companies since its launch in 2015. Our teams mission is to provide investors in Singapore with opportunities to grow disruptive start-ups in need of alternative funding. We are pleased to have provided Waitrr a platform to reach out to the investor community and very much look forward to its next chapter of growth, said Daniel Lin, Co-Founder and Executive Director of FundedHere. Waitrr will use the funds from the campaign to ramp up end-user acquisition, develop new features, and expand service beyond Singapore. OCBC Bank first to launch AI-powered voice banking services in Singapore [Press release] In collaboration with Google, OCBC Bank is the first in Singapore to launch AI-powered voice banking services. With the launch of Google Home and Google Home Mini ins Singapore, OCBC Bank services like planning for retirement or saving for a childs education or getting the latest financial updates can be accessed by voice using the Google Assistant either via smartphone of a Google Home device. The Google Assistant will provide consumers with another self-service digital channel to interact with OCBC Bank wherein consumers can pose general banking questions to the Google Assistant at any time of the day to get instant responses. This complements other self-service digital channels such as AI-powered chatbot Emma, which OCBC Bank launched in 2017 to answer home and renovation loan queries on the OCBC Bank website. Also read: Indonesian student printing platform Cetaku raises seed funding round led by IDN Media This is the new digital conversational, smarter and simpler access to banking. For our customers to be able to interact with OCBC services by simply speaking to AI assistants on their smartphones and smart home devices is an exciting development, and an important one as we shape the bank of the future, said Aditya Gupta, Head of E-Business Singapore of OCBC Bank. OCBC Bank remains the only bank in Singapore to offer voice-based banking on digital voice assistants as a medium for customer interaction and engagement. Funding Societies raises US$25M series B [TechCrunch] Peer-to-peer lending platform Funding Societies has announced today that it has raised US$25 million in a series B round led by Softbank Ventures Korea, according to a report by TechCrunch. Returning investors Sequoia India, Golden Gate Ventures, and Alpha JWC Ventures, as well as new investors Qualgro and LINE Ventures also participated in the round. Funding Societies is a Singapore-based startup created to provide SMEs access to more means of financing. Prominent southeast Asia Twitter users sprout possible fake followers [Financial Times] Journalists, academics, activists, entrepreneurs, and UN officials who tweet about or live in southeast Asian countries have seen an increase in their followers by hundreds even thousands of anonymous accounts according to this article by the Financial Times. The anonymity of most accounts in the mass-following have fuelled unconfirmed theories that political or commercial entities are exploiting the site, as most accounts have the general indication of being bots designed to generate automatic posts have no or few followers, do not have photos or biographical data, and follow the account of the same people. While other parts of the world have already seen this mass-following phenomenon, this is the first time that southeast Asia have noticeably been affected. The post Todays top tech news, April 18: Lazada Philippines launches cardless instalment payment option with BillEase appeared first on e27. US among 59 countries granted visa-free access to Chinas resort island Hainan ... but whos missing? Chinas government has thrown open the doors to visitors from 59 countries, giving them visa-free entry to Hainan island, in an unprecedented move to spur economic growth and boost tourism in the backwater province. Starting May 1, passport holders from the UK, the US, Canada and scores of other European and Asian countries will be allowed to enter Hainan for stays of up to 30 days, according to an announcement Wednesday by the State Immigration Authority. Absent from the list are African countries, countries on the Indian subcontinent, as well as three members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean): Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. How Hainan became the Hawaii of the East The latest move is an expansion from a 2000 policy that permitted tour groups from 21 countries to enter Hainan visa-free for up to two weeks. The new move lets individual travelers enter Hainan and extends the period of stay. The move is likely to benefit Chinese airlines, including the islands flagship carrier, Hainan Airlines, a unit of the troubled Chinese conglomerate, HNA Group. The policy was expected to sharply increase the number of international tourists traveling to Hainan, and to help the island province eventually become Asias Hawaii, said Chong Tai-Leung, associate professor of economics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the new policy would benefit companies who have operations there, including airlines and developers, he said. Long promoted as Chinas Hawaii, the 35,000-square-kilometre tropical island in the northwest of the South China Sea with Vietnam to the west and the Philippines to the east, has historically been regarded as a backwater and afterthought. What to see and what to miss in Sanya, Hainan It has a long way to go to become an international destination. The number of international tourist arrivals only crossed the one million mark last year. That was a mere 1.6 per cent of the 60 million domestic visitors that arrived in 2017. Bali, which is one-sixth the size of Hainan, greeted more than 5 million foreign visitors last year. Story continues But it is now at the centre of one of Chinese President Xi Jinpings initiatives to further open up the countrys tourism and financial sectors to attract more foreign investors, part of which is to transform Hainan into an international tourism destination and a free trade port. Hainans service industry accounts for more than half of its 446.3 billion yuan (US$70.9 billion) gross domestic product (GDP) in 2017, according to mainland state media reports. Revenue for the tourism sector foreign and domestic arrivals totaled 81.2 billion yuan. Although it has been Chinas biggest special economic zone since 1988, the island has trailed rival zones such as Shenzhen in development and status. In the five years through 2017, it attracted less than US$10 billion in foreign investment only 1.5 per cent of Chinas total and has struggled to find its place in the nations economic landscape. Chinas Hawaii set to become pilot free-trade port Companies that could cash in on the latest round of liberalising policies include: Resorts Fosun-owned Club Med has built the 10 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion) luxury Atlantis Sanya resort in Sanya, which is expected to attract international family tourists. Department store operators Retail businesses including Wangfujing Group and Dalian Wanda could benefit from more tourists visiting. Property developers China Evergrande, Chinas third-largest developer by sales, is building Ocean Flower Island, a cluster of hotels, theme parks, malls and conference centres on an artificial archipelago off Hainans northwest coast. Airlines Hainan Airlines Holding and rival domestic carriers could benefit from more domestic and foreign tourists. This article US among 59 countries granted visa-free access to Chinas resort island Hainan ... but whos missing? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. More from South China Morning Post: Chinas live-fire drill in the Taiwan Strait planned for Wednesday will be the first such exercise since 2015. Liu Jieyi, Beijings top Taiwan affairs official, has said the exercise is a warning against any attempt to split particularly in light of comments by Premier William Lai, who has advocated independence, and a series of pro-Taiwan gestures by the US. Previous exercises have followed a similar pattern, with displays of military muscle coinciding with Beijings concerns that the island which it regards as a renegade province of China might seek to break away. Here are some of the most significant exercises in that period. Beijing ready to snuff out any separatist move, and live-fire drill in Taiwan Strait is proof, official says 1995-1996: In June 1995, Lee Teng-hui became the first Taiwanese leader to visit the United States since Washington re-established diplomatic ties with Beijing when he made a personal visit to his alma mater Cornell University. Beijings strong response triggered the worst crisis in cross-strait relations in decades. Between July and November 1995, the PLA conducted a series of exercises that began with missile tests just 60 kilometres (37 miles) from Taiwan-controlled territory. These were followed by exercises involving Chinas most advanced warships and joint landing drills involving marines and airborne troops. In March 1996, large-scale live-fire exercises resumed in the run-up to the islands first presidential elections. Many observers suspected that the exercises including more amphibious assaults might be the prelude to a real attack on the island. However, the US deployed two aircraft strike groups to the area and those fears eventually proved groundless. If Beijing had been trying to influence the result of the Taiwan election, it proved counterproductive, as Lee won a convincing victory. 1999: In July, Lee defined Taiwans relationship with the mainland as a special state-to-state one which Beijing interpreted as a significant step towards independence. Story continues In September, the PLA mobilised tens of thousands of troops and reservists for exercises that blocked both ends of the Taiwan Strait. 2000: A seven-day live-fire artillery drill was staged near Fujian province, around 30 kilometres from Taiwan controlled territory after the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)s Chen Shui-bian was elected as president. 2001: On April 1, a US Navy intelligence aircraft and a PLA Navy fighter collided in mid-air over the South China Sea near Hainan Island. A Chinese pilot was killed and 24 US service personnel were detained for 10 days until the two sides agreed a compromise. In the same month, George W Bushs administration approved the sale of US$18 billion worth of advanced weapons to Taiwan, including four Kidd-class destroyers, eight submarines and air defence missiles. Between June and September, 100,000 members of the PLA staged a series of amphibious warfare drills around Dongshan island in Fujian. Taiwans leader says island secure ahead of mainland China naval drills The four-month exercises included a mock attack on an enemy aircraft carrier and marked the first time the PLAs rapid response force and its most advanced Su-30 fighter jets were put through their paces. 2005-2014: Drills on hold Following the passing of an Anti-Secession Law in Beijing in 2005 which authorised the use of force if Taiwan declared independence and the election in 2008 of President Ma Ying-jeou, who worked on improving relations with the mainland, major drills were put on hold for almost a decade. 2015: As anti-mainland sentiment increased on the island and the DPPs Tsai Ing-wen took the lead in the presidential campaign, the PLA coastguard and navy carried out small-scale live-fire exercises near Dongshan in July. 2016-2017: Cross-strait tensions increased following Tsais election victory in May 2016. In the aftermath, the PLAs warships, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier, stepped up patrols across the Taiwan Strait and along the east coast of the island. Chinas national anthem and territorial borders are not timeless and unchanging 2018: Wednesdays drill will take the form of a one-day live-fire exercise in a relatively small area off the coast of Fujian. It was announced last week following the conclusion of the biggest ever naval parade staged in the South China Sea. It follows increasing friction between Beijing and Washington. The US has recently approved further arms sales to Taiwan, including submarine technology transfer, and the passing of the Taiwan Travel Act, which allows high-level US officials to meet their counterparts from the island. This article Why Chinas latest Taiwan Strait drill is just the latest bout of sabre-rattling first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. The Associated Press INTERNATIONAL.- Hundreds of 1,000-year-old silver coins, rings, pearls and bracelets linked to the era of Danish King Harald Gormsson have been found on the eastern German island of Ruegen in the Baltic Sea. A single silver coin was first found in January by two amateur archaeologists, one of them a 13-year-old boy, in a field near the village of Schaprode. The state archaeology office then became involved and the entire treasure was uncovered by experts over the weekend, the Mecklenburg-West Pomerania state archaeology office said Monday. Tambien te puede interesar: Trump puts forward 2 more nominees for Fed board Its the biggest trove of such coins in the southeastern Baltic region, the statement said. The office said the two amateur archeologists were asked to keep quiet about their discovery to give professionals time to plan the dig and were then invited to participate in the recovery. This was the (biggest) discovery of my life, hobby archaeologist Rene Schoen told the German news agency dpa. Schoen said he and 13-year-old Luca Malaschnitschenko were using metal detectors on the field near Schaprode when Luca found a little piece that he initially thought was only aluminum garbage. But when they cleaned it, they understood it was more precious. ZEINA KARAM Beirut, Lebanon | April 17 International inspectors have entered the Syrian town where an alleged chemical attack was carried out earlier this month, Syrian state media reported Tuesday, after they had waited for days in the capital for permission from Syrian and Russian authorities. The fact-finding mission from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons is investigating reports that government forces launched chemical attack in the final stages of their fight to retake the town of Douma from rebels. The alleged gas attack, which Syrian activists say killed more than 40 people, prompted punitive U.S., British and French airstrikes. Several said a strange smell started spreading and people screamed, Its chlorine! Its chlorine! Syria and its ally Russia deny any chemical attack took place, and Russian officials have accused Britain of staging a fake chemical attack. British Prime Minister Theresa May says Syria and Russia whose forces now control the town east of Damascus are trying to cover up evidence. Journalists were allowed access to the suspected attack sites on Monday, but the OPCW said Syrian and Russian authorities blocked the inspectors. The Associated Press spoke to survivors and witnesses who described being hit by gas. Several said a strange smell started spreading and people screamed, Its chlorine! Its chlorine! The U.S. and France say they have evidence that Syrian President Bashar Assads forces used poison gas in the attack, but they have not provided any evidence, even after Saturdays punitive missile strikes. Douma was the last rebel-held town near Damascus, and the target of a government offensive in February and March that killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands. Hours after the alleged chemical attack, the rebel faction that controlled the town, the Army of Islam, relented and was evacuated along with thousands of residents. The site visit came hours after reports of more international air strikes on Syrian military installations. The Syrian military later said a false alarm set off air defense systems early Tuesday, retracting earlier reports of a pre-dawn outside aggression on its airfields in the central Homs region and a suburb of Damascus. MICHAEL GRACZYK Texas.- Barbara Bush, the snowy-haired first lady whose plainspoken manner and utter lack of pretense made her more popular at times than her husband, President George H.W. Bush, died Tuesday, a family spokesman said. She was 92. Mrs. Bush brought a grandmotherly style to buttoned-down Washington, often appearing in her trademark fake pearl chokers and displaying no vanity about her white hair and wrinkles. What you see with me is what you get. Im not running for president George Bush is, she said at the 1988 Republican National Convention, where her husband, then vice president, was nominated to succeed Ronald Reagan. The Bushes, who were married Jan. 6, 1945, had the longest marriage of any presidential couple in American history. And Mrs. Bush was one of only two first ladies who had a child who was elected president. The other was Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams and mother of John Quincy Adams. I had the best job in America, she wrote in a 1994 memoir describing her time in the White House. Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun. On Sunday, family spokesman Jim McGrath said the former first lady had decided to decline further medical treatment for health problems and focus instead on comfort care at home in Houston. She had been in the hospital recently for congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In 2009, she had heart valve replacement surgery and had a long history of treatment for Graves disease, a thyroid condition. Monika Scislowska WARSAW, Poland.- Seven young female bison from Poland are being shipped off to help boost a herd in Spain and expand the population of Europes largest animal, which is on the endangered species list. Michal Krzysiak, head of the Bialowieza National Park in eastern Poland, said the bison aged between 1 and 4 years old have been put on trucks in special wooden cases and were on their way to two breeding farms north of Madrid. He expected them to arrive there mid-week. Wild bison were extinct in Europe before World War I. The new bison are the offspring of more than a dozen selected captive animals. There are some 1,900 bison in Poland now, including 690 in the Bialowieza reserve. Krzysiak said the reserves goals are to help develop new herds, preserve the species and protect the population from the spread of any diseases. The program is financed by Polands forestry authorities. "The bison is Europes largest land animal. It had very dramatic history". Wanda Olech of Warsaws University of Life Sciences said the animals were going to two private farms near Segovia: La Perla and Posada, where they will have a large fenced-in terrain. The bison is Europes largest land animal. It had very dramatic history in the 20th century was almost extinct so we are doing everything to develop and preserve the population, Olech told The Associated Press. Olech said bison from Poland have brought new energy to a village in northern Spain, San Cebrian de Muda, whose predominantly elderly population now take regular walks to visit the small herd brought there eight years ago. Bison from Poland have also been sent to some other farms across Europe in recent years. JILL COLVIN | ZEKE MILLER UNITED STATES.- President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the U.S. and North Korea are holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for a potential summit with dictator Kim Jong Un. At MaAR Lago with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Trump also confirmed that North and South Korea are negotiating an end to hostilities before next weeks meeting between Kim snd South Korean President Moon Jaein. The meeting will be the third interKorean summit since the Koreas 1945 division.They do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war, said Trump, who welcomed Abe to his Florida resort on Tuesday. Trump is looking to hold his own summit with Kim in the next two months and said five locations are under consideration. The proposed summit follows months of increasingly heated rhetoric over the Norths nuclear weapons program. We have had direct talks at very high levels extremely high levels with North Korea, Trump said. Well either have a very good meeting or we wont have a good meeting, he added.And maybe we wont even have a meeting at all depending on whats going in. But I think that theres a great chance to solve a world problem. The president did not answer shouted questions about whether he has spoken with Kim. Kim s offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Trump by South Korea last month, and the president accepted. U.S. officials have indicated over the past two weeks that North Koreas government has communicated directly with Washing- ton that it is ready to discuss its nuclear weapons program. The officials also said discussions between the two sides are being held in preparation for a summit. Abe, who has voiced fears that short and medium range missiles that pose a threat to Japan might not be part of the U.S. negotiations, praised Trump on Tuesday for his bravery in agreeing to meet with the North Korean dictator. Id like to commend Donalds courage in his decision to have the upcoming summit meeting with the North Korean leader, Abe said. Trump took credit forthe inter-Korean talks, saying, Without us and without me, in particular, I guess you would have to say, they wouldnt be discussing anything.North Korea has long sought a peace treaty with the U.S. to formally end the 1950-53 Korean War. It is unusual for the North to seek to broach the issue directly with South Korea rather than with Washington itself. The armistice that ended the fighting was signed by the United Nations Command the U.S.-led forces in the conflict Nor- th Korea and China. South Korea was a member of the U.N. Command but was not a direct signatory. The U.S. has traditionally sought to resolve the dispute over North Koreas nu- clear weapons program before addressing the Norths demands for a peace treaty, which the isolated, authoritarian nation views as a means to ensuring its security. The U.S. retains nearly 30,000 troops in South Korea to deter North Korean ag- gression. The leaders of the two Koreas are due to meet April 27 on the southern side of the tense, demilitarized zone that separates them. Rafael R. Deustua INTERNACIONAL.- Urging us to leave the planet is one of the last warnings made by physicist Stephen Hawking before he died. Some might say that he exaggerated but just in part, just enough to get a newspaper headline and draw attention to the global warming reality. The scientific genius knew how to give a constructive purpose to his fame. Actually, the skill to manage that fame is one of the reasons why he acquired it. As scientific geniuses Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking are the top of the list, both in physics; the latter expanding the work of the former. Both trying to explain how the universe works and where we come from. Both were also public figures in life, thanks to their scientific achievements and in the case of Hawking also for overcoming his disability, which some colleagues believe helped him to create his theories. As his paralysis progressed, the scientist lost the ability to write and, therefore, to do the mathematical calculations with which theoretical physicists test their ideas. Tambien te puede interesar: Starbucks to train workers on unconscious bias, CEO says For them being able to express mathematically a phenomenon is the difference between science and philosophy. The equations also help them sort their thoughts, keeping them within a scheme and that is what Hawking lost access to in the late sixties. Terribly independent, Hawking did not accept any help. Like a secretary who wrote the equations he dictated - then he could still speak. To replace the equations, Hawking developed compensatory visual methods such as conceiving the equations in geometric terms. The physicist Werner Israel compared this achievement to Mozart composing an entire symphony in his head. Hawking thought that he was a scientist first and a scientific popularizer afterward. In fact, he writes A Brief History of Time when his paralysis is so advanced that it jeopardizes his work and the economic future of his three children, as a way to secure their future. That determination distinguished him from notable communicators such as Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan, very prolific but with few scientific achievements. As his paralysis progressed, the scientist lost the ability to write and, therefore, to do the mathematical calculations with which theoretical physicists test their ideas. For them being able to express mathematically a phenomenon is the difference between science and philosophy. The equations also help them sort their thoughts, keeping them within a scheme and that is what Hawking lost access to in the late sixties. Terribly independent, Hawking did not accept any help. Like a secretary who wrote the equations he dictated - then he could still speak. To replace the equations, Hawking developed compensatory visual methods such as conceiving the equations in geometric terms. The physicist Werner Israel compared this achievement to Mozart composing an entire symphony in his head. In 1972, Hawking believes that Black Holes ignore the Second Law of Thermodynamic when he met Jacob Bekenstein. The young graduate tells him that the thermodynamic laws do apply to Black Holes, and use Hawkings earlier work to show him how. Hawking refuse to believe it and once back home try to prove him wrong. Instead, he completes the equation and shares the credit with Bekenstein. Hawking thought that he was a scientist first and a scientific popularizer afterward. In fact, he writes A Brief History of Time when his paralysis is so advanced that it jeopardizes his work and the economic future of his three children, as a way to secure their future. That determination distinguished him from notable communicators such as Isaac Asimov and Carl Sagan, very prolific but with few scientific achievements. Although respected in the scientific world, Hawking was a contemporary of scientists with achievements as valuable as his own but without popular recognition. For example, Richard Feynman (Quantum mechanics and fluid dynamics), Paul Dirac (Quantum mechanics) and Murray Gell-Mann (theory of elementary particles), all of them Nobel winners. Hawking has died, Who is the new king? If there were a new Stephen Hawking already, we would not have to ask, since he would be a well-known figure, as well as a successful scientist. Among hundreds of great scientists today, few are popular. An example is Alexander Polyakov, who received the prize in fundamental physics in 2013 -and three million dollars - for his research in the theory of strings and the quantum field, but is unknown to the popular culture. A Nobel Prize winner in chemistry, Robert Huber, is another of the most distinguished current scientists. Thanks to his work, is better known how photosynthesis works. Molecular biologist Phillip Allen Sharp discovered with Richard J. Roberts how to splice RNA to cut unnecessary sequences in DNA, which he called introns. They received the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1993. By founding modern surface chemistry, which explains how fuel cells produce unpolluted energy, how catalytic converters work and even why iron rusts, Gerhard Ertl is another of the great living scientists. The Nobel Prize is the beacon thanks to which we see the work of many scientists. Although, to reach it they depend on groups that promote their cause to the Swedish Academy of Sciences. Hawking never won the Nobel because - as himself acknowledged - his main scientific contribution, the prediction that Black Holes emit radiation, can not yet be proven. In conclusion, Stephen Hawking is and will remain irreplaceable. Glacier loss is accelerating because of global warming Posted on 18 April 2018 by John Abraham With global warming, we can make predictions and then take measurements to test those predictions. One prediction (a pretty obvious one) is that a warmer world will have less snow and ice. In particular, areas that have year-round ice and snow will start to melt. Alpine glaciers are large bodies of ice that can be formed high in mountains, typically in bowls called cirques. The ice slowly flows downwards, pulled by gravity, and is renewed in their upper regions. A sort of balance can occur where the loss of ice by melting or flowing at the bottom is equal to the gain of snow and ice by precipitation. As the Earth warms, the melt line moves upwards so that the glacier melts faster and faster at the bottom, shortening the glacier and reducing its mass. Ultimately, the melted water flows into streams and rivers and ends up in the oceans, contributing to accelerating sea level rise. While glaciers are interesting from an intellectual standpoint, they are also important to ecosystems and society. For example, the rate of glacier melt affects downstream water levels, river flowrates, and the water available for human use. So, it would be really important for us to be able to predict what will happen with glaciers in the future and plan for how water availability will change. Of the groups that track glaciers, my favorite is the World Glacier Monitoring Service, which publishes a survey of the mass changes from selected glaciers around the world, available here and summarized below. The graph shows changes to the mass of the glaciers that are monitored, measured in millimeters of equivalent water. Changes to water content of glaciers. Illustration: World Glacier Monitoring Service But this doesnt tell the whole story because there is very little information about glacier health in the high latitudes (Northern Alaska, Canada, Northern Europe, Northern Russia, etc.). Very few temperature records exist in high elevations in these regions. Furthermore, the temperatures do not extend back very far in time. So, it is challenging for scientists to develop a long-term perspective on glacier health in these areas. And this is why a new study attracted my attention. A paper was just published by the American Geophysical Union that shared research carried out by Dominic Winski and his colleagues. This team of researchers extracted ice cores from the glaciers on Mt. Hunter, in Alaska. The ice cores held snow and ice from as far back as 400 years. The researchers showed that the amount of water melt currently is 60 times greater than it was prior to 1850. They also found that the summertime temperature changes on Mt. Hunter are almost 2C per century (about 3.5F). To put this in perspective, the temperatures are rising about twice as fast as global temperatures. Click here to read the rest The classical music world was shaken on Monday when the Pulitzer Prizes announced that the prize for Music, which had previously been given only to classical or (less frequently) jazz musicians, had been awarded to rapper Kendrick Lamar for his album Damn. Given the historic win and the spate of think-pieces about what it means, you could be forgiven for not realizing that Lamar wasnt the only one honored in the Music category this year: Composers Michael Gilbertson and Ted Hearne were named as finalists for their respective works, Quartet and Sound From the Bench. Advertisement Slate spoke separately to Gilbertson and Hearne, who described themselves as fans of Lamar, about how it feels to have their works recognized by the Pulitzer board and what they think of the prizes surprising choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement What were you doing when you found out youd been named a Pulitzer finalist? Michael Gilbertson: I was having lunch with Ben Simon, the conductor of the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, which is premiering a work of mine this coming weekend, when I got a call from another conductor I had worked with, Donald Nally. He called to congratulate me, and I had no idea what he was congratulating me for. I was really shocked. I was not expecting this at all, but Im thrilled. Advertisement Ted Hearne: Im rehearsing a new piece for the L.A. Philharmonic with the poet Saul Williams. My phone just blew up with a lot of textsabout Kendrick Lamar! Tell me a little bit about your piece. Gilbertson: In the fall of 2016, Id been commissioned to write a string quartet for the Verona Quartet. Theyre a really great, ambitious group, so I wanted to write them an ambitious piece. When the election happened in November 2016, I had sketches for the piece, but I felt like I needed to start over. I felt the need to write something consoling and comforting. The opening of the piece was kind of inspired by Sibelius second symphony. I use something called string harmonics. You know the sound of somebodys finger on a water glass? Its kind of like that. Its a delicate sound, and it was meant to acknowledge all the talk about the glass ceiling, something thats so fragile and turned out to be very fragile in that year. Advertisement Hearne: Most of my work is political. Sound From the Bench is a piece about Citizens United and corporate personhood. I met this poet, Jena Osman, in 2014, and she was working on this collection of poems inspired by all the different Supreme Court cases that have created constitutional rights for corporations. She takes tons of different found sources and combines them into collections of text. Advertisement We talked about putting a piece together. The effect of the Citizens United case on political financing has just been so immediate and is such a huge part of the reason that Donald Trump is our president, for instancethe bleeding of money into politics. I thought itd be interesting fodder for a musical piece, the combination of electric instruments and human voices and where the line is between a human and not-a-human. Advertisement Advertisement This years Pulitzer winner was also very political. Are you a fan of Kendrick Lamar? Advertisement Gilbertson: I wouldnt say Im an expert, but I am a fan of his music. I remember when I was at Yale, I heard some other grad students give a talk on some of the theological and conceptual narrative depth in his work, and I was really struck by that. It changed the way I listen to his music. Im really a fan of his work. Whats your favorite Kendrick track? Hearne: I love Feel so, so much. Incredible poetry, incredible groove, love his use of sampling, love the burst of intensity and the way he fucks with time near the end of the track. Advertisement Gilbertson: Probably Real from the album Good Kid, M.A.A.D City. There are many things I like musically, but I particularly love the refrain: I do what I wanna do, I say what I wanna say, when I feel, and I look in the mirror and know Im there. I grew up a gay kid in Iowa, and it was tough. Music got me through the hardest times. Those words really speak to me. Advertisement Advertisement What did you think of the board awarding this years top prize to Kendrick? Hearne: I dont put too much stock in prizes, but this is a really important year because Kendrick Lamars music is super important to me and to a lot of people. Hip-hop as a genre has been important to me as a composer, but Kendricks work in particular. He is such a bold and experimental and authentic artist. Hes one of the people that is creating truly new music. What do you think his win means for the future of the prize? Gilbertson: I never thought my string quartet and an album by Kendrick Lamar would be in the same category. This is no longer a narrow honor. It used to be classical composers competing against each other in relatively small numbers, but now were all competing against these major voices in music. Advertisement Hearne: I think its wonderful. When we say classical music, I think its a collection of audiences and musicians that have been grouped together and a big part of that grouping together, over centuries, has been about the exclusion of nonwhite people and nonwhite artists. Sure, in some respects, using violins and European classical instruments is a part of classical music, but so are a lot of other ideas. Especially in America, there are incredibly important musical thinkers who have been kept out of classical music spaces for a long time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Can you give me an example? Hearne: Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, Charlie Parker. The ideas that Miles Davis and Charlie Mingus were playing with compositionally were more innovative than almost anybody in the entire century. We have to ask ourselves why Miles Davis is not considered part of that genre. Its great that the Pulitzer Prize, which is considered prestigious in some circles, is recognizing a whole tradition of musical thinkers and bringing them into a space that has been, up until very recently, entirely white. Of course, its great to be included on a list with [Kendrick], but it also bodes well for breaking down the walls of genre. Gilbertson: A few years ago, Caroline Shaw worked with Kanye West after she won the Pulitzer. Maybe well get some more cross-disciplinary collaborations coming out of this. Maybe youll work with Kendrick. Gilbertson: That would be a great honor. Barbara Bush, who died Tuesday at the age of 92, has been remembered as a dutiful spouse and a proud mother, respectively, to two conservative presidents. Bushs actual influence on their policy views has mostly been opaque, with the conspicuous exception of a story shared in 2010 by George W. Bush upon the release of his memoir. W. said his mother once showed him her miscarried fetus in a jar, which turned him against abortion for life. Its an unfortunate anecdote, not least because Barbara Bushs legacy on reproductive freedom is hardly that of a pro-life proponent. In fact, her outspoken opposition to politicizing abortion was a significant departure from both her sons ardent anti-abortion politics and those of her husband, George H.W. Bush. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During H.W. Bushs presidential campaigns, Bush would coyly decline to answer questions about her personal views on abortion. Im not going to tell you my opinion, shed say to reporters, or, Im not running for President, so I am not going to tell you my position on abortion. But I would love to tell you what Georges is. Many heard this as a tacit admission that she supported abortion rights. If she agreed with her husbands anti-abortion stance, which was the far more accepted position within their party, why wouldnt she just say so? Her reticence on the issue was a very quiet appeal to pro-choice Republicans and independents who might have otherwise felt uncomfortable voting for her husband. It was also rather brave: In 1988, when he won the presidential election, Republican support for abortion rights was lower than it had ever been or has ever been since. Advertisement H.W. Bush wasnt always the vocal anti-choice advocate he was in the White House. He and Barbara Bush openly supported Planned Parenthood, even when Texas elected him as a congressman, and not only because his father was the organizations former treasurer. In Congress, H.W. Bush supported Title Xa federally-funded family planning programand the United Nations Population Fund, two things his party is currently attempting to hobble. Around the time he joined up with Ronald Reagan, a darling of the religious right, on the 1980 presidential ticket, he was met with intense questioning about his commitment to anti-abortion policy and solidified his position against abortion. As president, he opposed public funding of abortion care for survivors of rape and incest, even as he nominally supported legal abortion in those cases. Advertisement Advertisement By the time H.W. Bush began campaigning for his second term as president, Barbara Bush was ready to be more vocal about her pro-choice views. In August 1992, she told reporters she disagreed with the Republican Partys decision to advocate for a Constitutional amendment enshrining a fundamental individual right to life for the unborn child in its party platform. Im not being outspoken or pro or con abortion, she said. Im saying abortion should not be in there, either pro or con. As a personal thing, she explained, the issue had no place in party platforms or conventions. Advertisement She also said that, although her husband claimed he would counsel a child not to have an abortion, you cant pin a child down and say, You cant have an abortion. Thats against the law. At the time, the New York Times characterized Bushs comments as a sharp break from her tendency to keep quiet on matters of policy. Her friends told the paper that she privately supported abortion rights. George Stephanopoulos, then communications director for Bill Clintons campaign, held up Bushs remarks as evidence that her husband, Clintons Republican opponent, was privately pro-choice, an attempt to prod more conservative Republicans to desert their partys candidate. Advertisement Advertisement It would be wrong to call Bush an advocate for reproductive rightsif she didnt think abortion belonged in any party platform, she didnt think it was a right worth fighting for. But as one of the most visible women in the GOP at the time, her deliberate departure from the presidenther husbandon a life-or-death issue for women was a major risk in a party that fetishizes patriarchal authority. I hate abortions, Bush wrote in her 1994 memoir, but just could not make that choice for someone else. In another world, her perspective might have helped pave a compassionate way forward for Republicans: a personal opposition to abortion paired with a light hand on the law. In this one, she will be remembered as one of the few first ladies who went to the press to tell off the presidents own party about one of its pet issuesan act of principle in a party with precious few. Starting today, for the first time in 59 years, Cuba will not be led by someone with the last name Castro. The government of Cuba, that is. The 86-year-old Raul Castro stepped down as president but remains first secretary of Cubas ruling Communist Party. In Marxist-Leninist political systems like Cubas, the party and government are deeply intertwined. Titles can also be a bit interchangeable: Rauls brother Fidel de facto ruled Cuba as prime minister, with a figurehead serving as president, from 1959 to 1976, before he took over the presidency. So its safe to assume that Raul will continue to hold a great deal of influence in his semi-retirement, and its fair to question the degree to which his successor will be actually running the country. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That successor, Miguel Diaz-Canel, 57, is a bit of a cipher. A former party boss in the city of Santa Clara and minister for education, hes been the presumed successor since 2013 when he was elevated to the position of first vice president, even as he has kept a low profile. Hes reportedly a supporter of market reforms and advocate for opening up Cubas internet, but its unlikely that Rauls handpicked successor will stray far from the Castro path. In a leaked video last summer, Diaz-Canel was recorded blasting the independent media and foreign embassies as saboteurs and saying that Obamas 2015 diplomatic opening had been a plot to destroy the revolution. Advertisement He is a creature of the revolutionary consensus. We really wont know until we see him in action, but theres no evidence to suggest he doesnt represent continuity, says Julia Sweig, Cuba analyst and author of the book Cuba: What Everyone Needs to Know. Still, today obviously marks a generational shift. For nearly 60 years, Cuba has been ruled by the same small group of revolutionary veterans who seized power as young men and are now very old men. By contrast, only one of the five vice presidents sworn in Thursday fought with the Castros during the revolution. Advertisement Raul, who took over from his brother as president in 2008 and party chief in 2011, is stepping back at a time of deep uncertainty and transition. Once thought of as a hardline Stalinist, he has presided over some limited market reforms, allowing growth in the private sector, without liberalizing the countrys political system. He also oversaw a historic detente with the United States since President Obamas diplomatic overtures in 2015, though the more than 50-year-old trade embargo, which can only be lifted by Congress, remains in place. Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration reversed many of Obamas moves, putting new restrictions on trade and travel between the two countries, and Cubas growing tourism industry has been hit particularly hard. The U.S. has also slashed staff at the U.S. embassy in Havana down to a skeleton crew in the wake of a mysterious illness that some U.S. officials have blamed on Cuban spying or sabotage, which the Cuban government denies. Interestingly, Mike Pompeo, Trumps nominee for secretary of the state, told the Senate last week that he wants to improve ties with Cuba and build out a team there. Sweig suggested that the CIA director may have come to realize that the diplomatic breakdown is affecting the ability of the U.S. to gather intelligence on Cuba during a critical moment. [Pompeos] own staff may have to persuade him that driving blind during a major transition is a bad idea, she said. For no other reason than to have any kind of direct understanding of whats happening on the island, we need to get our people back there. For weeks now, New York politicos have been jazzed about former Sex and the City co-star Cynthia Nixons insurgent campaign for New York governor. The incumbent, Andrew Cuomo, has become a villain on the partys left even as he reportedly draws up plans to join the throng of Democrats likely to run for the presidency in 2020. Nixon, speaking stridently on topics like wealth inequality and mass incarceration, has directed her pitch squarely at those disgruntled progressives. As the New York Times reported Tuesday, shes gained 16 points worth of ground against Cuomo in the past month, although he still holds a healthy lead, 58 percent to 27. Cuomos approval rating has also slipped beneath 50 percent for the first time since 2015. Advertisement The new numbers arent terribly surprising, as Nixons been the subject of glowing coverage in the local and national press. Strong evidence that the hype has spooked Cuomos camp came Monday in a New York Daily News piece on the likelihood of Bernie Sanders making an endorsement in the race. The governor and Sen. Sanders are in lock-step, Cuomo campaign spokesperson Abbey Fousher told the paper. Our focus is on passing progressive policies and 100% on beating Republicans to take back the House, and the state Senate here in New York. Not long afterward, Nixons team sent out an email noting that Cuomo, unlike Sanders, has been a fan of tax cuts and came into office promising tussles with unions too, among other differences. The email also linked to a 2014 article on comments Cuomo had made about reaching out to Republicans. When it comes to fiscal issues, you look at the way weve managed this state, we managed it a way that any Republican would be proud, hed told reporters. Voices from Sanders circles were equally incredulous. The idea that Andrew Cuomo and Bernie Sanders are lock step on policy is 100% Grade A American bullshit, tweeted Sanders senior adviser Ari Rabin-Havt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lock-step comment was of a piece with Cuomos ongoing efforts to burnish his progressive credentials. He launched a paid family leave program in January, for instance, and has championed both gun control measures and LGBT rights. On Wednesday, he granted New Yorks ex-felons on parole the right to vote by executive order. His supporters count the states $15 minimum wage hike and a free college program endorsed by Sanders among his achievements as well, although progressive skeptics have criticized the scope of both initiatives: The free college program is expected to cover only about 32,000 students by 2021 and theres no set timetable yet for when the minimum wage will actually reach $15 for workers outside of New York City, Long Island, and Westchester. Advertisement Moreover, as the quote dredged up by Nixons team illustrates, Cuomo has spent much of his tenure as a committed centrist. He hardly campaigned for Democratic candidates for the state legislature in 2014 and went on the trail for them only reluctantly and belatedly in 2016, initially taking care, as the New York Daily News Kenneth Lovett reported, not to stop in districts held by incumbent Republicans. State Democrats have been additionally frustrated by Cuomos ambivalence over the Independent Democratic Conference, a small group of state Senate Democrats that began conferencing with Republicans in 2011, securing a GOP majority that has stalled progressive priorities like a state single-payer program and a version of the DREAM Act. In 2014, Blake Zeff reported in Politico that, according to anonymous insiders, Cuomo had involved himself behind the scenes with the IDCs creation and messaging with the intention of keeping Republicans in control in the state Senate so that he wouldnt be handing over power to New York City Democrats. Cuomo insisted for years on end that he had no power over the group, before promising, in 2014, to break up the coalition as part of a deal with the progressive and influential Working Families Party. That didnt happen until earlier this month, when Cuomo abruptly killed the IDC in a press conference with state Senate Democratic Conference leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and IDC leader Jeff Klein, where they announced the sudden acceleration of a reunification deal reached in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear whether Cuomo will try framing this record as results-driven pragmatism or insist hes been a progressive all along if he runs for president in 2020. But its clear that the immediate task of quashing Nixons primary challenge demands a leftward shift that is already underway. Cuomo called marijuana legalization an inevitability last week after Nixon released a video on her support for it and declared a state of emergency to take over and manage new funding at the New York City Housing Authority earlier this month after years of diffidence from the state. Again, although Cuomos playing catch-up with the states progressives, his chances of running away with the race remain strong. Sienas poll shows that Cuomo has a 3-to-1 lead over Nixon in New York City and is well ahead in the citys suburbs. Most of the states primary voters live in and around the city, which carried Hillary Clinton to victory in 2016 even as Bernie Sanders cleaned up across most of the state. Advertisement Nixon is certain to secure the support of Sanders veterans in her bid to outdo his margins. She was invited to address progressive activists at an event in Washington last Friday co-hosted by Our Revolution, a group formed by Sanders supporters to continue pushing his message. The time is up for corporate Democrats, for politicians who campaign as Democrats but govern as Republicans, she told the crowd. It cant just be business as usual anymore. The moves Cuomos made since her entrance into the race suggest business as usual may already be on the way out, whether she stands a real chance of beating him or not. President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning confirmed the big news from Tuesday night, tweeting, Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. The secret meeting, which actually took place over Easter weekend, according to officials, makes Pompeo the highest-ranking U.S. official to meet with the North Korean government since thenSecretary of State Madeleine Albright met Kim Jong-il in 2000. But back home, things are looking rockier for Pompeo, who now appears unlikely to receive the confirmation endorsement of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Pompeo is still likely to become secretary of stateeven without majority support the committee can still send his nomination to the Senate floor, where he will probably be confirmedbut it is a rare rebuke. No secretary of state, that we know of, has ever been approved without the committees endorsement. (Prior to the 1920s, Senate committee business was mostly conducted in closed session, without public records.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The committee comprises 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Republican Sen. Rand Paul has already indicated he will vote against Pompeo. Sens. Tim Kaine and Jeanne Shaheen, the Democratic members of the committee who backed Pompeo for CIA director last year, said this week that they will not support him as secretary of state. In a speech at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington on Wednesday morning, Sen. Robert Menendez, the ranking Democrat on the committee, also said he would cast a no vote, I believe the American people deserve better and that Pompeos testimony before the committee last week did little to assuage my concerns about the administrations lack of strategic vision for any of our major global challenges. He specifically cited concerns about strategy in Syria and plans for the Iran nuclear deal. He also noted lingering questions about Pompeos role in the Russia investigation and his lack of contrition for past statements about Muslims and LGBTQ people. A staunch critic of Obamas Iran deal and diplomatic opening to Cuba, Menendez is one of the more hawkish Democrats in the Senate, and his opposition suggests that the partys opposition to Pompeo is likely to be near universal. Advertisement Advertisement Menendez also addressed Pompeos North Korea trip, saying, even in his private conversations with me, he didnt tell me about his visit to North Korea. I dont expect diplomacy to be negotiated out in the open, but I do expect for someone who is the nominee for secretary of state, when he speaks with committee leadership, and when he was asked specific questions about North Korea, to share some insights about such a visit. Any insights, from anyone, about the administrations negotiating strategy, would certainly be welcome right now. Trump said at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday that he had given his blessing to planned discussions between North and South Korea about bringing an official end to the Korean warwhich has been under an armistice since 1953and continues to tout out the prospect of full denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, without indicating what concessions the U.S. is willing to make to achieve that. (North Koreas demands could include anything from the lifting of sanctions to a halt of U.S.South Korean military exercises or the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the peninsula.) It appears Pompeo is already laying the groundwork for these discussions but is likely to do so without the customary endorsement of Congress. Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens released a statement Tuesday night assuring the public that he would not resign, under the full belief that the facts will prove my innocence. I will not be resigning the Governor's office. In three weeks, this matter will go to a court of lawwhere it belongs and where the facts will prove my innocence. Until then, I will do what the people of Missouri sent me here to do: to serve them and work hard on their behalf. Eric Greitens (@EricGreitens) April 18, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Republican governor has been warding off calls to resign from prominent members of his own party for months, as he heads toward a criminal trial in May over invasion of privacy charges. But on Tuesday, he took another blow when the states attorney general announced he was considering a felony prosecution over an entirely separate matter. Whats happening with Missouris governor? The Blackmail-Related Charges Greitens, a 44-year-old former Navy SEAL and Rhodes scholar with a Ph.D. from Oxford University who once ran an ad just showing him firing a machine gun, was elected in 2016 in his first run for public office. His first term was disrupted by an explosive scandal in January, when St. Louis station KMOV reported the allegations of a 2015 affair between Greitens and his former hairdresser while he was preparing his run for governor. The source for the story was the womans husband at the time of the affair who recounted that his then-wife confessed to the affair and told him that Greitens took partially nude photos of her without her consent. According to the husband, who gave to the media an audio tape of the woman talking about the affair, Greitens told her that if she were to ever go public with the story of their affair, he would respond by making the photos public. Advertisement Advertisement Afterward, Talking Points Memo reported that the ex-husband also said Greitens slapped the woman after she told him she had sex with her husband. Greitens immediately admitted to the affair but denied the allegations of violence and blackmail. He started facing calls to resign, but he resisted. In February, Greitens was indicted by a grand jury on charges of felony invasion of privacy. According to the indictment, Greitens transmitted the photo he took of the woman in a way that made it possible to be viewed on a computer, bumping up the charge from a misdemeanor privacy charge to a felony. Greitens said the charges were a matter of a liberal prosecutor aiming to score a political victory. With todays disappointing and misguided political decision, my confidence in our prosecutorial system is shaken, but not broken, he wrote on Facebook at the time. The trial is set for May 14 in St. Louis. If convicted, he faces up to four years in prison. Advertisement Advertisement The House Investigation Shortly after the criminal indictment, a Missouri House special investigation began to look into the charges. In a graphic report released April 11 and signed by the five Republicans and two Democrats on the committee, the womans testimony, made under oath, was described as credible. The woman testified that Greitens had a been a customer at her salon in 2013 when they met. During a 2015 appointment, he grabbed her crotch, she said. When his wife was away, he invited the woman to his home, where he became aggressive. Advertisement According to the testimony, Greitens taped the womans hands to pull-up rings and blindfolded her. He began kissing her, and then he ripped open her shirt and pulled down her pants. She then heard a click, like a cell phone, and saw through the blindfold a flash. Dont even mention my name to anybody at all, because if you do, Im going to take these pictures, and Im going to put them everywhere I can, he told her, according to her testimony. They are going to be everywhere, and then everyone will know what a little whore you are. Advertisement She started freaking out, she said, and told Greitens, Im not ready for this, I dont want this. He unbound her and tried to reassure her, and she started uncontrollably crying. She testified that he then unbuttoned his pants and placed his penis near her face while she was still crying, and she gave him oral sex. When the committee asked her if she had consented to the oral sex, she said, Coerced, maybe. I felt as though that would allow me to leave. She said she had other sexual encounters with Greitens that turned violent. In June 2015, she said, he slapped her in the face when she said shed slept with her husband. Another time, out of nowhere, he smacked me and grabbed me and shoved me down on the ground, she testified. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Missouri House speaker announced the committee was expanding and would make recommendations after the end of the legislative season on May 18 as to whether the legislators should pursue impeachment. Josh Hawley, the states attorney general and a Republican U.S. Senate candidate, called for Greitens to resign. This is a political witch hunt, Greitens told reporters. The Other Possible Felony Charge Greitens was simultaneously being investigated for fishy campaign tactics. In October 2016, the AP reported that Greitens campaign obtained a list of top donors to the St. Louis-based veterans charity The Mission Continues, which Greitens founded in 2007 after coming home from the Iraq war. According to that AP investigation, Greitens campaign was able to raise $2 million from the donors whose names were obtained from that list. Greitens denied the allegations, but in April 2017, he paid a small fine to the Missouri Ethics Commission for not reporting that his campaign received the charitys donor list. The campaign later filed a report labeling the list as a contribution, valued at $600, from Greitens campaign manager at the time. Advertisement After the AP report, Hawleys office began an investigation into the allegations. On Tuesday, Hawley said his investigation had found that Greitens took the donor list without the consent of the charity to use for fundraising and concluded that Greitens might have committed a felony. He said that his office did not have the jurisdiction to file charges against the governor and referred the case to the St. Louis circuit attorney. Hawley also referred the case to the House investigatory committee already weighing impeachment. Greitens attacked Hawley as being bad at the law and for working with the circuit attorney, who is a Democrat. Anyone who has set foot in a Missouri courtroom knows these allegations are ridiculous, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Calls to Resign On Tuesday, after Hawleys announcement, several prominent Missouri politicians, including Republicans, loudly called for Greitens to step down. Sen. Ron Richard said in a statement that the allegations had reached a critical turning point and that after speaking with the attorney general today, I believe the governor has no other respectable option than to resign from office. In a joint statement with House Speaker Pro Tem Elijah Haahr and House Majority Floor Leader Rob Vescovo, House Speaker Todd Richardson also released a statement saying that, when leaders lose the ability to effectively lead our state, the right thing to do is step aside. If he does not resign soon, Sen. Richard said, the House should begin impeachment proceedings immediately. Before Tuesday, Republican leaders in the state legislature had been saying that they would wait for the May 18 end of the legislative season. Greitens, though, has said he will remain in office. In three weeks, this matter will go to a court of law, where it belongs and where the facts will prove my innocence, he said. Until then, I will do what the people of Missouri sent me here to do: to serve them and work hard on their behalf. A poop train with millions of pounds of excrement carted in from New York has been stuck in a rural Alabama town for months now in regulatory purgatory, and no one knows when it will leave. The town of Parrish, Alabama, population 982, has been taken over by the stench, which residents describe as more of a rotting carcass smell with a whiff of human waste, due to the way it was treated. (Its technically called biosolids.) The train is stuck in a rail yard next to a softball field. People cant sit outside, children cant play outside, and the town is considering rescheduling little league games. The threat of the summer heat looms. Advertisement Adding insult to injury, this is New Yorker poop that has taken their town hostage. According to the Associated Press, New York doesnt have the space for the biowaste itself, and federal law bans the state from dumping it in the Atlantic Ocean. So, since early 2017, it has been sent by train down to Alabama, where the land is inexpensive and zoning laws are lax, destined for the Big Sky Environmental landfill, roughly 20 miles east of Parrish. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The train is stuck because of another town nearby that had been suffering from the arrangement. Originally the sludge was transferred to trucks in the town of West Jefferson to be transported to the landfill. But the town got fed up with the smell and the flies it attracted. In January, officials filed an injunction against the landfill to prevent the biowaste from being stored in the rail yard in their town. They succeeded in stopping the shipments, but the trains already on their way had to end up somewhere. So they got stuck in Parrish, which didnt have zoning regulations to save them. According to CNN, the 2-square-mile town is now the holding ground for 10 million pounds of poop. Advertisement Would New York City like for us to send all our poop up there forever? one resident asked the AP. In March, CNN reported, the towns mayor met with Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to ask for help. She and several lawmakers promised to help, but nothing has happened. The town cannot take to the courts for a resolution, because a lawsuit could keep the poop train in town until it is settled. The town is considering creating zoning laws to protect itself from future abuses, but the current poop train menace remains. No one knows for sure when it will leave. According to the AP, its common for Northern states to ship their waste to rural areas in the South, and landfills on inexpensive land can make good money from the practice. An Alabama attorney general once described one of Alabamas landfills as Americas biggest industrial pay toilet. New York, for its part, has discontinued shipping its waste to Alabama. The entire island of Puerto Rico lost power on Wednesday after a major failure hit its electrical grid. The outage, which occurred nearly seven months after Hurricane Maria hit the island and crippled its power grid, could take 24 to 36 hours to fix, according to the territorys power authority. According to the New York Times, the power authority blamed the blackout on a failure in a line originating from the largest power plant in the island. Puerto Rico is home to more than 3 million people. Power outages can be highly dangerous, as hospitals and other facilities can lose access to technologies essential for medical care. If the outages persist, a lack of access to clean water can spread sickness. According to the Times, San Juans largest public hospital reverted to its backup generator. On Thursday, another blackout occurred that knocked out power to about 870,000 people, according to CNN. The March for Our Lives was one of the largest demonstrations in American history. Its organizers, the survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, were teenagers. As were the tens of thousands of students who walked out of their classrooms to protest gun violence just days before. The Black Lives Matter protests that brought new attention to the problems of police violence and systemic racism in 2014 and 2015 saw similar action from teenagers and other young people. Advertisement Teens have always been political actors, but the recent rise in youth activism has prompted some citiesand even some statesto consider extending voting rights to people under 18. Washington D.C., for example, is primed to lower the voting age to 16, giving thousands of District teenagers a chance to vote in local and federal elections. In 2013, nearby Takoma Park, Maryland, enfranchised 16- and 17-year-olds, giving them the ballot in local elections. And lawmakers in Arizona, Delaware, Hawaii, Michigan, and New York have introduced bills that would lower the voting age to 16 or 17. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is progress. At 16, teenagers can drive, work, pay taxes, and if they break the law, they can be tried as adults. At 17, they can join the military (with a parents consent). Teenagers have a stake in this society. And they deserve the right to advance their interests at the ballot box. Advertisement The case against lowering the voting age is straightforward, if a little tautological: teenagers are too young to vote. They arent mature enough, or smart enough, or engaged enough to have a full say in governance. But then, the same is true for millions of adults who do vote. College studentswho arent much more mature than high school seniorscan vote. Americans without formal education can vote. And the millions of Americans who pay little attention to politicswho might be misinformed on the issues themselvescan vote. The only formal qualification for voting is age (and in some states, criminal record). And the only real informal qualification is a degree of autonomyan ability to perceive ones interests and act accordingly. Teenagers have that. By age 15, the typical person has largely developed the cognitive and executive function skills that are most relevant to voting. Advertisement Advertisement But none of these arguments form a case for teen voting so much as a brief against the opposition. If theres an affirmative reason to lower the voting agebeyond the justice of doing soits to improve the health of our democracy at a time when its flailing. We know from recent activism that teenagers are eager to participate in the political process. We also know that 16- and 17-year-olds possess civic knowledge on par with their slightly older counterparts. Whats more, in places where they can vote, they do so enthusiastically. Teens in Takoma Park, for example, voted at twice the rate of older voters in the 2015 local elections. Looking abroad, Austriawhich lowered its voting age to 16has seen similarly high turnout among its youngest voters, especially compared to their 18- to 20-year-old counterparts. Evidence from Scotland, where 16- and 17-year-olds voted in the 2014 independence referendum, suggests that simply enfranchising these younger teens will encourage them to vote. Advertisement Advertisement This is important. Voting is a habit, and getting Americans to vote earlier is a recipe for increasing participation throughout their lives. The reverse is also true: Non-voting produces more non-voting. As it stands, we do a poor job encouraging the habit. Few states have universal voter registration or mail-in ballotingmeasures proven to increase turnout. Too many states have barriers and obstacles, from cumbersome registration rules to restrictive voter identification laws. In addition to this bureaucracy, 18-year-olds (and other young adults, for that matter) have to deal with their rapidly changing lives. Disruption is not conducive to civic engagement. Advertisement One way to push against thisto encourage voting and feed the habitis to start early. Combined with voting reforms like universal registration, lowering the voting age would give teenagers a chance to learn the routine of elections while their lives are more stable. They would have a stake in the process and a reason to keep voting as they get older. The changes could even have a domino effect. Evidence from Denmark suggests that parents with a younger voter in the household are themselves more likely to vote. Expanding the franchise may boost participation and help build a stronger culture of voting. Advertisement Todays 18-year-old is surely as qualified to vote in every meaningful respect as the 21-year-old of 1867, said Indiana Sen. Birch Bayh in 1970 during hearings on lowering the voting age. If, as some people believe, young people have to earn the right to vote, I believe that they have met the test. The same logic applies to the current moment. Todays 16-year-olds are as qualified to vote as the 18-year-olds of 50 years ago. And seeing as how theyre already fighting to change the world, they deserve it. As punishment for the citys decision to rid itself of two Confederate statues from its public parks, Tennessee House lawmakers voted on Tuesday to strike $250,000 in funding that had been set aside for the city of Memphis bicentennial celebration. According to Nashville Public Radio, the state Legislature retaliated against the city for circumventing a state law protecting Confederate memorials. After being denied permission to remove the statues of Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Confederate Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, the city sold the parks to a nonprofit, which then took the statues down. According to the Commercial Appeal, the legislator who sponsored the amendment, Rep. Steve McDaniel, said on the House floor that the amendment withholding the funding was a fair form of punishment. If you recall, back in December, Memphis did something that removed historical markers in the city, he said. It was the city of Memphis that did this, and it was full knowing it was not the will of the legislature. The amendment was approved with a 5631 vote, over the objections of some lawmakers who called the amendment hateful and racist. Gazillionaire investor and progressive-minded mega-donor Tom Steyer has endorsed Democratic California Sen. Dianne Feinsteins primary challenger, Kevin de Leon, the Los Angeles Times reports. Heres how Steyer framed his choice: I think hes the kind of young progressive that reflects California and would be a very strong advocate for our state nationally, Steyer said in an interview on Tuesday, pointing to De Leons efforts on issues such as immigration, climate change and gun control while he was the state Senate leader. I know him well and hes a friend. We share a lot of values. Steyer, who flirted with running for Senate, did not criticize Feinstein as he has in the past. Sen. Feinstein has been an outstanding public servant who has dedicated the bulk of her adult life to the service of our state and the country, he said. These are two strong, very good Democrats. I just believe Kevin is the true progressive and he reflects something we need representing California going forward. I have nothing bad to say about Dianne Feinstein. I have a lot of good to say about Kevin de Leon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feinstein has proverbially drawn the proverbial ire of Democratic progressives nationwide for her relative deference to Donald Trump, which is particularly striking given Californias liberal electorate. She voted to confirm 11 of POTUSs 22 Cabinet nomineesher fellow Golden State senator, Kamala Harris, voted yes on only four of themand told a San Francisco crowd in August 2017 that she still believed Trump can be a good president. (The jurys still out! Dianne Feinstein amid a post-apocalyptic nuclear hellscape in 2024.) De Leon has taken advantage of the opening, winning enough votes at the states 2018 Democratic convention to deny Feinstein her partys official endorsement and, last week, earning the support of Californias AFL-CIO affiliate. Now he has Steyer too. Advertisement On the other hand, Feinstein still has a 25-point lead in the polls and a major fundraising advantage; Steyer wouldnt tell the L.A. Times whether he plans to fund an independent group to support de Leon, which is the obvious way he could really help the challengers chances. Still, because California has a single open Senate jungle primary in which the top two candidates move on to a runoff in the general election, and because Republicans havent fielded a serious candidate of their own, de Leon almost certainly will have until November to persuade his states voters that hes the right guy. In this, he will have the support not just of antsy leftists elsewhere in the country, but also mainstream journalists such as myself who will write disproportionately about his race simply because the potential battle for the soul of the Democratic Party narrative is so compelling. Its going to be fun! Donald Trump has mostly let his attorney Michael Cohen do the talking for him in matters related to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels, who has alleged she had an affair with the president a decade ago and is attempting to invalidate a $130,000 hush contract signed before the 2016 election. Trumps reticence to comment on the saga, even on Twitter, has been surprising. Apart from one comment in early April, when Trump was asked whether he knew about the payment to Daniels and responded, No, no, what else, he has managed to direct the story toward Cohen, who is currently being sued by Daniels for defamation. Advertisement Daniels, ever skilled at staying in the spotlight, made news this week when her attorney released a composite sketch of the thug she said threatened her and her daughter in 2011, warning her to leave Trump alone. (Cohen has denied Trump sent someone to intimidate her). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Heres the sketch of the man Stormy Daniels said threatened her, unveiled on The View pic.twitter.com/YHxZaSkuaC Hunter Schwarz (@hunterschwarz) April 17, 2018 Advertisement According to Daniels, that threat compelled her to sign a nondisclosure agreement that kept her from talking about the affair. She is suing Trump to challenge the legitimacy of that agreement. On Wednesday morning, Trump broke his silence on the matter and responded to the sketch, calling the claim a total con job. A sketch years later about a nonexistent man. A total con job, playing the Fake News Media for Fools (but they know it)! https://t.co/9Is7mHBFda Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 One can wonder if the floodgates have finally opened on the alleged Shark Week affair. The Trump administration made direct face-to-face contact with the Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea with CIA Director Mike Pompeo making a covert visit to the country over Easter weekend, the Washington Post reported Tuesday. The visit by Pompeo, nominated to be President Trumps Secretary of State, was part of an effort to set up direct talks between Trump and Kim over the countrys nuclear program. The White House expects that negotiation to happen by early June. Advertisement Trump alluded to the previously undisclosed meeting Tuesday at Mar-a-Lago during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, saying the U.S. and North Korea had had talks at very high levels. It was a particularly strikingand crypticstatement since the United States, at the moment, does not have official diplomatic relations with North Korea. Several back channels, however, have emerged allowing Washington and Pyongyang to communicate. And then, of course, theres Twitter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There had been evidence of a slight detente of late. About a week after Pompeos trip to North Korea, U.S. officials said that officials there had directly confirmed that Kim was willing to negotiate about potential denuclearization, according to administration officials, a sign that both sides had opened a new communications channel ahead of the summit meeting and that the administration believed North Korea was serious about holding a summit, the Post reports. Pompeo has taken the lead on the administrations negotiations with Pyongyang. His meeting with Kim marks the highest-level meeting between the two countries since 2000, when then-Secretary of State Madeleine Albright met with Kim Jong Il, the current leaders late father, to discuss strategic issues. That Michael Cohens secret third client turned out to be Sean Hannity is almost too good to be true. I get that. But the lawyer in me is not happy that an attorney blurted out the name of a client in open court, when the client didnt want his identity revealed and had no reason to think it ever would be. As a rule, lawyers shouldnt have to reveal who their clients are. Just like doctors and therapists cant reveal the names of the people they treat, lawyers in virtually every state have an ethical obligation not to reveal information relating to the representation of a client unless the client consents. The prohibition is extremely broad and includes even the names of clients that are not otherwise public. Theres good reason for that rule, and yet many people are questioning why, as a general principle, Cohens representation of Hannity would be something Hannity had a right to keep secret. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Why does it matter that a lawyers lawyer had to reveal his clients clients? Imagine youre a tenant whos concerned your landlord is engaged in illegal practices, so you seek the legal advice of a well-known tenants rights lawyer. Later, that lawyer is forced to reveal her client list publicly. The fact that youre on it might make future landlords less likely to rent to you, as they could perceive you to be potentially litigious. Or imagine youre having marital troubles and you seek advice from a divorce attorney. You end up patching things up with your spouse, but when the divorce attorney is forced to reveal all his clients, everyone knows you once contemplated divorce. Advertisement The courtroom reaction to the disclosure of Hannitys name proves the point. Judge Kimba Wood told Cohens attorney, I just dont understand the argument that just because this undisclosed client consulted Mr. Cohen, that is somehow embarrassing or an invasion of privacy. Really? As one journalist noted, the revelation of Hannitys name drew gasps and some chuckles. Reporters raced for the exits. (I imagine it looked like this.) In other words, it was embarrassing for Hannity to be revealed as a client of an attorney who seems to specialize in securing hush payments for clients who have had illicit affairs. In Hannitys case, there was the added embarrassment that he had been reporting on Cohen without disclosing the relationship. Advertisement Advertisement Just as there are exceptions to attorney-client privilege, and just as there are times when the government can seize documents from lawyers offices, there are occasions when attorneys have to reveal publicly the identities of their clients. This may have been one of those times. In the Cohen hearing, the judge ultimately agreed with an attorney representing the media, who argued that the public had the right to know the name, given the very broad attorney-client privilege Cohen was asserting. ([T]housands if not millions of documents might be protected, he argued). But regardless of the specific circumstances of the Cohen case, its important to remember that we all benefit from a system in which you can seek legal advice confidentially, without having to worry that your lawyer is going to have to publicly reveal the fact that she is your lawyer. We should celebrate the fact that such a system exists, not that in this case we got to learn the identity of a famous lawyers secret client. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck a blow against the federal governments deportation regime, invalidating a key provision of a statute often used to expel legal immigrants living in the United States. The courts 54 decision will hinder the Trump administrations ability to deport non-citizens, a victory for immigration advocates whove long charged that the law in question violates the Constitution. But what may be most remarkable about Mondays ruling is the voting lineup: For the first time, Justice Neil Gorsuch cast a decisive fifth vote with the more liberal justices to reach a progressive outcome. Gorsuch is not drifting to the left. But his vote indicates that the justice has the same independent streak that led his role model, Justice Antonin Scalia, to occasionally push the law leftward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tuesdays ruling in Sessions v. Dimaya revolves around a clause buried in the Immigration and Nationality Act. The law allows the detention and deportation of any alien convicted of an aggravated felony, which includes a crime of violence. That encompasses any felony that by its nature, involves a substantial risk of physical force against the person or property. What, exactly, does that mean? Its not at all clear. The defendant here, James Dimaya, was twice convicted of burglary under a strangely broad California statute that doesnt even require unlawful entry. (The law is so sweeping that it could cover dishonest door-to-door salesmen.) Is a burglary a crime of violence when it need not entail any actual violence? Immigration judges held that it was, allowing Dimayas deportation to move forward. Dimaya appealed, challenging the constitutionality of this residual clause. He argued that the provision is too hazy to comport with the Due Process Clause, which guarantees that ordinary people have fair notice of the conduct a law prohibits. In 2015, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed, holding in an opinion written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt that the residual clause violated due process. The Justice Department appealed, and the Supreme Court heard arguments in January 2017. But the eight-member court, which seemed to be deadlocked 44, set the case for rehearing after Gorsuch joined the court. Advertisement Gorsuch seems to believe that all laws that deprive individuals of life, liberty, or property should be scrutinized carefully. Now Gorsuch has broken the tie in Dimayas favor, joining Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan in striking down the law. In her opinion for the court, Kagan explained that this decision flows logically from the courts ruling in 2015s Johnson v. United States. That decision, written by Scalia, found that a similarly worded criminal statute was too vague to comport with due process. The government argued that this case is different from Johnson because it involved a civil statute rather than a criminal one. But, Kagan noted, the court has long held that deportation statutes are subject to the same vagueness rules as criminal lawsin view of the grave nature of deportation, a drastic measure that amounts to banishment or exile. Advertisement Advertisement From there, Kagan easily found that this residual clause deprives immigrants of fair notice as to what qualifies as a crime of violence. She pointed to judicial disagreement over what crimes count: Some federal appeals courts have found that car burglary, statutory rape, evading arrest, residential trespass, unauthorized use of a vehicle, stalking, and firearms possessions are crimes of violence. Other appeals courts have reached opposite conclusions. These examples, Kagan explained, illustrate that the law produces more unpredictability and arbitrariness than the Due Process Clause tolerates. Advertisement Gorsuch joined the bulk of Kagans opinion, but he wrote separately to add a few points. First, he responded to Clarence Thomas dissent, in which the justice asserted that the concept of due process, as originally understood, does not forbid vague laws. This battle of the originalists leads both justices to dive headfirst into 18th-century legal treatises and obscure 19th-century case law, wrangling over William Blackstone and the Alien and Sedition Acts. (Here, we learn that Thomas isnt convinced legal immigrants in the U.S. have any due process rights.) In the end, Gorsuch seems to win the debate, marshaling more evidence for the proposition that the Framers felt some laws were too vague to be applied. Advertisement More consequentially, Gorsuch disagreed with Kagan as to the reason why the deportation rule should be subjected to the fair notice standard as if it were a criminal law. Kagan asserted that this exacting standard should apply because of the special gravity of [the] civil deportation penalty, Gorsuch wrote. He continued: But, grave as that penalty may be, I cannot see why we would single it out for special treatment when (again) so many civil laws today impose so many similarly severe sanctions. Why, for example, would due process require Congress to speak more clearly when it seeks to deport a lawfully resident alien than when it wishes to subject a citizen to indefinite civil commitment, strip him of a business license essential to his familys living, or confiscate his home? I can think of no good answer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This passage raises a valid questionwhy is the freedom to remain in the U.S. more valuable than other kinds of liberty? though it may prove to be a time bomb designed to blow up myriad laws that Gorsuch dislikes. Congress (and state legislatures) routinely pass nebulous statutes, then charge government agencies with interpreting and implementing them. Gorsuch seems to believe that all laws that deprive individuals of life, liberty, or property should be scrutinized carefully, particularly when legislators simply handed off the job of lawmaking to somebody else. Such a rule could jeopardize business and environmental regulations that progressives support. On the other hand, it could also imperil policies favored by law-and-order conservatives, such as those permitting civil forfeiture and unlimited detention of sex offenders. Regardless of where Gorsuch takes this idea in the future, he deserves credit for following his principles to a fundamentally liberal result. The justice channeled his inner Scalia, drawing upon a deep skepticism of the governments power to capriciously punish citizens and immigrants alike. Will his reasoning help a future court annihilate the administrative state? Maybe! But it might rein in overzealous police and prosecutors, too. Progressives should savor their SCOTUS wins where they can find them. And Dimaya is, without a doubt, a landmark liberal victory. If youre a social media user, theres a chance that youve deleted a regrettable post at some point. But who gets to decide when a government agency can delete a tweet that might have political or historical importance? Researcher Muira McCammon spent thousands of hours investigating the strange and inconsistent history of disappearing government tweetsand what she found was an alarming lack of policies dictating what can and cant be deleted. The erasures not only present questions about government accountability, argues McCammon, but also damage what could be a rich historical record. In a separate piece, she chronicles one of the great examples: the deleted posts of the Joint Task Force of Guantanamo, which, she writes, provided a weird and delightful window into the culture on the base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political ramifications of social media continue to be a hot-button issue in Washington too. Yet it seems that, even after Zuckerbergs congressional hearings, were still debating whether Facebooks work with the 2016 Trump presidential campaign was illegal. Lawmakers are also looking to the next campaign cycle. As Emefa Addo Agawu writes, even though Congress recently committed $380 million to bulk up election security, replacing outdated voting infrastructure wont do anything to mitigate other cyberthreats, such as social media manipulation. As midterms loom, states are also starting to take cybersecurity concerns into their own hands. Georgias governor, for example, seems poised to sign a new bill responding to a recent ransomware attack on the city of Atlanta. Dillon Roseen explains why the strict new legislation could actually hurt cybersecurity research needed to keep data safe. Advertisement Other things we read this week after enjoying the plethora of memes spawned by the Zuckerberg hearing: Life on Mars: NASAs new TESS satellite shows that the federal agency is no longer afraid to show its interested in searching for potential extraterrestrial life. Seismic shift: The U.S. is about to roll out its first large-scale earthquake alert system. But there are still challenges to using phone alerts to keep citizens safe. Advertisement The 90s called: Rachel Withers explains how a 1998 Federal Trade Commission case against GeoCities laid the groundwork for the data privacy discussions were having about Facebook today. This message will self destruct: To keep up with a demand for secure communication services, Google may soon introduce emails with an expiration date. Robo-crime: Whos responsible for a bot that threatens murder? The European Union is trying to decide. Insult to injury: A new story from the Center for Investigative Reportings Reveal found that Tesla failed to report a number of serious worker injuries on legally mandated reports. Still waiting to go viral, Tonya Riley For Future Tense Future Tense is a partnership of Slate, New America, and Arizona State University. The electric vehiclemaker Tesla this week is reacting to a damning story about its factory-safety practices by calling it, essentially, fake news. On Monday, the investigative reporting outlet Reveal documented what appears to be a pattern of underreporting injuries and downplaying workers safety concerns at Teslas factory in Fremont, California. The report belies Teslas claim that it has dramatically improved workplace safety practices, amid allegations that it has prioritized speed over caution as it sprints to meet aggressive production deadlines on its next car. Advertisement The Model 3 is a make-or-break vehicle for Teslathe long-awaited affordable electric car that it hopes will kickstart a global shift from internal combustion engines to battery power. But the company has fallen behind on its production promises and faces a cash crunch that has pushed its stock price down. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of which might seem to help explain why the company might be cutting some corners on the assembly line. The Reveal story, which is based on numerous sources within the company as well as ex-employees and leaked internal documents, depicts a workplace where the whims of CEO Elon Musk are invoked to override complaints about working conditions. For instance, a former Tesla safety manager said the factory floor lacks yellow safety markings because Musk doesnt like the color yellow. The story also finds that serious employee health issues, such as repetitive stress injuries, or the debilitating headaches suffered by an assembly line worker from inhaling toxic glue, were never reported on the injury logs that car companies are required by law to keep. Even with the alleged underreporting, Tesla recorded 722 injuries last year, and its rate of serious injuries was 30 percent above the previous years industry average. Advertisement Advertisement Most companies would respond to such an exhaustively researched and damning article by assuring the public that they take such claims seriously and pledging to look into them. But not Tesla. In a remarkable statement Monday evening, the company essentially called the report a pack of lies. Not only that, it dismissed Reveal as an extremist organization bent on tarring Teslas reputation with an ideologically motivated disinformation campaign. Advertisement Advertisement That seems rather unlikely: Reveal is a project of the nonprofit Center for Investigative Reporting, and its radio program airs on hundreds of NPR affiliates across the country. Its funded largely by nonpartisan sources such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, and the Ford Foundation. In an ironic coincidence, Reveal was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for another story on the same day Tesla accused it of being a fringe outlet. Tesla also accused Reveals reporters of persistently contacting its employees at their homes and via social mediaa practice thats known in the journalism industry as, well, journalism. As for Reveals claims of injuries being underreported, Tesla wrote, Their assessment reflects a lack of understanding about how injury reporting works. The company acknowledged that it sometimes declines to report injuries that employees report as workplace-related, because it deems them personal instead after reviewing the specifics with a medical professional. This is not unusual to Tesla and is common across injuries, the company says. (In a Twitter rebuttal, Reveal noted that Tesla was required by law to report the fume-inhalation injury, because the victim was prescribed pain medication for it.) Advertisement Advertisement Tesla has never taken criticism particularly well. It famously clashed in 2013 with the New York Times over a negative early review of the Model S, releasing surveillance data collected by the car in a bid to discredit the reviewers claims. (Verdict: inconclusive.) Long before the term fake news gained popular currency, Musk tweeted that the New York Times story was fake. NYTimes article about Tesla range in cold is fake. Vehicle logs tell true story that he didn't actually charge to max & took a long detour. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 11, 2013 Advertisement Advertisement Tweets aside, Teslas clash with the Times was mostly a case of fighting allegations with data, in an appeal to peoples rationality. The tone the company is taking now borders on hysterical, and it appeals to peoples reflexive mistrust of the media in a way that feels awfully familiar in the Trump era. And its becoming a pattern, as the car blog Jalopnik points out. Tesla responded similarly to a story last year about racial discriminationand an effort to pay off the victim to keep it quietby the Guardian, attacking the newspaper for a complete lack of journalistic integrity. It has also attacked the integrity of the Wall Street Journal, not exactly a bastion of anti-corporate or pro-union ideology. (Jalopniks full post is worth reading.) Advertisement Advertisement Musk seems particularly prone to lash out at the press when his company is under the greatest pressure. Its reminiscent of Trumps tactic of venting at the media whenever the Mueller investigation hits close to home. Musk is making the case that his critics are fundamentally untrustworthy liarspositioning himself, and Teslas PR arm (which has always been an extension of his personal voice), as the one true messiah that the faithful can turn to for legitimate information. It doesnt hurt that Musk, like Trump, has a personal Twitter following that dwarfs that of even well-established media outlets. Is it possible that theres something to all these investigations into working conditions at a company where the CEO brags about sleeping on the factory floor and just ordered the factory to start running 24/7 in a frantic push to double production within the next two months? Absolutely not, says Tesla: Its all fabricated and everything is fine. Elon Musk genuinely thinks hes saving the worldor the human species, to be more preciseand to be fair, he has a more legitimate claim to that than most other puffed-up Silicon Valley entrepreneurs. But there are more and more signs that his high-minded ends are being used to justify some shady means. And his companys over-the-top reaction to criticism suggests thats not going to change anytime soon. Nearly 2,500 companies relocated from Slovakia Most of them moved to neighbouring countries, consultancy company finds. A total of 2,389 companies decided to quit Slovakia and relocate abroad in 2017. Most often, these companies went to neighbouring European countries: to Hungary (622 companies), the Czech Republic (514 companies) and Bulgaria (129 companies). Most of the companies left Bratislava Region, the SITA newswire writes, citing data on the departure of Slovak companies abroad published by the Bisnode consultancy firm. Among the reasons for departing abroad the company included simpler conditions for doing business, more acceptable legislation, lower taxes, better courts, less corruption, lower payroll costs, and higher demand. Desired destinations In the long term, Hungary and the Czech Republic are the countries where companies from Slovakia choose to relocate most often when they leave, Petra Stepanova, a Bisnode analyst, told SITA. On the one hand, it is regional proximity, and in the case of Hungary it is specifically the very favourable tax burden. Entrepreneurs there pay a 9-percent tax while in Slovakia they pay a 21-percent income tax. The low tax burden of 10 percent can also be a plus for Bulgaria. Regarding the Czech Republic, the nonexistent language barrier is important, too. The top five most popular countries to relocate to from Slovakia includes Romania and Poland mostly known for their lower labour costs. It is possible that some companies could have also considered this factor, Stepanova admitted in a press release. The biggest number of companies left Bratislava Region (1,009), followed by Nitra Region (344). On the opposite end of the chart are Presov and Trencin Regions (94 both). One-fifth of all companies that left Slovakia in 2017 are active in wholesale and retail (506), in expert, scientific and technology activities (435) and administration and support activities (412), Bisnode reported. 18. Apr 2018 at 13:45 | Compiled by Spectator staff Oncology patients still wait too long, even after head resigns The reason for the long-term lack of beds and postponed surgeries is mostly missing medical staff. Font size: A - | A + Patients in the National Oncology Institute (NOU) in Bratislava still wait longer for surgeries, the Sme daily writes on April 18. The facility, unique in Slovakia, allegedly lacks medical staff, especially nurses. Not even the resignation of the Institutes head, MP for the ruling Smer party, Jozef Valocky, has improved the situation. Valocky leaves NOU as of April 30, and he announced it at the beginning of the month. What is behind the situation? The worst-hit wards are anaesthesiology and intensive medicine, which needed space for seven patients on April 16 but only had a bed for one. A doctor who wished to remain anonymous told Sme that one of the patients came to him crying, saying that she can already feel the tumour after weeks of her surgery being postponed. However, the acute and intensive medicine ward has no free bed: instead of the seven needed beds, it just has a single spot for an oncology patient. The doctor opined that the biggest reason behind this lamentable situation is the lack of staff, especially nurses. Last year alone, 15 doctors and 25 nurses left the Institute, according to the doctor. Unlike doctors, the nurses have not been replaced. Thus, the waiting periods were extended from four (or six, at the most) to seven weeks. After Sme sent questions to the NOU, the management started investigating who among employees leaked the problem to media, instead of trying to solve the dire situation. 18. Apr 2018 at 13:49 | Compiled by Spectator staff What worries Slovaks the most? A poll tries to compare the participants of the recent For a Decent Slovakia protests with those who did not attend, targeting their biggest worries. Corruption, the murder of Jan Kuciak and his fiancee Martina Kusnirova, as well as the changes to the government are the biggest problems in Slovakia, according to the respondents of the Median poll carried out for Yale University. The poll by the Median agency from April 5 to 6 questioned 415 respondents, 214 from the general population and 201 from among the protest participants, the Sme daily wrote on April 17. Corruption is the biggest thorn in peoples sides The poll suggests that many people in both groups are dissatisfied with the previous government of Robert Fico: in the former it is 93 percent, while in the latter they represent 70 percent. Both groups consider corruption the biggest problem in Slovakia (almost one-half the general population). From among the protesters, Kuciaks murder and the change in government are perceived as the biggest problems. Among those who attended recent protests, most would pick the opposition OLaNO party in the case of election, followed closely by also opposition the SaS party. In the general population, the ruling Smer party would be elected by 16 percent, while OLaNO would end up second, Sme summed up. 18. Apr 2018 at 13:51 | Compiled by Spectator staff Danko criticises PM Pellegrini for lacking communication The speaker of parliament complains about increased frictions and says Pellegrini is a strange, unknown person. The PM responds that he wants them to meet, adding the current coalition is the only option possible. Font size: A - | A + After the party meeting on April 18, Speaker of Slovak parliament Andrej Danko of the minor coalition party, SNS, criticised Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini and his cabinet for failing to keep their coalition partners informed. Danko added, as quoted by the Sme daily, that he learned about the cabinet steps from media, instead of from joint talks. He does not feel comfortable in such a coalition, the parliamentary speaker summed up. SNS also complained about Pellegrinis statements supporting the Wests intervention in Syria, and they want to clarify an official stance towards re-distribution of migrants among European-Union countries and the Istanbul Convention. Addressing a new situation Danko wants to invite the prime minister for a work meeting since there is a new situation, as the PM is not the head of the strongest coalition party. (Former PM Robert Fico resigned but is still chairman of the ruling Smer party). The meeting is slated for Thursday April 19, 15:00. Danko also postponed the cabinet meeting from April 18 to April 20. Reactions from Pellegrini, Most-Hid PM Pellegrini reacted to Andrej Dankos criticism by agreeing to meet and adding that the current coalition is the only guarantee of stability for Slovakia. He added that he wants to create conditions for the work of ministers from all three coalition parties. The third coalition partner, Most-Hid, responded in a press release by stating that they do not share the SNS's views as presented by Danko. We feel no shifts in the ruling coalition in fundamental political issues, they wrote, adding that if we came to such a conclusion we would solve it as we always have within the coalition. The cabinet manifesto, which is unambiguous in foreign policy, is still valid for us, Most-Hid writes. First and foremost, we have to focus on the crucial and serious tasks Slovakia faces and these are surely not helped by tackling problems and possible disputes in the media and before the eyes of the public, the coalition partner sums up. 18. Apr 2018 at 13:55 | Compiled by Spectator staff Nu Dance Fest focuses on anniversaries, Czech & Slovak collaboration This time around the contemporary dance festival is offering the leitmotiv of Czechoslovakia, ongoing Czech and Slovak cooperation as well as Slovak collaboration with other countries, including Canada and Slovenia. The opening event of the 13th year of the Nu Dance Fest is, on April 18, a contemporary dance workshop for seniors, exposing them to the world of minimalist music, the TASR newswire wrote on the same day. The workshop meant for people aged over 60 will be led by the founder and head of the international festival of contemporary dance, Petray Fornayova, and musician Fero Kiraly. Between April 18 or April 20, when the main programme begins, and April 29, the festival is offering performances and accompanying events revolving around the number eight, i.e. anniversaries important for the Slovak and Czech Republics (which existed from 1918 for 70 years in a common state) in artistic form. Two venues in Bratislava, the A4 Space of Contemporary Culture and Studio 12 will present Czech-Slovak and Slovak-foreign collaborations during four evenings. On April 20 and 21 will be the inter-media performance Everywhen on the constant rotation of history, a Czech-Slovak project by a team led by the Slovaks Sona Feriencikova and Maria Judova, as well as the Romanian Alexandra Timpau. International collaborations dominate At the top of the bill should be the Untied Tales piece by the Canadian-Slovak duo Clara Furey and Peter Jasko. It is their story, since they are partners not just on stage, expressed through dance, the subject and technical part, Fornayova commented on the performance creating a dream-like, almost hallucinogenic world, presented on April 25. Other performances include the piece by the independent theatre group Odivo: Traces in Memory by Maja Danadova and Monika Kovacova, on the issue of paranoid schizophrenia (April 20), and As Long As Holding Hands by the duo of Tereza Ondrova and Peter Savel (April 22). The Nu Dance Fest also presents young Czech and Slovak talents in the evening called Young Faces of Contemporary Dance SK/CZ on April 23, introducing the greatest dancers and choreographers from the dance section of the New Europe Prague-based festival and the Slovak competition Gala Art Moves. The young Slovak dancer Sona Kudelova will also present her performance Autopilot (April 22) and the Nastupiste (Platform) 1-12 collective will present its Souvenir (April 24). Two Voices presents the Slovak premiere of a piece by the Slovak/Slovenian team of Magdalena Reiter, Milan Tomasik (dancers) and Anja Golob (dramaturgy): a dance interpretation of a poem by the Nobel laureate Octavio Paz, Carta de Creencia, exploring the poetic aspects of love. Accompanying events vary The accompanying events include an interactive installation, a concert by the Czech-Slovak project Musnula, a screening of short dance films as well as a documentary and a war game for families, in the culture house in nearby Modra, the only event organised outside the capital. 18. Apr 2018 at 15:44 | Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovska Foodstuff in the EU will have to be the same The European Commission has introduced rules to tackle the criticised dual quality of products in its member states. But is it really a pressing topic? Slovakia can record a victory in the fight for the same-quality food sold under the same brand and in the same packaging. The problem occurs in about one-third of the European Unions member states, particularly the eastern ones, according to the Slovak authorities. The recent European Commissions proposal, among other things, prohibits dual quality practices and introduces stronger penalties. The legislative change is only one step that needs to be taken, though. The problem with dual quality isnt caused just by one issue, Petra Cakovska of the consumer protection association Spolocnost Ochrany Spotrebitelov S.O.S. Poprad told The Slovak Spectator. Apart from enforcing the new rules, which is in the power of national institutions, it will be necessary to continue in collecting data and evidence. This process will be simplified after introducing the unified testing methodology, she added. The methodology, prepared by the Joint Research Centre, is set to be presented next month. Cakovska stressed that it is also necessary to start testing products other than foodstuffs, for example detergents. Read also: Read also: Dual-quality food should be added to list of unfair business practices Read more Higher fines introduced Entitled a New Deal for Consumers, the EC wants to empower qualified entities to launch representative actions on behalf of consumers and introduce stronger penalising powers for consumer authorities in individual member states. Moreover, it plans to extend the protection of consumers when they are online. As for dual quality, the New Deal should update the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive in order to make explicit that national authorities can assess and address misleading commercial practices involving the marketing of products as being identical in several EU countries, if their composition or characteristics are significantly different. 18. Apr 2018 at 14:54 | Radka Minarechova Last Week in Slovakia: Police boss will leave Listen to all the headlines from The Slovak Spectator's news podcast. https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/431689251&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=true Tomas Drucker resigned as interior minister after mere 26 days in office. Police Corps President Tibor Gaspar first reacted by saying that he would not step down by choice, but he, in the end, agreed to file his resignation after PM Peter Pellegrini asked him to do so. In a represenative poll by the Median polling agency, the vast majority of Slovaks say corruption is the biggest problem in the country. This programme is part of The Slovak Spectator subscription and our readers are receiving it every Thursday morning as part of their subscription. More information: Print+audio: shop.spectator.sme.sk/newspaper Online+audio: www.sme.sk/predplatne-spectator 18. Apr 2018 at 20:49 | Compiled by Spectator staff Quorum Health Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides hospital and outpatient healthcare services in the United States. Its hospital and outpatient healthcare services include general and acute care, emergency room, general and specialty surgery, critical care, internal medicine, diagnostic, obstetric, psychiatric, and rehabilitation services. Quorum Health Corporation offers its healthcare services through its hospitals and affiliated facilities, including urgent care centers, diagnostic and imaging centers, physician clinics, and surgery centers. The company, through its subsidiary, Quorum Health Resources, LLC, provides hospital management advisory, healthcare consulting, and group purchasing services to non-affiliated hospitals, as well as Web-based applications and software tools; and various education programs for healthcare leaders, professionals, and other medical staff. As of December 31, 2018, it owned or leased 27 hospitals with approximately 2,604 licensed beds. The company was incorporated in 2015 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee. Read More Seeks to extend the levy of anti-dumping duty, imposed on imports of Soda Ash originating in or exported from Russia and Turkey under Notification No. 8/2013-Customs (ADD), dated the 18.04.2013 for a further period of one year (i.e. 16.04.2019) or till the conclusion of the sunset review investigations initiated by the Designated Authority vide initiation notification No.7/4/2018-DGAD dated the 16th April, 2018, whichever is earlier. [TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE OF INDIA, EXTRAORDINARY, PART II, SECTION 3, SUB-SECTION (i)] GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF FINANCE (DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE) Notification No. 21/2018-Customs (ADD) New Delhi, the 17th April, 2018 G.S.R. (E). -Whereas, the Designated Authority vide initiation notification No. 7/4/2018- DGAD dated the 16th April, 2018, has initiated review in terms of sub-section (5) of section 9A of the Customs Tariff Act, 1975 (51 of 1975) (hereinafter referred to as the said Customs Tariff Act) and in pursuance of rule 23 of the Customs Tariff (Identification, Assessment and Collection of Anti-dumping Duty on Dumped Articles and for Determination of Injury) Rules, 1995 (hereinafter referred to as the said rules), in the matter of continuation of anti-dumping duty on imports of Soda Ash, originating in, or exported from Russia and Turkey imposed vide notification of the Government of India, in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue) No.8/2013, Customs (ADD), dated the 18th April, 2013, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) vide number G.S.R. 258(E), dated the 16th April, 2013; Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (5) of section 9A of the said Customs Tariff Act and in pursuance of rule 23 of the said rules, the Central Government hereby makes the following amendment in the notification of the Government of India, in the Ministry of Finance (Department of Revenue), No. 8/2013, Customs (ADD), dated the 18th April, 2013, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) vide number G.S.R. 258(E), dated the 18th April, 2013, namely:- In the said notification, after paragraph 2 and before the Explanation, the following paragraph shall be inserted, namely: 3. Notwithstanding anything contained in paragraph 2, this notification, shall remain in force till the conclusion of the sunset review investigations initiated by the Designated Authority vide initiation notification No.7/4/2018-DGAD dated the 16th April, 2018, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part I, Section 1 dated the 16th April, 2018, or upto the 16th day of April, 2019, whichever is earlier. [F. No. 354/30/2013-TRU (Pt. I)] (Mohit Tiwari) Under Secretary to the Government of India Note. The principal notification No. 8/2013, Customs (ADD), dated the 18th April, 2013, was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) vide number G.S.R. 258(E), dated the 18th April, 2013. "He had an accomplice. We are sure of that," Police Chief Gunnar Schram told online news outlet Visir. Remember the "" we reported last month when a group of thieves stole around 600 powerful bitcoin mining devices from Icelandic data centers?Icelandic Police had arrested 11 suspects as part of the investigation, one of which has escaped from prison and fled to Sweden on a passenger plane reportedly also carrying the Icelandic prime minister Katrin Jakobsdottir., who is suspected of masterminding the whole theft of almost $2 million worth of cryptocurrency-mining equipment, traveled under a passport of someone else but identified through surveillance footage.Stefansson had recently been transferred to a low-security Sogn prison, located in rural southern Iceland (just 59 miles away from Iceland's international airport in Keflavik), from where he escaped through a window early Tuesday and boarded the flight to Sweden.Prime minister Jakobsdottir was on her way to Sweden to take part in India-Nordic Summit and meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday in Stockholm.It appears Stefansson has managed to hide himself in Sweden, as Swedish police say no arrest has been made in the country after being briefed by Icelandic police on the situation.Icelandic police have issued an international arrest warrant for Stefansson.The stolen cryptocurrency-mining devices are still missing, and Icelandic police are monitoring high-energy consumption area across the nation in an attempt to locate the missing equipment.According to the authorities, Guards at the prison did not report Stefansson missing until after the flight to Sweden had taken off.The theft, which the law enforcement said is one of the biggest series of robberies Iceland has ever experienced, took place between late December and early January, while the arrests of 11 people were made in February.Besides 600 bitcoin mining devices, the theft also included burglary of 600 graphics cards, 100 processors, 100 power supplies, 100 motherboards and 100 sets of computer memory.Shortly after the arrest, the Reykjanes District Court expressed restraint and released nine people on bail, leaving only two people under arrest, which included the alleged incident's mastermind Stefansson. Continuing Education Report: It's Time for Ed Tech to Tackle the Adult Learner The education technology segment does a poor job of addressing the particular needs of the adult learner. These are individuals who want to earn a high school diploma, move into college, get additional training or get a job in the first place. They may need help with reading, writing, speaking in English or doing math. And it's a population that comes with "huge variance" in ages, ethnicity, language skills, work experience and family situations. Members of this group confront constraints in their schedules and how much time they can dedicate to learning. Owing to this diversity of circumstances, educators face an uphill battle in being able to personalize learning experiences in ways that could help their students. But technology could play a role. A new report funded by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Career, Technical and Adult Education and produced by Luminary Labs explores how technology could make an impact for adult learners. The intent is to push investors to fund development of technology that could be used by the adult learner community. Five "opportunity areas" are covered in the report: Supplementing instructors, tech specifically to save them time and effort, such as the use of adaptive features that can lead individual students through content at an appropriate pace and "live" assessment tools to help instructors monitor student progress and pinpoint areas where tailored response would be useful; Designing "for life," tech intended to make course attendance more viable, such as the use of mobile tools that use text reminders and video conferencing software to replace face-to-face interaction; Engaging learners, to keep their attention and retention, such as the use of gaming to perk motivation and "family-friendly interfaces," which can turn learning into a family activity that incorporates help from children; Building the community, to foster collaboration that leads to student success, such as the use of Q&A message boards and online social groups or group chat tools; and Making connections, to link students' personal experiences to their learning content, such as through virtual reality and augmented reality, which can simulate experiences that couldn't otherwise be offered. "With the right attention and funding, investment in the development of digital tools and technology solutions can not only tap into an underserved market, but also radically transform the experiences of adult learners and educators in math and beyond," the report suggested. This is the second of three reports undertaken by Luminary for the federal agency. The first report highlighted the challenges in serving the needs of adult learners through technology. The series is overseen by LINCS, a. U.S. Department of Education resource to provide course content, policy guidance and other materials for adult education. The report is openly available on the LINCS website. Meanwhile, Audi is also recalling nearly 100 cars in Vietnam over gluing problems that can cause chrome trims to come loose and fall off. The massive recalls were announced by Vietnam Register, the government body responsible for inspecting motor vehicles. Over 3,600 Mercedes-Benz car models C 200, C 250, C 300, E 200, GLC 250 4MATIC and GLC 300 4MATIC manufactured between September 2015 and February 2017 are subject to the recall in Vietnam. According to the carmaker, a fault in the vehicles ignition systems can cause an electrical circuit overload in certain circumstances during ignition. Repeated attempts to start the car in such a case would lead to overheated ballast, causing nearby components to catch fire and eventually setting the car ablaze in worst-case scenarios. The problem can be fixed by installing a fuse box to prevent circuit overload. Owners of Mercedes-Benz cars eligible for the recall can bring their vehicles in at any authorized garage nationwide between May 14, 2018 and September 9, 2020 to have the issue fixed for free. Maintenance takes around one hour per car, according to Mercedes-Benz Vietnam. German automaker Audi AG is also recalling 89 cars in Vietnam over substandard gluing that can cause the chrome trims on their doors to come loose and fall off during use. The issue is found in Audis A4 and A5 Sportback models manufactured between October 2014 and October 2017. Audi car owners can have the chrome trims re-glued for free between April 15, 2018 and December 31, 2019 at maintenance garages nationwide. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news today, April 18! Society -- Police have launched legal proceedings against seven former senior officials involved in a high-profile case linked to Da Nang mafia boss Phan Van Anh Vu (aka Vu nhom), including two former chairmen of Da Nang City in central Vietnam, three former Da Nang officials responsible for land and investment, a former deputy chief of intelligence under Vietnams Ministry of Public Security, and one intelligence officer. -- The Ministry of Transport is asking for government approval to launch a project to upgrade a stretch of the north-south Ho Chi Minh Trail through the provinces of Binh Phuoc, Binh Duong, Tay Ninh and Long An into an expressway financed by the build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. -- Eleven men who were forced to work at a gold mine in the central province of Quang Tri have been rescued by local police and border protection units following reports from locals. -- Nearly 100 employees of a shipyard owned by Singaporean shipbuilder Triyards Holdings Ltd gathered outside the companys office in the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau on Tuesday to protest lateness in paying wages and social insurance. -- A family-run coffee production establishment in the Central Highlands province of Dak Nong, one of Vietnams largest coffee-producing regions, has been found to use dirty materials such as used batteries, dirt and rock dust to produce and sell tons of coffee powder to the market. Business -- The Vietnam International Airports Ground Services Company (VIAGS) found and returned 3,183 items and VND2.5 billion (US$110,000) forgotten on airplanes to their owners in the first quarter of 2018. -- The Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association has asked to extend Vietnams visa waiver program for five European countries, which will expire after June, for another five years, increase the allowed length of stay for visa-free travelers to 30 days instead of 15, and introduce more visa waivers for citizens of countries such as Australia, Canada, India and New Zealand to attract more tourists. -- The taxman of Ho Chi Minh City has asked ride-booking service Grab to submit documents related to its acquisition of rival Ubers operations in Southeast Asian markets, including Vietnam, by no later than April and be responsible for paying taxes arising from the deal on behalf of Uber. -- A proposed law on asset tax, which if passed would tax individuals in Vietnam on houses, land or vehicles they own, will not be officially considered by the countrys lawmaking National Assembly until after 2019, general secretary of the National Assembly Nguyen Hanh Phuc said on Tuesday. -- Thousands of Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Vietnam that were produced between September 2015 and February 2017 are being recalled over faulty ignition systems that put drivers at risk of setting their cars on fire. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A Hanoi-based company already slapped with a fine and a sale ban over cosmetics made from bamboo charcoal powder in northern Vietnam was caught again as it attempted to distribute the products in Ho Chi Minh City. In mid-January, police in Hai Phong City inspected a facility by local Vinaca Co. Ltd. and found about ten workers filling empty capsules with a mixture of bamboo charcoal powder and other ingredients. The capsules were put into bottles, labeled as cosmetics meant to aid cancer treatment. The fake labels bore the same names as those approved for sale by the government. Police later discovered that Vinaca sourced some 300 kilograms of ground bamboo charcoal powder from another local business on a monthly basis. Violet capsules filled with bamboo charcoal powder are seen at Vinacas facility in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam on January 15, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre Two workers are seen at Vinacas facility in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam on January 15, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre With Vinaca failing to present business licenses, and documents of the ingredients and certificates of the cosmetic production, Hai Phong police seized all the items and the equipment at the facility, and handed the company a VND44 million (US$1,900) fine. On April 13, Hai Phong health authorities banned the sale and distribution of all products made by the company, which allegedly had distributed them to a number of areas throughout Vietnam. On Tuesday, health authorities in Ho Chi Minh City inspected Vinaca's branch office in District 5 and found numerous bottles of anti-cancer alternative medicine formed out of the same bamboo powder, along with many other products The products were confiscated as Tran Thi Tuyet, the branchs director, was unavailable for contact at the time of inspection. Tuyet told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper later the same day that the products at the office were only meant to be given free to customers, not for sale, as she had yet to complete necessary paperwork to start selling them. Health officials inspect a branch of Vinaca in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre Bottles of capsules filled with bamboo charcoal powder are seen at a branch of Vinaca in Ho Chi Minh City on April 17, 2018. Photo: Tuoi Tre The director then contradicted herself by claiming that she already had all necessary legal documents, including the business license and food safety certificate. She added that the firm has opened more than 400 branches nationwide. Our cancer medicine is effective as it is able to absorb harmful substances and detoxify them via the digestive tract, the director claimed. Police are investigating further and Vinaca is liable to face criminal charges. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! A family-run coffee production establishment in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam has been caught red-handed producing coffee from harmful materials. Dak Nong Police said on Tuesday they were finalizing case files to prosecute those involved in the operations of a local facility that produced dirty coffee. The facility, owned by Nguyen Thi Loan, was raided by police and food inspectors on Monday afternoon following reports from locals of their suspicious activities. During the raid, authorities discovered tons of finished coffee as well as raw materials used in production, including 35 kilograms of black powder taken from used D batteries and a bucket of blackish water weighing around ten kilograms. According to Loan, her workshop bought rejected coffee beans from large facilities at a cheap price, ground and mixed them with other materials including dirt and rock dust, then used the black powder found inside D batteries to dye the mixture to produce finished products. Loan confessed to having run the facility for years and had sold over three tons of coffee to the market since the beginning of 2018. At the time of the raid, there was twelve metric tons of the dirty coffee available at Loans facility. Nguyen Thi Loan, the owner of a facility caught producing dirty coffee from used batteries in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Ground coffee beans are mixed with dirt and rock dust and dyed in manganese dioxide taken from used batteries to produce dirty coffee at a facility in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Tons of dirty coffee is discovered at a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Police have taken samples of the battery-dyed coffee for lab tests to complete case files for the prosecution of those involved. According to Assoc. Prof. Tran Hong Con, a chemistry expert from the Vietnam National University Hanoi, the black powder found inside D batteries is actually manganese dioxide that makes up the batteries core. Manganese dioxide is a highly oxidant compound, and as little as 0.5 milligrams of it mixed in a liter of water is enough to cause manganese poisoning in humans, Con said. In addition, other heavy metals commonly found inside batteries such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) are all extremely toxic elements that can damage ones brain, kidney, cardiovascular system and fertility if consumed. Poisoning caused by any of the aforementioned heavy metals can have very adverse health effects, including death in serious cases, an expert from Vietnams National Institute of Nutrition said. Tons of dirty coffee is discovered at a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre An officer inspects a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre An officer inspects a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre Tons of dirty coffee is discovered at a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre A bucket filled with used D batteries is found at a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Police An officer (R) inspects a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Police Tons of dirty coffee is discovered at a coffee production facility owned by Nguyen Thi Loan in Dak Nong Province in the Central Highlands region of Vietnam. Photo: Police Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Phuc told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper that the National Assembly has already had a full agenda to debate and will work to ratify other pieces of legislation from now until the end of 2019. The recent proposal by the finance ministry to introduce the property tax will therefore not be officially considered by the legislative body in 2018 or 2019, Phuc underlined. The proposed legislation seeks to slap a tax of up to 0.4 percent a year on houses with construction value of more than VND700 million (US$30,800) and cars valued from VND1.5 billion ($66,000). A 0.3-percent tax is also proposed on inhabited land, while unoccupied land may face much higher tax rates to prevent real estate bubbles. According to a member of the finance ministrys law drafting committee, the tax plans as known to the public and media are still in an early stage of development, and they are not necessarily the official content of the future draft law on asset tax. The Ministry of Finance still welcomes all feedback from experts, the public and media to compile a law that serves the best interests of the people, the official said. Any tax options that face overwhelming opposition from the public will be considered for removal from the final draft, he added. If implemented, the property tax law is estimated to add up to VND31 trillion ($1.36 billion) to Vietnams annual state budget, given the real estate statistics in 2015. The additional revenue is expected to help Vietnam balance its budget as it is set to remove import tariffs on droves of goods from other countries following different free trade agreements of which it is a signatory. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Rebel Wilson returned to court yesterday in the latest instalment of her bid for $4.5 million in special damages awarded to her last year. Bauer Media is appealing the size of the damages, a record for defamation in Australia. Bauers counsel told the jury the articles in Womans Day and Womens Weekly were true and, in any case, trivial and unlikely to cause Wilson any harm. But one of the three judges questioned the construction of Bauers defence. Telling multiple trivial lies is the same as being a serial liar is it? Justice Beach asked. If I tell someone the Easter Bunny exists and Father Christmas exists, then I am a serial liar? Bauers barrister Michael Wheelahan QC replied, in context, that may be so. He told the court his client didnt want to challenge the jurys verdict rather it sought to have the Court of Appeal reassess the amount of damages. He argued Wilson was entitled to a fair and reasonable amount of damages, but that the figure was manifestly excessive. Wheelahan also claimed that original presiding judge Justice Dixon made errors of fact and law when deciding on the quantum of damages. There has been a denial of natural justice, he said. Rebel Wilson has spent approximately $1.5 million on the trial and wants majority of the costs repaid. She has pledged to give the money to Australian screen projects. The hearing continues. Source: ABC, Nine News TV faces including model Kris Smith, presenter Sam Mac and AFL commentator Brian BT Taylor are amongst performers baring all in Sevens The Real Full Monty special. Seven has confirmed its cast, which includes presenter Shane Jacobson: Campbell Brown AFL Star Matt Cooper NRL Great Shane Jacobson TV Host/Actor Brendan Jonesy Jones Radio Personality Jett Kenny Ironman Sam Mac Sunrise Weather Guru Kris Smith Model Brian BT Taylor AFL Legend/Seven Commentator Filming culminated in a live performance choreographed by Todd McKenney at Sydneys Enmore Theatre on Monday. Seven is yet to announce an airdate for the show, which raises awareness of prostate and testicular cancer research. An airdate is yet to be announced. Viewers will go on a journey with these brave men, from the awkwardness of the first rehearsal to the final triumphant moment standing in nothing but their birthday suits. As well as performing, Shane Jacobson (Little Big Shots) will host alongside choreographer Todd McKenney (Dancing with the Stars, The Boy from Oz), whose job it is to put our celebrities through their rhythmic paces building up to one glorious moment. The one-off special is also designed to raise awareness of mens health issues. The stars are stepping out of their comfort zone to encourage Aussie men to do the same and get themselves checked for prostate and testicular cancer. Amended. After excusing Sonya & Hadil from the My Kitchen Rules dinner table last night, Seven is now teasing Will Sonya & Hadil return? The incident, which escalated to on-screen bullying, saw insults fly across the table between the NSW friends and NSW sisters Jess & Emma. It was a war of words unleashed between rival teams at the Vietnamese instant restaurant of Kim & Suong. There were very few wide shots of the table as arguments flared (suggesting that perhaps Pete & Manu were not on set for the bulk of the exchanges), before Sonya & Hadil turned on other teams. Dont make me come for you! Hadil directed at others at the table. Ill come for all of you, because youre all disrespectful a***holes! Sonya shouted. Eventually Manu Feildel spoke up, with a first-ever ultimatum for the show. Enough! Things have got too out of hand, this is a cooking competition, and this behaviour is unacceptable. Sonya and Hadil, you are excused from the table! he said. After Sonya & Hadil left in a taxi (and left in a huff), the cooking competition continued for hosts Kim & Suong. Judges added an average from the remaining 6 teams to scores, to ensure the hosts were not disadvantaged. If it becomes evident the two friends have not been eliminated from the show after all then it may backfire, given the months of endless promotions about a team being kicked off the show. Yesterday Seven refused to confirm or deny a permanent exit only acknowledging they are the thrown out team. Nevertheless the seemingly endless promo campaign has delivered for Seven, with its biggest week so far this season and doing the thing it most needed to do: kill The Voice. This week on The Living Room, Amanda Keller meets comedian Urzila Carlson, Dr. Chris is kayaking in Tassie and Miguel cooks with Italian chef Alessandro Pavoni. Amanda Keller jumps across the ditch to meet South African born comedian, Urzila Carlson. While floating down the Avon River in Christchurch, the pair talk about growing up in South Africa, the uncomfortable truths of aging, and even have a Marmite vs Vegemite taste test, to see how Kiwi Urzila really is. Dr Chris Brown heads to Tasmania where he joins forces with Craig Machen, who successfully kayaked around Tasmania to raise money for motor neuron disease charities. Big seas caused Craig to bypass the spectacular Tasman peninsular, so he is hitting the water with Chris to complete this part of the journey, encountering some amazing sea life along the way. Peter Walsh helps sea-changers Donna and Jamie transform their clutter-filled garage into a sleek home office, while Miguel Maestre challenges one of Australias greatest Italian chefs, Alessandro Pavoni, to make the perfect gnocchi. Alessandro shares his tips on how to make the lightest and most delicious gnocchi every time and Miguel whips up a zesty and creamy pesto to go with the potato pillows. 7:30pm Friday on TEN. A pilot remake of UK comedy The Wrong Mans, created by James Corden and Matthew Baynton, has been greenlit by Showtime. To be produced by J.J. Abrams Bad Robot and Cordens Fulwell 73 Productions, it will star Ben Schwartz (Roadies) and be written by Corden, Baynton and Ian Maxtone-Graham. The Wrong Mans is a comedy about two ordinary office workers who have their menial existence turned upside-down by a chance phone call and a case of mistaken identity. The original series screened in Australia on ABC in 2014. As a Showtime production this one is likely to screen here on Stan. Source: Hollywood Reporter Thousands of descendants of the Windrush generation whose parents were invited to live in Britain in the 1940s have been Living In Fear of deportation. A tightening of immigration controls by the then Home Secretary, Teresa May, back in 2012 has meant that many people from the West Indies have received letters from the home office threatening deportation. Asked to produce evidence of their British citizenship, they were stripped of their rights to work, claim benefits, and receive medical care free of charge. For the individuals affected, this has been a nightmare. They have been living in fear, unsure of their status, despite the fact that many of them have been living and working in the UK for over 50 years. Why has the Windrush generation been threatened with deportation and denied citizens' rights? According to the Guardian, the home office didn't issue the Windrush generation with any paperwork. What's more, it has now transpired that a few years ago, the home office destroyed many records. Still, the Windrush generation was able to work and live in Britain without any restrictions right up until quite recently. However, when tighter immigration controls were introduced in 2012 by the then home secretary, Teresa May, the legal status of the Windrush generation was no longer clear. In fact, people from the West Indies had to produce records proving their citizenship, which many of them were unable to do because they had never been issued with adequate paperwork by the Home Office in the first instance. Suddenly, they were no longer able to work, claim benefits, or obtain free medical services. Furthermore, the home office began sending out letters threatening deportation to anyone who was unable to provide proof of citizenship or of the right to residency. For those affected, this has been a nightmare. Apart from living in fear of deportation, they have not been able to take up employment either. As a result, the Windrush generation has been living under unbearable pressure, and many have found it extremely difficult to cope. After these issues were highlighted in the media, the Prime Minister yesterday finally apologised and offered assurances to the Windrush generation. David Lammy, Labour MP, blames Tory policy for the Windrush kids' plight At the House of Commons, Labour MP, David Lammy, blasted Amber Rudd, laying the blame firmly on Tory policies. He also demanded to know just how many people from the Windrush generation have been deported. In response, Rudd admitted that no numbers were available to her, promising that she would make every effort to obtain the relevant figures. Lamm also denounced the apology as long overdue. The nightmare may not be over yet, Windrush generation fears Despite the assurances and apologies, many people from the Caribbean and West Indies still live in fear. According to a BBC report, many of them also wonder about people who've already been deported. Ms. Wilson lived in fear of deportation for two years and spent one week at Yarl's Wood immigration removal centre. In her case, the intervention of a charity and her local MP stopped her deportation. Though Wilson welcomed Amber Rudd's apologies, she still wonders about people who were deported:"What about all the other people who were sent away before my case became big?" The home office is now trying to reassure the Windrush generation, promising to help them establish their status in the UK. By Susanna Twidale LONDON, April 18 (Reuters) - Britain's Banks Mining will challenge the governments decision to reject its application to develop a new coal mine in northeastern England, the company said on Wednesday. Northumberland County Council agreed last year that the mine's developer, Banks Mining, a division of The Banks Group, could extract 3 million tonnes of coal by cutting an open cast, or surface mine, near Druridge Bay, Highthorn. But local government minister Sajid Javid rejected the application last month following a public inquiry, saying the proposal could hamper the country's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and curb climate change. The decision "could have far-reaching, unintended consequences for all hydrocarbon extraction industries such as coal, gas and oil, including the shale gas industry," Banks Mining Managing Director Gavin Styles said in an emailed statement. Styles said the company would lodge a legal challenge against the decision with Britain's High Court, and seek a decision as soon as possible. Environmentalists had criticised the plans, saying the mine would destroy an area of natural beauty and that extracting more coal is at odds with international pledges to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the Paris climate pact. Supporters of the project had said it could bring much needed jobs to the region, and help to reduce Britain's reliance on coal imports. Britain plans to close all coal-fired power stations by 2025 unless they are fitted with technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions, as part of efforts to cut greenhouse gases by 80 percent from 1990 levels by 2050. (Reporting by Susanna Twidale Editing by Edmund Blair) BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - A car bomb hit a convoy of the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military outside Benghazi on Wednesday, wounding at least three people, security officials said. No more details were immediately available. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; Writing by Ulf Laessing) See Also: FILE PHOTO: Silhouettes of mobile users are seen next to a screen projection of Facebook logo in this picture illustration taken March 28, 2018. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo (Reuters) - An activist hedge fund that wants Facebook to set up a risk oversight committee asked fellow shareholders on Tuesday to back the proposal, highlighting investor concerns over the company's handling of controversies such as the recent data privacy row. Trillium Asset Management, which owns about 73,000 shares of Facebook Inc , said existing risk oversight structures at Facebook appeared to lack a "dedicated focus." Facebook has faced public outcry and intense political scrutiny since it was disclosed that the personal information of several millions of users was harvested by the political consultancy Cambridge Analytica. Menlo Park, California-based Facebook has also been criticized for its role in Russia's alleged influence over the 2016 U.S. presidential election. "The sheer volume, magnitude, and frequency of Facebook's controversies strongly suggests that the company's whack-a-mole approach is insufficient - Facebook needs to institutionalize stronger risk oversight mechanisms," Trillium said in a letter https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/884541/000121465918002848/d417181px14a6g.htm to fellow Facebook shareholders. Trillium's proposal first came in a regulatory filing on Friday. Facebook, at the time, appeared to oppose the proposal, saying it would be inefficient to form a separate oversight committee, given that many of its board members were already overseeing risk-related matters. "We believe that our board and committees have sufficient time and resources to address risk oversight matters along with their other responsibilities," Facebook had said. A Facebook spokeswoman maintained that response on Tuesday. The social networking giant's lack of attention to risk management has eroded shareholder value, Trillium said, pointing to Facebook's warning last week that new investments in security will "significantly" impact future profits. Facebook has lost nearly $47 billion in market value since the Cambridge Analytica revelations first surfaced last month. (Reporting by Munsif Vengattil and Arjun Panchadar in Bengaluru; Editing by Sai Sachin Ravikumar) Shahab-3 missile Iran Hasan Sarbakhshian/AP President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers." Iran's military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day. "We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without U.N. permission," Iran's president said. LONDON (Reuters) - President Hassan Rouhani said Iran would make or buy any weapons it needed to defend itself in a region beset by "invading powers", as the military paraded missiles and soldiers in front of him on National Army Day. Fighter jets and bombers flew overhead as Rouhani told the Tehran crowd and a live TV audience on Wednesday that Iran's forces posed no threat to its neighbors. "We tell the world that we will produce or acquire any weapons we need, and will not wait for their approval ... We tell our neighboring countries that our weapons are not against you, it's for deterrence," Rouhani said. "We are not living in a normal region, and we see invading powers have built bases around us. Disregarding the principles of international law, they intervene in regional affairs and invade other countries without U.N. permission," Rouhani added. U.S., British and French forces pounded Iran's ally Syria with air strikes early on Saturday in retaliation for a suspected April 7 chemical weapons attack, which they blame on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government. Britain, France and Germany have proposed fresh EU sanctions on Iran over its ballistic missiles and its role in Syrias war, in a bid to persuade U.S. President Donald Trump to preserve the 2015 nuclear deal with Tehran. Trump has delivered an ultimatum to the European signatories to fix what he saw as the "terrible flaws" of the deal, threatening to refuse to extend U.S. sanctions relief on Iran. Story continues U.S. sanctions will resume unless Trump issues fresh waivers to suspend them on May 12. NOW WATCH: How all-you-can-eat restaurants don't go bankrupt See Also: WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. Commerce Department said on Tuesday it has made a preliminary determination that common alloy aluminium sheet imports from China are being subsidized, and set countervailing duties of up to 113 percent. Imports of common alloy aluminium sheet from China were valued at an estimated $600 million in 2016, the department said in a statement. A final determination in the countervailing duty investigation is scheduled to be announced on Aug. 30, it said. The Aluminum Association, a U.S. trade group, welcomed the decision. "This is an important first step to begin restoring a level playing field for U.S. aluminium sheet production," the group's president, Heidi Brock, said in a statement. The department's preliminary finding comes as President Donald Trump has threatened to slap tariffs on some $150 billion of Chinese goods to try to force changes in China's industrial policies. The Commerce Department launched the investigation of imports of Chinese aluminium alloy sheet in November, the first U.S.-initiated anti-subsidy and anti-dumping probes in decades. Washington's seldom-used tactic is aimed at accelerating the imposition of duties against what are determined to be unfairly subsidized and dumped products. U.S. companies and industries claiming injury from imports would normally first ask the Commerce Department to open such probes, but government-initiated cases skip that step. The department said it calculated a preliminary subsidy rate of 31.20 percent for Yong Jie New Material Co Ltd; a rate of 34.99 percent for Henan Mingtai Industrial Co Ltd and Zhengzhou Mingtai Industry Co; and a rate of 113.30 percent for Chalco Ruimin Co Ltd and Chalco-SWA Cold Rolling Co Ltd. The preliminary subsidy rate for all-other Chinese producers and exporters is 33.10 percent, the department said. (Reporting by Eric Beech and David Lawder; Editing by Mohammad Zargham and Sandra Maler) Members of Syrian police sit at a damaged building at the city of Douma, Damascus, Syria April 16, 2018. REUTERS/Ali Hashisho Thomson Reuters BEIRUT (Reuters) - The Syrian army began preparatory shelling for an assault on the last area outside its control near Damascus on Tuesday, a commander in the pro-government alliance said, building on its recent capture of the major suburb of eastern Ghouta. Recovering the Yarmouk camp and neighboring areas located south of the city would give President Bashar al-Assad complete control over Syria's capital, further consolidating his grip on power. Yarmouk, Syria's biggest camp for Palestinian refugees since the mid-20th century, has been under the control of Islamic State fighters for several years. Although the vast majority of residents have fled, the United Nations says thousands remain. Assad has benefited from Russian air power since 2015 to regain large swathes of Syria, putting him in his strongest position since the early months of the seven-year-old war. The war has killed more than 500,000 people and has drawn in regional and global powers. The United States, Britain and France launched their first coordinated strikes against Assad's government on Saturday in retaliation for what they say was a poison gas attack on April 7 that killed scores of residents in Douma, the last town in the eastern Ghouta to fall. The Western missiles destroyed three targets that had been evacuated in advance, but did nothing to alter the wider course of the war, leaving Assad's Russian-backed forces still on the offensive with the goal of recapturing the entire country. Damascus and Moscow have both denied using poison gas and have broadcast statements from hospital workers in Douma - which medical aid groups operating in rebel areas have dismissed as propaganda - saying that no chemical attack took place. A team of international chemical weapons inspectors that arrived in Damascus on Friday has still not visited Douma to gather evidence, though Russia said it would do so on Wednesday. Syrian state media reported that missiles had again targeted an airbase overnight, but a commander in the regional military alliance backing the government later told Reuters it was a false alarm. Story continues The commander, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the new offensive would target Islamic State and Nusra Front militants in Yarmouk camp and al-Hajar al-Aswad district. Rebels in the adjoining Beit Sahm area would withdraw on buses through an agreement with the government, the commander said. ASSAULT A government media tour on Monday of Douma, the biggest town in the former rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta just outside Damascus, revealed severe destruction and the plight of residents who had survived years of siege. The assault on eastern Ghouta began in February and ended in government victory on Saturday when rebels withdrew from the town, hours after the Western countries were finished with their air strikes on buildings they said were used to research or store chemical weapons and equipment. Each of the rebel groups controlling areas of eastern Ghouta eventually agreed surrender deals that involved withdrawal to opposition-held areas of northwestern Syria including Idlib. After the recapture of eastern Ghouta, Assad still has several smaller pockets of ground to recover from rebels, as well as two major areas they hold in the northwest and southwest. Besides the pocket south of Damascus, rebels still hold besieged enclaves in the town of Dumayr northeast of Damascus, in the Eastern Qalamoun mountains nearby, and around Rastan north of Homs. The pro-government commander said the army had prepared for military action in the Eastern Qalamoun, but that Russia was working on the militants' withdrawal without a battle. State television said on Tuesday that rebels in Dumayr had also agreed to withdraw. In northwest Syria, the largest area still held by rebels, a government assault could bring Damascus into confrontation with Turkey, which has set up a string of military observation posts in the area. Ali Akbar Velayati, a top Iranian official, said during a visit to Damascus last week that he hoped that the army would soon regain Idlib and areas of eastern Syria now held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by Washington. (Reporting by Laila Bassam, additional reporting by Dahlia Nehme; Writing by Angus McDowall; Editing by Peter Graff) See Also: People inspect the site after a car bomb hit the convoy of Abdel-Razeq Nathouri, the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military, outside Benghazi People inspect the site after a car bomb hit the convoy of Abdel-Razeq Nathouri, the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military, outside Benghazi, Libya April 18, 2018. REUTERS/Stringer BENGHAZI, Libya (Reuters) - A car bomb hit the convoy of the chief of staff of the eastern Libyan military outside Benghazi on Wednesday, killing one person and wounding at least two other people, though he himself survived, security and military officials said. Abdel-Razeq Nathouri was travelling from Benghazi to his base in al-Marj, a small eastern town, when his convoy was hit some 20 km (12 miles) outside Benghazi. Nathouri, in a video which his office said was recorded after he had returned to his base, said a plot to assassinate him had failed. Nathouri is chief of staff to forces run by Khalifa Haftar, who has been receiving medical treatment in Paris, a French source said on Friday, confirming earlier reports from Libyan officials and media. No more details have been provided on the treatment of Haftar, whose forces control much of eastern Libya -- home to some of the country's biggest oilfields. Haftar, a possible contender in national elections that could be held by the end of 2018, has built his reputation on delivering stability in Benghazi and beyond, promising to halt the anarchy that ensued after a NATO-backed uprising ended Muammar Gaddafis long rule nearly seven years ago. Haftar launched his military campaign in Benghazi in May 2014 in response to a series of bombings and assassinations blamed on Islamist militants. He declared victory in July but bombings hit two mosques this year in the port city. (Reporting by Ayman al-Warfalli; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Richard Balmforth) Chief of the National Narcotics Agency Heru Winarko holds drugs before they are destroyed at an event at the agency's headquarters in Jakarta Chief of the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) Heru Winarko (C) holds drugs before they are destroyed at an event at the agency's headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia March 26, 2018 in this photo taken by Antara Foto. Antara Foto/Aprillio Akbar/ via REUTERS By Tom Allard and Agustinus Beo Da Costa JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesias new anti-narcotics chief Heru Winarko called for an expansion of rehabilitation centres across the country on Wednesday, flagging a new approach in contrast to the blood-soaked war on drugs underway in its neighbour, the Philippines. More users, addicts and even minor dealers would be diverted into centres run by medical professionals and counsellors rather than heading straight into an over-crowded prison system, Winarko told Reuters in an interview. "With the rehabilitation approach, we cut the demand, he said. "If there is no demand, the supply will not come or reduce." Winarko took over as head of Indonesias anti-narcotics agency in March, replacing Budi Waseso, a former top police officer who advocated surrounding prisons with moats filled with crocodiles and piranhas to stop drug convicts escaping. Rather than wildlife, Winarko said he planned to set up rehabilitation facilities near prisons. "It is better if there is a rehabilitation centre located close to a prison, he said, noting that a former mental hospital near a correctional facility in Bali was being converted into a centre for offenders to tackle addiction. "When we do it like this, it will be amazing. The prison becomes a place for guiding people. Indonesias president, Joko Widodo, has long warned that the country was gripped by a drugs emergency amid assertions by officials - challenged by some experts - that there were more than 6 million users. Widodo has said drugs posed a bigger danger than Islamist militancy and he intensified a drugs war that has included the execution of drug traffickers, including some foreigners. Winarko said there needed to be rapid growth in assessment centres which determine if drug convicts would benefit from therapy rather than incarceration. The countrys 127 rehabilitation centres were inadequate for a population of 250 million, and more should be built and existing facilities better integrated, he said. Story continues David McRea, a researcher from the University of Melbourne, said Winarkos enthusiasm for rehabilitation needed to be treated cautiously. Indonesias criminal justice system already allowed for some offenders to be rehabilitated but the option was rarely used. For years, theres been talk in Indonesia of a shift to rehabilitate people but people are still being sentenced to prison for petty drug crimes, he said. KILLINGS RISE Methamphetamine, known as shabu, is the most popular drug, according to Winarko. More than two tonnes of methamphetamine was seized off the coast of Sumatra island in February in two separate, record busts. Law enforcement officials would maintain their "stern" approach to traffickers and their "shoot to kill" policy if suspects were armed and resisted arrest, said Winarko. But he added Indonesia would not mimic the violent policies of President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, who was praised by his predecessor, Waseso. We have our own standard operating procedures, he said. More than 4,100 people have died during police anti-narcotics operations in the Philippines since July 2016. Another 2,300 have been killed by unidentified gunmen. Philippines authorities say their actions are lawful and the deaths occur when suspects threaten police. However, human rights groups and U.N. officials have accused Philippine anti-drugs agents of extrajudicial killings. Police deny that. According to Amnesty International, Indonesian police killed 98 drug suspects in 2017, up from 18 the previous year. It said the deaths were rarely investigated. McRea said the trend of rising drug-related slayings continued in Indonesia this year and was disturbing. (Reporting by Tom Allard and Agustinus Beo Da Costa; Editing by Robert Birsel) A wildfire in Dewey County, Oklahoma, stood at 261,781 acres on Wednesday, April 18, growing thousands of acres overnight. The Rhea Fire was just 3 percent contained, a news report said. The town of Seiling was evacuated as the fire spread close to its borders. The Rhea Fire was one of two major fires that have been burning since last week in Oklahoma. Critical fire conditions on Tuesday led to the fire spreading, and similar conditions were expected on Wednesday. This video was posted by the Bethel Acres Fire Department, which is part of the Pottowatomie County Task Force. The task force was dispatched to Taloga. Credit: Bethel Acres Fire Department via Storyful Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Barcelonas Placa dEspanya on April 15 to demand the release of Catalan leaders arrested after 2017s failed independence referendum. Police in Barcelona said that some 315,000 people had taken part in the demonstration. Protesters came out on the streets in opposition to the pre-trial detention of independence leaders. The demonstration was organised by the National Catalan Assembly and Omnium, a Catalan cultural association. Leaders from both groups were jailed following the referendum. Former president of Catalonia Carles Puigdemont tweeted his support for the demonstration from Germany, where he was arrested last month on an international warrant. Puigdemont had been in self-imposed exile in Belgium since he was removed from office in 2017, but he was arrested when he crossed into Germany while returning to Belgium from a business trip to Finland. A German court ruled that he could not be extradited to Spain on rebellion charges but is still considering an extradition on charges of corruption. The court has ordered him to remain in Germany and check in with police weekly. Credit: Mireia Roses via Storyful Despite the recent and necessary American-Franco-British airstrikes against President Assads chemical weapons infrastructure, the United States is losing in Syria and condemning its oppressed citizens and freedom fighters to lose as well. As President Trump plans to withdraw U.S. forces there, Presidents Putin of Russia, Rouhani of Iran, and Erdogan of Turkey wrapped up another summit, consolidating even more power and influence in the region at the expense of Americas allies. The order of the Middle East is at stake, our country must re-engage. America, the most powerful nation in the world, should be driving policy. Sometimes pictures speak crucially. Two photographs of powerful triumvirates in the 20th and 21st centuries cry out for a change in U.S. policy, halting our diminishing role in the world and its cost to humanity. Trending: Who Is Tammie Jo Shults? Pilot who Landed Southwest Flight Safely Hailed As a Hero In the first picture, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and Soviet Premier Joseph Stalin at Yalta anticipate victory in World War I. Roosevelt bridges the gap between Churchill and Stalin, confirming Americas leadership. GettyImages-74932574 (1) Herbert/Hulton Archive/Getty Images In the second picture, Turkeys religious zealot, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, hosts the latest summit of self-aggrandizers, holding hands with Russia's modern-day tsar Vladimir Putin and Hassan Rouhani, the public face of Iran's fundamentalist theocracy. At the last summit in Sochi, Rouhani was overjoyed that Russia, Iran and Turkey were creating a new Middle East. At this latest summit, the Iranian president lashed out at the illegal presence and interference of the United States in Syria, blaming Washington for the countrys disintegration. Never mind that Iran poured in thousands of troops and its terrorist proxy militias, led by Hezbollah, to prop up the brutal barrel-bomb dropping regime of Bashar al-Assad. Story continues Washington's absence is an appalling failure in foreign policy. It allows three autocratic governments to advance, a murderous dictatorship to survive, and the chance of democratic engagement in the region and the world to fade. With the help of the Trump administration's own National Security Strategy the situation can be amended. There are precedents. Washingtons constructive role in the 20th century began in 1905 when President Theodore Roosevelt coaxed Moscow and Tokyo into signing the Treaty of Portsmouth, ending the Russo-Japanese War. A couple of months after Yalta in mid-century, Franklin Roosevelt died, but the Marshall Plan of Harry S. Truman, Roosevelts successor, enabled post-war Europe to rebuild, including the creation of a democratic and friendly West Germany. Don't miss: Call Of Duty: Black Ops 4 Reportedly Cuts Campaign for Multiplayer Focus In the 1980s, Ronald Reagan's tough stance toward the Soviet Union led to a treaty that reduced nuclear weapons and helped bring down the Iron Curtain. In 1995, Bill Clinton witnessed the Dayton Accords among Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, ending the horror of mass murder in the Balkans. 20th century America led the effort to build a better world, and nations depended on that. RTX5GD2E REUTERS/Umit Bektas In the 21st century, that crucial role has often been abdicated. Barack Obama tried to sidestep crises, naively dismissing emerging Islamic State militant group (ISIS) terrorists as a J.V. team. He threatened to bomb Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's installations because he used chemical weapons but didn't follow through. His red lines were pale, and his attempts to lead from behind were pale policy. Russia, Iran and its Shiite militias, and with their aid murderous Assad, unleashed devastating attacks on any opposition in Syria, including America's Arab and Kurdish allies. Enemies advanced destruction, chaos, and despair, and by the time Donald Trump took office, Iran was asserting itself across the Middle East, not just in Syria and Lebanon, where Hezbollah dominates the national army, but in Iraq and Yemen as well. After an Assad chemical weapons attack a year ago, Mr. Trump correctly fired 59 missiles at the Syrian air base that launched a chemical weapons massacre. Along with the British and French, he now authorized the attack with 105 Tomahawks for the gassing of civilians in Douma, a second right move. But in a war filled with atrocities, including many more chemical weapons attacks over the course of the civil war, missiles fired on two occasions are a small gesture and, with Assad and his Iranian and Russian backers poised to recapture the last remaining stronghold of the Syrian opposition, too late to ensure a moral outcome in this modern-day tragedy that cost half a million lives. Shayrat air base Syria STRINGER/AFP/Getty Images Mr. Trump is perplexingly outsourcing American policy in Syria. At the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Vietnam last year, he bowed out of participating in the structuring of a peace agreement, yielding leadership to Russia's Putin, and he has now twice confirmed his intent to bring home American troops. In contrast, Americas National Security Strategy commits us to counter Russian subversion. It correctly identifies Irans theocracy as "the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism" and commits Washington to "neutraliz[ing] Iranian malign influence." Apparently unimpressed or unaware of that, when Mr. Trump was charged with introducing the policy, he instead highlighted Mr. Putin's gratitude for a CIA warning that enabled Moscow to capture jihadist terrorists. Most popular: Comeys Book Angers Clinton Allies Just as Much as it Infuriates Trump The Kremlin, Iran and Turkey threaten anti-Assad groups and attack Americas Arab and Kurdish allies. Russia mouthed a decision to have the Kurds at the negotiating table but withdrew its troops in Northeastern Syria so that Turkey could unleash air strikes and a ground invasion against Kurds in the region. Washingtons dream of peaceful ethnic, cultural and religious groups living in harmony in the Middle East has become a nightmare in which Moscow, Tehran and Ankara have their way. Russia has become the major power broker in the region, fortifying its naval base in Syrias Mediterranean port of Tartus and an air force base in Khmeimim, giving the Kremlin its greatest military foothold in the region. Washington must respond as the National Security Strategy suggests, reasserting its support of Arab and Kurdish allies by opposing Iran, Russia and now also Turkey. In a recent whirlwind victory lap of Turkey, Syria and Egypt, Putin revealed his intent to create client states. Moscow is bustling. Already infamous for nuclear installations, missiles and missile defense systems in Iran, Putin sought to reestablish Russia's alliance with Cairo. Having already sold S-400 surface-to-air missile batteries to Turkey and installed them in Syria, Moscow contracted to sell weapons to Egypt. In response, Cairo has granted Russia air force landing rights on Egyptian military bases. Iran, boosted by the windfall of the nuclear deal, is also bulking up. Major General Qasem Soleimani, the commander of its Quds Force, blatantly defies UN international travel sanctions. He flew to Moscow and met Mr. Putin before Russia entered the Syrian war, and he has popped up in Iraq as a military adviser to the Shiite Hashd al-Shaabi forces that together with Hezbollah have ethnically cleansed wide stretches of territory to gain Iran a corridor through Iraq, Syria and Lebanon to the Mediterranean. This not only provides a ground route for weapons to Assad and the Lebanese Iranian factotum, terrorist Hezbollah. It also positions Iran to attack Israel from short distances by land, air and sea. Once Sunni-Shia adversaries, Iran and Turkey, lusting for power, have three common aims: crush the Kurds, back Qatar in the dispute with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and take on Israel. Mr. Erdogan, a defender of the fundamentalist Sunni Muslim Brotherhood, somehow sees himself as advancing the re-creation of the Ottoman Empire through an alliance with radical Shiite Iran. There is no morality involved. Turkey idly stood by as ISIS attacked the Kurds in Kobani, launched its ironically named "Operation Olive Branch," an incursion into northern Syria to pulverize the Kurds, and, as with the Ottoman genocide of the Armenians and Assyrians, will in partnership with Iran keep attacking the Kurdish people, who gallantly helped to defeat the Islamic State. Aware that Mr. Trump is failing the Kurds, Israel has been protecting itself by attacking arms and weapons research facilities as well as an Iranian base under construction in Syria. Though well-armed and bold, Israel is a small country. Alerted to the danger Israel and other allies confront, the U.S. should block Iran from co-opting Syria, stop the Turks from attacking the Kurds and lead negotiations that will result in a balanced resolution of the war in Syria, from which all foreign countries, including the U.S., withdraw. The National Security Strategy recognizes a need to protect American allies in the region, and Mr. Trump should do so for the Kurds, who suffered thousands of casualties to defeat ISIS and are crucial to regional balance. The U.S. should protect our Arab and Israeli allies as well. The viciously crushed Iranian people's movement is over for the time being, but the people's plight lives on, and America must support them by taking economic and political action against the kleptocratic theocracy that is suppressing them. Moscow, Tehran and Ankara must be prevented from building their new Middle East. President Trump, who is not averse to reversing himself, must reassert Washingtons commitments in region. The world needs American leadership, working toward justice and peace. Jonathan Wachtel served as Director of Communications and Spokesperson for the U.S. Mission to the United Nations. As a journalist he covered global conflicts for ABC, Fox and Worldwide Television News. Albert Wachtel, a professor at the Claremont Colleges, has written for many national journals and newspapers. He has four books out and ran for Congress in 1992. The views expressed in this article are the author's own. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov said that Rusal, which was hit by U.S. sanctions, has asked the government to support the development of the aluminium sector, TASS reported. The aluminium giant has proposed that the government help create facilities for the primary processing of aluminium, the Interfax news agency reported. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova; Editing by Catherine Evans) FILE PHOTO: Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a gathering with supporters at Miraflores Palace in Caracas, Venezuela April 4, 2018. REUTERS/Marco Bello/File photo CARACAS (Reuters) - Venezuela and Spain said on Wednesday they would normalise relations and restore ambassadors after a spat in January that followed European Union sanctions against the South American nation. President Nicolas Maduro in January withdrew his envoy to Madrid in response to what he called "repeated meddling" in the country's internal affairs, leading Spain to respond in kind. The two countries "agreed to begin a process of normalizing diplomatic relations," they said in a joint statement, adding that ambassadors would be restored in the coming days. The European Union in January sanctioned a group of Venezuela officials over abuses associated with opposition protests, a move that followed a series of sanctions by Washington over similar issues. Venezuela has faced heavy criticism from the United States and Europe, as well as Latin American neighbours, for last year's creation of an all-powerful legislature called the constituent assembly that critics call the creation of a dictatorship. The decision to call a snap presidential election for May 20 has been widely criticized as undermining the possibility of a free and fair election in the crisis-torn country. Maduro routinely criticizes Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy during live television broadcasts, and has accused Spain of working with other European governments to destabilise his government. (Reporting by Deisy Buitrago and Brian Ellsworth; Editing by Tom Brown and Peter Cooney) 1. Yes. The district should offer a virtual learning option, even in a modified format. 2. Yes. The bill limits the number of students who use it, but it does provide state funds. 3. No. Its too late in the year for the district to try to rework its teaching platforms. 4. No. The bill only allows 10% of students to access it, and also has other restrictions. 5. Unsure. It seems like a half-measure, but it may be worth pursuing. Vote View Results University System of Georgia (USG) students will pay the same tuition for the 2018-2019 academic year as the current 2017-2018 academic year, after the Board of Regents set annual tuition rates today for all 26 colleges and universities at a zero percent increase. We are grateful to Gov. Nathan Deal and the General Assembly for their consistent support of public higher education in Georgia, Chancellor Steve Wrigley said. We also recognize the critical need to keep our institutions affordable for students while providing a quality education. The boards decision today maintains our commitment to keeping tuition increases to a minimum. The University System has been able to limit tuition increases to an average of 1.8 percent annually over the last five years and continues to offer some of the lowest tuition rates among peer public higher education systems. Out of the 16 states that make up the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB), the USG remains the sixth lowest state in tuition and fees for four-year institutions. The board also continues to ensure fees charged by USG institutions are kept to a minimum. Only nine of the USGs 26 institutions will be allowed limited fee increases for the upcoming fiscal year, ranging from $3 to $31 per semester for a full-time, in-state undergraduate student. In 2016, a state audit report found that tuition and fees in the University System averaged 25 percent less than what institutions in peer states charged, said Shelley Nickel, executive vice chancellor for strategy and fiscal affairs. In 2018, we remain focused on giving students an affordable, accessible and high-quality experience that we hope ultimately results in their success. In addition, the USG is saving students $19 million a year with its free online textbook initiative called Affordable Learning Georgia. More than 219,300 students from across the system have benefited directly from the program, which has grown rapidly. Just two years ago, the University System was ranked number one in the nation by national publisher OpenStax at Rice University for saving students the most money with free online textbooks. Tuition rates for each institution can be found here: http://www.usg.edu/fiscal_affairs/tuition_and_fees. A passenger aboard Southwest Flight 1380 was killed after the plane suffered an engine failure resulting in a window explosion, creating what had to be the most terrifying moments in the lives of every person on the flight. Many were injured, all were obviously in discomfort, and unfortunately, one passenger did not survive the incident. New York to Dallas When flight 1380 took off from New York's LaGuardia Airport everything seemed to be running as smooth as ever, at least for the first 20 minutes or so. According to a CNN report, the Southwest Airlines jet carrying 149 passengers was scheduled to depart from New York and land in Dallas, Texas until the unthinkable happened. The Plane was flying at 32,500 feet Tuesday morning when suddenly an explosion on the left side of the plane set off alarms and immediately put everyone into panic mode. The passengers on board had to feel like they were in a real-life horror movie. The end result of this terrifying tragedy left one woman dead, seven people injured and led to an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport. A USA Today report indicates that Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old mother of two, was seriously injured when the window exploded, causing a sudden drop in air pressure that nearly caused her to be sucked right outside. Riordan was rushed to a Philadelphia hospital after the plane made an emergency landing, where she later passed away. Unsung heroes of flight 1380 No one hearing about this story can imagine what these people were thinking when all of this chaos began. To say it was terrifying is an understatement of epic proportions. However, two passengers have to be recognized for their reported bravery. "We have a part of the aircraft missing": Listen to the dramatic communications between the pilot of Southwest flight 1380 and air traffic control as plane from NYC comes into Philadelphia for emergency landing https://t.co/CgWfJH1DhY pic.twitter.com/QKmWOXNJ0r NBC New York (@NBCNewYork) April 17, 2018 Tim McGinty, a farm and ranch real estate worker, did his best during this unthinkable incident to try and pull Jennifer Riordan back inside the plane himself, but he needed a helping hand. Thats where firefighter Andrew Needum of Celina, Texas came in. The two successfully helped Riordan get back in the plane, where Needum and a nurse performed CPR on her. "My husband loves God and believes our purpose here is to love fiercely and to serve others ... Some heroes wear capes, but mine wears a cowboy hat," McGinty's wife said. Now the fallout begins. Many folks have a lot of questions for Southwest, with the obvious being how could this have happened in the first place? Was it a freak accident, or could it have been prevented? Time will tell, but you better believe that this incident will be thoroughly investigated. First, there were the recent apparent chemical attacks that were perpetrated by the Assad regime in Syria on his own people, according to the United States. The trump administration believed that the attack was done with the full knowledge and cooperation of the Russians. The United States, Britain, and France responded with a strategic attack on three targets allegedly linked to chemical weapons inside Syria. As a follow-up, the Trump administration dispatched Nikki Haley to the weekend news shows to assert that further sanctions will be forthcoming against the Russians. Then it went downhill from there. In statement to CNN, US Ambassador to the UN @nikkihaley says: With all due respect, I dont get confused. https://t.co/fm8Las0pZX Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) April 17, 2018 Nikki Haley thrown under the bus The only problem with the Nikki Haley appearances, after the Syria attack, is that she was obviously given tough talking points that either got changed without keeping her in the loop or were false from the start. This is no surprise in the administration, where confusion reigns supreme, and even the president has no idea what he is doing most of the time. So, the administration, as it often does, threw the United Nations Ambassador under the bus, stating that she must have been confused about any new Russian sanctions. Nikki Haley is a sharp, intelligent person, and it is highly doubtful that she "missed the memo," not to say anything about new sanctions. In fact, she shot back at her own administration stating to Fox News host Dana Perino that With all due respect, I dont get confused. Reaction on Twitter was swift With yet another bungling of key foreign policy messaging, it is no surprise that Twitter lit up with reactions from news outlets and individuals alike. The new mantra of the day is I dont get confused. Speculation is also now running rampant that Nikki Haley will be the next high-level member to depart from the Trump Administration. Is this the prelude to a divorce? @NikkiHaley says "with all due respect I don't get confused" after White House suggests she was confused when she said they were about to impose sanctions on Russia. Was there a plan or not? Sources say yes, but @realDonaldTrump balked Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) April 17, 2018 Most people on Twitter are encouraging her to leave and keep her reputation intact. Reportedly, Larry Kudlow, who made the confused assertion on behalf of the administration, has apologized to Nikki, but the damage is already done, and it is clear that if there ever was an affair between Trump and Haley, its all over now. If Nikki Haley were to quit right now shed be the first Trump official to leave with reputation in tact (whatever you thought of it before), or even go up a notch. But alas, she wont, and will find herself on a dirt pile eventually w/ Tillerson & the rest. Mike Signorile (@MSignorile) April 18, 2018 The administration is also being accused of giving back-door assurances to the Russians that there will be no more new sanctions. It's another bungled mess by the Trump administration, and I guess its just another Russian reset day at the White House. Maybe, they need to get a big reset button permanently installed in the Oval Office. The preamble to the American Constitution serves as the guidelines for government in the United States. It states the powers and limits of the government. One of those powers laid out by the preamble is the collection of taxes. The preamble is clear on the collection of taxes and gives Congress the right to assume that role. It is also clear the reasoning for collecting taxes and how they should be collected. Congress and taxes The Constitution grants Congress the right to collect taxes from the American citizenry. It is clearly stated. There are a lot of different theories about the levying of taxes and it has to do with a Supreme Court case back in 1895. The case was known as Pollock v. Farmers' Loan & Trust Co. according to Ozy website. This case challenged the constitutionality of the tax. The way they won the case was by calling the tax a direct tax. It could not be collected by the impossible requirement to be apportioned equitably among the states. also according to the Ozy website. This case creates a lot of pundits that taxes as unconstitutional. It is not unconstitutional for Congress to collect taxes. It is unconstitutional in the manner they distribute them. The second reason in the preamble is that taxes are collected for the defense and general welfare of the United States. This is where Congress has overstepped their constitutional duties. Defense is protecting the nation from foreign invaders. This means on our soil not in other countries. A good case would be the strikes on Syria last Friday (April 13). America was not threatened by the chemical attack in Syria. This is no way condones the act that was committed by the Syrian regime. It is just not the proper allocation of taxes collected by the United States. According to Gilmore News website, another improper allocation is, warrantless surveillance of Americans' private phone and email conversations by the NSA. This is an obvious abuse of our constitutional rights. It violates the power given to Congress to collect taxes and their distribution. This type of allocation also violates our fourth amendment right of unreasonable searches and seizures. The worse part is they are using the taxes to violate another amendment. The rule of tax collection is that they must be uniform throughout the United States. This does not mean that every person in America pays the same amount of taxes. That would really be unfair depending on your amount of income. This means that every person in America pays the same percentage in taxes. This would automatically force the higher wage earners to pay more taxes but everyone would be paying the same percentage on their income. This is not a redistribution of wealth, which is a commonly held belief today. This is a simple fair tax collection. The outcome A flat rate would reduce the size of the Internal Revenue Service. The Tax Code would be reduced to one page. For example, all citizens of the United States pay a flat rate of 20 percent tax on all income earned. This would mean someone making $20,000 a year would pay $4,000 in taxes. A person making $100,000 a year would pay $20,000. It's a simple system and the person earning more money would automatically pay more. No need for the IRS to audit because the employer would take the twenty percent out of his pay every time he was paid. Tax Day would be eliminated. Businesses would be treated the same way. All deductions would vanish and they would pay twenty percent on their gross earnings. Basically their revenue minus their expenses. Nothing else to report. If they have a loss that year, then they pay no taxes. They are not allowed to write that loss off the following year. Government tries to make everything difficult. They need to simplify the tax code. Congress needs to follow the Constitution. The next step is for the American citizens to ensure that we vote for congressmen and women that will follow the Constitution and use our tax dollars for the general welfare and defense of the United States of America. It seems things arent going too well for Little People Big World star Matt Roloff. Since the trailer for the reality shows Season 13 came out, theres been talk of Matt not being too happy with his current situation. On April 12, he opened up on social media about feeling down. Whenever Im feeling a bit down I go bond with my barn wood collection, Roloff said as he gave his followers a tour of his impressive collection of lumber. Matt and Amy conundrum Matt didn't say why he was feeling down but some fans pointed fingers at his ex-wife. Matt and Amy Roloff divorced in May 2016 after 28 years of marriage. They agreed both will still live on the property but in separate houses. They also share responsibilities in their businesses, particularly with Roloff Farms. It was initially difficult for the two to move on with their lives after so many years together. Matt and Amy eventually found new love in Roloff Farms manager Caryn Chandler and real estate agent Chris Marek, respectively. However, things still tend to get awkward between them. Amy said, Even though its a challenge with Matt and I living on the farm together, being divorced but still business partners, we are still doing our best to communicate with one another. Ex-wife Amy and Caryn, the new girlfriend Amy Roloff said in a previous episode that she finds it difficult to have Caryn around. According to the Little People, Big World matriarch, its hard for her to extend Chandler an invitation to Roloff family events. She said that its still hard to invite Caryn to some of the family events because shes an employee whos in a personal relationship with her ex-husband. Amy also said that shed rather minimize the personal interaction with Caryn because its not healthy for her. Some LPBW fans thought that Amy was being unfair to Matt and Caryn. Why is it that for Amy it seems like its okay for Chris to be involved in family events but she acts like Caryn shouldnt be, asked one fan. I agree, it isnt right. You and Caryn have just as much [right] to be included with everything about your children and grandchildren, another told Matt. LPBW fans Blame Amy for Matt feeling down Some Little People Big World fans suspect Amy is the reason why Matt is feeling down. Matt and Caryn are apparently having issues with Amy in the picture. Chandler said she doesnt want them to make decisions based on what Amy would think. Amy should be more grateful that you have created a wonderful legacy for your children and grandchildren. [Enough] of Amy and her attitude!! Hang in there Matt, one LPBW fan commented on Instagram. Amy is rude, disrespectful toward you. Someone needs to knock her down a few pedestals, another added. A Facebook follower said she would be depressed if she was in a similar situation as Matt Roloff. The Little People, Big World fan suggested that Matt build a new home in another part of the land far from the main house where Amy stays. Another supporter echoed this sentiment saying building a new home on Roloff Farms would keep him busy. She offered a few words of encouragement telling Matt not to let Amy get him down. Matt admitted being in the same place as Amy hasnt been easy has caused some problems. Coexisting with Amy has its ups and downs, still living 500 feet apart, Matt said. You know, theres good days and bad days and we just take it day by day. Selling Roloff Farms Matt Roloff has been tinkering with the idea of letting go of the farm. The reality TV star has had discussions with Amy and the rest of the family about its future. Based on whats been shown on the new season of Little People, Big World so far, Amy isnt too keen on selling the farm. Shes also adamant that she has no plans of leaving. Unfortunately for Matt and Caryn, this means they cant entirely keep their distance from Amy. This has fueled rumors that Matt is planning on moving away, a probable reason why he is considering selling Roloff Farms. Hes also been seen looking at houses in the Arizona area. With the controversies surrounding them, its understandable that Matt Roloff is feeling down. But as fans pointed out, there are lots of reasons for him to cheer up. Many brought up his children and grandchildren, Jackson and Ember Jean Roloff, as the best reasons not to feel sad scheana marie appeared to be obsessed with Robert Parks-Valletta throughout the sixth season of "Vanderpump Rules" and for months after their August 2017 breakup. Now, however, a lot has changed and as the longtime reality star continues to be romantically linked to Robb Hayes, she's made it clear that she no longer wants to be friends with the actor and insists she has finally moved on. Days ago, according to an April 17 report by Reality Blurb, Scheana appeared on an episode of Heather McDonald's podcast, "Juicy Scoop with Heather," and admitted that she was quite annoying throughout production. She also blamed her obsession with the actor on her use of marijuana. As the SUR waitress explained to McDonald, she tends to repeat a lot and forget a lot of things. I Smoke A Lot of weed," she revealed, "and I think I was just so impressed by [Rob] that I just kept saying it over and over again. She certainly did. As fans well know, Scheana Marie couldn't seem to stop talking about Parks-Valletta during "Vanderpump Rules" season six and frequently gushed over how perfect he was and how happy they were together. Then, just five months into their romance, Scheana was dumped. Why did Scheana Marie get dumped by Rob Valletta? [Rob] just said that basically this world of reality TV is one that he didnt want to be a part of," Scheana explained. According to the interview, Parks-Valletta didn't like the majority of Scheana's "Vanderpump Rules" co-stars and felt their group was toxic. She then insisted that despite their split, the actor wanted to stay friends and keep her in his life but at the end of the day, there was too much pressure on the relationship. Scheana Marie tried to save her relationship by quitting 'Pump Rules' Following their breakup, Scheana was determined to reconcile and even offered to give up her reality television fame if he would agree to take her back. Unfortunately, Robert Parks-Valletta was uninterested and wouldn't allow her to leave the show. I was like I would choose you any day, over any job, any amount of money, I would choose you," she explained. To see more of Scheana Marie, Robert Parks-Valletta, and their co-stars, including James Kennedy, Kristen Doute, Ariana Madix, Billie Lee, Lala Kent, Stassi Schroeder, Jax Taylor, and Lisa Vanderpump, tune in to new episodes of "Vanderpump Rules" season six this and every Monday night at 9 p.m. on Bravo TV. US President Donald Trump has called on Turkey to release an American pastor being held prisoner in that country that accused him of being a spy, the media reported. Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the US, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason, Trump tweeted late on Tuesday. They call him a spy, but I am more a spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs, he added. Brunson has been working in Turkey for 23 years as leader of the Resurrection Church, The Hill magazine reported. On Monday, a Turkish court rejected Brunsons appeal to be released and ordered that he remain jailed for another month. He was detained 18 months ago for an alleged connection to a failed coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in 2016, The New York Times reported. He is accused of aiding the Kurdistan Workers Party, which opposes Erdogan and the ruling party, and of having a connection to Fethullah Gulen, an Islamist preacher who Turkey claims orchestrated the coup attempt. He has denied the allegations. Increasing the acreage of wet crops like rice and also increasing the watering structures in areas that already have wet crops appear to be helping the sarus cranes unseasonal nesting and also their multiplication. This fact came to light in a first-of-its-kind study by Indian ornithologists, who monitored close to 1,000 breeding pairs in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Haryana over a decade. Gujarat and Rajasthan are states in which wet crops have increased relatively recently, to the extent that two rice crops are harvested in some districts. The sarus cranes in both the states appear to be trying to make the best of the situation by multiplying even if there is an erratic monsoon or it fails. Unseasonal nesting is only done by sarus pairs that were not successful in raising chicks in the main monsoon season, Mysuru-based Nature Conservation Foundation scientist K.S. Gopi Sundar told IANS in an interview. So it appears to be a strategy to try to raise a brood even outside of the normal nesting season in places where conditions become conducive, said Sundar, also the Director of Programme SarusScape for the International Crane Foundation. These findings of Sundar and his co-ornithologists Yaseen Mohammed from Rajasthan and Kandarp Kathju from Gujarat have been published in the latest edition of the Waterbirds journal. The paper says changes in rainfall patterns are clearly very important for the sarus new breeding pattern several unseasonal nests were found in years when rainfall extended beyond the normal October and in years when rainfall volume was much higher than the decadal mean. However, unseasonal nesting was not observed in Nepal, also part of the study. Uttar Pradesh, home to the largest global population of the breeding sarus, is also the place in which the cranes have found a conducive environment for the longest time. Gujarat is next in terms of numbers followed by Rajasthan, while Haryana has relatively few breeding sarus pairs. The reason for this is a mix of climatic conditions arid and semi-arid states have fewer sarus and changes in cropping patterns, Sundar explained. Irrigated rice has been present in Uttar Pradesh since the times of the British, while it is relatively new in many parts of other states. This has partly been responsible for the current breeding populations of the sarus cranes. Sundar said a vast majority of breeding pairs still nest during the monsoon. So when dry years increase, or in the years when the monsoon falls over a smaller period of time, the sarus crane is put at risk. This is particularly true since our study found unseasonal nesting to be a very, very small proportion of the total breeding effort, i.e., 0.3 per cent of 5,000 breeding events, he said. The sarus crane is an unusual species in having adjusted to areas with a lot of farming. This is at variance with the global situation where bird species generally decline in such areas. The reasons for this are quite complex, but the major assistance the sarus gets is from farmers, whose favourable attitude towards the species helps enormously. Even if they do not make specific interventions such as improving habitats, just not hunting the bird can be a great advantage, Sundar said. Still, threats exist for the tallest flying bird that largely depends on healthy wetlands, besides agricultural fields. The biggest threat by far is the expansion of urban and semi-urban areas that are eating into wetlands, marshes, open lands, grasslands and even agricultural lands, he said. This permanently displaces breeding pairs and directly threatens the long-term viability of local populations. The other threats include poisoning, mortality due to collision with electricity wires and death of unfledged young birds due to predation by an increasing population of dogs. During the study, the ornithologists also found the sarus crane in lowland Nepal, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Jharkhand; there were also small populations in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. Their conservation is tied directly to cropping practices, and not to species-based planning. Fortunately, India is monsoonal which means that flooded rice fields will remain a part of the farmed landscape in many areas where the sarus abound, Sundar added. The sarus cranes are rarely seen in Pakistan, and a couple of pairs used to reside in southern China but have not been seen for a while. Populations also occur in Southeast Asia and Australia. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Indias foreign policy is done with level eyes and that New Delhi has emerged as the key voice for the Third World on the global platform. Neither do we look at countries with raised eyes nor with lowered eyes, Modi said in response to a question at Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath, an interaction with the Indian diaspora here organised by the Europe India Forum. Around 2,000 people of Indian origin attended the event at the Central Hall Westminster where Prasoon Joshi, Indian lyricist, screenwriter, poet and marketer, acted as the moderator. Explaining Indias foreign policy initiatives, Modi said he went to Palestine in February this year with confidence. The visit came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus visit to India in January this year. Modi visited Israel in July last year in what was the first ever prime ministerial visit from India to the West Asian nation. Why did not any Indian Prime Minister go to Israel in 70 years? Modi asked as Israel marked its 70th Independence Day on Wednesday. Modis standalone half-day visit to Ramallah signified New Delhis dehyphenation of Israel and Palestine. I went to Saudi Arabia as also I went to Iran, Modi said. He visited oil-rich Saudi Arabia in April 2016 and then the Gulf kingdoms rival Iran the very next month. Modi also referred to comments he heard about how he, a former state Chief Minister, could not handle Indias foreign policy. He referred to Operation Raahat in 2015 during which India rescued over 5,000 Indian nationals and citizens from 41 other countries from war-hit Yemen. Closer home, the Indian Prime Minister spoke of how New Delhi has played its role in the Rohingya refugee crisis by sending aid to Bangladesh. Hundreds of thousands of Rohingya fled from Myanmars Rakhine State in the wake of a security crackdown there in August last year. India is today the spokesperson for the third world countries, Modi said. For this, we are working with the G20 countries. Modi arrived here on Tuesday from Sweden on the second leg of his three-nation tour of Europe which will also see him going to Germany. Modi will attend this years Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) here on April 19-20, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister since 2009 to attend the biannual event of the grouping of 53 former British colonies. Earlier on Wednesday, Modi and British Prime Minister Theresa May held a bilateral meeting during which they discussed ways of reinvigorating the Commonwealth in an increasing multipolar world. The Indian Prime Minister Minister, at the diaspora event, said that Britains Prince Charles came to India to personally invite him for this years CHOGM. Queen Elizabeth also personally wrote a letter to him in this regard, Modi said. Samsung is the most trusted brand in India followed by Sony and LG, the TRAs Brand Trust Report 2018 said here on Tuesday. Patanjali topped among the fast moving capital goods (FMCG) companies. Samsung leads the list second year in a row to become Indias most trusted brand. Sony and LG follow to retain pole positions as Indias second and third most trusted brands, the report said. While Patanjali topped among the FMCG brands, it ranked 13th in the overall rankings, according to the report. The report also said that Tata rose a position higher and was ranked fourth among the brands while Apple slipped one position to the fifth position. Honda topped in the auto sector, while lost a postion in the overall list to rank seventh this year. Google ranked 18th this year improving from the 40th rank it held in 2017, it said. Public sectorState Bank of India was 21st in the list of most trusted brands in the country, but the most trusted in banking and financial service institutions. The study covered 2,488 consumer-influencers across 16 cities in India, it said. A year of study abroad in Sweden gave Adam Wise a glimpse of Scandinavia. Now, Wise will have another 10 months to see the area after having earning a Fulbright research grant. Wise, a native of Chantilly, Virginia, and a senior in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering, will use the Fulbright to conduct research on wake meandering of floating wind turbines at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. I started my application in the spring of last year and over the summer developed a proposal with Erin Bachynski, an associate professor in NTNUs Department of Marine Technology, said Wise. Wise met Bachynski through his supervisor during an internship at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, a Department of Energy facility in Colorado. I said I was interested in working with her and told her Id like to write a Fulbright proposal, said Wise. Because my background worked well with her group, she showed me what she was working on and I created a proposal to look at aerodynamic wake meandering of floating wind turbines. Wake meandering looks at the corkscrew airflows that come off the blades of large wind turbines. In the same way ships make wakes in the water, wind turbines create airflow wakes that create turbulence, negatively affecting turbines located in close proximity to each other (typical for wind farms), decreasing the efficiency of the unit. Wise will use a 10-megawatt turbine developed by the Technical University of Denmark to refine numerical models of the air as it comes off the blades. I want to characterize how the wakes adversely affect floating wind turbines, explained Wise. Because the turbines are offshore, the airflow recovers less quickly than land-based turbines, and when you add in the heaving, pitching, and rolling motions induced by the waves, wake meandering can have a significant impact on the energy output of downwind turbines. Currently, there is only one floating wind farm in operation, off the coast of Scotland, with turbines built by a company in Norway. However, Wise believes the technology will be the future for this type of renewable energy. Because these turbines can be installed in deep water, it opens up areas off the U.S. west coast that are too deep for traditional fixed-bottom turbines, such as those currently off the coast of Rhode Island, said Wise. When he finishes the Fulbright program, Wise said he is planning to continue his studies in graduate school, but hasnt yet decided where he will go. Id like to take a couple of classes in Norway since NTNU is considered a leader in this floating turbine technology, and then make my graduate school decision later," said Wise. "The Fulbright grant will be a great opportunity for me to conduct research at one of the leading technical universities in Europe. The Global Education Office, a unit of Outreach and International Affairs, oversees the Fulbright Program at Virginia Tech and serves as a resource for student and faculty applicants. The student Fulbright competition is open now. For questions or more information on Fulbright programs, please contact Betty Anderson. Written by Rosaire Bushey Cenovus Energy Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas in Canada, the United States and the Asia Pacific region. The company operates through Oil Sands, Conventional, and Refining and Marketing segments. The Oil Sands segment develops and produces bitumen in northeast Alberta. Its bitumen assets include Foster Creek, Christina Lake, and Narrows Lake, as well as other projects in the early stages of development. The Conventional segment holds assets primarily located in Elmworth-Wapiti, Kaybob-Edson, and Clearwater operating areas of British Columbia and Alberta, as well as various interests in natural gas processing facilities. The Refining and Marketing segment transports and sells crude oil, natural gas, and NGLs. This segment owns a 50% ownership in Wood River and Borger refineries located in the United States; and owns and operates a crude-by-rail terminal in Alberta. Cenovus Energy Inc. was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More Ormat Technologies, Inc. operates as a holding company. The firm engages in the provision of geothermal and recovered energy power business. It operates through the following segments: Electricity, Product and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment focuses in the sale of electricity from the company's power plants pursuant to PPAs. The Product segment involves in the manufacture, including design and development, of turbines and power units for the supply of electrical energy and in the associated construction of power plants utilizing the power units manufactured by the company to supply energy from geothermal fields and other alternative energy sources. The Energy Storage segment consists of battery energy storage systems as a service and management of curtailable customer loads under contracts with U.S. retail energy providers and directly with large commercial and industrial customers. The company was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Reno, NV. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Latin America 40 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 Latin America 40 ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Rem Koolhaas' firm OMA has completed the Qatar National Library (QNL) in Doha, the "single-roomed" building aims to revive the traditional reading culture by "only creating single space" that can be accessible from every direction of the building. Officially opened to the public on April 16, 2018 with the participation of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al Thani, Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, and the CEO of the Qatar Foundation, Sheikha Hind bint Hamad al Thani, the new building contains Doha's National Library, Public Library and University Library, and preserves the Heritage Collection, which consists of valuable texts and manuscripts related to the Arab-Islamic civilization. Image Iwan Baan OMA The public library houses over a million books and space for thousands of readers over an area of 42,000 square meters. Developed as part of the Education City, a new academic campus hosts satellite campuses from leading universities and institutions from around the world. Image Iwan Baan OMA Other OMA-designed buildings on the new campus include the Qatar Foundation Headquarters and a new branch for the Research Institute. The Qatar National Library was led by Rem Koolhaas, Ellen van Loon, Iyad Alsaka, Vincent Kersten and Gary Owen. The building has a very compact form that can offer only "one reading space" throughout the building, in order to stimulate traditional act in an open layout. To create such a kind of volume, the edges of the building are lifted from the ground creating three aisles which accommodate the book collection and, at the same time, enclose a central triangular space. Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA This configuration also allows the visitor to access the building at its center, rather than laboriously entering from the perimeter. The aisles are designed as a topography of shelving, interspersed with spaces for reading, socializing and browsing. The bookshelves are meant to be part of the building both in terms of materiality they are made of the same white marble as the floors and infrastructure they incorporate artificial lighting, ventilation, and the book return system. Image by Hans Werlemann OMA "We designed the space so you can see all the books in a panorama. You emerge immediately surrounded by literally every book all physically present, visible, and accessible, without any particular effort. The interior is so large its on an almost urban scale: it could contain an entire population, and also an entire population of books," said Rem Koolhaas. Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA A column-free bridge connects the librarys main aisles, allowing for a variety of routes throughout the building. The bridge is also a meeting space: it hosts media and study rooms, reading tables, exhibition displays, a circular conference table, and a large multipurpose auditorium, enclosed by a retractable curtain designed by Amsterdam studio InsideOutside, who were also responsible for the landscaping. Image Iwan Baan OMA "Classically, libraries were vibrant spaces for the exchange of knowledge. With the immediate accessibility of information in the current era, the librarys role as public meeting space is more significant than ever," said Ellen van Loon, Partner at OMA. "We pay tribute to the regions rich culture with the Heritage Library, excavated from the ground like an archeological site, holding historical and priceless Islamic texts for visitors to study and contemplate," she added. Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA The heritage collection is situated at the center of the library in a six-meter-deep excavated-like space, cladded in beige travertine. The collection can also operate autonomously, directly accessible from the outside. The audio used the corrugated-glass facade filters the otherwise bright natural light, creating a tranquil atmosphere for reading. The diffuse light is directed further into the core of the building by a reflecting aluminium ceiling.Outside, a sunken patio provides light to the staff office space in the basement, and at the same time acts as transition space before entering the world of books. Image by Hans Werlemann OMA "The library is a testimony to Qatars significant regional role and influence in bridging knowledge, tolerance and greater dialogue within the region and to a global reach. QNL is an extraordinary public space in the region that will promote knowledge sharing, physically and digitally," said Iyad Alsaka, OMA's Middle East and Africa Partner. Image Iwan Baan OMA Qatar National Library plays a central role in the Education City, a project initiated by Her Highness Shiekha Mozah and the Qatar Foundation as part of Qatars transition to a knowledge-based economy. The master plan, designed by Arata Isozaki in 1995 and inaugurated in 2003, consists of education and research facilities, including branches of internationally acclaimed universities and the headquarters of the Qatar Foundation, also designed by OMA and completed in 2016. Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA Image Iwan Baan OMA Image by Delfino Sisto Legnani and Marco Cappelletti OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Image OMA Qatar National library is the latest expression of OMAs long-term interest in the library, which goes back to the competition for the National Library of France in 1989. Following the Seattle Central Library in the US and the Bibliotheque Alexis de Tocqueville in Caen, France, this is the third library built by OMA. Project facts Project name: Qatar National Library Location: Doha, Qatar Site: Qatar Education City Client: Qatar Foundation Program Collections: 21.000 m2 Reading space: 3500 m2 Exhibition space: 1500 m2 Administration and offices: 3.000 m2 Childrens Library: 800 m2 Restaurant: 600 m2 Special Event Area: 600 m2 Capacity: Capacity of displaying more than one million books/The Library currently hosts a little more than 800,000 volumes Partners in charge: Rem Koolhaas, Ellen van Loon, Iyad Alsaka Associate in charge: Kunle Adeyemi, Tom Coronato Executive Team and on Site Team: Vincent Kersten, Gary Owen Design Team SD, DD and CD: Sebastian Appl, Laura Baird, Andrea Bertassi, Helen Billson, Benito Branco,Nils Christa, Daniel Colvard, Tom Coronato, Anita Ernodi, Clarisa Garcia-Fresco, Dina Ge, Mauricio Gonzales, Bermy Ho, Vincent Kersten, Keigo Kobayashi, Dimitri Koubatis, Jang Hwan Lee, Oliver Luetjeus, Bimal Mendis, JoaquinMillan Villamuelas, Barbara Modolo, David Nam, Sebastian Nau, Rocio Paz Chavez, Francesca Portesine, Teo Quintana, Miriam Roure Parera, Peter Richardson, Silvia Sandor, Tjeerd van de Sandt, Louise Sullivan, Anatoly Travin, Yibo Xu. Executive team and on site team: Vincent Kersten, Gary Owen. Collaborators Sub-Consultants: ARUP Acoustics: DHV Facade: ABT Cost analyst: David Langdon Interior, Curtains, Landscape: Inside Outside Construction Document Phase: CCDI Dates: Design development: 2008 - 2010 Start of construction: September 2012 Completion: September 2017 Top image Iwan Baan OMA > via OMA scyther5/Getty Images En espanol | The recent Facebook hearings have cast a new light on those lengthy and labyrinthine Terms and Conditions agreements that are a standard requirement when signing up to use many websites, apps and social networks. Unbeknownst to most users, Facebooks terms and conditions granted the social media site such leeway with its users information that when data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica infamously mined Facebook user data, it actually remained in compliance with the sites guidelines. As Facebook has more older users than ever, it's not just the young and naive who are unwittingly signing over the use of their personal information. A newly revived website aims to do something about Terms and Conditions confusion. At www.tosdr.org, site developers are building a database of terms of service agreements for various websites and will offer user-generated grades rating the clarity and straightforwardness of the agreements. Ease of extrication is a factor, too: Github, with terms that allow full deletion of an account at any point, rates highly. Facebook-owned Instagram, which wont delete your photos from its server even if you delete your account, gets dinged. The German founders of the site an acronym for Terms of Service; Didnt Read actually began working on it as a side project when they were graduate students in Berlin in 2011, according to Wired.com. The impetus was their collective shock that not only were terms of service hard to understand and too long to read, most of them grant a site the right to change terms entirely without invalidating the user agreement. This means that, even if a user takes the time to read all the terms before clicking yes, those terms can change entirely the very next day, and the agreement remains valid. Terms of Service; Didnt Read languished a bit in recent years as its founders moved on to different projects. But in light of recent news, and with newer tools to better disseminate information and consolidate user contributions, the site has found new life. It has begun issuing updated grades to specific sites (Google gets a C, YouTube a D and non-tracking browser DuckDuckGo gets an A; Facebook doesnt have a grade yet). This month it will debut a brand-new, more user-friendly platform. The idea, says cofounder Hugo Roy, is to become the Wikipedia of Terms of Service, a trusted source of collective wisdom. He compares it to the rating system used for appliances in the European Union. You dont have to know about how electricity works or how a washing machine works, he recently told Wired.com. You just have a rating which will tell you this is good, this is bad. Studies have shown just how few people actually take the time to read terms of service language. In 2015, researchers at Michigan State University found that only nine of 543 subjects caught dummy language inserted into a terms and conditions agreement that required them to hand over their firstborn child. Last year, a similar experiment by Wi-Fi provider Purple found people happily clicking to agree to terms of service that "required" them to clean portable toilets and give hugs to stray cats and dogs. Another study "showed that 52 percent of people believe that if a company has a privacy policy, that means they will not share your information," digital rights attorney Kit Walsh told website HowStuffWorks last year. "That's dangerously untrue. The typical privacy policy doesn't say we will respect your privacy and not share your information. They're written to give the company as much leeway as possible." Work on Terms of Service; Didn't Read continues, and browser extensions that will automatically pop up when you visit a rated site are already available. Other sites that police ever-changing website terms are springing up, too: www.tosback.org, to which tosdr.org contributes, keeps a running database of terms and conditions and privacy policy updates for popular websites. "If nobody can individually read these terms," Roy told Wired, "then we have to figure out a collective solution." Frank Frometa had been hit by a car and was breathing through a tube when he told a hospital nurse that he had killed someone with a rock and wanted to speak to police, investigators said. On Tuesday, 2nd Judicial District Judge Briana Zamora determined that the statements Frometa provided to homicide detectives in a total of three interviews can be used at his trial in the December 2016 death of Wilfred Salas. That ruling came in response to a request by Frometa's attorney, Leanne Hamilton, who argued that the questioning constituted police overreach. She urged the judge to take into consideration her client's physical and emotional state, along with a language barrier, as she determined whether the statements were given voluntarily. Not only is he a Spanish speaker, but he was on medication and breathing support with a tube placed down his throat, Hamilton wrote in her motion, adding that the breathing tube was removed after the first interview. Detectives struggled throughout to understand what Mr. Frometa had told them. But prosecutor Jonathan Gardner argued that Frometa was the one who asked to speak with police, and he was properly advised of his Miranda Rights ahead of each interview. In her testimony, former APD detective Leah Acata said that a Spanish-speaking detective assisted in the interviews and Frometa could have switched to Spanish at any point. Gardner argued the jury should have the opportunity to hear Frometa's statements, which are at times very hard to understand, in order to determine for themselves what he told authorities. According to police, Salas was found dead of blunt force trauma outside of his apartment near Lomas and Edith. They said Salas threatened Frometa with a knife before Frometa attacked. WASHINGTON A news interlude dominated by speculation about golden showers and a graceless president who described his latest detractor as an untruthful slime ball invites us to search for higher moral ground. So it might be Providential that Pope Francis chose to make news last week in two ways. First, he did something that comes very hard to most public figures, and particularly to the current occupant of the White House: He apologized fervently for grave errors. He also issued a remarkable document on holiness that seemed made for the moment and, by the way, noted that we can waste precious time by being caught up in superficial information and instant communication. Francis continued to preach his gospel of economic justice by warning it is a harmful ideological error to cast the social engagement of others as worldly, secular, materialist, communist or populist. On the contrary, he saw holiness as demanding an engagement with the destitute, the abandoned and the underprivileged. And he lifted up words from Leviticus that we are unlikely to hear cited by President Trump: When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress him. Its not often public figures hold themselves to the standards they apply to others. There was thus an instructive symmetry between what Francis said in his Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad) and his own moment of necessary penance. In the document, the Pope declared the lack of a heartfelt and prayerful acknowledgment of our limitations prevents grace from working more effectively within us. Humans every single one of us fail, falter and fall. We do far better when we admit it. And this is what the Pope did last Wednesday when he apologized for his terribly misguided defense of a Chilean bishop accused of covering up abuse by an infamous pedophile priest. Many of us who admire Francis feared his apparent standing up for the indefensible was a sign the 81-year-old pontiff was incapable of recognizing the Churchs profound breach of trust when it placed institutional self-preservation above a concern for the suffering of those abused by priests. Sometimes, your friends need to tell you how wrong you are. In this case, the task fell to Cardinal Sean OMalley, a close Francis ally. OMalley was appointed Archbishop of Boston to begin healing the deep gashes left by the scandal there, and he read Francis whatever the Roman equivalent of the riot act is. Francis responded with a letter to Chiles bishops. As far as my role, I acknowledge, and ask you to convey faithfully, that I have made grave errors in assessment and perception of the situation, especially as a result of lack of information that was truthful and balanced, he wrote. From this time I ask forgiveness to all those that I offended and I hope to do so personally, in the following weeks, in meetings that I will hold with representatives of those effected. Aside from his reference to a lack of truthful and balanced information honestly, he should have known Francis letter suggested the determination of someone capable of learning from his mistakes. Its more than were getting from some other leaders we can think of. This enhanced the credibility of Francis exhortation to the rest of us to imitate the humble day-to-day saints whom he referred to as the middle class of holiness. He reiterated that the Church would continue to defend the innocent unborn, but stressed the importance of seeing the lives of the poor, those already born, as equally sacred. Francis added pointedly that while a politician looking for votes might see the situation of migrants as a secondary issue compared to the grave bioethical questions, a true Christian would not. It was hard to miss the message to American Bishops that letting anti-abortion politicians off the hook on immigration and refugees would be a denial of their obligation to stand in the shoes of those brothers and sisters of ours who risk their lives to offer a future to their children. Francis insisted the most decisive turning points in world history are substantially co-determined by souls whom no history book ever mentions. Thats excellent news, because in our era, many whom the history books will mention are leading us to nowhere good. Perhaps Francis can inspire in them some self-examination and, more importantly, provoke a badly needed rebellion by the decent people who represent the middle class of holiness. Dionnes columns, including those not published in the Journal, can be read at abqjournal.com/opinion look for the syndicated columnist link. Copyright, Washington Post Writers Group; e-mail: ejdionne@washpost.com. Twitter: @EJDionne. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal Many nationwide were shocked Tuesday by news that a bizarre midair accident aboard a Southwest Airlines plane led to the death of a female passenger when an engine exploded, sending shrapnel through a nearby window. Then came word that stunned New Mexicos business and nonprofit communities: The victim was well-known Albuquerque banking executive Jennifer Riordan, 43. Shock waves reverberated throughout the state, and tributes quickly came in from politicians, business leaders and others she had touched, touting her as an amazing community leader, team member, wife and mother. In early afternoon, the news began to spread when an email was sent to parents at Annunciation Catholic School announcing that Riordan, whose two children attend the school, was killed when she was in route from New York when her plane experience (sic) trouble. Assistant principal Amy McCarty wrote: At this point, the family needs all the prayers we can offer. The Associated Press reported that the engine blew up at around 32,000 feet, causing shrapnel to break a window where Riordan was sitting. A witness said she was partially drawn out of the plane, but passengers were able to pull her back in. Other witnesses said they heard a loud boom, followed by the oxygen masks dropping from the ceiling of the cabin. The plane made an emergency landing in Philadelphia before noon on Tuesday. Seven other passengers suffered minor injuries, and Riordan died at the hospital. The National Transportation Safety Board has sent a team of investigators to Philadelphia. Pilot Tammie Jo Shults, a New Mexico native and former Navy pilot, was hailed by passengers for her cool demeanor during the ordeal. Shults walked down the aisle and checked on passengers after the plane landed. The death was the first involving a U.S. airline since 2009. Community leader Riordan had been the vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo bank in New Mexico since 2008, according to her LinkedIn profile. Wells Fargo confirmed that Riordan had been on a business trip. The Wells Fargo family is saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Jennifer Riordan a Community Relations leader in Albuquerque, New Mexico, a statement from the company said. She was a well-known leader who was loved and respected. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. Out of respect for the family and their privacy, weve nothing more to share at this time. She is the wife of former City of Albuquerque Chief Operations Officer Michael Riordan. Theyve been married for more than 20 years. Jennifers vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured, the Riordan family said in a statement. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children In her memory please remember to always be kind, loving, caring, and sharing. The family also requested privacy as they grieve. Riordan graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in communications in 1999. She worked at UNM Hospital as the media relations manager from 2002 to 2005 and as New Mexico Citigroups vice president of community and public relations from 2005 to 2008 before moving to Wells Fargo. Jennifer was an amazing community leader, team member, wife and mother. Her passion for our community, our students and our future was unwavering, Dr. Paul Roth, chancellor for the UNM Health Sciences Center, said in a statement. We are committed to carrying on her work to ensure quality education and career opportunities to New Mexicos youth. Riordan was presented the Bill Daniels Award for Ethical Young Leadership in 2015 by the Samaritan Counseling Ethics in Business Awards. As a parent, Ive said to my kids, Be kind, loving, caring and sharing, and all good things will come to you,' Riordan said in a Journal report about the award. Integrity embodies the spirit of those four things, as well as high morals. Its about knowing the difference between right and wrong, and choosing to do whats right, even when its very difficult to do whats right. Statements from Gov. Susana Martinez, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller, Attorney General Hector Balderas and others came flooding in after the news of her death broke on Tuesday. Riordan oversaw Wells Fargos corporate giving program within the state and took on roles in several nonprofits and volunteer positions, including on the Vision Council of Mission: Graduate, a United Way program that seeks to increase the number of New Mexicans who earn a college degree or certificate. I will always remember her being such an energy and force whenever she showed up in a room, said Ed Rivera, president and CEO of United Way of Central New Mexico. Shell be very much missed by so many nonprofits. Mayor Kellers statement said Riordan had made the city a better place every day. We are holding Jennifer and her family in our thoughts and prayers, he said. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce held a moment of silence for Riordan on Tuesday evening during a reception for new UNM President Garnett Stokes at Hotel Parq Central. The community has lost a wonderful and important leader, said Terri Cole, Chamber President and CEO. Riordan brought optimism and hope to everything she worked on, Cole said. According to Riordans biography on the Mission: Graduate website, Riordan is the mother of a 12-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son. She was amazing in every possible way as a mother, wife, friend, businesswoman, said Leean Kravitz, a friend of Riordans. She was one of the best humans Ive ever known. It is truly devastating, and my heart is breaking for her family and all of her many friends. The Associated Press contributed to this article. WEST WENDOVER, Nev. The legal sale of recreational marijuana on the Nevada-Utah line may not be banned after all. The mayor of West Wendover, Nevada is using his veto power to put the question back on the table. The City Council voted earlier to ban recreational pot sales in the town along U.S. Interstate 80 on the Utah line. But Mayor Daniel Corona vetoed that decision Tuesday night, reopening the matter for debate. It wasnt immediately clear when the city council might take the matter up again. The council already has approved the sale of medical marijuana. It granted a license for Deep Roots LLC to operate a medical pot dispensary in October. Deep Roots is also seeking a permit for recreational sales. It already operates a recreational dispensary in Mesquite. DENVER Calmer weather on Wednesday should help firefighters trying to stop wildfires that started in strong winds. Winds gusting to 60 mph (96 kph) helped fan a wildfire between Colorado Springs and Pueblo on Tuesday. It burned at least 10 buildings close to Interstate 25 and sheriffs patrol car also went up in flames. Authorities were so busy just trying to get people evacuated they werent able to do much to fight the flames or protect property. Meanwhile, another wind-whipped wildfire destroyed five homes and several outbuildings east of Pueblo and forced 200 families from their homes. No injuries were reported. The Court of Appeals on Wednesday said it would not consider whether multiple charges against Justin Hansen should be dismissed because the statute of limitations passed before he was indicted by name. Hansen is accused of brutally beating then-Cibola High School student Brittani Marcell with a shovel at her West Side home in 2008. The attack left Marcell blind in one eye, deaf in one ear, and largely unable to remember the beating or the assailant. Investigators recovered male DNA from blood found on a broken window at the home and, in 2010, prosecutors filed an indictment against that DNA profile. Last year, when investigators said they determined the profile matched Hansen's, the now 34-year-old was indicted by name. Prosecutors have held that indicting the DNA profile paused the statute of limitations for crimes in the case. But Hansen's attorney disagreed and said because the statute of limitations had expired for aggravated burglary, aggravated battery and aggravated assault, those counts should be dismissed. Second Judicial District Judge Cindy Leos denied Hansen's request in February, finding that such indictments are uniformly accepted in other jurisdictions across the country. But she said the issue was novel in New Mexico and that a request for an immediate appeal was appropriate. Wednesday's ruling sends the case back to District Court in Albuquerque, where it is set to begin trial April 30. Hansen's attorney could not be reached for comment. A spokesman for the District Attorney's Office said the prosecutors were happy that the Court of Appeals ruled promptly to deny the defense request so that trial can proceed. DENVER Tension over the drought-stressed Colorado River escalated into a public feud when four U.S. states accused Arizonas largest water provider of manipulating supply and demand, potentially threatening millions of people in the United States and Mexico who rely on the river. The four states Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming plus Denvers water utility said the Central Arizona Project was trying to avoid a reduction in its share of the Colorado River while others are voluntarily cutting back to avoid a crisis amid a prolonged drought. Its one water user taking advantage of a situation for their own benefit, to the detriment of a river that supplies nearly 40 million people, said Jim Lochhead, manager of Denver Water, which gets about half its supply from the Colorado River. The Central Arizona Project denied the allegations and said its been conserving. The utility uses canals, pipelines and aqueducts to carry water 336 miles (540 kilometers) from the Colorado River to about 5 million people in central and southern Arizona. The Colorado River is the lifeblood of the southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico, but its under increasing strain because demand is rising while the river is shrinking. Researchers blame an 18-year drought and climate change for the decline. The outlook is getting worse. Last winter was exceptionally dry across most of the central and southern Rocky Mountains, so there will be below-average melting snow to feed the river. The dispute over the Central Arizona Project revolves around how much water flows from the upper part of the Colorado River system to the lower. The upper part, called the Upper Basin, includes the four states challenging the Arizona utility. The Lower Basin includes Arizona, California and Nevada. Each basin is entitled to about half the rivers water under rules laid out in a collection of interstate agreements, court rulings and international treaties. To make sure the Lower Basin states get their share, the Upper Basin states send water from the massive Lake Powell reservoir to the even bigger Lake Mead reservoir downstream. In 2007, the Upper Basin states agreed to send Lake Mead additional water if conditions were right to keep that reservoir from dropping too low. The Upper Basin states now claim the Central Arizona Project is manipulating its share in a way that keeps Lake Mead low enough that the Upper Basin is required to send extra water, but high enough to avoid mandatory cutbacks in Lower Basin consumption. Ted Cooke, general manager of the Central Arizona Project, called that level the sweet spot. In remarks posted on the projects website, he indicated the utility wants to keep Lake Mead there for as long as possible. That prompted the four Upper Basin states to send Arizona an unusually blunt letter Friday. They accused the Central Arizona Project of ignoring the rivers dire condition and endangering water supplies for millions of people. They warned they wouldnt voluntarily conserve water if the Arizona utility was going to take it. In an interview, the Colorado representative who signed the letter, James Eklund, said the Arizona utility has made gaming the system a policy goal. Thats just not conducive to collaboration, he said. Lochhead sent his own letter to Arizona officials on Monday, saying Denver Water would stop contributing to a fund that promotes Colorado River conservation unless the Central Arizona Project stopped manipulating the river. In a tweet last week, Cooke denied the utility was manipulating the river and described its practices as wise management. He declined comment this week through a spokeswoman. The utility released a written statement saying it was surprised and disappointed by the Upper Basin states letter and wanted to clarify apparent misunderstandings. What happens next wasnt immediately clear. Eklund said the topic could come up at meetings this month among the Colorado River states and federal officials. The states have a long history of cooperating on ways to conserve the waterway, Eklund said, and the Upper Basin states want that to continue. He said they cant afford to wait, because another dry winter could trigger mandatory cutbacks for water users under the rules governing the river. Were really hoping that we get good precipitation, but that is not something we can control, Eklund said. What we can control is how we deal with each other. ___ Follow Dan Elliott at http://twitter.com/DanElliottAP. His work can be found at https://apnews.com/search/dan%20elliott . The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity and the Association of National Advertisers (ANA) has today announced the launch of the CMO Growth Council in partnership with the ANAs CMO Masters Circle. The CMO Growth Council will initially be comprised of 20 CMOs from some of the worlds biggest global brands. Chaired by Marc Pritchard, Chief Brand Officer for the worlds biggest advertiser, Procter & Gamble and Chairman of the ANA, the CMO Growth Council will represent the collective agenda and voice of a unified community of marketings leaders. The ultimate aim is to support the international community of CMOs with a first-of-its kind global leadership agenda. The agenda will be advanced with ongoing round table discussion, presentations and workshops covering a wide range of common marketing challenges to marketings future and drive growth. The partnership with the ANA is an ongoing, annual effort that will pivot between Cannes Lions and the ANA Masters of Marketing Conference in the autumn, extended to local regions throughout the year. Commenting on his role, Marc Pritchard said, CMOs all over the world are facing similar growth challenges and opportunities. The CMO Growth Council offers an important platform for marketing leaders from around the world to discuss, collaborate and take actions to help drive the entire industry forward. I have high hopes for what we can achieve together. Key activities during Cannes Lions include the CMO Growth Council annual meeting followed by a keynote session at a specialist half-day programme exclusively programmed for brand marketers at the Festival. Speaking on the formation of the council, Ascential Events CEO and Chairman-Elect of Cannes Lions Philip Thomas, commented: Cannes Lions champions the clear correlation between creativity and business success, and for nearly two decades the worlds biggest marketers have used the Festival as an opportunity to see what great creative looks like, and learn more about the people behind the greatest work in the world. We are delighted to be partnering with the ANA on this important initiative, and working with the worlds biggest advertisers to unleash the power of creativity to drive growth. Our goal with this partnership is to create a transformative, strategically aligned powerhouse that brings lasting impact to the international marketing scene, said ANA CEO Bob Liodice. The common theme for all activities is to drive worldwide business growth a goal that weve been pursuing in the US through the pursuit of the ANAs CMO Masters Circle and a 12-point agenda for business growth. The complete 12-Point Leadership Agenda for Growth can be found here and covers: Creativity and Brand Excellence, Talent Development, Organization, Measurement, Brand Purpose, Gender Equality, Inclusiveness and Diversity, Digital Supply Chain, Transparency, Brand Safety, Advocacy and the Future of Marketing and Advertising Growth. The full list of council members will be released ahead of the Festival. To Read More Visit Here. After arrests in Bangalore and Telangana earlier this year for tampering of BARC viewership data, now cases have been registered against seven people in Gwalior on charges of tampering BARC sample households and data manipulation in Madhya Pradesh in favour of a particular Hindi TV news channel. Madhavganj Police in Gwalior has arrested three of the seven alleged offenders based on a complaint filed by Hansa Research Pvt Ltd. Commenting on the issue, a BARC India spokesperson said, BARC India is committed to a measurement system that is fair, transparent and free of any influences and malpractices. We have deployed cutting-edge technology to detect panel infiltration, and follow up with on-ground vigilance/ investigations. He further said, Since day one, we have been approaching law enforcement officials for their support in controlling this menace. We are encouraged by the fact that due to our sustained campaign and complaints, police are now taking action and arresting those involved in this illegal activity. In January 2018, five people were arrested in Bangalore for trying to tamper with the BARC viewership data. The arrests were made by the Cyber Crime Police following a complaint lodged by BARC, stating that viewership data was being hiked through illegal means. In March this year, BARC India got an FIR filed against culprits in Telangana. The FIR was filed by the police after BARC Indias vigilance team found out that the details of the households where BARC Indias BAR-O-Meters are installed were compromised. The FIR was filed for manipulation, tampering, cheating and breach of trust. The state police also detained those accused, based on the FIR. Meanwhile, BARC India has also set up a Disciplinary Council, headed by Justice Mukul Mudgal, to strengthen transparency and credibility of its measurement system. Also read: Data tampering: BARC India files FIR in Telangana, 5 people detained BARC data tampering case: Cyber Crime Police arrests 5 This Summer, VERO MODA collaborates with Disney Consumer Products to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Mickey Mouse, the fashion worlds favourite muse, by launching a brand-new story - Mickey In Japan. Through this unique, never been done collection, VERO MODA brings to life Japans futuristic yet traditional culture while giving Mickey a sophisticated and mature interpretation through geometric tessellations in unexpected shades of pink, light and dark grey. Inspired by origami, the collection highlights oriental influences with a focus on soft, fresh, feminine colors that are perfect to sport for summer. Each piece in this capsule is curated to reflect various styles of origami and is endowed with a unique personality. The collection will be available across VERO MODA stores in India and online from 16th April onwards. Customer Logins Obtain the data you need to make the most informed decisions by accessing our extensive portfolio of information, analytics, and expertise. Sign in to the product or service center of your choice. Dominion Energy's potential takeover of SCANA Corp. would boost the Aiken County economy by nearly $2 billion in the long run, according to a study released Tuesday. The study, conducted by University of South Carolina research economist Dr. Joseph Von Nessen, says the deal represents an economic multiplier of 1.49: For every $100 of savings provided to customers via the deal, $149 of new economic activity will be generated. "If you look at the cash payment ... and if you look at the savings that would come about because of the reduced rates ... in the aggregate, when you look at that, those are dollars that consumers would actually have in their pocket," Von Nessen said Tuesday. Economic impact memorandum A summary and breakdown memo regarding Dr. Joseph Von Nessen's Dominion Energy-SCANA Corp. study. The research economist said money saved will ultimately be money spent. People and businesses tend to reinvest spend money they otherwise wouldn't have access to. "They're going to spend a large percentage of it in the local economy," Von Nessen said, adding that increased demand for goods and services often translates to additional jobs, furthering the growth narrative. Von Nessen described the expected $1.96-billion Aiken County economic output increase as "significant." "In effect, it has a similar impact to that of a tax cut," he said. Economic output is a broad metric used to measure the financial impact of something. Dominion Energy announced its intent to purchase Cayce-based SCANA in January. The merger is valued at $14.6 billion and includes a $1,000 refund for the average South Carolina Electric & Gas residential customer. Non-residential customers would also receive refunds, some of which stretch into the millions. The deal also reduces V.C. Summer-related charges over the course of 20 years. SCE&G is a subsidiary of SCANA. The V.C. Summer power plant near Jenkinsville was the site of a failed nuclear expansion, for which SCE&G customers are still paying. The customer refunds, to be issued within 90 days of closing, will provide a short-term stimulus, Von Nesson said. J. David Jameson, president and CEO of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce, agreed. He described the one-time payments as a "windfall" that would inspire consumer spending. "My guess is that people will use the upfront payment from Dominion the same way they spend their tax refunds," Jameson said. The rate reduction savings would sustain that spending, though, Von Nesson said. Georgia utility regulator approves Dominion Energy's purchase of SCANA The Georgia Public Service Commission was the first state utility regulator to approve Dominion Energy's proposed acquisition of SCANA Corp. The impact study, which juxtaposes a 20-year V.C. Summer repayment program and a 60-year repayment program, was commissioned by Dominion Energy. Von Nessen is the same research economist in charge of preparing and presenting USC's statewide economic forecast. South Carolina would benefit from a $18.7 billion economic boon if the deal goes through, the study states. The county-specific figures are derived, at least in part, from local electricity demand, which explains why Charleston and Richland counties see some of the highest impact figures. Von Nessen's study was released amid a recent flurry of State House maneuvering related to V.C. Summer, SCE&G and the Dominion Energy deal as a whole. Legislators have proposed slashing SCE&G rates; repealing the Base Load Review Act, which is the basis for V.C. Summer charges; and more. State Rep. Bart Blackwell, R-Aiken, was initially unsurprised by the growth figures. He said anytime you inject $1.3 billion into the economy, "you're going to have a positive impact." Blackwell said the study does not immediately change his view of the Dominion Energy deal. "What we're trying to focus on is the ratepayer," he said. State Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, in reaction to the study, said he was "tired of wasting" taxpayer money "bickering and finger-pointing about what went wrong at SCANA," adding that government should get out of the way of the free market. BAGHDAD This year, for the first time, Iraqs general elections will be conducted via a modern electronic system. The initiative is intended to reduce the possibility of fraud while expediting results in the May 12 elections, according to the Electoral Commission, which announced the completion of the new system April 9. Yet the supposed advantages of electronic vote counting and sorting have not prevented some of those on the countrys electoral lists from expressing anxieties about the new scheme. It is feared that Iraqs lack of experience, capacity and modernization when it comes to such a system might bring the results into doubt and under dispute, especially among losing parties or those with fewer seats in the new parliament. In a meeting with Al-Monitor, the vice president of Iraqs Electoral Commission, Rizkar Haji, discussed the details of the electronic system. He said, This system was prepared by the previous commission [whose members were replaced in November], which contracted with the South Korean company Miru [Systems] to import equipment for the electronic counting, as well as 40 Korean experts to implement and maintain the devices. He said voters this year will use a special [rubber] stamp instead of the customary pen to indicate their chosen candidate or list, and the devices will only read this stamp. He said the electronic counting and sorting system is integrated into a box that receives ballots "and sorts them immediately. Haji said continuing technical training courses have been held to prepare Iraqi cadres for working with modern Korean systems. Around 100 employees have been trained so far, with dozens more expected to be trained before the election. With regard to the possibility that the counting machines will malfunction, be misused or be subject to power outages, Haji said, The devices are equipped with batteries to power them for 12 hours without electricity, while boxes at the 58,000 polling stations contain flash drives that record results immediately for backup, comparing them with the results from counting and sorting devices. He said the Electoral Commission is wired to satellites that send results from each electoral center to the headquarters of the commissions president in Baghdad, ensuring speed and enabling the announcement of results within hours. Haji said the electronic aspect will not be limited to vote counting and sorting. There will also be special hardware (imported from the Spanish company Nidra) that reads each voters card and records fingerprints to prevent the repetition of votes and to establish the actual number of voters. The Electoral Commission did acknowledge that some pressure had been exerted by political parties to cancel the electronic count and return to manual counting and sorting. Although these entities were not named, the most prominent bloc adopting a stance against the electric method is the State of Law coalition led by Vice President Nouri al-Maliki. In a statement March 30, the coalition declared the need for manual counting after the closure of booths in the presence of local and international observers, to not give any opportunity for skepticism about the integrity of the elections. The leader of the Supreme Islamic Council, Jalal al-Din al-Saghir, told Al-Ghad Press agency April 14 that fraud in the parliamentary elections is inevitable. He questioned the accuracy of the electronic count, emphasizing the possibility of cheating in the calculation of results. In any case, a judgment about the efficacy of the electronic counting devices has not yet been issued by the Electoral Commission's specialized technical committees, which ensure that the equipment has been manufactured specifically for Iraq. However, Basil Hussein, the deputy head of the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies and an expert on electoral issues, told Al-Monitor that the center has obtained information suggesting that the equipment imported by the commission suffers from a lot of stalling, contains batteries that are no good and cannot operate for long hours. It has not yet been subjected to tests by the committee and the only test it will undergo will be just days before the election. The commission said earlier this month that it will test the Miru system later in the month and could resort to a manual system as an alternative in case the electronic system does not work properly. In terms of the possibility of fraud, Hussein said, The most worrying element is that the results will be sent via a satellite headquartered in an Arab country [the satellite server is in the United Arab Emirates], without any encryption. After 200 hours, they will then be sent encrypted to Baghdad, meaning that there is a vast window of time to penetrate the results. This raises a lot of questions about the purpose of spending $100 million on buying these miserable devices and around $166 million on electronic servers, while leaving 200 hours without any oversight of the election results. Israel's security apparatus has decided that if the mass protests along the Gaza border and the Hamas-inspired violence continue to escalate, the Israel Defense Forces' (IDF) response will not remain limited to the area close to the border. In other words, the IDF will not only address the threats to breach the border, but will attack Hamas targets as well. The intensive riots near the border and Hamas' intention of continuing them has returned the "target bank" term to the IDF lexicon, which includes Hamas' training camps, control positions, police stations, ammunition and rocket-production plants, and storage facilities for military equipment including rockets. The decision to reinstate the target bank was made in mid-April based on the assumption that Hamas intends to wage an extended war of attrition along the border. Despite the protest organizers noting specific dates for the "Great Return March" from Land Day, on March 30, to Nakba Day, on May 15 the Israeli assessment is that Hamas intends to prolong the border protests to create an ongoing cycle of violence, even after Nakba Day and its planned culmination during the transfer of the US Embassy to Jerusalem. The border protests are a success as far as Hamas is concerned, despite the many victims involved. The siege on Gaza and the tribulations of the Gaza Strip have been returned to the global agenda, although the recent developments in Syria have shifted international attention away from Gaza. Hamas has succeeded in creating a show of unarmed demonstrators protesting their distress, while the Israeli army indiscriminately uses live ammunition. An Israeli security source told Al-Monitor that Hamas has two objectives that will encourage it to continue the violent protests at the border. One is to force the IDF to station a large, permanent constellation of forces along the Gaza border; the second is to continue to engage international public opinion in the blockade issue in order to pressure Israel to remove it. Hamas would like to turn the mass border protests into a weekly routine, beyond May 15. But the IDF plans to stop the protests by changing its tactics on the ground and target Hamas in particular. From the start, Israel has categorized the border protests as acts of terror, and it claims that Hamas is not only involved in the protests but also engages in terrorist activities such as planting explosive devices along the border fence and attempting to break through it. Israel's conclusion is that it must respond militarily to what it perceives as Hamas' armed confrontation along the border. Two days after the April 14 protests, the IDF announced it had recently uncovered another Hamas tunnel in northern Gaza. According to Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman, this is the longest, deepest and most impressive tunnel to be uncovered so far. An IDF spokesperson said on condition of anonymity that the tunnel was situated in the Jabaliya area, close to where the protests are taking place. Thus, the IDF prepared for the possibility that Hamas might use the tunnel to carry out terror acts under the cover of the demonstrations. The timing of the announcement and the connection made between the uncovered tunnel and the protests were designed to send a clear message to Hamas: Be careful or you will pay a price for the continued protests. The longer the demonstrations continue, the more Hamas invests efforts in them and in the violence against IDF forces, which in turn will result in Israel ratcheting up its military responses to include Hamas targets in Gaza. "This is a [military] conflict whichever way you look at it and should be treated as such," said the military source. "The equation is clear: The IDF will be free to respond [in the entire Gaza Strip] for every terror act that Hamas is responsible for along the border." Beyond the military reprisal option, Israel also has tools to impose sanctions on Hamas. As of now, the border crossings are operating as usual; even the Kerem Shalom crossing, which is used for goods and merchandise, has been functioning as usual in recent weeks, even though fewer trucks enter Gaza because of the reduced purchasing power of its residents. However, the message recently transmitted by the Israeli civil administration to Hamas is that they cannot continue to separate the ongoing border incidents from the future functioning of the border crossings between Israel and Gaza. The protest organizers are planning to stage "a performance" this coming weekend that they hope will harm Israeli morale: They want to show two coffins with the names of the two IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul who died in the 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict and whose remains are still held by Hamas. The protesters also plan to show photos of Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed, the two Israeli civilians held by Hamas. Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Maj. Gen. Yoav Mordechai addressed the planned provocation on COGAT's Arabic-language Facebook page: "The slain must be brought to burial, this must not be delayed. So said Moses, so instructed Mohammad. Therefore our slain people must be brought to burial, and the slain Palestinian bodies in our hands as well. As long as you do not do this, Gaza will not prosper and flourish!" Enough said. Will Hamas understand the message? Will the border protests continue even after Israel's Independence Day and Nakba Day? It is hard to believe that Hamas will stop the protests that succeeded in shifting the rage of Gaza residents from Hamas itself to Israel. Thus, besides its tunnels, which are gradually being uncovered and destroyed, the movement thinks it has another tool to break the blockade. Israel celebrates the 70th anniversary of its existence April 19, and it is not a cliche to say that circumstances have never been better for the Jewish state. The state of Israel's strategic balance sheet is the best it's been since the establishment of the country, said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot in a conversation with Al-Monitor a few weeks ago. Eizenkot explained his perspective: "We have a strong, powerful army with a great advantage over our enemies. I do not detect nowadays that any of our enemies wants to carry out a direct assault on the State of Israel. The campaign [between wars] is very intensive and communicates the superiority of our army. In the Middle East, [we enjoy advantage through] intelligence superiority, aerial superiority, operational superiority and informational superiority and by the fact that we are viewed as a very powerful state that can act with high precision. The IDF works around the clock in order to promote our security interests and prevent our enemies from achieving advanced capabilities. The fact that Israeli citizens have been enjoying peaceful lives throughout the recent years testifies to the success of our method." Yet despite this, on April 17 the IDF canceled its F-15 squadron's participation in the international Red FlagAlaska, the international military drill in the United States. Tension along Israel's northern front is increasing with the anticipation of an aggressive Iranian response to an attack attributed to Israel on T-4, an Iranian military air base in central Syria that operated unmanned aircraft. The IDF destroyed a drone on Feb. 10 after it crossed into Israel along with the caravan unit operating it. It later emerged that it had been an armed drone assault, as explosives were found on it. Eizenkot called the episode a watershed event, the first time that Iran demonstrated its operational capacities within the state of Israel. It was an earth-shaking moment for Israel and led to a chain of events that threatens to set the region on fire. This is an example of the Israeli paradox. On the one hand, Israel is, truly, a military and economic powerhouse. Its existence is not shrouded in doubt, and there are no forces threatening its existence. On the other hand, at any given moment, one of its battlefronts could burst into flames, leading to all-out war. Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has raised this likelihood in Cabinet discussions and has even commented that he thinks that this scenario will, ultimately, come to pass: a multi-front war that will erupt between Israel and all the players on the northern front (that is, Iran, Syria and Hezbollah), and then Hamas will join the fray. Even though this constellation would not pose a strategic threat, it would cause significant destruction to Israel's homefront. For example, Tel Aviv would suffer strikes and hundreds of civilian deaths, something that Israel has never experienced. Israel's defense system would not be able to deal with the hundreds and thousands of rockets and missiles that would rain down on it every day. When compared to Israel's strategic balance sheet is the best it's been, we are still talking about serious threats indeed. Eizenkot enumerated the possible battlefronts that Israel faces as five fronts plus one, the plus one being Iran. The other five are Lebanon (Hezbollah), Syria, terrorism on the West Bank, the Hamas threat from Gaza, and the threat of the Islamic State from the Sinai. According to Eizenkot, there might be an escalation on all these fronts in 2018. The reasons are varied: the collapse of the Palestinian reconciliation between the West Bank and Gaza; signs pointing to the end of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' time in office; changes taking place at the deepest levels of Palestinian society; Gaza's deteriorating humanitarian situation; continued Hamas attempts to mastermind terror in the West Bank and East Jerusalem; and the expected relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem, which is inflaming the Palestinian community. To the above one must add Iran's continued efforts to establish a presence on Syrian frontlines vis-a-vis Israel along with Hezbollah's efforts to equip itself with advanced capabilities, which, according to Eizenkot, Israel has no intentions of allowing [to happen]. Regarding the latter, Eizenkot is referring to Hezbollah's ability to launch pinpoint airstrikes against Israeli territory and to acquire advanced aerial protection that would thwart Israel's absolute aerial superiority on the front. This article is being written at a time when tension in Israel has peaked with regard to the very hot front between Israel and Iran. As previously reported in Al-Monitor, Israel and Iran are in a virtual war. It started as a cold war, branched out into a conflict by proxy and is now becoming a real, direct confrontation. On April 17, Israel raised the curtain on Iran's efforts to increase its power in Syria, revealing some of the intelligence it has related to this goal. The IDF released details, names, facts and Iranian methods to the media, including the Ilyushin planes used to secretly transfer firearms and ammunition to Syria; the identity of the commander of the Iranian aerial wing in Syria; the activities of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Qasem Soleimani, considered the brains behind the project; and satellite photos and additional data about the bases Iran is building in Syria. This process signals to the Iranians Israel's great intelligence-gathering capacity along with this simple message: We are keeping track of you, we are updated in real time, and we will not blink. Israel is steeling itself for an Iranian reprisal. Tehran also finds itself in a complicated, delicate position. On the Syrian front, it is at a great disadvantage versus the IDF. The Iranians clearly know that Israel is capable of wiping out their presence in Syria in short order and at low cost to boot. The problem is that there are many other threats on the Syrian front that serve to balance the deterrence equation. At the top of the list is Hezbollah's arsenal of missiles. A flare-up from any direction could lead to a widespread conflagration in which all the sides would fire, launch and hurl everything they have at everyone else. This is the definition of all-out war, according to Liberman. Returning to Eizenkot, he remarked, Israel has the most advanced ability in the world to carry out [intelligence] collection, to attack thousands of precise targets in 24 hours, to destroy thousands of precise targets in 24 hours, to use launch windows for each shell or missile. Very few armies in the world have these capabilities, and our enemies know that. We also have protective abilities that no other country in the world has. We have four-tier protection: the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow missile-defense systems as well as other means for protecting specific fixed targets [aimpoints]. Our enemies understand that. Hezbollah still cannot destroy fixed targets, and I don't see them developing this ability in the near future; they cannot use launch windows for each shell or missile. We have tens of thousands of capabilities like this. So says Eizenkot, and he speaks the truth. The problem is that despite such statements, tension in Israel continues to rise sky high. This Independence Day finds the state of Israel at the height of its power, but also at the height of vulnerability. Its enemies are aware of this, too. Lost amid Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's stunning announcement today that presidential and parliamentary elections would be held concurrently on June 24, nearly 17 months ahead of schedule, was the European Unions yearly report on Turkeys progress toward full membership in the bloc. The harshest report since talks began in 2005 received scant attention from the press, but it triggered howls of protest from Turkish officials. The report released yesterday decries the weakening of Turkey's democracy, ongoing mass arrests in the wake of the failed 2016 coup and mounting pressure on civil society along with the lack of a level playing field in the run-up to the April 2017 referendum on switching from a parliamentary system to an executive presidency. In addition, it notes serious backsliding in judicial reform and freedom of expression and cites human rights abuses in the majority-Kurdish southeast. Regarding the state of emergency Ankara imposed after the attempted putsch, the EU wrote that it needs to lift it without delay. The Turkish government extended emergency rule by a further three months the day of the report's release. As for the fight against corruption, the report says, No progress was achieved. Under the current circumstances, it is unthinkable in the EU's eyes to open new accession chapters. Johannes Hahn, EU commissioner for enlargement negotiations, declared that Turkey was taking huge strides away from the bloc. Omer Celik, Turkeys EU affairs minister, dismissed the report as unfair, saying, It is a report which has no vision and content, which is far from understanding the intensity, dimensions and perspective of [Turkey-EU] relations. He said he would pen a letter of protest to the European Commission on the grounds that the terms of the migration deal Ankara struck with the Europeans were being violated. Under the deal, which Erdogan periodically threatens to trash, Turkish authorities pledged to stem the flow of millions of refugees to Europe in exchange for billions of euros in funding for care of the refugees in Turkey. Turkey has meanwhile been growing increasingly hawkish toward the EU and fellow NATO member Greece. Tensions escalated in February after a Turkish patrol boat barged into a Greek coast guard vessel close to Imia, a rocky outcrop of islets in the Aegean Sea that both countries claim. On April 16, Turkey accused Athens of provocation after the alleged hoisting of a Greek flag by three Greeks on the islets. The Turkish Foreign Ministry slammed the EU for, as Turkey sees it, siding with Greece in the matter. In an April 17 statement, the Foreign Ministry said, The Kardak [Imia] Rocks and their territorial waters and airspace above them are exclusively under Turkish sovereignty. The [unconditional] support by the EU to member states in their disputes with third countries [does] not contribute to the resolution of those issues within the framework of good neighborly relations and international law. Ankara is also furious that Greece is refusing to return eight Turkish military officials accused of taking part in the coup. Government spokesman Bekir Bozdag accused Athens yesterday of violating international law by failing to extradite the men. Analysts say that Turkeys EU accession process is, in the words of Asli Aydintasbas, a fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, cloaked in hypocrisy. Aydintasbas wrote in a recent report, Most European countries would like Turkey to remain in the limbo between being and insider and an outsider. Germany and France began talking about a privileged partnership status only days after the accession talks began. Former French President Valery Giscard dEstaing famously said that admitting Turkey would be the end of the European Union because it has a different culture (read Muslim). Meanwhile, Austria openly opposes Turkish membership altogether. The mendacity cuts both ways. Marc Pierini, a former EU ambassador to Turkey and a visiting fellow at Carnegie Europe, told Al-Monitor, Ankara has lost any interest for the accession rationale since it runs counter to the leaderships domestic political priorities. Pierini was referring to Erdogans bouts of EU bashing, including branding European leaders as Nazis in a crudely cynical bid to increase his votes. Nate Schenkkan, project director for the Nations in Transit project at Freedom House, agrees that Turkeys current government is not interested in pursuing the reforms needed to qualify for full EU membership. He told Al-Monitor, The report matters as a record and a document of where the accessions process stands. But it doesnt change anything for Turkey. They already know the EUs requirements and have rejected them in deed. Still, Pierini said that even if the tone remains acrimonious, the hope on both sides is that dialogue can be maintained on trade, counterterrorism, refugees, and Syria. The former diplomat concluded, The Turkish president will keep a dialogue with the EU but not on accession. Since the purge and the Nazi remarks, the personal connection with his EU peers is beyond repair. Schenkkan argues that a new relationship needs to be struck between the sides. Keeping the process open as a facade undermines the credibility of accession for other countries, he said. Even worse, It allows nationalist-populists in the EU to own the issue of ending accession. Frances refreshingly candid president, Emmanuel Macron, apparently agrees. Standing beside Erdogan in January at a joint news conference in Paris, Macron said that it is clear that recent developments and choices do not allow any progression. Thus, We must get out of a hypocrisy that consists in thinking that a natural progression towards opening new chapters is possible. It's not true. An Alabama evangelist faces seven new felony charges on child sex crimes, according to jail records. Acton Bowen, the 37-year-old Gadsden native and founder of Acton Bowen Outreach Ministries, was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center shortly before 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Jail records show Bowen is charged with two counts of second-degree sodomy, two counts of enticing a child for immoral purposes and three counts of second-degree sexual abuse. His bond in Etowah County is set at $500,000, records show. Sheriff Todd Entrekin said in a news release that Bowen allegedly sexually abused four juveniles between the ages of 12 and 17 over a period of many years. Several of the victims are adults who are just now reporting these crimes. Bowen was jailed in Etowah County after surrendering to the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force about 10 a.m. The newest charges are believed to involve more than one victim. Just last week, Hoover police arrested Bowen - who has described himself as a speaker, best-selling author and visionary - on charges of second-degree sodomy, enticing a child to enter a vehicle or house for immoral purposes and second-degree sex abuse. His victim in Hoover is a boy under the age of 16 and over the age of 12. Court records in the Jefferson County case say he engaged in deviate sexual intercourse with the teen boy, and also enticed him into getting into a 2010 Jeep Wrangler for the purpose of sodomy. Police have said the Hoover victim is a family acquaintance of Acton Bowen. "While working this case, our detectives developed great working relationships with investigators from the Etowah County Sheriff's Office, as well as several other agencies,'' Hoover police Capt. Gregg Rector said Tuesday. "When we met with the first victim, our worst fear was that there could be more young boys who had been by molested and preyed upon by Acton Bowen. It appears our worst fears are now becoming reality. Sadly, this case continues to mushroom with each passing day." Bowen has denied the allegations. "I have not done what I am accused of and have not acted inappropriately in any way,'' Bowen said in a press statement to AL.com issued last week. "My family and I trust the legal system and the people who are entrusted with the duty of protecting each of our rights. I believe the truth will stand and I will be vindicated of this false accusation. We ask that each of you keep everyone involved in this process in your prayers." The day after Bowen was released from jail, his wife of three years filed for divorce in Etowah County. Ashley Bowen's divorce complaint mentions the criminal charges against her husband and notes, "she has fully cooperated with law enforcement with regards to any information requested from her related to the investigation of the crimes for which (Acton Bowen) is alleged to have committed." In addition to the divorce complaint, Ashley Bowen also asked for emergency temporary possession of their Etowah County home. ""She fears for her immediate safety from (her husband) and any third parties that may attempt to contact (her husband) as a result of the crimes for which he has been alleged to have committed." On Friday, two of the ministry's board members stepped down, include attorney Trenton Garmon, who worked as an attorney for former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore during his failed campaign bid for U.S. senate last year. Garmon said he and board member Josh Dodd maintained, among others, two very clear standards which they asked Acton to abide by. The first was to maintain on all his electronic devices a paid internet monitor program called "Covenant Eyes". That was intended to protect Bowen from any allegation that he had viewed or was viewing pornography. And to protect the integrity of the ministry. Garmon said he personally received reports each month via email and never had a report that indicated any issue. As a second means of ensuring the sexual integrity of the ministry was protected, Dodd and Garmon requested that Acton implement an advanced version of the Billy Graham Rule which they called the "Guardian Policy." "We requested that he never be alone with any female other than his wife. And we requested that he never be alone with a male minor which I considered to be someone under 16 years old,'' Garmon said. "I was told that these minimums were being followed. Yet, in light of the allegation, it appears that the Guardian Policy was not always honored. This is not to imply criminal guilt by any means, yet our policy was not abided by. As you may be aware he has publicly denied the criminal allegations." Still, Garmon said, given the weight and gravity of the allegations," it does not seem wise nor prudent to maintain my status as a Board Member for the Acton Bowen Outreach. Mr. Dodd is of the same opinion and is also stepping down from the Board of ABO." "A priority of this sheriff's office is to always protect those who cannot protect themselves," Entrekin said. "This investigation is very active and ongoing. Additional charges are to be expected." Upon release, Bowen is to have no contact with the victims, no unsupervised contact with anyone under 18 years old, must surrender his passport and will be supervised by Etowah County Community Corrections. Etowah authorities thanked the Hoover Police Department, Shelby County Department of Human Resources, James M. Barrie Center for Children, FBI and the US Marshal's Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force. Anyone who feels they have information concerning this is asked to contact investigator Brandi Fuller at 256-546-2825. This story will be updated as more information is released. For the first time in six decades, Cuba will be led by a person who does not carry the name Castro. Havana, Cuba Raul Castro has kept his promise. Fifty-nine years after leading a revolution that overthrew Cubas then-dictator Fulgencio Batista, the younger of the two Castro brothers is indeed stepping down. Unlike his older brother, Fidel, who ruled supreme for almost half a century until severe health complications forced him to cede power to his sibling in 2006, Raul chose to set his own timetable for launching the post-Castro era. In and of itself, that is a reflection of his pragmatism perhaps the 86-year-old Communist leaders most notable characteristic. It was Raul Castro who agreed to work with US President Barrack Obama to end nearly 50 years of Cold War between the United States and Cuba, restoring diplomatic relations in 2015. With Venezuelas economy in shambles, Castro could no longer rely on Caracas to keep his country afloat and needed to expand ties with his capitalist neighbour. As Cubas powerful defence minister and first vice president for nearly five decades, Raul never contradicted Fidel, the Supreme Leader at least not in public. {articleGUID} But as soon as he took over as president in 2008, two years after assuming the role of acting president, he started lifting some of the most unpopular restrictions imposed under his brothers rule. In 2006, only foreigners were allowed to have a mobile phone, internet access, buy a car or stay at Cuban hotels and beach resorts. Cubans were more than pleasantly surprised when Raul abolished these humiliating practices. He also legalised the sale and purchase of homes and eased many long-standing travel restrictions. Maybe we were betting on the wrong Castro all along, joked a Cuban taxi driver who preferred to not give his name. As part of his plan to update Cuban Socialism, Castro opened up the cash-starved economy to a small private sector. People were allowed to offer services as construction workers, plumbers, painters and so on. Restaurants, bed and breakfast hotels, as well as art galleries, began appearing all over the island. But while these reforms revealed a vibrant Cuban entrepreneurial spirit, they also exacerbated income inequality in what is supposed to be a classless socialist society. This led to pressure within the Communist Party to roll back on some of the reforms. And while Castro expressed admiration for the Chinese and Vietnamese models, like Fidel, he never gave up the states control of the main areas of the economy. In fact, under Raul Castro, the Cuban military increased control over the islands main industries, especially tourism. Meanwhile, salaries remained dismally low. A state employee earns about $30 a month, while a bottle of cooking oil costs $2, or seven percent of a monthly wage. Raul Castro failed to turn back the tide of young Cubans who dream only of emigrating in search of better opportunities. I hope the next president will do more so that we dont have to leave our country, said Diesmel Gonzalez, a musician from Guantanamo. We need freedom to express ourselves, to work without so many restrictions, to earn a decent salary. Raul made some improvements, but not enough. Just like his elder brother, Raul Castro never contemplated relinquishing or even slightly easing the Communist Partys tight political grip on the island nation. State control of the media is absolute, opposition political parties and organisations are illegal and dissidents continue to be rounded up, harassed and imprisoned when they become too bold. Former Cuban diplomat Carlos Alzugaray argued that Raul Castros principal goal was to guarantee continuity. He wanted to set in motion a system that will reproduce the structure of power with the Communist Party at the centre of power after Fidel and he are gone. He wants the party to function much as the Vietnamese party functioned after Ho Chi Ming, much as the Chinese Communist Party functioned after Mao and Deng Xiaoping And that is what he has organised, in a relatively short time. The biological clock is ticking. And no matter how well-planned his transition is, for the first time in six decades Cuba will be led by a person who does not carry the name Castro. As the buses with people who were forced from their homes left parts of Eastern Ghouta, government forces and allied militia moved in after five years of siege and bombings. Pro-Assad government television crews rushed in to show how the enclave had been run by rebel fighters, who they call terrorists. Relentless bombardment had forced people underground into basements. Aid workers say people often spent days in poor living conditions in Eastern Ghouta. Many were unable to leave, fearing shelling and bombing. Frequent attacks on hospitals meant even medical treatment was being provided below ground level. In the last days of the siege people connected tunnels and shelters to hospitals. On some days, doctors say, there would be very few people coming to hospitals and clinics. But at night, that number would increase because people felt safer when they thought the jets could not see them moving. All this increased not just physical health risks but also mental health problems as people stranded underground suffered extremely high levels of stress. In Eastern Ghouta, the entire population is accused of supporting the opposition. Now that the siege has ended, aid workers are citing previous examples of neglect in Aleppo and Homs after government takeovers there and warn of a looming crisis for the tens of thousands left behind. War of words While the narration on Syrian media says only fighters were allowed into hospitals and civilians were prohibited to enter during the siege, charities supporting these health institutions deny those claims. The Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) has been criticised by the Syrian government for assisting doctors in providing evidence of previous chemical attacks to international investigators. Members of SAMS told Al Jazeera their only mission is to assist doctors and hospitals to provide medical assistance where the Syrian government does not. According to Syrian media, all organisations helping the besieged population of almost 400,000 people were supporting terrorists. Doctors say their oath demands that they treat people who need medical assistance, irrespective of political or ideological affiliations. And while the government says there was no medicine shortage in besieged Ghouta, medics say the boxes of medical supplies brandished in government propaganda are misleading. One aid worker told us that if they needed painkillers for trauma victims of the indiscriminate bombardment they could not have provided that from a box of bandages in a warehouse. The situation in Ghouta was extremely traumatic, the needs were absolutely unique there was an unseen situation, said Omar Ahmed Abenza, the Doctors Without Borders head of mission for northwestern Syria. The medical colleagues we were supporting in Ghouta were clearly sharing with us not having enough medical supplies. There was a very acute medical situation in Ghouta. Displaced injured The influx of tens of thousands to Idlib and Aleppo is making things difficult for already overstretched health infrastructures there. Doctors at one hospital in Qalaat al Madiq in the Hama governorate said 5,000 people were dropped off on the first day of the evacuation. Most of the injured were hit by bombings and some had gunshot wounds to be treated in the hospitals only operation theatre. In addition to the hundreds of cases with trauma and injuries, they were treating women giving birth and cases of malnutrition. The health system in the Idlib governorate is not enough. You dont have specialists, you dont have enough supplies in every health facility, Abenza said. Most importantly, these new arrivals dont understand how it works the access is an issue. Back in Eastern Ghouta, medical workers are calling on UN agencies to use the proximity to the capital Damascus to rebuild and support the devastated health infrastructure. MSF said the conduct of the war in Syria must abide by international law, assuring access of people to healthcare services along with protection of patients, health workers and health facilities. The availability of key medicines and medical consumables precarious at best for the time being must be unconditionally granted by all parties to the conflict. But now that the bombs are no longer falling, there is no more media attention for health needs. Earlier this month, I had the chance to visit North Korea as part of a delegation of scholars led by veteran Indonesian diplomat Dino Djalal. I spent four days in the country talking to high-level officials and professors and visiting the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) at the countrys southern border and various institutions, including Km Il-sung University. Touring North Korea, albeit under careful supervision and only for a few days, was quite revealing. While in the West, pundits and officials have speculated about how much new sanctions have affected the country, in Pyongyang, it was clear to me that they are yet to threaten the foundations of the regime or pressure the North Korean leadership to alter their national security doctrine. But it was also apparent that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has embarked on an ambitious project to modernise the country and in order to achieve that, he would need access to global capital and markets, which the long list of UN and US sanctions is currently blocking. It is this vision of a reinvigorated nation not only militarily, but also economically that has prompted him to return to the negotiating table. Signs of economic reform and modernisation Despite dramatic descriptions in Western media of widespread starvation and poverty in North Korea, the country did not seem to be on the brink of a humanitarian crisis, at least not yet. The regime has survived international isolation and the toughest-ever sanctions, largely thanks to Chinas continued support as well as the countrys almost obsessive commitment to the principal political doctrine of Juche (self-reliance). Instead of witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, we saw a much more complex picture, where often extreme hardship, especially for those in rural areas and outside Pyongyang, went hand-in-hand with resilience, as well as pockets of comfort among the elite. With the intent to please their guests, our North Korean hosts took us to various restaurants in Pyongyang as well as one in the southern part of the country. I can assume they offered the best on the menu, but it was apparent to me that for privileged visitors and elite members of the society, these are far from inaccessible. Pyongyangs urban landscape is changing, April 2018 [Richard Javad Heydarian/Al Jazeera] I was also struck by Pyongyangs urban landscape, probably the cleanest, most-organised, as well as emptiest, capital city I have ever seen. There were few cars and taxis, hardly any traffic congestion in the city, yet wide boulevards and an impeccably beautiful underground Soviet-style metro. No loitering or even an iota of rubbish could be seen in the streets, while rivers were strikingly clean. Its as surreal as it can get, especially when one watches the whole capital designed and choreographed to the minutest details from atop the Juche Tower, the highest structure in the country. Sanctions seemingly havent managed to freeze economic development of urban areas in recent years. New skyscrapers, a spaceship-looking hotel, shiny asphalted roads, medium-sized shopping areas, among others, showed that economic modernisation, albeit slow, has been under way. What is more, despite the official policies of strict centralised economic control, there is reportedly a profusion of semi-private enterprises (although public on paper), such as restaurants across the country. There are reportedly early versions of household farming in certain parts of the country a practice similar to the household responsibility system of the early years of socioeconomic changes in China under Deng Xiaoping, who has been credited with introducing market economy reforms and transforming the Chinese economy. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gives field guidance to Farm 1116 under the Korean Peoples Army Unit 810 in August 2015 [Reuters] While North Koreans deny this officially, we know from different authoritative sources, within and outside, that certain farmers are allowed to keep their surpluses in communal farms, instead of handing everything over to the state. In this way, the state hopes to create more productivity incentive, with a parallel market for private exchange reportedly emerging along the way. This, in my opinion, indicates that Kim Jong-un is considering employing a new version of the Juche doctrine, whereby self-reliance does not preclude engagement, especially economic and technological, with the rest of the world. It is precisely within this context that the North Korean leadership is opening communication channels and even inviting international scholars like me. Sanctions against the countrys exports of coal and other raw materials have been particularly hurtful. Difficulty in accessing international financial markets has made trade with many nations, including traditional partners in Southeast Asia, almost impossible. This has led to dwindling currency reserves and stockpile of imported goods, which cant be completely replaced locally. Most Asian countries have entirely cut off their trade and investment ties with Pyongyang. The country also needs access to fuel, food, capital goods and advanced civilian technology, if it wants to become an economically vibrant nation, especially compared with the highly developed southern kin. Getting sanctions on these basic humanitarian and technological goods dropped are, therefore, a priority for the North Korean regime. Negotiating from position of strength Throughout my stay in North Korea, I managed to meet and exchange views with senior government officials, including Kim Yong-dae, vice president of the Presidium of Supreme Peoples Assembly, and Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ri Gil-song, in addition to various officials from other organs of the state. Gladly, I also had a chance to give a speech at the Kim Il-sung University, an impeccable campus reserved for the countrys intellectual elite, where our delegation met highly urbane and articulate professors, who shared their views on North Koreas foreign and economic policies. What repeatedly came up in our exchanges was their fervent belief that the revived peace negotiations are a product of the bold and courageous decision of their supreme leader. For them, they are not only the captains of their own national destiny, but also the ultimate arbiter of the future of the Korean Peninsula. Senior North Korean officials were also adamant that they are negotiating from a position of strength as a full-fledged strategic state as they called it. This could be interpreted as their way of saying they are now proudly part of the exclusive nuclear club, having mastered both the production as well as delivery of nuclear weapons through rapid development of advanced ballistic missile capabilities. The US and UN imposed additional sanctions on North Korea after an intercontinental ballistic missile test in 2017 [Reuters] There are still doubts as to the regimes ability to target faraway countries such as the United States due to lack of so-called re-entry technology which allows a missile to re-enter the atmosphere after its steep launch. But, North Koreans believe that they, despite their limited size and relative poverty, can now engage with great powers as peers, not a subordinate nation. This partly explains why Kim Jong-un has shown keen interest in holding direct talks in rapid succession not only with his counterparts in China (Xi Jinping) and South Korea (Moon Jae-in), but also US President Donald Trump and possibly even Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the coming months. That said, its difficult, if not impossible, to envision Pyongyang giving up its nuclear weapons anytime soon, since this is their ultimate deterrence against external threats as well as the main bargaining chip vis-a-vis more powerful neighbouring states. In the meantime, however, concerned parties can negotiate a step-by-step approach, whereby North Korea ceases provocative nuclear and ballistic missile tests in exchange for freezing of additional sanctions. They can also consider humanitarian cooperation, including the long-suspended reunion ceremonies between families separated across the 38th parallel, as well as resumption of joint-economic ventures in the border city of Kaesong. As part of a packaged solution, North Korea could, for instance, open up its nuclear facilitates for inspection, freeze nuclear enrichment, and even put a pause on its ballistic missile development in exchange for removal of sanctions. The ultimate goal is a final peace agreement, which will supplant the fragile armistice that placed a tenuous brake on the resumption of hostilities since the end of Korean War in 1953. The author was part of a Southeast Asian delegation, led by veteran Indonesian diplomat Dino Patti Djalal, which visited the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea from April 3 to April 7. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. It will be the first time in nearly six decades that the island country will not be led by a Castro. Cuba will open a session of its National Assembly on Wednesday that will mark the end of an era in the socialist nation. President Raul Castro, 86, is expected to step down after two five-year terms during the assembly, marking the completion of Castro rule on the socialist nation. First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel is expected to assume the position of Cubas president as the handpicked successor after a party vote on Thursday. The Castro family has ruled the socialist nation since a revolution ushered in the rule of Fidel Castro in 1959. The expected transfer of power comes at a precarious time in Cubas history. Cuban allies in Latin America have been voted out of government positions across the region in recent years. A detente between the US and Cuba, longtime adversaries, has slowed after right-wing Donald Trump became president in 2017. Cuba is also facing economic difficulties after Castro initiated market-style reforms that were agreed to in 2011. Though the reforms caused a boom in the Cuban economy, they have since slowed. Despite the errors and insufficiencies recognised in this plenary, the situation is more favourable than a few years ago, Castro, 86, was quoted as saying by party newspaper Granma. Political campaigning is outlawed in Cuba, so little is known about Diaz-Canels plans to navigate these challenges. However, there is reason to believe the presumed president will continue with liberalising social policies, given his past support for LGBT rights, expanded internet access and loosening government controls on media. Still, Diaz-Canel is not known to support changing Cubas government from the one-party system in place since the revolution, a demand from ant-Castro politicians in Washington. According to Ted Piccone, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, the Trump administration will most likely double down on its embrace of punitive regime change in Cuba after Diaz-Canel assumes power. Castro will remain the head of the ruling Communist Party until 2021 and is expected to continue to play a big role in policy decisions. Fighters attempted to seize an Iranian border post, resulting in a gunfight with Iranian soldiers, state media reports. At least five people, including two Iranian security forces personnel, have been killed in clashes with fighters in southeastern Iran, near the border with Pakistan, Irans state-run IRNA news agency reported. The clashes took place in the Mirjaveh district, about 10km west of the Taftan border checkpost, on Tuesday, the news agency said. A group of fighters attempted to seize control of an Iranian border post, resulting in an exchange of fire with Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) soldiers, IRNA reported. At least two soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device in that attack, security officials said. Three attackers were also killed. The two soldiers who were killed were identified as Vahid Hossein and Abolfazl Gholampour. The IRNA news agency quoted security forces as saying that the attackers had come from the Pakistani side of the border. Iran and Pakistan have often clashed over security along their roughly 800km-long border, with Iran accusing its eastern neighbour of not doing enough against armed groups such as Jaish-al-Adl that have attacked Iranian security forces in the area. On Monday, Irans security forces said they had captured more weapons, ammunition and explosives being smuggled into the country through the border with Pakistan. In April last year, at least 10 Iranian security forces personnel were killed in an attack by Jaish al-Adl on the border with Pakistan. The attacks have centred on Irans southeastern Sistan-Baluchestan province, which has long been plagued by violence related to drug smuggling gangs and separatist fighters. Last month, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif visited the Pakistani capital Islamabad, with the subject of increased cooperation on border security high on the agenda, according to a statement released by the Pakistani Foreign Office following the visit. In a speech marking Irans Army Day, Rouhani warns Western powers against flooding the Middle East with more weapons. Irans President Hassan Rouhani has declared that Tehran will not wait for any permission to produce the weapons it needs to defend the country. In a speech marking Irans Army Day on Wednesday, Rouhani said a strong military is an effective deterrence against foreign threats. If there is any weapon we need, we will develop it for the most part, or procure it if necessary, Rouhani was quoted by Irans Mehr news agency as saying. We will not wait for approval from the world. Rouhani said countries that rely on their domestic capabilities feel the true sense of sovereignty and power. In recent days, there have been reports that European countries are considering measures against Irans ballistic missile programme, in an effort to persuade US President Donald Trump to maintain the Iran nuclear deal. Iran has insisted that its missile programme is not negotiable. It said it is only for defence purposes, and not intended to carry any nuclear weapons. During the military parade in the capital Tehran on Wednesday, Irans military unveiled its domestically manufactured missile system, Kamin-2, which is a portable device designed to target enemy drones flying in low altitude, according to the English-language state television, Press TV. Other military hardware on display were several missile and radar systems, as well as tanks, armoured vehicles and sniper rifles. Regional influence At the event, Rouhani declared that Irans armed forces have never been more influential on the course of regional and global developments. He warned Western powers against flooding the Middle East with more weapons, saying they are driving conflict in the region. I am calling on them to stop filling up our region with various weapons for the sake of their own interests, he said. Rouhani said the only path to establish peace in the region is through diplomatic and peaceful means. Our policy towards the region is based on good neighbourliness; we want to be a good neighbour to them and want them in turn to be a good neighbour to us. We want friendly ties with neighbouring countries and want them to know that our weapons, missiles and tanks will not be used against any of them, Rouhani said. Saudi Arabia and its allies consider Iran as a threat to regional security, accusing Tehran of being a state sponsor of terrorism. Convoy of General Abdel-Razeq Nathouri targeted while travelling from Benghazi to military base in al-Marj. The chief of staff of renegade General Khalifa Haftars army in Libya has survived an assassination attempt outside the eastern city of Benghazi, according to a military source. General Abdel-Razeq Nathouri and his convoy were heading to a military base in al-Marj on Wednesday when they were targeted by a car bombing. A spokesman for Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) said in a statement on Twitter that Nathouri survived an assassination attempt when a car bomb was left on the street and exploded when his motorcade passed near it. He was not hurt. Nathouri is believed to be one of the two contenders in line to replace Haftar, who is currently receiving medical treatment in France following reports of a stroke. https://twitter.com/LNASpox/status/986620127327260680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw Al Jazeeras Mahmoud Abdelwahed, reporting from the capital, Tripoli, said that one civilian was killed and another one was wounded in the bombing. According to sources on the ground in Benghazi, the forces accompanying Nathouri started shooting in the air to disperse people because they were afraid that another attack might happen and target people, as it happened a few months ago. In January, a double car bombing in Benghazi killed at least 35 people and left more than 50 others wounded. Ahmed al-Fituri, chief of a special investigation unit attached to the general command of east Libyan security forces, was among the casualties. Forces loyal to Haftar took control of Benghazi in 2017, after a three-year campaign against rival armed groups. The battles have left large swaths of the port city in ruins. Wednesdays attack comes amid weeks of speculation over Haftars health. Al Jazeeras Abdelwahed said that Haftars camp has recently been suffering from deep divisions and disputes. Now this [attack] is an indication of the chaos and power vacuum that has followed the absence of Haftar, and it seems there is no stability. It will be the first time in nearly six decades that the island country will not be led by a Castro. The Cuban National Assembly has formally nominated Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the sole candidate to take over the presidency from Raul Castro. The move on Wednesday marked the end of an era for Cuba, making Diaz-Canel the first person outside the Castro family to rule the country in 59 years. His nomination as the head of the 31-member Council of State will be officially confirmed on Thursday, when he is also expected to be sworn in. We all know that Diaz-Canel will be elected but that its a formality and we understand that the announcement will be made sometime very early on Thursday, Al Jazeeras Lucia Newman, reporting from Cubas capital, Havana, said. The Cuban government also announced a list of six candidates in the running for the vice-presidency. The future vice president is expected to be announced late on Wednesday or Thursday. The Castro family has ruled the socialist nation since a revolution ushered in the rule of Fidel Castro in 1959. Castro will remain the head of the ruling Communist Party until 2021 and is expected to continue to play a big role in policy decisions. The Communist Party of Cuba is more important than the National Assembly or even the Council of State, said Newman. They set the guidelines for the country and Raul Castro is going to remain as head of that old powerful communist party. So certainly Diaz-Canel is not going to be able to run off and become the great-reformer, even if he wanted to and from what we understand that is not his position, she added. The expected transfer of power comes at a precarious time in Cubas history. Cuban allies in Latin America have been voted out of government positions across the region in recent years. A detente between the US and Cuba, longtime adversaries, has slowed after Donald Trump became president in 2017. Cuba is also facing economic difficulties after Raul Castro, who succeeded his brother Fidel as president in 2008, initiated market-style reforms that were agreed to in 2011. Though the reforms caused a boom in the Cuban economy, they have since slowed. Despite the errors and insufficiencies recognised in this plenary, the situation is more favourable than a few years ago, Castro, 86, was quoted as saying by party newspaper Granma. Political campaigning is outlawed in Cuba, so little is known about Diaz-Canels plans to navigate these challenges. However, there is reason to believe the presumed president will continue with liberalising social policies, given his past support for LGBT rights, expanded internet access and loosening government controls on media. Still, Diaz-Canel is not known to support changing Cubas government from the one-party system in place since the revolution, a demand from anti-Castro politicians in Washington. According to Ted Piccone, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, the Trump administration will most likely double down on its embrace of punitive regime change in Cuba after Diaz-Canel assumes power. Watchdog says any deployment will have to receive security clearance, a day after UN team comes under fire in Douma. Inspectors from the global chemical weapons watchdog have not been able to enter Syrias Douma to examine the site of a suspected gas attack, the organisation said, dismissing an earlier report circulated by Syrian state-run media. The Organisation for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on Wednesday that United Nations security officials entered the town on Tuesday to survey the area where its fact-finding mission was supposed to probe allegations of a chemical weapons attack carried out by government forces on April 7. But the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) team came under small arms fire, and an explosive device was detonated nearby during their stop at the second of the two sites that they visited, the OPCW said in a statement. At the first site, the officials had to withdraw because a large crowd gathered there, raising security concerns. There were no injuries, and the UN team returned to Syrias capital, Damascus. The UNDSS will continue to work with the Syrian National Authority, the local Councils in Douma, and the Russian Military Police to review the security situation. At present, we do not know when the [Fact-Finding Mission] team can be deployed to Douma, the statement said. Such deployment would only be considered following approval by the UN security team, and provided the OPCW team can have unhindered access to the sites, it added. Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from neighbouring Lebanons capital Beirut, said the OPCW statement did not lay blame on anyone for the incident but added that both Syria and its main ally Russia have been accused by Western powers of hampering the work of the watchdog. What we understand is that Douma is under the control of the Russian military and the Syrian government. Both of them claimed just a few days ago that the area had been fully liberated from terrorists, she said. Syrian and Russian forces gained control over Douma on Saturday when rebels withdrew from the town, hours after the end of the Western countries attacks. On Tuesday, SANA falsely reported that the OPCWs fact-finding team, which arrived in Damascus on Saturday, entered Douma. Punitive strikes The OPCW team is tasked with investigating the reported toxic gas attack, but cannot apportion blame. According to rescuers and medics, dozens of people were killed in the attack, which sparked retaliatory joint missile strikes by the United States, France and Britain on Syrian military installations. Damascus and Moscow have denied that a chemical attack took place. During an emergency meeting on Monday at the OPCWs headquarters in The Hague, Western diplomats accused the Syrian government and its Russian ally of blocking the team. Russia denied the claims, saying parts of Douma still needed to be de-mined and said the watchdogs inspectors would enter on Wednesday. Yet, France and the US appeared to question the purpose of such a mission, warning that any incriminating evidence had likely been removed by now. Ishak Majali, a former OPCW inspector, said it is unlikely the inspectors will find evidence at the site after such delay. It has been a lot of time since the attack took place we are talking about 11 days, he told Al Jazeera. So, if you are in control of a site with chemicals for such a long time, its very easy actually to tamper with the place and to change the facts on the ground, he added. You can actually do what we call it in the military business as the decontamination process, which is to remove all the evidence on the ground by using other chemicals to neutralise the chemicals on the ground. Also, you can tamper with the munition itself to prepare some witnesses or to prepare some medical reports. An independent watchdog has expressed concern over Pakistans commitment to protecting human rights amid an increase in enforced disappearances, blasphemy-related violence and extrajudicial killings in the past year. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), a non-profit rights group, launched its annual report on Monday, highlighting the grim markers of the state of human rights in the country in 2017. An overarching concern is that even where the protection of legislation exists, the prosecution and conviction of perpetrators has remained at a very low level, the report said. The rights group revealed that out of the 868 cases of enforced disappearances higher than previous years received by the commission in charge, 555 were disposed of. While the report noted a decrease for the third successive year in deaths caused by terrorist attacks, violence against religious minorities was on the rise last year. {articleGUID} Mehdi Hasan, HRCP chairperson, blamed Pakistans weak government for not having an effective hold on the society. He said that most human rights violations that occur in Pakistan are committed by the government institutions. So, you cant solve the problem, because the government itself is responsible for those violations, he told Al Jazeera in a phone interview from Lahore. In fact, you dont see any plan for the well-being of the ordinary man in the agendas of any of the political parties, he added. Last year, after a 24-month gap, Pakistan was re-elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), an inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe. Zainab Malik, head of advocacy at rights group Justice Project Pakistan (JPP), hailed the development as a political victory, but warned: Pakistan has consistently failed to uphold those commitments and voluntary pledges it made. There hasnt really been any significant progress made by the government of Pakistan, she told Al Jazeera. Religious persecution According to HRCP, the killings of people from the Ahmadi sect continued unchecked and their persecution was harsher last year than in the past. Ahmadis are a sect that consider themselves Muslim, but whose faith is rejected by the Pakistani state. There was also increasing violence associated with the countrys blasphemy laws. At least 74 people have been killed in attacks motivated by blasphemy accusations since 1990, according to an Al Jazeera tally. Sometimes, it just takes something as small as passing a law to have a huge impact on human rights violations. Zainab Malik, human rights lawyer Rights groups, including HRCP, have repeatedly criticised and called for the reform or repeal of the controversial blasphemy laws, which date back to the British empire. The crime is punishable by death if the Prophet Muhammad is insulted. Other punishments include a fine or prison term, depending on the specific offence. In a high-profile case in April last year, university student Mashal Khan was killed and two others wounded during a violent mob attack after being accused of committing blasphemy in the northern city of Mardan. In June, an anti-terrorism court sentenced Taimoor Raza, 30, to death for allegedly committing blasphemy on Facebook the first such case involving social media. This law is being misused by people to take revenge against their opponents, and it is very easy to charge anyone for blasphemy, Hasan told Al Jazeera in a phone interview last year. Social media crackdown In January last year, five bloggers, known for their liberal views on social media, went missing within days of each other. Meanwhile, dozens of social media users were arrested or summoned by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for posting anti-military content or material that was against the national interest. Those targeted included political and social activists, as well as at least three journalists. Pakistan ranks 139th out of 180 countries on rights group Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index. {articleGUID} Out of the 60 journalists killed in the country since 1992, 33 of those were targeted for murder, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In its annual report for 2017, US-based group Human Rights Watch (HRW) said: Media outlets in Pakistan remained under pressure to avoid reporting on or criticising human rights violations during counterterrorism operations. HRCP also raised concern over the threat to freedom of expression, saying that a climate of fear and culture of silence prevailed in the country. Journalists and bloggers continue to sustain threats, attacks and abductions, and the blasphemy law serves to coerce people into silence, the report said. HRCPs Hasan believes, in a country where statement journalism is popular and investigative reporting is suppressed, freedom of press is in jeopardy. The Pakistani media is allowed to reproduce the statements, but it is not allowed to do investigative reporting because in an investigation, powerful people get caught and they dont want that their activities to get exposed to the public, he told Al Jazeera. Sexual violence During the first 10 months of 2017, more than 5,660 crimes were reported against women across the country, HRCP cited a newspaper report as documenting. In Pakistans most populous province Punjab, alone, at least 2,980 rape cases were registered with the provincial police last year an increase from 2,942 in 2016. That trend spilled over to the start of 2018 as well. In a case that sparked outrage and protests across the country, seven-year-old girl, Zainab Ansari, was raped and murdered in Kasur district near Lahore in January. The rape and murder of Zainab Ansari was the 12th such case in Kasur district in the last year, according to local media reports. Reported cases of violence against women in 2017 were considered to be the tip of a huge iceberg, HRCP said in its yearly review. Malik, of JPP, believes Pakistan has failed to protect its women and children. The problem with regards to addressing these crimes is that the state narrative seems to be focused on increasing punishment, whereas what is actually needed is to increase child protection measures for the case of sexual abuse of children and for women, we need to increase more safeguards for the protection of women from sexual violence, said Malik, who is also a human rights lawyer. Sometimes, it just takes something as small as passing a law to have a huge impact on human rights violations. Follow Saba Aziz on Twitter: @saba_aziz Russias UN ambassador says determining responsibility for chemical attack is futile since West already assigned blame. Russia has rejected Frances proposal at a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting that called for the launch of an independent investigation over an alleged chemical attack that struck the former rebel-held town of Douma in Syrias Eastern Ghouta. The rejection on Tuesday came during the sixth UNSC emergency meeting on Syria since the suspected chemical attack claimed the lives of at least 85 people on April 7, according to medical personnel. The alleged attack was met with triple assaults by the US, France and the UK, through coordinated strikes on three presumed chemical facilities run the government. Vassily Nebenzia, Russias ambassador to the UN, said the idea of establishing a mechanism to determine responsibility for the use of chemical weapons is futile since Washington and its allies already identified who the culprits are, referencing the US-led attack on Syria. Russia had called for the latest UNSC meeting to discuss the humanitarian situation in Raqqa, which has been under the Syrian Democratic Forces control since they reclaimed it from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) last year. Nebenzia laid blame on the US and members of its coalition fighting ISIL in the region for the destruction of Raqqa. But amid rising tension, Kelley Currie, deputy US ambassador for economic and social affairs, described Russias call as an attempt to deter focus away from the atrocities committed by the Syrian government. Both Russia and its ally, President Bashar al-Assads government, have denied using chemical weapons in their war against armed opposition groups in Syria. Although a UN security team was able to access and visit Douma on Tuesday, a chemical weapons fact-finding mission scheduled to probe the site of the alleged attack is still awaiting entry. According to a UN source who spoke to Reuters News Agency, inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) who arrived in Syria some days ago have postponed their entry to the site as a result of reported gunfire. The delay comes a day after Syrias UN Ambassador Bashar al-Jaafari told UNSC members that the OPCW would begin probing the alleged poison gas attack on Wednesday. Nebenzia also warned that the Wests military actions have set aside the possibility of a political solution to Syrias war, not in its eighth year. Before the air strikes, we noted the readiness of the Syrian government to participate in the Geneva negotiations, Nebenzia said. Now, these efforts have been set back considerably. His remarks came as French ambassador Francois Delattre and British ambassador Karen Pierce urged the council to restart UN-brokered peace talks. Canadian PM vows to push through a $5bn oil pipeline project, but indigenous leaders say it will never be built. Montreal Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been widely criticised for vowing to get a multibillion-dollar oil pipeline project built in the face of widespread, indigenous-led opposition that is mounting across Canada. The prime minister said on Sunday that his government plans to hold a formal financial discussion with the proponent of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, Texas oil corporation Kinder Morgan. We are going to get the pipeline built. It is a project in the national interest, Trudeau told Canadian media. But that pledge was immediately shot down by indigenous leaders who have emerged at the forefront of a grassroots campaign against the Trans Mountain project. The pipeline is proving to be the biggest challenge to Trudeau since his 2015 election, when the now-prime minister ran on promises to protect the environment and build a new relationship with First Nations based on reconciliation. [Trudeau is] on the public record saying that governments provide permits and communities provide consent, said Grand Chief Stewart Phillip, president of the Union of British Columbia Indian Chiefs. Clearly, the indigenous community, as well as the citizens of British Columbia, have not provided consent or social licence for this project to proceed, Phillip said at a press conference this week, reiterating his opposition to Trans Mountain. The answer is still no The $5bn Trans Mountain project would twin an existing 1,150km pipeline, allowing it to ship up to 890,000 barrels of oil a day from the Alberta tar sands to the coast of British Columbia (BC), in western Canada, for shipment to Asia and other markets. Trudeau approved the project in 2016, saying it would bolster Canadas economy and create new jobs. Several lawsuits have been filed against the pipeline, however. Opponents say it endangers waterways and marine ecosystems, threatens the health of communities, will actually lead to a loss of jobs, and violates indigenous land rights. More recently, activists have been arrested for blocking construction on oil transport terminals in BC and thousands have protested against the pipeline. Thousands march in protest against Morgans Trans Mountain pipeline in southern British Columbia [File: Nick Didlick/Reuters] While Ottawa says the project was approved after a thorough consultation process, several First Nations along the pipeline route say they remain firmly against it. The whole issue of consultation is a red herring. Its a distraction because the legal bar has been raised to consent. There is no consent, Phillip said. The answer is still no. The Kinder Morgan Trans Mountain pipeline will never be built. Canada-wide debate The pipeline emerged at the centre of a national debate this month after Kinder Morgan issued what many critics of the project viewed as an ultimatum to the Canadian government. On April 8, the company said it would stop allocating shareholder resources to the project and suspend non-essential activities and related spending as it seeks clarity on the path forward. Kinder Morgan specifically called out the BC government, which has been a vocal opponent of Trans Mountain, as the main hurdle in getting the project built. It did not mention active indigenous opposition, however. The company said it would consult stakeholders and come to a decision by May 31. In response, Canadas Minister of Natural Resources, Jim Carr, reaffirmed Ottawas support for getting the pipeline built and echoed Trudeau by saying the project is in the national interest. This crucial resource project will expand export markets for Canadian resources and create thousands of good, middle-class jobs and no one should be standing in the way of those jobs and the families that stand to benefit, Carr said in a statement. Ottawa said it will seek to reassure Kinder Morgan of the economic viability of the project, but the government has not explicitly said whether it will offer the company financial support, and if so, how much. We are determined to find a solution. With all our partners, we continue to consider all available options. As our prime minister has said, this pipeline will be built, Carr said. Federal jurisdiction Ottawa has also painted the problem as a struggle between federal and provincial jurisdiction. Under the countrys constitution, the federal government has the final say over national projects that cut across multiple provinces. Trudeau said his government would consider tabling new legislation to reaffirm that the federal government has jurisdiction over these types of projects. Provincial leaders, meanwhile, have emerged on opposite sides of the issue. Rachel Notley, the premier of Alberta, home to Canadas sizeable tar sands oil reserves, is unsurprisingly strongly in favour of the project. The federal government, along with the government of Alberta, has commenced discussions with Kinder Morgan to establish a financial relationship that will eliminate investor risk, Notley said on Sunday. For his part, BC Premier John Horgan has been a vocal opponent of Trans Mountain. The BC government recently proposed a measure to make it more difficult to transport oil through the province, and mayors, federal parliament members and other officials across BC have also voiced their unequivocal opposition to the pipeline. The prime minister has failed on this project. He is blowing this into a national crisis because of his mishandling of this file, said Kennedy Stewart, an MP in Burnaby, BC, which recently hosted a march against Trans Mountain. The government of Quebec even waded into the fray last week, after a minister published an open letter that criticised the Trudeau government for attempting to impose its will unilaterally on the provinces. Opposition to other pipeline projects has been particularly strong in the past years in the French-speaking province, which has historically been a staunch defender of rights at the provincial level. Our rights havent been honoured But for indigenous peoples, the Trans Mountain pipeline is just one example of the deeper problem of various levels of government in Canada bulldozing over their rights. This land was given to us by our ancestors and it is our responsibility as elected leaders to protect that land for our children and their children, said Khelsilem, a spokesperson for the Squamish Nation Council in BC, on Monday. We have rights as a nation that have not been met or honoured, he said. A protester listens to speeches at a protest rally against Morgans Trans Mountain pipeline in southern British Columbia [File: Nick Didlick/Reuters] Chief Bob Chamberlin, vice president of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs, said the Canadian governments support for Trans Mountain also goes against its commitment to respect the United Nations Declaration for the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). Canada signed on to UNDRIP in 2016 and the declaration states that countries must obtain free, prior and informed consent before undertaking any actions that may affect indigenous peoples. While the current focus is on the Trans Mountain pipeline, in particular, Chamberlin said the debate stems from a deeper issue. The underlying, fundamental issue for Canada is the fact that since the beginning of this country they have system disregarded aboriginal rights, aboriginal peoples, and exploited the lands and resources that our own peoples for others enjoyment, he said. When a company from the United States declares that May 31 is the drop-deadline to go forward, this is an ultimatum to the Canadian government to run over and disregard the human rights of aboriginal people in Canada, Chamberlin continued. I want to believe that Canadians find this unacceptable. The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas Your choice for flooring in Central Texas! Your flooring is more than just the surface you walk on it's an integral part of your home. With over 35 years of flooring experience, The Best Little Floorhouse in Texas has the resources and knowled The parliamentary and presidential polls had previously been slated for November 2019. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for snap parliamentary and presidential elections to be held on June 24, more than a year earlier than planned. In an address at his presidential palace on Wednesday, Erdogan said the country urgently needed to make the switch to an executive presidency. The date will still need to be confirmed by the election commission, he said, but preparations would begin. His comments came after meeting Devlet Bahceli, head of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), who, a day earlier, had floated the prospect of early polls. The parliamentary and presidential polls had previously been slated for November 2019. Nationalist sentiment The call for an early election comes as nationalist sentiment is running high over Turkeys recent military operation in Syria that pushed Syrian Kurdish forces from a northern enclave. Erdogan said during the address that the new system needs to be implemented quickly in order to deal with a series of challenges, including Turkeys fight against Kurdish fighters in Syria and Iraq. Be it the cross-border operations in Syria, or incidents of historic importance centred in Syria and Iraq, they have made it imperative for Turkey to overcome uncertainties quickly, Erdogan said. Ankara has labelled the Syrian Kurdish fighters terrorists, saying they are affiliated with an outlawed Kurdish group fighting inside Turkey. Presidential system With the upcoming election, Turkey will switch from a parliamentary system to a presidential one that will increase the powers of the president. The system was changed in an April 2017 referendum that was narrowly won by the governments yes camp. The constitutional changes passed in the vote give the next president new powers to appoint vice presidents, ministers, high-level officials and senior judges. They also allow the president to dissolve parliament, issue executive decrees and impose states of emergency. Erdogan-Bahceli alliance The snap elections were called a day after Bahceli made a surprise call for elections in the summer. Bahceli argued that there is no point in prolonging this any longer, citing efforts by unnamed groups to foment chaos in Turkey. Erdogan needs a 51 percent majority to be re-elected in the first round of the presidential election. Earlier this year, his ruling Justice and Development Party (AK Party), reached an election alliance with Bahcelis MHP. State of emergency In a related development, Turkeys parliament voted on Wednesday to extend an ongoing state of emergency by another three months. The measure was declared after a failed coup attempt in July 2016. Parliament was widely expected to extend the measure for a seventh time despite calls at home and abroad for it to end. The European Union, which Ankara seeks to join, said in a report published on Tuesday that measures undertaken by Turkey under the almost two-year-old state of emergency have curtailed civil and political rights and called for its immediate lifting. In response, Turkish officials accused the bloc of bias and lacking empathy over the terror threat faced by the country. The government has asked parliament to extend the emergency decree, arguing that security threats from a movement led by US-based Muslim leader Fethullah Gulen, whom Turkey accuses of masterminding the coup, have not abated. It also cites Turkeys continued struggle against Kurdish rebels and other groups. Gulen has denied any ties to the failed coup. Prominent activist Ahmed Mansoor has been held for more than a year in solitary confinement without access to a lawyer. The trial of an Emirati human rights activist, who was arrested after falling foul of the countrys cybercrime laws, has started in the UAEs capital, Abu Dhabi. Ahmed Mansoor was arrested on March 20 last year after authorities accused him of using his social media accounts to publish false information and spread hatred and sectarianism. The blogger had voiced support for fellow activist Osama al-Najjar when Emirati officials did not release him after the completion of a three-year sentence for tweeting about human rights abuses in the UAE. {articleGUID} Mansoor is believed to have been held in solitary confinement and has received only two family visits since he was imprisoned. Human rights groups say that the father of four has also been denied access to legal counsel. According to Amnesty International, prior to his arrest, Mansoor faced repeated intimidation, harassment, physical assault, and death threats from the UAE authorities or their supporters. Officials had placed him under electronic surveillance since 2011 after his arrest for calling for reform in the UAE amid the Arab Spring protests. In 2015, Mansoor won the Martin Ennals award for human rights defenders for his work in the UAE. The awarding body described him as one of the few voices within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) who provides a credible independent assessment of human rights developments in the country. Joe Odell of the International Campaign for Freedom in the UAE told Al Jazeera that Mansoor should be afforded a fair trial that was monitored by international observers. His trial should not be conducted in secret. In accordance with international human rights legislation, Mansoor must receive a fair trial and public hearing by an independent and impartial judiciary, he said. Fundamentally we believe that he should not be standing trial in the first place. In reality, all that Ahmed is guilty of is raising awareness of the systematic human rights violations in his country. His continued detention only serves to further stifle freedom of expression in the UAE. We, therefore, reiterate our call for his immediate and unconditional release. Government orders immediate dismissal of more than 16,000 striking nurses who demand better pay. Bulawayo, Zimbabwe Defiant nurses in Zimbabwe have vowed to continue a nationwide strike, despite the government saying that they have all been sacked. The striking staff continued for a fifth day on Thursday, their labour action demanding better pay and improved working conditions. The walkout is seen as the biggest mass action facing Zimbabwes President Emmerson Mnangagwa since he took power after an army-led operation overthrew veteran ruler President Robert Mugabe in November 2017. On Tuesday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga issued a directive ordering the immediate dismissal of more than 16,000 striking staff, accusing them of politically motivated actions. Chiwenga, a former army general who led the anti-Mugabe military operation, said the sacked staff would be replaced by trained nurses and retirees. But the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZiNA) said they were undeterred. In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the union said its members had not received any letters terminating their services by the Health Services Board (HSB), the medical employer. It also said that it would take legal action if the HSB failed to confirm by Thursday at 4pm (14:00 GMT) that it would not act on Chiwengas mass dismissal order . [W]e shall approach the High Court on an urgent basis to protect our rights, the statement said. Simangaliso Mafa, president of ZiNA, told Al Jazeera that the government had acted in bad faith and their action was not procedural. We only heard about the firing on the television; the pronouncement was not communicated formally so we are currently engaging our stakeholders and we are following our procedures so we can interrogate the decision and act, he said in a telephone interview. Negotiations to pay outstanding allowances that date back to 2010 were under way and the Treasury had taken steps to release $17.1m for payment of arrears. However, ZiNA said the backdated allowances had nothing to do with the current dispute. Our grievances which relate to poor and dangerous working conditions which threaten our health and affects the discharge of our duties remain unaddressed, ZiNA said in a statement. Many of Zimbabwes nurses work in poorly-equipped government institutions where patients are required to supply basics such as gloves, cotton wool and methylated spirit. One of the early major successes of Mugabes era was to offer free primary healthcare in the 1980s. However, the consistent underfunding of the health sector saw the collapse of the scheme in the late 1990s when the economy began to decline. In a bid to revive the benefits of the past, Mnangagwa has followed suit by extending the provision to the elderly. However, health centres are inadequately funded and its workers poorly paid. The lowest paid nurses currently earn less than $300 a month, before allowances. They reportedly demand a raise on their night duty allowances from $0.70 to $70 an hour, and a review of their on-call allowances from $1,50 to $7,50 an hour. Enduring the worst The crisis has left patients, who have withstood bouts of labour action for months, feeling worried. Freshly discharged from Mpilo Hospital, Zimbabwes second largest health centre in Bulawayo, Siphiwe Mkhwananzi, 37, told Al Jazeera that she had been badly affected by the series of strikes by Zimbabwes health workers. Diagnosed with cervical cancer, Mkhwananzi has been in and out of the citys public hospitals since March, but to no avail. When I first came here, I was sent to UBH (United Bulawayo Hospitals), but they sent me to Mpilo for radiotherapy treatment. I saw a doctor for some time, but then the doctors went on strike and they discharged me with painkillers, she said. Yesterday, they re-admitted me because I was in a lot of pain, but all I had was one drip and some pain eeze [a painkiller]. Last night, I slept in pain because there were very few nurses in the ward so there was no one to give us any medication. They say its better for me to go home and I know without nurses there is really nothing for me here but now where will I get money for this list of pills I have to buy? she said. Mkhwananzi, an unemployed villager, hails from a remote village in Gwanda South near the South African border. A month after being referred to a hospital in the second city of Bulawayo, junior and middle doctors went on a month-long strike demanding salary increases and better working conditions. Solwayo Ngwenya, the clinical director of Mpilo Hospital, said the outpatient department and the centre was only handling emergencies, relying on non-striking staff to fill the gap. The hospital has been using skeletal staff to man critical departments. Patients from the outpatients unit have been inconvenienced as a result of the strike, but mortality [deaths] remain under control. Nurses not on strike are working overdrive to save lives, he said. Frustrated nation But the hospitals struggle to cope with the patient backlog has frustrated relatives of patients. Flatsa Mzima, an unemployed driver, told Al Jazeera, that his family took a decision to move their relative, Thandiwe, after six weeks of suffering from tuberculosis throughout Mpilos disgruntled workers actions. Its painful to see SisTha [Thandiwe] in so much, there is no one to attend to her at night, there are only student nurses but they cant give any medication. We cant rely on those nurses because they only work at night and during the day theres no one to bathe her or change her. The nurses have a duty to make sure patients get the right care, but there is no one here. How can we say we are a free country if we cant even get the support we need? A nurse cant be thinking of their own suffering while patients are dying. I cant blame them, but I blame government for this mess, he said. At UBH, emergency staff are on duty, but the wards are understaffed. Student Rachel Tembu, whose 72-year-old grandmother was admitted on Saturday, the day the labour action began, said the family hoped a solution would soon be found as the elderly woman required long-term care. We arent expecting her to come out any time soon, she has arthritis and her condition is complicated so we hope the staff can do their best to minimise the situation and return things to normal, she said. Follow Tendai on Twitter @i_amten Air Canada will be able to handle more COVID vaccines, lobsters and other perishable products after it builds out a There is a link between what Lucy Dawidowicz called the "war against the Jews" in Europe and its new front lines along Israel's borders. That link can be traced to antiquity. Anti-Semitism has been around as long as the Jews. Presciently, Balaam, the Moabite priest sent to curse Israel, remarked that "Israel is a nation that dwells apart" (Numbers 23:9). Josephus's "Against Apion" reveals that the ancient Romans held fantastic notions about the Jews. Anti-Semitism has always characterized Jewish life. It has over time adopted theological, racial, and political paradigms. There is the kind of anti-Semitism that is open and violent. Then there is a new, more subtle kind of anti-Semitism appearing to be humanitarian in outlook. It is expressed not as hatred of the Jew, but as concern for the human rights of those trying to murder Jews. This kind of anti-Semitism does not belong to skinheads, Klansmen, or Hamas. They hate openly. This kind of anti-Semitism is expressed not in violence, but in the charade of nonviolence. It is constructed upon a perverse interpretation of human rights in which the Jew as poisoner of the wells reappears as a human rights-violator. With European and American assistance, Palestinians created a romance of victimization and occupation. The theme of the "Palestinian" who suffers because of the Jews echoes the earlier and deeper motif of the "suffering servant," the one who suffered for our sins. Just as the Jews denied Christ, they deny the poor Palestinians their home. This kind of anti-Semitism is buttressed by Holocaust denial, the epitome of unreason. The claim is made that only Palestinians suffer but do not cause any suffering. In many ways it is consistent with the ersatz liberation theology that has alternately claimed that Jesus was black or Palestinian, but certainly not a Jew. Like any other delusion, anti-Semitism constitutes the victory of faith over reason. Thus, people speak of "occupation" in a territory in which not one Jew is allowed to live peacefully. The territorial expanse of Palestine was to be shared by Jews and Arabs. The fact is that over half the population of Jordan claim to be Palestinians. The fact is that Jordan's non-Palestinian ruler occupies more than 50% of territorial Palestine. The fact is that these truths are ignored by the activists shouting, "Free Palestine." The occupation, actually the consequence of the Jordanian war against Israel in 1967, has become a slogan. If we were to apply the scruples of moral philosophy, we may ponder whether those areas called Judea and Samaria are occupied or liberated. The "occupation" has become a dogma in the religion of the politically correct. And it is much easier to be guided by dogma than by the effort of critical thinking. Gordon Allport clarified how stereotypes lead to prejudiced attitudes. In a sense, a stereotype is a form of dogma a percept that cannot be challenged because it is an article of faith. As in any other mental process, dogma distorts reality. The fact that anti-Semitism is as much an element in the philosophy of the left as it is the right means that it attracts some sort of consensus within Western civilization. It is not simply a matter of bigotry or a biased opinion that can be challenged. It is a matter of faith. In this sense, it is no longer a Jewish problem. Modern anti-Semitism has assumed the language and style of political philosophy, but its power is derived from long repressed articles of faith. It was conceived when people desperately began to realize that their systems of salvation were defective that believing was not enough to make the world into the kingdom of Heaven. Excuses were passed off as explanations. But blaming others for one's weaknesses is more than a neurotic defense. The communists and the Germans employed the dogma but changed the liturgy. Ruth Wisse points out that anti-Semitism constitutes an attack upon liberal democracy and that the purpose of anti-Semitism is to draw attention from the weaknesses and failures of one's own ideology. Judaism taught repression and sublimation. It refused to deify man's needs and desires as the Greeks did. And it insisted upon responsibility rather than vicarious atonement. In a word, it condemned narcissism. Inasmuch as theology offers ultimate answers to the ultimate questions, it remained relevant even when religion was rejected. Both Nazism and communism like most other isms constitute a religious cult with a savior and a devil. And like most religious cults, they maintained the ancient Greek worldview of dualism. Just as there is matter and energy, there is good and evil. Without the Jew as an explanation of failure, the defeat of Germany, failure of communism, or the bondage of the Muslims, people would have to confront themselves. Anti-Semitism defends them against the self-doubt that accompanies intellectual honesty. It relies upon authoritarianism an unresolved obedience to a tyrannical father or ruler. Hence, whether the diktat emanates from Iran, from the intellectual tyranny of political correctness or from any other authoritarian cult, weak people find courage in hate. We cannot heal the heart of the anti-Semite. We cannot offer psychoanalysis to every Jew-hater. But we can address the etiology of anti-Semitism. As is often the case in illness, and anti-Semitism is a spiritual disease, there is a matter of secondary gain. Without the Jew, how would people explain their own failures? Before I am accused of sexism and invoking male privilege, let me stipulate that Patrice Comey and Jill McCabe, wives of the former FBI director and deputy director, respectively, would not put that designation in the box marked "occupation." They no doubt consider themselves liberal progressive political activists who, like their idol, Hillary Clinton, do not sit at home necessarily baking cookies for their husbands and families. Patrice Comey's name was invoked by husband James in the 20/20 interview with former Clinton sycophant George Stephanopoulos, who now plays a journalist on TV, supposedly to humanize Mr. Roboto a tad and to demonstrate his immunity from political pressures, even from his immediate family: Former FBI Director James Comey said his wife and most of his children supported Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, and later took part in the Women's March after President Trump's inauguration. "I didn't take a poll among all the kids, but I'm pretty sure that at least my four daughters, probably all five of my kids, wanted Hillary Clinton to be the first woman president," Comey said in an interview with ABC's George Stephanopoulos. "There was a lot of passion in this house for Hillary Clinton. And I I get that," he added. "But again, I hope it illustrates to people that I really wasn't making decisions based on political fortunes." Actually, it tends to illustrate precisely the opposite. Having been married 40 years, I can surmise that if at the end of that infamous press conference, had he not exonerated Hillary Clinton but instead recommended prosecution, he would not have been greeted when he got home with, "Hi, dear, and how was your day?" Rather, one can reasonably suppose that given her pro-Hillary activism, Comey was often asked by wife Patrice in the months prior, "Have you finished that exoneration memo yet?" As Andrew McCabe and wife Jill demonstrate, and even lovebirds Peter Strzok and Lisa Page demonstrate, relationships that conspire together stay together. In the interview, Comey confessed that he thought Hillary Clinton was going to win, and he didn't want to taint her presidency, demonstrating that he based legal decisions, even ones he wasn't entitled to make, on political considerations. Making an exoneration of a target of an investigation for political reasons is called "obstruction of justice." Excuse me for suggesting that the exoneration may have been incubated in the Comey household and was the subject of much proverbial pillow talk with an activist spouse: Former FBI Director James Comey's wife was a Hillary Clinton backer 'devastated' by her defeat and she even joined the informal resistance to Trump's stunning election. Patrice Failor Comey spells out her clear preference in the election many critics say her husband helped tilt in the same bombshell ABC interview where Comey talks about Trump's hair and skin tone and says he doesn't know if the president us under the sway of the Russians. 'I wanted a woman president really badly, and I supported Hillary Clinton,' she told ABC's George Stephanopoulos in a brief clip concluded in the prime-time piece on her husband's first interview since President Trump fired him. 'A lot of my friends worked for her. And I was devastated when she lost,' she added. As was husband James, apparently, declaring in the interview that unlike Hillary Clinton, whose felonies he forgave, he considered Donald Trump "morally unfit" to be president. Patrice Comey no doubt was expressing that shared viewpoint when she marched against Trump. Comey lived and breathed pro-Hillary and anti-Trump sentiment 2-/7, as did his deputy director, Andrew McCabe, another self-promoting narcissist and serial liar, who insisted that that photo of himself and his wife, Virginia state Senate candidate Jill McCabe, wearing matching campaign t-shirts, was merely for family and friends. Maybe friends like Virginia governor and friend of Hillary Terry McAuliffe, who funneled an unprecedented sum into Jill's campaign coffers as husband Andrew was being tasked with running the Hillary Clinton email investigation. McCabe did not disclose Democratic contributions to his wife's campaign in Virginia in financial disclosure forms, donations that raised early questions about both his integrity and objectivity. As Fox News Politics reported: The records, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, show FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe left the box blank for wife Dr. Jill McCabe's salary, as a doctor with Commonwealth Emergency Physicians. And there is no documentation of the hundreds of thousands of campaign funds she received in her unsuccessful 2015 Virginia state Senate race. As first reported by The Wall Street Journal, Clinton confidant and Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe urged McCabe's wife to run for statewide office shortly after news reports were published that Hillary Clinton used a private email server and address for all her government business while serving as secretary of State. For the reporting period of October through November 2015, McCabe's campaign filings show she received $467,500 from Common Good VA, a political action committee controlled by McAuliffe, as well as an additional $292,500 from a second Democratic PAC. Connect those dots, Democrats and others looking for Russians hiding under Republican beds. We have a deputy FBI director, Andrew McCabe, campaigning for his wife, who receives huge sums of money from the Democratic Party of Clinton political ally Terry McAuliffe. Both Comey and McCabe are serial leakers and liars who coincidentally have activist political wives bent on aiding the cause of Hillary Clinton and hurting Donald Trump. McCabe, like Comey, doth protest too much: McCabe, as Sen. Charles Grassley noted in a letter to Deputy A.G. Rod Rosenstein, used his FBI email to promote his wife's campaign: E-mail communications recently released by the FBI in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request show that Deputy Director Andrew McCabe may have violated the Hatch Act and corresponding Department regulations prohibiting political activity during his wife's 2015 campaign for the Virginia Senate. According to guidance from the DOJ's Departmental Ethics Office, under 5 C.F.R. 734.101-702, FBI employees are forbidden from "engag[ing] in political activity while on duty, in a federal facility, wearing a uniform or official insignia, or using a federally-owned or leased vehicle..." However, the e-mail communications released by the FBI show that Mr. McCabe did precisely that during his wife's Virginia Senate campaign. For instance, in an August 19, 2015, e-mail from his FBI e-mail account to an undisclosed recipient, he wrote: "Jill has been busy as hell since she decided to run for VA state senate (long story). Check her out on Facebook as Dr. Jill McCabe for Senate." In a November 1, 2015, e-mail from his same FBI email account to an FBI employee, Mr. McCabe wrote: "I am so proud of her. She will do a great job for VA if she gets elected." As Judicial Watch's Tom Fitton observed, there was no separation between Andrew McCabe and his wife's political campaign, another example of the corrupt conflicts of interest and anti-Trump animus of both McCabe and Comey: These new documents show that the FBI leadership was politicized and compromised in its handling of the Clinton email investigation[.] ... It [sic] well past time for a do-over on the Clinton emails that requires a new, honest criminal investigation of her misconduct. There is enough in the public domain to indict and prosecute both Andrew McCabe and James Comey, and while wives cannot be compelled to testify against their husbands, in some ways, they already have. They are their spouse's character witnesses, in ways perhaps they did not intend. Daniel John Sobieski is a freelance writer whose pieces have appeared in Investor's Business Daily, Human Events, Reason Magazine, and the Chicago Sun-Times among other publications. It's always interesting when two apparently unrelated elements of the political world collide to shed light on a third, also seemingly unrelated element. That's what happened last weekend during the missile strikes against Assad's nerve-gas network. For the past several months, speculation has been rampant in political and military circles concerning new superweapons developed by the Russian Federation, presumably for use against its Main Enemy, the U.S. Information on these systems did not emerge by accident or by means of intelligence efforts. It was intentionally released by the Russians themselves, for purposes that would not be immediately evident to anyone unfamiliar with recent Russian (which is to say "Soviet") history. On March 1st, Vladimir Putin, in a fiery address leading up to the March 18th presidential election, unveiled what he claimed to be a "nuclear-powered cruise missile" capable of staying in the air indefinitely and eluding any form of interception. The announcement was accompanied by footage purporting to show a test of the missile, along with animation of how it could dodge anti-missile defenses. (It's difficult to grasp what these "defenses" are supposed to consist of in the video, they appear to be balloons popping up out of nowhere in the middle of the Atlantic.) At the same time, Putin also "announced" (it had "accidently" been revealed earlier in a Russian military documentary) an independently-guided nuclear-armed torpedo drone that could spend months underwater before setting off a 100-megaton warhead in the waters off a port city. The city would then be inundated by a radioactive tsunami that would destroy everything to the suburbs and beyond. Obviously, a pair of weapons to make Dr. Strangelove get up and dance around the war room. (Putin also announced several other more conventional weapons.) The torpedo is known as either "Status 6" or "Kanyon," depending on the source. The cruise missile as yet has no name Putin jovially proposed that viewers send in their suggestions. Students of nuclear weaponry immediately recognized this pair as reboots of American concepts from the 1950s. A USAF nuclear-powered cruise missile program, variously known as Project Pluto or SLAM (Supersonic Low-Altitude Missile) was carried out from 1957 to 1964. Pluto was a design for a ramjet cruise missile powered by a 500-megawatt nuclear reactor with a range of up to 113,000 miles and a cruising speed of Mach 3 to 4.5 (2300 mph to 3450 mph). Pluto was to be a gigantic weapon, carrying up to several dozen H-bombs. After these were expended, it would roar across Russia at low altitude, its supersonic shock wave knocking down anything that remained, at the same time spewing out a highly radioactive exhaust. After several successful reactor tests, Pluto was canceled in July 1964 because it was a stupid idea. Any such weapon would show up in the area of operations hours after matters had already been decided, its only role to make the rubble bounce. Not even the contemporary Lord of the Nukes Gen. Curtis E. LeMay was interested in any such system. Status 6, on the other hand, is a cut-rate version of the "gigaton mine," which was dreamed up by J. Robert Oppenheimer in the early 1950s while he was trying to scare people out of making H-bombs. Gigaton mines were thousand-megaton nuclear devices (one billion in the U.S. system) which would be triggered either on coastlines, where they would cause the aforementioned tsunamis, or alternately in low earth orbit, where they could sterilize a continent from coast to coast. Any temptation to build these things was curtailed by the fiascos of the Castle Bravo (3/1/54) and Tsar Bomba (10/30/61) nuclear tests, in which design errors led to far greater yields than anticipated. The terrifying results discouraged efforts toward designing larger bombs and led eventually to the Atmospheric Test-Ban Treaty of 1963. Today nuclear weapons tend to be precision-guided low-yield devices that can be tuned to match a target. Regardless of their secondhand status, Putin's revelations led to the traditional weapons panic shrieking in the media, nervous press conferences from the military, and arm-waving from the nuclear "experts"all this despite the fact that it's unlikely that they actually exist. The cruise missile video? There are a number of problems with that little number: Putin's nuclear cruise missile is externally indistinguishable from the KH-55 family of conventionally-powered missiles, also known by the NATO designation AS-15 Kent. The Kent is a small missile, ranging in size from 19 to 24 feet in length, with a weight of 3,600 to 5,300 lbs. little more than a medium-sized truck. The missile shown in Putin's video is clearly about that size. The smallest nuclear reactor weighs about 1200 pounds and generates under 500 kilowatts of power not enough to power such a missile to the speeds claimed for it (compare this to Pluto's 500 MW). A reactor suitable for this task would be considerably larger and heavier, resulting in a missile quite a bit larger than the Kent. There was a reason why the Pluto was intended to be a monster. One of the things that killed Pluto was that it was impossible to test. Two methods exist for operating nuclear-powered jet engines direct and indirect fuel flow. In direct flow, the fuel runs straight into the reactor, where it is heated and blasted out the rear. Indirect flow features separate heat elements which heat up the fuel. In both cases, you end up with radioactive engine exhaustthe direct method is much higher, but both are dangerous. So Putin allowed such a missile to be tested over Russia? The rest of the world carefully monitors the atmosphere for unexplained radiation. Yet nobody detected anything associated with this missile. There's also the fact that it can't be safely landed. A crash would result in a reactor explosion similar to what happened at Chernobyl, if on a smaller scale. (This falsifies the CIA claim that the first test resulted in a crash. No nuclear accident, no crash.) The Pluto designers planned to drop the missile deep into the Pacific, where it would sit on the bottom emitting radioactivity for the next 20,000 years. Are the Russians admitting to a world-class environmental crime? Putin's nice movie shows the chase plane flying a few hundred yards behind the missile, where at any moment, a quick turn or sudden blast of wind could bathe the plane in radioactive exhaust. Finally, only a few establishing shots (like the one above) actually show the missile in flight. The rest is animation. Did the Russian cameras run out of film or what? So Russia has a nuclear-powered cruise missile, does it? Do tell, Vlad. Much the same could be said for the Kanyon drone. Observers have stated that it looks exactly like a scaled-up version of a standard Russian submarine torpedo not at all what you'd expect for the mission. There's also that "independently-guided" claim. From a country that has shown no capability in AI, cybernetics, or related disciplines? A country that was forced to steal all its computer technology during the Cold War, including U.S.-built PCs that were then put in locally made casings? This country has developed an AI-controlled, nuclear-armed underwater drone, you say? Really? We can also add that more recent work concerning nuclear explosion-generated waves reveal them as being a lot less destructive than has long been thought. Forget about tsunamis hundreds of feet high a nuke wave would be no worse than that of a bad storm. Russia has a long history of fakery where weapons are concerned. Consider the Myasishchev bombers. In the early 1950s, the Myasishchev design bureau (usually condensed to "Mya," even by Russian sources) was organized by the Soviets to challenge American dominance of strategic bomber design by Boeing and Convair. At a Soviet air show in July 1955, what appeared to be 28 of its first product, the Mya-4, appeared overhead, concentrating wonderfully the minds of Western observers. (It wasn't revealed until years later that the Russians flew the same formation over the field repeatedly.) A full panic ensued, which entered history as the infamous "bomber gap." The CIA, always on top of things, estimated that the USSR had something on the order of 800 Mya-4s. The U-2 program, just getting off the ground, was tasked to find and count all those bombers. After several sweeps of the USSR, U-2s found fifty Mya-4s, tucked away at a remote air base, with the snow depth on the runways suggesting that they hadn't flown in some time. Far from being a superweapon, the Mya-4 was underpowered, lacked the range to reach the U.S. and return, and was loathed by its pilots and crews. It never went into full production, and only a handful of the first fifty ever saw actual service. Three years later, in 1958, it was revealed that Myasishchev had brainstormed a new design, the Mya -50, which was both supersonic andwait for itatomic powered. Again, panic ensued in the West. In the event, the conventionally powered Mya-50 never went into production following the prototype, and the Soviets had to wait years for their first supersonic bomber. T he Marxist superweapon role was filled by the MiG-25 Foxbat late in the 1960s. Designed to take on the cancelled B-70 Valkyrie supersonic bomber, the MiG-25 was a fast interceptor though nowhere near as fast as people thought. Western intelligence mixed the plane up with the radar track of a high-altitude drone and announced that the Russians had a plane that could operate at nearly 3000 mph. When Russian pilot Viktor Belenko defected to Japan with his MiG-25 in September 1976, it was discovered that the plane could do one thing travel in a straight line very fast (though not at Mach 4). Its engineering was primitive, using no new alloys or manufacturing techniques, and its finicky engines tended to explode during flight. Much more could be said on this topic. In the late 50s, Chairman Nikita Khrushchev constantly asserted that the USSR was "turning out missiles like sausages," resulting in a you guessed it missile gap. And yet during the Cuban missile crisis of 1962, the Soviets had a grand total of 13 ICBMs on the pads. All these hoaxes were met with the same response in the West: open panic featuring hysteria, confusion, and defeatism. No matter how many times the trick was repeated, the same cries of doom were heard from people in positions to know better often the same people, over and over again. So how does Syria fit in? The attack on April 13th went up against a 21st-century Russian superweaponthe S-400 Triumf air-defense system, a mobile state-of-the-art anti-aircraft and missile network featuring four distinct missile types targeting aircraft in any performance envelope from treetop level to high altitude including stealth aircraft (at a range of 150 miles, yet). For a decade we have been assured by military analysts that the S-400 is a game-changer a system that could rend the heavens in twain and call into question the very concept of air power under battlefield conditions. And yet, last Friday, the epoch-making Triumf failed to let out so much as a peep as 105 cruise missiles trashed Bashar Assad's chemical warfare plants. Not a single SAM left the rack while the attack was proceeding. (The Syrians did fire over 40 missiles at nothing, but only after the attack was completed. This is standard behavior among Arab armed forces the Libyans and Iraqis did the same thing.) The Russians claim to have shot down over 70 of the attacking cruise missiles. How do we know this isn't true? First, because the targets were utterly destroyed, and second, because the French were involved. If the Russians had shot down any U.S. missiles at all we would be hearing from Paris that American "missiles de croisiere" are useless, and that's why we had to turn to the French, who invented the cruise missile in 1689. (This is scarcely an exaggeration Emmanuel Macron has gone on record to state that it was he, le president de la France, who persuaded Donald Trump to carry out the strike.) Some might argue that the new AGM-158 JASSM stealth missile foxed the S-400, but half the missiles launched were actually thirty-year-old BGM-109 Tomahawks, the equivalent of Colt Peacemakers as far as the world of missile development is concerned. If the mighty S-400 can't shoot down a thirty-year-old missile, what can it do? The question is rhetorical, since it's clear at this point that the S-400, along with the Myas, the nuclear drone, and the Kanyon, is simply another boogieman cooked up by the Russians to buffalo a gullible world, with the aid and assistance of various Western experts. As to whyduring the 50s, Khrushchev was facing intractable difficulties in ruling Russia, overseeing a national recovery from Stalinist terror while juggling the party, the military, and the KGB and attempting to reform the economy through his "Thaw" policies. Fairy tales concerning Myas and missiles, along with feigned belligerence, kept the world at arm's length while mollifying various hard liners. So why not go with it, particularly when the West was so easy to fool? Khrushchev managed to walk that tightrope for a decade before it snapped beneath him. His successors, Brezhnev and Kosygin, followed the same route, because they had no alternative. Neither does Vladimir Putin today. He has learned as they all learned, from czar to vozhd to chairman that you cannot rule a modern state as a medieval tyranny. All that you can do is remain one step ahead of chaos while faking out both your own people and the world as a whole. That explains Vlad and his Darth Vader weapons. Russia today is what it always was a Potemkin village hiding a nation in a state of suspended collapse. The sole thing keeping it up is brutality toward the ordinary Russian and threats against the rest of the world. This works only because the West allows to work doing favors for the vozhd of the moment for the sake of peace and quiet, throwing our hands up and wailing whenever he shakes a rubber doomsday machine in our direction, and consistently selling the Russian people short. That's the way it was during the communist epoch, and that's the way it is today. It's time we pulled up the curtain on it, the same way we pulled up the curtain on the S-400 last weekend. Three years ago, I took an Uber to SeaTac Airport. The driver was an older gentleman, very nice guy. (No, that's not ageist I'm an older gentleman.) He was an active birdwatcher, avid member of Audubon Society, does the Big Sit every year. I asked him what he thought of the shredding of birds, especially raptors, by windmills, and of the birds that burst into flames in midair at the Ivanpah Solar Power Facility in the Mojave. (Google is a major investor in Ivanpah, but it was made possible by free land from Uncle Sam as well as $1.6 billion in loans backed by Uncle Sam and grants from California taxpayers. There is a CBS story on the burnt birds colorfully called "streamers" by employees at the plant but no live footage; wouldn't want the folks at home seeing what their tax dollars are buying.) The driver looked at me blankly in the rearview. "I never heard of that." "You mean the Audubon Society has no position on it?" "This is the first I've heard of it." On the same trip, I asked another avid Seattle birder about the killed and maimed birds. She looked down and mumbled something about "greater good" and "global warming" and changed the subject. So she had heard of it, but AGW trumps dead birds. The Audubon Society is in cahoots with the Algorists to bring sporadic, expensive energy to the masses. Yet it's the left that claims that conservatives are easily led and easily scared. Do a Google search on "conservatives easily led" and glance at the summaries of articles from Vanity Fair, Wired, The Guardian... Editor's note: Ivanpah uses mirrors, not solar panels per se, to burn its birds. We regret the imprecision regarding the company's bird-frying methods and have changed this post's title accordingly. Henry Percy is the nom de guerre of a writer in Arizona. He may be reached at saler.50d[at]gmail.com. News that CIA director Mike Pompeo secretly flew to Pyongyang to meet with Kim Jong-un shortly after his nomination as secretary of state was leaked to the Washington Post yesterday. The timing could not be better for helping along Pompeo's prospects of confirmation. And the symbolism of the date for celebrating the Resurrection was not lost on the huge Christian communities of both Koreas. South Korea is a majority-Christian country, and even in officially atheist North Korea, Christianity's significance should not be underrated. During the awful period of Japanese occupation of Korea, Christianity was a major banner uniting Koreans in resistance, and it retains a flavor of righteousness that endures. The forthcoming negotiations are in no small part a psychological game, and these small symbolic issues matter more than most Americans understand. The Pompeo-Kim meeting was virtually confirmed by President Trump. Seated next to Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he spoke of "direct contacts at very high levels ... extremely high levels" and stated that "a lot of good things are happening." This is incredibly good news, though with North Korea's track record of broken promises and deception, President Trump's caution in adding, "We'll see what happens" is fully justified. The master showman Trump is already teasing the world audience by creating a mystery over where the first ever meeting between the heads of the United States and North Korea will take place, mentioning that there are five finalists (to use beauty pageant terminology which is perfectly appropriate, considering where the master showman cut his teeth on staging global televised events). Rising to the bait, speculation is hot and heavy domestically and overseas over which lucky capital will be crowned as the potential site of a summit that could, maybe just possibly, end the gravest threat to world peace (as President Obama reportedly told Trump in the limo ride to his inauguration) with the "Helsinki Accord," and maybe the "Singapore Accord," or possibly the "Ulaanbaatar Accord," among the five so far unnamed possibilities. Bloomberg went so far as to create a map of what it sees as the candidates. My money is on Ulaanbaatar for practical logistical reasons: Kim's heavily armored and reportedly very well stocked special train cars can reach the Mongolian capital within a reasonable amount of time. For reasons of security, he, like his father, is loath to fly anywhere because of the danger of being shot down. The fleet of Air Koryo, the North Korean Airline, does have a VIP-configured Ilyushin IL-62 that probably could reach European destinations nonstop with a light load, but this aircraft model was introduced in 1963, the era of the Boeing 707 and DC-8, and would make a terribly embarrassing racket at Geneva or Oslo airports, not to mention the safety issues of such an ancient airplane relying on parts from the Soviet era. The last IL-62 was manufactured in 1995. The most modern airplane in Air Koryo's fleet, the Tupolev TU-204, a Boeing 757 lookalike (a stubby version of Trump Force One), regularly flies from Pyongyang to Kuala Lumpur, so it could make it to potential Southeast Asian summit locations. As for the chances of success in getting North Korea to drop its longstanding nuclear push, I think the odds are improving. In Syria, Trump has demonstrated his willingness to attack, and the worthlessness of Russian air defense equipment bought by North Korea and Syria. Another factor in the equation that must be considered is that Kim Jong-un, unlike his father and grandfather, has actually lived in the West, having attended boarding school in Switzerland in his youth. He understands, as they could not, the material superiority of the West. He also grew up with the fall of the Soviet Union and the freeing of the Chinese market (if not politics), resulting in vast material progress for China. I suspect he understands that pursuing communism blindly is a dead end. The Chinese example shows how an opening to the West can be combined with maintenance of dictatorial political power in the hands of a Communist Party. This is where Trump's self-proclaimed deal-making skills could actually come to the fore. It would be foolish to predict a triumph from the forthcoming summit, but it would be almost equally foolish to dismiss the possibility of serious progress. Any promises the North Koreans might make would have to be accompanied by serious, frequent inspections that would virtually demand an opening of the country far beyond anything it has experienced since the founding of the N.K. state. That might just be possible, because the firewall cutting North Koreans off from the outside word already has crumbled thanks to DVD players, cell phones, and other devices that have made the poverty of the nation obvious to any North Korean inclined to look. The downsides of openness already are creeping into a formerly hermit-state dictatorship, while the benefits have not. Judicial Watch president Tom Fitton appeared Monday night on the Lou Dobbs show on Fox Business, and he was a deadly serious man. He said the proper constitutional remedy to the Deep State assault on the presidency is a blanket use of the pardon power, beginning with retired Army lieutenant general Michael Flynn. Every potential legal target of Special Counsel Robert Mueller should also be pardoned. The president doesn't have to fire anyone. He can simply take away legal jurisdiction through the exercise of his pardon power. As the Supreme Court stated in 1866, in Ex parte Garland, the presidential pardon power is "unlimited." "It extends to every offense known to the law, and may be exercised at any time after its commission." In other words, it may be pre-emptive. It's not just after conviction, but before any criminal prosecution has even begun. Most people think the pardon power is for acts of clemency: pardoning criminals who were wrongfully convicted or who have paid their debt to society. But its more important function is as a tool to serve the broader public interest. This was the precedent set by President Washington in 1795 when he pardoned two leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion who had been condemned to death as traitors. President Jefferson used this power to pardon all those convicted under the blatantly unconstitutional Alien and Sedition Acts. President Ford pardoned Nixon not as an act of clemency, but to save the country from a prolonged national nightmare. Most recently, President Carter pardoned 200,000 young Americans who had evaded the draft during the Vietnam War. In these cases, the exercise of the pardon power was in the higher national interest, above strictly legal considerations. The use of the pardon power is often highly unpopular and comes at a steep political cost. President Ford was roundly condemned for pardoning Nixon, and it cost him the presidency in the 1976 election. So it may be with President Trump, and he may well give up any hope of a second term if he uses this power. For all anyone knows, come November, it could cost the Republicans their majorities in Congress. In 1974, following the Nixon pardon, Republicans lost 49 seats in the House, giving the Democrats a veto-proof two-thirds majority. Democrats also picked up three Senate seats, giving them the 60 seats needed to overcome a filibuster. But Ford knew what he was doing. He said to hell with politics. Do right by your country. So it would be today. What's called the Deep State is a cabal of lawyers embedded in the Justice Department and the FBI. They are an extra-constitutional self-selected legal elite who believe they are the guardians of public virtue. They think of themselves as a fourth branch of government, assigned the task of policing the other three. They model themselves after the execrable J. Edgar Hoover, who used wiretaps to compromise and blackmail politicians. This made him invulnerable, and his example is what inspires the cabal. They want the kind of power he had. Tom Fitton of Judicial Watch says Representative Nunes should initiate impeachment proceedings against Rosenstein, FBI director Wray, and other Justice Department employees who are in contempt of Congress. As a matter of law, and the Constitution, he's absolutely right. And Devin Nunes, almost alone, has attempted to fulfill his duty as a congressional overseer of the Justice Department. But it will never happen, because Congress has abdicated its power of impeachment, along with most other duties imposed on it by the Constitution. Like a cunning beast of prey, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin can smell weakness, and it now emboldens him to challenge the United States in the Middle East. He thinks President Trump has been paralyzed by his political enemies, and he wants to exploit Trump's plight at our expense. This is why President Trump should use the pardon power as soon as possible. It is in the highest national interest. It sends a message to all our foreign foes. The Constitution is not a suicide pact. The Constitution offers the president the chance to disarm his domestic enemies and send a message of strength to those abroad who wish us ill. The pardons can be made pursuant to his duties as commander in chief. With every power granted by the Constitution comes a responsibility. President Trump swore to support this Constitution. He can do so through the use of the power the Constitution gives him. Donald J. Trump will not be judged by the New York Times or NBC News. He answers only to Congress, to the voters, and to history. Now is one of those times when all good men must come to the aid of their country. In a way, it pains me to say this. But God bless President Trump for , if nothing else, his enemies. Fritz Pettyjohn has a B.A. in political science from U.C. Berkeley, practiced law in Alaska for 44 years, and is a retired Alaska state senator. He blogs at ReaganProject.com. Image: Gage Skidmore via Flickr. Although Amazon and Best Buy are likely to be perceived as rivals the two companies have now announced a new partnership. Specifically, the two retailers have announced an agreement which will see a number of TV sets powered by Amazons Fire TV software becoming available in Best Buy stores in the US in the coming months, and in Canada before the end of the year. The first fruits of this partnership are set to arrive this summer with the release of a new TV set from Toshiba. The announcement also explains more models will follow with an expectation that at least ten HD and 4K TV sets branded as Fire TV Edition models from Insignia and Toshiba will have arrived in Best Buy stores before the end of the year. With these being Fire TV Edition models, the big selling point will therefore be the integration of Alexa along with the Fire TV OS in general. The press release highlights this point further by noting how these TV sets will uniquely see Alexa able to search for and comply with commands whether they are for the built-in streaming services or over-the-air (OTA) TV. This will be in addition to all the other smarts associated with Alexa, including the ability to control other smart products in the home. With the announcement also pointing out Alexa is already capable of making use of tens of thousands of skills and features. From Amazons perspective, this will give the online retailer an extra avenue to explore when it comes to offering customers the ability to experience its Fire TV software prior to a purchase, as these TV sets will be on show in stores and available for demonstration by Best Buy staff. From Best Buys perspective, the partnership seems to include an exclusivity on these products as they will only be available through Best Buy stores or the companys online storefront. While they will also be available directly from Amazon the announcement explains these models will also be available on Amazon through Best Buy marking the first time Best Buy will be listed as a third-party seller on Amazon, according to the announcement. Another benefit for Best Buy will be the opportunity to further increase sales of its own in-house branded items as Insignia devices are produced by Best Buy. The second developer preview of Android P is likely to ship with the ability to remember volume levels of individual Bluetooth devices, according to a new commit recently discovered in the repository of the Android Open Source Project. With the commit in question being merged with the main AOSP repository on Tuesday, the feature is likely to make its appearance with the new experimental build of Googles mobile operating system which is expected to debut no later than early May. As of the first developer preview of Android P, the omnipresent OS still keeps track of only a single volume level associated with Bluetooth devices the one that was set last. That state of affairs can occasionally lead to startled users who e.g. put on Bluetooth headphones and have their default volume level set at the level previously used by a wireless speaker. As is usually the case with upcoming Android features, per-device Bluetooth volume level management is already supported by a number of OEMs like Samsung whose Android implementations have been capable of accounting for multiple Bluetooth gadgets in such a manner for years now. While the relevant AOSP commit has now been merged, theres still a small chance that Google doesnt activate the functionality in the second developer preview of Android P and launches it at a later date or not at all. In the meantime, users whose smartphones dont support per-device Bluetooth volume level management natively can always resort to third-party apps that enable such capabilities. Android P debuts a wide variety of new additions and changes meant to refine Googles mobile OS even further, with its first developer preview being launched early last month. The second experimental version of the software is expected to be introduced at the next iteration of the Google I/O developer conference which is running from May 8 to May 10, with the OS then being scheduled to receive two more revisions before hitting the stable channel in the third quarter of the year, according to the official Android P roadmap Google revealed in March. Roman Catholic priests and others are reportedly being taught to perform exorcisms via cellphone in response to an increased demand for the services. Thats according to a new report from the New York Post, which suggests the practice may not be all that uncommon. In fact, its a method of exorcism which seems to have the full support of at least one Catholic Cardinal, Cardinal Ernest Simoni of Albania. Addressing around 200 participants in at least one crash course for the practice, the 89-year-old Cardinal is said to have explained that the use of a cellphone to expel demons from a person is actually very similar to how any other exorcism is performed. Simoni says the cell phone allows for the same discussion to happen as would happen in person. Once it is determined that an exorcism is needed, he simply reads the appropriate prayers in Latin. Presumably, that is done with the receiving phone or devices speakerphone turned on, although that wasnt specified. It goes without saying that the exorcism course included quite a bit of teaching beyond that particular use of a cellphone. Participants also learned how to differentiate between possession and mental illness, discussed various forms of witchcraft, and the proper steps to perform a more traditional exorcism. The course itself is said to be a response to an increased number of reported possessions. According to church representatives, though, that doesnt necessarily mean theres been an increase in demonic possessions. Instead, it seems the purpose is to increase the number of well-trained individuals who are available to make the abovementioned discernments. In particular, Simoni points to a need to first ensure that there isnt an underlying medical problem, although thats a step that he says really requires a doctor. Beyond that, the increase in demand does not mean that just anybody who completes the course is certified to perform an exorcism. According to the church, only those who are both priests and have the permission or a bishop or a license can technically perform the ritual. Other participants are only earning the right to participate alongside a Catholic priest who has met the proper conditions to perform an exorcism. In the meantime, this is at least an interesting new use of modern technology although it may be far more interesting to see how newer emergent technology might be used for similar purposes in the future. Chromecast has started showing Google Home voice tips to some users who are already posting about the results on reddit, as well as uploading screenshots of what the tips look like. Google already does an ok job of letting users know what kinds of things you can ask Google to do by voice, but these new tips showing up on the backdrops of Chromecast-connected TVs and monitors seem to be geared directly towards apps and services that you can use with Chromecast, meaning apps and services that can be streamed to the device. CBS All access for example is the official streaming TV service for the CBS network and the app allows you to watch various shows on your phone that are both available on CBS through cable and available exclusively in the app. Instead of opening the app and tapping the Chromecast button on your smartphone display, if you have a Google Home, Google Home Mini, or Google Home Max you can simply ask Google to stream your shows. To do this youll need to connect your CBS account to the device through the Google Home app, as is probably expected. According to the poster on reddit you dont need to necessarily have accounts with or use the services of the apps which are being promoted on the screen, as the user noted that they didnt have accounts with either CBS All Access or Viki. Its not clear how many different services users will see on these new backdrop Google Home tips but its likely that Google will end up promoting more than a few of the bigger services that work with both Chromecast and Google Home. The tips appear to be a test that Google is running on certain Chromecast devices as it doesnt seem to be available for all users and the tips look to be popping up at random. If this is just a test for the time being then Google may not end up rolling it out fully at all if the reception isnt positive enough from users, though its just as possible that Google could push things out on a wider scale as time goes on. Ankers PowerPort Wireless 10 is currently on sale today for just $20. This is thanks to a coupon available on the page (on Amazon) that will take $6 off of the regular price. Making this a great time to pick up a great wireless charger from Anker. The Anker PowerPort Wireless 10 is a Qi-enabled wireless charger, that does support fast wireless charging for Samsung smartphones. Unfortunately, it does not do the 7.5W for iPhones, but Samsung smartphones do get the 10W support here. So if you have a Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9 or Galaxy S9 Plus, youll be able to get fast wireless charging here. This wireless charger does have LED lights around it, so you can see when your phone is charging and also see when it is fully charged, so you can remove it from the charger. Its a pretty simple one to use. Now it does use a micro USB cable for charging, and unlike the newer models from Anker, it does not come with a Quick Charge 3.0 wall adapter. So you can plug it into another USB hub and still get enough power to charge stuff wirelessly. This is a great wireless charger, and perhaps the lowest price youll see on one that can do fast wireless charging. This item is also eligible for Amazon Primes free shipping. Which includes free two-day shipping, and pretty cheap (usually $3.99) next-day shipping if you need it extra fast. If you are not an Amazon Prime member yet, you can sign up for a free trial of Amazon Prime. Youll get 30 days free (if youre a student, you get 6 months), and then its $99/year (or $49/year for students). Prime members do get a whole lot more than just free shipping though, so be sure to check out the full benefits. Elizabeth Ann Pierce, former head of the Federal Communications Commissions Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, is facing up to twenty years in prison over her alleged involvement in a fraudulent investment fund worth over $250 million. Ms. Pierce was charged with wire fraud by federal prosecutors earlier this month and surrendered to FBI agents in New York last Thursday, The Wall Street Journal reports. Shes alleged to have forged contracts meant to convince various entities to support the dubious investment fund which was fraudulently promoted between May of 2015 and July of 2017. The FCC said Ms. Pierce resigned from her position on the BDAC in September, having thus chaired the committee for only five months. She was first picked to lead the body by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, with the goal of the unit being to advise on the regulators efforts to facilitate and ultimately accelerate broadband buildouts in the United States. Ms. Pierce previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of Anchorage, Alaska-based telecom firm Quintillion Networks where she resigned in August for what were formally deemed personal reasons. In a statement provided to Alaska Public Media, Quintillion External Relations VP Kristina Woolston said the network equipment manufacturer discovered evidence implicating Ms. Pierce in a potential fraud and reported the matter to federal authorities at some point last year, without clarifying whether the development occurred before or after her resignation, i.e. whether the departure was directly prompted by the findings. The body previously chaired by Ms. Pierce was repeatedly accused of taking too much input from the broadband industry its meant to help regulate since the current administration took office in early 2017, with the latest such criticism coming from FCC Commissioner Mignon Clyburn, one of the two Democrats on the commission. Mr. Pai himself is now said to be under an investigation over the Sinclair-Tribune merger led by FCC Inspector General David L. Hunt, also due to the implication that he took too much input on regulating industry consolidations from the industry itself. The investigation request was originally filed last November when Mr. Pais office referred to it as baseless. The Honor 10 will be announced in China tomorrow, and following a bunch of renders which Roland Quandt shared, the Honor 10s pricing has just surfaced in China. If the provided info is to be believed, well get three Honor 10 variants. The most affordable Honor 10 model is said to sport 4GB of RAM and 64GB of native storage, and it will cost 2,699 Yuan ($429). The middle-of-the-road model will arrive with 6GB of RAM and 64GB of storage with a 2,999 Yuan ($477) price tag, while the most expensive variant will include 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage, while it will cost 3,599 Yuan ($573). Along with the phones price tags, the source claims that the Honor 10 will become available for purchase in China on April 27, while it will arrive in various color variants. It is worth noting that the Honor 10 will launch in London on May 15, and that will be the global launch of the device. Now, last year, Honor introduced two variants of the Honor 9, one with 4GB of RAM, one with 6GB of RAM, and only the 4GB RAM variant was available in Europe, save for Italy where the 6GB RAM model was also available through some retailers. That indicates that the same could happen this year, though it would be nice if Honor gave its European consumers some options, and opted to release both 4GB and 6GB RAM variants officially via its HiHonor online store. The Honor 10 will arrive to China first, while Europe will be the second region this handset becomes available. In terms of the design, the Honor 10 will resemble the Huawei P20 quite a bit, it seems, it will be made out of metal and glass, and sport a front-facing fingerprint scanner. The phone will also come with a display notch, similar to the one on the P20. The Honor 10 will sport a 5.84-inch fullHD+ display, if TENAAs and Roland Quandts info is to be believed, while Huaweis Kirin 970 64-bit octa-core processor will fuel the phone. The Kirin 970 is Huaweis most powerful processor to date, and it comes with a dedicated NPU as well. The Honor 10 will ship with 24 and 16-megapixel or 24 and 20-megapixel cameras, depending on whether you want to believe info shared by TENAA or Mr. Quandt. A 24-megapixel camera will be included on the phones front side, while Android 8.1 Oreo will come pre-installed on the phone, along with Huaweis Emotion UI (EMUI) 8.1 skin. The Meizu 15 Plus is all set to become the companys newest flagship smartphone when it is officially announced on April 22, along with a couple of mid-rangers the Meizu 15 and Meizu 15 Lite. Recently, it visited popular benchmarking tool AnTuTu, revealing some of its core specifications. As per the new listing, the high-end phone will boast the Samsung Exynos 8895 SoC with the Mali-G71 GPU while running Android 7.0 Nougat. The handset will have 6GB of RAM and 64GB of flash storage, according to the same source. Contrary to the recent trend of using taller displays with an 18:9 aspect ratio, the Meizu 15 Plus will seemingly include a conventional 16:9 display, given its QHD resolution of 2,560 by 1,440 pixels. This is also evident in an older leak that revealed alleged hands-on photos of the Meizu 15 series. With this set of internals, the phone received a respectable synthetic score of 190,274 on AnTuTu. If this benchmark listing is anything to go by, Meizus upcoming flagship uses the same processor that Samsungs 2017 flagships the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy Note 8 came with. Though succeeded by the Exynos 9810 SoC found inside the Galaxy S9 series, the Exynos 8895 has proven to be a capable processor when it comes to providing flagship-class performance. However, at the end of the day, it comes down to how well Meizu optimizes its software to fully leverage the phones hardware. Speaking of the software, the Chinese brand has already confirmed that it will announce its Flyme 7 on April 22 along with the three Meizu 15-series devices. Skins like Flyme OS that bring some major navigation changes to the OS are generally preferred over stock Android in the Asian market. As for its SoC of choice, Meizu is the only third-party OEM that occasionally makes use of Samsungs chips, having most recently done so with the M6s which was announced in January with the Exynos 7872. Chinas telecom authority TENAA has already certified three Meizu 15 devices, disclosing their photos and specifications. At the lowest end of the lineup, the Meizu 15 Lite will feature an IPS display panel as opposed to an AMOLED one found on the standard Meizu 15, with both having an FHD resolution. Both the standard and Plus variants are supposed to include two cameras on their back with resolutions of 20 and 12 megapixels. Several leaks have suggested the devices will go on sale in China starting April 29, a week after their introduction. Russias internet and communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, has moved to expand the list of blocked IP addresses in connection with the ban order against Telegram, the embattled cloud-based instant messaging service thats currently being censored in Russia for refusing to turn over its encryption keys to state authorities. According to a new report from ZDNet, Roskomnadzor ordered the internet service providers in the country to block millions of Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud IP addresses to which Telegram recently migrated its services in an attempt to keep them working for customers. Recent reports indicate that the number of blocked IP addresses belonging to AWS and Google Cloud has reached 1.8 million, with regulators claiming that the court order goes beyond the censoring agencys blacklist to include other services such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and proxy services that Telegram could resort to in an attempt to bypass the censorship. Russias far-reaching ban on Telegram stems from the services failure to comply with a request from Russias Federal Security Service (FSB) last year for its encryption keys, which the agency considered important as a part of efforts to crack down on criminal and terrorism-related activities in the country. The FSB claimed last June that Telegram might have been used as a tool in the planning and execution of a suicide bombing that took place in April 2017, leaving 15 people dead. As a result of non-compliance, Roskomnadzor sued Telegram before a Moscow district court last year after Telegram missed the deadline to submit the secure keys on April 4, 2017. It is understood, however, that Russias legal action against Telegram was part of a broader effort to have the data of citizens, which are stored in Russian data centers, handed over to authorities in the country upon government request. Theres also a new legislation in the country that will make it unlawful for any messaging or communication service to allow for anonymous use. Telegram has been founded in the United States, though it has become more popular in Russia, where both the citizens and some government officials are using the app for communication. The service has grown over the course of time, having hit a user base of 200 million monthly active users as of March this year. Samsungs Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are now able to turn you into Donald Duck using augmented reality, with the feature in question coming in the form of a sticker update for AR Emoji. The Donald Duck mask is being pushed out to owners of the newly released flagships as part of Samsungs recently announced partnership with Disney that already saw AR Emoji receive Mickey and Minnie Mouse stickers last month. Donalds AR character arrived to the Galaxy S9 series without his significant other, with Samsung and Disney so far not mentioning Daisy Duck in any capacity. What they did mention were characters from Zootopia, The Incredibles, Frozen, and a number of other Disney properties, all of which are set to be included to AR Emojis portfolio over the course of this year as a result of the same collaboration. The new Donald Duck sticker can be obtained by downloading the Mickey Mouse & Friends AR Emoji app from the Galaxy Apps store or updating it to the latest version in case you already installed it. The simplest way to do so is tapping the plus icon in the bottom right corner of the AR Emoji interface of the default Camera app which will recommend you sticker packages to download, with the one featuring Disney characters still being the first on that list of suggestions. The sticker package depends on AR Emoji and is hence exclusive to the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus, though Samsung may still bring the technically hardware-agnostic service to its other devices. The technology behind AR Emoji has been created by Loom.ai, a San Francisco, California-based startup co-founded by an Oscar winner and another Hollywood veteran, both of whom are predicting an AR-dominated future wherein everyone is a Jedi hologram, the duo revealed in a recent interview with AndroidHeadlines. The feature itself has been met with a mixed response from consumers as its relatively basic in nature compared to something like Apples Animoji supported by the iPhone X, though Loom.ai says its platform can also utilize 3D cameras in a comparable manner and is hence presently limited in what it can accomplish by its hardware, i.e. the fact that the Galaxy S9 series features a conventional front-facing imaging sensor. With recent reports indicating the Galaxy S10 will include one such depth-sensing solution, AR Emoji are likely to be significantly improved next year, provided Samsung opts to extend its technology licensing agreement with Loom.ai. Samsung Pay has now added support for Royal Bank of Canadas debit and credit cards. It also supports the banks mobile payment system. So those that use Royal Bank of Canada or RBC, for their banking needs, can now use Samsung Pay. RBC customers will be able to add their cards to Samsung Pay beginning today, theres no updated needed to the app to get started. With Samsung Pay, users are able to pay with their smartphone at a ton of different merchants. Most merchants support Samsung Pay, even more than Apple Pay and Google Pay. The reason behind that is the fact that Samsung uses MST for making payments, in addition to NFC. MST or Magnetic Secure Transmission, allows you to pay using the magnetic strip reader, that already reads regular credit and debit cards. Which means that virtually every point of sale system works with Samsung Pay. Thats definitely a good thing, and a great way to get more people using Samsung Pay. Its a great mobile payment system that has been adopted at a faster pace than other mobile payment systems, and the main reason is because of how compatible it is with other merchants. Samsung Pay does only support Samsung smartphones right now. That includes the Galaxy S6, Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge Plus, Galaxy Note 5, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8 Plus, Galaxy Note 8, Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9 Plus, and Galaxy A8. So for the most part, it works with flagship smartphones from Samsung. Now Samsung Pay also works on the web, so its not just physical merchants, but also some websites. And you can also store your loyalty cards in Samsung Pay, to use at different stores. For example, if you have a Walgreens loyalty card, you can simply tap your phone on the terminal and scan that loyalty card and pay at the same time. Thus expediting the checking out experience at the store. A group of Detroit marchers protesting as part of todays Tax March 2018 in Washington D.C. called out AT&T over the layoffs it conducted late last year, with the wireless carriers former call center employee Merle Milton asserting the company broke its promise to create 7,000 new jobs if the GOP successfully passed its now-enacted tax plan. The move that already resulted in one labor union lawsuit is being described by the protestors as a broken promise and the firms latest attempt to outsource its workforce while eliminating good, middle-class jobs. The protestors are accusing AT&T of devastating families and communities across America, having called for the company to stop divesting its stateside operations and cutting operating costs by refocusing its assets on overseas contractors. Dont believe the unions rhetoric; what they consistently fail to point out is that we have chosen to hire nearly 87,000 people in the U.S. in the last three years, including over 52,000 union-represented employees, AT&T spokesman Marty Richter told AndroidHeadlines in an emailed statement. Just over a year ago, AT&T Chief Executive Officer Randall Stephenson said the tax cut may spur more investment in the industry but the companys latest financial report shows limited movement on that front, as do those from its rivals, some of whom previously expressed similar sentiments. Besides hurting American workers, the protestors believe AT&Ts cost-cutting efforts are also jeopardizing its long-term success, describing their overseas replacements as undertrained. The protest is also meant to put pressure on AT&T Midwest and its Legacy T unit that are presently negotiating with Communications Workers of America over new employment contracts after the old ones expired on Saturday, with the employees in question now threatening to strike if no progress is soon made at the negotiating table. Last year alone, we hired over 17,000 people in the U.S., including over 14,000 hired into union-represented jobs, and were currently looking to fill over 4,200 more jobs, including over 1,500 union-represented jobs; these are solid careers with competitive pay and great benefits, Mr. Richter argues. AT&T previously committed to investing $1 billion into the United States over 2018 if the now-enacted tax bill was passed but never clarified how much it would invest if it wasnt. The company paid cash bonuses to some 200,000 employees earlier this year, describing the move as a direct benefit of the bill in question. With tax reform in mind, the Company [AT&T] made $200 million in bonus payments to our frontline employees, an $800 million funding of our employee and retiree medical trust, and a nearly $100 million funding of our AT&T charitable foundation, Mr. Richter said, clarifying that none of those commitments were directly related to the aforementioned $1 billion figure thats meant to be a separate investment. The unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 bearing the model number SM-G960F is now receiving a new software update introducing the second security patch to the device, pushing its security level to April 1, 2018. The update carries the build number G960FXXS1ARD1, weighs only a little over 60MB, and doesnt seem to add any new features or fixes beyond improved security. The OS version remains unchanged on Android 8.0 Oreo and no new additions have been observed in Samsung Experience itself. This is the third software update to arrive on the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9, with the OEM having already improved the stability of the Camera and Face unlock feature with the first firmware update, and further improving call stability as well as the quality of wallpapers with the second software update launched on March 28. This is also the second software update for the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 to include a new security patch, with the device having already made the jump to the March security level shortly after it was released. Earlier this week, there have been reports suggesting that T-Mobiles variant in the United States may have also received a March 2018 Android security update, though this wasnt made entirely clear by the carrier who later only disclosed the release of the April patch, but regardless, Qualcomm-based models launched in North America and the US through partner carriers or otherwise seem to be lagging behind with security updates save for those on T-Mobiles network, reportedly due to additional approval processes being required. Meanwhile, the international model featuring Samsungs own Exynos chipset solution appears to enjoy timelier releases. As usual, readers who own the unlocked Samsung Galaxy S9 bearing the model number SM-G960F should be greeted with an update notification in the coming days, assuming they havent received it already. The update began rolling out yesterday and since it will be distributed in phases, it may take up to several weeks for every eligible unit in the wild to make the jump to the latest security patch. Users can also attempt to trigger the update process manually from the Software Update section found within their phones Settings app, but regardless of how the update will be applied, its highly advised to download it while the smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network and after ensuring that its battery is fully charged. ZTEs license to pre-install Googles Android operating system on its mobile devices is in danger after the United States Department of Commerce moved to cut the supply of all hardware and software products to the company from U.S. firms for seven years. The decision comes amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China over trade relations and is likely to prevent ZTE from releasing new Android smartphones stateside for the time being. More to the point, the Department of Commerces decision to sanction the Chinese smartphone and telecom equipment manufacturer stemmed from the companys recent imports to Iran, which broke Washingtons trade sanctions imposed on the Asian country. ZTE was fined $890 million last year as part of a settlement it reached with the United States Department of Justice and the Office of Foreign Assets Control over the Iran sanctions. Following that penalty, U.S. companies are now being prohibited from selling their products to ZTE as part of a new sanction against Chinese firm which hasnt complied with the terms and conditions stipulated in its 2017 settlement. Previously, ZTE agreed to remove four senior officials from their positions and impose disciplinary actions against 35 others, though the Department of Commerce discovered last month that the company did not carry out the latter. U.S. regulators are now also seeking to prevent ZTEs products from being purchased by any government agency with two bills currently making their way through both chambers of the Congress. Ajit Pai, chairman of the United States Federal Communications Commission, recently proposed new legislative measures against equipment with the potential to endanger U.S. national security interests which are set to be finalized in 2018. In essence, the government official is seeking to prevent the FCCs $8.5 billion Universal Service Fund from being used for the purchase of products and services from companies or states that the U.S. government considers to be a threat to the countrys national security in any shape or form, including telecom suppliers such as ZTE and Huawei. Catalan Foreign Affairs minister"Being in prison is never good, but an ordinary person, with a sense of justice, can endure it and come out stronger and more convinced. You have to lose your fear. You'll go through periods of discouragement and depression. It's possible, or even probable, that some days you'll cry from grief. But don't worry, it's completely normal." I received these reflections, along with a list of ten tips, the first time I was called to testify last November. They came from Pepe Beunza, the first political (not religious) conscientious objector to have ever been imprisoned in Spain. Pepe Beunza was sent to prison in 1971 and he remained there for over two years. He did it as a means of protest. Today nobody doubts that if thousands of objectors over the years collapsed the system, eventually bringing about the end of compulsory draft in Spain, it is largely due to his decision (and that of others) to go to prison. I will always feel indebted to him. Pepe was a teacher in the Torre Marimon School, in Caldes de Montbui, where my father was the Principal and where, in fact, we lived. He introduced me to the world of pacifism and the defense of human rights. Under his mentorship, I became a conscientious objector myself and started on a path that I have never abandoned, in favor of peace, democracy, and freedom. Twisting the criminal code to repress political views is not acceptable When I received his message, some of my colleagues in the Catalan government and I were considering how best to face the scenario, well aware that the Spanish government would take things to their final consequences. I don't believe that what we did can be considered a criminal act, and I am willing to stand by it whenever and wherever necessary. But it is largely due to Pepe that I didn't hesitate to make the decision. Yes, prison could and, in fact, had to play a part in our peaceful and democratic struggle. Pepe Beunza went to prison in order to expose the weaknesses of a State that had already begun to show signs of the fragility of a moribund regime. In the same way, our imprisonment must serve to shine a light on the weakness of a failed democratic project and a country with important legal, and especially political, shortcomings. You were right, Pepe, things are not good here. It is sad and discouraging, living far from your family and friends, and every time that they have to travel more than 1,400 km to see you, it is very hard. But don't be sorry, our prison terms are exposing the direction that the judicial response to the Catalan question is taking, which is in no way that which a healthy democracy should take. On the contrary, this response undermines the very principles that underpin democracy, with the danger of bringing it to the brink of collapse. This journey will be long and hard. Rebellion, sedition, coup d'etat, violence, terrorism... we can feel how institutional impunity is expanding and how part of the media, police, and judicial system are protecting it. We also feel the loneliness, and how a significant part of society is still willing to stay silent and look the other way. But in these times we are also feeling solidarity, commitment, and empathy, and we have learned many things. Among these things are not to hide, not to renounce dialogue, and to instead condemn injustice, persevere, and overcome our difficulties. On this road, prison must be an instrument to show everyone who believes in democracy that twisting the criminal code to repress political views is not acceptable, that political ideas cannot be fought by judicial coercion or the violation of rights and freedoms, and that avoiding politics and opting instead for repression will never solve anything. When the people called to safeguard justice conclude that the ends justify any means, the responsibility to confront this oppression falls on all who believe in democracy. And, as Pepe taught me, my imprisonment, our imprisonment, must serve to encourage them to lose their fear of condemning what is wrong, and to never accept these excesses and the dangers that they entail. At Tuesdays joint meeting between city of Aspen and Pitkin County officials, the idea was to put less on the agenda and talk more, said Mayor Steve Skadron. The informal chat included discussion of regionalism. The international spread of this years new partners is testament to our continued investment in a global offering which has proved so compelling to clients, commented managing partner Andrew Ballheimer. I would like to congratulate each of the candidates on their achievement and welcome them to the partnership. Clyde & Co strengthens cybersecurity capabilities in Sydney John Moran has joined Clyde & Co in Sydney as a partner, complementing the firms insurance footprint in Australia with a practice focusing on cybersecurity and IT liability, professional indemnity, financial institutions and directors & officers. Johns specialisms led to him leading the establishment of the data breach incident response team at his former firm, Norton Rose Fulbright, where he made partner in 2016. He is admitted to practice in New South Wales, Ireland, and England & Wales; and moved to Australia in 2012 having practiced in Dublin and London. These lawyers could become extinct warns Law Society A crisis is looming in the UKs criminal justice system as young lawyers shun state-funded criminal defence work. The number of criminal defence lawyers has been highlighted by the Law Society of England & Wales, which says that these lawyers risk extinction. The justice system is facing a cliff edge scenario; criminal duty solicitors are part of an increasingly ageing profession, and government cuts mean there are not enough young lawyers entering the field of criminal defence work, said Law Society president Joe Egan. The encounter set the two 63s apart in as many ways as possible, whether we're talking about the black and white theme of the race or the genders of the drivers.We'll remind you that both the SL63 and the S63 Coupe are animated by a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 delivering 585 ponies and a monstrous 900 Nm of torque. Nevertheless, the roadster easily dominates the coup in terms of the power-to-weight ratio, since the first comes with 3.3 kg/hp, while the second burdens each of its horses with 3.8 kilograms.However, the fixed-roof model comes with all-paw hardware, which should allow it to leave the open-air machine behind during the takeoff phase of the race. Unfortunately, the driver of the S63 Coupe didn't quite seem up to the task.Oh, and in case you're wondering why the numbers are missing, we have to mention that the velocity gathering hosting this battle didn't include timing equipment.The racing action you see here comes from a recent velocity gathering dubbed Sprint Event (check out the decal on the windshield of the SL63), this was held on an airfield in Weeze.And if the location sounds familiar, it could be because we've recently shown you two other drag battles coming from the said event.While both involved the latest Lamborghini models, the first saw an Aventador S duking it out with a Porsche 911 GT3 RS PDK (the 991.1 version) - with the two machines being animated by naturally aspirated mills, the soundtrack of the fight is just as impressive as its visual side.As for the second straight-line battle, this involved the Huracan Performante, which duked it out with a Nissan GT-R Nismo. The two 'Vettes met at the Cecil County Dragway in Maryland, but before talking about the 1,320 feet numbers they delivered, we need to drop some details.First of all, the 2019 ZR1 was at its first drag strip adventure - we're talking about a manual car with the small rear wing.Secondly, the C6 ZR1 we have here features respectable mods, as we're dealing with heads and cam, along with a generous tune (the machine also packs nitrous, but didn't use this during the run). As such, the Chevy packs 880 horses at the rear wheels, which means its crank output sits at around 950 ponies.Given the performance gap between the two, the guy behind the wheel of the C6 gave his opponent a head start, but the C7 driver didn't make the most out of it, which is fine, given the early adventure.Thus, the 2019 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 delivered an 11.52s run at 123 MPH, while the ex-gen beast completed the task in 10.16 seconds at 148 mph.Now, if the C7 had hit its official drag strip might, the race would've been closer - according to Chevrolet, the 2019 ZR1 can play the 1/4-mile game in 10.6 seconds, with its trap speed sitting at 134 mph.There's no reason to fret though, as we'll return with sharper C7-generation ZR1 runs as more owners of the 755 hp beast hit drag strips from across the country.Meanwhile, we'll remind you that the supercharged V8 beast has reached 190 mph during the Texas Mile event, albeit with the feat having been delivered by a ZTK Package model that had seen its huge rear wing being removed.Here's the Corvette ZR1 we have here duking it out with a modded C6 Z06 and a McLaren 570S on the street. SUV To be more precise, Aston Martin is replacing its flagship front-engined V12 Vanquish, with the automaker's new super-GT receiving the DBS Superleggera nameplate.Keep in mind that the Superleggera moniker, which means "super-light" in Italian and has more recently been used by Lamborghini for the Gallardo, is a tribute to Aston's collaboration with Touring Superleggera.Sitting above the new DB11, the DBS Superleggera will share the first's new 5.2-liter V12, albeit packing a superior tune, one that could take the twin-turbo engine past the 700 hp border.When you hear the name DBS Superleggera, you know what it is. Its the definitive Aston Martin Super GT. Its an icon, a statement and this one will be no different. Weve pushed the boundaries of performance and design to give this car a distinct character and ensure its worthy of the heritage and weight that this name carries, Aston Martin Chief Creative Officer said.Aston Martin mentioned that the newcomer will land in June and dropped the teaser image you can see above, along with the teaser video at the bottom of the page.As for the future of the Vanquish nameplate, this will migrate to Aston Martin's upcoming mid-engined supercar, which is set to debut in 2021 and battle machines like the Ferrari 488, the Lamborghini Huracan and the McLaren 720S.The British carmaker is also working on the Rapide AMR. Set to become the world's fastest sedan, the machine was recently spied on the Nurburgring.The company's plan also includes the DBX , its first venture into the crossover realm. Electrification is obviously on the table, with Aston preparing an all-electric Lagonda sedan and- the first will land in 2021, while the latter should come by 2023. Officially announcing that @SpaceX will start production development of the Big Falcon Rocket in the @PortofLA! This vehicle holds the promise of taking humanity deeper into the cosmos than ever before. #SOTC2018 pic.twitter.com/2TtGy9NERX Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) 16 aprilie 2018 The Port of Los Angeles is the location where SpaceX will begin building the Saturn V-comparable rocket, said on Monday the citys mayor, Eric Garcetti. According to the Los Angels Times , SpaceX and the Port of L.A. had been negotiating a deal for over a month.Officially announcing that SpaceX will start production development of the Big Falcon Rocket in the PortofLA! This vehicle holds the promise of taking humanity deeper into the cosmos than ever before, said the Mayor.There are no details available on when construction of the new Musk idea will commence.At the beginning of the month, Elon Musk posted on Instagram a photo showing the main body tool for the BFR, the template using which parts of the BRF assembly will be constructed.The BFR will be a booster-ship complex built, at first, for the transportation of both cargo and personnel to the International Space Station. The 58 meters long (190 feet) booster will, of course, be reusable, as will be the 48 meters long (157 feet) ship.Additionally, the BFR might also be used for long-distance travel between cities on Earth on a balistic trajectory. This way, the BFR is supposed to be able to significantly reduce travel times: a trip (2,485 miles) from Los Angeles to New York would take only 25 minutes instead of the current five and a half hours.But the most exciting application for the BFR will be the use of it as transport for Moon and Mars missions. For these missions, the BFR ship can be configured to have 40 cabins for crew, central storage for supplies and a galley. At the beginning of the top speed run , the car shows 100 kilometers (62 miles) of range left. But accelerating from just under 100 km/h to 228 km/h took its toll on the range, with the Model 3 Long Range showing 83 km left.Something else thats interesting about this video is the sound that makes its way into car at this sort of velocity. Tire roar is easily noticeable, seconded by wind noise from the side mirrors and rubber seals. But surprisingly enough, the two men in the vehicle dont need to raise their voices to understand each other at 228 km/h.This video isnt unique considering that other people have managed to bring up the Model 3 Long Range to that speed, down to the very last digit. You could even say that Tesla is consistent about this sort of stuff, which is something that we cant tell about the ongoing production hell Tesla goes through because of the Model 3.Theres more performance to be squeezed out of the Model 3, with the dual-motor option coming probably in July according to the overpromising Elon Musk, with first deliveries slated for late 2018. Regarding the Performance option, chances are the fastest Model 3 on the lot will roll out after the dual-motor starts production at the Fremont facility in California.Classified as a mid-size sedan in the U.S. and compact executive sedan (D-segment) in Europe, the Model 3 starts at $35,000 before incentives. Those who place an order today can expect their vehicle to be delivered in 12 to 18 months.Tesla expects to deliver the first units of the Model 3 Standard Battery in late 2018. The dual-motor configuration will be available with both battery options, and as per the automakers website, the range doesnt differ from the rear-wheel-drive models (220 and 310 miles, respectively). Tammie Jo Shults with husband and fellow Southwest pilot Dean Shults. Image: Kevin Garber/MidAmerica Nazarene University Southwest Airlines captain Tammie Jo Shults, 56, is being hailed as a hero for her deft and calm handling of an uncontained engine failure that damaged her Boeing 737 and claimed the life of passenger Jennifer Riordan on Tuesday. Throughout the emergency, Shults communications remained clear and direct as she diverted the plane to Philadelphia, worked out an approach plan with ATC and made sure emergency vehicles and medical transport were standing by. A former U.S. Navy pilot, Shults flew F/A-18 Hornets with VAQ-34, a tactical electronic warfare squadron based in Point Mugu, California. She also served as an instructor on both the Hornet and the EA-6B Prowler. Shults joined the Navy after graduating from MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, in 1983 with a degree in biology and agribusiness. According to a statement issued by the U.S. Navy, Lt. Commander Shults was among the first cohort of women pilots to transition to tactical aircraft. Southwest has not yet released a statement naming the pilot in command of Flight 1380. Shults was identified by passengers onboard the flight and by photos taken on the plane. Though each airline has their own proprietary checklists and quick reference handbook (QRH) for abnormal procedures, generally speaking, in the event of a rapid, uncontrollable cabin depressurization at altitude, the captain takes the controls, both pilots put on their oxygen masks, turn the passenger oxygen switch on and begin an emergency descent to a safe altitude (10,000 feet or the lowest safe altitude above that). Typically, the pilot monitoring talks to ATC during that phase. When thats done, the pilot flying takes over the coms while the other checks in with the cabin crew. For engine failures, common procedure is to disengage the autopilot, determine the source of the shutdown (fire, physical damage, etc.), either restart the engine (if safe and possible) or shut it down properly, and land the aircraft as soon as practical. As can be heard in recordings of ATC audio from the Southwest emergency, speed is adjusted as needed to mitigate any vibration or other issues caused by structural damage. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, a lead co-sponsor of key legislation on prison reform, bailed on a meeting with Jared Kushner, according to an aide familiar with the situation. Why it matters: Kushner was coming to the Hill to lend White House support to a bill co-sponsored by Jeffries and Republican Doug Collins. Overhauling prison reform is a rare issue that finds support in parts of both parties on Capitol Hill and from the Trump administration. Jeffries bailed on the meeting because he believes changes made to the bill mean it doesn't go far enough in offering protections to incarcerated women, and unnecessarily expands concealed carry rights, the aide said. He also cancelled because he hadn't had adequate time to fully review the latest version. An administration official said they're aware of the concerns and hope to talk tomorrow. Go deeper: White House makes first legislative move on prison reform Last week, the Financial Times reported that the Trump administration will support a $13-billion capital increase to the World Bank. The announcement is expected to be made at the World Bank's spring meetings with the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C., later this week. Why it matters: The spending increase is good news for the world's lowest-income countries, and marks an unexpected turn from the Trump administrations isolationist agenda. The increase will be split two ways: $7.5 billion to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which provides long-term, low-interest loans to developing countries to support projects ranging from government institutions to critical infrastructure; and $5.5 billion to the International Finance Corporation, which lends to the private sector in those countries. While not guaranteed, the capital increase is expected to lead to an increase in low-interest lending to the world's poorest countries, 39 of which are in Africa, and fewer loans, possibly with stricter terms, for middle-income countries such as China. In return, China will see its share in the Bank rise from 4.68 %to 6% (the U.S. has a 16% share, making it the largest shareholder). The increase might also be used to fund grants and more generous loans to African countries, which are at risk of being highly indebted. The bottom line: Investment in strengthening systems and providing basic public services, such as health care and education, is driven by governments and not particularly attractive to the private sector. For that reason, this deal could be a boon to poor, fragile and post-conflict countries, where the share of people living in extreme poverty is poised to rise to 60% by 2030. Tanvi Nagpal is acting director of the International Development Program and practitioner in residence at Johns Hopkins SAIS. President Trump contradicted his own comments from last year on the role that the Russia investigation played in the firing of former FBI director James Comey in a Wednesday tweet: A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Flashback: In May 2017, Trump told NBC's Lester Holt about his decision to fire Comey: "In fact, when I decided to just do it I said to myself, 'you know, this Russia thing with Trump and Russia is a made up story. It's an excuse by the Democrats for having lost an election that they should have won.'" President Trump confirmed the Washington Post's report that CIA Director Mike Pompeo took a secret trip to North Korea to meet its reclusive leader Kim Jong-un in a morning tweet. (One discrepancy: The Post said the trip took place over Easter weekend, while Trump said it happened last week.) A tweet previously embedded here has been deleted or was tweeted from an account that has been suspended or deleted. Go deeper: How Trump and Kim went from threats to invitations. The secret early April visit to Pyongyang by Mike Pompeo, the CIA Director and Secretary of State nominee, suggests that the unprecedented summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un will take place after all. Why it matters: Face-to-face negotiations are terra incognita for two countries used to threatening and pressuring each other. Even with North Korea now talking about denuclearization and Washington weighing the prospects of a deal, the outcome of the summit and what it might mean for U.S. allies in Seoul and Tokyo remains highly uncertain. Despite the appeal of sanctions relief, it is hard to imagine that Kim Jong-un has experienced a great enough change of heart to hand over his nuclear weapons and materials. North Korea's nuclear program has been decades in the making, and its officials have routinely described their arsenal as a final deterrent against external aggression. What's next: Initial talks will gauge how willing if at all North Korea is to declare and verifiably dismantle its programs, and how much the Trump administration is prepared to offer in return. The Trump-Kim summit could kick off complicated and lengthy negotiations, or it might be a bust, ending at an impasse too deep for even a head of statelevel exchange to bridge. Then the alternatives to diplomacy each of them unattractive in different ways may well represent the Trump administration's renewed focus. Richard Fontaine is the president of the Center for a New American Security. The Trump administration will get behind a criminal justice proposal for the first time when Jared Kushner meets with lawmakers to push for a bill to rehabilitate prisoners through educational programs, vocational training and therapy to reduce recidivism rates. Be smart: Criminal justice reform has no deadline, most prisoners can't vote and efforts over the past couple of years have always been kicked down the road, despite general bipartisan support. Many criminal justice reform advocates on the Hill and in outside groups credit Kushner for his advocacy on the issue in the White House. The bill, Collins-Jeffries, is expected to get a vote in the House Judiciary Committee next week, according to White House officials. Kushner and other advocates for the bill hope it will get a vote on the House floor soon. Participants in tomorrow's meetings will include House Speaker Paul Ryan and Republican House leaders, the Problem Solvers Caucus, Rep. Doug Collins (R-GA), and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), among others. Big picture: Attorney General Sessions and President Trump have been open to reform efforts that aim to help prisoners successfully re-enter society, but have drawn the line at sentencing reform efforts, which lower harsh sentencing guidelines, especially for nonviolent drug crimes. have been open to reform efforts that aim to help prisoners successfully re-enter society, but have drawn the line at sentencing reform efforts, which lower harsh sentencing guidelines, especially for nonviolent drug crimes. Kushner also supports sentencing reform , but has agreed to start with prison reform given Sessions and Trump's stance. , but has agreed to start with prison reform given Sessions and Trump's stance. While there is strong bipartisan support for prison reform, Sen. Chuck Grassley as well as some other lawmakers and outside groups on the left have demanded that sentencing reform be included in any criminal justice reform bill and have questioned the White House's sincerity on the issue. The divide over sentencing reform is starkest in the Senate, where Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has insisted on not settling for anything short of his comprehensive criminal justice reform bill. But for now, the White House is focused on getting a bill through the House. Go deeper: The criminal justice reform coalition is breaking up Editors note: This piece earlier misnamed Rep. Doug Collins as Rep. Chris Collins in the list of participants in the meetings. Young people in six of the seven largest counties in Florida are not registering to vote at rates higher than the norm, reports the Tampa Bay Times. Why it matters: The activism from young Floridians since the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting earlier this year hasn't translated into increased youth voter registration numbers. In fact, there were 4,500 fewer registrations from people ages 16-25 years old across those same counties compared to the last midterm elections in 2014. The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) on Wednesday urged opposition leader Nikol Pashinian to end his continuing rallies in Yerevan and embark on a dialogue with the government. The HHK spokesman, Eduard Sharmazanov, said Pashinian will fail to force the newly installed Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisian into resignation and his extreme actions could lead to bloodshed. That is a very serious burden of responsibility, Sharmazanov told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am). That is why I am calling for dialogue and solidarity. Whether you love or hate Sharmazanov, I love you all, he added, appealing to Pashinian and his mostly young supporters demonstrating in Yerevan and other parts of the country. [Political] dialogue occurs in parliament, Sharmazanov said when asked to elaborate on his offer. Yesterday we witnessed a good example of dialogue. The official referred to verbal exchanges between Sarkisian and several deputies from the opposition Yelk alliance during Tuesdays session of the Armenian parliament which voted to elect the new premier. While refusing to join Pashinians campaign, those lawmakers criticized Sarkisian and voted against his continued rule. Sarkisian urged them to bring your colleague from the street to the parliament. Pashinian and three senior members of his Civil Contract party were also elected to the parliament on the Yelk ticket. They all boycotted Tuesdays session. Pashinian shrugged off Sharmazanovs offer as hundreds of his supporters continued to march through central Yerevan. What dialogue after all this? he told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) outside three government ministries surrounded by the protesters. The outspoken politician appealed to the ministry staffers through a megaphone, saying that they should also take to the streets and exercise your rights. Pashinian and his supporters then chanted the main slogan of the protests: Take a step, reject Serzh! Sharmazanov said that the protests must end also because they are getting out hand. Pashinian cannot endlessly exploit the authorities patience and exceptional restraint shown by the police, he said. In particular, the ruling party spokesman pointed out that several young men smashed traffic lights and hurled rocks at a police car in downtown Yerevan the previous night. Pashinian was quick to strongly deny any responsibility for what he called an HHK provocation aimed at discrediting his movement.He argued that the incident occurred after he told supporters to go home following Tuesdays rallies. He also noted that law-enforcement bodies have not arrested any of the violent youths who were caught on cameras. Opposition leader Nikol Pashinian and thousands of his supporters again marched unimpeded to Prime Minister Serzh Sarkisians office in Yerevan late on Wednesday in continuing protest against his decade-long rule. As was the case earlier in the day, riot police did not stop them from approaching the compound where Sarkisian worked in his previous capacity as president of the republic. Hundreds of baton-wielding officers led by the commander of Armenian interior troops were deployed in and around it. Pashinian told the protesters to applaud the security forces when they reached a section of Marshal Bagramian Avenue facing the former presidential palace. We wish the policemen good night and good service, he said. The crowd walked back to downtown Yerevan several minutes later. Another section of Bagramian Avenue was the scene of a violent clash on Monday between Pashinian-led protesters and riot police which left 46 people, including Pashinian, injured. The 42-year-old leader of the opposition Civil Contract party led the crowd to the prime ministers office after holding another rally in the citys main Republic Square. He seemed to have attracted fewer people than the previous night. In a long speech, Pashinian pledged to continue his anti-government velvet resolution aimed at unseating Sarkisian. This process must gain new momentum every day, and Serzh Sarkisian must feel isolated in his newly privatized mansion, he said. Pashinian urged supporters to gather in the vast square and block entrances to government buildings the following morning in order to prevent their employees from going to work. He declined to specify which buildings he is planning to block, noting only that Sarkisian will be holding his first cabinet meeting on Thursday. We have prepared a surprise for Serzh Sarkisian, he said without elaborating. Pashinian also defended his decision to encourage not only university students but also underage Armenians to participate in his daily protests. What is more, he urged high school students across the country to boycott classes. According to the police, 20 of 87 protesters detained and held in custody for several hours on Wednesday were minors. The Armenian Ministry of Education issued a statement urging the protest organizers to discourage schoolchildren from taking to the streets. Sarkisian downplayed the scale of the unrest when he was elected prime minister by the parliament on Tuesday. But he sounded more concerned in an interview with the Shant TV channel partly aired on Wednesday. He said continued street protests in the capital would scare away foreign tourists and investors from Armenia. By Sara Israfilbayova The Russian Railways JSC is discussing creation of a logistics operator of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) with Iran, India and Azerbaijan. Alexander Misharin, first deputy chief executive officer of Russian Railways, told reporters on the sidelines of the Trans Russia international exhibition for transport and logistics services and technologies, Russian media reported. Currently, we discuss the options for creating such an operator [North-South corridor], which was presented during the Russia-Iran intergovernmental commission, which we conduct today with our Iranian and Azerbaijani counterparts, Misharin said. He also stressed that negotiations with India are underway. The agreement establishing the North-South corridor was signed in September 2000, and entered into force on May16, 2002. Compared with the current means of transporting goods from South Asia to Europe, the (INSTC) offers several advantages, the main one being that it is much faster. While transport by sea from Mumbai to St. Petersburg requires almost six weeks, it takes only three weeks via the ITC as the first freight test run this October showed. The International NorthSouth Transport Corridor is a 7,200-km-long multi-mode network of ship, rail, and roadroute for moving freight between India, Russia, Iran, Europe and Central Asia. The corridor is planned to transport 6 million tons of cargo per year at the initial stage and more than 10 million tons of cargo in the future. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Development of digital banking cannot be considered separately from the improvement of traditional banking services, Anar Hasanov, first deputy chairman of the board of Azerbaijans AccessBank, told Trend April 17. Hasanov stressed that when receiving certain services, clients need attention from the bank employee. I think that the issue of developing digital services needs to be approached globally, he said. To date, it is quite difficult to separate digital banking and consider it as a separate direction. Complete transition of corporate customers to internet banking may lead to breaking of ties between them and the bank. Today, internet banking cannot provide a client with the level of necessary attention he or she can get by contacting the bank directly. Therefore, I consider digital banking as an additional service by means of which it is possible to carry out operations that dont directly require attention to the client from bank employees. Regarding such operations, I expect increase in the use of digital banking in the near future. Touching on the development of internet banking in AccessBank itself, Hasanov noted that presently, the use of internet banking in branches with great number of corporate clients saves 20 percent of working time. Corporate clients are mostly interested in the issues of account status, he added. If such operations are completely transferred to digital banking, this will save considerable amount of time. Therefore, I think that if we expand the digital banking correctly, the saving of money will make it possible to direct this money to the development of other services as well. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Registration begins for Best Mom Prince & Princess fashion project has already started. The most fashionable mothers, their daughters and sons will take part in the gala evening, to be held in Caspian Ulduz Hotel on May 13. The jury will include well-known designers, cultural figures, artists, and the fashion industry who will choose the top three pairs. All participants will be awarded with gifts and diplomas. "The important difference between the competition and the standard beauty contest is the absence of any formats with respect to appearance. We know for sure that every mother and her beloved have amazing beauty and want to show it to everyone. The main thing is harmony in appearance and clothes, bringing up a good taste, and the jury will appreciate the most energetic, fun and stylish couples of mothers and children," said PR manager Vugar Safarli. The project is headed by Gunay Veliyeva. For more information, please contact: 050 396 00 21 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suaysmom/ Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The jury members for the third Booktrailer Festival in Azerbaijan have been named. The producer Ruslan Sabirli told Trend Life that the jury includes well-known cultural figures, the author and project manager, as well as a film actor. On April 8, the third Booktrailer Festival competed the admission process and the jury members began to evaluate the works. For an objective evaluation, the voting process will be held separately, i.e. the jury members will not know the results of each other. In conclusion, the Organizing Committee will sum up the scores of each member jury and identified the best work, he added. The jury also includes the President of the PEN Club, the Secretary of the Writers' Union of Azerbaijan, the People's Writer Chingiz Abdullaev, film director, screenwriter, the People's Artist of Azerbaijan Ogtay Mirgasimov, scriptwriter, the director of propaganda and film registration of the Cinematography Department at Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Yusif Sheikhov, Honored actress Mehriban Zeki, TV presenter, producer, and Honored Artist Murad Dadashov. The festival, which take place under the slogan "Promote a book, get promoted with a book!" is timed to the World Book Day or World Book and Copyright Day, held annually on April 23. The festival was successfully held in 2016 for the first time in the country. The project aims at promoting books, supporting and developing creative forms of reading, searching talented young people in cinematography and promoting bookrailers as a part of art and business. The third Booktrailer Festival will be supported by Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, International Mugham Center, Azercell and Libraff companies. The first place will get a prize in the amount of 1,000 manats ($588), while the winners of the second and third places 800 manats ($470) and 500 manats ($294), respectively. For any questions, please contact: [email protected] Website: : www.booktrailer.az Facebook: www.facebook.com/Booktrailer.Az Media partners of the event are Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az, Azernews.az --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova Baku will host the 2nd IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival on May 2-17. The festival is timed to the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Human Rights which coincided with 10th anniversary of Delegation of the European Union to Azerbaijan. The festival will be held with the participation of the embassies of the EU member states accredited in Azerbaijan, as well as the Embassies of Switzerland, Norway, Brazil, Costa Rica, Israel, Peru, Moldova, Mexico, USA, Argentina in Azerbaijan. The second IMAGINE festival will feature a dense calendar of events: musical performances, master classes, a theatre exhibition, film screenings, debates and discussions with internationally acclaimed film directors and musicians, who will join the festival. Notably, the first IMAGINE Euro Tolerance Festival was held in Baku last October. A number of well-known film directors, musicians and other artists and performers took part at the festival. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An exhibition of photographer, member of the Azerbaijan Photographers Association Aydin Sadikhov has opened in Greece. Entitled "BAKU: a city where traditions meet with modernity", photo exhibition took place in famous Blank Wall Gallery in Athens on March 30-April 5, Trend Life reported. The photo exhibition was his first personal exhibition held abroad. "BAKU: a city where traditions meet with modernity" presented a unique opportunity for residents of the capital of Greece and its guests to get acquainted with the brightest sights and cultural values of Azerbaijan's capital city Baku. Aydin Sadikhov presented the exhibition visitors unique historical architectural masterpieces of Baku, as well as modern buildings. A special place at the exposition was taken by photographs of the historical sites of the capital, included into the UNESCO World Heritage List. The unique idea and purpose of the exhibition is to show the tourism potential of Baku, to demonstrate how the historical architectural sights can perfectly coexist and blend with unique modern architectural creations in one city. Through his works the photographer also wanted to show the architectural development of Azerbaijani capital. At the exhibition, the photographer presented 28 photographs, which turned into a kind of guide which offered an interesting survey of historical and modern attractions in the City of Winds, created in different years. The exhibition featured modern architectural creations, including Heydar Aliyev Center, Azerbaijan Carpet Museum, Flame Towers, Baku Olympic Stadium, and Crystal Hall. Guests also enjoyed photos of historical sights, including the fortresses located in the settlements of Mardakan, Novels, Maiden Tower, Temple of Fire-worshipers Ateshgah and the sights of Icheri Sheher. The exhibition aroused interest. A large number of spectators visited the gallery. On the closing day of the exhibition, Sadikhov shared with guests fascinating stories, historical references about the places he presented at his photos. The event was widely covered in leading Greek media. The national photographer also became a guest of the local radio station ATHINA 984, where he spoke in detail about the exposition presented in Athens. Notably, this year one of the largest and most famous galleries in Greece, Blank Wall Gallery launched an international photo contest on the theme "Cityscape". Work by national photographer has been named best in Greece. The photograph captured one of the main attractions for tourists and a symbol of modern Azerbaijan and modern Baku-Heydar Aliyev Center. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova The second season of Miss Top Model Azerbaijan is coming to an end. With the support of the Baku Club online voting has already started on the official website of the Miss Top Model Azerbaijan contest, Trend Life reported. According to the results of the voting, in total with the points presented by the competent jury at the final evening, only five of the 11 finalists will gain the victory. Every Internet user has the opportunity to vote for the finalists of the contest, thus, bringing his favorite closer to the crown. You can vote by following this link.: http://www.misstopmodel.az The results of online voting (30 percent) will be taken into account at the final count and added to the jury points (70 percent) at the final of the contest, which will be held in May this year. Media partners of the event are Azernews, Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Azerbaijan's delegation took part at the 23rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Dushanbe, Tajikistan on April 17. Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev represented the country at the event. During the visit, Mammadguliyev has had a meeting with Tajik Foreign Minister Sirocaddin Aslov. The sides noted traditional partnership ties between the two countries, held broad discussion on development of cooperation in political, economic, cultural and other spheres. Speaking at the ECO ministerial, Mammadguliyev said that Azerbaijan is engaged in active cooperation within the framework of the ECO and supports development of comprehensive cooperation among the member states. He noted that Azerbaijan put forward a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening practical cooperation and promoting regional transport corridor projects. Mammadguliyev also briefed about Azerbaijans political, economic stability, as well as fundamental reforms implemented in the country. As a result of the 23rd meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the ECO, Dushanbe Communique was adopted. In the document, the ministers expressed concern about the unresolved conflicts in the ECO region, including the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, which hinder the economic growth and realization of full economic potential of the region and impede development of economic cooperation. They also stressed the importance of making increased efforts for the earliest resolution of these conflicts based on the norms and principles of international law, in particular the principles of respect to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The document also underlined the importance of large-scale regional transport and energy projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the North-South transport corridor, as well as the Baku-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline, the expanded Baku-Erzurum Gas Pipeline, the Iran- Azerbaijan-Russia electricity transmission line. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Bulgarian President Rumen Radev has sent a congratulatory letter to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. Please accept my sincere congratulations and best wishes on your re-election as the president of Azerbaijan, the Bulgarian president said in his letter. By using this opportunity, Id like to invite you to visit Bulgaria again. We consider Azerbaijan our priority partner. I am sure that your visit to Bulgaria will make new contribution to the further development and deepening of the traditionally close and friendly ties between our countries in the interests of our peoples. In accordance with the joint declaration between Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, the comprehensive strengthening of the ties between Sophia and Baku will create possibility to promote the interests of our countries in energy security and transport sectors, and will contribute to the strengthening of regional peace and stability, Rumen Radev noted. I wish you good health and success in your high state activity, and I wish sustainable development to Azerbaijan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The inauguration ceremony of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was held at the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan Parliament). The ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani officials, members of the government, MPs and the President's family. Honorary cortege which accompanied President Ilham Aliyev left for the Milli Majlis where the inauguration ceremony of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. The inauguration of President Ilham Aliyev, who has been elected president of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a popular vote, was declared open. The event participants warmly welcomed President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Under the accompaniment of the ceremonial march, soldiers of the Armed Forces brought on to the stage the national flag of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the standard (flag) of the President of Azerbaijan. Chairman of Azerbaijans Constitutional Court Farhad Abdullayev and the judges of the Constitutional Court were invited to the stage. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Constitutional Court of Azerbaijan, having approved the conclusions of the Central Election Commission on the results of the Azerbaijani presidential election by its resolution dated April 17, 2018, declared Ilham Aliyev the president of Azerbaijan, Farhad Abdullayev said. Ilham Aliyev, who was elected the president of Azerbaijan, in accordance with Article 103 of the countrys Constitution, is invited to take an oath in the presence of judges of the Constitutional Court, he said. President Ilham Aliyev laid his hand on the Constitution of Azerbaijan and swore an oath. Exercising the authority of the Azerbaijani president, I swear to observe the Constitution of Azerbaijan, to defend the independence and territorial integrity of the state and to serve the people with dignity, said Ilham Aliyev. Then the national anthem of Azerbaijan was played. The president swore an oath by laying his hand on the Holy Quran. By laying my hand on the Holy Quran, I swear to be committed to the national and spiritual values and traditions created by the Azerbaijani people for centuries and constantly cherish them, said Ilham Aliyev. Having knelt, President Ilham Aliyev kissed the national flag of Azerbaijan. The president also delivered the speech at the event. The inauguration ceremony ended. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov The Armed Forces of Azerbaijan continue to strengthen position in the ranking of countries in terms of their military power. The country ranked the 53rd out of 136 countries in the 2018 Military Strength Ranking, compiled by a U.S.-based Global Firepower survey center. The ranking notes that the military strength of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces is 374,500 people, while 3,750,000 of the population are fit for service. The countrys Armed Forces include 520 combat tanks, 1,590 armored fighting vehicles, 359 artillery mounts and 191 rocket launchers, the ranking says. It also shows that Azerbaijans Air Force has 18 fighter aircraft, 29 attack, 83 transport and 19 trainer aircraft, as well as 93 helicopters at its disposal. Thus, Azerbaijan left behind many CIS countries, such as Georgia, Armenia, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, as well as a number of other states such as Finland, Austria, Portugal, Hungary, Belgium, Croatia, etc. The ranking is based on more than 55 factors, which help determine a countrys final PowerIndex score. It does not rely solely on the total number of weapons available to a country but rather focuses on weapon diversity to provide a better balance of firepower available. Factors also include logistical flexibility, natural resources, local industry, geographical factors, etc. The U.S., Russia and China head the ranking, followed by India, France, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, and Germany as the Top 10 nations having the strongest armed forces. The Azerbaijani Army, which today is considered the most modern army in the Caucasus, consists of Air Force and Air Defense Forces, the Navy, and the Land Forces. Today, Azerbaijani Army, equipped with modern military machinery, is one of the most powerful, highly disciplined armies in the world and the leading army in the region. The skills and combat readiness of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are growing year by year, as the countrys Armed Forces regularly conduct military exercises. The army building process in Azerbaijan is progressing as well. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend It is necessary to introduce the latest technologies in Azerbaijan, said Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev. He made the remarks at the presidential inauguration ceremony on April 18. The head of state stressed that a great attention was paid to new technologies over the past years in the country. "Azerbaijan has entered the space club, which includes a limited number of countries. Today, we have two satellites and the third is planned to be launched into orbit. Azerbaijan demonstrates leadership in this sphere as well. This shows that we are looking into the future and the future linked with scientific and technological development," he said. "That is why we pay attention to education, science and should pay even more attention in the coming years. Because, the successful development of each state is based on technological provision," said the president. President Aliyev went on to say that latest technologies need to be introduced in Azerbaijan. "To achieve this, we must have a prepared personnel, and work in this direction will continue in the following years, he said. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva As the June meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is drawing closer, the further extension of the production cuts is a hot topic for discussion in the global oil market. Now the question is whether OPEC will prolong the accord. The OPEC agreement will be prolonged if there is clear benefit in doing so, Stephen OSullivan, a senior visiting research fellow at Oxford Institute for Energy Studies and CEO at TS Lombard Research Partners, belives. I think it's impossible to say at the moment [whether the OPEC deal to be prolonged]. We are eight months away from the end of the year and much will depend on what's happening in the oil market as we approach the end of 2018. That's what will determine countries' willingness to cut output and forgo revenue: if they see a clear benefit in doing so, he said in an interview with Azernews. Right now we're in a period of global instability which is supportive for oil markets because of concerns over potential supply disruptions - and that's against the background where oil inventories have been falling because of the agreement, according to the expert. Speaking of the deals effectiveness, he stressed that its notable that OPEC has met or exceeded its planned reductions in most months while non-OPEC has failed to achieve the planned reductions in most months. So non-OPEC is more talk than action, whereas OPEC is actually taking the strain of the cuts - to everyone's benefit, OSullivan said. He went on to say that we are unlikely to see a change in the quota at the forthcoming meeting. I don't think we will see a change in the quota at the June OPEC meeting. What we might see is some progress towards a longer-term agreement (an extension perhaps of the current agreement) between OPEC and non-OPEC rather than a change to the existing agreement when it has only six months to run, the expert added. Factors affecting the oil prices in the coming years OSullivan further spoke about the factors which might affect the oil prices in the year to come. It's very hard to predict oil prices going forward a few years because there are so many factors which influence them. These include the output reductions themselves, actual or feared supply disruptions for any reason, unexpected changes in demand etc, he said. However, it's safe to say that prices will be higher because of the effectiveness of the agreement in cutting total output and therefore reducing oil inventories to lower levels than would otherwise have been the case, according to the expert. "Better oil prices" People in the oil market have different views on the idea of better oil prices as importers generally want lower prices and would prefer for the agreement to not be that effective so that prices go down, while producers (whether OPEC or non-OPEC) are probably happy with the deals results. Higher oil prices are a tax on oil importers and oil consumers, according to OSullivan. Generally that transfers wealth from importing nations to exporting nations and the effect of that transfer depends on what the exporting countries do with the extra funds. Higher oil prices also cause countries to accelerate their transition away from oil and towards renewable energy which is likely to be cheaper in the long-run, generated locally (so no supply security issues) and be better for the environment, he noted. This transition is happening anyway but the higher the level of oil prices, the more incentive there is for consuming countries to switch away from oil towards other fuels, according to the expert. On Monday, Kuwaits Oil Minister Bakheet al-Rashidi said that OPEC and allies will discuss at their June meeting whether to extend the oil production cuts further. Last week, OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo said that the oil market balance may be achieved in the second to third quarter this year. OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached an agreement in December 2016 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices. OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1. Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 1, 2017. OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till the end of 2018 in Vienna on November 30, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry. Oil prices high due to geopolitical risks Meanwhile, the prices for black gold went up on April 17 due to the fact that investors expect possible disruptions in crude supply due to certain geopolitical risks. On London ICE (InterContinental Exchange Futures) cost of the Brent crude oil increased $0.10 to trade at $71.52, while the price of Light crude at the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange) went up $0.9 to stand at $66.31 on world markets. At the same time, the price of a barrel of Azeri Light crude oil decreased $0.77 to stand at $73.26. According to the traders, oil markets have been supported recently due to the risk of supply interruptions, including a potential conflict in the Middle East, renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran and crisis in Venezuela. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Turkey has announced about completion of the development of next-generation infantry fighting vehicles called Korhan, Turkish media reported referring to military source on April 17. Reportedly, this combat vehicle was first demonstrated at the international military exhibition "IDEF 2017" held in Istanbul. From 2011, Turkey has set up the production of mobile outposts that proved effective in fight against the militants of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Earlier, the trials of the domestic-made long-range surface-to-surface missiles have also been conducted in Turkey. The KAAN rocket system, produced by the company "Roketsan", was first demonstrated at the International Defense Industry Fair IDEF-2017 in Istanbul. Turkey has invested about $35 billion in the defense industry over the recent years. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Ministry of Finance and Economy of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Economy, Commerce and Business Environment of Romania have signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the economic sphere, the Turkmen media reported April 17. The document was signed in Ashgabat as part of the seventh meeting of the joint Intergovernmental Turkmen-Romanian Commission for Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation. The agenda of the next meeting included issues of implementing previously reached agreements and identifying new areas of partnership. At the meeting, the sides noted the high level of Turkmen-Romanian relations, which are being built on the principles of mutual trust and benefit. Trade and economic sphere, textile industry, agriculture, electric power engineering and construction were mentioned among the priority areas of cooperation. Noting the favorable investment climate created in Turkmenistan, the members of the commission from the Romanian side expressed desire of the countrys business circles to expand their presence in the Turkmen market for implementing joint investment projects. Issues of humanitarian partnership became the topic of the separate discussion. In this regard, the meeting participants spoke in favor of building up traditional cooperation in the spheres of education, science and culture. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend France will conduct dialogue with Russia and other countries to find a comprehensive inclusive solution in Syria, said French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking at the European Parliaments session in Strasbourg, TASS reports. He noted that "France will continue work on development of a political inclusive solution in Syria." "We are talking to everyone - to Russia, Turkey and Iran, as well as the Syrian regime and all opposition forces - in order to build tomorrows Syria," Macron said. Responding to comments and questions of European MPs, the French leader noted that "the strikes carried out by France, the UK and the US have nothing in common with Iraq or Libya, because France did not declare war to anyone." Macron noted that the main goal that France is pursuing in Syria is the fight against the Islamic State terror group (outlawed in Russia). "This is the only war that France is conducting in Syria," the politician stated. That said, he stressed again that the strike conducted by the US and its allies last Saturday was completely legitimate. On April 14, the US, the UK and France conducted a massive strike on Syria without sanctions from the UN Security Council. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, a research center in Damascus, a headquarters of the republics guards, an air defense base, several military airfields and military munition depots came under attack. The Russian Defense Ministry reported that the attack lasted from 03:42 to 05:10 local time (coincides with the Moscow time). Syrian air defenses shot down 71 out of 103 missiles launched over the facilities, and three local residents were injured. Washington, London and Paris stated that the strikes are a response to the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syrias Douma. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed the situation in Syria in a phone talk with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, the administration of the Turkish president said in a message on April 17. The two presidents exchanged views on settlement of the Syrian crisis, according to the message. No other details were reported. Earlier, President Erdogan held phone talks with leaders of several countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: There is such a saying as "The one who dominates the Middle East will be able to dominate the whole world." To our regret, the Muslim countries do not realize the strategic importance of their territories. As a result of the military conflicts in the Middle East, as well as the "shadow" of Irans danger, in due time Arab countries in the hope of "being saved" from Iran turned into hostages of the US and Western countries. Today, there are more than 54,000 US servicemen in 12 Arab countries, which have turned into the US military base. Moreover, there are also military bases of France and UK in the region. US military bases in Arab countries The biggest contingent of US troops in the Middle East - at least 11,000 servicemen has been deployed at the Al Udeid Air Base of the US Air Force Central Command in Qatar. Here is the headquarters of the Central Command of the US Armed Forces and the Command of the US Air Force. Another US military base, the Camp Doha, is in Kuwait. More than 10,000 US servicemen have been deployed there. The military base was founded in 1991 and played a key role to invade Iraq. There is the US air base Al Dhafra in the United Arab Emirates. The number of US servicemen has not been disclosed, but, according to Arab media, there are about 5,000 servicemen. The US has also military bases in Oman, and the headquarters of the Fifth Fleet, which is the operational fleet of the US Navy, is based in Bahrain. It has been responsible for naval forces in the western Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf. The fleet includes rotational ships of the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets of the US Navy. The US has eight military bases in Syria, where the total number of US servicemen is 2,000. Along with the US, there are also military bases of France and UK in the UAE and Bahrain. Despite the Arab countries see the military bases of the US and Western countries as a guarantor of their security, these military bases primarily pose a threat to the Arab countries themselves. The invasion of the Americans to Iraq from Kuwaiti territory testified that the US, if necessary, can use its military bases against Arab countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Moscow calls on Western countries to stop meddling with the work of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons in Syria (OPCW), Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday, commenting on the French Foreign Ministrys allegations that Russia and Syria are impeding the work of the OPCW mission, TASS reports. She said that such position of the French Foreign Ministry "is surprising." "We call on Western countries that staged the illegitimate strike on Syria to stop manipulating public opinion and meddling with the work of international organizations," she stressed. "First, it was Russia that called for an immediate OPCW inspection," she recalled. "Second, not being the organizer of the mission, the Russian side offered all possible assistance to it. And now, the inspectors have reached Douma (a city in Syria and site of a presumable chemical attack)." She noted that it had taken that long of the OPCW inspectors to reach Douma because there still were militants in that city and the United Nations wanted additional security guarantees. "I dont see why the French Foreign Ministry is speaking for the OPCW and its inspectors. If the inspectors had any problems, they would have made a statement on that matter themselves," she said. SANA news agency said earlier that OPCW experts had arrived in Douma on Tuesday and had immediately begun their fact-finding mission. They are expected to assess the situation and collect information about the April 7 alleged chemical attack reported by a number of non-government organizations, including the White Helmets described by the Russian Defense Ministry as unreliable source of information. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend The Turkish Air Force continues operations against militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group in northern Iraq, the General Staff of Turkish Armed Forces said in a message April 18. The antiterrorist operations are being conducted in the Zap district. The Turkish Air Force destroyed three strongholds of the PKK terrorists as part of the operation on April 18, the message said. The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives. The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The issues of further expansion of trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural-humanitarian cooperation between the Balkan region of Turkmenistan and Mangistau region of Kazakhstan were put on the agenda of the meeting held in the Avaza tourist zone. The meeting gathered representatives of government agencies, industry and business, as well as cultural figures of friendly countries, Turkmen Dovlet Habarlary reported. To participate in the forum, organized in the framework of the implementation of the relevant agreement signed in 2014 between the administrations of the Caspian regions of the two states, a large delegation headed by akim Eraly Tugzhanov arrived in the city of Turkmenbashi. Opening the forum, its participants noted the high level of interstate relations based on the centuries-old historical, cultural and spiritual affinity of the two fraternal nations. During the current meeting, Kazakhstani partners presented the prospects of the developing market of Turkmenistan. Particular attention was paid to the measures taken at the state level to stimulate domestic commodity producers and foreign investors. Kazakhstan businessmen, while presenting their companies, underscored their readiness for active participation in joint projects of national and regional importance. Speakers noted that Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan, located at the intersection of modern transnational routes connecting Europe and Asia, are striving to realize the opportunities that are opening up to maximize mutually beneficial trade and economic ties that meet the interests of not only the two friendly countries, but also the sustainable development of the whole region. As part of the exchange of views on the state and prospects of bilateral trade and economic relations, concrete proposals were made to diversify traditional cooperation in such priority areas as the fuel and energy sector, the transport and communications sector, the production of building materials, trade, agriculture, textiles, chemicals and food industry, and others. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov Azerbaijans capital Baku has once again entered the list of cities which are the most popular for the travel of Russian tourists. Turstat analytical agency has compiled a ranking of CIS cities leading in terms of the tourists choice of destination for spring trips. This year, Russians celebrate May holidays from April 29 to May 2 and on May 9. They visit the CIS cities in spring for three days on average and spend $65 per day for accommodation and meals. The ranking says that Minsk, Astana and Baku are the Top 3 cities in this regard. The most popular CIS cities also include Almaty, Tashkent, Chisinau, Bishkek, Dushanbe and Ashgabat. Moreover, Chisinau, Bishkek and Tashkent are leading in terms of cheap tours to CIS cities, while Astana and Baku are preferred for luxury tours. In another research recently conducted by Skyscanner, Azerbaijan entered the Top 10 most affordable tourist destinations for Russian tourists. It said that a two-week trip to Azerbaijan for two will cost the Russian travelers about $1,616, and some $426 of this figure is the cost of the flight. Experts calculated that the average daily budget for two in Azerbaijan is about $85. Over the past year, the country received up to 2.7 million tourists, 31.6 percent of whom were guests from Russia. Taking into account the opening of more and more new flight routes between Russia and Azerbaijan, this figure will further increase in the near future. Today Azerbaijan can accommodate about 40,000 tourists in its 575 hotels, which include a series of luxury ones Excelsior, Hilton, Four Seasons, Fairmont, JW Marriott as well as sufficient number of budget hotels for cost-conscious travelers. Moreover, 25 hostels and 92 apartments for tourists operate in Baku. The provided accommodation establishments are of any price range, starting from just $6-7 per night in hostels and $25 in hotels. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Sara Israfilbayova The frequency of Baku-Kyiv rail runs can be increased, Yevhen Kravtsov, acting head of the Ukrainian Railways wrote on his Facebook page. He noted that it can be considered in case of great demand for this flight. We hope that the passengers will appreciate the convenience of this route. If the demand grows, we will consider the possibility of increasing the frequency of trains running to the capital of Azerbaijan, wrote Kravtsov. Earlier, Trend reported that since April 21, 2018 the route of the passenger train Baku-Kharkiv 369-370 will be extended to the Kyiv-Passazhyrsky station. Thus, the Baku- Kharkiv train will become the Baku-Kiev train from April 21. The train will pass Kharkiv, Poltava, Mirgorod and Lubny. After the dissolution of Soviet Union Azerbaijan and Ukraine gained their independence from the Soviet Union and started a close friendship with establishing diplomatic relations in 1992. Azerbaijan plays an important role in Ukraines foreign policy, which is primarily due to the extensive capabilities in the development of mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy and transport sectors. Main goods imported from Ukraine to Azerbaijan remains as mainly metallurgy products, machine building products, agro-industrial products, and chemical industry products. While main goods exported from Azerbaijan to Ukraine are generally Products of fuel energy industry, chemical industry products, and agro-industrial products. The trade turnover between the states amounted to $810 million in 2017, which is by 2.4 percent more than the indicator of 2016. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz On the one-year anniversary of the start of a fire inside a silo at the Port of Port Arthur - which filled neighboring homes with smoke for months - residents have asked the port to stop the silo's owners from reopening its storage facility, citing concerns about safety and transparency. Wooden pellets caught fire inside one of five German Pellets silos at the port on April 15, 2017, emitting smoke throughout the neighborhood for almost two months before the silo collapsed on June 4. The smoldering caused health problems for residents, many of whom said they had trouble breathing outside and inside their homes. In a letter sent Monday to the port's executive director and board of commissioners, a lawyer for the Port Arthur Community Action Network (PA-CAN) accused the company of a "lack of transparency" and said it would pose "continuing threats" to the community. "German Pellets has not been a good neighbor to the citizens of Port Arthur," Lone Star Legal Aid attorney Amy Dinn wrote in the letter. In a statement Tuesday, the company said its "initial review of PA-CAN's letter does indicate a number of inaccuracies, to which we will respond in detail and in due course." "In general, (the company) respectfully disagrees with the letter's conclusion that (the company) should be prevented from operating the Port Arthur facility," the statement said. The company said it is "committed to operating the Port Arthur facility safely and in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and contractual requirements." Davin Boldissar, a lawyer for German Pellets, told The Enterprise in February that he anticipated the silos would reopen in late summer, after repairs and changes are completed. After the City of Port Arthur sued the company on June 30, 2017, German Pellets agreed to a temporary injunction that required the company to make changes to the facility under a Hazard Analysis Plan approved by the Port Arthur Fire Department. The company refused to release the plan to residents, Dinn alleged in the Monday letter. German Pellets, which is in ongoing bankruptcy proceedings, also declined to provide the plan to The Enterprise in response to a public information request, arguing that it contained trade secrets and "confidential commercial information" that would give competitors an advantage. Dinn criticized the company for not releasing "proposed plans for safety of the facility," and argued the company "should be denied any further permits to operate in Port Arthur." The letter also cites risks of future fires from the storage of combustible wooden pellets, and complaints made to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration about unsafe practices and procedures at the facility. "It's been an entire year and this still has not been resolved satisfactorily," said PA-CAN member John Beard Jr., who has been a vocal opponent of reopening the storage site. The injunction banning German Pellets from resuming operations at the port until safety measures were installed was granted in July and repeatedly extended, but expired March 31, according to court records. The order required the company to remove all remaining wood pellets from the storage site and install safety measures to comply with a hazard analysis plan. The port's executive director and the city attorney could not be reached for comment on Tuesday about any possible work going on at the silos. More than 30 residents and property owners in the nearby West Side neighborhood filed a suit against the company and Cotton Commercial USA, Inc., its incident response contractor, last year alleging they were negligent in causing and responding to the problems at the storage site. The case is ongoing in federal court. The family of an employee who died on Oct. 20 while removing pellets from one of the silos also sued the company, alleging that its negligence caused his death. Jesus Cuevas was smothered when pellets fell on him, his family said in the suit. The company is working with its insurance carrier to settle the claim, according to court records. German Pellets, which has facilities in Port Arthur, Woodville and Louisiana, was fined last year for "repeat," "willful" and "serious" violations, according to records from the U.S Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The company did not provide employees with a workplace that was "free from recognized hazards that were causing or likely to cause death or serious physical harm," OSHA said in one citation, issued to the Port Arthur site in August 2017. In February 2017, employees were "exposed to dust explosion, deflagration, and other fire hazards when using equipment with internal combustion engines while working in an environment normally expected to contain airborne combustible dust," another citation said. That violation was categorized as willful, because the company "knowingly failed to comply with a legal requirement" or "acted with plain indifference to employee safety." LTeitz@BeaumontEnterprise.comTwitter.com/LizTeitz Aetna realigned its business segments ahead of its planned $69 billion acquisition by CVS. Here are six insights. 1. Aetna is breaking its business down into a healthcare segment and a corporate/other segment, effective the first quarter of 2018. 2. The healthcare category will include health insurance products and related services, emerging business products and services related to Aetna's medical products. The corporate/other category will be comprised of discontinued products, divested contracts and corporate expenses not supporting the company's business operations. 3. The company realigned its business segments to correspond with changes to its management structure and internal management reporting. 4. Aetna restated previous financial statements to reflect the changes in an April 17 announcement. 5. When Aetna releases its first-quarter earnings May 1, it will report financials in accordance with the new alignment. 6. Aetna won't host a conference call for its earnings release due to the pending transaction with CVS. Advanced Surgical Care of Boerne (Texas) opened a surgery center in Boerne and completed its first outpatient total joint replacement. Here's what you should know. 1. The 6,500-square-foot surgery center opened in March, and its first total joint replacement took place April 7. 2. The center features seven trained and certified orthopedic surgeons. They specialize in total joint replacement and pain management. 3. The center has two operating rooms and a treatment room. 4. Towson, Md.-based SurgCenter Development developed the center through a partnership. This is SCD's fifth center in Texas. 5. Advanced Surgical Center of Boerne Partner Matthew Morrey, MD, said, "With the opening of Advanced Surgical Care of Boerne, we can provide local residents the high level of personalized care they need and deserve in a setting that is both comfortable and convenient." Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., underwent surgery for an intestinal infection related to diverticulitis at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, azcentral.com reports. He is in stable condition. Here are four things to know. 1. Mayo Clinic physicians diagnosed Sen. McCain with glioblastoma in July, the Boston Globe reports. Sen. McCain has been in Arizona since Dec. 17, 2017, receiving physical therapy and treatment for the aggressive form of brain cancer. 2. Sen. McCain was hospitalized in December for a viral infection and side effects of his ongoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, according to azcentral.com. 3. Sen. McCain voted against repealing the Affordable Care Act in July. 4. His office has not revealed when or if he will return to Congress. More articles on gastroenterology: 4 things to know about Pentax Medical USA GI leader to know: Dr. Paul Yeaton of Carilion Clinic AGA names Dr. Michael Kaczanowski a fellow 3 insights The healthcare industry is slated to cash in $100 billion in tax benefits during the next 10 years, according to a report from Democratic Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden. Mr. Wyden said earnings calls and supporting documents from 20 of the 37 Fortune 500 healthcare companies projected the new tax law will increase 2018 earnings. The anticipated tax benefits across the 20 companies add up to $10.1 billion this year, according to the report. "Because [President Donald Trump's] tax law permanently slashed the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent, the healthcare industry will receive major tax savings every year through the next decade," Mr. Wyden predicts. During the next 10 years, the 20 companies could collect about $100 billion in tax benefits, he said. Since the passage of President Trump's new tax law, five of the 37 Fortune 500 healthcare companies have authorized stock buybacks that collectively total $28 billion, the report states. UnitedHealth Group, Pfizer, CVS Health and AbbVie all reported projected tax savings of over $1 billion for 2018 under the new tax law, according to the report. More articles on healthcare finance: Henry Ford's operating gains partially offset by Epic implementation costs, wage rate increases 5 latest hospital bankruptcies, closures Idaho hospital faces cash crunch after software glitch causes billing problems CMS revoked Overland Park, Kan.-based Blue Valley Hospital's Medicare billing privileges April 11, and the hospital is now suing HHS and CMS over the decision. Here are five things to know. 1. Under rules enacted last September, healthcare facilities must average at least two inpatients per day and an at least two-night average length of stay to be considered an inpatient hospital for Medicare reimbursement. Facilities that fall short of these requirements may instead be considered same-day surgery centers, which have different reimbursement rates, according to The Kansas City Star. 2. CMS said Blue Valley Hospital doesn't meet the new federal requirements for Medicare participation. A survey by state health officials last November found Blue Valley Hospital did not have any inpatients at that time, and a subsequent report showed the hospital performed about 309 outpatient surgeries, compared with 146 inpatient surgeries over a yearlong period, according to KCUR. 3. Blue Valley Hospital officials acknowledged that the hospital fell short of the two-night average stay requirement, but they say the new federal requirements are arbitrary. "This action taken by CMS was not related to any patient safety or quality of care issue, but results from CMS' change in the definition of hospital under the Code of Federal Regulations," Blue Valley Hospital CEO D. Chris Dixon said in a statement to The Kansas City Star. 4. In its recently filed lawsuit against HHS and CMS, Blue Valley Hospital says many of its patients have an expected length of stay of two nights, but they are able to go home earlier than expected due to the high-quality care they receive at the hospital. "CMS' new criteria suggests that hospitals should keep patients longer than necessary just to meet arbitrary CMS requirements, which is against public policy," the lawsuit states. 5. Blue Valley Hospital is requesting to keep its Medicare billing privileges while it appeals CMS' decision to terminate its participation in the Medicare program, according to The Kansas City Star. More articles on healthcare finance: Henry Ford's operating gains partially offset by Epic implementation costs, wage rate increases Idaho hospital faces cash crunch after software glitch causes billing problems 5 latest hospital bankruptcies, closures Many industries have consumer-friendly, convenient payment methods and healthcare needs to catch up, said David Bradshaw, executive vice president, chief strategy officer and CIO of Houston-based Memorial Hermann Health System. At Becker's Hospital Review's 9th Annual Meeting on April 11 in Chicago, Mr. Bradshaw explained some of the challenges hospitals face while collecting bills as the shift to patient consumerism hastens. He also discussed a digitally-based solution, Simplee, that improved patient satisfaction and bill collection across Memorial Hermann. When it comes to the patient financial experience, the challenge is recognizing that a majority of patients lack the financial resources to afford to pay a medical bill in full. Research shows about 50 percent of patients that come through a hospital walk out with at least a $1,000 bill for the medical visit. Further, about two in three households cannot pay an emergency expense of about $1,000 with their savings accounts, explained Mr. Bradshaw. With those statistics, medical bills are competing with other mandatory monthly payments such as mortgages, car payments or rent, Mr. Bradshaw added. However, the challenge isn't just affordability. Consumers have come to expect convenience when it comes to paying bills and the healthcare industry isn't immune to this expectation. At Memorial Hermann, Mr. Bradshaw and his team are rolling out the Simplee platform that uses analytics to help tackle two major challenges to the patient financial experience. The first component of the Simplee solution is offering monthly, personalized payment plans based on a patient's capacity to pay the medical bill. These payment plans appear as options on the paper bill, an email bill and on Memorial Hermann's online, consumer-friendly patient platform. The second component includes how these payment plans are derived. The payment plans are derived from a score based on several factors, including demographics, credit scores, prior medical visit history, and more, to deliver the best payment plan option for these individuals. The Simplee solution has lowered leakage on small bills and increased adoption of high bills, while also improving patient satisfaction, boosting net promoter scores and helping to establish differentiation in the marketplace. "We've had a lot of success. Especially when we start to see what our patients say to us [which includes] 'wow this was easier,' [and] 'finally you're acting more like a retail organization' and as a result, we're creating some differentiation in the market Just by making this task of bill pay a little more convenient," Mr. Bradshaw said. To learn more about the Simplee platform, click here. The #MeToo movement hasn't changed much in boardrooms across America. The majority of boards 57 percent still haven't discussed sexual misconduct or sexism in the workplace, according to a February and March survey of board members and venture capitalists conducted by theBoardlist and Qualtrics. Boards may believe sexual misconduct would never happen in the top tiers of their organization. Yet executive misconduct of any kind and systemic cultural issues like sexism are absolutely governance issues. So why wait to discuss the potential risk? Respondents to theBoardlist-Qualtrics survey said their boards hadn't discussed sexual misconduct or sexism because these issues are low priority, irrelevant or threatening to the CEO. However, a closer look at how companies are rebounding from #MeToo reveals why all boards should discuss sexual harassment, despite initial misgivings. Many women now fill roles vacated by executives for sexual harassment or assault. Hoda Kotb replaced Matt Lauer on "The Today Show." Edith Chapin took over as NPR's chief news editor following David Sweeney's departure. Robin Wright took the spotlight from Kevin Spacey on "House of Cards." The solution seems simple: Put a woman in charge. It gives a qualified woman the chance to lead. It subverts the power structure in traditionally male-led industries. And while it doesn't right the wrong, it signals something powerful to women in the workforce: You have an advocate at the top. Unfortunately the solution workplaces need is both more nuanced and more sweeping. Consider the decision to appoint a woman to lead after an executive is ousted for sexual misconduct: How does the board make it clear she was chosen for her talents and experience, rather than as a token female leader tasked with cleaning up the mess? Even more importantly, how can boards help change the cultural norms that allow such transgressions to occur? "People don't have these conversations because they are not comfortable having them," said Antoinette Hardy-Waller, RN, BSN, founder and CEO of The Leverage Network, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing African-Americans in executive, governance and entrepreneurial healthcare roles. Ms. Hardy-Waller has extensive governance experience, most recently on the board of stewardship trustees for Englewood, Colo.-based Catholic Health Initiatives. "In light of what's happened with the #MeToo movement and all the claims that have occurred, in order for organizations to reduce their risk and effectively take care of their organizations, they need to begin to have those conversations." Boards set the tone Boards owe it to the employees of their organizations to engage their corporate compliance and HR committees in a review and refresh of sexual harassment policies and investigative procedures, as well as diversity and inclusion programs. Ensuring governance policies are up-to-date creates a framework for boards to process potential sexual misconduct claims if needed, and, if an executive is dismissed, outline the qualities of the ideal candidate for the job and the organization. "A board ought to look at itself on an ongoing basis," said R. Edward Howell, professor of public health sciences at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. "When an executive is dismissed, that's a very appropriate time [for a board] to look at itself and ask, 'How are we doing? How are we setting the tone? Is it possible that the board had some failing that led to this misconduct or harassment?'" Mr. Howell has nearly 40 years of experience leading academic medical systems, most recently as vice president and CEO of the University of Virginia Medical Center. He is also dedicated to board service and currently chairs the ethics committee of the Jefferson Board for Aging, among other governance engagements. Mr. Howell believes boards set the tone for organizations. The board can send the message that diversity and inclusion are critical to an organization's mission, not just a numbers game or a check-the-box program. If leadership does not come close to reflecting the diversity of an organization's staff or the community it serves, that indicates diversity policies need to be revisited. In many industries like healthcare, there is still work to do. "If you look at the workforce in healthcare, it's dominated by females," said Mr. Howell. "There are certainly a large number of qualified persons available to take positions that are turning over." The lack of women in healthcare leadership should be an even greater motivator to review talent pipelines than the #MeToo movement. Women make up approximately 62 percent of the healthcare workforce, but fill only 49 percent of healthcare leadership positions, according to a 2017 LinkedIn analysis. Women are even more scarce in hospital executive ranks. Just 26 percent of hospital CEOs are women, according to a 2013 analysis conducted by the American College of Healthcare Executives. If an executive position or board seat is vacated, for sexual misconduct or otherwise, hospital boards can view the turnover as a potential opportunity to reduce longstanding gender discrepancy. The decision to promote a qualified woman following an instance of executive sexual misconduct can ignite a cultural shift, especially in industries like healthcare. Sexual harassment and assault are not uncommon in medicine, and the field's innate hierarchy can silence those who fear stigmatization for reporting issues. Almost a third (30 percent) of female clinician-researchers reported sexual harassment in a survey published in JAMA in 2016, and among those who did, 47 percent reported these events had a negative effect on their career. An informal Medscape poll puts those numbers even higher, with 71 percent of female physicians reporting sexual harassment on the job, compared to 25 percent of their male counterparts. How to avoid the glass cliff If a female candidate is promoted after an executive is dismissed for sexual misconduct, the board needs to carefully manage that transition so the executive and organization understand she was chosen for her talents and experiences, not as a patch for a sticky PR situation. This distinction is critical because organizations often promote women or minorities to lead in difficult times. So often, in fact, the phenomenon has a name: the "glass cliff." Researchers Michelle Ryan, PhD, and Alexander Haslam, PhD, first noticed the glass cliff in 2005 when they found women were starting to secure more board seats, but compared to their male peers, the seats they took were disproportionately volatile the firms were performing poorly or in the midst of a crisis. A common example of the glass cliff is Marissa Mayer, who was appointed CEO of Yahoo in 2012. She took the helm at a particularly tough time for the tech firm, which had been losing to Google in search and had cycled through four CEOs in four years. She led the firm for five years and was ultimately ousted during the Verizon acquisition, shortly after being crowned the "least likeable CEO in tech" by Owler. Researchers have attempted to understand why glass cliffs like this occur. A study published by The British Psychological Society in 2010 indicates gender and leadership stereotypes may be at play: Companies see a crisis or downturn as an indicator it's time to change the status quo, and they also see female leaders as possessing the skills to lead during tumultuous times. A woman becomes the token female leader tasked with harmonizing and nurturing an organization after crisis. She may also be more likely to fail; and if she does, organizations may be compelled to return to the status quo. However, this can be avoided. When more women lead, organizations are less likely to attribute the failure of one woman to her gender. Researchers Susanne Bruckmuller, PhD, and Nyla Branscombe, PhD, note: "Merely mentioning that the organization has had women leaders was sufficient for the glass cliff to disappear. This suggests that an effective way to avoid the emergence of glass cliffs in corporate settings would be to strive for a more diverse management." Eliminating the glass cliff requires long-term commitment from boards to increase gender diversity at the executive level. When a female executive vacates a role, boards should consider filling that spot with another qualified, diverse pick something that doesn't actually happen that often. For example, between 2009 and 2017, just three of 19 female CEOs of S&P 500 companies were replaced with another woman, according to Bloomberg. After Ms. Mayer, Yahoo installed Thomas McInerney as CEO, and paid him twice the base salary Ms. Mayer received. "We're not asking our organizations just to hire or promote women just because they are women," Ms. Hardy-Waller said. "I mean we are asking them to consider women who are actually hiding in plain sight, who clearly meet and most times exceed expectations for a role. It's an opportunity to give them a chance and begin to level the playing field." A more immediate solution for the glass cliff after #MeToo involves distancing the choice of a successor from the situation at hand through documented executive search procedures. "The ultimate goal is to try to identify the individual who can best meet the needs of an organization; articulate the knowledge, skills and experience you are looking for, and if you find that in the executive, you can articulate that and it should be obvious to all," Mr. Howell said. Beyond #MeToo Making decisions about executive appointments post-#MeToo will require a significant amount of self-awareness in boardrooms, which are still disproportionately white and male. In 2016, 27.8 percent of new board appointees were women a 2-percentage-point decline from 2015, according to the 2017 "Board Monitor" report from executive search and consulting firm Heidrick & Struggles. Just 22 percent of new board appointees were racially or ethnically diverse. "Because most boardrooms are primarily made up of white males, I think the #MeToo movement has really clearly heightened the anxiety for what we do next," Ms. Hardy-Waller said. "Hopefully the movement has instilled enough [in those board members] to persuade them to think more deliberately about including women in the process. It clearly raises awareness around gender diversity on boards and also around the fact that we've been experiencing this systemic sexism for way, way too long." In healthcare, this moment of introspection for boards and C-level executives comes at an opportune time, when many baby boomers are ready to retire from their leadership posts. "Replacing those individuals, I think, provides the greatest opportunity for diversity for identifying talented women and putting them into leadership positions and much more so than the current situation, which will be seen by many as reactive," Mr. Howell said. Even beyond executive roles and board seats, organizations can use momentum behind the #MeToo movement to more broadly address some of the more insidious issues all women face in the workplace. "It goes beyond sexual harassment. It's pay equity, lack of job promotion and it's limited board opportunities," Ms. Hardy-Waller said. "I would love to see how we could expand [#MeToo] across all industries, across all sexism we experience. Then the question becomes: Beyond that, how do we take it to the next level and begin to hold organizations accountable for allowing [systemic sexism] to happen in their organizations?" More articles on leadership and management: Healthcare groups join $30M advertising efforts in 3 battleground states Ballad Health to cut 150 positions The 9 men and 1 woman on CHS' board The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration released a proposed rule April 17 that would alter how the agency sets annual quotas for opioid manufacturing, according to The Hill. Here are three things to know. 1. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced the proposed change during a speech in North Carolina. "Under this proposed new rule, if DEA believes that a company's opioids are being diverted for misuse, then they will reduce the amount of opioids that company can make," he said, according to The Hill. 2. The rule would also require the DEA to solicit input from stakeholders in other federal agencies, like the CDC and FDA, when setting manufacturing quotas. 3. The regulatory action follows a lawsuit West Virginia filed against the DEA in December, claiming the agency's drug quota rule "wrongfully sets manufacturing quotas based on the amounts of pills that drugmakers expect to sell, not on legitimate medical needs," according to Reuters. West Virginia leaders argued this approach has contributed to the illegal diversion of pain medication amid a worsening opioid epidemic. Although physicians may justify lying to patients because it is motivated by beliefs of what is best for their patients, physicians may often lie for their own sake furthering the debate on what medical lies are ethically acceptable, two Chicago physicians argue in a STAT op-ed. Here are six takeaways from the op-ed, written by two physicians at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago neonatologist Nana Matoba, MD, and pediatric cardiologist Angira Patel, MD. 1. The authors argue physicians, including themselves, "tell these untruths" to parents of pediatric patients in critical condition not to deceive them, but to improve their spirits in times of despair. "We do it, we tell ourselves, to spare their feelings," the authors wrote. "But perhaps we sometimes lie for our own sake, and it is our feelings that need to be spared so we can get through the night without breaking down in the call room" 2. "In an imperfect healthcare system limited by resources, the morality of whether physicians should advance what they believe is in the best interest of their patients above and beyond existing rules and regulations can be debated," the authors wrote. However, white lies can be problematic, especially when considering arguments among medical ethicists that surround the moral distinction between lying and deception. 3. Physicians have wrestled with telling absolute truths versus withholding often bleak facts from patients, the authors wrote, noting a study that found more than 55 percent of physicians sometimes or often described a patient's prognosis in a more positive manner than the facts support. 4. "In reality, the flowchart, or saying 'I don't know,' doesn't always help," the authors wrote. "And being brutally honest doesn't always help families make decisions or guarantee the preferred outcome." Physicians should be sure to cite statistics of morbidities and mortality to families, such as, "Your child has a 60 percent chance of survival," the authors added. However, "giving hope and sometimes describing a prognosis in a more positive manner than the facts might support is the reality of what physicians do." 5. "To be sure, deception that limits an individual's or a parent's ability to make informed decisions is reprehensible," the authors wrote. "Patients and their family members must be told results and expectations based on experience and evidence, as honestly and as clearly as a clinician can. But the art of medicine calls upon us to be nuanced and possibly shield them from unnecessary pain." 6. Physician-patient relationships can remain strong even when physicians tell patients "white lies," the authors concluded, "as long as our actions are grounded in kindness and we are doing our best for our patients in difficult times." The first known epidemic of extensively drug-resistant typhoid has infected approximately 850 people in Pakistan across 14 districts since 2016 and is anticipated to disseminate globally, according to data from the National Institute of Health Islamabad cited by The New York Times. Here are eight things to know. 1. The typhoid strain, which is resistant to five kinds of antibiotics, will replace weaker strains where they are endemic. Experts identified azithromycin as the only remaining oral antibiotic to fight this strain. However, one more genetic mutation could make typhoid untreatable in certain areas. 2. Researchers are viewing the epidemic as a call to implement comprehensive prevention efforts. If vaccination campaigns and modern sanitation systems fail to outpace the pathogen, researchers expect a return to the pre-antibiotic era, where mortality rates skyrocketed. "This isn't just about typhoid," said Dr. Rumina Hasan, a pathology professor at the Aga Khan University in Pakistan. "Antibiotic resistance is a threat to all of modern medicine and the scary part is, we're out of options." 3. Typhoid fever is a highly infectious disease transmitted by contaminated food or water and caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria. Symptoms include high fevers, headaches and vomiting. Around 21 million people suffer from typhoid each year, according to the World Health Organization. 4. The outbreak originated in the city of Hyderabad in India, where early case mapping showed victims clustered around the city's sewage lines. Researchers found water sources in the region that could be contaminated by leaking sewage pipes. Of the four deaths reported so far, at least one travel-related case was detected in the U.K. 5. Genetic sequencing revealed a multi-drug resistant typhoid strain called H58 interacted with another bacteria, likely Escherichia coli, and acquired an additional DNA molecule that coded for resistance to the antibiotic ceftriaxone. 6. In the Sindh province of Pakistan, physicians are treating the strain with azithromycin and more expensive treatments required to be administered in hospitals. 7. To preserve the last line of defense against the strain, public health officials launched a campaign to vaccinate 250,000 children in Hyderabad using a new typhoid conjugate vaccine. The vaccine lasts at least five years and children as young as six months old can receive it, according to the WHO. Experts are also reinforcing habits such as frequent hand washing, boiling drinking water and eating well-cooked foods. 8. "It's a global concern at this point," said Eric Mintz, MD, an epidemiologist at the CDC. "Everything suggests this strain will survive well and spread easily and acquiring resistance to azithromycin is only a matter of time." An undercover author working at an Amazon warehouse in the U.K. discovered some employees urinated in bottles during their shifts because the restrooms were too far away and they didn't want to get in trouble for wasting time, according to Business Insider. Author James Bloodworth went undercover as an employee at a Staffordshire, U.K.-based Amazon warehouse to compile research for a book about low wages in Britain. He described a "toilet bottle" system some fulfillment workers used to avoid taking bathroom breaks. "For those of us who worked on the top floor, the closest toilets were down four flights of stairs," Mr. Bloodworth told The Sun. "People just peed in bottles because they lived in fear of being disciplined over 'idle time' and losing their jobs just because they needed the loo." In a separate survey of 241 Amazon fulfillment workers in the U.K., nearly three-fourths said they were afraid to use the restroom due to time concerns. To maintain high efficiency, Amazon tracks warehouse workers' performance, imposes strict targets and issues warnings to individuals who fail to meet their goals or who take long breaks. However, the company said it does not time employees' bathroom breaks. "Amazon provides a safe and positive workplace for thousands of people across the U.K. with competitive pay and benefits from day one," the company said in a statement to Business Insider. "We have not been provided with confirmation that the people who completed the survey worked at Amazon, and we don't recognize these allegations as an accurate portrayal of activities in our buildings." Nearly 1,000 retirees of Pascagoula, Miss.-based Singing River Health System will see a significant cut in their pension benefits, according to a WLOX report. Special Judge James Bell issued an order April 13 that reduced the retirees' monthly benefits by 25 percent, effective May 1, according to a letter addressed to beneficiaries signed by court-appointed financial representative Traci Christian. Ms. Christian recommended the cut as it is reportedly meant to make the pension fund last, according to gulflive.com. Jim Reeves, an attorney for retirees, said of the April 13 ruling in a statement to media outlets: "The cut in benefits was more severe now than it would have been had the settlement been approved without objection. Unfortunately, the drawn-out legal appeals have cost the pension enormously, and every day of delay means less benefits for all pension members. The court recognized that reality." The SRHS pension fund has been the focus of a legal battle since the health system stopped paying into the pension from 2009-14, according to WXXV. In 2016, District Court Judge Louis Guirola approved a proposed settlement, but attorneys for SRHS retirees appealed that ruling. Subsequently, the U.S. Court of Appeals Court for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans failed to approve the proposed settlement in 2017, meaning the case headed back to Judge Guirola for reconsideration. The judge approved a settlement this year, but attorneys for retirees have again appealed to the fifth U.S. circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, WLOX reports. More articles on workforce: Hospitals add 10k jobs in March 20 hospitals hiring nurses Former Kaiser nurse who said Stephon Clark 'deserved it' raises $25k+ online: 5 things to know California hospitals owned by Dallas-based Tenet Healthcare are seeking nurses and other allied health professionals, according to The Modesto Bee. Doctors Medical Center of Modesto (Calif.), Emanuel Medical Center in Turlock and Doctors Hospital of Manteca (Calif.) will host recruiting events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 19. The events will include interviews as well as immediate hiring decisions, according to the report. Open positions are in nursing, as well as in critical care, imaging, mental health and laboratory, among other areas. Other California hospitals owned by Tenet have also scheduled job fairs. Lakewood (Calif.) Regional Medical Center will host a job fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 23; Fountain Valley (Calif.) Regional Hospital & Medical Center will host one from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 25; and Placentia (Calif.)-Linda Hospital will host one from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 25. More articles on workforce: Hospitals add 10k jobs in March 20 hospitals hiring nurses Former Kaiser nurse who said Stephon Clark 'deserved it' raises $25k+ online: 5 things to know Here are 12 orthopedic and spine device companies who completed funding rounds in the last year. The companies are listed from most funding raised to least. Infervision, a Beijing, China-based artificial intelligence company developing medical imaging technology, raised $47 million in series B+ financing from existing and new investors. Healthcare startup Paige.ai raised $25 million for its work in cancer diagnosis through computer vision trained with clinical imaging data. Conventus Orthopaedics raised $20 million to fund and commercialize fracture repair therapies. Hyalex Orthopaedics completed a $16 million series A financing round. Silverback Therapeutics, a startup headed by Peter Thompson, MD, raised $10 million in venture funding. OrthAlign raised $10 million in a series D financing round. During Spineology's latest round of funding, the company secured $10 million. AxioMed closed its first round of funding, with its anticipated second round already securing $10 million in pledges. Augmedics secured $8.3 million in series A funding for its augmented-reality surgical visualization system, ViZOR System. Titan Spine, based in Mequon, Wis., raised another $7.5 million for its series D funding round, which is now at $15 million. Atlanta-based Vertera Spine raised $3 million from 29 investors. Micro C, a medical device startup that manufactures a handheld X-ray and digital camera imaging device for orthopedic surgeons, raised an additional $1 million in funding, bringing their total seed amount to $2.2 million. Here are nine key notes on orthopedic and spine device companies from the past week. Ceterix Orthopaedics' NovoStitch Pro Meniscal Repair System earned FDA 510(k) clearance. Richard Moore, MD, a surgeon in Boise, Idaho, performed the first case using Zimmer Biomet's Persona Trabecular Metal Tibia March 20. Safe Orthopaedics recorded more than 10,000 sales of its SteriSpine surgical kits. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Best Companies Group honored OrthoPediatrics as one of the Best Places to Work in Indiana. Pacira CEO Dave Stack discussed the company's efforts to expand its nerve block Exparel label in an emailed interview with pharmaphorum. A new study published in Spine examined Aesculap Implant Systems' activL Artificial Disc for lumbar artificial disc replacement. Jonathan Isenburg will become CFO of Coventus, a medical device company focused on fracture repair surgery. John Chi, MD, presented 12-month outcomes data from Spineology's SCOUT clinical trial. Medtronic received CE approval to launch its Visualise MRI-Guided Laser Ablation System in Europe. A Co Antrim business student has been ranked among the top 100 "women to watch" in the UK. Sarah McBride is in the final year of her studies in international business with French at the University of Bath. Sarah said that she was "very flattered" to have been nominated for The Tab Future 100 Women To Watch in 2018. She said she was keen to reach the top 30 list which would mean an invitation to the London headquarters of leading global financial services firm JP Morgan. After deciding on a business degree, the former Ballymena Academy pupil was determined to enter the Young Enterprise programme for schools, a move which saw her win a Young Entrepreneur of the Year title. She went on to organise a technology conference in Belfast attended by 300 young people and a keynote speaker from Facebook. More recently, she enjoyed an internship with Google in London and proceeded to spend a year on a placement in Paris with Withings, a company that specialises in wearable technology, working on transition of the brand when it was acquired by Nokia Health. When she graduates, Sarah says that she may return to Belfast which she says is "becoming a really exciting place for technology for someone like me who has some experience and interest in that area". The Duke of Cambridge will meet young people from the Commonwealth when he attends a joint session of the institution's business and youth forums. Senior members of the royal family are involved in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London which will see leaders from across the globe take part in a two-day summit. In the run-up to the start of the talks tomorrow forums are being staged where issues varying from gender politics to the environment are being discussed. Prince William will make an opening speech at the round table meeting of the business and youth forums addressing representatives from across the Commonwealth Alliance of Young Entrepreneurs (CAYE) network facilitated by the Commonwealth Youth Forum. The session, at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre in central London, includes philanthropists who will talk about the role that they can play in supporting new entrepreneurship, and investing in the next generation. The session will explore what the Commonwealth can do to encourage, empower and connect entrepreneurs across the network. During the day the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will attend the Commonwealth Big Lunch at the conference centre. Prince Charles will also meet civil society representatives from the People's Forum and join representatives from the Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network and selected Youth Forum delegates for a roundtable discussion on the work of young people in the Commonwealth. The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Charles Bowman, was due to host representatives from all 53 Commonwealth nations at a banquet at Guildhall last night. Chancellor Philip Hammond was among the speakers at the event which was also attended by senior City, business and charity representatives. Commonwealth Big Lunches, created by educational charity the Eden Project in partnership with the Government, encourage people to get together to celebrate their Commonwealth connections through food. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, bringing together up to 52 leaders from across the Commonwealth to London, continues until Friday. Stephen Bell from Lagan/FastHouse; Alan Gammon from Jackson Design Associates; Kevin Lagan from Lagan/FastHouse, and Brian Kennedy and Cormac Fitzpatrick from SISK Northern Ireland businessman Kevin Lagan has sold most of his construction businesses to an English firm in a 455m deal. He has off-loaded his construction materials interests to Breedon Group but will retain his homebuilding firm Lagan Homes. Breedon Group plc in the East Midlands said the move to buy Lagan Group, which has 750 staff, gave it "immediate critical mass in Ireland and across the entire value chain". Breedon said jobs would be kept in its operations on both sides of the border. It added: "Our record in all acquisitions is to grow them, not to shrink them. There is a great business here to invest in, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic." Lagan is a major supplier of construction materials and contract surfacing in Ireland and the UK, with a modern cement plant in Kinnegad in Co Westmeath, nine quarries, 13 asphalt plants and nine ready-mix concrete plants. In its most recent results Lagan Group reported sales of 249m. The business was formed in the 1960s outside Belfast by Mr Lagan's father Peter when he opened his first quarry at Whitemountain. Kevin and his brother Michael worked in the business before a legal agreement to separate their companies in 2008. A spokesman for Lagan Group said he had "undoubtedly been the driving force behind the business for over 40 years, growing its turnover to 272m, with combined earnings (EBITDA) of approximately 55m in 2017". Mr Lagan also thanked staff for their contribution. "Our committed and passionate staff at Lagan Group have contributed significantly to the development and growth of the business, differentiating us from our competition in all of the markets in which we operate. "I'd like to thank the staff for the role they have played in the growth of Lagan Group, and I wish them every success as they enter an exciting new chapter with Breedon, who I am confident will build on that success, supporting the development of the business in the years ahead." Mr Lagan said he and his family will now focus on growing the Lagan Homes business, as well as LF FastHouse, which makes modular closed panel and timber frames for the construction industry. It is to supply nearly 500 holiday lodges to Ireland's first CenterParcs in Co Longford. Last year Lagan Homes posted total turnover of 76m, with combined profit before tax coming in at around 10m. Breedon executive chairman Peter Thom said: "Over the last eight years we have pursued a successful buy-and-build strategy which has established Breedon as the largest independent construction materials business in the UK, and the acquisition of Lagan is another strategic step for us. "We believe it has the potential to add significantly to the group's performance." A US spirits company in Missouri has acquired a stake in a Londonderry liqueur firm as they look to build a distillery in the city. Luxco in St Louis and Niche Drinks already produce Saint Brendan's Irish Cream and global brand, The Quiet Man Irish whiskey. In a statement, the company said it had spoken to the Strategic Investment Board to discuss building an Irish whiskey distillery in Ebrington Square in Derry. Ciaran Mulgrew, managing director of Niche Drinks, said: "Luxco has impressive distillery experience, having built Lux Row Distillers and partnered with Limestone Branch Distillery, both in Kentucky, and is nearing completion of a Tequila distillery in Arandas, Mexico. "This experience will be a tremendous asset as we proceed with The Quiet Man Craft Distillery at Ebrington Square." Donn Lux, chairman and chief executive of family-owned Luxco, said: "This is a very exciting time for Luxco and Niche. We have worked closely with Ciaran and his team for more than 30 years, spending a lot of time in Derry over that time, so it is great to welcome everyone at Niche Drinks into the Luxco family." Mr Mulgrew is to remain with the business following the transaction. Niche Drinks was set up in 1983. It makes cream liqueurs, Irish coffees and ready-to-drink cocktails for retailers. Meanwhile, UK wine merchant Majestic Wine has warned that fresh investment plans meant to attract new customers will knock next year's profits by up to 3m. Chief executive Rowan Gormley said: "We are in the fortunate position of having the option to accelerate growth by investing in new customer acquisition." Artificial intelligence firm BenevolentAI has raised 115 million US dollars, marking one of the largest funding rounds in the sector (Anthony Devlin/PA) British artificial intelligence firm BenevolentAI has raised 115 million US dollars (80.8 million) in a move valuing the group at two billion US dollars (1.4 billion) and marking one of the largest funding rounds in the sector. BenevolentAI, which uses artificial intelligence to make new drug discoveries, secured the funding from investors largely based in the US, as well as from existing backers including star fund manager Neil Woodfords Woodford Investment Management. The latest funding round means BenevolentAI has now raised more than 200 million US dollars (141 million) since its launch in 2013. It said it would put the latest cash towards ramping up its drug development, broadening the disease areas on which it focuses and advance these programmes to the clinic. The group Europes largest private AI company will also use some of the funds to further develop its self-learning system, while also helping the firm to expand outside the pharmaceutical sector to other science-based industries, such as energy storage and agriculture. Ken Mulvany, founder and chairman of BenevolentAI, said the fundraising reflects the rapidly growing global interest in the emerging AI pharmaceutical sector and a recognition of our place as the dominant player within it. He added the firm had come a very long way since launching in 2013. We have now pioneered into a fully integrated, AI enabled drug development company with the ability to deliver better medicines at radically decreased drug development times the efficiency ultimately means patients will receive the right medicines, at a lower cost, in less time, he said. BenevolentAI develops medicines for hard to treat diseases and cuts down the cost and failure rates in traditional drug development. It uses software to understand the cause of disease and generate drug candidates at scale, and has created a bioscience machine brain to help discover new medicines and cures for diseases. Its work so far has suggested it can cut early stage drug discovery by four years and potentially improve the entire drug development programme by 60% against industry averages. The technology is being used to develop treatments across a wide range of diseases, including Motor Neuron Disease and Parkinsons Disease. The company employs 165 staff and is headquartered in London with further offices in New York and Belgium, as well as a research facility in Cambridge. Northern Irelands rate of unemployment has fallen to 3.5%, bringing the economy here close to full employment, its been claimed. The unemployment rate was down by 1.8% year-on-year, which the Department for the Economy said was a significant change. And the level of unemployment for December to February was below the UKs rate of 4.2% and the second-lowest unemployment rate of the UK regions. The employment rate was also up slightly to 69.5%. At 27.9%, the rate of economic inactivity was down on the quarter before, but had risen year-on-year. It remained above the UK average of 21.2%. Ulster Bank chief economist Richard Ramsey said the fall in the jobless rate had been accompanied by a growth in full-time employment which he said reflected a strong demand for labour. The employment rate had grown at a rate of 2.2% year-on-year the fastest in 17 months. But Esmond Birnie of the Northern Ireland economic policy centre part of Ulster University said the rate of employment had still not returned to the level of 70%, which prevailed before the recession began in 2008. In other words, there has been no underlying improvement over the last decade, the senior economist said. In contrast, the most recent UK average employment rate is 75.4% and that UK rate is about 2% points higher than it was back in 2008. And he said there was no indication of an underlying improvement in the rate of economic inactivity monitoring those who are neither in work nor looking for work. The rate had hovered at around seven percentage points above the UK rate over the last few years, Mr Birnie said. It encompasses categories of people such as those who are looking after the home, the sick and students. On paper, the Northern Ireland economy has substantially resolved the problem of unemployment, but unfortunately a very sizeable challenge in terms of high rate of inactivity continues, Mr Birnie added. FSB NI policy chair Tina McKenzie said the fall in unemployment and rise in the employment rate was welcome, in particular given that our unemployment rate is below the UK average, which isnt always the case. However, economic inactivity remains a significant challenge in Northern Ireland, and while it has decreased this quarter, the gap between us and the rest of the UK is substantial. Justin Cole, from Dunclug College, Ballymena, with his award winning piece from the Texaco Childrens all-Ireland art competition Sophie Ward, a student from St Pauls High School, Bessbrook, with her artwork Two young artists from Northern Ireland have been honoured for their outstanding artworks after they were recognised by the judges of an all-Ireland competition. Justin Cole (15), from Dunclug College in Ballymena, came second in Category B (14-15 years) of the 64th Texaco Children's Art Competition for his self-portrait. No stranger to the competition, Justin - who took home 350 in prize money yesterday - won a Special Merit Award in last year's competition. In Category C (12-13 years), the second prize of 250 was won by 13-year old student Sophie Ward, from St Paul's High School, Bessbrook, Co Armagh, for her pencil sketch entry entitled Eye Spy. The overall winner was Hetty Lawlor, a 17-year-old student from Mayo. The awards were announced at a reception held in Dublin's Royal Hibernian Academy yesterday. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dispatched an air ambulance to a Co Antrim school on Wednesday afternoon. The air ambulance was sent to Dunluce School to attend to a young male with a suspected broken leg. Following treatment the male was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry by ambulance. "The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service received a call at 13:47 this afternoon following reports of a young male with a suspected broken leg at an address near Dunluce Road, Bushmills," a Northern Ireland Ambulance Service spokesperson said. "One Emergency Ambulance crew was dispatched to the incident. The Charity Air Ambulance was also tasked to the scene. "Following assessment and treatment at the scene, one patient was transported to Altnagelvin Area Hospital by ambulance." Dunluce School declined to comment on the incident. An attack on a presbyterian church in Newry has caused "thousands of pounds" worth of damage. Damage has been caused to a window at First Presbyterian Church (Non-Subscribing) Newry in the attack. Ulster Unionist Councillor David Taylor strongly condemned the action of those who caused the damage. I am extremely angry that an attack has occurred on the building of First Presbyterian Church Non Subscribing Newry. I condemn the actions of the individuals who perpetrated this heinous act in the strongest possible terms," Cllr Taylor said. The damage caused to the Church building runs into many thousands of pounds and there is no doubt having spoken to members of First Presbyterian Church Non Subscribing Newry that this incident has caused deep distress to their congregation. It is extremely unfortunate that there are still those in the local community who are unwilling to display respect and tolerance towards members of the Protestant faith in Newry." Cllr Taylor said that the church was very active in community life. First Presbyterian Church Non Subscribing Newry are an extremely active congregation who offer a very positive contribution to the local community including through their involvement in important charity work. It is terribly disappointing to say the very least that they should be on the receiving end of such unacceptable behaviour," he said. I would call upon the local community to rally around the congregation of First Presbyterian Church Non Subscribing Newry and to offer their full support to members of the Church. I would also appeal to anyone with information in respect of the incident to report it to the Police immediately. Cllr Taylor said that police currently have a man in custody in relation with the incident and are continuing their enquiries. Shop workers and independent retailers have united to urge Belfast City Council to ditch plans for longer trading hours on Sundays. The council has been considering either having the city centre or whole district designated as a holiday resort - which would allow large shops the option of extending their Sunday trading hours between March and October each year. But Usdaw, the trade union which represents retail workers, and the independent retailers' organisation Retail NI, have written a joint letter to councillors urging them to abandon the proposal. Usdaw said a survey of workers showed that 94% opposed the proposal with two thirds saying they are already under pressure to work on Sundays. Almost half said they have caring responsibilities that they are already struggling to fit around their work. Retail NI said the proposal will have a damaging effect on small independent retailers. The council's strategic policy and resources committee is set to consider the proposal on Friday. It is understood that the initial proposal was made in response to a "strong lobby" who want to improve the tourism offering in Belfast, particularly on a Sunday morning, to boost the local economy and to support the overall regeneration of the city centre. In a public consultation carried out by the council in 2017, 62% of respondents wanted to see longer trading hours, while 38% did not. However, a 2018 supplementary consultation only found 48.7% of those surveyed in favour, and 50.7% against. In their joint letter, Retail NI and Usdaw said they believe that, if passed, the proposal would have a detrimental effect on retail workers, their families, independent retailers and the wider community. "Retail workers are already under immense pressure to work long hours with the one respite they have being the legally enforced shorter trading hours on a Sunday which allows them much needed time with their family and friends," the joint letter states. "Not only would the proposed change place extra pressure on retail workers, it would also have a damaging effect on small independent retailers (below 3000 sq ft) who can trade for those vital few hours on a Sunday morning. "Local independent retailers have seen a 71% hike in their rates bill following the last rates revaluation and continue to struggle to stay in business. "If this proposal to allow large multiple retailers to open all day Sunday for nearly half the year is passed, it will result in a number of your local community independent retailers closing." The letter - which is signed by Usdaw General Secretary John Hannett and Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts - said the city council last year rejected a similar suggestion, adding they hope it will again this year. "Having been through this process just last year, with a decision taken not to move forward with the proposal, we believe that the key issues are well understood and that there is no evidence of a shift since then in either the mood amongst the public or retail workers, or in the needs of businesses, small or large," they said. "As part of last year's consultation, our organisations made clear that we were more than willing to work alongside Belfast City Council and other interested parties to explore options that would deliver a real and meaningful boost to the weekend economy of Belfast. "Our offer to work together as part of a 'weekend summit' still stands and we remain committed to a vibrant and successful Belfast. "We urge councillors to reject this proposal." Footage has been released of the final movements of Piotr Krowka, a Polish man tragically murdered at a property in Maghera / Credit: PSNI Footage has been released of the final movements of Piotr Krowka, a Polish man tragically murdered at a property in Maghera. The new images, from Easter Saturday March 31 - the day the PSNI believes Mr Krowka was killed - show a hooded man who police are keen to identify. The 36-year-old had had been living on and off in the Co Londonderry town since 2005, and had recently been sleeping rough after returning from London in December 2017. His body was discovered on Tuesday, April 3 at a property on the Glen Road - three days after it is believed he was killed. Detective Superintendent Jason Murphy says he hopes the images "prompt someone's memory" and may represent the "last time Piotr was seen alive by anyone other than those who killed him". "Chillingly, during his journey up Main Street, he is being followed by a hooded man," DS Murphy says in the video. "We need to establish who this man is. I believe someone in the community knows him." In the extracts of the footage Mr Krowka can be seen walking along the Coleraine Road at 8.50pm on Easter Saturday, making his way up Main Street at 8.58pm, before crossing the road and turning left onto the Glen Road. In the video DS Murphy makes an appeal to anyone with direct knowledge of Piotr's murder. "I believe someone has information about who killed him. I would urge those people to examine their conscience, and ask themselves if they can carry the burden of that guilt forever?" he says. "If you know anything now is the time to do the right thing and tell police." "Take the time to ask yourself: Is someone you know acting out of character? Did they come home on Easter Saturday with blood on their clothes? Did they dispose of this clothing? If the answer to any of those questions is yes, please contact police." Four people have so far been arrested and released in connection with the murder of Mr Krowka. Anyone with any information about the murder is asked to contact the PSNI on non-emergency number 101 quoting the reference 919 of 03/04/2018. Alternatively the public can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has called for steps to be taken to end the wild west culture of anything goes on some social media platforms. He made the comments during Prime Minister's Questions following the abuse of female politicians across the United Kingdom. Read More DUP leader Arlene Foster and her party colleague Carla Lockhart were targeted by online trolls in a series of vicious attacks over their appearance at the weekend. A number of other Northern Ireland politicians offered the pair their support and spoke out about the abuse they have received online. "There have been a number of examples of the kind of vile online abuse suffered by female politicians over recent days," Mr Dodds said. "In Parliament, the anti-Semitic abuse faced by some MPs was highlighted very movingly during yesterdays debate whilst cruel and misogynistic abuse has been in focus within Northern Ireland also. "The issue must be tackled head on and steps taken to bring social media platforms to account and end the wild west culture of anything goes." Mr Dodds said the law needed to adapt to changes in techonolgy. "The prime minister rightly recognised the extent of the problem and I am glad there is a focus within government about the issue of liability for these companies," he said. "The methods of communication have changed over recent years and it is vital that the law keeps pace with such developments and people recognise they can and will face sanction for their actions online." Armed police response officers were called to an incident in which a 12-year-old boy brandishing a knife had jumped on the bonnet of a PSNI car, a court has heard Armed police response officers were called to an incident in which a 12-year-old boy brandishing a knife had jumped on the bonnet of a PSNI car, a court has heard. Details emerged at a bail application at Dungannon Youth Court, which heard the child is the youngest resident, by a very wide margin in the facility where he is currently held. Last week the child, who cannot be identified, was charged with attempted robbery, burglary and possessing a weapon, relating to two offences in Cookstown on April 7. He attempted to rob an off-licence on the afternoon in question, with a hood pulled over his head, the court heard. Brandishing a claw hammer, he threatened the female assistant, while demanding cash, but she managed to activate an alarm and the child fled. Later that night, another business was targeted. Officers located the child at the scene, where he admitted gaining entry by smashing a glass panel. Once inside, he hurled a fire extinguisher through a door and set about looking for cash. The childs father was contacted and met with police at Dungannon Station. It was agreed the boy would be released into his fathers care for interview at a later date. They left the station but within minutes the father returned, stating his son had jumped from the moving car and fled. The father refused to take his son back telling officers: Hes your problem. The child was found hiding in a car park and accepted the offences claiming he wanted money for drugs and a new tracksuit. Last week, police opposed bail due to a likelihood of re-offending and a recent escalation in criminality. At that hearing, District Judge John Meehan criticised Social Services for not attending and, left with no choice, ordered the child be held in custody. A further bail application was mounted on the basis a social worker attend, but police remained opposed to his release. An officer said matters had escalated since September 2017, starting with the boy trashing 5,000 worth of hospital equipment. While a decision was taken not to prosecute, the officer said social workers called at the childs home and he fled, becoming a missing person. Later that night, he was located in Belfast with his sister and her partner. Police believed he had consumed drugs and he was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast where the damage occurred. He is also accused of damaging property at his school, overturning tables and using knives to cut holes in doors. A knife was also presented during an incident at his home in February, when he objected to the presence of police, and jumped on the bonnet of their car. Armed response officers were called to the scene, as police officers could not get out of their vehicle while the child was brandishing the knife. The officer at yesterdays hearing said: Our view on bail has not changed. A social worker explained the childs health trust had input and there was intensive support. There were some difficulties settling in but he worked well with intensive therapy. Judge Meehan said: There is a full care order which has fallen spectacularly apart. Is it an issue (the child) has been exposed to significant dangers? The social worker replied that a therapy programme was completed in March and the therapist felt the child had engaged extremely well. Judge Meehan asked: How can that be going by the highly violent activity? The social worker said: There were periods when (the boy) was well settled, but we have become increasingly concerned. We felt he was best placed with his father. However, she accepted she had not been aware that the father had told police he was their problem, after the child jumped from the moving car. She also accepted the imminent review is likely to recommend the child does not reside with his father, and the health trust would be tasked with examining other options. Judge Meehan said: This is a catastrophic story of increasing high violence and high cost damage. Hes only 12. He is exposed to significant risk. The social worker repeated her view there had been a settled period and said a Harbouring Notice is to be sought, banning the childs sibling and her partner from any contact, as it is believed they are providing him with drugs. She said: The Trust would prefer (the child) is returned to his father, with us attending on a daily basis. Regarding the childs exposure to risk, the social worker conceded: I cannot give any guarantees we would be able to keep him safe. Judge Meehan said: The extraordinary feature which dominates is the age of 12. Then again, this child has engaged in violent offending, who threatened a female with a weapon and equipped himself with knives. He ruled the child must remain detained, stating: I asked for Social Services to see whether to release (the child) into a more appropriate placement. I accept work is still ongoing, but to be told the proposal is to return this child to his father, pending a review, is something less than this court hoped for. The only option is 24/7 continuous supervision with someone who does not say, Its not my problem. DUP leader Arlene Foster has dismissed a claim by the head of the civil service that notes of ministerial meetings were not taken due to concerns about freedom of information requests. Mrs Foster, while giving her third day of evidence to the RHI inquiry, admitted that a lack of record keeping was shocking but denied that she ever ordered her officials at the Department for Enterprise, Trade and Investment (DETI) to stop taking minutes of key meetings for political reasons. Head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service, David Sterling, has previously told the inquiry that minute-taking stopped at Stormont departments because the main parties were sensitive to criticism. Mrs Foster, as enterprise minister, was in charge of the botched Renewable Heat Incentive scheme which allowed people to make significant profits due to subsidies being set at a higher rate than the cost of fuel. Mrs Foster, when asked about the lack of note taking at her department, told the inquiry: It is one thing to stop taking minutes of meetings, who said what, but it is quite a different thing to say that we stopped recording ministerial decisions. I think that is quite shocking, frankly, and no, I didnt know that was happening and I am not sure any of my ministerial colleagues knew about it either. She added: It appears from the evidence from the head of the civil service that it was not just something that was happening in DETI. It was something that was happening across government. In all my time as minister, regardless of the department, not once did I tell officials not to take minutes of meetings because it would be contrary in terms of openness but also in terms of making things happen. I cant understand how, if there are not notes taken of ministerial decisions, you take matters forward in the department. Mr Sterling has previously told the inquiry ministers at Stormont liked to have a safe space where they could think the unthinkable and not necessarily have it all recorded. Responding to this, Mrs Foster said: I dont think there are any politicians that are not sensitive to criticism, given what I came through last year I think I am probably tougher than most. All politicians know that they are going to be criticised on a day and daily basis. None of us took decisions to avoid criticism. Politics is about not just getting elected, it is about doing something with your mandate and to deliver on what you want to deliver on. That is why I got involved in politics, to try to make a difference to Northern Ireland. If you are sensitive to criticism you have to ask if you are in the right job. Mrs Fosters special adviser, Dr Andrew Crawford, previously told the inquiry that he felt DETI officals may have deliberately misled the minister about the total costs of the scheme. Asked if she felt she was misled, Mrs Foster said: No it is not a term I would use. We werent given the information [about the total costs] and I cant quite understand why we werent given the information but I cant attribute why, because I simply dont know. Read More Below is how Mrs Foster's three day of giving evidence to the inquiry unfolded: The solicitor for Stuart Olding has called for all rape and sexual assault cases awaiting trial to be reviewed. The call came as it emerged that the Lord Chief Justice Sir Declan Morgan has begun discussions with senior judges - including Patricia Smyth, who presided over proceedings in the rugby rape trial - to examine how cases are handled and any steps that could be taken. Both Paddy Jackson and Mr Olding were unanimously acquitted of rape following a nine-week trial in Belfast. Yesterday four groups which help victims of sexual crime took out a full page advert in the Belfast Telegraph urging the public to support a review of the system, and how complainants are treated. In a statement, the Lord Chief Justice's office said Sir Declan "is aware of the issues raised by the recent high-profile trial". "He has begun discussions with the trial judge and other senior Crown Court judges to consider whether there are any steps the courts can take that do not require legislation to deal with some of the issues," it added. Joe Rice, who represents Mr Olding, welcomed the announcement but said there were concerns police and prosecutors were not adequately equipped to handle evidence. "However, I also take a wider view that all rape and serious sexual assault cases currently awaiting trial should now be reviewed in Northern Ireland," Mr Rice added. "I would like to see a review of the work of the PSNI and its Sexual Crimes Unit in relation to these cases, which could be extended to encompass how our Public Prosecution Service deals with and reviews the evidence that it is provided with by investigating police. "Defence solicitors have genuine concerns that police and prosecutors may not have the necessary systems or resources to get to grips with the way they handle evidence and especially electronic evidence." Mr Rice said there were concerns potential key information for cases, taken from mobile phones, computers and social media, is not being properly interrogated or kept under "sufficient review" by police and prosecutors. "There has to be an improvement plan to tackle these new 21st century societal developments," argued Mr Rice. "This should include reviewing training, developing specialist disclosure experts in every police force and providing all multi-media evidence to the defence digitally. "Any review could include the above as well as anonymity for defendants, jury procedures, victims' rights, etc. "Change in our society, such as the rapidly increasing use of social media, mobile phone messaging, brings challenges that all parts of the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, which despite resourcing problems, have to deal with sooner rather than later." The Sinn Fein candidate in the upcoming West Tyrone by-election, has expressed concern that the Electoral Office may be adding "unfair and unjustified barriers" to prevent people exercising their right to secure postal and proxy votes. Orfhlaith Begley alleged voters who applied for postal votes in the election received correspondence from the Electoral Office seeking detailed information on their work and travel arrangements. Read More The by-election to replace former Sinn Fein MP Barry McElduff will take place on Thursday May, 3. Mr McElduff resigned from the position after a scandal erupted when he posted a video posing with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the Kingsmill Massacre. Thomas Buchanan is contesting the seat for the DUP, Stephen Donnelly for the Alliance, Daniel McCrossan for the SDLP and Chris Smyth for the UUP. "I am aware of a number of constituents who applied for postal and proxy votes because they will be away working on polling day," Ms Begley said. "In some cases, they have been asked to provide detailed information about their hours of work and how they are travelling there. It is entirely unreasonable to expect someone to be back in West Tyrone in time to vote if they have to travel from their workplace in Dublin and maybe dont finish until 6pm. "Based on that correspondence, I am concerned that the Electoral Office are now attempting to add additional layers of bureaucracy that result in people losing their right to postal and proxy votes. If that is the case, it is completely unjustified and unacceptable." Ms Begley said she will be seeking a meeting with the Electoral Office. My election team will be seeking an urgent discussion with the Electoral Office and stressing that they should be seeking to assist people to exercise their democratic rights, not constantly looking for ever more elaborate ways of denying them the vote, she said. Chief Electoral Officer for Northern Ireland Virginia McVeigh told the Belfast Telegraph that Sinn Fein had made no contact with the Electoral Office. "This is the first we have heard of a concern, I have received no complaints and Sinn Fein haven't been in touch with me," she said. "In response to the matters raised, I can say that the Electoral Office is continuing to process applications in accordance with the law, which requires that we be satisfied that it is not reasonable for the individual to attend the allocated polling station. "That's the way that we continue to operate. I can confirm that in accordance with the law no additional 'unfair or unjustified barriers' have been put in place." The Belfast Telegraph revealed last June that the use of proxy votes in some Sinn Fein-dominated areas of Londonderry was more than 17 times the UK average at the 2017 general election. SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan met the PSNI to make a formal complaint about proxy vote abuse after the party lost its Foyle Westminster seat to Sinn Fein by just 169 votes. Eamonn McCann, the former People Before Profit MLA, also made a complaint to the Electoral Office about proxy vote use in Foyle. Ms Begley is the daughter of the former Sinn Fein chairman of Omagh District Council Sean Begley, who was a councillor for 26 years. In the 2017 General Election Sinn Fein's Barry McElduff topped the poll with 22,060 votes. The next highest candidate was the DUP's Thomas Buchanan with 11,718. Tributes have been paid to a popular school teacher and mother-of-one who died on Monday. St Mary's Grammar School in Magherafelt will be closed today as pupils and staff attend the funeral of assistant principal Irene Hynds, who taught there for more than 25 years. A colleague described Mrs Hynds as "highly esteemed" and said her passing was a "devastating loss". A former pupil who remembered her as Miss Toye expressed her sadness on social media. "So, so sad to hear this news, a true lady, may you rest in peace," they wrote. A book of condolence will remain opened at the school reception until next Friday. "Members of the St Mary's community, including past pupils, former colleagues, parents and friends of the school, who wish to remember Mrs Hynds are invited to visit St Mary's to sign the book of condolence," a statement on the school's website reads. "May she rest in peace." A statement posted on the Magherafelt Parish Facebook page expressed "great sadness" and extended "deepest sympathies" to her husband Seamus, son Daniel and the wider family circle. She is also survived by parents Jim and Susan, sister Geraldine, and brothers Jim and Eugene. Her funeral cortege will leave her Ballyneill Road home in Ballyronan at 10.15am before Requiem Mass at the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Magherafelt. She will be laid to rest in the cemetery of St Tierney's Church in Roslea, Co Fermanagh, following the service. Two teenagers have been released on bail after being arrested in connection with the murder of a homeless man in Co Londonderry. Piotr Krowka, a 36-year-old Polish national, was found dead in an abandoned parochial house at Glen Road in Maghera on April 3. He had suffered injuries to his head and body. Two 16-year-olds were detained in the Maghera area yesterday as part of the murder investigation and taken to Antrim for questioning. They have now been released on bail pending further police enquiries. Mr Krowka had lived in the area for a number of years and is believed to have a sister residing nearby. The local community has been rallying round to assist with the cost of the funeral. A JustGiving page has already raised more than 1,800 thanks to donations from over 100 people. The fund's organiser, Magherafelt woman Paddy Walls, said she was delighted with the response from all parts of the community. "We were all shocked by the death of Piotr," she added. "I just wanted to try to do something useful and I've found there's a lot of really generous people around who feel the same as me. People across the south Derry area have shown they want to acknowledge Piotr as a person and treat him with some respect in death. "I have had support from some local business interests and want to thank them for getting involved, and if anyone else wishes to help give Piotr a dignified funeral they can do so through the JustGiving page at justgiving.com/crowdfunding/paddy-walls. "I've set a target of 5,000 to cover funeral expenses, though at this stage there's no indication of how much it will cost. But I know there won't be any money there to pay for a decent burial." PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Boyce said: "I am keen to identify Piotr's movements between Good Friday and Easter Tuesday, when his body was discovered, and I would appeal to anyone who was in contact with or who may have witnessed Piotr during this time to please contact us. "I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed anything suspicious at this house during the timeframe to contact detectives at our incident room at Magherafelt PSNI Station by calling 101, quoting reference number 919 of 03/04/18." A Co Down window cleaner who "repeatedly stamped'' on his victim's head claiming it was self-defence was told on Wednesday he must serve a minimum of 12 years of his life sentence for murdering Coleraine man Mark Lamont. Mr Justice Colton told 37-year-old Richard Hugh Jackie Dalzell he took the "view that this was a particularly serious assault when went beyond that which could be considered self-defence or a fight for which there was legitimate justification. "The assault is aggravated by the fact that the victim was clearly vulnerable as he was lying on the ground when his head was stamped upon repeatedly". However Mr Justice Colton accepted there were some mitigating factors in Dalzell's favour, he acted initially in self-defence, after being substantially provoked, and that this initial fight was spontaneous, and not preplanned or premeditated. But the Antrim Crown Court judge, sitting in Belfast's Laganside Courthouse declared "these mitigating features have to be judged in the context of what I consider to be a serious, sustained and senseless assault upon a victim who was in a vulnerable position". He also said his crimes were further aggravated by fleeing the scene in the aftermath to evade police, but not before he had also threatened a woman by "invoking the name of a paramilitary group", the UDA. Mr Justice Colton said the reading of victim impact reports into this "traumatic and unnecessary death" should make him understand "the extent of the damage" that he has caused. Later speaking outside court Karl Lamont, son of Mark Lamont said that while ,"no sentence today will bring my dad back. In my opinion life should mean life". Karl said that the family still "miss him every day," and while adding again that "no sentence will take away the pain and the hurt this family has suffered over the past 18 months, it's now time to pick things up and move on as a family." Dalzell from Whinpark in Newtownards, who smiled and waved to friends in a packed public gallery, had claimed he had "got the better" of 54-year-old Mr Lamont, one of three hooded men who initially walked in on Dalzell and his girlfriend Deborah Ramsey. The father of three was found in a critical condition, lying in a pool of blood outside her Ballycastle Road, home of in the early hours of September 26, 2016. Although later transferred from the local Causeway Coast Hospital to Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital, he never regained consciousness and died just over two weeks later on October 11. The previous day Dalzell and Ms Ramsey had spent the day drinking, but it was punctuated with arguing and "verbal exchanges" with Mr Lamont two of his friends, one of which had been in a previous relationship with Ms Ramsey. Having left the bar, still arguing, Dalzell and Ms Ramsey returned to her Ballycastle Road home, but while "engaging in sexual intercourse'', they were confronted by a masked and hooded Mr Lamont and friend. They soon left, but unfortunately Mr Lamont returned, resulting in his fatal assault. As Dalzell then made off he blamed Ms Ramsey telling her, "this is your fault''. And when he spotted a neighbour on her phone, shouted: "I'm in the UDA. You saw nothing.'' When he later gave himself up to police, Dalzell claimed he'd been challenged a fight but he wasn't "going to let myself get hit ... I won, I got the better of him ... We had a fight, he lost". But when asked if he kicked Mr Lamont to the head, Dalzell replied: "I'm not 100% (per cent) sure if I did or I didn't .... it's possible .... it was a fight and you do these things in the heat of the moment". A West Belfast MLA has condemned an attack on a Department of Infrastructure (DoI) worker in west Belfast on Tuesday. Sinn Fein MLA Fra McCann said a woman was "grabbed by the throat" during the attack on the Falls Road yesterday. Footage obtained by the Belfast Telegraph (above) shows a man jumping on a DoI vehicle used to monitor bus lanes before fighting in the street with another man. This is the second such attack in weeks where a person has been attacked whilst carrying out a days work," Mr McCann said. This should be condemned by everyone and the fact that it was carried out in broad daylight again highlights the difficulties faced by this community in the battle against criminal behaviour. The people who carry out these attacks do not speak for the west Belfast community and they need to stop immediately. Police confirmed they are investigating a report of criminal damage and assault following the incident. "It was reported that damage was caused to the bonnet, roof and windscreen of a car, and a man and woman assaulted, by an unknown male at around 4pm. Efforts are ongoing to identify the male involved," a PSNI spokesperson said. "Officers would ask anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information which could assist with their enquiries to contact police at Woodbourne on 101 quoting reference number 838 17/04/18. "Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime." Temperatures in Northern Ireland are set to spike in the coming days thanks to a mini heatwave across the UK. Forecasters predict the mercury is set to soar as high as 26C in some spots in the UK. However, Northern Ireland will miss out on the hottest conditions, but will still see temperatures 7C or 8C higher than average for this time of year - reaching around 18C on Thursday. Met Office Meteorologist John West said we will be "seeing unseasonably high temperatures as the week goes on and into the weekend also. There will especially be some more sunny weather on Thursday." Mr West said earlier reports the warm spell was caused by an 'African air plume' were inaccurate, and the temperatures were actually coming from a warmer part of the Atlantic to the west of Spain and Portugal. But before that, this morning is expected to be rainy. It will be occasionally heavy in the west, but becoming drier from the south. It will be a mainly dry afternoon with some long sunny spells. Forecasters in the Republic have predicted temperatures could rise to 20C by Friday. Campaigners and supporters at the launch of the LoveBoth 'Vote No' campaign at The Alex Hotel, Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Ireland needs to have an honest discussion about the barbaric reality of abortion ahead of next months referendum, anti-abortion campaigners have said. Activists from LoveBoth urged people to vote against changing the countrys strict abortion laws as the group launched their campaign for a No vote. Citizens will be asked on May 25 whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment of Irelands Constitution, a provision that makes abortion illegal in all but exceptional circumstances. With the LoveBoth launch taking place today, our campaign to stop abortion on demand is full steam ahead. Contact info@loveboth.ie to get your hands on our new badge. #LoveBothVoteNO #8thref pic.twitter.com/EUxBqdwP8z LoveBoth (Official) (@lovebothireland) April 18, 2018 LoveBoth spokeswoman Cora Sherlock said the debate in Ireland has become so sanitised that it is regarded by some as extreme to describe what is being proposed even in the mildest way. Addressing a crowd of about 60 people in Dublin, she added: But voters are entitled to know what a vote to repeal would mean. Its certainly not restrictive abortion that they would be voting for. A vote for repeal is a vote for one of the deadliest abortion laws ever proposed. Its a proposal that obliterates the right to life of unborn babies and makes little attempt to hide that fact. Voting for repeal would hand over all power to the government to pass whatever abortion laws they want in the future #LoveBothVoteNO #8thref Cora Sherlock (@CoraSherlock) April 18, 2018 Ms Sherlock went on to describe the stages of an abortion procedure, which she said was according to a doctors testimony. The Governments proposal opens the door to these barbaric procedures, she said. Asked about accusations that the anti-abortion movement uses language intended to shock, Ms Sherlock said: What I would say is that the idea that we are even thinking about introducing abortion on demand and those type of procedures into our country is shocking. And I think it would be foolhardy to think that a mature society like Ireland could have the debate that we are having, and have a vote on abortion on demand, in just a few weeks time, without actually looking at what abortion involves. Abortion is shocking. It ends the life of a baby. The proposal at the moment is to introduce abortion on demand for the first three months of pregnancy at a stage when a baby has a face, a baby has a beating heart, a baby is sucking his or her thumb, and moving in the womb. Expand Close Cora Sherlock speaks at the launch of the LoveBoth 'Vote No' campaign (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Cora Sherlock speaks at the launch of the LoveBoth 'Vote No' campaign (Brian Lawless/PA) She added: That procedure that I described was the procedure described by an abortionist brought in and invited by the Government to the Oireachtas committee just a few months ago just before Christmas. So its reality. I know the reality of abortion is shocking. I absolutely agree with that, but I think if were going to be honest about what is meant here were going to have to address that and actually discuss it so that people can make an informed decision on the 25th. Ms Sherlock also expressed concerns about what a vote for repeal will mean for GPs. If the Eighth Amendment is removed from the constitution on May 25, the Government will initiate a nationwide, GP-led abortion service, providing for unrestricted abortion on request in the first three months of pregnancy, she said. That means that doctors who are trained to protect life will suddenly be expected to facilitate the taking of life. Ms Sherlock added: If repeal happens, it will transform local GP practices in devastating ways. As a group, GPs will be expected to routinely harm their pre-born patients in the false name of choice. And not just harm them, but actually kill them. Expand Close Campaigners at the launch in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Campaigners at the launch in Dublin (Brian Lawless/PA) Ms Sherlock said more and more people are starting to realise what is at stake in this referendum. And thats certainly been my experience from talking to people over the last number of months. Ireland would be a very different place if we removed the Eighth Amendment and it would not be for the better, she said. Among those gathered at the campaign launch were TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath. Mr Healy-Rae said he believed the referendum would be close. I sense that it is going to be tight. It might be tighter than people think, he said. The total electorate currently stands at around 3.2 million and eligible voters have been encouraged to ensure they are registered. Voters will be asked whether they want to replace the Eighth Amendment, which gives the mother and unborn an equal right to life, with wording that hands responsibility for setting the countrys abortion laws to politicians. If the public votes to repeal the constitutional provision, the Irish Government intends to table legislation that would permit women to abort within 12 weeks of pregnancy. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has commended journalists at Independent News & Media for not allowing their independence to be compromised amid controversy over an alleged data breach. Having independent news and media is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is, after all, the Fourth Estate, said Mr Varadkar. He said new laws to protect journalistic sources are to be considered by the Irish government, and the time has come to dust down reports on strengthening media independence and to consider fresh legislation. Journalists must be free to pursue stories that they want to pursue. Their sources should be protected and free from any unjust interference, external or internal, Mr Varadkar told the Dail. He was responding to Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin and Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald who raised the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcements (ODCE) investigation into INM, which publishes this newspaper. The ODCE is seeking to appoint High Court inspectors to investigate corporate governance issues at INM. Among the accusations is that email records, including some belonging to journalists, were taken from company headquarters and examined by third parties in 2014. Mr Varadkar commended the journalists who have reported on the story in recent weeks including journalists in Independent News & Media, who have not allowed their independence to be compromised. He added: The reported data breaches represent a very significant threat to the freedom of our press but the way in which the media have responded to this threat to date should reassure us that our press will not be silenced. Mr Martin said there is a real and deep concern about the case before the High Court in Dublin because an independent and free media is essential to the operation of a parliamentary democracy. In her contribution, Ms McDonald questioned whether the ODCE has enough resources to deal with such cases. She said: This office should be properly resourced and empowered to ensure white-collar crime is not only prosecuted but deterred. Mr Varadkar said the ODCE is well-resourced to tackle the increasingly complex breaches of company law, with 36 staff and seven gardai. Bill Gates warned that the fight against malaria could 'go backwards' without innovation and long-term funding (Malaria No More UK/PA) Bill Gates has warned that the fight against malaria could go backwards without innovation and long-term funding. With mosquitoes adapting to drugs and insecticides, the philanthropist told the Malaria Summit London 2018: Weve got to get smarter. The Microsoft co-founder said improved surveillance was vital to monitor mosquitoes and the parasites they carry. Commonwealth leaders attending the event, co-hosted by the governments of Rwanda, Swaziland and the UK, have pledged to halve malaria across member countries within the next five years. This would prevent 350 million cases and save 650,000 lives. Expand Close Bill Gates, second left, on a panel at the Malaria Summit London (Malaria No More UK/PA) Press Association Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bill Gates, second left, on a panel at the Malaria Summit London (Malaria No More UK/PA) Addressing the summit, Mr Gates said: If we dont keep innovating, we will go backwards. If we dont maintain the commitments that we are making here today, malaria would go back and kill over a million children a year, because the drugs and the insecticides always are evaded by the mosquito and the parasite. He added: The funding has to be long-term, at these very substantial levels, and weve got to get smarter. In 2016, for the first time in a decade, the number of malaria cases rose, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). There were an estimated 216 million cases, an increase of about five million from 2015. The number of deaths remained similar at 445,000. Mr Gates said: This set back, when the 2016 cases went up, thats a real signal to us. A real signal about tools, and about the richness of surveillance, and saying that lets step back and take this strategy into a new phase. The Microsoft co-founder said data was the lifeblood of how we are going to be smarter. He said: This surveillance has to be very detailed, not just in terms of location but fairly up-to-date. Waiting a year-and-a-half until you see what the burden is really doesnt let you respond in the way we want to. He added: We arent completely there on this better surveillance, but we are making progress. The UK Government has said it will spend 500 million a year on malaria over the next three years, while the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will extend its investments by an additional one billion US dollars (700 million) until 2023. Mr Gates recalled witnessing a boy affected by the disease have seizures during a visit to Tanzania. He said: The next five years we can do a lot, we can do as much or more than weve done even in the last 15 years. So this five years is a gateway to that long-term goal that no child would have to go through what I saw that child in Tanzania suffering from. Its very exciting and something we are incredibly committed to. Malaria kills a child every two minutes and 90% of the Commonwealth population live in countries affected by the disease. Legislation to pardon gay men convicted under historical discriminatory laws has passed its first stage at Holyrood. Justice Secretary Michael Matheson said the Historical Sexual Offences (Pardons and Disregards) Bill, which was given unanimous backing by MSPs at stage one, sends a clear message that to those affected by these laws that they were unjust. The Bill will automatically pardon gay men convicted under historical discriminatory laws and will also allow them to apply for past convictions of this nature to be legally disregarded or removed from criminal records. Mr Matheson told Parliament: For people convicted of offences for engaging in same-sex sexual activity that is now legal, the wrong has been committed by the state, and not by those individuals. I am under no illusion that this Bill, or any legislation, can in itself right the massive injustice caused by these discriminatory laws that criminalised the act of loving another adult, deterred people from being open about who they are to family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues and, by sending a message that Parliament considered that homosexuality was wrong, encouraged homophobia and hatred. However, through the pardon the Bill sends a clear message to those who were affected by these laws that they were unjust and, through the establishment of a disregard scheme, we can ensure that people do not continue to suffer discrimination as a result of such convictions being disclosed to potential employers or to organisations for whom they wish to undertake voluntary work. Tory equalities spokeswoman Annie Wells said the Bill gave Holyrood the opportunity to draw a line under laws which outlawed consensual homosexual acts. She hailed the legislation as a milestone and said it sends out a signal about Scotland being a world leader in LGBTI equality. Her comments were echoed by Liberal Democrat Alex Cole-Hamilton, who added: This Bill is our opportunity to say to those men who have felt compelled to live in the shadows for who they were, step forward. Step forward and be recognised, your country is profoundly sorry for what it did to you. Labours Mary Fee said: As recently as 1980 men could be prosecuted based on their sexual orientation, a man could be prosecuted for expressing love for another man. Not only were all forms of sexual activity deemed to be illegal but all expressions were also curbed, such as kissing in public places, which could be prosecuted as it was classified as a gross indecency. Through this repressive, regressive legal system, the courts in Scotland criminalised and discriminated against thousands of men on the basis of their sexual orientation. This was unequivocally wrong. Green MSP Patrick Harvie welcomed it as an important step in a very long journey to greater equality. He said: There has been much progress but it has been by no means an easy journey, and every step of the way the case for equality has been fought against. Meghan Markle and Prince Harry during a reception for delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum (Yui Mok/PA) Prince Harry helped translate for his American bride-to-be Meghan Markle as the pair embarked on their royal Commonwealth duties together. The prince and the US star were chatting to delegates at a Commonwealth Youth Forum reception in London when Harry referred to using a Band-Aid. Illustrating the occasional language divide the couple may face, the prince, who was talking about finding long-term solutions, said: Dont get sucked into the system of putting on a Band-Aid, before adding American-style. On the third day of #CHOGM2018, Prince Harry and Ms. Markle are meeting young delegates at the Commonwealth Youth Forum. pic.twitter.com/8dYurJrlF9 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 18, 2018 There was laughter as Harry turned to LA-born Ms Markle and explained that the British public call Band-Aids plasters. The former Suits star was praised for her work on womens rights and asked to start up an equivalent to the UNs HeForShe campaign to get men and boys involved in the fight to achieve gender equality. Karuna Rana, a Commonwealth Youth Climate Change Network leader from Mauritius, said: I said she was a great champion and ambassador for women and that she should start a SheForShe campaign. She said shed think about it right after May 20. The pair will marry in just one month and a days time on May 19 at Windsor, and are likely to spend the next day recovering after partying into the evening with guests at Frogmore House. Expand Close Ms Markle and Harry during the visit (Yui Mok/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Ms Markle and Harry during the visit (Yui Mok/PA) Ms Markle was dressed for the warm weather in a cream sundress with thin, black-stripe detailing, by Altuzarra, and towering black stiletto heels. The Youth Forum reception was part of the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) week. Ms Markle told some of the delegates: You have this umbrella to hold you together. Its incredible. Stay in touch maximise it. Delegates tell Prince Harry, who opened the forum earlier this week, and Ms. Markle what they have learnt from each other over the course of the last few days. #CHOGM2018 pic.twitter.com/1tre7CfAnM The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) April 18, 2018 The prince has been given a new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by the Queen and opened the Youth Forum on Monday. The Commonwealth will play a key role in the couples royal work. Jacob Thomas, from Melbourne, Australia, who works with the Commonwealth Equalities Network on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity, revealed how Ms Markle said the LGBT issue was about basic human rights. She really laid down the key point that its basic human rights, Jacob said. Earlier this week, Prime Minister Theresa May spoke of her regret at Britains role in creating laws criminalising same-sex relationships while a colonial power, saying they were wrong then and they are wrong now. Jacob, who was wearing an oversized leopard print coat, added: Harry loved my jacket. I said he could borrow it but he said he already had three in different colours. Bride-to-be Meghan Markle is to join Prince Harry as the couple begin their work with the Commonwealth Youth Forum together. Just over a month ahead of the royal wedding, American star Ms Markle is attending an event in London on Wednesday as part of the high-profile Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (Chogm) week. 60% of the Commonwealth is under the age of 30 and at 1.4 billion strong, it is you who are going to change the world. Watch newly-announced Commonwealth Youth Ambassador Prince Harrys inspiring speech at the opening of the Commonwealth Youth Forum #CHOGM2018 #cyf pic.twitter.com/FzQHIqyOeM Commonwealth Chair-In-Office (@Commonwealth18) April 16, 2018 Harry has said the former Suits actress is hugely excited to be joining him in his Commonwealth duties. The prince has been given a new role as Commonwealth Youth Ambassador by the Queen and opened the Youth Forum on Monday. The pair, who will marry in Windsor on May 19, plan to support the Queen the head of the Commonwealth by taking a lead in Commonwealth youth matters. It is unusual for someone who has not yet married into the royal family to be involved in a high-profile occasion such as the Chogm summit. Expand Close Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just over a month to go until their big day (Adrian Dennis/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have just over a month to go until their big day (Adrian Dennis/PA) Ms Markle has given up her acting career to devote herself to being a full-time royal. She has already spent Christmas with the royals at Sandringham- a break with tradition because she and Harry were not yet wed and joined Harry on wide-ranging official engagements around the country. At a reception at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in central London, Ms Markle and Harry will meet delegates who have been taking part in the Youth Forums sessions. The Forum is encouraging young people to debate challenges facing their generation, and agree youth-led initiatives to influence decision-makers. Ms Markle and Harry will also attend a Womens Empowerment reception on Thursday, hosted by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, involving charities and organisations that work to promote global gender equality through girls education. The Chogm summit is staged every two years to discuss the major challenges facing the Commonwealths 2.4 billion citizens. Heads of the 53 Commonwealth nations are meeting in London and Windsor. Metro Bank will hold its AGM on April 24 in London (Laura Lean/PA) Pressure is mounting on Metro Bank chairman Vernon Hill after an influential advisory group urged shareholders to oppose his re-election amid growing anger over multi-million pound payouts to his wifes architecture firm. Glass Lewis is recommending that investors vote against the founders reappointment at next weeks annual general meeting (AGM) over related party transactions. It refers to the near 4.6 million in fees paid by Metro Bank to Shirley Hills business InterArch in 2017 for architectural design services as well as branding, marketing and advertising. The lender has now shelled out around 21 million to Mrs Hills firm, based on accounts filed between 2010 and 2017. If opposition to Mr Hills reappointment tops 50%, it means the chairman would be forced to resign as the vote is binding. We question the need for the company to engage in business relationships with its directors and their close relations, Glass Lewis said in its report. We view such relationships as potentially creating conflicts for directors, as they may be forced to weigh their own interests in relation to shareholder interests when making board decisions. In addition, a companys decision regarding where to turn for the best products and services may be compromised when doing business with a firm so closely related to one of the companys directors, it added. Metro Bank defended its use of InterArch services, saying the audit committee had a strong review and bench marking process in place, which was conducted by independent third parties to ensure that the terms were favourable for the bank. This process has been in place since Metro Banks inception and is disclosed in our annual report. Glass Lewis also cited reports which suggested Mr Hill took up the role as chairman in 2013 despite the now-defunct Financial Services Authority (FSA) twice opposing his appointment, and noted that he was previously forced to step down from the US bank he founded for related party transactions of a similar nature to those disclosed in the annual report. In 2007, Mr Hill resigned from US-based Commerce Bancorp after the lender faced scrutiny by regulators over allegations of business deals with the chairmans family members. Glass Lewis report echoes concerns raised by Royal London Asset Management last week. Royal London, which holds a 0.44% stake in Metro Bank worth 13.6 million, is prepared to vote against a raft of resolutions at the AGM including the re-election of Mr Hill and the lenders remuneration report, citing a lack of transparency around performance targets for executive pay. However, a shareholder vote around the remuneration report is only advisory. Fellow advisory group Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) has backed Mr Hill, but is urging investors to vote down the remuneration report following a significant salary increase for chief executive Craig Donaldson who in total took home 1.5 million in 2017, an increase on 1.3 million for 2016. As of April 1, Mr Donaldsons basic salary rose from 650,000 to 750,000. A significant salary increase (15%) has been awarded to the CEO, and the explanation provided by the company is not particularly detailed, ISS said in its own report. Disclosure around the bonus plan continues to significantly lag market standards, among other structural concerns with the scheme, ISS said. Metro Bank said the salary increase followed a comprehensive review and reflected the value he brings to the company and also the increase in the scale and complexity of Metro Bank and his role as CEO. In addition, it is worth noting that the CEO did not receive a salary increase in 2017. Glass Lewis opposed Mr Hills election last year, when he saw 5.2% of votes cast against the chairman and 0.67% abstain. Just over 5% of votes were cast in opposition to Metro Banks remuneration report in 2017, while 4.53% shot down the remuneration policy. Metro Banks AGM will be held in London on April 24. London mayor Sadiq Khan has described the Canadian and New Zealand prime ministers as two of the leading feminists in the world. Mr Khan hosted Justin Trudeau and Jacinda Ardern at City Hall on Wednesday, in an event marking their first engagements since arriving in the UK for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. In front of an audience of children from three secondary schools in the capital, the two prime ministers and the mayor of London discussed gender equality and issues facing the younger generation, in an event marking 100 years since British women secured the vote. What a truly inspiring discussion a huge thank you to prime ministers @JacindaArdern and @JustinTrudeau for coming to City Hall to talk gender equality, and to our incredible audience of young Londoners for your thought-provoking questions #BehindEveryGreatCity #CHOGM18 pic.twitter.com/pYcZD9N6ul Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) April 18, 2018 As he introduced the two premiers on stage Mr Khan encouraged loud cheering and said: We have got two of the leading feminists in the world, they are in positions of power and influence and they are amazing people. Mr Trudeau and Ms Ardern took questions from the youngsters, including on the advice they would offer to someone hoping to be prime minister and their opinions on whether the voting age should be changed. Ms Ardern revealed her mother had been a huge inspiration when pressed on who her role model was, and how during parliamentary question time she would stand at the dispatch box with a file of letters sent by school children. She said that during the debate she looks at drawings and pictures from children, adding: They are not just sending me happy smiley faces, they are most often sending me big worries in the world. Turtles and straws up turtles noses, plastics in the sea, they care deeply about issues that lots of people talk about those letters have an impact on me. Expand Close Sadiq Khan, centre, takes questions with Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sadiq Khan, centre, takes questions with Jacinda Ardern and Justin Trudeau (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Mr Trudeau told the audience he is raising his daughter to believe she can achieve anything, with no barriers in her way, but added it is also important for his sons to be brought up as feminists as well. If you think about it, we are in a situation where men are unfairly given more opportunities, more power and more weight to what they say and do because we have an imbalance in our society, he added. Well, the men have to be encouraged and brought along and use that extra power and weight we give them to be part of making equality happen, to be part of the solution. Mr Trudeau also stressed how gender equality is not just a social issue, but one that is also economic. Mr Khan also said that because Ms Ardern had lived in the English capital for two and a half years, in his eyes it means a Londoner is the prime minister of New Zealand. Expand Close Justin Trudeau takes a selfie with Sadiq Khan and Jacinda Ardern (Stefan Rousseau/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Justin Trudeau takes a selfie with Sadiq Khan and Jacinda Ardern (Stefan Rousseau/PA) After the event Mr Khan told reporters: What is fascinating about these two prime ministers is that they were keen to come to City Hall. I am not the prime minister, I am the mayor of London, but (they came) to meet with young people and engage, and in this year when we commemorate 100 years since the first women got the right to vote. He said he was impressed by the honesty of the two world leaders and how they are both proud feminists and committed to gender equality. John Pordage was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage in Chelmsford (Essex Police/PA) A teenager has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 34-year-old man who was fatally shot outside an Essex petrol station. Bradley Blundell, 18, was extradited to the UK from the Netherlands after attending a police station in Amsterdam. He appeared before Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday charged with the murder of John Pordage, who was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage. Mr Pordage died in hospital after the shooting near the Army and Navy roundabout in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, in the early hours of August 5 last year. Blundell, of Cromwell Close, Boreham, Essex, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods. He spoke only to confirm his personal details during the brief hearing, with no pleas taken, and was remanded in custody to appear before Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday. An 18-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a 34-year-old who was fatally shot outside an Essex petrol station. Bradley Blundell has been extradited to the UK from the Netherlands after attending a police station in Amsterdam. He was charged on Tuesday with the murder of John Pordage who was fatally shot in the chest at a BP garage, Essex Police said. An 18-year-old man is due in court tomorrow, Wednesday, April 18, charged with the murder of John Pordage in#Chelmsford last year.https://t.co/AHZ5v9sqtE pic.twitter.com/lOaCzfC7Zb Essex Police (@EssexPoliceUK) April 17, 2018 Mr Pordage died in hospital after the shooting at the garage near the Army and Navy roundabout in Baddow Road, Chelmsford, in the early hours of August 5 last year. Blundell, of Cromwell Close, Boreham, Essex, is also charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, perverting the course of justice and handling stolen goods. He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Theresa May has won a second symbolic vote on her decision to launch air strikes, following another day of fraught parliamentary debate on Syria. The prime minister's advisors believe the result shows she has successfully navigated difficulties arising from her move to push ahead with a military operation without first consulting MPs. But Jeremy Corbyn used the debate to demand the Commons "take back our control" of decisions to launch any military action, with a new War Powers Act. It came as inspectors were set to finally make it to the site of the alleged Douma chemical weapons attack today. Ahead of the Commons vote on Syria, she told MPs that coming to parliament before undertaking military action would "compromise the effectiveness of our operations and safety of British servicemen and women". She attacked the suggestion of a War Powers Act, claiming it would remove "vital flexibility" from situations which are "by definition unpredictable". She went on: "Making it unlawful for Her Majesty's Government to undertake any such military intervention without a vote would seriously compromise our national security, our national interests, and the lives of British citizens at home and abroad. "And for as long as I'm prime minister, that will never be allowed to happen." A vote related to the Syria action was already won by the Government on Monday, though it was not on a substantive motion - one that explicitly seeks to approve the action or not. The motion of yesterday's vote, which stated the Commons has "considered parliament's rights in relation to the approval of military action by British forces", was also neutral in tone. But Mr Corbyn called on his own MPs to vote against it, despite Labour having called the debate, to show opposition over how they believe the Government side-lined parliament in relation to the military action. Before the motion was passed by 317 to 256, Mr Corbyn's speech was met with bad-tempered heckling from Tory MPs. Outlining his proposed War Powers Act, the Labour leader said it was for the Commons "to take matters into its own hands and take back our control". He added: "There's no more serious issue in decisions made by parliament on matters of war and peace, and the Government taking planned military action." He continued: "I've outlined the caveats that are there in a case of overriding emergency, but I do think it is very important that the House of Commons, as one of the oldest parliaments in the world, holds the Government to account." Earlier yesterday, Mrs May accused Moscow of preventing inspectors for the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) from reaching Douma. Russian officials at OPCW headquarters in The Hague later said arrangements were being made for the inspectors to travel to the site on Wednesday. Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov has flatly denied that Russia had "tampered" with the evidence and insisted there is no proof that chemical weapons had even been used in the Syrian city. One person has been killed after a Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia after the jet's engine exploded and caused depressurisation in the cabin. Authorities did not immediately give details about who was killed. A woman was reportedly pulled partway out of the craft after a piece of shrapnel from the engine smashed into the plane. One individual was taken to hospital, while as many as seven others were treated for minor injuries. The plane landed safely after the incident and firefighters could be seen responding to the scene while some people exited the aircraft on crutches. Passenger Marty Martinez, who posted a video showing passengers with oxygen masks as the plane descended, later told CBS News that "there was blood everywhere". "First there was an explosion, and then, almost immediately, the oxygen masks came down and probably within a matter of 10 seconds the engine hit a window and busted it wide open," Mr Martinez continued. Officials say that the descent - from the time of the initial failure west of Philadelphia until it landed at the airport, southeast of the city's downtown - happened in "a fairly rapid manner". Information provided by FlightRadar24 showed the plane dropped from 30,000 feet to 13,000 feet in five minutes. The whole descent took about 15 minutes. The plane, which was travelling from New York City to Dallas, was a part of the fleet owned by Southwest Airlines, the world's safest airline that boasts of zero previous deaths from crashes since starting operations in Texas in 1971. After the engine failure, passengers began posting pictures and videos of the damaged engine online, showing what appeared to be a heavily damaged engine on the left side of the jet. "One passenger, a woman, was partially drawn out of the plane... she was pulled back by other passengers," Todd Bauer, a man who said he was the father of the female passenger who was partially sucked out of the plane, told NBC in a phone interview. Civilians on the streets of Douma yesterday after all rebels were driven out by Syrian army The decision by Prime Minister Theresa May to attack Syrian military installations was dictated by her desire to please President Trump and her equal desire to distract attention from the appalling performance of her Government. The bombing of targets in Syria by the British was a high-risk action bordering on the reckless, and could have had profound consequences - even war with Russia. It was a serious mistake on two grounds. First, she was toadying to the volatile US President, who has no strategy for resolving the situation in Syria. To slavishly follow Washington's military actions without the approval of the United Nations was contrary to international law. Secondly, May should have consulted Parliament as to her plans and upon what legal basis she sought to take military action, which, in effect, was an act of war against another country. Her claim to take action so as to prevent further humanitarian suffering is not a sufficient legal ground for her military action. And consulting Parliament after such attacks is ritualistic window-dressing. Jeremy Corbyn, quite wisely as the leader of the Opposition, urged restraint until verifiable evidence was available to establish the truth of what had occurred. He has rightly said that the attacks were "legally questionable", because the Prime Minister had not sought "Parliamentary approval" for them. He posed the pertinent question as to what would happen if the US was to shoot down a Russian plane, or vice versa. He pointed out the acute danger of increasing tensions and clashes in Syria. What commentators and journalists are now querying is why would Syria have carried out this alleged chemical attack on rebels in Douma, given the fact the rebels themselves had reached a ceasefire agreement to leave the town for another rebel-held region? The rebel fighters, together with their families (in their thousands), were being bussed to the other region just one day before the alleged chemical attack took place. To carry out a counter-productive strike when they were clearly winning seems extremely odd. The Russian suggestion that the attack was staged by another Islamic rebel group to discredit Assad should not be dismissed as mere propaganda. In the murky contemporary world of fake news, there is no certainty of the truth. Both a former British commander of troops in Iraq and Peter Ford, a former British Ambassador to Syria, have expressed their doubts as to the alleged use of chemical weapons by Assad. To rush into military action, given the uncertain situation in Syria, was to have taken a huge and unnecessary risk with international peace. The Syrian civil war is a deeply complex conflict, where no side can claim the moral high ground. It is an enormous tragedy for the long-suffering people of the country. The Syrian civil war is reminiscent of the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939. The multi-faceted Syrian conflict commenced in 2011 and, like the Spanish one, it is a war between brothers and a war of conflicting religious and political ideologies. The Spanish war was also, in part, a proxy war between the Soviets and the Nazis. Syria is now also a proxy battlefield involving Iran, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, as well as Russia and the US. The Russians backed President Assad and the Americans backed the so-called "moderate" Islamic rebels. Russia's intervention has turned the war militarily in Assad's favour and, within about a year he will control most of his country. His victory may not be welcomed by the West, but he is the lesser of two evils. The civil war has ended up driving out millions of Syrians as refugees to surrounding Arab countries, especially Lebanon and Jordan, and even Turkey. It has also resulted in the massive exodus of Syrians into the European Union. That has had a major impact on European politics, pushing it firmly to the Right. This in turn has led to serious internal tensions within the EU and, in particular, the rise of Islamaphobia acorss the Continent. Britain, France and the US have a scandalous history of meddling in the Middle East, from the end of the First World War onwards. This has been fuelled principally by their self-interest in oil and gas. They have also cynically exploited the religious hostility between Sunni and Shia Muslims. All of this has had huge negative consequences, including the break-up of Libya, the civil war in Yemen and the present Syrian conflict. In particular, the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 shattered the relative stability of the Middle East, leading to the enormous volatility that still threatens international peace today. The best thing that the West can do for Syria and the Middle East is to butt out - and mind their own business. Sometimes words get used so often that one can be fooled into thinking that they actually mean something. Consider the term "dissident republicans". Obviously, there needed to be a phrase to distinguish the recalcitrant rump of the republican movement from others who'd decided to give the peace process a go, but calling them "dissidents" gives the diehards far more credibility than they deserve. There were already plenty of words in the dictionary which better sum up so-called "dissident" republicans. Some of them are even printable. Eejits, for example. Halfwits. Dunderheads. Nasty little bird-brained savages. The list is endless. All would do the job just as well without flattering them with a title held with honour by genuine dissidents, such as those inside the Soviet Union during decades of communism. The latest pronouncement comes from a group calling itself the "Irish Republican Movement", apparently an offshoot of the officially on-ceasefire Oglaigh na hEireann, which has demanded that drug dealers in the nationalist community "cease immediately" or face death, as well as threatening other criminals and "Crown forces". It was accompanied by pictures of, ahem, some fine specimens of Northern Irish manhood in combat gear, brandishing weapons, standing behind a table on which a tricolour was draped, because nothing does greater patriotic honour to one's country than using the national flag as a tablecloth while threatening to kill people you don't like. Twitter responded with swift and admirable contempt to the release of the pictures, touching them up to replace the muppet who read out the statement with the knitted sock monkey from the PG Tips ads, or Zippy from Rainbow, and giving them new, sarcastic captions. Social media's influence on public discourse is often maligned, but it comes into its own at such moments, lampooning the stupid and violent so that we can scoff at them, rather than being alarmed. Bullies fear being laughed at more than anything else, because, once they become figures of ridicule, their power evaporates. Terrorists may be able to kill and injure people, which is no great achievement to begin with, but the thing they can't do is demand that we take them seriously. One advantage of these numpties insisting on their anonymity, of course, is that the usual rules of fair comment don't apply. Normally, if you say something derogatory about people in the newspapers, or on social media, they can get quite snippy about it. They might even run to a sympathetic lawyer and dash off a legal letter, demanding apologies, retractions - even damages. With simpletons wearing balaclavas, no such caution need apply. One can say absolutely anything about them and they can't do much about it, because, in order to complain, they'd have to reveal that they are, indeed, the persons pictured, which is tantamount to admitting a criminal offence, since belonging to a terrorist organisation was, last time we checked, illegal. So, all bets are off. Take that one standing at the back. He's what my son would call "a bit of a chunky monkey". He definitely looks like he'd benefit from joining a gym, rather than the so-called "Irish Republican Movement". He might say that what he most wants to see is an end to British rule, but that belly suggests his greatest desire is for another Ulster Fry or Occupied Six Counties Fry as he probably calls it. Things have come to a pretty pass when Irish freedom is now dependent on a man who can't climb the stairs without getting out of breath. No doubt these insults are terribly hurtful to his feelings, the poor thing. But what can he do about it? Run bawling like a baby to the Independent Press Standards Organisation? The one sitting down isn't even wearing a combat jacket. He's just thrown on a fleece, as if it was Dress Down Day in "dissie" ranks. Maybe he's not actually a member of the group. Maybe he's the only one in their immediate social circle who can read, so he was dragged in to do the honours. Even if his face was visible, what's the betting that it would bear a puzzled expression, like this was the first time he'd had to read anything since putting in a false claim for disability allowance and it's hurting his head pretending to understand what all the big words mean. As for the one to his left, there's a picture which shows him tucking a pistol away in the crook of his arm, as if trying to hide it, in case his mum walks in, sees it and tells him off. They've all got matching lilac gloves, too, having presumably held a meeting at which it was decided that an all-out offensive against the British war machine was all very well, but they really needed to accessorise first. Not that this attention to detail has extended below the waist, since the group are all wearing jeans. Denim is not regular Army uniform, lads. Soldiers go out into the field of operations kitted out in full combat gear, they don't muck around in fancy dress with the curtains drawn. What do these dipsticks do for an encore? Dress up in their wives' frilly knickers and take saucy Polaroids of one another? They haven't even bothered finding a suitable location for the announcement. They just filmed it in someone's living room, complete with a bare bulb (are light-shades considered colonialist in republican circles?) and a leather sofa, which they doubtless picked up in the sales after firebombing the local furniture store. Just out of shot, some bored teenager is surely slouched in the doorway, saying: "Could you hurry up, dad? I want to watch Britain's Got Talent." Terrorist movements are already parodies of real armies. Splinter groups in turn become parodies of the parody. They might mimic the structures of legitimate military organisations, giving themselves absurdly conceited titles such as commanding officer and quartermaster general, but in practice they have all the discipline of a bunch of P1 pupils on a visit to a bouncy castle. The only thing they're fighting is reality. Sinn Fein has called on this "new" group to disband, but it's hard to take that demand seriously either. Their longstanding Supreme Leader was no sooner out the door than he was again publicly defending the use of violence as a political weapon, while the IRA itself murdered numerous alleged criminals under the far-fetched auspices of Direct Action Against Drugs. This pop-up group is simply following in their Provo predecessors' footsteps. It's just a pity social media wasn't around back then to cut Gerry Adams and his comrades down to size, as well. Bangladesh authorities have arrested several suspected members of a Rohingya rebel group near the countrys southeastern border with Myanmar, a senior Bangladeshi government official told BenarNews. The government source and a senior police officer spoke on condition of anonymity about Bangladeshi efforts to track whether Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents had infiltrated a massive population of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who are sheltering in Coxs Bazar district. We have arrested several ARSA members, including some of them [who were] shooting at the Myanmar security forces, said the government official, who declined to reveal how many suspected Rohingya rebels had been caught on Bangladeshi soil. To date, Bangladeshi authorities have never officially announced the arrests of any ARSA suspects. Meanwhile, a Rohingya community leader at the regions largest refugee camp told Benar that his team had captured 15 suspected ARSA members in January and February and turned them over to police. According to other Rohingya community leaders, police arrested a 26-year-old ARSA member carrying a sub-machine gun and ammunition at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Coxs Bazar on April 9. Abul Khair, a police officer assigned to the case, said police had questioned suspect Md. Shahed extensively and were investigating allegations that Shahed had been filmed with other men undergoing ARSA military training in a video posted on YouTube. He is not an ordinary criminal. I do not know whether he belongs to ARSA or any other group, Khair told BenarNews. According to the policeman, the suspect claimed that one of his friends gave him bullets to carry. Have not handed them over to Myanmar Myanmars government blamed ARSA insurgents for deadly coordinated attacks on army and police outposts in Rakhine state in August 2017. These provoked a brutal crackdown by government security forces that drove at least 687,000 Rohingya to seek shelter in neighboring Bangladesh, according to the latest estimates from the United Nations. The suspects who were caught had entered Bangladesh with the unprecedented influx of refugees from Myanmar, according to the government official. No, we have not handed them over to Myanmar, he said, adding there was a risk with expelling the suspects back to Myanmar. If we do so, the common refugees would also get worried about their return to Myanmar. Then the whole repatriation process would be in jeopardy, the official said, referring to a bilateral deal struck between Bangladesh and Myanmar last November to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine state. But, he went on, we must not allow ARSA or any militant group to harm Myanmar. The senior police officer, who is stationed in Coxs Bazar, echoed the officials concern. [W]e will in no way allow ARSA to operate from Bangladesh soil. We have at least seven security agencies keeping a track on possible ARSA activities in the refugee camps, the officer told BenarNews. In November, Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had launched security sweeps of the refugee camps, but these netted no suspects after Myanmars government had handed Dhaka a list of hundreds of alleged ARSA insurgents believed to be hiding out in southeastern Bangladesh. In late October during the sweeps, Bangladeshs counter-terrorist Rapid Action Battalion arrested two Rohingya men with guns and bullets at the Kutupalong camp the largest of the refugee shelters but a RAB official said then that the suspects were likely not members of ARSA. Arrests of ARSA suspects Following Md. Shaheds arrest last week, Rohingya community leaders claimed in interviews with BenarNews that he had appeared in a recent online video that showed ARSA recruits being trained by the insurgent groups leader, Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi. In the YouTube video Shahed is seen clad in a blue shirt, claimed Jafar Alam, a Rohingya leader at the Kutupalong camp who said he had helped Bangladeshi police nab Shahed. Alam is one of a few hundred Rohingya refugees who patrol the sprawling and overcrowded refugee camps after dark to help maintain law and order. Shahed was carrying a knife when I found him wandering around at 4 a.m. He then tried to attack me. I raised an alarm, after which other camp residents came to my help and subdued him, Alam told BenarNews. Zahid Hossain, another community leader, confirmed that a Rohingya man suspected of being involved with militants was caught and handed over to police on April 9. Shahed belongs to an armed group led by Abdul Hakim (alias Hakim Dakat), who was once an ARSA member, Hossain told BenarNews. Md. Selim, a fellow refugee leader, said his team had recently captured more than a dozen ARSA suspects and transferred them to police custody. ARSA has been active in the camps. Between January and February, we the community people, in three separate efforts, caught 15 ARSA members and handed them over to the police, Selim said. Police rejected his claim. But, according to BenarNews interviews with more than 12 Rohingya community leaders in Coxs Bazar, ARSA members are heavily concentrated in the Balukhali refugee camp in the district. ARSA has been divided into two factions: one is led by Ataullah while the other group is led by Abdul Hakim, who lives in the Teknaf sub-district of Coxs Bazar, one Rohingya leader told BenarNews on condition of anonymity. A woman throws a rock at a police vehicle in Kashmir as protesters sought the death penalty for eight suspects accused of gang raping and killing an 8-year-old girl, April 18, 2018. An Indian court fined a dozen media organizations on Wednesday for revealing the identity of an 8-year-old Muslim girl who was allegedly gang raped and killed by a group of Hindus in the Jammu region of Indian Kashmir. The Delhi High Court directed the organizations, including The Times of India, Hindustan Times, The Indian Express, The Hindu and NDTV, to pay 1 million rupees (U.S. $15,171) each for naming the Muslim victim, whose gang rape and killing in January caused a nationwide uproar after police filed a charge sheet against the eight suspects last week. It is illegal to publicly identify victims of sexual assault because of the stigma attached to the crime. The girl was held captive and repeatedly raped for days inside a temple before the accused all Hindus allegedly strangled her and smashed her head with a stone, police said in the charge sheet. The crime, which provoked widespread protests across the country after details of the incident were made public, was part of a plan to drive out the victims nomadic community from the Kathua area of Jammu, the only Hindu-dominated region of Muslim-majority Jammu and Kashmir state, police said. While ordering the fines paid by the 12 media organizations be deposited in the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Fund, the Delhi High Court said a possible prison term of six months awaited those who further disclosed the identity of the victim, according to the Press Trust of India. Accused deny charges During the first hearing in a local court in Indian Kashmir on Monday, all eight accused, including a retired bureaucrat and two police, pleaded not guilty to the charges and are willing to take a lie-detector test to prove their innocence, lawyer Ankur Sharma told reporters. In the charge sheet, police alleged that Sanji Ram, 62, a retired revenue official who looked after a small Hindu temple in Kathua, masterminded the attack on the girl and plotted with the others including his juvenile nephew to abduct, rape and kill the victim. The charge sheet went on to state that on Jan. 10, the suspects drugged the victim before taking her to the temple where she was held captive for days and gang raped even while in an unconscious state. The girls body was discovered in a nearby canal on Jan. 13. Tilak Raj and Anand Dutta, two police officers who were among the eight suspects, are accused of receiving bribes from Sanji Ram to cover up the crime. The suspects have been in custody since early February and are due back in court on April 28. Victims family flees Kathua On Wednesday, protesters in several Indian cities called for capital punishment for the suspects. In south Kashmirs Anantnag district, clashes resulted in security forces firing tear gas shells to disperse the crowd, injuring at least 35 protesters mostly students and two security personnel. The victims father demanded that his daughters suspected killers be put to death. The only compensation the government can give is to hang the culprits, the victims father told BenarNews in a phone call from an undisclosed location. He said his family had fled Kathua, fearing violence by Hindu fringe groups. Those men drugged, gang raped and killed my daughter to force us to leave this place. Even if they would have requested us to leave from here, we would have left, he said. Protesters express anger at BJP Public anger, which has drawn comparisons with widespread protests that followed the gang rape and killing of a medical student in a moving bus in Delhi in 2012, is partly fueled by support for the suspects from ministers of Indias ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) according to protesters. Chowdary Lal Singh and Chandar Parkash Gupta, both BJP ministers, who participated in a rally last month demanding the suspects release, resigned, a party spokesman who did not wish to be named told BenarNews. Although Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on the issue last week, assuring the nation that the guilty will not be spared, his partys stance has caused a rift in the alliance between the BJP and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is in power in Indian Kashmir, according to PDP minister Tasaduq Mufti. We were supposed to be partners in rebuilding the state. But sadly we have ended up being partners in a crime that an entire generation of Kashmiris might have to pay for with their blood, The Indian Express quoted Mufti as saying. The brutal rape and murder of a minor girl and the subsequent communal politics over it has pushed the state to a new low and brought shame to all of us, he added. Indian President Ramnath Kovind, who arrived in Jammu on Wednesday for a two-day visit, said this horrible incident had shamed India 70 years after its independence. It is our collective responsibility to put an end to such shameful incidents and ensure that this does not happen to any girl or woman. We have to ponder what kind of society we are living in, he said. A man joins a protest in Manila against President Rodrigo Duterte on the 45th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late Ferdinand Marcos, Sept. 21, 2017. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday took responsibility for the daylong detention of an Australian nun active in protest circles, saying foreigners had no right to interfere in domestic issues. The Bureau of Immigration on Tuesday freed Sister Patricia Fox, 71, after holding her for a day. The nun, who belongs to the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, was reportedly held for being an undesirable alien, but her colleagues said she was targeted for joining street protests against the governments war on drugs. It was not the military who arrested this nun, the Catholic nun from Australia, Duterte said in a speech at the turn-over ceremony for the militarys chain of command. It was upon my orders implemented by the Bureau of Immigration. And I take full responsibility legal or otherwise for this incident. Duterte said Filipinos are entitled to criticize his government because freedom of expression is unlimited. You are a foreigner, who are you? You do not have the right to criticize us, he said. Do not insult us every time you open your mouth. He said Fox was released only because was she was not caught while berating the government. Fox was the second foreigner subjected to strict Bureau of Immigration screening. A day before she was detained, Italian citizen Giacomo Filibeck, an official of the Party of European Socialists, was immediately deported after landing in the central city of Cebu. Filibeck apparently has been blacklisted by authorities for joining protests. Fox has been in the Philippines doing charity work for more than two decades. Her lawyer said the Australian nun held a valid missionary visa and the case against her was pure harassment even as she agreed to cooperate with investigating authorities. Duterte has faced mounting pressure from international and human rights groups questioning his crackdown on drug addicts and syndicates. Based on police figures, more than 4,000 drug addicts and traffickers have been killed, but rights groups said the number could top 10,000 when killings by pro-government vigilantes are included. Investigators inspect the area where a homemade bomb, believed planted by IS-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), was found near the main gate of Army's regional military camp in Datu Odin Sinsuat town in the southern province of Maguindanao, April 16, 2018. Government security forces killed two more pro-Islamic State militants in the restive southern Philippines, bringing to 15 the number of militants slain in a week of clashes, the military said Wednesday. But fighters from the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a splinter group of the countrys largest rebel force, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), killed a government militiaman during a raid in the southern town of Pikit. Superintendent Bernard Tayong, a local police spokesman, said the unarmed militiaman, Rodel Abellanida, 33, was tending his farm animals in the village of Bualan Wednesday when he was attacked by 10 heavily armed BIFF guerrillas. Tayong said the militants were led by Guinda Mamaluba, a sub-leader of the BIFF. They opened fire and hit their target, he said, adding the gunmen immediately fled. The BIFF intensified their harassment against government militiamen and vital installations after they lost 13 fighters last week in clashes in several townships in the province of Maguindanao. Soldiers had also captured five BIFF fighters. On Monday, another clash erupted between troops and BIFF men, leaving two gunmen dead and two others wounded. Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the militarys Joint Task Force Central, told reporters the attack was meant to avenge the capture of their comrades. They are desperate to get back at the Army, they continue to harass our detachments, Besana said, adding that no casualty was reported on the government side. Regional military commander Maj. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega said tight security measures have been imposed in the wake of the attacks. These nonsense attacks of the ISIS-inspired BIFF extremist group show that they can no longer handle the pressure that we have imposed on them. The full force of the law has to be implemented, Dela Vega said, using another name for the IS. Time and again, we have given them options to lay down their arms and surrender or they will deal with the pressure as we intensify our mandate to get rid of all lawless elements in our area, he said. Recruiting The BIFF has pledged allegiance to the IS, but did not send fighters to the southern city of Marawi, which has been reduced to rubble after five months of gun battles and airstrikes that killed 1,200 people, mostly militants, last year. The military concentrated its combat operations in Maguindanao and nearby provinces after intelligence reports said militants were recruiting for another siege similar to Marawi. Several foreigners from the region and the Middle East have also been arrested since December. Militants led by Isnilon Hapilon the acknowledged leader of IS in the Philippines took over Marawi and engaged security forces in five months of vicious fighting that ended in October after Hapilon along with several Filipino militant leaders were killed in a clash. The BIFF, with hundreds of fighters, split from the 10,000-member MILF in 2008. In 2014, the larger rebel group signed a peace deal with Manila in exchange for expanded autonomy. The BIFF had vowed to push on with the separatist fight, attracting younger, more hardline members of the MILF. Thankful for Indonesian, Malaysian help In Manila, Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said the Philippine government has been working closely with Indonesia and Malaysia to combat terrorism and guard common sea borders against movements of militants. We are very thankful both to Indonesia and Malaysia, Cayetano told reporters, adding that his counterparts as well as the police and military leaders of the three countries recently gathered in Manila to help us deal with Marawi. At the height of the Marawi crisis last year, Indonesia and Malaysia offered intelligence help to track down militants from their countries planning to reinforce their comrades in Mindanao. This helped tremendously curtail militant movement, Cayetano said. Malaysian and Indonesian nationals were among foreign fighters killed in Marawi, but Philippine military officials said others might have escaped the five-month battle. Indonesia proposed a mini-Interpol for Southeast Asia in October at the ASEAN Defense Ministers Meeting in the Philippines, shortly after Manila defeated the militants. Malaysia and Indonesia have also been engaged in trilateral aerial and maritime patrols with the Philippines after the Marawi siege. Mark Navales in Cotabato City contributed to this report. Check out the top stories from BGSU and beyond broadcasted and the online edition of our newspaper printed every Wednesday. You can also view past papers by clicking the e-edition header above. No Smoking Day 2020: 10 Common Smoking Myths Debunked Wellness oi-Neha Ghosh On 11th March, No Smoking Day is observed to create health awareness about the harmful effects of smoking among people and intends to help smokers who want to quit smoking. Smoking puts you at a major health risk, as the nicotine flows through your veins. But, there are many myths and facts on smoking that you aren't aware of [1]. This article will debunk all your smoking-related myths. While global smoking trends have declined, people still smoke a lot and these smokers aren't aware of the potential harm they are causing to their bodies. Though everyone knows how smoking can be bad for you and hard to quit; there is a lot of misinformation out there. Have a look at the smoking myths debunked. 1. Myth: If you have been smoking for more than 5 years, the damage is done Fact: Long-term smokers often have the perception that the damage has already been done and quitting it won't help. However the fact is, the sooner you stop smoking, the better your heart and lungs will become. As per a study, heavy cigarette smokers can lower their risk of heart disease by 39% within 5 years if they quit [2]. 2. Myth: Occasional smoking is fine Fact: Many people are of the belief that having an occasional cigarette will not harm their body. However, it is still harmful because cigarettes contain nicotine that enters your body and can damage the blood vessels and make your blood more likely to clot [3]. 3. Myth: Smoking helps manage stress levels Fact: Opting for a cigarette is a way of managing stress, which might offer short-term relief. It is because the nicotine alters the balance of the two chemicals in the brain - dopamine and noradrenaline. When these levels are altered by nicotine, smokers feel a stress relief and feelings of enjoyment. This changes their mood and the brain adapts quickly to these new levels of nicotine-induced pleasure [4]. 4. Myth: Switching to light cigarettes can help you quit later Fact: Many smokers try to quit smoking by swapping for light cigarettes. But, the fact is that light cigarettes contain about the same amount of tar as a regular cigarette does. 5. Myth: Nicotine replacement products are as addictive as smoking Fact: People who use nicotine replacement products do not become entirely dependent on them and that is why people don't use enough of it for long. 6. Myth: E-Cigarettes aren't harmless Fact: E-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals like nicotine, flavourings, heavy metals, cancer-causing chemicals which when inhaled has an adverse effect on your lungs. The long-term effects of smoking e-cigarettes are much worse, which smokers aren't even aware of [5]. 7. Myth: Smoking isn't so bad if you have nutritious foods Fact: Smokers believe that having a healthy lifestyle will balance the harmful effects of smoking. But, the fact is, every cigarette that you smoke is damaging your organs. Cigarettes are the leading cause of dangerous diseases and death in the country. 8. Myth: Quitting Smoking increases mood swings Fact: It is quite natural to feel different kind of mood swings when you first quit smoking. The body adjusts quickly for not getting nicotine and so, the withdrawal feelings are temporary and often go away in a week or two after quitting smoking. When I was small, someonemaybe a librarian or maybe LeVar Burtonread me a story about an artist whose drawings came to life on their completion. The artist, though, wanted to keep his wild talent a secret. Which was, at first, easy. In drawing each picture, he simply left something out. He'd withhold a farmhand's Adam's apple, for instance, or rid a ship of an important cord in its rigging, and, sure enough, everything would keep still and two-dimensional. But then one day (of course) a bead of ink dropped from the artist's pen, landing in exactly the place where he had not drawn a bird's eye, and off the thing flew, blowing his cover. I've long suspected Zadie Smith of possessing a similar magic. And on reading her fifth novel, Swing Time, I'm sure she does. I'm sure, in other words, that it wouldn't take much more ink for the seven-year-old girls that appear on this book's first pageboth brown, both British, and both in tap-shoesto turn up incarnate in my living room. (Admittedly, it would be a long trip; Swing Time, like Smith's debut book, White Teeth, and her latest, NW, takes place in Kilburn and Willesden and their surroundsin, that is, a working-class, immigrant-rich quadrant of London.) As for these two girls, Tracey and the book's unnamed narrator, they throw in together thanks to a Saturday morning dance class. Apart from this shared activity, they are not likely friends. The only other circumstance in favor of their attachment is geographic proximity; the estates (read: lower-income housing complexes) in which they live sit kitty-corner. Much more works against their connection; they go to different grade schools and have mismatched dispositions. Tracey is ringletted and foul-mouthed. She eats pink cereal for her tea (read: supper). She's a virtuoso of sass, of amelioration, of defensiveness. She slouches through school but is selectively keen. She can scan the choreography of a dance or the configuration of someone else's weaknesses without apparent effortand can exploit such data, devastating rivals (and the occasional friend) and, yes, dancing. Exactly like the angel she is not. Swing Time's narratorflat-footed and enamored with the past, with Top Hat and Meet Me in St. Louis, with Bojangles and the Nicholas Brotherscannot keep up. Not at Miss Isabel's middling dance school for girls and not in daring bad behavior. She has none of Tracey's imperviousness. On the contrary, everything sways her: songs, schoolyard fads, her mother's lectures, her father's shrugging, and whole species of silences. And Tracey, always Tracey. Over the course of Swing Time, these two girls grow up and, fitfully, apart. By the time the novel ends, they are thirtysomethings. Tracey keeps her knack for mimicry and the narrator her bent for living vicariously, but both make compromises. Both, in fact, become compromised versions of their childhood selves, as I suppose we all do. Swing Time's characterization, however, compromises nothing. I can imagine these grown women giving Smith's prose the slip and taking on flesh just as easily as I can imagine an incarnation for the asymmetric pair of girls with whom the book begins. Yet here is an even more remarkable thing: it isn't just the two characters at the center of Swing Time that strike me as irreducibly themselves. It's also their parents. The narrator's mother, a woman prickly with aspiration, and her father, a kind sad sack, strike me as familiar yet unrepeatable. So does Tracey's mother, with her sloppy generosity, her sneer, her girlishness worse for the wear. And her volatile father, his long absences explained with an inspired lie (Tracey says he's one of Michael Jackson's backing dancers). Likewise, the whole retinue of the narrator's eventual employer, the international pop sensation Aimee, hover very close to being itself, from crusty, trusty Judy to subtle, particular Lamin; from unsubtle Granger to leery, approachable Fern. And when a West African school teacher with "Disney-bright features" enters the narrative largely to give the narrator shelter in the village that Aimee has singled out for her patronage, even she cannot remain an extra. The lovely Hawa, too, comes across as ready to shake off her fictional existence in favor of the real thing. Zadie Smith's dedicated readers, of course, will have already met, in her writing, characters who test the screen that separates art and life. I know because I am one of those readers. If you're not yet, let me point you to On Beauty's Kiki Belsey, who sweats and laughs more convincingly than some of my kin. Or toward Smith's short stories, toward Miss Adele (of "Miss Adele Amidst the Corsets"), and toward Fatou (of "The Embassy of Cambodia"). How easy it would be to mistake either of them, in memory, for folks who really did draw breath to waylay you with their stories. The U.S.-led military offensive that targeted Syria last week will not prevent the use of chemical warfare or end the protracted civil war, a local Syrian couple believes. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 17/4/2018 (1264 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Advertisement Advertise With Us The U.S.-led military offensive that targeted Syria last week will not prevent the use of chemical warfare or end the protracted civil war, a local Syrian couple believes. Reading off a cellphone that translated an English question into Arabic, Hasnaa Qannish replied without hesitation. "Change Bashar," she said in English, from her home in Brandons west end. Her husband, Hasan Alhussein, raised his index finger to make his point. President Bashar Assad must be removed if any progress is desired, he said. "Go after Bashar," Qannish added, "and everythings finished." In the early morning hours last Saturday, raids intended to punish Syria for the countrys use of chemical weapons were conducted. The Americans carried out the retaliatory strikes with the help of French and British warplanes. They targeted three chemical-related facilities in response to a suspected chemical-weapons attack on April 7 that killed 43 people and injured hundreds more in a rebel-held enclave near Damascus. The Brandon couple and their five children have lived here for approximately a year and three months. They are among the influx of Syrians whove settled in the region after fleeing their countrys civil war. The couple used to live in the Syrian city of Aleppo before moving to Jordan. They say a joint international effort is imperative in stopping the Assad regime, bolstered through an alliance with Iran and Russia. "Maybe together, other countries," Qannish said, gesturing her hands together. Without it, Alhussein was certain the Assad regime wouldnt be deterred from chemical warfare. Rakan Alshblak, an education student at Brandon University, was hoping for a larger military offensive. "I just wanted a bigger airstrike so that Assad would never think of killing more people, taking more people," he said. "The Bashar regime is still doing the same thing, the same thing he was doing before the airstrike." Alshblak said chemical weapons are only one deplorable aspect of the regimes attack, which includes bombings and missiles. Airstrikes targeting military airports might have inflicted more damage, he believes. The 30-year-old doesnt have an answer on how to stop the seven-year civil war, but he wishes the international community would step up. "Anything that could be effective in deterring the regime from doing what it has been doing" is what I want, Alshblak said. "Anything, whatever it is." As he watches from afar, he remains frustrated by the war. Thankfully, he said, his whole family has escaped Syria. He arrived in Brandon by himself two years ago. "Im just looking forward to having something that could stop whats there," Alshblak said. "Im concerned about the people who are killed every day. This is my main concern." Last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said Canada is working with non-governmental organizations and others to collect evidence of war crimes and other atrocities in Syria. ifroese@brandonsun.com, with files from The Canadian Press Twitter: @ianfroese By Padraig Hoare Taoiseach Leo Varadkar must contact President Donald Trump directly in relation to 650 jobs in Limerick that are threatened by the US sanctions on Russian firm Rusal, a TD has said. Some 450 jobs and 200 agency positions in Limerick are under threat because Aughinish Alumina near Askeaton is owned by Russian firm Rusal, which has been targeted by the US. The Limerick site is the largest alumina refinery in Europe but US sanctions have had a severe impact on its owner, with shares being routed in recent days. Rusal shares rose more than 8% in Hong Kong, paring back some of the losses that more than halved its value over the past week. The sanctions have sent the entire aluminium industry scrambling to restore supply chains. Rusals refining operations, which stretch from Aughinish to operations in Jamaica, are a vital cog in a global interlocking supply chain thats now been thrown into chaos. Aluminium surged to a six-year high as the impact of US sanctions against Rusal continued to reverberate through the global market more than a week after they were announced, with buyers rushing to secure supplies amid forecasts that the price may hit $3,000 a metric ton. The metal is used to make everything from cans and cars to airplanes and Aughinish is seen as one of Rusals most important sites. The Aughinish plant buys bauxite that global mining firm Rio Tinto uses in mines in Guinea and sells to smelters across Europe. As producers like Rio Tinto hunt for new buyers for their bauxite and sources of alumina to feed smelters, the global chokepoint created by the sanctions means that many of the miners, refiners and smelters that should be benefiting from surging prices are actually facing challenges just to keep their operations running. Limerick-based Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said Mr Varadkar had to contact Mr Trump directly to inform him of the unintended consequences for economies across the world. There is a lot of concern in the local community because Aughinish Alumina is a vital part of stability, and it has been very well-run and operated. The company has been in direct contact with the Government but I feel more needs to be done. I would urge the Taoiseach to raise the matter directly with President Trump because the unintended consequences of this action are of great concern. Prices of alumina are rocketing. Indias National Aluminium sold a cargo of alumina last week at $601 a ton free-on-board, the highest level in 12 years. Additional reporting Bloomberg French healthcare group Sanofi, which employs 700 people in the Republic, is in exclusive talks to sell its Zentiva European generics drugs arm to private equity firm Advent International for 1.9bn. Between the former Genzyme plant in Waterford, which it acquired as part of a global deal seven years ago, and a facility in west Dublin, Sanofi employs about 700 people. Sanofi said the sale was expected to be completed before the end of the year, and Advents offer was binding and fully financed. The 1.9bn price tag is the so-called enterprise value, which includes equity and debt. The planned Zentiva sale follows a move this week by Shire, which also employs hundreds in Ireland, to sell its oncology business to Frances Servier. Sanofi has been reshaping its business in recent months, spending more than 13bn to buy biotech company Ablynx and US haemophilia specialist Bioverativ, but also selling off some assets. This week, it sold some brands to Charterhouse Capital Partners Cooper-Vemedia drugs manufacturing arm for 158m. Following a comprehensive review of strategic options for our generics unit in Europe, we have determined that transferring this business to Advent is the best option to ensure its long-term success, said Sanofi chief executive Olivier Brandicourt. Sanofi shares rose slightly to value the company at 83.7bn. The sale price is decent, but nothing that extraordinary. Sanofi will probably re-invest the proceeds in looking to make pharma or biotech acquisitions. They are looking to strengthen their pipeline, which is a bit weak at the moment, said Jerome Schupp, fund manager at Geneva-based Prime Partners. The planned sale of Zentiva began in October after Sanofi spent more than a year carving out the division to create a stand-alone company that could be sold to one of its competitors or to an investment fund. Zentiva operates in 50 markets and has a strong presence in Eastern Europe, particularly in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Romania. Its generic drugs portfolio includes cardiovascular and gastrointestinal drugs as well as painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs based on ibuprofen and leflunomide molecules. Reuters. Additional reporting Irish Examiner By Jessica Magee Two 80-year-old ladies whose bags were stolen by the same man in separate incidents in Dublin have been praised for their high levels of resilience by a judge. Brian Dunne (33) was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for the offences, which were described as particularly reprehensible as they involved elderly victims. The court heard that one woman's shoulder was broken in two places when she fell to the ground as Dunne grabbed her bag. She was hospitalised for six days and had to miss out on performing in the musical My Fair Lady at Dublin's National Concert Hall the following week. Dunne, of George Reynold's House, Ringsend, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to one count of robbery and one of theft, committed in the same week of November last year in Sandymount. Passing sentence today, Judge Martin Nolan said both incidents were very serious and distressing for the ladies involved. However, he praised the women for their high levels of resilience and for getting on with their lives in the wake of the incidents. Garda Daragh Lynch told Lorcan Staines BL, prosecuting, that the first robbery took place on November 10 last, at a bus stop off Strand Road in Sandymount. Glynnis Cassin told gardai she had been waiting in the rain to catch a bus into town to attend a rehearsal for the musical she was due to perform in, when a young man approached, whom she assumed was seeking shelter. She made a phone call and then felt the man trying to grab the bag from her shoulder. She got a terrible fright and screamed loudly No, no! but decided she wasn't letting go. The man pulled at her bag and Ms Cassin fell to the ground, hitting her face, and felt pain in her whole body and extremely sore in her shoulder. Two women appeared and helped Ms Cassin, who was taken by ambulance to St James' Hospital where she was treated for a shoulder that was dislocated and broken in two places. There was a lot of bruising to her face and a cut on her eyelid and eye. In a victim impact statement, Ms Cassin said her economic loss was approximately 800 in medical fees and that she had been very upset that she couldn't take part in the musical. She said she no longer felt safe in her own neighbourhood and would never use that bus stop again. The court heard that the second incident took place on November 14 last, after 80-year-old Ms Anne O'Rourke had gone to the cinema at the IFI in Temple Bar. Ms O'Rourke told gardai that she is deaf in one ear and left the film early, taking the DART home to Sandymount. As she walked along Wilfield Road she felt a pulling at her shoulder as a man grabbed her shopping bag and then cycled away with it. I wasn't even shocked; I was angry, said Ms O'Rourke, who said she still gets occasional flashbacks and avoids that particular area. In a victim impact statement, Ms O'Rourke said she was able to feel some sympathy for the offender whom she assumed was a drug addict, and she expressed the hope that he would get the support and treatment he needed in prison. I sincerely hope he'll be rehabilitated and go on to live a rewarding life, ended Ms O'Rourke's statement. Dunne was arrested on foot of CCTV footage and made full admissions, telling gardai he was addicted to drink, drugs and gambling. He said he took sleeping tablets, cocaine and alcohol nearly every day and gambled every penny he had, adding that he owed 1,000 and had been threatened to pay it back. He apologised to both women and said it was a spur-of-the-moment thing that he should never have done. I don't know what came over me; if I could turn back the clock, I would, said Dunne. Dunne has 54 previous convictions including 14 for theft, seven for criminal damage and others for assault, drugs offences, burglary and possession of knives. The court heard he had been on bail for nine offences at the time of these robberies. Mark Murphy BL, defending, said his client felt sick and disgusted with himself when thinking about these incidents. He said Dunne had written two letters of apology to the victims expressing genuine remorse and insight, which Gda Lynch agreed had given some comfort to the women. Mr Murphy said Dunne had held a stable job in the past as a cleaner in Connolly Station, but that the first anniversary of his mother's death at the time of the offences had knocked him back into his old ways. The court heard Dunne went cold turkey since he went into custody last November and was now drug-free. Gda Lynch agreed with counsel for the defence that Dunne's previous theft offences had tended to involve property and not persons, and that these offences were somewhat out of character. Cocaine thought to be worth almost 100,000 has been seized at Dublin Airport. Revenue officers stopped and searched a man who had arrived on a flight from Addis Ababa last Sunday. There was no monkey business for a lucky Cork family who made the most of the sunshine in Dublin City today with a visit to the zoo just after they collected a winners cheque for a cool 25,000 from the National Lottery. Carmel OLeary from Cork won the 25,000 prize on a 10 All Cash Spectacular scratch card which she bought at the Spar store in Ballyphehane on the south side of Cork City. "Its just unbelievable! I treat myself to a scratch card every week but I never imagined winning a prize as big as this," said Carmel OLeary. "It is truly a lovely amount of money to win so Im going to celebrate the day by treating my daughter and grandson with a nice trip to the zoo." Discussing her spending plans for the 25,000 prize, the lucky Cork gran said she'll be making some home improvements and treating her family. "I have been talking for years about getting a new kitchen at home so now I can finally make a few changes around the house which we have been putting off for years. "Other than a few home improvements, the rest of the money will be put aside for the family while Ill be putting the rest of it into a savings account for my grandson to enjoy when hes older." Meanwhile, Fridays EuroMillions jackpot will roll to a guaranteed 130 million. "Its an incredible amount of money and we are really excited at the prospect of an Irish winner," said Dermot Griffin, CEO of the National Lottery. The jackpot is a guaranteed 130 million and if the winner is one of our Irish players, this will be the highest prize ever won in the National Lotterys 31 year history." Digital Desk By Louise Roseingrave A coroner advised a family to avail of a health check after their mother died from suspected Sudden Adult Death Syndrome. Denise Fitzgerald (aged 56) a legal secretary from Creighton Street, Dublin 2, died on October 3, 2016. The cause of her death was undetermined, Dublin Coroners Court heard. The woman was found unresponsive in her home shortly after 9am by her son who arrived at the house after bringing his son to school. I had walked to school with my son and when I got to her house the dogs were barking, Peter Fitzgerald said. "That was unusual. Mam was lying on the sitting room floor. One of the dogs was sitting beside her. Her medication, crumpets and a cup of tea were on the kitchen counter, the tea was still lukewarm Mr Fitzgerald checked for a pulse and called an ambulance. He provided chest compressions while waiting for the ambulance. He had last seen his mother the previous day when he left the house at noon to go to work. Mrs Fitzgerald was rushed to St Jamess Hospital where she was later pronounced dead. In his autopsy, Pathologist Dr Brian Pierce ruled out a number of common causes of sudden death including a heart attack, a clot in the lung, a brain haemorrhage or stroke and the effect of medication. There was no evidence of drugs or alcohol in her system, Dr Pierce said. The cause of death was undetermined, according to Dr Pierce. They could not put their finger on exactly why she collapsed that morning. It could have been Sudden Adult Death Syndrome, where the heart just stopped beating. "In those circumstances, it is recommended that family all blood relations get themselves checked as well, Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane said. The coroner reassured Mr Fitzgerald that there was nothing he could have done to change the outcome of what happened. Tragically something very sudden had happened to your late mother to make her heart stop, Dr Cullinane said, returning an open verdict because there was no evidence to determine exactly what caused her death. By Gordon Deegan A Garda surveillance on a telephone pole near the Shannon estuary paid off when a 43-year old drug dealer was spotted leaving two plastic lunch boxes that contained 12 bags of cocaine at the pole. At Ennis District Court today, Simon McDonagh of Aonach An Chlair, Clarecastle pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supplying cocaine contrary to Section 15 of the Misuse of Drugs Act on March 14th 2017. Insp Tom Kennedy told the court that the cocaine had a street value of 660. Mr McDonagh also pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of cocaine contrary to Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. Judge Patrick Durcan described the circumstances of the find as fascinating and said that he regarded the offence as very much at the upper end of Section 15 offences. Giving an outline of the facts in the case, Insp Tom Kennedy told the district court that Detective Garda Gary Stack was conducting a surveillance operation in a rural area at Lissane West, outside Clarecastle near the Shannon estuary on March 14th 2017. Insp Kennedy said that Det Stack then saw Simon McDonagh arrive and stoop down beside the telephone pole and place the two plastic lunch boxes and went away again. Det Stack waited for someone else to arrive at the telephone pole. When no one arrived, Det Stack went over to the pole and discovered the two lunch boxes contained 12 bags of cocaine. Insp Kennedy said that there were other dealing bags found in the lunch boxes. Insp Kennedy said that Mr McDonagh admitted to Gardai to selling the cocaine and that the proceeds were for to pay the cost of his own requirements for cocaine. Insp Kennedy said that Mr McDonagh has no previous convictions for drug offences. Insp Kennedy said that Mr McDonagh left the cocaine at the telephone pole so that he could direct others to the area if they required the cocaine. Insp Kennedy said that the area came onto the Garda radar in the context of a Garda operation. Judge Durcan remanded Mr McDonagh on bail to re-appear before the court on June 26th for a pre-sentence Probation Report. Update 19 April, 9am: Olivia McDonagh has been located safe and well. 18 April:Gardai are looking for help in finding a teenager missing from north Dublin. Olivia Mc Donagh, 16, was last seen in Coolock on Monday afternoon. She is 5 5 tall, of slight build and with long brown hair. When last seen she was wearing blue jeans, white trainers and a pink jacket. Anyone who has seen Olivia or who can assist in locating her is asked to contact Coolock Garda Station on 01 6664200 or any Garda Station. Digital Desk Ireland needs to have an honest discussion about the "barbaric" reality of abortion ahead of next month's referendum, anti-abortion campaigners have said. Activists from LoveBoth urged people to vote against changing the country's strict abortion laws as the group launched their campaign for a No vote. Citizens will be asked on May 25th whether they want to repeal the Eighth Amendment of Ireland's Constitution, a provision that makes abortion illegal in all but exceptional circumstances. Speaking at the launch, Love Both legal consultant Caroline Simons said: If the Eighth Amendment is repealed, Ireland will go from being a country that protects unborn babies to one of the most extreme abortion regimes in the world. The Governments referendum proposal is even more frightening than Englands abortion law, where one in every five babies loses his or her life to abortion. If repeal happens, the Government is committed to legislating for unrestricted abortion up to 12 weeks. The proposed legislation also allows for abortion on vague and undefined health grounds, up to viability and even up to birth where the baby has a possible terminal illness and in other circumstances as well. Voters who support abortion in so-called limited circumstances need to know that what they hope for with repeal and what theyd get are two entirely different things. A vote for repeal is a vote for abortion on demand. It didnt have to be this way. The Government could have chosen to amend the Eighth Amendment for so-called hard cases, while leaving some form of protection for unborn babies in the Constitution. But instead they opted for a proposal that takes away all meaningful protections from unborn babies and allows abortion on demand. The only way to stop this from happening is to VOTE NO on 25th May. LoveBoth spokeswoman Cora Sherlock said the debate in Ireland has become so "sanitised" that it is regarded by some as "extreme" to describe what is being proposed "even in the mildest way". Addressing a crowd of about 60 people in Dublin, she added: "But voters are entitled to know what a vote to repeal would mean. "It's certainly not restrictive abortion that they would be voting for. "A vote for repeal is a vote for one of the deadliest abortion laws ever proposed. "It's a proposal that obliterates the right to life of unborn babies and makes little attempt to hide that fact." Ms Sherlock went on to describe the stages of an abortion procedure, which she said was according to a doctor's testimony. "The Government's proposal opens the door to these barbaric procedures," she said. Asked about accusations that the anti-abortion movement uses language intended to shock, Ms Sherlock said: "What I would say is that the idea that we are even thinking about introducing abortion on demand and those type of procedures into our country is shocking. "And I think it would be foolhardy to think that a mature society like Ireland could have the debate that we are having, and have a vote on abortion on demand, in just a few weeks' time, without actually looking at what abortion involves." "Abortion is shocking. It ends the life of a baby. "The proposal at the moment is to introduce abortion on demand for the first three months of pregnancy at a stage when a baby has a face, a baby has a beating heart, a baby is sucking his or her thumb, and moving in the womb." She added: "That procedure that I described was the procedure described by an abortionist brought in and invited by the Government to the Oireachtas committee just a few months ago just before Christmas. "So it's reality. I know the reality of abortion is shocking. "I absolutely agree with that, but I think if we're going to be honest about what is meant here we're going to have to address that and actually discuss it so that people can make an informed decision on the 25th." Ms Sherlock also expressed concerns about what a vote for repeal will mean for GPs. "If the Eighth Amendment is removed from the constitution on May 25, the Government will initiate a nationwide, GP-led abortion service, providing for unrestricted abortion on request in the first three months of pregnancy," she said. "That means that doctors who are trained to protect life will suddenly be expected to facilitate the taking of life." Ms Sherlock added: "If repeal happens, it will transform local GP practices in devastating ways. "As a group, GPs will be expected to routinely harm their pre-born patients in the false name of choice. "And not just harm them, but actually kill them." Ms Sherlock said more and more people are starting to realise "what is at stake" in this referendum. "And that's certainly been my experience from talking to people over the last number of months. "Ireland would be a very different place if we removed the Eighth Amendment and it would not be for the better," she said. Among those gathered at the campaign launch were TDs Michael Healy-Rae and Mattie McGrath. Legal consultant Caroline Simons (left) with TD's Mattie McGrath and Michael Healy Rae (right) and campaigner Brigit Hirsch at the launch of the LoveBoth "Vote No" campaign. Brian Lawless/PA Wire Mr Healy-Rae said he believed the referendum would be close. "I sense that it is going to be tight. It might be tighter than people think," he said. The total electorate currently stands at around 3.2 million and eligible voters have been encouraged to ensure they are registered. Voters will be asked whether they want to replace the Eighth Amendment, which gives the mother and unborn an equal right to life, with wording that hands responsibility for setting the country's abortion laws to politicians. If the public votes to repeal the constitutional provision, the Irish Government intends to table legislation that would permit women to abort within 12 weeks of pregnancy. - Press Association Updated 5pm: A father-of-one who denies the attempted murder of his partner told gardai who arrested him that he did not care if his toddler daughter was alive or dead, his trial heard today. Tomas Gajowniczek (37) of The Ice Rink Apartments, Dolphin's Barn, Dublin 8 has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Alicja Kalinowska (30) at their home on June 16, 2016. He also pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kalinowska on the same date at the same location. Garda Peter Mullins today told prosecuting counsel Paul Burns SC that he arrested the accused in the car park of Kevin St Garda Station in the early hours of June 16, 2016 following reports of an assault on a lady by a man matching Mr Gajowniczek's description. Gardai took the accused by car to Pearse Street Garda Station and on the way Garda Mullins noted that Mr Gajowniczek asked: "How is Alicja? Will she live? Is she going to be alright?" He then referenced his daughter, who was two at the time and was in the next room during the alleged assault, saying: "I don't know if she is alive or dead and I don't care." Following the alleged assault Ms Kalinowska was treated for a fractured nose and injuries to her eyes, limbs and torso. Garda John Paul Holland told Mr Burns that he went to Mr Gajowniczek's home on June 12, four days before the alleged assault on Ms Kalinowska. Ms Kalinowska had called gardai complaining that her partner locked her out and was inside with their two-year-old daughter. When gardai arrived Mr Gajowniczek opened the door, let them in and spoke openly. Garda Holland said Mr Gajowniczek told him that he locked the door because he thought people were trying to get into the apartment and kill him and showed the garda a hammer that he had hidden under a duvet on the bed. He said he believed someone had spiked his milk with amphetamines and that his partner, Ms Kalinowska, was having an affair. He also told the garda that he had been smoking cannabis. Garda Holland was concerned for Mr Gajowniczek's mental health so he arrested him under the Mental Health Act and brought him to a garda station. A doctor assessed Mr Gajowniczek but did not recommend placing him in a psychiatric hospital so Mr Gajowniczek was released that night and returned home to Ms Kalinowska and their daughter. Following his arrest after the alleged assault four days later Mr Gajowniczek was interviewed at Pearse St Garda Station. Detective Garda Nathan McKenna told prosecuting counsel Pat Reynolds BL that during those interviews Mr Gajowniczek accused Ms Kalinowska of being violent and being connected with criminals. These statements were described as "nonsense" and "crazy talk" by defence counsel Robert Munro when cross examining Ms Kalinowska on day two of the trial. Ms Kalinowska agreed. The accused also told gardai that sometimes he would hear the baby talking at night but when he checked on her she was asleep. He believed that Ms Kalinowska had recorded the baby talking and was playing the recording to make him think he is going crazy. He further told them that he caused Alicja's injuries but he couldn't remember how. The trial continues tomorrow in front of Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of six men and six women. The European Union has issued a fresh warning to the UK that a transitional deal after Brexit will not be secured unless the problem of the Irish border is resolved. European Council president Donald Tusk told MEPs that the UK had created the issue as a result of the Brexit vote and had a duty to find a solution. His comments came as UK Prime Minister Theresa May faced a battle in the House of Lords, with peers set to push for the UK to remain in a customs union after leaving the EU - something which they claim could help address the issues around the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. The Prime Minister hopes to secure a transitional deal which would see the UK continue to follow EU rules and trade with the bloc on similar terms until the end of 2020, when a comprehensive deal on a new partnership could take over. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Tusk said he welcomed the progress that had been made in the Brexit talks. "We want to use the positive momentum in these negotiations to finally settle outstanding issues, such as the solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Nothern Ireland," he said. In a message that the Government could not simply leave it to the Irish and EU to decide what the customs arrangements at the border should be - as some Brexiteers have suggested - Mr Tusk said: "The UK's decision on Brexit has caused the problem and the UK will have to help solve it. "Without a solution, there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition. "Leaders will assess the negotiations in June. In parallel we will start our first talks about the future EU-UK relationship." My report to the European Parliament on the March #EUCO: https://t.co/2oSi7BKM91 Charles Michel (@eucopresident) April 18, 2018 Senior officials were meeting in Brussels today to hold preliminary discussions about the future relationship for the first time. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs May "has been very clear that the British people voted to leave the EU and expect us to be able to sign trade deals around the world, operating our own independent trade policy". "As the PM has set out, that means we are leaving the customs union," the spokesman said. - Press Association Six people remain in custody this morning in connection with a series of raids by gardai investigating an international drugs gang. Five men and a woman were arrested yesterday and 250,000 was seized after the operation across Dublin. By Ann O'Loughlin The Supreme Court has more than halved an 11m sum a law firm was ordered to pay to a company over negligent failure to properly register a property for which the company had in 2007 received a 10m purchase offer, which did not go ahead. In allowing an appeal by LK Shields, the five judge Supreme Court ruled it must instead pay Rosbeg Partners 5,246,500, with liberty to apply concerning calculation of interest and Capital Gains Tax "should that be necessary". Giving the court's judgment, Mr Justice Donal O'Donnell directed reduction of the 11m sum on the basis of findings including LK Shields could not be held liable for losses after October 2008, when it obtained actual registration of the title to the property. While the value of the property may have continued to fall after that, that could not be attributed to the law firm's negligence, at least not without particular evidence and agreement, he said. Like all other property owners at that time, Rosbeg was experiencing loss of value due to market conditions. Rosbeg, he said, had not had an agreement, "still less a binding contract", to sell in 2007 and did not sell thereafter. The case raised the complex question whether the law firm's negligence made it responsible for some or all of the losses suffered by Rosbeg due to the decline of the property market and Rosbeg's own market decisions. The nature of the negligence here was a failure to do something which could be done and was eventually done. The measure of damages was the cost of substitute performance of the duty and any foreseeable loss of value caused by the delay in doing so. Earlier, the judge said, when dealing with calculations of loss, it is important for courts to recognise it is "a lot easier to make profits on paper than in real life" and particularly when the exercise is being carried out in retrospect. While it was difficult to get a clear view of negotiations between business people, and the courts often had to sift through differing accounts at some remove in time from the facts, the courts should approach claims such as this by applying "common sense and some degree of scepticism" The law firm had appealed after the Court of Appeal upheld a 2013 High Court decision it was liable to Rosbeg for some 11m losses. Rosbeg, owned by businessman Bob Stewart, wanted to sell the 2.5 acre site, comprising five lots, at unit 520 Western Industrial Estate, Naas Road, Dublin. Truck importer Pino Harris, who owns a site adjoining the Rosbeg lands, made an offer of 10m at the height of the property bubble in 2007. Rosbeg claimed, as a result of losing out on the Harris offer, it was unable to pay off an 8m loan from AIB. LK Shields accepted the property had not been properly registered in time but argued that was not why the sale did not go ahead. There was no evidence the 10m offer had ever been accepted because Rosbeg was holding out for more money, it argued. The High Court held, after Rosbeg bought the property in 1994, there remained a mapping problem related to one of the lots which LK Shields, acting for Rosbeg, tried to sort out with the previous owners. Mr Harris initially offered 6.5m for the property in 2006 but this was refused as prices were still rising and Mr Stewart believed he could get up to 15m, though his selling agent advised the "back stop figure" was at 10m. In September 2007, Mr Harris offered 10m but on condition it was only open for a limited period. Mr Stewart signalled acceptance of the offer to Mr Harris' agents but Mr Harris then learned of the mapping problem. By mid-February 2008, the Harris offer had dropped to 8m. By the following August it was 6m and by October 2009 Mr Harris was no longer interested. The High Court found the sequence of events in 2008 did not demonstrate any culpability on behalf of Rosbeg in relation to LK Shields' claim of failure to mitigate loss. Details will be revealed in Dublin today on one of the most ambitious deep-ocean research projects ever carried out in Europe. The Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS) says the project involves placing seismometers on the sea bed deep off the west coast. An aspiring terrorist fighter in England who trained for jihad in Syria with paintballing and gym sessions has been jailed. Ahmedeltigani Alsyed was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court today to four-and-a-half years imprisonment, the Metropolitan Police said. The 20-year-old, from Hounslow, west London, previously pleaded guilty to engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts between November 2016 and February 2017. He was also convicted of disseminating terrorist material, including execution videos and bomb-making guides, and possessing information likely to be useful to a person committing or planning acts of terrorism. The Sudan-born extremist was a member of a secret chat group planning to fight alongside terror groups in Syria while also building his strength at the gym. His brother Yousif Alsyed, 18, pleaded guilty to preparing terrorist acts and disseminating a terrorist publication, but will face sentencing at a later date. The pair joined their cousins for a paintballing session at Blind Fire in Surrey as part of their training. Commander Clarke Jarrett, of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "The evidence we recovered showed the clear intent of the Alsyed brothers to go to Syria, where they would join Daesh. "It is patent to me that their intention, once they had joined the terrorist group, was to fight alongside it as the brothers had invested time in training in the UK, including spending time at a paintballing camp and joining a gym. "The brothers shared with each other gory videos and images glorifying Daesh. "They had their hearts set on joining their fight but our investigation stopped them." Their plan was foiled when the younger of the two was referred to police by his school and they were arrested at Heathrow Airport after returning on a flight from Egypt in August 2016. Commander Jarrett added: "If anyone has suspicions about someone who is behaving oddly, sending messages that seem extreme or anything else that strikes them as not quite right, please act on your instinct and report it to police." - PA Mike Pompeo, the head of the CIA, has reportedly visited North Korea and meet with leader Kim Jong Un. The highly unusual, secret visit was undertaken over the Easter weekend as the enemy nations prepared for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Mr Kim within the next few months. Two officials confirmed the trip anonymously to The Associated Press. The Washington Post, which first reported Pompeo's meeting with Kim, said it took place just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Mr Trump, who was hosting Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Florida estate, said the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at "extremely high levels" in preparation for a possible summit with Mr Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which was slated to take place by early June. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump and Mr Kim had not spoken directly. Mr Kim's offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Mr Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many by accepting it. US officials indicated over the past two weeks that North Korea's government had communicated directly with Washington that it was ready to discuss its nuclear weapons programme. It would be the first-ever summit between US and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Korea's nuclear weapons and its capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the U.S. mainland. The US and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for US intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. At his confirmation hearing last week to become secretary of state, Mr Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Korea's nuclear weapons at the planned Trump-Kim summit, but he said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearisation. CIA director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea to meet Kim Jong Un, sources say https://t.co/re4arVXLBP #tictocnews pic.twitter.com/lHvop0ptvU Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) April 18, 2018 "I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need," Mr Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Kim has pivoted to international outreach. The young leader met China's President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Kim's first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarized zone between the rival Koreas on April 27th. - Digital Desk and Press Association A worker at a top investment management company in the UK posted mocked-up pictures of a female colleague to porn websites when she rejected his romantic advances, a court has heard. Davide Buccheri, 25, is accused of carrying out "a calculated and malicious" harassment campaign over seven months while working at M&G, in the heart of the City of London. Prosecutor Aimee Emby told London's Hendon Magistrates' Court that Buccheri took images from his colleague's social media accounts and downloaded pornographic images of women of similar build from the internet before telling her bosses, in a bid to discredit her. Ms Emby said: "She felt intimidated by his behaviour. The defendant had a considerable romantic interest. "Following his rejection he pursued an increasingly complex and insidious amount of harassment." It is claimed Buccheri used the firm's internal whistleblowing system to tell bosses about the images. Davide Buccheri. Buccheri, of Bologna, Italy, has pleaded not guilty to a single charge of harassment between September 9 2016 and May 29 2017. The pictures were allegedly edited and cropped to make them look like the alleged victim before being put in galleries on porn websites. Buccheri showed an "excessive" interest in the woman after she joined the firm as an intern in June 2016, and they were in touch via the internal messaging system, according to Ms Emby. The female colleague at first turned Buccheri down when he invited her for a coffee, but later changed her mind. She then made repeated attempts to postpone the coffee which showed her reluctance to meet him, the court was told. He also asked for her telephone number but she refused. Ms Emby told the court that Buccheri's actions were aimed at "destroying her credibility and reputation and it did cause her harassment, alarm and distress". Giving evidence from behind a curtain so she would not have to see her alleged harasser, the woman said she had felt "devastated, and extremely surprised" when she saw the images. She spoke of having an "uneasy feeling" about Buccheri and wanted to keep him at arm's length. Trying to restart her career after the alleged harassment was "very difficult", she told the court. Saying that her confidence is "low" she added: "Networking at professional parties with men in the business is hard in trying to trust my instincts." - PA The father of Alfie Evans has kissed the hand of the Pope and begged him to "save our son". Mr Evans, 21, and Kate James, 20, want to move their son from Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool, England, to Rome for treatment and have launched a second application to the British Supreme Court. They have already lost fights in the UK's High Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court and European Court of Human Rights after Mr Justice Hayden ruled that doctors could stop providing life-support treatment for the 23-month-old. Judges have heard that Alfie, born on May 9, 2016, is in a semi-vegetative state and has a degenerative neurological condition doctors have not definitively diagnosed. Mr Justice Hayden said flying Alfie to a foreign hospital would be wrong and pointless. Mr Evans posted on Facebook that he flew to Rome on Tuesday evening and met the Pope this morning. Posting photos of himself kissing Pope Francis's hand, he wrote: "Your holiness save our son." During his general audience afterwards, the Pope led the crowd in a moment of silent prayer for Alfie. At the beginning of April, Francis tweeted his support for the youngster, posting: "It is my sincere hope that everything necessary may be done in order to continue compassionately accompanying little Alfie Evans, and that the deep suffering of his parents may be heard. "I am praying for Alfie, for his family and for all who are involved." Earlier this week Francis said: "It's our duty to do everything to care for life." Slovakia's prosecutor general has approved the creation of an international team to investigate the killings of an investigative journalist and his fiancee. A spokeswoman for Jaromir Ciznar said the prosecutor agreed on the deal in The Hague on Wednesday with Italian judicial authorities, and representatives from Europol and the Eurojust agency. Italy's President Sergio Mattarella has asked the Senate president, a supporter of ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi, to explore possible alliances to create a governing majority in Parliament more than a month after Italy's inconclusive elections. As leader of the Senate, Maria Elisabetta Casellati holds the second-highest position in Italy's governing institutions. Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called early parliamentary and presidential elections for June 24. Mr Erdogan made the announcement today after talks with Devlet Bahceli, the leader of Turkey's main nationalist party. Mr Bahceli made a surprise call for snap elections a day earlier. Mr Erdogan said the elections that were originally scheduled to be held in November 2019 need to be brought forward in order to quickly usher in a new presidential system to deal with challenges ahead. Turkey is switching from a parliamentary system to a presidential one that will increase the powers of the president. The changes will come into effect with the next elections. Mr Bahceli, Mr Erdogan's political ally, had argued there was "no point in prolonging this any longer", citing efforts by unnamed circles to foment chaos in Turkey. In 2016 Mr Erdogan survived an attempted military coup. The head of the global chemical weapons watchdog agency has rejected Russian claims that traces of a second nerve agent were discovered in Salisbury where a former Russian spy and his daughter were poisoned. The UK blames Russia for the attack, which it says was carried out by smearing a Soviet-developed nerve agent known as Novichok on a door handle at Sergei Skripal's house in Salisbury. Moscow denies involvement in the incident in which Mr Skripal's daughter Yulia was also poisoned. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow received confidential information from the laboratory in Spiez, Switzerland, that analysed samples from the site of the March 4 poisoning. He said the analysis, done at the request of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, indicated that samples contained BZ nerve agent and its precursor. He said BZ was part of the chemical arsenals of the US, Britain and other Nato countries, while the Soviet Union and Russia never developed the agent. OPCW director-general Ahmet Uzumcu told a meeting of the organisation's executive council that a BZ precursor known as 3Q "was contained in the control sample prepared by the OPCW Lab in accordance with the existing quality control procedures". He added "it has nothing to do with the samples collected by the OPCW team in Salisbury". Britain's representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Peter Wilson, said the Russian foreign minister's comments were a breach of the treaty outlawing chemical weapons. "The thing for me that was particularly alarming about Lavrov's statement is, first of all, the OPCW goes to enormous lengths to make sure that the identity of laboratories is confidential and, second of all, either the Russians are hacking the laboratories or they are making stuff up," he said. "Either way, that is a violation of the confidentiality of the Chemical Weapons Convention." In a summary of its report last week, the OPCW did not name Novichok as the nerve agent used but it confirmed "the findings of the United Kingdom relating to the identity of the toxic chemical that was used in Salisbury". Mr Wilson told reporters the OPCW "confirmed that they found what we found, and that is a Novichok". Russia's representative to the OPCW, Ambassador Alexander Shulgin, repeated Moscow's denials and accused Britain of a string of lies. "For now, I will only say one thing: the claim that the Technical Secretariat confirmed that this chemical points to its Russian origin is an outright lie," he said in a statement posted on his embassy's website. "The report itself does not say a single word about the name 'Novichok;' the CWC simply does not contain such a concept." Mr Wilson told the meeting that London continues to believe evidence points to Russian involvement in the attempted assassination. "We believe that only Russia had the technical means, operational experience and motive to target the Skripals," Mr Wilson said. Mr Wilson warned the Chemical Weapons Convention was being undermined by a growing use of nerve agents and other poisons, mentioning the 2017 assassination in Malaysia of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's estranged half brother, in addition to the Salisbury attack and the use of poison gas in Syria and Iraq. "It is being continually violated," Mr Wilson told reporters. He said the convention would be strengthened if all nations fully declared any stockpiles they still have. Member states are supposed to declare all their chemical weapons stocks upon joining the OPCW and destroy them. The OPCW and Russia last year celebrated the destruction of the country's final declared stocks. "Russia clearly has chemical weapons they are not declaring and they need to do that," Mr Wilson said. Woodside Petroleum will ramp up the development of the Scarborough gas field off Western Australia after it took control of the LNG project earlier this year. "It is our plan to accelerate the development of Scarborough through an expansion of Pluto LNG. Concept selections for both the offshore and onshore components of the project are targeted by the end of this year," Woodside chief executive Peter Coleman said. "We now operate both the Scarborough offshore gas resource and Pluto LNG onshore processing facility." Woodside CEO Peter Coleman said it plans to accelerate the development of the Scarborough project after Woodside took the operator role in the gas field. Credit:Ben Rushton Mr Coleman told Fairfax Media it can cut a year off the project by essentially splitting it into two in its early stages to aid development. The battle of Mont St Quentin in August 1918 is regarded by many as being among the finest hours of the Australian Imperial Force. Heavily outnumbered and outgunned, the Australians, led by the then Lieutenant General Sir John Monash, captured the strategically vital hill in an audacious battle that proved one of the turning points on the Western Front. Steve Lopes with his winning work. Credit:Christopher Pearce Ironically, in the week Monash has been the centre of controversy over attempts to award him posthumous promotion, Sydney-based artist Steve Lopes has taken out this year's $20,000 Gallipoli Art Prize with a picture of Mont St Quentin. His atmospheric, empty landscape at dusk impressed John Robertson, chairman of the Gallipoli Art Prize. The board of Australia's first and only LGBTIQ community radio station says its members database has been "stolen" and used to distribute claims of bullying and mismanagement by station managers and board members. A letter sent to JOY 94.9 members and volunteers calls for the station's board of directors to be dissolved and replaced with a temporary leadership team. The letter is signed by 28 JOY members including station founder John Oliver and several broadcasters including Triple J producer James Findlay. At least 10 broadcasters have left JOY in the past few months, a representative of the group said. JOY's board said the bullying claims had been investigated and could not be substantiated. It said the alleged database theft would be reported to Victoria Police. Buoyant confidence in Australia's electricity sector has seen power prices retreat but it remains fickle and likely hinges on progress on the federal government's keystone energy plan, leading energy firms say. State and territory energy ministers are preparing to debate the National Energy Guarantee (NEG) - a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions while improving reliability and security of the grid and lowering prices - at a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting in Melbourne on Friday. Companies such as Origin and EnergyAustralia say while the policy lacks ambition in cutting greenhouse gas emissions in electricity generation, its design has improved since being floated by the government last year. "The NEG started as a concept and every action of COAG is taking this concept and making it more workable," Mark Collette, an EnergyAustralia director, told Fairfax Media. Canberra Hospital has failed to meet several areas of healthcare standards in its accreditation process, some of which have put vulnerable patients at "extreme risk". An at times scathing interim accreditation report by the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards has identified 33 of 209 core criteria where standards were not met. Canberra Hospital has 90 days to lift its game or risk losing its national accreditation. Credit:Karleen Minney The hospital now has about 90 days to address the areas which were not met in order to keep its national accreditation. Of the 33 areas not up to standard, two were classed as extreme risks, six as high risks, 15 moderate risks while the remaining were rated as low risks. A former Anglican priest told a young girl she might see her beloved deceased dog if she prayed before he raped her in a church, a court has heard. On another occasion, when she tried to stop his advances, the man allegedly became angry and told her God would not forgive her. He then allegedly raped and committed an act of indecency on her before saying Remember what I told you as he walked away. The 67-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons went on trial in the ACT Supreme Court on Wednesday on 18 charges of sexual intercourse with a child and committing acts of indecency. He has pleaded not guilty. There was widespread outrage when the words change the date and no pride in genocide were painted on a statue of Captain Cook in Sydneys Hyde Park last year. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull called the vandalism of the statue, as well as monuments to Lachlan Macquarie and Queen Victoria, a deeply disturbing act of Stalinism. Historian Dr Lisa Murray asked in a provocative speech whether graffiti painted on statues in Hyde Park last year should have been removed. Credit:Cole Bennetts But in a speech delivered at the launch of the Australian Heritage Festival on Wednesday, historian Lisa Murray questioned whether the words were part of the changing meaning of the statue. Is challenging the dominant historical narrative a legitimate part of the monuments heritage? she asked. A mother and her three children who disappeared last week have been found safe and well, according to police. The family was reported missing from Strathpine, north of Brisbane, after failing to meet with other family members on Tuesday. The 25-year-old Strathpine mother and her three children have been found. Credit:Police Media The last confirmed sighting of the 25-year-old mother and her children, who were aged five, three and five months, was last Friday in Strathpine. However, police said the family presented themselves to officers at Petrie Police Station about 7.20pm on Thursday night. A former senior UK fire chief will be the new boss of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. Dan Stephens, a leading fire fighter in the UK's north west, has stepped down from his role as chief fire officer of the Merseyside region in order to take on the MFB position. According to UK newspaper Liverpool Echo, Mr Stephens gained notoriety for his fierce opposition to government budget cuts. Dan Stephens was the Chief Fire Officer of the Merseyside Fire and Rescue Authority for seven years. He announced he was leaving his position at Merseyside on Monday and a press release from the Merseyside Fire Brigade stated that he would be moving to Australia after accepting the role of the chief executive officer of the MFB. Glenda McLean's plan to remain as Ararat's fly-in fly-out mayor while working in a Mount Isa hospital has hit some turbulence but not, as yet, crashed and burned, despite council colleagues saying she'd turned them into a "laughing stock". A packed council meeting on Tuesday evening watched by thousands more thanks to a live broadcast on Facebook saw the mayor defend herself over taking up a job in the Queensland mining town, 2600 kilometres away from Victoria's Western District. Ararat Rural City Council mayor Glenda McLean. Credit:Peter Pickering Motions to declare no confidence in Cr McLean as mayor and to call on her to resign were passed by four votes to two. Deputy mayor Gwenda Allgood, who like some councillors found about about the mayor's plans via the media, said she had never heard of such an arrangement before. Victorian taxpayers will fund the legal defence for Borce Ristevski who has been charged with murdering his wife Karen, whose body was found last year in bushland north of Melbourne. Mr Ristevski's lawyers secured Victoria Legal Aid funding this week, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday, and can now continue going through a huge brief of evidence, made up of 22,000 pages and hours of CCTV footage and listening device recordings. Karen Ristevski with her husband, Borce, and daughter, Sarah. Mr Ristevski, 54, is charged with murdering his wife on June 29, 2016 the day she was last seen at the luxurious Avondale Heights home she shared with her husband and their adult daughter Sarah. The body of Mrs Ristevski, a 47-year-old fashion boutique owner, was found eight months later, on February 20 last year, in the Mount Macedon Regional Park, which is 60 kilometres away from their home. Locals living along the coast of Perth's southern suburbs are attempting to uncover the cause behind a foul-smelling sludge that washed up on many of the area's main beaches on Tuesday morning. Beaches in Rockingham, Safety Bay, Cockburn and Fremantle reported detecting the smell, with a significant amount of algae found on many of the suburban beaches. A photo taken near Safety Bay on Tuesday. Credit:Tim's Tackle World While many locals pinched their noses and hoped for the wind to change, Tim Barlow of Tim's Tackle Plus in Guildford took matters into his own hands when a friend and customer told him about their experience fishing near Point Peron earlier in the week. "What brought it to a head was one of my customers yesterday caught some crayfish by Point Peron," he said. One member of a Perth trio accused of horrific child sex crimes has pleaded guilty to four charges. All three - none of whom can be named - faced court on Wednesday. A 45-year-old man facing 79 charges, including two counts of sexual relationships with a child and two counts of indecently dealing with a child under 13 years, appeared via video link from Casuarina Prison where he is on remand. Mirzam Credit:John Donegan Police claim the man sexually assaulted his two biological daughters between 2001 and 2006. Both daughters were four years old at the time of the first offence. Homicide squad detectives have launched a fresh appeal in the case of missing man Dean Patrick White, who was last seen in WA's Wheatbelt region last year. Mr White was last seen on March 31 in Quairading. Dean Patrick White was last seen on March 31 last year. Credit:WA Police The 55-year-old arrived in the town by car from Victoria to visit a friend. Affectionately known as 'Whitey', he lived a transient lifestyle and was known to travel across Australia in his white Toyota Landcruiser utility. ACT chief minister Andrew Barr with Canberra's first light rail vehicle at its depot in Mitchell. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Pack your umbrella today - just in case. There is a 50 per cent chance of rain in the late morning and afternoon, and we could even be in for some thunder storms later in the day. The forecast high is 24 degrees and the low is 7 degrees. The ACT government has come out with its preferred route for stage two of the light rail to Woden. But before they get too carried away, they need to wait for the green light from federal government authorities affected by the proposal. The favoured route will travel to Woden through the suburbs of Parkes and Barton. The alternative was to run the track through Civic and near Parliament House. Here are the details. Threatened little eagles have record breeding season Queensland stands ready and willing to talk to Google about setting up its Australian headquarters north of the border, should the search giant's Sydney plans fall through. This week, it was revealed the NSW government had rejected a plan to create a Silicon Valley-style technology hub near Redfern, leaving Google once against searching for an Australian HQ. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the government would be open to Google, if the company decided to leave Sydney. Credit:AP The hub, tipped to create 19,000 jobs, would have been Google's new base down under but the NSW cabinet infrastructure committee rejected the proposal because it did not meet a "uniqueness test". On Wednesday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would welcome the global tech giant if it wanted to set up a Google HQ in the sunshine state but she did not think the company had any plans to move its staff from Sydney to Queensland. Jakarta: Exiled Cambodia opposition leader Sam Rainsy has warned Cambodia's ever-closer relationship with China is weakening regional security and undermining his country's national sovereignty. And the long-serving former MP, who has been in Jakarta to lobby the Indonesian government to speak out about Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen's violations of human rights and curtailing of democratic norms, has a message for the world: don't send international observers to the July 29 national election. Exiled Cambodian opposition leader Sam Rainsy in Jakarta. Credit:Karuni Rompies Rainsy hasn't given up all hope of MPs from his opposition Cambodian National Rescue Party - more than 100 have been arrested or exiled since September 2017 - being about to stand in the July 29 elections against Hun Sen's government. But time is rapidly running out. Most Cubans know their first vice president as an unremarkable speaker who initially assumed a public profile so low it was virtually nonexistent. Until March, Diaz-Canel had said nothing to the Cuban people about the type of president he would be. The white-haired, unsmiling Diaz-Canel had been seen at greatest length in a leaked video of a Communist Party meeting where he sombrely pledged to shutter some independent media and labelled some European embassies as outposts of foreign subversion. That image has begun to change slightly this year as Diaz-Canel stepped into the moderate limelight offered by Cuba's Soviet-style state media. With his public comments in March, many Cubans got a glimpse of him as a flesh-pressing local politician, an image familiar to residents of the central province where he was born and spent nine years in a role akin to a governor. Raised and educated in the city of Santa Clara, Diaz-Canel graduated from the local university in 1982 and performed three years of obligatory military service. In 1987 he joined the Young Communists' Union. He also went on to work as a professor of engineering at the University of Santa Clara and travelled to Nicaragua as part of a government-run mission to support that country's socialist revolution. Fishermen prepare their fishing rods on Chivo beach as the sun sets in Havana, Cuba. Credit:AP Santa Clara residents remember him wearing his hair long and openly admiring the Beatles, who were frowned on by ardent communists who considered the group as representative of the decadent culture of Cuba's capitalist enemies. Nonetheless, the young professor was named first party secretary in Villa Clara province in 1994 and gained a reputation as a hard-working public servant with a conspicuously modest lifestyle. Residents told The Associated Press this month that Diaz-Canel was the first official they remembered who didn't move to a new government-provided home after accepting the position of first secretary. "He didn't even fix up his house to live more comfortably," said neighbour Roberto Suarez Tagle, 78. "He always found out about the real problems that people had." Loading Diaz-Canel travelled the city on a bicycle during the economic crisis spawned when the fall of the Soviet Union cut off subsidies for Cuba, and he accepted visits at all hours at his home and office from residents with complaints or suggestions. When he finished work, residents said, he would start his shifts with the local Committee for the Defense of the Revolution, a mix of a neighborhood watch committee and local militia. "Some comrades didn't want to put him on watch because he would be overwhelmed with work, but he would say, 'I'm a citizen of this country and I'll stand watch like anyone else,"' said Liliana Perez, whose house faces the red-and-yellow-painted home where Diaz-Canel lived with his wife and two children. In 1996, he began appearing on a local radio program during which he would take two hours of live phone calls from people complaining about problems ranging from bad state restaurants to pothole-rutted side streets, radio journalist Xiomara Rodriguez said. "He undertook an intense effort to communicate with the people," Rodriguez recalled. In a country where the state controls most daily activities, Diaz-Canel also made surprise visits to government-run establishments such as the local funeral parlour to check on the quality of services. "He focused on creating a culture of attention to detail," Rodriguez said. Yojany Perez, 28, and his daughter Coraline Perez Padilla. Perez, who has an economy degree but works in maintenance, said with the arrival of a new Cuban president, people are expecting an improvement in the economy. Credit:AP Diaz-Canel also became known for pushing back against the intolerant tendencies of the Communist Party, an organization with strains of deep social conservatism and conformity. As first secretary of Villa Clara, he was an active supporter of El Menjunje, a cultural center that hosted rock 'n' roll shows and became a focus of activities by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Cubans, including some of the country's first drag shows. Diaz-Canel was known for bringing his children to the club, an unusual assertion of support in a society with deeply rooted antipathy toward homosexuals. Two of Diaz-Canel's children have gone on to play in Polaroid, a well-known Cuban rock band. "Diaz-Canel listens and takes note of others' opinions," said Ramon Silverio Gomez, the longtime director of El Menjunje. "The people respect him and know that he's understanding them." In 2003, Diaz-Canel was named first secretary of the eastern province of Holguin, where he ran into complaints. Some say he focused too much of his six years in office on beautifying the city center while neglecting the needs of poor and working people. "In my opinion you can't spend so much on boulevards and parks when there are people in marginal neighborhoods living hand-to-mouth," said Anahi Tamayo, a waitress at a private snack bar. Cuba President Raul Castro. Credit:AP In 2003, Diaz-Canel was also named to the Communist Party's Politburo, one of its highest-ranking bodies. Six years later, he was named minister of higher education and was praised for modernizing curricula and introducing computer technology to many university programs. He was also known as one of the first high-ranking officials to bring a laptop to government meetings. In 2012, conservative Communist Party officials shut down "Young Cuba," a blog run by young academics at the University of Matanzas who supported Cuba's socialist system but who criticized corruption, inefficiency and resistance to change. Diaz-Canel called a meeting between the university rector and the blog's founders and pointedly asked them, "What do you need to keep running 'Young Cuba?"' recalled founder Harold Cardenas, a young professor of Marxist studies. The blog was unblocked and remains an important forum for debate among Cuban intellectuals calling for gradual reform. "I talk to Diaz-Canel like he was an uncle of mine," Cardenas said. "He's much more communicative than he seems." Diaz-Canel also intervened when a government official denied a travel permit to the U.S. for Humberto Rios Labrada, a sustainable agriculture expert who won the U.S-based Goldman Environmental Prize, said Gregory Biniowski, a Cuba-based Canadian lawyer who nominated Rios Labrada for the honor. As first vice-president he has mostly stayed out of view, but many observers see that as a wise strategy for survival in a system run by aging revolutionaries who have ended the careers of many young politicians who rose to prominence early in their careers. Outside a few bases of support, however, Diaz-Canel has also been left without a deep pool of goodwill to draw on in times of difficulty or conflict. Two Islamic State fighters allegedly connected to Australian terrorism - including a plot to blow up a plane leaving Sydney last year - have been captured in Iraq. Senior Australian officials confirmed IS commander and Lebanese citizen Tarek Khayat and his Australian relative, Ahmed Merhi, were detained earlier this year, the ABC reports. Defence Minister Marise Payne said on Wednesday afternoon that while media outlets had identified the Australian man as Merhi, she couldn't confirm his identity. "I can advise that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is providing consular assistance in accordance with the consular services charter," Senator Payne said. Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC 84th Precinct Brooklyn HeightsDUMBOBoerum HillDowntown Fraudulent charges A baddie stole a womans wallet and charged her credit cards on Flatbush Avenue on April 13, police said. The victim told officers she hopped off the 5 train near Nevins Street to meet a friend at about 4:15 pm when she realized her Fossil wallet with her license and three credit cards inside it was missing from her pocket, cops said. The victims bank told her some malefactor racked up $320 in charges at a store on Flatbush Avenue, according to authorities. Misplaced and stolen A jerk stole a guys dropped wallet on Willoughby Street on April 13, police said. The 20-year-old victim told police he dropped his wallet containing his identification card and debit card near Lawrence Street at about 10 pm, but some punk picked it up and tried to use his card, cops said. Four against one Four curs threatened a teen with a knife and stole his wallet on Navy Street on April 9, police said. The 19-year-old victim told authorities he was walking near Nassau and Concord streets at about 9 pm when the four nogoodniks came up to him from behind and pulled out a knife. The villains made the victim run his pockets and ran off with his wallet with a health insurance card, identification card, and credit card inside, according to officials. Dog fight A pair of snakes tossed coffee at a guy and hit him with a belt on Schermerhorn Street on April 9, police said. The 46-year-old victim told cops he was walking his dog near Smith Street at about 2:30 pm when two punks behind him asked him to move his dog, but he told them to walk around. One of the jerks started arguing with the victim and then threw his coffee on him and hit him with his belt on his right arm, cops said. The two curs fled, according to authorities. Swipe and go A malefactor swiped a womans wallet from her bag while inside a Court Street clothing store on April 13, police said. The 40-year-old woman told officers she was inside the boutique near Remsen Street at about 9 am when the baddie grabbed her wallet from her bag containing her credit cards, drivers licence, MetroCard, and job identification card and ran out of the building towards the Borough Hall Subway at Court and Montague streets, cops said. Julianne Cuba Sign up for our PoliticsNY newsletter for the latest coverage and to stay informed about the 2021 elections in your district and across NYC 78th Precinct Park Slope Car crook A disgruntled car service passenger threatened his driver and then drove off with the mans vehicle after he fled it fearing for his life on Plaza Street East on April 3. The victim told police his passenger was growing increasingly irate as they neared his destination at 5:35 am, screaming at the driver for failing to heed his directions. Eventually the passenger shouted Im gonna beat your a, and the chauffer decided to leap from the car near Flatbush Avenue, telling police he thought it might diffuse the situation. Instead, his passenger surprised him by hopping into the drivers seat, pulling a U turn, and peeling off with the victims 2015 Toyota Camry, police said. Cops found the car about a mile away near a Flatbush Avenue bus stop, with no property stolen, according to police. Crime stinks Cops arrested two women for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars worth of perfume from a Flatbush Avenue lingerie store on April 5. The worker told police the suspects nabbed 47 bottles of perfume from the store near Flatbush Avenue at 6:53 pm, before breezing past the registers with their ill-gotten musk. Off range A thief stole electronics from a mans car he parked on Berkeley Street on March 31. The victim told police he left a pair of binoculars, sunglasses, and two range finders inside his vehicle between Sixth and Seventh avenues at 6:30 pm, and returned the following morning to find his array of surveillance equipment stolen. Wheel crime A thief rode off with a mans bike he left on Third Avenue on April 5. The victim told police he left his ride unlocked near Third Street at 5:20 pm, and returned about five minutes later to find it gone. Not too bright A woman was arrested for allegedly nabbing hundreds of dollars worth of scented candles and body cream from a Flatbush Avenue home-goods store on April 3. An employee told police the suspect grabbed three scented candles, body cream, and lotions from the store near Atlantic Avenue, before attempting to smuggle them past the register. She was busted later that day on charges of petit larceny, cops said. Colin Mixson by Tommy Kearns, CEO & Co-founder, Xtremepush Ltd With the May deadline fast approaching, many companies and organisations are reviewing the new EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) legislation, working to understand what GDPR will mean for them as data controllers and data processors. GDPR will have a significant impact in protecting the data and digital footprint of users of apps and other digital platforms, but what does it mean for business? Essentially, personal data must be protected in a manner that ensures appropriate security of the data, protecting against unlawful processing and accidental loss or damage, with appropriate technical and operational measures in place. Businesses need to be aware of the key principles in the legislation and if and how they comply. While the introduction of the EUs GDPR could be seen as a logistical nightmare for some, tech entrepreneur and CEO of Xtremepush, Tommy Kearns, says GDPR is actually a welcome legislation that will introduce efficiencies and opportunity. GDPR aims to improve data protection for individuals across Europe by reforming how organisations capture, process, and utilise data they hold in relation to their customers or contacts. It will ensure consistency across all organisations, businesses and service providers, with the rules clearly laid out, according to Kearns. The new legislation will ensure companies take a customer centric approach to data considerations, specifically how they collect and store data, enable customers to opt-in and opt-out of databases, and how they communicate with customers and potential customers, the Xtremepush CEO explains. It is essential for companies to review and analyse any current forms that request data, including web and app engagement, to ensure the language is transparent and covers all intentions of data, Kearns says. Those using digital communication need to check their current data and identify the email addresses or numbers for text messaging that fall within the EU. A new opt-in campaign must be issued to existing EU contacts to confirm their permission is the advice. Marketing Opportunity While this type of data analysis does involve a significant workload, GDPR can actually be viewed as a great opportunity, when it comes to marketing and targeting of relevant contacts, Tommy Kearns of Xtremepush says. By cleansing your data and focusing on the correct groups in the correct way, you'll be targeting amenable people, most likely to convert into sales or business leads. Those opting-in to continued communication are open to your business or organisation, and those unlikely to engage are cleared off the system, he explains. According to a recent survey by the organisers of Dublin Data Sec 2018, the majority of organisations in Ireland wont be compliant with the EU regulation. 80% of businesses and organisations were aware of GDPR requirements, but only 48% said they expect to be compliant by 25 May 2018. And for those who have overhauled their data, security and communications, it is also key to sustain compliance, with systems in place to ensure ongoing data protection. When businesses do reach compliance level, it will be important not to take their eye off the ball, as checks will be on-going and the relevant authorities will be seen to enforce the regulation, Tommy Kearns says. If a company is found to be in breach of GDPR, it is liable for a fine of up to 4% of global annual turnover, or 20m, whichever is the greater amount. With data protection and management becoming all the more significant in our digital times, a solution for many SMEs is to centralise their digital marketing communications with an expert service provider. Xtremepush is a multi-channel digital marketing business that manages personalised email messaging, web and app push notifications, pop-ups and other commercial contacts on digital devices. The Dublin company stores and manages clients data for multi-channel campaigns all in one place, in a way that is fully GDPR compliant. Tommy Kearns, CEO & Co-founder, Xtremepush Ltd. Before establishing Xtremepush in 2014, Tommy Kearns worked in the value-added services side of mobile technology for 17 years, from the early days of digital marketing and mobile app development. He is an experienced technical and commercial leader with expertise working in mobile marketing and the mobile app space across Ireland, the UK, Latin America and the US. Ryanair, which pledged to recognise unions to avert widespread strikes late last year, has balked at Irish union FORSA/IALPA's demands to be recognised as the representative for pilots in its home market. Ryanair Chief People Officer Eddie Wilson in a letter dated April 13 seen by Reuters told FORSA/IALPA that a number of changes it had suggested to a draft agreement were "totally unacceptable now or at any time in the future". The budget airline has been in talks to formalise union recognition in several European countries since its decision in December to recognise unions for the first time in its 32-year history. Pilots in Britain and Italy - its two largest markets - have reached agreement and Ryanair said last month that a deal was close in Spain. However, progress has been slower in Portugal and Ireland. The areas of disagreement with the Irish union included rostering, dispute resolution and Ryanair's requirement that the union recognises its low cost model, according to Wilson's letter. Wilson said Europe's largest low-cost carrier would not move or resile from its proposed draft agreement and suggested it meet the union soon to finalise that agreement. He also criticised the union for taking a month to respond to its proposal, saying the "glacial pace" of the talks was frustrating. A spokesman for FORSA/IALPA said it does not comment while industrial relations negotiations are ongoing. A spokesman for Ryanair said it does not comment on negotiations with its staff. Ryanair expects some disruption to flights where it is struggling to reach agreements, Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has warned. It cancelled a number of flights to and from airports in Portugal last month after a strike by some of its cabin crew. Ryanair operates from 87 airports across 36 countries in Europe and North Africa. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Our Promise: Welcome to Care2, the world's largest community for good. Here, you'll find over 45 million like-minded people working towards progress, kindness, and lasting impact. Care2 Stands Against: bigots, racists, bullies, science deniers, misogynists, gun lobbyists, xenophobes, the willfully ignorant, animal abusers, frackers, and other mean people. If you find yourself aligning with any of those folks, you can move along, nothing to see here. Care2 Stands With: humanitarians, animal lovers, feminists, rabble-rousers, nature-buffs, creatives, the naturally curious, and people who really love to do the right thing. You are our people. You Care. We Care2. Step 1 Log on to the Bank of Baroda official website. Step 2 Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Careers link. Step 3 Click Current Opportunities. Step 4 Click the link to apply online against Recruitment of Human Resource on Contract Basis for Wealth Management Services. Step 5 The advertisement page will be displayed on the screen. Step 6 Click on the link that reads, CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE. Step 7 The application form will be displayed on the screen. Fill your details in the space provided. Step 8 Upload your photo and signature. Step 9 Click on the declaration checkbox. Step 10 Click Verify and follow the subsequent pages to complete the process. Step 1 Log on to the Bank of India official website. Step 2 Click on the Career link. Step 3 General instructions will be displayed on the screen. Read them carefully and click the Click to proceed button. Step 4 The list of advertisements will be displayed on the screen. The link to apply for Officer will be active from Apr 20, 2018. You may click on the relevant link to apply. Step 1 Log on to the ONGC website recruitment page. Step 2 Click APPLY ONLINE. Step 3 The instructions to apply will be displayed on the screen. Read them carefully. Step 4 Scroll down and click on the declaration checkbox. Step 5 Click CONTINUE. Step 6 Enter your GATE Registration ID. Step 7 Click CLICK TO VERIFICATION and follow the subsequent pages to complete the process. Photo: The Canadian Press UPDATE: 7:20 p.m. A Southwest Airlines jet blew an engine at 32,000 feet and got hit by shrapnel that smashed a window, setting off a desperate scramble by passengers to save a woman from getting sucked out. She later died, and seven others were injured. Passengers dragged the woman back in as the sudden decompression of the cabin pulled her part way through the opening, but she was gravely injured. The pilot of the plane, a twin-engine Boeing 737 bound from New York to Dallas with 149 people aboard, took it into a rapid descent and made an emergency landing in Philadelphia as passengers using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling said their prayers and braced for impact. "I just remember holding my husband's hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed," said passenger Amanda Bourman, of New York. "And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldn't grow up without parents." The dead woman was identified as Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was the first passenger killed in an accident involving a U.S. airline since 2009. The seven other victims suffered minor injuries. NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt said the engine will be taken apart and examined to understand what caused the failure. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. UPDATE: 1 p.m. The National Transportation Safety Board has confirmed one person has died after a Southwest Airlines jet was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The NTSB says this is the first death aboard a U.S. plane in nine years. ORIGINAL STORY: 10 a.m. A Southwest Airlines jet made an emergency landing at Philadelphia's airport Tuesday with part of the covering from its left engine ripped off and a window damaged. Passengers walked off the 737 plane onto the tarmac at the airport. It wasn't immediately known if anyone on board was injured. Southwest Airlines said there were 143 passengers and five crew members on board. Passenger Marty Martinez did a brief Facebook Live posting while wearing an oxygen mask. He posted, "Something is wrong with our plane! It appears we are going down! Emergency landing!! Southwest flight from NYC to Dallas!!" After the plane landed, he posted photos of a damaged window near the engine. News helicopter footage showed damage to the left engine of the plane and the tarmac covered with firefighter foam, although there were no signs of flames or smoke. The Philadelphia airport tweeted that Flight 1380 heading from New York's LaGuardia Airport to Dallas "landed safely at PHL and passengers are being brought into the terminal." No other details were given. Tracking data from FlightAware.com shows the flight was heading west over New York's southern tier when it abruptly turned toward Philadelphia. Messages seeking comment from the Federal Aviation Administration weren't immediately returned. Firefighters were on the scene, but a spokeswoman couldn't immediately provide any details. Photo: The Canadian Press/file photo Family and supporters of a young Indigenous man shot and killed on a Saskatchewan farm used the international stage of the United Nations Tuesday to advocate for change in the criminal justice system. A side event at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York focused on the death of 22-year-old Colten Boushie and his family's experience with police and the courts. Farmer Gerald Stanley was acquitted in Boushie's August 2016 death earlier this year, sparking rallies and outrage across the country. Boushie's cousin Jade Tootoosis said silently sitting in the courtroom during the trial "was the most traumatic thing" for the family. When the verdict came out, she said her "world just crumbled." "Ultimately, I wanted to have hope that something would come of this, that Indigenous people, that we are not just seen as criminals like they continue (to make) my brother out to be," Tootoosis said. Boushie, who was a member of the Red Pheasant First Nation, and four other young people drove onto Stanley's farm near Biggar, Sask., in 2016. During the trial, Boushie's friends told court they were looking for help with a flat tire. But Stanley testified he thought the group was trying to steal an all-terrain vehicle. He said he fired warning shots to scare them away and the gun accidentally went off again when he went to pull the keys from their SUV. Boushie was shot in the back of the head as he sat in the front seat. Tootoosis was part of a delegation that included Boushie's mother, Debbie Baptiste, his uncle Alvin Baptiste, Saskatchewan lawyer Eleanore Sunchild, the family's lawyer Chris Murphy and former Red Pheasant First Nation chief Sheldon Wuttunee. The group criticized the jury selection process, which resulted in no visibly Indigenous jurors, the Crown's communication with the family and the RCMP investigation into Boushie's death. "Justice was not served through the legal system," Wuttunee said. Tootoosis said the family wanted to share their story but also advocate for all Indigenous people who have dealt with racism and the court system. She said her cousin's death showed it is no longer an Indigenous issue or a Canadian issue it is a human rights issue. "We are entitled to justice, fairness and equality, but it is denied," she said. Stanley pleaded guilty Monday to unsafe storage of an unrestricted firearm and was fined $3,000. He received a 10-year ban on possessing a firearm and forfeited his guns. Tootoosis said it showed that an Indigenous life is worth less than an all-terrain vehicle. "He was shot in the back of the head, executed, because this white man saw a quad was worth more than his life. We are human beings," she said. Photo: The Canadian Press Alexander Kirillov, centre left, walks into a prison transport vehicle outside a courthouse in Pattaya, south of Bangkok, Thailand, Tuesday, April 17, 2018. A Russian sex guru and his followers, one of whom claims to have evidence of Moscow's interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, were acquitted Tuesday of violating labour laws in Thailand but still face other charges that could land them in prison for more than 10 years. Alexander Kirillov and follower Anastasia Vashukevich, a model and escort, told reporters they placed the blame for their continued detention on U.S. officials, to whom they previously appealed for help and political asylum. Vashukevich's earlier revelation of an alleged affair with Oleg Deripaska, a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin, fueled opposition allegations in Russia of official corruption and enraged the Kremlin. Vashukevich claims to have audio recordings of Deripaska that provide evidence of Russian meddling in the U.S. polls. Deripaska has been linked to Paul Manafort, Donald Trump's former campaign manager who has been indicted on money laundering charges in special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 U.S. election. The group was arrested Feb. 25 in a hotel meeting room in Pattaya, a Thai seaside resort city popular with Russian visitors. The sex lessons they hosted were attended by about 40 Russian tourists. Some participants wore T-shirts saying "Sex animator" in English with an arrow pointing to the wearer's crotch. Kirillov and Vashukevich, with half a dozen other people, were taken Tuesday to a Pattaya court from the immigration detention centre in Bangkok where they are being held. Unashamed sexual activity is business as usual for Pattaya, which is notorious for its sordid nightlife, but the allegations by Vashukevich, who uses the name Nastya Rybka on her racy social media postings, have drawn worldwide attention. Charges of working without proper permits were dropped Tuesday due to technicalities involving implementation of new regulations for work permits for foreigners, said a lawyer who represented the defendants and was present at their hearing. He spoke to reporters on condition that he not be named. Foreigners found working without a work permit can face fines of up to 100,000 baht ($3,200) and imprisonment for up to five years. Police last week added additional charges against them of soliciting to provide sexual services, which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years, and conspiracy to solicit, which is punishable by up to seven years. It was unclear when they will be tried on the new charges. In the first interviews and speeches given by the leaders of the extremist group, they tried to give the group... Spain sees 12% YoY rise in demand in February ICR Newsroom By 18 April 2018 Cement demand in Spain increased 11.7 per cent YoY in February, according to the Spanish cement association, Oficemen. In the 12 months ending February 2018, domestic cement consumption reached 12.6Mt, up 1.3Mt or 11.5 per cent YoY. Cement and clinker exports from Spain continue to fall with the 12 months ending January 2018 noting a 10 per cent YoY decrease in exports. In the 4Q17 civil works accounted for 5.6Mt of cement demand, up 11 per cent YoY and accounting for 53 per cent of total cement consumption, according to El Economista. Housing saw a 24 per cent rise and accounted for 28 per cent of total demand. Cement off-take by the non-residential building segment remained stable with a 19 per cent share of the market. Published under If you pay for prescription medicine, youve probably noticed prices keep rising. Not only do the drugs cost way too much, but youre so used to paying big buck that pharmacies rip you off whenever they can even if theyre not paying as much for the drugs. Patients in the United States pay more than ever for prescription drugs, but a few states want to do something about it. Six states want to save money by importing cheap drugs from Canada, but itll never happen. Well visit the states that want to import cheap drugs, including two with opioid addiction problems (pages 5 and 8) and tell you why it wont happen anytime soon (page 9). But first, lets find out why these states want to import cheap drugs in the first place. Prescription drug spending is out of control The U.S. spends $1,162 per capita on prescriptions. As we alluded to a minute ago, prescription drug spending in the United States is out of control. According to Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data, the U.S. shelled out $1,162 per capita for prescription drugs in 2015. Second-place Switzerland spent $1,056, and No. 3 Canada came in at $807. So in a nutshell, the U.S. spends way too much on its prescriptions. Next: At least were consistent. The United States is No. 1 in healthcare spending The U.S. is the only country spending five figures on healthcare. Hey, at least the U.S. is consistent. We spend the most on prescription drugs, and we spend the most on healthcare. In 2016, we spent $10,348 per person, according to Health System Tracker. The average among other developed countries was half that, $5,169. Next: The places that want to import cheap drugs from Canada. 1. Colorado The state is leading the way yet again Colorado was the first state to sell legal marijuana, and residents enjoy some of the loosest laws. Its leading the way yet again. A bill proposed in January of 2018 seeks to establish a program to import cheap drugs from Canada. Why? Roughly 500,000 Coloradans didnt fill prescriptions in 2015 because the drugs were too expensive. Next: No rush 2. Missouri Aiming to have more information by the end of 2019. Missouri is taking a slow approach to bringing in cheap drugs from Canada. Its bill was pre-filed in early December of 2017 and officially introduced in January of 2018. The states Department of Health and Senior Services is tasked with exploring the topic, but theres no rush. The deadline for the department to report back is Dec. 31, 2019. Next: A state with an addicted city seeks a change. 3. Oklahoma The home of one of the most addicted cities in the U.S. wants a change. Enid is one of the countrys most addicted cities in the opioid epidemic. Importing cheap drugs from Canada, thereby controlling the amount and distribution, is one way Oklahoma can fight the crisis. Plus, high drug costs have long been a burden. It has the potential to be a win-win for the Sooner State. Next: A safety concern you wouldnt think about. 4. Utah The bills sponsor worries most about one thing. Republican state representative Norm Thurston introduced his bill in the house on Feb. 14, 2018. The quality of Canadian drugs isnt a concern for Thurston. High drug prices that discourage people from buying needed medicine is. The No. 1 threat to patient safety related to prescription drugs in our state is that the drugs are so expensive that people dont take them, Thurston tells the Salt Lake Tribune. Next: A state combating soaring prescription drug costs. 5. Vermont Paying $250,000 for the research into buying cheap drugs. Vermont didnt waste any time looking into importing cheap drugs from north of the border. On the first day of its 2018 legislative session, senators introduced a bill with the ultimate goal of buying cheap drugs from Canada. The state plans on spending between $150,000 to $250,000 exploring the idea, which is a small price to pay considering prescription drug spending in Vermont increased 35% between 2010 and 2015. Next: Bringing drugs from Canada can help this state battle drug abuse. 6. West Virginia Only to save money, only for West Virginians On page 2 of its bill, West Virginia explains three key elements of its proposed plan to import cheap drugs from Canada that are non-negotiable: There needs to be a way to test the purity and potency. The savings need to be substantial. The drugs cant leave the state. West Virginia has some of the highest prescription drug abuse in the country. Controlling the supply is one way to battle the abuse. Next: Its too good to be true. Itll never happen A 2003 law is at the core of the proposed changes, but there are too many hurdles. India makes the most generic prescription drugs and sells $16.4 billion worth around the world. But the short route from Canada to the U.S. is ideal, which is why all of the six states we visited want to buy from Canada. Plus, as Governing notes, Canadian drugs are made in the same facilities as a lot of U.S. medications, so quality isnt an issue. If it all sounds too good to be true, thats because it is. The impetus for these proposals is a 2003 federal law that allows Medicare programs to import drugs to save money, yet there hasnt been any action. Former Food and Drug Administration commissioners are against it. Plus, were guessing the major drug makers arent going to easily give up their share of what could be $610 billion in prescription drug spending in 2021. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! A tradition among engaged couples is to take engagement photographs and send an announcement to family and friends. Among the British royal family, engagement photographs are shared with the world. Discover how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle picked their engagement photographer (page 5) ahead. He regularly works with celebrities Lubomirski describes himself as a celebrity and fashion photographer on his website. His clients include publications such as Vogue, Architectural Digest, and Elle. Hes familiar with photographing celebrities and has worked with Beyonce, Julia Roberts, Charlize Theron, and Angelina Jolie. Hint: A trip to Peru inspired Lubomirski to be a professional photographer. Alexi Lubomirski has this in common with the couple Lubomirski received his first camera at the age of 11 but didnt develop a serious interest in photography until taking a trip to Peru during a gap year from college. All of the proceeds from his books go to Concern Worldwide, an aid and humanitarian charity based in Ireland. Hint: Lubomirski is connected to another royal engagement photographer. He has a connection to Prince William and Kate Middleton Hes known for his highly styled and artistic work, according to Vanity Fair. He honed his skills working as Mario Testinos assistant for four years. Testino photographed Prince William and Kate Middleton for their engagement. Hint: Photographing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle is easy. On photographing Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Alexi describes the engagement photo shoot as being one of the easiest, most joyful jobs because they were so deliciously in love. The occasion marks the first time hes shot engagement photographs. Hint: Lubomirski has Instagram to thank for landing the gig. Instagram helped Alexi Lubomirski get the job I think one of Meghans friends saw me on Instagram that I was in England during the announcement of the engagement and I was told later that this person said to her, You should meet Alexi. Hes great. Youd love him, and that was it, Lubomirski told Vanity Fair. Hint: Engagement portraits of the couple look like a sultry magazine shoot. Portraits of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are informal Engagement portraits taken by Lubomirski look more like a sultry magazine shoot, Christine Ross, the editor of Meghans Mirror, told E! News. It [] makes you feel like they really had fun with these photos, and wanted their friends, family, and fans to feel that fun and loving energy. Theres no doubt their photographs will have a more relaxed feel, showing two people who are comfortable being in front of a camera. Hint: The royal wedding photographs will be more relaxed than Prince William and Kate Middletons. Lubomirski will photograph wedding day, so expect non-traditional shots As Ross said, the engagement portraits give off a fun and loving energy. We expect to see non-traditional shots of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on their wedding day. Comparatively speaking, they will be more informal than those of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Read more: Meghan Markle and Prince Harrys Wedding Budget Will Stop You In Your Tracks What makes the Real Housewives franchise so great are the epic feuds and showdowns between the reality stars. It makes celebrities root for or against them along with the rest of the world. These feuds usually lead to an explosive reunion. One of the longest-running feuds has been between Nene Leakes and Kim Zolciak-Biermann in The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The two actually started out as friends but like most housewives friendships, it made a turn for the worst. In Season 10, both Leakes and Zolciak-Biermann tried to make a comeback on the show and butted heads in the process. Now it seems like one is threatening to never come back to the show and the other is not ready to stop the fight. So what is going on between them after the reunion? Here are seven things to know. 1. Leakes referred to behind-the-scenes drama on Instagram Leakes posted a picture on Instagram of her with Andy Cohen and Zolciak-Biermann from the reunion. In the caption, she seemed to get a lot off her chest and referred to behind-the-scenes drama. So many things happen behind the scenes that you guys just never get to know or see, she wrote. I knew working with her would be a mess and Ive said it over & over & over again to ALL of my higher ups but what happens, i get reprimanded! Im the bad guy! Next: Leakes also had this to say to Zolciak-Biermann. 2. She says bye to Zolciak-Biermann The chances of Zolciak-Biermann returning are looking slim, given the same Instagram caption sounds like Leakes is saying farewell to her. Most people would love for me to be the bully but the only bully here is Kim & her plastic surgeon! Bye wax figure, she wrote. Next: Andy Cohen revealed this person probably wont return to the show. 3. Cohen said Zolciak-Biermann is done Zolciak-Biermann returned to the show again to address her ongoing feud with Leakes. In this last season, her daughter Brielle posted a video on Snapchat of a cockroach in Leakes bathroom. This led to Leakes calling the mother and daughter racist. When discussing the situation at the reunion, Zolciak-Biermann stormed off the set. Cohen later revealed something. I think shes done, he said on Watch What Happens Live. She walked out of that reunion and I was like, OK, Ive seen the last of that wig at these reunions.' Next: This person is threatening to sue. 4. Zolciak-Biermann claimed she could sue Leakes The reality star made a long statement after the last portion of Season 10s reunion aired on Instagram. In it, she threatens to take legal action. She wrote: I am so sorry for what has happened @neneleakes We both know the truth, we both know that if I wanted to, I could have a law suit for the lies you have spewed, tweeting out fake texts, implying I am racist, attacking me physically, claiming my daughter tweeted negative about you and your home, we both know these are lies. I have reacted to it publicly and for that I am sorry. I should have risen above it I personally will no longer engage with you on social media and perpetuate the hate. I am asking you to do the same. We are grown women with families. Enough is enough. I want us to move on If you continue this, it will be because you are attempting to stay on the show and stay relevant and thats on you. Next: This is what Leakes said about the potential lawsuit. 5. Leakes responds by daring her to sue Leakes isnt backing down from Zolciak-Biermanns threat. Please file a lawsuit Chile! Like Im begging you, she tweeted. You can never WIN when you play DIRTY so throw in the towel! I mean throw in the lips. She also said, Anytime you wanna go to court, Im happy to see you there because your lies have runneth over. Next: Zolciak-Biermann might have responded to Leakes again. 6. Zolciak-Biermann has since talked about Leakes on Snapchat Although she claimed to be done with talking about Leakes, Zolciak-Biermann posted a video on Snapchat wearing a sweatshirt with the words Pray the Fake Get Exposed. Next: This is what Zolciak-Biermann said about returning to the show. 7. Zolciak-Biermann said shell never return to Real Housewives of Atlanta The reality star told TMZ that she would never, never return to the reality show because it is too much stress, unneeded stress. Follow Nicole Weaver on Twitter @nikkibernice. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! State Dept. Convinced Andrew Brunson Is Innocent, Says Turkey Lacks 'Credible Evidence' 17 April, 2018 by Samuel Smith/CP , | After a 13-hour court hearing on Monday in Turkey, the U.S. State Department is convinced that the Turkish government does not have any "credible evidence" to convict American Pastor Andrew Brunson of terrorism charges. "The entire U.S. government is following Mr. Brunson's case closely. We have seen no credible evidence that Mr. Brunson is guilty of a crime and are convinced that he is innocent," a statement released by the federal agency on Monday night reads. "We believe that Turkey is a state bound by the rule of law, and we have faith in the Turkish people's commitment to justice. We hope that the judicial system in Turkey will resolve his case in a timely, fair, and transparent manner." Brunson, a North Carolina resident who has ministered for over two decades with his wife in Izmir, was arrested in October 2016 and could face up to 35 years in prison if he's convicted of espionage and of other terror-related charges. After over 18 months in prison and concerning reports about his health and mental state, Brunson finally received his day in court in the town of Aliaga. Although advocates hoped that he would be released and have the charges dropped, he was remanded back to prison. Another hearing is scheduled for May 7. New York City Pastor William Devlin, who traveled to Turkey to witness the trial, told The Christian Post that Brunson gave his own defense and went "sentence-by-sentence" for over six hours to refute a 62-page indictment. "Brunson was accused of meeting people he said he never met," Devlin said, adding that Brunson told the court that his church is fully transparent and there are no "secret meetings" or "collusion with the Kurds or the Syrians." "[His] honesty, integrity and composure all glorified God; he shared his deep love for Turkey and the Turkish people," Devlin added in an email. The pastor of Izmir Resurrection Church is accused of having ties to the U.S.-based Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen and his FETO network, which the Turkish government accuses of leading a 2016 coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an. Read more about Pastor Andrew Brunson on The Christian Post. Under fire from Muslim, Jewish and human rights groups for a record of anti-Muslim remarks, Secretary of State nominee Mike Pompeo is receiving spiritual support from his home church in Kansas. Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where Pompeo is a member and former deacon and Sunday school teacher, prayed Sunday (April 15) that God would give him strength in his uncertain confirmation process. This morning, we want to pray for our dear brother Mike Pompeo as he goes through the confirmation process, the Rev. Warren Snyder, Eastminster Presbyterians assistant pastor, said as members bowed their heads. We ask that you would be glorified in his life, that you would be lifted up, that you would strengthen him and his wife (Susan) and his son (Nick) as he goes through this process, Snyder prayed to God. Give him strength. Help him to stand. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee began hearings Thursday on whether to confirm Pompeo the outgoing CIA director nominated by President Trump to replace Rex Tillerson in the top diplomatic post. In advance of Pompeos testimony before the Senate panel, the Rev. Stan Van Den Berg, the Wichita churchs senior pastor, issued a call to prayer Wednesday. He cited a request from Susan Pompeo for specific prayer during this very important and stressful time. He very well may be the first Secretary of State nomination not to receive a majority vote out of committee, Van Den Berg said on the churchs website. (It has happened, but not since 1925, CNN reported.) Our church cares about the leadership of our country and about having Christian representation there, the pastor wrote to the congregation. We also care about the Pompeos as members of our church family. Mike has enemies because of his faith who may try to paint him in a poor light and make it difficult for him to reach the Secretary of State position. Lets cover Mike and Susan in prayer for protection from the enemy, from personal attacks, and that the Lords favor be upon Mike. Susan also asked for prayers for Mike to have patience, peace, intellectual agility and a pleasant countenance throughout tomorrows hearing. Before his election to Congress in 2010, Pompeo, a Republican, served as a deacon at Eastminster Presbyterian and taught Sunday school for elementary-age children, said Brett ODonnell, a political strategist to whom the churchs communications director, Courtney Browning, referred questions about Pompeo and his family. Pompeo, 54, graduated first in his class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1986. After leaving U.S. Army active duty, he served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review while earning his law degree. He founded an aerospace company and served as president of an oil company before winning four two-year terms in the House. He gave up his seat in January 2017 to join the Trump administration as head of the CIA. Mike has a group of pastors who have prayed with him regularly during his time as a congressman, including several pastors from Eastminster, ODonnell said in an email. In recent days, Religion News Service made repeated requests for interviews with Eastminster Presbyterian leaders and members who know Pompeo, but those attempts were unsuccessful. An RNS writer attended Sundays service, but on the condition that he not approach worshippers for interviews. Eastminster Presbyterian is affiliated with the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, a conservative evangelical denomination with more than 600 congregations and an estimated 145,000 members in at least 46 states, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico. The Wichita church joined the EPC after breaking away from the Presbyterian Church (USA) over that more progressive denominations 2011 decision to allow openly gay people in same-sex relationships to be ordained as ministers, elders and deacons. At last weeks hearing, Pompeo, who believes that marriage is a sacred union between one man and one woman, faced questioning from Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., over his opposition to same-sex nuptials. Is being gay a perversion? Booker asked. Senator, when I was a politician, I had a very clear view on whether it was appropriate for two same-sex persons to marry, Pompeo replied. I stand by that. So, you do not believe that its appropriate for two gay people to marry? Booker pressed. Senator, I continue to hold that view, said Pompeo, who stressed that he treated gay couples within the CIA with the exact same set of rights as heterosexuals. Meanwhile, Pompeos remarks revolving around the idea that Islam is an inherently violent religion and that most U.S. Muslim organizations want to replace American law with Islamic law, known as Shariah, have drawn the ire from Muslim and Jewish civil rights organizations. Pompeo has not been shy about proclaiming his belief in Jesus as the only true path to salvation. Speaking to a Wichita church group in 2014, the then-congressman said that radical Muslims believe that it is religiously driven for them to wipe Christians from the face of the earth. It is absolutely a minority within the Muslim faith, Pompeo added. But these folks are serious, and they abhor Christians and will continue to press against us until we make sure that we pray and stand and fight and make sure that we know that Jesus Christ our savior is truly our only solution for our world. Pompeo retains his status as an ordained deacon, even though hes not currently serving in that role, said Jeff Jeremiah, the EPCs stated clerk the denominations ecclesiastical and executive leader. If you are elected and ordained as a deacon in the EPC, Jeremiah said, discussing Pompeo, that means that that congregation has identified you as a compassionate, people person who wants to help minister in a redemptive way and a practical way to hurting people in a local church and in the community. In his sermon Sunday on loving like Jesus, Van Den Berg did not mention Pompeo, but he did speak to the churchs role in the world. After reading a passage from Matthew 25 of the New Testament concerning ministering to the least of these, the pastor said: We also love the world because Jesus has a heart for the world. He has called unto himself people from every nation and tribe and tongue in the world, so we ought to love the world. And we love the world by sending missionaries out with the gospel of love. We love the world by feeding refugees. Van Den Berg highlighted the churchs plans to share its building starting later this month with a Swahili-speaking congregation made up of refugees from Congo. We exist to bless the city and the world, Van Den Berg told the congregation. Eastminster, on its best days, gives itself away for the sake of the world and the sake of love. Courtesy: Religion News Service Photo courtesy: Flickr.com Publication date: April 18, 2018 After spending more than a year in prison, two assistant pastors arrested by the Burma (Myanmar) army were freed on Tuesday (17 April) under a government amnesty program. Dom Dawng Nawng Latt, 65, and La Jaw Gam Hseng, 35, were among more than 8,500 prisoners granted amnesty by newly elected President U Win Myint, sources said. Some 37 jailed political activists were also freed under the amnesty, but most of those freed were in prison on drug-related and other crimes. Pastor Zau Ra, secretary of the Kachin Baptist Convention in Mong Maung town, Shan state, told Morning Star News that the two pastors were released from Lashio prison, northern Shan state, where their family members went to greet them. They were freed around 4 p.m. yesterday, and they are on their way back home, he said. We are happy that they were freed, but they spent one year and five months in prison. It is not good for them, their family and even for the convention. They were arrested for being suspicious and sentenced into prison. It was a waste of time, and it was not fair. Pastor Zau Ra said they are in good health. It is important that respective authorities make sure that this wouldnt be happening in the future, as we are in peace-building process, he said. This would harm relationship and trust- building between the government and civilians. On Oct. 27, 2017, Pastor Nawng Latt was sentenced to a prison term of four years and three months, and Pastor Gam Hseng two years and three months, under Burmas Unlawful Association Act, for alleged connections with an ethnic armed group, the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), and for allegedly spying for it, according to sources in court in Lashio town, Shan state. Area sources, however, said they were likely arrested and charged for speaking to media and helping local journalists cover the bombing of a Catholic church building, a house and schools in Shan state in November 2016. The army arrested them on Dec. 24, 2016 when they went to Byuha Gone military base to negotiate release of a civilian couple who had complained to army officials about the destruction of their house, sources said. The two pastors reportedly took local journalists to take pictures of the damaged St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church building, which had been bombed by Burma army jets. Pastor Nawng Latt was prosecuted under a defamation statute. They deny the charges, which colleagues say are baseless. Pastor Zau Ra said that some areas where the two pastors live are partly controlled by the KIO, and that religious leaders travel everywhere for preaching and praying. Traveling to areas controlled by the KIO is not evidence to link the two pastors with the KIO, he said. A Burma army prosecutor, Maj. Kyaw Zin Htun, took legal action against the two pastors after news and photos about the army attack on the church building were published. Burma army officials also told a journalist to delete photographs of the damaged structure. Human Rights Watch and other international rights group had called for their release, saying the pastors were being prosecuted for helping to expose military wrongdoing in violation of international human rights norms. Their plight came to light after Morning Star News reported on Dec. 29, 2016 that they had gone missing. Pastor Nawng Latt was charged under Article 17/1 of the Unlawful Association Act, Section 8 of Import/Export Act and Section 500 of the Defamation Act in the Penal Code, while Gam Seng was charged under the unlawful association act and the Import/Export Act. Burma is about 80 percent Buddhist and 9 percent Christian. The government has recognized the special status of Buddhism in Burma. It is ranked 24th on Christian support organization Open Doors 2018 World Watch List of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian. If you would like to help persecuted Christians, visit http://morningstarnews. org/resources/aid-agencies/ fo r a list of organizations that can orient you on how to get involved. If you or your organization would like to help enable Morning Star News to continue raising awareness of persecuted Christians worldwide with original-content reporting, please consider collaborating at https://morningstarnews.org/ donate/ ? Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Reactions to our bombing of Syria, as we joined together with the UK and France, have been intense on all sides. From the right, President Trump received a barrage of criticism. In the midst of a profanity-laden, deeply emotional response, Alex Jones of Infowars said, "I just feel like I just had my best girlfriend break up with me." On Fox News, both Laura Ingraham and Tucker Carlson were critical, with Ingraham asking, "But what do we really accomplish here tonight in Syria? This is not why Donald Trump got elected." Michael Savage even took a break from dinner to livestream his comments, stating, "My opinion is that this is the greatest disaster of the Trump presidency." But Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, writing for the Jerusalem Post, took strong exception to Trump's critics. He stated that, "Obama and his national security trio of John Kerry, Susan Rice and Samantha Power regularly obfuscated on clear-cut moral issues, like whether or not Iran should be penalized for genocidal incitement against Israel, whether Hamas should be punished for terrorism, and most importantly, whether the United States should attack Syrian President Bashar Assad for gassing Arab children. In the case of all three, the Obama quartet decided not to take sides. They would be neutral on Iran, mildly critical of Hamas and take no action against Syrian, even after Obama declared that the use of poison gas against civilians was a red line which he would enforce." But that was then. "Now, we have witnessed President Donald Trump attack Syria for the second time in about a year because the Butcher of Damascus is using outlawed chemical weapons to exterminate his people. Assad is a vile man, and if the words 'Never Again' are to have meaning, then the civilized world must destroy his capacity for gassing children or lose moral credibility." What are we to make of this? Why are some Trump supporters outraged with the president's actions? Why are others coming to his defense? Callers to my radio show were equally divided in their opinion about the bombing, but we only had time to take a small sampling. In contrast, responses to my polls on Facebook and Twitter were in strong support of the president's actions. I asked, "If you voted for Trump, are you pleased or upset over our bombing of Syria?" On Facebook, as of this writing, votes were running at 78 percent (pleased) to 22 percent (upset). On Twitter, where I could post a third option, votes were running at 48 percent (pleased), 23 percent (upset), and 29% (neutral). At this point, I have more questions than answers, given the complexity of the Syrian crisis, given the players involved (including Russia and Iran), and given our poor, recent track record in terms of long-term Middle Eastern strategy. Allow me, then, to put my questions on the table. 1) Is our bombing part of a larger plan? Do we have a strategy in place? It's possible that our bombing had one specific intent: to tell Syria there is a line you cannot cross, and that line is the use of chemical weapons. Whether Russia was directly behind the alleged chemical onslaught or not, the message we sent is clear. At the same time, it's not unreasonable to ask: What's the larger strategy? How does this comport with getting our troops out of Syria? And do we have a long-term plan regarding removing Bashar Assad? One of my friends met with leaders in the George W. Bush administration before we took down Saddam Hussein. He asked them how they planned to protect the Iraqi Christians once Saddam was removed. Their non-reply said it all. They looked at him with wide, empty eyes. They had not considered his question. Tragically, we know what happened next. So, what's the story here? What's our long-term strategy, and how does the bombing fit in with that? 2) Are we 100 percent sure that Assad did use chemical weapons against his own people? It's one thing for Russia to deny this. It's another thing for a conservative Christian website in England to cite the Organisation for the Prevention of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in questioning the attack. According to the UK's Christian Voice, the OPCW "gave Barzah a comprehensive all-clear only last month. Allied aircraft also targeted the Jamrayah (or 'Jamraya' or 'Dummar') site west of Damascus. The facility was also cleared by OPCW." The Christian Voice goes as far as claiming that, "The UK, US and France bombed the Barzah research site near Damascus in Syria knowing full well it had no chemical weapons." I certainly hope this is not true, but it's only fair to ask: Did we get this right? Are we sure? 3) Why draw the line with chemical weapons? This is more of a general question, but I have often wondered about this. Why do we allow certain acts of war to take place, including dropping bombs and launching missiles and firing endless rounds of ammunition, but we don't allow the use of chemical or biological weapons? Why the great outrage over horrific act (namely, gassing your own people) compared to the lesser outrage over another horrific act (namely, dropping bombs on your own people)? To be clear, I am not minimizing the horror of chemical warfare. I'm only asking: Why react to this specific horror while not reacting to hundreds of other horrors? There are estimates of 400,000 Syrians killed so far in the war. (Some estimates are even higher.) Why our selective reaction? Again, this is a question that goes beyond the war in Syria, but it is certainly quite relevant today. So, these are some of the questions on my mind. If you've got some solid answers, I'd love to hear them. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment About a year ago, Joshua Harris and his director, Jessica Van Der Wyngaard, announced that they were collaborating on a project together. One that would show Joshua Harris reflecting on his best-selling book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I was skeptical, as many were, about what this meant. Would he be acknowledging all of the hurt he'd caused with his words? Or would he be rewriting history and maintaining his innocence while arguing that others had abused his work? I've yet to see a Christian leader with any sort of renown admitting sincerely that they had done wrong to others, and apologize for it. So, while I had hoped that he would be the first, I braced myself to be angry and disappointed once again with the church. But I was not all prepared for what I experienced when I attended the thesis screening for I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye. I grew up during the True Love Waits movement, a time when purity culture really began to gain momentum. I remember when the book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye became a bestseller. I personally knew many people who had bought the book, and I witnessed church leaders use it as a religious text akin to Scripture itself. No one would have ever dared to admit that their devotion to this book had reached that level, but the message that my generation in the evangelical church heard was clear: God had a very specific system in mind for finding a spouse. And God spoke through Josh Harris (and others) in order to make us aware of this holy standard. I saw the legalism in my friends and acquaintances. I heard them tell me that dating was "divorce in training." I heard them tell me that saving my first kiss for my wedding day was perhaps the holiest choice I could make to preserve my purity. I heard that allowing myself to develop feelings for a man who was not my husband was sinful because it would mean that I couldn't give my whole heart to my husband one day. I was so angry with these messages that I resolved to never read this book. For the next twenty years I held onto that resolve. Until I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye was announced; I got tickets to the first screening of the film at Regent College, where Joshua Harris had been attending since 2015. This gave me a reason to stop listening to the hearsay and learn for myself what his book had taught the rest of my generation. I knew I'd disagree with the book, but I didn't expect to be so angry with the doctrine. On multiple occasions, I had to put the book down and take a break because I was seething. I saw the direct parallels between what he taught and how the people I knew in my life had been deeply hurt. I saw how I had been hurt by this book, even though I'd refused to read it: the concepts had become deeply ingrained within my church culture. It affected my dating life and how it made me view myself as a woman. It also affected how I viewed my role within my personal relationships and the church itself. There are the misunderstandings of sexual ethics and consent. Like the story of 19-year-old Julie who worked as a receptionist in a doctor's office and was being sexually harassed by her boss. Harris posited that, had Julie given in to her feelings towards her boss, she would have been guilty of ruining his marriage and family. There are complete falsehoods about the nature of relationships and attachment. The book's intro describes a dream of a couple on their wedding day, and all of the past girlfriends who stood next to the groom at the altar. The message: the groom had given away bits of his heart to every other woman he had dated before his wife. The end result meant that he had only a small piece left to give to his bride. On multiple occasions, Harris warned his readers about having relationships that are too close between opposite gendered friends. He repeatedly cautioned his audience that any kind of alone timeincluding phone callsshould be minimal. Many of his claims had massive repercussions for those who read the book and grew up in the culture where these things were considered gospel truth. Many people are still attempting to heal from the damage. Having read his book, I went to the screening with great skepticism and my guard was up. I was ready to be angry, expecting to hear a Christian leader dismiss the hurt that his words from twenty years ago had caused. And then the film started. It opened with the scene of that dream. The one with the bride and the groom on their wedding day. I rolled my eyes. Then, Harris began to narrate and described himself as someone who had written a book that had radically changed the conversation on dating and relationships. The cynic in me began to get nervous that this could be the beginning of a dangerous narrative that set him up as a great leader who meant well and whose only crime was loving the church too much. He acknowledged that people had been deeply hurt as a result of his book. Harris had reached a point where he'd have to stop and reevaluate his thoughts on his book. He recognized that he needed to sit and actively listen to what others were telling him of their experiences with the book and the culture that he'd helped push to the center stage of evangelical thought. Shannon Harris, Joshua Harris's wife, was filmed in sharing her thoughts. She initially called it a good and well-intentioned book. But then she corrected herself: it was a well-intentioned book in that he wrote it with the desire to help the church. However, it was not a good book. I started to relax. The film jumped back in time to the early 90's when the purity movement began to really take shape, just before Harris published his book. During this era, the idea of pledging abstinence until marriage became the thing every good young Christian did. Some wore rings to symbolize their oath; others signed pledge cards. Entire youth group conferences were arranged and centered around the goal of teaching impressionable teens and preteens that sex is a wonderful, amazing, and beautiful thingbut off-limits until marriage. This is the culture from which I Kissed Dating Goodbye sprang. He spoke to a variety of authors who have devoted their adult lives to studying the purity and courtship movement and how relationships work. He chose authors who have been in the culture or observed it closely, and are in a unique position to objectively critique the issues. Harris summed up his current thoughts on the purity movement by acknowledging that the idolization of virginity is an unhealthy focus. He put himself in the shoes of a person who is caught up in this theology by saying, "do I have this badge and this identity of being a virgin? And if I don't... I feel like I've lost something and I'm no longer as valuable." He continued: "I think that's led a lot of us astray." At about the seventeen minute mark, Harris said, "When I was 21, I was so confident that I had all the answers. But now I need to be courageous by admitting that I don't." When he started making the film, he invited the public into his deconstruction process. He reached out to any who felt hurt as a result of his book and asked to speak directly with them. Several of those conversations, which were filmed for the documentary, were deeply gutting. One featured a woman who said that she finished the book and then thought to herself: "Okay... I am never going to be able to have a relationship." Another woman talked about a family in her homeschool community where a girl was raped by her own brother. The shame of impurity motivated her parents to cover it up. A gay man was interviewed: he grew up confused by his sexuality because there was no place in the church for people like him. When he did finally hear someone discuss his sexual identity, it was to condemn it as sinful. Harris attempted to show the consequence of the purity movement's doctrines toward the gay community in discussion with author Debra Hirsch (Redeeming Sex: Naked Conversations About Sexuality and Spirituality). Hirsch talked about how the evangelical church is filled with animosity towards the gay community. This animosity can often be so extreme that it becomes a physical and visceral experience for the Christian. Hirsch shared with Harris the story of a pastor she knew. This pastor shook hands with a man who had come to speak with him; some time after they had shaken hands, the man revealed to the pastor that he was gay. The pastor then excused himself because once he realized that he had shaken hands with a gay man, his body reacted: he felt physically ill and had an urge to wash his hands. It seems that this pastor was able to work through how his theology had created a situation where just the touch of a gay man could make him react so strongly, and was able to nurture a healthy and loving relationship with this man. But the moral of story was clear: there is something fundamentally unhealthy within a culture that breeds real fear, disgust, and alienation people due to assumed sexual sin. Harris listened to all of this. He did not argue. He did not interrupt. He did not try to spin a narrative that protected his ego. He listened. He asked questions and he empathized with those he hurt. Speaking to the camera at the end of the film, he tells the audience that while he thinks there is good to be found in the book, he no longer supports much of what he wrote. "My thinking has changed since I wrote I Kissed Dating Goodbye," Harris said. "I think that its premise is flawed. I don't agree with a lot of my own book." Today, he believes that dating is an important and healthy part of a person's development. He recognized that one reason that people, like myself, who got hurt by the culture (even if they didn't believe the teachings) were hurt because they were locked in a culture that embraced the purity movement. He acknowledged that it's not easy to go against the flow or break away when the expectation and pressure is to conform. Harris addressed his motivation behind the book, and said that he wrote the book looking for a simple formula. Additionally, he recognized that a reason it resonated so well with people was because they also wanted a formulaone that would protect their hearts from pain and guarantee success in finding the love of their lives. He no longer seems interested in providing a formula for people. The end message of I Survived I Kissed Dating Goodbye did not result in Harris dictating a new set of beliefs to be followed, but rather encouragement that people should figure out their own thoughts and beliefs. Harris encouraged people to acknowledge and move out of their tribalism: listen to those we disagree with, seek out new experiences, decide for ourselves what we think and believe rather than allowing others to decide for us. Harris shared that he regrets what he's done and his role in leading the purity and courtship culture. He now believes that he could have been one of the religious leaders in Scripture that Christ condemned: a Pharisee. He gave a voice to those he had hurt. And he validated their feelings. The film ended with Harris staring into the camera and addressing those who had been hurt. "I am so sorry," he said - his face was filled with grief. I did not anticipate nor was I prepared for the tears that this film triggered for me. I needed to see this film. After the film, there was a brief time for Q&A with the audience. Someone asked his thoughts on how women were uniquely affected by purity and courtship culture. Harris responded that he noticed a gender disparity in the sort of feedback he was getting: where men were speaking more theoretically on the topic, women tended to share more from personal experiences. His conclusion was not that men were unaffected, but that women tended to feel the sting more acutely because the culture would label them as sinners more often than not in situations where men would be let off the hook. Speaking on women in this culture, he said: "A woman's voice and power is really taken away in these kinds of courtship models. And I don't want that for my daughters." Hearing him validate the unique struggle that women tend to face in the church was healing for me. This was a far cry from the 21-year-old boy who would write about the inherent potential for a woman to sin and cause sin in men. Just because we're women with bodies that men find attractive. A final release date for the film has not yet been decided. But they are hoping to release it this summer. They plan to make it freely available. I highly recommend that anyone who has been affected by this book and/or purity and courtship culture see this film. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Charged with being a spy, Czech missionary Petr Jasek endured a 14-month imprisonment in Sudan where he was tortured by fellow cellmates. But Jesus supernaturally imparted peace during his confinement and he became a bold witness, winning many to Christ. In his role as the Africa regional director for Voice of the Martyrs (VOM), Jasek went to Sudan to document the persecution of Christians, which was happening in the Nubah Mountains in clashes between the government and rebels. He was detained by the Sudanese police at Khartoum Airport in December 2015. It seems immigration staff found a duplicate passport Jasek carried for security purposes, which led to his immediate arrest and imprisonment. Jasek interviewed by Todd Nettleton at VOM"I arrived at this cell at about 1:30 am," he told VOM. He found the cell overcrowded, with people covering the floor. "They had to squeeze a little bit so they would create some small room for me to lie down on the floor." The conditions were sparse. "I had no blanket...two extra T-shirts and one extra pants and a toothbrush, toothpaste and soap; that was all." Guards refused him blankets or a mattress, because he was from the Czech Republic and they told him they thought he should be used to cold weather. At 5:30 am he was awakened by the Islamic call for prayer. All six of his cellmates began praying fervently. "They showed me a place behind them where I was supposed to stand while they were praying. The rule is that me as a Christian, I had to stay behind them so they would not look at me while they are praying." After the prayers, they identified themselves as DAESH, the Arabic acronym for ISIS. All his cellmates were ISIS fighters! "Two days later they started to openly torture me and beat me...I was hit with their fists into my face many times. They called me 'filthy pig' or 'filthy rat.'" One of the ISIS fighters barked an order: "Filthy pig, come here." "I decided at first I would not respond to these rude names and when I did not respond I got hit with a wooden stick they unscrewed from the sweeper that was there to clean the floor." Jasek was hit on the head, shoulders and fingers or they kicked him in the stomach and back with their boots. "At that time I was really thinking about the Lord Jesus what He had to go through when He was arrested and they also were beating Him with a wooden stick and were ridiculing Him, slapping Him. "I became like their slave," he told VOM. "I was really [made] to wash their clothes, wash all the dishes, clean the toilet with my bare hands. They were just making fun of me. I did not resist." MORE Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment ANAHEIM, Calif. For the past 10-plus years, Dr. George Delgado has served as the face of the Abortion Pill Reversal Network, which has helped over 450 mothers rescue their babies from an in-progress chemical abortion. Starting last week, however, the network's 24-7 helpline and provider group changed hands to Heartbeat International, it was announced at the final day of Heartbeat International's 2018 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif. Over 450 mothers have successfully rescued their babiesincluding 100 who are currently still expectingwith the life-saving Abortion Pill Reversal treatment since 2007. "Nothing is more of an alternative to abortion than Abortion Pill Reversal," Heartbeat International president Jor-El Godsey said. "Abortion Pill Reversal is an absolute lifeline to the very woman who needs our help most. No woman should need to finish an abortion she regretsespecially when there may be time to save her child's life." In 2007, Delgado and another physician, Dr. Matthew Harrison, both utilized an FDA-approved remedy for preventing miscarriages to help women stop a chemical abortion, commonly known as the abortion pill or RU-486. Applied up to 72 hours after a woman takes mifepristonedesigned to kill a baby ahead of the second, labor-inducing pill in a chemical abortionAbortion Pill Reversal gives a woman one last chance to choose life in a procedure that now accounts for as many as 40 percent of abortions throughout the U.S. Under Delgado's leadership, the network has grown to over 400 medical practitioners, while over 3,000 women have contacted its round-the-clock helpline to speak with a licensed nurse about rescuing her child. Until the transition Thursday, Delgado had overseen the network and call center, while heading up the research that has given rise to Abortion Pill Reversal as part of his San Diego-based family practice, Culture of Family Life Services. Now, Delgadowho released a peer-reviewed study showing as much as a 68 percent success rate a week agowill turn his attention to further researching the medical intervention. Meanwhile, Heartbeat International is bringing aboard the network of medical providersmore than 50 of which are pregnancy centersas well as the licensed nurse helpline staff who will answer calls initially fielded by Heartbeat International's 24-7 helpline, Option Line. Answering well over 1,000 calls, live chats, emails and text messages per day, Option Line (1-800-712-HELP, OptionLine.org) recently reached its three millionth contact since launching in 2012. "Abortion Pill Reversal has the potential to reach many more women and save many more lives," Delgado said. "Our goal has always been to grow Abortion Pill Reversal, and by the grace of God, we've found a partner in Heartbeat International. We know there are many more women who need this treatment when they change their minds, and we're confident this transition will help more mothers find that help." Though over 450 mothers say they have stopped their own chemical abortion and rescued their babies through Abortion Pill Reversaland despite a growing amount of scientific evidence and agreement from abortion advocates that it is a sound medical treatmentmany abortion extremists oppose Abortion Pill Reversal on ideological grounds. In a move that effectively robs a woman of the right to try and save her child, abortion advocates have tried unsuccessfully to seize bureaucratic levers to keep nurses from learning more about the life-saving treatment. The constant opposition falls on deaf ears for mothers like Katrina, however. As she faced an unexpected pregnancy in her senior year of college, Katrina's boyfriend repeatedly threatened to he would kill himself if she didn't end their child's life through abortion. Reluctantly, Katrina allowed her boyfriend to drive her to an abortion business, where she took a mifepristone pill, designed to kill her baby. Miraculously, her family intervened and begged her to seek help at the pregnancy help medical clinic right next door to the abortion business. Using Abortion Pill Reversal, Katrina was able to save her son Gabriel's life. He turns a year old this May. "Abortion Pill Reversal empowers a woman to choose life for herself and her baby," Godsey said. "Every mother deserves the right to protect her own child, no matter what choices she's made in the past. We are honored to take Abortion Pill Reversal into its next season of saving lives by putting choice back into a mother's hands." Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment The recent airstrikes by the U.S., Great Britain and France against Syrian chemical weapons sites have led to growing concerns over the safety of Christians in Syria. A prevalent misconception is that Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is a civilized "protector" of Syria's Christians. In reality, Assad's treatment of Christians in Syria is nothing short of tyrannical. Legally banned from becoming head of state, Syrian Christians are viewed as mere pawns in the Assad regime's maintenance of power and have never been granted true freedom of religion. The regime is responsible for the destruction of over 60 percent of all the churches in Syria that were destroyed during the civil war, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights. "Assad does not protect Christians. He is only using them for propaganda purposes," says Shabnam Assadollahi, an award-winning human rights advocate of Iranian descent who was imprisoned in Iran's notorious Evin prison at the age of 16. Ms. Assadollahi advocates for the emancipation of women and minority religious communities throughout the world. "The genius who opened Syria to the Internet was a Christian Arab named Bassel Khartabil," says Ms. Assadollahi. "For this tremendous work, he was rewarded by being arrested and tortured by the Assad regime. My sources say that he was held in detention for three years. We only recently learned of his execution, several years after it had taken place." Khartabil was not Assad's only victim. Hundreds of Syrian Christians seeking freedom have been jailed, tortured and shot to death by Assad's thugs. This includes the Syrian engineer and filmmaker Bassel Shehadeh, who had abandoned a Fulbright scholarship in the U.S. to document Assad's military crackdown on the city of Homs. After Assad's forces killed Shehadeh during a protest, his family was barred from holding a funeral mass and accepting condolences. "The situation in Syria is very similar to Iran, where all religious minorities are threatened and forbidden to disagree with the regime," says Ms. Assadollahi. "Even those who are living abroad cannot publicly fight against the regime, as their family members and relatives inside the country might get arrested." Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war in 2011, it is estimated that between 300,000 and 900,000 Christians have left the country. Assad bears significant blame for helping the Islamic State terror group gain a strong foothold in Syria. He released the majority of the terror group's leadership from his jails, having made a calculated decision early in the war to help ISIS gain momentum by going easy on it. The U.S Treasury Department reports that Assad bought millions of dollars worth of oil from ISIS. At one point, oil sales to Assad accounted for 72 percent of ISIS' income from oil revenues, according to documents uncovered in the Delta Force raid on ISIS oil minister Abu Sayyaf's compound. The only "minority" in Syria that Assad truly cares for is his family, his cronies and himself. Assad is a bloodthirsty dictator and will continue to promote a civil war that is now seven years old and has led to the deaths of over 350,000 people in Syria. In order to truly protect Syria's endangered Christian population, we must first do away with the fallacy that Assad cares about their safety. Secular democracy must be promoted in Syria and the protection of human rights for all Syrians guaranteed. Bradley Martin is a Senior Fellow with the news and public policy group Haym Salomon Center and Deputy Editor for the Canadian Institute for Jewish Research Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Many Christians, especially those living under the severe religious restrictions experienced by 75 percent of the world's population, are being persecuted today because of their faith in Jesus Christ. Yet, most pastors are strangely silent about the suffering of their brothers and sisters in Christ. Therefore, it was a bit unusual when a layman opened a morning worship service by praying for persecuted Christians around the world. It is unfortunately not the norm for these brothers and sisters in Christ to be remembered in prayer in an American worship service. Yet it also seemed appropriate. As the service progressed, it became apparent that it is not unusual for this local church to be sensitive to the plight of the persecuted Christians. The pastor, in his pastoral prayer, also prayed for these believers. He was setting the example for his church by bringing the needs of persecuted Christians before the throne of grace. The American Pastors Network is part of a coalition of individuals and organizations who are highlighting this critical need. It is appropriate for APN to join this effort because the ministry focus of APN is on the pastor. Research done by George Barna of the American Culture & Faith Institute shows that people in our churches are hungry for their pastors to shine the light of God's Word on issues confronting our national and global culture. That same research indicates that most pastors are reluctant, for a variety of reasons, to proclaim the part of the "whole counsel of God" that includes those issues. These persecuted Christians are a part of uspart of the family of God. Their burden should be our burden. They must be remembered. Pastors must model and lead the church family in joining in deep suffering of our brothers and sisters. We know from Scripture that the grievous wound of this persecution to the body of Christ is nothing new. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace because they refused to worship the image of the King Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel was offered as a meal to the lions for the same reason. Jeremiah was beaten by Pashsur and put in stocks for being a faithful messenger for God. Later he was thrown into a cistern for the same infraction. Thirty men, using improvised ropes of sheets, were required to lift him from the mud in which he was mired. Likewise, the book of Acts records numerous times when Christians were persecuted for boldly living out their faith in Christ. One entire chapter, Acts 7, is devoted to Stephen's brilliant defense of his faith and subsequent martyrdom. Hebrews 11 extols heroes of faith who were tortured and refused to accept relief by recanting their faith and presents a horrific picture of their persecution. "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented" (Hebrews 11:37). How many pastors, who have preached stirring messages about the faith of Abraham, Joseph and Joshua, have really drilled down on the horrific descriptions of these other unnamed heroes of the faith? In some ways, the exercise of their faith was fraught with even greater danger and personal cost than that of those who are named. We are, of course, aware of these accounts of the persecution of God's people throughout Scripture. But, are we as aware of the continued widespread persecution of Christians today? Indications are that persecution of Christians is higher today than it has ever been. Every month, approximately 255 Christians are killed, 104 Christians are abducted, 180 Christian women are raped, sexually harassed or forced into marriage, 66 churches are attacked and 160 Christians are detained and imprisoned without trial, according to Open Doors USA. Why are more believers today not aware of these atrocities? How can Christians in our country, where we are not likely to suffer such severe persecution for our faith, be better informed? The key is the pastor. He must be the one to highlight the plight of our brothers and sisters around the world. He must lead his congregation in bearing the burden with these persecuted Christians. While not the only theme he must trumpet, it is certainly part of "the whole counsel of God" that he is mandated by God to proclaim. The American Pastors Network is challenging pastors to highlight what APN has called "a slow-motion genocide." Pastors must take the lead in calling their people to prayer and action in response to these atrocities. The pastor's leadership should include the following: He must educate himself about the horror these persecuted Christians are facing. Information is readily available at places like the Open Doors World Watch List and Save the Persecuted Christians Coalition. He must inform his congregation about the pain and suffering on the part of these brothers and sisters. He must lead his congregation in praying regularly for those in the family of God who are suffering throughout the world. He must encourage his congregants to take appropriate and available action to encourage our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ. He must equip his people to stand firm in their own faith. It is possible they will one day face the choice of either human deliverance or torture because they stand for Christ. The persecution of Christians will continue until all of us as Christians gather around the throne of God in eternity. Until then, these dear men, women and children suffer because they are our spiritual siblingsa part of us. We must support them in their hour of great need. Pastors, your people will follow you in supporting this cause. Show them the way. Dr. Keith Wiebe is Vice President of State Chapter Development for the American Pastors Network. He is also the past president of the American Association of Christian Schools and West Virginia Christian Education Association, and has served as the pastor of Grace Gospel Church in Huntington, West Virginia, for 26 years. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Enmity. It is a word that has all but disappeared from our contemporary vernacular. Think about it for a moment. When was the last time you used the word enmity in a sentence or heard someone else use it? Exactly. And yet, despite the rarity of its application in today's common discourse, enmity carries with it significant weight and substance in both cultural and theological contexts. The Oxford Dictionary defines enmity as "a state or feeling of active opposition or hostility." Etymologically, the word enmity has origins in the Old French noun enemistie and the Latin noun inimicus, from which the English word 'enemy(ies)' is derived. In its singular form (because a plural form of the noun appears in Gal. 5:20), the word enmity (, ) appears only eight times in Scripture across only five of the Bible's sixty-six books: Gen. 3:15; Num. 35:21-22; Deut. 4:42; Eze. 25:15, 35:5; and Eph. 2:15-16. In each instance, in both the Old and New Testament, the word denotes an intense and deep hatred and hostility between parties who are enemies of one another. It is in that same sense that the apostle Paul, in Rom. 5:10, uses what is the Greek word for enmity to unambiguously declare that those who have been reconciled to God, through the atoning work of Christ, were beforehand His "enemies", "For if while we were enemies [of God] we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." In commenting on Romans 5:10, the 18th-century Bible expositor, Matthew Henry, noted that: "If God justified and reconciled us when we were enemies, much more will he then save us when we are justified and reconciled. The One who has done the greater, which is to change us from enemies to friends, will certainly do the less, which is to treat us in a kind and friendly way when we are friends. The dying Jesus laid the foundation by making atonement for sin and bringing the enmity to an end." In his book Bloodlines: Race, Cross, and the Christian, theologian and author, John Piper, echoes Henry's sentiments in that, "The gospel of Christ conquers our hearts and brings us to repentance and faith in Christ. Christ enters our lives and dwells within us. All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to him. He commands the unclean spirits, and they obey him (Mk. 1:27). Therefore, into the racial situation the gospel brings the only power that can set people free from the bondage of the Devil. The Devil gives way to no other power than the power of Christ. And the power of Christ moves in the world through those who have believed the gospel and are indwelt by the Spirit of Christ." Because our affinity with the biblical doctrine of enmity is so languid, both within and without the church, its weightiness, particularly regarding the vertical dissonance that exists between inherently sinful human beings and an innately holy God and, conversely, our consequent horizontal disharmony with one another, has been completely lost. But one person on whom this concept was not lost was a man by the name of Jupiter Hammon. Hammon was born a slave in October 1711 and died a slave sometime around the year 1806. In February 1787, Hammon, who was a poet and was the first black person in America to have their literary work published, gave a speech to the African Society of New York entitled An Address to the Negroes of the State of New York(also known as the Hammon Address). In this address, Hammon cautioned his ethnic brethren, "Now you may think you are not enemies to God and do not hate him. But if your heart has not been changed, and you have not become true Christians, you certainly are enemies to God, and have been opposed to him ever since you were born." Let me remind you that Jupiter Hammon was a man who literally took every breath of his existence in this world as someone else's property. Nevertheless, he was not an uneducated or unlearned man. Hammon attended the same school as the children of his owners, Henry and Rebecca Lloyd. Hammon was a devout follower of Christ and an ardent believer that God was sovereign in all the activities of the world, including his enslavement. "We live so little time in this world", Hammon wrote in the aforementioned address, "that it is no matter how wretched and miserable we are if it prepares us for heaven. What is forty, fifty, or sixty years, when compared to eternity?" Sadly, Jupiter Hammon would be openly criticized, if not altogether ostracized, by many today within the Christian social justice community for making such a statement. At a minimum, he would be labeled a traitor to his race, or worse, accused of "cooning", or of not being enlightened or "woke" enough about the "struggle" for justice. But it should stand to reason, should it not, that a God who was sovereign in creating the universe should be no less sovereign over what occurs in it (Ps. 103:19)? As John Piper exclaims in his book Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, "We can...be sure that, whatever God is accomplishing as he actively carries along all things, it is just and right. As the Scriptures emphatically declare, God is indeed the Rock on which we, in even life's most evil moments, can rest, the One whose works are perfect and all of whose ways are just. In ordaining the evil works of others, he himself does no wrong, "upright and just is he." Hammon recognized what many professing Christians today do not that sin is the begetter of the enmity that originally separated mankind from God and, likewise, is the source from which every conceivable form of disharmony originates in our relationships with each other. In other words, Hammon would clearly understand that what many today refer to as 'racism' is not the genesis of such human animus, but is merely a by-product of it. Our failure to recognize this is what has given rise to a worldview being propagated by many professing Christians that I've termed 'sin by proxy'. Sin by proxy is the unbiblical idea that current members of one particular ethnic group, in this case, white people, should be deemed collectively guilty, based solely on their ethnicity, of offenses (allegedly) committed decades and even centuries ago by their ancestors against those who are of a different ethnic population, namely, black Americans, and, as such, must collectively repent of and make restitution for those offenses. In reflecting on certain of my brothers and sisters in Christ who happen to subscribe to a social gospel of sin by proxy, I'm reminded of the French theologian and reformer John Calvin who, in his classic work, The Institutes of the Christian Religion, quotes the renown philosopher Aristotle, who declared, "Where incontinence prevails, man loses the specific knowledge of good and evil through his unruly appetites, because he cannot see in his own sin the evil which he commonly condemns in others." In considering that enmity and enemies are the same word in the New Testament, it should be noted that the prefix 'en' denotes that which is within or innate to something. Words like energy (inner vigor) and enjoy (inner pleasure) come to mind. The same is the case for you and me. The hostility, acrimony, malice, and hatred we harbor toward one another is a direct and tangible result of the enmity that resides in our hearts toward God. This reality is affirmed by the apostle Paul in Rom. 8:7, where he asserts that, "...the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God; for it is not even able to do so." Notwithstanding the fact that there is no such thing as 'race', neither biblically nor scientifically, the notion of "racial reconciliation" is both nonsensical and irrational. It is on that basis that I concur completely with Ken Ham of Answers In Genesis who, in a 2009 article, proposed that we "...do away with using the term "race" when discussing the different groups of people in the world." Amen, Ken! The truth is 'race' cannot reconcile anyone because it has no heart so as to desire to do so nor a will so as to commit to doing so. Sin has so thoroughly corrupted our nature that only the heart-transforming gospel of Jesus Christ can remedy the deep-seated enmity that separates us first and foremost from God and, consequently, from one another (Gen. 4:7, 6:5, 8:21b; Jer. 17:9). The fact that what we see with our eyes (skin color), can be transferred to our mind and subsequently formed in our heart as a sinful bias toward one of God's fellow image-bearers is a spiritual issue, not a social or cultural one (Mk. 7:14-23). As such, we cannot hope to rectify a spiritual problem with a temporal solution. The justice of God is inseparable from the righteousness of God; and the righteousness of God is exemplified in society only as hearts are transformed by the power of the gospel (Rom. 12:1-2). I believe pastor and author Dr. John MacArthur put it very well when he remarked that, "As Christians, we ought to have a moral and social influence in our communities. We ought to use the rights granted to us to promote morality and decency in the public arena. But that's not the sum total of our responsibility to this world. We can't settle for mere social change and behavior modification. We must bring the light of the truth to bear in a world blinded by sin. And we must do what we can to halt society's decaynot through protests and political action, but through the bold proclamation of the gospel." Jupiter Hammon, who lived his entire life as a slave, is now free. But the truth is Hammon was already free even while he was enslaved. How can I possibly say that, you ask? I'll tell you how. Because that's what the gospel of Jesus Christ does (Gal. 5:1a). The gospel of Christ frees us to rest in the reality that the sovereign God who created the world is sovereign over everything that goes on within it (Ps. 103:19; Prov. 15:3). What Christians who are demanding justice must understand and accept is that the gospel doesn't promise relief from the injustices and inequities of this world (Jn. 16:33). The world in which you and I live still lies in the power of the evil one (1 Jn. 5:19). As such, it is only in the new earth that unadulterated justice, righteousness, and ethnic harmony will become an eternal reality for God's people (2 Pet. 3:13; Rev. 7:9). Christ came into the world to save sinners, not society (Matt. 1:21; 1 Tim. 1:15). The problem of racial reconciliation is rooted in inherent enmity, not our inherent ethnicity. In other words, it is what is on the inside of us that is the issue, not what is on the outside of us. Originally posted at justthinking.me Darrell Harrison is a native of Atlanta, Georgia. He currently resides in Covington, Georgia. Darrell attends Rockdale Community Church, a Reformed Baptist congregation located in the Atlanta suburb of Conyers, Georgia. Darrell is a 2013 Fellow of the Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) of Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, New Jersey, and is a 2015 graduate of the Theology and Ministry program at Princeton Theological Seminary. Darrell studied at the undergraduate level at Liberty University, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA majoring in Psychology with a specialization in Christian Counseling. Darrell was the first African-American to be ordained as a Deacon in the 200-year history of First Baptist Church of Covington (Georgia) where he attended from 2009 to 2015. home World Turkey keeps Pastor Andrew Brunson in jail as he awaits second hearing A Turkish court has ended the first hearing on the case of Pastor Andrew Brunson by opting to keep him in jail as he awaits the second hearing, which is scheduled to take place in the next three weeks. Brunson, who is accused of having links with a terrorist organization, took the stand on Monday and attested that he has not committed anything illegal in Turkey. "I've never done something against Turkey. I love Turkey. I've been praying for Turkey for 25 years. I want truth to come out. I do not accept the charges mentioned in the indictment. I was never involved in any illegal activities," he said, according to Reuters. The pastor has led a small church in Turkey for more than two decades, but he was detained in 2016 over allegations that he supported the attempted coup against the government. The indictment against Brunson claims that he was working with Fethullah Gulen's FETO network as well as the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). At the end of the hearing, the court ordered Brunson back to prison. However, instead of sending him back to the cell where he was held before the trial, he was sent to a facility known for overcrowding, according to American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) Chief Counsel Jay Sekulow. The hearing was attended by Brunson's wife, Norine, and U.S. Ambassador for Religious Freedom, Sam Brownback. ACLJ Senior Counsel Cece Heil argued that the Turkish government has not presented any specific evidence to link Brunson to any crime. She contended that false testimonies and witnesses are being used to build a case against Brunson. "According to Mr. Cem Halavurt (Turkish attorney representing Pastor Brunson) Turkey has resorted to false testimony by secret witnesses, stating in the recent interrogation report that, 'This is one of those operations that we all have witnessed in many investigations within the Turkish judicial system with fake digital data and directed statements by secret witnesses. We clearly see that a similar operation has already been started against my client,'" she told CBN News. Washington has urged the Turkish government to release Brunson, while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has suggested that the pastor can be freed if the U.S. extradites Gulen, the cleric who has been blamed for instigating the failed 2016 coup. Gulen, a legal permanent resident of the U.S., has denied being linked to the coup, and the U.S. judiciary has stressed that there is not enough credible evidence against the cleric to extradite him back to Turkey. I have the privilege of looking after my two nieces, Tilly and Pippa, fairly regularly, and we always have a wonderful time together. I have my own daughter as well (Lucy), and the three of them especially love music: dancing and singing. Recently, as the four of us were hanging out, I was especially blessed by this shared joy. To set the scene, I was sitting in an armchair in our playroom (which was a chaotic mess) towards the end of a busy day with all three girls. I was having a much needed coffee and watching them play, when Pippa, three years old, requested I put on her favourite song Shout Hosanna (by Passion Conference). As I sat and watched, these three little girls (five, three, and one) danced around the mess, banging on drums and shaking maracas, singing praises to King Jesus at the top of their lungs. I watched in awe, grinning uncontrollably (and possibly shedding some happy tears), being totally blessed by the worship of these three little women of God. And I thought to myself, if I am so blessed by this, imagine what joy this must bring to God, our father! Overflowing joy Often when we look on scenes such as this, we assume such uninhibited, joyful worship (worship is more than song, but for the sake of this article I am referring to worship through music) is reserved for young children, people on stage, or certain 'happy clappy' Christians. At least in the 'brand' of Christianity I am most accustomed to, quiet, thoughtful, reverent worship seems to be the norm. I understand that there is a place for contemplation (something I need to get better at), and that we should revere God, but personally, when I worship God in song, I regularly have an uncontrollable grin on my face and my arms waving in the air. I can't help it, when I start to praise God through song, joy overflows. King David had a similar experience. In 2 Samuel chapter six, we read how David and his men retrieve the ark of the Lord, and are so ridiculously happy, so delighted to have God's presence with them again, that they take a mere six steps (verse thirteen) before breaking out the sacrifices. David danced with all his might (verse fourteen), in nothing but his jocks (Australian for undergarments)! The story goes on to say that as David approached the city, as he leapt, shouted, danced, and his men played music, his wife, Michal, saw (and heard, I'm sure) them coming, and she was embarrassed for David. In fact, she despised him (verse sixteen). To put it simply, Michal was mortified by David's act of worship. Michal was so offended by David's display that she didn't just keep it to herself, she waited for him, ready with a sarcastic comment about how dignified he wasn't, even calling him vulgar. Pretty harsh words to deliver to the King of Israel! For anyone who worships God, David's response to his wife is humbling, powerful, and ultimately, self-deprecating. It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lords people Israel - I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes...(2 Samuel chapter six verses twenty-one to twenty-two) David did not give two hoots about what anyone, even his wife, thought about his joyful display of worship before the Lord. He didn't care that he looked foolish or silly, he wasn't worried about what people would say about him or if it would affect his position as King. As we can see in his response to Michal, David was completely secure in whom God had made him to be, and he was so overjoyed by the presence of God, that his joy overflowed into pure celebration. Reflecting on my opening illustration, it seems to me that somewhere between childhood and adulthood, most of us lose something of the joy of worship. Perhaps we are worried about what people might think, maybe we're embarrassed about our singing or inability to clap in time, maybe we just don't feel very joyful to begin with. Whatever it is, often our worship seems more like a chore than a chance to let loose, and 'shout hosanna'. I'm reminded of that popular 90's hit by Michael W. Smith, The Heart of Worship: I'm coming back to the heart of worship, and it's all about you, it's all about you Jesus... As I said, of course there are times to reflect, to repent, to be still, but there is also a time for uninhibited joy. If the heart of worship is Jesus, shouldnt there be times (I would even say more often than not) when we are so pleased by his presence, so grateful for his sacrifice, so full of joy about who he is and what he has done, that the right response is to put fear or embarrassment aside, and to dance before the Lord with all our might? Next time I come before God in worship, I want to be secure in who God has made me to be, I want to acknowledge who he is and what he has done, and I want to learn from our three little girls (who have so much to teach me), how to joyfully and unashamedly, shout hosanna! Jess is married to Colin, and they have a one year old daughter, Lucy. Together they are striving to live like Jesus every day, by loving God, loving people, and serving the world with joy. Jess Curries previous articles may be viewed at: https://www.pressserviceinternational.org/jessica-currie.html Indiana church launches buyback campaign for semi-automatic weapons in response to Parkland shooting A church in Indiana has launched a gun buyback campaign in response to the school shooting that resulted in 17 deaths in Parkland, Florida in February. Members of Wabash Avenue Presbyterian Church in Crawfordsville are offering $100 grocery store gift cards to gun owners who are willing to turn in their weapons. Those who turn in their gun accessories like bump stocks or large capacity clips will get $25 gift cards. Church members David and Sheridan Hadley said that they felt the need for the campaign after seeing another mass shooting that claimed the lives of young people. "We grieved and we were shocked once again by the mass killing in Parkland, and that was only the most recent. Go back to Sandy Hook and Colorado ... seeing the kids running out of the school and away from the school was heartbreaking," said David Hadley, as reported by Indy Star. "My wife and I were both career-long educators and have been dealing with children and young people all of our working lives, and we thought, what can we do to make our children and our grandchildren and our community safer?" he added. During a meeting, the Hadleys and other church members recalled that the church carried out several buy back programs in the early 2000s. In the previous campaigns, the church was able to collect around 40 weapons that were mostly old guns and rifles that the owners did not want anymore. David Hadley said that the church is now looking to collect "military-style semi-automatic weapons" and accessories that make the guns "more lethal than they already are." The Hadleys maintained that they support the Second Amendment and noted that they themselves are gun owners. But they argued that the guns they are looking to collect in the buyback campaign are weapons of mass destruction. He is hoping that others will be compelled by their faith to help in the campaign, which will take place at the church on April 28 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. David Hadley said he hopes that people will see the buyback program as an opportunity to get rid of weapons that "have no useful purpose other than killing people." The weapons collected by the Hadleys will be turned over to the Crawfordsville Police Department, and will be melted down at Nucor Steel in Montgomery County for safe disposal. The gift cards that will be given in exchange for the weapons were paid for with grants and church donations, according to WTHR. Judge upholds injunction against Trump's ban on transgender service members A federal judge has upheld an injunction that prevents the implementation of President Donald Trump's memo barring transgender troops from serving in the military. The memo instructs the Pentagon to implement a policy that would block some transgender people who have been diagnosed with gender dysphoria from military service. It stated that transgender individuals with gender dysphoria may only be allowed to serve if they can demonstrate that they have been stable for 36 months. Those who have transitioned to the opposite sex will be considered "ineligible" for service, but they could obtain individual waivers that would allow them to join the military. Trump's proposed ban on transgender service members has been blocked by courts last year following lawsuits from several civil rights organizations and some transgender tropps. The Justice Department has asked U.S. District Judge Marsha Pechman to lift the injunction against the ban, citing changes that would allow some transgender troops to join the military in limited cases. Pechman, however, upheld the injunction on Friday, saying the proposed changes were not really different from the initial policy but "instead threaten the very same violations" that resulted in the injunction. The Pentagon opened enlisting to transgender individuals on Jan. 1 after four federal judges, including Pechman, blocked Trump's order rescinding an Obama-era policy that allowed transgenders to serve in the military openly. After conducting a review on the issue, Defense Secretary Jim Mattis recommended blocking transgender individuals with gender dysphoria with limited exceptions. On March 23, Trump issued a memo authorizing Mattis to implement policies pertaining to gender dysphoria. Pechman noted that there was not enough time to determine whether the new policy is discriminatory since the changes were only announced last month. She said that the injunction will remain in place as the matter proceeds to trial. "Because transgender people have long been subjected to systemic oppression and forced to live in silence, they are a protected class. Therefore, any attempt to exclude them from military service will be looked at with the highest level of care," she stated, as reported by the Associated Press. The judge further noted that the government's explanation for the ban on transgender troops sounded similar to "justifications offered in the past to support the military's exclusion and segregation of African American service members, its 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy, and its policy preventing women from serving in combat roles," Pechman opined. Pechman said that the government should demonstrate that the policy "was sincerely motivated by compelling interests, rather than by prejudice or stereotype, and that it is narrowly tailored to achieve those interests." Priests attend week-long conference on exorcism in Rome amid growing demand Over 250 priests, theologians and psychologists attended a week-long conference on exorcism as the demand for the ritual grows. The 13th annual conference on "Exorcism and Prayer of Liberation" opened on Monday at the Regina Apostolorum pontifical university in Rome with some exorcist priests warning about the increasing demand for the rite due to the decline of Christianity and the rise of occultism. Opening the seminar was Fr. Jose Enrique Oyarzun, who contended that demonic possession is "always a current reality" even though the Church's beliefs are often misrepresented by the media. Oyarzun serves as the director of Institute Sacerdos, which has organized the conference since 2002. He lamented that the Church's beliefs about demonic possession are often mix with fiction, "placing a big question mark on the viewers," and leading some people to believe that the Devil is "just a character." He insists that the Devil can behave in ways that cannot be explained by science. "The Devil roars around us like a lion. The father of lies is more and more sought after. Digital technology is invigorating him and leading people astray. The phenomenon is very, very widespread," he said, as reported by The Telegraph. Priests attending the event claimed that exorcisms really can involve people speaking in tongues and vomiting shards of glass, as depicted in some Hollywood movies. However, another exorcist noted that movies often show the most dramatic exorcisms, but in reality, such cases are very rare. "What we see in the movies are the extreme cases, which are very rare," Fr. Luis Ramirez told Crux. "Hence, it doesn't mean that every exorcism ends as what we see in the theaters. It's true that there are difficult cases, that can have an impact on us, but this is not what an exorcist deals with every day," he added. In the interview with Crux, Ramirez detailed the process that a priest must go through before performing an exorcism. Before performing the rite, priests are required to determine whether the person needs a priest or a doctor. The priest only goes through with the exorcism if there has been no improvement after medical treatment. Organizers of the conference clarified that the event was not a school for exorcists, as all practitioners within the Church are required to obtain a license from their local bishop. The Catholic Church requires each diocese in the world to have a priest trained as an exorcist. Italy has around 300 exorcist priests, but the demand for the rite has reportedly tripled in the past decade. Rowan Williams and other Christian leaders launch campaign for tax justice The former archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams helped launch a new Christian campaign for tax justice in the House of Lords on Tuesday. The campaign, Church Action for Tax Justice, is designed to highlight the urgency of creating fairer and more effective tax systems to provide more funding for public services, in the UK and internationally. Lord Williams, who is chair of Christian Aid, said: 'The creation of this new church-wide movement is timely. If businesses really believe and want others to believe that what they do builds genuine, shared prosperity in countries that need it, they should be eager to support fairer tax regimes and to play their full part in creating the sustainable infrastructure that such regimes make possible. 'For this, transparency is essential, and it is good that we are already seeing progress in this area. But we can do even better and it is urgent that we do so.' Ending financial secrecy in UK tax havens like the British Virgin Islands is one of the 'holy trinity' of reforms the movement will pursue, along with changes to the way large multinational companies are taxed. In addition, the new campaign will call on churches themselves to make more vocal use of their power as investors in major companies. President-designate of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Michaela A Youngson, joined Lord Williams and former bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries, Dame Margaret Hodge and Quaker leader Paul Parker to demand an end to corporate tax evasion, greater transparency and a change to the negative narrative around tax. In her speech to a packed committee room,Youngson said: 'I hope we can shift the narrative around tax away from it being a dirty word, or a necessary evil, but rather a blessing and a means of all citizens having a stake in a generous society that cares for all.' Williams talked about an 'unquenchable thirst for more' in the corporate sector, a 'wilful blindness' amongst policy makers and how tax should not be 'an us and them but a recognition of shared goals and mutuality'. Hodge, who is chair of the all-party parliamentary group on responsible tax, welcomed the new initiative, saying that 'there has never been a more important time than today to address issues of tax justice...this is not anti-business but pro fairness...Reforms are urgent, now is the time for tough action'. Russell Moore blasts US evangelicals more concerned with politics than 'good news of Jesus' The leading Southern Baptist Russell Moore has said that US evangelicals are often more focused on the process of selecting presidential candidates than 'the good news of Jesus Christ' and called for the church to 'thrive on the margins'. In a hard-hitting lecture yesterday at Princeton University in New Jersey, Moore, the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, said: 'So often in 2018 America, evangelicalism is associated more with Iowa caucuses than the good news of Jesus Christ.' Moore, who in recent years has distinguished himself among prominent Christian leaders in the US for refusing to offer unconditional support to Donald Trump, added: 'God does not need the evangelical movement; the evangelical movement desperately needs God.' In the comments, reported by the Daily Princetonian, Moore defined evangelicalism as 'the link of renewal and revival movements which unite historic, conventional orthodoxy with the necessity of personal conversion and evangelism'. He added that any true evangelical movement must be focused upon the Cross. 'An emphasis on the Cross is one of the hardest thing to maintain in any Christian group, and that includes American evangelicalism,' Moore said. And he argued that many modern movements have strayed away from the values of the Cross, instead becoming 'market focused', preaching on topics that people want to hear about, but choosing to ignore other sins or issues in society that are less popular. In contrast, Moore said, 'The Cross means that the gospel can thrive on the margins, because that is where it started.' The president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission called for a pluralistic evangelical society and a government that does not 'adjudicate' on religious differences, but instead gives people the freedom to debate with one another. He said: 'Those of us who are evangelicals should work for reform. For a multi-ethnic, theologically robust evangelicalism that can pass the torch to a new general with the message that we first heard down with the Cross.' Tortured for her faith: Anne Askew, the Protestant martyr who loved Scripture In 1520 a girl was born to Sir William and Lady Askew, and given the name of Anne. Sir William was a gentleman with extensive estates in Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. In that year, one of the big stories of the day was what was happening in Germany, where a monk by the name of Martin Luther had challenged the power claimed by the pope to exercise power over Christians in this world and the next. He taught that people were saved by faith in Christ who was the only mediator between man and God and swept aside Catholic paraphernalia of confession, penance, pilgrimages and the veneration of relics. When, in January 1521, the pope declared Luther a heretic and excommunicated him most people thought he would be burned to death. But thousands of people all over Europe believed the simple Bible message of salvation by faith and the Reformation gathered pace. In the years that Anne was growing up even a girl living in rural obscurity could not be unaware of the changes that were sweeping through the land. Henry VIII fell out with the pope, who refused to annul the king's marriage to his first wife, and declared that he himself was head of the English church. He followed this by closing all the monasteries. Many of his subjects were enraged at the king's 'heretical' activities. In 1536 there was a mass rising in Lincolnshire during which Anne's father was captured by rebels and his house occupied by defenders of the old Catholic faith. It must have been a terrifying experience for the teenager and her family. But something even more profound was transforming her life: she was studying the Bible. In 1536 copies of William Tyndale's English New Testament were being smuggled into England from Germany and the Netherlands. The book was banned and the authorities made bonfires of confiscated copies. But that did not deter the adolescent and precocious Anne. She acquired a copy, read it, re-read it and re-read it again and again. It totally changed her life. Anne, I think, must have been a troublesome teenager impulsive, self-willed, independent-minded and argumentative. That may have been why her father was keen to have her off his hands. He arranged a marriage for her with Thomas Kyme, a landowner from deep in the Lincolnshire fens, whose family had been involved in the recent rising. It was never going to be a happy marriage because husband and wife were at odds over religion. Anne considered that her domestic duties included reading the Bible to her servants. She went further. By this time (1539) the king had been persuaded to sanction an official, English 'Great Bible' and have it set up in every church. Anne started reading it there and explaining it to any neighbours who cared to listen. This scandalised the local clergy and, spurred on by them, Thomas tried to stop her activities. Faced with the dilemma of whether to obey her husband or her God, Anne sought a divorce, claiming that this was sanctioned by 1 Corinthians 7:12-16. The couple split up and Anne eventually made her way to London, where she had relatives and friends who shared her faith. She soon gained a reputation as the 'Fair Gospeller', ever eager to seek others. But the capital was a dangerous place to be. Catholic activists were eager to weed out 'heretics' and have them condemned. Anne was arrested a couple of times and examined by the Lord Mayor and the Bishop of London. She wrote accounts of her interrogations and had them smuggled out of prison to her friends. Her opponents tried badgering her and tricking her into confessing unorthodox opinions. But Anne gave as good as she got. 'What sort of an answer was that?' one frustrated inquisitor demanded. 'A poor one,' Anne replied, 'but good enough for the question.' Over and again she scored with such pert responses and with accurate quotes from Scripture. Eventually she was released and returned to her brother's home in Lincolnshire. But her troubles were not over. Desperate to halt the Reformation, Catholic activists were attacking evangelicals at the royal court, including Queen Catherine Parr. Because Anne had court connections she was brought back under armed guard and examined in the Tower of London. There her tormentors added torture to mental bullying, only stopping when Anne had lost the use of her legs as a result of being racked. Despite the pain she refused to give her interrogators the names they were looking for. Anne Askew was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake in Smithfield, London, in July 1546. Her silence protected some of the most influential evangelicals who were able to continue the work of Reformation. Her fearless proclamation of her faith both spoken and written (soon published and widely distributed) led to the conversion of many. Derek Wilson is one of Britain's leading authors of history and historical fiction. In a writing career spanning half a century he has written more than 70 books. This article is based on his most recent, 'The Queen and the Heretic How two women changed the religion of England', published this Friday (April 20) by Lion Hudson. US religious freedom body slams 'false allegations' against Pastor Andrew Brunson The US Commission on International Religious Freedom (ISCIRF) has said it is 'disappointed' by the decision of a Turkish court on Monday to continue proceedings in the case of Pastor Andrew Brunson. Brunson has been in jail on terrorism and espionage charges because of an alleged association denied by his defenders with the US-based Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen. Gulen is wanted by the Turkish regime in connection with a failed coup attempt and thousands of his alleged supporters have been purged by the government of Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Brunson appeared in court on Monday but the trial will be delayed for three weeks. USCIRF chairman Dr Daniel Mark said: 'Pastor Brunson is an innocent religious leader whose imprisonment for over 18 months on false allegations is an abomination. This latest development is yet another reason for the international community to condemn his imprisonment and for Congress and the administration to consider stronger steps against Turkey, including the imposition of targeted sanctions against those involved in this miscarriage of justice.' Brunson, who has lived and worked in Turkey for 22 years, is faced with up to 35 years imprisonment. High-level US officials, including President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence and former secretary of state Rex Tillerson have called for his release. Trump tweeted yesterday: 'Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason. They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs!' Pastor Andrew Brunson, a fine gentleman and Christian leader in the United States, is on trial and being persecuted in Turkey for no reason. They call him a Spy, but I am more a Spy than he is. Hopefully he will be allowed to come home to his beautiful family where he belongs! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 In 2017, USCIRF placed Turkey on its Tier 2 for violations of religious freedom and began advocating for Pastor Brunson as a part of its Religious Prisoners of Conscience Project. Whats your favorite Broadway musical? My wife asks that question of every stranger she meets. She only judges those who have no answer at all, and also those who respond with insincerity. For years, I claimed my favorite musical was Elephant! a fictional London theater piece about the life of John Merrick included in the movie The Tall Guy. The films songs were amusing yet memorable and catchy. Elephant! also featured tap-dancing men in elephant masks. The musical within the film roundly ridiculed the hammy and bombastic qualities comically exaggerated in musical theater, which by the 1980s needed some new energy. That statement isnt meant to ruffle feathers, as its not my designation: Theater historians frequently suggest the forms golden age started in 1943 with Oklahoma! Sources vary about when the age ended: Some say 1959, others say 1968. Either way, by 1989 when The Tall Guy was released in movie theaters, the musical was two decades past the most generous estimate of its peak era. It had grown long in the tusk. Still, territory folks stuck together Broadway remained big business with an audience comprising students on school trips, the elderly visiting New York, and my wife. And the post-golden era wasnt a complete drought: The 70s yielded Chicago, and the 80s provided Les Miserables and Into the Woods. But outside the demographic of tourists and true believers, broader interest in the musical waned. The proliferation of the jukebox musical did the forms tradition no favors, becoming Broadways answer to Hollywoods tent pole sequel factory: a low-risk, high-yield moneymaking operation. High tides have begun to float other boats on Broadway over the past few years. Book of Mormon and Hamilton are large-scale productions that succeeded on Broadway and beyond, prompting trend stories that reference the musicals new golden age. With Hamilton making its Houston debut next week, chances are a lot of people are going to updating their favorite musical answer with this production thats been hailed as a daring new vision in a medium that celebrates sameness. And it has been, Hamilton brought diversity in casting and storytelling perspectives onto Broadway in a way that few big musicals attempt. But much of the good press for it and Book of Mormon has suggested the success springs from some sort of reinvention of Broadways wheel. And while the success of Hamilton is due in part to its daring the use of hip-hop, the diversity in its casting, the narratives sleight of hand compression of either 32 or 78 years, depending on what you identify as its starting and finishing points. But like Book of Mormon, the heart of Hamilton pumps blood from that golden era: the lyrical tips to classic musicals like South Pacific, and the aspirational placement of My Shot, its Corner of the Sky song. More Information "Hamilton" When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, through May 20 Where: Hobby Center, 800 Bagby Details: all dates are sold out, but there will be daily ticket lotteries; thehobbycenter.org See More Collapse The timing of these new musical successes isnt coincidental. The passing of time has helped. A generation of young listeners has come along who were not soured on the musical. And theyve reveled in the energy and enthusiasm of someone like Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda, who is clearly in love with words and music and finding ways to combine them that says something new while sounding informed by something old. I think thats why the ballads of Hamilton stand out to me more than the tongue-twisting speed-rap moments in Guns and Ships. At its best, the Broadway musical made some connection to viewers beneath the obligatory ostentatious presentations full of songs and dances. The ballads of Hamilton Satisfied, Wait for It, Its Quiet Uptown spill with longing for love, recognition and life. In Book of Mormon the longing is stated even more nakedly in I Believe, albeit with punchlines. The comedy of Mormon serves almost as a defense mechanism. Its creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park, made a sail in the shape of a heart a Valentine to Broadway as well as all-consuming faith and blew so much profanity and sacrilegious commentary into it that some called it a storm. It was not, it was a love letter. andrew.dansby@chron.com Maria cries out in pure agony, her body strewn across her lover, surrounded by members of two brawling street gangs who, for once, stand silenced, aghast by the consequences of their behavior. Its the final moments of Leonard Bernsteins iconic West Side Story, which compels Francesca Zambello to wonder, When is it going to stop? She means the lessons this production contains, some that never seem to be remembered from the cost of violence to the dividing lines of tribalism. It is so much about break the cycle, open the doors, let other people in, Zambello said during a recent panel discussion at MKT Bar, presented by Houston Grand Opera in advance of its upcoming production of West Side Story, opening Fridayand featuring a triple-threat cast directed by Zambello. The need for inclusion in diversity was a recurring theme that reverberated throughout the panel discussion, as Zambello and New York-based artist Julio Monge, who revived the original choreography by the legendary Jerome Robbins, spoke about the pertinent story with Patricia Harrington, director of the Houston Mayors Anti-Gang Office, and Angel Ponce, a former gang member who now works at the Mayors Office for People With Disabilities. Ponce is all too familiar with the street culture depicted in the Broadway show, being initiated into a local gang at the age of 10 and living a thrill-seeking lifestyle of drugs, alcohol and crime until 2004, when a car accident left the inked teenager paralyzed from a spinal cord injury and determined to turn his life around. Some of the characters in West Side Story may do the same after reflecting upon the senselessness of their animosity toward each other. A few never get that chance. According to the original script, the gangs are divided by nationality - the Sharks are Puerto Rican immigrants while the Jets are white Americans of Irish, Italian and Polish descent. Houston Grand Opera has decided to integrate the gangs, focusing more generally on the distinction between outsiders and insiders. This is an American story, Zambello said. Everyone in America comes from somewhere else. Everybody. The gangs are much more about territory and ownership and tribes. Zambello talked about what she calls a cataclysmic moment while sharing opera within the concrete walls of Attica, a maximum-security prison in New York. While speaking with an African-American inmate about the award-winning romantic tragedy, he began to sing the Jet Song, which is traditionally representative of the white gang, the one he said he most identified with. More Information "West Side Story" When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and April 28 and May 1, 3, 4; and 2 p.m. Sunday and May 6 Where: George R. Brown Convention Center Resilience Theater, 1001 Avenidas de las Americas Tickets: $18-245; 713-237-1439 or houstongrandopera.org See More Collapse That was the light that went off for me, she said. A piece like West Side Story strongly addresses a lot of issues that I dont even think Leonard Bernstein and his creators thought about 60 years ago. The piece is about immigration. Its about refugees. Its about accepting outsiders. How would they have known what DACA meant 60 years ago? How would they have known the incredible walls that were building in this country, in this state actually? Years ahead of her time, an innocent Maria implies a simple, yet charged question in her final speech, in which she places blame on everyone, not just the Shark holding the gun. Its the spark to a much-needed conversation and perhaps the most powerful moment in the production, Zambello said. When is it going to stop? Lawrence Elizabeth Knox is a writer in Houston. Roaches on the walls left one local restaurant in trouble with Houston health code inspectors. Inspectors at Los Cucos (7925 FM 1960 W Ste. 1372) saw roaches on the wall and the prep cooler drawer in the prep area. They advised the permit holder to take appropriate action to eliminate the bugs. A surprise in the ice machine left one restaurant in some health inspection demerits. At Ojos Locos (4422 North Fwy,) inspectors saw pink and brown slime and black residue in the chute and under the ice maker. They condemned approximately 1,500 pounds of ice and told the restaurant to clean the ice machine. More popular spots faced issues with their food. MUST SEE: Transformation photos: How Houston restaurants, bars looked a decade ago About 50 pounds of beans were condemned at Tepatitlan (4720 N Main St.). Inspectors said the food measured 65 degrees Fahrenheit in the walk-in cooler. Potentially hazardous foods must be stored at 41 degrees or cooler. ICYMI: Inspectors call out Karbach restaurant employee for unhygienic practice while handling food Denny's #0691 (11320 North Fwy.) had about 15 pounds of food condemned. Inspectors said sliced mushrooms, sliced tomatoes, spinach leafs and pre-cooked chorizo were not safe for human consumption. Before you head out for your next meal, be sure to check the slideshow above for this week's list of restaurants with violations (April 11-18) During health inspections, inspectors distribute violations that carry a weight between 1 and 25, increasing in severity. The term "demerit" is used by city health inspectors to describe the weighted value assigned to each violation. The Houston Chronicle obtained the results of routine health inspections throughout the city and tallied each restaurant's demerits for a comprehensive list of violations. To view inspection reports online or learn more about food inspections, visit the health department website. Energy executive James Jim Hackett is the second Texas oilman mentioned as a possible successor to University of Texas System Chancellor William McRaven, who is slated to retire next month, sources confirm to the Houston Chronicle. The sources stress that no official discussion or action has been taken on Hackett. Last month, former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, the former ExxonMobil CEO, was mentioned as a possible candidate. The UT System hired Russell Reynolds Associates to assist the search committee. Hackett, 63, who served as chairman of energy heavyweight Anadarko Petroleum Corp. from 2006 to 2013, has been a partner and co-head of the Houston office of Riverstone Holdings LLC, a private equity firm, since June 2013, according to a Bloomberg profile. He now works as executive chairman of Houston-based Alta Mesa Resources Inc. "I am very engaged in, and happy with, my work at Alta Mesa Resources and Kingfisher Midstream," Hackett wrote in an email to the Chronicle. "I would not put much value in rumors." He did not comment on if he had been approached or whether he would be interested in the position. A 1975 graduate of the University of Illinois, who earned an MBA from Harvard Business School, Hackett has served in executive positions at Devon Energy Corp., Seagull Energy Corp., Duke Energy Corp. and PanEnergy Corp. after holding engineering positions at Chevron USA, Amerada Hess Corp., and Citation Oil and Gas Corp. In addition to holding executive positions with National Petroleum Council, Domestic Petroleum Council of the American Petroleum Institute and the Society of Petroleum Engineers, he also has served as board chairman of Baylor College of Medicine and was a director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas. In a statement, the UT System said the search is guided by input from top officials, members of the public and groups representing faculty, students and staff. "It is not uncommon for individuals outside of the search process to comment on the process itself and provide names of presumed candidates," spokeswoman Randa Safady said. "However, nobody beyond the chancellor search committee has direct knowledge of candidates under consideration, and therefore any information offered by others is nothing more than speculative." McRavens tenure at UT saw some tensions with state leaders, including Gov. Greg Abbott, after the system purchased land to create a new campus in Houston. He attributed his decision to resign to his health. Regents have said they hope to replace him this year, before the next legislative session begins in January 2019. The system's board next meets on April 30 and May 1 in Houston. "Since nobody beyond the search committee has direct knowledge about where the process stands or who the candidates may be, I'm not able to offer any additional information about timing," Safady wrote in an email. Mike Ward, the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, covers Texas politics and the governor's office and the executive branch, along with criminal justice and ethics issues. Follow him on Twitter @ChronicleMike and send him story tips at Mike.Ward@chron.com. Warm weather means more alligator sightings in South Texas. On Monday, the Harris County Constable's Office Precinct 4 tweeted a photo of Texas Parks and Wildlife workers securing what it called an aggressive alligator. The reptile was picked up in the 17300 block of West Lake Houston in Atascocita. GIANT: Pearland man spots the 'biggest alligator I've seen in my neighborhood' Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman told Chron.com that the alligator was most likely transferred back to Lake Houston. With the warmer weather, the constable said he expects to see more alligators out in Atascocita and the Kingwood area. "I don't know if it's mating season but we've had similar calls before," Herman said. "We always call parks and wildlife. Normally they just put them back in a lake." Anyone who comes across an alligator in Atascocita and Kingwood is encouraged to call the Precinct 4 Constable's Office at 281-276-3472. Herman said deputies will coordinate with state game wardens to make sure the alligator is transported to some place safe. "We're out here fighting crime and relocating alligators," Herman said. Will Axford is a digital reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Follow him on Twitter. OPEC and Russia will meet in Saudi Arabia this week after all but banishing a global oil glut. While looming political crises threaten to tighten supplies further, the group seems determined to keep its cuts in place. Almost 16 months of output curbs by the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners have seen crude rally to a three-year high near $70 a barrel. That's replenishing their coffers after the worst oil slump in a generation, encouraging the producers to extend their intervention even as Venezuela's petro-economy implodes and Donald Trump threatens Iran with sanctions. "Would they declare victory now and stop? No way," said Mike Wittner, head of oil market research at Societe Generale SA. "They're happy to see inventories continue to go down, to see prices of $70 or $80. In the end, it's about revenues. The question is at what point do they become uncomfortable with higher prices?" While analysts warn that price gains could backfire on OPEC by spurring rival U.S. supplies or crimping demand, ministers gathering in Jeddah on April 20 will focus on ways of prolonging their cooperation. That could include new inventory targets that extend the cuts, and laying the foundations for an alliance that will last for years. Any recommendations this week would have to be ratified at the group's full meeting in June. OPEC and Russia, for decades competitors in the oil market, forged an alliance in late 2016 to combat the surplus unleashed by a boom in American shale production. Though it's taken longer than expected, the strategy is paying off. With inventories subsiding to normal levels, the International Energy Agency says OPEC and its partners can declare " Mission Accomplished." Cashing In Saudi Arabia, OPEC's biggest member, says the curbs should continue at least until their scheduled expiry at the end of the year, and possibly into 2019. Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih contends this is necessary to ensure markets have properly rebalanced, and that prices are high enough to encourage the global oil industry invests in future supplies. Brent crude advanced 1.7 percent to $72.78 a barrel in London and West Texas Intermediate climbed 2 percent to $67.83 a barrel in New York at 9:16 a.m. local time. Last week, futures jumped to the highest levels since 2014. There are other incentives for sticking with the strategy: the IEA estimates that in the first quarter, OPEC nations earned almost $400 million a day more than a year ago because of stronger oil prices. Russia's budget gained about 1.2 trillion rubles ($19.5 billion) last year, according to its Energy Ministry. "They are willingly over-tightening this market," said Jan Stuart, an oil economist at consultant Cornerstone Macro LLC in New York. "It's not self-defeating if what you are looking for is a little extra money. If the idea is to get a ton of money in the door now, then they're probably doing the right thing." Petro Politics Saudi Arabia is said to seek a price increase to $80 a barrel, according to people familiar with the matter, to cover weighty domestic spending needs and attract investors to a partial sale of its state oil company, Saudi Aramco. Although Russia, less dependent on oil revenues, usually sounds more cautious about pushing on, Energy Minister Alexander Novak said he supports prolonging cooperation. Russian oil companies such as Lukoil PJSC have softened initial objections to the deal, which impedes their expansion plans, as the financial rewards become clear. The accord also serves political objectives for Russia, cementing President Vladimir Putin's role as a power-broker in the Middle East, where his government maintains ties with the antagonistic regimes in Saudi Arabia and Iran, and supports Syria's President Bashar Al-Assad against a rebellion backed by western powers. "Politics plays its role of course," said Andrey Polischuk, an energy analyst at Raiffeisen Centrobank in Moscow. "Russia needs to maintain good relations with its Mideast allies, and now even more than last year." Double Impact Regardless of the benefits, continuing to restrain output may be an odd policy for OPEC when accidental supply losses inside the cartel are mounting and other threats of disruption loom. The group's output reduction is now 60 percent bigger than the planned cut of 1.2 million barrels a day as Venezuela's deepening recession hits its oil infrastructure. Meanwhile, President Trump has vowed to abandon an agreement with Iran on the country's nuclear activity, and potentially reimpose sanctions on the nation's oil trade. If the Latin American country continues to deteriorate and Trump delivers on his Iranian threats, OPEC's unplanned losses could effectively double the impact of its intended production cut. Rather than filling the gap, though, the producers are maintaining strict discipline. They're even trying to attract additional nations to participate in the cuts, United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said in an interview with Bloomberg television in Berlin on Wednesday. "We need to focus on finishing the job," Al Mazrouei said. Indefinitely Maybe As oil inventories get closer to the five-year average level -- OPEC's stated goal -- Saudi Arabia has said a new target is necessary to filter out the distortion of excessively high stockpiles seen in recent years. The group is considering alternative gauges, such as using a seven-year average. "All of the various suggestions that have been floated would give OPEC a rationale to continue cutting," said Societe Generale's Wittner. In Jeddah, the producers will also work on turning the temporary alliance of the past year into a long-term partnership. Russia's Novak said he'd like cooperation to last "indefinitely." Energy ministers from Saudi Arabia, Russia, the U.A.E., Oman, Algeria, Kuwait, Venezuela, Iraq and Brunei, as well as the chairman of Libya's state energy producer and representatives from Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan will attend the meeting, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. "The current production targets are not forever, but a more structured framework than we've ever seen before is something they're working on quite seriously," said Wittner. "The agreement is never going to end." Nearly 30 Navasota students were taken to an area hospital after two school buses were involved in an accident with a dump truck in northwest Houston, according to school officials and the Houston Fire Department. Fire officials said the 29 students were transported in stable condition. Actor Tom Holland debuted as the teenage web-slinger Peter Parker in 2016 to wide acclaim from Marvel movie fans and soon he's coming to Houston. Headliner Holland is the latest movie star to be added to Comicpalooza's Memorial Day weekend roster which already includes fellow Marvel Universe members Krysten Ritter, Charlie Cox, and Michael Chiklis. COSPLAY TIME: Look back at 9 years of Comicpalooza in Houston Comicpalooza is set to kick off Friday, May 25 and run through Sunday, May 27. Now in its tenth year the event is a family-friendly destination weekend for people of all ages in the Houston area. The "Spider-Man" actor will be at the convention both Saturday and Sunday signing autographs and taking photos with fans. This will be Holland's first convention appearance in the state of Texas. Holland made his first appearance as Spidey in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War" along Robert Downey Jr. and the rest of the star-studded cast. He debuted in his own stand-alone film in 2017 with "Spider-Man: Homecoming" and will be seen again in the upcoming "Avengers: Infinity War" premiering next week in theaters. Holland, 21, has another "Spider-Man" movie coming in 2019, along with a rumored role in "Venom" starring Tom Hardy. "Tom Holland is a worldwide star and an important member of one of the most successful movie franchises in history. Needless to say, we are thrilled he chose Houston and Comicpalooza," Michael Heckman, Comicpalooza President and Senior Vice President of Houston First Corporation said in a statement. BATTLE-READY: Cosplay characters cause commotion at Houston's Comicpalooza "We strive to create a memorable experience for our fans each year and Tom Holland will make our 10th anniversary unforgettable," he added. Ruth E. Lee, who did the costume design on mega-hit "Black Panther", will also be in attendance. Other big names on the Comicpalooza roster already include Edward James Olmos, Patrick Warburton, Ray Park, Ross Marquand, James Marsters, and Dante Basco. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE CINEMA 531 Mason, Katy; drafthouse.com/houston Selena A biographical drama about the life and career of Tejano music star Selena Quintanilla-Perez. 7 p.m. Friday and 6 p.m. Sunday Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Scott must defeat his new girlfriends seven evil exes in order to win her heart. 7:30 p.m. Friday Videodrome A sleazy cable-TV programmer begins to see his life and the future of media spin out of control in a terrifying new reality. 9:15 p.m. Friday Kikis Delivery Service A young witch finds fitting into a new community difficult while she supports herself by running an air-courier service. 4 p.m. Saturday There Will Be Blood A story of family, religion, hatred, oil and madness, focusing on a turn-of-the-century prospector in the early days of the business. 7 p.m. Saturday Secret Agent 00 Soul An international spy quits his job to open a detective agency in the hood. 10 p.m. Saturday The 36th Chamber of Shaolin A man studies kung fu at the Shaolin Temple to fight back against the oppressive Manchu government. 2:45 p.m. Sunday MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON 1001 Bissonnet; mfah.org The Secret Life of Lance Letscher An intimate, psychological portrait of collage artist Lance Letscher. 7 p.m. Friday Lipstick Under My Burkha In order to break free from the conservative society, four women set out on a journey to discover freedom and happiness. 7 p.m. Saturday Hotel Salvation Faced with his fathers demand to die in the holy city of Varanasi, a son is left with no choice but to embark on this journey. 6 p.m. Sunday Killing Jesus Frustrated with the lack of progress in her fathers murder case, Lita and her family begin to investigate themselves. 7 p.m. Thursday Woodpeckers Incarcerated in the Dominican Republic, an inmate uses sign language to communicate with his imprisoned girlfriend at an adjacent institution. 9 p.m. Thursday RIVER OAKS THEATRE 2009 W. Gray; landmarktheatres.com The Big Lebowski The Dude Lebowski, mistaken for a millionaire, seeks restitution for his ruined rug and enlists his bowling buddies to help get it. Midnight Friday and Saturday RICE CINEMA 6100 Main, film.rice.edu Kartini In the early 1900s, a young Javanese woman leads the fight for the liberation of Indonesian women in a culture fettered by forces both traditional and colonial. 7 p.m. Saturday "Thor: Ragnarok" Thor is imprisoned on the planet Sakaar and races against time to return to Asgard and stop Ragnarok. 7 p.m. Tuesday HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON 9220 Kirby, Suite 100; hmh.org Across the Waters Unsure of whom they can trust, a Jewish musician and his family make a frantic escape from Nazi-occupied Denmark. 7 p.m. Thursday HOUSTON MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE 5555 Hermann Park Drive; hmns.org Pandas 3-D In the mountains of Sichuan, China, a researcher forms a bond with Qian Qian, a panda who is about to experience nature for the first time. Multiple screenings daily. Hurricane 3-D A storm forms off the coast of West Africa and grows as it crosses the Atlantic. Multiple screenings daily. Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3-D A journey of discovery, transporting the audience to the deep, mysterious worlds of Earths oceans. Multiple screenings daily. The anchor says she plans to focus on her new book releasing next year. The piece: Tabacal The artist: Justin Berry Where: Barbara Davis Gallery, through May 12 Why: Perhaps viewers who play video war games might recognize some of the elements Justin Berry recomposes from hundreds of screen shots into his own mystical landscapes. There also is a good chance they wont, because avatars tend to focus on whatever is coming through their scopes, too wrapped up in blasting away enemies to pay much attention to the virtual scenery around them. Tabacal might take its name from a real place in Bolivia or a location in Tom Clancys Ghost Recon series or both. Either way, Berry has constructed a landscape that only exists in his head, and now ours. Crossing the center of his composition is a two-lane highway that curves and climbs at the edge of scrubby terrain into a heavenly territory of blue, purple, pink and white. Are those puffy clouds or ancient, craggy mountains? Small plants and rocks in the foreground, vividly highlighted, are so precisely rendered they project a different kind of mystery. In an article for the Huffington Post last year, Berry wrote that while most video game players are abiding by rules and on a mission, he scans the virtual horizons for moments of beauty. Sometimes I have to dodge bullets while running through conflicted territory, just so that I can get to an area before it is bombed or so that I can arrive just after, when the dust has yet to settle and the air is thick and pearlescent, he wrote. There is power in finding places of quiet reflection in a world where you are supposed to be running around and killing people. You could look at Tabacal a long time and never figure it out. Other prints in Berrys show, Road Trips, cast a similar spell. One is a photograph of an actual place; the rest are culled from video games. Youll probably have to see them in person to tell the difference. A Houston man who killed his 3-month-old son in March 2017 has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. Ronnie Lee Hackett, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty to injury to a child causing serious bodily injury or death, officials with the Montgomery County District Attorney's office said Wednesday. The baby, Ronnie Lee Hackett III, was pronounced dead at St. Luke's Hospital in The Woodlands on March 30, 2017, after he was taken there by his parents, Montgomery County court records show. SHOOTING: Parents, teen charged after 14-year-old girl dies That day, the child had been left in the care of Hackett at an apartment in the 11400 block of Veterans Memorial Drive in Houston, while the mother was at work. Hackett brought the baby to the mother's work, saying the child was not breathing, and CPR was attempted before the child was taken to the hospital. An autopsy showed the child had multiple traumatic injuries that caused his death, including a skull fracture, a possible leg fracture and bruising on his face, head, leg, chest and abdomen. Initially, Hackett told police he had given his son a bottle and went to sleep, waking up to find the baby unresponsive, court records show. He said the baby's bruises were caused by playing roughly and holding the baby over his head. Other explanations he later gave to investigators include a fall down the stairs and squeezing the baby's abdomen to help him have a bowel movement, according to court records. Investigators were able to obtain a detailed statement from Hackett showing he caused the injuries that killed his son, the district attorney's office said. Since Hackett pleaded guilty to a first-degree felony, he will not become eligible for parole until he has served at least 17 years in prison. He was sentenced on Tuesday. "There is nothing more sacred that the life of an innocent child," Prosecutor Shanna Redwine said. "Our office is committed to prosecuting defendants who hurt children. We carefully considered the seriousness of this offense and the wishes of this victim's family in determining an appropriate sentence." Students throughout Cy-Fair ISD are pushing for a call to action about gun violence and safety in the districts schools. At this months Cy-Fair ISD board meeting, Wasiq Javed, a Cypress Lakes High School senior, spoke before the board to ask for the district to commemorate the victims of mass shootings at 10 a.m. Friday in response to the massacre of 17 people at Florida's Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. The event also would commemorate victims in school shootings that took place at Columbine High School in Colorado in 1999. This Friday marks 19 years since the Columbine shootings took place where two students killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others. I hope we can cooperate and coordinate with CFISD administration for this to be put in place to allow recognition and education for students to facilitate civic engagement in a proper and safe manner, Javed said. We want to have a presentation district-wide with every high school teacher presenting at that time, following the commemoration of the victims, and it would educate students about what CFISD provides, their resources, and policies on campus safety to prevent tragedies like these happening here at our schools, Javed said. Javed was joined at the board meeting by roughly 20 fellow Cy-Fair ISD students from high schools across the district. Students were represented from Cy-Fair, Cy-Creek, Cy-Falls, Cy-Lakes, Cy-Ridge, Cy-Woods, and Langham Creek High School. In the proposal, Javed asked that the board consider creating presentations that educate students on district policies put in place for campus safety, resources available, tip lines, campus police, and the importance of having documentation such as students identification cards. Participating in the March for Our Lives rally inspired Javed and his peers to create the group Lakes for Lives, better known on Twitter as #LakesforLives, which aims to spread civic-engagement education at Cy-Lakes High School. More Information In response to Javed's proposal at the board meeting, Cy-Fair ISD has provided information updating the community about the district's safety and security measures. Information, resources, and the superintendent's message in regards to national walkout day and school safety can be found here. See More Collapse We can never say we support an issue or say we support a cause until we actually stand up in a proactive way and do something about it, Javed said. My hope is that other students from anywhere are able to understand the power that they have within themselves, the potential that they could organize, and show what things we have that students can do to make a change. Through a March for Our Lives student organizer group chat, Javed figured out who was with Cy-Fair ISD and the students came together and now have meetings. During the board meeting, in a rare occurrence due to district policy stating that board members may not discuss the comments of speakers, Mark Henry the Cy-Fair ISD superintendent, addressed the students in a public statement calling the students request reasonable. I appreciate your very thoughtful and respectful presentation today. I just wanted to let you know that we really are all in this together. I have told people that school violence is not just about students; school violence is about the employees too, Henry said. So, we are all in the same page on this, and I can tell you that we have already put in motion to try and put something together to have it available to have to our campuses by Friday. So, instead of having to wait two or three days, I just wanted you to know that we heard you, and we are working on that right now. The superintendents response was well-accepted by Javed and his peers. Javed was initially surprised with the cooperation of the board and is excited to make positive steps forward with the district. It was great that the board was able to listen, and we were able to craft our proposal in a way that was not in anyway against or anti-school administration and their perspective, but rather on board with them, Javed said. The end goal is not about creating any disruption or promote any type of political or partisan stance, but to really show this is an issue that is effecting us and the nation. Its something we have to take action on as a district together. After graduation, Javed plans on attending the University of Houston and double majoring in business and political science. His post-college aspirations include attending law school as well. Javed is confident in passing the torch to the underclassman at his school and in the district to continue the conversation and pro-activeness of civic engagement education in Cy-Fair. Leadership training with juniors and sophomores are being held and planned to keep the students educated on the important issues of safety and community involvement. Javed and other group members are currently discussing with Cy-Fair ISD administration about forming a club to focus on civic engagement and community engagement. The club will be established district wide to continue to encourage students to proceed in educating themselves and others about important topics within the school district and their communities. A lot of people think because of our age and us being youth we really cant make a difference, but when you do everything in the right manner and you take the right steps, many things can be done, Javed said. This quote I heard explains that it takes the younger peoples energy and the older peoples wisdom to make change. I think that is a reflection of everything we have done so far and everything we continue to do. vbradley@hcnonline.com Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar recently announced that Missouri City is among a select number of local municipalities to achieve recognition for its open citizen access through the Transparency Stars program. The Show Me City received a star in the area of Traditional Finances, which recognizes entities for their outstanding efforts in making their spending and revenue information easily accessible online. My office, Financial Services and Communications partnered on this initiative, and the process was achieved through our newly redesigned website, which has a customized department homepage and a unique URL for Financial Services, City Manager Anthony Snipes said. Residents and stakeholders may now go to www.mctxfinance.com and easily access recent and past financial transparency documents such as City Budgets, Quarterly Investment Reports, Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports, check registers and more. Comptroller Hegar said that by providing meaningful financial data in addition to visual tools and analysis of its revenues and expenditures, Missouri City has shown a true commitment to Texas taxpayers. This effort achieves the goals set by my offices Transparency Stars program. He added: I am pleased to award the Show Me City a star for its accomplishments. The Comptrollers office launched the Transparency Stars program in March 2016 to recognize cities, counties and school districts making important strides to greater government transparency. Local government entities can apply for stars in the areas of: Traditional Finances, Contracts and Procurement, Economic Development, Public Pensions, and Debt Obligations. After receiving an initial star for Traditional Finances, remaining stars may be awarded in any order. For more information on the program, including specific guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Comptrollers Transparency Stars website. The Transparency Star recognition is the latest in a string of recent financial successes for Missouri City. Earlier this year, S&P Global Ratings, a division of Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC, upgraded Missouri Citys bond rating from AA- to AA while affirming a stable outlook for the municipality. The increase of the Show Me Citys score is great news for our first-class citizens, stakeholders and municipal employees who go above and beyond every day to achieve the Citys mission of delivering outstanding customer service to all members of our diverse community, City Manager Snipes said. Additionally, the Citys sound financial management that went into earning this upgrade further reflects our capacity to meet financial commitments throughout time. In 2017, Missouri City residents voted to approve a change in the Citys Fiscal Year to Oct. 1-Sept. 30. With the changes in the budget cycle, planning for Fiscal Year 2019 has already begun. To ensure transparency throughout this new budget process and to educate citizens, staff has prepared a few frequently asked questions: http://bit.ly/2EMXJpm. Missouri City / Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen will present the 2018 State of the City address to Missouri City stakeholders, commercial partners and local leaders for the first time at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at the newly renovated Community Center in the City Hall complex. This year, Owens remarks will focus on the many great community and global partnerships that are shaping the Citys future and has resulted in Missouri Citys status as one of the nations premier places to live, work and play. Situated next to the recently opened Houston Community College Center for Entrepreneurship, Technology and Health and the soon-to-be-reopened Missouri City Library, the Community Center features a new outdoor plaza, interior design upgrades and houses the Citys newly opened Visitors Center. 3 1 of 3 Richmond Police Department / Richmond Police Department Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Richmond Police Department / Richmond Police Department Show More Show Less 3 of 3 The Richmond Police Department is asking for the publics help in identifying a burglary suspect who broke into a local business recently. The alleged suspect broke into the Trough Organic Juice Bar located at 107 S. Third St. in Richmond around 4 a.m. Saturday, April 7. Officers responded to an alarm call at the location and discovered forced entry into the business. The alleged suspect left the scene with an undisclosed amount of cash prior to the police arriving. Richmond detectives were able to retrieve photos of the suspect from video footage in hopes that someone will be able to identify him. Prisoners and inmate advocates say the ongoing Wynne Unit hunger strike started three days earlier and involved more than twice as many men as initially reported. One wing at the Huntsville prison went on lock down in late March, a move Texas Department of Criminal Justice spokesman Jeremy Desel said was in response to an uptick in disciplinary infractions, including feces-throwing and verbal abuse toward staff. After 156 men on the unit had been locked down for three weeks, prison officials said the hunger strike began on Friday but later clarified that some of the men started refusing food three days earlier. "They're not on hunger strike classification till they meet our criteria," Desel said. TDCJ considers refusal to eat a hunger strike after nine missed meals. At its peak, the action involved 22 prisoners, according to TDCJ. Some joined the hunger strike and others dropped out, and by Wednesday morning 13 inmates were participating, the department said. But prisoners disputed those figures. "I am writing to inform you that last night 49 men on medium custody housing on John M. Wynne unit refused food and went on an official hunger strike to protest the overall conditions they were subjected to and the hostile and retaliatory nature of the officers and rank," one prisoner wrote in a letter to someone on the outside on April 10. Another prisoner also wrote that the action involved about 50 men. One of the inmates also alleged that the March 23 lockdown began not as the result of disciplinary infractions but in retaliation for an alleged beating. "On March 22, during breakfast time, an overly aggressive sergeant confronted and then assaulted an inmate on medium custody," the prisoner wrote, going on to allege that the sergeant in question had a history of use-of-force. "They placed him in PHD [pre-hearing detention] and the next day they placed G4 inmates on a 30-day disciplinary lockdown, as collective punishment." Desel stressed that the lockdown wasn't tied to a single incident, but stemmed from a variety of infractions "ranging from assault on an officer, to assault on an offender, to possession of contraband." The lockdown came on the heels of a norovirus outbreak that put the unit on medical restriction. With no janitors to clean up the hallways, inmates began tossing newspapers full of feces into common areas, according to prison officials. Later, once the medical restriction turned into a lockdown, one prisoner allegedly threw feces at an officer. Citing letters, Jennifer Erschabek with the Texas Inmate Families Association said the feces-tossing may have actually been a man trying to clean out his colostomy bag without help from the medical staff, but Desel said he had "not heard that." Erschabek also expressed concerns about conditions on the unit, pointing to letters from prisoners alleging a lack of hot water in the cells, piled up trash and difficulty flushing toilets. News of the hunger strike first came less than a day after a seven-hour jailhouse brawl in South Carolina that killed seven and became the worst prison riot in a quarter century. Just before the start of the year, a group of about 45 inmates at the Allred Unit in north Texas went on hunger strike, citing complaints over recreational time and food portions and temperature. The action ended in early January, though it wasn't clear if anything was done to address the complaints. Authorities released surveillance photos from a deadly January shooting in east Houston hoping the public can help identify those responsible. Houston Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward up to $5,000 for information leading to the suspects' charge or arrest. POLICE SHOOTING: Two deputy constables wounded in shootout in Atascocita The shooting happened in mid-afternoon Jan. 21 inside a home in the 7800 block of Keller Street, west of Broadway Street just north of the South Loop East in the Pecan Park neighborhood. Two men inside the home allegedly opened fire on a 22-year-old man, police said. The man was shot in the torso and also suffered blunt-force trauma to his head, according to an earlier report on Chron.com. The two men drove away in a silver, four-door passenger car and have not been apprehended. A neighbor who heard the gunshots called 911. Paramedics with the Houston Fire Department rushed the man to an area hospital where he was pronounced dead. DEADLY FLIGHT: 1 dead after Texas-bound jetliner apparently blows engine The first suspect was wearing all black and a black mask. The second suspect was wearing blue jeans and had blood on his hands, police said. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Houston Police Department homicide division at 713-308-3600 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 713-222-TIPS (8477). Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan. As the world mourns President George H.W. Bush, we look at why and how the family ended up in Texas so long ago. The history of the Bush family in Texas, a state so intertwined with their shared legacy and pedigree to this very day, dates back to World War II. The pair met at a Christmas dance in 1941 back east in Greenwich, Connecticut when the future 41st president was 17 and Barbara was just 16. It was just days after Pearl Harbor the country's entrance into the second world war. The pair instantly clicked and became pen pals. By June 1943 Mr. Bush became the youngest pilot to receive his wings down at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi at just 19 years old. This would have been the Bush's first official taste of Texas. After earning his wings he went off to war, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross and three Air Medals while completing 58 combat missions. Later, in January 1945, Bush would marry his sweetheart Barbara Pierce. Their marriage would last 73 years until she died this week at the age of 92. After being discharged honorably from military service in September 1945, Bush completed his interrupted education at Yale University in 1948. A LOVE STORY: George and Barbara Bush, a 'storybook' 73-year marriage It was after graduating from Yale that the couple moved to West Texas and Midland, with George hoping to make it in the oil field supply business. Oil, of course, could be a life-changer for a young smart man willing to put in the time, money and effort into the industry. Bush talked to family friend Neil Mallon about this next step after college. "What you need to do is head out to Texas and those oil fields," Mallon told the young entrepreneur. "That's the place for ambitious young people these days." Mallon hired Bush as a trainee at Dresser Industries where it was reported that he only earned $300 a month. For Bush, who already came from a wealthy family, it wasn't about the money but about the career experience. "There's not much salary, but if you want to learn the oil business, it's a start," Mallon told Bush, who was by then the father of a bouncing boy named George Walker Bush, future 43rd president. FAVORITES: How Barbara and George H.W. Bush became royalty in Houston From there the Yale graduate would start his own company, the Bush-Overbey Oil Development Company, which was later merged with another one to become Zapata Petroleum. Bush would become president of the Zapata Off-Shore Company, an offshoot of Zapata proper. Bush would bring that company and his young, growing family eastward to Houston in 1958 to be closer to the Houston Ship Channel. Soon, like many businessmen, Bush's interests turned to politics and he became chairman of the Harris County Republican Party in 1963. A failed bid for the U.S. Senate in 1964 would see Democratic Sen. Ralph Yarborough and his campaign paint Bush as a carpetbagger from up North. The defeat didn't deter Bush from politics though. He was later elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1966 and his lengthy, decades-long political career had begun. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. NEWCOMB, N.Y. The 10th Mountain Division used a privately owned mine made famous for its adjacent Adirondack ghost town for its aviation training this month. "The historic town of Adirondac housed the workers of the iron mines which once yielded the mysterious wonder metal, titanium. While the mine area itself is not accessible by the public, the 'ghost town' and a 48-foot blast furnace remain in this wilderness area," according to the Visit Adirondacks tourism site. The 10th Combat Aviation Brigade's Fort Drum soldiers used the Tahawus Mine to simulate a large-scale battlefield as part of the aviation exercise taking place through Wednesday. The training was dubbed "Falcon's Peak." The mine is owned by Paul Mitchell, who allowed the military to train on his land free of charge. Why is Tahawus famous? The ghost town of Adirondac and the adjacent Tahawus Mine were made famous as the site of Theodore Roosevelt's "Midnight Ride" to the presidency in 1901. When President William McKinley was shot by an anarchist in Buffalo on Sept. 6, 1901, Roosevelt was on Lake Champlain in Vermont meeting with outdoorsmen and rushed to be at the president's side. But when the president was stabilized, Roosevelt left Buffalo to assure the public of the leader's seemingly good health. Roosevelt traveled to the Tahawas Club, a hunting and fishing club built in the old mining town of Adirondac in Essex County. He was climbing Mount Marcy when the president's health took a turn for the worst. Roosevelt took a wagon and then several trains to Buffalo, where he was told the President had died. Roosevelt was then inaugurated. See More Collapse While Fort Drum occupies its own large footprint in Essex County and the North Country, its "limited boundaries make it difficult to simulate a battlefield consisting of large distances needed to conduct realistic tactical aircraft training," a military spokesman said in a Tuesday news release. "Tahawus Mine and the surrounding area allows for the aviation unit to train not just the pilots, but the planners as well," Staff Sgt. Nicholas Farina of the 27th Public Affairs Detachment said. Pilots in 17 aircrafts trained to fly against threats by traveling "across northern New York in a low, tactical fashion, using the terrain to their advantage to try to avoid detection and any air defense artillery threats," Maj. Derek Martin, the simulations officer, said in the news release. Military officials began planning Falcon's Peak in August, meeting with the mine's owner, State Police and local government officials to determine how to best simulate a battlefield in a civilian area. Notifying the public that pilots who typically fly at 1,000 feet or higher to avoid making too much noise would be flying low to the ground over residential areas as military convoys drove on local roadways was "a top priority," Martin said. "We try to be good stewards, unless we are in a tactical mission where we have to fly low," he said. "So when we do, we inform the public to ensure they understand why." The State Police released information to the media and put out reverse-911 messages to local residents prior to the drill. Despite high winds, rain and snow, Martin said he characterized the training at the Tahawus Mine as a success. "It's wet. It's cold. This is what 10th Mountain soldiers do," Martin said. "They are mountain tough for a reason." A student cook at the University of North Texas has been fired after he typed a racial obscenity on a customer's receipt. The N-word was typed in all capital letters on a receipt belonging to university student @ChelseaMonAmour after eating at the school's Krispy Krunchy Chicken on Tuesday afternoon. WASHINGTON A provision in the 2018 farm bill would allow the Environmental Protection Agency to approve pesticides without undertaking reviews now required to protect endangered species. Environmental groups say the provision is an unprecedented attack that could have lasting ramifications for ecosystems across the nation. The bill would allow the EPA to skip consultations with agencies that include the Interior Departments Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service, which oversee the implementation of Endangered Species Act protections. This removes the requirement to bring in the expert agencies, said Lori Ann Burd, director of the Center for Biological Diversitys environmental health program. She said it would gut protections for endangered species. In a December 2017 report, the National Marine Fisheries Service said pesticides like chlorpyrifos, malathion, and diazinon threaten a number of marine animals, including some that are protected, as well as the predators that prey on them. Current application rates and application methods are expected to produce aquatic concentrations of all three pesticides that are likely to harm aquatic species as well as contaminate their designated critical habitats, the report said, adding that species and their prey that live in shallow waters close to pesticide use sites are expected to be most at risk. Its a poison-pill rider in the most literal and unfortunate way, said Jordan Giaconia, federal policy associate for defense at the Sierra Club. It takes just one harmful chemical to be injected into the ecosystem to cause widespread damage, he said. The ramifications are pretty far reaching. Some types of protected salmon, butterflies and all kinds of pollinators could be harmed by toxic pesticides applied without proper review, advocates worry. But Republicans on the House Agriculture Committee see the language as a common sense reforms to an onerous and conflicting consultation process that needs to be modernized, according to a summary provided by the panels majority. Were trying to streamline that process, House Agriculture Chairman K. Michael Conaway, R-Texas, told reporters. EPA doesnt have the resources to do a species-by-species deal, so were trying to figure out a way to protect species, but also being able to get the crop protection things (pesticides) in place. The current system works to the advantage of people who dont want anything to happen. Agriculture Committee ranking member Collin C. Peterson, D-Minn., did not respond to a request for comment. The committee is scheduled to mark up the bill on Wednesday. If the bill passes with the pesticide provision, it would be a victory for agriculture trade groups that have pushed hard in recent months for the language to be included in the five-year farm bill, and for chemical manufacturers like Michigan-based Dow Chemical Co. that have petitioned for less-stringent pesticide regulations. More than 60 agriculture groups in January wrote a letter urging Agriculture Committee leaders to include the provision in the bill, saying the current review and permitting requirements are redundant and provide no additional environmental benefit, but instead impose additional costs on farms and businesses. Environmentalists, however, see parallels between the language in the measure, the lobbying efforts by the chemical industries and actions of EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt. The Center for Biological Diversity said the provision essentially codifies a request by Dow Chemical for Pruitt to ignore the harmful effects of pesticides on endangered species and to gut their protections. In April 2017, Wiley Rein LLP, a law firm that represents several chemical companies, including Dow AgroSciences LLC; Makhteshim Agan of North America Inc., also known as Adama; and FMC Corp., wrote to the Trump administration asking it to disregard an EPA report that had concluded that certain pesticides would be harmful to imperiled species. The letter was sent to the Commerce Department, the EPA, the Interior Department and the Agriculture Department. The EPA in January 2017, at the end of the Obama administration, released a report that found that pesticides like chlorpyrifos, diazinon and malathion could harm endangered species near and around where they were applied. In March 2017, under the newly confirmed Pruitt, the EPA scuttled a process initiated by the Obama administration to ban the use of chlorpyrifos, a known neurotoxin that has been found to be harmful to farmworkers and has been linked to development issues in newborn babies. The pesticide, which is banned for residential use and on tomatoes, is still widely used in farming of other vegetables and fruits. This is a pretty unprecedented attack on the Endangered Species Act. Its unfortunately not surprising, Giaconia said of the farm bill provision. It falls in line with Scott Pruitts efforts to undermine scientifically based environmental protections. According the Center for Biological Diversity, the Endangered Species Act has prevented the extinction of 99 percent of species under its protection. Here is a round-up of Saturday's funeral events for former first lady Barbara Bush. Funeral service Who: Invited guests only. Where: St. Martins Church, 717 Sage Road, Houston, TX When: Saturday, April 21; parking lot opens at 8 a.m. What: The funeral is not open to the public. Those invited must must first park at Second Baptist Church at 6400 Woodway Drive, with shuttles to St. Martins starting at 8:30 a.m. No one will be able to drive or walk up to St. Martins Church. Motorcade procession Who: Open to the public Where: Roads leading to the George H.W. Bush Presidential Library Center and Museum in College Station When: The motorcade is scheduled to arrive in College Station around 2:30 p.m., and make its way to the library. What: The motorcade will come into College Station on Highway 6, then onto Highway 6 Business to George Bush Drive. The motorcade will turn left on George Bush Drive, then right on Barbara Bush Drive, which leads to the library. Public access to the motorcade will end at Penberthy and George Bush Drive. Burial Who: Invited guests only Where: George Bush Presidential Library and Museum, College Station, TX When: 3 p.m. Saturday. The interment is not open to the public. Mayor Sylvester Turner has ruled out any partnership with Houston ISD to turn around 10 chronically under-performing schools, saying Wednesday he will not be part of the school district's forthcoming proposal aimed at avoiding a state takeover. HISD administrators have recommended temporarily giving up power over governance, hiring and other operations at the 10 campuses to an outside organization in an attempt to stave off school closures or replacement of the district's school board. The district's proposal is due to the Texas Education Agency by April 30. Administrators have not named any potential partners that would take control, and trustees are not expected to vote on proposals until next week. Turner said last month that he had been asked to get "very, very, very involved" in the district's efforts, and he did not rule out the possibility of some kind of partnership with HISD. On Wednesday, he said after the City Council meeting that neither he nor the city would be partnering with HISD. HoustonChronicle.com: HISD leaders recommending 3-year partnerships at long-struggling schools "I will not be in that proposal," the mayor said of the plan due this month. "Depending on whether or not schools remain in IR status after this academic year will in large part determine what will be the extent of my role." "Improvement required," or IR, is a rating assigned to schools by the Texas Education Agency. Under a state law passed in 2015, the TEA must take over the district's school board or close schools if any HISD campus receives a fifth straight "improvement required" rating for poor academic achievement this year. Ten HISD schools are at risk of triggering the law this year: Blackshear, Dogan, Highland Heights, Mading and Wesley elementary schools; Henry Middle School; Woodson PK-8; and Kashmere, Wheatley and Worthing high schools. A separate law passed in 2017 could give HISD a two-year reprieve from those sanctions if the district temporarily surrenders control over all 10 campuses. Several HISD trustees have voiced frustration about the possibility of relinquishing control over schools, but have gone along with researching partnerships as a way to avoid state takeover or forced campus closures. Nonprofits, institutions of higher education, charter school networks or government entities are eligible to take on a partnership role, though HISD administrators have ruled out charter school networks. Houston City Council was not expected to get involved in any partnership agreements, limiting Turner's options for involvement. Speculation about a possible role for City Hall arose late last month when HISD officials added "government entitites" to its list of possible partners; previously, the district had referred only to nonprofits, charter networks or high education institutions. HISD administrators have released little information about their recommendations for the 10 schools as the April 30 deadline nears. Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan verbally has recommended forming three-year partnerships, though terms of any potential contracts have not been released. HISD did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday on its partnership plans. Turner said he has been speaking weekly with Education Commissioner Mike Morath, whose agency is expected to approve or reject partnership contracts by early June. "Houston Independent School District bears Houston's name," he said. "You can't have a dynamic city without having that same dynamic school district. "What I've indicated is that I will do everything that I can to assist HISD, to assist in turning around any and all low-performing schools in HISD." Jacob Carpenter contributed to this report. rebecca.elliott@chron.com twitter.com/rfelliott Jon Shapley, Houston Chronicle / Houston Chronicle AUSTIN -- Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew White on Wednesday will announce he would declare "a state of emergency" for education if elected, as part of plans to increase teacher pay and improve student achievement without raising taxes, campaign sources confirmed Tuesday evening. "Education is top of mind for Texas voters. It will be Andrew White's signature issue as governor," said a briefing document outlining the Wednesday announcement in Austin. AUSTIN An ambitious $9 billion plan to improve Texas public schools was unveiled Wednesday by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew White, who prosposed funding it partly by expanding gambling in Texas and halting state border-security spending both contentious issues in the past. Unveiling his plan at a downtown Austin hotel, entering the final weeks before a May 22 runoff election with rival Lupe Valdez, White said that in addition to more money for schools, his proposal would also provide a $2.5 billion in property tax cuts for local homeowners. It also calls for a one-time, $5,000-per-teacher pay raise, a $5,000 scholarship for Texas students who graduate with a 3.0 grade point average or better and attend a Texas college or university, and a $10,000 scholarship for students who want to become teachers. "With schools that are ranked 40th in the nation, it's time to declare an education emergency in Texas," said White, a Houston entrepreneur and son of the late Texas Gov. Mark White who set education a priority during his administration three decades ago. "Gov. Abbott has failed us and our kids." The plan also includes universal, all-day pre-kindergarten, no caps on access to special education, improved vocational programs, elimination of "high-stakes testing," increasing the state healthcare contribution for teachers for the first time in 15 years and a cost-of-living adjustment for retired teachers' pensions. To pay for the $6.5 billion cost, White said he wants to close a $5 billion loophole in property taxes for some commercial properties, divert approximately $1 billion in state funding for border security that the federal government is now paying for and expand gambling at horse tracks. He also wants to allow a small number of casinos at "destination resorts" around the state that would include slot machines and gaming tables. Expanding gambling alone, a proposal that has generated intense opposition in the GOP-controlled Legislature for years, would generate an additional $3 billion. White said the dozen existing horse and dog tracks would be allowed to open casinos. Indian tribes would be allowed do the same under his plan, after years of facing state opposition to full casino gaming at their resorts and casinos. If the Legislature refuses to expand gaming, White said Texans should be allowed to vote on it. Approval of each location would be determined by "local option" votes, he said. He said gaming at "destination resorts" might include places along Texas' Gulf Coast such as Kemah. Earlier proposals also have included places like the Stockyards in Fort Worth. All gaming revenues would go to pay for the scholarships, which White called "a trifecta" for future success. As Texas has faced increasing state costs for various programs in the past decade, the issue of allowing casino gambling has repeatedly come up and quickly has been shot down by conservative groups, religious leaders and the Republican leadership. Pushes to expand gaming are under way in several other states with dire budget shortfalls. Some other states also are considering legalizing sports wagering and allowing daily digital sports gaming as a way to boost government revenue. "Texas is too big for Greg Abbott's small thinking," White said of his overall plan, criticizing Abbott for calling a special legislative session last summer to pass a controversial bathroom bill but not to find additional funding for Texas' beleaguered public education system. "This is a fully funded plan. No tax increase," White said. He called on Abbott to call a special session for education. Abbott, who has resisted similar demands from Democrats and school activists in the past, had no immediate comment. White said he would use the extra $2.5 billion generated by his plan to lower property taxes for homeowners, taxes he said have been increasing steadily in recent years as the Republican Legislature has shifted more costs to local school districts. Both White and Valdez have touted improving public education as a priority. Valdez has supported universal pre-K, reforming Texas' system of school finance, free community college and improved vocation training, among other measures. "We have to invest in Texans and help them find their path to the education they dream of," Valdez says in her education platform. "Our children are the best investment we can ever make and I won't let this next generation go without the education they rightfully deserve. White's plan drew some favorable reaction, though officials acknowledged privately that most of it hinges on the Republican Legislature approving an expansion of gambling and making other changes in state law that appear long-shots, at best. Some also suggested that while additional funding is always needed, Texas schools may not be as bad as White may believe. The graduation rate is at an all-time high, in the top five in the nation, and Texas has more top-rated public high schools than any other state, they noted. "It sounds good, if it happens," said Marian Torelli, a retired Austin teacher after she read White's plan. "You know how politics are." White's education plan marks his second major policy proposal. Two weeks ago, he proposed a state push to use more Texas-produced fuel and create a network of self-driving cars to improve mass transit across the state. Mike Ward, the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, covers Texas politics and the governor's office and the executive branch, along with criminal justice and ethics issues. Follow him on Twitter @ChronicleMike and send him story tips at Mike.Ward@Chron.com. AUSTIN Texas is responsible for teaching more children in state-funded pre-K than nearly every other state and leads the way nationally in requiring specialized staff to teach bilingual students, but still lags behind much of the country in funding early education and doing more to ensure higher quality, according to a national study released Wednesday. The annual report from the National Institute for Early Education Research shows Texas met four out of 10 quality standards used as benchmarks by the group, falling short on issues including class sizes, student-teacher ratios and requiring that assistant teachers have certifications. The report is a reminder that the Legislature has a lot of work to do to make sure more children walk into the first day of kindergarten on grade level rather than starting behind their classmates on day one, said Stephanie Rubin, CEO of Texans Care for Children, which has lobbied in favor of improved early education in Texas. Texas is one of six states the report praised for having policies to support dual language learners in preschool and one of three that requires teachers to have a bilingual certification, the others being California and Illinois. With more than half of the states total public school population made up of Hispanic students, 40 percent, or 88,500 pre-K enrollees, are dual language learners, according to the study. Texas is one of 26 state-funded preschool programs, including Guam, that can report the home languages of children enrolled. According to the study, which examined state pre-K programs from the 2016-17 school year, Texas enrolled some 234,000 children in pre-K. Thats more than any other state outside California, which enrolled about 264,000 students. Texas ranked tenth in the nation for enrolling nearly 50 percent of its 4-year-old students in pre-K. That ranking fell to thirteenth in the nation for enrolling less than 10 percent of pre-K 3-year-olds. While the state ranks high for enrollment, according to the study, Texas falls below the national average for per-student spending. The state ranked 28 in the country after total state funding for the program fell by $45 million from the 2015-2016 school year. More Information By the numbers Texas serves among the highest populations of pre-K students in the nation. Here's a look at the numbers from the 2016-17 school year: Enrolled 4-year-olds: 196,424, 49.4 percent Enrolled 3-year-olds: 27,588, 6.9 percent Total 3- and 4-year-olds: 28.1 percent Enrollment growth from 2002: 10.1 percent State money spent per child enrolled in pre-K: $3,846 Change in state money spent per child from 2015-2016: -$265 All reported money spent per child: $3,901 National rankings Access for 4-year-olds: 10 Access for 3-year-olds: 13 Resources rank based on state spending: 28 Current Quality standards checklist (maximum of 10): 4 Courtesy of the National Institute for Early Education Research. See More Collapse The national popularity of pre-k has steadily grown, according to the study. One out of three families are enrolling their young children in pre-K nationally, compared to 14 percent of children enrolled in 2002. States across the country have engaged in political battles over pre-K, with some state lawmakers arguing the early education amounts to little more than a taxpayer-funded babysitter. Others have championed pre-K programs as tools to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds prepare for kindergarten and grade school. Others, like Police Chief Jeff Gibson of Bedford, argue that pre-K can also help break the cycle of poverty and reduce crime. If we can invest even just a little bit of money in pre-K programs now, it will mean long-term savings in remedial education, health outcomes and incarceration, said Gibson on behalf of Fight Crime: Invest in Kids, a group made of law enforcement, prosecutors and violence survivors. Coming from a state that spends nearly $6 billion a year on incarceration in state and local facilities alone, thats one small investment that would go a long way. Huge step backwards Gov. Greg Abbott has championed high-quality pre-K for young Texans, but the Legislature decided last year not to renew $118 million in grant money for pre-K funding. Last year the Legislature took a huge step backwards when it cut pre-k funding, eliminating the pre-k grants established just two years earlier at the request of Governor Abbott, said Rubin of Texans Care for Children. I'm optimistic that the Legislature can move on from the fights about the grant program and get back to work on boosting pre-k, but we're also going to need business leaders, educators, parents, and other Texans to get back to pushing state leaders to make it a priority. In Texas, school districts are required to offer free half-day pre-K if a student meets any of the following criteria: unable to speak and comprehend English, eligible for free or reduced-priced lunch, homeless, in foster care, parent is on active military duty or was injured or killed on active duty or parent was a peace officer, firefighter or emergency first responder killed in the line of duty and eligible for the Star of Texas award. School districts can offer pre-K to all students regardless of of the criteria, but must either charge a fee or find another method to pay for students outside the scope of Texas program. Texas scored poorly for meeting only four of 10 quality benchmarks assembled by NIEER. The state met standards for having a comprehensive early learning standard, requiring the lead teacher have a bachelors degree, requiring specialized training in pre-K and requiring at least 15 hours of professional development for teachers. However, the state failed to meet six other standards, including setting max class sizes of 20 students, requiring a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, requiring a Child Development Associate degree for assistant teachers, providing at least one meal to students and site visits. Andrea Zelinski covers politics for the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook. Send her tips at andrea.zelinski@chron.com. andrea.zelinski@chron.com Twitter.com/andreazelinski Behind every successful IT project, you'll find a highly skilled project manager. From hardware and software upgrades to ongoing security patches, to application development and the rollout of software itself, project managers keep your teams on task and productive. Almost any IT pro can benefit from adding a project management certification to their list of IT credentials, showing you have the know-how to plan, schedule, budget, execute, deliver and then report on IT initiatives. Here, CIO.com outlines the most popular project management certifications that will add value and help you hone your skills this year. Top project management certifications Associate in Project Management BVOP Certified Project Manager Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certified Project Director Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP) Certified Project Manager (CPM) Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) CompTIA Project+ Master Project Manager (MPM) PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner Professional in Project Management (PPM) Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) Project Management Professional (PMP) Associate in Project Management The Global Association for Quality Management (GAQM), which administers the Associate in Project Management (APM) as well as a Professional in Project Management and a Certified Project Director certification is a global, not-for-profit certification body that offers credentials across a variety of IT specialties. The GAQM's project management certifications are focused on a broad knowledge base and emphasize effective resource allocation, clear direction, adaptability to change, effective communication and assurance of quality deliverables at minimal risk. The APM program is designed for the entry-level project manager, or for those who want to start a career in the field. Organization: Global Association for Quality Management Price: $300 Requirements: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course; no formal education or experience requirements BVOP Certified Project Manager Business value-oriented principles (BVOP) is a newer, agile-based framework growing in popularity in the U.K. BVOP emphasizes business value in all project management activities and practices. The BVOP Certified Project Manager is for senior practitioners with experience in both project management and people management. The focus on a people-oriented culture sets it apart from other project management certification programs. The BVOP approach helps to develop professionals collaboration skills, and candidates for certification gain not only project and product management skills, but also learn to become more people-focused leaders. The exam includes questions from the project management, program management, and product management sections of the course materials. Organization: BVOP.org Price: $130 Requirements: No previous professional project management experience required; free study guides and preparation materials available online Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the Certified Associate in Project Management is the precursor to the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification (see below). For professionals without a college degree, or with only rudimentary project management experience or those who want to achieve their PMP certification in steps rather than all at once, the CAPM is a stepping-stone to the more rigorous PMP. For more information, see "CAPM certification guide: Certified Associate in Project Management exam explained." Organization: Project Management Institute Price: $225 for PMI members; $300 nonmembers Requirements: High-school diploma, associates degree or equivalent and at least 1,500 hours of project management experience or 23 hours of project management education Certified Project Director The GAQM's Certified Project Director certification is the credentialing body's highest-level project management certification. This designation is designed for experienced project managers who are involved in directing multiple, complex projects and programs. The program focuses on managing, budgeting and determining scope for multiple projects, multiple project teams, and assessing and mitigating interdependent risks to deliver projects successfully. The CDP program is only for those who have significant project management experience. Organization: Global Association for Quality Management Price: $300 Requirements: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course; candidates must be familiar with principles and methodologies of project management and pass the Professional in Project Management (PPM) or equivalent exam (see below). Certified Project Management Practitioner (CPMP) The EC-Council was formed after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to address issues of cyberterrorism and the information security of nations at large. The EC-Council's Certified Project Management Practitioner course is for project managers who want to benchmark their skills through hands-on experience and across various management techniques and tools necessary to successfully manage complex projects efficiently. The objective of the CPMP course is to add value to management professionals by developing managerial, leadership and technical skills required to make any project, small or complex, a success. Organization: EC-Council Price: $199 for exam voucher Requirements: No prerequisites, but it is recommended that candidates attend a three-day preparation course. Certified Project Manager (CPM) The International Association of Project Managers (IAPM) is a global professional association and certification body focused on the project management profession. There are four levels of certification within the IAPM, split into two disciplines, traditional project management and agile project management: Certified Junior Project Manager and Certified Junior Agile Project Manager; Certified Project Manager and Certified Agile Project Manager; Certified Senior Project Manager and Certified Senior Agile Project Manager; and Certified International Project Manager. IAPMs Certified Project Manager certification is for candidates with a foundational knowledge of project management, including the basics of planning, organization and implementation of various projects. The exam covers both the hard and soft aspects of project management. Organization: IAPM Price: Fee depends on candidates nationality, as pricing is based on country-of-origins GDP; in the U.S., the exam cost is $650, with a 20 percent discount for students, job seekers and active aid organization personnel, according to the IAMP. Requirements: None, but IAPM offers workshops through global training partners, or recommended literature for self-study. Candidates can also take a self-test to benchmark their knowledge. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) The use of agile methodologies has become standard, so it's not surprising that IT practitioners uniquely qualified to manage projects in agile environments are in high demand. While there are different Scrum master certifications available, the Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) from Scrum Alliance is a great jumping-off point for project managers getting started as Scrum practitioners. The Scrum Alliance, which offers this credential, is a nonprofit organization that encourages the adoption of Scrum and agile practices, promotes user groups and learning events, and provides resources for professional development. The organization boasts more than 450,000 certified practitioners worldwide. For a deeper look at the CSM, see "CSM certification guide: Certified ScrumMaster exam explained." Organization: The Scrum Alliance Price: Varies by training provider, but approximately $995 to $1,395 Requirements: General familiarity with Scrum; completion of two-day CSM training course CompTIA Project+ This entry-level certification is roughly on par with PMI's CAPM credential (above), though the requirements are less stringent. CompTIA's Project+ solicits feedback from the computing industry, government representatives, research institutions, academia and independent experts to design the certification. Organization: CompTIA Price: $285 Requirements: One year of experience managing, directing or participating in small- to medium-size projects is recommended. Master Project Manager (MPM) The American Academy of Project Management (AAPM) has modeled the Master Project Manager (MPM) after the "professional licensure" model that many professions such as pilots, engineers, doctors and lawyers follow. The AAPM focuses on professional project managers, but also includes professionals with business and technical management responsibilities. Organization: American Academy of Project Management Price: $300 for application, review, processing, review, initiation and certification Requirements: Three years of project management experience and training; waivers available for professionals holding a master's degree, with other qualified training and experience, the military or project management instructors PRINCE2 Foundation/PRINCE2 Practitioner Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) is most well-known outside the U.S., especially in the U.K. and its government entities. The PRINCE2 certifications are delivered by the ILX Group and focus on directing, managing and delivering projects across all phases, pre-project, initiation, delivery and final delivery. There are two primary qualifications, PRINCE2 Foundation and PRINCE2 Practitioner. The Foundation certification is an entry-level credential that tests basic project management terminology and methodology, whereas the Practitioner certification tests advanced project managers who have already achieved PRINCE2 Foundation. Organization: ILX Group Price: Foundation: $200; Practitioner: $340 Requirements: PRINCE2 Foundation: PRINCE2 Foundation course; PRINCE2 Practitioner: one of the following: PRINCE2 Foundation, Project Management Professional (PMP), CAPM, or an IPMA certification Professional in Project Management (PPM) The Professional in Project Management (PPM) is a mid-tier project management credential from the GAQM. The GAQM's project management certifications are focused on a broad knowledge base and emphasize effective resource allocation, clear direction, adaptability to change, effective communication and assurance of quality deliverables at minimal risk. The PPM is targeted towards intermediate to experienced project managers who are involved in risk and crisis management, and who are involved in the day-to-day management of projects. Organization: Global Association for Quality Management Price: $300 Requirements: GAQM body of knowledge study and e-course; no formal education or experience requirements, but candidates should have at least some project management experience to pass the exam. Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) The EC-Councils Project Management in IT Security (PMITS) explores the complexities of managing an IT security project. The certification helps candidates reinforce their existing project management skills while tailoring them to the unique requirements of implementing and managing IT security within their organizations. Organization: EC-Council Price: $250 (PMITS courseware) Requirements: At least two years of experience in information security and an educational background that shows a focus on security (bachelor's degree or higher preferred); candidates may also opt to attend an EC-Council training program before attempting an exam. Project Management Professional (PMP) The gold standard in project management certifications, the Project Management Professional certification is a rigorous test that covers absolutely everything you need to prove your knowledge and skill in managing the "triple constraints": time, cost and scope. The PMI is this credential's parent organization, and works continuously with businesses and academia to ensure relevance for the certification. For more about the PMP, and tips on how to pass it, see PMP certification: How to ace the Project Management Professional exam. Organization: Project Management Institute Price: Computer-based exams: $405 for PMI members, $555 for non-members; paper-based exams: $250 for PMI members, $400 for non-members Requirements: Four-year secondary degree plus three years of project management experience, 4,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours project management education; or a high-school diploma, five years of project management experience, 7,500 hours leading and directing projects, and 35 hours of project management education Additional project management certificates Many colleges and universities offer project management certificates through their existing business, management or professional education programs. Schools such as Villanova, University of New Haven, Stanford University and others (check your local college or university's course offerings) have excellent project management programs and certificates. There also are IT vendor-specific project management certifications available, such as the Microsoft Project Certification. Requirements and price vary based on institution. Harvard University is opening a new campus devoted to engineering and the life sciences. It will be located next to the business school but a four-mile walk from Harvard Square and the main campus. This separation symbolizes how the modern university has cleaved itself in two. One university integrates three steps in the mastery of the natural world: science explains that world; technology creates the tools by which we master it; and business innovates to get those tools to market. The other university focuses on the study of man, his history, and landmark achievements in art and literature. It is traditionally concerned with understanding, not control. At least, it was. Our two universities roughly correspond to the two cultures of science and humanism that C. P. Snow described 59 years ago in a famous lecture, Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. Snow was both a scientist and a novelist and saw himself as a bridge uniting the cultures, but he worried that for others, they were drawing apart. Their inhabitants could no longer communicate with each other because most of those in one camp lacked the knowledge possessed by those in the other. Scientists had not read Jane Austen, and humanists could not describe the second law of thermodynamics. This mutual incomprehension prevented solutions to social problems. When these two senses have grown apart, Snow said, then no society is going to be able to think with wisdom. Snows dichotomy sparked the most sustained debate about the structure of intellectual life in decades, even as some critics quibbled with his terms. Many noted that Snow tended to treat science as primary and humanism as secondary, useful only insofar as it acted as the handmaiden of science. Snow even labeled humanists natural Luddites. Yet regardless of whether Snows treatment was balanced, the divide that he described is much worse today in at least three respects. First, specialization has grown dramatically. Humanists lack knowledge of science and scientists of the humanities, and most scientists and humanists are laypeople when they leave their subspecialties. Its possible to spend an entire career investigating the social history of the first half of nineteenth-century Spain or the spins of subatomic particles. Second, the world is changing ever faster. Snow himself suggested that the accelerating change of his day made it imperative to pool knowledge from the two cultures, but today, the technology that was the science fiction of my youthdrones that fill the skies, self-driving cars that speed down highways, and microscopic robots that slide through our bodiesis becoming reality. While such advances offer huge potential benefits, they play havoc with social life. Three million people now drive for a living in the United States, and many will need to retrain. New weapons of mass destruction in the hands of terrorists may wreak catastrophic harm. And great discoveries for alleviating human suffering, such as manipulating the human genome, may threaten the very nature of humanity. Thus, the social wisdom for which Snow pined is more essential than ever. Third, and most fundamental, is the disintegration of the humanistic tradition. The two cultures previously shared the Enlightenment view that investigation of the facts brought us closer to truth. Its hard to create a common body of knowledge of the two cultures if one culture denies the possibility of objective knowledge. That denial is now much more common in the humanities since the rise of postmodernism. Snow did not fully appreciate that humanism was more than a collection of facts. It is, above all, a way of understanding what was valuable about human flourishing. Great literature necessarily has a moral purpose that science lacks. As such, humanism critiques aspects of the world that technology creates, reminding us that the next new thing is not necessarily the next good thing. Snow was wrong in implying that true humanists must join scientists in singing a harmonious anthem of social progress. But humanism can be in a position to understand human flourishing only if it focuses on what is best from Athens and Jerusalem to the Renaissance, Reformation, and modernityand the modern university has been undermining humanisms comparative advantage over science. One reason for the erosion of humanistic culture at universities is the domination by left-liberal progressives. Many are not comfortable with understanding civilization as the retention as well as the discarding of traditions. And the modern university treats the student as a consumer rather than an acolyte: humanities departments often tout the relevance of a course by relating it to contemporary politics. But trendiness is no match for the real novelty of science and technology. Thus have some humanities departments sold their souls, only to lose enrollment in the process. One might think that the continuing rise of social sciences such as economics and psychology bridges the gap between the cultures. Snow left out the social sciences altogether from his schema. This omission was curious because the protagonist of his long series of novels, Strangers and Brothers, was Lewis Elliot, an academic lawyer. The very term social science implies that these disciplines combine scientific analytical methods with a focus on man. Yet the cultural divide replicates itself within the social sciences. For instance, university departments of politics are notoriously divided between political scientists and political theorists. The scientists take a quantitative approach to studying and predicting such phenomena as voting patterns. The theorists focus on normative theories of justice. For theorists, political philosophy remains the master of the discipline, because the facts discovered by political scientists must be theoretically evaluated. Like professors in the humanities, they insist on using their study of political philosophy since Plato to evaluate the facts that their more scientifically minded colleagues discover. My own field of law now reflects a similar division between those who address what law is and what it should be. A new generation of law professors deploys empirical methods to predict court decisions, not by looking at what the justices say but at their characteristics, such as the ideology of the politicians who appointed them. But no such study can tell a judge how to decide a hard case. Only understanding the nature of law can. Surprisingly, Snow did not suggest how to improve the integration of the two cultures through education, other than to praise, oddly, the Soviet Unions valorization of science. But even with the intellectual fragmentation of the past 60 years, universities could do more to send their students out into the world with knowledge of both cultures. The most important reform would be to create a core curriculum that includes reading the great works of civilization. Nothing gives us a better understanding of civilizational wisdom than the achievements of its deepest thinkers and most compelling artists. Science by itself is inadequate for the moral, political, and aesthetic discrimination necessary to the retention of civilization. Unfortunately, many of our universities have instead moved to distribution requirements that simply force students to take some form of humanities coursesometimes the specialized courses that modern university professors have the easiest time teaching. These requirements cannot give students the grounding for critical evaluation of our current dilemmas, let alone future ones. By contrast, a core curriculum forces students to reason together in a common conversation on campus; ever since the Platonic dialogue, conversation has been the essence of humanism. The notion that what students need is training in methods of analysis rather than common knowledge is simply wrongheaded. Economics may create a framework for a sophisticated cost-benefit analysis, but only an understanding of the human condition, guided by the canon of its greatest achievements, can fill in the boxes for benefits and costs. Programs like Harvards General Education curriculum, which merely requires exposure to various disciplines, cannot match programs like Columbias core curriculum, which immerses undergraduates in canonical works. Columbias decision to impose a form of the Great Books curriculum even on engineering students is particularly salutary: it gives engineers a platform to think more comprehensively about the platforms that they may create. By contrast, a focus on methods is appropriate for teaching science to humanists. No student majoring in the humanities can master all the details of even one scientific field. More important, it is an understanding of scientific method rather than content that enables educated men and women to participate best in public life today. Comprehending the limits as well as the power of that method instills an appropriate skepticism of scientific claims in an age in which technologys dazzling progress may blind us to sciences limitations. Knowing statistics helps dissolve false claims of certainty that some make on behalf of science; conversely, recognizing that science is limited to making factual predictions helps students disentangle these predictive claims from policy proposals. For instance, even if science shows that global warming is likely occurring, it remains an open question of how much we should focus on adapting to it rather than preventing it. A focus on the history of science as well as its method should also get greater emphasis in both scientific and humanist education. As philosopher Raymond Tallis has noted, science has revised humanists perspectives in the past and will do so again: after the discovery that the Earth moves around the sun, man was no longer at the center of the universe. After the discovery of evolution, man is no longer a special creation but one evolved species among many. Today, the increasing ability of computers to outperform us in one task after another again challenges mans self-conception. Universities will prepare students for such future challenges by immersing them in past ones. Sciences discoveries about the nature of man can tame the sometimes-unruly utopian political imagination of humanists and political theorists. Facts do limit our moral and political possibilities: what we ought to do is constrained by what we can do. For instance, political wisdom cannot be divorced from fundamental facts about human nature, such as our individual self-interest. It was the worlds foremost expert on ants, the sociobiologist E. O. Wilson, who dismissed Marxism with four words: Wonderful theory, wrong species. The power of technology and the methodology of science can also discipline the modern humanistic enterprise. Technology now offers a time tunnel to the past. For instance, Jane Austenthe study of whom Snow used as an exemplar of the humanist enterprisewrote to her sister that she had tried to find all her characters in Pride and Prejudice from the portraits of an art exhibit at the British Institution in London. Recently, historians created an online virtual tour of a digitally reconstructed representation of the exhibition that Austen viewed in 1813, enabling us to visualize what she saw in her characters. An example from my own field of law comes from our new ability to map all the uses of a word (for example, commerce) within a number of texts (say, the debates surrounding the Constitution), enabling us to understand its meaning more precisely in historical context. Such creative use of Big Data can bring us closer to the past in some ways than those who actually lived back then. Few people in 1813 attended the famous London exhibition. In 1789, cataloging systematically all the uses of a word in the Constitution and related texts would have required painstaking effort and may well have been infeasible. More generally, the rise of what is now called digital humanities holds the promise of providing new insights and imposing more rigorous standards of proof, through the use of computers to digitize material ranging from literary works to historical sources and the deployment of algorithms to categorize and sort them. It would be a herculean task to read all the novels written in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, but digital humanists have evaluated all the titles through computerized searches and demonstrated that they became considerably shorter and catchier, suggesting that authors were under pressure to compete for a mass audience. And often-vague claims by humanistssay, that the imagery in similes changed from the classical to the romantic agecan now be made more precise, tested by statistical methods applied over hundreds of works. Digital humanities is, of course, no substitute for close reading of individual texts. But digital humanities is, in an important sense, the opposite of postmodernism, because it puts truth claims front and center, importing the more rigorous hypothesis testing of the sciences. And it is more likely to provide students with useful statistical skills than the politically inflected studies popular in many humanities departments. This melding of methods fulfills the deepest humanist credo: nothing human is alien to me. Another way of integrating science with more humanistic disciplines is through the prism of evolutionary biology. With its focus on cultural studies, modern humanities ignores biologybut culture springs not only from social processes but also, in the words of psychologist Leda Cosmides, from the complex computational architecture of the human mind that has been shaped by millions of years of natural selection. Many of those who warn against creationism in primary schools are as hidebound as creationists when it comes to teaching their own subjects in the university. The history of science and its method should also get greater emphasis in both scientific and humanist education. What is government itself, but the greatest of all reflections on human nature? James Madison asked. He and the other Founders tried to create a Constitution that worked within the grain of human nature. Thus, the document encourages a commercial republic so that the ineradicable self-interest of man becomes an engine of trade and prosperity, but its provisions also impose checks on government to prevent that same self-interest from becoming a source of division and oppression. Today, we can consider the degree to which our governments foundations accord with the best understanding of human nature, as understood through biology. Humanist disciplines can be reconsidered from a Darwinian perspective. Literature, for instance, reflects human nature as refracted through the culture of its place and time and the sensibility of its author. Evolutionary biology helps us understand why certain issuesadultery and aggression, sayare recurring themes in literature and even show similar patterns of resolution across cultures and literary forms. Relating literature to biological traits provides a window on how science can help underscore our common humanity. Evolutionary psychology even helps us understand why we read. In her recent book, Why Do We Care About Literary Characters?, Blakey Vermeule raises the fundamental question of why we care more about great fictional characters than we do about many real people. One important reason: our evolved cognition best takes in information in the forms of narrative. We like books for much the same reason that we like gossip. We learn useful lessons about how to live, about how others manipulate the world and deceive us, and about how to win affection and loyalty. In a sense, this insight is nothing new: ancient writers thought of stories as moral exempla. But it confirms that literature has utility as well as beauty. In short, by nesting the social sciences and humanities within biologya process E.O. Wilson calls consilienceuniversities can once again make students sense the unity of knowledge amid the complexity of many disciplines. A final practical way to integrate the two cultures is to ask students to evaluate the political and moral issues raised by new technologies, such as intervention in the genome. This requires understanding of technology and science but also forces students to confront technology morally and politicallyand that requires knowledge of the traditions that shape judgment. In an age of technological acceleration, one of the best ways to make the past directly relevant is to consider the future. Snow was too blithe in thinking that the division between the cultures simply reflected ignorance, which factual knowledge would ameliorate. The cultures have different purposes. Science concerns the transformation and mastery of the world; humanism concerns evaluation of these transformations and mastery of ourselves. The faster that man changes the world through science, the more that he needs a revived humanism to provide the self-understanding and self-discipline to navigate the rapids that come. Photo: In his famous 1959 lecture Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution, Snow worried that science and humanism were drawing apart. (MARY EVANS /MARX MEMORIAL LIBRARY/THE IMAGE WORKS) Departing House Speaker Paul Ryan is one of the most decent people I have ever met in public life. Political ambition often works as a Dementors Kiss, sucking the souls from those so afflicted. To the end, Ryan maintained his ideals and his character. He is what we often say we want from our elected officials: a man of public and personal virtue. We must, therefore, seek to explain why his departure is seen as a tacit admission of failure. The causes of the failure differ, depending on the critic. For anti-Trumpers, Ryan is seen as complicit in President Trumps consolidation of power within the Republican Party. For many Democrats, he is the archetype of what they oppose, a small-government advocate whose policies, they say, will saddle the nation with debt while shrinking the welfare state they cherish. For others, he is the man who failed to repeal Obamacare and who shepherded through an omnibus spending bill that increases spending by over $150 billion. Even his one-time adversary, Trump, subtly turned the knife by staging a picture of Ryan and other GOP leaders in the White House with a thumbs-up pose in support of the presidentreleased on the same day that Ryan announced he wouldnt run for reelection. Ryan failed to usher in the conservative revolution he sought, in large part because of his virtues. He was so committed to his vision that he both failed to adapt to political realities and to persuade people not already convinced to join him. This led to a series of proposals that either thrilled the Right but proved politically untenablesuch as his original Roadmap for Americas Futureor that were not practical enough to prevail, despite efforts at compromise, such as the Obamacare-repeal bill, which was DOA when it arrived in the Senate. Caught between the Scylla of devotion to principle and the Charybdis of a character unsuited for legislative logrolling, Ryan ends his speakership with accomplishments well short of what he had sought. Many on the right will disagree with my contention that Ryans original vision was politically impossible. To them, Americans are ready to roll back the federal government radically and to revampothers say repealthe middle-class entitlements of Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that increasingly eat up our tax dollars. Ryans failure, as they see it, was in not being ruthless and willful enough to force these measures througheven in a recalcitrant Senate, which clearly does not want to pass such sweeping measures. For them, Ryans failure was a problem solely of political courage. This view flies in the face of what we know. Polls regularly show that large majorities of Americans, including Republicans, like their entitlements and do not want them radically changed. Look no further than the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, where the decidedly un-Ryanite Donald Trump swept away a talented field of contenders with promises to protect entitlements and to use federal power to restrict immigration and restore American manufacturing. That result alone ought to convince observers that, while Ryan may be a prophet, he is one increasingly without honor in his own party. Ryans plan was always fiscal, not programmatic. It looked at federal programs primarily through the prism of expenditure, rather than accomplishment. It also saw freedom as a primary political goal, implicitly arguing that Americans should accept greater risk in their livesand fewer public services, if necessaryin pursuit of that goal. Thus, Ryans plans invariably included detailed analyses of budgetary impacts but largely ignored what would happen to health-insurance coverage or retiree income, among other real-life consequences. Ryans plans explained the price of everything but the value of nothing. Changing that perception would have required entering into a dialogue with Americans that accepted their concerns about the disruption that such reforms would cause. It would have required making peace with the goals, at least, of the welfare state, and positioning reform as a way to protect those goals, rather than as a way to transcend them. In short, it required a completely different approach than the one Ryan and the small-government Republicans employed. Ronald Reagan would have done it differently. In 1964, he told readers of National Review that Barry Goldwaters anti-government presidential campaign had failed because it was perceived as too radical. Human nature resists change, Reagan wrote, and it goes over backward to avoid radical change. Reagan would persuade millions of Democrats and Independents to become Republicans precisely because he presented himself as Franklin Roosevelts heir, not as his ideological opposite. Reagan was also flexible enough to cut deals with Democrats to advance his goals, such as making individual arrangements with congressmen to procure votes for his tax and spending cuts or agreeing to raise taxes as part of a program to save Social Security. Reagans liberal critics called his changes radical, but centrist Americans saw them as prudent adjustments to a political course that they had endorsed since 1932. At 48, Ryan will leave elected office a comparatively young man. Reagan was still a registered Democrat at that age; his political career was years away from getting started. I hope that we have not seen the last of Ryan. He should use this time out of leadership to reflect on his career, as Churchill and Lincoln did. I hope that he will return with a deeper understanding of the America he so clearly loves, and of the human desire for security and dignity, which Ryan sometimes lost sight of in his enthusiasm for abstract principles of freedom. A personally incorruptible man with such a balanced philosophy would be exactly what America yearns for. Perhaps Ryans Return, whenever it opens, will prove to be a sequel more successful than the first installment. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images Blockchain is not going to solve everything around issues of public trust and confidence in the charity sector on its own, but it does have potential uses, according to a charity technology expert. Speaking as part of a panel at yesterdays Charity Technology Breakfast Briefing in London, Karl Hoods, who was until recently chief information officer at Save the Children, said the charity had identified ways blockchain technology could assist in delivering services to beneficiaries and improve the different Save the Children offices around the world shared information. He cautioned those in attendance not to just look to invest in blockchain because of the hype around it. In response to a question from the audience about whether STC explored blockchain because of a request from the chief executive or the board of trustees Hoods said it was the opposite situation really, we identified certain ways we thought this technology could be useful to us and then took that to the chief executive and board. Hoods, who recently stepped down from his role with STC to join the civil service, said the charity looked at blockchain to facilitate humanitarian passports for doctors and other emergency volunteers as a quick and easy way of validating their identities and background checks at short notice. He also said blockchain could be useful for STC when it comes to remediation - moving funds from a donor in the UK through to a beneficiary in another country without paying bank fees for changing currencies or processing transactions. The ultimate aim was to see how we could improve the donation process which currently involves moving funds from a donor, through our network, to Save the Children UK, to Save the Children International, out to a country office and down to a beneficiary. That is an awful lot of steps with money being transferred from one member country to another, FX rates in changing that into US Dollars and then changing back out in the country. Despite the exciting possibilities presented by blockchain and other cryptocurrency technology, Hoods said its not a silver bullet to all the problems faced by the voluntary sector. Blockchain is not going to solve absolutely everything. The thing with all of the potential for blockchain, is that its wrapped up in problems that need solving. Blockchain isnt the solution on its own. Its going to come down to policy and lots of other factors. Up to a decade before it's scaleable The panel of charity technology experts also differed on when blockchain technology would be widely used. Tris Lumley, head of development at NPC, said it would be at least 10 years while Raphael Mazet, chief executive of Alice, a technology company trying to harness blockchain for good, said it could be as soon as two years" from now. Its going to be much quicker than a lot of people think. Whether its going to be five or two years, I dont really know, said Mazet. Certainly what you will see over the next couple of years are real blockchain things. Public blockchains coming out. Its going to take time for people to get used to it. Its going to take time for people to test, iterate, break, fail and all the rest. But one thing that you cant forget is just the humongous amount of money that is being poured into this space and the tremendous amount of incentives for people to succeed. Lumley however argued that even if the technology itself is at a scale where it can be marketed, he remains unconvinced of the sectors ability to take it up right away. I think itll take at least 10 years. At least a decade to get to the point where those blockchain materials are ready to deploy is a long way off. For example, impact measurement is a technology, a soft technology, and it has been around a long time. We kind of know how to do it, and its not mature. Lets say 60 years and its still not fully matured and thats got nothing to do with the tools and techniques themselves. Its got to do with the fragmentation and the power dynamics of our sector and I dont see any of this stuff changing that. Hoods said that the blockchain market is incredibly immature at the moment and Id be surprised if in the next five years we saw anything anywhere near stable enough to be massively production ready. Civil Society Media is holding its next Charity Technology Breakfast Briefing on how we procure in the changing world of IT. Get more information or sign up here Oxfam has been investigated by the Information Commissioners Office after it circulated a copy of its 2011 report about sexual misconduct in Haiti that was not securely redacted. The charity reported the mistake to the ICO and the Charity Commission and has apologised for the error. The information regulator is now considering its options. On 19 February it published a redacted version of the report from 2011 about its investigation into events in Haiti. But the day before it had sent journalists an embargoed version of the report which had not been fully redacted, meaning some personal information could be extracted. It sent journalists an updated version of the report before the embargo lifted. It has now written to everyone it sent the incorrect version telling them to delete the incorrectly redacted version of the report. In a statement Oxfam said: In order to be as transparent as possible about the decisions made during our investigation into sexual misconduct by some former Oxfam staff in Haiti, we published a redacted copy of our final internal investigation report from 2011 on 19 February. Unfortunately, due to a technical error the report was not securely redacted when it was first circulated. We apologise for this mistake. We took immediate action to correct it and reported the breach to the Information Commissioner's Office - and we are fully co-operating with them. We also notified the Charity Commission and anyone who could potentially be identified as a result to make them aware. The ICO said: We have completed our investigation and we are considering our regulatory options. Options open to the ICO include issuing monetary penalty notices, issuing undertakings committing an organisation to a particular course of action and reporting concerns to Parliament. Interactions on some local publishers Facebook posts are down by as much as 56 percent compared to the two years prior, despite an algorithm change that Mark Zuckerberg says was deliberately designed to promote news from local sources on the platform. Analysis by the Tow Center finds that 11 out of 13 regional metros averaged fewer interactions per post in the nine weeks following the pro-local algorithm change than in the two years before. TRENDING: Lawyer behind Hannity revelation at Cohen hearing speaks Facebook, it appears, is already missing the mark on one of its central goals for 2018: giving local news a shot in the arm, at least when judged by its own measure of success, meaningful interactions. Facebook announced its first major algorithm change of 2018 on January 12 as one designed to show less public content, including videos and other posts from publishers or businesses in favor of posts from friends and family. This was an ominous shift for publishers. Central to this change was a move to prioritize posts that spark conversations and meaningful interactions, where meaningful meant posts that generate a lot of comments, shares, and reactions. A little over two weeks later, on January 29, the platform made an additional intervention, announcing immediate changes to amplify the visibility of local publishers. Mark Zuckerberg posted on his personal Facebook page, writing, Our next update on our 2018 focus to make sure Facebook isnt just fun but also good for your well-being and for society Today our next update is to promote news from local sources. Sign up for CJR 's daily email Zuckerberg continued: People consistently tell us they want to see more local news on Facebook. Local news helps us understand the issues that matter in our communities and affect our lives. Research suggests that reading local news is directly correlated with civic engagement Starting today, were going to show more stories from news sources in your local town or city. If you follow a local publisher or if someone shares a local story, it may show up higher in News Feed Local news helps build communityboth on and offline. Its an important part of making sure the time we all spend on Facebook is valuable. If, as Zuckerbergs explanation suggests, one of the intended outcomes of this algorithm update was to build community by prioritizing local news, it has not increased meaningful interactions for local publishers. In fact, engagement on many local publishers pages has declined since the algorithm change. NOTE ON METHODOLOGY: The 13 outlets used in this study were chosen because they participate in Facebooks Local News Subscriptions Accelerator, announced in February 2018. Data was collected from CrowdTangle (the monitoring tool now owned by Facebook) on Tuesday, April 3, 2018. It covers the period between January 1, 2016 and April 1, 2018. The latter date was chosen because it marks nine weeks since Zuckerbergs announcement about shifting the News Feed algorithm to favor local news. Interactions were calculated by summing reactions (likes, hahas, etc.), shares, and comments for each post. This research does not assess the success of the Local News Accelerator, which Facebook announced in February to help news organizations gain subscriptions. Data gathered about the 13 local publishers shows that the average number of interactions with Facebook posts since the local-friendly algorithm change is 27 percent lower than it was in the preceding two years (January 1, 2016 through January 28, 2018). Posts from these local publishers each averaged 211 interactions in the two years before the algorithm change. In the nine weeks since, that figure has fallen to 153. For 11 of the 13 outlets, the average number of interactions on Facebook posts was lower than in the two years prior to the late January algorithm change. Three outlets saw average interactions fall by over 50 percentThe Dallas Morning News, The Denver Post, and the San Francisco Chronicle. A fourth, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, was not far behind, with average interactions down by 46 percent. ICYMI: A pretty bad typo in the LA Times At the lower end of the scale, The Tennessean and The Boston Globe saw a decline in average interactions nearer to 6 percent. A couple local outlets have seen increases in interactions since the pro-local news algorithm change. Average interactions on posts by The Miami Herald increased by 7 percent. The biggest outlier in this sample is Philly.com, whose average interactions rocketed by 38 percent; however, this was partly driven by extraordinary levels of interaction with posts about the Eagles Super Bowl win. In February, 53 posts containing Super Bowl or Eagles received over 1,000 interactions. A map showing the route of the teams victory parade achieved around 8,800. Its worth noting, however, that these average declines have not occurred overnight. Many outlets interaction figures appear to have followed a downward trajectory since late 2016 or early 2017. Examples of this pattern are particularly evident at outlets such as The Denver Post, the Omaha World-Herald, and The Seattle Times. Even in cases where average interactions have shown signs of picking up in recent months, they are typically far below the higher levels seen in previous months, with much of the data finding them a long way short of the heyday of late 2016 to early 2017. Facebook has claimed to be interested in supporting local news for some time, calling it the starting place for great journalism ahead of last years News on Facebook roadshow, during which Facebook News Partnerships manager, Dorrine Mendoza, told the audience, We have not been doing a great job at listening to local journalists and local newsrooms, but were recommitted to doing that. All of the publishers included in this case study are taking part in the Facebook Journalism Projects Local News Subscriptions Accelerator program, a $3 million initiative announced in February. Of this latest initiative, Campbell Brown asserted that it is a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our platform connects people to the quality, trusted and local news that is most important to them. Our data suggests that Facebook hasnt made headway in achieving this goal. As the first major algorithm change of 2018 made clear, there is a company-wide drive to make time spent on the platform more meaningful. Thereafter, Zuckerbergs post announcing the pro-local update talked of building community and emphasized Facebooks role in facilitating civic engagement. Given the decline of meaningful interactions on many local news outlets posts, is this another area where the platform is failing at what Zuckerberg himself identified as an important part of making sure the time we all spend on Facebook is valuable? ICYMI: The Facebook Armageddon Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Pete Brown is the Research Director at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, and runs the Content Analysis Hub for the Publishers and Platforms project. A Roman Catholic bishop on Friday announced the appointment of a prominent judge to handle complaints of sexual abuse by priests in central Michigan, but police responded by urging victims to contact investigators instead. Michael Talbot will help the Saginaw Catholic Diocese after he retires from the Michigan appeals court on April 25. The diocese has been under scrutiny since the Rev. Robert DeLand was charged in February with sex crimes against two males. Another priest, the Rev. Ron Dombrowski, has been suspended but not charged. Bishop Joseph Cistone said Talbot will be independent and have full authority in all matters of alleged sexual abuse of minors. I need to hear from victims. I especially have to hear from people who have been hesitant to come forward, Talbot told reporters. He promised to share information with police when necessary. But in response, a Saginaw-area police team thats continuing to investigate DeLand and the diocese said the public should contact authorities with allegations of sexual abuse, not church representatives. We respectfully disagree with the procedure announced by Cistone, investigators said in a statement released by the Saginaw County prosecutor. The diocese cannot and should not be used as a clearinghouse for the reporting of crimes by victims. That is the function of law enforcement. Police recently seized records from church properties, including Cistones home. Cistone, who is being treated for cancer, said he appointed Talbot because the 11-county diocese needs a fresh start during a very distressing time. Hours after Cistones announcement, the diocese posted the names of four former priests and a former deacon who were removed from religious duties years ago due to credible allegations of sexual abuse of children. They are Stanislaus Bur, John Hammer, Richard Howard, Jack Leipert and Leonard Wilkuski, according to the diocese. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Southwest Airlines Co. is stepping up inspections on its jet fleet after investigators said they discovered evidence of metal fatigue on an engine that exploded Tuesday, sending shrapnel into the plane and killing a passenger seated near a window. The woman was partly sucked out of the plane carrying 149 people as it flew about 32,500 feet above Pennsylvania, according to passenger accounts and the National Transportation Safety Board. The death was the first fatality on a U.S.-registered airline in more than nine years. The plane, a Boeing Co. 737-700 bound for Dallas from New Yorks LaGuardia airport, made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Safety Board investigators found indications of metal fatigue, an area of weakness caused by repeated bending, where a fan blade on the engine was missing, NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt said in a briefing on Tuesday night. Sumwalt cautioned that the information was preliminary. Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly told the NTSB that the company would begin additional inspections of its engines, Sumwalt said. Sumwalt said Wednesday on CNN that hed been told by the executive that the company planned aggressive ultrasound testing to detect potential fatigue in its fleet. The pilots brought the plane down promptly, landing at a higher speed than usual to ensure they could control the plane, he added. I did listen to the aircraft control communications, and it certainly sounded to me like they did an excellent job, Sumwalt said. From a fellow airline pilot, my hats certainly off to them. Sumwalt flew the 737 and other aircraft during a career as a pilot. The plane was powered by CFM56-7B engines, which are made by CFM International Inc., a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Frances Safran SA. CFM, the sole supplier of engines for 737-700 planes, said it has sent technical representatives to examine the plane. The Associated Press identified the woman who was killed as Jennifer Riordan, a vice president of community relations for Wells Fargo & Co. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Seven people suffered minor injuries. She was nearly sucked out of the cabin as it decompressed at high altitude and other passengers had to pull her back into the plane as it flew at hundreds of miles an hour, according to passenger accounts. A man in a cowboy hat rushed forward a few rows to grab that lady to pull her back in, Alfred Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas, told the AP. She was out of the plane. He couldnt do it by himself, so another gentleman came over and helped to get her back in the plane, and they got her. One of the Southwest pilots radioed to air-traffic control during the emergency that someone went out, according to a recording on the LiveATC.net website. This is a sad day, Southwests Kelly said on a video released by the company. On behalf of the whole Southwest family, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of our deceased customer. As the cabin suddenly lost pressure, flight attendants began crying, one passenger, Marty Martinez, founder and CEO of Social Revolt digital marketing in Dallas, said in an interview. When we saw that they started crying, of course we thought we were in a really bad place. We were going down, Martinez said. The woman who was injured made no noise at all, he said. Nine-Year Record In a LinkedIn profile, Riordan said she managed volunteer service by almost 1,700 employees at non-profits in New Mexico and helped represent the company in the community. The death shattered an unprecedented string of more than nine years without an accident-related fatality on a U.S. passenger airline. The last fatal accident involving a U.S.-registered carrier occurred near Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 12, 2009, when a commuter carrier operated by Colgan Air crashed, killing 49 people on board and a man on the ground. The NTSB shipped the Southwest planes two black boxes, crash-proof recorders to its lab in Washington, where investigators did an initial download of the cockpit voice recorder on Tuesday night, Sumwalt said. Television feeds and photos posted on Twitter show the front of the aircrafts left engine had been ripped open. A metal piece that covers the exterior of the engine was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 60 miles north of Philadelphia, Sumwalt said. The plane had been aloft for about 30 minutes when an explosion shattered the routine and oxygen masks descended from the ceiling, Martinez said. He and others took to social media, using the planes Wi-Fi connection, trying to leave final messages in case the plane crashed. I kind of just felt like it was over, he said. Were flying at 30,000 feet going 500 miles an hour. Reports of shrapnel shattering a window suggest that the engine broke apart in what is known as an uncontained failure. U.S. regulations require engines to be covered in tough casings designed to prevent metal from flying into fuel tanks and passenger areas if an engine breaks apart. Sumwalt said the NTSB did not have enough information yet to call the failure uncontained. CFM Engine The CFM engines are among the most widely used in the world, powering more than 6,700 aircraft for more than 350 million flight hours, CFM said in a statement. The NTSB investigates the most serious engine failures and conducted a probe of a similar Southwest episode in 2016 involving the same type of engine. While engine failures havent caused a major crash in the U.S. in decades, incidents that threaten safety continue to occur. On Oct. 28, 2016, an engine on an American Airlines plane exploded on a Chicago runway as the aircraft was preparing to take off, triggering a massive blaze that melted one wing. A disk within the GE CF6-80 engine was later found to have a manufacturing defect, the NTSB said. Pieces of the spinning disk flew as far as 2,920 feet (890 meters), striking a warehouse. The plane was a Boeing 767. The 737-700 that made the emergency landing on Tuesday was delivered in August 2000 and only flown by Southwest, FAA records show. The model is the smallest jetliner currently manufactured by Boeing and is the heart of the airlines all-737 fleet. The Texas carrier has hunted for used -700s in recent years as it parked an earlier version known as the 737 Classics. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. The demographic shift the world is going through presents a major trend that's worth investing in, according to one expert. "Aging is, with no doubt, one of the strongest, one of the least cyclical, one of the most permanent trends in the market," Vafa Ahmadi, head of thematic equity management at Amundi's CPR Asset Management, told CNBC's Dan Murphy. Given those factors, investing around the aging population makes "good sense," Ahmadi said at the Credit Suisse Global Megatrends Conference in Singapore. The population of those aged 60 and older stood at 962 million last year, making up 13 percent of the world's total population, according to the United Nations. Those numbers are projected to quickly increase in the near future. By UN estimates, there will be 2.1 billion people aged 60 and older in 2050. Meanwhile, all regions of the world, with the exception of Africa, will have populations where one quarter of individuals are aged 60 or older by the same time, the UN said. With the older population increasing, its collective spending capacity is likely to follow suit. "The consumer spending of aged adults will represent $15 trillion in 2020 and it's rising very quickly," Ahmadi said. As for the specific areas in which he is investing, Ahmadi explained that CPR's Silver Age strategy currently looked at eight different areas, including the financials, health care and consumer sectors. "What has been doing rather well over the course of the last six months have been financials, with no doubt, and the part of cyclical consumption, [specifically] leisure," he said. Amid heightened volatility in the markets this year, Ahmadi also added that thematic investing which broadly refers to buying into areas the could benefit from long-term trends was the way to go. "It makes lots of sense in volatile markets to be exposed to a source of growth in a very steady way," he said. Her first experience with White House politics came in 1980 when her husband ran against California Gov. Ronald Reagan for the Republican nomination for president. She sparked a campaign controversy with comments supporting ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment and in favor of a woman's right to an abortion, putting her at odds with the conservative wing of the GOP then led by Reagan. "The personal things should be left out of platforms at conventions," she recalled years later, in a 1992 interview with Time magazine. "You can argue yourself blue in the face, and you're not going to change each other's minds. It's a waste of your time and my time." Reagan won the nomination and chose George H.W. Bush as his running mate. The ticket went on to win the 1980 and 1984 elections. During those eight years as "second lady," Mrs. Bush began her life in the Washington spotlight and her work raising family literacy. She founded the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy with a goal of improving the lives of disadvantaged Americans by boosting literacy among parents and their children. Over nearly three decades, the foundation says, it has raised and provided more than $110 million to support family literacy programs nationwide. "Focusing on the family is the best place to start to make this country more literate, and I still feel that being more literate will help us solve so many of the other problems facing our society," she wrote in her 1994 memoir. (In addition to two memoirs, her books included two written in the voices of her family dogs, C. Fred and Millie.) Though she carefully guarded her family's privacy, Mrs. Bush found herself an even more widely recognized public figure after her husband won the 1988 election to succeed Reagan as president. Her false pearl necklaces sparked a national fashion trend when she wore one to her husband's inauguration in 1989. The pearls became synonymous with Mrs. Bush, who later said she selected them to hide the wrinkles in her neck. The candid admission only bolstered her common sense and down-to-earth image. Legendary activist investor Carl Icahn has accumulated a medium-sized stake in VMware, according to sources familiar with the matter. Icahn's stake is below the 5 percent threshold that mandates public disclosure. It's unclear if Icahn has a particular agenda or is pushing for anything specific from VMware or Dell, which owns about 80 percent of the company. Dell is considering a reverse-merger with VMware, where Dell and its tracker stock, DVMT, would be rolled into one publicly-traded company. Talks between Dell and VMware have continued this week about a deal, according to sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. A deal between Dell and VMware remains tricky, said the people, because VMware shareholders will need to be convinced a transaction is in the company's best interest. Conversations between the two companies continue to center around synergies and crafting a deal that will make VMware investors pleased, said the sources. While it's not mandatory for VMware shareholders to have a vote on a transaction, any deal will probably come up with a so-called "majority of the minority" provision, allowing VMware investors to have a say on an acquisition, sources familiar with the structure of the deal have told CNBC. If Dell and VMware don't go forward with a merger, Dell has also said it will consider an initial public offering. This would allow Silver Lake to monetize its 2013 investment in Dell, although it wouldn't simplify the capital structure between Dell and VMware. Dell's tracking stock DVMT is built to mimic the performance of VMware within Dell. It trades at a significant discount to VMware. An acquisition would eliminate the tracker, according to sources familiar with the matter. Icahn publicly and unsuccessfully challenged Michael Dell in his 2013 effort to take Dell private. Icahn accumulated an 8.9 percent stake in Dell and made a counter-bid for Dell, along with Blackstone Group. Michael Dell and Silver Lake ultimately acquired the company for $24.4 billion, a price tag Icahn said "greatly undervalues it." Chinese automakers, especially those in ventures with foreign firms to manufacture vehicles in China, traded in the red on Wednesday following Beijing's announcement that it would open its car market. The Hong Kong-listed shares of BAIC Motor, which has joint ventures with Daimler and Hyundai, was among automakers suffering the biggest losses, down 15.68 percent on Wednesday morning local time. , which works with Toyota, Honda and Mitsubishi, was down 8.17 percent in Hong Kong and 4.65 percent in Shanghai. The other Chinese auto stocks that were battered on Wednesday morning: Dongfeng Auto, which partners with Kia and Honda, was down 6.27 percent in Hong Kong and 0.87 in Shanghai. Brilliance Auto, with a JV with BMW, fell 8.71 percent in Hong Kong. SAIC Group, which manufacturers Volkswagen and Skoda cars, declined 1.94 percent in Shanghai. The broader markets in Hong Kong and Shanghai were mostly flat, with the up by around 0.19 percent and Shanghai Composite down 0.28 percent. The declines in Chinese auto stocks came after Beijing on Tuesday said it would gradually remove foreign ownership limits on automotive firms by 2022. Currently, foreign car makers are allowed to own a maximum of 50 percent of any local venture a restriction that has led to complaints by the likes of Tesla's Elon Musk. If the limit is removed, foreign automakers may seek greater or full control of their ventures in China a move that would hurt their local partners, analysts at Daiwa Capital Markets wrote in a note. "We expect some near-term pressure on Brilliance, BAIC, (Dongfeng) and (Guangzhou Automobile), and recommend sticking with local brands like Geely," the analysts added. CNBC's Cheang Ming and Reuters contributed to this report. The embattled voter-profiling firm Cambridge Analytica quietly sought to develop its own virtual currency in recent months through a so-called initial coin offering, a novel fund-raising method that has come under growing scrutiny by financial regulators around the world. The planned coin offering and a broader push into the world of virtual currencies were an indication of Cambridge Analytica's willingness to expand into risky, new technological realms. But much like its acquisition of Facebook data to build psychological profiles of voters, the new business line also took the firm into murky ethical and legal situations. Documents and emails obtained by The New York Times show that Cambridge Analytica's efforts to help promote another group's digital token, the Dragon Coin, associated the firm with a famous gangster in Macau who has gone by the nickname Broken Tooth. Cambridge Analytica's own digital token was supposed to help people store and sell their online personal data, Brittany Kaiser, a former employee of the voter-profiling firm, said in an interview. The goal was to protect that data from more or less what the company did when it obtained the personal information of up to 87 million Facebook users. "Who knows more about the usage of personal data than Cambridge Analytica?" Ms. Kaiser said. "So why not build a platform that reconstructs the way that works?" The effort was overseen by Cambridge Analytica's British chief executive, Alexander Nix, who was forced out of the company in March after he was caught on tape bragging about his company's approach to political work in other countries, including the use of shell companies and strategies designed to entrap opponents. The Facebook data revelations and Mr. Nix's comments appear to have put the virtual currency work, which was still in the early stages, on hold. Read more from The New York Times: After Cambridge Analytica, privacy experts get to say 'I told you so' Silicon Valley venture capitalists prepare for an I.P.O. wave Employees jump at genetic testing. Is that a good thing? Initial coin offerings, or I.C.O.s, are a method of fund-raising in which companies sell their own virtual currencies. The tokens are generally structured like Bitcoin, using a so-called blockchain to record transactions. The coins are usually designed to be used as an internal payment method in software that the start-ups are building. Over the last year, companies have raised over $6 billion through I.C.O.s. Coin offerings generally avoid the regulatory oversight that accompanies traditional fund-raising methods, opening the door for significant fraud. A number of coin offerings have been shut down by law enforcement, and there are several broad investigations of the industry by regulators around the world. "There are only a handful of more controversial areas it could have expanded its business into," said Tim Swanson, a consultant to companies in the industry, who was briefed on the Cambridge Analytica coin offering. A spokesman for Cambridge Analytica did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Cambridge Analytica began working with coin offerings in the middle of last year. The business was guided by Ms. Kaiser, an American who led the company's business development and previously appeared at a press event with organizers of the "Brexit" campaign to get Britain out of the European Union. Cambridge Analytica boasts that its "psychographic profiles" of voters and consumers allow for more persuasive and precisely targeted advertising. In marketing material sent to investors, the firm said Ms. Kaiser was "helping blockchain companies in using predictive modeling to target investors for token sales." Jill Carlson, a consultant who has worked with several blockchain companies, attended meetings where Cambridge Analytica pitched its services to virtual currency companies, including one that Mr. Nix attended. Ms. Carlson said the Cambridge Analytica employees had bragged about their success in helping get President Trump elected and their ability to carefully target advertising campaigns using data from social networks like Facebook. She also remembers they spoke about an array of potential campaigns. The most unusual idea involved sending virtual currencies to people in far-flung regions of Mexico. The payments would give people incentive to fill out surveys and get data that could then be used to help design campaigns for Mexican political candidates. Ms. Carlson said the pitch was contrary to the ideas of openness and transparency that drew her to virtual currency projects like Bitcoin. "The way that Cambridge Analytica was talking about it, they were viewing it as a means of being able to basically inflict government control and private corporate control over individuals, which just takes the whole initial premise of this technology and turns it on its head in this very dystopian way," she said. Cambridge Analytica did win over some clients. Last summer, Ms. Kaiser's team began working with Dragon Coin, a new virtual currency that was designed to be used by gamblers. The coin was supposed to make it easier for people to get their money to casinos in Macau, an island that is technically a part of China with some independent political structures. Cambridge Analytica had little public role in promoting Dragon Coin. But behind the scenes the company emailed potential partners and investors and arranged for some of them to take all-expenses-paid trips to a glitzy Dragon Coin event in Macau. The South China Morning Post published a photo from the event showing Wan Kuok-koi in attendance. Mr. Wan is known as Broken Tooth Koi from his days as the leader of the famous 14K gang in Macau. He was released from prison in 2012 after serving a 14-year term. The founder of Dragon Coin, Chris Ahmad, told Business Insider at the time that Mr. Wan "is not involved in Dragon, and he is not financing Dragon in any way." But documents sent in September to potential investors by Dragon Coin's co-founder Paul Moynan listed Mr. Wan as the sponsor of the initial coin offering and included his picture. Ms. Kaiser was included in the email. A separate Dragon Coin document that Mr. Moynan sent out at the same time listed Mr. Wan as one of a few high-profile supporters of the project. When reached recently, Mr. Moynan initially said that his email address had been hacked and that he did not recognize the documents. He later said the documents were a "hypothetical wish list" of a "junior staff" member. "We will be conducting an internal investigation, as unfinished draft documents would never have been indicative of actual agreed partnerships," he said. Ms. Kaiser said that her work on the Dragon Coin event in Macau had been done in a personal capacity, and that the Dragon Coin team had told her that Mr. Wan was not involved with the project. Dragon Coin claimed it raised over $300 million from investors last fall. That total has been hard to verify. But like many coin offerings, Dragon Coin has failed to live up to its promises. The document sent to investors in September said Dragon Coin had secured a partnership with Visa to release a debit card that would work on the Visa network. A spokeswoman for Visa said that there was no partnership and that no Dragon card had been approved, as is necessary for a card to be issued. The documents last summer also said the Dragon app, which would let investors use its virtual coin, would be available in September. When that didn't happen, the company promised the app in January but it still has not appeared. In the meantime, the company has spent its money sponsoring a Formula E car racing team and a team climbing Mount Everest. The setbacks did not stop Cambridge Analytica from plunging further into the virtual currency realm. The company's New York office continued reaching out to potential investors and partners, emails show. And in January, Ms. Kaiser hosted a side conference dedicated to blockchain projects, known as CryptoHQ, at the World Economic Forum's annual conference in Davos, Switzerland. Mr. Nix spoke on a panel at the event. He said that the technology would be helpful in solving the very problems that Cambridge Analytica has since become the emblem of the abuse of online personal data. "We're going to see a new type of economy emerging where people can start to take ownership of their data and monetize on their data," Mr. Nix said, according to a tweet from the CryptoHQ account. "And that is only possible through the blockchain." tweet The virtual currency that Cambridge Analytica was designing was aimed at exactly this problem, and would have also helped the company raise money from investors. The company wrote a document describing the technical specifications of the coin, Ms. Kaiser said. Her account was confirmed by another person who worked on the project and agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity. The work was overseen by Alexander Tayler, the firm's chief data scientist and briefly the interim chief executive after Mr. Nix stepped down. Ms. Kaiser left Cambridge Analytica in February and has been sharply critical of the company since then. As far as she knows, the coin offering has not moved forward. But she is still working on similar concepts at her new consulting firm, Bueno Capital. U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this month ahead of a widely anticipated summit between the president and the dictator. "Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" the president tweeted. Donald Trump tweet The meeting was first reported by the Washington Post. The face-to-face meeting between Pompeo, who was recently nominated to be the new secretary of state, and Kim took place in North Korea over the Easter weekend and marks the highest-level sit-down between the two countries since 2000, the Washington Post said. The purpose of Pompeo's confidential trip was to lay the groundwork for upcoming discussions between Trump and Kim, the Post reported, citing two unnamed sources. A South Korean official on Wednesday said the country would consider negotiating a peace treaty with North Korea following the rogue state's denuclearization, according to local news outlet Yonhap. That followed daily newspaper Munhwa Ilbo reporting on Tuesday that the two countries were already in talks to announce a permanent end to the officially declared military conflict between them. Ahead of a summit next week between North Korean premier Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in, lawmakers from the neighboring states were thought to be negotiating the details of a joint statement that could outline an end to the confrontation. Kim and Moon could also discuss returning the heavily fortified demilitarized zone separating them to its original state, Munhwa Ilbo said. Pyongyang and Seoul have technically been at war since the 1950-1953 Korean conflict ended with a truce and not a peace treaty. Geopolitical tensions have occasionally flared up since the armistice, although both countries have so far managed to avoid another devastating conflict. A successful summit between the Koreas later this month could help pave the way for a meeting between Kim and President Donald Trump. The U.S. president and North Korean leader are poised to hold talks in late May or June, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Despite the talk of a potential peace agreement, there may be some technical roadblocks to such a deal. For one, Pyongyang does not view Seoul as an authorized participant in peace talks, a former CIA official told CNBC. "When I met with North Korean officials last year, they said that South Korea is not 'qualified' to participate in peace treaty negotiations because it didn't sign the armistice and didn't have wartime operational control of its forces," Bruce Klingner, senior research fellow of Northeast Asia at the Heritage Foundation, told CNBC. "Technically, South Korea is not a signatory to the armistice and a peace treaty would require UN action," Klingner added. "The previous North Korean position has been for three parties North Korea, China, and the U.S. to sign a final peace treaty." The technology sector is offering global opportunities to investment groups such as Abu Dhabi Financial Group (ADFG), the CEO of the firm told CNBC. "When we talk about technology, it's a completely different landscape from any other conventional sector. Technology really is something that does not work with the conventional way of thinking and how an investor thinks," ADFG's Jassim Alseddiqi told CNBC's Hadley Gamble in Abu Dhabi. ADFG is an Emirati investment company that was founded in 2011 and now has more than $6 billion under management. In April, it acquired a strategic stake in Silicon Valley-based venture fund 500 Startups. Alseddiqi said the investment allowed ADFG to broaden its scope. "When we took a stake in 500 Startups, for us global reach was very important and 500 Startups is basically in every continent," he said. He added that the group had made tech investments closer to home, however. The U.S. Air Force announced new principles and reforms to its space programs Tuesday, largely to increase the speed and capabilities of the military in the fourth domain. To do so, Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson and her team are using their own version of Facebook's "move fast and break things" mantra, circa 2012, well known in Silicon Valley. "If we're going to get to building fast and failing fast, we've got to start doing it in programs that matter," Air Force Assistant Secretary Will Roper told reporters Tuesday at the 34th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Roper was speaking about the Air Force's plans to cut four years off developing the military's next-generation missile warning satellite. Originally scheduled to take nine years to design and produce, according to Wilson, the new plans will use "common" components meaning more universal and will not have a "lengthy analysis of alternatives." This is an overhaul that is "not just about going faster at management," Wilson said. "The biggest barrier to speed [is] in the Pentagon." She declared the Air Force must "rewire the paradigms in the Pentagon." Wilson's overhaul of the missile warning satellite program is just one example. Another is the restructuring the Space and Missiles Systems Center, a process expected to take six months. "These initiatives are a start," Wilson said. "If speed matters, then you need to be thinking about all of the standards for things to rapidly connect." The U.S. Commerce Department said on Tuesday it has made a preliminary determination that aluminum sheet imports from China are being subsidized. The Commerce Department calculated preliminary subsidy margins ranging from 31.20 to 113.30 percent of the value of the imported common alloy aluminum sheet. In 2016, imports of common alloy aluminum sheet from China were valued at an estimated $600 million, the department said in a statement. The department also said it was starting new investigations to determine if certain steel wheels from China are dumped in the United States and whether producers in China are receiving unfair subsidies. Those investigations followed complaints by Accuride Corporation and Maxion Wheels Akron, the department said in a statement. The alleged dumping margins range from 12.1 percent to 231.7 percent, and U.S. imports of the products from China in 2017 were estimated to total $388 million, it said. That test showed the durability of the engine, according to Smith, and how the design for reusability is paying off. Blue Origin recently test fired a BE-4 engine for nearly two minutes at nearly three-quarters of full power. The company's BE-4 engine, the thunderous staple of Blue Origin's propulsion business, has demonstrated that it "works, and works well," CEO Bob Smith told CNBC's Morgan Brennan at the 34th Space Symposium at Colorado Springs, Colorado. Blue Origin is headed quickly toward commercial operations as the rocket company founded by Jeff Bezos nears the end of testing for several of its major projects. "That's why we've spent so much time in developing this, over seven years developing this engine, to make it reusable," Smith said. "This engine will actually perform 100 starts 100 full missions that we'd actually be able to go do," Smith said. BE-4 is built for Blue Origin's coming New Glenn rocket. Smith said the engine's predecessor, BE-3, "was designed with the same kind of principles." The BE-3 engine powers the New Shepard rocket, which launched, landed and successfully deployed an unmanned capsule in December. Smith said the smaller New Shepard rocket was launched five times without removing the BE-3 engine "or anything else on the rocket itself." BE-4 "is just a five times larger" engine, Smith said. "We're excited about the commercial opportunities that's going to give us: when we fly it on New Glenn and when we hopefully get selected by United Launch Alliance for its vehicle, Vulcan, as well," Smith said. The alliance a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin is in the final stages of negotiating which engine will power its next-generation rocket. Smith said. Blue Origin expects to find out the decision "very soon." "We certainly are demonstrating all the technical characteristics that they need, for their vehicles," Smith said. "But we're going to offer it to whoever else will come out and say they need a new engine." Landing rockets for reuse is a process Blue Origin and Elon Musk's SpaceX are pioneering. The latter is already applying the technology to commercial launches. Reusability provides tremendous cost savings of 50 to 75 percent, Smith said a claim made more believable by SpaceX's massive Falcon Heavy rocket coming with a price tag of just $150 million, at most. Progress on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is "going very well," Smith said. A major asset to New Glenn is its large faring the nose cone that protects the payload during launch. "We have a 7-meter fairing, which is the largest in the industry," Smith said. Expected to launch in 2020, New Glenn is built to serve any customer civil, commercial or military, Smith said. He said Blue Origin also hopes to launch tourists to space before the end of the year on the New Shepard rocket. He cautioned that the company will only "go when we're ready." "We want to make sure it's completely safe for our passengers," Smith said. While rocket building and space tourism are exciting to Smith, Blue Origin, at its core, is "a propulsion company," he said. This is because Blue Origin follows "a lot of the same pathways" as Amazon when building business capabilities, Smith said. "Amazon goes and builds capabilities, gains some customer base, then continues to build on that," Smith said. Bezos' principles are apparent in Blue Origin, and Smith thinks it's about to pay off. "That infrastructure is going to start having some returns in a relatively short period," Smith said. "We'll hopefully see some very big rewards here over the next six months to a year." Outgoing Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., will not campaign against the Democrat running to replace him this year. The senator called Democratic former Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen a "friend" with whom he has worked for more than 20 years. Corker said Wednesday he does not plan to attack Bredesen, who aims to upset the leading Republican, Rep. Marsha Blackburn, in the red state. "I'm not going to campaign against someone who I've been a friend with and worked with, you know? So that's the way it's going to be," Corker said at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast. Corker has declined to run for a third Senate term in November. Despite the challenges Bredesen faces in a state President Donald Trump won with more than 60 percent of the vote, Corker told reporters he thinks the former governor has about a 6 percentage point advantage in the race right now. The winner of the seat will help to determine whether Republicans hold or expand their narrow 51-seat majority in the Senate. Corker also told the audience that "any Republican senator who hasn't been conflicted over this presidency is either comatose or is pretty useless in their blindness." Democrats face a daunting task in trying to take the Senate. The party's senators and independents who caucus with them will defend 26 seats in November, including 10 in states Trump carried in 2016. Republicans only face re-election in nine states. A competitive Tennessee race could change the calculus for the parties. Democrat Doug Jones' special election win in deep-red Alabama last year not only narrowed the GOP majority in the upper chamber but also gave Democrats hopes about competing in more challenging states this year. Corker has shown some support for Blackburn, who has served in Congress since 2003 and pledged to back Trump's agenda. On Wednesday, he said he sent her campaign a contribution check for an undisclosed amount of money, adding that he is "supportive." However, he said he never had the close working relationship with Blackburn that he did with Bredesen. Corker said he worked closely with Bredesen when the senator served as mayor of Chattanooga and Bredesen was governor. Bredesen, 74, is seen as having potential appeal across the state because he served two terms as governor. He won a 2006 re-election bid with nearly 70 percent of the vote. Bredesen has had to tread carefully in the red state. He has tried to avoid GOP efforts to tie him to Washington's Democratic leaders. He also said in a campaign ad that he is "not running against Donald Trump." Bredesen thinks taking back the Senate will be daunting for Democrats, even if he wins. "I don't think it's possible. I'll be honest with you. My expectation is that I will be in the minority in the Senate," he told The New York Times. Federal investigators are probing the loss of a fan blade in a deadly Southwest engine failure. One passenger was killed Tuesday on a Dallas-bound Southwest flight after an engine exploded, causing shrapnel to cut into the Boeing 737-700's fuselage, or the body of the plane. It blew out out a window and depressurized the cabin. Passengers aboard Southwest Flight 1380 had rushed to pull the victim back into the plane after she was partially sucked out of a window, witnesses said. It was the first fatality on a U.S. airline since 2009. The plane was climbing past 32,500 feet when indicators on the left engine started falling to zero and vibration significantly increased, said National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt. The cabin altitude warning started going off "shortly thereafter," which Sumwalt says usually occurs around 14,000 feet. The plane made an unprompted roll on its left side at a 41 degree angle, he said, adding that rolls are rarely greater than 20 to 25 degrees. The plane made an emergency landing without using the usual amount of flaps, which help it slow down. It touched down at around 190 miles per hour, Sumwalt said, faster than the typical 155 miles per hour. The entire event lasted twenty-two minutes, he said. A missing fan blade appears to have cracked in two places, Sumwalt said. Investigators have evidence of an initial fatigue fracture on the inside of a blade near the hub that appears to have caused a second fracture about halfway down. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note rose 5 basis points to 2.86 percent at 2:42 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond was 4 basis points higher at 3.042 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. The two-year Treasury yield hit a fresh high of 2.431 percent, its highest level since Sept. 8, 2008 when the two-year yielded as high as 2.542 percent. U.S. government debt yields rose on Wednesday, with short-term rates hitting multiyear highs as investors looked to equities amid largely positive earnings reports. On Wednesday, it's was about news coming from the U.S. central bank for bond investors. "Robust" business borrowing and a competitive labor market indicate the U.S. economy remains healthy and poised for continued growth, the Federal Reserve reported Wednesday, with the risks of a global trade war the one big outlier. The Fed said in its periodic "Beige Book" that the overall outlook among businesses "remained positive," though many were concerned that the Trump administration's tariff plans could impact profits. "Contacts in various sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation expressed concern about the newly imposed and/or proposed tariffs," the central bank said in its report, which covered the period from March to early April. CNBC's Gina Francolla contributed to this report. Chinese energy giants are making progress unlocking natural gas from shale rock formations, taking a step towards replicating the U.S. shale revolution, according to a new report. But China's national oil companies still have plenty of ground to cover before they even approximate the level of success America's shale pioneers have achieved, reports energy research firm Wood Mackenzie. Over the last decade, China's natural gas production has risen to 9 billion cubic meters. Wood Mackenzie forecasts that output will nearly double to 17 billion cubic meters by 2020 as Chinese energy giants fine tune advanced drilling methods tailored for their country. In terms of technology, the Chinese NOCs actually have built up their learning curves in a relatively short period. Dr. Tingyun Yang Wood Mackenzie consultant While that's notable, it still makes China a minnow compared to the whale that is U.S. shale gas. Last year, American drillers produced 474.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas from shale rock. Wood Mackenzie's forecast puts output far short of targets set by Beijing. The country aimed to produce 30 billion cubic meters of natural gas from shale by the turn of the decade to cut its reliance on coal. "The simplest challenge for China to hit the 30 bcm target is the target's too high," Wood Mackenzie consultant Dr. Tingyun Yang told CNBC's "Squawk Box" in Asia. Chinese oil companies would have to roughly double their activity to hit that target, and that is "not physically feasible," says Yang. Still, the drillers are developing homegrown technology and techniques that have cut the time and cost of drilling wells in China's southwestern Sichuan Basin, where a handful of projects are producing gas for Sinopec and PetroChina. China has slashed the costs of drilling exploration wells by 40 percent from 2010 levels and reduced costs associated with commercial wells by a quarter since 2014, according to Wood Mackenzie. A Chinese worker measures a pipeline at an offshore oil drilling platform in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. STR | AFP | Getty Images Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tommy Koh, and CNBC's Hadley Gamble and Nancy Hungerford. HG: Well, I'm pleased to say we are joined now by Tommy Koh, who is Ambassador-at-Large of Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and he joins us live from the Credit Suisse Global Megatrends Conference, in Singapore. Ambassador, thank you for joining us today, it's a pleasure to have you on the programme. Well, let's start with President Trump's latest-, TK: Thank you-, HG: Tweet. I know you were a chief negotiator of the US-Singapore Free Trade Deal, so is President Trump, right? Are bilateral deals better? TK: Uh, he is not right. There's value in bilateral deals, but there's also value in multilateral deals. Hello? HG: Yes, and when we consider the value to Singapore, specifically, there's also the issue of the TPP. As a member to that deal, there still was a hope that the US would get back on board here. Are you still holding out hope, in light of what we've heard today, or do you think that ship has sailed? TK: I-, I frankly don't think there's an appetite on the part of the 11 countries, which, last month, in Chile, signed the comprehensive trade deal-, the new name of the TPP, the Comprehensive and Progressive TPP. I don't think those 11 countries have an appetite to reopen it for-, for renegotiation. HG: So, what would you like to see, when it comes to the trade order in the world? Because Singapore, of course, is at the heart of trade flows, it is crucial to the growth in Singapore, considering the geographical position, but also the business that comes through here. Are you at all concerned about the trade tensions we've seen, primarily between the US and China, spilling over in to a more prolonged trade war? TK: I think it's a concern not just to Singapore, but to the whole of Asia. All the countries in Asia have made tremendous progress in the last few decades, and one of the reasons is because of free trade. All of us have benefited from free trade, and all of us are post-protectionism, so we are very concerned by the policies of the current administration in Washington. HG: Mr Ambassador, do you think this is just posturing from The White House, in a sense? Because you spent many years at the United Nations, you have now John Bolton in the United Nations for the United States, there's been so much push from President Trump, when it comes to what's going to happen next with North Korea. We now see that they may, in fact, be coming to the table. Is this posturing, do you think? Or do you think, aside from your views on his economic diplomacy, do you think that something may be getting done, at least within the foreign policy sphere? TK: I think the developments in recent months on North Korea are good news. Until a few months ago, the world was holding its breath, fearing that there will be a war between the United States and North Korea. Until a few months ago, none of us could have anticipated that North Korea would be willing to commit itself to denuclearisation of the peninsula. So, what has happened recently is good news. So, the forthcoming summit, on the 27th of this month, between Mr Kim and Mr Moon, is very important. And, most important of all, is the summit between President Trump and Mr Kim, whether in May or in June. HG: What other kind of breakthroughs do you think that we can expect, given the Trump policy, when it comes to what's happening in Asia, with regards to China? Do you think we might be able to see, in the coming months, in particular, some positive news coming out of that China/US relationship? TK: The US/China relationship is very complicated, because it's partly complementary, partly interdependent, but it's also partly competitive. So, the two leaders, Mr Xi, in China, and Mr Trump, in Washington, have a great responsibility of managing this, which is the most important bilateral relationship in the whole world. If this relationship goes wrong, it would have an impact on all the countries in Asia. NH: And, sir, when we talk about North Korea, you mentioned that the meeting between US President Donald Trump, the expected meeting, I should say, and the North Korean leader, will be the most important. The US has always maintained that for any real progress, North Korea must denuclearise. China, South Korea, have indicated that Kim Jong-un-, TK: Yes. NH: Is going to give a promise to denuclearise. Do you trust Kim Jong-un to keep that promise? TK: The question is not whether he will keep the promise. The question is whether-, whether the United States is prepared to pay the price for his agreement to denuclearise North Korea. He'll probably want a peace treaty. He'll probably want guarantees that the United States will not seek to change the regime in Pyongyang. We are not sure what more he wants, so-, but his agreement to even talk about denuclearisation is a huge breakthrough, and we can only be happy about that. NH: Sir, we very much appreciate your time today, thank you for joining us. That is Tommy Koh, Ambassador-at-Large for Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ENDS For more information contact Jonathan Millman, EMEA Communications Executive: Jonathan.Millman@cnbc.com About CNBC: CNBC is the leading global broadcaster of live business and financial news and information, reporting directly from the major financial markets around the globe with regional headquarters Singapore, Abu Dhabi, London and New York. The TV channel is available in more than 410 million homes worldwide. CNBC.com is the preeminent financial news source on the web, featuring an unprecedented amount of video, real-time market analysis, web-exclusive live video and analytical financial tools. CNBC is a division of NBCUniversal. For more information, visit www.cnbc.com. CNBC's Sara Eisen Broadcasts Live from the IMF Spring Meetings CNBC's Sara Eisen will broadcast live from the IMF Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. tomorrow, Thursday, April 19th, with interviews including: a FIRST ON CNBC interview with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde at 9:45AM ET on CNBC's "Squawk on the Street" and a CNBC EXCLUSIVE interview with Former Treasury Secretary Jack Lew at 11:45AM ET on CNBC's "Squawk Alley." Topics will include trade wars and global growth, among others. For more information contact: Jennifer Dauble CNBC t: 201.735.4721 m: 201.615.2787 e: jennifer.dauble@nbcuni.com Emma Martin CNBC t: 201.735.4713 m: 551.275.6221 e: emma.martin@nbcuni.com About CNBC: With CNBC in the U.S., CNBC in Asia Pacific, CNBC in Europe, Middle East and Africa, and CNBC World, CNBC is the recognized world leader in business news and provides real-time financial market coverage and business information to more than 409 million homes worldwide, including more than 91 million households in the United States and Canada. CNBC also provides daily business updates to 400 million households across China. The network's 15 live hours a day of business programming in North America (weekdays from 4:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. ET) is produced at CNBC's global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., and includes reports from CNBC News bureaus worldwide. CNBC at night features a mix of new reality programming, CNBC's highly successful series produced exclusively for CNBC and a number of distinctive in-house documentaries. CNBC Digital delivers more than 50 million multi-platform unique visitors each month. CNBC.com provides real-time financial market news and information to CNBC's investor audience. CNBC Make It is a digital destination focused on making you smarter about how you earn, save and spend your money by zeroing in on careers, leadership, entrepreneurship and personal finance. CNBC has a vast portfolio of digital products across a variety of platforms including: CNBC.com; CNBC PRO, the premium, integrated desktop/mobile service that provides live access to CNBC programming, exclusive video content and global market data and analysis; a suite of CNBC mobile products including the CNBC Apps for iOS, Android and Windows devices; and additional products such as the CNBC App for the Apple Watch and Apple TV. Members of the media can receive more information about CNBC and its programming on the NBCUniversal Media Village Web site at http://www.nbcumv.com/programming/cnbc. For more information about NBCUniversal, please visit http://www.NBCUniversal.com. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., suggested Wednesday that most Republicans in the Senate are "conflicted" about Donald Trump's presidency. "Any Republican senator who hasn't been conflicted over this presidency is either comatose or is pretty useless in their blindness," Corker said at a breakfast event hosted by the Christian Science Monitor news organization. "And we've got some of both, of course, but not many," he added. The remarks came in response to a question about whether the second-term senator would vote for Trump again in hindsight. Corker initially said that "responding to conjecture is bad for your health." In a recent Washington Post profile of Corker, the second-term senator said he would "probably" vote for Trump again in a race "between the same two candidates." Corker, who is not seeking re-election, has on occasion stood out from his Senate colleagues as a vocal critic of the president. Trump and Corker exchanged public insults during debates over tax reform legislation late last year. In October, Corker told CNN that he wouldn't support Trump again if given the opportunity. "No, no way," Corker said at the time. The same day, Trump sent a tweet calling Corker "incompetent." Trump tweet Corker is not the only GOP critic of Trump in Congress. Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., has also criticized Trump from the Senate floor lectern. Flake is also retiring from the Senate at the end of his term. In his remarks Wednesday, Corker described the friction of having "a president who will sign legislation that we pass on the Republican side," while having to deal with "chaotic things that occur on a daily basis" from the White House. Still, Corker said he has "a very warm relationship with the president" and praised him for being "more accessible than any president, probably in the history of the world." Corker, who is chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said he last spoke with Trump on Thursday morning regarding airstrikes against Syria launched over the weekend. Overall, however, Corker expressed ambivalence about the president. "It's a complicated relationship," he said. Corker also told the audience he will not campaign against Democrat Phil Bredesen, who is running for the Senate seat. Pilots and cabin crew deserve much more credit for their bravery in emergency airline situations such as the Southwest Airlines engine failure that resulted in one passenger's death, CNBC's Jim Cramer said Wednesday. "I've been in two crash landings in my life ... where there were no wheels," said Cramer, who declined to name the airlines involved in those incidents. "And the coolness of the pilots, the coolness of the stewards ... these people were amazing." "These people deserve a lot of credit," Cramer told CNBC's "Squawk on the Street." "Both times, I was reassured quickly. One of them was a faux landing, and it bounced, bounced, bounced and finally the last bounce right at the end of the runway." The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the blown jet engine that set off a terrifying in-flight chain of events Tuesday. Debris from the engine shattered a passenger's window, and a businesswoman was nearly sucked out of the plane through the hole. She later died. The plane, a Boeing 737-700, was carrying 149 people on a flight from New York's La Guardia Airport to Dallas when it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The pilot landing the damaged plane was Tammie Jo Shults, one the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. military, according to The Associated Press. She is being praised for her calming presence while trying to land the plane and for her "nerves of steel." A preliminary examination of the engine showed evidence of "metal fatigue," according to the NTSB. Southwest said that it is accelerating its inspections of the engine type that was involved in the accident and that they will likely be completed within 30 days. The tragedy was the airline's first on-board passenger fatality due to an accident in its history, and the first fatal U.S. commercial plane accident since 2009. CNBC's Jim Cramer has found one surefire way to boost your stock on a tepid day like Wednesday: say you're making investments in technology to make your company more efficient. "Just look at the stock of Home Depot," the "Mad Money" host said. "[It] announced this morning that it's hiring 1,000 technical professionals as part of its $11 billion strategic investment plan, and [its stock] was rewarded with a nearly 3 percent rally." Home Depot's stock finished Monday's trading session at $179.85 a share, up $4.94 per share. While some might argue that Home Depot is just a "publicity-hungry" retailer trying to artificially raise its stock price or attract investors, Cramer wasn't so quick to bash the home improvement chain. Cramer recalled what Marc Benioff, the founder, chairman and CEO of Salesforce.com, told him about Home Depot's Chief Information Officer, Matt Carey: that he "is a legend in information technology" who "has personally transformed" his company to fit the digital landscape. "Home Depot's been pulling away from its competition and staying ahead of even Amazon thanks to its homegrown technology effort run by its chief investment officer ... that marries engineers with product managers and salespeople who understand the customer experience," the "Mad Money" host said. Cramer added that Home Depot's efforts are no publicity stunt: the company spends heavily on technology, sponsors "Battle of the Brains" events to recruit coders, hires hundreds of tech employees right out of school and trains tech-savvy employees in 12-week boot camps. The "Mad Money" host said these initiatives are a direct response to the changing brick-and-mortar landscape, which is increasingly threatened by Amazon's speed and convenience. Retailers that have staved off Amazon have focused on creating technology that is strong enough to compete with the e-commerce giant, Cramer continued. Home Depot, for one, built a mobile app that lets customers speak into their phone and request a product and then shows them where to find it in the store. "How can you compete with that? I think it's impossible, frankly, which is why so many mom-and-pop hardware stores have gone under despite their often superior personal touch," Cramer said. "It's why even arch-rival Lowe's is losing in the two-way national race, because the contractors of the world don't have time to go to Lowe's anymore." Cramer sees the trend stretching beyond Home Depot. He attributed CSX's profit boost to increased efficiency at the railroad operator, much of which stemmed from tech improvements. "Here's the bottom line: tech isn't just FANG, for heaven's sake, my acronym for Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google, now Alphabet," the "Mad Money" host said. "It's about the companies that employ tech to trounce the competition in the information technology field. It's about the railroads or it's about a big orange chain store called Home Depot. With tech, if you live without it, you wither on the vine." A personal dissatisfaction with an old boys' club mentality in venture capital led Pocket Sun to co-found what she calls the first female-led millennial venture capital firm. "The venture capital industry is extremely male-dominated and I saw a lot of female entrepreneurs who were undervalued and undercapitalized," Sun, co-founder of SoGal Ventures told CNBC. Her firm was started by capitalizing on gender inequality, she added, to change the status quo in the industry. SoGal has gone on to make 52 investments in the past two and a half years, but the executive said she did not always expect to head down that path. "I would say I did not plan on going on this path at all," Sun said. "When I started SoGal, it was really to solve my own personal pain point. I wanted to see more women in venture capital events and entrepreneurship events." The dream grew bigger, however, and turned into a desire to create an empire for future generations of women to play a central role in the industry, Sun told CNBC's Dan Murphy at the Credit Suisse Global Megatrends Conference in Singapore. "So now, three years later, we've had 52 investments under our belt, which is just unbelievable. So we are onto bigger things it really started from humble beginnings," Sun said. The female-led venture capital firm plans to secure 40 to 50 more deals with its current funding, and the firm is currently evaluating a wide range of sectors including aging care, gaming and esports, blockchain and health care, she said. Sun's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs: "Just believe in your power and start by making little steps, because you never know what will come out at the end of the tunnel." The United States steel sector has reached "the end of the line" despite efforts by the Trump administration to revive the industry, UBS told clients on Tuesday, advising investors it may be time to ditch the metal stocks. U.S. steel prices should decline 17 percent through the end of 2019, UBS analysts predict, even after tariffs announced earlier this year by President Donald Trump are imposed on some foreign producers . "Section 232 in the U.S. resulted in lower imports and limited supply, creating volatility, but we expect the market to return to equilibrium," analyst Andreas Bokkenheuser wrote. "Even if imports fall (e.g., because of quotas), we caution that end-demand (manufacturing) will likely trend down driven by higher prices." "We closely track China as a primary leading indicator of U.S. steel prices (by one month), and conclude that risk to prices and the domestic spread is to the downside," he added. tweet Assuming the predicted fall in prices and a "structural decline" in U.S. steel demand, Bokkenheuser initiated coverage of AK Steel and US Steel with sell ratings. His $30 price target on US Steel and $3.25 target on AK Steel represent 17 percent downside and 31 percent downside, respectively, over the next 12 months. Shares of AK Steel, which are down more than 14 percent since January, rose 2.3 percent Wednesday following the UBS note. US Steel's stock, up more than 6.5 percent this year, closed up 3.1 percent Wednesday. China's voracious demand for and production of steel puts Beijing "in the driver's seat" when it comes to global pricing power, UBS said. The country accounted for half of global production in 2017 versus 5 percent in the U.S.; China's steel exports alone are equivalent to the total of U.S. demand as well as half of the global seaborne market. "Credit support is slowing in China putting downward pressure on construction growth and upward pressure on steel exports," he added. "Moreover, the U.S. to import price spread should correct to more normalized levels, as additional clarity on trade protectionism, namely Section 232, materializes post May 1." Jensen Harris worked for Microsoft for 16 years. He joined the company after graduating from college and lead the design and development of well-known products including Microsoft Office and Windows. He was, for a decade and a half, steeped in corporate culture. Then, three and a half years ago, the tech executive left Microsoft to co-found Textio, an augmented writing platform (software that help writers chose the best language for stronger communication). Harris tells CNBC Make It via email that he jumped ship because he knew he couldn't build his product in a big company environment. It's hard for large corporations to "take a risk and bet deeply on a new unproved product category," he explains. Now, his Seattle-headquartered start-up has 75 employees and clients like Cisco, Slack, the NBA, Intel, Expedia, Bloomberg and Johnson and Johnson. (Textio declines to share revenue numbers.) And Harris has learned a thing or two about start-up life. In series of tweets, published in April, he revealed what he wishes he'd known before leaving the corporate world. His first tweet, giving advice for "Microgoogfaceforceazon" (Microsoft, Google, Facbook, etc.) employees looking to make a change, has been "favorited" more than 5,600 times. Leaving a big company job for a startup can rejuvenate your career and make you love work again. But landing a startup job requires relearning some things, especially if (like me) you logged years and years at Microgoogfaceforceazon. Here are six things I wish I'd known: Here's what Harris has to say: 1. You're going to make less money at first If cash is your first priority, don't go to a start-up. "Seriously it's ok. Startups are not for everyone," Harris says. 1) At a startup, you will probably make less money at first. Yes, if you join the perfect startup early enough, your equity may someday turn into a private island and 200 foot yacht. But, in the meantime, your take home pay is likely going to be a bit less than it is now. The so-called "golden handcuffs" that big companies give you in stock grants/bonuses that vest over time are because those companies need to overpay you in order to get you to stay. You can make a great living at a startup of course, and growth stage startups in particular pay competitively and often with fantastic benefits. But if optimizing for the most take home cash is your #1 priority, keep your job. Seriously it's ok. Startups are not for everyone. 2. Your resume should highlight experiences beyond just your corporate role Internal corporate awards don't mean much to the rest of the world, says Harris. 2) About your resume: if you've been at a big company for a long time, you really need to figure out what experiences you've had that show depth outside of that company. Wrote apps for an unfamiliar platform? Started a nonprofit? Ran a successful Kickstarter campaign? All great. When I left Microsoft after 16 years, I had worked on what seemed to me to be a dizzying array of roles and products. Within Microsoft, that was compelling. To the external world, it was just 16 monolithic years at MSFT and everyone asked pointedly: why didn't you leave sooner? Also, leave off whatever "high potential" programs you were selected to, or awards you won inside of the megacorp. Same with review scores. Those don't matter on the outside, and just show that you're still deeply entrenched in the value system of the company you're leaving. 3. When interviewing at a start-up, it's crucial to talk about yourself, not your team That doesn't mean you should take credit for what you didn't do, says Harris. Be clear about your contribution. 3) Here's something it took me a long time to learn on the outside: say "I" instead of "we." Working for @stevesi at MSFT, I learned an incredibly important lesson about leading inside of a large team: always say "we did this" not "I did this." Perfect advice for that situation. When interviewing, though, saying "we did this" makes it hard to identify your personal contribution. I find myself talking to megacorp candidates trying to understand what did *they* do? What specific designs did they draw what code did they write what ideas were theirs? But also, don't claim personal accomplishment for a team effort unless you provably did it. You probably didn't "bring AI to iOS" yourself. You didn't "create the Windows 7 kernel" or "increase S3's scalability 400%" yourself. Specify *your* actual contribution to the product. 4. Curiosity to learn new things is crucial "Your company is not in control of your learning. Prove that you're curious by actions, not words," says Harris. 4) For devs: show true curiosity outside of your company's stack. Your mastery of Google's internal experimentation pipeline is not interesting outside of Google. If you are MSFT and I ask you if you've used Redis and you say "you mean Azure Redis Cache?", that's not a good sign. This means if you work for Amazon, build something on DigitalOcean. Googler? Build with React. From Microsoft? Get into AWS. The best big company devs we've hired are the ones with natural, proven technical curiosity outside of their company's native stack, shown by actual work. Don't say the reason you want to join a startup is "to have a chance to learn XYZ technology." Learn and build with the tech you are curious about yourself your company is not in control of your learning. Prove that you're curious by actions, not words. 5. A start-up wants someone who can produce, not just manage If you don't want "to be on the frontlines," then keep your corporate gig, says Harris. 5) Be a worker and be prepared to show it. Big companies are necessarily full of people whose primary job it is to carry information from one meeting to another, from one department to another. Middle managers and PMs, in particular, are often defined by this type of work. Startups don't have this kind of "info pusher" job. They can't afford to, and they're not big enough to need it. Everyone is responsible for making something, building product, owning decisions, selling something, hustling. You can't just show up at the meeting and "seem senior." Big company folks sometimes flame out at startups because this kind of individual work is not what they actually want. No judgment from me or anyone else if it's not be honest with yourself about the degree to which you want to be on the frontlines, making or selling things. 6. You shouldn't apologize for your time in the corporate world you have some great experience Harris says leaving a big company to join a start-up can be a breath of fresh air personally and professionally, as long as you are aware of what you are doing and why. 6) Embrace the unique skills you developed in a big company. No one builds more reliable software at scale than Amazon or Google this knowledge can be a huge boon to a startup. Salesforce perfected solution-based selling; this may help scale your SaaS startup's sales expertise. Don't feel like you have to be on your back foot or defensive about your time at a megacorp. It took me a year out of Microsoft to realize that so much of what I learned there was applicable in my new startup jobi just needed to learn to apply it in a different environment. There's a whole world out here, free from the walls of your megacorp job. Enter into it for the right reasons, and you'll find joining a startup to be truly transformative for your career and rejuvenating for your soul. Prepare for it the right way, and you too can join us! See also: A group of senators is urging the Food and Drug Administration to take actions to stop leading e-cigarette Juul from becoming even more popular among kids and teens. Media reports have detailed how adolescents around the country are using Juul and bringing the sleek devices that look like USB drives to school. Advocates have expressed their concerns about how fruity flavors may mask the reality that one pod of liquid contains as much nicotine as that in a pack of cigarettes. Eleven Democratic senators including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Elizabeth Warren and Tim Kaine are urging FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb to ban sweet nicotine flavors they say could entice young people. Last month, the FDA took the first step toward implementing a rule about the role that flavors play in attracting users to certain tobacco products. "It is imperative that the FDA take immediate steps to remove kid-friendly e-cigarette and cigar flavorings from the market. If companies want to use flavors, they should be required to demonstrate to the FDA that use of flavors will benefit public health," the senators wrote in their letter. The senators are also pressing the FDA to reverse its decision to delay regulation of e-cigarettes and some tobacco products. Last summer, the agency extended the deadline as part of a sweeping plan to overhaul tobacco regulation. Under the revised timeline, manufacturers won't need to file until 2021 for combustible products like cigars and until 2022, for noncombustible products like e-cigarettes. Last month, anti-tobacco groups and public health organizations sued the FDA for the delay. Six organizations, including Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and Truth Initiative, sent a separate letter to the FDA on Thursday asking the agency to take a number of actions, including ordering the removal of some flavors and suspending online sales until the company establishes "adequate rules" to verify customers are of legal age. "I mean, this is more than an isolated incident," Truth Initiative CEO Robin Koval told CNBC. "It has become a nationwide phenomenon. I don't know how else to say it. It's very, very disturbing." In a congressional hearing Tuesday, Gottlieb said the agency is "deeply concerned" about youth use of e-cigarettes. He said the FDA is going to take some "very vigorous enforcement steps" in the coming weeks. "You'll see the agency stepping into this fight very soon," he said. The senators wrote a separate letter to Juul Labs, the company that manufacturers Juul, asking CEO Kevin Burns how the product is marketed to kids and teens, what ingredients are in the flavored pods, as well as requesting the company take steps to limit youth use. In a statement, Burns said he received the letter and takes this matter "very seriously." The company has been finalizing a plan for new initiatives and actions, which it will announce it in coming weeks. "I share the concerns expressed in this letter about youth access and believe no young person should ever try JUUL," Burns said in an emailed statement. "I look forward to discussing and working with members of Congress, the FDA and others about how we can make progress on preventing youth from ever using JUUL or other nicotine products." Like other e-cigarette makers, Juul says its products are meant for adult smokers who are looking to switch from conventional products. In response to reports of adolescents using its products, the company has invested in education and prevention efforts such as "secret shoppers" who test to make sure retailers are not selling to minors. "It's a really, really important issue," Juul Labs' chief administrative officer Ashley Gould told CNBC in December. "We don't want kids using our products." Kevin Johnson of Starbucks speaks at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders at McCaw Hall in Seattle, Washington. Starbucks is just the latest brand to find itself under scrutiny in the public eye. However, the company's response to a viral video of two black men being arrested in one of its cafes last week, is what sets it apart. On Thursday, a woman posted the video online and said that staff at a Philadelphia Starbucks had called police because the men had not ordered anything while they waited for a friend to arrive. On Monday, Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson was on the ground in Pennsylvania meeting with them. "That's very rare," Aaron Allen, founder and CEO of global restaurant consulting firm Aaron Allen and Associates, told CNBC. "And it sends a message not just externally, but a strong message internally." Allen said that for the majority of companies, the initial inclination is to "batten down the hatches" and stall for time to figure out a solution. One sign of the success of its strategy is that Starbucks stock has remained relatively stable throughout the whole incident. "I agree Starbucks and Kevin Johnson have done a good job in responding to this incident," Denise Lee Yohn, a brand leadership consultant, told CNBC via email. She noted how quickly Johnson took responsibility for the incident, committed to reviewing the company's culture and practices, provided clear statements to employees and customers and flew out to meet with the two men who had been arrested. "These steps provide an instructive playbook for other leaders facing crises like this," Yohn said. On Tuesday, Johnson went one step further. The company announced that it was closing all of its company-owned restaurants in the U.S. during the afternoon of May 29 to conduct a racial-bias education program. Some 8,000 of the company's U.S.-based locations will participate so that nearly 175,000 employees can attend the training program that will address implicit bias, promote inclusion and help prevent discrimination. "The CEO was slow to address race, which remains a big stain on Starbucks' brand trust," Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management consultants, told CNBC via email. "But, the closing of Starbucks stores for racial-bias training is the single smartest move they can make. It shows through action, not talk that they get it and they value doing the right thing over earnings and customer cash." Starbucks isn't the first restaurant brand to close stores in order to host a company-wide training session. Chipotle Mexican Grill shuttered its stores for an afternoon to conduct mandatory food safety training after a series of foodborne illness incidences tattered its reputation. Still, some question how effective this racial-bias training session will be for the brand. With tech development accelerating at an exponential clip, the world's headed for science fiction to be made reality, according to the former chief business officer of Google X. Mo Gawdat, speaking at the Credit Suisse Global Megatrends Conference in Singapore, said rapid progress that has been made in a few major areas, including artificial intelligence, will lead to that future. Technological fields to watch, he said, are robotics, machine learning, life sciences, blockchain, virtual reality and augmentated reality. "Control is an illusion ... there is no control, especially if you are trying to control a species that is much smarter than you are." Mo Gawdat former chief business officer of Google X Robotics has "broken out," he said, with many robots soon to be doing tasks in everyday living, while machines are learning and becoming "much smarter than we are." As for life sciences, Gawdat said there are indicates that "by 2050 we will start to increase humans' life expectancy by one year every year." "So put all of those together and ... for the first time in my technology life, I tend to believe we really are heading for sci-fi. Everything you see in sci-fi movies is going to happen," he said. He highlighted the sheer speed of technological progress. "There are no peaks anymore, there are no big discoveries anymore ... It's all happening so fast that you don't realize the amount of change between this year and last year," he said. "The technology adoption curve ... is just very very much accelerating, to the point we're now talking about product life cycles in months, not even in years. Ethical question for machines Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein said President Donald Trump's increased pressure on China regarding trade is not necessarily a bad thing. "I think the kind of pressure that's being put to bear is fine," Blankfein told CNBC Wednesday. "I understand what's trying to be accomplished here: We're not trying to end trade with China, we're trying to even it out." Blankfein was speaking on the sidelines of a U.S-China business summit co-hosted by the bank and China Investment Corporation, the Beijing-based sovereign wealth fund. The CEO pointed to China's transition from a developing market, and its heavy reliance on exports to accommodate a population moving from villages to cities. To some extent, China's economic rise was a good thing for global stability but Blankfein said other markets, including the United States, got "hollowed out a bit" in the process. "I think from the U.S. point of view it's time to say 'let's re-examine where we stand'," Blankfein said. Earlier in April, the Trump administration detailed its targets of Chinese imports to be subjected to tariffs. China responded by announcing plans for tariffs on 106 U.S. products, including soybeans, cars, aerospace and defense. In response to that, President Donald Trump instructed U.S. trade representatives to consider $100 billion in additional tariffs against China. In November, Goldman announced a $5 billion sovereign fund with the host of Wednesday's event, the China Investment Corp. It aims to facilitate Chinese companies' investment in American manufacturing, industrial, consumer, and healthcare industries, Goldman said in November. When asked if that fund could deteriorate as a result of U.S policies, Blankfein said "he wouldn't say anything is impossible," but that the relationship between the world's largest economies will rebound. "Not only is it recoverable, it has to recover," Blankfein said. "There's no path forward if we disagree with each other over the long-term. We need to work things out." Bon-Ton is headed to liquidation, and more than 200 stores will be put on the chopping block as the business winds down and vacates malls across the U.S. The department store chain, which also owns banners Carson's, Younkers and Elder-Beerman, was forced into filing for bankruptcy protection earlier this year, weighed down by a burgeoning debt load and struggling to compete online with the likes of Amazon and Walmart. It initially planned to close only about 40 locations. The winning bidder for the retailer's assets is scheduled to be approved on Wednesday by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Wilmington, Delaware, according to court documents. A complete liquidation will leave mall owners scrambling to fill the huge gaps at their properties. Some landlords at top-tier centers welcome the opportunity to bring in more profitable tenants. But others, at less-desirable and less-trafficked malls, risk not being able to fill those locations as easily. There's also the fear that co-tenancy clauses will be triggered as Bon-Ton moves out, where existing tenants might have the opportunity to negotiate rents or terminate their leases entirely. With dual headquarters in Milwaukee and York, Pennsylvania, Bon-Ton's stores are primarily scattered across the North and Midwest. The department store chain's banners tend to be in more rural communities, and often sharing a mall with ailing Sears. Once the asset sale is approved by the court, Bon-Ton's stores are expected to close within the next 10 to 12 weeks. The news comes just weeks after Toys R Us started closing its more than 800 stores across the U.S., building on industry-wide turmoil. Reporting by Lauren Thomas. Data visualization by John Schoen. Southwest Airlines pilot Tammie Jo Shults is being praised for her quick thinking and calmness under pressure during an emergency landing that saved 149 passengers at Philadelphia International Airport on Tuesday. "This is a true American Hero," passenger Diana McBride Self wrote on Facebook. "A huge thank you for her knowledge, guidance and bravery in a traumatic situation." Alfred Tumlinson, another passenger, told the Associated Press, "She has nerves of steel. That lady, I applaud her." However, this isn't the first time the pilot has made history in her career. Shults, 56, was among the first female fighter pilots in the U.S. Navy. Cindy Foster a classmate at MidAmerica Nazarene University, where Shults studied biology and agribusiness tells the Kansas City Star that Shults was the first woman to fly an F/A-18 Hornet for the Navy. Navy spokesperson Lt. Christina H. Sears tells CNBC Make It that while she cannot confirm whether Shults was the first woman to fly an F/A-18 Hornet, she confirmed that Shults "was among the first cohort of women pilots to transition to tactical aircraft." Shults was commissioned in the Navy in 1985 and served as an instructor pilot flying the F/A-18 Hornet and EA-6B Prowler, achieving the rank of lieutenant commander, Sears said. Although Shults always had a love for flying, she was met with "a lot of resistance" because of her gender, says Foster, who graduated with the pilot in 1983. "So she knew she had to work harder than everyone else." U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet Source: U.S. Department of Defense That's because Canada has provincial elections this spring, Mexico has its presidential election in July and the United States has midterms in November, Bevin said. "Nothing's going to happen if we don't get it done quickly," the Republican said in an interview with CNBC's Wilfred Frost on " Power Lunch ." Time is of the essence if a deal on the North American Free Trade Agreement is going to be reached, Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin told CNBC on Wednesday. The United States is aiming to reach a deal in principle with Canada and Mexico in the next three weeks, according to congressional aides and industry executives who have been briefed by the Trump administration. The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative declined to comment. Negotiations are expected to resume Thursday, when top officials from the U.S., Canada and Mexico meet in Washington. Talks are expected to continue Friday. Bevin said Kentucky and many other states need a "modern" version of NAFTA. Kentucky exports to nearly 200 countries and in 2017 had $30.9 billion in exports, a record. "It does need to be resolved," he said. "Everyone recognizes it's an outdated agreement but one that is critical for North America." He's also not concerned about President Donald Trump's tough trade talk, which he believes will result in getting the U.S. better deals. "People have different styles. Some are more subtle and more diplomatic. Others like to stir the pot, throw things in there and see what happens. I think our president is one of the latter," Bevin said. "It is creating a level of dialogue that is healthy." CNBC's Kayla Tausche and Jennet Chin contributed to this report. Indonesian Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said her country wants to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), but is not yet ready to do so. The former World Bank managing director spoke Wednesday to CNBC's Joumanna Bercetche at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Group Spring Meetings in Washington. The meetings bring together central bankers, lawmakers and company directors. Indrawati said Indonesian President Joko Widodo has always wanted to join the TPP but does not see it as an immediate priority for the economy. "The direction is towards that (TPP), but we have to address a lot of structural issues. That is why the Indonesian government is paying attention to connectivity, human capital and reform to the ease of doing business," she said. After the United States abandoned plans to join the TPP trade agreement, 11 other countries decided to revive it and signed a revised version in March. The countries now participating are Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. Indrawati said Indonesia's trade focus in future would not solely focus on TPP nations. "I think we are going to make sure that Indonesia focuses on non-traditional markets. We are going to look at central Asia as well as India and Africa," she said. Indrawati was appointed finance minister in 2016 having previously served in the same post between 2005 and 2010. As earnings kick into high gear, investors have brushed the trade war threat to the background. That could be a mistake, says one strategist. "What we know from experience is that most geopolitical risks don't impact markets materially over the longer term, but there's one exception to that rule, and it's protectionism," Kristina Hooper, chief global markets strategist at Invesco, told CNBC's "Futures Now" on Tuesday. "While markets seem not to be concerned right now about any impending trade war, we have a lot to be worried about when it comes to that potential," she said. The level of alarm over a potential trade war has been dialed back since Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech last week. Xi pledged to free up the Chinese economy to trade and foreign investment, both seen by some as a move to placate the U.S. However, Hooper warns markets not to underestimate Xi's "strategic prowess." There's no compelling reason why China would grant material concessions and there could be another flare-up, she said. Tensions between the U.S. and China have already ratcheted higher this week. On Tuesday, China said it would levy a 179 percent import fee on U.S. sorghum following an anti-dumping investigation. A day earlier, the U.S. Department of Commerce banned U.S. companies from selling to ZTE, a Chinese telecom that Qualcomm counts as a customer. If fears of a full-blown trade war come back to terrorize markets, prepare for another steep sell-off, Hooper warned. "I think we could see another sell-off of about 10 percent or a little less," she said. "There is a very real threat there." Should tensions escalate, Wall Street could see an atypical trade war where tariffs are met with non-conventional methods from China. "Keep in mind that China has an arsenal of tools in a possible trade war that are non-traditional," she said. "It doesn't have to be retaliatory tariffs. It could be devaluing renminbi. It could be in fact not buying more U.S. Treasurys or selling some U.S. Treasurys they currently hold, jacking up our borrowing costs. There's a lot at stake." China held $1.18 trillion in holdings of U.S. bonds and other Treasurys as of February, according to the U.S. Treasury. Uncertainty over geopolitical events has Hooper feeling cautious this year. She anticipates 2,800 on the by year-end. "That may sound like I'm being pessimistic," said Hooper. "We could certainly go higher, but I think there's definitely a cap at about a 10 percent gain this year. It's going to be "a lot harder to get our returns this year," she added. "We're going to have to put up with a lot more volatility and risk to get there." A 2,800 target on the S&P 500 implies around 4.6 percent upside from current levels. Hooper's estimate is below the median target of 3,000 on the Street. Italy appeared to be taking a step closer to forming a coalition government on Wednesday, with the country's president seeking to push coalition talks between the biggest political parties. President Sergio Mattarella summoned Senate speaker Elisabetta Casellati earlier Wednesday to ask her to mediate between Italy's main political parties to see if they can reach an agreement on the formation of a new government after weeks of failed talks. Casellati, a member of the center-right Forza Italia party who was elected as speaker of the Senate recently with the approval of Italy's main parties, has been tasked with seeing if there can be a coalition between the 5 Star Movement (M5S) and an alliance of center-right parties. She is due to report back to Mattarella on Friday, ANSA news agency reported Wednesday. A general election on March 4 resulted in a hung parliament in which no one party or coalition of parties won enough of the vote to govern alone. But the vote radically changed the face of Italian politics with populist, anti-establishment parties like the M5S and Lega, an anti-immigrant and euroskeptic party, performing well. While M5S gained the largest share of the vote for a single party, the center-right coalition made up of former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, the right-wing Lega party under Matteo Salvini and two other smaller parties, also won a large share of the vote. Talks aimed at forming a grand coalition between M5S and the center-right have failed so far, however, as M5S' leader Luigi Di Maio has point-blank ruled out any coalition that includes Berlusconi. Rather, Di Maio has urged Lega to drop its ally, Forza Italia and Berlusconi, in order to make a deal possible, but Salvini has so far refused. Francesco Filia, chief executive and chief investment officer of Fasanara Capital, told CNBC on Wednesday that it is a "clear possibility" that Casellati gets a government mandate to head up a unity government. "She could be the figure around which the M5S and League go together into government. It seems to be impossible for M5S to support any other type of government," he told CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe." "The reception of the market could be positive but how stable (the coalition) is is a totally different matter. It could prove to be quite unstable and quite short-lived," he said, adding that a coalition made up of M5S and Lega could create volatility in Italy's financial markets. Federico Santi, an analyst at political consultancy Eurasia Group, said in a note Tuesday that two key obstacles stand in the way of a M5S-Lega coalition. "First, is the issue of the leadership. M5S leader Luigi Di Maio insists on becoming prime minister, but Lega's Matteo Salvini refuses to accept a subordinate role. Second, and related, is the role Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia would play," he said. Any coalition formation could be delayed by regional elections coming up in Italy later this month, but the vote could be a test of support for parties such as Forza Italia that were sidelined in the general election. Santi said Lega will be watching the elections closely. "While regional elections could make it easier for Lega to sideline Forza Italia, Lega has so far been reluctant to break its coalition. Salvini needs Berlusconi for leverage vis-a-vis M5S. He wants to avoid a messy break up, which could affect Lega's local government power base and ability to absorb Forza Italia voters (Salvini's longer-term ambition)." Santi said a possible way around the impasse would be for a M5S-Lega government led by a compromise prime minister agreeable to both parties, "affording Lega control of some key ministries and leaving Forza Italia to play a less visible role, with direct or indirect control of some minor cabinet posts." Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin slammed his state's attorney general on Wednesday, telling CNBC he does not support the official's lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson. The suit, filed in court Wednesday, accuses the pharmaceutical manufacturer of devising a deceptive marketing scheme that mischaracterized the risk of opioid abuse and addiction. "I'm not on board with just about anything that he does," Bevin said of Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear. "Does that topic need to be addressed? It does. But he's frankly not a competent attorney," he added. Bevin is a Republican and Beshear is a Democrat. Beshear recently filed a lawsuit against the governor in an attempt to overturn a pension reform bill Bevin signed into law. In fact, Bevin says the attorney general sues him "repeatedly." The lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson is Beshear's fifth to date seeking to hold a drug manufacturer or distributor responsible for its role in the national opioid epidemic. J&J in a statement said that it marketed and promoted opioids appropriately and that its products' labels provided information about their risks and benefits. "He aspires so much for political office," Bevin said on "Power Lunch," noting that Beshear's father was the state's previous governor. "These are political moves. He does these for the headlines that he gets. They're not thoughtfully done. They're not well laid out." However, he stressed that his comments refer to the way Beshear is "going about this" and "not at the broad level in the premise of them." When asked to comment on Bevin's remarks, Beshear said Kentucky families strongly support his efforts to hold opioid manufacturers and distributors accountable for the "devastation they have caused." "We lose four Kentuckians every day to a fatal overdose, and opioids have created more broken families resulting in more Kentucky children in foster care and kinship care than ever before. I am fighting for the future of our families, whether the Governor is on board or not," Beshear said in a statement to CNBC. Reuters contributed to this report. Retired Libyan Army general Khalifa Haftar speaks during a press conference in the town of Abyar, 70 km southwest of Bengahzi, on May 17, 2014. AFP | Getty Images Libya's most powerful military leader reportedly suffered a stroke this week and no one can confirm whether he is dead or alive. Local media has reported General Khalifa Haftar's death, while sources close to him insist he is recovering. If the former is true, it could mean a renewal of violence and a power struggle that could hit the OPEC country's oil output and create new opportunities for extremist groups like the Islamic State militant group. Often described as the oil-rich state's "most powerful warlord," Khaftar, who heads the powerful but internally fractured Libyan National Army (LNA), has been a stabilizing force in a country wracked by civil war since longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was deposed in the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011. Many fear that his absence could usher in the kind of power vacuum and chaos that followed Gaddafi's death. Haftar effectively controls eastern Libya, including the "oil crescent" in the Gulf of Sirte that holds four major ports that comprise the lion's share of Libya's oil exports. The 75-year-old general, who holds American citizenship, was formerly a Gaddafi ally but returned to Libya in 2011, after years in the U.S., to join the NATO offensive that toppled the dictator. A fractured country Haftar has successfully managed to hold numerous competing factions and tribes together to keep the LNA unified. And he's effectively presented himself as an answer to radical Islamist groups in the region, thereby gaining strong support from Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Eastern Libya is home to its Tobruk-led government, which is in competition with the internationally-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA), based in the capital of Tripoli in western Libya. Haftar's eastern camp is supported by Egypt and the UAE. Technically, the two bodies are supposed to be united under the GNA, but they do not fully recognize one another and thus make their own laws regardless of joint consensus. Welcome to Libya. AP Exports from the four ports under Haftar's control are Libya's main source of much-needed hard currency. Libya's population of 6.3 million sits above the largest proven oil reserves in Africa, but benefit practically nothing from them the United Nations estimates about 40 percent of the country lives below the poverty line. Because he's so revered in eastern Libya, any potential successor to Haftar would likely face serious challenges from within the LNA, and his death could trigger deep internal conflict, said Sarah Al Shaalan, a Middle East and North Africa researcher at risk consultancy Eurasia Group. Egypt and the UAE appear committed to preventing a splintering of the east, but a worst-case scenario would be the outbreak of further violence. Risk to oil production Haftar's incapacitation will have direct implications for the hydrocarbon sector, according to Chris Elsner and Paul Tossetti of IHS Oil Markets. The general's efforts were vital in maintaining much of Libya's oil production. It took Haftar's concentration of power in the east, aided by his military forces, to open up all Libya's central export terminals, "marking the start of the most recent rise in Libyan output back to 1 million barrels per day (bdp) from a range of 300,000 to 500,000 bpd," the analysts said. "That resurgence and the associated revenues have bought a measure of temporary stability for Libya and provided some scope for political negotiations to move forward," they added. So increasing chaos would only further damage Libyan national security, creating opportunities for militias and traffickers already exploiting the crisis, Al Shaalan said. "The Islamic State would also likely exploit the situation to accelerate attacks intended to disturb oil exports in north-central Libya." And a weakened LNA would encourage its opponents to recapture main positions like oil terminals or military sites. A picture shows a general view at the Zueitina oil terminal in Libya on September 14, 2016. Abdullah Doma | AFP | Getty Images Shortly after Schneiderman made his request, state Sen. Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor who represents a district on Long Island, announced he would introduce a bill seeking to accomplish the attorney general's goal." Schneiderman said he was asking for the loophole to be eliminated because of "disturbing news" that Trump "may be considering issuing pardons that may impede criminal investigations." New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman on Wednesday asked state legislators and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to close a loophole that could let recipients of pardons for federal crimes from President Donald Trump avoid state criminal charges. Schneiderman, a Democrat, is a long-time antagonist of Trump. Shortly after the presidential election in 2016, he obtained a $25 million settlement for customers of Trump University who claimed to have been swindled by that entity. Last summer, it was reported that Schneiderman was working with prosecutors from special counsel Robert Mueller on their federal investigation of Trump's former campaign chief, Paul Manafort. Mueller is conducting a broad investigation of Russian interference in the presidential election and possible collusion with Russians by Trump campaign officials. Last week, federal prosecutors in New York City had FBI agents raid the office and home of Trump's lawyer Michael Cohen as part of a criminal probe of Cohen. Presidents can pardon people only for federal crimes. Trump did so last week, pardoning Scooter Libby, former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, for obstructing justice, perjury and lying to the FBI. But pardons, as a rule, do not prevent people from prosecution or punishment for violating state criminal laws. However, Schneiderman, in a letter to Cuomo and legislative leaders, said that "a strategically-timed pardon [from Trump] could prevent individuals who may have violated our State's laws from standing trial in our courts as well." The timing would involve issuing a pardon to someone after they pleaded guilty to a federal crime, or after a jury was sworn in for a criminal case going to trial. New York law bars someone from being prosecuted in state court if that person has already been prosecuted elsewhere for the same acts. That is known as a protection against so-called double jeopardy. But Schneiderman said there is a "problem" under Article 40 of the state's Criminal Procedure Law. Under that law, he wrote, "jeopardy attaches when a defendant pleads guilty or, if the defendant proceeds to a jury trial, the moment the jury is sworn." "If any of those steps occur in a federal prosecution, then a subsequent prosecution for state crimes 'based on the same act or criminal transaction' cannot proceed, unless an exception applies," Schneiderman wrote. Those exceptions occur when an appeals court nullifies a prior criminal proceeding, or when a federal court voids a federal conviction because prosecutors failed to establish an element of the crime that is not an element of a New York crime, Schneiderman wrote. "But there is no parallel exception for when the President effectively nullifies a federal criminal prosecution via pardon," he wrote. "Simply put, a defendant pardoned by the President for a serious federal crime could be freed from all accountability under federal and state criminal law, even though the President has no authority under the U.S. Constitution to pardon state crimes," Schneiderman wrote. He added that the New York state legislature "could not have possibly intended this result." Schneiderman asked the legislature to pass an amendment to state law to prevent the scenario from happening. Sen. Kaminsky, who plans to introduce that amendment, in a statement said, "The Double Jeopardy loophole allows criminal behavior to go unpunished in our state and needs to be closed." "The writers of our state's strict Double Jeopardy statute did not take into account the President's pardon power, and certainly did not contemplate the capricious use of that power to undermine the rule of law," Kaminsky said. Megatrends like technology are obvious targets for investment, but there are less apparent ones like population aging that also present vast opportunities, said an expert on Wednesday. "This is just happening and it comes along with a number of added needs by this population, a number of focuses as well," said Nannette Hechler-Fayd'herbe, Credit Suisse's global head of investment strategy and research. The millennial generation is also an important generation to watch as they become employees, consumers and investors, she told CNBC on the sidelines of the Credit Suisse Global Megatrends Conference in Singapore. Equities are well-positioned in the current investing environment, but passively investing may not be the optimal strategy, she said. "What's striking in the first quarter is that passive type of investment, where you are just exposed to an index, may not be the best way to invest in equities in the future," she said. After recently indicating he could consider rejoining the massive Pacific trade pact, President Donald Trump said he now doesn't think the Trans-Pacific Partnership is good for the world's largest economy. Following Tuesday's bilateral meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the Trump-owned Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, the U.S. leader took to Twitter to criticize the current TPP agreement, saying it had "too many contingencies and no way to get out." He also expressed a preference for bilateral trade deals, calling them more "profitable." Trump tweet: While Japan and South Korea would like us to go back into TPP, I don't like the deal for the United States. Too many contingencies and no way to get out if it doesn't work. Bilateral deals are far more efficient, profitable and better for OUR workers. Look how bad WTO is to U.S. Of note, some experts expressed confusion at Trump's inclusion of South Korea in the Twitter post since that country isn't a member of the trade pact. Ian Bremmer tweet: S Korea isn't in TPP. Just FYI. However, there have been some reports in Korean media that Seoul may now be considering joining up to the TPP, and could even have considered doing so along with the U.S. The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC's request for comment. The post comes a few days after Trump asked advisors to consider the possibility of re-entering the TPP. The president has previously said that Washington would only join if the landmark pact was "substantially better" than the version offered to former President Barack Obama. Officially known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the landmark agreement was signed last month and will cut tariffs between 11 member countries, which include Australia, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia and Mexico. It is currently awaiting ratification from six of the nations. It was the first fatality on a U.S. airline since the 2009 Colgan Air crash near Buffalo, New York. One passenger was killed when the explosion caused shrapnel to cut into the Boeing 737-700's fuselage, blowing out a window, depressurizing the cabin. Passengers aboard Southwest Flight 1380 had rushed to pull the victim back into the plane after she was partially sucked out of a window, witnesses said. The suggested regulation is still working its way through the rulemaking process. Regulators last year proposed more rigorous testing of the type of engine that exploded on a Dallas-bound Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday. The CFM56-7B, the engine involved in Tuesday's incident, is one of the most common in the world. It powers some 6,700 aircraft around the world, according to its manufacturer CFM International, a joint venture of General Electric and France's Safran Aircraft Engines. Southwest said it was its first on-board fatality related to an incident or accident in its history. The Federal Aviation Administration sought more rigorous testing of the engine last August, when it proposed a rule that would subject the engines to ultrasonic tests of their fan blades. Late Wednesday, the FAA said it would issue a rule within two weeks requiring such tests. "Any blades that fail the inspection will have to be replaced," said the FAA. On Aug. 27, 2016, a Southwest flight made an emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida, after a fan blade separated from the disc, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. Debris punched a 16-inch by 5-inch hole in the left fuselage, above the wing, the NTSB had said. In both incidents what occurred is known as uncontained engine failure. Engines are designed with special casings that are intended to keep blades and other metal from flying out and potentially striking the fuselage of the plane. Engine manufacturers put them through rigorous testing to make sure blades and other metal can be contained. Southwest late Tuesday said that it would accelerate testing of CFM56 engines "out of an abundance of caution" and that the ultrasonic checks of the engines' fan blades would likely be completed within 30 days. Several other airlines using this engine made similar announcements. GE and Safran are deploying technicians to support Southwest's inspection program. In a statement, GE said it also is supporting the effort of the NTSB and Southwest as they investigate the cause of the accident. "By law, CFM cannot provide information about the accident or details related to it. You may contact the NTSB for updates," the manufacturer said in a statement. "The members of the CFM Team worldwide wish to express their deepest condolences to family of the victim of this incident. President Donald Trump has been dropping hints that he may rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership if the massive free-trade agreement can be re-negotiated. But the TPP's 11 members may not want to change a newly inked deal that took over a year to close following Washington's exit in January 2017. "I don't think those 11 countries have an appetite to re-open it for renegotiation," Tommy Koh, ambassador-at-large at Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told CNBC's "Capital Connection" on the sidelines of Credit Suisse's Global Megatrends Conference. Officially known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), the agreement will cut tariffs between members and is currently awaiting ratification from six of the 11 nations. Trump's intentions on the TPP, however, remain unclear. A few days after asking advisors to consider the possibility of re-entering the pact, the president on Tuesday said that he doesn't think the TPP is good for the U.S. Shares of payment company Square spiked 5 percent Wednesday after an analyst said it could see a major first-quarter earnings boost thanks to bitcoin. Square Cash, the mobile payment app developed by Square, opened bitcoin trading earlier this year. That move could drive a "sizable boost" to the tech company's revenue and profits this quarter and a 10 percent potential upside to adjusted EBITDA guidance, according to Nomura Instinet analyst Dan Dolev. "This can help offset rising investment costs required to broaden Square's international presence," Dolev wrote in a note to clients Wednesday. Instinet reiterated its buy rating and raised its price target by a dollar to $65, about $15 above where Square was trading Wednesday. Dolev cited more disruption in the payments space and more higher-margin products and services as reasons for the bullish call. Square's stock is up more than 48 percent this year. The upside for Square could be seen as soon as this quarter's earnings report, which is set for May 2. Bitcoin trading on Square Cash kicked off on Jan. 31, and Dolev said additional revenue per user could amount to $125 every year. About 2 to 6 percent of Square Cash app users trade bitcoin, which brings a 1 to 3 percent boost to adjusted revenue and as much as a 10 percent boost to adjusted EBITDA, Dolev said. On the high-end guide of adjusted EBITDA, Dolev said it could be as much as 12 percent. Shares of the company had risen 4 percent in January following CEO Jack Dorsey's announcement that users of Square's Cash payments app could buy and sell bitcoin on the platform. The service is still not available for customers in New York, Georgia, Wyoming or Hawaii, according to Square's website. Dorsey has been bullish on the future of cryptocurrency. The CEO, who also runs Twitter, said in March that bitcoin would become the world's single currency. "The world ultimately will have a single currency, the internet will have a single currency. I personally believe that it will be bitcoin," Dorsey said in a report. It would happen "probably over ten years, but it could go faster." Dorsey's other San Francisco-based tech company, Twitter, recently banned cryptocurrency advertising on the social media site. Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Morgan Stanley The firm reported quarterly profit of $1.45 per share, 20 cents a share above estimates. Revenue also beat forecasts. CEO James Gorman said results were strong across all business and in all regions. Textron The maker of the Bell Helicopter and Cessna aircraft brands reported quarterly profit of 72 cents per share, well above the consensus estimate of 48 cents a share. Revenue also topped forecasts. Separately, Textron announced the sale of its tools and test equipment business to Emerson Electric for $810 million. IBM IBM reported adjusted first-quarter profit of $2.45 per share, beating estimates by 3 cents a share. Revenue also exceeded forecasts, however shares are under pressure this morning after the company issued a lower-than-expected full-year profit forecast. Analysts say IBM's legacy hardware business is continuing to hurt growth and profit margins. United Continental United came in 10 cents a share ahead of estimates, with adjusted first-quarter profit of 50 cents per share. The airline's revenue came in marginally above forecasts. Higher passenger fares helped negate the effects of higher fuel prices and a series of winter storms. CSX CSX earned 78 cents per share for the first quarter, 12 cents a share ahead of consensus forecasts. The rail operator's revenue beat estimates, as well. The results were boosted by a substantial drop in its operating ratio, with expenses at 63.7 percent of revenue compared to 73.2 percent a year earlier. Southwest Airlines Southwest remains on watch following Tuesday's accident that killed one passenger. The airline said it would fully cooperate with the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board as those agencies investigate the accident. Amazon.com Amazon announced a new international shopping feature that allows customers from around the world to shop for items shipped from the United States. Amazon will offer a variety of shipping and currency options. Separately, Amazon and Best Buy are teaming up to sell Amazon Fire-powered smart TVs. Tesla Tesla wants to ramp up Model 3 production to 6,000 cars per week by the end of June, according to auto news website Electrek citing a letter to employees from CEO Elon Musk. Intuitive Surgical The company reported adjusted quarterly profit of $2.44 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $2.07 a share. The medical device maker's revenue was well above forecasts, on increasing sales of its da Vinci robotic surgical device. Norwegian Cruise Line Deutsche Bank upgraded the cruise line operator's stock to "buy" from "hold," pointing to several positive factors including the possible initiation of a dividend and a closing of the valuation gap with rival Royal Caribbean. EBay Morgan Stanley gave the online marketplace a double upgrade, raising its rating to "overweight" from "underweight." Morgan Stanley bases its call on increasing ad revenue as well as higher volume driven by eBay's new payments system. Lam Research Lam earned an adjusted $4.79 per share for its latest quarter, 41 cents a share above estimates. The manufacturer of chipmaking equipment saw revenue match forecasts, and it gave stronger-than-expected guidance for the current quarter. VMWare Activist investor Carl Icahn has taken a stake in VMWare, according to sources. The stake in the cloud computing company is described as "medium-sized" and Icahn's intentions are unclear. Ethan Allen Ethan Allen expects to have higher marketing costs and delayed deliveries for its third quarter, resulting in lower than expected earnings for the furniture retailer. Riot Blockchain The Securities and Exchange Commission has issued a subpoena to the cryptocurrency company whose stock skyrocketed after changing its name, the company said on Tuesday. If tariffs from the U.S. or China become a reality, the result would be "a serious trade war," Citigroup's chief economist, Willem Buiter, told CNBC on Wednesday. "It would be the biggest self-inflicted wound since the great financial crisis," Buiter said on "Power Lunch." He added that, "It would be the end of the global recovery," with problems beginning in the and China, but eventually spilling over into Europe, Japan and other countries. "It would be very disruptive, both for importers and exporters," Buiter said. "And it would be a major cyclical downturn, depending on how intense and how long-lasting this episode would be." On Tuesday, President Donald Trump met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Florida. Discussions included the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, a trade pact, and whether or not the U.S. would rejoin. Some experts say the TPP is one method for dealing with China's allegedly unfair trading practices. Trump tweeted Tuesday evening that the partnership was not a good deal for the U.S., a move Buiter called "a step backwards." Tweet But Buiter said the final U.S. role in the TPP will likely not be settled for a number of years. The groundwork is apparently being laid for the widely anticipated summit, which is expected to happen in May or June. Trump confirmed on Wednesday that CIA Director Mike Pompeo met with Kim earlier this month . "The situation couldn't be worse in terms of the tension. Kim Jong Un and the president should meet. They could defuse the situation," he said Wednesday on CNBC's " Power Lunch ." It's unlikely that North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons, but that doesn't mean President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un , shouldn't meet, said Bill Richardson, former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. A South Korean soldier walks past a television screen showing pictures of US President Donald Trump (L) and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a railway station in Seoul on March 9, 2018. The trip provides the strongest sign yet of Trump's willingness to become the first serving U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader as he seeks to resolve a crisis over Pyongyang's development of nuclear missiles capable of hitting the United States. Richardson, a Democrat who once was governor of New Mexico as well as Energy secretary in the Clinton administration, called the Pompeo-Kim meeting a "good development." Not only does it mean that the summit will take place, it shows that Kim himself is "deeply" involved in the negotiations, he said. However, he has a "substantial" worry over the issue of denuclearization. For the United States, it means North Korea should dismantle its weapons. But for the North Korea, it means to "possibly reduce" them, said Richardson, who has been to North Korea. "If we make a deal with North Korea, there has to be absolute verification, inspections by U.S. inspectors and the International Atomic Energy Agency or it's going to be a senseless agreement," he said. In a recent op-ed in The Washington Post, Richardson pointed out that the key deal points of any potential breakthrough between the two countries haven't changed in years. "We want them to abandon nuclear weapons; they want us to pull our troops out of South Korea. Neither side is likely to go that far. But Trump should meet with Kim, anyway. It might persuade both leaders that there is a valuable deal to be made," he wrote, along with co-author Mickey Bergman, vice president of the Richardson Center for Global Engagement. Reuters contributed to this report. Trump last week asked his advisors to look into whether the U.S. could now get a better deal in TPP, but White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow on Tuesday said nothing concrete has occurred, and the idea of the U.S.' return is more of a thought than a policy at this point. Trump's tweet also makes it more unlikely the U.S. will try to re-engage. Shortly after taking office, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the TPP, which was opposed by both presidential candidates during the election. It was criticized because it could add to the trade deficit and send American jobs overseas. After a day of meetings, the president tweeted late Tuesday night that while Japan and South Korea, which is not yet a TPP member, would like the U.S. to rejoin TPP, it is not a good deal for America. Trump instead was expected to push for a bilateral trade agreement with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe , who is visiting Trump at Mar-a-Lago this week. As Trump skirmishes with China on trade, Japan has been inviting him to find a different way to level the playing field by rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership with 11 nations around the Pacific Rim. China is not one of them. President Donald Trump , in a tweet, dismissed the idea of rejoining the TPP, a trade pact that experts say is one way to take on China's unfair trade practices and secure America's economic role in Asia. Trade experts said it's unlikely that either Abe or Trump will get their way in this week's talks, but there could be vague agreement. The president will not embrace TPP, and Abe is not expected to be able to wholeheartedly support a separate free trade agreement with the U.S. Trump also has threatened Japan with steel and aluminum tariffs that he has waived for other countries. "Both Abe and Trump need to come out of this summit and say they got something on trade. Framework is the word everyone is using," said Sheila Smith, senior fellow for Japan studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. "The rhetoric is going to be a compromise, and both sides can come out and say, 'We won.'" Tom Block, Washington policy strategist at Fundstrat, said he expects Japan to get exemptions from the steel and aluminum tariffs. As for TPP, "I think they're going to say they talked about it. It came so far out of left field. It was envisioned to be part of a counterbalance to growing China. It made sense then. It makes sense now, but I think it's going to be a hard sell to the Trump base," he said. There are many hurdles to the U.S. returning to TPP, but America may find its farmers and businesses are at a disadvantage because they are not in it. Kim Wallace, managing director at Eurasia Group, said the member countries would find it difficult to meet Trump's demands to improve TPP in America's favor. "It was a missed opportunity, not only economically but geopolitically. That's part of the reason for developing and implementing trade blocs. You play really nicely with those in your sandbox, and with others not so much. When you look at growth trajectories in both terms of economics and demographics, it's been known for at least a decade that this is one region you had to have a foothold in," he said. New Zealand, an early member of TPP, said the U.S. cannot simply jump back into the agreement, though it would be welcome. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told Reuters on Tuesday that she could see the U.S. rejoining but not without renegotiation, and that would have to be approved by all 11 countries. Other members include Canada, Australia, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Chile, Vietnam, Peru and Brunei. "Trump is correct that the TPP would be a big boost to U.S. agriculture. But we have seen this a few times and are not too optimistic on its chances of happening in the short run," said Daniel Clifton, head of policy research at Strategas Research. "Trump's real focus is on securing a bilateral trade agreement with Japan and to rebuild TPP from the bottom up rather than the top down." The U.S. is discussing the TPP now that a trade skirmish with China looks like it could become a battle of wills. The U.S. has said it would put tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese goods, and China responded by pledging to put tariffs on U.S. goods and agriculture. Trump has also threatened to up the ante by putting tariffs on another $100 billion of Chinese goods, and China says it will respond. "The only reason the Administration even dipped their toe in these TPP waters was because it is a full-throated anti-China move. The entire strategic point of the TPP is to fortify an economic ring fence around China," wrote Chris Krueger, Cowen policy analyst. The payoffs from re-engaging in TPP could be important to the Trump administration, as it works with Asian allies on North Korea's nuclear ambitions. "It embeds the United States in the future of Asia. It anchors us. It tethers us. It's a strong commitment in shaping the economic future of the region," Smith said. The U.S. is tangling with China on one front and is trying to resolve the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement with Canada and Mexico before the Mexican election in July. "Once NAFTA is done, I do think there is going to be attention paid maybe not just to Japan but to the region," said Smith. TPP was a way to correct some of the issues that were not working or outdated in NAFTA, she added. Domestic politics could continue to be a problem for the U.S. consideration of TPP, and there are wild cards, including how the administration prioritizes it and what Congress might demand of a deal. "If you have a change in leadership in one or both houses of Congress, they may not want a new trade deal until after the next presidential election," said Jeffery Schott, senior fellow on international trade at Peterson Institute for International Economics. "The other countries have demonstrated they are going forward without the U.S. There is this growing discrimination against U.S. farmers and exporters in the region," he said. "Certainly it will deepen once TPP 11 goes into force." The road back to TPP could be tricky. "Near term there's not much that can be done, because the agreement isn't in force. The prospect for session negotiations will really only become serious next year. But the other countries are unlikely to make major revisions in the existing text that was signed in March in Chile," said Schott. Schott said it's not clear what Trump meant by a better deal or whether one is possible. "Bigger and better would be more countries participating, which means there would be a bigger economic payoff and that would likely occur once the agreement enters into force and other countries join. Already there's consideration in South Korea, Taiwan, Colombia and the United Kingdom, among others," he said. Wallace said it would be a "long slog" if the U.S. tried to rejoin but it's not likely. "The biggest downside of that is time, in my view, given what's going on in the region, and what has been going on in the last 15 years in the way of economic growth in the region," said Wallace. "It is possible the TPP countries look and say we're comfortable with our trade relationship once the U.S. figures out what relationship it wants to have." President Donald Trump appeared to be ruling out rejoining the Trans-Pacific Partnership after recently indicating he would consider joining the Pacific trade pact. Trump said on Twitter in part, "I don't like the deal for the United States." (CNBC) * Even if Trump wants to renegotiate the TPP, members may not bite: Official (CNBC) CIA Director Mike Pompeo, who was recently nominated to be the new secretary of state, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un before the widely anticipated summit with Trump, the president confirmed on Twitter this morning. Trump changed his mind about meeting with special counsel Robert Mueller after the FBI seizure of records from the president's personal attorney. The Washington Post reported Trump was deeply rattled and prompted him to renew efforts to hire more legal power. Trump reportedly grew angry when he saw on TV that his United Nations ambassador, Nikki Haley, announced that the president would impose fresh sanctions on Russia. However, the White House had not informed Haley he had changed course on sanctions. (NY Times) Fox News has given conservative commentator Sean Hannity "full support" as critics slam him for hiding a link to Trump's personal attorney Michael Cohen. A lawyer for Cohen revealed in court Hannity was Cohen's recent client. (CNBC) One person died after a Southwest flight en route from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after engine problems. Southwest said that it is accelerating its inspections of the engine type that was involved in the incident. (CNBC) * Inside Southwest's fatal midair engine failure (WSJ) * The blown Southwest jet engine showed 'metal fatigue' (AP) The IRS will give additional time to file and pay tax returns after the web page for paying tax bills using bank accounts crashed. The agency expects to receive 17 million returns this week, along with 14 million extension requests. (CNBC) Starbucks (SBUX) announced it will be closing all of its company-owned restaurants in the U.S. during the afternoon of May 29 to conduct a racial-bias education program. The company is under criticism after two black men were arrested as they sat in a coffee shop in Philadelphia. (CNBC) The Securities and Exchange Commission issued a subpoena to cryptocurrency company Riot Blockchain. A CNBC investigation in February found a number of red flags in the company's SEC filings that might make investors leery. Warner Bros. announced that Steven Spielberg is set to direct DC comics film "Blackhawk," marking the director's first foray into the DC universe. His most recent work was on another Warner Bros. film, the virtual reality film "Ready Player One." (USA Today) [The stream is slated to start at 6:30 p.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] SpaceX is set to launch Wednesday evening from Florida in its latest mission for NASA, launching a new planet-hunting satellite into orbit around the Earth. Elon Musk's rocket company will livestream the 6:51 p.m. ET launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Delayed multiple times from March, the company's mission to launch the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (or TESS) for NASA is now ready. The mission will launch using a Falcon 9 rocket, which will return to land on the SpaceX autonomous ship in the Atlantic Ocean about 8 minutes after liftoff. @SpaceX: All systems and weather are go for Falcon 9's launch of @NASA_TESS today at 6:51 p.m. EDT, or 22:51 UTC. http://spacex.com/webcast Nicknamed "the planet hunter," the $337 million TESS will deploy into its first orbit just under an hour after launch, when SpaceX's part of the mission will be complete. TESS will then use a series of complex maneuvers to head into a never-before-used orbit, reaching about 232,000 miles beyond the Earth, to photograph the skies. The Lockheed Martin weapons system that has North Korea spooked just got another $200 million in Department of Defense funds. The U.S. Army's Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, or THAAD, is one of the key elements in the U.S. military's layered ballistic missile defense. The multimillion-dollar modification contract is for upgrades to THAAD and the PAC-3 missile. Last year, the U.S. deployed two THAAD launchers to South Korea in response to North Korea's increased missile and nuclear tests. THAAD is one of most advanced missile systems on the planet and can target and blast incoming missiles right out of the sky from its truck-based launcher. TOKYO At a high school graduation ceremony in Japan's Hiroshima Prefecture, each student received a diploma and then walked over to a small humanoid robot, paused, and bowed deeply. The robot waved its small arms in response. It was the embodied presence of Takanobu Nagaoka, a 55-year-old teacher at the school who was diagnosed with ALS two years ago. Unable to travel due to deteriorating motor skills, he "attended" the event as OriHime, a simple tabletop droid with a camera, microphone and speaker. It's the creation of Tokyo start-up Ory Laboratory and one of a new breed of machines known as "avatar robots" that could change the way people interact and work. "OriHime can be used not only by hospitalized people but students who refuse to go to school and even mothers who cannot go to work because they're taking care of kids," says Kentaro Yoshifuji, CEO of Ory, which has rented out about 260 units. "This technology could help redistribute manpower so the right person can work in the right place in a more smooth fashion." Humanoid evolution Aside from giving disabled people a new level of empowerment, avatar robots present myriad possibilities for work with concomitant economic benefits. If you're a doctor, for instance, you could log into a robot in Antarctica or on a space station to tend to a critically ill person. Robots as a whole are beneficial for economies. According to a 2017 study by the London-based Centre for Economics and Business Research, robotics investments have "contributed around 10 percent of GDP per capita growth in OECD countries from 1993 to 2016" and offer "better long-run value for money than investments in financial services, real estate or transportation." Avatar robots are still experimental, but if the market for collaborative robots is any indication, there could be significant demand. Also known as cobots, collaborative robots are covered with soft materials and can work alongside people in assembly and other jobs. The market for cobots is expected to grow to $12 billion by 2025, according to Barclays Equity Research. Remote operation of robots for work outside the factory, however, is already well established. Intuitive Surgical, for instance, has sold over 4,200 of its da Vinci surgical robots, which reproduce a surgeon's hand motions through small incisions in a patient's body during operations such as hysterectomies; benefits may include shorter recoveries. Many workers around the world may be concerned about losing their jobs to automation, but the risk varies from country to country. A recent OECD study estimates that 33 percent of jobs in Slovakia are "highly automatable", but only 6 percent in Norway, though the authors caution that "the actual risk of automation is subject to significant variation." Nonetheless, unions are protesting encroaching machines. Earlier this year, Unifor, Canada's largest private-sector union, decried a decision by Canadian energy company Suncor to introduce driverless ore-hauling trucks in the Alberta oil sands; the move could replace hundreds of heavy machinery operators. Japan has embraced automation in the factory and elsewhere. It has long held a leading position in the development of humanoid robots, with machines like Honda's Asimo exhibiting remarkable abilities in locomotion and dexterity. It's now integrating that technology with user interfaces to project human abilities into mobile machines. Honda's advanced humanoid robot ASIMO can walk independently and understand commands. Source: Honda Motor Late last year, Toyota Motor unveiled a new humanoid robot and master-slave control device that it describes as the world's first system that allows operators to intuitively control the robot's entire body. Weighing 75 kg (165 pounds), and standing 154 cm (5 feet) tall, the T-HR3 has 32 joints, each equipped with a new type of torque sensor that has a high degree of sensitivity, giving the robot flexibility, balance and the ability to recover from collisions. During a demonstration at the iRex 2017 robot trade show in Tokyo, held in November and December 2017, the T-HR3 went through some pre-programmed and live-controlled motions. It balanced on one foot and then pivoted into a Tai chi-style pose. It then synchronized with its Master Maneuvering System, which is basically a seat for a human operator with arm sensors for motion tracking. It works with a head-mounted display and sensor glove to convey a sense of sight and touch. During the demo, the robot immediately reproduced all of the operator's movements, deftly opening and closing its fingers, manipulating plastic blocks and grasping a rubber ball. The T-HR3 is the automaker's third humanoid platform, following a trumpet-playing robot in 2005 and a violinist droid in 2010. While those machines showcased manual dexterity, Toyota is imagining more practical uses for the T-HR3, including everything from childcare to work in construction, disasters and outer space, that would give robots human-like motor skills while keeping people out of harm's way. Toyotas T-HR3 humanoid robot and master-slave control device allows operators to control the robots entire body. Source: Tim Hornyak "In the near future, robots will start doing simple household chores and nursing care work, allowing people to make effective use of their time," says Tomohisa Moridaira, a manager in Toyota's Partner Robot Division. "In contrast to industrial robots that operate in isolated environments, we want to create robots that can coexist safely with people. I think T-HR3 will evolve into a more robust, but lightweight robot that is not easily broken." An army of embodied cyber-workers Toyota built the T-HR3 as partly as a showcase for its torque sensors, but one Japanese start-up is focused purely on the idea of avatar robots. Telexistence Inc. envisions a future in which people can log onto ubiquitous humanoid robots. The idea is the brainchild of Susumu Tachi, an emeritus professor of engineering at the University of Tokyo. In 1980, he imagined being virtually embodied in a robot that could be anywhere in the world. He called the concept "telexistence," and built a series of prototype robots named TELESAR (for Telexistence Surrogate Anthropomorphic Robot). Telesar V, one of the latest prototypes, transmits tactile, vibration and thermal sensations to the operator via a haptic glove, so he or she can "feel" objects the robot is handling, such as marbles being poured into a cup. The technology goes beyond the many telepresence robots that have been because it allows operators to affect the world remotely rather than just being present in a faraway place. The Telsar V transmits tactile, vibration and thermal sensations to the operator via a haptic glove. Source: Tachi Laboratory | The University of Tokyo Tachi also believes it will be an important tool for the Japanese workforce as it struggles with dwindling manpower and an aging population. For instance, convenience stores or factories could be staffed by humanoid robots that are controlled around the clock by workers in different countries and time zones. Companies could benefit by hiring operators in developing countries, saving on wages. "If a telexistence society that can delegate physical functions is realized, the relationship between people and industry and the nature of society would fundamentally change," says Tachi. "No matter where a factory is located, workers would be assembled from the entire country or the entire world, so the conditions for locating factories will see revolutionary changes compared to the past, and population concentration in metropolitan areas can be avoided." Tachi has also done research at Japan's Keio University, where Takahiro Nozaki, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology, has been working with the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) to develop an avatar robot that can transmit audio, imagery, motion and haptic sensations to remote users in real time with its General Purpose Arm (GPA). Nozaki has launched a company called Motion Lib to commercialize haptics technology and is working with dozens of companies to undertake proof of concept projects. The Internet of Actions Unbound Book Festival The festival, which is in its third year, begins Thursday, and the keynote speaker is author Zadie Smith. She speaks at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Missouri Theatre. More information can be found at www.unboundbookfestival.com. Types of obituaries The Missourian publishes two types of obituaries family obituaries and life stories. A family obituary is the version submitted by a funeral home or family. Please see the submission form for details on cost and deadlines. Family obituaries A life story is a closer look at a person's life and involves a reporter contacting family and friends. Life stories are based on newsworthiness and consent of the family. Life stories. Lord Porter is Chairman of the Local Government Association. Over the past eight years, by working in partnership, Conservatives in local and national government have broken one of the golden rules of British politics one that certainly held true for us in the early to mid-nineties and for Labour from 1997 onwards namely that the party in power nationally will inevitably see its local government base dramatically reduced. Our strength in local government is illustrated by the fact we have over 8,900 councillors and control 199 councils whilst Labour have just over 6,150 councillors and control 104 councils. The forthcoming local elections focus attention on what we need to do to maintain this dominance. Within the space available here, I will highlight two key areas where I believe that partnership working between Conservatives at the local and the national levels has delivered solutions that improve peoples lives and incentivise them to vote Conservative. Firstly, as we all know, getting more homes built and helping people onto the property ladder is one of the Governments key priorities. Indeed, it has committed to building 300,000 new homes by the mid-2020s and Conservative councils will be pivotal to the delivery of this. To make this vision a reality the Government has created a 5 billion Housing Infrastructure Fund and 133 council-led projects supporting 200,000 new homes have already received funding totalling 866 million to support vital local work such as the construction of new roads, flood defences and land remediation work. Conservative local government strongly welcomes this funding which will make it much easier to persuade residents that new development will be both appropriately located and accompanied by adequate infrastructure. This is a crucial tool to fix our broken housing market and we are grateful to Sajid Javid and Theresa May for delivering this fund. Secondly, I would highlight how the Localism Act, and specifically its general power of competence, which councils long argued for, has since 2011 allowed them to act in the best interests of their residents since no action is now beyond their powers unless they are prevented from doing so by the common law, specific legislation or statutory guidance. Now I am not suggesting that extolling the virtues of the Localism Act in itself will be a big vote winner of the doorstep. However, what Conservative councils will be able to do is highlight how they have used this national legislation to improve local communities. Consider, for example, Staffordshire Countys success in persuading Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) to build its new engine plant in South Staffordshire. When JLR approached the council there was a great site i54 alongside the M54 but no motorway junction. Within days of the approach a partnership was formed with neighbouring councils to secure the necessary investment, and within three weeks the key decisions were taken, using localism powers, to jointly fund the junction. This secured hundreds of millions of pounds of investment from JLR in the site and has created hundreds of new jobs a huge boost to the local economy. Through positive partnership working with our colleagues in Westminster, Conservative councillors have maintained our position as the dominant part in local government whilst delivering real improvements to the communities we serve. To maintain this success we need more Conservative councillors and councils elected on May 3rd. We reproduce below the full speech by Luciana Berger MP from yesterdays Commons debate on anti-semitism. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) I beg the indulgence of the House to tell my story, which I hope will go some way to explain how anti-Semitism can manifest itself in our country. I come from a family that is drawn from many corners of the Jewish diaspora: I am of Dutch, Polish, Russian, Lithuanian and Turkish heritage, and I am a mix of both the Ashkenazi and Sephardic traditions. My Dutch family was traced back to the Jews who were expelled from Spain in the 15th century, and in Britain we found our home. While we are small in number, the Jewish community has proudly been a part of British society and has made many great contributions to all aspects of civic life for hundreds of years. I grew up in multicultural north-west London and went to a Christian school. I had friends of all faiths and none. I had never seen anti-Semitism as a child, but I knew from my own family history what anti-Semitism was. During a debate in 1938, Commander Robert Tatton Bower MP told my great uncle, the hon. Member for Seaham, across the Floor of the House to go back to Poland. The most pernicious and haunting examples came from the holocaust. On my mums side alone, we know that more than 100 members of her family, aged from four to 83, were sent by the Nazis to their death in the gas chambers of Treblinka, Sobibor, Mauthausen, Bergen-Belsen and Auschwitz, for no other reason than that they were Jewish. I was 19 when I received my first piece of hate mailit described me as a dirty Zionist pigand so started my 18-year experience of contending with anti-Semitism. As a university student and activist, I was attacked from all quarters from the far right to the far left. I had members of Hizb ut-Tahrir, an anti-Semitic and homophobic organisation follow me and camp outside my house. I received countless anti-Semitic emails and letters condemning my work as the convenor of the National Union of Students anti-racism campaign. When I was selected as a Labour council candidate in 2009, people publicly challenged how I could possibly represent anyone from the Bengali community because of my faith, and since my selection and election as the Member of Parliament for Liverpool, Wavertree, I have received a torrent of anti-Semitic abuse. In total, four people have been convicted since 2013 for the anti-Semitic abuse and harassment they have directed towards me. Three of those were imprisoned; they were of a far right persuasion, including a member of the now proscribed National Action organisation. In the wake of one of those convictions, a far right website in the United States initiated the #filthyjewbitch campaign, which the police said resulted in me receiving over 2,500 violent, pornographic and extreme anti-Semitic messages in just one day alone. There is currently one more person on remand, having made threats to my life because of my faith. I am fortunateI have said it publicly, and I will say it in this Housethat I have a platform, as an MP, that affords me the opportunity to speak out, and I happen to be pretty resilient. Jess Phillips (Birmingham, Yardley) I just want to say on behalf of the House that we are all very glad that my hon. Friend is brave enough to tell her story. For lots of people, it feels difficult to stand up and voice their story. I hope she is able to agree that one day it will all have been worth it to change something. Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) I thank my hon. Friend for her intervention, and I will never stop speaking out about all forms of racism, including anti-Semitism. I say that I have spoken out, but it is important to say that I have been able to speak out because I am resilient, but at a later moment my mental health may mean I am not in a place where I have the opportunity to speak out. I am grateful to my family, friends and team of staff, and my constituents and supporters, who serve as a welcome antidote to the bile that gets hurled in my direction. I will not be cowed in using the full force of the law that we have in this country to hold people to account. Having heard victim impact statements read out in court of people who have not been able to speak outpeople so negatively impacted that they are now unable to work or to maintain relationships, and who have had their mental health affectedI know that just one instance of racism can have a devastating impact on an individuals life. I make no apology for holding my own party to a higher standard. Anti-racism is one of our central values, and there was a time not long ago when the left actively confronted anti-Semitism. The work done by the previous Labour Government to move the equality goalposts in this country was one of the reasons why I joined the Labour party in the first place. One anti-Semitic member of the Labour party is one member too many. Yet, as I said in Parliament Square outside this placeit pains me to say this as the proud parliamentary chair of the Jewish Labour Movementin 2018, anti-Semitism is now more commonplace, more conspicuous and more corrosive within the Labour party. That is why I have no words for the people purporting to be both members and supporters of our party and using the hashtag JCforPM who have attacked me in recent weeks for my comments, for speaking at the rally against anti-Semitism, and for questioning the remarks of those endorsing the anti-Semitic mural. They say I should be de-selected, and they have called it all a smear. Catherine McKinnell (Newcastle upon Tyne North) May I take this opportunity to put on the record my huge respect for my hon. Friends dignity in the face of all this, and to pledge my solidarity with her? Luciana Berger (Liverpool, Wavertree) I thank my hon. Friend for her solidarity, and I am grateful to colleagues who have stood by my side and by the side of many others. There are people who have accused me of having two masters. They have said that I am Tel Avivs servant, and called me a paid-up Israeli operative. Essentially, this is anti-Semitism of the worst kind, suggesting that I am a traitor to our country. They have called me Judas, a Zionazi and an absolute parasite, and they have told me to get out of this country and go back to Israel. I am grateful to the Community Security Trust and to the police for their work to keep me and my family safe, and for all that they do for the British Jewish community to keep our Jewish schools and our places of worship safe, but they should not have to do that. When it comes to what needs to be done about it, I know that many colleagues will be putting forward very practical suggestions of what can be done to contend with this very serious issue, but the hurt and anguish of the Jewish community must be understood and must be taken seriously. This is not the time for games or divisive engagement. For the Government, there is a massive priority to conclude their work urgently, better to protect everyone in this country online from the comments that are made on a daily basis, and just in response to this debate. I urge the Secretary of State to see some of the comments that are already on Twitter, since we have started this engagement. And my party. My party urgently needs to address this issue publicly and consistently, and we need to expel from our ranks those people who hold these views, including Ken Livingstone. We have a duty to the next generation. Denial is not an option. Prevarication is not an option. Being a bystander who turns the other way is not an option. The time for action is now. Enough really is enough. I want to conclude with the eloquent words of the former Chief Rabbi, Dr Jonathan Sacks, who said that an assault upon Jews is an assault upon difference, and a world that has no room for difference has no room for humanity itself. [Applause.] Anne Main is MP for St Albans and is Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Bangladesh and the newly formed APPG on the Rights of the Rohingya. She is also President of the Conservative Friends of Bangladesh. This week the UK will assume the Chair-in-Office of the Commonwealth and, with it, the opportunity to galvanise its 52 other members to work together to address the new crisis facing the Rohingya refugees in Coxs Bazar, Bangladesh. I have seen first-hand, during my visit to Coxs Bazar in September 2017, the devastating effect this crisis is having on the Rohingya, but also the difficulties it poses for Bangladesh as a whole. As the region enters the annual cyclone and monsoon season, hundreds of thousands of vulnerable Rohingya will be at risk from floods and landslides, putting previous horrors into terrible perspective. I commend the government and the people of Bangladesh. They have opened their arms to the fleeing Rohingya and have done everything they can do to provide support and shelter. However, it is time that we all recognise that the needs of the Rohingya people cannot be met by Bangladesh alone, that protecting them is everyones responsibility. I welcome the support the UK Government have shown to this humanitarian crisis. The UK is the largest single donor to the crisis zone, with our commitment standing at just over 59 million since August 2017. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting this week provides an opportunity to forge ahead with a Commonwealth agreement on how to start really pulling our weight and helping Bangladesh adapt to this crisis. Whether its preferential trade terms, a package of concessional loans, or more support in terms of economic development, nothing can be off the table. In three years Bangladesh will celebrate its 50th birthday. In such a short time the country has transitioned itself from a poor country to one that is inches away from middle-income status. In my view it is the least the international community can do in recognition of the role the country has played in the Rohingya crisis, to help it cross the line and become that middle-income country it aspires to be, sooner rather than later. The Commonwealth is perfectly placed to facilitate the dialogue between Bangladesh and the rest of the world on the Rohingya response, but it is up to us as the Chair-in-Office to begin navigating these conversations. Britain should bring the Commonwealth together as one collective voice ahead of the World Bank Spring meetings at the weekend and the G7 later this Spring, where the crisis should be top of the agenda. We should also challenge our colleagues in the government of Bangladesh to rethink their plans, forged in extremely challenging circumstances, to relocate the Rohingya people to a barely-there island on the Bay of Bengal. An island vulnerable to cyclones, difficult for aid access and offering a barren quality of life for its occupants. When I visited Coxs Bazar I promised to continue to champion the voices I heard and the people I met; all I could say then to the people I met was we will make sure your stories are heard. I hope by the end of this week we as a Party, as a country, and as a Commonwealth, will be able to say we heard you, we believe you and we are taking action. Ruth Davis: Cyber threats are the new norm and not just from Russia. Business needs to up its game. Ruth Davis leads strategy for the cyber security portfolio of a FTSE 100 Communications Service Provider. She contested iCeredigion in last years general election. A spotlight is being shone on Russias aggressive cyber activities. For weeks, providers of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) have been on heightened alert following escalating tensions between Moscow and the West. Yesterday, security officials from both the UK and the US issued a joint warning about possible Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and attempts to steal intellectual property. The media spotlight will move on, but our focus on our cyber security should not. Cyber-space is the primary means of global communication and a crucial foundation of our economy. This is why it has become the domain where states wage war by other means and the most attractive place for criminals to target individuals and businesses. Government research shows that the average person is roughly eleven times more likely to be the victim of cyber-crime than an in-person robbery. All sorts of businesses have been targeted too: Mumsnet, Pizza Hut and Moonpig for example its not just energy companies and broadband providers who need to worry. This is widely recognised, but not matched by the investment needed to improve security. The majority of vulnerabilities exploited by hackers in 2016 had been known about for nearly a decade thats like leaving the front door to your office with a broken lock for 10 years. The huge impact of cyber-crime is in part due to its professionalisation. Cyber Crime as a Service kits are sold on the dark web, enabling criminals with very little technical know-how to extort and steal money. You dont need the expertise and skills of Russian state hackers to wreak havoc and make some money, just a credit card and a Tor browser. This is why the Government invests heavily in bolstering the UKs cyber defences, pursuing cyber criminals and developing cyber security skills and businesses. But governments need the support of the private sector to succeed. Thats why Microsoft, and 33 partners, have launched the Tech Accord today. This is a public commitment to work together to protect customers from cyber-attack, design products that prioritise security and provide the information customers need to understand how to protect themselves online. Here are a few thoughts on how they could start. Awareness: there is a lot of information out there about staying safe online, but you have to go looking for it. It needs to be woven into everyday life. Companies have a better opportunity than governments to push safety messages to their customers. Some, like Barclays, have used advertising campaigns to do this. Technology: designing security into products, such as making it mandatory to change a default password when setting up a new device, is another area that needs attention. Information: better information on product packaging setting out, for example, the types of data the product will collect and what it will do with it will also help consumers make informed decisions about the products and services they are buying. Finally, cooperation. The joint US UK announcement this week has shown the importance of strong global ties in fighting cyber threats. The private sector also needs to support international partnerships. Last year, BT became the first communications provider to sign an intelligence sharing agreement with Interpol, providing information about cyber criminals, cyber-attacks and malicious domain names. The Tech Accord is an important step toward a global recognition of collective responsibility for improving cyber security. Some businesses have been doing this for years, others are just starting. All must step up and we, their customers, need to hold them to account. The Lords is in a bad place metaphorically, anyway. The whittling-down of the hereditary peers under Tony Blair was meant to give the chamber greater legitimacy. However, its effect has been to remind voters that its membership is now largely shaped by executive fiat. Many of them doubtless see this simply as one lot of politicians appointing another lot. This is not a reliable basis for public support. It will not have been buttressed by David Camerons misuse of patronage in making too many appointments in his final list. Furthermore, the Upper House is too big second only to the Chinese Peoples Congress, it is claimed, in size among chambers throughout the world. As individuals, lots of peers acknowledge this. But as a collective, the house seems incapable of getting to grips with the problem. The consensus in the Commons is for reform to come in the form of part or a wholly elected Lords. This view found expression in the Coalition Agreements declaration that appointments will be made with the objective of creating a second chamber that is reflective of the share of the vote secured by the political parties in the last general election. This has simply stoked up further problems: if the principle is to apply, the Liberal Democrats are now grossly over-represented in it. All this is necessary background to the progress of the EU Withdrawal Bill in the Lords. It has now reached report stage the point at which, in a certain sense, debate gets serious, because votes are taken. This gives the Upper House the chance to demonstrate its main strength, but also risks exposing its greatest weakness. Its greatest strength is that there are more experts in the Lords than the Commons a plus when it comes to considering legislation that the lower house has left unconsidered, as is far too frequently the case. In this sense, the Upper House is now fulfilling an essential parliamentary function. There can be objection at all in a revising chamber, as it is, frequently asking MPs to think again. The rate at which it does so has bobbed around. It gave Camerons majority government a hard time as it did to Tony Blairs in 2005-6. So, for example, peers are absolutely entitled to put the so-called Henry VIII powers in the Bill under a magnifying glass. Some of these are inevitable if government of any coherence is to continue post-Brexit. But the Lords will be right to seek to minimise these. However, there is an obvious difference between seeking to improve the Bill and trying to frustrate it. In an age of mass revolt in the western world against elites and ascendancies the world of Trump, Orban, and an AfD opposition in Germany nothing could be more risky for the Upper Houses future than for its unelected members to seek to defy the countrys biggest-ever popular mandate for a measure: namely, the referendum verdict on Brexit. So while it would be within its rights to make a point about the Customs Union, to pick a topical example, it would not be dig in over it. Such action would remind voters of its greatest weakness: a growing problem with legitimacy. Those who have religion over Britains EU membership the former Commissioners and Ambassadors whose sense of self-identity is all bound up with the European project simply wont care. Nor will most Liberal Democrat peers, secure in the knowledge that even a cut in their numbers would see those ejected securely pensioned off presumably with their titles intact. Crossbench votes are always crucial in the Lords as it now is. But the decisive role in the Bills consideration may well be played by Labour. The partys leadership is next to useless as a functioning Commons Opposition as we have seen with its bungling this week of Syria votes; as we are seeing over the Windrush scandal, where a half-decent Labour Party would now be making ways by using the Commons chamber to help gain an inquiry. Its leadership in the Lords now has a chance to do better drawing a fine balance between improving the Bill, defeating the Government, and allowing Brexit to proceed. After all, the last is the peoples verdict. And Labour likes to think of itself as the party of the people, does it not? The leader of the Labour Party was excoriated by his own partys backbenchers in the Commons over anti-semitism. The Withdrawal Bill presents its leader in the Lords, Angela Smith, with an opportunity to do whole lot better. Our starting-point for thinking about the treatment of the Windrush children is that it must be possible to distinguish stringent checks on those who have no right to be in Britain with just treatment for those who do. It follows that there should be no objection in principle to the hostile environment policy under which banks, landlords, public employees and others have a responsibility to work with government to reduce illegal immigration. This take is not universally shared. The argument being put by some immigration lawyers and campaigners is that the policy should be shredded. It would be interesting to know from polling what voters think. We suspect that they agree with us, though we may be mistaken. But either way, something has clearly gone very wrong when people as entitled to be here as anyone else are denied free NHS treatment, or have lost jobs or homes, or cannot get passports for travel. Or when Home Office Ministers admit that they cannot be sure whether or not anyone in question has been deported. Or, to take an example with peculiar application to Parliament, when a cook who once worked in the Palace of Westminster was banged up in the Yarls Wood detention and threatened with removal to Jamaica. It is impossible to quarrel with David Lammy when he describes this as a national disgrace. And the wretched business cannot be, in the title that Dickins considered as an alternative to Little Dorrit, Nobodys Fault. Amber Rudd cant evade responsibility for the political mess that has been the Governments handling of the issue. But it would be grossly unfair to blame her for policy or operational errors or both that precede her tenure as Home Secretary. As we pointed out yesterday, former Ministers in the department insist that no Windrush-related problems were drawn to their attention when serving. None the less, lawyers who support migrants point out that they have been raising concerns for over five years. Now it is reported that thousands of thousands of landing card slips recording Windrush immigrants arrival dates in the UK were destroyed in 2010. What happened? It is indisputable that the hostile environment policy leaked into the treatment of the Windrush children. Ministers are ultimately responsible for what happens in their departments. However, there are degrees of culpability. Michael Howard once gave the difference between operational and policy matters a famous projection. Where is the borderline in this case? It is contemptible to suggest that Ministers will have targeted the Windrush children or anyone else on racial grounds (though doubtless the claim will be made). But did some Ministers turn a blind eye to the problem? Were all genuinely unaware of it? (And if so, how did that come about?) Was the problem thought to be so small, as the Times has reported senior civil servants as suggesting, as not, in effect, to matter? Did officials launch a crackdown of their own on illegal migrants in which the Windrush children got caught up, and if so when? Did the pre-Brexit decision political climate, in which public concern among immigration was higher, and UKIP on the rise, affect the latters judgement adversely? Did they believe that the hostile environment policy was an omelette for which it was worth breaking a few Windrush eggs? Or is the Home Office no more fit for purpose than it was when John Reid labelled it so? (Remember, though: he was seeking to pre-deflect future blame.) There are three main reasons for projecting these questions and others. The first is, as it were, a family one. The Conservatives have a long-standing problem with attracting ethnic minority votes. The combination this week of the Windrush saga, the Commonwealth summit and the 50th anniversary of Enoch Powells Birmingham speech will do nothing to ease it. The other two reasons have wider resonance. Second, there is whether the Home Office, for all its policy progress on security and policing, is any better operationally than it was in Reids day, at least when it comes to migration and border control. Finally, the questions throw themselves wider than the Windrush children and into the Brexit negotiations. The European Commission, other EU government and some MEPs are already seizing on what has happened to ask whether Britain will treat EU citizens fairly in future, and whether our systems are up to doing so. A quarter-competent Opposition would be running with this ball casting about for leaks, briefing stories, raising questions, tabling debates. As Shadow Home Secretary, David Davis succeeded in helping to bring down Charles Clarke after it emerged that over a thousand foreign prisoners had been freed without being considered for deportation. But where the Conservatives had Davis, Labour has Diane Abbott. True to form, she is demanding resignations, not asking questions. There is cynicism about inquiries and no wonder, after the one into child abuse was grotesquely over-inflated. Others crawl towards necessary conclusions after years at staggering cost, like the one into Bloody Sunday. The Home Office Select Committee will surely soon be all over Windrush. But there is a good case for a inquiry, headed up by someone who knows how the wheels of Westminster and Whitehall grind and clash, into the questions we ask above, and others. It would be tasked with drawing up lessons for the future treatment of EU nationals post-Brexit. It would not always sit in public: the risk of it turning into a circus would thus be reduced. Its mission would be to get at truth rather than get at Ministers or anyone else. There is a future as well as a present need for it. Breach of an industrial, triple-redundant safety controller should dispel any thought hackers might not care about industrial facilities or that process controls are low-risk cybersecurity targets. All facilities, even if already heeding advice from Schneider Electric and ARC Advisory Group, need to have a response plan in place. The Aug. 4, 2017, cyberattack on a on a Triconex safety system that included the first instance of process safety system-specific malware, dubbed TRITON, was described in a media and analyst lunch on Feb. 13. That triple-redundant safety controller brand is part of the Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Triconex safety instrumented system (SIS). A summary of advice from each expert follows. Collaborative cybersecurity effort The industry has a problem; hackers can reach instrumentation. Peter G. Martin, vice president, innovation, Schneider Electric, said a cybersecurity incident that resulted in attackers injecting malware into a safety controller is a call to action for the industry because it heralds a new geopolitical climate where malicious actors have specialized knowledge, as well as unlimited resources, to carry out their cyberattacks. These attacks can reach the instruments in a control system, especially if organizations are not compliant with industry standards, best practices and cybersecurity procedures. That means industry end users, standards bodies, vendors, and government agencies need to come together to combat the threat. The industry shouldnt think theres no problem because the equipment performed as it was supposed to by safely shutting down the targeted plant. There is a problem because cybersecurity best practices were not followed; more work is needed in collaboration with end users, vendors, and government to lower the risk of other cybersecurity incidents from happening. Cybersecurity wake-up call Multiple cybersecurity lapses allowed a safety controller breach. Gary Williams, senior director, technology, cybersecurity and communications, Schneider Electric, said this is an industry call to action. A Triconex controller model 3008, brought to market in 2001 and installed as part of a large automation project in 2007, was affected by a security breach. When the controller picked up an anomaly in the malware the attackers injected into its code, the controller reacted as it was intended: It safely brought the plant to a safe state via a shutdown on Aug. 4, 2017. Upon being notified of the shutdown, Schneider Electric worked closely with the end user, independent cybersecurity organizations and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ICS-CERT and others to investigate the incident. The evidence they gathered indicates multiple security lapses allowed the breach to occur. A remote attacker, through a corporate system, logged onto a machine and was playing with code. An individual made an error not specific to the controller and exposed it to remote access through Microsoft XP [no longer supported] software. Practices outlined in controller documentation, and in the IEC 62443 series of standards on industrial automation and control systems (IACS) from the ISA99 Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security committee, if followed, would have prevented the breach. Dont panic; assess risks Reconsider cybersecurity processes, procedures, and training. Larry OBrien, vice president research for process automation, ARC Advisory Group, said the industry shouldnt panic, but it should reconsider best practices regarding processes, procedures, and people. There are ways to execute a response to and defend against a systemic, multiphase attack. In this same incident, the attack(s) breached another vendors distributed control system (DCS); so while the shutdown was initiated as designed, its better not to suffer a breach and shut down a process. Other human errors on site, including leaving the controllers keyswitch in program mode while it was in operation and leaving the controller cabinets unlocked, added significant risk for a cybersecurity attack. To lower the risks of such incidents, customers should continue to apply cybersecurity best practices across their operations, as well as always implement the instructions vendors provide within their systems documentation. For example, a recommended practice is to dedicate a laptop for use with the DCS and not let anyone else or anything connect to it. Schneider Electrics open and helpful response to this incident has been applauded and should be a blueprint for other vendors responses because this wont be the last incident. Whats the attraction for hackers? By reprograming the DCS and the safety system, attackers can push the plant into an unsafe state without those at the plant and the safety system realizing it. That means if an incident occurred, the expected result, i.e., the safety system shutting down the plant, wouldnt happen. Idaho National Labs demonstrated such a DCS spoofing event at least 10 years ago. Program mode, cybersecurity standards Have any of your controllers been left in program mode? Eric Cosman, contributing consultant, ARC Advisory Group and co-chair of ISA99 Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security committee, said the Triton attack was not unprecedented. He advised we shouldnt underestimate the hazards posed by human denial. Cosman, who worked for Dow Chemical most of his career, said leaving a controller key in program position is inexcusable. The ISA99 committee produced the IEC 62443, which addresses people, processes, and technologies. Risk assessment is part of that. End users dont have time to read a 1,000-page standard; practices and case studies are available along with sanitized examples of actual incidents. Frequent cybersecurity education Cybersecurity isnt a destination; its a journey and a continuing process. Gary Freburger, president, process automation, Schneider Electric, said cybersecurity, like safety, isnt something that can be done and finished; its a continuing process. This is counter-intuitive to the view not to touch a system if its doing what its supposed to be doing. Breaches will happen, and cybersecurity is everyones job, at individual and organizational levels with a commitment to industry, standards, and transparency. Three best practices follow. 1. Commit to educate and address people, processes, and technologies with a relentless drive to publish and standardize best practices and share information. 2. Use common standards across all equipment and across multiple providers, with feedback and guidance from those involved. 3. Ensure collaboration through transparency. Dont say or believe anything is secure. A lot of people are trying to get into these systems. Everyone needs to respond correctly knowing what was done before, to know how to correct it. In this case, Freburger said Schneider Electric experts were on site within four hours of being notified. End users struggle in cybersecurity incidents, he said, and vendors can use their expertise to help. Mark T. Hoske is content manager, Control Engineering, CFE Media, mhoske@cfemedia.com. KEYWORDS Cybersecurity, process safety Hackers can reach instrumentation. Outdated software is a cybersecurity risk. Reconsider cybersecurity training. Consider this How did people in your company improve cybersecurity today? ONLINE extra Schneider Electric offers a cybersecurity portal. ARC Advisory Group has a Cybersecurity Advisory Service. https://www.arcweb.com/advisory-services/cybersecurity-advisory-service Connect to related Control Engineering cybersecurity coverage in the articles below and on a dedicated cybersecurity page. Live hacking into your process (in 2005) WALDEN, Ontario The Sudbury Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is continuing its investigation into a fatal, single motor vehicle collision that occurred at approximately 6:19 a.m. on April 17, 2018 on Highway 17, east of Regional Road 55. The passenger of the transport truck was pronounced deceased at the scene. She has been identified as 33 year old Jennifer BASTASICH from Cornwall, Ontario. As a result of the investigation, the driver of the transport truck, Kimberly-Ann WARDEN, also from Cornwall, Ontario, was charged with careless driving contrary to section 130 of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Highway 17 westbound lanes, in that area, were closed for approximately 12 hours while emergency services personnel conducted their investigation and cleared the scene. The investigation is continuing. It has been determined that road and weather conditions were not a factor. CORNWALL, Ontario Most of the remnants of the Seaway International Bridge will be torn down by 2020. There are currently three piers in the water that once supported the bridge and on Wednesday, April 18 the Federal International Bridge Corporation (FIBC) announced that plans were in place to take them down. The demolition of the three remaining in-water piers will be tendered later this year for an anticipated completion in 2020, reads a statement from the FIBC. This work was planned as part of the original bridge replacement project and the commitment reaffirmed in 2015 by FBCLs president and Chief Executive Officer, Micheline Dube. For environmental reasons (such as fish spawning, river habitat and pollution control), the in-water piers cannot be completely removed, but will be reduced to a height of approximately 2 metres above water level. The project also includes roadwork and the installation of a traffic light at the main intersection of Cornwall Island. Work on that part of the project is expected to begin in mid-May. Once finished, this project will complete an $85 million investment by FBCL and the Government of Canada on the North Channel Bridge Replacement project, the statement from the FIBC reads. The project included the construction of the Canal Bridge and new low-level North Channel Bridge, the demolition of the original high-level North Channel Bridge structure and piers, the Brookdale Avenue roadway reconstruction, Cornwall Island roadway reconstruction and demolition of the original high-level North Channel Bridge in-water piers. Pier 3s on Cornwalls waterfront will not be torn down and it has already been connected to the recreational path and a lookout has been added to the pier itself. Core networking, security and multi-cloud are the three areas of greatest opportunity right now for Cisco and its partners, particularly when it comes to the profitable, high-level services the channel can provide around those technologies, according to Wendy Bahr, senior vice president of Cisco's global partner organization. "When you couple in that lifecycle value and services revenue, these are the three big tickets," Bahr said during a keynote at the networking giant's Partner Connection Week conference in Nassau, the Bahamas Tuesday. Faisal Bhutto, senior vice president at CompuTex Technology Solutions, a Houston, Texas, solution provider that works with Cisco, said despite the fact that Cisco struggled to develop a cohesive cloud strategy early on, those efforts have developed considerably. That strategy now includes relationships with major public cloud players like Google, Microsoft, AWS and IBM. Related: Looking To Duplicate Catalyst 9000 Magic, Cisco Brings Subscription Model To Routing Portfolio "The top places where customers are investing are security, cloud, hybrid cloud, digitization strategy and IoT," Bhutto said. "Her message is on-point, and I think Cisco's cloud story is coming together really well. Security, for sure, is not going away. It is top-of-mind." Tony Coleman, vice president of sales and strategy at Computer Solutions, a San Antonio, Texas, solution provider that works with Cisco, also praised the company's cloud progress and security portfolio. "Cisco has a really good cloud strategy going right now," he said. "They're partnering with the right companies, and their security strategy is better than it's ever been. The way all the security products complement each other, there's nobody else in the market that's got security pulled together like that." The key to growth and profitability with security, cloud and core networking is services, Bahr said. In Cisco's intent-based networking strategy, partners stand to benefit from offering digital services that make them a so-called "trusted advisor," Bahr said, and put themselves in a position to set customer expectations. "It means we have to transform from manual services close to the box to digital services," she said. "Modernizing, deployment services, installation; it's your choice how fast you want to take this expectation to our customers. These digital services are where the money is. It's what you can differentiate with. It's what customers are telling us they need to enact their digital strategies." Cisco's security portfolio "gets stronger every day," Bahr said, and partners have an opportunity to make virtually any customer conversation a conversation about security. "Security is complex, and there's fragmentation in the industry," she said. "Customers are overwhelmed. From the edge to the cloud, our opportunity is to advise, to implement and to manage. Set the expectation that anytime we're talking to anyone about anything in the Cisco portfolio that we're having a security conversation." This week, Cisco expanded its relationship with ConnectWise to offer the ConnectWise Advance Security Dashboard, a solution that gives MSPs a single dashboard for the management of Cisco's entire portfolio of security solutions. The cloud-managed solution is expected to be piloted with partners in May. Lucrative opportunities exist for partners that offer cloud advisory services, professional services around cloud deployment, as well as adoption and operations services around cloud, Bahr said. Citing statistics from research firm IDC, Bahr said, "85 percent of our customers are evaluating public cloud, and of them, 87 percent are taking steps toward a hybrid strategy. Ninety-four percent are planning to use multiple clouds." "We've rationalized our strategy," Bahr said of Cisco's multi-cloud efforts. "We've bucketized our solutions and innovations into easier-to-consume, easier-to-explain ways to get our customers to understand how we can collectively help them on this multi-cloud journey." Imagine if a hacker found a way to break into your gas stove's system and turn the gas on for a long time before activating the igniter. The result could be catastrophic. "Fundamentally, the difference between a gas stove and a bomb is a matter of programming," Galen Hunt, a longtime Microsoft researcher and engineer, told CRN. For Microsoft, this is the kind of potential security risk faced by the billions of devices and appliances that run on microcontrollers and are expected to connect to the internet in the next two years. And it's one of the major reasons why the Redmond, Wash.-based company developed Azure Sphere , which Microsoft calls a "first-of-its-kind" Internet of Things solution for securing microcontroller unit (MCU) devices. [Related: 5 Things To Know About Microsoft's Latest Cloud And Edge Security Moves ] "The reason why this is so important is, when you look at the 20 billion devices that are going to be connected in 2020, approximately 15 billion of those are in the small microprocessor class, so it's very much an urgent area that needs innovation," said Sam George, director of Azure IoT at Microsoft. Azure Sphere, which Microsoft unveiled at RSA Conference 2018 this week, tackles IoT security in three ways: a new crossover class of MCU chips that are built in with Microsoft security technology and connectivity, a Linux-based operating system that comes with secured application containers and a security monitor, and cloud-based security service that provides certificate-based authentication and visibility into emerging threats. Microsoft's use of Linux for the operating system is a first. Microsoft partners told CRN that they are thrilled to see the approach the company is taking with Azure Sphere. Chicago-based 10th Magnitude has been working with Microsofts IoT suite since its inception, and "weve experienced the need for Azure Sphere firsthand," said 10th Magnitude cloud solution architect Glenn Mate in an email to CRN. The firm has "constructed a number of bolt-on solutions for customers including our own IoT Field Gateway," Mate said. "Having this functionality native within the Azure toolset is exactly what solution providers and customers have been asking for, and we believe that this will accelerate Azure IoT suite adoption." In general, 10th Magnitude has found that the key to customer success is to stay "as close to Azure native as possible," and Azure Sphere "aligns with that strategy," he said. "This trend of Microsoft filling edge gaps with their own hardware innovation like Azure Data Box and now Azure Sphere is quite exciting for solution providers that have attached themselves to the explosive growth of Microsoft Azure," Mate said. "The pace at which Microsoft is giving solution providers tools to create customer value and monetize that value is staggering." Hunt, who founded and leads the Azure Sphere program, described Azure Sphere as an end-to-end solution geared at device manufacturers that are making MCU-class devices and lack the means to build their own security solutions. The company's initial manufacturing partner is MediaTek, which will release the first Azure Sphere chip later this year. By connecting MCU devices to the internet, George said it provides companies a "digital feedback loop" so that they can monitor the health of their devices and provide predictive maintenance. "It helps them have a better customer relationship," he said. While Microsoft has done a "stellar" job so far in its efforts around security in its Microsoft 365 suite of offerings, securing connected smart devices is a wise next move given that such devices "will be even more pervasive" than PCs, said Ric Opal, vice president at Oak Brook, Ill.-based SWC Technology Partners. Up until now, connected smart devices have been "widely insecure," Opal said. "As great as Microsoft has done on the device identity side, now I think we have to applaud them for their focus on what I consider to be a much more extensive area that needs to be secure, and needs to be compliant. Because it's going to be pervasive." To serve customers that are in the midst of digital transformation efforts, partners can "build security and compliance services around IoT" with the help of solutions such as Azure Sphere, Opal said. "So I think it becomes a big monetization play for somebody who's savvy enough to build out a secure and compliant IoT managed service," he said. "There are millions more devices on the IoT side, and nobody is doing compliance and management there, so it's got to be a massive opportunity." Reed Wiedower, CTO of Washington, D.C.-based New Signature, told CRN in an email that he believes Azure Sphere is poised to be "transformational." That's particularly the case for partners that have a security practice such as New Signature, he said. Keeping the proliferation of connected smart devices patched and managed could add up to a "security nightmare" for many organizations, Wiedower said. "With Azure Sphere, OEMs can be confident the devices they built remain secure years after they are deployed and partners can expound upon the value of the Microsoft ecosystem," he said. Microsoft's plan to launch a custom Linux kernel as part of the Azure Sphere OS offers a strong value proposition for partners as well, Wiedower added. "It further reinforces that Microsoft has a team of top developers, regardless of the operating system," he said. "From Midori to Linux, Microsoft has always been willing to go outside the Windows world when it makes sense. The old days of Microsoft saying 'my way or the highway' are over which is good news for all partners." Microsoft is expecting Azure Sphere to present a wide range of ecosystem opportunities. "What we see is that very often, it's our partners, whether ISVs or system integrators, that are helping put together and operate these connected product experiences for these companies," George said, "so there's a large partnership opportunity as there always is with Microsoft." Avnet was named as Microsoft's first distributor for Azure Sphere, which Lou Lutostanski, Avnet's vice president of IoT, called a "groundbreaking security announcement." "I think this will go a long way to accelerate the proliferation of IoT devices," he told CRN. RSA President Rohit Ghai said the multi-vendor pledge to not assist any government in offensive cyber-attacks is "too broad" and needs to consider both risks and rewards. Ghai said the 34 signatories of the Cybersecurity Tech Accord need to examine what's at stake on either side and what's being given up on each end as a compromise is pursued. "I think it's too broad of a statement," Ghai said. "I think it needs to be qualified with some more granular descriptors of 'what do we mean by offensive capability?'" [RELATED: 20 Hot New Security Products Announced At RSA 2018] The pledge was announced by Microsoft President Brad Smith during a keynote Tuesday at the RSA Conference 2018 in San Francisco, with participating companies agreeing to not assist any government in offensive cyber-attacks as well as protect all customers from attack regardless of geopolitical or criminal motive, according to Reuters. Prominent firms that signed onto the agreement include Microsoft, Facebook, Cisco, Juniper Networks, Oracle, Nokia, SAP, Dell, Symantec and FireEye. And despite Ghai's critique, a website built for the Cybersecurity Tech Accord indicates that RSA is one of the 34 signatories. Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Ghai said participating companies should look at the risk and reward equation and get down into the nitty gritty details. "There's always this duality and need," Ghai said. "It's a balance, but it needs to be a granular discussion, not an abstract, theoretical, high-level discussion." Although Ghai thinks a more crisp definition is needed in terms of what isn't allowed from an offensive perspective, he said he doesn't have any concerns with the defensive obligations, which he said is the right intent for sure regardless of where the source of an attack is based. Ghai likened the situation to the CLOUD Act, which was signed into law last month and allows federal law enforcement to compel U.S.-based technology companies via warrant or subpoena to provide data stored on servers regardless of whether the data are stored in the U.S. or on foreign soil. In that instance, Ghai said lawmakers needed to balance the burden of the technology sector caring for data privacy against the need of public sector organizations to fight cross-border terrorism. Similar deliberations need to take place around the Cybersecurity Tech Accord as well, according to Ghai. "I think it's a very tricky situation," Ghai said. "I don't know if the right solutions can be arrived at, but with the collective thinking power of multiple companies, you have a better shot of getting to the right answer." Malwarebytes CEO Marcin Kleczynski questioned whether a pledge that requires more than 30 companies to come to an agreement around a course of action can really be an effective source of change. "I don't think much is going to happen," Kleczynski said. "I need to study it more, but on the face of it, it does seem like a PR push." Kleczynski said a similar collective pledge effort to halt the downloading of malware and unwanted software, with Microsoft coming out, defining it, and trying to pull various companies together. However, Kleczynski said the final product "had no teeth." "They put a stamp of approval on tactics that we think are deceptive to our user base on the consumer side as well as on the enterprise," Kleczynski said. Instead of signing a pledge, Kleczynski said organizations can effectively combat misuse of their technology through a bug bounty program, which compensates outsiders for uncovering and reporting flaws in their hardware or applications. Malwarebytes has such a program, and offers bounties of up to $1,000 depending on the bug's severity and exploitability. "You would rather be aware of these issues, vulnerabilities and exploits and pay that bounty versus finding out about it in the news one day that your product, your solution was exploited," Kleczynski said. Kleczynski pointed to the business model of Italian IT company the Hacking Team whose sole source of revenue is selling exploits to nation-states as an example of where bug bounties could be effective. Had vendors been willing to pay more for the information than nation-states, Kleczynski said actors like the Hacking Team would have likely just reported the vulnerabilities directly to the vendor. "The incentives need to align," Kleczynski said. "Most people want to do the right thing, but they need incentive to do that." All of us have our favorite Bible verses. Some of us have our favorite Bible books. Mine is Second Corinthians. Perhaps that is due to the fact that it is so profoundly pastoral and describes in detail how Paul interacted with a church that treated him poorly. In any case, if youve never studied Second Corinthians I urge you to do so. Here are ten things about the letter that may help you get started. 1. Corinth was a bustling, international, port city. The city of Corinth in the first century, with a population estimated to be as high as two hundred thousand, has been described as a wide-open boomtown (Murphy-O'Connor) comparable to San Francisco of the gold rush days. It boasted two harbors and was strategically located, thus enhancing its reputation as one of the leading commercial centers of southern Greece. Sailors and merchants from every city and province, and therefore from every race and religion, passed through Corinth. It was truly cosmopolitan in nature. Photo Courtesy: Pexels Color Line has celebrated the start of block assembly on its new Color Hybrid vessel, the largest plug-in hybrid vessel to date, combining diesel engines and battery power. The ferry, which will sail between Sandefjord, Norway, and Strmstad, Sweden, will be 160 meters long and have capacity for 2,000 passengers and 500 cars. Norways Color Line, which also runs large cruise ferries between Norway and Germany in addition to other ferries, contracted the newbuild with Ulstein Yard, which is assembling the hull at the Crist shipyard in Gdydnia, Poland, before towing her to Ullsteinvik in Norway in October for completion. The Color Hybrid, which is slated to enter service in 2019, will sail into the port of Sandefjord under battery power and will plug into shorepower while alongside, thus having zero air and extremely low sound emissions in the port and harbor area. The hydroelectric shorepower will not only support ships services while in port but will also recharge the batteries. Alternatively, the batteries can be recharged from the engines while at sea. Batteries will be used to power the ship 3.2 nautical miles into port and out again, after which a diesel powerplant takes over, running on MGO. With the diesel plant and the batteries, the new ferry features combined diesel-mechanical and diesel-electric propulsion. The 5MWh batteries can propel the ship up to 15 knots. Siemens is the supplier of the batteries and electric systems. Fairfield County is one of the most ozone-polluted counties in the country and Connecticut has some of the worst air quality east of the Mississippi. Thats according to the American Lung Associations 2018 State of the Air report, released Wednesday. Published annually, State of the Air is a report card ranking states, metropolitan areas and counties nationwide on air quality, specifically ozone pollution (also known as smog) and particle pollution (also called soot). Connecticut does fair pretty poorly, especially when it comes to ozone, said Ruth Canovi, director of public policy for the American Lung Association in Connecticut. She added that part of the problem is that much of the countrys air pollution ends up settling in the Northeast, including Connecticut. Some people refer to Connecticut as the tailpipe of the nation, Canovi said. The report ranked every county in the state on ozone pollution and particle pollution. All Connecticut counties received a failing grade on ozone pollution, except Windham County, which received a D. Fairfield County ranked as the 19th most ozone-polluted county in the nation and the only one in the list not in the Western states. The city of Hartford ranked as the 20th most ozone-polluted city in the U.S. Connecticut fared better when it came to particle pollution which is made of tiny particles, such as those from coal-fired power plants, wood-burning devices and other places. Fairfield, Litchfield and New London counties all received Bs in particle pollution, while Hartford County received a A and New Haven County got a C. The remaining counties didnt have a monitor collecting data and didnt receive a grade. However, while particle pollution in New Haven and Hartford counties was slightly lower in this years report than that recorded in the 2017 report, it was slightly higher in Fairfield County. Overall, the report found that, though air quality nationwide has improved in recent years, more than four in 10 Americans 133.9 million people live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution. Canovi said poor air quality carries health risks ranging from asthma attacks to lung diseases such as COPD. The point of the report is make residents, lawmakers and others aware of issues with air quality in the state and communities. We want to inspire people to pay attention to air quality, Canovi said. There are a lot of people at risk. When former First Lady Barbara Bush died Tuesday, people spoke of the 92-year-olds legacy and her impact on the culture, both positive and negative. For the most part, it was the sort of talk that circulates any time a well-known person is lost. But there was something different about this conversation. Much of the talk about Bush wasnt about the way she lived it was about the way she died. On Sunday, the Bush family announced its matriarch was in failing health and no longer pursuing medical treatments intended to cure her illness. Her familys decision to make that information public was hailed by many in the medical community as a potential game changer when it comes to how Americans talk about death and dying. The fact that it was Barbara Bush doing it was particularly relevant, said Dr. Terri Fried, a professor of medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine. She was well-known for being outspoken about things that were important to her. I think the intention (of announcing her decision on medical care) was to put this into the public conversation. The Bush family released Barbaras decision the day before National Healthcare Decisions Day, which was Monday. The day is intended as an occasion to educate people about the importance of discussions on advanced care planning. I think that is extraordinary, to set (the announcement) at this time and in this way, said Dr. Donna Coletti, medical director of palliative care services at Greenwich Hospital. It says This is a conversation that needs to be elevated. Comfort vs. cure Many in the health community have pleaded for people to have early discussions with their families about the kind of medical care they want, should they become seriously ill. These conversations can include how long the loved one wants to receive medical care intended to cure an illness, as opposed to care that keeps the person comfortable. Fried stressed that choosing comfort doesnt mean care stops altogether, but that the focus shifts. The decision to pursue comfort care (usually) comes at a point where the benefits of intervention typically no longer outweigh the problems or burdens, she said. For instance, sources said Bush suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and congestive heart failure. COPD affects lungs and breathing, and Fried said late-stage care for the illness could have included putting Bush on a respirator. However, that would mean she couldnt speak with her family. Thus, Fried said, its reasonable that there would be a certain point in Bushs care when she wouldnt want to use such a device. The Catholic church has also come out in support of palliative care, while being careful to distinguish it from assisted suicide. Catholic Health Association of the United States has published the guide Caring for People at the End of Life, which talks about these decisions. The guide states that the church has no hard-and-fast rule regarding specific medical procedures but rather urges prudent decisions regarding the benefits and burdens of medical treatments for the patient. Talking too late Experts recommend that conversations about end-of-life care happen when a person is healthy enough to make his or her wishes known, but thats often not the case, Fried said. We know these discussions tend to happen so late that the person is sick enough that they arent able to participate, she said. This is problematic for the patients and their families, said Dr. Kristin Edwards, medical director of palliative care at Bridgeport Hospital. Often the conflicts we see are with people who never had that discussion in advance, Edwards said. Its very stressful to make that decision on someone elses behalf. Patients wishes cant be respected if they arent expressed to family members or others authorized to make heath care decisions. For instance, roughly 70 percent of people say they want to die at home and 70 percent end up dying in health facilities, according to The Conversation Project, a Boston-based program dedicated to helping people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. Conversation Project Director Kate DeBartolo joined the chorus in hoping the public airing of Bushs end-of-life choices leads to more conversations on this topic. We do hope that this will be an example to other families to let their loved ones decide what they want as they approach the end of their lives, she said by email. Elizabeth Beaudin, senior director of population health for the Connecticut Hospital Association, echoed DeBartolos thoughts. About a year ago, the CHA launched the Care Decisions Connecticut initiative, a statewide collaboration to empower patients to make their own end-of-life care decisions. Although we are saddened by the death of Mrs. Bush, we are grateful that she and her family chose to make public her decision to seek comfort care in the last days of her life, Beaudin said in an email. When famous people elect to share their healthcare decisions with the public, it can help fuel public discussion and awareness about these important issues. WASHINGTON Sen. Chris Murphy delivered a proposal to offer Medicare to individuals and businesses as an alternative to private health insurance even though any variation on the so-called public option stands no chance of passage in the GOP-controlled Congress. In co-authoring the Choose Medicare Act with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Murphy, D-Conn., on Wednesday characterized it as a talking point for Democrats looking past last years failed GOP effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act Obamacare. Democrats have made it very clear that as we try to focus the countrys attention on fighting back against the presidents sabotage of the American health care system, we are also entertaining a very robust discussion about what to do next, Murphy said at a news conference at the U.S. Capitol with Merkley. Its a moment where we let a half-dozen ideas blossom. The bill would create Medicare Part E, which would expand Medicare well beyond its primary role of providing health insurance to seniors over 65. It would open up Medicare to businesses and individuals as a form of competition to private insurance, which competes on the individual markets set up by the ACA, including Connecticuts Access Health CT. The market will dictate Murphy distinguished his proposal from another Medicare-for-all plan put forward by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., which would essentially cut out private insurers and force recipients onto expanded Medicare. We think this will make the private insurance system much more competitive, Murphy said. Our policy should not be to protect insurance companies against a benefit that may be more attractive to Americans. I believe the market will dictate what Americans choose. Murphy said that if his bill were enacted, recipients would find Medicare Part E to be a better deal. In 2010, lawmakers in the Democratic-controlled Congress kept a public option out of the Affordable Care Act. But now its back, as a discussion point for Democrats going forward. The Murphy-Merkley bill is the public option on steroids, Murphy said. The downfall of the Republican effort to replace Obamacare with a GOP plan has created a vacuum in the health insurance market, including in Connecticut. After the defeat, Republicans in control of Capitol Hill said they would move on to other topics, leaving the Obamacare superstructure nominally in place. Murphy acknowledged Republicans are not at all likely to bring up any Medicare-expansion bill while they are in charge. This is not designed to be a bipartisan proposal, Murphy said. This is designed to start some real thinking within our party and across the country about what the health-care system should look like. Declining numbers Healthcare.gov and state exchanges such as Access Health CT still exist, but rates have gone up in the face of Trump administration efforts to end subsidies for insurers. Also, the Republican tax bill approved in December includes elimination of the lynchpin of Obamacare the universal mandate, which requires all to have health insurance or pay a tax penalty. Even so, Access Health CT signed up 114,134 by the end of the latest open enrollment period, which ended Dec. 22, 2017. At the time, the exchange said it represented a 2.3 percent increase over the previous open enrollment. But an Access Health CT spokeswoman said the number had drifted downward to about 104,000 through natural attrition. Only two insurance companies are on the exchange, Connecticare and Anthem BlueCross BlueShield. Rates for both went up 16.7 percent for mid-level silver plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, which tracks health care data. In addition, about 55,000 in Connecticut get health insurance through Obamacares Medicaid-expansion program. As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, Murphy will be in the legislative vortex when health care arises next on Capitol Hill. If Democrats take back either the House or the Senate or both in the mid-term election, reinvigorating the governments role in the health care system likely would be at the top of the agenda. If Democrats win, I dont know that Medicare-for-all is going to be first up in 2019, Murphy said. Were going to have to do some very quick, hard work to restore affordability to a system the president is trying to destroy. dan@hearstdc.com NORWALK A Stamford man was charged with two counts of manslaughter Tuesday in connection with a wrong-way, head-on crash on Connecticut Avenue in January that killed two men. Police also said the man was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Members of the Norwalk Police Department, assisted by the United States Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Task Force and Stamford Police Department, served an active arrest warrant on Anthony Domond. Domond, 33 of Prince Place, had been wanted in connection with the double fatal crash that occurred near 789 Connecticut Ave. that killed Frank Peterson III, 50; and Anthony Johnson, 40, both of Stamford. Peterson had picked up Johnson at Bertuccis Italian Restaurant on Connecticut Avenue, where Johnson had a job washing dishes in the kitchen. Johnsons father, John Johnson, said the two then headed up Connecticut Avenue to grab a hamburger, possibly at nearby McDonalds. After picking up the food, they went south on Connecticut Avenue toward the Interstate 95 entrance ramp in Darien when they crashed in front of the Double Tree Hotel. Frankie was a very careful driver and a wonderful person, said Johnsons father. Johnson and Peterson were the best of friends who were helping each other keep their lives on track. Johnson said his son, who struggled with drugs, was in rehab and working hard to rebuild his life. Johnson said Peterson regularly picked his son up from work, a reflection of how close they were. Police say Domond was driving westbound on Connecticut Avenue near Richards Avenue when he entered the eastbound lane of Connecticut Avenue and struck a vehicle that was traveling eastbound. At 10:11 p.m. Patrol Officers responded to two-car motor vehicle crash and found a Subaru sedan and a BMW in the roadway with extensive damage. Peterson and Johnson were dead at the scene and Domond had sustained serious injuries, police said. The Norwalk Fire Department extricated all three men. Connecticut Avenue remained closed for several hours while Norwalk Police Accident Investigators and the Crime Scene Unit processed the scene. Johnsons sister, Gina Johnson, said, My brother had a heart of gold. He had an amazing mind and will truly be missed and I hope he is at peace. He died with his best friend at his side and that is all I can say. I pray that everyone involved in this situation finds the peace they need. Norwalk Police Crash Investigator Officer Chris Wasilewski investigated the incident. As a result of his lengthy investigation, the arrest warrant was issued for Domond. Domond was charged with two counts of manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence and reckless driving. His bond was set at $200,000. Previous reporting by John Nickerson was used in this story. When it comes to air travel, either you love to fly or you hate it. Im the former. I love everything about air travel, including airplanes, airports and the ability to cross a continent or ocean in just one day. Most of all, I love to look out the window and take in a birds eye view of the ground below. The window also provides comfort in the form of context. If youre a frequent flier, youve probably been startled at least once when your airplane landed and you werent ready for it. If your credit union is a member of CO-OP Financial Services, you are probably familiar with Chief Marketing and Experience Officer Samantha Paxson. As part of her position, Sam is a bit of a jet setter, traveling frequently to represent CO-OP at numerous industry events each year. Unlike me, Sam does not like to fly. Shes in good company: according to Boeing research, one-third of all Americans range from anxious to downright terrified in flight. Many credit union executives follow Sam on social media, where shes posted about her fear of flying. Earlier this year, she shared her need to keep the window shades up to maintain altitude context and manage her fear. One post in particular was a selfie of her sad face as she sat next to someone in the window seat who had lowered the shade. She added a hashtag: #shadesup. I believe it was Connecticut Credit Union League CEO Jill Nowacki who first empathized with Sam, posting a selfie on a plane with the shade up, and expanding the hashtag to #shadesupforsam. The #shadesupforsam movement quickly caught on within our credit union circle; in part because were smartalecks who travel frequently for work, but also because everyone can relate to the need for reassurance while flying. Sam had made an emotional connection. When posts connect with an audience, its a rare and beautiful thing. And because Sam is an excellent marketer, she recognized the potential in the #shadesup movement and turned it into a Credit Unions for Kids fundraiser opportunity. From now until CO-OPs THINK Conference begins on May 7, CO-OP Financial Services will donate $10 to both Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals and the National Credit Union Foundation for each social media post of a selfie that includes a raised airplane shade and uses the hashtag #shadesupforkids. This year also marks the 10-year anniversary of the CO-OP Miracle Match program, in which CO-OP has matched credit union fundraising efforts to the tune of $10 million, for a total of $20 million donated to CMNH. CO-OP has capped #shadesupforkids at $10,000, but if credit unions join in with their own promotion, this fundraiser could really take off (see what I did there?). Credit unions are the third largest sponsor of Childrens Miracle Network Hospitals, raising $170 million since 1996. With your help, what began as a funny personal social post could help families in crisis with much-needed medical financial support. For Subscribers Local leaders largely silent about district attorney situation With the exception of one Somerset attorney, locals have been silent about whether DA Jeff Thomas should step down as his court hearings approach. It has been increasingly, even disappointingly, clear that much of what passes for secularism in India is disguised minoritarianism or, even worse, outright anti-Hinduism. This is quite distressing, not to speak of ironic because it is still not entirely clear exactly who or what a Hindu is. In 1966, over 50 years ago, chief justice of India, PB Gajendragadkar, writing on behalf of a five-member Constitution Bench, had observed: We find it difficult, if not impossible, to define Hindu religion or even adequately describe it. Common knowledge Continuing in this vein, 10 years later in 1976, the Supreme Court, disposing of another case, noted, It is a matter of common knowledge that Hinduism embraces within itself so many diverse forms of beliefs, faiths, practices and worships that it is difficult to define the term Hindu with precision. Yet, when it comes to branding Hindus as terrorists, everyone seems instantly to know and agree upon who a Hindu is. The branding, it would seem, is more important than any evidence to support it. No wonder the BJP, often identified with Hindu interests, has been long maintaining that the idea of Hindu terror is unnatural. For instance, 10 years ago, LK Advani, speaking at an election rally in Chandigarh, accused the Congress of raising the bogey of "Hindu terrorism": For vote-bank, the Congress coined the term Hindu terrorism (after the Malegoan blast), but the BJP never used terminology like Muslim terrorism. What has changed since then? For one, the Congress is no longer in power. Its control of the state, its machinery, the press, the intellectual class, and so on, has waned. It is no longer in position to control the dominant narrative. Hindu or saffron terror was allegedly its ploy to continue, on the one hand, to divide and rule. On the other hand, it was also part of a much larger narrative to equalise and relativise all religions, faiths, and traditions as equally good or, more often, equally bad. The latter deriving, expectedly, from atheistic, materialist, and modernist ideologies such as Marxism and certain forms of hard secularism. Advanis 2008 comments show the influence of such ideologies when he says, A terrorist is a terrorist... whosoever is the criminal he must be punished, irrespective of his religion. While this is sound advice, it ignores how certain religious traditions have been much more susceptible to extremist indoctrination and violence. This is most unfortunate because, though all religions, in their ideal state, are valid ways of reaching the absolute, in their actual, practical manifestation, they are not equally peaceful or plural. To distinguish between precept and practice is, therefore, fundamental to any comparative analysis of religions. Media coverage These issues come to the fore with renewed urgency now that justice K Ravinder Reddy, presiding over a special anti-terror court, recently announced his not guilty verdict in the 11-year-old Mecca Masjid bomb blast case. On May 18, 2007, a powerful pipe bomb had killed nine and injured 58 men gathered for Friday prayers at the 400-year mosque in Hyderabads old city. Prosecution (NIA) could not prove even a single allegation against any of the accused and all of them stand acquitted, reported JP Sharma, counsel for the chief accused, Swami Assemanand, after the trial judge acquitted him and the four others accused. But what the media covered was the judges resignation after delivering the verdict, rather than the substance of the judgment. Asaduddin Owaisi, president of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), which many consider a rabidly communal party, predictably attacked the verdict on Twitter: The NIA didnt pursue the case as expected from it /was not allowed by political masters. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, in turn, hit out at the Congress after the verdict for defaming Hinduism, especially targeting former finance minister P Chidambaram for using the term saffron terror. True secularism Does this mean that no Hindu can be a terrorist? No. But given the nature of Hinduism, to brainwash and programme large numbers of its adherents to attack others will not be easy. As justice Gajendragadkar had observed in his judgment, Unlike other religions in the world, the Hindu religion does not claim any one prophet, it does not worship any one god, it does not subscribe to any one dogma, it does not believe in any one philosophic concept, it does not follow any one set of religious rites or performances, in fact, it does not appear to satisfy the narrow traditional features of any religion or creed. Hindu nationalism, whether dubbed as Hindutva or political Hinduism, should neither lose sight of nor tamper too much this aspect of our way of life. Fanaticism hurts Hindus as much as it does others. At the same time, Hindus must also see through various conspiracies to divide and discredit them, including the largely false and fabricated narrative called Hindu terror. British colonial authorities, by introducing religious and caste tags in their 1871 Census unleashed a monster which we have not yet learned to tame. True secularism will neither favour minorities nor distort the traditions of the majority to demonise the latter. Hindus must see through such ploys while resisting the urge to go to the other extreme in becoming anti-Muslim, anti-Christian, or against any other tradition. To be pro-dharma is more important than to be anti-anything or anybody. (Courtesy of Mail Today) Also read: Why Amazon Echo and Google Home are a threat to data privacy The verdict in the 11-year-old Mecca Masjid blast case by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Hyderabad on April 6, acquitting all five accused is on expected lines, though many have expressed outrage on social media. The verdict speaks volumes about the ineptitude of India's premiere investigating agencies if 11 years after the May 18, 2007, blast which killed nine people and injured 58, we do not even know who was behind the attack. The tragedy of the blast, however, did not end with the nine dead. As people gathered to express outrage over the terror attack, police opened fire on them claiming five more lives. It didn't take authorities any time to link the blast to terror outfits such as Bangladesh-based Harkat-ul-Jihad-al-Islami (HuJI) and Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Botched up investigation In the first two months of investigations, Hyderabad police, which shot five, rounded up nearly 200 young Muslim youths from across the city. They finally chargesheeted 21 of them. An alleged HuJI operative Bilal was said to be the "mastermind" of the attack, and was later killed in a police encounter. It was only in January 2009 that all of them were acquitted from the charges of carrying out the attack. Meanwhile, then Maharashtra Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) chief, Hemant Karkare (later killed in the 26/11 Mumbai attack) arrested members of extremist Hindutva organisation, Abhinav Bharat, in connection with the Malegaon terror attacks of 2006 and 2008), exposing the "saffron terror" network. Investigating agencies later linked the Samjhauta Express train blast that happened in February 2007, Ajmer Sharif Dargah blast of October 2007 and Mecca Masjid blast to the same network. The Samjhauta train runs between Delhi and Lahore and the main targets of the attack were hence Pakistani travellers. Other blasts targeted Muslim religious sites, mosques, shrines and even graveyards. Those dead and injured mostly included Muslims. It is for this reason that the attacks appeared to have been planned to take "revenge" and teach Muslims a "lesson". Saffron terror? In different cases, investigating agencies arrested lieutenant-colonel Prasad Shrikant Purohit, Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Bhavesh Patel, Kumar Sarkar alias Swami Aseemanand, Devendra Gupta, Lokesh Sharma, Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar, Rajendra Choundary, among others. Except Col Purohit, who was then serving in the military intelligence, all accused had links with the Sangh Parivar. RSS pracharak Sunil Joshi's name had also cropped up in these cases, but he was shot on December 29, 2007, in Dewas, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly by same group. (All, including Pragya Thakur, have been acquitted in his murder case.) The NIA has already closed the 2008 Madosa case, citing lack of evidence. Samjauta case has not made much headway either, while the trial in 2006 Malegaon blast is yet to begin. Special public prosecutor in the 2008 Malegaon case, Rohini Salian, went on record to say that she was asked to go "soft" on Hindutva extremists after the BJP-led NDA government came to power at the Centre. Since then, the NIA has decided to drop charges against Pragya in the case. In March 2017, a court convicted three accused, although it acquitted seven of them, including Aseemanad in the Ajmer blast case, despite the fact that 26 witnesses had turned hostile. This case will remain significant as all convicted persons: Bhavesh Patel, Devendra Gupta and Sunil Joshi (dead) were members of the RSS at the time of their crime. Mecca Masjid blast case Mecca Masjid case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2009 after the failure of the local police in making any headway. CBI charged three of people - Lokesh Sharma, Devender Gupta and Sunil Joshi. In 2011, the case was transferred to the NIA, and they expanded the investigation and named 10 accused, including Assemanand. Only five of them - Swami Aseemanand, Devendra Gupta, Lokesh Sharma, Bharat Mohanlal Rateshwar and Rajendra Choundary - could be arrested. Two of the former RSS workers, Sandeep Dange and Ramachandra Kalsangra, are still "absconding". It must be noted here that Swami Aseemanand had confessed to his crime in an interview to the Caravan magazine and in front of the police. He had even confessed his crime in front of the magistrate, adding that he knew he might be "sentenced to the death", but he still wanted "to make the confession". He later, however, retracted his statement, saying he made the statement under duress on part of the police. On April 16, judge K Ravinder Reddy acquitted all five of them for want of evidence, hours before resigning from his office (he is facing corruption charges). If even after three rounds of investigations, including by country's premiere investigating agencies - CBI and NIA - the nation does not know, who killed those nine innocent devotees and injured 58 others, it paints a very sorry picture of the law enforcement agencies of the country. Wishful closure of cases by media As soon as the verdict was announced, TV channels gave their verdict too: There is nothing called Hindu or saffron terror and it was all a Congress/UPA conspiracy to malign the Hindu community - and by extension India - in general, and the nationalist Sangh Parivar, in particular. Sample the hashtags on some of the channels: Times Now: #HinduTerrorTheoryFlops, CNN News18: #NoHinduTerror, Zee News: #HinduTerrorParCongExposed, India Today: #NoHinduTerror, Republic TV: #HinduTerrorPolitics, etc. Some of them even ran Twitter polls on the same theme. These hashtags and debates, however, conveniently ignored the Ajmer blast case where three former RSS functionaries have already been convicted. They busied themselves in their favourite pastime of blaming the Congress party (not Nehru?) for its purported attempt of maligning the Sangh Parivar. The media that had long turned into a lapdog rather than being the watchdog, did not even dare to ask difficult questions to the government and investigating agencies about their failures in leading all these cases to logical conclusions. Or worse, interfering in these cases? Who, after all killed Joshi? Who were the people behind these attacks? What is interesting about these cases is that within hours of the attacks some links to LeT/HuJI/SIMI/IM were shown and in days following each of the attacks innocent Muslims were incarcerated on trump-up terror charges. Many of them continue to struggle for acquittals. One can only hope that another round of incarceration for the same cases do not begin. On social media, many have already dubbed the NIA as another "caged bird", one allegedly taking orders from Nagpur (the headquarters of the RSS), besides mocking them for aggressively pursuing the alleged love jihad case of Hadiya, while ignoring these terror cases. Failure of the country's premiere agencies in almost all terror cases targeting Muslim religious places will only strengthen doubts in the minds of the minority community that the police hold biases against them. Justice delayed is after all justice denied. Also read: Clean chit for Aseemanand in Mecca Masjid blast reignites saffron terror debate 20 minutes ago Pharmacies face 1st trial over role in opioid crisis CLEVELAND (AP) So many prescription painkillers were dispensed in Lake County, Ohio, between 2012 and 2016 that the amount equaled 265 pills for every resident. Just to the south, the flood of prescription opioids during the same period equated to 400 pills for every resident of Trumbull County. Attorneys say efforts to address the ensuing overdose epidemic has cost each of the financially struggling counties at least $1 billion. Read Article The following companies are subsidiares of Ingersoll Rand: 211 E. Russell Road LLC, Air-Relief, Belliss & Morcom Brasil, Belliss and Morcom, Boardwalk Enterprises, Charm Merger Sub Inc., CompAir, CompAir (Hankook) Korea Co. Ltd., CompAir Acquisition (No. 2) Ltd., CompAir Acquisition Ltd., CompAir BroomWade Ltd., CompAir Canada, CompAir Finance Ltd., CompAir GmbH, CompAir Holdings Limited, CompAir Holman Ltd, CompAir International Trading (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CompAir Korea Ltd, CompAir South Africa (SA) (Pty) Ltd., CompAir UK Ltd, CompAir USA, Consolidated Distribution Holdings Ltd., DV Systems Inc., Emco Wheaton, Emco Wheaton GmbH Branch, Emco Wheaton Gmbh, Emco Wheaton UK, Emco Wheaton USA Inc, Enza Air Propriety Limited (South Africa), GD Aria Holdings #2 Limited, GD Aria Holdings Limited, GD Aria Investments Limited, GD First UK Ltd, GD German Holdings GmbH, GD German Holdings I Gmbh, GD German Holdings II GmbH, GD German Investments GmbH, GD Global Holdings, GD Global Holdings II, GD Global Holdings UK II Ltd., GD Global Ventures I B.V., GD Global Ventures II B.V., GD Global Ventures III B.V., GD Industrial Products Malaysia SDN. BHD., GD Investment KY, GD UK Finance Ltd., Gardner Denver (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Gardner Denver Austria GmbH, Gardner Denver Bad Neustadt Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Belgium NV, Gardner Denver Brasil Industria E Comercio de Maquinas Ltda., Gardner Denver CZ + SK sro, Gardner Denver Canada Corp, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments II Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd., Gardner Denver Cyprus Investments Ltd. - US Branch, Gardner Denver Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Engineered Products India Private Limited, Gardner Denver FZE, Gardner Denver Finance II LLC, Gardner Denver Finance Inc & Co KG, Gardner Denver France SA, Gardner Denver France SAS, Gardner Denver Group Services Ltd, Gardner Denver Group Svcs Ltd, Gardner Denver Hoffman, Gardner Denver Holdings, Gardner Denver Holdings Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Investments Limited, Gardner Denver Hong Kong Ltd, Gardner Denver Iberica, Gardner Denver Industries Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd., Gardner Denver Industries Pty Ltd. Branch, Gardner Denver International, Gardner Denver International Ltd., Gardner Denver Intl Ltd Middle East Regional Rep Office, Gardner Denver Investments, Gardner Denver Italy Holdings S.r.L., Gardner Denver Japan, Gardner Denver Kirchhain Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Korea, Gardner Denver Korea Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd, Gardner Denver Ltd South Africa, Gardner Denver Ltd., Gardner Denver Ltd. Branch (Ireland), Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co, Gardner Denver Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Gardner Denver Nash Brasil Industria E Comercio De Bombas Ltda, Gardner Denver Nash Deutschland GmbH, Gardner Denver Nash LLC, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd, Gardner Denver Nash Machinery Ltd., Gardner Denver Nederland BV, Gardner Denver Nederland Investments B.V., Gardner Denver Oberdorfer Pumps, Gardner Denver Oy, Gardner Denver Petroleum Pumps, Gardner Denver Polska Sp z.o.o., Gardner Denver Pte Ltd., Gardner Denver S.r.l., Gardner Denver Schopfheim GmbH, Gardner Denver Schopfheim Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver Schweiz AG, Gardner Denver Slovakia, Gardner Denver SudAmerica S.r.l., Gardner Denver Sweden AB, Gardner Denver Taiwan Ltd., Gardner Denver Thomas, Gardner Denver Thomas GmbH, Gardner Denver Thomas Pneumatic Systems (Wuxi) Co., Gardner Denver Thomas Real Estate GmbH & Co KG, Gardner Denver UK, Gardner Denver Water Jetting Systems, Garo Dott. Ing. Roberto Gabbioneta S.r.l., Hamworthy Belliss & Morcom, ILMVAC (UK) Ltd., ILS Innovative Labor Systeme, ILS Inovative Laborsysteme GmbH, Indonesia Foreign Trade Representative Office, LeROI, LeRoi International Inc, MP Pumps Inc., Mako Compressors, Nash, Nash Elmo, Oina VV, Oina VV Aktiebolag, Robuschi, Rotary Compression Technologies, Runtech Systems, Runtech Systems (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Runtech Systems Inc., Runtech Systems OY, Shanghai CompAir Compressors Co Ltd, Shanghai Compressors & Blowers Ltd., Syltone, TCM Investments, TIWR Real Estate GmbH & Co. KG, TODO AB, Tamrotor Marine Compressors AS, Thomas Industries, Thomas Industries Inc., Tri-Continent Scientific, Welch Vacuum Equipment (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Zinsser Analytic, Zinsser Analytik GmbH, and Zinsser NA. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG operates as a medical technology company in Germany, the United States, Japan, France, Spain, India, the United Kingdom, Turkey, North Africa, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Ophthalmic Devices and Microsurgery. The Ophthalmic Devices segment offers optical biometers, ophthalmic surgical microscopes, phacoemulsification/vitrectomy devices, intraocular lenses, and ophthalmic viscoelastic products for the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic diseases in the field of cataract and retinal surgery. This segment also offers optical coherence tomography devices, perimeters, fundus cameras, slit lamps, and therapeutic and refractive lasers for the diagnosis and treatment of various eye diseases, such as refraction, glaucoma, and other retinal diseases, as well as FORUM, an eye care data management system. The Microsurgery segment provides surgical microscopes and visualization solutions for neuro, spinal, dental, and plastic and reconstructive surgeries, as well as for ear, nose, and throat surgery; products for surgical treatment of tumors or vascular diseases, such as aneurysms; and INTRABEAM, a intraoperative radiotherapy device. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG serves ophthalmologists and optometrists, as well as physicians and surgeons in hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. The company was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Jena, Germany. Carl Zeiss Meditec AG is a subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Carnival Co. &: 1972 Productions Inc., 6348 Equipment LLC, A.C.N. 098 290 834 Pty. Ltd., A.J. Juneau Dock LLC, AIDA Kundencenter GmbH, Adventure Island Ltd., Air-Sea Holiday GmbH, Alaska Hotel Properties LLC, Barcelona Cruise Terminal SLU, Bay Island Cruise Port S.A., Belize Cruise Terminal Limited, CC U.S. Ventures Inc., CCL Gifts LLC, CSSC Carnival Italy Cruise Investment S.r.L, Carnival (UK) Limited, Carnival Bahamas FC Limited, Carnival Bahamas Holdings Limited, Carnival Corporation & plc Asia Pte. Ltd., Carnival Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Carnival Corporation Korea Ltd., Carnival Corporation Ports Group Japan KK, Carnival Finance LLC, Carnival Grand Bahama Investment Limited, Carnival Investments Limited, Carnival Japan Inc., Carnival License Holdings Limited, Carnival Maritime GmbH, Carnival North America LLC, Carnival Port Holdings Limited, Carnival Ports Inc., Carnival Support Services India Private Limited, Carnival Technical Services (UK) Limited, Carnival Technical Services Finland Limited, Carnival Technical Services GmbH, Carnival Technical Services Inc., Carnival Vanuatu Limited, Costa Crociere PTE Ltd., Costa Crociere S.p.A., Costa Cruceros S.A., Costa Cruise Lines Inc., Costa Cruise Lines UK Limited, Costa Cruises Shipping Services (Shanghai) Company Limited, Costa Cruises Travel Agency (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Costa Cruzeiros Agencia Maritima e Turismo Ltda., Costa Group Digital & Strategic Services GmbH, Costa International B.V., Costa Kreuzfahrten GmbH, Cozumel Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Creative Travel Lab Ltd., Cruise Ships Catering & Services International N.V., Cruise Terminal Services S.A. de C.V., Cruiseport Curacao C.V., D.R. Cruise Port Ltd., Ecospray Technologies S.r.L., F.P.M. SAS, F.P.P. SAS, Fleet Maritime Services (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services Holdings (Bermuda) Limited, Fleet Maritime Services International Limited, GXI LLC, Gibs Inc., Global Experience Innovators Inc., Global Fine Arts Inc., Global Shipping Service (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Grand Cruise Shipping Unipessoal LdA, Grand Turk Cruise Center Ltd., HAL Antillen N.V., HAL Beheer B.V., HAL Cruises Limited, HAL Maritime Ltd., HAL Nederland N.V., HAL Properties Limited, HAL Services B.V., HSE Hamburg School of Entertainment GmbH, Holding Division Iberocruceros SLU, Holland America Line Inc., Holland America Line N.V., Holland America Line Paymaster of Washington LLC, Holland America Line U.S.A. Inc., Ibero Cruzeiros Ltda., Iberocruceros SLU, Information Assistance Corporation, International Cruise Services S.A. de C.V., International Leisure Travel Inc., International Maritime Recruitment Agency S.A. de C.V., Milestone N.V., Navitrans S.R.L., Ocean Bahamas Innovation Ltd., Ocean Medallion Fulfillment Ltd., Operadora Catalina S.r.L., P&O Princess American Holdings, P&O Princess Cruises International Limited, P&O Princess Cruises Pension Trustee Limited, P&O Properties (California) Inc., P&O Travel Limited, Prestige Cruises Management S.A.M., Prestige Cruises N.V., Princess Bermuda Holdings Ltd., Princess Cays Ltd., Princess Cruise Corporation Inc., Princess Cruise Lines Ltd., Princess Cruises and Tours Inc., Princess U.S. Holdings Inc., RCT Maintenance & Related Services S.A., RCT Pilots & Related Services S.A., RCT Security & Related Services S.A., Roatan Cruise Terminal S.A. de C.V., Royal Hyway Tours Inc., Santa Cruz Terminal S.L., SeaVacations Limited, SeaVacations UK Limited, Seabourn Cruise Line Limited, Shanghai Coast Cruise Consulting Co. Lda, Ship Care (Bahamas) Limited, Sitmar Cruises Inc., Spanish Cruise Services N.V., Sunshine Shipping Corporation Ltd., T&T International Inc., Tour Alaska LLC, Transnational Services Corporation, Trident Insurance Company Ltd., Westmark Hotels Inc., Westmark Hotels of Canada Ltd., Westours Motor Coaches LLC, Wind Surf Limited, and World Leading Cruise Management (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.. Federated Investors, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors. Through its subsidiaries, it manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, balanced and money market mutual funds along with separate client-focused equity, fixed income, money market, and balanced portfolios. Through its subsidiaries, the firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The firm makes its fixed income investments in ultra-short, short-term, and intermediate-term mortgage-backed, U.S. Government, U.S. corporate, high yield, and municipal securities. It employs both fundamental and quantitative analysis to make its equity investments. Federated Investors, Inc. was founded in 1955 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with additional offices in New York City and London, United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc.. 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 Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Indonesia 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 Indonesia ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Altiplano Metals Inc., a junior resource company, focuses on evaluating and acquiring exploration projects. The company explores for copper and gold deposits. Its flagship property is the Farellon project located near the town of La Serena, Chile. The company also owns interest in the Maria Luisa project located near the town of La Serena, Chile. The company was formerly known as Altiplano Minerals Ltd. Altiplano Metals Inc. was incorporated in 2010 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc.. United Technologies Corporation provides technology products and services to building systems and aerospace industries worldwide. Its Otis segment designs, manufactures, sells, and installs passenger and freight elevators, escalators, and moving walkways; and offers modernization products to upgrade elevators and escalators, as well as maintenance and repair services. The company's Carrier segment provides heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security, and building automation products, solutions, and services for commercial, government, infrastructure, residential, and refrigeration and transportation applications. This segment also offers building services, including audit, design, installation, system integration, repair, maintenance, and monitoring. Its Pratt & Whitney segment supplies aircraft engines for commercial, military, business jet, and general aviation markets; and provides aftermarket maintenance, repair, and overhaul, as well as fleet management services. The company's Collins Aerospace Systems segment provides electric power generation, power management, and distribution systems; air data and aircraft sensing systems; engine control, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance systems; engine components; environmental control systems; fire and ice detection, and protection systems; propeller systems; engine nacelle systems; aircraft lighting, seating, and cargo systems; actuation and landing systems; space products and subsystems; avionics systems; flight controls, communications, navigation, oxygen, and training systems; food and beverage preparation, and storage and galley systems; and lavatory and wastewater management systems. The company offers its services through manufacturers' representatives, distributors, wholesalers, dealers, retail outlets, and sales representatives, as well as directly to customers. United Technologies Corporation was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Farmington, Connecticut. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Crown: Adularia Inversiones 2010 S.L., Angleboard Sweden AB, Bates Cargo-Pak ApS, Butimove, CMB Machinery and Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd, CROWN AP (Thailand) Company Limited, CROWN Aerosols & Promotional Nederland, CROWN Aerosols Italia Srl, CROWN Aerosols Nederland BV, CROWN Aerosols UK Limited, CROWN Americas LLC, CROWN Arabia Can Company Ltd, CROWN Asia Pacific Holdings Pte. Ltd., CROWN Asia Pacific Investments (T) Limited, CROWN Bevcan Espana S.L., CROWN Bevcan France SAS, CROWN Bevcan Slovakia s.r.o., CROWN Bevcan Turkiye Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, CROWN Bevcan and Closures (Thailand) Company Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans (Cambodia) Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans (Dong Nai) Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Beijing Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Changchun Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Danang Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hangzhou Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hanoi Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Heshan Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Hong Kong Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Huizhou Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Malaysia Sdn Bhd, CROWN Beverage Cans Nanning Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Putian Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Saigon Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Shanghai Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Sihanoukville Limited, CROWN Beverage Cans Singapore Pte. Ltd., CROWN Beverage Cans Ziyang Limited, CROWN Beverage Packaging LLC, CROWN Beverage Packaging Puerto Rico Inc., CROWN Cans Ghana Limited, CROWN China Holdings (Hong Kong) Limited, CROWN Commercial Belgium BVBA, CROWN Commercial France SAS, CROWN Commercial Germany GmbH & Co. KG, CROWN Commercial Hungary Kft, CROWN Commercial Netherlands B.V., CROWN Commercial Vermogensverwaltung GmbH, CROWN Cork & Seal USA Inc., CROWN Embalagens Metalicas da Amazonia S.A., CROWN Emballage France SAS, CROWN Emirates Company Limited, CROWN Envases Mexico S.A. de C.V., CROWN Famosa S.A. de C.V., CROWN Food Packaging (Thailand) Public Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan (Hat Yai) Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan (Nakhon Pathom) Company Limited, CROWN Foodcan Germany GmbH, CROWN Foodcan GmbH, CROWN Imballaggi Italia Srl, CROWN Imgallaggi Italia Srl, CROWN Italy Finance srl, CROWN Khmer Beverage Cans Limited, CROWN Maghreb Can, CROWN Magyarorszag Csomagoloipari KFT, CROWN Metal Packaging Canada Inc., CROWN Metal Packaging Canada LP, CROWN Middle East Can Co. Ltd., CROWN Packaging (Barbados) Limited, CROWN Packaging Holdings LLC, CROWN Packaging Investment (H.K.) Limited, CROWN Packaging Ireland Ltd, CROWN Packaging Jamaica Limited, CROWN Packaging Polska Sp.z.o.o., CROWN Packaging Technology Inc., CROWN Packaging Trinidad Limited, CROWN Packaging UK Limited, CROWN Promotional Packaging UK Ltd, CROWN SIEM, CROWN Senegal, CROWN Societe Malgache d'Emballages Metalliques, CROWN Speciality Packaging BV, CROWN Speciality Packaging Investment Pte. Ltd., CROWN Specialty Packaging UK Ltd, CROWN TCP Beverage Cans Company Limited, CROWN Verpakking Belgie NV, CROWN Verpakking Nederland B.V., Caretex Asia Ltd., CarnaudMetalbox Engineering Ltd, CarnaudMetalbox Food South Africa (Pty) Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Group UK Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Overeseas Limited, CarnaudMetalbox Overseas Limited, Cierres Hermeticos S.A. DE C.V., Constar International, Crown Americas Capital Corp., Crown Americas Capital Corp. II, Crown Americas Capital Corp. III, Crown Americas Capital Corp. IV, Crown Americas Capital Corp. V, Crown Americas Capital Corp. VI, Crown Brasil Holdings Ltda., Crown Canadian Holdings ULC, Crown Closures Spain S.L., Crown Colombiana S.A., Crown Comercial de Envases S.L., Crown Commercial Italy Srl, Crown Commercial Polska Sp. z.o.o., Crown Consultants Inc., Crown Cork & Seal Company (DE) LLC, Crown Cork & Seal Company Inc., Crown Cork & Seal Deutschland Holdings GmbH, Crown Cork & Seal Receivables (DE) Corporation, Crown Cork & Seal de Portugal Embalagens S.A., Crown Cork Kuban, Crown Cork and Seal Receivables II LLC, Crown Developpement SAS, Crown European Holdings, Crown Food Espana S.A.U., Crown Foodcan Turkey Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Crown Hellas Can Packaging SA, Crown Heshan Trading Company Limited, Crown Holdings Italia Srl, Crown Holdings Spain S.L., Crown International Holdings B.V., Crown International Holdings Inc., Crown Luxembourg Holdings, Crown Mexican Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., Crown Overseas Investments B.V., Crown Packaging Commercial UK Limited, Crown Packaging Distribution UK Limited, Crown Packaging European Division GmbH, Crown Packaging European Division Services SAS, Crown Packaging European Holdings GmbH, Crown Packaging Lux I S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Lux II S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Lux III S.a.r.l., Crown Packaging Manufacturing UK Limited, Crown Packaging Maroc, Crown Receivables III, Crown Services Iberia, Crown UK Holdings Limited, Crownway Insurance Company, Dacro B.V., EMPAQUE, Fabricas Monterrey S.A. de C.V., Form Koruyucu Ambalaj Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Foshan Continental Can Co. Limited, Foshan Crown Easy-Opening End Co. Limited, Glass & Silice S.A. DE C.V., Globoplastt s.r.o., Gunther S.A.S., Haloila Bulgaria EOOD, Interstrap B.V., Josef Kihlberg AB, Kiwiplan GmbH, Kiwiplan Inc, Lachenmeier ApS, Liljendals Bruk AB, Litec France S.A.S., Mezger Heftsysteme GmbH, Mima Films S.a.r.l., Mima Films Sprl, Mima Packaging Systems S.A.S., Mivisa, Nordic S.A.S., Norsk Signode AS, Oy M. Haloila AB, PT CROWN Beverage Cans Indonesia, Package Design and Manufacturing, Prolatamex S.A. DE C.V., Quandel Verpackungs- und Foerdertechnik GmbH, SMB Schwede Maschinenbau GmbH, SMP Schwede Maschinenbau Weischlitz GmbH, SPG Denmark, SPG France Holdings SAS, SPG Germany Service Management GmbH, SPG Industrial Packaging S.a.r.l, SPG Netherlands B.V., SPG Packaging Ireland Limited, SPG Packaging Systems GmbH, SPG Packaging UK Ltd, Scybele S.A.S., Shippers Europe S.p.r.l., Signode BVBA, Signode Brasileira Ltda, Signode Hong Kong Limited, Signode Industrial Group, Signode Industrial Group AB, Signode Industrial Group Colombia S.A.S., Signode Industrial Group GmbH, Signode Industrial Group Holdings Lux S.a.r.l., Signode Industrial Group Holdings US Inc, Signode Industrial Group Lux S.A., Signode Industrial Group Mexico, Signode Industrial Group Sweden AB, Signode International Holdings LLC, Signode International IP Holdings LLC, Signode International Investment LLC, Signode Kabushiki Kaisha, Signode Korea Inc, Signode NZ Limited, Signode Netherlands B.V., Signode Packaging (Qingdao) Co., Signode Packaging (Shanghai) Co., Signode Packaging Espana S.L., Signode Packaging Group (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Signode Packaging Group Australia Pty Ltd, Signode Packaging Group Canada ULC, Signode Packaging Group NZ, Signode Packaging Systems Limited, Signode Pickling Holding LLC, Signode Polska sp. Z.o.o., Signode Singapore Pte. Ltd., Signode Sweden Holdings AB, Signode System GmbH, Signode System Packaging GmbH & Co. KG, Signode Systems (Thailand) Ltd., Signode US IP Holdings LLC, Silice De Veracruz S.A. DE C. V., Silice Del Istmo S.A. DE C.V., Silices De Veracruz, Societe Civile Immobiliere Rousseau-Ivry, Societe Civile Immobiliere des Baquets, Societe de Participations CarnaudMetalbox, Stopak India Pvt. Ltd, Strapex Austria GmbH, Strapex Embalagem L.d.a., Strapex Holdings Limited, Strapex S.A.S., Strapex Srl, Superior Investments Holdings Pte. Ltd., Superior Multi-Packaging Limited, TopFrame LLC, V.A.C. B.V., Vichisa S.A. de C.V., and Warehouse Automation Iberia S.L.. Eagle Materials, Inc. is a holding company, which engages in the provision of heavy construction materials, light building materials, and materials used for oil and natural gas extraction. It operates through the following segments: Cement, Concrete and Aggregates, Gypsum Wallboard, Recycled Paperboard, and Oil and Gas Proppants. The Cement segment deals with the manufacture, production, distribution, and sale of portland cement. The Concrete and Aggregates segment involves mixing cement, sand, gravel, or crushed stone and water to form concrete, which is then sold and distributed to construction contractors. The Gypsum Wallboard segment mines and extracts natural gypsum rock, which is used in the manufacture of gypsum wallboard. The Recycled Paperboard segment processes paper fiber, water, and paper chemicals to form recycled paperboards, then sell them to gypsum wallboard manufacturers. The Oil and Gas Proppants segment produces frac sand used in oil and natural gas exploration, and provides transloading and storage for well servicing companies. The company was founded in 1963 and is headquartered in Dallas, TX. Read More Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. provides various insurance solutions. The company operates through four segments: Life; Non-Life; Asset Management; and Holding and Other Business. It offers saving and protection insurance products for individuals and family; unit linked products with investment purposes; and motor, liability, casualty, accident, health, and commercial and industrial risks insurance products. The company also provides equity and fixed-income funds, as well as alternative products; investment; and wealth management services. It operates in Italy, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Serbia/Montenegro, Romania, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the Americas, Southern Europe, and Asia. The company was formerly known as Assicurazioni Generali Austro-Italiche and changed its name to Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. in 1848. Assicurazioni Generali S.p.A. was founded in 1831 and is headquartered in Trieste, Italy. Read More Tailored Brands, Inc. (NYSE:TLRD) posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, March, 18th. The company reported ($0.46) EPS for the quarter, beating the Zacks' consensus estimate of ($0.54) by $0.08. The business had revenue of $690.90 million for the quarter, compared to analysts' expectations of $708.46 million. Tailored Brands had a negative trailing twelve-month return on equity of 138.49% and a negative net margin of 14.39%. The business's quarterly revenue was down 12.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the firm earned ($0.28) earnings per share. View Tailored Brands' earnings history. The following companies are subsidiares of BP: 200 PS Overseas Holdings Inc., 563916 Alberta Ltd., ACP (Malaysia) Inc., AE Cedar Creek Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Holdings LLC, AE Goshen II Wind Farm LLC, AE Power Services LLC, AE Wind PartsCo LLC, AM/PM International Inc., ARCO, ARCO British International, ARCO British Limited, ARCO Coal Australia Inc., ARCO El-Djazair Holdings Inc., ARCO Environmental Remediation L.L.C., ARCO Exploration Inc., ARCO Gaviota Company, ARCO International Investments Inc., ARCO International Services Inc., ARCO Midcon LLC, ARCO Oil Company Nigeria Unlimited, ARCO Oman Inc, ARCO Resources Limited, ARCO Trinidad Exploration and Production Company Limited, ARCO Unimar Holdings LLC, Actomat B.V., Advance Petroleum Holdings Pty Ltd, Advance Petroleum Pty Ltd, Air BP Albania SHA, Air BP Brasil Ltda., Air BP Canada LLC, Air BP Croatia d.o.o., Air BP Finland Oy, Air BP Iceland, Air BP Limited, Air BP Norway AS, Air BP Sales Romania S.R.L., Air BP Sweden AB, Air Refuel Pty Ltd, Allgreen Pty Ltd, AmProp Finance Company, American Oil Company, Amoco (Fiddich) Limited, Amoco (U.K.) Exploration Company LLC., Amoco Bolivia Petroleum Company, Amoco Bolivia Services Company Inc., Amoco Canada International Holdings B.V., Amoco Capline Pipeline Company, Amoco Chemical (Europe) S.A., Amoco Chemicals (FSC) B.V., Amoco Cypress Pipeline Company, Amoco Destin Pipeline Company, Amoco Environmental Services Company, Amoco Exploration Holdings B.V., Amoco Guatemala Petroleum Company, Amoco International Finance Corporation, Amoco International Petroleum Company, Amoco Leasing Corporation, Amoco Louisiana Fractionator Company, Amoco MB Fractionation Company, Amoco MBF Company, Amoco Main Pass Gathering Company, Amoco Marketing Environmental Services Company, Amoco Netherlands Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Exploration Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Oil Company Limited, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company, Amoco Nigeria Petroleum Company Limited, Amoco Norway Oil Company, Amoco Oil Holding Company, Amoco Olefins Corporation, Amoco Overseas Exploration Company, Amoco Pipeline Asset Company, Amoco Pipeline Holding Company, Amoco Properties Incorporated, Amoco Remediation Management Services Corporation, Amoco Research Operating Company, Amoco Rio Grande Pipeline Company, Amoco Somalia Petroleum Company, Amoco Sulfur Recovery Company, Amoco Tri-States NGL Pipeline Company, Amoco Trinidad Gas B.V., Amoco U.K. Petroleum Limited, Amprop Illinois I Limited, Amprop Inc., Anaconda Arizona Inc., Arabian Production And Marketing Lubricants, Aral Aktiengesellschaft, Aral Luxembourg S.A., Aral Services Luxembourg Sarl, Aral Tankstellen Services Sarl, Arco Mediterraneo Inversiones S.L., Areas Noriega S.L., Areas Singulares Reyes S.L., Aspac Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., Atlantic 2/3 UK Holdings Limited, Atlantic Richfield Company, Atlantic Richfield Companyd, Autino Holdings Limited, Autino Limited, Auwahi Wind Energy Holdings LLC, B2Mobility GmbH, BASS Management Pty Ltd, BP (Abu Dhabi) Limited, BP (Barbados) Holding SRL, BP (Barbican) Limited, BP (China) Holdings Limited, BP (China) Industrial Lubricants Limited, BP (GTA Mauritania) Finance Limited, BP (GTA Senegal) Finance Limited, BP (Gibraltar) Limited, BP (Guangzhou) Advanced Mobility Limited, BP (Hunan) Petroleum Company Limited, BP (Indian Agencies) Limited, BP (Shandong) Petroleum Co. Ltd, BP (Shanghai) Trading Limited, BP - Castrol (Thailand) Limited, BP AMI Leasing Inc., BP Absheron Limited, BP Advanced Mobility Limited, BP Africa Limited, BP Africa Oil Limited, BP Akaryakit Ortakligi, BP Alaska LNG LLC, BP Alternative Energy Holdings Limited, BP Alternative Energy Investments Limited, BP Alternative Energy North America Inc., BP Alternative Energy Trinidad and Tobago Limited, BP America Chembel Holding LLC, BP America Chemicals Company, BP America Foreign Investments Inc., BP America Inc, BP America Inc., BP America Limited, BP America Production Company, BP Amoco Chemical Company, BP Amoco Chemical Holding Company, BP Amoco Chemical Indonesia Limited, BP Amoco Chemical Malaysia Holding Company, BP Amoco Exploration (Faroes) Limited, BP Amoco Exploration (In Amenas) Limited, BP Andaman II Ltd, BP Angola (Block 18) B.V., BP Argentina Exploration Company, BP Argentina Holdings LLC, BP Aromatics Holdings Limited, BP Aromatics Limited, BP Asia Limited, BP Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Asia Pacific Holdings Limited, BP Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, BP Australia Capital Markets Limited, BP Australia Employee Share Plan Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Group Pty Ltde, BP Australia Investments Pty Ltd, BP Australia Nominees Proprietary Limited, BP Australia Pty Ltd, BP Australia Shipping Pty Ltd, BP Australia Swaps Management Limited, BP Aviation A/S, BP Benevolent Fund Trustees Limited, BP Berau Ltd., BP Biocombustiveis S.A., BP Bioenergia Campina Verde Ltda., BP Bioenergia Ituiutaba Ltda., BP Bioenergia Itumbiara S.A., BP Bioenergia Tropical S.A., BP Biofuels Advanced Technology Inc., BP Biofuels Brazil Investments Limited, BP Biofuels Louisiana LLC, BP Biofuels North America LLC, BP Biofuels Trading Comercio Exportacao Ltda., BP Bomberai Ltd., BP Brasil Ltda., BP Brazil Tracking L.L.C., BP Bulwer Island Pty Ltd, BP Business Service Centre Asia Sdn Bhd, BP Business Service Centre KFT, BP CIV Pty Ltd, BP Canada Energy Development Company, BP Canada Energy Group ULC, BP Canada Energy Marketing Corp., BP Canada International Holdings B.V., BP Canada Investments Inc., BP Capellen Sarl, BP Capital Markets, BP Capital Markets America, BP Capital Markets America Inc., BP Capital Markets p.l.c., BP Car Fleet Limited, BP Caribbean Company, BP Castrol KK, BP Castrol Lubricants (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., BP Central Pipelines LLC, BP Chembel, BP Chemicals (Korea) Limited, BP Chemicals East China Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Investments Limited, BP Chemicals Limited, BP China Exploration and Production Company, BP Comercializadora de Energia Ltda., BP Commodities Trading Limited, BP Commodity Supply B.V., BP Company North America, BP Company North America Inc., BP Containment Response Limited, BP Containment Response System Holdings LLC, BP Continental Holdings Limited, BP Corporate Holdings, BP Corporate Holdings Limited, BP Corporation North America, BP Corporation North America Inc., BP D-B Pipeline Company LLC, BP D230 Limited, BP Danmark A/S, BP Developments Australia Pty. Ltd., BP Dogal Gaz Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, BP East Kalimantan CBM Limited, BP Eastern Mediterranean Limited, BP Egypt Company, BP Egypt East Delta Marine Corporation, BP Egypt East Tanka B.V., BP Egypt Production B.V., BP Egypt Ras El Barr B.V., BP Egypt West Mediterranean (Block B) B.V., BP Energy Asia Pte. Limited, BP Energy Colombia Limited, BP Energy Company, BP Energy Europe Limited, BP Energy Solutions B.V., BP Energy do Brasil Ltda., BP Energia Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., BP Espana S.A. Unipersonal, BP Estaciones y Servicios Energeticos Sociedad Anonima de Capital Variable, BP Europa SE, BP Exploracion de Venezuela S.A., BP Exploration & Production Inc., BP Exploration (Absheron) Limited, BP Exploration (Alaska), BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., BP Exploration (Algeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Alpha), BP Exploration (Alpha) Limited, BP Exploration (Angola), BP Exploration (Angola) Limited, BP Exploration (Azerbaijan), BP Exploration (Azerbaijan) Limited, BP Exploration (Canada) Limited, BP Exploration (Caspian Sea), BP Exploration (Caspian Sea) Limited, BP Exploration (D230) Limited, BP Exploration (Delta), BP Exploration (Delta) Limited, BP Exploration (El Djazair) Limited, BP Exploration (Epsilon) Limited, BP Exploration (Gambia) Limited, BP Exploration (Greenland) Limited, BP Exploration (Madagascar) Limited, BP Exploration (Morocco) Limited, BP Exploration (Namibia) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria Finance) Limited, BP Exploration (Nigeria) Limited, BP Exploration (Psi) Limited, BP Exploration (STP) Limited, BP Exploration (Shafag-Asiman) Limited, BP Exploration (Shah Deniz) Limited, BP Exploration (South Atlantic) Limited, BP Exploration (Xazar) Pte. Ltd., BP Exploration Angola (Kwanza Benguela) Limited, BP Exploration Argentina Limited, BP Exploration Australia Pty Ltd Level 15, BP Exploration Beta Limited, BP Exploration China Limited, BP Exploration Company (Middle East) Limited, BP Exploration Company Limited, BP Exploration Indonesia Limited, BP Exploration Libya Limited, BP Exploration Mexico Limited, BP Exploration Mexico S.A. De C.V., BP Exploration North Africa Limited, BP Exploration Operating Company, BP Exploration Operating Company Limited, BP Exploration Orinoco Limited, BP Exploration Personnel Company Limited, BP Exploration Peru Limited, BP Express Shopping Limited, BP Finance Australia Pty Ltd, BP Finance p.l.c., BP Foundation Incorporated, BP France, BP Fuels & Lubricants AS, BP Fuels Deutschland GmbH, BP GOM Logistics LLC, BP Gas & Power Investments Limited, BP Gas Europe S.A.U., BP Gas Marketing Limited, BP Gas Supply (Angola) LLC, BP Ghana Limited, BP Global Investments, BP Global Investments Limited, BP Global Investments Salalah & Co LLC, BP Global West Africa Limited, BP Greece Limited, BP Guangdong Limited, BP High Density Polyethylene - France, BP Holdings (Thailand) Limited, BP Holdings B.V., BP Holdings Canada, BP Holdings Canada Limited, BP Holdings International B.V., BP Holdings North America, BP Holdings North America Limited, BP Hong Kong Limited, BP India Private Limited, BP Indonesia Investment Limited, BP International, BP International Limited, BP International Services Company, BP Investment Management Limited, BP Investments Asia Limited, BP Iran Limited, BP Iraq N.V., BP Italia SpA, BP Japan K.K., BP Korea Limited, BP Kuwait Limited, BP LNG Shipping Limited, BP Latin America LLC, BP Latin America Upstream Services Inc., BP Lubricants KK, BP Lubricants USA Inc., BP Luxembourg S.A., BP Malaysia Holdings Sdn. Bhd., BP Management International B.V., BP Management Netherlands B.V., BP Marine Limited, BP Mariner Holding Company LLC, BP Maritime Services (Singapore) Pte. Limited, BP Marketing Egypt LLC, BP Mauritania Investments Limited, BP Mauritius Limited (in liquidation), BP Middle East Enterprises Corporation, BP Middle East LLC, BP Middle East Limited, BP Midstream Partners GP LLC, BP Midstream Partners Holdings LLC, BP Midstream Partners LP, BP Midwest Product Pipelines Holdings LLC, BP Mocambique Limitada, BP Mocambique Limited, BP Muturi Holdings B.V., BP Nederland Holdings BV, BP Netherlands Upstream B.V., BP New Ventures Middle East Limited, BP New Zealand Holdings Limited, BP New Zealand Share Scheme Limited, BP Nutrition Inc., BP Offshore Gathering Systems Inc., BP Offshore Pipelines Company LLC, BP Offshore Response Company LLC, BP Oil (Thailand) Limited, BP Oil Australia Pty Ltd, BP Oil Espana S.A., BP Oil Hellenic S.A., BP Oil International, BP Oil International Limited, BP Oil Kent Refinery Limited (in liquidation), BP Oil Llandarcy Refinery Limited, BP Oil Logistics UK Limited, BP Oil New Zealand Limited, BP Oil Pipeline Company, BP Oil Senegal S.A., BP Oil Shipping Company, BP Oil UK Limited, BP Oil Venezuela Limited, BP Oil Vietnam Limited, BP Oil Yemen Limited, BP Olex Fanal Mineralol GmbH, BP One Pipeline Company LLC, BP Pacific Investments Ltd, BP Pakistan (Badin) Inc., BP Pakistan Exploration and Production Inc., BP Pension Escrow Limited, BP Pension Trustees Limited, BP Pensions (Overseas) Limited, BP Pensions Limited, BP Petrochemicals India Investments Limited, BP Petroleo y Gas S.A., BP Petrolleri Anonim Sirketi, BP Pipelines (Alaska) Inc., BP Pipelines (BTC) Limited, BP Pipelines (North America) Inc., BP Pipelines (SCP) Limited, BP Pipelines (TANAP) Limited, BP Pipelines TAP Limited, BP Polska Services Sp. z o.o. Ul., BP Portugal -Comercio de Combustiveis e Lubrificantes SA, BP Poseidon Limited, BP Products North America, BP Products North America Inc., BP Properties Limited, BP Raffinaderij Rotterdam B.V., BP Refinery (Kwinana) Proprietary Limited, BP Regional Australasia Holdings Pty Ltd, BP River Rouge Pipeline Company LLC, BP Russian Investments Limited, BP Russian Ventures Limited, BP SC Holdings LLC, BP Scale Up Factory Limited, BP Senegal Investments Limited, BP Services International Limited, BP Servicios de Combustibles S.A. de C.V., BP Servicios territoriales S.A., BP Shafag-Asiman Limited, BP Shipping Limited, BP Singapore Pte. Limited, BP Solar Energy North America LLC, BP Solar Espana S.A., BP Solar International Inc., BP Solar Pty Ltd, BP South America Holdings Ltd, BP Southern Africa Proprietary Limited, BP Southern Cone Company, BP Subsea Well Response (Brazil) Limited, BP Subsea Well Response Limited, BP Taiwan Marketing Limited, BP Technology Ventures Inc., BP Technology Ventures Limited, BP Train 2/3 Holding SRL, BP Transportation (Alaska) Inc., BP Trinidad Processing Limited, BP Trinidad and Tobago, BP Trinidad and Tobago LLC, BP Turkey Refining Limited, BP Two Pipeline Company LLC, BP UK Retained Holdings Limited, BP Venezuela Investments B.V., BP West Aru I Limited, BP West Aru II Limited, BP West Papua I Limited, BP West Papua III Limited, BP Wind Energy North America Inc., BP Wiriagar Ltd., BP World-Wide Technical Services Limited, BP Zhuhai Chemical Company Limited, BP+Amoco International Limited, BP-AIOC Exploration (TISA) LLC, BPA Investment Holding Company, BPNE International B.V., BPRY Caribbean Ventures LLC, BPX (Eagle Ford) Gathering LLC, BPX (KCS Resources) LLC, BPX (Karnes) Gathering LLC, BPX (Permian) Gathering LLC, BPX (WSF Operating) Inc., BPX Energy Inc., BPX Midstream LLC, BPX Operating Company, BPX Production Company, BPX Properties (GP) LLC, BPX Properties (LP) LLC, BPX Properties (NA) LP, BTC Pipeline Holding Company Limited, BXL Plastics Limitedv, Bahia de Bizkaia Electridad S.L., Baltimore Ennis Land Company Inc., Black Lake Pipe Line Company, Brian Jasper Nominees Pty Ltd, Britannic Energy Trading Limited, Britannic Investments Iraq Limited, Britannic Marketing Limited, Britannic Strategies Limited, Britannic Trading Limited, Britoil Limited, Burmah Castrol, Burmah Castrol Australia Pty Ltd, Burmah Castrol Holdings Inc., Burmah Castrol PLC, Burmah Castrol South Africa (Pty) Limited, Burmah Chile SpA, Butamax Advanced Biofuels, CASTROL Austria GmbHb, CH-Twenty Inc., CNAA, Cadman DBP Limited, Casitas Pipeline Company, Castrol (China) Limited, Castrol (Ireland) Limited, Castrol (Shanghai) Management Co. Ltd., Castrol (Shenzhen) Company Limited, Castrol (Tianjin) Lubricants Co. Ltd., Castrol (U.K.) Limited, Castrol Australia Pty. Limited, Castrol B.V., Castrol BP Petco Limited Liability Company, Castrol Brasil Ltda., Castrol Caribbean & Central America Inc., Castrol Colombia Ltda., Castrol Del Peru S.A., Castrol Egypt Lubricants S.A.E., Castrol India Limited, Castrol Industrie und Service GmbH, Castrol KK, Castrol Limited, Castrol Lubricants RO S.R.L, Castrol Mexico S.A., Castrol Namibia (Pty) Limited, Castrol Offshore Limited, Castrol Pakistan (Private) Limited, Castrol Philippines Inc., Castrol Servicos Ltda., Castrol Ukraine LLC, Castrol Zimbabwe (Private) Limited, Centrel Pty Ltd, Charge Your Car Limitedc, Chargemaster, Chargemaster (Europe) GmbH, Chargemaster Limited, Charging Solutions Limited, Clarisse Holdings Pty Ltd, Coastwise Trading Company Inc., Consolidada de Energia y Lubricantes (CENERLUB) C.A., Conti Cross Keys Inn Inc., Coro Trading NZ Limited, Cuyama Pipeline Company, DHC Solvent Chemie GmbH, Dermody Developments Pty Ltd, Dermody Holdings Pty Ltd, Dermody Investments Pty Ltd, Dermody Petroleum Pty. Ltd., Dome Beaufort Petroleum Limited, Dome Wallis (1980) Limited Partnership, ECM Markets SA (Pty) Ltd, Elektromotive Limited, Elite Customer Solutions Pty Ltd, Elm Holdings Inc., Energy Global Investments (USA) Inc., Enstar LLC, Estacion de Servicio Alto Campoo S.L., Estacion de Servicio Ganzo 10 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Reocin 9 S.L., Estacion de Servicio Santillana II S.L., Estacion de Servicio Sardinero S.L., Estonian Aviation Fuelling Services, Europa Oil NZ Limited, Exomet Inc., Expandite Contract Services Limited, Exploration (Luderitz Basin) Limited, Exploration Service Company Limited, FWK (2017) Limited, FWK Holdings (2017) LTD, Finite Carbon, Flat Ridge 2 Holdings LLC, Flat Ridge Wind Energy LLC, Foseco Holding Inc., Foseco Holding International B.V., Foseco Inc., Fosroc Expandite Limited, Fotech Solutions Ltd, Fowler Ridge Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge I Land Investments LLC, Fowler Ridge II Holdings LLC, Fowler Ridge III Wind Farm LLC, FreeBees B.V., Fuel & Retail Aviat ion Sweden AB, Fuelplane- Sociedade Abastecedora De Aeronaves Unipessoal Lda, GOAM 1 C.I S. A .S, Gardena Holdings Inc., Gelsenkirchen Raffinerie Netz GmbH, Grampian Aviation Fuelling Services Limited, Guangdong Investments Limited, Highlands Ethanol LLC, Hosteleria Noriega S.L., IGI Resources Inc., Insight Analytics Solutions Holdings Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions Limited, Insight Analytics Solutions USA Inc., International Bunker Supplies Pty Ltd, Iraq Petroleum Company Limited, Jupiter Insurance Limited, Ken-Chas Reserve Company, Kenilworth Oil Company Limited, Kingbook Inversiones Socimi S.A., Latin Energy Argentina S.A., Lebanese Aviation Technical Services S.A.L., Limited Liability Company BP Toplivnaya Kompania, Limited liability company Setra Lubricants, Lubricants UK Limited, Lytt Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 1) Limited, Manormaker (Nominee No. 2) Limited, Manormaker GP Limited (99.90%) 11 Black Horse Lane, Mardi Gras Transportation System Company LLC, Markoil S.A., Masana Petroleum Solutions (Pty) Ltd, Mayaro Initiative for Private Enterprise Development, Mehoopany Holdings LLC, Mes Tecnologia En Servicios Y Energia S.A., Minza Pty. Ltd., Mountain City Remediation LLC, No. 1 Riverside Quay Proprietary Limited, Nordic Lubricants A/S, Nordic Lubricants AB, North America Funding Company, OMD87 Inc., OOO BP STL, Omega Oil Company, OnSight Analytics Solutions India Private Ltd., Orion Delaware Mountain Wind Farm LP, Orion Energy Holdings LLC, Orion Energy L.L.C.b, Orion Post Land Investments LLC, Oyambre 1 S.L., PRODUITS METALLURGIE DOITTAU, PT BP Petrochemicals, PT Castrol Indonesia, PT Castrol Manufacturing Indonesia, PT Jasatama Petroindo, Pacroy (Thailand) Co. Ltd., Peaks America Inc., Pearl River Delta Investments Limited, Petrocorner Retail S.L.U., Phoenix Petroleum Services Limited, Pozuelo 4 S.L., Prospect International C.A. (In liquidation), Puente Arce 4 S.L., Remediation Management Services Company, Richfield Oil Corporation, Rio Corvo 2 S.L., Rolling Thunder I Power Partners LLC, Romax Insight Korea Ltd., Ropemaker Deansgate Limited, Ropemaker Properties Limited, Ruhr Oel GmbH, Rusdene GSS Limited, SOFAST Limited, SRHP, Saturn Insurance Inc., Sherbino I Holdings LLC, Sherbino Mesa I Land Investments LLC, Sociedade de Promocao Imobiliaria Quinta do Loureiro SA, Societe de Gestion de Depots d'Hydrocarbures - GDH, South Texas Shale LLC, Southeast Texas Biofuels LLC, Southern Ridge Pipeline Holding Company, Southern Ridge Pipeline LP LLC, Sp/f Decision3 (GreenSteam) Company, Standard Oil Company, Standard Oil Company Inc., Standard Oil of Ohio, Stryde Limited, Sunrise Oil Sands Partnership, TISA Education Complex LLC, TJKK, Taradadis Pty. Ltd., Telcom General Corporation, Terre de Grace Partnership, The Anaconda Company, The BP Share Plans Trustees Limited, The Burmah Oil Company (Pakistan Trading) Limited, The Standard Oil Company, Toledo Refinery Holding Company LLC, Torrelavega 7 S.L., Union Texas International Corporation, Vastar Pipeline LLC, Veba Oel AG Veba Oel, Verenium, Viceroy Investments Limited, Villacarriedo 8 S.L., Warrenville Development Limited, Water Way Trading and Petroleum Services LLC, Welchem Inc., West Kimberley Fuels Pty Ltd, Westlake Houston Development LLC, Whiting Clean Energy Inc., Windpark Energy Nederland B.V., and Winwell Resources L.L.C. Inphi Corporation provides high-speed analog and mixed signal semiconductor solutions for the communications and computing markets in China, the United States, Thailand, and internationally. Its analog and mixed signal semiconductor solutions offer high signal integrity at various data speeds and reduce system power consumption. The company's semiconductor solutions address bandwidth bottlenecks in networks, maximize throughput and minimize latency in computing environments, and enable the rollout of communications and datacenter infrastructures. Its solutions provide a high-speed interface between analog and mixed signals, and digital information in high-performance systems, such as telecommunications transport systems, enterprise networking equipment, and data centers. The company also provides 25G to 600G high-speed analog and mixed semiconductor solutions for the communications market. Its products perform a range of functions, such as amplifying, encoding, multiplexing, demultiplexing, and retiming signals at speeds up to 400 Gbps. Inphi Corporation sells its products directly through its sales force, as well as through a network of sales representatives and distributors to original equipment manufacturers. The company was formerly known as TCom Communications, Inc. and changed its name to Inphi Corporation in February 2001. Inphi Corporation was incorporated in 2000 and is headquartered in San Jose, California. Read More Green Dot Corp. operates as a financial technology leader and bank holding company, which engages in the provision of modern banking and money movement accessible for all. It operates through the following segments: Account Services; Processing and Settlement Services; and Corporate and Other. The Account Services segment consists of revenues and expenses derived from deposit account programs, such as prepaid cards, debit cards, consumer and small business checking accounts, secured credit cards, payroll debit cards, and gift cards. The Processing and Settlement Services segment comprises of products and services that specialize in facilitating the movement of funds on behalf of consumers and businesses. The Corporate and Other segment represents eliminations of intersegment revenues and expenses, unallocated corporate expenses, depreciation and amortization, and other costs that are not considered when management evaluates segment performance. The company was founded by Steven W. Streit in October 1, 1999 and is headquartered in Pasadena, CA. Read More Intu owns and manages some of the best shopping centres, in some of the strongest locations, in the UK and Spain. Our UK portfolio is made up of 17 centres, including eight of the top-20, and in Spain we own three of the country's top-10 centres, with advanced plans to build a fourth. We are passionate about creating compelling experiences, in centre and online, that make our customers smile and help our retailers flourish. We attract around 400 million customer visits and 26 million website visits a year offering a multichannel approach that truly supports retail strategies. Our strategic focus on prime, high-footfall flagship destinations, combined with the strength and popularity of our brand, means that intu offers enhanced footfall, dwell time and loyalty. This helps our tenants flourish, driving occupancy and income growth. We are committed to our local communities, with our centres supporting nearly 130,000 jobs (representing about 3 per cent of the total UK retail workforce), and to operating with environmental responsibility. We have already met or exceeded a significant number of our 2020 environmental targets. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Currency Hedged 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 Currency Hedged 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. Royal Dutch Shell plc operates as an energy and petrochemical company worldwide. The company operates through Integrated Gas, Upstream, Oil Products, Chemicals segments. It explores for and extracts crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids; markets and transports oil and gas; produces gas-to-liquids fuels and other products; and operates upstream and midstream infrastructure necessary to deliver gas to market. The company also markets and trades natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), crude oil, electricity, carbon-emission rights; and markets and sells LNG as a fuel for heavy-duty vehicles and marine vessels. In addition, it trades in and refines crude oil and other feed stocks, such as gasoline, diesel, heating oil, aviation fuel, marine fuel, biofuel, lubricants, bitumen, and sulphur; produces and sells petrochemicals for industrial use; and manages oil sands activities. Further, the company produces base chemicals comprising ethylene, propylene, and aromatics, as well as intermediate chemicals, such as styrene monomer, propylene oxide, solvents, detergent alcohols, ethylene oxide, and ethylene glycol. Royal Dutch Shell plc was founded in 1907 and is headquartered in The Hague, the Netherlands. Read More Lloyds Banking Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides a range of banking and financial services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail; Commercial Banking; and Insurance and Wealth. The Retail segment offers a range of financial service products, including current accounts, savings accounts, mortgages, motor finance, unsecured loans, leasing solutions, credit cards, and other financial services to personal and small business customers. The Commercial Banking segment provides lending, transactional banking, working capital management, risk management, and debt capital market services to small and medium-sized entities, corporates, and financial institutions. The Insurance and Wealth segment offers life, home, and car insurance products; and pension, investment, and wealth management products and services. It also provides digital and mobile banking, and telephone services, as well as advisory services for savings, investments, and planning for retirement. The company offers its products and services under the Lloyds Bank, Halifax, Bank of Scotland, Scottish Widows, MBNA, Schroders Personal Wealth, Black Horse, Lex Autolease, Birmingham Midshires, LDC, IWeb, and Agricultural Mortgage Corporation brands. Lloyds Banking Group plc was founded in 1695 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Validus Holdings, Ltd. provides reinsurance coverage, insurance coverage, and insurance linked securities management services worldwide. It operates through three segments: Reinsurance, Insurance, and Asset Management. The Reinsurance segment underwrites property reinsurance products on a catastrophe excess of loss, per risk excess of loss and proportional basis; and aerospace and aviation, agriculture, composite, marine, technical lines, terrorism, trade credit, workers' compensation, and other specialty lines, as well as casualty and financial lines. The Insurance segment underwrites property, accident and health, agriculture, aviation, contingency, marine, and political lines insurance products; bankers blanket bond, commercial crime, computer crime, cyber- crime, professional indemnity, and directors' and officers' insurance products for various financial institutions and other companies; and commercial and institutional risks comprising general, professional, and product liability, as well as miscellaneous malpractice insurance products. This segment also underwrites marine and energy liability, and political risk insurance products, as well as insurance products for repair, maintenance, and upkeep of aircrafts and premises for small companies. The Asset Management segment manages capital for third parties through insurance-linked securities, and other property catastrophe and specialty reinsurance investments. Validus Holdings, Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Pembroke, Bermuda. Read More Victoria Gold Corp. engages in the acquisition, evaluation, and exploration of mineral properties in Canada and the United States. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. Its principal property is 100% owned Dublin Gulch property, which hosts the Eagle Gold deposit covering an area of approximately 555 square kilometers located in central Yukon, Canada. The company was formerly known as Victoria Resource Corporation and changed its name to Victoria Gold Corp. in July 2008. Victoria Gold Corp. was founded in 1981 and is based in Toronto, Canada. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of EnerSys: ABSL Power Solutions Inc., ABSL Power Solutions Ltd., Acumuladores Industriales EnerSys SA, Alpha Alternative Energy Inc., Alpha Broadband Services Inc., Alpha Innovations Industria e Comercio de Produtos Eletronicos Ltda., Alpha Innovations Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Alpha Mexico Network Power S.A. de C.V., Alpha Tech Energy Solutions India Private Limited, Alpha Technical Services Ltd., Alpha Technologies Asia Ltd., Alpha Technologies Ltd., Alpha Technologies Pty. Ltd., Alpha Technologies Services Inc., Argus Research Ltd., Battery Power International Pte Ltd., Cooperative Enterprises Inc., DCPM Engineering Sdn Bhd, EH Batterien AG, EH Europe GmbH, EH Global Holdings GmbH, ENAS Industrial Batteries Morocco Sarl, EnerSys (Chaozhou) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (China) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Chongqing) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Jiangsu) Huada Batteries Company Limited, EnerSys (Yangzhou) Huada Batteries Co. Ltd., EnerSys A/S, EnerSys AB, EnerSys AD, EnerSys AE, EnerSys AS, EnerSys Advanced Systems Inc., EnerSys Asia Limited, EnerSys Assad Sarl, EnerSys Australia Pty Ltd., EnerSys BV, EnerSys Battery Private Limited, EnerSys CJSC, EnerSys Canada Inc., EnerSys Capital Inc., EnerSys Cayman Euro L.P., EnerSys Cayman Holdings L.P., EnerSys Cayman Inc., EnerSys Cayman L.P., EnerSys Delaware Inc., EnerSys Delaware LLC I, EnerSys Delaware LLC II, EnerSys Delaware LLC III, EnerSys Delaware LLC IV, EnerSys Delaware LLC V, EnerSys Energy Products Inc., EnerSys Europe Oy, EnerSys European Holding Co., EnerSys GmbH, EnerSys Holdings (Luxembourg) Sarl, EnerSys Holdings UK Ltd., EnerSys Hungaria Kft., EnerSys India Batteries Private Ltd., EnerSys LLC, EnerSys Ltd., EnerSys Luxembourg Finance Sarl, EnerSys Malaysia Sdn Bhd, EnerSys Mexico Holdings LLC, EnerSys Mexico Management LLC, EnerSys Participacoes Ltda., EnerSys Reserve Power Pte. Ltd., EnerSys S.r.l., EnerSys SARL, EnerSys SPRL, EnerSys de Mexico II S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys de Mexico S de R.L. de CV, EnerSys s.r.o., EnerSys sp. z o.o., EnerSystem Argentina S.A., EnerSystem Chile Ltda., EnerSystem de Argentina S.A., EnerSystem do Brazil Ltda., Enersys Aku Sanaya Dis Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Esfinco Inc., Esrmco Inc., GAZ GmbH, Hawker GmbH, Hawker Power Systems Inc., Hawker Powersource Inc., ICS Industries Pty Ltd, ICS Industries Pty Ltd., ICS Sheet Metal Pty Ltd., IE EnerSys South East Asia Technologies Pte. Ltd., IE Technologies Pte Ltd., Industrial Battery Holding Ltda., International Communication Shelters Australasia Pty Ltd., Lancord Pty Ltd., Lenmic Pty Ltd., MIB Energy Sdn Bhd, National Infrastructure Pty Ltd., National Infrastructure Services Pty Ltd., NaviSemi Energy Pte Ltd., NaviSemi Inc., New Pacifico Realty Inc., NorthStar Battery Company LLC, Outback Power Technologies Inc., Powercom (NSW) Pty Ltd., Powersafe Acumuladores Industrialis Unipessoal Lda., Powersonic S de R.L. de CV, Purcell Systems, Purcell Systems Inc., Purcell Systems International AB, Quallion LLC, Riverfront Holding S. de R.L. de C.V., Shenzhen Huada Power Supply Mechanical & Electrical Co. Ltd., Telecomponents & Supply (Hong Kong) Ltd., The Enser Corporation, UTS Holdings Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (JB) Sdn Bhd, UTS Technology (PG) Sdn Bhd, YCI Inc., and Yecoltd S. de R.L. de CV. logo_ddn_tag_Site JN with Tagline logo-sns_tag_Site Our apologies, unfortunately our website is currently unavailable in most European countries due to GDPR rules. Pune: Bajaj Finserv, through its lending arm, Bajaj Finance Ltd., has announced a new feature hybrid flexi option that offers a flexibility to pay interest as EMI on a home loan for the initial tenor. Customer can enjoy the advantage of up to four years of holiday of not paying the principal amount helping them manage their finances better. After this period the customers need to pay both the principal and interest but only on the amount utilized. Customer planning to buy a bigger house can avail this facility as they save on EMI for the initial tenor of the home loan. The Bajaj Finserv Home Loan with the hybrid flexi loan facilities can be availed by customers below 50-years for home loans of any value. This facility is available for ready to occupy properties and for refinancing of existing home loans with flexible tenors ranging up to 25 years, to fit individual's repayment capacity. Additionally, Bajaj Finserv offers its customers an additional loan amount exclusively for furnishings and fixtures of home, making this a lucrative home loan option available in the market. The Bajaj Finserv Home Loan also allows the customers to repay the principal amount using dropline repayment schedule. Furthermore, the customer can part pay, withdraw and even foreclose the loan amount without any additional charges or any pre-payment penalty. A customer who takes the Bajaj Finserv Home Loan with the hybrid flexi loan facility for an amount of Rs 50 lakh for a tenor of 20 years needs to pay only the interest as an EMI for the initial four years enjoying a principal holiday during this period. During this period, if Rs 10 lakh is availed during principal moratorium period out of the Rs 50 lakh loan limit, loan limit will still be Rs 50 lakh. From the fifth year onwards, the repayment schedule converts into a flexi-term loan, for the balance 16 years. During this 16-years, the withdrawal limit reduces each month till the approved loan amount reduces to zero at the end of the loan tenor. Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending and investment arm of Bajaj Finserv group, is one of the most diversified NBFCs in the Indian market catering to more than 21 million customers across the country. Headquartered in Pune, the company's product offering includes Consumer Durable Loans, Lifestyle Finance, Personal Loans, Loan against Property, Small Business Loans, Home Loans, Credit Cards, Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler Loans, Construction Equipment Loans, Loan against Securities and Rural Finance which includes Gold Loans and Vehicle Re-Financing Loans. Bajaj Finance Limited prides itself on holding the highest credit rating of FAAA/Stable for any NBFC in the country today. : Bajaj Finserv, through its lending arm, Bajaj Finance Ltd., has announced a new feature hybrid flexi option that offers a flexibility to pay interest as EMI on a home loan for the initial tenor. Customer can enjoy the advantage of up to four years of holiday of not paying the principal amount helping them manage their finances better. After this period the customers need to pay both the principal and interest but only on the amount utilized. Customer planning to buy a bigger house can avail this facility as they save on EMI for the initial tenor of the home loan. The Bajaj Finserv Home Loan with the hybrid flexi loan facilities can be availed by customers below 50-years for home loans of any value. This facility is available for ready to occupy properties and for refinancing of existing home loans with flexible tenors ranging up to 25 years, to fit individual's repayment capacity. Additionally, Bajaj Finserv offers its customers an additional loan amount exclusively for furnishings and fixtures of home, making this a lucrative home loan option available in the market. The Bajaj Finserv Home Loan also allows the customers to repay the principal amount using dropline repayment schedule. Furthermore, the customer can part pay, withdraw and even foreclose the loan amount without any additional charges or any pre-payment penalty. A customer who takes the Bajaj Finserv Home Loan with the hybrid flexi loan facility for an amount of Rs 50 lakh for a tenor of 20 years needs to pay only the interest as an EMI for the initial four years enjoying a principal holiday during this period. During this period, if Rs 10 lakh is availed during principal moratorium period out of the Rs 50 lakh loan limit, loan limit will still be Rs 50 lakh. From the fifth year onwards, the repayment schedule converts into a flexi-term loan, for the balance 16 years. During this 16-years, the withdrawal limit reduces each month till the approved loan amount reduces to zero at the end of the loan tenor. Bajaj Finance Limited, the lending and investment arm of Bajaj Finserv group, is one of the most diversified NBFCs in the Indian market catering to more than 21 million customers across the country. Headquartered in Pune, the company's product offering includes Consumer Durable Loans, Lifestyle Finance, Personal Loans, Loan against Property, Small Business Loans, Home Loans, Credit Cards, Two-wheeler and Three-wheeler Loans, Construction Equipment Loans, Loan against Securities and Rural Finance which includes Gold Loans and Vehicle Re-Financing Loans. Bajaj Finance Limited prides itself on holding the highest credit rating of FAAA/Stable for any NBFC in the country today. Stocks took a breather on Wednesday after nine sessions of gains owing to a rush among investors to book profits towards the fag-end amid sustained foreign fund outflows even as global cues were positive. Mumbai: Stocks took a breather on Wednesday after nine sessions of gains owing to a rush among investors to book profits towards the fag-end amid sustained foreign fund outflows even as global cues were positive. The BSE Sensex, after resuming higher at 34,443.42, advanced to hit a high of 34,591.81 on buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) as well as retail participants. However, investors preferred to lock in gains towards the close of the session, with the benchmark finally ending at 34,331.68, down 63.38 points, or 0.18 per cent. The gauge had risen 1,375.99 points, or 4.17 per cent in the previous nine sessions. Likewise, the 50-stock NSE barometer Nifty finished 22.50 points, or 0.21 per cent, down at 10,526.20 after hitting the day's high of 10,594.20 and a low of 10,509.70. It had gained 420.30 points, or 4.15 per cent in the past nine sessions. Investor sentiment got a boost after the IMF yesterday said India is expected to grow at 7.4 per cent in 2018 and 7.8 per cent in 2019, leaving its nearest rival China behind. Chennai: After the recent ENDTB Summit held on World Tuberculosis Day to strengthen the focus to end Tuberculosis (TB) by 2030 as per the recommendations by the World Health Organisation, state health department launched the shorter regimen of nine-month for the treatment of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) TB on Tuesday. As against the usual TB treatment for six months of first-line medication, multi-drug resistant TB medication is carried out for 18-24 months as they develop resistance against the antibiotics used to treat the infection. Rifampicin, also known as rifampin and isoniasid is usually used for the treatment of TB, however, second line medication for MDR TB patients involves a combination of seven drugs for the treatment, which usually continues for around two years, said Dr Ranjith Veeramani Thangavelu, a senior pulmonologist at the Government TB hospital. The new short regimen with seven drugs is for a duration of nine-twelve months to treat multi-drug resistant TB aims to reduce the length of conventional MDR-TB regimens and to use a combination of tolerable drugs for its treatment, added Dr Ranjith. With the high burden of MDR TB in the world, around one lakh new cases are being registered for the disease every year in India. A recent report by the medical journal Lancet said that the prevalence of TB in the country is likely to worsen as MDR-TB is expected to become more common. The report says that by 2040, the percentage of MDR-TB will make up for 12.4 percent of all the TB cases in India. At the recent ENDTB Summit on World Tuberculosis Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the state governments to intensify measures to eliminate TB from the country by 2025, ahead of the global target of TB elimination by 2030. The state health department aims to eliminate TB from the state by 2022, as announced by health minister C. Vijayabaskar earlier this year. We aim to eradicate TB from the state and have intensified early detection programmes for the same. A door-to-door detection programme was undertaken in Kancheepuram district by mobile units using x-ray scans and sputum tests. The patients detected to have TB were provided medications and will be on follow-up treatment, said health minister C. Vijayabaskar. The minister also urged the public to consult doctors and undertake tests for TB in case of symptoms such as cold, cough, and evening fever, blood in mucus for more than two weeks. The state health department also launched mobile medical vehicles for active TB case detection in the city. Few medical mobile units of the newly introduced diagnostic machine- Cartridge-Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Lab (CBNAAT) was launched last month. The vehicles equipped with CBNAAT would conduct free medical checkups in all districts of the state that will include the identification of TB patients followed by intensified medication diagnose patients suffering from tuberculosis. Haemophilia can only be managed by use of certain medicines called Anti Haemophilia Factors (AHFs), but the disease is usually detected in an emergency situation. Chennai: Haemophilia, a rare chronic disorder when blood doesn't clot normally because it lacks sufficient blood-clotting proteins, is an incurable disease. While lack of awareness remains a major factor for fatalities due to the disorder, the expensive cost of medicines also remains a challenge in the treatment of the disorder. On World Haemophilia Day, medicos discuss various issues related to management of hemophilic patients in the state, including inadequate availability, lack of early detection and unaffordability. Haemophilia can only be managed by use of certain medicines called Anti Haemophilia Factors (AHFs), but the disease is usually detected in an emergency situation. There are various symptoms such as pain or swelling in joints, excessive bleeding, blood in urine or stool, heavy or prolonged periods, nosebleed or internal bleeding. Mostly haemophilia is detected in a person when a person suffering from the disorder bleeds for a long time after an injury. The disorder is fatal mainly because of late referrals, owing to lack of awareness of the disorder. People fail to recognise the symptoms and thus land up in emergency situations, said Dr A. Kartikeya, senior hematologist, Fortis Malar. Another major setback for the management of haemophiliac patients is the cost of AHFs. Though anti-haemophilia factors help to manage haemophilia, these medications are too expensive to afford a long-term treatment in private hospitals especially. Though government hospitals provide affordable or free treatment for haemophilia patients, a single dose of AHF can cost around `30,000 in private hospitals and the medications can cost more than a lakh as four dosages are needed ideally to stop the bleeding. In case of emergency situations, AHFs remain out of the affordability reach of a common man in private hospitals, said Dr Kartikeya. These medicines are not manufactured in India, are very expensive and imported from developed countries like USA, Germany and Canada. The high price is because AHFs are manufactured outside the country and are mostly imported. The government should look for ways to provide affordability and easy accessibility of these medications at all hospitals, he added. There are more than 75-80 cases of haemophilia witnessed at Madras Medical College in a month. Kilapuk Medical College and Stanley Medical College witnesses around 50 cases of haemophilia monthly say sources. The disorder can be managed if the medical services such as blood banks and AHFs are available soon after injury. However, haemophiliac patients from rural areas, mostly land up in a critical state due to excessive bleeding and facilities such as blood banks and AHF medicines are unavailable at all hospitals, said Dr P. Vasanthamani, dean, Kilpauk Medical College. Zulekha and Shahnawaz often fought over his first wife, who used to live with them. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Surat: In yet another shocking incident from Surat, a woman was murdered and her body was subsequently chopped into pieces by her husband, the police said. Police arrested the man, Shahnawaz Sheikh, after they caught him dumping the severed parts of his wifes body. Officials said Shahnawaz called Zulekha, his second wife, to an empty flat on Sunday night in Lal Gate area where he allegedly strangled her and chopped her body into 11 pieces following a huge fight. He allegedly chopped Zulekhas body into 11 pieces to dispose them off in different parts of the city, Surat police officer BS Thakkar said. Police said Shahnawaz had already got rid of a few parts and was trying to throw a leg and a hand into the Bhate Khadi (gulf) when he was caught. Zulekha and Shahnawaz often fought over his first wife, who used to live with them, police said. "The accused was dumping the pieces of the victim when a policeman saw him and intervened. After being questioned by the police, he confessed," police officer BS Thakkar said. According to reports, the police later recovered 32-year-old Zulekhas head from Shahnawazs flat. Surat, in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is still coping with another gruesome death; earlier this month, where a minor girl was found murdered with 86 injuries on her body indicating that she had been raped and tortured. Also Read: 9-yr-old Surat girl raped, body found with 86 injuries in cricket ground (With inputs from ANI) Bengaluru: With less than a month left for the Karnataka Assembly elections, politics over the state's Lingayat-Veerashaiva votes found fresh impetus Wednesday with the birth anniversary of Basaveshwara, the 12th-century saint revered by both sects. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid floral tributes at the bust of the saint at Albert Embankment Gardens in London, where he is today as part of a four-day trip to Sweden and England. After unveiling a statue of the saint, Prime Minister Narendra Modi uploaded this video on Twitter. On his Jayanti, I bow to Bhagwan Basaveshwara. He has a special place in our history and culture. His emphasis on social harmony, brotherhood, unity and compassion always inspires us. Bhagwan Basaveshwara brought our society together and gave importance to knowledge. pic.twitter.com/akJPVyuH5D Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2018 Amit Shah, who is in Karnataka for another round of campaign ahead of the polls, started the day with a visit to a Basaveshwara statue. (Photo: Twitter | @AmitShah) Amit Shah, who is in Karnataka for another round of campaign ahead of the polls, started the day with a visit to a Basaveshwara statue. The BJP national president visited several Lingayat mutts and met leaders of the sect in Karnataka. (Photo: Twitter | @AmitShah) The Congress was not too far behind. The party also made similar plans for Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress President Rahul Gandhi offered his tribute as well. My tributes to Basavanna on the auspicious occasion of Basava Jayanti. , Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 18, 2018 There was much drama too between the BJP and the Congress on this sudden spurt of veneration of the saint. "Siddaramaiah should not be allowed to garland any statue of Basaveshwara throughout the state," said Shobha Karandlaje, the BJP lawmaker from Udupi-Chikmagalur constituency. She went on to add, "Mr Siddaramaiah split the Lingayat community only with an intention to gain votes and create a vote bank for his party... I request all the Lingayats and Veerashaivas to bar Siddaramaiah from garlanding Basaveshwara's statue. Though Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaih has maintained silence on her BJPs outburst, his home minister Ramalinga Reddy lost his cool. "Who is she? Who is she to tell us? Basaveshwara is not the property of Shobha Karandlaje," Reddy said. The BJP, which traditionally enjoyed support among the state's substantial Veerashaiva-Lingayat community, has been blindsided by the Congress move to provide Lingayats with religious minority status, which helps a community get government grants and other advantages in education. The Congress move has even found support among the key religious figures in the community. One of them even communicated this to BJP chief Amit Shah during his visit to the state and later, made the letter public. The BJP, on its part have gone all out to stem the uprising. Over the last month, the BJP leaders belonging to the Lingayat community, including its chief ministerial candidate BS Yedyurappa, have spoken at length, alleging the Congress move is politically motivated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to have a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 9 am. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi/ London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached the UK for a four-day visit to attend the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London. He will hold both bilateral as well as multilateral meetings with different heads of states attending the meeting. To ensure Prime Minister Narendra Modi gets pure vegetarian food during his London visit, special chefs have been appointed to prepare Gujarati delicacies for him. PM Modi is scheduled to have a breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Theresa May at 9 am. Shenoy Karmani, Executive chef of St. James Court Taj Hotel in Buckingham Gate, has been appointed to prepare the breakfast for the Prime Minister's bilateral meeting and lunch for the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting or CHOGM on Tuesday. The executive chef told news agency ANI that he and his team of eight members will serve pure vegetarian 'Ghar ka Khana' to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The breakfast menu will comprise of tea and coffee, poha, upma, puri, bhaji and seera. Later in the day Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with his delegation team, will be served lunch at the Buckingham's Taj hotel. The lunch will also be prepared under the guidance of Chef Shenoy Karmani. The menu will be high on the specific Gujarat-based delicacies including khaman dhokla, khandvi, dal, dal pakora, torai masala, stuffed karela, paneer bhurji, and khichdi. The food preparations will be done in pure clarified butter. British Prime Minister Theresa May will be hosting dinner for the leaders of all the Commonwealth nations who are participating in the Commonwealth Heads of Government summit. On April 20, the Commonwealth Games Federation will host a breakfast for heads of government. The summit concludes later that day when leaders will issue their communique and a leaders' statement after their retreat. (With inputs from ANI) Chennai: Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Tuesday denied knowing the woman professor arrested for allegedly luring her students to provide sexual favours in return for marks and money. Nirmala Devi, 46, of Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai in Virudhunagar district, about 50 km from Madurai, had claimed in her phone conversation with the students that she could take them high in education and wealth as she was well connected in the University and was close to even the Governor. Her audio has gone viral, drawing demands from various quarters for CBI probe. Defending his action in constituting one-man probe into the sordid sex scam, the Governor said it was necessary to thoroughly investigate the crime for punishing the guilty. Retired IAS officer Santhanam, a man known for his efficiency and honesty, and who had held the position of TN Chief Secretary, was appointed the Commission and was expected to deliver his finding within a fortnight, Purohit said at a press conference - a rare event in the Raj Bhavan. Reporters, often turning hostile and bombarding him with questions suggesting links with Nirmala Devi, wanted to know why the Governor called for the press conference close on the heels of the woman professor's arrest. I called for the press conference because I have completed six months in office. I will be addressing the press every six months hereafter, replied the Governor. Asked about the woman lecturer claiming in her audio that she knew the Governor and had access to him like in a recent convocation, Purohit said he participated in many events. "How am I supposed to know if somebody is moving here and there? I do not know the lady at all", he said and added that he was only being referred to as a grandfather in the tape. Purohit said he had not even seen her and added that he was surrounded by his entire team all the time. "Even a bird" could not approach him without permission, he said. Was the opposition targeting him for political reasons, to ease him out as he was going after the corrupt, conducting district-wise review meetings? "I am above politics", he said. He showed a big bound book 'Governors Guide' and reading the legal provisions scripted there, explained that as Chancellor of the university, he was empowered to constitute the probe committee. The varsity had been told to wind up the internal committee it had formed as it was done without consulting him as the Chancellor, he said. To persistent questions why CBI probe was not preferred to the one-man committee, particularly since his name too was dragged into the scam, the Governor appeared annoyed and said he had repeatedly asserted he had nothing to do with the woman professor, had not seen her face ever, and was well within his right under the Constitution to form the probe committee. The question of turning to the CBI could come up later after going through Santhanam's report, he said. When asked if the work of Santhanam Committee would not clash with that of the CB-CID probe ordered by the state government, the Governor said while the former was an internal investigation by the University, the police probe was to bring out the criminal element. Both can go on simultaneously and would not hurt each other, he asserted. As a Commission appointed by him, can Santhanam investigate him for Nirmala's audio mentioning his name, the Governor was asked by a reporter. "Anyone can investigate me, even you can investigate me. I am transparent in my actions", said the Governor. The Raj Bhavan, in a separate press release citing legal provisions and Supreme Court orders in various cases, said "the state government cannot advise the chancellor to act in a particular manner." Varsity Acts of the state legislature were "distinct from the provisions of Article 164 of the Constitution, which prescribes that the Council of Ministers will aid and advise the Governor," it said. Citing the alleged immoral behaviour of the assistant professor of the Aruppukottai based college, the Raj Bhavan said it warranted immediate action. "The Chancellor, acting on the report of the university, therefore ordered a high powered enquiry by retired IAS officer R Santhanam," it said. Asserting that swift action was taken in an unbiased manner to bring out the truth, the Raj Bhavan said the action was entirely in accordance with the Constitutional and legal position. "There is and there will be no attempt to New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed serious concern that the Aadhaar data information available to outside the world can even influence the outcome of elections. He told the counsel, Whether democracy can survive where Aadhaar data is used to influence the electoral outcome. We have seen this happening. What is the nature of safeguards available in the absence of data protection law? You must understand that the problems are not symptomatic but real. Mr Diwedi submitted that the technology is advancing and we have limitations of understanding the technological developments. Justice Chandrachud told the counsel, merely because of limitations of knowledge we cant have a blinkered view of reality; because we are going to lay down a law which will affect the future generation. Mr Diwedi submitted, Please remove the fear and phobia created by petitioners of sharing of data once the requesting entity seeks authentication. Collection of data under Aadhaar is not an atomic bomb. Authentication is an algorithm which is one to one and there is no question of sharing of information with anyone. He said the moment the data collected by requesting entities for authentication is submitted, it is encrypted and there is no possibility of leakage. A long-time Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh functionary, Biplab Deb became the Chief Minister of Tripura in March this year. (Photo: Twitter/@BjpBiplab) Guwahati: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Deb on Tuesday came with a new scientific theory about the origin and evolution of internet when he claimed that internet and satellite existed since the Mahabharata era. "Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. How could Sanjaya (the charioteer of King Dhritarashtra) give a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra? It means internet was there, the satellites and that technology was there in this country at that time," Deb said. Addressing a Regional Workshop on Computerisation and Reforms at Pragna Bhawan in Agartala, the BJP chief minister said, "The Europeans and the Americans may claim that it is theirs, but it is actually our technology." "Internet and satellite system had existed in India during lakhs of years ago. The richest culture belongs to our nation and I feel proud of it. Even today in internet and software technology, we are ahead. See Microsoft, it may be a US company but most of its engineers are all from our country," he added. A long-time Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) functionary, Biplab Deb became the Chief Minister of Tripura in March this year after BJP defeated CPM in the assembly elections. Deb also viewed that since the era of the Mahabharata, India was top in technology but somehow in the middle, it got lost. "But, again today India has regained its position in technology in the world and it can be proved from the fact that a large number of software engineers play a vital role in the US companies," the chief minister said. This is not the first time when BJP leaders have made such bizarre statements. Also Read: After Darwin, Union min targets Newtons theory, says mantras coded laws of motion In February, Minister of State for Human Resource Development, Satyapal Singh speaking at a meeting, said that mantras codified the laws of motion much before they were framed by Issac Newton. He also courted a controversy in January when he discredited Charles Darwins theory of evolution and said it was scientifically wrong. (With ANI inputs) President Ram Nath Kovind was speaking at the sixth convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra. (Photo: ANI | Twitter) Jammu: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday condemned the horrific gangrape and murder of eight-year-old girl in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir and wondered what kind of society India was developing into. The President termed rape incidents like Kathua happening in a country that's 70 years into its independence as "shameful" "After 70 years of independence such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. We have to think what kind of society are we developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman," President Ram Nath Kovind said in his address at the sixth convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University in Katra. Before the President's address, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti also spoke about the Kathu rape incident that occurred in January. "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society," Mufti said. On January 10, an eight-year-old girl belonging to a nomadic tribe went missing from near her house in Rasana village in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district. A week later, her body was found in the forest. A chargesheet filed by the state police revealed that the minor was raped, sedated and tortured before being killed. The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with people carrying out protests demanding justice for the 8-year-old girl. The parents of the girl are demanding death sentence for the accused. RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav's elder son Tej Pratap Yadav with fiancee Aishwarya Rai granddaughter of former Bihar CM Daroga Prasad Rai during their engagement function in Patna on Wednesday. Tej Pratap's mother and former Bihar CM Rabri Devi, sister Misa Bharti and brother Tejashwi Yadav are also seen. (Photo: PTI) Patna: RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadavs eldest son Tej Pratap and Aishwarya Rai are officially engaged. Tej and Aishwarya exchanged rings at a five-star hotel in Patna. The ceremony was the first big event of the family without patriarch Lalu Yadav, who is in jail for corruption. The former Bihar chief minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) supremo has been held guilty of misusing crores in government funds meant for cattle fodder when he was in power in the 1990s. In his absence, Rabri Devi, also a former chief minister is in-charge, fitting, considering, she arranged the match. Rabri Devi had famously told reporters that she wanted daughters-in-law who respect her in-laws, didn't go to the mall and ran the household well. Also Read: Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap to marry Aishwarya Rai next month Lalu Yadav's sisters are among some 200 guests at the hotel. In the morning, cartloads of fruit baskets arrived at the Yadav home. Flowers have reportedly been flown in from Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru and Pune. (Photo: PTI) Aishwarya Rai, a history graduate, is the eldest daughter of six-time RJD lawmaker Chandrika Prasad Rai, a former minister. Her mother is a college professor. The wedding is expected to take place next month. Tej Pratap Yadav, the eldest of nine children, is a first-time lawmaker and was health minister until last July, when Nitish Kumar dumped the RJD and Congress and formed a new government with the BJP. The couple had recently met at the Patna airport when Tej Pratap was returning from Delhi after meeting his father and Aishwarya was flying to the capital. They sat in VIP lounge and chatted. The wedding is likely to take place at the veterinary college grounds in the city, the same place where Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi's son was married after threats from Tej Pratap Yadav. "If I attend, I will enter his house and beat him up. If I go to his son's marriage, I will expose him," Tej Pratap Yadav had promised in November. He had later retracted the threat. Sushil Modi, on his part had shifted the venue to the college grounds, closer home. Personal assistant Kajal Sharma further stated that she committed the forgery on Sheena's resignation letter after Indrani had told her that her daughter was in the United States and had no Internet there to submit the resignation. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Indrani Mukerjea's personal assistant Kajal Sharma on Wednesday deposed before a special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court that she forged Sheena Bora's signature on the former's instructions. Sharma further stated that she committed the forgery on Sheena's resignation letter after Indrani had told her that her daughter was in the United States and had no Internet there to submit the resignation. It also transpired during her statement to the court that the dateline of the said mail between Indrani and Kajal for Sheena's resignation was actually after the murder date in records. A special court, which held the Sheena Bora murder trial on Tuesday, permitted the investigation officer in the case to be present in the court during its proceedings to assist the public prosecutor. Indrani, the prime accused in the Sheena Bora murder case, is lodged in Mumbai's Byculla jail. 24-year-old Sheena was abducted and killed on April 24, 2012, allegedly over a financial dispute, and her body was disposed of in a forest in adjoining Raigad district. Indrani and her former husband Sanjeev Khanna were arrested in August 2015 along with her former driver Shyamvar Rai, while Indrani's present husband Peter Mukerjea was nabbed in November the same year. Mumbai: Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya, one of the convicts in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case who was sentenced to death, died at a hospital in Pune early Wednesday, a police official said. Merchant, who was admitted to the Sassoon Hospital around 3 am after he complained of chest pain, died during treatment, the official said. "One (1993 Mumbai blasts) convict named Tahir Merchant, who was lodged in the Yerawada prison, was admitted to Sassoon Hospital after he complained of chest pain. However, he died there during treatment around 3.45 am," Dr Bhushankumar Upadhyay, Additional Director General of Prisons Department said. "Merchant was extradited to India from Abu Dhabi and was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2010 and serving his jail term in Yerwada central prison in Pune," an official said. According to police, Merchant had arranged the finance for the blasts and was also linked to conspirators Tiger Memon and Dawood Ibrahim. In 2007, a special TADA court had convicted 100 accused, including actor Sanjay Dutt, in connection with the blasts. In September 2017, a special court awarded death sentence to Tahir Merchant and Firoz Khan, while awarding life imprisonment to prime accused Abu Salem and Karimullah Khan in the 1993 Mumbai blasts case. The court had held that Merchant was amongst the main conspirators. "The evidence proves the anguish, agitation and frustration expressed by Tahir due to situation prevailing in Bombay during the period of riots in January 1993," it had noted. He worked with (absconding conspirator) Tiger Memon, participated in several conspiracy meetings in Dubai. Tahir made travel arrangements, financed the stay and travel of several co-accused and facilitated their training in Pakistan, the court noted. "The role of Tahir in conspiracy is prominent. He is one of the initiators of the conspiracy," the court had said in its ruling in June 2017. Another convict in the case, Mustafa Dossa had died of cardiac arrest at JJ Hospital in Mumbai in June last year. The Mumbai 1993 blasts had left 257 people dead and 713 seriously injured. It had destroyed properties worth Rs 27 crore. The Ram-Sita cartoon drawn by Hyderabad-based Swathi Vadlamudi, who shared it on social media last week, fetched both praise and abuse. (Representational image | ANI) Hyderabad: A woman journalist in Hyderabad has got into trouble after she used a cartoon depicting Lord Rama and his queen Sita to send across a message on womens safety. In the cartoon, Sita is seen commenting to Lord Ram about the Kathua rape case where an eight-year-old was murdered in January and also about the Unnao rape case where a teen has alleged rape by a BJP lawmaker. The cartoon drawn by Hyderabad-based Swathi Vadlamudi, who shared it on social media last week, fetched both praise and abuse. However, things got worse when the woman journalist started receiving death threats with a Charlie Hebdo-style attack. Few days back, a case was registered against Vadlamudi by a Hindu Sangathan president for hurting Hindu religious sentiments. Another journalist, Ahmed Shabbir, has been named in the complaint for sharing the cartoon. According to Sattaiah, Circle Inspector, Saidabad police station, "An advocate Karuna Sagar filed a complaint on April 13, 2018 that Journalist Ahmed Shabbir has shared a cartoon of Lord Ram and Sita which is hurting Hindu religious sentiments. Subsequently, a case was registered under section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code." Sattaiah added that Sagar again approached the police on April 15 and filed one more complaint. "On April 15, again the complainant Karuna Sagar approached us and filed one more complaint stating the cartoon was actually created by another journalist Swathi Vadlamudi, who first shared the cartoon on social media. The complainant requested to include Swathi's name in the FIR, which was registered on April 13. So, Swathi Vadlamudi's name was included in the FIR. Further enquiry is on and action will be initiated after the enquiry," Sattaiah said. (With inputs from ANI) In total, 34,387 candidates who have qualified during the year 2017 are eligible to receive degrees/diplomas/certificates at the convocation ceremony, which will be held on the campus. (Representational image) HYDERABAD: In all, 106 student prisoners that include both men and women will receive their degrees at the 22nd anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar University on Friday. The prisoners are from Central Prisons of Cherlapalli and Warangal in Telangana and from Rajahmundry and Kadapa in Andhra Pradesh. Telangana Governor and Chancellor of BR Ambedkar University, Mr E.S.L. Narasimhan will award MPhil and PhD degrees, gold medals and prizes while Prof N.V. Varghese, Vice-Chancellor, Na-tional Institute of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi, will deliver the convocation address. In total, 34,387 candidates who have qualified during the year 2017 are eligible to receive degrees/diplomas/certificates at the convocation ceremony, which will be held on the campus. This year, two scholars will be given MPhil degrees and three scholars will get their PhDs, said Prof K. Seetharama Rao, Vice-Chancellor, Dr BR Ambedkar Open University. This apart, the University will award 36 gold medals, including 13 for UG and 23 for PG and also four book prizes-three for UG and one for PG. Bengaluru: Customs officials have seized banned drugs methaqualone, weighing 12.9 kg and worth around Rs 6.45 crore, in the Courier Section of the Air Cargo at the Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday. According to the customs sleuths, the consignment was to be shipped to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, by an exporter from Chennai. The goods were declared as 'palm sugar' for personal use, with a declared value of Rs 6,000. Modus operandi Methaqualone was packed in plastic packets, which were plotted inside the packets containing palm sugar. While carrying out assessment the Courier Section officials grew suspicious and the packets were marked for open examination. The packets had white crystalline powder concealed inside. The smugglers were attempting to smuggle it through EICI Courier Terminal. The consignment was booked by the exporter through Fedex Courier in Chennai. The package was collected by Fedex in Chennai to the Bengaluru hub for shipment to Kuala Lumpur. The preliminary tests by central intelligence unit (CIU) of customs department confirmed that the white substance was methaqualone. The CIU is continuing its investigation. Similar bid in Jan This is the second drug recovery case this year. Earlier in the first week of January, an attempt was made to smuggle Ketamine, a narcotic, to Kuala Lumpur, by declaring them as Indian sweets. In that case too, the exporter was from Chennai and the parcel was booked with Fedex, Chennai. The investigation in that case is currently underway. There are glaring similarities in the two cases, involving exporters from Chennai, attempting to smuggle banned drugs to Kuala Lumpur, and in both cases the courier company is Fedex, the official said. Srinagar: President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday said the gang-rape and murder of an 8-year-old nomadic Bakarwal girl in Jammu and Kashmirs Kathua district in January this year was shameful. He said, After 70 years of independence, such an incident occurring in any part of the country is shameful. The President who was addressing the sixth convocation of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) at Katra near Jammu said, We have to think what kind of society we are developing. He added, It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman. Earlier Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, while speaking on the occasions asked, How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi? She said, There is something wrong with the society. The victim went missing while grazing horses in Rasana village of Hiranagar tehsil of J&Ks Kathua district on January 10. A week later, her body was found in woods near her village. The DNA and police investigations have revealed that she was held inside a local temple where she was drugged, raped and killed. The Crime Branch of the J&K police entrusted with investigation of the gory incident filed two separate charge sheets against the eight accused including the custodian of the temple, his son, four police officers and two others in the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM)s court at Kathua. All the accused who have already been arrested pleaded not guilty at the first hearing of the case held on April 16. Thought belatedly the incident has sparked outrage across the country and strong voices for awarding capital punishment to the guilty are being raised by different quarters. The Kashmir Valley on Wednesday once again witnessed a series of protests including by students of various colleges and higher secondary schools. Clashes between irate crowds of students and youth and the security forces were reported from Tral, Awantipore, Pampore and Anantnag in south Kashmir, Baramulla and Uri in the northwest and Ganderbal in north Kashmir, leaving many protesters injured. President Kovind who along with his wife Savita Kovind is on a two day visit of Jammu gave medals and merit certificates to many meritorious students among the 880 scholars of the SMVDU at the convocation. Founder and Chairman of Bharti Enterprises, Sunil Bharti Mittal, and Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Munjal Auto Engineering Ltd, Sudhir Munjal, were conferred honorary doctorate by SMVDU on the occasion. Later during the day a civic reception was held on the sprawling lawn of Jammus historic Amar Mahal in honour of the President. He is scheduled to meet Chief Justice, Justice Ramalingam Sudhakar, and other Judges of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court over breakfast on Thursday. ATMs in cities of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and poll-bound Karnataka were either not operating or showed no cash signs, reminiscent of post-demonetisation scene. New Delhi: Even as government and Reserve Bank have asserted that there is no currency shortage, SBI Research on Wednesday pegged the cash shortfall in the system at a whopping Rs 70,000 crore, which is a third of the monthly withdrawals at ATMs. In a note that comes a day after reports of currency shortages made national headlines, it depended on nominal economic growth, currency with the public and the rise in digital transactions to arrive at the shortfall estimate. A 9.8 per cent nominal GDP growth would have taken the currency available with the public to Rs 19.4 trillion by March 2018, as against the actual availability of Rs 17.5 trillion, it said, stressing that the gap of Rs 1.9 trillion is not the shortfall. The proportion of digital transactions stands at a low Rs 1.2 trillion only, much down the immediate months following the November 2016 note-ban. The apparent shortfall thus could be around Rs 70,000 crore or even less, it said. The note estimates that Rs 15,291 billion were withdrawn from ATMs in the second half of FY18, which is a good 12.2 per cent growth over the previous six months. Reacting to reports of the currency shortage, it said the currency in circulation has breached the pre-note ban levels of Rs 17.84 trillion and added that such reports are intriguing and defy logic. The report explains that a part of the reason why the shortage is being felt could be the introduction and faster-acceleration in printing Rs 200 notes. This may have altered the demand for smaller denomination notes in a larger way to possibly substitute for the currency of larger denominations, it said. The RBI had on Tuesday attributed the shortage to logistical issues. Hyderabad: With the High Court rejecting the Telangana governments expulsion orders of two Congress MLAs Komatireddy Venkat Reddy and S.A. Sampath Kumar, the Congress is in a mood to celebrate. While the TRS is quite upset about the High Courts orders to restore the MLAs legislator po-sts with immediate effect, former Congress MP Ponnam Prabhakar has said that the TRS government should gracefully welcome the High Court's judgment on expelled congress MLAs and respect it. Otherwise, the TRS government would give further cause for levity amongst the public. The two MLAs were expelled due to their unruly behaviour in the Assembly that also caused physical injury to the Speaker. But with their expulsion orders being revoked by the High Court, the Congress is using this opportunity to turn the screws on the ruling TRS government. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Mr Prabhakar said Chief Minister Mr K. Chandrasekhar Rao had made attractive promises to the people on the construction of double-bedroom houses for them. He said the Congress had collected the latest data on construction of double-bedroom houses in the state exercising the Right to Information Act. He said up to May 31, 2017, the state government had sanctioned 2.63 lakh double-bedroom houses but had constructed only 1,708 houses so far. He added that up to February 28, 2018, the state government had sanctioned 6,000 more houses but constructed only 1,979 houses. Mr Prabhakar said that these figures showed just how efficiently the state government had achieved progress in the housing department. Mr Prabhakar sharply criticised the state government and said that it may not have had the time to construct the double-bedroom houses for the people, but the CM had the time to construct the Pragathi Bhavan in 9 acres! Mr Prabhakar also said that the TRS government was showcasing the Kaleswaram project as their own, but people seem to have forgotten about who had cracked the deals of the Mid Maneru and Lower Maneru projects. He said those projects were constructed by the Congress government but the TRS government was happily and unjustly staking claim over them. This was at the event held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai to clear his name from a controversy surrounding a professor arrested in the sex for degrees case. At a time when the nation is fuming with outrage over atrocities against women, another shocker made news when the Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit patted the cheek of a woman journalist, without her consent, at a press conference. This was at the event held at the Raj Bhavan in Chennai to clear his name from a controversy surrounding a professor arrested in the sex for degrees case. The incident took place when the 78-year-old Governor was about to leave the venue of the crowded press conference on the Professor Nirmala Devi issue at the Raj Bhavan and the woman journalist, Lakshmi Subramaniam asked him questions and the Governor dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself. The journalist took to twitter to recall the encounter: I asked TN Governor Banwarilal Purohit a question as his press conference was ending. He decided to patronisingly and without consent pat me on the cheek as a reply, tweeted Lakshmi Subramanian. This, moments after he dismissed a barrage of questions about allegations of sexual misconduct against himself. Unprofessional behaviour - and completely uncalled for to touch a stranger without her consent, especially a woman, her tweet further read. The journalist also posted to say that she had washed her face several times but still was not able to get rid of it. So agitated and angered Mr Governor Banwarilal Purohit. It might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude. But to me you are wrong, she added in her tweet. Her post picked up pace and netizens got busy posting their opinions on the embarrassing incident. While there were some vouching for his age and that his intentions were not bad, others found it downright wrong and condemned the governor for his acts on social media sites. The main opposition party DMK said the incident was unbecoming of a person holding a Constitutional post. Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalists personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being, tweeted DMK Rajya Sabha MP, Kanimozhi. It is not only unfortunate, but unbecoming of a person holding a constitutional post, DMK Working President MK Stalin said on Twitter. The TN Governor issued an apology a day after the incident, to Lakshmi Subramaniam in a letter that said: I considered that question to be a good one. Therefore as an act of appreciation for the question that you had posed, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist, since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years. Accepting the Governors apology, the journalist had replied saying: Your excellency, I have with me your letter dated April 18, 2018, expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked. CPM national former general-secretary Prakash Karat greets CPI secretary Suravaram Sudhakar Reddy as former Tripura chief minister Manik Sarkar looks on at the CPM 22nd National Congress at RTC Kalyana Mandapam, in Baghlingampally, Hyderabad, on Wednesday. CPM national general-secretary Sitaram Yechury Sitaram Yechury is also seen. (Photo: DC) Hyderabad: The five-day national convention of CPM has begun in the city at RTC Kalyana Mandapam, Bag-hlingampally, here on Wednesday on a grand note. In his inaugural address, the CPM national general-secretary Mr Sitaram Yechury accused the BJP of using rape as a weapon for communal polarisation. He lashed out at BJP-led NDA government saying that due to growing communalism and intolerance in the country for the past four years, Dalits and minorities are at the receiving end under Prime Minister Modis rule. The dehumanisation of our society could be clearly seen in the chilling incidents of rape in Kathua and Unnao. It is shameful to see rape being used as a weapon for communal polarisation. This must be resisted and defeated. The current government whose reins are controlled by the RSS is pursuing policies that have imposed unprecedented miseries on the people, Mr Yechury said. He said there is an urgent need for all the secular and democratic for-ces in the country to join hands to defeat the BJP government at the Centre. He further added, In the final analysis, the answer to the present challenges is the policy alternative that can only be provided by the Left and democratic forces. I am confident that the party conclave will give a new direction to strengthen its independent activities, to intensify peoples struggles, to strengthen unity of Left forces and to boost the unity of the Left and democratic forces, Mr Yechuri said. About 840 delegates from all over the country are attending the five-day convention. The meeting will also see the election of new general-secretary and the Central Committee amid suspense over whether Mr Yechury would get the second term in the wake of reports that Mr Prakash Karat has been opposing it. In the name of Gau Raksha, Muslims and Dalits are being targeted for murderous assaults. In the name of moral policing, our youth are being told what to wear, what to eat, whom to befriend. Those not following such instructions are assaulted. These private armies are seeking to control our social order, under the patronage of RSS and BJP. The promise to our youth of creating two crore jobs every year has been reneged. On the contrary, even in the organised sector today, there is growing unemployment," Mr Yechury said. Terming demonetisation and GST as twin assaults, he said they uprooted crores of people dependent on the cash economy and decimated the small-scale industry. The inaugural session was presided over by former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar. Kerala Chief Minister Pinyari Vijayan, former general-secretary Prakash Karat, and other leaders attended the inaugural session. Hyderabad: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has punctured Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao's claim that Mr Patnaik had invited him for discussions on the Federal Front. Mr Patnaik told the media in Bhubaneshwar on Wednesday that Mr Rao had called him up and wished to meet him. As far as I know, Telangana Chief Minister is going on pilgrimage to Puri. On the way he is paying a courtesy call; there is no discussion on federal front or anything to do with politics. Mr Patnaik said. Mr Raos office had claimed that Mr Patnaik had invited Mr Rao for talks on the Federal Front. Its press release said, Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao will meet Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the first week of May. This meeting is taking place as part of KCRs efforts to bring in a qualitative change in the country's politics. Since Odisha legislature is in session now, Navin Patnaik has invited KCR to meet him in the first week of May. For this KCR had agreed. The same thing happened with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently, when the TS Chief Ministers office claimed that Mamata Banerjee called Mr Rao and welcomed his proposal of forming the third front, but Ms Banerjee clarified later that it was Mr Rao who has called her. Hyderabad: The ministerial committees of TS and AP which were formed to discuss and resolve bifurcation-related issues have been put in cold storage. The committees met thrice with Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan but there has been no progress. Neither state government nor the Governor has shown much interest in the process. On the advice of Mr Narasimhan both Telugu states formed ministerial committees to resolve the pending issues. The TS government appointed irr-igation minister T. Harish Rao, power minister G. Jagadeeswar Reddy and government advisor G. Vivekananda to the committee. The AP government app-ointed finance minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, transport minister K. Atchennaidu and government chief whip Kalva Srinivasulu (now a minister). The committees were to discuss issues arising out of the AP Reorganisation Act. One of them was handing over the Secretariat buildings and others allotted to AP state which are vacant after the AP administration shifted to Amaravati. TS Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao proposed demolishing the existing Secretariat buildings and constructing a new building in the same place. Later Mr Rao changed the venue and proposed the new secretariat building be located at the Bison polo grounds. There was thus no need to hand over the Secretariat buildings by the Andhra Pradesh government. Andhra Pradesh ministers told the Governor that the committees have to discuss all pending issues related to AP Reorgani-sation Act and not just handing over of the buildings allotted to AP. But though the committees have met three times nothing of any substance has emerged due to lack of interest by all parties. Division issues Neither state government nor the Governor has shown much interest in the process. The committees were to discuss issues arising out of the AP Reorganisation Act. One of them was handing over the Secretariat buildings and others allotted to AP state which are vacant after the AP administration shifted to Amaravati. The explosion killed one passenger and nearly sucked another out of a shattered window. (Photo: Representational | AFP) Philadelphia: The pilot who safely landed a stricken Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday got her first flying experience in the US Navy, touching down F-18 fighter jets at 150 miles per hour on aircraft carriers. Tammie Jo Shults, 56, may have drawn on her Navy skills when one of the two engines on her Boeing 737-700 blew and broke apart at 32,000 feet on Tuesday, forcing her to implement a rapid descent towards Philadelphia International Airport. The explosion killed one passenger and nearly sucked another out of a shattered window. One of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy, Shults calmly told air traffic control that part of her plane was missing, and she would need ambulances on the runway. Also Read: One dead, 7 injured as engine explodes mid-air on Southwest Airlines flight "So we have a part of the aircraft missing so we're going to need to slow down a bit," Shults told a controller. Many of the 144 passengers sang her praise on social media after Shults thanked them for their bravery as they left the plane. "The pilot Tammy Jo was so amazing! She landed us safely in Philly," said Amanda Bourman on Instagram. Passengers identified Shults as the pilot. Southwest Airlines declined to name the crew of flight 1380 and Shults was not immediately available for comment. Authorities said the crew did what they were trained to do. "They're in the simulator and practice emergency descentsand losing an engine... They did the job that professional airline pilots are trained to do," National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt told reporters. "GOD SENT HIS ANGELS" Shults might never have become a pilot if she had not been so determined to fly from a young age. She is quoted on fighter plane blog F-16.net saying she tried to attend an aviation career day at high school but was told they did not accept girls. A native of New Mexico, she never lost the urge to fly and, after studying medicine in Kansas, applied to the Air Force. It would not let her take the test to become a pilot, but the US Navy did. She was one of the first female F-18 pilots and became an instructor before she left the Navy in 1993 and joined Southwest, according to the blog. A Christian, who is married to a fellow pilot and has two children, Shults said that sitting in the captain's chair gave her "the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight." Bourman was among passengers who said they had been saved by divine intervention. "God sent his angels to watch over us," she said. There were 144 passengers and five crew members aboard the Southwest flight. (Photo: Twitter | @NTSB_Newsroom) Philadelphia: An engine on a Southwest Airlines flight with 149 people aboard exploded and broke apart in mid-air on Tuesday, killing one passenger and nearly sucking another out of a shattered window, according to airline and federal authorities and witness and media accounts. The plane, a Boeing 737-700 which was bound to Dallas from New York, made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. The death of 43-year-old Jennifer Riordan on Flight 1380 was the first in a US commercial aviation accident since 2009, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) statistics. NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt told an evening news conference at the Philadelphia airport that a preliminary investigation found an engine fan blade missing, having apparently broken off, and that there was metal fatigue at the point where it is normally attached. Sumwalt said part of the engines covering, called a cowling, was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles from the Philadelphia airport. Flight 1380 took off from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport at around 10:27 a.m. and was diverted to Philadelphia just under an hour later, according to flight tracking website FlightAware.com. Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said the flight landed at Philadelphia International at around 11:20 a.m. The engine on the planes left side threw off shrapnel when it blew apart, shattering a window and causing rapid cabin depressurization that nearly pulled a female passenger through the hole, according to witness accounts and local news media reports. Asked by a controller if the jet was on fire, Shults said it was not, but added, They said there is a hole and someone went out. A woman was partially drawn out of the plane and pulled back in by other passengers, Todd Bauer, whose daughter was on the flight, told the NBC affiliate in Philadelphia. Riordan was a Wells Fargo banking executive and well-known community volunteer from Albuquerque, New Mexico, according to a Wells Fargo official, who spoke on condition of anonymity as she was unsure whether all of Riordans family had been notified of her death. Riordan was on the way back from a New York business trip, where she had sent a tweet on Monday showing the view from her hotel in Midtown Manhattan with the caption: Great business stay. Her Facebook page shows she was married with two children. The plane, which was bound for Dallas Love Field, had been inspected as recently as Sunday, according to Southwests Kelly, who confirmed that Tuesdays fatality was the first of its kind in the carriers 51-year history. At 11:18 a.m., passenger Marty Martinez posted on Facebook a live video of himself on the plane, wearing a breathing mask, as the plane descended. More than an hour later, at 12:27 p.m., Martinez posted pictures of a blown-out window and the badly damaged engine. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the customers, employees, family members and loved ones affected by this tragic event, Southwest said in a statement. There were 144 passengers and five crew members aboard the flight. One passenger was taken to a hospital in critical condition and seven people were treated for minor injuries at the scene, Philadelphia Fire Department spokeswoman Kathy Matheson said. Starbucks said it would make training materials available to the employees of those stores, who are employed by the grocery stores or airports where they are located. (Photo: File/AP) Washington: Starbucks Corp will close 8,000 company-owned US cafes for the afternoon on May 29 to train nearly 175,000 on how to prevent racial discrimination in its stores. Starbucks' roughly 6,000 licensed cafes will remain open. Starbucks said it would make training materials available to the employees of those stores, who are employed by the grocery stores or airports where they are located. The announcement from the world's biggest coffee company comes as it tries to cool tensions after the arrest of two black men at one of its Philadelphia cafes last week sparked accusations of racial profiling at the chain. Protesters have called for a boycott of the company, in what has become the biggest public relations test yet for Chief Executive Kevin Johnson. Johnson, a former technology executive, took the helm about a year ago and was already fighting to boost traffic to Starbucks amid intense competition from coffee sellers ranging from hipster cafes to fast-food chains and convenience stores. The afternoon hours are the slowest time for Starbucks' business. Nevertheless, the closure of 8,000 stores and its corporate offices for an afternoon will almost certainly have an impact on sales. Starbucks did not say how many hours the stores would be shuttered on May 29. "While this is not limited to Starbucks, we're committed to being a part of the solution," said Johnson, who has apologised for the "reprehensible" arrests of the two men and taken responsibility for the incident. Attorneys for the company said Johnson and the two men involved have "engaged in constructive discussions about this issue as well as what is happening in communities across the country." While Starbucks has deftly navigated thorny issues such as gay marriage, gun control and Congressional gridlock, US race relations have proven more challenging. Its 2015 "Race Together" campaign to foster a conversation on the topic following the high-profile police shootings of several unarmed black men stirred an intense social media backlash. Swaraj will arrive in Beijing on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22. (Photo: File) Beijing: China on Wednesday said its relations with India have seen great strides and that the upcoming visit of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will further enhance political trust between the two countries. Swaraj will arrive in Beijing on April 21 for a four-day visit and hold talks with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on April 22 to take forward attempts by both countries to reset ties strained by 2017's 73-day Doklam military standoff as well as a host of other issues. "We believe Swaraj's visit will further enhance political trust between the two countries and elevate the China-India strategic cooperation partnership," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying. "We have seen great strides in all-around cooperation. This year, there is a positive momentum in bilateral ties. We would like to work with the Indian side to maintain high-level exchanges, expand practical cooperation, properly manage disputes and move forward bilateral ties," Hua said. The issues of discord between the two countries include the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, China blocking India's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG as well as its opposition to efforts to list Jaish-e-Muhammad chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UN. This will be Swaraj's first meeting with Wang after he was elevated in March, to be the state councillor, which makes him the top diplomat in the Chinese hierarchy. He holds the dual posts of state councillor and foreign minister. During their talks, Wang and Swaraj will exchange views on bilateral ties, international and regional issues of mutual concern, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said. Swaraj is also scheduled to take part in the foreign ministers' meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) on April 24 besides meeting Chinese Hindi scholars and students. Hua said the foreign ministers of all eight-member countries of the SCO will take part in the meeting on April 24. SCO, in which China plays an influential role, is comprised of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. This is the first foreign ministers' meeting after India and Pakistan were admitted into SCO, in 2017. All parties will exchange views on SCO cooperation and major international and regional issues, Hua said. The meeting will lay the groundwork for the upcoming summit of the SCO at the Chinese city of Qingdao in June, she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take part in the SCO summit. 'Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on a long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network,' Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. (Photo: File) Beijing: China on Wednesday proposed an India-Nepal-China economic corridor with multi-dimensional connectivity through the Himalayas as it seeks to expand its influence over the new Nepalese government headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, widely regarded as pro-Beijing. China's proposal came after visiting Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, who held talks with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi. "Let me say China and Nepal have agreed on a long-term vision of a multi-dimensional cross Himalaya connectivity network," Wang told a joint press briefing along with Gyawali after their talks. Gyawali is on his maiden visit to Beijing after the KP Sharma Oli-led government came to power in the recently held elections. Wang said China and Nepal have already signed an agreement on the China's multi-billion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in which connectivity cooperation is a part. It included a long-term vision such as connectivity network and covering the links between the two countries though ports, railways, highways, aviation, power and communications. "We believe that such a well-developed connectivity network can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India," Wang said. "We hope that such cooperation will contribute to development and prosperity for all the three countries," he said. Reacting to a question whether Gyawali's visit to China was aimed at counterbalancing the recent visit by Prime Minister Oli to India, his first visit abroad after taking over as Prime Minister, Wang sought to make out a case for trilateral cooperation between India, China and Nepal. He said Beijing and New Delhi should facilitate such a cooperation. "China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by rivers and mountains. This is a fact that cannot be changed by whatever changes taking place in the world and inside the three countries," Wang said. "Support for Nepal's development should be a common understanding between China and India. As two major emerging economies, China and India shall deliver the benefits to their neighbour Nepal included in their own development," he said. "Nepal on its part should leverage its geographical advantage and connect China and India for greater development. Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary from cooperation from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by China and India," he said. The pro-active initiatives by China came as Nepalese Prime Minister Oli, who is widely regarded as pro-China, during his last tenure as Prime Minister signed a transit treaty with Beijing in 2016 ending the decades-long dependence on India for commodity and energy supplies for his land locked country. He also sought railway connectivity between the two countries through Tibet which China is currently building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Norways pension fund to invest in new sectors in India citing the complementarity of the economies of the two countries. Modi, during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Premier Erna Solberg here, underlined the Indian openness to foreign investment and also invited Norwegian companies to invest in India, a Norwegian government statement said. Modi encouraged the Norwegian State Pension Fund Global to consider investing in new sectors in India, it said. The Pension Fund had invested $11.7 billion in India at the end of 2017, an increase of 2.5 billion from 2016. During their meeting here on Tuesday, the two leaders also agreed that the complementarity of the economies of the two countries offered huge scope for greater cooperation. The areas of cooperation that were discussed included energy, green transport, environmental technologies, innovation, maritime and marine economies. Modi and Solberg also discussed a joint action plan to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Solberg underlined the importance of India succeeding if the world is to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi stressed that Norwegian and Nordic technologies and experiences could play a positive role in helping India achieve the goals, it said. Also the importance of the world taking decisive action to stop the environmental degradation of the oceans and to develop sustainable use of the vast resources of the ocean was a key topic of discussion, the statement said. The bilateral meeting was followed by an Indo-Nordic Summit where all the five Nordic prime ministers participated. Thousands of people across the city were seen thronging jewellery shops on the occasion of 'Akshaya Tritiya' on Wednesday. It is believed that materials of higher value bought on Akshaya Tritiya day would bring unending prosperity. Despite shop owners making elaborate arrangement for smooth conduct of business, they struggled to manage the swelling crowd with fewer employees. In order to make things simple, Joyalukkas jewellery shop on MG Road, which had four floors, had brought down all its operations to the ground, saving customers the arduous climbs up and down the building. "This time around, customers prefer lightweight jewels with antique designs. Earlier, they used to buy modern designs since we didn't have antique designs on lightweight jewels," said Jiji K Mathew, marketing manager, Joyalukkas, MG Road. Lalita Nutakki, a customer from Yeshwantpur, admits to having jewellery buying as a custom on 'Akshaya Tritiya'. "Yes, I prefer buying some jewellery on this day," she said. Sumitra, a resident of Indiranagar, said: "It is believed that whatever we buy on this day will be very auspicious and (make us) prosperous. So, I buy gold on this day, despite what people talk about it." Gautam Chand, the owner of Navrathan Jewellers, hailed 'Akshaya Tritiya' as a very big day in terms of sales. "We do 10 days worth of business on a single day. Most people give prior orders for designed jewels and they collect it on this day," Chand said. Venkatesh Babu, the chairman of the Bangalore Jewellers Association, said sales went beyond expectations. Police have arrested two women and a man for murdering a 67-year-old financier for gain on April 2. Sanjay Satish, from Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, was tied up and strangled in his rented flat in Bethel Nagar, KR Puram, East Bengaluru. His decomposed body was found three days later. Police have arrested Sumathi (23), Sumayya Bano (22), both from Shankara Math, and Karthik (20), from Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, said Abdul Ahad, DCP (Whitefield). On March 27, Sumayya had gone to the Malleswaram police station to file a domestic abuse complaint against her husband, Dadapeer. Satish was also there to lodge a complaint about a financial dispute. They got to know each other and exchanged phone numbers. Satish later called up Sumayya, saying he was looking for a domestic help as his wife and son had moved to New Zealand. Sumayya, along with Sumathi, visited his flat on March 31. They saw him wearing three gold chains and other jewellery. They also learnt about cash in the house. The women told Satish they would come back in two days. They decided to hatch a plot to kill him and take away the booty. On April 2, the women, along with Karthik, went to Satish's house and pounced on him. They tied him up, threw chilli powder at his face and strangled him. They then took away Rs 1.5 lakh in cash, three gold chains and three gold rings of 230 grams, all worth Rs 7 lakh, and fled from the scene by wearing the burqa. Police arrested the suspects on Monday night. A magistrate has remanded them in police custody for further investigation. Ahad said Satish had moved to Bengaluru several years ago and was into the moneylending business. He initially lived in Malleswaram before moving to KR Puram. He had divorced his wife before moving to Bengaluru. Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrived in London on Wednesday, demonstrating over a rising tide of sexual violence at home including two particularly brutal rapes. Holding placards reading "Modi go home" and "we stand against Modi's agenda of hate and greed," they gathered outside Downing Street and parliament as Modi arrived for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Protests have erupted across India after the rape cases were reported. Police officers and a politician are under investigation in two of the unrelated cases. In a crime that shocked India, an 8-year-old Muslim girl in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir was kidnapped, drugged and held for several days while she was raped repeatedly and then murdered. In the other case, a state lawmaker from Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party stands accused of raping a teenager. No action was taken against the politician until the girl threatened to set herself on fire earlier this month. Her father died soon afterwards from injuries he sustained while in police custody. Nearly 40 percent of India's rape victims are children and the 40,000 reported rapes in 2016 marked a 60 percent increase over the level in 2012 - the year that a sickening rape and murder of a 23-year-old student in the capital New Delhi sparked nationwide demonstrations. Modi addressed the outrage over the latest rapes last week by promising justice regardless of whoever the guilty were. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath continued to be embarrassed by his own ministers and legislators of the BJP and its alliance partners. After Om Prakash Rajbhar, a minister from one of the BJP alliance partners Suheldev Bharat Samaj Party (SBSP), senior minister Swami Prasad Maurya embarrassed Adityanath by heaping praise on the party's arch-rival and BSP supremo Mayawati. ''Mayawati's regime was better than the Samajwadi Party's regime... Mayawatiji was a strict administrator... the bureaucracy always followed her directives,'' Maurya said while speaking to a private TV channel on Tuesday. Maurya, who had quit the BSP a few days before the 2017 Assembly polls in the state, said that the bureaucracy, now, did not follow the orders from the ministers. Stung by Maurya's praise on Mayawati, the state BJP leadership sought an explanation from him, sources said. BJP leaders were said to be furious with him. Remarks twisted Maurya on Wednesday made a U-turn and said that his remarks were twisted by the media. Sources close to Maurya, however, said that the remarks reflected his ''unease'' and showed that he was very upset at being ignored by the officials. Maurya's remarks also assume added significance as his son-in-law had recently joined the Samajwadi Party with his ''blessings'', sources said. Several other BJP and alliance partners' legislators had also publicly criticised Adityanath after the BJP's humiliating defeat in the Phulpur and Gorakhpur Lok Sabha by-polls. Swathi, who expresses her views through her drawings on her Facebook page, posted a cartoon on April 10, expressing her anguish over the sensational Kathua and Unnao rape incidents. In the cartoon, Sita is seen telling Lord Rama: I am glad I was kidnapped by Ravan and not by your bhakths. The cartoon went viral on social media. 'My right' The complainant contended that he too sympathised with the little rape victim of Kathua but where is the need to bring Hindu gods into this. How does it bring justice to the rape victims? If a Hindu commits a crime somewhere in Jammu, how does it justify blaming millions of devotees of Lord Rama? he questioned. While the police asked Karuna Sagar to submit evidence, Swathi said she had chosen the cartoon to express her views and it was her fundamental right to do so. Thousands appreciated my expression. The cartoon also received a lot of vulgar, cheap and abusive comments on different social media platforms. I know that someone has filed a case but I have not received any notice, she added. Meanwhile, Telangana Union of Working Journalists president Allam Narayana and Secretary Kranthi Kiran condemned the FIR filed against the journalist. The Human Rights Forum (HRF) too backed Swathi saying the cartoon was a satirical allusion to the perilous state of womens safety in India and should be widely circulated on social media. BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday accused the Congress of having defamed the country in the name of "saffron terror and Hindu terror" and demanded an apology from party chief Rahul Gandhi following the acquittal of five right-wing activists in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case. He said the Congress had committed the 'sin' of "linking the great Hindu culture with terrorism. "The great Hindu culture taught the world about culture, peace and civilisation for lakhs of years, and the Congress party has committed a sin by linking it to saffron terror," he said in his address at a meeting of the party "Shakti Kendra" here. "Shah said the Congress had defamed the country for several years around the world by using the term "saffron terror" and "Hindu terror". "Rahulji, Terror has no religion. Now Congress says we never used these words. Many Congress leaders including (Karnataka) Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are on the record using these terms," he said. Following the BJP attack in the wake of the Mecca Masjid blast verdict on Monday, the Congress had said there was nothing called 'saffron terror' and asserted that terror cannot be linked to any religion or community. The party had also asserted that neither its leader Rahul Gandhi nor the party ever used the phrase. The Congress had reacted in reply to the BJP attack over it following the acquittal of right-wing activist Aseemanand and four others in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast in Hyderabad. The BJP had attacked Congress alleging the party had defamed Hindus by using the term "saffron terror" and demanded an apology from both the previous and current Congress presidents - Sonia and Rahul Gandhi. Recalling that former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, following the Congress' landslide victory in the 1985 Lok Sabha elections in wake of the assassination of erstwhile Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, had mocked at BJP by saying 'hum do, hamare do', Shah said his party today has a full majority in Parliament and more than 1,600 MLAs in 20 states. "Rajiv Gandhi Ji had taunted us when we had just two 'MPs, saying 'BJP believes in hum do hamare do'. Today BJP has a full majority in Parliament, has more than 1600 MLAs, in power in 20 states and in numerous local bodies and municipalities," he said. "Shah said the credit for forming the government in 20 states goes to booth the workers and 'Shakthi Kendra Pramukhs.' "We started off with 10-party members and now we are the largest political party in the world with 11 crore party members," the BJP chief said. After the resignation of Youth Congress members on Wednesday, it was the turn of National Students Union of India (NSUI) members to express their solidarity with Youth Congress district President Mithun Rai, who was denied ticket to contest the Assembly elections, by the AICC. AICC's decision not to award a ticket to Mithun Rai for the Mulki-Moodbidri seat has drawn flak and NSUI office-bearers of Dakshina Kannada district along with office-bearers six NSUI units in colleges tendered their resignation en masse, to the District Congress Committee. Speaking to the media NSUI State General Secretary Roopesh Rai said Mithun Rai has supported us throughout. If the Youth Congress have a strong base in entire Dakshina Kannada district, it is because of an able leader like Mithun Rai. He has helped NSUI to grow and flourish in the district. Rai has been our role model and he is the only person who stood by the students during the time of crises. He said: We have been saddened to know that a leader who started his political career from NSUI has been denied ticket. We all believe that its a moral victory if our leader wins, because he will represent students and youth in the Karnataka assembly, he said and appealed to the party High Command to reconsider the decision. We only expected that Mithun Rai be given the ticket. We will abide by the decisions taken by Mithun Rai, Roopesh Rai added. In reply to a query on whether mass resignations will amount to anti-party activities, he said: We only have decided to tender our resignation from NSUI posts and stand by Mithun Rai. We will continue to work for the party as workers. All efforts to reach out to Rai have failed after he was denied the ticket. A total of 70 to 80 members tendered resignation. BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday gave a clarion call to party workers to make the saffron terror" slur of the Congress a major poll issue in the state. Speaking at a convention of party Shakti Kendra Pramukhs in Bengaluru, Shah accused the Congress of having defamed the country around the world by using the terms saffron terror and Hindu terror. He demanded an apology from AICC chief Rahul Gandhi following the acquittal of five right-wing activists in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case. Terror cannot be linked to religion, but the Congress went to town with its saffron terror jibe. People of Karnataka will teach Congress a lesson now for insulting Hindu culture, he said. He urged people to question Congress leaders when they came to their doorsteps for campaigning. The Hindu culture taught the world about peace and civilisation for thousands of years and the Congress party has committed a sin by linking it to terror, Shah added. Shah said the BJPs Vijaya Rath had now reached Karnataka. A victory in Karnataka will open the doorway of the south to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Telangana, he said. Shah said the NDA regime had sanctioned Rs 2.19 lakh crore under the 14th Finance Commission and an additional Rs 79,000 crore for Karnataka. But where has this money gone? The money has been eaten up by this corrupt government, he said. He chided Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for seeking an account from the Modi government of its contribution to Karnataka. I, in turn, demand from the Congress what its four generation of leaders Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and Rahul have contributed to Karnataka. The Congress is answerable to the people of the state, he said. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa said party workers should ensure that at least 70% of the votes in every polling booth in the state went to the BJP. SALT LAKE CITY It was 1986, and Frances Merrill never made time for reading. For the mother of eight children, time to herself just hadnt made the top of her to-do list. But one day when Merrill was serving in the Utah Legislature, a flier came across her desk about a new book exchange system sponsored by Utah Humanities that she couldnt pass up. Heres how it worked: United Parcel Service would deliver and return books throughout Utah communities for free. As an added bonus, Utah Humanities would occasionally send out speakers who could bring additional insights into the reading material for the programs participants. And the cost? Free. It was a no-brainer for Merrill, who lives in Millcreek. Deciding to form a book club to utilize the Utah Humanities program, she and a group of friends created the Neighborhood Readers. And while the Utah Humanities book exchange system has long since gone by the wayside, the neighborhood book discussions have not. Thirty-two years and 349 books later, theyre still at it, forming friendships and talking good books. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. Deseret News: Where do you get the books for your book club? Frances Merrill: (The Utah Humanities program) was a very, very good program, so thats what we did for several years. And eventually we read to the end of the books that they had, so we just started using the public library. We all have so many books, were basically retired people you just dont want to buy another book. It works. But we really like it. Nobody quits because they dont want to come. Its just a good thing to do. DN: What have you learned or gained from being involved in this book group? FM: I never really took too much time to read. I had eight children. I guess I didnt set time apart for myself, but now Im forced into it and I found out I enjoy reading. Its made a big difference in my life. Books open up the world to you. And when Im in different groups or people maybe sitting at the airport, people start talking it usually comes to "Hey, I read a good book you might be interested in." Its very socially stimulating. So to me, I relate it to a lot of the old-time quilting bees where women would get together and just talk about nothing, you know, just be together and socialize together. And I dont think theres very many quilting bees that go on anymore. But I think this has taken the place of it, because you get together and you can talk. DN: Whats one of your most memorable book club meetings? FM: Last (time) we met this had nothing to do with the book we read one of the women told this story because (her) son that she had given up for adoption had just called her like the week before. She told about how (a woman from the adoption agency) called her and said, "We have a match." And she said, "What are you talking about?" And she said, "Well, your son from so many years ago just contacted us and hed like to meet with you," and so they met. Its good for women to get together to be able to discuss that. She told what a tragedy that was that she never saw the baby they didnt let her see the baby or anything She never knew where he was. That was very traumatic for her to tell, but she told what a wonderful reunion it was. (Her son) came here with his own family. And so we have very personal stuff like that. Its not just read a book and get out. The Neighborhood Readers recommend: Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin, Simon and Schuster, 944 pages (nf) The Girl Who Wrote in Silk by Kelli Estes, Sourcebooks Landmark, 400 pages (hf) The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, Penguin Random House 400 pages (nf) Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind and series by Ann B. Ross, Harper Collins, 288 pages (f) All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr, Simon and Schuster, 544 pages (hf) Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand, Penguin Random House, 528 pages (nf) Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese, Penguin Random House, 688 pages (f) Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See, Penguin Random House, 288 pages (hf) Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang, Simon and Schuster, 544 pages (nf) John Adams by David McCullough, Simon and Schuster, 752 pages, (nf) SALT LAKE CITY When Benjamin Park got his first glimpse of Hamilton in 2009, he knew it was going to be big. A YouTube clip of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda performing what eventually became the musicals opening song at a White House event captured Parks interest. At this point in time, Hamilton was then only conceived as a hip-hop concept album. Park, who will be a visiting scholar for Brigham Young University's Neal A. Maxwell Institute for Religious Scholarship this summer, currently teaches an Age of Hamilton course at Sam Houston State University, weaving Mirandas music into a course that examines the life of the United States first secretary of the treasury. I have very few hipster claims, but Hamilton is one of them, Park said. I saw (the White House video clip) and Ive been showing it in my classes ever since. I would always tell my students, Watch this, its going to hit and its going to hit hard and youre not going to be ready for it! And hit hard it did. Since its Broadway debut in August 2015, Hamilton has earned 11 Tony Awards, with tickets selling out fast in every city it visits Salt Lake City being no exception. The Eccles Theater has now been the room where it happens for about a week, and history buffs are among the many flocking downtown to see the highly anticipated production. To celebrate Hamiltons three-week run in Utah, the Deseret News spoke with local history professors about their takes on Hamilton and the phenomenon of its popularity. The strength of Hamilton According to University of Utah professor Eric Hinderaker, one of the musical's greatest strengths is its source material: Ron Chernows 2005 best-seller Alexander Hamilton. While George Washington and Thomas Jefferson have been subjected to a variety of biographies, those about Hamilton are generally written by his champions who often end up whitewashing his character, said Hinderaker, who will also attend Hamilton during its three-week Utah run. Chernows book, however, is what the professor called a real warts and all biography. Hamilton is not portrayed as a saintly figure hes a complicated figure but he is also somebody that you can really kind of empathize with, Hinderaker said. One thing Chernow does that informs the musical so strongly is (that) he figured out Hamiltons origin story in a way that nobody else had, (he) really tracked down the details, and that obviously is the cornerstone for Lin-Manuel Miranda. Hinderaker pointed to an interview where Miranda discussed reading Chernows book while on vacation, quickly coming to discover the parallels between his own father, a Puerto Rican immigrant who made a home in New York, and Hamilton. #MrowbackMonday In 2008 I bought Chernow's Hamilton bio to read on vacation.@HamiltonMusical rehearsal starts today. pic.twitter.com/C1CK2Xjdxw Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) June 15, 2015 A Puerto Rican-American guy seeing his own fathers immigrant story in Alexander Hamiltons life, Hinderaker said. Chernow set the table for that in a way that no previous historian was able to do. In addition to showing the complications of its title character, "Hamilton" also stays close to the politics of the era. Unusual for a musical, "Hamilton" doesn't gloss over the political battles that Hamilton and the other Founding Fathers were engaged in something Hinderaker said it does so well thanks to its musical styles. How much information (Hamilton) conveys, how much it gets into the weeds on policy matters, the brilliance of Lin-Manuel Miranda's wordplay and the complexity of rap as a form just allows for a much wordier kind of exposition than you could do in any other sung format, he said. (Hamilton) is a guy who lived through the Revolutionary War, lived through the drafting of the Constitution and was involved in the first presidential administration. The scope of this musical is really breathtaking. As someone who grew up listening to and loving early '90s rap, BYU political science professor Brandon Dabling believes Miranda's predominant use of rap music helps capture the excitement surrounding the founding of the nation. But according to the professor, that music also tells a story of its own. (Miranda) gives nods to different types of genres and also the history of rap throughout the musical, Dabling said. Its cool to see how he blends that history throughout with the history of the country. And oftentimes he uses the two to tell the stories simultaneously. When Jefferson comes back hes still singing jazz when everyone else is rapping, and it takes him some time to catch up to everything thats happened while hes been gone in France. And while Hamilton familiarizes audiences with American history, it also draws attention to the subjectivity of that history. The very line, Who lives, who dies, who tells your story? that raises the question in your mind that history isnt direct facts from the past where we know exactly what happened, but its actually crafted by people and its framed, Park said. And just as history can be subjective, Mirandas Hamilton serves as yet another framing of the American timeline, according to Christopher Jones, who teaches early American history at Brigham Young University and who saw Hamilton on April 12. You're not getting an objective history when you go and see Hamilton. Youre getting an interpretation of Hamilton and his life and its significance, he said. What'd Hamilton miss? While its not the job of a musical or other work of pop culture to be obsessive about historical accuracy, Hinderaker said, there are a few elements about Hamilton the professors find problematic. Slavery While the musical features a multicultural cast including an African-American Jefferson in the cast visiting Salt Lake City the story of Hamilton largely leaves slavery out of the picture. Slavery is acknowledged in a handful of lyrics, but you can never really sense that enslaved individuals were active participants in the American Revolution itself. They were, and I think that their actions were crucial to understanding that period, Jones said. This omission creates an irony for Hamilton, a musical Park said prides itself for being diverse and inclusive. Its telling the Founding Fathers in a glorified story (that) erases the presence of people who were there, he said. Besides an offhanded reference to Sally Hemings in the Whatd I Miss song, theres not a single black person referenced or a Native American or any minority figure referenced and those minority figures are in the history. In the room where it happens, where these fundamental decisions of America are made, there are enslaved Africans, there are Native Americans, there are women and yet theyre being pushed off. But for Hinderaker, the multiracial cast is part of what makes the production so compelling. It makes you re-envision the story. If (Hamilton) was a musical that was done with all white men in powdered wigs, you would see it very differently, he said. But a big part of the reason why it seems so powerfully meaningful and relevant to a contemporary audience, I think, is because of the casting choices theyve made in allowing a multicultural cast to embody these characters and to articulate these ideas. Also contributing to the problematic portrayal of slavery is the musicals depiction of Hamilton as an outspoken abolitionist a stance the professors said in reality wasnt so clear-cut. He might have had some tepid anti-slavery views, but they were never strong enough for him to act on, Park said. To the contrary, he built a financial empire that was dependent on the slave system in the South. Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr According to Dabling, the rivalry between Hamilton and Aaron Burr is overemphasized in the musical, with the burning rivalry that dominated Hamiltons political life being with Jefferson. Miranda paints the feud as being, Well, Hamilton just thought that Burr didnt have any fixed principles and that he was wishy-washy,' Dabling said. That was true, and that was one of the things that Hamilton didnt like about Burr, but he also just thought he was a scoundrel, and he thought he was somebody who could not be counted on to defend the republic. You see this even in the last moments of their lives when theyre negotiating the fued. Its clear from everything that Hamilton says that hes worried about the future of the country, hes worried about his family and hes also worried about doing whats right. But the last thing Burr talks about is (instructing) his daughter to burn letters to his mistress because hes worried about the incriminating information thats in there. These are two very different men, and Miranda doesnt capture why the feud existed. He makes it sound as if Hamilton was just more successful in rising up and achieving political power, which is certainly a big part of it, but Hamilton didnt argue against Burr and fight against his political prospects because he just wanted to keep Burr down. He argued against Burr because he thought that he was a scoundrel. Hamiltons politics Since its Broadway debut, Hamilton has been at the center of pop culture tickets for the musicals run in Utah sold out in a matter of four hours. With such a high level of interest surrounding the production, there are elements that make the production more palatable for contemporary viewers including the watering down of Hamiltons politics. As Park teaches in his Age of Hamilton course, the Founding Father espoused views that likely would not be accepted in modern political discourse, such as lifetime appointments for the president and the Senate and a deep distrust for the popular vote. Hamiltons politics are mostly absent except for a few very general statements on banking and finances, Park said. In some ways, his political views were much more extreme than what wed be comfortable (with) and yet, that doesnt appear because we want to make Hamilton this liberal hero of the 21st century. I do think that there are ways in which Lin-Manuel Miranda kind of wants to make (Hamilton) a person for our times, Hinderaker said. Hes bending Hamiltons sensibilities a bit in the direction of the 21st century to make that work. The start of a movement? Regardless of what Hamilton includes or excludes, one cant deny that Mirandas production has sparked greater interest in American history among students. Earlier this year, as part of the Utah Department of Heritage and Arts New Nation Project, Utah students wrote letters to state legislators describing an issue and proposing a solution for a shot to see the production for free. On April 19 and 21, nearly 250 of these students will travel to the Eccles Theater to see the production. Additionally, about 2,300 Utah students and teachers are involved in the Hamilton Education Program, also known as EduHam, that incorporates Hamilton and the Founding Fathers into high school history class curriculum. These students will get to see the production on May 4. So what historical figure should we see on stage next? With "Hamilton's" pop cultural dominance, it's natural to wonder who else from American history could headline a musical. "Hamilton was great because he had kind of become not totally a forgotten figure before the Chernow biography and the musical, but definitely sidelined, Dabling said. So that was one of the cool things about the musical, that (it) almost single handedly saved Hamiltons place on the $10 bill and also just his spot in the American memory. So if Im going along those lines, maybe we could have a good musical devoted to (Supreme Court Justice) James Wilson or Calvin Coolidge (or) a musical about Lincoln that would be the obvious candidate. Having recently finished reading Erica Armstrong Dunbar's book "Never Caught," about Washington's pursuit of his runaway slave, Ona Judge, Jones would like to see writers look outside the standard historical figures. "There are so many enslaved people during the Revolutionary era who played crucial roles in the American Revolution. I would love to see them get a Broadway musical so the general public could be introduced to their stories," he said. But for now, it is Hamilton's story getting sung on stages, and Salt Lake City's shot to hear that story has arrived. "Its just really interesting to see how powerfully Lin-Manuel Miranda was able to reimagine (Hamilton) as not just a smart guy but as a kind of a popular hero of the Revolutionary period for our age," Hinderaker said. "Its so improbable in a way, but when you see the way its executed, its not that improbable, its more like, How did it take this long?" SALT LAKE CITY Local attorneys applauded a Supreme Court decision issued Tuesday that will reduce the number of people facing mandatory deportation for committing certain crimes, ruling that the federal law requiring expulsion is "unconstitutionally vague." The court, in a 5-4 vote with Justice Neil M. Gorsuch joining the court's four more liberal members, handed down a decision that will limit the Trump administration's efforts to deport people convicted of what federal law calls crimes of violence. "Vague laws invite arbitrary power," Gorsuch wrote in a concurring opinion. "The law before us today is such a law." Utah immigration attorney Skyler Anderson, who has represented clients who faced deportation after they were convicted of state offenses that the federal statute considered crimes of violence, said he was "delighted to wake up to this decision this morning, particularly after seeing that President Trump's own appointee, Neil Gorsuch, cast the deciding vote with his concurring opinion." Anderson said Congress "consciously abandoned common sense decades ago" when drafting some of the nation's immigration laws. "An 'aggravated felony' does not have to be 'aggravated' or a 'felony,'" Anderson said. "A 'conviction' does not have to be a 'conviction.' A 'crime of violence' does not have to be a crime involving any actual 'violence.' But this conscious abandonment of common sense did not give Congress the authority to draft laws so vague that our legal immigrants have no real way of knowing they apply to them until it's too late," Anderson said. Alyssa Williams, immigration program coordinator and attorney for Catholic Community Services of Utah, said the court's ruling in Sessions v. Dimaya "was a significant win" for immigration practitioners and defense attorneys "who are desperate for more clarity about immigration penalties when they assess whether a client should plead to a particular state statute." But in practical terms, it's not a decision that affects "that many people because only a fraction of permanent resident and undocumented residents have ever been accused of a felony," she said. According to Associated Press reports, the case turned on a decision from 2015 that struck down a similarly worded part of another federal law that imposes longer prison sentences on repeat criminals. The 2015 decision "tells us how to resolve this case," Justice Elena Kagan wrote in her opinion for the court. Tuesday's decision involves James Dimaya, a native of the Philippines who came to the United States legally as a 13-year-old in 1992. After he pleaded no contest to two charges of burglary in California, the government began deportation proceedings against him. The government argued, among other things, that Dimaya could be removed from the country because his convictions qualified as crimes of violence that allowed his removal under immigration law. Immigration officials relied on a section of immigration law that lists crimes that make people eligible for deportation. The category in which Dimaya's convictions fell is a crime "that, by its very nature, involves a substantial risk that physical force ... may be used in the course of committing the offense." Immigration judges would have allowed Dimaya to be deported, but the federal appeals court in San Francisco struck down the provision as "unconstitutionally vague." The Supreme Court affirmed that ruling Tuesday. Kagan wrote that conviction of a crime of violence makes deportation "a virtual certainty" for an immigrant, no matter how long he has lived in the United States. Anderson said for most lawful permanent residents, deportation is a far greater punishment than any criminal penalty for the exact same offense. "While reasonable people can disagree on whether certain people deserve to be deported or not, we should all be able to agree that a law imposing any kind of penalty must be clear enough to understand. Experienced lawyers and judges have struggled for years to understand and consistently apply the law struck down today. This was long overdue," Anderson said. Gorsuch did not join all of Kagan's opinion but he agreed that the law could not be left in place. "No one should be surprised that the Constitution looks unkindly on any law so vague that reasonable people cannot understand its terms and judges do not know where to begin in applying it," Gorsuch wrote. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement that the ruling "significantly undermines" its "efforts to remove aliens convicted of certain violent crimes." The decision does not, however, interfere with the government's ability to deport people who are convicted of clearly violent crimes, including murder and rape, as well as drug trafficking and other serious offenses. The ruling is limited to a category of crimes that carry a prison term of more than a year, but do not otherwise comfortably fit in a long list of "aggravated felonies" that can lead to deportation. The case was initially argued in January 2017 by a court that was short a member because of Justice Antonin Scalia's death and the refusal of Senate Republicans to act on former President Barack Obama's nomination of Judge Merrick Garland. The court deadlocked 4-4 so the justices scheduled a new round of arguments once Gorsuch joined the court. Contributing: Associated Press As Brigham Young and the first pioneer company of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints continued west in eastern Nebraska, they had to follow on the north bank of the Loup Fork River until they could find a place to cross it. That being done, they journeyed southwest until they came to the Wood River and, once again, to the Platte River. They soon came to a site where the many channels of the Platte braided every which way creating numerous islands. The largest of these was known as Grand Island. At that time, the island was some 45 miles long and two miles wide (see William G. Hartley and A. Gary Anderson in "Sacred Places, Vol. 5," edited by LaMar C. Berrett). It was now late April 1847. The company had travelled just over 200 miles from Winter Quarters. Except for on the island itself, timber was extremely scarce. Journals note that as the company lumbered along, there was considerable discouragement because of the stark, monotonous landscape of the Platte River Valley, an endless, dreary waste. Other concerns were the Native American presence, their cattle mixing with vast herds of bison and the lack of good water and firewood (see "The Gathering of Zion" by Wallace Stegner). Presently, exit 312 on I-80 in Nebraska is about 7 miles south of the city of Grand Island. Immediately off that exit is Mormon Island State Recreation Area, which refers to the Latter-day Saint presence during that pioneer period. Several miles north of that site is the Stuhr Museum of the Prairie Pioneer. This excellent complex includes several displays and insights interpreting the Mormon Pioneer Trail. SALT LAKE CITY Faced with the opportunity to collect 100 percent of its revenue until June 2019, Salt Lake County leaders are eying their chance to revive the failed sales tax hike that would have captured about $58 million in new revenue for transportation projects had voters approved in 2015. The Salt Lake County Council on Tuesday was briefed on the new tax opportunities provided to counties in the sweeping transportation bill passed by the Utah Legislature this year, and council members expressed interest in seeking feedback from cities and members of the public on how they should act. The new law, along with many other provisions, gives leaders in counties that didn't pass Proposition 1 in 2015 the power to bring back the sales tax increase which would raise taxes by roughly one penny for every $4 spent either by implementing it through a vote from their legislative bodies or by placing it back on another ballot. The County Council didn't take any formal action Tuesday, but Councilman Jim Bradley, a Democrat, described the opportunity as "so tempting it would be foolish not to take." "But given that I also think maybe we ought to give ourselves plenty of time to make sure we have an appropriate process and debate in terms of putting that before the public," Bradley said. But the council doesn't have a lot of time if they want to take full advantage of the new law. Included in the new law, which takes effect in May, is an incentive for counties to act sooner rather than later, because if the council implements the tax before June 30, 2019, the county would be able to use 100 percent of its revenue up until that date to either pay off debt or fund regional transportation projects. After June 2019, the funds will be split as if the tax increase had been passed under Proposition 1: With 40 percent going to UTA, 40 percent to cities and 20 percent to counties. If counties don't act, the sales tax option has an expiration date of June 2022. The earliest the County Council could implement the tax would be in October, with a deadline on July 1 to notify the Utah Tax Commission. That means the County Council would need to make a decision by end of June. Andrew Gruber, executive director of Wasatch Front Regional Council, who briefed the County Council on its options, said it may be a "fiscally conservative step" to use the estimated $40 million Salt Lake County may collect in the roughly nine months it would be able to capture 100 percent of the tax revenue to pay down debt obligations as well as secure additional funding for projects for the city and county into the future. "I hope you as the county council will give very serious consideration to this (option) now," Gruber said. "Because, as you know, your cities and the county are in real need for having additional resources to invest in our transportation infrastructure." Gruber added that conversations with city officials indicate "there are a lot of cities really hoping this moves forward, and I would imagine they would be willing to let you know that." Council Chairwoman Aimee Winder Newton floated the idea of asking for resolutions of support from city councils, as well as proposals from cities that would lay out some of their "dire need projects." Newton suggested the council start planning a public input process next week, and perhaps put the issue on an early May agenda. Cookie banner We use cookies and other tracking technologies to improve your browsing experience on our site, show personalized content and targeted ads, analyze site traffic, and understand where our audiences come from. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Please also read our Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, which became effective December 20, 2019. By choosing I Accept, you consent to our use of cookies and other tracking technologies. DRAPER Utah Department of Corrections Executive Director Rollin Cook announced Wednesday that he is stepping down. Cook, who was appointed head of the department five years ago, will leave effective May 15. "It's just time for me to move forward. I've been doing this a long time with the sheriff's department and now here. I'm just looking forward to taking advantages of some other opportunities and time with my family," Cook told the Deseret News. Cook, who has served the community for 29 years, started with the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office in 1989 and worked his way up to becoming head of the County Jail. He was appointed executive director of corrections in 2013. Since assuming that role, which includes being in charge of the Utah State Prison, Cook has strived to improve conditions for all people who are there, employees and inmates alike. "The thing I'm most proud of is putting people first," he said. "And when I speak of people being No. 1, I also mean the inmates and offenders that we serve." Over the past five years, Cook has pushed for employee raises, increased resources for staffers and more opportunities for career advancement. For inmates, he has helped give them more opportunities for employment, as well as make improvement to mental health care and restricted housing. Cook's retirement prompted a statement from the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah, which praised his work with the ACLU over the past five years. "He was always responsive to our concerns about the health, safety and housing of inmates, as well as favoring increased transparency of prison policies and conditions," ACLU Executive Director Brittney Nystrom said. "The organization is in a great place. We have a great leadership team. We've made tremendous progress for the employees. And it's just a good time for me to take my next steps forward in life and in my career," Cook said. That leadership team will also be the one that helps carry the department into its next era, which will include the opening of a new prison. "They're very ready for it," Cook said. "That project is in a great place and will move forward without me there. Hopefully they'll save a seat for me at the ribbon-cutting ceremony." As for what's next for Cook, he said he has nothing planned. But after getting "a little time to rest," he said he'll look for new opportunities, whether it's in government, corrections or the private sector. Im excited for the future, but also saddened to be leaving an organization and its people who are of the highest caliber and whom I genuinely love. In its attempt to get the next billion users onboard, Google is pushing ahead with localising its products for the Indian market. The search giant believes the next wave of users are not English speakers. Local language support is now present in most of its apps, including the Google Assistant which can now speak in Hindi. Now, Google announced it has added offline translation and Instant Camera Translation for seven Indian languages. The languages includes Bengali, Gujrati, Kannada, Marathi, Tamil, Telegu and Urdu. The offline translation feature allows users to download a 30MB (roughly) file which can translate from English even if theres no data connection. It is an useful feature in areas where connectivity is poor. While offline translation still requires users to type out the sentences, Instant Camera Translation requires users to just point the camera at the text they want translated. Although, the instant translation from the camera app only works when the text is in English while offline. You can download the files for offline translation from the Google Translate app. The file size ranges from 28-30 MB. Google has also made an effort to localise other offerings like Google Maps, Google Assistant, and more. The company recently announced support for Indic languages in Google Maps navigation while the Google Keyboard allows transliteration in Indic languages. Even Google Assistant has been localised for phones, with the option for the Assistant to speak and understand Hindi. Google also launched Android Oreo (Go Edition) for phones with less powerful hardware. The lightweight operating system is optimised for phones with less than 1GB of RAM and is aimed primarily to encourgae feature phone users to switch to a smartphone without an exorbitant increase in price. It looks like the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge will get the Android 8 Oreo update soon. All US carrier locked variants of the two smartphones along with the unlocked models running on Android 8.0 Oreo have been spotted on the website of WiFi Alliance. There is no information available on when the update will hit the two smartphones. Information circulating the internet suggested April 13 to be the rollout date, but that didnt happen. Nonetheless, Wi-Fi certification is a good sign that the update is in the works and may still be coming. The Android Oreo update is already available for the Samsung Galaxy Note 8. The Samsung Galaxy S7 is available online for about Rs 30,000 whereas the S7 Edge is available for about Rs 36,000. With the Android Oreo update, the S7 and S7 Edge may be an attractive proposition for some looking for an older generation flagship smartphone running on Oreo. In 2016, when we reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S7 we said, "The Samsung Galaxy S7 is one of the best Android smartphones in the market today, beaten only by the S7 Edge. It performs better than others in the market, and its a premium phone to boot. That said, if youre looking for a good looking smartphone, the Galaxy S7 Edge is the phone to pick. If you would rather save the money and go for performance and camera only, then the S7 does the job." In our review of the S7 Edge we said, "Theres no surprise that the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is the best smartphone in the market right now. If youre looking for a flagship smartphone to buy, the Galaxy S7 Edge is definitely worth considering. Having said that, Samsung should still improve its Edge features and look to get rid of the fingerprint intensive glass on the back. The company has in fact been able to avoid fingerprints in the Galaxy A5, so it shouldnt be impossible to do so here. " Walmart, eBay to hold talks over Flipkart; SoftBank holding out As Flipkart nears the close of its $12 billion stake sale to Walmart, a fresh round of talks might happen between the US-based retail giant and global online marketplace eBay to figure out issues related to merchants. According to an article in Recode, Walmart might have to negotiate with eBay if it wants to do business over the next few years. eBay has invested $500 million in Flipkart and holds a 5 per cent stake in the company. According to an article in Recode, Walmart might have to negotiate with eBay if it wants to do business over the next few years. eBay has invested $500 million in Flipkart and holds a 5 per cent stake in the company. Under the existing deal, Flipkart is allowed to sell merchandise from certain sellers at eBay for four years. Walmart, which has competing merchants in the same category, will have to either wait for four years or negotiate with eBay. Recodes sources said the talks might happen over the next few days. Top brass from Walmart, eBay, Tiger Global, and SoftBank Group have had discussions on valuation and ironing out the deal. Talks have been on between Walmart and SoftBank over Flipkart's final valuation, with the Japanese telecom major asking for almost a billion dollars more. A Business Standard report quoting sources said it had delayed the signing of the term sheet. Walmart, according to the report, was supposed to sign the dotted line almost 10 days back, soon after it had completed its due diligence. "While Walmart is valuing Flipkart at close to $20 billion, SoftBank values Flipkart at over $21 billion. This would make the value of the primary as well as secondary shares higher, which would benefit SoftBank," said a source. SoftBank said it does not comment on speculations. Walmart is planning to pick up around 55 per cent stake in Flipkart through a mix of primary and secondary stake purchase, paying $8-10 billion. Reports say Flipkart founders Sachin and Binny Bansal, investors Tiger Global, and other investors were in favour of a deal with Walmart. According to an Economic Times report, a number of key shareholders in Flipkart, arguably Indias largest online retailer (though Amazon disputes this claim), have agreed to sell their stakes in the Bengaluru-based company to Walmart but the biggest of them, SoftBank, is holding out for a better price. Walmart has reached an agreement on buying the stakes of New York-based investment firm Tiger Global Management, South African media conglomerate Naspers, venture capital firm Accel and Chinas Tencent Holdings, ET quoted sources as saying. Flipkart founders, Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, may sell a part of their stake in the company, they said. These six shareholders collectively hold more than 55 per cent of Flipkart. SoftBank, the biggest stakeholder with 20 per cent share is seeking a better price, estimated at $15-17 billion, through a secondary sale of shares, according to the ET report. Discussions with SoftBank are still ongoing most of the others have come aboard. In a deal like this, there are always ebbs and flows, but there is a time factor to consider as well, said one of the sources. The final contours of the transaction are still being worked on and could change at short notice, the sources said. China's Fosun enters race for Fortis Healthcare with $350 mn offer China's Fosun has extended an unsolicited offer to invest up to $350 million to acquire cash-strapped Fortis Healthcare. Under the non-binding expression of interest, Fosun has proposed to inject Rs100 crore in Fortis in the next 45 days. The Hong Kong-listed Fosun has now joined the list of interested parties that include TPG-Manipal consortium, Malaysias IHH healthcare and Munjal-Burman family are in fray to take control of the hospital chain Fortis Healthcare, India's second largest healthcare provider. Fosun International, which is aggressive in the pursuit of foreign assets, had last year bought Hyderabad-based injectable drug maker Gland Pharma for $1.09 billion at the height of India-China stand-off at Doklam. Cash-rich Fosun, which has total assets of over $75 billion, joined the bidding race late on Tuesday. Fortis Healthcare in an exchange filing late on Tuesday said it has received an unsolicited non-binding expression of interest from Fosun with an offer to inject Rs100 crore within the next 45 days that includes an option of immediately subscribing to convertible debt instruments of the company. The Rs100 crore funds will be on the condition that Fortis agrees to a one-month period of exclusivity for Fosun to undertake due diligence and negotiate a proposal to acquire stake in the company. If Fortis agrees to the exclusivity period, Fosun will consider a primary infusion of up to $350 million (approximately Rs2,300 crore), valuing Fortis at Rs156 per share that would enable Fosun to hold around 25 per cent of Foris securities, the filing said. Fosun said it is aware of Fortiss immediate cash requirements, strategic plans for consolidation of its real estate assets, and various alternative proposals put forth for the board's consideration and wants to remain a long-term investor. "We believe our proposal outlined in the letter will best support the company's immediate needs, while supporting the Company and its existing investors at a fair valuation to optimise long term return," Fosun added. Fosun also said it has sufficient funds for the transaction and would not require any external financing. Local rival Manipal Health Enterprises, the first to enter the race to take over Fortis, made an offer of about $1.2 billion. It was followed by a $1.3 billion bid by Malaysias IHH Healthcare Bhd (IHH). IHH, one of Asias largest healthcare operators, however, said Fortis Healthcare declined to engage with it on its offer. The boars of Fortis Healthcare will meet today to take a decision on the bids it has received. Besides last years acquisition of Gland Pharma, Fosuns other major acquisitions include Sinopharm, United Family Hospitals, Luz Saude, Fortress Investment, Kite Pharma, Intuitive Surgical, Henlius and Alma Lasers. Surviving climate change, then and now Trade and social networking helped our Homo sapiens ancestors survive a climate-changing volcanic eruption 40,000 years ago, giving hope that we will be able to ride out global warming by staying interconnected, a new study suggests. Analyzing ancient tools, ornaments and human remains from a prehistoric rock shelter called Riparo Bombrini, in Liguria on the Italian Riviera, archeologists at Universite de Montreal (UdeM) and the University of Genoa conclude that the key to survival is cooperation. Their study was published in early April in the Journal of Quaternary Science. "Liguria is where some of the first Homo sapiens, more or less our direct ancestors, lived in Europe," said Julien Riel-Salvatore, a professor of archeology at UdeM who co-authored the study with his Italian colleague Fabio Negrino. "They came after the Neanderthals, and unlike them, when they were faced with sudden changes in their climate they didn't go locally extinct or abandon the region - they adapted." Home sapiens had been living in the region for about 1,000 years when a "super-eruption" in the Phlegraean Fields in southern Italy, west of present-day Naples, devastated much of Europe. "It used to be thought that this wiped out most of the early Homo sapiens in Europe, but we've been able to show that some were able to deal with the situation just fine. They survived by dealing with the uncertainty of sudden change." In their work, the archeologists gathered tool fragments such as bladelets small flakes knocked off large stones to use as barbs and slicing components of weapons for hunting that showed the ingenuity of our early ancestors. Some of the flint they used was brought in from hundreds of kilometres away, indicating a very extensive social and trading network that helped them survive for the next 4,000 years. "They had a link to people living far away, so that if things went haywire in the territory where they lived, they had the social option of depending on people they'd built relationships with the broader the network, the easier it was to survive," said Riel-Salvatore, whose evidence also includes rare skeletal remains and a child's tooth, as well as shell and stone ornaments, that show Homo sapiens were there. His study mirrors others on an even older archeological site, Mount Toba on the Indonesian island of Sumatra, where a super-eruption 75,000 years ago was once thought to have come close to wiping out humanity entirely, a theory since disproven. In both cases, archeology has shown that evolution isn't always as dramatic as we think. "This seems to be part of a pattern where humans are more adaptable and more resilient in the face of these enormously disruptive events," said Riel-Salvatore. "These events can be really terrible, but only in a limited way, not across continents or globally." It's a bit of a leap to say that what happened tens of thousands of years ago can help predict how humans today will cope with climate change, but learning from the past does help situate us for the future and even rebut climate-change deniers, he added. "It underscores the importance of archeology in being able to inform the more immediate issues we face. Cooperation and resilient social networks were really key in helping people ride out dramatic climate change in the past. And considering some of the challenges we're facing nowadays, and some of the entrenched positions we have to deal with, maybe this notion that cooperation is fundamental is something we can communicate as a take-home lesson." The bulk of the data the researchers gathered for their study was excavated between 2002 and 2005 from Riparo Bombrini, a part of the Balzi Rossi site complex from the Middle-Upper Paleolithic period that was first probed in 1938 and excavated in 1976. Over the next three years, Riel-Salvatore and Negrino intend to delve further into why the Neanderthal population there disappeared and was replaced by the better-equipped - and better-connected - Homo sapiens. The North West region is the only area of the country not to have a long-stay facility for drug and alcohol rehabilitation, it has been revealed. Donegal Sinn Fein Senator Padraig Mac Lochlainn has described the confirmation from the HSE and the Government as "the latest evidence of the sheer discrimination and neglect faced by the people of Donegal". Senator Mac Lochlainn said:"Drug and alcohol addiction is a profound issue in our society. No less so here in Donegal. We need to fully support those who are suffering with these unfortunate addictions when they go down the path of recovery. Following questions to the Minister for Health, I have now learned that there is not one single long-stay facility for drug and alcohol rehabilitation in Donegal and the North West region (HSE CHO1 region). The nearest facilities are in Galway and Dublin. In reality, this means that the families of Donegal people in recovery are being forced to travel long journeys to support their loved ones. It also probably means that many addicts are choosing not to opt for long stay support because of the distances from their homes. "This is the latest evidence of the sheer discrimination and neglect faced by the people of Donegal when it comes to our health service. Of course, Donegal and the North West region is the worst served region in the entire country when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction supports. If it wasn't for the dedicated team at White Oaks in Muff, we would have absolutely no care facilities in this region to support those in recovery. "My Sinn Fein colleagues Cllr Gerry McMonagle (Regional Health Forum Member) and Deputy Pearse Doherty have repeatedly raised the need for improved drug and alcohol addiction supports in Donegal. We will continue to fight for fairness in this regard for the people of Donegal." The Donegal Change Makers Project has been successful in a securing 55,000 annual grant from Irish Aid to continue their work across the county to raise awareness and action around local and global development issues. Kate Wilkinson, Change Makers Project Coordinator said: We are delighted to have been given our new grant for 2018 2019. This is the highest amount we have received from Irish Aid since the project started in 2012. We will continue with our work to raise awareness of local and global development issues amongst adults across the county. We will continue to offer a range of activities and events, including workshops, accredited learning, small development education grants to community groups, and we will continue to work national with our development education colleagues. Change Makers is holding its sixth annual seminar on Thursday, 19th April, 10.00am to 1.30pm. The event is free and takes place at the An Grianan Hotel in Burt. The theme for 2018 is Gender Equality and Patriarchy and the event will include speakers, workshops, debate and discussion, and will followed by a locally sourced lunch. Kate said: We feel the theme of gender equality is very timely, given recent events both here in Ireland and globally. We want to raise awareness of this important issue, and give the people of Donegal the opportunity to learn more and to consider what steps they can take to to support gender equality. Contact kate@inishowen.ie or call 074 936 2218 t reserve you place. Lexus has given the first official glimpse of the upcoming new ES sedan. The Japanese luxury brand will debut the next-generation upmarket mid-sizer at next week's 2018 Beijing motor show. Adopting the Japanese marque's latest design language, the ES features an aggressive, wide-mouthed spindle grille that features pinched vertical bars instead of the mesh look seen on the LC coupe and new LS sedan. The brand's 'tick' LED Daytime running lights add to the front-end's masculine appeal. Despite the bold front end, the rest of the ES falls back into line with the main cohort of executive sedans, which is one of the most conservative segments in terms of design on the market, with a sleek silhouette that ends in a small boot spoiler. The new-generation ES is set to be made on the brand's versatile TNGA (Toyota New Global Architecture) platform that it shares with the current Toyota Camry and upcoming Toyota RAV4 SUV. This new platform will give the ES more flexibility with its layout giving it a longer wheelbase to increase interior space. The TNGA platform will allow the ES to fold in more advanced safety technology such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, radar cruise control, lane keep assist and lane departure warning, auto high beam and road sign recognition which will also feature on the upcoming RAV4. In terms of engines the ES should continue to offer a V6 powertrain along with a hybrid system that utilises a smaller 2.5-litre petrol engine hooked up to an electric motor. Full details of the Lexus ES are set to be revealed on April 25 with the car expected to appear locally towards the end of 2018 or early 2019 where it will take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5-Series and Jaguar XF. 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. New take on an old classic in the Cotswolds The traditional Cotswold home has been given a fresh new look by Edenstone Homes at Sealey Wood in Horsley and those who reserve off plan will be able to personalise their property before moving in. Nestled amid rolling hills, the development in the Gloucestershire village enjoys a picturesque setting with panoramic views over the valley below. In keeping with the setting, Edenstone is using traditional Cotswold stone to build the 11 private sale homes at Sealey Wood, designed to be a rural extension to Horsley. While externally the properties will exude charm and character, inside they will offer modern luxury living with spacious layouts and a high specification to reflect how people live today. The development features two/three-bedroom homes to substantial five-bedroom properties spanning up to 250 sq m. They are currently available off plan and one eager buyer has already reserved their preferred property. Andrea Nippe, sales director for Edenstone Homes, said: Sealey Wood offers buyers the rare opportunity to embrace rural Cotswold village life in a brand new home that is as stunning as its surroundings. Theres a real excitement about the homes we are building and that is growing as work progresses on site. The fact that we have already taken a reservation as such an early stage indicates just how special the development is, both in terms of the location and the design of the properties. What people may be surprised to learn, is that Help to Buy is available, giving them the chance to reduce the initial cost of owning one of these beautiful homes. Help to Buy is a Government-backed scheme available exclusively on new build homes priced up to 600,000. It gives buyers the chance to purchase a property with a 5% deposit and 75% mortgage. The balance is covered by an equity loan, which is interest free for five years. Current prices at Sealey Wood range from 558,000 up to 999,000. Subject to build stage, buyers will be able to personalise their property. One of the distinct advantages of purchasing a brand new home over an older property is that providing you reserve early on, you will have plenty of opportunities to customise it to your personal taste, Andrea added. Customers at Sealey Wood will be able to handpick their preferred choice of Sigma 3 kitchens, which include fully integrated Neff appliances. The homes also include contemporary white sanitary ware from Roca and purchasers can select premium ceramic wall tiling from Porcelanosa for the bathroom and en-suite. Residents of Sealey Wood will benefit from having a range of key services and facilities close to home as Horsley Primary School, the community shop, Horsley Village Hall, playing pitches and pavilion, 3 in 1 Church and bus stops are all within a mile of the development. Further key services can be found in nearby Nailsworth, including a post office, doctor surgery, dentist, supermarket, pharmacy, hairdresser and bank. The homes at Sealey Wood are currently being sold off plan, with a show home scheduled to open in May. For more information, see edenstonehomes.com/sealey-wood-horsley. Instantly delete email threats with 365 Threat Monitor With 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts, real-time security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click - for free! Learn More. The United States Department of Justice has charged nine Iranian nationals for engaging in a massive phishing campaign on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. The allegations include the theft of US$3.4 billion in research and intellectual property from 320 colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad, as well as from 47 foreign and domestic companies, plus several federal agencies, state governments, and the United Nations. All of the defendants were affiliated with the Mabna Institute, an Iranian firm that launched a massive cybercampaign in 2013, eventually stealing 31.5 terabytes of email account data from thousands of U.S. and foreign corporate employees and university faculty members around the world. The nine defendants: Gholamreza Rafatnejad, 38; Ehsan Mohammadi, 37; Abdollah Kharima, aka Vahid Kharima, 39; Mostafa Sadeghi, 28; Seyed Ali Mirkarimi, 34; Mohammed Reza Sabahi, 26; Roozbeh Sabahi, 24; Abuzar Gohari Moqadam, 37; Sajjad Tahmasebi, 30. All of the defendants are Iranian citizens. The defendants have been charged with one count of conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, which carries a five-year sentence; one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, which carries a 20-year sentence; two counts of unauthorized access to a computer, which carry five years each; two counts of wire fraud, which carry up to 20 years; and one count of aggravated identity theft, which carries a mandatory two years in prison. The Treasury Department sanctioned the Mabna Institute and 10 Iranians -- the nine defendants named in this case and Behzad Mesri, who previously was indicted in a case last fall. In that case, Mesri is accused of hacking and trying to extort HBO for $6 million in bitcoins, after stealing episodes of unaired episodes of various shows, including Ballers, Insecure, and Game of Thrones. The various agencies and governments hit by the latest attack include the U.S. Department of Labor, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the states of Hawaii and Indiana, the United Nations, and the United Nations Children's Fund. Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned the sanctions as provocative and illegal. The U.S. "will not be able to use such ploys to stop or prevent Iranian people's scientific progress," said spokesperson Bahram Qassemi. Brute Force The defendants targeted the accounts of 100,000 professors around the world, but ultimately compromised 8,000 of them, according to the DoJ. Among those breached were 144 U.S. and 176 foreign universities in 21 countries, including the UK, China, Canada, South Korea, Spain, Israel, Turkey and other Western European nations. The attacks, which ran from 2013 until December 2017, gained unauthorized access to various professors' accounts to steal dissertations, academic journals, theses and electronic books. The targeted documents spanned a variety of fields, including technology, medicine, engineering and social science. The stolen information was sold through two websites: Megapaper.ir, a firm controlled by Falinoos Co., which Karima controlled; and Gigapaper.ir., which was affiliated with Karima. Megapaper sold stolen academic information to customers in Iran, including colleges and universities there, while Gigapaper sold access to stolen professor credentials, which were sold to gain access to library systems in U.S. universities overseas, according to the DoJ. "Academic institutions are prime targets for foreign cybercriminals," said Deputy Attorney General Rod J. Rosenstein when he announced the indictments last week. "Universities can thrive as marketplaces of ideas and engines of research and development only if their work is protected from theft," he added. "The events described in this indictment highlight the need for universities and other organizations to emphasize cybersecurity, increase threat awareness and harden their computer networks." The Iranians are far from new to cyberespionage or cyberwarfare. They were the victims of the Stuxnet computer worm attack that famously targeted the Iranian nuclear program. As cyberactors, the Iranians reportedly were behind APT33, a group that targeted energy, aerospace and other industries in the U.S., Saudi Arabia and South Korea. "The Iranians continue to improve and become more sophisticated in their cybercapabilities. In my opinion, they are in the top five of countries with significant capabilities," said Verodin Chief Strategy Officer Earl Matthews, Maj. Gen., USAF (Ret.). "This attack represents the continued loss of intellectual property of our nation. It wouldn't surprise me if many of these universities were specifically targeted because they are doing research and development on behalf of the U.S. government," he told the E-Commerce Times. "When the investigation details come out on how the breach was accomplished, we will once again find that cyberhygiene and social engineering will be the cause. These attacks can be mitigated if organizations would continuously automate and measure the validity, value, and effectiveness of their cybersecurity controls. We are well beyond just doing checklist compliance and thinking we are safe," Matthews said. Vulnerable Targets The indictment shows that phishing attacks played a central role in how the Iranians were able to access this data, said Kevin O'Brien, president of GreatHorn. More than 8,000 professors around the world were compromised by the attack, court documents show, through a link to a "complimentary note" regarding an article that actually turned out to be a malicious website. The research and intellectual property, and the personal identity information stolen from universities can generate major returns in underground marketplaces, O'Brien told the E-Commerce Times. "Universities are both places where IP can be both found and stolen, and repositories of significant amounts of personally identifiable information about students, ranging from names and addresses to detailed financial records. Both are highly valuable and can be resold to fund more significantly nefarious and dangerous activities," he said. The latest indictments should not spark greater concerns over the vulnerability of U.S. cybersecurity, suggested Chris Bronk, associate director of the Center for Information Security Research at the University of Houston. "You can panic about things like this, I don't," he told the E-Commerce Times. "Compared to 10 or 15 years ago, U.S. entities are better prepared." David Jones has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2015. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, e-commerce, open source, gaming, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. He has written for numerous media outlets, including Reuters, Bloomberg, Crain's New York Business and The New York Times. Email David. Instantly delete email threats with 365 Threat Monitor With 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts, real-time security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click - for free! Learn More. Many Facebook members reportedly have shuttered their accounts in the wake of reports that Cambridge Analytica, a voter profiling company working for Donald Trump's presidential campaign, harvested data from 50 million users, unbeknownst to them. The data firm used the information to develop techniques that formed the basis of its work for Trump's campaign, according to a report published in The New York Times last weekend. Cambridge Analytica bought the data from a researcher who told Facebook he was collecting it for academic purposes, according to the Times. Facebook has suspended Cambridge Analytica, as well as one of its founders, Christopher Wylie, and the researcher, Aleksandr Kogan. However, the firm still has the profile data, according to the NYT story. It's not me. It's you. Indignation over Facebook's role in the data leak has mushroomed since the appearance of the Times story, and some users have taken to Twitter to announce their liberation from the social network. i locked down all app access a long time ago..now i'm clearing my posts, unliking and leaving groups. Facebook will be a shell holding just my email address for friends to contact me..and this picture has been around for a while, you were warned!! #DeleteFacebook pic.twitter.com/xI2yWxDohl iain (@PlasterAndPixel) March 20, 2018 I deleted Facebook New Year's Eve 2014. It was the best decision I've made and I can safely say I do not miss it. Life is so much better without it. #DeleteFacebook Craig (@CEdwardsEsq) March 20, 2018 Tempted to #DeleteFacebook but because I haven't read a scintilla of small print or terms and conditions since I joined, I'm afraid they'll unplug the fridge or have changed the locks on the house or that it turns out they legally own our children. Colm O'Regan (@colmoregan) March 19, 2018 Meanwhile, Jarrod Alonge pointed out the irony of users of one social network announcing their divorce from another for selling their data. Lol @ all these #DeleteFacebook people, as if Twitter didn't also collect and sell your personal data on a massive scale. Jarrod Alonge (@JarrodAlonge) March 20, 2018 Losing Youth Appeal Facebook has been in hot water before over allegations of privacy intrusion and misuse of members' data. It weathered those storms, so it remains to be seen if this latest misstep will cause an exodus of users. However, Facebook appears to be caught up in some disturbing trends. For example, it lost 2.8 million U.S. users under 25 years old last year, eMarketer reported. "A lot of the younger generation are no longer using Facebook," said Vincent Raynauld, an assistant professor in the department of communication studies at Emerson College. "They're turning to platforms like Instagram and Snapchat. So this is not only about their current user pool -- It's about their future user pool," he told TechNewsWorld. "Scandals like this are not going to help Facebook seduce this new generation of users," Raynauld added. Gray Hair Flight Since users under the age of 25 have grown up in an age when sharing data has been a fact of life, the Cambridge Analytica affair isn't likely to accelerate their departure from Facebook, suggested Jason Sarfati, an attorney with Joseph Greenwald & Laake, and a member of the International Association of Privacy Professionals. However, that may not be the case for older users. "Older users, particularly those that grew up before the advent of social media, are likely to begin abandoning Facebook at higher numbers," Sarfati told TechNewsWorld. "Facebook users hailing from Generation X and earlier have always maintained a stronger sense of personal privacy," he added. "Stories like these only confirm their wariness of social media." Many Facebook users will choose not to cut the cord. "Facebook has a big problem, but I don't think users will leave in numbers,"said Elizabeth Lampert, president of Elizabeth Lampert PR. "Facebook is now a part of the everyday culture of millions. There is a lack of another great platform or superior competition," she told TechNewsWorld. "Facebook has connected people in such ways," Lampert said, that "it would be hard to replicate the relationships that users have established and keep people connected in the way that it has." Protect Yourself For users who do stay on Facebook, there are ways to bolster privacy protection. Picking your way through Facebook's privacy settings and tightening down what you want to share and protect is a first step, recommended Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT. Deleting the Facebook app from phones and tablets, and instead signing in through a browser, offers some protection, he told TechNewsWorld. "It's a hassle, and FB will try to lure you back to the app, but many will find the process worthwhile," King said. "Many of the users whose information ended up in the hands of Cambridge Analytica had zero restrictions placed on their information, despite having the ability to do so using Facebook's pre-existing security settings," Sarfati pointed out. "These users simply did not take the time to review their settings." John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John. Instantly delete email threats with 365 Threat Monitor With 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts, real-time security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click - for free! Learn More. CEO Mark Zuckerberg on Wednesday broke Facebook's mysterious silence following news of several investigations into Cambridge Analytica's access to personal data belonging to 50 million Facebook users. Facing the wrath of everyone from U.S. and European regulators to shareholders, customers and employees, Zuckerberg conceded that Facebook must make several changes in how it protects data if it expects to be taken seriously in the future, and it pledged to take those necessary steps. "We have a responsibility to protect your data, and if we can't we don't deserve to serve you," he wrote in a post on his own Facebook page. "I've been working to understand exactly what happened and how to make sure this doesn't happen again." Facebook earlier this week announced the suspension of Strategic Communication Laboratories and its Cambridge Analytica political data firm for harvesting the personal information of those 50 million Facebook users without their permission. The data gathering was accomplished by leveraging research that a former Cambridge professor, Aleksandr Kogan, had performed with Facebook's approval. Using his "thisisyourdigitallife" app, Kogan sent quizzes to more than 270,000 Facebook members. He then harvested personal data from millions of their friends as well. Kogan passed that information to Cambridge Analytica, which then used it to target voters during the U.S. 2016 presidential election campaign, on behalf of Donald Trump. Zuckerberg acknowledged that Kogan was given permission to conduct the quiz, but added that he had violated Facebook policy by passing on the data to a third party. Zuckerberg also said that after Facebook deleted the app, Kogan, Cambridge Analytica and Christopher Wylie -- the former Cambridge Analytica employee who blew the whistle on the incident -- had reneged on a certification they gave to Facebook that they would delete the millions of data records. New Protocols In a related post on Wednesday, Facebook promised to take steps to prevent any recurrence of this type of activity. The company said it would investigate all apps that have had large amounts of access to customer data, conduct full audits, and ban them if it should find violations. It also plans to implement the following changes: Facebook will disclose to members if their data has been misused by an app. Facebook will turn off an app's access to users who haven't used it in more than three months. Facebook will restrict Facebook login data to the user's name, profile photo and email address. Facebook will encourage members to manage the apps they use. In addition, Facebook will expand its bug bounty program, which rewards people who report security vulnerabilities or misuse of data. Several leading House and Senate committee leaders have fired off letters to Facebook seeking answers on its data policies. Zuckerberg, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and other executives have been urged to appear on Capitol Hill. Arrangements for a staff briefing are under way, according to Frederick Hill, spokesperson for Sen. John Thune, who chairs the Commerce Committee. Heavy Fallout Several customer and investor lawsuits related to the data controversy already have been filed against Facebook. Maryland customer Lauren Price filed a potential class action suit against Facebook and Cambridge Analytica in U.S. District Court in Northern California, which alleges that the failure to safeguard her private data and failure to disclose constitute negligence and violation of California's unfair competition law. Facebook, Zuckerberg and CFO David Wehner are named in Yuan v. Facebook, an investors lawsuit alleging failure to disclose. "We are committed to vigorously enforcing our policies to protect people's information," said Paul Grewal, Facebook's deputy general counsel. "We will take whatever steps are required to see that this happens." The UK's Information Commissioner's Office has been seeking a warrant to enter the offices of Cambridge Analytica, which failed to respond to an earlier request to hand over documents to that office, confirmed spokesperson Helen Booth. Cambridge Analytica on Tuesday announced that it suspended CEO Alexander Nix, naming Alexander Tayler as interim CEO. Nix was suspended after the airing of an undercover report by Channel 4 in the UK, which included hidden camera footage of Nix making statements regarding the firm's use of sex workers to ensnare politicians. The company's board ordered an independent investigation into the comments. Mozilla has launched a petition to get Facebook to change its app permissions. "Individuals' security and privacy on the Internet are fundamental and must not be treated as optional," Mozilla said in a statement provided to the E-Commerce Times by spokesperson Jenifer Boscacci. "With our petition to Facebook we're sending a clear message to the company, take users' privacy more seriously." The Electronic Privacy Information Center has filed a Freedom of Information Request with the Federal Trade Commission, which has launched an investigation into the data disclosures to Cambridge Analytica, to find out if Facebook complied with a 2012 consent order that required it to report to the commission on whether it was maintaining proper privacy controls over data. EPIC and other privacy groups had filed a complaint with the FTC over a previous data leak, which led to an agreement that compelled Facebook to maintain tight controls over third-party data disclosures. Following Zuckerberg's public comments, EPIC Executive Director Marc Rotenberg told the E-Commerce Times that "it's no longer for Facebook to decide what happens next." David Jones has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2015. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, e-commerce, open source, gaming, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. He has written for numerous media outlets, including Reuters, Bloomberg, Crain's New York Business and The New York Times. Email David. Instantly delete email threats with 365 Threat Monitor With 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts, real-time security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click - for free! Learn More. The shooting incident that took place last week at YouTube had less to do with guns than with the failure of the police to act on information in a timely way and the inability of social media to be anything but part of the problem. Google has been giving this issue little more than lip service, but I expect it has become motivated to do more, given that YouTube -- not some distant school -- was the latest target. Funny how personal risk can change perspectives. However, in both the Parkland and YouTube events, social media -- Facebook in the case of Florida, and YouTube in the case of YouTube -- seemed to help inflame the attackers, or at least did nothing to reduce their anger or eliminate the threats. Foreign governments apparently want to interfere with elections and polarize U.S. citizens, which showcases abuse of an incredible power. Why can't that power be used in better ways -- say to keep kids and Silicon Valley employees safer? It can, and I'll suggest how before closing with my product of the week: a new satellite box for the TiVo service. The Problem The tech industry has a problem, as I pointed out in a recent column and as the book Technically Wrong spells out in detail. That problem appears to be worst with social media companies, which have exhibited nearly complete disregard for their users -- who aren't their customers -- and even disregard for their home countries. At the heart of the problem is the disconnect between those who provide revenue for these "free" firms and those who use them. Mark Zuckerberg years ago became rather famous for pointing out that those who used his service were stupid, though he used a far more interesting term at the time. Since then he has insisted that he's changed his mind, but I watched him in an interview on TV last week, and it seemed he still thought we were all dumb f*cks, claiming that Facebook shared only what users put on the service to share. In other words, "what's the problem again?" I'm starting to think the name "Zuckerberg" should be the new single word alternative to "tone deaf." We know that foreign operators used social media services aggressively in an effort to influence the outcome of the last presidential election and to change public opinion on a national level. In short, social networks have been used aggressively to harm U.S. citizens. We also have learned that in both the Parkland and the YouTube shootings, social media should have been aware of an attack threat long before one occurred. Whether we agreed to share information or not, we certainly did not sign up to weaken our country or to facilitate mass shootings. Social media services have demonstrated the power to change opinions, and they certainly have the data and resources to identify threats. The thing is, they need to manage these capabilities appropriately and at scale. I interviewed a company last week that has a solution. Darwin Ecosystem + IBM Watson Darwin Ecosystem is one of a new class of companies that is artificial intelligence-centric. In this case, it uses the IBM Watson platform to analyze writing to determine personality types and changes in personality. One of the interesting things it did during the last election was to analyze the candidates. It even created a dynamic graph so you could look at each key personality trait individually. One of the interesting findings was that, over time, the personality differences between Clinton and Trump seemed to converge, while Sanders remained largely the same. It's arguable that the convergence appeared to hurt Clinton and assisted Trump's victory (though with all of the social media influence, this cause and effect is questionable). Another finding was that, at least with regard to certain personality traits, Trump was surprisingly close to Obama, also suggesting a connection between personality and success. What Darwin Ecosystem focuses on, however, is analyzing writing to determine employee problems at every level in a company. For instance, a board could use it as a tool to gauge whether a CEO was taking direction and becoming the CEO it wanted, as opposed to becoming far too enamored with abusing the privileges of the office. Management could use it to make sure an employee was well utilized and not burning out or even becoming violent. Anecdotal evidence suggests this tool also could be used to determine if a child or adult was becoming depressed and suicidal. In theory, it could be used to determine if someone was developing homicidal tendencies. Like all AI systems, this one uses pattern analysis and deep learning to make determinations about the authors of written works. As with most new AI systems, Darwin Ecosystems' tools can be used at scale. This suggests that were a solution like Darwin Ecosystems applied to services like Facebook and YouTube, and tied into a response system modeled after what the Russians allegedly used against the U.S., you could have a strong defense against violence. This same model could be used to identify traitors, bullies, trolls, and a whole variety of bad actors as well, and then appropriate steps could be taken to alter their behavior. Basically, what it would amount to is human programming at scale. We're already doing it -- we just don't apply it properly to our defense. Violence Defense What I'm suggesting is a solution that would start with an AI-based threat detection system that first would identify those who were displaying violent characteristics. Then it would be followed by two threat mitigation programs. One would feed posts designed to point the individual to nonviolent forms of rebellion or attack, while another would notify authorities who then could respond at the appropriate level. The system could generate and send to law enforcement a report ranking threats and attacks by their potential, so law enforcement or social services could respond appropriately. The mitigating posts sent to the emerging attacker would provide information on the collateral damage associated with attacks, how attackers were punished or killed, and credible posts suggesting meaningful alternatives that could result in better outcomes than violent acts. They could include pointers to suicide prevention or other services that could deal with whatever the AI, or the flagged human moderator, might decide would be the best program to move the target off the violent path. Instead of allowing technology to be used against us, we could be using it to keep us safe. Wrapping Up These giant social media companies have become not only a danger to the nation, but also a danger to their own employees. Their near total disregard for their users has created an environment where they really should start thinking about building defensible fortresses rather than open campuses. If they don't change their behavior, their consistent lack of regard for users undoubtedly will result in more violence. However, there are AI tools that could be used to neutralize blossoming attackers and/or alert authorities about related impending harm, rather then being used to manipulate the populace in general. These services ultimately will manipulate us in some ways. However, they could be used to help keep us safe. They've done little to address other mass shootings, but given that their lives are now on the line as well, maybe they will step up. By the way, for anyone thinking of a better perimeter camera system, I also ran into Umbo Computer Vision last week. Its intelligent (neural network) camera system is capable of identifying a variety of approaching threats and eventually should be useful in identifying an approaching known attacker. Note to the NRA: This is a path that has nothing to do with gun control and yet could do a lot to keep the next mass shooting from happening. If folks stop shooting other folks, the Second Amendment would be a ton safer. Just saying. TiVo offers amazing products and services. It has had its ups and downs -- for instance, streaming from the devices remotely to an Amazon Fire TV or laptop has been anything but stable -- but it is still my favorite set-top box solution. With TiVo, you aggregate your streaming services with your over-the-air recordings to get more depth of choice than in any other solution currently in market. For instance, if you somehow miss recording an episode, it points you to the streaming service that has it so you don't have to watch things out of sequence. With its new voice control, it's far easier to search for what you want to watch. One of the unique aspects of the hardware solution has been the TiVo Mini, which allows you to move the programing from your primary TiVo DVR to anyplace in your house. The issue was that while TiVo updated its DVRs with the Bolt, the Mini largely was left years out of date. Well, that recently changed with the TiVo Mini VOX, which now supports 4K Ultra HD and voice control. TiVo Mini Vox Sadly, it doesn't yet support WiFi. Not sure how TiVo's developers missed that meeting, but otherwise this is a huge improvement over the older product. It also looks far better, and at US$179 total (no service contract) it is an inexpensive way to make your TV smarter. While you can buy this at Best Buy or on Amazon, that will add up to 24 hours to your setup. If it comes from TiVo, it is generally play-and-go (something I learned the hard way). With the exception of the lack of WiFi, I love my new TiVo VOX (ordered three of them), and that makes it my product of the week. Rob Enderle has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2003. His areas of interest include AI, autonomous driving, drones, personal technology, emerging technology, regulation, litigation, M&E, and technology in politics. He has an MBA in human resources, marketing and computer science. He is also a certified management accountant. Enderle currently is president and principal analyst of the Enderle Group, a consultancy that serves the technology industry. He formerly served as a senior research fellow at Giga Information Group and Forrester. Email Rob. Instantly delete email threats for Office 365 With the free app, 365 Threat Monitor, scan all emails as they reach your users' mailboxes to detect ransomware, phishing and spam. Get real-time phone alerts + security breach updates and delete threats instantly with just one click. Download now! British lawmakers have demanded that Alexander Nix, the suspended chief executive of Cambridge Analytica, return to Parliament for additional questioning in its fake news inquiry. The Parliament's probe led to disclosures that Facebook had allowed Cambridge Analytica unauthorized access to up to 50 million user records, igniting a firestorm over user data privacy and possible U.S. voter manipulation. MP Damian Collins, chair of the UK Parliament Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, on Thursday sent a letter asking Nix to provide additional testimony, after media reports in The Guardian, The New York Times, and Channel 4 in the UK raised questions about Cambridge Analystica's use of private data in its research. Nix on Feb. 27 had denied to the committee that Cambridge Analytica had received data from Global Science Research, Collins wrote in his letter. GSR is the company that employed former Cambridge University researcher Aleksandr Kogan when he developed "thisisyourdigitallife," an app that garnered direct responses from more than 270,000 Facebook users -- and lifted data from tens of millions of others without authorization. Muddy Waters Collins told Nix in the letter that members of Parliament wanted to ask him about his earlier claims that "we do not work with Facebook data" or "have Facebook data." Collins warned Nix that "giving false statements to a Select Committee" was a very serious matter. He asked for a response by March 27. Collins also has written to Facebook, urging CEO Mark Zuckerberg to appear before the committee in connection with the Cambridge Analytica disclosures. Christopher Wylie, the whistleblower who went public with revelations that Cambridge Analytica had gained unauthorized access to data belonging to 50 million Facebook users, tweeted that he had accepted requests to testify before the U.S. House Intelligence Committee, the House Judiciary Committee, and the UK Parliament Digital Committee. Wylie will appear on March 27, Lucy Dargahi, a spokesperson for the committee, confirmed to the E-Commerce Times. Cambridge Analytica on Thursday tweeted that it would cooperate with the various inquiries. We're committed to being responsible, fair and secure with data. We'll be working with everyone -- Facebook, independent auditors and the ICO -- as their investigations continue. Cambridge Analytica (@CamAnalytica) March 22, 2018 Playing Fast and Loose In the meantime, Sandy Parakilas, who was employed as operations manager at Facebook in 2011-12, on Wednesday testified before the Digital Committee in a hearing on fake news. During his 16 months at Facebook, Parakilas did not know of a single audit of a developer's storage, he said, noting that Facebook typically found out about violations from press reports, or when competitors contacted the company regarding allegations that a rival might have accessed data. "I would argue that the real challenge here is that Facebook was allowing developers access the data to people that had not explicitly authorized that," he testified. Whether developers could gain access to unauthorized user data was a known issue that he and others questioned, Parakilas said. Although the creator of the "thisisyourdigitallife" app was allowed direct access only to the 270,000 Facebook users who downloaded his quiz, he was able to access 30-50 million additional records by using friend permissions, according to Parakilas, who noted that the average Facebook user has about 200 friends. Woke Nation "This is a moment of awakening for many people," said Wayne Kurtzman, research director for social and experiential solutions at IDC. They have come to "the realization that every social post, comment or 'like' is a viable data point that can be used to market ideas and products to them," he told the E-Commerce Times. When you get something for free (like a social networking service), you are not the customer -- you are what is being sold, Kurtzman emphasized. That concept is familiar to those who understand the business side of social media, but to some it has come as a shock. Zuckerberg: 'Really Sorry' CEO Mark Zuckerberg has apologized for Facebook's shortcomings in the Cambridge Analytica data scandal and promised that the company would do better. "Mark and [COO Sheryl Sandberg] know how serious this situation is and are working with the rest of Facebook leadership to build stronger user protections," said Sue Desmond-Hellman, lead director of the company's board. "They have built the company and our business and are instrumental to its future." In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, Zuckerberg appeared hesitant about personally appearing before Congress, but said if he were the right guy for the job, he would do it. Zuckerberg generally prefers to work behind the scenes, but he and other top Facebook executives apparently have begun to appreciate the gravity of the moment. I am sure that Mark Z would prefer not to appear at a hearing -- given how witnesses get lectured for hours at a time," remarked Rick Edmonds, media business analyst at Poynter. " However, "the scope of these problems is bad enough that he will probably grit his teeth and do it," he told the E-Commerce Times. Zuckerberg's remarks were a "step in the right direction," IDC's Kurtzman said. The reality of the Cambridge Analytica data scandal is encapsulated in a recent book, Technically Wrong, said Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Facebook treats its social media members like low-quality products -- almost like slaves, he told the E-Commerce Times. They have no rights, and Facebook's only concern is satisfying the advertiser that pays the bills. "This is just the tip of the iceberg," Enderle said. "Facebook is the canary in the coal mine, and an early indicator of what may happen to other companies next." The view that users don't really count eventually may lead to the government getting directly involved, he warned, to police how data is managed. David Jones has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2015. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, e-commerce, open source, gaming, artificial intelligence and autonomous vehicles. He has written for numerous media outlets, including Reuters, Bloomberg, Crain's New York Business and The New York Times. Email David. Behind all the media attention focused on U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) head Scott Pruitt's many scandals, the agency has quietly passed a series of four memos since December that have a net impact of reducing air pollution controls to benefit industry, The Hill reported Wednesday. The Hill's report comes just days before the world celebration of Earth Day on Sunday, April 22. The first Earth Day, in 1970, is often credited with leading to the passage of the Clean Air Act that same year, but now the Trump administration seems intent on rolling back that legacy. "All of these [memos], individually and taken together, will result in more air pollution and less enforcement of the Clean Air Act," Paul Billings, senior vice president for advocacy at the American Lung Association, told The Hill. What follows is a timeline and summary of the memos in question. December 7, 2017: The EPA said it would not "second guess" a company's estimates of how much they will pollute after large projects, in part of a process called New Source Review, which the EPA undertakes to issue construction permits. January 25: The EPA withdrew the "once in always in" policy stipulating that once a pollution source was classified as "major," it would always be subjected to tougher scrutiny. The new policy would allow industrial pollution sources to downgrade themselves to "area" sources of pollution once their emissions fell below certain standards. Environmental groups have already sued over this rule change in March, saying it would allow industrial polluters in the Midwest alone to release four times the current amount of toxins into the air. March 13: The EPA declared that, in the process to determine if a new project at an existing pollution source needs to pass a New Source Review, the company can now consider both emissions increases and decreases resulting from the project in step 1 of the process, instead of waiting for step 2 to take emissions decreases into account. April 12: President Donald Trump signed an EPA memo that adjusted the enforcement of National Ambient Air Quality standards to be more friendly to industry. The memo directed the EPA to speed up the review process for state plans for reducing smog, determine if existing smog and soot health standards should be altered or eliminated, and make it less difficult for companies to get air-quality permits, Think Progress reported. The first two memos were written by EPA air office head Bill Wehrum, who also spent two years at the agency under Bush. Billings told The Hill that the memos were designed to complete President George W. Bush's attempts to weaken EPA regulations, some of which failed. "These were radical departures of current law when they were proposed a decade ago and they're just as radical today," he said. Natural Resources Defense Council clean air director John Walke agreed that the new memos were an attempt to complete Bush-era rollbacks. "I think Mr. Wehrum has decided this is likely a one-term administration and he's going to devote his full resources to rolling back clean air, climate and public health protections in the time available to him," Walke told The Hill. By Carol Linnitt A pipeline owned by Paramount Resources Ltd. released an estimated 100,000 liters (approximately 26,000 gallons) of crude oil and 190,000 liters (approximately 50,000 gallons) of produced water near Zama City, in northwest Alberta, according to an April 11 incident report filed with the Alberta Energy Regulator. The release was discovered after company personnel looked into a low-pressure alarm from the company's leak detection system, the incident report states. The emergency status of the spill ended April 16. The report says that although "the release was initially believed to be minor," further investigation shows the spill to be around 290,000 liters and has impacted an area of 200 meters (approximately 656 feet) by 200 meters. "The pipeline was isolated and depressurized, and clean-up is underway," the incident report states. "No reported impacts to wildlife." The cause of the spill is still under investigation, Paul Wykes, spokesperson with Paramount Resources, told DeSmog Canada. The spill is located approximately 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) northeast of Zama City, Wykes said. The remote pipeline is part of a network in the Zama area obtained by Paramount Resources when it acquired Apache Corp for $487 million in 2017. Between May 2013 and January 2014, Apache's pipeline infrastructure was plagued by a series of incidents that included one of the largest recent pipeline spills in North America. In June 2013, a pipeline released 15.4 million liters of oil and toxic produced water into the muskeg, contaminating a 42-hectare (approximately 104-acre) span of boreal forest. Apache pipeline spill, June 2013 Apache Corp "Every plant and tree died" James Ahnassay, chief of the Dene Tha First Nation, told the Globe and Mail at the time. The spill, which continued undetected for nearly one month, was originally reported to be only 9.5 million liters in volume due to an inaccurate meter reading, the company said. Produced water can contain hydrocarbons, salt, metals, radioactive materials and chemicals used in the oil extraction process. An investigation later revealed the pipeline, which was only five years old at the time of the spill, cracked due to corrosion stress, caused by a pinhole leak. The company was later fined $16,500 for the spill and the Alberta Energy Regulator ordered a third-party audit of the company's aging pipeline infrastructure. Oil and gas exploration has been occurring in the Zama area since the 1950s. In October 2013, Apache announced it had detected another pipeline leak after it had released an estimated 1.8 million liters of oil, chemicals and contaminated water over a three-week period. In a statement of facts agreed to by Apache concerning the 1.8 million liter spill, the company admitted it failed to install protective fencing around the pipeline and that evidence indicated a bison may have rubbed up against the pipe, crushing it. Two additional Apache spills occurred between 2013 and 2014, one smaller spill near Zama and one near Whitecourt, Alberta, which released nearly 2 million liters of produced water. It was later determined Apache failed to install proper pressure valves on the pipeline near Whitecourt. In 2016 Apache pled guilty to violations of the Pipeline Act and the Environmental Enhancement and Protection Act and was fined $350,000 by the Alberta Energy Regulator. In response to the April 11, 2018 spill, Paramount "immediately initiated its emergency response plan," Wykes said. "A team of personnel is on site as containment, clean-up and delineation efforts continue. There is no danger to the public," he said. Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmog Canada. (Reuters/Brian Snyder)Kevser Guleryuz, a Masters student at Cambridge College from Turkey, prays with other Muslims during the Boston protest against President Trump's immigration policies. Most U.S. Muslim adults hail from other parts of the world as they account for 58 percent of the followers of Islam, but they tend to see life very differently in many ways to those born in United States, a Pew Research Center analysis finds. The Muslim immigrants owe their presence in America largely to the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act that lowered barriers to immigration from Asia, Africa and other regions outside Europe. But those Muslims born in the U.S. are a considerable chunk at 42 percent. They consist of descendants of Muslim immigrants, converts to Islam, many of them black, and descendants of converts says the latest Pew analysis published on April 17. A Pew Research Center survey of American Muslim adults in 2017, revealed important similarities between foreign-born and U.S.-born Muslims. For example, immigrants and U.S.-born Muslims engage in religious practices at about the same levels. It also found there are also important differences. Immigrants tend to have secured a stronger socioeconomic foothold than U.S.-born Muslims, and they generally express more positive opinions about their place in America. Immigrants tend to have secured a stronger socioeconomic foothold than U.S.-born Muslims, and they generally express more positive opinions about their place in America. Both the immigrant and U.S.-born Muslim populations are racially and ethnically diverse, though in different ways. A large share of foreign-born Muslims are Asian, while many U.S.-born Muslims are black or Hispanic. And substantial shares of both foreign-born and U.S.-born Muslims identify as white, a category that also includes people who identify racially as Arab, Middle Eastern or Persian. "There's no single racial or ethnic majority within the Muslim community," Pew finds. Just over half of Muslim immigrants in the United States, 56 percent have arrived since 2000, and they come from a wide array of countries, with no single region or country of origin accounts for a majority of them. In total, immigrant respondents in Pew Research Center's 2017 survey of U.S. Muslims named 75 different countries of origin. And this is reflected in their racial and ethnic diversity: No single racial or ethnic group accounts for a majority among Muslim immigrants, with 45 percent identifying as white and a similar share (41 percent) identifying as Asian. Both immigrant and U.S.-born Muslims are about as likely as the general U.S. population to say they are proud to be American. And they express pride in their religious identity at about the same rate as U.S. Christians. (Photo: REUTERS / Noor Khamis)Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta inspects a guard of honour as he arrives at the Parliament Building to deliver his state of the nation address in Nairobi March 27, 2014. International election observer missions have warned of election chaos risk if there is a perception that the electoral process in Kenya is mismanaged and the murder of a top electoral official has heightened tensions. South Africa's State broadcaster, SABC said the groups include the European Union, Kenya's National Cohesion and Integration Commission, as well as several local and civil society organisations have raised these concerns ahead of the August 8 elections. Church leaders in Kenya are urging peaceful voting and acceptance of results, in an effort to forestall violence during and after the general elections, the World Council of Churches said Aug. 3. Anxiety soared after a Kenyan election official was found murdered earlier this week. He was found dead from manual strangulation and had incision marks on his right forearm, Kenya's chief government pathologist told CNN on Thursday. The official, Chris Msando, was head of information technology for Kenya's Integrated Electoral Management System. His department is responsible for voter-identification and result-transmission technology for the national elections. The National Council of Churches of Kenya and the continent-wide All Africa Conference of Churches, Kenyan communities expressed their hopes for peace in the lead-up to the elections. On Aug. 8 more than 19 million voters will cast ballot to elect a president, senators, governors, representatives and civic leaders in hotly contested elections. This is the sixth general election since declaration of multi-party democracy in 1992 and the second under a new constitution agreed upon in 2010 - which is pegged on devolution of resources and good governance, Fredrick Nzwili reported from Nairobi for the WCC. President Uhuru Kenyatta, a Roman Catholic, the leader of the Jubilee Party and Raila Odinga, an Anglican who leads the National Super Alliance, an umbrella opposition coalition are the front runners. The elections have attracted eight presidential candidates. Analysts say the elections are significant for the citizens, but are also closely being watched in the region, where several countries are in conflict. For decades, Nairobi has acted as the pivot for UN and humanitarian agencies, which move humanitarian aid to the neighbouring countries in conflict. These include South Sudan, Somalia, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) whose relief operations are managed from the city. CHURCH LEADERS URGE LARGE TURNOUT As the campaigns entered the final stretch, church leaders were urging a large turnout, but as they stress free, fair and credible elections, fear over post-election violence has also heightened. On July 2, the national churches council urged the frontrunners to calm the country, amid reports that residents fearing violence were moving from Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret and Mombasa cities to rural areas, where they hope they will safe. "They (front-runners) must assure the country that the heated messages expressed in campaign rallies are political, not a provocation to violence and ethnic division," said Rev. Canon Peter Karanja, NCCK general secretary in a statement. The churches have emphasized peace and security as paramount during and after the elections. They have reminded Kenyans of their responsibility to reject any provocation to incite violence. The churches, mosques and temples are neutral, according to the leaders, even though most leaders have a religious affiliation. The leaders have in the past been accused of accused of taking sides. "The Kenyan churches do not have candidates, but their followers will vote for candidates that are on offer - some of them who are church members," said Karanja in late July. Ten years ago, the role of the faiths as peace makers registered strongly, when the groups found themselves compelled to deal with the aftermath deadly post-election violence, in which thousands were displaced from their homes. At least 1,200 people were killed and over 600,000 forced into camps during violence that occurred between 27 December 2007 and 28 February 2008. The violence ignited after Mwai Kibaki, the incumbent president, was declared the winner and the main opposition leader Raila Odinga rejected the result as rigged. Now, Kenya cannot afford a repeat of the violence, the leaders say. "It is very unfortunate that exercising of our democratic right, turns out to be such a fearful event," said Rev. Connie Kivuti, general secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK). "The right to make a democratic choice and decision ought to be done without fear," stressed Kivuti. Still from Maman Colonelle directed by Dieudo Hamadi. The feature-length documentary "Maman Colonelle," directed by Dieudo Hamadi, has received the Human Rights Award 2017 from the World Association for Christian Communication, and SIGNIS, a worldwide association of Catholic communicators. A feature-length documentary, it highlights the courage of one person to fight against sexual abuse in a war-torn country which is the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), said the World Council of Churches which supports the Toronto-based WACC. "Having already covered his home country's hospitals, elections and schools, Dieudo Hamadi continues his one-man quest to chronicle the social realities of the DRC with Mama Colonel," says The Hollywood Reporter in a review of the movie. "A portrait of a policewoman struggling against the odds to stop sexual abuse in her new posting in a big city, Hamadi's third feature is engaging, observant and -- at just 72 minutes -- very succinct," says the Reporter. One of the most violent global conflicts is occurring in the east of the DRC. For more than 20 years, violence has been pervasive in that part of this immense Central African country. One of the aspects of that war is the sexual violence towards women. HONORINE MUNYOLE "The mama at the center of this film is Honorine Munyole, head of a police unit dedicated to the protection of minors in Bukavu, a Congolese city sitting on the country's eastern borders with Rwanda," notes the Reporter review. The documentary begins with Munyole preparing to leave for a new posting in the much bigger city of Kisangani. "What appears to be a promotion turns out to be a more daunting challenge for her a change which also reveals the dire social circumstances in which the country remains mired, years after its latest deadly civil war," recounts the Reporter. In the DRC there are hundreds of thousands of victims, young and old. The fact that they are sexually abused is already terrible, but the psychological, physical and social consequences are important too. Society blames them, and does not see them as the victims they are, and denies them justice and their rights, writes the WCC. "Maman Colonelle is a film is a film that restores human dignity and peace not only to women who suffered war crimes but also to the Congolese in general because they are taking the initiative to work for a better society," says the WCC. Munyole has to do everything to gain the respect and trust of the local population, the women and above all the administration and the police department. CORRUPT ENVIRONMENT She is determined, and she proves one can make a difference in a corrupt environment. She does all she can to empower the disillusioned women who want to be recognized as war victims. The film has won many awards, including a commendation from the Ecumenical Jury at the Berlin International Film festival in 2017. WCC director of communication and vice president of WACC Europe Marianne Ejdersten said the film and others like it are vitally important in a world where violence, racism and nationalism are tightening their grip. "WACC and SIGNIS believe this documentary offers a very human perspective on the horror of conflict situations that impact the lives of ordinary people, especially women," she said. "Its human rights perspective is exemplary." Other awards include the Amnesty International Durban Human Rights Award, the Zanzibar Int'l Film Festival Award for Best Documentary and the Award of the International Documentary Festival Amsterdam. (Photo: LaunchGood) A coalition of Muslim groups has started an online fundraiser to help rebuild predominantly African-American churches damaged in a recent spate of fires across the South of the United States. At least eight churches have suffered fire damage since a shooting on June 17 at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, left nine black parishioners dead, aljazeera.com reported July 7. The church burnings occurred within just 10 days of one another, and police are investigating three as possible arson cases. "To many, it is clear that these are attacks on black culture, black religion and black lives," the coalition wrote on the campaign's LaunchGood page. "It's Ramadan, and we are experiencing firsthand the beauty and sanctity of our mosques during this holy month. All houses of worship are sanctuaries, a place where all should feel safe," the group noted. The coalition consists of U.S. organizations such as Muslim Anti-Racism Collaborative and the Arab American Association of New York as well as digital startup Ummah Wide. It raised more than $23,000 in five days and after the campaign finishes July 18, the money will be given to pastors of the burned churches that need it most, said the coalition. Quoting from the Qur'an the coalition says, "If God had not driven some people back by means of others, monasteries, churches, synagogues and mosques, where God's name is mentioned much, would have been pulled down and destroyed. God will certainly help those who help Him - God is All-Strong, Almighty." (Qur'an 22:40) The group said that like black communities in the United States, rote, American Muslims are also vulnerable to intimidation, though not to the same extent as African-Americans. "The American Muslim community cannot claim to have experienced anything close to the systematic and institutionalized racism and racist violence that has been visited upon African-Americans," organizer Imam Zaid Shakir wrote on the campaign's website. Muslims can, however, understand the "climate of racially inspired hate and bigotry that is being reignited in this country," he wrote, urging the American Muslim community to stand in solidarity with African-Americans. The Aljazeera story noted that a mere 65 miles (105 kilometers) north is the church where professed white supremacist Dylann Roof allegedly killed nine people. There investigators took samples from the charred rubble of Mount Zion AME Church. Authorities said last week they were assessing whether accelerant was used to fuel the blaze at the church, which the Ku Klux Klan had razed to the ground two decades ago. Two other church burnings - God's Power Church of Christ in Macon, Georgia, and College Hill Seventh Day Adventist in Knoxville, Tennessee also had suspected arson attacks and are being investigated. The Every Student Succeeds Act has yet to debut in the classroom, and already its controversial among state and local policymakers. Political observers expect all that to continue as ESSA rolls out this coming school year. Meanwhile, the 2018 midterm elections are coming to a head, with education already resonating as a campaign issue in many states and new K-12 spending plans taking effect. At issue in many states is which branch of state government oversees public education. State constitutions arent uniform or even entirely clear on that point. As state education departments put the final touches on their ESSA accountability plans last fall, spats broke out between governors, legislatures, state superintendents, and state boards of education over who should have the final word before those plans were sent off to the federal government for approval. In the end, nine governors didnt sign off on their states plan. Legislatures in states such as Washington and Utah attempted to strip state boards of their powers. And several state superintendents were replaced by their state boards of education as a result of ESSA tensions and other education-related issues in those states. This fall, three-fourths of legislatures and 39 governor seats are up for grabs, meaning the political winds could soon shift again in some states, with potential impact on how ESSA implementation fares in the future. For example, legislative leaders in Pennsylvania have promised next year to override the policies within their states ESSA plan with those of their own. And national and state advocacy groups on the losing end of fights regarding statewide academic goals and the treatment of disadvantaged student groups test scores have reorganized in order to better press their agendas, bolstering local chapters and launching aggressive awareness campaigns. The problem with devolution and decentralization is that, by definition, youre going to get a lot of variation ... in terms of effort, political will, and the effectiveness of those efforts, said Patrick McGuinn, a political scientist at Drew University in Madison, N.J., who has studied state and federal policy and followed the implementation of ESSA. Pressing the Reset Button For many state superintendents, ESSA was seen as an opportunity to press the reset button on school improvement. See Also FREE ONLINE EVENT Keys to ESSA Implementation Tuesday, May 1, 2018 In this virtual summit, Education Week journalists and guests provide practical takeaways and answer your questions about the Every Student Succeeds Act. Register now. Years-long battles over issues such as the Common Core State Standards and teacher evaluations had taken their toll on state chiefs, who were being squeezed by federal, state, and local politicians on which direction to take in order to improve states academic outcomes. The average tenure of state chiefs today is a little more than two years, about half what it was less than five years ago. Because so many of them have been around for so little time, many state chiefs were learning about the state of their schools in the runup to ESSA. In addition, many didnt have the political capital to push their own agendas. ESSA requires states to engage with stakeholders, though it doesnt define who those stakeholders need to be, or how much and what type of engagement needs to take place. After the law was passed, education department officials toured their states, consulting with parent groups, teachers, principals, and district administrators on topics such as how to define an ineffective teacher, what new indicator theyd like to add to their accountability system, and how to rank schools. But as state boards began to vote on ESSA issues, collegiality unraveled for a variety of reasons. For one thing, many states existing accountability systems, including how they rank schools and test students, had been sealed into law under ESSAs predecessor, the No Child Left Behind Act, and under waivers from that law. In Colorado, for example, education department officials told local educators and parents during the ESSA development process that any changes to the accountability system would have to go through the legislature. In addition, state education departments have struggled to collect enough reliable data to broaden their accountability systems to judge schools on factors that include more than just standardized tests as required by ESSA. Tug of War Early last year, conflicts emerged among government officials over the contents of the states plans. The fight over Ohios ESSA plan got so intense that the state superintendent said it would delay by several months turning in its plan. The state chief ended up negotiating with the states teacher group over some of the states testing provisions. After Michigan turned in its plan last spring, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley, a Republican and a parent of a special education student, asked U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos to send it backsomething outside the authority of his office. What we have in our system is all these interest groups across the political spectrum that have a lot of power and say, Calley said at the time. Theres no organized group with PACS and electoral power in our system that represents the parents. In some states, legislatures and governors stripped technocrats of their power in the fallout over ESSA infighting, or tried to. Delawares legislature moved to simply get rid of that states board, though it was salvaged at the last minute. Indianas governor signed a bill that would require the state superintendent to be appointed by the governor by 2020. North Carolinas board of education sued when that states legislature handed oversight of the states school turnaround program and other state initiatives to the states elected superintendent. The lawsuit, the state chief said, held up the timeline of creating the states ESSA plan. A judge has yet to rule on the lawsuit. While ESSA gives governors 30 days to review their states plans and provides a place on the application for them to sign, their signature isnt a requirement. But whether a governor does sign says a lot about support for a states plan. Georgias Republican Gov. Nathan Deal said in a letter to the states education department that the states plan lacked ambition and urged the elected state chief, Richard Woods, that the plan, should be revised and strengthened. Political Fallout All of the political fallout over the plans has concerned political scientists and researchers who have studied the impact of school improvement initiatives. One of the biggest stumbling blocks the NCLB law faced, they say, may have been that state departments were laying off staff as more tasks were being heaped onto them. This could be a potential danger for ESSA implementation. Theres been a lot of attention to building stronger accountability systems, but not as much attention to building capacity at the state level to change the outcomes for kids, said Tara Kini, a senior policy adviser for the Learning Policy Institute, a nonpartisan think tank. And the new laws implementation comes at a time when some current state chiefs have lost political capital, and when new state chiefs face a steep learning curve. The political battles in some states also could mean that legislatures dont aggressively fund some of the state plans accompanying new initiatives, or that teachers and principals may be emboldened to drag their feet in implementing the law. Most importantly, accountability systems and school improvement initiatives take at least five years to show impact, many researchers say. Yet many legislators and governors in recent months have threatened to replace their accountability systems in the 2019 legislative session. Whats going to be important is whether states have a political culture and alignment of political interests that supports a relatively coherent vision of what the role of public education will be in promoting the well-being of the state, said Jeffrey Henig, a political scientist at Teachers College, Columbia University, who has studied education governance issues. As digital devices and social-media platforms become an ever-larger part of childrens lives, the nations school principals find themselves in an uncomfortableif familiarbind. On one hand, principals say theyre worried about technologys potentially harmful effects: A full 95 percent believe their students are using screens too much at home, and 83 percent say theyre at least moderately concerned about how students use social media outside of school, according to a new national survey of school-based leaders conducted by the Education Week Research Center. At the same time, however, principals are welcoming technology and technology-driven trends into their own buildings. More than half described personalized learning as either a transformational way to improve public education or a promising idea. The relatively new idea of offering computer science education to every student is already on most principals radar screens. Why do those findings matter? Because ready or not, when it comes to technology, the countrys 90,000-plus public school principals play a critical gatekeeper role, said Daniel Kelley, the president of the National Association of Secondary School Principals, who also heads Rhode Islands Smithfield High. That means staying up-to-date with the latest technologies, responding to the problems technology creates, figuring out how such tools can be used for learning, and navigating pressure from tech companies and vendors to expand technology useall while juggling a thousand other tasks, Kelley said. Its our responsibility to meet kids where theyre at and have a basic understanding of their world, Kelley said. But trying to keep up can become overwhelming. Principals divided minds about technology are nothing new, said Jonathan Zimmerman, an education history professor at the University of Pennsylvania. In the 1910s and 1920s, for example, a general moral panic occurred around the potential harms associated with motion picturesat the same time innovators such as Thomas Edison were arguing movies could revolutionize public education. This is an overarching trend through the last 100 years of education history, Zimmerman said. We see a lot of nervous hand-wringing about what technology will do to kids, but also a kind of technological fetishism that leads schools to try to adopt every new idea in the hopes of making education better. Nowhere is that tension more evident today than on issues related to screen time and social media. School leaders are clearly worried about what children are doing on devices at home. But even as districts rush to give every student his or her own Chromebook or iPad, 61 percent of principals say their students are getting the right amount of screen time in school. Principals are also twice as likely to say theyre extremely concerned about students social-media use at home than their social-media use at schooleven as class assignments and homework increasingly move online, creating new opportunities for children to become distracted by YouTube and other popular digital platforms. Such is the reality of life in 2018, said James Steyer, the founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that promotes responsible technology use by children and familiesand helped launch a Truth About Tech campaign to warn about the dangers of technology addiction. Technology, used wisely and appropriately, can be an excellent resource for learning, Steyer said. But there is also an arms race for our kids attention going on. Its being led by certain tech companies, and there are really significant downsides. Principals need to understand that. Given the stakes, its understandable that parents and the public want principals to be informed, savvy gatekeepers on technology issues. But on that front, too, some concerning signs emerge in Education Weeks new survey data, said Justin Bathon, an associate professor of education leadership at the University of Kentucky who has trained school leaders on effective technology use for more than a decade. Notably, principals responding to the Education Week survey said they feel the most pressure from technology companies and vendors to increase student screen time (58 percent), embrace personalized learning (55 percent), and spread computer science education (47 percent). In some cases, at least, that does not appear to align with the messages being delivered by parents, students, and teachers. For example, just 22 percent of principals said they feel pressure from teachers to increase student screen timelower than the percentage of school leaders who say teachers are actually pushing in the opposite direction, for screen-time limits. I think its fair to criticize principals for participating in group think, rather than making their own independent assessments of each of these concepts, Bathon said. That kind of decisionmaking requires research, time, and a team. Thats not happening in most places. In schools, that reality is compounded by the tremendous variation among principals. Sign up to get Education Weeks latest ed-tech news in your inbox. Some are tech-savvy and thoughtful about using technology to help students explore individual passions. Others want nothing to do with understanding how students communicate on Instagram. Most are genuinely concerned about striking an appropriate balance between keeping children safe and preparing them for a rapidly changing world. Many feel unprepared to do so. Where does that leave students, parents, and the public? Given the decentralized nature of American schooling, and the resulting sway that each principal has in his or her school building, the answer is clear, experts say. For better or worse, Bathon said, we have no choice but to trust principals on these questions. Ms. Duenas! Im coming with you! For me, this is a familiar refrain. My student, Jack, often trails after me. When I start to walk away, saying he has to go to his class, I sense a child in need of reassurance following behind. Jack is not alone in his daily need for individualized supports from a special educator. He is one of nearly 100 students I teach at Oldham County Middle School in Buckner, Ky., who require services beyond what traditional classroom teachers can provide. Jack can be exhausting, but as his special education teacher, I am his rock and foundation. Each day, my colleagues and I work tirelessly for our high-needs population. I am overwhelmed with joy when students like Melissa light up and exclaim, I got it! after her fifth attempt at a math concept. It is these kinds of moments with our students that make us willing to swim in paperwork and work more than 60 hours a week. But recent legal action could hinder our ability to do our work long term. Last week, Governor Matt Bevin signed into law Senate Bill 151, which takes away defined pension rights of any Kentucky public school teacher hired after July 1. A guaranteed pension had previously been part of teachers inviolable contract with the state. Senate Bill 151 effectively ends this contract for new hires, allowing lawmakers to continue adjusting retirement plans and other benefits in the future. New educators will have a hybrid retirement plan that is part pension and part 401(k). Teachers nationwide have increasingly needed to rally together to command the attention and respect of lawmakers around their most basic needs." The new law is problematic because our states teachersthe only state workers who do not buy into social securityrelied on the former system as a means of financial security for retirement. The new legislation also states that current teachers will now have to use an additional 1 percent of their current annual pay for retiree health-care benefits. Separately, the governor also vetoed a bill that increases education funding and vetoed the state budget, which provides $300 more in funding per student. Lawmakers later overrode the vetoes a small sign of progress. In recent weeks, teachersmyself includedhave mobilized across the state. We shut down more than 20 districts throughout the state in sickouts, calling in sick en masse in order to rally at the state capitol on March 30 and April 13. From inside the building, legislators and senators in session could hear us chanting: A pension is a promise! and Well remember in November! Teachers Initiate Call to Action The teaching profession is under attack nationwide, as evidenced by this years teacher movements in West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, and Colorado. Each call to action is unique to its states needs. In Colorado, hundreds of teachers went to the state capitol earlier this week to demand salary increases and better retirement funds. After a statewide teachers strike in West Virginia and a nine-day walkout in Oklahoma, educators there recently won pay raises and more education funding. Arizonas teachers are voting about whether or not to strike this week. In my state, educators are asking for more education funding and not to lose their previously promised benefits. Differences aside, what these movements show is that teachers nationwide have increasingly needed to rally together to command the attention and respect of lawmakers around their most basic needs. Whats more, according to NPR, Kentucky is among 49 states that report a shortage of special education teachers. With the U.S. Department of Labor predicting the need for special educators to go up 8 percent nationwide between now and 2026, it is imperative that special education teachers across the country feel motivated to stay in education and that college-age students look to the special education field as a viable career option. See Also Want to know more about how salaries, pensions, and benefits work in schools? Check out our recent explainer on teacher pay. As an educator who hosts student teachers from the University of Louisville in my classroom, I am well aware that Kentuckys bill does not spell security for them, neither does it ensure they will want to join us. By playing hard and fast with the funding that will affect special educators futures, our representatives are certainly not setting the profession up to look more attractive. Benefits Are a Due Right Since the bills passage, I have grappled with many difficult questions. I have asked myself if I need to leave a profession I love because lawmakers dont have my best interests in mind. I wonder if I will need to take my skill set to another state. But in the midst of this pondering, I will continue to show up every day and give Jack and his classmates my best. I am deeply disappointed by the lawmakers in every state who have chosen to make mockery of the critical work occurring in our schools. Their actions show they do not deem educators worthy of benefits or pay that should be their due right. In Kentuckys case, the governor did not ensure that the state has planned accurately for the needs of Kentuckys futureits children. I believe we are set to create an exodus of teachers and push new ones away. We need to continue speaking up, writing and calling our representatives, and making our voices heard. I do not only mean teachers. Administrators, families, and anyone in our communities who is involved in the raising of our nations children or has ever been touched by a teacher should also take a stand, whatever the issue may be, for those in the classroom. If we do not keep our teachers and fail to recruit new educators, who will be left to do the critical work in our nations schools? 2018-04-18 Maeci In the European Year of Cultural Heritage, the Italian-German conference on cultural heritage that opens today in Berlin confirms the centrality of culture within the close bilateral relations that binds Italy to one of its top European partners. The two-day study conference is promoted by the Italian Cultural Institute in Berlin, with the contribution of important German personalities in the sector. The event offers the opportunity to explore the ties between culture, tradition and innovation and to reflect on the importance of recovering, protecting and valorising cultural property as a Nations historical and identitarian resource and to probe the economic and social role of the tangible and intangible heritage of the two Countries. The conference opens today at the Italian Embassy in Berlin, with greetings by the Italian Ambassador Pietro Benassi and Minister Plenipotentiary Vincenzo De Luca, the Director General for Economic and Cultural Promotion and Innovation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The second day of the conference will be held at Berlins Freie Universitat on 19 April. The keynote speakers at the event will be Salvatore Settis, Italian archaeologist and art historian and Eike Schmidt, director of the Uffizi Museum in Florence. It sometimes can be hard to find toothpastes, soaps and other toiletries without antibiotics. Their popularity has caused an increase in environmental levels of antimicrobial substances, such as triclocarban (TCC), which end up in the water and soil used to grow crops. Scientists report in the ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry that TCC and related molecules can end up in food, with potentially negative health effects. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently banned TCC from soaps because of questions about its safety and efficacy. Yet, TCC remains in many other products. It's also found in high concentrations in treated wastewater that is sometimes used to irrigate crops. The impact of TCC on human health remains unclear, but it may act as an endocrine disruptor. One obstacle to better understanding the risks of environmental TCC exposure is uncertainty about how much of it ends up in plants, and how plants metabolize the substance. So, Dawn Reinhold and colleagues undertook a study with jalapeno peppers to address this knowledge gap. To track the antibiotic's journey from water to pepper, the researchers labeled TCC with radioactive carbon (C14). They grew the pepper plants hydroponically and, after 12 weeks, sampled the C14 content in the roots, stems, leaves and fruit. While the pepper fruit itself had relatively low levels of TCC, it contained a hefty portion of C14 in molecules that started out as TCC but then were converted to other molecules by the plant. According to the researchers, this finding indicated that the plant was metabolizing the antibiotic, and the health impact of these metabolites would need to be taken into account to fully assess the safety of TCC consumption. ### The authors acknowledge funding the National Institute of Food and Agriculture within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Science Foundation and the Vietnam Education Foundation. The abstract that accompanies this study is available here. The American Chemical Society, the world's largest scientific society, is a not-for-profit organization chartered by the U.S. Congress. ACS is a global leader in providing access to chemistry-related information and research through its multiple databases, peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences. ACS does not conduct research, but publishes and publicizes peer-reviewed scientific studies. Its main offices are in Washington, D.C., and Columbus, Ohio. To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org. Follow us on Twitter | Facebook The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) today named Andrea Goldsmith of Stanford University the 2018-2019 Athena Lecturer for contributions to the theory and practice of adaptive wireless communications, and for the successful transfer of research to commercial technology. Goldsmith introduced innovative approaches to the design, analysis and fundamental performance limits of wireless systems and networks. Her efforts helped develop technologies used in long-term evolution (LTE) cellular devices as well as the Wi-Fi standards that are used in wireless local area networks. Goldsmith participated in the launch of companies to commercialize her work, which has led to the adoption of her ideas throughout the communications industry. Initiated in 2006 by the ACM Council on Women in Computing (ACM-W), the Athena Lecturer Award celebrates women researchers who have made fundamental contributions to computer science. The award carries a cash prize of $25,000, with financial support provided by Google. "The anytime, anywhere computing era in which we now live owes a debt to innovators like Andrea Goldsmith who have helped lay the groundwork for the wireless infrastructure that makes mobile computing possible," said ACM President Vicki L. Hanson. "Her work has improved the transmission, reception and overall quality of wireless communications. Importantly, Goldsmith's career has exemplified the spirit of the ACM Athena Lecturer Award in the numerous ways she has mentored young women throughout her career. She has helped prepare promising young women PhD students and postdocs for faculty positions, and she has worked to develop actionable strategies to improve the climate, recruitment and retention of women in the high tech industry." Adaptive MIMO Beginning in the early 1990s, Goldsmith developed several fundamental capacity results for wireless systems. Understanding the Shannon capacity limits of these systems can lead to benefits including increased data rates and extended range while lessening the impact of ongoing challenges in wireless communications including co-channel interference, poor reception, and outages. Goldsmith was the first to propose and develop the underlying theory for time-varying adaptive modulation, as well as new multiple input/multiple output (MIMO) techniques that have been employed throughout the field to improve network capacity and performance. She proposed techniques, including design of modulation and coding scheme (MCS) tables and quadrature amplitude modulation (MQAM and code) indexed by signal noise radio (SNR) bands, that are used in a variety of wireless systems including EDGE, Wi-Fi and 3GPP/LTE. Quantenna In 2005, Goldsmith founded Quantenna Communications to build a product and company around her research in adaptive MIMO wireless communications. In 2008, as CTO, she led the development of the world's first 4x4 adaptive MIMO 802.11n Wi-Fi chipset. Compared with other Wi-Fi products on the market, the Quantenna chipset provided better data rates, coverage and reliability and was especially effective for wireless distribution of multiple HD video streams. Today Quantenna products are used by major carriers including AT&T, DirectTV, Comcast, France Telecom, Swisscom and Telefonica. Biographical Background Andrea Goldsmith is the Stephen Harris Professor in the School of Engineering at Stanford University. She co-founded and served as Chief Technical Officer of Plume Wi-Fi and of Quantenna, and she currently serves on the corporate or technical advisory boards of Crown Castle Inc., Interdigital Corp., Sequans, Quantenna and Cohere. Goldsmith has published 160 journal papers, 320 peer-reviewed conference papers, and three textbooks, one of which has been translated into Chinese, Japanese and Russian. She also holds 29 patents, with three pending. Goldsmith is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and is a Fellow of the IEEE and of Stanford. She has received several awards for her work, including the IEEE ComSoc Edwin H. Armstrong Achievement Award, as well as the National Academy of Engineering Gilbreth Lecture Award. Goldsmith received her PhD, MS and BS degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. The Athena Lecturer is invited to present a lecture at an ACM event. Goldsmith's Athena Lecture will be delivered at an ACM event later this year. The award is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. With her knowledge and sense of purpose, Athena epitomizes the strength, determination, and intelligence of the "Athena Lecturers." Goldsmith will formally receive the Athena Lecturer Award at ACM's annual awards banquet on June 23, 2018 in San Francisco. ### About ACM ACM, the Association for Computing Machinery (http://www.acm.org), is the world's largest educational and scientific computing society, uniting computing educators, researchers and professionals to inspire dialogue, share resources and address the field's challenges. ACM strengthens the computing profession's collective voice through strong leadership, promotion of the highest standards, and recognition of technical excellence. ACM supports the professional growth of its members by providing opportunities for life-long learning, career development, and professional networking. Anti-Semitic violence around the world dropped 9% from 2016 to 2017, but a "dramatic increase" of all other forms of anti-Semitic manifestations, including harassment and hate speech, has raised increasingly "grave concerns among Jews regarding their security and the continuation of communal life," according to an annual report from Tel Aviv University's Kantor Center for the Study of Contemporary European Jewry, published on April 11. The report did not include figures on anti-Semitic incidents in France, which were not available when the report went to press. The report also noted that the U.S.-based Anti-Defamation League's annual Audit of Anti-Semitic Incidents found that the number of such incidents in the United States rose 57% in 2017 to a total of 1,986 -- the largest single-year increase on record and the second-highest number reported since ADL started tracking such data in 1979. The sharp rise was in part due to a significant increase in incidents in schools and on college campuses, which nearly doubled for the second year in a row. Anti-Semitic incidents in the United States took place in a wide variety of locations, including places of business, private homes, public areas such as parks and streets, Jewish institutions, schools and colleges/universities. Although in the past the largest number of incidents occurred in public areas, in 2017 K-12 schools surpassed public areas as the locations with the most anti-Semitic incidents, with 457 incidents being reported in K-12 schools and 455 in public areas. The full report is available at http://kantorcenter.tau.ac.il/sites/default/files/Doch_full_2018_110418.pdf. "2017 was a year in which many Jews, particularly in Europe, suffered," Dr. Moshe Kantor, president of the European Jewish Congress, told reporters at a news conference held at Tel Aviv University on April 11. "Both the public and private sectors are seen as unsafe for Jews. As demonstrated by the brutal murder of Mireille Knoll in her home in Paris, the general feeling of Jews is that anti-Semitism has now entered their homes. While there was a 9% decrease in violent attacks against Jews worldwide, this fact was overshadowed by a dramatic rise in other manifestations of anti-Semitism. "To live in many parts of Europe as a Jew today is to live in a fortress. Jewish parents are confronted with the task of explaining to their children that they have to move from their school, behind thick glass, to their community center, behind barbed wire. Jews fear for their safety even in their own homes. The normalizing and banalizing of anti-Semitism has reached historic levels." "Why are we talking about a general decrease in violent anti-Semitic attacks when the feeling is different?" said Prof. Dina Porat, head of the Kantor Center and chief historian of Yad Vashem, the Holocaust memorial museum in Israel. "The situation in France is very delicate," she said. "Just consider the case of Sarah Halimi, whose brutal murder was not considered an 'anti-Semitic' attack by French authorities. The cases themselves are becoming more brutal -- there is more murder. The nature of the violence is harsher. There is an intensification of harassment in school. Many more manifestations are very difficult to count or estimate, because they are severely underreported." The Kantor Center's annual report, a global overview of anti-Semitic incidents, is based on surveys conducted by recognized watchdogs from dozens of countries, including nearly all European Union member states. According to the report, "The anti-Semitic atmosphere has become a public arena issue, intensively dealt with vis-a-vis the triangle made of the constant rise of the extreme right, a heated anti-Zionist discourse on the left, accompanied by harsh anti-Semitic expressions, and radical Islam." "People in Europe are on the front lines," Prof. Porat said. "The word 'Jew' has come back as a bad word. But we are not alone. Other minorities are suffering as well. We should suggest a coalition, an umbrella organization to work together in this fight, extending a hand to other groups who are suffering, like moderate Muslims and the Roma." "We need to strengthen the tools with which the governmental agencies fight anti-Semitism," concluded Dr. Kantor. "We need a pragmatic road map to fight this, and we need to limit our tolerance for those individuals who reject the principles of tolerance. We cannot fight anti-Semitism as if it is just a Jewish problem." ### American Friends of Tel Aviv University supports Israel's most influential, comprehensive and sought-after center of higher learning, Tel Aviv University (TAU). TAU is recognized and celebrated internationally for creating an innovative, entrepreneurial culture on campus that generates inventions, startups and economic development in Israel. TAU is ranked ninth in the world, and first in Israel, for producing start-up founders of billion-dollar companies, an achievement that surpassed several Ivy League universities. To date, 2,500 US patents have been filed by Tel Aviv University researchers -- ranking TAU #1 in Israel, #10 outside of the US and #43 in the world. The Tibetan Plateau has experienced more rapid climate warming than the global average, coupled with greater interannual variation in precipitation over the past 50 years. How will such dramatic climate change influence the structure and function of alpine grasslands? Interest in this topic is high because of its importance to the sustainable development of animal husbandry and the livelihood of Tibetan inhabitants. In 2011, HE Jinsheng's research team at the Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, collaborating with scientists from Peking University, established a warming-by-precipitation manipulative experiment at the Haibei National Field Research Station of Alpine Grassland Ecosystem. By combining the field manipulative experiment, 32 years of field monitoring and a meta-analysis from nine sites across the plateau, the impact of climate change on species composition and net primary productivity in Tibetan alpine grasslands was investigated. The results have been published online in PNAS in a paper entitled "Shifting plant species composition in response to climate change stabilizes grassland primary production." The study showed that, although the Haibei station became warmer and drier, aboveground net primary productivity did not vary systematically over the past 32 years. Meanwhile, the relative contribution of plant functional groups to total productivity changed significantly; over time, the productivity of grasses increased, and that of sedges decreased. The shifted species composition enabled the aggregate community to access more water and thus buffered the community to a stabilization of productivity under warming-induced drier conditions. The manipulative experiment further confirmed that warming had no impact on any aspect of net primary productivity, whereas drought shifted net primary productivity allocation belowground without affecting total net primary productivity. These results suggest that climate warming affects alpine grassland productivity through changing soil water content; more importantly, shifting plant species composition stabilizes grassland primary production under climate change. ### This study was supported by grants from the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the National Basic Research Program of China, and the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Los Alamos, New Mexico, April 18, 2018--Explosives have an inherent problem - they should be perfectly safe for handling and storage but detonate reliably on demand. Using computer modeling and a novel molecule design technique, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory have replaced one "arm" of an explosive molecule to help unravel the first steps in the detonation process and better understand its sensitivity -- how easily it begins a violent reaction. "It started out with, can we take a common initiating explosive PentaErythritol TetraNitrate (PETN) and replace parts of it to change sensitivity properties," said explosives chemist Virginia Manner. "So we replaced an arm of PETN with various non-energetic groups to see how those different groups could change the sensitivity of the overall molecule. This is the first time we've taken a fundamental system like this and changed different parts of it to see how it could affect sensitivity." The research was published today in Chemical Science the "flagship journal" for the Royal Society of Chemistry. The researchers were able to change the sensitivity of the PETN-type materials, making them both less sensitive and more sensitive. PETN was invented in Germany in 1894, is one of the more powerful explosive materials, and is typically used only in small quantities due to its relatively high sensitivity. Another novel approach to this research is the close collaboration between chemists and computer modelers at Los Alamos. "About three years ago I realized that some modeling would really help," said Manner. "So I asked Marc Cawkwell to work with me and realized we had totally different ideas on what made explosives sensitive. I thought it was all just fundamental chemistry and he thought it's the mechanical properties that are controlling whether an explosive is insensitive or sensitive. Over the course of this work we slowly convinced each other that we were both wrong!" "Or rather, partly right!" added Cawkwell. Using a molecular dynamics computer code written at Los Alamos called "LATTE" Cawkwell is able to model the making and breaking of chemical bonds in explosives very accurately. "The chemistry comes from the electronic structure of a molecule," said Cawkwell. "With LATTE we can accurately calculate the energy of a molecule and the force on every atom from its electronic structure, which allows us to propagate the positions of all of the atoms forward in time and let the system evolve. If the temperature and pressure are high enough then we see a cascade of chemistry that initiates an explosion." The modeling is then used to interpret experiments in the form of a drop-weight impact test, to see if a newly synthesized explosive initiates easily (sensitive) or requires more force (insensitive) to explode. What the modeling provides is a much deeper understanding of the underlying processes in a detonation. "It really allowed us to understand these fairly simple drop weight experiments in exquisite atomistic detail," said Cawkwell. "For instance, the 'unzippering' reaction in PETN that was identified by our colleague Ed Kober from the LATTE simulations was something neither of us could anticipate." "The ultimate goal is to see if can we predictively tune explosives,"said Manner. "In the future people are going to want to know, how can we make explosives more or less safe or sensitive, particularly for nuclear stockpile applications. In general, people are just looking at these explosives that have been around for 100 years or more and trying to understand them. So we thought if we can make a system where we're systematically tuning sensitivity, where we really understand the molecular properties that are affecting initiation the most, then we could guide the development of new explosives in the future." ### The Chemical Science research article can be found here.Cawkwell and Manner acknowledge the extensive contributions of the paper's additional authors, Edward Kober, Thomas Myers, Geoff Brown, Hongzhao Tian, Christopher Snyder, Romain Perriot and Daniel Preston, without which the work could not have been completed. The research was funded by Los Alamos National Laboratory Science Campaign Two. Confidence in cooking ability led to fewer fast food meals, more meals as a family, and more frequent preparation of meals with vegetables in adulthood, according to a new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior Philadelphia, April 17, 2018 - Evidence suggests that developing cooking and food preparation skills is important for health and nutrition, yet the practice of home cooking is declining and now rarely taught in school. A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that developing cooking skills as a young adult may have long-term benefits for health and nutrition. "The impact of developing cooking skills early in life may not be apparent until later in adulthood when individuals have more opportunity and responsibility for meal preparation," said lead author Jennifer Utter, PhD, MPH, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. "The strength of this study is the large, population-based sample size followed over a period of 10 years to explore the impact of perceived cooking skills on later nutritional well-being." Data were collected as part of the Project Eating and Activity in Teens and Young Adults longitudinal study conducted in Minneapolis-Saint Paul area schools. Participants reported on adequacy of cooking skills in 2002-2003 when they were 18 to 23 years old. Data was then collected in 2015-2016 on nutrition-related outcomes when participants were 30 to 35 years old. Questions assessed the perceived adequacy of cooking skills, how often they prepared a meal that included vegetables, how often they ate meals as a family, and how often they ate at a fast food restaurant. Most participants perceived their cooking skills to be adequate at age 18 - 23, with approximately one quarter of adults reporting their cooking skills to be very adequate. There were no differences in perceived cooking skills by sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment, or age. Perceived adequacy of cooking skills predicted multiple indicators of nutrition outcomes later in adulthood including greater odds of preparing a meal with vegetables most days and less frequent consumption of fast food. If those who perceived their cooking skills as adequate had families, they ate more frequent family meals, less frequent fast food meals, and had fewer barriers to food preparation. "Opportunities to develop cooking skills by adolescents may result in long-term benefits for nutritional well-being," said Dr. Utter. "Families, health and nutrition professionals, educators, community agencies, and funders can continue to invest in home economics and cooking education knowing that the benefits may not be fully realized until young adults develop more autonomy and live independently." ### Study published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces is the outcome of an international effort that included teams from Dresden and Berlin in Germany, and the US. Scientists at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) together with colleagues from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA have found a way to write and delete magnets in an alloy using a laser beam - a surprising effect. The reversibility of the process opens up new possibilities in the fields of material processing, optical technology, and data storage. Researchers of the HZDR, an independent German research laboratory, studied an alloy of iron and aluminum. It is interesting as a prototype material because subtle changes to its atomic arrangement can completely transform its magnetic behavior. "The alloy possesses a highly ordered structure, with layers of iron atoms that are separated by aluminum atomic layers. When a laser beam destroys this order, the iron atoms are brought closer together and begin to behave like magnets," says HZDR physicist Rantej Bali. Bali and his team prepared a thin film of the alloy on top of transparent magnesia through which a laser beam was shone on the film. When they, together with researchers of the HZB, directed a well-focused laser beam with a pulse of 100 femtoseconds (a femtosecond is a millionth of a billionth of a second) at the alloy, a ferromagnetic area was formed. Shooting laser pulses at the same area again - this time at reduced laser intensity - was then used to delete the magnet. With a single laser pulse at reduced intensity, about half of the previous level of magnetization was retained, and with a series of laser pulses, the magnetization disappeared altogether. These observations were made at the HZB-run Bessy II synchrotron using a microscope that deploys soft X-rays to study the magnetic contrast. Working with a team from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, USA the scientist were able to clarify what happens in the alloy during this process. The simulations of the American colleagues show that the ferromagnetic state is formed when the ultra-short laser pulse heats up the thin-film material to the extent that it melts, all the way from the surface to the magnesia interface. As the alloy cools down it enters a state known as a "supercooled liquid" wherein it remains molten, despite the temperature having dropped below the melting point. This state is reached because of a lack of nucleation sites - microscopic locations where the atoms can begin to arrange into a lattice. As the atoms move around in the supercooled state in search for nucleation sites, the temperature continues to drop. Finally, the atoms in the supercooled state must form a solid lattice, and like in a game of musical chairs, the iron and aluminum atoms end up being trapped in random positions within the lattice. The process takes only a few nanoseconds and the random arrangement of atoms renders a magnet. The same laser, but with a reduced intensity, rearranges the atoms into a well ordered structure. The weaker laser shot melts only thin layers of the film, creating a molten pool sitting on the solid alloy. Within a nanosecond after melting, and as soon as the temperature drops below the melting point, the solid part of the film starts to regrow, and the atoms rapidly rearrange from the disordered liquid structure to the crystal lattice. With the lattice already formed and the temperature still being high enough, the atoms possess sufficient energy to diffuse through the lattice and separate into layers of iron and aluminum. PhD student Jonathan Ehrler summarizes: "To write magnetic areas, we have to melt the material from the surface down to the interface, while to delete it, we only need to melt a fraction of it." In further experiments, the scientists now want to investigate this process in other ordered alloys. They also want to explore the impact of a combination of several laser beams. Interference effects could be used to generate patterned magnetic materials over large areas. "The remarkably strong changes to the material property may well lead to some interesting applications," reckons Bali. Lasers are used for many different purposes in industry, for instance in material processing. This discovery may also open further avenues in optical and data storage technologies. ### Publication: Jonathan Ehrler et al., ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, "Laser-rewriteable Ferromagnetism at Thin Film Surfaces", DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsami.8b01190 Further information: Dr. Rantej Bali / Jonathan Ehrler Institute of Ion Beam Physics and Materials Research at HZDR Phone +49 351 260 - 2919 Email: r.bali@hzdr.de / j.ehrler@hzdr.de A new book from IIASA and the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC) examines potential future scenarios on population trends across the world, taking into account migration, fertility, mortality, education, and labor force participation. The book, Demographic and human capital scenarios for the 21st century, is the work of the Centre of Expertise on Population and Migration (CEPAM) a collaboration between IIASA's World Population Program and the JRC. The CEPAM partnership was launched to provide comprehensive assessments of the drivers of possible future migration to Europe and study the implications of alternative future migration scenarios that could help to inform European policies from 2019 onwards. The book presents an essential background study for that work. It also serves as an update to a previous book, World Population and Human Capital in the Twenty-First Century, published in 2014. When fertility levels are low, as is being seen in Europe at the moment, international migration becomes the main factor influencing population growth. However, in terms of economic growth, the size of the labor force and productivity matter more. Previous demographic assessments have only considered age and sex in population trends, while this new study also factored in educational attainment and labor force participation for EU member states. The book looks at the population outcomes for 201 different countries, based on three different migration scenarios in addition to different fertility, mortality, and education scenarios. The 'medium' scenario assumes that migration rates will remain similar to the average level observed for each country from 1960-2015. The 'double migration' scenario assumes twice the average level of in- and out- migration rates. The 'zero migration' scenario assumes no migration. The editors say that these "naive" scenarios serve as benchmarks to understand how migration affects population, rather than realistic forecasts. "Migration should be seen as an integral part of population dynamics. This is why this volume considers it in the context of alternative possible scenarios for all countries of the world over the rest of this century," says IIASA World Population Program Director Wolfgang Lutz. For example, in the medium scenario, world population would continue to increase until 2070-80, reaching 9.8 billion before beginning to decrease. The increase is higher than in the 2014 book largely due to a faster decline in child mortality in Africa. An alternative scenario assuming rapid social development and in particular better levels of education of women would lower fertility rates, with a peak population of 8.9 billion reached in 2055-60. Stalled social development and lower levels of education result in higher fertility rates and the population continuing to climb over the century, reaching 13.4 billion in 2100. Different areas of the world, however, will differ. In the European Union, under the medium scenario, population will marginally increase to around 512 million people by 2035, largely due to immigration. After that there will be a decline as fertility rates are low, with significant aging seen. However, the available labor force does not necessarily shrink if female participation rises. Meanwhile, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the population under the medium scenario is likely to double by 2060, to around 2.2 billion people. With stalled social development and a lack of expansion of schooling, this could even rise to 2.7 billion. This in turn would lead to widespread poverty and high vulnerability to climate change with serious implications for potential emigration. The scenarios developed will also help policymakers facing a broad range of challenges from the economic consequences of population aging to setting development priorities in Africa. The editors say that the results of the CEPAM studies show that within certain bounds, future trends in population are not a given, and can still be influenced by policies in the longer term. In the short term, it is migration that can most easily be influenced by policies. ### Reference Lutz L, Goujon A, Samir KC, Stonawski M, Stilianakis N eds. (2018) Demographic and human capital scenarios for the 21st century. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union [pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/15226/] More information http://www.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/research/researchPrograms/WorldPopulation/Research/Centre_of_Expertise_on_Population_and_Migration.html http://www.iiasa.ac.at/web/home/research/researchPrograms/WorldPopulation/Research/Research_Intro.html Lutz W, Butz WP, and Samir KC. (2014) World Population and Human Capital in the Twenty-First Century. UK: Oxford University Press [pure.iiasa.ac.at/id/eprint/11143/] Contacts: Wolfgang Lutz Program Director World Population Tel: +43(0) 2236 807 294 lutz@iiasa.ac.at Helen Tunnicliffe IIASA Press Office Tel: +43 2236 807 316 Mob: +43 676 83 807 316 tunnicli@iiasa.ac.at About IIASA: The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) is an international scientific institute that conducts research into the critical issues of global environmental, economic, technological, and social change that we face in the twenty-first century. Our findings provide valuable options to policymakers to shape the future of our changing world. IIASA is independent and funded by prestigious research funding agencies in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and Europe. http://www.iiasa.ac.at The flight routes of passenger aircrafts are generally well established. In practice, unforeseen factors, mainly related to the weather, often force pilots to cover more kilometres than anticipated. A Polish-Colombian team of scientists and engineers, inspired by the behaviour of insects and birds, has developed software that allows real-time rational modification of flight routes. As a result, it was possible to achieve measurable savings, both financial and with regard to environmental protection. Verified by millions of years of evolution, the characteristics of the world's wildlife have often served as inspiration for scientists. This was also the case for the scientists and engineers from the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS) in Warsaw and Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (UCC). The team decided to use their interdisciplinary knowledge to optimize the flight routes of aircrafts. The aim was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce noise pollution and reduce operating costs. The task was carried out using algorithms reflecting the characteristic features of the behaviour of bees and cuckoos. "In Warsaw, we deal mainly with catalysis. Recently, it has turned out that methods inspired by solutions found in nature can be applied in the analysis of catalytic issues," explains Prof. Juan Carlos Colmenares, of the IPC PAS. "We were interested to see if we could use our knowledge to optimize fuel combustion in aircraft engines. With our partners from Colombia, we started work with one module, but the programme rapidly began to grow to include more, taking into account other factors affecting flight patterns." In development for three years, the software has been prepared in terms of setting optimal flight paths for short-range aircraft equipped with turbo-fan engines with a constant combustion volume. Within this group, each type of aircraft is represented by an appropriate set of parameters. In the future, researchers plan to expand the software with algorithms and data taking into account the specific characteristics of aircraft with engines of other types. The software already incorporates a whole range of parameters, related not only to the type of fuel used, engine performance or aerodynamics, but also to the originally assumed flight paths, climbing and descent profiles, length of airport runways and local topography. Chemical and noise emission modules deal with optimization of the impact on the environment. The package meets the safety standards imposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The heart of the software is two algorithms for finding potential flight paths. The basic algorithm uses principles seen in nature in the movement of groups of animals, especially in schools of fish or swarms of bees. Each individual in the group decides on the next movement based on the knowledge acquired to date of the best places visited by him and other individuals of the group, he also takes into account the inertia of his movement. In the package optimizing flight paths, the 'bees' are various points around the aircraft, each of them being treated as a separate individual penetrating the area. The algorithm begins working from a swarm of points moving around the plane. In the next iterations of the algorithm, the 'bees' begin to cluster around the optimal place at a given moment and this is considered the next stage of the flight path. The second algorithm for searching for the next stage of the flight imitates the behaviour of the cuckoo, the bird laying its eggs in other birds' nests. Flight paths designed using the cuckoo algorithm are characterized by long and straight sections, violently turning 90 degrees. "The great advantage of the software we have developed is the fact that it works in real time. As a result, the flight controller and the pilot receive hints on a regular basis. Not only can they make a decision quickly but also consciously, once choosing a slightly more risky route, but one that is more economical, at other times opting for a maximally safe route, but taking a little longer," emphasizes Prof. Colmenares. In order to test the software, the researchers analyzed the effectiveness of its predictions with regard to the popular Airbus A320 aircraft with CFM56-5 engines, serving routes of around 350 km with typical flight parameters (cruising speed 828 km/h, 39,370 feet, etc.). The simulations show that in unconventional situations, the routes proposed by the software were, on average, about 11 km shorter than the typical alternative ones, delineated in the classic manner on the basis of the flight plan. Ultimately, the optimization allowed the total operating costs of one machine to be reduced by 1.16%. "Profit at a level not much larger than one percent does not look particularly great. Our simulations show, however, that in the case of a single but often used aircraft, the savings over a year can reach even hundreds of thousands of dollars. And yet we are only just beginning to expand our software and it is not yet fully optimized! So, in the future, we can expect slightly higher savings than those currently forecast... but we should not expect miracles", says Dr. Eng. Ramon Fernando Colmenares-Quintero, Prof. UCC. In the coming years, the individual parts of the package optimizing the routes of flights will be improved, and the package itself will be expanded with new modules. Polish-Colombian research on the issues described here is financed by the Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia (project no. 1510) with the support of the Colombian Instituto Tecnologico Metropolitano. ### This press release was inspired by the European Create grant (ERA Chair under the Horizon 2020 programme.) The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences was established in 1955 as one of the first chemical institutes of the PAS. The Institute's scientific profile is strongly related to the newest global trends in the development of physical chemistry and chemical physics. Scientific research is conducted in nine scientific departments. CHEMIPAN R&D Laboratories, operating as part of the Institute, implement, produce and commercialise specialist chemicals to be used, in particular, in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. The Institute publishes approximately 200 original research papers annually. Using drug repurposing, a team of researchers led by animal biologists at Nagoya University has discovered compounds that can either shorten or lengthen the circadian rhythm in human cells. A hormone, also known as a common anti-aging supplement demonstrated period-shortening activities, and when it was fed to mice, jet lag symptoms were significantly reduced. Further screening of known bioactive compounds may lead to the discovery of other effective compounds that can treat circadian clock disorders arising from jet lag and shift work. Nagoya, Japan - A group of animal biologists and chemists at the Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM), Nagoya University, has used high throughput chemical screening of existing drugs and bioactive compounds to explore their effect on circadian rhythms, according to a study reported in the journal EMBO Molecular Medicine. The researchers have succeeded in identifying various hit compounds that can regulate the circadian rhythm in human cells, including a well-known anti-aging supplement that was able to reduce jet lag in mice. The experiments were carried out through a joint research collaboration between researchers at ITbM, National Institute for Basic Biology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, and Kindai University. Many frequent flyers who travel across time zones tend to suffer from jet lag, which is caused by a mismatch between external time cues (shifted day/night cycle) and their biological (circadian) clock. The circadian clock in humans has an approximate 24-hour rhythm, and the circadian rhythm plays an important role in regulating sleep/wake cycles, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Therefore, chronic disruption of the circadian rhythm arising from jet lag or shift work (circadian desynchrony) may lead to various symptoms, such as sleep disorders, obesity and an increased risk of cancer in the long term. Although jet lag usually triggers a number of undesirable symptoms, effective drugs or supplements to cure it remain scarce at the moment. Most of the drugs discovered so far by circadian biologists that reduce jet lag in mice, require injection of the drug into a specific region of the brain, which is not very practical. Takashi Yoshimura, an animal biologist and Professor at ITbM, Nagoya University, decided to use a drug repurposing strategy, a technique to identify new functions for existing bioactive compounds, to search for compounds that can regulate the circadian clock and might be useful for the treatment of jet lag. Developing of new pharmaceuticals is usually highly costly and time-consuming, which is proved by data showing that a single drug costs 2-3 billion USD and takes up to 13-15 years to reach the market on average. Therefore, drug repurposing is a popular approach to develop new drugs. Famous examples of drug repurposing include the redevelopment of minoxidil, originally launched on the market as a vasodilator, repurposed for hair growth, as well as sildenafil, an antihypertensive, repurposed for the treatment for erectile dysfunction and marketed as Viagra. "In 2015, we had reported the synthesis of a molecule with demonstrated period-shortening activities on mammalian circadian clocks discovered through a collaboration between ITbM's chronobiologists, synthetic chemists and theoretical scientists," says Yoshimura. "Unfortunately, this compound was rather toxic, which led me to think more about the safety of molecules. I then considered that drug repurposing would be a better approach to identify compounds that can be used to treat jet lag, as the toxicity and mode of action of existing drugs would have already been investigated." The research group conducted high throughput screening of over 1000 compounds consisting of existing drugs, including those approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of USA, Europe or Asia, and drugs under clinical trial, to search for drugs that can regulate the circadian rhythm in mammals. Circadian clock research has been ongoing for many decades and has led to the discovery of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm, which was awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Almost all of the cells in our body contain a circadian clock and are mainly controlled by a central circadian pacemaker, located in the hypothalamus of the brain. The circadian clocks contained in most tissues and cells are driven by transcriptional-translational feedback loops composed of circadian clock genes and proteins. Two clock proteins, CLOCK (Circadian locomoter output cycles protein kaput) and BMAL1 (Brain and Muscle Arnt-like1) bind to each other to form a heterodimer complex, which then binds to a DNA sequence called E-box (CACGTG) located in the upper region of clock genes, Per (Period) and Cry (Cryptochrome), present in the genome. This activates the transcription and translation of Per and Cry genes, leading to the generation of clock proteins PER and CRY. PER and CRY proteins form a dimer, which then inhibits their transcriptional activators, CLOCK and BMAL1. Activation and inhibition by clock genes and proteins constitutes a transcriptional-translational feedback loop, which completes a cycle once a day, thus generating a 24-hour circadian rhythm in various physiological and behavioral processes. The research team screened various drug libraries by setting up a system where they observed the daily transcription of the clock gene Bmal1 through monitoring of a bioluminescent rhythm using the firefly's bioluminescence (luciferase) gene. Each drug was added to a 384-well plate containing human cells (U2OS) transfected with the luciferase gene. As a result of high throughput screening of over 1000 existing drugs, the team found 59 hit compounds that affected the bioluminescent rhythm. Among these drugs, 46 compounds lengthened the circadian period, and 13 compounds shortened the period. These hit compounds contained bioactive molecules that are used as anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and contraceptive agents, hormones, vitamins, as well as for the treatment of diseases related to the central nervous system, digestive system, heart and skin. The results of their studies suggest that approximately 5% of the drugs currently on the market may have some effect on our circadian rhythms, depending on their dose and duration of administration. "I was really excited to find hit compounds that had period-changing effects on human cells and wanted to test them immediately in mice to see if the drugs could relieve jet lag symptoms," says Yoshimura. "Many members in our group were hesitant though, as they thought that the effects observed in cells were too small, but I had no doubt that the results would translate from the cell level (in vitro) to the animal level (in vivo)." For most travellers, flying west (e.g. from Asia to Europe), which delays the circadian clock, does not cause too many health problems. On the other hand, flying east (e.g. from Asia to America), which fast-forwards the circadian clock, forces people to wake up earlier than usual and tends to cause severe jet lag symptoms, such as fatigue and insomnia. Therefore, Yoshimura and his group decided to investigate circadian period-shortening compounds that will fast-forward the circadian clock and relieve jet lag symptoms when travelling east. Among the 13 circadian period-shortening compounds that the group identified, the researchers focused on a steroid hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is commercially available as an anti-aging supplement in USA. In humans, DHEA is produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and brain, and is a precursor for testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is one of the most abundant circulating hormones in the blood stream, but its concentration usually decreases with age. This is why DHEA is sold as a supplement for anti-aging and for boosting metabolism. Further investigation showed that DHEA shortens the period of the circadian clock in cultured human cells in a dose dependent manner. The team found that DHEA speeds up the circadian rhythm in human cells, as well as in cultured cells and tissues of mice. As previous studies have demonstrated the safety of orally administering DHEA in mice, experiments were carried out to test whether DHEA had an effect on the circadian rhythm of mice. "When we fed DHEA mixed with powdered food to mice, we were surprised and pleased to find that DHEA shortened the circadian period in mice," says Katherine Tamai, a postdoctoral researcher in Professor Yoshimura's group who mainly conducted the experiments. "We then did a jet lag experiment where we placed the mice under light/dark conditions and then advanced the cycle by 6 hours, which is similar to a time shift encountered when travelling from Japan to Alaska. Jet-lagged mice that were fed DHEA appeared to recover and adapt to the new time zone faster than mice that were fed normal food. On average, mice fed DHEA recovered from jet lag in about 2-3 days, whereas mice without DHEA took about 5-6 days for their activities to readjust to the new light/dark cycle," she describes. "I started this research in 2016, and being a biologist who worked mainly with fish, I was afraid at first to test the drugs out on mice, but Professor Yoshimura was very optimistic and confident that this experiment would work, and his persistence paid off," says Tamai. The simple solution appears to be to take DHEA to cure jet lag, but one important issue is that the circulating levels of DHEA in mice and humans is different. The reason why DHEA may have been so effective in mice may be because the initial circulating concentration of DHEA is significantly lower in mice (approximately 15%) compared to humans. Also, extremely high doses of DHEA have actually led to lengthening of the circadian period. Therefore, further investigation is required to evaluate the actual effectiveness of DHEA for the treatment of jet lag in humans. "Our studies have shown that DHEA probably acts primarily on the peripheral circadian clocks rather than on the master clock in the central nervous system, which has control over clocks in the entire body," explains Yoshimura. "In order to completely relieve jet lag, it is necessary to adjust both the central and peripheral circadian clocks. We envisage that DHEA may be effective when taken along with another drug that acts upon the central circadian clock." Using drug repurposing, Yoshimura's group not only identified circadian rhythm changing drugs, but also succeeded in identifying genes that are involved in the regulation of the circadian clock. The group identified several tyrosine kinase inhibitors that affected circadian rhythms and found evidence suggesting that the ABL (Abelson murine leukemia) and BCR (breakpoint cluster region) protein kinases are involved in the regulation of the mammalian circadian clock. Tyrosine is an amino acid present in proteins that contains a hydroxyl moiety, and kinases are enzymes that catalyze phosphorylation (addition of a phosphate group) of various substrates in the cell. Hydroxyl, amine and carboxyl moieties in proteins can be phosphorylated, which modifies the proteins to switch them on or off for various functions. Previous reports have shown that in a genetic abnormality called Philadelphia chromosome, fusion of ABL and BCR genes cause leukemia. However, the exact roles of these genes in the normal state have remained unknown, as genetic knockout of these genes is lethal. Yoshimura's group have screened existing drugs to discover that these enzymes for phosphorylation arising from ABL and BCR genes are involved in the regulation of the circadian clock, thus proving that chemical genetic approaches are useful for circadian clock research. "We are currently expanding our chemical libraries and are now screening food additives and natural products to find compounds that can regulate the circadian rhythm in humans," says Yoshimura. "We hope to develop and be able to deliver new and safe compounds that can be taken orally to cure jet lag." ### This article "Identification of circadian clock modulators from existing drugs" by T. Katherine Tamai, Yusuke Nakane, Wataru Ota, Akane Kobayashi, Masateru Ishiguro, Naoya Kadofusa, Keisuke Ikegami, Kazuhiro Yagita, Yasufumi Shigeyoshi, Masaki Sudo, Taeko Nishiwaki-Ohkawa, Ayato Sato, & Takashi Yoshimura is published online in EMBO Molecular Medicine. DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708724 (http://dx.doi.org/10.15252/emmm.201708724) About WPI-ITbM (http://www.itbm.nagoya-u.ac.jp/) The Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (ITbM) at Nagoya University in Japan is committed to advance the integration of synthetic chemistry, plant/animal biology and theoretical science, all of which are traditionally strong fields in the university. ITbM is one of the research centers of the Japanese MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) program, the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI). The aim of ITbM is to develop transformative bio-molecules, innovative functional molecules capable of bringing about fundamental change to biological science and technology. Research at ITbM is carried out in a "Mix Lab" style, where international young researchers from various fields work together side-by-side in the same lab, enabling interdisciplinary interaction. Through these endeavors, ITbM will create "transformative bio-molecules" that will dramatically change the way of research in chemistry, biology and other related fields to solve urgent problems, such as environmental issues, food production and medical technology that have a significant impact on the society. Author Contact Professor Takashi Yoshimura Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan TEL: +81-52-789-4056 E-mail: takashiy@agr.nagoya-u.ac.jp Dr. T. Katherine Tamai Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan E-mail: ktamai@itbm.nagoya-u.ac.jp Media Contact Dr. Ayako Miyazaki Institute of Transformative Bio-Molecules (WPI-ITbM), Nagoya University Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464-8601, Japan TEL: +81-52-789-4999 FAX: +81-52-789-3053 E-mail: ayako.miyazaki@itbm.nagoya-u.ac.jp Using computer models and laboratory rats, Johns Hopkins researchers have demonstrated that "direct electrical current" can be delivered to nerves preferentially, blocking pain signals while leaving other sensations undisturbed. The researchers say the experiments advance the search for improved implantable devices able to treat chronic pain that is due to peripheral nerve injury or disease. "We have developed a potential new concept for neural implants that works differently than conventional electrical stimulators," says Gene Fridman, Ph.D., M.S., assistant professor of otolaryngology--head and neck surgery and biomedical engineering at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. "We believe we are the first to investigate the idea of using this concept for implantable medical devices that use direct electrical current, long thought to be unsafe." Implantable spinal cord stimulators and peripheral nerve stimulators designed to interrupt nerve pain impulses were developed more than 30 years ago, but the devices work by interacting with sensory nerve cells, leading to numbness, tingling and other side effects. In a report on the new findings, published online April 11 in Science Advances, the researchers say direct electrical current devices would allow for more precise, preferential targeting of the appropriate pain-transmitting nerve cells, making them more effective for pain suppression and reducing the side effects of conventional devices. Traditionally, direct current -- or single-direction streaming electrical signaling -- has been considered unsafe for medical devices that deliver electrical stimulation in the body. The continual flow of electrical current results in chemical reactions at the site of the electrodes delivering the signal, causing gas bubbles, corrosion and toxic byproducts to form. All modern implantable electrical stimulation devices use alternating current pulses instead, in which the electrical current switches back and forth very quickly in a circuit between positive and negative voltage. Such rapid pulses allow the devices to interact with the nervous system but don't create the toxic chemical reactions. In 2013, Fridman and his team reported on successful efforts to develop an ionic direct current system, which converts the "safe" pulses like those delivered in the conventional stimulator into direct ionic current that may potentially be applied to the body safely. To find out if the modified system of direct ionic current could be safely used to preferentially target and silence pain-transmitting neurons, Fridman teamed up with pain researcher Yun Guan, M.D., Ph.D., an associate professor of anesthesiology, critical care medicine and neurological surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. When nerve cells receive a signal of pain or other sensation, the signal opens sodium channels and floods the cell with positively charged sodium ions, which positively charge the neurons until the electrochemistry changes enough to inactivate the channels and close them. This change in electrical charge of the neuron is what propagates and sends the signal to the spinal cord and then to the brain to register as a sensation, such as pain or pressure. Each nerve in mammalian arms and legs contains multiple sensory neurons (nerve cells) transmitting pain and other sensations such as touch or feeling to the spinal cord. Fridman and Guan realized that the pain and "feeling" sensory neurons each contained different kinds of sodium channels and that it may be possible to block one kind of channel and not the others to prevent patients from feeling pain but not other sensations. Fridman and Guan's team first devised a computer model to try to predict what happens when researchers use direct current to block the pain signals or inhibit other sensory neurons. In the model they sent negatively charged direct current to the nerves to weaken their activity. The model showed that the sodium channels 1.6 in the feeling sensory neurons were blocked with 670 microamperes, but the pain neuron's sodium channels 1.7 were blocked at only 290 microamperes. For comparison, holding a 9-volt battery to the tongue delivers approximately 2,000 microamperes, causing a small shock. This suggested to the researchers that it was theoretically possible to preferentially target one type of neuron over another, since the channels could be blocked at different levels of current. Next, working with anesthetized rats, they sent direct ionic current into the sciatic nerve in the legs and, using neural recording electrodes, recorded whether this current inhibited the activity of individual or groups of neurons at the spinal cord. In a series of experiments, they increased the current in two-minute increments from 0.1 to 0.2, 0.4 and 0.8 milliamperes. The current at 0.8 milliamperes completely blocked the response of the pain-transmitting neurons. Although signals from the feeling sensory neurons were reduced by 20 percent, they were still active and sending sensation signals to the spinal cord. After the current was stopped, the signal from the pain-transmitting neurons remained blocked for another two minutes, whereas the signal from the feeling sensory neurons quickly came back. "Using direct current, we can inhibit the pain-transmitting neurons at much lower amplitudes than the feeling sensory neurons, allowing us to be preferential in how we target the nerve," says Guan. "We also found that because the pain neurons take longer to come back on line, we may be able to conserve energy and not have to deliver this electrical current constantly to keep them blocked." Being able to deliver this current periodically rather than constantly would mean longer use of the neural implant before needing to recharge the battery, says Guan. Guan cautions that more studies will be needed to verify safety and measure the strength and duration of pain relief before direct ionic current devices could be used for people. ### Other authors on the study include Fei Yang, Michael Anderson, Shaoqiu He, Kimberly Stephens, Yu Zheng, Zhiyong Chen, Srinivasa Raja and Felix Aplin of Johns Hopkins. The study was funded by awards from the Neurosurgery Pain Research Institute and the Blaustein Pain Research Fund, and grants from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (R21 NS099879, R01 NS070814, R01 NS092726). Team of researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania, are designing an innovative device, which will increase aircraft safety during takeoff; the idea behind the innovation can be adapted both for small aircraft and large jets Team of researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Lithuania are designing an innovative device, which will increase aircraft safety during takeoff. During the first 10 seconds of the takeoff roll, the device predicts if the aircraft will reach the sufficient speed for taking off. The idea behind the innovation can be adapted both for small aircraft and large jets. According to statistics provided by Boeing, but including all airliner accidents, 13% of fatal aircraft accidents occur during takeoff. One of the biggest challenges for the pilot is, when something bad happens during a takeoff roll, to decide whether to continue the takeoff and deal with the problem during the flight, or to stop the aircraft. Information provided by Eurostat indicates that 85% of all fatal air accidents in 2016 were connected to general aviation aircraft. Experts claim that most general aviation - all civil aviation operations other than scheduled air services - accidents involve some kind of pilot error. "Where subjectivity is involved, errors are inevitable", says Dr Darijus Pagodinas, researcher at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Being a pilot himself, he is familiar with official regulations, which indicate what length of runway is needed for an aircraft of certain weight, under certain weather conditions. However, these regulations are useful only when everything goes well: when the engines are working on their full capacity, when there are no unexpected failures, sudden weather changes or other disturbances. When something goes wrong, a pilot might make a mistake in assessing the acceleration of the plane, and fail to understand that the length of the runway is too short for the aircraft to reach the speed needed for safe takeoff. "If the aircraft's engine is not working properly, if the cross or back wind component is too big, the air is too humid, the takeoff field is too rough, slippery or wet, the pilot is left to rely on his or her subjective opinion whether the aircraft will reach the required speed for takeoff in the given distance or not", explains Dr Pagodinas. That is how the idea to create a device, which would objectively assess the factual acceleration of an aircraft during the start and, coordinating the data of accelerometer with the runway length, would calculate the prospect of safe takeoff, came to life. The device would also inform the pilot if the aircraft couldn't proceed to safely accelerate. Together with KTU Professor Vytautas Dumbrava, Dr Pagodinas is designing a device, which during the first 10 seconds of the takeoff roll calculates if the aircraft will reach the required speed under current conditions. According to Dr Pagodinas, in total the takeoff takes up to 40 seconds; if the device predicts failure, the pilot still has time to stop the aircraft. The portable device created at KTU uses the parameters of the aircraft accelerometers, and the pilot of light or ultralight aircraft has to enter 5 additional parameters: magnetic course of the runway, wind direction and speed, approximate length of the runway, and the takeoff speed (or, in aviation terms, v1 speed). The device is turning acceleration into speed, speed into distance, and while the aircraft is rolling on the runway its location and the possibility to take off is being calculated. "The innovative meter can be useful for all aircraft, where even small change of direction or speed of wind or other conditions is of critical importance", says Professor Dumbrava. According to researchers, although the current autonomic device, which has been prototyped and tested is designed for small private planes, the same idea can be adapted to all aircraft, including large jets flying on commercial routes. "The system could be easily installed in contemporary passenger aircraft, such as Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and similar. This would not involve any additional sensors, just a special software, which would compare the plane's factual speed at the start with the defined speed profile, stored in the memory of the aircraft computer. If the real speed profile was not matching the defined one, the system would send an alarm signal", says Dr Pagodinas. KTU researchers are hoping to find a company, which would be interested in cooperation to test the software in their flights. "Our innovation would increase safety of air travelling. Aviation history is recorded in blood as new safety requirements are implemented only after analysing the reasons of fatal accidents. I have had numerous conversations with experienced captains having ten thousand hours of flight experience, and they are convinced that an objective system, which informs about takeoff conditions is needed", says Dr Pagodinas. At the moment, the researchers are aiming to obtain a patent for the device and method for defining a safe aircraft runway distance. The initial priority patent application for this invention is submitted to the Lithuanian Patent Office on March 5th, 2018 (Application No. LT2018 509). Commercialisation of the product is facilitated by KTU National Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre - one stop shop for knowledge intensive business to contact research. ### ROCHESTER, Minn. - A Mayo Clinic study finds no evidence that children given anesthesia before their third birthdays have lower IQs than those who did not have it. A more complex picture emerges among people who had anesthesia several times as small children: Although their intelligence is comparable, they score modestly lower on tests measuring fine motor skills, and their parents are more likely to report behavioral and learning problems. The findings are published in Anesthesiology. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned in 2016 that prolonged or repeated sedation before age 3 may affect brain development. The warning was based largely on data from animals, which may or may not apply to children. Mayo researchers studied 997 people born from 1994 through 2007 in Olmsted County, Minnesota, the home of Mayo Clinic's Rochester campus. They were grouped according to the anesthesia exposures they had before their third birthdays: 206 had two or more; 380 had one; and 411 had none. Ear, nose and throat procedures were the most common surgeries. The researchers used the Rochester Epidemiology Project medical records database, brain function testing at ages 8-12 or 15-20, and parent reports to assess behavior and brain function. Beyond their anesthesia exposure, the three groups of patients were matched to be as similar as possible. Intelligence, memory, and several other measures of brain function were similar among the groups. However, those with multiple exposures to anesthesia had modest declines in fine motor skills, such as the ability to draw figures with a pencil, and how quickly they processed information when reading. Their parents reported more learning and behavioral problems, such as difficulty reading; behaviors consistent with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; breaking rules; or displaying aggression, anxiety or social withdrawal. Parents whose children had anesthesia once under age 3 reported more problems with mental skills known as executive functions - skills that help with memory, impulse control, planning and flexibility - but not with other behaviors. "For the majority of kids undergoing surgery, the results overall are reassuring," says lead author David Warner, M.D., a pediatric anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. "About 80 percent of kids who need surgery under age 3 only need one, and it's relatively brief." Several other studies also show little evidence that a single anesthetic is associated with significant harm. "Although we do have some concerns about the children who are receiving multiple anesthetics, it's important to note that our results don't allow us to conclude that anesthesia itself is causing problems," Dr. Warner says, adding that other factors, such as the conditions that make surgery necessary, could contribute. "However, the fact that we found some problems in some of these children means that research in this area needs to continue, including further analysis of our data." In the meantime, in most cases the benefit of surgery outweighs any risk, Dr. Warner says. However, the potential for problems may need to be part of the decision-making process when parents and surgeons discuss surgery, he adds. ### The study was funded by grant R01 HD071907 from the National Institutes of Health's Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. The Rochester Epidemiology Project is supported by National Institute on Aging grant R01 AG034676. The study's senior author is Randall Flick, M.D., a pediatric anesthesiologist at Mayo Clinic Children's Center. Mayo Clinic's research into the effects of anesthesia on children and other age groups is ongoing. The Mayo Clinic team next plans to image the brains of the children in this study to see whether there are structural and functional differences in those who had anesthesia as small children compared with those who did not. About Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to clinical practice, education and research, providing expert, comprehensive care to everyone who needs healing. Learn more about Mayo Clinic. Visit the Mayo Clinic News Network. An international research team including scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and ITMO University has proposed a way to increase the efficiency of wireless power transfer over long distances and tested it with numerical simulations and experiments. To achieve this, they beamed power between two antennas, one of which was excited with a back-propagating signal of specific amplitude and phase. The study is detailed in a paper published in Physical Review Letters and briefly reported in the American Physical Society journal Physics. "The notion of a coherent absorber was introduced in a paper published back in 2010. The authors showed that wave interference can be used to control the absorption of light and electromagnetic radiation in general," recalls MIPT doctoral student Denis Baranov. "We decided to find out if other processes, such as electromagnetic wave propagation, can be controlled in the same way. We chose to work with an antenna for wireless power transfer, because this system would benefit hugely from the technology," he says. "Well, we were quite surprised to find out that power transfer can indeed be enhanced by transmitting a portion of received power from the charging battery back to the receiving antenna." Coils and transformers Wireless power transfer was originally proposed by Nikola Tesla in the late 19th century. He managed to light fluorescent and incandescent lamps from a distance without any wires connecting the lamps to a generator. To pull off this feat, he used the principle of electromagnetic induction: When an alternating current passes through a coil -- that is, a conductor wound in a spiral around a cylinder-shaped core -- this gives rise to an alternating magnetic field both inside and outside the coil. Faraday's law says that if a second coil is placed in this magnetic field (figure 1), an electric current is induced in this other coil, which can then be used for charging an accumulator or some other purpose. It may not be obvious, but wireless power transfer is already widely used. For example, unconnected induction coils are at the heart of transformers in television sets, smartphones, energy-saving lamps, power lines, etc. By increasing or decreasing the alternating voltage in the electrical grid and individual devices, transformers enable efficient power transmission and the operation of consumer electronics. Besides that, a technology analogous to that proposed by Tesla has recently been implemented in wireless charging pads for phones and electric cars. Inductive charging starts working the moment an electric car or a phone supporting the technology comes into range. As of today, however, "in range" means right on top of the charger, and that is one of the main shortcomings of the currently available technology. The problem is that the strength of the magnetic field generated by the coil in the charger is inversely proportional to the distance from it -- that is, the field fades quickly with distance. So the second coil, which is built into the device, has to be rather close for a noticeable current to be induced. That is why magnetic cores are used to confine and guide magnetic fields in transformers. And that is also why wireless chargers operate over distances less than 3-5 centimeters. That range could, of course, be enhanced by increasing the size of one of the coils or the current in it, but that would mean stronger magnetic fields potentially harmful to humans around the devices. In most countries, there is a legal limit on radiation power. For example, in Russia, the density of radiation around cell towers cannot exceed 10 microwatts per square centimeter. Transmitting power over the air There are other ways of transmitting power without wires that work over longer distances. These techniques, known as far-field energy transfer, or power beaming, use two antennas, one of which sends energy in the form of electromagnetic waves to the other, which then converts radiation into electric currents. The transmitting antenna cannot be substantially improved, because it basically just generates waves. The receiving antenna, by contrast, has much more room for improvement. Importantly, the receiving antenna does not absorb all of the incident radiation but reradiates some of it back. Generally speaking, antenna response is determined by two key parameters: the decay times F and w into free space radiation and into the electrical circuit, respectively. These decay times indicate how long it takes for the amplitude of a wave to be decreased by a certain factor -- usually the e number is used. The ratio between these two values determines how much of the energy carried by an incident wave is "extracted" by the receiving antenna. When the two decay times are equal a maximum amount of energy is extracted. If F is smaller than w, reradiation begins too early. Conversely, if F is greater than w, the antenna is too slow to absorb the incident radiation. When the two times are equal, engineers say that the conjugate matching condition has been met. In other words, the antenna is tuned. Although antennas are manufactured with that condition in mind, achieving absolute precision is quite difficult. Furthermore, even a perfect antenna can easily be detuned due to a change in temperature, signal reflections from the terrain, and other external factors. Finally, the amount of absorbed energy also depends on radiation frequency and is maximized for waves whose frequencies match the resonant frequency of the antenna. Importantly, the above is only true for a passive antenna. If, however, the receiver transmits an auxiliary signal back to the antenna and the signal's amplitude and phase match those of the incident wave, the two will interfere, potentially altering the proportion of extracted energy. This configuration is discussed in the paper reported in this story, which was authored by a team of researchers featuring MIPT's Denis Baranov and led by Andrea Alu. Exploiting interference to amplify waves Before implementing their proposed power transmission configuration in an experiment, the physicists theoretically estimated what improvement on a regular passive antenna it could offer. It turned out that if the conjugate matching condition is met in the first place, there is no improvement whatsoever: The antenna is perfectly tuned to begin with. However, for a detuned antenna whose decay times differ significantly -- that is, when F is several times larger than w, or the other way round -- the auxiliary signal has a noticeable effect. Depending on its phase and amplitude, the proportion of absorbed energy can be several times greater compared with the same detuned antenna in the passive mode. In fact, the amount of absorbed energy can get as high as that of a tuned antenna (see figure 3). To confirm their theoretical calculations, the researchers numerically modeled a 5-centimeter-long dipole antenna connected to a power source and irradiated it with 1.36-gigahertz waves. For this setup, the dependence of energy balance on signal phase and amplitude (figure 4) generally coincided with the theoretical predictions. Interestingly, the balance was maximized for a zero phase shift between the signal and the incident wave. The explanation offered by the researchers is this: In the presen?e of the auxiliary signal, the effective aperture of the antenna is enhanced, so it collects more propagating energy into the cable. This increase in aperture is evident from the Poynting vector around the antenna, which indicates the direction of electromagnetic radiation energy transfer (see figure 5). In addition to numerical simulations, the team performed an experiment with two coaxial adapters, which served as microwave antennas and were positioned 10 centimeters apart. One of the adapters radiated waves with powers around 1 milliwatt, and the other attempted to pick them up and transmit the energy into a circuit through a coaxial cable. When the frequency was set to 8 gigahertz, the adapters operated as tuned antennas, transferring power with practically no losses (figure 6a). At lower frequencies, however, the amplitude of reflected radiation increased sharply, and the adaptors functioned more like detuned antennas (figure 6b). In the latter case, the researchers managed to boost the amount of transmitted energy almost tenfold with the help of auxiliary signals. In November, a team of researchers including Denis Baranov theoretically demonstrated that a transparent material can be made to absorb most incident light, if the incoming pulse of light has the right parameters (specifically, the amplitude has to grow exponentially). Back in 2016, physicists from MIPT, ITMO University, and the University of Texas at Austin developed nanoantennas that scatter light in different directions depending on its intensity. These may be used to create ultrafast data transmission and processing channels. ### According to the number of grantees of the Russian Science Foundation, Ural Federal University entered the top 3 in the country 'We won grant of the RSF for the first time,' noted one of the leaders of the winning applications Professor Artemy Popov. 'Our group is engaged in the development of new materials based on the synthesis of titanium alloys. The range of applications is wide: from aircraft engineering to medicine.' According to the number of grantees of the RSF only Moscow and St. Petersburg universities are ahead of UrFU. The Institute of Natural Sciences and Mathematics received seven grants, which provide funding from 4 to 6 million rubles annually each, the Institute of Humanities received three, the Institute of Chemical Engineering and the Institute of New Materials and Technologies received two each, the Institute of Physics and Technology got one. The scientific groups research such topics as methods for solving ill-posed tasks of remote sensing of the atmosphere (the research group is led by Vyacheslav Zakharov), Napoleonic wars (led by Olga Porshneva), development of new hydro-metallurgical processes (led by Stanislav Naboychenko) and others. According to the Director General of the RSF Alexander Khlunov, in 2017 the largest scientific fund of Russia supported about 30 thousand scientists, allocating 18,5 billion rubles for three thousand grants. Ural Federal University is considered to be one of the leaders. Reference In 2017, the implementation of projects supported by the RSF within the framework of the four tenders of 2015 was completed. All three tenders provide opportunity for extending the duration of projects for one or two years on a competitive basis. In addition, the foundation announced a competition for individual scientific groups with the start of funding in 2018. The RSF sums up the results and publishes the lists of the winners of these competitions. 3,654 applications were received by the organizers of 'Conducting fundamental scientific research and exploratory scientific research by individual scientific groups', 96% of them were accepted. Experts conducted more than 12,500 examinations and decided to support 525 projects. The competition provides opportunity for possible extension of projects for one or two years. ### Using sensors, actuators and artificial muscle, robots could be used in medicine, rescue and defense If Star Wars' R2-D2 is your idea of a robot, think again. Researchers led by a University of Houston engineer have reported a new class of soft robot, composed of ultrathin sensing, actuating electronics and temperature-sensitive artificial muscle that can adapt to the environment and crawl, similar to the movement of an inchworm or caterpillar. Cunjiang Yu, Bill D. Cook Assistant Professor of mechanical engineering, said potential applications range from surgery and rehabilitation to search and rescue in natural disasters or on the battlefield. Because the robot body changes shape in response to its surroundings, it can slip through narrow crevices to search for survivors in the rubble left by an earthquake or bombing, he said. "They sense the change in environment and adapt to slip through," he said. These soft robots, made of soft artificial muscle and ultrathin deformable sensors and actuators, have significant advantages over the traditional rigid robots used for automation and other physical tasks. The researchers said their work, published in the journal Advanced Materials, took its inspiration from nature. "Many creatures, such as inchworms that have completely soft compliant bodies without any rigid components (e.g., bones), exhibit unprecedented abilities in adapting their shapes and morphologies and unique locomotion behaviors," they wrote. Traditional soft robots lack the ability to adapt to their environments or move on their own. The prototype adaptive soft robot includes a liquid crystal elastomer, doped with carbon black nanoparticles to enhance thermal conductivity, as the artificial muscle, combined with ultrathin mesh shaped stretchable thermal actuators and silicon-based light sensors. The thermal actuators provide heat to activate the robot. The prototype is small - 28.6 millimeters in length, or just over one inch - but Yu said it could easily be scaled up. That's the next step, along with experimenting with various types of sensors. While the prototype uses heat-sensitive sensors, it could employ smart materials activated by light or other cues, he said. "This is the first of its kind," Yu said. "You can use other sensors, depending on what you want it to do." ### In addition to Yu, co-authors include Chengjun Wang, Kyoseung Sim and Zhoulyu Rao, all of UH; Hojin Kim and Rafael Verduzco of Rice University; Jin Chen of Beijing University; and Yuhang Li, Weiqui Chen and Jizhou Song of Zhejiang University. This work was funded by the National Science Foundation and the American Chemical Society Petroleum Research Fund Doctoral New Investigator Grant. PITTSBURGH, April 18, 2018 - Physician assistants (PAs) are increasingly used in dermatology practices to cut costs and improve access to care, but are more likely than dermatologists to perform unnecessary skin biopsies to check for cancer, while being less likely to accurately diagnose early stage skin cancers, according to new research conducted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. The results of the study, led by Laura Ferris, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor, University of Pittsburgh, Department of Dermatology, are published today in JAMA Dermatology. "Although the availability of PAs may help increase access to care and reduce waiting times for appointments, these findings have important implications for training of PAs and other non-physician practitioners in dermatology," said Ferris. "Currently there is no formal training or certification program in dermatology for PAs or other advanced practice providers." Ferris suggests that the study findings also should be considered when evaluating cost of care. PAs typically have lower salaries than physicians and health systems are increasingly shifting patient care responsibilities to such advanced practice providers in an effort to control costs. "In the age of cost-conscious medicine, it's important to consider more than just a clinician's salary," said Ferris. "Missed diagnoses or unnecessary biopsies of benign lesions should be factored into decisions about the scope of a practice, hiring decisions, supervision of providers and patient decisions about who provides their dermatologic care." The study examined the medical records of 33,647 skin cancer screening examinations in 20,270 unique patients who underwent screening at UPMC-affiliated dermatology offices from 2011 through 2015. Ferris and her team found that the lower detection rate among PAs was only for melanoma in situ, or early stage skin cancer, and that PAs and dermatologists had similar detection rates for invasive melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers, which often are more clinically obvious. In addition, the study found that, for every case of melanoma diagnosed, PAs needed to biopsy more than 39 pigmented lesions and dermatologists needed to biopsy slightly more than 25 such lesions. In other words, for every suspected case of melanoma, PAs' suspicions were correct one out of every 39 times, compared to one out of 25 for dermatologists. ### Additional researchers on this study include Alyce M. Anderson, Ph.D., and Melissa I. Saul, M.S., of Pitt; Martha Matsumoto, M.D., of UPMC; and Aaron M. Seacrest, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Utah. This study was supported by National Institutes of Health grants 1TL1R001858-01 and 2P50CA121973-06. About the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine As one of the nation's leading academic centers for biomedical research, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine integrates advanced technology with basic science across a broad range of disciplines in a continuous quest to harness the power of new knowledge and improve the human condition. Driven mainly by the School of Medicine and its affiliates, Pitt has ranked among the top 10 recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1998. In rankings recently released by the National Science Foundation, Pitt ranked fifth among all American universities in total federal science and engineering research and development support. Likewise, the School of Medicine is equally committed to advancing the quality and strength of its medical and graduate education programs, for which it is recognized as an innovative leader, and to training highly skilled, compassionate clinicians and creative scientists well-equipped to engage in world-class research. The School of Medicine is the academic partner of UPMC, which has collaborated with the University to raise the standard of medical excellence in Pittsburgh and to position health care as a driving force behind the region's economy. For more information about the School of Medicine, see http://www.medschool.pitt.edu. About UPMC A $16 billion world-renowned health care provider and insurer, Pittsburgh-based UPMC is inventing new models of patient-centered, cost-effective, accountable care. UPMC provides more than $900 million a year in benefits to its communities, including more care to the region's most vulnerable citizens than any other health care institution. The largest nongovernmental employer in Pennsylvania, UPMC integrates 80,000 employees, more than 30 hospitals, 600 doctors' offices and outpatient sites, and a 3.4 million-member Insurance Services Division, the largest medical insurer in western Pennsylvania. As UPMC works in close collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks UPMC Presbyterian Shadyside on its annual Honor Roll of America's Best Hospitals. UPMC Enterprises functions as the innovation and commercialization arm of UPMC, and UPMC International provides hands-on health care and management services with partners on four continents. For more information, go to UPMC.com. http://www.upmc.com/media Contact: Cyndy Patton Office: 412-586-9773 Mobile: 412-415-6085 E-mail: PattonC4@upmc.edu Contact: Wendy Zellner Office: 412-586-9777 Mobile: 412-973-7266 E-mail: ZellnerWL@upmc.edu CHICAGO - Spending on cancer drugs in the United States has nearly doubled in the past five years and continues to grow, imposing substantial financial burden on patients with cancer. One of the biggest drivers of this growth is targeted cancer drugs - small molecules, monoclonal antibodies, and other therapies for cancer that target specific genomic aberrations. Now, a group led by the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has proposed three solutions to maximize the clinical benefit and affordability of targeted cancer drugs. The recommendations were published online today in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Lead author, Justin E. Bekelman, MD, an associate professor of Radiation Oncology and member of Penn's Abramson Cancer Center, will also discuss the recommendations today in a major symposium at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in Chicago (Session SY04). To consider potential solutions, the University of Pennsylvania convened the Gant Consortium, a multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders from cancer medicine, patient advocacy, insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and health care economics, policy, law, and regulation, co-chaired by Bekelman. On the basis of these discussions, the authors propose three principal solutions: The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) should develop guidance that defines minimum clinically meaningful effect sizes required for approval of targeted cancer drugs. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should conduct a demonstration project in which Medicare negotiates prices for targeted cancer drugs and employs formulary tools to prioritize highly effective drugs while protecting access to therapy for every cancer indication. Practice guidelines should prioritize targeted cancer drugs and treatment regimens by clinical benefit and price. "The remarkable national commitment to cancer research, and the promise, expense, and projected growth of targeted cancer drugs call for solutions to promote drugs that yield meaningful clinical benefits while reducing overall price growth and out-of-pocket spending for patients." Bekelman said. Spending on cancer drugs in the U.S. jumped from $26 billion in 2012 to more than $45 billion in 2016, and 60 percent of that growth is the result of spending on targeted cancer drugs. According to at least one estimate, cancer drugs will account for one-quarter of the late-stage pharmaceutical research and development pipeline in the U.S. by 2021, and 87 percent of these products will be targeted agents. The authors point to two specific drugs as examples. The first is imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). It's highly effective and has relatively low toxicity compared to previous CML therapies. The 10-year overall survival rate for CML patients taking the drug is 84 percent, and the introduction of the drug in 2001 more than halved the mortality rate of CML cases in the U.S. In 2015, Medicare's estimated monthly price for the drug was $9,299. For contrast, the co-authors also consider neratinib, another tyrosine kinase inhibitor for patients with early-stage breast cancer. The drug was approved by the FDA after improving invasive disease-free survival by 2 percent (from 92 percent to 94 percent) after two years of follow up, but without published survival data. The estimated monthly price of the drug is $10,500. "Imatinib shows the promise of targeted therapy, whereas neratinib exemplifies the concern that marginally effective treatments are putting a strain on U.S. health care spending," said senior author Steven Joffe, MD, MPH, the Emanuel and Robert Hart Professor of Medical Ethics and Health Policy and co-Chair of the Gant Consortium. "Distorted pricing of marginally effective cancer drugs could crowd out the capacity of the US health system to pay for highly effective cancer drugs that yield meaningful clinical benefits or for other therapies of public health importance." Regular FDA approval for drugs is based on demonstration of clinical benefit, defined as longer life, better quality of life, or an established surrogate for one of the two. Accelerated FDA approval for drugs is based on results reasonably likely to predict clinical benefit. "The FDA has not specified what characterizes meaningful clinical benefit for regulatory approval," Bekelman said. "This ambiguity is problematic in cases where new targeted cancer drugs show statistically significant but clinically questionable improvements. Thoughtful guidance on what defines minimum clinical benefit for drug approval would help manufacturers design appropriate trials and help patients and their doctors make decisions about cancer therapies." Researchers also pointed to the need for Medicare to be able to negotiate for targeted cancer drugs, something that's not currently allowed. As of now, Medicare pays for cancer drugs under the Part B and D benefits. In Part B, hospitals and physicians buy the drug, and then bill Medicare at 6 percent above the average sales prices. Under Part D, insurance companies or pharmacy benefit managers typically manage pricing negotiations. "As the largest purchaser of cancer drugs in the U.S., Medicare should pilot a program where it has the tools to negotiate directly with drug makers on price," Joffe said. "This can be achieved while still giving patients access to cancer drugs for every available indication." Finally, the authors call for evidence-based practice guidelines to give physicians and patients a better ability to consider the prices of targeted cancer drugs alongside their benefits and harms when selecting treatments. Although organizations that produce practice guidelines have taken steps to incorporate costs, they should go further. "Guidelines should rank order cancer regimens and targeted cancer drugs by effectiveness and price and promote greater price transparency," Bekelman said. ### This work was supported by an unrestricted philanthropic gift from Donald R. Gant and the Gant Family to establish the Gant Family Precision Cancer Medicine Consortium. Penn Medicine is one of the world's leading academic medical centers, dedicated to the related missions of medical education, biomedical research, and excellence in patient care. Penn Medicine consists of the Raymond and Ruth Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania (founded in 1765 as the nation's first medical school) and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, which together form a $7.8 billion enterprise. The Perelman School of Medicine has been ranked among the top medical schools in the United States for more than 20 years, according to U.S. News & World Report's survey of research-oriented medical schools. The School is consistently among the nation's top recipients of funding from the National Institutes of Health, with $405 million awarded in the 2017 fiscal year. The University of Pennsylvania Health System's patient care facilities include: The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center -- which are recognized as one of the nation's top "Honor Roll" hospitals by U.S. News & World Report -- Chester County Hospital; Lancaster General Health; Penn Medicine Princeton Health; Penn Wissahickon Hospice; and Pennsylvania Hospital -- the nation's first hospital, founded in 1751. Additional affiliated inpatient care facilities and services throughout the Philadelphia region include Good Shepherd Penn Partners, a partnership between Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network and Penn Medicine, and Princeton House Behavioral Health, a leading provider of highly skilled and compassionate behavioral healthcare. Penn Medicine is committed to improving lives and health through a variety of community-based programs and activities. In fiscal year 2017, Penn Medicine provided more than $500 million to benefit our community. A new IMAS-led study has revealed a previously undocumented process where melting glacial ice sheets change the ocean in a way that further accelerates the rate of ice melt and sea level rise. Led by IMAS PhD student Alessandro Silvano and published in the journal Science Advances, the research found that glacial meltwater makes the ocean's surface layer less salty and more buoyant, preventing deep mixing in winter and allowing warm water at depth to retain its heat and further melt glaciers from below. "This process is similar to what happens when you put oil and water in a container, with the oil floating on top because it's lighter and less dense," Mr Silvano said. "The same happens near Antarctica with fresh glacial meltwater, which stays above the warmer and saltier ocean water, insulating the warm water from the cold Antarctic atmosphere and allowing it to cause further glacial melting. "We found that in this way increased glacial meltwater can cause a positive feedback, driving further melt of ice shelves and hence an increase in sea level rise." The study found that fresh meltwater also reduces the formation and sinking of dense water in some regions around Antarctica, slowing ocean circulation which takes up and stores heat and carbon dioxide. "The cold glacial meltwaters flowing from the Antarctic cause a slowing of the currents which enable the ocean to draw down carbon dioxide and heat from the atmosphere. "In combination, the two processes we identified feed off each other to further accelerate climate change." Mr Silvano said a similar mechanism has been proposed to explain rapid sea level rise of up to five metres per century at the end of the last glacial period around 15 000 years ago. "Our study shows that this feedback process is not only possible but is in fact already underway, and may drive further acceleration of the rate of sea level rise in the future. "Currently the ice shelves resist the flow of ice to the ocean, acting like a buttress to hold the ice sheet on the Antarctic continent. "Where warm ocean waters flow under the ice shelves they can drive rapid melting from below, causing ice shelves to thin or break up and reducing the buttressing effect. "This process leads to rising sea levels as more ice flows to the ocean. "Our results suggest that a further increase in the supply of glacial meltwater to the waters around the Antarctic shelf may trigger a transition from a cold regime to a warm regime, characterised by high rates of melting from the base of ice shelves and reduced formation of cold bottom waters that support ocean uptake of atmospheric heat and carbon dioxide," Mr Silvano said. ### The study involved scientists from IMAS, ACE CRC, CSIRO, the Centre for Southern Hemisphere Oceans Research and the Antarctic Gateway Partnership, with support from IMOS and the Australian Antarctic Program, as well as Japanese scientists from the Hokkaido University and the National Institute of Polar Research. Downloadable content includes: https://cloudstor.aarnet.edu.au/plus/s/ez9dERQbPjEvfWc * Images of Mertz Glacier and Antarctic icebergs, Credit: Alessandro Silvano; * Videos from May 2017 (Credit: Guy Williams) of: Ross Sea during Katabatic winds; the Southern Ocean and Antarctic coastal glaciers; sea ice during a storm in the Ross Sea. * Video grabs of study Lead Author Alessandro Silvano. Mari Hukkalainen (M.Sc. (Eng.)), a Senior Scientist at VTT, studied district energy solutions in her doctoral dissertation. Together with the research team, she developed a tool for an energy efficient district planning to provide benchmarking information for decision makers. Local energy solutions can also open up new business opportunities. Many energy and environmental goals are geared towards improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and increasing renewable energy. These issues are resolved in a high number of decisions - and choices between alternative plans - by planners and municipal decision makers, which have a major impact on energy efficiency and emissions at local level. Energy efficient district planning can be supported by examining the energy demand at district level and comparing the environmental impacts of alternative energy systems. The tool developed during the study will assist in the comprehensive evaluation of district energy systems and their environmental impacts in Finland. It can be used to examine the effects of district planning choices on local energy needs, and to compare the greenhouse gas emissions of different energy production options. The results can bring new options in the discussion and decision making. Hukkalainen examined 14 real life district energy analyses in her dissertation. Innovative district energy solutions can also generate new business opportunities. In her dissertation, Hukkalainen also developed a set of business concepts and partial concepts that can be combined to develop business models adapted to local operating environments, conditions and needs for district energy services. ### Dissertation: Low emission energy systems in energy efficient districts - Holistic energy planning, analysis and business opportunities. Dissertation: 12.00 on 20 April 2018 at the Aalto University School of Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Lecture hall 216, address: Otakaari 4, 02150, Espoo. For more information, please contact: Mari Hukkalainen, Senior Scientist +358 40 736 7698, Mari.Hukkalainen@vtt.fi Further information on VTT: Sirpa Posti Specialist, external communications +358 20 722 4251 sirpa.posti@vtt.fi http://www.vtt.fi VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is one of the leading research, development and innovation organizations in Europe. We help our customers and society to grow and renew through applied research. The business sector and the entire society get the best benefit from VTT when we solve challenges that require world-class know-how together and translate them into business opportunities. VTT in social media: Twitter @VTTFinland, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. For photos and videos, please visit our Image Bank. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, which is developing future manufacturing concepts, has succeeded in 3D printing a smart shaft. Novel is the overall process management chain in particular: 3D printing, sensor technology, wireless data transfer, and condition monitoring in the same package. The new manufacturing methods will enable the creation of new business models and provide a competitive edge in developing AI. The digital revolution in manufacturing technology lies in additive manufacturing, the 3D printing of items based on digital models. This enables the tailoring of parts and rapid manufacture on demand. The most intense competition in technological development within this sector concerns smart solutions. There is widespread investment in R&D, but few have succeeded in developing a working solution, in which sensors form a functional part of a 3D printed metal structure. VTT's proof of concept demo showed that a range of sensors or smart identifications can be added to 3D printed metal parts during manufacture, in order to track the performance and condition of machines or devices, or verify the authenticity of the parts. "We performed a successful smart component demo, in which we explored potential technologies. During the manufacturing phase, we embedded an accelerometer and the necessary wiring into a 3D printed metal shaft for a friction bearing. In addition, electronics allowing wireless communication were installed on the bearing. We were able to demonstrate the reliability of the shaft's measurement technology and data transfer on a bearing test bench. The rapid collection and use of accurate data markedly increase when data is directly transferred from the component to the cloud wirelessly. This will enable us to take the next big step towards artificial intelligence," says Research Team Leader Pasi Puukko. The method provides the designer with a much higher degree of freedom compared to traditional manufacturing methods. For example, a device with a wear-measuring sensor provides up-to-date information allowing the necessary maintenance to begin automatically, without breaks in production. The developed method has a wide range of possible applications: from the manufacture of industrial machines to the energy, mining and transport industries. Embedded sensors are ideal for demanding conditions, because the sensors and wiring are protected inside the component, and normal functioning is unimpeded by extraneous wiring on the surfaces of structures. Companies are welcome to join VTT in developing intelligent components. ### See also: 3D printing: http://www.vttresearch.com/services/smart-industry/factory-of-the-future-(2)/materials-and-manufacturing/3d-printing For more information, please contact: VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Pasi Puukko, Team Leader +358 40 525 1684, Pasi.Puukko@vtt.fi Further information on VTT: Sirpa Posti Specialist, external communications +358 20 722 4251 sirpa.posti@vtt.fi http://www.vtt.fi VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd is one of the leading research, development and innovation organizations in Europe. We help our customers and society to grow and renew through applied research. The business sector and the entire society get the best benefit from VTT when we solve challenges that require world-class know-how together and translate them into business opportunities. VTT in social media: Twitter @VTTFinland, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram. For photos and videos, please visit our Image Bank. WSU scientists have discovered that different species of salmon have varying reactions to polluted stormwater runoff. In a recent paper published in the journal Environmental Pollution, scientists found that coho salmon became sick and nearly died, within just a few hours of exposure to polluted stormwater. But chum salmon showed no signs of ill-effects after prolonged exposure to the same water. "It really surprised us," said Jen McIntyre, an assistant professor in WSU's School of the Environment. "Not that the coho were affected so quickly, but how resistant the chum were. We saw no impact at all in the chum's post-exposure bloodwork." Survival in the tank Stormwater is toxic to fish because it can include carcinogenic hydrocarbons, metals and other organic compounds, most of which have yet to be identified. McIntyre and her team collected stormwater runoff in large tanks from roads and highways in western Washington. Then they placed salmon in that water for four hours, or until the fish showed signs of illness. Blood samples were then taken from all of the fish. Only a few coho lasted four hours before having to be removed. In the test afterwards, the team found a significant increase in lactic acid concentrations and their blood was thicker and more concentrated. Their blood pH was thrown off and the amount of salt in their plasma decreased significantly. The chum test results showed none of those changes, all these fish lasting the full four hours without showing any signs of distress or sickness. "These fish are very closely related," said McIntyre, who works at WSU's Puyallup Research and Extension Center. "They're the same genus, but obviously something is significantly different physiologically. We just don't know what that difference is yet." Collaborative study The study was done at the Suquamish Tribe Grovers Creek Salmon Hatchery, with fish donated by the Suquamish Tribe. McIntyre worked on the project with fellow WSU scientists, along with colleagues from the NOAA-National Marine Fisheries Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Clues for next round McIntyre and her team noticed a few clues for where to start their next round of investigations: studying what makes the chum nearly impervious to toxic runoff. One is that the coho looked hypoxic, meaning they weren't getting enough oxygen. But the water had plenty of oxygen, so they'll look at blood circulation issues, how the fish metabolize oxygen in their muscles, and a few other areas. "We don't know if the thicker blood is a symptom of the problem, or if that's the initiating event that then causes the oxygen deprivation," McIntyre said. "There's a lot of work still to come, but this really narrows down where we need to look." They're also hoping that looking further into chum will turn up clues about how they resist the effects of toxic runoff. Four days, no symptoms In a later study, not included in this paper, McIntyre and her team conducted a prolonged exposure test on chum. Those fish swam in the stormwater runoff for four days and none of them got sick. "We're still trying to understand how they're unaffected," she said. "It's actually really impressive." Another problem for the coho is that scientists don't know what particular contaminants in the runoff are causing the problems. "There's a whole variety of heavy metals and hydrocarbons in that water," McIntyre said. "And a whole bunch of chemicals we are working to identify so that we can protect more delicate species like coho salmon from the effects of human pollution." ### McIntyre's research is part of a grant from the Environmental Protection Agency. Toronto, ON (April 18, 2018) - A new study from McMaster and York universities has found that poor muscle health may be a complication of Type 1 diabetes, even among active twenty-somethings. The research team analyzed muscle biopsies of young adults with and without Type 1 diabetes who exceed Diabetes Canada's recommended weekly levels for physical activity. The researchers found structural and functional changes in the power generation parts of the cell, or mitochondria, of those with diabetes. Not only were the mitochondria less capable of producing energy for the muscle, they were also releasing high amounts of toxic reactive oxygen species, related to cell damage. These changes could result in reduced metabolism, greater difficulty controlling blood glucose and, if left unchecked, an accelerated rate of developing disability. The study findings add poor muscle health to the list of better-known complications of Type 1 diabetes, including nerve damage, heart disease and kidney disorders. "Now we know that even active people with diabetes have changes in their muscles that could impair their ability to manage blood sugar," said Thomas Hawke, corresponding author of the study and a professor of pathology and molecular medicine at McMaster. "Knowing in the long term that this could contribute to faster development of disability, we can start to address it early on." Christopher Perry, study co-senior author and an associate professor in kinesiology and health sciences and the Muscle Health Research Centre at York University, added: "Skeletal muscle is our largest metabolic organ and is the primary tissue for clearing blood sugar after eating a meal, so we need to keep muscle as healthy as possible." With regular aerobic exercise, the amount of mitochondria in muscle increases, thereby helping muscle cells to use more glucose and become more efficient. Given this new data, Perry added that their study suggests that current guidelines for Type 1 diabetics may also need to be revised. "We believe these dysfunctional mitochondria are what's causing the muscle to not use glucose properly and to also damage muscle cells in the process. We were surprised to see the muscles were this unhealthy in young adults with Type 1 diabetes who were regularly active." Researchers say while further study is needed, revising evidence-based exercise guidelines, specific for those with Type 1 diabetes, may be required to keep them in the best health. ### The paper was published today in Diabetologia, the journal of the European Association for the Study of Diabetes. The study may be found at the link below. The team included researchers at York University, the University of Windsor and the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases as well as McMaster's departments of pathology and molecular medicine, pediatrics and kinesiology. Both Hawke and Perry are on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology. The study was funded in part by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, the Canada Foundation for Innovation, and the James H. Cummings Foundation. For full article see: http://www.diabetologia-journal.org/files/Monaco.pdf NOTE: THE ABOVE LINK IS FOR JOURNALISTS ONLY. IF YOU WISH TO PROVIDE A LINK TO THIS PAPER FOR YOUR READERS, PLEASE USE THE FOLLOWING, WHICH WILL GO LIVE WHEN THE EMBARGO LIFTS: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00125-018-4602-6 Media contacts: Veronica McGuire, Media Relations, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University 905-525-9140, ext. 22169 vmcguir@mcmaster.ca Anjum Nayyar, York University Media Relations 416 736 2100 ext. 44543 anayyar@yorku.ca McMaster University: McMaster University, one of four Canadian universities listed among the Top 100 universities in the world, is renowned for its innovation in both learning and discovery. We have a student population of 30,000, and more than 170,000 alumni in 137 countries. At McMaster University, we believe that finding solutions to real-world problems depends on sharing creative, diverse thoughts and ideas. To us, collaborative thinking is a gateway to smarter solutions, and greater optimism. It's helping us create a brighter world. We are creating a brighter world by encouraging collaboration across disciplines to shine new light on the world's challenges. This collaboration helps us build a better future for all. Our open, supportive environment allows diverse groups of thinkers to work together, share insights and bring ideas to life that can change the world. York University: York University champions new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-disciplinary programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world's most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university - our 11 faculties and 25 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide. Located in Toronto, York is the third largest university in Canada, with a strong community of 53,000 students, 7,000 faculty and administrative staff, and more than 300,000 alumni. York U's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. Impoverished female farm workers infected with intestinal parasites known as hookworms saw significant improvements in physical fitness when they were treated with a low-cost deworming drug. The benefits were seen even in those with low level infections, according to a study co-authored by researchers at Yale and the nonprofit company InnovationsCZ. The authors say that the beneficial effects of the drug albendazole could be especially important in food-challenged regions of Africa where a large portion of farmers are women and their physical capacity for growing crops and tending to livestock can determine whether their families eat or go hungry. Published in the April online issue of The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, the study confirms that women should be included in mass drug treatment campaigns, said the researchers. The study was conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo by a team of researchers that included co-author Michael Cappello, M.D., professor of pediatrics, microbial pathogenesis, and public health at the Yale School of Medicine, and lead author Margaret Salmon, M.D., an emergency medicine specialist and director of InnovationsCZ. Yale School of Public Health researcher Debbie Humphries and Yale Department of Pediatrics researcher Lisa Harrison also contributed to the study. The team found that when female farmers infected with hookworms received just one 400 milligram dose of albendazole, their overall physical fitness improved significantly. The authors say the results of treatment could be twofold: improved health for farming women and increased food production for women who have the stamina to farm more efficiently. An estimated 500 million people in the world are infected with hookworm, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pharmaceutical companies have provided at low-cost, or donated billions of doses of albendazole in low-income countries where disease is endemic. But public health campaigns currently target school-age children. In this study, the team looked at whether women of child-bearing age -- who may be especially vulnerable to hookworm -- should be included in mass drug treatment campaigns targeting the infections, which are acquired from contact with soil contaminated with human sewage. The worms feed on blood and cause chronic anemia. Poor women of childbearing age are seen as particularly vulnerable due to the blood loss they already experience from menstruation and, if pregnant, from the demands of the fetus. Cappello and his research team at Yale has also linked hookworms to inflammation in the intestines and interference with natural digestive enzymes which may contribute to malnutrition and lead to other maladies, said Cappello. The study reports that after treatment with albendazole, infected women farmers saw their heart rates drop by about 10 beats per minute when doing a simple exercise test. "We think the lower heart rates we observed are also a good indication of an increased capacity for the physical demands of farm labor," said Cappello. "It's all the more impressive because the women who tested positive for infection had a relatively low level of hookworms and were not more anemic than those who were uninfected." Cappello notes that the fact that women who showed improvement in the study had relatively light infections before treatment could indicate that these other effects of hookworm -- the inflammation and impaired digestion -- inflict serious harm as well and can be triggered by even a low level of hookworms in the gut. Currently, given the low cost and general safety of albendazole, the World Health Organization recommends that school-age children and non-pregnant women of childbearing age in hookworm-endemic communities receive a single 400-milligram dose of the drug once or twice a year. However, Cappello noted that most countries have yet to adopt these recommendations for women. "There is strong evidence that children with moderate to heavy hookworm infections derive significant physical and developmental gains from effective treatment," said Cappello. "Far less is known about the benefits of broadly treating people like the women who participated in this study, who have a lighter burden of parasites." ### Other authors on the study include Christian Salmon, Maurice Masoda, Jean-Maurice Salumu, Carmine Bozzi, Phil Nieburg, Naomi Abaca Uvon, Sarah K. Wendel, and Clint Trout. Citation: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene doi: https://doi.org/10.4269/ajtmh.17-0403 this news is not available Comics are a Swiss invention, but the countrys market has always been too small to set itself apart. That may be about to change, thanks to a burgeoning scene in Geneva and the revival of a huge and rare comic book collection that highlights the genres rich history in Switzerland. Cuno Affolter is the guardian ofSwitzerlands biggest collection of comics Europes second-largest and is one of the countrys longest-standing aficionados of the genre, but not just: journalist, critic and curator since the early 1980s, his authority on the subject is uncontested. The comic book is an old medium now, he acknowledges as he openshis treasure trove in the Lausanne municipal librarys underground storage area. Its piles of comics, new and old, in various languages. Rare issues of the underground Zap Comix of the late 60s lie in perfect condition beside the very first editions of Tintin. Theres a pirated version of the Belgian heros story, called Tintin in Switzerland, published in Holland in the 1980s and filled with drug use and sex scenes involving a gay Captain Haddock, a nymphomaniac Bianca Castafiore, and a junky Tintin. Beside some issues of Mickey Mouse, published in Zurich in 1936, is a folder with a childs drawings of the Disney character that look a bit out of place. The child, it turns out, was H. R. Giger the eccentric Swiss Oscar-winning artist who created the set design for the movie Alien. Alien would probably never have existed if it werent for Mickey Mouse, Affolter points out. A comic book enthusiast could easily spend weeks perusing the rarities in Affolters collection, which includes another large archive in the neighbouring building. The comics are in temporary storage while a new library is built that will that will house the whole treasure in better, and more visible conditions. Swiss invention The comic book was invented in Switzerland more precisely in late 1820s Geneva, by the pedagogue and politician Rodolphe Topffer. His satirical illustrated stories were simply meant at first to entertain his friends, J.W. Goethe among them. The German poet encouraged Topffer to publish his inventive designs, bestowing a godfatherly blessing on the new genre. Topffer even came up with some theoretical principles behind the illustrated stories, based on the effect of mixing text with illustrations. The images, without the text, would have just an obscure meaning; the text, without the illustrations, wouldnt mean anything, he mused. The format soon became quite popular, especially in Germany, from where a thriving publishing industry of illustrated stories rapidly made its way to the United States. The modern comic book started in America, in those boulevard newspapers of Hearst and Pulitzer, because it was the first time that millions of people read the same story, throughout the whole country. Then they threw it away, and the next day another story, or a continuation of the day before, would come out, and so on, says Affolter. These early comics were a simple product of consummation, while what Topffer did was much more like a real book. And Affolter acknowledges that the Swiss claim to the comic book actually has a more complex story behind it. Its like how photography came up we may think that we [the Swiss] invented it, but we also know that, at the same time, it was being developed in other places, such as Japan. So its very difficult to say that such person invented it on a certain date. New audiences Having dedicated over 40 years of his life to the genre, Affolter cannot help but see the development of the comics in a broader perspective. At the beginning, by the turn of the last century, comics were made for the working class, he points out, adding that publishers wanted to sell newspapers to people who werent in the habit of reading. Affolter says that when radio emerged in the 1920s and 30s, some comics, like Dick Tracy, were already aimed at young adults. From those, new media formats like television and radio picked up on the cliffhanger effect to keep audiences hooked, day after day. It set the grounds not just for modern comics, but also for the ways mass media developed narratives with a grip on the audience, the comic collector notes. Two Cultures In Switzerland, comic strips were already very popular in the 1930s, thanks to Globi, a character invented as a marketing prop for Globus department stores. Hes still a hit with children today. But when it comes to the adult segment, massive differences between the French and German-speaking parts of Switzerland emerged along the imaginary cultural dividing line commonly known as the Rostigraben. Swiss-Germans were, for the first half of the last century, very influenced by the German comic scene that died out after the Second World War. While the French kept publishing comics during the Nazi occupation and afterwards, the post-war Germans had more pressing problems to solve. But eventually, the German comic scene came back with a bang, says Cuno, with a new-found style free from prior influence. That same blank-slate background gave a new impulse to the scene that flourished in Zurich in the late 1970s and 80s. Magazines emerged such as Strapazin still an important reference for todays artists and the large publisher Edition Moderne also contributed. But today, Cuno says the Swiss-German comic scene is plagued by the constraints of a small market and a lack of interest among young people. Geneva emerges But the story is completely different in French-speaking Switzerland, which Affolter says was always influenced by the massive comic book market in neighbouring France. In the 1970s, the French-speaking Swiss artists Derib, Cosey and Ceppi managed to establish a Swiss style, different from that in Paris. These authorswere some of the first to bring personal stories into their work such as their experiences living in India as hippies. But with the lack of an established market for comic books in Switzerland, their success didnt last long. Today, however, Cuno sees a comic book scene emerging in Geneva that he thinks has potential. He points out that many young artists are self-publishing their work, creating so-called fanzines for fans of a particular performer or group. And the Geneva School of the Arts recently launched a course specifically for comic book creators. Genevas new scene, combined with Affolters soon-to-be-displayed comic book collection, means that French-speaking Switzerland could soon become home to the next revolution in Swiss comics. Fumetto International Comic Festival This week, Lucerne is hosting the 27th Fumetto festival, attracting thousands of comic book enthusiasts, artists and experts from all over Switzerland and beyond. The festival ends on Sunday, April 22. Living in a block of flats used to have a certain stigma attached to it:inhabitants who lived high up were seen as coming from lower down the social ladder. But high-rise livings reputation is being shrugged off, and theres now a growing trend ofhigh-end apartment blocks being built across Switzerland. The way in which tower blocks were built wascriticised between the 1950s and 1970s. In 1967, a documentary by Swiss public television, SRF, about the Lochergutblock in Zurich described it as anonymous and confined. The programmes commentary criticised this style of buildingas inhumane, with a uniform monotony, adding, you could almost forget that children also live here. In fact, in the Lochergut building, play areas for children werent easily accessible for families living on higher floors. Unless parents physically watched over younger children, it was difficult for parents to multi-task, according to the report. Swiss writer Max Frisch,who was initially all for high-riseliving, lived for a short time in the building complexbefore concludingthat he didnt feel comfortable living there. There is no contact, he wrote. I dont think it was me, but the situation in this building. The Neue Zurcher Zeitung (NZZ)wrote about a reported murder in the building in 1967. The criticism wasnt limited to the buildings in Switzerland. In 2013, a report published by the European Journal of Epidemiology estimated that one in six European dwellings housing some 36 million people -was in high-rise buildings. Mostly built in the 1960s and 1970s, they had fallen into disrepair. Having been erected in more deprived areas, they were deemed to have a detrimental influence on the socioeconomic health of a community. Many of the tower blocks built during the construction boom at the time had provided cheap social housing in the lower floors. In the 1970s some architects even claimed that there is abundant evidence to show that high buildings make people crazy, according to the study. The higher you live, the more you give But the situation has gradually changed. Today in urban regions of Switzerland, a trend has grownand more residential towers are being constructed. Living in high-rise apartment buildingshas become particularly popular for couples with a double income and no children. For those who can afford it, a view of the urban skyline in a prime location is very popular. It is obvious that high-rise buildings are mirrors of the interests of an epoch, explainsLaurent Stalder, head of the Institute for History and Theory of Architecture (GTA)in Zurich. Towers are today reflecting corporate values,he says, giving the examples of the Mobimo Tower in Zurich, a hotel tower with luxury purchasable apartments on the top ninefloors, or the Roche Tower in Basel.The latter being the headquarters of the pharmaceutical group Roche. What used to be deemed an unhealthy and anti-social way of living appears to have become a symbol of wealth and health. Today Zurich is the thirdmost expensive place to construct apartments, after New York and San Francisco, at a cost of approximately CHF3,395 ($3,510) per square metre. swissinfo.ch The Federal Council decided on Wednesday to prolong the so-called safeguard clause built into the freedom of movement agreement with Bulgaria and Romania, limiting the number of workers that can immigrate over the next year to under 1,000. Between June 1, 2018 and May 31, 2019, a total of 996 work permits can be issued to Bulgarian and Romanian immigrants, the government said. The decision repeats that taken in June last year, which first activated the safeguard clause. Freedom of movement for citizens of Bulgaria and Romania entered into force in June 2016, but with the option to limit the number of permits issued annually if this is to the benefit the native workforce. The clause can be invoked until 2019. Like last year, the Swiss cabinet was particularly concerned that a high proportion of workers from these two countries took on seasonal work in an industry with above-average unemployment rates. They also said that between 2016 and 2017, just after the introduction of free movement, net migration from Bulgaria and Romania more than doubled amid a contrasting trend of declining immigration rates from other EU countries. Switzerland first activated such a safeguard clause a controversial instrument of its complex dealings with the EU in 2012, to limit the number of citizens arriving from certain new member countries who joined the EU in 2004. Bern also chose to extend the clause to all EU member states the following year, but was sharply rebuked by Brussels; ever since, the limits cannot be applied to the 17 original member states of the EU those who joined prior to 2004. Switzerlands largest media group, Zurich-based Tamedia, has struck a deal with one of the countrys most controversial politicians, Christoph Blocher. In exchange for passing some of its free local gazettes over to Blochers company, Tamedia will acquire the prestigious German-speaking newspaper Basler Zeitung (BaZ), previously co-owned by the Swiss Peoples Party politician. The integration of the Basler Zeitung into Tamedias network will enable a strong regional editorial team, the Zurich publishing group announced on Wednesday. Media trade union syndicom said that Tamedias take-over of the long-established BaZ would allow the company to expand its dominant position in the Swiss media even further. Even without this addition, it said, 40% of Switzerlands German-speaking daily press circulation is published by Tamedia; in French-speaking Switzerland this share is even higher, at 69%. Despite having lost some 20% of its readers since 2013, the BaZ currently still has a daily circulation rate of 46,353, according to the latest figures from the media advertising institute Wemf. In return for the sale of the newspaper, Blochers company Zeitungshaus AG will incorporate several of Tamedias free local newspapers, the most important of which is Zurichs official local gazette Tagblatt, currently distributed free of charge to most of the citys households. Zeitungshaus AG, which Blocher co-founded, said that the company had with the aim of promoting media diversity in Switzerland, and that the transaction would serve this purpose. The media union Syndico also criticised the deal, saying that it would allow the billionaire Christoph Blocher to expand his free news empire. It suspects that he will take advantage the various regional gazettes for propaganda purposes for his campaigns. The latest shocker by cinematic bad boy Gaspar Noe -- whose 3D sex scenes in his last film "Love" saw it banned in Russia -- is set to push the boundaries when it is premiered at the Cannes film festival next month. Climax will be shown in the Directors Fortnight section of the festival alongside a heartbreaking documentary about Gaza and a drama about a young Tunisian who leaves home to join the Islamic State in Syria. Little is known about Noes follow-up to Love, which was also briefly pulled from French cinemas after a court challenge by Catholic groups, but the sections director Edouard Waintrop told AFP that it was quite something and highly sensual. The Franco-Argentine provocateur caused an outcry in 2002 with Irreversible, which US critic Roger Ebert called a movie so violent and cruel that most people will find it unwatchable. A 10-minute rape scene with Monica Bellucci was both praised and attacked by feminists and Noe also faced allegations of homophobia. Spanish-language and French films dominate this years line-up for the Directors Fortnight, which often uncovers more gems than the official Cannes competition itself, like the Oscar-nominated Florida Project last year. Romain Gavras son of the Greek great Costa-Gavras has assembled a star-studded French cast including Vincent Cassel and Isabelle Adjani for his dark crime caper Le monde est a toi (The World Is Yours). Waintrop said Adjani plays the queen of the thieves in the thriller which is also full of laughs. Fellow French icon Gerard Depardieu is an old colonial hand in post-war Vietnam, then French Indochina, in Les confins du monde, while Nicolas Cage plays a hippie who takes terrible revenge on a religious cult which kills his wife and crucifies him in Mandy, which was already shown at Sundance. Tears, guns and Peter Pan Directors Fortnight opens on May 9 with the highly-anticipated new film by Colombian Ciro Guerra, who was nominated for an Oscar two years ago for Embrace of the Serpent. Birds of Passage, which is co-directed by Cristina Gallego, is a story about how some of the countrys indigenous Wayuu people have been drawn into drug smuggling. A second film set in Colombia, Los silencios, is directed by the Brazilian Beatriz Seigner. Waintrop predicted that a highly original, partially animated documentary about Gaza, Samouni Road, by the Italian Stefano Savona, would move audiences. It is hard to watch without a tear, he told reporters. Tunisian director Mohamed Ben Attia of Hedi fame is also back with Weldi, about a father trying to trace his son who has run away to join the Islamic State group. Waintrop also raved about Buy Me a Gun, the latest offering from Gasolina director Julio Hernandez Cordon, which Waintrop described as a Mexican mix of Mad Max and Peter Pan set in the not too distant future. And he also hailed the magnificent and potentially politically explosive Petra, from the Barcelona-born director Jaime Rosales. It is a wonderful film of great cruelty, Waintrop said of the movie which plays on linguistic tensions in Catalonia. I find his vision of Catalonia very realistic. The masters of Catalonia these days are the Catalans, the language of the masters is Catalan and (in the film) we see the master is a Catalan and those underneath him speak Spanish, he said. In a shot at the rival main festival, he said, I do not understand why it was not included in the main competition (for the Palme dOr top prize). If they had not had to limit the selection this year to 20 films for security reasons, Waintrop said he would also have included a new Saudi Arabian film, which he didnt name, and a second Chinese feature. Instead Ming Zhangs The Pluto Moment, which Waintrop described as extremely impressive, will be the sole Chinese entry in what he maintained was a vintage year. The EU said on Wednesday it was leading the defence of free trade in the face of US "protectionism" as it unveiled plans to fast-track deals with Japan and Singapore. The European Commission proposals to push through the trade pacts by next year come as Brussels is at loggerheads with Washington over President Donald Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminium. They send a strong signal to the world that the EU is committed to open rule-based trade, EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem told a press conference in Strasbourg, France. We are willing to take that leadership, the Swedish commissioner said on the sidelines of a European Parliament session. The commission, the executive arm of the European Union, has concluded draft deals with Japan and Singapore, but the 28 EU states have yet to formally approve them. It proposes that member states should approve them directly, thereby avoiding votes in national parliaments that nearly derailed a pact with Canada. Malmstrom had just described Trumps tariffs on steel and aluminium as pure protectionism that breach the rules of the World Trade Organization. But she said support for good, win-win trade agreements is growing in the world, with the EU also close to striking trade deals with Australia, Mexico and Latin Americas Mercosur trade bloc. The deal that EU negotiators concluded with Japan in December will form the worlds biggest economic area of more than 600 million people while the one with Singapore is seen as a stepping stone to Southeast Asia. Malmstroem said she hoped now for quick handling of the deals by the member states, saying it was realistic to do so before the five-year mandate of Jean-Claude Junckers commission expires in mid-2019. Before they are signed, she said, the deals will also have to be endorsed by the legislatures in Japan and Singapore, but this can happen by the end of the year. The trade agreements with Japan and Singapore do not face the additional hurdles of having to be ratified by the EU national parliaments. They do not contain clauses on investment protections that nearly derailed a trade pact with Canada two years ago when Belgiums regional parliament of Wallonia threatened to veto the whole deal. However, a separate investment protection agreement with Singapore must be ratified by EU countries. Critics have alleged that clauses to protect powerful international investors could force governments to change laws against the wishes of the people. Under the Japan deal, the EU will open its market to the world-leading Japanese auto industry, with Tokyo in return scrapping barriers to EU farming products, especially dairy products. A shuttle from Lisbons Oceanarium has travelled to the Algarve to take part in the Semana da Ria Formosa event and raise awareness about the estuarys highly endangered seahorse population. The shuttle arrived on Tuesday (April 17) and will remain at Olhaos Jardim Pescador Olhanense until Saturday (April 21), giving schoolchildren as well as the general public a chance to learn more about how to become more sea-friendly. The initiative is part of the Lets Save Ria Formosas Seahorses campaign promoted by the Blue Ocean Foundation, which aims to protect what was once one of the worlds biggest and most thriving seahorse populations. The shuttle will be at the park between 9.30am and 12.30pm and between 2pm and 5pm until Friday for schoolchildren only, with Saturday being the only day open to the general public (10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5.30pm). Joana Schenker, the Sagres-based bodyboard who won her first world title last year and was just honoured in Portimao last weekend, will be the special guest on Saturday and will be taking part in several activities, showing why she is also known as a local ambassador for the sea. The Oceanarium shuttle was launched in 2005 and has already visited 198 boroughs across Portugal and passed its message onto over 240,000 people. Its main goal is to draw young peoples attention to the urgent need for a change in attitude, so that we can help conserve and protect our natural resources. Olhao school group awarded for ocean-friendly project Olhaos Joao da Rosa school group was distinguished last week with the Blue School (Escola Azul) accolade, which awards Portuguese schools that are ocean-minded. The distinction was personally handed to the school last Friday by Sea Minister Ana Paula Vitorino due to the projects it has been developing to protect Ria Formosas wildlife, especially its endangered sea horses. Its an honour for Portugal to have schools where teachers and employees are dedicated to creating generations that are ocean defenders; not generations that know how to use their phones very well, but generations that know how to appreciate the ocean they have, said the minister. She stressed that the school groups 600 students, aged from four to 15, are the people who in 20 years will be working to build a future for their very own children; a future that we want to be better. Article by kind permission of Russian airline Volga-Dniepr announced Wednesday it will stop providing cargo planes to NATO at the end of the year, dealing a blow to the transatlantic alliance and France in particular which rely heavily on its aircraft. We have been gradually withdrawing from the military logistics transportation market, in due compliance with our previous commitments. The Group will not participate in the tender process initiated by NATO in its existing configuration, Volga-Dniepr said in a statement. Relations between Moscow and NATO have become increasingly strained. NATO secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg on Saturday called on Russia to exercise responsibility in the Syrian conflict. However Volga-Dniepr, a world leader in the movement of oversize and heavy air cargo, said the reason for the break with NATO was that the group is focused on the growth of its business in the civil commercial sector and continuing to extend the scope of its niche products. The decision means the Russian carrier will not attempt to extend its contract for the provision of its Antonov 124s to ten NATO armies, a project called the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS). That contract, which had been renewed each year since 2006, will now lapse at the end of 2018. NATO responded with its own statement, saying it had been informed of the decision by Volga-Dniepr and that it is working with the nations affected to explore options to meet their future airlift requirement from January 2019 onward. The ten NATO nations involved in the SALIS deal are Germany, France, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. The withdrawal of Volga-Dniepr will especially be a problem for France due to delays in the delivery of, and technical and budget problems with, European aviation giant Airbus new A400M military transporter which has left it very dependent on the Antonov 124s for overseas missions, notably in Africas Sahel region. A French parliamentary report in March 2017 highlighted this very heavy dependence on Russian and Ukrainian military transport planes. The Antonov 124, developed in the Soviet era, has a larger cargo capacity than the A400M, allowing it to transport helicopters and tanks. tbm/pop/nm/pvh/har US airlines have begun diverting flights away from Russian airspace just hours before a deadline to renegotiate access agreements is to expire, the State Department said Tuesday. Every day, dozens of American flights cross Russian skies on their shortest and most lucrative routes to South Asia, but their permission to do so was due to run out at 7:59 pm (2359 GMT). State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said the US ambassador to Moscow, Jon Huntsman, was in last-minute discussion with Russian officials to facilitate a breakthrough in talks with airlines. Russian civil aviation officials had been due to attend discussions hosted by the State Department in Washington, but canceled. The airlines sent representatives to the talks. Nauert said the Russians had not indicated why they had backed out of the meetings. But the decision came after Saturdays US-led air strikes on Syria angered Moscow, which has previously attempted to use air routes as diplomatic bargaining chips. Some commercial carriers are now making the decision to reroute their flights because theyre concerned about that expiration, Nauert told reporters. We dont want that kind of commercial aviation disruption. Despite the imminent deadline, however, the US spokeswoman held open the possibility of a last-minute arrangement. Weve ramped up our engagement, she said, explaining that what had been contacts between airlines and Russian officials facilitated by a junior US official now included the ambassador. Russia has not yet indicated whether it will extend the approvals, the spokeswoman continued. But the Russian government did say to our embassy, when we spoke with them: Dont panic, were not going to do anything to harm the US aviation sector. We certainly hope that that is the case. Were expecting a Russian response later today. We hope that they will stand by it. Pope Francis made a fresh plea on Wednesday against a British court ruling that authorises doctors to turn off a terminally ill British toddler's life-support. Alfie Evans, 23 months old, has been in a coma for over a year and needs a ventilator to keep him breathing due to a rare degenerative neurological condition. His parents are fighting a court ruling that would allow doctors at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital in Liverpool, northwest England, to turn off the ventilator. The parents, Tom Evans and Kate James, attended the popes weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday. Francis spoke during the audience of Alfies case and that of Vincent Lambert, whose parents are also fighting a court ruling to withdraw his life support in France. I would like to draw attention to Vincent Lambert and little Alfie Evans again, Francis said. I want to reiterate and strongly confirm that the only master of life, from the beginning to its natural end, is God, and our duty is to do everything to protect life. On Sunday Francis had called for the dignity of every patient to always be respected and for them to be treated appropriately for their condition. The UK High Court ruled in February that doctors could stop treating Alfie. The decision was upheld in the countrys Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Evans parents wanted the European Court of Human Rights to examine the case, but ECHR judges dismissed the case. Alfie has been hospitalised since December 2016, suffering from chronic seizures. More than 125,000 people have joined a Facebook group supporting the campaign to keep him on life-support. fcc/td/rlp Bill Gates warned Wednesday that malaria was back on the rise again and would continue to claim more lives worldwide unless governments reinvigorated their push to eradicate the disease. Malaria death rates have been in steady decline since 2000 but rose in 2016 as progress towards eliminating the mosquito-borne preventable disease stalled. Microsoft co-founder turned philanthropist Gates said innovation would be crucial to maintain progress in tackling the disease ahead of its ability to develop resistance to drugs and insecticides. This setback where the 2016 cases went up is a real signal to us, Gates, the second richest person in the world, told the 2018 London Malaria Summit, where experts gathered to plot the way forward. The funding has to be long-term and weve got to get smarter. Donors at the summit pledged 2.7 billion ($3.8 billion), with Gates putting in $1 billion from his foundation. The funding will go into research, data tools and malaria interventions. Child dies every two minutes More than 445,000 people died from malaria in 2016, mostly children under five and pregnant women while one child dies every two minutes from the disease. There were 216 million cases in 2016 90 percent of which were in Africa, according to World Health Organisation (WHO) figures. Malaria is estimated to cost the African economy more than $12 billion per year and can consume up to 40 percent of a countrys healthcare spending. Deaths from malaria, however, dropped by more than 60 percent between 2000 and 2015. Gates said that around seven million lives had been saved and several countries had been declared malaria-free. Progress against malaria has been one of the most impressive successes in global health in this generation, the US philanthropist said. However, he warned: If we dont keep innovating, we will go backwards. If we dont maintain the commitments, malaria would go back up and kill over a million children a year, because the drugs and the insecticides always are evaded by the mosquitos and parasites. Attendees at another health conference this week in Dakar heard how African countries suffering from famine or conflict have seen a spike in malaria infections and deaths. Experts also warned that blood transfusions are a risk factor for malaria, with a study in Nigeria finding that nearly a quarter of the blood stocks in some sub-Saharan countries contain malaria parasites. WHOs fresh fight call The London gathering is taking place on the fringes of the biennial Commonwealth summit. Ninety percent of people in the Commonwealth live in countries with malaria. Summit host Britain has called on the 53 Commonwealth nations to commit to halving malaria throughout member states by 2023. Such action would prevent 350 million cases and save 650,000 lives, it was claimed. It is an ambitious goal, but one that is firmly within our reach, said British Prime Minister Theresa May. Prince Charles, heir to the thrones of 16 Commonwealth nations, said combating malaria was an issue of truly global urgency. While Wednesdays pledges would prevent much suffering, illness and death, he said, it is tragically evident that much still remains to be done. Linking the fight to deforestation, he added that without ending the utter madness of testing the planets ecosystems to destruction I fear that we will go fatally compromised into a battle that we cannot afford to lose. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus who has suffered from malaria and lost a brother to it said a fresh fight was needed to hold the gains made in fighting the disease. We are now at a crossroads. If we relax our efforts, we know that malaria will come roaring back with a vengeance, the Ethiopian diplomat said. rjm/rsc/har The Trump administration wants to make several changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement that could unwittingly stall U.S. energy investments in Mexico and force consumers south of the border to turn to other suppliers like China and Russia. As U.S., Mexican and Canadian officials prepare to begin the eighth round of NAFTA renegotiations in Washington this week, energy executives said this week during a panel discussion that they worry U.S. proposals to change rules that undergird foreign investments could force American companies to think twice about multibillion-dollar projects that have bolstered U.S. energy exports to Mexico and improved cross-border industry ties, leaving an opening for foreign competitors. Weve seen this happen in other parts of Latin America, said Maryam Sabbaghian Brown, Sempra Energys vice president of federal government affairs, during a panel discussion hosted by the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Once these investments are made by other foreign investors, then were locked out for 20 to 30 years. The Texas economy has become inexorably linked to U.S. fuel exports that flow from regional ports, pipelines and other gateways along the border with Mexico, which has become the nations biggest market for natural gas exports and second-largest trading partner as a result of the dismantling of trade barriers under NAFTA. The pact, which enables a freer flow of goods and services between the U.S., Mexico and Canada, also supports automobile and electronics manufacturing in Texas. The state ships $46 billion in computer products to Mexico each year and $26 billion in U.S. energy goods. Sempra Energys Mexican subsidiary, IEnova, has poured $8 billion into natural gas assets in Mexico in recent years, building a network of gas transmission, distribution, generation and storage businesses as it became one of the largest energy companies in the Latin American country. But several of the Trump administrations proposals could make it much harder for U.S. companies to invest in similar ventures under a new arrangement. Those include a U.S. proposal to include a provision in the 1994 pact that would terminate the trade deal unless its renewed every five years. U.S. negotiators have also pushed to limit companies access to legal mechanisms that help resolve disputes between governments and foreign investors. Theyve also proposed to end rules that essentially make the three North American governments treat foreign companies as their own, and compensate them for appropriate assets, among other safeguards. Trump administration officials contend that NAFTA has been unfair to the U.S. and has cost the country jobs. They say the pact needs to be revised so greater benefits flow to the United States. Karen Antebi, an economic counselor for the Mexican embassy in Washington, said during the discussion that after eight months and seven rounds of negotiations, officials are still working to overcome disagreements about how to address U.S. trade deficits, and how foreign companies in the financial services, energy, telecommunications and digital sectors would do business in the North American countries. Specifically, Antebi said, officials are still in discussions over rules governing where automobile parts are made and dispute resolution mechanisms. The transformation of the energy industry over the past 25 years, including the advent of U.S. shale gas in the last decade, has meant negotiators will have to rework its energy-related provisions. Antebi said several of the Trump administrations proposed changes, including the provision to end NAFTA unless its renewed every five years, would increase uncertainty for long-term investments by the U.S. energy industry, which can extend for decades. You cannot make generational investments if te risk is so high, Antebi said. To crack the negotiation, we need signs of flexibility from the United States. Mexico cannot make concessions on tough issues if theres no balance. In congressional testimony last year, Sempra officials urged lawmakers to expand investment protections and maintain the investor-state dispute resolution mechanisms. But the San Diego natural gas company has become increasingly alarmed by the Trump administrations proposals that would do precisely the opposite, Brown said. We view these proposals as weakening the agreement, she said. If investment lags, U.S. energy exports - this wonderful story weve been talking about - will not continue to grow at the current rate, and Mexico will be incentivized to look elsewhere for their energy supplies. Convicted child killer Genene Jones confessed at least three times to giving overdoses to babies in her care, at one point admitting, I didnt kill the babies, the voices in my head did, an attorney testified Wednesday at a hearing that turned into a preview of the prosecutions case. Jones, 67, who worked at hospitals in San Antonio and for a Kerrville pediatrician in the 1980s, was convicted of killing Chelsea McClellan, 15 months. The baby died in 1982 from an overdose of muscle relaxers given to her by the nurse. A Williamson County jury sentenced the nurse to 99 years in prison. She also was convicted in Bexar County of injury to a child/serious bodily injury and sentenced to 60 years in prison for giving an overdose to Rolando Santos in 1982. The 4-week-old infant survived. Jones served both sentences at the same time and was due to be paroled last month. But since May, Jones was indicted on charges of murdering five other Bexar County children who died in 1981 and 1982, all from overdoses. Shes accused in the deaths of Joshua Sawyer on Dec. 12, 1981; Richard Ricky Nelson, 8 months, who died July 3, 1981; Patrick Zavala, 4 months, who died Jan. 17, 1982; Rosemary Vega, 2 years old, who died Sept. 16, 1981; and Paul Villarreal, who was 3 months old when he died Sept. 24, 1981. Jones attorney, Cornelius Cox, filed a motion for a speedy trial, which was denied, and asserted a violation of his clients right to due process. He also sought to have all five charges dismissed because he said Bexar County prosecutors under four district attorneys had more than 30 years to bring more charges against her, and they didnt. It wasnt that she was out in Mexico, she was in the custody of the state of Texas, said Cox. They knew where she was. During Jones nearly 35-year incarceration, a new law designed to ease jail crowding went into effect, and Jones was set to be released in March. The new indictments prevented that, and she was brought to Bexar County in December, where she was formally arraigned. She pleaded not guilty to each charge. Cox called as witnesses former prosecutor Nick Rothe, who argued the case involving the injured infant Rolando Santos; Judge Susan Reed, former Bexar County district attorney, who testified that she had one, possibily two investigators on the cases but brought no indictments; the current district attorney, Nico LaHood, who defeated Reed and last year took the five cases to the grand jury; and Jason Goss, an assistant district attorney whos the lead prosecutor on the new charges. He said he sifted through 28 boxes of documents and evidence left from the 1980s investigations and among the findings was that in the1980s, hospitals wrote down nurse assignments in charts. They knew which shift, which bed, Goss told the court. Thats crucial, putting her in the room when a baby died. He testified about an eyewitness account from Rosemary Cantu, Rosemary Vegas mother, who said she saw something, but that was never shared with the prosecutors; correspondence with the grand jury that implied she killed other babies; and a letter that told us there were admissions no one has ever seen before. Goss then stated examples that could be construed as admissions or confessions by Jones. ProPublica journalist Peter Elkind broke a story in 2017 about a nursing board letter in 2011 in which Jones stated: I will take this opportunity to apologize to the nursing board for damage I did in my career. I know I was heinous, Goss told the court. That was new. No one had any information that she confessed, he said. Goss also said they had at least two parole board members who had knowledge that Jones confessed, tearfully admitting in 1998 that she injected the children and that she was sick. This would have been the first time she confessed, Goss said. In another instance, she told a board member, I really did kill those babies. Read more: Bexar jury takes just 2 hours to find man guilty in abuse case involving kids tied up like dogs Also discovered was a parole letter from an inmate who said Jones stated, I didnt kill the babies, the voices in my head did, Goss said. He told the court that based on the new evidence, prosecutors have a much stronger case now than in past administrations. Cox maintains Jones right to due process has been violated. The court heard testimony for two hours. She has been in the custody of the state for three decades, he told the court. Jones, who wore a red Bexar County jail jumpsuit, went into court using a walker, a change from her December arraignment, when she entered in a wheelchair and wore a surgical-type mask. She was attentive and occasionally smiled when she spoke with Cox and Brigitte Garza, her attorneys. The new charges against Jones are being heard in 399th state District Court, presided over by Judge Frank J. Castro, who said he would rule Friday on Coxs motion to dismiss the cases. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 BOERNE A big turnout is expected at a public hearing Thursday hosted by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality on Vulcan Materials plan to open a concrete batch plant on Texas 46, one of three such projects advancing in Kendall County. This is the last chance for the community to tell Vulcan that they are not welcome here, Amber Clowney said of the 6 p.m. gathering at Boerne Middle School North that will conclude TCEQs public comment period on Vulcans permit application. Clowney is with the Boerne to Bergheim Coalition For a Clean Environment, a grass-roots organization thats opposing Vulcans bid to produce up to 100,000 cubic yards of concrete annually just south of Texas 46 roughly 8 miles west of Boerne. Vulcan has pledged to prevent dust contamination of neighboring properties, which include the Hill Country Montessori School, by using modern technologies and by watering stockpiles and roads planned at its 34-acre site. We look forward to being a responsible member of the Kendall County community with this site and to continuing to be an important contributor to the growing Texas economy, Vulcan spokesman Scott Burnham said. TCEQ clearance also is being sought for a second concrete batch plant on Texas 46, just east of Boerne, by Corvara West, a local company. Kendall County commissioners have adopted separate resolutions expressing concern about the Vulcan and Corvara projects having a negative effect on constituents health, safety and welfare. The effect of both plants on traffic along Texas 46 is a major concern, but Bill Ballard, the in-house attorney for commissioners, sees Vulcans plant a greater perceived threat because of its proximity to residential areas and existing and proposed school campuses. Theres a huge public outcry on Vulcan, Ballard said. Last month, he traveled to Austin in a failed bid to secure party status for Kendall County in Corvara Wests permit proceedings before the State Office of Administrative Hearings. In denying the countys request last week, the judge said the Legislature has narrowly limited who is entitled to a hearing on such permits, under the health and safety code, to only those persons actually residing in a permanent residence within 440 yards of the proposed plant. The only locals granted party status were Andrew and Leah Sengler, whose home is within that distance to the Corvara West site. Having the county as a fellow party in the case would have provided critical legal insights, said Leah Sengler, noting that she and her husband lack the resources to hire an attorney. If the county was involved, they would have had a legal team to represent the interests of the county residents, including us, she said. Corvara West owner John Nichols, who previously described his planned concrete operation as small, declined comment this week. While theres been considerable publicity about the plans of Vulcan and Corvara West, little notice was taken of a TCEQ permit recently approved for a concrete batch plant on the site of Texas Hill Country Mobile Mixers, 43000 Interstate 10 west, just north of Boerne. TCEQ spokeswoman Andrea Morrow said the permit approved April 11 sets a maximum production of 6,000 cubic yards of concrete a day. Company owner Kenny Mantor, who briefed county commissioners on the project weeks ago, estimated that the nearest neighbor is a mile from the site Weve got an existing batch plant already set up, and were just kicking around expanding, Mantor said. We have the permit, but Im not even sure that were going to do it. In addition to the local opposition, the Vulcan permit application also is drawing fire from Comal County residents who are fighting the companys plan to establish a rock quarry there, and from the Texas Environmental Protection Coalition based in Marble Falls. Please come help support our neighbors in Boerne battle big aggregate, Keith Schnelle, a member of the recently formed group, said in a news release issued last week. County commissioners have posted the hearing at the Johns Road campus in Boerne as a meeting so a quorum of them can attend the TCEQ event. Vulcans site plan, which was revised in January, now includes vegetative screening, buffer zones, an outdoor education area, walking trails and a butterfly habitat. The redesign appears to have relocated the plant outside 440 yards from the nearest home. The coalition of local opponents has hired an attorney and are installing air monitors around the Vulcan site to gather baseline data for comparative purposes. We are concerned about this particular plant because of Vulcans compliance history and our proximity to it, said Joanna Balzer, head of the Montessori school that overlooks a large meadow nearby where the plant is planned. She said parental donations funded the installation of a monitor in each of the campus six buildings and four others at exterior spots selected to complement the locations of five air monitors that the coalition plans to install to ring the batch plant site. If the permit is issued, we can do fence line monitoring of emissions, said Snehal Patel, an organizer with the Boerne to Bergheim group, noting that the devices automatically upload data they record. Zeke MacCormack is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | zeke@express-news.net | @zekemac A San Antonio pediatrician testified Tuesday that two children who in 2016 were bound and tied like animals, were beaten, each struck well over 100 times, and the injuries and complications put the siblings at risk of death. Deandre Dorch, 38, is on trial, accused of two counts of injury to a child-serious bodily injury by omission. He was charged after a 4-year-old boy and his 3-year-old sister were found restrained by dog chains and leashes in the backyard of the home he shared with his girlfriend, Porucha Phillips, 36. Their six children also lived at the home in the 8100 block of Chipping in the Camelot II subdivision on the Northeast Side. The couple told deputies they were watching the two siblings for their friend, Cheryl Reed, 32, whom they knew from California, where they lived before coming to San Antonio. Reed told deputies that she had left her children in Phillips care. Defense attorney Edward Bravenec said his client is not guilty because, as the breadwinner of the family, he worked as a bartender at night and slept most of the day. Prosecutors allege Dorch knew the children were being beaten by Phillips and Reed, and did nothing to stop it. Dr. James L. Lukefahr, director of the Center for Miracles at The Childrens Hospital of San Antonio and an expert in child abuse, told the jury there was clear evidence that they were being repeatedly and intentionally injured. Now Playing: The 2016 child abuse case involves eight children, including two who were found chained and leashed in the backyard, at a Northeast Side home. Reporter Elizabeth Zavala discusses the case in an episode of The Docket, an Express-News podcast. Video: San Antonio Express-News As prosecutor Karl Alexander displayed photographs taken from the night in April 2016 when the children were hospitalized, Lukefahr walked the jury through eacspecific injuries he documented on each child. He examined the children the day after they were found and continued checking them for six months. Lukefahr said each child had extensive bruising in looped shapes on their faces, arms, legs, front and back torsos. In addition, the boy had hair missing, likely from being pulled out; and the girl had dependent edema swelling in her legs and feet from being restrained in a way that she could neither sit nor stand. The swelling was pretty dramatic behind the knees, shins and calves, Lukefahr said. It was very significant April 29, (2016), it had improved by May 13 but was still there, but was gone in October. Lukefahr said radiologists did numerous examinations and took several X-rays of one of the girls arms, which initially was believed to have been broken in two places, but the arm was not fractured. The doctor said the children also had hypothermia, from being left outside for what Lukefahr believed was a bare minimum 18 to 24 hours, most likely longer. Also Tuesday, the jury heard from Alex Garcia, chief meteorologist for FOX 29, who testified that San Antonio was under a severe thunderstorm warning or watch the week of April 25-29, and that parts of the Alamo City had received rain each day and at some points hail more than 2 inches in diameter. Tuesday morning, the jury saw and heard Dorchs reaction after an investigator told him a child was tied like an animal in his backyard so tightly, her arm broke in two places. Thats (expletive) up, Dorch told Bexar County Sheriffs Sgt. Shawn Tobleman in a two-hour videotaped interview conducted as a follow-up about a week after the children were found. I dont know about that, Dorch said. At the beginning of the interview, he is talkative and tells the detectives that he is an active dad who bathes his children, cooks a breakfast of oatmeal or cereal, and makes sure they have ample space to play in the house. He told detectives he had bathed the children before he went to work the day authorities were called to the house. As the interview progressed about the tied-up children, Dorch appeared to evade or ignore the questions and repeatedly asked how he could make sure his family was able to get his six children, who were taken along with the two sibling who belonged to Reed, from Child Protectives Services. When Tobleman told him about the siblings being tied up and injured, Dorch responded: All that stuff, I dont know. I dont watch the news. If I got caught up in it, I couldnt stay focused with my kids. Dorch is the first of three adults to go to trial in the case. In October, Phillips pleaded guilty to two counts of injury to a child-serious bodily injury and was sentenced to 50 years in prison on each count. The sentences will run concurrently. Reed is in jail, awaiting trial. The case is being heard in Felony Impact Court, with visiting Judge Laura Parker presiding. Dorch faces 99 years to life in prison, and if convicted, has elected to be sentenced by the judge. Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 In a 5-4 decision Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck down a provision of U.S. law requiring the deportation of immigrants convicted of some violent crimes. The court found that part of the Immigration and Nationality Act was unconstitutionally vague as to the definition of the crimes, a provision that was used by immigration authorities as grounds to deport immigrants. The 96-page ruling was a setback for President Trumps administration effort to get tougher on immigrants. It was also noticeable because the tie-breaking vote came from Trumps own conservative appointee, Neil Gorsuch, who sided with the high courts more liberal justices in invalidating the provision. Its going to make it much tougher for them to deport people, said San Antonio immigration attorney Bob Shivers. Thats good news for people who are in deportation proceedings. The question is: How about all those people in the past who got deported? San Antonio immigration lawyer, Simon Azar-Farr, said the decision is friendly to immigrants facing potential deportation. The reason is that it demands more precision and more consistency in the law than the haphazard fashion in which it was being applied previously, Azar-Farr said. Previously, there was a tendency by some courts to look at the individual facts of an aliens criminal record, which created for subjective assessments. Sometimes an offense may have occurred two decades ago and the facts are no longer available. He said there were situations when some immigrants were convicted of the same crime but one was deported and one was not. The Department of Homeland Security said in a statement Tuesday that the ruling significantly undermines its efforts to remove aliens convicted of certain violent crimes. The decision does not, however, interfere with the government's ability to deport people who are convicted of clearly violent crimes, including murder and rape, as well as drug trafficking and other serious offenses, observers noted. The ruling is limited to a category of crimes that carry a prison term of more than a year, but do not otherwise comfortably fit in a long list of aggravated felonies that can lead to deportation, according to observers. Though the Trump administration defended the law, it was actually the Obama administration that sought to deport James Garcia Dimaya, a legal immigrant from the Philippines who was convicted in two separate home burglaries in California in 2007 and 2009. Tuesdays decision upheld a 2015 lower court ruling that said the provision requiring Dimayas deportation created uncertainty over which crimes may be considered violent, risking arbitrary enforcement in violation of the Constitution. The majority opinion was written by Justice Elena Kagan, who was joined by Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Sonia Sotomayor. The opinion said that a conviction for an aggravated felony, which includes a crime of violence, virtually guarantees deportation for an immigrant, no matter how long he or she has lived in the United States. In its analysis, the high court found that interpretation of what a crime of violence is was left to a Justice Department body that interprets immigration law, and that ambiguity in the provision created confusion in lower courts. Does car burglary qualify as a violent felony? Kagan wrote. Some courts say yes, another says no. Kagan mentioned other examples including rape, evading arrest and trespassing in which courts have also been divided. In his concurring opinion, Gorsuch agreed that the law could not be left in place and wrote that no one should be surprised that the Constitution looks unkindly on any law so vague that reasonable people cannot understand its terms and judges do not know where to begin in applying it. In 2010, the federal authorities sought to deport Dimaya. The Board of Immigration Appeals, an administrative body that is part of the Justice Department, refused to cancel his removal because the relevant law defined burglary as a crime of violence. The San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2015 that the definition as applied to legal immigrants was so vague that it violated their rights to due process of law under the U.S. Constitution. The appeals court relied on a decision that same year by the Supreme Court, which found that a similar provision in a federal criminal sentencing law was overly broad. The high court initially heard arguments in January 2017 when it was one justice short, leading to a 4-4 decision. The court decided last June after Gorsuch replaced the late Antonin Scalia to have the case re-argued. That happened in October, at the start of the courts current term. Guillermo Contreras is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | gcontreras@express-news.net | @gmaninfedland The Tower Life Building has been a downtown beacon for nearly nine decades, its green-glazed clay tile roof seemingly visible for miles. From the Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard bridge over the San Antonio River, onlookers have a clean, clear vista of the iconic building that once housed the citys first Sears Roebuck & Co. department store. Now, city leaders are considering whether to protect local landmarks from development that could obstruct those views. The City Councils Arts, Culture and Heritage Committee voted Tuesday to send four sites to the full council for whats known as viewshed protection. Committee Chairman Roberto Trevino, who supports viewsheds, said the city will benefit economically by protecting its iconic landmarks. He stressed the need for his colleagues and the community to understand how the protections work. We need to get a better understanding of what viewsheds are and what they are not, he said. As this city continues to grow, we must understand these tools that can acknowledge both authenticity and growth. Now Playing: Hays Street Bridge has an extensive history in San Antonio that dates back to 1910. Land use near the bridge is currently at the center of an ongoing controversy. Video: San Antonio Express-News Shanon Miller, director of the citys Office of Historic Preservation, said city staff received significant input on potential sites for protection and that nine locations were most often referenced by the community. On Tuesday, she presented four sites for potential protection: San Fernando Cathedral, the Tower Life Building, the Hays Street Bridge and the view of Basilica of the Little Flower from Woodlawn Lake on the near West Side. The council committee approved the staff recommendation, forwarding the four sites to the full council for a vote. If the full council approves the list, then Miller and her staff will work with stakeholders, private citizens and others to craft the specifics of each viewshed. The council also will vote on amendments to the Unified Development Code, which currently outlines viewshed protections. It lists several specific locations, including all of the historic missions, Jefferson High School, the Spanish Governors Palace and the old Ursuline Academy, which nowis the Southwest School of Art. However, viewshed protections only have been enacted for the Alamo. If the updates are approved, future sites needing viewshed protection wont need to be enumerated in code. They would have to meet two of three criteria that would be added to help guide protections in the future. The individual specifics, we anticipate, will be very strategic and as narrowly defined as possible so that we can make them compatible with the future development we all want to see in our downtown, Miller told the committee members. Councilwoman Ana Sandoval, who co-authored the Council Consideration Request with colleague Cruz Shaw, applauded the committees approval and championed her districts historic assets. Its the Tricentennial and it also overlaps with the 100th anniversary of Woodlawn Lake Park in District 7, and so this has some significance to us, she said. Im really happy to see thats one of the finalists on the list. Committee members Greg Brockhouse and Shirley Gonzales found each other at odds, as they often are. But where each stood on the matter was nonetheless surprising. Brockhouse started off acknowledging that hes a pro-development guy, insisting that the industry is the driving force behind the community, providing jobs and wealth for San Antonians. But he said he fully supports the viewshed protections and said he liked Millers surgical precision on recommending four iconic sites rather than coming to the committee with a list of 40 or 50 locations. Its important, he noted, to protect those views for future generations. Gonzales, however, rejected the proposal. Its too much. Its too complicated. There are too many steps, she said. I dont support this and I dont recommend viewshed protections. In the short term, it may seem OK, but San Antonio has sprawled because of onerous development regulations and needs to be more accepting of density, Gonzales said. Weve got to get more comfortable with density, building taller buildings, she said. Miller pointed to Austin as an example of how viewsheds can be used to both shape development and protect iconic buildings. In the capital, theres no shortage of development happening on a massive scale. The skyline is speckled with cranes and new high-rises are constantly sprouting up. Even so, that city has dozens of viewsheds to ensure the Capitol can be seen from myriad locations. And thats by design, Miller said. You can see its not stopping development. Its shaping it, she said. Its reshaping where the density is going. Josh Baugh is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jbaugh@express-news.net | @jbaugh WASHINGTON - Two San Antonio congressmen on Tuesday demanded that Attorney General Jeff Sessions answer allegations that the Justice Department is improperly rejecting candidates for immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals based on politics. U.S. Reps. Lloyd Doggett and Joaquin Castro, both Democrats, said in a letter to Sessions that they have grave concern about whistle blower allegations that ideological and political considerations have blocked hiring despite backlogs in immigration cases. These allegations are extremely troubling not only because they may violate federal law and repeated the mistakes of the past, but also because they further aggravate the critical need for more immigration judges and BIA (Board of Immigration Appeals) officials to address the massive backlogs in immigration hearings across the country, the letter read. More than 600,000 cases are pending in front of the Executive Office for Immigration Review, the court system that adjudicates immigration cases. These allegations come at a time when the entire immigration system is being wielded as a political tool to press the Trump administrations political agenda, the letter added. The allegations are expected to be raised Wednesday in a Senate Judiciary subcommittee examining the immigration court system. The Justice Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.S. Reps. Elijah Cummings, D-Md., ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Don Beyer, D-Va., also signed the letter. The congressmen said they had received information from unnamed sources that the Justice Department had targeted multiple candidates whose applications for immigration judges or Board of Immigration Appeals positions were delayed or withdrawn. The Board of Immigration Appeals is a 21-member administrative body that interprets immigration laws and decides appeals usually by reviewing cases rather than hearing oral arguments. The congressmen demanded hiring documents, including a list of candidates whose applications have been pending for over a year, and another a list of those who have been appointed during that time. The House members said they were aware of Justice Department memos noting candidates whose immigration views do not align with those of the Donald Trump administration. An applicant who was offered an immigration judge position nearly a year and a half ago and who passed a background check last summer said in an interview that politics is likely the reason that the Justice Department hasnt been in touch about when to start work. My number one concern is that its an attack on the institution of the immigration court system. When theyre starting to make judgments about someones politics, its communicating that people are unable to check ideology at the courtroom steps and apply the rule of law, said the applicant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. In the George W. Bush administration, an investigation concluded that a top aide to then-Attorney General Alberto Gonzales had violated Justice Department policy and engaged in misconduct by choosing immigration judges and filling other positions with candidates who espoused conservative positions when they were interviewed. Candidates told investigators that they were asked about matters that included abortion, same-sex marriage and party affiliation. The investigative report, co-authored by the departments inspector general and internal ethics office, observed that both department policy and federal law prohibit discrimination in hiring for career positions on the basis of political affiliations. Doggett said in an interview that he was troubled by a series of steps that this administration has been taking to constrict and restrict the justice system for people who have a refugee claim. Its as if Trump is not satisfied with just building a wall at the border. He wants to build a wall at the court house. The Justice Department drew criticism from immigrant advocates this month for suspending funding for legal orientation programs at immigration detention centers. Immigration advocates also questioned the administrations recently announced plan to impose quotas on immigration judges. The judges will be required to complete 700 cases annually to receive a satisfactory performance rating. The average at present is 678. Doggett, a former Texas Supreme Court justice, said he is concerned that the integrity of the immigration system is preserved and that the Trump administration appears to be seeking ideologues rather than civil servants who will act on a nonpartisan basis. blambrecht@express-news.net AUSTIN Democratic candidate for governor Andrew White chided President Donald Trump on Tuesday for not releasing his income tax returns, but White isnt rushing to release his own tax information. Tax return? What? Today is tax day? Ill file an extension and release the return after the runoff, said White, a Houston businessman, according to his communications director, Desi Canela. White faces former Dallas county sheriff Lupe Valdez in a May 22 runoff election for the Democratic nomination for governor. Valdez also has asked for an extension, according to her campaign. She plans to release the return along with a number from previous years, said her campaign spokesman Juan Bautista Dominguez Estevez. The timing of the release is uncertain, as is how many years worth of returns she plans to make public. And Gov. Greg Abbott the Republican whom the two are battling to face in November has asked for an extension, too. Abbott released income tax returns when he first ran for governor and also has pledged to release them annually while holding the office. He has made public his tax returns dating back to 2010 and also posted them during his first two years as governor, in 2015 and 2016. He didnt post his return last year, but Abbott campaign spokesman John Wittman said he would release it soon. The governor made a commitment to release his tax returns each year he is governor. He stands by that commitment, Wittman said. Abbotts return for 2015 the latest available since tax returns are based on the previous year, and the governor last posted his in 2016 showed nearly $120,000 in wages. But the taxable income for the governor and his wife, Cecilia, dropped to $4,922 after applying deductions and exemptions. That meant they didnt owe federal taxes and were to get a refund of $27,059 that year. In addition to income revealed through his tax returns, Abbott receives large payments from a lawsuit settlement stemming from the 1984 accident in which he was left paralyzed from the waist down when a tree fell on him. Trumps refusal to release his tax returns is contrary to common practice in modern times for those who aspire to the presidency. The White House did disclose Tuesday that Trump had asked for an extension this year. Whites tweet was one of a number of tax-day comments that took note of Trumps refusal to release his returns. Happy Where are Trumps tax returns? Day! AKA #TaxDay to the rest of us, it said. Canela said she wrote the tweet, doing so because its tax day and we have a president sitting in the White House who wont release his tax returns. She didnt respond when asked whether White would release his tax returns from previous years. David Crockett, chairman of the political science department at Trinity University, pointed out that political leaders often have followed the modern presidential model in releasing tax returns. Well have to see if he creates a new norm, Crockett said of Trumps lack of transparency. Whether it is information that matters to voters I would suggest it does not matter to most, but for voters who are particularly suspicious or voters who like to see the maximum level possible of transparency, these are voters who like to see tax returns and college transcripts and things like that, he said. Crockett said tax returns are unlikely to form the basis for a vote for a particular candidate. The presidents refusal to release his returns, which Trump has said was due to them being under audit, has sparked conversation about the publics inability to see whether there might be any conflict of interest regarding the presidents public actions and income. Trumps refusal to do that keeps creating the kinds of issues that are constantly orbiting his presidency, Crockett said. pfikac@express-news.net @pfikac Four weeks ago, Sheryl Sculley put a big condition on her approval of a controversial five-story apartment complex near the historic Hays Street Bridge. The developer, Mitch Meyer, needed to meet with the Architectural Review Committee (ARC) of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association and reach agreement with the committee on project details. On Monday, that committee was dismantled. Chris Barrows, the new president of the Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association, has purged ARC of all six members and will replace them with his handpicked selections. The move is effective on April 30. In a termination letter to Monica Savino, the committees chair, Barrows said his decision is in no way a reflection on your contribution to the committee, but is indicative of the changing needs of the DHNA. Barrows, who moved into Dignowity Hill eight months ago, credited ARC with producing some genuinely great results, but added, There has also been damage to personal and professional relationships both inside and outside of this neighborhood. Read more: Sculley's decision on Hays Street Bridge project won't resolve development saga Now Playing: Hays Street Bridge has an extensive history in San Antonio that dates back to 1910. Land use near the bridge is currently at the center of an ongoing controversy. Video: San Antonio Express-News media:1240988:Video:video Activists were quick to conclude that Barrows wanted Savino and other committee members out because they were insufficiently supportive of Meyers proposed development at 803 N. Cherry Street. In a Tuesday interview, Barrows insisted that the Cherry Street project did not factor in his decision to dissolve the committee. We just decided to get a fresh start and get some fresh people on the committee, Barrows said. In response to Barrows move, Scott Albert, the Dignowity Hill board liaison for ARC, quit his position. Savino said Barrowss decision to replace the committee members was very poorly considered and, at the very least, created a perception that it was payback over ARCs concerns about the Cherry Street project. To be sure, Barrows is a strong supporter of Meyers proposed 147-unit development, while Savino has objected both to the specifics of the design and what she sees as a ham-handed process. She said in January the developers invited three neighborhood leaders to a private meeting to garner their support. By the time they contacted us (ARC), they told us, We want your support and we want your help to sell it to the neighborhood, Savino said. They told us point-blank when we met with them that they would make no changes, because the project was essentially done. Related: Activists plan Hays Street Bridge campaign via your photos Nearly two decades ago, restoration activists began working to save the then-dilapidated Hays Street Bridge from what looked like inevitable demolition. When $700,000 was needed to supplement a $2.9-million federal grant to restore the bridge, the city dumped the fundraising responsibilities on the activists and they came through. The activists also got BudCo Ltd. to donate the property surrounding the bridge to the city, with the understanding that it would be converted into a park. The city turned around and sold the land to Eugene Simor, the owner of Alamo Beer Company. Simor ultimately deeded the property north of the bridge to Meyer. This is the part of the story that development advocates skim over when they tell restoration activists with condescending exasperation to get over it, to accept the reality that this land is now privately owned, that any development is preferable to the whole lotta nothing that exists there now and that its pointless to pine for a park that will never happen. Of course, history has shown that the city finds ways to make things happen when theres a will. After all, it sunk $13 million of 2017 bond money into a land bridge for Hardberger Park. Buying back the property north of the bridge and converting it into a public space isnt exactly like sending a manned mission to Mars. Read more: Mayor, council set goals and expectations for Sculley and her 2018 bonus Twice over the past four months, Meyer took development proposals to the Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) and twice the commission rejected his plans. Graciela Sanchez, executive director of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, has been one of the developments most vehement critics. She credited Savino with suggesting to activists that when they made their case to the HDRC, they needed to emphasize the projects design flaws rather than re-litigating old legal arguments surrounding the Hays Street Bridge restoration. Savino said Tuesday she had held out hope that a reasonable compromise could be reached on the use of the Cherry Street property. But she added that Barrowss removal of ARCs members might have squelched a chance to navigate out of a sticky situation. Gilbert Garcia is a San Antonio Express-News columnist. Read more of his stories here. | ggarcia@express-news.net | @gilgamesh470 A city proposal to downzone businesses around the mission World Heritage sites was met with skepticism Tuesday by the Zoning Commission, which voted to allow more time for property owners and the city to work out a compromise. Commission members expressed support for some aspects of the citys proposal, which is intended to correct what many South Side residents perceive as an overabundance of auto shops and motels on corridors such as Roosevelt Avenue and Presa Street. Its part of a larger effort to diversify the South Sides economy and improve the areas around the missions, which were declared World Heritage sites in 2015. But some members of the commission said they were concerned that business owners property rights would be infringed upon by the proposal. If someone came along and told me, Youre now rezoned, and that limits the capacity to how I can earn money from my business, Im not sure what there is to work out except go away and leave me alone, commission member Patricia Gibbons said. The Zoning Commission will consider the proposal again on June 5, and it will go before the City Council at a later date. South Side business owners, who spent more than an hour speaking against the proposal, said after the meeting that they didnt hold out much hope at reaching a compromise with the city. Carroll Brown, a volunteer with Alliance for San Antonio Missions, called the commissions decision a stay of execution. I do not think anythings going to change, said Sandra Bratcher, whose late father, Jim Barden, founded Jims Loop Auto Repair, one of the businesses that would be downzoned. If I had some deep pockets, Im sure I could take care of anything. Dozens of business, ranging from hair salons to fruterias, would have their zoning reduced from C-2 commercial, which allows for unlimited building size and wide range of uses, to C-1 light commercial zoning. Businesses in a C-1 district are limited to 5,000 square feet and uses that act as a buffer next to residential areas, such as grocery and furniture stores. Some of the businesses have been on the South Side for decades Jims Loop Auto, for example, has been in its Roosevelt storefront since 1976. Many South Side residents support the citys proposal, including the neighborhood associations for Roosevelt Park and Mission San Jose. They hope it will bring a wider variety of retail businesses such as coffee shops and restaurants. What we are seeing in this area is that currently, residents are going other places to conduct some of their business, so theres leakage in the area, Colleen Swain, director of the citys World Heritage Office, told the Zoning Commission. We want to diversify the economy, and we want to build it for the residents, so when the visitors come, they have a place where they can go to experience. The citys most recent bond package included $13 million to rehabilitate Roosevelt into a landscaped corridor friendly to pedestrians and cyclists, as well as $5 million for Presa. Many business owners who spoke before the commission said they supported bringing new development to the South Side, but said the city was rezoning with too broad of a brush. The new zoning could harm the South Sides culture by driving away its deep-rooted businesses, they said. This rezoning proposal has many excellent points. We should be thrilled and proud the city has established a World Heritage office to deal with this, South Side resident Virginia Rutledge said. But this current proposal is too big and its moving too fast. Business owners also are skeptical of the citys assurances that they will be grandfathered into the new zoning, meaning they could stay there indefinitely and could be sold or passed to relatives. They also worry the new zoning could hurt their property values. The city has become embroiled in several downzoning controversies in recent years. In 2016, Mayor Ron Nirenberg who at the time served as councilman for District 8 led a campaign to downzone 36 acres of land on the Northwest Side to prevent high-density apartments from being built there and adding to the local traffic load. The local business and real estate community came out in force against Nirenbergs effort, saying it would be a violation of property rights. In the end, the council rejected the downzoning in a 7-3 vote. Richard Webner is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | rwebner@express-news.net | @RWebner Both of Connecticuts senators are on record as opposing the nomination of CIA Director Mike Pompeo to be President Donald Trumps secretary of state, replacing the fired Rex Tillerson. But Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., was willing to offer some tempered kudos to Pompeo for his secret trip to Pyongyang to meet with North Korean shadowy leader Kim Jong Un, in anticipation of Trumps own sit-down. To be honest with you, Im glad there is someone on a high level in the administration talking to the North Koreans about what may be the parameters of this meeting, said Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. But if you expect this to result in a Nixon-to-China moment, a hawkish president scoring a major diplomatic coup, Murphy is asking that you guess again. Im deeply worried that this is going to be a meeting for show, that there will be no achievement, and that the president will then move to military options, having given a try at diplomacy. Cycle of anger The next time you, the voter, find yourself looking for someone to blame for the mess in Washington, former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman has an answer for you: Look in the mirror. When Washington doesnt work, voters become angry; when voters are angry, theyre more likely to embrace more vituperative candidates, Lieberman wrote in an op-ed in Time magazine. And because most are not prepared to give an inch, nothing gets done so the public becomes even angrier, and the cycle begins again. Might be a little closer to Catch-22 than Critique of Pure Reason, but an interesting piece of political philosophy nonetheless and so true, at least to those of us whove spent far, far too long a time in D.C. (Ahem!) In any case, I checked in with Liebermans spokesman at the meet-at-the-center organization he helped found, No Labels. So, in this month of Passover, I posed my own Four Questions to the very observant Lieberman: Still working part-time at a midtown Manhattan law firm? Still living in Riverdale in the Bronx? Still spending lots of time with the nearby kids and grandchildren? How many is that now? The spokesman brought forth this reply from Joe himself: Yes to first three questions. Four children, 11 grandchildren, Praise the Lord! Not the business they chose Maybe Ive been too obsessed with The Sopranos, The Godfather and Goodfellas, but I literally gasped when former FBI Director James Comey said President Donald Trump reminded him of some of the Mafia bosses hed prosecuted in years gone by. Its all about loyalty to the boss, not principle, not the Constitution, not rule of law. Comey was careful to disassociate Trump from breaking legs, shaking down shopkeepers and other assorted gruesome practices that make films and books about workaday life in the mob so compelling. So I asked another former federal prosecutor, Sen. Richard Blumenthal Connecticuts U.S. attorney all the way back in the Jimmy Carter administration whether he agreed with Comey. Of course, let us stipulate at the outset that Blumenthal is not out selling a book and certainly has a reputation for choosing his words carefully. But even so, Blumenthal says he gets it the parallels arguably are there. To put it most bluntly, I would not compare the president of the United States to a mob boss, Blumenthal said. But the demand for loyalty, even when it may involve law breaking, is certainly a characteristic of organized crime, as we knew it. I could recognize in Comeys characterizations some of what I saw in (prosecuting) organized crime. A report has been released that sets out current state of the UKs rarest breeds at risk of extinction, which includes Vaynol cows and British Lop pigs. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST), the only UK charity dedicated to preserving and promoting rare breed farm animals and horses, have released the 2018 Rare Breeds Danger List report. Hitting the highest danger level of breeds most likely to die out is the Vaynol cow breed, with only 12 breeding females as of 2018. Cleveland Bay Horse comes second as just 64 breeding females. The following are then listed: Suffolk Horse 80; British Landrace pigs 138; British Lop pigs 16. The report states that UK rare breed animal numbers are at crisis point, with animals that have been around since Viking times in danger of being lost from the British landscape forever. Of the types of animals most at risk in 2018, pigs (British Landrace and British Lop) and horses (Suffolk Horse and Cleveland Bay Horse) are all in the danger zone. 'Drive demand' Tom Beeston, CEO of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust said the British public need to eat more rare breed meat to drive up demand for the animals. These rare breed animals are going to end up as dead as a Dodo unless their numbers increase dramatically, Mr Beeston explained. With the publication of the Danger Watchlist, we are calling on Government bodies and consumers to support our work. We need more than 10m in the next decade to pay for our Gene Bank, where genetic material is stored so that we can recreate a breed, a bit like the film Jurassic Park. And although it might sound odd we want more people to eat rare breed meat to drive demand for the animals. Mr Beeston added: These animals are beautiful to look at, uniquely British and deserve to be protected for future generations. 'Extreme danger' The UKs appetite for bacon continues to rise with 87 million breakfasts last year. Roast pork for Sunday lunch and ham for sandwiches, lean pork is a popular consumer choice. However, the demand for pork over the past few decades has led to intensive production of pigs for lean meat with little waste. Rare breed pigs like the Gloucestershire Old Spots and Tamworth do feature on gastro-pub menus, and the Rare Breed Survival Trust believe it is important for consumers to ask for these rare breed animals when they go out to eat. However, the British Lop and British Landrace pigs are in extreme danger. The RBST said: Pigs produce large litters of up to 12 piglets, but the problem is that celebrity chefs and restaurant owners havent heard of these rare breeds so there is no market for them. RBST is working to change this. 'Rare breed beef' Rare breed beef is becoming of greater interest to chefs and restaurants. Highland Cows used to be on the danger list in the 1970s, but and are now considered great meat and popular with consumers. The report says that counter-intuitively; this is a good thing, because the more people that eat rare breed meat, the greater the demand and the more animals will be bred. Of greatest concern are Vaynol due to the critically low numbers, with British White cattle also being hit hard with a significant decrease since last year. The report concludes that some breeds will be lost forever unless funding is found from the government A Chinese delegation has arrived in the UK this week to carry out inspections as part of the ongoing process to lift the BSE ban on British beef exports. Five members of the Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) and General Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) arrived on Sunday as part of a nine-day visit to look at the countrys BSE controls. Hosted by Defra and working closely with the wider industry, the delegation is visiting farms, abattoirs, a BSE testing laboratory and rendering sites as well as meeting with key UK government officials. The inspections mark a major step forward in the process to open the Chinese market to British beef for the first time in over 20 years which could be worth 250 million in the first five years. Demand for British food and drink is growing in China, with the total value of exports rising by a third to 438m in 2016. In particular, demand for UK pork has doubled in terms of value over the last three years. Nine producers already export to China and generated 43m last year. 'High quality British beef' AHDB International Market Development Director Dr Phil Hadley said this weeks visit follows years of collaboration across industry and government to gain market access. This is an important next step in our ambitions to export high quality British beef to the growing Chinese market, he added. Unlocking access to China will bring huge benefits to beef producers here in the UK. It is still an ongoing process with much more work to be done, but AHDB will continue to work with others and play a key role in this process to help steer discussions as we move forward. Agreements were reached in 2012 to export pork from the UK to China, with exports rising in value to 74 million in 2016. The UK also has approval to export malting barley used in brewing to China, as it has quality advantages over other nations, as well as dairy products. Dairy giant Muller has confirmed details of a new initiative designed to help British dairy farmers manage the impact of extreme farm gate milk price volatility. The move follows recent confirmation by Lidl UK of a new partnership with Muller, which will see the dairy company become the supermarkets main milk supplier from 1st June 2018. Muller Direct farmers will be offered the option to secure up to 50% of their milk supply at 28ppl fixed price for up to 3 years, to fulfil the supermarkets requirement for fresh milk. By securing a fixed price for a portion of their milk supply, farmers can substantially reduce their exposure to market volatility which has seen farm gate milk prices suffer dramatic swings in the past few years. Rob Hutchison, Muller Milk Supply Director said: Theres no doubt that the highs and lows of market volatility are challenging to deal with, creating uncertainty and inability to plan ahead. This new approach gives dairy farmers security and confidence for the future and is a very good example of innovation which benefits the whole supply chain. Muller Direct farmers can apply to apportion milk in 10,000 litre per month lots from today and the Muller Direct Fixed Price Contract commences on 1st June. The 2018 National Rural Crime Survey has been launched to spearhead greater recognition and understanding of the problems and impact of crime in rural communities. The last survey was launched in 2015 and it revealed the huge cost of crime to rural communities at 800 million per year. It showed rural communities, including many farmers, fear crime, with chronic under-reporting, anger and frustration at the police and government. 13,000 people responded to give their impressions of crime and anti-social behaviour in 2015. This years survey wants to know the true picture of crime and anti-social behaviour in rural communities across England and Wales and the impact it has. The survey is being carried out by the National Rural Crime Network. The organisation brings together Police and Crime Commissioners, police forces and organisations that play a key role in rural communities including the CLA, the NFU and the Countryside Alliance. Difficult truths The Networks Chair is Julia Mulligan said the 2015 survey uncovered some difficult truths. The aim of the National Rural Crime Network is to see greater recognition and understanding of the problems and impact of crime in rural communities so more can be done to help them be safe and feel safe, Ms Mulligan said. In order to achieve that, we need to know the true picture of crime and anti-social behaviour that residents and businesses face. The 2015 findings uncovered some difficult truths for all those involved in protecting rural areas and now is the right time to see whether lessons have been learnt, whether people are more willing to report the crime they are victims of and if they do indeed feel safer. Soft target NFU President Minette Batters will urge Chief Constables to ensure farms and rural communities do not become a soft target for criminals, in an address to the National Police Chiefs Council. Mrs Batters will tell a meeting of all the Chief Constables in the country that a consistent and coordinated approach to rural crime is needed to tackle this issue. Laid out initially in its Combatting Rural Crime report published last year, the NFU continues to urge all police forces to have a dedicated rural police team in order to ensure the countryside is properly policed. Mrs Batters said: All manner of rural crimes, whether it is hare-coursing, fly-tipping or theft, severely impact farm businesses and rural communities. Not only does it have economic consequences but these criminals also bring threats, violence and intimidation to the countryside. It is crucial that there is a joined-up approach to tackle this issue and that is why the NFU is the leading farming organisation representing its members in the fight against rural crime. Engaging with police chiefs, in particular through the National Wildlife Crime Unit, is a prime example of this work and making those at the front line aware of the real cost of crime to farm businesses is essential. Mrs Batters continued: A cross-departmental task force would be a step in the right direction to show that all aspects of government are taking this issue extremely seriously. The National Rural Crime Survey results will also feed into the National Police Chiefs Councils Rural Affairs National Strategy for 2018-2021 which is due to be launched later this year. The Scottish government has announced a support package worth 250,000 to help farmers who have experienced recent severe weather. The package of support for farmers and crofters will help address the impact of recent extreme and adverse weather. It has been announced today (18 April) by Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing. It includes a new 250,000 fund to help farmers offset the cost of retrieving fallen livestock. The Scottish Government-appointed expert weather panel recognised that recent severe weather had caused a rise in the number of sheep and cattle deaths on farms across Scotland. The panel said that financial support should be provided to those incurring additional costs of disposal of dead cattle and sheep. The package also includes action to address feed and fodder shortages and to provide more practical and emotional support to farmers and their families whose wellbeing might be suffering as the long days and nights in harsh conditions take their toll. 'Massive impact' Mr Ewing said the government is "already doing a lot" to help farmers cope with the adverse conditions. He said: Ive seen first-hand the massive impact that the prolonged wet and severe weather has been having on farmers, resulting in higher numbers of dead animals, and acute shortages in fodder across the country. Mr Ewing said beside the 250,000, the government are offering aid including cash flow through the LFASS and BPS loan schemes, providing specialist advice through the Farm Advisory Service, and seeking derogation from the European Commission from the Three Crop rule. The Rural Economy Secretary said the 250,000 will help offset part of the additional costs farmers have faced in the uplift and disposal of dead sheep and cattle. Fourteen stolen pregnant ewes have been safely returned to their Cumbrian farm thanks to a revolutionary marking system. Hill farmer Pip Simpson, a victim of previous livestock thefts, turned to TecTracer to help protect his flock from criminals targeting isolated farms across the county. TecTracer a forensic sheep tracing system has been developed by John Minary, a former senior police detective, and a Swedish ballistics expert - uses raddles to ingrain thousands of coded markers into a sheeps fleece, marking them with a unique identifying code which makes it easy to trace which farm the sheep originated from. Together with signs advertising the TecTracer identification process positioned around farm buildings and fields and combined with an e-alert early warning system linked to the police, farms, abattoirs and auction houses the system has been dubbed Operation Bo Beep!. It is now being used by many farmers across the North of England as the front line in crime prevention. 'Financial anxiety' As soon as Mr Simpson discovered the loss of the 14 ewes, worth 2,500, he alerted the TecTracer team who immediately swung into action. The sheep were soon returned under cover of darkness, but to a different field. Mr Minary said: Over the years, Pip has been one of the many victims of rural crime, having his livestock stolen by targeted criminals. The financial anxiety of having his sheep stolen led him to take extreme measures, including dying his entire flock orange. This, however, was only a temporary solution, as the dye soon came out resulting in Pip turning to TecTracer. The point of TecTracer is to make livestock too hot handle. In this case, the thieves clearly realised soon after taking the ewes that with our network of contacts from police to local farms, paired with the unique marking and the social media coverage, the only option was to return the ewes. 'Step change' Mr Minary said the system brings a "step change" in the fight against the crime. Ear tags can be cut out, but TecTracer remains within the fleece, effectively identifying the sheep. He added: Its fantastic to see the TecTracer technology fulfilling its purpose and protecting hard-working farmers like Pip from losing money to sheep theft. Mr Simpson said: I am absolutely over the moon at the effectiveness of the TecTracer system. Had I not protected my flock with it I fear I would never have seen them again. It is always distressing to wake up to find livestock missing, but by having the Tec Tracer marking we know the sheep are easily traceable. It is a huge deterrent! With policing pressures that is seeing fewer and fewer patrols, farmers need to be able to protect themselves and their property from criminals. TecTracer is one effective weapon in the fight against sheep theft. Angry, ashamed and heartbroken. This is how the members of the Indian film industry described their feelings over the gruesome gang-rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua. While the incident had taken place in January, the past few days have seen details of the horrific case surfacing, following the chargesheeting of the accused recently. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, Akshay Kumar, Sanjay Dutt, Swara Bhaskar and many others, have demanded swift justice for the girl, whose body was recovered from Rassana forest in the Kathua district on January 17, a week after she went missing while grazing horses in the forest area. She was reportedly held captive inside a temple, and was sedated before being allegedly raped repeatedly, and eventually, murdered. Bollywood actors have demanded severe punishment for the horrifying crime. Hundreds of protestors took part in the midnight candlelight march to the India Gate on Friday to protest the Kathua and Unnao rape cases ** The name of the victim has not been revealed in cognizance with the Delhi High Court's order of Friday Priyanka Chopras fans have been waiting long for her to announce a film back home. After many rumours and scripts, Priyanka Chopra announced that she has officially joined the cast of Salman Khans next film Bharat. It is directed Ali Abbas Zafar and will release during Eid 2019.While many actresses like Shraddha Kapoor and Kareena Kapoor Khan were apparently considered, Priyanka has been zeroed in. The duo has earlier worked together in three films, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Salaam-E-Ishq and God Tussi Great Ho and share a comfortable rapport as co-stars.Salman Khan took to social media to welcome PeeCee in his inimitable way. Heres what he had to say:And to this, here's what our Desi girl had to say:Bharat is an official remake of a Korean war drama titled Ode To My Father, which is also the third highest grossing Korean film of all times. Salman Khan will be seen recreating his looks from his earlier films like Maine Pyar Kiya and will be using prosthetics to achieve the same. Fast forward to today, and interest in the deal the sale of Air India, Air India Express (the budget airline) and AI-SATS (a 50:50 joint venture with a gateway services and food solutions provider) as one entity is not exactly bubbling. In a speech on 16 April, 2018 at the Bombay Stock Exchange on the Indian Economy and Economic Policies, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said that the government shouldnt sell more than 49 percent of national carrier Air India (AI) currently on the block, with the government willing to sell 76 percent of that company. Bhagwats sentiment echoes that of many people who believe that we should have a national carrier. Political interest in maintaining a national carrier is not new; in 2004, the Naresh Chandra Committee on Civil Aviation observed that the focus of discussion around the privatisation of Air India and Indian Airlines was the need for having a government-owned national carrier. Indian Airlines was merged into Air India (AI) in 2007, and since then a profit-making AI went on to become the heavily-debt laden (Rs 50,000 crore and counting) loss-making entity it now is. Fast forward to today, and interest in the deal the sale of Air India, Air India Express (the budget airline) and AI-SATS (a 50:50 joint venture with a gateway services and food solutions provider) as one entity is not exactly bubbling. Domestic Airlines such as Jet Airways and Indigo have withdrawn from biddiing, and SpiceJet said the purchase would be well beyond its means. Bhagwats concern as expressed in his speech was that many countries limit foreign ownership in national airlines to 29 percent, adding that he was told that Germany allowed 49 percent. His information, however, was not complete. In 1987, British Airways had an initial public offering or IPO, that was oversubscribed 11 times. Lufthansa the German airline that Bhagwat referred to had an IPO in the 1990s, as did Iberia (in 2001). KLM became 100 percent privately owned in 1998. Advocates for a government-owned national airline advance two basic arguments: The national brand recognition and value, and tourism. Both happen to be wrong, from the available evidence. Indian private sector brands have done far more for Indias reputation overseas than AI; they are more recognisable. Passenger traffic a useful proxy for tourism, released by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) shows that Air India is third with just over 13 percent, behind Indigo (39.4 per cent) and Jet Airways (14.6 per cent). Our national airline accounted for just 11 per cent of international travel; of the traffic share among all Indian airlines, Air Indias was just 28 per cent, coming in a distant second after Jet Airways. Foreign airlines accounted for 62 per cent of international travel. There is no business case for a national airline. What will successful privatisation look like then? What can we learn from other countries attempts? Depending on the region, a couple of options emerge. The first and perhaps the most palatable one is finding a strategic investor. The only problem (politically) is that it could be another foreign airline. British Airways bought 25 percent of Australias Quantas, and then Quantas went in for an IPO to sell the remaining 75 percent. The result was a doubling of its fleet and a tripling in passenger traffic. Cathay Pacific owns 20 percent of China Airlines, though the government stays firmly in control. We dont know enough about China Airlines, but the biggest problem with AI will be in addressing three issues: Performance, efficiency and waste. The second option and probably a politically unpalatable one will be the sale of a significant stake or a merger. British Airways and Iberia merged to form the International Airlines Group (IAG); subsequently, Qatar Airlines acquired a 20 percent stake in IAG; within our own shores, Etihad Airways acquired a 24 percent stake in Jet Airways. The third is a combination of a sale of a significant stake and an IPO. The only problem is not knowing whether the government will sweeten the deal with other concessions, like a reduction in staff through a voluntary retirement scheme (VRS); staff costs in Air India are almost 12 percent of revenues; its not clear if that number includes pension benefits as well. Malaysia offers yet another interesting example that didnt quite work out. In 1985, 40 percent was sold through an IPO; in 1994, the Malaysian Central Bank sold its 32 percent to a helicopter company, making the government a minority shareholder, which however retained a golden share. This gave the government veto rights over certain decisions. In 2000, large losses forced the government to take back control, which it consolidated by taking back full control in 2014. Japan Airlines privatised in 1987, but the government bailed it out of bankruptcy in 2010. In the next year, JAL listed on the Nikkei Stock Exchange, with a good outcome. The government recouped its investment. Air India could take a similar risk, but the outcome is much less certain. Fourth, lenders could force Air India to go to the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT); the scale of the losses certainly justify it. Banks would have to take a big haircut, but thats not very different from what they have to do in other cases; the government could provide recapitalisation support to the banks concerned. This would raise valuation questions but keep the process transparent. Perhaps the Tatas could bid for it, given that they owned it in the first place. The late Frank Zappa, rock musician and composer whose band was called The Mothers of Invention once said that You cant be a real country unless you have a beer and an airline. We dont have a national beer, and we probably dont need a national airline either. The opposition to Air Indias sale whichever way that works out should step aside and let it go through. (The writer is a senior columnist and former journalist. He tweets @shrisrinivas) With banks giving their service providers almost 40-50 percent less cash for ATMs, currency is rationed to ATMs depending on the locality and the demand for money A situation, supposedly similar to the one India faced in the days that followed the demonetisation announcement, surfaced in the country this week, with several ATMs running dry and banks putting up notices stating their ATM kiosks are not functioning. ATM and point of sale (PoS) system service providers Firstpost spoke to shared a slew of reasons for the cash crunch. Primarily, banks have been unable to comply with the indent raised by service providers, raised on a daily basis to replenish ATMs, they said. The cropping season is another reason for a shortage of cash, they said. Owing to the cropping season in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, a large numbers of farmers in those states are withdrawing cash for transactions, contributing to the resultant cash crunch. Another reason is that people in rural areas continue transacting in cash, as the technology for digital transactions in the hinterland is woefully inadequate. Cash makes them feel confident than using the internet or mobile transactions, said Navroze Dastur of NCR Corporation of India, the largest deployer of ATMs in India. A fourth reason provided was that large sums of money have been withdrawn by political parties ahead of the election season, thus helping trigger the cash shortage situation in the country. Several cities and towns stand affected. Service providers said that while the current situation with regard to ATMs is far from normal, they are able to meet about 70-80 percent of customers requirements. Rationing cash With banks giving their service providers almost 40-50 percent less cash for ATMs, currency is rationed to ATMs depending on the locality and the demand for money, said V Balasubramanian, the spokesperson of the Confederation of ATM Industry. Furthermore, many banks do not have cash chests and these have to be moved from other states, he said, adding that there is no shortage of cash in ATMs in Kerala and Tamil Nadu. But in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, since February, public sector banks have been able to give only 60 percent of the cash needed for ATMs, said Balasubramanian. However, private banks in the two states have been able to honour 90 percent of the indent raised. Sharing details about the spike, Economic Affairs Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg told reporters on Tuesday that the first 13 days of April witnessed a demand of Rs 45,000 crore as opposed to an average demand of some Rs 20,000 crore in a month. Garg said there was no cash crunch in the country, pointing out that currently around Rs 18 lakh crore worth of currency was in circulation. "We keep Rs 2.5-3 lakh crore more currency in stock for excess demand. In the last few days, we have pumped cash into the system to meet the demand. We still have a reserve of Rs 1.75 lakh crore." Earlier, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley tweeted that there is more than adequate currency in circulation. He said: "Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Overall there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the banks. The temporary shortage caused by sudden and unusual increase' in some areas is being tackled quickly." Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Over all there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the Banks. The temporary shortage caused by sudden and unusual increase in some areas is being tackled quickly. Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) April 17, 2018 How ATMs are stocked ATM service providers provide an indent to banks. By noon, on a working day, an indent is raised and given to the bank with a cash forecast, for ATMs, for the next day. The following day, service providers collect cash from banks and transport the same in vans. One van can replenish around 20 ATMs. Vans start loading money from 10 am and finish their rounds by 5 pm. As of February 2018, public sector banks operated 1,45,846 ATMs (83,632 onsite and 62,214 offsite) while private banks operated 59,873 ATMs (23,783 onsite and 36,090 offsite). People fear that cash is safer at home than in banks and this is further fueled by the string of scams and frauds that have hit banks There could be just two explanations for the shortage of cash in Indian ATMs. One, there is a gap between supply and demand, Two, cash is king again. The first explanation seems unlikely because the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put out more money in the banking system than the pre-demonetisation period. According to the RBI data, on 6 April there was Rs 18.17 lakh crore in the banking system. This is marginally more than the 17.6 lakh crore in circulation before 8 November, 2016, when old currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 were banned by the government. Under normal circumstances this currency in circulation would have been adequate for the existing demand, more so because of the increased thrust on digitisation and a less-cash economy. Yet, ATMs in many states have become dry. Some officials have suggested that ATMs in some states have become dry because of an imbalance in supply, implying that some states got more cash while others less from the RBI. But, this is also an unlikely reason because of the sheer number of states facing a cash crunch and the fact that it is a recent phenomenon. So, what could be the reason behind the shortage? The only viable explanation at the momentconsidering the RBI argument of adequate currency in circulation and more digitisationis this: Cash is king again. Indians have forgotten the lesson of demonetisationthose who hoard cash tend to sufferand have turned the clock back. There is increasing evidence that cash is being stocked at home or is being channeled into other assetsnot through, mind you, the banking channel but via cash transactionsin spite of the demonetisation experience. One of the giveaways of the current trend is the complete disappearance of Rs 2,000 notes from the market, even though the RBI says they are almost 30 percent of the currency in circulation. Cash disappears from the market generally before major elections. That is when it is needed the most to finance campaigns over and above the limit set by the Election Commission of India. But, this is not the case this time. Yes, elections are due in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh in December. But, it is too early to build a war chest for the semi-finals. So, the only reason money is disappearing is this: People fear that their money is safer at home than in banks. This fuel could have been fueled by the string of scams and frauds that have hit banks, leading to rumors that some of them could go belly up soon. One instance that comes to mind of this lack of faith in the banking system is the run on ICICI Bank in 2008. Back then, scared of rumors that the bank was about to go bankrupt, account holders withdrew crores of rupees overnight from the banks branches. This year too the trigger appears to be a combination of factors, starting from the proposed bill that reduced a banks liability in case it failed and the rising NPAs. This run on banks may have been compounded by the activity in the agriculture sector where crops are being sold in the market, leading to a demand for cash. The good news for the government in spite of this chaos is this: The crisis is temporary. Once the finance ministry assures people that Indian banks are still in robust health, the money being currently withdrawn is bound to return to the banks. As on date, one in every two of the nearly 3000 ATMs in Hyderabad do not have cash. Vizianagaram is represented in the Lok Sabha by Ashok Gajapathi Raju, who till last month was India's civil aviation minister. But on the map of India, Vizianagaram is no high flying patch. Located 60 km north of Visakhapatnam, it is part of the backward north-coastal Andhra region. And the severe cash crunch in recent months has virtually grounded Vizianagaram. District collector Vivek Yadav said the situation was always bad, but has gotten worse in the last few months. "This creates a huge problem in the first week of every month when we have to distribute pensions and wages for MGNREGA work. Pension disbursal alone in Vizianagaram comes to Rs 28 crore and MGNREGA wages are another Rs 26 crore,'' said Yadav. Yadav is pinning his hopes on the Rs 81 crore that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has promised will be sent to the district by the end of the week. In neighbouring Telangana, Siddipet was among the districts to enthusiastically embrace a cashless way of life soon after demonetisation in November 2016. The district administration encouraged traders to accept digital payments but the effect lasted only for a few weeks. Collector Venkatrama Reddy said that with shopkeepers charging two percent extra for digital payments, people soon reverted to cash as the preferred mode of payment. "But now for months, ATMs have no cash. We have flagged it with the state government in Hyderabad. Also in rural areas where cash has to be distributed for government schemes through post offices, it creates delays as the currency has to be transported and it is not readily available,'' said Reddy. It is not as if the union finance ministry was unaware of the situation on the ground. Both the Andhra and Telangana governments wrote to the ministry and the RBI in the first-quarter of 2018, informing them that the cash crunch was getting difficult to manage. After disbursal of social security benefits took a hit in several districts in February, with 35 per cent of the beneficiaries not receiving their pensions because of a short supply of cash from the RBI, Andhra chief minister Chandrababu Naidu wrote to union finance minister Arun Jaitley to increase the monthly cash supply from Rs 3000 crore to Rs 5000 crore. Telangana finance minister E Rajender asked the RBI governor to provide cash to semi-urban areas in the state on a priority. This was after a number of complaints from MLAs during the budget session in March, pointing to ATMs running dry. But the missives failed to have the desired effect. As on date, one in every two of the nearly 3000 ATMs in Hyderabad do not have cash. The situation is worse in rural bank branches in Telangana. The Andhra government is livid with the Centre for what it calls sheer mismanagement. "Either Arun Jaitley does not know what is happening or he is lying because he knew the cash was not there. He says it is a temporary shortage but if it was only about logistics, the cash crunch would not have lasted this long,'' opined a senior official of the Andhra government. In a statement, the union finance ministry said: "There has been an unusual spurt in currency demand in the country in the last three months. This unusual spurt in demand is seen more in some part of the country like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar''. Another argument being put forth is that cash is perhaps getting diverted to poll-bound Karnataka to fund the illegal electoral practise of bribing voters. But even if that were to be the case, the cash crunch would have been limited to the neighbouring states in southern India and should not have affected states north of the Vindhyas. Visakhapatnam-based EAS Sarma, who served as energy secretary to the Government of India, said the phrase "cashless India" has become a cruel joke. "Who should own responsibility for the large number of cashless ATMs staring at the customers? When demonetisation has brought back so much of the currency back into the banking system, why is there a cash crunch?'' With the ruling parties in both Andhra and Telangana not on good terms with the NDA government at the Centre, there is also a tendency to view the shortage through the political prism. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, who is an ally of the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS), asked if the problem is a fallout of K Chandrasekhar Rao planning to float a 'third front'. Owaisi tweeted, asking "why is the Delhi Sultanate discriminating against Hyderabad in particular and Telangana in general?" Why is the Delhi Sultanate discriminating against Hyderabad in particular & Telangana in general majority of ATMs of PSBs have no money will Badshah of Delhi stop this injustice & discrimination ,a new political front @TelanganaCMO & shortage starts @PMOIndia Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) April 10, 2018 The fallout of the ongoing cash crunch and the recent bank scams is a serious trust deficit. An official in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh pointed out that many of those who had opened Jan Dhan accounts in banks in rural areas now want to go back to operating their accounts in post offices. This is because they feel money is more safe in post offices and they do not see any benefit from depositing money in a bank that does not give them cash when they need it. That is a commentary on the quality of the delivery mechanism that has taken a serious hit. While it is difficult to trace any specific reason for such massive cash withdrawals this year, analysts say that concerns over the health of banking system has also triggered savers to withdraw cash. Mumbai:The government and the central bank will ensure there is an adequate amount of currency notes, following reports that banks' automated teller machines had run out of cash in different parts of the country, the government said on Tuesday. Cash withdrawals go up during crop harvest season which is usually during March to April, and then during festival season in October, but there has been an unusual rise in currency demand in the last three months. That is a source of worry for policymakers as a sustained heavy currency withdrawal suggests a return of cash hoarding by individuals, diluting the purpose of a massive note ban exercise by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in late 2016. "The total stock of currency has come down but still we have notes worth more than two trillion rupees ($30.46 billion) in stock which is more than sufficient," said the government's economic affairs secretary Subhash Chandra Garg. Currency withdrawal by individuals during January-March 2018 was at 1.4 trillion rupees, sharply higher than 1.1 trillion rupees in the same quarter of 2016, according to Reserve Bank of India data. The March 2017 quarter data is not comparable as the RBI was in the process of re-injecting currency notes after the so-called demonetisation in November 2016. While it is difficult to trace any specific reason for such massive cash withdrawals this year, analysts say that concerns over the health of banking system has also triggered savers to withdraw cash. The banking system has been fraught with challenges including a surge in bad loans and a recent revelation of a $2-billion fraud at the country's second-largest state lender Punjab National Bank. Investors have also been wary of issues surrounding the chief executives of two big private sector lenders - ICICI Bank and Axis Bank. Cash withdrawals have gone up sharply in the last three months especially in Andhra Pradesh, Telenghana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, the government said in a release adding that it would be "supplying adequate currency notes to meet even higher levels of demand if such demand were to continue in the coming days/months". The government also dismissed concerns over a lack of adequate supply of the high-value 2000 rupee note while acknowledging early signs of hoarding. "Of late we have noted somewhat lesser inflow of the 2000 rupee notes coming back in the circulation. You can assume this is one note most suitable for people to keep themselves," Garg said adding that there is no need to print more of these notes. Freebies and the absence of deterrents boost demand. Purchases were relatively lower last year, in the aftermath of the demonetisation drive, announced in late 2016. A 15-20 percent rise in purchases of gold jewellery was witnessed across the country on Wednesday, on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a day-long festival when gold buying turns auspicious. Jewellers said shoppers across India, the leading consumer of gold, are chasing light-weight jewellery and coins. Volumes have risen by some 15 percent in the last two days, said Keyur Shah, CEO - Precious Metals Business, Muthoot Pappachan Group. The reason behind this year's increase in volumes is the absence of deterrents. Purchases were relatively lower last year, in the aftermath of the demonetisation drive, announced in late 2016. It has been a normal year so far and people are out buying jewellery today, Shah said, adding that sales could even rise by 20 percent. The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) estimated a 20 to 25 percent increase in business on Wednesday, in comparison to other days. Gold was quoted at Rs 32,200 per 10 grams, while silver was quoted at Rs 40,100 per kg. Mumbai-based jeweller Kumar Jain told the PTI that stores are recording high footfalls, despite a rise in gold prices. The wedding season also begins Wednesday and as such buyers are picking up jewellery, orders for which were placed earlier. Traditional wedding jewellery apart, buyers are also ordering light-weight jewellery and gold coins, Jain added. "The trend is positive all across the country and the southern region too has seen good response since morning. The rise in prices has boosted footfalls and sales further," India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) National Director and the CMD of P N Gadgil Jewellers, Saurabh Gadgil, told the PTI. On Akshaya Tritiya, buyers prefer shopping for gold between 3 pm and 10 pm. The seven-hour slot is supposedly auspicious for gold buying "Being a working day, the mahurat time is convenient. Looking at the current trend, business is likely to be better than last year," Gadgil added. Pankaj Arora, the National Convenor of the Jewellers Federation of India, said that as per an estimate provided on Wednesday, gold worth Rs 2,000 crore was sold during the day, as against gold worth Rs 1400 crore sold on a typical day. Navneet Damani, Associate Vice President, Commodity Research, Motilal Oswal Commodities, said customers are benefiting from all the freebies on offer. Since there has been a three percent jump in prices recently, jewellers have offering some freebies to customers, to make it attractive for them. Freebies includes 100 percent-off on making charges, one percent extra gold on purchase of 100 gms or more, among others. Some companies selling online gold are offering instant cash back, while some are offering free making charges and delivery." Vijay Jain, CEO and Director of Orra, said he expects to log double-digit growth on Wednesday. Orra is offering a 25 percent discount on diamond jewellery and their making charges on gold jewellery stands at four percent. Concurring with Jain, T S Kalyanaraman, CMD, Kalyan Jewellers, said the company has witnessed an over 25 percent growth in sales over the same period of the previous year. Buyers at Kalyan are ordering wedding jewellery and light-weight jewellery. "Two ongoing campaigns - free gold coins against select purchases and a lottery that will hand over 25 Mercedes cars - have added to the excitement." The union government's efforts in educating buyers about hallmarked jewellery has clearly helped the industry. Two days ago, a Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) statement urged people to purchase only hallmarked jewellery from licenced outlets. Banks in Punjab's Malwa region have come under pressure from the state government to go easy on farmers who are unable to service their loans Amloh, Punjab: In the 15 years between 2000 and 2015, a shocking 14,667 farmers committed suicide in Punjab, a recent government survey has revealed. As many as 83 percent of them were deeply indebted to banks and money lenders. What is striking is that most of these deaths occurred in the agricultural heart of Punjab, the rich, cotton-growing Malwa region, where the stigma of being branded a defaulter appears to have been the trigger. Banks in the region have come under pressure from the state government to go easy on farmers who are unable to service their loans. Says Davinder Pal Singh, assistant general manager of Ludhiana Central Co-operative Bank, Some months ago, even (arrest) warrants were issued in case a farmer defaulted on his loan but that practice is not being used now. His bank has outstanding loans with 60,000 farmers. Under a growing burden of non-performing assets (NPAs) in the banking system, bank managers are being held to increasingly strict standards of loan recovery. But they are also facing a growing backlash from farmers unions and political parties over their loan-recovery tactics. An even graver threat to the survival of the rural-credit system comes from the propaganda spread by some farmers unions that with a loan waiver imminent, farmers need not repay loans. As the farm loans are classified as priority sector lending and are relatively cheap, they account for over 40 percent of farmers borrowings. Not easy to monitor loan spending H P Singh, a senior manager at the Punjab & Sind Bank in Ludhiana, which is lead bank of the district, says that banks have been working under intense pressure because of the agrarian distress in the state. On the one hand there is a risk of crop failure, on the other, theres a campaign by a section of farmers not to return loans to banks. This has come to haunt the banks, he says. Farmers take loans for farm machinery, fertiliser, seeds and in some cases even to pay their electricity bills. While the loans taken by small farmers could range from Rs 20,000 to Rs 1 lakh, bigger farmers take loans of more than Rs. 20-30 lakh for agricultural operations. Singh says that in many cases farmers divert the loans availed for farming purposes to fund non-productive consumption, including childrens marriage or their children education in foreign countries. Its not easy to monitor how loan funds are spent. While we can verify assets in case where a farmer has availed loans for machinery, we cannot do that in case where the loan is for seeds, manure and other such items, says Singh. How will the economy function if the banks dont get back their loans? he asks. The Punjab government last year announced a loan-waiver scheme under which farmers with landholdings of up to five acres would get relief. The scheme was based on the recommendations of an expert group headed by eminent economist Dr T Haque. It recommended waiver of the entire crop loan up to Rs 2 lakhs of all small and marginal farmers (who farm up to 5 acres each) and relief of Rs 2 lakh each to other farmers irrespective of the amount of land they cultivated or the loan they had contracted. More inputs, less profit But even the manner in which the state government has gone about publicly identifying waiver recipients has come in for criticism. As renowned economist Sardara Singh Johl mocked, What an innovative way the Punjab government has found to demean and humiliate the farming community! Banks under secrecy clause are not disclosing the names of defaulters of crores and crores of rupees, but our government has decided to put the names of small and marginal financially stressed farmers, who are to be given a debt waiver of mere Rs 2 lakhs, on village walls! Sukhpal Singh, head of the economics department of Punjab Agricultural University that conducted the survey of farmer suicides in Sangrur and other districts of Malwa region in Punjab, says the major reason for farmer suicide is the increasing cost of inputs and decreasing profitability. The 3,818 suicides in Sangrur in 15 years is proof of the frustration among farmers, he says. Ajay Vir Jakhar, chairman of Punjab State Farmers Commission, says that a simple agriculture policy, easily understandable by Punjab farmers would be formulated. The policy would cover agriculture and allied occupations to ensure the economic well-being of the state farmers who are affected due to different factors. Naresh Gaur, general secretary of the All-India State Bank of Patiala Employees Federation, says there is a need for awareness among farmers that they should return the loans they have availed from the banks. It is the taxpayers money that we give as loans and we cannot cheat them by not recovering the loans, he points out. Banks are stuck in a vicious circle where they are tagged as fraudulent if their NPAs increase and come under social pressure while trying to recover their loans if a farmer commits suicide. (AK Sharma is a Punjab-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) Banking system is incomprehensible and quite inaccessible for many of the urban poor. The most important service they need from banks is money- transfer New Delhi: As the cornerstone of its national mission for financial inclusion, the union government launched the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana on 28 August 2014. The scheme would extend banking services to the hitherto unbanked and contribute the first letter to the acronym JAM (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, mobile), the holy trinity that presides over the prime ministers dream of a cashless India. Jan Dhan, like many a government scheme that preceded it, floundered. Until November 2016 that is, when the prime ministers second assault on cash (this time black money) sent a tidal wave of unaccounted money flooding into hastily opened Jan Dhan accounts. J had unwittingly become the preferred conduit for money laundering! Jan Dhan has since slipped back into somnolence. As Shiv Kumar, 38, from Garinda village in Bihar who works as a daily-wage labourer in Begampur, Delhi, recollects, I got to know about the scheme in a panchayat meeting held in December 2014 in my village. The sarpanch told all the villagers that the government had brought a scheme for bank accounts with zero balance to be opened. He said he faced no difficulty in opening an account. He just submitted his Aadhaar card and electricity bill and the bank staff helped him with the paperwork. So, Kumar also opened a Jan Dhan account that month. I have an ATM card but I dont use it because I fear my money will get stolen. Once I received a call saying I have won Rs. 30,000 in the lottery. The company wanted to transfer the money to my bank account and was asking for my ATM pin. I immediately cut the call as I knew they were frauds. Most only want to transfer money The problem is the banking system is incomprehensible and quite inaccessible for many of the urban poor. The most important financial service they need is a money- transfer service, which the banks consider a waste of time. Sachit Kumar, from Madhubani, Bihar who works as a labourer in Wazirpur, Delhi says, Banks are not for the poor and illiterate, the process is very complicated. I once went to the bank to transfer money and asked the bank staff for help. He gave me a form to fill. When I told him I am illiterate, he asked me, Then why are you coming to the bank? We dont have time to help you. I felt ashamed and left and after that incident, I never visited the bank. Sanjay Kumar, 36, is a daily-wage worker from Bhagalpur, Bihar. He opened an account in 2016 with the help of a friend who works as a security guard at the bank in his village, by submitting his Aadhaar card as residential proof. But he hasnt been inside a bank since. He transfers money to his relatives bank account back home through a cyber cafe, which charges him Rs. 60 for every transaction. Jogeshwar Yadav, 37, from Hardoi in Uttar Pradesh couldnt open a bank account in Delhi after the bank staff told him his Aadhaar card, with a Hardoi address, wasnt valid address proof. So, Yadav started using a cyber cafe to transfer money. We work from 8 am to 5 pm and earn Rs.300 each day. Well lose half a days wage if we go to the bank. We save about Rs. 3,000 a month and send half of the savings back home through friends travelling there or through cyber cafes. Khushnoda, 28, who works at the Society for Labour and Development, an NGO in Delhi says, Migrant labourers are not able to open a bank account because they dont have residential proof. Those who have bank accounts face problems using them. For a small job they have to travel to the bank two or three times. Many labourers give their money to labour contractors who transfers the money to their families back in the village. Arvind Rai, 33, who works as a contractor, says he transfers at least Rs.1 lakh every month. Rohit, who owns a cyber cafe in Begampur, says he transfers money using websites such as eko.co.in and myoxigen.com for 15-20 customers daily. He says many ration shops and mobile stores also transfer money on request. Manoj Kumar, who owns a mobile repairing shop in Mangolpuri, Delhi says he helps 10-12 customers do transactions of Rs. 40,000-50,000 every day. No Aadhaar, No banking? Amit Kumar, 49, a daily labourer from Faridpur, UP says he once went to the bank to transfer money but the bank staff told him to use a machine. He walked out as he was unfamiliar with the machine and feared he would lose his money. His colleague, Satish Jain, says I do not have a bank account as I could not get the Aadhaar card made. I filled a form for that 4 months ago but have not got any reply. Dheeraj Kumar, 49, senior manager at Bank of Baroda, insists that bank staff help uninformed customers and that big branches have a dedicated customer-care counter. J.K Bansal, bank manager at Syndicate Bank, is more candid: Jan Dhan isnt working for ignorant workers as they are not educated and fear using an ATM card. Government should provide cheque book to Jan Dhan account owners and should make provisions to validate the Aadhaar card (across) the whole country. He doesnt explain how they would write cheques though. Bharati S, bank manager at Punjab and Sind Bank, says, Many workers opened accounts in three or four banks hoping to get the Rs. 10,000 in at least one of the account as promised by the prime minister. But when the money didnt materialise, they lost hope of getting any other benefit and started using other means. Raj Chauhan, who owns a mobile-recharge shop in Wazirpur, Delhi and also runs a money-transfer business, says, Most of the labourers come to us after 6 pm when they get free from their work. Banks close by 4 pm so we are the only option left for them. (Rahul Satija is a Gurgaon-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters) At least 15 members of a marriage party were killed when a mini-truck carrying them fell off a bridge over the Sone river in Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh on Tuesday night, officials said Bhopal: At least 21 members of a wedding party were killed when a mini truck in which they were travelling fell into the Son river in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district, an official said on Wednesday. The accident, which also injured 22 others, occurred late on Tuesday when the driver lost control of the vehicle while crossing the Jogdaha bridge. The truck crashed through the railing and plunged into the river. Expressing grief over the incident, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 to the injured. "All bodies have been recovered. The injured have been admitted to a hospital," Sidhi District Magistrate Dilip Kumar told IANS. The wedding party was en route to Bahari in Sidhi from Deosar in Singrauli district. India and the five Nordic nations of Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland on Tuesday agreed to deepen cooperation in innovation and climate change in the first India-Nordic Summit held here during the course of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here Stockholm: India and the five Nordic nations of Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland on Tuesday agreed to deepen cooperation in innovation and climate change in the first India-Nordic Summit held here during the course of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here. "During the Summit, the Prime Minister's pledged to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change," the Indian External Affairs Ministry said in a statement following the meeting. "They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, which underpin a growing engagement between India and the Nordic countries," it stated. "The Summit emphasized the India's strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India and Clean India." Ahead of the Summit, Modi held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland. Modi held the first meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen. In a tweet, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the two leaders "had a good meeting on renewing and enhancing cooperation and expressed their mutual desire to take the relationship forward". Series of bilateral meetings with leaders of Nordic countries begin on the sidelines of India-Nordic Summit! PM @narendramodi & PM @larsloekke of Denmark had a good meeting on renewing & enhancing cooperation & expressed their mutual desire to take the relationship forward. pic.twitter.com/wYS7bl2kNE Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) April 17, 2018 After the meeting, the two sides exchanged MoUs in the areas of urban development, animal husbandry and dairying, food safety and agricultural research and education. Modi then met his Icelandic counterpart Katrin Jakobsdottir. "PM urged Icelandic companies to look at India as an investment destination in blue economy and geothermal energy and strengthen cooperation in education, tourism and culture," Kumar said. Following the meeting, the two sides signed an MoU on the establishment of an ICCR Chair for Hindi language between the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland. Modi then held a meeting with Norwegian Prime Minister Erna Solberg. According to the Indian spokesperson, the two leaders had an "engaging interaction" on trade and investment, shipping and port-development, blue economy, renewable energy, health, information technology and green transport solutions. Finally, the Indian leader met Finnish Prime Minister Juhu Sipila. "We had excellent discussions on deepening avenues of cooperation between India and Finland," Modi said in a separate tweet. India and Sweden co-hosted the India-Nordic Summit on the second and final day of Modi's visit to Sweden. For India, Nordic countries are a potential source for clean technology, environmental solutions, port modernisation, cold chain, skill development, innovation among other areas. According to figures provided by the Indian External Affairs Ministry, India's trade with the Nordic countries totaled around $5.3 billion in 2016-17, with cumulative foreign direct investment in India at $2.5 billion. Earlier on Tuesday, Modi held a bilateral summit with Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven following which India and Sweden signed a Joint Action Plan and an Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor NS Vishwanathan on Wednesday raised concerns over the large number of borrowers failing on the one-day default norm, and asked the lenders to take this as a warning indicator warranting action Pune: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) deputy governor NS Vishwanathan on Wednesday raised concerns over the large number of borrowers failing on the one-day default norm, and asked the lenders to take this as a warning indicator warranting action. Amidst rising bad loans, which have corssed 10 percent of the system, the Reserve Bank had on 12 February released a revised framework on bad loan resolution, under which banks will have to disclose defaults even if the interest repayment is overdue by just one day and have to a resolution plan in place within 180 days. Failing to find a resolution within this stipulated time, the defaulting company will have to be referred to insolvency courts as the RBI had abolished all the extant debt resolutions mechanisms. "Data show that a large number of borrowers, even some highly-rated ones, have failed on the one-day default norm. This has to change. If borrowers fail to pay on the due date because of a cash flow problem, banks should see that as an early warning indicator warranting immediate action," Vishwanathan said at the 14th convocation ceremony of the RBI-run National Institute of Bank Management here. The statement comes amidst media reports that government has been pressing the Mint Road to relax the stringent new NPA reporting nomrs by relaxing the one-day defalut reporting norms to 30 days as it worries that with the new norms, many more companies, especially small and medium units, will end up at NCLTs, crippling the economy. The deputy governor, who is in-charge of the banking regulations department, also said banks should warn their customers that one-day default will lead them to the watch list for resolution. "Borrowers, too, should realise that they have to meet payment obligations and it is no more sufficient to pay up only by 60/90 days past due date," he said. He said if borrowers, with ability to pay on due date, delay routinely or because they see other arbitrage options, it must change. He said the revised framework tries to reduce the arbitrage options that borrowers are currently enjoying while raising funds through bank borrowing compared to raising funds from the market. "If a borrower delays coupon/principal payment on a corporate bond even for a day, the market would penalise the borrower heavily -- the rating would be downgraded, the yields on the bonds would shoot up, cost of further financing would increase, suits would be filed by investors etc," he said. "So far, defaults in bank borrowings have not attracted similar reactions," Vishwanathan rued and said only when the over-dues stretch beyond 90 days, the loans would be classified as nonperforming assets hence, efforts by lenders and borrowers should be to avoid the account getting classified as an NPA. "What this means is that debt contract embedded in bank loan has been continuously losing its sanctity, especially where the borrowing is large. There is a need to change this and restore the sanctity of the debt contract, lest the debt becomes subordinate even to equity," he said. Meanwhile, Vishwanathan also said RBI will put in place necessary evaluation standards for assessing the performance of rating agencies with a view to ensure greater credibility of the rating opinion. He said the process of recapitalisation of public sector banks will enhance their ability to provide for credit loss as well as to contribute to credit growth. Vishwanathan said retail credit and the personal loan segment are not a risk-free and banks should not see it as the grand panacea for their problem riddled corporate loan book. "There are risks here, too, that should be properly assessed, priced and mitigated," he added. US-based cab aggregator Uber said it is open to forming alliances in the Indian market but will not agree to a deal where it ends up with a minority stake New Delhi: US-based cab aggregator Uber on Wednesday said it is open to forming alliances in the Indian market but will not agree to a deal where it ends up with a minority stake. Speaking to PTI, Uber COO Barney Hardford said the company is "always open to conversations" as India is a core market for the SoftBank-backed entity. "The situation in India is very different from that in South East Asia (where the Grab deal happened). We have clear strengths in the Indian market and see huge potential in the market. We have no interest in doing minority deal going forward and the commitment we have to the Indian market is immense," he said. He added that Uber is "doubling down" on its investment in the Indian market, pumping in funds to expand its products, partnerships and technology headcount in the country. There have been reports about Uber and rival Ola joining forces in the Indian market. The speculations got stronger after SoftBank - an investor in Ola - joined Uber as an investor committing over $1 billion. Apart from India, the two now also compete in the Australian market, with Ola recently launching its services in Perth and Sydney. According to sources, the two have held multiple rounds of discussions, including one just before Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's visit in February this year but the two parties are yet to strike a deal. When asked if the companies have indeed held discussions for a potential merger, Hardford declined to comment. "India is absolutely a core market, now and in the future. Uber's success is hard coded to India's success...We are doubling down on our investments in this country like never before," he said but declined to comment on investment details. India is already among the top three markets (besides the US and Latin America) for Uber and accounts for 10 percent of its trips globally. Uber has been pumping in substantial funds to fuel its growth in India. In 2015, Uber announced an investment of $1 billion in the country to expand its services. It has also set up a response and support centre in Hyderabad with an investment of $50 million. Hardford said the recent deal with Grab in South East Asia has "freed up resources" that are now being invested across geographies, including India in areas like "people, products and partnerships". Last month, Uber announced a deal to sell its Southeast Asian operations to rival Grab for a 27.5 percent stake in the combined entity. Prior to the Grab deal, Uber exited two markets - China and Russia. Hardford's four-day tour comes close on the heels of Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi's trip in February. Hardford had taken charge as Uber COO in December last year. He is slated to visit Hyderabad and Mumbai during his visit from 17-20 April. He also released a report commissioned by Uber through Boston Consulting Group. The report states that congestion costs in four Indian cities - Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru - were estimated to be $22 billion per year. The report said Indian cities are 149 percent more congested than comparable cities around Asia with commuters taking 1.5 times longer to travel a given distance in peak hours (compared to travel time during non-peak hours) on an average. It added that up to 89 percent respondents said they plan to buy a new car in the next five years. However, over 79 percent said they would refrain from buying a car if ridesharing matches car ownership for affordability and convenience. The report estimates that ride-sharing could reduce number of private cars by 33-68 percent. "By reducing private cars, increasing vehicle utilisation, improving public transport adoption, and optimising infrastructure planning, ridesharing could reduce congestion by 17-31 percent," the report said. Several parts of Andhra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Chhattisgarh and poll-bound Karnataka have been reporting cash shortages at ATMs. Auto refresh feeds While Finance Minister Arun Jaitley assured hassled customers that the government will resolve the problem 'quickly', West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee, on Tuesday, said the situation reminded her of the demonetisation days. One reason for this could be that cash withdrawals at some bank branches and their ATMs are much higher than deposits made at those branches all amid regional elections. ATMs in several cities across the country, operated by both state-run and private banks, are reportedly running dry. The problem seems to have affected ATMs in cities and towns across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. ATMs are running dry across India; government says needs three days to fix problem Top sources told Firstpost that the Andhra Pradesh chief secretary Dinesh Kumar had written a communique on 9 March, 2018 about the currency crunch in certain pockets of the state and subsequently the Centre asked the RBI to take appropriate action. Almost one-and-half months before the currency crisis exploded causing much distress to the aam aadmi, the Andhra Pradesh government had warned the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Ministry of Finance and the State Bank of India (SBI) about the lurking threat. Following the introduction of Rs 200 notes by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), it was decided that recalibration of ATMs (automated teller machines) for new notes would be done at a faster pace, sources said, adding the drive was soon started but got delayed in some parts of the country. The delay in recalibration of cash vending machines to dispense Rs 200 notes is understood to be one of the reasons for the currency shortage in some parts of the country. In a thread of tweets, a twitter user by the name James Wilson said that the RBI failed to circulate enough currency needed in the system. Here are few tweets from the thread. "Have reviewed the currency situation in the country. Over all there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the Banks. The temporary shortage caused by sudden and unusual increase in some areas is being tackled quickly," he said in a tweet. Denying that there is any shortage of currency in circulation, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday the "temporary shortage" in certain states is being "tackled quickly" and that there is "more than adequate" currency in circulation. Varanasi is one of the places in Uttar Pradesh that has reported shortage of currency notes in ATMs. Speaking to ANI, people in the city said that the ATMs are currently not dispensing cash. "We have visited 5-6 ATMs since Wednesday morning. We need to pay for the admission of children and purchase groceries & vegetables," they said. ATM and point of sale (PoS) system service providers Firstpost spoke to shared a slew of reasons for the cash crunch. Primarily, banks have been unable to comply with the indent raised by service providers, raised on a daily basis to replenish ATMs, they said. A situation, supposedly similar to the one India faced in the days that followed the demonetisation announcement, surfaced in the country this week, with several ATMs running dry and banks putting up notices stating their ATM kiosks are not functioning. From Tuesday, work started in three shifts which was earlier done in two shifts, according to an informed source. The press prints Rs 500 and Rs 2,000 denomination notes. Amid a cash crunch affecting several states in the country, the Dewas-based Bank Note Press accelerated printing of currency notes to meet the demand. "Further, as a matter of abundant precaution, RBI is also taking steps to move currency to areas which are witnessing unusually large cash withdrawals." According to the RBI, there "is sufficient cash in" its vaults and currency chests. The Reserve Bank of India on Tuesday said that it is "taking steps to move currency to areas" which have witnessed unusually large cash withdrawals. "The shortage may be felt in some pockets largely due to logistical issues of replenishing ATMs frequently and the recalibration of ATMs being still underway. RBI is closely monitoring both these aspects," the RBI said in a statement. Bank of India CEO Dinabandhu Mohapatra told CNBC TV-18 that the cash situation is under control and banks have adequate cash. "The government has asked to waive cash handling charges levied by banks," he said. That is a source of worry for policymakers as a sustained heavy currency withdrawal suggests a return of cash hoarding by individuals, diluting the purpose of a massive note ban exercise by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in late 2016. Cash withdrawals go up during crop harvest season which is usually during March to April, and then during festival season in October, but there has been an unusual rise in currency demand in the last three months. The government and the central bank will ensure there is an adequate amount of currency notes, following reports that banks' automated teller machines had run out of cash in different parts of the country, the government said. No clear reason given for cash crunch but Centre says RBI will ensure adequate supply of currency notes Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Tuesday said that the "terror of noteban" has once again gripped the country due to the reported shortage of cash in several states and accused prime minister Narendra Modi of destroying the country's banking system with his demonetisation decision. "Amid a scenario wherein most of the states in India are facing cash crunch and chain of ATMs stand cash starved, Jammu and Kashmir Bank with the timely support of Jammu Regional Office of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has restored sufficient cash supply in the Kashmir Valley," a spokesman of the bank said in a statement. Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Tuesday said it has restored sufficient cash supply in the valley with the timely support of Reserve Bank of India (RBI). CPM leader Sitaram Yechury took to Twitter on Tuesday and held the Centre for the cash crunch. "This government which still has not been able to count the demonetised currency is asking us to trust its jumla that there is no cash crunch. After the demonetisation disaster, where goalposts were repeatedly shifted and deadlines changed, no one trusts the Modi government anymore," he said. One person was arrested in Belagavi after the police seized fake Indian currency notes with the face value of Rs 7 crore. A case has been registered, reported ANI. In a series of tweets, Chidambaram said as a rule, cash supply must grow at the same rate as the economy is growing and the government was obliged to provide as much cash as people need at any given time. Senior Congress leader and former finance minister P Chidambaram slammed the government for the cash crunch in some parts of the country on Tuesday, saying cash supply had been "arbitrarily reduced". Bhopal is one of the cities in Madhya Pradesh affected by the shortage of notes in ATMs. ANI quoted a Bhopal resident as saying, "I have been to more than 12 ATMs since Tuesday, but none had cash. We are facing a lot of problems due to this." Bhopal resident says he visited more than 12 ATMs in search of cash IT minister K T Rama Rao took up the issue of cash crush with Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, disagreeing with him that the cash shortage was temporary. In a reply to Jaitley's tweet, Rao said, "Sir, with due respect the cash shortage in banks and ATMs is neither sudden nor temporary. Ive been hearing complaints for over 3 months repeatedly in Hyderabad. Please have RBI and finance minister dig deeper and not brush away an issue that is eroding peoples confidence in banking system." Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi government, the Aam Aadmi party on Wednesday shared a cartoon on Twitter and said that with the ATMs in several states reportedly drying up, the Centre has taken 'Cashless India' to another level. Govt says most of the ATMs will start working within a day According to The Economic Times , bankers are concerned that people may start hoarding cash over fears that the cash shortage will last longer. The Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMI) says that states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana are facing an acute shortage of cash. The confederation is yet to ascertain the reasons behind the crunch but it thinks that it might be due to banks not getting enough cash from the RBI. CATMI says banks not getting enough cash from the RBI "Very soon, in the next couple of days, we will have a supply of about Rs 2,500 crore worth of Rs 500 notes per day. In a month, supply would be about Rs 70,000-75,000 crore. These notes alone can more than meet the demand of any month," Garg was quoted as saying by PTI. The government suspects Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded and it plans to increase five-fold the printing of Rs 500 notes. Department of Economic Affairs secretary Subhash Garg said that Rs 2000 note is not being printed for the past few days. He, however, added that this does not affect the overall supply of Rs 2,000 notes, Deccan Chronicle reported. Bankers are reportedly not getting the full indent from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and hence they are unable to meet the demand of ATMs. According to Moneycontrol , there have been issues with the raw materials like ink and paper which has restricted currency printing. "As of now, we have not received any complaints of cash shortages at ATMs in the state. However, this may be due to people not registering a complaint with us. Yet, if we receive any complaint, it will be taken up seriously," Mungantiwar told PTI. Maharashtra government has not received any reports of cash crunch in the state, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said on Tuesday but added that the Reserve Bank has been requested to provide details of the prevailing cash situation in the state. The currency chests of the Reserve Bank of India have cash worth Rs 1.75 billion, which will be moved to ATMs across the country. Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said that the cash crunch in various parts of the country will be normalised in five to seven days, Business Standard reported. Cashless India taken to another level by PM Narendra Modi... #NoCash in ATMs too. pic.twitter.com/yVu19OVenE Taking a dig at the Narendra Modi government, the Aam Aadmi party on Wednesday shared a cartoon on Twitter and said that with the ATMs in several states reportedly drying up, the Centre has taken 'Cashless India' to another level. As ATMs across the country bleed dry, it appears like the ghost of Modi Govt's demonetisation has returned to haunt the country. Who is to blame for this financial turmoil? #CashCrunch pic.twitter.com/bwBx2IxCth As the ATMs across the country go dry, people are in trouble because of shortage of currency Modi government has ruined the Banking system of the country and People have lost their faith in it. #CashCrunch Govt Official To CNBC-TV18 | Govt starts video conferencing with PSBs on cash situation; Above 80% ATMs will start functioning within a day #CashCrunch @Sapna_CNBC pic.twitter.com/O7LCEvUoGQ Govt says most of the ATMs will start working within a day #CashCrunch | Cash situation is under control; banks have adequate cash; Govt has asked to waive cash handling charges levied by banks, says Bank Of India pic.twitter.com/K8BliUJNLJ According to The Economic Times , bankers are concerned that people may start hoarding cash over fears that the cash shortage will last longer. The Confederation of ATM Industry (CATMI) says that states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka and Telangana are facing an acute shortage of cash. The confederation is yet to ascertain the reasons behind the crunch but it thinks that it might be due to banks not getting enough cash from the RBI. CATMI says banks not getting enough cash from the RBI "Very soon, in the next couple of days, we will have a supply of about Rs 2,500 crore worth of Rs 500 notes per day. In a month, supply would be about Rs 70,000-75,000 crore. These notes alone can more than meet the demand of any month," Garg was quoted as saying by PTI. The government suspects Rs 2,000 notes were being hoarded and it plans to increase five-fold the printing of Rs 500 notes. Department of Economic Affairs secretary Subhash Garg said that Rs 2000 note is not being printed for the past few days. He, however, added that this does not affect the overall supply of Rs 2,000 notes, Deccan Chronicle reported. Bankers are reportedly not getting the full indent from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and hence they are unable to meet the demand of ATMs. According to Moneycontrol , there have been issues with the raw materials like ink and paper which has restricted currency printing. "As of now, we have not received any complaints of cash shortages at ATMs in the state. However, this may be due to people not registering a complaint with us. Yet, if we receive any complaint, it will be taken up seriously," Mungantiwar told PTI. Maharashtra government has not received any reports of cash crunch in the state, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said on Tuesday but added that the Reserve Bank has been requested to provide details of the prevailing cash situation in the state. The currency chests of the Reserve Bank of India have cash worth Rs 1.75 billion, which will be moved to ATMs across the country. Financial Services Secretary Rajiv Kumar said that the cash crunch in various parts of the country will be normalised in five to seven days, Business Standard reported. ATM cash crunch latest updates: The central government is holding a conference with the public sector banks over cash crunch. The centre says most of the ATMs will start working within a day. The Aam Aadmi Party took a dig on Wednesday over the cash crunch across India and said that the Narendra Modi government has taken 'Cashless India' to another level. Congress president Rahul Gandhi had on Tuesday said that the "terror of noteban" has once again gripped the country due to the reported shortage of cash in several states and accused prime minister Narendra Modi of destroying the country's banking system with his demonetisation decision. Meanwhile, Bank of India CEO Dinabandhu Mohapatra said that the cash situation is under control and that the central government has directed it to waive cash handling charges levied by banks. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Tuesday the "temporary shortage" in certain states is being "tackled quickly" and that there is "more than adequate" currency in circulation. However, Several parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Chhattisgarh and poll-bound Karnataka have been reporting cash shortages at ATMs and banks Maharashtra government has not received any reports of cash crunch in the state, finance minister Sudhir Mungantiwar said today but added that the Reserve Bank has been requested to provide details of the prevailing cash situation in the state. "As of now, we have not received any complaints of cash shortages at ATMs in the state. However, this may be due to people not registering a complaint with us. Yet, if we receive any complaint, it will be taken up seriously," Mungantiwar told PTI. "Government has also requested the RBI to provide the details of the prevailing cash situation at ATMs. We will get the report by Thursday, only then we will able to say if at all there is a cash crunch or not," he added. Several parts of Andhra, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Chhattisgarh and poll-bound Karnataka have been reporting cash shortages at ATMs and banks for some time now, but Union finance minister Arun Jailey on Tuesday blamed this to an unusual spurt in demand in the past three months. Denying that there is any shortage of currency in circulation, Jaitley said the "temporary shortage" in certain states is being "tackled quickly" and that there is "more than adequate" currency in circulation. "Overall there is more than adequate currency in circulation and also available with the banks. The temporary shortage caused by 'sudden and unusual increase' (in demand) in some areas is being tackled quickly," he tweeted. Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit patting the cheek of a female journalist during a press conference was unprofessional and perhaps unnecessary, but the fight loses its steam when we trivialise it and balloon it into a major catastrophe As an eight-year-old, I was surprisingly chosen by my school to hand over some flowers to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru at a function in Ambala Cantt. I remember being all keyed up and excited, and when they called out my name to make the presentation, I dropped the bouquet and got all flustered. It's one of my cherished memories that the then Prime Minister of India bent down to help me pick up the roses (never is a man so tall as when he stoops to help a child) and he ruffled my hair and patted me on the cheek. I wasn't offended or shocked, nor did I reel with horror. That kind of avuncular fondness was normal, or perhaps those were benign times. Uncles and aunts hugged and kissed and messed your hair and chucked your cheeks and you got out of the way if you got sick of it. Somewhere along the way, we lost that innocence and got corrupted. Now everyone is suspect and even the most normal gestures are given an ugly twist. I hold no truck for Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit and him patting the cheek of a female journalist during a press conference. It was unprofessional and perhaps it wasn't necessary; had Nehru done the same to me today, maybe I could run an article on whether such action is indicative of pedophilia. Herein lies the rub. Be offended if you must, but to make it a cause celebre is definitely not called for and the skies have not fallen. Every person knows when a touch is inappropriate. Women and children sense at once when something is uncomfortable, and they should be encouraged to be sensitive and safe. Being groped in a bus, bumped against in a shop all those hideous things that men do to women those should be fought against with all our might. At every step. But the fight loses its steam when we trivialise it by ballooning a non-incident into a major catastrophe. You cannot give this incident the same weightage in the media as the rape of a minor. The journalist Lakshmi Subramanian didn't win the Pulitzer Prize; she just had a man, old enough to be her father, pat her cheek in front of a crowded conference. A liberty, sure, but what was the provocation to make it a national headline? Is it truly such an issue in the grand scheme of things? In a fashion, we have also embarrassed her, because she is now famous for all the wrong reasons, and after the initial high, it's not a pleasant sensation. Brave and courageous as we journalists are, we choose our battles. The offense would have been much less if one of those mega powerful chief ministers was involved. Because they make dangerous enemies and can hit back. The tendency to lam into comparatively weak governors to display our badges of valour is pretty common, they are far easier game than ministers who have gangs at their disposal, and you don't want to be on the receiving end of that. 'Asking a series of tough questions' is another way of saying that the tone was hectoring and probably rude. The 78-year-old governor could simply have softened the attack. What if it was Narendra Modi, or former US president Barack Obama, or Russian president Vladimir Putin who had done the same thing? Would the sexual misconduct accusation have come up, or would we have had a good laugh and carried on regardless? Notice how I left Donald Trump out though? For sure, the sexcapade scandal with a teacher mentioning the same governor while trawling campuses for girls for VIPs has just blown up and will continue to capture attention for a while, and is instrumental as a cause in criticising the governor. But till that teacher makes a direct accusation against him for asking sexual favours, he has to be given the benefit of doubt. His argument that he is never alone is a scathing indictment of the manpower employed to keep these gubernatorial princes in luxury, but could also serve as his alibi. And if girls were being smuggled into Raj Bhavan, even the tea-boy would know about it. Truth will come out. Till then, hold your fire but don't turn the other cheek. Twenty-five Indian states/Union territories now have some form of ban on polythene carry bags, but the implementation is often lax. -Athar Parvaiz Srinagar: Twenty-five Indian states/Union territories now have some form of ban on polythene carry bags, but the implementation is often lax, and plasticwhich takes hundreds of years to decomposcontinues to be used, which gathers in Indias water bodies and landfills, according to an IndiaSpend investigation. In Jammu and Kashmir, many vendors have not heard of the three-month-old ban. In Karnataka and Punjab, where a ban is in place since 2016, it remains ineffective in most parts, as there is widespread availability of and demand for polythene bags. In Arunachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, there is confusion about permissible grades of polythene. In Uttarakhand, the use is gradually fading out, experts said, while in Rajasthan, awareness campaigns seem to be paying off. Jammu and Kashmir and Maharashtra became the latest states to ban the use of polythene carry bags: in January and March 2018, respectively. Using a plastic bag can attract finesfrom Rs 500 to Rs 25,000and storage and distribution can lead to imprisonment up to five years. The plastic problem Every day, Indian cities generate 15,000 tonnes of plastic wasteenough to fill 1,500 trucks, at 10 tonnes per truckof which 9,000 tonnes are collected and processed/recycled, while the remaining 6,000 tonnes, or 600 truckloads, usually litter drains, streets or are dumped in landfills, according to a January 2015 assessment report of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). About 66 percent of plastic waste is mixed waste: polybags and pouches used to pack food, mainly from residential localities, the CPCB report said. Plastic additives from landfills can cause considerable pollution problems by contaminating the surrounding soil, ground or surface waters, a 2015 study by the CPCB showed. About 1 million seabirds and 1,00,000 marine mammals die each year globally from ingesting plastic or by getting tangled in nylon fishing line, nets, six-pack plastic can holders, and plastic rope, according to estimates. In May 2012, two Supreme Court judges, Justice Singhvi and Justice Mukhopadhaya, said that the next generation will be threatened with something more serious than the atom bomb unless a total ban on plastic is put in place. India generates 5.6 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and the country accounts for 60 percent of plastic waste dumped into the worlds oceans every year, estimates suggest. Three of the worlds ten rivers which carry 90 percent of plastic to the worlds oceans are in Indiathe Indus, the Ganga and the Brahmaputra, according to an October 2017 article in Environmental Science & Technology, a global journal. Complete ban in 20 states/Union Territories, partial ban in five states The alternatives to plastic, such as cotton or jute bags, are often expensive. So, some states permit polythene bags above 50 microns thickness, as it is likely to increase the cost by about 20 percent [and] hence, the tendency to provide free carry bags will come down and collection by the waste-pickers [will] also increase to some extent, according to the Plastic Waste Management Rules 2016. Twenty Indian states have a complete ban on manufacture, supply and storage of polythene bags and other plastic items such as cups, plates, spoons, glasses while five states have a partial ban. Availability at cheap prices, continued supply are barriers Following Jammu and Kashmirs ban on use of polythene bags, we spoke to local shopkeepers to assess the level of implementation. I heard about the ban only from you, Abdul Majeed Paul, a shopkeeper in Ompora-Budgam, told IndiaSpend when asked why he was packing goods in plastic carry bags. No other customer talks about it. In fact, they ask for more polythene bags if they buy a lot of things. Most shopkeepers and vegetable sellers whom we spoke to said the government needed to start with regulating polythene manufacturing and penalise those carrying plastic bags. Fining only shopkeepers and vendors will not help, said Gulzar Ahmad, a vendor in Srinagars busy Batamaloo area. Let the government ban manufacturing of polythene, people will automatically use non-plastic bags. The suggestion of penalising those who are found carrying polythene bags sounds interesting, said Riyaz Ahmad Wani, the municipal commissioner at Srinagar Municipal Corporation, as it has the potential of delivering good results. We often see very well-suited people, wearing stylish ties, carrying polythene bags in their hands without any shame, Wani told IndiaSpend. If they go scot-free by doing so, how can shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and fruit vendors be fined for selling goods in polythene bags? In Karnataka, there is a blanket ban on manufacture, storage, distribution and use of plastics such as carry bags, banners, plastic plates, cups and spoons. Yet, the ban is ineffective in several areas though it is certainly making some impact in some parts, Megha Shenoy, adjunct fellow at the Bengaluru-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), told IndiaSpend. Several authorities are mandated to enforce the ban, often leading to shunting responsibility from one department to the next, Shenoy said, adding that, The ban will be effectively enforced only when there is a robust system to aggregate the proofs of enforcement while also giving due credit to the concerned officers and departments. There is no system to audit or validate this enforcement. This validation should be done by a third party that is not an enforcer [itself], Shenoy said. Several political partiesincluding the ruling party in the statewidely use flex banners, buntings and other banned plastics, Shenoy told us, as administrative officers are unable to enforce the ban on these parties. In Punjab, where there is a similar blanket ban, polythene bags continue to be used, Harminder Pal Singh, a professor of environmental science at Punjab University, told IndiaSpend.Even polythene bags of low grade quality [which cause more damage] are in use across Punjab and they are also used for carrying food itemsboth raw and cooked, Singh said. Officials sometimes fine shopkeepers, but such measures have to be consistent, Singh said, adding that the ban is not even working in Chandigarh, a union territory, where it could have been implemented far more easily than in Punjab. We had managed to close down all the plastic carry bags manufacturing units in Punjab, Krunesh Garg, chief environmental engineer at Punjab Pollution Control Board, told IndiaSpend. But, polythene is being pumped into Punjab from other statesmostly from Gujaratand its distribution and use is not being stopped by the local authorities which renders the ban ineffective, Garg added. The complete ban vs partial ban confusion In some states, there is confusion about whether the ban is complete or partial. Tapek Riba, member secretary at the Pollution Control Board of Arunachal Pradesh said polythene carry bags are not completely banned in his state, whereas information collected by IndiaSpend from CPCB showed that there is a complete ban. The restriction is only on [polythene bags of] thickness of less than 50 microns, Riba told IndiaSpend. In some districts, it is completely banned, but in most of the districts, it is partially banned, Riba said, adding that on random checks, the authorities ascertain thickness by feel/touch. Asked why the implementation of ban is not successful, Riba said there needs to be proper awareness about the harmful effects. People find it easy to use plastic, but dont know its negative impacts. In Uttar Pradesh, lobbying led to dilution of the blanket ban to a partial ban on bags with thickness below 50 microns. resulted in alteration of the ban. We conduct raids and impose fines, but it doesnt seem to be working, Pankaj Bhushan, environmental engineer at Lucknow Municipal Corporation, told IndiaSpend. There are also challenges in differentiating between the thicknesses of polythene bags, Bhushan said, adding, It cant be determined with the naked-eye; there has to be some instrument. Uttarakhand makes progress, Rajasthan claims widespread awareness The use of plastic carry bags is gradually fading out in Nanital, Pankaj Tiwari, executive director of the Nanital-based Central Environmental Himalayan Association in Uttarakhand, told IndiaSpend. The ban is being implemented to a large extent, Tiwari said, even as a lot needs to be done to implement the ban fully. A total ban looks impossible unless a top-down approach is adopted and production of plastic is controlled or regulated, SP Subudhi, member secretary of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board, told us. Rajasthan has managed to create awareness about the harmful effects of polythene, Manoj Bhardwaj, deputy mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation, told IndiaSpend. We did a lot of awareness campaigning before implementing the ban. We went to every place including schools and vegetable markets and demonstrated the negative aspects of plastic-use in detail, Bhardwaj said, adding,Later, we also stopped manufacturing of plastic bags in the state and we are providing alternatives in the form of cloth bag-vending machines at various places. The suggestion of penalising those who are found carrying polythene bags sounds interesting, said Riyaz Ahmad Wani, the municipal commissioner at Srinagar Municipal Corporation, as it has the potential of delivering good results. We often see very well-suited people, wearing stylish ties, carrying polythene bags in their hands without any shame, Wani told IndiaSpend. If they go scot-free by doing so, how can shopkeepers, vegetable vendors and fruit vendors be fined for selling goods in polythene bags? In Karnataka, there is a blanket ban on manufacture, storage, distribution and use of plastics such as carry bags, banners, plastic plates, cups and spoons. Yet, the ban is ineffective in several areas though it is certainly making some impact in some parts, Megha Shenoy, adjunct fellow at the Bengaluru-based Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE), told IndiaSpend. Several authorities are mandated to enforce the ban, often leading to shunting responsibility from one department to the next, Shenoy said, adding that, The ban will be effectively enforced only when there is a robust system to aggregate the proofs of enforcement while also giving due credit to the concerned officers and departments. There is no system to audit or validate this enforcement. This validation should be done by a third party that is not an enforcer [itself], Shenoy said. Several political partiesincluding the ruling party in the statewidely use flex banners, buntings and other banned plastics, Shenoy told us, as administrative officers are unable to enforce the ban on these parties. In Punjab, where there is a similar blanket ban, polythene bags continue to be used, Harminder Pal Singh, a professor of environmental science at Punjab University, told IndiaSpend.Even polythene bags of low grade quality [which cause more damage] are in use across Punjab and they are also used for carrying food itemsboth raw and cooked, Singh said. Officials sometimes fine shopkeepers, but such measures have to be consistent, Singh said, adding that the ban is not even working in Chandigarh, a union territory, where it could have been implemented far more easily than in Punjab. We had managed to close down all the plastic carry bags manufacturing units in Punjab, Krunesh Garg, chief environmental engineer at Punjab Pollution Control Board, told IndiaSpend. But, polythene is being pumped into Punjab from other statesmostly from Gujaratand its distribution and use is not being stopped by the local authorities which renders the ban ineffective, Garg added. The complete ban vs partial ban confusion In some states, there is confusion about whether the ban is complete or partial. Tapek Riba, member secretary at the Pollution Control Board of Arunachal Pradesh said polythene carry bags are not completely banned in his state, whereas information collected by IndiaSpend from CPCB showed that there is a complete ban. The restriction is only on [polythene bags of] thickness of less than 50 microns, Riba told IndiaSpend. In some districts, it is completely banned, but in most of the districts, it is partially banned, Riba said, adding that on random checks, the authorities ascertain thickness by feel/touch. Asked why the implementation of ban is not successful, Riba said there needs to be proper awareness about the harmful effects. People find it easy to use plastic, but dont know its negative impacts. In Uttar Pradesh, lobbying led to dilution of the blanket ban to a partial ban on bags with thickness below 50 microns. resulted in alteration of the ban. We conduct raids and impose fines, but it doesnt seem to be working, Pankaj Bhushan, environmental engineer at Lucknow Municipal Corporation, told IndiaSpend. There are also challenges in differentiating between the thicknesses of polythene bags, Bhushan said, adding, It cant be determined with the naked-eye; there has to be some instrument. Uttarakhand makes progress, Rajasthan claims widespread awareness The use of plastic carry bags is gradually fading out in Nanital, Pankaj Tiwari, executive director of the Nanital-based Central Environmental Himalayan Association in Uttarakhand, told IndiaSpend. The ban is being implemented to a large extent, Tiwari said, even as a lot needs to be done to implement the ban fully. A total ban looks impossible unless a top-down approach is adopted and production of plastic is controlled or regulated, S P Subudhi, member secretary of the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board, told us. Rajasthan has managed to create awareness about the harmful effects of polythene, Manoj Bhardwaj, deputy mayor of Jaipur Municipal Corporation, told IndiaSpend. We did a lot of awareness campaigning before implementing the ban. We went to every place including schools and vegetable markets and demonstrated the negative aspects of plastic-use in detail, Bhardwaj said, adding,Later, we also stopped manufacturing of plastic bags in the state and we are providing alternatives in the form of cloth bag-vending machines at various places. IndiaSpend Solutions: Ban manufacturing of plastic carry bags and make sure there are cheaper alternatives available in the market. Also, charge for use of polythene bags to discourage the use. Swati Singh Sambyal, programme manager, Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi; There needs to be more awareness about this ban and the plastic waste management rules. The rules need to be enforced widely and the enforcement needs to be measured and monitored. Also, the government needs to encourage innovations and establishment of facilities that provide sustainable alternatives. Megha Shenoy, Adjunct Fellow, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Bengaluru; Plastic should be banned nationwide and only biodegradable plastic bags should be in use in accordance with the efforts being made by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The Centre recently introduced the goods and services tax (GST) across India and all of us are seeing how successfully it being implemented. Similarly, if use of plastic carry bags is curbed across India, it will have a huge impact on implementation. Krunesh Singh, Chief environmental engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board; We need to create role models from the top. If business groups and government offices get plastic free, it will be easy to communicate the message to masses.S P Subudhi, member secretary, Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board. (Parvaiz is a Srinagar-based journalist.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his four-day visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with breakfast meeting with his British counterpart, Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his four-day visit to the United Kingdom on Wednesday with a breakfast meeting with his British counterpart, Theresa May, at 10 Downing Street. Both the leaders discussed wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. They also agreed to forge a dynamic new India-UK Trade Partnership to facilitate investment in both directions. They also reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms. Modi also thanked May and the British government for extending him a warm welcome and also said that he looks forward to welcoming her in India. Following is the full text of the joint statement of India and United Kingdom: At the invitation of Prime Minister Theresa May, the Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi visited the United Kingdom (UK) as a Guest of Government on 18 April 2018. The two leaders held wide-ranging and constructive discussions and underlined our strategic partnership and growing convergence on regional and international issues. Prime Minister Modi will also participate in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in London from 19-20 April 2018. 1. The UK and India have a natural ambition to reinforce our Strategic Partnership, based on shared values, common law and institutions, as the worlds oldest and largest democracies. We are committed members of the Commonwealth. We share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion. We share the Living Bridge of countless personal and professional ties between our nations. 2. The UK and India will work closely together and with other Commonwealth member-states, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other partner organisations to address shared and global challenges. We are committed to reinvigorating the Commonwealth, especially ensuring its relevance tosmall and vulnerable states and to our youth, who make up 60% of the Commonwealth's population. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is an important opportunity to address these challenges as we come together and unite under the summit's official theme "Towards a Common Future. Specifically, the United Kingdom and India will make commitments to help create a more sustainable, prosperous, secure and fairer future for all Commonwealth citizens by taking action: To promote coordinated global action to tackle plastic pollution including through the Commonwealth and Indias role as host of World Environment Day 2018. To provide practical support to help Commonwealth member-states boost cyber security capacity; To help Commonwealth member-states implement the World Trade Organisation (WTO)Trade Facilitation Agreement by providing technical assistance and increased support for the Commonwealth Small States' offices. Technology Partnership A UK-India Technology Partnership is central to our joint vision and to our prosperity, today and for our next generations. Our nations are at the forefront of a technology revolution. We will share knowledge, collaborate on research, innovate and create partnerships between our world-class innovation clusters. We will deploy our complementary technological strengths to create high value jobs, enhance productivity, promote trade and investment and tackle shared challenges. 3. Both sides will scale up collaboration on Future Tech to tackle our global challenges; realising the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI); the digital economy; health technologies; cyber security; and promoting clean growth, smart urbanisation and future mobility while developing the future skills and capabilities of our youth. 4. The Government of India welcomes the UK initiative of establishing a UK-India Tech Hub in India as part of our growing bilateral Technology Partnership. The Tech Hub will bring together hi-tech companies to create investment and export opportunities and provide a new platform to share the very best technologies and advance policy collaboration including on Future Mobility, Advanced Manufacturing and Healthcare AI under Indias Aspirational districts Programme. We will establish a series of new partnerships between UK regional and Indian State-level tech clusters, to drive joint innovation and R&D. With the support of both Governments we have also announced an India-UK Tech CEO Alliance; signed a Tech UK/NASSCOM MoU focused on skills and new technologies, including industry-led apprenticeship schemes; and launched the new UK Fintech Rocketship Awards to boost fintech and wider entrepreneurship in India. 5. Both sides are deploying the best of British and Indian talent in science, research and technology to address priority global challenges. The UK is Indias second largest international research and innovation partner. The UK-India Newton-Bhabha programme will have lifted joint research and innovation awards to over 400 million by 2021, since 2008. We will also deepen our joint working relationship on health to make the UK and India safer and healthier places to live, including through scaling up and rolling out AI and digital health technologies. Trade, Investment and Finance 6. The leaders agreed to forge a dynamic new India-UKTrade Partnership, to develop new trading arrangements as the UK assumes responsibility for its independent trade policy, facilitate investment in both directions and intensify collaboration on shared or complementary strengths. Building on the recommendations of the recently-completed UK-India Joint Trade Review, we will work together on a sector-based roadmap, to reduce barriers to trade, make it easier to do business in both countries and enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship after the UK exits the EU. We will also ensure continued application to the UK of EU-India Agreements during the Implementation Period following the UKs departure from the EU, and put in place arrangements to replicate relevant EU-India agreements beyond this period. 7. The leaders reaffirmed the crucial role of the rules-based multilateral trading system, and the importance of enhancing free, fair, and open trade for achieving sustainable growth and development. They reaffirmed their commitment to work together with all members of the WTO and to take forward a dialogue under the Joint Working Group on Trade which will support a shared commitment to the global rules-based system and to the WTOs role in underpinning it. 8. The UK has been the largest G20 investor in India over the last ten years and India has the fourth largest number of investment projects in the UK. We will begin a new dialogue on investment to improve our mutual understanding of priorities and reviewfuture opportunities for cooperation. 9. India welcomed the decision by the UK to provide additional support to Indian businesses by establishing a reciprocal Fast Track Mechanism for Indian investments into the UK. A programme of technical cooperation will help in improving the regulatory environment. The two sides will support initiatives of the business stakeholders, including those proposed by the UK-India CEO Forum which met today, to achieve shared prosperity for India and the UK. 10. Both sides welcomed the prominent role played by the City of London in global finance and investment.About 75% of the global value in rupee-denominated "masala bonds issued on the London Stock Exchange with a third of these being green bonds. 11. The Green Growth Equity Fund (GGEF), a joint initiative by the Governments of India and the UK under Indias flagship National Investment and Infrastructure Fund, will provide financing to the fast-growing Indian renewable energy sector. With a commitment of 120 million from each side, the GGEF is expected to raise up to 500 million from institutional investors. GGEF will help accelerate achieving Indias target of 175GW of renewable energy capacity by 2022 and also invest in other related sectors such as clean transportation, water and waste management. We look forward to future cooperation on energy and infrastructure policy and have agreed to work together on smart urbanisation. 12. We also welcomed the establishment of a FinTech dialogue between our two countries including the proposed new regulatory cooperation agreement. Our financial services collaboration will be enhanced by a programme of technical cooperation to help develop markets in insolvency, pensions and insurance. Further collaboration in these areas will be set out by Finance Ministers when they meet for the tenth round of the Economic and Financial Dialogue later this year. 13. India and the UK acknowledged the importance of connectivity in todays globalised world. They underlined that connectivity initiatives must be based on the key principles of good governance, rule of law, openness and transparency; should follow social and environmental standards, principles of financial responsibility, accountable debt-financing practices; and must be pursued in a manner that respects international obligations, standards, best practice and delivers tangible benefits. Responsible Global Leadership 14. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to lead the fight against climate change. Both sides noted that addressing climate change and promoting secure, affordable and sustainable supplies of energy are key shared priorities, and agreed to cooperate on reducing the cost of development and deployment of clean energy projects through technology innovation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, trade and investment, and project establishment. 15. The United Kingdom welcomed the pro-active steps taken by India in establishing the International Solar Alliance (ISA). The leaders noted the successful holding of the joint event between the ISA and London Stock Exchange (LSE) with support from the two governments as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting week. The event marked the UK joining the Alliance, highlighted the proposed collaboration between the UK and ISA on solar financing, developing next generation solar technologies, and demonstrating UK solar businesss expertise to support the delivery of ISAs objectives. The event also highlighted the role of the LSE as a financial organisation that can play a key role in furthering ISAs objectives towards mobilisation of investment of over US$1,000 billion into solar energy by 2030 in target ISA countries. 16. As thriving democracies, we share a desire to work closely together and with all who share our objective to support a rules-based international order that upholds agreed international norms, global peace and stability. Together the UK and India are a force for good in an uncertain world. We are sharing our experience and knowledge to tackle global challenges. Indias Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Cancer Research UK propose to launch a 10 million bilateral research initiative which will focus on low cost approaches to cancer treatment. UKs Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council and DBT will lead the "Farmer Zone initiative, an open-source data platform for smart agriculture which will use biological research and data to improve the lives of small and marginal farmers anywhere in the world. DBT will also partner with UKs Natural Environmental Research Council (NERC) on the Towards a Sustainable Earth initiative, which seeks to prioritise research and innovation for sustainable and resilient human development. 17. We will strengthen our partnership on global development, to accelerate progress to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030. We will ensure that the benefits of increased finance, new markets, trade, investment, connectivity and economic integration are shared by as many countries as possible and by the poorest and most marginalised to build a more prosperous and safer future. Defence and Cyber Security 18. In 2015, we pledged a new Defence and International Security Partnership (DISP) to make security and defence a cornerstone of our relationship. The nature of threats that we face continues to change so we must be innovative and agile in our response. We shall design, create and manufacture technologies that will address these threats; and our security and military forces will share technologies, capabilities and equipment. 19. A secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is in the interests of India, the UK and the international community. The UK and India will also work together to tackle threats such as piracy, protect freedom of navigation and open access, and improve maritime domain awareness in the region. 20. We have agreed to further enhance our cooperation to promote international security and stability in cyberspace through a framework that recognises the applicability of international law to State behaviour in a free, open, peaceful and secure cyberspace. Counter-Terrorism 21. The two leaders reiterated their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms including terrorism and terror-related incidents in both India and the UK. Both leaders also affirmed that terrorism cannot be justified on any grounds whatsoever it may be and it should not be associated with any religion, creed, nationality and ethnicity. 22. The leaders agreed that terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people; for this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists, including foreign terrorist fighters. 23. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive and concerted actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities to protect our citizens, including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS (Daesh) and their affiliates, as well as tackling the online radicalisation and violent extremism which feeds this. 24. In the wake of the appalling nerve agent attack in Salisbury, the UK and India have reiterated their shared interest in strengthening the disarmament and non-proliferation regimes against the spread and use of chemical weapons. They shared their deepest concern about the continued reports of the use of chemical weapons in the Syrian Arab Republic. They oppose the use of chemical weapons anywhere, at any time, by anybody, under any circumstances and are committed to strengthening the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. They emphasise the need for urgent investigations and underline that the conduct of all investigations of any use of chemical weapons must be strictly in accordance with the provisions of the Convention. Education and People-to-People 25. We welcome the best and brightest to study and work in the UK, especially in subjects and sectors that develop the skills and capabilities that will boost the prosperity of both our countries. 26. The two leaders lauded the successful completion of the India-UK Year of Culture in 2017. The year-long programme saw an unprecedented level of cultural exchange showcasing artistic, cultural and literary traditions in both countries and was a fitting celebration of the deep cultural ties that bind India and the UK. 27. The leaders welcomed the 70th anniversary of the British Council in India and its work to train teachers, deliver skills programmes for youth, and support cultural exchanges. 28. The two leaders agreed that it is the Living Bridge between the people of the two countries that gives the greatest optimism that the next generation of India and UK will have an even more robust and stronger engagement and exchange. The leaders agreed to encourage and support this Living Bridge. Conclusion 29. We are committed to making this a strategic partnership, that spans the globe and the century, seeing our special relationship evolve and improve in the coming years. We encourage our business, cultural and intellectual leaders to exploit the millions of interactions that already link India and the UK, from family to finance, business to Bollywood, sport to science so that millions more British and Indians exchange and learn, travel, trade and thrive together. 30. Prime Minister Modi thanked Prime Minister Theresa May and the Government of the United Kingdom for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation and looked forward to welcoming her in India. The text has been taken as is from the Ministry of External Affairs' official website and has not been edited by Firstpost. Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday expressed hope that the ongoing cash crunch in the state will end soon as the Centre and the Reserve Bank have given a positive response in this regard. Ahmedabad: Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani on Wednesday expressed hope that the ongoing cash crunch in the state will end soon as the Centre and the Reserve Bank have given a positive response in this regard. "The state government has already informed RBI about the issue. The chief secretary also had a talk with the Union finance secretary on the issue. We have also drawn the attention of central leadership, urging them to release more cash to the state," Rupani told reporters in Gandhinagar. "We've been assured that the ongoing problem will be solved very soon" he added. Meanwhile, Opposition leader Paresh Dhanani claimed that he could not withdraw cash from any ATMs in his hometown Amreli on Wednesday. "Since there was no cash in the ATMs in my hometown, I have to take it from my wife. This government is not even allowing us to withdraw our own money while some businessmen are getting all the money and even managed to flee," he told a party gathering in Aravalli district. Yesterday, deputy chief minister Nitin Patel had acknowledged that banks were facing cash crunch and said the government was in touch with the RBI to ensure enough cash is supplied to banks. Bank officials had said they were getting only one-tenth of the required cash leaving them helpless to replenish ATMs. President Kovind said that it is every citizen's responsibility to ensure women in this country get a safe environment to live in. Reacting to the brutal Kathua and Unnao rape incidents that have shocked the nation and the world alike, President Ram Nath Kovind said that none of our daughters should go through such brutality and it is every citizen's responsibility to ensure they get a safe environment to thrive in. The president was speaking at the convocation ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) in Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir. "After, 70 years of Independence if such an incident is occurring in any part of the country, it is very shameful. We have to think of what kind of society we are developing. It is our responsibility to ensure such a thing does not happen to any girl or woman in our country", Kovind remarked talking about the rape of an eight-year-old girl in the state's Kathua district in January this year which he termed as "heinous and barbaric". Before the President's address, Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the Kathua rape and murder case. "How can someone do such a cruel thing to a small girl who is a manifestation of Mata Vaishno Devi, there is something wrong with the society," Mufti said at the convocation event. Kovind arrived in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday for a two-day visit amid heightened security. He was received by Governor NN Vohra and Mehbooba. Earlier, Dakshina Kannada Zilla Muslim Okkutta in Mangalore had submitted an appeal to the president through Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil on Monday, demanding stern action against the culprits in Kathua rape and murder case. The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday on a batch of pleas seeking an independent probe into the alleged mysterious death of special CBI judge BH Loya The Supreme Court is likely to pronounce its verdict on Thursday on whether to have an independent investigation into the death of special CBI judge BH Loya, who died in December 2014 while hearing the high-profile Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case. Loya had allegedly died of cardiac arrest in Nagpur on 1 December, 2014, when he was attending the wedding of a colleague's daughter. However, a clutch of petitions were filed before the apex court, calling for an inquiry into Loya's death. The court had said it would order an investigation if there was ground for suspicion. A bench comprising Chief Justice Dipak Misra and justices AM Khanwilkar and DY Chandrachud had on 16 March reserved the judgement on the pleas. As reported by NDTV, the court in February this year said it was looking into "every aspect of the documents and material in minute detail" after it was asked to order an investigation in "public interest" by the lawyer representing the petitioners. The Maharashtra government had argued in the court that all pleas seeking an independent probe into Loya's death were motivated and aimed at targeting "one individual" in the guise of upholding the rule of law. It had come down heavily on alleged accusations, bullying and browbeating of judges in the top court by some activist lawyers in the Loya case and said that the judiciary and judicial officers need to be saved from such averments. Meanwhile, those seeking an independent probe into the matter had referred to the sequence of events to highlight that a fair investigation was needed to rule out any foul play in the death. The issue of Loya's death had come under spotlight in November last year after media reports quoting his sister had fuelled suspicion about the circumstances surrounding it and its link to the Sohrabuddin case. But Loya's son had on 14 January said in Mumbai that his father had died of natural causes. In the Sohrabuddin Sheikh fake encounter case, BJP president Amit Shah along with Rajasthan Home Minister Gulabchand Kataria, Rajasthan-based businessman Vimal Patni, former Gujarat police chief PC Pande, Additional Director General of Police Geeta Johri and Gujarat police officers Abhay Chudasama and NK Amin have already been discharged. Several accused, including police personnel, are currently facing trial for their involvement in the alleged fake encounter of Sohrabuddin Shaikh, his wife Kausar Bi and their associate Tulsiram Prajapati in Gujarat in November 2005. The case was later transferred to CBI and the trial shifted to Mumbai. A batch of pleas, including those filed by Congress leader Tehseen Poonawala and Maharashtra-based BS Lone, was filed in the top court seeking an independent probe into Loya's death in 2014. Four senior-most apex court judges Justices J Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph at their 12 January press conference had questioned the manner in which sensitive cases were being allocated and Loya's case was one of them. BJP national president Amit Shah in a no holds barred attack on the Congress on Wednesday said that the party would form the next government in the state with BS Yeddyurappa as the chief minister. Once Rajiv Gandhi ji had taunted us when we had just two MPs, saying 'BJP believes in hum do hamare do'. Today, BJP has a full majority in Parliament, has more than 1,600 MLAs, in power in 20 states and in numerous local bodies and municipalities, said Shah while addressing a convention of Shakthi Kendra Pramukhs in Bengaluru. The BJP president claimed that the Congress is set to lose the Karnataka Assembly election, which is scheduled to be held on 12 May. Saying that the 14th Finance Commission, which was formed after Narendra Modi took over as prime minister, had given Karnataka Rs 2,19,506 crore, he asked the Congress to explain how it had utilised the money. He also asked the Congress to explain the measures it had taken for the welfare of the state. Shah is on a two-day tour of poll-bound Karnataka, during which he is expected to attend a number of meetings with party workers and hold consultations with intellectuals to seek their views on the party's manifesto for upcoming Assembly polls in the state. The party in a statement said that Shah would attend the convention of the party's booth committees of 28 Assembly seats in Bengaluru on Wednesday, followed by meetings with the party's office-bearers from these seats. Shah is expected to visit the homes of two intellectuals in Bengaluru to seek their views on the party's manifesto for the upcoming assembly polls. Later, he will take part in the party's roadshow at Hosakote in Bengaluru. On the second day of his tour, the BJP president will meet party workers and leaders from across the state. Shah's itinerary also includes meetings with industrialists and traders from the state to discuss various issues with them. With inputs from PTI Over two dozen students and security men were injured as students in different parts of the Kashmir valley clashed with security personnel on Wednesday to denounce the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl Srinagar: Over two dozen students and security men were injured as students in different parts of the Kashmir valley clashed with security personnel on Wednesday to denounce the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl. The protests first flared in Anantnag town, where the students of a college took on the security forces, who fired tear smoke shells. Over a dozen students were injured, doctors at a hospital said. Clashes also erupted in the other south Kashmir towns of Pulwama, Tral and Awantipora. Students at Anantnag, Awantipora and Tral also boycotted classes and hit the streets protesting against rape and murder of a minor from a nomadic community, an incident which has triggered nationwide outrage. Reports said two policemen were injured in clashes with students of the Awantipora Islamic University of Science and Technology in Pulwama district. A police statement said: "Today morning a peaceful protest was taken out in Anantnag which was allowed by police and the district administration. Subsequently, some miscreants indulged in stone-pelting and turned violent and tried to enforce a forceful shutdown in Anantnag town." It added the situation was now under control. The statement added that the clashes in Pulwama started during an anti-encroachment drive. The Kerala government has set up a five-member medical board to ascertain the real cause of a 26-year-old man's death after alleged police torture Kochi: The Kerala government has set up a five-member medical board to ascertain the real cause of a 26-year-old man's death after alleged police torture while in custody. Official sources said the board was set up following a request by Special Investigation Team (SIT) chief IGP S Sreejith seeking expert opinion to determine the cause of the death. The 26-year-old SR Sreejith was taken into custody for the death of one Vasudevan early this month and died in a private hospital on 9 April. His family has alleged he was kicked several times on the stomach and thrashed by police officials. The post-mortem report has said Sreejith had died of 'blunt trauma' in the abdomen and there were multiple injuries on his body. Meanwhile, the SIT is also probing whether Sreejith was arrested by mistake by the police in connection with Vasudevan's death. Vasudevan's son Vineesh had alleged police had mistaken the deceased for another Sreejith whom he had named in his complaint lodged in connection with his father's death. Seven policemen have been suspended in connection with the alleged custodial death. Opposition Congress has sought a court-monitored probe into the incident. Both the Congress and the BJP had demanded that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan give up the Home portfolio. Simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies can be held in two phases beginning 2019, provided at least two provisions of the Constitution are amended. New Delhi: Simultaneous elections to Lok Sabha and state Assemblies can be held in two phases beginning 2019, provided at least two provisions of the Constitution are amended and ratified by majority of the states, the Law Commission said on Tuesday. Some provisions of the Representation of the People Act will also have to be amended by a simple majority in Parliament, it said. Putting up its working paper on holding simultaneous polls in public domain on Tuesday, the law panel has sought the views of constitutional experts, political parties and other stakeholders before finalising its report. Those interested in placing their views on the issue have been asked to submit their stand by 8 May. According to the working paper, the second phase of simultaneous polls can take place in 2024. The document states that the leader of the majority party be elected prime minister or the chief minister by the entire House (Lok Sabha or state assembly) to ensure the stability of the government as well as the Lok Sabha or the Assembly. The document has proposed amending the Constitution (Articles 83 (2) and 172 (1) dealing with tenures of Lok Sabha and state Assemblies) and the Representation of the People Act to extend the terms of state legislative Assemblies to effect the move. It suggests that in case a government falls mid-term, the term of the new government would be for the remaining period "and not for a fresh five-year term". "As an abundant caution and in order to avoid a challenge (in the courts) to amendments on the ground of not having obtained ratification by majority of the states, such ratification could be obtained for the proposed (constitutional) amendment," the working paper states. The states which are recommended to be covered under phase I are where assembly polls are due in 2021. These include Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. States which will come under phase II are Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Delhi and Punjab. To hold elections in these states along with Lok Sabha polls, the terms of the Assemblies have to be extended. Based on a suggestion made by the Election Commission, the working paper also says that a no-confidence motion against the government should be followed by a confidence motion. This would ensure that if the Opposition does not have numbers to form an alternative government, the regime in office cannot be removed. Chief Election Commissioner Om Prakash Rawat had a word of caution on simultaneous polls when he recently said that the legal framework required for holding of the two elections together would take a lot of time to get ready. "We cannot put the cart before the horse. Logistical issues are subservient to legal framework. Unless legal framework is in place, we don't have to talk about anything else because legal framework will take a lot of time, making constitutional amendment to (changing) the law, all the process will take time, he said. He had said once the legal framework is ready, the EC would deliver. EC is a creation of the Constitution. We have to perform willy-nilly, deliver the election, whatever way prescribed in the law, he had said. The Law Commission of India is set to examine perhaps the most contentious social and political issue: Uniform Civil Code (UCC). After preparing a draft working paper entitled Simultaneous Elections Constitutional and Legal Perspective and considering that in its 14th meeting on Tuesday, the Law Commission of India is set to examine perhaps the most contentious social and political issue: Uniform Civil Code (UCC). The fact that in past month, the commission and law ministry issued three public notices on the UCC indicates that it is under active consideration. The latest public notice dated 10 April, issued by member secretary Dr Sanjay Singh says: The Law Commission of India is examining the subject matter of Uniform Civil Code. The commission requested individuals, organisations (governmental and non-governmental) to send their submissions in form of consultation, discussion, working papers on any of the issues pertaining to uniform civil code, except issue relating to triple talaq, which is pending before Parliament, through its public appeal dated 19 March, 2018. Further, the Supreme Court in case of Sameena Begum vs Union of India & others has admitted a petition pertaining to the prevalent practice of polygamy, Nikah Halala, Nikah Mutah and Nikah Misyar. The commission said that since it is overwhelmed by the responses it received and continues to receive, it is extending dates for submission of suggestions for another 30 days: Until 6 May, 2018. When Firstpost spoke to commission secretary Dr Sanjay Singh, asking how long it would take for the commission to scrutinise the responses, and subsequently hold a meeting to prepare and consider a draft working paper on UCC, he said he could not give any further response and was "was not authorised to speak". Consider the following: The law commission is usually constituted for a three-year term. The first law commission began its work in 1955 and concluded in 1958. The current law commission, the 21st, headed by Justice Balbir Singh Chauhan, was constituted on 1 September, 2015, and its term ends on 31 August, 2018. Clause 'D' of law commission's terms of reference talks about UCC code, albeit indirectly: Examine the existing laws in the light of directive principles of State policy and to suggest ways of improvement and reform and also to suggest such legislations as might be necessary to implement the directive principles and to attain the objectives set out in the preamble to the Constitution. Article 44 of Constitution says the State shall endeavour to secure for the citizens a uniform civil code throughout the territory of India. It can be assumed that the commission would surely like to submit its final report or at least draft working paper on UCC before its term expires on 31 August. Any note by the commission, in whatever form and content, is sure to raise the political temperature and generate heated public debate. The UCC has been an emotional issue, both socially and politically, which can potentially inflame passions of communities. The timing of a possible note or report on the UCC coincides with the run-up to elections in three BJP ruled states: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. The issue, if commission comes out with its report, would generate so much heat that it could potentially polarise communities ahead of the 2019 parliamentary elections. Sections of Muslim community are aggressively opposing such a potential move and trying to raise an emotive pitch. Various Muslim community leaders have been raising these issues openly on various forums, but a rally Deen Bachao, Desh Bachao (save religion, save nation) organised in Patna Gandhi Maidan on Sunday should be mentioned. Thousands of Muslims from Bihar, West Bengal, Orissa and Jharkhand gathered to make their point of view heard. All India Muslim Personal Law Board general secretary Maulana Wali Rahmani launched a blistering attack on the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that under present dispensation, both Islam and the country were in danger. Rahmani also heads Imarat-e-Sharia, an organisation whose influence extends to the four states from which the crowd was pulled. We waited for four years, expecting that BJP would learn to run the nation as per the Constitution. But we were wrong. Take, for instance, Muslim personal laws which are under attack Islam and our country are in danger under the present government at the Centre. He contended that the community must wake up to counter onslaught in Shariat. There are numerous issues on RSS agenda which this government will attempt to execute. Following triple talaq, it will be Uniform Civil Code and also ban azaan through loudspeakers. The law commission's public notices on UCC may have gone unnoticed for now, but if and when the report comes it is sure to raise a storm. Union consumer affairs minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan pushed for 15% reservation for the poor in the upper castes, according to reports. He demanded that the Centre set up a committee for the assessment of poor in the upper caste community. Union consumer affairs minister and Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan pushed for 15 percent reservation for poor people among the upper castes as well. Media reports quoted Paswan as demanding the Centre set up a committee for assessment of the poor people in upper caste communities. However, Paswan clarified that he was speaking on behalf of his party and not the central government, and added that this has been his party's demand from the beginning. #BREAKING -- Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan demands 15% quota for poor in the Upper Castes. pic.twitter.com/oWHwvZrBUw News18 (@CNNnews18) April 18, 2018 Bihar industry minister Jai Kumar Singh had also pressed for a similar demand on Tuesday, seeking the formation of a 'Swarn Aayog' (Commission for the Upper Castes) by the Centre to provide reservation to the poor among the upper castes in the country. Singh, who belongs to the Rajput caste, is a ruling Janata Dal (United) MLA. The JD(U) and the Bharatiya Janata Party are part of the ruling alliance in the state. The minister said that Bihar had already set up such a panel and the central government should follow suit at the national level as well. "We are not against reservation to Scheduled Castes and Tribes and the Other Backward Classes, but want reservation for the poor among the upper castes as well, since their socio-economic condition was no better than that of the poor Dalits and OBCs," he said. Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar had set up the Bihar Rajya Swarn Aayog in 2011 to look into the grievances of the poor among the upper castes and take steps for their socio-economic empowerment, including reservation, if necessary. But the panel hasn't yet submitted any report or made recommendations for reservation to the poor among the upper castes. Bihar witnessed violence during the Bharat Bandh called on 2 April by Dalit organisations over the reservation issue and another one on 10 April by anti-reservation groups. Earlier this year, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, had mooted a 25 percent reservation to the economically backward section among upper castes, saying the move would bring about social unity. Athawale had told reporters that as people from various castes were demanding reservation, there was a need to provide them 25 percent quota by putting all such castes in one category, without touching the 49.9 percent reservation for Other Backward Classes (27 per cent), Scheduled Castes (15 per cent) and Scheduled Tribes (7.5 per cent). He had said the creamy layer among these castes should be excluded from reservation. He added that on behalf of his Republican Party of India (RPI), he had placed this demand before Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "I told him that one of the many reasons for the atrocities on Dalits is reservation. Some castes hold a grouse that the Dalits get reservation while they don't," he said. He had said the economically backward among the Brahmins and also sections of Muslims not covered under OBCs could also be brought under this category. "The problem is that reservation is given on the basis of social backwardness. It is difficult to give reservation to the upper castes. But, if a legislation is passed to amend these guidelines, the economically backward among these castes can get reservation and this will be a good decision for the country," the RPI leader had said. With inputs from IANS Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport in London. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "...thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British prime minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world, which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London on Thursday before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at $13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions. Narendra Modi in London Latest update: In a joint statement released on Wednesday, UK and India vowed for deeper cooperation in war against terrorism. The two prime ministers also said that they will take decisive action against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities, including Pakistan sponsored groups such as Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. The issue of economic offenders was also raised and this was among a number of consular issues that were raised as sources said Vijay Mallya was discussed. Both India and the United Kingdom have been in talks over a Free Trade Agreement since as long back as 2007, but things have been moving slow. Improving trade ties and taking forward an MoU on illegal immigrants are prime on Modi's agenda. Moreover, India is likely to negotiate easier student and work Visa access for its nationals in return of opening up its markets for Britain. Prime Minister reached out to the Lingayat voter base back at home as he made time in his packed schedule to stop by at a Basvanna statue he inaugurated during his last UK visit in 2015. Modi garlanded the statue and paid his respects. After meeting Theresa May, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted by Prince Charles at the 500 Years of Science and Innovation London Science Museum. He will also meet the Queen later. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the UK on Wednesday for a four-day visit of bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson received Modi at the Heathrow airport in London. Johnson said he was "excited" about the growing India-UK bilateral trade and that the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". "..thanks to our shared history, we have a living bridge between us...and now we want to build on the incredible tech sector where both India and the UK are making giant strides together," Johnson said in a statement. Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday, starting with his bilateral meeting with British prime minister Theresa May at 10 Downing Street. The two leaders are expected to discuss a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including separatism, cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. Modi will then head to the Science Museum in London to visit the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition where he will interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015 on the banks of the river Thames will then be followed by his second meeting with May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. After an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. Modi is then scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London on Wednesday. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the 'Living Bridge' theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve Modi addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. At the end of the live telecast, he will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by the British prime minister as a formal welcome to CHOGM. This will be followed by the executive session of the heads in London on Thursday before they head to Windsor for the CHOGM retreat, where the world leaders will interact on an informal basis. This will conclude Modi's UK visit after which he will leave for India. According to official estimates, the India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's visit will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. "India's engagement is absolutely brilliant there is a recognition that the Commonwealth offers a great opportunity for India and within that opportunity lies an opportunity for the rest of the Commonwealth," says Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). An Indian prime minister will attend the Commonwealth summit, which is held every two years, after a hiatus of nearly a decade, having last attended the 2009 CHOGM in Trinidad and Tobago. The Indian government has said that Modi's attendance at the summit this year symbolises the country's wider efforts to step up its role across global forums. This stepped-up engagement is likely to take the form of increased activity within the Commonwealth, including greater resources and manpower as well as financial contributions. With inputs from agencies Narendra Modi arrived in London for a breakfast meeting with Theresa May during which the two are expected to discuss cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. London: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived at 10, Downing Street for a breakfast meeting with his British counterpart Theresa May during which the two leaders are expected to discuss wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. Modi was greeted with the customary handshake by May. "Very welcome to London, prime minister," May said as she greeted Modi, who arrived in a Tata Motors' Range Rover. The two leaders will hold talks over a breakfast meeting on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including cross-border terrorism, visas and immigration. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the return of illegal immigrants, which had expired in 2014, will be officially renewed to take into account biometric and other developments in the field, along with a range of nearly a dozen MoUs across different sectors. "A slew of agreements will be signed between India and the UK during the bilateral leg of the visit on Wednesday. This is a relationship that cuts across all sectors and has reached a very mature level. The prime minister's visit is about what more we can do to build on that," a senior Indian official said. A "flash mob" of sari-clad women from 'Indian Ladies in UK', accompanied by dhols, had gathered outside Downing Street to welcome the Indian prime minister with banners such as "In India, peace is always in fashion". Modi had landed in Britain from Stockholm overnight for bilateral engagements as well as multilateral discussions as part of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). He was received at the airport by UK foreign secretary Boris Johnson, who said he was "excited" that India-UK bilateral trade is growing at 15 percent a year and the visit will help build on "huge economic advantages". Both leaders held a late night meeting at Heathrow airport. "A real pleasure to welcome Modi to the UK. Lots to discuss on UK-India bilateral issues tech collaboration, trade, healthcare opportunities and more," Johnson said. "Another chapter in modern partnership bound by strong historical ties," added the ministry of external affairs (MEA). Modi is set for a packed day of official engagements on Wednesday. After his meeting with the British prime minister, he arrives at the Science Museum in London to explore the '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' exhibition and interact with Indian-origin and other scientists and innovators based in the UK. The event, hosted by Prince Charles, will include the launch of a new Ayurvedic Centre of Excellence, aimed at creating a first-of-its-kind global network for evidence-based research on yoga and Ayurveda. A brief stop to garland the Basaveshwara statue on the banks of the river Thames, which Modi had inaugurated during his last visit to the UK in 2015, will be followed by his second meeting with Theresa May at an event hosted by the British prime minister at the Francis Crick Institute. Following an interaction with Indian-origin scientists working on cancer research, malaria and other tropical diseases, both leaders will initiate the India-UK CEOs Forum. An India-UK Tech Alliance is also expected to be among the announcements during the day. Modi is scheduled for a private audience with Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace before the 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath' diaspora event, to be telecast live from the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. The event, billed as the centrepiece of the "Living Bridge" theme of the India-UK bilateral visit, will involve the prime minister addressing questions from across the world which have already been received via social media. An estimated 1,700 people, mostly from the Indian diaspora in the UK, successful in a ballot of free online registrations will attend the event organised by the Europe India Forum. "It will be a no-holds-barred interaction with Modi, in a manner and format never witnessed before," said Vijay Chauthaiwale, in charge of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) foreign affairs department. At the end of the live telecast, Modi will join Heads of Government from 52 other Commonwealth countries at a dinner hosted by May as a formal welcome to the CHOGM. According to official estimates, India-UK bilateral trade stands at USD 13 billion, with the UK among the largest G20 investors into India. Modi's UK visit this week will have a particular focus on the India-UK technological partnership as well as an enhanced role in the Commonwealth. A series of demonstrations, including a silent protest to condemn the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Jammu and Kashmir's Kathua district, have been planned by various groups at Parliament Square his visit. Click here to read LIVE updates on Narendra Modi's UK visit The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Wakf Board on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it won't stake claim to the ownership of the Taj Mahal. Telling the court the Taj Mahal is owned by the almighty, the Board said it has no document from the Mughal rulers or their descendents bestowing the 17th century monument in its favour New Delhi: The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Wakf Board on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it won't stake claim to the ownership of the Taj Mahal. Telling the court the Taj Mahal is owned by the almighty, the Board said it has no document from the Mughal rulers or their descendents bestowing the 17th century monument in its favour. Asking senior counsel ADN Rao, appearing for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to take instructions, a bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra, Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice DY Chandrachud said that once the Board pressed its right over the monument then it has to adjudicate the issue. "Once you have registered the monument as a Wakf property, your statement that you will not be staking claim will not help," said the bench and directed the next hearing for 27 July. In its hearing on 11 April, the apex court asked the Wakf Board to produce an original title document bearing the signatures of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to prove its claim. The Board said the monument belonged to it as its members have been continuously performing Urs on the death anniversary of Emperor Shah Jahan and Friday namaz at the Majid located in the compound of the Taj Mahal. Such a course would create problems, observed the bench. The Board told the court that no human can lay claim to the magnificent monument. YH Tucy, who claims to be the great grandson of last Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has said that the Taj Mahal is the nation's property and no one can claim right over it. "Remember Emperor Shah Jahan has not written a deed in favour of Waqf," Tucy had told IANS in an interview. The Archaeological Survey of India moved the top court in August 2005 after the Wakf Board registered the Taj as Wakf property. The top court then issued notices on ASI's plea and stayed the board's move and the matter has been pending since then. The stench from the audio file that has rocked Tamil Nadu since Sunday has reached the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. The stench from the audio file that has rocked Tamil Nadu since Sunday has reached the Raj Bhavan in Chennai. Within 48 hours, Governor Banwarilal Purohit has taken note of the sexual favours that were sought by an assistant professor of Devanga Arts college in Virudhunagar, affiliated to the Madurai Kamaraj University and ordered a probe by a retired IAS officer, R Santhanam. The report is to be submitted before 30 April. So far, so good. But look beyond what seems to be a smokescreen and you will be surprised to know that the governor has given himself a clean chit even before the probe has commenced. This, despite Professor Nirmala Devi making a specific reference to the governor in the audio file. During the 20-minute-long conversation that Nirmala Devi holds with four of her BSc (Maths) third year students over speakerphone, she lures them for sex work, offering them an "opportunity". She asks them to "adjust with higher officials", promising financial support, even a monthly salary and all kinds of academic help. She specifically refers to the video of the meeting the governor recently addressed at the University, offering that as evidence of her access to people in powerful positions. In Tamil, she says, "Governor thatha illai". Now, there are two ways this sentence can be possibly interpreted. One is to say the governor is not an old man (the word 'thatha' being used in a colloquial way), thereby hinting at something. The other is to refer to the Governor as 'grandfather' (thatha) in a respectful manner and say he is not involved. Purohit has been given the latter explanation by Raj Bhavan officials. The question that arises is this: Shouldn't Purohit submit himself to the probe, in the best interests of "transparency", a word he repeated several times during the press conference? More so, when Nirmala Devi's claims seem to suggest some level of compromise inside the University, where the governor is the chancellor. On the contrary, Purohit dismisses the allegations of "sexual misconduct" as baseless, claiming he has never seen the face of the lady in question. Adopting a patronising tone for most part of the interaction, Purohit bristled at questions that asked how the committee could not include the governor in the investigation and to top it, submit the report to Raj Bhavan, which is the institution under a cloud. "I am 78 years old. I am your senior. I have great grandchildren too. I am so lucky. Never say this to me," he said, dismissing the charge, saying even a bird cannot come near him without permission as he is always surrounded by his team. Purohit clearly has not heard of how the Raj Bhavan in a neighbouring state was misused by a veteran governor. That it is important for this high office to remain untainted in public perception. The facts of the case point to a sordid saga of sleaze within the Tamil Nadu education system, with a professor willing to pimp her students to someone high-profile and well-connected politically. She dissuades them from discussing the issue with their parents while promising that doing what she suggested will take them to the next level in life. Even after the girls tell the professor that they are not interested, Nirmala Devi does not give up and continues with her attempt to brainwash them. She even claims that "they tested me a lot" before giving her "this assignment". Two days after the students complained to the college authorities on 19 March, Nirmala Devi was suspended. But it was not until the tape that went public on 15 April, that protests broke out at the institute and a police case was filed. Subsequently, the government ordered a CID inquiry but the Opposition is demanding that the CBI should probe the matter involving the high and the mighty. Purohit has stood his ground, claiming it is his right to order an independent investigation as the chancellor of the University. When asked about the terms of reference of the Santhanam committee, the governor's reply was evasive. "A to Z, everything, he can travel everywhere," he replied. One may argue that if Purohit had anything to hide, he would not have submitted himself to sharp questions from the media. The governor obviously wanted to send the message that he had no skeletons in his cupboard. More so because the CPM has already demanded the recall of the governor. But the manner in which he has kept Raj Bhavan out of bounds of the Santhanam committee with his 'I am clean' narrative, Purohit has not covered his office with glory. The silver lining is that Santhanam is a bureaucrat with an impeccable reputation for probity. His peers say that he can be expected to do an honest job, without getting influenced. Santhanam may just be the person needed to launch the Swachh University Abhiyan in Tamil Nadu. At one point in the 20-minute clip, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit is referenced in passing, though not by name, to illustrate the high-level access the lady had. It all began with a month-old audio clip, which went viral on social media over the weekend. Nirmala Devi, an assistant professor of mathematics in Devanga Arts College in Aruppukottai in Virudhanagar district in Tamil Nadu, is heard telling four girl students to get some jobs done, top officials of Madurai Kamaraj University (to which the college is affiliated) expected a few college girls. Saying she didnt want to elaborate further, she hoped the girls understood what she was getting at. High marks, good academic prospects and money were apparently dangled before the hapless students. At one point in the 20-minute clip, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit is referenced in passing, though not by name, to illustrate the high-level access the lady had. The governors office, within a few hours of the news from Aruppukottai unfolding, appointed retired chief secretary R Santhanam to inquire into the case and submit his report within a week. It is learnt that the students had lodged a complaint with the college on 19 March. The college had suspended the professor on 21 March. But the college did not file a police complaint and according to the vice-chancellor, the university was not even informed. However, with the audio clip going viral and members of the Students Federation of India staging a protest outside the campus, the college secretary R Ramasamy filed a complaint with the police on 16 April. After drama which unfolded over five hours, Nirmala Devi was arrested on the same day. She had locked herself in her home after hearing of her imminent arrest. With her house surrounded by the police and local journalists, she refused to come out or communicate with the police but they finally managed to contact her through some relatives and convinced her to surrender. Later, while speaking to journalists, Nirmala Devi admitted that the voice on the tape was hers but said the students had "misunderstood" her. She, however, did not explain what exactly she wanted to convey. The Aruppukottai town police registered a case under IPC Sections 370 (trafficking) and 511 (attempt to commit an office) as well as Section 67 of the Information Technology Act (transmitting electronically material which contains sexually explicit act or conduct). Virudhunagar district Additional Superintendent of Police Mathi said on Tuesday that they had arrested Nirmala Devi around 7 pm on Monday and the investigation was ongoing with help from the district superintendent of police. The accused would be produced in Virudhunagar court by Tuesday evening, he said. Later, the court ordered remand till 28 April. The state government on 17 April had tasked DGP K Rajendran to get CBCID, the apex investigative body in the police department, to handle the probe. Meanwhile, Madurai Kamaraj University Vice-Chancellor P P Chelladurai claimed that "someone was acting as the backbone of Nirmala Devi is out to destroy the name of the Madurai Kamaraj University and its officials. He blamed the college for not informing the university about the incident earlier. It is my duty to reveal the truth behind the recordings. We have formed a five-member probe team, he said on Monday. However, after meeting with Governor on Tuesday morning, the V-C office sent a communique that said since the governor has appointed the retired IAS officer to investigate the matter, this committee has been dissolved. Meeting the press on 17 April evening, the governor, flanked by Santhanam and Chelladurai, described the incident as condemnable, it should not have happened. He promised action against the guilty after a thorough investigation. When asked about him being mentioned in the leaked audio clip, he said he travels throughout the state as part of his job and meet many people but no one could point a finger at him because of his conduct. He also said he does not know the lady professor. The governor asked the media not to besmirch his name as he was a 74-year old with great grandchildren. On DMK leader M K Stalins demand for a CBI probe, Purohit said a decision will be taken after Santhanam submits his report. PMK MP Dr Anbumani Ramadoss had also earlier demanded an investigation by the central agency. The state government, which has been at loggerheads with the governor on many issues, had its senior leader, minister for fisheries D Jayakumar saying it is unbecoming of a professor to misguide the students. Such black sheep should be weeded out. Dr Anbumani Ramadoss added: "We can presume that efforts were taken to lure the girl in order to fulfill the sexual desires of an influential person. It is necessary to expose that person and the administrators of Kamaraj University who indulged in the abominable act." The author is a Chennai-based writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters The Supreme Court on Wednesday adjourned the defamation case of The Wire to the first week of July as the news portal refused a settlement saying the article on BJP president Amit Shah's son Jay Shah was published in public interest. The news portal The Wire told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that its story on Jay Shah was factual and aimed at informing the public and hence there was "no question of a settlement", according to various media reports. SC suggests lawyers representing Wire news portal to resolve the differences with BJP Amit Shah's son Jay Shah over an article written by a senior journalist. Wire lawyer says report was published in public interest and no question of settlement @htTweets bhadra sinha (@BhadraSinha) April 18, 2018 MK Venu, founding editor of The Wire MK Venu tweeted: Hearing the Jay Amit Shah matter SC today asked if The Wire wanted to explore a settlement with the petitioner. The Wire lawyer Nitya Ramakrishnan told court the story was factual & aimed at informing the public. Hence what a settlement in such circumstances could be was unclear. M K Venu (@mkvenu1) April 18, 2018 The apex court on Wednesday suggested that the lawyers representing The Wire "resolve their differences" with BJP chief Amit Shah's son Jay over a report that claimed the turnover of Jays firm grew exponentially after BJP came to power in 2014, Outlook reported. Jay's counsel said his client was "open to a settlement", but the lawyer of The Wire rebuffed such a suggestion, according to the report. The Supreme Court then adjourned the defamation matter to the first week of July, however, it continued the restraint on criminal defamation proceedings initiated against The Wire by Jay. According to The Wire, the news portal was represented by Nitya Ramakrishnan, Kapil Sibal and Raju Ramachandran. Ramakrishnan told the apex court the article was a factual report published to inform citizens and thus it was not clear what the settlement could be in such circumstances. Jay filed the criminal defamation case against the author of the article Rohini Singh, founding editors of the news portal Siddharth Varadarajan, Siddharth Bhatia and MK Venu, managing editor Monobina Gupta, public editor Pamela Philipose and the owner of the portal, Foundation for Independent Journalism. In December, a civil court in Ahmedabad vacated an ex parte and interim injunction imposed on The Wire against further use and follow-up of its story in October. With inputs from agencies Biplab, however, stuck to his guns even though Twitterati trolled him for his 'wisdom'. 'Narrow minded people find it tough to believe this. They want to belittle their own nation & think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Don't get confused & don't confuse others,' Biplab tweeted. Indian politicians saying bizarre things with staunch conviction has almost become a norm. Recently, junior HRD minister Satyapal Singh courted controversy with his comment that 'mantras' codified laws of motion before Sir Isaac Newton, even as he sought to clarify his earlier remarks on Charles Darwin's theory of evolution that raised eyebrows, saying it was his "personal opinion". Now, Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb has sent the internet into a tizzy. While inaugurating a two-day workshop on computerisation of Public Distribution System (PDS), Biplab said, "Internet and satellite communication had existed in the days of Mahabharata. Sanjaya (the charioteer of king Dhritarashtra) using the technology gave a detailed account and description to the blind king about the battle of Kurukshetra". The chief minister added: "The Europeans and the Americans may claim that it is their invention, but it is actually our technology. Internet and satellite system existed during the lakhs of year ago" (sic). "How could Dhritarashtra see through Sanjaya's eyes? There was technology available at that time... Internet was there, satellite communication was there", the 47-year-old chief minister said repeatedly and rather confidently. Deb heads the BJP-Indigenous People's Front of Tripura coalition government that took power last month after defeating the Communist Party of India-Marxist-led Left Front for the first time in 25 years. The chief minister's claims found one taker: Tripura governor Tathagata Roy. "Tripura chief ministers observations about the happenings of the Puranic period are topical. It is virtually impossible to conceive of devices like Divya drishti, Pushpaka Ratha, etc without some kind of prototype and study thereon," tweeted Roy. Biplab, however, stuck to his guns even though Twitterati trolled him for his "wisdom". "Narrow-minded people find it tough to believe this. They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Don't get confused & don't confuse others", Biplab tweeted. Twitterati troll Biplab Twitter, however, was not as understanding as the Tripura governor. "Why didn't Pandavas play online poker then? Draupadi would have been spared", wrote Twitter user Mayank Jain. "Of course internet existed during that time. That's how Kunti downloaded Karna from the Sun", riffed another. "Sahi party mein ho bhaiya! (you're in the right party)" went another. Here are a few other reactions: Internet and satellite existed since Mahabharata era, claims Tripura CM Biplab Deb. The magical part of the Mahabharata tells us that Sanjaya was given Divine HD Jio pack and that is how he knew what was going on in the war. That's Enough Internet for Today! IRFAN (@simplyirfan) April 18, 2018 Tripura chief minister #BiplabDeb says #Internet dates back to the #Mahabharat. True, internet is old; but foolishness is still new! ?? Sreejith Panickar (@PanickarS) April 18, 2018 Internet existed during the Mahabharata: Biplab Deb (CM, Tripura) Probably he just saw a mail Duryodhan had sent him earlier. Batty 2.O (@MrBatty_) April 17, 2018 Chief minister of Tripura Biplab kumar Deb said that internet exist during Mahabharat times So was he communication Minister there at time? ?????? I don't understand what kind of weed these ministers eat? Thankgod he didnt said that he gave training to Bheem in his Gym ???????? Nancy (@naina4ucozy) April 18, 2018 An eerie silence hangs over the village of Makhi in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. The roads are deserted and the normally ebullient villagers are in no mood to talk to outsiders. Its most prominent citizen, MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, has been arrested on a slew of charges including rape of a minor, kidnapping and criminal intimidation. Editor's note: This is the second in a three-part series of ground reports from Unnao and nearby villages. These articles will examine the culture of fear and repression that is pervasive in the region, and which is typified by the rape of the 17-year-old girl in June 2017. An eerie silence hangs over the village of Makhi in the Unnao district of Uttar Pradesh. The roads are deserted and the normally ebullient villagers are in no mood to talk to outsiders. Its most prominent citizen, MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar, has been arrested on a slew of charges including rape of a minor, kidnapping and criminal intimidation. A large contingent of police stand guard outside Sengar's home. An equally large contingent of policemen and policewomen can be seen guarding the house of the 17-year-old girl who accused Sengar of raping her on 4 June, 2017. Sengar's home, a double-storied yellow ochre and brick red building could put some of Delhis best known schools to shame. Two temples and a large double-storied intermediate college have also been built on his property. Being a Sunday evening, a large number of villagers from Makhi have gathered at his home in a show of solidarity. Sengar's two sisters, along with other family members, are paying a visit to the village. Vidhayak ji always visited Makhi on Sunday and since he could not come, we have come in his place", the younger sister said. Sengar has a reputation of being a political turncoat who has been pampered by all parties he has been associated with in his 20-year political career. He contested his last election from Bangarmau, where he managed to consolidate the Thakur vote. He is also known to flaunt his proximity to two other powerful Thakur politicians: Arvind Singh Gope and Independent MLA Raghuraj Pratap Singh alias Raja Bhaiya. Those who are close to Sengar know that besides being an agriculturist and owner of several brick kilns, he also runs two jewellery shops in Unnao and Kanpur. His businesses are looked after by his family members, including three brothers, all of whom have criminal cases registered against them. The most notorious of these is Atul, who came into the limelight in 2004 when he allegedly shot at the then Unnao additional superintendent of police Ramlal Verma after he tried to stop illegal mining allegedly being carried out by the Sengar family. The police officer was reportedly made to withdraw the case. In 2014, Atul also reportedly fired at a journalist's father in Unnao. Atul was reportedly angry with the type of reports the journalist was writing against the Sengar family. The survivor has also alleged that it was Atul and his associates who publicly thrashed her father on 3 April. Following the public beating, Sengar allegedly told the survivor's uncle: "Maine use prasaad de diya public mein bolne ka" (I gave him a blessing for speaking in public). Sengar's sister Sangeeta insists there is an organised campaign to defame her brother. "The girl is of loose character. She ran away with three boys on 10 June, 2017, and then reappeared ten days later. She then slapped rape charges against all three boys who were jailed. One of the boys studying to become an engineer and this girl has destroyed his life. Her charges against my brother therefore carry no weight", Sangeeta alleged. She further added: "The girl comes from a notorious family. Her fathers elder brother was a known historysheeter with over 20 cases filed against him. He was killed by locals because of his misdeeds. All phone records should be called for. Everything should be examined carefully". The villagers who gathered at Sengar's home listened in silence. Vikas Mishra, a neighbour who works as a government school teacher in Rasulabad, which is around ten kilometers away, nodded his head in agreement. "There are sound bites circulating on Facebook on her interactions with boys. All this CCTV footage has been submitted to the CBI", Mishra alleged. Mishra also condemned the survivor's father. "He was not of good character. He had many criminal charges levied against him by the police". Sangeeta chimed in: "The allegation that my brother and his men beat him up is totally false. Theirs was a family quarrel with his own relatives and they beat him up. If this family had some misgivings against us, why would that girls younger two sisters continue to study in our school even after she filed the rape complaint?" Sengar's other sister believes all this happened because her brother was was too conciliatory. An elderly woman this reporter met elsewhere, clearly spooked, folded her hands. "I have to spend the rest of my days here. I will not say anything," she said. Earlier, the survivor's uncle told journalists he feared that Sengar and his brothers had been threatening the villagers to keep quiet. The survivor's uncle alleged, "On Sunday, Sengar's men went to Makhi. They threatened the villagers to remain silent and snap ties with my family or face the consequences and be ousted from the village. Two people are already missing". Walking through the village, no one else is willing to speak, other than repeat these words: "Vidhayak ji is not the type of person who will commit rape. Whenever we ask for assistance, he provides it". Unnao is dominated by Brahmins, who comprise 20 to 22 percent of the population. However, it is obvious Sengar's writ runs large in Makhi. Sengar started his political career in Makhi as a pradhan. As his influence expanded, more family members were incorporated into politics. While he was with the Samajwadi Party, Sengar's wife Sangeeta was made the chairperson of the Unnao Zila Parishad. She still holds the position. One of his brothers, Manoj, was the head of a block-level elected body. Sengar is known to switch parties with impunity. In 2002, he fought the Uttar Pradesh Assembly election from Unnao's Sadar constituency and won it for the Bahujan Samaj Party. By the next Assembly election, he'd become a favourite of Samajwadi Party (SP) leader Shivpal Singh Yadav and in 2007, fought the election as an SP candidate. In 2012, the SP changed Sengar's seat from Bangarmau to Bhagwant Nagar in Unnao from where he contested and won. But for the 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, Sengar joined the BJP and won from the Bhagwant Nagar constituency again. The survivor's uncle contests the charges made by Sengar's sisters. "My niece did not run away with the boys. She was abducted and brought back only after her mother filed a complaint in the Makhi thana. My elder brother was beaten by Atul and his accomplices. It was not a family dispute as they'd like people to believe. They are telling people that my uncle's son beat my brother. People are free to ask him what the truth is". Alok Agnihotri, a senior member of Peoples Union for Civil Liberties, Unnao, claimed, "It's obvious that villagers are afraid of Sengar as he has been an MLA for the past 20 years". Agnihotri is not surprised that the police allegedly did not take any cognisance of the survivor's complaint against Sengar until she met Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. "What was the police doing for ten months? The Unnao superintendent of police Pushpanjali Devi is reportedly related to Sengar. No one supported the girl. Why was the police silent when the girl and her family members sought their assistance? Were some larger political interests at stake?" Agnihotri believes the death of the survivor's father is the result of criminal negligence both on the part of the district police and the district hospital authorities. Even though two doctors in the district hospital have been suspended and the station house officer of Makhi thana, along with some constables, has been transferred, the Unnao police have a ready excuse. Swatantra Singh, Unnao deputy superintendent of police, said: "The survivor's father's death is not a case of custodial killing. He was arrested and taken to the Unnao jail. It was the jail police who brought him to the hospital for treatment. The local police had nothing to do with it". Swatantra added, "I am in charge of the survivor and her family's security. I've deputed a large contingent to ensure that the survivor and her family members remain safe". Click here to read Part I Survivor says she's haunted by father's death; mother fears family can never go home Click here to read Part III Medical records, case timeline exposes 'cover-up' in death of rape survivor's father Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit courted controversy on Tuesday evening after he was accused of improper behaviour after diplomatically patting a woman journalist on her cheek, apparently when posed with a series of tough questions Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit courted controversy on Tuesday evening after he was accused of improper behaviour after patting a woman journalist on her cheek, apparently when posed with a series of tough questions about the sex-for-degrees case that has rocked the state. Purohit, who was sworn in as the 25th Governor of Tamil Nadu, in October last year, became the first full-time governor of the southern state since 2016, ever since the retirement of K Rosaiah. For over a year after Rosaiah's retirement, Maharashtra governor C Vidyasagar Rao was holding additional charge of Tamil Nadu. Purohit, 77, used to be Governor of Meghalaya before moving to Tamil Nadu. He was also a public personality inseparably involved in social, political, educational and industrial sectors, having spent over 40 years in active politics. Hailing from Maharashtra's Vidarbha area, he's been involved in active politics since 1977, news agency PTI said, mentioning that he won an election to become a member of Maharashtra's Legislative Assembly in 1978 from Nagpur East constituency. Following this, he won two more elections on Congress' tickets, in 1984 and 1989. In 1982, he was given a ministerial berth in the Congress-led state government. In addition to this, he was also a member of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Defence Ministry. However, as reported by The Indian Express, Purohit took part in a rally with the Karsevaks in Ayodhya in 1991, and had to pay a big price for this: Expulsion from the Congress. The following year, he joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and won Assembly elections for the saffron party in 1996. In 1999, he tried to return to the Congress and contested a Lok Sabha election from Maharashtra's Ramtek seat, however lost to Subodh Mohite of the Shiv Sena. He then formed his own party, the Vidarba Rajya Party, which contested Lok Sabha elections from Nagpur, before rejoining the BJP in 2009. He contested another Lok Sabha election from Nagpur for the saffron party in 2009, but lost to Congress' Vilas Muttemwar again. He was also involved with the revival of The Hitavada, an English daily founded by Gopal Krishna Gokhale, the mentor of Mahatma Gandhi. Under him, The Hitavada became a leading newspaper of Central India, and apart from its headquarters at Nagpur, the daily also launched editions from Jabalpur, Raipur, and Bhopal. But despite repeated dalliances with rival political parties, Purohit maintained excellent relations with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis and Union minister Nitin Gadkari, a report in The Times of India said. These three, all of whom hail from Maharashtra's Vidarbha region, had recommended his name to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the gubernatorial post, the article said. Ironically, it was Gadkari who prevented Purohit from contesting Lok Sabha elections in 2014, by deciding to contest the elections himself. Purohit has led a largely controversy-free career in politics, with the only time his name cropped up in an unsavoury allegation coming in 2007, when he claimed that he arranged an hour-long meeting between then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi and then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras in 1989. As reported by Hindustan Times in 2007, Purohit claimed that at the meeting, Rajiv forged a secret pact with the RSS to permit shilanyas and the construction of a Ram Temple in Ayodhya in exchange for RSS' support to the Congress in the 1989 elections. Purohit said Rajiv Gandhi even permitted the shilanyas ceremony to take place at Ayodhya, signalling the start of the construction of the Ram Temple. However, a group of Muslim leaders then expressed their displeasure with the Congress and threatened of a backlash if this plan would continue. As a result of this, Rajiv Gandhi ordered a stay on the construction of the Ram Temple, and since he failed to keep his promise, the RSS refused to support the Congress party. With inputs from agencies H Raja triggered a new controversy on Wednesday when he made a veiled attack on DMK MP Kanimozhi, calling her an 'illegitimate' child of party chief M Karunanidhi Chennai: BJP National Secretary H Raja triggered a new controversy on Wednesday when he made a veiled attack on DMK MP Kanimozhi, calling her an "illegitimate" child of party chief M Karunanidhi. "Would journalists question the leader who made his illegitimate child, from an illegitimate relationship, a Rajya Sabha MP, just like they questioned the Governor? Memories of Chidambaram Udayakumar, Anna Nagar Ramesh, Perambalur Sadiq Basha would haunt them," Raja tweeted without taking Kanimozhi's name. But the hint was obvious. Kanimozhi is the daughter of Karunanidhi's third wife Rajathi and Raja's reference to "memories" of some incidents relate to some infamous deaths that had occurred during various periods of DMK rule in the state. His tweet followed Kanimozhi's support to a woman journalist who was critical of Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit for patting her on her cheeks at the end of a press conference in Raj Bhawan on Tuesday. The Governor has since apologized to the journalist, Lakshmi Subramanian, who accepted it but said she was not convinced that he patted her cheeks by way of appreciating her question. Kanimozhi on Tuesday tweeted: "Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalist's personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being." The DMK MP reacted to Raja's tweet saying she would not respond to him nor would she stoop so low like Raja. The AAPs reluctance to address the question of whether the appointments were legal reeks of a lack of commitment to governance Though the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has resorted to a massive campaign against the Centre for sacking nine advisors appointed by the Delhi government, it is yet to address the primary question that has arisen: Was the appointment of the nine advisors legal? On Wednesday, Raghav Chadha, one of the nine sacked advisors, pulled quite the stunt by sending a demand draft of Rs 2.50 a sum he claimed to have drawn as salary to the Ministry of Home Affairs. Chadha also sent a rather sarcastic letter to accompany the demand draft, in which he wrote: From 15 January, 2016, to 31 March, 2016, I was appointed as advisor to Deputy Chief Minister Shri Manish Sisodia to aid in preparation of the annual budget for the financial year 2016- 2017, owing to my qualification as a chartered accountant. I was offered an honorarium of Re 1 per month and over my time there, I earned a princely sum of Rs 2.50. In light of the order issued yesterday on the directions by the Ministry of Home Affairs declaring my appointment as void-ab-initio, I accept my retrospective sacking from the position held for a period of 75 days, two years ago. He also added, While we cannot change what is in the past, please accept enclosed a demand draft of Rs 2.50 in favour of Ministry of Home Affairs that I earned in my capacity as advisor as a token of my remorse. Though the letter was filled with words about the commitment of the AAP towards the people, Chadha's passion for the cause and laced with sarcasm regarding the Centres decision to appoint surgeon Sambit Patra and erstwhile journalist Shazia Ilmi as directors of ONGC, it avoided addressing the basic questions related to Delhis governance: Was his appointment was legally justifiable? If yes, which provision of which law backed his appointment? Significantly, the Centres decision to sack the nine advisors was legal. The order issued by the MHA stated categorically, Services under the NCT of Delhi is a subject reserved for central government as per the Constitution Therefore, creation of posts by Delhi cabinet for accommodating these appointees is void ab-initio, being done by an agency not competent under the law to do so. The MHA further added that these posts on which the appointees are officiating are not in the list of posts approved for the ministers and the chief minister. It further said no prior approval of the Centre had been taken for creation of these posts, which is a requirement as per law. In indirect terms, the order accused the Delhi government of violating the law, a serious offence which puts Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal under further public scrutiny. The AAP's avoidance of the question speaks to its disregard for law and governance. The tendency to avoid the question was on full display in the statement issued by Sisodia in a press conference on Tuesday. Rather than addressing the issue, Sisodia indulged in rhetoric. He claimed that four of the nine advisors aren't even working for the Delhi government and stated that another four are working at posts created by earlier governments. Sisodia also alleged the order was issued to sabotage Delhi education departments schemes by ousting his advisor Atishi Marlena, who is looking after their implementation. She is an Oxford graduate and a Rhodes Scholar working with the Delhi education department at a salary of Re 1 month. She is the one looking after schemes such as Buniyaad to educate kids from the poorer section, Sisodia said, continuing not to address the question. The AAPs reluctance to address the question of whether the appointments were legal reeks of a lack of commitment to governance, an issue which it cannot look away from, especially when it is in power. The Delhi government's appointment of nine advisors is not the only decision which has been rebuked by the Centre. Earlier, 14 laws passed by Delhi legislature were turned down by the Centre on procedural grounds. The recent decision to overturn the appointment of advisors should ring alarm bells for Arvind Kejriwal, who is busy choosing rhetoric over governance. BJP National Spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao had quite an exchange with Bollywood lyricist Javed Akhtar on Twitter after the lyricist mocked the National Investigative Agency (NIA) over the Mecca Masjid case following the verdict. BJP National Spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao criticised Javed Akhtar on Twitter after the lyricist mocked the National Investigative Agency (NIA) over the Mecca Masjid case following a special court verdict acquitting all accused in lack of evidence. Rao went on to call Akhtar a fan of Congress president Rahul Gandhi for "writing a fictional script" and asking if 'Hindu terror' was his brainwave. Javed Ji, Wish you had the honesty to condemn @INCIndia for "Hindu Terror" formulation. Seems you are in awe of @RahulGandhi for writing a fictional script like you have done so well in films. OR, is "Hindu Terror" also your brainwave as your reported idea of "Maut Ka Saudagar?" https://t.co/35MTCJJal5 GVL Narasimha Rao (@GVLNRAO) April 18, 2018 Mission accomplished !! . My congratulations to NIA for their grand success in Mecca Masjid case. Now they have all the time in the world to investigate inter community marriages !!! Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 18, 2018 This is not the first time Akhtar and Rao are having a Twitter spat. In October 2017, Akhtar had asked Rao, "May I ask Mr GVl Narasimha Rao to name the historians(besides RSS Shakhas)who are his source of information about the Mughals" following the BJP leader's comment about the Mughals. May I ask Mr GVl Narasimha Rao to name the historians( beside RSS Shakhas)who are his source of information about the Mughals Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) October 17, 2017 Akhtar has been quite vocal about the ruling party's neglect towards the raging issues in the country like the Unnao rape case. Earlier in February, Akhtar had warned that the room for creativity or freedom of expression, which has been the ethos of Indian democracy, is shrinking and called for taking lessons from the "pathetic condition" of some neighbouring countries where such extremism was prevalent. Akhtar, who has in the past faced the wrath of fundamentalists and trolls for his opinions on the social media, regretted that Indian society was becoming "more regressive". With inputs from agencies Siddaramaiah should know that a long list of bhagya schemes do not automatically lead to a re-election bhagya for their inventor. Bekku kannu muchchikondu haalu kudidante. So goes a Kannada proverb. This means that the cat closes the eyes and drinks milk. The implication is that since the said cat doesnt see anybody, it pretends that nobody sees it. Similar may be the case of Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, who may have shut his eyes to the anti-incumbency around his Congress government. He doesnt see it; so he pretends nobody sees it. Either its this, or Siddaramaiah somehow convinced himself that there is no anti-incumbency, and he will march to the victory post, shouting all the way, Hip! Hip! Hurrah! Hurrah! If there really isnt anti-incumbency, its a marvellous achievement on his part in a state, which is horribly prone to it and where successive governments fell like trees in Bengaluru rains. Not a single Assembly election in Karnataka since 1985 has returned the incumbent ruling party to power. The 1985 election saw the return of Janata Partys Ramakrishna Hegde as the chief minister for a second time. Ask Siddaramaiah about anti-incumbency, and he huffs with coy indignation: "What anti-incumbency? Wheres it? Well win." He even seems to believe that there is, though he doesnt call it that, a pro-incumbency tsunami. Pro-incumbency, of course, is love for the government, and anti-incumbency is the opposite of it: hate. And as novelist Nicholas Spars once said: Love is like the wind, you cant see it but you can feel it." The same thing is true of hate. Its tough to spot either with eyes open or shut. Despite all this, if Siddaramaiah indeed honestly believes that the Congress suffers no anti-incumbency, it might be because he thinks he has killed it with a variety of populist schemes. If indeed he has done that, he will go down in the history of Indian elections as a master political craftsman who discovered populism as an antidote to anti-incumbency, much like Alexander Fleming stumbled on penicillin in 1928 to kill bacterial infections. These populist schemes include: Anna Bhagya (free supply of rice and dal to the poor) Ksheera Bhagya (milk to schoolchildren) Shaaddi Bhagya (financial assistance to women of minorities at the time of marriage) Krishi Bhagya (schemes for farmers) Vasati Bhagya (cheap homes for the poor) Arogya Bhagya (free healthcare) Anila Bhagya (gas) Shoe-Socks Bhagya (footwear for Class 1 to 10 students) Pashu Bhagya (subsidized cattle for farmers) Laptop Bhagya (free laptops for poor students) And dont forget free dentures for senior citizens and cheap food at Indira Canteens. Populism vs governance Eulogising populist shenanigans as "welfare schemes" is like calling a drunk a connoisseur of alcohol. If Congress worthies are to be believed, these schemes help three-quarters of the states 6.1 crore population, costing the state about half its budget every year. Each scheme no doubt helps a particular section of the people to some extent, despite the inevitable pilferage and corruption that go with it. But a rash of piecemeal schemes of populism don't amount to governance. If it does, economists ranging from Chanakya to Karl Marx missed it. Among other things, true governance means building infrastructure, creating jobs and raising living standards without discrimination. Free dole-outs to chosen segments of people, besides making a mockery of governance, amount to a reverse discrimination of the worst kind and turn citizens into lazy freeloaders. And all this comes at great expense of public money which must go into real, long-term creation of wealth for people. And a long list of bhagya schemes do not automatically lead to a re-election bhagya for their inventor. Many beneficiaries can sponge on free benefits and still cock a snook at the ruling party. I have heard of people who relish a hearty meal at Indira Canteens with a hearty laugh over the gimmickry behind it. Populism alone cant win elections but can influence voter choice in combination with other factors, which include anti-incumbency precipitated by a governments failures on other counts. A travel through Karnataka or visits to villages do not reveal any signs of a welfare state that the anti-Modi, pro-Congress and pro-Left intellectuals claim Siddaramaiah ushered in. Forget the suicides by some 3,500 farmers in five years, even the roads of Bengaluru are a shameful blot on the citys reputation as a world-class IT hub. Thats the stuff anti-incumbency is made of. Opinion polls may be notoriously undependable, but repeated projections of a hung Assembly and a reduced majority for the Congress point to anti-incumbency at work. Among factors that contribute to it are the absence of true governance and developmentor peoples perceptions of these things. Corruption is all-pervasive As for perceptions, the feeling that Karnatakas Congress government is highly corrupt runs deep. The very sight of a road being dug up for repairing a sewerage line brings sniggers from passerby who see corruption in it. Siddaramaiah may get away with this because this is the kind of corruption, which is all-pervasive but without a major scam exposed, that is neither new nor unique to the state. But even if exposed, corruption alone is rarely the cause for a partys election defeat in India. If the Congress walks away with victory in Karnataka, it wont be an easy one, and it wont be because of the absence of anti-incumbency. Public perceptions of wrongdoing, if accompanied by other elements including the TINA factor, populism, communal and caste politics, can still ensure that an incumbent returns to power. Didnt the BJP win the December 2017 election in Gujarat despite anti-incumbency which the Congress had claimed would see its defeat? The BJP is playing with fire in the Jammu region with Choudhary Lal Singh taking out a rally in Kotha village on Tuesday in solidarity with the alleged culprits arrested in the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl Jammu: The BJP is playing with fire in the Jammu region with Choudhary Lal Singh one of the two ministers unceremoniously ousted from the Mehbooba Mufti government addressing over a dozen rallies on Tuesday in solidarity with the alleged culprits arrested in the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl, and also to demand a CBI probe in the case. To many political observers, this likely marks the beginning of a dangerous turning point in the communally-divided state. On Tuesday, when the heavily-garlanded former forest minister of the state climbed onto a makeshift stage in Satwari Chowk of Jammu city, hundreds of his supporters women included resorted to intense sloganeering, denouncing the Jammu and Kashmir Police's probe into the case. Visibly enraged, Singh lent support to their demands of a CBI probe even as his speech was punctuated by slogans like "Bharat Mata Ki Jai". "She is our daughter. We are fighting to punish her culprits, but it is a tragedy that people living far away (in Kashmir) are passing judgment on the case without knowing the facts. Our fight is for justice, which will be only be done by identifying the real culprits," Singh said in his speech. BJP's meaningful silence The silence of the BJP, which is in an alliance with the PDP in the state, has added to the confusion. While it was reported that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi intervened to get Lal Singh and Chander Prakash Ganga, the industries minister, to resign for rallying in favour of the alleged culprits, that the party has not taken any action against Singh for his tirades against the police, implicitly points to a 'covert understanding' aimed at keeping the pot boiling. Singh is tapping into the anger that has polarised the state along communal lines following the arrest of eight members of the Hindu community who, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Police, planned the murder of nomad girl in order to terrorise the small nomadic Muslim community living in Rassana and force them to leave. By publicly supporting the cause of the alleged culprits, the former minister, who was previously associated with the Congress, is keeping open a window of opportunity that his party may require in the coming days. "Obnoxious as it may sound, the brutal murder of the girl is being used by the BJP to feed the anger and perpetuate a sense of alienation within its vote bank in the Hindu heartland, Jammu. As the state Assembly elections are less than two years away, the party is busy playing the communal card, pushing the people of Jammu into a kind of uncertainty where players like Singh seem like proxy candidates of the Hindutva brigade. This doesn't bode well for the state," a PDP MLC told Firstpost on Tuesday evening. Helplessness in PDP The PDP, on the other hand, is maintaining a stoic silence on the 'misadventures' of the BJP leaders. While the party stood its ground during the past three months, turning down the demands for a CBI probe by its alliance partner, the growing restlessness in Jammu region where Hindu Ekta Manch, a fringe group backed by the BJP, that is rallying support for the alleged culprits, is moving beyond the PDP's comfort levels. The widening divide between the two parties may not be a threat to the coalition, at least not in coming weeks or even months, but it has certainly put a question mark on the future of their alliance. "If they (PDP) won't act against the legislators who speak in favour of terrorists and Pakistan, why should we target Lal Singh or any other leader from the party who wants a CBI probe into the case, and rightfully so," a senior BJP leader told Firstpost on condition of anonymity. Singh, known for his flirtatious politics, may also have other ideas. With his ouster from the cabinet, he may feel emboldened to raise the rhetoric in order to salvage his own political career. After remaining with the Congress, he switched sides to the BJP and successfully contested from Basholi constituency in the 2014 state Assembly election. With power irretrievably out of his hands, a lot of thinking might be going on considering the BJP's prospects already look bleak in Jammu and Kashmir. "The whole world went there (Rassana). Why did the home minister not go?" Singh asked his supporters on Tuesday, in a clear reference to Mehbooba, "Was there any problem? And these people who have been beating their chests, why have you become the 'thekedaars' of the victim. The girl is ours, the boy (juvenile held in the case) is ours and the land is ours but these people have become 'thekedaars'. If you have little shame left, go there and dont speak nonsense. Instead, you are going to the entire country, even to the prime minister." That the former minister, an MLA of the BJP, is launching a direct attack on the chief minister with whom his party shares an alliance, illustrates the distrust between the two parties. But these 'misadventures', overtly and covertly backed by the BJP, may push the state of Jammu and Kashmir into a sort of communal delirium from where there might be a point of no return. AIADMK ruled-Tamil Nadu will file a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its order modifying certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, joining Kerala and three BJP-ruled states in taking such a step. Chennai: AIADMK ruled-Tamil Nadu will file a review petition in the Supreme Court challenging its order modifying certain provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, joining Kerala and three BJP-ruled states in taking such a step. The decision was arrived at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister K Palaniswamy with his cabinet colleagues, including his deputy O Panneerselvam and officials on Wednesday, an official release said. "The chief minister directed that a review petition be filed in the Supreme Court immediately in the interest of SC/ST members," it added. The apex court recently laid down guidelines to prevent the alleged misuse of the Act. Dalit groups have, however, vehemently protested against the verdict, saying it dilutes the law and will lead to a rise in cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and tribes. The Centre has already filed a plea, seeking review of the Supreme Court directive in the wake of large-scale protests by Dalit organisations. Kerala, where the CPM is in power, had also filed a review petition even as BJP-ruled Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, which has reportedly taken steps to implement the Supreme Court order, have now decided to put its execution in abeyance and approach the apex court for a review on a nudge from the party's top brass. In its 20 March order, the apex court had said the law's misuse had led innocent citizens were being framed as accused and public servants deterred from performing their duties, which was never the intention when the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was originally enacted. tech2 News Staff Amazon has started a new offer that allows the customers to buy products without paying any interest on their EMIs. Called the 'EMI fest', the store event runs between 14 April to 20 April and is available for a limited number of products. The No cost EMI offer is applicable with a minimum purchase of Rs 7,000 where Amazon provides the interest as a cashback of 10 percent (up to Rs 1,500) to its customers. The monthly installments of products are calculated by dividing the total price with EMI tenure in months and customers pay extra tax on the installments. But Amazon, is offering the interest charged by the bank as discount to the customer, which makes it interest free. Customers will not have to pay any down payment or processing fee but the taxes applicable will be charged by the bank. According to Amazon, the bank may levy GST or other taxes on the interest of the EMI. Simply put, customers will be charged with the interest by the bank but Amazon is providing that money as a cashback to the customer. The maximum cashback to be availed by the customer is 10 percent, up to Rs 1500. The offer is valid on various products including mobiles, TVs, home appliances, laptops, cameras and more. Interested customers can check weather a product comes under the offer by checking the description of the product or clicking on the list of products mentions on the No cost EMI page of the website. All EMI options are clearly laid out on the payment page. Initially, the bank statement will be blocked with the full price of the product. Amazon claims that after 4-7 business days the bank will split the total amount into EMIs. The No Cost EMI offer is valid through the credit card of all the major banks including Axis, ICICI, HDFC, Citi Bank, SBI, IndusInd, Yes Bank, Kotak, RBL, HSBC and Standard Chartered. Customers can avail the offer along with the Exchange offer but Amazon Pay balance cannot be used with this offer. Amazon has recently launched the updated version of the app that allows the customers to change the country, language and currency to buy products available on other international markets. The feature is yet to come to India. Reuters Cambridge Analytica was planning to raise money by issuing a new type of digital currency before it became embroiled in a scandal surrounding the misuse of Facebook Inc personal data, sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. The British data analytics consultancy had approached a firm that advises companies on how to structure an initial coin offering, an increasingly popular online fundraising scheme involving the issue of a new digital currency, the sources said. The firm was looking to raise as much as $30 million, one of the sources said. It is not known if Cambridge Analytica is still pursuing such plans. A spokesman did not comment on the coin offering, but did say the firm was looking at using blockchain the technology underlying digital currencies to help people secure their online data. Prior to the Facebook controversy, we were developing a suite of technologies to help individuals reclaim their personal data from corporate entities and to have full transparency and control over how their personal data are used, a Cambridge Analytica spokesman said in an email to Reuters. We were exploring multiple options for people to manage and monetise their personal data, including blockchain technology. Cambridge Analytica, which did work for U.S. President Donald Trumps 2016 election campaign, has been under intense scrutiny for the past month after the New York Times and the Observer reported that it improperly gained access to personal data of millions of Facebook users. Facebook said earlier this month that data of more than 87 million users may have been affected. Cambridge Analytica has said it properly licensed data on far fewer users from a research firm. A coin offering would have made Cambridge Analytica one of hundreds of firms attempting to raise capital as the value of digital currencies soar. Companies raised $3.5 billion through such offerings this year, according to research firm Autonomous. They have been popular with investors as they are able to trade the tokens on online exchanges, often for a profit. Reuters Economic issues should not be politicised in order to stifle competition, the official China Daily newspaper said in an editorial on Wednesday after a U.S. decision to ban American firms from selling parts and software to Chinas ZTE Corp. The U.S. Commerce Department imposed the ban following ZTEs violation of an agreement to punish employees after it was caught illegally shipping U.S. goods to Iran. The China Daily warned that the U.S.-China friction would only get worse if the decision was taken in response to growing trade tensions between the worlds two biggest economies. It is understandable that the U.S. seeks to maintain its advantages, but economic issues should not be politicized as a means to curb competition. This should be about the conduct of ZTE, it should not be exploited to denigrate other Chinese companies, it said. If this is Washingtons reply to Beijings recent pledge of greater openness, it cannot but worsen trade relations and press Beijing to roll back what it was ready to offer, the editorial said. The Global Times, a hawkish state-run tabloid, said the U.S. decision would stir Chinese society and prompt us to speed up development of chips and other semi-conductor technologies. China wont allow the U.S. to use chips as a stick against it. China can take steps to replace foreign-made chips with domestic, it said. Chinas Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday it hoped the United States could appropriately deal with the issue. tech2 News Staff The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has accused Google and smart card companies of creating a lobby against Aadhaar. It has also said that the business of smart card companies would be affected if Aadhaar turns out to be a foolproof method of identity verification. A five-judge constitution bench headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Deepak Misra is hearing petitions related to the validity of Aadhaar. Senior Counsel Rakesh Dwivedi, who is representing the UIDAI, said that a 'campaign has been unleashed' to make Aadhaar card like smart cards by the smart card companies, the Times of India (ToI) reported. Questioning the validity and strength of Aadhaar to secure user data, the CJI raised concerns over the misuse of user data for influencing elections. The bench brought up the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where the personal data of Facebook users was used to influence US elections, and even Brexit. In Aadhaar's defence, Dwivedi said that unlike Facebook or Google, Aadhaar does not use artificial intelligence or machine learning. It uses only a matching algorithm where the identity of a person is matched with the details in the Aadhaar card for identity verification. He reportedly said, It only has a machine algorithm to establish 'I am me'. He also clarified that the Aadhaar data is not available on the internet, from where it can be stolen. We'd like to point out of course that it's not clear whether he's talking about biometric data or demographic data. Multiple leaks in the past, especially from government entities, has resulted in the demographic data (name, address, contact details, etc.) of several thousand Indians, if not millions of Indians. Meanwhile, speaking of misuse of data by private entities, according to PTI, Dwivedi reminded the court of various instances where the services of private entities have been introduced in the public sector, such as that of Reliance providing help in the defence sector. In his defence regarding no misuse of data by the private entities, the UIDAI representative further added that firstly, the data of the citizens has been protected under the Aadhaar Act, which also includes biometric details, and secondly, that there are provisions to punish an offender in the case of a data breach. Those provisions, we might add, only allow a user to report misuse to the UIDAI. In fact, the UIDAI is the only entity that can initiate any action against an Aadhaar violator. IANS Responding to a study that found nearly 60 percent of free Andorid apps used by children potentially violate a federal law, Google has said that it will take action if company's policies are violated. "If we determine that an app violates our policies, we will take action. We always appreciate the research community's work to help make the Android ecosystem safer," technology news website Tom's Guide quoted a Google spokesperson as saying. Google responded to a study by the International Computer Science Institute in Berkeley, California, that found 57 percent of the 5,855 Android apps used by children and families are potentially in violation of a federal law designed to protect the privacy of kids under 13-years-old. The report said that these apps could be illegally monitoring children's behaviour online. The federal law, 1998's Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), mandates privacy and consent requirements for website operators catering to children under 13. "We are taking the researchers' report very seriously and looking into their findings. Protecting kids and families is a top priority and our Designed for Families programme requires developers to abide by specific requirements above and beyond our standard Google Play policies," the spokesperson added. The study further found that 92 percent of the 1,280 Android apps that utilise Facebook's application programming interface (API) are potentially in violation of COPPA. The decision comes at a time when Facebook is embroiled in a scandal after reports that British data firm Cambridge Analytica had improperly gathered detailed Facebook information on 87 million users. Last week Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before the US Congress over his company's handling of user data. Reuters Microsoft, Facebook and more than 30 other global technology companies on Tuesday announced a joint pledge not to assist any government in offensive cyber attacks. The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, which vows to protect all customers from attacks regardless of geopolitical or criminal motive, follows a year that witnessed an unprecedented level of destructive cyber attacks, including the global WannaCry worm and the devastating NotPetya attack. We recognise that we live in a new world, Microsoft President Brad Smith said during a speech on Tuesday at the RSA cybersecurity conference in San Francisco. Were living amidst a generation of new weapons, and where cyberspace has become the new battlefield. Smith, who led efforts to organise the alliance, said the devastating cyber attacks in 2017 demonstrated the need for the technology sector to take a principled path toward more effective steps to work together and defend customers around the world. It was not clear whether any companies would change their existing policies as a result of joining the accord. Microsoft did not immediately respond to a series of questions about the accord, including whether the company had previously participated in government-sponsored offensive cyber operations or how the pledge would impact compliance with lawfully obtained surveillance orders in the United States or elsewhere. The accord also promised to establish new formal and informal partnerships within the industry and with security researchers to share threats and coordinate vulnerability disclosures. It builds on an idea for a so-called Digital Geneva Convention that Smith rolled out at least years RSA conference, a proposal to create an international body to protect civilians from state-sponsored hacking. Countries, Smith said then, should develop global rules for cyberattacks similar to those established for armed conflict at the 1949 Geneva Convention that followed World War Two. In addition to Microsoft and Facebook, 32 other companies signed the pledge, including Cisco, Juniper Networks, Oracle, Nokia, SAP, Dell and cybersecurity firms Symantec, FireEye and Trend Micro. The list of companies does not include any from Russia, China, Iran or North Korea, widely viewed as the most active in launching destructive cyber attacks against their foes. Major US technology companies Amazon, Apple, Alphabet and Twitter also did not sign the pledge. tech2 News Staff WhatsApp has updated the beta version with a feature that will keep track of high priority notification so that you don't miss any important message on the chat app. It recently updated the beta app that cleared the bug that displayed the timestamp in ASCII code. The new feature on the app brings 'High priority notifications' to the app. According to a report on WABetainfo, the WhatsApp beta has been updated to 2.18.117. This is similar to the Pin Chat feature and it will bring the new notifications from a group or personal chat on the top of notification centre. Users can also choose to keep a notification on the top by changing the setting from the Notification channel of the app. If there is more than one group or contact on the high priority notification, the notifications will be shown in chronological order. The feature will support devices running on Android 5.0 or higher. WhatsApp has also rolled out a new feature that allows a group admin to demote another administrator of the group. The new feature is available on the 2.18.41 iOS update on AppStore and on the Android web update version 2.18.116 available online. Earlier, to demote a member as an administrator, the admin had to remove him from the group and add him again to the group as a normal member. But, group members won't be allowed to dismiss the group creator. On May 23, 2019, when the results for the Lok Sabha elections were declared, it was the first time in 48 years that an incumbent prime minister heading a majority government came back with a majority. Narendra Modi was elected by the republic of India as its Prime Minister for the second consecutive term. rnIn 2014, when he was declared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate, BJP won 282 seats in the Lok Sabha and it was the first time in three decades that any party had an earned an absolute majority.rnrnBorn on 17 September 1950 to Heeraben and Damodardas Modi in Vadnagar, Mehsana district of Gujarat. Before assuming the office of Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi had served as the Chief Minister (CM) of his home State Gujarat for four consecutive terms. He first became the Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001.rnrnAccording to his official website, at the age of 17, he left his home and travelled across India. In 1972, he joined the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and in 1974 he participated in Navnirman Movement that was launched against corruption in Gujarat. Narendra Modi also participated in the anti-emergency movement in 1975 after the national emergency was imposed by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.rnrnIn 1978 Narendra Modi got his first official responsibility in RSS when he was appointed Vibhag Pracharak. In 1987 he joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) as Organization Secretary of Gujarat Unit and just seven years later, he became BJPs National Secretary and moved to Delhi. In 1998 he was appointed BJPs National General Secretary (Organization) and then the Chief Minister of Gujarat on October 07, 2001.rnA postgraduate in Political Science from Gujarat University, Modi was appreciated for his Development Model in Gujarat during his 14 year long tenure (2001-2014) as chief minister of the state. During Modis tenure, Gujarat became a preferred destination for investment because of its business-friendly policies.rnrnIn 2013 a delegation of parliamentarians and businessmen from the United States of America (USA) visited Gujarat. The 18-member- delegation, led by Republican Congressmen from Illinois Aaron Schock accepted that people in the USA were keen to work with Gujarat as they were impressed by the way the state has facilitated investment.rnAs reported by the Economic Times during the Vibrant Gujarat Summit held in 2015, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to World Bank Chairman Jim Yong Kim appreciated Modis development model and called him the driving force behind India's phenomenal growth story. rnApart from giving big push to economic development through big infrastructure projects and investments, women empowerment and youth welfare was another area that was of major importance for Gujarat government under Narendra Modis chief ministership.rnrnAfter assuming the office of Prime Minister of India, he focused on ensuring basic amenities to people. Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) launched by Modi on August 15, 2014, was a financial inclusion program that aimed at ensuring bank account to every household and was targeted at ensuring affordable access to financial services such as bank accounts, remittances, credit, insurance and pensions to those people who were out of the formal banking net. Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) was launched to provide LPG connections to women of BPL families. Apart from this several other schemes like skill development program, Mudra Yojna (providing easy loans to small business) Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, to name few, were all meant to ensure basic amenities to people who were devoid of these basic amenities even after more than seven decades of independence. rnThese programs not only led to tangible changes in terms of new infrastructure but also led to massive behavioural changes. Like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan did not limit itself with building toilets and making the country open defecation free (ODF). It also led to major awareness among people about the benefits of sanitation and cleanliness.rnAnd to ensure these behavioural changes, Narendra Modi started communicating with people directly through different conventional media and new media channels. On the one hand, through his monthly radio broadcast program Mann Ki Baat, Narendra Modi attempted to reach the remotest areas of the country and on the other hand, he used his massive presence on social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook to enter each and every household with his messaging on the efforts that people of this country have to make to realize the dream that is 'New India'.rnOn March 31, while interacting with lakhs of people at more than 500 locations across the country through video conferencing, under the "Main Bhi Chowkidar" campaign, Modi had said that he spent five years (of his first term as Prime Minister) in fulfilling the country's requirements and his next five years will be focused on addressing the countrys aspirations.rn Political leaders in the US condoled the demise of former US first lady Barbara Bush. Political leaders in the US condoled the demise of former US first lady Barbara Bush. As tributes poured in to honour the life of Barbara, President Donald Trump hailed her as an "advocate of the American family". .@FLOTUS Melania and I join the Nation in celebrating the life of Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/4NzyjxqAFM Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 Former US president Barack Obama and his wife Michelle issued a statement, saying Barbara "was the rock of a family dedicated to public service". Our statement on the passing of Former First Lady Barbara Bush: pic.twitter.com/MhTVYCL9Nj Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 18, 2018 Another former US president, Bill Clinton, also issued a statement, saying Barbara "showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like". Barbara Bush was a remarkable woman. She had grit & grace, brains & beauty. She was fierce & feisty in support of her family & friends, her country & her causes. She showed us what an honest, vibrant, full life looks like. Hillary and I mourn her passing and bless her memory. Bill Clinton (@BillClinton) April 17, 2018 Barbara's son Jeb Bush also issued a statement, saying, "I'm exceptionally privileged to be the son of George Bush and the exceptionally gracious, gregarious, fun, funny, loving, tough, smart, graceful woman who was the force of nature known as Barbara Bush." Jeb's son George P Bush also tweeted on his grandmother's death. My grandmother's entire life was focused on others. For my grandfather, she was his top adviser and confidante. For her family, she was a steady, loving and guiding hand. And for her country, she was an inspiration and an example for all. 1/2 George P. Bush (@georgepbush) April 17, 2018 My grandmother didn't just live life; she lived it well. And the sorrow of her loss is softened by the knowledge of her impact on our family and our country. I will miss you, Gannybut know we will see you again. 2/2 George P. Bush (@georgepbush) April 17, 2018 "Barbara inspired us all to be the best version of ourselves," said Orrin Hatch, America's longest-serving Republican senator. US senator Bernie Sanders said that "Barbara Bush will be remembered as a strong, independently minded and popular First Lady". Barbara Bush will be remembered as a strong, independently minded and popular First Lady who was devoted to her family and her country. Jane and I send our condolences to the Bush family. Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) April 18, 2018 Another US senator Marco Rubio said the "nation mourns the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush". Our nation mourns the passing of former First Lady Barbara Bush. She was a great woman, whose commitment to God and country inspired all Americans. Her legacy will live on through her family. Jeanette and I are keeping the Bush family in our prayers. Senator Rubio Press (@SenRubioPress) April 18, 2018 US senator from Virginia Tim Kaine praised Barbara's "wit, wisdom, and devotion to her family and our country". Barbara Bushs wit, wisdom, and devotion to her family and our country earned her the admiration of millions, and her literacy efforts improved countless lives and will continue to do so for generations. @AnneHolton and I offer our condolences to the Bush family tonight. Tim Kaine (@timkaine) April 18, 2018 Elijah Cummings, US representative for Maryland's 7th congressional district, also condoled Barbara's demise. This evening we lost former First Lady Barbara Bush, a committed wife and mother. Her goal to create opportunity through literacy touched lives all across the country. My thoughts and prayers are with her family. Elijah E. Cummings (@RepCummings) April 18, 2018 Barbara Bush died on Tuesday at the age of 92, triggering an outpouring of praise for the matriarch of a Republican family once at the apex of American politics. "A former first lady of the United States of America and relentless proponent of family literacy, Barbara Pierce Bush passed away Tuesday, 17 April, 2018, at the age of 92," said a statement from the office of George HW Bush. They were married for 73 years. Barbara has long been considered the rock at the centre of one of America's most prominent political families, as the wife of a president and the mother to another George W Bush and to Jeb Bush, a former Florida governor and one-time presidential aspirant. She first met her husband-to-be at the age of 16 when she was a schoolgirl and he was a student at an elite preparatory school in Massachusetts. They married in 1945 while he was on leave from wartime service as a naval officer. The couple had six children. As first lady, from 1989 to 1993, she embraced the cause of universal literacy, and founded a foundation for family literacy. With inputs from AFP US Ambassador to UN Nikki Haley and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow publicly sparred over a potential sanction over Russia. Washington: United States (US) Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) Nikki Haley and the new top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow publicly sparred over a potential sanction over Russia, with the latter accusing her of "getting ahead of the curve". Briefing reporters at president Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Kudlow said Haley apparently got confused on the issue of imposing fresh sanctions on Russia. He was responding to a question on Haley's remarks over the weekend that fresh economic sanctions were coming against Russia on Monday, 16 April, which did not happen. Haley quickly fought back by saying that she did not get confused. "With all due respect, I don't get confused," Haley told TV news channel 'Fox News' after Kudlow's press conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. During his press conference, Kudlo said additional sanctions against Russia were under consideration but not yet implemented. "She got ahead of the curve. She's done a great job. She's a very effective ambassador. There might have been some momentary confusion about that. But if you talk to Steve Mnuchin at Treasury and so forth, he will tell you the same thing. They're in charge of this," Kudlow said. "We have had sanctions. Additional sanctions are under consideration but not implemented, and that's all," the top economic advisor to the US president said. Kudlow recently joined the Trump Administration and has been a close friend of the president for the past several decades. Haley, said to be a potential Republican presidential candidate, is the first ever Indian-American cabinet-ranking official in any presidential administration. She has been a strong supporter of Trump's foreign policies. Trump has praised Haley several times in the past for her remarkable transformation from being South Carolina Governor to his top diplomat at the United Nations. This is probably the first time that Haley has been seen publicly clashing with anyone inside the Trump Administration. On Sunday, Haley told 'CBS news' that Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin would be announcing a new set of Russian sanctions on Monday. "They will go directly to any sort of companies that were dealing with equipment related to Assad and chemical weapons used. And so, I think everyone is going to feel it at this point. I think everyone knows that we sent a strong message, and our hope is that they listen to it," Haley said. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Monday that the Administration was considering additional sanctions against Russia. Yesterday, 'The Washington Post' reported that Trump was not comfortable signing off on additional sanctions on Russia. The opposition Democratic party latched on to the public spat and said that it reflected contradiction in the administration. "Nikki Haley must be so embarrassed today. That she forthrightly says, we're going to be tough on Russia and do additional sanctions one day and the president contradicts her the next. Do they talk to each other? Do they have a set plan? Or is it just up to the president's whim, day to day, moment to moment," Senator Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader said on the floor on Tuesday. "When it comes to Russia, that's far too serious to rely on the whim, changing attitudes, and maybe an 800-pound gorilla in the room. Something that the president is worried about," he said Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, on Wednesday, left for London along with his daughter to see his ailing wife amid speculations that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him Lahore: Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif, on Wednesday, left for London along with his daughter to see his ailing wife amid speculations that he might not return because of a likely conviction in three corruption cases against him. As Sharif's family spokesman did not reveal his return schedule, analysts in Lahore believe that it is likely that Sharif will skip his appearance before a combined investigation team of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Lahore on 21 April. NAB has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for illegal construction of a road leading to his Jati Umra, Raiwind residence. Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court, is due to appear in the accountability court on 23 April in a corruption case. But, it is likely that he may skip it. "Begum Kulsoom Nawaz has been under treatment in a hospital in London as her condition is serious," the family spokesperson said, adding that because of her serious condition Sharif and his daughter have to be with her. Maryam also tweeted about her mother. "My mother is hospitalised again. Remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers," Maryam tweeted. Kulsoom, last year, had undergone a surgery for lymphoma (throat cancer). Her condition recently deteriorated and she was hospitalised. Last week, Pakistan prime minister Shahid Khakan Abbasi had shown reluctance to place the names of Nawaz Sharif and his family on the Exit Control List (ECL). The NAB had asked to include the names of Sharif's children, Maryam, Hassan and Hussain, his son-in-law retired on the ECL. All of them are being tried in accountability courts over the Panama Leaks cases. Sharif's two sons are already in London. They have been declared proclaimed offenders by the accountability court in the corruption cases against them. Opposition parties especially the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has criticised the government for not placing the Sharif family on ECL. "Nawaz Sharif and Maryam left the country at the time when a decision against them by the accountability court is about to come," Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf senior leader Babar Awan said and claimed that Sharif would not return to the country. "Nawaz Sharif has left the country on the pretext of his wife's ailment," he said. Wayback Burgers Remains on a Hot Streak with New Restaurant Openings in Brand New Locations Americas Favorite Hometown Burger Joint Expands Domestically and Internationally in Q1 2018 April 18, 2018 // Franchising.com // Cheshire, CT - Wayback Burgers, Americas favorite hometown burger joint and one of the nations fastest growing burger franchises, is riding a monstrous wave of momentum in 2018. The company is approaching major milestones while introducing its world-famous burgers, fries and milkshakes to fans in brand new states and countries. This surge comes on the heels of a prosperous 2017. The rapidly growing franchise chains global presence was bolstered with the opening of a new restaurant in Sudan. The Sudan location is Wayback Burgers second in Africa, joining the restaurant in Morocco. To date, Wayback Burgers can be found in Argentina, Brunei, Kuwait, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia (with plans to open very soon in the Netherlands and Bangladesh). Domestically, Wayback Burgers, recently ranked as a top 10 best fast casual restaurant franchise by franchiserankings.com, continues to thrive. In Q1, Wayback Burgers opened three new locations, including Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland and Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC (both owned by Azhar Mubeen) and Hinesville, GA (owned by David McElhaney). That third new Q1 location proves the popularity of Wayback Burgers is on full display just off Georgias coast. David McElhaney , who also owns the Beaufort, SC Wayback restaurant, opened his second restaurant in Hinesville, just south of Savannah, in late February, and hes off to a blistering sales pace. In a two-week span, McElhaney netted revenues exceeding $90,000. McElhaney, a veteran of fast-casual restaurants, attributes his success to research, the power of social media, and gut-feelings. Wayback Burgers Executive Vice President, Bill Chemero, is impressed by McElhaneys sizzling sales start, but not entirely surprised. Our success is contingent on providing our guests the opportunity to sit back, relax and enjoy fresh, never frozen burgers, delicious fries, and hand-dipped milkshakes in a comfortable setting, says Chemero. David knows the business well, did his homework, scouted the perfect location and is now reaping the perks of his meticulous preparation. It was obvious the wonderful residents of Hinesville were starving for quality meals and David is delivering just that as the local Wayback owner. His success is truly a testament to his phenomenal operational skills and commitment to delivering fantastic experiences to each guest. Americas favorite hometown burger joint will soon become a fixture for even more families across the country as Wayback Burgers finalized seven lease signings in Q1, as well: Irving, TX - Bobby Tanweer Reno, NV - Amar Singh Sacramento, CA - Sarib Rehman Round Rock, TX - Melvin & Bonnie Diwadkar Mint Hill, SC - Anna Turovskaya & Joel White Lexington, SC - John Rackus Secaucus, NJ - Rab Abdur Wayback Burgers Senior Vice President, Patrick Conlin, believes the company is perfectly situated to satisfy Americas thirst for quality products and excellent guest service. It would be accurate to attribute Wayback Burgers success to multiple strategy sessions, detailed research, intense discussions and executing our brand promise, says Conlin. Bottom line, guests want high-quality, fresh and never frozen burgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Our franchisees have consistently delivered exactly that since our inception nearly 30 years ago. We take pride in paying close attention to details and the growth that we continue to experience is proof positive that our guests notice it as well. For more information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://waybackburgers.com/. For franchising information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://franchise.waybackburgers.com/. About Wayback Burgers Founded in 1991 in Newark, DE, Wayback Burgers is a Connecticut-based fast-casual franchise with a reputation for fresh, never frozen, cooked to order burgers and thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, served in an environment that hearkens back to a simpler place and timewhen customer service meant something, and everyone felt the warmth of the community. Wayback Burgers currently operates in 29 states with over 152 locations nationally and internationally in Argentina, Brunei, Sudan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Pakistan and Malaysia. Through its executed master franchise agreements, Wayback Burgers plans to open in 37 provinces/countries in the Middle East, Northern Africa, South Africa, Argentina, Brunei, Bangladesh, Ireland; Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Canada; and the Netherlands, with pending letters of intent sent out to Western Germany and the UK. For more information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://waybackburgers.com/. For franchising information about Wayback Burgers, please visit https://franchise.waybackburgers.com/. Media Contacts: Graham Chapman 919-459-8157 gchapman@919marketing.com SOURCE Wayback Burgers ### Add to Request List Added Request Information Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Fruitful partnership of the Welcome to Georgia! National Tourism Award and Bank of Georgia continues - GeorgianJournal Samsung Flow allows you to unlock your PC using your Gear Watch News oi-Sandeep Sarkar The Samsung Flow app allows a user to unlock their PC with their smartphones. Samsung the South Korean tech giant has released the Flow app back in 2017. The aim behind launching this app was to allow its users to connect with Samsung devices seamlessly. The tech giant added a set of new features to the application along with added support for the non-Samsung devices. The Samsung Flow app allows a user to unlock their PC with their smartphones, along with that it also allows a user to sync their notifications between their phone and PC or create a hotspot to transfer the files between the devices. As per some reports from the web Samsung has rolled out a new update to the app (v3.0) which brings two more new features to the app. With the latest update, the app allows a user to link his/her Gear S3 and Gear Sport watches to their PC/tablet and use the smartwatches to unlock their device or manage their notifications. The app now also includes a new feature called Smart View which allows the users to mirror cast their smartphone screen to their PC. The report further suggests that some of the users have claimed that the Gear application hasn't been released yet so all the features can't be tested at the moment. Samsung further claims that the app will be released in a couple of days on the Samsung Galaxy App store and the users will soon be able to use it in order to connect their smartwatches with their PC. Even though the Samsung Flow app works on a majority of Windows PCs, the app only supports Samsung smartphones. Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro First Impressions Also, in one of our recent articles related to Samsung, we covered that, it has been only a couple of months since the launch of Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+, but rumours about the Galaxy S10 have already started surfacing on the web. Reports coming from South Korea suggests that the design of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S10 is finalized, which has been in the making since the last ten years. Samsung is going to launch this flagship as its 10th-anniversary model. If you are looking out for some grand anniversary overhaul, then you might be a little disappointed. According to the reports, the Galaxy S10 and S10+ will come with 5.8-inch and 6.3-inch display size, which is slightly larger than the predecessor S9 and S9+. Read the complete story here. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications India Has Chosen Its Favourite Smart LED TV. And It Might Not Be What Youre Guessing Right Now! News oi-GizBot Bureau The 4K-screen market has escalated massively, aided and abetted by growing high dynamic range (HDR) technology that now partners with most 4K TVs. OLED screens have also suddenly risen to prominence at a higher end of the market, baked by much more aggressive pricing. Consequently, on the other hand, there are ample options for any prospective TV buyer to get their head round, right now. Big players like Panasonic, Videocon, Samsung, Vu, etc., have already come up with their models of Smart LED TVs. Almost all of them feature innovative technology and provide an excellent and immersive watching experience. For instance, a new line-up from Vu are available in three screen sizes-43-inch, 49-inch and 55-inch-and their price starts at 36,999. On the contrary, LG offers its 32-inch LED TV at a price of 19,789. Brands like Panasonic and Philips are pushing their "pixel-perfect" TVs at no less than 17,000. If you're considering the above-mentioned options to be the end of your search, pause there! Think twice: is it unavoidable to burn a hole in the pocket to bring home the next big screen for your family? No, it's not! And altering this notion is the 120-year-old French TV brand, Thomson. Having been actively involved with some of the greatest technological innovations, Thomson has always aimed at making next-gen technology accessible to all. This time the brand has re-entered the Indian market with its latest line-up of 3 Smart LED TVs, which have are already winning over the hearts of million Indians. The very first Online-exclusive sale of Thomson TVs, #OnlyOnFlipkart, was indeed a roaring success with all their units getting sold out in a matter of minutes. Available in three variants-32, 40, and 43 inches-Thomson Smart TVs start at an extremely honest price of 13,499. Power-packed with a wide range of smart contemporary apps, the 4K UHD TVs can bring your entire world to your living room. Curious to know what's so special about these yet another smart LED TVs in the market? We've got the answer to all your doubts. Let's delve deeper into the fine distinctions and unique features of these latest LED Tvs, so that you gain a clearer perspective on why India is already loving the Thomson TVs. Design & Build: Even the 43-inches version of the TV is quite lightweight and is crafted out of plastic. The safe and conventional model is easy to set up and will rightly fit into almost any decor of a living room. Interface & Smart TV Features: Built on Android 4.4, the TV essentially eases out much of the conventional interfaces. It has Aptiode app store, which would get you most of the apps you require on a Smart TV, like Netflix, YouTube, SoundCloud, etc. According to Stuff.tv, "Some great websites like NY Times, CNN, BBC, Wikipedia, Gmail, and more allow you to sit back and get up to speed on the latest news in 43-inches UHD glory instead of a crusty newspaper that leaves your digits tired with ink. This is pretty unique and we haven't seen this sort of a feature incorporated in any other smart TV to date." Audio & Video: Thomson 43-inches Smart TV has been equipped with two 10Watt down-firing speakers that deliver a commendable sound. And as far as the visual experience is concerned, the TV flaunts an LED-backlit IPS LCD panel with 3840 x 2160 ultra high definition (UHD) or 4K resolution. As India Today puts it, "The TV does win brownie points for offering 4K resolution at a fraction of what Samsung and LG TVs would cost. Besides, viewing angles on the Thomson 43UHDXSMART TV are nice and much comfortable compared to most TVs in this price segment and beyond." To sum it up, the Thomson 43-inches Smart TV is the cheapest with UHD 4K, at a price of 27,999, and it sure is a bargain for that extra-pixel, especially for those looking to buy an affordable 4K big screen. "If you're looking to buy a large-screen TV and don't mind a few quirks, this Thomson can get you into the 4K club at a big discount," recommends Stuff.tv. Not willing to leap to a gigantic 4K right now? Sure, Thomson has got you covered! Consider getting the 40-inches smart TV for 19,999 or the 32-inches one for 13,490. Housing the best of features at a budget curated for millions of Indians, none of the variants from Thomson will let you down. And as a matter of trustworthiness, Thomson has not only ascended to be the top home appliances brand in Europe, but it also serves 40 countries across the globe as one of the leading TV manufacturers. And standing a point when the Indian television sector is already cluttered with over 30 brands, Thomson TVs definitely make a smart choice considering the features and the price at which the product is delivered. So, what's the wait for? Go and grab your Thomson TV, #OnlyOnFlipkart, now. Best Mobiles in India Offers on Samsung smartphones: Galaxy J7 Prime 2, Galaxy J2, Galaxy J7 MAX, Galaxy C7 PRO and more Features oi-Harish Kumar Offers on Samsung smartphones: Galaxy J7 Prime 2, Galaxy J2, Galaxy J7 MAX, Galaxy C7 PRO and more Indian e-commerce website Flipkart is offering discounts on popular Samsung smartphones such as the Galaxy J7 Prime 2, Galaxy J2, Galaxy J7 MAX, Galaxy C7 PRO. Users will be able to purchase these smartphones at discounted prices and will also have EMI options. These Samsung smartphones target the first time smartphone buyers who require normal features with a blend of smart functionality. The line up includes the Galaxy J7 Prime 2 that comes with a 5.5-inch Full HD display and has 3GB of RAM, 32GB internal storage. It has company's proprietary Exynos processor with a 3300mAh battery. SEE ALSO: Flipkart Laptop Bonanza sale offers on laptops from April 17 to April 19 The offers also include company's flagship Galaxy S9, where users can get up to Rs 16,000 off in exchange, while it has EMI options as well. The device is packed with top-of-the-line specs that can give any smartphone a run for its money. We have boiled down a list of smartphones that might make your purchase decision easy. Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Huawei to launch its first 5G smartphone in 2019 News oi-Karan Huawei has confirmed its first 5G- enabled smartphone, which is going to arrive next year in the third quarter. Here are the more details. Chinese smartphone manufacturer Huawei has confirmed its first 5G- enabled handset in the middle of its global analyst summit in Shenzhen. The company has claimed that the smartphone will arrive in the second half of 2019. Coordinating with the global rollout of 5G networks, Huawei has decided to announce its first 5G smartphone in third-quarter of 2019. Which will be a late summer release next year. Huawei is yet to confirm the specifications of the new smartphone including its name. Considering that the support for the new networks will initially be reserved for the top-end flagship phones. So we can say that 5G network modems could be expected in 2019's Mate lineup. The first 5G smartphone from Huawei might be the Mate 30. While looking at the release history of the Mate series, we can expect a Mate phone to drop in Q3 of 2019, which lines up nicely with this 5G announcement. The company has unveiled its first 5G modem back in February, during the MWC (Mobile World Congress) 2018. Although the company has designed this modem for much larger objects like self-driving cars and more Huawei has also narrow it down to smartphones. When it comes to smartphones, the company need to develop a much smaller alternative, so it will be a long wait time. However, the new 5G smartphone modems are not reserved only for Huawei's own devices. Consumers around the world can take advantage of the new 5G modems for manufacturing their own devices. Let's see what Huawei is going to choose, whether to debut the 5G modems with the well-known Mate lineup, or all together launch a separate smartphone series for testing out the technology. However, the company is aiming to achieve 1.1 billion 5G connections established by 2025 and over 200 million 5G-ready vehicles. It seems Huawei is planning for something really big, which will potentially be a game-changing technology. Huawei P9 TIps & Tricks There is no further information available about the 5G-enabled handsets. However, before announcing the smartphone, the company will launch its first Huawei 5G mobile hotspot in the second quarter of 2019. Source Best Mobiles in India Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge to receive Android Oreo soon News oi-Chandrika Android Oreo will be the last major software update for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge. Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will soon be receiving Android Oreo. The unlocked models of the smartphones were recently recently spotted on Wi-Fi Alliance with Android 8.0 Oreo OS, and all the major US variants have now been certified with Oreo. This means, Android Oreo update for Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge is around the corner. Unfortunately, we are not sure exactly when the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge Oreo update will start rolling out. Samsung Turkey's official website had previously said the smartphones will be receiving the update on April 13, but the update was never released. However, we expect the update to arrive by the end of this month. It is worth mentioning that Android Oreo will be the last major software update for Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge, as the smartphones were launched in 2016. Presumably, the Oreo update will be rolled out in phases so not everyone will be receiving the update at the same time. Previous reports have suggested that with the arrival of Oreo, the smartphones will get the new Samsung Experience UI. Android Oreo will also bring features like Picture-in-Picture mode, Notification Dots, Android Instant Apps, Longer battery life, Notification channel, and more. To give you some insight, picture-in-picture mode will let users simultaneously watch YouTube videos and use other apps. This feature is already available in the current version of iOS. However, users can only watch videos running on Safari web browser. The YouTube app does not allow any such feature on iOS as well. Another feature that makes Oreo a much better improvement over Android Nougat is the notification visuals. Users will be able to view the notifications with much clarity and with several options provided for each notification. Always-on display along with auto fill has also been provided in Oreo update as well. Auto-fill allows signing into apps more quickly and easily. There are also several options available for any text selection made on Android Oreo. Samsung Galaxy S9 and S9+ First Impressions Samsung's 2015 flagship Galaxy S6 is also rumored to get updated to Android Oreo. However, we have got on official confirmation on this matter. Via Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Opensignal: Bharti Airtel on top in 3G and 4G speed, beats Jio News oi-Priyanka Jio continued to dominate our 4G availability metric as our testers were able to access an LTE signal 96.4 percent of the time and such a score is exceptional. According to a data by coverage mapping firm OpenSignal, India largest telecom service provider Bharti Airtel has become top network in terms of providing 3G and 4G speed, while Jio remained the closest contender in overall speed due to its high level of 4G access. "Airtel held onto our 3G and 4G speed awards since OpenSignal's last report, and it wrested our overall speed award away from Jio, locking down the top spot in all three of our speed categories," data said. However, Jio continued to dominate our 4G availability metric as our testers were able to access an LTE signal 96.4 percent of the time and such a score is exceptional, reflecting its commitment to building out a 4G-only network without 3G mobile data services to fall back on, mapping firm said. The data also revealed that Indian operators are still focused on growing LTE's reach rather than injecting more speed into their 4G services. We recorded 4G availability increases for every major operator over the last six months. All of India's major 4G providers have now crossed the 65 percent LTE availability threshold, and three of them are now nearing the 70 percent mark. But we saw little movement in our 4G download metrics. In fact, we tracked slight drops in LTE speeds for three operators, Opensignal added. This is the third State of Mobile Networks report for India in which it parsed billions of measurements collected by 736,571 smart device users in the months of December, January and February. "We analyzed that data to compare the 4G services of India's four major 4G operators Airtel, Idea, Jio, and Vodafone as well as the 3G services of BSNL Mobile. Though India has many more operators than these five, the country's complex regulatory environment means that each provider is licensed to operate in a particular set of regions, known as telecom circles. We chose these operators as they all offer 3G and/or 4G services in the large majority of those circles, making them the ideal candidates for our nationwide analysis. The number of national operators is also steadily shrinking. We included Reliance Communications (RCom) in the 3G analysis of our last report, but since the operator has exited the consumer mobile business and has shut down much of its 2G and 3G operations,"Opensignal further said. How to Create Dual Accounts of WhatsApp & Facebook on Android Smartphones Furthermore, it pointed out that Airtel won our 4G speed award in 10 of the 18 circles, but the speed prizes in the other eight regions were up for grabs. Idea won 4G speed outright in both Uttar Pradesh telecom circles - making a clean sweep of India's most populous state. Meanwhile, Vodafone took the awards in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Idea and Vodafone also closely contested several other regions, producing draws for our 4G awards in Bihar, Kerala, Kolkata and West Bengal. Best Mobiles in India Barbara Pierce Bush, the fiercely loyal, yet independently strong wife of one U.S. president and mother of another, died Tuesday surrounded by her family at her west Houston home. She was 92. Her husband, George Herbert Walker Bush, and their son, George Walker Bush, were among those at her side. The family said she died of complications from congenital heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Though she lived in Texas and Maine for much of her life with her husband, the former first lady always said she felt at home in southern Connecticut, not far from her hometown of Rye in Westchester County, N.Y. Although we ran off to Texas 55 years ago, I really feel at home here, Bush said at book signing in Stamford in 2003. Wearing her trademark triple strand of pearls, she campaigned regularly in Connecticut for President Bush, and other Republican candidates. An advocate for reading and literacy, Bush came to Greenwich and Stamford on regular occasions to support the Literacy Volunteers of America. She was born June 8, 1925, to Pauline and Marvin Pierce in New York City and grew up in Rye. Her father was a publishing executive who rose to become president of McCall Corp., which published popular womens magazines Redbook and McCalls. Bush attended Rye Country Day from grades 8 through 10, and later graduated from the Ashley Hall School in Charleston, S.C. Bush met her future husband at Christmas dance at Greenwichs Round Hill Country Club in 1941, when she was 16-year-old boarding school student. After meeting Bush, a senior at Andover, at the Greenwich dance no, lightning did not strike, she joked the two struck up a correspondence. She left Smith College to marry him at the at the First Presbyterian Church of Rye on Jan. 6, 1945, while he was on leave as a Navy pilot in the Pacific Theater during World War II. The young aviator named his aircraft after her. George Bush attended Yale University after the war. Soon after graduation, the couple headed for Midland, Texas, where Barbara Bush made do in a small apartment with a shared kitchen, and her husband entered the oil industry. But they never cut ties to Greenwich. Family, including his mother and older brother, still lived here, and he returned on occasion, even after attaining the highest of offices. The Bushes had six children: sons George W., Jeb, Neil and Marvin and daughters Dorothy Bush Koch and Robin Bush, who died of leukemia as a young child. As her husbands political career grew, Barbara Bush had a strong guiding hand. She remained an active partner, known for her wit and down-to-earth style, while he served as congressman, then U.N. ambassador, vice president and president. In her book Barbara Bush: A Memoir (Charles Scribner Sons, 1994), she made clear that she held more liberal views than the men in her family on abortion and gun control. But she also played the dutiful spouse, her elegantly coiffed white hair and pearls never far from her husbands side. In her memoir, she revealed that she had struggled with severe depression. Bush possessed a self-deprecating humor that she used to good effect on the campaign trail Some of you might wonder what an 81-year-old white-haired woman from Maine is doing here, she asked at a campaign rally in Stamford in 2006. Her humor occasionally took a more acerbic tone, particularly when it came to the media. Though she was very much a loyal spouse, Bush also had an independent streak and set her own course in terms of her personal style. By adopting a more natural look as she aged, Bush was praised by some womens advocates for disdaining unrealistic demands placed on women of all ages. Barbara Bush is letting us known its OK to be a size 16, to look older than 30, to let your hair go gray, syndicated columnist Joan Beck wrote in 1989. Changing attitudes toward women in the workplace put Bush in the spotlight in 1990, when she gave the commencement address at Wellesley College. A petition signed by 150 seniors there called her a poor choice for the honor, as a woman who gained recognition through the achievements of her husband. Bush told the graduates that there were other measurements of success. Always, even in the most cruel and terrible times, women have had the mission of peacekeeping, humaneness, mercy and kindness, she said. Bush rarely entered into political discussions about her family, but she famously said the nation might have had enough Bushes when former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush explored a 2016 run for the White House, a bid that would have extended the Bush dynasty another generation. She later signaled her displeasure with the concept of a dynasty. The first ladys enduring passion was helping children read and giving their families the tools to help them learn. She supported literacy both during her time in the White House and after her husbands presidency. She championed the National Literacy Act, which was signed into law in 1991, drawing widespread attention to the cause. The Houston Chronicle contributed to this story. GREENWICH Barbara Bush was remembered as a role model and a humanitarian by her admirers and friends in Connecticut after her death in Houston on Tuesday at the age of 92. The first lady was a frequent visitor to Greenwich, spending time with her mother-in-law, Dorothy Bush, at her homes on Grove Lane and Pheasant Lane. She also visited Prescott Jr. and Beth Bush, her brother in-law and his wife, at their home in Greenwich. Bush attended services at Christ Church Greenwich on a number of occasions, the last time for Prescott Bush Jr.s memorial service in 2010. Locally, Christ Church has been known as the Bush Familys home church. Russell Reynolds Jr., a longtime friend of Barbara Bush, recalled her as someone who was down-to-earth, funny and warm. He recalled a visit to the U.S. Naval Observatory in Washington, the residence of then-Vice President George Bush. Barbara Bush took us up to the attic, and with great enthusiasm, showed us the repair work being done, Reynolds recalled. She had an enthusiasm, an interest in things, she was an honest open person. And very faith-filled. Reynolds, who was an inaugural-ball chairman for President George H.W. Bush and worked on his campaign, said the president was fortunate in his marriage. Terrific marriage. Like most great marriages, she had a strong point of view on many subjects, Reynolds said. Great lives, straight out of a storybook. Its a great family. As for Barbara Bush, Reynolds recalled, She had a terrific sense of humor, very self confident, and she took life seriously, not herself. I dont think being first lady changed her a bit, she was the same. Very gracious, on top of things, quick, and delightful. State Rep. Livvy Floren said Bush exemplified the virtues that everyone on the public stage should emulate. To me, Barbara Bush is an American heroine. She leaves a legacy of humanity and humility. In concert with her common sense, no-nonsense straight talk, she was the epitome of generosity and kindness, and her initiatives to foster childhood literacy are legendary in their lasting impact, Floren said. Stamford-based Americares recalled the work that Bush devoted to the global humanitarian nonprofit group. She went abroad on aid missions to Ethiopia, Croatia and Guatemala for the organization when it was just starting, and accommodations were modest at best. No one was a better ambassador for Americares than Barbara Bush, co-founder Leila Macauley said. It wasnt glamorous work, but she was a trouper and believed in our mission. She helped us build one of the countrys largest humanitarian organizations in only a few short years. We owe her a debt of gratitude. First Selectman Peter Tesei offered his condolences, noting that the George and Barbara Bush met in Greenwich at the Round Hill Club as teenagers. Mrs. Bush was a true champion with a passionate commitment to her family, her faith and for literacy. Those will be among her legacies, Tesei wrote in a statement. I think that something Mrs. Bush told graduates at a college commencement years ago still resonates today and illustrates how she lived her life: Your success as a family, our success as a society, depends not on what happens in the White House, but on what happens inside your house. ... Mrs. Bush was a member of the Greatest Generation and because of those ideals, she will not be forgotten as they will live on with her family. Gov. Dannel Malloy reminded residents to lower all flags to half-staff in her honor. Barbara Bush had a respect and love for our country that perhaps was only surpassed by her love for her family, Malloy said in a statement. Nobody can deny the honesty, dignity, and class with which she carried herself.. The private funeral service for Barbara Bush will be held at St. Martins Church in Houston on Saturday. The burial at the George H.W. Presidential Library and Museum will also be private. With her platinum blonde hair and a cherubic smile, Lois Riess looks in photos like what she is - a 56-year-old grandmother from small-town America. And that, authorities say, makes her even more dangerous. For the past three weeks, police say, Riess has led them on a nationwide pursuit - from the Minnesota worm farm where they found her husband shot to death last month; to Florida, where they suspect Riess befriended and killed a woman who looks like her to steal her identity; and finally to Texas, where police fear she may find her next target. "She smiles and looks like anyone's mother or grandmother, but she's calculating, she's targeting and she's an absolute cold-blood killer," Carmine Marceno, a deputy sheriff Lee County, Florida, told NBC News on Florida, after authorities lost Riess' trail. Riess and her husband, David, were well known and well liked by the 2,000 or so other residents of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. They were both regulars for lunch at the local Servicemen's Club, nearly 100 miles south of Minneapolis. David owned and operated a farm for fishing bait - Prairie Wax Worms. Concerned that David Riess had not been seen in more than a week, the Star Tribune reported, one of his business partners asked police to look for him. Officers did, and found him dead of gunshot wounds at the worm farm on March 23, the sheriff of Dodge County told the newspaper. It was unclear how long he'd been dead. Lois Riess had left town by then. According to the Star Tribune, police suspect she forged her dead husband's signature before his body was found, transferred nearly $10,000 into her account, and headed to a casino across the Iowa border. NBC News reported Riess had a gambling addiction. She had left Iowa by the time police tracked her there in late March, the Star Tribune wrote. State officials began to paste her photos on Facebook, urging anyone who saw her to call 911 and not go near her, as she was believed to be armed and dangerous. From Iowa, police believe, Riess drove to Lee County, Florida. There, they said, she met a woman named Pamela Hutchinson, 59, with a similar shade of light-blonde hair. "She befriended this woman. The woman probably gave her some sob story," Hutchinson's cousin Daniele Jeffreys later told WTVR. "My cousin went out helping the world . . . She's just giving to a fault. To her death." On April 5, the two women were recorded on surveillance camera at the Smokin' Oyster Brewery in Fort Myers, sharing a laugh. According to the Star Tribune, another surveillance camera photographed Riess at Hutchinson's condo in the same city. On April 9, police found Hutchinson shot to death at her condo in the same city. Another surveillance camera photographed Riess at the building. Hutchinson's uncle told WTVR she'd been shot through the heart. The dead woman's purse had been emptied out, sheriff's investigators said. Her identification, credit cards and car keys were gone. So was her car. The search for Lois Riess was now a multistate and federal matter. More public advisories went out, with more photos of the grandmotherly woman and the car she was believed to be traveling in, which was now the car of the woman police think she killed. The vehicle was spotted near Corpus Christi, Texas, this month, Florida authorities announced at a news conference last Friday. Her current whereabouts are unknown. The obituary for David Riess published last week, and mentioned his children and grandchildren, but not wife. "Pure evil," Hutchinson's cousin told WTVR. "That's really the only thing that could resonate with my system . . . it's just evil that flowed through." In Florida, the deputy sheriff told NBC he had never seen a killing like it. "This is the first time in my career I've seen someone steal someone''s identity and target them for the way they look in order to murder them," Marceno said. And he worries it won't be the last. "I suspect Riess as some point in time with have no resources and she will become more desperate," Marceno said, "and may kill again." The following is an extended excerpt of Javier Hasses book Start Your Own Cannabis Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound Cura Cannabis Solutions is one of the biggest cannabis brands in America. The company only manufactures cannabis oils and has managed to amass a 20 percent market share in Oregon, doubling its size every month between April and December of 2016 -- ending the year with 20 times the revenue it had in April. Over the first three quarters of 2017, monthly sales quadrupled as well, hitting $40 million by the end of the year and earning the company a $400 million valuation. Furthermore, the company posted sales of $18 million for the first quarter of 2018 which, according to the firm, is the largest revenue quarter in the history of legal cannabis sales. So, what determined the success of this company that, unlike most others in the industry, has chosen to remain horizontal and focused on oils instead of pursuing vertical integration or expanding its portfolio to include products beyond the concentrates category? The number-one factor that determined Cura Cannabis Solutions success was passion, President and Co-Founder Cameron Forni assures. Find your strengths and partner up with someone who fills your gaps. Its very rare to see venture capitalists fund a single-founder company. The founders stories multiply. They dont just add up; they create a multiplying, exponential effect, which is very visible in an investors mind, he adds. Attracting the right people to your team requires you getting out there and actually doing what you want to do with your business, Forni comments. Business plans are important, but in cannabis, a business plan changes often and is always evolving every single day. So, by actually getting out there and doing it, and proving sales and proving that there is a demand and a need for your product [or service] on a very, very small level can change the entire way your company is looked at -- the entire perspective of investors. Curas story from the beginning Everything started with Cameron Forni, a regular American with a B.S. in Business Administration, researching vaporization to help a friend and business partner who suffered from Barrett's esophagus. This meant that, while he wanted to medicate with cannabis, he could not smoke it. We bought every vaporizer we could get our hands on and studied how they worked, he remembers. At one point, they found out that some of the components in the existing vape cartridges were carcinogenic -- or at least detrimental for peoples health -- so they decided to research the options. We finally came across a design that had no hazardous components. So, we ordered a few hundred vape cartridges and started filling these up with oil from a producer we knew in my living room and selling them online, Forni continues. It took $44,000 dollars in cash and $66,000 in credit card debt to get the business going. The entrepreneurs were able to pay off the full credit card debt in less than three months. Thats a good piece of advice: start with your own money and your own credit card, one of the members of Curas original team remembers. We were in an 800-square-foot apartment filling cartridges from 8 P.M. to two or three in the morning. The next day, we would go out and sell them to stores, explaining the differences in our product, Forni voices. At the time, the market in Oregon was only medical, so you had to have every product tested, but labeling and other things were not as strict and as stringent as they are today. So, you could start a business with a medical card and a business license at the time. Perseverance took Fornis venture (called Select Strains at the time) to a point where a highly educated guy with an M.S. in Industrial Engineering and a strong startup and management background, noticed it and got interested in getting involved. We were getting ready to raise money among friends and family when we came across Nitin, who had a product that competed with ours and a facility that was licensed for medical use. Proving my product was much more important than coming up with a business plan and a list of things that differentiated my product to show investors, Forni says. From my perspective, you have to show a little proof of concept -- a little proof of success -- to get investors interested, Forni adds. Being able to show a purchase order from a big customer will make things a lot easier too. Curas exponential growth But, how did Cura Cannabis Solutions grow from a living room company into a multi-million-dollar business? The first thing that drove Curas growth was an extremely clear vision and mission, the co-founders reveal, pointing out how easy it is for everyone to understand these and suggesting we just pick this up from their website: Our mission is to be the leading provider of cannabis oil to both consumers and premium edible brands in legal US and international markets. The second thing Cura Cannabis Solutions really believes in is people, the co-founders assure. A final element in Curas success was cautious expansion. "We were never going to expand beyond Oregon until we absolutely felt like we were hitting at all cylinders there," Forni says. People want to do vertical integration; they want to do candy in Oregon but grow in California That is a hard mission focus. If you want a retail store in Oregon, and you want a gummy company in Nevada, and you want a grow operation in California, I ask: who are you? What do you want to be when you grow up? How do you give a clear message to investors, customers and vendors? While this might be a good income strategy, it is not a wealth creation strategy; it is not a company building strategy. That is why Im tying all this together: your mission has to be clear, the people that you hire have to believe in that mission, and then, you should only grow, especially in a regulated industry like cannabis, at a speed thats appropriate. Having hit a 50 percent market share for vape cartridges in Oregon, Forni and his partner decided the time had come to ramp up hiring and evaluate what getting into the California market would look like. This led Forni to move out to California to establish the business. Within seven months, Cura has become the third largest cannabis company in California, so the partners decided to take that model and replicate it in Nevada. Do what you are doing really, really well and keep your promises and your customers happy. This is the way to expand, Forni concludes. If you are in the cannabis industry for the right reasons, you should be in it for the long run -- not just a couple of years. Related: How Starting With a Small, Niche Audience Can Have a Huge Impact Addicted to Your Business? Never Satisfied? It's Not a Bad Thing. Failed to Meet Your Quarterly Marketing Goals? Do These Three Things Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The following excerpt is from Susan Gunelius book Ultimate Guide to Email Marketing for Business. Buy it now from Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | IndieBound As an email marketer, you need to comply with laws that were put in place to protect consumers. While it might be tempting to buy a list of email addresses and just start sending messages to everyone on that list, this is a bad idea for a few reasons. First, you might be breaking the law. Second, you might be hurting your chances of your future email marketing messages getting into people's email inboxes, including inboxes belonging to your own customers. The bottom line is, your actions as an email marketer can affect the deliverability of your email today and in the future. The most important law you need to know and follow in the United States is the CAN- SPAM Act of 2003. This law applies to all forms of commercial email messages and not just commercial email messages sent in bulk to lists of people. What makes a message commercial? It's not clearly defined in the Act, but it's probably broader than you think. For example, a commercial message doesn't have to promote a product or service directly to messages as be considered commercial. Even messages that promote content "any electronic on a commercial website -- such as a blog post, free ebook, mail message, educational article or tutorial -- would be considered commercial since they indirectly promote the company. The cost for noncompliance can be very high, particularly since you can be charged penalties for each separate email violation up to $40,654. Furthermore, if your email messages violate other laws, such as those related to deceptive advertising, you could face even more fines or criminal penalties, including imprisonment. There are seven primary requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act. Following is a basic explanation of each of the main requirements. If you always err on the side of caution and assume messages sent from your company are commercial advertisements or promotions (even if they're not directly advertising or promoting a product or service), then you should be safe. Related: 10 Laws of Social Media Marketing Header information. The header information in your messages must not be false or misleading. This includes the information in the message's "From," "To," and "Reply To" fields as well as the routing information. In other words, your messages should accurately identify both the person and business that initiated the message. Furthermore, the header information should include the originating domain (which is typically your business' web domain) and real email address. Subject line. The subject line of your email messages must reflect the true content of the message. Don't try to conceal what the message is about with a clever subject line. Instead, the subject line should clearly explain what the recipient will get when they open the message. Both inaccurate and vague subject lines could get you in trouble. Ad disclosure. You must identify that the message is an ad or promotional in nature. The good news is that the CAN-SPAM Act provides a great deal of flexibility in terms of how you disclose this information. The most important thing to understand is that somewhere in your message, you must conspicuously explain that your message is promotional (even if it's indirectly promotional) or an advertisement. Leave no room for confusion here. Related: 4 Ways to Market Your Business for Free Location. You must include your physical address in your messages. This has to be your valid postal address, which means it can be your street address or a post office box registered with the U.S. Postal Service. It could also be a private mailbox that you registered with a commercial mail receiving agency, but make sure that agency was established under postal service regulations or it won't meet the requirements of the CAN-SPAM Act. Unsubscribe option. Your messages must include an easy and obvious way to unsubscribe if recipients want to opt out of receiving email messages from you in the future. You cannot create conditions to opt out, such as requiring a person to pay a fee or provide any personally identifiable information aside from an email address. Furthermore, the opt-out process must not require a person to do more than send a reply email message or visit one web page. If you send multiple types of messages (e.g., newsletters, product updates and so on), you can offer a way for people to choose which types of email messages they want to opt out of receiving from you. However, you must also provide a way for them to opt out of receiving all messages from you. Opt-out completion. After you send a message, recipients must have 30 days to unsubscribe. If someone unsubscribes, you must honor that request within 10 business days. Once a person unsubscribes, you're not allowed to transfer or sell that person's email address (individually or as part of a list) to anyone else (unless the company you're transferring the list to is helping you comply with the CAN-SPAM Act). Third parties. If you hire another person or company to manage your email marketing, you're still responsible for complying with the CAN-SPAM Act. In fact, both you and the person or company handling your email marketing are responsible and could get in trouble if the law isn't followed. Therefore, make sure anyone you work with knows the laws and complies with them. You'll need to monitor their activities for compliance on an ongoing basis. Related: The 7 Legal Rules Your Emails Must Follow 4 Ways to Overhaul Your Email Habits and Take Back Your Time Email Etiquette Mistakes That Can Destroy Your Business Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved When it comes to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, we've been down this road before. Back in 2011, the EU ePrivacy Directive required publishers to notify consumers about the use of third-party cookies and provide an opt-out. Many in marketing and ad-tech feared this restriction would extinguish most cookie data and cripple behavioral targeting. However, this was not the case; consumers became more informed and as long as privacy was respected, marketers would still be empowered to use data-driven marketing techniques to improve targeting, attribution and gain more insight into consumers. Related: A 'Wait and See' Approach for GDPR Is Going to Be Pricey for U.S. Organizations Doing Business With the E.U. At Media iQ, we believe GDPR will have a similar effect -- demanding change in how we do things but without halting our ability to connect with consumers. Our GDPR journey The GDPR is likely to classify both cookies and device IDs as personal data, and businesses will need a legal basis in order to process this sort of information. It's also likely that the penalties for non-compliance will be steep. As a company, we took early precautions and have been preparing for these changes since January 2017 in order to be as ready as possible for the regulation coming into effect in May. The compliance process for us has been a four-stage journey that we have conducted with a law firm specializing in privacy. We have also been actively engaged with the IAB U.K. in order to shape a responsible interpretation of GDPR. Behind the scenes we have been conducting extensive due diligence to ensure that our products embed "privacy by design" principles; this includes assessing the type of data we're processing and rationalizing to ourselves why we need it and how it improves the experience of an internet consumer. We expect all companies are going through a similar process and there's an argument to say that as a collective industry, it's been long overdue. Related: Facebook's Data Scandal and Europe's New Data Privacy Rule Have Massive Implications for U.S. Entrepreneurs Harnessing alternative data For all of us, GDPR will require new strategies and systems, but even more importantly, it will demand innovation -- pushing us to explore more diverse types of data to stay relevant with our consumers. While the approach toward GDPR will be different from one company to another, we can all reasonably expect user-level data to become more scarce in the EU. That means marketers must step up with approaches that harness diverse inputs, including macro data, to build brands and drive results without relying purely on previous methods of user identity. We believe GDPR will create opportunities for forward-thinking brands to reinvent themselves and their customer relationships. You don't need to know who I am to relate to me, as long as you understand the factors that influence my mood, needs and mindset. Related: Will Artificial Intelligence Be Illegal in Europe Next Year? We have long been utilizing macro data to create relevant advertising based on real-world moments, and there are still many opportunities for marketers to capitalize on moments in sports, social media, TV, health trends, weather, the economy and even exchange rates -- none of which involve GDPR-restricted information. By relying more on macro data and less on cookie-based data, brands can develop effective and compliant data strategies without compromising consumer experience or engagement. At the end of the day, we see GDPR as a positive movement that will ensure we remain consumer-focused when it comes to data usage. Even beyond ad tech, we believe passionately in the transformational effect that insight, data science and analytics can have on business outcomes and are committed to ensuring that GDPR shouldn't deter partners from leveraging these resources. Related: With GDPR Restrictions on Using Consumer Data, Marketers Will Need to Start Mining Moments The Biggest Revelations and Strangest Moments From Mark Zuckerberg's Congressional Testimony Why Fintech Needs a Brand New QR (RegTech) Code? Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The saga of the update to Android Oreo for LG's V30 continues. It's been many months since the company first released the new software in its home country of Korea, and today this has finally arrived in another market - Italy. LG's Italian arm is proudly boasting about the rollout, which has started today. Not only will V30 units sold in Italy unlocked and through Vodafone receive the new Android iteration, but also the ThinQ AI features that debuted at MWC alongside the V30S. V30 models sold by other carriers in Italy will get the update at some point in the future. Under the ThinQ moniker LG has grouped a bunch of software tweaks for the V30's cameras, which help them perform better in low light, and identify exactly what is being shot. You get suggestions based on the subject of your photo, with the best settings based on eight categories: portrait, food, animals, landscape, city, flowers, sunrise, and sunset. To develop these image recognition algorithms, LG has examined more than 100 million samples. Source (in Italian) | Via By Vasia Orion | Published on 2018/04/17 Here he is, ladies and gentlemen. Our crime and time fighting leading detective has been revealed in these first stills from upcoming series "Sketch - Drama". The hero looks plain, or at least as plain as they can make someone like Rain appear, and it looks like we're not catching him at a good time. Advertisement "Sketch - Drama" is a series about an ace detective who has lost his loved one, and a sketch artist who can draw the future as it will take place within the next 72 hours. Rain plays Kang Dong-soo, the ace homicide detective who solves cases with his great intuition and successful execution. He dives right in when it comes to catching a criminal, but he is a rational man who logically assesses a situation and keeps his cool even under critical conditions. Dong-soo is someone whose life was doing great before it all went downhill. He was recognized and respected at his job, and he was about to be married to the woman he loved, before she was tragically killed. The actor will show the character's great transformation as he tries to solve his loved one's murder, while chasing after criminals and trying to change the future. I've been wondering if "Sketch - Drama" would go for a stylish and sleek apperance, or if it would follow a more down to Earth approach. The premise might feature psychic powers, but I'm glad to see that the hero doesn't chase suspects in formal wear and copious amounts of hair gel. I quite like Rain, and I look forward to Dong-soo's journey. "Sketch - Drama" is written by Kang Hyeon-seong ("The King's Case Note", "Hidden Identity"), directed by Lim Tae-woo ("Yuna's Street", "The Duo") and it will follow "Pretty Sister Who Buys Me Food" on jTBC in May. Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' Sources (1) Published on 2018/04/18 | Source Added episodes 21 and 22 captures for the Korean drama "The Great Seducer" (2018) Advertisement Directed by Kang In-I, Lee Dong-hyun-IV Written by Kim Bo-yeon-I Network : MBC With Woo Do-hwan, Joy, Moon Ga-young, Kim Min-jae-I, Kim Seo-hyung, Shin Sung-woo,... 32 episodes - Mon, Tue 22:00 (2x35min) Formerly know as "Love Game" and "Love Game: The Great Seduction" ( - , leo-beu-ge-im - wi-dae-han yu-ok") Synopsis Based on the 2003 "Untold Scandal", this drama centers on an aristocratic man and woman engage in a bet. If the man can convince a virtuous widow to sleep with him, then he can finally have the aristocratic woman. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2018/03/12 More Published on 2018/04/18 | Source Added episodes 33 and 34 captures for the Korean drama "Shall We Kiss First" (2018) Advertisement Directed by Son Jeong-hyeon Written by Bae Yoo-mi Network : SBS With Kam Woo-sung, Kim Sun-ah, Oh Ji-ho, Park Si-yeon, Han Go-eun, Kim Sung-soo,... Mon, Tue 22:00 (2x35min) Synopsis A melodrama about a middle-aged man and a middle-aged woman who think that they're done with romance despite the fact that the man is afraid to die alone and the woman is afraid to live alone. Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2018/02/20 More Havre Police Department Priscilla Rae Strike of Havre, 31, was issued a summons on a charge of criminal contempt Tuesday at 6:57 a.m. at the police station. Rochelle Marie Hopkins of Harlem, 47, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a suspended or revoked drivers license Tuesday at 9:05 a.m. at a First Street business after a caller reported a woman who had been sitting in the parking lot since she arrived at work. Officers investigated a noninjury vehicle crash Tuesday afternoon at 12:12 at a First Street business. June Marie Sutherland of Box Elder, 39, was arrested on two Justice or City court warrants and a charge of shoplifting Tuesday during a 1:31 p.m. vehicle stop by deputies, prompted by a 1:26 p.m. report of theft at a U.S. Highway 2 West business. Santana Young Stump of Laredo, 26 was arrested on charges of shoplifting and possession of drug paraphernalia; Kristian Drew Medicinehorse of Havre, 22, was arrested on a charge of shoplifting and on a Justice or City court warrant, and Tianna Raelle Sutherland of Box Elder, 22, was arrested on a Justice or City Court warrant Tuesday at 2:28 p.m. after a caller reported a violent shoplifter at a First Street business. Toni Marie Stump of Havre, 37, was arrested on charges of endangering the welfare of children and on a Justice or City court warrant Tuesday at 6:59 p.m. on First Street Northeast after a caller reported a woman was causing a disturbance. Officers investigated a reported hit and run Tuesday at 7:12 p.m. on Second Avenue. Officers referred service to public works today at 3:23 a.m. after a caller reported water bubbling up from the ground at Tenth Street and Third Avenue Hill County Sheriff's Office June Marie Sutherland, of Box Elder, 39, was arrested after a vehicle stop Tuesday at 1:31 p.m. on U.S. Highway 2 West. Charges were not listed. Antonio Uriah Valdez of Box Elder, 21, was arrested on charges of assault on a peace officer or judicial officer Tuesday on U.S. Highway 87, after a 3:03 p.m. call reporting a man throwing beer cans at cars on U.S. Highway 2 West and a 3:08 p.m. call reporting a man in the middle of the highway. Officers investigated Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. after a caller reported a theft from a storage unit at a U.S. Highway 2 Northeast business. Havre Fire Department Fire crews responded to a gas smell Tuesday at 6:23 p.m. on the 1300 Block of Second Street. Havre Animal Shelter This morning the shelter held four medium-hair cats whose sex is listed as unknown, five medium-hair male cats, one medium-hair female cat, and one female short-hair cat. The shelter held this morning an 11-month-old male Australian shepherd, a 1-year-old female dachshund-Labrador retriever cross, a 4-year-old female German shepherd-Labrador retriever cross, a 1-year-old male pit bull terrier, a 5-week-old female husky-shepherd mix, a 1-year-2-month-old male Labrador retriever-Boston terrier cross, a 5-year-1-month-old female Australian shepherd and 5-year-old male Husky. LIVE COVERAGE: Sheriff's debate Related Stories Opening remarks: Griffin goes first, opens with his standard minibio that he's served the public for 35 years (fire and rescue), the last 26 in law enforcement, too. He would redeploy some of the brass to the streets and have them involved in the communities they cover. McDonald touts his record of reform andreducing crime, reforming the department after Sheriff Rick Davis resigned amid a scandal. First question: What's the status of the $20 million range. Why not use Edneyville training center. "That's not a done deal," McDonald said of the training center and firing range proposed for Saluda. "Here's what the problem. We're asking our men and women to do more and more and be trained to a high level of efficiency ... They may not respond the way they need to respond." Griffin said he's trained across the U.S. In Alabama, he saw an idea of a "bare bones" training center that mocks a village, with a post office, houses. We can employ different weapon system besides the live fire," he said. "If we do this this right we can create a village that becomes a multipurpose training center," use for fire and EMS, too. "If we decide we've got to have transparent studies that shows the real effect on the quality of life of ev that might be around or affected by that. ... There are a lot of options we really need to slow down and discuss and choose what's right." Rebuttal: "It's not necessarily a done deal. We've had offers from citizens in the community to help us find an area," McDonald said. The training needs continue. Griffin: "We have to have ongoing training. It's got to be realistic, it's got to be dynamic." SECOND QUESTION: What plans to you have for school safety? McDonald: Started the adopt a school program, where deputies dropped in on schools, ate lunch, checked in. In 2016 deputies made 3,747 random visits. After Parkland, he stepped up the drop-in visits and also paid off-duty officers to increase those. "We're wearing our men and women on their off days to be able to cover these schools," he said. He said he had received confirmation that County Manager Steve Wyatt's recommended budget would put deputies in all schools without a tax increase. Griffin: It has to be a priority. "There is no bankful of gold anywhere in the world that's worth more than one child is." Deputies in schools was a topic four years ago, he said. He recommends practicing lockdowns, he's for SROs in schools, protecting children and serving as a role model. "We've got to get back to looking at school safety realistically" and harden each school against attacks. McDonald: Safety starts with a mindset. "It doesn't matter how much money yu spend or how many people you put in there if the people don't buy into and use the system consistently." QUESTION 3: Arming teachers. McDonald: No. 1, it's not legal in North Carolina. He's heard from teachers who oppose it and those with conceal-carry permits who are silling to. "I think there's a place for that. I think we ought to be able to give them that opportunity." Griffin: "It's one thing to carry a gun and it's one thing to have the mindset to use that gun in deadly force." It would have to be a collaborative effort of all parties, for training, vetting. "I do agree that there are those that are capable of doing that." And that was allowed, he would have no problem with them defending classrooms. Question 4 Why doesn't sheriff provide animal enforcement inside cities. "Because it's illegal," McDonald said. A citizen claimed sheriff's deputies were "kidnapping animals." Commissioners were willing to pass an ordinance but the cities passed on the cost of picking up the cost. When he came into office, he asked the cities again. "I think the county and the municipalities would be better off if we did it all." He doesn't have the money, he said. "The bottom line is this has nothing to do with my stance. It really rests on the Board of Commissioners and I support why they took the position that they did." Griffin: He would work out an agreement "to where we could enforce these animal enforcement laws" inside city. The cities add a significant amount of money to the tax base. "They're already contributing a significant amount to the county budget overall." Question: How well does the sheriff's office work with Latino community? McDonald: "My commitment to anybody who lives in this county. what, i don;t ask abut that, my deputies don't ask about that when we do our job." Griffin: "There are industries that would fold without that community. I would actually like to establish a liaison for the Latino community. We have to earn trust in this communities. ... so they can help us point out the bad actors in their community." Question 7: What's your position on 287g, the program in which local law officers work with ICE. Griffin: He would need to study it more. He wants to catch "bad actors." "I don't want to use it as a tactic that's going to intimidate the Latino community that this county relies so heavily on." McDonald: "Obviously Mr. Griffin doesn't understand. It has nothing do with the roundup this weekdn. That was federal officers taking care of federal laws and federal warants." The sheriff's uses it in the jail to run records of people already arrested to identify immigrants that have a record. After the question about 287g, a program widely mistrusted by immigration activists, the Latino protesters in the back of the room made a little noise, held up signs and walked out. QUESTION: How much have you raised? Neither knows what the exact number is. What's your position on body cameras: McDonald: He does not support it for the sheriff's office. "They take us down a slippery slope without thinking about the ramifications." Body cameras can cause officers to second-guess. The camera can't hear what the officer can hear. Studies show that officers in some cases were a lot less pro-active. "If the state were to mandate it I would have to. If my deputies came to me and asked for it I would do that." He trusts officers without use of body cameras. Griffin: "Transparency for the public, safety for the officers. I have spoken to many officers that used body cams and the vast majority are pro-camera. We've already got cameras in the car. ... I have one case right now where we're going to use body cam footage in a homicide trial. We want to prosecute these domestic violence cases ... It's often difficult to be able to portray to the court such an emotionally charged situation. Many times this footage will allow us to prosecute those very cases. It's basically a fundamental technology that we need to employ here." McDonald: "We were making cases and getting them to hold up in court long before body cameras came along." At times body cams make the officer look like he's done something wrong. The footage can be misleading. The sheriff's forum is wrapping up with little fireworks. Both came across as experienced lawmen, who are not that far apart on the basics. They differ on body cams McDonald against, Griffin for and the law enforcement training center. McDonald again touted his reforms; Griffin said he would make sure the command staff and rank and file did not have to put put loyalty above performance. McDonald said in his closing statement that many of those who support Griffin "worked to subvert" reforms the sheriff's office needed to make. Griffin promised "community involvement officers" who would know the people and police effectively. Joint enforcement teams have fallen away, he said. We have to have this partnership for more efficient law enforcement. He promised less turnover and more job security, again pledged to use body cameras. LIVE COVERAGE. RETURN TO THE LIGHTNING FOR MORE County poised to kill Saluda shooting range A crowd of more than 100 people gathered on the courthouse steps on Grove Street to protest a proposed shooting range on Macedonia Road in Saluda. The Saluda shooting range may not be dead yet but it's on life support. Two Henderson County commissioners on Wednesday came out against siting an outdoor shooting range and law enforcement training center on 99 acres on Macedonia Road off U.S. 176 in rural Saluda and two others appeared to be leaning against. "The consensus is we're going to work with Polk and Saluda to try to come up with an alternative site," Chair Michael Edney said. "We're going to honor the commitments we have as far as the due diligence. That doesn't mean we're not abandoning it. We're just leaving all our cards on the table for the time being." A homeowner asked, Does this mean formal stance that there won't be a shotng range on that property? "No," Edney said. "Our goal is to walk away but we're not saying we are today." County Manager Steve Wyatt started the update on the shooting range by suggesting that Henderson and Polk counties could partner on building and possibly operating a shooting range and training facility. The Polk County Board of Commissioners sent a letter to Henderson County opposing the Macedonia Road site and suggesting that the two counties could cooperate on a solution. One of the things weve seen (from Polk County) is we will work with you to find a better site, Wyatt said. Im more than happy to work with a small group of folks in finding a better site if there is one. Maybe there is. He said he had spoken with Polk Countys manager on the project. The offer has been made to work with us to find a mutually agreeable site and perhaps partner with operating it through a memorandum of understanding or some legal means, he said. Commissioners Charlie Messer and Bill Lapsley both said they could not support a shooting range at the Macedonia Road site. Commissioners Michael Edney and Tommy Thompson were leaning against the Saluda site but supported continuing due diligence evaluation of the site. Commissioner Grady Hawkins cautioned against immediately dropping the Macedonia Road site. Messer and Thompson visited neighbors and walked the property last week. After going there, this parcel is not where any kind of training facility needs to be in my opinion, Messer said, provoking robust applause from the crowd. Weve been all over the county, north, east, south and west. In my opinion we probably need to take an outdoor shooting range off the map because were not going to find any property I dont think in Henderson County. I think that should be dropped from discussion. Lapsley said that while he appreciated Edney trying to find middle ground he had concluded that he could not support a rezoning or special-use permit clearing the way for a range on the Macedonia Road property. This board has looked at this for three years of my four year term and this is the fourth site that weve looked at, Laplsey said. The zoning ordinance has clearly set out what kind of uses are permitted by right. This would require a special-use permit and its not a permitted use without one. As I look at this specific site, the site is zoned R2R From my perspective, if this board moves forward on this specific site, it would require this board to revise the zoning of that property to allow it to happen. To me to change the zoning flies in the face of everything we have publicly said we would allow people to do. Im not prepared to do that. If I would not support the rezoning of the property for an outdoor shooting range, to spend additional money from my perspective is a waste of the county tax dollars. In response, Commissioner Grady Hawkins said the county will never site an outdoor range if Lapsley opposes all special-use permits, which There really is nowhere in the county that by right or otherwise (permits) an outdoor shooting range. If that is the intent we would never have an outdoor shooting range anywhere in this county because it would require a rezoning," Hawkins said. I think to abandon that (site) at this point would mean if were unsuccessful in working with Polk County wed have no other plan at all. I dont think at this point you need to abandon the plan that you unanimously voted for two weeks ago. Edney and Thompson cautioned against pulling the plug immediately because of the countys contracts to map the property, verify the title and complete environmental studies. We cant just turn around to these people weve contracted with and tell them no, goodbye and walk way, Thompson said. We have a contractual agreement and thats what we have to follow through. Were all saying dont do anything further by the same token weve got obligations and we need to fulfill them. Edney said its the countys desire to find an alternative site that would work better. We wont take anything off the table but thats the way we need to go this morning. Asked if the project now appeared dead, across-the-road homeowner Tom McHugh said, "If not today, soon." "The zoning change came as a surprise to us yesterday," he said. As Lapsley pointed out, the R2R zoning bars a shooting range, even as a special use granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Residents had previously thought the land was zoned R-3, a residential zone that allows a shooting range with a special-use permit. To change the property to R-3 would be spot zoning, said James Hrynyshyn, vice chair of the Saluda Planning Board and a leader of the campaign to stop the project. The county would have to prove that the rezoning was in the best interest of the community. "There's no way this particular zone would work according to the state requirements," he said. That's why Lapsley's comments were important. "That was a turning point for me, to have someone who understands that zoning-wise this is a no go," Hrynyshyn said. 'It is the second time in a month that armed gardai have searched the property, with officers also failing to recover any illegal items on the first occasion.' (stock photo) More than 20 heavily armed gardai were involved in a late-night raid on the home of a criminal who had been shot in the hand just hours earlier. Members of the Armed Support Unit were backed up by local detectives when they stormed the property in the Deanstown area of Finglas at around 11pm on Monday. However, the target of the operation was in the Mater Hospital at the time, where he was being treated for injuries after arriving at 5pm with a bullet lodged in his left hand. The officers' search for firearms, ammunition and drugs failed to yield any result. It is understood that the 30-year-old criminal has since been discharged from hospital. It is the second time in a month that armed gardai have searched the property, with officers also failing to recover any illegal items on the first occasion. Mystery surrounds what exactly happened to the gangster as he is failing to co-operate with the investigation into the incident. However, gardai have established that the shooting happened in broad daylight on Monday afternoon in Cardiffsbridge Road. While detectives initially investigated whether the criminal's injuries were self-inflicted, they are now probing reports that he was sitting in a car when he was approached by a senior member of the rival 'Mr Flashy' gang. It has been claimed that the victim got out of the car to confront the younger rival but was then shot in the hand from a distance with a handgun, before the young gunman fled the area on foot. The suspect in the shooting was last year involved in a savage supermarket car park attack on two members of the rival faction. No arrests have yet been made over Monday's incident. Brick It is understood that the target's car was recently attacked by members of the rival gang, who also threw a brick through the window of his home earlier this month. Monday's events are just the latest chapter in the bitter Finglas feud which has seen two rival local gangs, one of which is linked to the Kinahan cartel and the other to the Hutch mob, go to war with each other. Sources say the gang warfare has been "further complicated" by a love dispute over a young local woman involving two of the main protagonists in the feud. The shooting happened just a day after a six-year-old boy had a lucky escape when his terrified mother lay on top of him after three gunmen stormed her west Dublin home and fired three shots indiscriminately. This incident unfolded at around 10.30pm on Sunday, when the trio burst into the property intent on murdering a man who has close links to the 'Mr Flashy' side. Gardai have not made any arrests in relation to the handgun attack, which happened at a house in Wellview Crescent, Mulhuddart, and is being investigated by officers from Blanchardstown Garda Station. However, senior sources have told the Herald that the "murder attempt" is linked to the bitter feud which has been going on in the area for almost a year. After a truce between the rival gangs, tensions in the Finglas feud have been steadily increasing since nine shots were fired at a house in Ratoath Drive which was previously the headquarters of on-the-run hitman for the Kinahan cartel. 'The incident happened after words were exchanged between members of the two families at a local shopping centre.' (stock photo) A judge has said a fight between two neighbouring families in Clondalkin was a "disgrace" and a "distasteful affair". Members of the McDonagh family "initiated the attack" on the O'Reilly family when they arrived at their home armed with a sickle, two hurleys and a baton, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard. The incident happened after words were exchanged between members of the two families at a local shopping centre. Martin McDonagh Snr (49), his wife Ellen McDonagh (45), their daughters Nora McDonagh (20) and Helen McDonagh (19) and daughter-in-law Shannon Sherlock (20) pleaded guilty to violent disorder in Oldcastle Drive on November 19, 2016. Whiskey Garda Ronan O'Malley told the court that there were difficulties between the two families at the time. The court heard that Martin McDonagh Snr had a sickle, Ellen McDonagh and Helen McDonagh had hurleys and Sherlock had a baton when they arrived at the O'Reillys' house. Nora McDonagh was unarmed. Having viewed the CCTV footage, Judge Martin Nolan said there was a "large amount of attempts" by the McDonaghs to hit the O'Reilly family but no serious injuries were inflicted. He added that it was a "terrible way" to deal with the argument. He said it was for "good reason" that the O'Reilly family had since moved to another housing estate. The judge imposed two-year suspended sentences on each of the women and a four-year suspended sentence on Martin McDonagh Snr, who he said had a "remarkably modest record". "People need to learn to control themselves and it is not a good idea to be drinking whiskey early in the morning," Judge Nolan said. Keith Spencer BL, defending Martin McDonagh Snr, said his client "employed" a sickle only to threaten the O'Reilly family and there was no evidence that he had caused any injury. He said his client was a law-abiding citizen when he was not drinking but had drunk whiskey that morning. Kenneth Kerins BL, defending Nora McDonagh, said she participated in the event out of a sense of duty to her family and was remorseful about that. Mr Kerins, also defending Sherlock, said she had a baton on her "more for display". Simon Fleming, for Helen McDonagh, said he was not seeking to justify his client's involvement and Riannagh Morris BL, defending Ellen McDonagh, said the mother-of-eight was not an experienced fighter and regretted the incident. New laws to protect journalistic sources are to be considered by the Government in the wake of controversy over an alleged data breach at Independent News & Media (INM). Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said the time has come to "dust down" reports on strengthening media independence and to consider fresh legislation. "Having independent news and media is a cornerstone of our democracy," Mr Varadkar told the Dail. "Journalists must be free to pursue stories that they want to pursue. Their sources should be protected and free from any unjust interference, external or internal." Investigation He was responding to Fianna Fail's Micheal Martin and Sinn Fein's Mary Lou McDonald, who raised the Office of Director of Corporate Enforcement's (ODCE) investigation in INM, which publishes the Herald. The ODCE is seeking to appoint High Court inspectors to investigate corporate governance issues at INM. Among the accusations is that email records, including some belonging to journalists, were taken from company headquarters and examined by third parties in 2014. Mr Varadkar commended the journalists who have reported on the story in recent weeks "including journalists in Independent News & Media, who have not allowed their independence to be compromised". "The reported data breaches represent a very significant threat to the freedom of our press but the way in which the media have responded to this threat to date should reassure us that our press will not be silenced," he added. Mr Martin said there is a "real and deep concern" about the case before the High Court because "an independent and free media is essential to the operation of a parliamentary democracy". "Recent events serve as a wake-up call for the Oireachtas to consider legislation to deal with these issues on several fronts," Mr Martin said. He pointed to a report last year by former Chief Justice John Murray on the protection of journalistic sources. "It states we should have specific national legislation for source protection, with its legal foundation being the right to freedom of expression, including press freedom and privacy," Mr Martin said. The Fianna Fail leader also sought assurances from the Taoiseach that the Director of Corporate Enforcement is indemnified by the State following accusations from businessman Denis O'Brien that his office leaked information in court papers relating to the INM case. Mr O'Brien warned that he will hold Ian Drennan "fully and personally responsible for all such failings". Mr Martin said: "No agent of the State should have to work under that sort of intimidatory cloud hanging over him." In her contribution, Ms McDonald questioned whether the ODCE has enough resources to deal with such cases. "There is no doubt that the office is up against it because of a lack of resourcing and support on the Taoiseach's watch, and on the watch of previous governments," she said. Is the Mummers Parade happening in Hagerstown this year? We'll see news A report published on April 8 in The New York Times --- Indias Big Brother Program --- tries to create an impression that Aadhaar is turning India into an Orwellian State. This is untrue. In fact, Aadhaar, the worlds largest biometric technology platform, empowers 1.2 billion people to establish their identity online but also enables them to receive entitlements and exercise their rights. It has brought about transparency in governance and the delivery system by eliminating middlemen and cleaning the databases of fakes, duplicates and conmen/intermediaries. In the last three years, it has saved $13 billion public money. Furthermore, it helps check tax evasion, money laundering and terror financing besides creating a trusted eco-environ. Aadhaar is a game changer for the poor and hence it is being attacked by vested interests, including the beneficiaries of the erstwhile leaky system because they cant siphon off resources meant for the poor. No doubt, Aadhaar has enhanced the States ability to reach the people. Unfortunately, this is being seen as an increase in State power and an instrument of surveillance. But in reality, Aadhaar empowers people, not the State. Other developed democracies have also used unique identification numbers. The US introduced Social Security Number (SSN) in 1935 for providing social security benefits during the Great Depression. However, in 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt expanded its scope, which mandated all federal agencies to exclusively use SSN in their programmes. In 1962, SSN was adopted as the official Tax Identification Number for income-tax purposes. The Social Security Act and other laws were further amended to say that any state may, in the administration of taxes, public assistance (food stamps, scholarships, license, or motor vehicle registration law) utilise SSN for establishing identity. The courts also held that the mandatory use of SSN is constitutional. Also SSN was made compulsory for opening bank and investment accounts, and birth and death registrations. In Britain too, important services such as applying for work permits, opening of bank accounts, paying taxes, receiving child benefits, and getting voting rights require a National Insurance Number. Critics say SSN and NIN are not based on biometrics. Are they objecting to the collection of biometrics or the system of a central number, which, they claim, can potentially link all the databases, or both? The collection of biometrics for a legitimate purpose is an established practice sanctioned by law even in the West. Has the mandatory usage of SSN, which potentially empowers the State to track citizens, turned the US into a surveillance State? When the US and Britain clean their databases with SSN or NIN, its not considered Orwellian. But when India does the same, it is being accused of being Big Brother. How fair is it for the NYT to accuse India of becoming a surveillance State? One may argue that there are safeguards in the US and Britain that prevent such possibilities. India too has a strong legislature, an independent judiciary and a free press, which can prevent any overreach by the executive. We should have confidence in these pillars of democracy. The Aadhaar Act, 2016 eliminates the possibility of any State surveillance. The Act is based on the principle of privacy by design - minimal data, federated databases and optimal ignorance, which in turn ensures that no agency ---- UIDAI, the government or private ------ can trail or profile any individual. During enrolment, UIDAI collects minimal data (name, address, date of birth, gender and biometrics) and not family details, contact lists and likes and dislikes, which many social media platforms collect. In contrast, NYT must also review the US birth registration form and the extent of personal information that a parent is required to divulge. The NYT report speaks about data leakage from 210 government websites. What it fails to see is that the information published was drawn from public records, containing details such as name, address, bank account number, Aadhaar number, of beneficiaries who receive assistance from government programmes. It was published as a measure of transparency and so can by no imagination be termed a leak. If someone has received assistance from public funds, why shouldnt he reveal details? In any case, how can name, address, age, etc be confidential? Most of this information is available on the voters lists, telephone directories, and even on Wikipedia. So far as the Aadhaar number is concerned, its not confidential. But unlike SSN in the US, Aadhaar number requires biometrics for authentication and so only the number cannot lead to identity theft. One also needs to compare it with the kind of public information available on the websites of US counties. For example Minnesotas Hennepin County website, every home owners name, address, home value, tax, past sale/purchase details is displayed. Can it be said that the counties websites in US are leaking personal information of every American home owner? Similarly, websites such as www.beenverified.com, www.usidentify.com and www.searchbug.com can provide (for a nominal fee) personal information of any person in the US much more that what is displayed on the 210 GoI websites. Aadhaar empowers its 1.2 billion people without compromising their privacy, and thus it cant turn India into a surveillance State. Ajay Bhushan Pandey is CEO, UIDAI. The views expressed are personal Bengaluru Police foiled an attempt by a group to stage a demonstration near a Basaveshwara statue in the city demanding separate religion tag to Lingayats shortly before BJP president Amit Shahs visit here. Shah garlanded the statue of the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara on his birth anniversary celebrated as Basava Jayanti, a public holiday. Police said the protesters, claiming to be from a group related to the Lingayat community, carried posters demanding separate religion status and tried to proceed towards Shahs address venue near the state secretariat Vidhana Soudha. They wanted to seek his response to the communitys demand. We detained them as a preventive measure, a police official said. Shah is on a two-day visit to Bengaluru from Wednesday as part of the seventh leg of his tour of Karnataka to boost the BJPs prospects in the May 12 Assembly polls. During Wednesdays event, the BJP chief tore into the Congress over the Mecca Masjid issue and the bogey of Hindu terrorism, reports ANI. For several years, Congress defamed the country around the world by using terms such as saffron terror and Hindu terror. Rahul (Gandhi) ji, terror has no religion. Now Congress says it never used those words. But many Congress leaders are on record using those terms, including chief minister Siddaramaiah, Shah said, according to ANI. BJP has been criticising the Siddaramaiah governments move towards granting religious minority tag to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats ahead of the Assembly polls as an attempt to divide the Hindu community. The state cabinet had on March 19 decided to recommend to the Centre grant of religious minority tag to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats. The state governments decision was based on the report of an expert committee that had recommended considering grant of recognition as religious minority to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats (believers of Basava Tatva philosophy). Subsequently, the Karnataka minorities welfare department notified Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats as a religious minority, but said it would come into effect after the Centres approval of recommendation. The Siddaramaiah governments move is seen as a bid to cut into the Lingayat vote base of the BJP. During his visits, Shah has been reaching out to Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats, meeting their seers and holding meetings with their groups apparently to ensure that the Congress does not cut into its voter base. (With ANI inputs) A fast track court in Bhopal has sent Congress MLA from Rau, Jitu Patwari to jail in connection with a 10-year old case registered for staging a chakka-jam, stunning the Congress party. Around 10 years back, Patwari had staged a chakka-jam at village Baretha under Khurel police station, Indore while demanding a road in the area. During the agitation, the Congressmen led by Patwari got into a fight with the police and he was booked under Section 353 of IPC (Assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty). At the time of the incident, Patwari was the state Youth Congress president. The case was transferred to Bhopal fast track court after it was decided that all cases related to MPs and MLAs would be heard by a fast track court in Bhopal. On Tuesday, Special Judge Suresh Singh sent Patwari to jail in this regard. Youth Congress president, Kunal Choudhary said that the order was unexpected, but they were with Patwari. Congress spokesperson K K Mishra said they will move High Court for proper bail and also appeal against the conviction. Fawad Khan had a Humsafar reunion with Mahira Khan at his beautiful wife Sadafs birthday in Lahore on April 17. The pictures from the celebration prove that it was the party of the month. Pakistani celebs Urwa Hocane, designer Faraz Manan, musician Goher Mumtaz and his wife, actor Anam, also joined in on the fun, according to a report. Sadaf wore a black top for her 35th birthday party while Fawad wore a suit. You can see pictures and videos from the grand party here: Fawad and Sadaf, who married in 2005, have two children, Aayaan and Elayna. Besides Humsafar, Fawad is known for shows such as Ashk, Zindagi Gulzar Hai and Numm. He last appeared in a Bollywood film Ae Dil Hai Mushkil, which caused controversy after certain people objected to his presence in the film. Sadaf opened up about being called a star wife in a 2007 interview to Masala Magazine. I dont believe in the term star wife. I am an educated person who has a mind of her own. Sometimes I do feel its overwhelming being associated to Fawad because people generally tend to discredit your potential saying, Oh you can do anything because of him. You can do a one-time venture that way but unless you have the talent backing it, you cant make a success of it, she had said. Follow @htshowbiz for more Ananya Panday and Tara Sutaria have begun shooting for their upcoming debut film, Student Of The Year 2. They were spotted with co-actor Tiger Shroff at the movies sets and the pictures are now being heavily shared on social media. The trio was spotted strolling on a grassy patch of land in their school uniforms. Ananya is seen in a red top and black denim skirt while Tara is seen in yellow top and skirt. Tiger is seen in a white T-shirt and blue denims. All three are seen in black blazers with their schools crest embroidered on it. The second film in the franchise will be produced by Karan Johar and directed by Punit Malhotra and will release on November 23. Sidharth Malhotra, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt made their Bollywood debuts with Student Of The Year in 2012. All three, especially Alia and Varun, later worked in several hit films and are currently two of the most sought after young actors in the industry. Ananya is the daughter of actor Chunky Panday and his wife Bhavana. She is 19-year-old and has frequently made news in the last two years with her appearances at celebrity parties and in their social media photos. Folllow @htshowbiz for more Going digital: Preparing students for today and tomorrow Microsoft Showcase Schools have been consistently highlighting how integrating technology into classrooms can enhance productivity. By HT Brand Studio | Published: Mar 26, 2018 At a time when technology is making inroads into different fields, can the education sector be left behind? Microsoft Showcase Schools have shown us how classrooms, when digitized, can enhance the productivity of students. Showcase Schools focus on immersive and inclusive learning experiences through use of Microsoft tools such as Office 365, OneNote, Skype, and Minecraft. As a result, students develop skills that not only enable them to think critically, but also solve problems easily. Since these tools can be accessed online, students can learn anytime and anywhere. Today, there are roughly 1,800 Showcase Schools worldwide that have revolutionized their classrooms with the use of technology. Nearly 2 lakh educators and 26 lakh students have been impacted. Showcase Schools also host events to showcase digital innovations in the field of education. In 2016, Welham Boys' School, Dehradun, organised the Microsoft ICT Conclave that had teachers and students from around the country sharing their experiences about digital learning. Speaking at the event, Jyoti Gupta, Principal, Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad, said, "It is because of the Microsoft learning tools that learning and teaching have become so much fun today." Want to know what other Showcase Schools have to say about going digital? Let's take a look. 1. Ever since students at The Titan School, Hosur, started using OneNote, a digital notebook that allows them to take down notes on the go, they haven't stopped smiling. Other platforms, such as Sway and Office Mix, have helped teachers immensely. "Sway allows you to create interactive reports using videos, pictures, and tweets," says Chandhirakala S., a Microsoft Innovative Education (MIE) Expert at the school. 2. Kamla Nehru Public School is situated in a village in Punjab. Today, students there can easily collaborate with their counterparts in other countries. What drove this achievement? It's all because of going paperless with the help of Microsoft. "Incorporating technologies into classrooms has boosted the learning graphs of my children," says Principal Paramjeet Kaur Dhillon. 3. If students are to only focus on exams, and not be encouraged to think creatively or communicate lucidly, how would they adapt to the unique demands of the 21st century? With Microsoft, the learning process is such that students are prepared not only for today, but also for the future. Says Darshan Singh, Chairman, Welham Boys' School, Dehradun, "If technology enables students to innovate and become creative, then the education system in India will do very well." 4. At DPS International, Gurugram, the new buzzword is Kodu, which allows the students to create games on a computer or an Xbox using a simple visual programming language. Even teachers there have recognized the immense potential of technology in the education arena. "Microsoft has given educators their own social networking platform where they can share their teaching strategies and achievements, and get instant feedback and appreciation," says Ekta Singh, a MIE Expert at the school. 5. Of the many Microsoft tools extensively used by students of The Scindia School, Gwalior, Sway is one. "Sway is one of my favourite applications. It gives amazing outputs when it comes to making presentations," says Snehil Tripathy, a student. Students also love to use OneNote, as it allows them to collaborate with their classmates in doing projects. 6. A popular Microsoft tool called Minecraft has enabled students of Ramjas School, New Delhi, and Pathways School, Noida, to design virtual farms, houses, or even civilizations! What's more, adopting Minecraft in classrooms helps students with learning difficulties. "Minecraft has helped develop the attention span of my students who face learning difficulties, and boosted their problem-solving skills," says Ruchika Chhabra, student counsellor, Ramjas School. Microsoft Showcase Schools are entitled to benefits such as recognition of their success stories and the ability to scale their innovations. With their steady commitment to technology, they have emerged as leaders in the education field. To nominate your institution as a Showcase School, click here. Each year roughly 60,000 ships vital to the global economy sail through the Indian Ocean past a Chinese-operated port on the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Almost none of them stop to unload cargo. The eight-year-old Hambantota port -- with almost no container traffic and trampled fences that elephants traverse with ease -- has become a prime example of what can go wrong for countries involved in President Xi Jinpings Belt and Road trade and infrastructure initiative. Sri Lanka borrowed heavily to build the port, couldnt repay the loans, and then gave China a 99-year lease for debt relief. A motorcyclist and passenger ride past wild elephants standing on the side of a highway in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa spearheaded the project, taking Chinese loans to shower goodies on his home district of Hambantota -- including a new international airport that still has just one daily scheduled flight. (Atul Loke/Bloomberg) The experience has fuelled fears that Xis plans to finance more than $500 billion in projects could see China take control of strategic infrastructure that also has military uses. But the massive state-owned Chinese conglomerate that took over the port in December wants to prove the sceptics wrong. China Merchants Group -- whose 2017 revenues of $93 billion dwarf Sri Lankas gross domestic product -- is aiming to use its experience stretching from China to Europe to make the port profitable. During a rare look inside the grounds late last month, executive Tissa Wickramasinghe told Bloomberg News it had already nearly doubled the number of ships visiting the port. We are hell bent on making it work, said Wickramasinghe, chief operating officer of Hambantota International Port Group, a joint venture led by China Merchants. Whether the port should have been built, why it was built -- those are, to me, irrelevant now. Still, the port has a long way to go before it worries competitors in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East. Even with more traffic, Hambantota is only handling about one ship a day -- not enough to even register on China Merchants own data showing cargo handling volumes for February. It didnt make a United Nations list of the worlds top 40 container terminals. Major shipping lines now route cargo through Colombo, Sri Lankas capital, and see little reason to divert operations south. Maersk Line, the worlds largest container carrier, is waiting for Hambantotas operator to offer a firm value proposition for clients, according to Steve Felder, the companys managing director in South Asia. Its too early to tell whether Hambantota will be of interest to us, Felder said. Much will be dependent on connectivity within the mainline network, extent of domestic cargo, cost and productivity. The ports weak performance has fuelled impressions that it simply serves Chinas broader strategic interests to secure crucial trade routes and international supply chains. It would take billions of dollars of investment to generate meaningful traffic, according to Rahul Kapoor, a Singapore-based shipping analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence. Hambantota is a great example of the Chinese quest for global maritime dominance, Kapoor said. For the foreseeable future, it remains a strategic push over commercial viability. From its earliest days, the port has spurred debate. Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa spearheaded the project, taking Chinese loans to shower goodies on his home district of Hambantota -- including a new international airport that still has just one daily scheduled flight. The current administration led by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Bloomberg News the $1.1 billion debt-to-equity swap with China Merchants helped ease the Chinese part of the debt burden. Still the decision remains unpopular with many Sri Lankans. Ironically thats boosted the political fortunes of Rajapaksa, who lost a 2015 election in part due to concerns he was too cozy with China. On a recent afternoon at the port, vehicle traffic was nearly non-existent. A large monitor lizard meandered across the main road. A port executive shot a video with his iPhone of a Singaporean ship unloading cement into a smaller vessel, complaining that the process was taking too long. Yet for Hambantota, it was busy: Two other ships were also docked -- a cruise ship whose passengers were on a jungle safari and a vessel full of vehicles. Todays a good day, said Wickramasinghe, the COO. Tissa Wickramasinghe, chief operating officer of Hambantota International Port Group, poses for a photograph at the port in Hambantota, Sri Lanka. (Bloomberg) To boost revenue, he plans to lure vehicle trans-shipments, refueling and oil storage services away from Singapore, the U.A.E. Port of Fujairah and Malaysias Port Klang. The company could spend around $500 million on cranes to handle containers, and is speaking with most of the oil majors for oil bunkering and storage, he said. Plans are also afoot to build a logistics and industrial zone next to the port. The 11.5 square-kilometer (4.4 square-mile) area -- more than three times the size of New Yorks Central Park -- is now mostly jungle. Farmers nearby worry they could lose their ancestral land to proposed industrial zones. All the profits are going back to China, said Dharmasena Hettiarchchi, a 52-year-old farmer. The abundance of space allows Japanese and Europeans automakers to store vehicles for trans-shipments to South Africa and the Middle East, Wickramasinghe said. China Merchants plans to more than double the number of vehicle trans-shipments to 250,000 this year, he said, with 10 percent annual growth expected the next few years. Singapore now handles 1 million vehicle trans-shipments annually. China Merchants doesnt go and dump money if its not commercially viable, Wickramasinghe said. Its definitely not political or military. China this week dismissed speculation that the Belt and Road Initiative had a military dimension, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying saying it was open and transparent. Hambantota was mutually beneficial and would aid Sri Lankas economy, she said. For others who speculate, I believe they have no reason to do so, Hua said. Still, Sri Lanka relocated its southern naval command to Hambantota in part to ease Indian and Japanese worries, state minister of defence Ruwan Wijewardene said in an interview. Weve been speaking with them, and also with the Chinese, he said. Weve made it very clear that it cant be a military port. Wickramasinghe said it was normal for China Merchants to have a 99-year lease, citing a similar deal with the Port of Newcastle in Australia. Not everyone is convinced. The current Sri Lankan government has said that it will not permit military use of the facility, but that could change, said Amit Bhandari, an analyst at Mumbai-based Gateway House. Ninety-nine years is a long time after all. Runaway jewellers have become somewhat of a staple of news headlines out of India. But reading the small print of trade numbers may tell a new story -- flight of capital. A spurt in imports of precious stones and pearls, at a time when gold imports have moderated, has raised the red flag for analysts at Credit Suisse AG, who say it is a hint at capital leaving the country. Shipments of pearls, precious and semi-precious stones in March stood at $3.03 billion, an increase of 17% from a month ago, according to commerce ministry data. Gems and jewellery exports contracted by as much during that period, acting as a drag on overall exports that widened Indias trade deficit. Imports of these stones are worryingly large now, particularly given the drop in jewellery exports, analysts Neelkanth Mishra and Prateek Singh wrote in a note dated April 16. Also read: CEO Salil Parekh says Infosys ready to sacrifice margins for growth The trade deficit widened $1.7 billion in March with jewellery and stones driving a large part of the increase. The trailing 12-month gap is now $157 billion, up $63 billion from the lows seen in September 2016. The country is the worlds second largest user of gold after China, and its love for jewellery is well-known. However, this cant be said for pearls and precious stones. People wanting to hold gold instead of the local currency is a form of capital flight, Mishra wrote in an article in Business Standard newspaper earlier this month. But with large imports of these stones and pearls -- which are generally hard to value objectively -- the angle of money exiting the country cant be ruled out as a factor. The bottom line? Credit Suisse expects the countrys current-account deficit to continue to widen and the rupees weakness to persist. It prefers companies with dollar-based revenues like metals and software makers, the note said. Ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies Inc is doubling down on its investments in India, one of its biggest markets, after its recent exit from Southeast Asia, its chief operating officer said on Wednesday. India accounts for more than 10% of Uber rides globally and the US company has a more than 35% share of the taxi market there, according to Counterpoint Research, but it is yet to make money in the country. COO Barney Harford said investments in India are made using funds from profitable markets. However, the sale in March of Ubers business in Southeast Asia to Singapores Grab Holdings, in exchange for a 27.5% stake, has given Uber more firepower to compete with its Indian rival Ola. The recent merger ... has freed up resources which we are going to invest across people, products and partnerships to better serve this country, Harford told reporters in New Delhi. We are doubling down on our investments in this country like never before, he said, adding that India was a core market for the San Francisco-based company. Harford did not say how much Uber is likely to invest in India but said it would considerably expand its technology resources to develop products for India and the world. Ubers India head Amit Jain said the company has no major plans to expand to more cities in India. Uber operates in about 30 Indian cities while Ola is in 110 cities and has more than a 45% total market share, according to Counterpoint Research. Uber and Ola are backed by a common investor, SoftBank Group , which pushed behind the scenes for the merger between Uber and Grab. It is not clear whether the Japanese investor plans to spur consolidation in India as well. Executives from Uber and Ola met at least twice over the past 12 months and, among other things, Uber brought up a potential merger between the two companies with Uber in the drivers seat, sources have told Reuters. Harford said that while Uber was always open to having conversations with potential partners, it had no interest in entering into minority deals in India or other countries in which it operates. Majority of the ATMs of public and private sector banks in Haridwar have gone dry creating problems for thousands of Chardham-bound pilgrims who reached the district Wedesday on the festive occasion of Akshya Tritiya. The Chardham Yatra began Wednesday with the opening of the portals to Gangotri and Yamunotri. As majority of pilgrims rely on cash during the pilgrimage, ATMs going dry has come as a shock. Majority of 300-odd ATMs in the district are cashless with either shutters at the kiosks closed or notices put up indicating no cash. Sohanbhai Bokhiriya from Porbandar, Gujarat, arrived in Haridwar Tuesday evening. Accompanied by five family members, he was busy looking for ATMs at Shiv Moorti square near railway station. He had already visited 10 ATM, but failed to withdraw any cash. We took a halt in Delhi where we visited historical monuments. We paid for taxi rides and the lodging at a guest house in cash. We didnt know about cash shortage in Uttarakhand, otherwise we would have surely withdrawn some from ATMs in Delhi, said Sohanbhai. Similarly, Padam Singh Thakur, a retired security personnel, was seen standing near a closed ATM kiosk of SBI at Devpura. He was looking to withdraw vash for some relatives who had come to Haridwar for festive bath. There is no cash in the ATM. Bank officials told me that they will replenish cash in a day or two. I wanted to withdraw some money and lend it to my relatives who have come from Champawat. They wanted to go ahead to Garhwal hills but have now decided to return home, Thakur said. Dharamshala Raksha Samiti office bearer Vikas Tiwari pointed out that majority of dharamshalas dont have POS (card swipe) machines and they have reported a sharp fall in cash transactions over past one week. Donations, the other major source of income for dharamshalas, too have dried up, Tiwari said. Tour operators also complained of many bookings for local sightseeing being cancelled by pilgrims citing cash crunch. Chardham tour operator Mahendra Bisht said that pilgrims were not going for local sightseeing as they want to save whatever cash they have for the pilgrimage ahead. Garhwal Division Taxi Association president Kunwar Singh Tudiyal, meanwhile, urged government to ensure sufficient cash availability as taxi-tour business was heavily dependent on cash transactions. The association had approved a 15% hike in Chardham taxi fare, owing to rise in price of petrol and diesel. Now, we are apprehensive about the number of bookings that we will get from Chardham pilgrims, said Kunwar. The cash-crunch situation during the commencement of Chardham pilgrimage season doesnt bode well for the state tourism, said Brahamswarup Brahamchari, spiritual head of Jai Ram Ashram. Meanwhile, Gurukul Kangri University student union office bearers expressed resentment over non-availability of cash at ATMs on university premises. Former student union leader Charchit Baliyan said students were facing problems in withdrawing money for their day-to-day expenses. What do Anand Singh Bisht and Savitri Devi, the parents of Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, three Shankaracharyas, the judges at the Uttrakahnd High Court and newly-elected BJP Rajya Sabha MP Anil Baluni have in common? They all figure in a list of VIPs in Uttarakhand who have been provided Y category security cover by the Uttarakhand government. Those who have been granted the Y category security, after a review meeting held earlier this month, include seers such as Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand, Shankaracharya Vasudevanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya Rajrajeshwaram and Jagatguru Ramanand Hansdevacharya, and Hanslok Ashrams Bhole Maharaj and Mangala Mata. State BJP chief Ajay Bhatt and party MP Baluni too have been provided Y category security. Baluni, however, has now written to chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat to withdraw his Y-category security cover I am thankful you (chief minister) for the security cover. But I feel that I dont need it, Baluni wrote in the letter, a copy of which is marked to the chief secretary. The BJP government had on April 5 issued an order granting 16 VIPs Y-category security cover. The security cover includes of 11 personnel, including two personal security officers (PSOs). Till the filing of the report, Anand Bardhan, principal secretary (home), was not available for comments despite repeated phone calls. However, an official with the home department said that security cover to the VIPs or individuals was decided on the basis of threat perception. However many (given Y category) have no threat perception, said an official who wanted to remain anonymous. Among the seers who got Y category security, Shankaryacharya Rajrajeshwaram is considered close to the Congress leadeship. Yoga guru Ramdev, on the other hand, enjoys Z-category security provided by the union home ministry. UP CMs parents stay in the Pauri Garhwal district. Three men were arrested on charges of rape in Delhis Rohini suburb when the mother of the teenage victim filed a police complaint after a neighbour alerted her about videos circulating of the incident. Police said the incident took place two weeks ago in Mangolpur Kalan locality when the main accused, a 32-year-old labourer who is also the girls neighbour, allegedly lured her to his home where two of his friends were waiting. He raped the 14-year-old while his friends recorded the act on their mobile phones. The accused then blackmailed her into silence, threatening they would upload the videos on the internet and circulate them on WhatsApp. The case came to light after the leaked videos were seen by a neighbour who told the girls mother. When the mother asked the girl, she broke down and told her everything. The family then filed a complaint and the girl was medically examined. The incident in the national capital comes amid days of outrage over the gang-rape and murder of an 8-year-old in Jammus Kathua and the rape of a teenager allegedly by a BJP lawmaker in Uttar Pradesh. Several cities across the country have seen rallies and protests by citizens questioning inaction by authorities in these cases. The three accused in Rohini were arrested on Monday, a day after the girls mother filed the complaint. A case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, Protection Of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and IT act have been registered, police said. We raided the suspects hideouts and arrested them on Monday. The mobile phone that was used to record the videos belong to one of his arrested friends, said deputy commissioner of police (Rohini) Rajneesh Gupta. The girls family has alleged that the main accuseds family members have been mounting pressure on them to withdraw the case. Accused...is a powerful person and his other family members have a strong hold in the area. They are mounting pressure on us to withdraw the rape case... They are also pressurising us to leave Mangolpur Kalan locality, news agency IANS quoted the girls mother as saying. Hindu College has asked the Union education ministry whether a college would face a fund cut if it applied for autonomous status, in a possible first step towards seeking greater autonomy from Delhi University, according to two people familiar with the development. The college also asked the Union human resource development (HRD) ministry if there was a provision under the Delhi University Act to grant autonomous status, the people quoted above said. St Stephens College regarded as Hindu Colleges great rival had applied for autonomous status last year and its application has been pending a clearance from Delhi University. The application was preceded by a protests from certain students and teachers groups that wanted the college to remain more closely linked with the university. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) Guidelines for Autonomous Colleges - 2017, a college that comes under the scheme started last year can determine and prescribe its own courses, restructure and redesign its syllabus, and become skill-oriented in consonance with job requirements. An autonomous college is also empowered to prescribe admission rules in accordance with prevalent reservation policies, evolve methods to assess students performance; conduct examinations; and launch self-financing courses, among other actions. Autonomy for a college also empowers it to announce results, issue mark sheets, migration and other certificates. However, the degree will be awarded by the university with the name of the college on the degree certificate. Officials from Hindu College met senior HRD ministry officials last month to seek clarity on some of these provisions, a government official said. Despite repeated attempts, the principal of the college could not be contacted for comments. When asked for clarifications about the autonomous colleges scheme, secretary, HRD ministry, R Subrahmanyam said: There will be no reduction in the government grants on account of autonomy. The autonomy is to promote academic excellence and has no relation to financial elements. The purpose is to promote more academic freedom so that these institutions can devise courses that are more aligned to the societal and market requirements. UGC is planning to convene a meeting with college principals across the country to dispel misconceptions on the issue of autonomy. It will use the opportunity to provide information on the scheme, and clarify monetary concerns. A number of colleges are approaching the government who wish to apply but have certain queries and reservation especially regarding fund cuts. The application of St. Stephens has also been pending. After not getting a go-ahead from Delhi University, it was assumed that they dont have any reservation over their application. An inspection will be carried out by an expert team following which they will be granted autonomous status, said a senior UGC official on condition of anonymity. A PhD student at the Indian Institute of Technology-Kanpur committed suicide in a hostel room on Wednesday. Acting director of the institute Professor Manindra Agarwal said the student, Bhim Singh, was from Faridabad and his parents have been informed. He said police recovered a suicide note from his room and but refused to disclose the contents of the note. Agarwal said the student living in the adjacent room noticed late evening that Bhims room had been locked from the inside since morning. Students knocked on the door but did not get any response. They informed the warden and broke open the door to find Bhims body hanging from the ceiling fan. The IIT Kanpur authorities informed police, who surrounded the hostel and stopped the entry of the students and others. Admissions to undergraduate medical and dental courses across the country is bound to get difficult with the total registrations for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) increasing by almost two lakh. According to figures revealed by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), over 13.36 lakh hopefuls have registered for NEET 2018, up from 11.5 lakh who had registered in 2017. The total number of seats in MBBS and BDS institutes across the country stands at 60,000. Experts have attributed this increase in registrations to a number of reasons, including more and more states opting for NEET scores instead of state conducted Common Entrance Tests (CETs) for all health science courses, as well as an overall increase in number of students clearing Class 12 exams every year. Various policies and scholarships made available by the central government as well as state governments have encouraged higher number of students clearing secondary and higher secondary education across the country. We anticipate an increase on the basis of this reason every year, said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, Directorate of Medical Education & Research (DMER). The registrations stood at 7.5 lakh in 2016, the year when NEET was conducted in two phases in order to give students extra time to prepare for the test. NEET was first introduced in May 2013 and was quickly scrapped in 2014, making way for various states conducting separate Common Entrance Test (CET) for admissions to medical and dental institutes in their states. In 2016, the Supreme Court of India reinforced the compulsion on NEET, making it the single window entrance exam for admission to all medical and dental institutes in the country. Keeping this in mind, the Maharashtra medical education department decided to scrap CET for medical education altogether, making NEET compulsory for all students aiming at seats in all health science courses, including MBBS and BDS. In the last year, more states have been encouraging institutes to go by NEET scores to help rid numerous entrance examinations and reduce the burden of students. Students from across the country have realised that NEET is more important than state conducted CETs, therefore more and more have been opting for the national level examinations. Sadly the number of seats is still very limited and the competition keeps getting tougher, said Aruna Roy, a parent of an MBBS aspirant. CBSE has already started distributing admit cards to registered candidates. NEET (UG) 2018 will be conducted in 11 languages across the country on May 6. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has called for applications for the posts of assistant professor, geologist, recruiting manager and other posts in Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur and Daman & Diu. Those interested can check the official notification to find out their eligibility. The eligible candidates can apply online on the commissions official website - upsconline.nic.in. The online application system opened on April 14 and the deadline for applying is May 3. The application fee for general category candidates is Rs 25, and physically handicapped, SC/ST and women applicants are exempted from payment of fee. The fee can be paid online through Credit/Debit card, net banking or in cash via any SBI branch. Candidates are advised to carefully read the instructions mentioned here before applying. Meghan Markle hasnt said whether she shall be wearing a tiara at her upcoming royal wedding, but she definitely has a a huge and enviable collection to choose from. Thats because Queen Elizabeth II, the grandmother of her husband-to-be Prince Harry, has hundreds of tiaras squirreled away in locked vaults, and royal tradition holds that the queen will let Markle borrow one of these sparkly heirlooms. Theres no shortage of diamonds in the queens collection, to say nothing of rubies, sapphires and emeralds. One tiara is designed so that its emeralds can be replaced by pearls - depending on the rest of the outfit, of course. Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle. (REUTERS) The brides actual choice probably wont be known until May 19 when she walks down the aisle of St. Georges Chapel to marry Harry and officially join the royal family. But some of Londons most exclusive jewellers are devoutly hoping she wont turn her back on tiaras in favour of a more egalitarian look. Markle, a 36-year-old American actress, is known for her contemporary fashion sense and could surprise everyone by skipping the tiara in favour of a less stately, more accessible look. But Omar Vaja, sales director at the renowned Bentley & Skinner jewelry shop in London, thinks she will follow tradition. In this Nov. 20, 1947 photo, Britain's Princess Elizabeth and her husband the Duke of Edinburgh are seen leaving Westminster Abbey, London following their wedding service. (AP) Her style of dress is quite modern and casual, said Vaja. So shell probably go for something thats small and modest. Theres quite a lot to choose from. I think were talking about hundreds of tiaras. He says tiaras often have been kept in aristocratic families for generations, passed down to wear on special occasions. Vaja and other jewellers in Londons tony Mayfair district have a vested interest in seeing Markle carry forward the tiara tradition. He expects this royal wedding - like earlier ones - to spur interest in tiaras and other vintage treasures that his shop is known for. Tiaras were the height of fashion in the 1920s and 1930s, when affluent British women would often wear them to royal galas or fancy banquets, but British society changed drastically after the destruction wrought by World War II. The grand court life that preceded it was never fully revived, said Christopher St. James, who designed many of the tiaras worn by the fictional Grantham family in the popular Downton Abbey TV series. Elizabeth II stopped doing the great big court balls where debutantes would come and be presented to the queen and they had to wear a tiara and their mothers would wear a tiara, he said. That was all gone after the war. The 50s in Britain was a time of rationing and scarcity, not the best time for opulent displays of jewelry worth more than a small house. n this July 29, 1981 photo, Britain's Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer are shown on their wedding day at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. (AP) The Beatles John Lennon even mocked the tradition of wearing expensive jewelry and tiaras to gala events during a royal command performance at the London Palladium in 1963. He told the people in the cheap seats they could clap their hands the usual way, and urged everyone in the fancy seats to just rattle their jewelry instead. The Queen Mother - wearing a rather splendid tiara - took the jibe with a smile, but the point was made. Royal-style accessories like diamond-encrusted tiaras fell out of favour in the swinging Sixties. Harrys mother, Princess Diana, helped revive the tiara glamor. Reflecting her own aristocratic roots, she wore her familys own tiara - known as the Spencer tiara, as she came from the Spencer clan - when she married Prince Charles in 1981. Sara Prentice, creative director at the House of Garrard - which produced the famous fringe tiara worn by Queen Elizabeth II at her wedding - says newly made tiaras are smaller and much more comfortable to wear because they are designed to be easily slipped on and off. For royalty, if youre a woman, the first time you wear a tiara is on your wedding day, she said. For commoners with plenty of money, its possible to buy a lovely tiara at House of Garrard - prices start at about 80,000 pounds ($115,000). Some believe Markle may choose to conspicuously pay tribute to Diana by wearing the Spencer tiara, which has a fanciful design of flowers decorated with diamonds in silver settings. On the day their engagement was announced, she and Harry spoke about their shared desire to invoke Dianas memory at the wedding. There are plenty of other royal tiaras to consider as well, depending on what the queen decides to make available. Markle might walk down the aisle in a striking tiara with Russian roots that features 15 interlaced diamond circles set off by large pearls. The tiara is uniquely interchangeable - the pearls can be taken out and replaced with emeralds. It is known to some as the Vladimir tiara because it was hidden in a vault at Vladimir Palace in St. Petersburg during the chaos that followed the 1917 Russian Revolution. Then there is the Oriental Circlet tiara, favoured by the Queen Mother, which is designed with diamond lotus flowers and wraps nearly all the way around the wearers head. It was made for Queen Victoria in 1853 with opals to set off the diamonds, but the opals were later replaced with rubies. Omar Vaja, director of sales inspects a late Victorian pearl and diamond tiara circa 1890 at Bradley & Skinner, an antique & period jewellery specialist in London. (AP) Another option is Queen Marys Fringe Tiara, which Elizabeth wore when she married Prince Philip in 1947 as the nation struggled to recover from the destruction of World War II. That tiara was first worn by Queen Victoria in 1839. And it could be seen as a harbinger of good fortune for the new royal couple, as Elizabeth and Philip celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary last year. One tiara Markle is not likely to wear is the famed Cartier Halo Tiara - a diamond-and-platinum masterpiece worn by her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Kate Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge) when she married Prince William in 2011. The final choice will also be influenced by Markles wedding gown and chosen hairstyle. It has to be something that will read on camera because it will be read by millions, said St. James, the designer. People want to see sparkle, not some tiny little headband you can barely see. Im sure she will have something really nice - maybe something weve never seen before! he added. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more What follows may be a spoiler to end all spoilers, or the lamest idea we have ever heard. Robert Downey Jr was in his usual fun mood when he shared his idea on how the climax for Avengers: Infinity War would unfold. He was speaking at a press event for the films promotion at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore on Monday. A journalist from Comicbook.com asked Downey and the crew who they thought was capable of defeating Thanos, the big bad villain in the upcoming film. While director Joe Russo said it will take all of the Avengers to bring him down, Downey had a better answer, one everyone wanted to hear. Heres my guess - because I havent read the script. Because Jeremy Renner is not in the poster, I think hes the only one that can beat Thanos! I think its Hawkeye! No, I think its Jeremy: only Jeremy can defeat him, Downey said. His response was received with great laughter and cheers. Russo decided to chime in on the joke and exclaimed, Hawkeye is Thanos! Film director Joe Russo, from left, actors Benedict Cumberbatch, Karen Gillan, Robert Downey Jr. and executive producer Trinh Tran share a laugh during Marvel's Avengers: Infinity War red carpet fan event in Singapore, Monday, April 16, 2018. (AP) Renner has been no less than an enigma in this latest instalment of Avengers. One of the first six Avengers, he is nowhere to be seen in the posters, trailers or even on the promotional tours for the movie. His presence in the film has not been confirmed or denied by anyone associated with the film. Russo Brothers told Cinemablend that Hawkeyes on his own journey in this movie. They elaborated: He has a unique reaction to the Civil War situation that puts him in a special spot in this film. Renner is also not shying away from teasing his fans. Days before the latest trailer was unveiled, he shared a fan-made poster that swapped every character on the poster with Hawkeye. He also attended a fan convention where he posed with Thanos infinity gauntlet. He shared that picture on Instagram too. Avengers: Infinity War releases on April 27. You can check out our Avengers: Infinity War coverage here. Follow @htshowbiz for more Civilian deaths in Jammu and Kashmir rose by a staggering 167% last year compared to 2015, official data released on Wednesday showed, underpinning the high price paid by the state while battling a surge in insurgency in recent years. The home ministrys annual report for 2017-18 also showed a 2.44% decline in the number of security personnel deaths over the previous year. The report comes amid growing allegations by human rights activists and groups over what they say was excessive use of force by security personnel while dealing with civilian protests in the troubled Valley. The army and state police deny the charges and claim that most of the civilian deaths were due to their interference during counter-insurgency operations. The year 2017 witnessed an increase in incidents of terrorist violence and causalities of civilians as compared to the last year. However, casualties of security forces have decreased in comparison to the last year, said the reports Security Situation in J&K section (see graphic). The year 2017 also witnessed a 6.21% increase... in the number of terrorist incidents... in comparison to the corresponding period of 2016, the report said, adding that the number of militants killed went up by 42%. The death of civilians in Kashmir spiked after security forces gunned down Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2015, triggering months-long street protests. More than a 100 people were killed as security forces retaliated against stone-pelting protesters, most of them youngsters. Hundreds of civilians were left with severe eye injuries by pellets fired by the forces. Incidents of left wing extremism (LWE) the official term used to describe Maoist violence fell by 20%, from 1,136 in 2016 to 908 last year, the report said. Human casualties related to LWE also fell from 397 to 263, a decline of 33%. In the Northeast, where several militant groups are active, the number of insurgency-related incidents in 2017 was the lowest since 1997, the report added. The report listed 822 communal incidents in which 111 persons lost their lives and 2,384 were injured countrywide last year. While the report did not provide a complete list of the incidents, it mentioned one major communal incident at Baduria-Basirat of North 25 Parganas district, West Bengal. The annual report is more like a report card detailing the home ministrys endeavours, achievements, ongoing projects and activities throughout the year, besides providing comparative numbers. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said the state government will send a proposal to the central government demanding an amendment in existing law to award capital punishment to those convicted of raping minor girls. He made the announcement at a high level meeting held in Lucknow to review womens safety as well as the law and order situation in the state. Voicing concern over a spurt in cases of rape of minors, Adityanath directed police officers to take strict action against rapists and other criminal elements. The state government has adopted a zero tolerance policy for crime and corruption. The state government will not compromise on women and girls safety, Adityanath said. The opposition parties have attacked the state government for its failure to check rape cases. The alleged rape of a minor in Unnao by BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar has led to nationwide outrage. On Tuesday, a seven-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Etah. In separate cases, a six-year-old girl was raped in Karchhana area of Allahabad, a minor girl was raped in Adityanaths home district Gorakhpur and a girl was kidnapped and gang raped in Pilakhuwa area of Hapur in western UP in recent days. Pulling up officers for their failure to check crime against women, the chief minister said, The state government is committed to protecting the dignity of women and providing them with security. He directed the state home department and law department officers to ensure that rapists get strict punishment in court. Adityanath said the 1090 women powerline (a womens safety helpline launched by the Akhilesh government) will be made more effective. The service will be strengthened and extended to remote areas as well, he said. He announced the emergency police response system UP 100 and Anti-Romeo Squad services will be merged with the 1090 women powerline service. He directed police officers to patrol their areas, establish communication with people and collect feedback on measures taken by the state government about police functioning too. He asked district magistrates and superintendents of police to hold regular dialogue with social organisations, educational institutions and womens organisations regarding womens safety. He said police officers with a clean image should be appointed station house officers(SHO). Action should be taken against the tainted officers and they should be removed from sensitive posts, he said. Police officer of the rank of ADG and IGP will make regular visit to the districts to review crime control measures implemented at the police station level, he said. Nine people, including main accused Jaswanti Devi, were held guilty by a special CBI court in connection with infamous Rohtaks Apna Ghar sexual expliotation case. Apna Ghar was an orphanage housing destitute and mentally challenged mostly girls. One accused was acquitted in the order pronounced on Wednesday by judge Jagdeep Singh. THE CASE TIMELINE May 7, 2012: Three girls escape Rohtaks government-funded destitute home Apna Ghar and contracted childline after reaching Delhi May 9, 2012: NCPCR raids the shelter home and rescues over 100 inmates followed by arrest of centre head Jaswanti and her kin June 8, 2012: Haryana government seals the shelter and a week later hands over the probe to CBI August 7, 2012: CBI files chargesheet against 10 people in special CBI court in Panchkula September 23, 2014: CBI court frames charges against the accused and trial begins February 14, 2018: Evidence closed and final arguments start April 18: 9 out of 10 accused held guilty, quantum of sentence in April 24 CBI senior counsel Jitender Kumar told the media that the quantum of sentence will be pronounced on April 24. The sexual exploitation case come to light on May 9, 2012, after a team from the National Council for the Protection of Child Rights conducted a surprise raid and rescued nearly 120 inmates. Inmates of the shelter home were subjected to sexual abuse, besides being physical and mental exploited and used as bonded labour. The shelter home, which was located in the home town of the-then chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, was sealed a month after the raid. After the initial probe, the case was handed over to the CBI. Those held guilty included Jaswanti Devi, who was in-charge of the shelter home, her daughter Sushma alias Simmi, son-in-law Jai Bhagwan, brother Jaswant, cousin Sheela, acquaintance Roshni, driver Satish, employee Ram Prakash Saini and counsellor Veena. Apna Ghar was being run by NGO Bharat Vikas Sangh and was headed by Jaswanti Devi. Former child development project officer of Rohtak Angrez Kaur Hooda was acquitted, reasons for which are not known yet. All of them were being tried for rape, abortion without consent, voluntarily causing hurt, assault or use of criminal force on a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, unlawful compulsory labour, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy and violation of the Immoral Trafficking (Prevention) Act and the Juvenile Justice Act. An additional charge of gangrape was framed against Jai Bhagwan and Satish. 121 prosecution witnesses examined during the trial As many as 121 prosecution witnesses were examined during the trial. A counsel privy to the trial said testimony of 10-12 inmates was vital to the case as they had identified the main accused and recalled horrific experiences they had undergone during their stay at Apna Ghar. The defence counsel produced 26 witnesses. BJP chief Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath are all set to lead a high-powered party delegation to Rae Bareli this weekend, close on the heels of Congress president Rahul Gandhi and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhis two-day visit to the constituency. Shah and Adityanath will address a rally in Rae Bareli, which is Sonia Gandhis constituency, along with deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma and several ministers from the state and central cabinets on Saturday. In a calculated move to rattle the Congress leadership, the BJP has also paved the way for former Congress MLC Dinesh Pratap Singh and his two brothers Rakesh and Awadesh to join its ranks. While Rakesh is the MLA from Rae Barelis Harchandpur assembly segment, Awadhesh is the chairman of the Rae Bareli zila panchayat. Party insiders said the brothers have their own reasons for joining the BJP, one of which is the need to stave off a likely no-confidence motion against Awadesh. Dinesh and Rakesh had resigned from the Congress on April 10. Its true that we are no longer with the Congress. However, we are yet to decide where we are headed. We will collect public feedback before taking a final decision, Dinesh told HT over the phone. Meanwhile, BJP leaders in the region painted the impending entry of the three Congress leaders as a political masterstroke. The move will definitesly give us a psychological edge ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, one of them said. The BJP is likely to repeat Smriti Irani, who had cut into Rahuls victory margin in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, from Amethi. Although the BJP had earlier fielded Supreme Court lawyer Ajay Aggarwal from Rae Bareli, it will take a decision for the upcoming polls only after observing the Congress move. Sonia, Rahul hold Janata Darbar Even as speculations on the Singh brothers impending entry into the BJP swirled around, Sonia and Rahul held a janata darbar at the Bhuemau guest house on the final day of their Rae Bareli visit. Sonia had reached her constituency after an extended gap of 20 months on Tuesday evening. Soon after touching down, she inaugurated an Indian Medical Association building, declared open a passport office and chaired a district vigilance monitoring committee meeting. Rahul skirted media queries pertaining to the Singh brothers likely entry into the saffron fold, instead preferring to question Prime Minister Narendra Modis silence on corruption charges against Shahs son. There is a flood of corruption in the country these days. Even the Prime Minister is turning a blind eye, letting people like Nirav Modi get away, he said. The Congress chief said he would render the Prime Minister speechless if allowed to speak in Parliament for just 15 minutes. Rahul also held a meeting outside a Dalits house at Nigohi village, where he interacted with students of a government junior high school. Sonia, for her part, received a rousing welcome at Samajwadi Party MLA Manoj Pandeys house. The former minister had personally invited her over on Tuesday. Pandey, however, said she visited his residence in her capacity as the Rae Bareli MP. No political meaning should be attached to this meet. I am not going to join the Congress, he added. Having suffered reverses in recent bypolls, the BJP moved to rejig its organisations in two states where Assembly elections are due later this year, as it appointed a new party president in Madhya Pradesh on Wednesday and appeared set to bring in a new chief in Rajasthan. BJP president Amit Shah appointed Rakesh Singh, the partys chief whip in Lok Sabha, as the head of its Madhya Pradesh unit, replacing Nandkumar Singh Chauhan, who had been at the helm since August 2014. A BJP statement said Rajasthan party chief Ashok Parnami and Andhra Pradesh unit chief K Hari Babu both of whom resigned have been made members of its national executive, besides Chauhan. Parnami on Wednesday resigned as BJP chief of Rajasthan. Sources said new heads of the party in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh will be announced soon. I have worked for strengthening the party as its worker. I will continue to work in accordance with responsibilities given to me as a disciplined party worker, Parnami said. He was appointed Rajasthan BJP chief in February 2014 and is an MLA from Jaipurs Adarsh Nagar constituency. Asked if his resignation was a fallout of the BJPs defeat in the recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Alwar and Ajmer, Parnami said, Any defeat or victory is a collective responsibility and individuals are not responsible. Union minister Narendra Singh Tomar, who was in contention for the post of party president in Madhya Pradesh, will be its campaign committee chief, sources said. Elections to the 230-member Madhya Pradesh Assembly will be held by the end of the year. The BJP is in power in the state for 15 years and chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has led it to convincing victories in the 2008 and 2013 Assembly polls. However, the partys loss in a string of bypolls coupled with agitations by farmers and Dalits has given the opposition Congress hope that it can breach the saffron fortress this time. The BJP is believed to be facing a much stronger challenge in Rajasthan, underlined recently in its loss in the two Lok Sabha bypolls. Rajasthan too will go to polls later this year. In Andhra Pradesh, the party has been left without an ally and hopes to strengthen its organisation under a new president. It has claimed that the decision of the Telugu Desam Party to break ties has given the party an opportunity to broaden its base. The BJP believes it can stop the Congress from winning a majority in the Karnataka assembly elections next month and emerge much stronger than it did in the last polls in 2013 because of the return of BS Yeddyurappa and B Sreeramulu to its fold, two leading politicians of the party said. The electoral arithmetic now weighs in the Bharatiya Janata Partys favour, they said. The two elections are different. But, BSY and Sreeramulu add strength to the party. The BJP benefitted in the Lok Sabha election with their return, a party general secretary said on the condition of anonymity. Former chief minister Yeddyurappa and former state minister Sreeramulu rejoined the BJP in 2014 and have been fielded in the assembly elections this time as the saffron partys candidates. Yeddyurappa led the Karnataka Janata Paksha (KJP) and Sreeramulu the Badavara Shramikara Raitara Congress (BSR Congress) in the 2013 elections won by the Congress. Both are currently members of Parliament. The arithmetic in question is based on a seat-by-seat analysis of the 2013 assembly election results. It shows that the two leaders, who left the BJP in 2012, inflicted severe damage on the saffron party, unseated it from power and brought down its tally to 40 seats in 224-member assembly. The BJP could have won at least 68 seats 28 up from its actual tally had it received the votes the KGP won. The KJP won six seats and put together, the BJPs final tally could have gone up to 74. Such a situation would have stopped the Congress short of a majority, bringing its tally from 122 to 100 seats. If the votes won by the BSR Congress were added to its own, the BJPs tally could have gone up to 80 seats. This is apart from the four seats that the BSR Congress won. These two leaders were responsible, to a great extent, for the BJPs defeat in the last election, Harish Ramaswamy, a political science professor at Karnataka University, Dharwad, said. A separate analysis of the 2014 Lok Sabha election results shows that the BJP won 133 assembly segments in Karnataka, more than the 76 won by the Congress and 15 by the Janata Dal (Secular) of HD Kumaraswamy. While Karnataka remains a three-cornered contest, like it was in 2013 and 2014, analysts say the BJP cannot be sure of victory with the return of the two leaders. There is a delay on the part of the BJP to take on Sidddaramaiah on several governance issues. The BJP is not as vibrant as it was in 2014 or before that, Karnataka Universitys Ramaswamy said. Even there is no clarity how the Lingayats, Karnatakas most dominant community, are going to respond to the Congress governments bid to grant them a separate religion status, he added. Union home minister Rajnath Singh said in an interview last week that the Congress had rejected a proposal to grant Lingayats the status of a separate religious group five years ago, adding that recognising as such would amount to breaking up society. We wont do politics of breaking the society. The Congress government rejected this proposal in 2013, he said. Another BJP office bearer, who requested anonymity, said party president Amit Shah had sent out a clear signal to Karnataka leaders that they need to remain united and avoid public feuds, which have set back the party in the past. KEY FACTS Congress polled 15 million votes, BJP 6.24 million, KJP 3.07 million and BSR Congress Party 845,000 votes in the 2013 assembly election. KJP won six seats and finished second in 35 others and BSR Congress got four and was runner-up in three others. BJPs tally would have increased to 68from its final tally of 40if KJP votes were added to it. This does not include the six seats that KJP won. Together, it would have added up to 74 seats. BJP could have won at least 80 seats if BSR Congress Partys votes were added to its kitty. This does not include four seats that the BSR Congress Party won. The assembly-wise results of the 2014 parliamentary polls show BJP won 133 out of the total 224 assembly segments, ahead of the Congress (76) and the JDS (15 seats). The CBI has challenged in the Delhi High Court the acquittal of Essar Group promoters Ravi Kant Ruia and Anshuman Ruia and six others in a case arising out of the probe in 2G scam case. Besides Ruias, the CBI has also filed appeal against the acquittal of promoters of Loop Telecom Ltd IP Khaitan and Kiran Khaitan, Essar Group Director (Strategy and Planning) Vikash Saraf and three telecom firms - Loop Telecom, Loop Mobile India and Essar Tele Holding. The appeal is likely to come up for hearing on April 20. The probe agency said in its appeal that the special judge failed to appreciate the evidence and the law in proper perspective and the evidence on record clearly establishes the offence committed by the accused. On December 21, last year, a special court had acquitted Essar Group promoters, Loop Telecom Promoters and others in a case arising out of the 2G scam probe. The court had earlier charged them with the offence under section 120 B (criminal conspiracy) read with section 420 (cheating) of IPC, substantial charge of cheating was made out against Saraf. The CBI had named them in its charge sheet on December 12, 2011, alleging they had cheated the Department of Telecommunication (DoT) by using Loop Telecom as a front to secure 2G licences in 2008 in violation of Clause 8 of the Unified Access Service License (UASL) Guidelines. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Congress president Rahul Gandhi should apologise for using the term saffron terror, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah said in Bengaluru on Wednesday . Referring to the acquittal of all eight accused who belonged to right-wing outfits in the Mecca Masjid blast case on Monday, Shah said Gandhi had coined the term to appease certain groups. Addressing a convention of Shakti Kendra Pramukhs , the BJP president said, In its pursuit of vote bank politics, the Congress started using the term Hindu terror. They tried to substantiate their claim by putting false cases against Hindus, he said. Shah alleged the Congress, which was in power when the cases were registered, put pressure on investigative agencies to implicate Hindu activists while letting the real culprits go free. They defamed Hindus both inside and outside the country to appease a section of society. Now that the verdict has exposed them, they should apologise, else the country will punish them. Shah claimed that the people of Karnataka were itching to vote the Congress out in the May 12 assembly elections because the state government had given anti-national elements a free run. As many as 24 Hindu workers have been murdered during their watch but nobody has been brought to book, Shah said, assuring party workers that if the BJP were to come to power, the culprits would be nabbed in two days. Earlier in the day, Shah garlanded a statue of 12th century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara on the occasion of Basava Jayanti. He also met the noted Dalit poet Siddalingaiah. Repeated attempts to reach Congress spokespersons went unanswered. The appointments of nine advisors to the Delhi government ministers were cancelled because the legal opinion suggested proper procedures had not been followed in the whole exercise, the Union Home Ministry officials said on Wednesday. There were other lapses too in the exercise, they added. Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal had sent a reference on appointments of the nine advisors in the Delhi government a few months ago and sought the Home Ministrys direction on the issue. After receiving the reference from the LG, the Home Ministry had sought the legal opinion which said proper procedure had not been followed and there were lapses while appointing the advisors, an official said. Following this, the directive has been issued for the cancellation of the appointments. Another official said the Delhi government appointed the nine advisors without creating the posts. The nine advisors whose appointments were cancelled included Amardeep Tiwari (media advisor to the law minister), Arunodya Prakash (media advisor to the deputy chief minister), Raghav Chadha (advisor to the finance minister), Atishi Marlena (advisor to the deputy chief minister). After cancellation of the appointments, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said the Narendra Modi governments order was a conspiracy to derail the education revolution in Delhi. Vice-president Venkaiah Naidu on Wednesday spoke against linking rapes with politics, in an obvious reference to the protests over recent incidents of sexual assault and murder in Uttar Pradesh and Jammu. He was addressing a gathering at the launch of the Atal Amrit Abhiyaan, a health assurance initiative of the Assam government, during a visit to Guwahati. Naidu, who is on a three-day tour of Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur, also said that merely bringing in a new bill will not stem instances of violence against women in the country. The mindset needs to change, he stated. There should be stringent implementation of the law by the state governments concerned. The rape-cum-murder of an eight-year-old child allegedly by right-wing activists at Kathua in Jammu and the alleged sexual assault of an Unnao resident by BJP MLA Kuldeep Sengar have put the ruling NDA government on the backfoot. BJP-ruled Assam has also witnessed a spike in crime against women in recent months. Residents of the state took out a series of protests after the brutal rape-cum- murder of a Class 5 student at Nagaon in March. In what seemed to be a veiled reference to the recent Dalit protests against a Supreme Court order, Naidu then went on to denounce those trying to create controversies on the basis of caste and religion in the country. They believe it is a shortcut to power. We should be careful about these people, he said, but refrained from naming any political party. Naidu expressed his appreciation for a recent Asian Development Bank report predicting a 7.6% growth rate for India, but maintained that all sections of the society should be a part of this success story. Stressing on inclusive growth, he called upon the central and state governments to focus on bridging the rural-urban divide, poverty alleviation and eliminating illiteracy irrespective of caste, religion or any other consideration. The family of the seven-year-old girl, who was raped and murdered at a wedding, decided to travel to Etah for the festivities because she was keen on attending it. The child was attacked by a 19-year-old on Tuesday morning. I was very tired on Monday and had decided to stay back at home. But my daughter asked me who would come to her aunts wedding if the family did not attend the weddings in the locality. She left me speechless and I had no other option but to attend the function, the girls father recalled. He said while a ritual was on after the arrival of the groom, a relative asked his daughter to carry something inside the house. The accused was already there managing the tent put up for the function, he said. My daughter might have shouted for help but no one could hear her due to the loud music. We looked for her but failed to locate her. I rushed inside an under-construction house where I found the accused who tried to hide my daughters body but her feet were visible, he said. My first concern was my daughter. I pushed the accused aside and rushed her to the district hospital where the doctors pronounced her dead. People present on the spot nabbed the accused and handed him over to the police, the girls father said. Trying to come to terms with the incident, the family waited for the girls grandfather who had special affection for her. He reached Etah later in the evening as he works for a security agency in Delhi. Being a minor, the victim was not cremated but buried at Sainik Padav near Ramlila ground at about 7 pm on Tuesday in the presence of police, tehsil staff and BJP MLA from Etah Sadar Vipin Verma David. Former chief minister and now leader of opposition in Tripura Assembly Manik Sarkar is likely to get government accommodation and a vehicle after he sought the same from the government. He has been staying at the CPI(M) party office since the BJP government took over about a month ago. Sarkar, who ruled the state for 20 years, had moved to CPI(M) party office with his wife Panchali Bhattacharya on March 8, a day before oath-taking ceremony of the new BJP-IPFT government as he did not have a home in Agartala. In a letter, to Tripura legislative assembly secretary Bamdeb Majumder last week, Sarkar sought government accommodation near the chief ministers official residence and a vehicle according to his entitlement as leader of opposition in the assembly. Majumder confirmed receiving the letter in which he has sought government home. Sarkar verbally requested to allot him either an Innova or Scorpio as he is not physically fit to travel in an Ambassador car, Majumder said, adding that a Bolero jeep was given to him after the request was received. But Sarkar did not accept the Bolero, which was about five years old and had been driven 1.25 lakh km. The former CM who is in Hyderabad to attend the CPMs party congress which begins on Wednesday, could not be reached for comments as he doesnt carry a mobile phone. CPM state secretary Bijan Dhar said that Sarkar has asked for a large vehicle to travel to different parts of the state as he could not ride in an Ambassador due to his physical problem. Dhar said Sarkar had told him that he could take the Innova belonging to CPM party office if the BJP government cannot provide him the vehicle. Being a leader of opposition, Manik Sarkar is supposed to get required privileges and facilities like accommodation and vehicle. He had specified the vehicle verbally due to his physical problem, Dhar said. But the BJP took pot shots at Sarkar, saying he has turned a bourgeoisie. Sarkar had rejected a vehicle allotted to him for his movement and specified a particular brand of SUV. It shows that though he was known as the poorest chief minister of the country, he leads a luxurious lifestyle. His demands proved the point, BJP spokesperson Subrata Chakraborty said without elaborating how the demand for a particular vehicle because of Sarkars health problem means he indulges in luxury. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb is scheduled to move into his official residence Wednesday. The lane that leads to chief minister and other cabinet ministers official residences was renamed after Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookherjee after removing the 15-yeard old name Marx Engel Sarani. A top National Investigation Agency officer had cautioned his investigators against excessively relying on the confession of main accused Aseemanand in filing the charge sheet in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case, documents reviewed by Hindustan Times show. The anti-terror investigating agency came under attack from the Opposition on Monday for alleged shoddy probe after the five men, including Aseemanand, accused of plotting the 2007 bombing that killed nine people, were let off for want of evidence. But NIAs then additional director general NR Wasan had in 2013 written on the case file that Aseemanands confession would require a higher degree of corroboration since he had retracted the statement. HT has reviewed the comments. when the file (draft charge sheet) came to Wasan for his comments, he wrote there was not enough material on record to file a charge sheet against three suspects, a former NIA official familiar with the case said on condition of anonymity. In the absence of independent corroboration, the retracted confession should not be used to prosecute other three suspects, Wasan, who was the second senior-most NIA official, wrote, referring to Bharath Mohanlal Rateswar, Rajender Chowdhary and Tejram Parmar. Besides, he added that evidence offered by Aseemanands confession got further weakened as it was being used against a co-accused, the former NIA official said. A month after his arrest, Aseemanand in December 2010 confessed to a magistrate that a group of Hindu extremists was responsible for the Mecca Masjid blasts and also the Samjhauta Express train, Malegaon and Ajmer Sharif bombings. His statement was recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, making it admissible as evidence. But within weeks he withdrew his statement, saying it was forced out of him. A judge can still rely on it, provided it is backed with other evidence, experts say. Following Wasans comments, charges against Parmar were dropped. But in August, 2013 NIA went on to file a supplementary charge sheet in the court against Rateswar and Chowdhary. The two are among the five people who were let off on Monday. NIA also ignored Wasans argument that there was no direct reference to Rateswar being part of the plot to place two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the mosque, the former NIA official quoted above said. Only one IED went off, the other was found wrapped in a T-shirt Wasans argument was that at best an inference could be drawn against the suspects but there was no corroboration the former NIA official said. When contacted, Wasan refused comment. His boss SC Sinha said when the supplementary charge sheet was filed, he was not NIA chief. Sharad Kumar, who succeeded Sinha as NIA chief, wasnt available for comments. Nine people were killed and 58 injured when a bomb ripped through the historic Hyderabad mosque on May 18, 2007. The bombing was initially probed by the Hyderabad Police and then handed over to CBI, which filed the first charge sheet in 2010. A few months later, the NIA took over and filed three charge sheets naming seven persons. For two years, he bitterly battled his daughter in court, with the whole country watching. On March 8, the Supreme Court upheld his daughters right, and that of every Indian, to choose her partner and struck down a high court order that annulled Hadiyas marriage to Shafin Jahan. The soldier in KM Ashokan has taken the decision in his stride but the father is struggling. We have no complaints but we feel we have lost someone dear. Our loss is personal and we are resigned to our fate, says Ashokan. Sitting in their modest single-storey house, Devi Kripa (Goddess blessing), in Keralas TV Puram village in the famous backwaters of Kottayam, Ashokan browses the days newspaper. His wife, Ponamma, sits in a corner, lost in her thoughts. Two Kerala Police men keep a vigil outside the couple face threat from some fundamentalist outfits. After the verdict, they asked for the security to be withdrawn but police insisted on it. It has been more than a month that the Supreme Court allowed their only child, Hadiya, to go with her husband Shafin Jahan. Akhila, not Hadiya The parents are struggling to piece together their life. They say they harbour no ill-will and they fought for a right cause. For them, their daughter is still Akhila Ashokan, not Hadiya --- they dont like being referred to as Hadiyas parents. On Vishu, Akhila called to greet us and said she wanted to meet. I told her it would be better if she wont. When she insisted, I told my daughter she was welcome, but not Shafin Jahan. He is not welcome here, says Ashokan. Vishu is the Malayalam New Year, which was celebrated on April 15. Ashokan believes his daughter was tutored to speak against him in the court and she will realise her mistake. Look, our daughter is the apple of our eyes. I dont want her to be a human bomb. How can a father sacrifice his daughter knowing everything? His daughter was studying homeopathy in a Tamil Nadu college when she converted to Islam in January 2016 and took the name Hadiya. In the December of the same year, she married Jahan, who hails from south Keralas Kollam district. Read| Hadiya has the Constitutional right to make her own choices Its lonely Ashokan saw a conspiracy in his daughters choice of religion as well as partner. He approached the high court, saying the wedding was stage-managed and his daughter was bound for Syria to join the dreaded Islamic State. The high court annulled the marriage and gave Hadiyas custody to her parents but the SC struck down that order in March. We dont have a social life anymore. We rarely go out. I go out only to get my pension. Still I dont have any regrets, he says. But there is some hurt. More than the verdict my daughters charges against me really pained me, says Ashokan. Hadiya told the court and media she suffered intense mental and physical torture in her parents custody. She told media she was often sedated and physically assaulted. I feel she was tutored. Im sure one day she will realise her mistake, he says. But there is no such leeway for her husband. Ashokan always uses his son-in-laws complete name -- Shafin Jahan-- and is not convinced that he is not radicalised. There is disappointment as well, of a parent whose child has chosen a different path. I wanted my daughter to be a good doctor but she had turned out to be a preacher, he says in a reference to their daughter asking them to embrace Islam. Recently parents of some of the youth who went missing from north Kerala in 2016 and are believed to have joined IS called him, requesting him to form a group of people whose children were converted and dispatched to conflict-prone areas. I told them I am not interested. The verdict is yet to sink in but life has to go on, he shrugs. More than me, it is she who has been devastated, he says, pointing to Ponamma who hasnt moved from her lonely corner. Read| The lamentable humiliations of Hadiya Hundreds of noisy protesters greeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he arrived in London on Wednesday, demonstrating over a rising tide of sexual violence at home including two particularly brutal rapes. Holding placards reading Modi go home and we stand against Modis agenda of hate and greed, they gathered outside Downing Street and parliament as Modi arrived for talks with Prime Minister Theresa May. Sexual violence against women is a highly charged political issue in India, where protests regularly erupt about entrenched violence against women and the failure to protect them. The Indian government are doing nothing, and you feel sorry for the families because of the total injustice of it all, said Navindra Singh, an Indian-born lawyer who lives in Britain. He has been in power for four years now and there has been no policy change to help protect women and children. Demonstrators stage a protest against the visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi opposite Downing Street in London, Britain, April 18, 2018. (REUTERS) Protests have erupted across India after the latest rape cases were reported. Police officers and a politician are under investigation in two of the unrelated cases. In a crime that shocked India, an 8-year-old Muslim girl in the northern state of Jammu and Kashmir was kidnapped, drugged and held for several days while she was raped repeatedly and then murdered. In the other case, a state lawmaker from Modis Bharatiya Janata Party stands accused of raping a teenager. No action was taken against the politician until the girl threatened to set herself on fire earlier this month. Her father died soon afterwards from injuries he sustained while in police custody. Modi addressed the outrage over the rapes last week by promising justice regardless of whoever the guilty were. Nearly 40 percent of Indias rape victims are children and the 40,000 reported rapes in 2016 marked a 60 percent increase over the level in 2012. But womens rights groups say the figures are still gross underestimates. The Delhi high court on Wednesday expressed concerns that fatigued pilots and cabin crew are posing a risk to passenger safety and directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to prescribe a specific flight and duty time limitation (FDTL) for them. The courts order came while disposing of a plea filed by Yeshwanth Shenoy, a lawyer, which raised concern over possible fatigue caused to pilots and other airline crew by long flying hours. In his plea, Shenoy claimed that the aviation regulator was violating a rule that stipulates that a pilot cannot fly more than 125 hours over a period of 30 days. A bench of acting chief justice Gita Mittal and justice C Hari Shankar held that the regulator is bound to follow the amended Rule 42A of the Aircraft Rules, 1937, which deals with the fatigue management of flight and cabin crew. As far as the submission of the petitioner that the DGCA has no authority to grant any exemption or deviation from maximum limit of flying timing and duty period is concerned, there is substance in it, the bench said. The bench also took to task the DGCA for allowing airlines to change the stipulated FDTL. It directed the DGCA to examine the existing Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), 2011 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 42A and Rule 133A within a period of one year. A DGCA official said on condition of anonymity that the regulator would take action after examining the order. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday warned Pakistan against exporting terror while addressing the Indian diaspora during the Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath programme at the iconic Central Hall Westminster in London. At the event, the Prime Minister recalled that India first informed Pakistan about the 2016 surgical strikes before announcing them to the media. Referring to recent incidents of rape in the country, Modi said it was a matter of great concern for the country and should not be politicised. Modi is in London to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. The Prime Minister had a packed schedule for the day, which included meeting his British counterpart Theresa May, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Charles, and signing of several MoUs. Here are the highlights: 12.04pm: Joshi asks PM Modi how he would like to be remembered by history. PM replies, There is no need to recognise me above the 125 crore people of the country. I dont want to be made immortal in history. I hope the world remembers our country. 12.01pm: People ask, Why dont you respond to criticism? It is not my job to shut anybody up. I try to listen and improve. I have reached this position with the help of many, many people who told me what to do and what not to do, Modi says. 11.59pm: PM Modi says, Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism. I want this government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. My problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations. 11.55pm: India has made its place in the world. India is at the forefront of every international forum, India sets agendas: PM Modi 11.53pm: Last time, I could not go to the Commonwealth Summit in Malta. This time, Prince Charles himself came to invite me and said you have to attend the summit. Even Queen Elizabeth wrote a letter to me saying that you have to come: PM Modi 11.52pm: You all must have seen that the power of your passport has increased. People look at you with proud. India is still is the same. But today we can see a difference. Indian has managed to do this and now people know the power of India: PM Modi 11.50pm: Can you imagine that an Indian PM hadnt been to Israel for 70 years? Now I will go to Israel with confidence, I will also go to Palestine. I will go to Saudi Arabia and, if needed,for the energy needs of India I will go to Iran as well. We will deal with every country equally, he says. 11.46pm: PM Modi says, To count instances of rape by whose government is in power is wrong. To count instances of rape by whose government is in power is wrong. Rape is rape. We can never accept this kind of disturbing violence against women. This is an issue of grave concern for the nation. We must make our men accountable. #BharatKiBaat @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/e4osBDykA4 Bharat Ki Baat Sabke Saath (@bharatbaat) April 18, 2018 11.43pm: The benefits must reach the common man and that is what we are working towards: PM Modi 11.39pm: On Digital India, PM Modi says, The world is driven by technology. We are entering the age of artificial intelligence. There is scope for transparency and efficiency. 11.25pm: Modi says, If you will see where we stand in comparison to previous government, I can affirm that we left no stone unturned in doing good for the country on any parameter. Before 2014, newspapers headlines asked Aaj itna gaya, today they ask Modi ji kitna aaya. 11.21pm: We are working towards doubling the income of farmers by 2022 and making urea easily accessible: PM Modi 11.15pm: We must build an ecosystem that gives opportunity to everyone: PM Modi 11.11pm: PM Modi says, The concept of depending only on the government immobilises the public. We must do everything to empower the people. 11.08pm: Joshi asks, What is the Modi model of governance?. 11.06pm: What Lord Basweshwar did for women empowerment, democracy and social causes is an example for the world: PM Modi 11.02pm: Modi says everyone must read about Basaveshwaras work if they can. Lord Basaveshwara dedicated his life to the people and worked to unite them. 11pm: Santosh Patil from Karnataka asks the PM how Basaveshwara has influenced him. 10.55pm: Whether it is wellness centre for the country or private healthcare, we are working for the health of every Indian, says PM. We have focused on three things: students education, employment for youth and medicines for the elderly. 10. 51pm: A member of the audience asks if Modicare will change Indias health sector. 10.47pm: Modi says he has made efforts to move from co-operative federalism to co-operative-competitive federalism. 10.46pm: PM says, I assure the citizens that I can mistakes but I will not work with wrong intentions. 10.45pm: We have a million problems but we have a billion people who can solve them: PM Modi 10.43pm: Modi responds to Joshis question of whether he can change the country alone. Im an ordinary citizen just like you. Dont think of me any differently than you. 10.42pm: On rapes in the country, Modi says, We always ask our daughters about what they are doing, where they are going. We must ask our sons too. The person who is committing these crimes is also someones son. Rape is rape ... How can we accept this? PM said. Modi said the matter should not be politicised. This is a matter of great concern for the country and these sinners are somebodys sons... The rape of a (daughter) is a matter of worry, a shame for the country, Reuters quoted the PM as saying. 10.41pm: PM says, 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of Indias poor. 10.35pm: I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden: PM Modi 10.31pm: When someone puts a terror export factory in place, attacks my people, has no power to fight a war so makes attempts to attacks behind the back... in such a case Modi knows how give a reply in the same language, PM says. 10.30pm: Modi says Pakistan has always been informed when India retaliated. We informed them about surgical strikes before we talked to the media. We never hid anything. I said before India gets to know, we should call Pakistan and tell them what we did so they can come and take dead bodies if they have time. We were calling them since 11am but they were scared to come on phone. At 12, we spoke to them and then told the Indian media. 10.24pm: We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted: PM Modi 10.22pm: Responding to a question on the 2016 surgical strikes, PM Modi says, Look back at Indias history. India has never desired anyone elses territory. During World War I and II, we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces. 10.16pm: Participative democracy makes good governance possible: PM Modi 10.12pm: Modi says, Today the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement. 10.11pm: During the freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi did something very different. He turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement. He told every person that whatever you are doing will contribute to Indias freedom: PM Modi 10.09pm: Priyanka Verma from Delhi asks the PM, We select a government that works for us. You have tried to change systems, but should all this not have been done earlier? 10.08pm: PM Modi says, Impatience gives me energy. If you work with the motive of welfare for everyone, you can never be disappointed. 10.06pm: I know the day I stop being impatient , I will be of no use to the country: PM Modi 10.02pm: People have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the government will listen and do it. Days of incremental change are over, PM Modi says. 10.01pm: I am happy that there is aspiration and hope among people today and that people have expectations from me: PM Modi 9.59pm: Impatience is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, a person aspires a scooter. If a person has a scooter, a person aspires a car. It is natural to aspire. India is getting increasingly aspirational, says PM Modi. 9.56pm: PM Modi takes a question from a user on Twitter, Work is happening, but how do you view the impatience for development among people? 9.53pm: People are equivalent to Gods in a democracy and if they wish even a tea-seller can become their representative and shake hands at the royal palace: PM Modi 9.51pm: PM Modi says, My life at the railway station taught me so much. It was about my personal struggles. When you said royal palace, it is not about me but about the 125 crore people of India. The person at the railway station was Narendra Modi. The person in the royal palace in London is the sevak of 125 crore Indians. 9.50pm: Joshi asks the PM, Your life began from a railway station, and you are coming to this programme from the royal palace. What do you have to say about your life journey? 9.45pm: PM Modi takes the stage to rousing applause. 9.40pm: #Visuals from London's Central Hall Westminster ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's #BharatKiBaatSabkeSaath; Prasoon Joshi speaking at the event. pic.twitter.com/ZJkgYCaDmM ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 9.33pm: Moderator of the event Prasoon Joshi takes the stage. 8.30pm: MoU on illegal immigrants is under discussion. I think there will be a meeting of home secretary and home minister, perhaps the end of next month, and I presume we will continue to discuss it in that time: Foreign Secretary 8.20pm: The second issue was issue of terrorism and radicalism. PM described extremism, radicalism, terrorism as a rising challenge for both countries and for countries across the globe. It was agreed that one area where we need to enhance cooperation substantially is in cyber security field: Foreign secretary 8.15pm: Foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale speaks on the visit. PM Modi and PM May held discussions on wide range of issues including trade and investment, bilateral issues and international issues after which a joint trade review was held. PM emphasised it needs to be balanced agreement which have mutual benefits: 8.10pm: PM Modi and British PM May were at the India-UK CEO Forum at Francis Crick Institute in London. The two leaders later visited a showcase of India-UK collaboration in Science and Technology. #WATCH Prime Minister Narendra Modi and British Prime Minister Theresa May visit Research Labs at Francis Crick Institute in London #UnitedKingdom pic.twitter.com/NsnzDCDwx1 ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 7.04pm: I welcome the UK joining the International Solar Alliance. This gives strength to the fight against global warming. We are doing this for the well-being of our future generations: Modi 7.03pm: The Indian diaspora in the UK brings our countries closer. The diaspora is playing a commendable role in furthering the India-UK friendship: Modi 6.57pm: India-UK ties are diverse and extensive. Our meeting today will give new energy to bilateral cooperation between our nations: Modi 6.55pm: During talks with Theresa May, PM Modi said, I am glad to begin my programmes in the UK with this meeting. I thank you for the gesture of Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs BorisJohnson welcoming me. This gesture shows your respect for 125 crore Indians. 6.20pm: The MEA also says that the two leaders agreed terrorist and extremist organisations need to be denied space to radicalise, recruit and conduct attacks on innocent people. For this all countries need to work together to disrupt terrorist networks, their financing and movement of terrorists. 6.15pm: Ministry of external affairs says May and Modi agreed to strengthen cooperation to take decisive actions against globally-proscribed terrorists and terror entities to protect citizens, including Lashkar-e-Tayibba, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Haqqani Network, Al Qaeda, ISIS and their affiliates. 5.55pm: The spokesperson says May welcomed the return of Chennai Six to UK. Chennai Six were six British former soldiers who had been arrested and detained in India for four years but were were released and returned to Britain in December 2017. The British PM updated Modi on the progress of UKs withdrawal from EU, saying implementation period agreed upon in March gives Indian companies and investors confidence that market access will continue on current terms until end of 2020. Read: Post-Brexit UK will be just as important to India, says PM Modi 5.50pm: Downing Street spokesperson says May and Modi discussed the chemical weapons attacks in Salisbury and Syria, expressing concern and making clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. The spokesperson said May and Modi discussed co-operation between the two countries on legal matters. 5.15pm: A range of MoUs have been signed between India and the United Kingdom on issues such as cyber-security, organised crime and cleaning the Ganga. Among the signed MoUs is an arrangement between the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board of India and the Office for Nuclear Regulation of Great Britain for information exchange and cooperation on the regulation of safe nuclear energy use for peaceful purposes. 4.55pm: PM Modi tweets he had fruitful discussions with British PM Theresa May on multiple aspects of India-UK relations. Wonderful meeting with Prime Minister @theresa_may at 10, Downing Street. We had fruitful discussions on multiple aspects of India-UK relations. @10DowningStreet pic.twitter.com/Xugz1PwwQ3 Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 18, 2018 3.55pm: PM Modi pays tributes to 12th century Lingayat philosopher Basaveshwara, days before the assembly elections in Karnataka. The lead organiser of the event insisted it had no connection with the forthcoming election. The statue, which was inaugurated by the prime minister during his November 2015 visit, is situated along the banks of the Thames in the London borough of Lambeth. 3:10pm: Modi meets Prince Charles at the exhibition on 5000 years of science and innovation, in London. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Charles at exhibition on '5000 Years of Science and Innovation' in London. pic.twitter.com/iXHYBj4dnJ ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 1:50pm: Modi says it is a matter of happiness for him that he will get to interact with people in London on the birth anniversary of Lord Basaveshwara: ANI. 1:48pm: Im confident that new energy will be added to our ties after todays meeting. Im happy that UK will be part of International Solar Alliance, I believe this is not only fight against climate change but our responsibility for future generations, says Modi, according to ANI. 1:46pm: May says she hopes both can work together for the people of India and UK, reports ANI. 1:45pm: Both prime ministers hold meeting at 10 Downing Street. 1:30pm: Modi begins his day. Meets UK PM Theresa May at 10 Downing street. Shakes hands standing in front of iconic door. Theresa May, British prime minster (left), greets Narendra Modi outside number 10 Downing Street in London, UK, on April 18, 2018. (Bloomberg) 1pm: People wait in the streets to catch a glimpse of PM Modi in London. #WATCH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi greets people from Indian diaspora in London. #ModiInUK pic.twitter.com/JJemk7qFdY ANI (@ANI) April 18, 2018 8:30am: Modis engagements will begin with a handshake with British PM May, standing outside 10 Downing Streets iconic door. 6:30am: PMO tweets of Modi s arrival in London. The Prime Minister is greeted by foreign secretary Boris Johnson at the airport. The resignation of National Investigation Agency (NIA) judge Justice K Ravinder Reddy shortly after the pronouncement of a judgment acquitting all the accused in the 2007 Mecca Masjid blast case on Monday has set off a flurry of speculation in legal circles. The contents of Justice Reddys resignation letter, submitted to high court chief justice Ramesh Ranganathan hours after the verdict was delivered, were not disclosed to the media. However, people familiar with the development said he cited personal reasons and injustice to Telangana as factors that prompted the decision. The judge, who heads the fourth metropolitian magistrates court in Hyderabad, has gone on leave for 15 days pending the acceptance of his resignation. He remained confined to his residence in Uppal on the citys outskirts, and mediapersons who tried to contact him were turned away. A man who identified himself as Justice Reddys brother but refused to share his name said the judge was unwilling to talk. He is governed by the code of conduct, and cannot talk until his resignation is accepted, he added. The judges decision to step down gave rise to speculation that he had come under intense pressure to acquit all the accused in the sensational case. He even told some of his colleagues he was receiving intimidating calls, said an advocate on the condition of anonymity. Besides this, Justice Reddy was himself facing charges of corruption in granting out-of-turn anticipatory bail to a Kadapa realtor in a forgery case last year. The allegations were made in an affidavit submitted by Hyderabad businessman M Krishna Reddy to the high court on December 11, 2017. A copy of the document has been reviewed by HT. Justice Reddy reportedly cited personal reasons in his resignation letter. (File photo) Justice Reddys resignation has nothing to do with the Mecca Masjid judgment. Apparently, the judge feared that he might have to face an investigation by the anti-corruption bureau if the high court orders one on the basis of our affidavit, said senior high court advocate T Sri Ranga Rao, who filed the document on behalf of Krishna Reddy. Rao said Justice Reddy granted bail to the accused while he was heading the seventh metropolitan court in the absence of the regular judge, who incidentally had rejected the plea on two previous occasions. The fact that he granted bail in the absence of the public prosecutor showed that he harboured malicious intentions, the advocate added. However, another advocate suggested that the judge may be unfairly accused of corruption. As far as I know, Justice Reddy is sincere and has leftist leanings. There were no allegations of corruption against him in the past. Even Krishna Reddys affidavit only questions his unusual interest in granting bail, he said. The advocate said Reddy is also the president of the Telangana Judicial Officers Association, which wants bifurcated high courts for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. As Justice Reddy was supposed to retire in another two months anyway, it was unlikely that he would get an opportunity to become a high court judge. This must be why he resigned now, he added. There was also talk that Justice Reddy was considering a career in politics. He is likely to join the Telangana Jana Samithi, a new political party launched by Telangana Joint Action Committee chairman Prof M Kodandaram, said another advocate. The judge is interested in contesting the assembly elections from his native district of Karimnagar. Maybe thats why pro-Telangana Rashtra Samithi groups in the legal fraternity are trying to implicate him in corruption cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday paid tributes at the statue of 12th century Lingayat philosopher Basaweshwara in London, but the lead organiser of the event insisted it had no connection with elections in Karnataka on May 12. The statue, which Modi had inaugurated during his November 2015 visit, is on the banks of the Thames in the London borough of Lambeth. It was installed by the Basaweshwara Foundation, chaired by Neeraj Patil, a doctor in the National Health Service of UK. We are pleased to see the Prime Minister paying tributes to the pioneer of the worlds largest democracy (Basaveshwara) in front of the mother of all Parliament (Westminister), said Patil, a former mayor of Lambeth. However, he insisted that this has nothing to do with the (assembly) elections in Karnataka. Patil, who hails from Karnataka, was the Labour candidate in the London constituency of Putney during the 2017 general election, but lost by a narrow margin to the Conservative candidate, Justine Greening. The Siddaramaiah government in Karnataka in March decided to recommend religious minority status for the Lingayats, who have historically been considered part of the Hindu fold. His decision was seen as a strategic move ahead of elections in the state. The Lingayats traces their origins to Basavanna, who was born a Brahmin but rejected the caste and ritual-based Hindu tradition. Prime Minister Theresa May and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday discussed recent chemical attacks in Syria and Britain, with the UK leader reiterating her governments position on what she described as Russias recent destabilising behaviour. A Downing Street spokesperson said after their breakfast meeting that both expressed concern and made clear their opposition to the use of chemical weapons by any party in any circumstances. Britain has blamed Russia for the poisoning of a former Russian spy and his daughter in Salisbury in March, setting off a row between the West and Moscow. The Prime Minister (May) reiterated the UKs position on Russias recent destabilising behaviour, underlined by the attack in Salisbury and the protection provided for the Syrian regimes repeated use of chemical weapons against its people, the spokesperson said. The meeting lasting more than one hour covered a range of issues, including Brexit and the shared priorities of the two countries in the Indo-Pacific, with the two sides committing themselves to working more closely to ensure the region remains free and open. The Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Modi on the progress of the UKs withdrawal from the EU, saying the implementation period agreed in March gives Indian companies and investors the confidence that market access will continue on current terms until the end of 2020, the spokesperson said. She reiterated that the UK will remain committed to global free trade and investment and that the UK will remain a leading hub for global finance. Prime Minister Modi said there would be no dilution in the importance of the UK to India post-Brexit. He said the City of London was of great importance to India for accessing the global markets and would remain so. The interaction included discussions on the progress in bilateral defence and security cooperation since Mays visit to India in 2016, and the agreement on a number of Defence Capability Partnerships in key strategic areas, with closer military-to-military ties. The leaders agreed to continue working together closely to combat terrorism, radicalisation and online extremism, officials said. The two countries, in a joint statement, said they share a global outlook and commitment to a rules-based international system that strongly opposes unilateral actions that seek to undermine that system through force or coercion. The joint statement said, A secure, free, open, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific is in the interests of India, the UK and the international community. Modi and May also welcomed the commercial deals worth 1 billion agreed on Wednesday and decided to build on the recommendations of the UK-India Joint Trade Review to reduce barriers to trade, to make it easier to do business in both countries and to enable a stronger bilateral trade relationship for the future. Looking to the future, the Prime Minister and Prime Minister Modi discussed the new UK-India Tech Partnership agreed today which will create thousands of jobs and generate significant investment in both our economies. The Prime Minister said the partnership will be at the core of much that well do together over the next decade, the spokesperson said. Only 22 women and 23 Muslims have been fielded by the Congress, BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular) for the Karnataka assembly polls so far. The three principal parties have already announced over 497 candidates for the electoral contest on May 12. While the Congress fielded 15 women and 15 Muslims out of 218 candidates, the BJP propped four women but no Muslim in its list of 154 so far. The JD(S) did not do much better, having named just four women and seven Muslims in its list of 126 candidates. According to the 2011 Census, women comprise around 50% of the population while Muslims account for around 13%. But individually, these groups do not constitute even 5% of the total candidates announced. Political leaders said the prospect of victory trumps societal representation in matters concerning candidate nomination. Only six women and 11 Muslims were elected to the Karnataka assembly, comprising 224 legislators, in the 2013 election. Victory in the polls was the only consideration in our mind while picking candidates, said Dinesh Gundu Rao, working president of the state Congress. He added that the number of Muslims may go up slightly as the party was yet to pick candidates for six constituencies including Shanti Nagar. HD Kumaraswamy, JD(S) leader and the partys chief ministerial face, said the party would increase its Muslim-women tally because it has announced candidates for just 126 seats until now. We will ensure that the number of Muslims and women is increased in our second list of 98 candidates. In all, we hope to prop up 15 candidates from each group, he added. Repeated attempts to reach BJP spokespersons proved unsuccessful. BJP national president Amit Shah, flanked by state president BS Yeduyurappa (L) and BJP MP Prahlad Joshi (R), at a press conference during his state tour ahead of Karnataka Assembly Elections, in Davanagere. (PTI File Photo) Noted writer BT Lalitha Nayak said the patriarchal structures in society are intact despite visible changes on the surface, and this is the primary reason for the under-representation of women in electoral politics. Unfortunately, there is a feeling that women will not be able to compete against men especially in politics, she observed. As victory is the only criterion that matters to political parties, this situation is unlikely to change soon. Nayak held differing standards for male and female politicians as one of the primary reasons for this perception. For example, if a female politician distributes liquor among her supporters in the same way as some male candidates do, she would be boycotted even by women voters, she said. While the writer admitted that reservation for women could help to an extent, she maintained that strict implementation of rules by the Election Commission was a better solution. This can become a level playing field for women only if the cap on political funding is strictly enforced, and criminal activity is curbed, said Nayak. Qazi Arshad Ali, a former legislator, said the 1978 elections witnessed the highest number of Muslim candidates being elected to the Karnataka assembly. As many as 15 Muslim candidates won back then, as opposed to 11 in the 2013 elections, he added. Ali said there were two primary reasons for the under-representation of Muslims in Karnataka politics. Although Muslims account for around 13% of the population, they are spread evenly across the state... they are not concentrated. There are only two seats in the state where Muslims are a majority Chamaraja in Mysuru district and Gulbarga North. The second reason, he said, was the increasing competition between political parties. When the Congress was the dominant force, it could get anybody elected. But that is no longer the case. The number of Muslim representatives has declined because the prospect of victory is now the only criterion for consideration, he added. Ali said the situation would have been similar for the SC/ST community in the state too, if it hadnt been for reservation. India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council, according to a joint statement issued in Stockholm after the first Indo-Nordic Summit. The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland) agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members, said the statement issued late on Tuesday. The Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for the Councils reform, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century. The Nordic countries welcomed Indias application for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity, it said. India and the Nordic nations also agreed to deepen cooperation on issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change at the Summit which was attended by Modi during his visit in Stockholm. The Summit emphasised Indias strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India, said the statement. The Prime Ministers acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were the major challenges for the international community. The leaders discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. For India, Nordic countries are a potential source for clean technology, environmental solutions, port modernisation, cold chain, skill development, innovation among other areas. According to figures provided by the external affairs ministry, Indias trade with the Nordic countries totalled around $5.3 billion in 2016-17, with cumulative foreign direct investment in India at $2.5 billion. April 1 this year was not an ordinary Sunday. That day, 17 local Kashmiri men died. Of them, 13 were armed local militants and four were civilians killed when they rushed to the encounter sites to protest against military action. The bloody Sunday was a reminder of the festering insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir; of the fact that the locals are once again leaving the comfort of their classrooms and disappearing into the mountains to train as militants in makeshift camps. It was also a reminder that Kashmiris women included are rushing to encounter sites despite the danger of being killed in crossfire. Kashmir is the biggest internal security challenge that successive state governments and the Centre have had to grapple with. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to take Atal Bihari Vajpayees formula of Kashmiriyat, insaniyat and jamhooriyat forward, but peace remains a serious casualty. Modi spent his first Diwali in flood-affected Srinagar in 2014 but that gesture is all but forgotten in the constant trail of death. Since the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined hands to form a government in the state in 2015, the number of locals joining militancy has gone up with each passing year. Read | Kashmir: Civilian killings must stop, forces should show restraint, says govts interlocutor According to official data, while only 16 local militants were active in 2013, the number jumped to 53 in 2014. After Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani became the poster boy of new techsavvy militants, the number went up to 66 in 2015, 88 in 2016 and it swelled to 124 in 2017. Only recently, Junaid Sehrai, the son of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat chief, Ashraf Sehrai (touted as separatist SAS Geelanis successor) joined the ranks of militants and surprised many. Junaid is a PhD scholar from Jamia Millia University in New Delhi and an MBA from Srinagar. The death toll of civilians and the killing of militants saw a sharp spike after Wani was killed in July 2016. The unrest that engulfed the Valley left over 100 civilians dead and thousands wounded by pellet guns that became the leitmotif of the oppressive arm of the State. The security forces, including the army, went on the back foot and operations against terrorists were stopped, especially in South Kashmir, which became the epicentre of the unrest. In 2017, however, more than 200 militants were killed, according to police records. State police chief SP Vaid says the number is the highest in seven years. In 2010, 270 militants were killed. Independent observers argue perhaps correctly that the Kashmir problem cannot be summed up by sheer numbers. Data does not capture the depth and spread of the widespread alienation that lies at the core of the protests that have become a daily occurrence. Why is no one asking why Kashmirs youth are pelting stones when they should be at work or in their classrooms? asked an observer who asked not to be named. Kashmir, in fact, has been hurtling from one crisis to another in the past four years that the PDP and the BJP have been alliance partners. The main opposition party, headed by former chief minister Omar Abdullah, has been arguing that the alliance has acted as a red flag. Experts argue that he may not be off the mark because his successor, Mehbooba Mufti, was the one who sought votes on the pretext of keeping the BJP out of the Valley. Read | Killing of civilians in Valley: Justice is not only crucial, but critical It hasnt helped that the two alliance partners are pulling in different directions. The recent rape and murder of an eight-year-old in Kathua in the Jammu region is the latest example of the uneasy relationship between the two. The BJP was finally forced to drop two of its ministers, who had joined a rally in support of the rape accused, but only after Mehboobas brother, Tasadduq Mufti the states tourism minister spoke up, using strong language. In an interview to Indian Express, Tasadduq Mufti said: We were supposed to be partners in rebuilding this place but, sad to admit this, due to the non-fulfilling of commitments, we have ended up being partners in a crime that an entire generation of Kashmiris might have to pay for with their blood. Mehbooba herself has been seeking a political resolution and has called for a dialogue with Pakistan, but her pleas remain unheard. The prime minister has reached out on occasion, but there is no sustained political process that has been set in motion to address the alienation. The promise to make Kashmir a paradise again came on August 15 in 2017, a year after the Valley had seen one of its bloodiest summers. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of Red Fort, Modi said: Na goli se, na gaali seh, baat bane gi gale lag ke. Promising to embrace Kashmir, he said neither bullets nor brickbats would work. The problem is this government (at the Centre) lacks sincerity, says Kashmir watcher and former bureaucrat Wajahat Habibullah. He points to the fact that a lot of talking is done by the Army chief, who until recently, has argued against any dialogue process. Read | Kashmir violence being stoked by talk of revenge, says citizens group General Bipin Rawat had also commended an officer who tied a Kashmiri to the bonnet of a jeep to escape a stonethrowing crowd. Some balm was sought to be applied when the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government appointed former Intelligence Bureau director Dineshwar Sharma as an interlocutor to hold talks with all stakeholders. But not only has Sharma been boycotted by the separatists, even trade associations have refused to meet him. On his recommendation, the Mufti government worked out an amnesty scheme for first-time stone-pelters, but that is only a small step in a place that has been in the grips of a persistent insurgency for three decades. Mehbooba has been urging the prime minister, even at a meeting last week, to initiate a meaningful political process. But Habibullah says: The lack of a policy is harming the state. Till a clear policy is framed, Kashmir will continue to lurch from crisis to crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Norways pension fund to invest in new sectors in India citing the complementarity of the economies of the two countries. Modi, during a bilateral meeting with Norwegian Premier Erna Solbergen here, underlined the Indian openness to foreign investment and also invited Norwegian companies to invest in India, a Norwegian government statement said. Modi encouraged the Norwegian State Pension Fund Global to consider investing in new sectors in India, it said. The Pension Fund had invested $11.7 billion in India at the end of 2017, an increase of $2.5 billion from 2016. During their meeting here on Tuesday, the two leaders also agreed that the complementarity of the economies of the two countries offered huge scope for greater cooperation, The areas of cooperation that were discussed included energy, green transport, environmental technologies, innovation, maritime and marine economies. Modi and Solberg also discussed a joint action plan to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Solberg underlined the importance of India succeeding if the world is to achieve the UNs Sustainable Development Goals, the statement said. Prime Minister Modi stressed that Norwegian and Nordic technologies and experiences could play a positive role in helping India achieve the goals, it said. Also the importance of the world taking decisive action to stop the environmental degradation of the oceans and to develop sustainable use of the vast resources of the ocean was a key topic of discussion, the statement said. The bilateral meeting was followed by an Indo-Nordic Summit where all the five Nordic prime ministers participated. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday expressed shock over the alleged gang-rape and murder of a minor in a land where people regard little girls as reincarnations of goddess Durga. Mufti was referring to the alleged rape-cum-murder of an eight-year-old girl by right-wing activists at Kathua in January. The incident shook the countrys conscience, spurring people across its expanse to take out protest rallies. Speaking at the sixth convocation of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University here, the chief minister said: When we talk of the value system, I think it is under a real crisis. Recent occurrences against weaker and underprivileged sections, especially females, have shaken us as a society. The Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in the Trikuta Hills known to be the goddess abode is probably the best testimony of societys value system when it comes to treatment of women, Mufti said. Recalling the days spent visiting the cave shrine in her childhood, the chief minister said: The entire set of rituals in this part of the state revolves around the Kanya Pujan, because here we literally worship girls as reincarnations of the goddess Durga. How could anybody commit such a heinous act against one such living form of the Mata (mother) in her own land? Mufti said material progress of any sort becomes meaningless if people fail to inculcate the qualities of compassion, humanity and inclusiveness. A charge-sheet filed by the state crime branch revealed that the girl belonging to the nomadic Bakarwal community was starved, drugged and gang-raped in a temple before she was finally killed. Protests by students continued in Kashmir on Wednesday against the rape and murder of an 8-year-old girl in Kathua that has triggered widespread outrage across the country. Students took to the street in Anantnag, Awantipora, Srinagar, Baramulla and Ganderbal, among other areas. In some spots, clashes between students and security forces were reported. On Tuesday, similar protests were witnessed in Sopore and Baramulla towns of north Kashmir and in Srinagar. In Srinagar on Wednesday, demonstrations by various student organisations were by and large peaceful. In Anantnag, the rally was initially peaceful but clashes soon broke out. Some miscreants turned violent and indulged in stone-pelting. They also tried to enforce a shutdown in Anantnag town, a police spokesperson said. Two policemen and as many protesters were injured , the spokesperson added. A police official in Awantipora said the student protests turned violent at the Islamic University of Science and Technology and the Government Degree College in Tral. In Pulwama, stones were thrown at members of a municipal committee carrying out an anti-encroachment drive, police said. In Awantipora miscreants tried to block the main road, but police intervened to prevent vandalism, a police statement said. The appointment of a judge to the Punjab and Haryana high court has become the latest flashpoint between the Supreme Court and the government, with the SC collegium disagreeing with a move by the Centre to not approve the confirmation of Justice Ramendra Jain a day before he is due to retire. The collegium, which is responsible for appointment of judges to the high courts and Supreme Court, on Tuesday reiterated his name for appointment as a permanent judge of the Punjab and Haryana high court in response to a letter from the government to the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra asking that justice Jains appointment be reconsidered as he was earlier supposed to be transferred out of the high court. Passing a fresh resolution for the appointment of justice Jain , the Supreme Court collegium comprising Misra, justice Jasti Chelameswar and justice Ranjan Gogoi has written back to the government saying that justice Jains appointment must be processed most expeditiously keeping in view that the current term of justice Ramendra Jain is going to expire very shortly on 19th April, 2018. Hindustan Times has a copy of the resolution. In the resolution, the collegium cited its earlier decision of July 2017, when it had said that justice Jain should be retained in the Punjab and Haryana high court, where he was appointed as an additional judge in 2015 and then given an extension on April 20, 2017. Justice Ramendra Jain has been performing well in the Punjab & Haryana High Court and no information warranting his transfer has come to our notice. The Collegium is of the considered view that he be allowed to continue to function in that High Court, keeping in view the depleted Judge-strength of the High Court. The Collegium resolves to recommend accordingly, the resolution said. Unless the government processes his appointment by April 19, Justice Jain will retire. Additional judges are appointed for a specific term, while the retirement age for a high court judge is 62 years. When contacted, the governments department of justice , which oversees the appointment of judges, declined to comment . This is the second time in the last three months that the Supreme Court Collegium and the government have had a face-off over appointments. The appointment of the chief justice of Uttarkhand high court KM Joseph and senior advocate Indu Malhotra as a Supreme Court judge have been pending with the government since January 10. Appointments of judges to several high courts, which are functioning below their sanctioned strength, are pending with the government as the two sides are yet to finalise a new memorandum of procedure for the appointments of judges. A public interest litigation was filed on Wednesday in the Supreme Court, seeking the urgent appointment of judges in the Calcutta high court, which has an approved strength of 72 judges and is functioning at half its strength as of April 1, 2018. Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit on Wednesday apologised to a senior woman journalist after he set off a firestorm by patting her cheek at a press conference at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday. The apology came following a demand by journalists in the state after Lakshmi Subramanian tweeted a picture in which the governor is seen patting her cheek and expressed her shock at his behaviour. In a letter to Subramanian, the governor wrote, I gave a pat on your cheek considering you to be like my granddaughter. It was done with affection and to express my appreciation for your performance as a journalist since I was also a member of that profession for about 40 years. The journalist took to Twitter to announce that while she accepted the apology, she was not convinced about Purohits intention. Your Excellency, I have with me your letter expressing regret at what happened at the press conference in Chennai the previous day. I accept your apology, even though I am not convinced about your contention that you did it to appreciate a question I asked @TheWeekLive pic.twitter.com/JhjPOQy8UW Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 18, 2018 Banwarilal Purohit had patted the journalists cheek at a press conference at Raj Bhavan on Tuesday that he had convened after a woman professor of Virudhunagar, arrested for trying to lure college girl students into extending sexual favours for high varsity officials, claimed she was close to Purohit. He dismissed all allegations and said they were baseless and tried to deflect tough questions from woman journalists. But during the close of the conference, the governor patted the cheek of Subramanain, sparking outrage among journalists and politicians. Subramanain said she was angered and agitated and described the governors action as an uninvited gesture. Journalists got together and drafted a letter reminding the governor that what he has done was a non-bailable criminal offence. As the Constitutional head of our state of Tamil Nadu, you have crossed the lines of not just basic courtesy but also those of law, a letter collectively written by the journalists to the governor said. Even if your gesture is paternal in nature, touching a lady without her consent is a crime under the Tamil Nadu Prohibition of Harassment of Women Act, 1998, the letter further stated. DMK Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi said in a tweet, Even if the intention is above suspicion, a person who holds a public office has to understand that there is a decorum to it and violating a woman journalists personal space does not reflect the dignity or the respect which should be shown to any human being. The journalists demanded an unconditional apology and an assurance from him that he would not repeat such action in the future. Mr Governor, we the journalists of Tamil Nadu demand that you offer an unconditional apology to the journalist in question and also assure all journalists of Tamil Nadu that you will not violate their rights in future, the journalists said in a letter to him. Two storms lashed parts of West Bengal, including Kolkata, on Tuesday evening killing at least 15 people as winds topping 80 kilometres per hour toppled trees, disrupted train and air traffic and uprooted electric poles in the region. Seven were killed in Kolkata and six in Howrah after the two norwesters, seasonal storm common in the region, struck the eastern state on Tuesday evening. Two people were struck by lightning in Hooghly and Bankura districts in south West Bengal. In Kolkata, five people died when a tree fell on the autorickshaw they were travelling in on Lenin Sarani in the central part of the state capital. One person was killed when a house collapsed in the Anandapur area in the eastern part and a pedestrian died after a tree fell on him in Behala on the southern outskirts. Four people, including a teenage girl, were killed in Ward 61 of Howrah near Belur in two separate incidents. Two others were electrocuted when a tree fell on overhead electric wires and the wires crashed on them. More than a dozen people were also injured in different parts of the state after branches of trees fell on them and some in wall collapses. The metrological office said a northwestern with gale speed of 84kmph first hit Kolkata and other south West Bengal districts around 7:42pm. Another storm struck the state capital and adjoining districts with a wind speed of upto 98kmph soon after at 7:55pm. Officials said a there was a cloud build-up of 10km in height, 13% more than that of Mount Everest, and a spread across 40km. The storm and rain brought down the temperature by about 7 degrees Celcius. The temperature at 6:30am on Tuesday was 27.3 degrees Celsius, 2 degrees above normal. The temperature on Wednesday at the same time was 20.2 degrees Celsius or 5 degrees below normal. Weather officials said on Wednesday that the sky will be partly cloudy during the day and there may be several spells of rain and thundershower. Widespread damage The full extent of the damage became evident on Wednesday morning as Kolkata Municipal Corporation employees and disaster management teams battled to clear uprooted trees and cables hanging on the streets. We have deployed our entire force to clean up the mess from the city streets. By afternoon, all the streets will be cleared and traffic will be normal everywhere. Most of the trouble was due to uprooted trees, lamp posts and dangling wires, state minister for disaster management Javed Khan said. Mobile and internet services were also hit with the storm snapping overhead wires and damaging mobile towers. Two mobile towers in Uttarpara and Hindmotor of Hooghly district gave way, throwing vehicular traffic off-gear. The twin storms played havoc with the public transport system, as trams and trains halted on their tracks with the overhead wires snapping. Flight services were affected for 100 minutes at the NSCBI Airport as planes bound for Bhubaneswar, Delhi and Agartala took off late. Suburban train services of South Eastern Railway and Eastern Railway went haywire as trains were stopped at various stations. In South Eastern Railways Howrah division, services were disrupted in Howrah-Bardhaman and Howrah-Tarakdewhar sections, badly inconveniencing thousands of passengers. A flyover railing was uprooted and fell on platform numbers 19 and 20 of Howrah station. However, no one was injured. In Eastern Railways Sealdah division, train movement was disrupted in various sections. The Kolkata Metro Railway services were hit when a tree fell between Dum Dum and Noapara stations and passengers were stuck in the tunnel. (With inputs from agency) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) arrested the promoters of the Vadodara-based Diamond Power Infrastructure on Wednesday morning for allegedly defrauding a consortium of banks to the tune of Rs 2,654 crore. The accused SN Bhatnagar and his sons Amit and Sumit had absconded after the investigation agency registered an FIR against them earlier this month. The company and its directors allegedly managed to procure term loans and credit facilities despite being listed on the Reserve Bank of Indias Defaulters List and the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) Caution List at the time of initial sanction of credit limits by the consortium, a CBI spokesperson said. A statement issued by the agency on Wednesday stated that it raided various locations across Vadodara, including the official and residential premises of the accused, on April 5. After the searches, notices asking the accused to join the investigation were issued. Instead, they absconded and could not be found at their known places of residence, the spokesperson said. Bhatnagar and his sons requested anticipatory bail from the special CBI judge in Ahmedabad on April 6, but their petition was rejected four days later. Even then, the accused did not join the investigation and tried to avoid due process of law. The special judge issued non-bailable warrants (against the accused) on April 13. The CBI located them at Udaipur in Rajasthan with the assistance of the Gujarat police late on Tuesday, and they were arrested on Wednesday morning, the spokesperson said. They were brought to Ahmedabad and produced before a special CBI court the same afternoon. The CBI has accused the company which manufactures electric cables and related equipment of fraudulently availing credit facilities from a consortium of 11 public and private banks since 2008, leading to an outstanding debt of Rs2,654.40 crore. It allegedly utilised cash credit limits for obtaining a large number of letters of credit, many of which were force-charged on the credit limit because they could not be honoured by the company. Diamond Power Infrastructure was declared a non-performing asset in 2016-17. Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Wednesday criticised narrow-minded people who ridiculed his statement that internet and satellites existed during the era of the Mahabharat and India invented advanced technology lakhs of years ago. They want to belittle their own nation and think highly of other countries. Believe the truth. Dont get confused and dont confuse others, Deb was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Deb had said on Tuesday that the 18-day war in Kurukshetra was relayed by narrator Sanjay to the blind king Dhritarashtra with the help of internet technology. Yeh desh wo desh hai, jisme Mahabharat mein Sanjay ne baithke Dhritarashtra ko yudh me kya ho raha tha bol raha tha. Iska matlab technology tha, internet tha, satellite tha... (This is the country where the episodes of the Mahabharat war were narrated to Dhritarashtra by Sanjay. This means technology was there, the internet was there, the satellite was there...), Deb said in a speech. Deb then added that technology was invented more than thousand years ago and that the National Informatics Centre (NIC) was just using it. I congratulate the NIC for their jobs but you people didnt discover technology. It was discovered much earlier. Even the European countries can claim that they have invented the technology but in reality, the technology was ours. Many of our Microsoft engineers are working in the USA and other countries. My country is rich in culture, he said. The newly elected BJP government has declared that it plans to make Tripura a model state in the next three years. The uncle of the teenaged girl, allegedly raped by Kuldeep Singh Sengar in Uttar Pradeshs Unnao, has said he was slapped with fives criminal cases in less than a month last year by the aides of the Bharatiya Janata Party legislator hell-benton destroying his family for taking him on. All the cases were registered at Unnaos Makhi police station on different dates but according to the complainants, I committed all the offences on October 21. On that day, I was present in the village for less than three hours, he said on Tuesday. The uncle said Arun Singh, Vinod Mishra, Rajkumar Singh, Santosh Mishra and Shashi Singh, the woman who allegedly took his niece to Sengars house on the day of the crime in June last year, registered the cases against him. They also include three people, who have been arrested on charges of murdering the girls father. Arun Singh lodged a complaint against me for my Facebook posts against Kuldeep Sengar. Vinod Mishra alleged that I had shot at him twice for refusing to carry out propaganda against the MLA. Shashi Singh claimed that I barged into her house and assaulted her, he said. Sengar is a four-time MLA once from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), twice from the Samajwadi Party (SP) and presently from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and wields considerable clout in the Unnao region. Another case of assault and intimidation was registered against the girls father, who died while in judicial custody after being assaulted by men purportedly connected to the MLA. The girls uncle claimed Arun Singh is the son-in-law of Uttar Pradesh minister of state for agriculture Ranvendra Pratap Singh alias Dhunni Bhaiya. The minister said the Central Bureau of Investigation was investigating the case when asked to comment on the allegations of the girls family that he was trying to shield his son-in-law. What else do you want? Should the probe be given is to some bigger agency? Is there any agency bigger than CBI? Let the CBI investigate the case, he added. The girl has alleged that she was raped by the BJP MLA at his residence on June 4 last year. Her father was booked by the police for illegal possession of firearms and put in jail this April after her family filed a case against the BJP MLA. The teenager attempted self-immolation in front of the chief minister Yodi Adityanaths residence on April 8 alleging inaction on the part of police in filing a case against the BJP member. Her father died the day after, hours after he collapsed in prison, where he had been detained, of injuries he allegedly sustained after being beaten up by the MLAs men. The federal agency on Monday registered a fresh case against two more people to include charges of gang rape and kidnapping, taking the number of cases to four. The first case, of rape, names BJP MLA Sengar and Shashi Singh. The second accused the MLAs brother and others of murdering the girls father when he was in judicial custody. The third is against the victims father, who was arrested under the arms act and put behind bars by police in Unnao. The BJP MLA was sent to police custody for seven days by a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court on Saturday, a day after he was arrested by the agency. An emotional Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury on Wednesday rejected allegations about his pro-Congress mindset and told the 22nd party congress that his only objective is to defeat the BJP. Hours after his predecessor Prakash Karat presented the political resolution in at the congress in a rare departure of norms, Yechury stood up to present what he called the minority point of view . He insisted that there should be a scope of political understanding with other parties. I am not a Congressman. I am not asking for an alliance with the Congress. There are allegations that I am advocating for Congress. I am not, said Yechury, while he appealed for an unified view on the issue of the partys political-tactical line. Karat, who enjoys the majority support, said that electoral politics and the political-tactical line should not be mixed. This political resolution is for three years but when election comes we will take suitable steps to defeat BJP, he said, reminding that in 2004, the Left supported the United Progressive Alliance without any specific mention in the political-tactical line in that regard. Two senior leaders from West Bengal, the state which is solidly behind Yechury, said if there is no middle path, there will be voting on the political line on Friday. Casting votes on the political line could be a rare and embarrassing step as it exposes fault lines between the state units. In his last ditch effort to push his political line at the party congress, Yechury earlier on Wednesday called for mobilizing secular democratic forces to defeat the BJP government. Yechurys inaugural speech focused on countering the BJP-RSS combination, sparing any mention of the Congress. The general secretary wants the CPI(M) to keep the door ajar for a political understanding with the Congress amid hectic parleys in the Opposition camp for an anti-BJP alliance for 2019. The powerful Prakash Karat camp, comprising of states like Kerala, are opposed to any such step. Yechurys line has so far been rejected in the politburo and the Central Committee with an overwhelming majority. The party congress is the last forum for the final debate on this issue and if the general secretarys proposals gets defeated, Yehcurys status as the head of the party will be will be under pressure. The debate on the political-tactical line started in the afternoon and is expected to continue for the next few days. The Alwar police on Wednesday booked a school teacher for sending obscene messages to a Class 9 student. Two FIRs have also been registered against the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal members for creating ruckus at the private school on Tuesday night. On the complaint of the students father, we have registered a case against the teacher under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act. We are investigating the matter, said Sheesh Ram Meena, the station house officer of Aravali Vihar police station. The accused is absconding. The students father alleged that the teacher used to touch the girl inappropriately and push her to have physical relations with him. He alleged that the matter was reported to the principal, but no action was taken. The father also alleged that he, along with other guardians, had gone to the school on Wednesday morning and told the school principal about the obscene messages. After the news spread, some VHP and Bajrang Dal members reached the school and misbehaved with some teachers, said Meena. He said two cases have been registered against the 40-50 protesters for obstructing police to perform their duty. BJP MLA Banwari Lal Singal also visited the school and registered his protest with the principal over the issue. Two teenagers from Barmer district left their homes early this month, in two separate incidents, to meet persons they had befriended on Facebook, highlighting the potential pitfalls of social media on adolescents. Police later traced them and handed them over to their parents. According to police, Ven Singh, a resident of the districts Jansingh Ki Beri area, had lodged a case at Girab police station on April 8 alleging that his 16-year-old son, Mahipal Singh, had gone missing from home. He also told the police that his son was in touch with some people on Facebook. Police found the boy in Barmer city, about 60 kilometre from his native village, on April 16. The police said the boy went to meet his Facebook friends as he was not interested in studies and wanted to make a career in dancing. A day after the missing report was lodged the same police station received another similar complaint. According to the police Kanwarj Singh, a resident of Hanumanji village in the district, lodged a case at Girab police station on April 9 alleging that his 14-year-old son Bhedpal Singh was kidnapped by some unknown accused. The complainant also claimed that his son was in touch with some people on Facebook and they might have kidnapped him. On April 11 the police traced the boy to Patna in Bihar. During questioning the boy said he had left the home to meet his Facebook friends. As the lawyers strike at Calcutta High Court entered the 58th day on Tuesday, an RTI activist filed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking court intervention to bring an end to the cease work that has put common people in great trouble. The litigant, Biswanath Goswami, said although he has filed the PIL at the Calcutta High Court, the application has been addressed to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. I have been informed by the registrar general of the high court that they will forward my application to the office of the CJI at the earliest, Goswami said. Goswami said that in his application he has quoted various judgements of the apex court that declared such strikes as illegal. This is the first and only move by any person to end ongoing strike or ceasework, he claimed. Read: Govt moves to appoint 5 Calcutta HC judges, lawyers strike may end soon The strike, called by Bar Association of Calcutta High Court and supported by Bar Library and Incorporated Law Society, started on February 18 to press for immediate appointment of judges in the court. A total of 10,000 advocates are on strike, paralysing the operations of the countrys oldest high court. There are more than 2.2 lakh pending cases at Calcutta high court. Bar Association president Uttam Kumar Majumdar denied any knowledge of the PIL filed by Goswami. I am unable to comment since I am not aware of it, he said. The association is scheduled to review the situation on April 19 and take a decision on whether to continue with the strike. Read: Calcutta HC suspends Bengal panchayat poll processes till April 16 Though there is a sanctioned strength of 72 judges at the Calcutta High Court, there are only 33 right now. Two of these 33 judges are deputed at Port Blair circuit bench, thus effectively reduces the number to 31. The Bar Association has argued is that except Karnataka High Court, every high court in the country has more than 50-60% of the sanctioned strength of judges. Only Calcutta High Court is functioning with 45% strength, it has said. This is the longest strike by lawyers at the court. The earlier record was a 45-day strike in 2004. It was part of a statewide stir against a sharp revision of stamp duty rates in which lawyers from all courts in West Bengal participated. Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday told the people of Amethi that in 15 years, the constituency will be as developed as Singapore and California. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating a school in his parliamentary constituency, Rahul also accused the Centre and the Yogi Adityanath government of halting the states progress by taking away big projects. After 10-15 years, when people would mention Singapore and California, they will also mention Amethi in the same breath, Rahul said. He further said Amethi will become a world famous education hub soon and nobody can stop this from happening. The Gandhi scion is on a three-day visit to the familys pocket borough constituency of Amethi and Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh. His mother and former Congress president Sonia Gandhi is the Member of Parliament from Raebareli. With bank ATMs running out of cash in most cities in Uttar Pradesh like in many other parts of the country, Congress president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a visit to his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi, blamed on Tuesday demonetisation and weakening of the banking system for it. Modi ji has destroyed the banking system of the country, thats what I have to say about it. During demonetisation also we were forced to stand in queues as he (Modi) snatched 500-1000 notes from our pockets and put them in businessman Nirav Modis pocket, said Rahul in Amethi. Rahul was replying to newspersons questions on the ATM issue. On BJPs 2014 Achey Din slogan and promise, Rahul said: Dont know when Achey Din will come. Rahul also attacked Modi for his silence over the banking frauds and said: Nirav Modi fled with 30,000 crore and the prime minister didnt utter a word. He said the prime minister was scared of speaking in Parliament during the second half of the just concluded budget session, which was completely washed out due to protests. Had we been allowed 15 minutes to speak in Parliament on Rafael (jets) issue and Nirav Modi matter, the Prime Minister wouldnt have been able to stand it, Rahul said. Rahul said Modi personally knew Nirav Modi and Choksi and called them as Nirav bhai and Mehul bhai. The achey din BJP and Modiji had promised for the nation were ushered in only for 15 persons, including Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi. For the poor of this country, including farmers, labourers and daily-wagers, it is all bure din, He added. Addressing a public meeting at Jamo in Amethi later, he said, The government led by the man who claims having a 56 inch chest is spreading hatred among people. Modijis government has failed on all counts. Now, it is pitching Hindus against Hindus and fanning violence. Rahul inaugurated a community centre at Majgawan village in Jamo. Modi ji has 56 inch chest, but there is no place in it for the poor people. Because of wrong policies of the government, the farmers are not getting reasonable prices for their produce. Farmers did not get any loan waiver, but billionaires got exemption of 2.5 lakh crore. Talking about Amethi, Rahul said the Modi government shut down the mega food park project, Hindustan Papermill, and IIIT. (With Agencies inputs) Union minister of state for agriculture Krishna Raj has said the Narendra Modi government is working in a planned manner to double farmers income by 2022. Talking to journalists after holding a meeting with officials here on Tuesday, she said the government was making quality seeds and fertilisers available to farmers as per the requirement of the soil. She said the government also encouraged private investment to enhance food storage capacity in the country. About the marketing of agriculture products, the minister said e-platform services had started in 585 mandis (grain markets) across the country. We are offering incentives for dairy, poultry, and beekeeping to enhance farmers income, he said. She claimed the newly introduced Rs 6000 crore Kisan Sampada Yojana, seeking to promote the food processing industry, will benefit 20 lakh farmers and provide jobs to 5.5 lakh people in the country. To a question, the minister said some political parties were alleging Dalit atrocities in the BJP-ruled states to further their political interests. By Ivan Ssenabulya. Makerere University has denied reports that one of its students has been sexually assaulted by a staff member. The university spokesperson Rita Namisango says the young woman whose picture has been circulated on social media showing her and a man in a compromising position is not a student but rather an alumnus. Edward Kisuze, the man said to be in the photo was yesterday suspended by the university over sexual harassment allegations. The senior administration assistant in the office of the Academic Registrar is being investigated by police over sexual harassment. Namisango however calls for calm as investigation into the matter continue. Saifai, the ancestral village of Samajwadi Party founder Mulayam Singh Yadav and party chief Akhilesh Yadav, had a tryst with Gagan Shakti-2018, with two Hawk aircraft landing at the towns airstrip Tuesday morning as part of the Indian Air Forces biggest exercise in the last three decades. The two-week long training exercise involving the IAFs entire fleet strength across all its bases in the country, began on April 8. This is not the first time the IAF has used the Saifai airstrip for landing its fighter jets. Before this on May 16, 2015 the IAF tested the airstrip to see if could be used for emergency landings. It had landed two Mirage 2000 jets at the time. In this undated photo provided by the Air Force, soldiers board a C-130J plane during the ongoing IAF exercise Gagan Shakti-2018. (PTI) As part of the ongoing massive IAF exercise Gagan Shakti-2018, the Indian Air Force conducted a Mass Casualty Air Evacuation Drill in the Northern sector. (PTI) Akhilesh Yadav tweeted about the Tuesday morning landing and said: While the UP governments defence corridor plan is still a castle in the air, the Saifai airstrip that we made could come in handy for the IAF for the air exercise. Since 2015, the IAF used Saifai airstrip, the Agra-Lucknow Expressway, and the Yamuna Expressway five times for landing its fighter jets. It also used the Agra-Lucknow Expressway once for landing its transport planes. Gagan Shakti is a biennial full-preparedness drill to test operating procedures and doctrines of the IAF. It also doubles up as a training platform for a multi-front war. The Yogi Adityanath government on Tuesday gave the green light to selection of contractors for developing the 340-km Purvanchal Expressway. The state cabinet okayed the Request for Proposal drafted by the project development consultant for inviting bids and selection of developers. We will be spending Rs 23,349 crore on building the e-way by 2020, said cabinet minister and government spokesperson Srikant Sharma. Over half-a-dozen proposals related to upgrading of road infrastructure and medical facilities in Gorakhpur and Amethi were taken at the cabinet meeting presided over by chief minister Yogi Adityanath. Clearing the decks for upgradation of medical facilities in Amethi and Jagdishpur, the cabinet approved demolition of old buildings in Amethi and Jagdishpur to make way for a modern 30-bed maternity wing and state-of-the-art trauma centre. Similarly, a decision was taken to set up a regional medical research centre and a labour complex at Nehru hospital at Rajkiya Medical College, Gorakhpur. The state government has decided to transfer land free of cost to the authorities for the construction of research centre. While work on the Purvanchal Expressway is scheduled to commence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to lay its foundation stone sometime later this month, plans are also afoot to build a similar expressway for Bundelkhand. The two expressways, combined with the existing 304-kilometre Agra-Lucknow Expressway, will form the connectivity web of UP. Sharma said the state government had already sanctioned Rs 4,677 crore for the Purvanchal Expressway and will raise another Rs 12,000 crore by way of loan from banks. We will spend nearly Rs 7,500 crore on acquiring 4,332 hectares of land in 413 villages from 57,437 farmers and Rs 930 crore has already been disbursed to the districts, he said. To be built on engineering procurement and construction (EPC) model, the contract for the proposed expressway will be awarded to developers in eight packages. Apart from giving a fillip to trade and industries, the project was expected to provide 10,000 direct/indirect job opportunities, the minister said. E-TENDERING EXEMPTION To expedite work, contracts for works of up to Rs 10 lakh have been exempted from the e-tendering process. OTHER DECISIONS Other decisions taken related to amendment in service rules for employees of horticulture and food processing department, fixation of rent for hiring of private godowns and implementation of wage recommendations made by AICTE in 1989 in state polytechnics across the state. The Uttar Pradesh government on Tuesday sacked a police officer allegedly trying to strike a deal to help a gangster escape possible death in an encounter, said a government official who did not want to be named. Suneet Kumar Singh, station house officer of Mauranipur police station in Jhansi district was earlier suspended after an audio clip surfaced on Sunday where he is heard telling the gangster how he could possibly avoid an encounter by managing an MLA. It has now emerged that Singh was a rogue cop and an embarrassed government has started an exercise to weed out similar police officers. The state government is likely to order a probe and take action against the then home department secretary who had revoked all charges against Singh in other cases on March 8, 2017, people familiar with the matter said. The clean chit had paved the way for Singh to be reinstated as SHO, they added. Sigh had eight cases of misconduct, including serious charges like removing the name of criminals from investigation, intimidating police constables, hobnobbing with criminal gangs and firing on the staff of a bar in Kolkata. Giving clean chit to the police officer involved in criminal activities is a serious matter and appropriate action will be taken against him. It shows that senior officers in the state government were hand in glove with the tainted policeman who was indulged in criminal activities and was sent to jail, said a senior state government officer. The reinstatement of the tainted officer as SHO has embarrassed the state government. A home department officer, who refused to be named, said the procedure to identify tainted police officers, who got field postings, had started. A list of such officers was being prepared, he said, adding they would be removed from their posts and face departmental action. Home department principal secretary Arvind Kumar said the state government had already ordered a probe into the Jhansi episode and sought a report from the senior superintendent of police. An audio clip, purportedly of Singh, asking a gangster Lekhraj Yadav to manage the local BJP MLA Rajiv Singh and BJP district unit president Sanjay Dubey to save himself from getting killed in an encounter went viral on the social media on Sunday. The state government suspended Singh and ordered a probe. The state police had also ordered probe into an alleged fake encounter staged by Singh on the UP- Madhya Pradesh border on Friday in which Lekhraj Yadav managed to escape . Four men, including two teenagers, were arrested by the Badlapur police for possession of 209kg of ganja. The cops have also seized two four-wheelers from the accused. The total value of all these possessions amounts to Rs68 lakh. The accused Naresh Somnath Ahire, 19, Kunal Dattu Kadu, 25, Sunny Ashok Pardeshi, 20, and Amol Bhausahaeb Ghanghav, 19 were produced in court on Wednesday and are now in police custody. Police have formed multiple teams to nab the main accused Rajaram Dattu Kadu who is still at large. Senior police inspector Rajendra Agarkar from Badlapur police station, said, On Tuesday night, we received information about a man coming to the ST stand with ganja. We then laid a trap and nabbed Naresh. While investigating, he revealed the place from where, he had got the ganja. The cops seized 2.2kg of ganja from him. The Thane crime branch units officer was appointed and then a team was formed to look for the other accused. After the teams were formed, we went to Dhoke, a village in Dapivli - Thane rural. We found a farm house owned by Rajaram. During midnight, we raided the farmhouse and seized 207.6kg of ganja and two four-wheelers. We arrested three people from the spot, while the main accused Rajaram managed to escape, said Agarkar. Police are also trying to find out the locations the accused sol ganja at, and who were the people purchasing it. Amid opposition, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporations standing committee on Wednesday sanctioned a proposal to outsource services of private medical staff for nearly 150 intensive care unit beds in 12 hospitals in the suburbs at a cost of Rs23 crore. Patients, however, wont have to pay for it. Nearly 150 ICU beds of 12 hospitals, including Rajawadi hospital (Ghatkopar), Bhagwati hospital (Borivli), Bhaba hospital (Kurla) and MT Agarwal (Mulund), will have private medical staff. Members of the standing committee slammed the BMC administration accusing them of privatizing civic hospitals. After the proposal was sanctioned, the opposition parties walked out of the standing committee meeting. Ravi Raja, leader of Opposition, said, Despite increasing the health budget upto nearly Rs3,000 crore, the administration has been unable to improve the infrastructure and get better medical staff for our hospitals. This clearly shows the inefficiency of BMC officials to give basic civic facilities. We discussed the proposal for more than an hour and decided to not outsource the work, however, the Shiv Sena passed the proposal without even considering our points. The administration clarified that there will be no increase in treatment cost for the patients. The opposition parties, however, managed to reject another proposal which allowed outsourcing of medical staff of 52 ICU beds worth Rs8 crore. Patients at Cama and Albless Hospital have been forced to find radiation treatment elsewhere after a Rs20-crore state-of-the-art radiation therapy machine broke down 11 months ago. The Linear Accelerator (LINAC) equipment was being used to treat tumours in more than 90 women cancer patients daily, but has been lying defunct since June 2017. Patients are instead being referred to the overburdened Tata Memorial Hospital (TMC) or other expensive private hospitals. The department used to be frequented by cancer patients since, but since last year, at least two doctors and other staff who used to conduct the therapy have been sitting idle, said a staff member of the women and childrens speciality hospital. The machine was installed in 2013 and is under warranty for one more year, during which the US-based manufacturer Varian Medical Systems is responsible for repairs. However, the equipment company is currently involved in a dispute with the JJ Group of Hospitals, and allegedly claims that the repairs can only take place by June 2018. We paid 90% of the amount and as per the contract, its supposed to be handed over to the state after which we will pay the remaining 10%. During this period, the manufacturers bear the responsibility but they have refused to do so until full payment is made, said a hospital employee. Dr Rajashri Katke, medical superintendent of Cama Hospital, said the manufacturers representatives visited the hospital on April 18 to discuss repairs. Its not a serious issue, he said. The Dindoshi police recently arrested two men for allegedly robbing a 76-year-old woman of Rs13.75 lakh at knife point at her penthouse in Goregaon (East). According to police, the incident took place at around 3.40pm on Saturday. The main accused Prakash Kamat, 30, had been working as a domestic helper with the family for past six to seven months. The other accused, Roshan Pandey, 31, plays supporting characters in Bhojpuri films. Kamat made two sets of duplicate keys to the cupboard. When the 76-year-old member of the family was home alone, Kamat alerted Pandey, and showed him the way in from the terrace. Pandey gagged the citizen, wrapped a scarf around her eyes, tied her up and put a knife to her neck. Both men wore masks. They took the valuables they could find and fled. Kamat, after transferring the loot to his wife, alerted the police. Initially, we suspected something amiss about him. After further questioning, he confessed to the crime, said Rajesh Pradhan, additional commissioner, north region. Kamat and Pandey were arrested on Sunday and Tuesday, respectively. We have recovered valuables worth Rs10.50 lakh, said Rajaram Vhanmane, senior police inspector, Kasturba marg police station. The duo has been remanded to police custody by a magistrate court for further probe, said Ganesh Pawar, police inspector, crime, Dindishi police station. The Maharashtra government has sanctioned four more police stations for Mumbai and greater Mumbai to deal with the steadily increasing cybercrime cases. A police official said, within few days an official government resolution will be passed in this regard. Around 186 trained police personnel will be posted at each police station. They will be reporting to the deputy commissioner of police (cyber) Akhbar Pathan. A look at cybercrime in Mumbai shows that the number of cases detected is going down. In 2016, 928 cybercrime cases were registered while 203 cases were detected. In 2017, 1,361 cybercrime cases were registered in which, 197 cases were detected. Special Inspector General Brijesh Singh, said, With the increasing number of cybercrimes it was important to increase the capacity and capability to tackle these crimes. We are also equipping our officials with state-of-the-art technology. Balsing Rajput, superintendent of police, state cyber, said, Four new police stations for Mumbai have been sanctioned to ensure speedy investigations and detection of cybercrimes. The state has started 43 new police stations, each one in every district and also started 51 cyber labs. Days after a German Shepherd mauled his pet dog to death in his Cuffe Parade building, Aspi Chenoy, a senior counsel practising with the Bombay high court, has registered a case against the owner and handler of the attacker dog. According to the police, Chenoy lives on the 21st floor of Jolly Maker Apartments, a high-rise in Cuffe Parade, while the accused, Tarun Bali, lives on the fourth floor. In his complaint, Chenoy claimed the incident took place at 7.30am on March 23, when the handler of the German Shepherd, Laxman, took the service elevator from the fourth floor with the dog. On the 21st floor, Chenoys domestic help was waiting for the lift with 10-year-old Sassy, a Collie. As the lift opened, without any provocation, the German Shepherd attacked Sassy to the extent that the female dog suffered a broken jaw, five deep bites, serious internal injuries and its kidney was destroyed. The liftman attempted to stop the dog, but could not control it. I was inside my flat, when I heard Sassys cries. The CCTV clearly shows how Sassy tried to save itself by running towards the door, but the German Shepard kept attacking, Chenoy said. For 15 days, Chenoy took Sassy for treatment, with the dog even undergoing a surgery. On April 7, Sassy succumbed to its injuries. She was like my daughter. I couldnt go to court for two weeks after the attack. Sassys death came as a shock. Sassy was like a family member to us, Chenoy said. Chenoy has put up posters in the building warning all residents of the German Shepherd. Its not the first time that the dog has attacked another dog. Such a thing has happened at least thrice. In August 2017, too, my other pet dog was attacked by the same dog, but it suffered minor injuries so I let it pass. Bali had then promised that his dog would be kept muzzled and on a leash, he said. The society has banned the German Shepherd from using the elevator or roaming around other dogs. Chenoy approached the Cuffe Parade police on April 13 and registered a case under section 114 (abettor present when offence is committed) and 289 (negligent conduct with respect to animal) of the Indian Penal Code against Bali and Laxman. Manoj Kumar Sharma, deputy commissioner of police, zone 1, said, The investigation is on. Further action will be taken accordingly, said Sharma. The Cuffe Parade police are scanning the CCTV footage. Gold bars worth Rs33 lakh were found in the toilet of an aircraft at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) on Wednesday. According to the Air Intelligence Unit, the gold was hidden in the toilet, but was traced only after the aircraft landed in the city from Abu Dhabi. The flight from Abu Dhabi to Mumbai was to further fly in the domestic sector. Before domestic passengers could board the aircraft, we checked the aircraft and found the gold bars, said a high-ranking AIU officer. The modus operandi of smugglers is conceal gold while it is flying on the international route. Further, another domestic passenger boards the same flight from Mumbai and retrieves it from the hidden spot. Sources said smugglers book tickets in such flights as there is minimal checking after arrival at domestic terminals. The gold bars were wrapped in three layers of cream, black and white adhesive tapes. They were concealed under the tissue paper roll near the mirror of the toilet. Authorities are investigating about the suspects who may have been involved in concealing the unclaimed gold. A case has been registered against unidentified suspects in this regard. After India Metrological Department (IMD) predicted an above average rise in temperature across Vidarbha and Marathwada in April and May, the state issued an advisory to all district administrations. The government has directed changes in office and school timings. Moreover, all collectors have been asked to implement precautionary measures. Disaster Management Unit (DMU) of the state has launched an awareness campaign and has been asked to implement similar campaigns at local level as well. District administrations have been warned about high temperatures, especially in May. The IMD has predicted a steady rise in temperature across Maharashtra. Entire Vidarbha, Marathwada and parts of northern Maharashtra are likely to experience higher temperatures in the coming weeks. We have asked the district administration to replicate the action plan prepared by Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC). The municipal corporation has changed the office timings, ensured that schools are shut before April 15 and has also taken other measures to avoid casualties owing to heatwave, said a DMU official. Chandrapur and Nagpur districts record highest temperature in the state. On May 25, 2012, Chandrapur crossed 47 degree Celsius mark. The highest temperature recorded in Chandrapur was 46.7 degree Celsius in April 2017, revealed data collated by DMU. When the temperature rises by 5 degrees Celsius above average for two consecutive days, it is considered as a heatwave and the administration declares a high alert. The advisory talks about dos and donts for the administration and citizens. Besides, office timings, administration has also been advised to appoint nodal officers to implement the plan. The administration has been directed to keep temples and public places open in the afternoon, the officer said. The Maharashtra Medical Council (MMC) has summoned 53 doctors for questioning, amid allegations that they procured fake passing certificates for additional degree courses in the College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPS), a top office-bearer of MMC said on Wednesday. The MMC has already suspended 20 doctors from the college, after their additional degree certificates were found to be fake, the office-bearer said. The council had found that the 20 doctors had procured passing certificates despite failing in the exams conducted by CPS. We have decided to dig further into the certificate controversy surrounding the CPS, which offers PG diplomas and fellowships. A total of 53 doctors have been summoned for questioning, MMC president Dr Shivkumar Utture told PTI. We will be verifying their actual score and the certificates issued to them. The council will hold a hearing in this connection on April 21 in Mumbai. The 20 doctors, who were suspended in 2016, had registered for the PG diplomas and fellowships with the CPS in 2014-15. It is an insiders job. Someone within the college helped the students get the certificates, as everything on the documents is genuine, such as emblem, ink, paper and other things, Utture said. CPS offers PG diplomas in 26 disciplines, including ophthalmic medicine and surgery, gynaecology and obstetrics, dermatology and venerology, orthopaedics, medical radiology and electrology. The college came under the radar after some students complained to the MMC about alleged malpractices in procurement of certificates. Thereafter, the MMC wrote an e-mail to CPS asking for documents about the 20 doctors, who had passed out of it. After the MMC realised that certificates are fake, they were suspended in 2016. An FIR was registered against the college at Bhoiwada police station in 2016, he said. Trustees of Bandras Mount Mary Basilica have moved the Bombay HC, seeking the quashing of a First Information Report (FIR) filed against them on the basis of a local residents complaint. The resident has accused them of trying to usurp his ancestral property. Robinson Gonsalves, who stays near the church, had filed a complaint five years ago, claiming that priests were trying to usurp his ancestral property and had boycotted him. Gonsalves said the authorities at Mount Mary were trying to procure his land to build a wedding hall there. Following this, an FIR was registered against Bishop John Rodrigues, Fr Michael Goveas and four others associated with the church last year, under the sections 447, 506 and certain sections of the Social Boycott Act. However, the counsel of the Bishop said the church had purchased the land in 1972 through a registered conveyance deed and Gonsalves was trespassing on their property. There is no substance in the complaint because the church does not boycott anyone and the land belongs to the church, which is why we have moved HC to quash the FIR, said Joaquim Reis, senior counsel. Gonsalves alleged that he and his family are not allowed inside the church and he was not allowed to set up a stall at the Bandra fair in September. My child was humiliated and we were forced to remove him from the school because I wasnt willing to withdraw the case. I visit the church every morning, but the bouncers there kick me and my family out. Now we have go to some other church, Gonsalves said. My family isnt allowed to take communion there and my father wasnt conferred confirmation as well. However, a senior officer from Bandra police station said social boycott was not applicable in this case because Gonsalves had earlier set up a stall at the fair. The case is related to a property dispute between the trustees of Mount Mary and a devotee, wherein they have taken possession of the land. We have been asked to investigate, he said. In order to sort out differences between the two rescue agencies in the city -- Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) -- the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has called the chiefs of both the agencies to collectively decide a standard operating procedure (SOP) to carry out rescue operations at disaster sites. The procedure will focus on guidelines for rescue operations, ensuring cooperation between the two teams and taking charge of the rescue operation in question depending upon their expertise. Apart from this, the SOP will also involve deployment of NDRF and Fire Brigade officials at sensitive spots during monsoons. The meeting is expected to be held this week. Apparently, heated arguments between MFB and NDRF during the rescue operations were witnessed by the locals at the tragic Sai Siddhi building collapse at Ghatkopar, which claimed the lives of 17 people. However, both the teams denied arguing with each other and said there was just some confusion between the teams, which was immediately cleared. The incident took place on July 25 last year. The two agencies, who have had their differences over leading rescue operations at disaster sites, have been directed by BMC to conduct a meeting and frame the SOP along with a pre-monsoon planning for disaster management. IA Kundan, additional municipal commissioner, said, I need to ensure there is a healthy coordination between the teams since our focus is to save lives. I have asked both of the teams to sort out their differences and focus on SOPs for rescue operations. It was observed by BMC that since MFB has its presence in all the areas of the city it is the first to reach disaster sites, whereas, the NDRF is only stationed in Andheri and gets delayed while reaching a disaster site. However, the civic body is well aware about who should lead the charge. Kundan added, The NDRF has expertise in handling building collapse and floods. Anupam Srivastava, commandant of NDRF, said, We have been asked by BMC to frame SOP for rescue operations to avoid confusion. Since the NDRF takes time to reach the disaster sites considering it is located in Andheri, we are deciding upon some standard rules. BMC has directed both the teams to have smoother coordination to carry out the operations. Srivastava added, The first team to reach the disaster site will distribute the area (determine which agency controls which part of the disaster site), which will be followed by the other team. Sites where the risk level is high will be handled by NDRF. Also, our officials will be deployed at fire stations, schools and police stations that are close to sensitive spots. Both the rescue teams have their own experts that are deployed on the disaster site to handle fire disasters, tree collapse, building collapse and floods. A senior official from BMCs disaster management team said, Maharashtra is a multi-disaster prone state. It is vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, cyclones, earthquakes and landslides as well as man-made disasters like fire and building collapses. The NDRF has been constituted at the national level for effective response to such disasters. During the monsoon season, the city witnesses several disaster calls like tree falls, flooding and building collapse. The deployment of the teams will be done during this time in order to have a quick response to disaster calls. Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar has alleged that police action was being taken against Dalit leaders and workers associated with Elgar Parishad in order to destroy evidence collected by them against right-wing leader Sambhaji Bhide. Ambedkar, who heads the Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangh, said that this was a part of a larger conspiracy to label Dalit activists as Maoists. The Pune police seized the laptops and other materials of the activists involved in the organisation of Elgar Parishad. Their motive is to wipe out the evidence against Bhide that we had presented to the CM during a protest in March, said Ambedkar. Ambedkar also alleged that the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) was interfering in police action. In Govandi, an RSS activist named Krishna was directing the operations of the police, said Ambedkar. Ambedkar refuted Devendra Fadnavis claim that the raids were part of Centre-directed action against Maoist activities in urban areas. I will not call him a liar, but he is misleading the people, said Ambedkar. The chief ministers office, however, said that no official statement had been issued by Fadnavis on the issue. The action came on the basis of a first information report filed against Kabir Kala Manch artistes for delivering provocative speeches during the Elgar Parishad. The Parishad was held at the historic Shaniwarwada in Pune on December 31, 2017, ahead of the 200th anniversary of the Bhima-Koregaon battle. The complaint, filed in January, blamed the songs and speeches for the violence which erupted the following day. Sambhaji Bhide, who heads the Shiv Pratishthan, and Milind Ekbote, who presides over the Samasta Hindu Aghadi, are believed to the masterminds behind the violence. Ekbote, who was unable to secure anticipatory bail, has been arrested. Bhide is yet to be arrested. The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai police has arrested two more people for allegedly duping a non-governmental organisation in Delhi, Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI), of Rs22.32 crore. According to the banking unit of EOW which investigated the case, Arunkumar Mudaliar, 32, and Rahul Gohil, 36, were part of a criminal conspiracy and posed as authorised executives of the organisation and without its knowledge. They fraudulently used PHFIs fixed deposit for their own gain, said an EOW officer. EOW sources said that the duo is facing at least 16 such cases for duping many organisations of several crores using similar modus operandi. Mudaliar and Gohil were arrested on Monday. The mastermind of the fraud, Vimal Barot, and Goregaon Amrita Mathews, former manager of a private sector bank, were already arrested in the case. Barot is closely associated with Mohammed Fasiuddin, whos in jail facing several banking frauds, cheating and FD fraud cases. The EOW booked all accused for cheating, on the complaint of Amit Chaturvedi of PHFI in 2014. PHFI, which was launched on March 28, 2006 by then Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, focusses on building institutional capacity to strengthen education, training, research and policy development in the area of public health. The investigation has revealed that the accused Gohil, former employee of Barot, approached PHFI in November 2013, posing as a manager of a public sector bank (Malad). He offered them good interest on fixed deposit, said another EOW officer. Convinced, PHFI then deposited Rs25crore with the bank in FD. The accused kept the original FD receipt with themselves and sent a bogus receipt to PHFI through courier. Mudaliar and Mathews posed as authorised executives of PHFI, produced the original FD receipt at the Malad band, mortgaged the FD (of Rs25crore) and managed to get OD (overdraft) facility. They then transferred Rs22.32 crore to another current account opened in the same bank in the name of PHFI with the help of bogus documents and forged signatures, said the officer. Later, money from this current account was transferred to the bank accounts of 19 companies by Barot and Mathews. When PHFI learnt about, it lodged a complaint with EOW. The investigators found Barot was the mastermind. Barot, vice-president of an events and hospitality service provider in Mumbai, was earlier arrested in 2014 for duping another public sector bank of Rs220 crore. His associate Fasiuddin was in the past arrested for cheating an educational society of Rs4 crore and is facing many cases, including some investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Want to catch a glimpse of how the railways functioned in the Great Indian Peninsula Railway (GIPR)-era, the predecessor of the central railway (CR)? Head to the heritage lane at the PD Mello Road entrance of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT). On the occasion of the World Heritage Day on Wednesday, the CR inaugurated the lane. Among the seven structures on display are the Great Indian Peninsula electric loco manufactured in 1925, Albion printing press installed in Byculla in 1899, lifting and hauling steam crane manufactured in 1929. The structures have been brought from different premises of the CR. The electric loco kept on display has been brought from Kalyan. We plan to display more structures of historical importance in the lane, said SK Jain, divisional railway manager, central railway Meanwhile, 100 trees, which were cut for infrastructure projects, have been replanted in the lane. More such trees will be replanted not just in the heritage lane, but also in areas where we have space. We are planning to replant more trees in Lokmanya Tilak Terminus (LTT), said DK Sharma, general manager, CR. The central railway also had an inaugural run of the steam loco on Wednesday. The loco was operated on diesel between Aman Lodge and Matheran railway stations. The CR is devising a plan to increase tourism on the entire Neral-Matheran section. If all goes to plan, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao in his capacity as the Chancellor of the University of Mumbai will hold final interviews beginning today to give the beleaguered University a vice-chancellor. He would have to choose from among the five men in the final shortlist who, according to reports, made it there from a group of 34 interviewed by the search committee from a staggering 102 aspirants. Will the University have the kind of vice-chancellor it desperately needs? I would not bet on it. This is the second opportunity the Chancellor has to select a person with the right blend of academic stature, public profile, organisational capabilities and, above all, a vision for the 161-year-old once-reputed institution. He would have to buck the trend of the last few years and select a person who can pull the University out of the morass it is in and set it on a path of excellence, not someone who would be convenient for the ruling party as has been the recent trend. The University needs not merely an acceptable vice-chancellor; it urgently needs an intellectual with administrative competency. He had, after all, selected Dr Sanjay Deshmukh in mid-2015 to head the University when it was besieged by the disastrous tenure of Dr Rajan Welukar whose appointment and academic qualifications were both challenged in the Bombay High Court. Dr Deshmukhs brief tenure was marred by, among other things, the total collapse of the Universitys examination system and he was dismissed the first vice-chancellor to have the ignominy in its history. Dr Deshmukh was, to put it mildly, a surprising choice. The frequent lament over the declining stature of the University, the chaos and indifference in its administration and academic quality, the slide in its national and international rankings, the quality of its academic research and physical infrastructure can be correlated to two factors: The overt and covert politicisation of its functioning, and the lack of visionary and courageous academic titans as vice-chancellors. The decline of the University is both a reflection of and a cause for Mumbai to have been de-intellectualised in recent years, the late Dr Aroon Tikekar, writer, historian and biographer of the University used to say. If persons of eminence, excellence and integrity must occupy the chair, the mechanism and process of selection would have to be reviewed. There are University Grants Commission guidelines and then there are state government norms. Aspirants are expected to apply or have someone nominate them for the prestigious post. The discomfort involved in this would hold many a worthy person back. Then, the search committee which evaluates and shortlists candidates is chaired by a renowned person the renowned scientists K Kasturirangan chaired the current search committee but the three-member committee usually has a state bureaucrat as a member. This has been seen as the route for political pulls and pressures over the shortlisting and selection process. Imagine a candidate being interviewed by a bureaucrat and, if selected, having to stand his/her ground later with possibly with the same officer or his colleagues. Resources can be raised the Universitys alumni include some of Indias wealthiest corporate leaders research activities which form the life blood of universities can be give a direction, patents can be won, its campuses can be made student-friendly, and the University can once again be turned into a hub of intellectual power if its top management so deems. This includes the vice-chancellor, pro vice-chancellor and the registrar. Appointing the vice-chancellor, then, sets the parameters for these possibilities, especially so at a time when private universities are becoming an attractive option to students. That the University is too large to be managed is only a part of the problem. That Indias second-oldest University has been allowed to decline for want of a capable and worthy vice-chancellor is the real lament. Once again the debate on caste has collapsed into a predictable numbers game. The recent Supreme Court ruling to curb certain provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 to prevent possible misuse has elicited protests from Dalit communities. Almost all major political parties have pledged their love and loyalty to the Dalit cause by rallying against the apex court ruling construed as a dilution of the PoA safeguards. Given that Dalit demonstrations and protests have largely happened spontaneously, without any kind of institutional party support, this post-facto waxing eloquent for Dalit interests is all the more troubling. Indian politics has entered a phase of political correctness with regard to Dalit issues that often amounts to little more than public posturing. Political parties are scrambling to appropriate Dalit identities and their various struggles, without necessarily changing the nature of their hegemony. Liberal, Left- and Right-wing discourses have, while gesturing for nominal inclusion, remained insular to real-life Dalit practices, values and ideologies. These parties have historically neglected/failed to embrace Dalitness in all its forms. Because Dalit narratives, in all its sway, is too awkward and too uneasy to be mainstreamed. To mainstream it is to tame it, to tame its most contentious impulses, to suppress and erase its inconvenient practices. And this mainstreaming often takes the form of emancipatory politics in all its manifestations. Postcolonial India has seen a continuous reinvention of upper caste hegemony through ideological forms masquerading as emancipatory politics. That the rhetoric for dismantling privilege has often managed to perpetuate and reproduce privilege in various guises of savarna consensus. The din of political correctness surrounding Dalit claims and contestations, once again, threatens to co-opt its dissent, making nominal solidarities a norm without invoking any major restructuring. The Hinduising of Ambedkar or appropriating Dalit icons and deities in narratives of national/communal unity represents such mainstream erasures at work. By systematically hollowing the position of difference and dissent that they embody, Dalit identities are often subsumed in projections of seamless unities, vastly different from the world of inferiority and violence that Dalit bodies inhabit and experience every day. Identity struggles and politics has its limits, but pushed against the immense cultural hegemony that savarna rule represents, their identities are the only weapon left for Dalits to fight back with. To merge the Dalitness of their identities for the sake of an imagined unity Hindu, Indian or otherwise is to completely negate the fight for dignity and life that their struggles represent. Thanks to decades of affirmative action programmes, the emergence of a significant Dalit middle class has meant that their political assertions and articulations will have a definitive impact on electoral endgames. Dalit protests against the court ruling is only the latest in a series of Dalit assertions in the past few years that include the NCERT cartoon controversy or the lynching of Dalits by cow vigilante groups in Una, the Rohith Vemula incident or the Bhima Koregaon clashes all of which point firmly to Dalit politics and narratives coming of age. In spite of the diversity of sites, situations and struggles, these instances reaffirm the desire for alternative pedagogies, politics and narratives that animate the many moments that characterise the Dalit movement in India. Dalit mobilisation is at an all-time spontaneous high, and this is the time to foster lateral pan-Indian networks of Dalit resistance. Dalit identity politics is fast churning out an expansive axis of emancipatory struggle, and with all its ambiguities, perhaps the last few formidable sites that could resist and refigure the cultural hegemony on which the various edifices of Indian nationalism rests. If the diversity of Dalit movements occurring in the last few years is any indication, the emergence of an assertive and articulate Dalit middle class rallying around Ambedkar will provide a major front against the imposition of hegemonic nationalisms, and no amount of statue-breaking can take that away. Somak Biswas is a doctoral student of Modern South Asian History, University of Warwick, UK The views expressed are personal Mohammad Tahir Merchant alias Tahir Taklya, convicted in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts case, died in Sassoon General Hospital in Pune during the early hours of Wednesday, police officials said. He was lodged in Yerwada Central Jail, Pune. We got the information about his death from Sassoon Hospital. That is all I can say at the moment, said senior police inspector Mukund Mahajan of Yerawada police station. Tahir Merchant, who was lodged in the Yerwada prison, was admitted to Sassoon Hospital after he complained of chest pain. However, he died there during treatment around 3.45 am, Dr Bhushankumar Upadhyay, additional director general of prisons department said. I do not know the exact number, but his family members visited him on several occasions. He has angioplasty since a few years. I think from 2014, he began taking medicines for his heart condition. He was taken to Sassoon and we got a report of his death early morning, said UT Pawar, superintendent of Yerwada central jail. He was arrested on June 8, 2010, for his role in the 12 serial blasts that claimed 257 lives on March 12, 1993. The Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (TADA) court in Mumbai had sentenced him to death in the case on September 7, 2017, along with Feroz Rashid Khan. However, the Supreme Court stayed on the death sentence in December 2017. Merchant was extradited to India from Abu Dhabi and was arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 2010. Following his conviction, he was shifted to Yerwada Central Prison in Pune, said officials. During his conviction, the court had observed, "Tahir knowingly, wilfully, consciously and deliberately organised and actively participated in several conspiracy meetings in order to exact revenge. Prosecution proved that his role is communal and that he is one of the initiators of the conspiracy. Merchant, with his kind of indulgence, must be held directly responsible for the blasts. Merchant worked with Tiger Memon. He actively participated in meetings held in Dubai. He made travel arrangements for the accused, financed their stay and arranged their tickets and visas. He also arranged for their training and a green channel for entry and exit to Pakistan. He committed the said acts in preparation to spread terror amongst Indians, particularly Hindus in Mumbai." Two other convicts, Abu Salem and Karimullah Khan, were given life in prison while Riyaz Siddiqui was sent to jail for 10 years in 2017. In 2007, the court had convicted 100 people in the case. Mustafa Dossa, another person convicted in the case in September 2017, died on June 28, 2017, in Mumbai. While Yakub Memon, brother of another convict Tiger Memon, was sent to the gallows, actor Sanjay Dutt has served five years in prison for his involvement in the case. Besides Memon, 11 others were on death row in the case in 2007. Dawood Ibrahim, the main accused in the case, is still at large. In further trouble for the cash-starved municipal corporation, the Chandigarh administration has refused to release its annual share from the Chandigarh revenues in one go. The civic body gets its share in form of grant-in-aid on quarterly basis for running and maintaining the citys civic infrastructure and services. This arrangement has been in place ever since the municipal corporation (MC) came into existence in 1996, as the entire revenue collected from the city goes into the UTs exchequer. A portion of it is then released to the MC to meet its expenses. The MC recently got a major blow when the Union finance ministry that controls the UTs finances did not make any increase in the grant-in-aid for 2018-19, keeping it at Rs 269 crore, same as the last fiscal. This made the MC seek the entire grant in one go to earn some additional interest income. It would have also facilitated the civic body in meeting its monthly committed liabilities of Rs 41 crore, including salaries and pension, after its fixed deposits (FDs) that amounted to Rs 500 crore in 2013 dwindled to Rs 19 crore this year. However, as municipal commissioner Jitender Yadav confirmed, the administration would be releasing the grant-in-aid on quarterly basis, as earlier, which was communicated to him in a recent meeting. The first instalment of Rs 67 crore for April-June quarter is expected in a week. Need alternative means Given the current fiscal scenario, we will have to look for alternative means to increase revenue from internal resources, said Yadav. A senior official of the UT administration, who did not wish to be named, said releasing the grant in one go is not possible as the UT gets it share of budget on quarterly basis, as decided by the Centre. Moreover, time has come for the MC to rely on its internal resources to sustain expenditure, he said. The internal resources mainly include collection from water bills and house tax. Development works in the city have already taken a massive hit. As reported by HT last week, road recarpeting work allotted last year has been stopped and the MC did not clear the agenda for this year. There are no funds left to construct new community centres and repair water pipelines. Just the committed liabilities are pegged at Rs 550 crore a year, while the MCs revenue, including grant, is Rs 440 crore. Mayor Davesh Moudgil said the MC should get Rs 600 crore annually as per recommendations of the finance commission, which have not been implemented since 2013. Khalistan Liberation Force chief Harminder Singh Mintoo died from a cardiac arrest at Patialas central jail on Wednesday afternoon. He was rushed to hospital but was declared brought dead by doctors around 4pm. We received information from the jail authorities, following which elaborate security arrangements have been made around the hospital, Inspector General of police AS Rai said. Police restricted movement in the mortuary of the Rajinder government hospital, where his body was kept for postmortem. Mintoo was arrested by the Punjab Police in November 2014 from the Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi while returning from Thailand. At the time of his arrest, he was accused of being involved in 10 terrorism-related cases. The cases included an attack on Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and another on three Shiv Sena leaders. He was allegedly tasked by Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence to attack Independence Day celebrations in Punjab. In November 2016, Mintoo and other five gangsters escaped from the Nabha maximum security jail. He was re-arrested later that month. Times are changing. WhatsApp and Facebook are taking over, noted Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh at the 18th anniversary function of Hindustan Times Chandigarh edition on Wednesday, adding, People like me will continue to read newspapers; but its not clear what the newer generations will do. Newspapers will have to work to stay a step ahead. I am sure you are putting your heads together on this. He began his brief address in Punjabi, and unlike former Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badal and the CMs of Haryana and Himachal Pradesh Manohar Lal Khattar and Jai Ram Thakur spoke little on achievements of his government. Recalling his school days instead, Amarinder said he remembers reading HT on the newspaper stand, and added that he still reads it ahead of other newspapers. Its a great feeling to be part of a newspaper team (in Chandigarh) celebrating completion of 18 years. I am sure it will grow in the years to come, he said. Referring to the newspapers founding in 1924, Amarinder underlined that in six years HT will celebrate its centenary. At this point he said people from the older school of thought will continue to read newspapers, but for younger generations the newspapers have to match pace with social media. The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) has put information on Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and 24x7 children helpline number 1098 on the back cover of textbooks of Class 1 to 12. However, the back cover of English and Punjabi textbooks of Class 6 to 12 does not carry this information. The step has been taken keeping in mind the rising number of crimes against children in Punjab and to equip them with the information about the possibility of sexual harassment and the remedial measures. When you get an unsafe touch, you may feel bad, confused and helpless, you need not feel bad because its not your fault. Press this e-box button and you can call 1098, reads the advisory supported by pictorials. Shalini Sharma, a teacher at Government Primary School, Dugri, said, We received the textbooks of Classes 4 and 5 last week and this time the board has given information to make students aware about what they need to do and where to call in case of emergency. This will definitely be beneficial to the students, she said. Road safety signs In yet another move to educate students about traffic rules, the board has included 53 traffic signs. These signs are on inside of the back cover of all English textbooks of Class 1 to 12. Books on NCERT pattern The board has changed all the textbooks of Classes 1 to 5 (except Hindi) from this academic session on the pattern of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks by translating them. The textbooks are more activity-oriented and students. PSEB chairman Manohar Kant Kalohia, said, Its the need of the hour to educate children studying in government schools about the child helpline numbers. This is the reason we added information to most of the textbooks. Four days after caste clashes over renaming of a roundabout in Phagwara, 22km from here, tension gripped the district headquarters Jalandhar on Tuesday as a group of Dalits burnt a saffron flag purportedly symbolising the upper caste Hindu right wing Shiv Sena factions and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Shastri Chowk on Tuesday. Police later booked 30 persons, four of them by name, under section 153A (promoting enmity on grounds of religion/race) and other charges as per the Indian Penal Code. The protest held over the role of upper caste groups in clashes that had left at least five Dalits injured ignited anger among the organisations targeted. Members of an outfit called Shiv Sena Hind gathered at the same spot later and argued with the police for letting the Dalits burn the flag. Balli Bindra, a representative of the outfit, said they had informed the administration and police that some people were going to try and create tension between communities by burning the saffron flag, but still they allowed them to do so. Bhagwa dhwaj (saffron flag) is our pride and a symbol of our religion. By burning it, the Dalits have hurt our religious sentiments. The police should immediately arrest those who did it. He also announced that the outfit will hold a paath (prayer) at the spot for purification. Members of the Dalit community had gathered under the banner of the Rashtriya Safai Karamchari Sangathan (national sanitation workers organisation). A police team led by assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Satinder Chadha managed to tackle the situation by registering a first information report (FIR) immediately; the named accused are Kazi, Rimmi, Bunty and Khosla, all from Ali Mohalla. Balbir Singh, the station house officer (SHO), said cops are conducting raids to arrest the men. Praveen Kumar Sinha, the commissioner of police (CP), said they have deployed eight companies of paramilitary forces along with the state police to keep a strict watch on the law and order situation in the city. Meanwhile, the situation in Phagwara was returning to normal on Tuesday. No fresh cases of violence were reported and most shops were opened after 11 am. Schools and colleges too remained open, though some private schools opted to stay closed as a precautionary measure. Shopkeepers downed shutters in the Dalit-dominated Subash Nagar, though, as a group of Dalits continued a protest near Valmiki Chowk. Senior local leaders of the Congress, SAD, BJP and BSP participated in a meeting at Circuit House where local MLA Som Parkash of BJP, Kapurthala district president of Congress Joginder Singh Mann, mayor Arun Khosla of Congress, SAD leader Sarwan Singh Kullar, BSP leader Harbhajan Singh and some others jointly appealed for peace. Some people are trying to create tension in the city just to gain political mileage. We all have held a meeting to appeal to all Phagwara residents to not come under the influence of those people, MLA Som Parkash said. The administration in Phagwara claims to have deployed 2,000 security personnel. Police carried out a mock drill and a flag march too. Deputy commissioner Mohammad Tayyab said that situation is under control, and advised people not to panic in reaction to rumours. On the investigation front, SSP Sandeep Kumar said the seized revolvers of four arrested Hindu outfit leaders have been sent for forensic examination to know if these were fired in the clash on Friday night. No further arrests were made. Police had booked around 100 people, including 33 by name, for the clash on Friday night. As for those injured, the condition of a man named Yashwant Bobby, who is undergoing treatment at the DMCH in Ludhiana, is stated to be serious. (The story has been updated) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Tuesday asked the Congress government to withdraw all cross cases registered against Dalits who were attacked and fired upon by Punjab Shiv Sena "goons" when they had peacefully congregated to rename the Gol Chowk in Phagwara as Samvidhan Chowk within one week or face a state-level agitation on this issue. The Scheduled Caste wing of the SAD, led by Gulzar Singh Ranike, demanded immediate arrest of all perpetrators of the "unprovoked" attack on Dalits on April 13. Ranike pointed out that a case had been registered against 16 persons but only four of them had been arrested so far. Caste clash in Punjab: 30 booked for burning a flag in Jalandhar; Phagwara calm now Other members of the wing, including Sohan Singh Thandal, Satwinder Kaur Dhaliwal, Mohinder Kaur Josh and Pawan Kumar Tinu, demanded that the Congress government should act against all Shiv Sena leaders who had instigated the attack on the Dalit community and withdraw all gunmen and escort vehicles given to them. Ranike said the licences of Shiv Sena leaders should be permanently confiscated. He said it should also be ascertained why so many gunmen had been given to such persons and the officers responsible for this should also be proceeded against. Tinu said it was clear that the entire incident had been pre-planned and electricity connections in the area were disconnected before "indiscriminate firing" against the Dalit community. "Around 40 shots were fired but the police personnel deployed at the spot remained mute spectators and did not take any action to rein in the miscreants. What was even more shocking was that cross cases had been registered against Dalit activists and their children to intimidate them. This despite the fact that 47 out of 56 councillors of Phagwara municipal committee signed a public resolution in favour of renaming Gol Chowk as Samvidhan Chowk," he said. Even as Sri Reddy faces death and rape threats from fans of Pawan Kalyan for taking a dig at him, the actor-politicians brother Nagendra Babu has comes to his defence. He held a press conference on Wednesday where he addressed multiple allegations made by Sri Reddy from when she began her protest. He said, Casting couch is an issue that exists not only in Telugu film industry, but television industry as well. But women should have the courage to take legal action in such cases. You have the right to file a complaint, even defend yourself when someone makes you uncomfortable by saying something. There should be a legal route to solution. Taking up the claim that Telugu filmmakers give preference to female actors from other states, he said, The Constitution of India has given women the right to work anywhere in the country. A producers invests crores of rupees in a project on an average, and we cannot force them to choose a Telugu girl. Who would answer if their film faces loss? Also, if we put such barriers, what about actors who have worked in all industries but are from the south, like Sridevi? Nagendra Babu also stressed that women should approach the producers of their respective films if at any time they feel uncomfortable with the way they were approached. He explained, As producers, we have a hundred things running in our mind and we might not know about this at all. So, it is important that you approach us and talk to us about this. Pawan Kalyan had said on Sunday that Sri Reddy should approach the police instead of taking to the streets. In reply, Sri Reddy demanded why the actor had organised a street protest to get special status for Andhra Pradesh. She wrote on Facebook that Pawan Kalyan should have taken the legal recourse instead of organising street protests and called out his hypocrisy. The press conference was held in the wake of Sri Reddys allegations against Pawan Kalyan. After the press conference, however, it is Pawan Kalyan who has received support from the industry. Actors Nithiin and Varun Tej, both took indirect jabs at Sri Reddy. Nithiin tweeted, For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction...just wait for it....its coming!!! Varun shared a post which read, Dont bother with hypocrites or judgemental people who critcise you and put you down. They are too shallow to recognise their own weaknesses. Its easier for them to try to make others feel bad than to look in the mirror at their own pathetic behaviours. Actor Radha Bangaru, also supported Pawan Kalyan and shared a video message, How could one use abusive language against someone like Pawan Kalyan who is a senior and won many hearts through his work. She also urged media to not give attention to Sri Reddys publicity stunts. Madhavi Latha, another actor organised a silent protest in support of Pawan Kalyan. However, according to media reports she was asked to leave the venue by police. Director Venky Atluri wrote on Twitter, Shouting will draw attention ,abusing will draw criticism . Ee chinna logic yenduku miss avtunnaru (Why are you missing this small logic). Sri Reddy began her protest against casting couch on April 7 and was successful in gaining the attention of national media, which resulted in the Committee Against Sexual Harassment (CASH) being formed in the Telugu industry. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Telugu actor Sri Reddys fight against cashing couch in the Telugu film industry isnt getting over anytime soon. In the latest turn of events, Sri Reddy has lashed out at actor-politician Pawan Kalyan and scores of his fans for trolling her. According to a report in Times of India, Sri Reddy has warned Pawan Kalyan of legal action if he doesnt rein in his fans. Talking to media at a press conference, she claimed Pawan Kalyan has let loose his fans on women. A livid Sri Reddy said, You, Pawan Kalyan, who is thrice-married and has no respect for women, how dare you give us suggestions on what to do... I once called you anna (brother), but I take that back today. From now on, no woman will call you anna. Irritated at his patronising attitude, particularly in the wake of the fact that none of the bigwigs of the industry had spoken on the issue, she had taken to social media to express her disappointment. In no time, many of Pawan Kalyans fans online began trolling her, even threatening her with rape and issuing death threats. Despite being rattled by the threats, Sri Reddy nonetheless put up a brave face and sent out a strong message to the actor-politician and his fans. She asked Pawan Kalyan to control his fans, while accusing them of being criminals hiding behind fake Facebook and other social media profiles. She further added, If he cant stop them, I will take legal action against him, and not his fans. His fans have been abusing me on Facebook and Twitter and his silence is encouraging them. Read | How Sri Reddys protest helped address casting couch issue in Telugu films She had boldly declared that she would not apologise to the actor. It may be recalled that days after Sri Reddys protest, Pawan Kalyan has adviced her to go to police, instead of talking to TV channels and sensationalising the issue. It certainly didnt go down well with either Sri Reddy or the large number of junior artists working in the Telugu film industry who had gathered at a round table in Hyderabad to discuss sexual and financial exploitation of women in the industry on Sunday. Many female artists had complained how they were denied basic facilities while on outdoor shoots. They explained how they were forced to relieve themselves in the open and change clothes in public. Read | They promise us roles, sleep with us: Telugu cinemas Me Too moment A transgender Sana Rathod was quoted by Indian Express as saying, I went for an audition for a part in Telugu serial Madhurani Saniveshalu. The director asked me to take off my clothes because he wanted to see the body of a transgender. If transgenders are not spared, why will these men leave women artistes alone? However, on Tuesday, Sri Reddy posted a video message (directed at Pawan Kalyan) in which she explained her state of mind when she said these things about him. She explained that she was in pain and said this apology was only for Pawan Kalyans mother, nobody else. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The 48-day film strike in the Tamil film industry seems to have affected Rajinikanths Kaala. The film which was earlier slated to release on April 27 now appears to have been postponed. On Wednesday, media reports claimed that Rajinikanth starrer will be postponed as post-production work on it is yet to be finished due to the strike that ended Tuesday. Earlier, films producers, Lyca Productions, had said that the team stands by Tamil Nadu Producers Councils decision to release films in a phased manner once the strike gets over. The films publicist has said that the decision regarding films release date is yet to be made. It is not confirmed if the film will be postponed. The meeting between the producers is to be held on April 18 and the council will decide on the release sequence of films that are in the pipeline, he said. When asked about the delay in post-production work, which was quoted by reports to be the reason for the movies delay, the film rep said the film has already been censored and is ready for release. The movie got a U/A certificate from the censor board on April 6 with 14 cuts. The film is about an underworld don, Kaala Karikalan who lives in Dharavi and is hailed but the local people as their saviour. Eashwari Rao plays his wife in the film, which also stars Huma Qureshi, Samuthirakani and Pankaj Tripathi in pivotal roles. Actor Nana Patekar will play the antagonist in this Pa Ranjith directorial which is produced by Dhanushs Wunderbar Films, and Lyca Production. The music for the film is composed by Santhosh Narayan, who is also the man behind the spectacular hit, Neruppu Da in Kabali. The release date for the film will be confirmed post the meeting among TNPC members. Follow @htshowbiz for more. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Beijing on Wednesday said a trans-Himalayan economic corridor including a cross-border railway network between China, Nepal and India will benefit all three nations, as it invited New Delhi to join in a long-term vision for cross-Himalayan connectivity it is firming up with Kathmandu. Foreign minister Wang Yi said China, India and Nepal are natural friends and partners, adding that the development of Nepal should be the common understanding between the two larger neighbours. Speaking to reporters after meeting his visiting Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Wang brushed aside a question that suggested that the landlocked Himalayan country was trying to balance relations between India and China. I believe that China, Nepal and India are natural friends and partners. We are neighbours connected by the same mountains and rivers, Wang said. As we say in China, family members and neighbours wish each other well. He added: Nepal stands as a natural beneficiary for cooperation and development from China and India. I think this is a logical desire that should be supported by both China and India. Wang recently promoted as state councillor said China and Nepal have agreed to a long-term vision for a cross-Himalaya connectivity network, part of Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). We believe that such a network, when well developed, can also create conditions for an economic corridor connecting China, Nepal and India. We hope that such cooperation can contribute to the development and prosperity of all three countries, he said. Gyawali said he and Wang had agreed to start a feasibility study for a cross-border railway linking Nepal and China. Bilateral relations have reached a new starting point, Gyawali said. The Nepali side will work with the Chinese side to increase mutual trust and reach win-win agreements in infrastructure, trade, tourism, culture and other fields. China has been aggressively courting Nepal with multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects, including in the power, railway and road sectors. China and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding on bilateral cooperation under the BRI framework in May 2017. Personally I have a dream to travel to China from Nepal across the Himalayas in a modern train, enjoying the scenic beauty of the Himalayas, he said. Gyawali, who is said to be on a goodwill visit to China, earlier met vice president Wang Qishan at the Zhongnanhai Leadership Compound in Beijing. According to Nepalese media, Gyawalis visit is a precursor to Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis first visit to China after taking over the premiership. Gyawalis visit comes a little over a week after Oli travelled to New Delhi his first trip abroad as prime minister. During his earlier tenure as premier in 2016, Oli had signed multiple deals with China to use Chinese roads and ports, aimed reducing landlocked Nepals dependence on India for trade and transit. The pilot who safely landed a stricken Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday got her first flying experience in the US Navy, touching down F-18 fighter jets at 150 miles per hour on aircraft carriers. Tammie Jo Shults, 56, may have drawn on her Navy skills when one of the two engines on her Boeing 737-700 blew and broke apart at 32,000 feet on Tuesday, forcing her to implement a rapid descent towards Philadelphia International Airport. The explosion killed one passenger and nearly sucked another out of a shattered window. One of the first female fighter pilots in the US Navy, Shults calmly told air traffic control that part of her plane was missing, and she would need ambulances on the runway. So we have a part of the aircraft missing so were going to need to slow down a bit, Shults told a controller. US NTSB investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane in this image released from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 17, 2018. (REUTERS) Many of the 144 passengers sang her praise on social media after Shults thanked them for their bravery as they left the plane. The pilot Tammy Jo was so amazing! She landed us safely in Philly, said Amanda Bourman on Instagram. Passengers identified Shults as the pilot. Southwest Airlines declined to name the crew of flight 1380 and Shults was not immediately available for comment. Authorities said the crew did what they were trained to do. Theyre in the simulator and practice emergency descents..and losing an engine... They did the job that professional airline pilots are trained to do, National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt told reporters. God sent his angels Shults might never have become a pilot if she had not been so determined to fly from a young age. She is quoted on fighter plane blog F-16.net saying she tried to attend an aviation career day at high school but was told they did not accept girls. A native of New Mexico, she never lost the urge to fly and, after studying medicine in Kansas, applied to the Air Force. It would not let her take the test to become a pilot, but the US Navy did. US Navy Lieutenant Tammie Jo Shults, who is currently a Southwest Airlines pilot, poses in front of a Navy F/A-18A in this 1992 photo released in Washington, DC, US, on April 18, 2018. (Reuters) She was one of the first female F-18 pilots and became an instructor before she left the Navy in 1993 and joined Southwest, according to the blog. A Christian, who is married to a fellow pilot and has two children, Shults said that sitting in the captains chair gave her the opportunity to witness for Christ on almost every flight. Bourman was among passengers who said they had been saved by divine intervention. God sent his angels to watch over us, she said. (The story has not been modified from its original version, only the headline has been changed) When it was first formed Sher Vancouver had to shy away from positioning itself as focusing on the Sikh community due to fears of a backlash from the orthodox, but its 10th anniversary will come a week after members of the pioneering Indo-Canadian LGBT support group participated in the annual Vaisakhi parade in Vancouver metro area for the second year running. Ahead of the anniversary on Sunday, the groups founder, Alex Sangha, said, This is the second year in a row that Sher Vancouver marched in the parade. Many of our members have experienced rejection and discrimination in their lives, so it is very significant for them to be included, accepted, and welcomed by their community. Sangha, born Amar, was a social worker when he decided to form Sher Vancouver in 2008. He had accidentally outed himself at 19 by doing an interview as a gay Sikh during a pride event at the University of British Columbia. Sixteen years later, he asked himself, What sort of social worker am I if I cant even advocate for my own people? As a result, Sher Vancouver came into existence, but though it started off as a queer Sikh group, there was resistance as people in Surrey, the suburb of Vancouver where it was located, said theres no such thing as a gay Sikh, Sangha recalled. Sangha asked himself, Am I putting myself at risk? It was really hard. But the group adopted a pragmatic course and positioned itself as a South Asian outfit, though still concentrating on the underserved gay Sikh demographic. Over the years, attitudes have changed somewhat. Last year, Sher Vancouver was invited to the Vaisakhi Parade organised by the Khalsa Diwan Society. But because of criticism of that move, the societys outreach coordinator Pall Singh Beesla had to clarify Sher was present at the parade at his personal initiative, not that of the organisers. Later that year, there was another breakthrough for the group, as Canadas defence minister Harjit Sajjan clambered on to Sher Vancouvers Bollywood-themed float at the Vancouver Pride Parade and danced along with group members, making a very symbolic statement for the Sikh LGBT community. Canadas defence minister Harjit Sajjan with Sher Vancouver founder Alex Sangha at the Vancouver Pride Parade last year. (Courtesy: Sher Vancouver) Sangha was also selected as a grand marshal for the Vancouver Pride Parade in 2016. Shers contribution has been recognised by progressive politicians in British Columbia such as Jalandhar-born Jinny Sims, a minister in the provincial government. Now, as they prepare for Desi Q, the cultural celebration of Shers decade of existence on April 22, Sangha said the group plays a significant role in addressing the needs of a very vulnerable minority within a minority. While prejudice still remains, Sher Vancouver has become a sanctuary for Indo-Canadians gays in and around Vancouver. Were giving them a lifeline, and that is a huge impact were having, Sangha said. The Kremlins annual list of Russian officials earnings has provided an outline of the richest names in government, even as the true wealth of many big-hitters remains opaque. Anomalous results include a senator whose income is 230 times higher than the previous year and several government heavyweights whose earnings are eclipsed by those of their wives. While speculation is rife about the personal fortune of Russian President Vladimir Putin, his officially declared income in the documents is relatively modest -- in 2017 he earned 18.7 million rubles ($302,000, 242,000 euros). His only declared properties are a 77-square-metre (828-square-feet) apartment and a garage, while a 1,500-square-metre plot of land that was listed the previous year is no longer mentioned. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev -- who anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny has accused of commanding a luxury property empire -- declared an income of just 8.56 million rubles, one flat and a rented plot of land. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov earned 14.3 million rubles in 2017, but is married to Tatiana Navka -- an Olympic ice dancing champion who heads two enterprises that have benefited from state contracts, according to data from the Russian Interfax news agency. Navka, who was named in the Panama Papers scandal, had an income of 200 million rubles last year, up 66 percent from 2016. The income of Marina Medinskaya, the wife of culture minister Vladimir Medinsky, also eclipsed that of her husband -- boosted by her position as director of property and advertising companies, according to the Interfax data. Who wants to be a millionaire? According to an estimate by the RBK newspaper, the average family income of senior Russian officials has grown by 18 percent over the last year, even as the countrys economy makes slow progress recovering from a recession. The highest-earning member of parliament in Russia is Grigory Anikeyev, with an income of 4.3 billion rubles in 2017, an eight-fold increase on the previous year. The owner of the meat-processing ABI group, Anikeyev is listed among the 200 richest Russians by Forbes magazine. Among the richest senators, according to the documents, is Suleyman Kerimov, whose income is now 230 times what it was in 2016 and who is currently being investigated for tax fraud in France. The 51-year-old was arrested last year in the city of Nice over suspected tax evasion related to the purchase of luxury properties on the French Riviera, provoking an angry reaction from Moscow. However, no foreign properties feature on the list published by the Kremlin. Kerimov owns only a 38-square-metre flat in Russia, according to the document. Corruption scandals regularly envelop senior officials, ministers and regional governors in Russia. In an angry editorial entitled Who wants to be a millionaire? for the independent Novaya Gazeta newspaper, managing editor Alexei Polukhin slammed the phenomenal increase in officials earnings. In a public role, you can see your income increase hundreds of times over, he wrote, citing the example of deputy prime minister Alexander Khloponin who earned 2.9 billion rubles in 2017 -- or 293 times his income from the previous year. All that because Khloponin sold property assets abroad. In other words, he not only acted practically, but also patriotically, he wrote in a sarcastic barb. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in London on Tuesday night to attend the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as he looks to enhance Indias role in multilateral organisations. Modi, who is on his second official visit to Britain, was received by foreign secretary Boris Johnson. He will have a full day of bilateral meetings with the Theresa May government on Wednesday, before attending CHOGM sessions in London and Windsor on April 19 and 20. Modis presence for the 25th CHOGM is significant he is the first Indian prime minister to attend in nearly a decade; former vice-president Hamid Ansari represented India in 2011 and 2015 while former external affairs minister Salman Khurshid attended the 2013 meeting. Secondly, Modis attendance marks a nuanced shift in the ways in which New Delhi views the 53-member Commonwealth, which has long been seen by policy-makers as a relic of the British Empire and an organisation steeped in colonial overtones. Modis government is beginning to take a new political interest...This is being shaped through the lowering of the rhetoric of the Commonwealth as an institution with a colonial legacy and the raising of Indias prospective leadership role, said Rahul Roy-Chaudhury, senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies. India has clear opportunities to enhance its global role and maximise its bilateral relations within the multilateral framework of the Commonwealth. At the same time, it will seek to focus on enhancing trade and investment in a multilateral Commonwealth-wide context, he added. A busy Wednesday Modis engagements on Wednesday will begin in the morning with a handshake with May, standing in front of 10 Downing Streets iconic door, followed by bilateral meetings. Several memoranda of understanding are due to be signed. One of them will be on renewing the MoU that lapsed in 2014 on the framework and process to identify and return illegal Indians in the United Kingdom. May has often flagged this as a major issue, linking it to any improvement in the UK visa offer to Indians. A senior Indian official said, We are happy to accept those who are identified as Indians after a verification process. The ball will now be in their court; we hope Britain will extend similar longer and cheaper visa facilities to Indians that they offer the Chinese. Modi will then visit the Science Museum, where an exhibition titled Illuminating India on the countrys historical and contemporary contribution to science, technology and mathematics has been drawing many visitors. He will be joined by Prince Charles, who is likely to arrive at the venue in a new vehicle designed by the Tata-owned Jaguar Land Rover. Modis engagements also include paying respects before the statue of 12th century philosopher and social reformer Basaveshwara. Installed by the Basaveshwara Foundation chaired by former Lambeth mayor Neeraj Patil, the statue was inaugurated by Modi during his 2015 visit. We will also be launching the Ayurvedic Center of Excellence; the All India Institute of Ayurveda is going to sign an MoU with the College of Medicine, UK. In the afternoon, there will be a series of events at the Francis Crick Institute where again Modi and May will meet, the official said. We will be meeting Indian scientists who are working on cancer research, who are working on malaria and other tropical diseases. We will also have the CEOs forum where we will meet CEOs of both countries. Overall, we already have a mature relationship with the UK, the official added. An India-UK Tech Alliance is likely to be announced, comprising young CEOs from both countries who have done exceptionally well in the technology sector. Modi is also scheduled to meet young Indian innovators who received funding from the UK. The Prime Minister will then travel to Buckingham Palace in the mid-afternoon for an audience with Queen Elizabeth, 91, who officials said had sent a warm personal letter to Modi through Prince Charles, inviting him to CHOGM. Later, a diaspora event called Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Sath will feature Modi answering questions posed by Indians from across the globe. The event in Central Hall Westminster will be attended by about 1600 selected guests and will be telecast live around prime time in India (2100 local time). In the evening, Modi will join other Commonwealth leaders at a banquet hosted by Prime Minister May. Wednesday will also see a raft of pro and anti-India protests, demonstrations and flash-mobs by various groups, including the South Asia Solidarity Group and Caste Watch UK. Customised vans with large images and slogans have been moving around central London with messages opposing and welcoming Modi. A group of Indian-origin women have announced a silent protest against recent incidents rape in India. Prime Minister of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir Raja Faroooq Haider reportedly arrived in London to lead a rally against alleged human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistans ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday left for London with his daughter Maryam Nawaz to visit his ailing wife Kulsoom, assuring his supporters he would return to face graft charges. Begum Kulsoom Nawaz has been under treatment in a hospital in London as her condition is serious, the family spokesperson said, adding that Sharif and Maryam have to be with her. The spokesman did not reveal Sharifs return schedule, leading analysts to speculate he might not come back because of a likely conviction in the three corruption cases against him. The National Accountability Bureau has summoned Sharif for allegedly misusing his authority for the illegal construction of a road leading to his residence and Raiwind. Sharif, who was disqualified by the Supreme Court last year, is due to appear in court on April 23 in a corruption case. The NAB had asked the government to include the names of Sharif, his children Hassan, Hussain and Maryam, and his son-in-law Safdar Muhammad on the Exit Control List all of them are being tried in courts cases related to the Panama Papers leaks. However, the government has not added their names to the list so far. Hassan and Hussain are already in London and both have been declared fugitives by the court. Syrias UN ambassador said a United Nations security team travelled to the Syrian town of Douma ahead of a planned visit by global chemical weapons experts on Wednesday to look into a suspected poison gas attack that sparked a US-led retaliatory strike. Western countries say scores of civilians sheltering from bombs were gassed to death in Douma on April 7. Syria and its ally Russia deny that any chemical attack took place. Today the UN security team entered Douma ... in order to assess the security situation on the ground and if this United Nations security team decided that the situation is sound in Douma then the fact-finding mission will begin its work in Douma tomorrow, Syrian Ambassador Bashar Jaafari told the UN Security Council on Tuesday. Earlier on Tuesday, Syrian state television reported that the experts from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons had entered Douma. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said she was aware of reports from Syria that inspectors from the OPCW had been able to see the town but our understanding is that the team has not entered Douma. A diplomatic source in The Hague, where the OPCW is based, said the experts did not enter Douma. France said it was very likely that evidence of the poison gas attack was disappearing before the inspectors could reach the town. The United Nation vehicle carrying the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) inspectors is seen in Damascus, Syria April 17, 2018. (Reuters) Douma is now in the hands of government forces after the last rebels withdrew just hours after US, French and British forces fired more than 100 missiles to hit three suspected chemical weapons development or storage sites. Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told the Security Council on Tuesday there was no point establishing a new inquiry to determine blame for chemical weapons attacks in Syria because Washington and its allies had already acted as judge and executioner. Saturdays air strikes were the first coordinated Western strikes against President Bashar al-Assads government in a seven-year war that has killed more than 500,000 people and drawn in global powers and neighbouring states. The intervention threatened to escalate confrontation between the West and Russia but has had no significant impact on the ground, where Assad is now in his strongest position since the wars early days and shows no sign of slowing down his campaign to crush the rebellion. Yarmouk The Syrian army began preparatory shelling on Tuesday for an assault on the last area outside its control near Damascus, a commander in the pro-government alliance said. Recovering the Yarmouk camp and neighbouring areas south of the city would give Assad complete control over Syrias capital. Yarmouk, Syrias biggest camp for Palestinian refugees, has been under the control of Islamic State fighters for years. Although most residents have fled, the United Nations says several thousand remain. Assad has benefited from Russian air power since 2015 to regain large swathes of Syria. The suspected poison gas attack creates a conundrum for Western powers, who are determined to punish Assad for using chemical weapons but have no strategy for the sort of sustained intervention that might damage him. Damascus and Moscow have broadcast statements from hospital workers in Douma - which medical aid groups operating in rebel areas have dismissed as propaganda - saying that no chemical attack took place. Syrian state media reported that missiles had again targeted an airbase overnight, but the commander in the regional military alliance backing the government, speaking on condition of anonymity, later told Reuters it was a false alarm. The commander said the new offensive would target Islamic State and Nusra Front militants in Yarmouk camp and al-Hajar al-Aswad district. Rebels in the adjoining Beit Sahm area had agreed to withdraw on buses, he said. A view shows the damaged Agriculture Ministry building at the city of Douma in Damascus, Syria April 16, 2018. (Reuters) Eastern Ghouta A government media tour on Monday of Douma, the biggest town in the former rebel enclave of eastern Ghouta just outside Damascus, revealed severe destruction and the plight of residents who had survived years of siege. The assault on eastern Ghouta began in February and ended in government victory on Saturday when rebels withdrew from the town. All the rebel groups controlling areas of eastern Ghouta eventually agreed surrender deals that involved withdrawal to opposition-held areas of northwestern Syria. After the recapture of eastern Ghouta, Assad still has several smaller pockets of ground to recover from rebels, as well as two major areas they hold in the northwest and southwest. Besides the pocket south of Damascus, rebels still hold besieged enclaves in the town of Dumayr northeast of Damascus, in the Eastern Qalamoun mountains nearby and around Rastan north of Homs. The pro-government commander said the army had prepared for military action in the Eastern Qalamoun, but that Russia was working on securing the rebels withdrawal without a battle. State television said on Tuesday that rebels in Dumayr had also agreed to withdraw. In Idlib in northwest Syria, the largest area still held by rebels, a government assault could bring Damascus into confrontation with Turkey, which has set up a string of military observation posts in the area. Ali Akbar Velayati, a top Iranian official, said during a visit to Damascus last week that he hoped the army would soon regain Idlib and areas of eastern Syria now held by an alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by Washington. (This story has been published from a wire agency feed without modifications to the text. Only the headline has been changed.) A top US intelligence chief secretly travelled to North Korea over the Easter weekend to meet Kim Jong Un and prepare the ground for a meeting with President Donald Trump, according to unidentified officials cited by multiple media outlets. Trump first alluded to that meeting in remarks at a news briefing with visiting Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, when he said, Weve also started talking to North Korea directly. We have had direct talks at very high levels extremely high levels with North Korea. But he shared no other details, except that he hoped to meet the North Korean leader probably in early June or a little before and that five venues are being considered for the summit. The meeting will be closely followed world over, New Delhi included, as the outcome will have global ramifications. CIA director Mike Pompeos meeting Kim marks the first such high-level interaction since 2000, when then secretary of state Madeleine Albright travelled to meet late Kim Jong-il, the current leaders father. Read more | Rocket man versus deranged dotard: The insults traded by Trump, Kim Jong Un That President Trump despatched Pompeo to meet Kim is further indication that he has tended to use US intelligence to conduct talks and negotiations with the North Korean leadership. Pompeo remains CIA director till he is confirmed in his next assignment as secretary of state. The CIA has been working with its North Korean counterpart, Reconnaissance Intelligence Bureau. Pompeo has also been in touch with the director of South Koreas National Intelligence Service, Suh Hoon, who, according to official cited by The New York Times, brokered Kims invitation to Trump. No details were available of Pompeos visit, but before The Washington Post first reported on it, the White House had said in a statement seeking to explain the presidents remarks about talks at the highest levels and that they were not with him directly. It was Pompeo, it turned out, but there was no official confirmation of it by the White House or the CIA. President Trump seems keen to address the Korean question. On Tuesday he said, I look forward to meeting with Kim Jong Un. And hopefully that will be a success. And maybe it will be, and maybe it wont be. We dont know. But well see what happens. But I can say this: They do respect us. We are respectful of them. Read more | Donald Trump morally unfit to be US President, says fired FBI chief James Comey The president also referred to talks between South Korea and North Korea and said they had his blessing to end the war that is still on, 65 years after an armistice ended the fighting in 1953. The two countries, and their respective backers China and Russia on one side and the United States and Japan on the other, never signed a peace agreement. A peace treaty is not a new idea. The United State and North Korea discussed it in the 1990s and 2005, but the main stumbling block has been Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal and its reluctance to give it up. This time around, Kim has reportedly assured the US and South Korea he is willing to discuss denuclearisation, which Trump had insisted upon as a condition for agreeing to talks. But willingness to discuss is not the same thing as giving it up, experts have said. Read more | North Korea says Trumps nuclear button tweet shows mental state of a loser Appointment 18 April 2018 Viceroy Hotel Group is pleased to announce Ashley Gochnauer as the new General Manager of Hotel Zelos[KK2] San Francisco. A seasoned hospitality professional with more than a decade of experience, Ashley is dedicated to the continued growth and success of Hotel Zelos and Dirty Habit. Ashley's new role brings her full circle with Viceroy Hotel Group, where she previously worked as Director of Guest Services at Viceroy Santa Monica. Over the past few years, she has held leadership positions at notable properties including The London West Hollywood in Beverly Hills, W New York, and most recently, at the Kimpton Everly Hotel Hollywood as the opening General Manager, where she helped the property earn a coveted #1 ranking on TripAdvisor. Additionally, Ashley dedicated more than six years working with Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants at both the Kimpton Palomar Beverly Hills and Kimpton Hotel Wilshire. Press Release 18 April 2018 Nearly 1,500 U.S. hotels received the 'Most Wanted' prize in Hotels.com Loved by Guests Awards 2018 The top cities with Most Wanted properties in the U.S. are New York, Chicago, Houston, Washington D.C. and Austin, Texas Guest reviews are growing in power, packing more of a punch than star ratings American hotels named best for boutique, business, beach, family, spa, ski, luxury, newcomer and LGBT Advertisements DALLAS Nearly 1,500 hotels in the U.S. have battled it out all year to be crowned the 'Most Wanted' properties worldwide in the Hotels.com Loved by Guests Awards 2018, where the judges are the guests themselves. Hotels.com believes that the way to find the 'Most Wanted' properties is to ask the customers themselves so they did just that. Knowing that reviews are becoming even more influential than the official star ratings, Hotels.com looked at over 25 million Hotels.com guest reviews on the website to pick the winners. New York, Chicago and Houston topped the list of award-winning cities in the U.S., continuing their reign from last year. Additionally, travelers can check into award-winning properties in more than 500 towns and cities across the country. For travelers visiting the Big Apple, there are many Most Wanted properties to choose from with 20 properties receiving an average guest rating of 9.4 or higher. The Mark and The Library Hotel both received a 9.6 average guest rating, with Conrad New York and Hotel 50 Bowery not far behind with a 9.4. Chicago also boats properties that guests loved, with The Sono Chicago, The Peninsula Chicago and The Langham all receiving a 9.8 average guest rating. In Houston, travelers had some exciting options with the Hotel Granduca Houston and The Lancaster Hotel both receiving a 9.6 average guest rating. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, which received a 9.4, was another highly rated option. Top 5 Cities in the U.S. winning Loved by Guest Most Wanted Awards: New York - 20 hotels Chicago - 17 hotels Houston - 16 hotels Washington, D.C. - 11 hotels Austin, Texas - 11 hotels The competition was tough, with an astonishing 3,400 properties across 91 countries being identified as truly outstanding. The winning hotels had to receive a rating of 9.4 (out of 10) or above to be categorized as one of the world's 'Most Wanted' properties. Globally, the U.S. stormed ahead with 1,498 properties snapping up a 'Most Wanted' award, running away from the competition, with Italy (232), the UK (192), Canada (126) and Spain (101) making up the top five countries to scoop awards. While the U.S. had the most 'Most Wanted' hotels total by far, the awarded properties were widely spread across several cities in the states. The cities around the globe where travelers are most likely to check into a Most Wanted award-winning hotel are: Rome (39), Florence (38), London (36), Hanoi (36) and Venice (32) - with the Italians speeding away with three out of the top five cities. To bag the best deals on hotels in these top destinations, download the Hotels.com mobile app for access to Secret Prices. The Most Wanted More than 20 properties around the world received an outstanding '10 out of 10' in their reviews throughout the whole of 2017, an impressive golden record. The UK stole the show with six hotels receiving top marks, followed by five in the U.S. and two in the Czech Republic. Korea, New Zealand, Vietnam, Iceland, Portugal, Turkey, Brazil, Canada and Bali all had one hotel each with a perfect report. Best in Class Whether it's a pampering session, a sun lounger staycation or even a dollop of luxury you are looking for, Hotels.com Loved by Guests 'Top100' winners will have it all. With 1,000 properties across 10 categories, including - Luxury, Business, Boutique, LGBT, Beach, Ski, Family, Spa, New and All Inclusive, there will be no shortage of options when planning your next trip. These awards celebrate the best 100 in each group, so you can tailor any vacation to your every need. For all of your family travel needs, Paniolo Greens at Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, Hawaii received an average guest rating of 9. The Maven at Dairy Block in Denver received a 9.2 average guest rating for its newness. For the perfect beach getaway, COMO Metropolitan Miami Beach in Miami Beach, Florida received a 9.2. A few popular LGBT hotels include Fifteen Beacon in Boston and Belmond El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California, both received a 9.4 average guest rating. "The Loved by Guests awards are all about Hotels.com guest reviews, the good the great and the awesome! We know that people value fellow guest opinions even more than star ratings these days, so we're giving everyone super clear access to just that and highlighting the properties that truly stand out," said Johan Svanstrom, president for Hotels.com. "When you're scrolling through your smartphone, it is really easy to skim through reviews about the insanely huge bed, the 'out of this world' avocado on toast, the life-altering spa treatment or the fantastic hotel staff who took great care of you. There are 25 million verified guest reviews that can offer inspiration for your next trip as well as help you pick a great hotel for your needs." All the award-winning properties are bookable through the award-winning Hotels.com mobile app, available on iOS and Android. Look out for the Loved by Guests badges to find your favorite. Check out some of the winning hotels on Facebook and Instagram using the #LovedbyGuests hashtag or visit https://www.hotels.com/page/loved-by-guests-2018/. To save big on trips, travelers can use Hotels.com Rewards, which lets you earn free* nights while you sleep and gain access to instant savings like Secret Prices**. Secret Prices are lower rates that aren't available to everyone and offer up to 50% off thousands of properties in popular destinations every day. With Hotels.com Rewards, you earn a free night for every 10 booked. It's that simple. In addition to these savings, Hotels.com and Capital One have joined forces to bring travelers even more extraordinary travel rewards! Capital One Venture and VentureOne cardholders can earn unlimited 10x miles (10 miles per dollar) when they pay using their Venture or VentureOne card at Hotels.com/venture through January 31, 2020. Opinion Article 18 April 2018 Hotel Food and Beverage (F&B) operations increased in revenue value by 4.9% during 2017, according to a report from STR. This is clear evidence that F&B is still an important revenue stream, second to accommodation income, but it is profitable only if companies optimize the way they operate the division. Outsourcing is a popular way to take the problem off a company's plate, but is it necessarily the best option for their hotel and bottom line? At HVS, we believe that profit should not be the primary motive and that the main reason for having food and beverage facilities in a hotel is to enhance the Rooms Division revenue. This enables the hotel to offer dining facilities for guests, while the restaurant benefits from access to a continuous stream of potential diners. With demand expected to remain strong enough to deliver growth of 5% in 2018, it is clear that maintaining the F&B function is still a viable strategy for most hotels. The question is: How do hotels maximize their profits from F&B while simultaneously ensuring they provide quality service to complement their other offerings? Advertisements F&B Delivers 25% of Revenue Food and beverage typically represents around one quarter of a hotel's total revenue. Measuring profitability can be challenging and is such an integral part of a hotel's operations that isolating its contribution to the annual results can be difficult. A 2016 analysis by CBRE Hotel's Americas Research of the financial performance of F&B showed banqueting food services delivered 36.5% of the total F&B revenue, followed by 21.1% from other food venues in the hotels and 11.9% from beverage venues. To keep up this level of turnover, many hotel chains are re-engineering their food services to showcase flexible lobby and outdoor spaces that encourage social interaction. Locally sourced offerings are in high demand; thanks in part to the environmental movement and socio-economic factors. Adopting this trend helps hotels compete against local restaurants, which are also trying to own the "planet-friendly" space. Hotels, meanwhile, are placing extra emphasis on upscale, casual dining to attract a wider range of guests and provide a quality overall dining experience. In Favor of In-House Services Many hotel operators learned a steep lesson in the past by outsourcing food services to high-profile chefs and restaurateurs. It was a great idea for a while, but a five-star environment where guests have high expectations and anticipate an Iron Chef popping out from the kitchen was doomed to failure in most parts of the world. When it comes down to brass tacks, the reasons most hoteliers give for outsourcing their food and beverage services are that they simply do not have the skills in-house to manage them, and that hotel guests mostly do not dine in their hotels (although breakfast dining trends have been shown to invalidate this claim). Many hotel owners, managers and operators have realized that by pursuing an in-house solution instead of abdicating their F&B responsibilities to third parties, they can simultaneously address the current need for differentiation, create exciting options for their guests, and preserve F&B outlets as profit centers in their hotels. Benefits The benefits of keeping F&B in-house are numerous. You get to keep creative control of the offering for both in-house guests and destination diners. You retain the ability to add to your revenue and profit streams, and your hotel is empowered to provide career opportunities for the members of your Food and Beverage teams. A hotel that has a management or culinary team and infrastructure in place to support the development of an in-house restaurant and/or bar concept can only be a good thing. Risks Naturally, there are inherent risks in attempting to manage such a specialized service. It can also be challenging for a team to market a hotel restaurant as a destination for non-hotel guests. To do so, you will have to set aside the budget to build and maintain the facilities, employ trained and experienced staff, deliver exemplary food and service, and promote the venue. This can be a tall order for any team more experienced in offering room accommodations than food services, and it can potentially result in the operation becoming a low-profit-margin business. Making the In-House Model Work One company that has successfully developed an in-house model is UK-based Ennismore, which is currently expanding The Hoxton from a single hotel to a multi-property organization in the US and Europe. With an open-house concept and lobby, The Hoxton has never been just about room accommodations. Several spaces are available for meetings, parties, private dining and the hotel's own events, and restaurants and bars serve coffee, food and cocktails from morning until late evening. They work with local chefs and operators to craft menus containing dishes unique to their market, along with some comfort food classics. The idea is that hotel guests come to immerse themselves in local culture, while locals come anytime. Outsourcing to a Third Party The hotel industry has historically outsourced multiple functions to food service operators, security companies, parking operators, landscapers, concierge services, laundry providers and sound/audiovisual professionals. They do this to keep up with the changing labor market demands, manage increasingly high benefit costs and better meet the needs of their guests. Options for outsourcing in 2018 are even broader, as vendor companies begin specializing in certain niches and offering improved efficiencies for lower costs. Primary Success Factors Key issues when you are considering outsourcing an F&B function are finding a reputable service provider who understands the market and audience, ensuring there is no reduction in quality or control, and balancing the efficiencies gained by outsourcing with the desire to build the expertise and talent on your team. Another important matter is choosing the type of arrangement to conclude with the food service operator. This could take the form of a lease agreement, a management contract, a consulting arrangement or a licensing agreement (or any combination of these). Issues driving this decision could include the term of the arrangement, the services to be provided and the fee structure. A lease agreement works best, for example, when a hotel has several restaurant facilities and plans to outsource only the specialty restaurant with its own kitchen and storage areas. The decision to outsource F&B should never be based on "getting rid of a problem" and should rather be aimed at providing more accountability to the service delivery standards. This approach will enhance the opportunities for both guests and management. Benefits The benefits of outsourcing include some obvious advantages, such as the fact that service providers are subject matter experts in their field. Outsourcing gives your hotel the opportunity to: Earn a reliable revenue stream from rent, whether the contractor's company is profitable or not. Even if the rental agreement is tied to turnover, such agreements usually leave "wiggle room" for both parties to ensure it is a viable deal during a slower economy. Keep your staffing consistent, without having to adjust it to meet market demands for F&B. Avoid having to implement cost-cutting measures that impact the overall operation of the hotel. Enjoy the ability to offer hotel guests a reliable food and beverage service, regardless of any labor issues affecting your company. Deliver a heightened focus on excellent food services, which is difficult to match when F&B is a peripheral service for your team. Display the dedicated expertise and resources to meet the challenges of the environment, which an established third-party F&B provider has. Leverage economies of scale in purchasing, assuming the contractor's operation includes more than just your hotel's F&B services. The overall advantage of all these factors is a seamless experience for the guest that complements the efforts of the hotel. Risks The primary risk facing hotel management from a third-party F&B outsourcing agreement is the loss of control over their service offering. This is often not limited to operational jurisdiction, but applies equally to creative control over the concepts, the promotions, the marketing, the special offers and the effects on profitability of all these facets of the business. Taking an Innovative Approach The hotel industry offers many examples of outsourcing, such as the NYC-based Al Fiori restaurant at Manhattan's Langham Place hotel. The high-end French-Italian venue operates under different ownership than the adjoining Bar Fiori, so working together is paramount to offer guests a seamless dining experience. The restaurant also collaborates with hotel staff and external parties like Uber to develop opportunities for diners both on and off-site, which increases revenue and ultimately enhances profitability. This innovative approach to an outsourcing arrangement illustrates how lateral thinking can positively impact the results. Choosing a Model As is so often the case with options, each scenario for managing your F&B operations has its pros and cons. While it is obvious that financial benefit is a vital aspect of the decision, hotel owners also need to determine which route fits in best with their own investment time frame. If a lender is involved in hotel ownership, they should be consulted to avoid any after-the-fact complications from their direction. Both outsourcing and development of a new internal concept are important projects that require a lot more attention and focus than going along with the traditional hotel dining room premise. The returns are likely to be more beneficial as well. Opinion Article 18 April 2018 M&MS these are three magic letters to keep as a mantra. M for marque -brand- an image and notoriety that are indispensables to any company. M for management because without people, without their skills, a company is nothing. And, finally, S, for strategy, because without any long-term vision, a business cannot survive. Advertisements To keep brands alive, it is necessary to be surrounded by designers, marketers, disruptors, chief digital officers who can develop brands and attractive products. Thanks to the creativity of the human mind they will find a way to speak to the client more readily than any algorithm or computer. It is also necessary to invest to build their renown, create a buzz and maintain their notoriety and their image. Lately, there has been a growing belief that with distribution, brands had become unimportant and unnecessary. That's a big mistake. Success is not just about market shares, leadership and product performance, it is also measured in terms of the emotional value of brands, which is indispensable in our profession where the competition is increasingly harsh. The world's hotel industry has major brands that have been established in the minds of consumers for many years, but some lose their aura because they have not been sufficiently refreshed. It comes as a surprise that distribution asks high commissions, but it must not be forgotten that it is the distribution that brings the customer, and no longer the brand. OTAs could have needed to create white label accommodations, as the food retail sector has done, but we offered them ours ready to go. Our little world has changed, and at the end of the day it's all for the better because these changes offer us new opportunities. Nonetheless, watch out for the disaster looming before us. No brands, no visibility, no voice in the chapter and no potential loyalty. If we ask guests how they choose their accommodations, it will come as no surprise when Booking, Expedia or Airbnb is the answer. Management is one of the cornerstones to business success. The new generation of millennials looks at their professional life differently than previous. It is important to adapt training and management to new generations. Pyramid structures are no longer adapted to the decision-making speed that is now required in the corporate world. Everyone must be able to develop their maximum autonomy and improve their skills. Nonetheless, we must ask ourselves the right questions. How is it possible for a sector as dynamic as ours, in full growth, with years of profitability behind it, to be struggling to recruit, to be so poorly valued? Maybe we haven't done everything to please. It is unthinkable to not have an integrated corporate strategy that is developed, visionary and shared with collaborators. It is impossible to create a short-term financial strategy that only weakens the company and its assets. The asset-light policy adopted by hotel groups is perfectly understandable for them to concentrate on their development and their core business that is the customer experience. But in a major industry like ours, it is necessary to look far ahead. It is necessary to have property owners that can make major investments to develop and modernize the supply to meet customer needs. Some foreign investors have been granted tax breaks, why not also offer them to French investors? This would make it possible to implement a dynamic and attractive supply policy, since landowners only ask to finance new projects and renovate existing ones when there is sufficient profitability. This must go hand in hand with the strategy of operators, brands, concepts and products, which must also be strong, attractive and perform well. Some concepts are no longer up to date and should disappear. Diante Yarber was tragically shot 30 times while sitting in his black Mustang in a Walmart parking lot waiting for his friends and cousin. The tragic event took place on April 5th in Barstow, California and left passenger Marian Tafoya critically injured. Diante was 26-years-old and was a father of three. San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department released a statement on the matter explaining the reason for the numerous bullets. Officers say Diante was wanted for questioning in a recent crime involving a stolen vehicle. The statement says that "officers attempted a traffic stop of the Mustang when the driver suddenly reversed the vehicle and struck one of the patrol cars. When the driver again accelerated toward the officers and struck a second patrol car, the officer-involved shooting occurred. Diante's aunt, Aleta, tells The Guardian that her nephew was driving her son's car that was not stolen. When she got the vehicle back, she saw no signs of damage that proved it rammed into a patrol vehicle. Her son was also in the car, but Aleta says he hasn't been able to "say much of anything" as he's still "very" traumatized." They saw a car full of black people sitting in front of a Walmart, and they decided that was suspicious, Lee Merritt, an attorney for the family, told the publication. They just began pouring bullets. ... Its irresponsible. Its dangerous. Its mind-boggling, the use of force. Lee released the following statement to The Root: "Barstow PD confronted a vehicle full of people, suspected of nothing more than looking suspicious with an amount [of] force that would have been deemed excessive in a war zone. Near 10 a.m. in a crowded parking lot, police officers decided to halt Yarbers vehicle by unleashing over 30 rifle rounds in the windshield and driver-side door. Training and policy dictates that police should never fire at moving vehicles because it only increases the danger to others if they successfully disable the driver. The investigation has revealed Yarber was unarmed and that officers were not in the path of his vehicle when they opened fire. Yarber was struck an estimated two dozen times in the barrage of bullets. His backseat passenger, Marian Tafoya, was struck in her abdomen and leg and had to be airlifted to emergency treatment." On Tuesday, a Southwest Airlines plane's engine malfunctioned causing the aircraft to make an emergency landing en route to New York. Unfortunately, a female passenger died in relation to the accident, and she's been identified as Jennifer Riordan of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Riordan was a vice president of community relations at Wells Fargo Bank, and leaves behind two children and a husband. Pilots were forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia after the airplane's engine exploded, causing a piece of shrapnel to crash through a passenger window and strike Riordan in the head; she eventually died from her injuries sustained from the accident. Paula Maes, a close friend of Riordan's, has gone on record to note how she was a "wonderful mother," as well as an active member in her community. Tim Keller, the mayor of Albuquerque, has released a statement acknowledging this tragedy, voicing the collective grief experienced throughout his municipality. "Today, Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community," mayor Tim Keller said Tuesday. "We are asking that everyone respects the privacy of the family at this time. This is a tremendous and tragic loss for Jennifer's family and many others throughout our city." Keller continues to note how her "leadership and philanthropic efforts made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed. We are holding Jennifer and her family in our thoughts and prayers." The Trump Administration wants to make several changes to the North American Free Trade Agreement that could unwittingly stall U.S. energy investments in Mexico and force consumers south of the border to turn to other foreign suppliers like China and Russia, experts said at a panel on Tuesday. As U.S., Mexican and Canadian officials prepare to begin the eighth round of NAFTA renegotiations in Washington this week, energy executives worry that U.S. proposals to change rules that undergird foreign investments could force American companies to think twice about multibillion-dollar projects that have bolstered U.S. energy exports to Mexico and improved cross-border industry ties, leaving an opening for foreign competitors. Weve seen this happen in other parts of Latin America, said Maryam Sabbaghian Brown, Sempra Energys vice president of federal government affairs, during a panel hosted by the Baker Institute for Public Policy at Rice University. Once these investments are made by other foreign investors, then were locked out for 20 to 30 years. Houstons energy-centric economy has become inexorably linked to U.S. fuel exports that flow from regional ports, pipelines and other gateways along the border with Mexico, which has become the nations biggest market for natural gas exports and second-largest trading partner as a result of the dismantling of trade barriers under NAFTA. The pact, which enable a freer flow of goods and services between the United States, Mexico and Canada, also supports automobile and electronics manufacturing in Texas. The state ships $46 billion in computer products to Mexico each year and $26 billion in U.S. energy goods. Sempra Energys Mexican subsidiary, IEnova, has poured $8 billion into natural gas assets in Mexico in recent years, building a network of gas transmission, distribution, generation and storage businesses as it became one of the largest energy companies in the Latin American country. But several of the Trump Administrations proposals could make it much harder for U.S. companies to invest in similar ventures under a new arrangement. Those include U.S. proposal to include a provision in the 1994 pact that would terminate the trade deal unless its renewed every five years. U.S. negotiators have also pushed to limit companies access to legal mechanisms that help resolve disputes between governments and foreign investors. Theyve also proposed to end rules that essentially make the three North American governments treat foreign companies as their own, and compensate them for appropriate assets, among other safeguards. Trump administration officials contend that NAFTA has been unfair to the United States and cost the country jobs. They say the pact needs to be revised so greater benefits to flow to the United States. Karen Antebi, an economic counselor for the Mexican embassy in Washington, said during the panel that after eight months and seven rounds of negotiations, officials are still working to overcome disagreements about how to address U.S. trade deficits, and how foreign companies in the financial services, energy, telecommunications and digital sectors would do business in the North American countries. Specifically, Antebi said, officials are still in discussions over rules governing where automobile parts are made and dispute resolution mechanisms. The transformation of the energy industry over the past 25 years, including the advent of U.S. shale gas in the last decade, has meant negotiators will have to rework its energy-related provisions. Antebi said several of the Trump Administrations proposed changes, including the provision to end NAFTA unless its renewed every five years, would dramatically increase uncertainty for long-term investments by the U.S. energy industry, which can extend for decades. You cannot make generational investments if the risk is so high, Antebi said. To crack the negotiation, we need signs of flexibility from the United States. Mexico cannot make concessions on tough issues if theres no balance. In Congressional testimony last year, Sempra officials urged lawmakers to expand investment protections and maintain the investor-state dispute resolution mechanisms. But the San Diego natural gas company has become increasingly alarmed by the Trump Administrations proposals that would do precisely the opposite, Brown said. We view these proposals as weakening the agreement, she said. If investment lags, U.S. energy exports - this wonderful story weve been talking about - will not continue to grow at the current rate and Mexico will be incentivized to look elsewhere for their energy supplies. collin.eaton@chron.com twitter.com/collineatonhc NASA will use Galveston as a testing ground for the future of supersonic air travel, seeing if residents of the island community will accept a quieter, less startling boom from jets flying faster than the speed of sound. That thunder-like noise, conjuring images of Top Gun flybys, has been a major hurdle to supersonic planes in commercial aviation, with regulators not permitting such speeds over land. But NASA is hoping its new technology will be the starting point for the next generation of supersonic aircraft, slashing the time it takes to travel across the globe and realizing potentials never reached by the Concorde, which hasnt flown in more than a decade. I do believe that some time, seven to 10 years from now, we will see a commercial supersonic airplane take flight again, said Henry Harteveldt, founder of San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group. There is a lot of investment and a lot of research being conducted into supersonic aircraft design. NASAs announcement Tuesday at Scholes International Airport comes two weeks after announcing that Lockheed Martin would build its Low-Boom Flight Demonstrator X-plane, with technology that reduces the loudness of a sonic boom. RELATED: Want to fly to Europe in half the time? NASA is taking steps to make that a reality It will be two to three years before that plane flies, so the government agency will use an F/A-18 Hornet aircraft to replicate the softer sonic boom and measure how receptive Galvestonians will be. Its basically a test for NASA to learn the best way to survey communities once the X-plane is flying. The planes will take off from Ellington Airport in November and then do supersonic dive maneuvers off the coast of Galveston to replicate the less startling boom. Heres how it works: pilots will begin the maneuver at 49,000 feet, diving at a 53-degree angle and accelerating to supersonic speeds during the dive. Most of that sound will go down toward the water. But the plane will still be traveling at supersonic speeds when it starts to pull out of the dive at 42,000 feet, meaning some of the sound will travel toward Galveston. By the time it reaches the island, it will be at the sound level expected from NASAs X-plane. If a traditional sonic boom is hearing a thunderstorm directly overhead, then the new reduced sonic boom will be like hearing a storm rumble far in the distance, said Peter Coen, project manager of NASAs Commercial Supersonic Technology Project. The noise has also been described as a neighbor down the street slamming a car door. NASA is hoping to test this procedure for 10 days over the course of two to three weeks. It will create between one and eight of these reduced sonic booms each day. The agency will pick 500 people to provide feedback on the sound. Noise monitors will also be placed throughout the community to capture data. The noise of supersonic flights is just one area that NASA is addressing. Its also seeking to make supersonic planes more cost-effective for airlines. And Coen said the Federal Aviation Administrations prohibition on flying supersonic speeds over land would need to be replaced with certification standards. Those would allow planes to fly faster over land if theyre certified as emitting noise levels below a certain threshold. RELATED: NASA plans to send a submarine to Saturn's largest moon in next 20 years The FAA currently permits supersonic speeds to be reached only over water, one of the major reasons the Concorde didnt reach its full potential. Tickets were also more expensive than the average traveler could afford. The story of supersonic flight is a lot of what could have been, Harteveldt said. The reality is that Concorde helped pioneer supersonic flight. British Airways and Air France flew the planes for a while, but they couldnt continue operating them when demand faltered after a fatal accident in 2000, when an Air France Concorde hit debris on the runway of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, and an industry-wide drop in air travel following the Sept. 11, 2001, attack, Harteveldt said. He believes supersonic travel will be better received by todays airlines and travelers. Lower fuel costs and advances in aircraft engine technology could soon make the planes more viable for airlines. Increased long-haul demand and a society fueled by instant gratification makes them more appealing to travelers. But the next supersonic airliner wont necessarily use the low-boom technology being developed by NASA, as that project is still a ways from completion. Harteveldt believes the first of the new generation of supersonic airliners will be small planes limited to flying between the U.S. East Coast and Europe or the West Coast and Asia. These ocean-heavy routes can capitalize on the planes speed advantages. Gradually, the planes will get larger and quieter and will be permitted to fly over land. As with everything in aviation, there will be the inevitable crawl-walk-run progressive development of airplanes, he said. Ray Jaworowski, senior aerospace analyst with Forecast International, expects a market to develop for private aviation first. Business jets are purchased to reduce travel time, making supersonic flights appealing, and the aircraft are often a status symbol. A supersonic business jet would be, perhaps, the ultimate prestige product, Jaworowski said. He thinks supersonic airliners are farther off than what Harteveldt expressed. Speed is important, but less important than an aircrafts operating costs, range and seating capacity. To be successful, he said, supersonic ticket prices would have to be comparable to a full-fare economy ticket on current flights. Airlines will also have to reduce the noise, he said. The demonstrations that NASA is going to be performing that kind of public feedback is going to play into how the regulatory agencies choose to look at the issue, Jaworowski said. The Houston Spaceport is hoping NASA's local tests will spur development for the cluster of aerospace companies it's seeking to create. RELATED: Blue Origin passes over Houston Spaceport in favor of Alabama Its talking with two companies intending to build supersonic planes, said Arturo Machuca, general manager of Ellington Airport and the Houston Spaceport. He said being near the Gulf of Mexico where companies could test their aircraft without bothering people is just one of many benefits Houston could offer these manufacturers. If its good for NASA, he said, its good for anybody else to go fly and test their planes out there. andrea.rumbaugh@chron.com twitter.com/andrearumbaugh The great Permian Basin land rush is over. With the top acreage gobbled up, few companies are staking new claims. Instead, the industry is entering a new phase of consolidation that will likely drive small and mid-sized firms from the West Texas shale play as energy companies buy up competitors to expand holdings in the worlds hottest oil-producing region, analysts said. Since the bottom of the last oil bust in early 2016, wildcatters, private equity investors, independents and oil majors have flocked to the West Texas shale play, driving up land prices to as high as $60,000 an acre and leaving more production companies with land holdings there than drilling rigs. That has set the stage for a wave of mergers and acquisitions. It's kill or be killed, said Ethan Bellamy, an energy analyst at Robert W. Baird & Co. The Permian Basin is the Beverly Hills of oil, so it's no surprise that M&A is heating up foremost in that marquee region. Midland deals More Information Biggest Permian players by acreage: Occidental Petroleum (Houston), 2.5 million net acres Exxon Mobil (Irving), 1.8 million Chevron (San Ramon, Calif.), 1.7 million Apache Corp. (Houston), 1.6 million ConocoPhillips (Houston), 1 million Devon Energy (Oklahoma City), 670,000 Pioneer Natural Resources (Irving), 660,000 Concho Resources (Midland), 642,000 EOG Resources (Houston), 559,000 Cimarex Energy (Denver), 380,450 Anadarko Petroleum (The Woodlands), 240,000 Energen Corp. (Birmingham, Alabama), 240,000 Parsley Energy (Austin), 216,000 Diamondback Energy (Midland), 207,000 WPX Energy (Tulsa, Okla.), 131,000 Source: Raymond James See More Collapse The latest example is the biggest U.S. oil and gas deal in six years, one that will combine two oil and gas producers focused exclusively on the Permian. Concho Resources of Midland said last month that it will pay $8 billion to buy RSP Permian of Dallas, primarily to pick up 100,000 net acres contiguous to Conchos Permian holdings. Putting together large blocks of land has become particularly important as horizontal drilling, which cuts across shale formations to tap multiple reservoirs, has become state-of-the-art. Concho CEO Tim Leach said in a recent call with analysts that the acquisition would allow his company to drill more and longer wells from a single location, reducing expenses on oilfield services such as rigs, hydraulic fracturing crews, water, sand and chemicals. Its not getting bigger just for the sake of getting big, Leach told analysts. There will be a preference going forward for larger, blockier sets of assets. RELATED: As oil majors move into the Permian, cool efficiency replaces passion and guts That preference is part of the drive for greater efficiency and lower production costs by oil and gas companies in an era of rising, but relatively low prices. The biggest players in the Permian, including large independents such as Occidental Petroleum of Houston and Pioneer Natural Resources of Dallas and oil majors such as Exxon Mobil and Chevron, are following factory models as they exploit the shale play, drilling wells closer together as consistently and similarly as possible to maximize production. As with manufacturing, the key to success is scale: producing at volumes that lower the cost of individual units. And in the Permian, analysts said, scale means more land and more consolidations. John Freeman, an analyst at the financial services firm Raymond James, said he expects the number of producers in the West Texas oil field to potentially fall by half in the next five years. Youre going to have dramatically fewer companies operating in the Permian, Freeman said. Numbers game The Permian land rush peaked in the first quarter of 2017 with nearly $18 billion in Permian deals - primarily acreage sales. Those deals fell off sharply in the second half of last year to less than $4 billion in final six months of 2017, according to the research firm IHS Markit. Permian deals rebounded to $10 billion in the first three months of this year, according to IHS Markit, but that was nearly all the result of Concho Resources purchase of RSP Permian, signaling the shift from acreage sales to mergers and acquisitions. In many ways, the shift is driven by numbers. More than 500 exploration and productions companies have holdings in the Permian while there are fewer than 450 rigs operating in the oil field. In other words, there arent enough rigs, fracking crews and money to go around, analysts said, making consolidation inevitable. It wont necessarily come quickly, however. A lot of smaller companies may feel undervalued by Wall Street and be reluctant to sell, Freeman said. And large investors may push companies to spend conservatively and devote money to shareholder payouts, rather than acquisitions. RELATED: Sand, water and horsepower: Welcome to the year of the fracker But Pavel Molchanov, another Raymond James analyst, said that the prolific Permian is perhaps the only U.S. oil field that could inspire investors to support spending more and growing faster. The Permian remains very hot - to state the obvious, Molchanov said, and the industry appetite for consolidation is certainly real. Likely acquisition targets, analysts said, would be pure play companies focused exclusively on the Permian. Freeman said they could include companies such as Laredo Energy of Houston, Parsley Energy of Austin, Callon Petroleum of Mississippi and Denver-based players such as QEP Resources, Jagged Peak Energy and Centennial Resource Development Private equity companies, meanwhile, are working to flip their oil and gas holdings for big profits and move onto to other regions where they think they can find find oil and reserves at better values. The big players Concho, Occidental, Pioneer, Exxon Mobil and Chevron could all be looking to add to their holdings, as could EOG Resources and Anadarko Petroleum, both of Houston, and Diamondback Energy of Midland, according to analysts. Exxon, which plans to triple its Permian production by 2025, last year made one of the last big acreage buys in the Permian when it paid $6.6 billion for the holdings of the Bass Family of Fort Worth. In the near term, analysts said, the most frequent deals in the Permian will be land swaps among the top players as they try to add contiguous holdings and build their blocks of land. And as they move ahead and begin mass production, the character of the Permian, where wildcatters have long roamed and small companies once could hit it big, will change. The Houston bar scene is full of personalities bar stars, if you will. Each week in Preview, well feature one of these mixologists to let you know more about them, aside from how good they are at making you feel good. This week, were talking to Mike Danner of Etoile Cuise Et Bar. Know someone who deserves the spotlight? Email joey.guerra@chron.com. Length of time working at current place? Two years. Lamest pickup line you've heard at the bar? Something about being a pinky toe and banging on furniture? So happy to be married. COME HERE OFTEN? Houston bartenders reveal the cheesiest pickup lines they've heard behind the bar Most famous person you've ever served a drink to? Dr. Funkenstein himself, George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic. A seminal moment for me. I got the chills. Becoming friends with customers: yes or no? I guess the moment I serve them that first drink we're connected so absolutely. Most common customer complaint? More Information Mike Danner Find him behind the bar at: Etoile Cuisine Et Bar, 1101 Uptown Park Blvd. Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays; 11 a.m.-3 p.m., 5-9 p.m. Sundays See More Collapse Can't you bring more seats to the bar? Song you've gotten sick of at work? I use our music to track the time, so once I hear Edith Piaf, I know lunch is nearly over. What's the sloppiest, drunkest thing you've ever seen on the job? Years ago, at a different restaurant, I witnessed the chef/owner of the restaurant go Leaving Las Vegas on a bottle of tequila and then get Hells Kitchen on his kitchen staff, complete with throwing food and cursing. What's the most outrageous request you've ever gotten? Our homemade Bourbon cream and coke. My eye twitched. Where do you like to go have a drink when you're not at work? I love drinking at home, but otherwise BDP, Lei Low, Johnnys, Bad News, Warrens. What's your specialty drink, and how do you make it? Apothecary Cup: house ginger beer, house raspberry liqueur, Plantation 3 Star Rum, Topo Chico, house bitters and a mint bunch. What's something your customers may not know about you? I'd love to have a real conversation with you, but I gotta wash and polish those dirty glasses over there. There is ample evidence to suggest that Barbara Bush was a foodie even before the term for the modern gourmand was coined. "She appreciated good food and she would go to lengths to get what she wanted to eat," said Phyllis Mandola, daughter of the Houston restaurateur "Mama" Ninfa Laurenzo and wife of Tony Mandola of Tony Mandola's Gulf Coast Kitchen. "She was a foodie. She liked it all. She loved tacos al carbon and she loved enchiladas." Memories of the appetites of President and Barbara Bush were being shared in the Houston restaurant community Wednesday, the day after Barbara Bush died at 92. The Bushes were known to frequent many local restaurants, and their tastes ranged from the simple (Fuzzy's Pizza) to the grand (The Palm Houston) to the classic (Ouisie's Table where they were regulars and Damian's Cucina Italiana, where they snuck in the kitchen door to dine at the private chef's table) to the fancy (Tony's, where they received a standing ovation when they stepped into the dining room). And in between, plenty of Tex-Mex and Chinese food. Gigi Huang, whose father James Huang owned Hunan Restaurant from 1976 to 2006, recalls a woman who relished dining out and loved chicken lettuce wraps. "They definitely had their favorites," Huang said. "His was Peking duck." Huang, who owned Gigi's Asian Bistro in the Galleria, a favorite among the River Oaks crowd, said the Bushes were frequent guests who later in life made it their Christmas Day tradition to dine at her restaurant. "When they were in Houston we'd see them at least once a month," Huang said. Her favorite memory is seeing the Bushes dine together alone like it was date night. "They would glance at each other and hold hands," Huang said. "It was great to see them after all these years still having a romantic evening. Like two young kids out on a date." The Bushes were big fans of Tex-Mex. Molina's Cantina was among their favorite haunts. According to a spokesperson for the restaurant, Barbara enjoyed cheese enchiladas, black beans and a margarita. The Bushes also gladly took photos with staff and patrons whenever they dined at Molina's. An old photo of the Bushes, accompanied by mariachi musicians, hangs on the restaurant's wall. "She's like your next door neighbor, somebody's grandmother, mother, just the sweetest lady in the world," Ricardo Molina, Molina's co-owner, told a San Antonio television station Tuesday. Fuzzy's Pizza on Antoine was another go-to, so much so that both Bushes have a pizza named for them on the menu. First Lady Barbara Bush's Pizza is made with chicken, spinach, mushrooms, artichokes, garlic and red sauce and mozzarella. The Bushes were also fans of classic steakhouse fare. When George H.W. Bush was working in Washington, DC as United Nations ambassador, he made it known he would like The Palm steakhouse to open in the capital. In 1972, that's exactly what happened. The steakhouse's owner was good friends of the Bushes for years and they remained loyal to The Palm for decades, enjoying Prime double cut New York strip steaks, wine and martinis. The Palm Houston hosted President Bush's 90th birthday in April 2014 with a party for about 200 people and a giant carrot cake, Bush's favorite. "They are foodies. They enjoyed the food at The Palm and the personalized service we offered," said Lauren Liermann, sales manager. "They really do make you feel like you're part of their family." It was a two-way street between the Bushes and Houston restaurants. "When they liked a place they were loyal," Phyllis Mandola said. "There were times my mother flew tacos to the White House." Mandola treasures a photograph that Barbara Bush sent many years ago to Mama Ninfa with the inscription: "I'm dreaming of tacos." Spoken like a true foodie. When Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified before a Senate committee last week, he was supposed to clarify how his social media site uses and maybe abuses the personal data of its 2 billion monthly users. But what the hearing revealed instead, as many analysts have pointed out, was that few senators seem to have a firm grasp on what Facebook does, how the internet works or what they mean by the word "data." Take this exchange between Zuckerberg and Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.: Fischer: So how many data categories do you store, does Facebook store, on the categories that you collect? Zuckerberg: Senator, can you clarify what you mean by "data categories"? Fischer: Well, there's there's some past reports that have been out there that indicate that it that Facebook collects about 96 data categories for those 2 billion active users. That's 192 billion data points that are being generated, I think, at any time from consumers globally. So how many do does Facebook store out of that? Do you store any? Zuckerberg: Senator, I'm not actually sure what that is referring to. The discussion went on awkwardly for a while. Ultimately, however, Fischer revealed that her chief concern was not the number of data points Facebook stored, but something more primal. "Is Facebook is Facebook being safe?" she asked. MORE WORD WATCH: Is our speech still free? Senators aren't the only Americans who have a generalized dread about bad things happening to our data but no clear idea what exactly we mean by "data" or why it's so important to protect. Many of us are worried by revelations that the consulting company Cambridge Analytica, hired by the Trump campaign during the 2016 election, accessed the private data of 87 million Facebook users and used it to create detailed personality profiles and highly specific marketing pitches. This is, of course, far from the first widespread data breach we've weathered. The 2017 Equifax breach also compromised the personal data of millions of Americans, including our Social Security numbers, birth dates and credit card numbers. But the data Facebook shared is far more personal, and that might be why the breach feels like even more of a violation. Cambridge Analytica is unlikely to open a line of credit in our names, but it's somehow creepier to think about all the things they've found out about us: which hotel we stayed at on vacation, when we potty-trained our kid, what Disney princess we would be. What makes it creepy is that they can, and did, use this intimate information against us, to manipulate how we think and act. That's what most of us are really talking about when we talk about protecting personal data: The fear that people will use knowledge of our habits and preferences to get us to serve their own purposes. But Facebook wasn't the first to use (or allow others to use) personal information to influence our behavior. As long as "data" has existed, it's been scrutinized by people who want to sell us things, get our votes, or change our opinions. Nearly a century ago, advertisers were already working to harness the power of behavioral psychology to develop "subliminal advertising" that would motivate us to buy what they were selling without realizing we'd been influenced, Vanderbilt history professor Sarah Igo explains. "Those probes into consumers' personalities and desires foreshadowed Cambridge Analytica's pitch to commercial and political clients using data, as its website proudly proclaims, 'to change audience behavior,'" says Igo, the author of a forthcoming book, "The Known Citizen: A History of Privacy in Modern America." Many people recoiled then, as they're doing now. Especially in the U.S., where independence and self-reliance are highly prized, the possibility that our psyches might be shaped by outside forces without our awareness or consent is extremely threatening. "We have a lot invested in the idea that we're autonomous individuals, that we're in charge of ourselves," Igo explains. "The idea that there's this psychological probing going on all the time threatens that image of who we are at some deep level." MORE WORD WATCH: Why is everyone so 'embattled' right now? But there are benefits to sharing our personal data, and that's why so many of us do not just on Facebook, but with Google, Apple, Amazon, Netflix, Fitbit, E-ZPass and countless others. "We aren't giving away our personal details only on Facebook. We are giving away our personal details every time we go online for any purpose," says Utpal Dholakia, a marketing professor at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. "Coming to Facebook, we all have some basic social needs, such as to be acknowledged, respected, valued, praised, etc. which is why we give away our information. I will give just one example: our birthday. Most people like to be greeted on their birthday, so they post their real birthdate. The risks are obvious. The smartest thing to do is to share minimum amount of personal information on social media." Some people, however, argue that the benefits outweigh the risks, and that we should embrace the convenience and efficiency of a fully connected, privacy-free future. "The bottom line is that we can't say, 'I want my technology personalized to me, but I don't want companies to know too much about me,'" argues Ben LeDonni, CEO of the digital strategy agency CreativeMMS. "The technology needs to know as much as it can about you to help personalize your experience and make it richer, better and easier for us all." That's a hard sell for those of us who want to retain some control over how our data is used and who's using it. And while we recognized that Facebook was using the intel it gathered for the mildly disturbing purpose of showing us targeted ads, few of us realized just how much was actually at stake. "We all knew that Facebook was harvesting our data, but we were seduced by its free 'gifts,' and unaware of the significant cumulative value of the totality of our privacy exposures," said Moshe Vardi, director of the Ken Kennedy Institute for Information Technology at Rice. "The Cambridge Analytica affair revealed two things. First, the cumulative value of our minor exposures is quite significant, perhaps enough to tilt the result of the 2016 election. Second: It was not just Facebook that was collecting our data. It was also done by third parties we have never heard about, and on a rather massive scale." The fact that this time our data was used for political propaganda, and not just the commercial propaganda we've come to expect, is part of what makes this scandal so troubling. But political propaganda has been around forever, too. Cambridge Analytica's tactics aren't so different from the "push polls" pioneered by the Nixon campaign, in which pollsters used loaded questions to push people toward a particular candidate, Igo points out. "There's a continuum here it's not brand new, by any means. The techniques are just more sophisticated and less visible, and there's the added layer of outside parties tampering with the very information that people are getting in the first place," she says. Andrew Harnik, STF / Associated Press And while in the past you'd have to choose to take part in a poll or a focus group, social media has created a constant stream of opportunities for us to provide our personal information to propagandists without thinking twice about it. We don't even have to post it, since so much of our online activity is being tracked. The Chronicle's Dwight Silverman calls this information "a kind of 'dark matter' data." "Facebook uses both user posts and this dark-matter info to build a set of interests associated with you," he writes. "If you routinely click on country music videos ... the site may add 'country music' to your list of interests. If you share a lot of posts from progressive political pages, it may tag you as a liberal." So how can we reclaim our personal details? An obvious step would be to stop taking online quizzes. The source of the Cambridge Analytica leak was, after all, a personality quiz app called "This Is Your Digital Life." But are we idiots if we downloaded the app? No, says Igo. Technology is changing too quickly for the average social media user to be expected to recognize all the risks at any given moment. "That's an impossible task," she says. "My point is not that people should take on that burden themselves, but that, as citizens, we should have some say on how data is used in our country and beyond. It has to be a political solution, not a behavioral solution." Whether we should change our online behaviors, we're unlikely to, says Dholakia. "A much more serious milestone was the data breach at Target, when the financial information of 41 million customers was stolen," he says. "That didn't change consumer behavior in any significant way, so I don't think this will." But a political solution could be on the horizon. The European Union adopted a data protection law that will go into effect next month and the U.S. Congress is discussing ways to follow suit. Sooner or later, we will need some ground rules governing the use of personal data, Vardi argues. "We keep generating data points, and there are other third parties out there that are hungry for data," he says. "So the discussion is very much alive." Jennifer Latson is a staff writer and editor at Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business and the author of The Boy Who Loved Too Much. Sign up for the Gray Matters newsletter. Are we idiots if we do? No. One of the Montgomery County sheriff's top-ranking captains is being allowed to retire with benefits following an investigation into a domestic disturbance that involved the officer and his wife at their Conroe home in August. Capt. Bryan Carlisle submitted his resignation to retire following the investigation, according to Conroe attorney Steve Jackson, who represents Carlisle. Jackson said Carlisle is expected to enter a plea of disorderly conduct, a Class C misdemeanor. Carlisle, who led MCSO's Executive Division, will receive deferred adjudication and will surrender his Texas Commission on Law Enforcement certification. PAST COVERAGE: Another high-ranking captain was also suspended in separate investigation TCOLE serves as the regulatory agency for all peace officers in Texas, which includes sheriffs and their deputies, constables and their deputies, police officers, marshals, troopers, Texas Rangers, enforcement agents of the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, investigators of the Attorney General, and game wardens. County jailers and public security officers are also regulated by TCOLE. As of 6 p.m. Tuesday, that plea had not been finalized, according to Jackson. "He is one of the finest law enforcement officers I have worked with in the past 26 years," said Jackson, who has defended several high-profile clients and cases in the area. Carlisle was suspended March 22 in light of the investigation by the District Attorney's Office. Captain Kevin Ray also was suspended for unrelated reasons. That investigation is ongoing. Carlisle was involved in an Aug. 12, 2017, domestic incident involving his wife at their home in Conroe, according to information obtained by The Courier through the City of Conroe. While no official police report was filed, the call notes from the officer who responded to the scene alleged Carlisle and is wife got into a verbal argument in their vehicle following a trip to Hobby Lobby. Along with the officer, former Police Chief Phillip Dupuis also responded to the scene. Dupuis recently retired. The notes indicated the couple's two children were in the car during the argument that continued once they returned home. The officer's call notes state Carlisle's wife "observed her husband to be intoxicated." However, the couple's children told police they had not seen him drink, so Carlisle's wife attributed the "intoxication" to medications. The call notes further state once home, the couple went to their bedroom where they continued to argue. Carlisle's wife tried to leave because "she no longer wished to deal with her husband's behavior and vulgar language," but Carlisle allegedly blocked the door and would not let her leave. Carlisle's wife attempted to call the police, but Carlisle allegedly "removed the phone from her hands twice" before she was able to make the call. No arrests were made and reportedly no incident report was filed. Rand Henderson named Carlisle and Ray to his leadership team after winning the race for sheriff to replace the retiring Tommy Gage in the March 2016 Republican primary defeating Montgomery Police Chief Jim Napolitano. Henderson did not have a Democratic challenger on the November ballot. According to MCSO, Carlisle holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University. He is a graduate of the 237th Session of the prestigious FBI National Academy and the Law Enforcement Management Institute Leadership Command College. Carlisle was a graduate and class President of the MCSO Class 96-1 Texas Peace Officer Licensing Academy and was selected for commission with the MCSO in 1997. He served in a variety of capacities including Patrol Deputy, Crime Scene Investigator, Academy Instructor and as the Commander of the agency's elite Crisis Negotiation Team. In 2005, Carlisle joined the Shenandoah Police Department as the agency's Accreditation and Training Coordinator. He has held the rank of sergeant, master sergeant, lieutenant and assistant chief of police while leading, at various times, all facets of the agency's operations and support functions during his tenure. Returning to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office under the leadership of Sheriff Rand Henderson, Bryan is responsible for Recruiting, Training, Human Resources, Records, Internal Affairs, Media Relations, Crime Stoppers and the Chaplaincy Program. The two suspensions followed the unrelated death of 26-year MCSO Capt. Randy Eaves, who took his own life in early March. WASHINGTON One of the lessons Houstonians learned from Hurricane Harvey last August was that urban flooding often happens outside recognized floodplains. Congress, awakened by the torrent of floods and hurricanes in 2017, is now looking at legislation that would update local flood maps and help the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) manage future floods. AUSTIN -- Incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, generally considered a safe bet for reelection next fall, claims in a new fundraising pitch to supporters that no other governor has a bigger bull's eye on his back than he. Strange words, perhaps, for a popular governor who's considered far ahead in his campaign for reelection. This is certain: The online ask marks the latest indication this week that the governors race is heating up, just seven months from the November general election -- and weeks ahead of the May 22 Democratic runoff. In a late Tuesday solicitation message riffing off of a back-and-forth earlier in the day with presumptive Democratic challenger Lupe Valdez, who said she plans to "eviscerate' the controversial ban on sanctuary cities if elected, Abbott said he will stand firm to keep the ban in place. "After taking on the open borders lobby with Texas' sanctuary cities ban and fighting for the Rule of Law, Governor Abbott has a bigger bull's eye on his back right now than any other governor in America," states the message from campaign aide Alex Meza. "He will never stop fighting to secure our border and will show criminals that Texas is not a place where they can find sanctuary from the law, but he needs to know you have his back in this fight." "Lupe Valdez is willing to put the safety of Americans at risk," the message states. "JUST TODAY she promised to "eviscerate" our sanctuary cities ban, proving her top priority is advancing her lawless agenda by allowing dangerous criminals to be released back into our communities." "But she's not stopping there. She recently condemned our efforts to secure our border and vowed to rally against us as we fight to uphold the Rule of Law. The Democrat frontrunner for Texas governor even had the audacity to call this fight to secure our border a "boys and their toys approach." "This is a serious fight to secure our border, support our law enforcement, and keep our communities safe. Securing our border doesn't involve "toys"it involves cracking down on crime and defending Texans from dangerous criminals illegally entering our state. The message seeks contributions ranging from $25 to $2,500. Abbott, who has a campaign war chest totaling more than $40 million while Democrats have struggled to top the million-dollar threshold, is running in his first reelection campaign. For her part, Valdez insists Abbott is out of touch with most Texans on a variety of issues. She has criticized his position on the sanctuary cities ban as "a backwards approach." She is in a May 22 runoff with Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, a contest that Abbott said he thinks Valdez is likely to win to become the Democratic nominee to face him in November Valdez has also been critical of President Trump for sending National Guard troops to the border to curb illegal border crossings and smuggling activity. "It's back to business as usual with Greg Abbott spewing his fear-based open borders nonsense," she said in a statement Tuesday. "I've spent 42 years working in law enforcement, working to keep Americans safe, I know what smart security looks like and this isn't it. Demonizing immigrants, and spreading fear and hatred is exactly the wrong approach." AUSTIN -- Incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott, who tried his hand at opposing incumbents during the Republican primaries, is at it again, this time with the Democrat he wants to run against in November. Taking on a likely general election opponent before the primary runoff votes are counted is an unusual step -- one Abbott appears to be taking a cut from President Bill Clinton's playbook from 1996. "A candidate in a strong position going into the general election will generally let his opponents in the other party cut each other up, and then they can just sit back and make commercials for the general election," said Cal Jillson, a political scientist at Southern Methodist University. "Lupe (Valdez) and (Andrew) White are shaping up as such weak challengers at this point that it's surprising that the governor would be taking her on." On Tuesday, Abbott was scrapping publicly with Valdez over her opposition to a state-passed ban on sanctuary cities, a law enacted last year that Abbott supports as helping curb illegal immigration and Valdez has branded as mean-spirited. "I think she embodies the Obama approach, which is more open borders, obviously not enforcing the ban on sanctuary cities," Abbott said in an interview with the Texas Tribune after a speech in Kingwood. "Every time she comes out and starts talking about ways that are antagonistic to the Texas perspective on making sure that we ban sanctuary cities, secure our border, I'm going to challenge her on it." Valdez is in a May 22 runoff with Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, a contest that Abbott said he thinks Valdez is likely to win to become the Democratic nominee to face him in the November general election. Valdez quickly fired back, saying she would "eviscerate" the sanctuary-city law if she is elected. She blasted Abbott's position as "a backwards approach." Valdez has said she opposes the state-passed ban on sanctuary cities, and has been critical of President Trump for sending National Guard troops to the border to curb illegal border crossings and smuggling activity. "It's back to business as usual with Greg Abbott spewing his fear-based open borders nonsense," she said. "I've spent 42 years working in law enforcement, working to keep Americans safe, I know what smart security looks like and this isn't it. Demonizing immigrants, and spreading fear and hatred is exactly the wrong approach." To many, the exchange sounded like the start of the general election campaign. Two weeks ago, Abbott tweeted that he looked forward to running against Valdez in November -- more than a month before Democrats will decide who their nominee will be. To others, the arguments seemed more like 1996, when President Clinton, a Democrat, went after Republican Bob Dole while the GOP presidential primary was still in play. "That may be the most recent example of a candidate with lots of money trying to define a likely opponent early before they have a chance to define themselves with the voting public," Jillson said. For their part, Abbott's campaign had no comment on their strategy. But privately, Abbott supporters said it was the same as Clinton's against Dole -- to define Valdez and grow her negatives in Republican-strong Texas before she has a chance to get her campaign rolling. Both Valdez and White have struggled to raise money and have run relatively low-key campaigns so far, after a Democratic primary field with nine candidates. White, who finished a distant second to Valdez in the primary, said Tuesday accused Abbott of "helping Lupe Valdez get elected in a Democratic runoff. "He's tried this before and it didn't work," White said, referring to Abbott's support of challengers to three Republican state House members in the March GOP primary. "So, by all means, the more Abbott interferes in our election the better. Democrats aren't going to listen to him." For the record, two of the three won their primaries. Mike Ward, the Houston Chronicle's Austin Bureau chief, covers Texas politics and the governor's office and the executive branch, along with criminal justice and ethics issues. Follow him on Twitter @ChronicleMike and send him story tips at Mike.Ward@Chron.com. [Updated 5.31.2018: A new Russian hacking campaign that takes aim at home routers is ongoing. The FBI encourages home users to reboot their routers. This guide can help you do more to secure your home network.] The router is the heart and soul of your home Wi-Fi network, and now it's more important than ever to make sure it's secure against bad guys. You need look no further than this week's eye-opening headline: In a rare joint advisory, both the United States and United Kingdom governments warned that Russian hackers have mounted a campaign against industrial and government targets. The hackers, which are believed to be state-sponsored, are using flaws in commercial networking equipment - routers and switches - to gain access to sensitive systems. While the alert doesn't necessarily apply to home networking equipment, it's a good reminder for users of consumer routers that they are often juicy targets for evildoers. But it doesn't take much to make your router harder to break into. How to: Speed up your computer with one weird (DNS) trick 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 Why is this important? First, once someone with malicious intent takes control of your router, they have access to everything behind it - your computers, mobile devices, digital assistants, streaming TV boxes, home automation components - and the data they send and receive. In other words, if something is connected to your home network, it's at risk if your router is compromised. In addition, a hacked router can be used for nefarious ends on the internet. There's malware out there that can turn routers into an army of bots that then mount an en masse attack against servers on the internet. The same device you use to pull in "Stranger Things" from Netflix could be used to help swamp Netflix's servers, instead. There are three steps you should take to harden your router's defenses. Exactly how you walk through these steps depends on what brand and model of router you have, as well as how old it is. If you have a manual for it, it's time to dig it out. Or visit the website for the manufacturer and download the manual from there. It will tell you how to get into the settings screen, which is typically done through a web browser. 1. Change the default login and password. If you bought a router recently, chances are its setup process prompted you to change the default password for accessing the settings. If you've done that (and if it's a strong password), you're good. But if you've got an older router and you've never dived into its settings, you probably need to replace the default login and password, which in many routers is "admin" and "password". 2. Update the firmware. Firmware is the built-in software that controls how a router works, and how it is configured. Some newer routers - particularly those that use mesh networking like Eero or Google Wi-Fi - update their built-in software automatically. Others may give you an alert when new firmware is available. But if you have an older router and you've never updated the firmware, or if you haven't checked for updates in a while, you should do it ASAP. Lots of online attacks involve automated scanning of the internet for routers with known flaws that have not been patched. How to: Improve the Wi-Fi reception in your home Begin by looking at your router's manual to see if it can at least check for an update, download it and install it by itself. If so, you'll be set. (Just make sure the router doesn't power off while the update is installing, which can render it inoperable.) But with an older or less feature-rich model, you may have to go to the manufacturer's website and manually download the latest firmware. . (Some routers have been around long enough that there are multiple hardware versions, with different firmware files. Make sure you download the right one.) Download the file to a place you can easily find it again, such as your desktop. You can then pull the software off your computer's hard drive via the upload tool in the router settings and start the installation process. Once the install has completed, your router will reboot, and you'll have the latest firmware. Now that you're up-to-date, check monthly to ensure you don't miss a new firmware release. One caveat: If your router is more than five years old, you should consider buying a new one. At some point, manufacturers quit updating the software for older devices, leaving their owners with possible security flaws that may never be fixed. Newer routers are easier to maintain and can provide a big performance boost. And to be extra safe, look for a model that automates the firmware updating process. How to: Use your own modem and router with Comcast 3. Batten down the hatches There are a few other tweaks you can make in the settings that will further harden your defenses. Turn on WPA2. This is the strongest encryption currently available for Wi-Fi connections, and typically it's the type that's on by default in newer routers. Double-check that it's on for your router, particularly if it's an older one. Some experts recommend that you also disable a feature called Wi-Fi Protected Setup, which makes it easy to connect devices to a router. On older routers, it is easy to crack with automated hacking tools. There is an issue with it on some newer routers, too. Change the network name. Change the network name (or SSID) from the default, which typically has the name of the router's manufacturer in it. If a hacker can quickly see the router type you have, that makes it just that easier to find an exploit to try on it. But don't change it to something that could identify you, such as your name, address or apartment number. Remote management. Some routers let you access your router's settings even if you are not on your home network via app or browser. It's handy, but also an easy way for an authorized third party to get into your router, particularly if your password isn't strong. Unless you really need to access your router when you're away from home, disable this. (Note that some routers, particularly mesh-style models such as Eero, only allow access via a cloud-based system. For these, make sure your password is a strong one.) Of course, you can do these only if you are in control of your router. If you're renting a router, or a modem/router combination, from your internet service provider, you may have to just hope and pray it's being maintained as it should. How to: Effectively and efficiently talk to tech support I asked both AT&T and Comcast about their policies for updating their rented router/modems. AT&T responded: "We update broadband, residential gateway software multiple times a year for the devices that we provide our internet service customers, including testing and managing security configurations and patches as they become available from vendors." Comcast responded: "If you lease a cable modem from us, we automatically update it on a regular basis with the latest software, which includes security updates and bug fixes. This also applies to our wireless gateways, which incorporate the cable modem and wireless router in a single device." 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. John Macdougall/AFP/Getty Images The Federal Communications Commission announced a $40 million settlement with T-Mobile US Inc. over accusations the carrier made it seem that outgoing calls were ringing at their destination when they werent. T-Mobile admitted that it violated a prohibition against inserting false ringing sounds, and that it didnt correct problems, the FCC said Monday in an emailed news release. T-Mobile reported that it had injected the false ringing sounds on hundreds of millions of calls, the FCC said. WASHINGTON More than 30 high-tech companies, led by Microsoft and Facebook, plan to announce a set of principles on Tuesday that include a declaration that they will not help any government including that of the United States mount cyberattacks against innocent civilians and enterprises from anywhere, reflecting Silicon Valleys effort to separate itself from government cyberwarfare. The principles, which have been circulating among senior executives in the tech industry for weeks, also commit the companies to come to the aid of any nation on the receiving end of such attacks, whether the motive for the attack is criminal or geopolitical. Although the list of firms agreeing to the accord is lengthy, several companies have declined to sign on at least for now, including Google, Apple and Amazon. Perhaps as important, none of the signers come from the countries viewed as most responsible for what Brad Smith, Microsofts president, called in an interview the devastating attacks of the past year. Those came chiefly from Russia, North Korea, Iran and, to a lesser degree, China. On Monday, U.S. and British officials issued a first-of-its-kind joint warning about years of cyberattacks emanating from Russia, aimed not only at businesses and utilities but, in some cases, individuals and small enterprises. The warning was only the latest in a series about Russian threats to elections and electoral systems. 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 The impetus for the effort came largely from Smith, who has been arguing for several years that the world needs a digital Geneva Convention that sets norms of behavior for cyberspace just as the Geneva Conventions set rules for the conduct of war in the physical world. Although there was some progress in setting basic norms of behavior in cyberspace through a United Nations-organized group of experts several years ago, the movement has since faltered. Smith said over the weekend that the first move needed to come from the American companies that often find themselves acting as the first responders when cyberattacks hit their customers. This has become a much bigger problem, and I think what we have learned in the past few years is that we need to work together in much bigger ways, Smith said in an interview. We need to approach this in a principled way, and if we expect to get governments to do that, we have to start with some principles ourselves. Microsoft played a central role in trying to extinguish the WannaCry attack last year that struck the British health care system and companies around the world. The Trump administration, along with several other Western governments, later blamed that attack on North Korea. Last summer the NotPetya attack struck Ukraine, crippling systems throughout the country. Iran is suspected in a recent attack on a Saudi petrochemical plant. Yet not all governments are likely to embrace the Cybersecurity Tech Accord in part because the principles it espouses can run headlong into their own, usually secret efforts to develop cyberweapons. When Russias intelligence agencies obtained some of the National Security Agencys secrets about its own cyberweapons, it appeared to do so by manipulating a virus protection program sold by Kaspersky, a Russian firm. The company said it knew nothing about the intrusion into its products, but U.S. officials do not believe the denials and have banned Kaspersky products from U.S. government systems. Kaspersky is not a signer to the new accord. Edward J. Snowden, the former NSA contractor who leaked documents about surveillance programs, revealed pictures suggesting that U.S. officials intercepted some hardware that came out of Cisco Systems, a major manufacturer of the routers and switches that make up the spine of the internet, apparently so the equipment directed traffic back to U.S. intelligence agencies. There is no evidence that Cisco cooperated, but the publication of the photos led some foreign customers to believe that American equipment had been broadly compromised by the NSA. For that reason, the new technology accord vows that the 31 signers will protect against tampering with and exploitation of technology products and services during their development, design, distribution and use. Among the companies that signed are Oracle, Symantec, FireEye and HP, along with the Finnish company Nokia and the Spanish company Telefonica. Microsoft officials said they briefed the Trump administration on the new accord and heard no objections. But that may not mean much: Trumps homeland security adviser, Thomas P. Bossert, who oversaw cybersecurity policy, was dismissed last week after John R. Bolton took over as national security adviser. The cybersecurity coordinator at the White House, Rob Joyce, is widely rumored to be considering leaving his post and returning to the NSA, where he ran the most elite of the cyberforces that attack foreign networks. If Joyce departs, the White House will have lost its two most senior, and most knowledgeable, cybersecurity policymakers in the span of a few weeks. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. Judge Robert Cameron said in his judgement that the case involved significant underpayment of low-paid, vulnerable workers and that one Egyptian migrant employee had been underpaid the equivalent of about 93 weeks wages. Judge Cameron found that Bastawrose, Samaan and Youssef were not novice employers and that there was no reason to suspect they were unaware of the applicable employment entitlements. The partnership was largely unconcerned with anything other than its own business needs and was largely uninterested in how those demands were affected by the requirements of industrial law, Judge Cameron said. The employees tasks between September 2009 and June 2013 included delivering medication to customers homes, transporting supplies between Save and Deliver pharmacies in Liverpool and Mt Druitt, and assisting with various duties in the Mt Druitt pharmacy. He was paid flat hourly rates of between $12 and $14, but was entitled to receive between $16 and $43, depending on his shifts resulting in a total underpayment of $62,010. Eel smuggling ring busted in Spain by Chris Chase April 18,2018 | Source: Seafood Source Europol and the Spanish Guardia Civil, in collaboration with Portuguese authorities, seized 350 kilograms of elvers that were about to be smuggled out of Spain during Operation Elvers, the three agencies announced on 6 April. Ten suspects were arrested Spanish, Chinese, and Moroccan nationals in connection with smuggling the eels. Authorities estimate the group has managed to smuggle a value of EUR 37 million (USD 45.5 million) worth of eels over the course of their operation. The European eel is subject to multiple EU regulations, including a blanket ban on all imports and exports and a global restriction on trade. In 2009, the species was listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) of Wild Fauna and Flora. Once it became clear that those measures werent enough, a zero quota ban on all shipments to third countries was put into place. A video released by the Spanish Guardia Civil shows authorities busting down doors in a raid on the elver smuggling facilities. Rows of tanks filled with make-shift aquaculture equipment, EUR 40,000 (USD 49,000) in cash, and stacks of travel bags used to smuggle the elvers out of the country were all found inside. According to Europol, a total of 364 travel bags were being prepared to be sent to China, and could have been able to carry more than five tons of eels. The video also shows the 350 kilograms of live elvers, being released back into their natural habitat. Earlier in March, officers also discovered how the groups were managing to smuggle large amounts of elvers from Madrid, Spain to Porto, Portugal; and from Algeciras, Spain to Morocco, said Europol. After discovering their method, Spanish authorities managed to stop several deliveries at Portuguese airports and stop a van carrying 129 kilograms of eels, worth an estimated EUR 967,000 (USD 1.1 million). While the bust represents a sizeable amount of elvers and funds, some NGOs assert that much more needs to be done. The Sustainable Eel Group (SEG), which advocates for protecting the European Eel, said that the amount of smuggling is going to impact the recovery of the European Eel. The scale of these illegal exports is challenging the protection policies within the EU. If we cannot control this, it will likely frustrate the recovery of the eel across Europe, said Willem Dekker, who helped create the 2007 Eel Regulation. Europol said it estimates that 100 metric tons of eels have likely been smuggled from the EU to China, which could represent north of EUR 750 million (USD 921 million) in sales. SEGs chairman Andrew Kerr said the moment is a bit bittersweet. We have been waiting for this moment for some time. Whilst welcoming and congratulating the local police efforts, we emphasize that this shocking situation indicates a gross failure of control by Member States and the European Commission, he said. When are we going to see the determination to stop trafficking, in all countries? Theme(s): Landing Centres, Others, Freshwater ecosystems and threats, Coastal Ecosystems and Threats, Fisheries Development and Aquaculture, Communities and Organisations, Fisheries Resources, Fishing Craft, Gear and Fishing Methods, Post Harvest Technology and Trade. When her business mentor, Tracey Kaufman, died in 2015 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, Adelle Archer wanted to honor her legacy. "She'd had such a huge impact on me," Archer says. "I wanted to do something for her that felt as special as she was." Archer explored her options for what to do with the share of her mentor's ashes she'd been given by Kaufman's family, but she didn't find any of them particularly inspiring. At the time, she was working with a diamond-growing lab in South Carolina. One day she and one of the company's technicians discussed the possibility of creating diamonds from ashes, made possible by the fact that they contain carbon--the key ingredient to processing the precious stones. "That's when it all came together," Archer says. Today, she is co-founder of Eterneva, a startup that creates diamonds from cremated remains. During an eight-month process, the company turns ashes into a stone of the customer's chosen weight, color, and cut, and mounts it onto a piece of jewelry, like a ring or necklace. The concept might sound a bit strange--and even creepy. But to hear Archer explain it, it actually makes sense. "A diamond lasts more than a single generation, the way an urn of ashes won't," says the 27-year-old entrepreneur. "Nobody wants to inherit that, but they of course want to inherit their great-grandfather's diamond." Archer is trying to capitalize on a growing market. Three decades after accounting for only 10 percent of the death care industry in the U.S., the number of cremations surpassed the number of burials in 2015, according to the Cremation Association of North America. In all, the U.S. death care industry generated $14.2 billion in revenue in 2016, according to the Department of Commerce. To create its diamonds, Eterneva requires one cup of ashes, generally less than an eighth of what a typical cremation produces. Some of those are stored as a backup, while the rest are sent to a diamond-growing lab in Amsterdam, which applies hundreds of thousands of pounds per square inch of pressure over time. (The startup is opening its own lab in Austin later this year.) Once a rough diamond is formed, it's sent to one of several cutters the startup works with in Antwerp. Eterneva keeps its customers updated throughout, with each client being assigned one contact person to see the process through from start to finish. When the time comes to deliver the finished product, the startup hires a courier service to hand deliver it. If the customer is in Texas, the company will send an employee to bring it to the customer's door. "We work to make sure we have an insanely tight process," Archer says. "For these people, we're literally handling the most important thing in the world." Changing your relationship with loss. To memorialize her mentor, Archer chose to create a yellow diamond--Kaufman's favorite color--which she then gave it to Kaufman's family. Other customers follow similar routes, often choosing a color their loved ones would have liked. The diamonds come in a traditional colorless design, as well as red, blue, green, pink, yellow, and black. The diamonds are pricier than natural ones: A 0.5 carat diamond runs about $7,000 on average. But that's on par with the startup's handful of competitors, which include LifeGem, Lonite, and Heart in Diamond. Archer says Eterneva's personalized process gives it a competitive advantage: The startup is in touch with clients at least once a month with texts, photos, or videos until the diamond is ready. In fall 2017, a few months after launching the startup, Archer and her business partners quit their jobs and turned to Eterneva full time. The company did $280,000 in sales last year, and Archer projects $2 million for 2018. The company finds itself in an expanding market: Cremations are now so common that, while families once had to use crematoriums, many funeral homes today offer the service themselves. One such business is Ann Arbor, Michigan-based Nie Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, which added the option in the late 1990s. Company president and National Funeral Directors Association member Dutch Nie says that while many families still opt for traditional memorial services, what they do with their loved ones' ashes varies greatly. "They're commemorating special places where they've been by spreading the ashes, or they're burying the urn in a cemetery plot, or they're creating keepsakes--having a small portion of the cremated remains in a necklace so that it's close to their heart and they've got that person with them," he says. "You hear from families that it's important to have them around and remember them." That's a sentiment Archer has heard often. The majority of Eterneva's customers have recently gone through tragedies, which puts her in a unique position to provide comfort, but also to grow personally. "I've learned so much from my customers about death and grief and love," she says. One woman who lost her 19-year-old daughter in a car accident chose to have her ashes turned into a blue diamond ring. "She told me that she wants people to comment on it," Archer says. "It gives her an opportunity to talk about her daughter. People don't want their loved one to be forgotten--they want to talk about them. They want them to be remembered and celebrated." While those types of stories are typical of Eterneva's customers, the company isn't limited to human remains as a starting point. Some customers have had their pets' ashes turned into diamonds, while others have created engagement rings from locks of hair. Another customer recently reached out about having the ashes from his home, which burned down during the wildfires in Ventura County, California, earlier this year, put into a ring--which Archer says the company will be able to execute, thanks to wood's high carbon content. But the main clientele remains those who have lost a person dear to them. In those cases, Archer's startup is helping memorialize a loved one. That comes with enormous responsibility--an idea that isn't lost on Archer. "I genuinely know I'm changing a person's relationship with loss," she says, "and that means the world to me." EXPLORE MORE 30 Under 30 2018 COMPANIES Muhga Eltigani was in a dysfunctional relationship with her hair. Cascading below her waist, the tresses were eye-catching, but thin and brittle. In Ghana for an internship and to visit family in Sudan, Eltigani admired the lustrous hair of African women. She learned they made their own products at home from avocado, mangos, and Shea butter, which is extracted from a nut. Back at University of Pennsylvania, Eltigani resolved to start fresh. Lopping off all but five inches of her hair, she treated the remainder with fresh fruits and oils. Her hair grew back softer and healthier. She documented the experience and shared recipes on a YouTube channel that attracted 40,000 subscribers. "A lot of women said the products worked for them but were too inconvenient to make at home," says Eltigani. "The market wasn't offering them because it's expensive to make something with such a short shelf life." Even so, Eltigani knew some people would be willing to pay. Eltigani's parents, who immigrated to the U.S. on the diversity visa lottery when she was 5, agreed to let her take a two-year hiatus before law school to give entrepreneurship a shot. Four years later, her hair-care-products subscription service, NaturAll Club, is still small--but it's growing fast, with estimated revenue roughly doubling this year to nearly $250,000. Hairy early days In 2014, Eltigani joined the Venture for America Fellowship, which sent her to a healthy snack startup in Cleveland for more experience. On the side, she launched an Indiegogo campaign and raised $9,000 for an avocado-based deep conditioner. A chemical engineer friend helped formulate it, and Eltigani began filling orders. "I was getting emails that it was leaking or did not work or we did not account for heat and it was summer," says Eltigani. "I was like, 'Wow, I did not see this coming. I need to start again.'" Cue the R&D montage. Eltigani and her co-founder, Sam Roberts, experimented with jars, tubes, and pouches of varying sizes and materials. They discovered the product had to be shipped frozen, which meant the addition of heavy dry ice packs. Test versions they mailed to themselves, their friends, and their remarkably patient and supportive Indiegogo customers would arrive discolored or melting or smelly. "We were thinking of ourselves as a beauty company, but then we realized we are making guacamole," says Eltigani. "So how do guacamole companies store their products and elongate their shelf life?" The pair studied food science and tweaked the formula until the product was sufficiently stable to mail. They found plastic pouches similar to ones used for baby food. Eltigani and Roberts bought professional mixers and fillers and set up manufacturing in Roberts's basement in Cleveland. With production reaching 2,000 units a month, they are now preparing to sign with a contract manufacturer in Pennsylvania. Despite initial interest from Whole Foods, Eltigani decided to go 100 percent e-commerce, employing a subscription model whose predicable ordering facilitates perishable ingredients. As NaturAll Club offers more shelf-stable products--for example, its new "growth serum" made from Jamaican black castor oil--she sees potential. "I could see us being more in retail," says Eltigani. "But there is so much room to grow in e-commerce for now it doesn't make sense." A growth market Eltigani has just started to raise money; the goal is a $500,000 seed round. Venture for America has pledged the first $100,000, conditional on Eltigani's raising the full amount. To date, more than half of NaturAll Club's capital--a total of $120,000--has come from pitch competitions sponsored by, among others, Harvard Business School Club, the entertainer Steve Harvey, UBS, and Under Armour. The wins and the money are gratifying but draining, says Eltigani. "It takes up a lot of my time when I could be building the company." It's time well spent, suggests Lee Zapis, president of Zapis Capital Group, in Westlake, Ohio, an adviser to Eltigani. "She really understands social media marketing, and her story resonates with people," says Zapis, who formerly operated radio stations that included black hair-care companies among their advertisers, so he is very familiar with the market. "The word 'authenticity' is overused, but it's true in her case," he says. "She's also addressing a huge market," adds Zapis. "It's primarily for women of color. But if you're Mediterranean and you have long wavy hair, it could work for you too." Elgitani envisions growing NaturAll Club into a billion-dollar company offering a full line of health-and-beauty products. "With the population changes, there are more minorities in America who are going to be looking for more products," she says. "I don't see why I can't be the next L'Oreal." EXPLORE MORE 30 Under 30 2018 COMPANIES Most mornings you'll find Leigh-Kathryn Bonner on a rooftop tending to a beehive in her pink beekeeping gloves; in the afternoon, she's in the conference rooms of Fortune 500 companies meeting with CEOs. This 25-year-old's mission: convince companies with massive headquarters to host a few beehives--and, in the process, help rebuild the bee population. The bee population has been declining in the past few decades--700 bee species are heading toward extinction--due to changes in agricultural processes, habitat loss, and pesticides. This could have huge consequences on food production and environmental stability. The tiny, fuzzy insects contribute nearly $20 billion to the U.S. crops production, according to the American Bee Federation. Bonner wants to do her part to help reverse the trend, so she started Durham, North Carolina-based Bee Downtown in 2014. Bee Downtown installs honey bee hives on the grounds of corporate headquarters, which are often located in urban areas with just the kind of varied flora that bees need to thrive. Burt's Bees, Delta, Chick-fil-A, Intercontinental Exchange, and IBM are among the companies that have signed up to host hives. Companies get to be beekeepers--without having to do the actual work of maintaining hives or collecting the honey. Plus, they get to offer employees a corporate perk with a social impact. Bee Downtown suits up employees to interact with the bees--finding the queen bee or calculating the weight of the honey, for example--so they can understand the importance of sustainability and agriculture. "If we get people excited for agriculture and learning where food comes from, we could really start to change agricultural processes, and make a really big impact in the world," she says. Turning bees into a business Bonner is a fourth-generation beekeeper whose family has a home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a farm about an hour away from the city. She wasn't sure she wanted a career in bees until she studied abroad in college and saw that the insect's decline was even making it into foreign newspapers. She realized it was a problem she wanted to help solve. Bonner put together a pitch to place a beehive on top of a building at American Tobacco Campus, a mix-used urban development area with various local businesses in Durham. The owner agreed and also introduced her to Burt's Bees, which would be the first major national company to place a beehive at the front door of its headquarters, which also is in Durham. Bonner ran the operation part time while finishing school. Then, in May 2015, she declined a job offer she had lined up for after graduation and decided to pursue Bee Downtown full time. She successfully convinced her parents to give her $15,000. In return, she had one year to become profitable--or she had to go get that job she turned down. In the beginning, many of the companies Bonner approached didn't entirely understand what she was proposing. They liked the story of how it got started but they confused it with a nonprofit and thought she was offering to install hives for free. Some called her business "cute." One potential investor walked out of the pitch meeting because he refused take the idea seriously. As a result, Bonner sharpened her pitch. Instead of starting with a plea to help save the bees, she starts with what's in it for customers: Bee Downtown is a simple and fun way for corporations to get their employees involved in a sustainability initiative. Employees love it because they get to learn about beekeeping and biomimicry, which is learning how to solve problems by imitating how nature solves them. Plus, they get free honey to take home. Companies love it because they get detailed stats on the local environmental impact they're making. A single honey bee hive can have over 27 million pollination events each day, Bonner says. According to her, there are almost 56 connected miles of pollinator habitats in the Raleigh-Durham area, thanks in part to these corporations doing their small part. The impact, however, spreads far beyond the pollination of flowers and plants. Bonner says that 83 percent of employees say the hives make them more proud to work for their company, and over 95 percent say it was the favorite employee engagement activity of the year. Marty Flanagan, CEO of the Atlanta-based investment management company Invesco, says he was impressed with both Bonner's passion and her mission, but he also recognized the practical benefits of getting involved. "Like all companies, [our] employees really want to do more than just work at a job, and part of the purpose is to get engaged in the community," he says. Invesco will be sponsoring two beehives at a park near its headquarters. Within her first year of running Bee Downtown full time, Bonner sold over 50 hives, enabling her to make a living wage and hire a beekeeper. To date, the company has sold 120 hives in North Carolina. Three-year hive contracts start in the five figures. The startup has four employees and revenue in 2017 hit $350,000; Bonner estimates revenue will reach $1 million in 2018. What's next Bonner says that one of the most frequent questions she's asked is, can the company scale? She admits that beekeeping isn't exactly a fast-growth business. "[We're] not just creating an app and blasting it out.... It's manual labor, it's a lot of hard work," she says. She raised $75,000 from Engage Venture Fund in August and will use that money to expand into Atlanta, where Bee Downtown will maintain 35 to 40 hives. Bonner is also working on new revenue streams. Employees have reported that they love getting away from their desks and hanging out with the bees, but the hour-long trainings often feel too short. So the founder is planning to expand them into half-day or full-day seminars for an additional price. "These companies can help change policy and can help us start to have a conversation around how we value agriculture," she says. "It just takes a little seed of inspiration to turn into something that you look back on in 30 years and say that I was part of that." Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified the CEO of Invesco. His name is Marty Flanagan. EXPLORE MORE 30 Under 30 2018 COMPANIES Sustainability can be hard to define, but there are a few concepts that characterize it pretty well. Sustainability is the ability to keep going over the long haul, and one of the key concepts of that mindset is whole-systems thinking. That includes recognition that everything is connected, as well as the willingness to consider and respect all of those connections. Just a few decades ago, the sustainability movement was thought of as a relatively small number of people working quietly to research eco-friendly ways of living. Today, though, awareness about the importance of sustainability permeates the consumer mindset in virtually every market. Because what's good for the environment is, in many cases, better for the consumer's health, too. Modern consumers are demanding changes to how products are made and what values companies prioritize. Even large governing organizations like the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the World Bank have officially sanctioned sustainability efforts in agriculture and development, respectively. Even if you have trouble precisely defining everything sustainability entails, you should have no trouble seeing that it's changing business in many significant ways. Indeed, these four far-reaching changes are becoming more obvious every day: 1. Eco-friendly materials are a must for products. Whole-system awareness and consumerism were notably felt in 2012 when the U.S. Food and Drug Administration banned the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in baby bottles and children's sippy cups. BPA was used in most plastics for decades, until consumer pressure forced companies to remove it from their products. Since then, consumers have increasingly demanded manufacturers use eco-friendly materials. That rising demand has proved disruptive for companies, which turn to product designers and materials suppliers to help meet the heightened demand for safer, more eco-friendly products. PopFoam, the leading maker of injection molded EVA closed-cell foam, is a prime example. The company has made nontoxicity a priority, ensuring its EVA foam--which makes its way into a slew of products, including children's highchairs--meets Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) standards, meaning it does not contain lead or phthalates and is safe for children. Eliminating harmful chemicals from products also is beneficial for pets and the environment. 2. Household cleaners are getting the job done with fewer chemicals. When you think of environmentally hazardous household products, chemical cleaners might be the first things that come to mind. It used to be aerosol sprays that worried consumers the most. Now that consumers know the hazardous chemicals that many common cleaners consist of, though, they are demanding products without them. This has led to a boom in household products that broadcast their earth-friendliness as proudly as they advertise their cleaning power. Whole-systems thinking is evident in such products as the ECOS line of cleaners, which are pH-balanced, biodegradable, sold in recyclable packaging, and never tested on animals. 3. Sustainability is influencing builders. And it's not just households that are getting in on the sustainability action. The materials that contractors use to build commercial buildings are also more frequently being chosen with sustainability in mind. The National Green Building Adoption Index in 2017 showed that 38 percent of commercial office space in the 30 largest U.S. markets is classified as "green" by LEED or Energy Star certifications, which is a more than 25 percent jump compared to 2005. In construction particularly, the drive for eco-friendliness has led to a sort of sustainability race. From foundational drive piles to window films and flooring, sustainability has become the common denominator for most building materials and planning. The city of Seattle has further spurred sustainability efforts through rules that require LEED certification on any new construction or significant renovation of a city building of more than 5,000 square feet. Seattle's King Street Station was LEED Platinum-certified a few years ago after going through a major renovation that quadrupled its size. But even with that large addition, the station uses 68 percent less energy. 4. Companies are operating with less energy (or alternative forms of it). Energy conservation efforts and use of alternative energy sources are among the most significant changes the sustainability movement is bringing to modern businesses. Some companies are enacting sustainable energy policies, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs and buying energy-efficient office equipment. Not only does this protect the planet, but it also saves companies up to 2-10 percent in energy costs. Other companies are completely revamping their operations to switch from coal and other fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as wind, water, and solar power. The latter has been the case in Nevada, where a few casino companies unplugged from the state utility in order to pursue renewable energy sources. Barbara Bush (nee Pierce) died yesterday at the age of 92. A former First Lady, Second Lady, and mother of a president, Mrs. Bush was in the public eye for much of her life. Anyone in that situation can expect to have all their flaws exposed in the least flattering way possible. But, here's the thing: while she was a flawed individual (we all are), the world would be a lot better off if we followed her example. Here are five ways Barbara Bush stood out to me. 1. She disagreed politically with her husband and still had a great marriage. It seems like now, anyone who disagrees over politics must be branded the enemy and we see families ripped apart. The feelings are so strong that we seem to be incapable of recognizing disagreement and remaining close. She explained about her husband's job,"I don't fool around with his office and he doesn't fool around with my household." Mrs. Bush and her husband didn't always see eye to eye on politics. She didn't seek to undermine him or embarrass him. (And I'm purposely not giving examples because I don't want people to take political sides.) Jack Steele, who was a longtime aide, said, "She'll speak her mind but only to him." 2. She was body positive before that was a thing. Mrs. Bush wasn't skinny, but she always looked fabulous. She almost always wore the pearls, which gave her an air of high class at all times. But, this quote from her about Nancy Reagan has always stuck in my head: ''We have a lot in common. She adores her husband; I adore mine. She fights drugs; I fight illiteracy. She wears a size three; so's my leg.'' That's right. She cracked a joke. She was funny and not ashamed that she wasn't as thin as Nancy Reagan. She also didn't dye her hair. While that's certainly a personal choice, she didn't give in to pressure to be someone she wasn't. That is a refreshing attitude indeed. 3. She was kind. When you think about Barbara Bush, kindness often comes to mind. I'm not a person who is involved in politics, nor do I have many friends who run in political circles, but two separate friends commented about their personal encounters with Mrs. Bush and kindness was the key thing. Rafael Prado said: Today a very classy lady passed away who I had the opportunity to meet in person at my alma mater in 1992 when her husband (President George H.W. Bush) came to speak. I remember the impression she left on me of being someone very down to earth and truly taking the time to not only shake my hand, but ask about me and my family. Rest In Peace former First Lady Barbara Bush. You were a class act. Ann Fromholz said: On Alden's first Easter, in 2010, we were living in Houston. We went to St. Martin's Church, where we were members. After the service, I was talking to friends and Alden was in her carrier at my feet. I heard a voice behind me say, "She's beautiful!" I turned, and there was Barbara Bush. May she Rest In Peace. Taking the time to talk to others, to comment on a baby, to ask about family members makes the world a better place. Looking through the media about her death, stories like this are all over. She was kind. There is great strength and power in being kind. 4. She put family first. Now, to be clear, as a politicians wife, she undoubtedly spent a lot of time away from home, but her family was her priority. She said: At the end of your life, you will never regret not having passed one more test, not winning one more verdict or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a friend, a child, or a parent. Jobs come and go. Even if you think, "this is my company!" it's no guarantee that the job will be there in a year. What will be with you is your family. If you sacrifice your family for your job, you may find yourself jobless and without a family. That's no way to live. Put your family first. 5. She recognized the fun in things. I imagine being involved in politics would be physically and emotionally draining. You're always on, always under pressure, always asking for money, and always have people who think you're horrible. It doesn't sound like the best way to live a life. But, Mrs. Bush described her time in the White House this way: "I had the best job in America. Every single day was interesting, rewarding, and sometimes just plain fun." I would bet that there was a lot of hard work involved as well, but Mrs. Bush saw it as interesting, rewarding, and fun. How much better would our lives be if we looked for this in our own lives? It doesn't mean that work doesn't have to get done. It just means that she looked to the positive in life. For some entrepreneurs, getting customers is a matter of marketing. For Jobert Abma and Michiel Prins, it's a matter of sniffing out security vulnerabilities and staving off cyber threats. The two self-taught computer hackers today lead HackerOne, one of the largest white-hat hacking platforms in the world. With $74 million in venture funding from the likes of Benchmark and Dragoneer Investment Group, the San Francisco-based firm tasks 160,000 computer security experts around the world with finding bugs and cybersecurity vulnerabilities for companies like General Motors, Starbucks, Airbnb, and Twitter. It also works with government agencies, like the U.S. Department of Defense, and airlines like Lufthansa. As hackers pull off mega breaches like they did at Equifax and meddle in elections, business has been booming, say the entrepreneurs. While they refuse to disclose revenue, Abma and Prins do claim that clients have resolved more than 61,000 vulnerabilities and paid over $24 million in bounties, of which HackerOne gets a cut. "Everything is vulnerable," says Abma, explaining how his company is more necessary than ever. "There is a huge risk for every company." Turning pro Abma and Prins have been friends since they lived across the street from each other in Drachten, Netherlands. Born in 1990, both entrepreneurs are products of the internet age: They spent their formative years playing videos games and building websites. As teenagers, the duo hacked into the school's TV station as a senior prank. At Hanze University in Groningen, Netherlands, they found a vulnerability in software used by the university to manage student information and grades that leaked personal data. Prins and Abma told the software company, but they didn't get paid. The duo realized some companies would be willing to pay, especially if they find critical vulnerabilities in software, holes big enough that they pose a dire threat to a company's business if not patched. By 2011, Abma and Prins had a consulting company with a few clients. But a friend, Merijin Terheggen, who was living in San Francisco, told them to visit and see if they could build a company in Silicon Valley. Abma and Prins emailed tech companies like Google and Facebook, asking to get coffee and talk security. No one bit. But one email from Alex Rice, who was the head of product security at Facebook, said if they found any security vulnerabilities, they should reach out. After digging through Facebook Messenger, Abma and Prins found a big bug. Rice invited the duo to a rooftop barbecue at the social-media company's campus to talk about the security hole. "We walked away with a contract to do penetration testing for Facebook," says Abma. They realized if Facebook was receptive, other Silicon Valley companies would be too. "We made a list of 100 companies we'd like to work for--Twitter, Spotify, Uber--and we hacked each one to find security vulnerabilities," says Abma. The duo, plus their friend from college, Terheggen, and Rice, who left Facebook to join his new business partners, started to build a new company, HackerOne. 'A talent agency for hackers' The idea behind HackerOne is simple: The internet is inherently insecure, all software contains critical security vulnerabilities, and the average cost of a data breach for a single company is $3.6 million, according to a study by the Ponemon Institute. (Mega breaches, like Equifax, cost hundreds of millions of dollars.) HackerOne makes it easy for companies to find and pay trustworthy independent security experts. "We're like a talent agency that matches trusted hackers with specific skills with companies," says Abma. Investors also see the logic, and opportunity, of HackerOne: The company raised a total of $74 million from the likes of Marc Benioff of Salesforce, Russian entrepreneur and tech investor Yuri Milner, Drew Houston of Dropbox, and Jeremy Stoppelman of Yelp. Since launching in 2012, the HackerOne platform has attracted more than 1,000 companies and organizations, which it connects with its network of white-hat hackers to sniff out and report critical security vulnerabilities in exchange for a fee. Depending on the severity of the vulnerability, a hacker on the platform could get a few hundred dollars up to $10,000. (Some bounties go over $10,000, but not often.) As an intermediary between the hackers and companies, HackerOne handles payments, tax forms, background checks, and other legal documents for the companies. HackerOne takes a 20 percent cut of each bounty from the hackers and a monthly subscription fee from the companies, which can range from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars a year. Many hackers say they don't mind giving HackerOne a percentage of their earnings because it's hard to do business with big companies. "When you're hunting for a bug on HackerOne, you know you'll get paid," says Jack Cable, an 18-year-old high school senior, who is one of HackerOne's highest ranked hackers. "HackerOne holds companies to their word." Crossing the line Of course, the line between malicious hackers and ethical hackers is still razor thin--and even with its white-hat intentions, HackerOne has gotten mixed up with allegedly malicious activities. In December 2017, Reuters reported that a 20-year-old hacker was responsible for a large data breach at Uber and the company paid the hacker $100,000 through its bug bounty program on HackerOne to delete the data he threatened to release. The hacker stole the personal information of 57 million Uber users and drivers, but Uber said the hacker deleted the data after being paid off. Uber says it used HackerOne to pay the hacker to learn his identity. The U.S. attorney for Northern California is investigating whether Uber broke data breach notification regulations, according to the New York Times. "None of this should have happened, and I will not make excuses for it," Dara Khosrowshahi, who replaced Uber founder Travis Kalanick as CEO in August 2017, wrote in a blog post. He was referring to how the company handled the hack and paid the ransom through HackerOne. While HackerOne hasn't been blamed for any wrongdoing in this case, the company's CEO, Marten Mickos, did testify before Congress to address the incident and explain how bug bounty programs work. Still, Prins and Abma--who still go after bug bounties from time to time--say they are most passionate about changing the way society and the business world sees hackers. "When we were kids, being a hacker was illegal--you were breaking laws," says Prins. "One of HackerOne's biggest missions is to change the perception of hackers as good guys." EXPLORE MORE 30 Under 30 2018 COMPANIES Claire Denis understands France from the outside. An itinerant childhood in French West Africa in the 1940s and 1950s has made her films intimate with the issues of race and the colonial past which haunt the West Unlike the chilly analysis of one of her few rivals in the front rank of European directors, Michael Haneke, Denis addresses her themes through sensual bodies and human contact. The foreign legionnaires of her most acclaimed film, Beau Travail (1999), thread through North African streets and nightclubs, and back in Paris, 35 Shots of Rum (2008) spends intimate time with Alex Descas train driver, his family and friends in a suburban immigrant community. Denis is a warm-blooded cinema master, an intellectual who happily casts off into lifes drift and flow. Her new film, Let the Sunshine In, shows the lighter side of the 71-year-old. More directly autobiographical than usual, as it follows middle-aged artist Isabelle (Juliette Binoche), who barely has time to paint in her studio, such are the distractions and pains of her search for love. Lost in music: Juliette Binoche in 'Let the Sunshine In' (Curzon) If there is sunshine here, its Binoche. Isabelle is skittish and insecure, and yet the actress continues to glow with life, Denis seduced by her face like so many before her. When Denis speaks to me, in time carved out from completing her first English-language film, High Life (again starring Binoche, alongside Robert Pattinson), she is by turns blunt and consumed with delight at stray thoughts of beloved art and artists. Her sympathy with Isabelle and her extremely French agonising over love and life may be greater than some viewers on this side of the channel. She bridles at criticism of her heroine perhaps because her story is, in part, based on Denis' and co-writer Christine Angots own romantic lives. I ask if the film is partly about the damage talking too much can do, leaving a woman unable to lose herself in love and sex. Talking? she snorts. Shes not talking. Shes talking less than the men, I guess. Shes more or less listening to their blah-blah. I dont think talking is her problem. Her problem is finding what she thinks would be the right guy for her. The one true love she needs. She almost said nothing. She just keeps on listening. Expecting something, you know. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up In the films most glorious moment, Isabelle does finally get lost, as she dances with a handsome stranger in a provincial nightclub to Etta James At Last. Her body and soul are enraptured and at one for as long as the song swells around her. Oh, Etta James was our mother, Denis says, happily. 'At Last' was the song for the film from the beginning. Etta James is body and soul, for sure. There are many similar scenes in her films, as when shelter is found from a Paris storm in a friendly bar in 35 Shots of Rum, and a dance to the Commodores Nightshift makes everyones relationships clear. Is this drawn from Denis own experience of how important a song and a dance can be? I did feel things like that in my own body, she replies, otherwise how could you ask an actor to feel it? Im not going to many nightclubs now. I dont want to be ridiculous. Although I love to dance. I think its a great moment where you dont need words to express yourself. And to tell someone you feel good in his arms, you know? Let the Sunshine Ins most terrible twist follows this scene, when Isabelle is persuaded to reject the lover she met in that dance because hes working class. Shes been caged by her own class, it seems. Exactly, Denis agrees. Although shes not even sure she belongs in that class. Has Denis felt similarly trapped or, coming from outside France, do different rules apply? She blows her lips in exasperation at the thought. In terms of sex, I would say no. Sometimes I know I have been educated. I had always a roof above my head and food on my plate, so in a way my class is a condition of my own being. But when it comes to being attracted by the sexiness of the person, no, class is not that strong. You have a writer in England called DH Lawrence. He shows that sex is probably the best class-breaker. Denis' films frequently observe a protagonists lack of self-knowledge, which ultimately drives them to their doom. In White Material (2009), Isabelle Huppert stubbornly tries to keep her African plantation going even as an escalating civil wars machete-wielding rebels and ruthless soldiers encroach like licking flames around her lands edge. Civil war: Isabelle Huppert in 'White Material' In The Intruder (2004), its Michel Sibors enigmatic, ageing man who tries to begin again by buying a new heart and returning to South Seas haunts where hes wholly unwelcome. Beau Travail based on Herman Melville's Billy Budd sees Denis Lavants Foreign Legion officer jealously drive himself and Gregoire Colins beautiful young recruit to destruction. Isabelles romantic travails are less harsh in their consequences, but she seems equally blind to her best interests, blown off course by comments from friends and lovers. For all her intellect, are we watching a woman whos unaware of herself? Oh no, I dont think so, Denis says. The guy in The Intruder, for instance, is such a masculine character, with a narrow flow of feelings. Its exactly the opposite with Isabelle. Still, its hard not to shout at the screen when Isabelle complains to a friend that shes coming to the end of love, even as a procession of romantic candidates queue for the job, including the boorish banker whose bastard nature is enough to turn her on, a successful actor, the dancer in the club, her ex-husband, and 35 Shots of Rums cameoing Alex Descas. I dont think she has so much, Denis considers. I think the actor is a piece of shit. And the husband, as is so often true, they say 'lets try again once more', but it doesnt work. There is only [the working-class dancer] who she didnt understand was the right one. And maybe the clairvoyant at the end. Maybe hes trying to get her, she smiles. I dont know. Shes referring to the fortune-teller played by Gerard Depardieu in a final, 16-minute near-monologue with interpolations from Binoche which transforms Let the Sunshine In. Its worth seeing the film just for this coup. Other directors have emphasised Depardieus weight in recent years, sometimes making him look grotesque, seemingly with his full encouragement. Deniss camera by contrast looks at him with love. Grotesque? she snaps, appalled. Hes not grotesque. I would never film someone as a grotesque. I think its really horrible, and Depardieu is a magician. No, no. I always film people with love. Why did she think of Depardieu for the scene? For me, who else? she demands. Who else? I knew, because he accepted immediately. We all knew. Juliette also. It was so obvious it was him. He puts a spell on you, she says, echoing the words of the famous song. Its like jumping in the river, she says of Depardieus presence on set. He said yes, and lets make it in one day. Although it was seven pages of script, lets do it like that. And he was right. Its a belief. Its faith. It was such a charming, beautiful moment. At the end, the night came through the window, and we did two takes from him, two takes from Juliette, and we were finished. I felt empty. Tired. I felt good. Binoche as the skittish and insecure Isabelle (Curzon) Let the Sunshine In is already a year in the past as we talk. Denis has spoken before of discovering each films true meaning long after shes made it: its second face, staring at her all along though she was blindly oblivious. Has she discovered Let the Sunshine Ins secret yet? Yes, always there is this secret part of the film, she agrees, and I discover something that was there all the time, and the editor and everybody knew it. Except me. Thats the strange thing. Am I hiding my head in the sand or something from these secrets to protect myself, like a sort of insecurity? I dont know." A year may have passed, but she confesses she's still not yet clear what the secret of Let the Sunshine In is. "I need a little bit more time to see what I dont see now. Now I see the acting, the light, the people, the actors life. I dont see what is inside the film. Suddenly, later, Ill see. Filmmaking is full of frustration, you know. Let the Sunshine In is in cinemas from 20 April Following the success of Ready Player One which has grossed almost $500 million worldwide Steven Spielberg has announced another project with Warner Bros. The acclaimed director (whose movies have now grossed over $10 million) will produce and possibly direct an adaptation of the DC comic-book Blackhawk. First published in 1941, Blackhawk follows a squadron of fighter pilots who fight the Nazis in World War II. First published by Quality, DC bought the series and the squadron eventually teamed up with Justice League members. Spielberg has made multiple films set in the same era, including Saving Private Ryan, Schindlers List, and Empire of the Sun. It was wonderful working with the team at Warner Bros. to bring Ready Player One to the screen, the director said in a statement. 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Show all 27 1 /27 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Black Panther Released: 12 February 12 February Director: Ryan Coogler Cast: Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong'o, Forest Whitaker, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Greatest Showman Released: 1 January 1 January Director: Michael Gracey Cast: Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, Zendaya, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Darkest Hour Released: 12 January 12 January Director: Joe Wright Cast: Gary Oldman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Ben Mendelsohn 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri Released: 12 January Director: Martin McDonagh 12 JanuaryMartin McDonagh Cast: Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, Caleb Landry Jones > Twentieth Century Fox 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Coco Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Lee Unkrich ,p>Cast: Anthony Gonzalez, Gael Garcia Bernal, Benjamin Bratt, Renee Victor 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Downsizing Released: 19 January 19 January Director: Alexander Payne Cast: Matt Damon, Christopher Waltz, Jong Chau, Kristen Wiig, Jason Sudeikis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Early Man Released: 26 January 26 January Director: Nick Park Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Fifty Shades Freed Released: 9 February 9 February Director: James Foley Cast: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Kim Basinger 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Maze Runner: The Death Cure Released: 9 February 9 February Director: Wes Ball Cast: Dylan O'Brien, Thomas Brodie Sangster, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, Aidan Gillen 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Shape of Water Released: 16 February 16 February Director: Guillermo del Toro Cast: Sally Hawkins, Octavia Spencer, Michael Shannon, Michael Stuhlbarg, Doug Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Annihilation Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Alex Garland Cast: Natalie Portman, Jennifer Jason Lee, Gina Rodriguez, Tessa Thompson, Oscar Isaac 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Dark River Released: 23 February 23 February Director: Clio Barnard Cast: Ruth Wilson, Mark Stanley, Sean Bean 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Red Sparrow Released: 2 March 2 March Director: Francis Lawrence Cast: Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Jeremy Irons 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Tomb Raider Released: 16 March 16 March Director: Roar Uthaug Cast: Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu, Dominic West, 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 A Wrinkle in Time Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Ava DuVernay Cast: Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Zach Galifianakis 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Pacific Rim: Uprising Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Steven S. DeKnight Cast: John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Roman J Israel, Esq Released: 23 March 23 March Director: Dan Gilroy Cast: Denzel Washington, Colin Farrell, Carmen Ejogo Columbia Pictures 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Isle of Dogs Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Wes Anderson Cast: Bill Murray, Bryan Cranston, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton, Scarlett Johansson 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ready Player One Released: 30 March 30 March Director: Steven Spielberg Cast: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Mark Rylance, Simon Pegg 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Avengers: Infinity War Released: 27 April 27 April Director: The Russo Brothers Cast: Robert Downey, Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Untitled Han Solo Film Released: 25 May 25 May Director: Ron Howard Cast: Alden Ehrenreich, Emilia Clarke, Woody Harrelson, Donald Glover 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom Released: 8 June 8 June Director: J.A. Bayona Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pine, B.D. Wong, Toby Jones 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Deadpool 2 Released: 1 June Director: David Leitch 1 JuneDavid Leitch Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Zazie Beetz, Josh Brolin 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ocean's 8 Released: 22 June 22 June Director: Gary Ross Cast: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Mindy Kaling, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Olivia Munn, Helena Bonham Carter, Rihanna, Matt Damon 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Ant-Man and the Wasp Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Peyton Reed Cast: Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 Soldado Released: 29 June 29 June Director: Stefano Sollima Cast: Benicio del Toro, Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Donovan, Catherine Keener, Matthew Modine 27 films to look out for in the first half of 2018 The Incredibles 2 Released: 13 July 13 July Director: Brad Bird Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Samuel L. Jackson They bring a blend of passion and professionalism to everything they do and have a tremendous history in this genre. I am excited to reunite with them on Blackhawk. Spielberg may never have directed a DC comic adaptation before, but he has taken on comic books before with The Adventures of Tintin. David Koepp a frequent Spielberg collaborator, who wrote Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds, and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will pen the script. Recommended Steven Spielberg is ready for the next Indiana Jones to be a woman Warner Bros. chairman Toby Emmerich added: We are so proud to be the studio behind Steven Spielbergs latest hit, and are thrilled to be working with him again on this new action adventure. We cant wait to see what new ground he will break in introducing Blackhawk to movie audiences worldwide. While there are still questions around whether Spielberg will direct the movie (although reports indicate this looks likely), the project wouldnt come around until after the as-yet untitled Indiana Jones sequel and West Side Story remake. Just as Doreen and Neville Lawrence have conducted themselves with such exemplary dignity over the quarter-century since their eldest child, Stephen, was murdered, so too did the makers of the BBCs Stephen: the Murder that Changed a Nation create a highly moving account, characterised above all with that same quality of quiet dignity. In this first of the three episodes running this week, the outstanding personality was Doreen, now Baroness, Lawrence, who was driven by grief and a restrained anger to secure justice for her son. It bears repeating that Stephen was not a criminal, was not into drugs, didnt carry knives, and was a studious, creative, ambitious and peaceable young man, as the film showed; everything, by all accounts, his assailants were not. As we learned about the casual racism that seemed to govern this part of south-east London in those days Eltham, Welling (where the BNP had a headquarters) and Thamesmead. It was jarring to be reminded of it now, in 2018, even for those of us well into adulthood at the times of the crime. Black men and black women, law abiding and doing nothing more or less than working to make a home for themselves and their family, would be called the N-word by cowards driving past, or have missiles hurled at them and, as we all know only too well, be the subject of random beatings and stabbings. If the past is another country, then it was not somewhere many of us would wish to visit. The filmmakers Asif Kapadia, James Gay-Rees and James Rogan allowed the Lawrences, their friends, neighbours and everyone else involved (witnesses, police, politicians) to speak for themselves, both in new interviews. In clips from the past and in a fresh interview, you could trace the political radicalisation of Doreen Lawrence and her achievement shone through, a testament to an extraordinary spirit. The sense of iron entering her soul was almost tangible. She went from a time when, in her words, nobody cared to one where everyone cared. I found the testimony of Duwayne Brooks, Stephens best friend who was with him that evening, much more eloquent and convincing than expected, given that he more than most has had his reputation subverted in the years since he managed to escape from the thugs at that bus stop. It was especially affecting to learn that Doreen Lawrence and Duwayne Brooks have not spoken since. There were troubling truths that echo today, when the rise in knife crime claims ever more black victims. You have to wonder whether ministers and the police would have done more, sooner, to tackle this deadly trend if more of the victims were white and lived in Kensington rather than black and living in Tottenham. Back then, Doreen Lawrence wondered aloud how things might have been different if it had been a white boy stabbed on the Well Hall Road, SE9. Today, the brief, bright life and tragic death of Stephen Lawrence might be one of the many half-forgotten cases of racial murder that people prefer not to dwell upon but for the intervention of two particular individuals, as was made abundantly clear in the documentary. First, in the view of many, including the Lawrences, only when Nelson Mandela came to visit them and made a stand did the authorities take the issue seriously and make arrests; but he complacency, incompetence and mistakes made earlier by the police led to initially failed precautions. Second: Paul Dacre, Editor of the Daily Mail. After some reporting of protests angst the police in the Mail, reports that the Lawrences felt had smeared them, Dacre made sure that they themselves were able to have their say in their own words. By pure chance, as he explained to the camera, Dacre knew Neville Lawrence who had done some plastering work for him on a house Dacre was renovating, and had Dacres personal phone number (something the Mail reporters were not privy to). The newspaper then embarked upon a sometimes defiant campaign to bring Stephens killers to justice. You can query their motives and point to the rest of the Mails reporting and commentary on Islam, on immigration and on terrorism if you like and there is much to discuss there but the tabloid did more for the Lawrences than all of the liberal press put together. It is as well to acknowledge that. Access unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows with Amazon Prime Video Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Although the focus, rightly, was on the Stephen Lawrence case, I found myself wanting to know much more about the gang culture of the time, and about a series of apparently similar racist stabbings along that very same road in the previous months, and especially the murders of Rohit Duggal and Rolan Adams, both aged 15. It is hard to avoid the conclusion that, had the police been more dutiful and energetic in pursuing their killers then perhaps other lives would have been saved. Right from the high-profile murder in May 1959 of Kelso Cochrane, a 22-year-old Antiguan through to the Stephen Lawrence case and beyond, British society has failed to protect its own citizens of colour. Who were the vicious, primitive criminals? The black and Asian victims or the white gangs targeting them in this primeval way and operating with apparent impunity? So, for this hour, it was sobering indeed to be compelled to travel back in time to a semi-familiar Britain, but one where black lives clearly did not matter as much as white ones not least because they were routinely assumed to have been criminals in the first place. It makes you ashamed of what Britain was, glad that we have moved on, and anxious that there is so much more to be done. The next two episodes, I fear, will not prove any easier a watch. The prime suspect in the theft of more than 600 computers that were used to mine bitcoin has escaped from an Icelandic prison and travelled to Sweden on a plane carrying the country's prime minister. Sindri Thor Stefansson climbed out of a window at the low security Sogn open prison, a low-security facility which has no fences. Guards only realised he was gone, a long time after he had boarded the Icelandair flight bound for Stockholm Arlanda airport at Keflavik Airport, using another person's passport. A spokesperson for the Prime Ministers Office in Iceland confirmed to The Independent that Katrin Jakobsdottir was aboard the same flight. She has not commented on the escape. A Swedish police spokesperson said no arrests have been made but an international arrest warrant has been issued. He had an accomplice, police chief Gunnar Schram told local news outlet Visir. We are sure of that. (Getty) Mr Stefansson was arrested in February, along with 11 other people suspected of raids on data centres in the country, which local media has dubbed the Big Bitcoin Heist. The stolen computers are yet to be recovered, but experts have warned that recovering the stolen cryptocurrency may not be possible even if the mining machines are found. Unlike traditional banking mechanisms, blockchain currencies can be stolen and moved to thieves accounts with no means of recovery. Nothing can bring it back, said Dr Kevin Curran, a professor of cybersecurity at Ulster University and senior IEEE member. Recommended US authorities launch major probe into bitcoin trading This is a real and ever-present danger with cryptocurrencies and there have been ever-increasing incidents of coins being stolen, as seen recently. Iceland is popular among bitcoin miners for its abundant renewable energy that makes mining cryptocurrency both cheap and environmentally friendly. Data centres that house the mining machines reside in are often highly secure. However, criminals were able to stage four separate burglaries in December and January. A newly-wed couple that met on Tinder believes it was fate that brought them together - after realising they were born in the same hospital on the same day, 25 years ago. When Jamie Frantz Burkett and Anthony Burkett from Louisiana matched on Tinder in June 2015, they exchanged numbers and made tentative plans to go on a date. But it wasnt until Anthonys email popped up in a text he sent to Jamie that they realised they had more in common than a mutual physical attraction. After recognising the numbers at the end of Anthonys email address, 11493, as her own birthday, Jamie and her future husband discovered they shared the same birthday. Speaking to SWNS, Jamie said: Sometimes when you get a text, a persons email comes up and I noticed Anthonys email finished with the numbers 11493, which is my birthday. I was really curious to see if we had the same birthday, so I asked and he said: Thats my birthday too! A coincidence, but not exactly uncommon - as people typically share their birthday with 19 million other people. The couple was born in the same maternity ward, just hours apart (SWNS.com) However, the coincidences didnt end there. Knowing Anthony and herself lived a short distance from each other, Jamie asked what hospital Anthony was born in. It was really surreal. Were from towns that are about 20 miles apart, so I asked him what hospital he was born in and he said East Jefferson. I said, No way! Thats where I was born too, she recalled. The couple matched on Tinder (SWNS.com) Their parents were equally shocked by the coincidences, which they consider fate (SWNS.com) It turns out that the couple-to-be was born on January 14 1994 - seven hours apart in the same maternity ward with Anthony entering the world at 11:35am and Jamie following closely behind at 6pm. The pair also happens to be left-handed (SWNS.com) The closeness in births meant it is pretty likely the pair spent some time in the nursery together, which prompted their parents to try to recall one another. Spurred on by the unlikely coincidences, Anthony and Jamie went on their first date - where they were even more surprised to learn that they are both left-handed. And now, 25 years after the pair was born just rooms and hours apart, they tied the knot in a ceremony at their local church. Jamie and Anthony believe fate brought them together (SWNS.com) Of the match made in Heaven, Jamie said: Were Christian and we really feel like there is an element of fate at work. I dont believe it was just a coincidence. Her new husband agreed: It does feel like fate. Everything kind of aligned, its really remarkable. Tea is undisputedly the beverage of Britain, with approximately 165 million cups of the stuff consumed in the country on a daily basis. However, your inclination towards a brew could be doing more damage to your teeth than you realise. While coffee has been known to stain teeth over time, a dentist has now claimed that tea can have even more of a detrimental effect on the colour of your pearly whites. According to Jordan Kirk, a dental expert for dental brand White Glo, all sorts of teas can cause your teeth to discolour. Tooth enamel is naturally porous and can absorb the tannins in tea, leading to unpleasant brown discolouration of your teeth, he said. Tea contains several compounds that have been known to stain teeth. These include theaflavins, thearubigins and theabrownins, which have more of a discolouring effect on your teeth the stronger your brew. Theaflavins and thearubigins are constituents of tannin, a substance that is also used in the process of tanning leather. Green tea allegedly contains the highest amount of tannins, as stated by Victor R Preedy, author of Tea in Health and Disease Prevention. Some tannins are antioxidants, and so can reportedly help reduce risk of heart disease and cancer. While large quantities of tannic acid can cause stomach irritation and liver damage, experts have clarified that teas such as green and black contain tannins, not tannic acid. Kirk explained to The Sun how high levels of tannins creates plaque on your teeth, which in turn can lead to teeth turning a faintly yellow colour. Dr Payal Sharma Birch, dentist at Smile Impressions, recommends brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, allocating 30 seconds at a time for each quarter of your mouth. However, your dentist or hygienist may advise you spend even more time brushing your teeth if your gums are in need of more attention. Russia could ban Facebook, its media regulator has suggested. The site could be cut off in the country for failing to comply with data storage legislation, local media reports. The warning comes after communications regulator Roskomnadzor began blocking the messaging app Telegram on Monday, 16 April, after refused to grant security services in the country access to its users encrypted messages. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Show all 9 1 /9 How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Lock your profile down If you havent done this already, do it now. In Settings, hit the Privacy tab. From here, you can control who gets to see your future posts and friends list. Choose from Public, Friends, Only Me and Custom in the dropdown menu. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Limit old posts Annoyingly, changing this has no effect on whos able to see your past Facebook posts. Instead, on the Privacy page, you have to click on Limit Past Posts, then select Limit Old Posts and finally hit Confirm on the pop-up. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Make yourself harder to find You can stop completely random people from adding you by selecting Friends of Friends from the dropdown menu in the Who can send you friend requests? section of the Privacy page. Its also worth limiting who can find your Facebook profile with your number and email address. At the bottom of the page is the option to prevent search engines outside of Facebook from linking to your profile. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Control access to your Timeline You can limit who gets to post things on your Timeline and who gets to see posts on your Timeline too. In Settings, go to Timeline and Tagging and edit the sections you want to lock down. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Block people When you block someone, they wont be able to see things you post on your Timeline, tag you, invite you to events or groups, start conversations with you or add you as a friend. To do it, go to Settings and Blocking. Annoyingly, you have to block people on Messenger separately. You can also add friends to your Restricted list here, which means theyll still be friends with you but will only be able to see your public posts and things you share on a mutual friend's Timeline. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Review tags One of Facebooks handiest privacy features is the ability to review posts youre tagged in before they appear on your Timeline. Theyll still be visible on the News Feed while theyre fresh, but wont be tied to your profile forever. In Timeline and Tagging, enable Timeline review controls. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Clean up your apps You can view a list of all of the apps youve connected to your Facebook account by going to Settings and Apps. The list might be longer than you expected it to be. Its worth tidying this up to ensure things you no longer use lose access to your personal information. If you dont want to log into websites and apps with your facebook account, scroll down and turn Platform off. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Change your ad preferences You can view a list of everything Facebook thinks youre into and tinker with your ad preferences by going to Settings and Adverts. A lot more information is displayed on the desktop site than the app, so wed recommend doing this on a computer. How to stop Facebook from revealing everything about you Download your data Facebook lets you download all of the data it has on you, including the posts youve shared, your messages and photos, ads youve clicked on and even the IP addresses that are logged when you log in or out of the site. Its a hell of a lot of information, which you should download to ensure you never over-share on the social network again. Roskomnadzor head Alexander Zharov told the Russian daily Izvestia that Facebook could be blocked if the social network did not store the data of its Russian users on local servers. We will inspect the company by late 2018, and there are several points that should be implemented. These are the location of Russian citizens database on the territory of Russia, removal of all unlawful content and compliance with other laws, Mr Zharov told the newspaper. If the company fails to do any or at least something of these, or the Russian government receives no notification of intent to do these, we will obviously raise the issue of blocking. It is not the first time the watchdog has threatened to block Facebook, having said last year that the technology firm was violating the 2015 data storage law. The watchdog banned the professional network LinkedIn in 2016 for failing to adhere to the same law regarding data localization. Facebook is the third most popular social network in Russia, according to Statista, with only VKontakte and Odnoklassniki boasting more users. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg told US senators last week that the social network is in an arms race with subversive Russian forces looking to manipulate the platform for political purposes. There are people in Russia whose job it is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems and other systems as well, Mr Zuckerberg said during a joint session of several US senate committees, following revelations that UK data firm Cambridge Analytica misused user data from the social network. Theyre going to keep getting better at this, and we need to invest in making sure we keep getting better at this too as long as there are people in Russia whose job it is to interfere with elections around the world, this is going to be an ongoing conflict. A Facebook spokesperson was not immediately available for comment on Mr Zharovs comments. As the daughter of a yoga instructor, Meghan Markle grew up with health and fitness at the forefront of her mind. While shes an avid fan of therapeutic activities such as pilates and running, her former trainer has revealed that she also became very adept at weight-based workouts. Craig McNamee, founder of Catalyst Health in Toronto, became acquainted with Markle three years ago while she was filming Suits in Canada. Markles fitness levels were already of a high standard when she enlisted McNamees help, so he devised a series of workouts that could challenge her. The former actresss frequent running and yoga meant that she was already in fantastic shape, he told Womens Health. So it was up to me to take it to the next level. McNamee did this by incorporating circuit-based strength training into her workout regime. When she gets to the gym, theres no real complaining, he said. She gets down to business right away and really enjoys it. McNamee would meet up with the future royal three to four days a week for training sessions that would last approximately 45 minutes. He focused on putting Markles entire body to work by having her do a high number of reps using lighter weights. Generally speaking, we had a full-body approach, he said. And since Meghan was onscreen, we really focused on posture. Recommended Everything you need to know about the royal wedding Our big focus with all of our sessions was to not be too repetitive and really create a dynamic workout with a lot of variety. One of the circuits that McNamee would have Markle do included five exercises done consecutively, followed by a 45-second rest. The circuit was then repeated two or three more times. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Show all 55 1 /55 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at the Invictus Games in Toronto, Canada. The Invictus Games is an international sport event for wounded, injured and sick (WIS) servicemen and women, both serving and veteran. It was created by the Duke of Sussex and aims to use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding of all those who serve their country Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle pose for a photograph in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace following the announcement of their engagement AFP/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2017 Meghan Markle shows off her engagement ring AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2017 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend Christmas Day Church service at Church of St Mary Magdalene in King's Lynn Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan during a visit to Reprezent 107.3FM in Pop Brixton. The Reprezent training programme was established in Peckham in 2008, in response to the alarming rise in knife crime, to help young people develop and socialise through radio Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers on arrival at Cardiff Castle for a day showcasing the rich culture and heritage of Wales AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2018 The couple watching a dance performance by Jukebox Collective during their to Cardiff Castle AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle walk through the corridors of the Palace of Holyroodhouse on their way to a reception for young people in Edinburgh. The reception celebrated youth achievements, marking Scotlands Year of Young People 2018, an initiative that aims to inspire Scotland through its young people: celebrating their achievements, strengthening their voice on social issues and creating new opportunities for them to shine AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2018 Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William at the first annual Royal Foundation Forum in London. Under the theme 'Making a Difference Together', the event showcased the programmes run or initiated by The Royal Foundation Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Prince William, Kate, Meghan and Prince Harry attend a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2018 Meghan Markle greets well-wishers after a visit to one of Belfast's most historic buildings, The Crown Liquor Saloon, a former Victorian gin palace, now run by the National Trust. It was the Royal couple's first joint visit to Northern Ireland AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures April 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle meet participants as they attend the UK team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath AFP via Getty Images Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle and her mother, Doria Ragland arriving at Cliveden House Hotel the night before her wedding to Prince Harry Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Royal fans sing for the television in Windsor the day before the Royal wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Meghan Markle walks down the aisle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, during her wedding AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand facing each other hand-in-hand before Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby during their wedding ceremony AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 Prince Harry kisses the Duchess of Sussex, as they pass through the Cambridge Gate into the grounds of Windsor Castle at the end of their carriage procession AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2018 The newly married royals leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Queen Elizabeth II sitts and laughs with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan return in a horse-drawn carriage after attending the Queen's Birthday Parade, 'Trooping the Colour' on Horseguards parade AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Queen Elizabeth II, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge watch the RAF flypast on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, as members of the Royal Family attend events to mark the centenary of the RAF Chris Jackson/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry kiss after the Sentebale Polo event that was held at the Royal County of Berkshire Polo Club Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures August 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet the cast and crew of "Hamilton" backstage after the gala performance in support of Sentebale at Victoria Palace Theatre Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2018 Meghan meets 7-year-old Matilda Booth during the annual WellChild awards at Royal Lancaster Hotel in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet 98-year-old Daphne Dunne during a meet and greet at the Sydney Opera House during an official 16-day Autumn tour visiting cities in Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan meet a koala named Ruby and its koala joey named Meghan after the Duchess of Sussex during a visit to Taronga Zoo in Sydney AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry looks on as his wife Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, is hugged by student Luke Vincent of Buninyong Public School following the couple's arrival at Dubbo Regional Airport in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Harry and his wife Meghan watch aboriginal dances at Victoria Park in Dubbo AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex meet with lifeguards at South Melbourne Beach. BeachPatrol is a network of volunteers who are passionate about keeping Melbourne's beaches and foreshores clear of litter to reduce the negative impact of litter on the marine environment and food chain, and provide a safe environment for the public to enjoy their local beach Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan join a circle during a "Fluro Friday" session run by OneWave, a local surfing community group who raise awareness for mental health and wellbeing, at Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach AFP Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 The British royals kicked off their shoes and donned tropical garlands on Bondi Beach AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan visit an exhibition of Tongan handicrafts, mats and tapa cloths at the Fa'onelua Convention Centre in Nuku'alofa, Tonga Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan laying a wreath at the National War Memorial in Wellington, New Zealand Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2018 Prince Harry and his wife Meghan visit Redwoods Tree Walk in Rotorua AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures November 2018 Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex at a service marking the centenary of WW1 armistice at Westminster Abbey Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures February 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, visit the Kasbah of the Udayas near the Moroccan capital Rabat AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan speak on stage during WE Day UK 2019 at The SSE Arena in London Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures March 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry react as they are presented with baby gifts by Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Janice Charette, at Canada House, during an event to mark Commonwealth Day, in central London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 A congratulatory banner message circling the BT Tower reading "Congratulations Harry and Meghan It's a Baby Boy!" AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Footmen Stephen Kelly and Sarah Thompson set up an official notice on an easel at the gates of Buckingham Palace on May 6, announcing the birth of a son to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Pround parents pose with their newborn son Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor in St George's Hall at Windsor Castle. The Duchess of Sussex gave birth at 5:26 on 6 May Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures May 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan walk away after posing for photographs with their newborn son AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures June 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan join the New York Yankees in their clubhouse and receive gifts for Archie ahead of their match against the Boston Red Sox at the London Stadium. The historic two-game series marked the sport's first games ever played in Europe and The Invictus Games Foundation was selected as the official charity of Mitel and MLB London Series 2019 Invictus Games Foundation/Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures July 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet cast and crew, including US singer-songwriter Beyonce and her husband, US rapper Jay-Z as they attend the European premiere of the film The Lion King in London AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex dance as they arrive for a visit to the "Justice desk", an NGO in the township of Nyanga in Cape Town, as they begin their tour of the region. Their first official family visit in the coastal city AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan pose with members of "Waves For Change" NGO at Monwabisi Beach outside of Cape Town. "Waves For Change" NGO fuses surfing with child-friendly mind and body therapy to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in challenging communities AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The royals arrive to visit the oldest mosque of Cape Town in Dorp Street in Bo Kaap district AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visits Auwal Mosque on Heritage Day with the Duke of Sussex during their royal tour of South Africa. Auwal Mosque is the first and oldest mosque in South Africa and for the Muslim community, this mosque symbolises the freedom of former slaves to worship Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan hold their baby son Archie as they meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his wife Leah at the Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures September 2019 The British royal couple were on a 10-day tour of southern Africa -- their first official visit as a family since their son Archie was born AFP via Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Prince Harry and Meghan meet Graca Machel, widow of the late Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Duke last met with Mrs Machel during his visit to South Africa in 2015 Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures October 2019 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures December 2019 Prince Harry holding his son Archie. The photo was used on Instagram to wish their followers a happy new year SussexRoyal/PA Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Duke and Duchess of Sussex depart Canada House in London after visiting to show thanks for the warm hospitality and support they received during their recent stay in Canada Getty Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in pictures January 2020 Front page headlines, from UK daily papers, reporting on the news that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, plan to step back as "senior" members of the Royal Family AFP via Getty The first exercise was a rear-foot elevated split squat and press, which involves holding a dumbbell in each hand above your shoulders, placing the top of one of your feet behind you on a bench and then simultaneously lunging and lifting the weights above your head. The second exercise was a single-leg kettlebell deadlift, which engages your core and puts your balance to the test. This was then followed by dynamic plyo step ups and then TRX tricep extensions to challenge your arms and core. The last exercise of the circuit was hanging abs raises, which McNamee described as advanced. While McNamee and Markle are not currently training together, the pair do still keep in touch. Meghan is dedicated to her health, its a big aspect of her life - so for her, now its about keeping up with the workouts we did together, and making them count, he said. The governments preferred Brexit scenario would leave the UK public finances 615m per week worse off than staying in the EU, according to new analysis. That would mean the country has the equivalent of almost 1bn per week less to spend on public services than the 350m positive benefit that the Leave campaign claimed would result from leaving the EU. A study for the think tank Global Future carried out by Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics at Kings College, London, looked at each of the three scenarios assessed by the government in its own leaked analysis. Using that analysis, the new research calculates that the governments preferred option of a bespoke deal would mean about 40bn more in annual public borrowing than under the status quo by 2033/34 - the same time period over which the government worked out its impact assessments That equates to 615m per week, or 22 per cent of the NHS budget, after translating that into todays prices, the research claims. It bases this scenario on the Prime Ministers recent Mansion House speech which outlined the Brexit she hopes to deliver. This would mean leaving the single market and customs union whilst maintaining access to EU markets with minimal tariff and non-tariff barriers. It would also include the flexibility to diverge from Brussels regulations, negotiate trading relationships with other non-EU countries and implement restrictions on immigration. The research estimates that this outcome would leave the country better off than a no-deal Brexit but worse off than under the Norway model or under an average free-trade agreement such as the one Canada has with the EU. The Norway model, in which the UK would stay in the single market and adhere to EU rules and regulations but leave the customs union, would have a negative fiscal impact of 262m per week while the Canada option would cost around 877m per week, Mr Portes finds. The figures are the equivalent of 9 per cent and 31 per cent of the current NHS budget respectively. A no-deal Brexit in which the UK trades with the EU under World Trade Organisation terms is estimated to cost 1.25bn per week. No scenario is more beneficial than staying in the EU. The analysis takes into account the benefits from lower financial contributions to the EU budget and a new trade deal with the US as well as costs arising from new customs controls, tariffs, and reduced migration. A survey conducted as part of the research found that 72 per cent of Leave voters thought that 615m a week would be too high a price to pay for a bespoke Brexit deal, while 78 per cent said it was worse than they had hoped for when they cast their vote in June 2016. Among all EU referendum voters polled, just 23 per cent said they thought the estimated cost would be worth paying. Cuts in support services for schools make children more vulnerable to gang violence, the person named worlds best teacher has warned. Andria Zafirakou, a woman who won the $1m (700,000) Global Teacher Prize last month, has said that less access to counsellors, mentors and police make it harder for pupils to escape crime. The arts and textiles teacher, who works at Alperton Community School in Wembley, north London where gangs target pupils has called for more funding for pastoral provision in schools. Her comments come amid a spike in violent crime which has seen children as young as 13 stabbed on the streets in London. This week an 18-year-old man was killed in Forest Gate - and he is thought to be the twelfth teenager killed by knife or gun crime in the capital in 2018. When asked by The Independent what schools can do to keep children safe from violence on the streets, Ms Zafirakou said: Support services are what really make the difference to our children. I dont think we give enough credit to the pastoral provision that we do put on. With the cuts to funding, this is where it is going to hit our children. They can put on lots of afterschool provision for them but if they havent got access to counsellors 24 hours a day, mentors, police services, our children will unfortunately be in those vulnerable situations and they wont be able to get out of them. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA Ms Zafirakou, who was awarded the prize in Dubai, helps vulnerable pupils to stay out of danger by escorting them home, and she has set up clubs to protect them from violence. She has also organised revision classes and homework groups during weekends and school holidays to give her students a safe and quiet place to work. Ms Zafirakou told The Independent that schools keeping their doors open for longer can help but she added: Its difficult because schools dont have the money to keep their doors open. Schools are being stretched for everything. We need the help to do that. We can do as much as we can but we need the financial support. The award-winning teacher added that workload pressures and secondary school curriculum reforms have made it harder for teachers to find time to build relationships with vulnerable children. And Ms Zafirakou believes that these children are more likely to discuss their problems in arts subjects. You can seem them relax and they open up and they are able to talk to you, she said. Last week, the government announced 96m of funding to help talented pupils attend top music, drama and dance schools. But the London teacher has warned that disadvantaged pupils are unlikely to benefit from the scheme as they have limited exposure to these prestigious institutions. The announcement comes as arts provision in schools is under pressure amid league table measures, which do not prioritise the arts, and tight budgets which have led to arts teachers being cut. Ms Zafirakou said: We probably have got talent in our schools but there is nobody to identify them because we have cut down on drama teachers and we have cut down on dance teaches because we cant afford them. It is getting these organisations back into the schools to work with them. She added that getting celebrities, such as pop musicians, graffiti artists and fashion designers, to speak in schools that serve disadvantaged cohorts could help reverse the decline of the arts. I am quite frustrated that our students are not taking up these subjects. I am dreading what will happen to our children when they are competing on a global stage. They will be lacking on creative skills and communication skills, Ms Zafirakou said. Two brothers with their hearts set on joining Isis used paintballing to prepare for combat alongside the terrorist group, a court heard. Yousif Alsyed, 18, sent an encrypted message saying he wanted to become a martyr in Syria or Libya before his school raised the alarm. Together with his older brother Ahmed, 20, he was part of a group of at least five teenagers accused of supporting Isis, Woolwich Crown Court in east London, heard. Ahmed, of west London, was jailed for four-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to the collection of terrorist information, preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications at a previous hearing. Yousif, who admitted the preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications, will be sentenced at a later date. "It is patent to me that the brothers' intention, once they had joined the terrorist group, was to fight alongside it as they had invested time in training in the UK, including spending time at a paintballing camp and joining a gym," said Commander Clarke Jarrett, of London's Metropolitan Police after the hearing. "The brothers shared with each other gory videos and images glorifying Daesh," he added They had their hearts set on joining their fight but our investigation stopped them." Footage recovered from Ahmed's phone showed him posing wearing combat fatigues and making a hand gesture associated with Isis at the paintball camp in Cobham, Surrey. "This is a message to everyone, he told the camera. "If we do not come back safe and sound, look after our families." A still from a video showing the Alsyed brothers at the paintball camp where they practiced to fight alongside Isis (Metropolitan Police) Scotland Yards counter-terrorism command started investigating the cell in spring 2016, identifying a person using the name Abu Ibrahim who was using the encrypted messaging app Telegram to discuss travelling to Syria. In one message, he said he wanted to "become a martyr", while another claimed he was just waiting for the "green light to travel". Digital forensics officers established identified the sender as Yousif and started tracking the group, arresting the teenager and his brother in August 2016 as they arrived back in the UK from a holiday in Egypt. After seizing their mobile phones, investigators found a significant quantity of terrorist propaganda and Telegram conversations between the brothers and a figure in Yemen discussing plans to join Isis in Syria or Libya. The investigation expanded to look at three like-minded boys who the brothers were in contact with Mohammed Ali, now 18, a 16-year-old boy from south London and a 15-year-old boy from east London. But the Alsyed brothers were released and acquired new phones, which were found to contain more communication on potential travel when they were arrested for a second time in February last year. Ahmed Alsyed, 20, was jailed for four-and-a-half years for terror offences (Metropolitan Police) Police swooped after finding that Ali and the 16-year-old boy had booked flights from London Gatwick to Instanbul later that month a common step on the route used by hundreds of British Isis supporters who journeyed to Syria after the groups foundation in 2014. Detectives seized their passports and mounted searches that found mobile phones and laptops filled with messages. They also had camping equipment. The group was subsequently charged with terror offences. Yousif Alsyed, 18, will be sentenced at a later date for preparation of terrorist acts and dissemination of terrorist publications (Metropolitan Police) Their three associates have already been sentenced. Ali, from south-west London, was jailed for four years and two months for the preparation of terrorist acts and the collection of terrorist information at the Old Bailey in November. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was jailed for two years and eight months for the preparation of terrorist acts at the same hearing. The 15-year-old boy, who was not charged with trying to join Isis, pleaded guilty to collecting terrorist information and disseminating terrorist publications at Westminster Youth Court in June, Rather than a prison sentence, he was sentenced to a one-year Intensive Referral Order, forcing him to take part in a de-radicalisation programme, be subject to a curfew, monitored by a youth worker and carry out 40 hours of reparation work. Mr Jarrett urged anyone with information on suspicious activity to report it to the confidential anti-terror hotline. "This is an investigation that began with some intelligence and from that detectives were able to identify Yousif Alsyed, then his brother and three others, who were immersed in various terrorist offences, he said. "If anyone has suspicions about someone who is behaving oddly, sending messages that seem extreme or anything else that strikes them as not quite right, please act on your instinct and report it to police." More child sexual abuse images are being discovered online than ever before as paedophiles go to new lengths to evade detection, a report has warned. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), which finds and reports illegal photos and videos worldwide, said babies and children under the age of 10 were featured in a rising proportion of material found. Almost 80,000 webpages were found to be hosting child sex abuse images in 2017, up 37 per cent from the previous year, and a third showed the most severe type of content, including rape and torture. In another alarming development, analysts have found a rising amount of content originally produced by children themselves on webcams being shared by paedophiles online. Susie Hargreaves, chief executive of the IWF, said the record figures could just be the tip of the iceberg. We are now receiving more reports of child sexual abuse content than ever before, she added. Were seeing offenders getting smarter and finding new ways to abuse legitimate internet services. Its concerning that offenders appear to be increasingly using concealed digital pathways to prevent law enforcement and hotlines around the world detecting these criminal websites. 'Horrifying' number of men view child sex abuse images online, police say A rapidly growing technique is the use of disguised sites, which only reveal abusive content to users who follow a preset digital pathway and appear legal to other visitors. Investigators said an 86 per cent rise in the method suggests increased intelligence among paedophiles, who are going to new lengths to evade detection. Image hosting websites and cyberlockers that hold peoples data were abused by paedophiles the most and security services are working to track criminals hiding their material on the dark web. Around 65 per cent of child sex abuse images found by the IWF are hosted in Europe, with the Netherlands being the single worst country, followed by the US, Canada, France and Russia. Only 0.3 per cent of material discovered was hosted in the UK. The IWF said it was making technical advances itself but warned that global partnership is needed to combat the disturbing crimes. The child victims of sexual abuse online are revictimised again and again, every time their picture is shared, Ms Hargreaves said. The experience they go through at such a young age is unimaginably horrific, and they frequently take this pain into adulthood with them. 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 In one case shortly before Christmas, a girl contacted the IWF after finding images showing herself being sexually abused by an older man online. Investigators went on to find the very disturbing material on 164 URLs, which they managed to have removed around the world. In 2017, every seven minutes, in the course of their work, IWF analysts found a webpage showing a child being sexually abused, which is up from every nine minutes the previous year, with half discovered through proactive searching and half flagged in reports. It included more than 77,000 webpages on a banned list and added 130,600 images to a hash list that creates digital fingerprints preventing the same files being re-uploaded elsewhere. Harriet Lester, the IWFs technical projects officer, said it was impossible to know whether more child sex abuse images are being created or whether the increase is down to improved reporting. She told The Independent that the general public were becoming more aware of the issue but children must be better educated about the dangers of sharing pictures of themselves online. Self-generated content is increasing and children are not aware when theyre being coerced by offenders, not someone who loves them or wants to be their boyfriend or girlfriend, she added. Home Secretary Amber Rudd warned that the threat against children continues to grow (AFP/Getty) The NSPCC called on the government to stop the Wild West of the web with a package of measures protecting children from a range of abuse. We know a lot of child sexual abuse imagery is created after a predator has groomed their victims and to tackle the growth of this material we need to cut it off at the source, a spokesperson said. The sheer scale and complexity of the problem is evolving rapidly in line with technology, so its impossible to simply police our way out of the problem, we need a comprehensive strategy to stop potential offenders in their tracks. In a foreword to the report, Theresa May said the government was working to make the UK the safest place in the world to go online. Amber Rudd, the home secretary, said the threat faced by children and the generation and spread of online sexual abuse continues to grow. She said the increase in reports by members of the public was encouraging, but added: There is clearly more that we need to do, with a worrying rise in material hosted in Europe, and the ever evolving nature of offending as offenders exploit new vulnerabilities in the online environment to evade detection. A hairdresser who deliberately tried to infect 10 men with HIV has been jailed for at least 12 years. Daryll Rowe became the first man in the country to be found guilty of intentionally setting out to spread the virus after meeting the men on the Grindr gay dating app. Branded grotesque and a sociopath by his victims, the 27-year-old was convicted in November of 10 charges five of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and five of attempting to do so. Rowe, wearing a grey suit and open-collared white shirt, showed no emotion as he was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 12 years at Brighton Crown Court. Judge Christine Henson QC, sentencing, referred to his crimes as a determined hateful campaign of sly violence. She said: You are the first individual to be sentenced for section 18 offences in the context of infecting others with HIV. With the full knowledge of the risk you posed to others and the legal implications of engaging in risky sexual practices, you embarked on a deliberate campaign to infect other men with the HIV virus. Unfortunately, for five of the men you met your campaign was successful. She added: They describe living with a life sentence as a result of your cruel and senseless acts. Many of those men were young men in their 20s at the time they had the misfortune to meet you. She told Rowe he poses a significant risk to the public, adding: You will potentially remain a danger to others for the rest of your life. After being diagnosed in April 2015 in his home city of Edinburgh, Rowe met men on gay dating app Grindr and had sex with eight of them in Brighton, East Sussex, between October that year and February 2016. He then fled to the North-east where he went on the run from police, targeting two more victims. His six-week trial heard he embarked on a cynical and deliberate campaign to infect men with HIV, refusing treatment and ignoring advice from doctors. He insisted on having unprotected sex with men, claiming he was clean. When they refused he tampered with condoms, tricking them into thinking he was practising safe sex. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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 Afterwards he would become aggressive and taunt them over text, telling one: I have HIV. Lol. Whoops! Rowe repeatedly lied to authorities and would use aliases with his victims. He told jurors he believed he had been cured of the virus by the time he moved to Brighton, having adopted the practice of drinking his own urine as a treatment, supplemented with natural remedies, including oregano, coconut and olive leaf oils. He sat in the dock showing no emotion during his sentencing hearing as prosecutor Caroline Carberry QC read out statements from nine of his 10 victims, who she said showed the devastating consequences of Rowes actions. Many told how they had considered suicide, having suffered physical and psychological damage, needing to take daily medication. Rowes first victim told how he had considered taking his own life after he was diagnosed with HIV in January 2016. He said: Daryll has destroyed my life. I would rather he had murdered me than left me to live my life like this. Another victim said he thought he was going to die when he found out he had the virus, while another told of the shattering effect it had on him and his family, believing it was a lifelong sentence, which would eventually kill me off because of the stigma surrounding the disease. While for some cases of GBH it might be possible for victims to put the acts behind them, unfortunately this will never be the case for me, said a different victim, who requires daily medication. There is a virus inside me which will give me a horrible and painful death unless I take pills for the rest of my life. The court heard that a psychiatric report found Rowes crimes were carried out with a significant degree of rage, control, sadism and violence. The prosecutor told the court: This defendant is the first individual in the UK who falls to be sentenced for section 18 offences in the context of the intentional infection of others with the HIV virus. This was a deliberate campaign to infect multiple men with a serious life-threatening and life-changing disease such that it falls outside the sentences envisaged by the [sentencing] guidelines. Recommended 10 men accuse hairdresser of deliberately infecting them with HIV Felicity Gerry QC highlighted comparable cases from around the world, urging the judge to pass a sentence that would not add to the social stigma of HIV, but inform the public the virus is not what it was in the 1990s. He was a vulnerable young man in a community where the disclosure of ones HIV status remains unusual, in the context of how he was meeting people, she said. This is not a terminal illness. Those who live with HIV have good and high life expectancies. She added: There really is a need for therapy and not incarceration. Sussex Police came under fire over claims they put gay men in danger when they released Rowe on bail, after which he continued his campaign. Northumbria Police were accused of wrongfully arresting and detaining one of his unsuspecting victims. Rowes final victim blamed police for putting him at risk and said more could have been done sooner to stop his offending. Press Association A teenager has admitted killing an innocent nurse who was covered in acid after being caught up in a fight over drugs. Joanne Rand had been to visit her daughters grave when Xeneral Webster approached the bench she was sitting on in High Wycombe. Reading Crown Court heard the 19-year-old was trying to take a bicycle from another young man who he accused of selling him the former legal high spice instead of cannabis. He produced next an open-topped bottle of acid and makes to throw it towards Mr Hussain and he said to Mr Hussain: 'This is acid', said prosecutor Alison Hunter QC as she described CCTV footage of the incident. At this moment, Mr Hussain, panicking, knocks the acid out of Mr Webster's hand. The bottle rolled and hit Ms Rand, who was sitting a few metres away, covering her face and body with industrial strength sulphuric acid. Ms Rand instantly noticed that her hair was wet and that her face had begun to burn, the court heard, screaming in pain and running to a nearby branch of KFC to wash it off. Xeneral Webster, 19, admitted manslaughter after a nurse died after being covered in acid (Thames Valley Police) The 47-year-old was treated for her injuries on 3 June last year and released from Stoke Mandeville Hospital after suffering up to 5 per cent burns. But she died 11 days after the attack from multiple organ failure after developing sepsis. Detective Chief Inspector Nick Glister, of Thames Valley Police, said Ms Rand helped police track Webster down before she was taken back into hospital. Webster showed a total disregard for the innocent members of the public who were present that day and his actions took a much loved mum, sister, and partner away from her many family and friends, he added. Acid attacks are horrific. Their consequences devastate lives. I hope this case is a pertinent reminder to anyone considering carrying this dangerous substance that doing so can have very serious consequences. It was the second known death caused by an acid attack in the UK following 29-year-old Mark Van Dongen, who died with medical assistance after being paralysed and scarred in a 2015 attack. Several victims have been left with life-changing injuries following a spate of attacks using corrosive substances in Britain, sparking a crackdown on sales by the government and new laws to punish anyone carrying the weapons. Webster was initially charged with murder but pleaded guilty to the alternative charge of manslaughter part-way through his trial on Wednesday. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA Prosecutors argued the defendant knew the consequences of having acid in a public place after being the victim of an attack himself. Webster also pleaded guilty to two charges of possessing an offensive weapon, namely bottles of acid and ammonia, and a fourth charge of affray. His pleas of not guilty to murder, robbery and attempted grievous bodily harm were accepted by the prosecution and the case was adjourned for sentencing on 15 June. Webster, of Banstead Court in Westway, west London, will also be sentenced on that date for charges of threatening to kill, possessing an offensive weapon and damaging property in relation to a separate incident involving a samurai sword to which he had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing. Adrian Foster, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said that although Ms Rand was not the intended victim of the attack, Webster intended to cause really serious harm. The man fighting with Webster acted reasonably, in the circumstances, by deflecting the bottle away, he added. Webster was responsible for the death of Joanne and had he not planned to hurt the intended victim, Joanne would still be alive today. We know that nothing will bring Joanne back to her family and friends, but we hope todays conviction brings them at least a small sense that justice has been done. Additional reporting by PA A male survivor of domestic violence said he was "10 days away from death" after he was repeatedly physically and psychologically abused by his girlfriend. Alex Skeel was battered, stabbed, burned, denied food, forced to sleep on the floor and kept away from his family by Jordan Worth before he was finally rescued by police last year. The 22-year-old is now urging other victims to speak out after Worth, also 22, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to GBH with intent at Luton Crown Court. Worth, of Stewardby, Bedfordshire, was given a further six-month sentence for coercive and controlling behaviour. Police said it was the first such conviction in the UK where the offender was female. The couple had known each other since they were 16, but during the last nine months of their relationship, Skeel said Worth subjected him to a "sustained and prolonged" campaign of abuse. "I thought my limbs might have to be amputated," he told the Daily Mail. "I had open burns. I lost three stones in weight. I went from 10 stones down to seven. It was awful. It was three years of mental abuse and then it turned physical." He added "I was infected from the burns pretty much all over my body. Luckily they managed to treat it." China outlaws domestic abuse Skeel said he suffered four years of mental abuse and "the physical violence happened for about nine months". In a separate interview with the BBC, he said that on one occasion she told him her mother had received a message saying his grandfather had died. After watching him break down and cry for two hours, he said she told him it was not true and berated him for caring about his family. On a separate occasion he said he woke up after Worth had beaten him on the head with a beer bottle. Then, he said, she chased him and hit him on the hands and face with a hammer. Police were eventually alerted to his situatioin by a neighbour who heard shouts coming from the couple's home. Ambulance staff took Mr Skeel to hospital with injuries to his hand and burns on his arms and legs. The court heard Worth had thrown boiling water over him. Despite his injuries, Mr Skeel said he returned to the Stewartby home he shared with Worth. 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 It was only after the intervention of a police officer, who persuaded him to reveal what was really happening, that he felt able to tell the truth. "I want to tell my story. I don't want one more person to suffer what I've gone through," he said. "The hospital told me I was 10 days away from death. I believe the reason I survived to tell my story is to help others going through a similar ordeal. "I would urge anyone in the same situation to ask for help. Bedfordshire Police were fantastic and I do believe they saved my life." Speaking after the conviction earlier this week, Detective Chief Inspector Jerry Waite said: "We are thrilled with this conviction. The sentence handed down reflects the gravity with which these offences are viewed. "Coercive control is subtle - it isn't always obvious what's been happening and may escalate over a period of time. The victim may not immediately recognise the behaviour as abuse. The desire to control often underpins abusive relationships and can lead to violence." Britain has accused Russia of creating fantasies around the nerve agent attack in Salisbury as the broadcasting watchdog investigates its state broadcaster over impartiality. Ofcom has opened seven probes into news and current affairs shows including two hosted by former MP George Galloway on Russia Today (RT), which is owned by state media arm TV Novosti. A spokesperson for the watchdog said: Until recently, TV Novostis overall compliance record has not been materially out of line with other broadcasters. However, since the events in Salisbury, we have observed a significant increase in the number of programmes on the RT service that warrant investigation as potential breaches of the Ofcom Broadcasting Code. The announcement came as the UK accused Russia of proposing contradictory and changing fantasies to deny involvement in the attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal. Peter Wilson, Britains permanent representative to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), told a meeting of the bodys executive council a brazen disinformation campaign was underway. They have sought to confuse, distract and brazenly misrepresent facts, despite the thorough, independent OPCW report that confirmed novichok nerve agent was used, he said. To date, Russia has proposed more than 30 contradictory and changing fantasies to explain the Salisbury attack. Russias actions to confuse and distract have not worked, but instead show how hard they are working to hide the truth. Salisbury poisoning: Yulia Skripal discharged from hospital Ofcoms code states that all news must be reported with due accuracy and presented with due impartiality, and that undue prominence must not be given to a particular side on matters of controversy. Ofcom said it would announce the outcome of investigations as soon as possible and consider all relevant new evidence alongside RTs future conduct. RT has an average audience of 3,400 viewers at any given point during the day and an average weekly reach of 1 per cent of UK adults, according to Ofcom figures. Owner TV Novosti has been disciplined for 15 breaches of the broadcasting code since 2012, which Ofcom said was not an unusually high number, but most related to Russias foreign policy in programmes on the wars in Libya, Syria and Ukraine. Recommended Twitter bans adverts from Russia Today and Sputnik All programmes being currently considered were broadcast after Mr Skripal and his daughter Yulia were poisoned with a nerve agent in Salisbury on 4 March. They include editions of the Sputnik programme, which is presented by Mr Galloway and his wife Gayatri and claims to go behind the stories which made the news with authoritative and influential guests. The two shows in question both discussed the Salisbury attack were broadcast on 17 March, featuring an independent researcher, and 7 April, which included Russian commentator Alexander Nekrassov. Two RT news broadcasts on 18 and 30 March are also being investigated over due impartiality, alongside two editions of the flagship programme Crosstalk, which discussed alleged chemical weapons attacks in Syria on 13 and 16 April, and Worlds Apart with Oksana Boyko on 1 April, which featured an interview with the father of murdered former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko. Ofcom noted that several state-funded outlets operate in the UK, including Qatars Al Jazeera network and the BBC itself, but said it did not consider actions outside of broadcasting when ruling on licences in order to protect diversity and freedom of expression. Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Members of the emergency services in hazard suits fix the tent over the bench where Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found unconscious on a park bench in Salisbury in March 2018. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Sergei Skripal The retired Russian colonel and former double agent for MI6 was in a critical condition in hospital for more than two months after being exposed to novichok in Salisbury. He was given refuge in the UK after being jailed in Moscow for treason. Mr Skripal came to Britain as part of a high-profile spy swap in 2010 in which four men were exchanged for ten Russian "sleeper agents" in the US. In this image he is speaking to his lawyer from behind bars in Moscow in 2006. AP Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Yulia Skripal Yulia Skripal was struck down by a novichok poison alongside her father Sergei. Facebook Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack A police officer stands guard outside a branch of the Italian chain restaurant Zizzi where the pair dined at before falling ill. It was boarded off whilst investigators worked on the building and later found traces of the chemical weapon within it. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Scene of attack Large areas of central Salisbury were cordoned off by police following the discovery of the Skripals. Traces of nerve agent were also found in The Mill pub. PA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Victim - Nick Bailey Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey, rushed to the aid of the Russian ex-spy and his daughter who were targeted with a nerve agent. He was hospitalized after aiding them and didn't leave until three weeks after the attack. Wiltshire Police/Rex Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - Skripals home Police believe they were poisoned at home, and detectives found the highest concentration of novichok on the front door of Mr Skripals house. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Theresa May visits scene of attack Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May spokes with Wiltshire Police's Chief Constable Kier Pritchard near where the Skripal's were found. Britain expelled 23 Russian diplomats over the nerve agent poisoning and suspended high-level contacts, including for the World Cup on March 14. Theresa May told parliament that Russia had failed to respond to her demand for an explanation on how a Soviet-designed chemical, Novichok, was used in Salisbury. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Skripal days before attack Sergei Skripal days before he was exposed to Novichok, that has left him fighting for life. ITV News Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation - military involvement British soldiers were deployed soon after the attack to help a counter-terrorism investigation into the nerve agent attack. One of the places they were asked to help out with was Skripal's home and it's surrounding. They were asked to remove a vehicle connected to the agent attack in Salisbury, from a residential street in Gillingham. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation Personnel in protective coveralls and breathing equipment cover an ambulance with a tarpaulin at the Salisbury District Hospital. AFP/Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The investigation extended to the grave of Sergei Skripal's son Alexander in London Road cemetery. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Police investigation The Counter Terrorism Policing Network requested assistance from the military to remove a number of vehicles and objects from Salisbury. EPA Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Home Secretary visits scene of attack Home Secretary Amber Rudd visited the scene of the nerve agent attack at the Maltings shopping centre on 9 March. Getty Skripal attack aftermath in pictures Yulia Skripal speaks for the first time Yulia Skripal, speaking for the first time, said she felt lucky to have survived the nerve agent attack in Salisbury which left her fighting for life. Ms Skripal said her life had been turned upside down by the assassination attempt. But the Russian national added she hoped to return to her homeland one day, despite the Kremlin being blamed for the attack. Reuters States sometimes commit, or will have committed, acts which are contrary to UK and generally accepted values, a spokesperson said. In our judgment, it would be inappropriate for Ofcom always to place decisive weight on such matters in determining whether state-funded broadcasters were fit and proper to hold broadcast licences. Ofcom stressed that it was not seeking to pass judgement on the attack in Salisbury itself, which the government has attributed to Russia despite Kremlin denials. We disagree with the position taken by Ofcom; our broadcasting has in no way changed this week from any other week, and continues to adhere to all standards, a spokesperson for RT said. By linking RT to unrelated matters, Ofcom is conflating its role as a broadcasting regulator with matters of state. RT remains a valuable voice in the UK news landscape, covering vital yet neglected stories and voices, including those of the many MPs and other UK public figures who have been shut out of public discourse by the mainstream media. Mr Galloway has not yet responded to The Independents request for comment. Britain and its allies have expelled Russian diplomats over the Salisbury incident, which sparked an escalating diplomatic row that heightened further following an alleged chemical attack in Syria and airstrikes against Bashar al-Assads forces. On Tuesday, officials announced the start of decontamination work in Salisbury at nine sites including Mr Skripals house, the restaurant and pub he visited with his daughter and areas used by emergency services. The operation will involve around 200 military personnel and is expected to take several months. Mr Skripal remains in hospital, where his condition has improved, while his 33-year-old daughter was discharged earlier this month. Amber Rudd should resign because of the misery exposed and the lives ruined by the Windrush scandal, Diane Abbott has suggested. The home secretary should consider her position, rather than blame her officials for the mistreatment of people wrongly detained or threatened with deportation, her Labour shadow said. The call came as Ms Abbott urged the Home Office to grant a group exemption to stay in the UK to members of the Windrush generation, who arrived decades ago. Recommended Home Office destroyed evidence on arrival of Windrush generation Civil servants should exercise common sense, rather than force people to dig out further records to prove they have lived in the country ever since. I think she needs to consider her position. There are so many things that have gone wrong, Ms Abbott said of Ms Rudd. She has information about who was deported and who was in detention, and she needs to make that information public. This has caused so much misery and has ruined so many peoples lives and there is so much unity in the House of Commons on both sides of the chamber about this subject she needs to consider her position. On Monday, Ms Rudd, when she apologised for the scandal, announced a taskforce to help the people affected prove, within two weeks, their right to remain in the UK. Tens of thousands of people are believed to lack the documents they need, under the hostile environment for suspected illegal immigrants introduced by Theresa May as home secretary. But Ms Abbott, speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, said: I would believe that when I see it. She warned that members of the Windrush generation were being rejected despite having tax records dating back 30 years. Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty There should be a group exemption for people who fall in this particular category a group of Caribbean migrants who came here as children A lot of them have information, they just dont have information that fits the Home Offices arbitrary checklist. People should use their common sense. Meanwhile, the prime minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, called for compensation for people affected, saying he knew of people who had travelled to Jamaica and were then unable to return to Britain. My interest is to ensure that the Windrush generation and the children of the Windrush generation get justice, he told Good Morning Britain. We have to call it out for what it is, but we also have to ensure that those who have been deported, that they get access to a process that gets them back, that they get their citizenship, that they get their full rights and that they get access to the benefits that their citizenship will entitle them. The controversy is set to dominate prime ministers questions in the Commons, when Labour will demand to know the extent of Ms Mays personal culpability. It has emerged that vital documents that could have spared people from the threat of deportation or being denied healthcare, or being stripped of their jobs were destroyed by the Home Office in 2010, on her watch. Thousands of landing cards recording dates of arrival in the UK were thrown away, despite staff warnings that it would be harder for Caribbean-born residents to establish their right to be in the UK. The Home Office has claimed the destruction was to comply with data protection laws and denied they would, in any case, have provided the reliable evidence needed. The UKs armed forces are suffering from significant levels of understaffing in key areas as they struggle to recruit and retain employees, the government spending watchdog has warned. The National Audit Office (NAO) said the number of full-time staff in the military is at its lowest level in 10 years and well below current requirements. The shortfall comes amid record-low levels of satisfaction with working conditions in the military. Morale over issues such as pay and accommodation has dropped since 2010, the NAO said. As a result, the watchdog warned, there are now 102 specialist areas in which there are not enough full-time staff to meet current needs unless leave or training is cancelled. Recommended Conservatives threaten revolt over defence cuts Staffing levels in the armed forces are currently 5.7 per cent below requirements the equivalent of 8,200 employees. According to the NAO, the Ministry of Defence has not established effective authority to resolve the problems. Amyas Morse, head of the NAO, said: Ensuring the armed forces have the right number of skilled personnel in place is not a new challenge, but given the complexity and development of new, modern world threats, it is a challenge that will only continue to grow. The department needs to fundamentally change its approach to develop skilled personnel and address the long established shortfalls that persist. The NAO said the shortfall stems from a failure to effectively recruit staff and retain existing employees. The proportion of full-time employees leaving each year increased from 3.8 per cent in March 2010 to 5.6 per cent in December 2017. Around 7,500 military employees left the armed forces last year, and 24 per cent fewer staff than planned were recruited, the NAO said. Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Show all 13 1 /13 Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The wreckage of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre in the Barzeh district, north of Damascus, which was targeted by the US, UK and France air strikes. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier films the damage of the Syrian Scientific Research Center surrounded by papers and rubble. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Firefighrers extinguish smoke that rises from the damage. The Pentagon says none of the missiles filed by the U.S. and its allies was deflected by Syrian air defenses, rebutting claims by the Russian and Syrian governments. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The wreckage of part of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre compound . AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Part of a building collapsing, surrounded by the wreckage. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Further damaged to the Scientific Studies and Research Centre compound. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, also says there also is no indication that Russian air defense systems were employed early Saturday in Syria. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier sprays water on the wreckage. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Syrian state news agency SANA reported several missiles hit a research centre in Barzeh, north of Damascus, "destroying a building that included scientific labs and a training centre". AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier films the damage. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Damage to the Scientific Research Center building that was hit by the strikes. EPA Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The Scientific Studies and Research Centre was one of the targeted buildings by the US, UK and France. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Further damage to the centre. EPA The skills shortfall has worsened in the past year and is likely to continue to do so as increasingly specialist employees are required to deal with new threats such as cyberattacks. Of the 102 areas with skills gaps, the Ministry of Defence predicts it will fill just six in the next five years, while the problem will worsen in 23 areas. The shortfall was particularly severe in six areas: engineering, intelligence, logistics, pilots, communications and medical. This includes a lack of 2,400 engineers, 800 pilots and 700 intelligence analysts. Labour said the report showed the armed forces are being badly let down by a lack of government investment. Nia Griffith, the shadow defence secretary, said: This report exposes the crisis in recruitment and retention that has developed on this governments watch. Our servicemen and women are vital to our national security but they are being badly let down by the governments complete failure to invest in personnel to staff defence equipment, leading to a knock-on impact on morale. Armed forces personnel have now faced seven years of real terms pay cuts, and satisfaction with pay and service life is in complete free fall. It is high time for the government to take concrete action to address this crisis, and agree to lift the public sector pay cap to give our personnel the pay rise that they deserve. Who is new Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson? A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: Recruiting and retaining talent is one of our top priorities and we have a range of schemes, including retention pay for and direct entry into specialist trades, and flexible working to make sure we attract and keep the skilled personnel we need. The military has enough personnel to meet all its operational requirements, including being active on 25 operations in 30 countries throughout the world. In the past year we have recruited over 13,000 people into the armed forces. MEPs representing the UKs agricultural communities are deeply concerned that Liam Fox has underestimated how difficult it will be to get British farmers a good trade deal after Brexit, according to private correspondence obtained by The Independent. A joint letter from MEPs across all the UKs main parties to the international trade secretary demands answers on how much progress Theresa Mays trade chief has made on keeping access to markets around the globe with farmers still facing uncertainty with just a year to go until Brexit. Dr Fox previously said a Brexit trade deal would be the easiest in human history, but the MEPs warn that it is now becoming clear that securing a good deal not just for access to EU markets but around the world would be complex and time-consuming matter. The 18 MEPs, who all either represent agricultural areas or sit on the European parliaments agriculture committee, are members of the Greens, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, and SNP as well as Mr Foxs own Conservative Party. The Department for International Trade, which The Independent contacted for a response to the letter, said the Brexit transition period would provide continuity on current trade terms. MEPs say they are still in the dark about what progress has been made on getting existing EU trade deals with other countries applied to Britain during the transition period, and ask the international trade secretary for an update. They also ask for information about how much progress has been made on getting non-EU countries to recognise that Britain still follows EU standards during the transition period, and whether any progress has been made on a scheme to replace EU rules that protect products such a Cornish pasties, West Country Cheddar cheese, and Gloucestershire cider. The MEPs represent farming areas and sit on the European parliaments agriculture committee (Getty) Though Britian will continue to follow EU rules during the transition period, which starts in less than a years time, it will not be an EU member state and there are concerns that other countries will not have to recognise it as such for the purposes of existing EU trade deals that give Britain farmers access to markets. The situation is made more urgent by the fact that the UK cannot even begin to negotiate replacement deals with other countries until it has left the EU. It has become clear that negotiating our trade framework after Brexit will be a complex and time-consuming matter, the MEPs wrote in the letter. As political representatives of farmers and food exporters we are deeply concerned that the underestimation of the difficulty of this process should not impact negatively on them and hence on British trade. Molly Scott Cato, a Green MEP representing the strongly rural and agricultural South West, and one of the letters signatories, said: Liam Foxs infamous claim that securing a trade deal with the EU post Brexit would be the easiest in human history has been exposed as total bluster and bravado. Brexit so far: in pictures Show all 53 1 /53 Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson led the VoteLeave campaign PA Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson MP, Labour MP Gisela Stuart and UKIP MP Douglas Carswell address the people of Stafford in Market Square during the Vote Leave Brexit Battle Bus tour on 17 May 2016. Their lead line on the tour was: We send the EU 350 million a week, let's fund our NHS instead. Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Voting day A man shelters from the rain as he arrives at a polling station in London on 23 June 2016. Millions of Britons voted in the referendum on whether to stay in or leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Referendum results Leader of Ukip, Nigel Farage, reacts at the Leave EU referendum party at Millbank Tower in central London as results indicated that it was likely the UK would leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Protesting the result A young couple painted as EU flags and a man with a sign reading Im not leaving protest outside Downing Street against the voters decision to leave the EU on 24 June 2016 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures David Cameron resigns British Prime Minister David Cameron resigns on the steps of 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2016 after the results of the EU referendum were declared and the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Theresa May Becomes the new Conservative Party leader Theresa May receives a kiss from her husband Philip, after becoming the new Conservative Party leader on 11 July 2016. May became Prime Minister two days later and although she voted to remain in the referendum was keen to lead Britains Brexit talks after her only rival in the race to succeed David Cameron pulled out unexpectedly. May was left as the only contender standing after the withdrawal from the leadership race of Andrea Leadsom, who faced criticism for suggesting she was more qualified to be prime minister because she had children AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Lancaster House keynote speech on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May delivers her keynote speech on Brexit at Lancaster House in London on 17 January 2017. Where she spoke about her offer to introduce a transition period after the UK formally leaves the European Union in March 2019. Despite repeating the pro-Brexit mantra of no deal is better than a bad deal, the Prime Minister claimed she wanted a tone of trust between the negotiators and said Britain was leaving the EU but not Europe. She said there should be a clear double lock needed for the transitional period to make sure businesses had time to prepare for changes to their trading relationships with the EU Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Triggering of Article 50 British Prime Minister Theresa May in the cabinet, sitting below a painting of Britain's first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 and the United Kingdom's intention to leave the EU on 29 March 2017 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Gibraltar nonsense Tensions have risen over Brexit negotiations for the Rock of Gibraltar. The European Council has said Gibraltar would be included in a trade deal between London and Brussels only with the agreement of Spain. While former Conservative leader Michael Howard claimed that Theresa May would be prepared to go to war to protect the territory. Spain's foreign minister stepped in only to assert that there was no need for the dispute Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Shock snap election Soon after triggering Article 50, Theresa May called on 18 April 2017 for a snap general election. The election would be on 8 June and it came as a shock move to many, with her reasoning to try to bolster her position before tough talks on leaving the EU AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Dissolution of Parliament for General Election Campaign Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace on 3 May 2017. The Prime Minister visited the Queen to ask for the dissolution of Parliament signalling the official start to the general election campaign Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Conservatives lose parliamentary majority An arrangement of British daily newspapers showing front page stories about the exit poll results of the snap general election. British Prime Minister Theresa May faced pressure to resign on 9 June 2017 after losing her parliamentary majority, plunging the country into uncertainty as Brexit talks loomed. The pound fell sharply amid fears the Conservative leader would be unable to form a government AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Labour gains Britains opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a tumbs up as he arrives at Labour headquarters in central London on 9 June 2017 after the snap general election results showed a hung parliament with Labour gains and the Conservatives losing their majority AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit negotiations begin Brexit Minister David Davis and European Commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations Michel Barnier address a press conference at the end of the first day of Brexit negotiations in Brussels on 19 June 2017 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May speaks in Florence British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks on 22 September 2017, in Florence. May sought to unlock Brexit talks after Brussels demanded more clarity on the crunch issues of budget payments and EU citizens' rights AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit insufficient progress German Chancellor Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders for a breakfast meeting during an EU summit in Brussels on 20 October 2017. The EU spoke about Brexit and announced that insufficient progress had been made AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures DUP derails settlement on the withdrawal part of Brexit DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds walks off after speaking to members of the media as a protester holding flags shouts after him outside the Houses of Parliament on 5 December 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels after the DUP said it would not accept terms which see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the UK Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May suffers defeat over EU (Withdrawal) Bill Theresa May suffers defeat in parliament over EU (Withdrawal) Bill on 13 December 2017. The Government was defeated by Conservative rebels and Labour MPs in a vote on its key piece of Brexit legislation. MPs amended the EU (Withdrawal) Bill against Theresa May's will, guaranteeing Parliament a meaningful vote on any Brexit deal she agrees with Brussels. Ms May's whips applied pressure on Conservative rebels who remained defiant in the Commons throughout the day and in the end the Government was defeated by 309 votes to 305 Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit sufficient progress Britain's Prime minister Theresa May arrives to attend the first day of a European union summit in Brussels on 14 December 2017. European leaders discussed Brexit and announced there was finally sufficient progress at the end of the two days AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures The game moves to transition Brexit Secretary David Davis gives evidence on developments in European Union divorce talks to the Commons Exiting the EU Committee in Portcullis House, London, on 24 January 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures Trade deal is what May wants French President Emmanuel Macron gestures to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May after they hold a press conference at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on 18 January 2018. May and Macron agreed a new border security deal, through which the UK will pay more to France to stop migrants trying to reach British shores on 18 January 2018 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Transition period agreed The UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition period on 19 March, 2018 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures No agreement on Irish border The EU and UK however failed to reach an agreement on the Irish border during the successful talks on other Brexit issues AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU attacks Mays fantasy strategy For months after the March deal is struck there is little significant progress in talks. One senior EU official tears into Britains fantasy negotiating strategy and accuses Theresa May of not even having a position on a variety of important issue Getty Brexit so far: in pictures UK releases Ireland plan Britain releases a new customs plan to solve the Northern Ireland border but Michel Barnier says it leaves unanswered questions and would not prevent a hard border EbS Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan agreed The cabinet agrees on a plan known as the "Chequers deal" on July 6 2018. The plan seeks regulatory alignment on goods and food, divergence on services, freedom from the European Courts of Justice and an end to free movement. Many were surprised that the hard Brexiteers of the cabinet would agree to this plan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan sparks resignations Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and numerous ministers resign in the days following the Chequers agreement Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Davis out, Raab in On 9 July, Dominic Raab replaces David Davis as Brexit Secretary. Raab is a keen Brexiteer and was a housing minister before taking over from Davis Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Barnier's "deal like no other" EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier claims on August 29 2018 that they are prepared to offer Britain a trade deal like no other, though he stressed that they will not divide or change the single market to accommodate Britain AP Brexit so far: in pictures "My deal or no deal" In an interview on Panorama on September 17, the Prime Minister insists that any Brexit deal will be offered to the EU on her terms. She asserts this amongst continued attacks on her approach to Brexit by Boris Johnson and the European Research Group, headed by Jacob Rees Mogg BBC/Jeff Overs Brexit so far: in pictures EU leaders reject Chequers Quite the blow was dealt to the Prime Minister at a EU leaders summit in Salzburg on September 20. European Council President Donald Tusk stated that the Chequers deal "will not work" Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures May demands respect Following the rejection of her Chequers plan the day before, the Prime Minister voiced her anger that the EU had dismissed it without offering an alternative. She stated that throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it." Getty Brexit so far: in pictures People's Vote march As the People's Vote campaign and The Independent's Final Say campaign gain traction, 700,000 people turn out in London to demand a final say on the UK's Brexit deal on October 20 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures More resignations As the Prime Minister settles on a Brexit deal, Brexit secretary Dominic Raab resigns along with Work and Pensions secretary Esther McVey and many other ministers Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Final Say petitions delivered to Downing Street People's Vote supporting MPs Chukka Umunna, Justine Greening and Caroline Lucas and The Independent editor Christian Broughton deliver over a million signatures in favour of a People's Vote to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street on December 3 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures May delays vote On December 10, the Prime Minister delayed the vote on her Brexit deal as it was near certain not to pass through the Commons due to Tory rebels and lack of DUP support AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures No confidence motion Tory MPs triggered a confidence vote in the Prime Minister on December 12. She won by 200 votes to 117 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Commons rejects the deal Following the delay, the Prime Minister's deal was rejected in the Commons by a historic 230 votes AFP Brexit so far: in pictures Corbyn tables a no confidence motion Following the rejection of the Prime Minister's deal, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government, which the government won by a margin of 19 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Plan B The Prime Minister won the support of the commons to return to Brussels to renegotiate the backstop on January 29. In the same sitting, MPs also voted against a no-deal Brexit in a non-legally binding motion PA Brexit so far: in pictures EU council president savages Brexit campaigners who failed to plan for departure: Special place in hell There is a special place in hell for pro-Brexit campaigners who demanded Britain leave the EU without explaining how it should happen, Donald Tusk has said. The European Council president launched the scathing attack as he accused anti-EU campaigners of pushing for Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. Mr Tusk also dismissed suggestions that the EU could reopen negotiations over the controversial Northern Ireland backstop, dealing a blow to Theresa Mays hopes of securing fresh concessions as she tries to get her exit deal through parliament. Speaking in Brussels alongside Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mr Tusk said: Ive been wondering what a special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. He also tweeted the accusation moments later Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU and UK announce talks to restart after Theresa May visits Brussels Both have agreed to restart Brexit talks to find a way through the deadlock in Westminster, following a visit by Theresa May to Brussels. In a joint statement the British government and European Commission said Ms May had had a robust but constructive meeting with president Jean-Claude Juncker, and that the pair would meet again before the end of the month. But the EU again refused to reopen the withdrawal agreement and its controversial backstop with any negotiations expected to focus on the future relationship between the UK and EU instead Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit strategy lost MPs voted down May's Brext plans, with a majority of 45. The prime minister did not appear in parliament to see another defeat PA Brexit so far: in pictures Labour and Conservative MPs resign and create the Independent Group Back row of Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes, middle row of Angela Smith, Luciana Berger and Ann Coffey and front row of Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Joan Ryan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Non-biding votes on amendments to Brexit motion On February 27 he house held a series of votes, unanimously calling for the UK and EU to guarantee citizens rights in a no-deal scenario AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Attorney General publishes legal advice A hammer blow for May as Geoffrey Cox said her renegotiated deal can still leave UK in backstop against its will. Mr Cox did say the prime ministers efforts had reduced the risk of the UK being trapped in the backstop indefinitely. MPs went on to vote against her deal by 391 to 242 UK Parliament/PA Brexit so far: in pictures No-deal off the table MPs rejected a no-deal Brexit by 43 votes on March 13, with cabinet ministers rebelling in another humiliating defeat for Theresa May. A day later they voted in favour of the prime minister seeking an extension to Article 50 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures House speaker bans May from third Commons vote on same Brexit deal John Bercow sensationally told Theresa May he would stop her making another attempt to pass her Brexit deal unless she has secured changes. The Speaker said a further meaningful vote would be ruled out of order if the motion was the same or substantially the same under an ancient convention to stop the government bullying parliament on issues MPs have rejected Parliament Live Brexit so far: in pictures May writes to Tusk The prime minister wrote to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, to ask for a three-month extension to give her more time to try to get her deal through parliament. However the European Commission advises the EU27 should offer a short extension to May 23 or a longer one meaning the UK would participate in European elections 10 Downing Street/AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures European Council summit Theresa Mays request to extend triggering Article 50 until the end of June was rejected by the EU, and instead offered a shorter time frame. She accepted the offer of a delay until May 22 if her withdrawal deal is approved by Parliament. If MPs rejected it for a third time, the EU said Britain must propose a new plan by April 12. Ms May said she will not support a long delay because it would mean Britain participating in elections for the European Parliament Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brussels confirms preparations for a no-deal Brexit are completed They warned that it is increasingly likely the UK will crash out. In a statement the European Commission (EC) said preparedness and contingency work, which the EC has been conducting since December 2017, was now finished. The announcement came days after EU leaders agreed to a request by Theresa May to extend the UKs Brexit date AFP Brexit so far: in pictures May resigns Reuters It has become clear that negotiating a trading framework especially one which protects our farmers and food producers will be complex and time-consuming. The full list of signatories of the letter is Molly Scott Cato, Jude Kirton-Darling, Paul Brannen, Theresa Griffin, Richard Corbett, Seb Dance, Wajid Khan, Jean Lambert, Mary Honeyball, Alex Mayer, Julie Ward, Catherine Stihler, Jill Evans, Keith Taylor, Alyn Smith, Clare Moody, Julie Girling, and Catherine Bearder. A government spokesperson said: As we leave the EU we will forge new and ambitious trade links around the world, reaching new customers for UK farmers and food and drink producers, while also maintaining our high standards on animal welfare and food safety. We are very clear that the UK will continue to protect UK geographical indications, and we expect that all current UK GIs will continue to be protected by the EUs GI schemes after we leave. We are discussing this with the EU and are also agreeing an implementation period which provides continuity of our current trade terms. Ministers and officials meet regularly with farming groups and food and drink producers from across the UK to address their concerns and discuss how a future independent UK trade policy can support them to grow. Councils should be given powers to confiscate homes from criminal landlords who are forcing people to live in freezing, dangerous and damp-filled properties, a parliamentary committee has said. MPs said vulnerable tenants also needed better protection to address the imbalance in power as renters were often afraid to complain about squalid and unsafe conditions out of fear of being evicted, harassed or having their rent pushed up. Examples of homes with more than 25 people squeezed into three rooms, or properties where tenants were charged up to 500 for a single bed in a room of four bunks, were laid bare in a new report by the Housing, Communities and Local Government committee. Recommended Councils take no action against 99 per cent of dangerous rented homes More than 800,000 private rented homes have at least one major hazard, such as excess cold, mould, vermin infestations and exposed wiring, according to the English Housing Survey, while 41 per cent of tenants said they waited an unreasonably long time for repairs their landlord was legally required to undertake. The committee called for tougher penalties for the very worst landlords, and to allow town halls to confiscate properties from those whose business model relies on the exploitation of vulnerable tenants. The imbalance in power in the private rented sector means vulnerable tenants often lack protection from unscrupulous landlords who can threaten them with retaliatory rent rises and eviction if they complain about unacceptable conditions in their homes, said the committee chairman and Labour MP Clive Betts. Local authorities need the power to levy more substantial fines against landlords, and in the case of the most serious offenders ultimately be able to confiscate their properties. Such powers are, however, meaningless if they are not enforced and at the same time councils need more resources to carry out effective prosecutions. Stronger powers, harsher fines and a new commitment to cracking down on unscrupulous practices will go some way towards rebalancing the sector and protecting the many thousands of vulnerable residents who have been abused and harassed by a landlord. Enforcement of existing legislation to protect tenants had been far too low, the committee found, with six out of 10 councils failing to prosecute a landlord in 2016. The MPs report comes after The Independent revealed local authorities took action in relation to just 1.1 per cent of the most dangerous rented homes in England last year. Dan Wilson Craw, director of Generation Rent, said: Councils are in a position to dispel such fears, but too many are failing to take meaningful enforcement action in response to complaints. They must do more to assure private renters whose side they are on. Having the confidence to complain is just one reason why the government should strengthen protections from eviction and rent hikes. Growing numbers of people living longer in the private rental market including one-in-four children need greater security regardless of whether their landlord is flouting safety standards, so the committee has missed an opportunity to go further in its recommendations. A recent report from the Resolution Foundation found a third of millennials were likely to be renting for the rest of their lives if the decline in home ownership continues. Alan Ward, chair of the Residential Landlords Association, said tenants and good landlords are being let down as local authorities are unable to enforce powers that already exist. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 1 October 2021 A driver talks to members of the media after passing his HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving test at National Driving Centre in Croydon, south London AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. 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 The problem is that overstretched councils simply do not have the resources to properly use such powers to protect tenants from the minority of landlords who are criminals and have no place in the sector, he said. Elsewhere, Labour has set out plans to deliver one million genuinely affordable homes in England over 10 years, with new support for councils and housing associations to build many of them. Jeremy Corbyn will make a major speech on Thursday vowing to ensure ordinary people could afford the new properties by tearing up rules allowing homes worth up to 450,000 to be classed as affordable. Meanwhile, Labour would create a new English Land Sovereign Trust backed by compulsory purchase powers to make land available for building more cheaply. Theresa May has backed a cabinet minister who sparked outrage when she insisted the so-called rape clause in tax credit claims gives victims an opportunity to talk. Esther McVey, the Work and Pensions Secretary, came under fire after defending the two-child cap on receiving the benefits unless a woman can prove the third child is the result of an assault. Claiming the policy offered double support, Ms McVey told members of the Holyrood parliament: This could give them an opportunity to talk about maybe something that's happened that they never had before. Recommended Calls for Esther McVey to apologise over rape survivor comments The comments were branded a disgrace in the Commons but the prime minister defended Ms McVey, insisting the questioning was carried out in as sensitive a manner as possible. The point my right honourable friend was making was that a mother would be granted the exemption through engaging with specialist professionals, like health and social workers, who may be able to provide them with support in those circumstances over and beyond the issue of their entitlement, she said. Ms May told MPs that the government had taken considerable time and care to set up procedures following extensive consultations. No government staff will question these mothers about what theyve experienced, she insisted. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 30 September 2021 The centrepiece One Thousand Springs by Japanese artist Chiharu Shiota is seen ahead of the beginning of the Japan Festival, a celebration of the countrys plants, art and culture running from 2-31 October, at Kew Gardens in London PA UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA But Ian Blackford, the SNPs Westminster issue who raised the controversy told her that women should not have to prove trauma in order to claim child benefits. It is a disgrace which may well retraumatise the women involved, Mr Blackford said. Brandishing the rape clause form, he added: This is the form, with a box for the childs name what kind of society do we live in? Parliamentary authorities have launched an investigation after health secretary Jeremy Hunt failed to declare the purchase of seven luxury flats on the south coast. The probe comes after Mr Hunt was forced to apologise for the honest administrative mistake when it was reported he had failed to disclose the information to both Companies House and the parliament register of MPs interests. But Labour referred the secretary of state for health and social care to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, and on Wednesday Mr Hunts name appeared on the website under the list of MPs it is currently investigating for alleged breaches of the code of conduct. According to The Daily Telegraph, which carried the claims last week, Mr Hunt had failed to notify Companies House of his 50 per cent interest in Mare Pond Properties Limited, something which took him six months to rectify. He also did not inform the parliamentary register of members interests about his share in the business within the 28 day time limit, the newspaper added. Failing to disclose interests to the agency is punishable by fine or up to two years in prison. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards said it was investigating Mr Hunt for alleged breach of paragraph 13 of the code of conduct, which states: Members shall fulfil conscientiously the requirements of the House in respect of the registration of interests in the register of members financial interests. Recommended Labour demands parliamentary investigation into Jeremy Hunt They shall always be open and frank in drawing attention to any relevant interest in any proceeding of the House or its committees, and in any communications with ministers, members, public officials or public office holders. Responding to the reports last week, a Downing Street spokesman said: Jeremy has rightly apologised for an administrative oversight, and as the Cabinet Office have made clear there has been no breach of the ministerial code. We consider that matter closed. A spokeswoman for Mr Hunt added: These were honest administrative mistakes which have already been rectified. Jeremys accountant made an error in the Companies House filing which was a genuine oversight. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 29 September 2021 The family of Betty Campbell unveil the bronze sculpture of her during the unveiling of the statue in Central Square, Cardiff, of Betty Campbell, Wales' first black headteacher PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2021 A sign referring to the lack of fuel is placed at the entrance to a petrol station in London AP UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA With respect to ministerial and parliamentary declarations, the Cabinet Office are clear that there has been no breach of the ministerial code. Jeremy declared the interest to them after the company was set up. They advised that, as it was a shell company with no assets or value, it should only be registered when it became operational. As such, Jeremy presumed the same rules applied to parliamentary declarations. Although there was no personal gain involved, Jeremy accepts these mistakes are his responsibility and has apologised to the parliamentary authorities. Efforts to root out human trafficking and child exploitation in some of the poorer countries in the Commonwealth will receive a 5.5m boost under new Government plans. International development secretary Penny Mordaunt called for an end to one of the greatest injustices of our times as she announced a package of measures to stamp out forced labour and trafficking affecting more than 40 million people across the world. As Commonwealth leaders descend on London for a high-profile summit, the government announced it would give 2.5m to boost police and prosecutors resources in countries such as Sri Lanka and Malawi, and support new legislation to increase the number of convictions for trafficking. Recommended British children being forced into modern slavery in UK Ministers have also pledged to give 3m to spot and tackle child labour and build capacity to end the practice in Bangladesh, Pakistan and India. It comes as Theresa Mays attempts to bolster relations with Commonwealth nations at the heads of government meeting (CHOGM) were overshadowed by a row over the possible deportation of Windrush citizens, forcing Ms May to make a personal apology to Caribbean leaders. Ms Mordaunt said: The UK and the Commonwealth are stepping up to fight one of the greatest injustices of our time the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable people by predators. UK aid is helping to stamp out these evil practices, by smashing the traffickers exploitative business model, helping to punish the perpetrators and supporting vulnerable people and victims who are all too often women and children to rebuild their lives so they do not fall back into a cycle of abuse. The Commonwealth is uniting to take on this challenge and our renewed commitment to end exploitation of anyone, anywhere, is vital in a world where over 40 million people are still being forced to live in these barbaric conditions. Women are disproportionately affected by forced labour and trafficking, particularly in areas of conflict, accounting for 71 per cent of all victims, including forced labour in garment factories, sexual exploitation and domestic slavery. Ms Mordaunt met victims on a recent trip to Bangladesh, including Rima, who was married at an early age and her husband left her whilst pregnant. Struggling to earn enough money to support her family, she used an agent to find domestic work in the Middle East. However, once there, Rima was ill-treated, denied food and mentally abused, but she was too frightened to leave. After six months, Rima ran away and was helped to return home by a stranger who took her in. However, economic hardship led Rima to migrate again to the Middle East, where she was overworked and collapsed through exhaustion, returning home with six months salary even though she worked for nine. In both cases Rima received very little support from her recruitment agents to return home, and was left near starvation when returning. Amber Rudd, the home secretary, also called for an end to the cruel and horrendous crimes suffered by millions worldwide. Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty The UK is leading the world in tackling this form of abuse through the groundbreaking Modern Slavery Act 2015, which ensures victims are identified and supported and provides law enforcement agencies with the tools they need to bring perpetrators to justice, she said. But this is a global problem which requires a global response, which is why all countries must unite to end this to make these brutal crimes a thing of the past. Millions of police mugshots of innocent people cannot be deleted because it would be too expensive, a government minister has claimed despite a High Court ruling that the practice is unlawful. The work would have to be done manually by local forces, making the costs difficult to justify, a committee of MPs investigating the controversy has been told. The Home Office has also admitted it has no idea how many people have successfully asked for their mugshots to be deleted amid suspicions that the figure is very low. Recommended Home Office faces inquiry over storing of mugshots of innocent people The revelations were quickly attacked by Norman Lamb, the chairman of the science and technology committee, who has warned the mass retention of facial images raises fundamental civil liberty issues. They come just days after it was revealed the Home Office destroyed landing cards which could have helped Windrush arrivals prove their right to stay in the UK - allegedly to comply with data protection laws. Innocent people should rightly expect that images gathered of them in relation to a crime will be removed if they are not convicted, Mr Lamb, a Liberal Democrat, said. This is increasingly important as police forces step up the use of facial recognition at high profile events including the Notting Hill Carnival for the past two years. It appears that the police are making-do with current systems and practices even if it results in images of innocent people being retained. The Independent revealed in January that Mr Lambs committee was poised to launch an inquiry after running out of a patience with the governments failure to act on the controversy. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA 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 It is six years since the High Court warned of the risk of stigmatisation of those entitled to the presumption of innocence, adding that would be particularly harmful in the cases of children. But the Home Office urged forces to carry on retaining the facial images, promising new laws would follow. At least 20m are stored a staggering one third of the UK population. Meanwhile, a biometrics strategy has been delayed for five years, prompting a watchdogs warning that the number of retained images would rocket, breaching individual privacy. Concern has grown about the database as police have developed the ability to capture images using cameras in public places, as well as of people arrested or questioned. At the Notting Hill carnival, and other events, officers use facial recognition software to scan the faces of revellers, despite protests that it is unlawful and institutionally racist. Baroness Williams, the Home Office minister responsible for biometrics, agreed to explain in writing why mass retention is continuing, after appearing before the committee. Her letter, published today, states that mugshots are stored on the computer system of an arresting force before being transferred to the police national database (PND). It meant the images had to be deleted manually by the local force a complex exercise unless a decision was taken to upgrade all 43 local systems and the PND. Any weeding exercise will have significant costs and be difficult to justify given the off-setting reductions forces would be required to find in order to fund it, Baroness Williams wrote. Last year, under pressure, ministers agreed that people not convicted of any offence could apply to the police to have their images deleted. However, a Freedom of Information request in 2017 found few requests for custody image removals had been received - and that a third of those were rejected. In her letter, the minister revealed the Home Office was scrambling to compile accurate figures from individual forces. Mr Lamb vowed his committee would continue investigating, adding: There is also an issue about whether some individuals even know that their image is on police databases in the first place. Many DNA and fingerprint records have been deleted under legislation brought in by the Coalition government which promised to roll back the database state. Ministers have argued mugshots are less intrusive, because peoples faces are on public display any way - but the independent biometrics commissioner dismissed the claim. A cabinet minister has said the government will live with a defeat in the House of Lords, which will force a change to its critical piece of Brexit legislation. The senior Conservative figure told The Independent the Lords proposal aiming to force the prime minister to rethink her position on an EU customs union, will not dramatically alter the governments course. While the minister said talks would go on with peers to try and avert a defeat on the amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill , the government has resigned itself to losing a vote on Wednesday afternoon. Recommended How we can make the government give everyone a vote on the Brexit deal It comes as whips in the Commons continue negotiations with rebel Tories in the Commons who are also pushing Theresa May to change her position on customs unions and the single market. The PM is currently determined to leave both, but the Lords amendment would push her to come to an arrangement which enables the United Kingdom to continue participating in a customs union with the European Union. The cabinet minister told The Independent: There are conversations constantly going on to find a way forward, and there will be right up until the vote. The government has moved a long way to accommodate concerns and improve the bill since it was first tabled so there is not a war going on over it, as some might have you believe. Brexit so far: in pictures Show all 53 1 /53 Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson led the VoteLeave campaign PA Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit campaign Boris Johnson MP, Labour MP Gisela Stuart and UKIP MP Douglas Carswell address the people of Stafford in Market Square during the Vote Leave Brexit Battle Bus tour on 17 May 2016. Their lead line on the tour was: We send the EU 350 million a week, let's fund our NHS instead. Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Voting day A man shelters from the rain as he arrives at a polling station in London on 23 June 2016. Millions of Britons voted in the referendum on whether to stay in or leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Referendum results Leader of Ukip, Nigel Farage, reacts at the Leave EU referendum party at Millbank Tower in central London as results indicated that it was likely the UK would leave the European Union AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Protesting the result A young couple painted as EU flags and a man with a sign reading Im not leaving protest outside Downing Street against the voters decision to leave the EU on 24 June 2016 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures David Cameron resigns British Prime Minister David Cameron resigns on the steps of 10 Downing Street on 24 June 2016 after the results of the EU referendum were declared and the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Theresa May Becomes the new Conservative Party leader Theresa May receives a kiss from her husband Philip, after becoming the new Conservative Party leader on 11 July 2016. May became Prime Minister two days later and although she voted to remain in the referendum was keen to lead Britains Brexit talks after her only rival in the race to succeed David Cameron pulled out unexpectedly. May was left as the only contender standing after the withdrawal from the leadership race of Andrea Leadsom, who faced criticism for suggesting she was more qualified to be prime minister because she had children AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Lancaster House keynote speech on Brexit British Prime Minister Theresa May delivers her keynote speech on Brexit at Lancaster House in London on 17 January 2017. Where she spoke about her offer to introduce a transition period after the UK formally leaves the European Union in March 2019. Despite repeating the pro-Brexit mantra of no deal is better than a bad deal, the Prime Minister claimed she wanted a tone of trust between the negotiators and said Britain was leaving the EU but not Europe. She said there should be a clear double lock needed for the transitional period to make sure businesses had time to prepare for changes to their trading relationships with the EU Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Triggering of Article 50 British Prime Minister Theresa May in the cabinet, sitting below a painting of Britain's first Prime Minister Robert Walpole, signs the official letter to European Council President Donald Tusk invoking Article 50 and the United Kingdom's intention to leave the EU on 29 March 2017 Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Gibraltar nonsense Tensions have risen over Brexit negotiations for the Rock of Gibraltar. The European Council has said Gibraltar would be included in a trade deal between London and Brussels only with the agreement of Spain. While former Conservative leader Michael Howard claimed that Theresa May would be prepared to go to war to protect the territory. Spain's foreign minister stepped in only to assert that there was no need for the dispute Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Shock snap election Soon after triggering Article 50, Theresa May called on 18 April 2017 for a snap general election. The election would be on 8 June and it came as a shock move to many, with her reasoning to try to bolster her position before tough talks on leaving the EU AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Dissolution of Parliament for General Election Campaign Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in Downing Street after returning from Buckingham Palace on 3 May 2017. The Prime Minister visited the Queen to ask for the dissolution of Parliament signalling the official start to the general election campaign Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Conservatives lose parliamentary majority An arrangement of British daily newspapers showing front page stories about the exit poll results of the snap general election. British Prime Minister Theresa May faced pressure to resign on 9 June 2017 after losing her parliamentary majority, plunging the country into uncertainty as Brexit talks loomed. The pound fell sharply amid fears the Conservative leader would be unable to form a government AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Labour gains Britains opposition Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn gives a tumbs up as he arrives at Labour headquarters in central London on 9 June 2017 after the snap general election results showed a hung parliament with Labour gains and the Conservatives losing their majority AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit negotiations begin Brexit Minister David Davis and European Commission member in charge of Brexit negotiations Michel Barnier address a press conference at the end of the first day of Brexit negotiations in Brussels on 19 June 2017 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May speaks in Florence British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks on 22 September 2017, in Florence. May sought to unlock Brexit talks after Brussels demanded more clarity on the crunch issues of budget payments and EU citizens' rights AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit insufficient progress German Chancellor Angela Merkel joins other EU leaders for a breakfast meeting during an EU summit in Brussels on 20 October 2017. The EU spoke about Brexit and announced that insufficient progress had been made AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures DUP derails settlement on the withdrawal part of Brexit DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds walks off after speaking to members of the media as a protester holding flags shouts after him outside the Houses of Parliament on 5 December 2017. British Prime Minister Theresa May was forced to pull out of a deal with Brussels after the DUP said it would not accept terms which see Northern Ireland treated differently from the rest of the UK Getty Brexit so far: in pictures May suffers defeat over EU (Withdrawal) Bill Theresa May suffers defeat in parliament over EU (Withdrawal) Bill on 13 December 2017. The Government was defeated by Conservative rebels and Labour MPs in a vote on its key piece of Brexit legislation. MPs amended the EU (Withdrawal) Bill against Theresa May's will, guaranteeing Parliament a meaningful vote on any Brexit deal she agrees with Brussels. Ms May's whips applied pressure on Conservative rebels who remained defiant in the Commons throughout the day and in the end the Government was defeated by 309 votes to 305 Brexit so far: in pictures EU council summit sufficient progress Britain's Prime minister Theresa May arrives to attend the first day of a European union summit in Brussels on 14 December 2017. European leaders discussed Brexit and announced there was finally sufficient progress at the end of the two days AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures The game moves to transition Brexit Secretary David Davis gives evidence on developments in European Union divorce talks to the Commons Exiting the EU Committee in Portcullis House, London, on 24 January 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures Trade deal is what May wants French President Emmanuel Macron gestures to Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May after they hold a press conference at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, on 18 January 2018. May and Macron agreed a new border security deal, through which the UK will pay more to France to stop migrants trying to reach British shores on 18 January 2018 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Transition period agreed The UK and EU agree terms for Brexit transition period on 19 March, 2018 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures No agreement on Irish border The EU and UK however failed to reach an agreement on the Irish border during the successful talks on other Brexit issues AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU attacks Mays fantasy strategy For months after the March deal is struck there is little significant progress in talks. One senior EU official tears into Britains fantasy negotiating strategy and accuses Theresa May of not even having a position on a variety of important issue Getty Brexit so far: in pictures UK releases Ireland plan Britain releases a new customs plan to solve the Northern Ireland border but Michel Barnier says it leaves unanswered questions and would not prevent a hard border EbS Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan agreed The cabinet agrees on a plan known as the "Chequers deal" on July 6 2018. The plan seeks regulatory alignment on goods and food, divergence on services, freedom from the European Courts of Justice and an end to free movement. Many were surprised that the hard Brexiteers of the cabinet would agree to this plan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Chequers plan sparks resignations Brexit Secretary David Davis and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson and numerous ministers resign in the days following the Chequers agreement Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Davis out, Raab in On 9 July, Dominic Raab replaces David Davis as Brexit Secretary. Raab is a keen Brexiteer and was a housing minister before taking over from Davis Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Barnier's "deal like no other" EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier claims on August 29 2018 that they are prepared to offer Britain a trade deal like no other, though he stressed that they will not divide or change the single market to accommodate Britain AP Brexit so far: in pictures "My deal or no deal" In an interview on Panorama on September 17, the Prime Minister insists that any Brexit deal will be offered to the EU on her terms. She asserts this amongst continued attacks on her approach to Brexit by Boris Johnson and the European Research Group, headed by Jacob Rees Mogg BBC/Jeff Overs Brexit so far: in pictures EU leaders reject Chequers Quite the blow was dealt to the Prime Minister at a EU leaders summit in Salzburg on September 20. European Council President Donald Tusk stated that the Chequers deal "will not work" Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures May demands respect Following the rejection of her Chequers plan the day before, the Prime Minister voiced her anger that the EU had dismissed it without offering an alternative. She stated that throughout this process, I have treated the EU with nothing but respect. The UK expects the same. A good relationship at the end of this process depends on it." Getty Brexit so far: in pictures People's Vote march As the People's Vote campaign and The Independent's Final Say campaign gain traction, 700,000 people turn out in London to demand a final say on the UK's Brexit deal on October 20 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures More resignations As the Prime Minister settles on a Brexit deal, Brexit secretary Dominic Raab resigns along with Work and Pensions secretary Esther McVey and many other ministers Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Final Say petitions delivered to Downing Street People's Vote supporting MPs Chukka Umunna, Justine Greening and Caroline Lucas and The Independent editor Christian Broughton deliver over a million signatures in favour of a People's Vote to the Prime Minister at 10 Downing Street on December 3 2018 PA Brexit so far: in pictures May delays vote On December 10, the Prime Minister delayed the vote on her Brexit deal as it was near certain not to pass through the Commons due to Tory rebels and lack of DUP support AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures No confidence motion Tory MPs triggered a confidence vote in the Prime Minister on December 12. She won by 200 votes to 117 Reuters Brexit so far: in pictures Commons rejects the deal Following the delay, the Prime Minister's deal was rejected in the Commons by a historic 230 votes AFP Brexit so far: in pictures Corbyn tables a no confidence motion Following the rejection of the Prime Minister's deal, opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn tabled a motion of no confidence in the government, which the government won by a margin of 19 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Plan B The Prime Minister won the support of the commons to return to Brussels to renegotiate the backstop on January 29. In the same sitting, MPs also voted against a no-deal Brexit in a non-legally binding motion PA Brexit so far: in pictures EU council president savages Brexit campaigners who failed to plan for departure: Special place in hell There is a special place in hell for pro-Brexit campaigners who demanded Britain leave the EU without explaining how it should happen, Donald Tusk has said. The European Council president launched the scathing attack as he accused anti-EU campaigners of pushing for Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. Mr Tusk also dismissed suggestions that the EU could reopen negotiations over the controversial Northern Ireland backstop, dealing a blow to Theresa Mays hopes of securing fresh concessions as she tries to get her exit deal through parliament. Speaking in Brussels alongside Irish taoiseach Leo Varadkar, Mr Tusk said: Ive been wondering what a special place in hell looks like for people who promoted Brexit without even a sketch of a plan how to carry it out safely. He also tweeted the accusation moments later Getty Brexit so far: in pictures EU and UK announce talks to restart after Theresa May visits Brussels Both have agreed to restart Brexit talks to find a way through the deadlock in Westminster, following a visit by Theresa May to Brussels. In a joint statement the British government and European Commission said Ms May had had a robust but constructive meeting with president Jean-Claude Juncker, and that the pair would meet again before the end of the month. But the EU again refused to reopen the withdrawal agreement and its controversial backstop with any negotiations expected to focus on the future relationship between the UK and EU instead Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brexit strategy lost MPs voted down May's Brext plans, with a majority of 45. The prime minister did not appear in parliament to see another defeat PA Brexit so far: in pictures Labour and Conservative MPs resign and create the Independent Group Back row of Chris Leslie, Gavin Shuker, Chuka Umunna and Mike Gapes, middle row of Angela Smith, Luciana Berger and Ann Coffey and front row of Sarah Wollaston, Heidi Allen, Anna Soubry and Joan Ryan PA Brexit so far: in pictures Non-biding votes on amendments to Brexit motion On February 27 he house held a series of votes, unanimously calling for the UK and EU to guarantee citizens rights in a no-deal scenario AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Attorney General publishes legal advice A hammer blow for May as Geoffrey Cox said her renegotiated deal can still leave UK in backstop against its will. Mr Cox did say the prime ministers efforts had reduced the risk of the UK being trapped in the backstop indefinitely. MPs went on to vote against her deal by 391 to 242 UK Parliament/PA Brexit so far: in pictures No-deal off the table MPs rejected a no-deal Brexit by 43 votes on March 13, with cabinet ministers rebelling in another humiliating defeat for Theresa May. A day later they voted in favour of the prime minister seeking an extension to Article 50 AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures House speaker bans May from third Commons vote on same Brexit deal John Bercow sensationally told Theresa May he would stop her making another attempt to pass her Brexit deal unless she has secured changes. The Speaker said a further meaningful vote would be ruled out of order if the motion was the same or substantially the same under an ancient convention to stop the government bullying parliament on issues MPs have rejected Parliament Live Brexit so far: in pictures May writes to Tusk The prime minister wrote to Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, to ask for a three-month extension to give her more time to try to get her deal through parliament. However the European Commission advises the EU27 should offer a short extension to May 23 or a longer one meaning the UK would participate in European elections 10 Downing Street/AFP/Getty Brexit so far: in pictures European Council summit Theresa Mays request to extend triggering Article 50 until the end of June was rejected by the EU, and instead offered a shorter time frame. She accepted the offer of a delay until May 22 if her withdrawal deal is approved by Parliament. If MPs rejected it for a third time, the EU said Britain must propose a new plan by April 12. Ms May said she will not support a long delay because it would mean Britain participating in elections for the European Parliament Getty Brexit so far: in pictures Brussels confirms preparations for a no-deal Brexit are completed They warned that it is increasingly likely the UK will crash out. In a statement the European Commission (EC) said preparedness and contingency work, which the EC has been conducting since December 2017, was now finished. The announcement came days after EU leaders agreed to a request by Theresa May to extend the UKs Brexit date AFP Brexit so far: in pictures May resigns Reuters The language of this amendment is not strictly prescriptive and if, in this instance, it passes, I think we can probably live with it. The minister suggested that it would not necessarily change the end state of negotiations if it was passed, or mean that that the government would have to dramatically change its course beforehand. The language of this amendment is not strictly prescriptive and if, in this instance, it passes, I think we can probably live with it Cabinet minister The view has been backed by a former minister and Tory brexiteer MP, David Jones, who claimed the amendment will generate lots of smoke but not much fire. He added: We must leave the customs union in order to negotiate trade dealsand this amendment would not stop that. It merely asks the government to make a statement on its policy, which, since the policy is well known and very clear, can be easily done. Beating the government in the Lords is far easier because Conservative peers are in a minority, and even some of those are pledged to vote against Ms Mays approach to Brexit. 'People's vote' Brexit campaign group fronted by MPs Caroline Lucas, Anna Soubry, Chuka Umunna and Layla Moran calls for referendum on final EU deal Among those backing the Lords amendment is former Tory cabinet minister Lord Patten, crossbencher Lord Kerr, who helped author Article 50, Labour frontbencher Baroness Hayter and Lib Dem Baroness Ludford. But while the defeat in the upper house may not change the governments course, it could alter the dynamic of what happens later on in the Commons where Tory rebel MPs led by Anna Soubry and Ken Clarke have also tabled amendments to two further pieces of Brexit legislation relating to Ms Mays approach to customs unions after Brexit. The next stage of the Trade Bill in the Commons has been delayed until after April because whips are unsure they can defeat Ms Soubrys amendment, which contains slightly stronger language on keeping the UK in a customs union with the EU. Tusk: Brexit is 'one of the saddest moments' in recent European history The unnamed cabinet minister suggested the government had not decided whether to try and overturn the Lords amendment to the EU (Withdrawal) Bill when it comes back to the Commons, indicating they may use retaining it as part of a case to refuse accepting the stronger Soubry amendment to the Trade Bill. For their part, Tory rebels have also tabled a much stronger amendment to a third piece of Brexit legislation, the Taxation (Cross Border Trade) Bill, which specifically aims to keep the UK in the existing customs union with the EU. Another government minister said: We are going out of our way to accommodate concerns on this, and I think in both the Lords and Commons, sensible people are beginning to appreciate that. Theresa May has claimed the decision to destroy landing cards belonging to the Windrush generation was taken by the previous Labour government. MPs were in uproar when the prime minister pointed the finger of blame at Jeremy Corbyn's party for the move, where thousands of files recording dates of arrival in the UK for Windrush migrants were discarded by the Home Office. Ms May also issued a personal apology to Windrush citizens for the "confusion and anxiety" caused by the row, which blew up after it emerged British citizens who emigrated to the UK from the Commonwealth had been denied medical care, lost their jobs or threatened to return to countries they left as children. In a heated exchange at Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Corbyn said: "Yesterday, we learned in 2010 the Home Office destroyed the landing cards for a generation of Commonwealth citizens and so have told people 'we can't find you in our system'. "Did the prime minister, the then-home secretary, sign off that decision?" Ms May replied: "No, the decision to destroy the landing cards was taken in 2009 under a Labour government." Tory MPs shouted "apologise" to Labour at her words, which could prove highly embarrassing for the opposition front bench after Diane Abbott, the shadow home secretary, suggested Amber Rudd should resign over the controversy. Mr Corbyn shot back, saying the Tories had created a "really hostile environment" for immigrants. He said: "I think we need some absolute clarity on the destruction of the landing cards, and if she is trying to blame officials, I remind her of what she said in 2004 when she said she was sick and tired of government ministers who blame other people when things go wrong." Downing Street later clarified that the decision had been an "operational" move by UK Border Force, so ministers would not have been aware when it was taken. But a Labour spokesperson said their "story is shifting by the hour", and called for Ms May to be held to account for the "disastrous impact her 'hostile environment' policies have had on the lives of British citizens." The prime minister was forced to apologise to Caribbean leaders in a meeting at Downing Street on Tuesday, as the row threatened to overshadow a high-profile summit with Commonwealth ministers this week. "These people are British. They are part of us and I want to be absolutely clear that we have no intention of asking anyone to leave who has the right to remain here," Ms May told MPs. "For those who have mistakenly received letters challenging them I want to apologise them and I want to say sorry to anyone who has been caused confusion and anxiety as a result of this." Theresa May apologises to those affected by Windrush deportation errors The majority of citizens who arrived before 1971 will have the documentation to prove their status, but the small number who do not will receive urgent help from the Home Office, she said. Thousands of people are believed to lack the documents they need to prove their immigration, under the hostile environment for suspected illegal immigrants introduced by Ms May when she was home secretary. Affected citizens will not be left out of pocket while they establish their credentials to meet new government rules, the prime minister has promised. Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty Downing Street also said compensation would be considered if Windrush immigrants had suffered financial losses as a result of the scandal. Home Office officials have been given two weeks to scour their records to find if anyone has been wrongly deported, after immigration minister Caroline Nokes suggested some people might have already been expelled from the UK in error. Britain is still at risk of crashing out of the EU without a Brexit deal or transition period if it does not produce a solution to the Irish border issue, the president of the European Council has warned. Donald Tusk said Britain had caused the problem in Ireland by voting for Brexit and would therefore have to help solve it. His comments, made in the European parliament, come on the first day of talks between negotiators on the future relationship between Britain and the UK something the British side has wanted since last year. We want to use the positive momentum in these negotiations to finally settle outstanding issues such as the solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Northern Ireland, Mr Tusk told MEPs in his report to MEPs on the March European Council summit. The UKs decision on Brexit has caused the problem, and the UK will have to help solve it. Without a solution there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition. Leaders will assess the negotiations in June. In parallel we will start our first talks about the future UK-EU relationship. In addition to discussions on the future relationship, senior officials will also discuss the Northern Ireland border issue. The most recent reports from sources close to the negotiations suggest there has been little progress on that issue since the March meeting of the Council. The UKs decision on Brexit has caused the problem, and the UK will have to help solve it Donald Tusk, European Council president Ireland is the outstanding issue. Were all Irish in this regard. A clearly message to be passed on: we stand firmly behind our Irish friends, said Manfred Weber, the leader of the centre-right European Peoples Party and an ally of German chancellor Angela Merkel said. Syed Kamall, the UK Conservative leader of the European parliaments ECR group, welcomed the start of future relationship talks, telling MEPs: Now we can stop talking about the past and focus on the future. But European Parliament Brexit coordinator Guy Verhoftsadt warned that after the Windrush scandal in Britain we need to ensure the same is not happening to our European citizens and that discussion of the withdrawal agreement and citizens rights was not over. Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An abandoned shop is seen in Mullan, Co Monaghan. The building was home to four families who left during the Troubles. The town was largely abandoned after the hard border was put in place during the conflict. Mullan has seen some regeneration in recent years, but faces an uncertain future with Brexit on the horizon Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A defaced Welcome to Northern Ireland sign stands on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Mervyn Johnson owns a garage in the border town of Pettigo, which straddles the counties of Donegal and Fermanagh. Ive been here since 1956, it was a bit of a problem for a few years. My premises has been blown up about six or seven times, we just kept building and starting again, Johnson said laughing. We just got used to it [the hard border] really but now that its gone, we wouldn't like it back again Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Farmer Gordon Crocketts Coshquin farm straddles both Derry/Londonderry in the North and Donegal in the Republic. At the minute there is no real problem, you can cross the border as free as you want. We could cross it six or eight times a day, said Crockett. If there was any sort of obstruction it would slow down our work every day Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures John Murphy flies the European flag outside his home near the border village of Forkhill, Co Armagh Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Potter Brenda McGinn stands outside her Mullan, Co Monaghan, studio the former Jas Boylan shoe factory which was the main employer in the area until it shut down due to the Troubles. When I came back, this would have been somewhere you would have driven through and have been quite sad. It was a decrepit looking village, said McGinn, whose Busy Bee Ceramics is one of a handful of enterprises restoring life to the community. Now this is a revitalised, old hidden village Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Union Flag colours painted on kerbstones and bus-stops along the border village of Newbuildings, Co Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Grass reflected in Lattone Lough, which is split by the border between Cavan and Fermanagh, seen from near Ballinacor, Northern Ireland Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Donegalman David McClintock sits in the Border Cafe in the village of Muff, which straddles Donegal and Derry/Londonderry Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures An old Irish phone box stands alongside a bus stop in the border town of Glaslough, Co Monaghan Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Billboards are viewed from inside a disused customs hut in Carrickcarnon, Co Down, on the border with Co Louth in the Republic Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Seamus McQuaid takes packages that locals on the Irish side of the border have delivered to his business, McQuaid Auto-Parts, to save money on postal fees, near the Co Fermanagh village of Newtownbutler. I live in the south but the business is in the North, said McQaid. "I wholesale into the Republic of Ireland so if theres duty, Ill have to set up a company 200 yards up the road to sell to my customers. Ill have to bring the same product in through Dublin instead of Belfast Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A disused Great Northern Railway line and station that was for customs and excise on the border town of Glenfarne, Co Leitrim Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures Alice Mullen, from Monaghan in the Republic of Ireland, does her shopping at a former customs post on the border in Middletown, Co Armagh. Id be very worried if it was a hard border, I remember when people were divided. I would be very afraid of the threat to the peace process, it was a dreadful time to live through. Even to go to mass on a Sunday, youd have to go through checkpoints. It is terribly stressful, said Mullen. All those barricades and boundaries were pulled down. I see it as a huge big exercise of trust and I do believe everyone breathed a sigh of relief Reuters Brexit threatens life on the Irish border: in pictures A bus stop and red post box stand in the border town of Jonesborough, Co Armagh Reuters The provisional agreement reached in December suggested that Britain would either produce a "specific" solution to solve the border issue, negotiate a trade settlement with the EU that meant one was not required, or use a "backstop" agreement that kept UK rules in full alignment with the EU where necessary. The EU says Theresa May's decision to leave the customs union and single market rules out the trade agreement route, so Brussels negotiators have said they are waiting for Britain to come up with a specific solution. Senior UK government officials have however said they are still focusing on the trade agreement route. On Monday and Tuesday this week negotiators grappled behind the scenes with the remaining gaps in the withdrawal agreement. The teams are not expected to meet next week, with the next round of talks after today provisionally scheduled for the week commencing 30 April. Close Theresa May says the decision to destroy Windrush landing cards was taken in 2009 under Labour Theresa May has claimed the decision to destroy the landing cards of Windrush-generation was taken by a Labour government. Responding to Jeremy Corbyn during a heated Prime Ministers Questions exchange, the Prime Minister made her remarks amid mounting pressure on the government over its treatment of those who immigrated to Britain from the Caribbean in the mid-twentieth century. Speaking in the Commons, Mr Corbyn said: Yesterday we learned in 2010 the Home Office destroyed the landing cards for a generation of Commonwealth citizens, so have told people 'we can't find you in our system'. Did the Prime Minister, the then-Home Secretary, sign off that decision? But Ms May replied: No, the decision to destroy the landing cards was taken in 2009 under a Labour government. Ms May and Amber Rudd, the home secretary, have already apologised for the scandal, but Diane Abbott, Labour's shadow home secretary, this morning called for Ms Rudd to resign. The government has combined threatening to deport members of the Windrush generation with launching celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the ships arrival in England, it has emerged. While one part of government left members of the Windrush generation fearing deportation, another heaped praise on their enormous contribution to British society and launched a campaign to celebrate the Empire Windrush docking in London in June 1948. Seemingly oblivious to the irony, communities minister Lord Bourne visited Lambeth, south London, in March and declared: I am delighted to launch the Windrush 70 campaign today to celebrate the history of Britains black communities. Recommended Theresa May says Labour to blame for destroyed Windrush landing cards The campaign is centred around the legacy of the Windrush Generation, and will recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution of the Windrush Generation and their descendants. Lord Bourne, who as Nick Bourne was leader of the Welsh Conservative Party, added: The campaign will keep this legacy alive for future generations, ensuring that we all recognise the diversity of Britains history. Now that the scandal of members of the Windrush generation being threatened with deportation and denied NHS treatment has emerged, some have begun highlighting the apparent hypocrisy of the government celebrating their arrival from the Caribbean. One critic wrote on twitter: For months at work I have been chased by someone who has been organising the government Windrush anniversary events. Some anniversary celebration this is turning out to be! Celebrating with one hand while f***ing them over with another seems devious even for Tories. The criticism came as Theresa May again apologised to anyone who has been caused confusion and anxiety, while Jeremy Corbyn accused her government of callousness and incompetence and held her responsible for creating a really hostile environment for immigrants. As the pair clashed in the Commons, yet more stories emerged about the suffering and anxiety inflicted on members of the Windrush generation. Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Show all 15 1 /15 Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' arriving at Tilbury Docks from Jamaica, with 482 Jamaicans on board, emigrating to Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaican immigrants being welcomed by RAF officials from the Colonial Office after the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' landed them at Tilbury. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner who arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex, speaking at his home in Leeds PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner in Leeds shortly after he arrived in Britain in 1948 on the first Windrush ship to dock in Tilbury, Essex PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Gardner was 22 years old when he boarded the ship in Kingston, Jamaica, with his brother Gladstone before they and hundreds of Caribbean migrants called on to rebuild post-war Britain disembarked the ship in Tilbury Docks PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Alford Gardner (right), during his RAF service in 1947 PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The son of Ruth Williams, a Windrush-generation immigrant, wants to the leave the country after threats of deportation. According to his mother, Mr Haynes applied for British citizenship in 2016 but was rejected, despite Ms Williams having lived in the UK almost permanently since arriving from St Vincent and the Grenadines in 1959. Ruth Williams, 75, said she felt "betrayed" by Britain after the Home Office twice turned down applications for her 35-year-old son, Mozi Haynes, to remain in the country. Ms Williams is understood to have cancer and said she relies heavily on her son for support. PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK The British liner 'Empire Windrush' at port in 1954. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Ruth Williams, 75, with her British passport. "I feel betrayed and a second class citizen in my own country," she said. "This makes me so sad and the Home Office must show some compassion. "I am unwell and almost 75, I live on my own and I need my son to stay here. I need my family around me and I cant face being alone. He has applied to the Home Office and been refused twice." PA Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK From the top, hopeful Jamaican boxers Charles Smith, Ten Ansel, Essi Reid, John Hazel, Boy Solas and manager Mortimer Martin arrive at Tilbury on the Empire Windrush in the hope of finding work in Britain. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaicans reading a newspaper whilst on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush' bound for Tilbury docks in Essex. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK After half a century in Britain, Anthony Bryan decided it was time to go abroad. But the decision set off a nightmare that saw him lose his job, detained twice and almost deported to Jamaica. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Jamaica-born Anthony Bryan poses outside his home in Edmonton, north London. Now 60 and a grandfather, Bryan thought the issue could be resolved swiftly, as he legally moved to Britain with his family as part of the Windrush generation of Caribbean migrants after World War II. In 1948, the ship Windrush brought the first group of migrants from the West Indies to help rebuild post-war Britain, and many others followed from around the Commonwealth. A 1971 law gave them indefinite leave to remain, but many never formalised their status, often because they were children who came over on their parents' passports and then never applied for their own. AFP/Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Three Jamaican immigrants (left to right) John Hazel, a 21-year-old boxer, Harold Wilmot, 32, and John Richards, a 22-year-old carpenter, arriving at Tilbury on board the ex-troopship 'Empire Windrush', smartly dressed in zoot suits and trilby hats. Getty Windrush generation: threat of deportation from UK Newly arrived Jamaican immigrants on board the 'Empire Windrush' at Tilbury in 1948. Getty One man revealed how he had contemplated suicide if he ended up being deported to Jamaica, the nation he left as a baby in 1962. Nick Broderick told BBC Radio 4s Today programme It was so bad that at one time my wife and I discussed the possibility of me sitting on the streets of Jamaica, [a country] I dont know anything about. I was going to actually commit suicide when I got there, or thereabouts. Mr Broderick, of Dunstable, Bedforshire, said he came into contact with authorities four years ago when officials arrived at the recruitment firm where he was working to check the immigration status of the people that he and his colleagues were placing in jobs. He said the ensuing bureaucratic nightmare culminated in an official telling him, "I'm sorry we seem to have lost the papers you have sent in so now you are going to be deported." Mr Broderick, whose older brother Andrew received a UK passport while serving in the British Army, told the programme he sent in reports from his school and doctor and "everybody else that I could find, but it wasn't good enough for them". He added: "I was on tenterhooks. Then I got a visit from them and they really gave it to me about 'I have only got a few weeks to go' and you will definitely be sent back. "That sent me into a spiral of depression which I'm only just coming out of. Mr Broderick told the programme he now has a biometric identity card, but will still have to wait 10 years before being granted official UK citizenship. Explaining that he also has to report to officials regularly, he said: I have to sign on every 13 months and if I miss it, I will be instantly deported. "I'm still not allowed to go to the hospital, or the doctor's surgery or get a bus pass," Mr Broderick added. I dont even know if I have still got my pension. I would just like to be a citizen. I dont know Jamaica. I always thought of myself as English. I just want to have a normal life again. But he added: I think I am one of the lucky ones. There are people seriously ill with cancer who have not been allowed NHS treatment, which is a shame because some of the people I know are ex-soldiers. Some of his comments were echoed by Glenda Caesar, from Hackney, east London, who worked for the NHS for 16 years as a practice administrator. She said she had arrived in the UK as a six-month-old baby from Dominica and the only thing she has ever known is England. Ms Caesar, who has been living and working in the UK for more than 50 years, told ITV News that she lost her NHS job because she was unable to provide the right documentation. She said: "I actually got told in the middle of my position 'you have to leave because you haven't got a British passport'. "I was in shock, I cried, I was angry." Ms Caesar said: The hardest bit is where I've been so used to working, where I looked after me and my family, I have to rely on others now. "I'm unable to work, I'm unable to get benefits. Ms Caesar said she would face an enormous struggle if she was forced to go to Dominica. She said: I can't speak in Creole because I wasn't raised in Dominica was I? I know the streets of Hackney, I know the streets of London. I've seen Prince Charles grow up." She added: "I'm British, why are you telling me I'm not British? How is it you allowed me to work here? How is it that you allowed me to have children here? My eldest is 40, I have got grandchildren here. My mum and dad are buried here. What did I do wrong? I didn't do anything wrong. The Home Office referred The Independent to the apologies made by Theresa May, home secretary Amber Rudd and immigration minister Caroline Nokes. Former US first lady Barbara Bush has died at the age of 92. Her death was announced in a statement from the office of George HW Bush, the former president and Ms Bush's husband of 73 years. A funeral date is yet to be announced. Earlier this week Ms Bush decided to forego additional medical treatment after a series of hospital visits. A spokesman did not elaborate on the nature of her health problems, but she had long received treatment for a thyroid condition known as Graves' disease. Born in New York, Ms Bush met George HW Bush at a school dance as a teenager. They raised their family in Texas, where the Bush family became a formidable political dynasty. Barbara Bush shuts down people shaming her for being the First Lady Barbara Bush was a fabulous First Lady and a woman unlike any other who brought levity, love, and literacy to millions, former president George W Bush said in a statement. To us, she was so much more. Mom kept us on our toes and kept us laughing until then. Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Donald Trump and his wife Melania released a statement lauding her efforts to promote literacy and her role as an advocate of the American family. Barbara Bush: life in pictures Show all 10 1 /10 Barbara Bush: life in pictures Barbara Bush: life in pictures An infant George W. Bush with his mother Barbara Bush and his father George Bush posing for a portrait in New Haven, CT, April 1947. Barbara Bush: life in pictures George W. Bush (C) poses with father George Bush and his mother Barbara Bush in Rye, New York, summer 1955. Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures George Bush, candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate, gets returns by phone at his headquarters in Houston as his wife Barbara, beams her pleasure at the news, in June, 1964. AP Barbara Bush: life in pictures George Herbert Walker Bush poses with his wife Barbara during his campaign for Congress in the 1960's. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures George Herbert Walker Bush poses with his wife Barbara in Beijing in 1974. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures First Lady Barbara Bush talking to her dog Millie as she and granddaughter Barbara Bush, age nine, wait for US President George Bush to return to the White House. September 1991, in Washington,DC. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures US First Lady Barbara Bush (L) as she prepares to throw a rugby ball. February 1992,in Washington,DC. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures First Lady Barbara Bush and her son George Bush Jr attend the 1992 Republican National Convention on August 17, 1992 in Houston. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures U.S. President George Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush work their way through a crowd gathered to welcome them in August 1992, in the Astroarena. AFP/Getty Images Barbara Bush: life in pictures First Lady Barbara Bush greets the delegates attending the Republican Convention before beginning her speech. August 1992, in Houston, Texas. AFP/Getty She will long be remembered for her strong devotion to country and family, both of which she served well, the statement said. Barack and Michelle Obama hailed Ms Bush for the way she lived her life - as a testament to the fact that public service is an important and noble calling; as an example of the humanity and decency that reflects the very best of the American spirit. The statement announcing Ms Bush's death noted she was a relentless proponent of family literacy, a cause that led her to launch the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, which seeks to boost reading and writing skills. First Lady Barbara Bush and her son George Bush Jr attend the 1992 Republican National Convention (AFP/Getty) (AFP/Getty Images) I chose literacy because I honestly believe that if more people could read, write and comprehend, we would be that much closer to solving so many of the problems that plague our nation and our society, Ms Bush told a Wellesley College audience in 1990. She also held the distinction of seeing both both her husband and her son become president of the United States. After her husband George HW Bush governed from 1989 to 1993, Ms Bush's son George W Bush was elected to two terms in 2000 and in 2004. Her son Jeb Bush served as governor of Florida and was the favoured presidential candidate for much of the Republican establishment at the outset of the 2016 presidential campaign. In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush was visiting Emma E Brooker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida as news of the attack on the World Trade Center broke In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president and his staff, including Press Secretary Ari Fleischer (L) were then brought to a holding room at the school, where he prepared to address the nation In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush was then rushed onto Air Force One and was flown to Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. He watched television coverage of the attacks from his office on the plane In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush talks on the telephone at the General Dougherty Conference Center at Barksdale Air Force Base In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush is seen with his senior adviser Karl Rove at Barksdale Air Force Base In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president with White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card at Barksdale Air Force Base. Before leaving the base, the president held a press conference at which he said, Make no mistake: The United States will hunt down and punish those responsible for these cowardly acts In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The president was consoled by Lt Col Cindy Wright of the White House Military Office aboard Air Force One. After leaving Louisiana, the president was flown to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska before he headed back to Washington In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 President Bush arrived at the White House Presidential Emergency Operations Center around 7 pm. Here he is shown with his wife, First Lady Laura Bush, Vice President Cheney and National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 At 8:30 pm, the president addressed the nation from the White House. In his speech, he set the tone for the wars to come in Afghanistan and Iraq In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 Ive directed the full resources for our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and bring them to justice, the president said. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbour them In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 The presidents speech on the teleprompter In pictures: President Bushs immediate response to 9/11 11 September 2001 Immediately following the speech, the president had a national security meeting with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, White House Chief of Staff Andrew Card and others In a characteristic display of her reputation for blunt talk, Ms Bush initially cast doubt on another of her sons seeking the presidency. We've had enough Bushes, Ms Bush said, though she called Jeb Bush by far the most qualified and later supported his candidacy. She made no secret of her dislike for Mr Trump, who savaged Jeb Bush on the way to winning the nomination, saying in February of 2016 that she was sick of him. He's said terrible things about women, terrible things about the military, she said. I don't understand why people are for him, for that reason. Hundreds of dead fish and sharks have been discovered by divers tangled in a huge, abandoned fishing net drifting off the coast of the Cayman Islands. The floating ghost net has possibly been trapping and killing sea life in its path for months, as it drifts across the Caribbean Sea. A diver who captured underwater images of the net said many of the animals were so decomposed it was impossible to tell which species they were. Dominick Martin-Mayes, a 27-year-old fisherman and diving instructor who made the initial discovery, told The Independent he and some friends found the solid net of dead, decomposing fish and sharks on Monday afternoon. At first we thought it was a log, but as we got closer we could see it was a net with floats, he said. I jumped in the water first and was shocked at what I saw. It took my breath away - the first thing I saw was the juvenile oceanic whitetip [shark]. An Oceanic whitetip shark trapped on the edge of the abandoned fishing net (Dominick Martin-Mayes and Pierre Lesieur) (Dominick Martin-Mayes) I got my buddy who was with me to grab a knife and jump in. We did what we could to free some of the trapped life but most of it was already dead. The Cayman Islands government subsequently issued an alert on Tuesday to boaters in an effort to relocate the net. Mr Martin-Mayes said it had likely travelled more than a hundred miles from where they first found it - four miles north of Grand Cayman. Blue Planet shows mourning whales whose newborn may have been killed by plastic Tim Austin, deputy director of the Department of Environment, told the Cayman Compass the amount of creatures tangled in it indicated it had been cut adrift for a long time. If we can locate it, we can assess whether we can recover it or tow it somewhere to secure it until it can be dealt with safely, he said. We dont want it to end up in the reef and we need to stop its deadly ghost fishing. Mr Martin-Mayes said the net is 'invisible' when looking outside of the water (Dominick Martin-Mayes and Pierre Lesieur) Mr Martin-Mayes, from Lymington, Hampshire, said he and his friends managed to rescue a number of fish and even a shark from the net, which he estimated to be up to 50ft across and 50ft deep. They found buckets, rope, bottles, a long cable disappearing into the depths, and even a tree tangled among the hundreds of carcasses. The more that get caught, the more that come in to eat it and get caught themselves," he said. Many of the animals were so decomposed it was impossible to tell which species they were (Dominick Martin-Mayes and Pierre Lesieur) But they were unable to stay in the water for long, due to strong currents, other ocean predators, and the risk they would get in caught in the net. The nets sole purpose in life is to kill - you get your hand wrapped in it and you drown, he warned. Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Plastic waste across the world: in pictures A father and son on a makeshift boat made from styrofoam paddle through a garbage filled river as they collect plastic bottles that they can sell in junkshops in Manila. The father and son team earn some three US dollars a day retrieving recyclables from the river. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures A composite image of items found on the shore of the Thames Estuary in Rainham, Kent. Tons of plastic and other waste lines areas along the Thames Estuary shoreline, an important feeding ground for wading birds and other marine wildlife. Getty Images Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Children collect plastic water bottles among the garbage washed ashore at the Manila Bay. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, at current rates of pollution, there will likely be more plastic in the sea than fish by 2050. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Plastics and other detritus line the shore of the Thames Estuary. In December 2017 Britain joined the other 193 UN countries and signed up to a resolution to help eliminate marine litter and microplastics in the sea. It is estimated that about eight million metric tons of plastic find their way into the world's oceans every year. Once in the Ocean plastic can take hundreds of years to degrade, all the while breaking down into smaller and smaller 'microplastics,' which can be consumed by marine animals, and find their way into the human food chain. Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures A dump site in Manila in 2013. The Philippines financial capital banned disposable plastic shopping bags and styrofoam food containers, as part of escalating efforts across the nation's capital to curb rubbish that exacerbates deadly flooding. AFP/Getty Images Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Children swims in the sea full of garbage in North Jakarta, Indonesia. Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures An Indian woman holds a jar filled with Yamuna river water polluted with froth and toxic foam to be used for rituals at the river bank in New Delhi, India. The Yamuna River, like all other holy rivers in India, has been massively polluted for decades now. The river that originates in a glacier in the pristine and unpolluted Himalayas, and flows through Haryana, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh before merging with the Ganges River in Allahabad, once used to be the lifeline of the Indian capital. Currently, it is no more than a large, open sewer that is choking with industrial and domestic discharge that includes plastic, flowers and debris and has virtually no aquatic life. EPA Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Plastic waste is washed up on South Troon beach in Scotland. Recent reports by scientists have confirmed, plastics dumped in the world oceans are reaching a dangerous level with micro plastic particles now being found inside filter feeding animals and amongst sand grains on our beaches. Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Children collect plastic to be sold and recycled, in a polluted river in suburban Manila. The city's trash disposal agency traps solid waste floating down waterways that was thrown into the water by residents of slums along riverbanks upstream. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures View of the Carpayo Beach in La Punta, Callao, some 15 km of Lima. In 2013, the NGO VIDA labeled the Carpayo Beach as the most polluted in the country - 40 tons of trash on each 500m2. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Trash from Kamilo Beach in Hawaii. Gabriella Levine/Flickr Plastic waste across the world: in pictures A scavenger collects plastic cups for recycling in a river covered with rubbish near Pluit dam in Jakarta. Reuters Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Rubbish fills Omoa beach in Honduras. Floating masses of garbage offshore from some of the Caribbean's pristine beaches are testimony to a vast and growing problem of plastic pollution heedlessly dumped in our oceans, locals, activists and experts say. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures A man climbs down to a garbage filled river in Manila. Plastic rubbish will outweigh fish in the oceans by 2050 unless the world takes drastic action to recycle the material, a report warned in 2016. AFP/Getty Plastic waste across the world: in pictures Garbage on East Beach, Henderson Island (Pitcairn Islands), in the south Pacific Ocean. The uninhabited island has been found to have the world's highest density of waste plastic, with more than 3,500 additional pieces of litter washing ashore daily at just one of its beaches. EPA They tried to tow the net back to shore but it was too heavy. Of its chances of being found by authorities, Mr Martin-Hayes guessed it was "highly unlikely". But he said: "Never give up hope, but it's a very small object in a very, very large ocean." Billionaire banking heir Matthew Mellon has died at the age of 54 while in drug rehabilitation in Mexico. Mr Mellon was the ex-husband of co-founder of luxury show brand Jimmy Choo, Tamara Mellon, and had struggled with bipolar disorder and drug addiction. He came from two of Americas great banking families that founded the Bank of New York Mellon and Drexel Burnham Lambert. Billionaire Matthew Mellon died suddenly in Cancun, Mexico, where he was attending a drug rehabilitation facility, a spokesman for Mr Mellon said. Mellon made his fortune in cryptocurrency, turning a $2m (1.4m) investment into $1bn. He is survived by his three children, Force, Olympia and Minty. The family asks that their privacy be respected at this very painful time. Mr Mellons cousin Peter Stephaich also confirmed his death but did not provide any details. The tycoon was born in New York City in 1964 and was a descendant of Thomas Alexander Mellon, founder of The Bank of New York Mellon, and Anthony Joseph Drexel, a banker who founded Wall Street firm Drexel Burnham Lambert He served as the chairman of the finance committee of the Republican Party in New York between 2011 and 2013. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 27 September 2021 Police officers detain a protester from Insulate Britain occupying a roundabout leading from the M25 motorway to Heathrow Airport in London PA UK news in pictures 26 September 2021 Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer watches the Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur match at The Font pub in Brighton PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2021 Scottish pro-independence supporters hold a march and rally outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland Getty Images UK news in pictures 24 September 2021 Police officers remove two protesters from the top of a tanker, as Insulate Britain block the A20 in Kent, which provides access to the Port of Dover in Kent. The environmental activists have moved location after been banned from campaigning on the M25 motorway in London PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2021 Gabriella, the seven year old daughter of imprisoned British-Iranian Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, joins in a game on a giant snakes and ladders board in Parliament Square, to show the ups and downs of her mothers case to mark the 2,000 days she has been detained in Iran AP UK news in pictures 22 September 2021 A new sign hangs on the Millicent Fawcett statue after it was altered by CrackTheCrises coalition activists to highlight the climate crisis as a feminist struggle in Parliament Square in London EPA UK news in pictures 21 September 2021 Gabriella Diment prepares a monumental bronze patinated fibreglass wall sculpture depicting household cavalry soldiers on horseback which is expected to be sold for 12,000-18,000 when it goes up for auction at Summers Place Auctions in Billinghurst, Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2021 Florist Judith Blacklock puts the finishing touches to a floral carousel installation in Halkin Arcade, which she has designed with Neill Strain for the Belgravia in Bloom festival, running from September 20-26, in London PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2021 Bubbles surround Manchester Uniteds Cristiano Ronaldo before the match against West Ham at London Stadium Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 18 September 2021 Children take part in the Settrington Cup Pedal Car Race as motoring enthusiasts attend the Goodwood Revival, a three-day historic car racing festival in Goodwood, Chichester, Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2021 Hugo, 7, from London rides past a 4x7 metre rainbow arch, made entirely of recycled aluminium cans, which has been installed by recycling initiative 'Every Can Counts', in partnership with The City of London Corporation in front of St Paul's Cathedral in London, to encourage members of the public to recycle their drinks cans ahead of recycling week, which starts on 20 September PA UK news in pictures 16 September 2021 Sheikeh MOhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, leader of Abu Dhabi, leaves Downing Street after meeting with Boris Johnson PA UK news in pictures 15 September 2021 Children pose by ice sculptures depicting people collecting water by charity Water Aid to show the fragility of water and the threat posed by climate change in London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 14 September 2021 Heavy rain covers the A149 near Kings Lynn in Norfolk PA UK news in pictures 13 September 2021 Luke Jerram's 'Museum of the Moon' at Durham Cathedral PA UK news in pictures 12 September 2021 Inspirational young fundraiser Tobias Weller crosses the finish line, near his home in Sheffield, as he completes his latest epic feat where he swam and triked his way to the end of his awesome year-long Ironman Challenge. This is the third challenge Tobias, who has cerebral palsy and autism, has completed, raising more than 150,000 for his school and Sheffield Children Hospitals charity PA UK news in pictures 11 September 2021 British player Emma Raducanu, holds up the US Open championship trophy winning the women's singles final of the US Open in New York AP UK news in pictures 10 September 2021 People paddle board during a misty morning in Ullswater, the second largest lake in the Lake District, Cumbria PA UK news in pictures 9 September 2021 Troops from Wiltshire based 4 Armoured Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers during final inspection at Wellington Barracks in London, ahead of providing troops for the Queens Guard PA UK news in pictures 8 September 2021 Workers cross London Bridge during the morning rush hour in London Reuters UK news in pictures Mixing it up: Painting it up press view in London A gallery employee poses for photographers next to a painting entitled Prairie by British artist, Louise Giovanelli during the exhibition 'Mixing it up: Painting it up' at the Hayward Gallery in London EPA UK news in pictures 6 September 2021 Traders in the Ring at the London Metal Exchange, in the City of London, after open-outcry trading returned for the first time since March 2020, when the Ring was temporarily closed due to the pandemic PA UK news in pictures 5 September 2021 People enjoy the warm weather on Sandbanks beach, Poole PA UK news in pictures 4 September 2021 Demonstrators from Animal Rebellion and Nature Rebellion protest in Trafalgar Square in London. PA UK news in pictures 3 September 2021 South Africa's Ntando Mahlangu (centre) wins the Men's 200 metres T61 Final ahead of second placed Great Britain's Richard Whitehead at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games PA UK news in pictures 2 September 2021 A young common seal on the beach at Horsey Gap in Norfolk, as hundreds of pregnant grey seals come ashore ready for the start of the pupping season. PA UK news in pictures 1 September 2021 Goldfinches fighting over food in a garden in Strensham, Worcestershire PA UK news in pictures 31 August 2021 Gold Medallist Sarah Storey of Britain celebrates on the podium Reuters UK news in pictures 30 August 2021 Extinction Rebellion protesters hold a a tea party on Tower Bridge in London EPA UK news in pictures 29 August 2021 A police office tussles with a demonstrator on Cromwell Road outside the Natural History Museum during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion in London PA UK news in pictures 28 August 2021 Members of the British armed forces 16 Air Assault Brigade walk to the air terminal after disembarking a Royal Airforce Voyager aircraft at Brize Norton, Oxfordshire POOL/AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 27 August 2021 Fabio Quartararo crashes during a MotoGP practice session at the British Grand Prix, Silverstone Circuit Action Images via Reuters UK news in pictures 26 August 2021 An Extinction Rebellion activist holds a placard in a fountain surrounded by police officers, during a protest next to Buckingham Palace in London Reuters UK news in pictures 25 August 2021 Gold Medallist Great Britains cyclist, Sarah Storey, celebrates after winning the Womens C5 3000m Individual Pursuit Final at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. It was her 15th Paralympic gold Reuters UK news in pictures 24 August 2021 A demonstrator dressed as bee during a protest by members of Extinction Rebellion on Whitehall, in central London PA UK news in pictures 23 August 2021 Former interpreters for the British forces in Afghanistan demonstrate outside the Home Office in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 22 August 2021 Police officers form a line in front of the entrance to the Guildhall, London, where protesters have climbed onto a ledge above the entrance during an Extinction Rebellion stage a protest PA UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA UK news in pictures 19 August 2021 Supporters of Geronimo the alpaca gather outside Shepherds Close Farm in Wooton Under Edge, Gloucestershire PA UK news in pictures 18 August 2021 Former Afghan interpreters and veterans hold a demonstration outside Downing Street, calling for support and protection for Afghan interpreters and their families PA UK news in pictures 17 August 2021 Military personnel board the RAF Airbus A400M at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where evacuation flights from Afghanistan have been landing Reuters UK news in pictures 16 August 2021 Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer takes part in a minute's silence at Wolverhampton police station for the victims of the Plymouth mass shooting last week PA UK news in pictures 15 August 2021 2Storm, a ten-metre tall puppet of a mythical goddess of the sea created by Edinburgh-based visual theatre company Vision Mechanics, makes its way alongside the seafront at North Berwick, East Lothian, during a performance at the Fringe By The Sea festival PA UK news in pictures 14 August 2021 A woman and two young girls look at floral tributes in Plymouth where six people, including the offender, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident PA UK news in pictures 13 August 2021 Forensic officers in the Keyham area of Plymouth where six people, including the shooter, died of gunshot wounds in a firearms incident on Thursday evening PA UK news in pictures 12 August 2021 Children ride horses in the River Eden in Appleby, Cumbria, during the annual gathering of travellers for the Appleby Horse Fair PA UK news in pictures 11 August 2021 Stella Moris (left) reacts after talking to the media outside the High Court in London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal, n London, following the first hearing in the Julian Assange extradition appeal. The US government has won the latest round in its High Court bid to appeal against the decision not to extradite Julian Assange on espionage charges PA UK news in pictures 10 August 2021 Students react after they receive their A-Level results at the Ark Academy, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 9 August 2021 The final athletes from Great Britain arrive home including Jason Kenny, Laura Kenny and Katie Archibald (front left-right) at Heathrow Airport, London following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games PA He married the Jimmy Choo co-founder in 1999 at Blenheim Palace, with friends Elizabeth Hurley and actor Hugh Grant among the guests. They divorced several years later. Testifying at a trial where Mr Mellon was acquitted of hiring a private detective to snoop on Ms Mellons finances, the businesswoman said she and her husband had met at a meeting of Narcotics Anonymous when both were recovering from addiction. Mr Mellon is also survived by his second wife, designer Nicole Hanley, and three children. Associated Press contributed to this report The Cuban government has nominated First Vice President Miguel Mario Diaz-Canel Bermudez as its sole candidate for president, confirming expectations that the Communist Party loyalist would be the first person outside the Castro family to lead the country in nearly 60 years. Wednesday's nomination essentially guaranteed that Mr Diaz-Canel would be confirmed by the 604 delegates at the National Assembly, who generally approve candidates for president with near-total unanimity. Salvador Valdes Mesa, a 72-year-old former union official, was nominated as vice president. Mr Diaz-Canel will succeed current President Raul Castro, the brother of revolutionary Fidel Castro and a symbol of the country's 1959 transition from an authoritarian government to a communist state. This year's transition is seen as a test of whether the Cuban Communist Party can continue its one-party rule in the absence of its more well-known leaders. Mr Diaz-Canel has served as vice president of the powerful Council of State since 2013, when he was appointed by party leadership and approved by the National Assembly. The general public knows little about the 57-year-old former engineer, who has granted no interviews to foreign news outlets. Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Show all 20 1 /20 Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man rides his modified bicycle past a vintage American car in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A taxi sits parked by Ancon Beach waiting for returning bathers in Trinidad Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Afrocuban carnival group "Los componedores de batea" performing in the streets of La Habana Vieja Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Pastel colours for an ice-cream place and a vintage American car in Cienfuegos after sunset Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man on the phone in a bookshop in Old Havana (Habana Vieja) selling books and displaying propaganda poster of the Cuban Revolution Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street Musicians in Santiago De Cuba Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man works to repair his classic American car after it broke down along the Prado, a wide avenue that runs from Parque Central to the Malecon seafront highway, in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Members of the 'Ladies in White,' a group founded by the partners and relatives of jailed dissidents that regularly protests against the Cuban government, demonstrate on the streets of Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Street vegetables vendor in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba The sun setting through the palm trees and creates long shadows on the pool deck at this resort in Cuba Varadero Rex Pictures of everyday life in Cuba General view of a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A girls plays on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Girls walk past graffiti art along the Paseo de Marti, the wide boulevard that runs through the heart of the historic Old Havana neighborhood in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A woman smokes her Havana cigar Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba A man harvests tobacco leaves for drying at a tobacco drying house on a co-op plantation in Pinar del Rio Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Men play chess on a street in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Locals take part in a gay parade in Havana Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Scene of the Memories Paraiso Azul resort in Santa Maria Key Getty Images Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Beach on the Bay of Pigs, Zapata Peninsula Pictures of everyday life in Cuba Divers swimming above coral reef in Caribbean Sea Rex But Mr Diaz-Canel is well-known to Communist Party leaders, having worked his way up the ranks for more than 30 years. He started as a member of the Young Communists' Union in 1987, and became the first party secretary in Villa Clara province by 1994. He has also served as Cuba's minister of education, and lead delegations to Russia, China, Japan, North Korea, and several South American countries. Mr Diaz-Canel was born after the Cuban Revolution one year after Fidel Castro took office but has shown no signs of abandoning his revolutionary predecessors' policies. "I believe in continuity," he told reporters who asked about his vision for Cuba's future, according to CNN. "I think there always will be continuity." Fidel Castro - from revolutionary to global figurehead Mr Diaz-Canel is expected take office after Mr Castro retires this week, after serving two successive five-year terms. Mr Castro took over from his brother, Fidel, when he resigned in 2008. The two brothers have ruled the country since the revolution in 1959. Rual Castro is remembered for opening up the Communist country up to slightly more private enterprise, and for restoring diplomatic relations with the US under President Barack Obama. He will continue to serve as president of the Communist Party a powerful government role. He attended and applauded Mr Diaz-Canel's nomination on Wednesday. Cuban elections are a multi-pronged process that start with the election of municipal representatives and end with the selection of the president. Candidates for many roles including the president and vice president are selected by government bodies. The US, European Union, and others have criticised the election process as not fully democratic. Wildfires which have killed at least two people and injured nine others in Oklahoma could spread rapidly and pose a real threat to public safety, officials have warned. High winds and low humidity in drought-stricken areas have created dangerous, life-threatening wildfire conditions in parts of Oklahoma, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico and Texas, according to the Storm Prediction Centre in Norman, Oklahoma. One woman who was trying to escape from the largest fire, dubbed the Rhea Fire, was killed when flames burned the car she was driving, while a different fire in western Oklahoma killed a 61-year-old man last Thursday. Nine others were taken to hospitals for smoke inhalation or heat-related injuries. A firefighter works to control the Rhea Fire near Seiling, Oklahoma (REUTERS/Nick Oxford) By Tuesday, temperatures reached 31C, with humidity at six per cent, while wind gusts hit 24mph. With these conditions, wildfires can spread rapidly, present control issues for firefighters and pose a real threat to public safety, said Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief Mark Stanford. A firetruck which was destroyed by the Rhea Fire near Taloga, Oklahoma (REUTERS/Nick Oxford) Deb Beard, a commander of the Southern Area Incident Management team sent by the US Forest Service, described the conditions as terrifying. If you looked at that fire weather forecast... it should scare the hell out of you, Deb Beard said during a briefing posted on the Oklahoma Forestry Services Facebook page. I hope that you realise that today is a historically critical day here, Ms Beard said of the fire near Woodward which has burned around 105 square miles (272sqkm). So do not let your guard down. The Rhea Fire burns through a grove of red cedar trees near Seiling, Oklahoma (REUTERS/Nick Oxford) The largest of the Oklahoma fires has burned more than 388 square miles (1,005sqkm) near Leedey, around 110 miles (180km) northwest of Oklahoma City, and was around 3 per cent contained. The weather service said rain and thunderstorm chances will increase on Thursday night and Friday with strong to severe storms possible in southwestern Oklahoma and western north Texas on Friday. Additional reporting by Associated Press Through the space age, the fall of the Berlin Wall and the internet era, Cubans held one constant: a Castro ruled the nation. But that is about to change. Raul Castro, 86, is expected to step aside as Cubas president this week, ending the epochal run of two brothers who sent shock waves through 20th century politics. Nearly two decades into this century and less than two years after Fidel Castros death, his brothers exit from Cubas top job leaves this insular island at a crossroads, weighing how fast, if at all, to embrace change. This is an important moment for Cuba, but the truth is, nobody knows what to expect, says Camilo Condis, general manager of Artecorte, a community project in Havana. I mean, other than Fidel and Raul, who is there? You didnt really know anyone else. In a session of the National Assembly opening on Wednesday and probably culminating with a succession vote on Thursday members are expected to replace Castro with Miguel Diaz-Canel. Born after the revolution, Diaz-Canel, 57, grew up in the shadow of the olive-drab-wearing guerrillas who remain a powerful if ageing force in Cubas decision making apparatus. He is viewed as a consensus builder unlikely to push for quick or radical reform. Castro has laid the groundwork for his exit for years and the passing of the torch is highly symbolic. When Raul took the reins from Fidel in 2008, a Castro was still in charge. This time, the succession amounts to a tricky effort to build a new generation of leaders without the Castro name, a move considered essential to cementing the central role of Cubas communist system. This is about institutionalising the regime, said Jorge Dominguez, a Cuba expert and professor of government at Harvard University. Its about Raul Castro saying, I am president, but I have a term and then someone else is going to lead ... If you are someone who really wants the regime to endure, its what Raul needs to do. The transition is happening at a time when a decade-long opening under Castro has already begun to alter the fabric of Cuban life. Access to the internet is still below par, but hotspots are more widely available than ever before. There are now more than 5 million mobile phones in this nation of 11.5 million people. More than 550,000 Cubans work in the private sector. After years in which Cubans were forced to obtain permission to leave the country, Cubans these days can travel freely. It is now possible to buy and sell real estate. Yet in a country where streets are still swimming in 1950s Chevys and Fords, Cuban life can feel stuck in time and plagued with problems that never really went away. Locals talk of periodic shortages eggs, potatoes and toilet paper. In a potential sign of discontent, turnout in recent municipal elections stood at 82.5 per cent the lowest in four decades and a stunningly low number in a country where citizens face high pressure to vote. Perhaps not surprisingly in a one-party state, few here are openly clamouring for radical political change. And in an important sense, this weeks transition will not mean the end of Castro leadership, since Castro will remain the head of the powerful Communist Party. But some are testing the boundaries of official tolerance through independent minded blogs and social media. More and more Cubans are calling for a path to economic prosperity. That desire for advancement is presenting Cubas ruling elite with a growing challenge: how and whether to more closely follow in the footsteps of communist societies like China and Vietnam, which have managed to ringfence their one-party systems while vastly expanding the private sector. Cubas economic opening has been far slower and has unfolded in fits and starts. We may find that the only way to preserve the achievements of the revolution is to change the country in substantial ways, said Carlos Alzugaray, a former Cuban diplomat based in Havana. Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Show all 15 1 /15 Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Mountains seen from La Plata, in the Sierra Maestra, Cuba REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Workers take a break as they build a house at a farm in the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Mechanic Dayan Nunes, 20, sits on a donkey in the village of La Merced REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains People watch the recording of an episode of the popular TV show Palmas y Canas in the village of Providencia REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Farmer Alexander Castillo, 37, talks to a friend at the doorstep of his home in the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains A horse stands in the mountains near the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains The village of Santo Domingo is seen in the Sierra Maestra REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Bananas are being prepared for lunch in the kitchen of a house in the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Farmer Luca Castillo, 84, poses for a photograph in front of his home in the village of Santo Domingo, in the Sierra Maestra REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains A chef sits in a food station during the recording of an episode of the popular TV show Palmas y Canas in the village of Providencia REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains People attend the recording of an episode of the popular TV show Palmas y Canas in the village of Providencia REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Hipolito Marrero, 83, smokes a cigar as he commutes on horseback in the mountains near the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Farmer Javier Tamayo, 55, rides his horse in the mountains near the village of Santo Domingo REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains Local official guide Luis Enrique Perez closes a window of the house where the late president Fidel Castro lived in the village of La Plata during the Cuban revolution REUTERS Castro revolution lives on in the Cuban Sierra Maestra mountains A boy raises the Cuban flag during a daily ceremony held at a school in the village of Santo Domingo, in the Sierra Maestra, Cuba Reuters Cubas National Assembly will pick Castros successor, with Diaz-Canel seen by insiders as by far the most likely successor. An engineer often seen toting a tablet computer, he has been serving as Cubas first vice president. Though he lacks the Castro name the most senior member of government among the Castro brothers children is Raul Castros son, Colonel Alejandro Castro Espin, who heads counterintelligence Diaz-Canel is without doubt blessed by Raul. He has been a constant presence at the side of his reform minded mentor. But he has also curried favour with the hardliners, who have largely succeeded in stalling a more drastic opening here. Some Cubans hope that, given his relatively young age, Diaz-Canel may be willing to take economic reforms further than the Castros ever did. Yet he is also viewed as a party ideologue who was sceptical of the thaw with the United States under president Barack Obama and whose position on freedom of expression appears to have hardened in recent years. In a video leaked last year, for instance, Diaz-Canel is shown in a party meeting threatening to block a website for acting against the revolution. The people are committed to socialism and the historic generation that led us here, Diaz-Canel told journalists last month. Cuba watchers are waiting to see any shifts this week in the makeup of the nations ruling councils of ministers and state and are particularly keen to see whether senior figures in the revolution, now in their eighties, remain in place. The transition is complicated by a seesaw in US-Cuba relations. The thaw under Obama has given way to a new frost under president Donald Trump. After allegations of a mysterious attack that left nearly two dozen US diplomats stationed in Cuba with brain injuries, Washington has left only a skeleton crew at its embassy in Havana. The United States is now forcing Cubans looking for visas to apply in Guyana, nearly 2,000 miles away, putting the brakes on a host of personal trips and cultural exchanges. The islands nascent private sector, meanwhile, is under strain, because of actions by both the Cuban and US governments. Cuban officials last year put a temporary halt on issuing new licences for private businesses, arguing that time was needed to ensure that the islands new crop of entrepreneurs were paying taxes and operating within the law. The freeze was seen as motivated by influential party officials still highly sceptical of change. At the same time, Cuban officials say Trump administration policies have curtailed the flow of American tourists, who had begun to stream into the country in larger numbers under Obama. Cubans like Julia de la Rosa and Silvio Ortega see themselves as caught in the middle of the two countries policies. In the first few months of 2017, Americans accounted for nearly 70 per cent of the visitors at the 10-room home that de la Rosa and Ortega rent out on Airbnb a number that has fallen to about 10 per cent in recent months. You have to understand, when Obama came to Cuba [in 2016], people here thought he was like a movie star and that maybe the problem of relations would be solved, De la Rosa said. But now we find thats not the case and we in the private sector are the ones paying. And yet, at least one line of communication is still flourishing: the one between Cubans on the island and Cuban exiles and their children in the United States. In recent years, more and more Cuban islanders including some who still at least partly embrace the revolution have been travelling to cities like Miami, bringing a diversity of political opinion to US Cuban culture. Young Cuban Americans, meanwhile, continue to discover their roots through visits to the island, sparking a growing dialogue across the Straits of Florida. Andrew Hevia, a 33-year-old half-Cuban Miamian and co-producer of the Academy Award-winning film Moonlight, for instance, is heading to Havana this month for the first time. His visit is being organised by CubaOne, a nonprofit that has brought more than 100 Cuban Americans to the island since 2016. My grandmother, who passed a number of years ago, would have been the one who had the most problems with me going, he says. But, he adds, the conversation in Miami has changed about going to Cuba. Maybe its that theres less resistance in my parents generation, or that [my generation is] taking the initiative, forcing things to come along. Washington Post Another Southwest Airlines flight has been forced to make an emergency landing, this time in Nashville, Tennessee, as a result of a bird strike. The captain in command declared an emergency and safely landed the flight, a spokesperson for the airline said. The airline told CBS News about the Phoenix, Arizona-bound flight: "We've confirmed flight 577 departing Nashville experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff," adding that its "local Nashville Employees are working diligently to accommodate those passengers on to their destination". The aircraft has been taken out for service for maintenance just one day after a disastrous emergency landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania yesterday. Recommended Listen to how hero Southwest pilot kept calm and saved her passengers A Southwest planes engine had exploded during the flight from New York to Dallas, Texas, and shrapnel from it broke a window, sucking one passenger halfway out. Fellow passengers scrambled to help pull her back in but ultimately Jennifer Riordan, a Wells Fargo bank executive and mother of two from Albuquerque, New Mexico, perished as a result of her injuries. Seven other passengers had suffered minor injuries. Retired registered nurse Peggy Phillips told a local television station that she performed CPR on Ms Riordan for about 20 minutes until the plane landed in Philadelphia. "If you can possibly imagine going through the window of an airplane at about 600 mph and hitting either the fuselage or the wing with your body, with your face, then I think I can probably tell you there was significant trauma," Ms Phillips said. 'I'm sorry, there's a hole and someone went out?': Audio released from Southwest Airlines emergency landing after explosion As a result of the Philadelphia incident, the airline said it was accelerating its existing engine inspection program and conducting ultrasonic inspections of fan blades of the CFM56 engines on all of its the 737 jets. Inspections are expected to be completed within 30 days and minimal flight disruptions may result, according to Southwest. The National Transportation Safety Board is also conducting an investigation, which could take 12 to 15 months to complete. Preliminary results concluded that the engine exploded due to "metal fatigue". Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Jennifer Riordan died after being partially sucked out of a shattered plane window following an engine explosion. Reuters/AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Tammie Jo Shults, hero pilot of Southwest 1380, kept calm and saved her passengers. Kristopher Johnson via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Marty Martinez, left, appears with other passengers after a jet engine blew out on the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane. Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The window that was shattered after a jet engine of the Southwest Airlines airplane blew out at altitude Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures A National Transportation Safety Board investigator examines damage to the engine. NTSB via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old mother-of-two. Facebook/Jennifer Riordan via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The Southwest Airlines jet sits on the runway at Philadelphia International Airport after it was forced to land with an engine failure. AFP/Getty Images Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Pennsylvania Game Commission employees recover a piece of the Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township, Berks County. AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Tammie Jo Shults was hailed a hero by passengers. Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The window that was shattered. Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures A National Transportation Safety Board investigator photographs a Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The exploded engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 during the flight from a passenger's window. Cassie Adams via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures US Navy Lieutenant Tammie Jo Shults in front of a Navy F/A-18A in 1992. US Navy/Handout via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Damage to the Southwest Airlines plane after Jennifer Riordan died when the jet blew an engine at 32,000ft. PA Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Emergency personnel monitor the damaged engine. Reuters Further details on the Nashville landing have not been released as yet, but plane engines are designed to withstand the impact of one bird and pilots are able to fly with one engine. Though, a strike can disable an engine and given the length of the flight to Phoenix, that may have been what prompted the emergency landing. While bird strikes are not incredibly common, engine manufacturers and pilots design and train to take them into account. Patrick Smith, a US pilot and author of the book Cockpit Confidential, told The Telegraph last year: Birds don't clog an engine but can bend or fracture the internal blades, causing power loss. The heavier the bird, the greater the potential for harm. Flying at 250 knots (the maximum allowable below 10,000 feet, where most birds are found) hitting an average-sized goose will subject the plane to an impact force of over 50,000 pounds. Even small birds pose a threat if struck en masse". In September 2017, a Japan Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Tokyo as a result of a bird strike. The most infamous bird strike resulted in an incident dubbed the "Miracle on the Hudson" in January 2009. A US Airways flight was attempting to fly from New York's LaGuardia airport to Charlotte, North Carolina, when it hit a flock of Canadian geese just minutes after takeoff. Unable to reach any of the local airports safely, pilot Chelsea 'Sully' Sullenberger decided to make a water landing on the Hudson River near midtown Manhattan where all 155 passengers were rescued. A passenger who died after being partially sucked out of a shattered plane window following an engine explosion has been named as Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old mother-of-two. The banking executive was travelling home to her family following a business trip when she was hit by shrapnel after the Boeing 737 blew an engine at 32,000ft on a flight from New York to Dallas. Ms Riordan was identified as Southwest Airlines revealed its jet had been inspected just two days before the mid-air explosion. The vice-president of community relations at Wells Fargo bank was dragged head first through a window which had been smashed by engine fragments, causing sudden decompression of the cabin. Fellow passengers fought to pull her back inside. From her waist above, she was outside of the plane, said passenger Eric Zilbert. Another passenger, Alfred Tumlinson, said a man in a cowboy hat rushed forward a few rows to grab that lady to pull her back in. He added: She was out of the plane. He couldnt do it by himself, so another gentleman came over and helped to get her back in the plane, and they got her. Passengers gave CPR to Ms Riordan, from Albuquerque, New Mexico, while others struggled to plug the window as pilots began a rapid descent before performing an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Passengers did some pretty amazing things under some pretty difficult circumstances, said Philadelphia fire commissioner Adam Thiel. Ms Riordan later died from her injuries. She is the first person to die in an accident involving a US airline in nine years. Her Facebook page shows she was married to husband Michael and had two children. In a statement issued to Texas TV news station WFAA, her family said: Jennifers vibrancy, passion and love infused our community and reached across our country. Her impact on everything and everyone she touched can never be fully measured. But foremost, she is the bedrock of our family. She and Mike wrote a love story unlike any other. Her beauty and love is evident through her children. Before she set off, she sent a tweet showing the view from her hotel in Midtown Manhattan, captioning the photo: Great business stay. Jennifer Riordan was flying home from a business trip when she was killed (AP) Ms Riordan led volunteer work in New Mexico and built a career over more than two decades in community relations and communications. Mike English, a spokesman for Wells Fargo in New Mexico, said Ms Riordan was a well-known leader who was loved and respected. Seven other passengers on the plane suffered minor injuries. Some of the 149 people on board said prayers as they braced for impact before landing, using oxygen masks that dropped from the ceiling during the descent. I just remember holding my husbands hand, and we just prayed and prayed and prayed, said Amanda Bourman, of New York. And the thoughts that were going through my head of course were about my daughters, just wanting to see them again and give them a big hug so they wouldnt grow up without parents. Everybody was crying and upset. You had a few passengers that were very strong, and they kept yelling to people, you know, Its OK. Were going to do this. Passengers clapped as the jet landed at 11.27am on Tuesday and praised pilot Tammie Jo Shults for averting a disaster. Shrapnel from the planes engine smashed through the planes window forcing and emergency landing (Marty Martinez) She has nerves of steel, said Mr Tumlinson, of Corpus Christi, Texas. That lady, I applaud her. Im going to send her a Christmas card, Im going to tell you that, with a gift certificate for getting me on the ground. She was awesome. Tracking data from FlightAware.com showed Flight 1380 was heading west over Pennsylvania at about 32,200 feet and travelling 500 mph when pilots were forced to abruptly divert to Philadelphia. In a recorded conversation between the cockpit and air traffic controllers, the pilot is heard asking for emergency services to be ready for the landing. Ms Shults, a former US Navy fighter pilot, said at the time: Could you have the medical meet us there on the runway as well. Weve got injured passengers. Asked if the plane was on fire, she said: Not on fire but part of it is missing. They said theres a hole and someone went out. National Transportation Safety Board investigators examine damage to the engine of the Southwest Airlines plane (Reuters) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has sent a team of investigators to Philadelphia. Preliminary examination of the engine showed evidence of metal fatigue, it said. One of the engines fan blades was separated and missing, NTSB chairman Robert Sumwalt told a news conference. Photos of the plane on the tarmac showed a missing window and a chunk gone from the left engine, including part of its cover. Mr Sumwalt said part of the engine covering was found in Bernville, Pennsylvania, about 70 miles west of Philadelphia. A full investigation into what caused the failure could take 12 to 15 months. It is very unusual so we are taking this event extremely seriously, Mr Sumwalt said. This should not happen and we want to find out why it happened so that preventative measures can be put in place. Pilot Tammie Jo Shults was hailed a hero by passengers Southwest said the plane had passed an inspection over the weekend. The airlines chief executive officer Gary Kelly said there were no problems with the plane or engine when it was last examined. John Goglia, a former NTSB member, said investigators would take the planes engine apart to understand what happened and will look at maintenance records for the engine. Theres a ring around the engine thats meant to contain the engine pieces when this happens, he added. In this case it didnt. Thats going to be a big focal point for the NTSB why didnt [the ring] do its job? Southwest said Ms Riordans death was the first fatality of its kind in the carriers 51-year history. Republican governor of New Mexico Susana Martinez paid tribute to an incredible woman who put her family and community first, and said her loss would be felt across the state. Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Jennifer Riordan died after being partially sucked out of a shattered plane window following an engine explosion. Reuters/AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Tammie Jo Shults, hero pilot of Southwest 1380, kept calm and saved her passengers. Kristopher Johnson via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Marty Martinez, left, appears with other passengers after a jet engine blew out on the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 plane. Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The window that was shattered after a jet engine of the Southwest Airlines airplane blew out at altitude Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures A National Transportation Safety Board investigator examines damage to the engine. NTSB via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Jennifer Riordan, a 43-year-old mother-of-two. Facebook/Jennifer Riordan via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The Southwest Airlines jet sits on the runway at Philadelphia International Airport after it was forced to land with an engine failure. AFP/Getty Images Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Pennsylvania Game Commission employees recover a piece of the Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township, Berks County. AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Tammie Jo Shults was hailed a hero by passengers. Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The window that was shattered. Marty Martinez via AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures A National Transportation Safety Board investigator photographs a Southwest Airline engine covering that landed in Penn Township AP Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures The exploded engine of Southwest Airlines flight 1380 during the flight from a passenger's window. Cassie Adams via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures US Navy Lieutenant Tammie Jo Shults in front of a Navy F/A-18A in 1992. US Navy/Handout via Reuters Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Damage to the Southwest Airlines plane after Jennifer Riordan died when the jet blew an engine at 32,000ft. PA Southwest Airlines engine explosion: in pictures Emergency personnel monitor the damaged engine. Reuters The hearts of all New Mexicans are with the Riordan family, she added. Before starting at Wells Fargo in 2008, Ms Riordan had worked for the University of New Mexico hospital system in public relations, and for Citigroup. At Wells Fargo she managed employee volunteering and board service to non-profit groups in New Mexico and parts of Texas. She also served on numerous boards and oversaw the annual United Way community campaign. Albuquerque mayor Tim Keller said his thoughts and prayers were with Ms Riordans family. Today, Albuquerque lost a thoughtful leader who has long been part of the fabric of our community, he said, adding that Ms Riordans leadership and philanthropic efforts made this a better place every day and she will be terribly missed. For decades, presidents have publicly released their tax returns each year an act of transparency and a way to connect and commiserate with Americans on Tax Day. On Tuesday, president Donald Trump did not even file his taxes. White House officials said Mr Trump, who has steadfastly refused to make any of his previous tax returns public, requested a six-month extension because of the complexity of preparing his 2017 returns. He plans to file by mid-October, officials said. The announcement came on a day that the president and his allies used to remind people about Mr Trumps sweeping tax cuts that will lead to savings for many people when the next Tax Day rolls around in April 2019. So many people are seeing the benefits of the Tax Cut bill, Mr Trump tweeted from Mar-a-Lago, his estate in Florida, where he played host to the prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. In an article published in USA Today, Mr Trump wrote: On this Tax Day, America is strong and roaring back. Pay cheques are climbing. Tax rates are going down. Businesses are investing in our great country. And most important, the American people are winning. That cheerful message on Tuesday was undercut by a system wide crash of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) computers, which prevented taxpayers and preparers from filing returns online. Many people file for more time to prepare their returns; IRS officials said they expected as many as 15 million to do so this year. But the presidents decision to seek an extension broke with years of tradition established by his predecessors and once again underscored the fact that Mr Trumps tax returns remain secret. Previous presidents have routinely filed their tax returns on time and released them publicly while running for office and once they assumed the presidency, in part to show how much they earned and how much they donated to charity. Until Mr Trump. His tax returns have long been a source of speculation and criticism. Mr Trump has said in the past that, as a businessman, he fought to pay as little tax as possible so that the government would not waste his money. But he has insisted that he was advised not to reveal his tax returns as long as they were subject to a continuing IRS audit, a claim that critics have derided as little more than a convenient excuse. All presidential tax returns are automatically audited, making it increasingly unlikely that Mr Trump will willingly release his returns while in office. Although portions of Mr Trumps returns have leaked in the past, they remain one of the most closely guarded secrets in Washington. Last year, the departing commissioner of the IRS, John A Koskinen, said that the agency was building a new vault to protect hard copies of the returns. Given the presidents long-standing refusals, there was little expectation that Mr Trump would make his 2017 tax returns public. But the decision to seek a six-month extension came as something of a surprise. Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Show all 29 1 /29 Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump acknowledges the audience after taking the oath of office as his wife Melania (L) and daughter Tiffany watch during inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States on the West Front of the US capital in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jim Bourg: "This photo was shot with one of two remote cameras. The cameras were monitored and triggered remotely and the pictures were transmitted to clients worldwide within minutes of being taken." Reuters/Jim Bourg Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Obama farewell address - 10 January 2017 US President Barack Obama wipes away tears as he delivers his farewell address in Chicago on 10 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "In his final days in office, Obama made a visit home to Chicago. As he spoke from the stage to his wife and daughter in the audience, he became emotional when he talked about what they had sacrificed during his time in office. I turned from photographing the Obama women embracing to find him onstage wiping away tears." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inauguration - 20 January 2017 A combination of photos shows the crowds attending the inauguration ceremonies to swear in U.S. President Donald Trump at 12:01pm (left) on January 20, 2017 and President Barack Obama sometime between 12:07pm and 12:26pm on January 20, 2009. Reuters/ Lucas Jackson/Stelios Varias Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Liberty Ball - 20 January 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the Liberty Ball in honour of his inauguration in Washington on 20 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "What I see when I look at this picture is the end of a very long day, not to mention weeks and months of preparation by many photographers, editors and network experts and the beginning of everything since." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception - 22 January 2017 US President Donald Trump greets Director of the FBI James Comey as Director of the Secret Service Joseph Clancy (L), watches during the Inaugural Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders Reception in the Blue Room of the White House on 22 January, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "I have covered the White House for 16 years and normally either the President or the pool is in position when an event starts. In this case the President was not where anyone expected him to be. In fact, he was almost blocking the door when the pool came in. We had to scramble to find a position without bumping him or the furniture as he greeted and thanked members of law enforcement for their security efforts during the inauguration. Luckily, he greeted FBI Director James Comey a few seconds after the pool had made its way into the room." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Private phone calls to world leaders - 28 January 2017 US President Donald Trump, is joined by his staff, as he speaks by phone with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Oval Office on 28 January, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Very early in the Trump administration, weekends were as busy as weekdays. On Trump's second Saturday the official schedule said he would be making private phone calls to a number of world leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin. I arrived early and, before sitting down at my desk walked up to Press Secretary Sean Spicer's office. He, too, was just taking his coat off. I gingerly made the suggestion that previous administrations had sometimes allowed photos of such phone calls through the Oval Office windows on the colonnade. To my mild shock, he didn't even think about it twice. "We'll do it!" he said. In truth, I really only expected the Putin call, but we were outside the windows multiple times throughout the day as the calls went on." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway - 27 February 2017 Senior advisor Kellyanne Conway (L) attends as US President Donald Trump welcomes the leaders of dozens of historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) in the Oval Office on 27 February, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "We're often asked how much access we have to the Trump administration, and the answer is we have an awful lot. President Trump himself is very comfortable in the spotlight, and his aides are similarly unfazed by cameras. In this instance, senior advisor Kellyanne Conway was so comfortable in our presence she seemed not to consider the optics of kneeling on a Oval Office sofa to take pictures with her phone." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Angela Merkel heads to Washington - 17 March 2017 Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel and US President Donald Trump hold a joint news conference in the East Room of the White House on 17 March, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Chancellor Merkel made one of the earliest important visits of any US allies to meet Trump in his first months in office. When world leaders give joint news conferences they don't always tend to give each other their full attention - but Merkel watched Trump intently at several key moments, and here seemed particularly rapt." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump welcomes truckers to the White House - 23 March 2017 President Trump reacts as he sits on a truck while he welcomes truckers and CEOs to attend a meeting regarding healthcare at the White House on 23 March, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "The White House organised a listening session with truckers and CEO's of major American companies, regarding healthcare reform. An 18-wheeler tow truck was parked on the South Lawn of the White House and as Trump welcomed the truckers someone invited the him to come and sit in the driver's seat. Trump jumped into the cab and started yelling and pretending to drive - creating one of the most memorable pictures of the year. A lesson learned, always be prepared for the unexpected." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 6 April 2017 US President Donald Trump talks to journalists members of the travel pool on board the Air Force One during his trip to Palm Beach, Florida on 6 April, 2017. Carlos Barria: "During the many trips to President Trump's residence in Florida it is usual to see the president coming to the back of the plane to chat with journalists. During one of the trips to the so called 'Winter White House', Trump had a long talk with reporters while the Air Force One entertainment system was playing one of the latest Star Wars movies. As I was listening to Trump talk I was also looking at the movie waiting for a part of the movie to frame the mood of the day. Of the many scenes, I choose the one with Darth Vader." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump speaks during an interview with Reuters in the Oval Office of the White House on 27 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "A day before President Trump's hundred days in office I was part of the team that interviewed the commander-in-chief in the Oval Office. I was only allowed to photograph Trump during the last five minutes of the interview. The time was very tight so I had to move fast as I had pictures in mind that I wanted to shoot. I walked into the Oval Office and saw that the President had printed maps of the country showing areas in red where he won. I raised my hands holding my camera as high as possible to get the best view of the scene using a 16mm wide angle lens." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures 100 Days - 27 April 2017 US President Donald Trump reacts as he arrives at Harrisburg international airport, before attending a rally marking his first 100 days in office in Pennsylvania on 29 April, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to celebrate his hundred days in office with a victory rally. He was in friendly territory as he won with a big difference over his opponent Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, during the November elections. As usual when the commander-in-chief arrives local residents gather to greet him. This time a small group of military personnel attended the arrival. Surrounded by secret service agents Trump walked from the Air Force One and raised his hand in a sign of victory as the crowd cheered him on." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 2 May 2017 White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer (L) and White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus watch as US President Donald Trump presents the U.S. Air Force Academy football team with the Commander-in-Chief trophy in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington on 2 May, 2017. Photographer Joshua Roberts: "Covering the White House does not just mean covering the President. White House staffers are an important part of the story and their relationship with the President and each other is an indicator of how things are going in the West Wing. The tendency is to focus exclusively on the President once an event starts but I always try to look around to see how people are reacting as things unfold." Reuters/Joshua Roberts Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Secret Service - 4 May 2017 Secret Service agents use a presidential limousine as cover from spraying water as US President Donald Trump lands via Marine One helicopter in New York on 4 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "The best part of any trip to New York City with the sitting US President is the helicopter ride into Manhattan. The ride out at night can be stunning. Here, Secret Service agents protect themselves from the spray from the East River as Trump lands on the helipad." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures NATO Summit - 25 May 2017 US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump wait the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron (unseen) before a lunch ahead of a NATO Summit in Brussels on 25 May, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "One of the best parts of travelling overseas for White House coverage is the chance to see the U.S. president in different environments and (literally) a different light. Here, Trump and his wife came out of the shadows to greet France's President Macron." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump meets Putin at G20 summit - 7 July 2017 US President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin during their bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany on 7 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "On July 7, I witnessed one of the most important meetings of President Trump's first year in office. Trump met Russian President Vladimir Putin during a bilateral meeting at the G20 summit in Germany. The world's eyes were on these two leaders after speculation about Russian interference during the 2016 US elections. We entered the room for less than two minutes, where I took dozens of pictures. But there was this very interesting moment when Trump extended his hand to Putin for a handshake. Putin paused for a second and looked at Trump's hand. That was the picture that I was looking for, a little moment that seemed to say a lot." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures First lady - 8 July 2017 First lady Melania Trump chats with US President Donald Trump during their return from Germany at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland on 8 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "After President Trump's trip to Germany he arrived back at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. First Lady Melania Trump said goodbye to Trump as she was heading off in a different direction that day. While chatting a breeze blew Melania's hair up in the air." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Made in America product showcase - 17 July 2017 Vice President Mike Pence laughs as President Donald Trump holds a baseball bat as they attend a Made in America product showcase event at the White House on 17 July, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "This summer the White House organized an event to showcase 'Made in America' products. All kinds of exhibitors brought their products as the President and Vice President toured the event. One of the companies was Marucci Sport, a manufacturer of baseball bats based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. As Trump approached a table full of baseball bats, photographers at the event, including me, rushed to get a good angle hoping that he would pick up a bat. As we predicted, he did. He took one and joked around as though he was hitting something hard. The only thing closer to him right there, was the media." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House staffers - 25 July 2017 Former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski says hello to reporters as he and White House advisors including Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci accompany President Trump for an event celebrating veterans at AMVETS Post 44 in Ohio, July 25, 2017. Jonathan Ernst: "The most visible person in any White House is naturally the President, followed by the press secretary. But there are also the staff who support them. For those of us covering the Trump administration, there seem to be more compelling figures in the West Wing than ever before. It's crucial to know who's who and why they're important. When I raised my camera and back-pedalled ahead of the group to take this image Lewandowski gave me a hello. I liked the photo, but had no idea it would go a little bit viral, especially since Scaramucci, who was the biggest mover and shaker that week, was hidden back in the pack. But I guess the image catches a glimpse of what it's like to be a West Wing staffer on the road." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Campaign rally - 3 August 2017 US President Donald Trump arrives at a rally in West Virginia on 3 August, 2017. Photographer Carlos Barria: "President Trump travelled to Huntington for one of his usual campaign rallies. While members of his family spoke to the crowd he was waiting under a black curtain to be introduced. Suddenly he walked onto the stage, one of the first frames that I took was of his hand. I set my exposure for the light on the stage hoping to create this dark background and it worked." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Staring into the solar eclipse - 21 August 2017 Without his protective glasses on, US President Donald Trump looks up towards the solar eclipse while viewing with his wife Melania and son Barron at the White House on 21 August, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "On a day when everyone, and I mean everyone, was told not to look at the eclipse without protective glasses, Trump, President of the United States, couldn't help himself." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Harvey - 2 September 2017 US President Donald Trump poses for a photo as he and first lady Melania Trump help volunteers hand out meals during a visit with flood survivors of Hurricane Harvey at a relief centre in Houston, Texas on 2 September, 2017. Photohrapher Kevin Lamarque: "Trump, eager to deliver the image of a hands-on response to Hurricane Harvey, made this visit to a relief centre and obliged this woman with a selfie as Melania continued to work." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures White House - 15 September 2017 Donald Trump welcomes 11-year-old Frank Giaccio as he cuts the Rose Garden grass at the White House on 15 September. Frank, who wrote a letter to Trump offering to mow the lawn, was invited to work for a day at the White House along the National Park Service staff. Frank was so focused on his task that he did not notice the President arrive to surprise him. He took his father jumping in to grab his attention and point Trump out. Photographer Carlos Barria said: The image of Trump shouting at a kid who is mowing his lawn might have many interpretations in today's politically polarized United States. But for me it was just a kid who loved what he was doing, to the point he almost appeared to ignore the President." Reuters/Carlos Barria Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Take a knee - 27 September 2017 A man kneels with a folded U.S. flag as the motorcade of U.S. President Donald Trump passes him after an event at the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S., September 27, 2017. In September, soon after Trump had made comments condemning NFL players who kneel during the national anthem, he made a day trip to a rally in Indianapolis. Jonathan Ernst managed to capture a man on one knee with a tri-folded flag and was able to use a portion of the sign on the building he was kneeling in front of to track the man down and tell his story in full. US Army veteran Marvin Boatright wanted to send a message against social injustice. Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Hurricane Maria - 3 October 2017 President Donald Trump throws rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents affected by Hurricane Maria as he visits Calgary Chapel in San Juan, Puerto Rico on 3 October, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "During an afternoon visit to Puerto Rico for President Trump to survey damage from Hurricane Maria and greet some of its victims, Trump made a stop at a church where food and supplies were being distributed. Among the items were paper towels and Trump, apparently caught up in the moment, decided to distribute some of the rolls." Reuters Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Jared Kushner - 1 November 2017 White House Senior adviser Jared Kushner sits behind President Trump during a cabinet meeting in Washington on 1 November, 2017. Photographer Kevin Lamarque: "The role of Jared Kushner has gone through a series of changes. He began front and centre as a high profile adviser, but as time has passed and issues surrounding him have surfaced, he has become more of a background figure." Reuters/Kevin Lamarque Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Trump in China - 9 November 2017 Donald Trump and China's President Xi Jinping shake hands after making joint statements at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on 9 November, 2017. Photographer Damir Sagolj: "It's one of those "how to make a better or at least different shot when two presidents shake hands several times a day, several days in row". If I'm not mistaken in calculation, presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump shook their hands at least six times in events I covered during Trump's recent visit to China. I would imagine there were some more handshakes I haven't seen but other photographers did. And they all look similar - two big men, smiling and heartily greeting each other until everyone gets their shot. But then there is always something that can make it special - in this case the background made of US and Chinese flags. The first time it didn't work for me. The second time I positioned myself lower and centrally, and used the longest lens I have to capture only hands reaching for a handshake." Reuters/Damir Sagolj Donald Trump's first year: in pictures Air Force One - 10 November 2017 US President Donald Trump boards Air Force One to depart for Vietnam from Beijing Airport in Beijing, China, November 10, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "There is a Reuters photographer in the tight pool covering the US president for every appearance he makes 365 days a year. This was just one of 32 images of mine that were transmitted on the Reuters wire of President Trump visiting China and Vietnam that day. You never know when a sudden interaction, a gust of wind or a unique facial expression will lead to a striking image that grabs peoples' attention." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Donald Trump's first year: in pictures ASEAN handshake - 13 November 2017 Donald Trump registers his surprise as he realises other leaders, including Russia's Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, President of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte and Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, are crossing their arms for the traditional "ASEAN handshake" as he participates in the opening ceremony of the summit in Manila on 13 November, 2017. Photographer Jonathan Ernst: "Having covered a few ASEAN summits, I knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. Not everyone in the room knew to expect the ASEAN handshake. A lot was written about this unscripted moment, and what deeper meaning it might have. The simple truth is that sometimes in life there are unscripted moments." Reuters/Jonathan Ernst Mr Trump filed last year for a similar extension of his 2016 taxes as he and his accountants faced the task of preparing a tax return for the first time as president. But the presidents tax experts had more than a year to get ready for his 2017 tax returns. White House officials did not explain why Mr Trumps accountants would need an additional six months. The New York Times A business executive appointed to a government advisory panel by Federal Communications Commission head Ajit Pai has been charged with defrauding investors out of more than $250m (175m). A complaint unsealed last week alleges that Elizabeth Pierce duped investors into pouring millions into an Alaska-based fibre optic company she oversaw as part of an effort to finance the construction of a fibre optic system linking Alaska to the continental US. The document alleges she lured investors by falsely giving the appearance that she had deals lined up with telecommunications firm, saying she forging signatures on contracts and thus rendered the agreements presented to investors completely worthless. As a result of Pierces deception, the investment companies were left with a system that is worth far less than Pierce had led them to believe, US Attorney Geoffrey Berman said in a statement. Charged with a count of wire fraud that could bring a 20-year prison sentence, Ms Pierce surrendered to FBI agents last week, according to the US Attorneys office for the southern district of New York. She has not yet entered a plea. Last April, Mr Pai announced that he had appointed Ms Pierce to head the federal communications agencys Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee. She resigned in September. Net neutrality protests in pictures Show all 5 1 /5 Net neutrality protests in pictures Net neutrality protests in pictures Lindsay Chestnut of Baltimore holds a sign that reads "I like My Internet Like I Like my Country Free & Open" as she protests near the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017, where the FCC is scheduled to meet and vote on net neutrality. The vote scheduled today at the FCC, could usher in big changes in how Americans use the internet, a radical departure from more than a decade of federal oversight AP Net neutrality protests in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images Net neutrality protests in pictures Demonstrators rally outside the Federal Communication Commission building to protest against the end of net nutrality rules December 14, 2017 in Washington, DC. Lead by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, the commission is expected to do away with Obama Administration rules that prevented internet service providers from creating differnt levels of service and blocking or promoting individual companies and organizations on their systems. Getty Images A spokesman for the Federal Communications Commission declined to comment on the allegations against Ms Pierce. An attorney for Ms Pierce did not respond to a request for comment. Net Neutrality: Ajit Pai and FCC scraps online regulation changing how the internet works The company for which Ms Pierce formerly served as CEO, Anchorage-based Quintillion, said in a statement that it has been cooperating with federal investigators.Quintillion continues to move aggressively to extend its network and provide world-class telecommunications to Alaska and beyond, the statement said. CIA director Mike Pompeo reportedly travelled to North Korea for a secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ahead of planned talks between Mr Kim and Donald Trump. The Easter weekend meeting, initially reported by the Washington Post, would represent remarkable high-level contact between two nations that have turned to diplomacy after months of escalating martial rhetoric. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders declined to confirm the story, saying: The administration does not comment on the CIA Directors travel. After Pyongyang spent the first stretch of Mr Trumps presidency testing intercontinental ballistic missiles while threatening to annihilate neighbouring nations and US territories, the North Korean regime used the Winter Olympics in South Korea to pivot towards negotiations. Meetings between North Korean and South Korean officials led to South Korean officials conveying an extraordinary offer from Mr Kim to meet with Mr Trump and seek denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Mr Trump accepted the proposal, and he cryptically hinted at direct talks at very high levels with North Korea this week in saying he expected the talks would occur by June. North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Show all 20 1 /20 North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border People have their picture taken with North Korea in the background, in Tumen, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A North Korean woman is photographed from the Chinese side of the Yalu River near the town of Changbai, China as she walks between houses in the North Korean town of Hyesan. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean souvenirs are displayed for sale on the banks of the Yalu River in Dandong in Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A large screen, which faces North Korea, broadcasts propaganda videos on an island on the Yalu River between North Korea and China, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A piece of clothing is used to make a gap in barbed wire near the closed bridge over the Yalu River on the Chinese side of the border with North Korea between towns of Ji'an and Linjiang, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea showed places where it is porous. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A tourist uses binoculars to look across to North Korea from a tower built on the Chinese side of the border between Russia (L), China (C) and North Korea (R) near the town of Hunchun in China. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women participate in a group dance exercise close to the Yalu River which runs between China and North Korea, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A sign reading, "Take the initiative to preserve order along the border," stands in a field at the border between China and North Korea just outside Dandong, Liaoning province, China. Reuters North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A couple prepare for a wedding photography session on a boat which takes tourists on sightseeing tours from the Chinese side of the Yalu River, close to the shores of North Korea, near Dandong, Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Tourists travel on a boat taking them from the Chinese side of the Yalu River for sightseeing close to the shores of North Korea, near Dandong, Liaoning province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women walk across a bridge from an island on the Yalu River, dividing North Korea and China, in the town of Linjiang in Jilin province, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A North Korean soldier and locals are photographed from the Chinese side of the border north of Dandong, China as they stand on the banks of the Yalu River, north of Sinuiju, North Korea. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean girls are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they collect water from the frozen Yalu River near Linjiang, China. A week-long road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea revealed stark contrasts between China's bright towns and North Korea's dark villages. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border A man looks through binoculars towards North Korea on the Broken Bridge over the Yalu River that connects the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in Liaoning Province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand next to the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Korean fishermen are seen as a Chinese flag flutters from the Broken Bridge as the sun sets over the Yalu River between the North Korean town of Sinuiju and Dandong in Liaoning Province, China. In the Chinese city of Dandong, signs of neighbouring North Korea are pervasive. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border North Koreans are photographed from the Chinese side of the border as they stand in the freezing Yalu River near the town of Linjiang, China. On a road trip along China's side of its border with North Korea, reporters found a group of North Koreans diving in the Yalu river who the Chinese locals said were searching for gold. REUTERS North Korea: A road trip on the edge of the Chinese border Women, photographed from the Chinese side of the border, are seen through binoculars fixed on a building on the Chinese side of the border for sightseers to look across to North Korea, as they cross the bridge from Namyang in North Korea towards the town of Tumen in China, Reuters Later in the day, after Mr Trump appeared to suggest he had spoken directly with Mr Kim, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders clarified that the administration has had talks at the highest levels but that that they were not with him directly. Already a key member of the Trump administrations foreign policy team as head of the CIA, Mr Pompeo has been nominated to replace Rex Tillerson as secretary of state. As Americas top diplomatic official, he would play a critical role in managing relations with North Korea. During confirmation hearings before the US Senate, Mr Pompeo telegraphed skepticism about talks with Pyongyang yielding a deal to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons programme, saying no one is under any illusions. North Korea indicates it could give up nuclear weapons, according to the South Nevertheless, he said, a meeting could set us down the course to achieve a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need. The looming meeting between Mr Trump and Mr Kim, which would be the first time the leaders of the two countries encounter one another face-to-face, has nourished hopes of a broader breakthrough in a part of the world that in preceding months had sparked fears of nuclear war. A South Korean official said this week that he hoped talks between his nation and the North could lead to a peace treaty concluding the Korean War, which ended in a 1953 truce. Mr Trump embraced that possibility, saying they do have my blessing to discuss the end of the war. Subject to a deal they have my blessing and they do have my blessing to discuss that, he said. Americas ambassador to the United Nations rebuked a fellow Trump aides suggestion that she was confused in announcing new sanctions on Russian firms. With all due respect, I dont get confused, ambassador Nikki Haley told Fox News. Her comment was a response to National Economic Council chairman Larry Kudlows saying earlier in the day that Ms Haley got ahead of the curve. There might have been some momentary confusion about that, Mr Kudlow told reporters. The administration has sent mixed messages about imposing additional sanctions in recent days. While Ms Haley on Sunday pointed to imminent penalties on Russian businesses connected to Syrias chemical weapons programme, subsequent reports said Donald Trump had not yet decided whether to sign off on new sanctions. Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Show all 13 1 /13 Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The wreckage of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre in the Barzeh district, north of Damascus, which was targeted by the US, UK and France air strikes. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier films the damage of the Syrian Scientific Research Center surrounded by papers and rubble. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Firefighrers extinguish smoke that rises from the damage. The Pentagon says none of the missiles filed by the U.S. and its allies was deflected by Syrian air defenses, rebutting claims by the Russian and Syrian governments. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The wreckage of part of the Scientific Studies and Research Centre compound . AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Part of a building collapsing, surrounded by the wreckage. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Further damaged to the Scientific Studies and Research Centre compound. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, the director of the Joint Staff at the Pentagon, also says there also is no indication that Russian air defense systems were employed early Saturday in Syria. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier sprays water on the wreckage. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Syrian state news agency SANA reported several missiles hit a research centre in Barzeh, north of Damascus, "destroying a building that included scientific labs and a training centre". AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage A Syrian soldier films the damage. AP Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Damage to the Scientific Research Center building that was hit by the strikes. EPA Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage The Scientific Studies and Research Centre was one of the targeted buildings by the US, UK and France. AFP/Getty Syria bombings: US, UK and French military air strikes wreckage Further damage to the centre. EPA The President has been clear that he's going to be tough on Russia. But at the same time, he'd still like to have a good relationship with them, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters the day after Ms Haleys initial comment, adding that were continuing to evaluate a number of sanctions. US to impose new sanctions on Russia in wake of Syria chemical attack, says UN ambassador Nikki Haley In announcing joint military strikes on Syrias chemical weapons facilities with the UK and France, Mr Trump specifically lambasted Russia for its support of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad, saying Russia must decide if it will continue down this dark path, or if it will join with civilised nations as a force for stability and peace. But Mr Trump has also repeatedly professed admiration for Russian president Vladimir Putin and has cast doubts on intelligence assessments that Mr Putin directed a broad offensive intended to disrupt the 2016 presidential election. Earlier this year the administration delayed imposing congressionally mandated sanctions on Russia for election meddling. Police in Tajikistan shaved the beards of nearly 13,000 men and convinced 1,770 women to stop wearing the hijab in the last year in a bid to tackle foreign influences, it has been reported. At a press conference yesterday, the Muslim-majority central Asian countrys law enforcement services revealed that the facial hair of 12,818 men had been brought to order for being overly long and unkempt, according to the Radio Liberty news site. Bahrom Sharifzoda, the head of the countrys Khatlon regions police force, also announced that officials had closed 162 shops selling traditional Muslim clothing, including the womens headscarf, and that 1,773 females had been persuaded to ditch the garment. The measures are part of the secular leaderships efforts to battle apparent radicalism and unwelcome traditions from neighbouring Afghanistan, according to Aljazeera. The news site reports that, in recent months, the countrys parliament has voted to ban Arabic-sounding foreign names and marriages between first cousins, while its Supreme Court has banned the countrys sole Islamic political party, the Islamic Renaissance Party of Tajikistan. President Emomali Rahmon, who has been in power since 1992, has worked to promote secularism in the country and has been seen to discourage beliefs and practices that could cause the country instability. In December, Rahmon and his family were granted lifetime immunity from prosecution, with the parliament officially giving him the title of leader of the nation and the founder of peace and national unity of Tajikistan. The republic of Tajikistan became independent from the Soviet Union in 1991. Last May, the countrys national security suffered a setback when Colonel Gulmurod Khalimov, commander of the special-purpose police unit of the Interior Ministry, reportedly joined the Islamic State group. Austrias chancellor has faced ridicule in his home country after his partys press team doctored a photograph of him to remove an image of a woman appearing to smoke a massive joint. Sebastian Kurz was pictured during an official visit to the western Austrian state of Vorarlberg, where he met regional governor and OVP party colleague Markus Wallner. A photograph of the pair posted on social media to illustrate the visit showed the two politicians talking in front of a framed picture of a wholesome mountain landscape. Eagle-eyed Austrian social media users however quickly found the original photograph, which showed the real picture frame actually contained the image of a woman smoking a suspiciously large hand-rolled cigarette before it was sanitised for the public by the governors aides. The incident fired the imagination of meme-lovers across the country, who produced their own photoshopped versions with different images in the picture frame including some of other Austrian politicians smoking cigarettes, and satirical references to issues of the day. If the governing coalition had not overturned the smoking ban, would such images in restaurants already be banned or am I mistaken? joked one user, David Hofel on Mr Wallners Facebook page a reference to one of the governments recent policies. Opposition politicians seized on the incident, which they suggested was emblematic of the politicians slick and highly controlled public images. This may seem superficially funny. In principle, however, it is about deliberate falsification of information on behalf of a governor, centre-left SPO member of parliament Manuela Auer said, according to local news outlet Vorarlberg Online. Therefore, it is important to take a closer look. The crucial question is: can it be ruled out that this is an isolated case? The opposition party is planning to launch an inquiry into whether such manipulation of photographs is route in the governors office. From history, we know how sensitive it is to distort information. In a democracy, such a process is unforgivable, Ms Auer added. In a statement released after the furore, Mr Wallner apologised for the photoshopping. 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 you may have noticed, my social media team unfortunately has been an unfortunate mistake, he said. The fact that the image was changed subsequently was not all right, but at the same time the first and only time that this was done on my side. We would like to apologise for that. Mr Kurz is Europes youngest leader, born in 1986 and currently aged just 31. A right-wing conservative, he is in coalition with the support of the far-right FPO. A doctor who wrote a fake sick note to help a patient cancel her expensive gym membership has been cleared of malpractice. Fitness centres in Belgium regularly use inflexible contracts which can only be broken without penalty as a result of intervention from a doctor. The Belgian Order of Physicians cleared the doctor of malpractice on the grounds he acted in his social role, The Guardian reported. 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 doctor had admitted writing the note because he did not believe she had the money to pay for the contract, which cost 70-a-month (60) and was due to run for 18 months longer. He told the watchdog he had a responsibility to help his patient, adding: At these fitness clubs there are often really tight contracts that you almost cant get rid of. However, the director of the professional association of gyms in Belgium branded the decision unacceptable. A doctor has to judge your health, not whether it was a good idea to conclude such a contract, he said, according to The Guardian. Will a doctor now judge your contract with your energy supplier, or with your internet provider? Close Irish abortion referendum: The moment it was announced Ireland voted 66% in favour of repealing the eighth amendment Ireland has voted 'Yes' to end the countrys ban on abortion after a historic referendum. Voters were deciding whether to repeal the eighth amendment of the countrys constitution, which recognises the equal right to life of both mother and unborn child, effectively banning terminations. This amendment has been in place since 1983, and the campaign to repeal it rapidly picked up steam in recent years, spurred on by cases such as the death of Savita Halappanavar in 2012. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load Irish prime minister Leo Varadkar said the referendum result marked the day Ireland stepped out from under the last of our shadows and into the light, and he hailed the vote as a quiet revolution. Repealing the amendment will allow the Irish government to legislate on abortion as they see fit, most likely allowing terminations within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The two biggest parties in the country, Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, allowed members to take a free position on the issue, while Sinn Fein and Labour officially backed a Yes vote. You can follow the days events here and on our Facebook group. The husband of murdered investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia has said he believes the architect of her murder is being protected by members of Maltas government. Six months after the brutal killing of his wife with a car bomb, Peter Caruana Galizia said political interests were interfering in the investigation into her death. He said the three men currently awaiting trial over the killing were simply contractors and he feared the mastermind behind the attack would never be brought to justice. Recommended Three men charged with murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia It is clear to us that the three men arraigned so far are simply contractors commissioned by a third party, he told The Guardian. My sons and I are not convinced that our government really wants to establish who sent them, for fear such persons are in fact very close to our government. For this reason, the truth may never emerge, he added. The three suspects, Vincent Muscat and brothers Geroge and Afred Degiorgio, were charged in December last year. They all entered not guilty pleas. Police believe the person who ordered the bombing is still at large. 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 Maltas prime minister Joseph Muscat has promised to leave no stone unturned in finding who ordered the killing and the countrys justice minister has offered a 1m (870,000) reward in exchange for information leading to their capture. The government has said the murder is being investigated vigorously and police will have whatever resources they need to pursue and prosecute those responsible. Close Corbyn leads debate into Parliament vote on Syria strikes: 'The government is attempting to overturn a democratic advance' A UN security team came under fire in Syria while doing reconnaissance for inspectors to visit sites of a suspected chemical weapons attack, and officials said it was no longer clear when the inspectors would be able to go in. The inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are in Syria to investigate an April 7 incident in which Western countries and rescue workers say scores of civilians were gassed to death by government forces. OPCW Director-General Ahmet Uzumcu said the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) had decided to carry out reconnaissance at two sites in the town of Douma before the inspectors would visit them. On arrival at site one, a large crowd gathered and the advice provided by the UNDSS was that the reconnaissance team should withdraw, he told a meeting at the watchdogs headquarters in remarks it later released. At site two, the team came under small arms fire and an explosive was detonated. The reconnaissance team returned to Damascus. Please allow a moment for the live blog to load US Defense Secretary Jim Mattis blamed the Syrian government for delays in inspectors reaching the sites and said it has a history of trying to clean up the evidence before the investigation team gets in. We are very much aware of the delay that the regime imposed on that delegation but we are also very much aware of how they have operated in the past and seal what they have done using chemical weapons, Mr Mattis said before the start of a meeting with his counterpart from Qatar. The United States, Britain and France fired missiles at Syrian targets on Saturday in retaliation for the suspected chemical use. They say the arrival of the inspectors is being held up by Syrian authorities who now control the area, and that evidence of the chemical attack may be being destroyed. Damascus and its ally Moscow deny that any gas attack took place, that they are holding up the inspections or that they have tampered with evidence at the site. Britains ambassador to the OPCW Peter Wilson said it was now unclear when the inspectors would be able to reach it. The rebel group based in Douma announced its surrender hours after the suspected chemical attack, and the last rebels left a week later, hours after the Western retaliation strikes. The US-led intervention has threatened to escalate confrontation between the West and Bashar al-Assads backer Russia, although it has had no impact on the fighting on the ground, in which pro-government forces have pressed on with a campaign to crush the rebellion. Mr Assad is now in his strongest position since the early months of a seven-year-old civil war that has killed more than 500,000 people and driven more than half of Syrians from their homes. The OPCW team will seek evidence from soil samples, interviews with witnesses, blood, urine or tissue samples from victims and weapon parts. But, more than a week after the suspected attack, hard evidence might be hard to trace. An official close to the Syrian government said the UN security team had been met by protesters demonstrating against the US-led strikes. It was a message from the people, said the official. The mission will continue its work, the official said. Douma was the last town to hold out in the besieged eastern Ghouta enclave, the last big rebel bastion near the capital Damascus. Eastern Ghouta was captured by a government advance over the past two months. Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures A child receiving oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in the rebel-held town of Douma AP Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures A child is treated in a hospital in Douma White Helmets Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures An image grab taken from a video released by the Douma City Coordination Committee shows unidentified volunteers spraying a man with water at a make-shift hospital following an alleged chemical attack AFP/Douma City Coordination Committee Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures People cover their faces after an alleged chemical attack in Douma EPA Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures A medical worker giving a toddler oxygen through respirators following an alleged poison gas attack in the opposition-held town of Douma. Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures An image grab taken from a video released by the Douma City Coordination Committee shows unidentified volunteers spraying a girl with water at a make-shift hospital following an alleged chemical attack AFP/Douma City Coordination Committee Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures A child is treated in a hospital in Douma White Helmets/Handout via Reuters Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures Injured victims of an alleged chemical attack in Douma EPA Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures An image grab taken from a video released by the Douma City Coordination Committee shows unidentified volunteers spraying a man with water at a make-shift hospital following an alleged chemical attack AFP/Douma City Coordination Committee Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures A Syrian man mourns after an alleged chemical attack Alamy Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures People stand in front of damaged buildings, in the town of Douma, the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, near Damascus, Syria AP Photo/Hassan Ammar Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures Rubble lines a street in Douma, at the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack AP Douma chemical attack: Syria war in pictures Rubble fills a street in Douma, the site of a suspected chemical weapons attack, near Damascus AP Syrias UN ambassador said on Tuesday the fact-finding mission would begin its work in Douma on Wednesday if the U.N. security team deemed the situation there safe. The Syrian White Helmets rescue organisation, which operates in rebel-held areas, has pinpointed for the OPCW team the places where victims of the suspected attack are buried, its head Raed Saleh said on Wednesday. Douma hospital workers who stayed in the town after the army recaptured it have said that none of the people injured on the night of the attack were exposed to chemical weapons. Reuters The Yazidis, who were recently the target of massacre, rape and sex slavery by Isis, are now facing forcible conversion to Islam under the threat of death from Turkish-backed forces which captured the Kurdish enclave of Afrin on 18 March. Islamist rebel fighters, who are allied to Turkey and have occupied Yazidi villages in the area, have destroyed the temples and places of worship the Kurdish-speaking non-Islamic sect according to local people. Shekh Qamber, a 63-year-old Syrian Kurdish Yazidi farmer who fled his town of Qastel Jindo in Afrin, described in an exclusive interview with The Independent what happened to Yazidis who refused to leave their homes. He said that some were forcibly brought to a mosque by Islamists to be converted, while others, including a 70-year-old man he knew, were being lured there by offers of food and medical attention. Even the place names of Yazidi villages are being changed. Mr Qamber recounted a conversation he had with an Islamist militant who had arrested and questioned him near the town of Azaz when he was trying to escape. He was asked by his interrogator where he was from and he replied that he was from Qastel Jindo. The Islamist, whose groups often describe themselves as belonging to the Free Syrian Army (FSA), said: its no more Qastel Jindo. Its al-Quds now. We will give it the name of Palestines capital. These areas were occupied by the infidels and now it is [going] back to their original owners and original names ... We came here to regain our lands and behead you. Raqqa's fall: A journey into the heart of Isis failed caliphate Mr Qamber recalls that he replied to this threat to kill him by a saying that what would happen would be by gods will. His interrogator responded: Shut up! You are infidel. Do you really know or believe in god? Mr Qamber said that believed in one god and soon after he was released because, he believes, he was old and sick. He eventually found his way to the main Kurdish enclave in northeast Syria which is protected by the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) backed by US airpower and 2,000 US troops. There are frequent reports that many of the Sunni Arab fighters in the FSA, who are under the command of the Turkish military, are former members of Isis and al-Qaeda. In their own videos, they describe the existing Kurdish population as infidels, using slogans and phrases normally associated with al-Qaeda. Mr Qamder says that the majority of the people in villages around Qastel Jindo, which fell early during the Turkish invasion that began on 20 January, are Yazidis. He says that some villagers fled, but others risked staying because they did not want to lose their houses and lands. These who remained were later taken to the mosque and given lessons in Islamic prayer. In addition, there were there were temples and Yazidi worship houses, but all have been blown up and destroyed by the militants after they entered the village. The Yazidi religion is a mixture of beliefs drawn from Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Mr Qamber said he had spoken to people from the Yazidi villages of Burj Abdalo, Basufane, Faqira, and Tirende and they all said the militants are teaching the Yazidis the Islamic prayer. Mr Qander puts part of the blame for what is happening on his own people who returned to their homes after the initial advance of Turkish army and its Arab auxiliaries. He says that they ought to have known better, going by the terrible fate of the Yazidis in Sinjar [Shingal in Kurdish] in northern Iraq in August 2014 when it was overrun by Isis. He asks: Why dont they learn from the experiences of Shingal where the Yazidi women were taken as sex slaves and our dignity and honour taken? Asked about the present concerns of the Yazidis, many of whom are in refugee camps in northern Syria and Iraq, Mr Qamber said that after the defeat of Isis as a territorial entity they expected that the Turks will attack us, either directly as they did before in Turkey in the 1970s, or indirectly using their allied Islamist Jihadi groups, like Daesh [Isis] or other groups like the so-called Free Syrian Army. Only a limited amount information has been coming out about conditions in Afrin since it was finally captured by the Turkish army and its Arab allies on 18 March. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in its latest report on the Afrin crisis on 16 April says that 137,000 individuals have been displaced from Afrin, while 150,000 remain there, of whom 50,000 are in Afrin City and 100,000 in the countryside. It says that the movement of people is heavily restricted and many who want to return to their homes are not being allowed to pass through checkpoints, which, though it does not identify who is in charge of them, must mean the Turkish military or their Arab auxiliaries inside Afrin, since they are the only authority there. Reports by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), widely seen as neutral or pro-opposition, citing multiple sources in Afrin confirm Mr Qambers account of sectarian and ethnic cleansing by the Turkish army and its Arab allies. It says that it has reliable information that the resettlement of the displaced people of Eastern Ghouta in the Afrin area is still continuing. It says that Abdul Nasser Shamir, the military commander of Faylaq al-Rahman, one of the most important armed groups previously fighting the Syrian government in Eastern Ghouta, has been settled along with his top commanders in a town in Afrin. 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 Other displaced people from Eastern Ghouta are being moved into houses from which their Kurdish inhabitants have fled and are not being allowed to return according to SOHR. It says that refugees from Eastern Ghouta object to what is happening , saying they do not want to settle in Afrin, where the Turkish forces provide them with houses owned by people displaced from Afrin. The Eastern Ghouta refugees say they resent being the instrument of an organised demographic change at the behest of Turkey which would, in effect, replace Kurds with Arabs in Afrin. They say they reject this plan, just as they reject any demographic change orchestrated by the Syrian government and Russia in their own home region of Eastern Ghouta, where shelling killed about 1,800 civilians and injured some 6,000. The SOHR notes that the ethnic cleansing by Turkey of Afrin is being carried out amid a media blackout and and is being ignored internationally. The Yazidi Kurds fear that the slaughter and enslavement they endured at the hands of Isis in Sinjar in 2014 might happen again. Mr Qamber is living safely with his wife Adula Mahmoud Safar to the east of Qamishli, the de facto capital of Rojava as the Kurds call their territory in north east Syria. But he is pessimistic about the future, expecting Turkey to invade the rest of Rojava. He says that many Turkish officials say that if the Kurds live in a tent in Africa, that tent should be destroyed. He adds that because the Turks and their Arab allies see the Yazidis as both infidels and Kurds, they are the doubly jeopardised and will be the biggest losers in any future war waged by Turkey against the Kurds. Have you ever gazed longingly at your Friday evening pint, the condensation dripping seductively down the glass, and thought, Ooh, I could just dive into you? At Bjorboin, Icelands first beer spa, you can do just that. Its curved wooden tubs are filled with a blend of young beer, hops, brewers yeast and essential oils, all designed to soothe the body, nourish the skin and generally leave you with the kind of dewy-faced glow that you usually get from, well, a few beers. Bjorboin opened its doors last year and is part of Bruggsmidjan Kaldi, which was Icelands first microbrewery when it opened in 2006. Its perched on the edge of the Eyjafjorur fjord in the area of Arskogssandur, about a half-hour drive from the city of Akureyri in northern Iceland. Having a glass of beer or two is like having a glass of wine or two, says Sigurur Bragi Olafsson, one of the founders. Beer isnt unhealthy, its the amount you drink that makes it unhealthy. Beer can be really healthy when its unfiltered and made properly it can be rejuvenating for your digestive system. But first and foremost its part of the experience here. So what exactly goes into the bath? First off, its the geothermal water that Iceland is renowned for. Mixed with that is whats called a young beer, which is unfermented and free of yeast. Then brewers yeast is added in, which is packed with vitamin B, so great for the skin. A few hops are scattered in, along with some essential oils (theyre tightlipped on which), bath salts and a bit of their own beer soap. In total, its 300 litres of beery, mineral-filled water although they wont disclose the exact ratio. Young beer and hops are mixed with essential oils (Bjorboin) On the day I visited, the drive took a hell of a lot longer than that promised half hour, with heavy snow blocking the view of everything more than a few metres away. I wasnt even aware that we were near the water until we arrived and crunched through thigh-high snow to see the angry grey waves crashing violently. For a brief moment, I was picked up by the wind and deposited a few inches to my left; a man tried to walk towards the water and was nearly swept off the surface of the earth. In short? It was the perfect day for a hot bath. Inside, the decor is blissfully chic and cocoon-like, with copper finishings and navy velvet couches overlooking the battering waves outside (there are outdoor hot tubs too, which were understandably out of action on my visit). When you enter the spa, youre given fluffy towels and robes; and, unlike many Icelandic public baths, youre not yelled at in the showers before entering. Beer baths come with adjacent beer taps (Bjorboin) You get your own room, with a beautiful tub made from Kambala wood from Ghana (it can fit two, if you want to bathe with a buddy). And you come to it already filled with litres upon litres of beer. I have to admit, the bath itself didnt look too appealing. A murky orangey brown colour, complete with little flecks of green (raw hops) floating ominously on the surface, didnt exactly scream leap in. But Ive never met a bath I didnt like and as I eased into the piping hot water, the herbal fumes wafting in the air, my whole body melted and I was converted. The spa is part of Icelands first microbrewery (Bjorboin) Once youre in, theres not much to do other than lay back, scrub yourself with those little green hops, listen to the music being piped into the room, and help yourself to a beer from the tap next to the bath. Thats right each room comes with its own beer tap, with an unlimited supply from which to refill your glass. The beer that youll be sipping is Bjorboins flagship Kaldi, a Czech-style pilsner, its most popular brew. Just as well because with the added ingredients, you wont be supping from the bathwater (though, in the name of research, I took the teeniest, tiniest sip it tastes, unsurprisingly, like bathwater). You soak for about 25 minutes before a knock on the door invites you to head up to the relaxation room (youre supposed to skip the shower and leave the oils on your skin for maximum benefit). Enjoy a communal nap in the relaxation room (Bjorboin ) (Bjorboin) Here lies the real treat. I padded up plushly carpeted stairs to the eaves of the building, where two rows of day beds were occupied with post-soakers nestled under blankets. Soon after lying down, a woman covered me with a sheet and gently stroked my legs, before tucking me under a warm blanket of my own. I wont lie the sensation of being tucked in as an adult, surrounded by other dozing grown ups, gave me a swift and raucous case of silent, heaving giggles. But when they dissipated, I was left listening to the howling winds battering outside, feeling like a snug and cosy burrito. Squeaky clean and ever so slightly buzzed from my glass of beer, one things for certain: there are worse ways to wait out a snowstorm. Travel essentials Getting there Icelandair and Air Iceland Connect fly from Heathrow, Manchester and Glasgow via Reykjavik from 350. Staying there Hrafninn Guesthouse has doubles from 66, B&B. More information A couples bath costs 14,900 ISK (107) and a singles bath 7,900 ISK (57). A session in the outdoor hot tub is 2,000 ISK (14). Visit: bjorbodin.is / inspiredbyiceland.com / northiceland.is In an up and coming pocket of central Athens, 10 Greeks run a restaurant with a unique point of difference. Theio Tragi (Holy Goat), a short walk from the ruins of the Acropolis and the foundations of western democracy, is Athens first anarchists restaurant. Everyone, from the pot washer to the chefs and waiters is all on the same salary here, explains Marko Marmatakis one of three chefs cooking up haute cuisine for us tonight. In my opinion, when someone works, it has the same value for everyone. It doesnt matter what I do. Ok, maybe I can cut meat into hyper thin slices, but maybe someone else in the group can mix a cocktail better than I can. Everyone is just as valuable as the next person, so we are all paid exactly the same. Having met as punks in Exarcheia the area in which riots, demonstrations and molotov cocktails are seen regularly and well documented by the Greek media the founders bonded over a communal distaste for authority. Not surprising, considering the state of Greeces economy, with harsh government cuts hitting the people hard. Most of the cooperative members are new to their jobs (Chronis Potidis) It has been in our culture to become a little anti-establishment because weve grown into adulthood in this unstable period for Greece, says Marmatakis. Were all into punk music and weve all had a history of going to demonstrations in Exarcheia. It seems natural that we would move into doing something of our own and against the norm. In the midst of the financial crisis and between jobs (Greeces current unemployment rate is the highest in Europe) all 10 members of the Theio Tragi cooperative banded together to pool money together to raise the capital for a cheap spot in central Athens. Amidst violent protests, petrol bombs and complete political upheaval, this restaurant has seen its clientele increase and its popularity surge. The crowd ranges from middle class Athenians in their seventies to hipsters and tourists. And there isnt a shaved head in sight. In fact, the restaurant is so successful that it's transferring to the island of Tinos for a residency this summer in July and August. The restaurant is run by a 10-strong cooperative (Chronis Potidis) Roles here are completely interchangeable, allowing each member of the team to define their own position and add value in their own way. Vasilis Hontos hadnt even worked as a barman before stepping up to the job. Now, they all insist, hes one of the best. Many of us have changed our careers and roles since we started here and because we work in this cooperative way, weve had the freedom to do that, says Marmatakis, who had worked as a cook, secondary to sous chefs and head chefs at a string of restaurants for eight years before finally being able to invent his own dishes at Theio Tragi. Were all about equality and we dont believe in benefiting from others misfortunes, says Alexandros Karakechagias our mixologist for the night. Clean-shaven and neatly turned out for tonights service, he isnt quite the picture of anarchy, but neither is the restaurant. Framed No Hippies Allowed prints and photography at iconic punk concerts may well line the walls but the restaurants interiors are as tightly composed as its progressive menu. The restaurant is near the Acropolis (Chronis Potidis) Far from the ubiquitous Greek salad and grilled meat selection, the Holy Goat is serving up Mediterranean flavours with a flare and elegance not so synonymous with the traditional taverna. Were innovative in the sense that we offer gourmet food at affordable prices, says Marmatakis about the experimental set menu. The same goes for the cocktails and the wine list here. Modern European cuisine, from Nicoise salads of tuna tartare and sweet pepper puree to tarama gnocci and deconstructed tiramisu (the best Ive ever tasted) is not what you might expect from a punk restaurant in defiance of the establishment, but thats not the point. The food is unlike traditional taverna fare (Chronis Potidis) The food goes with the whole experience, explains Marmatakis. Because we work as a cooperative, were able to do what we like and what we want to do. No one is going to tell me not to do something in the kitchen because I dont have a boss, so weve been able to be completely creative with what we serve here. The cocktail list features playful concoctions like Cucumber Hellfire a cucumber and chilli mix thats spicy and refreshing in surprisingly equal measure. Stripping the system of hierarchies, this group of punks is less disruptive than it is an example of how modern Greece is coming up with new ideas in a post-crisis environment. Far from the picture painted by the local media of angry, molotov-making youths setting fire to police cars, the anarchists at Theio Tragi are an example of the creative and counterintuitive young people getting Athens moving again. Travel essentials Getting there Aegean flies from Heathrow from 164 return. Staying there Andronis Athens has doubles from 120, B&B. More information theholygoat.gr As around 40,000 passengers on Air France find their flights cancelled because of strikes, a new ruling at the European Court of Justice could mean they are entitled to hundreds of euros in compensation. The court was asked to rule in a case concerning TUIfly, the German airline belonging to the giant TUI travel company. In October 2016, rates of staff absenteeism due to illness among TUIfly staff soared from around 10 per cent to as much as 89 per cent among pilots and 62 per cent for cabin crew. It was regarded as a wildcat strike in protest at restructuring plans at the airline. Recommended Ryanair court case shows why flight delay compensation is flawed As a result, dozens of flights were cancelled and tens of thousands of passengers had their journeys disrupted. Under European passengers rights rules, known as EC261/2004, cancellations and long delays trigger cash compensation payouts of between 250 and 600. But TUIfly rejected claims on the grounds that the strike amounted to an extraordinary circumstance, which allows airlines to avoid paying compensation. A number of cases were brought in the German courts, which asked European judges to rule. They concluded: The spontaneous absence of a significant part of the flight crew staff (wildcat strikes) which stems from the surprise announcement by an operating air carrier of a restructuring of the undertaking, following a call echoed not by the staff representatives of the company but spontaneously by the workers themselves who placed themselves on sick leave, is not covered by the concept of extraordinary circumstances within the meaning of that provision. Bott & Co, a Cheshire law firm which specialises in flight compensation claims, said: The ruling that staff strikes should not be classed as extraordinary circumstances is worth tens of millions of pounds in compensation a year to passengers and will be legally binding throughout Europe and will hold precedent in UK cases. However, it is likely that further cases will be tested in the British courts, with airlines contesting whether official strikes such as the British Airways cabin crew dispute in 2017 are covered by the judgment. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the UK airline regulator, welcomed the judgment for the clarity it provides to consumers who are impacted by wildcat strikes. A spokesperson for the CAA said: This ruling means that any passenger who has been impacted by wildcat strike action can pursue a claim for compensation under EU261. This also means that any passenger who feels that a previous claim was refused on the basis of the disruption being as a result of wildcat strike action, could now go back to their airline and request their claim is reviewed. Airlines whose operations are disrupted by strikes already have a strict duty of care to passengers. They are required to pay for meals and accommodation when necessary after cancellations and long delays. But it has always been thought that to add the obligation of compensation would give trade unions an unreasonable amount of power. For Air Frances latest two-day strike alone, the bill for compensation could reach 50m (43m). On a sunny afternoon at the Gasi beach landing site on Kenyas Indian Ocean coast, Juma Said Mkuu scoops a handful of sardines in his hand. These were caught overnight, he explains as a fisherman and fishmonger negotiate the price of the sardines. Mr Mkuu is a fisherman and the chairperson of the Gasi Beach Management Unit, south of the city of Mombasa. He has been fishing for 20 years and explains the transformation in his lifestyle since he ditched using beach seine nets and embraced ring-nets, which came to Kenya from neighbouring Tanzania. The ring-net has transformed my life, I now own a permanent brick house and I am comfortably able to pay to take my children through high school, Mr Mkuu says. His story is synonymous with other fishermen at Gasi, which is a prominent fish trading centre. The ring-net fishing gear derives it name from metal rings fitted at the bottom of the net to help it sink when cast into the ocean. It first made its way into Kenyan waters in the early 1990s from nearby Tanzanian islands of Pemba and Zanzibar. The net is fitted with several buoys at the sides to prevent it from fully sinking, and is operated by a crew of 15 to 40 fishermen on a mother boat and several support boats. The net was quickly adopted by local of fishermen. They had been using illegal methods such as the beach seine net, spear guns, and dynamite, which involves setting off explosives on coral reefs to stun fish to the surface. Artisanal fishing gear including beach seines, spear guns and gillnets caused the most damage to the corals that are food and habitat to about one third of marine fish species, according to a report published by the US National Centre of Biotechnology Information. Local researchers found that 68 per cent of fish caught using beach seine nets, still being used illegally further north along Kenya's coastline at Lamu, were juvenile fish with approximately 6.5 percent of the catch being discarded due to being invaluable or inedible. The experts also say spear guns damage coral reefs when they hit the corals, which they say can take more than 20 years to grow back. However, the introduction of the nets was vehemently opposed by a section of fishermen in the region and this prompted Kenya's government initially to suspend their use between 2009 and 2010 as researchers and policy makers drafted laws to govern the use of the nets. Cosmas Munga, a senior lecturer at the Technical University of Mombasa who has researched extensively on fishing gear, says the part of the reason why the gear was then legalised was to encourage fishermen to fish away from the shores to cut the risk of interfering with corals. Ring-nets target larger fish, 250 grams and above, and in most cases such species are pelagic meaning they are found in areas which are neither deep nor shallow, Dr Munga says. For a long time local fishermen have been using methods such as the spear gun and beach seine that have been attributed to the destruction of the coral and sea grass. Munga admits that if not properly used, the nets can cause destruction of the coral hence the reason why the government has been educating fishermen on effective use of the net as they await the passing of a set of laws drafted to govern use of the nets. The draft laws state that among other laws the net should not be used in areas where the depth is less than 20 metres and areas which are less than three miles away from the shore. However, even before the law is passed, local Beach Management Units are already enforcing the fishing rules to ensure that environmental conservation standards are upheld in their units. Before you are accepted as a member into our Beach Management Unit, you have to prove that you can adhere to the rules here, like avoiding fishing on shallow waters, that your mesh size is not less than 2.5 inches, and you should avoid setting your net in areas where you have spotted turtles and dolphins, Mr Mkuu says Where by-catch is trapped in the net, the beach management unit encourages the fishermen to release them back into the ocean when still alive, he added. Statistics from the department of fisheries indicated that as of 2016, there were more than 70 ring-net gears being used along the Kenyan coast which has a capability of producing more than one million tonnes of fish annually. In a bid to increase fishing productivity, the Kwale County government in 2016 rolled out a programme to distribute fishing vessels and ring-nets to beach management units. According to the County Director of Fisheries, Martin Kiogora, the ambitious project is to help minimize the reliance on imported fish to meet local demand. This article is reproduced here as part of the Giants Club African Conservation Journalism Fellowships, a programme of the charity Space for Giants and supported by the owner of ESI Media, which includes independent.co.uk. It aims to expand the reach of conservation and environmental journalism in Africa, and bring more African voices into the international conservation debate. Read the original story here Labour is two parties now. The pretence that Jeremy Corbyn and his centrist MPs belong in the same one has been shattered by recent events. While the spotlight was on domestic policy and Brexit, Labours two tribes just about held it together. Some Corbynsceptics even acknowledged they had got him wrong after his brilliant performance at the general election, called a year ago today. The truce was always fragile. It ended last month after Sergei Skripal and his daughter were poisoned by a nerve agent at Skripals Salisbury home. Corbyns refusal to unequivocally blame Russia highlighted his foreign policy, exposing the gulf with some Labour MPs. Then further evidence of antisemitism in the Labour Party reminded his critics that, while no one accuses him of holding such views, he has been slow to tackle it. The chemical weapons attack in Douma, Syria, shifted the spotlight to foreign intervention. Corbyn was in tune with public opinion in opposing the air strikes by the United States, France and Britain. The long shadow cast by Iraq works in his favour. But a sizeable number of Labour MPs, including some who regret voting against air strikes in 2013 because the West missed a chance to topple Bashar al-Assad, viewed Corbyns call for United Nations approval as his latest excuse for inaction because he knew full well that Russia would wield its veto. Protests against Labour antisemitism Show all 14 1 /14 Protests against Labour antisemitism Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters clashed during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of the Jewish community hold a protest against Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn and antisemitism in the Labour Party AFP/Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Protesters hold placards and flags during a demonstration, organised by the British Board of Jewish Deputies for those who oppose antisemitism, in Parliament Square Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square to protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP Luciana Berger speaks during the protest PA Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester blows through a shofar during the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism Members of London's Jewish community protest in support of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn outside parliament EPA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour MP John Mann speaks during a protest against antisemitism PA Protests against Labour antisemitism People protest against antisemitism in the Labour Party as Jewish community leaders have launched a scathing attack on Jeremy Corbyn, claiming he has sided with antisemites again and again PA Protests against Labour antisemitism Labour politicians Stella Creasy and Chuka Umunna leave after attending the demonstration Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A pro-Jeremy Corbyn protester holds a placard during a counter-protest Getty Protests against Labour antisemitism A support of the Labour Party hold up a placard during the demonstration Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism Jeremy Corbyn supporters during the demo Reuters Protests against Labour antisemitism A protester holds up a sign reading For the many, not the Jew AFP Corbyn tried to unite his party by staging an emergency debate on the need for a War Powers Act rather than on last weekends bombing. But during two days of Commons discussion, his centrist critics turned their fire to Corbyns non-interventionist policy and 52 abstained in protest at the end of Tuesdays debate. Then Labours deep divisions were displayed again in a Commons debate on antisemitism, with Labour MPs Luciana Berger and Ruth Smeeth giving harrowing stories about the terrible abuse they have suffered. Corbyn cant be held responsible for every tweet by overzealous acolytes who do not act in his name, but he was warned about the problem two years ago and has shown a failure of leadership in not tackling it. The problem is that the things that have been said over the past two days cannot be unsaid. The mood inside the Parliamentary Labour Party has changed. There is no longer any pretence, said one MP critic. The level of despair is back to mid-2016 (when 80 per cent of Labour MPs declared they had no confidence in Corbyn). Where does it go? There wont be another kamikaze leadership challenge; Corbyn retains the support of the overwhelming majority of Labours 550,000 members. But some of his MPs believe his approach to security matters makes him unfit to be prime minister, and so its no surprise that chatter about a breakaway centre party has revived. There is undoubtedly a gap in the market: Corbyn would head the most left-wing government in the countrys history, while the scandalous treatment of the Windrush generation migrants from the Caribbean remind us of the Conservative Partys nasty side under its present leader. Jeremy Corbyn condemns UK involvement in 'legally questionable' air strikes I suspect that opinion polls will show a potential opening for a new force. But filling the gap will be hellishly difficult under our archaic first-past-the-post system, which the Tories and Labour keep on life support out of self-interest. Ukips rise was fuelled by the proportional system used in European Parliament elections. A new party would need a lot more than the 50m put aside by businessman Simon Franks. It would take a sizeable number of Labour MPs to have credibility. The Liberal Democrats, less tribal under Sir Vince Cable, would probably merge into it. It would also need a leader a British Emmanuel Macron. Team Corbyn certainly frets about a centre party. Not because it would do a Macron and sweep the board, but because the breakaway SDP helped Margaret Thatcher win thumping majorities in 1983 and 1987 by splitting the centre-left vote. There are still things Corbyn can do to prevent the unofficial split becoming formal and hold his party together. He should make it clear to his grassroots followers that MPs who have spoken out on antisemitism should not be deselected. He should abandon plans to make it easier for local parties to sack MPs through trigger ballots. Corbyn has one last chance to get a grip on antisemitism with the arrival of Jennie Formby as Labours general secretary and his meetings with Jewish leaders next week. He should ensure tough disciplinary action against those found guilty, which will mean upsetting old friends and there being no way back for Ken Livingstone. I doubt well see a new centre party soon. There are some Labour figures who think that the parliamentary votes on the Brexit deal will provide an outside chance of a realignment involving pro-European Labour, Lib Dems and even a few Tory MPs. Dont hold your breath on that one. There is no guarantee anything will happen at all. Breaking up is hard to do. Corbyn critics may play a waiting game, until the battle for the soul of the party that would break out if it doesnt win the next election. But the chances of a breakaway have increased in the six weeks since Salisbury. As another Labour MP put it: We cant go on like this. Weve been sticking together for the sake of the kids. Now theyre going off to uni and weve got to decide what to do. Irelands communications minister has denied passing insider information to a PR executive amid claims he tipped him off about plans to refer a proposed media takeover to a regulator. Denis Naughten told the Dail it would have been preferable if the conversation with the executive about Independent News and Medias planned buyout of Celtic Media had not taken place, but he insisted he had acted within the letter of the law. I have nothing to hide in relation to this, he said. Mr Naughten made an unscheduled statement to the Dail to respond to claims that the PR firm subsequently passed details of the discussion to a senior figure within INM, two months before the referral to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) was officially announced. It may have been preferable if the conversation had not taken placeDenis Naughten The minister acknowledged that he told Heneghan PRs Eoghan O Neachtain a former Government press secretary that his personal view was a referral to the BAI was likely, but he said he stressed to him that the definitive decision would be based on future advice of officials. Opposition leaders in the Dail raised concerns about the claims reported by the Irish Times, in particular that Heneghan PR was acting for INM and forwarded Mr Naughtens position to then INM chairman Leslie Buckley, who in turn, it is claimed, sent it to INMs largest shareholder Denis OBrien. INM later dropped plans to buy the seven regional newspaper titles owned by Celtic Media. Mr Naughten said there were clear guidelines on media plurality and concentration of ownership that indicated a referral was always likely, given Mr OBriens already significant interests in the Irish media landscape. In fact I would have failed in my responsibilities under the law if I did not do so and would have been criticised in the House for not doing so, he said. The minister added: There is nothing wrong or inappropriate for me as a minister saying to anyone or the public that if the plan for a media merger continues I would take advice on sending it to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland. This is not inside information, but simply a reflection of the legislation itself. I had no inside information to give. It may have been preferable if the conversation had not taken place but I was by no means expressing a definitive view, nor could I do so at that time, nor did I state that the view expressed was a confidential one, as the article seems to assert. Expand Close Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also said it would have been better if the conversation had not taken place (Niall Carson/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also said it would have been better if the conversation had not taken place (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Naughten was pressed by Fianna Fail TD Timmy Dooley to explain comments he made in the Dail around a month later, in December 2016, when he stated it would not be appropriate to make his views on the planned takeover known. The minister again insisted he had not passed on insider information to Mr O Neachtain . Wednesdays Irish Times report alleged that the episode forms part of the affidavit compiled by Irelands corporate watchdog as part of its bid to have inspectors appointed to probe governance arrangements at INM. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) has applied to the High Court for permission to inspect the workings of INM a legal move the media giant is opposing. The latest claims were aired in the Dail chamber on Wednesday as the INM controversy again dominated exchanges between the Government and opposition parties. Earlier, during leaders questions, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said it would have been better if the minister had not spoken to the PR executive. But he insisted Mr Naughten had not compromised sensitive material. None of us have seen this affidavit and this is of course a matter before the courts, he said. I think it is fair to say it would have been better if this conversation had not happened however I am satisfied that minister Naughten did not give any information out that was confidential. There does seem to be some misunderstanding about the nature of this process its not a secret process. He added: It doesnt appear to me that this is sensitive information or confidential information. It may be the case that the PR executive or the lobbyist claimed that it was, but that is part of what lobbyists do they often take information that is publicly available or easily available and present it as being confidential in some way. For all the guff about new politics, is this where we are at now?Mary Lou McDonald Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin expressed concern. This may or may not have been a breach of new market abuse regulations, he told the Dail. He added: Any reading of the situation would seem to suggest that the inside track is alive and well. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald said: For all the guff about new politics, is this where we are at now? That the gold-plated few get access to ministers and get given a heads-up on decisions the minister has taken in advance. What kind of a way is that to conduct politics? Labour leader Brendan Howlin said the claims were extraordinary. INM said it would not comment on the claims for legal reasons. Heneghan PR also declined to comment. An alleged data breach within Independent News and Media represents a very significant threat to freedom of the press in Ireland, the Taoiseach has warned. Leo Varadkar said the Government would be considering legislation to enshrine protection for journalistic sources in the light of the claims surrounding INM. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) in Ireland has launched a High Court bid to have inspectors appointed to probe governance arrangements at the media group, which owns titles including the Irish Independent and Belfast Telegraph. INM is opposing the application to have inspectors appointed. If the probe is sanctioned by the court one of a series of issues it will investigate is the circumstances around an alleged data breach in 2014 which saw the information of a number of INM employees, including high profile journalists, accessed by external companies. Perhaps time has certainly come for government to dust down those reports and give consideration to legislation in this areaLeo Varadkar The incident, which has led to concerns the journalists sources could have been compromised, was discussed on the floor of the Dail on Tuesday. Mr Varadkar was pressed by Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin to introduce laws to protect sources. Mr Martin referenced a number of unactioned official reports that had previously called for more robust legislation to preserve press freedom. The Taoiseach responded: I think given recent revelations yes we are going to have to give consideration to legislation in this area to protect sources. Perhaps time has certainly come for government to dust down those reports and give consideration to legislation in this area. Having an independent news and media is the cornerstone of our democracy, it is after all the Fourth Estate and I believe journalists must be free to pursue stories that they want to pursue, their sources should be protected, free from any unjust interference external or internal. We need the plurality of voices in the media, we need to ensure those voices are not drowned out or silenced and we also need diversity in ownership. Mr Varadkar commended how the media had reported the story of the unfolding events, singling out the work of INM journalists. He added: Reports of the data breaches represent a very significant threat to the freedom of our press however I think the way the media has responded to this threat to date should reassure us that our press will not be silenced. On Monday the High Court heard that businessman and major INM shareholder Denis OBrien is accusing the ODCE of leaking details of its application to have inspectors appointed. Mr OBrien wrote to its director Ian Drennan saying the alleged leaks had damaged his reputation, the court was told. The ODCE denied the claim. Mr Martin told the Dail there was no evidence that the ODCE had been responsible for leaking details of its affidavit in the INM case. There has been no evidence at all to date transparently that they leaked anything and I dont think any agent of the state should really have to work under that sort of intimidatory cloud hanging over them, he said. Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald expressed concern that attempts were being made to silence the ODCE and called on Mr Varadkar to take steps to beef-up its resources. It has emerged the board of LacPatrick Dairies have agreed on pursing a number of strategic options to secure the future of the business. In a statement it's Chairman Andrew McConkey said the move is with a view to identifying the best way forward for the business that is in the interest of its suppliers, shareholders, staff and customers. He said this may or may not include partnerships, joint ventures, mergers and other opportunities to consolidate the dairy industry. The decision by the board of LacPatrick comes following a number of approaches from international and national companies from the sector in recent months, he said. The company currently handles and processes more than 600 million litres of milk from more than 1,000 farmers, with more than 500 million litres coming from suppliers in the North, and the remainder in the Republic, from in and around Monaghan. It has three operations - in Tyrone, Coleraine, and in Monaghan, where it is headquartered. Last month LacPatrick unveiled a "Brexit-proofing" technology centre in Co Tyrone in a 30m investment creating 20 jobs. The site at Artigarvan near Strabane has now doubled its capacity, with a total workforce of 90, and will be able to make two new milk powder products for export. LacPatrick was formed three years ago following a merger between Town of Monaghan Co-Operative - which had a long history of taking milk from Northern Ireland farmers - and Co Antrim's Ballyrashane Co-Operative. Its investment has been supported by Danske Bank. Chief executive Gabriel D'Arcy said: "The new dairy technology centre at Artigarvan will provide security of capacity for local dairy farmers producing milk to the highest standards. The plant provides long-term security to our supplier base and positions the business at the forefront of global dairy technologies. "We are now able to produce two new lines of milk powder for international markets, with the dairy technology centre able to process milk all-year round." Mr D'Arcy said the "core logistical risk of" Brexit has been mitigated by the Artigarvan expansion. As an exporter out of the UK, LacPatrick will be closely monitoring the trading agreements being negotiated by London. Mr D'Arcy added: "We will be focused on driving product development, building relationships with processors seeking access to our technology and expanding our customer base in Asia and the Middle East. "We have made a significant capital investment with the clear purpose of delivering a sustainable return to our suppliers over the coming months and years ahead." Manchester City secured their third premier league title in seven seasons on Sunday with five games still to play. Still this wasn't an unexpected feat. On the farming side a parallel could be drawn on Agriculture Minister Michael Creed's announcement of the re-opening of the Chinese market to Irish beef, a move that was largely expected to occur this year. From speaking to farmers and farm representatives it's clear that the majority have a positive outlook on Ireland's newly announced beef deal with China, but they want this positivity to be reflected in factory prices sooner rather than later. IFA president Joe Healy welcomed the announcement and said that "the opening of the Chinese market, after a lot of hard work, presents the beef sector with an opportunity to build on the progress the Irish dairy and pig meat sectors have made in China in recent years". However, he stressed it must deliver for farmers. ICSA's national beef chair Edmond Graham was more cautious as he remarked: "We have been listening to optimism about China for five years but it is no use to us if it does not result in a price rise." On the immediate price front the news appears to be getting a bit more positive as prices yesterday morning for heifers and bullocks appeared to be edging upwards onto firmer ground. Projected bullock base prices among my sources yesterday ranged from 4.00 to 4.10/kg, while the spread on heifers was from 4.10-4.20/kg. Bulls under 24 months see U grades being paid up to 4.15/kg, while the price for Rs ranged yesterday from 4.00-4.10/kg, with O grades on 3.90-3.95/kg. In relation to under 16-month stock, factories are at present very reluctant to let the R grade base price move above a range of 4.00-4.05/kg. The reason behind this reluctance is simple - a top conformation younger bull can click up to 24c/kg above the base, thus putting them in the region of potentially 4.29/kg or a full 14-19c/kg above the flat price being offered for U grades under 24-months. On the other hand I see the effort and expense of those who are in the younger bull game requiring at least this level of payment to make it some way viable. Steady prices Cull cow prices continue to be steady yet rewarding. R grade cows are being paid up to 3.80/kg by those factories who specialise in the manufacturing beef side of the business, while some others with only a passing interest cannot seem to get past the 3.60/kg mark. Good O grades are making from 3.60-3.40/kg while your better P can match the bottom of the O grade price range at 3.40/kg depending on how good a seller you are. Lesser grade P animals fall away to 3.20/kg as you slip down the conformation and fat score table. One agent I spoke to was strong on the need for farmers to do their research especially when selling cows. "It does no harm to pick up the phone and ring your agent and your neighbours and try to get a feel for the trade," said the agent. Irish beef exporters are gearing up to access potentially lucrative contracts in the vast Asian marketplace of China after shipments were finally green-lit. Ireland is the first European beef exporter to secure access to China, where a growing middle class has helped consumption of beef rise steadily. Meat processors hailed it as an "important breakthrough" after many years of work to access the rapidly growing Chinese beef import market. However, farm bodies have cautioned that farmers must see a dividend from the opening of the market before it can be judged a true success. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said the approval is for frozen boneless beef, but it may be possible to "expand the range of products over time". It has already been flagged that the marketplace could be worth well over 100m even in the early stages. China is already the world's second-biggest beef importer and access for Irish beef is seen as a major win for the industry here. Overall, beef imports to China have increased from under 100,000t in 2012 to around 700,000t last year - and it is expected to double by 2020. That is more than Ireland's total beef exports of 550,000t to all markets last year. It has been hailed as a major achievement for the sector, particularly in light of concerns over Brexit as the UK currently accounts for 50pc of Irish beef imports. The first three Irish plants to be approved are the Goodman-owned ABP Clones in Co Monaghan, Slaney Foods in Co Wexford and Foyle Meats in Co Donegal. Meat Industry Ireland's (MII's) Cormac Healy said they expected the plants would be in a position to start trading with China in "the very near future". It also paves the way for the 50m three-year deal ABP has already signed to supply beef to Chinese restaurant chain Wowprime. A further five factories were also audited, and work will continue to ensure the approval of ABP Nenagh, Kepak Clonee, Liffey Meats, Dawn Meats Charleville and Kildare Chilling. In total, 25 plants throughout Ireland have sought to access the market. "The door has now been opened and there is a real opportunity for the industry to build on this," said Mr Creed after several years of work to gain access following the BSE ban being lifted by Chinese authorities in 2015. Bord Bia's Tara McCarthy said it showed the industry's "strength, reputation and proven track record". Conor Coakley from Co.Cork , the Teagasc/FBD Insurance Student of the Year pictured with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, Fiona Muldoon, Chief Executive of FBD Insurance and Director of Teagasc, Professor Gerry Boyle. The overall winner of the Teagasc/FBD Insurance Student of the Year award was Conor Coakley from Co. Cork and he attended the Teagasc Clonakilty Agricultural College. Conor completed the Teagasc Level 6 advanced dairy progamme and is currently enrolled in Teagasc Professional Diploma in Dairy Farm Management. He intends to establish a dairy herd on the family farm. The Teagasc/FBD Insurance Student of the Year Awards were presented by the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, in Dublin. At the event Minister Creed said a significant pillar of our FoodWise 2025 ambitions is ensuring that the sector has the appropriate human capital inside and outside the farm gate to deliver upon its promise. "Educating and training the brightest and best young farmers is a crucial part of this approach. I am truly delighted to join in todays celebrations and I wish to pay particular tribute to all the finalists. "I am confident that notwithstanding various challenges, the future is very bright indeed for farming in Ireland as reflected by the calibre of those who received awards today. The First Runner-Up Award was presented to Hugh Massey from Co. Limerick and he attended the agricultural college in Pallaskenry. Hugh also completed the Teagasc Level 6 advanced dairy programme and is currently co-managing the dairy herd on the family farm. The Second Runner-Up Award went to Darren Walsh, Co. Mayo who studied at Teagasc Ballina Centre. Darren combines farming with an off farm job. The awards, which are sponsored by FBD Insurance, are made to the top 15 graduates of Teagasc Level 6 agricultural training programmes in 2017. Director of Teagasc, Professor Gerry BoyIe congratulated all of the Students on being finalists in the Student of the Year awards. You have emerged as top of your year of those graduating with their agriculture qualifications in 2017. This is a credit to you and to your families and to the educators in Teagasc and private colleges and in the regional education centres. I would also like to thank FBD Insurance for their continued support, sponsoring the Student of the Year Awards since their inception over three decades ago. Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Fiona Muldoon, Chief Executive of FBD insurance said; FBD Insurance continues to be a proud sponsor of the prestigious Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year awards. As Irelands leading farm insurer, we are committed to supporting each generation of Irish farming through our research grants, education sponsorships, farm safety campaigns and numerous other agri-sector funding initiatives. "These nominees for the Teagasc/FBD Student of the Year award are amongst the next generation of farm leaders and innovators. More than ever, Irish agriculture needs bright able young people who are open to change and who will question, challenge and develop both themselves and our industry. On behalf of FBD, I warmly congratulate all of the participants on their achievements. The other finalists were; Debbie Sunderland, Co Wexford Teagasc Carlow Centre David Lowe, Co. Tipperary Gurteen Agricultural College Terence Cronin, Co. Cork Teagasc Macroom Centre Kevin Byrne, Co. Leitrim Teagasc Manorhamilton Centre Damien McClearn, Co. Galway Teagasc Athenry Centre Gavin Canning, Co. Mayo Teagasc Ballinrobe Centre Tommy McLaughlin, Co. Donegal Teagasc Letterkenny Centre Jason Mullin, Co. Galway Mountbellew Agricultural College Gavin Brady, Co. Cavan Ballyhaise Agricultural College Brian Kelly, Co. Clare Teagasc Ennis Centre Barry Brady, Co. Roscommon Teagasc Longford Centre Bryan Lanigan, Co. Kilkenny Kildalton Agricultural College Head of Education in Teagasc, Tony Pettit said; We have just completed a review of Teagascs education courses and are finalising a new strategy Teagasc Education Strategic Vision 2050 - Positioning Teagasc Education for the Future. This will be presented at the Teagasc Education Vision conference on Tuesday, 5 June in the Kilkenny. More fodder crises will hit farmers unless a system is established to monitor feed levels nationwide, Fianna Fail warns. Agriculture spokesperson Charlie McConalogue has called on Minister Michael Creed to establish a new system to help prevent a repeat of the crisis. Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill has also called for the introduction of a low-cost loan mechanism to be put in place to help farmers clear debts. They have criticised the Government's response to a crisis that has seen farmers in the north-west paying up to 60 per bale. Prices hardened from the 35 to 45 generally expected, because of the fodder shortage amid atrocious weather. Mr McConalogue yesterday insisted further Government inaction could have long-term consequences for farmers. "Growth has been very much behind because of the bad weather," he said. "Farmers are under immense financial strain and we have animal welfare issues because of the fact fodder is very scarce in the country. "We need to see a hardship scheme put in place for the farmers who are finding it hard to get by." He also called for a meal voucher scheme to be introduced to make available fodder supplies stretch further. A committee should also be established to ensure fodder supply issues can be addressed efficiently in future, he added. "We need to see a system and a structure put in place through a standing committee to actually monitor fodder supplies in the country and ensure the Government is prepared to provide the leadership required to respond to a crisis if such a situation happens again." It comes as farmers hope a promised spell of bright sunshine and warmer temperatures in the coming days will help them deal with the crisis. They hope predicted temperatures of up to 18C will help land to dry out so they can consider moving animals outdoors after a long winter. The entire country can hope for spring-like conditions with fine weather spreading in from this evening. Met Eireann said the best of Ireland's weather will be from tomorrow to Saturday with temperatures reaching as high as 18C. There will be sunny spells in a welcome respite from the driving rain, gales and cold weather of recent weeks. Unfortunately, we will not be enjoying a mini-heatwave like parts of the UK, where temperatures are predicted to rise as high as 26C this week. "Thursday will be a dry day with good sunshine and highs of 15C to 17C. It will be clear overnight but fog patches are likely," a spokesperson for the forecaster said. "Early fog will clear on Friday then it will be dry for the day with good sunshine. Highs of 15C to 16C with cloud increasing over Connacht and Ulster later in the day. "Saturday will be mostly dry and sunny with highs of 16C to 18C." However, while Sunday will begin dry and warm, rain will gradually spread from western counties over the late afternoon and early evening, bringing a return to wetter and colder conditions. William Chase, the 50-something entrepreneur and founder of Tyrrell's crisps, has just celebrated the 10th birthday of his second business, Chase Distillery, which sells a very different type of potato-based product vodka. "It's very exciting to have reached the 10-year milestone of selling a very special product. It's a unique business and it took a long time to get where we are," he says. Chase grew up on his family's Herefordshire farm, which he bought off his father at the age of 20 using a 200,000 bank loan. Despite farming the land and selling potatoes to supermarkets throughout his 20s, he struggled under the pressure of running a business and ended up bankrupt with only a 15,000 car to his name. "I always wanted to be a farmer, but trading every day to supermarkets was hard. You work 80-hour weeks, but it's never enough to get rich on it. You do it for the enjoyment of farming, not the money. I struggled to make ends meet." Being declared bankrupt at the age of 33 was "eye-opening" for Chase, who had always believed if he worked hard, he'd make money. "I was left with my car and quickly realised I would have to start again and turn every penny into a pound. It was a good lesson in how fragile money is. It's far easier to spend it than make it," he says. In a bid to turn his life around, Chase decided to start making premium potato chips, and in 2002, Tyrrell's was born. While the potato crisps were a runaway success, stocked in 6,000 UK retailers and exported to 10 countries including France and Russia, it was the company's vegetable crisps that were most profitable. "Our vegetable crisps became famous, as we were pioneers in that category," he says. Tyrrell's was at the forefront of the growing trend for organic foods from independent manufacturers, and Chase's insistence that his crisps were only sold in top-end retailers (he had a long-running dispute with Tesco after refusing to let it stock his crisps over fears it would undermine the premium nature of the brand) helped to catapult Tyrrell's into a multi-million pound business. Chase made 30m when he sold the posh snacks business in April 2008 to private equity firm Langholm Capital, and reinvested almost all of the money into marketing his next venture, a vodka distillery. Chase claims it was the UK's first single-estate distillery meaning that most, if not all, ingredients are sourced from a single area of land when it opened in June 2008. Almost every stage of production takes place on site, from growing and fermenting to distilling and bottling. As well as standard vodka, which sells for 37 a 70cl bottle, the distillery stocks flavoured versions of the spirit including marmalade and rhubarb, which "target the female millennial audience". Sixteen tonnes of potatoes make only 1,000 litres of alcohol, which is a "testament to the quality of our vodka", Chase says. The distillery, which employs around 40 people, turned over an impressive 14m last year, but Chase isn't predicting significant growth in the near future. "I'm not looking for massive growth as I'm not interested in feeding cheap spirits to the masses. I want to educate people about our premium product and get the message across that taste is important. "Spirits are usually just mixed into cocktails rather than drunk neat, so people don't actually taste the product. I want people to enjoy the flavour of our spirits." The company distributes its products to more than 50 countries worldwide, with the Middle East and Asia two of the fastest growing territories, thanks to high-end restaurants and bars stocking the product, which then "helps filter demand down into the mid-market sector". While Chase has other projects on the go (he owns a vineyard in France that produces rose wine, and 12 months ago launched Willys apple cider vinegar, made from fruit from the farm's 300-year-old apple trees), he is hoping to eventually step back more from the business and let his two sons take the reins. "Im very proud that were still a family business model with my son Harry running the farm and son James travelling the world telling our story. Every batch is still personally signed off by one of us and thats something that makes me smile," he says. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Homeowners will receive grants to upgrade septic tanks in areas where local rivers or lakes are polluted or at risk of failing quality standards. Some 3,000 homeowners with an on-site wastewater treatment system will be paid to complete repairs or replace their tanks under plans to improve water quality. The Government plans to improve 726 rivers, lakes and other water bodies over the next three years. The Government's River Basin Management Plan (2018-2021) is being lodged with the European Commission this week, two years late. It says Irish Water's 1.7bn investment programme, coupled with advice for farmers on preventing pollution and improving quality, more monitoring and the grant scheme will lead to improvements. Some 242 septic tank grants have been paid since 2014, totalling around 750,000. The plan is to fund 3,000 upgrades in areas identified as high risk. There is particular concern that high quality waters, or the number of rivers or lakes in near pristine condition, is falling. Between 2007 and 2009, some 13pc of all rivers had "high" status. It is now 10pc. Overall, just 57pc of our rivers, 46pc of lakes, 79pc of coastal waters and 91pc of groundwaters comply with EU standards. 75pc of shellfish waters meet the required standard. Agriculture run-off accounts for some 53pc of water quality issues, with other pressures including septic tanks, urban wastewater systems operated by Irish Water and forestry. Water-intensive sectors, including agri-food, pharmaceuticals, tourism and hospitality, sustain around 400,000 jobs, Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy said. "Communities will benefit from improved wastewater treatment, stronger protection of drinking water sources and cleaner waters. "Water quality will improve and be protected in 726 water bodies, with full recovery in water quality status expected in 152 water bodies," he added. However, the Sustainable Water Network said despite the "best efforts" of civil servants and scientists, the plan "lacked ambition" and was "far short" of what was needed. "It is an exercise in doing the best you can to stem pollution whilst imposing no significant obligations for change on any of the sectors responsible," a spokeswoman for the NGO said, adding the plan exposed the State to EU fines for not doing enough to improve quality. Aidan Heavey will chair his last board meeting at Tullow Oil in July, before departing the company he founded 33 years ago. Tullow, which primarily focuses its oil production and exploration activities in Africa, has named Dorothy Thompson as Mr Heavey's successor. She'll formally join the Tullow board following the group's annual general meeting next week and will assume the chairwomanship at the conclusion of the July board meeting. For 12 years, until the end of 2017, Ms Thompson served as chief executive of Drax, a power and energy trading company. She is also a non-executive director at the Bank of England, and a non-executive director of NYSE-listed Eaton Corporation, a power management solutions giant that has its corporate headquarters in Dublin. Mr Heavey relinquished his role as Tullow chief executive last year, handing the reins over to Paul McDade. Mr Heavey took on the non-executive chairmanship, with the company indicating he would stay in that role for no more than two years. Yesterday, Mr Heavey welcomed Ms Thompson's appointment, as did Mr McDade. "While Tullow is well-positioned with a balanced set of production, development and exploration assets, we will need to ensure that the company not only delivers on the potential of its current assets, but also seeks out new opportunities for growth," said Mr McDade. Ms Thompson said Tullow had made "significant progress" over the past two years as it emerged from the fallout of a slump in oil prices, which forced it and other oil companies to engage in radical restructuring that included job cuts. Tullow expects production from its assets to be between 86,000 and 95,000 barrels of oil equivalent a day this year. It also made a profit last year - its first in three years. A Roscommon native, Mr Heavey (65) was once an accountant with Aer Lingus. He founded Tullow to exploit opportunities at small oil fields considered uneconomic for majors. He sold his collection of vintage cars and mortgaged his home to raise 1m (1.27m) and initially targeted assets in Senegal, in west Africa. NORTHERN Ireland businessman Kevin Lagan has sold most of his construction businesses to an English firm in a 455m (527m) deal. He has off-loaded his construction materials interests to Breedon Group but will retain his homebuilding firm, Lagan Homes. Breedon Group, based in the UK's East Midlands, said the move to buy Lagan Group, which has 750 staff, gave it "immediate critical mass in Ireland and across the entire value chain". A spokesman for Breedon said jobs would be kept in its operations on both sides of the Border. He said: "Our record in all acquisitions is to grow them, not to shrink them. There is a great business here to invest in, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic." Lagan is a major supplier of construction materials and contract surfacing in Ireland and the UK with a modern cement plant in Kinnegad in Co Westmeath, nine quarries, 13 asphalt plants and nine ready-mix concrete plants. In its most recent results, Lagan Group reported sales of 249m (288m). The business was formed in the 1960s outside Belfast by Mr Lagan's father, Peter Lagan, when he opened his first quarry at Whitemountain. Kevin Lagan and his brother Michael worked in the business before a legal agreement to separate their companies in around 2008. Lagan Group had a turnover of 272m, and combined earnings (ebitda) of approximately 55m in 2017. Kevin Lagan thanked staff for their contribution. "Our committed and passionate staff at Lagan Group have contributed significantly to the development and growth of the business, differentiating us from our competition in all of the markets in which we operate. "I'd like to thank the staff for the role they have played in the growth of Lagan Group, and I wish them every success as they enter an exciting new chapter with Breedon, who I am confident will build on that success, supporting the development of the business in the years ahead." Mr Lagan said he and his family will now focus on growing the Lagan Homes business, as well as LF Fasthouse - which makes modular closed panel and timber frame homes - including nearly 500 holiday lodges for the new CenterParcs in Co Longford. Lagan Homes turnover last year was around 76m. Financial Services company IFG group has announced the departure of its chief executive John Cotter and its chairman John Gallagher. Mr Cotter is being immediately replaced by Kathryn Purves, a non-executive director of the group and chair of the companys risk committee. Ms Purves, who joined the group in 2016, previously worked as chief risk officer of Partnership Assurance, and has more than twenty years of senior leadership experience in financial services companies, a statement from Dublin and London listed IFG said. Meanwhile, Mr Gallagher has decided to step down as chairman following the Annual General Meeting in May, at which point Mark Dearsley, currently acting as the group's interim chief financial officer, will succeed him. A chartered accountant, Mr Dearsley has "extensive" board level experience in the financial services sector, including serving as international managing director of Partnership Assurance, group finance director of Partnership Assurance, and group chief financial officer for Savills. Mr Gallagher has reaffirmed his intention to maintain his major shareholding in the group, given what he described as "the strong prospects for the group." IFG also announced the appointment of Gavin Howard as interim group chief financial officer with immediate effect. "I look forward to working closely with Mark and Gavin and the leadership teams of Saunderson House and James Hay to maximise each business's potential and create the conditions in which they, and the group overall, are best placed to flourish and deliver further value to shareholders," Ms Purves said. Earlier this month the company said that it had abandoned any plans to sell its UK-based wealth management business, Saunderson House. It said offers for the unit were "not wholly aligned with the strategy of Saunderson House and would present significant execution risks that would likely create lower shareholder value than from retaining the business". The Saunderson House unit had 5.1bn (5.8bn) of assets under management at the end of 2017, an 11pc increase on 2016. It added 247 new clients last year, to bring its total to 2,121, and made an 8.6m (9.8m) operating profit. As much as a quarter of the 7.8pc economic growth recorded here last year was simply down to iPhone sales, the IMF has claimed. The extraordinary figure, given without detailed support, is tucked away in a side note to the latest International Monetary Fund global outlook. Smartphone sales totalled 1.5 billion units last year - one for every five people on the planet - although shipments declined for the first time on record, the IMF said. Ireland, Korea, and Taiwan are estimated to be the main beneficiaries of the new tech cycle in value added terms. In Ireland, Apple's famously convoluted structure is the main reason. "In Ireland, where the intellectual property of Apple Inc resides, staff estimate the contribution in value-added terms of iPhone exports to account for one-fourth of the country's economic expansion in 2017." "At the same time, it is important to note that the income generated from smartphone sales does not fully contribute to the Irish economy," the IMF report said. Technology companies will be ordered to release vital electronic data, such as emails and text messages, to law enforcement agencies in as little as six hours under proposed European Union rules aimed at speeding up access to electronic evidence on crimes such as terrorist plots. Under current rules, access to one particular email stored on a Microsoft Corp server in Ireland would take about a year, by which time data risks being deleted, according to the European Commission. Judges would get the right to directly request key data regardless of where it is stored, with a deadline to respond within 10 days, or six hours in case of an emergency, the commission said. The proposals are aimed at replacing an unwieldy system that too often slows down investigations due to the difficulties in accessing this data, Bloomberg reported. "While law enforcement authorities still work with cumbersome methods, criminals use fast and cutting-edge technology to operate," EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said. "We need to equip law enforcement authorities with 21st-century methods to tackle crime, just as criminals use 21st-century methods to commit crime." Police investigations into the terror attacks in Brussels just over two years ago connected the main suspect to a cell involved in other European attacks, which the police suspected communicated mainly through email drafts. "We cannot allow criminals and terrorists to exploit modern and electronic communication technologies to hide their criminal actions and evade justice," Frans Timmermans, first vice-president at the commission said. Ireland represents a vital hub for technology firms and is integral to VMwares global strategy, according to its chief technology officer. Last October, Ray OFarrell was appointed to lead Dells new IoT division, which plans to spend $1bn on research and development over the next three years. Hailing from Templemore in Tipperary, Ray's rise to the board of one of the worlds largest tech companies began with an undergraduate degree in engineering from the University of Limerick. Speaking at Dublin Tech Summit 2018 (DTS18) at the Dublin Convention Centre (DCC), Ray spoke to delegates about 'How to remain innovative and relevant'. He also told Independent.ie that VMwares commitment to Ireland goes beyond him. "There are close to 1,000 people at our site in Cork and it's a very important part of what we do. It was one of the first, if not the first, site we had outside of the US," he said. "This has been a very key part of what we do today; most of our support organisation filters through Cork. We produce business critical software so that support is incredibly vital. "This is a good place for us to find talent, not all of it from Ireland. Our engineering hub in Ireland is driven by that access to talent, it's very positive." Since VMware opened its first Irish office in Cork in August 2005, its operations here have grown from 10 employees to more than 750, with the company currently operating six offices across the country five in Cork, and a sales office in Dublin. After embarking on an "adventure" to the US with his wife, who had an American visa, some 26 years ago, Ray worked with startups for over a decade in Silicon Valley before joining VMware. Read More "There was less than 200 people in the company at the time, and it was moving into the system software space where I had a lot of experience. I worked on lots of different roles there, always on engineering, on the project. "A few years ago I pivoted more into the CTO role which involved more than managing the day-to-day engineering teams. I was looking more towards what is the innovation agenda of the company from a technology point of view." Ray said that there are two big things that are happening across the industry at the moment; how to leverage new ways of using cloud, and how to prepare for the fourth industrial revolution and the IoT. This involves embedding technology within society and understanding out to leverage innovation to deal with the rate of changes in the landscape. He outlined four ways companies could embrace this "culture of possibility". *Drive. The ability to consistently execute no matter what your recent successes have been. Your customers expectations keep rising all the time. *Diversity of thought. Different ideas - sometimes when you're trying to deal with a disruption, it is sometimes that outlandish idea within that is actually the kernel of how you're going to deal with this new competitor. *Partnerships. Rather than look at a different space in the tech industry and say 'oh we don't do that', look to partner with other companies so you're not left behind. Everything is now an ecosystem. *Resilience. Be able to deal with the unexpected things, in term of an industry shift, or a competitive move. Coronation Street star Bhavna Limbachia, who is involved in a lesbian affair storyline (Ian West/PA) Coronation Street viewers were left stunned as the lesbian affair storyline resulted in a failed kidnapping plot. Rana Nazir (Bhavna Limbachia) has been having an affair with Kate Connor (Faye Brookes), much to the fury of her parents. In an episode earlier in the night, horrified viewers watched as Rana was lured into flying to Pakistan to visit a dying aunt with her mother, Saira Habeeb. Expand Close Bhavna Limbachia attending the British Soap Awards 2017 (Matt Crossick/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Bhavna Limbachia attending the British Soap Awards 2017 (Matt Crossick/PA) But the phantom illness was just a ruse to separate the two lovers. The second episode of the night began with Rana and Kate sharing one last kiss before Rana drove to the airport little knowing it could have been the last they saw of each other. In nerve-shredding scenes, Saira used a key to scratch the sim card in her daughters phone to prevent anyone contacting her to stop her getting on the plane. But the sinister plot started to unravel after Yasmeen, the grandmother of Ranas estranged husband Zeedan, started to suspect something was amiss. Expand Close Coronation Streets Faye Brookes who has said that she was worried about the potential backlash when she found our her character Kate Connor was going to be in a lesbian romance with Rana Nazir (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Coronation Streets Faye Brookes who has said that she was worried about the potential backlash when she found our her character Kate Connor was going to be in a lesbian romance with Rana Nazir (Ian West/PA) This prompted Imran, Ranas brother, to speak to his relatives in Pakistan and discover his mother was lying. Video of the Day Imran, Yasmeen, Zeedan and Kate then drove to the home of Ranas parents. Kate spotted Rana and her mother putting their suitcases into the back of a taxi before frantically urging her lover to check the flight tickets. A furious bust-up broke out as Saira demanded Kate leave her daughter alone. But Rana insisted on seeing the tickets and realised hers was one-way. In emotional scenes, the kidnap plot unravelled but Ranas father disowned her because of the lesbian affair. A tearful Rana begged to know how her parents could have planned to send her to Pakistan and away from the woman she loves. Imran, Yasmeen, Zeedan, Kate and Rana drove back to Coronation Street where Rana and Kate shared a tearful embrace. Rebel Wilson has returned to court to fight a magazine publishers appeal against an order to pay the Australian actress a record 4.6 million Australian dollars (2.5 million) in damages for defamation. The award was made over articles claiming she lied about her age, the origin of her first name and her upbringing in Sydney. The 38-year-old comic, best known for the movies Pitch Perfect and Bridesmaids, sat with her mother Sue Bownds in a packed Victorian Supreme Court of Appeal in Melbourne but did not give evidence. Expand Close Rebel Wilson attending the European premiere of How To Be Single (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rebel Wilson attending the European premiere of How To Be Single (Ian West/PA) Bauer Media, which publishes Australian magazines Womans Day, Australian Womens Weekly, NW and OK, argued that the largest defamation payout in Australia legal history awarded against the German company in September was manifestly excessive. Bauers lawyer, Michael Wheelahan, said the publisher would not appeal against the defamation verdict reached by a jury in July. Bauer is challenging the finding that Wilson should be compensated for film roles, including Trolls and Kung Fu Panda 3, which she claimed she had lost following the publications in 2015. (Bauer) maliciously defamed me and I'm here to hold them accountable for thatRebel Wilson Mr Wheelahan argued Wilsons career earnings had been on an upward trajectory in 2015 with a few speed bumps along the way, but there was no evidence that the articles had any influence. He argued that Hollywood agent Peter Principato, an industry person on the grapevine, had not heard of the defamatory articles at the time. Video of the Day Speaking outside court, Wilson said Hollywood had been well aware of her case. Bauer maliciously defamed me and Im here to hold them accountable for that, she said. The hearing before three judges is to continue on Thursday. Before the trial, Bauer rejected Wilsons offer to settle the case for 200,000 Australian dollars (109,185). A man arrested outside a Beverly Hills home owned by Taylor Swift was wearing a mask and had a knife in his car when he was held, police have said. Julius Sandrock (38) was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of stalking after officers went to the home. Swift, who lives in New York, was not at the property, officers said. Sandrock was released from custody on Tuesday while police continued their investigation, according to Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Officers obtained a temporary restraining order preventing Sandrock from possessing guns. According to the document, he was wearing a mask and rubber gloves when he was taken into custody and told police he had driven from his home in Broomfield, Colorado, to see Swift. He told officers he owned three handguns and was on probation in Colorado for firing one, police said. A search of his car turned up a knife, rope, ammunition and more masks and gloves, according to the restraining order. Prescription medications, including oxycodone, were also found and Sandrock told arresting officers he had depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and manic episodes, according to the document. The incident followed the April 8 arrest of a homeless man on suspicion of trespassing after he tried to climb a wall at the same property and ignored warnings by security guards to leave. Video of the Day Swift was not at the home. Justin Lilly (23) was charged with a misdemeanour and sentenced to three days in jail. Data Protection Commissioner Helen Dixon says it is possible foreign organisations could target voters in the upcoming abortion referendum using online advertising. Concern was raised about the potential impact of online advertising on the upcoming abortion referendum by a number of politicians. Senator Michael McDowell sought confirmation there is nothing in data protection law that can stop a foreign organisation from running online ads targeting voters in the forthcoming referendum. The example he gave was "a pro-choice or pro-life movement in Northern Ireland putting 1m worth of selective advertising into the internet". Ms Dixon said she couldn't speak as to what electoral laws would apply, but said: "In relation to targeting online, yes, such an entity could purchase advertising with Facebook". She made the remarks at the Oireachtas Communications Committee, where a senior Facebook executive also apologised for the tech company's involvement in the Cambridge Analytica controversy. Questions have been raised about whether data was used to target voters in the US presidential election following the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Data held by Facebook on as many as 87 million of its users may have been improperly shared by Cambridge Analytica, which gathered it through an online application on the social media site. But Ms Dixon said the Cambrdige Analytica issue brought into focus the question of whether "big data" analytics combined with "mirco-targeting" capabilities on social media are being used to influence electoral outcomes. She said a core concern is that the autonomy of individuals is potentially jeopardised. Their ability to make choices may be dictated by the use of their information in a way they don't know about, haven't been told about, or don't understand. Ms Dixon said concern about the manipulation of voters through such activities remain "largely theoretical at this stage" and there is no hard evidence of such activity having a tangible impact on the outcome of elections. She also said the use of micro-targeting is thought to be more difficult in Europe in part because of EU data protection laws. Facebook's vice-president Joel Kaplan told TDs and senators that the company was "deeply sorry" for the "violation of trust" that occurred in the recent controversy over Cambridge Analytica. Mr Kaplan said Facebook has set up a "task-force" ahead of the upcoming abortion referendum here and that artificial intelligence will be used to detect fake accounts and remove them. Facebook is also extending a pilot-programme to Ireland called the "view ads tool" that will allow users to see all of the ads a particular organisation is targeting at users. This will be introduced next Wednesday. Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley and People Before Profit TD Brid Smith said they believed it should be brought in immediately. Mr Stanley said there is concern at the potential "manipulation" of the referendum. Mr Kaplan said he understands the "frustration and the desire that the tool should be out as quickly as possible... These things do take time to develop and... to implement." Protected Separately, Ms Dixon was also asked about the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is to be implemented here next month. People Before Profit TD Ms Smith asked if, as well as offering more protection to children online, it will cover other vulnerable internet users like older people. Ms Dixon said that under GDPR, internet users wouldn't have to "go searching" for what privacy settings should be switched on and off on a website. She said the law requires "privacy by design" and users "should be able to anticipate there's a level of default protection when they arrive on a platform". She said there was a requirement on online service providers to show they are giving children the additional protection they merit. There will be "plain language" notices for children. Bankrupt businessman Sean Dunne has said that even though his home in the US was empty, he "didn't need furniture to live in a house". Mr Dunne yesterday told the High Court he has lived on occasions without furniture and that he had previously stayed in tents in African townships. He was giving evidence yesterday in opposition to an application by the official assignee (OA) in bankruptcy, Chris Lehane, to have his bankruptcy period extended for non-co-operation, including failing to provide the OA with his address. Mr Dunne said he believed private investigators working for his creditors had leaked the address to the media. In 2013, Ulster Bank petitioned the High Court to have Mr Dunne adjudicated bankrupt here after he had defaulted on loans of 164m. The following month, Mr Dunne filed for bankruptcy in Connecticut in the US when he claimed to have debts of $1bn and assets of $55m (44.5m). Arising out of that application a US bankruptcy trustee was appointed by a US court. The Irish bankruptcy proceedings continued and in July 2013 the High Court adjudicated Mr Dunne bankrupt. Mr Dunne said he had given "de facto co-operation" to Mr Lehane through the US trustee and denied claims he had not co-operated with the process. He said that in 2013 he believed his bankruptcy, adjudication and estate were all to be vested in the US. However, he was adjudicated bankrupt in Ireland and the US trustee and his lawyer went "behind my back" and changed the rules without telling him. Under cross-examination by Mark Sanfey SC, for Mr Lehane, in relation to sworn statements Mr Dunne provided in opposition to the application, Mr Dunne rejected an assertion by counsel that he never provided the OA with his address. Mr Dunne said following the 2013 adjudication his primary place of residence was Stillman Lane, Greenwich, Connecticut and he lived in America. He had provided an address and always turned up when required. Mr Dunne said his family had left the property in August/September 2013 due to media harassment. When it was put to him that agents for the US trustee found the Connecticut house empty and it had no furniture, Mr Dunne replied he "didn't need furniture to live in a house". When counsel said it was important for the OA to know where a bankrupt is living, Mr Dunne asked if it mattered where he lived, or its relevance to creditors. "If I lived in Windsor Castle does that mean I have access to the queen's money?" he said. The case continues. Ian Bailey has lost his appeal over orders requiring him to pay the substantial legal costs, estimated at between 2m and 5m, of his failed action for damages over the conduct of the Garda investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan du Planter. The costs ruling was issued on Wednesday by the Court of Appeal following its judgment last month overturning its earlier decision to permit a retrial of one part of Mr Baileys action. The COA overturned the retrial decision after accepting arguments by the State its decision was based on a misinterpretation by it of certain comments made by the High Court judge who presided over the damages action. A High Court jury had in November 2015, after a 64-day hearing, rejected Mr Baileys claim that three gardai had conspired to frame him for the murder and the effect of last months COA judgment was that Mr Bailey lost his entire appeal over the dismissal of his case. The matter returned to the appeal court on Wednesday to address liability for costs in the High Court and in the COA. The State said it was entitled to its costs up to the date of the COA original judgment of July 26 2017, which had dismissed Mr Baileys appeal on all grounds except the one which itself was dismissed last month. The State did not seek its costs concerning the hearing of its successful application to amend the COA July 2017 judgment. Martin Giblin SC, for Mr Bailey, argued the highly unusual circumstances of the case were grounds for the COA to depart from the normal rule that costs go to the winning party. Those included the States decision to apply on day 62 of the 64 day High Court case, rather than much earlier, to have most of Mr Baileys claims dismissed as out of time with the effect only a conspiracy claim was addressed by the jury. There was a public policy not to have juries taken away from their lives and work longer than necessary but the State did that so a number of gardai could have their day in court, he argued. Giving the COA costs ruling, Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan, sitting with Mr Justice George Birmingham and Mr Justice Gerard Hogan, said it would not, either in full or in part, reverse or vary the High Court costs order. She said the costs arguments related to the States late application to have most of the claim statute barred but the COA had already rejected Mr Baileys appeal on the statute point. Mr Baileys claim was a complex one of an overarching conspiracy by gardai and the issue whether it was statute barred did not lend itself to easy adjudication, she said. The COA had in its July 2017 judgment ruled the States approach to the statute point was justified because of the nature of Mr Baileys claim. That applied notwithstanding the public policy not to take jurors away from their normal work longer than usual, she said. The State was also entitled to the costs of the appeal up to the date of the COAs original judgment, she ruled. The State earlier told the court it accepted Mr Bailey was not liable for the costs of the application to correct the error in the judgment. Separately, Mr Baileys lawyers have appealed to a French court over a decision by the French authorities to charge him with the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier. He has always denied any involvement in the murder. Victim Alicja Kalinowska leaves the Central Criminal Court in Dublin today after she gave evidence in the trial of Tomas Gajowniczek. Gajowniczek A dad-of-one who denies the attempted murder of his partner told gardai who arrested him that he didn't care if his toddler daughter was alive or dead, his trial heard today. Tomas Gajowniczek (37) of The Ice Rink Apartments, Dolphin's Barn, Dublin 8 has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Alicja Kalinowska (30) at their home on June 16, 2016. He also pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to Ms Kalinowska on the same date at the same location. Garda Peter Mullins today told prosecuting counsel Paul Burns SC that he arrested the accused in the car park of Kevin St Garda Station in the early hours of June 16, 2016 following reports of an assault on a lady by a man matching Mr Gajowniczek's description. Gardai took the accused by car to Pearse Street Garda Station and on the way Garda Mullins noted that Mr Gajowniczek asked: "How is Alicja? Will she live? Is she going to be alright?" He then referenced his daughter, who was two at the time and was in the next room during the alleged assault, saying: "I don't know if she is alive or dead and I don't care." Following the alleged assault Ms Kalinowska was treated for a fractured nose and injuries to her eyes, limbs and torso. Garda John Paul Holland told Mr Burns that he went to Mr Gajowniczek's home on June 12, four days before the alleged assault on Ms Kalinowska. Ms Kalinowska had called gardai complaining that her partner locked her out and was inside with their two-year-old daughter. When gardai arrived Mr Gajowniczek opened the door, let them in and spoke openly. Garda Holland said Mr Gajowniczek told him that he locked the door because he thought people were trying to get into the apartment and kill him and showed the garda a hammer that he had hidden under a duvet on the bed. He said he believed someone had spiked his milk with amphetamines and that his partner, Ms Kalinowska, was having an affair. He also told the garda that he had been smoking cannabis. Garda Holland was concerned for Mr Gajowniczek's mental health so he arrested him under the Mental Health Act and brought him to a garda station. A doctor assessed Mr Gajowniczek but did not recommend placing him in a psychiatric hospital so Mr Gajowniczek was released that night and returned home to Ms Kalinowska and their daughter. Following his arrest after the alleged assault four days later Mr Gajowniczek was interviewed at Pearse St Garda Station. Detective Garda Nathan McKenna told prosecuting counsel Pat Reynolds BL that during those interviews Mr Gajowniczek accused Ms Kalinowska of being violent and being connected with criminals. These statements were described as "nonsense" and "crazy talk" by defence counsel Robert Munro when cross examining Ms Kalinowska on day two of the trial. Ms Kalinowska agreed. The accused also told gardai that sometimes he would hear the baby talking at night but when he checked on her she was asleep. He believed that Ms Kalinowska had recorded the baby talking and was playing the recording to make him think he is going crazy. He further told them that he caused Alicja's injuries but he couldn't remember how. The trial continues tomorrow in front of Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of six men and six women. The Government's bank guarantee scheme at the height of the 2008 financial crisis was met with "near euphoria" by the market, the trial of former Anglo CEO David Drumm has heard. On the day the State stepped in, Irish Life and Permanent agreed to increase the value of a multi-billion euro "circular" deal with Anglo Irish Bank because all deposits were by then "copper-fastened" by the guarantee anyway. ILP's then group treasurer David Gantly was giving evidence yesterday in Mr Drumm's trial. Mr Drumm (51) has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to conspiring to defraud by dishonestly creating the impression that Anglo's customer deposits were 7.2bn larger than they really were in September 2008. The jury was played a taped phone call between Mr Gantly and Anglo's head of liquidity Ciaran McArdle on March 28, 2008, in which they discussed how the transaction that month would work. "I don't know, Ciaran, whether we need to make a few different payments just so it doesn't look very obvious," Mr Gantly said at one point in the call. Mary Rose Gearty SC, prosecuting, asked to whom it was not "to look obvious". "Just to junior staff," Mr Gantly replied. He told Ms Gearty he considered it to be a circular transaction. The evidence moved on to the September transactions. The jury heard a September 16, 2008 phone call between Anglo's head of treasury Matt Cullen and head of capital markets John Bowe. In it, Mr Cullen said he had spoken to Mr Gantly, who had told him four or five billion was "not going to be a problem". "So look, if we ask for six, I think they will do it," Mr Cullen was heard saying. He said Mr Gantly's "exact words" had been: "You might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb." Ms Gearty asked Mr Gantly if he had used that expression. "It was a flippant, throwaway remark but I did use it," he said. He explained that he was talking in the context of having to go and get the amount approved. In cross-examination, Mr Gantly told Brendan Grehan SC, defending, that the 2008 global financial crisis was a "systemic event the like of which had never been seen". There was "near euphoria" in the Irish market when the Government's guarantee scheme covering deposits in six financial institutions was announced on September 30, Mr Gantly said. When Anglo asked to increase the deal to 7bn, this was done as all deposits were "copper-fastened" anyway. A statement by Irish Life Investment Managers (ILIM) fund administrator Gillian Farrell was read out by Diana Stuart BL, prosecuting. Ms Farrell said the September transactions involved "electronic matching" of figures and not making "actual physical payments" because another bank, Citibank, was not involved. "I have never seen a transaction like this before... I acted on instructions and followed procedures," she said. Gerry Keenan, ILIM's then CEO, said the credit limit for Anglo had been 100m and had to be changed for the transactions. The trial continues. It was "strange" for former Garda commissioner Martin Callinan to draft a response for Gerald Kean after whistleblower Sergeant Maurice McCabe complained about defamatory comments the solicitor made on an RTE programme, the Charleton tribunal has heard. The tribunal is examining allegations that senior gardai were smearing the whistleblower to politicians, journalists and others. Det Supt Frank Walsh, who worked as private secretary to the commissioner, met with Mr Kean on February 12, 2014, two weeks after Mr Kean criticised Sgt McCabe on the 'Marian Finucane Show' on RTE. Det Supt Walsh said he had "a good professional working relationship" with Mr Callinan, and that the commissioner was a hard worker. He told the tribunal Mr Callinan would arrive in the office daily from around 7am and work until late in the evening. The tribunal also heard that the letter from Mr Kean, which enclosed a copy of the complaint from Sgt McCabe, along with handwritten and typed copies of a draft response prepared by Mr Callinan, were not added to the file on Sgt McCabe kept at Garda HQ. Det Supt Walsh met with Mr Kean and conveyed the draft response to him, and four paragraphs from the draft were included in the reply which Mr Kean sent to Sgt McCabe, the tribunal was told. Expand Close Gerald Kean. Photo: Justin Farrelly / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerald Kean. Photo: Justin Farrelly No letter was sent by post to Mr Kean. "Somebody looking at this might think it was a matter that was being swept under the carpet so nobody could see what happened," tribunal barrister Patrick Marrinan SC said. Det Supt Walsh said this was not the case. He also said he was not aware that Mr Kean and Mr Callinan had spoken before the solicitor appeared on the 'Marian Finucance Show'. The programme aired shortly after Mr Callinan had appeared before the Dail Public Accounts Committee to answer questions about the cancellation of penalty points. Tribunal chairman Mr Justice Peter Charleton said it was "really, really, really strange" that the commissioner would prepare a draft letter in a private matter between two citizens. Det Supt Walsh said Mr Callinan expressed his view that the matter was inappropriate for him to reply to, but was anxious to do something for Mr Kean, who was supportive of An Garda Siochana. Det Supt Walsh said his meeting with Mr Kean was not "clandestine", and the fact the letters were before the tribunal showed there was no attempt to hide them. "The fact it is before us today shows it was never meant to be covert," Det Supt Walsh said. The tribunal chairman said: "The commissioner never told us. You never told us. Mr Kean never told us. "It took counsel rooting through tens of thousands of documents to find it." "The documents were kept in the commissioner's office but I don't know which file they were on," Det Supt Walsh said. The tribunal has adjourned and will resume on April 30. 250,000 was stuffed into a mattress and was discovered during a raid by armed gardai into a global drugs operation Armed gardai who raided an apartment as part of an investigation into a global drugs and money-laundering operation discovered 250,000 in a mattress a woman was sleeping on. Six people, including the 24-year-old woman, were arrested when officers from the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) raided six properties yesterday morning. Gardai said the drug-dealing organisation is backed by the Kinahan cartel and has been trafficking cocaine into Australia and New Zealand and then laundering the money back to Ireland. A 28-year-old socialite from Ballymun is suspected of being the organiser of the sophisticated enterprise - but he was not among those arrested in yesterday's raids. Instead it has emerged that the man - who is suspected of dealing cocaine to professionals in the capital's top social circles - was himself arrested a number of weeks ago in relation to the same international police probe. Details of the socialite's top-secret arrest by DOCB officers were not released at the time but it is understood that a "considerable amount of documents" were seized from him. "This drugs operation is suspected of being ongoing for at least three years and this individual is suspected of seeing a business opportunity on the other side of the world and going for it," a source told the Irish Independent. "Cocaine is up to four times more expensive in Australia than in Ireland. The socialite has been on the Garda radar for years and he is closely connected to a north Dublin woman who is considered one of the capital's most veteran heroin dealers. He is pals with members of the legal profession but he is also closely connected to some very serious criminals. "These include the likes of Eamon 'The Don' Dunne who took him under his wing before he was murdered in 2010." Six of the socialite's associates were arrested in the dawn raids yesterday and at least three of those held had recently returned from Australia where they were suspected of drugs trafficking and money laundering. They are aged between 24 and 31 and have barely any criminal convictions between them. The Australian Federal Police have been investigating the activities of the Kinahan cartel for almost a year. It is understood they have arrested a number of suspects in Australia and seized large amounts of cash. Yesterday's arrests happened after detectives raided properties in Drumcondra, Artane, Swords and Finglas. The cash haul discovered in the mattress that the woman was sleeping on was uncovered in an apartment in Drumcondra. "It is bizarre to think that she was sleeping on all that money, but she was," the source added. Assistant Commissioner John O'Driscoll, of Special Crime Operations, said: "This is further evidence of the enhanced level of co-operation that An Garda Siochana, and Special Crime Operations in particular, have engaged in, in recent times, with a view to tackling the organised crime gangs that operate at an international level." Gardai are treating the death of a new-born baby whose body was found in the boot of a parked car in Co Offaly as "a tragedy". The revelation came as - in a separate and unrelated development - the body of a new-born baby was found in the boot of a car parked near Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital. The discovery came after the teenage mother, from Donegal, went into the Derry hospital immediately after giving birth and raised the alarm. In Offaly, gardai are treating the discovery of a new-born baby's body in Birr on March 29 as a tragedy. It is understood the baby was stillborn. A source told the Irish Independent the body was discovered in the boot of the parked car some time after the baby was born. The remains were taken to the Midland Regional Hospital (MRH), Tullamore, for a full post-mortem examination. The baby's death came to light after the mother attended hospital for treatment for medical complications arising from childbirth. It is understood the woman was in a very distressed condition. The location of the baby then became known. The Office of the State Pathologist was informed and a post-mortem examination was carried out on the infant at MRH on April 1. Offaly Coroner Mr Brian Mahon was also notified of the death. However, as the baby's death was deemed to be a stillbirth it will not be the subject of a full coroner's inquest. Gardai confirmed they are investigating the "sudden death" of the infant. It is understood the incident is being treated as a tragedy. The investigation will be directed by the findings of the full post-mortem examination report. The initial indications are that the infant's death was due to natural causes. Gardai have not disclosed the gender of the baby or the age of the mother involved. The mother has been receiving counselling supports since the incident came to light. Meanwhile, the PSNI are similarly treating the discovery of a baby's body in a parked car at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital as a tragedy. The baby is believed to have been delivered several weeks prematurely and was stillborn. The baby was found in a car parked just a short distance from the entrance to the hospital's foetal assessment unit. The baby's mother, who is in her late teens, was very distressed at the scene. She subsequently disappeared from the hospital. Staff were deeply concerned for her welfare and notified the PSNI. The teenage mother was located nearby a short time later. She received immediate medical treatment and psychological support. A post-mortem examination is scheduled to be carried out on the baby. The PSNI warned that, given the circumstances involved, it would be inappropriate to make any further comment. The nature of their investigation will also be determined by the full post-mortem examination findings. The young mother is receiving ongoing medical and counselling support. Father and son Company Sergeant Con OBrien and Lieutenant Conor OBrien from Ballybofey, Co Donegal, who are both deploying to Lebanon. Photo: Collins It's a long way from the Middle East, but it is essential training all the same. Irish soldiers yesterday undertook drills at the Glen of Imaal in Co Wicklow, ahead of their peace-keeping deployment to the Lebanon. Members of the 112th Infantry Battalion were on manoeuvres as they entered the final phase of three months of intensive training for their forthcoming mission. Among their number were father and son Company Sergeant Con O'Brien and Lieutenant Conor O'Brien from Ballybofey, Co Donegal. Both will be deployed to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in early May. The mission-readiness exercise put commanders and soldiers through a series of demanding scenarios based on potential threats that may be encountered in the mission area. Expand Close Corporal Chris OConnor of the 112th Infantry Battalion inside an armoured vehicle. Photo: Collins / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Corporal Chris OConnor of the 112th Infantry Battalion inside an armoured vehicle. Photo: Collins In one scenario, troops were asked to secure, extract and evacuate personnel involved in a complex attack. In total, the Defence Forces has 588 personnel serving overseas in 13 missions. Last month, the 47 Irish soldiers who have died on the Lebanon mission were remembered in a ceremony. Defence Minister Paul Kehoe laid a wreath at a UN monument in Tibnin, Lebanon, during a visit to the 380 Irish personnel serving with Unifil. AN IRISH school is conducting health screening of all its teachers and pupils after two students were diagnosed with TB. Glanmire Community College (GCC) confirmed it is following health screening protocols after it was confirmed by the Health Service Executive (HSE) that two of its students were diagnosed with TB. "We can confirm that Glanmire Community College was recently contacted by the HSE to inform us that two members of our school community were diagnosed with Tuberculosis," GCC Principal Ronan McCarthy confirmed. "The HSE is managing the situation and the school is acting on its advice." "The HSE met with school management to discuss further actions and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff and families of the school." "We are reassured by the work and diligence of the HSE in dealing with the matter and we would like to extend our appreciation to their staff for their professional and sensitive approach." "The two individuals affected are currently under the care of the HSE and are undergoing treatment." "So far, approximately 200 students and 34 teachers have been screened by HSE staff and screening of the remaining students and teachers is currently underway." "The results will be monitored on an ongoing basis and acted upon by the HSE when and where necessary," Mr McCarthy said. The HSE have contacted the families of all students attending the college to outline the detailed screening steps to be put in place if any further detections are confirmed. A number of callers contacted Cork's 96FM today amid concerns over just how widespread the screening programme would be in Glanmire, formerly a village but which is now effectively a suburb of Cork city with a booming number of young families. Ireland is now dealing with an average of a new TB case almost every day despite a 34pc decline in detections over the past eight years. The latest Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HSPC) statistics revealed Ireland dealt with 318 cases of TB in 2016 - an increase of 22 or 8pc on the previous year. However, health officials have welcomed the fact that there has been a significant overall decline in the number of TB detections in Ireland since 2009. This has been attributed to better screening systems, earlier treatment and reduced migration from areas where TB is virtually endemic. Ireland recorded a surge of TB detections in 2009 when 479 cases were confirmed. That came as TB detections and precautionary screenings were ordered in a school, two creches, a prison and even a hospital. However, TB detections have consistently fallen since then. There were 420 cases in 2010, 411 in 2011, 358 in 2012, 370 in 2013, 313 in 2014 and 294 in 2015. At one point, almost half the primary cases of TB being dealt by the Heath Service Executive (HSE) involved patients born outside Ireland. The latest decline marks a significant improvement on Irelands TB detection rates in the 1990s when 604 cases were detected nationally in 1992. However, that rate was still vastly lower than the 1950s when over 7,000 cases a year were being diagnosed. The HPSC noted that TB detection rates amongst those born outside Ireland are significantly higher than in the indigenous population. In 2009, the notification rate for TB in the indigenous population was 7.6 per 100,000 while the rate in foreign-born persons was 33.6 per 100,000, an official explained. The age groups which reported the greatest rate of detection were those aged from 20-35 and those aged over 65. However, there was a notable difference in age between cases involving those born in Ireland and those born overseas. TB detections amongst Irish-born cases involved an average age of 49 years. In contrast, those born overseas and detected with TB had an average age of 30 years. For the past decade, between 40pc and 44pc of TB cases detected involve people born outside Ireland. In the UK, almost 9,000 TB cases are detected annually with Ireland now amongst the EU countries reporting the lowest per capita detection rates. Both the HSE and the HSPC said that vigorous follow-ups on all TB reports have proven enormously successful. The disease, because of its highly contagious nature, requires prompt treatment and identification of all those who came in contact with the individual involved. The bacteria, usually Mycobacterium Tuberculosis, targets the respiratory system and the lungs but can also infect the bones, joints, spine, urinary and lymphatic systems. It is usually spread by contaminated droplets in a sneeze, cough or via direct contact with the infected person. Christy Griffin is driven from the Midlands Prison on Wednesday morning - he is the passenger. NOTORIOUS paedophile gangster Christy Griffin has been freed from jail this morning Griffin (48) left the Midlands Prison in Co Laois for his first taste of freedom since being locked up in 2007, after receiving a 15-year jail sentence for the rape of his partner's daughter. At 7.55am this morning a blue and white Suzuki motorbike pulled up at the prison and went to the entrance area. Six minutes later it came back out and Christy Griffin was on the back. Wearing a black jacket, light grey tracksuit bottoms and runners, he looked left and right nervously as the bike was turned and ridden in the direction of Dublin. In the space of a moment he was out of sight, the back of his helmet and a dark bag carried on his shoulders disappearing into the distance Expand Close The Midlands Prison (Photo: Kyran O'Brien) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Midlands Prison (Photo: Kyran O'Brien) He will be required to provide gardai with a home address within the next week because he is on the Sex Offenders Register. It is not yet known exactly where Griffin will go but he is expected to stay in Dublin and may move back to either of his former homes in the Swords and north inner city areas. There are major fears that the notorious gangster may become embroiled in the deadly Hutch/Kinahan feud, which has so far claimed up to 18 lives. However, the thug has not yet indicated if he will support one or any side. "The best thing for everyone would be for Griffin to leave the country, even for just a few months, but this is unlikely to happen," a senior source told the Herald. "Things have been tense enough in the north inner city because of the feud but the last thing that anyone needs is this individual back on the streets. "It is expected to lead to a major escalation of tension and he is likely to be targeted by his many enemies." Despite this, gardai have no specific information of a credible threat on his life and he has therefore not been issued with a formal message warning him of an active threat against his life. Despite making a major settlement with the Criminal Assets Bureau in 2009, sources say that Griffin will still have access to hundreds of thousands of euro thanks to a major property portfolio, including houses abroad, and the fact that he runs a lucrative 'front shop' in the north inner city. In 2011, Griffin had his life sentence for the rape of his partner's daughter reduced to 15 years in jail by the Court of Criminal Appeal. This brave woman - who gave crucial evidence in the course of three trials in 2006 and 2007 - had been regularly sexually abused by Griffin from when she was aged eight until she reached the age of 16. Griffin's vile actions led to a bitter feud in the north inner city, where once-loyal associates turned against each other and took sides for and against the sex offender, in a horrendous dispute that went on to claim five lives. As part of the feud which he started, Griffin's home in Swords was sprayed with gunfire in 2005 and a grenade was thrown at the property in 2006. One major gangster who is unlikely to get involved in any attacks on Griffin is the Coolock-based drugs trafficker nicknamed 'Mr Big'. He is closely linked to two young 'up-and-coming' north inner city-based criminals who have very close association with Griffin. Since being sent to the Midlands Prison after his rape conviction in April 2007, Griffin has been mainly under a special protection regime. When he was originally sentenced to life in jail, there had already been two tit-for-tat gun murders linked to the bitter feud. It was in this dangerously toxic atmosphere that Griffin was convicted in relation to the sex offences. Sentencing him, the late Mr Justice Paul Carney - who was himself placed under armed garda protection for the duration of the trial - delivered a scathing judgment. While bloodshed raged on the streets of the north inner city, much of it perpetrated by Griffin's mob, he lived a relatively stable life in jail. In 2011, he was subjected to a savage assault in the recreational area of the Midlands Prison, which was not feud-related. Last September, he lost his prison privileges after being caught with a contraband mobile phone behind bars. Gardai at the scene in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght this evening where a critically injured man was discovered by a passer by at around 8am this morning. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Fatal assault victim Ioan Artene Bob, from Romania (Also pictured, Sean Walsh Park in Tallaght) GARDAI investigating the death of a 49-year-old dad, who was found injured in a Tallaght park, have arrested a man. Ioan Artene Bob, from Romania, died of head and chest injuries after what gardai believe was an assault. Expand Close Gardai at the scene in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght this evening where a critically injured man was discovered by a passer by at around 8am this morning. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gardai at the scene in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght this evening where a critically injured man was discovered by a passer by at around 8am this morning. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. He was found in Sean Walsh park in west Dublin last Friday, April 13 and he died later at Tallaght Hospital. A man aged in his 30s was arrested in the Dublin area on Wednesday in connection with the investigation and is currently detained at Tallaght Garda Station. Mr Bob had been working in Ireland in the construction sector and is understood to have been working on a site in Carrickmines recently. He is understood to have an eight-year-old child who lives in Romania. Expand Close Gardai at the scene in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght this evening where a critically injured man was discovered by a passer by at around 8am this morning. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gardai at the scene in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght this evening where a critically injured man was discovered by a passer by at around 8am this morning. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin. Plans are in place to build a 15 million whitewater kayak course and a public swimming swimming pool in Dublin's docklands. Dublin City Council has revealed plans for the ambitious project, which is scheduled for completion by 2020. The proposals for George's Dock at Custom House Quay (CHQ) includes a 250-metre white-water kayak course, with a swift water training course and a public lido. A statement on the DCC website explained that the pool will be "used for canoe polo, flat water kayak training and other related activities." Expand Close The plans for the development / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The plans for the development DCC's CHQ office will also be revamped to provide facilities such as toilets, changing rooms and showers. DCC said they hope plans to regenerate the area will benefit the local economy. They said: "The Water Animation Strategy seeks to build on the successes of previous plans further promoting the area as a world class destination for living, doing business, tourism, leisure, wellness and cultural activities." They have invited tenders for the design of the course, the contract is worth a maximum 750,000. For more information please visit here A florist has described how she was forced to rebuild her life after her husband of 37 years was killed in a hit-and-run accident. Marie Maher's husband Eugene (62) was killed in a hit-and-run accident on June 30, 2015. Eugene had been out for a cycle from their home in Drumcondra to Dollymount Strand - a cycle he had taken for 30 years - when he was struck by a car. Marie had been at home, enjoying the "beautiful summer evening" and had just finished preparing dinner when she got the phone call that changed her life forever. "Never in my life did I think I'd receive that phone call but I did," Marie told the Ryan Tubridy Show on RTE's Radio One. "The phonecall came from his phone... I thought maybe he had got a puncture and needed me to come and pick him up." However, it wasn't Eugene on the other end of the phone. A calm and unfamiliar voice on the other end of the line identified himself as a paramedic. He told Marie that her husband had been clipped off his bike and asked if she could meet them in Beaumont Hospital. Marie didn't become "alarmed or panicked" as the paramedic's tone didn't hint at the seriousness of the situation. She called her son and daughter and arranged for them to meet her at the hospital. When she arrived at the emergency department, she was expecting to see Eugene with a "broken arm or leg" but instead there was no sign of him. A receptionist met Marie and brought her to the back corridor. A nurse joined them and explained that Eugene had gone for a CT scan. Soon, Marie and her two children were led into a private room where they were given tea and coffee. It was at that stage that Marie realised that she wouldn't be getting good news. "Two nurses and a doctor came into the room and, for the rest of my life I will remember this, they said 'there is nothing we can do for him'. "I froze in the chair, I felt numb. I took a fit of the shakes, I literally couldn't speak. There wasn't a single word between the three of us." The family were led to the Intensive Care Unit where they said goodbye to Eugene. "We sat with him, I held his hand, I told him how much I loved him. I couldn't believe this was happeneing, this man who was larger than life. He always seemed to get up and get on with things. He was amazing. I could not believe that this man was gone from my life. My life would never be the same again," said Marie. "I was robbed of my husband. We got the post-mortem results and discovered that he was such a healthy man. He loved his bike. It was his freedom." Marie suffered with nightmares in the months after her husband's death. She still gets them from time to time and explained to Ryan Turbidy that she sometimes wakes up in the middle of the night and wonders if it has all been a dream. "Does this ever go away?" she asked. Marie said she that lost her confidence and felt like she had no focus in life. She found it hard to accept her husband's death: "I felt that I wouldn't be able to function in the world without him because I had been with him for so long." Marie started to see a councellor, who she said changed how she viewed the situation. She left each session feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. "I felt like I could carry on for the week," she said. "One thing I couldn't do was stay in the house so I'd go anywhere. I'd get into the car and drive into town, to a relative's house or to a friend's," she said. Slowly Marie started to rebuild her life. Although she continued to mourn for her husband, a "great family man" who had been part of her life for so long, she knew that she needed to find a focus in her life and decided to return to work. She had previously owned a florists in Drumcondra, White Knight flowers and gift shop, but closed it in 2012 as she felt she couldn't continue to "work every hour that God sent". Marie gave the business up to spend quality time with Eugene, her children and grandchildren. "We had two grandsons at the time who [Eugene] adored. This man and his children - he thought they were the only two children in the world, he idolised them. He was so supportive of his children. I have four grandchildren now and I feel sad that they will never get to meet this incredible, family man," she said. A few weeks ago, she decided to set up her own floral studio business from her home. The focus gave Marie a new lease of life. The business, The Bridal Florist, specialises in wedding flowers. "I wanted to surround myself with happiness for a change and weddings are such happy and special occasions," she said. Marie's daughter set up a Facebook page for the business and it has received great support online so far. But it wasn't just work that helped Marie get her life back on track. She also joined a local choral group called Sensations and credited the choir with helping her feel positive again. "Those girls don't know how far they've brought me," she said. Eugene died from head injuries hours after being struck by a car driven by Christopher Coleman (27). Coleman had been banned from driving at the time and had never held a driving licence. Coleman pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to dangerous driving causing the death of Mr Maher at Clontarf Road, Dublin on June 30, 2015. He also admitted leaving the scene of the crash and to driving without insurance. PRESIDENT Michael D Higgins will next week travel to New York where he will deliver a major speech at the United Nations and meet other heads of state. His visit to the UN comes at a time when it is the scene of increased tensions between the US and Russia over the war in Syria and as Ireland seeks a seat on the organisation's Security Council for the 2021-2022 term. Mr Higgins is expected to highlight Irelands contribution to the UN and commitment to peace-building in the speech next Tuesday. He will also address Irelands role in the negotiation and ratification process for the International Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement to address climate change. The following day Mr Higgins will meet UN secretary general Antonio Guterres and the president of the UN general assembly Miroslac Lajcak. He will also have a series of bilateral meetings with other heads of state at UN headquarters. During the week Mr Higgins will meet organisations supporting Irish immigrants in the US and he is to attend an Ireland Funds event highlighting the achievement of Irish women in business. He will visit the Irish Arts Centre where he will attend a gala concert and is to deliver a speech at Columbia University as part of its World Leaders Forum. Mr Higgins will round off the trip with a visit to Rockland GAA, the largest club outside Ireland. The President will be joined on the trip by his wife Sabina and the Minister for Children Katherine Zappone who will represent the Government. Michael Cuffe (32) went to the Hungarian capital last Friday with three friends for a weekend away but just hours after he arrived he was struck by a bus An Irishman was seriously injured after he was hit by a bus in Budapest last weekend. Michael Cuffe (32) went to the Hungarian capital last Friday with three friends for a weekend away but just hours after he arrived he was struck by a bus. Michael, who is from Ballina in Co Mayo, suffered life-changing injuries, including two broken bones in his neck, two broken bones in his back, a broken collarbone and a triple leg fracture. His devastated family are now fundraising to help bring Michael home for treatment. Expand Close Michael at a family wedding, (L-R): Sean, Martin, Therese, Arthur, Marie, John, Naomi and Michael / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael at a family wedding, (L-R): Sean, Martin, Therese, Arthur, Marie, John, Naomi and Michael His sister Naomi told Independent.ie: "While he has a lot that is wrong it could have been a lot worse, luckily there was a radiologist on the bus who was able to give him CPR and stabilise Michael while they waited for the ambulance. "If there hadn't been a medic on that bus to keep oxygen going to his brain things could have been very different. "I don't know anyone who gets hit by a bus and survives like that." She continued to say: "He is stable but he's been put in a body cast and will have to come home on a spinal board, no commercial airline accommodates for spinal boards so that's why we need an air ambulace. "The cost of air ambulances is huge and since they're all private insurance doesn't cover them, that's why I set up the GoFundMe, to raise as much money as I can to get him home. "The costs are so substantial and we're just trying to alleviate that stress." Air ambulances cost thousands of euro to travel between Budapest and Ireland. Naomi's parents flew to Hungary to be by Michael's bedside last weekend and they hope he will be able to travel home in the next couple of weeks. From there they expect that he will be cared for in the Mater Hospital, although that hasn't been confirmed yet. Expand Close Michael Cuffe / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Michael Cuffe "The doctors think he will walk again but it will be a long recovery. "He's awake and he's in a lot of pain but he has stabilised, although you never know what could prevail," she said. Naomi added that hey are stunned by his accident, saying: "It was his first night in Budapest and he spent it on an operating table, it just seems like a freak accident. "We just want to get him home, it's been tough but we are getting there." The GoFundMe has raised more than 13,000 in less than 24 hours and Naomi said her family are blown away by people's generosity. For more information or to donate please visit here A CALL has been made in the Dail for Communications Minister Denis Naughten to recuse himself from any role in media regulation. Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy used a topic debate this afternoon to claim the minister misled her when answering questions about the proposed merger of Celtic Media with Independent News & Media (INM). She noted that on December 6, 2016 Mr Naughton told her that no decision had been made by his officials in relation to how to handle the deal. However, it has now emerged in court papers that the Minister discussed referring the merger to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland with Eoghan O Neachtain, director of public affairs at Heneghan PR, in November 2016. The Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) has alleged Mr O Neachtain informed PR executive Nigel Heneghan about the conversation and, in turn, he alerted INMs then chairman Leslie Buckly to the Ministers thinking. The States corporate watchdog has claimed Mr Buckley then emailed Mr OBrien in a move that may amount to inside information and potentially a breach of stock market rules. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier insisted that Mr Naughten did not share any confidential information. However, Ms Murphy said the episode raises questions for the minister and he has no choice but to recuse himself from any role in relation to media regulation. Solidarity TD Brid Smith told the Dail that powerful and wealthy individuals have too much influence in Irish society. She said the implication of the INM case are huge. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan responded: As Minister for Justice I want to echo the remarks of the Taoiseach about the importance of a free media in a democracy. Mr Naughten is to make a statement to the Dail this evening during which he is expected to staunchly defend his position. The European Union has issued a fresh warning to the UK that a transitional deal after Brexit will not be secured unless the problem of the Irish border is resolved. European Council president Donald Tusk told MEPs that the UK had created the issue as a result of the Brexit vote and had a duty to find a solution. His comments came as Theresa May faced a battle in the House of Lords, with peers set to push for the UK to remain in a customs union after leaving the EU - something which they claim could help address the issues around the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic. The Prime Minister hopes to secure a transitional deal which would see the UK continue to follow EU rules and trade with the bloc on similar terms until the end of 2020, when a comprehensive deal on a new partnership could take over. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Mr Tusk said he welcomed the progress that had been made in the Brexit talks. "We want to use the positive momentum in these negotiations to finally settle outstanding issues, such as the solution to avoid a hard border between Ireland and Nothern Ireland," he said. In a message that the Government could not simply leave it to the Irish and EU to decide what the customs arrangements at the border should be - as some Brexiteers have suggested - Mr Tusk said: "The UK's decision on Brexit has caused the problem and the UK will have to help solve it. "Without a solution, there will be no withdrawal agreement and no transition. "Leaders will assess the negotiations in June. In parallel we will start our first talks about the future EU-UK relationship." Senior officials were meeting in Brussels on Wednesday to hold preliminary discussions about the future relationship for the first time. In Westminster, the Prime Minister faces the prospect of defeat at the hands of a cross-party alliance in the Lords. The upper chamber resumes debate on the Government's flagship Brexit legislation on Wednesday with an alliance of Labour, Liberal Democrat and crossbench peers - along with Tory rebels - eager to soften the Prime Minister's approach. Labour has warned that opposition peers "won't be shy" about inflicting defeats in the House of Lords. Attempts to rewrite the European Union (Withdrawal Bill) include a cross-party amendment which would require ministers to negotiate "an arrangement which enables the UK to continue participating in a customs union with the EU" after Brexit. The amendment's sponsors include former Tory party chairman Lord Patten of Barnes and former UK ambassador to the EU Lord Kerr of Kinlochard - the diplomat who drafted Article 50, the legal mechanism for Brexit. Former UK ambassador to France and national security adviser Lord Ricketts said he would also back the amendment. Shadow Brexit minister Baroness Hayter said the proposed change "forces the government to prioritise a customs union with the EU - not only to boost industry's ability to trade with the UK, but to ensure there is no hard border in Northern Ireland". Downing Street maintained its opposition to a customs union, which would restrict the UK's ability to strike trade deals after Brexit. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mrs May "has been very clear that the British people voted to leave the EU and expect us to be able to sign trade deals around the world, operating our own independent trade policy". "As the PM has set out, that means we are leaving the customs union," the spokesman said. The Government could try to overturn any defeats inflicted in the Lords when the Bill returns to the Commons later this year. The latest Brexit skirmishes come as a report by think tank Global Future - which wants a Britain that "reaches out to the world" - claimed the Prime Minister's hoped-for bespoke deal would cost the UK the equivalent of 615 million a week in 2018 prices. The think tank said each of the four possible Brexit options - European Economic Area membership, a Canadian-style free-trade deal, falling back to World Trade Organisation terms, or the comprehensive partnership sought by the Prime Minister - would leave the UK poorer than it otherwise would have been. In the report, economist Jonathan Portes said: "In today's money, the Government's estimates imply a cost of about 260 million a week, or 9% of what we currently spend on the NHS, for the EEA option; 875 million per week, or 30% of what we currently spend on the NHS, for the Canada option; and a whopping 1.25 billion a week, or about 44% of what we currently spend on the NHS, for the WTO option. "The Prime Minister's recent Mansion House speech, setting out in detail what the Government means by a 'bespoke deal', allows us to make a reasonable and credible estimate of what the same methodology yields for the government's bespoke deal - a cost of about 615 million a week, or 22% of what we spend on the NHS. "If we are to decide what sort of Brexit we want, the least we need is a menu, with prices." COMMUNICATIONS Minister Denis Naughten has insisted he said nothing wrong or inappropriate during a phone call with a PR executive about the proposed merger between Independent News & Media (INM) and Celtic Media. The minister is under fire after it emerged he discussed referring the potential deal to the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) with a lobbyist for INM. Details of the phonecall emerged in the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcements (ODCE) application to have inspectors appointed to investigate corporate governance issues at INM. It was reported today that details of a conversation between the Minister and Eoghan O Neachtain, director of public affairs at Heneghan PR, were relayed to INMs largest shareholder Denis OBrien in November 2016. It is alleged Mr O Neachtain briefed PR executive Nigel Heneghan on the phonecall he had with the Minister. In turn Mr Heneghan alerted INMs then chairman Leslie Buckly to the Ministers thinking. The States corporate watchdog has claimed Mr Buckley then emailed Mr OBrien in a move that may amount to inside information and potentially a breach of stock market rules. In the Dail this evening, Mr Naughten confirmed that he received a call from Mr O Neachtain on either November 10 or 11, 2016. He revealed the former government press secretary told him that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) had approved the INM acquisition. It was common knowledge that this was a significant acquisition with a significant geographical impact. I expressed a purely personal view that the likely course of action would be a referral to a Phase II assessment in accordance with the guidelines in light of the diversity and media plurality assessments required and in light of the scale of the proposed acquisition, its geographical concentration and the extent of ownership of regional media by INM at that point, Mr Naughten told the Dail. The Minister said it would have been preferable if the conversation had not taken place but repeatedly argued that he didnt express a definitive view. Nor did I state that the view expressed was a confidential one as the article seems to assert. In fact, I clearly stated that I had made all previous decisions solely based on the advice provided to me by my officials and I reiterated that I would adhere to that approach in this case as well, Mr Naughten said. There is no note of the phonecall and the minister did not inform his officials about it. Fianna Fails Timmy Dooley described the interaction as a secret phone conversation He claimed it is not credible that a PR executive hired by INM would attempt to mislead their client by suggesting the phonecall was more than the minister is stating. In response Mr Naughten said he is crystal clear that he gave his own personal view based on information already in the public domain. Sinn Feins Mary Lou McDonald accused the minister of acting outside of the law and in an inappropriate manner. She said it was a dereliction of duty by you as minister. Asked by Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin whether he had met any other people linked to INM during the process, Mr Naughten revealed he had a conversation with former INM chairman Lesley Buckley in May 2017. He said this amounted to small talk at a Data Summit organised by INM in the RDS. Following the debate, Mr O Neachtain told Independent.ie: I agree completely with what the Minister had to say in the Dail chamber. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has been accused of "tokenism" by announcing a law to criminalise landlords who increase rents by more than the permitted 4pc per year. People Before Profit (PBP) TD, Richard Boyd Barrett, cited recent reports on Independent.ie about questionable behaviour by landlord Christian Carter. He said Mr Carters record of overcrowding and poor conditions showed how poor the supervisory authorities were. Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail, said Deputy Boyd Barrett should not be naming people in the Dail. But Mr Boyd Barrett said the landlord had been named on Independent.ie. Read More The PBP TD said rents in Dublin "for a very average property" were running at 1,800 per month and in South Dublin was 2,000 per month. He said in practice, people on low incomes had no hope of getting a home as landlords will not take tenants on Housing Assistance Payment schemes. Mr Barrett said threats to prosecute landlords who exceeded the 4pc rent increase cap amounted to "tokenism". Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the reality was people were paying the high rents in the market. He said it was not feasible for government to cap rents and this had already been established. Expectant mum Kate Middleton has her bags packed for hospital now that her due date is nearly here. Kate and Williams third baby is due any day now, and the exclusive Lindo Wing at St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London is busy preparing for her arrival. A standard room and normal delivery package costs 5,900 (6,775) for the first 24 hours. This affords mum and dad a waiter who'll take their orders for breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can even have afternoon tea, which is served on a three-tiered china cake stand. A source told OK! Magazine that brother and sister Prince George and Princess Charlotte have helped Kate to pack her hospital bag, giving her some of their favourite toys to welcome their new brother or sister. Kate will reportedly bring a calming music CD, as well as her favourite aromatherapy candle and moisturizer. She has also reportedly packed a 19th-century alabaster cameo pendant, which was gifted to her by Queen Elizabeth as a good luck charm for her two previous births. She will also reportedly take her own mother Caroles black onyx beads with her. Black onyx is said to help emotional and physical strength and stamina. The Lindo Wing offers complete privacy during the birthing process, and Kate will have her own en-suite room equipped with high-speed internet, radio, safe, fridge and television Kate will have plenty of space to pack photo frames of her family, which she's also reportedly bringing along. With Kates due date just around the corner, she is by all accounts, ready to go! My four children have all come down with scarlet fever. I had thought that was an old-fashioned disease that people didn't really get any more. Should I be worried? My GP says they are experiencing a high volume of cases in our area of north Dublin. Why is it so prevalent now? My dad had it as a child and spent a week in an isolation ward; why is it that doctors are not so worried about it today? Also, my children had the disease a year ago and I had thought that you could only get it once. Why does it recur and should I prepare to have this as a yearly event? At the same time, myself and my husband got searing sore throats, cold sores, and were coughing blood. Is this related to the scarlet fever bacteria? Scarlet fever was indeed common in Victorian times and pre-antibiotics it was a serious and often deadly disease. It is still around today but thankfully, due to the availability of antibiotic treatment, it is rarely a serious condition once diagnosed and treated appropriately. There has been a particularly high incidence of scarlet fever infection in the UK and Ireland in recent months. It is caused by a bacterial infection due to streptococcus A. Symptoms include a very red, sore throat and fever (38C or above). The scarlet part refers to a red rash that often appears. It has a typical sandpaper feel. Skin may be bright red, especially in the creases of the underarm, elbow, and groin. The tongue classically becomes red and swollen. There may be a whitish coating, which fades to show a red bumpy tongue often called a strawberry tongue, as it resembles the surface of this fruit. There may also be swollen glands in the neck. Other possible symptoms include headache and body aches with nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain. Streptococcus tonsillar infection is usually quite obvious on physical examination. There can be swollen tonsils with large collections of pus. There is often a very distinctive smell off the breath called strep halitosis. If the infection is in doubt, your GP can take a throat swab. Scarlet fever requires antibiotic treatment. Penicillin in its basic form is very effective but treatment is required for 10 days to fully eradicate the infection. It is important to take the antibiotic as prescribed. With appropriate antibiotic therapy, complications are thankfully rare, but they can occur and it is important to seek review if your child gets better and then worse again. Rheumatic fever (an inflammatory disease that can affect the heart, joints, skin, and brain) is a rare but serious complication of scarlet fever. Post-infectious inflammation of the kidneys is another complication. This usually settles without long-term problems once treated early, avoiding more chronic kidney damage. Ear infections, pneumonia and skin infections are other possible complications. It is important to stay home for the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment to reduce the chance of passing the infection to others. Scarlet fever is highly contagious. Infections often travel quickly through families, creches and schools. Scarlet fever is most common in children aged five to 15 but it can also occur in adults. It can reoccur because it is a bacterial infection, so these can infect more than once. However, reinfection doesn't always occur so there is no need to be concerned this would be an annual event. Your symptoms of severe sore throat may indeed have been scarlet fever. Some people with a throat or pharyngeal infection may cough up some blood due to severe irritation of the lining of the throat area but it is important to state that coughing up blood is never normal - you should talk to your GP about this. Antibiotics treat the infection. Meanwhile the pain of scarlet fever may be eased by simple painkillers, gargling with salt and water and by drinking warm drinks or eating cooling foods such as yogurt and ice pops. Q. My seven-year-old daughter is on her third course of antibiotics this winter. What should I do to counteract the side effects as I hear they destroy healthy gut bacteria and influence mood in children? Dr Nina replies: The best way to avoid complications and side effects of antibiotics is to use them only when absolutely necessary. Most coughs, colds and sore throats occur due to viruses and antibiotics will not help in this case. There is a serious overuse of antibiotics worldwide. Our antibiotic use is amongst the highest in Europe. Antibiotics are a group of medicines that kill bacteria. When used correctly, they can be lifesaving, because when the right antibiotic hits a certain bug it works quickly to kill it. Antibiotics are usually very well tolerated and used appropriately are quite safe. There are possible side effects. Severe allergic reaction to antibiotics can be life threatening. Diarrhoea from antibiotics can cause dehydration and destroy healthy gut bacteria, which aid with digestion and well-being. Antibiotics can interact with other medication, making them less effective. It is very important to only take antibiotics that have been prescribed for a specific illness by your doctor. However, if you have been prescribed an antibiotic it is really important that you take it as directed and complete the entire course, even if you feel better after a day or two. Taking probiotics when you are taking an antibiotic may help reduce the chance of antibiotic related upset significantly. These bugs, commonly referred to as good bacteria, are live micro-organisms; either the same or similar to those found in the body, that scientific research has found to be beneficial to health. Probiotics are considered generally safe but may not be suitable for those with reduced immune systems or in the elderly and they may interact with some medication. Their production is unregulated so strength and purity of brands may differ. If you have any health queries for Dr Nina Byrnes, please email drnina@independent.ie. Please note that Dr Nina cannot enter into individual correspondence Sinead OTooles son Daniel (10) has a mild form of autism. He has language delay, and his behaviour can be unpredictable when he becomes overwhelmed. But he loves video games; and his television, iPad, and Wii U are his security blankets - they make him feel safe. He also enjoys activities like swimming. The autism spectrum is so big; every single child on the spectrum is different. My son would be classed as mild, he has delayed language so its difficult for him to socialise, she tells Independent.ie. I worry about him all the time. I worry what the future holds for him. People ask can you see him living on his own and living an independent life. My answer is 'I dont know', I take every day as it comes. People with autism often stim as a way of relieving their brains of over-stimulation. Stimming usually manifests as hand-flapping, rocking, spinning, or repetition of words and phrases. During family trips outside, bystanders react differently to Daniels stimming and unpredictable behaviours. Some stare, some react, while others smile and move on. Awareness, Sinead hopes, will help people to understand why a person with autism stims or starts behaving unpredictably. Its really difficult at times. Daniel can be quite unpredictable; if something triggers him when were out, he could get very upset which could lead to bad behaviours. I find that often people will look and they will judge and they will say things. Sometimes Ill say my son is on the autism spectrum and Ill try and explain what it is, and some people are nice about it. We bring our kids into Dublin on the train as a treat. He always gets a seat, and one day, because there were no seats on this particular train, he became upset and he would try and sit on someone. My husband was trying to bring him down to the other end of the train, trying to distract him, but what we had to do in the end was to get off at Maynooth train station. There was one particular person who wasnt very kind. It was a young girl. I just wanted to get home at that stage. But we saw that there was another train empty and we showed him that it was empty and that wed get a seat, so he was fine after that. He has to be prepared for every social outing so that he knows where were going, what were doing, but if something doesnt happen that was planned, its difficult. Sinead and her friend Michelle Bowe, who also has a child on the spectrum, are doing their skydive to educate people about autism. At the same time, theyll raise funds for activities and sensory equipment at St Josephs school in Kilcock. [As a parent of a child with autism] youre very much alone. When he started school, Id just given up work. When people see your child acting out, it was hard because I knew it was so difficult for him, and people are looking and they are judging. She added: People shouldnt be afraid to talk to [children with autism], and if they dont talk back it mightnt be that they dont hear you, they mightnt know how to talk back. Please dont stare, have good body language, be open about it. If you see a child that theres something going on there, and theyre not just being bold, dont judge. Give the child and the parent a chance to sort through it. Id nearly prefer if a person smiled and walked away. When a child is the same height as you and theyre having a meltdown its difficult, when a tall 10 year-old is frustrated and cant tell you why, the last thing you want is to be stared at and judged and have eyes rolled up at you. Daniel has taught the family a lot about how to communicate with each other, Sinead says. Hes taught me a lot about myself aswell. Hes made us, the family... were very tight knit. We do a lot together and we never let it stop us doing anything either. Hes entitled to the same life as any other child. Its taken time, it hasnt been an easy journey. He was my first child and it was quite a shock to be given the diagnosis. Once you accept it, and educate yourself, its easier. She explained: Daniel would run a lot, hed be quite active and run up and down; hed make noises, and youd get funny looks. But thats just how he processes things. We dont holiday outside Ireland anymore now as hes getting older. We find that when we holiday in Ireland we can bring a TV, his Wii U, our own internet and his ipad and some of his toys, and it gives us all quiet times in the evenings. He doesnt feel safe if he doesnt have those things with him. Sinead's two children Dylan (6) and Keela (5) are very understanding of their brother too, she says. Theyre quite amazing in their empathy of him. They want to be friends with everyone and include everyone. Thats because I know they see how hard it is for Daniel. But she added: Its not hard all the time. We would go to the zoo a lot, and I try and go on a quiet time. If he hears a noise or a scream from a baby or a child, that could upset him, and hell go over and ask the child why theyre crying. Last Saturday we went to the National Aquatic Centre and we showed him photos of it before we went, and when we were there we explained when exactly wed be leaving, and it was three hours of bliss that we spent as a family. Sinead and Michelle will perform their skydive on April 21 with the Irish Parachute Club. [The skydive is] to raise awareness that there are children that have autism in the community. We want to teach the other children what it is and that the children who have autism are not just being bold when they have a meltdown. Last week's piece on potholes jarred - if you'll forgive the pun. I've had a stream of complaints from people saying their local roads have deteriorated dramatically over the past year. And they see no reason, considering all the taxes they are already paying, that they should have to stump up more of their hard-earned money. A minority, nonetheless, said things have become so bad that they would grudgingly pay a little more in tax to rid their roads of the hidden gouges. I've a feeling this is going to become a real issue in rural areas, particularly where traffic volumes might be relatively low but people still need and deserve a decent surface to get around. The fact of the matter is that roads need constant maintenance and many of ours have been left to their fate for a long time now. We do need to get our heads together on this. There are two major issues: safety and vehicle condition. Safety - people swerving to avoid a pothole hit, for example. Vehicle condition - tyres, rims, wheels and suspensions are all being whacked. They are safety issues too, of course. Keep your pothole reports coming. We might visit a few to highlight just how bad they are in your area, so let us know at ecunningham@independent.ie. * Opel are renewing contracts with all dealers in their network as they embark on a new era. * Motorists in Britain are more likely to opt for hybrid than diesel when they buy their next car. I wonder if the same holds true for here. From queries coming into our Help Desk, there is strong anecdotal evidence of people thinking deeply about such a move. The British mindset is reflected in a survey compiled by the National Franchised Dealer Association. * Congratulations to Bob Montgomery on his new book, 'Motor Assembly in Ireland', which was launched earlier this week. We had an excerpt from it last week and people seem to love it. Best of luck. * So diesel, not Brexit, lands the first heavy punch on a car maker with the announcement that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is to cut 1,000 jobs and reduce production at two of its UK factories. It's tough news for those involved. I hope it is not a forerunner of more for other marques. The slump in demand for diesel cars, because of higher taxes and tougher emission regulations, is being blamed for the move. The company, which has expanded model line-ups dramatically and is famous for its diesels, is to lay off agency workers at its Solihull plant and move more than 360 people to Solihull from its nearby Castle Bromwich plant. A JLR spokesman confirmed reports from last week about the potential jobs losses. "We are not renewing the contracts of 1,000 agency workers at Solihull," he said. About 90pc of JLR sales in Britain are diesel. Solihull builds the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar, alongside the Land Rover Discovery and the Jaguar F-Pace. The Jaguar F-Type, XE, XF and XJ models are produced at Castle Bromwich. Sitting comfortably: The SkyRider offers just 23 inches of space from the seat in front of you A budget airline in Colombia has renewed calls for standing seats to be permitted on aircraft to further drive down the cost of flying. VivaColombia is the latest budget carrier to express interest in so-called vertical seating, akin to perching on a bar stool, which would enable airlines to cram more passengers onto flights. There are people out there right now researching whether you can fly standing up, VivaColombia's founder and CEO William Shaw said. Were very interested in anything that makes travel less expensive. VivaColombia is not the first airline to consider stand-up flights. In 2010, Ryanairs Michael OLeary expressed interest a plane is just a "bus with wings, he said at the time. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) claims seatbelts are essential for passenger safety, however, and said there would be many hurdles to jump through before carriers could launch stand-up flights. Expand Close Sitting comfortably: The SkyRider offers just 23 inches of space from the seat in front of you / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sitting comfortably: The SkyRider offers just 23 inches of space from the seat in front of you First the airline would have to ask the manufacturer of the aircraft to fit them in, then the manufacturer would have to get those seats approved, said Richard Taylor, a spokesperson for the CAA. Unless they can make it 100 per cent safe, it wont be viable. Vertical seating or bar stools with seat belts, as Ryanair dubbed them was originally touted by Airbus in 2003. The idea has since been developed by the Italian firm Aviointeriors, which claimed its SkyRider perch (above) could reduce space on an aircraft by 25pc. So far no such seat has been approved by regulators. The quest for stand-up flights continues. Read more: Read More Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] A new aircraft "standing seat" model aimed at cramming more airline passengers onto budget flights has been unveiled. The new saddle seat, to be unveiled at a conference this week, increases the number of seats an airline can have in its economy class. The design, named the SkyRider, allows just 23 inches of legroom, which is about seven inches less than the average seat's space of 30 inches. Shaped similar to a horse saddle, passengers sit at an angle, with their weight taken on by their legs. It allows seats to be overlapped. The seats would also offer storage space including a shelf for carry-on bags and hooks to hang a jacket or a handbag. The makers say the seat would allow budget airlines, such as Ryanair, to cram more passengers into their tight cabins. The seat, designed by Italian design firm Aviointeriors Group, based in Latina, in the country's south-west, is to be unveiled this week at the Aircraft Interiors Expo Americas conference in Long Beach, California. But while the designers claim it does not affect passenger comfort, they say it would only be suitable for flights of up to three hours. "We feel extremely confident that this concept will ... have great appeal to airlines for economic purposes," Dominique Menoud, the company's director general, told USA Today. For flights anywhere from one to possibly even up to three hours ... this would be comfortable seating. The seat ... is like a saddle. Cowboys ride eight hours on their horses during the day and still feel comfortable in the saddle." The company added that the seat, which is in its final stage of testing, had been designed and engineered to offer the possibility to even further reduce ticket prices while still maintaining sound profitability. Ryanair, the Irish low-cost carrier, has previously said it would let passengers stand during flights if the Irish Aviation Authority granted permission. In July, Ryanair announced plans to operate flights where passengers stand during the journey at a cost of just 5 per ticket. Michael O'Leary, the budget airlines controversial chief executive, suggested the Irish airline may soon carry a number of vertical seats. But the latest idea has already been dismissed by safety officials. The European Aviation Safety Agency, in Cologne, Germany, said the plans were highly unlikely to meet stringent safety approval. To our knowledge, no airlines or other operators have made an application for stand-up seats, a spokesman said. What they are proposing would be unprecedented and highly unlikely to be certified in the near future. No approval has been granted. Mr Menoud said if a carrier committed to the new design his company would apply for the proper certification. He claimed several airlines had expressed interest although he did not name the companies. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Subscribe to The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone via iTunes or SoundCloud. On this weeks show, Ciaran Donlon explains how her medical devices company has gone global in just three years after a difficult start when their original company name had Isis in its title! Ciara always dreamed of building a business of her own and in 2010, she set up a lingerie retail business in Ranelagh in Dublin. Many women undergoing treatment for breast cancer came into her shop looking for a comfortable and feminine bra to wear post surgery. Theya Healthcare was born, specialising in the design and manufacture of lingerie suitable for women who have undergone breast cancer surgery, radiotherapy treatment or cosmetic surgery. Donlon describes Theya as a medical devices firm, rather than a manufacturer of garments and she has successfully developed her own proprietary blend of super-soft bamboo with business booming in the UK and around the world. "In five years time the aim is to be a global player," she says. "Well hopefully be serving many more niche markets and, if it all goes well, will have hit our revenue targets of 100 million. The Ready Business show, in association with Vodafone , is available via iTunes , SoundCloud and Stitcher or subscribe to the RSS feed of the Ready Business Podcast using your favourite podcatcher. You can check out the full Ready Business Podcast series here . Sponsored by: Vogue Williams is taking a zero tolerance approach to commentary on her social media. The tv presenter (32) is expecting her first child with fiance Spencer Matthews and the pair are in Greece enjoying an early babymoon together and Vogue has been sharing updates with her followers of her their sunny activities. She shared a side by side of two pictures in which her bump is more prominent than the other, saying she doesn't digitally alter her body for her Instagram page, preferring a more natural approach. "These photos were taken within half an hour of each other. Front on no bump, side profile POW there he is! So glad my bump has finally popped. I never alter my body in any pictures, if you cant see my bump its just because of the angle although I may only take side profile shots from now on," she said. Expand Close Vogue Williams shows off her baby bump on holidays. Picture: Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vogue Williams shows off her baby bump on holidays. Picture: Instagram Earlier this week, she hit back at a commenter who took issue with what they perceived as her luxurious lifestyle. "It's easy to look good when all you do is go to the gym and holiday every week," one user told the model. Not one to take negative feedback lying down, Vogue was quick to reply and told the person she is entitled to some relaxation and said that she is planning on working without a break for the next few months. "Don't be a hater, negativity suits nobody. I'm going to enjoy my four-day holiday before I start working non-stop until July 6th," she explained. Expand Close Vogue Williams shows off her baby bump on holidays. Picture: Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Vogue Williams shows off her baby bump on holidays. Picture: Instagram Similarly, Aoibhin Garrihy, who is also expecting her first child, was quick to retort to a follower who suggested she was behaving dangerously by climbing Irelands highest mountain Carrauntoohil together. When she posted a photo on Instagram after the summit, scores of positive comments flooded in, but so too did one or two negative comments, with one follower calling the actress irresponsibly silly. Video of the Day Aoibhins response to the comment was: Im afraid Ill have to disagree with you. As my husband is an experienced climber, safety has always been paramount for us." Vogue and Spencer will welcome the new arrival in early autumn. Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle and Prince Harry attend a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle smiles as she attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Meghan Markle looks at Prince Harry during a reception for delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Prince Harry and Meghan Markle attend a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London, during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) Meghan Markle is continuing her independent style streak, today choosing an edgy workwear look for an appearance in London with her fiance Prince Harry. Since announcing their engagement last November, Meghan has been a fixture by Harry's side at appearances and all eyes were on the royal bride-to-be at a reception for the Commonwealth, meeting with youth delegates taking part in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Expand Close Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) It was her pinstripe 'Audrey Midi Dress' by Altazurra that stole the show, not to mention its eye-watering 1,600 price tag, and she accessorised with her preferred handbag style, a crossbody piece by Orton. It's a markedly less formal approach to daywear than her future sister-in-law Kate Middleton and established royals, who prefer clutches and flesh coloured tights. Over her shoulders, she draped a black 'Dimmer' blazer by Camilla and Marc and a pair of black strappy heels by Jimmy Choo founder Tarama Mellon's eponymous label. Earlier this week, at the opening of the CHOGM youth forum, Harry said he was thrilled to be working on the even with his other half. "In my new role, I will work to support the Queen, my father the Prince of Wales, and my brother William, all of whom know that young people are the answer to the challenges of today," he said. Expand Close Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Meghan Markle attends a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre on April 18, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images) "I am also incredibly grateful that the woman I am about to marry, Meghan, will be joining me in this work, of which she too is hugely excited to take part in." Prince Carl Philip the Duke of Varmland and Princess Sofia of Sweden the Duchess of Varmland walk the red carpet when arriving at Idrottsgalan, the annual Swedish sports awards gala held at the Ericsson Globe Arena on January 15, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Getty Images) Prince Gabriel of Sweden, Duke of Dalarna held by Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Philip holding Prince Alexander, Duke of Sodermanland is the second child of and attends the christening of Prince Gabriel of Sweden at Drottningholm Palace Chapel on December 1, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Michael Campanella/Michael Campanella/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden and Barry C.Barish, laureate of the Nobel Prize in physics attend the Nobel Prize Banquet 2017 at City Hall on December 10, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Nobel Prize Banquet 2017 at City Hall on December 10, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the Nobel Prize Awards Ceremony at Concert Hall on December 10, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden and Prince Carl Phillip of Sweden attend a formal gathering at the Swedish Academy on December 20, 2017 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/GC Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) Sweden's Princess Sofia continued her turn as one of the world's most effortlessly glamorous royals in an embellished maxi skirt straight off the runway, Sofia (nee Hellqvist), a former model and reality star, and husband Prince Carl Philip looks as if they've stepped off the pages of Vogue at any given moment and the new mother is bringing her signature personal style as she dips her toe back into royal work since giving birth to her second child. Expand Close Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) The 33-year-old was guest of honour at the UNDP's Spring Gala in Stockholm on Tuesday, choosing a dramatic 3D floral skirt by Swedish designer Ida Sjostedt paired with a simple black round neck top and a peek a colour with a pair of patent teal heels. Sofia took a break from her public duties after welcoming little Prince Gabriel in September and has made a handful of appearances since the start of the year, mostly without her husband in a bid to establish herself in a more independent role within the Swedish royals. The couple wed in 2015 after six years together. When asked about the difficulties of caring for two children under two, she told Swedish magazine Kupe: "We try to create as much family time as possible in the evenings, with bathing and getting into a nighttime routine. Gabriel has started sleeping and eating more regularly. "We do get glimpses that its going to be tougher with two than with one. But there is also twice as much love." Expand Close Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Princess Sofia of Sweden attends the UNDP's Spring Gala at the Fotografiska photography museum on April 17, 2018 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by MICHAEL CAMPANELLA/Getty Images) When asked if the toughest part was over, she said: "Ask me again in a few months." Her husband echoed her sweet sentiments, saying: "Gabriel and Alexander are still so small, but its so exciting to follow their development. Its great to be part of their journey." Amanda Brunker at her wedding with husband Philip McLaughlin (far left) and Bono (centre) Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian attend the Klutch Sports Group "More Than A Game" Dinner Presented by Remy Martin at Beauty & Essex on February 17, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for Klutch Sports Group) The happy couple: Mairead with her husband Louis Ronan at their wedding in Ballyclerihan, Co Tipperary I've always liked my name. It's one of a kind in Ireland, with relatively few more across the world. It's not just a name though, it's my identity. Yes, it was chosen for me and I had no input on the matter but Amanda Brunker is who I am. There was never a time that I considered changing it when I got married. Expand Close Amanda Brunker at her wedding with husband Philip McLaughlin (far left) and Bono (centre) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Amanda Brunker at her wedding with husband Philip McLaughlin (far left) and Bono (centre) I'm sure my husband probably would have liked me to conform to some sort of tradition, but he never contested my decision and it has never presented any problems for me or us. On Monday Mairead Ronan fiercely defended her right to take her second husband's name on Claire Byrne Live. I was quite surprised at how defiant she was about the matter, considering she never took her first husband's name. But that is her prerogative and I would never attempt to dissuade any woman from following her heart. On the other hand, I agreed with an awful lot of what journalist Andrea Smith had to say. She was correct in pointing out that taking your husband's name is an old tradition that perpetuates the ownership of women by men. Expand Close Mairead Ronan on Claire Byrne Live / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mairead Ronan on Claire Byrne Live Video of the Day It's a woman's father that hands her over to another man. Most people probably don't look into it that deeply, but women are presented by their fathers as a gift on their wedding day. They're then asked to honour and obey their husband, something I'm sure you're not surprised I refused to do. I was half hopeful that Claire would wade in on the debate, having also been married twice herself. Unsurprisingly she took neither of her husbands' names. She had worked too hard to ever become a Mrs Richard Johnson or a Mrs Gerry Scollan, and (in my eyes) quite rightly stuck with Claire Byrne, which is a recognisable broadcasting name. As the world gossips over the birth of Khloe Kardashian's child, True Thomson, I can't help but be baffled as to why she chose not to bestow the Kardashian branding onto her first-born. Firstly, because she's not married to the father and secondly, because it was exposed that he had cheated on Khloe numerous times before the birth of True. While it is uncouth to predict the demise of someone's relationship, if I was a gambling woman I would lay money on this particular union fizzling out when the Keeping Up with the Kardashians director yells "Cut!" I hope I'm wrong. I would never wish a broken home on anyone, except maybe Melania Trump - that poor, vacant-looking woman needs her freedom. But names are important. They should be chosen wisely and just because a man simply donated sperm to the making of a baby should not give him the automatic right to that child's surname. Expand Close Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian. Picture: Instagram / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tristan Thompson and Khloe Kardashian. Picture: Instagram Call me difficult if you must, but you will never call me by my husband's name. My own one works perfectly well for me and in the future if my sons ever choose to use my name they can, as it's already on their passport along with my husband's. They have been a familiar sight across the UK since the 1920s, but in the last two decades the red phone box seen as a British cultural icon has become obsolete, thanks to the rise of mobile phones. One man in Brighton has decided to give a decommissioned red telephone box a new lease of life by converting it into a coffee kiosk. Dialling In Kiosk sells coffee to tourists and passersby looking to get their caffeine fix. Founder Greg Ackerley said: People expect quirky, interesting and unusual things when they come to Brighton. So in that sense tourists absolutely love it. Ackerley also added theres a benefit to not having to pay much rent for shop space. He said: Rent in Brighton is ludicrously expensive. With a small shop you get small prices which brings in a lot of custom that the other shops would lose out on. Expand Close Dialling in Kiosk / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Dialling in Kiosk There are old red telephone boxes across the country that have been re-purposed for other use including a library, pop up art gallery, storage for a defibrillator and a phone repair shop. Greg said: The reaction from public has been great. They absolutely love the concept. If I was able to convert photographs into sales, I wouldnt be working anymore. A mother was jailed after she was found guilty of selling her teenage daughter to men for sexual services over a period of two years. Kasmeer Lata, a Fijian woman who moved to New Zealand with her children in 2014, was on Tuesday sentenced to six years and 11 months. Lata's trial in Auckland's High Court heard that the 36-year-old kept her daughter as a sex slave and sold her body nearly 1,000 times over a period of two years. SBS Australia report that she abuse started on the victim's 15th birthday and ended when she escaped in November 2016 and reported the crime to the authorities. In a victim statement read out in court, the New Zealand Herald reports that the teen asked what she did to deserve her mother. "The 18-year-old, who has lifelong anonymity, said: "I have to make up lies about four years of my life and why I live on my own without my parents' support. "I see men differently now. I think they always want something from me and that is why they are talking to me. "I always wanted my mum to be a normal person... I wonder what I did to deserve my mum? All I wanted was your love as a child, teenager, and your girl." Lata was sentenced for dealing in slaves and receiving earnings from commercial sexual services from an underage person. Lata and her partner Avneesh Sehgal pleaded guilty to the charges. Seghal's trial is scheduled for next week and he will be sentenced next month. Telecoms giant BT is merging its business and public sector divisions to create an enterprise unit with more than 14,000 staff. Telecoms giant BT is merging its business and public sector divisions to create an enterprise unit with more than 14,000 staff. The group is bringing together the business and public sector division with the wholesale and ventures arm to create BT Enterprise. BT said it was too early to comment on any potential job losses among the combined 14,100 workforce of the two units, but said cuts could not be ruled out. A BT spokesman said: We will look to eliminate duplication and introduce efficiencies over time. The business and public sector division employs 10,300 staff, while the wholesale and ventures arm has 3,800 workers. The new unit will be headed by Gerry McQuade, currently chief executive of the wholesale and ventures business. Business and public sector chief executive Graham Sutherland will leave BT after five years on its executive committee and 12 years with the company overall, BT said. Gavin Patterson, chief executive of BT, said: Having brought together our consumer and EE businesses, this is the next step in the simplification of BTs operating model. Combining our enterprise businesses will allow us to strengthen the services and products we offer to businesses and sharpen our focus on customer service, through clear accountabilities and by introducing efficiencies. The newly combined division, BT Enterprise, will provide products and services to small and medium-sized businesses, the corporate and public sectors and other communications providers in the UK and Ireland. BT said its global services unit will continue to provide services to multinational companies within the UK and worldwide. Mr Patterson has been overhauling the group since its 12.5 billion takeover of EE in 2016. The firm recently announced it is to close its defined benefit pension scheme for 10,000 managers as part of efforts to plug a mammoth deficit. Earlier this year, it also posted falling third-quarter revenues and earnings as it lost 5,000 pay TV customers. The group saw adjusted earnings drop 2% to 1.8 billion in its third quarter to December 31, while sales fell 3% to 5.97 billion. Mike Pompeo, the director of the CIA, has reportedly visited North Korea and met leader Kim Jong Un. The highly unusual, secret visit apparently happened over the Easter weekend as the enemy nations prepared for a meeting between President Donald Trump and Mr Kim within the next few months. Two officials confirmed the trip anonymously to the Associated Press. The Washington Post, which first reported Mr Pompeos meeting with Mr Kim, said it took place just over two weeks ago, shortly after the CIA chief was nominated to become secretary of state. Mr Trump, who was hosting Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at his Florida estate, said the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for a possible summit with Mr Kim. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which was slated to take place by early June. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Mr Trump and Mr Kim had not spoken directly. Mr Kims offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Mr Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many by accepting it. US officials indicated over the past two weeks that North Koreas government had communicated directly with Washington that it was ready to discuss its nuclear weapons programme. It would be the first summit between the US and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Koreas nuclear weapons and its capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the US mainland. Expand Close Mike Pompeo was confirmed as secretary of state last week (Alex Brandon/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mike Pompeo was confirmed as secretary of state last week (Alex Brandon/AP) The US and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for US intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, then-director of national intelligence James Clapper secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. At his confirmation hearing last week to become secretary of state, Mr Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Koreas nuclear weapons programme at the planned Trump-Kim summit, but he said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearisation. Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need, Mr Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Mr Kim has turned to international outreach. The young leader met Chinas President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March in his first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the demilitarised zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. People watch a TV screen showing file footage of U.S. President Donald Trump, right, South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (Ahn Young-joon/AP) President Donald Trump claimed a good relationship was formed when his CIA chief Mike Pompeo met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The president confirmed the meeting in a tweet as moves continue to organise a summit with Mr Kim and Mr Trump. Mike Pompeos highly unusual talks took place last week, Mr Trump tweeted, and went smoothly, with details about the presidential meeting within the next few months being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!, Mr Trump wrote while at his Florida estate, where he was hosting Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe. Mr Trump had disclosed on Tuesday that the US and North Korea were holding direct talks at extremely high levels in preparation for a possible summit. He said five locations were under consideration for the meeting, which could take place by early June. The Washington Post, which first reported the meeting, said it took place over Easter weekend, just over two weeks ago, shortly after Mr Pompeo was nominated to become secretary of state. Mr Kims offer for a summit was initially conveyed to Mr Trump by South Korea last month, and the president shocked many by accepting it. US officials indicated over the past two weeks that North Koreas government had communicated directly with Washington that it was ready to discuss its nuclear weapons programme. It would be the first-ever summit between the US and North Korea during more than six decades of hostility since the Korean War. North Koreas nuclear weapons and its capability to deliver them by ballistic missile pose a growing threat to the US mainland. Expand Close President Donald Trump confirmed Mike Pompeo had met North Korea's leader (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp President Donald Trump confirmed Mike Pompeo had met North Korea's leader (Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP) The US and North Korea do not have formal diplomatic relations, complicating the arrangements for contacts between the two governments. It is not unprecedented for US intelligence officials to serve as a conduit for communication with Pyongyang. In 2014, the then-director of US national intelligence, James Clapper, secretly visited North Korea to bring back two American detainees. China, North Koreas closest ally, said it welcomes direct contact and talks between the US and North Korea after news emerged of Mr Pompeos meeting with Mr Kim. I'm optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately needMike Pompeo, speaking last week Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a briefing that Beijing hopes the two sides will work on a political resolution of tensions on the Korean Peninsula and set up a peace mechanism. The Koreas are technically still in a state of war after fighting in the 1950-53 Korean War ended with a ceasefire, not a peace treaty. At a Senate hearing last week on his nomination, Mr Pompeo played down expectations for a breakthrough deal on ending North Koreas nuclear weapons programme at the planned summit, but said it could lay the groundwork for a comprehensive agreement on denuclearisation. Expand Close Kim Jong Un with his wife Ri Sol Ju (North Korea/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kim Jong Un with his wife Ri Sol Ju (North Korea/AP) Im optimistic that the United States government can set the conditions for that appropriately so that the president and the North Korean leader can have that conversation and will set us down the course of achieving a diplomatic outcome that America and the world so desperately need, Mr Pompeo told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. After a year of escalating tensions, when North Korea conducted nuclear and long-range missile tests that drew world condemnation, Mr Kim has changed tack to international outreach. The young leader met Chinas President Xi Jinping in Beijing in late March, Mr Kims first trip abroad since taking power six years ago. He is set to meet South Korean president Moon Jae-in in the demilitarised zone between the rival Koreas on April 27. (left to right) Marcin Lipiec, Daniel Majewski and Piotr Pawlark who stole children's ashes in a spree of raids and are facing jail sentences. Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire Three "prolific" burglars who stole children's ashes in a spree of raids are facing jail sentences. Marcin Lipiec, (37), Daniel Majewski, (26), and Piotr Pawlark, (32), took hundreds of items of property from homes across London. They stole a box containing the ashes of twins who had died at birth, along with items of jewellery, from a house in Richmond in December 2017. The trio, all of Twickenham, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, Metropolitan Police said. They are due to be sentenced on May 11. Pc Jamie Oprey said: "Lipiec, Majewski and Pawlark are prolific burglars who have caused misery and heartbreak for a number of families across London. "I'm pleased they have today been brought to justice for their crimes." Lipiec, Majewski and Pawlark have also been linked to seven other burglaries over a two week period, police said. All three men were arrested after a member of the public reported a suspicious car to the police. When officers searched their home address they found more than 400 stolen items, along with crowbars, hammers and rubber gloves. The box containing the children's ashes was also recovered and has been returned to the family. A five-year-old girl has been swept to her death during a day out at the seaside. Police said the girl was in the sea at Durdle Door in Dorset with a woman, thought to have been her mother, when the pair got into difficulty. A member of the public ran into the water and helped the woman out but could not save the girl. A Ministry of Defence military range safety boat, which was in the area, responded to a Mayday broadcast and rushed to the beach and recovered the girl from the water. The girl, from the Salisbury area, was handed over to a lifeboat crew who desperately tried to resuscitate her. She was handed over to ambulance paramedics who rushed her to Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester where she was pronounced dead. It came on the hottest day of the year in the UK so far as temperatures have reached highs of 25C in the south east. The tragic incident in Dorset happened at 11.30am. Detective Inspector Steve May, of Dorset Police, said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the young girl involved at this very difficult time. "At this time there is nothing to suggest this was anything other than a tragic accident however, with the sudden death of any child we have an obligation to carry out an investigation to establish the full circumstances of what happened. "I am appealing to anyone who witnessed how the girl came to be in the water and has not already spoken to police to contact us immediately. "There were also a number of visitors in the area at the time and I am appealing to anyone who may have filmed or photographed the incident to please get in touch as it may assist our investigation." A spokesman for Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Just before 11.30am today we received multiple 999 calls from members of the public reporting a child and a woman in distress in the water at Durdle Door, Dorset. "We immediately issued a Mayday relay broadcast to all vessels in the area. A MOD military range safety vessel responded and was almost immediately on scene. "The adult casualty was rescued by a member of the public and the child casualty was recovered from the water by the MOD vessel." The Lulworth and Wyke Regis coastguard teams attended the incident along with the Weymouth lifeboat and the coastguard helicopter. Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] File photo dated 09/04/12 of high school teacher Deborah Lowe, who has been cleared by a jury after she was accused of having sex with her teenage pupil. Peter Byrne/PA Wire A jury has cleared a teacher accused of having sex with her teenage pupil. Deborah Lowe, 54, wiped away tears as she was told she could leave the dock and was free to go by the judge, following a seven-day trial at Minshull Street Crown Court, Manchester. The jury, who were out for two hours and seven minutes deliberating, found Lowe not guilty of five counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust. She had stood, hands clasped in front of her, swaying slightly and breathing deeply as the jury foreman returned the verdicts. Lowe had admitted having sex with the teenager, after being flattered by the attention of the boy and was having a midlife crisis when they began a relationship. The divorcee said at the time she had become interested in meditation and yoga, visited Bali, sold her flat in suburban Cheshire and given up her job as head of pastoral care at a high school to go travelling in India to explore her faith. But she maintained the relationship with the boy, 35 years her junior, only became sexual after he had left school and he was aged 17. The prosecution had alleged that sex began when the boy was 16 and although old enough to legally consent, Lowe broke the law by having sex with him when being a person in a position of trust his teacher. Earlier, the court heard that in a jokey WhatsApp message to a friend Lowe told her she was not having sex with the boy and described herself as a mother figure. But she added: If not in the too distant future he wants to discuss the merits of an older woman I will be there for him followed by emojis of a bottle of baby oil and a pair of handcuffs. The teenager had told the jury after flirting at school they swapped phone numbers and first engaged in phone sex before sexual encounters in her home, car and caravan. A former air hostess who has worked in education for 14 years, Lowe told the jury sex first took place after he contacted her around December 2016 three months after he left school, and she took him to her flat in the Stockport area of Greater Manchester. They kissed and had sex and later on also had sex at his home while his mother, who Lowe knew, was out of the house. The relationship continued into 2017 with more secret liaisons in the caravan where she lived. She sent him a card signing off with, The slut a name they used during, rough sex sessions where he pulled her hair and she bit and scratched his back till it bled. The boy told jurors it was every lads fantasy to have sex with a teacher but admitted later feeling creeped out because of the age gap. Police were called in last summer after his mother found the card Lowe sent to him. Lowe, who has a daughter, aged 28 and a son, 20, said later she felt, mortified and embarrassed over her foolish infatuation and denied being sexually obsessed with the youngster. Neil Usher, defending Lowe, described the complainant as an attention-seeking fantasist who had claimed sex began when he was aged 15 so he could sell his story to tabloid newspapers. A single allegation of having sex with a child, when the complainant was aged 15, was withdrawn by the prosecution during the trial and the judge instructed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on that charge, after the boy gave evidence which suggested he was 16, not 15, when he first had sexual contact with Ms Lowe. The defendant, of Elm Beds Caravan Park, Poynton, Cheshire, had denied five counts of sexual activity with a child by a person in a position of trust said to have taken place between September 14 2015 and June 30 2016. Cleared, she left court hurriedly, and her solicitor told waiting reporters she did not wish to speak to the press, but read a statement on her behalf. It said: The last nine months have been extremely difficult for me and my family. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their love and care. Im grateful for the support from former colleagues, friends and past pupils who sent messages of support. Although incredibly stressful and upsetting at times Im extremely pleased I have had the opportunity to clear my name and Im delighted the jury acquitted me of all counts. Im very grateful to my legal team, Jared McNally and Neil Usher, who from the start identified the flaws in the case against me and robustly challenged the prosecution case. I now wish to put this case behind me as best I can and spend some time with my family and friends. This is the story of a town called Douma, a ravaged, stinking place of smashed apartment blocks - and of an underground clinic whose images of suffering allowed three of the Western world's most powerful nations to bomb Syria last week. There's even a friendly doctor in a green coat who, when I track him down in the very same clinic, cheerfully tells me that the "gas" videotape which horrified the world - despite all the doubters - is perfectly genuine. War stories, however, have a habit of growing darker. For the same 58-year old senior Syrian doctor then adds something profoundly uncomfortable: the patients, he says, were overcome not by gas but by oxygen starvation in the rubbish-filled tunnels and basements in which they lived, on a night of wind and heavy shelling that stirred up a dust-storm. As Dr Assim Rahaibani announces this extraordinary conclusion, it is worth observing that he is, by his own admission, not an eye-witness himself and, as he speaks good English, he refers twice to the jihadi gunmen of Jaish el-Islam [the Army of Islam] in Douma as "terrorists" - the regime's word for their enemies, and a term used by many people across Syria. Am I hearing this right? Which version of events are we to believe? By bad luck, too, the doctors who were on duty that night on April 7 were all in Damascus giving evidence to a chemical weapons enquiry, which will be attempting to provide a definitive answer to that question in the coming weeks. France, meanwhile, has said it has "proof" chemical weapons were used, and US media have quoted sources saying urine and blood tests showed this too. The World Health Organisation has said its partners on the ground treated 500 patients "exhibiting signs and symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic chemicals". At the same time, inspectors from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) are currently blocked from coming here to the site of the alleged gas attack themselves, ostensibly because they lacked the correct UN permits. Before we go any further, readers should be aware this is not the only story in Douma. There are the many people I talked to amid the ruins of the town who said they had "never believed in" gas stories, which were usually put about, they claimed, by the armed Islamist groups. These particular jihadis survived under a blizzard of shellfire by living in other's people's homes and in vast, wide tunnels with underground roads carved through the living rock by prisoners with pick-axes on three levels beneath the town. I walked through three of them yesterday, vast corridors of living rock which still contained Russian - yes, Russian - rockets and burned-out cars. So the story of Douma is thus not just a story of gas - or no gas, as the case may be. It's about thousands of people who did not opt for evacuation from Douma on buses that left last week, alongside the gunmen with whom they had to live like troglodytes for months in order to survive. I walked across this town quite freely yesterday without soldier, policeman or minder to haunt my footsteps, just two Syrian friends, a camera and a notebook. I sometimes had to clamber across 20ft-high ramparts, up and down almost sheer walls of earth. Happy to see foreigners among them, happier still that the siege is finally over, they are mostly smiling; those whose faces you can see, of course, because a surprising number of Douma's women wear full-length black hijab. I first drove into Douma as part of an escorted convoy of journalists. But once a boring general had announced outside a wrecked council house "I have no information" - that most helpful rubbish-dump of Arab officialdom - I just walked away. Several other reporters, mostly Syrian, did the same. Even a group of Russian journalists - all in military attire - drifted off. It was a short walk to Dr Rahaibani. From the door of his subterranean clinic - "Point 200", it is called, in the weird geology of this partly underground city - is a corridor leading downhill where he showed me his lowly hospital and the few beds where a small girl was crying as nurses treated a cut above her eye. "I was with my family in the basement of my home 300 metres from here on the night but all the doctors know what happened. There was a lot of shelling [by government forces] and aircraft were always over Douma at night - but on this night, there was wind and huge dust-clouds began to come into the basements and cellars where people lived," he said. "People began to arrive here suffering from hypoxia - oxygen loss. Then someone at the door, a 'White Helmet', shouted 'Gas!', and a panic began. People started throwing water over each other. Yes, the video was filmed here, it is genuine, but what you see are people suffering from hypoxia - not gas poisoning." Oddly, after chatting to more than 20 people, I couldn't find one who showed the slightest interest in Douma's role in bringing about the Western air attacks. Two actually told me they didn't know about the connection. But it was a strange world I walked into. Two men, Hussam and Nazir Abu Aishe, said they were unaware how many people had been killed in Douma, although the latter admitted he had a cousin "executed by Jaish el-Islam" for allegedly being "close to the regime". They shrugged when I asked about the 43 people said to have died in the infamous Douma attack. The White Helmets - the medical first-responders already legendary in the West but with some interesting corners to their own story - played a familiar role during the battles. They are partly funded by the British Foreign Office and most of the local offices were staffed by Douma men. I found their wrecked offices not far from Dr Rahaibani's clinic. A gas mask had been left outside a food container with one eye-piece pierced and a pile of dirty military camouflage uniforms lay inside one room. Planted, I asked myself? I doubt it. The place was heaped with capsules, broken medical equipment and files, bedding and mattresses. Of course we must hear their side of the story, but it will not happen here: a woman told us that every member of the White Helmets in Douma abandoned their main headquarters and chose to take the government-organised and Russian-protected buses to the rebel province of Idlib with the armed groups when the final truce was agreed. There were food stalls open and a patrol of Russian military policemen - a now optional extra for every Syrian ceasefire - and no one had even bothered to storm into the forbidding Islamist prison near Martyrs' Square, where victims were supposedly beheaded in the basements. The town's complement of Syrian interior ministry civilian police - who eerily wear military clothes - are watched over by the Russians, who may or may not be watched by the civilians. Again, my earnest questions about gas were met with what seemed genuine perplexity. How could it be that Douma refugees who had reached camps in Turkey were already describing a gas attack which no one in Douma today seemed to recall? It did occur to me, once I was walking for more than a mile through these wretched tunnels, that the citizens of Douma lived so isolated from each other for so long that "news" in our sense of the word simply had no meaning to them. Syria doesn't cut it as Jeffersonian democracy - as I cynically like to tell my Arab colleagues - and it is indeed a ruthless dictatorship, but that couldn't cow these people, happy to see foreigners among them, from reacting with a few words of truth. So what were they telling me? They talked about the Islamists under whom they had lived. They talked about how the armed groups had stolen civilian homes to avoid the Syrian government and Russian bombing. The Jaish el-Islam had burned their offices before they left, but the massive buildings inside the security zones they created had almost all been sandwiched to the ground by airstrikes. A Syrian colonel I came across behind one of these buildings asked if I wanted to see how deep the tunnels were. I stopped after well over a mile when he cryptically observed that "this tunnel might reach as far as Britain". Ah yes, Mrs May, I remembered, whose airstrikes had been so intimately connected to this place of tunnels and dust. And gas? Independent Service, London Children wander in the ruins of Douma on the outskirts of Damascus yesterday. Photo: AFP/Getty Chemical weapons experts are due to arrive in Douma today to probe the alleged poison gas attack, Russian officials said, as the US voiced fears Moscow may already have "tampered with" evidence at the site. Following weekend missile strikes on Syria by the US, France and Britain, Russia traded accusations with Western nations, dismissing as "a blatant lie" accusations that Moscow was hindering the investigation. Expand Close Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Photo: AFP/Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Russias Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Photo: AFP/Getty Images The four nations confronted each other in tense emergency talks at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) in The Hague as inspectors prepare for a difficult and dangerous mission. Syrian state media said air defences had shot down missiles over the central province of Homs, with the strikes reportedly targeting regime air bases. It was not known who carried out the attack, with Pentagon spokeswoman Heather Babb saying: "There are no US or coalition operations in that area." Israel's military declined to comment, as is its custom. Initial reports indicated the incident may have been a false alarm and Syrian forces may have opened fire by mistake. The weekend missile strikes were in response to an alleged chlorine and sarin gas attack in Douma in which 40 people were said to have been killed. OPCW director general Ahmet Uzumcu said his nine-strong, all-volunteer team had reached Damascus, but his team had not yet deployed to Douma. Syrian and Russian officials had warned of "pending security issues to be worked out before any deployment could take place", Mr Uzumcu said. Igor Kirillov, head of Russia's radiological, biological and chemical protection unit, told reporters the roads still had to be de-mined and cleared and would be tested by UN security services. "Wednesday is when we plan the arrival of the OPCW experts," he said at the Russian embassy in The Hague. The US ambassador to the OPCW, Ken Ward, claimed the Russians had already visited the site and "may have tampered with it with the intent of thwarting the efforts of the OPCW fact-finding mission". The Kremlin dismissed the claims. "I can guarantee that Russia has not tampered with the site," Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told the BBC. The Russian ambassador to the Netherlands, Alexander Shulgin, also said it was a "blatant lie" that Moscow was hampering the investigation. Yury Filatov claimed children in Syria are being manipulated with make-up to make it look like they have been caught up in gas attacks last week. He said: "As far as we are concerned there was no attack." It was the United States, France and Britain who were "standing in the way" of the investigation by ordering air strikes "in the blink of an eye" before the OPCW team had a chance to do its work. The missiles that US, French and British warships fired on suspected chemical facilities on Saturday constituted the biggest Western attack against the Syrian regime in the seven-year war to topple President Bashar al-Assad. The targeted sites were largely empty, and they were all said to be facilities either for chemical weapons storage or production. Despite polls in the UK and France showing scant support for the raids, British Prime Minister Theresa May said it had been her "responsibility as prime minister to make these decisions". French President Emmanuel Macron also defended his move as part of his constitutional powers. France urged OPCW nations to boost the organisation's work so it can completely dismantle Syria's "secret" toxic weapons programme. The US called for a clear condemnation by the OPCW of "the Syrian government for its reign of chemical terror". The trio of Western powers that carried out the strikes warned they would repeat the operation if Damascus used chemical weapons again. A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (David Maialetti/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (David Maialetti /The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) A Southwest Airlines plane sits on the runway at the Philadelphia International Airport after it made an emergency landing in Philadelphia, on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. (David Maialetti /The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP) A federal investigator has said that one person died after a plane with engine failure made an emergency landing in Philadelphia. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt said that the engine of the Southwest Airlines jet will be shipped for a detailed examination. The Federal Aviation Administration says the flight from New York to Dallas made an emergency landing after the crew reported damage to one of the engines, as well as the fuselage and at least one window. Philadelphia's fire chief says that one person was taken to the hospital in critical condition and seven were treated for minor injuries. The jet has made an emergency landing in Philadelphia after a piece of its engine broke off mid-flight and smashed a window, leading to a depressurisation that pulled a woman partly out of the cabin, according to family speaking to reporters. The plane landed safely after the incident, and firefighters could be seen responding to the scene while some people exited the aircraft on crutches. One person was taken to a nearby hospital with reported head trauma. Nine others were said to have been injured, but it was not immediately clear if they were taken to hospital. Passengers posted pictures of the damaged engine online, and one passenger, Marty Martinez, posted a live video on his Facebook page after the engine part damaged the window. The grainy footage showed one man putting a yellow oxygen mask on amid the chaos. "One passenger, a woman, was partially...was drawn out towards the out of the plane...[she] was pulled back by other passengers," Todd Bauer, the father of the female passenger who was partially sucked out of the plane, told NBC in a phone interview. The plane was flying from New York's LaGuardia Airport on its way to Dallas. Another passenger told CNN that a piece of the plane's engine had acted like shrapnel, causing a serious injury and forcing the plane to divert from their position west of Philadelphia. "We left LaGuardia heading to Dallas and we were west of Philly when we lost the left side engine and diverted to Philly," they said. "Shrapnel hit the window causing a serious injury; no other details about that, several medical personnel on the flight tended to the injured passenger." But another passenger told the network the plane touched down normally. "It definitely was a stable landing," Kristopher Johnson said. "When we finally landed it was relatively smooth. Kind of a typical landing." Southwest released a statement acknowledging the emergency landing, and said they were working with passengers and crews regarding the incident. "We are aware that Southwest flight #1380 from New York La Guardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) has diverted to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). We are in the process of transporting customers and crew into the terminal. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-700, has 143 Customers and five Crewmembers onboard," the statement read. "We are in the process of gathering more information. Safety is always our top priority at Southwest Airlines, and we are working diligently to support our customers and crews at this time." Southwest is the world's safest airline. In more than 1.5 billion flights since it started operations in Texas in 1971, no passenger has been killed in a crash. The airline, based in Dallas, is likely soon to overtake Delta to become the carrier that flies the highest number of domestic passengers. The Philadelphia airport remained open, but a Twitter account warned passengers to expect delays. London-focused housebuilder Telford Homes is celebrating record annual revenues and profit on the back of an acute housing shortage in the capital. Telford said on Wednesday that its profits for the year to March 31 2018 would beat market expectations, rising by more than 30% year on year. The housebuilder attributed its success to the under-supplied housing market in London, and its decision to sell homes at relatively affordable price points. The developer, which has more than 2,900 homes under construction and a pipeline of over 4,000 units, has been shifting its focus to the rental sector, arguing that there is significant support for build-to-rent developments from politicians and investors. In its trading update, Telford said: With supply constrained, demand for rental properties remains strong in London, with more people actually choosing to rent rather than it just being their only option. Expand Close General Election 2017 aftermath / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp General Election 2017 aftermath Telford has acquired a site in Walthamstow which it is marketing to renters. The scheme, which will comprise more than 250 homes, will be one of the developers largest build-to-rent schemes to date. The Government has voiced its support for build-to-rent homes, saying that to fix the housing crisis the UK must provide more varied forms of accommodation. In a White Paper published in February last year, Housing Secretary Sajid Javid said he wanted to encourage institutional investors to back build-to-rent developments. Jon Di-Stefano, chief executive of Telford Homes, said: As we increase the scale of the business, our growth is underpinned by the lack of supply of new homes in London, and demand for our product at the more affordable price points remains strong. Build-to-rent is the most exciting part of our business in the near term and I believe our increased focus on this sector will drive the next phase of our growth and bring even greater success. Under Indian law, foreign investors are able to establish wholly owned subsidiary companies (WOS) in the form of private limited companies if they operate in sectors that permit 100 percent foreign direct investment (FDI). With Indias recent loosening of FDI caps, companies are now also able to establish WOS in the telecom services and asset reconstruction sectors. Establishing a private limited company can be a lengthy and complicated process involving multiple steps. First, a minimum of two directors must be appointed and registered through Indias e-filing system for Director Identification Numbers (DIN). Other minimum requirements for the establishment of a private limited company include the existence of two shareholders (who may be the same person as the directors) and a minimum share capital of INR 100,000 (1 Lakh). Second, a suitable name must be selected that indicates the main objectives of the company, and submitted with the RoC along with a brief description of the businesss proposed functions to verify both the names appropriateness and availability. Upon successful name registration, the applicant company has 60 days to file its Memorandum of Association (MOA) and Articles of Association (AOA), and proceed with formal incorporation filings. Both the MOA and AOA must be stamped with the appropriate duty after the needed RoC fees and stamp duty have been paid, and both forms signed by at least two subscribers with a witness. Third, the directors must acquire Digital Signatures Certificates (DSC). Within this 10-day time window, the following documents must also be filed with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs web portal along with the requisite filing fees: Form 1 Application for incorporation along with the MOA and AOA Form 18 Notice of situation for the registered office (proof of address, etc.) Form 32 Details of the companys board of directors Upon successful submission of the above documents, the RoC will issue a Certificate of Incorporation and a Corporate Identification Number (Corporate Identity). The process generally takes seven to eight weeks to complete, and private limited companies are permitted to commence business immediately following their successful incorporation. It must also be known a more simplified form for company incorporation has been in place since October 1, 2016, when the MCA introduced SPICe or Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically via e-forms INC-32, INC-33 (Memorandum of Association), and INC-34 (Articles of Association). Applicable taxes While India has been liberalizing its governing policies since 1991, the countrys tax structure remains among the most complex and difficult to navigate in the world. Understanding the wide variety of laws, regulations and procedures can be confusing for even the savviest of business operators. Foreign companies that do not seek specialized advice often end up overpaying on taxes or on the associated penalties and interest that go along with them. What follows is a brief description of the various taxes which should be taken into consideration when incorporating a private limited WOS company in India. Corporate income tax in India A company, whether Indian or foreign, is liable to pay corporate income tax (CIT) under the countrys Income Tax Act, 1961. While a resident company is taxed on its worldwide income, a non-resident (foreign) company is taxed only on income that is received in India, or that arises, or is deemed to accrue in India. The rates are explained in the table below. Surcharge The surcharge on domestic companies effectively increases the total tax paid by private limited companies. We list the surcharge applicable for domestic private companies below. Health and education cess This amounts to four percent of the CIT and surcharge for the financial year 2018-19 and assessment year 2019-20. Minimum Alternate Tax Companies having low or even no profits are subjected to a Minimum Alternate Tax (MAT) of 18.5 percent + surcharge + health and education cess. Tax on the distribution of dividends Corporate entities are subject to a tax on the distribution of dividends. However, in the case of shareholder dividends, the associated income is exempt from tax. The current effective rate of the Dividend Distribution Tax is 16.995 percent (15 percent plus a 10 percent surcharge and an education cess of 3 percent). No exemption from payment of the DDT is granted for the profits relating to SEZ developers. To avoid a situation of double taxation being created by the DDT, it is permitted that, for the purpose of computing the tax, any dividend received by a domestic company during any financial year from its subsidiary shall be allowed to be deducted from the dividend to be distributed. This is provided the dividend received by the domestic company has been subject to DDT and the domestic company is not the subsidiary of any other company. Taxation of royalties/technical fees Under domestic tax law, the royalties/technical fees that are payable to non-residents with a permanent establishment in India are taxed on a different basis compared to non-residents without permanent establishment in India. Concessional tax rates apply if the agreement relates to a matter that has been approved by the government of India. The payments made are subject to tax avoidance agreements entered into by the non-residents country. Wealth tax Wealth tax is calculated on March 31st of every year (referred to as the valuation date). Wealth tax is charged to both individuals and companies at the rate of one percent of the amount by which the net wealth exceeds US$45,675 (Rs 3 million). The term net wealth is basically defined as the excess value of certain assets over accumulated debt. Assets include guest and residential houses, motorcars, jewelry/ bullion/utensils of gold and silver, yachts, boats, aircraft, urban land and cash in hand. A debt is an obligation to pay a defined sum of money arising from the assets included in net wealth. Kolkata, Apr 18 (IBNS): Ambuja Neotia Group now greets the fliers from Kolkatas Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Airport with a varied range of desi chai and delicious food with Tea Junction and Afraa Deli Express joint kiosks opening its doors at the Kolkata Airport. The group has entered into a 5 year long contract with a possibility for extension in future. One kiosk at the International Arrival with a spread of 350 sq feet just before the 5B exit and the other at the Domestic food court with an area of 90 sq. feet approx. in the security hold area have been serving the passengers since February, this year. The Tea Junction offers its regular menu along with a few additional items available at the exclusive airport kiosks. The menu offers 15 tea based hot, warm and cold beverages. Amongst other beverages, the hot sellers include the ginger chai, Kesariya chai which is served in the traditional clay khullad, a USP of Tea Junction and Bubble Tea which was recently launched. The food menu includes the sandwiches, puffs, fried items and desserts mostly sponge based tea cakes. While tea junction caters to the desi taste buds, the Afraa Deli Express pampers the fliers with multi-cuisine preference. It offers an extensive menu ranging from breakfast items, pizzas, pastas, meal bowls, stir fried items prepared fresh on the spot. By setting up the two brands, Ambuja Neotia Group has ensured that they have something for everyone. The most sought after item at Tea junction is their very famous Chai, Samosas, Kachori Sabzi & Grilled Sandwiches while Afraa Deli Express sells pizzas, pastas, bowls and breakfast items the most. The dessert items, offered by both the brands vary from cake slices that go well with tea to the creamy fruit and chocolate ganache based cakes satiating those with a sweet tooth. As far as the demand is concerned, domestic departure, section has more demand/footfall since domestic travel is far more than international movement in Kolkata. Additionally, departure will always have more footfall and captive customers since the travellers are usually early and have time to spare waiting for boarding. On the other hand, with regards to arrival, usually its only transit passengers and a small fraction waiting for transport who avail food and beverage from the counter. Tea Junction currently owns and operates more than 35 outlets between Kolkata and Siliguri and have plans to expand nationwide starting financial year 2018 2019. Afraa Deli Express currently has 6 outlets and also has plans for full scale expansion first in Kolkata followed by the other cities. As a part of their expansion plan the group is exploring the possibility of setting up kiosks at Kolkata Stations Howrah to start with. The kiosks are also present at 4 Metro station locations and will soon be opening 2 more. The expansion to other airports will depend on the future city expansion by the brand. New Delhi, Apr 17 (IBNS): We all have to deal with summer heat and have hated it most of the time due to skin eruptions, sweat and dehydration, summers are mostly about these problems. However, thanks to Ayurveda that practices the science of natural health and has a lot to offer. It is important to have more alkaline foods in order to fight the heat in the body. Eat water-rich foods that will not only re-hydrate your body but also have antioxidants that keep you healthy. Eat more onions, green vegetables and drink lots of water. Here are some Ayurvedic tips to keep cool this summer 1. Eat Pitta Pacifying Foods As per Dr. Durga Arod ( Residential Medical Officer, SPPC) one should ensure eating sustenances that cool your body and give you improved irrational Heat. Eat more water-rich natural food like watermelon, pears, apples, plums, berries and prunes. Pick vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cucumber. 2. Avoid Foods That Heat You Up Stay away from nourishments that will create heat in your body and end uprisky. Maintain a strategic distance from acrid natural products, citric products, beetroots and carrots that tend to warm up your body. Limit the intake of garlic, bean stew, tomato, and salted cheddar to abstain from hampering your System. Eat more plates of mixed greens, as they are cooling, particularly when had for lunch. Take a stab at staying away from dull meats as they warm up your body. 3. Eat At the Right Time Always eat when your stomach related fire is at its most grounded, which is in the middle of lunch (Mid- day). Missing your lunch during summers is equivalent to troubling your pitta dosha that further influences you to feel chafed and irritable. 4. Coconut Oil To Your Rescue As per Dr. Durga Arod ( Residential Medical Officer, SPPC) , toward the beginning of the day, as a part of your day by day schedule, rub 5-6 ounces of coconut oil on your body before taking bath. It gives a cooling and relieving impact to the skin. You can also use sunflower oil. 5. Avoid Hot Drinks Drinking hot beverages will welcome a resentful pitta dosha. This is the reason you should drink beverages at room temperature. 6. Avoid Strenuous Exercise It is always good to exercise early in the morning as it is the coolest part of the day. Engaging in vigorous exercises during other parts of the day may heat up the body only to cause harm. 7. Make Use of Cooling Oils Bring sandalwood, jasmine and khus oils to your pocket. They have a relieving fragrance, as well as are known to have cooling properties. 8. Avoid Ice Cold Drinks Super cold beverages just restrain processing and make toxins, also known as ama in the body. Your stomach related system has a digestive fire that is responsible for converting food into energy. Drinking chilled is almost like putting off the digestive fire causing various health problems. Allow me to represent to you Swami Parmanand Prakritik Chikitsalaya (SPPC). Swami Parmanand Nature cure and Yoga center is a guided Health and wellness center offering lifestyle programs through Complementary and Alternative healing principles of Naturopathy, Yoga, Ayurveda etc. People of all ages can visit the premises. Islamabad, Apr 18 (IBNS): Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has reached the United Kingdom on Wednesday. He reached the European nation to attend the 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2018. "Abbasi was received by Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK Syed Ibne Abbas and David Pearey, the special representative of the British Foreign Minister, at Heathrow Airport upon his arrival in London," reported Geo News. The conference is scheduled to start from Wednesday. It will continue for two days. Meanwhile, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif has met British Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs "Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif met Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs Boris Johnson on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM-2018) in London today," read a statement issued by Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The two leaders reviewed progress in bilateral relations and reiterated commitment to further strengthening these ties by enhancing trade, promoting investment and creating greater opportunities for educational and cultural cooperation. The Foreign Secretary said the UK greatly valued its partnership with Pakistan and was keen to further augment it. The two sides also discussed regional and global issues. "The Foreign Secretary particularly appreciated Pakistan's counter-terrorism achievements and efforts to bring peace and security in the region," the statement said. The Foreign Minister briefed Secretary Johnson on the current state of Pakistan- India relations, situation in the Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and ceasefire violations along the LOC and Working Boundary by the Indian side, read the statement. The Foreign Minister invited Secretary Johnson to visit Pakistan for the next round of the Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) between the two countries, which the latter accepted. London, Apr 18 (IBNS): After concluding his Sweden trip, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reached the United Kingdom to attend the Commonwealth Summit in capital city London, media reports said. Modi, who is on a three-nation visit, was received by UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson at the airport. The PM is likely to meet UK Prime Minister Theresa May during his stay in London. PM Modi and his Sweden counterpart Stefan Lofven met on Tuesday and recalled their Joint Statement issued in Mumbai in 2016. They welcomed the progress so far on its implementation and reconfirmed their commitment to the Joint Statement as the overall political framework for cooperation. Image: twitter.com/MEAIndiaBoth Prime Ministers reiterated their commitment to dialogue and cooperation on key international issues of mutual concern, including climate change, Agenda 2030, international peace and security, human rights, gender equality, humanitarian issues, international trade. Both Prime Ministers called for greater unity and stronger international partnership to counter terrorism, disrupt terrorist networks and financing, and to prevent violent extremism. They emphasized that the global counter terrorism legal framework should be regularly updated to address the changing threat of terrorism with strength, and underscored that any measures taken to counter terrorism comply with international law. In this regard both countries called for an early finalisation of the draft Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT). Image: twitter.com/MEAIndia Chennai, Apr 18 (IBNS): After attempting to clear himself from a "sex for degree" scandal, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit landed himself into a fresh controversy by patting a female journalist's cheek towards the end of a press conference, which was held on Tuesday. Lakshmi Subramanian, who works for The Week, took to Twitter to vent out his anger against Purohit for touching her without her consent though acknowledged the Governor's possible "grandfatherly" attitude. She said in the micro-blogging site, "Washed my face several times. Still not able to get rid of it. So agitated and angered Mr Governor Banwarilal Purohit. It might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude. But to me you are wrong." Washed my face several times. Still not able to get rid of it. So agitated and angered Mr Governor Banwarilal Purohit. It might be an act of appreciation by you and grandfatherly attitude. But to me you are wrong. Lakshmi Subramanian (@lakhinathan) April 17, 2018 Purohit had called the press conference to state he is not involved into the scandal in which his known professor was accused of asking for sexual favours on behalf of college officials for academic degrees. Nirmala Devi (46), who used to teach in Devanga Arts College, was arrested on Tuesday. She is allegedly close to Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, who is also the Chancellor of the University. Purohit had ordered an inquiry into the matter through a bureaucrat on Monday. An audio clip has circulated on social media in which the professor was heard offering good financial and academic supports in return of sexual benefits. The students had informed the college about the matter a month ago. It was on Monday the students had approached the police. Image: NDTV screenshot grab New Delhi, Apr 18 (IBNS): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered select media houses to deposit rupees 10 lakh as penalty for naming the eight-year-old who was allegedly gang-raped and murdered in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir, reports said. The money has to be paid to the state's rape victims compensation funds. According to reports, the media houses that named the victim admitted their mistake and said they were under the impression that they could name the victim as she was dead. Last week, a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar took suo motu cognisance of the publication of photographs and the name of the child during the reportage of the alleged incident, The Hindu reported. The High Court sought the response of The Times of India, The Hindu, The Statesman, The Pioneer, The Navbharat Times, NDTV, Firstpost, The Week, The Republic TV, The Deccan Chronicle, India TV and The Indian Express, reports said. On Tuesday, all the BJP ministers in the Jammu and Kashmir government have resigned. Siliguri, April 18 (IBNS): Lemon Tree Hotels, one of Indias popular hotel chains in the mid-priced hotel sector, on Wednesda,y announced the formal opening of its new hotel, Lemon Tree Hotel, Siliguri, marking its entry into West Bengal. Carnation Hotels, the hotel management arm of Lemon Tree Hotels, will be managing this mid-scale hotel owned by Unitech Mercantile Private Limited. Lemon Tree Hotels (LTH) is a mid-priced hotel sector chain, and the third largest overall, on the basis of controlling interest in owned and leased rooms, as of June 30, 2017, according to the Horwath Report. The management agreement was signed by Rattan Keswani, Deputy Managing Director Lemon Tree Hotels & Whole Time Director Carnation Hotels Pvt. Ltd, and Binod Kumar Gupta, Co-promoter, Unitech Mercantile Private Limited. Speaking on the occasion and about overall expansion plans across India, Keswani said, We are delighted to add Lemon Tree Hotel, Siliguri, West Bengal to our mounting portfolio and look forward to welcoming our discerning guests here. This hotel opening brings us another step closer to our aim of becoming the fastest growing hotel chain in the country. This occasion marks a few firsts for Lemon Tree Hotels (through our management arm, Carnation Hotels) that will be operating in Siliguri. Lemon Tree Hotel, Siliguri is in close proximity to Bagdogra Airport which is just 13 km, and a 25 minutes' drive from the New Jalpaiguri railway station. The hotel offers easy access to popular tourist places like Kalimpong (61 kms), Darjeeling (70 kms), Dooars (70 kms), Gangtok (108 kms) and more. Parvez Gupta, co-promoter of Unitech Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. said, This is the first hotel project undertaken by the company. With Lemon Tree Hotels as our partner, we are able to fill the gap for a good branded hotel in Siliguri. The 52-key hotel also includes a multi-cuisine coffee shop - Citrus Cafe, a rooftop grill area called Amilo, and the bar Slounge. It also has a fully equipped fitness center and 3000 sq.ft. of banquet space. Lemon Tree Hotels operates 48 hotels in 30 cities with ~4900 rooms (as on March 31, 2018). www.lemontreehotels.com Islamabad, Apr 18 (IBNS): Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, who has been disqualified from holding any office by the Supreme Court, departed for London on Wednesday, media reports said. He is accompanied by his daughter Maryam. According to media reports, they are visiting London to meet Sharif's wife who is undergoing medical treatment in the city. Begum Kulsoom Nawaz, the wife of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) supremo, is critically ill and has been admitted to a hospital for the past few days, a family spokesperson told Geo News. praying for her mother's recovery, Maryam tweeted: "My mother is hospitalised again. Pls remember her in your special prayers. I know prayers can do wonders. Allah answers prayers. Thank you." She also shared another image where Nawaz could be seen sitting inside a flight. She said in case the court does not exempt them from appearing before it then they will return before the hearing. "Off to London to see Ami. If exemption not granted, will return before next hearing Insha'Allah. Pls remember her in your special prayers," Maryam tweeted sharing an image of his father. Putting the political future of ex-Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in question, country's Supreme Court earlier disqualified Nawaz Shrif for life from holding office, media reports said. The move was made by the apex court at a time when the nation is gearing up for the general elections to be held this year. Image: Maryam Nawaz Sharif Twitter page Covid-19 infections among children on rise in UK with reopening of schools: Reports | Will protest outside BJP MLAs' homes tomorrow over paddy procurement: Farmer leader | Prez Ram Nath Kovind, VP Venkaiah Naidu greet nation on Gandhi Jayanti eve | West Bengal: Like last year, no entry to Durga Puja pandals for visitors | Supreme Court pulls up farmers protesting against three farm laws Washington, Apr 18 (IBNS): In a major development, CIA Director Mike Pompeo traveled to North Korea over Easter weekend to meet the Asian nation's leader Kim Jong Un, US media reports said on Wednesday. One source told CNN Pompeo took only intelligence officials with him on the trip, no White House or State Department officials. Pompeo reportedly traveled to the Asian nation at a time when the world is gearing up to witness the planned meeting between US President Donald Trump and Kim either in late May or in early June. This will be first meeting between a sitting US President and a member of the ruling Kim family. CNN reported Trump confirmed Tuesday while alongside Abe that the US and North Korea are having discussions at "very high levels" in preparation for an anticipated meeting between Trump and Kim. "We have had direct talks," the President was quoted as saying. The White House, however, confirmed the matter and said Trump did not talk directly with Kim so far. Relationship between US and North Korea was bitter earlier this year with both Kim and Trump exchanging barbs after the Asian nation carried out several missile tests in 2017. 2017 witnessed US President Donald Trump slamming North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as the Asian nation continued to conduct several of its missile tests, teasing world peace and tranquillity and often threatening to trigger a war. Situation became far tensed when North Korea tested an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that the nation said was capable of striking US mainland. The United Nations Security Council had imposed strong new sanctions against the Asian nation after its Nov 29 launch of a nuclear-capable weapon. Image: Wikimedia Commons Los Angeles, Apr 18 (IBNS): American coffeehouse chain Starbucks will keep its 800 stores in the US closed on May 29 to give anti-racial training to its employees, media reports said. Starbucks's announcement came following the protest over the arrest of two black men at the coffee shop. About 175,000 workers will be given the training on May 29. Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson was quoted by CNN as saying, "I've spent the last few days in Philadelphia with my leadership team listening to the community, learning what we did wrong and the steps we need to take to fix it." "While this is not limited to Starbucks, we're committed to being a part of the solution...Closing our stores for racial bias training is just one step in a journey that requires dedication from every level of our company and partnerships in our local communities" he said. Former Attorney General Eric Holder will guide the training session. The incident occurred on Thursday when two black men were denied access to washroom inside the coffee shop by an employee. The employee told them the washroom can be used only by paying customers. When the two sat in the coffee shop without ordering anything, the manager called the police. The police then arrested the two for trespassing but did not charge them. Johnson later met the two men and apologized for the incident. Image: facebook.com/Starbucks Ottawa/Cuba, Apr 18 (IBNS): In the wake of reports of unexplained brain symptoms in Cuban capital Havana, Canada has recalled families of all diplomats to the country, media reports said. Ten Canadians have reportedly complained about the symptoms with no explanation of the reason. The Canadians in Cuba suffered dizziness, nausea and difficulty in concentrating. Minors are also affected by the same. However, Canada discarded the theory of covert sonic attacks being the cause of the attack. Last year, employees in the US embassy in Havana were similarly injured. Washington too pulled out its employees from Cuba. Twenty one US employees were reportedly injured. Washington/Pyongyang Apr 18 (IBNS): Putting rumours to rest, US President Donald Trump on Wednesday confirmed that a meeting between Central Intelligence Agency Director Mike Pompeo and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took place in the latter's country last week. However, he did not provide any further details of the meeting. Trump said that the meeting went 'smoothly and a good relationship was formed'. Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2018 "Mike Pompeo met with Kim Jong Un in North Korea last week. Meeting went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. Details of Summit are being worked out now. Denuclearization will be a great thing for World, but also for North Korea!" the US President's tweet read. The secret meeting is said to be the highest level US-North Korea contact since 2000. "We have had direct talks at... extremely high levels," Trump told reporters at Florida, where he is holding a meeting with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Though nothing has been finalised yet, political commentators have said that the historic US-North Korea meeting between Trump and Kim may take place in June or a little before that. The place of the meeting could be a denuclearised zone between North and South Korea, China (neutral venue in Asia), Europe (neutral continent) or a vessel in international waters. Meanwhile, in an attempt to foster harmony between the two neighbouring states in the Korean Peninsula, South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un will be meeting for a historic summit next week. Image: Wallpaper "Prevent Unauthorized Transactions in your demat / trading account Update your Mobile Number/ email Id with your stock broker / Depository Participant. 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The site provides comprehensive and real time information on Indian corporates, sectors, financial markets and economy. On the site we feature industry and political leaders, entrepreneurs, and trend setters. The research, personal finance and market tutorial sections are widely followed by students, academia, corporates and investors among others. The tight cash situation witnessed across various states in the country that pushed the government and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) into fire-fighting mode, and is being colloquially called Demonetisation 2.0, seems to be a problem of logistical mis-management rather than just the shortage of cash, as it is portrayed to be. There are both supply-side and demand-side factors, which have exacerbated the cash situation in the country. We have complied a list of some factors which could have led to the current crash crunch we are facing: Supply side factors a) Change in provisions by RBI for sub-contractors engaged in cash management Earlier this month, the RBI had introduced new provisions for choosing sub-contractors and service providers engaged in cash management. These are providers who are responsible for transporting cash from banks to ATMs among other things. Some of the minimum requirements include having a networth of atleast Rs100cr, fleet size of 300 specially fabricated vans, CCTV coverage, etc. There are also certain rules such as prohibition on transportation during the night, restrictions on the people who can be employed, round the clock electronic and monitoring services, etc. These rules also apply to service providers who are currently engaged in these services with respective banks. These service providers have until March 2019 to fulfil the minimum requirements. If banks have already started acting on these provisions, it could lead to cash supply shortage in the interim. These conditions will affect cash supply in places where the sub-contractor company sizes are small. Further, there is a possibility that certain small sub-contractors already engaged in these services with banks might have begun exiting on the assumption that they may not fulfil these obligations. b) Printing of Rs2,000 denomination notes stopped According to the government, RBI has stopped printing of Rs2,000 notes sometime back, and has instead stepped up the printing of Rs500 notes. According to media reports, printing of Rs2,000 notes was stopped at about 350 crore notes with a value of Rs7 lakh crore. Some ATMs are configured to have a minimum number of notes in various denominations, from Rs2,000 to Rs100. That means, with the lack of Rs2,000 notes, such ATMs will have lower cash at any given amount of time. Lesser number of Rs2,000 notes also mean that banks will have to refill cash in ATMs frequently, which itself has associated costs. c) Cash supplies have not kept pace with GDP growth Currency in circulation has been on the rise post demonetisation and transactions have reached pre-demonetisation levels according to the latest data released by the RBI. Cash in circulation (with banks and public) as on April 06, 2018 was Rs18.4 lakh crore, a ccording to RBI, which is very close to currency in circulation during pre-demonetisation, which was Rs17.97 lakh crore. This means that currency in the system has expanded by a mere 2.5% when the GDP would have grown at 13-14% at current prices (consensus estimates). The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe can't seem to catch a break when it comes to a new casino in Connecticut. The latest setback comes from George Jepsen, the state's Democratic attorney general. In a new opinion, he said the tribes shouldn't open the casino until they secure federal approval of their gaming agreements. With the Trump administration sitting on those agreements for eight months and counting, the tribes have gone to court to force action. And while the state is siding with the tribes as part of the litigation, Jepsen warned that the casino won't be considered legal until the notice of the agreements appears in the Federal Register "To take action on the assumption that the state and the tribes will succeed in the ongoing litigation would be highly imprudent," Jepsen said in the opinion released on Tuesday The tribes had hoped to open the casino, located in the city of East Windsor, later this year. They chose the site in order to compete with a commercial casino going up across the border in Massachusetts. We're continuing to take shape ahead of our Q3 opening. #BuildingExcitement pic.twitter.com/NWITbtcIwK MGM Springfield (@MGMSpringfield) April 10, 2018 But MGM Resorts International , the non-Indian firm behind the rival project, has tried to derail the tribes at every step. The effort appears to be paying off, with the $960 million facility in Springfield expected to debut in September while East Windsor, about 13 miles away, remains in limbo With that opening approaching, MGM is shooting down rumors and speculation about a deal on the other side of Massachusetts. The Wall Street Journal first reported last week that the firm was in "early talks" to take over a different casino connected to fallen billionaire Steve Wynn Gaming regulators are reviewing the $2.4 billion Wynn Boston Harbor because of Wynn's handling of alleged sexual harassment complaints within his company. A sale to another firm could protect the license for the facility. But Massachusetts law only allows a particular company to hold one license. If MGM were to take over Wynn's project, it would have to unload Springfield. We remain committed to the opening and success of MGM Springfield, Debra DeShong, a senior vice president of global corporate communications and industry affairs at MGM, told The Hartford Courant in a statement. It wont be long until spring flowers replace the snow covered grounds of Wynn Boston Harbor. pic.twitter.com/emBkoNEnwY Wynn Boston Harbor (@WynnBoston) March 23, 2018 Incidentally, both Connecticut tribes sought licenses in Massachusetts during that state's competitive bidding process. The Mashantuckets first wanted to build in the Boston area, then the southeastern area after the initial plans fell through, while the Mohegans first proposed a casino near Springfield, on the western side. After failing to gain local support , the Mohegans turned to Boston, in the eastern part of the state. The tribe lost out to Wynn, who has voiced unfavorable views about Indian gaming. But the tribes aren't saying whether they are interested in Springfield should MGM shift focus. Were not going to comment on rampant speculation. Our concern has been and will continue to be to preserve Connecticut jobs and revenue, a spokesperson for MMCT Venture, which is the tribes' joint casino firm, told The Courant. The New England Casino Race: Tribal and commercial gaming facilities in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island The tribes secured approval under state law to open the new casino, which will not be operated pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act . The land in East Windsor won't be placed in trust either. But both tribes operate casinos on their reservations pursuant to IGRA. They also share 25 percent of their slot machine revenues with the state in exchange for exclusivity. To protect that relationship, the tribes updated their arrangements with the state and sent them to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for review last August. Despite a 45-day deadline in IGRA, the Trump administration has failed to say whether it will approve, reject or let the agreements take effect. Read More on the Story: AG Advises Lawmakers It Would Be Highly Imprudent To Move Forward With East Windsor Casino (CT News Junkie April 17, 2018) New AG opinion a blow to tribes East Windsor casino (The Connecticut Mirror April 17, 2018) Connecticut Attorney General Cautions Against Casino Expansion Without Federal Approval (The Hartford Courant April 17, 2018) Possible MGM Bid For Wynn Boston Casino Raises Questions About Springfield (The Hartford Courant April 17, 2018) Wynn Boston Harbor a good fit for MGM Resorts, analyst says (The Las Vegas Review-Journal April 16, 2018) Wynn Resorts in Early Talks to Sell Boston-Area Casino Project to MGM (The Wall Street Journal April 12, 2018) Join the Conversation Related Stories It was on April 10 that the harrowing details of violence and depravity against an eight-year-old girl from Kathua, near Jammu, came to light. It sent shockwaves across the entire nation to know that a minor was abducted, drugged, repeatedly raped and then murdered. From candle marches to social media outrage, several rape cases that came to limelight caused outrage amongst the people across the nation. A lot of Bollywood stars also demanded justice for rape victims, and recently Bhumi Pednekar who has featured in films like Toilet Ek Prem Katha and Dum Laga Ke Haisha also expressed her worry on the rising violence and brutality against women. The kind of circumstances that our country is going through, I feel scared thinking about future generation. We are moving towards animalistic and beast-like mentality, which is really heartbreaking. "I feel justice must be served to the girl and many other victims like her who have experienced a shameful act like this, so that it doesnt happen again. I am an optimistic person and I feel there will be stricter laws and punishment to zero down incidents like these and so that people will think twice before committing such crimes. Indeed, the society and the circumstances we are living in are worrisome. If you dont feel safe outside of your home, its an indication that we are living in a beast like society. 1. Abhishek Bachchan Beautifully Shut Downs A Troll Who Took A Dig At Him For Living With Parents This time, a troll tagged him in a tweet about his life and was shut down by the Guru star like a boss. 2. Anushka Sharma Cannot Stop Cheering For Hubby Virat Kohli Even When She Is Between Shoots! The actress soon returned to work as she is currently filming for SRK's Zero. Yesterday, Virat was playing against Mumbai Indians in Wankhade stadium. Although, Anushka couldn't make it but the cheering didn't stop. 3. SS Rajamoulis Next Will Be More Expensive Than Baahubali 2, To Be Made On A Rs 300 Cr Budget The pre-production work has already begun. The art department has commenced work on erecting sets where a crucial portion of the film will be shot. The estimated budget of the film will be Rs. 300 crore, films producer DVV Danayya said during a media interaction 4. 'Singing Won't Bring Her Justice', Jacqueline's Tribute To Kathua Rape Victim Receives Backlash While criticism is at its full peak and people find celebrities unconvincing, we have Jacqueline Fernandez, who has given a musical tribute to Kathua rape victim. In the video that she has shared, we see Jacqueline playing piano in her house and singing City of Stars from La La Land as a tribute to the victim. 5. RJ Naveds Call To A Criminal Lawyer Asking Questions About Rape Laws Will Leave You Teary-Eyed He called up a criminal lawyer and questioned him about rape laws in the country. Not only him, there were little girls asking questions as to how they can save themselves from becoming victims of these brutal crimes. The nation is raging over the rape of 8-year-old Asifa, demanding justice for the minor who died a brutal death. Amid the chaos and shouts for justice, there is another similar case that has come to light in Assam. The rape of minors has been politicised so much that there seems to be no possibility of getting justice for any of them. However, a village in Assam has come up with a way to punish accused. reuters In Nagaon district in Assam, an 11-year-old girl was raped and then burnt alive, an entire village came together to help the police catch the accused. A 21-year-old and two minor boys from the same village have already been arrested, reported NDTV. At Lalung Gaon, 150 kilometres from state capital Guwahati, the girl who was all alone at home was raped on March 23. "We were working in the field when villagers started calling us. We came home and saw our daughter was almost completely burnt," the girl's mother said. reuters The Class 5 student who sustained 90 per cent burn injuries died in hospital but not before naming the alleged rapist Zakir Hussain and two minors who were responsible. After the death of girl, the villagers handed over the two minors to the police. They ransacked Zakir's house but he had fled by then. A day later, villagers informed the police that the accused was hiding in another village, about 40 kilometres away. Zakir was arrested within 72 hours of the girl's death. Zakir's land owning family is the richest and influential in the Muslim-dominated village. The villager were angry and alleged that the family had got away with earlier instances of assault too. The villagers said that for them, religion did not matter, justice did. They also believe that a criminal has no religion and he has to be punished. bccl The problem of empty ATMs and long queues, this time in summers, has returned to haunt people once again in several parts of India such, as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, instigating the government and the Reserve Bank of India to swing into damage control mode to calm frazzled depositors. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) #ModiNotWelcome: Silence & Inaction Over Kathua-Unnao Rape Cases Haunts PM Modi In London Twitter In what is a major embarrassment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the apparent inaction and prolong silence of government over Kathua gangrape-murder case and Unnao rape case followed him to London. Read more 2) Balloons Thrown At Delhi College Girls During Holi Had No Semen In It, Finds Forensic Probe BCCL The forensic examination of clothes of a college student, who had alleged that a semen-filled balloon was thrown at her in February, has ruled out the presence of semen, police said on Tuesday. Read more 3) Modi Government Sacks Atishi Marlena, The Woman Who Gave Life To Ailing Govt Schools In Delhi As the war becomes ugly between the two governments, the AAP government, on Tuesday, was forced to cancel the appointments of nine ministerial advisors after the Union Home Ministry said the Centre had not approved the creation of any such posts. Read more 4) Woman Misbehaves With Traffic Police In Hyderabad, Video Goes Viral screen grab The video of a woman abusing traffic cops after the two-wheeler she was riding pillion on was stopped at Moosarambagh has gone viral on social media. Read more 5) Just Like A Boss, Indian Navy Trolls China Navy On Social Media Over Presence In Indian Ocean twitter The Navy then added "happy hunting" to its welcome message to the Chinese navy ships, which Beijing says belong to the 29th Anti-Piracy Escort Force of the PLA-N in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Read more As the war becomes ugly between the two governments, the AAP government, on Tuesday, was forced to cancel the appointments of nine ministerial advisors after the Union Home Ministry said the Centre had not approved the creation of any such posts. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia lashed out at the government saying, The target for this order is Atishi Marlena. Its because she is key to improving the education system in the city. This is a conspiracy to derail Delhis education revolution. "Real intention of the order is to paralyse our govt work, since no BJP govt has been able to deliver anything on education & health. No wonder why Modi govt decided to remove advisers like Atishi Marlena. A Stephenian who later studied at Oxford, then worked as Rhodes scholar, and then joined Delhi education government as an adviser. She was working with me on Re 1/pm salary for last 3 years. (sic)," Sisodia tweeted. No wonder why Modi govt decided to remove advisors like @AtishiMarlena - an Stephenian who later studied at Oxford, then worked as Rhodes scholar, and then joined Delhi Education govt as advisor. She was working with me on Re 1/pm salary for last 3 years. 2/n Manish Sisodia (@msisodia) April 17, 2018 Among the nine advisors whose appointment have been cancelled are Amardeep Tiwari (Media advisor to law minister), Arunoday Prakash (Media advisor to Deputy CM), Raghav Chadha (Advisor to finance minister), Atishi Marlena (Media advisor to Deputy CM), Dinkar Adib (OSD to minister Satyender Jain), Ram Kumar Jha (advisor to logistics, Manish Sisodia), Samir Malhotra (consultant, Satyender Jain) and Prashant Saxena. In what is a major embarrassment for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the apparent inaction and prolong silence of government over Kathua gangrape-murder case and Unnao rape case followed him to London. There is a massive uproar over the two cases and women security in the general among the Indian diaspora and the South Asia community in the UK. Enormous protests have been planned today outside Downing Street, London. Posters and banners reading ModiNotWelcome have come up on streets and public transports showcasing public anger. Among the groups that will hold protests will be CasteWatchUK and the South Asian Solidarity Group, which will hold a rally outside Downing Street. Several hundreds of people, particularly Dalits, are expected to join the rally from across the UK. The SASG described Modi as an avowed fascist and admirer of (Adolf) Hitler. Twitter "On the one hand, Modi talks about bringing people together and of 'Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath', but on the other hand his cohorts RSS storm troopers continue to brazenly defy the law unleashing violence on Dalits and religious minorities, a Caste Watch UK spokesperson said. A separate silent protest -- with participants encouraged to wear white in commonality organised by a group of women will take place on Parliament Square on Wednesday afternoon to express pain, sorrow, shock and denunciation of the rapes in Kathua and Unnao, and beyond. Modi used to vow the foreign diaspora with huge media events but now the situation is reversed. Just see the protests in London on modi's visit there The message is clear #ModiNotWelcome This is how much modi has lost his image and also the image of India.@divyaspandana pic.twitter.com/L2VbjzMLmM KilaFateh #INC (@KilaFateh) April 17, 2018 Sikhs & Kashmiris protest in London against Narendra Modi during his visit to the Britain for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, condemning Modis affiliation with violent Hindu nationalism and rising attacks on minorities, vulnerable and women in India. pic.twitter.com/FuXnl0Q9nu Danyal Gilani (@DanyalGilani) April 18, 2018 Protest in London Before PM Modi,s Arrival. pic.twitter.com/fySejfYP8G Aadesh Rawal (@AadeshRawal) April 18, 2018 Join us TOMORROW 12pm Downing Street! #ModiNotWelcome'There is huge uproar over the #Kathua and #Unnao cases and other issues among the Indian diaspora and South Asian community in UK, who are planning a huge protest on April 18 outside Downing Street'https://t.co/uzOfH14Yq4 SouthAsia Solidarity (@SAsiaSolidarity) April 17, 2018 "Following the horrific rape and murder of eight-year-old in the Kathua region of Kashmir, there will be a congregation meeting to silently protest and publicly express pain, sorrow and shock," the protest statement reads. PM Modi is set to do Bharat Ki Baat in London however, protestors in India are questioning why he could not speak over burning issues while he was in the country. PM Modi is on his second bilateral visit to the UK in three years, ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. No Indian leader visiting a foreign soil has been ever accused of such serious lapses on the British soil. The personal sword of Tipu Sultan, the Tiger of Mysore, has vanished and no one knows where its gone. No one except Vijay Mallya, perhaps. The embattled liquor tycoon gave away the rare sword in 2016 because his family told him it was bringing him bad luck, the London high court heard on Tuesday from the lawyer representing 13 Indian banks who Mallya owes about Rs 9,000 crore. The sword is worth 188,000 (about Rs 1.8 crore today). Also Read: 'Wilful Defaulter' Of Rs 9K Crore, Vijay Mallya Spends Rs 4.5 Lakh Per Week In London! The banks are attempting to convince the court that the freeze order on Mallyas global assets should not be discharged. The lawyer cited the sword as one example of how the banks are at risk of Mallya dissipating his assets. ap In Bengaluru, one of Mallyas former colleagues claimed the liquor baron did try to give it to a reputed museum for safekeeping after it was purchased by him at auction in London. However, the museum refused to take it as it was not clear as to how it could be preserved, the ex-colleague said, adding that it was unclear what Mallya did with the sword after that. Meanwhile, speaking to TOI, a seventh-generation descendant of Tipu, Sahebzada Mansoor Ali Tipu, said the family has been persistently trying to get in touch with Mallya and even went to the extent of trying to purchase it from Mallya, but to no avail. Also Read: With No Money To Pay Loans, Defaulter Vijay Mallya Now Allowed To Spend Upto Rs 16 Lakh A Week! As far as our understanding goes, the sword is nowhere to be seen. Neither the small museum of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna nor any of the family members have it. Mallya never disclosed the location of the sword to anyone, he said. Mansoor Ali said the family was ready to initiate legal action to bring it back to the country due to its historical and archaeological importance. Mallya had picked up the sword for Rs 1.5 crore at a private auction in 2004 and brought it to be brandished in the 2004 assembly elections when he was Janata Party president. Mallya lost all the seats in the election. Mallyas lawyer, however, set the value of the sword against the millions owed to the banks to argue that it was insufficient to justify the allegation that Mallya would hide or dispose of his assets. Also Read: Vijay Mallya's Rs 600 Crore Superyacht Seized In Malta After He Failed To Pay Rs 6 Crore In Wages To Crew Nigel Tozzi QC, representing the 13 Indian banks pursuing Mallya for defaulting on loans worth Rs 6,203 crore plus interest, also told the court that the 62-year-old was not able to obtain credit to buy a 500,000 (about Rs 4.7 crore) Ferrari because of negative media coverage about him in India so he had to buy it on hire purchase in someone else's name. Mallya had declared the sword he bought for 188,400 (about Rs 1.8 crore) as part of his Indian assets when he declared them to the Supreme Court of India in April 2016, Tozzi told the court. We are now told the regalia Sultan sword has been disposed of and Mallya has no right to reclaim it, Tozzi said. ap Tozzi added that in Mallyas affidavit to them the businessman had written, I gave it away in 2016 as my family said it was bringing me bad luck. So we know he had a valuable item and he gave it away in 2016, Tozzi said. He does not tell us to whom and his affidavit explanation is flimsy. It is a breach of the Indian constraint orders made against him and a good example of him being willing to dissipate his assets, the lawyer said. Also Read: UK Court Hearing Vijay Mallya's Case Blames Indian Banks For Breaking Rules In Giving Him Loans The court also heard that Mallya had bought a Ferrari 246 GTS for 485,000 (about Rs 4.6 crore) on hire purchase (HP) with a deposit of 135,000 (about Rs 1.3 crore). He declared this as one of his regular hire purchase payments in order to convince the court that he should have a 18,000 (Rs 17 lakh) weekly allowance. But it had not been declared in his assets disclosure. Tozzi said documents showed that the car was registered in the name of Alexander Powell in Oxford and the monthly repayments of 10,966 (a little over Rs 10 lakh) were from Powells bank account. Mallya claims he paid the 135,000 deposit, Tozzi said. But Mallyas counsel said they had no documents to prove it. Maybe it was made from an account in Dubai that has since been closed. But a Dubai account was never disclosed to the Supreme Court in 2016, Tozzi said. ap It is not clear where he disclosed the Dubai bank account. It is not referenced in his overseas assets. The problem is the way in which Mallya has chosen to disclose his assets, there is no traceability, Tozzi said. He said when the banks probed why the HP agreement was not in Mallyas name they were told Dr Mallya was not able to obtain credit as a result of negative media coverage about him in India. That is not itself an explanation that reflects well on his probity so must mean Powell and he agreed to make an application for finance that involved a deception, Tozzi said. From this we can infer the HPA is in Powells name in order to hide his ownership from creditors. The reason it came to light is because he needed consent for weekly living expenses. That is not the conduct of someone honest and transparent. Tozzi said Mallya stated he had no beneficial interests in his UK properties of Cornwall Terrace and his Tewin mansion, once owned by the father of F1 champion Lewis Hamilton. The opaque holding of the structure of these properties have frustrated our attempts to identify the true beneficial owners of the properties and whether the assets of Mallya can be traced into those properties, Tozzi said. Although he has given disclosure of his assets today we dont accept it is complete or accurate and we submit that combined with other matters, the fact his assets are held in offshore entities and trusts adds to the risk of dissipation, Tozzi added. reuters Referring to the Sultan sword, Nicholas Peacock QC, representing Mallya, said: Insofar as you are looking for actual dissipation of assets, this (the sword) is it. He disposed of it at a time that he had put forward a settlement offer in excess of what claimants (the banks) wanted. So it was not a dissipation. His explanation is he was told by his family that they thought it was bringing him bad luck and I think it would be fair to say something was bringing him bad luck. We should not question superstition in other cultures. The sword is worth 188,000 (about Rs 1.8 crore) in the context of a claim for millions so a sword worth that much cannot be said to be the tip of the iceberg because there is nothing the claimants can point to other than the tip, Peacock said. Why do claimants make so much of sword and Ferrari? That is all they have got it is not sufficient to justify the allegation Mallya will hide or dispose of his assets. Peacock said Mallya was not a beneficiary of any of his properties in the UK, neither of Cornwall Terrace in London, nor of Ladywalk, his Tewin home. He said they were all held in trusts for the benefit of his children but that Mallya had asserted a right to occupy them as he had spent money on them. Mallyas mother is part of one of the trusts, Rose Capital Ventures Ltd, that holds these properties, Peacock said. He has never referred to Cornwall Terrace as his. He asserts his right to occupy but has no expectation of ownership. The case finished and judge Andrew Henshaw QC reserved judgment. If you are planning a trip to the US this summer holiday season, apply for the visas well in advance. The US Embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday has recommended this due to heavy demand that has seen the wait for a visa interview getting as long as a month or more. In non-peak travel time, the visa process getting appointment to give biometrics and then appearing for an interview, if needed, takes 15 to 20 days. bccl/representational image At this time, applicants across India may wait 30 days or more for a visa interview appointment to become available and the embassy expects this wait time to continue for at least the next few months. Mission Indias nonimmigrant visa workload is one of the largest in the world, processing over a million visas a year. In the last five years, the demand for visas to travel to the United States has increased by over 60%, the US embassy said in astatement. ap/representational image Anil Kalsi of Delhibased Ambe Travel said there is a backlog for US visa applications. Dates available for interview in Delhi are for May-end. It is important people apply for visas well in advance, Kalsi said. The number of Indian visitors to the US last year is awaited, while the number in the six-month period from January to June, 2017, was 5.5 lakh. The atrocities faced by the Rohingya Muslim community is known to the world. Every day we see images - with grim faces of the helpless people - that shake us completely. These images are brought to us by dedicated photojournalists who capture the ground reality looking through their high-precision lenses. Two photojournalists among the Reuters team, that has won the Pulitzer Prize in photography for bringing out earth-shaking images from ground zero, spoke to Indiatimes and revealed how it was to be on the duty while the Rohingyas were living in fear. Adnan Abidi (Left) and Danish Siddiqui. Facebook Images Danish Siddiqui and Adnan Abidi have become the first Indian photojournalists to win Pulitzer Prize in this category. While journalists across the world are facing criticism for compromising with professional ethics, this is indeed a heartening achievement by Reuters team that includes the Indian duo along with Cathal McNaughton. Reuters They not only captured the magnitude of the crisis, but the captured the very essence of trauma that Rohingya Muslims are going through, In Myanmar and wherever they have fled. Danish Siddiqui, who was busy receiving congratulatory calls, remembered travelling to cover the event as the most challenging assignment of his career so far. This was perhaps the toughest assignment, I have been a part of. I have covered wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, natural calamities in India in Uttrakhand and Nepal, but Rohingya crisis was the toughest to cover because I could see their world being destroyed with fire just the across the river," Danish recalled. "People were entering Bangladesh when their families were being killed, looted, raped back in Myanmar. Capturing their emotions was indeed a challenge for all of us, he added. Reuters Adnan Abidi, who also has covered many international events, says that the suffering that was seen first hand can't be explained in words and photographs were the only source to convey a fraction of the pain and agony Rohingyas were experiencing. Earthquakes and Tsunami too evoked emotions. As journalists, we have seen it all, but Rohingya crisis was a heart-wrenching experience with people pouring in make-shift camps where rain wouldnt let them settle; Kids crying and dying if not with bullets than due to diseases as it was raining continuously. It was October last year and covering this crisis tested my emotional strength, said Adnan. Both Danish and Adnan were brought up and trained for photography in the same locality near Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi. Their neighbourhood and friends are also very happy with their achievement. People are posting messages on social media congratulating them and telling that it's a proud moment for the locality. Reuters I am recording history Danish says that is work is just like recording history. He doesn't use words, but he captures emotions. In a way, I am a historian as well, thats why I have saved all those emotions exhibited by the people in front of my camera for documentation, he said. The story behind photographs that received the Prize There's always a story behind the story that comes in front of the people. The award-winning images also have stories behind them. The winners can't forget the stories that resulted in such remarkable images. It was November and people were pouring in large numbers. I was done for the day and was busy sipping tea when my translator Mohammed Farooq came rushing and told me a new batch of people has arrived. I grabbed my camera and rushed to the spot. Amid the chaos, I saw this seven-year boy with a big bullet mark on his chest. I knew his picture would do justice to the magnitude of the crisis. "I asked Farooq to speak to them because neither could I speak Rohingya dialect nor Bengala. After Farooq spoke to them, he narrated that the boy seven-year-old Mohammed Shoaib was shot at by the army in Myanmar. But luckily he survived, said Adnan. "The picture shows fathers finger caressing the scar left by the bullet in his sons tiny chest." Reuters Danish also recalls how he negotiated with the Bangladeshi officials in order to stay there and take more pictures to record the atrocity. We were told by Bangladeshi officials that more people are coming. Myanmar was just across the shores of the river and I could see the smoke rising from the villages across the border. I didnt know whether they were burnt down by the army or other groups, but the smoke and fire were clearly visible," said Danish. We were ready when the boat stopped and people started deboarding. Suddenly, a woman fell and got up as it was the only choice she had. I clicked the picture and my lenses could capture her misery and pain. reuters "And then I saw a father carrying his young son while lifting him with one hand in order to save him from getting drenched. I clicked that too because the smoke ushering across the river from their deserted villages was far more compelling than anything I have ever come across, he added. He clicked these pictures in September on the banks of river Naf, the maritime boundary between Bangladesh and Myanmar. Their pictures were shown in US Senate as well which led to the various government and non-government bodies from developed countries visiting Bangladesh to see the crisis. Canadian Journalist Turns Rwandan Genocide Story Inside Out by KPFA Saturday News/Ann Garrison Tuesday Apr 17th, 2018 5:24 PM A Google Search for Syria and Rwanda turns up millions of hyperlinks, most of them likening the Syrian and Rwandan conflicts and calling for intervention in Syria to "stop the next Rwanda." Judi Rever's new book, "In Praise of Blood: Crimes of the Rwandan Patriotic Front," turns the story of what actually happened in Rwanda inside out. Before joining Clyde & Co, Moran practiced in London and Dublin, specialising in contentious insurance. He is admitted not only in New South Wales but also in in Ireland, England, and Wales. Moran was also a partner at his former firm, where he was responsible for the establishment of the data-breach incident response practice, as well as for the implementation of several successful client-facing technology-driven efficiency projects. In addition to his insurance work, Moran also brings to his new role leadership experience in initiatives such as diversity and inclusion, technology and innovation, and graduate recruitment. "John has a standout reputation in the insurance industry and a practice that runs across the core of our insurance business in Australia, said Simon Konsta, Clyde & Co senior partner. His addition will be of benefit to our clients locally, in the London market, and globally. His addition to our firm will add additional depth and breadth to an already market-leading practice." "John is a fantastic addition to the firm not only here in Australia, but also globally, said Dean Carrigan, managing partner in Australia. Many of John's clients are already clients of Clyde & Co and there is no doubt that he is regarded as a trusted advisor by many insurers." Several members of Moran's team have joined him at Clyde & Co. They are: senior associates Mairead Cusack and Travis Luk and associates Richard Berkahn and Reece Corbett-Wilkins. Related stories: Hunt has more than 15 years' experience working for the South Australian and Commonwealth governments, including ReturnToWorkSA, where her most recent roles include heading a team who oversaw the implementation of support programs for catastrophically injured workers, as well as the development and/or implementation of regulatory programs for the Crown and private self-insured employers within the state. Daniels, meanwhile, brings to his new role a wealth of experience in insurance operations at both state and national level, as well as a diverse background in sales and operational leadership, the claims services provider said. Daniels originally joined GB in 2002, and returned last year as part of the firm's strategic sales team after pursuing other opportunities, including working as national workers compensation manager at Catholic Church Insurance for six years. Related stories: We are very pleased to launch DUAL in Canada and to do so with a great team in Mike Shore and Dave Alexander, said DUAL Canada president and DUAL North America director Phil Hoyt. Their proven underwriting and industry knowledge are perfectly suited to DUALs business model and ability to provide brokers with superior service, products, and leading technology to enhance the placement of SME business in Canada. DUALs expansion into Canada comes after Caisse depot et placement du Quebec (CDPQ) invested US$400 million in Hyperion late last year. Also last year, the insurance group entered the Mexican market by partnering with a local insurance broker, Grupo Ordas. Related stories: Many organisations now have specific champions of change programs and avenues to support the conversation and create real outcomes and I encourage all men to get actively involved. While many men are in support of greater diversity and inclusion across the industry, Iuvale says being a champion of change must go far beyond a token gesture. Male champions of change have to walk the talk in visible and meaningful ways to give other men the permission and confidence to participate and support at a ground level, she says. It takes a lot of bravery for a man to call out inappropriate comments or behaviour by his peers that once would have been quite acceptable. However, while men can bring about meaningful change by stepping up, Iuvale also says women have a role to play in garnering their support. Women need to remember to also include men into the conversation in constructive and meaningful ways, she tells Insurance Business. I think sometimes men feel left out of the conversation and would like to participate and lend their support more deeply but dont know how. Inviting men into conversations, events and groups is likely to encourage contribution and enhance understanding of the challenges women face in this industry every day, says Iuvale. A lot of men dont realise what its like to deal with unconscious bias as frequently as women do simply because theyve never had to deal with it themselves, she adds. Of course, women arent the only ones who will benefit from a level playing field and Iuvale says men will reap the rewards if they help create an environment in which individuals are judged by actions and outcomes rather than their gender. For men, it means greater scope to bring their whole self to their work and life, she says. When I was growing up, Dads were never home and missed out on so much family life, often regretting not spending more time with the people who really mattered. There was a sense of obligation that supporting a family was a mans job so I can imagine many men begrudged having to fill that space when they might have preferred to spend more time at home. Businesses, too, tend to reap the rewards when there is greater gender balance across all levels. It has been proven that companies with more women in leadership roles perform better financially and culturally, says Iuvale. If all it takes is some decisions to make workplaces more equitable, flexible and inclusive then why wouldnt men embrace this? Why wouldnt any business want to perform better? Tiana Iuvale will be joined by a cohort of other industry leaders at the upcoming Women in Insurance Summit in Sydney. There, she will lead an informative session on future proofing equality and becoming agents for change. For a limited time only, Insurance Business readers are being offered Super Saver discounts to the event. More information can be found online. Related stories: Citing a column by Noyan Dogan, Turkish publication Hurriyet Daily News said the protection and indemnity insurance of cargo vessel Vitaspirit is provided by the UK P&I Club. The policy is reportedly worth $1 billion and should be able to cover all damages, the assessment of which is underway. Last week owners of the property said the wooden mansion had lost its historical status due to the crash, which was blamed on a technical fault. Following the incident, Bosphorus described as among the busiest shipping lanes in the world was closed to vessel traffic in both directions. According to its website, the UK P&I Club insures more than 239 million tons of owned and chartered ships, or approximately a sixth of the world total, with the insured vessels coming from over 50 countries. Related stories: Blue Link connected car services have been made available on the entire Hyundai line-up, starting with 2018 model year vehicles. Both companies will utilize the data gathered with the aim of reducing the cost of ownership for Hyundai owners and lessees. Our alliance with Verisk will enable new value-added services for our customers, said Hyundai Motor America director of digital business planning and connected operations Manish Mehrotra. Hyundai customers will have access to their portable Verisk Driving Score, which can lead to discount offers on UBI programs and support driver feedback that helps improve their driving. Hyundai owners and lessees will have access to their Verisk Driving Score later this year; the metric assesses individual driving behavior. The score can be used to support UBI programs through a related rating rule available for use in 42 states and the District of Columbia, a release said. This agreement with Hyundai further establishes the Verisk Data Exchange as the solution of choice for automakers seeking to connect their customers with innovative insurers, commented Verisk IoT/telematics senior vice-president and general manager Saurabh Khemka. As growing numbers of insurers use the exchange for underwriting and claims solutions, it will help drive evolution within the insurance industry. Related stories: This weekend was really good one for one of my sons. He got the all-too-rare opportunity to go see his girlfriend (who lives almost 350 miles from us). They both work and go to school, so their time is super tight. Before you tune me out because you dont care, let me get to the insurance point. He drove one of our cars, which I pay to insure. We live in Florida and she lives in Georgia. The story of young love is just meant to illustrate an important auto insurance topic: insurance in other states. For this post, Im actually looking at my personal auto policy with an unnamed carrier. Why would I do that? Why not just use the ISO PAP? Thats an important question. The ISO PAP is very similar to this, but it lets me illustrate another important point. Personal auto policies can vary widely depending on the carrier and the state. Dont ever take for granted that it says what you think it says. It goes back to what our friend, Bill Wilson always says, Read the FULL policy! If you are changing insurance companies or you are helping a customer change insurance companies, you would be wise to check what the actual policies say, rather than assuming that two auto policies in the same state are going to be exactly the same. Lets get back to our major issue here, how coverage applies in different states. My policy includes this paragraph. OUT OF STATE COVERAGE If an auto accident to which this policy applies occurs in any state or province other than the one in which your covered auto is principally garaged, your policy will provide at least the minimum amounts and types of liability coverages required by law. However, no one will be entitled to duplicate payments for the same elements of loss. This is an element of auto insurance policies that is often overlooked but is very important. Why, you ask? Let me explain, or as the Inigo said, No, there is too much. Let me sum up. The insurance regulatory system in the United States (as it exists today) evolved over 250 years of insurance history in North America. Before there was a nation, there were colonies. It was during that time that the first fire insurance companies started to grow. Even though all of the colonies were under British control in those days, they all were governed slightly differently and for many years, insurance companies were only allowed to transact business within the colony where they were domiciled. Eventually, the colonies became free states and those states determined to form a nation together with governing power split between the new federal government (under the US Constitution) and the several states. In fact, the Constitution left much power in the hands of the states. For a number of years, it continued to be legal for insurance companies to do business in only one state. Things changed over time and insurance companies began to do business across state lines. Yet the regulations are still created in each state. Over the last 250 years, each state has created its own regulations. This is no more obvious than in the area of auto insurance. I live in Florida. The auto insurance requirements here include $10,000 in property damage liability and $10,000 in personal injury protection coverage. You can also carry bodily injury liability coverage at $10,000/accident and $20,000/person. Did you notice how I put that? You can carry bodily injury liability. It is not required by law. Many insurance companies write the coverage without letting people know that they dont have to carry it, but technically, drivers dont need to have it. If it werent for the out-of-state coverage paragraph above, what happens when my son drives out of state to see his girlfriend? Without that paragraph, we would have to know what our auto insurance limits are and what is required in Georgia. If we dont have the right kind of coverage to travel to Georgia, we would then have to have either endorse our policy to provide coverage as required in Georgia or buy a Georgia auto insurance policy. What does Georgia require? In Georgia, you must carry $25,000/person, $50,000/accident for bodily injury liability and $25,000 in property damage liability coverage. Theres no mention of personal injury protection and they do require that you have coverage for bodily injury. Adding the out of state coverage paragraph shifts the burden from the insured to the insurance company to make sure to provide whats required state to state. It may not be a big deal if youre someone that doesnt travel out of state much. Its also not a big deal if youre carrying appropriately high limits of auto liability coverage. If your limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 in Florida, it doesnt matter what state you drive to, those limits meet the minimum requirements. OK, to be fair about it, the paragraph is there and is probably on nearly 100% of the policies that youll issue this year. I just think its worth taking note of, especially since insurance can be so different state to state. I mean, we didnt even talk about UM/UIM coverage or UM PD coverage. We didnt even think about dealing with stacked coverage yet. Oh well, now you know why you dont need an auto insurance policy for every state that you drive in. Dont you feel better about it? I do, too. Topics Carriers Legislation Auto Florida Georgia Ant Financials rapid climb to become the worlds biggest super unicorn valued by some investors at around $150 billion showcases investor enthusiasm for the biggest Chinese tech companies and also how quickly valuations can shift. Just two months ago, bankers and investors were tentatively talking of a figure closer to $100 billion. WHAT IS ANT FINANCIAL, EXACTLY? Ants biggest and best-known business is Alipay, the biggest player in Chinas $17 trillion online payments market. Ant also sells wealth management products and offers small loans and credit scores, among other ventures. Jack Ma, founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group Holding controls Ant. Analysts at Barclays estimate that online payments accounted for 55 per cent of Ants $8.9 billion revenue last year, but they expect that to fall to one-third by 2021 as the company focuses on encouraging its 600 million customers to use more of its other, higher-margin services. WHY THE BIG JUMP IN VALUATION? At a valuation of around $150 billion, Ant will trail only the big four state-controlled banks and insurer Ping An among financial-focused firms in China. It will also be about 50 percent more valuable than Wall Street titans Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley. Much of the rapid rise in its valuation is being attributed to the companys disclosure of additional performance data, which although by no means its full financials, included some 2017 full-year figures that showed faster-than-expected growth. That helped investors and analysts tweak their financial models. Ants status as one of the biggest tech groups in China is also boosting demand. Its not very often to get a chance to invest in super unicorns like Ant, even in China where youve seen a tech boom for years, said one existing investor in Ant. If you miss this one, you dont know when the next one comes. HOW ARE PEOPLE GETTING TO $150 BILLION? Robert Kapito, co-founder of U.S. asset manager BlackRock, this week described himself as shocked at Ants likely valuation but many analysts are not blinking. Barclays analysts this month valued the company at $155 billion, based on multiplying their estimate of Ants 2019 net operating profit less adjusted tax (NOPLAT) by what they said was its conservative price/earnings ratio of 28. NOPLAT is often used by analysts to measure companies operating efficiency because it strips out the impact of interest payments and other financing costs. Other groups have used alternative means of valuing Ant. Jefferies analysts, who believe up to 70 per cent of Ants 2017 business came from online payments, used Paypal as a comparison and valued Ant at $133 billion, equivalent to seven times their estimate for its 2019 sales in line with the multiple implied by PayPals share price. Based on traditional price-earnings measures, $150 billion implies a price 71 times Ants 2017 pre-tax profits or 85 times its net profits, assuming a tax rate of 16 per cent the average paid by Alibaba in recent years. Ant does not disclose actual profits and its pre-tax earnings of 13.2 billion yuan ($2.1 billion) are calculated from disclosures in filings by Alibaba, which is set to become Ants one-third owner soon. Alibaba itself trades at 43 times last years profits as does rival Tencent, home of Alipay rival WeChat Pay. WHAT CHALLENGES DOES ANT FACE? Ant, expected to go public in the next two years, has vowed to reach 2 billion users worldwide in the next decade and it has been investing overseas, buying a stake in Indian payment firm Paytm and Thai financial technology firm Ascend Money, among others. Ant has taken a very strategic view of international expansion with highly-targeted investments, joint ventures, and partnerships across the region, said James Lloyd, Asia-Pacific Fintech leader at EY. While mainland China remains core, I wouldnt underestimate the potential upside of their international endeavors. But it could be China itself that causes Ant problems. While Alipay holds 54 per cent of the countrys fast-growing mobile payments market, WeChat Pay holds 38.2 per cent, according to Jefferies. Both are keen to increase their dominance. Beijing also has a history of unexpected rule changes which can derail business plans. Last year regulators suddenly took steps to rein in the online lending market a key growth engine for Ant as part of its wider crackdown on easy credit. These things that Ant is doing are quite innovative and new. They may work this year, but stop working next year, depending on Chinas regulations, said a Hong Kong-based equity analyst with a Japanese asset manager. Its hard to analyze their value. (Reporting by Kane Wu and Julie Zhu in Hong Kong; Editing by Jennifer Hughes and Muralikumar Anantharaman) Related: Chinas Ant Financial Targets at Least $8B in Investor Funding: Sources Topics InsurTech Tech China Three people in Ohio have been charged with insurance fraud totaling more than $330,000, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio Kifiyun Daniels of Akron, and Jessie Banks of Barberton, and Jody Foster of Ravenna were charged with filing fraudulent claims against Asurion Insurance. The U.S. Attorneys Office reported that Daniels made fraudulent claims to Asurion Insurance for the replacement of approximately 261 cellular phones between August 2015 and December 2017. Asurion sustained a loss of approximately $130,717, according to the information. Banks allegedly made fraudulent claims to Asurion Insurance for the replacement of approximately 179 cellular phones between November 2015 and May 2017. Asurion sustained a loss of approximately $110,174, according to federal officials. Separately, Foster was charged with one count of mail fraud for defrauding Asurion out of $94,000. Foster allegedly defrauded Asurion Insurance between 2012 and 2016 through the submission of fraudulent insurance claims to obtain money and property from Asurion. He was said to have paid individuals, known and unknown, to purchase new cellular telephones and enroll in cellular telephones service plans that included insurance coverage with multiple cellular telephone service providers. Then these individuals provided the newly purchased cellular telephones to Foster, according to the criminal charges. The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Henry F. DeBaggis. The U.S. Attorneys Office pointed out that the charges are not evidence of guilt and that the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Source: U.S. Attorneys Office for the Northern District of Ohio Topics Carriers USA Fraud Abuse Molestation Ohio Small businesses in the United States struggled with uninsured damages and lost revenue following a record-breaking year of hurricanes and wildfires, according to a Federal Reserve survey published on Tuesday. The report by the Dallas, New York, Richmond, and San Francisco Fed banks examined 1,800 businesses with fewer than 500 employees in zip codes with disasters designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. It found, 40 percent of small firms in these areas had natural-disaster related losses, and 35 percent lost more than $25,000 in revenues. The report paints a worrisome picture for local economies after a record-breaking year of weather and climate-related disasters that cost the United States an estimated $306 billion in 2017, the third-warmest year on record, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Small businesses are primary drivers of job growth and their ability to rebound from disasters is critical to regional economic recovery, said Claire Kramer Mills, assistant vice president at the New York Fed. Small businesses employ half of private-sector workers and are the primary creators of new jobs in the United States, according to a 2015 U.S. Census Bureau study. The survey found last years storms hit minority communities particularly hard. Some 54 percent of Hispanic-owned firms in affected areas reported natural disaster-related losses, compared to 40 percent of White-owned firms and 35 percent of Black or African American-owned firms. The storms hit lodging and retail businesses hardest. Some 52 percent of leisure and hospitality firms and 47 percent of retail firms in affected areas reported natural disaster-related losses, the highest shares of all industries. Small and young businesses are especially vulnerable to extreme weather and other natural disasters compared to their larger counterparts. Financing options are limited: federal relief funds can take months to reach communities and few small business are insured against such storms. The report found firms insurance holdings did not match the sources of their losses, which stemmed more from disrupted business than from damaged assets. Sixty-five percent of disaster-affected firms cited loss of power or utilities as the source of their losses. However, only 17 percent of affected firms had business disruption insurance at the time of the disaster. Federal Reserve Bank officials who worked on the report said local governments can help bridge this insurance gap by helping business understand their vulnerabilities and purchase the relevant coverage beforehand. (Reporting by Reade Levinson in New York; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Nick Zieminski) Federal Reserve Report on Disaster-Affected Small Businesses Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Commercial Lines Business Insurance New York Hurricane Small Business One passenger was killed when an engine blew out on a Southwest Airlines Co. jetliner carrying 149 people, marking the first fatality on a U.S.-registered airline in more than nine years. The plane, bound for Dallas from New Yorks LaGuardia airport, made an emergency landing at Philadelphia International Airport shortly after 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Seven people suffered minor injuries. This is a sad day, Southwest Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly said on a video released by the company. On behalf of the whole Southwest family, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones of our deceased customer. The dead passenger was not identified but other passengers reported a woman being severely injured during the flight and receiving aid from other passengers in a chaotic and bloody scene. The cabin suddenly lost pressure when engine debris pierced a window and flight attendants began crying, one passenger, Marty Martinez, founder and chief executive officer of Social Revolt digital marketing in Dallas, said in an interview. When we saw that they started crying, of course we thought we were in a really bad place. We were going down, Martinez said. The woman who was injured made no noise at all, he said. Nine-Year Record The death shattered an unprecedented string of more than nine years without an accident-related fatality on a U.S. passenger airline. National Transportation Safety Board Chairman Robert Sumwalt confirmed the fatality at a press conference as he was set to depart from Washington to Philadelphia with a team of investigators. The last fatal accident involving a U.S.-registered carrier occurred near Buffalo, New York, on Feb. 12, 2009, when a commuter carrier operated by Colgan Air crashed, killing 49 people on board and a man on the ground. The NTSB has secured the Southwest planes two black box, crash-proof recorders and plans to ship them to its lab in Washington on Tuesday night, Sumwalt said. The agency is sending experts in engines, airline operations and passenger survival issues, he said. Southwest revised the total of people on board the flight late Tuesday, from 148 to 149 including five crewmembers. Television feeds and photos posted on Twitter show the front of the left engine on the Boeing Co. 737-700 had been ripped open. Plane Icing Before Crashing The Federal Aviation Administration halted some arrivals and departures at the Philadelphia airport but reopened it shortly before 2 p.m., according to an agency website. The crew of the plane reported that it suffered damage to its fuselage and at least one window, according to the FAA. The plane had been aloft for about 30 minutes when an explosion shattered the routine and oxygen masks descended from the ceiling, Martinez said. He and others took to social media, using the planes Wi-Fi connection, trying to leave final messages in case the plane crashed. I kind of just felt like it was over, he said. Were flying at 30,000 feet going 500 miles an hour. Reports of shrapnel shattering a window suggest that the engine broke apart in what is known as an uncontained failure. U.S. regulations require engines to be covered in tough casings designed to prevent metal from flying into fuel tanks and passenger areas if an engine breaks apart. Sumwalt said the NTSB doesnt have enough information yet to call the failure uncontained. CFM Engine The plane in Tuesdays emergency was powered by CFM56-7B engines, which are made by CFM International Inc., a joint venture between General Electric Co. and Frances Safran SA. CFM, the sole supplier of engines for 737-700 planes, said it has sent technical representatives to examine the plane. The CFM engines are among the most widely used in the world, powering more than 6,700 aircraft for more than 350 million flight hours, CFM said in a statement. The NTSB said in a tweet it was sending a team to investigate. The NTSB investigates the most serious engine failures and conducted a probe of a similar Southwest episode in 2016 involving the same type of engine. In that incident, a fan blade snapped off a Southwest 737-700 engine in mid-flight, sending debris slamming into the plane and damaging the fuselage, wing and tail. Investigators with the NTSB later found evidence of a crack consistent with metal fatigue on the titanium-alloy blade. No one on the plane was hurt. Its not clear whether Tuesdays engine failure was in any way related to the earlier episode, Sumwalt said. While engine failures havent caused a major crash in the U.S. in decades, incidents that threaten safety continue to occur. On Oct. 28, 2016, an engine on an American Airlines plane exploded on a Chicago runway as it was preparing to take off, triggering a massive blaze that melted one wing. A disk within the GE CF6-80 engine was later found to have a manufacturing defect, the NTSB said. Pieces of the spinning disk flew as far as 2,920 feet (890 meters), striking a warehouse. Theplane was a Boeing 767. The 737-700 was delivered in August 2000 and only flown by Southwest, FAA records show. The model is the smallest jetliner currently manufactured by Boeing and is the heart of the airlines all-737 fleet. The Texas carrier has hunted for used -700s in recent years as it parked an earlier version known as the 737 Classics. Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident Tuesday, a Delta Connection flight from New Yorks LaGuardia Airport diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport after experiencing a problem with a wheel. A pilot for regional affiliate ExpressJet Airlines had just lifted off shortly before 11 a.m. when a wheel on the Bombardier CRJ700 had an unspecified problem, Delta spokesman Michael Thomas said. The pilot chose to land at the Washington-area airport instead of continuing on to its destination at Richmond, Virginia. The flight landed safely and without incident, an ExpressJet spokesman said. With assistance from Julie Johnsson, Richard Clough, Mary Schlangenstein and Susan Warren. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics USA New York Washington Aviation Transportation Concerned by a rise in near collisions by unmanned aircraft and commercial jets, the worlds airlines back development of a United Nations-led global registry for drones, an executive of their trade group said on Tuesday. The International Air Transport Association backs efforts by the United Nations aviation agency to develop such a registry, which could also help track the number of incidents involving drones and jets, said Rob Eagles, IATAs director of air traffic management infrastructure. IATA would consider collaborating with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) with using the registry for data analysis to improve safety. ICAO is developing the registry as part of broader efforts to come up with common rules for flying and tracking unmanned aircraft. One of the important things we would like to see on a registry as well is the compilation of data which would include incident and accident reporting, Eagles said in an interview on the sidelines of IATAs Safety and Flight Ops Conference in Montreal. Airlines and airport operators are looking to drone registries, geo-fencing technology and stiffer penalties for operating drones near airports. They hope these steps will ensure flying remains safe as hobbyists and companies like Amazon.com Inc use more drones. In Britain, the number of near misses between drones and aircraft more than tripled between 2015 and 2017, with 92 incidents recorded last year, according to the U.K. Airprox Board. Air New Zealand Ltd said last month a flight from Tokyo with 278 passengers and crew on board encountered a drone estimated to be just five meters away from the Boeing 777-200 jet during its descent into Auckland. A single registry would create a one-stop-shop that would allow law enforcement to remotely identify and track unmanned aircraft, along with their operator and owner. Its not yet clear what kind of drones would be listed in the registry, although IATA would support inclusion of most drones, including large unmanned aircraft and smaller ones used for commercial and industrial purposes, Eagles said. The intention at present is to merge this activity into the ICAO registry for manned aircraft, so that the sector has a single consolidated registry network, said ICAO spokesman Anthony Philbin by email. (Reporting by Allison Lampert Editing by Paul Simao and David Gregorio) Topics Aviation The parents of two children killed at Sandy Hook elementary school in 2012 sued Alex Jones, the host of InfoWars, who had derided the shooting as fake and possibly staged by the government. Leonard Pozner and Veronique De La Rosa, parents of Noah Pozner, filed a defamation lawsuit Tuesday against Jones, InfoWars LLC and Free Speech Systems LLC. Separately, Neil Heslin, sued Jones, InfoWars and Owen Shroyer, a reporter at InfoWars, also for defamation. Last year, InfoWars accused De La Rosa of being an actor, rather than the parent of a child killed in the Connecticut mass shooting, according to the complaint. Also last year, Jones accused Heslin of lying about holding his sons body and seeing a bullet hole in his head, according to his complaint. This heartless and vile act of defamation re-ignited the Sandy Hook false flag conspiracy and tore open the emotional wounds that plaintiff has tried so desperately to heal, Heslin said in the complaint. Jones didnt reply to a request for comment sent through his website. Jones has been hit with numerous lawsuits related to his work at InfoWars a conspiracy website and radio show whose host has also claimed the Apollo 11 moon-landing was faked and that Doppler radar towers are used to control the weather. Jones settled with Chobani last year after having accused the company of importing migrant rapists. After the yogurt company sued, a tweet and video related to the accusation were removed. I regret that we mischaracterized Chobani, its employees and the people of Twin Falls, Idaho, the way we did, Jones said. An apology wont be good enough for the Sandy Hook parents, said Bill Ogden, a partner at Kaster Lynch Farar & Ball LLP, who represents the parents in both lawsuits. He said his clients didnt sue just to get money in a settlement. The lawsuit has to do with an organization that counts themselves as journalists identifying specific people and making false claims against them, Ogden said. In one instance, Jones posted a video titled Sandy Hook Vampires Exposed. Charlottesville Lawsuit Last month, Jones was among those sued by Brennan Gilmore, who witnessed a man drive into a crowd of protesters during a demonstration in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. The attack left one woman dead and Gilmore documented it on video, later sharing it on social media. He claims he and his family became the target of harassment after Jones and other conspiracy theorists labeled him part of the deep state. Earlier this month, Jones was sued by Marcel Fontaine, whom the InfoWars host accused of being the gunman in Februarys Parkland, Florida, high school shooting. Fontaine had no connection to the attack, which left 17 dead, and another man charged. The Sandy Hook parents lawsuits were filed in state court in Travis County, Texas. The cases are Pozner v. Jones, GN-18-001842, District Court of Travis County, Texas, and Heslin v. Jones, GN-18-001835, District Court of Travis County, Texas. Copyright 2021 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Texas European regulators this month began requiring an inspection by early next year of the type of engine that blew apart on a fatal Southwest Airlines flight on Tuesday, and a source said U.S. regulators were near a similar rule. The actions by regulators show that there has been some concern, albeit non-urgent, about the engine, a workhorse of the global civil aviation fleet that has logged more than 350 million hours of safe travel but was also being examined after a 2016 accident. Southwest Flight 1380 made an emergency landing in Philadelphia on Tuesday after an engine ripped apart mid-air, shattering a window on the Boeing 737 and nearly sucking a passenger through. One of 144 passengers died. The CFM56 engine was produced by a joint venture of General Electric Co. and Frances Safran SA called CFM International and is one of the most common engines, paired with the worlds most-sold plane, the Boeing 737. Boeing and CFM said they will help with the U.S. National Transportation Safety Boards (NTSB) investigation into the incident. Southwest Airlines Co. said it is speeding up inspections of all related engines out of extra caution, which it expects to complete within 30 days. Minimal flight disruptions may result, it said. An early review of the failed engine found apparent metal fatigue where a fan blade had broken off, Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the NTSB, told reporters. We are very concerned about metal fatigue, Sumwalt said. There needs to be proper inspection mechanisms in place to check for this before theres a catastrophic event. In August 2016, a Southwest flight made a safe emergency landing in Pensacola, Florida after a fan blade separated from the same type of engine, and debris ripped a foot-long hole above the left wing. The 2016 incident prompted the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose ultrasonic inspections of similar fan blades and their replacement should they fail the test. Sumwalt said the NTSB will review whether the engines involved in Tuesdays incident might have been subject to the directive, which is not yet finalized. The FAA had determined the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design, according to its proposal last year. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) issued an airworthiness directive last month requiring a one-time ultrasonic inspection of each affected fan blade on models of CFM56 engines within nine months of April 2. It said that CFM had sent a service bulletin recommending inspections, leading regulators to make the directive. EASA said the directive was issued after the failure of a fan blade on a CFM56 engine, which led to the uncontained release of debris. It did not name the airline involved or the incident, but the service bulletin it referenced was the same as in the FAA proposal. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could lead to fan blade failure, possibly resulting in uncontained forward release of debris, with consequent damage to the engine and the airplane, EASA said. Southwests voluntary, accelerated checks will be ultrasonic. American, United and Delta Air Lines did not immediately comment if they too would speed up such checks, though it was unclear if they at all needed to. The FAA proposal estimated 220 engines on U.S. registered planes would be affected and that checks would require two hours of labor per inspection. Any design issues with the long-established CFM56 engine could have repercussions for fleets worldwide. But given that thousands of the engines are already in use globally, industry experts say the focus of the investigation is more likely to fall on one-off production or maintenance issues. A government source said the FAA could finalize its directive soon. The FAA did not respond to a request for comment late on Tuesday, and Southwest declined to say whether it had ultrasonically examined the engine involved in the incident, because the event is under investigation by the NTSB. 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(1) Feb 07 (1) Feb 06 (1) Feb 05 (5) Feb 03 (1) Feb 02 (1) Feb 01 (1) Jan 31 (4) Jan 30 (4) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (2) Jan 27 (5) Jan 26 (5) Jan 25 (5) Jan 24 (3) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (4) Jan 18 (3) Jan 17 (2) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (5) Jan 13 (5) Jan 12 (5) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (3) Jan 09 (5) Jan 08 (5) Jan 07 (4) Jan 06 (3) Jan 05 (4) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (6) Jan 02 (3) Jan 01 (4) Dec 31 (4) Dec 30 (4) Dec 29 (5) Dec 28 (5) Dec 27 (4) Dec 26 (4) Dec 25 (4) Dec 24 (1) Dec 23 (4) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (5) Dec 20 (5) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (4) Dec 17 (5) Dec 16 (4) Dec 15 (6) Dec 14 (4) Dec 13 (4) Dec 12 (5) Dec 11 (5) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (5) Dec 08 (4) Dec 07 (4) Dec 06 (5) Dec 05 (4) Dec 04 (4) Dec 03 (4) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (3) Nov 30 (4) Nov 29 (4) Nov 28 (5) Nov 27 (4) Nov 26 (4) Nov 25 (3) Nov 24 (5) Nov 23 (4) Nov 22 (4) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (4) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (4) Nov 17 (4) Nov 16 (3) Nov 15 (5) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (4) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (4) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (3) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (4) Nov 06 (4) Nov 05 (4) Nov 04 (3) Nov 03 (2) Nov 02 (3) Nov 01 (4) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (4) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (3) Oct 25 (3) Oct 24 (3) Oct 23 (3) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (3) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (3) Oct 18 (3) Oct 17 (3) Oct 16 (4) Oct 15 (5) Oct 14 (3) Oct 13 (6) Oct 12 (4) Oct 11 (4) Oct 10 (3) Oct 09 (3) Oct 08 (3) Oct 07 (3) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (3) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (3) Oct 01 (3) Sep 30 (3) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (3) Sep 26 (5) Sep 25 (5) Sep 24 (4) Sep 23 (5) Sep 22 (4) Sep 21 (4) Sep 20 (5) Sep 19 (4) Sep 18 (5) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (4) Sep 15 (5) Sep 14 (4) Sep 13 (3) Sep 12 (6) Sep 11 (6) Sep 10 (4) Sep 09 (4) Sep 08 (3) Sep 07 (3) Sep 06 (3) Sep 05 (4) Sep 04 (4) Sep 03 (3) Sep 02 (3) Sep 01 (4) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (3) Aug 29 (4) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (4) Aug 26 (3) Aug 25 (4) Aug 24 (4) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (3) Aug 21 (3) Aug 20 (5) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (3) Aug 16 (3) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (3) Aug 12 (4) Aug 11 (3) Aug 10 (3) Aug 09 (4) Aug 08 (2) Aug 07 (2) Aug 06 (2) Aug 05 (2) Aug 04 (2) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (4) Aug 01 (3) Jul 31 (2) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (3) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (3) Jul 25 (6) Jul 24 (3) Jul 23 (4) Jul 22 (4) Jul 21 (4) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (4) Jul 18 (4) Jul 17 (4) Jul 16 (4) Jul 15 (5) Jul 14 (3) Jul 13 (4) Jul 12 (4) Jul 11 (5) Jul 10 (5) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (3) Jul 03 (4) Jul 02 (5) Jul 01 (3) Jun 30 (2) Jun 29 (3) Jun 28 (4) Jun 27 (4) Jun 26 (5) Jun 25 (4) Jun 24 (5) Jun 23 (3) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (2) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (3) Jun 18 (3) Jun 17 (1) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (2) Jun 13 (5) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (3) Jun 10 (2) Jun 09 (2) Jun 08 (2) Jun 07 (2) Jun 06 (2) Jun 05 (2) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (2) Jun 02 (4) Jun 01 (3) May 31 (4) May 30 (5) May 29 (3) May 28 (3) May 27 (3) May 26 (4) May 25 (4) May 24 (2) May 23 (4) May 22 (4) May 21 (5) May 20 (6) May 19 (4) May 18 (3) May 17 (4) May 16 (5) May 15 (6) May 14 (4) May 13 (9) May 12 (4) May 11 (5) May 10 (5) May 09 (4) May 08 (3) May 07 (5) May 06 (3) May 05 (4) May 04 (5) May 03 (1) May 02 (5) May 01 (7) Apr 30 (4) Apr 29 (5) Apr 28 (4) Apr 27 (1) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (4) Apr 24 (4) Apr 23 (4) Apr 22 (3) Apr 21 (4) Apr 20 (4) Apr 19 (3) Apr 18 (4) Apr 17 (3) Apr 16 (4) Apr 15 (3) Apr 14 (4) Apr 13 (3) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (6) Apr 10 (1) Apr 09 (4) Apr 08 (3) Apr 07 (3) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (5) Apr 04 (1) Apr 03 (3) Apr 02 (4) Apr 01 (3) Mar 31 (1) Mar 30 (3) Mar 29 (4) Mar 28 (3) Mar 27 (4) Mar 26 (2) Mar 25 (4) Mar 24 (6) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (5) Mar 21 (4) Mar 20 (6) Mar 19 (5) Mar 18 (4) Mar 17 (4) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (4) Mar 14 (3) Mar 13 (4) Mar 12 (4) Mar 11 (5) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (5) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (5) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (3) Mar 03 (3) Mar 02 (5) Mar 01 (4) Feb 28 (2) Feb 27 (3) Feb 26 (3) Feb 25 (3) Feb 24 (4) Feb 23 (4) Feb 22 (3) Feb 21 (4) Feb 20 (4) Feb 19 (3) Feb 18 (3) Feb 17 (3) Feb 16 (5) Feb 15 (4) Feb 14 (3) Feb 13 (4) Feb 12 (3) Feb 11 (3) Feb 10 (4) Feb 09 (4) Feb 08 (3) Feb 07 (4) Feb 06 (3) Feb 05 (3) Feb 04 (3) Feb 03 (5) Feb 02 (4) Feb 01 (3) Jan 31 (3) Jan 30 (3) Jan 29 (4) Jan 28 (3) Jan 27 (2) Jan 26 (4) Jan 25 (3) Jan 24 (5) Jan 23 (4) Jan 22 (4) Jan 21 (3) Jan 20 (3) Jan 19 (6) Jan 18 (4) Jan 17 (3) Jan 16 (4) Jan 15 (3) Jan 14 (4) Jan 13 (3) Jan 12 (6) Jan 11 (4) Jan 10 (4) Jan 09 (3) Jan 08 (4) Jan 07 (3) Jan 06 (4) Jan 05 (3) Jan 04 (4) Jan 03 (5) Jan 02 (4) Jan 01 (3) Dec 31 (2) Dec 30 (2) Dec 29 (2) Dec 28 (3) Dec 27 (3) Dec 26 (2) Dec 25 (2) Dec 24 (3) Dec 23 (3) Dec 22 (3) Dec 21 (3) Dec 20 (4) Dec 19 (4) Dec 18 (5) Dec 17 (3) Dec 16 (3) Dec 15 (3) Dec 14 (3) Dec 13 (3) Dec 12 (2) Dec 11 (6) Dec 10 (4) Dec 09 (4) Dec 08 (6) Dec 07 (5) Dec 06 (3) Dec 05 (3) Dec 04 (4) Dec 03 (3) Dec 02 (3) Dec 01 (4) Nov 30 (2) Nov 29 (3) Nov 28 (3) Nov 27 (2) Nov 26 (3) Nov 25 (5) Nov 24 (4) Nov 23 (6) Nov 22 (5) Nov 21 (4) Nov 20 (2) Nov 19 (5) Nov 18 (7) Nov 17 (5) Nov 16 (4) Nov 15 (6) Nov 14 (3) Nov 13 (3) Nov 12 (4) Nov 11 (3) Nov 10 (3) Nov 09 (4) Nov 08 (3) Nov 07 (2) Nov 06 (2) Nov 05 (2) Nov 04 (4) Nov 03 (4) Nov 02 (4) Nov 01 (2) Oct 31 (3) Oct 30 (4) Oct 29 (3) Oct 28 (2) Oct 27 (3) Oct 26 (3) Oct 25 (2) Oct 24 (2) Oct 23 (2) Oct 22 (3) Oct 21 (2) Oct 20 (3) Oct 19 (3) Oct 18 (2) Oct 17 (2) Oct 16 (2) Oct 15 (2) Oct 14 (4) Oct 13 (2) Oct 12 (3) Oct 11 (2) Oct 10 (2) Oct 09 (4) Oct 08 (4) Oct 07 (4) Oct 06 (3) Oct 05 (4) Oct 04 (5) Oct 03 (3) Oct 02 (6) Oct 01 (6) Sep 30 (5) Sep 29 (3) Sep 28 (3) Sep 27 (7) Sep 26 (4) Sep 25 (3) Sep 24 (5) Sep 23 (8) Sep 22 (3) Sep 21 (3) Sep 20 (6) Sep 19 (3) Sep 18 (3) Sep 17 (5) Sep 16 (7) Sep 15 (3) Sep 14 (4) Sep 13 (3) Sep 12 (5) Sep 11 (5) Sep 10 (5) Sep 09 (7) Sep 08 (5) Sep 07 (2) Sep 06 (7) Sep 05 (4) Sep 04 (4) Sep 03 (2) Sep 02 (2) Sep 01 (2) Aug 31 (3) Aug 30 (3) Aug 29 (3) Aug 28 (3) Aug 27 (3) Aug 26 (4) Aug 25 (3) Aug 24 (3) Aug 23 (3) Aug 22 (4) Aug 21 (4) Aug 20 (4) Aug 19 (4) Aug 18 (3) Aug 17 (2) Aug 16 (2) Aug 15 (5) Aug 14 (3) Aug 13 (5) Aug 12 (10) Aug 11 (5) Aug 10 (4) Aug 09 (5) Aug 08 (3) Aug 07 (4) Aug 06 (6) Aug 05 (5) Aug 04 (5) Aug 03 (3) Aug 02 (5) Aug 01 (7) Jul 31 (5) Jul 30 (5) Jul 29 (4) Jul 28 (3) Jul 27 (3) Jul 26 (5) Jul 25 (4) Jul 24 (5) Jul 23 (5) Jul 22 (7) Jul 21 (5) Jul 20 (4) Jul 19 (5) Jul 18 (6) Jul 17 (5) Jul 16 (5) Jul 15 (6) Jul 14 (4) Jul 13 (3) Jul 12 (2) Jul 11 (2) Jul 10 (2) Jul 09 (2) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (3) Jul 06 (2) Jul 05 (2) Jul 04 (4) Jul 03 (3) Jul 02 (2) Jul 01 (8) Jun 30 (6) Jun 29 (4) Jun 28 (6) Jun 27 (6) Jun 26 (6) Jun 25 (6) Jun 24 (6) Jun 23 (4) Jun 22 (4) Jun 21 (5) Jun 20 (4) Jun 19 (5) Jun 18 (8) Jun 17 (6) Jun 16 (5) Jun 15 (5) Jun 14 (5) Jun 13 (4) Jun 12 (4) Jun 11 (6) Jun 10 (4) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (5) Jun 07 (4) Jun 06 (3) Jun 05 (3) Jun 04 (3) Jun 03 (3) Jun 02 (3) Jun 01 (4) May 31 (2) May 30 (2) May 29 (2) May 28 (2) May 27 (4) May 26 (4) May 25 (3) May 24 (2) May 23 (2) May 22 (3) May 21 (5) May 20 (4) May 19 (2) May 18 (3) May 17 (3) May 16 (3) May 15 (4) May 14 (5) May 13 (3) May 12 (4) May 11 (3) May 10 (4) May 09 (4) May 08 (4) May 07 (3) May 06 (2) May 05 (3) May 04 (4) May 03 (2) May 02 (3) May 01 (3) Apr 30 (3) Apr 29 (4) Apr 28 (2) Apr 27 (3) Apr 26 (4) Apr 25 (2) Apr 24 (3) Apr 23 (2) Apr 22 (2) Apr 21 (4) Apr 20 (4) Apr 19 (5) Apr 18 (7) Apr 17 (6) Apr 16 (10) Apr 15 (5) Apr 14 (3) Apr 13 (4) Apr 12 (5) Apr 11 (4) Apr 10 (4) Apr 09 (7) Apr 08 (4) Apr 07 (7) Apr 06 (4) Apr 05 (7) Apr 04 (5) Apr 03 (4) Apr 02 (5) Apr 01 (5) Mar 31 (5) Mar 30 (5) Mar 29 (7) Mar 28 (6) Mar 27 (5) Mar 26 (5) Mar 25 (6) Mar 24 (5) Mar 23 (5) Mar 22 (5) Mar 21 (4) Mar 20 (3) Mar 19 (6) Mar 18 (6) Mar 17 (2) Mar 16 (4) Mar 15 (5) Mar 14 (4) Mar 13 (5) Mar 12 (5) Mar 11 (4) Mar 10 (4) Mar 09 (2) Mar 08 (5) Mar 07 (4) Mar 06 (3) Mar 05 (4) Mar 04 (6) Mar 03 (4) Mar 02 (4) Mar 01 (5) Feb 28 (6) Feb 27 (4) Feb 26 (4) Feb 25 (6) Feb 24 (2) Feb 23 (3) Feb 22 (4) Feb 21 (6) Feb 20 (2) Feb 19 (6) Feb 18 (4) Feb 17 (2) Feb 16 (3) Feb 15 (6) Feb 14 (6) Feb 13 (6) Feb 12 (9) Feb 11 (5) Feb 10 (3) 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Sep 02 (2) Aug 31 (1) Aug 28 (1) Aug 27 (2) Aug 24 (1) Aug 21 (1) Aug 20 (1) Aug 18 (3) Aug 16 (1) Aug 15 (1) Aug 14 (1) Aug 11 (1) Aug 08 (1) Aug 07 (1) Aug 03 (1) Jul 27 (1) Jul 26 (1) Jul 24 (1) Jul 22 (1) Jul 21 (1) Jul 19 (1) Jul 15 (1) Jul 14 (1) Jul 13 (3) Jul 10 (1) Jul 08 (2) Jul 07 (1) Jul 06 (1) Jul 03 (1) Jul 01 (1) Jun 28 (1) Jun 24 (2) Jun 20 (1) Jun 19 (1) Jun 18 (1) Jun 15 (1) Jun 14 (2) Jun 11 (1) Jun 09 (3) Jun 08 (1) Jun 07 (1) Jun 06 (1) Jun 04 (2) Jun 03 (1) Jun 02 (2) Jun 01 (1) May 31 (3) May 30 (1) May 29 (1) May 28 (2) May 26 (1) May 25 (1) May 18 (1) May 17 (1) May 15 (1) May 09 (1) May 07 (2) May 02 (1) May 01 (1) Apr 30 (1) Apr 27 (1) Apr 26 (2) Apr 23 (1) Apr 22 (1) Apr 19 (1) Apr 18 (1) Apr 12 (1) Apr 11 (1) Apr 09 (1) Apr 07 (1) Apr 05 (1) Apr 01 (1) Mar 30 (1) Mar 27 (1) Mar 25 (1) Mar 22 (2) Mar 19 (1) Mar 18 (1) Mar 16 (1) Mar 15 (2) Mar 13 (1) Mar 12 (1) Mar 11 (1) Mar 10 (1) Survey teams with the National Weather Service have confirmed 11 tornadoes so far from the severe storms that hit Arkansas on Friday and Saturday. The NWS previously said it had confirmed nine tornadoes. The two strongest tornadoes were both rated EF2. One hit Mountainburg in northwest Arkansas while the other struck Montrose in the southern part of the state. EF1 tornadoes were confirmed in Lavaca, Ozone, Gamaliel, Umpire, Crossett and southwest Ashley County. An EF0 tornado was confirmed in Oppelo in Conway County. Two additional tornadoes were confirmed near El Dorado, but they have not been assigned ratings yet. On Sunday, Gov. Asa Hutchinson toured damage in Mountainburg, where four people were injured. Hutchinson said emergency warning systems in the area likely prevented any loss of life. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis has released a top 10 list of most wanted insurance fraud criminals and called on local communities to help with finding the individuals. According to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services, each of the following individuals is wanted for various insurance-fraud related crimes: Anthony Fitzgerald Phillips, last known address Fullerton, Calf.: Grand Theft. Huberto Del Sol Puerto, last known address Hialeah/Miami, Fla.: Organized fraud ($50,000 or More), false and fraudulent insurance claims, grand theft (3rd Degree), money laundering, false statement (Jurisdiction of Department of State). Gabriel Sanchez, last known address Miami, Fla.: Racketeering. William Brenes, last known address Hillsborough County: Fraudulently presenting a false statement ($100,000 or more). Jose Alexis Orellana Ramos, last known address North Lauderdale, Fla.: Organized fraud ($50,000 or more), grand theft (1st Degree, $100,000 or more), workers compensation fraud (Over $100,000). Joseph J. Beckford, last known address Carrollton, Ga.: False and fraudulent insurance claim. Bernardo Romero-Ortiz, last known address Orlando, Fla.: Workers compensation fraud ($100,000 or more); organized fraud. Roland Terencio Delgado, last known address Coral Gables, Fla.: Racketeering, grand theft (2 Counts). Paul Emmanuel Pierre, last known address Orlando, Fla.: Racketeering, false and fraudulent insurance claim. Javier Lopez Rivero, last known address Miami, Fla.: Racketeering, grand theft, false and fraudulent insurance claims. Insurance fraud drives up the cost of insurance on all Florida families and businesses and the criminals behind this type of activity need to be put in jail, said Patronis. An aware and engaged community bolsters our fraud-fighting forces. Insurance fraud is not a victimless crime and its important we, as a community, protect each other from those who engage in fraudulent behavior. The Florida Department of Financial Services Bureau of Insurance Fraud works to investigate alleged acts of insurance fraud, including licensee, healthcare, application, vehicle, homeowners, commercial, disability, arson, and life insurance fraud. The Bureau of Workers Compensation Fraud investigates suspected criminal violations of Floridas Workers Compensation Laws and participates with multiple state agencies to prevent and prosecute unlicensed contractors, businesses employing workers without appropriate workers compensation coverage, employees who file false on-the-job injuries or exaggerate their injuries, and employees working other jobs while receiving workers compensation benefits. Members of the community are urged to assist with fraud-fighting efforts by reporting any suspicious behavior to authorities. To report suspected insurance fraud, call 1-800-378-0445. Callers can choose to remain anonymous and callers who provide information that leads to a successful prosecution are eligible for a cash reward. Source: Florida Department of Financial Services Topics Workers' Compensation Florida Fraud What Is The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management? The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Managementoften referred to simply as Cornell Johnsonis a graduate business school based at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Originally founded in 1946, it received its current name following a $20 million gift by the family of businessman and philanthropist, Samuel Curtis Johnson. The school is home to roughly 100 faculty members and offers a variety of well-respected programs, including a two-year Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, an accelerated 1-year MBA, and a dedicated Executive MBA program. Key Takeaways Cornell Johnson is a graduate business school based at Cornell University. It is known for its emphasis on immersive learning through internships, business cases, and consulting. Its MBA program is consistently ranked in the top 15 worldwide. How Cornell Johnson Works The Cornell Johnson MBA program is known for its emphasis on providing a highly immersive experience. This is achieved through internships, case studies, and visits to relevant companies. Additionally, students are required to select an area of focus relatively early in the MBA curriculum. Examples of these areas of specialization include investment banking, strategic operations, capital markets and asset management, and digital technology. Once chosen, students benefit from a carefully tailored curriculum of academic and hands-on experiences focused on the current best practices and emerging challenges of that sector. For students unable to commit to a two-year MBA, an Accelerated MBA is also available. This one-year program is oriented toward students who already have advanced degrees in a scientific or technical discipline, such as a PhD, JD, or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation. This program allows students to take classes at Cornell Universitys technology-oriented campus, Cornell Tech, in addition to their core MBA courses. Overall, Cornell Johnsons MBA program has historically performed very well on international B-School rankings. In 2019, for example, Forbes rated it as the 9th-best MBA program in the world, whereas U.S. News rated it at #15 worldwide in 2021. Real World Example of the Cornell Johnson As is typical of Ivy League schools, the cost of attending Cornell Johnson is among the highest of any business school, with annual tuition of nearly $144,000 per year. At the same time, Cornell Johnsons graduating class of 2018 received an average starting salary roughly equal to the annual tuition cost, along with an average signing bonus of just over $30,000. Historically, over 94% of Cornell Johnson graduates have received job offers within 3 months of graduation. Upon graduation, Cornell Johnson students join an alumni network over 15,000 strong. Among them are many notable members, including Ken Durr, former CEO of Chevron (CVX); Daniel Hesse, former CEO of Sprint Corporation (S); and Anne Chow, CEO of AT&T Business. What are Transferable Points Programs Transferable points programs allow customers to earn credit card points when using certain credit cards, and those points can be transferred to any of their participating programs. So instead of just having points with one airline or hotel, you can transfer points to several different ones. BREAKING DOWN Transferable Points Programs Transferable points programs offer options for customers, where one program might have four different airlines included. In that case, you could transfer your credit card rewards to any of those four airlines' loyalty programs. Let's assume, for example, you've been a lifelong United Airlines flyer. You decide you want to take a trip to Europe. Unfortunately, using your United miles might not be the cheapest option for you. Luckily you have points with a transferable points program that includes both United Airlines and British Airways. Because flying to Europe with British Airways' partner, American Airlines, is cheaper than United, you've just saved yourself miles for a future trip. Flexible Transferable Points Program It's important to know how much flexibility a certain program provides, and how much flexibility you need. For example, American Express may allow you to transfer points to 17 different airlines, while Chase may only offer six different options. Keep in mind, you will most likely end up paying for more flexibility one way or another. You may receive smaller rewards for your purchases from more flexible programs, or you may pay a higher annual fee than if you choose a less flexible one. Transferable points can be beneficial when a points partner changes its program in a way that reduces the value of the points you have earned. Airlines and hotels have the right to change their rewards programs whenever they choose, which can be detrimental to points holders. Another benefit of transferable points is the ability to take advantage of transfer bonuses. Credit card companies often offer discounts on transferring points to certain partners. For example, a credit card company may offer a 25% discount to rewards members that transfer points to a specific airline during a certain month. Other Credit Card Factors While transferable points are a great benefit for some, it's not the only factor to consider when selecting a credit card. If you fly on the same airline the majority of the time, you may be able to get better rewards through a credit card that is co-branded with that specific airline. Or if you don't travel very often, a card that offers cash back may be a better choice for you. IRELAND: Cork City chiefs are sticking to their guns on the St Patricks St afternoon car ban, saying it needs three months to be assessed properly. IRELAND: Bizarre and astonishing are words not often pulled from the judicial lexicon but both got an outing at the Disclosures Tribunal yesterday. IRELAND: The Government may have to pull its multimillion-euro publicity campaign on domestic violence after victims said it insults them. IRELAND: Country music fans are expected to gather in big numbers in the Monaghan village of Oram later to pay tribute to Big Tom, who died yesterday at the age of 81. WORLD:A woman who was partially sucked out of a window on a US jet plane has died. VIEWS:The Dail in session is a major platform for the opposition, which otherwise struggles for advantage over the Government, writes Gerard Howlin. BUSINESS:UK retailer JD Sports plans to open more shops in Ireland as it looks outside of the UK for its next phase of growth. SPORT: Ulster ponder John Cooney at fly-half ... SOME DISTRACTION FEATURES:Cant Cope, Wont Cope is back for a second run, and its stars tell Ed Power how the tale of a girl from Mallow became one of the biggest hits on Irish TV. CULTURE:Review: It Takes A Village - First outing a glorious event By Geoff Percival Tullow Oil is set to reach the end of an era in July when founder and former chief executive Aidan Heavey formally leaves the company after more than 30 years. The company has named Dorothy Thompson the former CEO of UK electrical generation business Drax as its proposed new chair. She is set to succeed Mr Heavey at Tullows July 20 board meeting, after which Mr Heavey will retire from the companys board. He has sat there since forming the company in 1985, growing it by focusing on small undeveloped oil fields in Africa at a time when most Irish explorers were looking no further than the Celtic Sea. After leading Tullow through the fallout of the global oil price collapse of 2014, Mr Heavey stepped down as chief executive being replaced by former chief operating officer Paul McDade 12 months ago and became temporary chair. Mr Heavey said that Ms Thompson holds exactly the right mix of leadership, managerial, operational and financial experience that Tullow needs. Analysts greeted the appointment news positively, saying Ms Thompson brings to Tullow energy experience from outside the oil and gas sector. However, Tullows share price was down by over 1.2% yesterday. Elsewhere, shares in Irish onshore exploration company Falcon Oil and Gas jumped by as much as 8% on the back of a two-year moratorium on the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing or fracking in Australias Northern Territory being lifted. Dublin-based Falcon holds a 30% stake in the highly-rated Beetaloo Basin shale gas field in the region. The lifting of the ban, which had been expected, paves the way for Falcon and its local development partner Origin Energy to drill five more wells at Beetaloo as soon as practical. Realistically, the two companies will focus on preparatory work and gaining necessary final approvals this year before recommencing drilling work in 2019, which could include mining for oil as well as gas. Falcon said, in February, that latest resource studies pointed to 61 trillion cubic feet of gas at Beetaloo. Well testing completed just prior to the moratorium indicated there was a very promising material gas resource in the Beetaloo sub-basin, Origin said. Davy said that the lifting of the fracking ban has not been reflected in Falcons share price. While this outcome was based on science and evidence, the decision to lift the bank was political. Consequently, we do not think it was possible to be certain of this outcome, said analyst Job Langbroek. By Eamon Quinn Lagan Group one of Irelands largest cement, building products, and contractors has been sold for 526m after it completed the sale of most of its business to the London AIM-listed Breedon Group. News of the unsolicited approach first broke in February and Lagan again confirmed to the Irish Examiner no Lagan company subject to pyrite legislation forms part of the transaction. Breedon said the Lagan deal would allow it to do further bolt-on acquisitions. Lagan represents a unique opportunity to enter a growing market with immediate scale and excellent opportunities for expansion, said Breedon chief executive Pat Ward. Kevin Lagan, whose father Peter founded the original Lagan business from the Whitemountain quarry on the Belfast hills almost 60 years ago, will keep control of Lagan Homes. Lagan Homes is a large housebuilder in the North and had in the recent past signalled plans to expand into Republic. The business being sold is one of Irelands largest contractors and building products groups. Contracts in the past included work at airports at Shannon, Dublin, and Belfast, as well as numerous road and tunnel contracts across the island. The Lagan Cement unit is the third-largest Irish cement manufacturer and owns a cement plant in Kinnegad in Westmeath and nine quarries; its Lagan Products unit is a major sand producer and roof tiles-bricks-and-concrete blocks maker; and its Lagan Asphalt unit has 13 plants, as well as terminals in Belfast and Dublin for bitumen, It also owns the large Welsh Slate business. Lagan posted earnings of 46m (53m) on sales of 249m last year. Breedon said it expects to tap cost savings of 5m in the coming years. Shares in Breedon climbed 6%, to value the group at over 1.13bn. We are delighted to have completed our largest acquisition to date and particularly pleased that it has been so strongly supported by our shareholders, Breedon said. From a strategic perspective, it provides us with a stronger platform from which to pursue further organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions, it said. 200 angry Cork city centre traders tonight voted unanimously to support calls for the controversial three-week-old afternoon car ban in the city's main street to be abandoned. The traders also pledged to pack the public gallery of next Monday's council meeting which is due to discuss a motion calling for the ban to be lifted. The traders also threatened to picket some of the 250-free city centre multi-storey parking spaces availed of by city council staff unless the decision is reversed. About 50 people said they were prepared to withhold their commerical rates unless the council abandons the initiative and vowed to push an overwhelmingly positive message to customers that despite the 3pm to 6.30pm car ban on the city's main street, the city is alive and open for business. The moves were agreed during a Cork Business Association (CBA) organised meeting of traders in the Imperial Hotel at which speaker after speaker slated the new traffic system. The afternoon car ban was introduced by the city council on March 27, creating a time-regulated ban lane on St Patrick's St from 3pm to 6.30pm, in a bid to improve bus journey times. It is one part of a wider city centre movement strategy, agreed in 2012. CBA president, Philip Gillivan, said customers have been confused by the new traffic system and have opted to stay away. He said traders are fearful, frustrated and angry. "The council needs to step back and reverse the changes and give traders breathing space," he said. - Read full coverage of this story in tomorrow's Irish Examiner By Ann O'Loughlin The Court of Appeal has dismissed a man's appeal against a refusal by the State on national security grounds to allow him to become an Irish citizen. The man, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, does not know the basis for the conclusion that his application for naturalisation is contrary to national security interests. He has been living in Ireland for more than 25 years after being given refugee status. He applied for a certificate of naturalisation on several occasions but was turned down. In 2014 the High Court ruled he was entitled to inspect some but not all parts of documents held by the State in regards to his background. The court also ruled the State should provide a more detailed reason for the decision not to grant the man a certificate. The man made a fresh application for naturalisation, which was also turned down by the Minister for Justice. As part of that decision, the man was provided with a report setting out national security/international relations concerns that arose in his case. The report added the man's right to specific reasons was outweighed by national security interests in maintaining the confidentiality over the information concerned. The man says he has no idea what is being levied against him. He claims the accusations are mistaken and he is of good character. The man, who claims he has been denied the right to correct damaging accusations against him behind closed doors, brought High Court proceedings aimed at quashing the Minister's decision. In 2016, Ms Justice Carmel Stewart dismissed the man's action, which he appealed. Today, the three-judge court comprised of Mr Justice Michael Peart, Mr Justice Gerard Hogan and Mr Justice Paul Gilligan unanimously dismissed the appeal. In his judgment, Mr Justice Gilligan said the interests of national security in his view "outweighs" the man's position. From the man's perspective, the Minister's decision appears to be unfair. The reality was there is no better solution available, he said. The Minister had used his discretion not to release the content of certain material to the man on national security grounds. There is no formal procedure in Ireland where an independent body can examine a document over which privilege is claimed on national security grounds to consider if it can be released to an unsuccessful applicant seeking Irish citizenship The judge said he could find no fault with the High Court's decision which involved a comprehensive review of the facts and submissions of the respective parties and an analysis of the legal principals applicable. There was no reason for the Appeal Court to set aside the Minister's decision. In his concurring judgment, Mr Justice Hogan dismissed the man's claim his EU rights had been breached. The judge said the man's EU rights had not been breached because he has never been an Irish or EU citizen. The judge also said the EU Charter had no application in this case because the decision of any EU member state to grant citizenship represents an exercise of its own national sovereignty and does not involve EU law. By Ann O'Loughlin Businessman Sean Dunne has told the High Court he has never been the owner of and has "zero interest" in a Dublin 4 property known as Walford which was purchased in July 2005 for 58m. Rejecting claims he has not co-operated with the bankruptcy process, Mr Dunne said the property was bought in trust for his wife Gayle, was her asset and nothing to do with his bankruptcy. He was plenty of documentary evidence from several experts in Dublin to prove this. The only person who was disputing this was the official assignee in bankruptcy, Mr Chris Lehane, Mr Dunne said. Mr Dunne said he came to an agreement with his wife Gayle, following his "messy divorce" from his first marriage that all their assets were to be kept separately. He said Gayle was "never a shareholder, director or bondholder" in regards to any of his assets and "vice-versa." The couple never "owned a motor car together," he added. Under cross-examination, Mr Dunne accepted he had dealt with assets belonging to his wife based in the UK, the US and South Africa, but not in Ireland. He accepted he was the "driving force" behind several unsuccessful planning applications concerning the Shrewsbury Road property, bar one application in 2013 when he was in the US. He also accepted he had acted as a broker for a Cypriot company called Yesreb Holdings, whose ultimate beneficiaries are his children, in an unsuccessful attempt to sell Walford, which Yesreb acquired in the months before he was adjudicated bankrupt. Mr Dunne said he hopes that other proceedings concerning the ownership of Walford, which Mr Lehane claims was beneficially owned by Mr Dunne, could be heard by the court "next week." Mr Dunne was giving evidence in an application by the official assignee in bankruptcy to extend the businessman's bankruptcy on grounds he has failed to co-operate with the process after being adjudicated bankrupt in 2013. In 2013, Ulster Bank petitioned the High Court to have Mr Dunne adjudicated bankrupt here after he had defaulted on some 164m loans. The following month, Mr Dunne filed for bankruptcy in Connecticut in the United States, when he claimed to have debts of $1bn and assets of $55m. A US bankruptcy trustee was appointed in respect of Mr Dunne by a US court. In addition, the Irish bankruptcy proceedings continued and in July 2013 the Irish High Court adjudicated Mr Dunne bankrupt. On the second day of Mr Dunne's cross-examination by Mark Sanfey, SC for Mr Lehane, the businessman said he considered questions about Walford to be "a ruse to get at assets" that belonged to members of his family. Mr Dunne denied he had told a lie when he said he did know that Yesreb did an interview conducted by the Official assignee and his solicitor with Mr Dunne on June 29, 2016. At that interview he said he was "badgered" and "brow-beaten" which he described as a five-hour long "kangaroo court." and "an abuse of process". He said did not wish to discuss Yesreb or Walford at that interview because his wife had asked him not to. Mr Dunne said while he gave Mr Lehane his principal place of residence he did not tell him where he was living because "I did not trust the man.". He said he did not want the press to know where his family was living and said that when living in the US, photographers had followed him and his family to Mass and had photographed him buying ice cream for his children. During his examination, he said that the Official assignee had acted like "a bounty hunter" and had hired private pnvestigators to discover where he had resided in the UK. He said that issues raised by the Official assignee about his failure to give a home address were "a red herring." He had "never hidden" and had always been contactable. The application to extend Mr Dunne's bankruptcy continues next week. Cant Cope, Wont Cope is back for a second run, and its stars tell Ed Power how the tale of a girl from Mallow became one of the biggest hits on Irish TV. SEANA KERSLAKE had her first inkling that her life had changed when a woman stopped her in the street to ask for a selfie. Shed approached me for directions. Then she said, My boyfriend will be here in five minutes can we get a photograph? The 25-year-old Tallaght actresss ticket to overnight fame was Cant Cope, Wont Cope an RTE comedy that not only delivered chuckles by the barrel but also offered an unflinching millennial perspective on modern Irish life. Shortly to return for a second season, the series evoked the Ireland of nose-bleed rents, job stresses and the pressure to always present the best version of yourself on social media. As out of control twenty-something Aisling, Kerslake found a way to be both funny and honest. The character was introduced as a stereotypical 24-hour party person up all night clubbing and then, at work next day, sneaking away from her desk quietly throw up in the toilet. But this was revealed to be just the first layer of a nuanced portrayal. Aisling wasnt just grabbing life by the scruff. She was an alcoholic in the making whod become fixated on her friendship with Danielle, a student artist who, if she enjoyed swigging shots as enthusiastically as her pal, lacked Aislings self-destructive tendencies. The show was an immediate sensation on its release in 2016 and has gone on to have a second life, airing first on BBC Three and then on Netflix (where it has built big word of mouth fanbase). Its very bingeable, says Kerslake, whose west Dublin accent couldnt be further removed from the Cork lilt she summons portraying Mallow-born Aisling. Were glad people enjoy the first season so much that was demand for a second. They liked or saw something in the characters they wanted to see more. Cant Cope, Wont Cope, written by Mallow native Stefanie Preissner, is in many ways quintessentially Irish, and its easy to imagine some of the jokes wafting over the heads over an international audience. However, its chronicling of the purgatorial aspects of life before 30 are universal, Kerslake believes. Stefanie Preissner The themes of friendship and of the difficulties of growing up those apply everywhere, she says. Its quite Irish in one sense but everyone has a friend like these characters. Kerslake was regarded as a rising star even before Cant Cope. She gained acclaim for her role in independent dramedy A Date For Mad Mary surely the first romcom set in Drogheda and recently appeared at the Old Vic in London in a production of Joe Penhalls Mood Music, alongside Ben Chaplin and Jemma Redgrave. Season two of Cant Cope begins with Danielle attending college in Vancouver while still unemployed Aisling is stuck living at home with her parents in Mallow. And while Kerslakes character may be slightly older, its unclear if shes any wiser. She is still trying to stay very current with social media, says the actress. She has a tendency to overshare and to attempt to present an image of herself. Shed be out drinking but the next day will put up a picture of protein porridge, which she didnt even eat. But she wants people to think she has. She is trying to live a very fit and healthy lifestyle in parallel with a drunk, binging lifestyle. The Cork accent has not been well served by Irish television. So it was surprising just how accurately Kerslake and her co-star Nika McGuigan, as Danielle, nailed the Leeside lilt. It was very important for us to get it right, says Kerslake. A lot of people from the crew were from Cork and the actress who plays my sister is from Mallow. Wed record and listen to their voices. We also tried to listen to radio from Cork but the accents seemed to be quite transatlantic and not very Mallow. Cant Cope, Wont Cope basked in her instant acclaim when it aired for the first time. Kerslake, however, was too nervous to follow the social media thumbs up in real time. She will once more be figuratively looking the other way when series two debuts. The reaction is so instant now, she says. When people watch First Dates, they do so with Twitter in their hands. The producer was watching the live feed and asked me if I wanted to know. I told her Id rather not. The problem is that if you take the positives, then you have to take the negative on boards as well. And as human beings, we tend to focus on the negatives. One reason Cant Cope, Wont Cope chimed a chord, the cast believe, is because it spoke to the universal experience of feeling adrift in your 20s. That is hardly an original theme Friends riffed on the same subject, as has Lena Dunhams Girls. Nonetheless, Cant Cope, Wont Cope addressed it uncommon frankness. Its a strange age, says McGuigan, daughter of boxer Barry McGuigan. Youre meant to be finished college to have gone to university and started a job. Your friends have sort of become your family. Theyre the people most prevalent in your life. And you have all the pluses and minuses that go with that. Along with suggesting that a funny RTE comedy isnt a contradiction in terms, Cant Cope, Wont Cope has contributed to the curious cult that has formed around the Dublin nightclub Copper Face Jacks. The venue was famous prior to the series but Cant Cope nonetheless underscored its position as emblematic of millennial nightlife and dating rituals. Kerslake and McGuigan in series two of Cant Cope Wont Cope, on RTE2 on Monday. Id been to Coppers before Cant Cope, says Kerslake. And I ended up going along afterwards. I was wearing a jumper and just on a night out. And I remember thinking, what am I doing like? There and elsewhere shes been approached by people who recognise something of themselves in Kerslakes portrayal of Aisling as a good time girl gone bad. Theyd come up, oh my God Im Aisling. Or, my best friend is AislingIm Danielle, the nice one. Its really nice to see people responding to it. Cant Cope, Wont Cope season two begins on RTE2 next Monday at 9.30pm With a new treasury report, the US House of Representatives may stop pushing for a change to the procedure for restructuring failed banks, but will it be enough, asks Mark Roe A DECADE after the global financial crisis, policymakers worldwide are still assessing how best to prevent bank failures from tanking the economy again. Two recent publications one from the US department of the treasury, and another by Federal Reserve economists provide an indication of where we are. The US treasury report examined whether to replace the 2010 Dodd-Frank Acts regulator-led process for resolving failed mega-banks the Orderly Liquidation Authority (OLA) with a solely court-based mechanism. The treasurys study was undertaken under instructions from President Donald Trump, who was responding to pressure from several Republican congressional leaders such as Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas, the chair of the house financial services committee who advocate replacing regulators with courts. Ultimately, while the treasury extolled the virtues of basic bankruptcy for failed banks, it rejected repealing regulators powers to lead bank restructurings. Hensarling expressed deep disappointment with the treasurys conclusion, and he and his colleagues continue to insist that Dodd-Frank is an example of inappropriate government meddling that raises the risks of taxpayer-funded bailouts. But, as the treasury recognised, eliminating the regulators is a problematic proposition. Restructuring banks in a crisis requires planning, familiarity with the banks strengths and weaknesses, knowledge of how best to time the bankruptcy in a volatile economy, and a capacity to coordinate with foreign regulators. The courts cannot fulfill these tasks, especially not in the time currently allotted for a bank bankruptcy a 48-hour weekend without regulators prior planning and immediate advice, as well as international coordination. Moreover, if multiple mega-banks sank simultaneously, bankruptcy courts could not manage the economy-wide crisis that would follow. They lack the training to devise a nationwide recovery plan. And they are in no position to co-ordinate proceedings with foreign regulators. Given all of this, eliminating regulator-led restructuring would amount to a big step backwards. So the treasurys report is good news, especially because, without treasury support, the House of Representatives may well stop pushing for this change. Yet the second recent publication by several Fed economists suggests that there is work to be done. That reports main conclusion is that restructuring planning is not yet reflected in the markets pricing of bank bonds. After the crisis, studies by International Monetary Fund staff and others concluded that banks needed much more loss-absorbing equity. In 2009, only five cents of every dollar of funding for many major banks came from equity; the rest was debt (deposits, overnight loans, and long-term loans). So if the bank lost 6c in its operations per $1 of debt, some creditor could not be fully paid. Seeking to avoid losses, many creditors would rush to cash out, putting pressure on the entire banking system and potentially triggering a run. According to the IMF study, most banks could have weathered the crisis effectively if 15c of every $1 of funding had come from equity. Yet banks still hold only 8c or 9c per $1 of funding in equity, despite regulators pushed for an increase , and the biggest banks have called for reducing even this suboptimal ratio. Regulators and bankers have sought a middle ground to boost safety. In addition to the 8c of equity they are holding, banks are now aiming to hold another 8c per $1 of debt that could be turned into equity in the course of a weekend. In such a scenario, a damaged bank could absorb more losses and remain in operation, diminishing creditors incentive to run. But there is a potential hitch. Under the current plan, certain creditors are designated in advance to absorb a failed banks losses once the equity is wiped out. Those creditors debts are thus riskier, and should be more expensive to the bank than the debt that is not designated to be turned into equity. Yet the Fed economists conclude that, in the market, this is not the case. Why? The first possibility is rather optimistic: financial markets dont think there could be another financial crisis during the life of the existing debt. But could markets really believe that there is zero chance of a crisis in the next decade? The risks of, say, a trade war or a fiscal crisis (when the projected trillion-dollar deficits are reached) are real, apparent, and priced by volatile stock markets. Another more neutral possibility is that markets arent pricing the different types of debt differently because they do not understand that the plan involves hitting some creditors hard and keeping others safe. But this is also unlikely, because the plan has been well publicized in financial circles, and ratings agencies like Moodys count the loss-absorbing debt as riskier than banks regular debt. The third explanation is more ominous. Maybe financial markets understand the plans, but dont (yet) find them credible. Weekend restructuring of mega-banks has never been tried, and commentators still see potential hurdles to overcome. Maybe knowledgeable investors assume that, ultimately, banks and the government will not treat the designated loss-absorbing creditors any differently than others. Either everyone will go down, or everyone will get bailed out. If this is the reason, it is disappointing, given how much work has gone into developing both the regulatory-led and the court-led restructuring mechanisms. Mark Roe is a professor at Harvard Law School. He is the author of studies of the impact of politics on corporate organisation and corporate governance in the United States and around the world. It follows An Bord Pleanalas decision to give the green light for the estimated 34m scheme in Mayfield, proposed by Cork City Council, following its appeal to the original grant of planning by Cork County Council. The suburban 13-acre site off Boherboy Rd, south of the Glanmire end of the Old Youghal Rd, is just outside the current boundary of the city council, but is due to become part of the city under the city boundary extension process. The housing project will be one of the single largest local authority-led housing estate projects developed in the city in over a decade, and follows a lengthy planning and appeals process. The citys head of housing, Brian Geaney, last night welcomed the decision of the planning appeals board and said it is hoped to break ground on site before the end of the year. He said council officials are in talks with the Department of Housing over funding for the social housing element, and in negotiation with two approved housing bodies. The ratio of social to affordable housing has yet to be agreed, he said. This will be one of the most significant schemes undertaken by the council in many years. It provides an opportunity for the delivery of significant numbers of social, affordable, and private homes, said Mr Geaney. It will be mixed tenure and our intention is to ensure that its a sustainable development and we are keen to advance to construction as quickly as possible. We hope to start construction later this year, with a view to phasing development over the coming years. Just before Christmas 2016, the city council lodged plans with its neighbouring planning authority for 116 houses and 37 duplex apartments. When Cork County Council granted permission last September, it allowed for 143 units. The city council appealed conditions including the requirement relating to seven of the 10 units it was told should be omitted from the scheme. It proposed revisals that would see seven different house types provided in the relevant portion of the site. A number of third-party appeals were submitted, concerned with a range of issues, including potential antisocial behaviour associated with pedestrian linkages from the new estate required by condition. Although its planning inspector recommended that all 153 units originally proposed should be permitted, the boards order granting permission is for 147 new homes four more than what the county council permitted. City council CEO Ann Doherty and the councils director of transportation, Gerry OBeirne, say indications from Bus Eireann show the introduction three weeks ago of a time-regulated bus lane on the street from 3pm to 6.30pm has reduced journey times on two key bus routes. Route 205 has seen up to an 18% reduction in travel time, and route 208 has seen up to a 13% reduction in travel time westwards and a 28% reduction in travel time north to Mayfield. While 25,941 social housing solutions will be provided in 2018, just 4,969 new homes will be built by local authorities, including 249 in Cork City, 115 in Carlow, 165 in Waterford, and 153 in Limerick. Councils and local authorities will acquire a further 900 and 2,000 will be leased. The bulk will come from providing supports for private rented accommodation through the Housing Assistance Payment scheme and the Rental Accommodation Scheme. The targets, which the minister will publish today, are significantly lower than current social housing waiting lists. For example Dublin City Council will build 1,045 homes this year and provide 5,871 accommodation solutions overall. However, the latest figures, from July last year, show there were 19,220 people on the waiting list in this area. In Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, there were 3,307 on the waiting list but just 183 social houses will be built in that area this year, with a further 327 provided through a mixture of leasing, acquisitions, and private rental accommodation. Mr Murphy said: It sounds obvious but of course our local authorities have to build and our local authorities and our housing bodies have a very ambitious work programme of building under our Rebuilding Ireland programme, which, through building, acquisition, and leasing, is going to bring 50,000 social housing homes by 2021. The majority of those, over 30,000 units, are going to be new build units. Mr Murphy said his department sought a three-fold increase in the number of new homes that local authorities and housing bodies will build. So building is absolutely the way forward, but its not just social housing that we need to build, he said. We need to build more private housing and all the numbers are pointing in the right direction; 20,000 new homes got planning permission to be built last year and up to February of this year in that 12-month period, almost 18,000 homes commenced construction. Mr Murphy defended local authorities who failed to meet their building targets last year, claiming that coming 6% short was very impressive. He said: Last year we managed to provide 26,000 new homes for families and individuals up and down the country who are able to avail of social housing. Thats about 4,000 or 5,000 more than we had planned to do. We have similar plans again for this year so all of that work is moving in the right direction. It does need more time and I am there to drive that work to make sure that we get it done. Sinn Fein housing spokesman Eoin O Broin said the Government must double the number of real social houses it is providing each year as he hit out at the continued over-reliance on the private rental market. There is now a chronic overuse of the private sector, he said. Its not just bad for tenants and bad for the taxpayer, but its also bad for communities. They need to double capital investing in building and buying real social houses. Output needs to double, and obviously thats through a mix of building and buying. Local Authority Target 2018 build A woman, aged 24, was sleeping on her bed when members of the Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB) raided her home in Drumcondra, north Dublin, yesterday morning. The woman and five men aged between 27 and 31 were arrested on suspicion of money laundering in relation to the trafficking of cocaine into Australia and New Zealand. The grouping is connected to the Kinahan crime cartel and is known to be also supplying upper echelons of society and celebrities here. The group is mainly from the Ballymun area and its leader was arrested last month as part of the same operation. His mother was known for a long time as a heroin dealer. The arrests took place in Drumcondra, Finglas, Artane, and Swords, all in north Dublin. Gardai had been looking for documentation linked to the international trafficking and had not expected to come across the consignment of cash. Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Assistant Commissioner of Special Crime Operations, John ODriscoll, said the operation was an ongoing one led by the Garda DOCB in conjunction with Australian Federal Police. It is believed that some of these [those arrested] may have been at various stages in Australia, he said. He confirmed that the six people arrested are being held in relation to suspected money laundering related to drug trafficking in Australia. He said gardai suspected that the supply of drugs in this operation was going to criminal gangs rather than to street dealers. Mr ODriscoll said that while some people might consider that it is extraordinary for an Irish gang to the trafficking drugs to the other side of the world, he pointed out that there is a long-established and relatively large Irish community in Australia. He said this includes a significant percentage of young people among whom there would be recreational drugs users. He said it is not really unexpected that Irish traffickers might be supplying this population. It is suspected that Irish nationals are involved to a significant extent in this organised crime group, said Mr ODriscoll. There may be Australians involved as well, but the Irish nationals feature significantly. He said the supply of cocaine may have been to a disproportionate extent to buyers of an Irish background, but that native Australians would also have been supplied. He confirmed that the potential of a link to the Kinahan organised crime group is part of the investigation and that the inquiries will try to establish the extent of the linkages. Separate Garda sources confirmed the link and said the gang hit was also known to be supplying the upper echelons of society here and celebrities. The six people arrested are detained at Coolock, Finglas, Ballymun, and Blanchardstown stations under the provisions of Section 50 of the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering) Act 2007 and the Criminal Justice Act 1984. Mr ODriscoll said the investigation was supported by other bureaus within Special Crime Operations and local detective units from the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Division. He said it is an example of a significant enhancement in co-operation both at an international level and within Special Crime Operations and other sections of the organisation, including Garda Security and Intelligence and bodies such as the Criminal Assets Bureau. Fianna Fail justice spokesman Jim OCallaghan last night repeated his concern over the bill, despite Mr Ross and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan making a series of last-ditch changes to ensure the bill is passed. As reported in yesterdays Irish Examiner, Mr Ross and Mr Flanagan held a private meeting on Monday to examine how the bill could be altered to make it acceptable for opposition parties. The four men are under the care of the State while their cases are being investigated by gardai. The four have said they were brought into Belfast Airport in January to work on a vessel which was operating out of the north. However, they allege that, when they arrived, they were put into a car and driven to a southern port where they were put to work onboard a number of vessels in ports around the country. The mens contracts state they were to be paid 1,000 per month along with a 100 landing bonus. Their contracts had no basic weekly hours specified and no holiday entitlements. Furthermore, the contracts state: Skipper has the right to withhold my first month salary until it is not suitable [sic] my wages will be used to repatriate me. The Irish South and West Fish Producers Organisation said it condemns the alleged actions of any fishing company or vessel operator regardless of country of origin for breaking contracts and moral obligations to look after their contracted fishermen who travel from their country in good faith to seek a better life for themselves and their families back home. We understand these brave men endeavoured to do all they could to protect themselves by paying large fees for services to a company in their own country to help them secure an infinitely more substantial income to that they would earn fishing at home in Ghana, said ISWFPO chief executive Patrick Murphy. We in the industry have lobbied for years to ensure our migrant fishing industry workers were guaranteed protection under our employment laws, and welcomed the setting up of a task force by Simon Coveney. Mr Murphy said the taskforces recommended atypical scheme for employment of non-EU workers is welcomed by his organisation albeit that he believes it should be extended to fishing vessels under 15 meters to ensure those migrant fishermen are also protected. It appears these fishermen have no legal right to work here in the Republic of Ireland, said Mr Murphy. This may mean, as stated by one of the men, that they may be forced to go home penniless and without being afforded the opportunity to fulfil the contracts they entered into in good faith. We in the Irish South and West would like to offer our assistance to see if it is possible to source employment in the fishing industry in the Republic of Ireland for these men under the Atypical Migrant workers scheme. However, Ken Fleming of the International Transport Workers Federation said the scheme cannot be extended to vessels under 15m unless it is proved that it is functioning properly now, which he said it is not. Gardai are investigating the most horrific allegations that can be made against a human being over their treatment of another, said Mr Fleming. We are calling for the scheme to be reformed with all stakeholders involved. There should be one body responsible for its implementation and enforcement as per the Oireachtas report. He said boat owners should be dealt with under the full rigours of the law. Camille Evans, of OConnell St, Blackpool, Cork, gave evidence on the second day of her action against Rivers Edge fitness centre on Sullivans Quay, Cork, before Mr Justice Michael Hanna at the High Court in Cork. Ms Evans, aged 41, was at the gym class in Rivers Edge when the accident happened on January 28, 2015. Cross-examining the plaintiff, John Lucey said she had been up and down the room seven times before this occurred on the eight occasion. He said the end point marked by a cone was more than 3m from the wall. The instructor told them what to do and showed them by doing it himself first. The plaintiff said she could not remember him doing it. Ms Evans said she did the bear-crawl easily the first time as she did it slowly but on the second occasion she was trying to go fast and had her head too far down. I was doing the position like the downward facing dog in yoga, she said. How did you crash into the wall? Mr Lucey asked. The first time I did it carefully, tentatively, said Ms Evans. The second time I did it much too quickly. I was in the wrong position. My view was not straight. My butt was in the air. My feet were going too quickly. When I tried to stand up my momentum brought me forward and I hit into the wall. I knew I had to stand up. I did not have a visual clue to stand up. Clearly I misjudged it. Mr Lucey said: The visual clue was the marker on the ground that you had passed seven times already. Ms Evans said: The problem was I was not doing the exercise correctly. Mr Lucey asked: Did you know there was a wall in front of you? She replied: Yes. Why did you not stop? Mr Lucey asked. She replied: I didnt have time to stop so I ran into the wall. Mr Justice Hanna said: You got the head down and went for it pell-mell. Later he said: In fairness to the plaintiff, if she is doing something wrong, she is doing it in the full glare of the supervisor. It is up to the conductor to keep control of the orchestra. If she is going about it the wrong way and he was not correcting her he was not doing his job. The case continues. Asia Thailand Taps Tourists to Fight Human Trafficking and Keep the Country Smiling Tourists queue to check in at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Thailand, on Jan. 16. / Reuters BANGKOK At Bangkoks Suvarnabhumi International Airport, a video repeats scenes of tourists visiting Thailands sunny beaches and its vibrant nightlife, but at the end comes a warning. Human trafficking and slavery are against the law in Thailand. Perpetrators will be severely punished, it says, followed by a hotline number for people to report cases. From airports to shopping malls, Thailand is ramping up a campaign targeting tourists in its latest effort to keep the country free from human trafficking, as officials eye better international ratings. The Southeast Asian nation is consistently ranked as one of the worlds best tourists destinations. Government data showed Thailand welcomed a record 35 million visitors in 2017, and forecasted it to rise to 37.6 million this year. But it has also come under the international spotlight in recent years over what rights groups describe as widespread human trafficking, including women forced into selling sex and fishermen trapped in conditions akin to modern slavery. The US State Department last year left Thailand on a Tier 2 Watchlist just above the lowest ranking of Tier 3 in its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, saying it had not done enough to tackle human smuggling and trafficking. Eyeing a better ranking, the government has vowed a cleanup. In recent months, it partnered with airlines and charities to warn visitors against involvement in trafficking, while urging them to spot and report potential cases. Every effort is important, Weerachon Sukhontapatipak, a Thai government spokesman, told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. We are doing our best, he said. Therefore we hope the situation in Thailand will be better, and it will be recognized by the international community. A growing number of countries around the world are turning to the tourism sector to help combat human trafficking, including training frontline hotel and airline staff to spot the signs. There has also been a rise of advocacy tourism, where holidaymakers sign up for travel packages to learn about issues like modern slavery. In-Flight Videos, Hotel Trainings At Thai airports, banners greet visitors with warnings that human trafficking could destroy the country. A video flashes the message: Keep Thailand the Land of Smiles for all. The government has also enlisted Thai Airways to show anti-trafficking in-flight videos on its international routes since February, said Nuttavika Tamthai, a spokeswoman for the national carrier. In shopping malls, cinemas and train stations across the capital, Bangkok, videos show visitors how to look out for signs of human trafficking. Some highlight sex exploitation, while another shows a child begging under a separate campaign called Can You See Me? This is a step in the right direction, said Malina Enlund from the anti-trafficking group A21, which has partnered with Thai authorities on the campaign since mid-2017. The Thai government alone cannot solve the problem. We need the hotel groups. We need the tourists. We need everybody who can to join in, Enlund said. The Australia-based group is training hotel staff in Thailands seaside resort of Pattaya a hotspot for sex tourism on how to spot trafficking signs. The Thai tourism body said in March that Thailand is aiming to move forward as a quality destination and it strongly opposed any form of sex tourism. An estimated 425,500 people live in conditions of modern slavery in Thailand, according to the Global Slavery Index 2016 by the Walk Free Foundation, a charity group, including migrant workers from Cambodia and Laos and women exploited in the sex industry. Burma 8,500 Released in Presidential Pardon, Including 36 Political Prisoners A newly released prisoner embraced his sister outside Obo Prison in Mandalay while others waited for more releases after the president's amnesty on Tuesday. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy CHIANG MAI, Thailand I had to be very careful not to commit even a small crime after I was released from prison, as Article 401 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure was tied to me despite my freedom, said U Issariya, a leading monk in the 2007 Saffron Revolution who was released from Hsipaw Prison six years ago in a January 2012 presidential pardon. As of Tuesday, thousands of former political prisoners no longer need to feel this fear, as the new President U Win Myint issued a decree that nullified the conditional release stipulated in Article 401 (1) for those convicted on political charges. Thousands of political prisoners were released conditionally under former President U Thein Sein, which meant they could be forced to serve the remainder of their initial sentences were they ever to be arrested again. This is the end of dictators actions, said U Issariya, now an interfaith trainer at the Peaceful Myanmar Initiative. President U Win Myint pardoned 8,541 prisoners in a New Year amnesty on Tuesday, including 36 political prisoners and 51 foreigners, also on the same condition that they would no longer face any additional consequences as they were released unconditionally from Article 401 (1). The majority of those pardoned had been convicted on drug charges, and others had been charged with violating the Military Act or for alleged affiliation with an unlawful association. Two ethnic Kachin pastors: Dumdaw Nawng Latt, 65, and Langjaw Gam Seng, 35, from Mong Ko, were released from Lashio Prison under the amnesty. They were sentenced to four- and two-year imprisonments respectively, under three charges including unlawful association in October 2017 for assisting journalists who were visiting the area and for allegedly helping the ethnic bloc the Northern Alliance spread wrongful information. A Kachin farmer Laphai Gam was also released from Myitkyina Prison. He was charged in 2012 for allegedly being a member of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) under Article 17(1) of the 1908 Unlawful Association Act and with four counts under the 1908 Explosive Substances Act. He was sentenced to a total of 20 years imprisonment. Other farmers released were seven Shan farmers from Hsipaw Prison, according to the AAPP. They were arrested and charged in April 2017 for plowing on confiscated land and sentenced to 16 months in prison. Most of the political prisoners are members of ethnic armed organizations including the Karen National Union (KNU), Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Shan State Progress Party (SSPP), All Burma Students Democratic Front, and Arakan Army (AA), as well as local farmers and residents in the conflict zones. Other releases included some who were sentenced to death including ex-Major Win Naing Kyaw [from the Myanmar Army] and U Than Chaung also known as Sao Khun Kyaw, a member of the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Arm- South (RCSS-SSA-S). Both were released from Tharyarwaddy Prison in Bago Region. U Win Naing Kyaw was arrested in 2009 on his way back to Myanmar from Cambodia and sentenced to life imprisonment under the Emergency Provisions Act, Electronic Acts Article 33 (b), Official Secrets Act and Article 505 (b) of the Penal Code in 2010. U Than Chaung, known as Col Sao Khun Kyaw, was arrested during combat between the Tatmadaw and the RCSS/SSA-S in January 2006 in Namkham Township in Shan State and given four death sentences and one life sentence. He was a former leader of the All Burma Students Democratic Fronts northern camp and was allegedly responsible for the killing of 35 of its members in 1992. The ABSDF was a student army that formed following the governments crackdown on nationwide pro-democracy protests in 1988. Yan Naing Soe, known as Thein Zaw, was sentenced to life in prison in December 2010 for the charges including the Military Act [for joining the KNU after deserting the Myanmar Army]. He was released on Tuesday from Obo Prison in Mandalay. He said [to reporters in Mandalay], that he did not expect to be released. It is benevolent, said U Issariya, adding that the pardon on Tuesday included the elderly, the ill and minor drug users, but did not include monsters. Former political prisoners and the public welcomed the new presidents pardons, as he was a former political prisoner as well. He [the president] is well aware that 401 (1) is an obstacle to former prisoners of conscience because he was one. The National League for Democracy (NLD) also has many political prisoners, so, he revoked this ruling, said U Bo Kyi, the secretary of the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP). According to the AAPP, there are 18 political prisoners left in prison and 74 more facing trial for politically related charges while detained. There are 120 others facing trial who are not in detention. Among them are land rights activists, ethnic IDPs who were accused of unlawful association, and Reuters journalists Ko Wa Lone and Ko Kyaw Soe Oo. President U Win Myints decree ensures that former political prisoners wont have to serve the remainder of their sentences if charged again, said U Bo Kyi. The conditional release was unclear under the previous administration, according to U Bo Kyi. In 2013, former political prisoner Nay Myo Zin was rearrested on another charge and the court ruled that he needed to serve the remainder of his previous sentence before being released. In a 2015 amnesty, former President U Thein Sein dismissed all of the charges against those facing ongoing politically related trials. U Bo Kyi says that many expect that the NLD government will use this ruling as a precedent to drop ongoing political lawsuits. Many formal political prisoners now share their views online. Under the former military junta, they were given harsh punishments for their beliefs. Conditional release under 401 (1) was used to threaten political activists and we welcome the reversal, added U Ant Bwe Kyaw, the information committee coordinator for a new political party that is still in formation. U Ant Bwe Kyaw was a former political prisoner who was sentenced to 65 years in prison in 2008 for participating in demonstrations against a fuel price hike a year earlier. He was released in 2012. Sai Nyunt Lwin, the secretary of the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD) also shared the same view that the revocation was a great move, as 401 (1) was a black shadow for all political activists. Sai Nyunt Lwin was also freed from prison in 2012. Along with other Shan leaders, he was sentenced to 85 years imprisonment. Zarni Mann contributed to this report from Mandalay. Burma Crime Down but Fatalities Up During Thingyan Water Festival, Police Say The Outpatient Department and Emergency Unit of Mandalay General Hospital was busy giving medical treatment to those injured during Burmese New Year celebrations. / Zaw Zaw / The Irrawaddy MANDALAY A total of 109 crimes claimed 26 lives during the Thingyan water festival and Burmese New Year celebrations across the country, police said Wednesday. Incidents including drunkenness, fights, accidents and drowning were reported to police during the period. While crime as a whole was down from last years New Year period, the number of fatalities rose, police said. In 2017, 208 crimes were reported, claiming 16 lives and injuring 194 people. The number of injuries and deaths reported by police was lower than the numbers reported in local media, however. In a separate report, Yangon Region police reported nine crimes resulting in four deaths and 17 injuries. Police said another 301 people injured in motor accidents and fights were admitted to hospitals in Yangon Region. In Monywa, Sagaing Division, where New Year celebrations were held along the banks of the Chindwin River for the first time, three people drowned in the river and four people were killed in motorcycle accidents. More than 160 people were treated for injuries at Monywa Hospital. More than 600 people were admitted to Mandalay General Hospital, most of them due to motorcycle accidents. According to officials at the hospital, eight unidentified bodies were received, along with six people who died due to accidents and drowning in the old moat at Mandalay Palace. Official Mandalay police reports, however, list six fatalities during the holiday period: two drownings in the moat, two homicides and two motor accident deaths along with 37 injuries sustained in fights and accidents. Every year there is a discrepancy between the numbers announced by the police and the hospital, because most people do not report incidents to the police. The police can only compile their report based on those incidents that are reported to them, said Ko One, a leader of Mandalay-based One-to-One, a charity group that cooperates with Mandalay General Hospital to assist people injured during the New Year celebration. Burma Ongoing Offensives in Tanai Leave IDPs Trapped Between Warring Sides Villagers displaced by fighting in Tanai Township. / Hkun Aung Labang About 2,000 Kachin internally displaced persons (IDPs) remain trapped in Tanai Township without sufficient food or water amid fighting between the Myanmar Army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA), according to local sources. Kachin religious organizations and community leaders stated that IDPs were trapped in Awng Lawt village, where the Myanmar Army has engaged ground forces to target the KIA Brigade 2 headquarters. Local organizations, churches and community leaders asked the armys Regional Operations Command 2 based in Tanai town for permission to rescue the IDPs, but were told it did not have the authority to grant the request. The groups also sent a letter on April 12 to the Kachin State chief minister asking for access to assist the IDPs but they have not yet received a response. Some religious and community leaders attempted to rescue the IDPs and reported that they assisted about 1,200 people who are currently taking refuge in Shagribum village, a one-hour walk from Awng Lawt. The leaders reported that about 60 percent of the 1,200 people were women, and some 30 percent were elderly. Some of the IDPs were wounded or sick. They did not have proper shelter. Those assisting them reported enough food to last the displaced persons for two weeks. Fighting first spread to western Kachins Tanai Township last year after the military announced operations there to clear out gold and amber-mining sites in KIA-controlled areas. Hundreds of villagers and thousands of itinerant miners and their families were forced flee Tanai in mid-2017 and again in February this year. Many were trapped between warring sides until they could be evacuated. The Myanmar Army has again launched offensives targeting different KIA battalions in the area. Air forces were reportedly used beginning on April 11. Col Naw Bu, a KIA spokesperson, said that the airstrikes stopped, however, artillery strikes continue as well as ground force attacks, including near the KIA headquarters in Laiza. Sig Npawp Yawhan, 54, was wounded in an airstrike on April 11 that killed his son, reported local organizations assisting the IDPs. At least two civilians were killed by artillery strikes, one in Laiza and another in Awng Lawt village, according to the organizations, adding that at least four other civilians were injured in the most recent round of attacks. While State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis government has asked ethnic armed groups to sign the nationwide ceasefire agreement (NCA), the Myanmar Army has continued to launch military offensives against the KIA, Taang National Liberation Army, and others. Many ethnic armed groups have lost trust in the army and the government. They have urged the Myanmar Army to stop its offensives during the countrys ongoing peace process. The military retains autonomy from civilian oversight and the attacks continue despite peace negotiations. More than 100,000 Kachin remain displaced from their homes after a 17-year ceasefire between the central government and the KIA collapsed in 2011. Peace talks have been held numerous times between the two armed groups. The Myanmar Army has repeatedly asked the KIA to withdraw from some of its bases in areas rich in amber, jade and gold mining, as well as in an area that will fall along Chinas One Belt One Road initiative. The KIA has refused to withdraw, and cites ongoing human rights abuses carried out by the Myanmar Army. Burma Peace, Charter Reform Take Back Seat as Myanmar President Stresses Social Issues U Win Myint gives a friendly wave to members of the media after being elected president at the Parliament in Naypyitaw on March 28. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy YANGONMyanmars new president on Tuesday unveiled his reform agenda for the country, generating cautious optimism with a plan that places an emphasis on boosting living standards and addressing other popular discontents, while downplaying broader political problems such as the countrys moribund peace process and the sensitive issue of amending the Constitution. In his greetings to the country on Myanmars traditional New Years Day, U Win Myint set out his governments 11-point reform plan. The points include providing affordable housing for civil servants, creating an independent and impartial judiciary, returning confiscated land to its rightful owners, boosting access to credit for small businesses, combating the illegal drug trade, tackling corruption and others. The presidents New Years resolutions come amid criticism of the government, which is led by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy, over its failure to jump-start development despite having been in power for more than two years. Yangon-based political commentator Yan Myo Thein said the presidents priorities represent the realities the country is currently facing. Notably absent from the policy plan, the commentator said, were the how-tos on Myanmars two most challenging issues: striking a peace deal with the countrys ethnic armed groups and amending the Constitution, which currently mandates a significant military presence in Parliament. The NLD enshrined the search for peace with the armed groups and constitutional amendment in its electoral manifesto. Since coming to power in 2016, the NLD-led government has, at the direction of Daw Aung San Su Kyi, embarked on peace talks with the Army and the ethnic groups. Meanwhile, the Parliament has led the push for fixes to the charter. But two years on, there have been few tangible results on either front. The lack of any mention of peace or constitutional reform in the presidents speech prompted speculation that the president, the State Counselor and Parliament have decided to divide responsibilities. Yan Myo Thein said that U Win Myint seems to be fully in charge of administration and national development, with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi likely to be handling the peace process and Parliament working on constitutional amendments. Given that she initiated the 21st-Century Panglong Union Peace Conference, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is likely to continue to take a leading role in the countrys peace process, he said. On the constitutional changes, the commentator said, dialogue is needed among the key stakeholders including civilians, military and ethnic groups, as the efforts made by Parliament in the past two years have come to nothing. Achieving a political agreement between them could overcome the constitutional crisis we now face [while the charter is amended through the parliamentary channel], he said. Asked about the presidents focus on land rights, Dr Thaung Tun, one of Myanmars leading advocates for farmers rights and fair land-use policies, said he had no doubt that the president had good intentions and the political will to address the pressing issue. The countrys agriculture sector provides jobs to 70 percent of the population, he pointed out. The president said he would work for the return of farmland confiscated illegally and to ensure that compensation is paid. Regarding confiscated farmland that had not yet been earmarked for return, he vowed an expeditious review of all such land by the various review committees in consultation with state and regional governments, so that all released land could be returned to its original owners. But its important that he approaches it with the correct strategy, warned the Peace and Justice Network director. According to the now-defunct Parliamentary Land Investigation Committee, the military, government and private companies confiscated more than 500,000 acres of land between the 1980s and the early 2000s. In 2016, just months after taking office, the NLD-led government formed the Central Committee for Rescrutinizing Confiscated Farmlands and Other Lands, chaired by Vice President U Henry van Thio, to investigate land-grab cases. While it has secured the return of several thousand acres, the committees powers are limited. It is purely an investigative body and does not set policy or make decisions. Additionally, some officials accused of involvement in land grabs have served on the committee, Dr. Thaung Tun said. It would be more helpful if the president enacted an emergency bill on the land rights issue while granting a mandate [to take action] to lawmakers, local elders and farmers, he said, explaining that decentralization could also help solve the problem, as it cant be taken for granted that the people upstairs know everything thats happening on the ground. President U Win Myint also said his government would implement reforms without hurting stability, starting at the base level which is closest to the people, with whom sovereignty ultimately rests. Yan Myo Thein said that if the president is truly interested in bottom-up reform, he needs to listen to voices expressed in the media and social media, and to consult CSOs, in order to learn what is really happening and needed on the ground. Its important that he make an effort to hear those voices, Yan Myo Thein said. If he is content to accept rosy information fed to him by his subordinates, he will not achieve the goals he has set. Burma Police Officer Shot Dead in Hunt for Suspected Drug Dealer in Northern Rakhine The welcome sign to Rathedaung Township, Rakhine State. / Min Aung Khaing / The Irrawaddy YANGON Lieutenant Thein Shwe, the acting police chief of northern Rakhine States Rathedaung Township, was shot dead on Tuesday while he and two other officers were searching for a suspected drug dealer in the area. Police Major Soe Naing told The Irrawaddy on Wednesday that the lieutenants body was taken to the local general hospital the day he was shot. He declined to provide further information because he was busy with funeral arrangements. According to local news reports, Lt. Thein Shwe left downtown Rathedaung with Lance Corporal Win Tin and Special Branch Lieutenant Soe Naing Tun in a private car at about 1 p.m. to arrest a suspected drug smuggler in Kyauk Tan village. When they arrived, the suspect had already left and was believed to be hiding near the villages of Kharu Chaung and Rakhaung Chaung. According to the same news reports, citing a police statement, the two survivors said they were ambushed by an armed group moments after stepping out of their car to search a roadside hut. The officers said they managed to escape and that Lt. Thein Shwe died at the scene. It is unknown who informed the police of the suspects whereabouts. A team including local military and police officials visited the scene of the shooting on Wednesday to investigate. Senior officials could not be reached for details. A police officer in Rakhine State who recently served in Rathedaung said Lt. Thein Shwe was a native of Rathedaung and had been investigating the high-profile case of union lawmaker U Aye Maung and author Wai Han Aung, who are facing multiple charges including treason for allegedly promoting support for the outlawed Arakan Army during a public speech in the township earlier this year. Residents of Rathedaung told The Irrawaddy that the area where the lieutenant was shot dead was predominantly ethnic Arakanese and near the foot of the Awrama mountain range, where the Arakan Army fought with the Myanmar military in 2015 and 2016. In a separate case in January, a recently transferred government administrator for Mrauk-U, in Rakhines Ponnagyun Township, was stabbed to death in a car heading toward the state capital, Sittwe. A few days after the murder, the Ministry of Home Affairs arrested four suspects in Yangon and blamed the Arakan Army for the attack, an accusation the armed group denied. Burma More Pressure Needed on Myanmar to Take Back Rohingya: Bangladeshi PM A security officer attempts to control Rohingya refugees waiting to receive aid in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, September 21, 2017. / Reuters LONDON Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Tuesday more international pressure was needed on Myanmar to take back Rohingya refugees, rejecting an assertion claim by the Myanmar government that it had repatriated a family of five. The international community needs to put more pressure on Myanmar so that they take back their own people and ensure their security, Hasina told an audience in London. Myanmar says they are ready to take back the Rohingya, but they are not taking the initiative. UN officials say nearly 700,000 mostly Muslim Rohingya have fled into Bangladesh from Myanmars Rakhine State to escape a military crackdown since August, amid reports of murder, rape and arson by Myanmar troops and Buddhist vigilantes in actions which the United Nations has likened to ethnic cleansing. Myanmar has denied nearly all allegations, saying it has been waging a legitimate counter-insurgency operation. Speaking at a separate event in London, Britains foreign minister Boris Johnson and Canadian counterpart Chrystia Freeland called for a meaningful investigation into reported atrocities. The (Myanmar) authorities need to demonstrate that they are serious about the safety and security of the Rohingya, Johnson said. Hasina said Bangladesh had submitted the names of 8,000 Rohingya families for repatriation to Myanmar, but that Myanmar had so far refused to take them back. Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in January to complete a voluntary repatriation of the refugees in two years. She disputed an assertion by Myanmar that it had repatriated five members of a Rohingya family from Bangladesh, describing them as having been living in the no mans land between the two countries. They were living in the borderlands, with some of their family members in their camps. Maybe (Myanmar) wants to show the world they are taking them back. Its a good sign. If they want, then why only 1 family? We have already submitted the names of 8,000 (Rohingya) families, but theyve not taken them back, she said. Hasina also confirmed a plan to move 100,000 Rohingya refugees to a uninhabited low-lying island in the Bay of Bengal, dismissing fears that it would put them at the mercy of floods. We are expecting to move those who are in a vulnerable place to the island. Bangladesh can always be flooding and it does. The camps are very unhealthy. We have prepared a better place for them to live, with houses and shelters where they can earn a living, she said. Where they are living now, the monsoon season is coming up, there can be land erosions, accidents are taking place. Aid agencies, however, are fearful of the relocation plan and believe it would expose Rohingya refugees to cyclones, floods and human traffickers. In 2017, my approach to racing was to determine my priorities and stick with them. Contending for the top 10 at UTMB was my ultimate goal. As stepping stones toward that, I raced two courses with a significant amount of elevation gain and loss, the Georgia Death Race (GDR) in the U.S. and Lavaredo Ultra Trail in Italy. After winning my first race, GDR, my focus was tested after gaining an automatic entry into the Western States 100 (WS100) with GDR a part of the Altra Golden Ticket Series. Internally, I knew my heart was not into going back to the redundant training cycle that I had been in for this race for so many consecutive years. I felt like a hamster on a wheel, everything constant and predictable. I craved change. It was a decision that I put a lot of thought into and with ultimate respect for the race, and for the value of a slot, I declined the entry. I received criticism from others, but for me it was exciting to see another woman experience the WS100 for her first time. Fast forward to 2018, and I was again standing at the start line at GDR. But this year was different. The desire and passion to return to the WS100 had returned. Having not gained entry via the lottery back in December, I was nervous. It was straightforward; either I earned one of the two Golden Tickets for this years WS100 at GDR or I didnt. No mulligans. With this in mind and as I stood on the 2018 GDR start line, I swayed back and forth ever so slightly, trying to not let my nervousness get the best of me. Then GDR race director, Sean Run Bum Blanton, stood before us runners and spectators as he shared pre-race words. Unintentionally, his words eluded me as I stared into the lingering darkness and unknown. Yes, I had run this race the year prior and had an idea of the course and what to expect given that one-time experience, but having come off a long winter in Vermont with extremely cold temperatures and big snowstorms, my confidence lagged. The difficult conditions meant more treadmill runs and when I was outside, paces were slow despite the effort being high. Knowing I had 72-plus miles to cover was daunting, so to make it more mentally manageable, I decided to take it one section at a time. I broke the course into three sections based on where I would see my crew. The start at Vogel State Park to Skeenah Gap was my first focus section and it was 21.4 miles long. With a fair amount of climbing over this section, I wanted to keep my pace controlled. After a short pavement section, racers made a left-hand turn onto the singletrack on which wed remain for the duration of this section. Trying to remain focused on the terrain with my headlamp, I wasnt able to note who was around me. Within a few minutes, the chatter began and revealed that I was in the midst of the female frontrunners. Making my way up the 2,300-foot climb to the high point of the course, Coosa Bald, the almost-full moon beamed right into my eyes. The moonlight was so focused and penetrating that several times I mistook it as a high-powered headlamp staring me down. Eventually the sun rose, taking over for the moon and exposing brilliant views. At close to mile eight, we made our way to the climbs apex. Several miles ago, a woman had passed and I took the opportunity to follow. Although for whatever reason, she hesitated before hitting the downhill and I took the opportunity to find my own stride. Within a few minutes, I heard nothing but my own footfall. Looking ahead, I didnt see anyone, and the same when peering back. This often seems to be when I run my best, when I am alone and can determine my own rhythm. As I worked my way closer and closer to my crew, my rhythm changed with the terrain though my effort remained constant. I wanted to stay conservative and patient for at least the first 30 miles. As I made the 1.5-mile descent down the out-and-back section to my crew, I was anxious to see in the daylight who was behind me and by how far. Arriving at Skeenah Gap, I received aid from my crew and was off and running before even hooking the straps on my hydration pack. I looked at my watch to compare my time to last years, and so I could see my time gap on the competition. About a minute later, I saw Larisa Dannis hauling down the trail toward me. We exchanged cheers and words of encouragement in the short time we had in each others proximity. I put my head down and got to work, and for the next mile I ran with more intention, driven by the fear of being caught. After completing the out-and-back section, my nerves settled and I resettled into my original pattern. I reminded myself about the second section of this course. Skeenah Gap to Winding Stair was a distance just shy of 22 miles and this is where I would see my crew next. I put on my iPod to try and keep my anxieties at baymaking music my distraction. This seemed to work; the miles ticked past and the singletrack turned to dirt road. Finally another runner came into sight, and this brought a playful feeling to me, almost reminding me of a game of cat and mouse. Within a few minutes, I caught Benjamin Cook from Boulder, Colorado. We both were pleased to run in one anothers company as it had been several hours since either of us had companionship. We exchanged introductions, recollections about our races so far, and chatted about what was yet to come. Together we went stride for stride on the dirt road and this synchronicity had us at the next crew stop before we knew it. As I approached the aid station, my husband and crew, George, gave me his cheerful whistle. George and I did a quick restock on my drink and calorie supply as he walked me out of the aid station. His words encouraged me and let me know I was on the right track to achieving my goal of earning a Western States Golden Ticket. I was confident yet cautious, knowing that there were still many miles to execute. My mood and mind remained balanced, and I was pleased that I could now shift my focus on tackling the courses final section. My final section was from Winding Stair to the finish at Amicalola Falls, a distance of 28 miles. Mileage-wise, this was the longest of the three sections into which I had broken the course, but by far the most runnable miles. As I worked my way down three miles of dirt road that had a decent amount of downhill pitch, my quads felt the burden. By no means were they blown, but rather the discomfort was just enough to warn me to stay in control and not get overzealous going downhill. I was leapfrogging with Benjamin and a Shawn Webber, a runner from Florida. It quickly became clear that we each had different strengths on the varied terrain. Despite them both having visually longer and smoother strides than me, I somehow pulled away and again found myself alone. I felt at ease with being by myself and serenity in the open trail. Eventually nature called and after a quick stop to pee, I made a right-hand turn off the dirt road onto a pavement section. I passed a church with an Easter egg hunt in progress. I gazed over to see nicely dressed church goers enjoying a sunny celebration. I raised my hand as I passed to say hello. After running by, I wondered their thoughts about the runners they were seeing. At this point, the field was spread out and worn by the distance, terrain, and competition. My attention shifted as the road undulated upward to a point of being annoying. I felt sick of running; I wanted to walk and my saving grace was seeing another competitor ahead. I worked to catch him and then ran with a young runner named Max Tiemann for a few minutes before once again forging ahead on my own. Eventually, the pavement turned to dirt and my only company was that of dirt bikers zipping past. I recalled this dirt road from last year; I knew it was long and that it climbed, but the details eluded me. I continued to run and soon had individual runners in my sights. They were not together, but spread out by about 30 seconds from each other. It took some time, but eventually I caught the closest competitor, Eli White, and ran with him for several miles until we hit the Nimblewill aid station at mile 62. Here I had a few sips of ginger ale and refilled my hydration pack. Hitting this aid station brought excitement as I was one stop closer to the finish, a semi-realization that my goal was in reach. I left the aid station on a downhill gravel road. At this point, my quads were determining my speed and I was ready for a flatter section or even a climb as those muscles felt fine. Finally the time came for terrain with which my body was at peace. A right-hand turn onto singletrack that would bring racers into the park and closer to the Amicalola Falls visitor center. This point was significant as I was cheered on by not only my crew, but also by my father and stepmother who I hadnt seen since the race the year prior. Thinking about seeing them brought great anticipation but also great emotion. I began to get anxious and cry, and had to remind myself to pull it together. Like most of the day, when I needed a distraction, it seemed to appear: another male competitor in my sights. I caught Dominick Layfield on an incline singletrack and we shared good conversation. Then boy oh boy did he gap me on the downhill into the park; it was inspiring to see how much he still had to give. As my mind wandered, I was brought back to the present as I could hear the cheers from the park and Georges whistle. I was close to the finish, but had a few miles to go. I stopped for hugs from my family and cheers from my crew at the visitor center before tackling the 604 stairs to the top of the waterfall. This site is beautiful, and thus full of tourists of all ages. My eyes scanned for pedestrian traffic ahead and I spotted the competitor who had dusted me on the last downhill. Knowing I still had uphill legs, I climbed the stairs on a mission while counting each one. At stair 527, I caught and passed him. It was all a game to me; I wanted to push him. With all 604 stairs behind me, I joked with the crowd at the top before turning around to welcome the runner behind me to the top. It was all downhill from here to the finish and I didnt have the quads to compete with him. My goal now was to safely navigate my way down the technical singletrack while trying to improve my finish time from the previous year as much as I could. Safely was not going well, as I tripped and fell over what appeared to be nothing but my own feet. I dusted off and laughed halfheartedly at myself. Making my way down the final pitch as the finish-line spectators cheered, I stumbled again. It wasnt pretty, but this time I was able to remain on my feet. A few strides across the streambecause why use the bridge spanning the water if you dont have toand I finished in 13:31, achieving my goal of obtaining a slot into Western States. In retrospect, it is interesting to see where I was a year ago and where I am now. In 2017, I had no interest in being back at the WS100, yet this year the fire inside me to be back at the historic race is burning. It is an opportunity that I value and do not take for granted. I am excited to shift my focus from earning a slot into WS100 to training so that I am ready to perform and execute on race day. Call for Comments (from Meghan) Did you run the Georgia Death Race? If so, how did the race go for you? Thursday, January 8th, 2015 (8:11 am) - Score 3,529 As predicted last week TalkTalk has this morning confirmed the acquisition of Tescos Blinkbox Movies (video streaming) business, but in a more surprising move theyve also gobbled the supermarket giants budget fixed line broadband (75,000 subs) and phone (20,000 subs) customers. Apparently the assets have been acquired free of debt and as a single transaction for cash. Its no secret that Tesco have recently been suffering from a mountain of financial trouble and as part of that theyve been looking to offload some of their less lucrative assets. The web-based Blinkbox video streaming service in particular has suffered in a market dominated by arguably more attractive and innovative offerings from Netflix, Amazon and NOW TV etc. Tesco originally took ownership of Blinkbox for 3m in 2011. Since then the supermarket giant has added Blinkbox Books through the 4.5m acquisition of digital book service Modcast and they later paid 10.8m to gobble music streaming service WE7, which was turned into Blinkbox Music. But the service has struggled to make much money and its last financial report pointed to a combined post-tax loss of 24.7m on total revenues of just 3.5m. Both Vodafone and TalkTalk were known to have an expressed an in the service (here) and today we learn that the latter has won, although the precise financial specifics are still unknown. In a canned statement TalkTalk said that the integration of blinkbox with our existing YouView (IPTV) based TV business would begin immediately through a restructuring of the combined platform. Apparently revenue synergies are also expected to flow from the end of calendar 2015. In addition Adrian Letts, Blinkbox CEO and Co-Founder, will join TalkTalk as Managing Director for TV and report to Tristia Harrison, Managing Director of the ISPs consumer business. Were unsure whether this is the best move, after all Blinkbox hasnt exactly been a huge success and yet TalkTalk TV has managed to do quite well for itself. But the real surprise in todays news is that Tescos reasonably popular fixed line broadband and phone base has also been acquired by TalkTalk. The ISP said that this will enable them to further leverage the superior scale and economics of our national network and it follows a similar gobbling of Virgin Medias 100k remaining copped-line based ADSL broadband (Virgin National / Virgin.net) customers last year (here). Dido Harding, CEO of TalkTalk, said: Since launch TalkTalk TV has demonstrated its popularity with value-seeking customers to become the UKs fastest growing TV service. We are excited about the opportunity that blinkboxs platform and technology expertise bring, and which will significantly accelerate the development of our TV platform. The purchase of Tescos broadband base is another example of TalkTalk leveraging its national network to grow faster. We are excited about the future of quad-play fixed phone and broadband, TV and mobile and this acquisition will help to further drive home our value for money advantage. Apparently Tescos broadband customers, which at the last check were still using Vodafones LLU telecoms network, will be transferred across to the TalkTalk platform over the coming months (i.e. completed by September 2015). Incidentally Vodafone are currently gearing up to launch their own consumer broadband package this spring. Meanwhile Tesco has setup a couple of new Information Pages, which doesnt say much but does see Tesco saying that we currently feel that we are no longer in a position [to] provide customers with services where we feel we can provide the best possible value and service. We are confident that TalkTalk is best placed to offer products and services that our customers will love. Interestingly Tesco said that new customers are still able to sign-up to their broadband and phone packages, which is despite the inevitable confusion that will arise from a possible change of service a few months down the road. Sadly the move means no more Clubcard points after the migration and new Tesco Mobile customers who were offered free broadband as part of their plan will also lose out (no change for existing subscribers though, yet), although some sort of new promotion is planned for them in the future. Meanwhile those who make use of Tesco.net email addresses should note that they will remain with Tesco and continue to operate as normal even once broadband and homephone customers have transferred to TalkTalk, although we wouldnt be at all surprised if further down the line these vanished too. Wednesday, April 18th, 2018 (9:48 am) - Score 1,576 Ofcom has today published their latest Q4 2017 UK consumer complaints study, which notes that TalkTalk attracted the most gripes for both fixed line home broadband and landline phone services. Meanwhile BT were the naughtiest child for both Mobile and Pay TV. The report notes that the overall level of consumer satisfaction with communications services is 88% for landline phone, 84% for broadband and 92% for mobile. However, Ofcom said that they continued to receive nearly 300 complaints per day during Q4 (up from c.250 in Q3 2017), although their study only includes feedback from the largest providers (i.e. those with a market share of at least 1.5%). The data itself is reflected as a proportion of residential subscribers (i.e. the total number of quarterly complaints per 100,000 customers), which makes it easier to compare providers in a market where the largest ISPs can vary significantly in size. Overall the total volume of complaints across all service sectors has remained proportionally steady since Q3 2017. Jane Rumble, Ofcoms Director of Consumer Policy, said: These figures give people the information they need to shop around and compare providers performance. The scorecards also motivate companies to improve their performance, and we want to see them follow through on their promises to give customers better service. Take note, todays report only covers complaints that the regulator itself has received and not those sent directly to an ISP or ombudsman. Ofcom does not itself deal with individual complaints but they do monitor them and can take action if enough people inform them about a problem. Consumers who are unable to resolve a complaint with their communications provider can (after 8 weeks) raise a case with one of the two ombudsman providers Ombudsman Services: Communications or CISAS under the Alternative Dispute Resolution process. The ADR handler will then investigate the issue at no cost to yourself. Fixed Line Home Broadband Complaints Sadly TalkTalk continued to generate the highest volume of broadband complaints, which mostly centred around issues related to faults, service and provision issues. Meanwhile Sky Broadband, EE and Virgin Media all deserve praise for only attracting a fairly low volume of consumer gripes. Fixed Line Phone Complaints Once again TalkTalk attracted the highest volume of landline phone complaints, which as above mostly centred around issues related to faults, service and provision issues. Meanwhile Sky Broadband, EE and Virgin Media continued to do well by only attracting a fairly low volume of consumer gripes. Mobile Complaints BT and Vodafone appear to be in a battle to become top of the worst for Pay Monthly Mobile complaints and the main complaint drivers for both reflected issues related to complaints handling and billing, prices and charges. Meanwhile EE, Three UK, O2 and Tesco all sat below the industry average and thus attracted fewer gripes. Pay TV Complaints Out of all the Pay TV providers only Sky appeared to attract a small number of complaints (below the industry average level), while sadly BT attracted the most complaints and interestingly their main complaint driver reflected issues related to complaints handling. Technology company MGM Wireless has launched a new family wearables division with the signing of two Telstra Shops franchises to retail its Spacetalk childrens all-in-one smartphone, watch and GPS wearable device. MGM says the bricks and mortar rollout follows strong and growing online sales from its allmytribe IoT website, with sales for the month of March reaching 82% of the pre-Christmas sales levels achieved in December 2017. The deal coincides with MGMs announcement that it will meet demand for the Spacetalk kids smartphone watch device through a capital raising of up to $1.5 million via a placement to institutional investors and existing shareholders via a Share Purchase Plan. The capital raise includes institutional placement of 750,000 fully paid ordinary shares at $1.00 per share to raise $750,000, which closed oversubscribed. MGM says the capital raise will be used to fund orders placed with key manufacturers to support new bricks and mortar sales channels, fund new executive hires and an expansion of marketing programmes. According to MGM, the Telstra Shops franchise deal will see Spacetalk become the first all-in-one kids smartphone watch to be sold by a leading retailer in Australia. MGM Wireless chief executive and executive chairman Mark Fortunatow said that the company had expanded its wearables executive management team with the hire of Mandy Lee, a highly experienced and well-known consumer electronics and mobile phone retail expert, to support the first Telstra Shop rollout, and to manage the strong interest from other leading Australian electronics retailers and mobile network operators. Lee has been appointed as national sales manager for Spacetalk. Her previous experience includes senior sales roles for Vita Group (Telstra Shop Franchisee with 100 stores), JB HiFi, Microsoft, Blackberry and Motorola. Our Spacetalk kids smartphone, watch and GPS tracker is a new type of device that encompasses several product categories, namely mobile phone, wearables, accessories and mobile accessories, Fortunatow said. Because its such a new and novel device, theres a lot to learn about how to best retail the product. Weve decided to start our bricks and mortar sales channel with 2 Telstra Franchisee Groups. Working with these retailers, well learn how to best achieve pull through sales, what type of point-of-sale collateral to develop, design the right in-store staff training programs and roll out the right marketing support programmes. With that knowledge under our belts, well then roll out more bricks and mortar locations and retailers. Fortunatow says the locations of the Telstra Shops were selected based on the strong on-line sales achieved by the company in surrounding areas. The agreements with the Telstra Shop Franchisee Groups are on industry-standard wholesale commercial terms and margins, except that after the first six weeks, if the Franchisee chooses not to continue selling the watches, the company will refund the cost of any unsold inventory. At this stage, it would be premature to forecast the likely sales volumes. Chinese telecommunications companies Huawei and ZTE will not receive any subsidies from the Universal Service Fund that the US uses to subsidise equipment bought by rural and small carriers, and Huwaei is reportedly cutting back US sales efforts as a result. The US Federal Communications Commission, which last month announced a formal plan to block the subsidies, decided on Tuesday to go ahead with the plan, despite objections from the Rural Wireless Association, a body that represents rural wireless ISPs that offer home or mobile Internet service and have fewer than 100,000 subscribers. In a statement, the FCC said: "Threats to the nations communications infrastructure from certain equipment providers have been a longstanding concern of those in both the executive branch and Congress. "While the FCC alone cant safeguard our networks from these threats, it does have an important role to play in addressing this problem. "Specifically, as the steward of the USF, the FCC has a responsibility to ensure that the money in the fund which comes from fees paid by American consumers and businesses on their phone bills is not spent on equipment or services from suppliers that raise national security concerns." The same day, at a meeting with analysts in Shenzhen, Huawei indicated that it would be reducing its sales push in the US, according to a report in The New York Times. Five American employees, including William Plummer, who was tasked with lobbying the US Government, were said to have been laid off last week, the NYT said, quoting sources. It added that the company was cutting back on its political outreach in the US, which could bring to an end its decade-long efforts to convince the US Government that it has no ties to the Chinese Government. iTWire contacted Huawei for comment and a company spokesperson responded: "Like every company, we continually evaluate our organisation and align our resources to support our business strategy and objectives. Any changes to staffing size or structure are simply a reflection of standard business optimisation." The NYT report said one indication of the way Huawei was cutting off communications with the US Government was the fact that it did not respond to a request for comment on the security flaws found in Intel processors. Eric Xu, Huawei's deputy chairman, was quoted as telling the meeting in Shenzhen: Some things cannot change their course according to our wishes. With some things, when you let them go, you actually feel more at ease. ZTE, meanwhile, has been banned from buying components from US suppliers for seven years while the UK has warned against the use of ZTE equipment in its telecommunications infrastructure. The NYT report said company executives at the Shenzhen meeting underlined the growth opportunities in Europe and Asia, and also outlined plans to help factories, governments and police through the use of artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The US began its efforts to force Huawei out of local contracts 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. Last month, 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 cancelled a deal to start selling Huawei smartphones on its plans and Verizon took the company's devices off its shelves. Security software vendor Trend Micro is about to launch a new feature that uses AI to help protect its customers from fraudulent emails impersonating senior executives. Business email compromise attacks are a growing problem that is costing organisations billions of dollars. Some of these attacks are more sophisticated than others, but at heart they rely on tricking people into making payments to the fraudsters. Examples include instructions seemingly from a supplier that payments should be made to a new bank account that is actually under the control of the criminals, or instructions apparently from a business owner or senior executive to make an urgent and often large and "secret" payment to a particular account, perhaps as part of an acquisition deal. RSM Australia partner Michael Shatter suggests employees should be trained not to rely on email when something out of the ordinary happens. If they receive an invoice or email that specifies a change of bank account for the supplier, they should not blindly act on it, and nor should they respond by email. Someone may have gained access to the supplier's email account, or the From: address may be spoofed. Instead, they should phone the supplier on a number known to be correct, not just the one shown in the invoice or email! and check with the owner or an appropriate member of the finance staff. Similarly, any unusual instructions from the business's owner or other senior executive for payments to be made urgently should be treated with suspicion. He recommends people walk across the office or pick up the phone, and ask the person concerned for confirmation. Part of the problem, according to Shatter, is that some fraudsters are adept at crafting emails that accurately mimic the tone and style of the person they are pretending to be. This is presumably achieved by gaining access to their email account and examining the way they write to particular people. Trend Micro is bringing technology to bear on this problem. Trend Micro Writing Style DNA uses AI to "blueprint" a user's style of writing, taking into consideration more than 7000 characteristics, the company said. When an email seems to be impersonating a significant user such as the chief executive, the recipient, the implied sender and the IT department are all warned. Feedback from executives on the flagged emails helps improve detection and reduce false positives. According to Trend Micro, Writing Style DNA's authorship analysis complements existing AI inspection layers that focus on email intent and attacker behaviours, spotting attackers who hijack legitimate domains or accounts to circumvent traditional filters. "The future threat landscape requires AI-powered protection that leverages expert rules and machine learning," said Trend Micro chief executive Eva Chen. "We are proud to add another industry first in this area. "This new capability is the perfect complement to our existing email security as well as the free phishing simulation and awareness service we're making available to businesses. In a world of increasingly sophisticated and financially damaging email fraud, multiple layers are needed to put organisations back on the offensive." Writing Style DNA will be released in June as part of Cloud App Security for Microsoft Office 365 and ScanMail for Microsoft Exchange. It will be included with existing BEC protections at no extra cost. In related news, Trend Micro has introduced Phish Insight, a free phishing simulation platform that allows businesses of all sizes and budgets to test their employees understanding of scam emails. The idea is that organisations use the simulation results to customise an education campaign for their staff. The attackers who compromised CCleaner, a popular application that allows Windows users to perform routine maintenance on their systems, did so by using TeamViewer on a developer workstation. The Czech security company Avast said, in its latest update about the hack, that the attackers had first accessed the network of Piriform, the maker of CCleaner and a company that Avast acquired last year, on 11 March 2017, four months before the acquisition. The update was presented at the RSA Conference which is taking place in San Francisco this week. TeamViewer is proprietary software that can be used for remote control, desktop sharing, online meetings, Web conferencing and file transfer. News that CCleaner had been compromised broke on 17 September 2017 through a detailed report from Cisco's Talos Intelligence Group. A second analysis from Talos said a number of companies were targeted by the malware within CCleaner: Cisco, Intel, Microsoft, HTC, Samsung, VMware,Akamai, Sony, Singtel, D-Link, O2, Vodafone, German gaming and gambling company Gauselmann, Linksys, Gmail, MSI, Dynamic Network Services and Epson. In the latest Avast update, chief technology officer Ondrej Vlcek said the attackers had used a single sign-in which meant they were in possession of the credentials. "While we dont know how the attackers got their hands on the credentials, we can only speculate that the threat actors used credentials the Piriform workstation user utilised for another service, which may have been leaked, to access the TeamViewer account," Vlcek said. Up to 2.27 million CCleaner consumers and businesses downloaded the compromised product. The attackers then installed the malicious second stage on just 40 PCs operated by high-tech and telecommunications companies. "We dont have proof that a possible third stage with ShadowPad was distributed via CCleaner to any of the 40 PCs," he said. As per the logs, TeamViewer was accessed at 5am local time when the workstation in question was running, but unattended. "The attackers tried to install two malicious dlls, (dynamic link libraries). However, the attempts were unsuccessful due to lack of admin rights to the system. On the third try, the attackers succeeded in dropping the payload, using VBScript, the scripting language developed by Microsoft," Vlcek added. The following day, 12 March, the attackers had made a lateral move to another PC, again making the attempt outside working hours, this time at 4am. "The attackers opened a backdoor through Microsofts Remote Desktop Service, delivering a binary and payload to the computers registry. The payload delivered was an older version of the second stage malware, which was delivered to 40 CCleaner users," he said. A couple of days later, the attackers infected the first computer with the older version of the second stage malware. It took several weeks for the next stage of the payload to be delivered. Vlcek claimed the attackers had been inside the Piriform network for five months before they managed to compromise the CCleaner build. Vlcek pointed out that Avast had acquired Piriform on 18 July 2017 and the first CCleaner build with the malicious payload appeared on 2 August 2017, adding that the delay before the attack was "interesting". Avast said in its previous update last month that it had found evidence of ShadowPad, a specialised tool used by a specific group of cyber criminals, installed on four computers at Piriform. "As we looked for similarities with other attacks, we also analysed older versions of ShadowPad... Our investigation revealed that ShadowPad had been previously used in South Korea, and in Russia, where attackers intruded a computer, observing a money transfer," Vlcek said. "For Avast, there are two key takeaways from the CCleaner attack. First, M&A due diligence has to go beyond just legal and financial matters. Companies need to strongly focus on cyber security, and for us this has now become one of the key areas that require attention during an acquisition process. "Second, the supply chain hasnt been a key priority for businesses, but this needs to change. Attackers will always try to find the weakest link, and if a product is downloaded by millions of users it is an attractive target for them. Companies need to increase their attention and investment in keeping the supply chain secure." Russia's efforts to block the messaging app Telegram, after the country's authorities imposed a ban on the app, are proving more difficult than first thought, due to the way such apps work. Regulators have ended up blocking more than two million Google and Amazon IPs, in a bid to stop people using the app. Russia's telecom regulator Roskomnadzor began blocking the app on Monday after a Moscow court ordered ISPs to shutter the service after its founder refused to provide authorities with keys to decrypt private conversations. Journalists working the story of @telegram being blocked in Russia should be absolutely clear that if @Google and @Amazon halt its access to their cloud platform or remove the app from their stores, they are witting collaborators in a censorship campaign, not victims of it. Edward Snowden (@Snowden) 17 April 2018 The head of Roskomnadzor, Alexander Zharov, told Moscow's Vedomosti business daily that it had blocked about 9000 Telegram IP addresses, before cutting off access to about 600,000 IP addresses belonging to Amazon. Moscow Timesthat more than 2.5 million IP addresses had been blocked by Roskomnadzor as of Tuesday, including about two million Amazon and Google IPs, plus some services linked to Microsoft. Telegram founder Pavel Durov pledged to provide millions of dollars to fund the creation of tools that would allow users to sidestep the new Russian restrictions. In an attempt to ban Telegram, Russian ISPs have been required by court order to block 52.58.0.0/15, 18.196.0.0/15, 18.194.0.0/15, 35.156.0.0/14 35.192.0.0/12 - its like a million IPs belonging to AWS and Google Cloud. Just tried a Russia VPN, telegram still usually connects ? Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) 17 April 2018 On his Telegram channel, he wrote: "For the last 24 hours Telegram has been under a ban by Internet providers in Russia. Despite the ban, we havent seen a significant drop in user engagement so far, since Russians tend to bypass the ban with VPNs and proxies. Explaining why it was difficult to institute a complete block on a messaging service, tech writer Mikhail Zelensky said on the website Meduza: "It requires blocking the IP addresses of every server the messenger uses to communicate with the outside world. Roskomnadzor is monitoring which servers Telegram is using and blocking whole subnets (this is why, over the past 38 hours, Russia has blocked millions of IP addresses owned by Amazon and Google)." The list of IP ranges blocked by Russia in attempt to stop Telegram is growing so large it legit appears they may end up blocking all AWS and G Cloud. Who is going to blink first, Russia as they will block businesses or Amazon/Google? Kevin Beaumont (@GossiTheDog) 17 April 2018 But, he said, what got in the way was the fact that Telegram wasnt the only service communicating with these servers. "The messenger Viber and the online-schools 'Skyeng' and others have suffered disruptions. Vladimir Kobzev, the general director for the courier service 'Birdy', says Roskomnadzors actions disabled his website for six hours, and he plans to sue," he wrote. And even if the Russian regulator managed to block all the servers that Telegram used, there was still a way around it. "Telegram would just switch to new servers. Its basically a game of whack-a-mole. Whats tricky is how the app 'communicates' the new servers IP addresses. It wouldnt be practical to keep releasing updated versions of the app (especially while at war with Roskomnadzor), so Telegram decided to take a different approach, relying on push notifications to deliver the new server data. "All users have to do is click on a push notification (sometimes this isnt even necessary), and thats enough to switch their copy of Telegram over to the latest server. Roskomnadzor cant track the data in these notifications because the push channels are controlled by the companies that host the mobile software itself: Apple and Google." Despite its ongoing issues with various world governments, Huawei has released its 5G-oriented SingleRAN Pro solution with three standout features, while achieving "world-first" CE TEC for its 5G NR range. Huawei says its new 5G-oriented SingleRAN Pro solution offers three standout features: 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G on one network, an agile architecture for diverse services, and an automatic intelligent management system. We're told that "the purpose is to help operators tackle the challenges of the 5G era, and build a fully connected, intelligent digital world". With the mobile broadband industry obviously undergoing "profound changes as 5G approaches", and "the release of MBB traffic" creating "a positive business cycle for the industry", Huawei says this allows "operators to find favourable business models for new rounds of growth". We can't forget the rise of "the Internet of Things" either, which Huawei notes is "creating hundreds of billions of new connections". "Meanwhile," Huawei says, "MBB-network-empowered sectors such as the Internet of Vehicles and VR/AR are experiencing structural changes, offering infinite opportunities for growth and new services. "However," notes Huawei, "on the path towards 5G, operators cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the following three challenges:" Firstly, how to quickly deploy 5G networks with the highest cost-efficiency; Secondly, how to flexibly allocate 5G network resources to maximise a networks' value; and Thirdly, how to efficiently manage increasingly complex networks with reduced operation and maintenance costs. As you'd expect, Huawei naturally states that its "newly launched SingleRAN Pro solution specifically addresses these challenges in three ways". 5G All-in-One: a network that supports 5G while remaining compatible with 2G, 3G, and 4G platforms "The unified hardware platform supports fast and efficient deployment of 5G target networks while being 2G, 3G, and 4G compatible. Operators can rest assured that their current investment will not be wasted once 5G arrives. 5G all-in-one brings SingleRAN's multi-RAT baseband and RF hardware resource sharing feature to a new level. The latest improvement maximises resource efficiency while ensuring that operators' investments are future-proof. While SingleRAN boasts multi-RAT, this new solution features a multi-band multi-channel antenna and RF unit. "Massive MIMO series products are specifically designed to suit diverse large-capacity scenarios. In addition, highly integrated hardware platforms such as integrated BBUs are introduced to not only expedite the introduction of 5G, but also substantially maximise site space. These new platforms will also help lower overall site energy consumption and maintenance costs." Mobile Cloud: an agile network architecture that supports operators' multiple services "The Mobile Cloud architecture covers three aspects. First, the network architecture is cloudified. Operators can use the same set of software for distributed base station deployment (DRAN), centralised base station deployment (CRAN), and CU-DU split deployment. Second, spectrum resources are cloudified. "CloudAIR is featured to enable on-demand rapid spectrum allocation. This accelerates the introduction of cutting-edge technologies, and boosts spectral efficiency. Third, air interface capabilities are cloudified. Network slicing allows for tailor-made interfaces and networks to suit a wide range of services. "Mobile Cloud ensures efficient resource utilisation, on-demand base station deployment, and agile service provisioning. These three features will allow operators' networks to host a growing number of diverse services from many different vertical industries while maximizing customers' return on investment." Automation: an intelligent wireless network system marked by automatic management "The 5G era presents operators with unprecedented O&M challenges. Network resource management is more complex than ever due to the co-existence of multiple RATs and various services. Meanwhile, differentiated QoS assurance for emerging vertical industry services is another major issue that operators must handle. "SingleRAN Pro delivers intelligent wireless networks with AI-based network optimisation, AI-based automatic O&M, and AI-based network capability enablement. This solution simplifies network O&M and spurs the development of intelligent O&M. It also further unleashes networks' latent potential, allowing for new performance breakthroughs. "The solution gives rise to many new capabilities and offers automated solutions for issues that go beyond human capabilities. What was once considered impossible is now made possible." Dr. Peter Zhou, chief marketing officer, Huawei Wireless Solution, said: "Huawei launched its SingleRAN solution in 2007 during the initial stages of large-scale 4G deployment. The all-in-one approach is an excellent answer for multi-RAT network deployment and also helps to significantly cut operators' CAPEX. "The release of SingleRAN Pro is the result of continuous innovation combined with extensive experience of several hundred network deployments over the past decade. Huawei looks forward to teaming up with global operators and industry partners to embrace the future challenges and opportunities of the 5G era." Huawei is also proudly boasting of having obtained the "world's first CE-TEC for 5G products". Huawei states its "5G NR products have passed TUV SUD's (the European Union's certification authority) strict verification requirements after several rounds of rigorous testing and evaluation". Indeed, the company says it is "now the first company to achieve a CE type examination certificate (TEC) for its 5G products". We're told that "obtaining this EU mandatory certificate indicates that Huawei's 5G products have won official approval for commercial use", and that it "also represents a significant step towards realising large-scale commercial 5G deployment". Huawei explains that its "CE-TEC verified 5G C-band Massive MIMO AAU is developed based on 3GPP TS 38.104. Designed to suit large traffic eMBB scenarios, the AAU is able to offer continuous xGbps outdoor experience and ms-level latency. Huawei strictly followed related regulations during each step of 5G product development from component selection to product design. After multiple rounds of meticulous assessment and inspection, Huawei's 5G products passed TUV SUD's verification at the first attempt, meeting all stringent CE requirements". "CE marking is compulsory for products imported to and sold within the European Economic Area. This marking is regarded as the stamp of approval required for entering the European market. Products with the CE marking conform to Europe's directive requirements on RED, LVD, EMC, RoHS, and WEEE. Being awarded the CE certificate shows that Huaweis 5G products fully comply with the strict admission requirements of the European Union and are now qualified to be sold and applied in the European market." Article continues below image, please read on. Huawei tells us that "TUV SUD, headquartered in Munich, undertook the CE marking verification of Huawei's 5G products. This organisation is dedicated to professional testing, inspection, and verification, while boasting a proud history of over 150 years of extensive experience in verifying communications products. As one of the most influential third-party certification authorities in the world, TUV SUD also boasts leading industry experts and a first-class inspection platform." Unsurprisingly, we're informed that "Huawei Wireless and MPE Globals Compliance and Testing Centre has forged a lasting long-term partnership with TUV SUD", and that "the two parties are committed to exploring the verification technologies of communications products". We're all informed that "5G technologies and product forms are more complex than those of LTE, posing enhanced verification challenges. The combined efforts of both parties have yielded substantial breakthroughs in key verification technologies. Huaweis 5G products now strictly adhere to CE standards, meeting the EU's requirements in terms of RF, EMC, Safety and EMF, and RoHS". As you'd expect, Huawei says "the awarding of the world's first 5G CE certificate to Huawei once again demonstrates the company's 5G leadership". Huawei leaves us no doubt that it will "continue to further explore and pursue more and more innovative 5G technologies", and that "the purpose of this is to promote the development of the 5G industry, and facilitate global operators in achieving 5G commercial use". With police departments and federal agencies lining up to buy technology from two companies whose products can bypass iPhone security mechanisms, experts said users concerned about privacy should use a strong passcode to help prevent unwanted access to data. That's also true for enterprise users with iPhones that access potentially sensitive coporate data. Simply put, complex passcodes are always better for security, according to Phil Hochmuth, IDC's program director for enterprise mobility. Common best practices for creating a hard-to-crack passcode includes using both upper- and lower-case characters, numbers and uncommon words. "I expect enterprises with high security concerns and large iOS corporate deployments will start requiring this and enforcing it via their MDM/EMM platforms," Hochmuth said via an email. iPhone cracking technology now in use Both Israel-based technology vendor Cellebrite and Atlanta-based Grayshift have developed relatively inexpensive technology for unlocking iPhones. Grayshift's GrayKey de-encrypting device is a 4-in. x 4-in. box with two iPhone-compatible lightening cables. It can reportedly unlock an iPhone in about two hours if the owner used only a four-digit passcode. (A six-digit passcode can take three days or longer to crack.) One GrayKey box retails for $15,000 and is geofenced to a specific location, requiring an internet connection that enables up to 300 unlocks. There is also a $30,000 GrayKey model that can be used independent of internet connectivity and offers an unlimited number of device unlocks, according to Motherboard. Malwarebytes GrayKey iPhone unlocker Cellebrite provides an iPhone unlocking service to law enforcement agencies; it reportedly charges $5,000 per device. Last week, Motherboard reported that local and regional U.S. police departments and the federal government have been purchasing the technologies in earest. While both companies claim they only sell to police and government law enforcement agencies, it's virtually impossible to keep that genie in the bottle, according to Nate Cardozo, a senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a non-profit digital rights group. "If you believe the only people who will access to GreyKey or Celebrate are the cops, I've got a bridge to sell you," Cardozo said. The default security setting on current iPhones is to erase all data on the device after 10 failed attempts to unlock it. An algorithm that attempted a brute-force attack on an iPhone, should therefore, fail. So the speculation is that the technologies from Cellebrite and GrayKey must be using a different decyphering mechanism. "Basically, you fool the mechanism that updates that '10 tries' counter. Or you image the memory, and make 10 tries repeatedly on different copies," cryptographer and computer security specialist Bruce Schneier said in an email. IDG Go to Settings on your iDevice and scroll down to find access to your Passcode. More digits means better iPhone security At a minimum, consumers and businesses should use a six-character alphanumeric passcode or a pass phrase, which addresses risks associated with the leak of personal and enterprise data, according to Gartner research director Dionisio Zumerle. "In terms of risk assessment, everyone should assume that the tools are improving. Security is a moving target and people need to move with it," said Gartner research vice president John Girard. "Using stronger PINs and passwords, phrases and so on is a necessary step forward." While Apple's Touch ID and Face ID help with security as well, they don't preclude the use of a passcode to unlock a phone. Apple's iOS 9 operating system boosted the default iPhone passcode from four digits to six; but an even stronger option, an alphanumeric passcode, is more secure. IDG Next, select "Change Passcode". How to change your passcode If you're ready to change your passcode, here's how to do it: Go to Settings Click on Touch ID & Passcode (You will have to enter your current passcode here) Click on Change Passcode (enter your current passcode again) Click on Password options at the bottom of the screen Click on Custom Alphanumeric Code Enter your new passcode, which can now include letters, numbers and symbols. IDG Final word of advice: Make sure you use a phrase or a combination of letters, numbers and symbols that's easy to remember. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a case with broad remote sales tax collection ramifications on Tuesday. In the case of South Dakota v. Wayfair, Inc., No. 17-494, the Court is being asked to overturn its decision in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, 504 U.S. 298 (1992), and allow states to assert nexus for sales and use tax purposes without requiring the sellers physical presence in the state. Quill was decided 26 years ago, but e-commerce has changed the landscape, prompting South Dakota to pursue this case. The case involves a South Dakota law enacted in 2016, S.B. 106, which provides that any business with annual sales of more than $100,000 or 200 separate transactions in South Dakota must collect and remit South Dakota sales tax. During oral arguments, Justice Samuel Alito described the South Dakota law as a test case that was devised to present the most reasonable incarnation of this scheme (transcript p. 27). The justices seemed quite engaged in the issue but mostly hinted that Congress may be best equipped to deal with it if anything needs to be done. Several justices seemed concerned with the burdens on small businesses and the appropriate minimum threshold for collection as well as the consequences for potential retroactivity if Quill is repealed. The case will be decided by the end of June. More burdens, costs if overturned, and retroactive application The Supreme Court justices asked many questions at the oral arguments. Justice Sonia Sotomayor started the questioning, saying that Quill was not the issue, but the issue was more that the states have not yet figured out a way to collect the tax. She was concerned that overturning Quill will cause more lawsuits and the potential for retroactive application, and noted that it has been asserted that several states have already started retroactive collection. South Dakotas attorney general, Marty Jackley, who was representing the state, responded that the states do not want to change the rules retroactively and 38 states have laws that prevent retroactivity. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg opined that Congress could address retroactivity if Quill were overturned. Sotomayor was concerned that if Quill were overturned after 30 years, there would be additional difficulties, such as the costs on small businesses (noting that one of the briefs cited a $250,000 price tag to implement sales tax software), costs for audits, costs to integrate the program with existing programs, costs to maintain it, difficulties and chaos in the interim period, and issues when the software does not function correctly and merchants are not able to keep track of the buyers. She noted that five states do not centralize administration of state and local sales taxes. She asked how much contact or how many sales are enough to create an obligation of an out-of-state seller, to which South Dakotas counsel and the U.S. deputy solicitor general, Malcolm Stewart, responded that just one sale into the state was enough to create an obligation. Problems decreasing already Chief Justice John Roberts also questioned whether there would be a constitutional minimum regarding whether out-of-state small businesses would be protected from the obligation and burdens of sales tax collection, to which Jackley responded that the balancing test articulated in Pike v. Bruce Church, Inc., 397 U.S. 137 (1970), would provide the protection. Roberts also seemed concerned with the suggested minimum of one warehouse and one sale to create nexus. He noted that the economic impact of sales tax noncollection by remote sellers may have peaked and be getting better as the bigger e-commerce companies now have a physical presence in all 50 states and so are collecting sales tax in all 50 states. He also suggested that the states have found workarounds, so the Court may not need to act. Another issue that was raised was the burdens of the South Dakota scheme of requiring collection and remittance versus the Colorado scheme of notice and reporting. (Colorado Rev. Stat. 39-21-112.3.5 requires retailers selling to Colorado customers that do not collect sales tax on the sales to send notices and purchase summaries to customers and file an annual customer information report with the Colorado Department of Revenue.) Alito said if Quill is upheld, internet retailers will have to deal with Colorado-type statutes and aggressive moves by the states. Congressional action Alito suggested that congressional action could resolve the issues versus the Court overturning Quill, which would raise issues of retroactive liability and minimum number of sales in the state. He said that if Quill is overturned, states will no longer have an incentive to ask for federal legislation to solve the problem. Jackley responded that the Court needs to act because Congress has not acted in 26 years. Justice Elena Kagan expressed concern that the Court may not want to act if Congress has the issue on its radar. She said it is clear that the issue has been considered and Congress could have, and has not, acted in 26 years: This is a very prominent issue which Congress has been aware of for a very long time and has chosen not to do something about that. And that seems to make your bar higher to surmount (transcript p. 11). Justice Stephen Breyer pointed out that with a dormant Commerce Clause case, Congress can overturn the Courts decisions, and the reason the Court is more willing to overturn prior cases involving a constitutional issue is because Congress cannot act. He thinks that here Congress can act, and that the 50 states have a lot of power to make Congress act. He noted that three senators and a congressman provided briefs saying that they intended to act but did not because the Court had agreed to hear the Wayfair case. Ginsburg and Kagan both asked whether creating a minimum threshold isnt the type of thing that Congress is best equipped to handle. Kagan noted that the Court could just say there is or is not a Quill rule, but Congress could craft compromises to balance all the interests. If the Supreme Court does not overturn Quill, the issue will likely go back to Congress to possibly act on the issue. If Quill is overturned, the states will likely not seek congressional action. Eileen Reichenberg Sherr (Eileen.Sherr@aicpa-cima.com) is an AICPA senior manager of Tax Policy & Advocacy. Forest Shaw, a concrete finisher with United Infrastructure Group, (right) works on the freshly poured deck in August at the Interstate 26 Nexton Interchange overpass site in Summerville. Reddit Email 279 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | President Trumps determination to withdraw US troops from eastern Syria by October, so that GOP candidates for representative and senator can run on having defeated ISIL and having then brought the troops home, has created a policy dilemma for the Department of Defense and for the National Security Council. Apparently, Trumps plan to get out has been unaffected by the alleged gas attack at Douma or the US, British and French punitive missile strikes on Syrian military facilities (attacks that likely did little damage to the Syrian military). Trumps plan to bring US troops back out resolves diplomatic problems with Russia, Damascus and Turkey. The plan raises questions, however, on several fronts. Without US presence and backing, will the Kurds be willing and able to stay in Arab southern Raqqa and parts of Deir al-Zor? Without the US troop presence, will ISIL remnants be able to regroup and take back territory in eastern Syria, reconstituting a mini-caliphate from which they can plot further attacks on Paris and perhaps on Iraq? The US policy elite had hoped to use its presence in eastern Syria to block overland truck shipments of weapons to Lebanons Hizbullah from Iran. Would Iran be strengthened by Trumps departure from that region? At the suggestion of the notoriously unstable and corrupt Newt Gingrich, Trump appointed as his national security adviser the perpetually angry, aide-abusing, dishonest warmonger John Bolton (who has shadowy ties with the Peoples Jihadi Organization or MEK of Iran, which was long on the terrorist watchlist). Bolton wants to create a Sunni Arab patrol in the region which could prevent any resurgence of ISIL and could block the Iranian truck trade coming from Iraq. Here are the problems with Boltons wild-eyed and impracticable plan: 1. He wants Egypt to be part of it. Egypts ruler, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, tilts toward the government of Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Both dictators are fighting Sunni fundamentalist insurgencies in the name of nationalism. For al-Sisi, anyone who is crushing the Muslim Brotherhood cant be all bad. He will therefore not be inclined to get involved with a military adventure in eastern Syria that might interfere in the prospects of Syrian government reassertion in that area after the defeat of ISIL. Moreover, Egypts officer corps is congenitally allergic to military adventurism. They absolutely refused to send troops to Yemen (the Egyptian army had been mauled there in the 1960s), despite the entreaties of the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates, which have given al-Sisi billions in aid. Egypts military is also tied down with a major domestic insurgency in the Sinai, and feels stretched thin. So the Egypt piece is likely a non-starter and if Bolton suggested it, he was displaying his unplumbed depths of ignorance. 2. While Saudi Arabia and the UAE might be willing to send troops to eastern Syria, they are highly unlikely to be effective there. The Syrians dont want them there, and neighboring Iraq wouldnt want them there either. They arent very good militarily and have botched their joint Yemen war since launching it in 2015 (and sometimes their clients have even fought one another!). 3. Having defeated the extremist ISIL in eastern Syria and liberated its population from the harsh rule of its uber-Salafi minions, it would be cruel and unwise to deliver them into the tender mercies of the Saudi Wahhabis, who have a rigid and extreme interpretation of Wahhabism, an ideology that helped inspire ISIL in the first place! Many Saudis have a sneaking admiration for ISIL, and the possibility of collusion between Saudi troops ISIL remnants cannot be ruled out. Send in liberal Sunni YouTube stars, not Wahhabis, if you want to help people readjust to the real world. 4. The daft idea in Washington that somehow Iranian overland smuggling routes can be blocked in eastern Syria falters on several basic facts. The border is very long and very porous. Trucks can go off road. And some observers maintain that Iran flies in the military supplies for Hizbullah to Damascus Airport. 5. The Syrian government and its Shiite militia allies over time will raise the cost for the Saudis and the UAE to stay on their soil. If Hizbullah was able to get Israel back out of southern Lebanon after an 18 year occupation, it can get a few Saudi troops out of Deir al-Zor. If Yemen is any indication, anyway the Saudis will be unwilling to put very many boots on the ground. Once again, Washington Fail. Trumps refusal to spend the $200 million slotted for reconstruction aid in eastern Syria, after US fighter jets reduced its cities to rubble in the course of defeating ISIL, points to how mean-spirited and impractical his plans are. The US has about 2,000 special operations forces embedded with the leftist Kurds of the YPG (peoples protection units) in northeastern and eastern Syria. Those YPG fighters, along with some rural Arab clansmen, did the hard on-the-ground fighting against ISIL and took its capital of Raqqa. Only a few pockets of ISIL fighters remain, in Deir al-Zor province. The YPG fighters were able to do so well because the US trained and equipped and advised them, and gave them air support, knocking out ISIL sniper nests, armored vehicles, and mortar emplacements. The YPG are the paramilitary of the Democratic Union Party, a Kurdish nationalist party. The YPG is hated by the fundamentalist Arab rebels, who are latent Arab nationalists, and who accuse the Kurds of expansionism and of ethnic cleansing of Arab villages in the course of seeking a compact Kurdish super-province they call Rojava. Kurds speak an Indo-European language related to Persian and English. Arabs speak a Semitic language related to Hebrew and Amharic. So, the US strategy of using the YPG to conquer majority-Arab Raqqa Province and parts of all-Arab Deir al-Zor is politically risky, since there could be a strong local backlash to Kurdish suzerainty. The US dependence on the YPG also drove the government of Turkey absolutely crazy, since they see the YPG as an affiliate of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), an eastern Anatolian guerrilla movement seeking more Kurdish autonomy inside Turkey (where 20% of the population is Kurdish), and which Turkey and the US brand as a terrorist organization. The US does not concur that the YPG has the PKK in its command line or that it is a terrorist group. Turkey decided to try to break up the US-YPG alliance this winter and spring by invading Syria to conquer and ethnically cleanse the westernmost Kurdish enclave, Afrin, which had no embedded US troops and had not been directly involved in the fight against ISIL at Raqqa. Afrin was thus a sitting duck for Turkey, and its troops, supported by fundamentalist Arab Muslim guerrillas, have taken the main city of the canton and many of its villages, sparking an exodus of Kurds and allowing Turkey to resettle Arab fundamentalist allies along its border with Syria to create a security belt against the Syrian Kurds north of Afrin. Russia and its client, the Syrian Baath government of Bashar al-Assad, also object strenuously to the US presence in eastern Syria and the apparent attempt to create an autonomous Kurdish-ruled entity there. That is one reason Trump seems eager to get out. Bonus video: ?? Saudi in talks with US over troop deployment in Syria | Al Jazeera English Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCwire) - Belmont Resources Inc. (TSX.V: BEA; FSE: L3L1; DTC Eligible CUSIP 080499403 ); (Belmont, or the Company). Belmont CEO/President Jim Place, P.Geo., has returned from Nevada where he met with the companys geologist, Bob Cuffney and other persons critical to the project, including a visit to the Kibby Basin Lithium brine property. Drill sites and proposed access roads were marked on the ground and surveyed in order to provide information for BLM inspection and permit approval. Several surface samples of the playa soils were taken at the same time to be shipped to a company that has developed technology to recover lithium from soils and has asked Belmont to allow them to evaluate the Kibby materials. While in Carson City, Nevada the Belmont team had a very informative and productive meeting with senior Administrators and Program Managers with the State of Nevada Commission on Mineral Resources, Division of Minerals who presented the new dissolved mineral regulations and exploration well drilling rule changes as well as the process for water rights application. The information received during this meeting will significantly streamline Belmonts permitting process for the next phase of exploration. Belmont has submitted the NOI application for test hole drilling at Kibby to the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) office in Tonapah, Nevada. Staff from the BLM will visit the property to inspect the drill hole sites and access roads as well as to carry out archeological investigation of the nearby area. Once this is completed and Belmonts bonding is approved drilling can begin on the property. It is expected that approval will be received in approximately 2 weeks. Immediately following BLM approval, application will be made to the Nevada Division of Minerals for an Exploration Well Permit. This permit will allow Belmont to not only take core samples of soils and groundwater in the basin but to also construct a well site where flow rates can be tested for any aquifers that are encountered. This testing can be carried out for a period of 2 years and can include the withdrawal of up to a total of 5 acre feet of flow (approximately 61.7 million litres). Place and Cuffney also met with a drilling contractor to discuss specialized methods of drilling and sampling for the up-coming work at Kibby. Belmont has tentatively selected this drilling company for the work but this has not been confirmed, pending scheduling, and is therefore confidential. In order to comply with recently adopted State of Nevada requirements Belmont is pleased that the drilling contractor selected for Kibby Basin lithium brine exploration has, on staff, State licenced well drillers who will be on location at all times that work is carried out. About Belmont Resources Inc. Belmont is an emerging resource company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of mineral properties in Canada and Nevada, U.S.A. For further information see our Website at: www.BelmontResources.com -Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Nevadalithium/ -Twitter https://twitter.com/Belmont_Res Belmont has recently optioned 31 mineral claims encompassing approx. 7 sq.km; located 24 km northwest of Saint John, New Brunswick the Mid Corner/Johnson Croft a Zinc, Cobalt prospect. On March 30, 2016; the Company acquired sixteen placer (16) mining claims, representing 1036 hectares (2,560 acres) in Esmeralda County, Nevada, U.S.A. The Kibby Basin property is located 65 km north of Clayton Valley, Nevada-U.S.A. The Company believes the property to be highly prospective to host lithium. Subsequent ground geophysics & gravity surveys, surface sampling and a two hole- 2046 ft. diamond drill program have confirmed the presence of lithium on Kibby. On July 11, 2016; the Company reported it has arranged the staking of 213 x 20 acre additional placer mineral claims totaling approx. 1724 hectares ( 4,260 acres) , adjoining the Kibby 16, increasing the total Kibby Basin land position (the Property) to 2,760 hectares (6,820 acres). In 50/50 ownership with International Montoro Resources Inc., Belmont has acquired and is exploring joint venture opportunities for its two significant uranium properties (Crackingstone -982 ha & Orbit Lake 11,109 ha) in the Uranium City District in Northern Saskatchewan, Canada ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS James H. Place James H. Place, CEO/President This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements that may involve a number of risks and uncertainties, based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control. Forward looking statements in this news release include statements about the possible raising of capital and exploration of our properties. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Companies forward-looking statements and expectations. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, that we may not be able to obtain regulatory approval; that we may not be able to raise funds required, that conditions to closing may not be fulfilled and we may not be able to organize and carry out an exploration program in 2016; and other risks associated with being a mineral exploration and development company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and, except as required by applicable laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. New Age Metals (NAM) owns 100% of the River Valley Platinum Group Metals (PGM) Project, which is North America's largest undeveloped primary PGM Project located 100 kilometers from the Sudbury Metallurgical Complex, Ontario, Canada. Primary PGM deposits are rare outside of South Africa and Russia. PGM's are a Green Metal and their demand is increasing for autocatalysis, a key component for reducing toxic emissions for automotive, gasoline and diesel engines. Fuel cell automobiles use up to one ounce of platinum per vehicle. In order to add to its mineral inventory, NAM has signed an agreement to acquire 100% of a road accessible and drill ready PGM project in Alaska. Alaska: On April 4th, NAM announced that it had signed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Avalon Development Corp. in Alaska. This agreement will allow NAM to acquire PGM projects in the State in the future. See April 4th, 2018 press release for more details and to opt-in for NAM's press releases: Click Here. Lithium Division: As field manager, NAM is currently preparing for the spring/summer exploration program where a minimum of $500,000 is to be expended in 2018 on the company's five Lithium projects in Manitoba (see news release dated January 15th, and February 22nd, 2018). The 2018 budget will allow for 2 out of the 3 drill ready projects to be drilled. These new age metals, Lithium, PGM's and Rare Metals, have robust macro trends with surging demands and limited supply, and will fuel the demand for energy storage and other core 21st Century Technologies. Lithium has an ever increasing demand for batteries in cellphones, laptops, electric cars, solar storage, wireless charging and renewable energy products. April 18th, 2018 / TheNewswire / Rockport, Canada - New Age Metals Inc. (TSX.V: NAM; OTCQB: NMTLF; FSE: P7J.F) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement with Anglo Alaska Gold Corp. ("Anglo Alaska"). The agreement which is subject to regulatory approval allows for New Age Metals and its wholly owned subsidiary Pacific Northwest Capital USA (jointly called "NAM") to acquire 100% interest of the 10,240 acre road accessible and drill ready Genesis PGM Project, located in the Valdez and Chitina Recording District, of Alaska. Harry Barr, Chairman/CEO of New Age Metals stated: "We are pleased to have the final agreement completed and partner with Anglo Alaska on the Genesis PGM Project. NAM uses the Prospector Generator Model and after the preliminary field work and additional ground proofing, our objective is to find an option/joint venture partner to further the development of this promising new drill ready project, with excellent base metal credits. NAMs management will continue to actively acquire other PGM and other rare metal projects in the state of Alaska. Figure 1: Projects Location Map: The road accessible Genesis PGM Project adjacent to Richardson Highway and 138 kv electric lines. The project is 460 road kilometers to Fairbanks, Alaska and 120 road kilometers to the all-weather port city of Valdez Merits of the Genesis PGM Project The Genesis PGM Project is an under explored, highly prospective multi-prospect drill ready Pd-Pt-Ni-Cu property that warrants follow-up drilling, additional surface mapping, sampling to expand the known footprint of mineralization and to determine the ultimate size and grade of the layered mineralization outlined to date. The stable land status, ease of access and superb infrastructure make this project prospective for year-around exploration, development and production. Significant aspects of the Genesis PGM Project include: Drill ready PGM-Ni-Cu reef style target with 2.4 grams/ton Palladium (Pd), 2.4 grams/ton Platinum (Pt), 0.96% Nickle (Ni), and 0.58% Copper (Cu). Reef mineralization is open to the west, east, north, and at depth Mineralized reef identified in outcrop for 850 m along strike and a 40 m true thickness Separate style of chromite mineralization contains Platinum Group Metals (PGM) up to 2.5 g/t Pd and 2.8 g/t Pt. Known PGM mineralization covers a distance of 9 km across the prospect. No historic drilling has been done on the project. Project is within 3 km of a paved highway and electric transmission line. Project is on stable State of Alaska claims. Fraser Institute's 2017 survey of mining companies has Alaska ranked as the 10th best jurisdiction in the world for mining. Terms of the Final Agreement In order for NAM to earn 100% of the Genesis PGM Project, NAM has agreed to the following terms: 1. Cash Payments to Anglo Alaska $30,000 on the Closing Date; $30,000 on or before the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date; $30,000 on or before the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date; and $30,000 on or before the three (3) year anniversary from the Closing Date; 2. Stock Payments to Anglo Alaska 200,000 Consideration Shares on the Closing Date; 200,000 Consideration Shares on or before the one (1) year anniversary of the Closing Date; 200,000 Consideration Shares on or before the two (2) year anniversary of the Closing Date; and 200,000 Consideration Shares on or before the three (3) year anniversary of the Closing Date; 3. Royalty to Anglo Alaska Under the terms of the agreement and in the event the project goes into production, NAM has agreed to pay Anglo Alaska a 3% net smelter royalty return on the project. The agreement also calls for NAM to be able to buy down the 3% royalty as follows: $500,000 for each one-half percentage point for a total of $1,500,000, leaving Anglo Alaska with a one-point five percent (1.5%) net smelter return production royalty in the event that NAM exercises all of its buydown rights. 4. Minimum Assessment Expenditures The agreement between NAM and Anglo Alaska calls for NAM to pay the minimum State of Alaska mining claim rentals and annual labor on a yearly basis. All securities issued in connection with the property option will be subject to a four-month-and one-day statutory hold period. The property option remains subject to a number of conditions, including negotiation of definitive agreements, approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and such other conditions as are customary in transactions of this nature. The agreement is for an aggregate of 64 contiguous one hundred and sixty-acre claims (10,240 acres) in the Valdez and Chitina Recording District, Alaska. This can be seen in the map below. Warrant Extension The Company also announces that it will make an application to the TSX Venture Exchange to amend the terms of 5,273,560 (post-consolidated) share purchase warrants, (the "Warrants"). Subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, the original expiry date of May 3, June 29 and October 4, 2018 is proposed to be extended to May 3, June 29 and October 4, 2020. The Company will also apply to amend the exercise price of 4,550,917 Warrants from their current exercise price of $0.60 to an amended exercise price of $0.20 per share during the first year and $0.25 per share during the second year, subject to an acceleration clause, such that the exercise period of the Warrants will be reduced to 30 days if, for any 10 consecutive trading days during the unexpired term of the Warrants, the closing price of the Company's shares is $0.30 or more. All other terms and conditions will remain the same. OPT-IN LIST If you have not done so already, we encourage you to sign up on our website (www.newagemetals.com) to receive our updated news or click here. ABOUT AVALON DEVELOPMENT CORP, NAM'S GEOLOGICAL CONSULTING COMPANY IN AK Since its founding in 1985, Avalon Development has evolved along with the mineral industry and its clients. Avalon exploration teams participated in a number of discoveries in the state. Avalon was responsible for Alaska's newest gold discovery, the +1-million-ounce Peak zone deposit, as well as the 6.5 million ounce intrusive-hosted Dolphin gold deposit, initial targeting of the 20 million-ounce Livengood deposit, and deep high-grade gold resources at the historic Cleary Hill mine. Avalon has also been responsible for platinum group element, copper-nickel and rare metal discoveries on several exploration projects across Alaska. Avalon continues to work with a number of major and junior mining companies involved in precious, base and strategic metal exploration in Alaska. On April 4th, NAM announced that it had signed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) with Avalon Development Corp. in Alaska. This agreement will allow NAM to utilize Avalon's extensive geophysical and geochemical database for a period of two years to enable NAM's management and technical team to acquire additional PGM, and rare metal projects in the State of Alaska in the future. See April 4th, 2018 press release for more details ABOUT NAM'S PGM DIVISION NAM's flagship project is its 100% owned River Valley PGM Project (NAM Website - River Valley Project) in the Sudbury Mining District of Northern Ontario (100 km east of Sudbury, Ontario). Presently the River Valley Project is North America's largest undeveloped primary PGM deposit with Measured + Indicated resources of 160 million tones @ 0.44 g/t Palladium, 0.17 g/t Platinum, 0.03 g/t Gold, with a total metal grade of 0.64 g/t at a cut-off grade of 0.4 g/t equating to 3,297,173 ounces PGM plus Gold and 4,626,250 PdEq Ounces. This equates to 4,626,250 PdEq ounces M+I and 2,713,933 PdEq ounces in inferred (figure 1). Having completed a 2018 NI-43-101 resource update the company is finalizing its 2018 exploration programs which will include geophysics, and extensive drill programs, which are all working towards the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA). Our objective is to develop a series of open pits (bulk mining) over the 16 kilometers of mineralization, concentrate on site, and ship the concentrates to the long-established Sudbury Metallurgical Complex. Alaska: April 4th, 2018, NAM signed an agreement with one of Alaska's top geological consulting companies. The companies stated objective is to acquire additional PGM and Rare Metal projects in Alaska. ABOUT NAM'S LITHIUM DIVISION The Company has five pegmatite hosted Lithium Projects in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field, located in SE Manitoba. Three of the projects are drill ready. This Pegmatite Field hosts the world class Tanco Pegmatite that has been mined for Tantalum, Cesium and Spodumene (one of the primary Lithium ore minerals) in varying capacities, since 1969. NAM's Lithium Projects are strategically situated in this prolific Pegmatite Field. Presently, NAM is one of the largest mineral claim holders for Lithium in the Winnipeg River Pegmatite Field. On January 15th 2018, NAM announced an agreement with Azincourt Energy Corporation (see Jan 15, 2018 and Feb 22nd, 2018 Press Releases) whereby Azincourt will commit up to $3.85 million dollars in exploration, up to 3 million shares of Azincourt stock to NAM, up to $210,000 in cash, and a 2% net smelter royalty on all 5 projects. Exploration plans for 2018 are currently in progress, whereby a minimum of $500,000 will be expended this year. QUALIFIED PERSON The contents contained herein that relate to Exploration Results or Mineral Resources is based on information compiled, reviewed or prepared by Curt Freeman, a consulting geologist for New Age Metals. Mr. Freeman is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is the owner of Avalon Development Corp. and Anglo Alaska Gold Corp, which is the vendor of the Genesis PGM Project. Mr. Freeman has reviewed and approved the technical content of this news release. On behalf of the Board of Directors "Harry Barr" Harry G. Barr Chairman and CEO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Should you have additional inquiries, please contact Paul Poggione, Corporate Development, Tel: 1-613-659-2773, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements: This release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results and are based on current expectations or beliefs. For this purpose, statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements include statements in which the Company uses words such as "continue", "efforts", "expect", "believe", "anticipate", "confident", "intend", "strategy", "plan", "will", "estimate", "project", "goal", "target", "prospects", "optimistic" or similar expressions. These statements by their nature involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including, among others, the Company's ability and continuation of efforts to timely and completely make available adequate current public information, additional or different regulatory and legal requirements and restrictions that may be imposed, and other factors as may be discussed in the documents filed by the Company on SEDAR (www.sedar.com), including the most recent reports that identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. The Company does not undertake any obligation to review or confirm analysts' expectations or estimates or to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. WEST KELOWNA, British Columbia, April 18, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Colorado Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:CXO) ("Colorado" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the results of Colorados 2018 annual meeting of shareholders (the "Meeting") held on April 17, 2018. Shareholders approved all items of business put forth at the Meeting. A brief list of the most important items of business conducted at the Meeting is as follows: Election of Directors The number of directors of the Company to be elected at the Meeting was fixed at four. In accordance with the terms of the previously announced settlement agreement between Colorado and the former CEO announced on April 11, 2018, Cecil Bond, Robert Shaw, Colorados President & CEO, Bryan Wilson and Patrick Soares, were elected as directors of the Company. Each of the four directors was elected with >99% support from the shares voted at the meeting, representing more than 66% of the issued and outstanding shares of the Company. At a meeting of the new board of directors held after the Meeting, the number of directors was increased from four to five and the directors appointed Alastair Still, of Goldcorp Inc., as a director of the Company. Alastair Still of British Columbia, Canada, is currently the Director, Corporate Development at Goldcorp Inc., a position he has held from 2007 to 2010 and from 2015 until present. Goldcorp is a senior gold producer focused on responsible mining practices with safe, low-cost production from a high-quality portfolio of mines in the Americas. Mr. Still has more than 20 years experience in the mining industry. Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Still was the Project Director for Goldcorp for the Cerro Negro Project in Argentina from 2011 to 2014 where he led the acquisition of the project and oversaw development of the operation up until first production. Prior to relocating to British Columbia in 2007, Mr. Still worked in a variety of technical roles at mining operations in Kirkland Lake and Timmins, Ontario including as the Senior Geologist at Macassa Mine in Kirkland Lake from 1997-1999 for Kinross Gold, Chief Geologist for Kinross Gold and then Placer Dome in Timmins from 1999 to 2004 and from 2005 until 2007 as Technical Services Manager for the Porcupine Operations for Placer Dome and subsequently for Goldcorp. Mr. Still holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from the University of New Brunswick, and a Master of Science degree in Structural Geology from Queens University. Mr. Stills experience in the mining industry, coupled with his background in precious metals exploration and project development, combine to provide valuable industry insight and perspective. Robert Shaw commented: Im very enthusiastic about the potential of Colorado Resources Ltd. going forward. We now have a united and well-rounded board of directors which will allow us to focus on the technical exploration of our Golden Triangle property portfolio, the advancement of which is in the best interest of all of Colorados shareholders. The Company would like to thank its former directors, Lawrence Nagy, William Lindqvist, Adam Travis and Terese Gieselman for their contributions over the past years towards Colorado's business objectives and wishes Messrs. Nagy, Lindqvist and Travis the best in their future endeavors. Ms. Gieselman remains the Chief Financial Officer of the Company. Appointment of Auditor Shareholders also approved the appointment of Smythe LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as Colorado's auditor for the ensuing year or until their successor is appointed. Stock Option Plan Shareholders approved the Companys Stock Option Plan, which the Company will file with the TSX Venture Exchange (the Exchange) for its approval pursuant to Exchange policies. About Colorado Colorado Resources Ltd. is currently engaged in the business of mineral exploration for the purpose of acquiring and advancing mineral properties located in the Golden Triangle British Columbia and holds approximately 1,200sq km of mineral claims in this prolific metalliferous region. The Companys main exploration projects within British Columbia include KSP and North ROK. Please see the Colorado web site for additional information on these projects. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF COLORADO RESOURCES LTD. Robert Shaw Robert Shaw President and Chief Executive Officer For more information, please contact: Colorado Resources Ltd. Robert Shaw, President and CEO T: (250 768-1511 F: (250) 768-0849 TF: (855) 768-1511 W: www.coloradoresources.com NR 18-9 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this news release, constitute forward-looking information as such term is used in applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as will, arranging, ongoing, continues, ensure, proceeding and similar references to future periods or actions. Forward-looking information is based on plans, expectations and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to certain factors and assumptions, including: that the Company's financial condition and development plans do not change as a result of unforeseen events, that the Company obtains required regulatory approvals, that the Company continues to maintain a good relationship with the local project communities. Forward-looking information is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause plans, estimates and actual results to vary materially from those projected in such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause the forward-looking information in this news release to change or to be inaccurate include, but are not limited to, the risk that any of the assumptions included in this press release prove not to be valid or reliable, which could result in delays, or cessation in planned work, that the Company's financial condition and development plans change, delays in regulatory approval, risks associated with the interpretation of data, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits, the possibility that results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, as well as the other risks and uncertainties applicable to mineral exploration and development activities and to the Company as set forth in the Companys Managements Discussion and Analysis reports filed under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader should not place any undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information or statements, other than as required by applicable law. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forty-three years ago today, the Khmer Rouge took power in Cambodia. Their radical regime, led by the dictator Pol Pot, inflicted countless atrocities and left deep wounds. Neighbors turned against one another. Families were fractured. Political cleavages deepened. An estimated 1.7 million people died. Almost everyone suffered personal trauma. Survivors are still in the long process of seeking reconciliation, or putting the pieces back together in lives and societies shattered by conflict. Yet the measures taken to address political and social conflict are not always conducive to personal reconciliation the journey of coming to terms with excruciating past experiences. Reconciliation is one of the aims of transitional justice, the means by which societies address past crimes as they emerge from conflict or repression. As someone who studies this process in Cambodia, I am interested in how official efforts to promote justice and reconciliation affect individual survivors ability to heal. Can efforts to exact justice end up injuring survivors again? Research on such profound human suffering requires more than intellectual understanding of the legal and political mechanics of justice and reconciliation. It requires a human journey from sympathy to empathy and learning about the personal experiences of the survivors whom such initiatives aim to assist. Can criminal trials heal survivors? Cambodians endured staggering atrocities during the Pol Pot era. The Khmer Rouge regime repressed brutally any perceived resistance to its rule. Urban populations were sent to the countryside to perform forced labor. Families were split. Intellectuals were murdered. People accused of even slight infractions were imprisoned, tortured and often killed without any legal process. The best-known effort to address crimes of the Pol Pot era is a series of trials backed by the United Nations and Cambodian government. The special tribunal they created more than a decade ago has yielded three convictions for crimes against humanity and other offenses the first credible verdicts for crimes of the Khmer Rouge regime. As my colleague Anne Heindel and I have written, the tribunal has faced many challenges. Its blend of Cambodian and international laws, procedures and personnel is cumbersome. Politicized feuds have arisen between the U.N. and Cambodian sides of the court. Former Khmer Rouge prison commanderKaing Guek Eav, also know as Duch. / AP Photo/Mak Remissa Yet a more fundamental question surrounds its work: Do high-profile criminal trials help survivors heal? Official statements on war crimes and genocide trials often stress their healing potential. In theory, trials can reveal truths, give voice to victims, express condemnation and satisfy survivors thirst for justice. Reality is more complex. The goals and requirements of a criminal process sometimes cut against the interest of promoting survivors personal reconciliation. For example, witness testimony is often crucial to a fair trial. But giving testimony can retraumatize victims. A focus on select defendants can produce a skewed and partial exposure of the truth. These trade-offs challenge researchers trying to evaluate transitional justice efforts. Which goals should matter most? Securing credible criminal convictions? Clarifying the historical record? Helping survivors work through trauma? And what role does academic research play in determining which values should get priority? Seeing through others eyes I grapple with these questions myself. They challenge me to reflect on how my values and interests shape my research, sometimes in tension with the expressed needs of survivors. One example occurred in July 2010, after the Khmer Rouge tribunal issued its first conviction. The defendant was Duch, the notorious former head of a Khmer Rouge security center known as Tuol Sleng. By overwhelming evidence and his own admission, Duch was found guilty of overseeing the torture and arbitrary execution of thousands of innocent Cambodians. The judges sentenced Duch to just 19 years in prison. They reasoned that Duch had been detained illegally for years by Cambodian authorities and was entitled to a meaningful remedy which meant something shorter than a life sentence. Some human rights groups and international lawyers applauded the courts stand for the defendants rights. Many victims were outraged that an architect of mass murder could receive such a light sentence. As a scholar of international criminal law, interested in how principles of due process are developed, my first instinct was to applaud. But I also saw the depth of many survivors disappointment and anger at the sentence. It was an uncomfortable, humbling reminder that what professionals see as proper process may not answer the profound needs of survivors. The values embedded in many studies of transitional justice do not necessarily match the legitimate desires of those who have suffered the gravest injustice. Duch was later sentenced on appeal to life in prison, but his trial raised other issues related to personal reconciliation that have yet to be resolved. Survivor testimony: Who benefits and who pays the price? The clearest issue that needs resolution is victim testimony. Some survivors have found appearing at the tribunal empowering and cathartic. Others have found the experience deeply unsettling. Sitting in a large courtroom, responding to cross examination and facing the gaze of robed judges and the accused is hardly a recipe for psychological comfort. Survivors tell of deep personal losses or hardship. They tell of lost loved ones, of near starvation, and of witnessing or experiencing gruesome abuses. In some cases, they relate their stories while looking straight at their past tormentors. Watching some survivors tremble as they enter or exit the courtroom has made me reflect on who benefits from justice and who pays the price. When victims are simply accessories to the criminal process, they may experience more hurt than healing, as human rights scholar Eric Stover and others have shown. To help survivors tell their stories with greater ease, the Khmer Rouge tribunal has allowed statements of suffering, which resemble victim impact statements in U.S. criminal courts. Victims can narrate their stories without frequent interruptions for questions from judges and lawyers. Many provide gripping accounts of their personal and family experiences. In doing so, many stray from the alleged crimes of the accused into broader revelations of personal suffering. Bou Meng, 70, a Khmer Rouge survivor, in front of human bones and skulls of the Khmer Rouges victims on display at a former killing field.AP photo/Heng Sinith But as Anne Heindel and I have discussed, these raise difficult questions of how to balance the rights of the accused with victims needs. Statements of suffering can undermine fair trials if they include questionable claims that defendants cannot challenge. Yet for victims, those statements are often the best opportunity to have their voices heard and to experience catharsis. As researchers, we evaluate transitional justice mechanisms and thus can affect debates on how they are structured. We often bring useful technical knowledge and outside perspectives. But experts often measure success very differently than ordinary survivors. We have an ethical responsibility to consider carefully the diverse preferences of survivors. This means going well beyond the study of laws and institutions to embrace personal narratives and experiences in transitional justice research. Getting from sympathy to empathy entails doing more than identifying practices we regard as effective. It requires trying to understand what survivors will see as success. the purpose of our work is to rid humanity of the fear of life, one person at a time JUST ONE LOOK Just One Look is an extremely simple approach to mental suffering unlike anything else you have ever tried. It will rid you of the root cause of your dissatisfaction with life and the painful yearning for peace and fulfillment that seems never to be fully satisfied. Just One Look gives you the means to free yourself of the fear of life and use your own natural intelligence to develop supple and effective control of your mind. Just One Look Forum IMAGE Get answers from our archives. Read forum posts Getting Help IMAGE We are available to help you in your journey from fear to self-reliance. More information. Testimonials IMAGE Read, watch and listen to reports from people who have used The Just One Look Method. Lookers Tell Their Stories Video Testimonials Audio Testimonials Just One Look Newsletter IMAGE Subscribe to our email newsletter with updates about our work. Get our free newsletter Shop & Donate IMAGE Support our work with a purchase or a donation. Donate Books FURRY INK LaundroMutt owner Veronica Schabert paints a tattoo on Honey Knibbs, during the first Dogs Are People, Too event on Saturday at Carruthers Park in North Tonawanda. Oops! A Free Account... Buffalo man pleads guilty to murder of Parkedge Avenue woman Buffalo resident Clarence Simmons, 34, has pleaded guilty to a murder charge in connection with a stabbing that took place last March, in the Town of Tonawandas Riverview neighborhood. According... Western New York muralist wraps up project at Riviera Theatre Lancaster resident Tim Martin has completed the newly renovated mural on the southern wall of North Tonawandas Riviera Theatre. The mural has been in the making for over 20 years,... Ken-Ton resident named semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship Program Ken-Ton resident Kelsey Hammel, a senior at Buffalo Seminary, has been named a semifinalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. Hammel now has an opportunity to compete next spring for... Give Me Shelter silent auction scheduled Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME) will host its second Give Me Shelter online silent auction from 9 a.m. Monday, Oct. 11, to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. People are invited... A man convicted of false imprisonment has been sentenced to three years in prison with the the final two years suspended. Grellan McCarthy, with an address at Ballybeg, Littleton, Thurles, Tipperary appeared before Kilkenny Circuit Court on April 11 for an incident where he tied a mans hands with duct tape. He also held a meat cleaver to the victims cheek during the incident, headbutted and threatened to kill the man - who was a 17-year-old at the time of the attack. Mr McCarthy was charged under Section 15 of the Non Fatal Offences Against the Person Act for false imprisonment and under Section 2 of the same Act for assault. The offences occurred on September 13 in 2010 at 48 Togher Way, Urlingford. The court heard that the injured party was driving a vehicle on the date in question. Mr McCarthy, 30, was a front seat passenger in the car and both men went to a property rented by Mr McCarthy at the time. Both men and two other individuals - who did not take part in the attack - entered the property. Inside Mr McCarthy proceeded to strike the victim a number of times and once with his head. The court heard an issue arose as Mr McCarthy believed the victim had recently stolen an item from the defendant. Giving evidence, Sgt Mark Carly said Mr McCarthy tied the victims hands with duct tape and then struck the victim again. The court heard the injured party suffered a cut above his eye but did not require medical treatment. Mr McCarthy then produced items - including a cleaver for cutting meat - which he held up to the victims cheek and threatened to kill the injured party. Sgt Carly said the victim was in fear for his life. A number of minutes later Mr McCarthy removed the tape from the victims hands and gave him a towel to clean himself up which the defendants legal team said was their client having a change of heart. A statement of complaint was made by the victim on September 14 and Mr McCarthy was arrested on September 15 in relation to the offences. Sgt Carly said the defendant co-operated with the investigation and volunteered the items used in the attack. Gardai found a wooden handle of an axe and a cleaver used for cutting meat as well as a tea-towel with blood stains on it. The victim was badly shaken by the incident and was quite upset for some time after, Sgt Carly told the court. Mr McCarthy currently lives in England and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest in 2013 after he did not appear for the trial back then. He was arrested last year on foot of a European Arrest Warrant and he has been in custody since November 27 in the UK and has been in custody in Ireland since November 29. He has a child in Ireland from a previous partner. He had been living in England prior to his arrest where he had a wife and three young children. He works in construction. A legal representative for Mr McCarthy said his client at the time of the offence was drinking heavily as well as taking drugs. Mr McCarthys defence barrister said the defendants father passed away shortly before the offences in question and his fathers passing was of particular trauma. A Probation Services report found Mr McCarthy of moderate risk of re-offending and is engaging with psychological services in prison. He is working full time in prison also. The court heard Mr McCarthy genuine remorse and regrets the terror he inflicted on the teenager. A letter of apology was also handed into court to be given to the victim. Mr McCarthy's legal representative said towards the end of the offence Mr McCarthy had a change of heart and gave the victim a cloth to clean himself up. The defendant has 48 previous convictions including two for assault and one for assault causing harm. The court heard 32 of the previous convictions are for road traffic matters. Judge Patrick Meghen said among the aggravating factors in the case was the young age of the victim who was assaulted, duct taped and threatened with a cleaver. Judge Meghen said the headline sentence in the case was three years but he suspended the final two years and back dated the custodial sentence to November 27 of 2017. Mr McCarthy also had to enter into a bond to keep the peace for two years. He must also attend psychiatric services in prison and remain drug and alcohol free. The Judge said the Section 2 charge for assault was taken into consideration. Councillors should get substantially more pay, Minister of State for Local Government, John Paul Phelan, has told members of the Citys Municipal District. Speaking at the MDs monthly meeting last Friday in Kilkenny, Minister Phelan was responding to concerns from certain councillors around their remuneration for being local area representatives. Independent Cllr Breda Gardner said: Let us get paid the money thatll let us put in 40 hours a week. She added that she was looking for better wages for councillors so they can get to all the people who need their assistance. In response, Minister Phelan said the existing system doesnt adequately reflect the work they do. The Carlow/Kilkenny TD added that any increase would be controversial and said: Ill be slated on Joe Duffy for a month if councillors get a rise. The Minister admitted it should not be full time pay but should be a basic pay for a proper days work. Fianna Fail Cllr Joe Malone told the meeting that he does a serious amount of hours and added: Talk about minimum wage, thats what we are probably on when you think about it. We are expected to be at everything. You dont turn up at a funeral, you do turn up. We are expected to here, there and everywhere. Minister Phelan added: Being a councillor was never intended originally to be a full time job and it shouldnt be. Politics will take up as much of your life as you are willing to give it. I do think councillors should get substantially more pay. In November of last year, Minister Phelan told a Seanad debate that regulations to introduce new measures to support councillors in all local authorities had been signed off. These new measures included a new allowance for elected members of all local authorities worth 1,000 per annum. The provisions were backdated to July 1 of 2017. There is also an optional vouched annual expenses allowance worth up to 5,000 per annum that councillors may opt for in place of an existing unvouched fixed rate annual allowance of approximately 2,500. When asked what remuneration councillors receive, a spokesperson for the Department of Housing and Local Government said: The current amount of the Representational Payment is 16,891 [*this does not include the new allowance for members of Municipal Districts and Area Committees worth 1,000 per annum] The representational payment was introduced in January 2002. Since that time it has been linked to the basic salary of a Senator. In line with adjustments made to a Senators salary, the representational payment was increased on 1 January 2018 by 246 to 16,891 per annum. In addition councillors receive expenses allowances designed to defray in a structured way reasonable expenses incurred by them in attending council meetings, conferences, training events, etc. The amount that each councillor receives varies depending upon individual circumstances (distances travelled, number of meetings/events attended etc). The 1,000 allowance reflects additional work carried out by elected members following the local government reforms of 2014. The allowance is taxable in the normal way. The Herald reports: Judges are being protected at their family homes by police as angry dads protest outside with placards and megaphones. A group of fathers, many of whom are disgruntled at losing custody or visitation rights to their children, are gathering outside the homes of Family Court judges in Auckland, say multiple Herald sources. It is understood the protests, which have largely taken place during weekends over the past few weeks, against about three judges have so far been peaceful with no reports of trespassing or property damage. However, Minister of Justice and Courts Andrew Little called the protests very disturbing and said there was no excuse for people taking their case to the front door of a judge. I would not be persuaded or convinced by anybody who thought it was okay to target judges and their families in this sort of way, he told the Herald. The reason for that sort of protest is to create some level of intimidation and that is entirely unacceptable. By Frank Ching In his epic speech at the Communist Party congress last October, Xi Jinping, party leader and state president, announced the initiation of "a new stage in strengthening and revitalizing the armed forces." By 2035, he promised, "the modernization of our national defense and our forces is basically completed" and "by the mid-21st century our people's armed forces have been fully transformed into world-class forces." Last week, China displayed the impressive progress it has made modernizing its naval forces in military exercises in the South China Sea off Hainan that it called a "sea parade" presided over by Xi himself. More than 10,000 naval personnel took part in the display of power, which featured 76 fighter jets as well as 48 surface ships and submarines, including China's first aircraft carrier. One indication of the rapidity of China's progress is the disclosure by the state media that, of the 48 vessels involved, more than half were commissioned after Xi assumed power in 2012. And the pace is not going to slacken. Wang Xiaoxuan, a Beijing-based military expert, wrote in the China Daily that "the problem of a relatively small aggregate tonnage of naval vessels must be resolved, in order to increase the navy's capability to confront naval hegemonies in the world." "To be a world-class navy, the Chinese navy should catch up with the world's most advanced navies," Wang said. Another commentator, defense industry analyst Wu Peixin, was quoted as saying that the Chinese navy had been rapidly catching up with the U.S. navy in terms of its technological and operational capabilities. "Ten years ago," he said, "it would appear fantastic if someone told you that we would soon begin commissioning a domestically built carrier and several of the world's mightiest destroyers." Xi was very much involved, giving the order for the drills to start and watching the activities from the Changsha, a guided missile destroyer. The "sea parade" was the biggest naval exercise in Chinese history. Such exercises are not simply meant to keep soldiers on their toes. Their purpose is to hone China's military skills while projecting an image of power. One goal is to strike fear into the hearts of potential adversaries. The sudden announcement April 12 of live-fire drills six days later in the Taiwan Strait was an undisguised attempt to intimidate the government and people of the island. In 2005, Beijing passed the Anti-Secession Law, granting itself the right to use force to "reunite" Taiwan with mainland China. Over a decade later, with China's economic and military rise, there are increasingly loud voices in Beijing calling for action sooner rather than later. The primary deterrent is the possibility of military intervention by the United States. Last month, the U.S. Congress enacted the Taiwan Travel Act, which was signed by President Donald Trump. The legislation, in a departure from previous policy, encourages travel between the U.S. and Taiwan by officials at all levels. Previously, Washington did not allow top Taiwan officials to visit and barred its own top officials from traveling to the island. Early this month, it was disclosed that the U.S. had agreed to allow American defense contractors to help Taiwan build submarines. These two developments indicate strong American support for Taiwan. In the current environment it is highly unlikely that America will accept a Chinese military takeover of Taiwan. However, Xi has talked openly about the need for reunification, saying that true national rejuvenation must include Taiwan's return to the fold. Clearly, he envisages a time when the U.S. will be unable to oppose a forcible takeover of Taiwan. China insists that its armed forces will only be used for defensive purposes but, since China claims Taiwan as its territory, it will justify an attack as defending Chinese sovereignty. Where the South China Sea is concerned, China is warning America that freedom-of-navigation operations are counterproductive. The People's Daily said in a January commentary that "if the U.S. keeps stirring up trouble and creating tension in the South China Sea, China will be forced to come to the conclusion that it is indeed necessary to strengthen and speed up the building of its capabilities in the South China Sea so as to safeguard regional peace and stability." Actually, such a buildup started years ago. China is attempting to create a belief both among its own citizens and abroad that its transformation into a first-class military force is inexorable and its advance toward goals it has set in the South China Sea and the East China Sea is unstoppable. Frank Ching (Frank.ching@gmail.com) is a Hong Kong-based journalist. Follow him on Twitter: @FrankChing1. Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 3.67 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-16-2018 06:26 PM Post: #1 HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Advertisement Luvapottamus Registered User User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 06:46 PM Posts: 32,039 Post: #2 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...ology.html Nothing I write is unlicensed medical or legal advice. Do your own research, and challenge me if something I write seems wrong. That makes the discussion better. Seek licensed professionals for professional advice. Be choosy. Vet them too. Ask them questions when they seem full of sh*t. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 06:51 PM Post: #3 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING LoP Guest Wrote: (04-16-2018 06:49 PM) Luvapottamus Wrote: (04-16-2018 06:46 PM) https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/...ology.html Ill be buying cars made in the 90's from now on. Dont want no hibbygeebee controlling my car from Tel Aviv! Staying out of Elevators too! Staying out of Elevators too! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 06:52 PM Post: #4 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Senior U.S. and British officials on Monday blamed the Russian government for coordinated cyberattacks against Internet infrastructure worldwide in an effort to conduct espionage and intellectual property theft. Officials said that Russian hackers have been conducting a months-long cyber campaign against network devices used by government organizations, private industry and critical infrastructure operators. The hackers have tried to breach routers, switches and firewalls in an effort to breach organizations across the globe, officials said. http://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/...et-devices But the Russians!Senior U.S. and British officials on Monday blamed the Russian government for coordinated cyberattacks against Internet infrastructure worldwide in an effort to conduct espionage and intellectual property theft.Officials said that Russian hackers have been conducting a months-long cyber campaign against network devices used by government organizations, private industry and critical infrastructure operators. The hackers have tried to breach routers, switches and firewalls in an effort to breach organizations across the globe, officials said. Luvapottamus Registered User User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 06:57 PM Posts: 32,039 Post: #5 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=14241806 Apples have the same CPU's and often the same northbridge. AMD may have something like this as well, I just assume everything does now. Apples have the same CPU's and often the same northbridge.AMD may have something like this as well, I just assume everything does now. Nothing I write is unlicensed medical or legal advice. Do your own research, and challenge me if something I write seems wrong. That makes the discussion better. Seek licensed professionals for professional advice. Be choosy. Vet them too. Ask them questions when they seem full of sh*t. 1110.00 Manifest Alchemy User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 07:00 PM Posts: 13,447 Post: #6 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Must pull some book, eh? "The Precipitant has a smaller place in reality, thus it is mortal." https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8uMCQrAxylM https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0619bdpOolA (This post was last modified: 04-16-2018 07:00 PM by 1110.00 .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 07:28 PM Post: #7 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Maybe this is where all the leaks in the White House are being generated from! LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 07:51 PM Post: #8 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING AMD pre bulldozer CPUs don't have this. So I'm keeping my old AMD. Larrry de Seattle Up for coffee? User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 08:48 PM Posts: 1,038 Post: #9 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Hillary uses this technology. Luvapottamus Registered User User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 09:36 PM Posts: 32,039 Post: #10 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING LoP Guest Wrote: (04-16-2018 07:51 PM) AMD pre bulldozer CPUs don't have this. So I'm keeping my old AMD. BULLDOZER: Technology that creates a hidden wireless bridge allowing NSA personnel to remotely control a system wirelessly.[15][19] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NSA_ANT_catalog BULLDOZER: Technology that creates a hidden wireless bridge allowing NSA personnel to remotely control a system wirelessly.[15][19] Nothing I write is unlicensed medical or legal advice. Do your own research, and challenge me if something I write seems wrong. That makes the discussion better. Seek licensed professionals for professional advice. Be choosy. Vet them too. Ask them questions when they seem full of sh*t. conspiracyparty Registered User User ID: 1337 04-16-2018 09:39 PM Posts: 1,025 Post: #11 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING there is a book written by an Israeli who interviewed Mossad people and stuff. "The command-and-control systems, the war rooms, the methods of information gathering and the technology of the pilotless aircraft, or drones, that now serve the Americans and their allies were all in large part developed in Israel, Bergman writes. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-17-2018 07:07 AM Post: #12 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Flounder lop guest User ID: 1337 04-17-2018 07:22 AM Post: #13 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING conspiracyparty Wrote: (04-16-2018 09:39 PM) there is a book written by an Israeli who interviewed Mossad people and stuff. "The command-and-control systems, the war rooms, the methods of information gathering and the technology of the pilotless aircraft, or drones, that now serve the Americans and their allies were all in large part developed in Israel, Bergman writes. If so, it would have been possible that israel controlled the drone we lost to Iran. Might israel have done this just to further demonize Iran? By way of deception thatll shall do war. If so, it would have been possible that israel controlled the drone we lost to Iran. Might israel have done this just to further demonize Iran?By way of deception thatll shall do war. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-17-2018 07:30 AM Post: #14 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING Flounder Wrote: (04-17-2018 07:22 AM) conspiracyparty Wrote: (04-16-2018 09:39 PM) there is a book written by an Israeli who interviewed Mossad people and stuff. "The command-and-control systems, the war rooms, the methods of information gathering and the technology of the pilotless aircraft, or drones, that now serve the Americans and their allies were all in large part developed in Israel, Bergman writes. If so, it would have been possible that israel controlled the drone we lost to Iran. Might israel have done this just to further demonize Iran? By way of deception thatll shall do war. Israel has stolen all of its Technology using these back doors. Einstein first worked at the U.S. Patent Office, where he stole many patents and attached his name to them or traded them off for power and position. Any very important patents submitter's where suicided or sent off to war! Around Jews You Lose! Israel has stolen all of its Technology using these back doors. Einstein first worked at the U.S. Patent Office, where he stole many patents and attached his name to them or traded them off for power and position. Any very important patents submitter's where suicided or sent off to war!Around JewsYou Lose! 270110nli lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 02:36 AM Post: #15 RE: HOW ISRAEL HARDWARE BACKDOORED - EVERYTHING LoP Guest Wrote: (04-17-2018 07:30 AM) Flounder Wrote: (04-17-2018 07:22 AM) If so, it would have been possible that israel controlled the drone we lost to Iran. Might israel have done this just to further demonize Iran? By way of deception thatll shall do war. Israel has stolen all of its Technology using these back doors. Einstein first worked at the U.S. Patent Office, where he stole many patents and attached his name to them or traded them off for power and position. Any very important patents submitter's where suicided or sent off to war! Around Jews You Lose! Advertisement Lunaticoutpost.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program , anaffiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.Amazon, the Amazon logo, MYHABIT, and the MYHABIT logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.Don't be a pest to the forum.No profanity in thread-titles or usernamesNo excessive profanity in postsNo Racism, Antisemitism + HateNo calls for violence against anyone..This website exists for fun and discussion only. The reader is responsible for discerning the validity, factuality or implications of information posted here, be it fictional or based on real events. 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The navy conveyed message to China in a very subtle way. The Indian Navy has tweeted the photographs of Chinese warships patrolling in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) at the time when the Indian Air Force is conducting the latest leg of its war-time exercise Gagan-Shakti 2018 with Sukhoi-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets equipped with anti-ship ammunition flying over the region. In the first tweet, The Indian Navy said, #MaritimeDomainAwareness @indiannavy extends a warm welcome to the 29th Anti-Piracy Escort Force (APEF) of PLA(N) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Happy Hunting. Just after half an hour later, the navy posted a map of IOR sating that the navys 50 combat-ready Indian warships were carrying out constant vigil on the area. #MissionBasedDeployments From Persian Gulf to Malacca Straits & from Northern Bay of Bengal to Southern Indian Ocean to East coast of Africa @indiannavy with 50 ships on vigil 24X7 keep our Area of Responsibility (AOR) safe. @indiannavy Anytime, Anywhere Everytime @nsitharaman pic.twitter.com/rxmBAed5Sa SpokespersonNavy (@indiannavy) April 17, 2018 The 29th fleet from People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) left east China's port city Zhoushan for the Gulf of Aden to escort civilian ships by carry out anti-piracy vigils off the Somali Coast. According to People's Liberation Army (PLA), the fleet consists of 700 officers and soldiers, dozens of special operation soldiers, and two helicopters on board. The Indian Navy for the first time taken to twitter to convey its message to China. The navy is keeping a close eye on the activities of Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean Region. In October 2017, The Naval Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba gave his approval for the deployment of mission-ready warships and aircrafts in the IOR to effectively counter Chinas aggression. Chinas presence in the region increased after the Doklam Stand-off. During Maldives crisis in February, Chinese warships were seeing patrolling in the region. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 17, 2018 10:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Stockholm, April 18: The Nordic countries supported Indias bid for permanent seat in United Nations Security Council (UNSC) during the first Indo-Nordic Summit held at Swedens capital city, Stockholm. A joint statement issued after the summit stated, India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed United Nations Security Council. The statement issued on Tuesday said, The Nordic countries (Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Finland) agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members. The Nordic countries and India reiterated the need for the UNSCs reform. India along with the Nordic countries wants an expansion of both permanent and non-permanent seats for making more representative, accountable and effective to counter the issues of 21st century. The Statement said, The Nordic countries welcomed Indias application for membership to the Nuclear Suppliers Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity. India and the Scandinavian nations discussed various issues at the summit. The northern European states vowed to deepen cooperation with India on issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change at the Summit. The Summit was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Summit emphasised Indias strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Startup India, Digital India and Clean India, said the statement. The Prime Ministers of all the nations who attended the Summit acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism were the major challenges for the international community. The leaders discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law. India considered Nordic countries as a potential source for clean technology. India also credited Scandinavian Nations for initiating environmental solutions, port modernisation, cold chain, skill development, innovation among other areas. According to figures provided by the external affairs ministry, Indias trade with the Nordic countries totalled around $5.3 billion in 2016-17, with cumulative foreign direct investment in India at $2.5 billion. Apart from this Summit PM Modi also had discussions with Sweden's Prime Minister Stefan Lofven. Both the countries agreed to work on a deal for strengthening their relations in terms of defence co-operation. This would probably open gates for Saab to secure $15 billion deal to supply 110 fighter jets to the Indian Air Force (IAF). After the Summit PM Modi embarked on his visit to United Kingdom (UK) to attend Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in London. The Prime Minister will have both bilateral and multilateral meetings with the heads of various nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his UK counterpart Theresa May today. Both the leaders discussed way to strengthen ties between India and UK. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 18, 2018 08:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Apr 17, 2018, 6:48pm ET China to drop foreign ownership restrictions for car factories American automakers are currently forced to form 50:50 joint ventures with local Chinese firms. China is apparently planning to eliminate foreign ownership restrictions for automobile factories. To build cars in the world's largest automotive market -- and avoid steep import tariffs -- foreign automakers are currently forced to create 50:50 joint ventures with Chinese companies. The big three US automakers long ago capitulated to the joint-ownership scheme. Tesla has held out and pressured the Chinese government to remove the foreign ownership cap or drop its 25-percent import tariffs for foreign cars. To be clear, I think a fair outcome for all is quite likely. China has already shown a willingness to open their markets and I believe they will do the right thing. Elon Musk (@elonmusk) March 9, 2018 Tesla will be among the first companies to potentially benefit from the relaxed regulations, as the foreign ownership caps will be lifted this year for companies making EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles, according to Reuters. Other automakers will have to wait until 2022. A few automakers have issued carefully worded statements, welcoming the changes but without indicating any change to their existing joint venture relationships. "We believe a more free and flexible business environment will benefit both Chinese and foreign companies in China and the Chinese economy," BMW said. "BMW will continue pursuing mutual benefit and win-win solutions with the local partners." Lexus shows 2019 ES ahead of Beijing debut Apr 18, 2018, 9:29am ET The 2019 Lexus ES will be based on the new Toyota Avalon. Lexus has released the first official images of its next-generation ES sedan. The 2019 Lexus ES will make its world debut at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show. The 2019 ES makes a bold design departure from the comparatively sedate ES currently sitting in Lexus showrooms. The new ES wears and expressive version of Lexus' signature spindle grills and its bodywork is far more flowing than today's model. The 2019 Lexus ES will be largely based on the 2019 Toyota Avalon. Like the Avalon, the ES will ride on Toyota's new front-wheel drive TNGA platform. The 2019 ES will be produced alongside the Avalon in Georgetown, Kentucky. Specs have not been announced, but the standard ES should come equipped with a 3.5L V6 making around 300 horsepower. A new eight-speed automatic will shift power to the car's front wheels. A hybrid model is also expected and is likely to use a 2.5L four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor. Despite a 12 percent dip in sales last year, Lexus still managed to deliver more than 58,000 units of the ES in 2017. Sales of the ES are still falling, but Lexus is hoping the ES's redesign will reverse that trend. Look for the 2019 ES to arrive in dealer showrooms by the end of the year. Apr 18, 2018, 4:10pm ET Toyota shuns Android Auto to 'protect customers privacy' The automaker has finally warmed to Apple CarPlay and is among the first to adopt Amazon Alexa, but with no plans to support Google\'s platform. Toyota has apparently shed a bit of light on its refusal to add Android Auto support. The Japanese automaker was among the last to begin rolling out third-party smartphone integration, but only for Apple CarPlay. Previous reports suggest Google has been given the cold shoulder due to its broader data gathering, extending to the vehicle's speed and engine rpm. "We're a conservative company and we wanted to make sure everything was okay," explained Toyota's Avalon program manager, Mark DeJongh, at a recent first-drive event attended by Motor1. "We wanted to protect our customers' privacy. We strongly believe in our stance and in what we're doing." More recent speculation hints at Toyota's relationship with Amazon as another contributing factor. The all-new Rav4 and Corolla will be among the first cars with Amazon Alexa support, while Toyota is also working with the retailer to explore next-generation modular delivery vehicles. Google in 2015 denied allegations of data overreach, arguing in a statement to Gizmodo that users opt-in to share information that merely provides "more accurate navigation" through the car's GPS. St Joseph's Accordion Band in Portlaoise is celebrating 60 years in existance, by launching a new book filled with photos and memories. The band, a familiar and beloved sight at Laois parades, matches and Portlaoise religious events, is asking for sponsors to help them keep the cost of their new book within reach of everybody. Peter Smith is a member for 58 of those years, and Bandmaster for the past 25. The cost of the book will be 12, we kept it low so that people can afford it. We are asking all businesses if they would kindly donate a sum towards its publication, from 1 to 100, he said. The book is being printed locally, and will be a handsome hardback packed with photographs. Sponsors names will be listed inside it. There is almost 61 years of history and chat in it, we got in some fantastic pictures. like one in Henderson's Hotel with us all in our suits. I hope it brings back memories to everyone associated with the band, Peter said. Over the years, the band represented Laois abroad at the New York St Patrick's Day parade, as well as places like Luton, Manchester, Nashville and even in Graceland. The book includes photographs of many members who since passed on, and photos of when they had majorettes marching with them. St Joseph's Accordion Band is looking to the future. We have a facebook page with regular updates. We are recruiting new members, including four good tin whistle players, and flag girls to march carrying our new flags. My son Owen is our new Staffman and we welcome new drummers, accordion players and trad musicians, Peter said. The band is holding an Open Day on Sunday May 13 at 2pm in their Band Room, located on the lane behind Bosco's Gala shop on the Mountrath road, Portlaoise. To find out more, call Peter Smith on 085 7167788. Portlaoise hospital took in nearly 320,000 in car parking fees while its sister hospitals in Tullamore and Naas earned a combined 500,000 for such fees last year. Excluding St James', car parking income accrued to hospitals in the HSE's Dublin Midland hospital Group in 2017 was 2.25 million according to figures revealed this week. Tallaght Hospital took in the biggest chunk - 1.3 million while the Coombe earned nearly 140,000. Cllr Charlie O'Connor was given the details at the Dublin Mid-Leinster Regional Health Forum by the DMHG hospital chief. He o ask if the HSE has views on the current well publicised campaign regarding hospital car parking charges and if there are any proposals to respond to the matter and in responding could it report on the matter in respect of each of the hospitals in the region. In reply he was informed that at Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise car park receipts for 2017 were 317,430. In 2016 the were 322,017. The HSE said the receipts form part of the hospitals budget and as such, help to support the hospital services. There is a maximum daily charge of 3 per day for use of the car park with the first 30 minutes free of charge. The hospital provides a 5 day pass at a reduced rate to assist patients / visitors who are using the car park on a daily basis. The Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore generated 400,302 in revenue from the car park in 2016 and 375,762 in 2017. The costs involved in parking at Midland Regional Hospital are as follows: 1 up to three hours, 4 three to six hours 5 full day (over twelve hours). Oncology patients are charged 1 regardless of length of stay. Renal patients have designated parking area at no cost. The HSE said income generated from car park is an important stream of funding to ensure continued provision of services at MRHT. Net Annual income earned at Tallaght University Hospital was 1.3m (2017), 1.2m (2016). "Revenue is used to support critical front line services at the Hospital in the context of replacing equipment and enhancing ward, OPD and theatre area," say the HSE. Tallaght University Hospital provides car parking facilities for use by patients and visitors in its multi-storey car park (500 car spaces). The car park service is operated by Park Rite on behalf of the Hospital. A monthly fee is charged for this service. The HSE say the hospital has introduced a number of progressive steps which are outlined in the price list below which allows for multiple entries and exits in one day to the car park. It is stated that the hospital offers a flexible day pass which permits multiple entries and exits in one day for 12.50. There is also a ticket available for six entries and exits within a three-month period for 25. Both of these options, along with a maximum cost of 10 for a 24 hour are geared towards patients and their families who are frequently visiting the hospital for treatment or those who stay for long periods at a time. Additionally, there are 10 free surface disabled use car parking spaces near the front of the hospital for use by the public. Tallaght University Hospital parking charges are in line with those of other large teaching hospitals in Dublin. Charges: 20mins FREE, 20mins - 1 hour 2.50, 1 - 2 hours 5.00, 2 3 hours 7.50, 3 4 hours 10.00, 4 24 hours 10.00. A day pass is 12.50. Six visits cost 25.00 At Naas General Hospital the income earned in 2016 137,043. This decreased in 2017 to 124,218. The charge at the Kildare hospital is 1.20 per hour (up to 4 hours). 6 per day "The revenue is considered as part of the overall budgetary position of the Hospital," says the HSE. Coombe Women & Infant University Hospital generated 144,000 in 2016 and 139,641 last year. "The revenue is used to fund research projects, equipment replacement and refurbishments projects in the hospital," said the HSE. Its standard rates are 2.50 for up to 4 hours parking. No charge for cars exiting within 15 minutes of entry. Each additional hour (or part of) 5. Maximum charge for a 24 hour period 26 (This is to deter people who are not patients/visitors using car park as a long stay facility). Exceptions to rates: Free parking is provided to parents whose baby is in NICU by way of concession ticket stamp. Special day rate of 7.50 euro for patients admitted to Delivery Suite/Assessment Unit providing car has been parked for in excess of 5 hours. Emergency admissions from Perinatal Centre and Outpatient Department for overnight care qualify for the 7.50 day rate for one day only to allow family to bring car home if admission exceeds this period. To avail of this rate, patient/family will require a concession voucher which the Ward Manager on duty will arrange. Long stay patients ( in excess of 5 days) may apply for special car parking concession for partner or next of kin. Discretionary car parking concession may be given in the case of bereavement or serious illness. St Lukes Radiation Oncology Network does not charge parking fees. A campaign by the recently deceased Cllr Jerry Lodge to return a Crimean war cannon to Portlaoise, is to continue in honour of his memory. Laois County Council management has vowed to make every effort to replace the 'Russian gun' at the front of Portlaoise Garda Station. The cannon, placed in Portlaoise in the 1850's in a failed effort to encourage locals to join the British army, now stands in the Curragh army barracks. Read full story about it here. Portlaoise councillor Jerry Lodge, who passed away in early April, was "bombarding" council management and the Department of Defence to have it returned, said Director of Services Kieran Kehoe. "There is a perfect spot for it on the left of the Garda headquarters. I have been in touch with the Brigadier Colonel, and I guarantee we will make every effort to get it back. "It was a personal passion for Jerry, he was bombarding the Department of Defence and us to get it back," he said. He was speaking at the April meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District, which was adjourned today April 18 for one week in respect of the Fianna Fail councillor, who served as a public representative since his election to Portlaoise town commission in 1967. Fianna Fail Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald was first to pay tribute to Jerry and offer condolences to his family, followed by all Portlaoise councillors. "Little did we think at the last municipal district meeting that two weeks later he would be gone. There is an empty chair beside us. It is very lonesome to be here and missing Jerry," she said. For full report see next Tuesday's Leinster Express. A Monasterevin business is competing in Croke Park for the All Star Awards tomorrow Thursday 19 April. Angelina Foster of Angelinas Art Ventures, from Monasterevin is competing in the Irish Language category and has been accredited Design Leader As Gaeilge. Angelina uses Gaeilge in her designs, marketing, social media and product descriptions. Angelinas Art Ventures offers a memorable piece of fun Irish heritage art on affordable luxury products. She describes her passion as delivering unique products which make the Irish heritage story interesting and colourful, taking you on a journey of discovery into Irish heritage and culture. She creates colour popping designs As Gaeilge on t-shirts and umbrellas from her drawings and calligraphy, and uses her own photography taken on many walks around Kildare and Ireland to make heritage bags and coasters. Many of the pictures were taken in Kildare and promote the inner beauty of the midlands. Her work explores connections in heritage, nature, and the power of language. She has chosen to connect with Europe through Gaeilge by developing multilingual designs, these are great for people who want to bring their native tongue abroad. "I am a huge fan of SuperDry and would love to bring Gaeilge to an international market as SuperDry have done with Japanese," she said. "I started to learn Irish again after taking part in the 1916 exhibition Little Stories Little Prints with the Leinster Printmaking Studio in Clane." She has had huge support from LPS and the voluntary organisation Cill Dara le Gaeilge. She is also one of the artists working on the Illuminating Heritage Project, to promote the medieval history of Athy. Her products are available locally and she says her business is focused on progress, creating employment and supporting local Irish providers of service where possible. Angelina is a member of the Leinster Print Studio and Network Kildare. Her website is www.AngelinasArtVentures.com An Bord Pleanala has granted planning permission to Ardstone Homes for 450 new residential units near the Wonderful Barn in Leixlip. The permission, involving 350 houses and 100 apartments, will have childcare facility, a new roundabout on the Celbridge Road (R404) and new access to the Wonderful Barn which is a protected structure. The Strategic Housing Application (SHA) was due to be decided by April 26 but a decision was made by the board on April 13. The houses will be near Rinawade, Castletown and Elton Court. Ardstones Homes Managing Director, Stephen Cassidy says that working hand-in-hand with Kildare County Council they have achieved a positive example of fast track planning bringing great results to a community. We greatly welcome this new legislation which has given us the opportunity to rapidly deliver 450 new homes, each of which has been designed with a huge amount of attention to detail. We have collaborated with planners to create a vibrant and live-able community that at the end of the day our buyers can call home. Many of our customers are first-time buyers we take pride in building a personal relationship to understand their needs. We are also keen to open up the amazing amenity of the Wonderful Barn and surrounding lands to the community," he said. All Ardstone homes are A rated in additional to the environmental benefits, this significantly reduces the running costs for heating and powering a home for the new owners. Ardstone is building 2,500 new homes nationwide in the next 3 years, and has 5 active developments in Dublin, Kildare and Wicklow including 350 soon-to-be-launched new homes in Rathfarnham. An Athy man was sentenced to 22 months in prison after he pleaded guilty to a number of charges, including theft, assault, public order matters and one under the Sexual Assault Act. William Connors, 36, with an address listed as 11 Moat View, Athy, is on the sex offenders register and failed to inform the Gardai of a change of address. He was also charged with the theft of a concrete mixer and a whacker plate from Ray Kelly Construction at Russeltown, Athy on a date unknown between September 6 and 7 last. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of a piece of copper, worth 1,500 from S&Cs, Kilmead, Athy on September 14, 2017. But the main charges he faced at Naas District Court last Thursday, April 12, related to a row he had with a sister-in-law of his and her sister on April 7, 2017, at an address at Ballytore, where he produced a slash hook and a machete. One of the women received an injury as a result of the altercation. The court heard that he told the injured woman that he would burn her and her children in their sleep. Aisling Murphy, representing the defendant, told Judge Desmond Zaidan that her client is a chronic heroin addict and had been since he was 18 years old. She said that he was remorseful and that all of his 21 previous convictions stem from his previous convictions and that he made no gain from the theft. Judge Zaidan sentenced the defendant to two consecutive 11-month sentences. In what could prove to be a vital step forward in all that we know about the exploits of Kildare-born explorer Ernest Shackleton, scientists have announced they are set to search for his lost ship, the Endurance. The ship sank in November 1915, when it was trapped in ice, marking the start of the adventure for which he is best known, which was the lengthy rescue plan which saw him and a number of other men travel huge distances on foot to get help for the entire crew of the ship. Despite all of the travails faced, Shackleton and his crew of 27, including the famous Tom Crean, all survived. No trace of the ship has ever been found and at least three attempts to find it have failed. It was last seen in the Weddell Sea, which is just off Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. When it sank, Shackleton and his crew were forced to a flee in lifeboats before setting up camp on Elephant Island which is part of Antarctica. Having repurposed one of the surviving lifeboats, Shackleton and some of the crew travelled through the Southern Ocean to another inhospitable island, South Georgia where there was a whaling station from where a successful rescue mission was launched. READ ALSO: Lotto funding for Shackleton's cabin, which is coming to Athy in 2018 A team of British scientists, led by a Cambridge professor Julian Dowdeswell, will embark on a 45-day Antarctic expedition later this year, and they expect to reach the site where the Endurance lies in early 2019. The finding of the Endurance is not the principal mission of the trip as the scientists are embarking on their journey in order to study the Larsen C ice shelf. However, they have decided to incorporate an attempt to recover the lost ship into their expedition due to its nearby proximity. They will use the same underwater vehicles that they intend using to study the ice shelf to try and find traces of the Endurance. It has previously been theorised that the ship may be in a good state of preservation, due to environmental conditions in the area. The Weddell Sea Expedition, as the venture is formally known, will incorporate several international experts and is funded by a Dutch charitable foundation. Ernest Shackleton was born in February 1874 in Kilkee near Athy and died at the age of 48, on January 5 1922, following several heart attacks. He passed away moments after his doctor advised him to quit drinking. His father was Henry Shackleton, and his mother was Henrietta Letitia Sophia Gavan. While his fathers family were Anglo-Irish, hailing originally from Yorkshire, his mothers family was Irish, from Cork and Kerry. Ernest was the second of 10 children and the first of two sons; the second, Frank, achieved notoriety as a suspect, later exonerated, in the 1907 theft of the Irish Crown Jewels. Explorer Ernest Shackleton was born near Kilkea in south Kildare In 1880, when Ernest was six, Henry Shackleton gave up his life as a landowner to study medicine at Trinity College, Dublin, moving his family into the city. Four years later, the family moved again, from Ireland to Sydenham in suburban London to allow his father to find a job as a newly qualified doctor. He did not live in Ireland after that time. Shackleton is considered to be one of the best known figures of the period known as the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration and one of several statues of him is located in Emly Square, Athy since 2016. LifeStyle The best Lifestyle shows are right here, from Australia and around the world. Catch up with the experts on home design and interiors, food and cooking, the property market, and get fresh ideas with the savviest of renovators. Whether you need inspiration for cooking up a storm, to refresh a tired room, or tips to sell your property, Foxtel Lifestyle will always something new for you to watch. Enjoy your favourite experts like Andrew Winter and Neale Whitaker, or Shaynna Blaze and Jamie Oliver live or On Demand. AN 85-year-old grandmother was left on a trolley at University Hospital Limericks state-of-the-art emergency department for four days, it has been reported. Anastasia Coonan was last Friday taken to UHL with a suspected stroke. However according to family, who took to social media to hit out at the conditions in Dooradoyle, the pensioner was left in the packed corridor of the emergency department for days. On April 13, there were 231 presentations to the emergency department, 67 of those were aged over 75. In a tweet to Minister Simon Harris on April 15, granddaughter Katie Sheehan said with a picture of her holding Anastasias hand in the hospital: My 85 year old grandmother after a stroke!!!! Day 3 on a trolley parked in front of a isolation room in A&E, that in itself is a massive risk for a woman of her age! Mr Harris! why is this problem still a massive issue! Even after the opening of the new and A&E?? @SimonHarrisTD my 85 year old grandmother after a stroke!!!! Day 3 on a trolley parked in front of a isolation room in A&E, that in itself is a massive risk for a woman of her age! Mr Harris! why is this problem still a massive issue! Even after the opening of the new and A&E?? pic.twitter.com/Q0Eg00Q5A4 katie sheehan (@katieboosheehan) April 15, 2018 According to a report in the Irish Sun this Wednesday morning, within three hours of the tweet, Katies grandmother had received a bed. In an interview with the newspaper, Katie said: She was complaining with pains in her head because she hadnt slept for four days. She didnt have privacy to get changed into her pyjamas. In a statement to the newspaper, UL Hospitals Group stated: UL Hospitals Group cannot comment on individual cases for reasons of patient confidentiality. We regret that elderly patients or indeed any of our patients - have to face long waits in our ED during busy periods and any distress or inconvenience this causes to patients and their loved ones. Overcrowding is a whole-hospital issue and not an issue strictly for the ED. A multi-faceted approach is required to tackle overcrowding, encompassing additional bed capacity, improved patient flow, the development of integrated care programmes with community services all of which are being addressed by the Group and other measures. A BID by a residents group to appeal a decision to give Irish Cement planning permission to burn waste has raised more than 1,000 in under 24 hours. There was dismay among residents as An Bord Pleanala upheld City and County Councils decision to grant Irish Cement planning permission to replace fossil fuels with used tyres and solid recovered waste at its plant in Mungret. Now, Limerick Against Pollution, the group set up in opposition to the 10m plans will attempt to exercise their avenue of appeal, bidding to raise 75,000 to bring the matter to a Judicial Review in the High Court. We need to raise alot of money to take the campaign against Irish Cements pla... https://t.co/fivPxgDTsg LAP (@LAP_Limerick) April 15, 2018 The grant of permission comes after the national appeals body held a three-day oral hearing into the plans, which have seen opposition from JP McManus and Paul OConnell. Local councillor James Collins said: The remark which stayed with me at the end of the oral hearing from council planners is if they knew when granting permission what they knew from the end of the oral hearing, the outcome might have been different. This was the council themselves querying how the information they have had has been analysed and processed. While residents are opposed to Irish Cements plans, the company has long insisted that its reforms will not lead to an increase in emissions into the air. In a statement, the firm said the plans are essential to ensure the long-term viability of the Mungret factory, which is currently the only cement factory in Ireland not using alternative fuels, and one of the last in Europe not to be availing of these. Sixty construction jobs will be created, while the futures of the 80 staff working on site will be protected, the firm has previously said. The focus now switches to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which will decide whether or not to award Irish Cement an operating licence, with a decision expected on this by the end of May. One of the reasons given by An Bord Pleanala for granting permission was Irish Cements history of environmental compliance in Mungret. Gardai in Askeaton have launched an investigation after an elderly woman transferred monies from her credit card after she fell victim to a phone-based scam. The woman, who is aged in her 70s, received a phone call from a male who claimed to be from her bank. According to gardai, the caller informed the woman that there had been unauthorised transactions on her credit card account but that he had cancelled her cards and would help her to get her money back. The lady was then given instructions to travel to Limerick city centre and on how to transfer cash to a particular account, she did this, said Sergeant Ber Leetch. After the transfer went through, the man rang her back and instructed her to destroy all receipts for security purposes. The advice is be very suspicious of phone calls that come out of the blue claiming to be from any financial institution. There is nothing stopping you from hanging up on the caller and phoning your bank directly yourself. This at least means that you are definitely speaking to your bank, said Sgt Leetch. Even your bank wont ask for all of your details or passwords and they will never ask you to transfer cash via a post office or any other form of cash transfer, she added. Gardai are warning that elderly people are being targeted and they are appealing to people to presume such calls are a scam unless they are satisfied otherwise. ONE of the most senior executives at NBC Universal has said the network is keen to return to Limerick for future projects after Nightflyers. Brian OLeary, the senior vice-president in tax counsel at the channel, which has taken over Troy studios to produce the show, also heaped praise on the staff in the city who have helped make the show a reality. Speaking to The Leader after Taoiseach Leo Varadkar paid a visit to the studio, Mr OLeary said: We have been delighted with the resource we have found. We really believe there is an enormous opportunity for Ireland and this region to build upon what the city of Limerick and the Irish government has done to put this in place. We are keenly interested in coming back here, and we will continue to talk to the government about this. Training is key to consolidate our foothold in the region, with support from @screentraining & @LimClareETB, Troy is making a concerted effort to train and up skill for #film making. Yesterday An Taoiseach @campaignforleo was on set to meet and speak with local trainees. pic.twitter.com/G2v8lyQO5X Troy Studios (@troy_studios) April 14, 2018 He also played up the potential of a second series of Nightflyers, which will premiere this autumn. Wed certainly hope so. It will depend on the ratings. But we are really ambitious about the opportunity here. Were doing all we can to give this project every opportunity for success. Were expecting to air early October in the USA, and a week or two later globally, Mr OLeary explained. The production of Nightflyers brings around 325 people to work in the studio a former Dell computer factory daily. Three quarters of the crew who have built the set hail from the Mid-West, while 90% of the production staff on Nightflyers are Irish. The majority of these are from Limerick, he added. There is a great synergy between what Ireland has to offer between creativity and technology and the sort of productions we are doing as an industry right now. Nightflyers is the perfect example of how the convergence of technology and the creative class really are coming together in Ireland, Mr OLeary said. Mr Varadkar pledged to attract more production firms to Troy Studios by tweaking the tax incentives. It is these incentives which Mr OLeary admitted were key to NBC-Universals decision to come here. Section 41 is a critical element for our industry on a global scale. Once you have an incentive which allows a project to pencil out, you can start looking at the building blocks. Can I find a crew, can I find sound stages? Given the proliferation of production, there is a premium on stages and qualified work forces. Here we have had to train a lot of our work force for entry level productions, but its worked out great, he said. AREAS outside of national schools should remain neutral and free from posters during the upcoming referendum on the Eighth Amendment, a concerned mother has said. A referendum poster in favour of retaining the eighth amendment has been erected on a light pole near the Model National School on OConnell Avenue. The poster, which is located at the pedestrian crossing near the school, reads In England, 1 in 5 babies are aborted. The light in question is operated by Limerick City and County Council. Referendum material erected near schools leaves parents with no choice but to discuss the messages displayed on them, according to mother Anita Bowe whose young son attends the school. Recently, her son asked what the sign meant. School is a safe place for my child and it should remain neutral, she said. I would absolutely feel the same way if this was a Yote Yes poster. This debate shouldnt be played out near the grounds of a school. There should be an expectation that these areas remain neutral given that small children are not emotionally equipped to deal with what it is about. My issue is that it is forcing a conversation with children who dont know the facts of life yet. The areas outside schools should be excluded and posters shouldnt be up. Children should be given a choice, Ms Bowe added. I cant stress enough that Id feel the same way if this was a poster in favour of Yes or No. This isnt the place to play out an agenda. Its pushing an agenda and it's robbing children of their childhood, she added. A spokesperson for Limerick City and County Council said the council deals with queries about referendum posters in the context of compliance with Section 19 of the Litter Pollution Act, 1997. Road safety concerns reported by members of the public will be investigated, the spokesperson added. Limerick City and County Council does not and will not be commenting in relation any other aspect of the upcoming referendum campaign. Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada chuck Registered User User ID: kaput 04-18-2018 03:01 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #1 Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada Advertisement http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/why-a...-1.4622105 Canadians should be worried about the ecological impact of an enormous industrial plant planned for Wisconsin, a leading voice on water conservation says. Bob Sandford, the EPCOR Chair for Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warned that while Canada seems to enjoy an abundance of water resources, the supply isn't limitless and needs to be protected. "It's only a matter of time before you end up with serious tension if not conflict over water," he told The Current's guest host Laura Lynch. The plant, proposed by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, would take nearly 22 million litres of water from Lake Michigan per day. Much of that water would be treated and returned to the lake, but not all of it. Well you Americans are getting your jobs back from China. But as the Chinese try to clean up their act, they're sending the dirty jobs home. Although it is nice to have a job. I hope we can afford clean water in the future. Canadians should be worried about the ecological impact of an enormous industrial plant planned for Wisconsin, a leading voice on water conservation says.Bob Sandford, the EPCOR Chair for Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warned that while Canada seems to enjoy an abundance of water resources, the supply isn't limitless and needs to be protected."It's only a matter of time before you end up with serious tension if not conflict over water," he told The Current's guest host Laura Lynch.The plant, proposed by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, would take nearly 22 million litres of water from Lake Michigan per day. Much of that water would be treated and returned to the lake, but not all of it.Well you Americans are getting your jobs back from China. But as the Chinese try to clean up their act, they're sending the dirty jobs home. Although it is nice to have a job. I hope we can afford clean water in the future. chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:13 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #2 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada I know this article is more about Canada making a national water strategy. My worry is how clean the water will be as all the lakes are linked. And serve millions of people. If lake Michigan was cut off from all the other lakes I wouldn't care what you guys did with it. But we have to Work together to keep our lakes clean for us North Americans who live around them. silversides The bare necessities of life User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:13 PM Posts: 28,460 Post: #3 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada I guess Canada has a point... The Great Lakes water half belongs to them... So They may be owed half the going rate for water... Since half belongs to the US... On The Great Lakes you have Littoral Rights instead of Riparian Rights... Popurri Perez Prado chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:19 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #4 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada silversides Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:13 PM) I guess Canada has a point... The Great Lakes water half belongs to them... So They may be owed half the going rate for water... Since half belongs to the US... On The Great Lakes you have Littoral Rights instead of Riparian Rights... Not just water rights, How long before the lakes are full of chemicals that are used in making led screens. At least from lake Huron out the St Lawrence seaway. Not just water rights, How long before the lakes are full of chemicals that are used in making led screens. At least from lake Huron out the St Lawrence seaway. (This post was last modified: 04-18-2018 03:20 PM by chuck .) LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:20 PM Post: #5 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada chuck Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:01 PM) http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/why-a...-1.4622105 Canadians should be worried about the ecological impact of an enormous industrial plant planned for Wisconsin, a leading voice on water conservation says. Bob Sandford, the EPCOR Chair for Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warned that while Canada seems to enjoy an abundance of water resources, the supply isn't limitless and needs to be protected. "It's only a matter of time before you end up with serious tension if not conflict over water," he told The Current's guest host Laura Lynch. The plant, proposed by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, would take nearly 22 million litres of water from Lake Michigan per day. Much of that water would be treated and returned to the lake, but not all of it. link to image: https://i.cbc.ca/1.4223793.1501152681!/c...mwidth=720 Well you Americans are getting your jobs back from China. But as the Chinese try to clean up their act, they're sending the dirty jobs home. Although it is nice to have a job. I hope we can afford clean water in the future. Lake Michigan is the one great lake that is not in or does not border Canadian lands. Lake Michigan is the one great lake that is not in or does not border Canadian lands. chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:25 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #6 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada https://phys.org/news/2014-12-toxic-effe...uatic.html As if there isn't enough chemicals in the Great Lakes. silversides The bare necessities of life User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:26 PM Posts: 28,460 Post: #7 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada chuck Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:13 PM) I know this article is more about Canada making a national water strategy. My worry is how clean the water will be as all the lakes are linked. And serve millions of people. If lake Michigan was cut off from all the other lakes I wouldn't care what you guys did with it. But we have to Work together to keep our lakes clean for us North Americans who live around them. Everyone took as much as they needed until the 1930's when Chicago had a plan to take huge amounts to flush sewage into the Illinois river to get it away from Chicago's water supply... Canada and St Louis sued Chicago... Chicago won the St Louis lawsuit and St Louis had to build a sewer plant... Chicago lost the Canada lawsuit was allowed to continue using a reduced amount and had to pay Canada to build a few water projects... Most of the sewage has always broken down before reaching La Salle Illinois... In recent years the sewage is treated before release... Except for times when there is a sewage dump... Everyone took as much as they needed until the 1930's when Chicago had a plan to take huge amounts to flush sewage into the Illinois river to get it away from Chicago's water supply...Canada and St Louis sued Chicago...Chicago won the St Louis lawsuit and St Louis had to build a sewer plant...Chicago lost the Canada lawsuit was allowed to continue using a reduced amount and had to pay Canada to build a few water projects...Most of the sewage has always broken down before reaching La Salle Illinois...In recent years the sewage is treated before release...Except for times when there is a sewage dump... Popurri Perez Prado chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:28 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #8 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada LoP Guest Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:20 PM) chuck Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:01 PM) http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thecurrent/why-a...-1.4622105 Canadians should be worried about the ecological impact of an enormous industrial plant planned for Wisconsin, a leading voice on water conservation says. Bob Sandford, the EPCOR Chair for Water and Climate Security at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health, warned that while Canada seems to enjoy an abundance of water resources, the supply isn't limitless and needs to be protected. "It's only a matter of time before you end up with serious tension if not conflict over water," he told The Current's guest host Laura Lynch. The plant, proposed by Taiwanese manufacturer Foxconn, would take nearly 22 million litres of water from Lake Michigan per day. Much of that water would be treated and returned to the lake, but not all of it. link to image: https://i.cbc.ca/1.4223793.1501152681!/c...mwidth=720 Well you Americans are getting your jobs back from China. But as the Chinese try to clean up their act, they're sending the dirty jobs home. Although it is nice to have a job. I hope we can afford clean water in the future. Lake Michigan is the one great lake that is not in or does not border Canadian lands. Like I said "if the lake was cut off from the other lakes, I would not care what you do with it." it would be your chemical laden future. But it has the potential to hurt everyone who use the great lakes water. American and Canadian. Like I said "if the lake was cut off from the other lakes, I would not care what you do with it." it would be your chemical laden future. But it has the potential to hurt everyone who use the great lakes water. American and Canadian. chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:33 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #9 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada silversides Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:26 PM) chuck Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:13 PM) I know this article is more about Canada making a national water strategy. My worry is how clean the water will be as all the lakes are linked. And serve millions of people. If lake Michigan was cut off from all the other lakes I wouldn't care what you guys did with it. But we have to Work together to keep our lakes clean for us North Americans who live around them. Everyone took as much as they needed until the 1930's when Chicago had a plan to take huge amounts to flush sewage into the Illinois river to get it away from Chicago's water supply... Canada and St Louis sued Chicago... Chicago won the St Louis lawsuit and St Louis had to build a sewer plant... Chicago lost the Canada lawsuit was allowed to continue using a reduced amount and had to pay Canada to build a few water projects... Most of the sewage has always broken down before reaching La Salle Illinois... In recent years the sewage is treated before release... Except for times when there is a sewage dump... Yeah and heavy rains sometimes overwhelms the treatment plants here in Toronto. Which makes the beaches unsafe for swimmers. And are closed till the sewage dissipates. Yeah and heavy rains sometimes overwhelms the treatment plants here in Toronto. Which makes the beaches unsafe for swimmers. And are closed till the sewage dissipates. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:33 PM Post: #10 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada We should be building desalination plants in the western states to meet their demand. We should also be deporting a lot of the illegals. How many pay for their water service? How much free water are we giving away? I pay for my water and I expect it to be there when I want it. I lived in Buffalo for a while and people don't pay for water there. It's provided as a service to everyone in the city. I thought that was stupid. How much of it gets wasted? Are these cities able to balance their budgets? If they go into debt, do they implement water rationing? I don't want that. That's third world living. Everyone should pay for their water, and everyone should expect water to be available immediately whenever they want it. Our water utilities should be expanding infrastructure if they see a supply problem. They can only do that if everyone is paying on time. Stop with the communism. It destroys civilization. chuck Registered User User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:37 PM Posts: 1,535 Post: #11 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada LoP Guest Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:33 PM) We should be building desalination plants in the western states to meet their demand. We should also be deporting a lot of the illegals. How many pay for their water service? How much free water are we giving away? I pay for my water and I expect it to be there when I want it. I lived in Buffalo for a while and people don't pay for water there. It's provided as a service to everyone in the city. I thought that was stupid. How much of it gets wasted? Are these cities able to balance their budgets? If they go into debt, do they implement water rationing? I don't want that. That's third world living. Everyone should pay for their water, and everyone should expect water to be available immediately whenever they want it. Our water utilities should be expanding infrastructure if they see a supply problem. They can only do that if everyone is paying on time. Stop with the communism. It destroys civilization. I never knew that. As far as I know everyone here in the G.T.A. pays for their water. And were more socialist then you guys are. I never knew that. As far as I know everyone here in the G.T.A. pays for their water. And were more socialist then you guys are. silversides The bare necessities of life User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 03:48 PM Posts: 28,460 Post: #12 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada chuck Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:33 PM) Yeah and heavy rains sometimes overwhelms the treatment plants here in Toronto. Which makes the beaches unsafe for swimmers. And are closed till the sewage dissipates. We have a huge quarry in Thornton Illinois that is being turned into a huge sewage reservoir. It is open. What is not completed is the tunnel going to it and a huge sewage plant that will be next to it... Once this is built there will be far fewer sewage dumps. Tunnel and Reservoir Plan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tunnel_and_Reservoir_Plan We have a huge quarry in Thornton Illinois that is being turned into a huge sewage reservoir. It is open. What is not completed is the tunnel going to it and a huge sewage plant that will be next to it...Once this is built there will be far fewer sewage dumps.Tunnel and Reservoir Plan Popurri Perez Prado LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 04:14 PM Post: #13 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada silversides Wrote: (04-18-2018 03:13 PM) I guess Canada has a point... The Great Lakes water half belongs to them... So They may be owed half the going rate for water... Since half belongs to the US... On The Great Lakes you have Littoral Rights instead of Riparian Rights... Not half. Lake Michigan is entirely in the US. Not half.Lake Michigan is entirely in the US. silversides The bare necessities of life User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 04:22 PM Posts: 28,460 Post: #14 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada A lot of them seem to be involved in Levees... We used to have a huge number of blacks with shovels and wheel barrels that built these things long ago... Anyways a lot of them are old, poorly constructed and poorly maintained... http://www.citizenparticipation.org/drai...ricts.html Here is a list of Illinois Drainage Districts...A lot of them seem to be involved in Levees...We used to have a huge number of blacks with shovels and wheel barrels that built these things long ago...Anyways a lot of them are old, poorly constructed and poorly maintained... Popurri Perez Prado silversides The bare necessities of life User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 04:25 PM Posts: 28,460 Post: #15 RE: Why a water-gulping Wisconsin plant is a wake-up call for Canada LoP Guest Wrote: (04-18-2018 04:14 PM) Not half. Lake Michigan is entirely in the US. Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have water that openly mixes and are at the same level at the Straits of Mackinac... Lake Michigan and Lake Huron have water that openly mixes and are at the same level at the Straits of Mackinac... Popurri Perez Prado Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk... LoP Guest lop guest User ID: kaput 04-18-2018 06:35 PM Post: #1 Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk... Advertisement The anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel by founding father David Ben-Gurion begins at sundown on Wednesday under the Hebrew calendar, but falls on May 14 according to the Western calendar. Israelis call it Independence Day as it marks the end of British mandatory rule in Palestine and the birth of a sovereign Jewish state. Since Tuesday evening, the country has been solemnly marking the annual remembrance day for its fallen soldiers and civilians killed in attacks. At sunset the mood changes sharply as the 24-hour Independence Day party kicks off. It enters the holiday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boosting his warnings over Iran, particularly related to its presence in neighbouring Syria. Netanyahu has said Israel cannot accept its main enemy Iran entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country, where Tehran is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime. An air strike attributed to Israel on April 9 at Syria's T-4 airbase left 14 people dead, including seven Iranian personnel. https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-marks-...58076.html Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel readied to mark 70 years since the country's creation on Wednesday, celebrating its improbable economic success and military prowess but facing a range of political and security challenges.The anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel by founding father David Ben-Gurion begins at sundown on Wednesday under the Hebrew calendar, but falls on May 14 according to the Western calendar.Israelis call it Independence Day as it marks the end of British mandatory rule in Palestine and the birth of a sovereign Jewish state.Since Tuesday evening, the country has been solemnly marking the annual remembrance day for its fallen soldiers and civilians killed in attacks.At sunset the mood changes sharply as the 24-hour Independence Day party kicks off.It enters the holiday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boosting his warnings over Iran, particularly related to its presence in neighbouring Syria.Netanyahu has said Israel cannot accept its main enemy Iran entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country, where Tehran is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime.An air strike attributed to Israel on April 9 at Syria's T-4 airbase left 14 people dead, including seven Iranian personnel. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 06:38 PM Post: #2 RE: Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk... About time for Zechariah 5 and that "evil fire" to clean out the Gog-Occupiers. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 07:15 PM Post: #3 RE: Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk... You will think this thread would have got an automatic pin. What do I know. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 07:18 PM Post: #4 RE: Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk... LoP Guest Wrote: (04-18-2018 06:35 PM) Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel readied to mark 70 years since the country's creation on Wednesday, celebrating its improbable economic success and military prowess but facing a range of political and security challenges. The anniversary of the proclamation of the state of Israel by founding father David Ben-Gurion begins at sundown on Wednesday under the Hebrew calendar, but falls on May 14 according to the Western calendar. Israelis call it Independence Day as it marks the end of British mandatory rule in Palestine and the birth of a sovereign Jewish state. Since Tuesday evening, the country has been solemnly marking the annual remembrance day for its fallen soldiers and civilians killed in attacks. At sunset the mood changes sharply as the 24-hour Independence Day party kicks off. It enters the holiday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu boosting his warnings over Iran, particularly related to its presence in neighbouring Syria. Netanyahu has said Israel cannot accept its main enemy Iran entrenching itself militarily in the war-torn country, where Tehran is backing President Bashar al-Assad's regime. An air strike attributed to Israel on April 9 at Syria's T-4 airbase left 14 people dead, including seven Iranian personnel. https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-marks-...58076.html Nation? More like genocidal psychopath. Nation?More like genocidal psychopath. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 1337 04-18-2018 08:09 PM Post: #5 RE: Israel marks 70 years as nation; New and old challenges lurk...